The Mumbai police officials have brought Islamic International School (IIS), operated by Dr. Zakir Naik, under their scanner alleging that the school officials are ‘brainwashing’ its students. A report submitted by Mumbai police to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have raised “serious concerns” over the kind of education imparted to students at his Mazgaon school.
The report suggested that there was enough material in the syllabus to indicate that the Zakir Naik’s school was not only “brainwashing” students into rejecting other faiths; it also urged them to convert people to Islam.
Last month the state government had ordered a probe against the Mumbai-based controversial preacher, who allegedly inspired ISIS terrorists in Dhaka and members of its module in Kerala, to know whether he is a threat to the society. Experts believe that Dr. Naik could only be booked by police officials for hurting religious sentiments. A source said that the “brainwashing” angle could lead to serious trouble for Naik.
It is alleged that the syllabus has “enough material” to indicate the school is “brainwashing” students to reject other faiths and convert themselves to Islam.
The state government had ordered a probe against Naik after Bangladesh government accused him of inspiring terrorists involved in Dhaka attack.
According to the police probe, the school also has a branch in Chennai which is “conceived, planned, and developed by Dr. Zakir Naik” and asks Muslims to stay away from non-Islamic schools.
The 71-page report said that the school’s literature is aimed at making the students “insular”.
“Societal influences upon a child should be analysed critically. An un-Islamic environment can result in the corruption of a virtuous Muslim’s Islamic understanding, upbringing and values. It is therefore recommended that Muslim parents educate their children in an Islamic school to prevent them from falling prey to the bad influences and immorality prevalent in society,” the report quotes the school’s literature as saying.
“Some of the school’s literature, which is also available on its website, is highly controversial and objectionable, and could produce indoctrinated individuals,” the newspaper quoted a senior police officer as saying.
