Teachings of the Baha'i Faith

“Knowledge is as wings to man's life, and a ladder for his ascent”

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...Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation. Knowledge is as wings to man's life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth ... truth, knowledge is a veritable treasure for man, and a source of glory, of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladness unto him. Happy the man that cleaveth unto it, and woe betide the heedless. (Baha’u’llah, ‘Epistle to the Son of the Wolf’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)

Music has a “great effect upon the human spirit”

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Music is one of the important arts. It has a great effect upon the human spirit. Musical melodies are a certain something which prove to be accidental upon etheric vibrations, for voice is nothing but the expression of vibrations, which, reaching the tympanum, affect the nerves of hearing. Musical melodies are, therefore, those peculiar effects produced by, or from, vibration. However, they have the keenest effect upon the spirit. In sooth, although music is a material affair, yet its tremendous effect is spiritual, and its greatest attachment is to the realm of the spirit. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Table Talk’ Acca, July 1909, quoted in "Herald of the South" (January 13, 1933), pp. 2-3; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Music)

God can be likened to the Sun Whose Spirit reaches us through the Souls of His Manifestations

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We liken God to the Sun, which gives us all our life. So the Spirit of God reaches us through the Souls of the Manifestations. We must learn to commune with Their Souls …, This is the true mysticism, and the secret, inner meaning of life... (From a letter dated 28 July 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi Manchester Spiritual Assembly; The Unfolding Destiny of the British Baha'i Community)

Meditation and prayer help us bring about and maintain that state of “spiritual communion”, “that mystical feeling”, that unites us with God

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… the core of religious faith is that mystic feeling that unites man with God. This state of spiritual communion can be brought about and maintained by means of meditation and prayer. And this is the reason why Bahá'u'lláh has so much stressed the importance of worship. It is not sufficient for a believer to merely accept and observe the teachings. He should, in addition, cultivate the sense of spirituality, which he can acquire chiefly by the means of prayer. The Bahá'í Faith, like all other Divine religions, is thus fundamentally mystic in character. Its chief goal is the development of the individual and society, through the acquisition of spiritual virtues and powers. It is the soul of man that has first to be fed. And this spiritual nourishment prayer can best provide. Laws and institutions, as viewed by Bahá'u'lláh, can become really effective only when our inner spiritual life has been perfected and transformed. Otherwise religion will degenerate into a mere organization, and become a dead thing. (From a letter dated 8 December 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, published in "Bahá'í News" 102 (August 1936), p. 3; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, The Importance of Prayer, Meditation and the Devotional Attitude)

Children should first be taught “the oneness of God and the laws of God”

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That which is of paramount importance for the children, that which must precede all else, is to teach them the oneness of God and the laws of God. For lacking this, the fear of God cannot be inculcated, and lacking the fear of God an infinity of odious and abominable actions will spring up, and sentiments will be uttered that transgress all bounds... parents must exert every effort to rear their offspring to be religious, for should the children not attain this greatest of adornments, they will not obey their parents, which in a certain sense means that they will not obey God. Indeed, such children will show no consideration to anyone, and will do exactly as they please. (Baha’u’llah, The Compilation of Compilations’, vol. I, Baha’i Education)

The “Law of God is divided into two parts”: “One is the fundamental basis which comprises all spiritual things,” and the other “refers to material things”. The first part “does not change nor alter” with time, whereas those pertaining to “material world” are “modified and altered in each prophetic cycle in accordance with the necessities of the times.”

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… the Law of God is divided into two parts. One is the fundamental basis which comprises all spiritual things -- that is to say, it refers to the spiritual virtues and divine qualities; this does not change nor alter: it is the Holy of Holies, which is the essence of the Law of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Christ, Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá'u'lláh, and which lasts and is established in all the prophetic cycles. It will never be abrogated, for it is spiritual and not material truth; it is faith, knowledge, certitude, justice, piety, righteousness, trustworthiness, love of God, benevolence, purity, detachment, humility, meekness, patience and constancy. It shows mercy to the poor, defends the oppressed, gives to the wretched and uplifts the fallen.

These divine qualities, these eternal commandments, will never be abolished; nay, they will last and remain established for ever and ever. These virtues of humanity will be renewed in each of the different cycles; for at the end of every cycle the spiritual Law of God -- that is to say, the human virtues -- disappears, and only the form subsists…..

The second part of the Religion of God, which refers to the material world, and which comprises fasting, prayer, forms of worship, marriage and divorce, the abolition of slavery, legal processes, transactions, indemnities for murder, violence, theft and injuries -- this part of the Law of God, which refers to material things, is modified and altered in each prophetic cycle in accordance with the necessities of the times. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions)

It is through our “deeds” that the “brightness” of our “light can be shed upon the whole earth.”

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Strive that ye may be enabled to manifest to the peoples of the earth the signs of God, and to mirror forth His commandments. Let your acts be a guide unto all mankind, for the professions of most men, be they high or low, differ from their conduct. It is through your deeds that ye can distinguish yourselves from others. Through them the brightness of your light can be shed upon the whole earth. Happy is the man that heedeth My counsel, and keepeth the precepts prescribed by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. (Baha'u'llah, ‘Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah’; The Baha’i World 2002-2003)

The “virtues” that “befit” one’s “dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”

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All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth. (Baha'u'llah, ‘Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah’)

The Cause of Bahá'u'lláh is the same as the Cause of Christ

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The Cause of Bahá'u'lláh is the same as the Cause of Christ. It is the same Temple and the same Foundation. Both of these are Spiritual Springs, the seasons of the soul-refreshing awakening and the cause of the renovation of the life of mankind. The spring of this year is the same as the spring of last year. The origin and end are the same. The sun of today is the sun of yesterday. In the coming of Christ, the divine teachings were given in accordance with the infancy of the human race. The teachings of Bahá'u'lláh have the same basic principles, but are according to the stage of the maturity of the world and the requirements of this illumined age. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Star of the West, vol. 19, no. 1, April 1928)

Our educational system should “take into consideration not only the physical and the intellectual side of man but also his spiritual and ethical aspects.”

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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 dated 9 July 1931 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Scholarship)

We should not “exalt yourselves above others" -- we should consider all as our "equals, recognizing them as the servants of one God”

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You must manifest complete love and affection toward all mankind. Do not exalt yourselves above others, but consider all as your equals, recognizing them as the servants of one God. Know that God is compassionate toward all; therefore, love all from the depths of your hearts, prefer all religionists before yourselves, be filled with love for every race, and be kind toward the people of all nationalities. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace)

To be generous and patient

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Be generous in your days of plenty, and be patient in the hour of loss. Adversity is followed by success and rejoicings follow woe. (Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Baha'u'lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

Marriage should be viewed as a “union of the body and of the spirit”

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Marriage, among the mass of the people, is a physical bond, and this union can only be temporary, since it is foredoomed to a physical separation at the close. Among the people of Bahá, however, marriage must be a union of the body and of the spirit as well, for here both husband and wife are aglow with the same wine, both are enamoured of the same matchless Face, both live and move through the same spirit, both are illumined by the same glory. This connection between them is a spiritual one, hence it is a bond that will abide forever. Likewise do they enjoy strong and lasting ties in the physical world as well, for if the marriage is based both on the spirit and the body, that union is a true one, hence it will endure. If, however, the bond is physical and nothing more, it is sure to be only temporary, and must inexorably end in separation. When, therefore, the people of Bahá undertake to marry, the union must be a true relationship, a spiritual coming together as well as a physical one, so that throughout every phase of life, and in all the worlds of God, their union will endure; for this real oneness is a gleaming out of the love of God. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Family Life)

The Teachings of the Baha’i Faith encourage every believer to “strive to obtain a more adequate understanding of the significance of Bahá'u'lláh's stupendous Revelation”

