2022 Muhammad remarks controversy

2023-11-28T14:47:21Z

2001:67C:2628:647:D:0:0:1D1:

{{Short description|Controversy in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2022}}

[[File:Muslims Protest Against Controversial Remarks Of Nupur Sharma And Naveen Jindal - Kolkata 20220614 140202.jpg|thumb|Protests against the remarks by the Muslim community of [[Kolkata]], [[West Bengal]]|264x264px]]

The '''2022 Muhammad remarks row''' began on 27 May 2022, when [[Nupur Sharma]], a spokeswoman of India's ruling party, [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP), made controversial remarks about the Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]], on a [[Times Now]] debate on the [[Gyanvapi Mosque]] dispute, against the counterparty called the disputed Shivalinga as Fountain.<ref name="wapo13">{{Cite news |last=Saaliq |first=Sheikh |date=2022-06-06 |title=Muslim nations slam India over insulting remarks about Islam |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/muslim-nations-slam-india-over-insulting-remarks-about-islam/2022/06/06/ddad5700-e56c-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2022-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608002629/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/muslim-nations-slam-india-over-insulting-remarks-about-islam/2022/06/06/ddad5700-e56c-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html |archive-date=2022-06-08 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Sharma's comments were in reference to Muhammad (53) and [[Aisha#Age at time of marriage|age of his third wife, Aisha]] (6), at the time of their marriage and the consummation of the marriage when Aisha was 9, stating what is written in the [[hadith]] [[Sahih al-Bukhari]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jamil |first=Nabeela |title=Why the debate around the age of Aisha, the Prophet's wife, is irrelevant |url=https://scroll.in/article/1025536/why-the-debate-around-the-age-of-aisha-the-prophets-wife-is-irrelevant |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=Scroll.in |date=6 June 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="NewsBharati 2022">{{cite web | title='This is 100% true': Saudi Islamic scholar confirms Nupur Sharma's remarks about Muhammad | website=NewsBharati | date=2022-06-20 | url=https://www.newsbharati.com/Encyc/2022/6/20/Saudi-Islamic-scholar-confirms-Nupur-Sharma-s-remarks-about-Muhammad.html | access-date=2023-04-24}}</ref><ref name="New Age Islam 2023">{{cite web | title=Nupur Sharma Only Stated What is Written in Hadith; Why Are Muslims So Upset? - Arshad Alam, New Age Islam - Islamic News and Views - Moderate Muslims & Islam | website=New Age Islam | date=2023-04-24 | url=https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/arshad-alam-new-age-islam/nupur-sharma-only-stated-written-hadith-muslims-so-upset/d/127139 | access-date=2023-04-24}}</ref> The controversy escalated on 1 June, when Naveen Kumar Jindal, the Delhi BJP media chief, made similar remarks on Twitter. By 4 June, the remarks had been widely shared on social media, and were trending among the top 10 hashtags in all the countries of the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] (GCC) and [[Turkey]].
The comments were strongly condemned by Muslim nations.<ref name="wapo13"/> Within India, dozens of police cases were filed against Sharma and Jindal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 6, 2022 |title=Nupur Sharma Statement: Remarks against Prophet; BJP acts against 2 office-bearers Nupur Sharma and Naveen Zindal; Latest developments |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/remarks-against-prophet-bjp-acts-against-2-office-bearers-latest-developments/articleshow/92027848.cms |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> In some parts of the country, protests turned violent, leading to several deaths and injuries. The violence in Uttar Pradesh led to the punitive demolition of homes of some accused rioters.<ref name=":4" />{{Criticism of religion sidebar}}

Several [[Persian Gulf|Gulf]] countries, including allies and partners of India, issued strong condemnations and there were threats of boycotting Indian goods. The Indian government responded to the controversy, by stating that the remarks did not reflect the government's views, but rather came from "fringe elements".<ref name=":5" /> BJP suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal from the party.<ref name="Guardian" />

==Background==
{{See also|Gyanvapi Mosque}}
The controversy emerged amidst intensifying religious tensions in India — a number of scholars increasingly identify [[Hindutva]], the guiding ideology of the ruling [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]], as a strand of [[authoritarian populism]] bulwarked on anti-minority sentiments.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Hansen |first1=Thomas Blom |title=Saffron Republic: Hindu Nationalism and State Power in India |last2=Roy |first2=Srirupa |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2022 |isbn=9781009100489 |pages=1–2, 10 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/saffron-republic/0C0A6E196E91760BE41DA8E9E5E47F2F |via=cambridge.org |url-access=subscription |chapter=What is New about 'New Hindutva'?}}</ref> Many have accused the BJP of instigating violence through divisive rhetoric against the country's Muslim minority.<ref name=forbes>{{cite news|author=Siladitya Ray|title=India's Religious Tensions Spill Over As Middle Eastern Countries Condemn Comments About Islam|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/06/06/indias-religious-tensions-spark-diplomatic-row-after-ruling-partys-comments-about-prophet-muhammad--heres-what-to-know/?sh=5d6d9ce66730|work=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]'s [[Hindu nationalism|Hindu nationalist]] government has been accused in India of deliberately trying to marginalize the country's [[Islam in India|200 million Muslim citizens]].<ref name="Fury CBS" />

In the run up to the controversy, communal tensions were elevated due to the [[Gyanvapi Mosque]] dispute. Scholarly sources agree that the mosque was built by the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] emperor [[Aurangzeb]], and a pre-existing [[Shiva]] temple was demolished for its construction.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Asher |first=Catherine B. |date=May 2020 |title=Making Sense of Temples and Tirthas: Rajput Construction Under Mughal Rule |journal=The Medieval History Journal |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=9–49 |doi=10.1177/0971945820905289 |issn=0971-9458 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Desai |first=Madhuri |title=Banaras Reconstructed: Architecture and Sacred Space in a Hindu Holy City |publisher=University of Washington Press |year=2017 |isbn=9780295741604 |id= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qWgmDwAAQBAJ}}</ref> While Hindus maintain that the temple existed at the site before the mosque, some Muslims claim such a shrine never existed.<ref name=lucente>{{cite news|title=Explainer: India BJP Party spokesperson's comments on prophet spark backlash|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/06/explainer-india-bjp-party-spokespersons-comments-prophet-spark-backlash|author=Adam Lucente}}</ref> Tensions surrounding this site have resulted in raucous debates on Indian TV channels.<ref name=cbcnews/><ref name=bbc1/> There has been rampant hate on social media surrounding the mosque controversy.<ref name=bbc1/>

== Comments about Muhammad ==
{{See also|Criticism of Muhammad#Age of third wife|Sexuality in Islam#Puberty}}{{Tweet
| name = Naveen Kumar Jindal 🇮🇳
| username = NaveenJindalBJP
| date = 1 June 2022
| text = नबी के दुलारो से पूछना चाहता हूँ कि तुम्हारा नबी 53 वर्ष की आयु में 6 वर्ष की छोटी बच्ची आयशा के साथ शादी करता है फिर 56 वर्ष की आयु में 9 वर्ष की आयशा के साथ संबंध बनाता है…

क्या वह संबंध बलात्कार की श्रेणी में नहीं आता..?
| translation = I would like to ask the admirers of the Prophet why your Prophet, at the age of 53, marries a young girl named Aisha who is only 6, and then at the age of 56, he consummates his marriage with Aisha, who is then 9...

