A Truth-Revealing Book on Islam and Terrorism
✍ Written by: Ghulam Nabi Kashafi
The book “Islam: Terrorism or an Ideal Religion” is authored by Swami Lakshmi Shankar Acharya, a Hindu scholar from Kanpur District, India. Born in 1953 into a Brahmin family, Swami Ji received his early education in Kanpur and Allahabad. After being engaged in the construction business for some time, he turned towards spirituality.
Initially influenced by anti-Islam propaganda, Swami Ji authored a book critical of Islam titled “The History of Islamic Terrorism (Islamic Aatankwad Ka Itihaas)”. However, after discovering the truth, he expressed deep regret over his earlier work and wrote in defense of Islam under the new title:
"Islam: Aatank ya Aadarsh" (Islam: Terrorism or an Ideal Religion).
In this book, Swami Ji presents in detail his initial misconceptions about Islam and the correct understanding he later attained. He confesses that his former views were shaped by reading Qur’anic verses out of context and relying on misleading information, which led him to believe that Islam promotes terrorism.
Through deeper study, contact with Muslim scholars, and reading about the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Swami Ji underwent a complete transformation in thought.
Swami Ji openly admits his past mistake and expresses remorse over his previous book, writing:
“Due to ignorance, I fell into misunderstanding and, as a result, associated terrorism with Islam in my book ‘The History of Islamic Terrorism’. I deeply regret this. I appeal to the public to disregard my former book and consider it null.”
(Reference: Pages 9–11)
This represents a remarkable and exemplary act of intellectual and moral integrity, where the author not only acknowledges his error but actively works to correct it.
On page 7, under the section titled “Some Islamic Terms,” Swami Ji explains various terms such as:
✔ Kāfir: One who rejects or conceals the truth. He clarifies that this term is not an insult but simply denotes someone who denies the truth.
✔ Jihād: Tireless struggle for a cause. He stresses that equating Jihad with warfare alone is incorrect. The scope of Jihad includes struggle through wealth, pen, and speech.
(Reference: Pages 7–8)
Swami Ji exposes the propaganda which tries to link Islam with terrorism. He writes:
“Media and certain powers have tried to defame Islam by labeling it a terrorist religion. Qur’anic verses were misrepresented by detaching them from their context, and a false narrative was propagated.”
(Reference: Page 12)
The book contains a comprehensive chapter on the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which presents his character in a concise yet thorough manner. Swami Ji writes:
“The life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ proves that Islam is a religion of peace and truth, and stands against terrorism. Associating Islam with violence is the greatest falsehood.”
(Reference: Page 26)
A full chapter is devoted to analyzing 24 Qur’anic verses often misused by Islamophobes to falsely associate Islam with terrorism. Swami Ji reviews the context of each verse, demonstrating that none of them support violence or terrorism.
(Reference: Pages 34–59)
Swami Ji also highlights the noble teachings of the Qur’an, proving that Islam is a religion of peace, justice, and human welfare. He states:
“Due to the Islamic justice system, crime rates in Islamic countries are minimal. Islamic society is an exemplary model of peace, truth, and respect for human rights.”
(Reference: Page 73)
One chapter compares the concept of monotheism in ancient Hindu scriptures with Islamic teachings. Swami Ji laments that:
“The original teachings of Hinduism upheld monotheism, but later, beliefs in multiple gods and polytheism were introduced.”
(Reference: Page 93)
Refuting the widespread false propaganda against Islamic institutions, Swami Ji writes:
“Madrasas teach peace, discipline, and humanity—not terrorism. I personally visited madrasas and Islamic organizations, and found no trace of any teachings related to terrorism.”
(Reference: Page 100)
This book is not only an eye-opener for non-Muslims harboring misconceptions about Islam, but also a valuable read for Muslims themselves. By admitting his past errors and embracing the truth, Swami Ji has set a noble example of scholarly honesty and integrity.
✍ Written by: Ghulam Nabi Kashafi
✦ Introduction to the Author
The book “Islam: Terrorism or an Ideal Religion” is authored by Swami Lakshmi Shankar Acharya, a Hindu scholar from Kanpur District, India. Born in 1953 into a Brahmin family, Swami Ji received his early education in Kanpur and Allahabad. After being engaged in the construction business for some time, he turned towards spirituality.
