Zakir Naik, a controversial Islamic preacher wanted by Indian authorities, sparked outrage during an event in Pakistan when he abruptly walked off stage after orphaned girls were referred to as “daughters.” The event, hosted by Pakistan Sweet Home, aimed to honour orphaned girls, but Naik objected to the term “daughters,” claiming they were “non-mahram,” meaning eligible for marriage under Islamic law. This incident added to the growing criticism surrounding Naik, who is currently in Pakistan for a series of lectures and meetings with top officials.
At the end of the event, when the orphanage’s chairman, Zamurrad Khan, invited the girls to present Naik with shields, the preacher abruptly stepped down. Citing Islamic principles, Naik stated the girls were “na-mahram” (those he could marry) and therefore couldn’t engage in such a public exchange. This moment, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media. Afterward, Naik only presented shields to the boys, later advising Khan not to physically interact with the girls for the same religious reasons. His visit to Pakistan included stops in Karachi and Islamabad for various events.
Naik’s departure from the stage has further deepened his already contentious image. While many on social media condemned his behaviour, labeling it misogynistic, this is not Naik’s first controversial stance. Known for his inflammatory speeches, Naik has long been banned from countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and even denied entry to the UK and Canada due to his divisive rhetoric.
This recent controversy also shines a light on Naik’s strained relationship with various governments. India has criticised Pakistan for hosting Naik, calling it condemnable that a fugitive preacher wanted for inciting hate is receiving high-level recognition. His presence in Pakistan is perceived as a diplomatic slight, especially given that India has been seeking his extradition from Malaysia, where he has been living since 2016.
Incidents like these show a pattern of controversial behaviour that has led to global condemnation. Naik’s actions in Pakistan are just the latest in a long history of contentious behavior, reinforcing his image as a divisive figure.
In 2016, his TV channel Peace TV was banned after it was linked to the Dhaka café attack, where the attackers were reportedly inspired by his teachings. Additionally, Malaysia banned him from public speaking after racially insensitive comments in 2019.
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Naik’s controversial stances have led to accusations of inciting violence and hatred between religious communities. His most infamous remarks include defending Osama bin Laden and suggesting that apostates in Islam deserve the death penalty. Despite this, he continues to receive high-level support in countries like Pakistan, where his recent visit is seen as a sign of growing fundamentalist influence.