The Common Mind: Forgiveness and Compassion Across Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism

Vocabulary flashcards covering forgiveness and compassion across Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, plus overarching comparative insights and conclusion.

Forgiveness in Islam — Ta’if Incident

Prophet Muhammad forgave the hostile people of Ta’if despite their hostility.

Forgiveness in Islam — Hind (wife of Abu Sufyan)

Prophet Muhammad forgave Hind, who had plotted against him.

Compassion in Islam — Visit to the garbage-throwing woman

When a woman who used to throw garbage at Prophet Muhammad fell ill, he visited her.

Quranic mercy (7:156)

The verse 'My Mercy encompasses all things' emphasizes divine mercy.

Forgiveness in Christianity — Jesus on the cross

Jesus forgave those who crucified him: 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'

Prodigal Son Parable

The father forgives his son who squandered his wealth.

Good Samaritan

A man helps an injured stranger, illustrating compassion beyond social boundaries.

Jesus’s compassion in Christianity

Jesus healed the sick and cared for the poor out of love and compassion.

Forgiveness in Buddhism — Angulimala

Angulimala, a bandit, is transformed by Buddha’s compassion and guidance.

Forgiveness in Buddhism — Devadatta

Buddha forgave Devadatta despite his repeated attempts to harm him.

Compassion in Buddhism — Buddha nursing a sick monk

Buddha cared for a sick monk while others ignored him, teaching compassion.

Jataka tales — Prince Vessantara

Prince Vessantara gives away all possessions in charity.

Forgiveness in Hinduism — Yudhishthira

Yudhishthira forgives his enemies after the Mahabharata war.

Forgiveness in Hinduism — Rama and Kaikeyi

Lord Rama forgives Kaikeyi after her actions caused his exile.

Compassion in Hinduism — Samudra Manthan (Shiva drinks poison)

Lord Shiva drinks poison to save the world during the churning of the ocean.

Karna’s donation to Indra

Karna donates his armor and earrings to Indra, even at great personal cost.

Comparative Insight — universal values

All religions emphasize forgiveness and compassion as universal values.

Conclusion — timeless and unifying

Forgiveness and compassion are timeless moral teachings that unite diverse traditions and support peaceful coexistence.