In This Biography

Marriage in Hinduism as well as Islam and the Differences

In Islam, weddings are legally binding between two persons. The groom and bride must agree to the union of their free will.

According to the Qur’an, Muslim men are permitted to have up to four wives for as long as they treat them equally. This is called polygamy. If they are unable to be equally treated by their wives, Muslim men are advised to only have one spouse, which is the norm in many modern Islamic societies.

A legally binding, formal contract, whether verbal or written on paper – is considered to be an integral part of a valid religious Islamic wedding and sets out the rights and obligations of the bride and groom.

Hindu marriage harmonizes two individuals (mostly male and female) for ultimate eternity so that they can pursue dharma(responsibility/duties), Arth (meaning), and kama. It is a union between two people as spouses and is recognized by living continuity.

The marriage ceremony in Hinduism is the union of two people as spouses and is recognized by living continuity. In Hinduism, the marriage ceremony is not marked by rituals to consummate the marriage. In reality, it is believed that marriage is to be complete and valid even without the ceremony of consummation, because the union takes place between souls, and it transcends the physical body.

Hindu and Muslim marriages are alike in one way. This is the religious aspect. Both marriages are legalized because of the union between two souls.

There is a difference Between Hinduism in comparison to Islamic marriage.

1. Aim and Ideal.

Hindu weddings are a religious ritual, and religious feelings are a major factor. Dharma is believed to be the primary goal of Hindu marriage, however, in Islam, the Muslim “nikah” is a contract that guarantees satisfying sexual desire and the procreation process.

2. Endogamy rules.

The rules of endogamy restrict Hindus to marry within their caste. But for Muslims, the marriages are between kiths and kinsmen.

3. Exogamy Rules.

Regarding the rules of exogamy in relation to exogamy, you can find that the Muslim society applies them to close relatives. However, among Hindus, various exogamic regulations are prevalent, including gotra exogamy, pravar exogamy as well as Sapinda Exogamy, which states that relatives of seven generations of the father’s side, and 5 generations of the maternal side are not able to get married, or even each other.

4. Features That are Part of the System for Marriage.

In terms of the characteristics of the marriage process, when it comes to Muslim marriage, the request is made by the boy and has to be accepted in the same way by the girl with two people present.

They are polygamists and face the option of considering non-conformity or invalid marriages.

5. Marital Relations.

Hindu or Muslim marriages vary from one in the fundamental nature of the wedding. Within the Shia community of Muslims, there is a tradition of temporary marriages, referred to as “muta”. Within Hindu society, there is no requirement for a marriage that is temporary. Additionally, it is the case that Hindus are not observant of “iddat” for contracting marriages.

6. Practice of Dowry.

The dowry system is widespread in Hindu society, but Muslims practice dower, or ‘Mehr’.

7. Widow Remarriage.

Hindus are not averse to the passing of laws against widow remarriage. However, the truth is that Hindus are averse to widow remarriage and socially detest it. However, the Muslims don’t. Muslim widows are permitted to get married again following the duration of “Iddat”.

8. Nature of Marriage.

In Hinduism, Hindus believe that in marriage, the bride and husband remain together for seven years. Therefore it is believed that the Hindu marriage is irrevocable and will end at the time of death of both spouses. At moment, the decision from the judge is the only requirement to dissolve the marriage. However, Muslim males are able to divorce their wives as per their wishes. The dissolution of marriage for Muslims does not require the intervention of a judge.