Initially influenced by anti-Islam propaganda, Swami Ji authored a book critical of Islam titled “The History of Islamic Terrorism (Islamic Aatankwad Ka Itihaas)”. However, after discovering the truth, he expressed deep regret over his earlier work and wrote in defense of Islam under the new title:
"Islam: Aatank ya Aadarsh" (Islam: Terrorism or an Ideal Religion).
✦ Background of the Book
In this book, Swami Ji presents in detail his initial misconceptions about Islam and the correct understanding he later attained. He confesses that his former views were shaped by reading Qur’anic verses out of context and relying on misleading information, which led him to believe that Islam promotes terrorism.
Through deeper study, contact with Muslim scholars, and reading about the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Swami Ji underwent a complete transformation in thought.
✦ Confession of Error
Swami Ji openly admits his past mistake and expresses remorse over his previous book, writing:
“Due to ignorance, I fell into misunderstanding and, as a result, associated terrorism with Islam in my book ‘The History of Islamic Terrorism’. I deeply regret this. I appeal to the public to disregard my former book and consider it null.”
(Reference: Pages 9–11)
This represents a remarkable and exemplary act of intellectual and moral integrity, where the author not only acknowledges his error but actively works to correct it.
✦ Key Highlights of the Book
❖ Explanation of Islamic Terminologies
On page 7, under the section titled “Some Islamic Terms,” Swami Ji explains various terms such as:
✔ Kāfir: One who rejects or conceals the truth. He clarifies that this term is not an insult but simply denotes someone who denies the truth.
✔ Jihād: Tireless struggle for a cause. He stresses that equating Jihad with warfare alone is incorrect. The scope of Jihad includes struggle through wealth, pen, and speech.
(Reference: Pages 7–8)
✦ The Truth Behind Islam and Terrorism
Swami Ji exposes the propaganda which tries to link Islam with terrorism. He writes:
“Media and certain powers have tried to defame Islam by labeling it a terrorist religion. Qur’anic verses were misrepresented by detaching them from their context, and a false narrative was propagated.”
(Reference: Page 12)
✦ Biography of the Prophet ﷺ
The book contains a comprehensive chapter on the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which presents his character in a concise yet thorough manner. Swami Ji writes:
“The life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ proves that Islam is a religion of peace and truth, and stands against terrorism. Associating Islam with violence is the greatest falsehood.”
(Reference: Page 26)
✦ Clarification of 24 Qur’anic Verses
A full chapter is devoted to analyzing 24 Qur’anic verses often misused by Islamophobes to falsely associate Islam with terrorism. Swami Ji reviews the context of each verse, demonstrating that none of them support violence or terrorism.
(Reference: Pages 34–59)
✦ High Moral Teachings of the Qur’an
Swami Ji also highlights the noble teachings of the Qur’an, proving that Islam is a religion of peace, justice, and human welfare. He states:
“Due to the Islamic justice system, crime rates in Islamic countries are minimal. Islamic society is an exemplary model of peace, truth, and respect for human rights.”
(Reference: Page 73)
✦ Similarities Between Hinduism and Islam
One chapter compares the concept of monotheism in ancient Hindu scriptures with Islamic teachings. Swami Ji laments that:
“The original teachings of Hinduism upheld monotheism, but later, beliefs in multiple gods and polytheism were introduced.”
(Reference: Page 93)
✦ Facts About Madrasas and Islamic Scholars
Refuting the widespread false propaganda against Islamic institutions, Swami Ji writes:
“Madrasas teach peace, discipline, and humanity—not terrorism. I personally visited madrasas and Islamic organizations, and found no trace of any teachings related to terrorism.”
(Reference: Page 100)
❖ Conclusion
This book is not only an eye-opener for non-Muslims harboring misconceptions about Islam, but also a valuable read for Muslims themselves. By admitting his past errors and embracing the truth, Swami Ji has set a noble example of scholarly honesty and integrity.
