Maeeshat News Network | Mumbai

In a brazen display of sensationalism, sections of India’s pro-government media—derisively known as “Godi media”—have amplified vicious rumours claiming that renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik is battling AIDS and has been hospitalized in Malaysia. The claims, which originated on social media and were quickly picked up by channels like News18, allege not only Dr. Naik’s illness but also that his wife, Farhat Naik, and daughter, Zikra Naik, have tested HIV-positive. However, official statements from Dr. Naik’s team and independent verifications paint a starkly different picture: the preacher is in excellent health and actively engaged in his work.

Dr. Naik’s official X account (@drzakiranaik) posted as recently as September 13, 2025, announcing the launch of a new OTT platform for Peace TV and Al Hidayah, with no mention of any health concerns. His lawyer has categorically dismissed the rumors as “fake news” and “rubbish,” confirming that Dr. Naik is abroad and in good health. Independent outlets like OneIndia and DXB News Network echoed this, labelling the story a “social media rumour” with zero credible evidence, noting that Dr. Naik’s routine posts continue uninterrupted.

The viral “medical report” circulating online—purportedly from Sunway Medical Centre—has been debunked as fabricated. Fact-checkers point out discrepancies, such as mismatched age details (listing Dr. Naik as 65 when he is 59), and no hospital has corroborated the document. Malaysian media, including Free Malaysia Today and Malaysiakini, have reported the denials, emphasizing the lack of substantiation.37bc1b Social media sleuths on X (formerly Twitter) have also flagged the image as a doctored Photoshop job, with users mocking the “ecosystem’s” desperate bid for clicks.

This isn’t the first time Dr. Naik, a polarizing figure banned in India for alleged hate speech, has been targeted by disinformation campaigns. But the timing raises eyebrows. As India grapples with escalating crises—Manipur’s ethnic violence entering its third year with fresh protests against PM Modi’s delayed visit, soaring unemployment at 8.5% (per latest NSSO data), and whispers of electoral bond scandals resurfacing—these smears conveniently dominate headlines. Critics argue it’s a classic diversion tactic: flood the discourse with Islamophobic tropes to stoke communal tensions and eclipse governance failures.

“These rumors are not just false; they’re malicious attempts to demonize a voice that challenges the status quo,” said a spokesperson for the Islamic Research Foundation, which Dr. Naik founded. “While we’re focused on dawah (invitation to faith) and global outreach, others seem obsessed with character assassination.” On X, supporters have rallied with hashtags like #ZakirNaikHealthy, countering the troll army with calls for media accountability.

Godi media’s role is unmistakable. A September 12 YouTube video from News18 titled “Controversial Preacher Zakir Naik Hospitalised” racked up views by leaning into unverified “sources,” while BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya amplified a related clip on X, declaring the claims “TRUE” without evidence.c5f8ff Right-wing handles, from @HinduExistence to @MumbaichaDon, piled on with glee, sharing memes about “karma” and “Jannat entry denied.” Yet, as one X user quipped, “If rumors were true, half of Twitter would be in ICU by now.”

In an era of deepfakes and echo chambers, this episode underscores the peril of unchecked “breaking news.” Dr. Naik remains a lightning rod—admired by millions for his interfaith dialogues, reviled by detractors for his unapologetic orthodoxy. But health smears? That’s a low even for the rumor mongers. As India hurtles toward 2026 state polls, perhaps it’s time for real journalism to refocus: on healing divides, not inventing them.