Zakir Naik divides the internet over his response to a Pashtun girl
Indian-Malaysian Islamic orator Zakir Naik is going viral on the internet over his response to a Pashtun girl at a public gathering In the viral clip, the girl was seen asking Dr Naik about the rising cases of child abuse and paedophilia that were common in mosques and that why didn’t maulvi’s speak out against such atrocities.
In response, Dr Naik spoke to the woman in a disparaging manner by claiming that there was no such thing as paedophilia in Pakistan. Listen to the complete response below
The internet divided over Zakir Naik’s response
Some internet users think that Zakir Naik was absolutely right in responding the way that he did.
Question was not worded correct. Answer was correctly given by the teacher (i.e. Dr. Israr Ahmed) 20 years ago.
This is the reality of Pakistani society. Pakistanis have a superiority complex that they are the only defenders of Islam and they are the best Muslims. pic.twitter.com/xKSgZsSbKZ
— Mosab Imam (@Gooner4lif) October 6, 2024
Great answer at respected @drzakiranaik! The mistake you found in her Q was a good catch! Seems she was planted by some known “unknowns” to insult the Pashtuns’ society bc of Pashtuns strong religious/cultural commitments. No doubt some evil beings may sin/act a certain sin 1/5
— Pashtyaana Afghan (@PashtyanaAfghan) October 6, 2024
This woman asked a deceptive & flawed question that paint Islam as ineffective & subservient to the crimes while generalizing a whole ethnicity on it. Although, Islam prohibits and had strict punishments for such heinous crimes.
Well tackled and answered by Dr Zakir Naik. https://t.co/vYZaxWCUOL
— Binte Hawwa 🏴 (@Journalist_101) October 6, 2024
While other Twitter users slammed the Islamic scholar for belittling the young girl and dismissing a valid concern regarding the rising cases of child abuse and rape. Many users applauded the girl for bravely asking this question.
Lol she is asking legit question and he is just shouting and trying to dismiss her question he didnt really get her question just being jazbati..
— Kaafi (@Kaaff__) October 6, 2024
A user wrote: “It takes immense courage to be a woman from a violent society that rips apart women who dare protest against its apathy and raise such a question. Kudos to her and shame on you. You’re a little man masquerading as a scholar.”
It takes immense courage to be a woman from a violent society that rips apart women who dare protest against its apathy and raise such a question. Kudos to her and shame on you. You’re a little man masquerading as a scholar. https://t.co/betonsqWI5
— Hector (@angstysoldier) October 6, 2024
Another user criticized the manner Dr Zakir did not address the woman’s valid concern, but instead twisted the question to discuss something else.
“No, this Pashtun woman’s question was crystal clear, neither contradictory nor unfounded, but a reality she had observed in the community,” they pointed out.
No, this brave Pashtun woman’s question was crystal clear, neither contradictory nor unfounded, but a reality she had observed in the community. Meanwhile, Dr. Naik’s answer was a typical example of male gaslighting. Instead of giving an honest answer, you used rhetorical slam. https://t.co/aQmdD5M4Df
— Sadiq Bhanbhro, PhD, MPH (@Sbhanbhro) October 6, 2024
Meanwhile, Pakistani celebrities like Shaniera Akram have consistently used their platform to call for action against the rising cases of child abuse and rape.
Read more: Shaniera Akram condemns the rape and murder of six year old girl in Karachi
To all the rape apologists: Rape is about power, not temptation
