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Different Religions, Same Golden Rule
December 23, 2015, in Articles > Baha'i Life, by Naysan Naraqi
While it is often easy to focus on the differences between the various religions of the world, there are definitely many similarities which unfortunately often get overlooked. Beyond the many similarities relating to customs and rituals, such as fasting and prayer, many of these similarities are based on what could be classified as the “core values”, or the “essence” of these religions, rather than the “details”.
These similarities are very evident in the teachings of these different religions when it comes to the subject of how we should treat others, so I thought it would be interesting to list the “Golden Rule” of what each religion says about how we should treat others. Here’s just one quote from a short selection of major world religions in alphabetical order:
Baha’i Faith
Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.
Buddhism
Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.
Christianity
In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
Confucianism
One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct…loving-kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.
Hinduism
This is the sum of duty; do naught onto others what you would not have them do unto you.
Islam
Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.
Jainism
One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.
Judaism
What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.
Native American Pima Proverb
Do not wrong or hate your neighbor. For it is not he who you wrong, but yourself.
Sikhism
As thou deemest thyself, so deem others.
Taoism
Regard your neighbour’s gain as your own gain and your neighbour’s loss as your own loss.
Yoruba (Nigeria)
One going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird should first try it on himself to feel how it hurts.
Zoroastrianism
Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this short list and that these words can serve as a reminder of how we conduct ourselves in our daily lives.
Posted by
Naysan Naraqi
Naysan is passionate about using the arts and media to explore the teachings of the Baha’i Faith. Back in 2011, Naysan started up the Baha’i Blog project, channeling his experiences in both media and technology companies to help create a hub for Baha’i-inspired content online.
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Thanks for this lovely list, Naysan. It is wonderful to be reminded that there are common teachings in all the religions.
One distinction that I have heard recently, though, seems important to me. The concept of a “Golden Rule” grew out of the context of a Christian society, where it was held to be a simple way of determining if a given action would be moral. But the fact that it appears in other religions and cultures does not automatically mean that it is considered a “Golden Rule” within all of them. The name “Golden Rule” seems to imply that it is the highest standard that can be applied to human behaviour. But in some of those religions and cultures, it is not considered a particularly important teaching.
So, while it is excellent to point out the commonalities in religions and cultures, it remains important to remember that the emphasis and context in which a particular teaching is viewed can make a vast difference in how it is perceived and followed.
Alan Manifold (December 12, 2015 at 12:08 AM)
I have been flowing your Baha’i Blog Naysan it gives much inspiration in the world of divergence in heights of ides of teaching diverse human traditions cultures and believes. All the religions converge at central pivot of love and unity of mankind at different times with same massage but in different versions. I congratulate you for your tireless effort in your research for bringing such interesting topics in shaping our knowledge by harmonizing most asked question of our Baha’i belief.
Francis Odali (December 12, 2015 at 11:26 AM)
Thank you so much Francis for your kind and encouraging words. Really appreciate that glad we can be of service! 🙂
Naysan (December 12, 2015 at 12:16 PM)
This is good to know about the wonderful similarities related to one aspect of the society i,e dealing with neighbors. There must be so many others which if explored and shared shall do more goods to mankind than many other pieces of advises.
Ashiq Khan
Ashiq A.Khan (June 6, 2016 at 4:47 AM)
Thank you so much ! That was wonderful and shows how we are all so similar ! Thank you
Maz jasbi (January 1, 2019 at 11:29 PM)
Yes indeed! Thank you for your comment and glad you like it! 🙂
Naysan Naraqi (January 1, 2019 at 12:25 AM)
So what are the actions, prayers and beliefs that allow anyone regardless of any religion they are part of or not a part of any to get into heaven after one dies?
Stephanie F. (January 1, 2023 at 10:18 AM)
I think that the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, is the goal that we all must and all do serve. (“All are God’s servants, and all abide by His bidding.”- the Bab) The Baha’i teachings are a new movement representing mankind’s attempts to learn and follow the will of God. We can unite and work together to achieve a society which reflects more a harmony of the earth and all it’s creatures, or we can struggle separately and wait for God to finally show us the errors of our ways. We all do share this earthly existence and whatever we do with our lives will have some effects on our spiritual and physical environment.
Gordon Butler (August 8, 2024 at 2:43 AM)