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{{Primarysources|date=December 2006}} |
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==History and background== |
==History and background== |
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He studied at St Peter's High School and Kishinchand Chellaram College. Later, he trained as a medical doctor at the Karnataka Lingayat Education Society's J. N. Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka. He heads the [[Islamic Research Foundation]], based in Mumbai. He is also the chairman of the IRF Educational Trust, and the president of Islamic Dimensions. Naik is the founder of the Islamic International School <ref>[http://www.irf.net/irf/dtp/iisnew.htm IRF.net: Dr. Naik's Official website]</ref>. |
He studied at St Peter's High School and Kishinchand Chellaram College. Later, he trained as a medical doctor at the Karnataka Lingayat Education Society's J. N. Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka. He heads the [[Islamic Research Foundation]], based in Mumbai. He is also the chairman of the IRF Educational Trust, and the president of Islamic Dimensions. Naik is the founder of the Islamic International School <ref>[http://www.irf.net/irf/dtp/iisnew.htm IRF.net: Dr. Naik's Official website]</ref>. |
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Dr. Naik claims he is working for Universal brotherhood and believes by coming to common terms with all religions in the world, people can live peacefully with each other. <ref> [http://www.irf.net/universalbrotherhood.doc Universal Brotherhood Book Download] www.irf.net</ref> |
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Dr. Zakir Naik has delivered more than 600 public talks and participated in several symposia and dialogues with prominent personalities of other faiths. Naik appears regularly on many international T.V. Channels in more than 100 countries of the world. He is regularly invited for T.V. and Radio interviews. More than a hundred of his talks, dialogues, debates and symposia are available on video cassettes, video CDs and audio cassettes. He has authored books on Islam and Comparative Religion. |
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<ref> [http://www.comparativereligion.bilalphilips.com/index.php?id=45,620,0,0,1,0 Comparative Religion]</ref> |
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==His views== |
==His views== |
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Naik |
Dr. Naik says that he offers a rational understanding of Islam. Various aspects of Islamic law, [[Shari'a]], he says, may seem illogical to non-Muslims or non-practicing [[Muslims]]; Naik claims these rules are sensible and believes that Islam's teachings constitute practical solutions for the problems of mankind. |
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=== |
===Islam & Universal Brotherhood=== |
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In his lecture on Islam & Universal brotherhood, Naik says that there are various types of brotherhoods based on blood relations, regional affiliations, race, caste, creeds, ideology, etc. But all these types of brotherhood are limited in their scope, coverage and benefits. Islam, on the other hand, prescribes Universal Brotherhood. It rejects the thought that human beings have been created in castes or in different levels. He quotes from ({{Quran|49|13}}) |
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Naik says that he does not know Osama and cannot judge his actions. However, Naik adds that if Osama is "terrorizing the terrorist, America", then he supports Osama bin Laden. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CV1qZsoVQw] |
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He goes on to say : |
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===Punishment for Apostasy=== |
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Naik believes that the Islamic injunction prescribing death for [[apostasy]] is justified. He compares it to death penalties meted out to national traitors (army generals who defect being the example cited) and proclaims that apostates fall in the same category. But for the people of other faiths converting to Islam he does not accept his own principal that they must also be treated as traitors and therefore may also be killed [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJnFsKfcoE][http://www.real-islam.org/audio/zakir_apostate.wmv] |
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''Prophet Mohammed said in the speech of his farewell pilgrimage ‘There is only one God, and no Arab is superior to a Non-Arab; nor is a Non-Arab superior to an Arab; a White is not superior to a Black, nor a Black over the White. The only criterion for superiority is Taqwa – i.e. righteousness, piety, and God-consciousness.<ref>[http://www.irf.net/irf/dtp/dawah_tech/ques14.htm Question and Answers] Irf.net</ref> |
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===Propagation of Other faiths in Islamic state=== |
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Zakir Naik says that propagation of other religions within an Islamic state is forbidden while he appreciates people of other religions allowing Muslims to freely propagate Islam in their country. He feels there should not be any church or temple in an Islamic state. He makes an analogy to math and claims, "2+2 is only equal to 4, not 3 or 6. Similarly, truth is one and it is only Islam. Will non-Muslims allow 2+2 = 6 to be taught in their schools? "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwCn-IT_zZA][http://www.real-islam.org/audio/freedomofspeech.wmv] |
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Here Naik forgets that the opponents of all the Prophets also used force to stop the propagation of faith brought by them. Surely they did so because they were also of the opinion that WRONG should not be allowed to be preached and taught in their society. So according to Naik’s logic said act of all the opponents of Prophets automatically becomes as legitimate. |
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===Views on terrorism=== |
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In answer to a question regarding terrorism, Naik says: |
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''A true Muslim should only be a terrorist to anti-social elements and not to innocent people. Infact a Muslim should be a source of peace and solace for innocent and righteous people.'' |
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===Analogy of Father and Son=== |
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During his dialogue with Sri Sri Ravishankar, Naik claimed that Muslims take the rest of humanity as their brothers and sisters. However, this does not mean that they will accept another person's religion. He went on to say, "Won't a Father try to save his son who wants to jump from a 20-storey building? In the same way, Muslims try to save the Non-Muslims by bringing them to the only right path - the Islamic path.<ref name="google_1">{{cite web | publisher = Google Video | url = http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8457665130451146736&q=zakir+naik+ravi | title = Naik & Ravi Shankar Debate }}</ref>" |
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''Regarding Osama bin Laden, one does not know whether he is good or bad. I have not met him personally nor do I know him. I cannot give my opinion based on the reports of BBC or the CNN. Most of the news on the international media is tailor-made to suit ulterior motives and suited to project the image what they want.'' |
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===Allegations of Idol Worship in Islam=== |
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{{cleanup-rewrite}} |
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Naik was once asked: "Muslims go on a pilgrimage to Mecca and worship the Kaba'h by circumabulating it and kissing the black stone. Is that not idol worship?" to which he replied "It is not [[Idolatry|idol worship]]. The [[Kaaba|Kaba'h]] represents a common direction for prayer and by circling it, Muslims feel that there is one God in the center. Muslims kiss the Kaba'h only because Muhammad(pbuh) kissed it." Furthermore, Naik goes on to say: |
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He goes on to say: |
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"Which Hindu will stand on the idol of their deity? But muslims stood on the Kaba'h during the call for prayer during early times of Islam. This is the best proof that there is no idol worship in Islam but present in Hinduism." |
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<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pjML1pcz3w YouTube Video of Naik]</ref> |
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''Islam forbids killing of innocent people''. He quotes verse in ({{Quran|5|32}}), and says ''Killing any innocent human being, whether Muslim or non-Muslim is not allowed in Islam''. |
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===Adoption in Islam=== |
