Karachi: A fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik had a heated exchange with a Pashtun girl during his event in Pakistan’s Karachi. The video of the incident soon went viral on social media platforms. The girl raised concerns about social issues in Islamic societies.
The incident took place during a public gathering on his visit to Pakistan. She asked Naik why issues like paedophilia, drug addiction and adultery exist in her region in spite of strict religious rules. She further questioned Muslim clerics' silence on these issues.
However, instead of replying to the girl’s question, his response was dismissive. He jokingly said that men should take a cue from women and should not step out. The girl again asked her question, to which the controversial preacher repeatedly interrupted her.
Video Of The Incident:
Zakir Naik, the most famous Muslim scholar in South Asia, gaslights a Pashtun girl when she questions the collapse of society caused by religious extremism. pic.twitter.com/zxEoPeTeZE
— Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) October 6, 2024
“There is a contradiction in what you’re saying. There is no mention of paedophilia in the Quran or any Islamic scripture,” Naik said as reported by India Today. The preacher then accused the girl of defaming Islam.
“A Muslim can never commit sexual abuse against children. You should think 10 times before levelling accusations against another,” the preacher said as quoted by the media house.
When the girl defended her question, Naik said that she was wrong and should apologise. The Islamic preacher’s response drew sharp criticism on social media.
Meanwhile, in another incident, Naik said that Pakistanis have a better chance of going to ‘Jannat’ (paradise) than those living in the United States.
Who Is Zakir Naik?
Naik is a Mumbai-born Islamic preacher. Naik, whose organisation, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF,) was banned in India in 2016, faces allegations of promoting hate speech.
Accused of inciting Muslim youth and terrorists to commit acts of terrorism, Naik faced an FIR and was charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2016.
Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a case against his organization, Islamic Research Foundation, citing money laundering allegations.