Why Dr. Zakir Naik Was Banned in India - Complete Analysis

Why Dr. Zakir Naik Was Banned in India?

Dr. Zakir Naik Ki Haqiqat India Ne Zakir Naik Ko Kyun Nikala?

Indian authorities have accused the popular Mumbai-based preacher Dr. Zakir Naik of supporting terrorism, which he denies.

In November, India's counterterrorism agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), filed a First Information Report, an official police complaint, against Naik and the Mumbai-based non-profit Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) that he founded in 1991, accusing him of indulging in unlawful activities and promoting religious hatred.

The Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded by imposing a five-year ban on the IRF under the country's anti-terror laws.

'Illegal, unjustified, unwarranted'

Naik's lawyer, Mubeen Solkar, told Al Jazeera that he will "challenge the ban before an appropriate court".

"We have got sufficient grounds to show that the ban was not only illegal but also unjustified and unwarranted," he added.

India's Enforcement Directorate, which investigates economic crimes, has accused the IRF of money-laundering and closed its properties in Mumbai. An educational trust run by Naik has also been prevented from receiving funds from abroad.

Solkar denies that his client has been involved in money laundering. "All the transactions were done through banks and all the funds came through legal channels," he said. "There is nothing to show that any of the amounts would constitute proceeds of crime, which is a requirement under the PML Act [Prevention of Money Laundering Act]."

Where is Dr. Zakir Naik now?

Naik has not returned to India since last July.

His whereabouts are currently not known, although he has in recent months given interviews and conducted a press conference via Skype from Saudi Arabia, which has bestowed on him one of the country's highest awards for "service to Islam".

There have been rumors that he has been granted Saudi citizenship, but there has been no official confirmation of this.

But the Islamic preacher was granted permanent residency in Malaysia by the previous Mahathir Mohamed government, much to India's dismay. His Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) has been banned in India.

Recently, Dr Zakir Naik explained why he opted to move to Malaysia instead of Pakistan after facing increasing pressure in India. In an interview with a Pakistani YouTuber, Dr Naik candidly discussed significant events in his life. The interview quickly gained widespread attention, amassing millions of views within hours.

While India has been trying to extradite Zakir Naik, not much progress has been made in this regard. Interpol has refused to issue a Red Notice for him.

Dr. Zakir Naik will be in Pakistan from October 5 to October 20

World-renowned Islamic preacher Dr. Zakir Naik is set to return to Pakistan for a highly anticipated series of public lectures, igniting excitement among his followers.

The tour, which kicks off on October 5 in Karachi and concludes in Islamabad on October 20, will see Dr. Zakir Naik deliver lectures in three major cities: Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dr. Zakir Naik Indian or Pakistani?

Zakir Naik was born on 18 October 1965 to Abdul Karim Naik and Roshan Naik in Bombay, India.

Where is Dr. Zakir Naik nowadays?

Recently, Dr. Naik explained why he opted to move to Malaysia instead of Pakistan after facing increasing pressure in India.

How many languages does Zakir Naik speak?

Dr. Zahir Naik knows five languages. He was born in Malathi so that is his native tongue. He also speaks English, Hindi, Urdu and Arabic.

How to ask Dr. Zakir Naik a question?

Ask Dr Zakir Fortnightly Live Question & Answer Session Every 1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month Live on Peace TV, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram & Twitter Send your Question in Brief via Whatsapp Text to +60 1121 3333 60 along with your name, profession, city & country

Why Dr. Zakir Naik Banned in India? India Ne Zakir Naik Ko Kyun Nikala?