EDITOR’S NOTE: Such questions are being asked on several internet platforms. The intention behind each of the questions is to belittle Dr Ambedkar. With this in mind the author Shekhar Bodhakar, answers.

QUESTION: What was Harijan (Dalit) leader B.R. Ambedkar’s frank views on Islam? Why did he reject Islam?

This question cannot be effectively answered unless we have a common understanding of the terms used in the question.

First Point:

The word ‘Harijan’ was coined by the Harijan, M.K. Gandhi. It means the ‘children of god’. It is obvious to me that if there are Harijans, then there must be non-Harijans too and non-Harijans are not the children of god. They must therefore be the children of satan.

Dr B. R. Ambedkar was neither a god(hari)-jan nor a satan-jan. He was a child of the humans, unlike Harijan Gandhi.

Second Point:

Dr. Ambedkar wasn’t a ‘dalit’ either. When will another Dalit leader like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar rise?

Meaning of Dalit is given in the following link.. What is the exact meaning of hindi word, “Dalit”?

Third Point:

Dr. Ambedkar wasn’t a leader of the Dalits nor the Harijans. He was a leader of Indians. He was more of a leader for the women (approx 50% of Indian population) and all oppressed minorities.

Now to answer your question, “Why did he reject Islam?”

It seems the questioner has a sinister motive of pitting the followers of Dr. Ambedkar against the Muslims, most probably because he is fond of neither. Such questions are often asked on Quora. Here’s another one that fits in the same category  Why did Ambedkar not fight for lower castes among Indian Muslims?

 A more appropriate and enlightening question to ask would have been, “Why did Dr. Ambedkar reject the Hindu way of life that he was born in and got attracted to Buddhism?” and not why he rejected any particularreligion.

Why did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar convert to Buddhism? What makes it so special?

If he did openly reject any way of living, it was the Hindu way of living.

Why did Dr B.R. Ambedkar hate Hinduism?

Author: Shekhar Bodhakar