The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Monday came out in support of Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, saying the “advocate of peace theory in Islam” was being harassed for no “valid reason”.
Addressing a press conference, IUML MP and former minister ET Mohammed Basheer said:
Naik is an advocate of peace theory in Islam. The action by the authorities against the Islamic preacher is a violation of the freedom of expression. He is being harassed for no valid reason. The probe against Naik is being carried out in a prejudiced manner.ET Mohammed Basheer, IUML MP and former minister
“Since the launch of Islamic Research Foundation in 1991, Naik has travelled to many parts of the world and delivered a large number of speeches and organised several debates. In view of these facts, he should not be be harassed,” he added.
Basheer alleged that the Maharashtra government has launched an investigation in a “prejudiced manner” intending to oppose his activities and portray him in a “wrong way”.
“Those who believe in the Indian Constitution which guarantees freedom of expression should come forward to oppose the move,” he said.
A video footage of a speech by Naik in which he speaks against ISIS was also played during the press conference.
Naik has come under scanner over reports that one of the Dhaka attackers were allegedly inspired by his speeches.
Congress Criticises Muslim League
Senior Congress leader PT Thomas on Tuesday came out strongly against IUML for backing Naik, alleging his Islamic Research Foundation is suspected to have a role in “brainwashing and radicalising” the youths from Kerala who went missing in the Middle East recently.
I have come to know from relatives of Merin, alias Mariyam, who hails from my constituency Thrikkakara that she took a rigid stand on religious issues under the influence of Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation.
Merin, who hails from a Christian family in Kochi, converted to Islam while she was in Mumbai last year. She is one among at least 21 youths from Kerala who had travelled to the Middle East and had gone missing. Most of their families suspect they may have joined the ISIS.
Muslim Clerics, However, Condemn Naik
Muslim clerics from across the country have united against Naik, urging strong action against him, reported Scroll.
They have alleged that he misinterprets from the Quran, and subsequently, misleads Muslims.
He is facing criticism not only from Sunni Muslims, but also from the Shias.
One of the most powerful Muslim leaders in Bengal, Syed Mohammad Nurur Rahman Barkati, said:
Zakir speaks rubbish. He is only amassing huge wealth. Who is funding him? The government should also investigate this.
Shia clerics in Lucknow have condemned the controversial preacher for propounding ideas that attract Muslim youth to extremism.
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