Claim of Meeting PM Modi’s Representative: Fact or Fiction?
One of the most eyebrow-raising claims made by Zakir Naik was that in 2019, just before the abrogation of Article 370, he allegedly met with a representative sent by Prime Minister Modi. According to Naik, this representative invited him to return to India. It was supposedly to improve relations between Naik and the Indian government.
This claim seems outlandish for several reasons. First, Zakir Naik has long been a fugitive from Indian authorities, facing charges that include promoting terrorism, radicalising youth, and spreading hatred. If the Indian government viewed him as such a threat, why would it send an envoy to invite him back?
Moreover, the Modi government has been vocal in its crackdown on terrorism and extremist ideologies. This makes it even more implausible that any such meeting would have occurred. Zakir Naik’s claims seem less like an attempt at truth-telling and more like an effort to self-validate and stir controversy. There is simply no credible evidence to suggest that such a meeting took place.
Naik also claimed that the representative urged him to support the government’s decision on Article 370. But he refused, citing his belief in the “freedom of Kashmiris.” This statement not only demonstrates his anti-India stance but also shows his lack of understanding of India’s sovereignty and the constitutional process involved in revoking Article 370. The revocation of Article 370 strengthened India’s unity, and yet, Zakir Naik’s false narrative aims to stir division.
Waqf Board Properties: Half-Truths and Fabrications
In his podcast, Zakir Naik also made several claims about the Waqf Board, its properties, and the Indian government’s intentions. He claimed that the Waqf Board is the third-largest landholder in India, following only the Railways and Defense, which is true. However, Naik went on to suggest that the Modi government is attempting to seize these properties by amending the Waqf Act, a claim entirely unfounded.
The Indian Constitution guarantees religious freedom and the protection of religious properties. There is no legitimate basis to support Zakir Naik’s claim that the government is trying to illegally confiscate Waqf properties. Instead, Naik is using this narrative to incite fear and distrust among the Muslim community.
He further claimed that Mukesh Ambani’s luxurious 27-storey residence, Antilia, stands on Waqf land—a baseless and sensational accusation. There is no evidence to suggest that Ambani’s property is connected to Waqf land. Naik’s attempt to link one of the world’s wealthiest individuals to the Waqf controversy seems like nothing more than an effort to garner attention and stir controversy.
The Condition of Muslims in India: Distortion of Reality
Naik also expressed his opinions on the condition of Muslims in India, painting a distorted picture. He rightfully acknowledged that India is one of the best countries for Muslims to live in, but quickly contradicted himself by arguing that the Modi government’s actions, particularly regarding the Waqf Board, threaten the Muslim community’s rights.
The truth is that India is a secular democracy where all religious communities, including Muslims, enjoy equal rights under the Constitution. Muslim institutions like the Waqf Board and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board operate freely in India. By misrepresenting the government’s intentions, Naik seeks to sow seeds of division, attempting to position himself as a defender of Islam in a country that upholds religious freedom for all.
His warning that any amendments to the Waqf Act would lead to the mass takeover of mosques and graveyards is a clear attempt to stoke fear. In reality, any changes to the Waqf laws would aim at improving transparency and management of the properties, not at seizing them. Zakir Naik is peddling a dangerous narrative, designed to turn the Muslim community against the government.
Zakir Naik: Preacher of Peace or Promoter of Radicalism?
Throughout his podcast, Zakir Naik painted himself as a man of peace, wrongfully persecuted by the Indian government. Yet, his track record tells a different story. His speeches have been linked to youth radicalization, and his influence has reportedly inspired individuals to join terrorist organizations. Naik’s sermons are filled with rhetoric that fosters religious intolerance and division, not only in India but across the globe.
The charges against him in India, including those relating to incitement to violence and terrorism, are well-documented. His portrayal of himself as an innocent preacher is a gross misrepresentation. Zakir Naik is no victim; he is a figure who has long engaged in the politics of hate and division.
The Waqf Board Conspiracy: Government Reform or Zakir Naik’s Agenda?
Naik’s claims about the government’s alleged plot to take over Waqf properties appear to be more about personal propaganda than truth. By framing the issue as a government conspiracy against Muslims, Naik hopes to ignite public outcry and position himself as a martyr for the Muslim cause.
In reality, any potential reforms to Waqf laws would be aimed at improving governance and transparency, not at seizing properties. Waqf properties are protected under Indian law, and there is no evidence to suggest that the government is acting against the interests of the Muslim community.
Naik’s approach is clear. Create fear, spread misinformation, and rally the community against the government, all while portraying himself as a leader and defender of Islam. His statements are part of a broader strategy to build his relevance and influence.
Zakir Naik’s Falsehoods and Dangerous Rhetoric
Zakir Naik’s latest claims are nothing more than a web of lies and half-truths. His assertions about meeting Modi’s representative, the Waqf Board, and the condition of Muslims in India are baseless and inflammatory. His goal is clear. To incite fear, divide communities, and position himself as a religious authority.
As a preacher whose words have fueled radicalism and division, Naik is far from innocent. It is crucial to expose such falsehoods and prevent figures like Zakir Naik from sowing discord in a secular and democratic society like India.