Mufti Shamail Nadwi recently came into the national controversy after a public debate with veteran poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar on the topic, “Does God exist?”. The discussion was held at the Constitution Club in New Delhi on 20th December, and was moderated by journalist Saurabh Dwivedi, editor of The Lallantop. The nearly two-hour debate drew a packed audience and quickly spread beyond the hall, with clips and statements going viral on social media.
While some viewers described the exchange as a rare and engaging discussion between faith and rationalism, others felt it exposed sharp ideological differences. Nadwi’s earlier speeches and videos, arguing that the debate brought wider attention to his controversial views and show his rigid and exclusionary mindset.
Viral video reveals rejection of secularism and democracy
Soon after the debate, an undated video of radical Islamist Mufti Shamail Nadwi began circulating widely on social media. In the video, Nadwi openly criticises democracy and secularism, and questions the idea of the nation being placed above religion. The remarks have drawn strong reactions, with many accusing him of promoting an exclusionary and anti-constitutional worldview.
In the video, Nadwi is heard saying that no political party can improve the situation of Muslims and that, according to him, the only solution lies in “establishing Islam” and strictly following the Sunnah of the Prophet.
This is how radicalism begins from brainwashing stage to Islamist terrorism. By calling Islam bigger than nation. This is quite common and known. I am shocked that people are shocked to see this video today. As if it’s happening for the first time. ?
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) December 27, 2025
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He argues that Muslims in India made a mistake by accepting the idea that the country is more important than religion and by accepting a secular system of governance.
He goes on to say that Muslims repeatedly made what he called “wrong admissions” by agreeing that secular laws and institutions were more sacred than Islamic principles. Nadwi criticises the idea of accepting court verdicts that go against Shariah, questioning whether believers should quietly accept such rulings.
Questioning the authority of courts and the state
In the same speech, Nadwi argues that a believing man or woman should not accept any decision that goes against what he believes to be Allah’s command. He says that once Allah and the Prophet have decided a matter, it is not permissible for a believer to turn to any other authority or judgment.
According to him, relying on human-made systems, courts or personal reasoning over what he considers divine law is unacceptable. These remarks have alarmed many observers, who see them as a direct rejection of democratic institutions and the constitutional framework of the country.
The resurfacing of this video has intensified the debate around Mufti Shamail Nadwi. It is a warning that such views undermine democratic values, while his blind supporters continue to defend his right to express religious beliefs.
