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Dr. Zakir Naik
In September 2025, social media was abuzz with unverified claims that prominent Islamic preacher Dr. Zakir Naik had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and was hospitalized in Malaysia.
These rumors, which also implicated his family members, spread rapidly, fueled by alleged leaked medical reports and sensational headlines.
However, thorough fact-checking and official statements have repeatedly debunked these allegations, highlighting the dangers of misinformation in the digital age.
The Origin And Spread Of The Rumors
The claims first emerged on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp, alleging Naik’s admission to Sunway Medical Centre for AIDS treatment.
Fabricated documents circulated, but inconsistencies, such as incorrect personal details, quickly exposed them as forgeries.
Some Indian media outlets initially amplified the story without verification, leading to widespread speculation.
For instance, reports suggested Naik’s wife and daughter were also affected, but no credible evidence supported this.
Experts note that such rumors often target influential figures like Naik, who has a massive global following for his comparative religion lectures, to undermine their credibility.
Official Denials And Legal Actions
Dr. Naik and his legal team promptly refuted the claims. In a statement, Naik described the rumors as “fake news” and “malicious hate speech” aimed at tarnishing his reputation due to his popularity.
His lawyer, Akberdin Abdul Kadir, called them “rubbish” and confirmed Naik was in good health, not hospitalized, and actively traveling abroad.
By October 2025, Naik escalated his response with an RM10 million (approximately $2.3 million) defamation demand against an Indian news portal and journalist for propagating the unverified story.
Reputable sources, including Malaysiakini and Free Malaysia Today, corroborated these denials, emphasizing the absence of any hospital records or official confirmations.
Evidence Of Continued Activity And Health
Far from being sidelined by illness, Naik has maintained a busy schedule throughout 2025.
He delivered lectures on topics like “The Al-Quran and Modern Science” in January and participated in international tours, including events in Indonesia.
Recent videos from his official channels show him engaging energetically with audiences, with no signs of health issues.
Social media analysis reveals that while derogatory posts mocking the rumors persist, often from anonymous accounts, no new evidence has surfaced since the initial wave in September.
As of December 2025, Naik’s public appearances and statements affirm his well-being, residing in Malaysia since fleeing India in 2016 amid unrelated legal controversies.
Impact: Misinformation And HIV Stigma
This episode underscores the harmful effects of unchecked rumors.
Not only do they damage reputations, but they also perpetuate stigma around HIV/AIDS, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
According to health experts, spreading false health claims can discourage testing and treatment, exacerbating public health challenges.
In Naik’s case, the rumors may stem from his polarizing views, but they lack substantiation.
Fact-checkers like Oneindia have labeled them as baseless, urging reliance on verified sources.
This incident serves as a reminder: In an era of viral misinformation, critical thinking and source verification are essential.
As the year ends, Dr. Zakir Naik appears focused on his mission, undeterred by falsehoods.
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