Radical Islamic preacher Zakir Naik lands in Oman under tight security

Controversial Islamist Zakir Naik who is known to have spearheaded conversions to Islam and is a known preacher of the radical Wahhabi ideology, arrived the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday morning, purportedly as a 'State Guest' on a public lecture tour on Ramzan eve, setting alarm bells ringing in Delhi's national security establishment.

According to reports, Naik has been invited to deliver two lectures in Oman. His first lecture "The Quran a Global Necessity" is organized by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs of Oman and scheduled on March 23 (Day 1 of Ramazan). The second lecture "Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] A Mercy to Humankind" has been proposed for March 25.

News reports had earlier claimed that Naik would be deported from Oman to India. The reports also cited unnamed officials and said that the Indian Intelligence agencies are in touch with the authorities in Oman. Naik's lawyer, Mubin Solkar has however said that these reports are false. Quoted by The Quint, Solkar said that the media reports are false.

Earlier, Naik was to visit Oman during FIFA World Cup in 2022. However, his likely visit to Oman for religious sermons had ignited huge controversy. Subsequently, Omani authorities cancelled his proposed sermons.

In 2016, Naik was accused of promoting terrorism and hate speech by the Indian government, and his speeches and writings were banned in India. He has also been banned from entering several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Malaysia. Naik currently resides in Malaysia, where he has been granted permanent residency status.

Some of the controversies surrounding Zakir Naik include his alleged support for Osama bin Laden and other terrorists, his comments about other religions and their followers, and his promotion of Islamic fundamentalism. He has also been criticized for his views on women's rights and for his stance on apostasy and blasphemy.

Naik has denied these allegations and has stated that his teachings are based on the Quran and the Hadith. He has also said that he is a proponent of peace and that his goal is to promote understanding and harmony between different religions.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Zakir Naik has a large following and continues to speak at events and conferences around the world.