Zakir Naik and His Influence on Indian Muslims: An Examination of Polarizing Preaching

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 1 October 2024 Zakir Naik’s Teachings Present a Significant Challenge to The Idea of Plural Islam in India. His Rigid Interpretation of the Faith, influenced by Conservative Strains of Islamic Thought, stands in Stark Contrast to The Inclusive, Pluralistic Traditions That Have Shaped Indian Islam for Centuries. His Recent Visit to Pakistan and The Statements He Made Are Worryingly Disturbing. Main Points: 1. India, with its sizable Muslim population of over 200 million, has a long tradition of religious pluralism. 2. Zakir Naik's teachings, however, stand in stark contrast to the pluralistic ethos of Indian Islam 3. Naik’s influence has also emboldened a section of conservative Muslims who seek to impose a singular interpretation of Islam on the broader community. ------ Zakir Naik, a prominent Islamic preacher from India, has gained both significant popularity and immense controversy over the years. Known for his sharp rhetoric, his ability to recite verses from religious texts, and his focus on debating religious issues, Naik has positioned himself as a global religious figure. Yet, while his followers admire his ability to present Islamic viewpoints in a modern context, his detractors accuse him of polarizing communities and promoting a rigid, exclusivist interpretation of Islam. His controversial statements and his recent activities, particularly his latest visit to Pakistan, have reignited debates on the compatibility of his teachings with the idea of plural Islam in India. This essay explores Zakir Naik’s ideological influence on Indian Muslims, examines his role in shaping religious discourse, and assesses how his recent actions have contributed to increasing polarization. Special attention is given to his remarks during his visit to Pakistan and the impact of his preaching on Indian Muslims' pluralistic identity. Zakir Naik’s Rise to Prominence Zakir Naik gained prominence through his debates and lectures on comparative religion, broadcast through his channel, Peace TV, and other platforms. Unlike traditional Islamic scholars, Naik’s approach is marked by a unique blend of religious conservatism and modern rhetorical techniques. He frequently quotes not only the Quran but also texts from the Bible, Torah, and Hindu scriptures, positioning himself as an authority on comparative religion. His lectures, which often frame Islam as the only true religion, have been viewed by millions across the world. For many Muslims in India and beyond, Naik offers a sense of empowerment, presenting Islam as a religion compatible with logic, science, and modernity. However, critics argue that his approach is divisive, promoting a version of Islam that marginalizes other faiths and even alternative interpretations of Islam itself. Zakir Naik's Preaching: A Threat to Pluralistic Islam? India, with its sizable Muslim population of over 200 million, has a long tradition of religious pluralism. Historically, Indian Islam has been shaped by diverse cultural influences, including Sufism, which emphasizes inclusivity, tolerance, and spiritual connection. Sufi saints like Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya have long embodied the pluralistic spirit of Indian Islam, which encourages peaceful coexistence with other faiths. Indian Muslims, while part of a global Islamic community, have developed their own local practices and interpretations, influenced by centuries of interaction with Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. This pluralistic identity has allowed Indian Islam to flourish as a dynamic and multifaceted faith. Naik’s Opposition to Pluralism Zakir Naik's teachings, however, stand in stark contrast to the pluralistic ethos of Indian Islam. His preaching advocate for a puritanical interpretation of Islam, one that is heavily influenced by Wahhabism—a conservative Islamic movement originating in Saudi Arabia. Naik frequently dismisses local Islamic practices, such as visiting Sufi shrines or engaging in syncretic religious rituals, labelling them as innovations (Bida’h) that deviate from the true teachings of Islam. For Naik, the only legitimate version of Islam is one that strictly adheres to the Quran and Hadith, rejecting any practices or interpretations that he considers un-Islamic. This rigid outlook threatens the pluralistic nature of Indian Islam, where diverse interpretations have coexisted for centuries. Impact on Indian Muslims The rise of Zakir Naik’s influence has had a polarizing effect on Indian Muslims. While many, particularly the younger generation, are drawn to his modern style and rationalist approach, others fear that his teachings are eroding the pluralistic traditions that have defined Indian Islam for centuries. His emphasis on exclusivity and doctrinal purity undermines the inclusive practices that have allowed Indian Muslims to coexist peacefully in a religiously diverse society. Naik’s influence has also emboldened a section of conservative Muslims who seek to impose a singular interpretation of Islam on the broader community. This has led to tensions not only between Muslims and other religious groups but also within the Muslim community itself. Sectarian divisions, particularly between Sunni and Shia Muslims, have deepened as a result of Naik’s rhetoric. Zakir Naik's Controversies and His Polarizing Remarks Allegations of Hate Speech Zakir Naik’s preaching has not been without controversy. He has been accused of promoting hate speech and extremism on multiple occasions. In 2016, Naik was implicated in the investigation