Mohammed Elhami, an Egyptian citizen residing in Istanbul, Turkey, is a distinguished history professor with extensive research and publications on Islamic history and civilization. He has authored numerous books on the subject and has received prestigious accolades, including the Saudi Arabia Prince Nayef Award, the Bahrain Kanu Award, and the Egypt Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Award. Elhami has also participated in over 300 interviews broadcast on international TV channels such as Al Jazeera, TRT (Arabic), and Al Sharq, making him a prominent figure in the Arab world.
However, is he the front-runner in the scholarly community or an extremist propaganda effort? let’s unroll.
SupportProphetM and Mohammed Elhami:
In addition to his academic and media work, Mohammed Elhami is a member of the General Secretariat of SupportProphetM, a global organization dedicated to upholding the respect and reverence for the Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad (S).
Source: supportprophetm.com
In reaction to what it saw as an affront to Prophet Mohammed, the group started an anti-India campaign and used social media to rally support. The campaign included requests for the removal of Indian ambassadors from Muslim and Arab countries, as well as calls to boycott Indian products in Arab and Middle Eastern states. As a result, there was a decline in India’s relations with these nations, and demonstrations broke out all across the world.
The campaign, driven by SupportProphetM, used hashtags such as #ترک_السفیر_الهندی (Boycott the Indian Ambassador), #مکاتعا_المنتجات_الهندية (Boycott Indian products), #ترکوالهندوسمن_الکلی (Get out, Hindus), #لا_رسول_الله_يا_مودي (Either the Prophet or Modi), and #घढब्ठाالمليارسول_الله (Anger of Crores Towards the Prophet). These anti-India hashtags were also covered in a DFRAC report which you can read here.
Mohammed Elhami and Ansar Al-Nabi Magazine:
SupportProphetM founded the Ansar Al Nabi magazine, with Mohammed Elhami as chief editor. SupportProphetM’s principal purpose in launching this magazine is to focus on the Prophet’s (PBUH) guidance, Sunnah, and biography, both within and outside of their organization. However, the publication is also carrying out an anti-India campaign while portraying it as a tribute to the Prophet (PBUH).
Mohammed Elhami and the Muslim Brotherhood:
Mohammed Elhami is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, which was founded in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna. Known as Ikhwan al-Muslimeen, the Muslim Brotherhood adheres to the political Islam teachings of Sayyid Qutb and Abul Ala Maududi, as well as the Salafi doctrine of Ibn Taymiyya and Ibn Abdul Wahhab. While prohibited in Egypt, Bahrain, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates, the organization does not publicly promote violence. However, its worldview is viewed as laying the groundwork for future violence and attempting to create worldwide authority (Global Caliphate).
The Muslim Brotherhood has various international branches and is seen as the ideological precursor to modern terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Elhami, in line with his ideology, promotes radical Islam and can be frequently seen on the Muslim Brotherhood’s official TV channel, where he incites violence in the name of Jihad.
Mohammed Elhami and Al Qaeda:
Elhami is also an advocate for the terrorist organization Al Qaeda, viewing it as an Islamic movement. He supports the connection between the Muslim Brotherhood and Al Qaeda and has encouraged young people to join Al Qaeda.
Mohammed Elhami’s Anti-India Campaign:
Elhami has initiated an anti-India campaign consistent with his ideological viewpoint. He has promoted the campaign through lectures, publications, and social media posts. He also opposes India’s engagement with Islamic countries. Elhami has used several anti-India hashtags on social media to promote his campaign. Following Nupur Sharma’s inflammatory words against the Prophet, Elhami criticized Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit to India. He referred to India’s contacts with Egypt and other Muslim countries as connections with “Satan.”
He used hashtags such as #السيسي_عدو_الله (El-Sisi is the enemy of Allah), #الهند_تقتل_المسلمين (#India_kills_Muslims), #قرآن_كريم (#Holy_Quran), #ناصروا_مسلمي_الهند (#Support_Indian_Muslims), and #ArrestNupurSharmaBJP to trend on social media.
#السيسي_عدو_الله (El-Sisi, the enemy of Allah)
This hashtag by Elhami is specifically targeted against the Egyptian government under El-Sisi, which he considers to be anti-Islamic. He frequently uses this hashtag to criticize El-Sisi, but he has also used it against India.
Opposition to El-Sisi’s Visit to India:
In 2023, El-Sisi visited India for a three-day trip, where he was invited as the chief guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations. Elhami opposed El-Sisi’s visit to India and also targeted India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by accusing them of insulting the Prophet.
Al Jazeera and Mohammed Elhami:
Elhami is a frequent blogger for Al Jazeera. His articles are routinely published on the site and favor the Muslim Brotherhood. In addition, he promotes Salafi and Takfiri ideology.
Conclusion
Respect for the Prophet is an emotive topic for Muslims worldwide. No Muslim will tolerate any disrespect or contempt towards the Prophet. Individuals like Mohammed Elhami use this attitude by using the Prophet’s honour as a cloak to propagate the Muslim Brotherhood doctrine to Muslims around the world. This philosophy promotes violence, and India is no longer immune to it. Insults and disrespect for the Prophet are hurting the hearts of Indian Muslims, which directly helps persons like Elhami who are taking advantage of the situation
