Zakir Naik

[[File:Dr Zakir Naik.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Naik in 2010]]
{{Islam}}
'''Zakir Abdul Karim Naik''' or ''Zakir Naik'' {{lived|18 October 1965}} is a fast-talking [[India]]n [[Muslim]] charlatan and [[Islam|Islamic]] demagogue, and the Islamic Research Foundation's Pres and Founder.<ref name="IRF Intro Tume">[https://zakirnaikqa.wordpress.com/dr-zakir-naik/islamic-research-foundation-irf/ Dr Zakir Naik: Introduction & Timeline - IRF]</ref>  He has been implicated in the Dhaka Attack, money laundering schemes and is currently on the wanted list by Interpol and the Indian National Investigation Agency.<ref name="DNA Zakir Naik appeals to Interpol to turn down red notice plea">[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-zakir-naik-appeals-to-interpol-to-turn-down-red-notice-plea-2542124 Daily News & Analysis ''Zakir Naik appeals to Interpol to turn down red notice plea'' Sept 1, 2017]</ref>

Naik is best known of his ability to fast-talk an audience dropping names (of non-existent persons) and  [[PIDOOMA|pulling made up facts right out of his ass]] to impress his gullible and mostly uneducated audience. In [[India]] he was known to have brought his own cheering squads with him from local mosques to applaud him so as to impress the rest of the non-Muslim attendees, showing that he requires demagoguery and false support rather than making any intellectual arguments.

==Life==
Naik was born in Mumbai, India in 1965 to Abdul Karim Naik, a medical doctor and educator, and Pochamma Naik. He attended St. Peter's School, a coeducational Catholic parochial school in Mumbai.  He went on to study at the Kishinchand Chellaram College, a junior and degree college, and at the Topiwala National Medical College, also in Mumbai.  He interned at the Nair Hospital which is associated with the TNMC.<ref name="Zakir Naik Bio">[https://biographybd.com/zakir-naik-biography/ Zakir Naik Biography]</ref>  He earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Mumbai.  He is married to Fariq Naik and has two children, Fariq and Rushdaa.

In 1987 Naik met Ahmed Deedat, an Islamic preacher who made an impression on Naik so much so that Naik went into the Dawah (proselytization) business himself in 1991.<ref name="IRF Intro Tume"/><ref name="Zakir Naik Bio"/>  In 2006, Naik founded Peace TV, an all English satellite television network based in Dubai, UAE, which promotes Islam as the solution for all of humanity.{{fact}}  He also founded the Islamic International Schools in Mumbai, Chennai and Dubai.  The schools in India had operated under the aegis of the IRF which ran the schools.  Since the IRF has been banned in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act these schools have been declared illegal.<ref name="TET-Illigal School">[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/zakir-naiks-islamic-international-school-school-in-mumbai-illegal-says-government/articleshow/59158919.cms Staff Reporter, ''Zakir Naik's Islamic International School in Mumbai illegal, says government'' '''The Economic Times''' June 15, 2017]</ref>

Naik has claimed in the past to be an Islamic scholar and educated in comparative religion. <ref>https://www.quora.com/Why-does-no-Muslim-ever-ask-Zakir-Naik-why-doesnt-he-say-that-all-religions-are-good-and-equal-Why-can-Muslims-really-believe-that-only-Islam-is-good-and-no-other-religion-is-good</ref>{{fact}} After several rulings against him by Islamic courts he has refrained from claiming scholarship in Islam.

Naik belongs to the [[Wahhabism|Salafist branch of Islam (Salafism)]].<ref name="">[http://www.firstpost.com/india/zakir-naik-and-salafism-why-islamic-scholars-can-dismantle-influence-of-extremist-theology-2893504.html Dehlvi, Ghulam Rasool ''Zakir Naik and Salafism: Why Islamic scholars can dismantle influence of extremist theology'', July 14, 2016 '''Firstpost''']</ref>

==Islamic opposition to Naik==
Generally views of Zakir Naik and his IRF are diverse.<ref>https://agniveer.com/zakir-naik-patriot-or-traitor/</ref> <ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/hyderabad-muslims-divided-over-zakir-naik/articleshow/53175778.cms</ref> Some Muslims, including Salafis and Sufis believe that his defense of Islam may be great and even his motivation advice is trustworthy. But, critics of Naik believe that Salafism is a modern-day version of the Kharijites <ref>https://www.shiachat.com/forum/topic/235055512-are-salafiswahabis-and-deobandis-modern-kharijite/</ref> and hence, believe him to be a phony, though they are attracted to how he refutes Islamophobic allegations. 
In addition, Islamic criticism of Naik is based on his views of [[Jihad|Jihad(ism)]] <ref>https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/radical-islamic-preacher-courted-by-congress-who-inspired-youths-to-join-isis-heres-all-to-know-about-zakir-naik</ref> <ref>https://islamqa.org/hanafi/mahmoodiyah/54041/dr-zakir-naik-2/</ref> <ref>https://www.irfi.org/articles3/articles_4301_4400/why%20do%20muslims%20hate%20dr%20zakir%20naikhtml.htm</ref> <ref>https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/zakir-naiks-speeches-were-against-hindu-gods-home-ministry/articleshow/55484897.cms?from=mdr</ref>, women's role in Islam, [[Ahmadiyya|Ahmadiyyah]] and [[Shia Islam|Shias]], desecration of the Prophet (PBUH)'s tomb, Quran and Hadith, and vice versa where they believe that he doesn't represent India's Muslims, but a pro-Jihadist [[Wahhabism|Wahhabi]] puppet and [[W:Hafiz Saeed|Hafeez Saeed]], that Naik's reference to [[Hinduism]], [[Christianity]], [[Judaism]], [[Islam]] or other religions to prove the [[Quran|Quran]] and [[Hadith]] is a copy of the [[W:Abdul Haq Vidyarthi|Vidyarthi]]'s method of 'proving [[Islam|islam]]', that Naik whitewashed Yazeed I and Modi <ref>https://muslimmirror.com/from-yazid-to-modi-dr-zakir-naik-gives-clean-chits-to-tyrants/</ref>, celebration of [[W:Mawlid]] <ref>https://islamqa.org/hanafi/jamia-binoria/251899/is-dr-zakir-naiks-statement-about-the-war-of-karbala-being-a-political-war-correct/</ref>, his confusion of visiting the Prophet ﷺ's grave/celebrating birthdays with [[W:Shirk|Shirk]] or [[W:Kafir|Kuffar]], use of circular logic (for polygamy too) etc. <ref>https://bible-quran.com/doctor-zakir-naik/</ref> <ref>https://twocircles.net/2008nov12/muslims_introspection_mode_now_fatwa_dr_zakir_naik.html</ref> <ref>https://www.scribd.com/document/62756663/Zakir-Naik-realilty-who-is-Zakir-naik</ref> <ref>https://www.firstpost.com/india/zakir-naik-and-salafism-why-islamic-scholars-can-dismantle-influence-of-extremist-theology-2893504.html</ref> <ref>https://www.scribd.com/document/62891495/ZAKIR-NAIK-THE-INFALLIBLE</ref> <ref>https://www.islamicinsights.com/news/world/zakir-naik-draws-ire-with-karbala-comments.html</ref><ref>https://www.scribd.com/document/17738415/The-Calamity-of-Zakir-Naik-Upon-the-Ummah-Part-3</ref> <ref>https://themuslimvibe.com/faith-islam/zakir-naik-and-the-cheapening-of-islam</ref> <ref>https://www.scribd.com/document/370462914/Zakir-Naik-and-Salafism</ref> <ref>https://sunninews.wordpress.com/2008/11/13/sunni-muslims-demand-ban-of-zakir-naik%E2%80%99s-talk/</ref> <ref>https://www.scribd.com/document/318450115/Zakir-Naik-Refuted-on-Muhammed-Being-Prophesied-in-the-Bible-Ch-Jamkhokai-Mate</ref> <ref>https://www.christianpost.com/news/islamic-preacher-zakir-naik-draws-christians-ire-in-pakistan.html</ref> 
Naik has been accused of being an [[Ahmadiyya|Ahmadiyyah]] in his reference to the way he does comparitive religion. <ref>https://www.scribd.com/document/76638619/Dr-Naik-s-Qadiyani-Connection</ref> <ref>https://islamheartlove.wordpress.com/terrorists-saudi-najdis-salafi-wahabis-yazids-group-worship-sky-idol-god/</ref> reflecting the differing views of comparative religion use in [[Islam]], with some accepting it as a way to lure people to [[Islam]], but the rest believe it to be dull <ref>https://www.scribd.com/document/62756663/Zakir-Naik-realilty-who-is-Zakir-naik</ref>  <ref>https://islamqa.org/hanafi/tafseer-raheemi/179383/can-we-listen-to-dr-zakir-naik/</ref>
In addition, Salafi criticism of Zakir Naik is based on his claims about so-called "Salafi" Ulema, Hizb, Quranic Arabic, [[W:Rafida|Rafeeda]], Taqiyyah and his use of the Vedas, Bible, Torah, Talmud and Philosophy, praise of [[Muhammad|Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)]] etc. <ref>https://www.scribd.com/doc/145268380/Reply-To-Dr-Zakir-Naik</ref>  <ref>https://www.news18.com/world/who-invited-him-please-dont-zakir-naik-bashed-and-trolled-online-during-state-visit-to-pakistan-9078218.html</ref> <ref>https://cjislam.weebly.com/ahmed-deedat-5-shocking-facts-you-need-to-know.html</ref>

