What Happened: Dr. Zakir Naik sparked controversy during a TV interview by asserting that Islam prohibits women from holding leadership positions, while referencing prominent female politicians and making contentious remarks about unmarried women.
What you need to know: In an interview with a private TV channel, Dr. Zakir Naik stated that, according to Islam, a woman should not hold the position of ruler. When the anchor mentioned Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Naik responded by referencing Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and a former prime minister of Pakistan.
What more: Dr. Naik recounted an encounter with a woman who questioned his views, to which he replied by asking if there were no men available in that city or country to govern. “I have nothing against women, but why should a woman hold office?” he questioned. He emphasized that in Islam, touching a non-mahram (someone not closely related) is forbidden, yet these women were seen shaking hands with non-mahram men. He quoted a saying of the Prophet, stating that it is better to hit a nail into one’s head than to touch a non-mahram woman.
Also: Dr. Naik is currently on a one-month visit to Pakistan as a state guest, during which he delivers lectures on various Islamic topics and engages with audience questions. Previously, he made controversial comments about unmarried women, referring to them as “public property.” His views have sparked a divide on social media in Pakistan, with some supporting his perspectives as true Islamic teachings, while others criticize him for his controversial remarks.