Burning Widows: The Basis of Sati in Hindu Religious Texts

Mufti Abdulla Moola 

Sati[1] (also called Suttee), i.e., widow burning, is a ghastly Hindu custom that was carried out upon the death of a husband. This savage and inhumane practice, drawn from a myth involving a Hindu god was implemented either voluntarily or by use of force throughout Hindu history.

The most well known form of Sati is where a woman burns to death on the funeral pyre of her husband. Other forms of Sati also exist, like being buried alive with the corpse of the husband and drowning.[2]

Traditional Hinduism deprives a widow of all inheritance from her deceased husband. Furthermore, burning alive or being viewed as a failed wife were the only two choices for these widows. What is even more heartbreaking is the fanfare with which Sati was done upon the decision of the woman to become Sati (a Chaste One)

Violence and Murder by Hindu Gods in Hindu Scriptures

Apart from committing rape and engaging in other such acts, Hindu gods are depicted in Hindu scripture as committing murder and matricide.

Hindu gods are depicted in books and online as weapon-wielding fierce figures. Whilst the media goes into a frenzy every now and then about ‘Mozlems’ and their “violence,” we find hardly any mention of the Hindutva mobs terrorizing innocent men, women, and children. Burning their homes and committing sexual assaults.

The irony is those who claim, “Hinduism is a peaceful religion, you don’t understand, Read in the proper context.”

Hinduism and the Killing of Female Infants

By: Mufti Abdulla Moola

One of the great signs of the magnificence and grandeur of Allāh Ta’ālā is that He created us in pairs, male and female. In His infinite wisdom, Allāh Ta’ālā grants marriage partners to us and male and female offspring to whomever He wants. In Islam, society is encouraged to look at sons and daughters with the same level of joy, pray regularly for them, and rear them in righteousness.

And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.[1]

On the other side, many Hindus look down with disgust, shame, and ignominy upon the birth of a girl into the home. Hindu scriptures like the Vedas have thousands of verses praying for sons, but not a single one praying for the birth of a daughter.

Padma Purana VII.6.89 “The purpose of having a wife is to have sons. The purpose of having a son is to receive Pindas from him at the Sraddha ceremony. For this purpose only the wise take a wife.”

The Drunken, Cow-Slaughtering Gods: Alcohol in Hinduism

By: Mufti Abdulla Moola

Religious Hindus like to display an image of righteousness and high morality, whilst the reality is quite something else.

Hindus rank very high on the drinkers’ list compared to other religious groups. This makes them prone to alcohol-related health problems and crime.

About 30% of the Indian population drinks regularly, where Hindus contribute to the number the most. The average Indian consumes 4.3 liters of alcohol per year while the average rural Indian consumes 11.4 liters of alcohol per year which is 5.2 liters more than the international norm of 6.2 liters per year.[1]

Looking at this, it comes as no surprise to find that India has a very high rate of alcohol-related deaths annually: 260,000 deaths per year.[2] 

When the Gods Won’t Take No for an Answer: Rapist Gods in Hinduism

By:Mufti Abdullah Moolla

India has a long and dark history of sexual violence, most notably, rape. According to one study, a girl is raped every 20 minutes in India.

Most incidents go unpunished. Horrific details are covered up and flushed away by Hindu officials. Rape stats reveal an increase in rape cases in India from 2018 to 2019, with seemingly no foreseeable decline.[1]

What has created this kind of situation? How could an entire religion tolerate such crimes and disregard for human beings?