A controversial Islamic preacher and founder of a research foundation, known for his provocative speeches and debates on Islam, often sparking criticism and bans in several countries.
Zakir Naik, a name synonymous with comparative religion and Islamic preaching, is a well-known figure in the Islamic world. He is the founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and Peace TV, a nonprofit Emirati satellite television network.
Zakir Naik was born on 18 October 1965 in Bombay, India, to Abdul Karim Naik and Roshan Naik. He pursued his higher education at Kishinchand Chellaram College and later enrolled in the Topiwala National Medical College (BYL Nair Charitable Hospital) to study medicine. He obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Mumbai.
In 1991, Naik started working in the field of dawah and founded the Islamic International School in Mumbai and the United Islamic Aid, which provides scholarships to poor and destitute Muslim youth. He was inspired by Ahmed Deedat, an Islamic preacher whom he met in 1987. Naik's wife, Farhat Naik, is the president of the women's section of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).
On 21 January 2006, the Islamic Research Foundation, which Naik heads, founded Peace TV. It is a nonprofit Emirati satellite television network that aims to promote Islamic values and dispel misconceptions about Islam.
Zakir Naik's preaching style is often described as comparative religion, where he highlights the similarities and differences between various religions. He is closely associated with the Salafi school of thought, but he doesn't claim to be a follower of any one school of thought in Islam.
Naik's preaching has been widely watched and appreciated across the globe. He has a massive following in India, Bangladesh, and other countries with significant Muslim populations. His Peace TV channel is broadcast in over 200 countries, making him one of the most influential Islamic preachers of modern times.
Zakir Naik has been embroiled in several controversies, including allegations of hate speech and money laundering. His Peace TV channel is banned in several countries, including India, Bangladesh, Canada, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom, under hate speech laws. Naik has denied all charges and claims to be a victim of political persecution.
"I am not a scholar, I am just a student of comparative religion."
"Islam is not a religion, it's a way of life."
Zakir Naik's influence on modern Islamic thought is undeniable. While his preachings have been controversial, they have also inspired millions of Muslims around the world. Love him or hate him, Zakir Naik is an Islamic public orator who has left an indelible mark on the Islamic world.
90 Years Old
Egypt's former spy chief and VP, known for his role in suppressing dissent and negotiating with Israel, and later becoming a presidential candidate.
