Zakir Naik’s Pakistan visit revives the call for action from Indian clerics and scholars amid ongoing controversy surrounding his extremist discourse and ideology
By Syed Amjad Hussain
Zakir Naik’s influence and the allegations surrounding his extremist connections have sparked significant debate in recent times. Recent developments include his arrival in Pakistan, where he has been warmly welcomed, raising further questions about his activities and ideology.
Naik, a prominent figure in the Islamic world, has been a subject of controversy for years. The founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), and the satellite network, Peace TV, Naik has garnered both support and condemnation for his teachings, which many perceive as radical and extremist. His relationship with the Salafi school of thought, along with his inflammatory rhetoric, has led to accusations of inciting communal disharmony and terrorism.
On October 1, 2024, Naik arrived in Pakistan to a red carpet welcome from top government officials, highlighting the complexities surrounding his public persona and the implications of his activities. This article explores Naik’s background, the legal challenges he faces, the response from religious clerics, and the broader societal implications of his teachings.
Background
Born on October 18, 1965, in Bombay, India, Naik pursued a medical degree at the University of Mumbai, earning his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS). Despite his medical training, he shifted his focus to religious discourse in the early 1990s.
In 1991, he founded the Islamic International School in Mumbai, and, later, established the IRF, which aims to spread Islamic teachings and provide educational resources to the community. Hiswife, Farhat Naik, plays a crucial role in the IRF, heading its women’s section.
Naik’s journey into public speaking began in earnest after he was inspired by the renowned Islamic preacher, Ahmed Deedat, whom he met in 1987. This encounter marked a turning point in his career; he began to gain recognition for his lectures that juxtaposed Islamic beliefs with other religions.
His rise to prominence was further solidified with the launch of Peace TV in 2006, which broadcasts free-to-air Islamic programming and has become one of the largest religious satellite networks globally.
Despite his considerable following, Naik’s speeches have drawn scrutiny for their perceived promotion of radical ideologies. His broadcasting of teachings that are critical of other faiths, and his call for strict adherence to a particular interpretation of Islam have led to ban on Peace TV in several countries, including India, Bangladesh, Canada, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, under hate speech laws.
In March, 2021, he launched a new platform called, Al Hidaayah, which aims to provide educational content about Islam and features thousands of hours of videos from renowned Islamic speakers. This initiative is touted as a ‘halal’ alternative to Netflix, further expanding his influence in the digital space.
Recent Developments
The political landscape surrounding Naik shifted dramatically on October 1, 2024, when he arrived in Pakistan at the invitation of the government. His arrival was marked by a warm reception from prominent officials, including the chairman of the prime minister’s Youth Programme, and the additional secretary of the ministry of religious affairs. Naik’s month-long tour includes public lectures across major cities like Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, as well as meetings with senior government officials.
This warm welcome in Pakistan stands in stark contrast to the legal troubles he faces in India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been pursuing Naik since 2016, primarily focusing on allegations of money laundering and inciting communal violence.
During a visit to India, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia would “not condone terrorism” and indicated a willingness to review evidence concerning Naik, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges against him.
Clerical Response in India
In response to his continued presence on the international stage, Indian clerics have ramped up calls for action against him in 2016. At an Eid gathering in Bareilly, several clerics voiced their condemnation of Naik’s speeches, linking them directly to the rise of extremism.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi articulated a widespread sentiment among clerics, stating, “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 his channel, Peace TV, banned.”
Similarly, Qazi-ul-Quzzat Fil Hind, or, the considered Grand Mufti of India, Mufti Asjad Raza Khan Qadri, echoed these sentiments, declaring, “Naik’s activities are against Islam and the culture of India.” He reminded the authorities of a previous ban on his programmes in Uttar Pradesh in 2008, reflecting a long-standing concern about his influence on Muslim youth.
In contrast, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali called for a measured approach. He suggested that while legal action should be pursued, if Naik has committed a crime, but the public discourse against him should be ethical and grounded in due process. His nuanced perspective highlights the complexity within the Muslim community regarding his influence and the appropriate response to it.
Criticism from within the Muslim Community
The backlash against Naik is not limited to clerics; many Muslim scholars and community leaders have voiced their discontent with his teachings, asserting that they contradict the fundamental principles of Islam. Critics argue that his ultra-conservative Salafist views are incompatible with the inclusive and peaceful nature of Sufi and Barelvi traditions that are prevalent in India.
The Darul Uloom Deoband, a prominent Islamic seminary of Deobandis, has been particularly vocal in its criticism of Naik. It has issued multiple fatwas against him since 2007, labeling him a “self-styled preacher” whose teachings misguide Muslims. This institutional condemnation highlights a significant schism within the Muslim community regarding interpretations of Islam and the role of religious leaders.
Maulana Syed M Asghar, a Shia scholar, has also weighed in, asserting that his sermons lack a message of social reform and tend to foster division. He emphasized that Islam preaches peace, and any teaching that promotes violence or hatred are antithetical to the core tenets of the religion.
International Scrutiny and Legal Challenges
Naik’s influence extends beyond India, with his teachings drawing criticism in several countries. The UK, Canada, and other nations have scrutinized his sermons for promoting radical ideologies that could potentially inspire violence. This international scrutiny complicates his already precarious legal status, especially with ongoing investigations into his financial dealings and alleged support for extremist ideologies.
The NIA’s pursuit of Naik is grounded in serious allegations, including claims that his speeches have inspired individuals to join terrorist organizations. A member of the IRF was recently arrested for allegedly motivating a young man from Kerala to join Daesh, further linking his rhetoric to radicalization efforts in India.
Conclusion
As Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim navigates the complex diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and India, the call for action against Naik from Indian clerics underscore the urgent need for discourse on radicalization within the Muslim community. The mixed responses to Naik—from support among some factions, to outright condemnation by others—highlight a broader struggle within Islam regarding interpretation, authority, and the role of religious discourse in shaping societal values.
His recent activities in Pakistan and the ongoing investigations into his conduct emphasize the importance of addressing radicalization in a nuanced and informed manner. As discussions continue, governments and communities must prioritize strategies to counter extremist ideologies, while respecting freedom of belief and expression.
The situation surrounding him serves as a critical case study for policy-makers aiming to address issues of radicalization and community safety. Governments must balance the protection of free speech with the necessity of preventing hate speech and extremist ideologies. This complex challenge requires collaborative efforts between legal authorities, religious leaders, and community organizations to promote a message of tolerance and understanding.
Ultimately, the discourse surrounding Zakir Naik, and his teachings, highlights the need for a united front against extremism, emphasizing the importance of education, dialogue and the promotion of inclusive interpretations of Islam that can counteract radical narratives.
Syed Amjad Hussain is an author, poet and independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on a book related to the History of Sufism in Bihar.