Dr Zakir Naik

Dr Zakir Naik: His Journey, Exile from India, and Life Today

Origin and Early Life

Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, born on October 18, 1965, in Mumbai, India, is a prominent Islamic public orator who focuses on comparative religion. He is known for his intellectual approach to explaining Islamic teachings and engaging in interfaith dialogue. Dr Zakir Naik completed his early education at Kishinchand Chellaram College and later earned his medical degree (MBBS) from the University of Mumbai. Despite his training in medicine, he shifted his focus towards religious education, leading to his rise as an Islamic preacher.

His Rise as a Popular Islamic Preacher

Dr Zakir Naik founded the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and gained popularity for his ability to explain Islam by drawing comparisons between it and other world religions. His style of presenting religious ideas through logic, scientific reasoning, and references to scriptures like the Quran, Bible, and Torah attracted a large following across the globe. He became known for his public debates and lectures, often televised and broadcasted through Peace TV, which he launched in 2006. Peace TV became a widely-viewed Islamic network in multiple languages, including English, Urdu, and Bengali.

Why He Fled from India

Dr Zakir Naik’s fame, however, came with growing controversy. In 2016, his speeches were linked to a terror attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where some of the attackers allegedly claimed to have been influenced by his sermons. Though Naik denied any role in promoting extremism, the Indian authorities launched a crackdown on him. He was charged with money laundering, promoting enmity between religious groups, and inciting violence through his speeches.

At the time of these allegations, Dr Zakir Naik was abroad in Malaysia. The Indian government, led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), began probing his financial dealings and sought to arrest him. Dr Zakir Naik, however, did not return to India, and in the same year, he became a wanted fugitive in India. His Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) was subsequently banned by the Indian government.

Where Is He Living Now?

Dr Zakir Naik has been residing in Malaysia since 2016, where he was granted permanent residency. Malaysia has become a safe haven for Naik, as the government has refused to extradite him to India despite the charges against him. He continues his preaching from Malaysia, albeit under more restricted circumstances, with a focus on digital platforms.

Naik’s public appearances have been curtailed, but he remains an influential figure in the Muslim world. He also retains strong ties to his family, including his wife, Farhat Naik, and children, Fariq Zakir Naik, Rushda Naik, and Zikra Naik.

Peace TV and Its Role in the UAE
Peace TV, founded by Dr Zakir Naik, has been a significant medium for broadcasting Islamic teachings across the globe. The network initially had a wide viewership in the UAE, where Naik’s lectures and programs were popular. However, as controversies surrounding Naik intensified, the UAE joined other countries in scrutinizing his content.

In 2020, the UAE banned Peace TV, citing concerns over its potential role in spreading radical ideologies and hate speech. The ban was part of a broader initiative by the UAE government to counter extremist narratives and maintain peace in the region. Peace TV remains banned in several countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Awards and Recognition
Despite the controversies, Dr. Zakir Naik has been recognized for his contributions to Islamic scholarship and preaching. He has received multiple awards, including the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work in 2013 and the Dubai International Holy Quran Award the same year. These accolades reflect his standing in certain Islamic circles, particularly in the Middle East.

Bottom-line

Dr. Zakir Naik remains a polarizing figure. While many admire him for his ability to articulate Islamic teachings in a logical and comparative framework, others view him as a controversial preacher whose speeches have caused religious and political unrest. Naik’s self-exile to Malaysia, his continued legal troubles in India, and the ban of his Peace TV network in various countries have added layers of complexity to his public image. As of today, Naik continues to preach and remain active in religious discourse, though his influence is now largely confined to online platforms.