Al Biruni and later Sufi thinkers often compared Islamic mystical ideas with Indian religious texts. Which one of the following statements about these interactions is not correct?

Introduction / Context:
This advanced question explores intellectual encounters between Islamic Sufism and Indian religious traditions. It focuses on figures like Al Biruni, a great eleventh century scholar, and Hujwiri, a Sufi writer, and asks which given statement about their views and influences is not correct. It tests fine grained historical understanding rather than simple factual recall, so careful reading of each statement is essential.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Option a: Al Biruni compared Sufi self annihilation with parallel ideas in the Bhagavad Gita.
• Option b: Al Biruni saw similarities between Sufi soul theories and Patanjali Yoga Sutra.
• Option c: The Hatha Yogic text Amrita Kunda had lasting impact on Sufism.
• Option d: Hujwiri's conversations with Yogis show that he was impressed by their theory of division of the human body.
• We must identify the statement that is historically not correct.

Concept / Approach:
Al Biruni genuinely attempted to interpret Indian philosophy using categories familiar to Islamic audiences, and it is broadly correct that he related Sufi ideas of divine love and self annihilation to themes found in the Bhagavad Gita. Similarly, similarities between ideas of the soul in Sufism and Patanjali's Yoga Sutra have been noted by scholars, so option b reflects a real comparative tendency. The Hatha Yogic treatise Amrita Kunda was translated into Persian and Arabic and influenced Sufi ascetic practices, so option c is also correct. The problematic statement is option d, which suggests that Hujwiri was impressed with a specific yogic theory of bodily division. Hujwiri, in his work on Sufism, generally recorded encounters with yogis but was not notably enthusiastic about adopting their theories in this manner. Thus option d is the one that is not correct.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate option a and recall that Al Biruni often looked for parallels between Sufi ideas and Indian texts, including the Bhagavad Gita, so this is acceptable. Step 2: Consider option b and note that comparative scholars have indeed seen overlaps between Sufi ideas of the soul and those in Yoga traditions, so this is plausible. Step 3: Examine option c and remember that Amrita Kunda was translated and influenced certain Sufi practices, making this statement correct. Step 4: Assess option d and observe that it overstates Hujwiri's appreciation of yogic theories of the human body; he did not present himself as impressed in the manner described. Step 5: Conclude that option d is the incorrect statement and therefore the right choice for this question.

Verification / Alternative check:
A useful cross check is to recall the overall tone of Hujwiri's work on Sufism. While he mentioned other religious practitioners, he was primarily concerned with defining and defending Sufi doctrines. There is little evidence that he adopted detailed yogic theories of bodily division as a model, so the claim about him being impressed by them is overstated. In contrast, the translation of Amrita Kunda and its influence on Sufis is widely cited, and Al Biruni's comparative method is well known, supporting options a, b and c as correct. Therefore option d stands out as historically inaccurate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong as the Answer:
Al Biruni and Bhagavad Gita (option a): This reflects his genuine comparative approach and is in line with how he tried to relate Indian texts to Islamic concepts.
Sufi theories and Yoga Sutra (option b): Similarities in ideas about the soul and spiritual discipline exist and have been observed by many scholars, so this is not incorrect.
Amrita Kunda impact (option c): The translation of Amrita Kunda and its influence on Sufi ascetic thought is historically noted and therefore correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be unfamiliar with these specific comparative details and may guess randomly, especially between options b, c and d. Another pitfall is to assume that any mention of influence from a non Islamic text on Sufism must be wrong, when in fact there were many such intellectual exchanges. To avoid mistakes, remember that Al Biruni was highly comparative and open, that Amrita Kunda did impact Sufism and that the questionable exaggeration lies in the description of Hujwiri's admiration for a specific yogic theory of the human body.

Final Answer:
The statement that is not correct is Hujwiri’s conversation with the Yogis shows that he was impressed with their theory of the division of the human body.