Regarding the eating
of animal flesh and abstinence therefrom, know thou of a certainty that, in the
beginning of creation, God determined the food of every living being, and to
eat contrary to that determination is not approved… the food of man is cereals
and fruit. Some of the teeth of man are like millstones to grind the grain, and
some are sharp to cut the fruit. Therefore he is not in need of meat, nor is he
obliged to eat it. Even without eating meat he would live with the utmost
vigour and energy… Truly, the killing of animals and the eating of their meat
is somewhat contrary to pity and compassion, and if one can content oneself
with cereals, fruit, oil and nuts, such as pistachios, almonds and so on, it
would undoubtedly be better and more pleasing.
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá (From a Tablet;
The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Some Aspects of Heath, Healing,
Nutrition and Related Matters)
