What is Haram? Molly Qerim’s Comment About Her Last Name to Shannon Sharpe on First Take Goes Viral

Does Qerim rhyme with Haram? Molly Qerim, the host of ESPN’s First Take, has become a trending topic on social media after she said her last name rhymes with haram, an Arabic word that means forbidden in Islam.

Why Did Molly Qerim Say Her Last Name Rhymes With Haram?

The incident happened on Tuesday, when First Take welcomed Shannon Sharpe, the former NFL player and co-host of FS1’s Undisputed, to his second day as part of the show. Sharpe was made his debut on the show on Monday after switching networks in a surprising move, which has received positive reviews from fans for his natural chemistry with Stephen A Smith.

The show started with Stephen A. Smith, the main star of First Take, joking about how Sharpe had mistakenly called him Skip Bayless, his former partner on Undisputed, during a previous appearance on the show. Smith brought a name tag and put it on his chest, saying he wanted to make sure Sharpe doesn’t call him the wrong name again.

As the segment was about to end, Sharpe introduced Qerim, who thanked him for pronouncing her last name correctly. She then added, out of nowhere, that her last name rhymes with haram, which shocked Smith and Sharpe, as well as many viewers who were watching.

Many of the comments on social media where something to effect “She said he last name rhymes with what!?”. Even during the segment Stephen A Smith said, “did she have to say it rhymes with Haram”.

Is Molly Qerim Muslim?

Haram is an Arabic term that means “forbidden” or “prohibited” by Islamic law. It is used to describe anything that is considered sinful or harmful in Islam, such as eating pork, drinking alcohol, gambling, adultery, etc..

Haram is also used to refer to something that is sacred or inviolable in Islam, such as the holy sites of Mecca and Medina, or the sanctity of human life.

Haram is one of the five Islamic commandments (al-Ahkam al-Khamsa) that define the morality of human action. The other four are fard (obligatory), mustahabb (recommended), mubah (permissible), and makruh (disliked).

Haram acts are typically prohibited in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and the sunnah, the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad. However, different schools of thought (madhhabs) may have different interpretations of what is or is not haram based on their scholarly analysis of the religious texts.

Haram acts are considered a sin if carried out by a Muslim, and they may result in punishment in this life or in the hereafter. However, Islam also teaches that Allah is merciful and forgiving, and that repentance and good deeds can erase sins.

Is Molly Qerim Muslim?

Molly Qerim is actually half-Muslim and half-Catholic, and her father was from Albania. Qerim was born in New Haven, Connecticut, to a Catholic mother and a Muslim father. She graduated from Cheshire High School, and the University of Connecticut. She has a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Quinnipiac University.

Qerim began her career as an anchor and reporter for CBS Sports Network. She also covered the UFC for ESPN, Versus (now NBCSN), and FS1. She joined NFL Network in 2012 as the host of NFL AM and NFL Fantasy Live.

In 2015, Qerim became the interim host of First Take on ESPN2, replacing Cari Champion who moved to SportsCenter. She was promoted to permanent host of First Take on ESPN in 2015. She also hosts other ESPN shows such as SportsNation and Fantasy Football Now.

Qerim married former NBA player and fellow ESPN host Jalen Rose in 2018. They separated in 2021 after three years of marriage.

Qerim has been vocal about her struggle with endometriosis, a painful condition that affects the reproductive organs of women. She has undergone multiple surgeries and treatments for it. She has also advocated for more awareness and research on the disease.

Molly Qerim has not given a clear explanation for why she said her last name rhymes with haram on live television. She may have done it as a joke or as a way of expressing her identity and culture, because she does have a Muslim background.