Abdul Batin Nomani (born 5 March 1973) is an Indian Sunni Islamic scholar, mufti, and the current Shahi Imam of the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He also serves as the Mufti of Varanasi and the secretary of the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee, which manages the Gyanvapi Mosque complex.
Abdul Batin Nomani was born in Azad Park, Pili Kothi area of Varanasi on 5 March 1973. He comes from a family with a long-standing tradition of religious scholarship. He began his Quranic education at home and later studied at Madrasa Mazharul Uloom, from where he graduated in 1993. He received advanced training in Hadith under scholars including Zainul Abideen Maaroofi and also passed the "Fazil" examination from the Madrasa Board.[1]
Career
Following his graduation, Nomani began teaching at Jamia Mazharul Uloom in Varanasi, where he continues to serve.[1]
In 2002, he assumed the position of Shahi Imam of the Gyanvapi Mosque, a role previously held by his grandfather, father, and another member of his family.[1] He also serves as the Mufti of Varanasi and the secretary of the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee, which manages the Gyanvapi Mosque complex.[2]
He heads the Darul Ifta and serves on the local Shariah arbitration board (Darul Qaza) in Varanasi. He is affiliated with various religious and community organizations, including the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (Banaras chapter).[1]
Gyanvapi Mosque Involvement
Mufti Nomani has been actively involved in the legal and religious issues surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque. He has publicly stated that the mosque has been used for Muslim worship for centuries and is registered as a Sunni Waqf property since 1937.[3]
In June 2022, he expressed concerns about increasing legal and societal pressure on mosques in India, citing the Gyanvapi case and other similar disputes.[4]
In August 2024, Nomani led public protests against the installation of a temporary gate near Gate No. 4 of the Gyanvapi complex, alleging that it would hinder Muslim access to the mosque during Friday prayers.[5]
Public appeals and activism
In 2021, Nomani appealed to all mosque committees and imams across Uttar Pradesh to ensure that proper legal documentation of mosques was maintained, following the demolition of a mosque in Barabanki despite a court stay order.[6]
Publications
Nomani is also active in Islamic research and has authored a historical account titled Jama Masjid Gyanvapi: Tareekh ke Aaine Mein (Gyanvapi Mosque in the Mirror of History). He has also contributed to the religious and cultural historiography of Varanasi by editing and annotating earlier works such as Asar-e-Banaras and Tazkira Mashaikh-e-Banaras. In addition, he has written instructional texts like Hajj ka Muallim.[1][7]
Recognition
Nomani has been recognized by several civil society groups for his contributions to interfaith dialogue and social issues. He was honored by the Institute of Planning and Management in 2006 following his efforts for peace during a communal crisis in Varanasi.[1]
↑ Obaidullah, Zakaullah (22 July 2022). "Masjid-e-Gyanvapi". The Freelancer (in Urdu). Archived from the original on 10 February 2025. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
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