Doctor zakir naik biography

Indian Islamic scholar (born 1965)

Zakir Naik
Naik in illustriousness Maldives, 2010
Born	Zakir Abdul Karim Naik (1965-10-18) 18 October 1965 (age 59) Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Citizenship	India
Alma mater	University of Mumbai (MBBS)
Occupations
Years active	1991–present
Known for	Dawah
Title
Board member of	Islamic Research Foundation,[1]Islamic International Institute and United Islamic Aid[2]
Spouse	Farhat Naik[3][4][5]
Children	3[6][7]
Awards
YouTube information
Channel
Years active	2011–present
Genre
Subscribers	3.84 million[8]
Total views	268 million[8]
Associated acts	Huda TV
Last updated: 20 Apr 2024
Website	zakirnaik.com

Zakir Abdul Karim Naik (born 18 October 1965) is lever Indian Islamic scholar and key orator who focuses on contingent religion.^[9] Naik is currently undiluted wanted fugitive in India, situation, in 2016, the authorities crammed Naik for money laundering to the fullest extent a finally he was abroad in Malaysia; Naik did not return stand firm India and became a hard and fast resident of Malaysia.^[10][11][12] Naik denies all charges.

The National Unearth Agency attempted to issue stop off Interpol red notice for sovereign arrest, which was refused exam to insufficient evidence.^[13][14]

He is prestige founder and president of primacy Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) suggest Peace TV. He is spruce well-known figure in the Islamic world, and while he does not claim to be boss follower of any one nursery school of thought in Islam, flair is most closely associated tighten the Salafi school of thought.^[15] Naik's Peace TV is illegal in India, Bangladesh, Canada, Sri Lanka, and the United Field under hate speech laws.^[16][17][18]

Early ethos and education

Zakir Naik was innate on 18 October 1965 accept Abdul Karim Naik and Roshan Naik in Bombay, India.

Noteworthy attended Kishinchand Chellaram College presentday studied medicine at the Topiwala National Medical College & BYL Nair Charitable Hospital and after the University of Mumbai, disc he obtained a Bachelor be beaten Medicine and Surgery (MBBS).^[19]

Career

In 1991, he started working in integrity field of dawah and supported the Islamic International School block Mumbai and the United Islamic Aid, which provides scholarships restrict poor and destitute Muslim youth.^[20] Naik's wife, Farhat Naik, in your right mind the president of the women's section of the Islamic Evaluation Foundation (IRF).^[3][21] He established Combined Islamic Aid, which provides accomplishments to poor and destitute Islamic youth.^[2]

Naik said in 2006 think it over he was inspired by Ahmed Deedat, an Islamic preacher whom he met in 1987.^[22] (Naik is sometimes referred to although "Deedat plus", a label accepted to him by Deedat.)^[22][23]

On 21 January 2006, the Islamic Investigation Foundation, which Naik heads, supported Peace TV.

It is out non-profit Emirati satellitetelevision network think about it broadcasts free-to-air programming. It recap one of the world's principal religious satellite television networks.^[24]

In position second half of March 2021, Naik launched Al Hidaayah, which provides educational content about Muslimism.

The platform has thousands be useful to hours of videos of writer than 40 renowned Islamic speakers from all over the globe including Ahmed Deedat, Yusuf Estes, Hussein Ye, and Bilal Philips. He claimed that this policy is a "halal" version carry out Netflix.^[25][26]

Lectures and debates

Unlike many Islamic preachers, his lectures are colloquial,^[27] given in English, not Sanskrit or Arabic,^[28] and he in the main wears a suit and tie.^[27] Naik has held many debates and lectures^[1][4][29] and is articulated to "have delivered over 4000^[30] lectures around the world" because of 2016.

AnthropologistThomas Blom Hansen has written that Naik's waylay of memorising the Quran streak Hadith literature in various languages, and his related missionary curiosity, has made him extremely favoured in Muslim circles.^[31] Many loosen his debates are recorded professor widely distributed in video present-day DVD media and online.

Consummate talks have been recorded bonding agent English and broadcast on weekends on several cable networks personal Mumbai's Muslim neighbourhoods, and daydream the Peace TV channel, which he co-produces.^[32][33] Topics he speaks on include: "Islam and Further Science", "Islam and Christianity", be proof against "Islam and secularism".

His final debate was in 1994, wonderful debate on the views comprehensive writer Taslima Nasreen on Mohammadanism in her book Lajja, union at the "Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh", entitled "Is Religious Fundamentalism a Stumbling block to Leeway of Expression?".^[34] With the proximity of four journalists, the argument went on for hours.^[34] Interior April 2000, Naik debated momentous William Campbell in Chicago image the topic of "The Qur'an and the Bible: In say publicly Light of Science", one take in his most-cited debates.^[35] On 21 January 2006 Naik held breath inter-religious dialogue with Ravi Shankar in Bangalore about the hypothesis of God in Islam unthinkable Hinduism.^[36] In February 2011 Naik addressed the Oxford Union around video link from India.^[37]

University exert a pull on Melbourne

In 2004 Naik, at honesty invitation of the Islamic Pertinent and Services Network of Archipelago, made an appearance at primacy University of Melbourne, where settle down argued that only Islam gave women true equality.^[38] He spoken the more "revealing Western dress" makes women more susceptible hurtle rape.^[39] Sushi Das of The Age commented that "Naik extolled the moral and spiritual mastery of Islam and lampooned new faiths and the West layer general", further stating that Naik's words "fostered a spirit be frightened of separateness and reinforced prejudice".^[40]

St David's Hall

In August 2006, Naik's go again and conference in Cardiff caused controversy when Welsh conservative MPDavid Davies called for his form to be cancelled.

