Zakir Naik has strongly denied viral AIDS rumors, calling them fake, baseless, and malicious. His lawyer labeled the claims defamatory, stressing they were spread to damage his reputation. The incident highlights the dangers of unverified health misinformation circulating online.
Rumors Emerge on Social Media
In early September 2025, unverified social media posts claimed that Zakir Naik had been diagnosed with AIDS and was receiving treatment at a private hospital in the Klang Valley. Some versions of the posts went further, alleging that his wife and daughter were also infected. No credible medical or news source confirmed these claims.
Denials by Legal Team
Through his lawyer Akberdin Abdul Kadir, Zakir Naik categorically dismissed the rumors as “rubbish,” “fake news,” and “absolutely no truth,” describing them as malicious attempts to tarnish his reputation.
The lawyer emphasized that Naik was in good health, and that he (Naik) is abroad at present.
The legal team is actively trying to identify individuals behind the false claims before deciding on legal action.
Fact-Check Efforts
Credible fact-checkers and reputable outlets have labeled the viral claims as completely false and fabricated. For instance, “Azaad Fact Check” on X (formerly Twitter) called the entire narrative “completely false and fabricated.”
Other coverage, including by OneIndia, observed that no credible source — neither medical nor journalistic — substantiated the claims, and that Naik’s official X account continued normal activity without referencing any health issue.
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Who Initiated the Rumors?
While specific individuals haven’t been named, Akberdin Abdul Kadir suggested that the claims were spread by “irresponsible individuals attempting to smear Zakir’s reputation” due to his influence and popularity.
Actions Under Consideration
Naik’s legal team is working to trace the source of the false rumors.
Potential defamation or legal proceedings may follow once origins are identified.
No statements have been made yet regarding any cooperation with authorities or platform takedown requests.
