The Custom of "Sati" and Its Reason, Based on the Status of Hindu Women in Comparison with Islam

One of the Hindu traditions is the custom of "Sati" in which the dead husband's wife is cremated with him. This tradition has experienced some fluctuations throughout the history of India and finally it has been banned due to the opposition of various individuals and groups. Some studies show various motivations for performing this tradition. Some researchers believe this act has divine motivations and is an imitation of the goddess Dakshiani, and some others believe its reason is the social incentives and punishments that oblige the widow to do such an act. Another factor that has aggravated this custom is the belief of reincarnation along with woman's love for her lost husband and desiring to join him. Of course, neglecting the emotional and social needs of widows has also caused this self-immolation as a violent behavior, and the ending of this tradition is a proof for this claim. The concern of the religion of Islam towards the situation of this group of women and the consideration of individual and social interests in this issue shows the sublime view of Islam’s teachings. I have explained the custom of sati in this article using a descriptive-analytical method, then examining its intellectual roots, I have compared the status of women in Hinduism and Islam.