Zakir Naik is a well-known Islamic scholar, public speaker, and comparative religion debater. He is widely recognized for explaining Islam in a logical and question-answer style, especially when addressing audiences from different religious backgrounds.
He was born on 18 October 1965 in Mumbai. By profession, he was originally a medical doctor (MBBS), but later he dedicated his life to Islamic preaching (Da’wah). He is strongly influenced by the famous speaker Ahmed Deedat, who inspired his style of comparative religion.
Dr. Zakir Naik is the founder of the Islamic Research Foundation and also associated with Peace TV, through which his lectures have reached millions worldwide. His talks often focus on topics like:
- Islam and modern science
- Comparison between religions (Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, etc.)
- Answering questions from non-Muslims and youth
He is known for quoting references from the Qur’an, Bible, and other scriptures, often from memory, which has made him very popular among audiences.
However, he is also a controversial figure. Some governments and organizations have criticized or banned his lectures in certain countries due to concerns about his views. Despite this, he continues to have a large following, especially in South Asia and among English-speaking Muslim communities.
Overall, Dr. Zakir Naik is considered an influential داعی (Islamic preacher) who has played a major role in spreading awareness about Islam through lectures, debates, and media.