Veganism And Religion: Exploring Spirituality-Diet Connections

Many religions around the world promote a vegan or vegetarian diet. In some cases, this is because of the importance of showing mercy to animals and respect for the planet, and in others, it is due to the belief in non-violence. For example, in Jainism, vegetarianism is mandatory for everyone, and Jains try to avoid unnecessary injury to all living things, including plants and minuscule organisms. In Rastafari, some consider it part of their diet to eschew the eating of food that has been artificially preserved, flavoured, or chemically altered in any way. In other religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, vegetarianism is promoted but not mandatory. In Islam, although meat-eating is common, the Prophet Muhammad emphasised the importance of showing kindness to animals, and the majority of Muslims who eat meat follow laws called Halal, which allow for the consumption of clean animals that are properly slaughtered.

Judaism and veganism

The first book of the Bible, Genesis, establishes a plant-based diet as God's original intention for humankind. Genesis 1:29 states: "And God said: Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of the earth, and every tree that has seed-yielding fruit—to you it shall be for food." This is supported by the medieval commentator, Rashi, who spells this out more clearly: "Scripture places cattle and beasts on a level with [human beings]...and did not permit Adam to kill any creature and eat its flesh, but all alike were to eat herbs."

The idea that veganism is aligned with Judaism is further supported by the fact that several leading rabbis have advocated for a vegan diet. For example, Rabbi David Rosen, an Orthodox rabbi and former Chief Rabbi of Ireland, states:

> "Judaism’s way of life, its dietary practices, are designed to ennoble the human spirit. It is therefore a contradiction in terms to claim that products that come through a process that involves inordinate cruelty and barbarity toward animal life can truly be considered kosher in our world. In our world today, it is precisely a plant-based diet that is truly consonant with the most sublime teachings of Judaism and of the highest aspirations of our heritage."

Other notable rabbis who have promoted veganism include David Cohen, Shlomo Goren, Irving Greenberg, Asa Keisar, and Jonathan Sacks.

In addition to the above, there are three key pillars of the Torah that support the case for veganism in Judaism:

• Plant-based diets were established as God’s intention for humankind, as mentioned above.
• Meat-eating was permitted but only as a reluctantly given concession to humans when they were at their lowest spiritual point (Genesis 9).
• Treating animals with compassion is regarded as a Torah mandate, a requirement known in Hebrew as Tza'ar Baalei Chayim.

Finally, it is worth noting that Jewish vegetarianism and veganism have become especially popular among Israeli Jews. In 2016, an op-ed argued that Israel was "the most vegan country on Earth", as five percent of its population eschewed all animal products.

Christianity and veganism

Veganism is not a requirement in Christianity, but it is also not forbidden. There are a variety of opinions on veganism and vegetarianism within the Christian community, with some Christians interpreting the Bible to mean that vegetarianism was part of God's original plan for mankind and animals.

In the Bible, God institutes a plant-based diet for both humans and non-human animals: "God said, 'See, I have given you every plant yielding seed... and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food'" (Genesis 1:29). This is a vegan world that God later declares as "very good" (Genesis 1:31).

However, after the Flood, God tells Noah: "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything" (Genesis 9:3). This passage is often interpreted as lifting the strictly vegetarian diet outlined in Genesis.

Later, the Levitical law distinguished between clean (kosher) and unclean foods, permitting Israelites to eat animals that "part the hoof and are cloven-footed and chew the cud" (Leviticus 11).

In the New Testament, Jesus declares all foods clean (Mark 7:18-19), and a similar message is delivered to Peter in the book of Acts, where he is told: "What God has made clean, do not call common" (Acts 10:9-16).

Some Christians interpret these passages as underscoring the importance of Christian liberty and individual conscience when it comes to dietary choices. They believe that while God gave humans dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28), He also expects them to be accountable for how they treat His creation, and cruelty to animals is not consistent with a Christian worldview (Proverbs 12:10).

Additionally, some Christians choose a vegetarian or vegan diet due to concerns about animal welfare in the food industry or for health reasons, as a vegetarian diet tends to be high in important nutrients and lower in calories and fat.

Ultimately, the decision to adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet as a Christian is a matter of individual conscience and interpretation of Biblical teachings.

Islam and veganism

Islam is a religion of peace, kindness, and mercy, not just for humans but for animals as well. Trees and animals are protected under Islamic principles, as highlighted in various teachings. For example, the Prophet Muhammad emphasised the importance of showing kindness to animals and nature. He praised a woman for giving water to a thirsty dog and condemned those who were cruel to animals, such as a woman who starved her cat. He also scolded his companions for taking eggs from a bird's nest, highlighting the need to respect animals and their homes.

The Qur’an reflects this compassionate view, affirming that all creatures are part of Allah’s creation. As stated in Surah Al-An’am (6:38), “There is not a creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its wings, but they are communities like you. We have not neglected anything in the Book. Then to their Lord they will be gathered” (Qur’an, 6:38). This verse emphasises that animals, like humans, are created by Allah and are accountable to Him.

The rules of halal slaughter were introduced to minimise pain because, in 7th-century Arabia, it was common for animals to be tortured to death. The Prophet Muhammad advocated for the swift and humane treatment of animals to alleviate their suffering. He advised against burning an anthill, discouraged sitting on animals for long periods, and recommended being considerate of their well-being. This guidance reflects his commitment to minimising suffering and promoting kindness toward all creatures.

Over time, the Qur’an has evolved to reflect higher ethical standards, moving from regulating animal treatment to condemning practices like slavery. This progression indicates a shift towards greater ethical principles. Given our increased understanding of animal suffering and ethical standards, continuing outdated practices seems increasingly questionable. The teachings of the Qur’an encourage adapting to these advancements and embracing more compassionate practices.

