Kitab-i-Aqdas Questions and Concordances

Home

Author search

Title search

Date search

Journals/Series

Chronology

New

Kitab-i-Aqdas Questions and Concordances

by Habib Riazati

2002

Table of Contents

Sample Questions The Significance of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas Covenant and Succession Manifestations Bahá'í Institutions Laws in General Ordinances Prohibitions Punishments Proclamations to Kings, Rulers, and Others Education Teaching Paragraphs on the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh Paragraphs on the Manifestations of God Ordinances, Prohibitions and Punishments New Laws That Abrogate the Laws of Former Dispensations Commandments in the Aqdas that Help Us with Personal Transformation Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh and their relationship to Passages in the Aqdas The Aqdas and its relationship to Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Correlation of Paragraphs, Notes, and Questions and Answers of the Aqdas

Sample Questions

Part I : The Significance of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas

When and where was the Aqdas revealed?
What are some of the other titles by which the Kitáb-i-Aqdas is known?
What is the standing of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas among all of Bahá'u'lláh's writings?
What is the relationship of the "Questions and Answers" to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas?
Is it correct to consider the Kitáb-i-Aqdas only as a book that contains divine laws?

Part II: Covenant and Succession

What does interpretation mean in paragraph 105? Hint: N (130).
What is meant by the "`mystery of the Great Reversal'" paragraph 157?
What does "`Upright Alif'" mean in paragraph 157? Hint: N (172).
In paragraph 174, what does "Mystic Dove" refer to? Why?
What is a covenant?
Can one break the covenant by breaking the commandments? Cite a paragraph in the Aqdas that testifies to this truth.
Is reading the verses every morn and eventide an act of faithfulness to the Covenant of God?
What is the Greater Covenant?
What is the duration of Bahá'u'lláh's dispensation according to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas?
Does "ere the expiration of a full thousand years" (KA 47) mean that the next manifestation will appear after exactly a full thousand years?
When is the beginning of the "full thousand years" mentioned in the Aqdas?
Could "ere the expiration of a full thousand years" be interpreted otherwise than its obvious meaning? Provide reference please.
Does paragraph 37, "whoso layeth claim to a revelation..." guarantee lack of any false claim during the dispensation, or does it just guarantee the falsehood of such a claim?
What is the Lesser Covenant?
Bahá'u'lláh in the Aqdas, paragraph 42, states, "...after Him, this authority shall pass to the Aghsán, and after them to the House of Justice--should it be established in the world by then--...otherwise ... to the people of Bahá...." Who are the Aghsán?
If a person is a male descendent of Bahá'u'lláh but is not faithful to Him, does that person still qualify to be called one of the Aghsán? Please explain your answer.
In KA (42) Bahá'u'lláh states, "...after them," meaning Aghsán. Does "after them" indicate the possibility of the lack of existence of the Aghsán at sometime? Please explain your answer.
In KA (42) when speaking of the House of Justice, Bahá'u'lláh states, "should it be established in the world by then...otherwise..." Does this suggest that the House of Justice may not be established immediately after break of the Aghsán?
Is there any passage in the Aqdas that refers to Bahá'u'lláh's successor?
In paragraph 121 of the Aqdas, Bahá'u'lláh states, "When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed... turn your faces towards Him Whom God hath purposed." Who is "Him Whom God hath purposed"?
Is there any direct interpretation of Bahá'u'lláh concerning paragraph 121? (Hint: Kitáb-i-`Ahd)
What does "mighty Stock," used in paragraph 174, mean?
What is the overall message of the Lawh-i-Ard-i-Ba (Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh p. 227-228)?
What is meant by "This a day that shall not be followed by night"?

Part III: Manifestations

In paragraph 104 does "We have not entered any school, nor read any of your dissertations," mean that the Manifestations of God should not go to school?
What is meant by "dispute not idly" in paragraph 177?

Part IV: Bahá'í Institutions

What are the qualities of the members of the Local House of Justice?
What is the main objective of having the Feast?
What kind of impact does Feast have on our community life as Bahá'ís?
Is it obligatory to attend the Nineteen Day Feast?
What is the purpose of consultation at the Feast?
What is the significance of the House of Worship in terms of its role in the social affairs of the community? Hint: KA (31), N (53).
In paragraph 47 what is meant by "He Who is the Dawning-place of God's Cause hath no partner in the Most Great Infallibility"? Hint: N (75).
In paragraph 52 who does "O ye men of justice" refer to? Please explain your answer.
What is the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár? What is its relation to the House of Worship?
Who are the "learned ones in Bahá" that are mentioned in the Aqdas, paragraph 173?

