Farah Ann Abdul Hadi is a gold medal-winning Muslim gymnast, but instead of being recognized for her merits, she's being accused of wearing a "revealing" leotard.
The 21-year-old Malaysian athlete competed at the 2015 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and won two gold medals for women's floor exercise and world's team events, along with a silver medal in women's individual events and three bronze medals, The Daily Dot reported.
However, it's her leotard that's receiving negative attention, with Muslim leaders critizing Hadi on social media for showing her "aurat," a Muslim word that translates to the shape of the female genetalia, according to the Daily Mail.
"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)," cleric Harussani Zakaria told a local paper. "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."
However, Hadi has the support of her fans, and the "Farah Ann Abdul Hadi For Malaysia" Facebook page has 20,000 likes. She posted a message of gratitude to her wall.
"Hello Everyone, I would just like to express my sincerest gratitude to all of you who have been supporting me," Hadi wrote. "It is such an overwhelming feeling to have had such a great and positive respond from all of you. Thank you so much. I LOVE YOU ALL. Thank you again for all the support and words of encouragement. It means so much to me."
Among her supporters is Khairy Jamaluddin, the Malaysia's minister for youth and sports. He posted the below tweet in her defense.
In gymnastics Farah wowed the judges and brought home gold. In her deeds only the Almighty judges her. Not you. Leave our athletes alone.
— Khairy Jamaluddin (@Khairykj) June 12, 2015