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The beloved Guardian wrote, "To strive to obtain a more adequate understanding of the significance of Bahá'u'lláh's stupendous Revelation must, it is my unalterable conviction, remain the first obligation and the object of the constant endeavour of each one of its loyal adherents. An exact and thorough comprehension of so vast a system, so sublime a revelation, so sacred a trust, is for obvious reasons beyond the reach and ken of our finite minds. We can, however, and it is our bounden duty to seek to derive fresh inspiration and added sustenance as we labor for the propagation of His Faith through a clearer apprehension of the truths it enshrines and the principles on which it is based. (Shoghi Effendi, ‘The World Order of Baha'u'llah’)

We should observe moderation in “all matters”

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... In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil. (Baha’u’llah, ‘Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Peace)

We should “resist the natural tendency to let our attention dwell on the faults and failings of others rather than on our own”

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… one of the first essentials insisted on by Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá is that we resist the natural tendency to let our attention dwell on the faults and failings of others rather than on our own. Each of us is responsible for one life only, and that is our own. Each of us is immeasurably far from being "perfect as our heavenly father is perfect" and the task of perfecting our own life and character is one that requires all our attention, our will-power and energy. If we allow our attention and energy to be taken up in efforts to keep others right and remedy their faults, we are wasting precious time. We are like ploughmen each of whom has his team to manage and his plough to direct, and in order to keep his furrow straight he must keep his eye on his goal and concentrate on his own task. If he looks to this side and that to see how Tom and Harry are getting on and to criticize their ploughing, then his own furrow will assuredly become crooked. On no subject are the Bahá'í teachings more emphatic than on the necessity to abstain from faultfinding and backbiting while being ever eager to discover and root out our own faults and overcome our own failings…. (From a letter dated 12 May 1925 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Living the Life)

We should pray to God “only for the love of God” not because we “fear Him or hell, or hope for bounty or heaven”

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In the highest prayer, men pray only for the love of God, not because they fear Him or hell, or hope for bounty or heaven.... When a man falls in love with a human being, it is impossible for him to keep from mentioning the name of his beloved. How much more difficult is it to keep from mentioning the Name of God when one has come to love Him.... The spiritual man finds no delight in anything save in commemoration of God. (Report of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's words as quoted in J. E. Esslemont, ‘Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, The Importance of Prayer, Meditation and the Devotional Attitude)

We need to “acquire the heavenly characteristics of the spirit” in the “school of humanity”

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The root cause of wrongdoing is ignorance, and we must therefore hold fast to the tools of perception and knowledge. Good character must be taught. Light must be spread afar, so that, in the school of humanity, all may acquire the heavenly characteristics of the spirit, and see for themselves beyond any doubt that there is no fiercer hell, no more fiery abyss, than to possess a character that is evil and unsound; no more darksome pit nor loathsome torment than to show forth qualities which deserve to be condemned. The individual must be educated to such a high degree that he would rather have his throat cut than tell a lie, and would think it easier to be slashed with a sword or pierced with a spear than to utter calumny or be carried away by wrath.

Thus will be kindled the sense of human dignity and pride, to burn away the reapings of lustful appetites. Then will each one of God's beloved shine out as a bright moon with qualities of the spirit, and the relationship of each to the Sacred Threshold of his Lord will be not illusory but sound and real, will be as the very foundation of the building, not some embellishment on its facade. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha, p. 136)

We should strive to be like a “raining cloud in moments of charity and benevolence” and “a blazing fire” in “restraining” our “base and appetitive natures”

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We have ere this uttered these sublime words: Let them that bear allegiance to this Wronged One be even as a raining cloud in moments of charity and benevolence and as a blazing fire in restraining their base and appetitive natures. (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas)

“good attributes and virtues which are the adornments” of the “reality” of a human being are summarized as:

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• the divine appearances,
• the heavenly bounties,
• the sublime emotions,
• the love and knowledge of God;
• universal wisdom,
• intellectual perception,
• scientific discoveries,
• justice,
• equity,
• truthfulness,
• benevolence,
• natural courage and innate fortitude;
• the respect for rights and the keeping of agreements and covenants;
• rectitude in all circumstances;
• serving the truth under all conditions;
• the sacrifice of one's life for the good of all people;
• kindness and esteem for all nations;
• obedience to the teachings of God;
• service in the Divine Kingdom;
• the guidance of the people, and
• the education of the nations and races.

"Then it is clear that the honour and exaltation of man must be something more than material riches. Material comforts are only a branch, but the root of the exaltation of man is the good attributes and virtues which are the adornments of his reality. These are the divine appearances, the heavenly bounties, the sublime emotions, the love and knowledge of God; universal wisdom, intellectual perception, scientific discoveries, justice, equity, truthfulness, benevolence, natural courage and innate fortitude; the respect for rights and the keeping of agreements and covenants; rectitude in all circumstances; serving the truth under all conditions; the sacrifice of one's life for the good of all people; kindness and esteem for all nations; obedience to the teachings of God; service in the Divine Kingdom; the guidance of the people, and the education of the nations and races. This is the prosperity of the human world! This is the exaltation of man in the world! This is eternal life and heavenly honour!" (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Question’, pp. 79-80; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Conservation of the Earth's Resources)

Prayer “transcends all ritualistic forms and formulae”

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Prayer is essentially a communion between man and God, and as such transcends all ritualistic forms and formulae. (From a letter dated 15 June 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Service in Baha’i Temples)

To be Faithful to “the Covenant and Testament of God” in this day requires that one’s “manners ..behavior..conduct ..morals, ..nature, and disposition” “reflect” such “attributes” of “sincerity ..faithfulness ..love ..honesty and fidelity …truthfulness and loving-kindness towards all the peoples of the world”

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-- ye must conduct yourselves in such a manner that ye may stand out distinguished and brilliant as the sun among other souls. Should any one of you enter a city, he should become a centre of attraction by reason of his sincerity, his faithfulness and love, his honesty and fidelity, his truthfulness and loving-kindness towards all the peoples of the world, so that the people of that city may cry out and say: 'This man is unquestionably a Bahá'í, for his manners, his behaviour, his conduct, his morals, his nature, and disposition reflect the attributes of the Bahá'ís.' Not until ye attain this station can ye be said to have been faithful to the Covenant and Testament of God. For He hath, through irrefutable Texts, entered into a binding Covenant with us all, requiring us to act in accordance with His sacred instructions and counsels. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá'í Virtue)

God is “immeasurably far and exalted” above any descriptions, He is “inaccessible”. God “and no one else besides” Him is “the ultimate Desire of all men …. and the Object of adoration”. None of our mention and praise of God can “reach” His “transcendent court”. God has conferred His “station” upon His “Loved Ones” – His Manifestations – Who “manifest” God’s “love and ..true knowledge”

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Immeasurably exalted art Thou, O my God, above the endeavours of all beings and created things to praise Thee and recognize Thee. No creature can ever comprehend Thee as beseemeth the reality of Thy holy Being and no servant can ever worship Thee as is worthy of Thine unknowable Essence. Praise be unto Thee; too high is Thine exalted Self for any allusions proceeding from Thy creatures ever to gain access unto Thy presence.

Whenever, O my God, I soared into Thy holy atmosphere and attained the inmost spirit of prayerfulness unto Thee, I was led to recognize that Thou art inaccessible and that no mention of Thee can ever reach Thy transcendent court. Therefore I turn towards Thy Loved Ones -- They upon Whom Thou hast graciously conferred Thine Own station that They might manifest Thy love and Thy true knowledge. Bless Them then, O my God, with every distinction and goodly gift which Thy knowledge may reckon within the domain of Thy power.

