Opinion | Contributions of the Khusro Foundation: Building Bridges Through Books

Previously, we highlighted the vision and impact of the Khusro Foundation in an opinion piece published by Global Kashmir, titled “Khusro Foundation: Weaving Harmony Through Truth, Dialogue, and Literary Courage”. (https://globalkashmir.net/opinion-khusro-foundation-weaving-harmony-through-truth-dialogue-and-literary-courage/). That article emphasized how the Foundation is shaping India’s intellectual landscape by promoting truth, dialogue, and interfaith harmony through the power of words. Today, we take a closer look at some of the remarkable books published by the Foundation. The Khusro Foundation has established itself as a prominent force in India’s intellectual and cultural sphere, using the power of books to combat extremist narratives, promote interfaith harmony, and enhance religious literacy. Its publications spanning Urdu, Hindi, and English, over a rich variety of themes, from dismantling dangerous myths to guiding spiritual practice. Below is a closer look at its remarkable books, presented title by title.

1. What Is the Reality of Ghazwa-e-Hind?

Edited by Dr. Hafeezur Rahman, Convenor of the Khusro Foundation, this groundbreaking work draws on the expertise of eight distinguished scholars representing the diversity of the Islamic tradition Sunni, Shia, Deobandi, Barelvi, Salafi, and Sufi as well as a non-Muslim female academic. Published in Urdu, Hindi, and English, the book delivers a detailed and critical examination of the so-called Ghazwa-e-Hind narrative. Through rigorous historical analysis and theological reasoning, the contributors dismantle the myth, exposing it as a fabricated and politically exploited concept. The work was launched in New Delhi in March 2024 in the presence of leading intellectuals such as Dr. Zeenat Shaukat Ali and M. J. Akbar. It has been praised for its role in countering extremist propaganda with scholarship and clarity, setting a precedent for how religious discourse can be reclaimed from misinterpretation. The book is available in three languages: English, Urdu & Hindi.

2. Tafheem-e-Jihad: Understanding, Explaining and Building a Nuanced Narrative on the Islamic Philosophy of War

Authored by Dr. Zishan Ahmad Misbahi with a preface by Dr. Hafeezur Rahman, this book released in April 2025 addresses one of the most misunderstood terms in modern times: jihad. Rather than offering a defensive apology, the work takes readers through the authentic Islamic understanding of the concept, differentiating between spiritual striving, ethical struggle, and legitimate defense. Drawing from the Qur’an, Hadith, and centuries of Islamic jurisprudence, Tafheem-e-Jihad systematically dismantles extremist misinterpretations. It emphasizes that jihad, as conceived in Islam, is bound by strict ethical and humanitarian rules, and cannot be used to justify violence against innocents. The book is both a resource for scholars and an accessible guide for ordinary readers seeking clarity amid a noisy public debate.

3.Haj Urdu

Haj Urdu by Ahmad Javeed serves as a practical and devotional guide for pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey to Mecca. Written in clear and accessible Urdu, the book combines ritual instructions with spiritual reflections, ensuring that readers understand both the procedural and the symbolic dimensions of Hajj. In a religious climate where misinformation often spreads, Haj Urdu stands out as a reliable and reader-friendly resource. It reflects the Khusro Foundation’s commitment to not only countering ideological extremism but also nurturing the everyday religious life of Muslims through sound knowledge and guidance.

4. Swami Vivekananda: Sufism and Islam

Hussian Randathani’s this book is an inspired exploration of the spiritual parallels between Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy and the mystical traditions of Islam, particularly Sufism.The work underlines common values such as compassion, selflessness, and unity of humanity that cut across religious boundaries. By highlighting the intersection between Hindu and Islamic spiritual thought, the book promotes interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and cultural harmony. It serves as a timely reminder that India’s rich heritage is built on shared moral and spiritual aspirations, making it an important contribution to the national conversation on unity in diversity.

