RJ and host Anoushey Ashraf criticized a statement by Dr. Zakir Naik, a public orator and religious preacher, where he described single women as having two life choices: marrying an already married man or being considered ‘public property.’ Dr. Naik made this controversial remark during a public event at the Governor House in Karachi on October 3, responding to a question about polygamy in Islam.
Dr. Naik explained that Islam permits polygamy only if the husband can treat all wives justly. He also mentioned demographic imbalances due to higher male mortality and wars, suggesting that if every man married once, many women would remain single. He controversially stated, “So what option do they have left? They can marry a man who already has a wife or become a ‘bazaar aurat,’ which translates to ‘public property’ in English.”
Ashraf responded via an Instagram story, questioning the logic that prescribes women must marry as a second wife or be labelled derogative-ly if they remain single. She highlighted that such rhetoric sidelines personal growth, love, and spirituality in religious discussions. She remarked, “I know women getting married in their late 40s today to nice men, and they’re very happy, MashAllah,” criticizing the limited scope of preaching that such statements represent.
Actor Nadia Hussain and comedian Shafaat Ali also voiced their disapproval. Hussain reassured unmarried women of their respectability in society, regardless of their marital status. Ali condemned the view of women as public property as inhumane and irrational, emphasizing that compassion is central to Islam and should guide public discourse, especially by influential figures like Dr. Naik.
