I was repeatedly insulted in temples, so I left Hinduism and embraced Islam: Jai, Tamil actor

Chennai — Tamil actor Jai said in an interview that he left Hinduism and converted to Islam because he was allegedly insulted in temples. He also stated that he has been following Islam since 2011. However, he has not yet changed his name.

Jai said in the interview,

1. I had worn the sacred Mala (garland) for the Sabarimala Temple pilgrimage. Later, for one year, I also wore a garland and fasted for Jesus. But there came a time when I was repeatedly insulted in temples. Certain incidents occurred that made me feel very hurt.

2. When I went to a mosque, I saw everyone standing in the row and praying together. Everyone there knew that I was an actor. Yet, inside the mosque, nobody came and spoke to me. Only after coming out of the mosque did a few people speak with me and that too very politely. Nobody insisted on taking photographs with me.

3. At that moment, I felt that everyone here is equal. (Such misunderstandings arise because of a lack of understanding about Islam and current realities! – Editor) Once inside the mosque, only Allah is supreme. No matter how important a person may be, everyone is treated equally. While praying in the mosque, no one pushes you around or asks you to move away. You can sit and pray there for as long as you want.

4. Since accepting Islam, I have noticed many changes in my nature as well. I converted in 2019. I have faith in Islam. Everyone at home is happy because the guy who never worshipped any god has now become religious. (It will be nice if he does not become religious fanatical Muslim later! – Editor) Even after converting, I have not yet changed my name. I am thinking of changing it to Aziz Jai.

Editorial Perspective

• The people who insulted him in the temple may have been wrong, but that does not mean the Dharma itself is wrong. Therefore, changing one’s Dharma for that reason is a big mistake. Due to the lack of education on Dharma among Hindus, people are committing such self-destructive and anti-national acts through these kinds of ridiculous decisions!
• Hindu temples are open to all Hindus and to women as well; however, Muslims have separate mosques for sects such as Shia, Sunni, and Ahmadiyya, and women are not allowed entry. Does Jai know this?