Zakir Naik inspires mass conversions

After a teenager converted to Islam during controversial preacher Zakir Naik’s talk in Terengganu, it's safe to say that the preacher has now sparked a mass conversion as his event in Kuala Lumpur last night saw four more people converting to the religion.

During a question and answer session after Zakir’s two-hour lecture titled 'Is the Quran God's Word', Indian national Harinder Pal Singh recited the syahadah (declaration of faith) at the stroke of midnight.

Satisfied with Zakir’s explanation to his questions, Harinder admitted that there is only one God, to which he then agreed to profess the syahadah.

Zakir then asked him whether anyone was forcing him to accept Islam or whether anyone had given him money as no one should be forced to convert.

Denying that he was being forced to do so, Harinder then professed the syahadah with Zakir’s guidance.

“I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger and servant of Allah,” recited Harinder, to shouts of ‘takbir’ from the some 30,000 people gathered at the Bukit Jalil Hockey Stadium.

After Harinder recited the syahadah, a tudung-clad woman took the microphone to announce that she would also like to say the syahadah. Her proclamation led to more shouts of ‘takbir’ from the crowd.

It was obvious that Zakir was visibly overwhelmed by the woman’s announcement, who had first introduced herself as a Roman Catholic.

Her syahadah proclamation was met with hugs and tears by the female organisers present near her. The woman, whose name was not caught by members of the media, was then ushered away by the organisers.

Later, non-Muslim audience members took the opportunity to ask Zakir questions about Islam.

While many admitted that they believe in the oneness of God and that Muhammad is the messenger of God, they declined to recite the syahadah.

This is despite Zakir pointing out that with them believing in the oneness of God as well as believing that the Prophet is God’s messenger makes them Muslim.

Many cited reasons such as confusion as well as that they were not yet ready, with Zakir agreeing that one should take their time to do so before pointing out how life is short.

After the various questions and subsequent explanations by Zakir, an organising secretary member took the microphone to inform that a young woman wanted to recite the syahadah.

Michelle, a Buddhist, denied that anyone was forcing her to do so and insisted that she was doing it out of her free will.

After guiding her with the declaration of faith, Zakir told her that all the sins of a newly converted person are forgiven and he also expressed hope that Allah will guide her and others through her.

Shortly after, Sarawakian Joel Anak Along, 26, asked Zakir why the syahadah is powerful when believing in one God and attesting that Muhammad is the messenger are already enough to make one Muslim.

Admitting that proclaiming the syahadah is not compulsory, Zakir however explained that doing so will make it easier for one to practice the religion.

Zakir then asked Joel why he had asked the question to which the latter replied that he has been learning about Islam.

After Joel admitted that he believes that God is one, Zakir then asked him whether he wanted to recite the syahadah to which he replied with ‘yes’.

The conversions may not be much of a surprise as Malaysiakini’s checks prior before Zakir’s lecture found that most non-Muslims present at the event have an interest in Islam.

Student Adeline, 23, told Malaysiakini that she attended the programme to learn more about Islam.

The Christian-born admitted that she came to know about the event through her boyfriend who told her that Zakir is a good speaker.

Vivian, 26, is not of the belief that Zakir is a controversial figure. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Vivian thinks that it was based on misconceptions.

Admitting that she intends to convert to Islam, Vivian said this is largely due to a friend who has been able to explain various things to her, clearing any misconceptions about Islam.

Qalesya (not her real name), came to know about the programme as she attends Islamic studies classes every week at the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur.

Her interest in Islam was sparked due to her belief that there is one God And that Islam is the only religion with only one God.

The Buddhist, however, admitted that her parents do not know about her interest in Islam and she has been keeping this a secret for a year.

The 20-year-old also denied that her interest in Islam had anything to do with intentions to marry a Muslim.

“If I were interested in Islam because I want to get married perhaps I will convert when I want to marry, but I’m really interested, so I will convert first before I get married,” she said.

Vietnamese national An En, 30, has only been in the country for six months but her interest in Islam has grown particularly due to her Muslim roommates.

“They really have a good spirit, early in the morning they will pray together.”

Admitting that she did not know about Zakir previously, An explained her reason coming to the event, saying that she wanted to know more about Islam than through reading books only.

Yesterday’s programme started at 5.30pm with talks by Zakir’s protégés as well as his son, Fariq Naik.

The rain which started just 10 minutes after the event started saw those seated at the VIP area in the middle of the field rushing for cover at the bleachers.

Zakir started his lecture around 9pm which was then followed by the question and answer session. The programme ended at 2.45am.

Apart from several local artists, Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim also graced the event.

The event, however, was marred with technical problems, with the sound system in particular. Zakir was forced to reprimand the sound engineer many instances during the programme.

Zakir had started his Malaysia tour in Terengganu before continuing his programme in Kuala Lumpur. He will be speaking at a programme in Malacca today.

The preacher had courted controversy after inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar instructed that the events in Kuala Lumpur and Malacca be cancelled. Hindu groups had also lodged police reports, claiming that Zakir had insulted other religions in his lectures.

Khalid later lifted the ban on the Kuala Lumpur event while Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi then allowed for the event in Malacca to proceed with the condition that the title of the lecture be changed. -Mkini