---

👶 Early Life and Background

• Full Name: Zakir Abdul Karim Naik
• Date of Birth: October 18, 1965
• Place of Birth: Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Maharashtra, India
• Nationality: Indian (currently holds permanent residency in Malaysia)
• Religion: Islam (Sunni, Salafi inclination)
• Profession: Islamic preacher, public speaker, comparative religion specialist, medical doctor (by training)

---

🧬 Family and Upbringing

• Father: Abdul Karim Naik – a physician and Islamic scholar
• Grew up in a moderate Muslim family, receiving both secular and religious education.
• Was inspired by Ahmed Deedat, the South African Islamic scholar and debater known for his interfaith work.
• Deedat personally encouraged him and referred to him as “Deedat plus,” recognizing Zakir’s sharper memory and oratory skills.

---

🎓 Education and Transition to Islamic Preaching

• Schooling: St. Peter’s High School, Mumbai
• Pre-University: Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai
• Medical Degree: Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai University

Though trained as a medical doctor, Dr. Naik left the medical field in 1991 to dedicate himself entirely to Islamic da’wah (missionary work).

---

🕌 Founding of IRF (Islamic Research Foundation)

• In 1991, Dr. Naik founded the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) in Mumbai.
• IRF produced and distributed Islamic books, pamphlets, and video lectures.
• Hosted public lectures, interfaith debates, and Q&A sessions on Islam and comparative religion.

---

📺 Peace TV Network

• In 2006, Dr. Naik launched Peace TV, an English-language satellite TV channel broadcasting Islamic content globally.
• The network grew to include Peace TV Urdu, Bangla, and Chinese, with a combined global viewership of over 200 million.
• Peace TV featured lectures from Dr. Naik and other scholars, promoting Islamic teachings with a focus on Qur’an, Hadith, science, and interfaith comparison.

---

📚 Areas of Expertise and Topics

Dr. Zakir Naik is known for his encyclopedic memory and ability to quote religious texts verbatim. His areas of expertise include:

Field	Topics
Islamic Theology	Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, beliefs
Comparative Religion	Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Atheism
Science and Religion	Scientific facts in the Qur’an
Interfaith Dialogue	Similarities between major religions
Current Issues	Terrorism, women’s rights, secularism, Islamic governance

---

🗣️ Notable Lectures and Public Debates

• Dr. Naik is renowned for massive public lectures, often attended by tens of thousands of people, particularly in India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
• Famous lectures include:
  • “Is the Qur’an God’s Word?”
  • “Similarities Between Hinduism and Islam”
  • “Women’s Rights in Islam – Protected or Subjugated?”
  • “Is Islam the Solution for Humanity?”
• His debates and Q&A sessions feature live interactions, where he often answers complex religious and scientific questions instantly using direct references.

---

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Naik has received multiple awards and international recognitions:

• King Faisal International Prize (2015) – in the category of Service to Islam, often dubbed the “Nobel Prize of the Muslim World.”
• Featured in The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World by Georgetown University’s The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre
• Numerous honorary doctorates and awards from Islamic institutions worldwide

---

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Personal Life

• Married and has children. His son, Fariq Naik, is also emerging as a young Islamic speaker.
• Leads a private life focused on his religious mission and media outreach.

---

🌍 Controversies and Legal Issues

Dr. Naik’s work has not been without controversy:

In India:

• In 2016, following the Dhaka terror attack, some attackers allegedly claimed to be inspired by Naik’s speeches.
• Indian authorities accused him of hate speech, money laundering, and promoting enmity between religious groups.
• The Indian government banned IRF and Peace TV in India under anti-terror laws.
• Dr. Naik denied all allegations, asserting his message was peaceful, interfaith, and within legal limits.

Relocation:

• Dr. Naik left India in 2016 and settled in Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency.
• Malaysian authorities occasionally limited his public speaking to avoid inter-religious tensions, though he remains respected among many Muslims in Malaysia and abroad.

💬 Philosophy and Key Messages

Dr. Naik’s core messages revolve around:

• Tawheed (Oneness of God) as the central tenet of Islam
• Encouraging Muslims to study the Qur’an deeply
• Urging peaceful and rational dialogue with other faiths
• Promoting scientific inquiry and logical reasoning
• Opposing extremism, terrorism, and cultural innovations not rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah
• Challenging superstitions, idol worship, and blind following in religion

---

📚 Major Books and Publications

Dr. Naik has not authored traditional books but his speeches and writings have been compiled into booklets, including:

• The Qur’an and Modern Science
• Is the Qur’an God’s Word?
• Similarities Between Hinduism and Islam
• Women’s Rights in Islam
• Answers to Non-Muslims’ Common Questions About Islam

---

📽️ Digital Presence

Dr. Naik remains one of the most digitally followed Islamic personalities:

• YouTube: Millions of subscribers across multiple languages
• Peace TV: Streams live globally in English, Urdu, Bangla, and Chinese
• Social Media: Active Facebook and Instagram presence
• His lectures are used in Islamic education, dawah training, and interfaith studies globally.

