Renowned Indian politician and economist Subramanian Swamy has made a number of incisive remarks regarding politics and religion. His criticism of secular intellectuals for their shallow comprehension of Islam is one of his most noteworthy remarks. He claims that these people, who haven't really studied the foundational texts of Islam, frequently talk about how true Islam is humane and peaceful.

According to Swamy, one must interact directly with the core texts of any religion in order to have a true understanding of it. Reading reputable translations of the Quran, Sira (the biographies of the Prophet Muhammad), and Hadith (compilations of sayings and deeds ascribed to the Prophet) are all part of Islam. He believes that rather than exploring these primary sources, secular intellectuals frequently rely on rudimentary knowledge or information from others.

Swamy's critique is comparable to that of someone who discusses cooking but never sets foot in a kitchen. Even though they haven't prepared the food themselves, they may describe it with great enthusiasm. In a similar vein, talking about Islam's principles and teachings without first studying its foundational writings means omitting the minute details that influence religious practices and beliefs. His assertion emphasizes how crucial it is to interact directly with primary sources in order to develop a true comprehension of difficult topics like religion.

The broader themes of how people form opinions and the responsibility that comes with talking about subjects that are intricately entwined with culture, history, and belief systems are also touched upon by Swamy's observation. It suggests that rather than depending only on popular or oversimplified interpretations, meaningful discourse should be based on in-depth research and direct engagement with pertinent material.