O my God, my Lord and my Master! I swear by Thy might and glory that Thou alone and no one else besides Thee art the ultimate Desire of all men, and that Thou alone and none other save Thee art the Object of adoration. O my God! The paths of Thine inaccessible glory have prompted me to voice these words and the ways of Thine unattainable heights have guided me to make these allusions. Exalted art Thou, O my God! The evidences of Thy revelation are too manifest for me to need to refer to aught else save Thyself, and the love I cherish for Thee is far sweeter to my taste than the knowledge of all things and freeth me from the need to seek anyone's knowledge other than Thine.

All praise be unto Thee, O my Lord. I verily believe in Thee, as Thou art in Thyself; and of Thee, as Thou art in Thyself, I beg forgiveness for myself and on behalf of all mankind.

O my God! Wholly have I fled unto Thy face and have cast myself before Thee and no power have I over aught in Thy holy presence. Shouldst Thou chastise me with Thy might, Thou wouldst assuredly be just in Thy decree; and wert Thou to bestow every goodly gift on me, Thou wouldst indeed be most generous and bountiful. Verily Thou art independent of all the peoples of the world.

I have sought reunion with Thee, O my Master, yet have I failed to attain thereto save through the knowledge of detachment from aught save Thee. I have yearned for Thy love, but failed to find it except in renouncing everything other than Thyself. I have been eager to worship Thee, yet have I failed to achieve Thy adoration, except by loving those who cherish Thy love. No one do I recognize, O my God, except Thee. Thou art incomparable and hast no partner. Thou alone knowest our shortcomings and none other hath this knowledge. I beg Thy forgiveness for whatever doth displease Thee.

I call upon Thee at all times with the tongue of Thine inspiration, saying: 'Thou art in truth the All-Possessing, the Peerless. No God is there but Thee. Immeasurably far and exalted art Thou above the descriptions of those who arrogantly assign peers unto Thee.' (The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb)

We should view the teachings that God’s latest Manifestation, Baha’u’llah, has brought to humanity as “the light of this age and the spirit of this century”

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The teachings of Bahá'u'lláh are the light of this age and the spirit of this century. Expound each of them at every gathering.

The first is investigation of truth,
The second, the oneness of mankind,
The third, universal peace,
The fourth, conformity between science and divine revelation,
The fifth, abandonment of racial, religious, worldly and political prejudices, prejudices which destroy the foundation of mankind.
The sixth is righteousness and justice,
The seventh, the betterment of morals and heavenly education,
The eighth, the equality of the two sexes,
The ninth, the diffusion of knowledge and education,
The tenth, economic questions, and so on and so forth.

Strive that souls may attain unto the light of guidance and hold fast unto the hem of Bahá'u'lláh. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha)

We should purge our words from “idle fancies and worldly desires” and our deeds from “craftiness and suspicion”

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Take heed that your words be purged from idle fancies and worldly desires and your deeds be cleansed from craftiness and suspicion. (Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Baha'u'lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

We should constantly strive to improve our character and provide service to others

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Let each morn be better than its eve and each morrow richer than its yesterday. Man's merit lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches. (Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Baha'u'lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

We should “bend every effort to banish ignorance from the earth.”

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O peoples of the world! … bend every effort to banish ignorance from the earth. (Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Baha'u'lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

“we should not belittle anyone and call him ignorant”

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In accordance with the divine teachings in this glorious dispensation we should not belittle anyone and call him ignorant, saying: 'You know not, but I know'. Rather, we should look upon others with respect, and when attempting to explain and demonstrate, we should speak as if we are investigating the truth, saying: 'Here these things are before us. Let us investigate to determine where and in what form the truth can be found.' The teacher should not consider himself as learned and others ignorant. Such a thought breedeth pride, and pride is not conducive to influence. The teacher should not see in himself any superiority; he should speak with the utmost kindliness, lowliness and humility, for such speech exerteth influence and educateth the souls. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha)

We should examine God’s latest Teachings that have been brought to humanity by Baha’u’llah concerning harmony among nations and the Most Great Peace

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...every great Cause in this world of existence findeth visible expression through three means: first, intention; second, confirmation; third, action. Today on this earth there are many souls who are promoters of peace and reconciliation and are longing for the realization of the oneness and unity of the world of humanity; but this intention needeth a dynamic power, so that it may become manifest in the world of being. In this day the divine instructions and lordly exhortations promulgate this most great aim, and the confirmations of the Kingdom also support and aid the realization of this intention. Therefore, although the combined forces and thoughts of the nations of the world cannot by themselves achieve this exalted purpose, the power of the Word of God penetrateth all things and the assistance of the divine Kingdom is continuous. Erelong it will become evident and clear that the ensign of the Most Great Peace is the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, and the tent of union and harmony among nations is the Tabernacle of the divine Kingdom, for therein the intention, the power and the action, all three, are brought together. The realization of everything in the world of being dependeth upon these three elements. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Peace)

We should “eliminate all forms of prejudice from our lives”

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Bahá'u'lláh tells us that prejudice in its various forms destroys the edifice of humanity. We are adjured by the Divine Messenger to eliminate all forms of prejudice from our lives. Our outer lives must show forth our beliefs. .. Let us strive to blot out from our lives every last trace of prejudice -- racial, religious, political, economic, national, tribal, class, cultural, and that which is based on differences of education or age. (The Universal House of Justice, ‘Messages 1963 to 1986’)

Baha’u’llah “envisaged … the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united …” This commonwealth safeguards “the autonomy of its state members and the personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them.” It will 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 acting as the nerve centre of a world civilization, * a world language, * a world script, * a world literature, * a uniform and universal system of currency, of weights and measures, * a world federal system

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The unity of the human race, as envisaged by Bahá'u'lláh, implies the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united, and in which the autonomy of its state members and the personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely and completely safeguarded. This commonwealth must, as far as we can visualize it, consist of a world legislature, whose members will, as the trustees of the whole of mankind, ultimately control the entire resources of all the component nations, and will enact such laws as shall be required to regulate the life, satisfy the needs and adjust the relationships of all races and peoples. A world executive, backed by an international Force, will carry out the decisions arrived at, and apply the laws enacted by, this world legislature, and will safeguard the organic unity of the whole commonwealth. A world tribunal will adjudicate and deliver its compulsory and final verdict in all and any disputes that may arise between the various elements constituting this universal system. A mechanism of world inter-communication will be devised, embracing the whole planet, freed from national hindrances and restrictions, and functioning with marvellous swiftness and perfect regularity. A world metropolis will act as the nerve centre of a world civilization, the focus towards which the unifying forces of life will converge and from which its energizing influences will radiate. A world language will either be invented or chosen from among the existing languages and will be taught in the schools of all the federated nations as an auxiliary to their mother tongue. A world script, a world literature, a uniform and universal system of currency, of weights and measures, will simplify and facilitate intercourse and understanding among the nations and races of mankind. In such a world society, science and religion, the two most potent forces in human life, will be reconciled, will co-operate, and will harmoniously develop. The press will, under such a system, while giving full scope to the expression of the diversified views and convictions of mankind, cease to be mischievously manipulated by vested interests, whether private or public, and 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, its markets will be co-ordinated and developed, and the distribution of its products will be equitably regulated.

National rivalries, hatreds, and intrigues will cease, and racial animosity and prejudice will be replaced by racial amity, understanding and co-operation. 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.

The enormous energy dissipated and wasted on war, whether economic or political, will be consecrated to such ends as will extend the range of human inventions and technical development, to the increase of the productivity of mankind, to the extermination of disease, to the extension of scientific research, to the raising of the standard of physical health, to the sharpening and refinement of the human brain, to the exploitation of the unused and unsuspected resources of the planet, to the prolongation of human life, and to the furtherance of any other agency that can stimulate the intellectual, the moral, and spiritual life of the entire human race.