Part V: Laws in General

What are the purposes of the laws of the Aqdas?
What is the first obligation that the Aqdas confers on mankind?
What is the first thing that Bahá'u'lláh prescribes for mankind?
Shoghi Effendi has described the laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas as the "warp and woof" of Bahá'u'lláh's World Order. What does this mean?
What are the main purposes of the Laws of God?
What are the twin duties mentioned in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas?
Why are the twin duties inseparable?
How do Divine Laws differ from man-made laws?
Bahá'u'lláh uses the metaphor of "lamps" and "keys" to describe laws. What is the significance of these two metaphors?
What does "the sweet smelling savour of My garment" mean in paragraph 4?
What are some of the laws that impact the individual's relationship to God? Give 10 examples, please.
What are some of the laws that govern the relations among individuals? Give 5 examples.
What are some of the laws that relate to the interaction of individuals and society? Give 5 examples.
What are the differences between principles and laws?
Give 10 examples of principles (not laws) in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.
Does obedience to the laws impact one's freedom? In what ways? Please provide passages to explain your point of view.
Should reward and punishment be the basis for our obedience or love of God? Provide references.
What is the difference between "Love of God" and "Fear of God"?
Does obedience to the commandments have any relationship with the obedience to the Covenant? In what ways?
List 10 laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas that abrogate the laws of previous dispensations.
Who determines the scope of the application of the laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas? How? What are some of the guiding principles?
What does insight mean? How does it help us with the understanding of the commandments? (Hint: see paragraph 2)
Bahá'u'lláh, in paragraph 5 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, says, "Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power." What does "choice Wine" mean? What is the overall message of this passage?
In the passage "upon completing your prostrations, seat yourselves cross-legged," what does cross-legged mean? (Hint: see paragraph 14)
What are the differences between ordinances, prohibitions, counsels, and exhortations? Please provide one example for each of the above categories, with paragraph numbers.
What is the difference between obligatory prayers and other prayers that are revealed by Bahá'u'lláh? What is the special significance of the obligatory prayers?
What is the difference between knowledge and recognition?
Why are one's good deeds not acceptable without recognition of the Manifestation of the Age?
Can we judge others? Can we say that those who have not recognized the Manifestation of God are numbered among the lost?
Bahá'u'lláh in paragraph 4 says "`Observe My commandants, for the love of My beauty.'" What does "My beauty" mean here?
Bahá'u'lláh in the Kalimát-i-Firdawsíyyih says, "The fear of God hath ever been a sure defense and a safe stronghold for all the peoples of the world" (Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, page 63) . What does "fear of God" mean? How do "fear of God" and "love of God" relate to one another? Is fear of God a positive attribute of man or a reflection of his weakness?
What is the relationship between liberty and obedience to the laws? Hint: KA (123).
What is the definition of true liberty according to the Aqdas?
Does "various petitions have come before Our throne from the believers, concerning the laws of God..." (KA 98) have anything to do with the manner in which the Aqdas was revealed to mankind? Please explain your answer.