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Naik believes that Muslims are allowed to adopt chiln but that such adoption cannot have a legal status under Islamic law. Giving the adopted child the legal name (of the parent) is something he considers forbidden. Also, once the child grows up, the female members of the family must treat him as a non-mahram (stranger) and observe hijaab (be veiled) in his presence.<ref>[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1536229582215533067 Google Video of Naik] (15:40 in the video link)</ref> |
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<!-- Dr. Naik says that he does not know Osama and cannot judge his actions. However, Naik adds that if Osama is "terrorizing the terrorist, America", then he supports Osama bin Laden. [http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=7798295257248935674&q=zakir+naik]--> |
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===Is Quran the word of God?=== |
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''In his speech on this topic , he said: |
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All the previous Prophets of God were sent only to their people and their nation and their complete message was meant for a particular time period. Therefore the miracles they performed convinced the people of that time but these miracles cannot be analyzed and verified by us today.'' |
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''Therefore the miracle of the last and final Messenger should also be everlasting, examinable and verifiable by people of all ages, after its revelation. Though Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) performed several miracles , he never emphasized them. Though we Muslims believe in these miracles we only boast of the ultimate miracle given to him by Almighty God, which is the Qur’an. Qur’an is the miracle of all times which proved itself to be a miracle 1400 years ago and which can be reconfirmed today and forever. In short, it is the Miracle of miracles.''<ref>[http://www.irf.net/irf/dtp/dawah_tech/ques20.htm Irf.net Q & A]</ref> |
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===Allah is other scriptures=== |
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In answer to this question he says: |
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''In the Bible, God is very often referred to as ‘Elohim’ in the Hebrew language. The ‘im’ in the ending is a plural of honour and God is referred to as ‘El’ or ‘Elah’ in the English Bible with commentary, edited by reverend C. I. Scofield. ‘Elah’ is alternatively spelled as ‘Alah’. The difference in spelling is only of a single ‘L’. Muslims spell Allah as ‘Allah’ while the Reverend has spelled it as Alah and they pronounce it as ‘Elah’. |
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''One of the names by which Gurunanak Sahib referred to God is "Allah".'' |
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''Even in the Rigveda which is the most sacred scripture of the Hindus, one of the attributes given to God Almighty in Book no 2 Hymn no I verse II, is ‘Ila’ which if pronounced properly is the same as Allah'' |
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''Amongst the various Upanishads one of the Upanishad is named as ‘Allo’ Upanishad in which God is referred to as "Allah" several times.''[http://www.irf.net/irf/dtp/dawah_tech/t31/t31b/pg2.htm] |
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===Propagation of other faiths in the Islamic state==== |
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Zakir Naik appreciates people of other religions allowing Muslims to freely propagate Islam in their country, but stresses that proselytism by other religions within an Islamic state is forbidden. He makes an analogy to math and claims, "2+2 is only equal to 4, not 3 or 6. Similarly, truth is one and it is only Islam. Will non-Muslims allow 2+2 = 6 to be taught in their schools? "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwCn-IT_zZA][http://www.real-islam.org/audio/freedomofspeech.wmv] |
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During his dialogue with Sri Sri Ravishankar, Naik claimed that Muslims take the rest of humanity as their brothers and sisters. However, this does not mean that they will accept another person's religion: "Won't a Father try to save his son who wants to jump from a 20-storey building? In the same way, Muslims try to save the Non-Muslims by bringing them to the only right path - the Islamic path.<ref name="google_1">{{cite web | publisher = Google Video | url = http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8457665130451146736&q=zakir+naik+ravi | title = Naik & Ravi Shankar Debate }}</ref>" |
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===Naik on Idol Worship=== |
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Naik Says "Which Hindu will stand on the idol of their deity? But muslims stood on the Kaba'h during the call for prayer during early times of Islam. This is the best proof that there is no idol worship in Islam but present in Hinduism." |
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<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pjML1pcz3w YouTube Video of Dr. Naik]</ref> |
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===Punishment for Apostasy=== |
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Dr. Naik believes that the Islamic injunction prescribing death for [[apostasy]] is justified. He compares it to death penalties meted out to national traitors (army generals who defect being the example cited) and proclaims that apostates fall in the same category. <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJnFsKfcoE YouTube Video of Naik]</ref> <ref>[http://www.real-islam.org/audio/zakir_apostate.wmv]</ref> <ref>[http://www.real-islam.org/audio/murtad.wmv]</ref> |
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===Music=== |
===Music=== |
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Naik asserts that all instrumental music is haraam (forbidden), except a one-membraned |
Dr. Naik asserts that all instrumental music is haraam (forbidden), except a one-membraned drum. <ref>[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2355640483472559724 Google Video: Zakir Naik]</ref>. |
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===Riba or Interest=== |
===Riba or Interest=== |
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Naik believes that Muslims should not receive, give or witness interest-related financial transactions. He declares that it is haraam (forbidden) for Muslims to own or use credit cards, take out loans or buy insurance. He further claims that it is also forbidden for Muslims to work in banks.<ref>[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6764140312571143775 Google Video: Zakir Naik on Riba/Interest] (11:12 and 13:18 in the video link)</ref> His supporters claim that his comments are relevant only in the context of banks dealing with interest. |
Dr. Naik believes that Muslims should not receive, give or witness interest-related financial transactions. He declares that it is haraam (forbidden) for Muslims to own or use credit cards, take out loans or buy insurance. He further claims that it is also forbidden for Muslims to work in banks.<ref>[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6764140312571143775 Google Video: Zakir Naik on Riba/Interest] (11:12 and 13:18 in the video link)</ref> His supporters claim that his comments are relevant only in the context of banks dealing with interest. |
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=== |
===Pork=== |
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Observant Muslims do not eat pork. Naik |
Observant Muslims do not eat pork. Naik says that The Bible also prohibits the consumption of pork, in Leviticus 11:7-8, Deuteronomy 14:8 & Isaiah 65:2-5. |
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: "The pig is one of the filthiest animals on earth. It lives and thrives on muck, faeces and dirt. It is the best scavenger that I know that God has produced." <ref name=irffaq>[http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/ IRF.net: FAQ on Islam]</ref> |
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Naik argues that pork is forbidden because consumption of pork causes several diseases. A person can have various helminthes like roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, etc. Pork has fat building material which gets deposited in the vessels and can cause hypertension and heart attack. And also because pig is a filthy & shameless animal. [http://www.irf.net/irf/dtp/dawah_tech/mcqnm11.htm] |
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Naik also believes that diet has psychological/ethical consequences and one is what one eats: |
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===Prohibition of Alcohol=== |
