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{{Short description|Indian Islamic scholar (born 1998)}}
{{Fan POV|date=February 2026}} 
{{Infobox religious biography
| honorific_prefix = [[Mufti]]
| name = Shamail Nadwi
| image =
| caption =
| birth_name = Shamail Ahmad Abdullah
| birth_date = 7 June 1998
| birth_place = [[Srinagar]], Jammu and Kashmir, India
| home_town = [[Kolkata]], West Bengal, India
| citizenship = [[India]]
| education = {{plainlist|
*[[Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama]]
*[[International Islamic University Malaysia]]}}
| occupation = Islamic scholar
| known_for = Debate with [[Javed Akhtar]] on the [[existence of God]]
| notable_works = ''Masʾala-e-Ghulāmī aur Islām'' ({{translation|The Issue of Slavery and Islam}})<ref name="Siddiqi" />
| religion = [[Islam]]
| denomination = [[Sunni Islam]]
| founder = {{plainlist|
*Markaz al-Wahyain
*Wahyain Foundation
}}
| jurisprudence = [[Hanafi]]
| module = {{Infobox social media personality
| embed = yes
| youtube_handle = muftishamail
| years_active = 2014–present
| youtube_subscribers= 642,000
| youtube_views = 22,770,328
| stats_update = 5 January 2026
}}
}}

'''Shamail Nadwi''' (born 7 June 1998), also known as '''Mufti Shamail Nadwi''' and '''Shamail Ahmad Abdullah Nadwi''', is an Indian Islamic scholar, [[mufti]], and author. In 2025, he live streamed an academic debate titled ''An Academic Dialogue: Does God Exist?'' with poet and lyricist [[Javed Akhtar]] at the [[Constitution Club of India]] in New Delhi which quickly became a [[viral video]].

== Early life and education ==
Shamail Nadwi was born on 7 June 1998 in [[Srinagar]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India.<ref name="ChenabTimes" /> Although born in Srinagar, he was raised primarily in [[Kolkata]], where most of his early education and upbringing took place.<ref name="ObserverPost">{{cite news |title=Does God Exist? Debate in New Delhi puts spotlight on Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadwi |url=https://theobserverpost.com/does-god-exist-debate-in-new-delhi-puts-spotlight-on-islamic-scholar-mufti-shamail-nadwi/ |work=The Observer Post |date=22 December 2025|access-date=25 December 2025|language=en}}</ref> His family background includes maternal roots in [[Baramulla]], Jammu and Kashmir with paternal roots in Kolkata, where he continues to reside.<ref name="ChenabTimes">{{cite web |last=Sadiq|first=Alia|title=A Young Cleric in the Age of Doubt: The Intellectual Trajectory of Maulana Mufti Shamail Ahmad Abdullah Nadwi |url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2025/12/28/a-young-cleric-in-the-age-of-doubt-the-intellectual-trajectory-of-maulana-mufti-shamail-ahmad-abdullah-nadwi/ |website=The Chenab Times |date=28 December 2025 |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>

Alongside formal schooling, Nadwi is reported [[Hafiz (Quran)|to have memorised the ''Qur’an'']] at a young age, completing [[hifz]] (memorisation of the ''Quran'') during his early teens. His early religious education took place largely at home under the guidance of scholars including Ibtida Alam Nadwi and Nadeem Nadwi. He completed schooling up to the eighth grade at an [[English-medium education|English-medium school]] in Kolkata and later passed his [[Matriculation in India|matriculation]] through open schooling.<ref name="ChenabTimes" />

In 2015, Nadwi enrolled at [[Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama]] in Lucknow, an [[Madrasa|Islamic seminary]] in India.<ref name="AajTak">{{cite news |last=Ahmad|first=Qubool|title=कौन हैं मुफ्ती नदवी, जो ईश्वर के अस्तित्व पर हुई बहस के बाद सुर्खियों में हैं |trans-title=Who Is Mufti Nadwi, Who Came into the Spotlight After the Debate on the Existence of God?|url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/mufti-shamail-nadwi-profile-islamic-scholar-god-existence-debate-javed-akhtar-ntcpkb-dskc-2419192-2025-12-22 |work=[[Aaj Tak]] |date=22 December 2025|access-date=25 December 2025|language=hi}}</ref><ref name="ChenabTimes" /> He completed the ''Alimiyyah'' programme in 2017. Between 2018 and 2019, he undertook specialisation in [[Tafsir|Qur’anic exegesis]] (tafsir) and [[Quranic studies|Qur’anic sciences]], followed by formal training in [[Fatwa|ifta]] from 2019 to 2020.<ref name="ChenabTimes" /><ref name="ObserverPost" />

