In a big development from Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad, two Muslim women have embraced Hinduism to marry their longtime Hindu partners. The women, previously known as Swaleheen and Noorfatima, solemnised their weddings in an Arya Samaj temple ceremony held earlier this week in Hapur.
Swaleheen, who has now taken the name Shalini, hails from Katghar, Moradabad. She had been in love with Amit Kumar, a local resident, but faced family opposition to their relationship. Prioritising her safety and commitment, she converted to Hinduism to marry Amit.
Meanwhile, Noorfatima, now known as Neelam, comes from Bhojpur, Moradabad. She too voluntarily embraced Hinduism to wed Gaurav Kumar, her partner. Both couples followed Hindu rituals and customs during the Arya Samaj wedding ceremony. The Arya Samaj authorities have officially confirmed that the conversions and marriages were carried out according to due legal and religious procedures.
Community and official response
Shalini has voiced concerns over her safety, claiming to have received threats and little support from her family. Both couples have sought police protection, and local police have assured ongoing surveillance to prevent any untoward incidents.
The weddings come at a time when Moradabad has been under heightened attention over religious conversion cases, with recent controversies involving figures like Chhangur Baba. Public reaction has been mixed—while many on social media wished the couples happiness, others warned against revealing their identities publicly given the sensitivities involved.
Arya Samaj procedure
Arya Samaj marriage protocols permit interfaith weddings if both parties adopt Hinduism. Both women underwent the “Shuddhi” conversion ritual before the marriage.