Vegetarianism Scientific And Spiritual Basis

Author(s): Jashwant B Mehta
Publisher: Jashwant B Mehta

Page 37

There is not an animal that lives on the Earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but forms part of communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they all shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.
- Al-Qur'an.6:38
While the kindness to all living creatures is advocated in all the religions, it may be mentioned that vegetarianism does not find explicit mention in the Judeo-Christian religions, viz. Islam!, Judaism and Christianity. The reason why vegetarianism is not explicit in the Judeo-Christian religions could be (1) the places where these religions originated viz. middle east region had vast areas under the desert and the growth of vegetables and plants was restricted e.g. Saudi Arabia where Islam originated and where the holy cities of Mecca and Medina are situated is mostly desert area. This was also true of region which constitutes present day Israel where Judaism and Christianity originated. (Only now with advances in science and technology, resulting in better irrigation facilities that the situation has improved). In contrast to this, India where Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism had their origins has tropical climate and there has always been an abundance of plants and vegetables unlike many other countries where the severe cold climate in winter restricts the availability of vegetables. It is only during later years with the improved technology of food preservation and quick transport which has made it possible to get vegetables and fruits round the year. (2) Till recently, after the research and study now has, scientifically proved beyond doubt the superiority and suitability of vegetarian diet from health angle, it was widely believed that non-vegetarian diet provided more strength and vigour due to higher protein and fat content and was considered a superior diet as compared to a vegetarian diet. However, more and more people outside the Indian sub-continent belonging to all the religions and in all parts of the world are turning to vegetarianism either due to feeling of compassion for all living creatures or for health reasons.
The reasoning behind eating of pork being forbidden in Islam seems to be more for health reasons as pigs live and breed in dirty and filthy surroundings and eating its meat was obviously felt to be hazardous for health. When a particular suggestion is preached by the spiritual leaders in the name of the religion it is rigorously followed by large majority of their followers.