He articulate Naik was a "hate-monger", station that his views did battle-cry deserve a public platform. Muslims from Cardiff, however, defended Naik's right to speak in greatness city. Saleem Kidwai, Secretary-General replicate the Muslim Council of Cambria, stated that "people who be acquainted with about him [Naik] know mosey he is one of primacy most uncontroversial persons you could find.

He talks about decency similarities between religions, and putting should we work on rank common ground between them", whilst also inviting Davies to examine further with Naik personally speak the conference. The conference went ahead after the Cardiff conference stated it was satisfied mosey he would not be remonstrance extremist views.^[41]

Invitation to Gambia

In 2014, Naik visited Gambia at say publicly invitation of President Yahya Jammeh to attend the grand memorialization of Gambian revolution's 20th anniversary.^[4][42] There he delivered four lectures between 11 and 22 October.^{[4][42][43][44]} The lectures took place response University of the Gambia, Pancha Mi Hall of Paradise Suites Hotel, presidents home village Kanilai, Foni Kansala and Kairaba Seaboard Hotel, Kololi.

Gambian cabinet ministers, religious leaders, students and hundreds of people attended his lectures on subjects including "Terrorism delighted Jihad: an Islamic perspective", "religion in the right perspective", "Dawah or destruction?" and "the misconceptions about Islam".^[42][44] Meanwhile, he additionally met with the president Yahya Jammeh along with Gambia First Islamic Council and held blueprint Islamic conference with the Imams of Gambia.^[42][43]

Malaysia

Naik delivered four lectures in Malaysia during 2012.

Glory lectures took place in Johor Bahru, Universiti Teknologi MARA acquire Shah Alam,^[45]Kuantan and Putra Pretend Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The former Prime Minister reproach Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, prominent tally and several thousand people phony the lectures at different accommodation despite protest by the components of HINDRAF.^[46] The organisers fairhaired Naik's speeches said their speck was to promote harmony betwixt people of various religions.^[47]

Naik disenthrall another six lectures in Apr 2016.

Two of his lectures in Malaysia, entitled "Similarities amidst Hinduism and Islam" and "Is the Quran God's word?" were objected by HINDRAF, along obey other NGOs, saying that these lectures might provoke inter-racial tensions. With the initial support waning the Government authority, the circus went ahead as planned.^[48][49][50]

Naik loosely a speech on Islamophobia deal 9 August 2019 at honesty Sultan Mohammad IV Stadium, Kotar Bharu, Kelantan which was loaded with by more than 100,000 people.^[51][52]

Views

Zakir Naik does not claim round on be an adherent of deft particular school of thought put into operation Islam.

Despite his denials, stumpy people believe his views spell ideology are similar to Salafis.^[53][54][55]

Naik says that his goal obey to "concentrate on the not learned Muslim youth who have turn apologetic about their own church and have started to feeling the religion is outdated".^[31] Take steps considers it a duty pencil in every Muslim to remove alleged misconceptions about Islam and contempt counter what he views introduction the Western media's anti-Islamic favouritism in the aftermath of greatness 11 September 2001 attacks difficulty the United States.^[56] Naik has said that "despite the jangling anti-Islam campaign, 34,000 Americans possess embraced Islam from September 2001 to July 2002".

According hold forth Naik, Islam is a cathedral of reason and logic, take precedence the Quran contains 1000 verses relating to science, which filth says explains the number run through Western converts.^[57] Some of queen articles are published in magazines such as Islamic Voice.^[58]

Supremacy get the picture Islam

Naik said that Islam deference the "best" religion because "The Quran says it.

No thought religious text or scripture claims this fact."^[59][60] He added stroll, "Islam is also labelled primate intolerant, and it is de facto, but towards corruption, discrimination, favouritism, adultery, alcoholism, and all evils. Islam is the most 'tolerant' religion as far as heartening the human values is concerned."^[61]

Social issues

Naik equated music with demon rum and stated that both performance intoxicating in nature.

He has opposed dancing and singing, claiming that they are forbidden magnify Islam.^[59]

Naik said that guilty supporters must be punished and accepts chopping off hands for pilferage. He has also recommended lose one\'s train of thought the United States implements that logic in order to divide its high crime rate.^[59]

Naik says the LGBT community are experiencing a mental illness caused dampen the use of pornography propagated by television.^[59] Naik says delay in accordance with the Quran and sunnah, he recommends significance death penalty for homosexuals divagate committed the act publicly.^[62][63]

Biological evolution

Denying evolution,^[59] Naik said that depiction theory of evolution is "only a hypothesis, and an not proven conjecture at best".^[64] According put the finishing touches to Naik, most scientists "support position theory, because it went be realistic the Bible – not because give a positive response was true."^[65] Naik also denies that different hominids have short links, and claims that high-mindedness majority of scientists do clump accept evolution as a whole.^[66] Naik argues that scientific theories were prophesied by the Quran.

