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'''Zakir Abdul Karim Naik''' (born October 18, 1965) is an  Indian apologist for [[Islam]]. He travels extensively and has been featured at many Islamic conferences.
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!colspan=2 style="color: white; background: gray; text-align:center"|Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik
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|width="40%"|'''Date of Birth'''||October 18 1965
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|Nationality'''||Indian
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|'''Occupation'''||Islamic Da'wah
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|'''University Degree'''||M.B.B.S. (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), University of Mumbai
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'''Zakir Abdul Karim Naik''' (born October 18, 1965) is an  Indian public speaker and writer on the subject of [[Islam]] and comparative religion. He travels extensively and has been featured at many Islamic conferences.
A medical doctor by training, Naik read modern scientific findings into the [[Qur'an]], [[Hadith]] and other religious scriptures as a basis for spreading ''Dawah'' (Islamic proselytism). He also makes arguments based off of his understanding a philosophical logic and the comparative study of other religions vis-a-vis Islam.  
 
A medical doctor by training, Naik attempts to clear what he considers misconceptions about Islam, using the [[Qur'an]], [[Hadith]] and other religious scriptures as a basis while also spreading ''Dawah'' (Islamic proselytism).


==History and Background==
==History and Background==


He studied at St Peter's High School and Kishinchand Chellaram College. Later, he trained as a medical doctor at the Karnataka Lingayat Education Society's J. N. Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka. He heads the Islamic Research Foundation, based in Mumbai. He is also the chairman of the IRF Educational Trust, and the president of Islamic Dimensions. Naik is the founder of the Islamic International School.
Naik studied at St Peter's High School and Kishinchand Chellaram College. Later, he received a bachelor's degree in medicine at the Karnataka Lingayat Education Society's J. N. Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka. He heads the Islamic Research Foundation, based in Mumbai. He is also the chairman of the IRF Educational Trust, and the president of Islamic Dimensions. Naik is the founder of the Islamic International School.


==His Views==
==His Views==
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{{Quote||"The pig is one of the filthiest animals on earth. It lives and thrives on muck, faeces and dirt. It is the best scavenger that I know that God has produced." }} Naik also believes that diet has psychological/ethical consequences and one is what one eats : {{Quote||"The pig is the most shameless animal on the face of the earth. It is the only animal that invites its friends to have sex with its mate. In America, most people consume pork. Many times after dance parties, they have swapping of wives; many say 'you sleep with my wife and I will sleep with your wife.' If you eat pigs then you behave like pigs" }} He also says: {{Quote||"Eating of pork can cause no less than seventy different types of diseases. A person can have various helminthes like roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, etc." <ref>IRF.net: Misconceptions About Islam (FAQs) Question 11 of Section A</ref>}}
{{Quote||"The pig is one of the filthiest animals on earth. It lives and thrives on muck, faeces and dirt. It is the best scavenger that I know that God has produced." }} Naik also believes that diet has psychological/ethical consequences and one is what one eats : {{Quote||"The pig is the most shameless animal on the face of the earth. It is the only animal that invites its friends to have sex with its mate. In America, most people consume pork. Many times after dance parties, they have swapping of wives; many say 'you sleep with my wife and I will sleep with your wife.' If you eat pigs then you behave like pigs" }} He also says: {{Quote||"Eating of pork can cause no less than seventy different types of diseases. A person can have various helminthes like roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, etc." <ref>IRF.net: Misconceptions About Islam (FAQs) Question 11 of Section A</ref>}}


=== Hijab ===
===Hijab===


Naik supports the practice of [[hijab]], or Islamic modesty for both men and women.  He writes that in Islam, a woman is required to cover herself entirely except for her face and hands up to her wrists. He claims that [[Islam]] thus protects women from the lust of men. For men, he prescribes looking away from women if immodest thoughts enter their minds.
Naik supports the practice of [[hijab]], or the covering of a woman's [[aura]].  He writes that in Islam, a woman is required to cover herself entirely except for her face and hands up to her wrists. He claims that [[Islam]] thus protects women from the lust of men. For men, he prescribes looking away from women if immodest thoughts enter their minds.


