MAJALAH AL-HIKMAH EDISI 7 | 2019

Although Al-Biruni is well noted for his accomplishments in natural sciences, his crucial contribution to comparative study of religion, especially Hinduism cannot be overshadowed by his other accom- plishments. In fact, he should be called as the best representative of the pioneers who initiated compar- ative study of religious traditions. Moreover, the intellectual world will remember him as great com- parative religionist due to his scrupulous and objective research that served as a big boost in the methodological aspects of com- parative religion. An accurate man, a neutral scholar, a hard worker and a craving student. Al-Biruni was an exemplary fig - ure for all those who study reli - gions and comparative religions. He is an original thinker who collected large data on several religions with complete care, pre- senting true knowledge of these faiths to the Muslim world. His approaches were applied by the west in its studies. His special and profound result in Hinduism en- abled him to compare this religion with other religions like Greek and Islam. He opened a new horizon of knowledge for human thought to search the reality. He was a scholar with multi-dimensional knowledge that was of encyclo- pedic magnitude. By using the anthropological approach, he was able to objectively study Hindu - ism, despite the fact that this reli- gion’s beliefs are contradictory to his own doctrine. His use of the comparative method also served a beneficial mean for enhanc - ing cross-cultural understanding. Finally, Al-Biruni’s crucial con - tribution to comparative study of religion, especially Hinduism as a role model for Muslim heritage shows that inter-disciplinary stud - ies such as studying religion, cul - ture and society can lead to very original research, positive and constructive relationships between different communities that can lead to healthy interfaith dialogue, reli- gious harmony and coexistence. 5