of a terrorist attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh, after one of the attackers was reportedly influenced by his sermons. This incident led to increased scrutiny of his lectures, which often emphasize the superiority of Islam over other religions and criticize practices that deviate from his interpretation of Islamic orthodoxy. Indian authorities have since charged Naik with money laundering and incitement of hatred, leading to his self-imposed exile in Malaysia. Despite being banned from delivering public speeches in India, Naik continues to have a global platform through social media and his online lectures. Recent Visit to Pakistan Recently, Zakir Naik made headlines with his visit to Pakistan, a country where he remains a revered figure among certain religious circles. During this visit, Naik was invited to deliver lectures at various religious gatherings, where he reiterated his views on Islamic supremacy, the need for religious purity, and the rejection of practices that he deems un-Islamic. His speeches in Pakistan were filled with polarizing remarks, including his critique of sects within Islam, particularly Shia Muslims, and his disdain for interfaith dialogue. He emphasized the idea that Islam is under threat from both external enemies and internal deviations, a message that resonates with conservative elements but alienates those who advocate for religious tolerance and diversity. Naik’s visit also sparked controversy for his remarks on India and Indian Muslims. He portrayed India as a hostile environment for Muslims, accusing the Indian government of systematically oppressing the Muslim minority. While there is indeed a growing concern about the status of Muslims in India, Naik’s rhetoric further stoked tensions by portraying the situation in black-and-white terms. His portrayal of India as a land of persecution has contributed to increasing fear and division among Indian Muslims, many of whom already feel marginalized by the rise of Hindu nationalism. Naik's Role in Radicalizing Muslim Youth: A Catalyst for Radicalism? One of the most alarming aspects of Zakir Naik’s preaching is the potential role they have played in radicalizing Muslim youth. Naik’s rhetoric, which often emphasizes the need for Muslims to assert their religious identity and resist assimilation into non-Islamic cultures, has resonated with young Muslims who feel alienated in a world shaped by globalization and rising Islamophobia. While Naik has repeatedly denied any connection to extremism, his critics argue that his black-and-white portrayal of religious identity and his calls for Muslims to defend their faith at all costs create fertile ground for radicalization. Naik’s emphasis on doctrinal purity and rejection of pluralism mirrors the ideology of extremist groups, even if he himself does not advocate for violence. The Indian government has expressed concern about the influence of Naik’s teachings on young Muslims, particularly those who are vulnerable to radicalization. His lectures, widely available online, continue to attract followers who may interpret his calls for religious purity as a justification for more extreme actions. Controversial Statements on Terrorism Zakir Naik has also been criticized for his ambiguous statements on terrorism. While he publicly condemns acts of violence, he has made statements in the past that suggest a conditional acceptance of violence in certain circumstances. For instance, he once said that "every Muslim should be a terrorist" when it comes to terrorizing "anti-social elements" such as criminals or enemies of Islam. Though he later clarified that his remarks were taken out of context, such statements have contributed to the perception that Naik’s rhetoric can be interpreted as tacitly endorsing extremist behaviour. Conclusion: The Future of Indian Islam and the Impact of Zakir Naik Zakir Naik’s teachings present a significant challenge to the idea of plural Islam in India. His rigid interpretation of the faith, influenced by conservative strains of Islamic thought, stands in stark contrast to the inclusive, pluralistic traditions that have shaped Indian Islam for centuries. While his rhetoric has empowered certain sections of the Muslim community, particularly the youth, it has also deepened divisions both within the Muslim community and between Muslims and other religious groups. Naik’s recent visit to Pakistan and his polarizing remarks have only exacerbated these tensions. His portrayal of Muslims as victims of persecution and his calls for religious purity risk alienating Indian Muslims from the pluralistic society in which they have historically thrived. In a time when India is grappling with rising religious polarization, it is crucial for Indian Muslims to reaffirm their commitment to pluralism, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. The teachings of figures like Zakir Naik may offer a sense of identity and empowerment, but they also pose a risk to the delicate balance of religious harmony that has characterized Indian society for centuries. In the end, the future of Indian Islam will depend on whether its adherents choose to embrace a pluralistic vision of the faith or a more exclusivist, rigid interpretation. Zakir Naik’s influence, though significant, must be weighed against the rich, diverse heritage of Indian Islam, which has long championed inclusivity, tolerance, and peace. ----- Grace Mubashir is an independent researcher on contemporary South Asian Muslims URL: https://www.newageislam.com/the-war-within-islam/zakir-naik-influence-indian-muslims-polarizing-preaching/d/133331 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism