BANKE, Aug. 3: What began as a relationship built on patience, mutual understanding, and family trust has grown into one of Nepal's inspiring examples of interfaith harmony.
Padma Shrestha, known as Sana, from a Hindu family, and Rizaul Mustafa Manjari, known as Riza, from the Muslim community, did not elope or marry against their families' wishes. Instead, after spending three years understanding each other's faiths and earning the confidence of both families, they married on March 4, 2013, with the blessings of their parents, relatives, and community elders.
The couple, who live on Idgah Road in Nepalgunj Metropolitan City 11, first met through a mutual friend. By coincidence, their first conversation centered on religion. They admit they were initially uncomfortable with each other's beliefs because of differences in traditions, customs, and social stereotypes.
Over the next three years, they studied each other's religions, held long discussions, and tried to understand their core values. Rizaul said they eventually realized that although religions differ in language, scripture, and rituals, they all teach humanity, truth, love, and compassion. Finding these shared values in both the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita strengthened their relationship and convinced them they could build a life together.
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When they decided to marry, their biggest concern was whether their families would accept the relationship. Despite anticipating resistance because of their different faiths, they rejected the idea of eloping. Instead, they chose honest conversations with their families. Their openness and maturity earned the respect of both sides, and the families eventually agreed to the marriage.
Neither converted after the wedding. Instead, they built their marriage on mutual respect for each other's faith and traditions. Their families embraced the relationship, and the wider community also welcomed the marriage because it had the support of both families.
Today, Rizaul runs his own business, while Padma balances her business with family life. They are raising their two children, a son and a daughter, in an environment that respects both religions.
Padma celebrates Hindu festivals with her family at her parental home and also marks Eid and other Muslim festivals with equal enthusiasm. Rizaul likewise respects his wife's religious beliefs and traditions.
The couple say religion has never been a source of conflict in their marriage. Instead, they believe relationships should be built on humanity rather than religious identity.
"The real differences among religions are only in language and scriptures," Rizaul said. "If you understand their essence, they all teach humanity, love, and good conduct. No one should criticize another person's faith."
At a time when religious divisions often dominate public debate, the couple believe their journey offers a different message: successful relationships depend not on sharing the same religion, but on sharing mutual respect, trust, and understanding.
Padma echoed the same belief.
"The purpose of every religion is to promote peace, unity, love, and harmony," she said. "Religion teaches us to become better people, respect one another, and live with humanity. Division in the name of religion should be replaced by stronger human relationships."
She added that religion has never been a source of disagreement in their home.
"We never argued over whose religion is greater. Instead, we learned to respect each other's beliefs, traditions, and culture. If every family and community embraced that mindset, many conflicts in the name of religion would disappear. Before anything else, we are human beings. Only after that do we belong to different religions."
