Readers' Forum
“Rites and rights”
The panthaky of Karani Agiary, Ervad Yazdi Aibara claimed that though he had great regard for a deceased intermarried gentleman, with a heavy heart he refused prayers for him, abiding by the voice of his conscience and to fulfill a promise he had made to his father (see "Rites and rights,” Parsiana, October 21-November 6, 2020). This is his choice. Since the priest believed that the interfaith married man had "done something wrong,” why were he and his navjoted children allowed to pray at the Karani Agiary?
Interfaith marriages have been turned into a religious issue. We are now told that if a Zoroastrian marries a non-Zoroastrian he ceases to be a Zoroastrian. Almost all interfaith marriages in our community are by legal registration in civil courts and with no conversion of either partner. The marriage partners are free to practice their own religion, wear religious outfits and attend religious ceremonies. Since it is easier to adjust with like-minded partners, marriages within the community are desirable. But why make such a hue and cry over interfaith marriages which are here to stay?
Some people in our community may have extramarital affairs, commit adultery or opt for live-in relationships. Does religion interfere in their private lives? In the case of Bahadur Hansotia (pictured) the relationship was one of pure love, openly acknowledged and sanctioned through the court as a union between man and his wife through marriage. We all love Romeo and Juliet, Laila and Majnu, so why not leave intermarried couples alone to fulfill their dreams and be happy? The deceased was known to be very helpful to all and had lived a Zoroastrian life. There is no hostility in the other world and the soul of a pious person like him will be at peace in heaven in the company of his beloved wife. He needs no prayers from others. The manner in which he lived was itself a prayer.
Since we cannot prevent interfaith marriages or restore "purity” to the genes, the best option would be to accept the children of interfaith marriages with one Zoroastrian parent, whether mother or a father. This will help retain our Parsipanu and restrict the declining demographic trend threatening our very existence. To "love and serve” is the message of all prophets and saints.
We must end such sickening squabbles and permit everyone to have the freedom to practice the Zoroastrian religion without threats of punishment or desire for rewards in the form of eternal bliss and everlasting happiness.
Interfaith marriages have been turned into a religious issue. We are now told that if a Zoroastrian marries a non-Zoroastrian he ceases to be a Zoroastrian. Almost all interfaith marriages in our community are by legal registration in civil courts and with no conversion of either partner. The marriage partners are free to practice their own religion, wear religious outfits and attend religious ceremonies. Since it is easier to adjust with like-minded partners, marriages within the community are desirable. But why make such a hue and cry over interfaith marriages which are here to stay?
Some people in our community may have extramarital affairs, commit adultery or opt for live-in relationships. Does religion interfere in their private lives? In the case of Bahadur Hansotia (pictured) the relationship was one of pure love, openly acknowledged and sanctioned through the court as a union between man and his wife through marriage. We all love Romeo and Juliet, Laila and Majnu, so why not leave intermarried couples alone to fulfill their dreams and be happy? The deceased was known to be very helpful to all and had lived a Zoroastrian life. There is no hostility in the other world and the soul of a pious person like him will be at peace in heaven in the company of his beloved wife. He needs no prayers from others. The manner in which he lived was itself a prayer.Since we cannot prevent interfaith marriages or restore "purity” to the genes, the best option would be to accept the children of interfaith marriages with one Zoroastrian parent, whether mother or a father. This will help retain our Parsipanu and restrict the declining demographic trend threatening our very existence. To "love and serve” is the message of all prophets and saints.
We must end such sickening squabbles and permit everyone to have the freedom to practice the Zoroastrian religion without threats of punishment or desire for rewards in the form of eternal bliss and everlasting happiness.
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