What is 'Marham Theory' in Islam Which Made Zakir Naik's Abrupt Exit When Orphan Girls Approached

Islamabad: NIA wanted and Fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s controversial behavior at an orphanage during his recent visit to Pakistan has gone viral on social media platforms, in which Naik leaves the stage as some orphan girls approached him. 

In a video shared by Pakistan -based journalist and researcher Usman Chaudhary Naik is seen on stage being greeted by orphaned girls as an orphanage official prepares to present him with a welcome memento. However, afterwards Naik abruptly leaves the stage, leaving the girls and other people totally confused.

Imtiaz Mahmood who is a UK-based influential social media user, explained in a post that Naik stormed off because the orphanage officials referred to the girls as 'daughters.'  Naik objected the incident, and said that, "You cannot touch them or call them your daughters,' as they are ‘non-mahram’(those with whom marriage is permissible in Islamic terms). According to Naik's reasoning, these girls are of marriageable age and should not be introduced as his 'daughters.'

Theory of 'Marham' and 'Non-Marham' in Islam

In Islamic terms, 'haram' refers to something sacred or prohibited, while 'mahram' refers to a close relative with whom marriage is forbidden. A 'non-mahram' is someone with whom marriage is permissible. Naik’s objection stemmed from his belief that these girls, being non-mahram, should not be referred to as daughters.

Zakir Naik's Pakistan Visit

The incident occurred during Naik’s visit to Pakistan , where he also met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Naik, who is wanted by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), arrived in Pakistan at the invitation of the Pakistani government for a lecture series in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, amid tight security. India condemned Naik’s visit, with an Indian government spokesperson stating, "It is disappointing and condemnable, but not surprising" that a fugitive from Indian justice received such a welcome in Pakistan.

Naik has been living in Malaysia since fleeing India. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during his visit to India in August, stated that if sufficient evidence is provided against Naik, Malaysia would not condone terrorism.