A Muslim's Guide To Attending Hindu Weddings

Whether or not a Muslim can attend a Hindu wedding is a complex issue with no clear consensus. While some believe that attending a Hindu wedding is impermissible as it involves the intentional witnessing of haram, others argue that it is permissible if one's intention is not to receive blessings or take part in religious activities. The decision to attend may also depend on various factors, such as the presence of alcohol, dancing, and music that may be considered impermissible in Islam. Ultimately, the choice to attend a Hindu wedding as a Muslim may depend on individual interpretation and comfort level with the religious practices involved.

Muslims are advised against entering Hindu temples

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or images." [Bukhari and Muslim]. This indicates that Muslims should avoid places where idols or statues are present, as angels, who are considered messengers of God in Islam, would not enter such places.

Additionally, Islamic scholars advise against participating in religious rites of other faiths. While attending a Hindu wedding may not necessarily involve taking part in religious rituals, it is important for Muslims to be cautious and respectful of their own religious boundaries.

In the context of a Hindu-Muslim wedding, the decision to attend can be more complicated. Some Muslims may choose to attend the wedding to maintain family ties and potentially have a positive impact on their relative's spouse, with the intention of introducing them to Islam. However, others may decide that attending a celebration of something considered haram in Islam, such as a marriage between a Muslim and a non-Muslim, could be seen as implicit approval of the union.

Ultimately, the decision to attend a Hindu wedding or enter a Hindu temple is a personal one for Muslims, and they may seek guidance from Islamic scholars or religious leaders to make an informed decision that aligns with their faith and values.

A Muslim cannot marry a polytheist

A Muslim man cannot marry a polytheist woman, and a Muslim woman cannot marry a polytheist man. This is forbidden under Islamic law. The Holy Qur'an states:

> "And do not marry Al-Mushrikat (idolatresses, etc.) till they believe (worship Allah Alone). And indeed, a slave woman who believes is better than a (free) Mushrikah (idolatress, etc.), even though she pleases you. And give not (your daughters) in marriage to Al-Mushrikun till they believe (in Allah Alone) and verily, a believing slave is better than a (free) Mushrik (idolater, etc.), even though he pleases you. Those (Al-Mushrikun) invite you to the Fire, but Allah invites (you) to Paradise and Forgiveness by His Leave, and makes His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) clear to mankind that they may remember."

A polytheist is someone who does not believe in God, and this includes Hindus. There are many problems with marrying a non-Muslim, including the inability to practice your religion and raise your children in an Islamic manner.

A Muslim cannot attend a Hindu-Muslim wedding, as this is considered haram. However, a Muslim can attend a non-religious gathering of the two families, as long as there are no impermissible things happening, such as alcohol, dancing, and music.

Attending a Hindu wedding is not permissible

The default is that one should not enter a church or Hindu temple, or any other place built for non-Islamic worship, unless there is some pressing need. Given that so much educational material is available on Hinduism, entering a Hindu temple for the sake of learning about a particular religious event or practice would not be permissible. Although there are reliable positions that permit one to enter churches or temples, it is generally not advised.

If a Muslim attends a Hindu wedding, they run the risk of taking part in an action that is a religious rite of another religion. This would be completely haram. There is a big difference between reading a book on other religions, watching a documentary about how others pray, or even witnessing an event, and actually taking part in it.

If a Muslim relative is getting married to a Hindu, this does not mean that family ties need to be severed altogether. One can still make the relative aware that they disapprove of the marriage, choose not to attend the wedding or any other events that may lend support to the marriage, and still maintain contact. It is important to pray for the relative and be a source of encouragement for them. Visiting them with this intention is permissible as long as this wrongdoing is not accepted within the family.

A Muslim wedding to a Hindu is not valid

The Hindu Marriage Act outlines the requirements for a valid Hindu marriage, and it is not just a religious ceremony but also a legal contract. Under this Act, specific rituals, such as 'saptapadi' (taking seven steps together before the sacred fire), are essential for a marriage to be recognised as a Hindu marriage.

In the case of a Muslim marrying a Hindu, the religious marriage is not considered valid unless one party converts to the religion of the other. This was clarified by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which ruled that a marriage between a Muslim woman and a Hindu man, without the woman's conversion to Hinduism, was not legally recognised as a valid Hindu marriage.

However, it is important to note that while the religious ceremony may not be valid, the couple can still choose to live together. In the case mentioned above, the High Court allowed the couple to continue their relationship as a "live-in relationship," and directed the police to provide protection to the couple if their lives were threatened due to their interfaith union.

Additionally, while religious ceremonies may not always be recognised legally, civil marriages can be performed in India regardless of the couple's religious backgrounds. These marriages are performed under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which allows any man and woman, "irrespective of their race, caste or creed," to marry.

In conclusion, while a Muslim wedding to a Hindu is not religiously valid without conversion, there are alternative legal avenues, such as civil marriages, for couples from different religious backgrounds to formalise their union in India.

Visiting family after a Hindu wedding

A Hindu wedding is a big event in the life of the bride and groom. It is considered a turning point in an individual's life and is steeped in rich traditions and rituals. The wedding ceremony is usually followed by a reception, which is a fun party with music, dances, and performances.

As a Muslim, if you have been invited to a Hindu wedding, you may be unsure about what is acceptable for you to do. While there are differing opinions on whether it is permissible to attend a Hindu wedding, some Muslims choose to attend the ceremony and excuse themselves before any impermissible things happen, such as alcohol, dancing, or music.

If you are visiting family after a Hindu wedding, it is important to be respectful of their traditions and rituals. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• The wedding venue is often booked over a year in advance, and the family puts in a lot of effort and planning into the event.
• The bride and groom's families usually invite all their relatives and close friends to the wedding.
• Guests are encouraged to wear bright and bold colours, and traditional attire is preferred. Men can wear Kurta Pajamas or Sherwanis, while women can wear a Sari or a jewel-tone dress with a shawl.
• The food served at the wedding will depend on the couple's families and their region. It may include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with rice, naan, curries, and sweets being common dishes.
• The wedding rituals and ceremonies may vary depending on the region and can take several hours to complete. Some common rituals include the exchange of floral garlands (varmala), the bride's arrival (kanya aagman), and the seven steps around the holy fire (saath phera or saptapadi).
• There may be pre-wedding and post-wedding traditions that the family participates in. For example, the tilak ceremony, where the bride's family applies a special mark on the groom's forehead, or the vidaai, where the bride throws a mixture of rice, flower petals, and coins behind her as she exits her family home.

Remember to be respectful and curious about the traditions and rituals you encounter. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask the family or other guests.

Frequently asked questions