A world federal system, ruling the whole earth and exercising unchallengeable authority over its unimaginably vast resources, blending and embodying the ideals of both the East and the West, liberated from the curse of war and its miseries, and bent on the exploitation of all the available sources of energy on the surface of the planet, a system in which Force is made the servant of Justice, whose life is sustained by its universal recognition of one God and by its allegiance to one common Revelation -- such is the goal towards which humanity, impelled by the unifying forces of life, is moving. (Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 11 March 1936, published in ‘The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters’, pp. 162-63, 201-4)

God’s Teachings that are brought to us by His Manifestations (Prophets) are intended for the whole humanity – not for any specific people

2011-04-14T08:56:00.001-07:00

The summons and the message which We gave were never intended to reach or to benefit one land or one people only. Mankind in its entirety must firmly adhere to whatsoever hath been revealed and vouchsafed unto it. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah)

God has “endowed every soul with the capacity to recognize the signs of God”

2011-04-08T10:54:00.001-07:00

He[God] hath endowed every soul with the capacity to recognize the signs of God. How could He, otherwise, have fulfilled His testimony unto men, if ye be of them that ponder His Cause in their hearts. He will never deal unjustly with any one, neither will He task a soul beyond its power. He, verily, is the Compassionate, the All-Merciful. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah)

Human society is “approaching” its “hall mark”: “Unification of the whole of mankind”

2011-03-28T07:30:00.001-07:00

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… 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, 11 March 1936, published in ‘The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Peace)

God sends His Prophets and Messengers to educate us so that “at the hour of death” we leave with the “utmost purity and sanctity and with absolute detachment”

2011-03-14T03:48:00.000-07:00

The Prophets and Messengers of God have been sent down for the sole purpose of guiding mankind to the straight Path of Truth. The purpose underlying Their revelation hath been to educate all men, that they may, at the hour of death, ascend, in the utmost purity and sanctity and with absolute detachment, to the throne of the Most High. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah)

We should “leave behind racial, religious, national and patriotic prejudices.”

2011-02-28T07:01:00.000-08:00

The most important teaching of Bahá'u'lláh is to leave behind racial, religious, national and patriotic prejudices. Until these prejudices are entirely removed mankind will not find rest. Nay, rather, discord and bloodshed will increase day by day, and the foundation of the prosperity of the world of man will be destroyed. ('Abdu'l-Bahá, The Compilation of Compilations, Vol.III, Cultural Diversity in the Age of Maturity)

We should observe the Fast during a specific time each year

2011-02-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

We have enjoined upon you fasting during a brief period, and at its close have designated for you Naw-Ruz as a feast…. The traveller, the ailing, those who are with child or giving suck, are not bound by the Fast; they have been exempted by God as a token of His grace. He, verily, is the Almighty, the Most Generous. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas)

“Fasting and obligatory prayer constitute the two pillars that sustain the revealed Law of God. Bahá'u'lláh in one of His Tablets affirms that He has revealed the laws of obligatory prayer and fasting so that through them the believers may draw nigh unto God.

Shoghi Effendi indicates that the fasting period, which involves complete abstention from food and drink from sunrise till sunset, is ‘...essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires.’

Fasting is enjoined on all the believers once they attain the age of 15 and until they reach the age of 70 years. …Exemption from fasting is granted to those who are ill or of advanced age, … women in their courses, … travellers … and to women who are pregnant and those who are nursing. This exemption is also extended to people who are engaged in heavy labour, who, at the same time, are advised ‘to show respect to the law of God and for the exalted station of the Fast’ by eating ‘with frugality and in private’” (Q and). (The Universal House of Justice, ‘Notes’ section of the ‘Kitab-i-Aqdas’)

We should view humanity as “one family”

2011-02-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

…all mankind belong to one family, all are one progeny of Adam, all are servants of the one God, all have been created by one God, God is the provider for all, God nurtures all, all are submerged in the sea of the mercy and grace of God, and God is kind to all.

All humankind share in common the intellectual and spiritual faculties of a created endowment. All are equally subject to the various exigencies of human life, and are similarly employed in acquiring the means of earthly livelihood. In every respect from the viewpoint of creation all stand upon the same footing -- all have the same requirements, -- all are seeking the happiness and comfort of earthly conditions; that is to say, the things they share in common are numerous and manifest. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Baha'i Scriptures’)

We should view all of the “Manifestations of God”, as the “Bearers of the Trust of God”, and the “Temples of the Cause of God” -- “all abiding in the same tabernacle, soaring in the same heaven, seated upon the same throne, uttering the same speech, and proclaiming the same Faith.”

2011-02-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

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 Revealers 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.

These Manifestations of God have each a twofold station. One is the station of pure abstraction and essential unity. In this respect, if thou callest them all by one name, and dost ascribe to them the same attributes, thou hast not erred from the truth. Even as He hath revealed: "No distinction do We make between any of His Messengers." For they, one and all, summon the people of the earth to acknowledge the unity of God, and herald unto them the Kawthar of an infinite grace and bounty. They are all invested with the robe of prophethood, and are honored with the mantle of glory. Thus hath Muhammad, the Point of the Qur'án, revealed: "I am all the Prophets." Likewise, He saith: "I am the first Adam, Noah, Moses, and Jesus." Similar statements have been made by Imam Ali. Sayings such as these, which indicate the essential unity of those Exponents of Oneness, have also emanated from the Channels of God's immortal utterance, and the Treasuries of the gems of Divine knowledge, and have been recorded in the Scriptures. These Countenances are the recipients of the Divine Command, and the Day Springs of His Revelation. This Revelation is exalted above the veils of plurality and the exigencies of number. Thus He saith: "Our Cause is but One." Inasmuch as the Cause is one and the same, the Exponents thereof also must needs be one and the same….

It is clear and evident to thee that all the Prophets are the Temples of the Cause of God, Who have appeared clothed in divers attire. If thou wilt observe with discriminating eyes, thou wilt behold Them all abiding in the same tabernacle, soaring in the same heaven, seated upon the same throne, uttering the same speech, and proclaiming the same Faith. Such is the unity of those Essences of Being, those Luminaries of infinite and immeasurable splendor! Wherefore, should one of these Manifestations of Holiness proclaim saying: "I am the return of all the Prophets," He, verily, speaketh the truth. In like manner, in every subsequent Revelation, the return of the former Revelation is a fact, the truth of which is firmly established....

The other station is the station of distinction, and pertaineth to the world of creation, and to the limitations thereof. In this respect, each Manifestation of God hath a distinct individuality, a definitely prescribed mission, a predestined revelation, and specially designated limitations. Each one of them is known by a different name, is characterized by a special attribute, fulfils a definite mission, and is entrusted with a particular Revelation. Even as He saith: "Some of the Apostles We have caused to excel the others. To some God hath spoken, some He hath raised and exalted. And to Jesus, Son of Mary, We gave manifest signs, and We strengthened Him with the Holy Spirit."

It is because of this difference in their station and mission that the words and utterances flowing from these Well Springs of Divine knowledge appear to diverge and differ. Otherwise, in the eyes of them that are initiated into the mysteries of Divine wisdom, all their utterances are, in reality, but the expressions of one Truth. As most of the people have failed to appreciate those stations to which We have referred, they, therefore, feel perplexed and dismayed at the varying utterances pronounced by Manifestations that are essentially one and the same. (Baha'u'llah, ‘Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah’)

An "equal standard of human rights must be recognized and adopted."

