The Inspiring Journey of Dr. Zakir Naik: From Stammering Child to Renowned Islamic Scholar

Welcome reader this blog embark on an insightful biography series about Dr. Zakir Naik, delving into the lesser-known details of his life. In the upcoming episodes, we will explore his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global figure in spreading the message of Islam. This first part will set the stage, offering a glimpse into his background and the transformative moments that shaped his mission.

Biography of Naik

Early Life and Family Background

Dr. Zakir Naik, whose full name is Zakir Abdul Kareem Naik, was born on October 18, 1965, in Mumbai. He grew up in a well-educated Muslim family that practiced Islam sincerely, not just in name. Despite their devout nature, his parents never imposed strict religious practices on him or his siblings. Dr. Zakir fondly recalls fasting for the first time at the age of three, against his parents' wishes, showing an early inclination towards following the faith.

Dr. Zakir is the youngest of five siblings—two brothers and three sisters, named Lubna, Muhammad, Naila, and Salwa. This close-knit family environment played a significant role in shaping his values and character.

School Days and Personal Struggles

Dr. Zakir pursued his early education at St. Peter's High School in Mumbai, a Christian-run institution where most of the students were Muslims. Although he was surrounded by peers, he often kept to himself, not because of religious restrictions but due to his shy nature.

One of the major challenges he faced during his school years was his severe stammer. As a child, he struggled to speak fluently, often jumping between words just to get them out. This speech impediment made him a target of mockery, and it remained a significant hurdle throughout his school life. Despite this, he excelled academically, particularly in mathematics, though public speaking was a daunting task. Teachers would often pass him out of pity, giving him a "P.F." (pass fail) grade to help him move forward.

Aspiring to Be a Doctor

After completing school, Dr. Zakir enrolled at Kishan Chandra Lauram College, where he pursued science with a dream of becoming a doctor. He was inspired by his father, Dr. Abdul Kareem Muhammad Naik, a psychiatrist and the first Muslim president of the Indian Psychiatrist Association. Dr. Naik's father had grown up in a poor family with seven siblings and had worked hard—selling newspapers and milk—to fund his education. This background instilled in Dr. Zakir a strong sense of diligence and a desire to serve others.

Dr. Zakir continued his medical studies at Jawaharlal Nehru College in Karnataka before transferring to Tupiwala National Medical College in Mumbai, where he completed his degree in 1987.

A Turning Point: Meeting Sheikh Ahmad Deedat

A pivotal moment in Dr. Zakir's life came when he met Sheikh Ahmad Deedat, a renowned Islamic scholar known for his debates on comparative religion. This meeting was facilitated by Dr. Naik's father, who invited Sheikh Deedat to give a lecture in Mumbai. Initially hesitant, Dr. Zakir attended the lecture and was profoundly inspired by Sheikh Deedat's oratory skills and deep knowledge. This encounter sparked Dr. Zakir’s interest in comparative religion and Dawah (Islamic outreach).

In 1988, Sheikh Deedat returned to India for a series of lectures, and Dr. Zakir eagerly took part in organizing these events, booking venues and ensuring seamless arrangements. He closely observed Sheikh Deedat’s confidence and his ability to engage audiences, which inspired Dr. Zakir to consider Dawah as a possible mission for his own life.

The Decision to Pursue Dawah

Though he had completed his medical studies, Dr. Zakir felt a strong calling towards Dawah, influenced deeply by Sheikh Deedat’s approach. When he shared this desire with his father, he was advised about the challenges he might face—criticism, attempts to discredit him, and social pressure. Nevertheless, his father promised to support him if he chose to follow this path, paving the way for Dr. Zakir’s commitment to Dawah.

Establishing a Platform for Dawah

Dr. Zakir, along with a few friends, began by organizing small gatherings of 25-30 people, mostly students from engineering and medical colleges. These meetings featured discussions, lectures, and interactive question-and-answer sessions, where Dr. Zakir would share lessons from well-known speakers he had listened to. Initially, he sent others to address the audience, but after a hesitant start by Dr. Shoaib, a close associate, Dr. Zakir decided to take the stage himself.

