In a candid podcast, Indian Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik discusses his decision to stay in Malaysia, challenges in India, and his upcoming visit to Pakistan.
Indian Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik recently opened up about his decision to avoid migrating to Pakistan, citing concerns about being falsely labeled as an ISI collaborator. In a revealing interview on a podcast with Pakistani comedian Nadir Ali, Naik discussed his early life, his education, and the struggles that Muslims face in India today.
Naik, who currently resides in Malaysia, expressed his fears of returning to India. He stated that doing so would likely lead to his immediate imprisonment, as the Indian government views him as a significant threat. “Going to India means going to jail for me,” Naik explained, emphasizing how the government has wrongfully labeled him as a terrorist.
One of the most striking revelations from the podcast was that a representative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi allegedly contacted Naik in Malaysia. According to Naik, the representative sought his support in revoking the special status of Kashmir. However, Naik declined, citing his concern for Muslim rights and the broader implications for the Muslim community in India.
When asked why he did not choose to move to Pakistan, Naik explained that while the idea was considered, he opted for Malaysia to safeguard his Da’wa (Islamic missionary) efforts. He feared that if he moved to Pakistan, the Indian government might falsely accuse him of collaborating with the ISI, which would severely impact his work and tarnish his reputation.
Naik referenced a principle from Sharia, explaining that one must sometimes accept minor losses to avoid greater harm. He had intended to visit Pakistan in 2020 but was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he now plans to visit soon, aiming to connect with the Pakistani Muslim community, further his Da’wa efforts, and clear misconceptions about Islam, all while promoting human values and unity.
