RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS encouraging followers to refrain from killing

Many religious and spiritual traditions emphasize the sanctity of life and have teachings that encourage adherents to refrain from killing. Here’s a list of some teachings or guidelines from various religious traditions that speak to this principle:

1. Christianity

The Ten Commandments: The commandment "Thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13) is explicit in prohibiting killing.

Teachings of Jesus: Jesus promotes love and forgiveness. He says, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'" (Matthew 5:21).

2. Islam

The Quran: “...if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind...” (Quran 5:32).

Hadith: Prophet Muhammad teaches, "Do not kill any old person, any child, or any woman” (Abu Dawud).

3. Judaism

The Ten Commandments: Like Christianity, Judaism adheres to the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13).

Talmud: There are various teachings against violence and murder in the Talmud.

4. Buddhism

The First Precept: The first of the Five Precepts in Buddhism is to abstain from taking life ("Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami").

The Noble Eightfold Path: Right action, which involves non-violence and not killing, is an essential element of the path.

5. Hinduism

Ahimsa: This is the principle of non-violence, which is highly regarded in Hinduism. It involves not causing harm or violence to any living being.

The Bhagavad Gita: Although it features a battlefield conversation, the text ultimately emphasizes Dharma (righteousness) and discourages unwarranted violence.

6. Sikhism

Guru Granth Sahib: The primary scripture emphasizes a life of love and non-violence. However, Sikhs are also taught to defend the defenseless.

Guru Tegh Bahadur: The ninth Guru sacrificed his life for the protection of the Hindu community, exemplifying defense without aggression.

7. Jainism

Ahimsa: Much like Hinduism, non-violence is central to Jainism, and it’s even more absolute. It requires adherents to be mindful not to harm any form of life.

Tirthankara Mahavira: He taught rigorous principles of non-violence, stating that one should be non-violent in thoughts, words, and deeds.

8. Baha'i Faith

Baha'u'llah’s Teachings: Emphasize the unity of humanity and discourage violence. There is a significant focus on creating a peaceful and united world.

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Discourages violence and emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in society.

9. Zoroastrianism

Holy Zend Avesta: Teaches that life is a gift from Ahura Mazda (God) and should be preserved and respected.

Ahura Mazda: Is seen as a god of wisdom and light, promoting peace and harmony among his creations.

10. Shinto

Kami: All life is considered sacred because it is inhabited by Kami (spiritual beings or gods).

Harmony: Maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict is crucial in Shinto practices and beliefs.

Who exactly owned the land known today as ISRAEL?

The history of the area now known as Israel is exceptionally complex and multifaceted, with a rich tapestry that has been woven over millennia. Below is a very brief overview, but it's essential to acknowledge that each period is dense with events, conflicts, and cultural developments.

Ancient Periods:

• Canaanites: The area was initially inhabited by Canaanite tribes and other Semitic peoples.

• Israelites: In biblical times, the Israelites established the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. The exact historical and archaeological veracity of these events is a matter of ongoing study and debate among scholars.

• Various Conquerors: The region was conquered by various empires, such as the Babylonian, Persian, and Macedonian (under Alexander the Great).

Roman Period:

• Roman Rule: The Romans controlled the area from 63 BCE. The region was named "Palaestina" by the Romans, a name that would stick in various forms for centuries.

• Jewish-Roman Wars: There were multiple conflicts between the Jewish inhabitants and the Roman rulers, notably the revolts from 66-70 CE and 132-136 CE.

Islamic and Crusader Periods:

• Islamic Caliphates: In the 7th century, the region came under Muslim rule by the Rashidun and then the Umayyad Caliphates.

• Crusaders: From the late 11th century, European Crusaders intermittently established Christian kingdoms in the area.

Ottoman Period:

• Ottoman Empire: From 1517 until the end of World War I in 1918, the area was part of the Ottoman Empire.

British Mandate:

• Balfour Declaration: In 1917, the British government expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.

• British Mandate: After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine from 1920 until 1948.

Modern Period:

• UN Partition Plan: In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international administration. The plan was accepted by the Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side.

• State of Israel: In 1948, David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel. Following this, neighboring Arab states invaded, marking the start of the first Arab-Israeli War.

• Israeli-Arab Conflicts: Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, there have been numerous conflicts between Israel and its Arab neighbors, as well as between Israelis and Palestinians.

• Palestinian Territories: The West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War, have been the focus of ongoing conflicts and peace negotiations.

The history of the region is intricate, with each period being subject to various interpretations and perspectives. Therefore, when exploring the topic, it is crucial to approach various sources and viewpoints to get a comprehensive understanding.