Naik goes on to say:


{{Quote||"Suppose there are twin sisters. While walking down the street, one of them is wearing a mini-skirt, while the other is wearing the hijab with everything covered with loose clothes except the hands up to the wrist. If there is a hooligan who is waiting to tease a girl, which girl will he tease? He will tease the girl wearing the mini-skirt." <ref>IRF.net:
===Polygamy===
Misconceptions About Islam (FAQs) Question 03 of Section A</ref>}}


=== Polygamy ===
Naik argues that [[Polygamy in Islamic Law|polygyny]], or the Muslim practice of taking up to four wives is justified as it is in the best interest of both women and men. He claims it protects the modesty of women, while keeping men from going astray. He writes in his website that human males are polygamous by nature and that a man is less likely to cheat if he has more than one wife. He also believes that there are more marriageable women than men in the world and claims: {{Quote||"If every woman got married to only one man, there would be over thirty million females in U.S.A, four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine million females in Russia who would not find a husband.  Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to marry a married man or to become public property."}}


Naik argues that [[Polygamy|polygyny]], or the Muslim practice of taking up to four wives is justified as it is in the best interest of both women and men. He claims it protects the modesty of women, while keeping men from going astray. He writes in his website that human males are polygamous by nature and that a man is less likely to cheat if he has more than one wife. He also believes that there are more marriageable women than men in the world and claims: {{Quote||"If every woman got married to only one man, there would be over thirty million females in U.S.A, four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine million females in Russia who would not find a husband.  Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to marry a married man or to become public property."}}
It should be noted that the numbers he cites seem outdated, stemming from the time many men had died recently in world war II. Today there are more males born than females, particularly in some countries like India and China for cultural reason, so from a purely arithmetic point of view, it would be no problem to match every woman with a male.
 
The numbers he cites seem outdated, stemming from the time many men had died recently in world war II. Nowadays, there are more males born than females, from a purely arithmetic point of view, it would be no problem to match every woman with a male.


Naik points to {{Quran|4|3}} to explain the Muslim position on polygyny. This verse explains that a man can take more than one wife only if he is able to treat them equally. If he cannot do this, he should have a relationship with only one wife and/or "what your right hands possess" (i.e. female slaves and concubines). <ref>IRF.net: Misconceptions About Islam (FAQs) Question 01 of Section A</ref>
Naik points to {{Quran|4|3}} to explain the Muslim position on polygyny. This verse explains that a man can take more than one wife only if he is able to treat them equally. If he cannot do this, he should have a relationship with only one wife and/or "what your right hands possess" (i.e. female slaves and concubines). <ref>IRF.net: Misconceptions About Islam (FAQs) Question 01 of Section A</ref>
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===Prosecution of Criminals===
===Prosecution of Criminals===


Between Muslims, Shari'ah prescribes capital [[punishment]] for crimes such as murder and [[Rape in Islam|rape]] -- unless the victim's family either forgives the culprit or receives blood money, or both.
Between Muslims, Shari'ah prescribes capital [[punishment]] for crimes such as murder and [[Rape in Islamic Law|rape]] -- unless the victim's family either forgives the culprit or receives blood money, or both.