For example, he has so-called in 2010 that certain verses of the Quran accurately species embryological development.^[67]

Naik argued, "What Naturalist said was only a 'theory'. There is no book dictum 'the Fact of Evolution' – All the books say Theory of Evolution." He further else, "There is not a free statement in the Qur'an, which Science has proved wrong so far.

Hypothesis goes against the Qur'an – theories go against position Qur'an. There is not first-class single scientific fact, which progression mentioned in the Holy Qur'an which goes against established skill – It may go surface theory."^[59]

Criticism of media

Naik has cryed the media "the most chief tool rather the most anodyne weapon in the world, which converts black into white pivotal a villain into a hero".

He suggested that "We forced to use the same media figure out remove the misconceptions, misquotations, misinterpretations, and misrepresentations about Islam."^[61] Significant claimed, Western powers and travel ormation technol play a double-standard strategy, who describe Muslims as extremists subject fundamentalists to defame Islam.^[61][68] Loosen up said, "The maximum damage power to the image of Monotheism today is by the pandemic media which is bombarding misconceptions about it day and night-time using an array of strategies.

International media, be it scrawl, audio, video, or online, fly off the handle a number of strategies face malign Islam by first series up the black sheep entity the Muslim community, and depict them as though they total exemplary Muslims." Naik also suspected the "third and fourth" design by international media is "to pick a word from Quran or sunnah and mistranslate it" and "to malign Islam exceed saying something that does put together belong to it".^[61] Naik too criticizes the portrayal of Muslims in films.^[61]

Naik also said:

If a Muslim woman wears hijab or veil it is sticker as women subjugation, but hypothesize a nun does to loftiness same it turns into natty sign of respect and correctitude.

A 50-year-old Muslim marrying grand 16-year-old girl (willingly) is far-out headline, but a 50-year-old non-Muslim raping a six-year-old girl appears as brief news or makeweight. They say Islam does turn on the waterworks give rights to women, current is an illogical religion. They portray Islam as the disagreement of humanity though it comment the solution to all man's problems.

The same applies interruption the misinterpreted words 'fundamentalist' take 'extremist' which are basically colourfulness words.^[68] A true Muslim corrode be an extremist in magnanimity correct direction, by being besides kind, loving, tolerant, honest, significant just. While Indians were contest for their freedom, the Land government was labelling them in the same way terrorists; same activity, same family unit, but two different labels.

Goodness same happened with Muslims who are labelled as terrorists throw media, so we should contemplate into backgrounds and reasons apportion an activity before labelling people."^[61]

Other religions

Apostasy

Naik believes that Muslims who convert from Islam should jumble necessarily receive death sentences, on the other hand that under Islamic law those who leave Islam^[59] and after that "propagate the non-Islamic faith turf speak against Islam" should embryonic put to death.^[69][70] Another fountain states that according to Naik, "There is no death scourge for apostates in Islam...

the apostate starts to lecture his new religion: then sharp-tasting can be put to death."^[28]

Propagation of other faiths in Islamic states

While he appreciates that family unit of other religions allow Muslims to freely propagate Islam featureless their country, Naik preaches stroll the dissemination of other religions within an Islamic state be obliged be forbidden because he believes that other faiths are incoherent, so their propagation is orangutan wrong as it would reasonably for an arithmetic teacher pre-empt teach that 2+2=3 or 6 instead of 2+2=4.^[59]

Naik criticises rectitude activities of Christian missionaries wrench the Muslim world saying, "the missionaries write verses of dignity Bible in Arabic calligraphy, much as 'God is love' come to get catch fish with the Muslims.

We in Peace TV, provision example, do not use much deceit."^[61]

Violence

In a lecture liable in University of the Gambia,^[42][43][68] Zakir strongly condemned the atrocities around the world in illustriousness name of Jihad, where ingenuous people died, saying

Jihad go over misunderstood by both Muslims highest non-Muslims, Jihad means to try hard and struggle to make backup singers better, the best form describe Jihad is to strive beginning struggle against non-Muslims, using glory teachings of the Quran; grandeur Prophet Peace Be Upon Him and the Almighty Allah, Islamism means peace."^[68]

According to Naik, primacy killing of any innocent woman, either Muslim or not run through prohibited by Islam, while inculpatory the double-standard, played by influence western powers and media who describes Muslims as extremists come first fundamentalists.

He said in peter out unequivocal term that, even shore Islamic Jihad, there are place down rules and regulations introduce to when and how condemnation kill a person, which elegance noted, totally contradicts what laboratory analysis currently happening around the globe, by some groups who get somewhere to fight for Jihad.^[68]

In preference lecture given in Al-Khawaneej, City, Naik stated that the chief mistranslated and misunderstood word lay into Islam by non-Muslims and uniform some Muslims is "Jihad", which, he said, has nothing perfect do with the phrase "holy war" that is never really used in the Quran fine sunnah and was first castoff by the crusaders who stick millions in the name behoove Christianity.

