Centre Extends Zakir Naik-Founded Islamic Research Foundation Ban by Five Years Over Security Concerns

The Central Government has extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), founded by controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, for another five years. The Centre has declared the organisation an unlawful association, citing concerns related to national security, communal harmony and activities allegedly prejudicial to the country’s sovereignty and integrity.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the notification on Friday, November 13, just a day before the existing ban was scheduled to expire. The decision means that the prohibition on the organisation will continue for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

Why Has the Centre Extended the Ban?

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs notification, the IRF was first declared an unlawful association on November 17, 2016. The ban was subsequently extended on November 15, 2021.

The previous five-year prohibition was due to expire on November 14, 2026. Invoking Section 6(1) of the UAPA, the Centre has now extended the restriction for another five years.

The government has stated that the organisation’s activities could affect national security and disturb communal harmony if they are not effectively controlled.

Zakir Naik Named in Government Notification

The notification specifically identifies Dr Zakir Naik, founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation, as being particularly responsible for the activities attributed to the organisation.

The Centre has alleged that Naik encouraged and assisted his followers in promoting religious disharmony and feelings of enmity, hatred and ill-will between different religious communities.

The government has also cited his speeches and public statements, alleging that they were objectionable and subversive in nature and promoted hostility between religious groups.

According to the notification, his speeches reached millions of people across the world through international satellite television, the internet, print media and social media platforms.

The Centre further alleged that some of his statements inspired young people in India and abroad to engage in terrorist activities.

Centre Raises Concerns Over National Security

In its notification, the government argued that allowing the IRF to continue its activities could create serious challenges for the country’s security and social harmony.

The Centre claimed that the organisation could reorganise its activists, including individuals who are allegedly absconding, and continue activities that could disturb the country’s secular fabric.

The notification also expressed concerns about the alleged promotion of anti-national sentiments, support for militancy and activities that could encourage secessionism.

These are the grounds cited by the government for continuing the organisation’s unlawful status for another five years.

Who Is Zakir Naik?

Dr Zakir Naik is an Islamic preacher who was born in Mumbai. He completed his education in the city and obtained an MBBS degree before becoming involved in religious and socio-religious activities.

During his twenties, Naik began focusing on Islamic preaching and comparative religion. He subsequently established the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), through which he became widely known for his religious lectures and public speeches.

His programmes were broadcast internationally through Peace TV, a religious television channel associated with him. The channel has faced restrictions in several countries, including India, the United Kingdom, Canada and Bangladesh.

Why Did Zakir Naik Leave India?

Naik left India in 2016 amid allegations involving hate speech and money laundering. He has faced accusations that some of his speeches promoted religious hostility.

However, Naik has consistently rejected allegations of wrongdoing and maintained that his statements have been taken out of context, twisted or misrepresented.

He has continued to remain outside India, while legal and investigative proceedings concerning allegations against him have remained a subject of public attention.

What Does the Five-Year Extension Mean?

With the latest notification, the Islamic Research Foundation will continue to remain a prohibited organisation under the UAPA for another five years.

The extension reflects the Centre’s position that the activities attributed to the organisation pose concerns for national security, communal harmony and public order.

The decision also keeps the IRF under the restrictions applicable to organisations declared unlawful under Indian law.