BASIC BAHA'I PRINCIPLES, LAWS AND TEACHINGS
There is one God; mankind is one;
the foundations of religion are one. Let us worship Him, and give praise for
all His great Prophets and Messengers who have manifested His brightness and
glory. (‘Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 19)
'Abdu'l-Bahá expounded ... those
basic and distinguishing principles of His Father's Faith, which together with
the laws and ordinances revealed in the Kitab-i-Aqdas constitute the bedrock of
God's latest Revelation to mankind. ~Shoghi
Effendi, GPB, p.28
• The Oneness of God
• The Oneness of the Divine
Messengers
• The Oneness of Humankind
• All Things are Alive, but not
all are conscious
• God’s Creation has Always
Existed
• The Superiority of the Divine
Verses
• The Progressive Revelation
& Common Foundation of All Divine Religions
• Religion should be the Cause of
Love and Affection
• The Essential Harmony of
Science and Religion
• Independent Investigation of
Truth
• The Need for the Holy Spirit,
Daily Prayer & Meditation, and Annual Fasting
• Equality of Rights and
Opportunities for Men and Women
• Elimination of All Prejudices
and Superstitions
• Spiritual Solutions to Economic
& Ecologic Crises
• Climate Change Could Happen
• Universal Compulsory Education,
and a Common Curriculum
• The Special Role of Mothers in
Teaching Peace World-wide
• Universal Simultaneous Multi-lateral
Disarmament
• Universal Auxiliary Language
and Script to be taught in all the nations of the world
• The Appointment of a Center of
the Covenant, and Avoidance of the Covenant-breakers
• Acquisition of Divine Virtues
for This world and the Next
• Justice and Righteousness
• Obedience to the Spiritual
Assemblies
• No Argument, Fair and open
Consultation
• No Clergy
• No Slavery
• No Aggressive Proselytizing
• No Quarrelling over the Divine
Questions
• No Backbiting or Fault-finding
in Others
• No Re-Incarnation
• Never Strike Another
• Never Consider Anyone an Enemy
• Consideration for the Poor
• Kindness to Animals
• Abstention from Partisan
Politics
• Regard the Stranger as a Friend
• Visiting the Sick
• Consulting Competent Physicians
• Special Regard Must be Paid to
Agriculture.
• No Un-Prescribed Alcohol or Drugs
• Control of One’s Passions
•Future Development of the World
Order of Bahá’u’lláh
The
Oneness of God
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God
testifieth to the unity of His Godhood and to the singleness of His own
Being. On the throne of eternity, from the inaccessible heights of His
station, His tongue proclaimeth that there is none other God but Him. He
Himself, independently of all else, hath ever been a witness unto His own
oneness, the revealer of His own nature, the glorifier of His own essence.
He, verily, is the All-Powerful, the Almighty, the Beauteous. He is supreme
over His servants, and standeth over His creatures. In His hand is the source
of authority and truth. He maketh men alive by His signs, and causeth them to
die through His wrath. He shall not be asked of His doings and His might is
equal unto all things. He is the Potent, the All-Subduing. He holdeth within
His grasp the empire of all things, and on His right hand is fixed the
Kingdom of His Revelation. His power, verily, embraceth the whole of
creation. Victory and overlordship are His; all might and dominion are His;
all glory and greatness are His. He, of a truth, is the All-Glorious, the
Most Powerful, the Unconditioned. (Gleanings from the Writings of
Bahá’u’lláh, LVII) "Fear ye God" ~Bahá’u’lláh
The
Oneness of the Divine Messengers
Know
thou assuredly that the essence of all the Prophets of God is one and the
same. Their unity is absolute. God, the Creator, saith: There is no
distinction whatsoever among the Bearers of My Message. They all have but one
purpose; their secret is the same secret. To prefer one in honor to another,
to exalt certain ones above the rest, is in no wise to be permitted. Every
true Prophet hath regarded His Message as fundamentally the same as the Revelation
of every other Prophet gone before Him. If any man, therefore, should fail to
comprehend this truth, and should consequently indulge in vain and unseemly
language, no one whose sight is keen and whose understanding is enlightened
would ever allow such idle talk to cause him to waver in his belief.(Baha'u'llah,
GWB XXXIV)
“…view
all the Prophets and Messengers of God as one soul and one body, as one light
and one spirit…” (Baha’u’llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries, #44)
And
the knowledge of the King of everlasting days can in no wise be attained save
by recognizing Him Who is the Bearer of the Most Great Name... Say: O concourse of the foolish! If ye
reject Him, by what evidence can ye prove your allegiance to the former
Messengers of God or vindicate your belief in that which He hath sent down
from His mighty and exalted Kingdom? (Tablets of Baha’u’llah, pp.50 &
248)
Be
thou assured in thyself that verily, he who turns away from this Beauty hath
also turned away from the Messengers of the past and showeth pride towards
God from all eternity to all eternity.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet of Ahmad)
The essence of belief in Divine
unity consisteth in regarding Him Who is the Manifestation of God and Him Who
is the invisible, the inaccessible, the unknowable Essence as one and the
same. By this is meant that whatever pertaineth to the former, all His acts
and doings, whatever He ordaineth or forbiddeth, should be considered, in all
their aspects, and under all circumstances, and without any reservation, as
identical with the Will of God Himself. This is the loftiest station to which
a true believer in the unity of God can ever hope to attain. Blessed is the
man that reacheth this station, and is of them that are steadfast in their
belief. (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, LXXXIV)…the
Bearers of the trust of God are made manifest unto the peoples of the earth
as the Exponents of a new Cause and the Bearers of a new Message. Inasmuch as
these Birds of the Celestial Throne are all sent down from the heaven of the
Will of God, and as they all arise to proclaim His irresistible Faith, they
therefore are regarded as one soul and the same person. For they all drink
from the one Cup of the love of God, and all partake of the fruit of the same
Tree of Oneness... Muhammad, the Point of the
Qur'án, revealed: "I am all the
Prophets." (Kitab-i-Iqan) The Bab said He was "none other but the Apostle of God
Himself." (SWB 3:34:1)
The
Oneness of Humankind
Bahá’u’lláh's
principal mission in appearing at this time in human history is the
realization of the oneness of mankind and the establishment of peace among
the nations; therefore, all the forces which are focused on accomplishing
these ends are influenced by His Revelation.
(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, Jan.31,
1985)
He
Who is your Lord, the All-Merciful, cherisheth in His heart the desire of
beholding the entire human race as one soul and one body. (Baha’u’llah, GWB, CVII)
If
any man were to meditate on that which the scriptures… have revealed, he will
readily recognize that their purpose is that all men shall be regarded as one
soul.
(Baha’u’llah, GWB, CXXII)
Holy Father, keep them in Thy
Name, which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one. (John 17:11)
"God has created the world as one --
the boundaries are marked out by man. God has not divided the lands, but each
man has his house and meadow; horses and dogs do not divide the fields into
parts. That is why Bahá'u'lláh says: "Let not a man glory in that he
loves his country, but that he loves his kind." All are of one family,
one race; all are human beings. Differences as to the partition of lands should
not be the cause of separation among the people...As the East and the West
are illumined by one sun, so all races, nations, and creeds shall be seen as
the servants of the One God. The whole earth is one home, and all peoples,
did they but know it, are bathed in the oneness of God's mercy. God created
all. He gives sustenance to all. He guides and trains all under the shadow of
his bounty. We must follow the example God Himself gives us, and do away with
all disputations and quarrels." (Abdu'l-Baha in
London)
"All men are his brothers. Let not
conventionality cause you to seem cold and unsympathetic when you meet
strange people from other countries. Do not look at them as though you
suspected them of being evil-doers, thieves and boors. You think it necessary
to be very careful, not to expose yourselves to the risk of making
acquaintance with such, possibly, undesirable people.
I ask you not to think only of yourselves. Be kind to the strangers, whether come they from Turkey, Japan, Persia, Russia, China or any other country in the world. Help to make them feel at home; find out where they are staying, ask if you may render them any service; try to make their lives a little happier." (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks)
The utterance of God is a lamp,
whose light is these words: Ye are the
fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another
with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship. He Who is
the Day Star of Truth beareth Me witness! So powerful is the light of unity
that it can illuminate the whole earth. The one true God, He Who knoweth
all things, Himself testifieth to the truth of these words. Exert yourselves
that ye may attain this transcendent and most sublime station, the station
that can ensure the protection and security of all mankind. This goal
excelleth every other goal, and this aspiration is the monarch of all
aspirations. So long, however, as the thick clouds of oppression, which
obscure the day star of justice, remain undispelled, it would be difficult
for the glory of this station to be unveiled to men’s eyes…. (Gleanings from
the Writings of Baha’u’llah, CXXXII)
It beseemeth all men, in this
Day, to take firm hold on the Most Great Name, and to establish the unity of
all mankind. There is no place to flee to, no refuge that anyone can seek,
except Him.
(GWB C)
The
body of the human world is sick. Its remedy and healing will be the oneness
of the kingdom of humanity. Its life is the Most Great Peace. Its illumination
and quickening is love. (‘Abdu'l-Baha,
The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 20)
Baha'u'llah's
wish is that all men be of one mind and consider themselves of one great
household, that the mind of mankind be not divided against itself.
(Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 78)
The
most important principle of divine philosophy is the oneness of the world of
humanity, the unity of mankind. ~‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Baha’i World Faith
Do not be satisfied until each one with whom you are
concerned is to you as a member of your family. Regard each one either as a
father, or as a brother, or as a sister, or as a mother, or as a child. If
you can attain to this, your difficulties will vanish, you will know what to
do. This is the teaching of Bahá'u'lláh.
('Abdu'l-Bahá in London)
Are
not these intermittent crises that convulse present-day society due primarily
to the lamentable inability of the world’s recognized leaders to read aright
the signs of the times, to rid themselves once for all of their preconceived
ideas and fettering creeds, and to reshape the machinery of their respective
governments according to those standards that are implicit in Bahá’u’lláh’s supreme declaration of the
Oneness of Mankind –the chief and distinguishing feature of the Faith He
proclaimed?
(Shoghi Effendi, The Goal of a New World Order, WOB pp 33-48)
It is evident that the axis of the oneness of
the world of humanity is the power of the Covenant and nothing else.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 425)
God’s
Creation has Always Existed
Know
assuredly that God’s creation hath existed from eternity, and will continue
to exist forever. (Bahá’u’lláh, GWB LXXVIII)
It
is, therefore, evident that inasmuch as the reality of Divinity is without a
beginning, creation is also without a beginning.