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:"The pig is the most shameless animal on the face of the earth. It is the only animal that invites its friends to have sex with its mate. In America, most people consume pork. Many times after dance parties, they have swapping of wives; many say 'you sleep with my wife and I will sleep with your wife.' If you eat pigs then you behave like pigs" [http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/]. + :"The pig is the most shameless animal on the face of the earth. It is the only animal that invites its friends to have sex with its mate.' If you eat pigs then you behave like pigs" <ref name=irffaq>[http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/ IRF.net: FAQ on Islam]</ref>. |
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On this question he says that alcohol has been the scourge of human society since time immemorial.Alcohol is the root cause of several problems facing society. He says Bible prohibits the consumption of alcohol in Proverbs 20:1, & Ephesians 5:18 |
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He also says, "Eating of pork can cause no less than seventy different types of diseases. A person can have various helminthes like roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, etc." <ref name=irffaq>[http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/ IRF.net: FAQ on Islam]</ref>. |
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He says it is prohibited because alcohol inhibits the inhibitory centre in human brain , which makes human being behave in an abusive manner & also becaus it causes several diseases. [http://www.irf.net/irf/dtp/dawah_tech/mcqnm12.htm] |
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=== Hijab === |
=== Hijab === |
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Naik supports the practice of [[hijab]], or Islamic modesty for both men and women. He writes that in Islam, a woman is required to cover herself entirely except for her face and hands up to her wrists. He claims that [[Islam]] thus protects women from the lust of men. To the men, Islam prescribes to turn away their gaze if they happen to unintentionally look at stranger women, so that they can avoid immodest thoughts which might enter their minds.<ref name=irffaq>[http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/ IRF.net: FAQ on Islam]</ref> |
Dr. Naik supports the practice of [[hijab]], or Islamic modesty for both men and women. He writes that in Islam, a woman is required to cover herself entirely except for her face and hands up to her wrists. He claims that [[Islam]] thus protects women from the lust of men. To the men, Islam prescribes to turn away their gaze if they happen to unintentionally look at stranger women, so that they can avoid immodest thoughts which might enter their minds.<ref name=irffaq>[http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/ IRF.net: FAQ on Islam]</ref> |
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Naik goes on to say: |
Naik goes on to say: |
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=== Polygamy === |
=== Polygamy === |
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Dr. Naik argues that the Qur’an is the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that contains the phrase ‘marry only one’. There is no other religious book that instructs men to have only one wife. In none of the other religious scriptures, whether it be the Vedas, the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does one find a restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one can marry as many as one wishes. |
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Naik argues that [[polygyny]], or the Muslim practice of taking up to four wives is justified as it is in the best interest of both women and men. He claims it protects the modesty of women, while keeping men from going astray. He writes in his website that human males are polygamous by nature and that a man is less likely to cheat if he has more than one wife.<ref name=irffaq>[http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/ IRF.net: FAQ on Islam]</ref> He also claims that there are more marriageable women than men in the world: |
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He says that before the Qur’an was revealed, there was no upper limit for polygyny and many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an upper limit of four wives. Islam gives a man permission to marry one, two, three or four women, only on the condition that he deals justly with them. There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygyny, but it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.<ref> [http://www.irf.net/irf/dtp/dawah_tech/mcqnm1.htm Ifr.net Q & A]</ref> |
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He also claims that there are more marriageable women than men in the world: |
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:"If every woman got married to only one man, there would be over thirty million females in U.S.A, four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine million females in Russia who would not find a husband. Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to marry a married man or to become public property." <ref name=irffaq>[http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/ IRF.net: FAQ on Islam]</ref>. |
:"If every woman got married to only one man, there would be over thirty million females in U.S.A, four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine million females in Russia who would not find a husband. Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to marry a married man or to become public property. Those are the two only options" <ref name=irffaq>[http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/ IRF.net: FAQ on Islam]</ref>. |
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Naik points to the verse {{Quran|4|3}} to explain the [[Muslim]] position on [[polygyny]]. This verse explains that a man can take more than one wife if and only if he is able to treat them equally otherwise he has been instructed to marry only one wife.<ref> {{Quran|4|3}} </ref> |
Naik points to the verse {{Quran|4|3}} to explain the [[Muslim]] position on [[polygyny]]. This verse explains that a man can take more than one wife if and only if he is able to treat them equally otherwise he has been instructed to marry only one wife.<ref> {{Quran|4|3}} </ref> |
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Islam prescribes [[Zakaat]], or obligatory charity. Ideally, every Muslim who has assets in gold, silver, livestock, savings and currencies that exceed the nisaab level should give 2.5% of those assets every lunar year to charity. |
Islam prescribes [[Zakaat]], or obligatory charity. Ideally, every Muslim who has assets in gold, silver, livestock, savings and currencies that exceed the nisaab level should give 2.5% of those assets every lunar year to charity. |
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Naik claims that if Muslims followed Islamic law in this regard, poverty can be eliminated. <ref>[http://www.thetruecall.com/home/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=155]</ref> |
Dr. Naik claims that if Muslims followed Islamic law in this regard, poverty can be eliminated. <ref>[http://www.thetruecall.com/home/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=155]</ref> |
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===Prosecution of criminals=== |
===Prosecution of criminals=== |
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[[Shariah]] (Islamic law) prescribes [[capital punishment]] for crimes such as murder and rape -- unless the victim's family either forgives the culprit or receives [[Blood money (term)|blood money]], or both. |
[[Shariah]] (Islamic law) prescribes [[capital punishment]] for crimes such as murder and rape -- unless the victim's family either forgives the culprit or receives [[Blood money (term)|blood money]], or both. |
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Naik claims that these penalties are necessary to prevent rape and murder, and that these penalties would ultimately make for a safer society. |
Dr. Naik claims that these penalties are necessary to prevent rape and murder, and that these penalties would ultimately make for a safer society. |
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=== |
===Inter-religious relations=== |
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In a 2006 TV appearance, Naik declared that it was [[haraam]] (forbidden) for Muslims to eat [[prasad]]. Prasad is food offered to [[Hindu]] deities and then shared with friends and family; it is believed to convey blessings and good fortune. Naik said that too many Muslims say [[Bismillah]] over the food, and eat it to please their friends. Naik quotes the following verse from the Quran in support of his claim: |
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In a 2006 TV appearance, Dr. Naik declared that it was [[haraam]] (forbidden) for Muslims to eat [[prasad]]. Prasad is food offered to [[Hindu]] deities and then shared with friends and family; it is believed to convey blessings and good fortune. Naik said that too many Muslims say [[Bismillah]] over the food, and eat it to please their friends. Naik quotes the following verse from the Quran in support of his claim:{{Quran|6|121}}. |
