The Hindu Woman
1.
The laws and rights of
marriage and divorce (if at all) are undefined or varied for the Hindu Woman
leaving her with none or very little advantage.
2. The same applies for property or inheritance
rights. Males make and absorb all claims.
3. Choice of partner is limited because she can
only marry within her own caste; moreover her horoscope must match that of the
intending bridegroom/family.
4. The family of the girl has to offer an enormous
dowry to the bridegroom/family.
5. If her husband dies she loses value in the
family/society. Sati (being cremated with her dead husband) is a possible
exit/recommendation. Since today's law forbids Sati, society mainly punishes
her in other "holy" ways.
6. Remarriage is a big problem.
7. The widow is considered to be a curse and must
not be seen in public. She cannot wear jewelry or colorful clothes. (She may
not even take part in her children's marriage!)
8. Child and infant marriage is encouraged.
9. A woman is brought up to believe that she must
look upon her husband as a god (Pati Parmeshwar).
The Muslim Woman
1. She enjoys property and inheritance rights.
(Which other religion grants women these rights?). She can also conduct her own
separate business.
2. She can marry any Muslim of her choice. If her
parents choose a partner for her, her consent must be taken.
3. The dowry in Islam is a gift from a husband to
his wife.
4. A Muslim widow is allowed to remarry, and her
remarriage is the responsibility of the Muslim society.
5. Mixed marriage is encouraged and is a mean to
prevent racism creeping in society.
6. A Muslim mother (and father) is given the
highest form of respect.
7. Marriage is between consenting adults. Since
marriage is a more significant institution than a financial one which needs
maturity, Maturity and understanding is required for marriage as much.
8. God teaches clearly in the Quran "...do not
reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me (God) instead...."