---

🌍 Legacy and Influence

Despite controversy, Dr. Zakir Naik’s impact is enormous:

• Inspired a generation of Muslims to pursue Islamic learning, da’wah, and interfaith outreach
• Established a model of structured public debate and logical reasoning in religious discourse
• His students and followers have spread his methodology across the Muslim world, especially in India, Africa, and Southeast Asia

---

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Zakir Naik remains a polarizing but deeply influential figure in modern Islamic discourse. Admired by millions for his intellect, courage, and oratory, he is seen by supporters as a defender of Islam through reason, and by critics as controversial and too confrontational.

Regardless of perspective, his legacy in comparative religion, da’wah methodology, and digital Islamic media continues to shape the landscape of 21st-century Islamic thought.

---

👶 Early Life and Background

• Full Name: Mufti Ismail Musa Menk
• Date of Birth: June 27, 1975
• Place of Birth: Harare, Zimbabwe (formerly Salisbury, Rhodesia)
• Nationality: Zimbabwean
• Ethnicity: Indian descent
• Religion: Islam (Sunni, Hanafi school of thought)

---

🧑‍🎓 Education and Scholarly Training

• From an early age, Ismail Menk showed interest in Islamic studies.
• He memorized the Qur’an at a young age, a foundational achievement for many Islamic scholars.
• Studied Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and other Islamic sciences at the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, where he graduated with a degree in Shariah law.
• Further studies included specialization in Mufti training (the ability to issue Islamic legal rulings) under renowned scholars.

---

🕌 Career and Mission

• Appointed as the Grand Mufti of Zimbabwe — a religious authority who issues fatwas (Islamic legal opinions) and provides religious guidance to the Muslim community.
• Known for his accessible and practical approach to Islamic teachings. He focuses on daily issues, youth engagement, family, and spirituality.
• Travels extensively, delivering lectures, sermons, and workshops worldwide, reaching millions through social media and public events.
• Runs the Muftee Menk Foundation, which promotes Islamic education and humanitarian causes.

---

🌐 Global Influence and Outreach

• Mufti Menk has gained a massive global following thanks to his engaging style, motivational talks, and emphasis on positivity.
• His messages promote peace, tolerance, and personal development rooted in Islamic values.
• Speaks multiple languages and adapts his lectures to diverse cultural contexts, making his teachings widely accessible.
• Active presence on social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with millions of followers.

---

📚 Published Works and Lectures

Mufti Menk has authored several books and produced numerous lecture series on topics such as:

• The Fundamentals of Islam
• Personal Development in Islam
• Family and Social Issues
• Dealing with Modern Challenges

His lectures often address youth concerns, interfaith harmony, and combating extremism.

---

🕊️ Philosophy and Key Teachings

• Emphasizes love, mercy, and compassion as central to Islamic teachings.
• Encourages Muslims to lead balanced lives, focusing on spirituality, good character (akhlaq), and social responsibility.
• Advocates for dialogue and understanding among different faiths and cultures.
• Highlights the importance of education, patience, and gratitude in daily life.

---

🏆 Awards and Recognition

• Mufti Menk has received numerous accolades worldwide for his contribution to Islamic scholarship and community leadership, including honorary doctorates and community service awards.
• His lectures have been featured in major international Islamic conferences and interfaith forums.

---

🎤 Notable Public Engagements

• Speaker at global events such as the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) convention, Quranic conferences, and interfaith dialogues.
• Invited to speak at universities, mosques, and community centers across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America.

---

🏠 Personal Life

• Mufti Menk is married and has children. He often speaks about family values and parenting based on Islamic principles.
• Despite his fame, he is known for his humility, approachable demeanor, and dedication to community service.

---

💬 Famous Quotes

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

“The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.”

“Don’t be a slave to your desires; be a servant to your Lord.”

---

🌍 Legacy and Impact

Mufti Ismail Menk continues to inspire millions worldwide through his balanced, thoughtful approach to Islam, blending classical scholarship with modern relevance. He bridges cultures and generations, making Islamic knowledge accessible, practical, and uplifting for contemporary audiences.

---

👶 Early Life and Background

• Full Name: Dr. Israr Ahmed (Urdu: ڈاکٹر اسرار احمد)
• Date of Birth: April 26, 1932
• Place of Birth: Hisar, British India (now in Haryana, India)
• Date of Death: April 14, 2010
• Place of Death: Lahore, Pakistan
• Nationality: Pakistani
• Ethnicity: Punjabi Rajput
• Religion: Islam
• Madhhab (School of Thought): Sunni, influenced by Deobandi and revivalist traditions

---

🧬 Family and Migration

• Born into a religious yet modernist family, Dr. Israr’s father was a civil servant under British rule.
• After the Partition of India in 1947, the family migrated to Lahore, Pakistan, as part of the massive migration of Muslims to the new Muslim-majority state.

