World Sufi Forum Chairman Hazrat Syed Mohammad Ashraf Kishauchvi calling the police action unlawful, warns against rising hate conspiracies
KANPUR – A controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur following the display of banners reading “I Love Muhammad” during Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations. Police have filed a case against five named and 15 unidentified individuals, prompting outrage among the Muslim community and leaders who see the action as a blatant attack on constitutional rights.
Hazrat Syed Mohammad Ashraf Kishauchvi, National President of the All India Ulama and Mashaikh Board and Chairman of the World Sufi Forum, strongly condemned the police action. “If expressing love is a sin, we will do it a million times,” he said, emphasising that the banners represented nothing but legitimate religious expression.
Speaking further, Kishauchvi questioned the legal basis for the case, asking, “What law punishes us for doing something legitimate?” He described the display of banners as fully constitutional and criticised the police for removing them. “The police called this a new tradition and acted on the instigation of extremists, which is deeply concerning,” he said.
He added that such actions should be considered as state-supported persecution, warning that the cooperation of authorities with hate-mongers is akin to “state-sponsored terrorism.” He observed, “It is increasingly being seen that wherever a communal atmosphere is created, the police either play the role of a mute spectator or are seen supporting hate gangs. This is detrimental to the country and society and erodes trust in institutions.”
Highlighting the wider implications, Kishauchvi said, “The global recession is raging, and India’s business situation is poor. Markets are sluggish and people’s pockets are empty. In such a climate, instability and unrest will directly harm the nation. If the government machinery appears to fan the flames of hatred in the name of religion, people must be vigilant. Even a slight breeze can cause fire to spread.”
The World Sufi Forum chairman urged the state chief minister to take immediate cognisance of the matter. “Action must be taken against the police officer who filed such a baseless case, and against those who spread hatred. Justice must be upheld, and people’s rights protected,” he said.
Reaffirming the community’s commitment to their faith, Kishauchvi concluded, “Such actions clearly indicate an intention to target Muslims. If expressing love for our Prophet is deemed a crime, we will continue to commit this ‘crime’ for as long as we live.”
The case has sparked widespread debate over religious freedom in India, with leaders and civil rights advocates warning that targeting peaceful expressions of faith could further inflame communal tensions.