This is as clear as the sun. When we contemplate this vast machinery of
omnipresent power, perceive this illimitable space and its innumerable
worlds, it will become evident to us that the lifetime of this infinite
creation is more than six thousand years; nay, it is very, very ancient.
(Abdul Baha, Promulgation of Universal
Peace, 4 December, 1912)
The Superiority of the Divine Verses
"If ye contend
that these verses cannot, of themselves, be regarded as a proof, scan the
pages of the Qur'án. If God hath established therein any evidence other than
the revealed verses to demonstrate the validity of the prophethood of His
Apostle -- may the blessings of God rest upon Him -- ye may then have your scruples
about Him..." (The Bab, SWB, 3:7:2)
For compared with
all other proofs and tokens, the divinely revealed verses shine as the sun,
whilst all others are as stars. To the peoples of the world they are the
abiding testimony, the incontrovertible proof, the shining light of the ideal
King, Their excellence is unrivaled, their virtue nothing can surpass. They
are the treasury of the divine pearls and the depository of the divine
mysteries… For thou hearest how in this day the people disdainfully ignore the
divinely-revealed verses, as though they were the meanest of all things. And yet, nothing greater than these
verses hath ever appeared, nor will ever be made manifest in the world! Say
unto them: "O heedless people! Ye repeat what your fathers, in a bygone
age, have said. Whatever fruits they have gathered from the tree of their
faithlessness, the same shall ye gather also. Ere long shall ye be gathered
unto your fathers, and with them shall ye dwell in hellish fire. An ill
abode! the abode of the people of tyranny." (Baha'u'llah, The
Kitab-i-Iqan, #226 & 229)
The
Progressive Revelation & Common Foundation of All Divine Religions
The fundamental principle
enunciated by Bahá'u'lláh, the followers of His Faith firmly believe, is that
Religious truth is not absolute but relative, that Divine Revelation is a
continuous and progressive process, that all the great religions of the world
are divine in origin, that their basic principles are in complete harmony,
that their aims and purposes are one and the same, that their teachings are
but facets of one truth, that their functions are complementary, that they
differ only in the non-essential aspects of their doctrines and that their
missions represent successive stages in the spiritual evolution of human
society. (Shoghi Effendi, Summary Statement - 1947, Special UN Committee on
Palestine)
The
foundation of all the divine religions is one.
All are based upon reality. Reality does not admit plurality, yet amongst
mankind there have arisen differences concerning the manifestations of God.
Some have been Zoroastrians, some are Buddhists, some Jews, Christians,
Mohammedans and so on. This has become a source of divergence whereas the
teachings of the holy souls who founded the divine religions are one in
essence and reality All these have served the world of humanity.... All have
guided souls to the attainment of perfections, but among the nations certain
imitations of ancestral forms of worship have arisen. These imitations are
not the foundation and essence of the divine religions. Inasmuch as they
differ from the reality and the essential teachings of the Manifestations of
God, dissensions have arisen and prejudice has developed. Religious prejudice
thus becomes the cause of warfare and battle. If we abandon these time-worn
imitations and investigate reality all of us will be unified. No discord will
remain; antagonism will disappear. All will associate in fellowship. All will
enjoy the cordial bonds of friendship. The world of creation will then attain
composure. The dark and gloomy clouds of blind imitations and dogmatic
variances will be scattered and dispelled; the Sun of Reality will shine most
gloriously. (Abdul Baha, Promulgation
of Universal Peace, 7 October, 1912)
As the body of man needeth a
garment to clothe it, so the body of mankind must needs be adorned with the
mantle of justice and wisdom. Its robe is the Revelation vouchsafed unto it
by God. Whenever this robe hath fulfilled its purpose, the Almighty will
assuredly renew it. For every age requireth a fresh measure of the light of
God. Every Divine Revelation hath been sent down in a manner that befitted
the circumstances of the age in which it hath appeared. (Baha’u’llah, GWB XXXIV)
"...One
amongst His Teachings is this, that love and good faith must so dominate the
human heart that men will regard the stranger as a familiar friend"
(Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 84)
Religion should unite all hearts
and cause wars and disputes to vanish from the face of the earth, give birth
to spirituality, and bring life and light to each heart. If religion becomes a cause of dislike, hatred and division, it were
better to be without it, and to withdraw from such a religion would be a
truly religious act…Any religion which is not a cause of love and unity
is no religion. All the holy prophets were as doctors to the soul; they gave
prescriptions for the healing of mankind; thus any remedy that causes disease
does not come from the great and supreme Physician. (Abdul Baha, Paris Talks)
The
Essential Harmony of Science and Religion
"The virtues of humanity are
many, but science is the most noble of them all. The distinction which man enjoys
above and beyond the station of the animal is due to this paramount virtue.
It is a bestowal of God; it is not material; it is divine." (Abdul Baha,
Foundations of World Unity, p.112)
"There is no contradiction between true
religion and science. When a religion is
opposed to science it becomes mere superstition: that which is contrary to
knowledge is ignorance. How can a man believe to be a fact that which science
has proved to be impossible? If he believes in spite of his reason, it is
rather ignorant superstition than faith. The
true principles of all religions are in conformity with the teachings of
science. The Unity of God is logical, and this idea is not antagonistic
to the conclusions arrived at by scientific study. All religions teach that
we must do good, that we must be generous, sincere, truthful, law-abiding,
and faithful; all this is reasonable, and logically the only way in which
humanity can progress. All religious laws conform to reason, and are suited
to the people for whom they are framed, and for the age in which they are to
be obeyed. Religion has two main parts: (1) The Spiritual. (2) The Practical.
The spiritual part never changes. All the Manifestations of God and His
Prophets have taught the same truths and given the same spiritual law. They
all teach the one code of morality. There is no division in the truth. The
Sun has sent forth many rays to illumine human intelligence, the light is
always the same. The practical part of religion deals with exterior forms and
ceremonies, and with modes of punishment for certain offences. This is the
material side of the law, and guides the customs and manners of the
people." (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 142)
"Religion and Science are inter-twined
with each other and cannot be separated. These are the two wings with which
humanity must fly. One wing is not enough. Every religion which does not
concern itself with Science is mere tradition, and that is not the essential.
Therefore science, education and civilization are most important necessities
for the full religious life." (Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 28)
In
the search for truth man must weigh religious questions in the balance of
science and reason. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 98)
“If
a religion does not agree with the postulates of science nor accord with the
regulations of reason it is a bundle of superstitions; a phantasm of the
brain. Science and religion are realities, and if that religion to which we
adhere be a reality it must needs conform to the fundamental reality of all
things.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Star of the West - 3)
“The divine
standard of knowledge is infallible.” ~‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Religion must stand the analysis
of reason. It must agree with scientific fact and proof so that science will
sanction religion and religion fortify science. Both are indissolubly welded
and joined in reality. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Promulgation
of Universal Peace, 9 June 1912)
Any religious belief which is not
conformable with scientific proof and investigation is superstition, for true
science is reason and reality, and religion is essentially reality and pure
reason; therefore, the two must correspond. Religious teaching which is at
variance with science and reason is human invention and imagination unworthy
of acceptance, for the antithesis and opposite of knowledge is superstition
born of the ignorance of man. If we say religion is opposed to science, we
lack knowledge of either true science or true religion, for both are founded
upon the premises and conclusions of reason, and both must bear its test.
(Abdul Baha, PUP, 7 May 1912)
"When religion, shorn of its superstitions,
traditions, and unintelligent dogmas, shows its conformity with science, then
will there be a great unifying, cleansing force in the world which will sweep
before it all wars, disagreements, discords and struggles -- and then will
mankind be united in the power of the Love of God." (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 146)
Independent
Investigation of Truth
"What does it mean to
investigate reality? It means that man must forget all hearsay and examine
truth himself, for he does not know whether statements he hears are in
accordance with reality or not. Wherever he finds truth or reality, he must
hold to it, forsaking, discarding all else; for outside of reality there is
naught but superstition and imagination." (Abdul Baha, PUP, 25 April, 1912)
"As
reality is one and cannot admit of multiplicity, therefore different opinions
must ultimately become fused into one." (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Tablet to the
Hague, December 17,1919, SWA #227)
“Thus in every
Dispensation a number of souls enter the fire by reason of their following in
the footsteps of others.”
(Selections from the Writings of the Bab, 3:16)
"Eventually,
he, following his desires, rose up against Us, and walked in the ways of the
unjust. He accused Us, in his letter to thee, and thou didst believe him and
followed in his way, without seeking any proof or trustworthy evidence from
him. Thou didst ask for no explanation, nor didst thou attempt either to
investigate or ascertain the matter, that the truth might be distinguished
from falsehood in thy sight, and that thou mightest be clear in thy
discernment. Find out for thyself the sort of man he was by asking those
Ministers who were, at that time, in 'Iraq, as well as the Governor of the
City [Baghdad] and its high Counsellor, that the truth may be revealed to
thee, and that thou mayest be of the well-informed."
(Baha'u'llah, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts)
The
Need for the Holy Spirit, Daily Prayer & Meditation, and Annual Fasting
The
prayerful condition is the best of all conditions, for man in such a state
communeth with God, especially when prayer is offered in private and at times
when one's mind is free, such as at midnight. Indeed, prayer imparteth life.