From 2020 to 2022, Nadwi undertook a two-year programme titled ''Tahafut al-Malahidah'', which examined [[Western philosophy|Western philosophical thought]] and [[Criticism of religion|contemporary critiques of religion]]. The programme was conducted under the supervision of [[Yasir Nadeem al Wajidi]] and involved philosophical and theological study alongside classical Islamic scholarship.<ref name="ChenabTimes" />

After completing his formal Islamic education in India, Nadwi pursued higher studies at the [[International Islamic University Malaysia]], where he has been enrolled in doctoral research in [[Waḥy|Islamic Revealed Knowledge]] and [[Human science|Human Sciences]] as of 2025, with completion expected later in the decade.<ref name="ObserverPost" /><ref name="news24">{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Aastha |date=2025-12-22 |title=Who Is Mufti Nadvi? Islamic scholar whose debate with Javed Akhtar on existence of God went viral |url=https://news24online.com/india/who-is-mufti-nadvi-islamic-scholar-whose-debate-with-javed-akhtar-on-existence-of-god-went-viral/692671/ |access-date=2025-12-25 |website=[[News 24 (Indian TV channel)|News 24]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Patrika">{{cite web |title=कौन हैं 'ईश्वर के अस्तित्व' पर जावेद अख्तर से बहस करने वाले Mufti Shamail Nadwi? इस विषय पर कर रहे पीएचडी|trans-title=Who Is Mufti Shamail Nadwi, Who Debated Javed Akhtar on the Existence of God? He Is Pursuing a PhD on the Subject|url=https://www.patrika.com/education-news/who-is-mufti-shamail-nadwi-javed-akhtar-and-shamail-nadwi-debate-does-god-exist-20215228 |website=[[Rajasthan Patrika]] |date=29 December 2025 |access-date=29 December 2025 |language=hi}}</ref>

== Career ==
Nadwi is engaged in [[Education in Islam|religious instruction]] and [[educational outreach]]. In 2021, he founded Markaz al-Wahyain, an online platform that offers courses in Qur’anic studies, hadith, [[Fiqh|Islamic jurisprudence]], and related subjects. The initiative offers structured religious education programmes for adult learners.<ref name="MillatTimes">{{cite news |last=Qasmi |first=Shams Tabrez |date=21 December 2025 |title='Contingency argument' vs 'human suffering': Javed Akhtar, Shamail Nadvi spar over God's existence |url=https://millattimes.com/contingency-argument-vs-human-suffering-javed-akhtar-and-shamail-nadvi-spar-over-gods-existence-at-new-delhi-debate/ |work=[[Millat Times]]|access-date=25 December 2025|language=en}}</ref><ref name="ChenabTimes" />

In 2024, he established the Wahyain Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Kolkata. According to media reports, the foundation focuses on educational activities and addresses questions related to religion and atheism through organised programmes.<ref name="IndianExpress1">{{cite news |last=Joshi |first=Aakash |date=21 December 2025 |title=In Capital, a debate on God spotlights importance of conversation, disagreements |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-capital-a-debate-on-god-spotlights-importance-of-conversation-disagreements-10431102/ |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref name="ChenabTimes" /> An Urdu-language profile published by ''Hira Online'' reports that the foundation's educational programmes include study modules addressing contemporary atheistic thought (''mutālaʿa-yi ilḥād-i jadīd'').<ref name="Siddiqi">{{cite web |last=Siddiqi |first=Amjad |date=25 December 2024 |title=Book Review: Masʾala-e-Ghulami aur Islam |trans-title=The Issue of Slavery and Islam: An Introduction and Analysis |url=https://hira-online.com/archives/2674 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101074200/https://hira-online.com/archives/2674 |archive-date=1 January 2026 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Hira Online |language=ur }}</ref>

He has served as a khateeb at the Kobi Bagan Mosque in Kolkata, where he delivered sermons and conducted Qur’anic tafsir sessions.<ref name="ObserverPost" />

He maintains an active presence on [[YouTube]], [[Instagram]], and [[Facebook]],<ref name="ObserverPost" /> where he discusses religious, ethical, and philosophical topics. News coverage following the December 2025 debate noted that his online content received increased public attention, particularly in relation to discussions on atheism and contemporary religious questions.<ref name="ABPLive">{{cite news |title=Why Social Media Is Backing Mufti Shamail In Debate With Javed Akhtar On God |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/why-social-media-is-backing-mufti-shamail-in-debate-with-javed-akhtar-on-god-big-takeaways-1817924 |work=[[ABP Live]] |date=21 December 2025|access-date=25 December 2025|language=en|agency=[[Asian News International]]}}</ref>

