The Trend of Studying the Sacred Books of Other Religions Among Muslims

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 8 August 2025 Abstract: This article highlights the urgent need for Muslims to academically engage with the scriptures of other religions. It emphasizes interfaith dialogue, educational reform in madrasas, and mutual respect. Drawing on historical and modern examples, it argues that understanding other faiths fosters harmony, counters extremism, and strengthens social and spiritual unity. Main Points: 1. Muslims must study other religions’ texts for better understanding. 2. Madrasas should include interfaith subjects in their curriculum. 3. Historical scholars promoted mutual respect through religious studies. 4. Interfaith dialogue is vital for peace and social unity. 5. Islam supports coexistence, not forced conversion or hatred. 6. Religious harmony strengthens national unity and shared moral values. ------ Throughout Islamic history, Muslims have demonstrated a deep intellectual curiosity and engagement with the cultures, philosophies, and religious texts of other faiths. From the time of the Abbasid Caliphate, Muslim scholars translated, analysed, and discussed the sacred texts and spiritual traditions of diverse civilizations, including Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. This tradition of open-minded exploration was never seen as a threat to Islamic belief, but rather as a means to understand humanity, promote peace, and strengthen interfaith dialogue. In today’s increasingly interconnected and pluralistic world, the revival of this scholarly tradition is more essential than ever. Unfortunately, in many Muslim societies, the inclination to study the scriptures of other religions has diminished over time. This has resulted in a lack of awareness about other belief systems, which in turn contributes to misunderstandings, religious polarization, and at times, social conflict. This article aims to highlight the importance of reigniting the passion among Muslims for the academic and respectful study of other religious texts. It explores how such efforts can deepen interreligious understanding, correct misconceptions, and serve as a powerful tool to counter hatred and extremism. The study of other scriptures is not about compromising one’s own faith; rather, it is about acknowledging the shared moral and ethical values that unite all human beings. By revisiting the examples set by scholars like Al-Biruni and the vision of modern reformers like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, this piece calls upon contemporary Muslim institutions—especially madrasas and universities—to incorporate interfaith studies into their curricula. Doing so will not only enrich Islamic scholarship but also contribute to building a more inclusive, harmonious, and spiritually aware society. Whenever collective awareness, organized planning, and mutual cooperation disappear, human rights and other social values also begin to vanish. The biggest tragedy of our time is that every individual and nearly every group or organization prioritizes its own limited interests and prefers working within its own boundaries. To protect human rights and strengthen societal values and religious ethics, it is essential to act with foresight. It is often said that many actions are taken without proper thought or consideration of the circumstances. If we look closely, such actions are usually driven by emotions. The study of history shows us that wise nations and conscious societies never act carelessly. Just imagine: a nation that has been described as "the balanced community" (Ummatan Wasatan) is today, to a great extent, falling behind in every respect. Political awareness, educational decline, and economic downfall have severely weakened it. Have we ever seriously reflected on the reasons behind this decline? Today, not just in India but around the world, Muslims have their own education system, commonly known as Madrasas. Undoubtedly, Madrasas have fulfilled the needs of religious education in a remarkable way and continue to do so. But now the question arises: What are the responsibilities of Madrasas in a diverse society like India? This is something the scholars and education leaders of Madrasas must ponder. The religious value of the existing curriculum is undeniable. However, it’s equally important to realize that if some necessary new content is added to the syllabus, it will certainly bring better and far-reaching results. Look around—many social challenges we face today were not present in the past. Therefore, we must update our subjects to reflect the changing times and emerging needs. Today, we are facing a wave of ideological attacks across the globe. Islam is frequently targeted with baseless accusations. In response, Madrasas must prepare a generation that can confidently and wisely answer these objections in a positive and moderate tone. For this, intellectual subjects must be included in the curriculum. Additionally, there is a great need for research and understanding of other religions and their scriptures within our religious institutions. When such subjects are made part of our education system, it will naturally lead to greater unity and social harmony. The world urgently needs to move beyond the deception and trap of Islamophobia. Unfortunately, India has also been affected by this, and we've witnessed incidents over the past several years that are disturbing, especially in a diverse society like ours. To counter this, concrete efforts must be made to present the true image of Islam. We must organize programs where leaders and scholars from all religions come together to discuss and demonstrate that many values and teachings are shared across faiths, which can foster peace, coexistence, and social harmony. Such efforts will help humanity escape from growing hatred and violence. Some educational institutions