The Mainstreamness and Perspective of Religions Against the Prohibition of Massacre
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The concept of a ban on massacres in the context of major religions has a major impact on shaping the morals and ethics of its people. We can investigate the perspective of a ban on massacre in every scripture of religions, such as Islam, Christianity, Hindus, Buddhists, and Jews.
In Islam, the prohibition of massacres is affirmed in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. The Quran prohibits murder in general, except under certain circumstances, such as to defend themselves or to fight evil.
Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:32) says: "Whoever kills a man except for killing another man or making damage on earth, it is as if he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves one soul, it is as if he saves all mankind.
This verse confirms that murder is a great sin equivalent to killing all men. This is because every human being is a noble creature and created by Allah.
The Hadith of Sahih Bukhari also prohibits the killing of women and children, even in a state of war. Whoever kills a warrior is not because he himself fights, he will not smell the scent of heaven. This Hadith teaches that murder, even in a state of war, must be done fairly and in accordance with Islamic law.
In Christian teaching, the prohibition of massacres is also confirmed in the Gospel, the scripture of Christianity. The Gospel teaches the importance of respecting life and condemning improper acts of violence.
Matthew (5:21-22) reads: "You have heard to our ancestors: 'Do not kill,' and 'Whoever kills, will be held accountable before the judgment.' But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be held accountable before the judiciary.
The existence of the teaching that the prohibition of murder applies not only to acts of physical murder, but also to acts of incorrect violence, such as anger and hatred.
In Hindus, the prohibition of massacres is affirmed in the Bhagavad Gita, the scripture of Hinduism. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that all living beings are part of Brahman, the universal consciousness. Therefore, murder is an unjustified act.