Doesn't that relationship fall into the category of rape...?
| lang = hi
| ID = 1531951723815632897
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220604144150/https://twitter.com/naveenjindalbjp/status/1531951723815632897
| archive-date = 2022-06-04
}}
On 27 May 2022, Sharma participated in a debate on the Gyanvapi Mosque dispute on the [[Times Now]] television channel. According to Sharma,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/bjp-prophet-muhammad-nupur-sharma-gulf-b2094698.html|title=Prophet Muhammad comments by officials from India's ruling party spark Gulf backlash|work=Independent|date=7 June 2022|accessdate=8 June 2022|first=Stuti|last=Mishra}}</ref> in response to remarks (perceived to be derogatory to [[Hindu]] god [[Shiva]]) by her opposition speaker and by many Muslim personalities on social media, she replied regarding [[Muhammad]] and the [[Aisha#Age at marriage and consummation|age]] of one of his wives, [[Aisha]], noting that Aisha was 6-years-old when married, and 9 when the marriage was consummated. However, she was merely quoting from the [[hadith]].<ref name="NewsBharati 2022" /><ref name="New Age Islam 2023" />

A day later, the video clip of her comments were shared by [[Mohammed Zubair (journalist)|Mohammed Zubair]], the co-founder of [[Alt News]], a [[List of fact-checking websites|fact-checking website]], on social media.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mohammed Zubair's Tweet |url=https://twitter.com/zoo_bear/status/1530066557191131142 |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref> Sharma later alleged that it was a "heavily edited and selected video", which was denied by Pratik Sinha, the other co-founder of Alt News. Sinha stated that it was unedited and also included a longer clip which showed the context.<ref name="Scroll 29 May">{{citation |title=FIR filed against BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for comments about Prophet Mohammad |newspaper=Scroll.in |date=29 May 2022 |url=https://scroll.in/latest/1024989/fir-filed-against-bjp-spokesperson-nupur-sharma-for-comments-about-prophet-mohammad |access-date=5 June 2022 |archive-date=5 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605210931/https://scroll.in/latest/1024989/fir-filed-against-bjp-spokesperson-nupur-sharma-for-comments-about-prophet-mohammad |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Wire 1 June">{{citation |title='Remarks on Prophet': After Thane, Hyderabad Police Files FIR Against BJP's Nupur Sharma |newspaper=The Wire |date=1 June 2022 |url=https://thewire.in/government/remarks-on-prophet-after-thane-hyderabad-police-files-fir-against-bjps-nupur-sharma}}
</ref> Times Now deleted the video of the programme from its [[YouTube]] channel the next day.<ref>{{cite news |title=Times Now deletes video of Navika Kuamr's debate, issues clarification amidst controversy over derogatory comments on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) |work=Janta Ka Reporter 2.0 |date=28 May 2022 |url=https://www.jantakareporter.com/entertainment/times-now-deletes-video-navika-kuamrs-debate-issues-clarification-amidst-controversy-over-derogatory-comments-on-prophet-muhammad-pbuh/397937/}}</ref> Nonetheless, Sharma defended her comments and accused Zubair of "heavily [editing]" the clip; she further claimed to have been receiving rape and death threats as a result, prompting [[Delhi Police]] to provide security cover. Alt News denied any responsibility for the reaction from the viewers after watching the video clip.<ref name="Scroll 29 May"/><ref name="Wire 1 June"/><ref name="twitter thread">Pratik Sinha, [https://twitter.com/free_thinker/status/1530474189835993088 twitter thread], 28 May 2022.</ref> ''[[BBC News]]'' refused to publish the remarks, citing their "offensive" nature.<ref name=bbc1/>

Journalists note that Sharma has made similar comments on several TV shows.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daniyal |first=Shoaib |title=The India Fix: How will Nupur Sharma's hate speech change Indian politics? |url=https://scroll.in/article/1026028/the-india-fix-how-will-nupur-sharmas-hate-speech-change-indian-politics |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=Scroll.in |date=13 June 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> As of August 1, 2023, Alt News has not verified the Nupur Sharma's citation.<ref name="New Age Islam 2023" />

On 1 June, Naveen Kumar Jindal tweeted remarks perceived to be derogatory to Muhammed.<ref name="siasat">{{cite news |last=Nair |first=Veena |date=2022-06-05 |title=BJP suspends Nupur Sharma, expels Naveen Jindal amid global backlash |work=The Sisat Daily |url=https://www.siasat.com/bjp-suspends-nupur-sharma-expels-naveen-jindal-amid-global-backlash-2342570/}}</ref> After the tweet attracted backlash in the [[Arab world]], Jindal deleted the tweet and said he did not intend to demean any faith.<ref name="peninsula1">{{cite news|title=Delhi BJP leader suspended after inflammatory tweet causes wide discontent in Arab world|url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/05/06/2022/delhi-bjp-leader-suspended-after-inflammatory-tweet-causes-wide-discontent-in-arab-world|publisher=[[The Peninsula (newspaper)|The Peninsula]]}}</ref> Shoaib Daniyal from [[Scroll.in]] and [[Vir Sanghvi]] from [[Hindustan Times]] state that even though there is a history of intense sectarianism in Indian media debates, politicians at a senior level usually refrain from crossing the line of self-restraint and criticising gods, prophets, and religions in televised debates. Nupur Sharma's involvement in such criticism in a debate was unusual according to them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daniyal |first=Shoaib |date=2022-06-13 |title=The India Fix: How will Nupur Sharma's hate speech change Indian politics? |url=https://scroll.in/article/1026028/the-india-fix-how-will-nupur-sharmas-hate-speech-change-indian-politics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615070013/https://scroll.in/article/1026028/the-india-fix-how-will-nupur-sharmas-hate-speech-change-indian-politics |archive-date=2022-06-15 |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=[[Scroll.in]] |language=en-US |quote=.. Communalism has seen a sharp intensification in the past few years. Even taking that into account, what Sharma and Jindal did was quite unprecedented. The abuse of gods and prophets has not been a part of Indian politics – and certainly never at a level as senior as party spokesperson or at a forum with as wide a reach as a national television channel. ..}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanghvi |first=Vir |author-link=Vir Sanghvi |date=2022-06-13 |title=The Taste With Vir: Did Nupur Sharma do anything wrong? What about free speech? |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/the-taste-with-vir-did-nupur-sharma-do-anything-wrong-what-about-free-speech-101655086572939.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615040441/https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/the-taste-with-vir-did-nupur-sharma-do-anything-wrong-what-about-free-speech-101655086572939.html |archive-date=2022-06-15 |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |language=en |quote=.. b) There is tacit agreement among responsible politicians in India that, in the interests of maintaining communal harmony, nobody will speak contemptuously about religions on public platforms. The likes of Yogi Adityanath come dangerously close to breaking that consensus but they usually stop just short. The anti-Hindu, anti-Muslim, anti-Christian etc remarks are usually made by fringe politicians, not by official spokespersons of the ruling party. ..}}</ref>

