In a nation often rocked by religious polarisation and misrepresentation, an extraordinary voice has emerged from the heart of Hindu spiritual leader an inspiring turn of thought and faith, Swami Lakshmi Shankaracharya, a respected Hindu spiritual leader, has penned a ground-breaking book titled The Life and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, offering a compelling and reverent portrayal of the Prophet of Islam ﷺ. Once known for his fierce criticism of Islam, the Swami’s journey from opposition to reverence has sparked national attention and is being hailed as a beacon of interfaith understanding in modern India.
Along with this book Swami Lakshmi Shankaracharya has authored two more insightful books on Islam, Islam: AatankYaAadarsh, and Qur’an: Jeeneki Kala. Through these works, he earnestly seeks to dispel misconceptions and unfounded allegations against Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, presenting the authentic teachings and truth with clarity and respect. His writings reflect a sincere commitment to fostering understanding and harmony in an often-divided world.
Swami Lakshmi Shankaracharya was once counted among the most vocal critics of Islam. Influenced by partial readings and negative portrayals, he authored a controversial book, The History of Islamic Terrorism, where he linked Islamic scripture with violence. However, in a rare act of introspection, the Swami chose not to remain in the realm of hearsay. Instead, he embarked on a detailed, open-minded study of Islam’s original sources – the Holy Qur’an and the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Acknowledging his past misconceptions, Swami Shankaracharya publicly sought forgiveness, stating:
“I seek forgiveness from Allah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and a public apology from my Muslim brethren. I take back my words which I had written or spoken in ignorance and appeal to all and sundry that whatever I wrote in “Islamic Atankwad ka Itihas” (The History of Islamic Terrorism) may be considered null and void .”
This inner transformation led him to retract his earlier writings. He cancelled his planned book titled America in Danger Because of Islam after encountering the teachings of Islam as presented by Islamic scholars and publications. Reflecting on his transformation, he now says:
“After studying the biography of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the teachings he provided, I have come to the conclusion that no person like Prophet Muhammad ﷺhas ever been born and will never be born .”
These words not only highlight the depth of his transformation but also invite others to approach Islam with openness, reflection, and a genuine desire to understand.
In The Life and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Swami Shankaracharya outlines the Prophet’s ﷺ role not as a conqueror, but as a reformer, teacher, and peacemaker. He highlights how Prophet Muhammad ﷺ endured years of persecution with patience and only resorted to defensive battles when there was no other option for survival or peace.
“The battles fought by Prophet Muhammad ﷺwere not for aggression but for defence against aggression and terrorism, as peace could not be established without confronting oppressors.”
He now views Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the greatest leader in human history, praising his stand for monotheism, moral reform, justice, and social upliftment. The Swami highlights the Prophet’s ﷺ famous act of forgiving the Quraysh on the day of Makkah’s conquest – as an example of divine character and unmatched humility.
“Makkah was conquered without any bloodshed. Thus, truth and peace triumphed, while falsehood and terrorism faced defeat…. The Prophet of God ﷺ, embodying generosity and compassion, forgave all those who had mercilessly oppressed him.”
In a time when religious differences are frequently weaponised, the Swami’s work stands in sharp contrast. His book offers a corrective to the misrepresentations of Islamic teachings and encourages Hindus and Muslims to see each other not as adversaries, but as fellow seekers of truth.
Swami Shankaracharya emphasises that jihad, often misunderstood, is not a call for violence but a struggle for justice, self-improvement, and defence against oppression.
He stated clearly that Islam has often been misunderstood because of intentional distortion of Qur’anic verses, selective reporting, and a lack of effort to study its true teachings.
“The most important and easiest way to understand the Qur’an and Islam is through the holy biography of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This is also my personal experience. By reading the life of the Prophet ﷺ and the Holy Qur’an, readers can judge for themselves whether Islam is a religion of terror or an ideal way of life .”
These words not only highlight the depth of his transformation but also invite others to approach Islam with openness, reflection, and a genuine desire to understand.
Swami affirms that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not sent solely for Muslims, but for all of humanity:
“Allah did not send Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a prophet to one nation or a community, but He sent him as a prophet for the whole world and for entire humanity.”
Swami Shankaracharya’s effort is not just theological; it is social. He founded the Hindu-Muslim Jan Manch, an interfaith platform to reduce tensions and increase cooperation between communities. He remains a strong advocate for religious literacy and civic harmony.
In the second part of the book, Swami Shankaracharya presents a thoughtfully curated selection of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, drawn from authentic Hadiths. These teachings are organised in a clear and accessible manner, offering practical guidance and spiritual enlightenment for leading a successful life – both in this world and in the hereafter.
After deeply engaging with the life and message of the Prophet ﷺ, Swami Shankaracharya concluded:
“The sacred biography and teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺdemonstrate that the ultimate goal of Islam is to establish truth, peace, and justice in the world. Therefore, linking Islam with violence and terror is a grave falsehood. If any incident occurs, it cannot and should not be attributed to Islam or the entire Muslim community.”
In an era where religious sentiments are often exploited for political gain, The Life and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stands out as a book of healing, hope, and truth. It is not merely a tribute; it is a blueprint for peaceful coexistence. Swami Lakshmi Shankaracharya has demonstrated that deep study and spiritual sincerity can overcome even the deepest of prejudices.
His message is clear: if we are to preserve the soul of India – a land of pluralism and respect – then interfaith understanding must become our shared priority. And that begins with the humility to learn before judging, to read before reacting, and to dialogue rather than divide.