They were born in the year 1965 in Mumbai, India. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik is a famous Islamic public speaker and televangelist from India who is well known for his comparative religious talks that have attracted a huge following across the globe mainly among Muslims who are young. The man behind the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is a Celebrated and maligned character concerning his ideologies.
Early life and education
Having grown up in an average Muslim family, Zakir Naik showed great interest in religion at a tender age. He was admitted to study medicine at Topiwala National Medical College as well as BYL Nair Charitable Hospital where he performed highly academically. Zakir later on graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from Mumbai University.
Still, he became more passionate about religion despite having his medical qualifications (Anonymous 1997). He was inspired by one the most well-known Islamic-proclaimed Ahmed Deedat which made him start studying Islam hence teaching it at the same time. His knowledge of medicine has provided him with an exceptional perspective on dealing with individuals from different sociocultural backgrounds.
Rise to prominence
The charismatic orator Naik is celebrated all over the world because he can simplify religion to that understandable by ordinary people. Thus, in 1991 he founded Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) whose main objective was to promote Islamic knowledge as well as clarify misconceptions with regard to the religion. The functions of IRF included holding seminars, publishing books, and making films among others.
In 2006, he unveiled Peace TV, a global Islamic channel that airs his lectures, debates, and programs in various languages. Consequently, this channel has attracted millions of followers leading to his popularity among numerous Muslim communities around the world.
Comparative religion and public debates
One of Zakir Naik’s key subject areas is comparative religion where he engages in public debates with scholars from other religions especially Christianity and Hinduism. Some of these arguments have earned praise while others attracted criticism because it depends on scriptural analysis or historical evidence.
Zakir Naik’s followers commend him on presenting Islam in an intellectual and enlightened way that can be comprehended by the contemporary man. They maintain that this creates room for comparison thereby identifying errors in other religions hence strengthening a Muslim’s faith.
However, critics refute this approach as employed by accusing Dr.Zakir of being highly selective in his narrative which at times seems misleading. He manipulates historical facts; and misrepresents other faiths while promoting sectarianism and intolerance in Islam.
Controversies and legal issues
During his preaching tenure, Zakir Naik has been in many controversial situations. It has been claimed that his speeches and publications are hate messages which instigate violence. In particular countries like India, Bangladesh, Canada, and Britain have either prevented him from speaking or investigating him about such matters.
Several charges, including money laundering and inciting hatred amongst different groups, have been filed against Naik in India. The Indian government has declared IRF as an unlawful organization claiming its involvement with terrorism. He however denies any involvement with terrorists fleeing to Malaysia.
Impact and legacy
Zakir Naik is an influential Islamic figure despite the several controversies surrounding him. He was involved in making religion more relatable to young minds in the 21st century with great success attracting several million. Those opposing him contend that his method of shallow comparisons and polemic debates undermines the true concept of Islam (Zuckerkandl 1976).
There is no doubt that Zakir Naik’s legacy is multi-faceted but yet unresolved entirely. While his contribution to the comprehension of Islam cannot be underestimated, many questions have been raised on these controversial statements and the litigations he faces concerning his integrity and influence.