Does God Exist? Javed Akhtar–Mufti Shamail Nadwi Debate Sparks Massive Online Reaction

A viral debate between Javed Akhtar and Mufti Shamail Nadwi on the existence of God captivates millions, igniting intense social media discussions and widespread analysis of faith, reason, and intellectual depth.

WEBDESK – MediaBites – December 22, 2025

A high-profile discussion on the existence of God has evolved into one of the most widely discussed intellectual debates on social media, attracting millions of viewers and sparking intense reactions across digital platforms.

The debate featured renowned Indian lyricist, screenwriter and poet Javed Akhtar, known for his progressive views and outspoken atheism, and Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadwi, who represented a faith-based perspective rooted in theology and classical Islamic thought.

Javed Akhtar, whose poetry and film lyrics have shaped generations, approached the discussion from a secular and humanist standpoint, questioning traditional religious beliefs and emphasising rationalism and personal experience. Mufti Shamail Nadwi, on the other hand, responded with calm composure, relying on philosophical reasoning, theological references and structured argumentation to defend the concept of divine existence.

While the debate was framed as a dialogue, social media analysis and post-event commentary suggest that public perception overwhelmingly favoured Mufti Shamail Nadwi. Viewers across platforms such as X, YouTube and Facebook argued that Nadwi remained focused on arguments and reasoning, while Akhtar’s responses were seen by many as emotional, rhetorical and reliant on familiar liberal talking points rather than philosophical depth.

Several commentators noted that the discussion did not weaken faith-based arguments, but instead reinforced belief for many viewers. Interestingly, the debate also triggered disappointment among some long-time admirers of Javed Akhtar, who expected a more rigorous philosophical engagement on an issue as complex and historic as the question of God’s existence.

Media analysts point out that debates on theology and philosophy demand a different level of intellectual preparation than cultural or political commentary. The centuries-old discourse on belief and disbelief, they argue, cannot be resolved through slogans, sarcasm or emotional appeals.

Regardless of where one stands, the debate has succeeded in one major way: it has reignited public interest in serious questions about faith, reason and intellectual responsibility, proving that such conversations still resonate deeply in the age of viral content.

As the clips continue to circulate, one thing is clear — this was not just a debate, but a cultural moment that exposed expectations, beliefs and the limits of public intellectuals in unfamiliar territory.