('Abdu'l-Baha, Lights of Guidance)
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Strengthen
thou the foundation of the Faith of God, and worship the Almighty. Be
constant in offering obligatory prayer, and be mindful of fasting. Day and
night devote thyself to prayer, supplication and entreaty, especially at the prescribed
times. (Abdu’l-Bahá, The Importance of
Obligatory Prayer and Fasting)
The reality of man is his
thought, not his material body. The thought force and the animal force are
partners. Although man is part of the animal creation, he possesses a power
of thought superior to all other created beings. (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 15)
You cannot apply the name ‘man’
to any being void of this faculty of meditation; without it he would be a
mere animal, lower than the beasts.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p.184)
Until
all nations and peoples become united by the bonds of the Holy Spirit in this
real fraternity, until national and international prejudices are effaced in
the reality of this spiritual brotherhood, true progress, prosperity and
lasting happiness will not be attained by man.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 227)
"One
of the characteristics of Baha'i society will be the gathering of the
believers each day during the hours between dawn and two hours after sunrise
to listen to the reading and chanting of the Holy Word. In many communities
at the present time, especially in rural ones, such gatherings would fit
naturally into the pattern of the friends' daily life, and where this is the
case it would do much to foster the unity of the Local community and deepen
the friends' knowledge of the Teachings if such gathering could be organized
by the Local Spiritual Assembly on a regular basis. Attendance at these
gatherings is not to be obligatory, but we hope that the friends will more
and more be drawn to take part in them. This is a goal which can be attained
gradually." (From the Universal House of
Justice to the Baha'is of the World, Naw-Ruz, 1974)
"Bahá'u'lláh has stated quite clearly in His
Writings the essential requisites for our spiritual growth, and these are
emphatically repeated by Abdu'l-Bahá in His talks and Tablets. One can
summarize them briefly in this way:
1. The recital each day of one of the Obligatory Prayers with
pure-hearted devotion.
2. The regular reading of the Sacred Scriptures, specifically
at least each morning and evening, with reverence, attention and thought.
3. Prayerful meditation on the Teachings, so that we may
understand them more deeply, fulfill them more faithfully, and convey them
more accurately to others.
4. Striving every day to bring our behavior more into
accordance with the high standards that are set forth in the Teachings.
5. Teaching the Cause of God.
6. Selfless service in the work of the Cause and in the
carrying on of our trade or profession.
(The above except
from the 1983-09-01 Universal House of Justice compilation, Meditation,
Prayer, and Spiritualization)
"It
hath been ordained that every believer in God, the Lord of Judgement, shall,
each day, having washed his hands and then his face, seat himself and,
turning unto God, repeat "Allah-u-Abha" ninety-five times. Such was the decree of the Maker of
the Heavens when, with majesty and power, He established Himself upon the
thrones of His Names. Perform ye, likewise, ablutions for the Obligatory
Prayer; this is the command of God, the Incomparable, the Unrestrained." (Baha'u'llah, The
Kitab-i-Aqdas, #18)
Equality
of Rights and Opportunities for Men and Women
"The status of woman in
former times was exceedingly deplorable, for it was the belief of the Orient
that it was best for woman to be ignorant. It was considered preferable that
she should not know reading or writing in order that she might not be informed
of the events in the world. Woman was considered to be created for rearing
children and attending to the duties of the household. If she pursued
educational courses, it was deemed contrary to chastity; hence women were
made prisoners of the household. The houses did not even have windows opening
upon the outside world. Bahá’u’lláh destroyed these ideas and proclaimed the
equality of man and woman. He made woman respected by commanding that all
women be educated, that there be no difference in the education of the two
sexes and that man and woman share the same rights. In the estimation of God
there is no distinction of sex. One whose thought is pure, whose education is
superior, whose scientific attainments are greater, whose deeds of
philanthropy excel, be that one man or woman, white or coloured, is entitled
to full rights and recognition; there is no differentiation
whatsoever."(‘Abdu’l-Bahá: The Promulgation of Universal Peace, 1982
U.S. edition, p. 166)
And among the teachings of
Bahá’u’lláh is the equality of women and men. The world of humanity has two
wings—one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally
developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. (Selections from the Writings of Abdul Baha, #227)
Elimination
of All Prejudices and Superstitions
Baha’u’llah
exhorts men to free their minds from the superstitions of the past and to
seek independently for truth putting aside all dogmas. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, pp. 82-83)
"Love
and unity will be fostered between you, thereby bringing about the oneness of
mankind. For the accomplishment of
unity between the colored and whites will be an assurance of the world’s
peace. Then racial prejudice, national prejudice, limited patriotism and
religious bias will pass away and remain no longer." (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith)
Beware of prejudice; light is good in whatsoever lamp it is
burning. A rose is beautiful in whatsoever garden it may bloom. A star has
the same radiance if it shines from the east or the west...We must banish
prejudice. Religious, patriotic, racial prejudices must disappear, for they
are the destroyers of human society. ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Divine Philosophy, p. 25)
All
prejudices, whether of religion, race, politics or nation, must be renounced,
for these prejudices have caused the world's sickness. It is a grave malady
which, unless arrested, is capable of causing the destruction of the whole
human race. Every ruinous war, with its terrible bloodshed and misery, has
been caused by one or other of these prejudices. (Abdu'l-Baha, 45.1, Paris
Talks)
‘Abdu’l-Baha took aim at the myth
of mixed-race degradation. “Perfect results follow the marriage of black and
white races,” he said. And he had evidence. A Negro woman had worked for his
own family in Persia. “She married a white man,” he explained, “and her
children married white men. These children are now in my household. The
results of the union were beautiful. They were wonderful — perfect.” (239Days.com, a social media documentary
following Abdu’l-Baha’s 1912 journey through North America)
"If
it be possible, gather together these two races, black and white, into one
Assembly, and put such love into their hearts that they shall not only unite
but even intermarry. Be sure that the result of this will abolish differences
and disputes between black and white. Moreover, by the Will of God, may it be
so. This is a great service to humanity."
(Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 359)
|
Spiritual
Solutions to Economic & Ecologic Crises
O
CHILDREN OF DUST! Tell the rich of the midnight sighing of the poor, lest
heedlessness lead them into the path of destruction, and deprive them of the
Tree of Wealth. To give and to be generous are attributes of Mine; well is it
with him that adorneth himself with My virtues. (Baha'u'llah,
The Persian Hidden Words #49)
The
secrets of the whole economic question are divine in nature, and are concerned
with the world of the heart and spirit. In the Bahá'í Teachings this is most
completely explained, and without the consideration of the Bahá'í Teachings it
is impossible to bring about a better state. (Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i Scriptures,
p. 446)
And among the teachings of
Bahá’u’lláh is voluntary sharing of one’s property with others among mankind. This
voluntary sharing is greater than equality, and consists in this, that man
should not prefer himself to others, but rather should sacrifice his life and
property for others.
(SWA, #227)
“We
have enjoined upon all to become engaged in some trade or profession, and have
accounted such occupation to be an act of worship.”
(Bahá’u’lláh, Trustworthiness
compilation)
Trust in God and engage in your
work and practice economy; the confirmations of God shall descend and you will
be enabled to pay off your debts. Be ye occupied always with the mention of
Bahá’u’lláh and seek ye no other hope and desire save Him. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, BWF, p. 375) “Every person must have an occupation,
a trade or a craft," explains
the Master, "so that he may carry
other people's burdens, and not himself be a burden to others.” (The Universal House of Justice, March 1, 2017)
"There
are no solitaries and no hermits among the Bahá'ís. Man must work with his
fellows. Everyone should have some trade, or art or profession, be he rich or
poor, and with this he must serve humanity. This service is acceptable as the
highest form of worship." (Abdu'l-Baha
in London, p. 92)
“Service
to the friends is service to the Kingdom of God, and consideration shown to the
poor is one of the greatest teachings of God.” (Selections
from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, #11)
"At the present time the rich enjoy the greatest
luxury and comfort, they are nevertheless deprived of eternal happiness; for
eternal happiness is contingent upon giving, and the poor are everywhere in the
state of abject need. Through the manifestation of God's great equity the poor
of the world will be rewarded and assisted fully, and there will be a
readjustment in the economic conditions of mankind so that in the future there
will not be the abnormally rich nor the abject poor. The rich will enjoy the
privilege of this new economic condition as well as the poor, for owing to
certain provisions and restrictions they will not be able to accumulate so much
as to be burdened by its management, while the poor will be relieved from the
stress of want and misery. The rich will enjoy his palace, and the poor will
have his comfortable cottage."
(Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 132)
If ye should hunt
with beasts or birds of prey, invoke ye the Name of God when ye send them to
pursue their quarry; for then whatever they catch shall be lawful unto you,
even should ye find it to have died. He, verily, is the Omniscient, the
All-Informed. Take heed, however, that ye hunt not to excess. Tread ye the path
of justice and equity in all things.
..Burden not an animal with more than it
can bear. We, truly, have prohibited such treatment through a most binding
interdiction in the Book. Be ye the embodiments of justice and fairness amidst
all creation. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, #60 & 187)
Take from this
world only to the measure of your needs, and forgo that which exceedeth them.
Observe equity in all your judgements, and transgress not the bounds of
justice, nor be of them that stray from its path. (Baha'u'llah, The Summons of the
Lord of Hosts, #5:19)
Education
holds an important place in the new order of things. The education of each
child is compulsory. If there is not money enough in a family to educate both
the girl and the boy the money must be dedicated to the girl's education, for
she is the potential mother. If there are no parents the community must educate
the child. In addition to this widespread education each child must be taught a
profession, art, or trade, so that every member of the community will be
enabled to earn his own livelihood. Work done in the spirit of service is the
highest form of worship. Where do you find this statement?
(Abdu'l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 83)
We
found among its inhabitants some who were possessed of an affluent fortune and
lived in the midst of excessive riches, while others were in dire want and
abject poverty. This ill beseemeth thy sovereignty, and is unworthy of thy
rank. (Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet to the Kings)
“... There are practically no technical
teachings on economics in the Cause, such as banking, the price system, and
others. The Cause is not an economic system, nor can its Founders be considered
as having been technical economists. The contribution of the Faith to this
subject is essentially indirect, as it consists in the application of spiritual
principles to our present-day economic system. Bahá'u'lláh has given us a few
basic principles which should guide future Bahá'í economists in establishing
such institutions which will adjust the economic relationships of the world.” (From a letter written on behalf
of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, December 26, 1935, Lights of
Guidance, #1868, p. 550)
It
is clear and evident that the payment of Huqúqu'lláh (the Right
of God) is conducive to prosperity, to
blessing, and to honor and divine protection.(Bahá'u'lláh, from a previously untranslated Tablet.)
