American Muslim slam arrests over ‘I Love Prophet Muhammad’ posters
Washington: The American Muslim Network has strongly condemned the ongoing arrests and police brutality against Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, India, for displaying posters reading “I Love Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)”, calling the crackdown a blatant assault on religious freedom and human rights.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a statement issued in Washington, Dr. M. Qutbuddin, spokesperson for the organization, said the BJP-led state government’s actions reflected “deep-rooted Islamophobia and intolerance towards peaceful religious expression.” “It is deeply painful and disturbing that in the BJP-ruled state of Uttar Pradesh, Muslims are being brutally attacked and arbitrarily detained for a peaceful campaign expressing their love for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),” Dr. Qutbuddin said.
The group denounced an emerging “anti–‘I Love Prophet Muhammad’ campaign” in parts of India, alleging that Muslims were being harassed, beaten, and booked under fabricated charges merely for displaying posters or wearing T-shirts with the slogan.
“These actions violate the very principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution, including the right to freedom of religion and expression,” the statement read. “Over two billion Muslims around the world love the Prophet more than their own lives and those of their loved ones. Criminalizing such devotion is not only unjust but deeply provocative.”
Drawing parallels, the group noted that slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Krishna” are freely used in India without objection from Muslims. “We respect all faiths,” the statement said, “but the ongoing humiliation and persecution of Muslims for expressing love for the Prophet must stop immediately.” The organization also demanded the immediate release of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, a prominent cleric detained in Uttar Pradesh, calling his arrest politically motivated.
Criticizing the selective enforcement of law, the statement added that the same police “remained silent spectators when Hindu right-wing activists vandalized a Muslim tomb in Fatehpur.” The American Muslim Network urged the Indian government to “uphold its constitutional values, end religious discrimination, and ensure justice for all citizens irrespective of faith.”