To his surprise, once he stood on stage, he felt an unusual calmness. The words flowed smoothly, without the stammering that had plagued him for years, and he found his voice. This experience marked the beginning of his journey as an orator, discovering that he could speak clearly and passionately when discussing religious matters.

The Humble Beginnings of a Global Mission

Dr. Zakir's journey into Dawah began modestly, with a small center operating out of a 25-square-meter space and an initial budget of just Rs. 5000 (approximately $60 at that time). The center's focus was to present Islam in a logical, simple, and clear manner, attracting young minds eager to explore religious truths.

Through dedication and perseverance, Dr. Zakir overcame his speech impediment and gradually developed the confidence to address larger audiences. His ability to convey complex concepts with clarity and simplicity became one of his strengths, laying the foundation for what would eventually become a global mission.

Developing Skills and Finding Inspiration

Dr. Zakir Naik's journey towards becoming a prominent Islamic scholar and orator began with his natural talent for debating and logical argumentation, skills he had developed during his school and college years. Known for his ability to present compelling arguments, he could convincingly debate even on complex or paradoxical topics, often illustrating his point with phrases like "proving black to be white" or "day to be night." This strength in communication later became an invaluable asset when he transitioned to presenting and defending the message of Islam, marking a pivotal change in his life.

The Influence of Dr. Asrar Ahmed

Apart from the inspiration he drew from Sheikh Ahmad Didat, Dr. Naik also credited Dr. Asrar Ahmed, a distinguished scholar from Pakistan, as a major influence on his path. Dr. Asrar was not only a medical doctor but had also dedicated his life to Islamic propagation (Dawah). In 1991, Dr. Zakir Naik visited him in Lahore, Pakistan, and was deeply moved by Dr. Asrar’s simplicity and the clarity of his teachings. This meeting became a turning point for Dr. Naik, prompting him to acquire all of Dr. Asrar’s video lectures for his personal library to further his understanding and skills in Dawah.

Choosing Between Medicine and Dawah

During his meeting with Dr. Asrar Ahmed, Dr. Naik sought guidance on balancing his medical career with his passion for Dawah. Dr. Asrar advised him to choose between the two, as excelling simultaneously in both fields would be challenging. Sharing his own experience of practicing medicine while doing Dawah, Dr. Asrar explained that one cannot specialize in both at the same time. This candid advice led Dr. Zakir Naik to make a life-altering decision; he chose to dedicate his life entirely to Dawah, putting his medical career on hold.

Embracing Simplicity for Greater Impact

Another piece of wisdom that Dr. Asrar imparted was the importance of simplicity. He advised Dr. Naik to minimize his material needs so he could speak the truth without fear of financial repercussions. This advice resonated deeply with Dr. Naik, who committed to leading a simple lifestyle, allowing him to focus entirely on his mission of spreading Islamic teachings. Upon returning to India, he discussed his plans with his parents, initially deciding to dedicate two hours a day to Dawah. Eventually, he allocated 50% of his time to Dawah and 50% to his education, and later, with his family’s support, he committed all his time to Dawah.

Family Support and Establishing a Foundation

Dr. Zakir Naik's family played a crucial role in his early efforts. His brother offered him a 50% share in a diagnostic center, ensuring financial stability while Dr. Naik pursued his Dawah activities. Additionally, his father supported him by providing monthly financial assistance, which gradually increased over time. This support enabled Dr. Naik to focus on establishing his institution without the constant worry of funding, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

In 1992, Dr. Zakir Naik delivered his first public lecture titled "The Quran is the Word of God" in a small office space accommodating 50-60 people. Although he initially prepared for a one-hour session, his enthusiasm extended the talk to three hours, during which he presented scientific evidence supporting the Quran. The success of this lecture led to more opportunities, and over time, his audience grew from a few dozen to thousands, as he began delivering lectures in larger venues.

