Prominent Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik faced criticism after he abruptly left the stage during a recent charity event for orphans in Karachi.
The incident took place when Dr. Naik was invited to present awards at Pakistan Sweet Home, a foundation focused on aiding orphaned children. During the event, Zamarud Khan, the chairman of Pakistan Sweet Home, called girls to the stage to receive shields from Dr. Naik.
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However, the scholar refused to engage with them, stating they were non-mahram, and he could not present the awards. This moment was recorded on video and quickly went viral on social media, leading to widespread reactions.
In response to the backlash, Dr. Naik addressed the controversy during a public meeting at the Governor House in Sindh. He explained that he had been invited to meet orphaned children but was surprised by the emphasis on a photo session instead. “I agreed to attend despite my busy schedule, but the focus shifted to photographs, neglecting the orphans,” he stated.
Dr. Naik further clarified that while the orphanage owner referred to the girls as “daughters,” he believed it was inappropriate for him to physically touch non-mahram individuals, regardless of their age. He expressed concern over the cultural perceptions in Pakistan, contrasting them with his experiences in India, where he claimed Hindu audiences respect boundaries regarding interactions with women.
“I was shocked to be criticized for my actions. What has happened to this country?” Dr. Naik said, urging the public to reevaluate their values. He emphasized the need to maintain religious boundaries, asserting that although it is acceptable to refer to girls as “daughters,” physical interaction is still prohibited under Islamic principles.
The incident has ignited a debate over cultural and religious norms related to gender interactions in Pakistan. Some have praised Dr. Naik for standing by his principles, considering him a role model for religious integrity, while others have criticized him for being overly rigid and disconnected from contemporary society.
