Skip to content Skip to navigation

Swami Laxmi Shankaracharya: the man who stumbled upon Islâm


In a fit to exploit the growing spate of terrorist activities branded as Islâmic Terrorism, born in 1953 at Kanpur Uttar Pradesh, Shri Swami Laxmi Shankaracharya authored a book titled “The History of Islâmic Terrorism.” The book written originally in Hindi was eventually published in English from Mumbai by Shiv Sena Supremo Bal Thakarey.


All this was not to stop here. Swami enthused to furthermore expound the influence of Islâmic Terrorism in the Euro-American world began serious research studies. Surprised with the discoveries made henceforth Swami grew apologetic for what he gathered in his first book “The History of Islâmic Terrorism.” To denounce his belief he held about Islâm and the widespread opinions on Islâmic Terrorism he wrote his expository finds into “Islam: Terror or Principle?”


Swami born into a family of Brahmin educationists received education at Kanpur and later in Allahabad. He started life as a Contractor but soon sometime after he deviated towards constructive spiritualism and began to look around through the prism of Monotheism.


Swami credits the popularity of the phrase ‘Islâmic Terrorism’ to the media, the West and other countries who through what he calls ‘A Planned Conspiracy’ published innumerable books which claim that the roots of Terrorism are found in Islâm.


Recently the Assamese Islamic Literary Publication Committee (AILPC) under the aegis of the Jamaat-é-Islâmi Hind (JEIH) Assam North Chapter released the Translated Assamese Edition of the original Hindi Edition of the book ‘Islam: Terror or Principle?’ by Author and Guest of Honor Swami Laxmi Shankaracharya (Lucknow) at Pandit Tirthanath Sarma Auditorium at Chandmari Colony, Guwahati. The Assamese Edition of the book has been translated by Md. Abdul Hamid and Md. Nasim Ullah active members of JEIH Assam North Chapter.


The event saw the attendance of Speakers Dr. Ramesh Pathak, Retired Professor of Assamese Language (Cotton College, Guwahati) and Md. Kefayatullah, President Jamaat-é-Islâmi Hind Assam North Chapter among invitees, patrons and distinguished others.


Guest Speaker Dr. Ramesh Pathak elaborating the concept of Tauheed said Prophet Muhammad (May Peace and Blessings of Allâh Be With Him) is not a property of the Muslims as otherwise thought. Translator Md. Abdul Hamid held: “We must ask ourselves if we are Muslims. We must correct our incapacities at the earliest,” while Jamaat-é-Islâmi Hind Assam North Chapter President Md. Kefayatullah upheld the principles that define the existence of One God.


Significantly the kind of history which Swami came across in the VI Standard detailing Muhammad Sahabuddin Ghori till Aurangzeb created a different picture of Islâm and Muslims. To quote him ‘both Islâm and Muslims seemed to be a threat.’ Later when he went to Allahabad in pursuance of higher studies, the behavior of few Muslim brothers there further solidified what he perceived through history books. Following the misreportage of Islâm by the media in India and worldwide fuelled his opinion so much so that he wrote “The History of Islâmic Terrorism.”


Addressing a calm gathering Swami echoed: “But then after I realized that the book “The History of Islâmic Terrorism” is not in the interest of the country because if the crores of Muslims of this country and their Religion is associated with Terrorism a negative message would go in and the enemies of the country, the evil forces which want to weaken the country, which want to divide the country and burn the country, they would find opportunities to brainwash the Muslim youths of the country. I felt I should rethink on the bases I wrote the book linking terrorism to Islâm and there was another reason too. I was suggested to write a similar book for the Europe and Americas which pictured growing threats from Islâm and that the book should be downright authentic, not thin but fat in its volume. So that is why I started researching deeply on Islâm and it was during my researches it occurred to me that if it goes on like the way it is, a very negative message will be popularized and it shall put the country to threat. When after I began researching again I found that those very Ayahs of The Noble Qur’an which I connected with Terrorism are in reality meant to end Terrorism and that there are a number of similarities between The Srimad Bhagwat Geeta and The Noble Qur’an.”


