Morality, the teaching of good morals and conduct is a fundamental teaching in God’s religions.

153. Morality, the teaching of good morals is a fundamental teaching found in all of God’s religions: Baha’i Faith: “The greatest bestowal of God in the world of humanity is religion; for assuredly the divine teachings of religion are above all other sources of instruction and development to man. Religion confers upon man eternal life and guides his footsteps in the world of morality. It opens the doors of unending happiness and bestows everlasting honor upon the human kingdom. It has been the basis of all civilization and progress in the history of mankind.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 270)

These are just a few of the morals taught to mankind by Moses:  Judaism: 20:12 Exodus “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which The LORD thy God giveth thee.” 20:13 “Thou shalt not kill.” 20:14 “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” 20:15 “Thou shalt not steal.” 20:16 “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” 20:17 “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” Leviticus 19:11 “Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.” 19:12 “And ye shall not swear by My name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am The LORD.” 19:13 “Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.” 19:14 “Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am The LORD.” 19:15 “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.” 19:16 “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am The LORD.” 19:17 “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” 19:18 “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am The LORD.” Psalms 25:21 “Let integrity and up-rightness preserve me;” These are just a few of the morals taught to mankind by Jesus Christ:  Christianity: Luke 18:20 “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.” 1 Corinthians 7:5 “Defraud ye not one the other,” 1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 6:11 “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 6:12 “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.” 2 Peter 1:4 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 1:5 “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;” 1:6 “And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;” 1:7 “And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”

 ISLAM: Letter 31. “Develop the habit of patience against sufferings, calamities and adversities. This virtue of patience is one of the highest values of morality and nobility of character and it is the best habit which one can develop. Trust in Allah (God) and let your mind seek His protection in every calamity and suffering because you will thus entrust yourself and your affairs to the Best Trustee and to the Mightiest Guardian.

(Islam, Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh)

Islam: Letter 53. “In short this letter is on one hand the Gospel of the principles of administration as taught by the Holy Qur’án, a code to establish a kind and benevolent rule, throwing light on various aspects of justice, benevolence and mercy, an order based on the ethics of Divine rulership where justice and mercy are shown to human beings irrespective of class, creed and color, where poverty is neither a stigma nor a disqualification and where justice is not tainted with nepotism, favoritism, provincialism or religious fanaticism; and, on the other hand, it is a thesis on the higher values of morality.”

(Islam, Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh)

Islam: 43. “Be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).”

(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah   2)

Islam: 5. “To those weak of understanding make not over your property, which Allah hath made a means of support for you, but feed and clothe them therewith, and speak to them words of kindness and justice.”

(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah   4)

Islam: 222. “Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.”

(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah   2)

Islam: 277. “Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”

(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah   2)

 ZOROASTRIANISM: “Rectitude (moral integrity) is the greatest good. The good that does exist. The good consists in this, that rectitude should be for the sake of great rectitude.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan)

 Zoroastrianism: 18. “Purity is for man, next to life, the, greatest good, that purity, O Zarathustra (Zoroaster), that is in the Religion of Mazda (God) for him who cleanses his own self with good thoughts, words, and deeds.”

(Zoroaster, The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Vendidad)

 Zoroastrianism: 36. “The Law of Mazda will not deliver thee unto pain. Thou art entreated (for charity) by the whole of the living world, and she is ever standing at thy door in the person of thy brethren in the faith beggars are ever standing at the door of the stranger, amongst those who beg for bread.”

(The Zend-Avesta, Avesta Fragments)

 Zoroastrianism: “The worth of an action depends not on outward conformity with the moral laws, but on the motive which cannot be concealed from Mazda (God). Nothing is hidden from Mazda.” “Mazda is the up holder of moral order of the universe.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 157 and 440)

 Zoroastrianism: 34. “O Maker of the material world, thou Holy one! Who is the fifth that rejoices the Earth with greatest joy? Ahura Mazda (God) answered: ‘It is he who kindly and piously gives The Asho-dad or alms to one of the faithful who tills the earth, O Spitama Zarathustra!”

(The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Vendidad)

 Zoroastrianism: 1. “A blessing is Righteousness (called) the Best. It is weal; it is weal to this (man), When toward Righteousness Best there is right.”

