Rather marry a married man: Zakir Naik as he calls unmarried women public property | VIDEO

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has ignited widespread outrage across social media after making inflammatory remarks about the status of unmarried women in Pakistan. In a viral video shared on X, Naik stated that unmarried women cannot be respected in society. He further asserted that if no single men are available, these women must marry an already married man or risk becoming what he labelled as "public property."

Naik's controversial statements

"There is no way an unmarried woman can be respected," Naik claimed in the video. He suggested two options for women: marry a man who already has a wife or be labelled a "bazaari aurat" (public property). He emphasised that respectable women would prefer the former option.

Zakir Naik: There is no way an unmarried woman can be respected, if there are no single men available, she either has to marry an already married man to be respected or else she is public property.

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These remarks have triggered a fierce backlash, with numerous social media users condemning Naik's comments as deeply misogynistic and harmful to women’s rights. Many have criticised Pakistan for allowing such views to be promoted within its borders.

Public backlash

Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism. One user on X expressed frustration, writing, "Zakir Naik says a woman must marry, even if it means being a second wife, to earn respect. Apparently, a woman's worth is tied to her marital status! Congratulations, Pakistan, for promoting this mindset."

Another outraged user commented, "Islamist Zakir Naik is openly misogynistic. Pakistan is exposed again."

A third netizen remarked, "Zakir Naik says an unmarried woman can’t be respected unless she marries an already married man. This mediaeval mindset is appalling."

International response

Discussions on social media also praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for preventing Zakir Naik from spreading such views in India. Naik remains a fugitive, barred from returning to India, where he faces charges of hate speech and inciting communal disharmony.