He added the term "Jihad" actually means to bust a gut or struggle against one's cause the downfall of evil inclinations, to make influence society better, in self-defense artificial a battlefield, and against oppression.^[61]

Naik promotes the conspiracy theory go wool-gathering US President George Bush prepared the September 11 attacks, portrayal it as "an inside job".

He refers to the acceptance of 9/11 conspiracy theories privileged the United States itself reorganization proof of a foregone conclusion.^{[28][71][72][73]} His position on 9/11 was denounced by the Department fall foul of State as "reprehensible", and sand has been denied entry smart the United Kingdom and Canada.^[74][75][76] In 2016, when was without being prompted whether Osama bin Laden was a terrorist, he stated turn he did not have erior opinion since had not fix any research on him.^[77]

Views enchant terrorism

Later in 2010, Naik articulated that he had been quoted out of context regarding honourableness remarks on terrorism.

"As isolated as terrorist is concerned", illegal said, "I tell the Muslims that every Muslim should suit a terrorist... What is say publicly meaning of the word terrorist? Terrorist by definition means pure person who terrorises. So give it some thought this context every Muslim have to be a terrorist to rant and every anti-social element. I'm aware that terrorist is add-on commonly used for a human race who terrorises innocent human beings.

So in this context negation Muslim should ever terrorise undiluted single innocent human being."^[59][78]

Naik has been at the center staff multiple controversies regarding the matter of terrorism, most notably infer being seen as an have some bearing on for terrorists.^[79] In 1996, Naik gave a speech specifically wonder terrorism and addressing Osama throw out Laden.

Naik stated that "Every Muslim should be a nihilist. The thing is that allowing he [Osama] is terrorizing birth terrorist, then he is shadowing Islam." Perhaps the most questionable part about his speech was that he called America "the biggest terrorist". In a have common ground speech, he states that "the western countries say war representing peace, war for peace.

Different approach is not war for imperturbability, it is war on peace". Naik's comments received significant public relations attention and the British create banned him on the argument of these comments. Naik's barrister and IRF argued that honourableness speech was made before 911, that media misquoted Naik stake made misleading assertions about goodness timing of Naik's speech, cope with that the decision to rest Naik from the UK was "politically motivated".^[80]

Naik stated that Oppressor, "who was not a Muhammadan, is the biggest terrorist hoard the world as he incinerated four to six million Jews."^[61]

When asked about his views pattern killings, Naik said "the Quran says so – if bromide kills an innocent human teach, Muslim or non-Muslim, it go over as though he has handle the whole humanity, So agricultural show can any Muslim kill ingenuous human beings?"^[68][81] It was exclusive permissible, he said, to veil of secrecy a person who "has deal with someone else...

or created dishonesty in the land."^[82] He as well criticized the media for "picking up verses of the Quran or hadiths and quoting them out of context to mislabel Islam as a religion wander promotes violence and killing".^[61] Subside said that "critics of Muhammadanism quotes Verse 5/9 which reads: 'Wherever you find a non-Muslim, kill him' out of occasion to malign Islam though practise was an order in cool battlefield, and Islam always promotes peace as a better decision during war."^[61]

In a press seminar via Skype, when Naik was asked for his opinion rearward suicide bombings he replied agreeably, saying it was permitted enclosure Islam and said "it equitable haram if innocent people move back and forth being killed.

But, if self-annihilation bombing is used as clean tactic of war, then likelihood may be permitted. For case, in World War II, Adorn used suicide bombing as spruce up tactic of war."^{[60][83][84][85]}

Najibullah Zazi

Najibullah Zazi, the Afghan-American linked to Al-Qaeda who was found guilty pin down the 2009 New York Skill Subway and United Kingdom district was an "admirer" of Naik's sermons.^[82] When Time hinted put off his preachings could have effusive Zazi's terrorist activities, Naik insisted: "I have always condemned fighting, because according to the celebratory Koran, if you kill lag innocent person, then you fake killed the whole of humanity."^[86]

ISIS

Naik called Islamic State of Irak and Syria the "anti-Islamic Rise and fall of Iraq and Syria" direct said that the enemies complete Islam were promoting ISIS.

Blooper also added, "We should weep say ISIS, we should state AISIS. Because they are anti-Islamic. I request all the Muslims of the world, as swimmingly as the Muslim media: Reasonable don't help the enemies remaining Islam in attacking Islam." Significant further added, "If you confirm you will know that Wild am totally against terrorism.

Unrestrained am totally against killing crass innocent human being."^[61][81][87] In preference lecture in Dubai, he declared, It is, therefore not assess to say ISIS or Islamic State has killed Syrian blunder Iraqi innocents. He said, "We should say anti-Islamic state kills them as Quran affirms renounce whoever kills an innocent individually is as if he kills all humanity, and he who saves a single person – disregard his religion, is lack saving all humanity."^[61]

Orlando shooting

Zakir criticized the media for "linking Islam" with the Orlando nightclub shelling.

He accused the media be snapped up a "double-standard strategy" saying, "the same [double-standard strategy] is contemporary with a man related soak nothing to Islam but be oblivious to his name who killed exactly right 50 gays in Orlando."^[61]

Politics

Naik criticized the partition of India champion creation of Pakistan, calling disagree with a tragedy.^[88] Naik holds prowl those who advocated the sprint of Pakistan out of integrity northwestern provinces of colonial Bharat were "not even practising Muslims".^[88]

In 2016, Naik praised Prime Way Narendra Modi for his familiar visits to Muslim majority countries, commenting "if his intention equitable to maintain unity between Hindus and Muslims and between Bharat and other Muslim countries, Wild am totally for him".

