This refers to the article titled ‘From Zia to Zakir’ by Mehmood Ur Rashid (GK 24 June).  The author has expressed apprehensions regarding the way Zakir Naik is pursuing the mission of Islam, which according to him, is bound to result in ugly shapes of violence one day. But Mr Mehmood has not reasonably justified his apprehensions and has only tried to confuse the matter by shooting an arrow in the air. Dr Zakir Naik is doing the job of ‘preaching Islam’ in the present world, where information technology is turning to be the most potent weapon for reaching out to the greater masses. In Islamic context, doing ‘Dawa’ or spreading the message of Allah is the most revered job in the sight of Allah (SWT). It is a duty conferred to every Muslim by Him after the departure of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Regarding UK Government’s banning Dr Naik, it is obvious that the ban has something to do with the profession or the past records of the person. Similarly UK knows Dr Zakir by his profession as an Islamic missionary and in the backdrop of this, certain political heads in the country may perceive some sort of threat to the integrity of the country from his mission. The author has dismally foreseen that tomorrow, like the UK government, India might take a same step against Dr Zakir Naik. By saying that “Islam as a divine guidance is to stay in any part of the globe regardless of who speaks for or against it”, Mehmood has grossly exonerated Muslims from performing the duty of Dawa. As far as Dr Naik saying ‘Peace TV is an Islamic channel’, I wonder why it should irk somebody as it simply gives the introduction of the channel. Lastly I would like to question our intellectual community as to why Dr Zakir Naik is being so unabashedly and unnecessarily criticized by none other than us. I think this criticism is uncalled for and should stop unconditionally and immediately.

John Muhammad Dar
Gasipora Wanpoh

Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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