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A resurfaced video of Islamic televangelist Dr. Zakir Naik has reignited a storm of criticism online after he appeared to suggest that women who do not “adhere to the Quranic dress code” share partial responsibility for rape.
The two-minute clip, reportedly first uploaded by a YouTube channel named EnlighteningEcho in 2024, began circulating again across X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms this week. It quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation from historians, scholars, and social media users who accused Naik of promoting victim-blaming narratives and distorting Islamic teachings on morality and justice.
The Controversial Clip
The video, taken from one of Naik’s recorded public Q&A sessions, shows him responding to a question about rape and forgiveness. While acknowledging that rape and murder are grave sins, Naik goes on to argue that women who dress “immodestly” may bear some responsibility if they become victims of such crimes.
“If she wore obscene clothes because of which the rape took place, then she is responsible,” Naik states in the clip, claiming that women are “tested by Allah” in such situations.
He further asserts that even a rapist can be forgiven by God if he sincerely repents and fulfills what Naik describes as the “five conditions of repentance.” This framing — equating both the rapist and the victim as participants in a divine test — has been sharply denounced by many as both theologically flawed and socially dangerous.
Online Backlash and Condemnation
The remarks have sparked an avalanche of anger online. Within days, the clip surpassed 58,000 views on X, with thousands of users calling the comments misogynistic and regressive.
Historian Irfan Habib was among the first to publicly condemn Naik’s statements. In a strongly worded post on X, Habib wrote:
“He is an awful human being, less said about Islam he propagates. I have always condemned him unequivocally and all sane people should do that.”
Habib’s post was widely shared and discussed, though it also drew replies questioning his own interpretation of Islamic values and whether it differed meaningfully from Naik’s. Still, the overwhelming response to the clip reflected broad frustration with what many perceive as a persistent problem — religious leaders promoting ideas that shift blame onto victims of sexual violence.
“Fueling Islamophobia”
Several users pointed out that Naik’s comments not only demean women but also harm the image of Islam globally by reinforcing stereotypes that Islam justifies gender-based oppression.
One user wrote, “The likes of him are one reason more people are getting Islamophobic,” echoing a sentiment shared by many who argued that such statements alienate younger Muslims and reinforce prejudices against the faith.
Others highlighted how comments like Naik’s trivialize the trauma of sexual assault survivors and perpetuate a culture of silence around reporting such crimes. “When religious figures blame the victim, they discourage justice,” another user posted. “This isn’t faith — it’s patriarchy in a robe.”
Divided Reactions and Defenses
However, a smaller section of Naik’s supporters defended him, claiming that his words were being taken out of context. Some argued that Naik was merely emphasizing Islamic teachings on modesty and repentance rather than condoning rape or excusing perpetrators.
One X user wrote, “He did not justify rape — he only said both men and women have moral responsibilities in Islam. People are twisting it to attack religion.”
Still, critics responded that there is no theological justification for assigning blame to victims of sexual violence. Islamic scholars and activists have repeatedly emphasized that modesty codes, while culturally interpreted, should never be used to rationalize or minimize crimes such as rape, which is unequivocally condemned in Islamic law.
Broader Debate on Modesty and Gender Violence
The controversy has also reignited larger debates about modesty, patriarchy, and gender-based violence within conservative religious frameworks. Studies and social commentaries have shown that linking morality to women’s clothing often correlates with higher tolerance of sexual harassment and victim-blaming attitudes in certain communities.
Sociologists note that such rhetoric can make it harder for victims to come forward and report crimes, fearing shame, judgment, or disbelief. “When women internalize the idea that their dress causes violence, it becomes a tool of social control,” one gender studies professor commented.
Zakir Naik’s Controversial Legacy
Zakir Naik, known for his fiery preaching style and his claim to “explain Islam scientifically,” has long been a polarizing figure. His speeches have been banned in several countries, and he remains in self-imposed exile in Malaysia after facing allegations of hate speech and money laundering in India.
While Naik continues to command a massive following online — with millions of subscribers on YouTube and followers across social media — his critics argue that his interpretations of Islam often reinforce sexism, sectarianism, and anti-pluralistic worldviews.
The resurfacing of this video serves as a reminder of how digital archives can revive past controversies, especially at a time when global audiences are increasingly intolerant of rhetoric that undermines women’s rights or normalizes gender violence.
A Familiar Pattern
This is not the first time Naik has faced backlash for controversial statements about women. In past lectures, he has claimed that Islam permits limited polygamy for men but forbids similar freedoms for women, describing it as a “biological necessity.” Such remarks have been criticized by Muslim feminists as outdated and harmful.
For now, the latest controversy continues to unfold across platforms, with renewed calls for religious scholars and clerics to promote compassion and justice rather than perpetuate divisive ideologies.
