Sonia, Meet Dr. Zakir

Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik really amazes me. Listening to his speech on Islam really reminds me of Allahyarham Sheikh Ahmad Deedat of South Africa. Watching him eloquently stressing his points that make people nod with agreement is something amazing .... or shall I say.... miraculous..... He is a gift. A gift from God, not only to Muslims but to the whole human nation.

Dr. Zakir Naik is ever ready to have dialogues or debates or discussions with anybody on the topics of Islam and comparative religion. He even invited Pope Benedict XVI for a live public debate and he still waiting for the acceptance from the holy man.

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The invitation was made in reaction of a lecture delivered on 12 September 2006 by the Pope at the University of Regensburg in Germany entitled "Faith, Reason and the University — Memories and Reflections". The lecture received much condemnation from many Islamic politicians and religious leaders due to what they said was an insulting mischaracterization of Islam when the Pope quoted a 14th-century Byzantine emperor who disparaged the prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

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Once, my mechanical engineering mate Sonia said to me after attending a talk on Islam, organised by Bath University Islamic Society,

“Mate, I think we should organise a dialogue....”

I kept listening with interest to this polite girl from Bath University Christian Society. I could say she never missed any talks organised by The Islamic Society which happened to be myself at the helm.

“Not the official one. Just you, me and a couple of friends from my society..... having a dialogue about Islam and Christianity”

I held my words. Still mulling over the proposal. I was not used to this. I was just a shoulder length haired Asian guy with a cap that happened to be elected unopposed for the most important society’s presidency.

“So, what do you reckon?” I bet Sonia could detect the reluctance in my silence.

“Err....” my voice stirred.

“It’s not that I don’t want to accept your offer.....You see.....I am not the most knowledgeable in Islam here. I do not wish my ignorant .....or....... me... not having knowledge on some particular matters in Islam gives a bad reflection of my religion. I am really not qualified to discuss Islam with you and friends from your society...”

“It will be just a discussion over a cuppa,” this blonde persisted.

“Furthermore, I really think my English will be a disadvantage to Islam in the dialogue. It don't want it to be a one-sided dialogue due to my lacking in the language.”

Excuses remained excuses. But sadly, it was the truth. Indeed.

After all these years, if Sonia happens to be here and asks me for the dialogue again, I will definitely give her the same excuses i.e.

1. my knowledge
2. my English.

What a shame.

Forgive me Allah.

Sorry Sonia.

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