Climate Change Could Happen
“Should in Greenland the fire of the
love of God be ignited, all the ices of that continent will be melted and its
frigid climate will be changed into a temperate climate -- that is, if the hearts will obtain the heat of
the love of God, that country and continent will become a divine garden and a
lordly orchard, and the souls, like unto the fruitful trees, will obtain the
utmost freshness and delicacy.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, written in 1916, Baha'i
Scriptures, p. 523)
Universal
Compulsory Education, and a Common Curriculum
“Bend your minds and wills to the
education of the peoples and kindreds of the earth, that haply the dissensions
that divide it may, through the power of the Most Great Name, be blotted out
from its face, and all mankind become the upholders of one Order, and the
inhabitants of one City....” (Gleanings
from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, CLVI)
Schools must first train the
children in the principles of religion, so that the Promise and the Threat
recorded in the Books of God may prevent them from the things forbidden and
adorn them with the mantle of the commandments; but this in such measure that
it may not injure the children by resulting in ignorant fanaticism and bigotry. (Baha’u’llah, ,
Kalimat-i-Firdawsiyyih, TB p.68)
Among the greatest of all great
services is the education of children, and promotion of the various sciences,
crafts and arts.
Praised be God, ye are now exerting strenuous efforts toward this end. The more
ye persevere in this most important task, the more will ye witness the
confirmations of God, to such a degree that ye yourselves will be astonished.
This verily is a matter beyond all doubt, a pledge that shall certainly be
redeemed.(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 276) 6.
It
is incumbent upon the children to exert themselves to the utmost in acquiring
the art of reading and writing.... Writing skills that will provide for urgent
needs will be enough for some; and then it is better and more fitting that they
should spend their time in studying those branches of knowledge which are of
use. As for what the Supreme Pen hath previously set down, the reason is that in every art and skill, God loveth the
highest perfection. (Baha'u'llah, From
a Tablet - translated from the Persian, C of C vol. I, p. 1)
Among
the divine Texts as set forth in the Most Holy Book and also in other Tablets
is this: it is incumbent upon the father and mother to train their children
both in good conduct and the study of books; study, that is, to the degree
required, so that no child, whether girl
or boy, will remain illiterate. (Abdu’l-Baha, SWA #101)
Bahá'u'lláh declares that all mankind should attain knowledge and
acquire an education. This is a necessary principle of religious belief and
observance, characteristically new in this dispensation…. He has also
proclaimed the principle that all mankind shall be educated and that no
illiteracy be allowed to remain. This
practical remedy for the need of the world cannot be found in the text of any
other sacred Books.(Abdu’l-Baha,
Promulgation of Universal Peace)
Acceptance
of the oneness of mankind is the first fundamental prerequisite for
reorganization and administration of the world as one country, the home of
humankind. Universal acceptance of this spiritual principle is essential to any
successful attempt to establish world peace. It should therefore be universally
proclaimed, taught in schools, and constantly asserted in every nation as
preparation for the organic change in the structure of society which it
implies. (The Universal House of Justice, The Promise of World Peace)
Every day at first light, ye
gather the Bahá’í children together and teach them the communes and prayers.
This is a most praiseworthy act, and bringeth joy to the children’s hearts:
that they should, at every morn, turn their faces toward the Kingdom and make
mention of the Lord and praise His Name, and in the sweetest of voices, chant
and recite.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá)
And now we wish to address a few
words to parents, who bear the primary responsibility for the upbringing of
their children. We appeal to them to
give constant attention to the spiritual education of their children. Some
parents appear to think that this is the exclusive responsibility of the
community; others believe that in order to preserve the independence of
children to investigate truth, the Faith should not be taught to them. Still
others feel inadequate to take on such a task. None of this is correct. The
beloved Master has said that “it is
enjoined upon the father and mother, as a duty, to strive with all effort to
train the daughter and the son,” adding that, “should they neglect this matter, they shall be held responsible and
worthy of reproach in the presence of the stern Lord.” (The Universal
House of Justice, Ridvan 157/ 2000, p. 9)
...Bahá'u'lláh
considered education as one of the most fundamental factors of a true
civilization. This education, however, in order to be adequate and fruitful, should
be comprehensive in nature and should take into consideration not only the
physical and the intellectual side of man but also his spiritual and ethical
aspects.(from a
letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 9 July 1931 to an individual
believer)
The
Special Role of Mothers in Teaching Peace World-wide
O ye loving mothers, know ye that
in God’s sight, the best of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children
and train them in all the perfections of humankind; and no nobler deed than
this can be imagined.
(Abdul Baha, SWA #114)
O
handmaids of the Merciful! Render ye thanks unto the Ancient Beauty that ye
have been raised up and gathered together in this mightiest of centuries, this
most illumined of ages. As befitting thanks for such a bounty, stand ye staunch
and strong in the Covenant and, following the precepts of God and the holy Law,
suckle your children from their infancy with the milk of a universal education,
and rear them so that from their earliest days, within their inmost heart, their
very nature, a way of life will be firmly established that will conform to the
divine Teachings in all things. For
mothers are the first educators, the first mentors; and truly it is the mothers
who determine the happiness, the future greatness, the courteous ways and
learning and judgement, the understanding and the faith of their little ones.
(Abdul Baha, SWA #96)
The girl's
education is of more importance today than the boy's, for she is the mother of
the future race. It is the duty of all to look after the children. Those
without children should, if possible, make themselves responsible for the
education of a child. (Abdu'l-Baha in
London, p. 91) It is... clear that the education of girls is of
far greater consequence than that of boys.This fact is extremely important, and
the matter must be seen to with the greatest energy and dedication.(Abdu'l-Bahá,
"Education" #635, The Compilation of Compilations, p. 286)
“Children are educated by the
women. The mother bears the troubles and anxieties of rearing the child,
undergoes the ordeal of its birth and training. Therefore, it is most difficult
for mothers to send to the battlefield those upon whom they have lavished such
love and care. Consider a son reared and trained twenty years by a devoted
mother. What sleepless nights and restless, anxious days she has spent! Having
brought him through dangers and difficulties to the age of maturity, how
agonizing then to sacrifice him upon the battlefield! Therefore, the mothers will not sanction war nor be
satisfied with it.
There
are many provisions in the words of Bahá'u'lláh in regard to this. He
promulgated the adoption of the same
course of education for man and woman. Daughters and sons must follow the
same curriculum of study, thereby promoting unity of the sexes. When all mankind shall receive the same
opportunity of education and the equality of men and women be realized, the
foundations of war will be utterly destroyed. Without equality this will be
impossible because all differences and distinction are conducive to discord and
strife. Equality between men and women is conducive to the abolition of warfare
for the reason that women will never be willing to sanction it. Mothers will not give their sons as
sacrifices upon the battlefield after twenty years of anxiety and loving
devotion in rearing them from infancy, no matter what cause they are called
upon to defend. There is no doubt that when women obtain equality of rights,
war will entirely cease among mankind.(Abdu'l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal
Peace, #62.7)
So
it will come to pass that when women participate fully and equally in the
affairs of the world, when they enter confidently and capably the great arena of
laws and politics, war will cease; for woman will be the obstacle and hindrance
to it. This is true and without doubt”.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace, 20 May, 1912, Metropolitan
Temple)
Universal
Simultaneous Disarmament
Lay
not aside the fear of God, O kings of the earth, and beware that ye transgress
not the bounds which the Almighty hath fixed. Observe the injunctions laid upon
you in His Book, and take good heed not to overstep their limits. Be vigilant,
that ye may not do injustice to anyone, be it to the extent of a grain of
mustard seed. Tread ye the path of justice, for this, verily, is the straight
path.
Compose
your differences, and reduce your armaments, that the burden of your
expenditures may be lightened, and that your minds and hearts may be
tranquillized. Heal the dissensions that divide you, and ye will no longer be
in need of any armaments except what the protection of your cities and
territories demandeth. Fear ye God, and take heed not to outstrip the bounds of
moderation, and be numbered among the extravagant. We have learned that you are
increasing your outlay every year, and are laying the burden thereof on your
subjects. This, verily, is more than they can bear, and is a grievous
injustice. Decide justly between men, and be ye the emblems of justice amongst
them. This, if ye judge fairly, is the thing that behoveth you, and beseemeth
your station…
If
ye pay no heed unto the counsels which, in peerless and unequivocal language,
We have revealed in this Tablet, Divine chastisement shall assail you from
every direction, and the sentence of His justice shall be pronounced against
you. On that day ye shall have no power to resist Him, and shall recognize your
own impotence. Have mercy on yourselves and on those beneath you.
(Baha’u’llah, GWB, CXVIII)
"The peace of the world must be
brought about by international agreement. All nations must agree to disarm
simultaneously...No nation can follow a peace policy while its neighbor remains
warlike. There is no justice in that. Nobody would dream of suggesting that the
peace of the world could be brought about by any such line of action. It is to
be brought about by a general and comprehensive international agreement, and in
no other way..." ('Abdu'l-Bahá in Canada, pp. 34-35)
Universal
peace upheld by World Federal system, with Legislature, Executive and Tribunal
When a conference is convened,
representative of all nations and working under the influence of the Word of
God, then universal peace will be established but otherwise it is impossible. (Abdu'l-Baha, SWA, #226)
The cause pf bloodshed and
battle, strife and hatred throughout the past has been either religious,
racial, patriotic or political prejudice. ('Abdu'l-Baha)
Question: "How
can Universal Peace be realized?" Answer:
"The ideals of Peace must be nurtured and spread among the inhabitants of
the world; they must be instructed in the school of Peace and the evils of war.
First: “The financiers and bankers must
desist from lending money to any government contemplating to wage an unjust war
upon an innocent nation.
Second: The presidents and managers of the railroads and steamship companies must refrain from transporting war ammunition, infernal engines, guns, cannons and powder from one country into another.
Second: The presidents and managers of the railroads and steamship companies must refrain from transporting war ammunition, infernal engines, guns, cannons and powder from one country into another.
Third: The soldiers must petition,
through their representatives, the Ministers of War, the politicians, the
Congressmen and the generals to put forth in a clear, intelligible language the
reasons and the causes which have brought them to the brink of such a national
calamity.