When Swami saw this new face of Islâm he grew sad for his deeds and as a first step towards admitting his guilt he tried apologizing verbally to the people and then through the media, held meetings but concluded God wanted something else. He said: “God poised great hindrances, I introspected and I received inspiration from God that I give the reply to a book with a book. I wrote “The History of Islâmic Terrorism” and I had to give them a reply to a book in the form of a book. I wrote a different book ‘Islam: Terror or Principle?’ meaning there is no terror in Islâm but principles. The references and proofs which I furnished in this book and the references and proofs which I am now going to put forward to you are different. I do not want to give you references which attract your attention to only read. I am giving other references. Without references nothing is proved. For it the first thing which I want to say is that we have voted to power the governing leaders of this country so that they strengthen the social fabric of this country and establish equality and solidarity amongst the Hindus, Muslims and other religious communities. But those leaders for their own benefit, for their votes, for their politics gave birth to disbelief among the Hindus and Muslims by way of connecting terrorism to Religion. Hindu Terrorism, Islâmic Terrorism, Muslim Terrorism and all such things are only methods of acquiring votes.”


Swami holds that whenever a leader talks about Hindu Terrorism among Muslims they only intend to harvest votes. He continues: “These leaders do nothing, they do not work, they only construe vote math to capture votes. In this issue we are not going out of our issue by discussing these because it is essential to tell you who gave birth to Terrorism, it is necessary to go to its roots. When they go among the Muslims and talk about Hindu Terrorism they effort to trap wholesale Muslim votes and when they go to the Hindus and talk about Islâmic Terrorism, Muslim Terrorism they thus effort to trap their wholesale votes. These are traps. And today we have a leader who is the Minister for Home who found the color of Terrorism called Saffron Terrorism and our Mr. Tagodia started seeing Green Terrorism. One found Saffron Terrorism while the other found Green Terrorism. Now the factor is Hindu Terrorism, Muslim Terrorism, Saffron Terrorism, and Green Terrorism; is there any truth in it?”


Swami offered a comparative report on Sanatan Vedic Religion and Islâm wherein he cited that according to the Vedas Ahimsa (Non-Violence) is the greatest Dharma (Virtuous Deed) and to be slanderous is the greatest Adharma or Sin. There is no greater a Sin than to backbite on someone’s religion, one’s person, or society. The education that connects to God is Yog and there are Eight Steps of Yog. To connect to God it is necessary to complete the Eight Steps: 1) Yam 2) Niyam 3) Asan 4) Pranayam 5) Pratyahar 6) Dharna 7) Dhyan and 8) Samadhi.


He further illustrates: “In this the first step is Yam. And what we have in the first step? (1) Ahimsa (Non-violence) (2) Satyam (The Universal Truth that God is One and He Alone is Worthy of Worship / La Ila ha Ilal Lah) (3) Astayam (To curb greed) (4) Brahmacharyam (To practice monogamy. Chastity in thought, word, and deed, always, and in all conditions) (5) Dayajagam (To instill kindness) (6) Kshyama (To be forgiveful) (7) Dhritim (To be patient. Sabr. According to the Qur’an Allâh is with those who have patience) (8) Nikahara (To eat less. It is said in the Vedas that 3/4th of the stomach should be filled and 1/4th kept empty. The Apostle of Allâh (May Peace and Blessings of Allâh Be With him) said that food for 3 persons is enough for 4 persons) (9) Saucham (To be physically and mentally clean) (10) Chae eao yama dus Without acquiring these 10 qualities no one can step over the first step towards connecting with God. This is the Sanatan Vedic Religion and can people who follow such a religion with orthodoxy be terrorists? Can such people who follow such a religion with orthodoxy be a danger to the country? To decide is up to you and the media.”