There have been about 50 fatwas issued by several Ulemas (councils of specialists in Islamic jurisprudence) condemning him as a kafir (unbeliever). <ref>https://islamqa.org/hanafi/askimam/18466/dr-israh-ahmed-dr-zakir-naik-shaikh-ahmed-deedat-harun-yahya-are-these-scholars-authentic/</ref> The Darul Uloom (Hanafi) one of [[Sunni|Sunnism]]'s most respected Ulemas, issued a [[fiqh|Islamic judicial ruling]] against Naik, indicating that while they respect him as an apologist (daii) to the Western World, that those who are already Muslims should not give credence to what he has to say on matters concerning Islam, as he is not an alim. His knowledge of Quran is by memorization. Naik, not knowing Arabic, is unable to read source material like the Qur'an, ahadith, Sirat and tafsirs which are all in [[Arabic|Arabian]]. <ref>https://islamqa.org/hanafi/tafseer-raheemi/179383/can-we-listen-to-dr-zakir-naik/</ref> <ref>https://islamqa.org/hanafi/jamia-binoria/251892/what-is-the-opinion-of-ulema-on-the-teachings-and-influence-of-dr-zakir-naik/</ref>  His knowledge of the Qur'an is through phonetic memorization.  Without knowledge of the Arabic he cannot attain source knowledge (relating to Sharia).  For this reason he was rejected as a ghair muqallidin (someone who cannot read source material and has no knowledge of the four schools of Sunni Islam) <ref>https://tribune.com.pk/article/37034/zakir-naik-has-a-large-following-in-pakistan-should-we-be-alarmed</ref> <ref>https://islamqa.org/hanafi/darulifta-deoband/22893/do-dr-zakir-naik-s-teachings-align-with-our-madhab-and-aqida-any-contradictions/</ref> <ref>https://islamqa.org/hanafi/darulifta-deoband/22836/is-dr-naik-s-work-valid-according-to-quran-hadith/</ref>.  Which leaves one wondering if it is appropriate to spread falsehood about how good Islam is in the Western World to make converts yet be unable to instruct [[Muslims]] with the same falsehoods.

==Criminal investigation==
He is wanted for questioning in India in relation to a pay for conversion scheme conducted by the IRF.  The allegations are that IRF and Naik paid Rs. 50,000 (~ $775) to each of the converts to Islam which was paid for by Saudi Arabia.<ref name="Zakir Naik’s Men Paid">[https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/zakir-naik-s-men-paid-rs-50-000-each-to-get-hundreds-to-convert-to-islam-says-anti-terrorism-squad-259035.html Anand, Kunal ''Zakir Naik’s Men Paid Rs. 50,000 Each To Get Hundreds To Convert To Islam, Says Anti-Terrorism Squad'' '''India Times''' July 27, 2016]</ref>  Paying for conversions is a criminal offence in India.  He is also wanted as a person of interest in Bangladesh and in India in relation to the July 2016 Dhaka terror attack.

