During a recent public address in Karachi, prominent Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik found himself at the center of a social media firestorm following a tense exchange with Palwasha Shaharzad, a young woman from Lakki Marwat. The incident occurred during the Q&A session of his talk at Bagh Jinnah, where thousands of attendees gathered to hear him speak.
Palwasha Shaharzad’s Question to Dr. Zakir Naik Sparks Controversy
Palwasha’s question highlighted a contradiction she observed in her conservative hometown, where strict religious practices are followed, yet social issues like adultery, pedophilia, and usury persist. She raised the point to understand how such behaviors can exist in a society that holds religion in high regard. This question clearly struck a nerve with Dr. Naik, who sharply responded by stating that her question was rooted in a misunderstanding of Islamic principles. He argued that a truly Islamic society would not harbor such immoral practices, and suggested that her views might be shaped by external propaganda.
The moment quickly went viral, dividing opinions across social media. Some users criticized Dr. Naik for dismissing a valid question about societal flaws, while others supported his stance, arguing that it was unfair to associate the actions of individuals with the values of an entire religious community.
Reactions and Ongoing debate
Well-known journalist Faizullah Khan voiced his support for Palwasha, noting that Dr. Naik should be better briefed on local issues before such interactions. Conversely, senior analyst Sabukh Syed suggested that the heated exchange might have been influenced by a language barrier and the rhetorical nature of Dr. Naik’s approach.
Palwasha later took to Facebook to clarify her question, emphasizing that she intended to highlight societal issues without implying contradictions in Islamic teachings. She acknowledged that Dr. Naik’s response provided some insight but maintained that her concerns about the moral decay in her community remained valid.
The debate surrounding this exchange continues to unfold, with many questioning how religious leaders should address the difficult questions about society’s flaws. Can these conversations happen without tension, or will they always lead to such confrontations?