PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Zakir Abdul Karim Naik
Nick Name: Deedat plus
Professions: Public Speaker
Famous For: Dawah, Founder of Peace TV
Date of Birth: 18 October 1965 (Monday)
Age (as of 2024): 59 Years
Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Zodiac sign/Sun sign: Libra
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Hometown: Mumbai
Religion: Islam
Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian
EDUCATION
School: St. Peter’s High School, Mumbai
College/University: Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai Topiwala National Medical College & BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai University of Mumbai
Educational Qualification: MBBS
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 173 cm in meters – 1.73 m in feet inches – 5’ 8”
Weight (approx.): in kilograms – 70 kg in pounds – 154 lbs
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Wife/Spouse: Farhat Naik
Children: Son – Fariq Naik Daughter – Rushdaa Naik
Parents: Father – Abdul Karim Naik (Physician) Mother – Name not known
Siblings: Brother – Mohammad Naik Sister – Nailah Naushad Noorani
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Debut as Islamic Preacher: 1991-Present
Awards, Honours, Achievements: King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam, 2015
OTHER INFORMATION
Hobbies: Reading, Writing, Listening to Islamic Spiritual Music
Favourite Book: Quran
Favourite Public Speaker: Ahmed Deedat
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Zakir Naik, an Indian Islamic preacher, has significantly impacted the landscape of Islamic discourse through his work as the founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF). His intellectual journey took a pivotal turn in 1987 when he met renowned Islamic preacher Ahmed Deedat, whose teachings profoundly influenced Naik. Inspired by Deedat’s assertive style and depth of knowledge, Naik devoted himself to the field of Dawah, the act of inviting others to understand and embrace Islam. By 1991, he actively began his endeavors in this area, focusing on educating people about the tenets of Islam and addressing misconceptions surrounding the religion.
Naik gained prominence within the Islamic community, particularly after his first public debate in 1994. This event, held at the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh, was centered around the views expressed by author Taslima Nasreen in her controversial book, “Lajja.” The debate, titled “Is Religious Fundamentalism a Stumbling Block to Freedom of Expression?” not only showcased Naik’s eloquence and command of Islamic principles but also ignited discussions about the intersection of religion and freedom of expression. His ability to engage audiences and present his arguments effectively set the stage for his future endeavors in preaching and public speaking.
Over the years, Naik has continued to attract both admiration and controversy. His conference in Cardiff in August 2006 stirred significant debate when Welsh MP David Davies labeled him a hate-monger and called for the event’s cancellation. Despite facing such challenges, Naik’s influence grew, culminating in 2010 when he was ranked 89th on The Indian Express’s list of the “100 Most Powerful Indians.” His recognition did not stop there; in July 2013, he was honored as the Islamic Personality of the Year by the 17th Dubai International Holy Quran Award, a testament to his impact within the Muslim community and beyond.
Naik’s contributions to Islamic thought have also been acknowledged in various prestigious publications. He was listed as an honorable mention in the book “The 500 Most Influential Muslims” for several consecutive years, from 2009 through 2014. However, his journey has not been without its share of legal troubles. Naik is currently facing multiple cases in India, including allegations of hate speech and money laundering. As he resides in various countries to evade arrest, these legal challenges continue to cast a shadow over his significant contributions to the discourse on Islam and his efforts in Dawah. Through it all, Naik remains a polarizing figure, emblematic of the complexities surrounding modern religious preaching and the ongoing debates about faith in the contemporary world.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.