Indian Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik has ignited fresh debate with his recent statements, where he deemed it impermissible for women to hold leadership positions in Islam.
In a televised interview, Dr. Naik stated that Islamic teachings prohibit women from assuming roles as rulers. When the anchor mentioned Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz as a counterexample, Naik expanded his remarks, also referencing Sheikh Hasina, the former Bangladeshi Prime Minister, and a previous female leader in Pakistan.
Dr. Naik explained that in response to a woman’s query about this issue, he rhetorically asked whether there were no men left in the country for governance. “I don’t oppose women, but why should they be placed in leadership roles? Are there no capable men in that city or country?” he commented.
He further emphasized that physical contact with non-mahram individuals (those unrelated by blood or marriage) is prohibited in Islam. Referring to female leaders who engage in such contact, he quoted a saying of the Prophet, stating it would be better to have a nail driven into one’s head than to touch a non-mahram.
Currently on a month-long visit to Pakistan as an official guest, Dr. Naik has been delivering lectures on various Islamic subjects and addressing questions from the audience during public events.
Previously, Dr. Naik stirred controversy by referring to unmarried women or those choosing not to marry as “public property,” a remark that sparked divided reactions online. Some supporters praise his views as aligned with Islamic principles, while others have condemned his statements as offensive and regressive.