Talking about Islâm, he took to reference The Noble Qur’an, the Hadith and Life of Hadhrat Muhammad (May Peace and Blessings of Allâh Be With Him) citing Surah 3, V140 of The Noble Qur’an which states: “…and Allâh loveth not those that do wrong.” Surah 5 V32: “…that whoever kills a soul …it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” Surah 26 V183: “And do not deprive people of their due and do not commit abuse on earth, spreading corruption.” Surah 26 V184: “And fear Him Who created you and (Who created) the generations before (you).” Surah 28 V66: “But seek, through that which Allâh has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allâh has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allâh does not like corrupters." Surah 28 V83: “That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.” and Surah 41 V34 states: “And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.”


Swami queried: “What else can be a greater principle than this? The highest of principles are contained in The Noble Qur’an. Can those who abide by these principles be a threat to the country? Can those who abide by these principles be terrorists?”


In his attempt to reach out to his Hindu brethrens through the audience and the media he clarified that with context to the Surahs of The Noble Qur’an which he narrated; it’s that the Muslims are not free to abide or not to abide by them. “In every situation a Muslim is supposed to abide by them. This is Allah’s Word and is strictly ordained,” he said.


With a hint to Religious Fundamentalist he opined that a Muslim who fundamentally stands for Practical Islâm; can a person who fundamentally stands for the mentioned Surahs be a threat to the country? Can he be a terrorist? To him this is one of the biggest questions.


He extolled: “Once The Apostle of Allâh (May Peace and Blessings of Allâh Be With Him) said “By Allâh he is not a Muslim, By Allâh he is not a Muslim, By Allâh he is not a Muslim.” He was asked “O Apostle of Allâh, who?” He answered: “He by whom his neighbor is in trouble.” If because of some Muslim his neighbor is in trouble, he is not a Muslim. Once The Apostle of Allâh (May Peace and Blessings of Allâh Be With Him) said: “Help your brother whether he is a tormentor or an oppressed.” He was asked: “O Apostle of Allâh, if a brother is oppressed we know how to help him, but if he is a tormentor, then how should we help him tell us?” He ordered: “Hold his arms and save him from Hell Fire. This is his help.” In Surah 21 V107 of The Noble Qur’an Allâh reminds: “O Muhammad I have sent you as a mercy upon the entire universe,” and The Apostle of Allâh (May Peace and Blessings of Allâh Be With Him) spent his lifetime in accordance with the Ayahs of The Noble Qur’an.”


Focusing on the history of India he said: “The British ill projected the history of this country. They succeeded governance from the Muslims and well knew they had to face them too and so entangled them in a fight. They wrote such history reading which large sections of Hindus begin to hate the Muslims, fear the Muslims and regard them as their enemies. History was written so out of proportion that reading it till today a feeling of negligence towards Islâm has grown. Any amount of advocacy from a Muslim does not work well because a Hindu thinks if at all history is incorrect than why at all it’s being taught and whatever is being taught is perceived authentic. The British left and when the country gained independence in 1947 it came into the hands of such a person who called himself a great historian. He wrote a book named Discovery of India.”



He questioned into the merit of such the mammoth historian who failed to correct history. “Why till date the same incorrect history being taught?” he retorted. “This is a big conspiracy and the Muslims of this country got snared to this conspiracy. The question is why this conspiracy? It is because it was well known that the Muslims governed for comparatively a longer time span and in every possible manner to be kept away from becoming politically strong and to cut them off from the majority Hindus it was necessary that the history they wrote prevailed. So the divide and rule policy which the British made stayed on even after they left in 1947 and the leaders in whose hands governance passed over stole it and continued with it. It is in existence even today. The big matter is that since August 15th 1947 to August 15th 2010, it has been long past 63 years. Of these 63 years the BJP governed for 5 years and there has been 58 years of secular governance; even after this why is the same history being taught? Who are responsible for this; those who have been ruling for 58 long years or those who ruled for 5 years? Muslims have been entrusted a great responsibility by Allâh in this country and they should carry it with success,” he feels.