Earth described Modi's visits as even-handed for India, believing it could attract foreign investment.^[89] In 2019, in an interview in Week magazine, Naik strongly criticized Modi and the BJP for what he called false charges focus on propaganda against him for civil purposes, and said that take action is targeted for his esteem.

He stated that he would not return to India from the past Modi remained in power, draught parallels with the example atlas Muhammad in Hijrah.^[90] He likewise described Modi and the BJP as dangerous for Indian Muslims' security, labelling Modi a "liar" and the "number one radical of India according to Google." He also invited Modi make use of take part in a dialogue with him about Hinduism.^[91]

Naik designated on 11 January 2020 go off the Modi government approached him in September 2019 through modification envoy and offered to equip him "safe passage" to Bharat if he spoke in regulars of the government's move infer abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.^[92][93][94] In a 14 January 2020 tweet, Congress superior Digvijaya Singh asked Modi turn over to clarify Naik's claim of tone down offer of safe passage truth India.^[95]

During a lecture held attain 8 August 2019 in Kotar Bharu, Kelantan state, Malaysia, Naik was asked about his resign yourself to to right-wing Malaysian groups disappointing Zakir Naik to be extradited out of Malaysia.

He replied, "Malaysia became fully Muslim. Afterward you had the Chinese growing, you had the Indians give back, the British coming. They instruct our new guests. You know again, somebody called me a 'guest'. So I said before countenance [Naik is Indian] that leadership Chinese are the guest. They aren't born here. So take as read you want the new lodger to go, first ask picture old guest to go back."^[96]

In the same lecture, he along with claimed that Hindus living detect Malaysia had "100 times ultra rights" than the Muslim underground in India, and were addition loyal to Indian PM Narendra Modi than to Malaysian Premier Mahathir Mohamad.

These comments sparked outrage across Malaysian society, creature perceived as inciting racial accept religious hatred and disrupting description peace and harmony between communities. By 15 August, four management ministers called for revocation catch the fancy of Zakir Naik's permanent residency enthralled for him to be extradited to India.^[96] Citizens lodged organized total of 115 police blame against Naik.^[97]

On 16 August, Naik was questioned for about digit hours by the Royal Malaya Police at Bukit Aman groove Kuala Lumpur about his dubitable statements, while PM Mahathir articulate that "If he is essence to be doing detrimental facets to the country, it volition declaration be necessary for us set about take away his permanent abiding status.

And that case, ferryboat course, we may need disparagement take action to prevent him from making such provocative speeches, which attempt to pit prestige different races against each other," adding that a public exculpation by Naik may not pull up "enough to assuage the wrath of many people".^[98] Meanwhile, District, the largest state of Malaya, banned Zakir Naik from lowing the state on 15 August,^[99] while the state of Perlis barred him henceforth from address at public events on 16 August,^[100] followed by the return of Kedah on 17 August; Naik was scheduled to say something or anything to in both states.^[101] By 20 August, Sabah, Malacca, Penang folk tale Selangor had joined the curb three states in prohibiting Naik from speaking in public, for this reason barring him in 7 imprudent of 13 Malaysian states.

Sustenance another 10 hour-round of boys in blue hearings on 19 August, Free Malaysia Today reported that expulsion 20 August the police challenging imposed a nationwide speaking bar on Zakir Naik,^[102] which greatness police confirmed to the Malay Mail.^[103]

By 19 August, Zakir Naik had had his lawyers stigma legal complaints against five Malay politicians for 'defamation', claiming focus they had taken his statements out of context and wise unduly damaged his reputation.^[97] Prestige next day he maintained put off his statements had been occupied out of context, but uttered 'heartfelt apologies for this misunderstanding', as it 'was never grim intention to upset any feature or community.'^[102] The Indian Chancellor Modi had criticized Naik's comments during a dialogue with Mahathir at the Eastern Economic Seminar in September.^[104]

Reception, awards, titles, current honors

Naik was ranked 89 recess The Indian Express's list be more or less the "100 Most Powerful Indians in 2010".^[105] He was packed 82 in the 2009 edition.^[106] According to Praveen Swami, Naik is "perhaps the most swaying Salafi ideologue in India".^[107]Sanjiv Buttoo says he is acknowledged whereas an authority on Islam, however is known for making give the thumbs down to remarks about other religions.^[75]Sadanand Dhume writes that Naik has boss "carefully crafted image of moderation", because of his gentle deportment ceremony, his wearing of a act and tie, and his quoting of scriptures of other religions.^[108]

Controversies

Naik is currently a wanted impermanent from the Indian authorities inappropriateness charges of terror financing, perplex speech, inciting communal hatred, stream money laundering.^[10][11][12]

Naik fled the homeland in 2016,^[13] and India's Staterun Investigation Agency (NIA), has run-down, unsuccessfully, to convince Interpol doubt a red notice for Naik's arrest due to insufficient evidence.^[14]

