Abdul Hameed Nomani
{{Short description|Indian Islamic scholar, journalist, and author (born 1965)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Abdul Hameed Nomani
| native_name = عبد الحمید نعمانی
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1965|12|12}}
| birth_place =
| nationality = Indian
| education = Darul Uloom Deoband (Daur-e-Hadith, 1986)
| occupation = Islamic scholar, journalist, author
| notable_works = {{ubl|Hinduism: 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}}
| organizations = Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (Former Spokesperson, Secretary)
| awards = Included in 100 Most Influential Indian Muslims (2024)
| movement = Deobandi
| website =
}}
Abdul Hameed Nomani (born 12 December 1965), is an Indian Islamic scholar, journalist, author, and social commentator. He is known for his association with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) and his contributions to discussions on communal harmony, interfaith understanding, and contemporary socio-religious issues in India.
Early life and education
Abdul Hameed Nomani was born on 12 December 1965.{{cite book |last=Hasan |first=Nayab |url=https://archive.org/details/DarulUloomDeobandKaSahafatiManzarNamah |title=Darul Uloom Deoband ka Sahafati Manzar Nama |publisher=Idara-e-Tahqiq-e-Islami |year=2013 |edition=1st |location=Deoband |page=288 |language=ur |trans-title=Journalistic scenario of Darul Uloom Deoband}} 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.{{Sfn|Hasan|2013|p=288}}{{cite book |last1=Azmi |first1=Abul Hasan|title=Yaadon Ki Kehkashan|year=2019|publisher=Al-Hira’ Book Depot|location=Deoband |page=853 |language=ur}}
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.{{Sfn|Hasan|2013|p=288}}
Career
= Association with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind =
Nomani was associated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) for nearly three decades, serving in multiple roles, including spokesperson, media secretary,{{Cite web |date=9 May 2017 |title=مولانا عبدالحمید نعمانی آل انڈیا مسلم مجلس مشاورت کے جنرل سکریٹری نامزد |trans-title=Maulana Abdul Hameed Nomani was appointed as the General Secretary of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat |url=https://urdu.news18.com/news/nation/north-india-abdulhameed-nomani-appointed-general-secretary-of-muslim-majlis-e-mushawarat-216330.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809010247/https://urdu.news18.com/news/nation/north-india-abdulhameed-nomani-appointed-general-secretary-of-muslim-majlis-e-mushawarat-216330.html |archive-date=9 August 2020 |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=News18 Urdu |language=ur}}{{Cite news |date=17 May 2010 |title=Islam does not allow celebrating birthdays: Darul Uloom |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/islam-does-not-allow-celebrating-birthdays-darul-uloom/story-MJ7USJoP7yB0Fm4qgdR6NJ.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230307113111/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/islam-does-not-allow-celebrating-birthdays-darul-uloom/story-MJ7USJoP7yB0Fm4qgdR6NJ.html |archive-date=7 March 2023 |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en-us}}{{Cite news |date=2012-05-19 |title=Without any women in decision making process, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind talks about "women's right" |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/without-any-women-in-decision-making-process-jamiat-ulemaehind-talks-about-womens-right/article3437012.ece |access-date=2025-01-20 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |date=3 November 2009 |title=Cheers for Baba today, yoga later |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/cheers-for-baba-today-yoga-later/cid/574948 |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=The Telegraph (India) |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2010-05-17 |title=Now,a fatwa against birthday celebration! |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/latest-news/now-a-fatwa-against-birthday-celebration/lite/ |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} and Head of the Publication Department.{{Cite web |title=Fatwa ID: 102-95/N=2/1437-U |url=https://darulifta-deoband.com/home/ur/History--Biography/62383 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200224045922/http://www.darulifta-deoband.com:80/home/ur/History--Biography/62383 |archive-date=24 February 2020 |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=Darulifta-Deoband.com |language=ur}} He also served as the Secretary,{{Cite web |date=23 January 2013 |title=Community News: Obituaries |url=https://www.milligazette.com/news/1-community-news/5923-obituaries/ |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=The Milli Gazette |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2009-05-03 |title=Muslim leaders in India condemn levying Jazya on Pak Sikhs |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/muslim-leaders-in-india-condemn-levying-jazya-on-pak-sikhs/articleshow/4478985.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-01-20 |work=The Economic Times |language=en |issn=0013-0389}} Acting General Secretary,{{Cite web |last= |date=2008-09-22 |title=Terrorism, victimization of a community condemnable: Muslim leaders |url=https://twocircles.net/2008sep22/terrorism_victimization_community_condemnable_muslim_leaders.html |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=Two Circles |language=en-US}} and later as Assistant General Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (M).{{Cite web |last= |date=2009-06-05 |title=Muslims of India respond to Obama's speech |url=https://twocircles.net/2009jun05/muslims_india_respond_obamas_speech.html |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=Two Circles |language=en-US}}
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".{{Cite news |date=10 November 2008 |title=Indian Muslims condemn terrorism |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7719059.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081111022632/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7719059.stm |archive-date=11 November 2008 |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
In 2017, he was transferred from JUH's Media Department to the Muslim Secretariat, a change that led to his resignation.{{Cite web |last=Qasmi |first=Naseem Akhtar |date=6 April 2017 |title=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 |trans-title=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 |url=https://urdu.millattimes.com/archives/10794 |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=Millat Times |publisher=Shams Tabrez |language=ur}}
= All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat =
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.
= Contributions to Urdu Journalism =
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.{{Sfn|Hasan|2013|pp=288–289}}
As an author, he has published over a dozen books, focusing on Hinduism, Hindutva politics, and Islamic studies. Some of his notable publications include:{{Cite web |last=Shamsi |first=Athar |date=13 December 2020 |title=عبد الحمید نعمانی کو سلام |trans-title=Greetings to Abdul Hameed Nomani |url=https://qindeelonline.com/abdulhameed-nomani-ko-salam/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213125236/https://qindeelonline.com/abdulhameed-nomani-ko-salam/ |archive-date=13 December 2020 |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=Qindeel |language=ur}}{{Cite web |last=Rasheed |first=Shakeel |date=11 March 2023 |title=سنگھ کے بانی ڈاکٹر ہیڈگیوار حیات و تحریک |trans-title=Dr. Hedgewar, Founder of the Sangh: Life and Movement |url=https://qindeelonline.com/dr-hedgewar-founder-the-rss/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326222355/https://qindeelonline.com/dr-hedgewar-founder-the-rss/ |archive-date=26 March 2023 |access-date=21 January 2025 |website=Qindeel |language=ur}}
- Hinduism: Taaruf-o-Mutala ({{translation|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 ({{translation|Jama Masjid Gyanvapi and Other Historical Mosques of Banaras: Reality and Fiction}})
- Aurton ka Maqām Mazahib-e-Ālam Mein ({{translation|The Status of Women in World Religions}})
- Hindutva aur Rashtravad ({{translation|Hindutva and Nationalism}})
- Sangh ke Bani Dr. Hedgewar: Hayat-o-Tehreek ({{translation|Hedgewar, Founder of the Sangh: Life and Movement}})
- Savarkar: Fikr-o-Tehreek ({{translation|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 ({{translation|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.{{Cite web |last=Baig |first=Anwarul Haque |date=2024-01-30 |title=AIMPLB, Muslim leaders, scholars dismiss ASI report on Gyanvapi mosque |url=https://indiatomorrow.net/2024/01/30/aimplb-muslim-leaders-scholars-dismiss-asi-report-on-gyanvapi-mosque/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201165055/https://indiatomorrow.net/2024/01/30/aimplb-muslim-leaders-scholars-dismiss-asi-report-on-gyanvapi-mosque/ |archive-date=1 February 2024 |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=IndiaTomorrow}}
= Interfaith studies and Indian philosophy =
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.{{Cite news |date=18 June 2020 |title=In Darul Uloom, students get a close encounter with other religions too |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/in-darul-uloom-students-get-a-close-encounter-with-other-religions-too/story-84OauKHxWjJ0jm4U6CWSYK.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220411205858/https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/in-darul-uloom-students-get-a-close-encounter-with-other-religions-too/story-84OauKHxWjJ0jm4U6CWSYK.html |archive-date=2022-04-11 |access-date=2025-01-20 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en-us}}
He authored two Urdu books, Hinduism Taaruf o Mutala and Hindutva: Ahdaf o Masail, 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".