He surmised to the media that Jihad is that which efforts to contain Untruthfulness, Injustice, Torture, Terrorism; to employ all possible means in self defense is Jihad the limiting step of which is war. To do away with the misgivings Swami thoroughly studied Islâm and thinking that writing books alone will not suffice formed the Hindu Muslim Jan Ekta Manch (HMJEM) under which a number a programs are on countrywide yielding wonderful results. When asked if HMJEM will push matters to correct the history of India which is perceived authentic he said that HMJEM shall address the issue and make people aware of it. On the sideline invitee Samrat Bora Assistant Professor Biology Arya Vidyapeeth College, Guwahati and General Secretary of the North East Writers’ Forum felt and ardent need to address the Hindus and opined that they be told to become better Hindus.


Finally, Swami’s message to the Hindus: “If you want to know about Islâm you must look at Islâm and not at the Muslims and the media.”


Comments

The truth's picture

Very well said. Truly agree with this man's knowledge on islam in its true sense. Hats Off...

Pages

Add new comment

Random Stories

CM attends biennial conference of ARSU and ARWC

12 Jan 2020 - 12:19pm | Bidyut Sarkar
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal took part as chief guest at the open session of the 17th biennial conference of All Rabha Students' Union and 10th biennial conference of All Rabha Women Council...

Akhil Gogoi arrested, Government’s hypocrisy exposed

25 Jun 2011 - 4:44pm | Peter Alex Todd
The Tarun Gogoi led government, have managed to come to power for the third time, and perhaps there was a lot of expectations from the people. The chief minister had himself said that the absence of...

Save rhino campaign on bicycle

17 Jan 2014 - 5:25pm | Juthika Das
Mantu Das, a 30 years old youth of Milan Nagar, Jania Road, Metuakuchi, Barpeta,  son of Late Ghanakanta Das and Nirupama Das set out his journey to Delhi on bicycle, along with his three...

AGP to clear Mahanta’s move

15 Jul 2014 - 7:46am | AT News
 Asom Gana Parishad is holding its brainstorming session on Tuesday a day after Prafulla Kumar Mahanta’s resigned a president owning moral responsibility for the party’s defeat in the recent Lok...

