Controversial preacher Zakir Naik, who is currently residing in Malaysia after fleeing India, has called on Indian Muslims to oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024. Naik alleged that the proposed amendments would negatively impact Islamic institutions and Waqf assets, urging the Muslim community to reject the Bills.
Naik, addressing the issue from abroad, claimed the Amendment would bring severe hardships to Islam in the future and called for mass protests. He urged at least five million Muslims to join the opposition, warning that if the Bills are passed, it could lead to divine punishment for future generations. Naik emphasized that Muslims alone have the right to Waqf properties, and non-Muslims should not be allowed access. He framed the situation as a religious duty, stating that Muslims would be accountable in both this life and the afterlife if they failed to protect Waqf properties from the proposed legislation.
Zakir Naik has claimed that if the alleged grabbing of Waqf properties is not stopped, Indian Muslims will be held accountable. He argued that Waqf properties are private, not public, and accused the government of attempting to seize them through the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
However, in a rare rebuke, the Waqf Board criticised Naik, urging him to refrain from interfering in their affairs. The Board also called for strict action against Naik, asserting their independent stance on the issue.
Zakir Naik, a Mumbai-born doctor turned Islamic preacher, founded the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) to propagate Islam. He faces multiple charges, including funding terrorism, money laundering, and delivering speeches inciting religious hatred and animosity. His schools were also accused of promoting anti-Hindu and anti-national content in their curriculum. Amid these allegations, Naik fled India in 2016 and is believed to have sought asylum in Malaysia. The Indian Government has since declared him an absconder and requested INTERPOL’s assistance for his extradition.
Naik has previously made controversial statements, including claiming that even extending Christmas greetings is against Islam. His involvement in inciting violence came under scrutiny when one of the accused in the Dhaka terror attack of July 2016 revealed he was a follower of Naik. The UK and Canada have barred Naik from entering their countries, while Malaysia has also banned his speeches due to concerns they could incite religious discord.
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