2011-02-07T07:24:00.001-08:00

Bahá'u'lláh teaches that an equal standard of human rights must be recognized and adopted. In the estimation of God all men are equal; there is no distinction or preferment for any soul in the dominion of His justice and equity. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 240)

There should be a “universal curriculum” on education

2011-02-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

Education is essential and all standards of training and teaching throughout the world of mankind should be brought into conformity and agreement; a universal curriculum should be established and the basis of ethics be the same. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 240)

Material civilization needs to become “combined with Divine civilization”

2011-01-27T10:54:00.000-08:00

And among the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh is that although material civilization is one of the means for the progress of the world of mankind, yet until it becomes combined with Divine civilization, the desired result, which is the felicity of mankind, will not be attained. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, p. 302)

We “must emulate the merciful God and turn away from satanic promptings”

2011-01-25T06:40:00.001-08:00

Another teaching of Bahá'u'lláh is in relation to universal peace: that all mankind must be awakened to and become conscious of the harm of war, that they should be brought to realize the benefits of peace and know that peace is from God while warfare is satanic. Man must emulate the merciful God and turn away from satanic promptings in order that universal inclination shall be toward peace, love and unity and the discord of war vanish. ('Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 232)

We should view the Prophets of God as “the first educators” of humanity

2011-01-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

The prophets of God are the first educators. They bestow universal education upon man and cause him to rise from lowest levels of savagery to the highest pinnacles of spiritual development. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith)

There should be no extremes in human conditions with respect to “wealth and sustenance”

2011-01-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

One of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings is the adjustment of means of livelihood in human society. Under this adjustment there can be no extremes in human conditions as regards wealth and sustenance. For the community needs financier, farmer merchant and laborer just as an army must be composed of commander, officers and privates. All cannot be commanders; all cannot be officers or privates. Each in his station in the social fabric must be competent; each in his function according to ability; but justness of opportunity for all. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 36)

The Manifestation of God for each age is the “real Physician” for all humanity. He diagnoses “human conditions” and identifies “the necessary treatment” needed for our collective healing and progress

2011-01-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

Bahá'u'lláh is the real Physician. He has diagnosed human conditions and indicated the necessary treatment. The essential principles of His healing remedies are the knowledge and love of God, severance from all else save God, turning our faces in sincerity toward the Kingdom of God, implicit faith, firmness and fidelity, loving-kindness toward all creatures and the acquisition of the divine virtues indicated for the human world. These are the fundamental principles of progress, civilization, international peace and the unity of mankind. These are the essentials of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings, the secret of everlasting health, the remedy and healing for man. ('Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 204)

Baha’u’llah calls for a universal language and script

2011-01-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

It beseemeth ... the ... officials of the Government to convene a gathering and choose one of the divers languages, and likewise one of the existing scripts, or else to create a new language and a new scripts or else to create a new language and a new script to be taught children in schools throughout the world. They would, in this way, be acquiring only two languages, one their own native tongue, the other the language in which all the peoples of the world would converse. Were men to take fast hold on that which hath been mentioned, the whole earth would come to be regarded as one country, and the people would be relieved and freed from the necessity of acquiring and teaching different languages.... (Baha’u’llah, ‘Epistle to the Son of the Wolf’)

Every era in our collective life on this planet has its own special Divine spirit. The spirit for our current “illumined” era lies “in the teachings of Baha’u’llah”

2011-01-09T05:41:00.000-08:00

For every era hath a spirit; the spirit of this illumined era lieth in the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. For these lay the foundation of the oneness of the world of humanity and promulgate universal brotherhood. They are founded upon the unity of science and religion and upon investigation of truth. They uphold the principle that religion must be the cause of amity, union and harmony among men. They establish the equality of both sexes and propound economic principles which are for the happiness of individuals. They diffuse universal education, that every soul may as much as possible have a share of knowledge. They abrogate and nullify religious, racial, political, patriotic and economic prejudices and the like. Those teachings that are scattered throughout the Epistles and Tablets are the cause of the illumination and the life of the world of humanity. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol.III, Cultural Diversity in the Age of Maturity)

"Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues"

2011-01-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues. Without truthfulness progress and success, in all the worlds of God, are impossible for any soul. When this holy attribute is established in man, all the divine qualities will also be acquired. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Shoghi Effendi, ‘The Advent of Divine Justice’, p. 26)

We “must be very considerate towards animals and show greater kindness to them than to man.”

2010-12-27T22:12:00.001-08:00

Then, O ye friends of God! Ye must not only have kind and merciful feelings for mankind, but ye should also exercise the utmost kindness towards every living creature. The physical sensibilities and instincts are common to animal and man. Man is, however, negligent of this reality and imagines that sensibility is peculiar to mankind, therefore he practices cruelty to the animal. In reality what difference is there in physical sensations! Sensibility is the same whether you harm man or animal: there is no difference. Nay, rather, cruelty to the animal is more painful because man has a tongue and he sighs, complains and groans when he receives an injury and complains to the government and the government protects him from cruelty; but the poor animal cannot speak, it can neither show its suffering nor is it able to appeal to the government. If it is harmed a thousand times by man it is not able to defend itself in words nor can it seek justice or retaliate. Therefore one must be very considerate towards animals and show greater kindness to them than to man. Educate the children in their infancy in such a way that they may become exceedingly kind and merciful to the animals. If an animal is sick they should endeavor to cure it; if it is hungry, they should feed it; if it is thirsty, they should satisfy its thirst; if it is tired, they should give it rest.
Man is generally sinful and the animal is innocent; unquestionably one must be more kind and merciful to the innocent. The harmful animals, such as the bloodthirsty wolf, the poisonous snake and other injurious animals are excepted, because mercy towards these is cruelty to man, and other animals. For instance, if you show kindness to a wolf this becomes a tyranny to the sheep, for it may destroy an entire flock of sheep. If you give the opportunity to a mad dog it may be the cause of the destruction of a thousand animals and men. 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. 373)

One’s “first duty” in life is to recognize God’s Representative on earth

2010-12-26T12:02:00.001-08:00

The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good; and whoso is deprived thereof hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 19)

Couple needs parental consent to marry

2010-12-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Desiring to establish love, unity and harmony amidst Our servants, We have conditioned it, once the couple's wish is known, upon the permission of their parents, lest enmity and rancour should arise amongst them. And in this We have yet other purposes. Thus hath Our commandment been ordained. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 42)

We shouldn’t follow “the promptings of self”

2010-12-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

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. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 41)

There are “laws … revealed to mankind in each age by the Manifestation of God”

2010-12-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

Just as there are laws governing our physical lives, requiring that we must supply our bodies with certain foods, maintain them within a certain range of temperatures, and so forth, if we wish to avoid physical disabilities, so also there are laws governing our spiritual lives. These laws are revealed to mankind in each age by the Manifestation of God, and obedience to them is of vital importance if each human being, and mankind in general, is to develop properly and harmoniously. Moreover, these various aspects are interdependent. If an individual violates the spiritual laws for his own development he will cause injury not only to himself but to the society in which he lives. Similarly, the condition of society has a direct effect on the individuals who must live within it. (The Universal House of Justice, Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1968-1973, p. 105)

Fasting and Obligatory prayer are like the sun and moon of the “heaven” of the “religion of God”

2010-12-09T16:17:00.001-08:00

Cling firmly to obligatory prayer and fasting. Verily, the religion of God is like unto heaven; fasting is its sun, and obligatory prayer is its moon. In truth, they are the pillars of religion whereby the righteous are distinguished from those who transgress His commandments. We entreat God, exalted and glorified be He, that he may graciously enable all to observe that which He hath revealed in His Ancient Book. (Baha’u’llah, compilation on The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting)

Know thou that religion is as heaven; and fasting and obligatory prayer are its sun and its moon. We entreat God, exalted and glorified be He, to graciously aid everyone who acteth according to His will and good-pleasure. (Baha’u’llah, compilation on The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting)

All our acts should be distinguished by “integrity and uprightness”

2010-12-08T03:38:00.001-08:00

“Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 93)

We should strive to become more humble

2010-12-06T20:08:00.000-08:00

“Be … a fruit upon the tree of humility.” (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 93)

“The goodliest vesture in the sight of God in this day is trustworthiness"

2010-12-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

O people! The goodliest vesture in the sight of God in this day is trustworthiness. All bounty and honour shall be the portion of the soul that arrayeth itself with this greatest of adornments. (Baha’u’llah; The Compilation of Compilations vol. II, p. 327)