The
soldiers must demand this as one of the prerogatives. 'Demonstrate to us,' they must
say, 'that this is a just war, and we will then enter into the battlefield
otherwise we will not take one step. O ye kings and rulers, politicians and
war-mongers; ye who spend your lives in most exquisite palaces of Italian
architecture; ye who sleep in airy, well-ventilated apartments; ye who decorate
your reception and dining halls with lovely pictures, sculptures, hangings and
frescoes; ye who walk in perfect Elysiums, wreathed in orange and myrtle
groves, the air redolent with delicious perfumes and vocal with the sweet songs
of a thousand birds, the earth like a luxuriant carpet of emerald grass, bright
flowers dotting the meadows and trees clothed in verdure; ye who are dressed in
costly silk and finely-woven textures; ye who lie down on soft, feathery
couches; ye who partake of the most delicious and savoury dishes; ye who enjoy
the utmost ease and comfort in your wondrous mansions; ye who attend rare
musical concerts whenever you feel a little disconcerted and sad; ye who adorn
your large halls with green festoons and cut flowers, fresh garlands and
verdant wreaths, illumining them with thousands of electric lights, while the
exquisite fragrance of the flowers, the soft, ravishing music, the fairy-like
illumination, lends enchantment; ye who are in such environment: Come forth
from your hiding-places, enter into the battlefield if you like to attack each
other and tear each other to pieces if you desire to air your so-called
contentions. The discord and feud are between you; why do you make us, innocent
people, a party to it? If fighting and bloodshed are good things, then lead us
into the fray by your presence!' In short, every means that produces war
must be checked and the causes that prevent the occurrence of war be advanced;
so that physical conflict may become an impossibility. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted in
Star of the West, From the Diary of Mírzá Ahmad Sohráb, 11-14 May,1914)
Unification
of the whole of mankind is the hall-mark of the stage which human society is
now approaching. Unity of family, of tribe, of city-state, and nation have been
successively attempted and fully established. World unity is the goal towards
which a harassed humanity is striving. Nation-building has come to an end. The
anarchy inherent in state sovereignty is moving towards a climax. A world, growing
to maturity, must abandon this fetish, recognize the oneness and wholeness of
human relationships, and establish once for all the machinery that can best
incarnate this fundamental principle of its life.
(Shoghi Effendi, World Order of
Baha’u’llah)
In the Bahá’í view, recognition of
the oneness of mankind “calls for no
less than the reconstruction and the demilitarization of the whole civilized
world—a world organically unified in all the essential aspects of its life, its
political machinery, its spiritual aspiration, its trade and finance, its
script and language, and yet infinite in the diversity of the national
characteristics of its federated units.” (The Universal House of Justice,
quoting Shoghi Effendi, The Promise of World Peace, 1985)
This commonwealth must consist of:
• a world legislature.
• a world executive, backed by an international Force.
• a world tribunal.
• a mechanism of world inter-communication.
• a world metropolis which will act as the nerve center of a
world civilization.
• a world language, a world script, and a world literature.
• a uniform and universal system of currency, weights and
measures.
• science and religion will be reconciled and will
harmoniously develop.
• the press will be liberated from the influence of contending
governments and peoples.
• the economic resources of the world will be organized, its
sources of raw materials will be tapped and fully utilized, and the
distribution of its products will be equitably regulated.
• national rivalries, hatreds, and intrigues will cease.
• the causes of religious strife will be permanently
removed.
• economic barriers and restrictions will be completely
abolished, and the inordinate distinction between classes will be obliterated.
• destitution on the one hand, and gross accumulation of
ownership on the other, will disappear.
• an increase of human inventions, technical development,
productivity, and scientific research.
This commonwealth must consist of:
• a world legislature.
• a world executive, backed by an international Force.
• a world tribunal.
• a mechanism of world inter-communication.
• a world metropolis which will act as the nerve center of a
world civilization.
• a world language, a world script, and a world literature.
• a uniform and universal system of currency, weights and
measures.
• science and religion will be reconciled and will
harmoniously develop.
• the press will be liberated from the influence of
contending governments and peoples.
• the economic resources of the world will be organized, its
sources of raw materials will be tapped and fully utilized, and the
distribution of its products will be equitably regulated.
• national rivalries, hatreds, and intrigues will cease.
• the causes of religious strife will be permanently
removed.
• economic barriers and restrictions will be completely
abolished, and the inordinate distinction between classes will be obliterated.
• destitution on the one hand, and gross accumulation of
ownership on the other, will disappear.
• an increase of human inventions, technical development,
productivity, and scientific research.
• the extermination of disease and the raising of the
standard of physical health.
• the sharpening and refinement of the human brain.
• the prolongation of human life.
• the furtherance of any other agency that can stimulate the
intellectual, the moral, and spiritual life of the entire human race.
• the gradual adoption of a vegetarian diet by the majority
of mankind.
Universal
Auxiliary Language and Script to be taught in all the nations of the world
O members of parliaments
throughout the world!
Select ye a single language for the use of all on earth, and adopt ye likewise
a common script. God, verily, maketh plain for you that which shall profit you
and enable you to be independent of others. He, of a truth, is the Most
Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. This will be the cause of unity,
could ye but comprehend it, and the greatest instrument for promoting harmony
and civilization, would that ye might understand! (Baha’u’llah, Kitgab-i-Aqdas,
#189)
“…We have enjoined upon the
Trustees of the House of Justice either to choose one language from among
those now existing or to adopt a new one, and in like manner to select a common
script, both of which should be taught in all the schools of the world. Thus
will the earth be regarded as one country and one home. (Baha’u’llah, Sixth Ishráq,
Lawh-i-Ishráqat)
“We have decreed before that it has been
destined to speak with two tongues and a great effort must be put to limit this
to one [tongue] and the same [applies] to the handwriting.
So that the lives of the people will not be wasted and nullified in learning
different languages,”
(`Abd al-Hamid IshraqKhawari, Payam-imalakut, p. 33, citing Baha’u’llah)
“The love and effort put into
Esperanto will not be lost, but no one person can construct a Universal
Language.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, p. 95)
The
races of mankind are not isolated as in former days. Now, in order to be in close
relationship with all countries it is necessary to be able to speak their
tongues.A universal language would make intercourse possible with every nation.
Thus it would be needful to know two languages only, the mother tongue and the
universal speech. The latter would enable a man to communicate with any and
every man in the world!A third language would not be needed. To be able to talk with a member of any
race and country without requiring an interpreter, how helpful and restful to
all!(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks)
And since in this Day the Orb of
Knowledge hath risen in the firmament of Persia, this tongue deserveth every
praise… Although there can be no question or doubt as to the sweetness of the
Persian tongue, yet it hath not the scope of the Arabic. There are many things
which have not been expressed in Persian, that is to say, words referring to
such things have not been devised, whilst in Arabic there are several words
describing the same thing.
Indeed there existeth no language in the world as vast and
comprehensive as Arabic. (Baha’u’llah, Responses to questions of Mánikchí Sáhib from a
Tablet to Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl, TU, #2.57 & 58)
"It is beloved of God that all should speak in Arabic, which is
the richest and vastest of all languages. Were anyone to be aware of the
richness and vastness of this perspicuous tongue, he would choose it as a
universal language of communication.” (Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in Soheil Bushrui, "The Style of the
Kitab-i-Aqdas: Aspects of the Sublime," pp.32-33)
Today
the greatest need of the world of humanity is discontinuance of the existing
misunderstandings among nations. This can be accomplished through the unity of
language. Unless the unity of languages is realized, the Most Great Peace and
the oneness of the human world cannot be effectively organized and established
because the function of language is to portray the mysteries and secrets of
human hearts. The heart is like a box, and language is the key. Only by using
the key can we open the box and observe the gems it contains. Therefore, the
question of an auxiliary international tongue has the utmost importance.
Through this means international education and training become possible; the
evidence and history of the past can be acquired. The spread of the known facts
of the human world depends upon language.
The
explanation of divine teachings can only be through this medium. As long as
diversity of tongues and lack of comprehension of other languages continue,
these glorious aims cannot be realized.
Therefore,
the very first service to the world of man is to establish this auxiliary
international means of communication. It will become the cause of the
tranquillity of the human commonwealth. Through it sciences and arts will be
spread among the nations, and it will prove to be the means of the progress and
development of all races. We must endeavor with all our powers to establish
this international auxiliary language throughout the world. It is my hope that
it may be perfected through the bounties of God and that intelligent men may be
selected from the various countries of the world to organize an international
congress whose chief aim will be the promotion of this universal medium of
speech. – Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 60-61.
Should the fragrance of Thy
praise be shed abroad by any of the divers tongues of the world, out of the
East or out of the West, it would, verily, be prized and greatly cherished. If
such tongues, however, be deprived of that fragrance, they assuredly would be
unworthy of any mention, in word or yet in thought. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son
of the Wolf, p. 10)
Languages must be reduced to one
common language to be taught in all the schools of the world. (Baha’u’llah, Lawh-i-Dunya, Tablets of Baha’u’llah)
"If everybody could speak
one language, how much more easy would it be to serve humanity!" (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Star of
the West - 4)
"The love and effort put into Esperanto
will not be lost," he answered, "but no one person can construct a
Universal Language. It must be made by a Council representing all countries,
and must contain words from different languages. It will be governed by the
simplest rules, and there will be no exceptions; neither will there be gender,
nor extra and silent letters. Everything indicated will have but one name. In
Arabic there are hundreds of names for the camel! In the schools of each nation
the mother tongue will be taught, as well as the revised Universal
Language." ('Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 93)
The
Appointment of a Center of the Covenant, and Avoidance of the Covenant-breakers
As to the most great characteristic
of the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh—a specific teaching not given by any of the
Prophets of the past—it is the ordination and appointment of the Center of the
Covenant. By this appointment and provision He has safeguarded and protected
the religion of God against differences and schisms, making it impossible for
anyone to create a new sect or faction of belief. To insure unity and agreement
He has entered into a Covenant with all the people of the world including the
Interpreter and Explainer of His teachings so that no one may interpret or explain
the religion of God according to his own view or opinion and thus create a sect
founded upon his individual understanding of the divine words. The Book of the
Covenant or Testament of Bahá’u’lláh is the means of preventing such a
possibility, for whosoever shall speak from the authority of himself alone
shall be degraded. Be ye informed and cognizant of this. (BWF p. 449)
One
of the greatest and most fundamental principles of the Cause of God is to shun
and avoid entirely the Covenant-breakers, for they will utterly destroy the
Cause of God, exterminate His Law and render of no account all efforts exerted
in the past. O friends! It behooveth you to call to mind with tenderness the
trials of His Holiness, the Exalted One, and show your fidelity to the
Ever-Blest Beauty. The utmost endeavor must be exerted lest all these woes,
trials and afflictions, all this pure and sacred blood that hath been shed so
profusely in the Path of God, may prove to be in vain. (Abdul
Baha, Will and Testament)
“[They, furthermore, affirmed] that
He (‘Abdu’l-Baha) had perverted the purpose of a Testament which they alleged
to be primarily concerned with the private interests of Baha’u’llah’s family by
acclaiming it as a Covenant of world importance, pre-existent, peerless and
unique in the history of all religions…” (God
Passes By, p.248)
“…the
almighty Covenant, the like of which the sacred Dispensations of the past have
never witnessed” “one of the distinctive features of this most mighty cycle”
“the pivot of the oneness of mankind is nothing else but the power of the
Covenant” (‘Abdu’l-Baha.
