EXPLORING VIVEKANANDA’S PLURALISM AND UNIVERSALISM IN THE CONTEXT OF ISLAM: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Purpose of the study: To explore Swami Vivekananda's pluralism and universalism in the context of Islam, examining whether his writings align with his claimed pluralism when discussing Islam and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.). Methodology: This qualitative research involves systematically collecting and analyzing Swami Vivekananda’s views on pluralism, universalism, and Islam from his writings in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. Vivekananda's perspectives will be evaluated against primary Islamic sources, specifically the Quran and Hadith, to assess the consistency of his ideology with his claims of pluralism and universalism. Main Findings: The research findings indicate that Swami Vivekananda's approach to Islam is neither pluralistic nor universalistic. While he sought to reform Hinduism as a monotheistic religion through Vedanta philosophy, his attitude toward Islam and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was largely critical and unfriendly, influenced by the context of Hindu mass conversions to Islam. Applications of the study: This study provides insights into the alignment between Swami Vivekananda’s claimed pluralism and universalism and his actual views on Islam and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.). It offers a critical perspective on the historical and ideological interactions between Hinduism and Islam in 19th-century Bengal, contributing to a deeper understanding of religious reform and interfaith dynamics. Novelty/Originality of the study: This study offers a novel examination of Swami Vivekananda’s pluralism and universalism by analyzing his writings on Islam and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), revealing insights into the alignment of his philosophical ideals with his views on other religions and addressing gaps in understanding his interfaith approach within 19th-century Bengali religious reform.