== Public debate with Javed Akhtar ==
In August 2025, Several Muslim organisations, including the [[Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind]], objected to an invitation extended to [[Javed Akhtar]] for a literary programme organised by the [[Urdu Academy#India|West Bengal Urdu Academy]], linking the objections to Akhtar's publicly stated atheistic views and remarks perceived as critical of religion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mukul |first=Sushim |date=27 August 2025 |title=Jamiat warns Urdu Academy on hosting Javed Akhtar: Speaks against Allah, Islam |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/west-bengal-kolkata-urdu-academy-invitation-javed-akhtar-protests-jamiat-ulema-e-hind-wahyahin-foundation-muslims-2777527-2025-08-27 |website=[[India Today]]|language=en|access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref> Media reports also noted that the Wahyahin Foundation, led by Nadwi, publicly invited Akhtar to participate in a debate on the existence of God.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ghosh |first=Bishwanath |date=30 August 2025 |title=Islamic groups opposed to inviting Javed Akhtar force Bengal's Urdu Academy to call off literary event |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/islamic-groups-opposed-to-inviting-javed-akhtar-force-bengals-urdu-academy-to-call-off-literary-event/article69992880.ece |work=[[The Hindu]]|language=en|access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2 September 2025 |title=Javed Akhtar event postponed after Muslims protest |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/javed-akhtar-event-postponed-after-muslims-protest/20250902.htm |website=[[Rediff]]|language=en|access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-02 |title=Javed Akhtar event postponed in Kolkata after protests from Muslim groups |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/javed-akhtar-kolkata-mushaira-postponed-ufiritvo |website=[[Mathrubhumi]] |language=en|access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref> Nadwi was also reported as stating that the Foundation had not issued threats and had expressed its position through an invitation to debate.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jawed |first=Zeeshan |date=3 September 2025 |title='Akhtar event as good as cancelled' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/akhtar-event-as-good-as-cancelled/articleshow/123664303.cms |work=[[The Times of India]]|language=en|access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gupta |first=Shobhit |date=31 August 2025 |title=Bengal Urdu Academy Postpones Event After Islamic Clerics Rage Over Invitation To Javed Akhtar |url=https://www.news18.com/cities/kolkata-news/bengal-urdu-academy-postpones-event-after-islamic-clerics-rage-over-invitation-to-javed-akhtar-ws-l-9539795.html |work=[[News18]]|language=en|access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>

In December 2025, Nadwi took part in a nearly two-hour public debate called ''Does God Exist?'', moderated by journalist [[Saurabh Dwivedi]] and held at the [[Constitution Club of India]], New Delhi. The debate featured Nadwi and poet–lyricist [[Javed Akhtar|Akhtar]].<ref name="IndiaToday">{{cite news |last=Bhattacharya |first=Devika |date=21 December 2025 |title=In debate on existence of God, Javed Akhtar's 'PM Modi is better' retort |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/javed-akhtar-debate-mufti-shamail-nadwi-does-god-exist-gaza-violence-terrorism-majority-2839310-2025-12-21 |access-date=25 December 2025 |work=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Aditya |date=2025-12-23 |title=Javed Akhtar vs Mufti Shamail Nadwi: Who Won the Debate on 'Does God Exist'? |url=https://www.thequint.com/opinion/javed-akhtar-mufti-shamail-nadwi-debate-does-god-exist-muslim-liberal-atheism-islam |access-date=2025-12-26 |website=[[TheQuint]] |language=en|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The debate was broadcast on YouTube, quickly becoming a [[viral video]]<ref name="news24" /><ref name="IEYadav" /> accumulating more than 1.5 million views within six hours of release.<ref name="IndianExpress1" />

