IRF in its statement stated that conversion was not its objective, and all its activities were as per constitution
The Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), which is headed by controversial televangelist, Zakir Naik, on Tuesday, issued yet another statement after news of Mumbai police giving its report to the chief minister. The new statement came a day after the one issued by the foundation on Monday after news reports that central government was considering to ban the foundation and charge Naik under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
It defended Arshi Qureshi, who is arrested for allegedly trying to forcefully convert a Kerala youth after converting his brother in law and sister. The Kerala police has also accused him of sending them to ISIS. Last night, Mumbai police filed another case after father of one Ashfaque from Kerala filed a case in Nagpada police station stating that he went abroad on the instigation of Qureshi, Rizwan Khan and two others.
The statement from IRF read, "Conversion is not one of the objectives of IRF. The organisation only spreads the message of Islam and clears misconceptions. This is fully permitted by our Constitution. IRF's guest relations manager, Arshi Qureshi has never forced a single person into conversion against his or her free will, as it is against Islam. We emphatically deny all allegations."
Following the police commissioner's report and the MHA notice, the IRF statement stated, "IRF is not privy to the police commissioner's report but from reports put across in the media, IRF wants to reiterate that the allegations are false and baseless. Dr Zakir Naik firmly believes in promoting peace and harmony and he has been doing the same for decades."
Stating that neither Naik nor IRF had received any notice from the ministry of home affairs or any governmental agency as of now, they will not be able to comment on it.
The statement went on to defend IRF calling it a research body that promotes greater awareness of Islam and its tenets. "Dr Zakir Naik is an expert in comparative religion and has been conducting well-researched talks on Islam and other religions across the world. He emphasizes on teachings of Islam, which is not unconstitutional. Preaching and propagating one's religion is allowed by article 25 of the Indian Constitution," read the statement.
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