==Police cases==
A police [[First Information Report|first information report]] (FIR) was registered against Sharma, in [[Mumbai]]'s [[Pydhonie]] Police Station, on the next day. She was accused of "hurting religious sentiments".<ref>{{citation |title=BJP's Nupur Sharma booked over remark on Prophet Muhammad |newspaper=The Free press Journal |date=29 May 2022 |id={{ProQuest|2671096342}}}}
</ref><ref name="auto">{{citation |title=Mumbai police book BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for remarks on Prophet |date=29 May 2022 |newspaper=The Indian Express |id={{ProQuest|2670791553}}}}</ref> A second FIR was registered in [[Thane]] (a suburb of Mumbai) on 30 May on the same grounds.<ref>{{citation |title=Maharashtra: Second FIR against BJP spokesperson over comments on Prophet Mohammed |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=31 May 2022 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/maharashtra-fir-bjp-spokesperson-comments-prophet-mohammed-7943877/}}</ref> Another FIR was registered by the [[AIMIM]] leader [[Asaduddin Owaisi]], in Hyderabad, for using “abusive, false and hurtful” words against Muhammad and the Islam religion.<ref name="Wire 1 June"/> Several other FIRs were registered at other locations in the country.<ref name="Scroll 29 May"/><ref name="Wire 1 June"/><ref name="twitter thread"/>

Sharma's comments were also widely shared, internationally, on social media. By 4 June, "insult to Prophet Mohammed" was trending among the top 10 hashtags in all the countries of [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] (GCC) and Turkey.<ref name="Tribune West Asia">
{{citation |title=Remarks against Prophet Mohammed: Did West Asia social media outrage force BJP to take action? |newspaper=The Tribune (Chandigarh) |date=5 June 2022 |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/remarks-against-prophet-mohammed-did-west-asia-social-media-outrage-force-bjp-to-take-action-401250}}</ref>

On 9 June, 2 weeks after the speech and the diplomatic event, [[Delhi Police]] registered cases against BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal, who served as the party's Delhi media cell head, who was expelled from BJP. The Delhi police have also filed a case against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and MP, Asaduddin Owaisi, and Hindutva leader, Yati Narsinghanand, who is out on bail in the [[Haridwar hate speeches|Haridwar hate speech]] case.<ref name="9 June NDTV">{{cite news |title=2 Weeks After Prophet Row, Case Against Suspended BJP Leader, A Owaisi |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/hate-remarks-against-prophet-muhammad-suspended-bjp-leader-journalist-in-delhi-police-fir-3051283 |access-date=9 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com |date=9 June 2022}}</ref> Delhi Police has been accused of omnibus prosecution of many similar cases to make the original offence difficult to prosecute.<ref name="the-hindu-editorial-13-June-2022">{{cite news|title=False equivalence: On Prophet remarks and Delhi Police FIRs|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/false-equivalence-the-hindu-editorial-on-remarks-against-the-prophet-and-delhi-police-firs/article65520235.ece|work=The Hindu Editorial}}</ref>

==Protests and violence==
[[File:Anti BJP Protest in Bangladesh.jpg|thumb|Protests in India's neighbouring nation of [[Bangladesh]].]]
Protests and violent incidents were reported from several Indian cities. In Uttar Pradesh, several people were injured in Kanpur and Prayagraj cities. According to the UP Police, a total of 136 people were arrested over the protests in the state.<ref name="Express Remarks" />

===Uttar Pradesh===
{{see also|2022 Kanpur violence}}

On June 3, hundreds of Muslims protested the remarks in [[Kanpur]] after [[Friday prayers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Clashes in Kanpur over 'insult' to Prophet Mohammed during TV debate|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/religious-body-demands-places-of-worship-act-be-scrapped-1115010.html|publisher=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Blasphemous remarks: Hindu-Muslim clashes erupt in India|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/963709-hindu-muslim-clashes-erupt-in-india|publisher=[[The News International]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite news |title=Kanpur Violence: At Least 40 Injured, Police Register 3 FIRs Against 500 People |url=https://thewire.in/government/violence-breaks-out-in-kanpur-as-police-muslim-protestors-clash |access-date=7 June 2022 |work=The Wire}}</ref>

Hayat Zafar Hashmi, chief of Maulana Mohammed Ali (MMA) Jauhar Fans Association called for a bandh (shutdown) of local shops in protest of comments from Sharma. They also planned to take out a procession. They forced the local shops to shut down at parade market after which the clash broke out between the business community and the protesters. [[Yogi Adityanath]]'s government came down heavily on the protesters, lodging complaints and putting up posters against hundreds of protestors.<ref>{{citation |author=Geeta Pandey |title=Nupur Sharma: The Indian woman behind offensive Prophet Muhammad comments |newspaper=BBC News |date=7 June 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-61716241}}</ref>

The clashes occurred at Nai Sadak, Yateemkana and Parade area of Kanpur. During the clashes, the groups threw bombs and stones on each other.<ref name="Kanpur FIR">{{cite news |title=Kanpur Violence: Police Register 3 FIRs Against 1,000 Unknown Persons; All 55 Named Accused Muslim |url=https://thewire.in/law/kanpur-violence-police-register-3-firs-against-55-people-1000-unknown-person-named-as-accused |access-date=7 June 2022 |work=The Wire |date=4 June 2022}}</ref>

On 12 June, [[Reuters]] reported that the authorities in [[Uttar Pradesh]] had punitively demolished the homes of individuals accused of rioting in the state over the remarks.<ref name=":4">{{cite news |title=Indian state razes Muslim homes after riots over prophet remarks |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=12 June 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/12/indian-state-demolish-muslim-homes-riots-prophet-remarks}}</ref> [[BBC]] reported as well.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61777306 | title=Nupur Sharma: Houses of Muslims demolished in Uttar Pradesh after protests | work=BBC News | date=13 June 2022 }}</ref>

===Ranchi===
On 10 June, peaceful protests and human chain were organised in [[Ranchi]] against the controversial comments.<ref name="Ranchi 10 June" /> According to the police the situation had escalated when a vehicle rammed into the group of protestors.<ref name="Express Remarks">{{cite news |title=Remarks against the Prophet: 2 killed in Ranchi as protests erupt across country |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/remarks-against-the-prophet-1-killed-in-ranchi-as-protests-erupt-across-country-7963621/ |access-date=11 June 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=11 June 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Incidents of [[stone pelting]] was reported near the Hanuman temple, after which the Police attempted to disperse the crowds and used lathis, later on the police opened gunfire with live rounds.<ref name="Ranchi 10 June">{{cite news |title=Ranchi: Two Allegedly Killed, 10 Injured As Protests Over Remarks on Prophet Turn Violent |url=https://thewire.in/communalism/ranchi-one-suspected-to-have-died-10-injured-as-protests-over-remarks-on-prophet-turn-violent |access-date=10 June 2022 |work=The Wire |date=10 June 2022}}</ref> Two people died and more than 24 were injured. Both the dead had gunshot wounds on the head and neck.<ref name="tribune 11 June">{{cite news |title=Ranchi under heavy police cover as two die of gunshot wounds during Prophet row protest |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/two-dead-in-violence-in-jharkhands-ranchi-over-prophet-remark-402873 |access-date=11 June 2022 |work=Tribuneindia News Service |language=en}}</ref>

