Zakir Naik Biography: Education, Wife, Books, Children, Age, Net Worth, Nationality, Controversy, Awards

Zakir Abdul Karim Naik is a prominent Indian Islamic televangelist and preacher known for his work in comparative religion and Dawah (calling people to Islam).

Born on October 18, 1965, in Mumbai, India, Naik gained international recognition through his lectures and debates, which have been widely viewed across the globe.

He is the founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation and the Peace TV Network, one of the largest religious satellite channels in the world.

Naik‘s rise to prominence began with his establishment of the Islamic Research Foundation in 1991 and the launch of Peace TV in 2006.

His lectures have been influential, especially among Muslim youth, and he has been recognized with prestigious awards like the King Faisal International Prize in 2015. However, his activities have also led to bans in several countries due to allegations of promoting hate speech and extremism.

Profile

• Full name: Zakir Abdul Karim Naik
• Date of birth: October 18, 1965
• Age: 60 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• State of origin: Maharashtra
• Nationality: Indian
• Profession: Islamic televangelist, preacher
• Height: 173 cm
• Parents: Abdul Karim Naik (father), Roshan Naik (mother)
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Farhat Naik
• Children: Fariq Naik, two other children
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Islam
• Ethnicity: Indian
• Net worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Zakir Naik was born on October 18, 1965, in Mumbai, India. He is now at the age of 60. His parents, Abdul Karim Naik and Roshan Naik, raised him in a traditional Muslim family. Naik completed his high school education at St. Peter’s High School in Mumbai and later attended Kishinchand Chellaram College.

He pursued his medical studies at Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Mumbai.

After completing his medical education, Naik shifted his focus to Islamic studies and Dawah. He was influenced by Ahmed Deedat, a renowned Islamic preacher whom he met in 1987. This encounter significantly shaped his career path toward becoming a prominent Islamic orator and educator.

Personal Life

Zakir Naik married Farhat Naik, who is involved in the women’s section of the Islamic Research Foundation. They have three children, including a son named Fariq Naik. Despite his public persona, Naik‘s personal life is relatively private, with his family playing a supportive role in his professional endeavors.

Naik‘s personal life has been overshadowed by professional controversies, particularly his legal issues in India. He has been living in exile in Malaysia since 2016, following charges of money laundering and promoting hate speech in India.

Career

Zakir Naik began his career in Dawah in 1991 by establishing the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and the Islamic International School in Mumbai.

He also founded United Islamic Aid, which provides scholarships to needy Muslim youths. In 2006, he launched Peace TV, a satellite channel focused on comparative religion, which became one of the largest religious networks globally.

Naik is known for his colloquial style of lecturing, often using logic and science to explain Islamic teachings. He has delivered over 4,000 lectures worldwide and has been recognized for his efforts with the King Faisal International Prize in 2015. In 2021, he launched Al Hidaayah, an Islamic education platform aimed at providing high-quality content on religion and education.

Awards

• King Faisal International Prize (2015)

Net Worth

Zakir Naik‘s net worth is estimated around $10 million. His income primarily comes from his work with the Islamic Research Foundation and Peace TV, as well as from his lectures and debates.

Controversy

Zakir Naik has been embroiled in several controversies throughout his career. In 2016, he faced charges in India for money laundering and promoting hate speech, leading him to move to Malaysia. His Peace TV channel was banned in India, Bangladesh, and other countries due to allegations of inciting extremism and hate speech.

Naik‘s speeches were linked to the 2016 Dhaka cafe attack, where one of the attackers reportedly drew inspiration from his lectures. This incident heightened international scrutiny of his activities, with many countries restricting access to his media platforms.

In 2024, India blocked access to Naik‘s social media accounts within the country following his visit to Pakistan, where he received a warm welcome. This move underscored the diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan over Naik‘s influence and activities.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• X: @ZakirNaikIRF