The Tradition of Objective Religious Studies: A Path to Harmony and Understanding

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 29 July 2025 Objective study of religions promotes harmony, counters prejudice, and encourages interfaith understanding. Historical figures like Al-Biruni and Pandit Sunderlal exemplify unbiased scholarship. True academic inquiry demands neutrality, fostering peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among diverse religious and cultural communities. Main Points: 1. Objective religious study reduces societal tension, encouraging mutual respect and national integration across faith lines. 2. Prejudiced religious studies lead to misunderstanding, hostility, and long-term communal disharmony in diverse societies. 3. Al-Biruni’s unbiased research on Hinduism set timeless standards for scholarly integrity and interfaith respect. 4. Pandit Sunderlal’s writings promoted Hindu-Muslim unity through fair, respectful, and evidence-based religious analysis. 5. Academic objectivity in religious discourse builds lasting peace, cultural coexistence, and intellectual authenticity. ----- One of the most important aspects of studying religions, ideologies, and philosophies is to adopt an objective approach, especially when studying a religion other than one’s own. It is essential to understand that, regardless of the topic, high-quality research and writing are always considered those that are free from bias and prejudice. In the case of scholars of religion, this responsibility becomes even greater. They must use their knowledge and findings to promote peace, harmony, and compassion in society. Objective research has a positive impact on society, and the results derived from it are usually of significant importance. In fact, the objective study of religions is essential for national unity and social cohesion. History proves that whenever people have not followed an objective approach while studying religions, the outcomes have been disappointing. A prime example of this is the work of certain Orientalists (Western scholars) who studied Islam. Their writings often reflect a clear sense of bias and hostility toward Islam. The negative effects of such research are visible in society even today. One of the results is the global spread of Islamophobia, where Islam and Muslims are unfairly associated with violence and extremism. Unfortunately, this irrational and unfair treatment of Islam by many Orientalists continues to this day. To ensure that research and study maintain long-term value, it is necessary for researchers and scholars to follow the principles of objectivity, because objectivity is the soul of all meaningful and truthful academic work. Another example can be found in contemporary India. In a country with diverse beliefs and ideologies like India, the growing misunderstanding and negative opinions about Islam and Muslims stem from the fact that many people approach the study of Islam with preconceived ideologies and biases. As a result, every action of Muslims and every teaching of Islam is wrongly perceived as flawed (God forbid). This attitude towards Islam in India is not new, but in recent years, it has increased sharply. The most unfortunate part is that hatred and prejudice have now reached extreme levels, leading to Muslims being targeted daily somewhere or the other. For the safety of the nation, preservation of its cultural values, and restoration of social relationships, it is critical that Islam is not studied through the lens of hatred and narrow-mindedness. If such biased approaches continue, it will eventually damage India’s reputation and legacy, which is a matter of pride for us all. There was a time when Hindu scholars and writers in India studied Islam with fairness and objectivity. They presented valuable research that is still respected today. One such great Indian thinker who objectively analyzed the teachings of Islam and practically demonstrated Hindu-Muslim unity was Pandit Sunder Lal. He authored several important books, including "Islam and Muhammad", "Gita and Quran", "Hindu-Muslim Unity", and "The Revolt of 1857", providing new paths of understanding for the Hindu community. There are also many other Hindu authors who wrote about Islam without any prejudice. Their writings continue to serve as guiding lights even today. It is only through such objective studies that the positive influence of religion can be shared with society. Today’s Hindu community needs to study Islam using the principles and methods employed by Pandit Sunder Lal, Malik Ram, and other unbiased writers. Any work or ideology based on hatred eventually fades away, although its harmful effects remain and can cause damage to future generations. Therefore, we must reflect on this as well. Similarly, there are many Muslim thinkers and scholars who have studied Hinduism and other religions with objectivity, and their works are still being used in universities for research and education. One shining example is the famous scholar Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni, whose book Kitab al-Hind is a remarkable contribution to the objective study of Hinduism. Al-Biruni’s work is known for its scholarly and evidence-based approach. He lived in India, interacted closely with Hindu scholars and priests, and studied their religious beliefs in-depth. His research remains valuable today because he did not allow prejudice to influence his work. Whatever truths and facts he found, he presented them honestly and without distortion. If any modern Muslim scholar wants to study Hinduism or write a new research work, they must follow the example set by Al-Biruni to promote harmony, peace, and understanding in society and among nations. Al-Biruni's objective method of research continues to inspire intellectuals around the world. Well-known Islamic scholar Professor Akhtarul Wasey, in one of his essays, wrote: “Al-Biruni’s contribution to Indian studies, known as Kitab al-Hind, is the foundation of Indian religious scholarship. In this book, Al-Biruni presented an objective study of Hindu philosophy, religious traditions, and social customs. He never allowed his own faith to interfere with his study. Rather than relying on hearsay, he learned the Sanskrit language and traveled across India, establishing deep connections with local scholars to understand their beliefs accurately. This book is not only the beginning of Indology but also the first milestone in the comparative study of religions, built upon experimental and inductive methods, creating a new path for objective religious studies.” Another notable work that discusses religions with objectivity is the Mughal-era book Dabistan-e-Mazahib (The School of Religions). This book presents a detailed and unbiased study of different religions, aiming to broaden human thinking and understanding. All the examples shared above send strong messages to our present-day society. They also urge researchers and writers to adopt an objective approach in their work. This is the need of the hour, and only through this path can society benefit. There is no other way to truly establish peace and harmony. To write with objectivity and to remain unbiased as a researcher is essential for the survival of social relationships. Any work based on prejudice and narrow-mindedness only creates conflict and division in society, and the fate of such biased books is well known to us. Therefore, to promote coexistence and peace, it becomes the duty of every writer and researcher to adopt an objective approach when studying religions. This ensures that no one’s religious values or emotions are hurt, and interfaith respect can flourish. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/tradition-religious-harmony-understanding/d/136336 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