Zakir Naik
Centre delivers fresh blow to Zakir Naik, extends IRF ban by five years
New Delhi/IBNS: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), founded by Indian-born Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), media reports said.
The Home Ministry said the foundation continues to engage in activities prejudicial to national security and communal harmony.
According to the ministry, Naik and the IRF have continued to encourage followers to promote enmity and hatred between different religious communities.
“The statements and speeches made by Dr Zakir Naik, the president of the IRF, are objectionable and subversive,” the MHA notification said, as quoted by ABP News.
The ministry further stated that the foundation could disrupt the secular fabric of the country by influencing people's minds and promoting anti-national sentiments.
Who is Zakir Naik?
Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, popularly known as Zakir Naik, is an Indian Islamic preacher and public speaker known for his lectures on Islam, comparative religion and religious texts.
Born in Mumbai on October 18, 1965, he holds an MBBS degree from the University of Mumbai.
Background and career
Naik began his religious preaching activities in 1991 and founded the Islamic Research Foundation in Mumbai.
He also established Peace TV, an Islamic religious television channel, which was launched in 2006.
His lectures have attracted audiences across several countries, particularly through television and online platforms.
In 2015, he received the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam.
Living in Malaysia
Naik has been living in Malaysia since leaving India in 2016.
In a recent development, Malaysia's Home Ministry told Parliament on November 3 that the country had decided not to extradite Naik to India.
It also said that it had not received any fresh extradition request from India.
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