Akbar's article on Zakir Naik
Mr. M.J. Akbar is a renowned and prolific writer. I am too small to comment on his views. But sometimes great people also make mistakes as the saying goes, " To err is human". And in my humble opinion, M.J. Akbar is not above this since he made some objectionable observations in his article on the subject published in The Daily Star on August 4, 2008. While dealing with terrorism, he unnecessarily dragged in the name of Islamic thinker Dr. Zakir Naik, as if he is propagating terrorism. In his (Mr. M.J. Akbar's) word, " Zakir Naik, a television evangelist who has a devoted following among the terror groups, gratifies Osama as the Ultimate Islamic Hero".
The observation is objectionable on several counts.
To call him an evangelist is wrong. The Illustrated Oxford Dictionary defines evangelist as “1) Any of the writers of the four gospels, 2) Preacher of the Gospel, 3) Any lay person doing the missionary work.”
In the above context and within the dictionary meaning, he is not the writer of the Gospel. He is not preacher of any Gospel. And he is not a lay person doing the missionary work, rather he is the most learned man well versed in the contemporary religions like The Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. He is the preacher of Islam and peace. He also holds interfaith dialogues where the learned men of different religions participate. That fosters amity amongst various faiths and promotes peace. Those who have heard him over television or in person would agree with me that he upholds the cause of peace and decries terrorism. Therefore, the question of his being popular among the terrorist groups does not arise. As said, he is not a layman doing the missionary work. He gives reasons for his arguments quoting authentic references from the Holy books of the Christians, Jews, Hindus and Muslims. He is the preacher of Islam and world peace.
Hope M.J. Akbar would realise his mistake.
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