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:{{Quran|6|121}} ''Eat not of (meats) on which Allah's name hath not been pronounced: That would be impiety. But the evil ones ever inspire their friends to contend with you if ye were to obey them, ye would indeed be Pagans.'' ([[Yusuf Ali]] Translation) |
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===Wishing Christians a Merry Christmas=== |
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In a 2003 speech in Toronto <ref>[http://www.revivingtheislamicspirit.com RevivingTheIslamicSpirit.com]</ref>, Naik asserts that it is ''haraam'', forbidden, for [[Muslims]] to wish their [[Christian]] friends a merry [[Christmas]]. Naik claims that this common greeting acknowledges [[Jesus]] as a son of God and is thus blasphemy for Muslims. |
In a 2003 speech in Toronto <ref>[http://www.revivingtheislamicspirit.com RevivingTheIslamicSpirit.com]</ref>, Naik asserts that it is ''haraam'', forbidden, for [[Muslims]] to wish their [[Christian]] friends a merry [[Christmas]]. Naik claims that this common greeting acknowledges [[Jesus]] as a son of God and is thus blasphemy for Muslims. |
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===Implementing Shariah in India=== |
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Naik writes that while he appreciates that India presently allows Muslims to have their own [[Uniform civil code#Muslim Personal Law 1100-1950|personal law]], "Muslims in India would prefer the Islamic criminal law ([[Shariah]]) to be implemented on ''all Indians'' since it is the most practical." <ref name=irffaq>[http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/ IRF.net: FAQ on Islam]</ref>. |
Naik writes that while he appreciates that India presently allows Muslims to have their own [[Uniform civil code#Muslim Personal Law 1100-1950|personal law]], "Muslims in India would prefer the Islamic criminal law ([[Shariah]]) to be implemented on ''all Indians'' since it is the most practical." <ref name=irffaq>[http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/ IRF.net: FAQ on Islam]</ref>. |
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while he appreciates people of other religions allowing Muslims to freely propagate Islam in their country. He x. He makes an analogy to math and claims, "2+2 is only equal to 4, not 3 or 6. Similarly, truth is one and it is only Islam. Will non-Muslims allow 2+2 = 6 to be taught in their schools? "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwCn-IT_zZA][http://www.real-islam.org/audio/freedomofspeech.wmv] |
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== Debates and dialogues == |
== Debates and dialogues == |
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Naik participates in debates and inter-faith dialogue as part of his proselytism activities. |
Dr. Naik regularly participates in debates and inter-faith dialogue as part of his proselytism activities. |
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===Debate in Chicago=== |
====Debate in Chicago==== |
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One of the featured activities at the 2000 Chicago [[ICNA]] Conference (a gathering of American Muslims) was a debate titled "''The Quran & the Bible in the Light of Modern Science''", between Naik and a Christian medical doctor named William F. Campbell |
One of the featured activities at the 2000 Chicago [[ICNA]] Conference (a gathering of American Muslims) was a debate titled "''The Quran & the Bible in the Light of Modern Science''", between Naik and a Christian medical doctor named William F. Campbell, the author of''The Qur'an and the Bible in the light of history and science'' (first edition 1992, second edition 2000) [http://answering-islam.org.uk/Campbell/contents.html], which he conceived as a rebuttal to [[Maurice Bucaille]]'s 1976 ''The Bible, The Qur'an, and Science'' [http://www.islam101.com/science/bucaille.html]. Links to a streaming video can be found in the [[Zakir Naik#External links|External links]]. |
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=== |
====Dialogue in Bangalore==== |
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An "''Inter-Religious dialogue for Spiritual Enlightenment''" was held on the 21st of January 2006 at [[Bangalore]]. |
An "''Inter-Religious dialogue for Spiritual Enlightenment''" was held on the 21st of January 2006 at [[Bangalore]]. Zakir Naik and the founder of the [[Art of Living]], [[Sri Sri Ravi Shankar]], debated on the topic ''The Concept of God in Hinduism and Islam , in the light of sacred scriptures.'' [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jan232006/city2022442006122.asp] |
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[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1380984.cms] |
[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1380984.cms] |
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[http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/24/stories/2006012407510200.htm] |
[http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/24/stories/2006012407510200.htm] |
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[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/story.asp?Article=139434&Sn=LETT&IssueID=29010] |
[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/story.asp?Article=139434&Sn=LETT&IssueID=29010] |
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[http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jan222006/city2010202006121.asp] |
[http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jan222006/city2010202006121.asp] <ref> [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8457665130451146736&q=zakir+naik+ravi Ravi shankar and Dr. Naik Debate]</ref>. |
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This was by far the biggest dialogue in which Dr. Naik participated and can be viewed <ref> [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8457665130451146736&q=zakir+naik+ravi Ravi shankar and Dr. Naik Debate]</ref>. |
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During the event, Naik said, "religious tolerance is important in Islam but tolerance does not mean acceptance." He claimed that people of other religions were misguided and said, "Muslims would have a problem with the Hindu imagery of the god Vishnu." Naik also claimed that the Vedas prophesize the coming of the prophet [[Muhammad]]. |
During the event, Naik said, "religious tolerance is important in Islam but tolerance does not mean acceptance." He claimed that people of other religions were misguided and said, "Muslims would have a problem with the Hindu imagery of the god Vishnu." Naik also claimed that the Vedas prophesize the coming of the prophet [[Muhammad]]. |
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In this debate Naik argued how hindus scriptures like [[vedas]] says that there is only one God but hindus believe in too many Gods. on which Ravi shankar replied there is only one God but in everyone so we pray everyone and idols. then Dr. Zakir replied that muslims have passed that stage and they dont need idols for concentration to worship God thats why they worship directly. |
In this debate Naik argued how hindus scriptures like [[vedas]] says that there is only one God but hindus believe in too many Gods. on which Ravi shankar replied there is only one God but in everyone so we pray everyone and idols. then Dr. Zakir replied that muslims have passed that stage and they dont need idols for concentration to worship God thats why they worship directly. |
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Dr. Naik made references to innacuracies in the Art of Living publication about similiarities between Hinduism and Islam. In the video when Dr. Naik was pointing out factual innaccuracies , <ref> [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8457665130451146736 Debate of Dr. Naik with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar] time 2:00:01 in the video</ref>, Sri Sri Ravi shankar immediately said "i agree i have made many mistakes in the book as it was written in hurry".<ref> [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8457665130451146736 Google Video of Debate] Time 2:05:01 in the Video</ref> |
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=== |
===Challenges to debate=== |
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Zakir Naik invited [[Pope Benedict XVI]] for open interfaith dialogue on 29th September 2006, |
Zakir Naik invited [[Pope Benedict XVI]] for open interfaith dialogue on 29th September 2006, [[Pope Benedict XVI]][http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?155694][http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16560&Itemid=116] |
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Ali Sina (who has debated with clerics such as Grand Ayatollah Montazeri [13]), has challenged Naik for a written debate. He claims his request has remained unanswered for over three years. {{cn}} |
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===Ali Sina's challenge=== |
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==Peace TV== |
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Ali Sina who has debated with people like Grand Ayatollah Montazeri [13], has challenged Naik for a written debate. He claims his request has remained unanswered for over three years. {{cn}} |