While originally claimed to have wanting to go to India, but claiming to be unable to do so due to scheduling conflicts, he has since dropped the pretense and has decided not to visit countries which might deport him back to India.

Though not directly associated with the group, Naik was cited as an inspiration for the far-right Islamist group [[Hizb ut-Tahrir]] for his hypermasculine and militarist rhetoric.<ref>[https://theprint.in/india/operatives-of-banned-hizb-ut-tahrir-inspired-by-zakir-naik-sought-pakistans-help-to-liberate-kashmir/2308128/?amp Operatives of banned Hizb-ut-Tahrir inspired by Zakir Naik, sought Pakistan’s help to ‘liberate’ Kashmir] ThePrint</ref>

==Claims made by Naik==
* Naik believes that he can prove the existence of [[God]] through logical argument; but it requires a serious lack of critical thinking ability to be persuaded by him. One argument he made actually depended on the argument that "at the time when the [[Qur'an|Qur’ân]] was revealed, [[Flat Earth|people thought the world was flat]]",<ref>[http://www.islam101.com/religions/provingGodExists.htm Islam 101: Proving the Existence of Allah (SWT) to an Atheist]</ref> thus adapting the old [[creationist]] slop about the Biblical scientific foreknowledge in {{bible|Isaiah|40|22}}. However, the Qur’ân itself alludes to the earth being flat in Qur’ân 18:86 and 18:90 which describe [[Dhul-Qarnayn]] reaching "the setting place of the sun" and finding it in a muddy spring.

* However, not only is his reasoning extremely fallacious, the premise is completely false, and his claim should set alarm bells ringing in anyone with an elementary knowledge of history. [[Aristotle]] proved the earth was spherical as early as the 4<sup>th</sup> century BCE;<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130206034505/http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/how-do-we-know-the-earth-is-spherical/2457.html How do we know the Earth is spherical?]</ref> the Qur’ân was written in the 7<sup>th</sup> century CE, by which time this knowledge had spread. 

* He also doesn't seem to believe in [[evolution]], stating that "most scientists today do not agree with [[Darwin]]'s theory" and explicitly denies that humans evolved.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXa-UQjSNn0 Someone give that kid a medal]</ref> Other fallacies employed include loud shouting, "[[just a theory]]", that [[Darwin]] didn't have conclusive evidence (ignoring 150 years of further research), [[Shifting the goalposts|asking for more]] [[transitional fossils]], [[straw man]], [[argument from authority]], ''[[ad hominem]]'' (making fun of the questioner's English, and shouting "[[handwave|you need to learn about science]]" when the questions start becoming too difficult. In other words, the creationist bs that you see from his Christian counterparts too.

* Naik has also claimed that "Science tells us that even plants can feel pain", but that humans cannot hear plants crying out in pain because the sound is not within audible range.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/19991013153810/http://islamicvoice.com/december.98/zakir.htm</ref>

* About the [[9/11]] attacks, Naik said that it was an "[[inside job]]" and done by [[Bush|W]] himself.<ref>https://www.memri.org/tv/indian-muslim-cleric-zakir-naik-911-was-carried-out-george-bush-himself</ref>{{Better source}}

