Abdul Hameed Nomani
Abdul Hameed Nomani, is an Indian Islamic scholar, journalist, author, and social commentator. He is known for his association with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind 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. He began his education at Madrasa Rahmania, Santhal Pargana, followed by Madrasa Nāsir al-Uloom and Madrasa Shahi in Moradabad. In 1986, he graduated from Darul Uloom Deoband after completing Daur-e-Hadith and receiving the qualification of Fazil.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.
Career
Association with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind
Nomani was associated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind for nearly three decades, serving in multiple roles, including spokesperson, media secretary, and Head of the Publication Department. He also served as the Secretary, Acting General Secretary, and later as Assistant General Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind.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".
In 2017, he was transferred from JUH's Media Department to the Muslim Secretariat, a change that led to his resignation.
All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat
In May 2017, Nomani was appointed as the General Secretary of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat. 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.As an author, he has published over a dozen books, focusing on Hinduism, Hindutva politics, and Islamic studies. Some of his notable publications include:Hinduism: Taaruf-o-Mutala
- Hindutva: Ahdaf-o-Masail Jama Masjid Gyanvapi aur Banaras ki Deegar Tareekhi Masajid: Haqeeqat aur Kahāni Aurton ka Maqām Mazahib-e-Ālam Mein Hindutva aur Rashtravad Sangh ke Bani Dr. Hedgewar: Hayat-o-Tehreek
- Savarkar: Fikr-o-Tehreek
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.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.
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.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.'
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.
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.
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.
Emphasizing the importance of democratic participation, he stated that everyone with the right to vote must exercise it by participating in the electoral process.