Prominent Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik faced a bit of a situation after he suddenly walked off the stage during a recent charity event for orphans in Karachi. This event hosted by Pakistan Sweet Home, a foundation that helps orphaned children, where Dr. Naik invited to hand out awards.
Everything was fine until Zamarud Khan, chairman of Pakistan Sweet Home, called some girls to the stage for shields from Dr. Naik. Things changed when Dr. Naik refused, explaining they were non-mahram, meaning he couldn’t interact due to religious reasons. This moment was caught on camera and quickly went viral, sparking many reactions on social media.
Facing backlash, Dr. Naik spoke at a public meeting in Sindh’s Governor House. He explained he was invited to meet orphans but felt blindsided when it became a photo op. He said, “I came despite my busy schedule to meet orphans, but it turned into a photo session instead.”
Dr. Naik explained his stance, saying that even though the orphanage called the girls “daughters,” it was inappropriate for him to interact physically as they were non-mahram. Naik pointed out the cultural difference between Pakistan and India, mentioning that in India, Hindu audiences respect boundaries with women.
He appeared genuinely surprised by the criticism, asking, “What has happened to this country?” He urged people to reflect on their values and the need to maintain religious boundaries. He added that while it’s okay to call girls “daughters,” physical interaction is off-limits in Islam
The incident has sparked a wider debate, with some praising Dr. Naik for standing firm in his principles, seeing him as a model for religious integrity. Others, however, feel his stance is too strict, questioning whether he’s out of touch with the modern world.
