In the last few days, there has been an influx of ‘Nepali’ memes on the internet.

Unless you know the backstory of how this meme came into being, you will probably not understand them. The meme was born after a video of a Shia Islamic Scholar, Allama Zameer Akhtar Naqvi went viral in which he recounts a fantastical story about Nepali men who would retreat to the forest for Matam and would then die. And in the evening, they would resurrect, as good as new and then go back home.

This inspired countless memes and people ridiculed the lecture as well as the scholar. But in doing so, a few people might have gone too far and ridiculed the beliefs associated with Shia Islam as well.

This prompted a few people to clarify that even within the larger Shia community, no one really respects the teachings and lectures of Allama Zameer Akhtar.

Many even asked for people to not confuse his teachings with the actual teachings and beliefs of Shia community.

But instead of the hype around Allama Zameer and the memes dying down, it is actually picking up even more.

Now that people are aware of him and his lectures, which they find hilarious, his videos are being shared online and memes are being made around the man

Allama Sahab reliving Champions Trophy moments to motivate Pakistan Team ahead of Asia Cup. pic.twitter.com/0SUotNMAZb

— Mirza Lal Baig (@baigpeg) September 16, 2018

Considering it is Muharram right now which is a holy month for all Muslim but especially the Shia sect, it is very disrespectful to not only share but ridicule these lectures. Because a lot of people watch the videos and associate with Shia Islam thinking this is what the wider Shia belief is.

And with Ashura almost upon us, a very holy day for Shia Muslims, this is not only wrong but incredibly insensitive.

If you find his claims and fantastical stories ridiculous, stop giving them a platform by sharing them further. This counts as spreading misinformation on your part as well and thus indirectly fueling hatred against minorities in Pakistan because people take things too seriously and these lectures might lead to a lot of trouble if they are seen by those with a certain type of mindset.

As responsible users of the internet, it is our duty to not further spread misinformation. And reprimand and report the ones who do.

What do you think about these memes about Allama Zameer? Let us know in the comments.

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Cover Image Source: Asad Gokal via Facebook