Zakir Naik in headlines again: does he have AIDS now?

PETALING JAYA: A few days ago, rumours broke out on social media that Dr Zakir Naik had received diagnosis of the fatal disease AIDS. While the controversial preacher is no stranger to media scandals, thanks to his bold views and divisive statements, this particular rumor prompted him to step forward and address the allegations head-on, issuing a firm denial.

Also read: Dr Zakir Naik awarded doctorate degree despite objections

Dr Naik has vehemently denied these rumors, dismissing the allegations as “pure rubbish” and “fake news.” In a fiery statement issued through his lawyer, Naik blasted the unsubstantiated claims. “These are baseless lies spread by irresponsible individuals,” Dr Naik said, vowing to take action against those responsible for the smear campaign.

The latest gossip alleged that Naik was receiving treatment for the deadly disease at a private hospital in Malaysia’s Klang Valley. But Naik, who is currently out of the country, was quick to shut down the baseless claims. “It’s absolutely ridiculous! It’s all fake news,” Naik told the news platform Free Malaysia Today (FMT), through his lawyer, Akberdin Abdul Kadir.

Naik’s legal representative also labeled the accusations as “hate speech”, and suggested that the scandalous rumors were intentionally spread by malicious individuals. “This is clearly an effort to tarnish his reputation because of his immense popularity,” Akberdin told FMT, adding that Naik was actively investigating the sources of the rumors and considering legal action.

Naik’s health, according to Akberdin, is in “excellent condition,” and he had personally seen the preacher in good health just recently.

BUNGEE JUMPING, STRAIGHT INTO SCANDAL

Dr Naik had recently been in the headlines for completely different reasons. Just weeks ago, he was spotted enjoying some extreme sports in Bali, where he took a heart-stopping bungee jump from a dizzying height of 430 feet. The footage, which Naik shared with his followers, showed him plummeting towards the earth in what seemed like a thrilling mix of faith and fearlessness.

Also read: Religious scholar takes the leap: Dr Zakir Naik bungee jumps in Bali

With no shortage of critics and supporters alike, Naik remains undeterred. Whether he’s lecturing to packed auditoriums or leaping off towering platforms, one thing is certain: Zakir Naik is a man who refuses to be held down by rumors.