Muslim gymnast slammed for wearing ‘revealing’ leotard

A Muslim gymnast has been criticized for wearing what was described as a “revealing” leotard during the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, UK’s The Independent reported Wednesday.

Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, who won a total of six medals during the competition, was slammed by Senior Islamic cleric Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria who suggested that gymnastics was not an appropriate sport for Muslim women.

“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,” he told publication Astro Awani.

Other social media users also slammed the Malaysian girl for her outfit.

According to British media, Roszida Kamaruddin, head of the female wing of the National Muslim Youth Association, said:

"Women should not be stopped from sports, but they must prioritize the Islamic codes in sports attire.

"Furthermore, there are many Muslim female athletes who succeed even by covering their aurat."

In reaction to the controversy, thousands have taken to social media to express their support for Hadi.

Hadi wrote on Facebook: "I would just like to express my sincerest gratitude to all of you who have been supporting me.

"It is such an overwhelming feeling to have had such a great and positive respond from all of you."

The leotard is widely considered normal attire for international gymnastic competitions.