Zakir Naik marriage controversy: A viral video featuring Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has sparked fresh controversy after he addressed a question regarding the marriage of a 112-year-old man to a 13-year-old girl. The video shows a man asking Naik, A 112-year-old guy got married to a 13-year-old girl. How is that possibleMen can procreate at the age of 112 yearsIn response, Naik explained that, according to Islamic teachings, a woman can marry as soon as she reaches puberty. The moment she hits puberty, she can marry. That is Islam. For a man, from the moment he reaches puberty until he dies, he can marry anyone, its his choice. Who are we to object Naik said.He continued by addressing concerns about the large age gap, stating that medical science supports the ability of a man to father children even at the age of 112. If a man of 112 wants to marry a 13-year-old who has reached puberty, whats the issue If the girl consents, and the man is virtuous, I wouldnt mind giving my own daughter to such a man if I knew he would guide her to Jannat, Naik added.Zakir Naik: A 100 year old muslim man can marry a girl child as soon as she reaches puberty, even if she is just 13 years old. Who are you to object, it is Islam! pic.twitter.com/80GBQd8oCx— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 7, 2024Zakir Naik called unmarried women public propertyThis is not the first time Zakir Naik has drawn criticism for his views on gender and marriage. In an earlier viral video shared on X, Naik made contentious statements about the status of unmarried women in Pakistan, triggering outrage across social media.In the video, Naik claimed that unmarried women cannot be respected in society. He further suggested that if single men are unavailable, these women should marry an already married man to avoid becoming what he called public property.There is no way an unmarried woman can be respected, Naik stated. He outlined two options for women: either marry a man who already has a wife or risk being labelled a bazaari aurat (public property). He stressed that respectable women would opt for the former.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.Congratulations Pakistan- You deserve him pic.twitter.com/CTt0taGiKZ— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 8, 2024Backlash and widespread outrage over Naiks remarkNaiks remarks have ignited widespread debate, with critics calling his views outdated and harmful, especially regarding womens rights and the institution of marriage. Social media users expressed outrage, accusing Naik of promoting patriarchal norms that diminish womens autonomy and dignity.Despite the backlash, Naik has continued to stand by his statements, citing religious teachings and personal interpretations of Islamic principles.