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[http://www.geocities.com/asimiqbal2nd/peace-tv.htm] |
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{{Sect-stub}} |
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==Islamic International School== |
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[http://www.irf.net/irf/dtp/allindia.htm] |
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{{Sect-stub}} |
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==Naik's supporters== |
==Naik's supporters== |
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Naik's supporters also say that he has spoken kindly of Hinduism when he said: |
Naik's supporters also say that he has spoken kindly of Hinduism when he said: |
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"The difference between Hindus and Muslims happens to be just a small apostrophe in the way they think. Hindus think that everything — sun, moon, stars, water, snake, earth and all — is God. Muslims, on the other hand, think that everything is God’s creation. Hence the difference between the two is just the apostrophe." |
"The difference between Hindus and Muslims happens to be just a small apostrophe in the way they think. Hindus think that everything — sun, moon, stars, water, snake, earth and all — is God. Muslims, on the other hand, think that everything is God’s creation. Hence the difference between the two is just the apostrophe."<REF> [http://www.famousmuslims.com/zakirnaik.htm An Article on Dr. Zakir Naik] </ref> |
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===Bilal Philips=== |
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<REF> [http://www.famousmuslims.com/zakirnaik.htm well written article on Dr Zakir Naik] </ref> |
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[[Bilal Philips]] who is a revert Islamic scholar describes Dr. Zakir Naik on his Web Site, |
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{{POV}} |
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:"Dr. Zakir Naik is renowed as a dynamic international orator on Islam and Comparative Religion. Dr. Zakir Naik clarifies Islamic viewpoints and clears misconceptions about Islam, using the Qur'an, authentic Hadith and other religious Scriptures as a basis, in conjunction with reason, logic and scientific facts." |
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{{cleanup-rewrite}} |
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Philips says Dr. Zakir is popular for his critical analysis and convincing answers to challenging questions posed by audiences after his public talks. <ref> [http://islamicresearchfoundation.bilalphilips.com/ZakirNaik/ZakirNaik.html http://islamicresearchfoundation.bilalphilips.com/ZakirNaik/ZakirNaik.html]</ref> |
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[[Bilal Philips]] who is a convert islamic scholar, considers that "Dr. Zakir has successfully participated in several symposia and dialogues with prominent personalities of other faiths. His public dialogue with Dr. William Campbell (of USA), on the topic, “The Qur’an and the Bible in the light of Science” held in city of Chicago, U.S.A., on April 1, 2000 was a resounding success."<ref> [http://www.comparativereligion.bilalphilips.com/index.php?id=45,620,0,0,1,0 http://www.comparativereligion.bilalphilips.com/index.php?id=45,620,0,0,1,0]</ref> |
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According to [[Bilal Philips]], "Dr. Zakir has successfully participated in several symposia and dialogues with prominent personalities of other faiths. His public dialogue with Dr. William Campbell (of USA), on the topic, “The Qur’an and the Bible in the light of Science” held in city of Chicago, U.S.A., on April 1, 2000 was a resounding success."<ref> [http://www.comparativereligion.bilalphilips.com/index.php?id=45,620,0,0,1,0 http://www.comparativereligion.bilalphilips.com/index.php?id=45,620,0,0,1,0]</ref> |
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===Ahmed Deedat=== |
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Sheikh [[Ahmed Deedat]], had called Dr. Naik, as "Deedat plus" in 1994, presented a plaque in May 2000 awarded to Dr. Zakir Abdul-Karim Naik for his achievement in the field of Da’wah and the study of Comparative Religion with the engraving "Son what you have done in 4 years had taken me 40 years to accomplish, Alhamdullilah.”<ref> [http://www.comparativereligion.bilalphilips.com/index.php?id=45,620,0,0,1,0]</ref> |
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== Naik's critics == |
== Naik's critics == |
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When Naik claimed that Muslims were like the father who tries to save his son (who is like the misguided non-muslim) from jumping from a 20-storey building, Sri Sri Ravishankar immediately asked him, "How did you conclude Muslims are the Father and Non-Muslims are the son? Who is taking who as Father, and who is taking who as Son?"<ref name="google_1" /> |
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When Naik claimed that Muslims were like the father who tries to save his son (who is like the misguided non-muslim) from jumping from a 20-storey building, Sri Sri Ravishankar immediately asked him, "How did you conclude Muslims are the Father and Non-Muslims are the son? Who is taking who as Father, and who is taking who as Son?"<ref name="google_1" /> |
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Most of the examples Naik uses are outdated and the figures he quotes are no longer true or applicable. His analogies seem baseless and don't seem to pertain to the point he tries to prove. This is the case when he uses "wrong statistics" about world population to claim that women's population is more than men's population. Various published sources like the CIA factbook discredit his claims [https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sa.html]. |
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The interviewer of Zakir Naik during his "propagation of Other faiths" segment added his own views after the segment. He questioned if Zakir Naik was being any different from the Taliban. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIcS-eZ71yg&mode=related&search=] |
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Naik's views on prasad and Christmas wishes have been discussed on Indian television channels. During NDTV's televised debate "The Big Fight" (March 11 2006) [http://www.ndtv.com/ndtvvideo/morevideoschannel.asp?ch=4/1/2006%204:16:43%20PM&show=bif&showname=The%20Big%20Fight] prominent Indian Muslims such as [[Salman Khurshid]] and [[Javed Akhtar]] reproved what they felt were Naik's mischievous attempts to radicalize the Indian Muslim community and promote communal strife{{cn}}. |
Naik's views on prasad and Christmas wishes have been discussed on Indian television channels. During NDTV's televised debate "The Big Fight" (March 11 2006) [http://www.ndtv.com/ndtvvideo/morevideoschannel.asp?ch=4/1/2006%204:16:43%20PM&show=bif&showname=The%20Big%20Fight] prominent Indian Muslims such as [[Salman Khurshid]] and [[Javed Akhtar]] reproved what they felt were Naik's mischievous attempts to radicalize the Indian Muslim community and promote communal strife{{cn}}. |
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Other Muslims like Sheikh Taj-Al Halily and the members of the Muslim Canadian Congress have also rejected this viewpoint on Christmas wishes. [http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=%5CForeignBureaus%5Carchive%5C200312%5CFOR20031224c.html] [http://www.littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=5128&only]. |
Other Muslims like Sheikh Taj-Al Halily and the members of the Muslim Canadian Congress have also rejected this viewpoint on Christmas wishes. [http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=%5CForeignBureaus%5Carchive%5C200312%5CFOR20031224c.html] [http://www.littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=5128&only]. |
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Ali Sina, who claims to be an ex-muslim has criticised Naik and claims him to be a showman. <ref name="faith_debates_intro">{{cite web | publisher = FaithFreedom.org | url = http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/NaikCampbellintro.htm | title = Ali Sina on Zakir Naik}}</ref>. |
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During the Bangalore debate, Naik criticised other religions including Hinduism. His co-speaker Sri Sri Ravi Shankar simply replied, "to each their belief, and it is not our position to question them."<ref name="google_1" /> |
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Some Islamic scholars like Mahmoud Murad also vehemently disagree with Naik's interpretations. <ref> [http://www.geocities.com/aljamaah/commonquestion.pdf Mahmoud Murad on Naik]</ref> |
