'Pakistanis Have Better Chances Of Entering Jannat Than Those In America': Zakir Naik

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has claimed that those residing in Pakistan have a better chance of going to ‘Jannat’ (paradise), than those living in the United States, a statement condemned by even those living in Pakistan. Naik’s version, a part of one of his controversial speeches, is widely being shared on social media.

Reposting the same, a Pakistani national wrote, “This man Zakir Naik is not only a fraudster but takes ridiculousness to a whole new level.. he’s a disgrace.”

“He’s saying that the chances of ending up in paradise is several times more while living in Pakistan in comparison with those residing in the US. However, I think he’s correct in a way since the country has been turned into a living hell,” he wrote.

It is noteworthy that Zakir Naik is presently on a 10-day visit to Pakistan’s Karachi, where he is scheduled to address various events, at the invitation of the country’s government.

Sharing the video, another X user, an Indian national, wrote, “Fugitive and Islamist hate preacher Zakir Naik says that chances of going to Jannat (heaven) while living in Pakistan are hundreds times higher than in USA. That’s true. Suicide bombers and terrorists are far more in Pakistan than anywhere in the world.” (sic).

According to Dialogue Pakistan, a publication with the country, Naik, during his address, said that Pakistan is far superior to the US in terms of living a life that leads to paradise.

Naik also expressed disapproval of Muslims leaving an Islamic country to settle in non-Muslim countries, the report stated. Naik emphasised that one cannot achieve the true purpose of life by imitating others, but only by following Allah’s commandments, it added.

ZAKIR NAIK EVADES QUESTION ON CLAIMS OF PEDOPHILIA IN PAKISTAN

In another video, being widely shared on social media, Naik could be seen reprimanding a Pashtun woman and asking her to apologise, after she questioned the reasons behind rising cases of “pedophilia” in Pakistan.

At the event, the woman identified herself as a resident of Lakki Marwat, a city in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

She asked Naik about the possible reasons behind drug addiction, adultery, a significant rise in paedophiles, and the overall collapse of society caused by religious extremism.

“Your question is contradictory, you say that you are a practising Muslim and reside in a similar society, but also claim that pedophilia exists there. There is no mention of Pedophilia in the Quran, you must admit that your question is wrong and must apologise,” Naik told the woman.

ZAKIR NAIK ACCUSED OF INCITING EXTREMISM

Zakir Naik is wanted by the Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches. He left India in 2016.

The Islamic preacher was granted permanent residency in Malaysia by the previous government led by Mahathir Mohamad.

Jaiswal said India’s extradition request to the Malaysian government is pending.

“We are pursuing the extradition with the Malaysian government,” he said.

India is understood to have raised the issue during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to New Delhi in August.

To a question, Jaiswal said India was not clear on what passport Naik travelled to Pakistan.

INDIA CONDEMNS ZAKIR NAIK’s WELCOME IN PAKISTAN

On October 4, India described as “condemnable” the way Pakistan feted Naik, but added that it was not “surprising”.

Naik, who is living in Malaysia, is presently on a visit to Pakistan.

“We have seen reports that he (Zakir Naik) has been feted in Pakistan. He has been warmly welcomed there. It is not surprising for us that an Indian fugitive has received a high-level welcome in Pakistan. It is something which is disappointing and condemnable but at the same time it is not surprising,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing.

Jaiswal was replying to a question on Naik’s visit to Pakistan.