Why I am apologizing on behalf of Dr Zakir Naik shb
By: Khurshid Imam
***********************************************
The article discusses (the above video) the past and present impact of Dr. Zakir Naik, noting a significant debate from April 1, 2000, in which he defended the Quran using logic and scientific reasoning, showcasing his strong communication skills and earning positive recognition. At that time, he was in his mid-thirties, engaging in a challenging debate with Dr. William Campbell, who was considerably older. The discussion has since reached a controversial peak during Dr. Zakir Naik's recent visit to Pakistan in October 2024, prompting many discussions and questions. The author highlights the sensitivity surrounding the topic and emphasizes the need to respond to critical issues. Instead of critiquing Dr. Zakir Naik's statements directly, the purpose of the video is to address significant concerns represented by his large following, recognizing that misinformation or harmful assertions could have widespread consequences. As the focus shifts, the author seeks to explore Dr. Zakir Naik's most recent remarks and their implications, intending to clarify misconceptions and highlight the importance of responsible discourse surrounding influential figures.
The discussion emphasizes the serious consequences that arise when influential figures make unaddressed statements, as many individuals could be adversely affected by their impact. The author expresses concern about a recent event where many non-Muslims posed significant questions during Dr. Zakir Naik's visit, yet felt their inquiries were met with evasion. This prompted the author to seek forgiveness on behalf of Dr. Zakir Naik, aiming to ensure these individuals receive accurate and respectful responses. Instead of delving into personal issues, the focus is directed towards more substantial concerns, particularly Dr. Zakir Naik's dismissive treatment of a Christian attendee who raised genuine questions. The author cites a specific instance where Dr. Zakir Naik not only failed to provide meaningful answers but also demeaned the young man, using derogatory language that contradicts the principles of humility and respect emphasized in religious teachings. This behavior, seen as arrogant and offensive, raises alarms about the potential negative repercussions of such exchanges. The author acknowledges that arrogance is condemned in Islam, highlighting the need for a more compassionate discourse that aligns with the core values of the faith.
The discussion delves into the serious implications of arrogance, likening it to the pride that led Iblis to fall from grace. Such arrogance, when displayed towards non-Muslims, not only humiliates individuals but also tarnishes the image of Islam in the eyes of others. The author cites comments made by viewers of a video wherein Dr. Zakir Naik's behavior was criticized. One observer pointed out that a religious leader acting immaturely only underscores his arrogance, while another remarked that Dr. Zakir Naik appeared nervous and resorted to personal attacks, suggesting he was avoiding meaningful dialogue. These reactions illustrate a broader concern among Muslims who may feel embarrassed by such conduct, questioning Dr. Zakir Naik’s desire to address critical inquiries. The author emphasizes that true believers should speak out against wrongs, regardless of the source, and should not support behaviors that contradict Islamic values.
Referencing a Quranic verse, the author underscores the principles of dawa, or inviting others to Allah, which stress the importance of wisdom and kind demeanor in such endeavors. Engaging in discussions with humility and respect is essential, and any argumentative exchange should remain well-mannered. The author contrasts this with the increasingly hyperbolic and arrogant tone displayed in recent interactions. A notable incident is presented involving a young girl in Pakistan, highlighting the importance of addressing issues like child safety. The narrative stresses that maintaining a respectful and compassionate approach is paramount in promoting the true essence of Islamic teachings.
The article critiques Dr. Zakir Naik's response to a young girl's question about child abuse within the Muslim community, which was both logical and compelling. The girl's query prompted a necessary self-reflection for Muslims about the prevalence of such cases, despite outward appearances of religious observance. Instead of addressing her concerns seriously, Dr. Zakir Naik dismissed her question and chastised her for even posing it, claiming she should apologize for what he deemed a flawed inquiry. This immature reaction reflects poorly not just on Dr. Zakir Naik but also on the broader Muslim community, as it fails to address a serious issue that is being observed and reported.
Dr. Zakir Naik's approach also undermines the intelligence of the audience, suggesting that the girl should think carefully before making accusations while ignoring the substantial evidence and statistics regarding child abuse in society. This dismissal sends a damaging message to non-Muslims who might expect honesty and accountability from Muslim leaders about societal issues. The author argues that a proper response would acknowledge the shame associated with such behavior and highlight the need for Muslims to confront their shortcomings. Acknowledging flaws and expressing regret is crucial for maintaining integrity in Islamic values, as failing to do so only distances the community from the teachings of the Quran and the essence of morality.
