On Hinduism

No. However, there are numerous Hindu texts that hold the equivalent importance amongst Hindus. Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas are some examples. Then, there are some others such as The Bhagavad Gita. In the vast Hindu scholarship, an attempt to cast one book as the “Bible of Hindus” will probably be a fruitless pursuit.   

.Other reading material: Short answers to real questions about Hinduism

Relevant videos:

Contributor: Rajeev Singh

Location of this post (7a): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/do-hindus-have-a-bible/

Religion is an integral part of a Hindu’s daily and weekly life. Most Hindus maintain a small shrine (altar) at home, where they pray or meditate—often early in the morning—to feel grounded and begin the day with a positive mindset. Many also visit temples regularly, where they find not only worship but also community activities such as children’s language classes, study of scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, and various educational and cultural programs.

During festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri, Hindus gather in large numbers for celebrations that can last several days. Many also join havan groups, meditation circles, or chanting clubs, which provide both spiritual support and social bonding.

Equally important are everyday values drawn from the Dharma Shastras and the Vedas. These include speaking the truth, practicing ahimsa (nonviolence) and often vegetarianism, respecting parents, teachers, elders, and the wise, and greeting others with folded hands and “Namaste.” These are not tied to a strict daily or weekly schedule—they are woven into the fabric of life, guiding Hindus in all times and settings.

Contributor: Mukta Vadera

Location of this post (19d): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/how-does-your-religion-play-into-your-life-daily-weekly/

There is no specific mention of inter-religious marriages in Hindu scriptures. However it has been a common practice amongst Hindus to marry within one’s varna and jati to maintain good harmony with two sets of families. 

Interfaith marriage is not only a marriage of two individuals but, in many respects, it is an union of two sets of extended families and communities. If two communities are at odds and have major historical conflicts, that may spill into every step of your planned married life. For this reason, parents and faith leaders from all religions wish their young ones marry a like kind person.  

Many times it is not the religion but what that person has learned from it is important. A religious fanatic will certainly create unexpected problems in the planned married life, especially while raising children in two faiths. An exclusivist supremacist will want children to follow only their faith and not the other.  

A Christian in love with a Hindu has to find out if he/she or your children will have to be a part of Hindu religious ritual practices and if that will be in conflict with fundamental Christian religious beliefs.

A Hindu in love relationship with a Christian should find out if raising children in two faiths is acceptable to the Christian intended spouse, more specifically if Baptism/Christening of children is expected. Baptism is not a hollow ritual devoid of meanings. It will set a religious tone for your planned married life and may have major legal consequences in a child custody battle during the divorce proceedings. 

There are many other points to be discussed, including what will be names of children, if it involves mandated financial contribution to a church or mandir and what will be the final rite—Hindu cremation or Christian burial—for a family member. 

Ideally it is good to share two faiths, truly respect each other’s beliefs and with equality.

.Other reading material: Book–Interfaith Marriage: Share and Respect with Equality , Hindu-Christian Marriage, Hindu-Catholic marriage,

Relevant videos: Interfaith Marriage With Equality,

Contributor: Dr. Dilip Amin

Location of this post (26b): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/can-a-hindu-marry-christian/

Hindu scriptures do not specifically mention inter-religious marriages, as most other religions emerged much later. Traditionally, Hindus often married within their own varna and jati to maintain social harmony between two families.

By contrast, the Qur’an provides explicit guidance on interfaith marriages (see 2:221 and 60:11). Because of this, it is important for interfaith couples to clarify two key questions before marriage:

1. Will religious conversion of the Hindu partner be expected for the Islamic nikah?
   
2. Will children be allowed to learn and practice from both faiths?
   

It is also important to note that Islamic teachings discourage romantic relationships outside marriage (Qur’an 24:30), except in the context of religious conversion or proselytization.

Interfaith marriage is not just a union of two individuals—it often brings together two extended families and communities. If those communities have deep historical differences, that tension can influence everyday married life.

Ideally, a successful interfaith marriage requires both partners to share, respect, and honor each other’s beliefs with true equality.

Relevant Qur’anic references:

• 2:221: “Do not marry idolatresses until they believe. A believing slave woman is better than a polytheist, even though she might please you.”
  
• 60:11: “Do not maintain your marriage with unbelieving women.”
  
• 24:30: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity.”

Other reading material: Book–Interfaith Marriage: Share and Respect with Equality, Restrictions in the Islamic societies, Love-Jihad, Hindu-Muslim Marriage,

Relevant videos: Hindu-Muslim Marriage, Sharia in interfaith marriage,

Contributor: Dilip Amin

This post location (26d): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/z-can-a-hindu-marry-muslim/