The Khusro Foundation has been making remarkable strides in promoting intellectual and cultural discourse through its publications, reaching a wide spectrum of readers and institutions across India. In a short span of time, the Foundation has succeeded in sending its books to more than 1,000 institutions nationwide, including central university libraries, leading state universities, prominent minority colleges, reputed madrasas, community schools, and national and state-level libraries. Copies have also been shared with Muslim Vice Chancellors, distinguished authors, scholars, academicians, and media houses.The initiative has drawn an overwhelmingly positive response, particularly from youth, researchers, and academicians, with special appreciation coming from readers in Kashmir.

Celebrated Book Launches and Festivals

The Khusroo Foundation has proudly showcased and launched its books at several prestigious venues. These include the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi, the India International Centre, New Delhi, the World Book Fair, New Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Hamdard, Jamia Arifia Allahabad, and the Chinar Book Festival, Srinagar. Among the most celebrated works, Muslim Women: A Manifesto for Change has emerged as a bestseller on Amazon and was one of the most sought-after books at the Chinar Book Festival.

Publications of the Foundation

The Khusroo Foundation has published and circulated several acclaimed books that have generated deep scholarly interest and public engagement. Among them are:

Ghazwa-e-Hind (Urdu, Hindi, English) – Edited by Dr. Hafeezur Rahman, 2nd edition

Tafheem-e-Jihad (Urdu) – Dr. Zishan Misbahi, 2nd edition

Muslim Women: A Manifesto for Change (English) – Mohd Maroof Shah, 2nd edition

Islam, Aamriyat aur Pasmandagi (Urdu edition of Islam, Authoritarianism and Underdevelopment) – Prof. Ahmet T. Kurru

Talwaron ke Saye Main (Urdu edition of The Shade of Swords) – M.J. Akbar

Aqeede ki Dararein (Urdu edition of Fault Lines in the Faith) – Prof. Iqbal S. Hasnain

Dara Shikoh: Ek Sufi Shehzada (Urdu) – Dr. Mufti Mushtaq Tijarvi, 2nd edition

Hindustan ki Sharai Haisiyat (Urdu) – Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, 2nd edition

Muslim Ulama ka Mutala Hindu Dharam (Urdu) – Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, 2nd edition

Hajj Guide (Urdu, Hindi) – Ahmed Javed, former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, 2nd edition

Tiranga Aanchal (Urdu, Children’s Literature) – Taha Nasim

Raakh Mein Dabi Chingaari (Urdu Fiction) – Nasreen Hamza Ali

Sara Sansar Ek Pariwar (Hindi, Children’s Book) – Mohd Shwaib Ali Shah

Concept of Justice in World Religions (Urdu, English, Hindi) – Khwaja Abdul Muntaqim

Mere Watan ki Khushboo (Urdu Poetry) – Edited by Dr. Azra Naqvi, 2nd edition

The Khusroo Foundation’s mission goes beyond publishing it is about creating dialogue, preserving knowledge, and ensuring that critical themes such as social justice, religious understanding, historical narratives, and contemporary issues remain accessible to readers across India. By bridging tradition with modern discourse, the Foundation is steadily carving a niche in the literary and academic landscape of the country.

The Centre for Public Interest (CPI), a Kashmir-based independent think tank working on governance, policy reforms, and community empowerment through research and advocacy, has praised the Khusro Foundation for its unique role in promoting knowledge and harmony through books. The Director of CPI remarked: “While many platforms sell noise instead of knowledge, the Khusro Foundation quietly builds bridges through books. At CPI, we see this as the most powerful rebuttal to ignorance, not through rhetoric, but through lasting literature.”

About the Author:

Advocate Tahir Majeed, a policy analyst from Jammu & Kashmir and Content Director of the North Kashmir Gazette, is recognized for his thought-provoking writings on governance, economic development, and cultural harmony. His perspectives draw from ground realities and a vision for an inclusive and progressive future. He can be reached at lawtahirmajeed@gmail.com