A heated exchange between renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik and a Christian lady identified as Rose has gone viral on social media, sparking discussions among Christians and Muslims.
The debate unfolded during one of Dr. Naik’s public question-and-answer sessions after Rose challenged his views about Jesus Christ and Christianity.
“Jesus did not come to introduce a religion”
Introducing herself as a Qatar Airways employee, Rose questioned Dr. Naik’s description of Jesus as a religious leader, insisting that Jesus came to establish the Kingdom of God rather than introduce a religion.
She said:
“My name is Rose and I work for Qatar Airways. I’ve heard you talk about religion so much and I’ll speak of the Bible because that’s what I’m aware of.
“You often talk of Jesus as religious leader, but as far as I’m concerned, Jesus did not come to introduce any religion. Neither is he a religious leader. What Jesus introduced in this world was the kingdom of God.”
Debate over Jesus’ divinity
Rose cited the opening verses of the Book of John to support her belief that Jesus is God in human form.
She said:
“In the book of John, the Bible says that in the beginning was the word, the word was God and the word was with God and the word became flesh. He’s bigger than messenger. He’s not just a messenger. It’s an insult to call my lord a messenger.”
Dr. Naik responded:
“What you quote is wrong. Sister, you agree it is wrong?… I know Bible more than you.”
Rose disagreed and argued that understanding the Bible goes beyond simply reading it.
“It is one thing to know the Bible. It is another thing to have the revelation of the Bible.”
“Can you separate yourself from your word?”
As the discussion continued, Rose attempted to explain her belief that Jesus is the Word of God made flesh.
She asked:
“Can you separate yourself from your word? Can you separate Dr. Zakir Naik from his word?”
Dr. Naik replied:
“But what difference does it make whether I can or whether I cannot?”
Rose responded:
“Jesus is the word of God made flesh… He is God.”
“Show me where Jesus said, ‘I am God’”
Dr. Naik maintained his long-held position that the Bible contains no direct statement where Jesus explicitly declared himself to be God and instructed people to worship him.
He said:
“What is so different about Jesus, peace be upon him? You cannot point out a single statement from your Bible where Jesus said, ‘I’m God, worship me.’”
Rose countered by pointing to what she described as Jesus’ unique authority to heal the sick and cast out demons, arguing that these works demonstrated His divine nature.
She said:
“Since the beginning of the Bible till the time of Jesus, tell me any of the messenger you call who was capable to cast out demons, heal the sick… If you would give me time, I will explain to all this congregation what is all about Jesus.”
The exchange has since gone viral online, sparking widespread reactions from social media users.
See below:
Sister in Christ defends Christian faith against Dr. Zakir Naik pic.twitter.com/QgbTxWaJZK
— Tevin Macharia Mukabana (@TevinMacharia) August 11, 2026
