NewsMakers-Daily Latest Urdu Breaking News Updates We Make Better News
Web Desk
May 12, 2026
A video of renowned religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil has gone viral on social media, showing him gently pushing away a child who wanted to shake his hand while he was on his way to an event. The clip has sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the scholar of ignoring an innocent child.
Now, the scholar’s son, Yousuf Jamil, has stepped forward to explain the context behind the video and address the backlash.
What Happened in the Viral Video?
In the widely shared clip, Maulana Tariq Jamil is seen in a vehicle, going an event. A child approaches him wanting to shake hands. Instead of reciprocating, the scholar appears to push the child’s hand away.
The video quickly went viral, and social media users strongly criticized Maulana Tariq Jamil for his behavior, with many calling it harsh and insensitive.
Yousuf Jamil’s Detailed Clarification
In an Instagram video statement, Yousuf Jamil addressed the controversy head-on.
“People have the right to criticize, and those being criticized should listen. But alongside criticism, it is also necessary to hear the viewpoint of the person being criticized,” Yousuf said.
He agreed that Maulana should have shaken the child’s hand — “There’s no problem in that” — but explained why it didn’t happen.
‘One Day With Maulana Will Change Your Perspective’
Yousuf emphasized that as a massive public figure, Maulana Tariq Jamil meets countless people daily.
“If I were to count Maulana’s handshakes, they would be in millions. Wherever he goes, crowds of people rush to meet him.”
He added that no matter how great a person is, eventually fatigue sets in — and that is not unnatural. He challenged critics:
“If possible, spend just one day with Maulana from morning till evening — you will understand. Nowadays, the culture of selfies has been added to handshakes.”
The Specific Context: A Madrassa Event on a Ramadan Night
Yousuf then revealed the context of the viral clip:
“This video is from Maulana’s own madrassa. It was the holy month of Ramadan, and it was nighttime. Maulana had come to attend a Quran completion ceremony. The child in the video is also from our madrassa.”
He explained the scholar’s grueling daily routine during Ramadan:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Fasting | Observes the fast |
| Worship | Extensive prayers and recitation |
| Exercise | Continues his exercise routine while fasting |
| Taraweeh | Offers full Taraweeh prayers |
| Sleep | Sleeps very little |
| That Specific Day | Had to break his routine to stay awake and deliver a sermon |
“At this age, after such a demanding routine, if a person overlooks someone — though he shouldn’t have — we should still show some leniency. Criticize by all means, but also listen to and understand what I’m saying.”
Tariq Jamil Has Always Welcomed Criticism
Yousuf concluded by saying that Maulana Tariq Jamil and his family have always welcomed criticism.
“Even after this explanation, if you still want to criticize, make videos, or write posts, Maulana has never taken criticism badly, and he won’t now either.”
Social Media Divided
The clarification has prompted mixed reactions. While some fans accepted Yousuf’s explanation and expressed understanding, others continued to insist that a public figure of Maulana’s stature should always be mindful, especially with children.
One user wrote: “We need to see the bigger picture. These scholars sacrifice their rest and health for the community. We should be more forgiving.”
Another countered: “No matter how tired you are, you don’t push away a child wanting to show love. Period.”
Final Thoughts
The virality of the video and the subsequent backlash — followed by Yousuf Jamil’s detailed clarification — highlights the intense scrutiny public religious figures face in the age of social media, where a 10-second clip can spark a national debate.
Whether or not one accepts Yousuf’s explanation, the incident underscores the difficulty of being constantly accessible to millions while maintaining both physical and spiritual discipline.
