Amidst the looming threat of arrest and deportation back to India, as reported by some Indian media outlets, the distinguished Islamic preacher, Dr. Zakir Naik, is busily engaged in delivering lectures in Oman.
While rumors of his impending arrest continue to swirl, the fugitive Islamic preacher took to his Facebook page to post a video message, informing his supporters of his safe arrival in Oman on Wednesday. He also expressed his profound gratitude to the Sultan of Oman for extending a warm welcome to him, as per reports in Malaysian media.
Dr. Naik is currently in Oman to deliver two religious lectures, at the invitation of the Omani Government. However, his lawyer, Akberdin Abdul Kader, based in Malaysia, has refuted recent news reports suggesting that the Islamic preacher is likely to be arrested in Oman and extradited to India. According to media reports, Akberdin confirmed that Dr. Naik has been accorded a state reception in Muscat, the capital city of Oman. He also revealed that the Islamic preacher had texted him, assuring him that he is safe and currently staying at a hotel.
Furthermore, Akberdin rubbished reports of Dr. Naik's alleged arrest, dismissing them as nothing but "fabricated news" propagated by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government-controlled media. The fugitive Islamic preacher has frequently traveled to the Gulf states in the past, with his most recent trip being to Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup to deliver religious lectures.
It is worth noting that Dr. Naik was awarded the 2015 King Faisal International Prize (KFIP) for his "Service to Islam" by Saudi Arabia. He has also been conferred with the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work and the Dubai International Holy Quran Award - Islamic Personality of the Year in 2013.
However, Dr. Naik is currently wanted for various charges, including inciting communal hatred, money laundering, and terror funding. His sermons and speeches are broadcast on Peace TV, which has been banned in India, Canada, UK, and Bangladesh. India revoked Dr. Naik's passport in July 2017 following a recommendation made by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He has been declared a fugitive since then and has been living in Putrajaya town in Malaysia, where he holds permanent residency.
Despite India's persistent efforts to arrest him and secure his extradition from Malaysia, Interpol has thrice declined New Delhi's request to issue a Red Notice against him, with the latest rejection coming in 2021. Interpol has rejected the NIA's charge-sheet in the case of Dr. Naik, stating that soliciting donations during speeches and promoting religion does not constitute a criminal offense.
Claim By Dr. Zakir Naik's Lawyer
Dr. Zakir Naik's lawyer has refuted claims that the Islamic preacher has been arrested in Oman and would be deported to India. Instead, Akberdin Abdul Kader confirmed that Zakir was welcomed in Oman and greeted with an official reception in Muscat, as reported by Sinar Harian. According to Zakir, in a Facebook post, he safely arrived in Oman on March 22 to deliver a series of religious talks, invited by the country's Endowment and Religious Affairs Ministry, as reported by Times of Oman. Sinar Harian also reported that Zakir's first lecture was scheduled for March 23, and another lecture was scheduled for March 25 at Sultan Qaboos University. On Thursday night, News18 reported Zakir's arrest in Oman, which Zakir's lawyer denied, calling it fake news. Zakir is a permanent resident of Malaysia and lives in Putrajaya. He is wanted for questioning in India for alleged money-laundering and other illegal activities.
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