Do you think its OK for a Muslim to enter Hindu temples?

Question

I'm a Muslim who has been to Hindu temples on many occasions, with friends. Sometimes I like to visit it alone. Now, do you as a Hindu feel that this is right? What do the scriptures have to say in this regard? Please justify from a Hindu perspective and NOT a secular one.

Answer 1

Everyone is equal in the eyes of God, whether Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jew, or any other faith.

There is nothing in Hindu scriptures which says people of other faiths cannot enter temples for worship. It is only individuals who create their own interpretations of scriptures and mis-guide others for ulterior motives.

Quote from Bhagvad Gita:
vidya vinaya sampanne
brahmane gavi hastini
suni caiva sva pake ca
panditah sama darsinah

translation:
The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog and also an outcaste.

So, go before any God/Allah/Ishwar/Khodai with a pure heart and then it does not matter whether you visit a Hindu temple, a Muslim masjid or a Christian church.

Hope that answers your question.

Answer 2

Few answers which have been put here, didnt get your question and turned it into a conflict.

Pl. note that if you are not a hindu you have to tell the priest of the
temple that you are a muslim, then only you enter.

Leave aside the muslims there are several temples where even Hindu women and scduled castes [ dalits ] are STRICTLY PROHIBITED from entering into the temple, as per scriptures like Veda and Upnishads.

On the other hand anybody can enter a mosque. To be precise prophet Muhammad [pbuh] often used to call the non-muslims to the mosque for religious debate. This is well documented in the history.

Answer 3

You say that you've been to Hindu Temples with your friends; and they must be Hindus, if I'm not mistaken.

So, evidently they've no problem with this, do they?

Because you say you've also been there by yourself and no one stopped you.

If I've understood Hindus correctly, they are a peaceful, non-violent people who are mostly vegetarian because they think that when there's so much of vegetable and fruit available, the thought of having to kill something just to eat it, is barbaric!

Obviously, their Scriptures will also be as broad minded as to have no segregation done for "True Believers" and "non-Believers".

But then, look at your own Islam! You have intolerance and bigotry evident there.

I know, for a fact, that non-Muslims may not enter a Mosque. on pain of lashings, if not Death.

Incidentally, I remember reading somewhere that the sentence, by Islamic Law, for a Muslim who consorts with the non-Believers and follows their ways, is guilty of blasphemy and may be done to Death.

Watch out. A fatwa may be coming your way.

PS,

You can see the Muslim reactions right here and the Hindus saying "Peace",

Go figure.

Your guy even says he'll destroy every temple and kill all Hindus!?!?

The other Muslims say that if you're just talking a walk in there it's OK, but don't partake of anything from them, because that's a Sin!?

Looks like you have to worry more about the Muslims than the Hindus, if you ask me!

Answer 4

Friend, You are welcome into any Hindu Temple. Your entering the temple will not result in any damage to the Hindu faith or muslim faith because you will be a muslim and the worshippers in the temple will continue to be hindus. Only thing is that your curiosity will be satisfied and you may even tell your fellow muslims that you were not impressed by the rituals in the temple. But who cares? Certainly not the hindus. Please reciprocate the gesture when a hindu wants to accompany you to your mosque. I am a hindu.There is nothing in the scriptures against this.

Answer 5

Most of the Muslims that i know criticize Hinduism and hate / condemn idol worship. They do not think highly of anything but Islam. They think that all kaafir's will rot in hell. If you are of that mindset then pl stay away. (You will still be treated with utmost respect but i personally would not like such a person to come in the temple.)

(Even though "officially" everyone is welcome in a mosque once u enter the place u can feel that you are not welcome. And after that obviously one does not want to go there again.)

However if you are a person who can at least show respect for the rituals which includes the "idol worship" then you are most welcome in any temple. As far as i know, the scriptures do not say anything like non-Hindus are unwelcome. Hinduism does not condemn anyone to hell.

So as long as your intention is good, you will be a respected and honored guest.

Answer 6

i guess its not about being a hindu or a muslim if you feel like going then you should go, God is not some religions or some community's property so if you feel peace of mindi in a temple please visit it, God has nothing to do with your religion i come from a family in which we have hindus and sikhs, but i guess as a human being you have the right to go to any temple and even as the rule of the religion, no where they say that muslims cannot visit a temple.

Answer 7

There is nothing wrong if a muslim enters a Hindu temple
If one finds solace in visiting a temple he should be doing it. Relegion should not divide human beings it should unite usi

Answer 8

Dear

I think it doesn't matter that if ur a muslim or hindu. Or no hindu religious book has wriiten that no Muslim enter the temple. Or No religion give that norms that noone can enter the other's religious place. But it is to u that what is the intention behind ur feelings. Or don't worry u go temple without hesitation if ur intention is religious or u feel good to go there. Or we r the indians dear or Indian has the respect for all religion they never feels bad for each other but it is the truth that some selfish people use this funda to earn or for their selfish motive.

So no hesitate we welcome to u go there.

Be happy dear don't worry it is right for every one if they has satisfaction, religious motive in their mind. No religion stop to enter to any one to their places. Because GOD IS ONE BUT HAVE MANY NAMES & FAITH.

Answer 9

Temple is a place to worship. It's not a tourist spot. Whatever be the religion, if you enter & do prayers as like we do, its' quite ok. But if you enter a temple just as a picnic spot, you are not justified in entering a temple.
But in some temples, whatever be your intention, a non-Hindu is prohibited to enter. A placard will be placed at the entrance carrying this message. This, they follow to maintain the sanctity of the temple.
In my perspective, if your intention is truly for worship & offering prayers, then you are welcome.

Answer 10

This will depend upon your motivation. If you respect other people's temples/religion /beliefs then entering Hindu temples is harmless. We should show respect for the beliefs of other people. Most Indians are proud of the respect accorded for any religion. This shows a deeper maturity and spirituality.