have already taken initiatives in this direction—among them, Aligarh Muslim University’s Faculty of Theology and the Islamic Fiqh Academy deserve special mention. In 2022, a webinar was held on the topic: “Heavenly Books and Other Religious Scriptures – Introduction and History.” This event had a significant social and communal impact. The messages from this webinar helped reduce misconceptions and misunderstandings in society. Scholars from both Islamic and other religious traditions participated, giving the message that religion, regardless of its form, teaches humanity, welfare, peace, and tolerance. True religion does not promote propaganda or hatred against others. Spreading religious hatred or targeting any faith is not the behaviour of wise nations or civilized societies. Today, the need for interfaith understanding and dialogue is undeniable. Imagine the positive impact these ideas could have on social development and mutual respect. Professor Muhammad Saud Alam Qasmi Dean, Faculty of Theology – AMU, has shared this profound view to unite Indian society: “Along with peaceful coexistence, it is essential to understand contemporary religions and their sacred books. Most people are unaware of the classifications within religious texts—some are primary, others secondary, and some hold legal status. We must also recognize the common moral values found in all religions, which are a shared treasure for all humanity. To create meaningful societal change, these values must be deeply understood and actively promoted.” “The study of religions must be done with great depth and precision. Only then will it positively impact society. India’s true strength lies in its religious, linguistic, and cultural diversity. If we preserve this diversity, it will nurture a spiritual and constructive atmosphere, driving away hatred and violence.” He adds, “Vibrant and sensitive societies are those that acknowledge the good in other cultures and civilizations with open hearts.” These ideas are extremely important in our times. Only through such forward-thinking can we establish social harmony and mutual understanding. India’s collective identity demands recognition and acceptance of such ideas. A section of society with a narrow mindset is constantly disturbing peace. To counter such negativity, positive ideologies must be promoted. From the beginning, India’s educational institutions have played a role in promoting cultural pluralism. Let us also mention the proposal of Professor Akhtarul Wasey, former president of Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, who stated: “From the very first day of its establishment, Aligarh Muslim University has worked to connect religions and cultures. One of the shining examples is that when Urdu translations of the Mahabharata and other religious texts were completed, the university’s Publication Division published them with great care.” “We must also remember that although Max Müller is often credited as the first scholar of Indian religions, Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni had already deeply studied Indian culture and religious traditions and laid the foundation for comparative religion studies. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan considered the study of religions essential for educational institutions.” Muslims must also understand that today’s religious pluralism is fully aligned with the will of Almighty God. Therefore, we should design our education systems by understanding India’s soul and spiritual atmosphere and also based on Islamic teachings. Islam does not permit forced religious conversions, and freedom of religion is part of the Indian Constitution. Indeed, Muslims are not a people who confine themselves within their own bubble. They have always displayed broad-mindedness and openness. Muslims have made great contributions to the understanding of other civilizations and religions, proving that they are true symbols of tolerance. Swami Parmanand Puri Maharaj, in a global webinar of AMU’s Faculty of Theology, remarked: “Many misunderstandings are being spread about Muslims, especially the false idea that Muslims are aggressive or violent. In reality, Muslims are a community that exemplifies trust, justice, honesty, tolerance, and affection towards other communities. Those who associate Muslims with negativity need to understand their religion, ethics, and character truthfully.” Interfaith dialogue and religious understanding help establish peace and prosperity in society. Today, the world needs expansion of thought and openness. When nations are open-hearted and broad-minded, they not only protect their own beliefs but also their shared national heritage. History shows us that societies with narrow thinking and conflict eventually disappear. Thus, preserving national unity and shared heritage is vital. Negative ideologies born from social tension always lead to despair. Understanding other faiths, cultures, and traditions is only possible through interreligious dialogue. One great feature of such programs is that, while some openly spread religious hatred and misguide the public, interfaith platforms prove that true religion always promotes peace, humanity, and harmony. The ideas and teachings being spread in the name of religion today often do not reflect actual religious teachings. Only those ideas, plans, and movements will succeed in today’s world that are constructive, spiritual, and rooted in peaceful coexistence. Interfaith dialogue is the path that helps nations and generations develop balanced thinking and promotes a spirit of inclusivity. Therefore, it is now necessary to promote interfaith dialogues to inform humanity of its true rights, purpose, and position, and lead society toward understanding and peace. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/sacred-books-religions-muslims/d/136438 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