Akbar's article on Zakir Naik

Abu Imran (August 3, 2008) complained about MJ Akbar's use of the word "evangelist" to describe Zakir Naik. Mr. Imran's objection is that Zakir Naik is not an evangelist in the dictionary definition of the word as it applies strictly to preachers of gospel. While Mr. Imran is not wrong, he's a little misguided about MJ Akbar's use of the term. You see, language is fluid, and words are used in various ways. MJ Akbar knows full well what the dictionary-definition of 'evangelist' is, but chose to use it loosely. One could for example, construct sentences like "Barack Obama is a prophet for change." Does that literally mean Obama is a 'prophet'? Of course not. Meanings of words flow freely, add to that often usage is ironic, derisive, purposefully exaggerated and so on.
Let's not get so worked up about such things.