(Zoroaster, The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasna 8)

 Zoroastrianism: Denkard. “Zoroaster, “Those things that rise from morality are virtuous in this world and in the next; and they are useful for the next world. The increase of virtue in this world is owing to morality.”

 HINDUISM: “The endless exposition of laws, legends, and moral rules is not yet over. Krishna himself takes up the task.”

(Hindu, Mababharata (R. Dutt, abridged tr))

 Hinduism: “Ramayana is still a living tradition and a living faith. It forms the basis of the moral instruction of a nation, and it is a part of the lives of two hundred millions of people.”

(Hindu, Ramayana (R. Dutt, abridged tr))

 Hinduism: 226. “Let him, without tiring, always offer sacrifices and perform works of charity with faith; for offerings and charitable works made with faith and with lawfully-earned money, (procure) endless rewards.”

(Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 4)

 Hinduism: 3. “Whatever is given should be given with faith, not without faith,-with joy, with modesty, with fear, with kindness.”

(Hindu, Upanishads vol. 2, Taittiriyaka-Upanishad)

 Hinduism: “Krishna possesses a character higher than that of Ulysses; unmatched in human wisdom, ever striving for righteousness and peace.”

(Hindu, Mababharata (R. Dutt, abridged tr))

 Hinduism: “Krishna. Fearlessness, singleness of soul, the will Always to strive for wisdom; opened hand And governed appetites; and piety, And love of lonely study; humbleness, Uprightness, heed to injure naught which lives, Truthfulness, slowness unto wrath, a mind That lightly letteth go what others prize; And equanimity, and charity Which spieth no man’s faults; and tenderness Towards all that suffer; a contented heart, Fluttered by no desires; a bearing mild, Modest, and grave, with manhood nobly mixed, With patience, fortitude, and purity; An unrevengeful spirit, never given To rate itself too high;- such be the signs, O Indian Prince! of him whose feet are set On that fair path which leads to heavenly birth!”

(Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 15)

 BUDDHISM: “It is the Noble Eightfold Path, the way that leads to the extinction of suffering, namely: 1. Right Understanding, 2. Right Mindedness, which together are Wisdom. 3. Right Speech, 4. Right Action, 5. Right Living, which together are Morality. 6. Right Effort, 7. Right Attentiveness, 8. Right Concentration, which together are Concentration.”

((The Eightfold Path), Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path))

 Buddhism: “One should cherish ideals of charity, good behavior, patience, zeal, thoughtfulness and wisdom. Even in the worldly life the practice of these virtues will bring rewards of happiness and success.” (Buddha, Lankavatara Sutra)

 Buddhism: 18. “Life is easy enough for the shameless, the crow-hero type of man, offensive, swaggering, impudent and depraved. But it is hard for the man of conscience, always striving after purity, alert, reserved, pure of (moral) behavior and discerning.”

(Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards))

 Buddhism: “Though one were to live a hundred years immoral and with a mind unstilled by meditation, the life of a single day is better if one is moral and practices meditation.” “Therefore, if he is a man of understanding and penetration, learned and habitually moral, devout and noble, one should cultivate the company of that just and wise man, in the same way as the moon keeps to a path among the stars.”

(Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards))

 Buddhism: “Practice kindness and compassion on all alike with no discrimination what-so-ever.” “Even in one’s speech and especially in one’s teachings one must practice kindness, for, no teaching that is unkind can be the teaching of the Buddha. Unkindness is the executioner of the life of wisdom. (Buddha, Surangama Sutra)

 Buddhism: “Lead a life of righteousness, and not a life of wrong-doing. He who follows righteousness lives happily in this world and the next.”

(Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards))