Other Contents by Author

Flood relief brings no less hopes for the flood affected in many parts of Assam who have been rendered homeless. Courtesy Markazul Ma’arif, Ajmal Foundation and Assam State Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind. In a press statement, the organizations said that they have stepped up distribution of relief materials to the flood hit people in Barpeta, Bagbor, Jonia. The team reached Barpeta and distributed beaten rice along with sugar and biscuits in Hajipara and Khumtai areas. They further distributed relief materials in Kalgachia, Jania and Bhagbar.
AASU leader Dr Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya Saturday thrashed the BJP-led Government at the Centre alleging that Assam will have to brear the brunt of the recent set of policies. Addressing a AJYCP-sponsored conclave in Guwahati, the AASU adviser said that need of the hour is a massive agitation to prevent the Centre from implementing the anti people policies. "The narendra Modi Government at the Centre has been concentrating on cleaning on the river Ganga. But it has never tried to tame the might Brahmaputra," said Dr Bhattacharya. He said that never the people of Assam will be a mute spectator if the Centre wants to rehabilitate the Hindu nationals of the neighbouring countries. "We won'...
Syed Miraz Ahmed chanced to chat up with two lively young models from Assam who made it to the Top 10 at the ongoing India’s Next Top Model Season 2, setting their own benchmarks and thereby becoming role models for many in the region. MTV launched the second season of India’s Next Top Model on July 10. The Indian version of the CBS sensation 'America's Next Top Model' created by Tyra Banks was launched in India last year by license holder and producer Bulldog Media & Entertainment. Following on the heels of massive appreciation for the first season, the fashion franchisee is on TV with feisty young models for India’s Next Top Model Season 2 (INTMS2) every Sunday, 7 pm. In the hunt to...
The United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) expresses deep sorrow over the passing away of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, Founding Member and Chairman Isak Chishi Swu who died Tuesday, June 28 following prolonged aliment since July 5 at Fortis Hospital in New Delhi. He was 87.ULFA(I) in reverence terms him as “a tower of a man” in the politics of the Naga People as a whole and identifies him as a deeply religious man with an amiable personality which proved to be a great asset to his group in bringing unity between tribes and taking forward the Naga cause with fortitude and revolutionary inspiration to fight on. The over for more than three decadesSwu with his mature skill...
ULFA [Independent], Friday in a media communiqué expressed that each of its members are deeply saddened by the news of conviction of the United National Liberation Front of Manipur, Chairman, Raj Kumar Meghen also known as Sanaiyama’s by another 10 years. It said that the Indian Government machinery in occupation is “scared” of the impact of Sanaiyama’s principle. A free Sanaiyama in the case of our regional unity with his active role has “shaken” the occupying forces and that is the reason why he has been convicted by a plot, claimed ULFA [I]. Sanaiyama who received imprisonment with a smiling face is an indomitable sign of their common journey for regional independence feels ULFA [I]....
WordSmith Publishers, Guwahati, Sunday hosted the launch of “A Wayside Story,” a novella by writer-author-painter Rupanjali Baruah at the 122 year old Guwahati Club premise. In a bid to do away with the routine celebrity launching the novella was introduced amidst an august gathering through selective readings of the fictional narrative prose set in the populous Emirate of Dubai exploring love, intrigue and betrayal by protagonists of the story, Siddhartha (Syed Miraz Ahmed) and Minnie (Aldina Zinobia). Renowned film maker Manju Bora was felicitated on the sidelines of the event as a woman achiever of Assam. Sahitya Akademi Award recipient Kula Saikia, fulltime award winning Indian writer...
As a follow-up to the historic Paris climate agreement, WWF’s Earth Hour is advocating the need for climate action, and calling people around the world to help "change climate change". In 2015, 195 nations agreed to combat climate change and unleash actions and investment towards a low carbon, resilient and sustainable future, and set a path to keep temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius. Earth Hour 2016 is now our time to shine a light on climate action and make a transition towards clean energy. With a record participation of 172 countries and territories around the world, Earth Hour has inspired millions to move towards energy conservation and energy efficiency. Earth Hour 2016...
As India prepares to celebrate her Republic Day and host French President Francois Hollande as the guest of honor, four banned outfits of Northeast India, the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia [UNLFW], Coordination Committee [CorCom], Manipur, the Garo National Liberation Army [GNLA] and Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council [HNLC] of Meghalaya calls for a boycott of the 67th Republic Day. To press for an independent Western South East Asia [WeSA] the outfits have unitedly called for a total shutdown of establishments imposing sanctions to all official and non-official Republic Day programmes of what it terms as imposed celebrations from 00:01 hrs to 18:00 hrs on January...
The 12th South Asian Games to be held in Guwahati and Shillong from February 5th to February 16th is already creating vibes across the nation and the rave would escalate further during the 4th Metropolis - Urban Winter Festival, which begins on January 8, 2016. As the city branding and promotional exercises are on full swing for the mega sporting event, Tikhor - the Games’ mascot - would be the key attraction for the entire promotional event of the South Asian Games during Metropolis. A cute and an adorable one-horned rhino, Tikhor would be seen roaming around at the venues of Metropolis. It would prominently make appearance at Nehru Park, Guwahati, where people - especially children -...
Wildlife research, a subject which was fairly unknown even a few years ago, is now fast becoming one of great interest for the younger generations who seek alternative careers as wildlife researchers and conservationists.  In view of the growing demand for training on the subject, the Department of Zoology, University of Science and Technology (USTM) in collaboration with Aaranyak, is organizing a three-day certificate course on Wildlife Research Techniques from January 5-January 7, 2016.  USTM and Aaranyak in 2015 signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote research and conservation by building the capacities of young students and reserachers and engaging them in applied...