Naik was ranked 89 on The Indian Express's list of the "100 Most Powerful Indians in 2010".[128] He was ranked 82 in the 2009 edition.[129] According to Praveen Swami, Naik is "perhaps the most influential Salafi ideologue in India".[130] Sanjiv Buttoo says he is acknowledged as an authority on Islam, but is known for making negative remarks about other religions.[4] Sadanand Dhume writes that Naik has a "carefully crafted image of moderation", because of his gentle demeanour, his wearing of a suit and tie, and his quoting of scriptures of other religions.[131] He is also listed in the book The 500 Most Influential Muslims under honourable mention, in the 2009,[6] 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013/2014 [7] editions.[8]