The Controversy of 'I Love Muhammad': A Nationwide Discussion:

Gandhinagar / Davanagere / Kanpur | September 25, 2025 — What started as a peaceful religious expression has snowballed into a nationwide row, triggering communal tension and clashes in parts of Gujarat and Karnataka. The controversy centers around the phrase “I Love Muhammad”, which was prominently displayed during Eid Milad-un-Nabi processions and widely shared online. However, the slogan has sparked backlash from some groups, resulting in violence, arrests, and a larger political debate. How the Controversy Began The issue first flared up on September 4 during a Barawafat procession in Rawatpur village, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. A light board displaying the words “I Love Muhammad” was installed along the route to mark Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. While the slogan was intended to show devotion, some local Hindu groups objected, calling it a “new tradition” that allegedly disrupted established norms for shared spaces used during Hindu festivals like Ram Navami. Clashes in Karnataka Over Banner In Karl Marx Nagar, Davanagere district of Karnataka, a banner with the same phrase led to a confrontation between youths from two communities. According to Superintendent of Police Uma Prashnath, tensions escalated when members of one community demanded the removal of the “I Love Muhammad” banner. Police quickly intervened, dispersing the crowd within minutes and restoring order. The banner was taken down, and although reports of stone pelting emerged, the police stated that the situation is now under control. Violence Erupts in Gujarat's Gandhinagar A more serious incident occurred in Bahiyal village, Dehgam taluka, Gandhinagar district, Gujarat. According to local police, a social media post by a Hindu man mocking the “I Love Muhammad” slogan went viral, angering members of the minority community. Around 11 PM on Wednesday, a group allegedly attacked the man’s shop, breaking its shutters, burning goods, and vandalizing nearby vehicles. Later, the violence escalated as stones were hurled at Hindu-majority areas, prompting retaliatory stone pelting. Police have since detained around 60 individuals and imposed heavy security in the region. Gandhinagar SP Ravi Teja Vasamsetty confirmed that at least four shops and five to six vehicles were damaged. Political Reactions and Social Media Buzz The “I Love Muhammad” campaign has gained massive traction online, with users changing their profile pictures and sharing the slogan to express solidarity. The hashtag #ILoveMuhammad has trended on multiple platforms. Prominent political figures have weighed in. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi defended the slogan, stating that expressing love for Prophet Muhammad is protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti also criticized the reaction to the slogan, accusing the ruling BJP of inciting communal tensions for electoral gain. “If a Muslim cleric in UP can be beaten and forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’, how can ‘I Love Muhammad’ be considered offensive?” she asked, calling it a wake-up call for India. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed similar sentiments, questioning how such a phrase could be deemed illegal. “It must mean someone is truly mentally unwell to file a case over these three words,” he said, urging the courts to intervene. A Larger Debate on Free Expression The incidents have reignited the debate over religious expression, communal harmony, and freedom of speech in India. While the slogan “I Love Muhammad” is a simple declaration of faith for many, its interpretation has become deeply politicized. As authorities work to maintain peace and investigate the incidents, questions remain: Where do we draw the line between religious expression and provocation? And how can India, a country celebrated for its diversity, prevent such phrases from becoming flashpoints of violence.

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