Zakir Naik's Visit to Pakistan Revives Calls for Action from Indian Religious Leaders

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam October 3, 2024 The Arrival Of Zakir Naik In Pakistan Has Reignited Discussions About His Controversial Influence And Alleged Extremist Ties. His Welcome In Pakistan Raises Significant Questions About His Ideology And Activities. Main Points: 1. Zakir Naik's recent visit to Pakistan has reignited controversy over his influence and alleged extremist ties, prompting renewed calls for action from Indian clerics. 2. Naik, founder of the Islamic Research Foundation and Peace TV, faces serious legal challenges in India related to money laundering and incitement to violence. 3. Indian clerics have condemned Naik's teachings, linking them to rising extremism, while others advocate for legal action based on evidence rather than public criticism. 4. Criticism of Naik spans the Muslim community, with many scholars asserting that his Salafist views contradict more inclusive Islamic teachings. 5. Ongoing international scrutiny complicates Naik's legal situation, as allegations suggest his rhetoric may contribute to radicalization, emphasizing the need for thoughtful discourse on extremism. ---- Fariq Zakir Naik (right) and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan (left) ------ Introduction Zakir Naik, a well-known figure in the Islamic community, has been embroiled in controversy for many years. As the founder and head of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and the satellite channel Peace TV, Naik has drawn both admiration and criticism for his teachings, which some view as radical. His association with the Salafi movement and his provocative statements have led to accusations of promoting communal discord and terrorism. On October 1, 2024, Naik was greeted with a red carpet reception in Pakistan, hosted by senior government officials, highlighting the complexities of his public image and the ramifications of his teachings. This article delves into Naik's background, the legal challenges he faces, the responses from clerics, and the broader implications of his teachings on society. Background Born on October 18, 1965, in Bombay, India, Zakir Naik initially pursued a medical career, earning his MBBS from the University of Mumbai. However, he shifted his focus to religious discourse in the early 1990s. In 1991, he established the Islamic International School in Mumbai and later founded the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) to disseminate Islamic teachings and provide educational resources. His wife, Farhat Naik, plays a pivotal role in the IRF, leading its women’s division. Naik’s public speaking career gained momentum after meeting the renowned Islamic preacher Ahmed Deedat in 1987. This encounter inspired him to deliver lectures contrasting Islamic beliefs with those of other religions. His prominence grew further with the launch of Peace TV in 2006, which has become one of the largest religious satellite networks globally. Despite his large following, Naik's speeches have faced scrutiny for allegedly promoting radical ideas. His broadcasts, which often criticize other faiths and advocate strict interpretations of Islam, have led to bans on Peace TV in several countries, including India, Canada, and the UK, due to hate speech concerns. In March 2021, he launched Al Hidaayah, a platform offering Islamic educational content and featuring videos from various Islamic speakers, aiming to position itself as a "halal" alternative to Netflix. Recent Developments The political dynamics shifted dramatically on October 1, 2024, when Naik arrived in Pakistan at the government's invitation. His reception by prominent officials marks a stark contrast to the legal challenges he faces in India, where the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has pursued allegations of money laundering and incitement to communal violence. Recently, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia would not tolerate terrorism and was open to reviewing evidence related to Naik, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against him. Clerical Response in India In light of Naik's international presence, Indian clerics have intensified their calls for action since 2016. At an Eid event in Bareilly, several clerics condemned Naik's speeches, linking them to rising extremism. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi stated, "It has been reported that terrorists who attacked the Dhaka café were inspired by Naik. His speeches support terror and radicalize people. Naik should be arrested, and Peace TV should be banned." Echoing this sentiment, the Grand Mufti of India, Mufti Asjad Raza Khan Qadri, remarked that Naik’s actions are contrary to both Islam and Indian culture. He referred to a previous ban on Naik’s broadcasts in Uttar Pradesh in 2008, reflecting ongoing concerns about his influence on Muslim youth. Criticism Criticism of Naik is not confined to clerics; many scholars and community leaders have expressed discontent with his teachings, arguing they contradict the core principles of Islam. Critics assert that Naik's ultra-conservative Salafist views clash with the more inclusive and peaceful teachings of Sufi and Barelvi traditions prevalent in India. The Darul Uloom Deoband, a prominent seminary, has issued multiple fatwas against Naik since 2007, branding him a "self-styled preacher" whose teachings mislead Muslims. This institutional condemnation underscores a significant divide within the Muslim community regarding Islamic interpretations and the authority of religious leaders. Shia scholar Maulana Syed M. Asghar has also criticized Naik, asserting that his sermons lack social reform and foster division. He emphasized that Islam promotes peace, and any teachings that incite violence or hatred are contrary to its essence. Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali advocated for a measured response, suggesting that legal action should be taken if Naik has committed crimes, but emphasizing that public criticism should remain ethical and respect due process. His perspective highlights the complexity within the Muslim community regarding Naik’s influence and the appropriate response. International Scrutiny and Legal Challenges Naik's influence reaches beyond India, drawing criticism from several nations. The UK, Canada, and others have scrutinized his sermons for potentially inciting violence. This international attention complicates his legal situation, especially amid ongoing investigations into his financial activities and alleged support for extremist ideologies. The NIA's pursuit of Naik is based on serious allegations that his speeches have motivated individuals to join terrorist groups. An IRF member was arrested for allegedly encouraging a young man from Kerala to join Daesh, further connecting Naik’s rhetoric to radicalization in India. Misquoting Quran In a Viral Video, Hafiz Ehsan Iqbal Qadri, alumnus of Madrasa Faiz-e-Raza, Sri Lanka confronted Zakir Naik directly, asking him to specify the 25 verses he claims reject the concept of Waseela. Naik responded by requesting Qadri's email address to send the information. However, Qadri reminded him that he had previously provided his email four years ago during a flight from Jeddah to Mumbai, when Naik made the same promise but failed to follow through. Qadri says there are some Verses which allows Waseela, but if there is any Verse rejects Waseela, then please let me know. This exchange relates to a controversial statement Naik made on Peace TV, where he asserted that seeking Waseela is haram (forbidden) according to the Quran, citing 25 verses to support his claim. This incident underscores concerns about Naik's ability to accurately quote the Quran and raises questions about the reliability of his assertions, suggesting that he may misinterpret or misrepresent Islamic texts, thereby potentially misleading his audience on critical theological issues. Conclusion As Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim navigates the delicate diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and India, the renewed calls for action against Zakir Naik from Indian clerics highlight the urgent need for a serious discussion on radicalization within the Muslim community. The varied responses to Naik—from support in some quarters to outright condemnation in others—reflect a broader struggle within Islam regarding interpretation and the influence of religious discourse on societal values. Naik’s activities in Pakistan and the ongoing investigations into his conduct underscore the necessity of addressing radicalization thoughtfully and informedly. As the discourse continues, both governments and communities must prioritize strategies that counter extremist ideologies while respecting freedom of belief. ------- Syed Amjad Hussain is an Author and Independent Research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on a book based on Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/zakir-naik-pakistan-indian-religious-leaders/d/133349 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