Media coverage in outlets such as ''[[BBC Urdu]]'' and ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' described the exchange as an academic dialogue centred on philosophical questions concerning metaphysics, morality, free will, and human suffering. During the debate, Nadwi argued that the question of God's existence is metaphysical rather than scientific, emphasising moral responsibility, free will, and the limits of empirical reasoning. Akhtar, approaching the issue from an atheist perspective, questioned the idea of divine justice in light of human suffering, particularly the deaths of children in conflict zones.<ref name="BBCUrdu2">{{cite news |date=21 December 2025 |title=خدا کے وجود پر مباحثہ اور غزہ میں بچوں کی اموات پر سوال: وہ مناظرہ جس کے بعد جاوید اختر کو تنقید کا سامنا کرنا پڑا |trans-title=Debate on the existence of God and question on the deaths of children in Gaza: The debate after which Javed Akhtar faced criticism |url=https://www.bbc.com/urdu/articles/cwyg0gw1qeko |access-date=25 December 2025 |work=[[BBC Urdu]] |language=ur}}</ref><ref name="DeccanChronicle">{{cite news |title=Javed Akhtar–Mufti Shamail Debate on God Sparks Intense Public Reaction |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/news/javed-akhtarmufti-shamail-debate-on-god-sparks-intense-public-reaction-1925375 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=21 December 2025|access-date=25 December 2025|language=en}}</ref>

Nadwi stated in an interview that he had received messages from young people and non-Muslims following the debate, describing renewed interest in religious questions. He added that while some individuals reported personal changes in belief, no official data was available to substantiate broader claims.<ref>{{cite news|title=مناظرة دينية في الهند تغير مسار فكر العديد من الشباب|trans-title=Religious Debate in India Changes the Intellectual Trajectory of Many Young People|url=https://www.aljazeera.net/religion/2025/12/30/%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B8%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%81%D9%83%D8%B1 |work=[[Al Jazeera Arabic]]|via=[[Al Jazeera Mubasher]]|date=30 December 2025|language=ar
}}</ref>

Writing in ''[[The Indian Express]]'', political theorist [[Yogendra Yadav]] argued that framing the exchange primarily as a debate on the existence of God risked shifting attention away from other questions he considered more pressing in contemporary India, such as the declining intellectual and moral quality of religious leadership and the increasing entanglement of religion with political power. While expressing respect for the debate's civility and its wide public interest, he characterised such discussions as less relevant to the broader challenges facing religion and religiosity today.<ref name="IEYadav">{{cite news|last=Yadav|first=Yogendra|author-link=Yogendra Yadav|title=A public debate on 'Does God exist?' takes us away from the real issues of religion and religiosity|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/yogendra-yadav-writes-a-public-debate-on-does-god-exist-takes-us-away-from-the-real-issues-of-religion-and-religiosity-10433709/|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=23 December 2025|access-date=25 December 2025|language=en}}</ref>

Writing in ''The Indian Express'', scientist and writer [[Gauhar Raza]] defended the relevance of the debate, describing it as an example of civil and restrained public disagreement. He argued that, in a contemporary context where scientific rationality and secular values face challenges, public discussion on the existence of God continues to hold social significance. Raza suggested that such exchanges can encourage dialogue on the role of faith, belief, and rationality in shaping social and political life.<ref name="IERaza2">{{cite news |last=Raza |first=Gauhar |author-link=Gauhar Raza |date=25 December 2025 |title=For society's sake, we must ask 'Does God Exist?' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/for-societys-sake-we-must-ask-does-god-exist-10437704/ |access-date=25 December 2025 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>

== Public statements and media discussion ==
Following his increased media visibility in December 2025, an undated video clip of Nadwi's earlier remarks circulated on social media. In the clip, he is reported to have expressed theological views emphasising religious principles (''deen'' or [[Sharia]]h) in relation to questions of governance and law, which prompted wider media discussion on religious freedom, constitutional values, and secularism in India.<ref name="Sadiq">{{cite web |last=Sadiq |first=Alia |title=The Controversy Surrounding Mufti Shamail Nadwi: Prioritizing Religion Over Nation in a Secular Democracy |url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2025/12/29/the-controversy-surrounding-mufti-shamail-nadwi-prioritizing-religion-over-nation-in-a-secular-democracy/ |website=The Chenab Times |date=29 December 2025 |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref>

According to a report by ''Khabargaon'', Nadwi questioned the prioritisation of secular institutions over Islamic law and discussed whether religious believers should accept court verdicts that conflict with Shariah. The report noted that these remarks circulated widely online and became the subject of public discussion.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 December 2025 |title=दीन को वतन से बड़ा बताने वाले मुफ्ती शमाइल नदवी की कहानी क्या है? |trans-title=What is the story of Mufti Shamail Nadwi, who says that religion is more important than one's country? |url=https://khabargaon.com/viral-news/who-is-mufti-shamail-nadwi-religion-over-nation-row-does-god-exists-javed-akhtar/19240 |access-date=29 December 2025 |website=Khabargaon |language=hi}}</ref>

Indian National Congress leader [[Rajiv Shukla]] was reported to have criticised the remarks, stating that the Constitution must remain supreme. The Muslim Students Organisation (MSO) was also reported as saying that Nadwi's views did not represent Indian Muslims and conflicted with constitutional principles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyay |first=Ashok |date=29 December 2025 |title='कड़ी कार्रवाई हो, संविधान से ऊपर कुछ नहीं', मुफ्ती नदवी के बयान पर भड़के राजीव शुक्ला |trans-title='Strict action should be taken, nothing is above the Constitution,' Rajiv Shukla angered by Mufti Nadwi's statement. |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/india/rajiv-shukla-angered-by-mufti-nadvi-statement-said-strict-action-should-be-taken-nothing-is-above-the-constitution/articleshow/126225029.cms |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=[[Navbharat Times]] |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Choudhury |first=Abhijit |date=29 December 2025 |title=Congress Leader On Mufti Nadvi: 'সংবিধানের ওপরে শরিয়াহ', মৌলানার বিস্ফোরক মন্তব্যের জবাবে কী বললেন কংগ্রেস নেতা? |trans-title=Congress Leader on Mufti Nadvi: ‘Sharia is above the Constitution’ – What did the Congress leader say in response to the Maulana's explosive remark? |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bangla/bangla/news/congress-leader-on-mufti-nadvi-saying-religion-greater-than-constitution-controversy-erupts-271766997637541.html |access-date=30 December 2025 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |language=bn}}</ref>

In separate media reports, Nadwi was also quoted commenting on [[Pakistan]], stating that it could not be regarded as an Islamic state due to what he described as the lack of effective implementation of Islamic law. These remarks were discussed by commentators in India and Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Does God Exist Fame Indian Mufti Says Pakistan is Not Islamic State! |url=https://en.abna24.com/news/1766992/Does-God-Exist-Fame-Indian-Mufti-Says-Pakistan-is-Not-Islamic |website=[[AhlulBayt News Agency]] |date=28 December 2025 |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=پاکستان کو اسلامی ملک نہیں سمجھتے، وہاں اسلامی قوانین نافذ نہیں ہیں، مفتی شمائل ندوی |trans-title=Mufti Shamail Nadwi Says Pakistan Is Not an Islamic State, as Islamic Laws Are Not Implemented There|url=https://dailypakistan.com.pk/27-Dec-2025/1898528 |website=[[Daily Pakistan]] |date=27 December 2025 |access-date=29 December 2025 |language=ur}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Islamic philosophy]]
* [[Kalam]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite web |last=Shelke |first=Rahul |date=2025-12-22 |title=Who is Mufti Shamail Nadwi: देवाच्या अस्तित्वावर वाद! जावेद अख्तरांना भिडलेले मौलाना मुफ्ती शमाइल नदवी कोण आहेत? |trans-title=Who Is Mufti Shamail Nadwi? The Cleric Who Debated Javed Akhtar on the Existence of God|url=https://pudhari.news/national/who-is-mufti-shamail-nadwi-know-why-his-debate-with-javed-akhtar-on-gods-existence-went-viral-rs98 |access-date=2025-12-25 |website=[[Pudhari]] |language=mr}}
* {{Cite web |date=2025-12-22 |title=कौन हैं मौलाना मुफ्ती शमाइल नदवी, जो ईश्वर के अस्तित्व पर जावेद अख़्तर से भिड़ने के बाद चर्चा में हैं? |trans-title=Who Is Maulana Mufti Shamail Nadvi, Who Came into the Spotlight After Debating Javed Akhtar on the Existence of God?|url=https://www.tv9hindi.com/religion/javed-akhtar-vs-mufti-shamail-nadwi-who-is-the-scholar-in-god-existence-debate-3619423.html |access-date=2025-12-25 |website=[[TV9 Bharatvarsh]] |language=hi}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nadwi, Shamail}}
[[Category:1998 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian Sunni Muslim scholars of Islam]]
[[Category:Islamic philosophers]]
[[Category:Scholars from Kolkata]]
[[Category:21st-century Muslim scholars of Islam]]
[[Category:Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama alumni]]
[[Category:Deobandis]]
[[Category:Hanafis]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian Muslims]]
[[Category:Scholars from Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:International Islamic University Malaysia alumni]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian philosophers]]
[[Category:Bengali Muslim scholars of Islam]]

Shamail Nadwi - Revision history

PranayMeesala: created first info initial version.