The Influence of Indian Thought on Albiruni and Subsequent Engagements

Albiruni presents Indian thought as a harmonious teaching to liberate the soul and attain union with God. He discusses monism and the soul's relationship to a powerful God. His tendency to see these ideas as echoing other cultures sets the tone for subsequent engagements with Indian thought. In the Islamic world, there would be a while before another engagement like this. Ashachastani's survey of religious doctrines did discuss India, but it lacked detail. Rashida Dine, a historian in the 1300s, had new information from a Buddhist scholar. Sohravardi, a 12th century philosopher, claimed his teachings aligned with the sages of India.