I criticize some statements from Nouman Ali Khan in the latest reaction video, but I also acknowledge in the same video that I respect NAK for his Arabic instruction program and how he has inspired millions to learn Arabic in order to connect with the Quran. His program is innovative and I appreciate the ingenuity. This is a major service he has done for the Umma.
I also distinguish NAK from other Compassionate Imams in that he does not try to cash in on cheap political participation. He doesn't march with the rainbow flag, have iftar with the turban hijabis, or shake hands with head zionists, etc. He could easily do that in the same way that others do, but he doesn't. He does not betray the Umma in the way that others regularly do.
This appreciation does not prevent us from criticizing problematic statements NAK has made in his lectures and ideas he has promoted. Sadly, he has flirted with the ideas of certain reformists and modernists and injected them into an otherwise positive message. We need to push back on this.
As I always offer with those I criticize, I am happy to host NAK on this channel to give him the chance to defend his statements and/or clarify.
- DH