Naik believes that these penalties are necessary to prevent rape and murder, and that these penalties would ultimately make for a safer society.<ref>IRF.net: Misconceptions About Islam (FAQs) Question 17 of Section A</ref>
Naik believes that these penalties are necessary to prevent rape and murder, and that these penalties would ultimately make for a safer society.<ref>IRF.net: Misconceptions About Islam (FAQs) Question 17 of Section A</ref>
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Some have criticized Naik  for trying to subvert basic democtatic rights in India (for promoting Shari'ah) by exploiting the same freedoms given to him in Indian democracy. He is considered one of the leading "Parasitic Intellectual Jihadis" in the democratic world for this reason. A Parasitic Intellectual Jihadi is one who exploits the very freedom and equal rights given to him in a non-Muslim majority nation to subvert the same for non-Muslims.
Some have criticized Naik  for trying to subvert basic democtatic rights in India (for promoting Shari'ah) by exploiting the same freedoms given to him in Indian democracy. He is considered one of the leading "Parasitic Intellectual Jihadis" in the democratic world for this reason. A Parasitic Intellectual Jihadi is one who exploits the very freedom and equal rights given to him in a non-Muslim majority nation to subvert the same for non-Muslims.


== Debates and Dialogues ==   
==Debates and Dialogues==   


Naik sometimes participates in debates as part of his public activities. His supporters find two events notable:  
Naik sometimes participates in debates as part of his public activities. His supporters find two events notable:  
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===Ali Sina's Challenge===   
===Ali Sina's Challenge===   


Internet debater Ali Sina's offer to Naik for a written debate has remained unanswered for over 3 years.<ref>Faithfreedom.org - [http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/ZakirNaik.htm The Challenge to debate with Dr. Zakir Naik] </ref>  
Internet debater Ali Sina's offer to Naik for a written debate has remained unanswered for over 3 years.<ref>Faithfreedom.org - [http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/ZakirNaik.htm The Challenge to debate with Dr. Zakir Naik] </ref>  
After numerous attempts to reach out to Naik, Sina has been instructed by Naik's assistants that Naik does not participate in written debate. Sina has instead been posed a counter challenge by Naik's supporters to arrange for a live audience of at least 10,000 people. Sina, in counter claim, says this demand is  not justified and cites the threat to his life from Islamic terrorists as well as the lack of time in a televised debate. He has instead offered to publish the written debate on his website. <ref>Faithfreedom.org - [http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/ZakirNaikp2.htm The Challenge to debate with Dr. Zakir Naik p2] </ref>
After numerous attempts to reach out to Naik, Sina has been instructed by Naik's assistants that Naik does not participate in written debate. Sina has instead been posed a counter challenge by Naik's supporters to arrange for a live audience of at least 10,000 people. Sina, in counter claim, says this demand is  not justified and cites the threat to his life from Islamic terrorists as well as the lack of time in a televised debate. He has instead offered to publish the written debate on his website. <ref>Faithfreedom.org - [http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/ZakirNaikp2.htm The Challenge to debate with Dr. Zakir Naik p2] </ref>


===Refusal to Debate Sam Shamoun===
===Refusal to Debate Sam Shamoun===
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{{Quote|1=[http://www.answering-islam.org/Responses/Naik/index.htm Responses to Zakir Naik - Answering-Islam]|2=Just like Ali Sina, we regularly receive challenges from Muslims that we should debate with Zakir Naik. We are ready, we have said so to Zakir Naik and his team. It is Zakir Naik who refuses to face our debate representative Sam Shamoun.}}
{{Quote|1=[http://www.answering-islam.org/Responses/Naik/index.htm Responses to Zakir Naik - Answering-Islam]|2=Just like Ali Sina, we regularly receive challenges from Muslims that we should debate with Zakir Naik. We are ready, we have said so to Zakir Naik and his team. It is Zakir Naik who refuses to face our debate representative Sam Shamoun.}}


== Naik's Supporters ==
==Naik's Supporters==


Naik supporters claim that Naik can quote, from memory, Islamic scriptures like the Quran and the hadith, and also books from other religions like the [[Taurat|Old Testament]], the [[Injil|New Testament]], the Vedas, and the Manu Smriti.
Naik supporters claim that Naik can quote, from memory, Islamic scriptures like the Quran and the hadith, and also books from other religions like the [[Taurat|Old Testament]], the [[Injil|New Testament]], the Vedas, and the Manu Smriti.


