Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik recently faced criticism after abruptly leaving the stage at a charity event for orphans in Karachi.
The event, organized by Pakistan Sweet Home, aimed to honor orphaned children. Dr. Naik was invited to present awards, but when Zamarud Khan, the chairman of the organization, called some girls to the stage to receive shields, Dr. Naik refused to interact with them, explaining that as they were non-mahram (those he is religiously prohibited from physical contact with), he could not present the awards.
A video capturing this moment went viral on social media, sparking widespread reactions. Responding to the controversy during a public gathering at the Governor House in Sindh, Dr. Naik explained that he had initially agreed to attend the event to meet orphaned children but was surprised when the focus shifted to a photo session instead.
He emphasized that, despite the girls being referred to as “daughters” by the orphanage’s chairman, Islamic principles prohibit him from physical contact with non-mahram individuals, regardless of their age.
Dr. Naik further expressed disappointment at the backlash, comparing the cultural norms in Pakistan to those in India, where he claimed that Hindu audiences were more understanding of boundaries between men and women.
He urged the public to reconsider their values, highlighting the importance of adhering to religious guidelines.
The incident has sparked a debate on gender interactions in Pakistan, with some praising Dr. Naik for his steadfastness to religious principles, while others criticized him for being too inflexible and disconnected from modern societal norms.
