What is i love muhammad row and why did it spark protests: The ‘I Love Muhammad’ dispute started from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, now gradually spreading throughout the country. The case started from a ‘I Love Muhammad’ board during the procession of Baravafat in Kanpur. Today, this case has reached Kashipur in Uttarakhand and Hyderabad in Uttarakhand including many districts like UP’s capital Lucknow, Unnao, Bareilly, Maharajganj, Kaushambi. If seen, this matter is spreading rapidly across the country. Muslim society is protesting fiercely in support of this, some incidents of police conflict and stone pelting have also come to light in many places. In the midst of all this, now the question is arising that how did this dispute start and why is it becoming such a big issue now? Let us understand the whole matter in this article, in detail….
Started with Kanpur – what happened after all?
The day of September 5 when this case started from Rawatpur area of Kanpur. A procession of Baravafat was being taken out here in a traditional way. On the procession, some people put a new tent and on it ‘I love muhammad’ Put the written sign board.
People of the local Hindu community came out on the road in protest against it. He alleged that an attempt was being made to start this new tradition, which has never happened before. After this, the atmosphere became tense. As soon as the information of this case was received, the police reached the spot and made a compromise between the two sides and allowed the board to take the procession forward by removing the board.
Police claim – Controversy started on new tradition
DCP Dinesh Tripathi of Kanpur Police clearly stated that the police did not register a case on writing ‘I Love Muhammad’, but there was a dispute because tents and banners were placed in a new place to a new place. Police said that the government’s rule is that religious processions are not allowed to start a new tradition. Therefore, this action was taken.
Then why was this case registered?
The matter seemed to be quiet, but on 9 September, the Kanpur police registered an FIR against more than 24 people. The allegation was that during the Baravafat procession, he tried to put a new tradition by putting a board ‘I Love Muhammad’ and spoiled the communal harmony. In this case, 9 people were lodged against 9 people and 15 unknowns.
What was it then …. After this resentment spread in the Muslim community. He said that ‘I Love Muhammad’ is an expression of love and respect for Prophet Mohammed, it is wrong to keep it in the category of crime.
The case gets air after Owaisi’s tweet
I love mohammad ﷺ @Adgzonekanpur This is not a crime. If it is, every punishment is approved.
On you, I have a lacquer life
Come to my heart tooWhy should I not to know my heart
Live in your desire https://t.co/8kkwy22zhc– Asaduddin Owaisi (@Asadowaisi) September 15, 2025
On 15 September, AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi wrote on the social media platform X while tagging the Kanpur Police –
“I love mohammad is not a crime. If it is, every punishment is approved.”
After this, the issue became fast on social media and the #ILovemuhammad hashtag started trending fiercely. On seeing this, within a few days, Muslim communities came out on the streets in many cities.
Things in different districts
1. Unnao
The atmosphere deteriorated during the procession in Unnao. The police were also accused of throwing stones. The women snatched police sticks and pelted heavy stones at the vehicles. After this incident, the police registered an FIR on 8 people and arrested 5.
2. Kaushambi
The situation in Kaushambi was very tense. Slogans like ‘Sir Tan Se Juda’ were fiercely raised during the procession. Its video also became very viral on social media. After which the police detained many youths and children and many cases were registered against many.
3. Lucknow
In the capital Lucknow, women demonstrated on Vidhan Bhavan Gate No. 4 with a plank of ‘I Love Muhammad’. Social activist and SP leader Sumaiya Rana also joined the demonstration. He said that we are being intimidated, but it is our right to express love for the Prophet.
4. Maharajganj
There was also preparations to take out the procession here, but the police stopped it in time. This was followed by an FIR against four nominated and 60 unidentified people and several vehicles were seized.
5. Bareilly
Jamaat Raza-e-Mustafa, an organization associated with Dargah Ala Hazrat, termed FIR as unconstitutional and demanded to withdraw it. He says that expressing love for the Prophet is an important part of freedom of expression.
What is the side of the protesters?
The protesters say that saying ‘I Love Muhammad’ is an expression of his reverence and love for his Prophet. It comes completely in the Fundamental Rights – Freedom of expression – the freedom of expression given under the Constitution. He says that the government and the police are trying to violate their religious rights by stopping it.
What is the side of police and administration?
The Kanpur police is repeatedly clarifying on this matter that it is not to write ‘I Love Muhammad’. Police say an FIR has been registered for starting a new tradition and tearing posters of other communities. He has appealed that no one should spread the matter incorrectly.
This dispute is now taking political color –
1. on this matter BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi Said that if someone will hand over the police uniform or break the law, then strict action will be taken.
2. SP spokesperson Amik Jamai Said that whether “I Love Shri Ram” or “I Love Muhammad” – both should be the freedom to say. This attitude of the police is against democracy.
3. Maulana Sufiyan Nizami For example, religious leaders demanded withdrawal of FIR.
What is the opinion of religious organizations?
1. Jamaat Raza-e-Mustafa (Bareilly)- The organization has termed the FIR as wrong and called it an attack on freedom of expression.
2. Hazrat Syed Mohammad Ashraf Kishauchvi, President of World Sufi Forum – He said that the police action is unfair and efforts are being made to spread hatred in the society.
Security arrangements amid increasing stress
Police and administration have been alerted in view of the rapid demonstrations after the matter came to light. Section 144 has been implemented in many places. A heavy police force has been deployed in sensitive districts. Social media is constantly being monitored so that rumors can be prevented from spreading.
This case is likely to increase ….
Please tell, started from Kanpur ‘I love muhammad’ The dispute has now become a national level issue. Police claim that they took action to stop the new tradition and avoid possible communal tension. At the same time, Muslim society is considering it as an attack on freedom of its religious expression. Now political parties are targeting each other on this issue.
Meanwhile, the situation in the country remains, it is indicating that this dispute can take more serious form in the coming days. It will now be seen how the administration and the government handle the entire matter. In the end, the question is whether the situation between the two communities will make the situation normal? What do you think….
