Many religions and their sacred texts include prohibitions or strong discouragements against killing another human. These prohibitions are often framed within broader moral or ethical teachings about the sanctity of life, compassion, and justice.
Below is a list of major religions and their corresponding texts that address prohibitions on killing. This pretty much should represent a vast majority of Humans on Earth and their Beliefs. Or at least, it should.
1. Christianity
Sacred Texts:
The Bible (Old Testament & New Testament)
Key Prohibition:
"You shall not murder." – Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17
Jesus reinforces and deepens this in the Sermon on the Mount:
"Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment." – Matthew 5:21–22
Summary: Murder is prohibited; respect for human life is a central ethical teaching.
2. Judaism
Sacred Texts:
Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), especially the Torah
Talmud (interpretations and commentary)
Key Prohibition:
"You shall not murder." – Exodus 20:13
Summary: Taking innocent life is considered a grave sin; saving life (pikuach nefesh) overrides almost all other commandments.
3. Islam
Sacred Texts:
Qur'an
Hadith (sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad)
Key Prohibition:
"Whoever kills a person [unjustly]... it is as though he has killed all mankind." – Qur’an 5:32
Summary: Killing the innocent is a major sin; life is sacred and protected under Sharia.
4. Hinduism
Sacred Texts:
Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Dharma Shastras
Key Prohibition:
The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) forbids harm to others.
"One should not behave towards others in a way which is disagreeable to oneself." – Mahabharata 5.1517
Summary: Killing is condemned except in specific circumstances (e.g., duty of a warrior in righteous war); ahimsa is a core virtue.
5. Buddhism
Sacred Texts:
Tripitaka (Pali Canon), Mahayana Sutras
Key Prohibition:
First Precept: "I undertake the precept to abstain from killing living beings."
Summary: Killing any sentient being is to be avoided; compassion and non-harm are central values.
6. Jainism
Sacred Texts:
Agamas, Tattvartha Sutra
Key Prohibition:
Ahimsa is the highest religious duty.
Summary: Absolute prohibition against killing, even of insects; strictest adherence to non-violence among all religions.
7. Sikhism
Sacred Texts:
Guru Granth Sahib
Key Prohibition:
Advocates peace, compassion, and respect for life.
"Do not cause pain to anyone; this is the way of righteousness and religion." – Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 322
Summary: Killing is discouraged; violence only acceptable in defense of justice (as a last resort).
8. Taoism
Sacred Texts:
Tao Te Ching, Zhuangzi
Key Prohibition:
"Those who assist the ruler with Tao do not use weapons to enforce the law." – Tao Te Ching, Ch. 30
Summary: Non-violence and harmony with nature and others are preferred; unnecessary killing is against the Tao.
9. Baha'i Faith
Sacred Texts:
Writings of Baháʼu'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas
Key Prohibition:
Killing is forbidden unless clearly justified by law (e.g., self-defense); human life is sacred.
Summary: Promotes peace and unity; violence is strongly discouraged.
10. Zoroastrianism
Sacred Texts:
Avesta, especially the Gathas
Key Prohibition:
Killing the innocent is seen as an evil act; aligns with dualism of good (Ahura Mazda) vs. evil (Angra Mainyu).
Summary: Human life is to be protected as part of supporting order and truth.
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