Dr. Zakir Naik arrived in Pakistan on Monday. His visit will last for a month. He plans to deliver lectures in major cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. This marks Naik’s first visit to Pakistan in three decades. His last visit was in 1992, when he met with religious scholar Dr. Israr Ahmed in Lahore before returning to India.
Why does Zakir Naik reside in Malaysia?
Although originally from India, Dr. Naik now resides in Malaysia. He faces legal troubles in India, where authorities have sought his extradition on several charges, including hate speech. Upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport, officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs welcomed him, along with PM’s aide Rana Mashhood.
What will Naik’s schedule include?
During his stay, Dr. Naik will address public gatherings. He will start in Karachi on October 5, followed by lectures in Lahore on October 12 and Islamabad on October 19. In addition to public events, Naik will meet senior government officials and engage in various public activities. His visit is scheduled to continue until October 28.
Read: Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim to Arrive Pakistan Tomorrow
What security measures are in place for Dr. Naik?
Sources from the Ministry of Religious Affairs have confirmed that Dr. Naik visits Pakistan at the invitation of the government. Officials will provide him with foolproof security during his stay.
Why has Zakir Naik faced bans in multiple countries?
Dr. Naik’s controversial views have led to bans in several countries, including India and Bangladesh. His remarks about Yazid, a historical figure in Islam, sparked outrage among Muslims. In 2007, during a conference, he addressed Yazid with a title usually reserved for saints. This angered many in the Muslim community, leading to protests and calls for his apology.
What controversies surround Zakir Naik?
In 2016, the Bangladesh government banned Peace TV, a channel run by Dr. Naik. Authorities claimed that the channel was linked to several extremists. The station’s ban was part of measures to prevent radicalization among youth. Similarly, countries like Canada, Sri Lanka, and the UK have also banned Naik’s Peace TV based on hate-speech laws.
Why did Zakir Naik leave India?
Dr. Naik fled India in 2016 amid serious allegations. These included spreading hatred and money laundering. His departure followed a crackdown on his organization, the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), which faced allegations of inciting violence.
Is Dr. Zakir Naik a Hafiz of the Quran?
Although he is a well-known Islamic preacher, Dr. Naik is not a Hafiz nor an Alim. Critics argue that he does not know Arabic and relies on translations, leading to inaccuracies. These shortcomings have raised questions about his authority in religious matters.
Dr. Zakir Naik Remarks on Yazid
However, in 2016, Dr. Zakir Naik made controversial remarks that have caused significant backlash. A 2-minute video clip of his statements began circulating widely online.
During an Islamic peace conference in Sion, India, Naik discussed the Battle of Karbala. He stated there were “differences of opinion” among the Prophet’s Companions and referred to the battle as a “political event.” He even mentioned Yazid, adding “May God be pleased with him.” This phrase is typically reserved for close companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Naik’s comments ignited outrage in India and beyond. Shi’a and Sunni scholars condemned his statements as hurtful and inaccurate. Safdar Karmali from the Mumbai Khoja Shia Ithna Ashari Jama’at criticized Naik for diminishing Imam Hussain’s (peace be upon him) martyrdom. Many scholars worry that his comments could harm Shia-Sunni unity. His remarks have drawn criticism from numerous scholars who reject Yazid and have deemed it acceptable to curse him.
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