Madeleine Hull
Vegetarianism and veganism are dietary choices that are often informed by cultural and religious beliefs. While some religions do not explicitly mandate a vegetarian diet, their followers may choose to abstain from meat and animal products for spiritual or ethical reasons. For example, while Judaism does not require a vegetarian diet, some Jewish groups advocate for it, citing moral and spiritual reasons. Similarly, while Islam does not require a vegetarian diet, some Muslims, including the former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, choose to abstain from meat. In contrast, some religions, like Jainism, actively promote vegetarianism as a central tenet, emphasizing non-violence and respect for all life forms. Other religions with a history of vegetarianism include Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Zoroastrianism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jewish Vegetarianism | Is not considered mainstream, but some modern Jewish groups and religious authorities promote it. |
| Jewish Veg, a grassroots organization, promotes veganism as "God's ideal diet". | |
| The Shamayim V'Aretz Institute promotes veganism through animal welfare activism, kosher veganism, and Jewish spirituality. | |
| Amirim, a vegetarian village in Israel, is a source of advocacy for Jewish vegetarianism. | |
| Islam | Muhammad, the founder of Islam, has been said to have consumed a 90% plant-based diet. |
| The Rishi order in Kashmir is said to have abstained from eating meat. | |
| The Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship of North America, founded by a Sufi master, established vegetarianism as the norm for its followers. | |
| The Muslim Vegetarian/Vegan Society and the Vegan Muslim Initiative encourage Muslims to adopt vegetarian or vegan diets. | |
| Hinduism | Has varied dietary standards, with some scriptures barring violence against domestic animals and others not banning meat-eating in principle. |
| Is known for its varied and nutritious vegetarian food preparations. | |
| Is considered the most plant-based friendly cuisine in the world. | |
| Buddhism | The dietary standards vary, but many lay Buddhists eat vegetarian or vegan food on specific days of the lunar calendar. |
| Believers historically abstained from animal products and alcohol before practicing Confucian, Taoist, and Chinese folk religion rites. | |
| Jainism | Mandates that adherents refrain from harming even the simplest life forms and follow specific dietary codes for plants. |
| Taoism | Is similar to Chinese Buddhist vegetarianism but has roots in pre-Buddhist times. |
| Many modern lay Taoists who follow sects like Yi Guan Dao or Master Ching Hai are vegan or strictly vegetarian. | |
| Baháʼí Faith | While the leader in the first half of the 20th century preferred vegetarianism, it is not a requirement, and followers can choose their diet. |
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Judaism
Jewish vegetarians often justify their dietary choices using various Jewish principles. These include animal welfare, environmental ethics, moral character, health, and conservation of resources. They argue that mass meat consumption contradicts Jewish values, causing harm to people, animals, communities, and the environment. For example, the laws of shechita are meant to prevent animal suffering, but mechanized kosher slaughterhouses have been criticised for failing to meet these standards. In addition, some interpret the Torah's commandment to not cause "pain to living creatures" (tza'ar ba'alei hayyim) as supporting vegetarianism.
However, critics argue that the Torah and the Bible imply that meat-eating is ideal and encouraged, such as in the Passover sacrifice and other animal sacrifices. The halakha even encourages the consumption of meat during Sabbath and Festival meals. Thus, some Orthodox Jews who are usually vegetarian will eat meat during these occasions. Nevertheless, according to Jewish law, it is acceptable for individuals to be vegetarian for pragmatic reasons, health concerns, or personal taste.
Some Jewish vegetarians also point to the Book of Genesis, which states, "Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed... and every tree with seed-bearing fruit; it will be yours for food." This suggests that God's original plan was for humans to refrain from eating meat. Additionally, the story of Daniel and his companions in the Bible shows them choosing to eat only vegetables and water, indicating that vegetarianism is consistent with Jewish practices.
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Islam
Vegetarianism and veganism are not compulsory in Islam, but they are also not forbidden. Islamic jurists have issued rulings that show vegetarianism is permissible in Islam, and some Muslims choose to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. The Prophet Mohammed is said to have preferred vegetarian foods, and he spoke out against the mistreatment of animals. The Quran teaches that Allah is merciful and compassionate, and so treating animals with compassion can be seen as a way of following Islamic teachings.
The Quran states:
> There is not an animal on the earth, for a flying creature on two wings, but they are peoples like unto you.
The Quran also rules:
> Eat and drink but do not be immoderate.