* When asked for proof of an afterlife, Naik attempted to prove the existence of an afterlife by claiming that since there might not be adequate punishment for a crime in this world, there must exist a place where such crime can be punished.<ref name="Dr Zakir Naik - Question & Answer In English In Dubai 2017">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2VGPK8xadI Dr Zakir Naik - Question & Answer In English In Dubai 2017]</ref>  This assumes perfect justice exists and [[Begging the question|begs the question]].  He asks how a person who robs and rapes with impunity would receive justice, while suggesting the Mafia as an example.  Perhaps Zakir Naik might have found a better example if he had a greater knowledge of Islam.  Mohammed raided Meccan caravans (Al-Qarada raid was one of these) which eventually precipitated the Battle of Badr.  After the Battle of the Trench all men of Bedouin Judahite sub-tribe of Banu-Nadir were executed but their girls were distributed among Muhammad's companions.  The night after the battle, after the torture by fire and execution of Kenana ibn al-Rabi,{{efn|Kinana b. al-Rabi, who had the custody of the treasure of Banu al-Nadir, was brought to the apostle who asked him about it. He denied that he knew where it was. A Judahite came to the apostle and said that he had seen Kinana going round a certain ruin every morning early. When the apostle said to Kinana, "Do you know that if we find you have it I shall kill you?" He said yes. The apostle gave orders that the ruin was to be excavated and some of the treasure was found. When he asked him about the rest he refused to produce it, so the apostle gave orders to al-Zubayr b. al-Awwam, "Torture him until you extract what he has," so he kindled a fire with flint and steel on his chest until he was nearly dead. Then the apostle delivered him to Muhammad b. Maslama and he struck off his head, in revenge for his brother Mahmud.<br />- ''Mohammed ibn Ishaq Sirah Rasul Allah (trans. A.Guillaume, Life of Mohammed)''}} her husband, execution of her father Huyayy ibn Akhtab and her brother, Mohammed 
raped, but they call it
 married Safiyyah bint Huyayy{{efn|Narrated `Abdul `Aziz:<br />Anas said, 'When Allah's Messenger invaded Khaibar, we offered the Fajr prayer there (early in the morning) when it was still dark. The Prophet rode and Abu Talha rode too and I was riding behind Abu Talha. The Prophet passed through the lane of Khaibar quickly and my knee was touching the thigh of the Prophet . He uncovered his thigh and I saw the whiteness of the thigh of the Prophet. When he entered the town, he said, 'Allahu Akbar! Khaibar is ruined. Whenever we approach near a (hostile) nation (to fight) then evil will be the morning of those who have been warned.' He repeated this thrice. The people came out for their jobs and some of them said, 'Muhammad (has come).' (Some of our companions added, "With his army.") We conquered Khaibar, took the captives, and the booty was collected. Dihya came and said, 'O Allah's Prophet! Give me a slave girl from the captives.' The Prophet said, 'Go and take any slave girl.' He took Safiya bint Huyai. A man came to the Prophet and said, 'O Allah's Messenger! You gave Safiya bint Huyai to Dihya and she is the chief mistress of the tribes of Quraidha and An-Nadir and she befits none but you.' So the Prophet said, 'Bring him along with her.' So Dihya came with her and when the Prophet saw her, he said to Dihya, 'Take any slave girl other than her from the captives.' Anas added: The Prophet then manumitted her and married her." Thabit asked Anas, "O Abu Hamza! What did the Prophet pay her (as Mahr)?" He said, "Her self was her Mahr for he manumitted her and then married her." Anas added, "While on the way, Um Sulaim dressed her for marriage (ceremony) and at night she sent her as a bride to the Prophet . So the Prophet was a bridegroom and he said, 'Whoever has anything (food) should bring it.' He spread out a leather sheet (for the food) and some brought dates and others cooking butter. (I think he (Anas) mentioned As-Sawaq). So they prepared a dish of Hais (a kind of meal). And that was Walima (the marriage banquet) of Allah's Messenger ."<br />
-''Sahih al-Bukhari 371; IBR: Book 8, Hadith 23; USC: Vol. 1, Book 8, Hadith 367''}} in his tent while an armed guard was posted outside.

*Like other popular online Islamic speakers, Naik has been considered "revisionist" about human rights in the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]], and has denied any atrocities taking place committed by the ummayid caliphate, while claiming that Iran was in the dark ages under Zoroastrianism, with him believing that Islam brought enlightenment and education.<ref>[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0yfcpsq3gXs Was Persia Forced to Accept Islam? - Dr Zakir Naik] YouTube </ref>

== External links ==
* [https://zakirnaik.com/ Official Website]
* [https://www.youtube.com/@Drzakirchannel Official YouTube channel]


===Video gallery===
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==Notes==
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==References ==
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