Regard thou faith as a tree. Its fruits, leaves, boughs and branches are, and have ever been, trustworthiness, truthfulness, uprightness and forbearance. (Baha’u’llah, The Compilation of Compilations vol. II, p. 327)

We should abstain from fault-finding and backbiting

2010-12-02T07:14:00.000-08:00

Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art a sinner. (Baha’u’llah, Hidden Words)

The worst human quality and the most great sin is backbiting [“discussing the faults of others in their absence”], more especially when it emanates from the tongues of the believers of God. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted in Star of West, Vol. IV. p. 192; included in a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, February 11, 1925; Lights of Guidance p. 87)

On no subject are the Bahá'í teachings more emphatic than on the necessity to abstain from fault-finding and backbiting while being ever eager to discover and root out our own faults and overcome our own failings. (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, May 12, 1925: Living the Life, p.3; Lights of Guidance, p. 88)

… backbiting is divisive, it is the leading cause among the friends of a disposition to withdraw. If any individual should speak ill of one who is absent, it is incumbent on his hearers, in a spiritual and friendly manner, to stop him, and say in effect: would this detraction serve any useful purpose? Would it please the Blessed Beauty, contribute to the lasting honour of the friends, promote the holy Faith, support the Covenant, or be of any possible benefit to any soul? No, never! On the contrary, it would make the dust to settle so thickly on the heart that the ears would hear no more, and the eyes would no longer behold the light of truth. (Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 230)

We should “observe moderation in all things”

2010-11-30T04:25:00.001-08:00

Whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 216)

The fundamental purpose of God’s religion is “to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men.”

2010-11-24T02:47:00.001-08:00

The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it not to become a source of dissension and discord, of hate and enmity. This is the straight Path, the fixed and immovable foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this foundation, the changes and chances of the world can never impair its strength, nor will the revolution of countless centuries undermine its structure. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 215)

How to interact with one’s neighbor

2010-11-21T14:12:00.001-08:00

Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. (Baha’u’llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 93)

“A good character is …the most excellent and praiseworthy of all things”

2010-11-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

A good character is in the sight of God and His chosen ones and the possessors of insight, the most excellent and praiseworthy of all things, but always on condition that its center of emanation should be reason and knowledge and its base should be true moderation. (Abdu'l-Baha, The Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 59)

We shouldn’t content with any one

2010-11-18T14:39:00.001-08:00

Beware lest ye contend with any one, nay, strive to make him aware of the truth with kindly manner and most convincing exhortation. If your hearer respond, he will have responded to his own behoof, and if not, turn ye away from him, and set your faces towards God's sacred Court, the seat of resplendent holiness. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 278; Compilation of Compilations, vol. 3, p. 52)

There “can be no extremes in human conditions as regards wealth and sustenance.”

2010-11-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

One of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings is the adjustment of means of livelihood in human society. Under this adjustment there can be no extremes in human conditions as regards wealth and sustenance. For the community needs financier, farmer, merchant and laborer just as an army must be composed of commander, officers and privates. All cannot be commanders; all cannot be officers or privates. Each in his station in the social fabric must be competent -- each in his function according to ability but with justness of opportunity for all. (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 216)

“..no one should exalt himself over the other.”

2010-11-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

O Children of Men! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest. Such is My counsel to you, O concourse of light! Heed ye this counsel that ye may obtain the fruit of holiness from the tree of wondrous glory. (Baha’u’llah, ‘The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh’; The Compilation of Compilations vol II, p. 357)

“The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.”

2010-11-05T10:37:00.001-07:00

God's purpose in sending His Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and tranquillity of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established. (Baha’u’llah, ‘Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh’ pp. 79-80; The Compilation of Compilations vol II, p. 151)

The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established. This unity can never be achieved so long as the counsels which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed are suffered to pass unheeded. (Baha’u’llah, ‘Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh’, p. 286; The Compilation of Compilations vol II, p. 153)

“Every religion of the past was fit to become universal”

2010-11-04T04:34:00.000-07:00

In the "Bayan" the Báb says that every religion of the past was fit to become universal. The only reason why they failed to attain that mark was the incompetence of their followers. He then proceeds to give a definite promise that this would not be the fate of the revelation of "Him Whom God would make manifest" [Baha'u'llah], that it will become universal and include all the people of the world. (From a letter dated 20 February 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, The Compilation of Compilations vol II, p. 4)

Not to tell an untruth under all conditions

2010-10-31T22:23:00.001-07:00

As to the question whether it is right to tell an untruth in order to save another, he feels that under no condition should we tell an untruth but at the same time try and help the person in a more legitimate manner. Of course it is not necessary to be too outspoken until the question is directly put to us. (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, December 21, 1927: Living the Life, p. 3; Lights of Guidance, p. 602)

Every person should have an occupation

2010-10-28T20:46:00.001-07:00

Every person must have an occupation, a trade or a craft, so that he may carry other people's burdens, and not himself be a burden to others. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 3)

Baha’u’llah has revealed three special daily obligatory prayers – we are "entirely free to choose any one of” them.

2010-10-24T15:35:00.001-07:00

The daily obligatory prayers are three in number. The shortest one consists of a single verse which has to be recited once in every twenty-four hours and at midday. The medium (prayer) which begins with the words: 'The Lord is witness that there is none other God but He,' has to be recited three times a day, in the morning, at noon and in the evening. The long prayer which is the most elaborate of the three has to be recited once in every twenty-four hours, and at any time one feels inclined to do so.

"The believer is entirely free to choose any one of those three prayers but is under the obligation of reciting one of them, and in accordance with any specific directions with which they may be accompanied.

"These daily obligatory prayers, together with a few other specific ones, such as the Healing Prayer, the Tablet of Ahmad, have been invested by Bahá'u'lláh with a special potency and significance, and should therefore be accepted as such and be recited by the believers with unquestioned faith and confidence, that through them they may enter into a much closer communion with God, and identify themselves more fully with His Laws and precepts." (Shoghi Effendi, from a letter written on his behalf, Directives from the Guardian, p. 59)

“Knowledge is as wings to man's life, and a ladder for his ascent.”

2010-10-06T11:27:00.001-07:00

Knowledge is as wings to man's life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words. Great indeed is the claim of scientists and craftsmen on the peoples of the world. Unto this beareth witness the Mother Book on the day of His return.... (Baha’u’llah, ‘Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas’, pp. 51-52; The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 2)

“The purpose of religion …is to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world..”

2010-10-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

The purpose of religion as revealed from the heaven of God's holy Will is to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world; make it not the cause of dissension and strife. The religion of God and His divine law are the most potent instruments and the surest of all means for the dawning of the light of unity amongst men. The progress of the world, the development of nations, the tranquillity of peoples, and the peace of all who dwell on earth are among the principles and ordinances of God. Religion bestoweth upon man the most precious of all gifts, offereth the cup of prosperity, imparteth eternal life, and showereth imperishable benefits upon mankind. It behoveth the chiefs and rulers of the world, and in particular the Trustees of God's House of Justice, to endeavour to the utmost of their power to safeguard its position, promote its interests and exalt its station in the eyes of the world. In like manner it is incumbent upon them to enquire into the conditions of their subjects and to acquaint themselves with the affairs and activities of the divers communities in their dominions. We call upon the manifestations of the power of God -- the sovereigns and rulers on earth -- to bestir themselves and do all in their power that haply they may banish discord from this world and illumine it with the light of concord. (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 129-130)

We should "read" & "recite" the sacred Word of God daily

2010-09-26T04:31:00.000-07:00

“Recite ye the verses of God every morn and eventide. Whoso faileth to recite them hath not been faithful to the Covenant of God and His Testament …” (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 73)