== Naik's Critics ==  
==Naik's Critics==  


===Muslim Critics===
===Muslim Critics===


Naik's views on prasad and Christmas wishes have been discussed on Indian television channels. During NDTV's televised debate "The Big Fight" (March 11 2006) and prominent Indian Muslims such as Salman Khurshid and Javed Akhtar reproved what they felt were Naik's mischievous attempts to radicalize the Indian Muslim community and promote communal strife.
Naik's views on prasad (eating ritually dedicated vegetarian food to a Hindu god) and Christmas wishes have been discussed on Indian television channels. Naik believes that taking part in such activities is haram for believing Muslims. During NDTV's televised debate "The Big Fight" (March 11 2006) and prominent Indian Muslims such as Salman Khurshid and Javed Akhtar confronted Naik over what they felt were Naik's mischievous attempts to radicalize the Indian Muslim community and promote communal strife.


Other Muslims like Sheikh Taj-Al Halily and the members of the Muslim Canadian Congress have also rejected this viewpoint on Christmas wishes. <ref>[http://www.littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=5128&only Merry Christmas = Murder] Little Green Footballs</ref>
Other Muslims like Sheikh Taj-Al Halily and the members of the Muslim Canadian Congress have also rejected this viewpoint on Christmas wishes. <ref>[http://www.littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=5128&only Merry Christmas = Murder] Little Green Footballs</ref>


In response to questions about Naik, Darul Ifta, an Islamic organization in India which issues advice and fatwas has said that "one should not rely upon his speeches"<ref name="q7077"/>, "his knowledge is not deep"<ref name="q171"/> and that"he is deviated from the path of well-versed Ulama"<ref name="q2415"/>. They also say that Naik is "spreading mischievous things and misguiding simple Muslims to wrong path"<ref name="q110"/> and that "he is religiously deviated, some of his talks are unauthentic." <ref name="q11443"/> They advise other Muslims that "one is most probably feared to fall in fitnah by listening his speeches."<ref name="q9421"/>
In response to questions about Naik, Darul Ifta, an Islamic organization in India which issues advice and fatwas has said that "one should not rely upon his speeches"<ref name="q7077" />, "his knowledge is not deep"<ref name="q171" /> and that"he is deviated from the path of well-versed Ulama"<ref name="q2415" />. They also say that Naik is "spreading mischievous things and misguiding simple Muslims to wrong path"<ref name="q110" /> and that "he is religiously deviated, some of his talks are unauthentic." <ref name="q11443" /> They advise other Muslims that "one is most probably feared to fall in fitnah by listening his speeches."<ref name="q9421" />


Complete quotes from Darul Ifta are given below:
Complete quotes from Darul Ifta are given below:
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===Non-Muslim Critics===
===Non-Muslim Critics===


Non-Muslim critics have claimed that Naik's views on "Idol worship in Islam" is hypocritical. They have claimed that he deliberately talking only of "standing on idols" and nothing else which could be deemed disrespectful (like spitting or kicking).<ref>[http://www.faithfreedom.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16082 Idol Worship in Islam]  Faith Freedom International forum</ref>
Non-Muslim critics have claimed that Naik's views on "Idol worship in Islam" are hypocritical. They pointed out that he deliberately talking only of "standing on idols" and nothing else which could be deemed disrespectful (like spitting or kicking).<ref>[http://www.faithfreedom.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16082 Idol Worship in Islam]  Faith Freedom International forum</ref>


Some have also questioned his claim that the consumption of pork can lead to a person behaving like a pig. <ref>[http://www.faithfreedom.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14954&sid=67fe67c45c6858079bef7f854faa8d3b Zakir Naik: If you eat pigs then you behave like pigs]Faith Freedom International Forum</ref>
He has also claimed that eating pork can lead a human to acting like a pig, an assertion which has produced much criticism. <ref>[http://www.faithfreedom.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14954&sid=67fe67c45c6858079bef7f854faa8d3b Zakir Naik: If you eat pigs then you behave like pigs]Faith Freedom International Forum</ref>


