Social Impact of Hindu Religious Texts

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 9 July 2025 This article explores the social impact and contemporary relevance of Hindu religious texts, highlighting their ethical, philosophical, and spiritual teachings, with insights from Muslim scholars like Al-Biruni. Main Points: 1. Hindu texts promote ethics, spirituality, peace, and moral values. 2. Al-Biruni documented Hindu beliefs with fairness and academic honesty. 3. Gita and Upanishads emphasize tolerance, self-realization, and unity. 4. Sacred texts address modern issues like stress and moral decline. ---- Studying religions, philosophies, beliefs, customs, and rituals honestly is a complex and challenging task. This subject not only requires wide reading and a research-oriented mind-set but also demands a serious and balanced approach. We have observed that Muslim scholars have done commendable work in this field with academic integrity. They have avoided bias and discrimination, which is a true requirement of knowledge and research. The discussion should be based on facts, insights, and logical evidence. A true researcher should not be bound by sect, religion, or personal views; instead, they should follow where the evidence leads. When researching religions, one must avoid a debating style. The difference between a debater and a researcher is that a debater selects arguments to prove their point, while a researcher analyses evidence honestly, even if it goes against their beliefs. The study of religions should follow a tolerant and analytical approach to promote harmony and intellectual balance in society. Muslim scholars and spiritual leaders who worked on comparative religion adopted a fairly balanced research method. This tradition of objective religious study has had a positive impact on society. The history of such research was initiated by Al-Biruni, whose book clearly reflects this methodology. He emphasized respect for all religious scriptures—divine or not—and encouraged speaking about them with balanced and appropriate language. Religious texts have positive social impacts. People of all faiths consider their sacred books to be dear and valuable. These texts bring peace and welfare to society and contribute to the spiritual, moral, and intellectual development of individuals. They provide ethical principles and guide human behaviour in the right direction. Social Impacts of Religious Books Religious books contain divine guidance for humanity. For example, the Qur'an is the direct word of God revealed for the eternal guidance of mankind. Sacred texts—regardless of the religion—teach truthfulness, justice, service to parents, helping the poor, and avoiding envy, lies, and deceit. They purify the heart and mind and elevate human spirituality. Qualities like remembrance of God, worship, patience, gratitude, and trust in God come from these texts. Religious books do not just focus on rituals but also present a complete social, economic, and political system that ensures the welfare of humanity. They teach humanity, tolerance, peace, and brotherhood. If these teachings are understood and practiced correctly, they can bring peace to the world. In today’s age of technology and materialism, people are becoming emotionally and spiritually empty. Mental stress, restlessness, and moral decline are increasing. In such times, religious texts provide peace of mind, a sense of purpose, and a strong moral foundation. They are a precious treasure for humanity. Following their teachings improves individual lives and leads to the creation of a peaceful, prosperous, and civilized society. Therefore, everyone should try to understand their religious book, reflect upon its messages, and live according to it. Introduction to Hindu Religious Texts: Al-Biruni has written valuable insights about Hindu religious literature in his book Tahqiq Ma Lil Hind. He introduced Hindu texts such as the Vedas, Puranas, Gita, and Shastras, and analysed how the Brahmins interpret and preserve them. He mentioned that the word Veda means “to know the unknown.” Hindus consider the Vedas to be the word of God that came from the mouth of Brahma. Brahmins read the Vedas even without understanding the meaning, and only a few reflect on their meanings using logic and reasoning. The Kshatriya caste is allowed to read the Vedas but not teach them—only Brahmins have that right. Vaishyas and Shudras are not allowed to even listen to the Vedas. If a Shudra is caught reading the Vedas, the Brahmins would report him to the authorities, who would punish him by cutting his tongue. Originally, the Vedas were only memorized and not written down, and thus they were lost several times. The current versions were compiled by Vyasa, son of Parashara. The Vedas are divided into four parts: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Vyasa taught each part to one of his four disciples. The Puranas are eighteen in number and mostly named after animals, humans, or deities. These were written by sages (rishis). The Smriti texts are based on interpretations derived from the Vedas. Al-Biruni noted that there are twenty authors of Smriti, considered sons of Brahma. About the Mahabharata, Al-Biruni wrote that it holds the highest status among Hindu texts and was written by Vyasa during the great war between the Pandavas and Kauravas. It contains 100,000 verses divided into 18 sections. The Sankhya philosophy book, authored by Kapila, deals with theology. The Patanjali Yoga Sutras discuss salvation and how the soul unites with the higher intellect. Al-Biruni's uniqueness lies in the fact that he documented the religious views exactly as they existed in Hindu society at the time. He faithfully recorded the beliefs and teachings found in the religious texts and traditions of Hindus. Even today, the Vedas and other sacred texts hold great significance in Hinduism and remain essential to its spiritual identity. Contemporary Relevance of Hindu Religious Texts: Hindu religious literature is one of the oldest spiritual legacies of human civilization. It preserves deep religious, philosophical, ethical, and spiritual teachings. These teachings are not only significant for Hindus but also offer intellectual and spiritual guidance to the world. Hindu scriptures discuss the universe, humanity, and God’s relationship, focusing on concepts like karma (action), dharma (duty), and moksha (liberation). They also emphasize spiritual discipline and moral values such as truth (satya), non-violence (ahimsa), self-control, and service to others. The Bhagavad Gita connects human character, intentions, and duties with spirituality and offers practical wisdom for life. Hindu religious books go beyond rituals—they delve deep into philosophy, metaphysics, and psychology. The Upanishads contain profound discussions on the relationship between the soul (Atman) and the Supreme (Brahman), which have influenced global philosophers for centuries. Hindu literature views the universe as a unified, harmonious whole. Concepts like Vastu and Yoga teach how to balance the relationship between humans, nature, and God. The Gita and Upanishads promote open-mindedness and tolerance: “Truth is one; sages call it by different names.” Texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata are not just religious works but also form the foundation of Indian literature, fine arts, and cultural identity. Their stories are deeply rooted in the public consciousness. Hindu scriptures offer not just religious guidance but a complete philosophy of life. Modern challenges like mental stress, environmental degradation, moral decline, and spiritual emptiness can be addressed through their teachings. Thus, it is fair to say that the contemporary relevance of Hindu religious texts is not only intact but is becoming increasingly clear and necessary with time. One unique feature of Hinduism is its ability to embrace diversity and accommodate differences, reflecting its spiritual tolerance. That’s why Hindu scriptures explain beliefs while also teaching self-realization, universal unity, and human consciousness—this is their true meaning and value. Conclusion Religious literature—regardless of which faith it belongs to—always teaches social reform. No religion or sacred book supports violence or oppression. Yet, in today’s society, some people commit injustices in the name of religion. This clearly shows that such people neither understand their religion nor its holy texts. The truth is, these individuals are misrepresenting the spiritual values and teachings of Hinduism. As discussed above, religious texts play a foundational role in shaping society and promoting harmony. To maintain social peace and encourage tolerance, we must study these sacred texts with an open and unbiased mind. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/social-impact-hindu-religious-texts/d/136122 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism