Former Coronation Street actor Qasim Akhtar has sparked controversy after being photographed alongside a banned Islamic hate preacher in Saudi Arabia.
Controversial Meeting in Mecca
The 34-year-old actor, best known for playing Zeedan Nazir in the ITV soap, was seen smiling as he embraced American cleric Uthman ibn Farooq during a meeting in Mecca. Akhtar, who was born in Manchester, later praised the cleric's 'beautiful reminders' according to reports.
Uthman ibn Farooq was banned from entering the UK earlier this year after his extremist views came to light. The cleric had been scheduled to complete a speaking tour across London, Manchester and Birmingham in May before authorities barred his entry.
Extremist Views That Caused Outrage
Farooq faced widespread condemnation for claiming that Europe, the US and Russia would become fully Muslim countries. However, his most controversial statements involved justifying sexual relations with female slaves, which he described as 'halal' (permissible).
'If Allah made it halal, then it's not sinning, that is not adultery because Allah made it,' Farooq stated, sparking outrage among communities and politicians alike.
The cleric works with the One True Message Foundation, based in west London, which previously faced criticism for a video comparing women who don't wear hijabs to 'unwrapped sweets'.
Political and Community Reaction
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick previously stated: 'This man should never set foot on UK soil. His visa must be revoked immediately. Islamists spreading hate and sowing division are not welcome here.'
Fiyaz Mughal of anti-Muslim hate charity Tell Mama described Farooq's remarks as sending a 'barbaric message to people'. He added: 'Any sheikh or imam who attempts to publicly justify having sex with people who have no choice should not be allowed in the UK. We have enough problems with backwards views in the UK and we don't need others coming here and legitimising such poison.'
Qasim Akhtar first joined Coronation Street in 2014, leaving in 2018 before returning between 2021 and 2023. The actor, who also played Chesney Khan in Channel 4's Shameless, later moved to Pakistan where he condemned his 'degenerate' past.
ITV, the Home Office and Qasim Akhtar have been contacted for comment regarding the recent photographs.
