Religions and Veganism – Eating Meat Is Never Right, Part 2 of 2

In celebration of World Meatout Day, we wish to share with you selected scriptures that highlight the disastrous effect of meat-eating on our consciousness and well-being. It is thus easy to imagine the paradise we all can share once we turn to only plant-based fare! Jainism, or Jain Dharma as it is traditionally known, is an ancient Indian religion.

Lord Mahavira, the last of 24 Tirhankaras (enlightened Beings), is recognized as the founder of Jainism. Jain Ãgamas are canonical texts based on His teachings of great reverence for all life forms, adherence of strict vegetarianism, asceticism, and nonviolence, or Ahimsa. Jainism is a religion of universal love for all beings. All Jains are vegetarians or vegans. Lord Mahavira said: “Unless we live with non-violence and reverence for all living beings in our hearts, all our humaneness and acts of goodness, all our vows, virtues, and knowledge, all our practices to give up greed and acquisitiveness are meaningless and useless… He who harms animals has not understood or renounced deeds of sin… Those whose minds are at peace and who are free from passions do not desire to live at the expense of others.”

Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, said, “Whoever is kind to the creatures of God, is kind to himself.” On one occasion when his disciples asked Him, “Verily are there rewards for our doing good to quadrupeds, and giving them water to drink?” Prophet Mohammed, Peace Be Upon Him, answered, “There are rewards for benefiting every animal.” The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, emphasize brotherly love and compassion, and no killing. Thus, slaughtering animals and eating their flesh is never right! “Do not allow your stomachs to become graveyards.”

“Nowhere in Islam are Muslims required to eat meat. Meat consumption is neither encouraged nor even recommended. Neither the kindness to animals taught by the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) nor the special place of animals as described in the Qur’an is reflected in modern methods of raising animals for food. Adopting a vegan diet (a diet free from meats, dairy products, and eggs) is the easiest way for Muslims to live in accordance with the ethical, environmental, and health precepts of Islam.”