The actor reflected on his personal faith journey following his return from performing the Umrah pilgrimage before the article appeared.
He quoted the Quran: "Indeed, with hardship comes ease" (Quran 94:6).
Akhtar stated that his sole intention was to convey the peaceful values of his faith. He asked for forgiveness if his religious expressions had ever caused discomfort.
"I have never intentionally said or done anything concerning, worrying or harmful, and if I have ever for any reason made any of you feel uncomfortable through the expression of my religion, I'm sorry, please forgive me," he said.
The actor expressed gratitude to his family and close supporters who stood by him throughout the ordeal.
"To my family and my brothers who checked in on me, supported me and made dua for me through this difficult period JazakAllah khair, I love you for the sake of Allah," Akhtar said.
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He noted that the truth had ultimately prevailed and cleared his name publicly, quoting the Quran: "The truth has come and falsehood has perished.
Indeed, falsehood is bound to perish" (Quran 17:81).
Akhtar publicly forgave the publisher and the journalist involved, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness in Islamic teachings.
"To The Sun, I have no malice in my heart towards you, or the journalist involved in writing the article," he said.
He thanked the outlet for admitting fault and resolving the dispute ethically.
"On that basis, I forgive you and I thank you for being complicit, admitting your faults and dealing with this in a moral and ethical manner," Akhtar said.
