Abdul Hameed Nomani

Abdul Hameed Nomani
عبد الحمید نعمانی
Born (1965-12-12) 12 December 1965
EducationDarul Uloom Deoband (Daur-e-Hadith, 1986)
OccupationsIslamic scholar, journalist, author
Notable workHinduism: Taaruf o Mutala (4 volumes), Hindutva: Ahdaf o Masael, Jama Masjid Gyanvapi aur Banaras ki Deegar Tareekhi Masajid Haqeeqat aur Kahani, Hindutva aur Rashtravad, Sangh ke Bani Dr. Hedgewar: Hayat-o-Tehreek, Sawarkar: Fikr-o-Tehreek
MovementDeobandi

Abdul Hameed Nomani (born 12 December 1965) is an Indian Islamic scholar, journalist, author, and social commentator. He served in various positions in Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind for nearly three decades before being appointed General Secretary of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat in 2017.

Early life and education

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]

Career

Nomani was associated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) for nearly three decades. During his tenure, he served as its spokesperson and media secretary,[4][5][6][7][8] headed its Publication Department,[9] and also served as secretary,[10][11] acting general secretary,[12] and assistant general secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (M).[13]

In November 2008, he 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 resigned from JUH after being transferred from its Media Department to the Muslim Secretariat.[15] In May 2017, he was appointed General Secretary of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM).[4]

He introduced a syllabus at Darul Uloom Deoband on Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism to promote a better understanding of other religions among students.[16] He also serves as a guest lecturer at the seminary, where he teaches Indian philosophy and modern Indian thought to advanced students.[17]

Literary works

Nomani has contributed to Urdu journalism, authoring more than 500 articles published in various Urdu newspapers and magazines.[18]

As an author, he has published over a dozen books focusing on Hinduism, Hindutva politics, and Islamic studies.[19][4][20]

He authored two Urdu books, Hinduism Taaruf o Mutala[16] and Hindutva: Ahdaf o Masail,[4] which present concepts from Hindu scriptures, including 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".[16]

Some of his notable publications include:[19][4][20]

  • 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.[21]

Views and public positions

Nomani has expressed support for secularism, communal harmony, and interfaith dialogue. In April 2016, he emphasised the role of brotherhood and secular values in benefiting society.[22]

Responding to a fatwa issued by Darul Uloom Deoband on television, he stated that watching permissible content on television is lawful.[23]

He has also argued that Islamic fatwas should be understood within their specific context rather than being generalised.[24]

He has stated that practices such as yoga are not foreign to Muslims, noting that similar exercises are found in Sufi traditions.[25]

He participated in an interfaith panel discussion on homosexuality and Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, presenting the Islamic perspective.[26] He also stated that everyone with the right to vote should participate in the electoral process.[27]

Recognition

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]

References

  1. ↑ Hasan, Nayab (2013). Darul Uloom Deoband ka Sahafati Manzar Nama [Journalistic scenario of Darul Uloom Deoband] (in Urdu) (1st ed.). Deoband: Idara-e-Tahqiq-e-Islami. p. 288.
  2. 1 2 Hasan 2013, p. 288.
  3. ↑ Azmi, Abul Hasan (2019). Yaadon Ki Kehkashan (in Urdu). Deoband: Al-Hira’ Book Depot. p. 853.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "مولانا عبدالحمید نعمانی آل انڈیا مسلم مجلس مشاورت کے جنرل سکریٹری نامزد" [Maulana Abdul Hameed Nomani was appointed as the General Secretary of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat]. News18 Urdu (in Urdu). 9 May 2017. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  5. ↑ "Islam does not allow celebrating birthdays: Darul Uloom". Hindustan Times. 17 May 2010. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  6. ↑ "Without any women in decision making process, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind talks about "women's right"". The Hindu. 19 May 2012. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  7. ↑ "Cheers for Baba today, yoga later". The Telegraph (India). 3 November 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  8. ↑ "Now,a fatwa against birthday celebration!". The Indian Express. 17 May 2010. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  9. ↑ "Fatwa ID: 102-95/N=2/1437-U". Darulifta-Deoband.com (in Urdu). Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  10. ↑ "Community News: Obituaries". The Milli Gazette. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  11. ↑ "Muslim leaders in India condemn levying Jazya on Pak Sikhs". The Economic Times. 3 May 2009. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  12. ↑ "Terrorism, victimization of a community condemnable: Muslim leaders". Two Circles. 22 September 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  13. ↑ "Muslims of India respond to Obama's speech". Two Circles. 5 June 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  14. ↑ "Indian Muslims condemn terrorism". BBC News. 10 November 2008. Archived from the original on 11 November 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  15. ↑ Qasmi, Naseem Akhtar (6 April 2017). "سوشل میڈیا پر مولانا عبد الحمید نعمانی کو مل رہی ہے زبردست حمایت، جمعیۃ علماء ہند کی جانب سے ان کے ساتھ کئے گئے ناروا سلوک پر مسلمانان ہند شدید ناراض" [Maulana Abdul Hameed Nomani is receiving overwhelming support on social media, as Indian Muslims express strong displeasure over the unfair treatment he faced from Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind]. Millat Times (in Urdu). Shams Tabrez. Archived from the original on 21 January 2025. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  16. 1 2 3 "In Darul Uloom, students get a close encounter with other religions too". Hindustan Times. 18 June 2020. Archived from the original on 11 April 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  17. ↑ Anjum, Suhail (25 March 2024). "بھارت: اتر پردیش میں مدرسہ بورڈ کالعدم ہونے سے مدارس کا مستقبل کیا ہو گا؟" [India: What will be the future of madrasas with the dissolution of the Madrasa Board in Uttar Pradesh?]. Voice of America (in Urdu). Archived from the original on 25 March 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  18. ↑ Hasan 2013, pp. 288–289.
  19. 1 2 Shamsi, Athar (13 December 2020). "عبد الحمید نعمانی کو سلام" [Greetings to Abdul Hameed Nomani]. Qindeel (in Urdu). Archived from the original on 13 December 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  20. 1 2 Rasheed, Shakeel (11 March 2023). "سنگھ کے بانی ڈاکٹر ہیڈگیوار حیات و تحریک" [Dr. Hedgewar, Founder of the Sangh: Life and Movement]. Qindeel (in Urdu). Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  21. ↑ Baig, Anwarul Haque (30 January 2024). "AIMPLB, Muslim leaders, scholars dismiss ASI report on Gyanvapi mosque". IndiaTomorrow. Archived from the original on 1 February 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  22. ↑ "Woman researchers equally participate in a Seminar organized by Theological department of AMU". Two Circles. 6 April 2016. Archived from the original on 15 July 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  23. ↑ "Now, a fatwa on viewing television". Rediff. 19 December 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  24. ↑ "Insurance policy is un-Islamic: Deoband". The Indian Express. 14 May 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  25. ↑ Anderson, Edward; Longkumer, Arkotong (21 May 2020). Neo-Hindutva: Evolving Forms, Spaces, and Expressions of Hindu Nationalism. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-000-73346-4.
  26. ↑ "#Replug: Section 377 – Religion & Homosexuality". Newslaundry. 6 September 2018. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  27. ↑ "'Muslims shouldn't vote on basis of religion'". The Indian Express. 8 March 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  28. ↑ "Muslim Mirror unveils 100 Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2024". Muslim Mirror. 2 January 2025. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  29. ↑ "Abdul Hameed Nomani - One of the most influential Indian Muslims 2024". the100indianmuslims.com. Archived from the original on 14 January 2025. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  30. ↑ "Top 100 Most Influential Indian Muslims". The Munsif Daily. 5 January 2025. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
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