KARACHI: Renowned scholar Dr Zakir Naik has said that forced conversion of religion is strictly forbidden in Islam.

He said this while speaking at a programme held at Sindh Governor House on Thursday evening.

Governor Kamran Tessori, consuls general of Islamic countries, ulema of different schools of thought and a large number of people attended the event.

Dr Naik said Islam has the concept of inviting people to the faith, but “if non-Muslims decline, it’s their choice”.

He said that he was delighted to be in Pakistan as he first visited the country in 1991. He expressed his gratitude to the government of Pakistan for inviting him.

Speaking on the importance of the media and social media, he said in today’s world media was the most powerful tool, which was being used for negative propaganda against Islam, spreading misconceptions.

“Muslims excel in entertainment media, dominating Bollywood, but we’re weak in promoting Islam through media.”

He also stressed the need of understanding the role of social media in spreading the faith and said: “Unfortunately, modern media technology is largely controlled by Jews. Muslims aren’t researching artificial intelligence, which can be the best tool.”

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2024