Zafar Darik Qasmi

Muslim scholars and Sufis learned Sanskrit to study Hinduism, and promote interfaith harmony, and highlighted the importance of languages in fostering peace, mutual understanding, and cultural unity in society. Muslim scholars and Sufis mastered Sanskrit to translate sacred Hindu texts like the Vedas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata into Persian and Arabic.

One of the greatest features of the world is linguistic diversity.

Linguistic diversity is not only natural but also a sign of divine wisdom. Different languages are meant to be sources of beauty, variety, and mercy among humans—not of hatred and division.

The knowledge of different languages gives us access to global literature, philosophy, religions, and scientific research. A multilingual person can understand different nations and cultures better, which promotes world peace and mutual respect. Language skills are essential in business, diplomacy, tourism, and international relations. Every language’s words and idioms reflect unique ways of thinking, which nurture human creativity.

Islam also emphasizes respect for languages. Prophet Muhammad appointed several Companions who knew different languages to build relationships with other nations. For instance, Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit was instructed to learn Hebrew to understand the letters and books of the Jews.

In this context, Muslim scholars and Sufi saints of India also played a remarkable role. Many of them learned the Sanskrit language, studied Hindu scriptures, translated them, and wrote comparative religious studies. Their goal was to foster social harmony, religious understanding, and cultural unity.

By studying Hindu scriptures in Sanskrit, these Muslim scholars helped reduce misunderstandings and promoted peaceful coexistence.

Notable Muslim Scholars Who Knew Sanskrit:

Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni

One of the earliest Muslim scholars to learn Sanskrit. He lived with Hindu priests and monks in India, learned Sanskrit (a secretive language at the time), and wrote the famous book “Tahqiq Ma lil-Hind” (Research on India), which is the first Arabic book on Hindu religion and philosophy. It introduced the Arab world to Indian culture.

Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan

He was a Mughal noble and poet who knew several languages including Sanskrit and Hindi. His Hindi couplets (dohas) reflect Indian traditions, Hindu-Muslim unity, Sufi spirituality, and moral values. His writings transcend religious divides and emphasize shared human values.

Abu’l Faiz Faizi

He was a renowned scholar and poet of the Mughal period. He mastered Sanskrit and translated Hindu texts like Mahabharata, Atharvaveda, Lilavati, and others into Persian.

Abu’l Fazl Allami

Abu’l Fazl was a historian and author of “Ain-e-Akbari”. He had some knowledge of Sanskrit and studied the Hindu religion, which is evident in parts of his book where he discusses Hindu beliefs and customs.

Mulla Abdul Qadir Badayuni

He was a well-known historian and linguist of Akbar’s court. He knew Sanskrit well and translated three major Hindu texts — Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Atharvaveda — into Persian under royal command.

Dara Shikoh

The Mughal prince and Sufi thinker, he was fluent in Persian and a scholar of Sanskrit. He translated the Upanishads into Persian under the title “Sirr-e-Akbar” (The Great Secret), believing that Hindu and Islamic spirituality shared common truths.

Fathullah Shirazi

Shirazi was a scholar from Iran who migrated to India and lived during Akbar’s time. He learned Sanskrit and contributed to the translation of Hindu scriptures like Mahabharata into Persian.

These scholars not only translated Sanskrit texts into Persian but also preserved Hindu philosophy for Muslim readers. They built bridges between Vedanta and Sufism and between Islamic and Indian civilizations.

Their efforts were not just acts of linguistic skill, but signs of broad-mindedness, intellectual tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. They strengthened the roots of composite Indian culture.

Unfortunately, the tradition of learning Sanskrit and other languages among Muslim scholars has faded today. There is a need to revive this legacy.

Madrassas should consider teaching Hindi and Sanskrit so that young scholars can understand the faith and culture of their fellow citizens. If we want to study Hindu scriptures, we must learn Sanskrit. Historically, Muslim scholars have always supported the learning of languages.

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It is a fact that there was a time when Muslim scholars and Sufi saints actively studied Sanskrit to promote harmony in society. But now, religious institutions and spiritual centers show a lack of interest in this valuable tradition — which is deeply unfortunate.

Dr.Zafar Darik Qasmi is a well known scholar and author.