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.{{Cite web |last=Anjum |first=Suhail |date=25 March 2024 |title=بھارت: اتر پردیش میں مدرسہ بورڈ کالعدم ہونے سے مدارس کا مستقبل کیا ہو گا؟ |trans-title=India: What will be the future of madrasas with the dissolution of the Madrasa Board in Uttar Pradesh? |url=https://www.urduvoa.com/a/allahabad-high-court-strikes-down-up-madrasa-act-what-would-be-the-impact-25mar2024/7541413.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325144023/https://www.urduvoa.com/a/allahabad-high-court-strikes-down-up-madrasa-act-what-would-be-the-impact-25mar2024/7541413.html |archive-date=25 March 2024 |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=Voice of America |language=ur}}
= Social and religious stances =
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.{{Cite web |last= |date=6 April 2016 |title=Woman researchers equally participate in a Seminar organized by Theological department of AMU |url=https://twocircles.net/2016apr06/1459926027.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715190157/https://twocircles.net/2016apr06/1459926027.html |archive-date=15 July 2018 |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=Two Circles |language=en-US}}
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.'{{Cite web |date=19 December 2007 |title=Now, a fatwa on viewing television |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/fatwa/20071219.htm |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=Rediff |language=en}}
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.{{Cite web |date=2010-05-14 |title=Insurance policy is un-Islamic: Deoband |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/latest-news/insurance-policy-is-unislamic-deoband/lite/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}
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.{{Cite book |last1=Anderson |first1=Edward |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I2nnDwAAQBAJ&dq=abdul+hameed+nomani&pg=PT140 |title=Neo-Hindutva: Evolving Forms, Spaces, and Expressions of Hindu Nationalism |last2=Longkumer |first2=Arkotong |date=2020-05-21 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-000-73346-4 |language=en}}
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.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=6 September 2018 |title=#Replug: Section 377 – Religion & Homosexuality |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2018/09/06/section-377-religion-homosexuality-replug |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175413/https://www.newslaundry.com/2018/09/06/section-377-religion-homosexuality-replug |archive-date=5 August 2020 |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=Newslaundry |language=en}}
Emphasizing the importance of democratic participation, he stated that everyone with the right to vote must exercise it by participating in the electoral process.{{Cite web |date=2009-03-08 |title='Muslims shouldn't vote on basis of religion' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/muslims-shouldnt-vote-on-basis-of-religion/lite/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}
= 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.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-02 |title=Muslim Mirror unveils 100 Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2024 |url=https://muslimmirror.com/muslim-mirror-unveils-100-most-influential-indian-muslims-of-2024/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=Muslim Mirror |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last= |title=Abdul Hameed Nomani - One of the most influential Indian Muslims 2024 |url=https://www.the100indianmuslims.com/a/Abdul-Hameed-Nomani |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114114032/https://www.the100indianmuslims.com/a/viewlist.php?id=44 |archive-date=14 January 2025 |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=the100indianmuslims.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-01-05 |title=Top 100 Most Influential Indian Muslims |url=https://munsifdaily.com/top-100-most-influential-indian-muslims/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=The Munsif Daily |language=en-US}}
References
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Nomani, Abdul Hameed}}
Category:Indian Sunni Muslim scholars of Islam
Category:Darul Uloom Deoband alumni
Category:Indian male journalists
Category:20th-century Indian non-fiction writers
Category:21st-century Indian non-fiction writers
Category:Urdu-language writers from India