The Search for a Life Partner

At the age of 25, Dr. Zakir Naik sought a life partner who shared his values and could support his mission. Rather than prioritizing wealth or beauty, he looked for intelligence and fluency in English. His search took him to Pune, where he met a woman who fit his criteria. Interestingly, she was unaware of the purpose of the initial meeting. Impressed by her intellect and command over English, Dr. Zakir Naik and his family arranged a simple marriage ceremony in 1993. The wedding, conducted in a mosque, adhered to Islamic principles of simplicity, with around 2,000 guests attending the ceremony and a modest reception that included 19 family members and 50 individuals from an orphanage.

Early Success and International Reach

In 1996, following the birth of his son Farooq, Dr. Zakir Naik traveled to South Africa, where he gave his first international lecture at the Gray Street Mosque in Durban. Sheikh Ahmad Didat, who attended the event, was so impressed with Dr. Naik's presentation that he honored him with the title "Sheikh Didat Plus," a recognition that no one else had received before. This acknowledgment marked a significant milestone in Dr. Naik's career, highlighting the impact of his work and validating his approach to Islamic propagation.

The Start of a Global Presence

Dr. Zakir Naik's influence began to spread globally as his lectures gained popularity beyond India. His talks were recorded, turned into video cassettes, and widely circulated. This exposure led to invitations from various countries, expanding his reach. During a visit to Saudi Arabia in 1996, he was advised by Sheikh Didat to expect a smaller audience, as public talks were not as common there. However, contrary to these expectations, Dr. Naik found an audience of about 1,000 people, a testament to the widespread sharing of his video lectures. Attendees from countries like Australia, Malaysia, and England further propagated his message by distributing his cassettes in their own regions.

A Moment of Responsibility

In 1996, Dr. Zakir Naik planned to visit Masjid al-Aqsa, but his journey took a detour when he learned that Sheikh Ahmad Didat had suffered a severe stroke, leaving him paralyzed. Dr. Naik immediately canceled his plans, returned to India, and then traveled to South Africa to visit his mentor in the hospital. This act of respect and concern exemplified the deep bond between Dr. Naik and Sheikh Didat. During his visit, Sheikh Didat's son requested that Dr. Naik take over his father’s scheduled talks in Cape Town. Though initially reluctant, Dr. Naik accepted, marking another significant step in his journey of international Dawah.

Strengthening the Message with Love and Affection

Dr. Zakir Naik’s approach to conveying his message was notably gentle and compassionate. Unlike other speakers who might adopt a fiery tone, Dr. Naik preferred to deliver his message with love and affection. When Sheikh Didat once asked him about this method, Dr. Naik explained that while Sheikh Didat had "fought through fire," he chose to "hold holy water" — using a calm and respectful approach. This style resonated well with audiences, who appreciated the respectful and empathetic manner of his discourse, contributing to his growing popularity.

Reflections on Areas of Improvement

Throughout his travels, Dr. Zakir Naik continued to identify areas where he could improve. He recognized three main shortcomings: he had not studied in an Islamic institution, he did not have a deep understanding of the Arabic language, and his knowledge of classical Islamic scholarship was limited. Driven by a desire to improve, Dr. Naik dedicated himself to addressing these gaps, striving to become a more knowledgeable and effective communicator of Islamic teachings. Dr. Zakir Naik’s journey is a testament to the power of continuous learning and unwavering commitment to self-improvement. Even though he did not have the opportunity to study in an Islamic school or college, he remained determined to ensure that his children would receive a proper Islamic education. Beyond this, Dr. Naik sought to deepen his own understanding of Arabic, the language of the Quran. He traveled to Mecca and dedicated a month to learning Arabic under the guidance of a local teacher, marking the beginning of his linguistic journey.