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[[Ali Sina]], who is a big critic of Naik, has claimed that Naik is a showman who twists the truth and fools his audience <ref name="faith_debates_intro">{{cite web | publisher = FaithFreedom.org | url = http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/NaikCampbellintro.htm | title = Ali Sina on Zakir Naik: A review of The Qur’an and the Bible in the Light of Science | author = Ali Sina }}</ref>. He has reviewed the debate between Campbell and Naik and claims that Naik misrepresented Islam with his lies<ref name="faith_debates_intro" />. |
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Some Islamic scholars like Mahmoud Murad also vehemently disagree with Naik's interpretations and the language in which he couches arguments and have published books refuting them. [http://www.geocities.com/aljamaah/commonquestion.pdf] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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; |
;Dr. Naik publications and debates |
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* {{cite web | url = http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/NaikCampbellintro.htm | title = ''World’s Greatest Showman'' | publisher = FaithFreedom.org}} |
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* {{cite web | url = http://answering-islam.org.uk/Responses/Naik/ | title = ''Responses to Zakir Naik'' | publisher = answering-islam.org.uk}} |
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* {{cite web | url = http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/ZakirNaik.htm | title = ''The Challenge to debate with Dr. Zakir Naik'' | publisher = FaithFreedom.org}} |
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;Pro-Naik publications and debates |
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* [http://www.irf.net/book3.zip ''Qur'an and Modern Science - Compatible Or Incompatible?''] (book) |
* [http://www.irf.net/book3.zip ''Qur'an and Modern Science - Compatible Or Incompatible?''] (book) |
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* [http://www.irf.net/islamandterrorism.zip ''Islam and Terrorism''] (book) |
* [http://www.irf.net/islamandterrorism.zip ''Islam and Terrorism''] (book) |
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;More Links about Naik |
;More Links about Naik |
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* [http://webcast.challengeyoursoul.com/index.php?categoryId=19 Videos By Dr. Zakir Naik] Free downloadable videos of Dr Zakir Naik |
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* [http://www.aswatalislam.net/DisplayFilesP.aspx?TitleID=50027 Debate and Lecture Videos By Dr. Zakir Naik] Free Downloadable Videos |
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* [http://webcast.challengeyoursoul.com/index.php?categoryId=19 Videos By Dr. Zakir Naik] Free Download |
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* [http://www.famousmuslims.com/zakirnaik.htm Doctor Genius: DR ZAKIR NAIK] Famous Mulsims |
* [http://www.famousmuslims.com/zakirnaik.htm Doctor Genius: DR ZAKIR NAIK] Famous Mulsims |
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* [http://islamicresearchfoundation.bilalphilips.com/ZakirNaik/ZakirNaik.html Know The Truth] |
* [http://islamicresearchfoundation.bilalphilips.com/ZakirNaik/ZakirNaik.html Know The Truth] Bilal Philips View of Dr. Naik |
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;Anti-Naik |
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* {{cite web | url = http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/NaikCampbellintro.htm | title = ''World’s Greatest Showman'' | publisher = FaithFreedom.org}} |
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* {{cite web | url = http://answering-islam.org.uk/Responses/Naik/ | title = ''Responses to Zakir Naik'' | publisher = answering-islam.org.uk}} |
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* {{cite web | url = http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/ZakirNaik.htm | title = ''The Challenge to debate with Dr. Zakir Naik'' | publisher = FaithFreedom.org}} |
Revision as of 18:50, 20 December 2006
Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik | |
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Date of Birth | October 18 1965 |
Occupation | Islamic Da'wah |
University Degree | M.B.B.S. (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), University of Mumbai |
Zakir Abdul Karim Naik (born October 18 1965) is an Indian public speaker, debater and writer on the subject of Islam and comparative religion. He travels extensively and has been featured at many Islamic conferences and debates with non-muslim scholars of all faiths.
A medical doctor, Naik attempts to clear the misconceptions about Islam using the Qur'an, Hadith and other religious scriptures, while also spreading Dawah (Islamic proselytism).
History and background
He studied at St Peter's High School and Kishinchand Chellaram College. Later, he trained as a medical doctor at the Karnataka Lingayat Education Society's J. N. Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka. He heads the Islamic Research Foundation, based in Mumbai. He is also the chairman of the IRF Educational Trust, and the president of Islamic Dimensions. Naik is the founder of the Islamic International School [1].
Dr. Naik claims he is working for Universal brotherhood and believes by coming to common terms with all religions in the world, people can live peacefully with each other. [2]
Dr. Zakir Naik has delivered more than 600 public talks and participated in several symposia and dialogues with prominent personalities of other faiths. Naik appears regularly on many international T.V. Channels in more than 100 countries of the world. He is regularly invited for T.V. and Radio interviews. More than a hundred of his talks, dialogues, debates and symposia are available on video cassettes, video CDs and audio cassettes. He has authored books on Islam and Comparative Religion. [3]
His views
Dr. Naik says that he offers a rational understanding of Islam. Various aspects of Islamic law, Shari'a, he says, may seem illogical to non-Muslims or non-practicing Muslims; Naik claims these rules are sensible and believes that Islam's teachings constitute practical solutions for the problems of mankind.
Islam & Universal Brotherhood
In his lecture on Islam & Universal brotherhood, Naik says that there are various types of brotherhoods based on blood relations, regional affiliations, race, caste, creeds, ideology, etc. But all these types of brotherhood are limited in their scope, coverage and benefits. Islam, on the other hand, prescribes Universal Brotherhood. It rejects the thought that human beings have been created in castes or in different levels. He quotes from (
Quran |
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)
He goes on to say :
Prophet Mohammed said in the speech of his farewell pilgrimage ‘There is only one God, and no Arab is superior to a Non-Arab; nor is a Non-Arab superior to an Arab; a White is not superior to a Black, nor a Black over the White. The only criterion for superiority is Taqwa – i.e. righteousness, piety, and God-consciousness.[4]
Views on terrorism
In answer to a question regarding terrorism, Naik says:
A true Muslim should only be a terrorist to anti-social elements and not to innocent people. Infact a Muslim should be a source of peace and solace for innocent and righteous people.
Regarding Osama bin Laden, one does not know whether he is good or bad. I have not met him personally nor do I know him. I cannot give my opinion based on the reports of BBC or the CNN. Most of the news on the international media is tailor-made to suit ulterior motives and suited to project the image what they want.
He goes on to say:
Islam forbids killing of innocent people. He quotes verse in (
Quran |
---|
), and says Killing any innocent human being, whether Muslim or non-Muslim is not allowed in Islam.
Is Quran the word of God?
In his speech on this topic , he said: All the previous Prophets of God were sent only to their people and their nation and their complete message was meant for a particular time period. Therefore the miracles they performed convinced the people of that time but these miracles cannot be analyzed and verified by us today.
Therefore the miracle of the last and final Messenger should also be everlasting, examinable and verifiable by people of all ages, after its revelation. Though Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) performed several miracles , he never emphasized them. Though we Muslims believe in these miracles we only boast of the ultimate miracle given to him by Almighty God, which is the Qur’an. Qur’an is the miracle of all times which proved itself to be a miracle 1400 years ago and which can be reconfirmed today and forever. In short, it is the Miracle of miracles.[5]
Allah is other scriptures
In answer to this question he says:
In the Bible, God is very often referred to as ‘Elohim’ in the Hebrew language. The ‘im’ in the ending is a plural of honour and God is referred to as ‘El’ or ‘Elah’ in the English Bible with commentary, edited by reverend C. I. Scofield. ‘Elah’ is alternatively spelled as ‘Alah’. The difference in spelling is only of a single ‘L’. Muslims spell Allah as ‘Allah’ while the Reverend has spelled it as Alah and they pronounce it as ‘Elah’.
One of the names by which Gurunanak Sahib referred to God is "Allah".
