BJP spokesperson Savio Rodriguez has called on Indians to boycott the World Cup after Islamic preacher Zakir Naik was invited to deliver a speech at the World Cup in Qatar. He said allowing someone like Zakir to speak at such an international stage would hinder the fight against extremism.
Zakir Naik is on India's most wanted list. He will be giving speeches in various cities during the World Cup. Savio has also issued a statement opposing Qatar's decision. He said, "The World Cup is an international stage.
"People all over the world are watching this tournament. Giving Zakir Naik a chance to speak on such an important platform means supporting his hateful ideology."
The BJP spokesperson did not stop here and said that the Indian government and the country's football association should boycott this mega tournament. Those who are going to Qatar to watch the World Cup should also not watch the game. Because a person like Zakir Naik is given the opportunity to speak on this stage. According to Savio, even if he is not directly involved in any extremist activities, Zakir's role in spreading conflict is undeniable. India has been looking for Zakir for a long time. Zakir, 57, has been in Malaysia since 2017. He has been banned from giving speeches in India since 2020. This decision was said to be in the interest of 'national security'. Even before that, his passport was cancelled in 2015.
In 2016, Zakir was seen claiming to be an expatriate Indian. But questions are being raised about whether football's Greatest Show on Earth should be boycotted because of him.
Al-Arabiya, citing social media, said that Zakir Naik's lectures will continue every day. It has been reported that Zakir Naik is currently in Qatar. It is expected that a large part of his fans will be present among the millions of people who have come to watch the World Cup. At that time, they will also be able to listen to Dr. Zakir Naik's lectures if they want.
Zakir Naik has a huge fan base in different countries of the world. He is popular among the younger generation and almost all ages. He is an Indian Islamic thinker, preacher, speaker and writer who works on Islam and comparative theology. He is the founder of the non-profit organization Islamic Research Foundation. Which runs the Peace TV Network. Through which his lectures reach about 100 million viewers. Dr. Zakir Naik gained wide popularity in the international arena through his comparative interpretation and discussion of Islam with different religions and material issues. His discussions by citing science and history are also able to attract the audience. One of the most popular themes of Dr. Zakir Naik is to verify the Quran in the light of previous religious scriptures and science.
It is worth noting that Qatar has been newly decorated for the World Cup. 8 beautiful stadiums have been prepared in the style of Arab and Islamic architecture. Murals containing the hadiths of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) have been pasted in various places including the capital Doha. The wise sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on social etiquette have been written in Arabic and English. The meaningful hadiths will create different feelings in the minds of the viewers and readers along the way. These pictures are being widely appreciated on social media.