Khurshid Imam highlights the immaturity in Dr. Zakir Naik's response, which suggested that true Islam would prevent such issues, an idealistic and unrealistic notion that neglects the pervasive problems within Muslim communities. This dismissive attitude is not only damaging but also undermines the understanding of societal flaws. Imam expresses personal regret for the girl’s public humiliation, recognizing the emotional impact of being ridiculed in front of a large audience. He references various comments from viewers, primarily Muslims, who criticized Dr. Zakir Naik’s aggressive reaction, pointing out that the girl was correct in her critique of societal issues and not Islam itself.
Some commenters emphasized the importance of education over ridicule, while others noted the contradiction between the actions of many who identify as Muslim and the principles of their faith. Imam acknowledges the growing number of people who claim to be devout Muslims, attending prayers regularly, yet engage in sinful activities, highlighting a significant inconsistency. He also notes the challenge posed by language barriers for audiences when religious figures mishandle complex questions due to their own limitations in understanding the nuances of Urdu. This disconnect not only affects the dialogue but also diminishes the potential for meaningful engagement in discussions critical to the community's integrity.
Imam recounts an incident where a young girl posed a question that was overlooked by Dr. Zakir Naik. The girl repeated her question multiple times, struggling to articulate her point due to issues with the microphone, which impeded clarity. Her query centered around the Quran's portrayal of Jews as being marked by humiliation and subjugation, questioning why Israel and the United States hold such power globally despite these scriptural references. Imam notes that Dr. Zakir Naik misinterpreted the core of her inquiry, focusing only on the notion of the Quran's stance on Jews without grasping the full context.
When Dr. Zakir Naik finally understood the girl's question, he failed to address the critical components regarding humiliation and power dynamics, diverting instead to unrelated topics, such as Muslims' perceived preference for wealth over Allah, and the necessity of loans from the IMF. Rather than engaging thoughtfully with the girl’s concerns, he shifted the conversation to broader critiques of the Muslim community and economic dependencies, leading to confusion and a lack of resolution. Imam highlights how Dr. Zakir Naik's failure to provide a relevant answer not only misrepresented the girl's intent but also illustrated a broader issue of disconnection between religious leaders and pressing questions faced by the community. Despite a minor error in naming NATO, Imam emphasizes that the significant oversight was Dr. Zakir Naik's inability to engage with the essence of the girl's questions effectively.
Imam addresses a significant misunderstanding regarding the Quran’s messages about Jews, emphasizing that attributing a perpetual state of humiliation and subjugation to them is fundamentally flawed. He argues that such interpretations unjustly accuse the Creator of unfairly designating a specific race to suffer through time. Instead, he suggests that the Quran highlights behaviors of certain groups rather than condemning an entire ethnicity or identity permanently. He asserts that the Quran mentions qualities of individuals, marking them based on actions like disbelief, rather than enforcing a lifelong condemnation on entire races.
By drawing parallels, he illustrates how the Quran's observations about different communities, including Jews and Christians, vary based on their deeds rather than their identities. Good actions are recognized and praised, demonstrating that many individuals among these groups possess faith and righteousness. Imam underlines that while the Quran critiques negative behaviors, it also acknowledges and honors the goodness found within various communities. This nuanced understanding of the Quran's message underscores the importance of accurate interpretation and the need for religious leaders to engage meaningfully with complex questions rather than reducing them to oversimplified arguments.
Imam emphasizes that the Quran is not a racist book, nor is Islam a religion that discriminates based on race. He points out the importance of understanding the Quran from a non-racial perspective, highlighting that the notion of Allah condemning Jews as a whole is fundamentally incorrect. He acknowledges the presence of both good and bad individuals among Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike, underscoring that the ultimate judgment of all people will come on the Day of Judgment.
He expresses concern that a meaningful question raised by a young girl regarding why Jews and America seem to dominate globally went unanswered. Imam suggests that if Muslims grasp the reasoning behind this phenomenon, it could guide them towards success and power. He notes that the Quran acknowledges that both Jews and Christians received divine guidance through prophets and scriptures, affirming that Muslims respect and believe in this shared lineage of prophecy.
He cites specific verses from Surah Al-Baqarah, illustrating that Muslims, Jews, and Christians are part of the same divine tradition and emphasizing the respect afforded to righteous individuals within these communities. Imam refers specifically to Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 62, which highlights that believers from among Jews, Christians, and Sabians who believe in Allah and the Last Day will be rewarded. This recognition of shared values and mutual respect is vital for fostering unity and understanding among diverse faith communities.
