New Delhi

In the wake of demonstrations by youth holding “I Love you Muhammad” placards that turned violent in a couple of places in UP, the Raza Academy of Mumbai and the Muslim Students Organisation (MSO) have urged the Muslim youth to remain calm and avoid any action that could disturb peace and harmony.

“Emotional reactions, protests without due permission, or confrontational behaviour may only worsen the situation and give rise to further misunderstandings. The strength of our community lies in patience, wisdom, and constructive engagement.

The two organisations have also claimed to have filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court against the cases registered against and the arrests of the demonstrators in such cases.

The PIL has sought the withdrawal of cases and the release of the youth,

In a statement, the MSO said, “We firmly believe that love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad is a deeply personal and spiritual matter, and such expressions should not be treated as crimes when carried out peacefully. The Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression, and these principles must be safeguarded.

“At the same time, we urge our youth and community members to remain calm and avoid any action that could disturb peace and harmony. Emotional reactions, protests without due permission, or confrontational behaviour may only worsen the situation and give rise to further misunderstandings. The strength of our community lies in patience, wisdom, and constructive engagement.”

It asked the authorities to adopt a balanced approach, distinguishing between acts of genuine devotion and those that may pose law-and-order concerns.

MSO called for dialogue and understanding rather than arrests and criminalisation of those involved in demonstrations.” Selective targeting or disproportionate action only risks deepening mistrust, which must be avoided in the interest of India’s secular and democratic values.”

The MSO and Raza Academy also appealed to religious scholars, community leaders, and civil society voices to guide the youth toward peaceful expression of their faith and seek justice through legal and democratic means.

The controversy started when the Kanpur police registered an FIR against 9 identified and 15 unknown persons for putting up 'I Love Muhammad' posters on a public road.

This move was termed as a "deviation from tradition" and "deliberate provocation". After that, protests erupted in many places, followed by arrests.

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh | Muslim youths in Bhopal paste 'I Love Muhammad' stickers on vehicles and people's clothes outside the Taj-ul-Masajid, in support of the protests that broke out earlier today in Bareilly, UP. pic.twitter.com/gC1iJi2NBF

— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2025

The thinkers and Muslim organisations are asking for ending the controversy.

#WATCH | Bareilly, UP: On 'I love Muhammad' protest and stone pelting yesterday, President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi says, "...The incident is unfortunate. Such incidents should not occur on either side. I appeal to everyone to uphold peace.… pic.twitter.com/QRtFK36V8N

— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2025

In Mumbai, prominent religious scholar Maulana Zaheeruddin Rizvi said that no religion incites chaos, violence or hatred.

"This is a sensitive issue; peace should be maintained at any cost. I believe that the most important message of any religion or dharma is live and let live."

He said, "Religion makes a person human, not an animal. The personalities in whose name this excesses (arrests) have been committed are worthy of respect by the followers of every religion. We should respect every faith and live together."

Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi emphasized that peace must be maintained in the country. "On a sensitive issue, the law and the constitution should be respected. In any case, neither the law should be violated, nor should one take the law into his hands. At the same time nobody should violate citizens' constitutional rights. These are the signs of a prosperous country and a civilized society."

"Such displays, however well-intentioned, risk heightening tension rather than easing it, and Muslim leadership still appears unable to accept that restraint and wisdom are the need of the hour. By turning private faith into public spectacle, we only deepen divides instead of promoting dialogue and harmony. What society needs is calm, caution, and maturity, not provocation. The government and administration, meanwhile, must shoulder their responsibility of preventing such an atmosphere, but their failure to do so is deeply troubling." said Dr. Shamsuddin Tamboli, President, Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal

Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Chishty Foundation head Syed Salman Chishty, said that every Indian should respect the law, stick to the constitution and stay away from any conflict or dispute.

He said that on the one hand, those who raise this slogan should be careful; at the same time, they should also show great sensitivity in handling a sensitive issue. On the other hand, no youth or protester should act against the law and the constitution, but at the same time, the government and the police should try to maintain the freedom of individuals under the Constitution.

Syed Salman Chishty said that every Indian has the freedom to hold rallies and processions, be it on social media or on the road. The police and the administration should not put any restrictions on this. This is a question of constitutional rights and democratic freedom.

He also said that it is a matter of regret that in these situations, some elements try to take advantage, which spoils the environment. Innocent youth are abused. Therefore, I request that on the one hand, where people involved in a movement, a campaign, or a demonstration do not take the law into their own hands, then the government and the administration should try to resolve the dispute rather than flare up tempers"

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He said that love for the Prophet of Islam should not be made a matter of conflict. At the same time, we must demonstrate religious tolerance, which is the foundation and glory of this country