Read ye the sacred verses in such measure that ye be not overcome by languor and despondency. Lay not upon your souls that which will weary them and weigh them down, but rather what will lighten and uplift them, so that they may soar on the wings of the Divine verses towards the Dawning-place of His manifest signs; this will draw you nearer to God, did ye but comprehend. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 73)

They who recite the verses of the All-Merciful in the most melodious of tones will perceive in them that with which the sovereignty of earth and heaven can never be compared. From them they will inhale the divine fragrance of My worlds -- worlds which today none can discern save those who have been endowed with vision through this sublime, this beauteous Revelation. Say: These verses draw hearts that are pure unto those spiritual worlds that can neither be expressed in words nor intimated by allusion. Blessed be those who hearken. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 61)

Give ear unto the verses of God which He Who is the sacred Lote-Tree reciteth unto you. They are assuredly the infallible balance, established by God, the Lord of this world and the next. Through them the soul of man is caused to wing its flight towards the Dayspring of Revelation, and the heart of every true believer is suffused with light. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 73)

Pride not yourselves on much reading of the verses or on a multitude of pious acts by night and day; for were a man to read a single verse with joy and radiance it would be better for him than to read with lassitude all the Holy Books of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 73)

We should avoid jealousy and anger

2010-09-17T21:20:00.001-07:00

Verily the most necessary thing is contentment under all circumstances; by this one is preserved from morbid conditions and from lassitude. Yield not to grief and sorrow: they cause the greatest misery. Jealousy consumeth the body and anger doth burn the liver: avoid these two as you would a lion. (Baha’u’llah, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 460)

God wants us to do our best “to acquire both inner and outer perfections”

2010-09-16T22:22:00.001-07:00

Strain every nerve to acquire both inner and outer perfections, for the fruit of the human tree hath ever been and will ever be perfections both within and without. It is not desirable that a man be left without knowledge or skills, for he is then but a barren tree. Then, so much as capacity and capability allow, ye needs must deck the tree of being with fruits such as knowledge, wisdom, spiritual perception and eloquent speech. (Baha’u’llah, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 367)

Mothers are the first educators, the first mentors …

2010-09-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

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. (Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 126)

The task of bringing up a Bahá'í child, as emphasized time and again in Bahá'í writings, is the chief responsibility of the mother, whose unique privilege is indeed to create in her home such conditions as would be most conducive to both his material and spiritual welfare and advancement. The training which a child first receives through his mother constitutes the strongest foundation for his future development, and it should therefore be the paramount concern of your wife...to endeavour from now imparting to her new-born son such spiritual training as would enable him later on to fully assume and adequately discharge all the responsibilities and duties of Bahá'í life. (From a letter dated 16 November 1939 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 303)

God has made music like a “ladder” for our “souls”, “a means whereby they may be lifted up unto the realm on high”

2010-09-13T07:45:00.001-07:00

We have made it lawful for you to listen to music and singing. Take heed, however, lest listening thereto should cause you to overstep the bounds of propriety and dignity. Let your joy be the joy born of My Most Great Name, a Name that bringeth rapture to the heart, and filleth with ecstasy the minds of all who have drawn nigh unto God. We, verily, have made music as a ladder for your souls, a means whereby they may be lifted up unto the realm on high; make it not, therefore, as wings to self and passion. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 38)

“The family, being a human unit, must be educated according to the rules of sanctity”

2010-09-12T08:35:00.001-07:00

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 their 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: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’ p. 168; The Compilation of Compilations vol II, p. 381)

“Religious truth is not absolute but relative: and that “Divine Revelation is a continuous and progressive process”

2010-09-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

The fundamental principle enunciated by Bahá'u'lláh ... 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 nonessential aspects of their doctrines, and that their missions represent successive stages in the spiritual evolution of human society.... (Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, p. v)

“… the precepts laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples..”

2010-09-09T12:54:00.001-07:00

They whom God hath endued with insight will readily recognize that the precepts laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples.... Hasten to drink your fill, O men of understanding They that have violated the Covenant of God by breaking His commandments, and have turned back on their heels, these have erred grievously in the sight of God, the All-Possessing, the Most High. (Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, pp. 330-31; The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 113)

We should take no important step in our personal affairs without consultation

2010-09-06T22:13:00.001-07:00

"Settle all things, both great and small, by consultation. Without prior consultation, take no important step in your own personal affairs. Concern yourselves with one another. Help along one another's projects and plans. Grieve over one another. Let none in the whole country go in need. Befriend one another until ye become as a single body, one and all ..." (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Lights of Guidance, p. 178)

One should have “due regard for the rights of one's parents”

2010-09-03T18:08:00.001-07:00

The fruits of the tree of existence are trustworthiness, loyalty, truthfulness and purity. After the recognition of the oneness of the Lord, exalted be He, the most important of all duties is to have due regard for the rights of one's parents. This matter hath been mentioned in all the Books of God... (Baha’u’llah, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 385)

Beware lest ye commit that which would sadden the hearts of your fathers and mothers. Follow ye the path of Truth which indeed is a straight path. Should anyone give you a choice between the opportunity to render a service to Me and a service to them, choose ye to serve them, and let such service be a path leading you to Me. This is My exhortation and command unto thee. Observe therefore that which thy Lord, the Mighty, the Gracious, hath prescribed unto thee. (Baha’u’llah, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 387)

A “distinctive power” that God has conferred upon human beings is the “faculty of intellectual investigation”, and the “acquisition of higher knowledge”

2010-09-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

God has conferred upon and added to man a distinctive power -- the faculty of intellectual investigation into the secrets of creation, the acquisition of higher knowledge -- the greatest virtue of which is scientific enlightenment. This endowment is the most praiseworthy power of man, for through its employment and exercise the betterment of the human race is accomplished, the development of the virtues of mankind is made possible and the spirit and mysteries of God become manifest. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 31)

We “must travel in the way of God”; day by day, we “must endeavor to become better”

2010-08-31T04:14:00.000-07:00

Therefore I say that man must travel in the way of God. Day by day he must endeavor to become better, his belief must increase and become firmer, his good qualities and his turning to God must be greater, the fire of his love must flame more brightly; then day by day he will make progress, for to stop advancing is the means of going back. The bird when he flies soars ever higher and higher, for as soon as he stops flying he will come down. Every day, in the morning when arising you should compare today with yesterday and see in what condition you are. If you see your belief is stronger and your heart more occupied with God and your love increased and your freedom from the world greater then thank God and ask for the increase of these qualities. You must begin to pray and repent for all that you have done which is wrong and you must implore and ask for help and assistance that you may become better than yesterday so that you may continue to make progress. (From the utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted in "Star of the West", vol. 8, no. 6 (24 June 1917), p. 68; compilation Excellence in All Things, pp. 10-11; The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 376)

We should become so forgiving that if a person “falls into error for a hundred-thousand times” we would still forgive him

2010-08-29T20:47:00.001-07:00

O ye friends of God! Show ye an endeavor that all the nations and communities of the world, even the enemies, put their trust, assurance and hope in you; that if a person falls into errors for a hundred-thousand times he may yet turn his face to you, hopeful that you will forgive his sins; for he must not become hopeless, neither grieved nor despondent. This is the conduct and the manner of the people of Baha'. This is the foundation of the most high pathway! Ye should conform your conduct and manners with the advices of 'Abdul-Baha. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha v2, p. 436; compilation Excellence in All Things, p. 7)

Children should be “made eager to gain all the summits of human accomplishment”

2010-08-27T04:23:00.001-07:00

They must be constantly encouraged and made eager to gain all the summits of human accomplishment, so that from their earliest years they will be taught to have high aims, to conduct themselves well, to be chaste, pure, and undefiled, and will learn to be of powerful resolve and firm of purpose in all things. Let them not jest and trifle, but earnestly advance unto their goals, so that in every situation they will be found resolute and firm. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, p. 135)

