BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY, April 25, 2007: (HPI received the following letter from Dilip Amin. He would like to correspond, e-mail above, with other Hindus facing this issue.)
“Today in the Western world, inter-religious dating and marriages are not uncommon, and thus it is increasingly important for young adults to understand potential religious complications before entering into a serious relationship. While interfaith relationships should develop based on a mutual respect for religious diversity, it is often true that major differences in fundamental beliefs pose difficulties for couples to find common ground.
“For example, Hindus believe that although the Ultimate Reality (Nirguna Brahman) is singular, nameless, and formless, its qualities can be worshiped in the form of multiple deities (Saguna Brahman). This practice is forbidden in other religions such as Judaism and poses an issue when it comes to “idol worship” or puja.
“Non-Believers are expected to convert to Islam. An uninformed non-Muslim may only discover this expectation of religious conversion after years of being in a romantic relationship, and accepting may be the only way of averting a marital grid-lock. Such examples of inter-religious complexities are endless.
“Before getting into a relationship, one should have an open dialog about religious expectations and consider the consequences. Though this issue is important for the well being of the couple, it is also a significant issue for future children and the couple’s extended families who have interest in preserving their religious and cultural traditions.”