This principle of moderation is predominant over all aspects of the Muslim lifestyle. Muslims are permitted to eat meat, but any consumption should be moderate and based on humility and gratitude. To express gratitude, Muslims are encouraged to share one-third of the animal as a donation when a lamb, sheep, or cow is sacrificed for a celebration.
The Nation of Islam promotes vegetarianism, deeming it the "most healthful and virtuous way to eat". The former Indian president, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was famously a vegetarian. In 1996, The International Vegetarian Union announced the formation of the Muslim Vegetarian/Vegan Society, and in 2017, the Vegan Muslim Initiative was founded. This group encourages Muslims to try a vegan diet during Ramadan, calling it "Veganadan".
However, vegetarianism and veganism are not widely practised among Muslims, and some scholars have ruled that Islamic vegetarianism is unacceptable. The custom of animal slaughter during Eid al-Adha is widespread among Muslims, and some believe that not eating meat is undesirable.
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Hinduism
Vegetarianism is a dietary ideal among many Hindus, based on the concept of ahimsa, or non-violence and compassion towards all beings. This principle of non-violence is also reflected in the Hindu scripture, the Mahabharata, which states that "Nonviolence is the highest duty and the highest teaching". The consumption of meat is also discouraged in Hinduism due to the belief that it is detrimental to spiritual progress and serenity.
Hindu vegetarianism is deeply rooted in Indian morality and customs, with 25% to 35% of the population practising it. However, it is not the only model, as some Hindus choose to eat meat and fish, especially in certain regions or communities of India where these foods are valued. The practice of vegetarianism among Hindus also varies depending on region, family, and social class, with higher rates of vegetarianism in the Western, Central, and Northern regions of India compared to the Eastern, Northeast, and Southern regions.
Historically, the consumption of meat and fish was tolerated in Hinduism as long as the animal was sacrificed to the gods. Over time, in a religion increasingly marked by ahimsa, abstaining from meat and fish became commendable, and vegetarianism established itself as a way to respect the principle of non-violence. The Tirukkuṛaḷ, an ancient Indian secular text of Hindu or Jain origin, emphasizes ahimsa and insists on moral vegetarianism or veganism. It criticizes the consumption of meat and questions how one can be kind if they eat the flesh of other creatures to increase their own.
Lacto-vegetarianism is favoured by many Hindus, which includes milk-based foods and all non-animal derived foods but excludes meat and eggs. A typical modern urban Hindu lacto-vegetarian meal consists of grains such as rice and wheat, legumes, green vegetables, and dairy products. In addition to the principle of non-violence, other reasons for adopting a Hindu lacto-vegetarian diet include the intention to offer only vegetarian food to a Hindu's preferred deity and the belief that non-vegetarian food hinders spiritual development.
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Buddhism
Some Mahayana sutras, such as the Brahma Net Sutra and the Shurangama Sutra, forbid eating meat and stress the importance of a vegetarian diet. The Shurangama Sutra states that "Eating raw pungent vegetables may create anger; eating cooked pungent vegetables may lead to lust." The Buddhist vegetarian diet also entails abstaining from eating certain pungent vegetables, such as garlic, scallions, and leeks, as well as food with a fleshy smell.
There is a divergence of views within Buddhism as to whether vegetarianism is required, with some schools of Buddhism rejecting such a requirement. Most Buddhist lay followers are not vegetarians, but some choose to follow monastic-style vegetarianism on certain days of the lunar calendar or less stringent forms of vegetarianism.
Buddhist vegetarianism is similar to Taoist vegetarianism, and many people practice both. Taoist vegetarianism, which may include oysters and oyster products or be pescetarian for some believers, is believed to have roots in pre-Buddhist times.
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Jainism
Fasting is also an important component of Jainism, with 84% of Jains in India reporting some form of fasting. The vegetarian cuisines of some regions of the Indian subcontinent, such as Tamil Nadu, have been strongly influenced by Jainism.
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Frequently asked questions
Several religions encourage vegetarianism, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Taoism. Some Jewish and Muslim groups also advocate for vegetarian or vegan diets.
Religions that encourage vegetarianism often do so based on principles of non-violence, compassion, and respect for all life forms. For example, the Hindu scripture Mahabharata states, "Nonviolence is the highest duty and the highest teaching."
Religious vegetarianism varies worldwide, with Eastern religions generally more supportive of vegetarianism than Western religions. For example, India has a long history of vegetarianism, with diverse and nutritious plant-based dishes. In contrast, some Muslims in Indonesia view vegetarianism for reasons other than health as "un-Islamic." However, there are also Muslim groups promoting vegetarianism, such as the Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship of North America and the Vegan Muslim Initiative.