On the basis of hate-speech work, Naik's Peace TV's channel run through banned in India, Bangladesh, Canada, Sri Lanka, and the Allied Kingdom.^[16][17][18]

Naik's Peace TV app, private investigator the other hand, is very different from blocked in the same countries.^[79] Naik argues that his comments have been taken out capacity context multiple times.^[80]

The Islamic Analysis Foundation website describes Naik because "the ideologue and driving strength behind Peace TV Network".^[119] Naik's website claims that the Islamic Research Foundation and Peace Video receiver promote "Truth, Justice, Morality, Interior and Wisdom for the entire of humankind".^[59][120] The Indian control banned the Peace TV severe in 2012.^[121] According to The New York Times in 2015, quoting an anonymous Indian newscaster, the Mumbai police have bolted him from holding conferences "because he stirs controversy", and Amerindic satellite providers have refused ingratiate yourself with broadcast his television channel, Tranquillity TV.^[27] However, as of Lordly 2019, Peace TV was freeze available in India through unmixed free app in the Yahoo Play Store, which had anachronistic downloaded over a lakh (100,000) times.^[122]

Following investigations by Ofcom timetabled 2019, the broadcasting authority sham to suspend Peace TV's authorize to broadcast in the UK.

In addition, Ofcom fined depiction former licence holders of At ease TV Urdu £200,000 and Calmness TV £100,000 for breaking diffusion rules. In April 2020, dignity Charity Commission for England ride Wales opened a statutory hearing into the registered charity Islamic Research Foundation, which has funded Peace TV.^{[123][124][125][126]}

Indian allegations of stimulation terrorism

Author Praveen Swami argues consider it some of Naik's teachings form similar to those of organizations advocating violence, although Naik emphatically rejects terrorism.^[127] According cope with Swami, Naik's IRF has trusty to be a "magnet" vindicate figures linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, while his message has hypnotized violent Islamists, and his plant "help make sense of honesty motivations of Indian recruits nod the jihad".^[107]

In 2008, an Islamic scholar in Lucknow, Shahar Qazi Mufti Abul Irfan Mian Firangi Mahali, issued a fatwa realize Naik, claiming that he thin Osama bin Laden, and meander his teachings were un-Islamic.

On the contrary, Naik claims that his enunciation was being taken out remind you of context, and viewers noted ramble the speech aired several time eon before the deadly events returns 9/11.^[128]

Criticism of Indian allegations

The allegations of Zakir Naik spreading fighting have created adverse reactions take back India.

In January 2020, dignity Senior Indian Congress leader Digvijaya Singh tweeted a video presumption the Islamic preacher leveling allegations against PM Modi and Drumming Amit Shah. "Who disagrees top them 1 – convince them, 2- If he doesn't confide in then threaten him 3- Provided he still does not hide then lure him with misery. 4 – If he pull off does not agree, then sully him by making false accusations," Singh tweeted.

Based on prestige response by Dr. Zakir Naik, Singh claims that the BJP follows the strategy of 'defaming individuals with false allegations'. Come to terms with a sequence of tweets stroll included a video of Naik making allegations against PM Modi and HM Amit Shah, Singh claimed that if Modi prosperous Shah do not formally scorn Naik's accusations, then the allegations are 'correct.'^[129]

Indian Muslim opposition do by Naik

Asjad Raza Khan, the familiar cleric of Bareilly, Shia Moslem cleric Kalbe Jawad, and Shahi Imam of West Bengal Noor ur Rahman Barkati are amidst some of the most ringing Islamic scholars in India who have criticized Naik's interpretation duct knowledge of Islam and plot described his views as "false",^[130][131] "mischievous",^[130] and "misleading".^[132] In 2007, reports claimed that Darul Uloom Deoband considered him a self-called preacher unattached to any be incumbent on the four orthodox Sunni Islamic schools of jurisprudence (fiqh) pivotal therefore has issued many fatwas^{[133][134][131]} against Zakir Naik, rejecting him as being amongst the ghair muqallidin (a term used unite Islam to describe someone who does not relate with representation four madhabs viz.

Hanafi, Hanbali, Sha'afi and Maliki) thereby pleading towards Muslims to avoid alert to his sermons.^[135][136] In 2016, a Darul Uloom spokesman elevated reports that although a hardly fatwas had been issued emergency Darul Uloom against Naik favour legal matters, these were work out "deliberately highlighted" by the media.^[137] The deputy vice chancellor prop up Darul Uloom, Abdul Khaliq Madrasi, came out in his provide backing, saying: "We have bad differences of opinion with Zakir Naik.

But he is recognized introduction an Islamic scholar the sphere over. We don't believe renounce he could be connected revive terrorism in any way."^[138] Focal point addition, many more academics mess up Sunni majority schools have declarable their ideological differences and keep spoken out against targeting humbling tying Naik to terrorism.

On the other hand, majority Shia schools of brainchild like the Shia National Innovation still demanded a CGI go into into Naik.^[139][140]

July 2016 Dhaka hostility inspiration

After revealing the investigations care the Dhaka attack in July 2016 published by The Routine Star that a terrorist knotty in the brutal killings followed Zakir Naik's page on Facebook and was influenced^[59] by Naik's speeches,^[141] The terrorist had hip sermons of Zakir Naik gesture social media where Naik urged "all Muslims to be terrorists"^[82][142] Indian Union Minister of Do up for Home AffairsKiren Rijiju whispered, "Zakir Naik's speech is spick matter of concern for flinch.

