Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar today decided not to allow controversial preacher Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik's programme to go ahead as scheduled.

The preacher is supposed to hold a talk at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) on Sunday, April 17.

He cited public order and religious sensitivities as the reason not to allow Dr Zakir Naik to deliver his speech.


On Sunday, the MIC Youth had lodged several police reports on the preacher and called on the police not to allow the programme to take place.

So, with so much of buzz going around him, what do you really know about this Mumbai-based preacher?


[UPDATE] Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Dr. Zakir can hold the talk in Melaka on Sunday, April 17, but the topic should be revised to take into account the sensitivities of the Malaysian public.


Talk can go again, but change the topic - Zahid


8 facts you need to know about Dr Zakir Naik:


1. Dr Zakir Abdul Karim is an international orator on Islam and Comparative Religion. He was born on October 18, 1965, in Mumbai (Bombay at the time).

2. He is a medical doctor who graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from Mumbai. In 1991, Dr Zakir started working in the field of Dawah and founded the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).

3. He is popular for his critical analysis and strategic answers to challenging questions posed by his audiences during his public talks.

4. Dr Zakir clarifies Islamic viewpoints and clears misconceptions about Islam, using the Qur’an, Hadith and other religious scriptures as a basis, along with scientific facts.

5. According to Islamic Research Foundation’s website, in the last 20 years, Dr Zakir Naik has delivered over 2,000 public talks across the globe.

Among the countries he had explored are United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Arab Saudi, Australia, New Zealand, Afrika Selatan, Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapura, Brunei, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Zakir Naik

READ: Zakir Naik: Be vigilant against those promoting discord, religious tension - Dr Subramaniam


6. In 2012, Dr Zakir held a programme in Malaysia. It took place in Johor Bahru, Universiti Teknologi Mara in Shah Alam, Kuantan and Putra World Trade Centre.

7. In fact, in March 2012, his public talk in Kishangani, India was attended by over one million people, being one of the largest gatherings in the world for any religious lecture by one speaker.

8. He has also received numerous awards from leaders around the world. On 2013, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia conferred a Ma'al Hijrah Distinguished Personality award to Dr Zakir in a ceremony at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. The award was presented by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.


Promotional video for his lecture tour in Malaysia - Source: Dr Zakir Naik YouTube Channel