Delhi Debate on the Existence of God: Mufti Shamail Ahmed Nadwi’s Strong Arguments Leave Javed Akhtar Answerless (Video)
New Delhi | December 20, 2025 | DeccanLive.com
A major public debate on the existence of God was held in Delhi on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The discussion brought together well-known writer and poet Javed Akhtar and young Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Ahmed Nadwi. The debate lasted nearly two hours and focused on logic, reason, and belief, attracting strong interest from both the audience present and viewers online.
Why the Debate Was Held
The debate was organised at a time when questions about faith, atheism, and belief in God are increasingly discussed, especially among young people. The aim was to encourage calm and reasoned discussion, instead of emotional arguments, on a sensitive and important topic.
Mufti Shamail Ahmed Nadwi’s View
During the debate, Mufti Shamail Ahmed Nadwi presented the Islamic perspective on the existence of God using clear and thoughtful arguments. He spoke about the order of the universe, creation, human nature, morality, and consciousness to explain his position.
Many in attendance said that Mufti Nadwi appeared well-prepared and responded directly to the questions raised. His answers to doubts commonly seen among young people were delivered in a composed and logical manner, which several audience members found convincing.
Javed Akhtar’s Arguments
Javed Akhtar presented arguments commonly associated with atheistic thinking and questioned traditional beliefs about God. At several points, he shifted the discussion toward social issues, including global injustice and the situation in Gaza.
Observers noted that his approach relied more on emotional and social concerns, while fewer fresh logical arguments were offered directly on the question of God’s existence. At some moments, after detailed responses from Mufti Nadwi, Akhtar appeared to have limited follow-up points.
Moderation and Organisation
The debate was moderated by Saurabh Dwivedi, Editor of Lallantop. Many participants appreciated his balanced and neutral moderation, saying it helped keep the discussion fair and focused.
Reaction of Scholars and Intellectuals
After the debate, Mufti Shamail Ahmad Nadwi received congratulations from different academic and religious circles.
From across the border, Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Ghuman also shared words of thanks and praise. In his message, he wrote:
“Today, on 20 December 2025, a debate on the existence of Allah took place in Delhi. I watched part of it, and by the grace of Allah, I felt happiness and deep peace in my heart. You discussed a very important topic with Javed Akhtar, who represents atheistic thought, in an academic discussion that lasted nearly two hours. With great dignity, calmness, and strong arguments, you clearly presented the position of Islam and the Muslims, and you gave a well-reasoned intellectual and rational response to the doubts and questions spread by atheists.
Praise be to Allah! This discussion not only strengthened and comforted the hearts of believers, but also established a strong academic front against the challenges of atheism in the modern age. The way doubts created in the minds of the younger generation were addressed—with wisdom, insight, and sound reasoning—is truly admirable and worthy of appreciation.
On this occasion, I congratulate my dear Maulana Yasir Nadeem Wajdi, my dear Mufti Shamail Ahmad Nadwi, and their entire team. I pray to Allah Almighty to accept these noble efforts.
I also pray that Allah continues to take great work for the protection, spread, and defense of His religion from talented and upright young scholars like Mufti Shamail Ahmad Nadwi and Mufti Yasir Nadeem. May He bless them with sincerity, steadfastness, and wide acceptance, and keep them connected with the senior scholars and elders of Deoband.”
Renowned journalist and editor Shams Tabrez Qasmi (Millat Times) described this debate as an effective intellectual front against atheism in the modern era.
The scholars prayed that Allah Almighty continues to use Mufti Shamail Nadwi and other young scholars like him to protect the intellectual boundaries of Islam, and grants them sincerity, perseverance, and broad acceptance.
Audience Reaction
The audience response was mixed but highly engaged. Some non-believers and non-Muslim attendees who initially supported Javed Akhtar were seen listening closely to Mufti Nadwi’s explanations. On multiple occasions, the audience expressed their reactions through applause.
Overall Outcome
Overall, the debate was seen as a serious and thoughtful exchange of ideas. According to many attendees and viewers, Mufti Shamail Ahmed Nadwi presented his arguments in a clearer and more structured way, while the opposing side focused more on broader social concerns.
The event is being viewed as meaningful not only for people of faith, but also for young minds seeking clear answers to difficult questions in today’s world.
