Just days ahead of Eid, a video by Hyderabad-based preacher Syed Ayub has triggered controversy after he allegedly urged Muslims to offer Namaz on roads. Ayub, who identifies himself as the organiser of Hyderabad Youth Courage (HYC) and has nearly two million Instagram followers, shared the video on March 15.
In the clip, he is heard calling on Muslims to pray on roads not only in Sambhal but across the country. He states, “Not just in Sambhal, but across the entire country, Namaz will be offered on the roads, Inshallah. If Eid gatherings are large, Muslims will come out and offer Namaz on the roads.” He also challenged authorities who had cautioned against offering prayers on public roads. In the same video, he said, “If someone thinks they can stop Muslims from praying on the road, let them try. Muslims are not afraid of threats of cases or jail.”
Ayub further drew criticism for using a derogatory remark against Yogi Adityanath and accused the Uttar Pradesh government of imposing unnecessary restrictions on Muslims. His comments quickly went viral on social media, fuelling a wider debate over the issue of offering Namaz on public roads in different parts of the state.
What is the issue in Sambhal?
The controversy comes at a time when the Sambhal administration has issued strict warnings to ensure law and order during Eid and Friday prayers. On March 12, Sambhal police officer Kuldeep Kumar held a Peace Committee meeting, where it was clearly stated that offering Namaz on public roads would not be permitted. A video of his remarks from the meeting later surfaced on social media.
During the meeting, he said that authorities were on high alert ahead of Eid and that maintaining peace was their top priority. He also warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found offering Namaz on public roads outside mosques. He further stated, “If anyone is found offering Namaz on public roads, strict action will be taken. If necessary, people can also be sent to jail.”He also made a broader appeal for maintaining peace in the region, adding that while people may feel emotionally connected to issues in other parts of the world, they are free to go there, but creating unrest within India would not be tolerated.
According to the local administration, restrictions on offering prayers on roads are imposed to prevent disruption to traffic and public movement.
Arrest in 2024 over fundraising fraud
Syed Ayub has also faced legal trouble in the past. In 2024, Hyderabad police registered a case against him following a complaint accusing him of cheating and незаконной fundraising through social media. The complaint was filed by lawyer P. Sai Kishore at the Saidabad Police Station in Hyderabad. According to the FIR registered under Section 420 of the IPC, Ayub allegedly collected donations online by claiming he would personally deliver aid to Gaza.
It further alleged that he shared his personal bank account details on social media and posted images from Hyderabad Airport and later from Egypt, giving the impression that he was travelling to Gaza with relief supplies.
