Zakir Naik banned from making speeches in Malaysia
NEW DELHI: Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is wanted by India over allegations of terror-related activities and inciting extremism through hate speeches, has been banned from giving speeches in Malaysia in the interests of "national security". He had been charged with making inflammatory speeches and questioned by local police over his intent to provoke a breach in peace by making remarks about Hindu and Chinese communities living in the Muslim-majority nation.
"Yes. Such an order has been given to all police contingents, and this was done in the interest of national security and to preserve racial harmony," Datuk Asmawati Ahmad, Police Head of Corporate Communications, was quoted in an ANI report.
On August 3, Zakir Naik had said Hindus in Malaysia have "100 times" more rights than Muslims in India. He also made insensitive remarks against the Chinese Malaysian community. He apologised for those comments today, claiming his comments had been taken out of context.
"It was never my intention to upset any individual or community," Zakir Naiks said in his statement, adding, "It is against the basic tenets of Islam, and I would like to convey my heartfelt apologies for this misunderstanding."
courtesy: ndtv.com
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Visionary leader, scholar Dr. Muhammad Manzoor Alam passes away at 80
New Delhi: Dr. Muhammad Manzoor Alam, a noted scholar, educationist, and social thinker, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 13, 2026. He was 80. His death has left a deep void in academic, social, and religious circles in India and abroad, where he was widely respected for his lifelong work in education, minority empowerment, and ethical scholarship.
Dr. Alam was born on October 9, 1945, in Bihar, to the late M. Abdul Jaleel. From an early age, he showed a strong inclination towards learning and social issues. He pursued higher studies in economics and earned his PhD from Aligarh Muslim University. During his academic years, he developed a keen interest in Islamic social sciences, economic reform, and the role of knowledge in bringing positive change in society.
Dr. Alam had a long and distinguished professional career that took him across several countries. Over the years, he held key academic and advisory positions, including serving as an Economic Advisor at the Ministry of Finance in Saudi Arabia. He was also an Associate Professor of Islamic Economics at Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in Riyadh, where he taught and guided students from different parts of the world.
He played an important role in religious and scholarly work as the Chief Coordinator for the translation of the Quran at the King Fahd Printing Complex in Madinah. He also served as the Chief Representative of India at the International Islamic University in Malaysia and was an active member of the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship Programme Committee.
Dr. Alam was associated with several national and international bodies in leadership and advisory roles. These included the Institute of Objective Studies, the All India Milli Council, the Muslim Social Sciences Association, the Fiqh Academy, the Indian Association of Muslim Social Scientists, the Indo-Arab Economic Cooperation Forum, and other international advisory boards.
In 1986, Dr. Alam founded the Institute of Objective Studies in New Delhi. The institute was set up with the aim of building a strong research-based platform to address issues related to Indian Muslims and other marginalized communities. Under his leadership, IOS emerged as an important centre for academic research, policy studies, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy for minority rights.
Dr. Alam stressed the need for ethical scholarship, serious research, and practical solutions to real-life problems. During his tenure, the institute published several research works, organised national and international seminars, and supported young scholars and researchers. Many academics who worked with IOS credit Dr. Alam for shaping their intellectual and professional journeys.
Dr. Alam was closely connected with leading Muslim scholars and thinkers across the world. He worked and exchanged ideas with well-known intellectuals such as Prof. Ismail Raji Faruqi, Dr. Abdul Hamid AbuSulayman, and other scholars engaged in Islamic thought, economics, and social reform. His work helped strengthen global networks focused on education, research, and dialogue.
His areas of interest included Islamic economics, minority rights, interfaith understanding, education policy, and the broader project of linking knowledge with ethical and social responsibility. His contributions in these fields continue to be studied and discussed by scholars in India and abroad.
Dr. Alam wrote extensively on issues affecting Indian Muslims, global politics, media, education, and social justice. One of his notable works, The Final Wakeup Call, focused on media freedom, global narratives, and the need to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Through his writings, he consistently argued for informed debate, intellectual honesty, and independent platforms for underrepresented groups.
Beyond his formal roles, Dr. Alam was known as a mentor to hundreds of students, researchers, and social activists. Those who worked closely with him often spoke about his calm approach, clarity of thought, and ability to connect ideas with action. He encouraged young scholars to think independently, work collaboratively, and remain grounded in ethical values.
Dr. Alam was widely admired for his leadership skills, organisational ability, and deep concern for the poor and the marginalized. He was known for his humility, discipline, and unwavering commitment to public service. Colleagues recall him as someone who combined strong principles with a practical understanding of social realities.
Dr. Muhammad Manzoor Alam leaves behind a rich legacy of scholarship, institution-building, and social engagement. The institutions he helped build and the people he mentored continue to carry forward his vision of knowledge-driven social change and justice.
He is survived by his family, students, and a wide circle of admirers across the world.
Condolence prayers have been offered, seeking Allah’s forgiveness for him, elevation of his status in Jannah, and the continuation of his work through future generations.
