9 July, New Delhi: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) condemns, terms it unnecessary, sad and against the constitutional freedom of practicing one’s faith and freedom of speech and expression the attempt of certain Government officers and sections of the media to make renowned Indian personality of international repute, Dr. Zakir Naik a subject of negative propaganda and advises restraint in this regard.

Vice President of JIH, Mr. Nusrat Ali averred that Dr. Zakir Naik, like hundreds of other renowned religious personalities of the country, has been using all possible media channels to present the Islamic creed of ‘monotheism’, ‘prophethood’ and ‘hereafter’ to the citizens of this country as well as the entire world in a dignified, cultured and scholarly manner, within the Constitutional parameters since many years now and commands an international following of millions of people who listen to his lectures with keen interest, these lectures being bereft of any constitutional or moral violation whatsoever. It is surprising that all of a sudden his services are brought to question and attempts are being made to further deteriorate the already volatile communal atmosphere prevalent in the country. It would not be out of place to consider this issue a part of the chain of political opportunism in line with Dadri, Atali, Kairana, status of Minority Institutions, Uniform Civil Code etc.

The JIH Vice President also stated that it is inappropriate for the Government and the Media to take such steps to cater to their own opportunistic needs, especially when it hurts the spirit of the Constitution, goes against national traditions and spoils the image of the country at home and abroad. Mr. Nusrat Ali pointed out that there are many basic issues plaguing our country like black money stacked abroad, eradication of poverty, and many pending developmental projects which require the attention of the Government on a priority basis. It would be better if the Government concentrates on these issues instead, for which it is accountable.