Riyadh, March 10 (Global Village Space): Sheikh Ahmad Al-Ghamdi, a prominent Saudi cleric supported the Muslims praying for the mercy of deceased Indian superstar Sri Devi, after an Emirati singer Ahlam Al Shamsi slammed Muslims for praying that mercy be shown to the Late Sridevi.

The singer’s tweet that said it is not right to pray for mercy upon non-Muslims irrespective of the good they have done, stirred a controversy on social media.

Saudi cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Al Ghamdi, however, turned down Emirati singer’s claim by quoting Quranic verses that allow Muslims praying for mercy upon non-believers. He added that there is a difference between asking for forgiveness and praying for mercy upon non-believers.

He said that according to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) praying for forgiveness for non-believers is forbidden.

“The Prophet (PBUH) forbade praying to God for the forgiveness of his own mother, according to the Saheeh Muslim hadeeth however it only forbade praying for forgiveness and not praying for mercy upon a non-Muslim,” Sheikh al-Ghamdi said.

He further added that exchange of accusations on praying for mercy for non-believers is saddening and unnecessary and that he was surprised to see people are preoccupied with such issues.

The Emirati singer Shamsi objected to Emirati author Abdullah Alneaimi’s tweet in which he paid his tribute to the Bollywood actress with an Islamic phrase  “May God have mercy on her”.

“May God have mercy on her [sic] May God forgive,” Ahlam tweeted in reply to Alneaimi using an emoji to describe her shock. She also used verses from Quran as proof of why she thought so.

Sridevi was an Indian superstar who  had a massive following internationally. She died at the age of 54 in Dubai last month that shook the world.  A forensic report from the Dubai police showed Sri Devi died as a result of accidental drowning in her hotel’s room bathroom after losing consciousness.