Critics also point to Naik's strident debating style to claim that he wants to raise communal feelings.<ref>[http://p081.ezboard.com/fhinduunityfrm11.showMessage?topicID=7.topic Zakir Naik must apologize] Hindu unity</ref> During the Bangalore debate, Naik criticised other religions including Hinduism. His co-speaker Sri Sri Ravi Shankar simply replied, "to each their belief, and it is not our position to question them."<ref>[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8457665130451146736&q=zakir+naik+ravi Dr Zakir Naik & Ravi Shankar Debate]</ref>
Critics also point to Naik's strident debating style to claim that he wants to raise communal feelings.<ref>[http://p081.ezboard.com/fhinduunityfrm11.showMessage?topicID=7.topic Zakir Naik must apologize] Hindu unity</ref> During the Bangalore debate, Naik criticised other religions including Hinduism. His co-speaker Sri Sri Ravi Shankar simply replied, "to each their belief, and it is not our position to question them."<ref>[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8457665130451146736&q=zakir+naik+ravi Dr Zakir Naik & Ravi Shankar Debate]</ref>


Various published sources, such as the CIA Factbook, contradict Naik's claims that there are more women than men in groups of marriagable age.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ CIA world-factbook]</ref> Critics say this undercuts his rationale for polygamy.
Various published sources, such as the CIA Factbook, contradict Naik's claims that there are more women than men in groups of marriageable age than men, a key point in his defense of Islamic polygyny.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ CIA world-factbook]</ref> Critics say this undercuts his rationale for polygamy.


Ali Sina, who is a big critic of Naik, has claimed that Naik is a showman who twists the truth and fools his audience. He has reviewed the debate between Campbell and Naik and claims that Naik misrepresented Islam with his lies.<ref>Ali Sina - [http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/NaikCampbellintro.htm World's Greatest Showman] Faith Freedom International, Dec 6, 2006 </ref>
Ali Sina, a prominent internet critic of Islam, has claimed that Naik is a showman who twists the truth and fools his audience. He has reviewed the debate between Campbell and Naik and claims that Naik misrepresented Islam with his statements.<ref>Ali Sina - [http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/NaikCampbellintro.htm World's Greatest Showman] Faith Freedom International, Dec 6, 2006 </ref>


Also in June of 2010, UK Home Secretary, Theresa May, banned Zakir Naik from entering the country. He had been due to give a series of lectures at arenas in Wembley Arena and Sheffield.
Also in June of 2010, UK Home Secretary, Theresa May, banned Zakir Naik from entering the country due to past statements of his apparently supporting terrorism and Islamic terrorists such as Osama bin Laden. He had been due to give a series of lectures at arenas in Wembley Arena and Sheffield.  


{{Quote|1=[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/7836557/Home-secretary-Theresa-May-bans-radical-preacher-Zakir-Naik-from-entering-UK.html UK Home Secretary, Theresa May] |2=“I have excluded Dr Naik from the UK. Numerous comments made by Dr Naik are evidence to me of his unacceptable behaviour. Coming to the UK is a privilege not a right and I am not wiling to allow those who might not be conducive to the public good to enter the UK.}}
{{Quote|1=[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/7836557/Home-secretary-Theresa-May-bans-radical-preacher-Zakir-Naik-from-entering-UK.html UK Home Secretary, Theresa May] |2=“I have excluded Dr Naik from the UK. Numerous comments made by Dr Naik are evidence to me of his unacceptable behavior. Coming to the UK is a privilege not a right and I am not wiling to allow those who might not be conducive to the public good to enter the UK.}}


==See also==   
==See Also==   
*[[Zakir Naik]]'' - A hub page that leads to other articles related to Zakir Naik''
{{Hub4|Zakir Naik|Zakir Naik}}


