In a recent incident that created a heated debate on social media, Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Rizwan became the centre of attention after a video recording of him praying on a New York street surfaced. The video was soon shared on Twitter, sparking a wide spectrum of reactions from people across the network.

While some criticised his actions as a “cheap publicity stunt” and questioned the necessity of praying on a public street given the availability of mosques and multi-faith rooms, his supporters praised him, citing Islamic principles and underlining freedom of speech.

On Monday, sports journalist Farid Khan posted to microblogging site Twitter with a video of Rizwan stopping his automobile to pray. “In the United States, Mohammad Rizwan stopped his car and offered namaz on the street,” he wrote.

Mohammad Rizwan stopped his car and offered namaz on the street in US 🇺🇲

Ma Shaa Allah ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2FDpXjEcQv

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 6, 2023

“I mean, New York only has 275 mosques in the city, and Islam clearly emphasises praying in congregation rather than alone, and numerous hadith speak about pedestrian rights and not obstructing public pathways, but hey mashAllah bro,” one user said.

I mean New York only has 275 mosques in the city, and Islam clearly emphasises praying in congregation rather than alone, and numerous hadith speak about the rights of pedestrians and not obstructing public pathways, but hey mashAllah bro. https://t.co/ZSZMwnYRaf

— Usman (@UsmanAhmad_iam) June 6, 2023

Others chastised Rizwan for failing to use the mosque facilities in New York City. “All these mosques in NY, yet this is the only street corner where Rizwan could stop and get himself filmed while praying!” a user shouted, posting a map of the nearby mosques.

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Others chastised Rizwan for failing to use the mosque amenities provided in New York City. “All these mosques in NY, yet this is the only street corner where Rizwan could stop and get himself filmed while praying!” a user cried, posting a map of the mosques in the region.

All these mosques in NY, yet this is the only street corner where Rizwan could stop and get himself filmed while praying! 👍🏽 https://t.co/3RQCePCjp2 pic.twitter.com/LQ1wlfGRnd

— 🇵🇰Zeeshanزیشان🍉🇮🇪 (@Z__AC) June 6, 2023

In response to these accusations, Reham Khan mentioned the existence of multi-faith spaces around the city. “There are multi-faith rooms everywhere,” she wrote. I or my family have never had to pray on the street in the United States or the United Kingdom.”

There are multi faith rooms like everywhere. Never have I or my family both in the US or UK ever had to pray on the street. https://t.co/U2SRq6HIq0

— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) June 6, 2023

Another user emphasised the surrounding mosque’s proximity. “The mosque is five minutes away from where he is standing, but… well, you’re smart,” they tweeted.

The mosque is 5 mins away from where he is standing butt butt butt https://t.co/Z4L4wXghz6

— desi mojito 🇮🇳 (@desimojito) June 6, 2023

A person with a lighter tone commented, “Love how my boy triggered this lot.” “Here’s another Rizwan,” he jokes, referring to a line from Shah Rukh Khan’s film My Name Is Khan.

love how my boy triggered this lot. here's another Rizwan: https://t.co/7UbuYE4ZVN pic.twitter.com/4jm6Lb3aVo

— Zaeem (@AreyRehneDo) June 6, 2023