Dr. Zakir Naik, a prominent Islamic preacher, has once again found himself at the center of controversy. During his recent visit to Pakistan, Dr. Naik gave an interview to Fereeha Idris, a well-known journalist, where he made remarks that many are calling offensive, misogynistic, and dangerous. His statements about women and men’s reactions to them have sparked outrage across the country, igniting a debate about the role of women in society and the responsibility of public figures in shaping social attitudes.
The Offensive Remarks
In the interview, Dr. Naik made a highly controversial comment, suggesting that if a man watches a woman, particularly a news anchor, for half an hour and does not feel a “stirring” inside him, there is something wrong with him, and he should consult a doctor. He went on to imply that men should naturally feel aroused by watching women, especially those in professional settings who are often seen on television.
These remarks were met with immediate backlash on social media. Critics argue that such statements do not just degrade women but also promote a toxic and harmful view of gender relations. A Twitter user, Muhammad Tariq, sarcastically summed up the outrage: “If, after watching a woman for 20 minutes, your emotions don’t stir, you’re not normal? What does this imply? Should men feel justified in assaulting women to prove their ‘normality’? This is a dangerously backward mindset.”
The Role of Women in Society
Dr. Naik’s remarks come at a time when the role of women in society is evolving globally. Women today are not only participating in the workforce but are also leading in various sectors such as politics, media, education, and business. World Daughters’ Day, recently celebrated worldwide, stands as a symbol of the progress women have made in fighting against the patriarchal norms that seek to limit them. It’s a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the role daughters play in our lives, and by extension, the contributions of all women to society.
The celebration of such events directly contradicts Dr. Naik’s archaic views on women’s roles. His belief that a woman cannot be a leader is not just an insult to the millions of women who lead and succeed, but also a blatant dismissal of the progress that humanity has made in terms of gender equality.
Criticism of Zakir Naik’s Stance on Women as Leaders
This is not the first time Dr. Naik has drawn criticism for his views on women. In previous lectures, he has stated that women should not hold leadership positions, citing religious reasons. His belief that women are not fit to lead has been rejected by scholars and critics alike, who argue that leadership is based on capability, intelligence, and character, not gender.
Women like Angela Merkel, Jacinda Ardern, and Benazir Bhutto, Maryam Nawaz have proven that female leaders can be just as, if not more, effective than their male counterparts. In Pakistan, we have witnessed trailblazers like Fatima Jinnah and Malala Yousafzai, who have become symbols of courage and strength.
Dr. Naik’s remarks not only undermine the contributions of these women but also perpetuate a mindset that holds women back from reaching their full potential.
The Impact of Misogynistic Views on Society
What makes Dr. Naik’s remarks especially dangerous is the platform he holds. As a religious leader with millions of followers, his words carry weight. When he reduces women to mere objects of male desire or implies that men should feel entitled to lust after women, he feeds into a culture that already struggles with gender-based violence and harassment.
Pakistan is a country where incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based violence are prevalent. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), cases of violence against women, including sexual assault and harassment, are on the rise. Remarks like those made by Dr. Naik do nothing but reinforce the dangerous idea that women are to blame for men’s inappropriate behavior.
By normalizing the notion that men should feel entitled to react to women based on their appearance, Dr. Naik indirectly supports the culture of victim-blaming, where women are held responsible for the actions of men. This mindset is precisely what needs to be challenged if we are to create a society that respects women as equals, not as objects.
The Dangers of Objectification
Dr. Naik’s vulgar remarks about working women, particularly women like the program anchor, who hold positions of responsibility, further perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Women in the workforce already face numerous challenges, including wage gaps, lack of opportunities, and workplace harassment. To suggest that men should be entitled to sexualize women in professional settings only adds another layer of discrimination. These remarks also reveal an underlying issue — the objectification of women. When women are seen merely as objects for male pleasure, it strips them of their dignity, worth, and individuality. It reinforces a dangerous narrative that women’s primary role in society is to cater to men’s desires, which is not only false but also deeply harmful.
Dr. Zakir Naik’s remarks are a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained misogyny still is in many parts of society. While the world moves towards gender equality, some voices continue to pull us backward, promoting harmful ideologies that dehumanize women.
As we celebrate the achievements of women on occasions like World Daughters’ Day, we must also remain vigilant against those who seek to diminish their worth. Women are leaders, innovators, and integral parts of our society, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. It is time for figures like Dr. Zakir Naik to recognize that their outdated views have no place in a world that is striving for equality.