==External links==
==External Links==


;Naik publications and debates
;Naik publications and debates
* [http://www.irf.net/book3.zip Qur'an and Modern Science - Compatible Or Incompatible?] ''(book)''
* [http://www.irf.net/islamandterrorism.zip Islam and Terrorism] ''(book)''
*[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8457665130451146736&q=zakir+naik+ravi The Concept of God in Hinduism and Islam with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar] ''(complete video)''


;Anti-Naik
*[http://www.irf.net/book3.zip Qur'an and Modern Science - Compatible Or Incompatible?] ''(book)''
*[http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/NaikCampbellintro.htm Ali Sina's commentary on debate between Zakir Naik and William Campbell]
*[http://www.irf.net/islamandterrorism.zip Islam and Terrorism] ''(book)''
*[http://answering-islam.org/Responses/Naik/index.htm Christian rebuttals to some of Naik's theories]
 
*[http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/ZakirNaik.htm Challenge by Ali Sina]  
;Anti-Naik
*[http://www.adduonline.org/articles/bible2.htm Zakir Naik's Error in Using Bible to prove Islam correct]
 
*[http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/NaikCampbellintro.htm Ali Sina's commentary on debate between Zakir Naik and William Campbell]
*[http://answering-islam.org/Responses/Naik/index.htm Christian rebuttals to some of Naik's theories]
*[http://www.faithfreedom.org/debates/ZakirNaik.htm Challenge by Ali Sina]
*[http://www.adduonline.org/articles/bible2.htm Zakir Naik's Error in Using Bible to prove Islam correct]


;Naik in the News
;Naik in the News
*[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276753/Muslim-fanatics-spouting-British-TV-Extremists-use-fringe-stations-terror-murder-torture-gay-people.html?ito=feeds-newsxml Muslim fanatics spouting on British TV: Extremists use fringe stations to call for terror, murder and the torture of gay people] ''- Chris Greenwood, Daily Mail, February 11, 2013''
*[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276753/Muslim-fanatics-spouting-British-TV-Extremists-use-fringe-stations-terror-murder-torture-gay-people.html?ito=feeds-newsxml Muslim fanatics spouting on British TV: Extremists use fringe stations to call for terror, murder and the torture of gay people] ''- Chris Greenwood, Daily Mail, February 11, 2013''
*[{{Reference archive|1=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704365204575317833268479268.html|2=2013-03-19}} The Trouble with Dr. Zakir Naik] ''- Sadanand Dhume, The Wall Street Journal, June 20, 2010''
*[http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HKPage.aspx?PageID=16669 Indian Govt may ban Dr. Zakir Naik's 'Peace TV' for 'hate propaganda'] ''- Haindava Keralam, June 12, 2012''
*[http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HKPage.aspx?PageID=16669 Indian Govt may ban Dr. Zakir Naik's 'Peace TV' for 'hate propaganda'] ''- Haindava Keralam, June 12, 2012''
*[http://news.nationalpost.com/2010/06/22/controversial-muslim-televangelist-zakir-naik-banned-from-toronto-conference/ Indian preacher Controversial Muslim televangelist Zakir Naik banned from Toronto conference] ''- Kathryn Blaze Carlson, National Post, June 22, 2010''
*[http://news.nationalpost.com/2010/06/22/controversial-muslim-televangelist-zakir-naik-banned-from-toronto-conference/ Indian preacher Controversial Muslim televangelist Zakir Naik banned from Toronto conference] ''- Kathryn Blaze Carlson, National Post, June 22, 2010''
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}
 
[[Category:Apologists]]
[[Category:Islamic Apologists ]]
[[Category:Apologetics]]
[[Category:Muslims]]
[[Category:Dawah]]
[[Category:India]]
[[Category:Islam and Science]]
[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Reproductive sciences]]
[[Category:Preachers]]
[[Category:Modern movements]]
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