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Zakir Naik

Zakir Abdul Karim Naik is an Indian Islamic preacher, public orator, and comparative religion speaker born in 1965.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Zakir Abdul Karim Naik is an Indian Islamic preacher, public orator, and comparative religion speaker born in 1965. He is the founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation and the founder of Peace TV. He is also a controversial public figure who left India in 2016 and has lived in Malaysia.

Early life and education

Zakir Naik was born on 18 October 1965 in Mumbai, India. He later studied medicine before becoming known as a religious speaker.

Religious work

Naik became known for lectures on Islam and comparative religion, often addressing questions on Christianity, secularism, and science. He is described as an Indian Islamic da'i, preacher, and orator focused on comparative religion.

Islamic Research Foundation and Peace TV

Naik founded the Islamic Research Foundation and later launched Peace TV, which broadcast his lectures to a wider audience.

Controversies

Naik has been accused by critics and authorities of promoting divisive or extremist views, and his public remarks have drawn legal and political scrutiny. His speeches and public remarks have made him a controversial figure in India and elsewhere.

Awards and recognition

In 2015, he was awarded the King Faisal International Prize for service to Islam.

Key facts

  • Zakir Naik is an Indian Islamic preacher and comparative religion speaker born in 1965.
  • He founded the Islamic Research Foundation and Peace TV.
  • He received the King Faisal International Prize in 2015.
  • He left India in 2016 and has lived in Malaysia since then.
  • His speeches have made him a controversial figure.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter Zakir Naik in discussions of Islamic preaching, media broadcasting, religious debate, and controversies over speech and extremism in South Asian and global contexts.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Zakir Naik?
Zakir Naik is an Indian Islamic preacher and public speaker known for comparative religion lectures.
What is Zakir Naik known for?
He is known for public lectures on Islam, debates about comparative religion, and for founding the Islamic Research Foundation and Peace TV.
When and where was Zakir Naik born?
He was born on 18 October 1965 in Mumbai, India.
Did Zakir Naik receive any major award?
Yes. He received the King Faisal International Prize in 2015 for service to Islam.
Why is Zakir Naik controversial?
He has been accused by critics and authorities of promoting disaffection or extremist views through his speeches.
Where does Zakir Naik live?
Search results indicate that he has lived in Malaysia since leaving India in 2016.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakir_Naik
    Supports: Birth date, Indian Islamic da'i/orator description, comparative religion focus, founder/president of IRF, founder of Peace TV.
  2. Simple English Wikipediahttps://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakir_Naik
    Supports: Birth date and place, occupation, IRF and Peace TV founding, residence in Malaysia, departure from India in 2016, King Faisal Prize.
  3. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-38259592
    Supports: Controversy, accusations by Indian authorities, public criticism.
  4. King Faisal Prizehttps://kingfaisalprize.org/en/dr-zakir-a-naik-2/
    Supports: 2015 award and service to Islam.
  5. Maps of Indiahttps://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/india/who-is-zakir-naik
    Supports: Controversial teachings and allegations of inspiring extremists, broad public profile.
  6. Indonesian Wikipediahttps://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakir_Naik
    Supports: Departure from India, residence in Malaysia, later public speaking restrictions in Malaysia.