 SABEANISM: these are just a few morals from Adam the father of mankind. “I shall be pure in all my words (thoughts); and life.” Let purity be thy motive. (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 1)  “Let healing be theirs by virtue.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 20) “Be careful; make inquiry, display kindness, show compassion.” Independent investigation. (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 74) “We will pray with Thee the ‘uthras’ prayer and ask of Thee, of the Great Life (Haiyi, God), a petition for ourselves, for our friends, for our friends’ friends and for those who love the great Family of Life.” “Praise Thee, for amongst them all hatred, Envy and dissensions exist not.” This leads to oneness of mankind, unity of mankind. (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 75 and 76) “He will seek but will not find, And ask, but naught will be given him, Because he had in his hand and gave not,” He didn’t give in charity he stands without treasures in heaven. (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 123) “To each according to the works of his hands It is awarded.” “Every man who toiled And was longsuffering shall come and take with both hands, But he who did not toil nor endure, Standeth empty in the House of Dues.” Work is worship, but this one stands empty, because he is guilty of sloth and did not work. (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 123) “Who will guide me past the watch-house of Sãmïs?” “Your reward, your works, your alms, and your goodness will guide you.” (Sabeanism, The Song) “The names of righteous and believing people Will be established in the Place of Light. Thy name giveth out light.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 77) “Do not slumber and sleep, and forget not what your lord commanded you.” (Sabeanism, Instruction of Adam) “It is time to pray the ‘Devotions’ The great moment for humble worship.” And meekful worship. (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 118) “Good is the Good for the good, and His nature is set upon those who love His name.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 72) “Blessed and praised be Life Who is filled with compassion for these souls. Praised be Thou, my Lord, Manda-d-Hiia, For thou raisest up these souls” “Thou a Lord who art all mercy.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters  35 and 70)

 BABI RELIGION: “The Báb revealed His Bayan, proclaimed a new code of religious law, and by precept and example instituted a profound moral and spiritual reform.” “Live a moral life,” “the acquisition of moral qualities and the exercise of spiritual influence’ through human perfections, through qualities that are excellent and pleasing, and spiritual behavior,” “abound throughout his writings.”

(Peter Smith, The Babi & Baha’i Religions, pp. 79, 83 and 87)

 Babi Religion: “Verily Thou art the highest aspiration of every earnest seeker and the Goal of the desire of them that yearn after Thee. Thou art He Who is ready to answer the call of such as recognize Thy divine unity, and He before Whom the faint-hearted stand in awe. Thou art the Helper of the needy, the Deliverer of the captives, the Abaser of the oppressors, the Destroyer of the wrong-doers.” “Become as true brethren in the one and indivisible religion of God, free from distinction, for verily God desireth that your hearts should become mirrors unto your brethren in the Faith, so that ye find yourselves reflected in them, and they in you. This is the true Path of God, the Almighty, and He is indeed watchful over your actions.” “O YE peoples of the earth! Hearken unto My call, ringing forth from the precincts of this sacred Tree — a Tree set ablaze by the pre-existent Fire: There is no God but Him; He is the Exalted, the All-Wise. O ye the servants of the Merciful One! Enter ye, one and all, through this Gate and follow not the steps of the Evil One, for he prompteth you to walk in the ways of impiety and wickedness; he is, in truth, your declared enemy.”

(Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers, p. xxxi and The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, pp. 55 and 185)

BAHA’I FAITH: These are just a few morals found within the Bahá’í Faith “Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer to the cry of the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge. Be fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech. Be unjust to no man, and show all meekness to all men. Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed, an upholder and defender of the victim of oppression. Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts. Be a home for the stranger, a balm to the suffering, a tower of strength for the fugitive. Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring. Be an ornament to the countenance of truth, a crown to the brow of fidelity, a pillar of the temple of righteousness, a breath of life to the body of mankind, an ensign of the hosts of justice, a luminary above the horizon of virtue, a dew to the soil of the human heart, an ark on the ocean of knowledge, a sun in the heaven of bounty, a gem on the diadem of wisdom, a shining light in the firmament of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of humility.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Baha’u’llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 93)

Baha’i Faith: “I have come here with this mission; that through your endeavors, through your heavenly morals, through your devoted efforts a perfect bond of unity and love may be established between the east and the west, so that the bestowals of God may descend upon all and that all may be seen to be the parts of the same tree, — the great tree of the human family. For mankind may be likened to the branches, leaves, blossoms and fruit of that tree.” “Be kind in truth, not only in appearance and outwardly. Every soul of the friends of God must concentrate his mind on this, that he may manifest the mercy of God and the bounty of the Forgiving One. He must do good to every soul whom he encounters, and render benefit to him, becoming the cause of improving the morals and correcting the thoughts so that the light of guidance may shine forth and the bounty of His Holiness the Merciful One may encompass. Love is light in whatsoever house it may shine and enmity is darkness in whatsoever abode it dwell.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, pp. 216 and 219)

These are just a few morals brought to the tree of humanity by the messengers of God. These are just a few of the good moral virtues taught by the religions of God to mankind. There are many more to be found for those who are willing to look.