Hindu muhaqiqin ka mutala[ah qur’an wa sirat (urdu) [hindu scholars’ study of the qur’an and the sirah]

This evaluative study by Ziauddin Falahi, an Indian Muslim scholar of Islamic Studies at Aligarh Muslim University, India is perhaps the first of its kind in terms of assessing the Hindu scholars’ perception of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad’s life and mission (peace and blessings be upon him). This critique is of much significance on two counts: (i) It shows whether the critique of Hindu scholars is a replica of the Orientalist perspective or a departure from it; and (ii) whether it is connected to the Hinduvta ideology which has of late assumed menacing proportions. Given the multi-faith nature of the Indian polity, with Muslims accounting for at least 15% of the total population of India, this study is both well-conceived and timely.