Muslim Community Refuses to Celebrate Gold Medal Gymnast Because She Wore a Leotard

A female Muslim gymnast criticized by religious leaders for wearing a leotard as she won two gold medals for her country has been defended by thousands of fans.

Farah Ann Abdul Hadi had been rebuked by Muslim leaders in Malaysia for showing off her 'aurat' - an Islamic word meaning the shape of the genitalia and thighs, which religious texts say must be covered.

However, tens of thousands of her supporters have now hit back, including the country's youth and sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who told officials to 'leave her alone'.

Hadi, 21, won a total of six medals, including gold in the women's floor exercise and women's team event, while competing at the Southeast Asia Games last week.

Cleric Harussani Zakaria told one local paper: Continue for more photos

'Gymnastics is not for Muslim women. It is clear that exposing one's aurat and the shape of one's body is haram (forbidden in Islam). 'If Muslim women want to participate in gymnastics, they have to find outfits which cover the aurat and this, in turn, might not be suitable for the sport.'
Roszida Kamaruddin, head of the female wing of the National Muslim Youth Association, added: 'Women should not be stopped from sports, but they must prioritise the Islamic codes in sports.'Furthermore, there are many Muslim female athletes who succeed even by covering their aurat.'