Reforms in Hinduism A Critique in the Shariah Perspective

Abstract

Hinduism has been a vital subject for studies and research of Muslims throughout the Islamic History. From Ibn Hazm (994-1063AD), and Al-Biruni (973- 1048AD) till modern period Muslim scholars have

been defining the commonalities between the two great religions and cultures of the world, and have been trying to find out some scope to mutual understanding and participation in the development. Maulana Sayyid Hamid Ali (1923-1993AD), the ex-general secretary of Jamaat-e Islami of India, a prolific writer, a distinguished orator and a moderate intellectual tried his best to understand Hinduism, its basic sources- Vedas, Upanishads, Manusmirtis, Puranas, Gita and Ramayana- its evolutionary stages and the reformative ideas in his writings. He has compared the monotheistic ideas of Vedas, as interpreted by Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902AD), Swami Dayananda Sarasvati (1824-1883) and other Hindu reformist Intellectuals, with the theory of Wahadat al-Wajud as advocated by Muhiuddin Ibn al-Arabi (d.1240AD) of Muslim Spain. The great scholar has also differentiated the said Sufi theory from the Quranic belief of tauhid. This chapter will examine the academic stand taken by the great Muslim intellectual in respect of Hinduism and try to understand his views objectively.