Imam elaborates on the principle that individuals from Jewish and Christian communities who sincerely practice their faith and perform righteous actions will be rewarded by God, as highlighted in the Quran. He emphasizes that the Quran recognizes Jews and Christians as "People of the Book" due to their reception of divine revelations. He references Surah Al-Ma'idah, stressing that followers are encouraged to adhere to the teachings of the Torah and the Gospel.
The Quran promotes respectful dialogue and cooperation with Jews and Christians, advocating for a shared understanding based on the belief in one God. Through Surah Al-Imran, Imam underscores the call for common ground and mutual respect, inviting these communities to unite under equitable values and principles.
He acknowledges the positive qualities and rich history of Jews and Christians in receiving divine guidance while recognizing that the Quran also criticizes certain behaviors, such as corruption of religious texts and theological deviations, including the Christian belief in the Trinity. Imam emphasizes that the shared heritage among Jews, Christians, and Muslims should foster dialogue and understanding, affirming that this collective journey of faith can lead to greater harmony and cooperation among these diverse believers.
Imam highlights the importance of respectful dialogue while addressing theological differences in a balanced manner. He stresses that recognition of community should guide both righteousness and faithfulness to God's message. An incident is recounted involving a Christian man who quoted the Quran while discussing the Bible, but Dr. Zakir Naik criticized him for being uninformed about the Quran, demonstrating a confrontational approach that sparked controversy.
Another scenario features a young influencer who approached Dr. Naik with a respectful demeanor, yet faced arrogance in return. Dr. Naik dismissed his profession, implying that any income derived from social influence could be deemed haram if it involved inappropriate content or imagery. Imam critiques this stance, arguing that such sweeping judgments about what constitutes haram should be approached with caution. He emphasizes the necessity of careful consideration before labeling anything as haram, encouraging individuals to understand the Quran's teachings on the subject and use terms like makruh instead when in doubt. This reflects a broader call for thoughtful discourse and understanding within the community, urging caution in the use of religious terminology and principles.
Imam points out instances of arrogance displayed by Dr. Naik, highlighting a situation where Dr. Zakir Naik ridicules the importance of personal responsibility, particularly regarding women's attire, in discussions about social media influence. He mentions a video where Dr. Zakir Naik justifies sexual coercion based on a woman's clothing choices, which raises significant ethical concerns. Imam stresses that such statements are harmful and not only reflect poorly on the speaker but also perpetuate a dangerous narrative that blames victims rather than addressing the actions of perpetrators.
He emphasizes the need for sensibility and wisdom in responding to hypothetical questions without falling into traps that diminish critical discourse. Imam asserts that suggesting a woman is responsible for her assault due to her clothing is fundamentally flawed and asks the audience to consider whether they would tolerate the same logic being applied to their female family members. He believes these issues require sensitivity and a commitment to justice, urging a clear distinction between personal responsibility for one's actions and victim-blaming rhetoric that contributes to societal harm.
Imam expresses his discomfort with a specific incident involving Dr. Naik and orphan girls at an event, where Dr. Zakir Naik reacted inappropriately to their presence. He recalls Dr. Zakir Naik's comments about not touching the girls, which Imam believes were unnecessary and misinterpreted the situation. Instead of addressing the event's purpose of supporting the orphans, Dr. Zakir Naik constructed a narrative that suggested an improper intention behind their interaction. Imam critiques this as an example of reducing women to mere sexual objects, illustrating a problematic mindset prevalent in certain religious circles that focus solely on physical interactions without recognizing the humanity and dignity of women.
Imam argues that women, including the young orphan girls, are more than just their physical presence; they possess their own identities, thoughts, and souls, deserving respect beyond superficial judgments. This incident contributed to a negative impression, as Dr. Zakir Naik failed to acknowledge the importance of the moment by not delivering the certificates as planned. Imam also reflects on the contrast between Dr. Zakir Naik's earlier public persona, where he showcased intellectual prowess in debates, and this recent behavior that undermines the respect he should accord to anyone, particularly vulnerable individuals.
Imam expresses his deep disappointment, noting that many had previously viewed Dr. Naik as an inspiring role model who instilled confidence and logical thinking in people. However, Imam feels that Dr. Zakir Naik has now become entangled in trivial matters, which diminish his former influence. He highlights that Dr. Zakir Naik often relies heavily on the teachings and phrases of Ahmad Deedat in his own responses, sometimes without acknowledging their origin. Imam points out that while this approach might have been acceptable in the past, Dr. Zakir Naik continues to use outdated data and arguments that no longer hold relevance in contemporary discourse.
