Rumours abour Dr Zakir Naik’s death are not true

On Sunday morning, internet is abuzz with reports of Dr Zakir Naik’s passing at the age of 58 years. However, there is yet to be a solid statement coming from a reliable source confirming the news.

In 2016, India banned his organisation Islamic Research Foundation (IRF). An FIR was also lodged against him in India for propagating hate speech. “He is accused of instigating Muslim youth and terrorists in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts,” according to Indian media.

Since 2017, Naik has been residing in Malaysia. Earlier this year, he was invited by Oman as a ‘state guest’ to deliver two religious lectures in the capital city Muscat during Ramzan.

According to Indian media, India asked the authorities in Oman to arrest and extradite him back to India.

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In September, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Siraj-ul-Haq also extended an invitation to Dr Naik via telephonic contact to visit Pakistan.

Despite global recognition, Dr Naik continues to face criticism in India, with increased speculation about his life and whereabouts. In July, false news circulated about his arrest, and now, there are fresh unfounded rumors circulating about his death.

However, a comprehensive investigation into these assertions has revealed them to be baseless fabrications. As of December 2023, Dr. Zakir Naik is alive and in good health. No credible evidence supports the rumors surrounding his death. The misinformation seems to be a deliberate and malicious attempt at orchestrating a death hoax, lacking any factual basis.