The family of a victim, 15-year-old Mudassir Alam, said that he was shot in the head while standing on the street near the Hindu Shree Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Three men had been firing gun shots and pelting stones at the protesters from the rooftop of the temple. Ranchi Deputy Commissioner said that the police fired after the mob turned violent and that the firing began from the mob. He did not clarify which mob he referred to and said the investigation is ongoing. ''[[CNN]]'' reviewed the video from the incident which showed the police firing indiscriminately on the unarmed protestors. A video from inside the temple showed the protestors throwing stones at the temple.<ref name="Ritchie">{{cite news |last1=Ritchie |first1=Hannah |last2=Pratap |first2=Rishabh |last3=Mogul |first3=Rhea |last4=Whiteman |first4=Hilary |title=A Muslim teenager was killed at a protest in India. His family wants answers |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/22/india/muslim-teenager-shot-islam-protest-police-intl-hnk-dst/index.html |access-date=26 June 2022 |work=CNN |date=23 June 2022}}</ref>

On 11 June, some Hindutva groups in Ranchi called for shutdown of shops in the city.<ref name="tribune 11 June" />

===Howrah===
On 10 June, in different parts of [[Howrah]] district, arson and violence in protest was reported after Friday Muslim prayers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-10 |title=Explained: Friday protests by Muslims against remarks on the Prophet, and their meaning |url=https://www.news9live.com/opinion-blogs/explained-friday-protests-by-muslims-against-remarks-on-the-prophet-and-their-meaning-175627 |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=NEWS9LIVE |language=en}}</ref> Railway tracks and highways were blocked by the protestors, causing hours of interruption of traffic. The situation later came under control, after police managed to clear the blockade. Internet services were also suspended in the district.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-10 |title=Bengal: Violence erupts during protests over Prophet remarks, Guv appeals for peace |url=https://theprint.in/india/bengal-violence-erupts-during-protests-over-prophet-remarks-guv-appeals-for-peace/992010/ |access-date=2022-06-11 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Maharashtra===
{{See also|Murder of Umesh Kolhe}}

On 13 June, Saad Ansari, a Muslim youth was assaulted by a Muslim mob in [[Bhiwandi]], [[Thane]] over a social media post allegedly supporting Nupur Sharma.<ref name="Thakur 2022">{{cite web | last=Thakur | first=Pradeep | title=Thane: Mob assaults youth for supporting Nupur Sharma, Bhiwandi police to take action - Thane News | website=The Times of India | date=2022-06-13 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/thane-mob-assaults-youth-for-supporting-nupur-sharma-bhiwandi-police-to-take-action/articleshow/92179342.cms | access-date=2022-06-13}}</ref><ref name="Free Press Journal 2022">{{cite web | title=Thane: Muslim youth thrashed for supporting Nupur Sharma on social media in Kesar Bagh area of Bhiwandi | website=Free Press Journal | date=2022-06-13 | url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/thane-muslim-youth-thrashed-for-supporting-nupur-sharma-on-social-media-in-kesar-bagh-area-of-bhiwandi | access-date=2022-06-13}}</ref><ref name="Firstpost 2022">{{cite web | title=Maharashtra Police capitulate to mob, arrest Muslim youth for supporting Nupur Sharma, questioning own religion | website=Firstpost | date=2022-06-13 | url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/maharashtra-police-capitulate-to-mob-arrest-muslim-youth-for-supporting-nupur-sharma-questioning-own-religion-10788261.html | access-date=2022-06-13}}</ref> In his Instagram, Ansari had written, "A 50-year-old man marrying a 6-9-year-old girl is clearly child abuse. People do not know how to support him. Would you give your 6-year-old daughter to a 50-year-old man (think about it.)". Ansari was later arrested by the police for his post.<ref name="Firstpost 2022"/>

On the night of 21 June 2022, Umesh Kolhe, a chemist in [[Amravati]], was murdered while returning from his shop riding a scooter. He was assaulted with a sharp weapon by three bike-borne attackers, who slit his throat in the presence of his son and daughter-in-law. Five people have been arrested in connection with the murder. According to the police, the accused had committed the murder since Kolhe shared posts on WhatsApp groups, supporting Nupur Sharma.<ref>{{cite news |title=Murdered Amravati Man Sent Nupur Sharma Post In Group With Muslims: Cops |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/murdered-amravati-chemist-shared-post-on-nupur-sharma-by-mistake-cops-3121793 |access-date=2 July 2022 |work=NDTV.com |date=2 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-03 |title=NIA to probe Amravati killing, police say 'mastermind' among 2 new arrests |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/nia-to-probe-amravati-killing-police-say-mastermind-among-2-new-arrests-8005834/ |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

=== Udaipur ===
{{Main articles|Murder of Kanhaiya Lal}}
In [[Udaipur]], Rajasthan a tailor Kanhaiya Lal posted remarks on social media in support of Nupur Sharma. Police complaint was filed against him and he was arrested. Police-mediated sessions were held between Lal and the complainants after which Lal gave a written assurance that he did not require further assistance from the police. Later he received death threats and informed the police.<ref name="Udaipur Arrest" />

On 28 June, [[Murder of Kanhaiya Lal|Lal was killed]] by two Muslim men who subsequently shared a video of them carrying out the murder.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-28 |title=Udaipur: Youth beheaded days after sharing post for Nupur Sharma, CM Gehlot vows action |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajasthan-man-beheaded-udaipur-sharing-post-for-nupur-sharma-cm-gehlot-vows-action-101656420015767.html |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> In a second video uploaded by them the two men admitted the murder and showed the [[cleaver]]s they had used.<ref name="Last Days">{{cite news |title=Udaipur Tailor Murder A Terror Attack; Mourning Wife Explains His Last Days |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/udaipur-tailor-kanhaiya-lals-murder-a-terror-attack-mourning-wife-explains-his-last-days-3110435 |access-date=29 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com |date=29 June 2022}}</ref> In the video, they also threatened to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Udaipur: Two Arrested for Brutal Murder of Tailor; Prohibitory Orders Across State |url=https://thewire.in/communalism/udaipur-tailor-killed-nupur-sharma |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=The Wire}}</ref> Both the accused tried to abscond the city on a motorbike but were arrested by the police within hours on the same day.<ref name="Udaipur Arrest">{{cite news |title=Watch: How Men In Video Of Udaipur Murder Were Caught |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/video-udaipur-tailor-kanhaiya-lal-murder-accused-overpowered-by-cops-while-fleeing-3110547 |access-date=29 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com}}</ref> Later five more men were detained.<ref name="Pak Links">{{cite news |title=Udaipur Tailor Killer Has Pak Links, Say Cops; 5 More Detained |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kanhaiya-lal-udaipur-murder-isis-udaipur-tailors-murder-being-treated-as-terror-incident-3110017 |access-date=29 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com |date=29 June 2022}}</ref>

