Is Zakir Naik Suffering From AIDS? Update About Controversial Islamic Preacher's Health

Speculations are rife on the internet suggesting that controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been diagnosed with AIDS.

"After Radical Islamic Preacher Zakir Naik was diagnosed with AIDS and hospitalised in Malaysia, his wife Farhat Naik and his daughter Zikra Naik also found HIV positive," reads a message currently circulating widely on social media platforms.

Zakir Naik, who fled India in 2016 amid accusations of money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches, has been residing in Malaysia since then.

But is there any truth to these claims?

So far, no credible media outlets have confirmed the report. When questioned, Perplextity stated, "As of now, it appears to be circulating only on social media posts without corroboration from credible outlets or official statements; there's no confirmation from mainstream media or from Naik's family/hospital, and his Wikipedia page and recent coverage don't mention any such diagnosis."

Twitter's Grok also weighed in, saying: "No, this claim is unverified. No credible news sources or official statements confirm Zakir Naik or his family have HIV/AIDS. His official X account (drzakiranaik) posted normally today (Sep 9, 2025) with no health mentions. It appears to be a social media rumor."

Meanwhile, Malaysian websites have issued clarifications refuting the reports.

Through his lawyer, Akberdin Abdul Kadir, the controversial preacher dismissed the claims, stating, "It's rubbish! It's fake news," to FMT.

Responding to the reports that alleged he was diagnosed with the deadly disease and undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Klang Valley, Naik firmly rejected the accusations through his legal representative.

According to Akberdin, Naik labelled these claims as "hate speech" spread by irresponsible individuals.

"He is now checking on the background of these culprits before deciding the next course of action."

Akberdin further added that the rumors were apparently concocted to damage Naik's reputation, considering his widespread popularity.

"It goes without saying that this was the reason for all the fake news."

The lawyer also confirmed that Naik was in good health the last time they met.

Why is He Wanted By Indian Authorities?

Terror Financing: Naik is accused of acquiring significant assets through illegal means, reportedly amounting to $28 million, with funds allegedly used to promote extremist ideology and unlawful events.

Hate Speech and Incitement: Indian authorities have charged him with delivering provocative speeches and religious lectures that promote enmity between communities, citing his video content and media broadcasts as evidence.

Money Laundering: Naik's organisations and associates have faced money laundering investigations, with close aide Aamit Gazdar arrested and alleged to have facilitated unlawful transactions and cash handling on Naik's behalf.

Legal Status and Extradition

• Zakir Naik's assets have been identified and attached by India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) under proceedings related to terror funding.
• Peace TV, run by Naik, is banned in India and several other countries for promoting radical views and alleged connections to terrorist acts, including the Dhaka cafe attack in Bangladesh.
• India has repeatedly requested Malaysia to extradite Naik, but Malaysian authorities require compelling evidence and have resisted, partly citing concerns over justice and political motivations.
• In 2024, the Supreme Court allowed Naik to withdraw his plea seeking consolidation of multiple hate speech cases so he could approach High Courts for quashing these cases.