Abdul Hameed Nomani

Abdul Hameed Nomani was born on 12 December 1965.^[1] He began his education at Madrasa Rahmania, Santhal Pargana (now in Jharkhand), followed by Madrasa Nāsir al-Uloom and Madrasa Shahi in Moradabad. In 1986, he graduated from Darul Uloom Deoband after completing Daur-e-Hadith (advanced Islamic studies) and receiving the qualification of Fazil.^[2][3]

During his time as a student at Deoband, Nomani developed an interest in journalism, editing Al-Bayan, a student magazine representing Bihar, Odisha, and present-day Jharkhand, and contributing to various publications.^[2]

Nomani was associated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) for nearly three decades, serving in multiple roles, including spokesperson, media secretary,^{[4][5][6][7][8]} and Head of the Publication Department.^[9] He also served as the Secretary,^[10][11] Acting General Secretary,^[12] and later as Assistant General Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (M).^[13]

In November 2008, Nomani participated in organizing a conference attended by over 6,000 Islamic scholars, clerics, and leaders, which issued a condemnation of terrorism and stated that Islam does not condone violence or extremism. He commented, "Some people are involved in terrorist activities in the name of Islam, and some are defaming Islam by their involvement in such activities".^[14]

In 2017, he was transferred from JUH's Media Department to the Muslim Secretariat, a change that led to his resignation.^[15]

In May 2017, Nomani was appointed as the General Secretary of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM). His appointment was announced by its president, Navaid Hamid.^[4]

Nomani has contributed significantly to Urdu journalism, authoring more than 500 articles published in various Urdu newspapers and magazines. His writings address a range of topics, including political, social, cultural, and religious issues, often noted for their analytical approach.^[16]

As an author, he has published over a dozen books, focusing on Hinduism, Hindutva politics, and Islamic studies. Some of his notable publications include:^[17][4][18]

• Hinduism: Taaruf-o-Mutala (transl. Introduction and Study of Hinduism, 4 volumes)
• Hindutva: Ahdaf-o-Masail (Hindutva: Goals and Challenges)
• Jama Masjid Gyanvapi aur Banaras ki Deegar Tareekhi Masajid: Haqeeqat aur Kahāni (transl. Jama Masjid Gyanvapi and Other Historical Mosques of Banaras: Reality and Fiction)
• Aurton ka Maqām Mazahib-e-Ālam Mein (transl. The Status of Women in World Religions)
• Hindutva aur Rashtravad (transl. Hindutva and Nationalism)
• Sangh ke Bani Dr. Hedgewar: Hayat-o-Tehreek (transl. Hedgewar, Founder of the Sangh: Life and Movement)
• Savarkar: Fikr-o-Tehreek (transl. Savarkar: Thought and Movement)

In 2024, his book on the Gyanvapi Mosque, titled Jama Masjid Gyanvapi aur Banaras ki Deegar Tareekhi Masajid: Haqeeqat aur Kahani (transl. Jama Masjid Gyanvapi and Other Historical Mosques of Banaras: Reality and Fiction), addressed the claim that the mosque was built by demolishing a temple. In this work, he questioned interpretations of historical texts, such as Maasir-i-Alamgiri, that are often cited to support such claims.^[19]

Nomani introduced a syllabus at Darul Uloom Deoband to teach students about Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism, with the aim of encouraging a better understanding of other religions.^[20]

He authored two Urdu books, Hinduism Taaruf o Mutala^[20] and Hindutva: Ahdaf o Masail,^[4] which present concepts from Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas, Puranas, and the Geeta, in Urdu for students. According to Nomani, "The students recite shlokas of the Geeta and the Vedas alongside verses of the Quran".^[20]

Nomani also serves as a guest lecturer at Darul Uloom Deoband, where he delivers lectures on Indian philosophy and modern Indian thought to advanced students.^[21]

Nomani has expressed support for secularism, communal harmony, and the need for understanding other religions. In April 2016, he emphasized the role of brotherhood and secular values in benefiting society.^[22]

In response to a fatwa issued by Darul Uloom Deoband declaring television largely unlawful, he remarked, 'The things which we can see on roads can also be viewed on screens. Watching the right thing on TV is lawful.'^[23]

He also stressed the need to understand Islamic fatwas within their specific context, cautioning against generalizing them without considering the circumstances under which they are issued.^[24]

He has also highlighted shared cultural and historical connections between communities. For instance, he noted that practices like yoga are not foreign to Muslims, as exercises similar to yoga are found in Sufi traditions.^[25]

He has also participated in national-level debates on various issues. In September 2018, he joined an interfaith panel discussion on homosexuality and Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, where he presented the Islamic perspective and interacted with other viewpoints.^[26]

Emphasizing the importance of democratic participation, he stated that everyone with the right to vote must exercise it by participating in the electoral process.^[27]

In 2024, Nomani was included in the "100 Most Influential Indian Muslims' list" by Muslim Mirror and the Minorities Media Foundation for his work in interfaith dialogue, religious scholarship, and journalism.^[28][29][30]