Theory of Evolution – An Islamic Viewpoint

6:31

9 Dec 2007

Evolution

Zakir Naik

Zakir Naik, in this lecture from 1996, presents material on Darwin and the theory of evolution that is often critiqued and spoofed.  He maintains that human beings have been created from one pair, Adam and his partner.  Naik seems to have intended it as a comprehensive discussion, as in later lectures he often refers questioners to see this response, which he describes as “detailed”.

Naik’s discussion locates any discussion of biological evolution in discussions of Charles Darwin.

Naik gives names of scientists who he says have proposed alternatives to evolutionary theory.  In some cases it is difficult to discern who he means.  That the theory continues to change and absorb new evidence over the past 150 years is evidence of its robustness rather than its failure.

He includes a discussion of homosexuality as well.

A slightly longer version, which includes the original question, may be found here.  There is a critique/spoof of the video, which is evaluated on the Portal here.  One can also find clips of this material being used as if it constitutes a refutation in itself, as seen here.  Naik answers the question on biological evolution many times over the years, so there are many clips with a wide variety of titles.

The clip is taken from a talk given December 7, 1996 titled “Qur’an and Modern Science: Conflict or Reconciliation?” held at Saboo Siddik Ground in Mumbai, India.

Evaluation:

The material on Islam is within the bounds of what Muslims have historically understood as acceptable.

Rather than critique the science here point by point, see the video evaluated here, which critiques this material.

Naik’s discussion of Darwin and people associated with him is poor, and generally ahistorical.

About Zakir Naik

Dr. Zakir Naik is a Muslim preacher and international orator from India. He was born in Mumbai on October 18th, 1965 and studied medicine at Topiwala National Medical College and the University of Mumbai. He has a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS). In 1991 he turned away from practicing medicine to found the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), a non-profit charitable trust in Mumbai, whose operations were closed down by the Indian government in November 2016.  The IRF serves to promote dawah, or the proselytization of Islam. He has additionally founded the Islamic International School, which is managed by the IRF, and is the founder and president of the Islamic educational television network Peace TV.

As a speaker Naik has achieved recognition and awards within India as well as internationally. He was honored with the 2013 Islamic Personality of the Year Award presented in Dubai. He has additionally been recognized twice by Indian news publication Indian Express as one of the “100 Most Influential People in India” and four times by George Washington University’s “500 Most Influential Muslims in the World,” most recently in 2014.

Naik’s subject matter, style and platform have all contributed to his prominence as a fairly well-known and fairly controversial preacher. Naik promotes a strict, literalist version of Islam, and is famous as a preacher for extensively quoting from the Qurʾān. He has been called an exponent of the Salafi ideology, although he himself does not use this label as he rejects any form of  Islamic sectarianism. He has maintained that the only absolute authority is the Qurʾān itself, and has made a name for himself with his Qurʾānic knowledge and memory.

Naik also holds the dubious distinction of being the speaker on science and Islam most commonly spoofed.  One may occasionally find videos using his name in the title in an effort to draw viewers, even if he does not appear in the video.

In July 2016, Naik was linked to bombers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the Indian government began investigating him.  The IRF in India has closed (including its web sites), and Naik has remained out of the country to avoid arrest.  It has been reported that Naik has taken citizenship in Saudi Arabia.  He continues to give lectures outside of India.

For a longer discussion of Naik, click here.

Select bibliography:

“Dr. Zakir Naik.” Islamic Research Foundation. Islamic Research Foundation, n.d. Accessed 18 Nov. 2014.

“King Salman grants Dr. Zakir Naik Saudi citizenship.”  The Siasat Daily, 19 May 2017.  Accessed 4 July 2017.

“Zakir Naik.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Nov. 2014. Accessed 18 Nov. 2014.

Biswas, Shreya. “Who Is Zakir Naik? Were the Dhaka Attack Terrorists ‘Inspired by Him’?” India Today, 6 July 2016.  Accessed 13 Sep. 2016.

Hassan, Rashid. “Ban on Peace TV Will Be Lifted Soon: Zakir Naik.” Arab News. Arab News, 6 July 2014. Accessed 18 Nov. 2014.