Even in the Rigveda which is the most sacred scripture of the Hindus, one of the attributes given to God Almighty in Book no 2 Hymn no I verse II, is ‘Ila’ which if pronounced properly is the same as Allah
Amongst the various Upanishads one of the Upanishad is named as ‘Allo’ Upanishad in which God is referred to as "Allah" several times.[5]
Propagation of other faiths in the Islamic state=
Zakir Naik appreciates people of other religions allowing Muslims to freely propagate Islam in their country, but stresses that proselytism by other religions within an Islamic state is forbidden. He makes an analogy to math and claims, "2+2 is only equal to 4, not 3 or 6. Similarly, truth is one and it is only Islam. Will non-Muslims allow 2+2 = 6 to be taught in their schools? "[6][7]
During his dialogue with Sri Sri Ravishankar, Naik claimed that Muslims take the rest of humanity as their brothers and sisters. However, this does not mean that they will accept another person's religion: "Won't a Father try to save his son who wants to jump from a 20-storey building? In the same way, Muslims try to save the Non-Muslims by bringing them to the only right path - the Islamic path.[6]"
Naik on Idol Worship
Naik Says "Which Hindu will stand on the idol of their deity? But muslims stood on the Kaba'h during the call for prayer during early times of Islam. This is the best proof that there is no idol worship in Islam but present in Hinduism." [7]
Punishment for Apostasy
Dr. Naik believes that the Islamic injunction prescribing death for apostasy is justified. He compares it to death penalties meted out to national traitors (army generals who defect being the example cited) and proclaims that apostates fall in the same category. [8] [9] [10]
Music
Dr. Naik asserts that all instrumental music is haraam (forbidden), except a one-membraned drum. [11].
Riba or Interest
Dr. Naik believes that Muslims should not receive, give or witness interest-related financial transactions. He declares that it is haraam (forbidden) for Muslims to own or use credit cards, take out loans or buy insurance. He further claims that it is also forbidden for Muslims to work in banks.[12] His supporters claim that his comments are relevant only in the context of banks dealing with interest.
Pork
Observant Muslims do not eat pork. Naik says that The Bible also prohibits the consumption of pork, in Leviticus 11:7-8, Deuteronomy 14:8 & Isaiah 65:2-5.
Naik argues that pork is forbidden because consumption of pork causes several diseases. A person can have various helminthes like roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, etc. Pork has fat building material which gets deposited in the vessels and can cause hypertension and heart attack. And also because pig is a filthy & shameless animal. [8]
Prohibition of Alcohol
On this question he says that alcohol has been the scourge of human society since time immemorial.Alcohol is the root cause of several problems facing society. He says Bible prohibits the consumption of alcohol in Proverbs 20:1, & Ephesians 5:18
He says it is prohibited because alcohol inhibits the inhibitory centre in human brain , which makes human being behave in an abusive manner & also becaus it causes several diseases. [9]
Hijab
Dr. Naik supports the practice of hijab, or Islamic modesty for both men and women. He writes that in Islam, a woman is required to cover herself entirely except for her face and hands up to her wrists. He claims that Islam thus protects women from the lust of men. To the men, Islam prescribes to turn away their gaze if they happen to unintentionally look at stranger women, so that they can avoid immodest thoughts which might enter their minds.[13]
Naik goes on to say:
- "Suppose there are twin sisters. While walking down the street, one of them is wearing a mini-skirt, while the other is wearing the hijab with everything covered with loose clothes except the hands up to the wrist. If there is a hooligan who is waiting to tease a girl, which girl will he tease? He will tease the girl wearing the mini-skirt." [14]
Polygamy
Dr. Naik argues that the Qur’an is the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that contains the phrase ‘marry only one’. There is no other religious book that instructs men to have only one wife. In none of the other religious scriptures, whether it be the Vedas, the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does one find a restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one can marry as many as one wishes.
He says that before the Qur’an was revealed, there was no upper limit for polygyny and many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an upper limit of four wives. Islam gives a man permission to marry one, two, three or four women, only on the condition that he deals justly with them. There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygyny, but it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.[15]
He also claims that there are more marriageable women than men in the world:
- "If every woman got married to only one man, there would be over thirty million females in U.S.A, four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine million females in Russia who would not find a husband. Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to marry a married man or to become public property. Those are the two only options" [13].
Naik points to the verse
Quran |
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to explain the Muslim position on polygyny. This verse explains that a man can take more than one wife if and only if he is able to treat them equally otherwise he has been instructed to marry only one wife.[16]
A woman's value as a witness
A verse in (
Quran |
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) which says that two female witnesses are equal to one male witness in financial transactions. Naik says:
- "In financial transactions, two men are preferred. Islam expects men to be the breadwinners of their families. Since financial responsibility is shouldered by men, they are expected to be well versed in financial transactions as compared to women. As a second option, the witness can be one man and two women, so that if one of the women errs the other can remind her." [13]
Naik extends this thought to murder cases and says:
- "... the feminine attitude can also have an effect on the witness in a murder case. In such circumstances a woman is more terrified as compared to a man. Due to her emotional condition she can get confused. Therefore, two female witnesses are equivalent to one male witness."
Charity
Islam prescribes Zakaat, or obligatory charity. Ideally, every Muslim who has assets in gold, silver, livestock, savings and currencies that exceed the nisaab level should give 2.5% of those assets every lunar year to charity.
Dr. Naik claims that if Muslims followed Islamic law in this regard, poverty can be eliminated. [17]
Prosecution of criminals
Shariah (Islamic law) prescribes capital punishment for crimes such as murder and rape -- unless the victim's family either forgives the culprit or receives blood money, or both.
Dr. Naik claims that these penalties are necessary to prevent rape and murder, and that these penalties would ultimately make for a safer society.
Inter-religious relations
In a 2006 TV appearance, Dr. Naik declared that it was haraam (forbidden) for Muslims to eat prasad. Prasad is food offered to Hindu deities and then shared with friends and family; it is believed to convey blessings and good fortune. Naik said that too many Muslims say Bismillah over the food, and eat it to please their friends. Naik quotes the following verse from the Quran in support of his claim:
Quran |
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.
In a 2003 speech in Toronto [18], Naik asserts that it is haraam, forbidden, for Muslims to wish their Christian friends a merry Christmas. Naik claims that this common greeting acknowledges Jesus as a son of God and is thus blasphemy for Muslims.
Naik writes that while he appreciates that India presently allows Muslims to have their own personal law, "Muslims in India would prefer the Islamic criminal law (Shariah) to be implemented on all Indians since it is the most practical." [13].
Debates and dialogues
Dr. Naik regularly participates in debates and inter-faith dialogue as part of his proselytism activities.
Debate in Chicago
One of the featured activities at the 2000 Chicago ICNA Conference (a gathering of American Muslims) was a debate titled "The Quran & the Bible in the Light of Modern Science", between Naik and a Christian medical doctor named William F. Campbell, the author ofThe Qur'an and the Bible in the light of history and science (first edition 1992, second edition 2000) [10], which he conceived as a rebuttal to Maurice Bucaille's 1976 The Bible, The Qur'an, and Science [11]. Links to a streaming video can be found in the External links.
Dialogue in Bangalore
An "Inter-Religious dialogue for Spiritual Enlightenment" was held on the 21st of January 2006 at Bangalore. Zakir Naik and the founder of the Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, debated on the topic The Concept of God in Hinduism and Islam , in the light of sacred scriptures. [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [19].
During the event, Naik said, "religious tolerance is important in Islam but tolerance does not mean acceptance." He claimed that people of other religions were misguided and said, "Muslims would have a problem with the Hindu imagery of the god Vishnu." Naik also claimed that the Vedas prophesize the coming of the prophet Muhammad.