After the incident, curfew was imposed in some parts of the city and internet services to the state were suspended for a day.<ref>{{cite news |title=Udaipur Tailor Kanhaiya Lal Killed On Camera, 2 Arrested: 10 Facts |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tension-in-udaipur-after-murder-of-tailor-chief-minister-appeals-for-peace-3108517 |access-date=28 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref name="Internet" /> Large gathering of people were banned for a month.<ref name="Internet">{{cite news |title=Tailor's Murder: Internet Suspended In Rajasthan For 24 Hours |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/udaipur-tailors-murder-internet-suspended-in-rajasthan-for-24-hours-3109278 |access-date=29 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com}}</ref> Additional police force was sent for maintenance of law and order.<ref>{{cite news |title=Don't Watch, Says Rajasthan Cop About Video Of Tailor's Murder |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/dont-watch-the-video-its-grisly-advises-top-udaipur-cop-3108741 |access-date=28 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com |date=28 June 2022|quote="There are conflicting reports on whether the tailor was beheaded."}}</ref> The [[Rajasthan government]] announced a compensation of {{INRConvert|31|l}} for the family of the deceased and government jobs for both his sons.<ref name="Udaipur Arrest" />

The assailants were identified as Mohammad Riyaz Attari and Ghouse Mohammad.<ref name="auto2">{{cite news |last1=Backhouse |first1=Andrew |title=Tailor beheaded in India, protests erupt, internet cut off |url=https://www.news.com.au/world/asia/tailor-beheaded-in-india-protests-erupt-internet-cut-off/news-story/f1187e8505724823d3f690dc8739961f |access-date=30 June 2022}}</ref> It was reported that Attari may have been planning to infiltrate the BJP through its loyalists, after photos of Attari attending BJP functions surfaced. In a 2020 post on Facebook, Attari had been described by a local [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] and [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] leader as a "dedicated worker of the BJP". On 2 July 2022, the Indian National Congress, the largest opposition party in India, alleged that Attari was a BJP member, using the social media pictures.<ref>{{cite news|title=Udaipur assailants may have plotted to infiltrate Rajasthan BJP Exclusive|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/udaipur-assailants-plotted-infiltrate-rajasthan-bjp-1969222-2022-07-01|access-date=3 July 2022 |work=India Today |date=1 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=As Photos Emerge of Udaipur Killer's Links to BJP Leaders, Party Moves to Damage Control Mode |url=https://thewire.in/security/as-photos-emerge-of-udaipur-killers-links-to-bjp-leaders-party-moves-to-damage-control-mode |access-date=2 July 2022 |work=The Wire |date=2 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Tailor's murder: Congress alleges one accused is a BJP member |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/tailors-murder-congress-alleges-one-accused-is-a-bjp-member/cid/1872818 |access-date=2 July 2022 |work=telegraphindia.com |date=2 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Udaipur killer is a BJP karyakarta, claims Congress |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/udaipur-killer-mohammad-riyaz-attari-is-a-bjp-member-claims-congress-11656750986723.html |access-date=2 July 2022 |work=Mint |date=2 July 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Kabul ===
On 18 June, militants carried out a [[terrorist attack]] at a [[Sikhism|Sikh]] [[gurdwara]] in [[Kabul]], the capital of [[Afghanistan]]. The assailants killed a [[Taliban]] security officer before they entered the gurdwara with grenades and firearms and killed a Sikh worshipper and injuring seven others.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-19 |title=ISIS says it carried out Sikh temple attack in Kabul |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/asia/2022/06/19/isis-says-it-carried-out-sikh-temple-attack-in-kabul/ |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-18 |title=Afghanistan gurdwara attack: Sikhs say 'We don't feel safe' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61852956 |access-date=2022-06-19}}</ref> The [[Islamic State – Khorasan Province|Khorasan Province]] of the [[Islamic State]] claimed responsibility via the [[Amaq News Agency]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-19 |title=IS claims attack on Sikh temple in Afghan capital of Kabul |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/is-claims-attack-on-sikh-temple-in-afghan-capital-of-kabul-1.5953659 |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=CTVNews |language=en}}</ref> asserting it had been done as "an act of revenge" for the BJP official's remarks.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Sahar Akbarzai, Saleem Mehsud and Heather Chen |title=Islamic State says attack on Sikh temple is revenge for Prophet insults |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/19/asia/islamic-state-sikh-gurdwara-temple-attack-kabul-afghanistan-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=CNN|date=19 June 2022 }}</ref>

==International reactions==
Several countries and the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]], a body of 57 countries, officially condemned remarks made by BJP leaders.<ref name=":6" /> Qatar, Kuwait and Iran summoned India's envoy to register their protest and handed them [[Diplomatic correspondence|protest notes]] while Pakistan issued a [[demarche]] to the Indian [[charge d'affaires]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Naveed |title=Saudi Arabia joins Muslim countries in condemning BJP leaders' derogatory remarks on Prophet |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1693280/saudi-arabia-joins-muslim-countries-in-condemning-bjp-leaders-derogatory-remarks-on-prophet |work=DAWN |date=5 June 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Reactions to Blasphemy by BJP spokesperson |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6479108}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{citation |title=Qatar, Kuwait, Iran Summon Indian Envoys Over BJP Leaders' Remarks on Prophet Mohammed |newspaper=The Wire |date=6 June 2022 |url=https://thewire.in/diplomacy/qatar-summons-indian-envoy-seeks-govts-public-apology-over-bjp-leaders-remarks-on-prophet}}</ref> There have been calls for boycott of Indian products in many countries of the [[Middle East]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Calls Grow to Boycott Indian Goods as Islam Insult Riles Mideast |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-08/calls-grow-to-boycott-indian-goods-as-islam-insult-riles-mideast#xj4y7vzkg |work=Bloomberg.com |date=8 June 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=India's Religious Tensions Prompt Calls for Boycotts |url=https://www.voanews.com/amp/india-s-religious-tensions-prompt-calls-for-boycotts/6617245.html |work=VOA News |date=15 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-07 |title=Watch: Kuwait store removes Indian products after 'Islamophobic' Prophet remark |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kuwait-superstore-removes-indian-products-after-prophet-remark-7956139/ |access-date=2022-06-10 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Diplomatic storm over comments against the Prophet by India's ruling party officials|url=https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/621434|publisher=[[Saudi Gazette]]}}</ref><ref name=cbcnews>{{cite news|title=India facing accusations of blasphemy after top officials make insulting remarks about Islam, Prophet Muhammad|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/indian-prophet-muhammad-muslim-1.6479108}}</ref>


===Qatar===
The [[Prime Minister of Qatar]] discussed the issue in the Qatari Cabinet's regular meeting. In a statement outlining the meeting, Qatar stated that the Cabinet underscored Qatar's condemnation and denunciation of the remarks made by an official in India's ruling party against Muhammad, which "constitute a grave insult to Islam, a violation of its sanctities, and a provocation to the feelings of Muslims all over the world, and completely contradict the values of tolerance, coexistence and civilized behavior".<ref name="Qatari Cabinet" />

The Cabinet called the remarks irresponsible and expressed a categorical rejection. The cabinet called on everyone "to focus on bringing people together, strengthening the bonds of friendship and co-operation between countries, and respecting all religions, and to stay away from everything that would incite hatred, inflame feelings of hostility and sow discord among the peoples".<ref name="Qatari Cabinet">{{cite news |title=Cabinet underscores Qatar's condemnation of remarks against Prophet |url=https://ipad.gulf-times.com/story/718804/ |access-date=11 June 2022 |work=Gulf-Times |date=8 June 2022 |language=ar }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The [[Government of Qatar]] summoned the Indian [[ambassador]] and asked for immediate condemnation and an apology for the remarks. The ambassador is reported to have replied that these were the views of "fringe elements" in India and in no way reflect the views of the Government of India.<ref>{{citation |title="Fringe Elements": India Dismisses BJP Leaders' Remarks On Prophet |date=6 June 2022 |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/qatar-nupur-sharma-views-of-fringe-elements-says-india-on-bjp-leaders-remarks-on-prophet-3040851 |newspaper=[[NDTV]]}}</ref>