Quoted in Ruhi Book 8, 2009)
Today
no power can conserve the oneness of the Bahá’í world save the Covenant of God;
otherwise differences like unto a most great tempest will encompass the Bahá’í
world. It is evident that the axis of the oneness of the world of humanity is
the power of the Covenant and nothing else. Had the Covenant not come to pass,
had it not been revealed from the Supreme Pen and had not the Book of the
Covenant, like unto the ray of the Sun of Reality, illuminated the world, the
forces of the Cause of God would have been utterly scattered and certain souls
who were the prisoners of their own passions and lusts would have taken into
their hands an axe, cutting the root of this Blessed Tree. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of the
Divine Plan)
If it is considered with insight, it will be
seen that all the forces of the universe, in the last analysis serve the
Covenant. (Selections
from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, #192)
“In accordance with the explicit text of the
Kitáb-i- Aqdas Bahá'u'lláh hath made the Center of the Covenant the Interpreter
of His Word -- a Covenant so firm and mighty that from the beginning of time
until the present day no religious Dispensation hath produced its like.”
('Abdu'l-Bahá, cited in "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 136)
"Arise with every power to assist the
Covenant of God and serve in His vineyard."
(Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v1, p. 161)
Acquisition
of Divine Virtues for This world and the Next
|
We
have admonished Our loved ones to fear God, a fear which is the fountainhead
of all goodly deeds and virtues.
It is the commander of the hosts of
justice in the city of Bahá. Happy the man that hath entered the shadow of
its luminous standard, and laid fast hold thereon. (Tablets of
Bahá’u’lláh, p. 120, Ishraqat)
“…According
to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh the family, being a human unit must be
educated according to the rules of sanctity. All the virtues must be taught
the family. The integrity of the family bond must be constantly considered,
and the rights of the individual members must not be transgressed. The rights
of the son, the father, the mother—none of them must be transgressed, none of
them must be arbitrary. Just as the son has certain obligations to his
father, the father, likewise, has certain obligations to his son. The mother,
the sister and other members of the household have certain prerogatives. All
these rights and prerogatives must be conserved, yet the unity of the family
must be sustained.
The
injury of one shall be considered the injury of all; the comfort of each, the
comfort of all; the honor of one, the honor of all.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 168)
|
Above
all else, the greatest gift and the most wondrous blessing hath ever been and
will continue to be Wisdom.
It is man’s unfailing protector. (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 57,
Kalimat-i-Firdawsiyyih)
The virtues of humanity are many,
but science is the most noble of them all. The distinction which man enjoys above and beyond the
station of the animal is due to this paramount virtue. It is a bestowal of God;
it is not material; it is divine. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Foundations of World
Unity, p.112)
The
best of perfections is immaculacy and the freeing of oneself from every defect. (SWA, #129)
Love
is the source of all the bestowals of God. Until love
takes possession of the heart, no other bounty can be revealed in it. All the
Prophets have striven to make love manifest in the hearts of men. Jesus Christ sought
to create this love in the hearts. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, PUP 14)
The
best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou
desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confine in thee… (Bahá’u’lláh, AHW
#2)
Justice
is a powerful force. It is, above all else, the conqueror of the citadels of
the hearts and souls of men, and the revealer of the secrets of the world of
being, and the standard-bearer of love and bounty. (Bahá’u’lláh, ESW 32)
Tell,
O ‘Alí, the loved ones of God that equity is the most fundamental among
human virtues.
(Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 200)
O
people of God! I admonish you to observe Courtesy, for above all else it is the
prince of virtues.
Well is it with him who is illumined with the light of courtesy and is attired with the vesture of uprightness. Whoso is endued with courtesy hath indeed attained a sublime station. (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, 83)
Charity
is pleasing and praiseworthy in the sight of God and is regarded as a prince
among goodly deeds. (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, Kalimat-i-Firdawsiyyih)
Truthfulness
is the foundation of all the virtues of the world of humanity.Without truthfulness, progress and
success in all the worlds of God are impossible for a soul. When this holy
attribute is established in man, all the divine qualities will also become
realized. (TAB p. 459)
…self-love.
This is a strange trait and means of the destruction of many important souls in
the world. If man be imbued with all good qualities but be selfish, all the
other virtues will fade or pass away and eventually he will grow worse. I hope
the beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful will be entirely freed
from selfishness. Should this become their nature, they will indeed become
manifestations of great bounties, and the doors of the divine grace will open.
(Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)
In
truth God has created a Paradise in the retreats of immortality and has named
it “Patience”. Its’ name was treasured in the immaculate treasuries of God up
to the present Day. And in it was ordained what was not ordained in all other
gardens, and We have at this moment unveiled it for you, and caused it to be
remembered by you as a mercy on Our part, to all the worlds. And in this
Paradise there are rivers of the providence of God and God has forbidden it
from anyone except those who have persevered in calamities, seeking thereby the
good pleasure of God. (Baha’u’lláh,
Lawh-i-Ayyub (Job), or Suriy-i-Sabr (Patience), revealed on the first day of
Ridvan, 21 April, 1863. Provisional translation by Fananpazir)
One must remember that the
purpose of this life is to prepare the soul for the next. (Universal House of Justice,
Lights of Guidance, p. 359)
Justice and Righteousness
Know verily that the essence of
justice and the source thereof are both embodied in the ordinances prescribed
by Him Who is the Manifestation of the Self of God amongst men, if ye be of
them that recognize this truth.He doth verily incarnate the highest, the
infallible standard of justice unto all creation. (Bahá’u’lláh, GWB LXXXVIII)
And among the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh are justice and
right. Until these are realized on the plane of existence, all things shall be
in disorder and remain imperfect. The world of mankind is a world of oppression
and cruelty, and a realm of aggression and error…These manifold principles, which constitute the greatest basis for the
felicity of mankind and are of the bounties of the Merciful, must be added to
the matter of universal peace and combined with it, so that results may accrue.
Otherwise, the realization of universal peace by itself in the world of mankind
is difficult. As the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh are combined with universal
peace, they are like a table provided with every kind of fresh and delicious
food. Every soul can find, at that table of infinite bounty, that which he
desires. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, SWA #227)
“The
purpose underlying the revelation of every heavenly Book, nay, of every
divinely-revealed verse, is to endue all men with righteousness and understanding,
so that peace and tranquility may be firmly established amongst them.”
(Bahá'u'lláh, CI, p.205)
He
has ordained and established the House of Justice, which is endowed with a
political as well as a religious function, the consummate union and blending of
church and state. This institution is under the protecting power of Bahá'u'lláh
Himself. A universal, or international, House of Justice shall also be
organized. Its rulings shall be in accordance with the commands and teachings
of Bahá'u'lláh, and that which the Universal House of Justice ordains shall be
obeyed by all mankind. This international House of Justice shall be appointed
and organized from the Houses of Justice of the whole world, and all the world
shall come under its administration.(Abdu'l-Baha,
The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 455)
Justice is not limited, it is a
universal quality. Its operation must be carried out in all classes, from the
highest to the lowest. Justice must be sacred, and the rights of all the people
must be considered. Desire for others only that which you desire for
yourselves….Each man has been placed in a post of honour, which he must not
desert. A humble workman who commits an injustice is as much to blame as a
renowned tyrant. Thus we all have our choice between justice and injustice. I hope that each one of you will become
just, and direct your thoughts towards the unity of mankind; that you will
never harm your neighbours nor speak ill of any one; that you will respect the
rights of all men, and be more concerned for the interests of others than for your
own. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks,
p. 160)
This
is the foundation of the belief of the people of Bahá (may my life be offered
up for them): "His Holiness, the Exalted One (the Báb), is the
Manifestation of the Unity and Oneness of God and the Forerunner of the Ancient
Beauty. His Holiness the Abhá Beauty (may my life be a sacrifice for His
steadfast friends) is the Supreme Manifestation of God and the Dayspring of His
Most Divine Essence. All others are servants unto Him and do His bidding."
Unto the Most Holy Book everyone must
turn and all that is not expressly recorded therein must be referred to the
Universal House of Justice. That which this body, whether unanimously or by a
majority doth carry, that is verily the Truth and the Purpose of God Himself.
Whoso doth deviate therefrom is verily of them that love discord, hath shown
forth malice, and turned away from the Lord of the Covenant. By this House is
meant that Universal House Justice which is to be elected from all countries,
that is from those parts in the East and West where the loved ones are to be
found, after the manner of the customary elections in Western countries such as
those of England. It is incumbent upon
these members (of the Universal House of Justice) to gather in a certain place
and deliberate upon all problems which have caused difference, questions that
are obscure and matters that are not expressly recorded in the Book. Whatsoever
they decide has the same effect as the Text itself..(`Abdu'l-Bahá, Will and Testament of pp. 19-20)
Obedience to the Spiritual Assemblies
"Next is the
principle of complete, and immediate obedience to the Assemblies, both Local
and National. It is the responsibility of these Bahá'ís administrative bodies
to enable the community to acquire, and increasingly deepen in the knowledge
and understanding of the Cause. Doctrinal unity and administrative unity, these
are the two chief pillars that sustain the edifice of the Cause, and protect it
from the storms of opposition which so severely rage against it." (From a
letter on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of India
and Burma, September 5, 1936: Dawn of a New Day, p.61)
The ones in real authority are known by their
humility and self-sacrifice and show no attitude of superiority over the
friends. Some time ago a tablet was written stating that none are appointed to
any authority to do anything but to serve the Cause as true servants of the
friends-and for this no tablet is necessary; such service when true and
unselfish, required no announcement, nor following, nor written document. Let
the servant be known by his deeds, by his life! To be approved of god alone
should be one's aim.('Abdu'l-Bahá in the
Holy Land answers of Dr. Edward C. Getsinger and recorded by Dr. Getsinger at
the time (1905): Star of the West, Vol. VI, No. 6, p. 43)(Lights of Guidance,
p. 33)
"Whatsoever the Creator commandeth His creatures to
observe, the same must they diligently, and with the utmost joy and eagerness,
arise and fulfil." (Baha'u'llah, GWB CLX)
No
Argument, Fair and Open Consultation
“If
two souls quarrel and contend about a question of the Divine questions,
differing and disputing, both are wrong. The wisdom of this
incontrovertible law of God is this: That between two souls from amongst the
believers of God, no contention and dispute might arise; that they may speak
with each other with infinite amity and love. Should there appear the least
trace of controversy, they must remain silent, and both parties must continue
their discussions no longer, but ask the reality of the
question from the Interpreter. This is the irrefutable command!” (Abdu'l-Baha,
Tablets of the Divine Plan)
The Great Being saith: The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined
with the two luminaries of consultation and compassion. Take ye counsel
together in all matters, inasmuch as consultation is the lamp of guidance which
leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding. (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Maqsud)
Say:
no man can attain his true station except through his justice. No power can
exist except through unity. No welfare and no well-being can be attained except
through consultation…Consultation bestoweth greater awareness and transmuteth
conjecture into certitude. It is a shining light which, in a dark world,
leadeth the way and guideth. For everything there is and will continue to be a
station of perfection and maturity. The maturity of the gift of understanding is
made manifest through consultation…Such matters should be determined through
consultation, and whatever emergeth from the consultation of those chosen, that
indeed is the command of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting…In all
things it is necessary to consult. This matter should be forcibly stressed by
thee, so that consultation may be observed by all. The intent of what hath been
revealed from the Pen of the Most High is that consultation may be fully
carried out among the friends, inasmuch as it is and will always be a cause of
awareness and of awakening and a source of good and well-being.
