Mumbai: In the wake of protests over “I Love Muhammad” placards that turned tense in parts of Uttar Pradesh, leading Muslim organisations and scholars have appealed for restraint and peaceful conduct. The Raza Academy and Muslim Students Organisation (MSO) urged youth to avoid actions that disrupt harmony and to express devotion within legal and constitutional limits.
The two bodies announced that they have filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Delhi High Court seeking withdrawal of cases against demonstrators and the release of those arrested. In a statement, MSO stressed that reverence for Prophet Muhammad is a personal and spiritual matter, and peaceful displays of devotion should not be criminalised. It added that India’s Constitution protects both freedom of religion and expression, which must be safeguarded.
Community leaders echoed similar appeals. Maulana Zaheeruddin Rizvi of Mumbai said no faith calls for violence, adding that respect for every religion is central to peaceful coexistence. Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi underlined the need to uphold both law and constitutional rights without resorting to excesses.
Dr. Shamsuddin Tamboli of the Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal observed that restraint and wisdom are critical to prevent deepening divides. Ajmer Sharif Dargah head Syed Salman Chishty emphasised that citizens have the right to peaceful rallies and online expressions, and authorities should protect these freedoms while preventing misuse by disruptive elements.
The controversy began when Kanpur police filed an FIR against several individuals for putting up “I Love Muhammad” posters, calling it a deviation from tradition. The case triggered demonstrations, arrests, and a wider debate on constitutional rights, religious sensitivity, and the importance of dialogue over confrontation.
