Totally agreed. This writer forgot the fact that Hinduism is very much cultural. The Brahma marriage or whatever he is talking about might have been practiced among Indians 1000 years back. The women all over the world have been oppressed like that. It’s nothing special in Hinduism. During the Islamic era, even Mohammad admitted that female children were buried alive so that the parents don’t have to carry this “burden”

In reality, Hindus have given special status to women. For instance, if you know Sanskrit, then you would know that the God, is referred to as “tat” or “that” rather than “he” or “she” as Islam and Christianity.

Also women are glorified through Durga, Kali, Lakhshmi, Saraswati and numerous other forms of God

One good thing about Hinduism was that it has always been open to change and reform because of the fact that Hinduism is very cultural rather than being strictly religious. Therefore, Hinduism changed just like a culture should. Strict religions tend to stick to strict ancient practices.

Hindu families have become more open to women rights and facing dramatic changes in the status of women as we speak. For instance, India has the highest percentage of women Engineers in the world.

Islam (and Christianity before crusade) has always opposed change and that’s why women today face such cruel practices in Arab nations. Pregnant women are stoned to death in Iran, Saudi and Pakistan.

“My personal opinion of religion is that it has mostly been a vehicle for oppression”

Yes, but when religion becomes political. Eastern Religion, at least Hinduism by itself I think is very innocent. My parents/grandparents pray for everyone and don’t give a shit about anything.

I find conservative Islam to be a very political religion. The “liberal” Islam, that promotes “ijtihad” or “free thinking” is more in tune with the essence of humanity.

Let us make a religion useful for the hindus and the muslims , only for who require it .. let it be called JAGHA .. And we follow it.. We will follow the human law.. The Both at the same time without deplaying it ourself anywhere… It is just called JAGHA… to follow it.. to deliver it .. Our REQUEST to be heard in the universe..

I want such a religion where humanity really matters. But unfortunately I found no religion in this world which is reallly based on mankind. If I were a magician I would create a unique religion namely HUMANITY, destroying all the prevailing religions which are responsible for the worldwide riots and instability. God, make me a magician to save this world from being spoilt!

i know muslim has it’s own tradition and we have lots of muslim girls in our new site, that is searching for true love. An all-new muslim dating site dedicated to all singles in finding soul mate, serious commitment and real relationships.

Brother, don’t be upset. Don’t take the heat from these petty nuisances. We were here on earth long before those who criticize our rituals without knowing or understanding; we will be here long after they become spiritual enough to understand us. They always debate about the ’superiority’ of their ‘religion’ and their scriptures. But i believe, religion is more of ‘what we do’ and ‘what we believe’, rather than a text advising us to do something, which we don’t do! The greatest thing that a religion can teach is not ‘how to conquer the world’, ‘how to make all the non-believers believe what i believe’… etc.; but to teach how to be at ease and at peace with oneself and others. I am sorry to say, the religion which spread the world with every glory, has failed to do that.

Some Muslims preach the world that Islam is a religion of PEACE, while some other Muslims are destroying the peace of the world for Islam. So, what’s the problem? I think there are some fundamental mistakes in the very root of Islam. #1- it’s true that Islam is a religion of peace, but it is CONDITIONAL. The conditions are that, there will be peace on earth if every person on earth becomes Muslim, if every country on earth follows the rules and regulations which were formulated in the middle ages. So, some muslims are focusing on the peace part and some other are focusing on the condition part! That’s all!

The Jews suffered devastatingly for more than two thousand years, the Hindus suffered a lot under Muslim rule in India for about two millennium, the Buddists passed a very hard time at their beginning under Hindu rulers – but all of them had managed to find peace with themselves – the Jews channeled their hatred through acquiring wealth, the Hindus channeled their grievance through achieving higher spiritual height and the Buddists channeled their sufferings through simplicity of existence.

I think the Muslims are now face to face with the test of time. The Muslim world will be peaceful again, may be just after few centuries. The world will know then, whether the passed or failed the test of time.

Till then, we should not take their remarks regarding our religion seriously. First they have to join the league or ‘time tested’ religions.

I think you are right, but now time has come to believe , we are only a Intelligent animal among others animal world. And our mail goal will be how we maintain our world peace. Not like Muslim or Hindu, or others does as usual.

I read about bangladeshi minorties and I was literally in tears. We, as far as I remember, never misbehave with our minorties untill they’ve done something ( read actual story of gujrat riots). So, according to me< I don't think islam has anything to do with peace and I am sure even they know that we're( whole world except islam) right but just to overcome their embarresment they write aganist about other religions.

Gauri,
I assure you that in muslims weddings the brides consent is taken. But that is not the point; your comments demonstrate your ignorance on the topic. While I agree that Islam has some fundamentalist factions, this has no bearing on the religion. Meet with muslims and you will meet good people also and you will realize that lumping all muslims into a negative mould is wrong on your part and can only result further destroying WORLD PEACE. Please keep such narrow-minded opions to yourself that only serve to further divide the faiths of the world.

Decosta
All muslims are NOT accountable for the actions of minority fanatics. Come out of your box my friend and treat ach individual as a human and NOT as the label they wear. Dont blame all muslims for the actions of few. Peace loving muslims all over the world too are sickened by fanatics who cause terror in the name of religion. And by the way it is also MUSLIMS that are being killed by Islamic fanatics in Pakistan so show some compassion to all humans that die innocently in the name of religion, or hatred. Do what YOU CAN to make a difference in this world. Stop this negative train of thought and embrace humanity as the religion that is above ALL faiths.

If in muslim weddings they take brides’s consent then there should be no divorce or burning cases in islam. This is very simple if someone is doing something with their concern and thoughts then there should not be failure, but on contrary divorce is very common in islam.
Moreover god has made some important things where you have to use your concious keeping faith and making your god as witness.
Now please don’t say hou you will make god your witness.

Gauri and Decosta,

Before you judge others take a look in the mirror. You may not be terrorists but you are no different from all the people that promote hatred. I know many people that are married to non muslims; this is the only way we can mix different communities and bring people out of their shells. If we live with the constant biases and stereotypes then we are contributing to that whole cycle of hatred in the name of race, nationality and religion. I will pray that God give you wisdom, love and above all HUMANITY.

Decosta
I hear so much bitterness and anger in your words. I will just say one thing, when you meet people do not judge them by stereotypes and past experiences. Judge each person on their individual merits regardless of whether they are hindu, muslim, christian etc. Dont blame others for the way the world is, always strive to do the best YOU CAN to make this world a better place. It is easy to finger point, blame, judge but there are a few great people in the world that spread love in the face of adversity. They make a difference by spreading love and kindness. Choose to be one of those people; dont lower your standards to people who have wronged in the world, step up and be better than them.
I thank you for what for me has been a very insightful exchange.

OMG Decosta , thats really well put, after reading your statement i litearally felt whole world is speaking.
Thanks