10 most peaceful religions

In all religions of the world there are elements of radicalism and fanaticism that distort their peaceful image. In the global community, some religionssuch as Islam, and therefore their followers, are strongly associated with such radicalism. On the other hand, due to cases of monstrous fanaticism, we forget that despite the presence of factors leading to conflicts, all religions preach the same idea and are by their nature peaceful teachings.

It is the concept of peace that should be at the center of religious traditions. However, we often observe that some religions pay more attention to the idea of peace and harmony than other religions.

10. Islam

As one of three Abrahamic religions in history, Islam is the second largest organized religion in the world, with 1.7 billion followers, or 23% of the world's population. This religious tradition is represented in South Asia, Indonesia, Africa and, above all, in the Middle East, where it is the official religion in most countries.

Islam originated in Arabia, and its founder, the Prophet Muhammad, formulated five pillars: faith in one God - Allah, 5 times a day prayer, fasting during the month of Ramadan, donations to the poor and needy and making a pilgrimage to Mecca. Although Islam is often misunderstood, it preaches a message of peace. So one of the verses of the holy book of the Koran says: “O you who have believed! Embrace Islam entirely and do not follow in the footsteps of the devil. Indeed, he is a clear enemy for you. " (Holy Quran: 2, 208)

9. Christianity

Christianity is the most important Abrahamic religion, and indeed, it can be argued that, politically, Christianity is the most important religion in the world. Christianity is the largest organized religious tradition, with 2.4 billion followers worldwide. This monotheistic religion is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the messiah.

According to the doctrine, Christianity preaches the ten commandments. They contain instructions on how to worship one God, honor parents and keep the Sabbath, as well as prohibitions on idolatry, blasphemy, murder, adultery, theft, deceit, and envy. Different religious groups adhere to different traditions in the interpretation and numbering of these commandments.

Christianity is a religion that emphasizes the idea of love, tolerance, benevolence and harmony. The expression “love your neighbor as yourself ...” sounds to this day, and it should be so in the future.

8. Judaism

Judaism is the third and last Abrahamic religion, and probably the oldest. The Jews, followers of this religion, make up only 0.2% of the world's population and have a long history of persecution and discrimination in what is now known as anti-Semitism. The adherents of Judaism believe in one, almighty God and Moses as their prophet of the Promised Land.

The ideas of Judaism contained in the Torah are believed to have been taught to Moses, and thus the teaching was passed on to the people. Judaism is an exclusively peaceful religion and strongly advocates non-violence as well as the prevention of all forms of violence.

7. Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism, probably being one of the oldest religions in the world, arose very early in world history. The number of his adherents is about 2.5 million people living in Iran and India (where they are called Parsis). They, like the Jews, were subjected to severe persecution, which resulted in a huge migration flow, to which the Parsi community in India owes its existence.

Zoroastrianism is mainly built on the veneration of the god Ahura Mazda and his prophet Zarathustra. Fire worship also plays an important role. It is an extremely fascinating religion that combines monotheism and cosmological elements. According to the doctrine of Zoroastrianism, this religion preaches kind words, thoughts, deeds, as well as the commission of only true deeds, regardless of the situation.

6. Wicca

Wicca attracted the attention of the world community already in the 20th century, and now this belief is traditionally identified with "witchcraft". Wicca was founded by retired civil servant Gerald Gardner. It is a pantheistic religion, where the worship of the "Great Goddess" and the "Horned God" takes place, which can be found in different pantheons in different world contexts.

Wiccans, followers of Wicca, consider their deities to be containers of power, and their religious practice is based on directing this power through a divine connection in the right direction, for example, for healing. The Wiccan commandments emphasize healing, harmony, peace, and compassion for one and all.

5. Hinduism

Hinduism, as the oldest religion in human history, is the largest polytheistic religion in the world. With over 900 million followers worldwide, Hinduism is the dominant religion in India. This religion does not have a single scripture, founder, or even a common body of teachings.

However, with its rich traditions, Hinduism has always put the achievement of peace and harmony in the center of attention. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important texts in Hinduism, was even used by Mahatma Gandhi, the founder of independent India, in his nonviolent struggle against the British colonial regime. According to Gandhi, the message of non-violence is an integral part of Indian history.

4. Sikhism

Sikhism, another religion characteristic of the Indian subcontinent, emerged relatively recently, more precisely in the 15th century. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak, the first of the eleven gurus, as a monotheistic religion based on the sacred text Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhism is one of the youngest religions, but it has about 25 million followers worldwide, making it the fifth largest religion.

This beautiful tradition is based on a message of religious harmony, love, peace, tolerance and brotherhood. The Sikh community is considered one of the most peaceful and hardworking communities in the world. Nanak himself was an extremely ardent critic of religious fundamentalism, ritual practices, inequality and the like.

3. Jainism

Jainism deserves special attention in any and even every list of peaceful religions. Originating in India a little earlier than Buddhism, Jainism is also one of the oldest religions in the world. The fundamental principle of Jainism is ahimsa, that is, the rejection of violence, which is why it is one of the most peaceful religions known to mankind. Such an ideal of non-violence is strictly followed, monks and nuns even cover their mouths with a piece of cloth so that their breath and sound do not harm microbacteria. The words of one British governor are known: "The more a person follows Jainism, the less it is worth worrying about him."

2. Taoism

Taoism is an ancient system of Chinese thought and philosophy, beliefs and practices, which was later formalized as a religion in its modern sense. Taoism has a deeply philosophical nature and seeks to explain the natural order, the balance between the constituent elements of the world, and other such things. Taoism is a unique tradition; his followers believe in the concept of yin-yang, in the existence of a natural order that a person should not violate. Thus, religion stands for peace, harmony and coexistence that does not interfere with the usual way of life of our neighbors.

1. Buddhism

It can be argued that among the world's most monumental and most multifaceted religious traditions, Buddhism is best known for its peacefulness. The image of a pacified Buddhist monk is rightfully traditional. Since its inception in the subcontinent centuries ago, Buddhism has always stood for peace, justice and a sense of brotherhood. He professed these ideas in different countries, even on different continents, this doctrine still enjoys tremendous support today.

Followers of this tradition and even representatives of other teachings respect Buddhism for its rational and scientific philosophy, its inspiring ideal of nirvana, inner peace and harmony with the universe, which Buddhism hopes to endow everyone.