Muhammad Ali Mirza

Early life and education Muhammad Ali Mirza was born on 4 October 1977 in Jhelum, Punjab.

Career Mirza gives online lectures on religious issues via his YouTube channel and runs a research academy based on his understanding of the Quran and Sunnah. Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi and anchor Shafaat Ali posted on social media condemning his arrest. According to Ali, one of his lectures was presented completely out of context. Authorities also locked his academy in Machine Mohalla, barring any gatherings or activities on the premises. He was charged under Pakistan's blasphemy law with outraging religious feelings, wounding religious sentiments, and making derogatory remarks against the companions or family of the Prophet Muhammad. On 18 September 2025, he was transferred to Adiala Jail under high security, following his arrest in the blasphemy case and investigations by the NCCIA and FIA.

On 3 December 2025, the Lahore High Court (Rawalpindi Bench) granted Mirza bail, directing that he submit two surety bonds of Rs. 500,000 each in order for the bail to take effect.

Assassination attempts On 14 March 2021, Mirza survived a second assassination attempt, after surviving first attempt in October 2017. The attacker visited his academy in Jhelum, Pakistan at a weekly meeting and attempted to kill him with a knife while taking a picture with him. Ali escaped with minor arm injuries.

In August 2023, Ali Hasan, from Gujrat, attempted to barge into the Jhelum Academy armed with a knife. He was overpowered by guards and other members of the academy.

Controversies Mirza's views on Mu'awiya I, the first Umayyad Caliph have made him a controversial figure among the traditionalist Sunni Muslim scholars of Pakistan, such as Deobandi scholar Tariq Masood. In 2021 Mirza challenged Masood to arrive and have a face-to-face debate in Jhelum. The debate was planned for May 2021, and then postponed until October. However, the debate never took place. Masood claimed that he had travelled to Jhelum but was unable to make contact with Mirza; he and his supporters went on to declare victory over Muhammad Ali Mirza.

2022 Muhammad remarks controversy In June 2022, Ali Mirza criticized Taslim Rehmani for badmouthing Hindu gods in front of BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma on Times Now. He said Nupur Sharma abused Muhammad in reaction to that. Indian journalist Rubika Liaquat praised Ali Mirza for his stand with Nupur Sharma on her Twitter account. Many Indian and Pakistani scholars were furious with Ali Mirza for this comment.

2023 blasphemy charges In April 2023, a case of blasphemy was registered against Ali Mirza under section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code. The accusations against Mirza include insulting Islamic Prophet Muhammad and downplaying the Pakistani legal ruling that considers Ahmadis to have non-Muslim status. Pir Afzal Qadri, a deceased religious cleric, had offered a reward of Rs.500,000 for the assassination of Ali Mirza in 2023, stating that he deserved to be killed.