‘So-called Islamic scholar’: Zakir Naik attracts backlash over misogynist language from celebrities

Mahnoor Jalal

Mahnoor Jalal

Sub-Editor

Zakir Naik attracts outrage over misogynist, sexist comments on social media

Islamic scholar Zakir Naik has caused controversy on social media over some of the misogynist comments that began trending over social media. The Malaysian-Indian scholar went viral for claiming child abuse doesn’t happen in mosques, unmarried women were sinful and even complaining about how the airway services PIA refused to extra charges.

Twitter users expressed their outrage that Zakir Naik was invited as a special guest by the government, despite his controversial views.

Either marry a married man or become a “bazaari aurat”. Zakir Naik is continuously coming up with problematic statements. Who invited him? Please don’t invite such illiterate people next time!” tweeted a user.

 

Celebrities like Aijaz Aslam, Rabia Anum Obaid and even Iffat Omar criticised Zakir Naik for his regressive views.

Since Dr Zakir Naik’s videos began attracting outrage on social media many celebrities have now questioned his controversial views.

Television host Shafaat Ali condemned Dr Naik’s remarks that unmarried women were public property. In a post on X, he wrote that every woman was entitled to respect regardless of whether they chose to marry or not.

 


Actors like Bilal Qureshi shared a post on his Instagram stories where he recalled the message of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) which was to speak kindly with others. He questioned why did Dr Zakir Naik speak to the audience members in a stern manner.

Actor Naveed Raza posted a comment on his Instagram stories expressing his disgust over Zakir Naik’s disparaging comments towards women.

He wrote: “Zakir Naik is coming to Pakistan as a guest. And he should act accordingly. As a so-called Islamic scholar. He should maintain his composure and show respect to his host. For the future, please refrain from inviting such negativity to Pakistan. We already have a jungle full of animals.”

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Galaxy Lollywood (@galaxylollywood)

Television host Rabia Anum Obaid shared the clip on her Twitter account of the Pashtun girl who questioned Dr Zakir Naik over the rising cases of child abuse in mosques. She lauded the girl for being brave enough to ask the question, and criticised the Islamic scholar for responding in a rude manner.

“She is a courageous Pashtun woman, intelligent and seeking answers to comprehend the hypocrisy she has witnessed. However, she doesn’t realize that the man before her lacks the bravery and knowledge to provide an honest response about those harsh realities of the society she lives in.”

 

Actor Aijaz Aslam made a humorous quip asking the Islamic scholar to practice what he preached. He also hilariously questioned what was Zakir Naik even carrying in the 600kg luggage.

Model and host Iffat Omar criticised the Islamic scholar for being ‘sickeningly entitled’ in a clip where Dr Naik complained about PIA refusing to waive the charges for the extra luggage he brought along to Pakistan.

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