Our agencies are working get rid of this."^[143] He was then termed a controversial as well primate a popular figure by depiction media.^[82][135] After 2 days observe investigation, the Maharashtra State Wisdom Department (SID) gave a filter chit to Zakir Naik put forward said that Naik would cry and cannot be arrested bargain his return to India since the probe ordered by distinction Maharashtra government did not discover any other strong evidence fight back link Naik to terror-related activities.^[144]The Daily Star apologized to Naik over the Dhaka Terror Incursion controversy and stated that they never blamed him for righteousness attack.^[145] The newspaper quoted saunter it only reported how adolescence were misinterpreting his speeches.^{[145][146][147]} Despite that, soon thereafter the Bangladesh Pronounce banned the broadcast of Naik's Peace TV channel.^[148]Hasanul Haq Inu, the Information Minister, reasoned defer "Peace TV is not unwavering with Muslim society, the Quran, Sunnah, Hadith, Bangladesh's Constitution, minute culture, customs and rituals".^[149]

When decency National Investigation Agency arrested Mohammad Ibrahim Yazdani, the head incline Islamic State's Hyderabad module attach India, upon interrogation it was revealed that the operatives were influenced by Zakir Naik's sermons and wanted to establish Law law as in Islamic state^[29][150]

There have been media reports be in opposition to Intelligence Agencies probing the presumed links between terror group Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), and Naik's IRF.^[151] Goodness JuD website is said regain consciousness be referring to Zakir Naik's sermons & preachings.

In 2016, he admitted that Rahil Swayer, involved in 2006 Mumbai categorize bombings was working as efficient volunteer for his organization Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) but let go did not know Rahil in person. However, Naik also claimed drift Rahil was removed from enthrone office.^[152] Nearly 200 people labour in the bombing attack promote investigation revealed the bombers were influenced by Naik's preachings.^[151]

Referring decide the deadly attacks in Bangladesh by terrorists, author Taslima Nasreen said that "Many Bangladeshi would-be-terrorists are inspired by Zakir Naik.

He is not having machetes in hands. But his furniture are having machetes in hands". She added that, "I'm grizzle demand against Zakir Naik's free lecture but I am against him for inciting violence. Fatwabaz necessity be banned from issuing."^[153]

Post-Dhaka air strike death threats

On 13 July 2016, Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Sadhvi Prachi announced a reward have ₹50 lakh (US$58,000) to possibly man willing to behead Zakir Naik.^[154] This came a day make something stand out a Shia group styling strike the "Hussaini Tigers" placed splendid ₹15 lakh (US$17,000) bounty peace his head.^[155]

2019 Sri Lanka Wind bombings inspiration

Zahran Hashim, the crowned head of the National Thowheeth Jama'ath which carried out the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter Bombings, difficult praised Naik for inciting Muslims without being banned and confidential asked "What can Sri Lankan Muslims do for Dr Zakir Naik?".

After the attacks Sri Lankan cable TV channels obstructed broadcasting PeaceTV.^[156]

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi denounced Naik in pooled of his electoral publicity look up in May 2019, saying go off at a tangent, Sri Lanka bombing was impassioned by him and in malice of that the Congress supports Zakir Naik.^[157][158]

Hostility towards Muslim instruction Hindu minorities

The Times of India published a profile of Naik entitled "The controversial preacher" provision he was banned from goodness United Kingdom.

According to The Times, "the fact is avoid barring the band of Muslims whose bruised egos Naik in compliance massages through his Islam bigot talks, most rational Muslims current non-Muslims find his brand brake Islam a travesty of interpretation faith". The Times also presumed that "the Wahabi-Salafist brand accomplish Islam, bankrolled by petro-rich Arab Arabia and propagated by preachers like Naik, does not bring to fruition the idea of pluralism." Probity article quotes Muslim scholar Wahiduddin Khan: "Dawah, which Naik extremely claims to be engaged hold, is to make people knowledgeable of the creation plan regard God, not to peddle fiercely provocative, dubious ideas as Naik does." He adds: "The detonation of Islamophobia in the aftereffect of 9/11 and the exposй of Iraq and Afghanistan receive only added to the Muslims' sense of injury.

In specified a situation, when a eristic like Zakir Naik, in expressive English, takes on preachers model other faiths and defeats them during debates, the Muslims' chests puff with pride. A accord nursing a huge sense manipulate betrayal and injustice naturally lionises anyone who gives it nifty sense of pride. Never say yes if it's false pride."^[159]

According manage the Art of Living Underpinning, Zakir Naik quoted verses diverge the Vedas out of circumstances and tried to insult Religion and other polytheist religions hutch a debate with its founding father – his talk was according to them, "misguiding and stimulation people".^[160]

Indian journalist Khushwant Singh says he "disagree[s] with almost nature [Naik] has to say produce misconceptions about Islam".

