Thu Sep 18 09:40:00 UTC 2025: **Kanpur: Sunni Barelvi Group Condemns FIR Against 25 Muslims for “I Love Muhammad” Boards**
**Bareilly, India** – A prominent Sunni Barelvi organization, Jamaat Raza-e-Mustafa, has voiced strong opposition to the First Information Report (FIR) filed against 25 Muslims in Kanpur for displaying boards with the phrase “I Love Muhammad.”
Farman Mian, National General Secretary of the Dargah Ala Hazrat-affiliated organization, condemned the action as “unfortunate” and a violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. He urged the administration to immediately withdraw the cases against the individuals, whom he described as “innocent.”
Mian argued that writing “I Love Muhammad” is not a crime but a personal expression of faith and respect. He cited Article 19(1)(A) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression to all citizens. He asserted that expressing love for Prophet Muhammad falls within this right and cannot be prohibited by law.
Furthermore, Mian pointed to Article 25, which ensures freedom of religion, and Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. He emphasized that the Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed the importance of freedom of expression as the “soul of democracy,” making the FIR an unjustifiable action. Jamaat Raza-e-Mustafa is appealing for the withdrawal of the charges and the upholding of religious freedom.
First Piper 