However, he soon realized that if he wanted to master the language, he needed to learn from the best. Through his research, he discovered Dr. Ibrahim, a distinguished Arabic scholar and the former head of the Islamic University of Medina. Dr. Ibrahim was renowned for his mastery of Arabic, and Dr. Naik was keen to learn from him. When he met Dr. Ibrahim, the esteemed scholar recognized him from a lecture he had given in Medina. Impressed by Dr. Naik’s speech, Dr. Ibrahim agreed to teach him for five hours daily over the course of five months. This mentorship proved to be a transformative period for Dr. Naik, not just in terms of language acquisition, but also in the profound knowledge he gained.

Lessons from a Mentor: Embracing the Core Teachings

Dr. Ibrahim’s influence on Dr. Naik extended far beyond language lessons. He imparted wisdom on a variety of Islamic teachings, often highlighting the importance of identifying simply as a “Muslim,” as stated in the Quran. Dr. Ibrahim emphasized that Islam should not be fragmented by sectarian labels such as Hanafi, Shafi, Maliki, or Salafi. This concept deeply resonated with Dr. Naik, who found great strength in the simplicity and unity of this message.

During his time with Dr. Ibrahim, Dr. Naik had countless questions about Islamic teachings, and the scholar answered each one patiently. What began as a journey to learn Arabic quickly evolved into a broader educational experience. Dr. Ibrahim’s clarity and depth of knowledge gave Dr. Naik a solid foundation in understanding Islam, allowing him to confidently engage in discussions even with other scholars. Dr. Naik would later describe this experience as invaluable, comparable to earning a Ph.D. The knowledge he gained became his “weapon” — a tool that empowered him to address complex religious matters with authority and insight.

The Turning Point: Challenges and Allegations

Dr. Zakir Naik’s life took an unexpected turn after the tragic events in Dhaka, leading to the Indian government banning his organization. At the time, Dr. Naik was outside of India, and although he intended to return to address the allegations, he was not allowed back into the country. This marked the beginning of a challenging period, with accusations ranging from terrorism to hate speech and money laundering. Dr. Naik firmly denied all these claims, asserting that they were unfounded.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Naik’s reputation and influence only grew on an international scale. He received offers of support and residency from over a dozen countries, reflecting the respect he garnered across the Muslim world. After careful consideration, he chose Malaysia as his new home, describing it as one of the best countries for Muslims to live in today. Reflecting on the accusations, Dr. Naik expressed his disbelief at being labeled a terrorist, stating that such claims were completely baseless.

Struggles with Interpol and Vindication

The Indian government made several attempts to involve Interpol, seeking to issue a red notice against Dr. Naik. Initially, the accusations were related to terrorism, but Interpol reviewed the case and rejected the request, citing a lack of evidence. In 2017, the charges were modified, shifting the focus to alleged hate speech, but once again, Interpol did not comply, finding no grounds to support the accusations.

In 2019, the Indian authorities took a different approach, accusing Dr. Naik of money laundering. However, after a thorough review, Interpol once more dismissed the request, stating that there was no proof of illegal activities. Dr. Naik’s financial activities were found to be in accordance with the laws of the countries in which he was operating, further disproving the allegations against him. Each unsuccessful attempt to secure a red notice represented a significant setback for the Indian government and a moment of vindication for Dr. Naik.

Conclusion: A Life of Resilience and Dedication

Dr. Zakir Naik’s life is marked by an unwavering commitment to education, truth, and resilience. From his early efforts to learn Arabic to his encounters with international controversies, Dr. Naik has remained steadfast in his mission to spread knowledge. Despite facing adversities, his dedication to sharing the teachings of Islam continues to inspire many around the world. The lessons he learned from scholars like Dr. Ibrahim, emphasizing unity and a clear understanding of Islamic teachings, have shaped his journey and strengthened his resolve.

Ultimately, Dr. Naik’s story is one of perseverance, where knowledge and faith serve as his guiding principles, allowing him to navigate challenges and remain a voice for many seeking understanding and clarity in matters of faith.