All humankind are like children in a school, and the Prophets and Manifestations of God as Teachers

2010-08-25T03:10:00.000-07:00

O true companions! All humankind are as children in a school, and the Dawning-Points of Light, the Sources of divine revelation, are the teachers, wondrous and without peer. In the school of realities they educate these sons and daughters, according to teachings from God, and foster them in the bosom of grace, so that they may develop along every line, show forth the excellent gifts and blessings of the Lord, and combine human perfections; that they may advance in all aspects of human endeavour, whether outward or inward, hidden or visible, material or spiritual, until they make of this mortal world a wide-spread mirror, to reflect that other world which dieth not. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 269)

We should view the diversity in the human family as being similar to different notes of music that blend together to make a perfect chord

2010-08-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. If you meet those of different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness. Think of them as different coloured roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them.
Likewise, when you meet those whose opinions differ from your own, do not turn away your face from them. All are seeking truth, and there are many roads leading thereto. Truth has many aspects, but it remains always and forever one. Do not allow difference of opinion, or diversity of thought to separate you from your fellow-men, or to be the cause of dispute, hatred and strife in your hearts. Rather, search diligently for the truth and make all men your friends.

Every edifice is made of many different stones, yet each depends on the other to such an extent that if one were displaced the whole building would suffer; if one is faulty the structure is imperfect.

Bahá'u'lláh has drawn the circle of unity, He has made a design for the uniting of all the peoples, and for the gathering of them all under the shelter of the tent of universal unity. This is the work of the Divine Bounty, and we must all strive with heart and soul until we have the reality of unity in our midst, and as we work, so will strength be given unto us. Leave all thought of self, and strive only to be obedient and submissive to the Will of God. In this way only shall we become citizens of the Kingdom of God, and attain unto life everlasting.(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 53)

We should come together and read the verses of God

2010-08-16T11:05:00.001-07:00

The friends of God, one and all, are remembered by the Supreme Pen: The bounties of the Source of Bounty are at every moment visibly descending. It behooveth the friends in whatever land they be, to gather together in meetings, and therein to speak wisely and with eloquence, and to read the verses of God, for it is God's Words that kindle love's fire and set it ablaze." (Baha’u’llah, Tablet to an individual believer; ‘Baha’i Meetings, The Nineteen Day Feast’ compilation prepared by the UHJ, p. 3)

By My life and My Cause! Round about whatever dwelling the friends of God may enter, and from which their cry shall rise as they praise and glorify the Lord, shall circle the souls of true believers and all the favored angels. And should the door of the true eye be opened unto some, they shall witness the Supreme Concourse as it circleth and crieth: 'Blessed art thou, O house, for God hath made thee a resting-place for those He favoreth, and a lodging for those He holdeth dear, and a home for those in whom He hath placed His trust. Unto thee be His praise and His glory and His endless grace.' (Baha’u’llah, Tablet to an individual believer; ‘Baha’i Meetings, The Nineteen Day Feast’ compilation prepared by the UHJ, p. 3)

In everything one should see with one’s own eyes and know through one’s own knowledge

2010-08-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

O Son of Spirit! 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 confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbour. Ponder this in thy heart; how it behoveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes. (Baha'u'llah, The Hidden Words)

Need for an “equal standard of human rights”

2010-08-12T11:39:00.001-07:00

“The craft of every craftsman is regarded as worship”

2010-08-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Blessed are those who have fixed their gaze on the realm of glory and have followed the commandments of the Lord of Names. Blessed is he who in the days of God will engage in handicrafts. This is a bounty from God, for in this Most Great Dispensation it is acceptable in the sight of God for man to occupy himself in a trade which relieveth him of depending upon charity. The craft of every craftsman is regarded as worship. (Baha’u’llah, The Compilation of Compilations vol. 1, p. 1)

One of the names of God is the Fashioner. He loveth craftsmanship. Therefore any of His servants who manifesteth this attribute is acceptable in the sight of this Wronged One. Craftsmanship is a book among the books of divine sciences, and a treasure among the treasures of His heavenly wisdom. This is a knowledge with meaning, for some of the sciences are brought forth by words and come to an end with words. (Baha’u’llah, The Compilation of Compilations vol. 1, p. 1)

The one true God, exalted be He, loveth to witness handiworks of high craftsmanship produced by His loved ones. Blessed art thou, for what thy skill hath produced hath reached the presence of thy Lord, the Exiled, the Wronged. Please God every one of His friends may be enabled to acquire one of the crafts, and be confirmed in adhering to what hath been ordained in the Book of God, the All- Glorious, the All-Wise. (Baha’u’llah, The Compilation of Compilations vol. 1, p. 1)

We should “turn” to God with “firm determination”, with “the whole affection” of our “heart”, and “with the full force" of our "words"

2010-08-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Follow not, therefore, your earthly desires, and violate not the Covenant of God, nor break your pledge to Him. With firm determination, with the whole affection of your heart, and with the full force of your words, turn ye unto Him, and walk not in the ways of the foolish.... Break not the bond that uniteth you with your Creator, and be not of those that have erred and strayed from His ways.... (Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, Sec. 153, p. 328)

Great is thy blessedness inasmuch as thou hast been faithful to the Covenant of God and His Testament... Dedicate thyself to the service of the Cause of thy Lord, cherish His remembrance in thy heart and celebrate His praise in such wise that every wayward and heedless soul may thereby be roused from slumber. (Baha’u’llah, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 262)

We should celebrate our collective love and obedience to God once a month

2010-08-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

Verily, it is enjoined upon you to offer a feast, once in every month, though only water be served; for God hath purposed to bind hearts together, albeit through both earthly and heavenly means. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 40)

Give ye great weight to the Nineteen Day gatherings, so that on these occasions the beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful may turn their faces toward the Kingdom, chant the communes, beseech God's help, become joyfully enamored each of the other, and grow in purity and holiness, and in the fear of God, and in resistance to passion and self. Thus will they separate themselves from this elemental world, and immerse themselves in the ardors of the spirit. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i Meetings, The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 18)

In order for God's love to reach us we need to love Him

2010-08-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

O Son of Being!
Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant. (Baha'u'llah, The Hidden Words, p. 4)

Readjustment of social economy

2010-08-01T07:45:00.001-07:00

… Bahá'u'lláh set forth principles of guidance and teaching for economic readjustment. Regulations were revealed by Him which ensure the welfare of the commonwealth. As the rich man enjoys his life surrounded by ease and luxuries, so the poor man must, likewise, have a home and be provided with sustenance and comforts commensurate with his needs. This readjustment of the social economy is of the greatest importance inasmuch as it ensures the stability of the world of humanity; and until it is effected, happiness and prosperity are impossible. (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 181)

A House of Justice to be established in every city

2010-07-30T04:25:00.000-07:00

The Lord hath ordained that in every city a House of Justice be established wherein shall gather counselors to the number of Baha [9], and should it exceed this number it doth not matter. They should consider themselves as entering the Court of the presence of God, the Exalted, the Most High, and as beholding Him Who is the Unseen. It behoveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell on earth. It is incumbent upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the interests of the servants of God, for His sake, even as they regard their own interests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly. Thus hath the Lord your God commanded you. Beware lest ye put away that which is clearly revealed in His Tablet. Fear God, O ye that perceive. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 29)
[The House of Justice referred to in this verse is currently known as the Local Spiritual Assembly]

Nature reflects the “names and attributes of God”. It is the expression of “God’s Will .. in .. the contingent world”.

2010-07-25T21:34:00.001-07:00

Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, Creator. Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment. Nature is God's Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise (Baha’u’llah, The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, p. 67)

Children should “exert themselves to the utmost in acquiring the art of reading and writing”

2010-07-24T09:30:00.001-07:00

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, Baha’i Education Compilation, p.3)