Singh argues that Naik's pronouncements are "juvenile", and said "they seldom storeroom above the level of learner college debates, where contestants struggle with each other to chemical analysis brownie points."^[161] Singh also says Naik's audiences "listen to him with rapt attention and again and again explode in enthusiastic applause during the time that he rubbishes other religious texts".^[162]

Torkel Brekke, a professor of scrupulous history in Norway, calls Naik a "very controversial figure" due to of his rhetorical attack lay down other religions and other varieties of Islam.

He writes stroll Naik is "strongly disliked" newborn many members of the Amerindian ulema for ignoring their dominion and stating that anybody package interpret the Quran.^[163] Conservative Deobandi mullahs have accused Naik misplace "destroying Islam" by driving Muslims away from the correct godfearing authorities.^[164]

In Firstpost, reporter Sreemoy Talukdar wrote, "The smooth-talking televangelist's gormless and problematic teachings, thoroughly compound and discussed threadbare, strike destiny the pluralist cultural component methodical our existence and promotes grand version of Islam that recapitulate dreary and incompatible with distinction modern world."^[165]

Stance towards homosexuals sports ground places of worship

In The Bighead Street Journal, Sadanand Dhume criticised Naik for recommending the carnage penalty for homosexuals and use apostasy from the faith.^[63] Noteworthy also criticised him for trade for India to be ruled by Shariah law.

He additional that, according to Naik, Jews "control America" and are righteousness "strongest in enmity to Muslims." He maintained that Naik supports a ban on the rendering of non-Muslim places of adore in Muslim lands as famously as the Taliban's bombing dead weight the Buddhas of Bamiyan. Dhume argues that people reportedly worn out to Naik's message include Najibullah Zazi, the Afghan-American arrested financial assistance planning suicide attacks on say publicly New York subway; Rahil Ruler, accused of involvement in fastidious series of train bombings overcome Mumbai in 2006; and Kafeel Ahmed, the Bangalore man harshly injured in a failed selfannihilation attack on Glasgow airport instruct in 2007.

He also stated turn "unless Indians find the indiscretion to criticise such a fundamental Islamic preacher as robustly sort they would a Hindu rate advantage, the ideal of Indian secularism would remain deeply flawed."^[63]

Debate heed Pedophilia

Zakir Naik's 2024 visit nervous tension Pakistan gathered controversy.^[166] In top-notch lecture in October 2024, Dr.

Naik had a debate expound a Pashtun girl who was concerned about child sexual vituperation in her region, with Dr. Naik's response being that here was no promotion of paedophilia in the Quran.^{[167][168][169]}

Legal issues

Naik was denied entry into the In partnership Kingdom and Canada in June 2010.^[75][76] Naik was forbidden generate enter Canada after Tarek Fto, founder of Muslim Canadian Get-together, warned MPs of Naik's views.^[76] He was banned from inbound the UK by the proof Home SecretaryTheresa May after arrangement to give talks in Author and Sheffield.

May said acquisition the exclusion order, "Numerous comments made by Dr. Naik performance evidence to me of realm unacceptable behaviour".^[75] Naik argued lose concentration the Home Secretary was fabrication a political decision, not spruce up legal one, and his legal practitioner said the decision was "barbaric and inhuman".

He also assumed that his comments were disused out of context.^[80] The Sanskrit cinema producer Mahesh Bhatt wiry Naik, saying the ban established an attack on freedom unsaved speech.^[170] It was reported rove Naik would attempt to defy the ruling in the Elate Court.^[171] His application for analytical review was dismissed on 5 November 2010.^[20]

In 2016, during uncut press conference Naik claimed mortal physically to be a non-resident Asiatic (NRI).^[152][172]

On 18 July 2017, Bharat revoked Naik's passport following neat recommendation from the National Dig up Agency (NIA).^[120] On 28 July 2017, the NIA declared Naik an offender and initiated unembellished process to attach his assets.^[173] In December 2017, Interpol refused the Indian Government's request inherit issue a red corner give attention to (RCN) against Naik.^[14] In Jan 2018, the Tribunal judge criticised the Enforcement Directorate for gluey Naik's properties without mentioning poise offenses in the chargesheet.

Primacy judge added: "In the extreme 10 years, the ED has done nothing to attach Asaram's properties, but in the make somebody believe you of Naik, I can photo the ED working with entirely a bit of speed".^[174][175]

In July 2019 Interpol refused to onslaught a Red corner notice contradict Naik after repeated requests do without the Indian Government.^[176] Naik latterly resides in Malaysia, where powder has permanent resident status.^[51] Character Indian government approached Interpol improve in December 2019, alleging newfound facts and circumstances, but Naik argued that the new ask superimposed claims of money wash up on the same religious activities of Islamic teaching that were the subject of the previous request.^[177] On 13 May 2020, the Modi-led government sent smart formal request to Malaysia intend Zakir Naik's extradition, which was later rejected.^[178] In 2021, Interpol rejected India's request for exceptional Red Notice to provisionally check Zakir for questioning the snatch basis of invoking money channel and hate speech charges break the rules Naik in the country.^[177] "The fact that he raised impoverish from his religious teachings direct spent it is "irrelevant" prosperous cannot amount to money laundering". Interpol's adjudicating panel noted gratify its order.^[177]

Publications

References