(Bahá’u’lláh, From a Tablet, translated from the Persian)
The
purpose is to emphasize the statement that consultation must have for its
object the investigation of truth. He who expresses an opinion should not voice
it as correct and right but set it forth as a contribution to the consensus of
opinion, for the light of reality becomes apparent when two opinions coincide.
A spark is produced when flint and steel come together. Man should weigh his
opinions with the utmost serenity, calmness and composure. Before expressing
his own views he should carefully consider the views already advanced by
others. If he finds that a previously expressed opinion is more true and
worthy, he should accept it immediately and not willfully hold to an opinion of
his own. (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal
Peace, p. 72)
“The
members thereof [Baha'i Spiritual Assemblies]
must take counsel together in such wise
that no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may arise. This can be attained
when every member expresseth with absolute freedom his own opinion and setteth
forth his argument. Should anyone oppose, he must on no account feel hurt for
not until matters are fully discussed can the right way be revealed. The
shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.
If after discussion, a decision be carried unanimously well and good; but if,
the Lord forbid, differences of opinion should arise, a majority of voices must
prevail.” (Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 87)
"Let
us bear in mind that the keynote of the Cause of God is not dictatorial
authority, but humble fellowship. not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank
and loving consultation" (Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, p.90)
“Be
fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech.”
~Baha'u'llah
As long as the
friends quarrel amongst themselves their efforts will not be blessed for they
are disobeying God. (Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Compilation of Compilations vol 2,
p.21)
No
Clergy
"Power
hath been seized" indeed from both "kings and ecclesiastics."
The glory of the former has been eclipsed, the power of the latter
irretrievably lost. (Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is
Come, p. 74)
The
pious deeds of the monks and priests among the followers of the Spirit (Jesus) -- upon Him be the peace of God -- are
remembered in His presence. In this Day, however, let them give up the life of
seclusion and direct their steps towards the open world and busy themselves
with that which will profit themselves and others. We have granted them leave
to enter into wedlock that they may bring forth one who will make mention of
God, the Lord of the seen and the unseen, the Lord of the Exalted Throne.(Bisharat,
Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 23)
No
Slavery
It
is forbidden you to trade in slaves, be they men or women. It is not for him
who is himself a servant to buy another of God's servants, and this hath been
prohibited in His Holy Tablet. Thus, by His mercy, hath the commandment been
recorded by the Pen of justice. Let no man exalt himself above another; all are
but bondslaves before the Lord, and all exemplify the truth that there is none
other God but Him. He, verily, is the All-Wise, Whose wisdom encompasseth all
things. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas,
#72)
No
Aggressive Proselytizing
Set
forth that which ye possess. If it be favourably received, your end is
attained; if not, to protest is vain. Leave that soul to himself and turn unto
the Lord, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Be not the cause of grief, much
less of discord and strife. (Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Ishraqat)
No
Quarrelling over the Divine Questions
The text of the Divine Book is this:
If two souls quarrel and contend about a question of the Divine questions,
differing and disputing, both are wrong. The wisdom of this incontrovertible
law of God is this: That between two souls from amongst the believers of God,
no contention and dispute might arise; that they may speak with each other with
infinite amity and love. Should there appear the least trace of controversy,
they must remain silent, and both parties must continue their discussions no
longer, but ask the reality of the question from the Interpreter. This is the
irrefutable command!(Abdu'l-Baha, BWF, p.
428)
No
backbiting or Fault-finding in Others
“…observe silence, and refrain from
idle talk. For the tongue is a smouldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly
poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue
devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time,
whilst the effects of the latter endure a century. That seeker should also
regard backbiting as grievous error, and keep himself aloof from its dominion,
inasmuch as backbiting quencheth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the
life of the soul. (Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Iqan)
No
Re-Incarnation
But you have asked for arguments of
the impossibility of reincarnation. This is what we must now explain. The first
argument for its impossibility is that the outward is the expression of the
inward; the earth is the mirror of the Kingdom; the material world corresponds
to the spiritual world. Now observe that in the sensible world appearances are
not repeated, for no being in any respect is identical with, nor the same as,
another being. The sign of singleness is visible and apparent in all things. If
all the granaries of the world were full of grain, you would not find two
grains absolutely alike, the same and identical without any distinction. It is
certain that there will be differences and distinctions between them. As the
proof of uniqueness exists in all things, and the Oneness and Unity of God is
apparent in the reality of all things, the repetition of the same appearance is
absolutely impossible. Therefore,
reincarnation, which is the repeated appearance of the same spirit with its
former essence and condition in this same world of appearance, is impossible
and unrealizable. As the repetition of the same appearance is impossible
and interdicted for each of the material beings, so for spiritual beings also,
a return to the same condition, whether in the arc of descent or in the arc
of ascent, is interdicted and impossible, for the material corresponds to
the spiritual. …this material world has not such value or such excellence that
man, after having escaped from this cage, will desire a second time to fall
into this snare.
No, through the Eternal Bounty the
worth and true ability of man becomes apparent and visible by traversing the
degrees of existence, and not by returning. When the shell is once opened, it
will be apparent and evident whether it contains a pearl or worthless matter.
When once the plant has grown it will bring forth either thorns or flowers;
there is no need for it to grow up again. Besides, advancing and moving in the
worlds in a direct order according to the natural law is the cause of
existence, and a movement contrary to the system and law of nature is the cause
of nonexistence. The return of the soul after death is contrary to the natural
movement, and opposed to the divine system.(Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered
Questions, p. 281-6) "Believing in
reincarnation is one of the old tenets held by most nations and creeds, as well
as by the Greek and Roman philosophers and wise men, the old Egyptians and the
chief Assyrians. But all these sayings and superstitions are vanity in the
sight of God." (Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 391)
Never
Strike Another
Whensoever
a mother seeth that her child hath done well, let her praise and applaud him
and cheer his heart; and if the slightest undesirable trait should manifest
itself, let her counsel the child and punish him, and use means based on
reason, even a slight verbal chastisement should this be necessary. It is not, however, permissible to strike a
child, or vilify him, for the
child’s character will be totally perverted if he be subjected to blows or
verbal abuse. (Abdul Baha, SWA #95)
Ye have been forbidden in the
Book of God to engage in contention and conflict, to strike another, or to
commit similar acts whereby hearts and souls may be saddened. (Baha’u’llah, K.A., #148)
Never
Consider Anyone an Enemy
Bahá’u’lláh
has clearly said in His Tablets that if you have an enemy, consider him not as
an enemy. Do not simply be long-suffering; nay, rather, love him. Your treatment of him should be that which is becoming to
lovers. Do not even say that he is your enemy. Do not see any enemies. Though
he be your murderer, see no enemy. Look upon him with the eye of friendship. Be
mindful that you do not consider him as an enemy and simply tolerate him, for
that is but stratagem and hypocrisy. To consider a man your enemy and love him
is hypocrisy. This is not becoming of any soul. You must behold him as a
friend. You must treat him well. This is right. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation
of Universal Peace, p. 267)
Gracious God! This people need no
weapons of destruction, inasmuch as they have girded themselves to reconstruct
the world. Their hosts are the hosts of goodly deeds, and their arms the arms
of upright conduct, and their commander the fear of God. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son
of the Wolf, p. 74)
Consideration
for the Poor
O
CHILDREN OF DUST! Tell the rich of the midnight sighing of the poor, lest
heedlessness lead them into the path of destruction, and deprive them of the
Tree of Wealth. To give and to be generous are attributes of Mine; well is it
with him that adorneth himself with My virtues. (Baha’u’llah, Persian Hidden Words, #49)
Through
the manifestation of God’s great equity the poor of the world will be rewarded
and assisted fully, and there will be a readjustment in the economic conditions
of mankind so that in the future there will not be the abnormally rich nor the
abject poor. (Abdul Baha, PUP)
The inordinate disparity between
rich and poor, a source of acute suffering, keeps the world in a state of
instability, virtually on the brink of war. Few societies have dealt
effectively with this situation. The solution calls for the combined
application of spiritual, moral and practical approaches. (The Universal House
of Justice: The Promise of World Peace)
Kindness
to Animals
He should show kindness to animals,
how much more unto his fellow-man, to him who is endowed with the power of
utterance. (Baha’u’llah, Kitab-i-Iqan)
Burden not the animal with more than it can bear. We, truly,
have prohibited such treatment through a most binding interdiction in the Book.
Be ye the embodiments of justice and fairness amidst all creation…Take heed,
however, that ye hunt not to excess. Tread ye the path of justice and equity in
all things. Thus biddeth you He Who is the Dawning-place of Revelation, would
that ye might comprehend. (Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Aqdas #60& 187)
Therefore, sympathy
to the ferocious animal is cruelty to the peaceful animal, so they should be done away
with. To the blessed animals, however, the utmost kindness should be exercised:
the more the better it will be. This
sympathy and kindness is one of the fundamental principles of the divine
kingdom. Ye should pay great attention to this question. (Abdu'l-Baha,
Baha'i World Faith, p. 374) [Yet even lions, wolves and wolverines should be
protected.]
