Dr Zakir Naik refuses to present awards to 'na-mahram' girls at Islamabad event

Renowned Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik recently made headlines when he left the stage at an event organised by a non-profit organisation for orphan children in Islamabad.

The incident occurred when the religious scholar was called to present shields to young girls at an event of Pakistan Sweet Home, an orphanage for abandoned children.

But, he declined to give the awards, citing that the girls were "Na-Mahram" (unrelated by blood or marriage).

A video circulating online shows Dr Naik leaving the stage as soon as the girls approached to receive their shields.

*ڈاکٹر ذاکر نائیک (حفظہ اللہ) نے اسلام آباد میں منعقدہ تقریب میں اپنے خطاب کے بعد یہ کہہ کر اسٹیج چھوڑ دیا :*
*"بچیوں کو شیلڈ نہیں دے سکتا یہ نامحرم ہیں"*
*ما شآء اللّٰہ ، یہ ہے "عالم با عمل" اور "اصل مومن" کی پہچان ، کہ دنیاوی تعلیم و آسائش سے آراستہ اور عالمی شہرت یافتہ ہونے کے… pic.twitter.com/7rkVLJvLqj

— Annabelle Hun (@nazishbutt786) October 2, 2024

The cleric's decision was based on the interpretation of Islamic principles regarding interactions with na-mahram individuals.

Dr Naik is currently in Pakistan for a month-long visit, which began on September 30.

Upon his arrival at Islamabad airport, he was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Additional Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs Syed Dr Attaur Rehman, Parliamentary Secretary Religious Affairs Shamsheer Ali Mazari, and other dignitaries.

The renowned speaker is set to arrive in Karachi on October 2 (today). 

During his stay in the metropolis, Mr Naik will meet prominent Islamic scholars such as Mufti Taqi Usmani and Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman.

The preacher will also meet with Jamia Tur Rasheed head Mufti Abdul Rahim and other notable personalities. 

His itinerary includes visits to important government institutions on October 4 and addressing a public gathering at Bagh-e-Quaid on October 5 and 6.

Private meetings are scheduled from October 7 to 10, after which the religious figure will depart for Lahore on October 11 morning.

He will speak in Lahore on October 12 and 13 and in Islamabad on October 19 and 20.

These events will also be broadcast live on Peace TV, allowing a wider audience to benefit from Islamic preacher's expertise in comparative religion.