In Delhi’s Constitution Club, a heated two-hour debate took place on the topic of the existence of God between famous poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar and Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadvi. Since the debate, Mufti Shamail Nadvi has been in the spotlight, with many people searching to know who he is and where he comes from. During the debate, Javed Akhtar challenged the concept of an all-powerful and benevolent God by pointing to human suffering, especially the ongoing war in Gaza. He asked how belief in an omnipotent deity could be reconciled with the deaths and suffering of children, arguing that such events raise questions about divine justice and mercy.
“If God is everywhere and all-powerful, then He is present in Gaza too,” Akhtar said, adding that witnessing such suffering made it hard for him to accept the existence of a compassionate God.
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Nadwi Emphasizes Human Free Will
Akhtar’s remarks sparked strong reactions. Some criticized him for insensitivity, while supporters defended his right to question religious beliefs through moral reasoning.
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Mufti Shamail Nadwi responded by stressing human free will, explaining that acts of violence and cruelty result from human choices, not God’s intent. “The Creator allows the possibility of evil, but He is not evil,” Nadwi said, placing responsibility for injustice on human agency.
Who is Mufti Nadvi?
Mufti Shamail Nadvi’s full name is Shamail Ahmad Abdullah. His father, Maulana Abu Saeed, is a well-known Islamic scholar from Kolkata. Mufti Shamail was born on 7 June 1998 in Kolkata, West Bengal, and he received his early education in Bengal.
Belonging to a religious Islamic family, Shamail was inclined towards religion and philosophy from a young age. Under the guidance of his father, he also received his early Islamic education.
Education background
After completing his basic Quranic education in Kolkata, Shamail Abdullah enrolled in Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, in 2014. He studied there for six years, earning a Mufti degree. During his studies, he gained knowledge in Islamic theology, the Quran, Hadith, and Fiqh (Islamic law).
Why did he add ‘Nadvi’ to his name?
He studied at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama. Shamail Abdullah added ‘Nadvi’ to his name, following the tradition of students from the institution. After completing his studies in Islamic law at Nadwa, Mufti Shamail Nadvi went to Malaysia for higher education. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Islamic studies. Apart from being a Mufti, he is also considered an expert in Islamic theology.
Founder of Wahiyan Foundation
Mufti Shamail Nadvi is the founder and principal of Markaz-al-Wahiyan, an online educational institution. In 2024, he also established the Wahiyan Foundation, a religious trust that promotes Islamic education and social service. The trust runs offline courses in Arabic and basic Islamic education, including the Quran, Hadith, and Fiqh.
Nadvi became popular Islamic scholar
Mufti Shamail Nadvi is a popular Islamic scholar and speaker. Through YouTube and other social media platforms, he spreads Islamic teachings and engages in comparative discussions on topics like atheism, science, and Islam. He is particularly influential among Muslim youth, known for presenting his views clearly and precisely. He has often made headlines for his bold opinions on religious questions, the conflict between modern society and faith, and controversial Islamic issues.