He specifically criticizes Dr. Zakir Naik's generalizations about unmarried women, equating them to "public property" if they are not married. Imam finds this characterization particularly offensive, arguing that it reduces women to mere sexual objects and reflects a deeply disrespectful attitude toward their dignity. He presents a hypothetical situation where families face challenges with their daughters remaining unmarried, emphasizing the absurdity of labeling them as public property. Imam concludes that such inappropriate remarks are unbecoming of a religious leader and contradict the principles that should guide interactions within the community.
Imam further critiques Dr. Zakir Naik's comments made during an interview with a lady journalist, suggesting that Dr. Zakir Naik seems intent on stirring controversy. In a bizarre statement, Dr. Zakir Naik claimed that if a man looks at a woman for 15 to 20 minutes without any interaction, he should seek psychiatric help. Imam finds this assertion troubling and questions whether it indicates a mind needing assistance instead of the viewer. He reiterates his concern that such remarks objectify women, reducing them to mere sexual items rather than recognizing them as individuals with dignity.
He argues that Islam should be practiced in all aspects of life, not confined to religious settings. The holistic nature of Islam encompasses professional and scientific realms, where both men and women coexist and work together. Imam emphasizes that viewing women only through a sexual lens and suggesting they should remain hidden or restricted undermines their identity and rights. He denounces this mindset as an attack on women's status, implying that it portrays men as decision-makers regarding women's roles and existence. Such perspectives, according to Imam, not only misrepresent Islamic teachings but also extend a harmful narrative about gender relations, advocating for a more inclusive and respectful understanding of both genders within the community.
Imam critiques Dr. Zakir Naik's dismissive response to a question about why Muslims lag in scientific and technological advancement. Instead of addressing the contemporary issues as sought by the questioner, Dr. Zakir Naik reverted to outdated references from the 8th century. Imam expresses frustration, noting that merely citing historical contexts does not address the current challenges Muslims face today. He underscores that the inquiry was about understanding modern factors contributing to this stagnation, but Dr. Zakir Naik instead blamed a disconnect from the Quran and Hadith.
Imam highlights that such simplistic answers do not engage with the academic discourse expected by intellectual audiences. He argues that offering a mere citation without nuanced analysis fails to enlighten those genuinely seeking understanding. Citing examples from the Quran, he explains that the text provides insights into the rise and fall of communities, emphasizing that historical injustices and tyrannies—like those committed by Pharaoh—led to their downfall. Imam warns that neglecting ethical behavior and social responsibility can result in similar consequences for contemporary Muslims. By tying religious teachings to socio-historical dynamics, he emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and a deeper exploration of the Quran's messages rather than reducing discussions to mere platitudes.
Imam illustrates historical examples from the Quran, discussing the moral failures of communities like the people of Lut, who faced divine consequences due to corruption and immorality. He emphasizes that specific sins, such as deceit in trading, led to their downfall. Similarly, he draws attention to the arrogance exhibited by the people of 'Ad, which further underscores the importance of humility and acknowledgment of power's transient nature. This reflection leads him to question whether contemporary Muslims are similarly trapped in specific sins that may not be clearly identified but are fundamentally eroding their potential.
Imam states that the Quran articulates various factors that contribute to the rise or decline of a nation, urging introspection among Muslims to pinpoint current shortcomings, particularly the divisions within their communities. He explains that division can weaken a community, highlighting the Quranic admonition that suggests unity is paramount for strength. He advocates for a nuanced understanding of faith and righteousness as critical components for progress, alongside justice and fairness as essential virtues that foster societal growth. By stressing these themes, Imam encourages a deeper engagement with the Quranic teachings, aiming to inspire Muslims to reflect on their actions and work toward a more just and unified society.
Imam underscores several critical factors for community advancement, including justice, unity, and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. He stresses that corrupt practices and moral failings must be eliminated for progress to occur. A unified community that collaborates effectively will naturally enhance its status. He emphasizes the significance of knowledge in both religious and worldly matters, noting that a lack of wisdom is a primary reason for the current challenges faced by Muslims globally. Imam points out that the community's focus has often strayed towards superficial religious practices, neglecting the Quranic directive to engage with and control their environment meaningfully.
He highlights various qualities outlined in the Quran, such as patience and gratitude, alongside the avoidance of corruption and oppression, as fundamental to a community's success or decline. Imam reflects on Zakir Naik's situation, framing it as a learning opportunity for Muslims. He encourages humility in addressing misunderstandings from both within and outside the community, advocating for sincere engagement with those who have questions, and emphasizing the importance of responding with wisdom and compassion. By referencing Quranic teachings, he invites the community to implement these principles in daily life, aiming for a harmonious and educated society that upholds justice and unity.