The Qatari [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Qatar)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] issued a statement, noting: "These insulting remarks would lead to incitement of religious hatred, and offend more than two billion Muslims around the world." The statement was published during Indian Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu's visit to Doha to meet [[Qatari Prime Minister]].<ref name="Fury CBS">{{cite news |title=India faces fury over officials' "Islamophobic" remarks on Prophet Muhammad |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/india-islam-anger-muslims-narendra-modi-bjp-prophet-muhammad/ |access-date=11 June 2022 |work=cbsnews.com |date=6 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="NDTV 6 June 5 point">{{cite news |title=Gulf Nations Outraged By BJP Leaders' Prophet Remarks: 5-Point Explainer |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arab-world-outraged-by-bjp-leaders-prophet-remarks-5-point-explainer-3040812 |access-date=11 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com |date=6 June 2022}}</ref>

India's Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal said the comments "do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the [[Government of India]]. These are the views of fringe elements." Mittal was summoned by [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Qatar)|Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs]], which said it was "expecting a public apology and immediate condemnation of these remarks from the government of India".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gulf-countries-protest-statement-by-bjp-leaders-demand-public-apology-from-government/article65497958.ece | title=Hate remarks against the Prophet | West Asian nations demand public apology from Indian government | newspaper=The Hindu | date=5 June 2022 | last1=Haidar | first1=Suhasini | last2=Bhattacherjee | first2=Kallol }}</ref>

"Allowing such Islamophobic remarks to continue without punishment, constitutes a grave danger to the protection of human rights and may lead to further prejudice and marginalization, which will create a cycle of violence and hate," [[Qatar]] said.<ref name=":0" />

Qatar has also asked for public apology from Indian government, after which Indian social media users started making calls to "boycott [[Qatar Airways]]" while trending #BoycottQatarAirways and #BycottQatarAirways on Twitter. The latter backfired because of the spelling mistake.<ref name="Vashudev">{{cite news |title='Vashudev' Is the Tragic Poster Boy of the Last 8 Years of Modi's Rule |url=https://thewire.in/rights/vashudev-is-the-tragic-poster-boy-of-the-last-8-years-of-modis-rule |access-date=12 June 2022 |work=The Wire |date=8 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Boycott Qatar Airways trends on Twitter due to this reason |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/boycott-qatar-airways-trends-on-twitter-due-to-this-reason-2 |access-date=2022-06-11 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=8 June 2022|title=#BoycottQatarAirways trends on Twitter; a spelling mistake, spoof video make it hilarious|work=DNA INDIA |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/viral/report-hashtag-boycottqatarairways-trends-on-twitter-a-spelling-mistake-spoof-video-make-it-hilarious-2958723}}</ref>

===Other Arab states===
On 6 June, Saudi Arabia condemned the controversial remarks and called for “respect for beliefs and religions.” In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected "prejudice against the symbols of the Islamic religion” and against “all religious figures and symbols.”<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |date=2022-06-06 |title=Saudi Arabia condemns controversial remarks of BJP leader against Prophet |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/saudi-arabia-condemns-controversial-remarks-of-bjp-leader-against-prophet-122060600132_1.html |access-date=2022-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Indonesia, Saudi, UAE and Afghanistan condemn controversial remarks of BJP leader against Prophet |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/saudi-arabia-condemns-controversial-remarks-of-bjp-leader-against-prophet/articleshow/92028345.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2022-06-11}}</ref> The ministry supported the BJP's suspension of the spokeswoman.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prophet Mohammed comment row: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Afghanistan condemn controversial remarks of BJP leader |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/prophet-mohammed-comment-row-saudi-arabia-bahrain-and-afghanistan-condemn-controversial-remarks-of-bjp-leader |access-date=2022-06-11 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-06 |title=Saudi Council of Senior Scholars slams Indian ruling party leader's remarks against Prophet |url=http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/621454/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Council-of-Senior-Scholars-slams-Indian-ruling-party-leaders-remarks-against-Prophet |access-date=2022-06-11 |website=Saudigazette |language=English}}</ref>

The [[UAE]]'s foreign ministry condemned what it called "the blasphemous remarks made by India's ruling BJP's spokesperson that insulted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/uae-condemns-blasphemous-remarks-against-prophet-muhammad-in-india-1.88407533|title=UAE condemns blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad in India|website=gulfnews.com|date=6 June 2022 }}</ref> UAE's decision to join other Muslim-majority countries in condemning the remarks was called "quite significant" by [[BBC News]], given the strength of [[India–United Arab Emirates relations|India's alliance with the UAE]].<ref name=bbc1>{{cite news|title=Nupur Sharma: India's diplomatic woes over Prophet Muhammad row deepen|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61701908|publisher=[[BBC News]]|author=Vikas Pandey}}</ref>

[[Kuwait]] demanded a "public apology for these hostile statements, the continuation of which would constitute a deterrent measure or [[punishment]] to increase [[extremism]] and hatred and undermine the elements of moderation".<ref name=":0" /> A Kuwaiti supermarket removed Indian made products in protest.<ref>{{cite news |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |title=Indian products pulled by Kuwait supermarket in row over Prophet remarks |publisher=[[South China Morning Post]] |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3180641/indian-products-pulled-kuwait-supermarket-row-over-prophet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220606-kuwait-supermarket-pulls-indian-products-as-row-grows-over-prophet-remarks|title=Kuwait supermarket pulls Indian products as row grows over Prophet remarks|date=6 June 2022|website=France 24}}</ref> The Indian embassy in [[Kuwait]] released a statement indicating that the Ambassador had met with the foreign office to share concerns "with regard to some offensive tweets by individuals in India".<ref>{{cite news|author=Mohammed Baleegh|title=Govt penalised culprits for offensive tweets against minorities: Indian embassy in Kuwait|url=https://www.siasat.com/govt-penalised-culprits-for-offensive-tweets-against-minorities-indian-embassy-in-kuwait-2342971/|date=2022-06-06|publisher=[[The Siasat Daily]]}}</ref>

Oman's foreign ministry officials meanwhile met the Indian ambassadors and lodged official protest against India, saying such statements do not serve "peaceful coexistence".<ref>{{cite news |title=Now, Oman raises issue of ex-BJP leaders' remarks on Prophet Mohammed, meets envoy |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/now-oman-raises-issue-of-ex-bjp-leaders-remarks-on-prophet-mohammed-meets-envoy-101654524770240.html |access-date=9 June 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=6 June 2022 |language=en}}</ref> [[Ahmed bin Hamad al-Khalili]], the [[grand mufti]] of Oman stated that the "obscene" comments of the spokesperson amounted to a "war against every Muslim".<ref>{{cite news |title=More Muslim countries take exception to BJP leaders' derogatory remarks about Holy Prophet |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1693454/more-muslim-countries-take-exception-to-bjp-leaders-derogatory-remarks-about-holy-prophet |work=DAWN |date=6 June 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

Jordan's foreign ministry condemned the remarks of Nupur Sharma by saying "Violations against Islamic and other religious figures, considering it as an act that feeds extremism and hatred". While supporting the decision of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] to suspend Nupur Sharma by saying "step in the right direction".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=The Full List of 20 Countries and Bodies That Have Condemned the BJP Leaders' Remarks |url=https://thewire.in/communalism/the-full-list-of-18-countries-and-bodies-that-have-condemned-the-bjp-leaders-remarks |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=The Wire}}</ref>

The Parliamentary Committee on Awqaf and Tribals of Iraq strongly condemned controversial remarks by BJP leaders and summoned the Indian ambassador. The committee said "These abuses, malicious and disgraceful acts will have serious repercussions and, if not contained, may lead to dire consequences that will have unimaginable consequences for the peaceful coexistence, as well as increase strife and tensions between peoples."<ref name=":6" />

Libya's foreign ministry expressed concern over the "insulting statements" by the spokesperson of the ruling party of India.<ref name=":6" />

===Other countries===

President [[Arif Alvi]] of [[Pakistan]] said "such comments were the reflection of a growing trend of [[Islamophobia]] in India, which is home to millions of Muslims."<ref>{{cite news|title=Pakistan slams BJP for remarks against Holy Prophet|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1693382|publisher=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> Pakistan also issued a démarche to the Indian Charge d' Affaires in Islamabad.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-06 |title=Pakistan issues demarche to India over blasphemous remarks |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2360263/pakistan-issues-demarche-to-india-over-blasphemous-remarks-by-bjp-officials |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the chargé d'affaires was told that "these remarks are totally unacceptable and have not only deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan but Muslims across the world".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan sends demarche to Indian diplomat over blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/420921-pakistan-issues-strong-demarche-to-indian-charge-d-affairs-over-blasphemy-against-prophet-pbuh |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en}}</ref>

[[Chinese Foreign Ministry]] spokesperson [[Wang Wenbin]] said: "We hope the relevant incident can be properly managed. China believes that different civilisations and different religions should respect each other and co-exist on an equal footing."<ref>{{Cite web |last=牛弹琴 |date=2022-06-18 |title=印度最近惹上了两个大麻烦 |trans-title=India has been in two big troubles lately |url=https://news.ifeng.com/c/8Gw6zhdBYsv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618081744/https://news.ifeng.com/c/8Gw6zhdBYsv |archive-date=2022-06-18 |website=[[Phoenix Television]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-13 |title=China wades into Nupur Sharma row, hopes incident 'can be properly managed' |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/china-hope-nupur-sharma-row-incident-properly-managed/article65523374.ece |access-date=2022-06-21 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

[[United States Department of State|US State Department]] spokesman [[Ned Price]] said "We condemn the offensive comments made by now-suspended BJP officials and we were glad to see that the party publicly condemns those comments" He also said "We regularly engage with the Indian government at senior levels on human rights concerns including freedom of religion or belief and we encourage India to promote respect for human rights."<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2022|title=US condemns controversial remarks of suspended BJP leaders on Prophet |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/us-condemns-controversial-remarks-bjp-leaders-prophet-1963372-2022-06-17 |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-17 |title=Prophet remark row: US condemns statements by ex-BJP spokespersons |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/prophet-remark-row-united-states-comments-7974433/ |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

The interim [[Taliban]] [[Government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|government]] in Afghanistan strongly condemned the remarks by the BJP officials.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |date=2022-06-06 |title=Saudi, Bahrain and Afghanistan condemn controversial remarks of BJP leader |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/saudi-bahrain-and-afghanistan-condemn-controversial-remarks-of-bjp-leader-122060601082_1.html |access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref> The government's spokesperson, [[Zabiullah Mujahid|Zabihullah Mujahid]], wrote on his [[Twitter]] handle, "The [[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan]] strongly condemns the use of derogatory words against the Prophet of Islam (Peace be upon him) by an official of the ruling party in [[India]]."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kakar |first=Javed Hamim |date=2022-06-06 |title=Kabul condemns blasphemous remarks of BJP official |language=en-GB |url=https://pajhwok.com/2022/06/06/kabul-condemns-blasphemous-remarks-of-bjp-official/ |access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref> He also said, "We urge the [[Government of India|Indian government]] not to allow such fanatics to insult the holy religion of Islam and provoke the feelings of [[Muslims]]."<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2022-06-06 |title=Saudi, Bahrain and Afghanistan condemn controversial remarks of BJP leader |work=Business Standard India |agency=Press Trust of India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/saudi-bahrain-and-afghanistan-condemn-controversial-remarks-of-bjp-leader-122060601082_1.html |access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref>

The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Indonesia)|Indonesian Foreign Ministry]] condemned what it called "unacceptable derogatory remarks" regarding Muhammad.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uae-condemns-bjp-nupur-sharma-prophet-remarks-1959124-2022-06-06|title=More nations condemn Prophet remarks even as Centre troubleshoots|date=June 6, 2022 |website=India Today}}</ref><ref name=bbc1/>

A member of the [[Maldives]]' [[People's Majlis|parliament]], [[Adam Shareef]] filed for a motion that called on the country's president to condemn the remarks about Muhammad. The motion was defeated with 10 votes in favour and 33 votes against.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/diplomacy/maldives-parliament-rejects-motion-that-sought-condemnation-of-bjp-leaders-remarks-on-prophet/985562/|title=Maldives parliament rejects motion that sought condemnation of BJP leaders' remarks on Prophet|date=6 June 2022}}</ref> Later, the Maldives' government expressed "concern" over the remarks, but also welcomed BJP's action taken against the officials.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/uae-jordan-join-list-of-nations-condemning-ex-bjp-leaders-comments-on-prophet-101654527736890.html|title=UAE, Jordan, Maldives join list of nations condemning comments on Prophet|date=6 June 2022|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

The Malaysian foreign ministry condemned the remarks by the BJP spokesperson and summoned the Indian high commissioner. Welcomed the decision of the BJP to suspend the officials.<ref name=":6" />

===Organisation of Islamic Cooperation===
The General Secretariat of the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]], a body of 57 countries had condemned the "abuse of the Prophet Muhammad" by the officials of India's ruling party. In an official statement it expressed "strong condemnation and denunciation of the recent insults issued by an official in the ruling party". "These abuses come in the context of the escalation of hatred and abuse of Islam in India and in the context of the systematic practices against Muslims and restrictions on them, especially in light of a series of decisions banning headscarves in educational institutions in a number of Indian states and demolitions of Muslim property, in addition to the increase in [[Violence against Muslims in India|violence against them]]."<ref name="EAM 6 June">{{cite news |title=Remarks on Prophet Mohammad: As criticism grows, India rejects OIC's comments as 'narrow-minded' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-reponds-oic-comments-remarks-against-prophet-bjp-nupur-sharma-7955091/ |access-date=11 June 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=6 June 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

==Indian government response==
The Indian government responded to international controversy, by stating that the controversial remarks did not reflect government position, but rather came from "fringe elements".<ref name=":5">{{cite news |date=2022-06-06 |title=More Muslim countries take exception to BJP leaders' derogatory remarks about Holy Prophet |publisher=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1693454/more-muslim-countries-take-exception-to-bjp-leaders-derogatory-remarks-about-holy-prophet}}</ref> The BJP removed both Sharma and Jindal, and said "strong action has already been taken against those who made the derogatory remarks".<ref name="Guardian">{{citation |author=Hannah Ellis-Petersen |title=Prophet Muhammad remarks embroil India in row with Gulf states |newspaper=The Guardian |date=6 June 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/06/prophet-muhammad-remarks-embroil-india-in-row-with-gulf-states |access-date=7 June 2022 |archive-date=7 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607161100/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/06/prophet-muhammad-remarks-embroil-india-in-row-with-gulf-states |url-status=live }}</ref> Instructions were issued to several BJP members to be "extremely cautious" when talking about religion on public platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=[[Reuters]] |date=2022-06-08 |title=Indian police arrest youth leader from Modi's party for anti-Muslim comments |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1693765/indian-police-arrest-youth-leader-from-modis-party-for-anti-muslim-comments |website=[[Dawn.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

On June 6, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called out the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)]]’s “motivated, misleading, and mischievous” comments on India. [[Arindam Bagchi]], the [[Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs]], said India "categorically rejects OIC Secretariat's unwarranted and narrow-minded comments. The government of India accords the highest respect to all religions. The offensive tweets and comments denigrating a religious personality were made by certain individuals. They do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. Strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant bodies.”<ref>{{Cite web |title="Narrow-Minded": India's Reply To Islamic Nations' Group Amid Gulf Fury |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/islamic-nations-groups-remarks-on-prophet-controversy-unwarranted-and-narrow-minded-says-centre-amid-gulf-backlash-3041625 |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=[[NDTV]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=India rejects OIC's 'unwarranted & narrow-minded' comments: MEA |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-rejects-oics-unwarranted-narrow-minded-comments-mea/articleshow/92031183.cms |access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-06 |title=India rejects OIC's comments over controversial remarks against Prophet |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-rejects-oics-comments-over-controversial-remarks-against-prophet/article65499818.ece |access-date=2022-06-07 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 6, 2022 |title='Narrow-minded': India's response to Islamic nations' group after row over BJP leader's Prophet remarks |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/narrow-minded-india-response-islamic-nations-group-oic-nupur-sharma-prophet-remarks-1958887-2022-06-06 |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Bagchi also responded to Pakistan's criticism by saying the world "has been witness to the systemic persecution of minorities including [[Persecution of Hindus in Pakistan|Hindus]], [[Sikhism in Pakistan|Sikhs]], [[Persecution of Christians in Pakistan|Christians]] and [[Ahmadiyya in Pakistan|Ahmadiyyas]] by Pakistan”, calling on the country to "focus on the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities instead of engaging in alarmist propaganda and attempting to foment communal disharmony in India”.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Krishn |last=Kaushik |date=2022-06-07 |title=Row over remarks on the Prophet: UAE and Maldives join Islamic world criticism; India hits back at OIC, Pakistan |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gulf-nations-uae-condems-remarks-prophet-bjp-nupur-sharma-7956014/ |access-date=2022-06-10 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="EAM 6 June" />

==BJP response==
The incident caused a diplomatic row, with protests from several Muslim countries, on 5 June. The BJP responded, by releasing a statement that it respects all religions. The controversy continued to intensify.<ref name="NDTV Ranchi 10 Jan" /> On June 5, Nupur Sharma published an apology on Twitter, but was suspended from the BJP, while Naveen Kumar Jindal was expelled from the party.<ref>{{citation |title=India's ruling party suspends official over comments about Islam |newspaper=CNN |date=6 June 2022 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/06/asia/india-bjp-suspension-islam-comments-intl-hnk/index.html}}</ref><ref name="NDTV Ranchi 10 Jan">{{cite news |title=On Camera, Cops Fire In Air In Ranchi Amid Protests Over Prophet Comments |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cops-injured-amid-protests-over-prophet-remarks-in-ranchi-3055688 |access-date=10 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com |date=10 June 2022}}</ref> Some supporters of BJP reacted to these actions with anger, calling them "cowardly".<ref name="Guardian" />

On 7 June, Police security was provided to Sharma and her family, after she complained about receiving death threats and harassment.<ref name="Police security">{{cite news |title=Suspended BJP Spokesperson Nupur Sharma Provided Security by Delhi Police |url=https://thewire.in/government/suspended-bjp-spokesperson-nupur-sharma-provided-security-by-delhi-police |access-date=7 June 2022 |work=The Wire |date=7 June 2022}}</ref> On 17 June, a police team of Mumbai Police that had come to Delhi to question Sharma, was unable to find her despite camping for 5 days.<ref name="17 June 2022">{{cite news |title=BJP's Nupur Sharma Not Found, Mumbai Cops Hunt For Her In Delhi: Sources |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/prophet-muhammad-row-bjps-nupur-sharma-untraceable-mumbai-cops-looking-for-her-in-delhi-3075582 |access-date=17 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com}}</ref>

Delhi BJP Media cell chief Navin Jindal was expelled from the party for his tweets. In the letter announcing the expulsion of Jindal, the Delhi State BJP chief said Jindal's "remarks vitiated communal harmony".<ref>{{cite news |title="My Family Is In Danger": A Plea By BJP Leader Expelled For Prophet Remark |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/my-family-is-in-danger-expelled-bjp-leader-naveen-kumar-jindals-plea-to-social-media-users-3059712 |access-date=12 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com |date=12 June 2022}}</ref>

On 11 June, the BJP president JP Nadda met diplomats from Middle East nations, at the BJP headquarters, in Delhi.<ref>{{cite news |title=Foreign Envoys Set To Interact With BJP Chief JP Nadda Tomorrow |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/foreign-envoys-set-to-interact-with-bjp-chief-jp-nadda-tomorrow-3056150 |access-date=11 June 2022 |work=NDTV.com |date=11 June 2022}}</ref>

All the BJP spokespersons were asked by the party to not make comments in public, on the controversy over Nupur's comments.<ref name="Fallout">{{cite news |title=Nupur Sharma fallout: BJP spokespersons, leaders in states asked to steer clear of rows |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/nupur-sharma-fallout-bjp-spokespersons-states-contriversies-7967406/ |access-date=13 June 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=13 June 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|India|Islam}}
* [[Charlie Hebdo issue No. 1011]]
* [[Murder of Samuel Paty]]
* [[Kamlesh Tiwari]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Muhammad remarks controversy, 2022}}
[[Category:2022 controversies]]
[[Category:2022 in Indian politics]]
[[Category:2022 in Islam]]
[[Category:2022 riots]]
[[Category:May 2022 events in India]]
[[Category:June 2022 events in India]]
[[Category:Islam in India]]
[[Category:Islam-related controversies in Asia]]
[[Category:Riots and civil disorder in India]]
[[Category:Religious controversies in India]]
[[Category:Foreign relations of India]]
[[Category:Twitter controversies]]
[[Category:Blasphemy]]
[[Category:Hate speech]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party]]
[[Category:Muhammad]]

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2022 Muhammad remarks controversy