Internet divided over Dr Zakir Naik’s response after Pashtun woman questions him about social plagues

Mahnoor Jalal

Mahnoor Jalal

Sub-Editor

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

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.”

 

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.

 

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