Arya Samaj approaches other religious traditions from the conviction that the Vedic revelation is both universal and uniquely pure. The Vedas are regarded as the original and infallible source of religious truth, with other scriptures seen as later, human interpretations that have deviated from this primal insight. This does not preclude recognizing moral or rational elements in other paths, but such elements are ultimately measured against Vedic monotheism, reason, and ethical clarity. Practices considered irrational, superstitious, or morally harmful—whether within inherited Hindu customs or in other religions—are openly critiqued. The movement thus maintains an exclusivist understanding of religious truth, holding that all humanity is, in principle, called back to this Vedic foundation.

In the sphere of interfaith engagement, Arya Samaj historically favors rigorous debate over conciliatory dialogue. Encounters with other communities have often taken the form of public discussions, lectures, and scriptural disputations aimed at defending Vedic dharma and demonstrating its superiority. The preferred mode is rational argumentation and close textual analysis, rather than theological compromise or syncretism. While personal respect for individuals of other faiths is upheld, the underlying stance is that truth is singular and is most fully preserved in the Vedas. Interfaith contact thus becomes a forum for clarification, critique, and persuasion rather than a search for equal and parallel revelations.

Regarding religious conversion, Arya Samaj is especially known for its advocacy of shuddhi, or purification and reconversion. This rite is understood as a return to the original Vedic truth rather than an entry into an entirely new religious identity. Particular emphasis has been placed on bringing back those whose families had previously accepted other faiths, especially Christianity or Islam, into what is seen as their ancestral Vedic fold. Conversion toward Vedic dharma is framed as a rational and ethical choice, grounded in study and conviction, and is sharply distinguished from any form of coercion or material inducement. At the same time, conversions away from this Vedic path are strongly opposed, both on theological grounds and through efforts at social and educational upliftment that seek to remove the perceived causes of such departures.