Karachi, Pakistan – Renowned Pakistani actress and activist Iffat Omar has sparked a heated debate on social media after calling out controversial Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik as “sickeningly entitled” in response to his recent statements.
The controversy began when Dr. Zakir Naik, known for his polarizing views and religious lectures, made remarks in a recent video that many critics found patronizing and offensive. Although the specifics of his comments were not immediately clear, the backlash was swift, especially on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
Iffat Omar, an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, responded strongly to Naik’s statements, accusing him of perpetuating regressive views on women and society. In her post, she wrote: “Dr. Zakir Naik is sickeningly entitled to think that his views are the only ones that matter. It’s high time we call out such toxic, patriarchal rhetoric that diminishes women’s voices and rights.”
Her comment quickly went viral, drawing both support and criticism. While many applauded Omar for standing up against what they described as harmful ideological narratives, others, particularly Naik’s followers, defended him, claiming that his remarks were in line with traditional Islamic teachings.
Iffat Omar has long been an advocate for progressive values in Pakistan’s conservative media landscape, frequently challenging patriarchal norms and promoting women’s empowerment. This is not the first time she has found herself at odds with prominent religious figures or conservative viewpoints, but her recent comments on Dr. Zakir Naik have ignited a fresh wave of online discourse.
Dr. Zakir Naik, who has been banned from multiple countries for his controversial views and speeches, has yet to respond publicly to Omar’s criticism. However, his supporters argue that his remarks were misinterpreted and that his intentions were purely based on religious perspectives.
The exchange between Omar and Naik highlights the ongoing tension between traditional religious views and modern calls for gender equality, with both sides fiercely defending their positions.
As the debate continues, Iffat Omar remains unapologetic in her stance, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against rhetoric that she believes hinders progress toward equality and justice.