In this debate Naik argued how hindus scriptures like vedas says that there is only one God but hindus believe in too many Gods. on which Ravi shankar replied there is only one God but in everyone so we pray everyone and idols. then Dr. Zakir replied that muslims have passed that stage and they dont need idols for concentration to worship God thats why they worship directly.
Dr. Naik made references to innacuracies in the Art of Living publication about similiarities between Hinduism and Islam. In the video when Dr. Naik was pointing out factual innaccuracies , [20], Sri Sri Ravi shankar immediately said "i agree i have made many mistakes in the book as it was written in hurry".[21]
Challenges to debate
Zakir Naik invited Pope Benedict XVI for open interfaith dialogue on 29th September 2006, Pope Benedict XVI[17][18]
Ali Sina (who has debated with clerics such as Grand Ayatollah Montazeri [13]), has challenged Naik for a written debate. He claims his request has remained unanswered for over three years. [citation needed]
Peace TV
Islamic International School
Naik's supporters
Naik supporters point with pride to his debates with his counterparts from other religions, and believe that he has decisively refuted them with his debating skills, scientific knowledge, and ability to quote from non-Islamic scriptures. According to the site FamousMuslims.com:
"Any Person who listen's to his question and answers session is going to be astonished and overwhelmed as he clarifies Islamic viewpoints and clears misconceptions about Islam, using the Quran, authentic Hadith reciting each and giving each Surat, Ayat number(by heart) and he has not only learned Quran and Hadith by heart but has also learned several Bibles, the Talmud and the Torah (the Jewish scriptures), the Mahabharata and the Bhagwat Gita (the Hindu holy books), and other scriptures and gives very satisfying answer in conjunction with reason, logic and scientific facts. He has learned hundred and thousands of pages from different books by heart and has the knowledge of scientific and mathematical facts and theories." Naik supporters claim that Naik can quote, from memory, Islamic scriptures like the Quran and the hadith, and also books from other religions like the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Vedas, the Manu Smriti and all the results of Cricket test matches from 1925 onwards.
Naik's supporters also say that he has spoken kindly of Hinduism when he said:
"The difference between Hindus and Muslims happens to be just a small apostrophe in the way they think. Hindus think that everything — sun, moon, stars, water, snake, earth and all — is God. Muslims, on the other hand, think that everything is God’s creation. Hence the difference between the two is just the apostrophe."[22]
Bilal Philips
Bilal Philips who is a revert Islamic scholar describes Dr. Zakir Naik on his Web Site,
- "Dr. Zakir Naik is renowed as a dynamic international orator on Islam and Comparative Religion. Dr. Zakir Naik clarifies Islamic viewpoints and clears misconceptions about Islam, using the Qur'an, authentic Hadith and other religious Scriptures as a basis, in conjunction with reason, logic and scientific facts."
Philips says Dr. Zakir is popular for his critical analysis and convincing answers to challenging questions posed by audiences after his public talks. [23]
According to Bilal Philips, "Dr. Zakir has successfully participated in several symposia and dialogues with prominent personalities of other faiths. His public dialogue with Dr. William Campbell (of USA), on the topic, “The Qur’an and the Bible in the light of Science” held in city of Chicago, U.S.A., on April 1, 2000 was a resounding success."[24]
Ahmed Deedat
Sheikh Ahmed Deedat, had called Dr. Naik, as "Deedat plus" in 1994, presented a plaque in May 2000 awarded to Dr. Zakir Abdul-Karim Naik for his achievement in the field of Da’wah and the study of Comparative Religion with the engraving "Son what you have done in 4 years had taken me 40 years to accomplish, Alhamdullilah.”[25]
Naik's critics
When Naik claimed that Muslims were like the father who tries to save his son (who is like the misguided non-muslim) from jumping from a 20-storey building, Sri Sri Ravishankar immediately asked him, "How did you conclude Muslims are the Father and Non-Muslims are the son? Who is taking who as Father, and who is taking who as Son?"[6]
Naik's views on prasad and Christmas wishes have been discussed on Indian television channels. During NDTV's televised debate "The Big Fight" (March 11 2006) [21] prominent Indian Muslims such as Salman Khurshid and Javed Akhtar reproved what they felt were Naik's mischievous attempts to radicalize the Indian Muslim community and promote communal strife[citation needed].
Other Muslims like Sheikh Taj-Al Halily and the members of the Muslim Canadian Congress have also rejected this viewpoint on Christmas wishes. [22] [23].
Ali Sina, who claims to be an ex-muslim has criticised Naik and claims him to be a showman. [26].
Some Islamic scholars like Mahmoud Murad also vehemently disagree with Naik's interpretations. [27]
References
- ^ IRF.net: Dr. Naik's Official website
- ^ Universal Brotherhood Book Download www.irf.net
- ^ Comparative Religion
- ^ Question and Answers Irf.net
- ^ Irf.net Q & A
- ^ a b "Naik & Ravi Shankar Debate". Google Video.
- ^ YouTube Video of Dr. Naik
- ^ YouTube Video of Naik
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
- ^ Google Video: Zakir Naik
- ^ Google Video: Zakir Naik on Riba/Interest (11:12 and 13:18 in the video link)
- ^ a b c d IRF.net: FAQ on Islam
- ^ A website Article
- ^ Ifr.net Q & A
- ^
Quran - ^ [3]
- ^ RevivingTheIslamicSpirit.com
- ^ Ravi shankar and Dr. Naik Debate
- ^ Debate of Dr. Naik with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar time 2:00:01 in the video
- ^ Google Video of Debate Time 2:05:01 in the Video
- ^ An Article on Dr. Zakir Naik
- ^ http://islamicresearchfoundation.bilalphilips.com/ZakirNaik/ZakirNaik.html
- ^ http://www.comparativereligion.bilalphilips.com/index.php?id=45,620,0,0,1,0
- ^ [4]
- ^ "Ali Sina on Zakir Naik". FaithFreedom.org.
- ^ Mahmoud Murad on Naik
External links
- Dr. Naik publications and debates
- Qur'an and Modern Science - Compatible Or Incompatible? (book)
- Islam and Terrorism (book)
- The Concept of God in Hinduism and Islam with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (complete video)
- CONCEPT OF GOD IN MAJOR RELIGIONS [1]
- REPLIES TO THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED BY NON-MUSLIMS [2]
- QUR'ÂN AND MODERN SCIENCE - Compatible Or Incompatible [3]
- ISLAM AND TERRORISM [4]
- WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN ISLAM - Protected Or Subjugated?
- AL-QUR'ÂN - Should it be Read with Understanding?
- IS THE QUR'ÂN GOD'S WORD?[5]
- More Links about Naik
- Debate and Lecture Videos By Dr. Zakir Naik Free Downloadable Videos
- Videos By Dr. Zakir Naik Free Download
- Doctor Genius: DR ZAKIR NAIK Famous Mulsims
- Know The Truth Bilal Philips View of Dr. Naik
- Anti-Naik
- "World's Greatest Showman". FaithFreedom.org.
- "Responses to Zakir Naik". answering-islam.org.uk.
- "The Challenge to debate with Dr. Zakir Naik". FaithFreedom.org.