UK trend: Zakir Naik in the Qatar World Cup 2022!

22 November 2022

The hashtag #Zakir Naik has been trending on Twitter as the public has been split between those who favour Dr. Naik and those who think that Qatar invited him and oppose the presence of “such a figure” in the Qatar World Cup 2022!

Zakir Naik’s presence in World Cup sparked controversy on social media

Zakir Naik

1) India: Accused of money laundering. Many arrested for ISIS links got inspired by Naik

2) Sri Lanka: Hashim (leader of NTJ– group behind Easter bombings) praised Naik

3) Bangladesh: 2016 Dhaka attack terrorists inspired by Naik

Qatar invites him in FIFA World Cup pic.twitter.com/AVrXVSULUq

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) November 20, 2022

Many social media activists, especially those from India, like Anshul Saxena, used Twitter to voice their opposition to Naik’s attendance to the FIFA World Cup. The 57-year-old Islamic speaker was banned from India in 2016 and is accused of promoting hate speech and encouraging terrorism. He is also charged with money laundering for allegedly obtaining $28 million (£21 million) in illicit assets to pay for houses in India and fund events. Additionally, it is claimed that he inspired the 2016 Dhaka attack in Bangladesh through his speech.

Alcohol is banned in the world cup since it's an Islamic nation – Ok accepted

Women wearing short clothes in matches is banned since it's an Islamic nation – Ok accepted

Zakir Naik, a terrorist will be attending & preaching. How is this ok?

The same Qatar lectures India!

— Preetam Rao (@Preetam_M_Rao) November 20, 2022

Not only social media activists were outraged by Mr. Naik’s attendance at the “controversial” World Cup; many others also criticized Qatar for being “hypocritical” for allowing someone to speak about religion whilst he has shown “disrespect for other religions.”

Hypocrisy of Qatar, they wanted India to punish Nupur Sharma, However inviting hate monger Zakir Naik who has been disrespectful against multiple religions in past.

— शून्य (@0__Shunya__0) November 20, 2022

Zakir Naik was banned from entering Britain in 2010 for his extremism speeches.

Zakir Naik banned in India for his hatred speeches.

Qatar invited him to deliver religious speech related to Islam for FIFA Fans.

— Farrago Abdullah Parody (@abdullah_0mar) November 20, 2022

However, Mr. Zakir Naik has a large number of followers who expressed their happiness at his arrival in Qatar because of the positive effects of his da’wa-related “religious lectures” that he has already begun giving, which led to a number of people accepting Islam.

With the way things are going and with the grand entrance of Shaykh Dr Zakir Naik & his team into #Qatar thousands of Europeans will see the light and accept Islam.
Allahumma A'izzal Islaama Wal Muslimeen Wa Adhilal Kufra Wal Kaafireen🤲#IStandWithZakirNayak #QatarWorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/Rhd27DWr5h

— .مستفیض علم❀ (@MustafijMd) November 21, 2022

Qatar invited Dr. Zakir Naik to attend opening ceremony of FIFA world cup. (https://picklelicious.com/) They don’t miss. What a great agenda😍. A great opportunity for Daawah. What a wise thought 🤍🫶. pic.twitter.com/GlVzUFYNkB

— القرآن (@Quranconnect_) November 20, 2022

Many people, nevertheless, were confused by the arrival of Dr. Zakir Naik to Qatar to speak at FIFA World Cup activities because he has openly said that “football is forbidden in Islam.”

Zakir Naik prohibited in the UK and many countries

*Zakir Naik in World Cup 2022 in Qatar (Flickr)*

According to a broadcaster at the Qatari state-owned sports channel Alkass, Faisal Alhajri, the Indian Muslim preacher travelled to Qatar to deliver numerous religious lectures.

On Saturday, Mr. Alhajri stated that “preacher Sheikh Zakir Naik is in Qatar for the World Cup and would offer numerous religious lectures throughout the tournament.”

Videos posted on social media showed Mr. Naik entering the location while being escorted by volunteers. An estimated 200 million people watch Mr. Naik worldwide.

He has been residing in Malaysia, where the government of the country’s former leader Mahathir Mohamad rejected India’s request for extradition, stating that he would not be sent back “as long as he is not causing any issue.”

He was prohibited in the UK by Theresa May due to allegations that he had praised Osama bin Laden. Additionally, he cannot enter Canada.