Radical Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, a fugitive from Indian law, has resurfaced in Pakistan, where he has been actively participating in Islamic conferences and delivering sermons. In a recent event, Naik stirred controversy after lashing out at a Pashtun girl who raised questions about the troubling issues of drug addiction, adultery, and paedophilia in Islamic society.
The girl, identified as Palosha, posed a pointed question during the conference. Describing her community as deeply religious, she highlighted how strict adherence to Islamic practices—such as women staying at home without getting out unnecessarily and men regularly attending prayers and Friday sermons—seemingly coexists with societal problems like drug addiction and paedophilia.
“From where I belong, that is an Islamic religious society. Women don’t go out of their homes without need and stay at home. Men do not miss namaz. They also participate in Friday sermons. Everybody’s social conduct is based on religion,” Palosha explained before posing her critical question.
“According to your wisdom, what could be the reason that drug addiction, paedophilia, and adultery have taken root there? What reason can you tell about why our society is collapsing and why do ulema not call them out, especially paedophiles?”
Her question, which appeared to seek accountability from religious leaders, prompted a sharp response from Naik. Rather than addressing the underlying societal issues, he mocked the girl and challenged her premise.
“You say that Islamic women don’t go out of their homes without need. I also do not go out without any need. Men should also not go out without any need,” Naik quipped, dismissing her concerns. He went on to question the validity of her statements, suggesting a contradiction in her description of the society.
“You said your society is Islamic and your society has paedophiles. There is a contradiction. There can be no paedophile in an Islamic atmosphere. Either the first part of your question is wrong or the second,” he asserted, denying the possibility of such crimes existing in a truly Islamic society.
Naik further pressured Palosha, implying that her society only “perceives” itself as Islamic. “Which Islamic book supports paedophilia? You should instead say that your society perceives it to be Islamic, then I will understand,” he said, effectively dismissing the gravity of her concerns.
The exchange, which has drawn attention on social media, highlights Naik’s controversial stance on societal issues and his reluctance to acknowledge problems within religious communities. Naik, who has been living in exile after fleeing India due to charges of inciting religious hatred and money laundering, continues to polarise audiences with his rhetoric. His presence in Pakistan and his participation in Islamic conferences have raised questions about his influence and the reception of his views in the region.
The girl’s brave attempt to raise difficult issues, however, has sparked a wider conversation about the role of religious leaders in addressing social ills within so-called Islamic societies.
