Zakir Naik, a controversial preacher from India, has once again caught public attention after reports of his arrest in Oman on terrorism charges by the Indian government.
As of the time of writing, Zakir Naik is reported to be in Oman attending several religious events during Ramadan 2023. However, his lawyer, Akberdin Abdul Kader, denied the reports and stated that after the events in Oman, Zakir Naik will return to Malaysia, where he has been living.
Zakir Naik has also been in the media spotlight after reports that Qatar had invited him to attend the FIFA World Cup. However, Qatar denied the claim and stated that no invitation was sent to Zakir Naik.
Who is Zakir Naik: His Profile
Zakir Naik is a fundamentalist Islamic preacher from India who has gained international attention for allegations of hate speech and money laundering. He fled India in 2016 and became a wanted fugitive.
His speeches broadcasted on the Peace TV channel have been controversial and banned in several countries including India, Canada, the UK, and Bangladesh.
Born in Mumbai and Founded the Islamic Research Foundation
Zakir Naik was born in Mumbai and completed his education including an MBBS degree in the same city. He began to engage in social-religious activities in his 20s and founded the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF). However, the Indian government has banned IRF.
Charges and Controversies
Zakir Naik faces charges of promoting religious hatred and other illegal activities by the Indian counter-terrorism agency in 2016. One of the suspects in the 2016 Dhaka café attack mentioned that he was inspired by Zakir Naik's speeches.
On November 17, 2016, IRF was declared an unlawful organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967) by the Centre.
In November 2021, the ban on IRF was extended for another five years on the grounds of jeopardizing national security and potentially disrupting communal peace and harmony. However, Zakir Naik consistently denied the allegations and stated that his statements were twisted and misinterpreted.
Latest News on Zakir Naik
Zakir Naik once again made headlines when he was reported to be extradited from Oman to India on terrorism charges. However, his lawyer, Akberdin Abdul Kader, denied the reports and stated that Zakir Naik would return to Malaysia after attending the religious events in Oman.
He also made headlines after several reports claimed that Qatar had extended an invitation for him to attend the FIFA World Cup, but the claim was denied by Qatar.
Zakir Naik Seeking Asylum in Malaysia
In 2017, Zakir Naik sought asylum in Malaysia and now is a permanent resident there. Although India is trying to extradite him, little progress has been made, and Interpol refused to issue a Red Notice for Zakir Naik.
Controversial Statements and Ban on Public Speaking
In 2019, Zakir Naik was banned from speaking in public in Malaysia after allegedly making racial statements against the Hindu and Chinese communities in the country. The Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, later stated that his country had the right not to extradite Zakir Naik if he did not receive justice in India.
Zakir Naik's Apology Request
After being banned from speaking in public, Zakir Naik apologized for his statements. Nevertheless, Mahathir stated that Zakir Naik was trying to stir up religious sentiments.
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