ShareKUWAIT: Despite being wanted by India for allegations of money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches, Dr Zakir Naik, a popular Islamic preacher, has seen his followers increase tenfold both in India and around the world since leaving his country. His speeches have long drawn tens of thousands at live events and reached millions more through televised broadcasts and social media platforms. In an exclusive interview with Kuwait Times, he affirmed that all the charges against him are politically motivated. “They are fabricated, all false. Most of the Indians know it, and even the government knows it.”
The renowned — and controversial — Indian televangelist is on his sixth visit to Kuwait, although he is puzzled and a bit miffed that he hasn’t been able to speak in public here. He nevertheless has had a busy schedule of private meetings and events, with the indefatigable 58-year-old sitting down for the wide-ranging interview with Kuwait Times at around midnight. Dressed in a kurta after changing from his trademark suit and tie, Dr Naik pulled no punches as he spoke about his legal troubles in India. “Interpol has rejected three requests by the Indian government to issue red notices against me,” he pointed out.
Dr Naik views his exile as a blessing, with the digital-savvy orator garnering millions of followers on social media since the charges were brought against him. His speeches are broadcast on his Peace TV channel and the Al Hidaayah platform, which he calls the “halal version of Netflix”. Dr Naik still travels on his Indian passport and was dismissive when asked if India will renew it in the future. He hedged when Kuwait Times asked if he held any other nationality. “I only visit countries whose heads of state invite me,” he said, Kuwait being the sole exception.
Presently a permanent resident of Malaysia, Dr Naik, who said that he has been offered nationality by 15 countries, acknowledged his longing for India. Nevertheless, he stated: “My life is dedicated to dawah (the act of inviting people to Islam), for the sake of Allah.” He quoted a Quranic verse that echoes his beliefs: “And whoever leaves his home, migrating for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, then his reward has already become incumbent upon Allah. And Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (An-Nisaa`4:100)
Dr Naik’s latest visit to Kuwait comes after an eight-year gap, and saw him reuniting with old friends and engaging in low-profile religious talks. But this visit is different from his previous visit in 2013 when he delivered a public talk at one of Kuwait’s parks, drawing around 25,000 people, which was described as “the largest gathering for a religious talk in Kuwait”.
Obviously, becoming a religious preacher wasn’t in Naik’s plan when he joined medical school; however, he felt compelled to shift his career after being inspired by Shaikh Ahmed Deedat, who, according to Naik, transformed him from “a doctor of the body to a doctor of the soul”. Yet, his medical background has strongly influenced his preaching activities, as he has stated that one of his favorite topics of discussion is the Quran and modern science.
“When I chose to become a doctor, it was because I thought it was the best profession,” Dr Naik explained. “However, after encountering the verse, ‘And whose words are better than one who invites to Allah, does righteousness, and says, indeed, I am of the Muslims,’ (Fussilat 41:33) I changed my mind.”
Noticing the widespread misconceptions surrounding Islam, Naik noted that there are 20 most common questions asked about the religion, which he gathered in one book. He said that some of these questions persist over time, influenced by the era and prevailing issues. Previously, a common question was, “Why are men allowed to have more than one wife?” Now, the predominant question is about “jihad”, a concept he believes is widely misunderstood.
Dr Naik explained that the word jihad isn’t solely about fighting in wars; it means, “to strive and struggle”. In this context, jihad encompasses striving and struggling against one’s own evil inclinations and working to improve society. “Even if a student strives and struggles to pass an examination, we can say he is doing jihad,” he said.
Of course one cannot mention jihad without speaking of the jihad that Palestinians are experiencing every day, which brought Naik to another common question about Islam: “If Allah is so powerful, why doesn’t he make the Palestinians win?” Replying, he urged people to believe that “If Allah wants so, he can make the Palestinians win in one day, even in one hour. But Allah has his own plans.” Describing the incompatible divine’s wisdom, he remarked that for 75 years, 80 percent of non-Muslims believed that Palestinians are terrorists. But, since October 7, for the first time in history humankind is witnessing genocide telecast live.
Dr Naik described this incident as “eye opening”, marking an unprecedented shift in global perspective. The world witnessed a 180-degree transformation, with vast numbers of non-Muslims protesting in support of Palestinians and Western nations condemning the Zionist entity for its oppressive actions.
Not to mention learning lessons from the profound amount of patience, persistence and strength that the Palestinians have shown. “You can witness a mother’s child being killed, martyred and her response simply is ‘Alhamdulillah, if I had five more children, I would sacrifice all of them for Allah’,” he said. When non-Muslims encounter such behavior, he believes that they will indeed wonder what kind of religion is this? Which makes it another indirect way used by God to invite people to Islam.
As he mentioned, this is Allah’s way of spreading dawah, reminding us that we all must contribute to this activity. Dawah is not solely the responsibility of Islamic educators or preachers, he said. “It is a responsibility of all Muslims. Whatever knowledge you have, even if it is just one verse, you must spread it. Eventually, Allah will continue to increase your knowledge.”
Dr Naik concluded with an inspiring message about the vital role of unity in Islam, calling it the most powerful force against any enemy. He urged the Muslim community to rise above discrimination and internal conflicts, reminding everyone that our common bond is our faith in the one true God. He underscored his message with the verse: “Hold firmly to the rope of Allah and be not divided.” (Al-Imran 3:103)
