Do Not Kill

The sanctity of life and prohibition against murder across traditions.

Ethics

Christianity

Matthew 5:21-22

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder'... But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”

Judaism

Exodus 20:13

“You shall not murder.”

Islam

Quran 5:32

“Whoever kills a soul — it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one — it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”

Hinduism

Mahabharata 13.117.37-38

“Ahimsa (non-violence) is the highest dharma. Ahimsa is the highest self-control. Ahimsa is the greatest gift.”

Buddhism

Dhammapada 129-130

“All tremble at violence; life is dear to all. Putting oneself in the place of another, one should not kill nor cause another to kill.”