Zakir Naik, 49, is an Indian scholar of Islam and comparative religion who often addresses large television audiences via the English-language Peace TV network based in Dubai, which he founded. The Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation, which Naik also founded, says its mission is "the proper presentation, understanding and appreciation of Islam, as well as removing misconceptions about Islam — amongst less aware Muslims and non-Muslims."
The award is just another example of the disconnect between Saudi Arabia’s warm relations with western powers like the United States, and the kingdom’s support of views that seem incompatible with those allies' purported values.
The role of women in Islam is just one of the subjects on which Naik has uttered provocative statements.
"There are many verses in the Quran which say you can have sex with your wife and with whatever your right hand possesses," Naik said in one talk to a large audience.
"Right hand possesses," he continued. "Which means your slaves."
Elsewhere, Naik said that the 9-11 attacks were perpetrated by President George W. Bush and that due to "the amount of ample evidence, a fool will know this is an inside job."
Naik's foundation has vigorously denied his support for religiously motivated violence.
"Dr Zakir Naik is undoubtedly an opponent of terrorism and as such has often spoken out against all acts of violence and violent extremism. He has emphatically and unequivocally condemned the killing of civilians and is one of the world's regular noted orators on this topic."
However, in answer to a question about Osama bin Laden and the Taliban, he once said, "If he is fighting the enemies of Islam, I am for him."
"If he is terrorizing the terrorist, if he is terrorizing America the terrorist, biggest terrorist, I am with him," Naik told the audience while giving the thumbs up sign.
In 2010, when Naik was denied entry to the UK for speaking engagements, British Home Secretary Theresa May said that "numerous comments made by Dr. Naik are evidence to me of his unacceptable behavior" and determined that he "might not be conducive to the public good."
That was the same year he came in at #89 on the Indian Express' List of the 100 Most Powerful Indians.
The King Faisal International Prize (KFIP) 2015 was presented by the new Saudi King Salman on Sunday in Riyadh, where he was lauded as "one of the most renowned non-Arabic speaking promulgators of Islam."
The prize — which includes $200,000 — is awarded in five categories: Service to Islam, Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Literature, Medicine and Science.
