Opinion | Khusro Foundation: Weaving Harmony Through Truth, Dialogue, and Literary Courage

By countering myths, amplifying credible scholarship, and fostering dialogue across divisions, the Foundation is cultivating the soil for mutual respect and shared identity.

In a world where ideals of unity are too often fractured by misunderstanding and mistrust, the Khusro Foundation emerges as a powerful proponent of empathy and coexistence. Grounded in the timeless legacy of the 13th-century Sufi poet Amir Khusro whose poetry shattered linguistic and cultural boundaries the Foundation carries his spirit forward, nurturing dialogue that transcends divisions. At its core lies a profound belief in the mantra of “love towards all.” Khusro Foundation is steadfast in its mission to nurture societal harmony: communal tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and the rejection of violence. But what often stays behind grand ideals is the matter of real-world impact and it’s in that arena that the Foundation has made remarkable strides.

A defining moment in its efforts occurred in March 2024, when Khusro Foundation released its pivotal publication, What Is The Reality of Ghazwa-e-Hind? This book brought together essays from eight distinguished scholars representing diverse strands of Islamic thought including Sunni, Shia, Deobandi, Barelvi, Salafi, Sufi and even a non-Muslim female scholar. Through rigorous study, they dismantled the myth of Ghazwa-e-Hind which is an apocalyptic prophecy often misused by extremist factions to demonstrate that claims of an inevitable conquest of India have no authentic grounding in Islamic tradition. Edited by the Foundation’s Convenor, Dr. Hafeezur Rahman, the book was released in Hindi, Urdu, and English, and distributed widely to leading madrassas, universities, libraries, and scholars across the country. The launch of the book unfolded at the esteemed India International Centre in New Delhi and featured prominent voices like former minister and author M. J. Akbar. He delivered a stirring address, underscoring that Islam itself cannot bear the blame for misdeeds carried out under its name, noting that Prophet Muhammad, though persecuted, never called for violent conquest. He declared the concept of Ghazwa-e-Hind not merely mistaken, but “mischievous.” Voices from academia reinforced the book’s message. Dr. Zeenat Shaukat Ali of St. Xavier’s College lauded it for promoting authentic understanding and steering communities away from potentially dangerous misinterpretations. The scholarly consensus was eloquently summarized in the Foundation’s blog: this apocalyptic narrative had spurred unwarranted fear and damaged the perception of Islam across the globe.

Such work is essential in an age where narratives often outpace facts. The timing of the book was particularly resonant: it was published soon after a controversial fatwa from Darul Uloom Deoband appeared to validate the Ghazwa-e-Hind prophecy, triggering uproar and scrutiny. The Foundation’s prompt and thoughtful response exemplified not just academic courage, but social responsibility. More than a scholarly rebuttal, the book carved new ground by crossing sectarian fault lines. It reflected a collective clarity among scholars, as expressed by Dr. Rahman: the notion of an Islamic prophet inaugurating war from beyond the grave is flawed, unsupported by credible Islamic tradition, and has been hijacked by extremist ideologies. Beyond its signature publication, Khusro Foundation sustains its mission through timely, thoughtful engagements with contemporary conversations. In April 2025, it published “Tafheem-e-Jihad” Understanding, Explaining and Building a Nuanced Narrative on the Islamic Philosophy of War!, guiding readers toward a balanced and contextual understanding of complex theological constructs. Around the same time, “NSA Ajit Doval on Islam & Democracy” wove cutting-edge geopolitical discourse into the broader fabric of faith and governance.

The Foundation is anchored by leaders committed to its intellectual and cultural integrity. Directors Sirajuddin Qureshi, Shantanu Mukharji, and Ramvir Singh lend strategic guidance and stewardship, ensuring that KF’s works resonate across social and religious spectrums. Central to all of this is Dr. Hafeezur Rahman, whose engagement transcends scholarly activism. His background in academia, combined with media involvement, gives the Foundation both credibility and visibility. His leadership brought the Ghazwa-e-Hind publication to fruition, but also shaped how KF responds to sensitive narratives with precision, compassion, and courage. The Foundation’s impact isn’t only intellectual. Its visibility online speaks volumes, its social media page emphasizes messages of patriotism, humanity, and harmony,while posts honouring International Women’s Day spotlight resilience and intersectional respect. KF’s reach embraces emotional as well as intellectual resonance, revealing a commitment to inclusive, empathetic outreach. Khusro Foundation’s achievements are not just milestones, they are part of a broader path toward societal cohesion. In an environment where extremist narratives often overshadow nuanced truth, KF has chosen to build with clarity and compassion. By countering myths, amplifying credible scholarship, and fostering dialogue across divisions, the Foundation is cultivating the soil for mutual respect and shared identity. Looking ahead, KF’s model suggests areas for further growth. Translating its groundbreaking publications into regional and vernacular languages could further enrich accessibility. Youth-focused forums that encourage critical thinking and dialogue could act as powerful shields against extremist ideologies. Collaborations with educational institutions could integrate inclusive teachings into curricula, while cultural and interfaith events could help re-anchor shared heritage in collective consciousness. In many ways, Khusro Foundation embodies the spirit of its namesake Amir Khusro, the Sufi who believed in the unifying power of art, language, and spirituality. Today, KF channels that same spirit through literature, dialogue, and restorative scholarship, helping untangle the divisive threads of our time. In sum, the Foundation’s achievements, the publication and distribution of What Is The Reality of Ghazwa-e-Hind?, the galvanizing voices at its launch, its consistent media engagement, and the strategic leadership of Dr. Hafeezur Rahman signal that change is possible. Across libraries, classrooms, digital forums, and religious discourse, KF’s work lays bridges where there once were walls.

The Foundation’s true success lies not only in its words, but in the shifting narratives of a nation: where differences become sources of strength, true faith emerges triumphant over misinterpretation, and unity flourishes through informed empathy. That is a future Khusro Foundation is not just imagining, but actively building, one thoughtful conversation at a time.

About the Author:

Advocate Tahir Majeed, a seasoned 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.