Indian Islamic Orator and physician
Zakir Naik is an Islamist televangelist known for running Peace TV. He has been accused of influencing the July 2016 Dhaka attackers in Bangladesh for their terrorist activities. Naik follows a conservative brand of Wahhabi Islam and has faced allegations of expressing sympathy for terrorists. He has controversially labeled the 9/11 attacks as an “inside job” and asserted that apostasy is equivalent to treason. In October 2017, India’s counterterrorism agency accused Naik of insulting various religions and recruiting for ISIS.
Introduction:
Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, born on 18 October 1965, is a prominent Indian Islamic public orator known for his focus on comparative religion. As the founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and Peace TV, Naik has gained recognition in the Islamic world. However, his career has been marred by controversy, as he is currently a wanted fugitive in India.
Background and Associations:
Zakir Naik, not aligning with any specific Islamic school of thought, is often closely associated with the Salafi school of thought. His influence extends beyond India, attracting followers worldwide. Despite his widespread appeal, Naik’s controversial reputation is exacerbated by legal issues that led to his status as a fugitive from Indian authorities.
Legal Issues and Fugitive Status:
In 2016, Indian authorities charged Naik with money laundering while he was abroad in Malaysia. Refusing to return to India, he secured permanent residency in Malaysia, avoiding the charges against him. The National Investigation Agency’s unsuccessful attempt to issue an Interpol red notice for his arrest highlights the complexities surrounding Naik’s legal situation. Naik vehemently denies all charges, maintaining his innocence.
Ban on Peace TV:
Peace TV, the media platform founded by Zakir Naik, has faced bans in multiple countries, including India, Bangladesh, Canada, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom. The bans reflect concerns about the content disseminated by Peace TV, contributing to the controversies surrounding Naik.
Early Life and Education:
Zakir Naik was born in Bombay, India, to Abdul Karim Naik and Roshan Naik. He pursued his education at Kishinchand Chellaram College and later studied medicine at the Topiwala National Medical College & BYL Nair Charitable Hospital and the University of Mumbai. Naik earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) degree, laying the foundation for his academic background.
Conclusion:
Zakir Naik’s journey from a medical student to a globally recognized Islamic orator has been marked by controversy and legal challenges. While celebrated by some for his contributions to comparative religion, he remains a polarizing figure due to the legal issues surrounding him and the bans imposed on Peace TV in various countries. The ongoing saga adds layers of complexity to Naik’s public persona and legacy in the Islamic world.