FIR Against Child Over “I Love Muhammad ﷺ” Poster Sparks Nationwide Campaign in India

Kanpur, India: A simple poster declaring “I Love Muhammad ﷺ,” displayed by a young child in Kanpur, has triggered widespread anger across India after local police registered an FIR (First Information Report) against the child.

The poster, meant to express love and respect for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, provoked a strong reaction from the Muslim community and beyond. The police action quickly escalated into protests in multiple cities, including Kanpur and Lucknow. Outside the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in Lucknow, dozens of Muslim women staged a peaceful demonstration but were detained by police, further intensifying tensions.

The move has raised serious concerns over religious freedom in India, fueling a nationwide movement where supporters now carry similar posters and banners with the slogan “I Love Muhammad ﷺ.” On social media, the campaign has gained momentum under the hashtag #ILoveMuhammad ﷺ, which has gone viral.

एक सच्चा मुसलमान गुनहगार तो हो सकता है लेकिन अपने नबी ﷺ की इज़्ज़त-ओ-नामूस का गद्दार नहीं हो सकता!

लब्बैक या रसूलअल्लाह ﷺ ❤#ILoveMuhammadﷺ pic.twitter.com/gOfXQHaDfD

— 🦋Alizeh_Azhari🦋 (@Alizeh__001) September 21, 2025

Solidarity has also come from outside the Muslim community. In one viral video, a Hindu girl told a private TV channel that if showing love for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is a crime, she too should be punished, as she stood holding a similar poster.

भाईचारा ❤️#ILoveMuhammad#ILoveMuhammadﷺ pic.twitter.com/pH6seFOOxR

— Azam Khan ( 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘆 ) (@Azam_khan022) September 21, 2025

Critics have condemned the FIR as an attack on freedom of expression and demanded its immediate withdrawal, along with accountability for what they call an unjustified crackdown by police.

The controversy has reignited debate over rising religious intolerance and government policies affecting minority communities in India. Observers warn that the impact of this incident may resonate across the country for years to come.

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