Article – Hippocratic Oath

The Hippocratic Oath is traditionally attributed to Hippocrates, a 5th-century BCE Greek physician often regarded as the “Father of Medicine.”  While it originated in ancient Greece, its core principles of beneficence (doing good), non-maleficence (avoiding harm), and patient autonomy have resonated across cultures and throughout history and are aligned  with all major religious and ethical frameworks:

 The Oath originally committed physicians to a high standard of patient care, confidentiality, and professional integrity. Over time, it evolved through versions like the Declaration of Geneva and the Oath of Lasagna, adapting to contemporary medical challenges while maintaining its foundational ethical commitments.

The Vejjavatapada, or Buddhist physician’s vow, mandates healers to act with mindfulness and ethical responsibility. Buddhist texts often depict medicine as an extension of compassion, where healing is considered a noble duty. Confucian medical ethics emphasize benevolence (rén) and righteousness (yì). Physicians are expected to act with moral rectitude, ensuring the welfare of their patients while maintaining social harmony. Taoist ethics advocate for natural harmony (wu wei), encouraging physicians to align their practices with the body’s natural healing processes while avoiding unnecessary interventions. Traditional Chinese medicine, influenced by Taoist philosophy, emphasizes balance and preventative care

Christianity has historically integrated the Hippocratic Oath into medical practice, particularly in monastic and missionary hospitals. Jesus himself healed the sick and demonstrated compassion for the marginalized.

 Hinduism’s concept of dharma (duty) and ahiṃsā (non-violence) provides a framework for ethical medical practice. Ancient Ayurvedic texts outline moral guidelines for healers, advocating for patient-centered care. Hindu ethics also stress the balance of body, mind, and spirit in healing, encouraging doctors to view patients holistically.

Islamic medical ethics stress the sanctity of life and the physician’s duty to safeguard health. The Oath of Asaph, a historical Islamic medical vow, echoes the Hippocratic Oath’s commitments to nonmaleficence and beneficence. Islamic teachings emphasize that healthcare is both a moral and religious obligation, with physicians acting as stewards of life.

Jewish medical ethics, rooted in the principle of pikuach nefesh (preserving human life), strongly parallel the Oath’s commitment to patient welfare. The Oath of Asaph and Yohanan serves as a Judaic counterpart to the Hippocratic tradition. Jewish law prioritizes saving lives above almost all other religious commandments, reinforcing the physician’s role as a life-preserver.

Despite theological differences, universal ethical themes emerge across religious traditions:

  • Compassion: A central tenet in all religious medical ethics.
  • Non-harming: Emphasized in Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and the Hippocratic Oath.
  • Duty to heal: Seen in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism.
  • Moral responsibility: Stressed in Confucianism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism.

These shared values reinforce a humanistic approach to medicine, emphasizing the physician’s role as a caretaker beyond just clinical responsibilities.

The enduring relevance of the Hippocratic Oath lies in its alignment with ethical principles found in major world religions. In a world where ethical dilemmas in healthcare are becoming increasingly complex, these foundational moral teachings serve as guiding beacons.QUOTES from world religions

HINDUISM (Charaka Samhita):

 “The physician who practices without consideration of financial gain or ambition, with compassion for all creatures, excels all.” – Charaka Samhita, Indian medical treatise

“The healer must possess knowledge, dexterity, and compassion to serve all beings.” – Sushruta Samhita

BUDDHISM: 

“The bodhisattva physician, seeing the sufferings of the world, acts with infinite compassion, seeking not reward but the relief of others.” Avatamsaka Sutra

“May I be medicine for the sick and weary, their servant until suffering is no more.” Shantideva, Bodhisattvacharyavatara

ISLAM:

 “The one who saves a life, it is as if he has saved all of humanity.” – Quran 5:32

JUDAISM:

 “Whoever saves a single life is considered to have saved the whole world.” – Talmud 

“The best of physicians are destined for Gehenna.” – Talmud

CHRISTIANITY:

 “Heal the sick… freely you have received, freely give.” – Matthew 10:8 

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders.” – James 5:14

CHINESE MEDICINE:

 “The superior doctor prevents sickness; the mediocre doctor attends to impending sickness; the inferior doctor treats actual sickness.”

“A doctor must possess compassion, wisdom, and skill in equal measure.” – Sun Simiao, ‘The King of Medicine’

Zoroastrianism

“That man is a healer who heals others with the remedy of truth and righteousness.” – Avesta, Yasna 30:9

“The best prayer is to cure the sick, clothe the naked, and feed the hungry.” – Zarathustra’s Teachings

African Traditional Beliefs 

“A healer’s hands must be guided by both wisdom and kindness.” Akan Teaching (Ghana)

See All Commonalities Across Religions