---

🎓 Education and Academic Career

• Matriculation: Lahore
• FSc (Intermediate): Government College, Lahore
• MBBS (Medicine): King Edward Medical College, Lahore (Graduated in 1954)
• Postgraduate Studies: He earned a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Karachi in 1965.

Although trained as a physician, he gave up his medical practice to dedicate his life fully to Islamic education and revivalism.

---

🧠 Intellectual and Religious Development

Early Influences:

• Inspired by Allama Iqbal, Shah Waliullah, and Abul A’la Maududi.
• Joined Jamaat-e-Islami in 1950 as a student, under the leadership of Maulana Maududi.
• Left the Jamaat in 1957 due to ideological differences, particularly concerning its approach to politics.

---

🕌 Islamic Mission and Organizations

🔹 Tanzeem-e-Islami (1975)

• Founded Tanzeem-e-Islami (“Islamic Organization”) in 1975, aiming to establish an Islamic system through peaceful revival, moral reform, and education.
• The movement sought spiritual and intellectual awakening among Muslims rather than electoral politics.
• Strong focus on personal reformation, Qur’anic understanding, and building an Islamic society from the bottom up.

🔹 Quran Academy (1967)

• Established to teach Qur’an with translation and tafsir in a structured, scholarly manner.
• His famous lecture series “Bayan-ul-Qur’an” reached millions across Pakistan and abroad.

---

📚 Teachings and Philosophy

Dr. Israr Ahmed believed that Muslim revival required:

1. Qur’anic Revival

• Muslims must reconnect with the original message of the Qur’an, understand its themes, and implement its values.
• Promoted Tadabbur (deep reflection) on the Qur’an, not mere recitation.

2. Spiritual Reformation (Tazkiyah)

• Emphasized purifying the soul, moral integrity, and a return to spiritual sincerity (ikhlas).

3. Rejecting Superficial Islam

• Strongly opposed ritualistic or cultural Islam without understanding or commitment.
• Criticized both Westernization and blind traditionalism.

4. Non-political Activism

• Believed in reviving Islam through education, rather than political power or electoral movements.
• Argued that a truly Islamic society must be built from the grassroots, starting with individual change.

---

📺 Media and Outreach

Dr. Israr Ahmed used modern media extensively to spread his message:

• Radio and TV Programs (especially on PTV and cable TV in the 1990s–2000s)
• Over 8,000 recorded lectures, many translated into English, Arabic, and other languages
• Founded Markazi Anjuman Khuddam-ul-Qur’an and Tehreek-e-Tanzeem-e-Islami
• Massive international following among students, professionals, and Islamic activists

---

📘 Major Works

Dr. Israr authored more than 60 books and pamphlets in Urdu, some of which have been translated into English, Arabic, and other languages.

Selected Works:

Title	Description
Bayan-ul-Qur’an	His magnum opus: a deep Qur’anic commentary
Tadabbur-e-Qur’an aur Ham	Reflections on the need to deeply understand the Qur’an
Islamic Renaissance: The Real Task Ahead	A call for genuine revival based on spirituality and scripture
Qur’an ki Chaar Bunyadi Istilahain	Explains four key Qur’anic concepts: Ilah, Rabb, Ibadah, Din
Khutbat-e-Islami	Collection of his powerful Friday sermons
Nizam-e-Khilafat	Vision of Islamic governance based on Qur’anic principles

---

⚖️ Political Views

Although he rejected formal politics, Dr. Israr supported:

• An Islamic system of governance
• Revival of the Khilafah (Caliphate) through peaceful means
• Unity of the Muslim Ummah
• Opposed to democracy without ethics, secularism, and nationalism

He was occasionally consulted by political leaders but never aligned with any party after leaving Jamaat-e-Islami.

🏆 Recognition and Legacy

• Awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence), one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors, in 1981.
• Admired across the Muslim world for his clarity, sincerity, and depth of knowledge.
• His lectures remain a staple of Islamic education in Pakistan and beyond.
• Influenced Islamic thinkers and revivalist movements globally.

---

🏥 Illness and Death

• In his final years, he suffered from chronic back pain and heart problems.
• Stepped down from active leadership of Tanzeem-e-Islami in 2002.
• Died of cardiac arrest on April 14, 2010, in Lahore at the age of 77.

---

💬 Famous Quotes

“Islam is not the name of a religion; it is the name of a revolutionary ideology.”

“Muslim decline is due not to lack of resources, but lack of sincere commitment to the Qur’an.”

---

🌍 Global Influence

Dr. Israr Ahmed remains one of the most influential Muslim scholars of the post-colonial era. His legacy includes:

• Thousands of students, scholars, and da’wah workers
• Digital archives of his lectures available on YouTube, iTunes, and mobile apps
• Continued operation of Tanzeem-e-Islami and related organizations

---

📌 Conclusion

Dr. Israr Ahmed was a visionary Islamic revivalist, combining traditional scholarship with modern communication and a powerful voice for moral and spiritual renewal. His emphasis on the Qur’an, personal transformation, and the collective mission of Muslims continues to inspire Islamic thought and activism around the world.