Today’s animal agriculture raises significant ethical and environmental concerns. Resources used for feeding animals could instead address global hunger, with over 1 billion people starving, and a large percentage of starving children living in regions where food is diverted to animal feed. Additionally, animal agriculture contributes to environmental damage, such as pollution and the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. Opting for a plant-based diet aligns with the values of compassion and justice.

Choosing a plant-based diet offers practical benefits and sets a positive example. Plant-based foods are often more cost-effective and can help feed more people, especially in impoverished regions. Veganism supports environmental sustainability and animal welfare, addressing both ethical and practical issues. By evolving our practices, we honour the spirit of the Qur’an and address today’s challenges with kindness and justice.

Challenges and Misconceptions

Some Muslims believe that it is un-Islamic to be vegetarian or vegan. This viewpoint stems from the fear of taking something halal (permissible) and making it haram (forbidden). Additionally, many Muslim cultures centre their diets around meat due to industrialisation and increased wealth. As a result, meat is often associated with wealth, and abstaining from it may be seen as disrespectful to God's blessings.

Another challenge arises from the belief that promoting veganism for religious reasons constitutes bidah (innovation in religion), which is considered worse than sin in Islam. This belief stems from the idea that religious practices should not be altered or added to, and that promoting veganism as a religious obligation goes against the permissibility of meat consumption in Islam.

The Practice of Veganism in Islam

Despite these challenges and misconceptions, it is important to note that meat-eating is not mandatory in Islam. While certain practices, such as Eid al-Adha, involve animal sacrifices, Muslims who cannot afford it are allowed to make a non-animal sacrifice. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad is described as subsisting mainly on a plant-based diet, with dates and barley forming a large part of his diet.

Some Islamic orders, particularly Sufi Muslims, are known for their vegetarian or vegan diets. Sufi mystics, such as Rabia, are said to have surrounded themselves with animals, and accounts suggest that they practised veganism during retreats.

Personal Testimonies

Aiysha Younas, a Muslim journalist, shares her journey towards veganism, driven by the core Islamic value of compassion. She highlights the contradiction between the cruelty of the animal product industries and the Islamic ideal of compassion. Younas navigates the complexities of the concept of 'halal', which she interprets as encompassing not only the permissibility of certain foods but also the responsibility and respect owed to God's creations.

Nina Ahmedow, a vegan Muslim, recounts her challenges in adopting a vegan lifestyle due to misconceptions within the Muslim community and a lack of support or understanding from her family. She highlights the contradictions and confusions that arise when exploring the intersection of veganism and Islam. Ahmedow also addresses the anti-Muslim sentiment within some vegan communities, which can make it difficult for Muslims to feel accepted in these spaces.

Veganism and Islam share a foundation of compassion and kindness towards all creatures. While challenges and misconceptions exist, a growing number of Muslims are embracing veganism, recognising the environmental, ethical, and health benefits it offers. By adopting plant-based diets, Muslims can honour the spirit of the Qur'an and demonstrate their commitment to peace, mercy, and justice.

Rastafari and veganism

The Ital diet is proto-vegan, with some Rastafarians being strict vegans, avoiding dairy as they do not consider it natural for human consumption. The Bobo Shanti mansion of Rastafari, for example, are strictly vegan.

The Ital movement is not just limited to those within the Rastafari movement, as many people outside of it have also adopted this way of eating for health, environmental, or spiritual reasons.

Rastafarians have been promoting vegan lifestyles for nearly a century, with the practice arising in Jamaica during the 1930s as a reaction against British colonial rule. Leonard Howell, one of the founding fathers of Rastafari, was influenced by the plant-based diets of Indian indentured servants living in Jamaica.

Traditional Ital dishes include one-pot stews cooked over open coals, featuring fruits and vegetables that grow in the Jamaican bush, such as yams, peppers, and rice seasoned with spring onions, garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, nutmeg, and limes.

Rastafarians also have a complex relationship with sovereignty, as they were historically exiled from cities to rural parishes, where they cultivated their own food and practised self-governance. This history of self-sufficiency and resistance to colonial powers is reflected in the Ital diet's emphasis on natural, unprocessed foods.

By promoting veganism, Rastafarians are not only upholding their spiritual beliefs in Livity but also advocating for Black sovereignty, health, and ecological harmony.

Hinduism and veganism

Hindu scriptures promote a vegetarian dietary ideal based on the concept of ahimsa, or non-violence and compassion towards all beings. The reverence for food and the belief that food procurement and preparation is a violent process has led many Hindus to adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet. The Manusmriti, a collection of ancient Indian legal texts, states that "one who authorises, the man who butchers, the man who slaughters, the man who buys or sells, the man who cooks, the man who serves, and the man who eats – these are all killers".

The Hindu diet is also influenced by the concept of satvic food, which keeps the body light and promotes thinking. Fruits and vegetables, especially raw vegetables, are considered satvic. Rajas food, which stimulates emotional and sensual pleasure, and Tamas food, which makes one less active, are discouraged.

However, not all Hindus are vegetarian or vegan. Meat-eating varies by region, with fish and seafood being common in coastal states like West Bengal and Kerala. The influence of western culture and the recent popularity of fast food restaurants have also contributed to the increase in meat consumption among Hindus. Additionally, some Hindus view the consumption of milk and milk products as essential to their religion and believe that it is promoted in Hindu scriptures.

Overall, while Hinduism promotes a vegetarian dietary ideal, the decision to adopt a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle varies among Hindus and is influenced by factors such as region, cultural influence, and personal interpretation of religious teachings.

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