Abstention
from Partisan Politics
Religious matters should not be
confused with politics in the present state of the world (for their interests
are not identical). Religion concerns matters of the heart, of the spirit, and
of morals. Politics are occupied with the material things of life. Religious
teachers should not invade the realm of politics; they should concern
themselves with the spiritual education of the people; they should ever give
good counsel to men, trying to serve God and human kind; they should endeavor
to awaken spiritual aspiration, and strive to enlarge the understanding and
knowledge of humanity, to improve morals, and to increase the love for
justice. (Abdul Baha, Paris Talks)
And
this principle is no other than that which involves the non-participation by
the adherents of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, whether in their individual
capacities or collectively as local or national Assemblies, in any form of
activity that might be interpreted, either directly or indirectly, as an
interference in the political affairs of any particular government.
Whether it be in the publications which they initiate and supervise; or in
their official and public deliberations; or in the posts they occupy and the
services they render; or in the communications they address to their
fellow-disciples; or in their dealings with men of eminence and authority; or
in their affiliations with kindred societies and organizations, it is, I am
firmly convinced, their first and sacred obligation to abstain from any word or
deed that might be construed as a violation of this vital principle. Theirs is
the duty to demonstrate, on one hand, the nonpolitical character of their
Faith, and to assert, on the other, their unqualified loyalty and obedience to
whatever is the considered judgment of their respective governments.(Shoghi
Effendi, WOB, p. 63)
Regard the Stranger as a Friend
"We are striving with heart
and soul, resting neither day nor night, seeking not a moment's ease, to make
this world of man the mirror of the unity of God. Then how much more must the
beloved of the Lord reflect that unity? And this cherished hope, this yearning
wish of ours will be visibly fulfilled only on the day when the true friends of
God arise to carry out the Teachings of the Abhá Beauty -- may my life be a
ransom for His lovers! One amongst His
Teachings is this, that love and good faith must so dominate the human heart
that men will regard the stranger as a familiar friend, the malefactor as one
of their own, the alien even as a loved one, the enemy as a companion dear and
close. Who killeth them, him will they call a bestower of life; who turneth away
from them, him will they regard as turning towards them; who denieth their
message, him will they consider as one acknowledging its truth. The meaning is
that they must treat all humankind even as they treat their sympathizers, their
fellow-believers, their loved ones and familiar friends.
Should such a torch light up the
world community, ye will find that the whole earth is sending forth a
fragrance, that it hath become a delightsome paradise, and the face of it the
image of high heaven. Then will the whole world be one native land, its diverse
peoples one single kind, the nations of both east and west one household."
(Selections from the Writings of Abhá, p. 84)
Visiting the Sick
O
thou servant of God! To look after the sick is one of the greatest duties.
Every
soul who becomes sick, the other friends should certainly offer the life (of service) in the utmost kindness. (Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v1, p. 149)
soul who becomes sick, the other friends should certainly offer the life (of service) in the utmost kindness. (Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v1, p. 149)
Consulting
Competent Physicians
According to the explicit decree of
Bahá’u’lláh one must not turn aside from the advice of a competent doctor. It
is imperative to consult one even if the patient himself be a well-known and
eminent physician. In short, the point is that you should maintain your health
by consulting a highly-skilled physician. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lights of Guidance
#965, p. 156)
Special
Regard Must be Paid to Agriculture.
“Strive as much
as possible to become proficient in the science of agriculture, for in
accordance with the divine teachings the acquisition of sciences and the
perfection of arts are considered acts of worship. If a man engageth with all
his power in the acquisition of a science or in the perfection of an art, it is
as if he has been worshipping God in churches and temples. Thus as thou
enterest a school of agriculture and strivest in the acquisition of that
science thou art day and night engaged in acts of worship -- acts that are
accepted at the threshold of the Almighty. What bounty greater than this that
science should be considered as an act of worship and art as service to the
Kingdom of God.” (Selections from the
Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 144)
What
will be the food of the future?" "Fruit and grains. The time will
come when meat will no longer be eaten. Medical science is only in its infancy,
yet it has shown that our natural diet is that which will grow out of the
ground. The people will gradually develop up to the condition of this natural
food. ('Abdu'l-Bahá, in Julia M. Grundy, Ten Days in the Light of Akka, pp.
8-9)
No
Un-Prescribed Alcohol or Drugs
Under no circumstances should
Bahá’ís drink. It is so unambiguously forbidden in the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh
that there is no excuse for them even touching it in the form of a toast, or in
a burning plum pudding; in fact, in any way. (From a letter written on behalf
of the Guardian to an individual believer, March 3, 1957: Cited in a letter
from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of
Ecuador, December 21, 1972)
Happy is he who
never mentioneth the word opium! But what is the fate of those who make use of
it! O friends of God! Force and violence, constraint and oppression are
condemned in this divine cycle, but to prevent the use of opium, all means must
be employed, so that the human species may be delivered and freed from this
great calamity. Otherwise, alas! for all the negligent before God.
('Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 335)
As to the meaning of that which is
written in the Tablets:'I have chosen for thee whatsoever is in the
heaven and the earth', this signifieth those things which are in
accordance with the divine purpose and not the things which are harmful. For
instance, one of the existing things is poison. Can we say that poison must be
used as it hath been created by God? Nevertheless,
intoxicating liquor, if prescribed by a physician for the patient and if its
use is absolutely necessary, then it is permissible.
In
brief, I hope that thou mayest become inebriated with the wine of the love of
God, find eternal bliss and receive inexhaustible joy and
happiness. All wine hath depression as an after effect, except the wine of the
Love of God. (From a Tablet of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá to an individual believer,
translated from the Persian: Prohibition of Intoxicating Drinks, A Compilation,
April 1979)
Control of
One’s Passions
The Bahá’í teaching on sexual
intercourse is very clear. It is permissible only between a man and the woman
who is his wife. (Universal House of Justice, Lights of Guidance, p. 344)
O people of the world! Follow not
the promptings of the self, for it summoneth insistently to wickedness and
lust; follow, rather, Him Who is the Possessor of all created things, Who
biddeth you to show forth piety, and manifest the fear of God. He, verily, is
independent of all His creatures. Take heed not to stir up mischief in the land
after it hath been set in order. Whoso acteth in this way is not of Us, and We
are quit of him. Such is the command which hath, through the power of truth,
been made manifest from the heaven of Revelation. (Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Aqdas, #60)
Chastity
implies both before and after marriage an unsullied, chaste sex life. Before
marriage absolutely chaste, after marriage absolutely faithful to one’s chosen
companion. Faithful in all sexual acts, faithful in word and in deed.
(Universal House of Justice, Messages 1963 to 1986, p. 233)
A
man of noble character and strong willpower, could certainly remain faithful to
his wife during a long absence! (Shoghi Effendi, The Light of Divine Guidance, v II, p.
69)
When
we realize that Bahá’u’lláh says adultery retards the progress of the soul in
the after life — so grievous is it . . . we see how clear are our teachings on
these subjects.
(Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance, #1159)
Future
Development of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh
The world’s equilibrium hath been
upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order.
Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this
unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never
witnessed… Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its
secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths. Take
heed that ye do not vacillate in your determination to embrace the truth of
this Cause—a Cause through which the potentialities of the might of God have
been revealed, and His sovereignty established. With faces beaming with joy,
hasten ye unto Him. This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past,
eternal in the future. Let him that seeketh, attain it; and as to him that hath
refused to seek it—verily, God is Self-Sufficient, above any need of His
creatures. Say: This is the infallible Balance which the Hand of God is
holding, in which all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth are
weighed, and their fate determined, if ye be of them that believe and recognize
this truth. Say: This is the Most Great Testimony, by which the validity of
every proof throughout the ages hath been established, would that ye might be
assured thereof. Say: Through it the poor have been enriched, the learned
enlightened, and the seekers enabled to ascend unto the presence of God. Beware
lest ye make it a cause of dissension amongst you. Be ye as firmly settled as
the immovable mountain in the Cause of your Lord, the Mighty, the Loving.
(Baha’u’llah, Kitab-i-Aqdas #181-183)
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“…a sore-tried Faith [will] pass through the
successive stages of unmitigated
obscurity, of active repression,
and of complete emancipation,
leading in turn to its being acknowledged
as an independent Faith, enjoying the status of full equality with its
sister religions, to be followed by its establishment
and recognition as State religion, which in turn must give way to its
assumption of the rights and prerogatives associated with the Bahá’í state, functioning in the
plenitude of its powers, a stage which must ultimately culminate in the
emergence of the worldwide Bahá’í
Commonwealth, animated wholly by the spirit, and operating solely in
direct conformity with the laws and principles of Bahá’u’lláh.” (Shoghi
Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p.12)
1) Obscurity. During this stage the Bahá’í Faith is unknown in the country.
2) Repression. We see clear examples of this in Iran, Iraq and other
countries.
3) Emancipation. Freedom from oppression by religious or state orthodoxy.
4) Acknowledgement. Governments accept the status of Bahá’í as an independent
faith.
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5) State Religion. Adoption of the Bahá’í Faith, when its’ population is the
majority.
6) The Bahá’í State. A merger between the civil system and the Bahá’í
Administration
7) Bahá’í Commonwealth. Bahá’í States join in the initial stages of the Most Great
Peace.
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“Once Varqá asked Bahá’u’lláh ‘How will the Cause of God be universally
adopted by mankind?’ Bahá’u’lláh said that first, the nations of the world
would arm themselves with infernal engines of war, and when fully armed would
attack each other like bloodthirsty beasts. As a result, there would be
enormous bloodshed throughout the world. Then the wise from all nations would
gather together to investigate the cause of such bloodshed. They would come to
the conclusion that prejudices were the cause, a major form being religious
prejudice. They would therefore try to eliminate religion so as to eliminate
prejudice. Later they would realize that man cannot live without religion. Then
they would study the teachings of all religions to see which of the religions
conformed to the prevailing conditions of the time. It is then that the Cause
of God would become universal.” (The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Vol. 4, p. 56, AdibTaherzadeh, 1987)
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