Zakir Naik, “Theory of Evolution is Not a Fact”

1:58

20 Nov 2008

Miracles/Ijaz, Evolution

Zakir Naik

This brief vlog (video blog) presents critiques (from an unnamed source) of Zakir Naik’s views on scientific material in the Qurʾān (iʿjāz).  The approach is generally to take Naik to task for his representation that “theories” are not “facts”.  Since Naik in the clip suggests that “evolution is a theory, not a fact”, the vlogger suggests that Naik must also not believe in atomic theory, which results in a variety of proven outcomes, such as the atom bomb.  The critic also notes that theory seems fine when Naik wants to demonstrate that the Big Bang is presented in the Qurʾān.  The final jab relates to the theory of gravity; the vlogger then draws out the analogy, saying that students shouldn’t bother to study in school but just learn the Qurʾān and be like Osama Bin Laden and the 9/11 terrorists.

To see Naik’s presentation on evolution, see this clip.

This video uses two clips from Zakir Naik’s talks. The first clip has been taken from a talk titled “The Concept of God in Major Religions,” which was shot on October 26, 1997 at the Birla Matushri Auditorium in Mumbai, India. The second clip is From Zakir Naik’s April 2000 debate with William Campbell at Niles West High School in Chicago, IL.

Evaluation:

Although the critic of the clip correctly notes some problems with Dr. Naik’s presentation, the vlogger does not go far enough in addressing how to understand the science correctly, largely in an effort to be humorous.

Naik’s presentations of Qurʾānic material generally coheres with majority interpretations. The critic presents an implicit idea about Islam, that focus on the Qurʾān is what makes a terrorist.  This is not within the bounds of what Muslims have historically understood as acceptable.

There is insufficient historical material here on which to base an evaluation.

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.