OPINION: Fading Influence of Zakir Naik—When Old Arguments No Longer Convince

In an age of AI and platforms like ChatGPT, audiences expect well-researched, thoughtful engagement—not repetitive, memorized speeches from two decades ago.

Dr. Zakir Naik once stood as an intellectual force in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His debates with figures such as Dr. William Campbell and Rashmi Bai Zaveri showcased his razor-sharp reasoning, precise responses, and ability to captivate audiences. However, after recently reviewing his visit to Pakistan—a visit I had missed in 2024—it became painfully evident that his relevance has drastically diminished.

A Stagnant Intellectual Approach

A scholar or public speaker must continuously evolve to remain impactful. Dr. Naik, however, appears trapped in a time capsule, recycling the same arguments he made over two decades ago. His content in 2025 remains nearly identical to what he presented in the early 2000s, making him appear disconnected from contemporary discourse.

Take, for example, his justification for polygyny. In 2005, his argument that there are more women than men, leaving women with the choice of either becoming “public property” or entering polygamous marriages, may have drawn applause. However, in 2025, such rhetoric is rightly seen as deeply problematic and disrespectful toward women.

Many women today choose to remain single, are divorced, or are widowed, yet lead dignified and independent lives. To imply that their only alternatives are polygyny or prostitution is not only outdated but outright offensive. There are far more nuanced and respectful ways to discuss this issue in a modern context.

Unbecoming Public Behavior

During his Pakistan tour, Dr. Naik’s public complaints about excess baggage fees while traveling on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) were particularly disappointing.

Addressing an audience in Karachi, he openly criticized the airline for offering only a 50% discount on his extra 500-600 kg of luggage despite his status as a “state guest.” His remarks, which implied entitlement to free service, were not only unbecoming of a respected scholar but also reduced him to a subject of mockery in Pakistan’s media circles.

A man of his caliber should focus on intellectual discourse rather than airing grievances over airline discounts in front of an audience expecting wisdom, not tantrums. Such trivial matters do not belong on a public platform and only serve to diminish his profile.

Another concerning moment during his visit was his reaction to a Pashtun girl from Pakistan, reportedly from the Marri region, who questioned him about the rising instances of pedophilia in certain conservative Islamic societies.

Instead of engaging with her concern thoughtfully, Dr. Naik responded with anger, demanding evidence and treating her question as an accusation rather than an inquiry. What was the need for him to become extremely defensive and dismissive? Dodging the realities doesn’t serve the purpose. The Gen-Z is clever enough to identify the sham identities.

Having spent time with Pakistanis from Peshawar and tribal agencies in Saudi Arabia, I have personally heard acknowledgments of such issues within their communities. Instead of confronting this problem with honesty and urging self-reflection among religious figures, Dr. Naik chose to attack the questioner—an unfortunate and counterproductive stance.

Also, adding to his decline is his recent focus on trivial social media content. Rather than sharing scholarly insights, much of his online presence revolves around personal adventures—visiting a zoo, holding a snake, or bungee jumping. While personal interests are not inherently problematic, an international preacher known for serious theological discourse should be mindful of his image and priorities.

A Message to Aspiring Daees – Preachers

For those Daees who look up to Dr. Naik as a model for Islamic preaching, there is an important lesson here: scholarship requires continuous learning and adaptation. Clinging to medieval arguments without addressing contemporary challenges renders one irrelevant.

In an age of AI and platforms like ChatGPT, audiences expect well-researched, thoughtful engagement—not repetitive, memorized speeches from two decades ago.

Islamic scholars must root themselves in traditional knowledge through Ulema, while embracing modernity with intellectual honesty.

The world is evolving, and so must our approach to religious discourse. Preaching should not be about mere rhetoric but about meaningful engagement with today’s realities.

Here is a lesson in Dr. Zakir Naik’s trajectory: no matter how brilliant one may be, stagnation leads to irrelevance. Those who seek to guide others must first ensure they remain worthy of being followed.