Part VI: Ordinances

What is the first obligatory command that Bahá'u'lláh has revealed in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas?
Where was the Point of Adoration when the Manifestation of God was still alive?
The obligatory prayer that is mentioned in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas consists of how many rak'ahs?
Where is the text of the original obligatory prayer? Is the prayer we read every day?
What does "noon," "morning," and "evening" mean in relation to the medium obligatory prayer?
What does "we have relieved you of a greater number" mean in paragraph 6 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas?
Do we have any congregational prayer(s)? Does "congregational" mean that all of those present read the prayer together?
In paragraph 10 we read, "He hath exempted from this those who are weak from illness or age ...." What does "exempted" mean here? What age is this paragraph referring to?
When do religious duties begin in one's life?
What does "We have removed in this regard the limitation that had been laid down in the Book" refer to? (Hint: see paragraph 10)
What is an ablution?
What is the Prayer of the Signs?
What does "fast" mean? What is the wisdom of fasting?
Why are the residence and personal clothing of the deceased assigned to the eldest son? (see paragraph 25)
Should everyone write her will according to paragraph 20 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas? Explain your answer.
What is pilgrimage? Where is the sacred House or Houses?
Where are the places to which one needs to make pilgrimage?
Is it an obligation for both men and women to make pilgrimage?
What are the conditions that may exempt one from making a pilgrimage?
How can one make sure that one's work is done in the spirit of worship?
How do endowment (paragraph 42), Huqúq'u'lláh (paragraph 97), and Zakát (paragraph 146) differ from one another?
What are the duties of the Local House of Justice as mentioned in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (paragraph 30)?
What are considered the sacred verses mentioned in paragraph 149? Whose writings are considered sacred verses?
Is marriage an obligation? Explain your answer.
What are the requirements for a Bahá'í marriage? Provide passages, please.
What is the significance of the dowry?
In paragraph 131 what is meant by "restrictions on travel"?
What is the best way of repenting?
Is there a special prayer for asking repentance from God? Where is that prayer?
What paragraph in the Aqdas makes it a binding duty to write a will?
Is it an obligation to divide wealth using the distribution scheme explained in paragraph 20 of the Aqdas?
Should the people who receive inheritance be Bahá'ís? Please answer using both paragraphs 20 and 109.
In paragraph 20 of the Aqdas we see the numbers 7, 9, 60, 42 and 2520 are used in various points of division of one's wealth. Is there any special significance to these numbers?
Who are the teachers that receive inheritance according to paragraph 20?
In inheritance, distribution of wealth as shown in paragraph 20 seems to allocate more to the males than the females. Is there any reason for such allocations?
In paragraph 28 what is the order of precedence for the three obligations mentioned?
What does "from this he hath exempted women as a mercy on His part" mean in paragraph 32? Hint: N (55).
What is the main purpose of the consent of parents in marriage? Who are the parents (adopted or birth parents)? Hint: KA (65).
Why do men pay the dowry to women?
In paragraph 146 what is the percentage payable on the portion assessable in the payment of Zakát?
What are the main purposes for paying Huqúqu'lláh? Hint: KA (97).
In paragraph 113, "resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians," what does competent physician mean? What are the qualities of such a physician?
What are the restrictions that are mentioned in paragraph 131, "God hath removed the restrictions on travel that had been imposed in the Bayán?
In paragraph 156, "whensoever ye be invited to a banquet or festive occasion, respond with joy and gladness," does this mean that we have to say yes to all of those invitations we receive?

Part VII: Prohibitions

Why are both begging and supporting of beggars prohibited in the Aqdas?
What is the meaning of "the kissing of hands hath been forbidden in the Book" (paragraph 34)? Does it mean we cannot kiss the hand of our loved ones as a way of showing affection?
Does "to none is it permitted to seek absolution from another soul" mean that we do not have to apologize to someone to whom we did something wrong?
Can anyone take into her service a maid? What are the conditions? Hint: KA (63), N (90).
What activities are included in the prohibition of gambling as mentioned in paragraph 155?
In paragraph 155, does "any substance that induceth sluggishness and torpor" include habit forming drugs as well? Hint: N (170).
What are the circumstances under which one can carry arms? Hint: paragraph 159, N (173).
In paragraph 75 what is meant by "God hath...abolished the concept of 'uncleanness'..."?
Is there any paragraph in the Aqdas that clearly states that we should not consume alcoholic drinks?
In paragraph 154 what is meant by "pulpits," in "ye have been prohibited from making use of pulpits"?

Part VIII: Punishments

Is there capital punishment in the Bahá'í Faith? Who sets the degree of the crimes in the Bahá'í Faith? Hint: KA (62), N (87).
In paragraph 19 what is meant by adultery? Hint: N (36).
In paragraph 45 who determines the degree and the penalty for theft?
In paragraph 19 we see that Bahá'u'lláh lists murder, adultery, and backbiting one after another. Is there any relationship between the three? What is the relationship? What is common among them all?

Part IX: Proclamations to Kings, Rulers, and Others

What is meant by "crimson Spot" in paragraph 100?
What is meant by "the Mother Book" in paragraph 103?
What are the names of some of the rulers who are addressed by Bahá'u'lláh in the Aqdas? Hint: KA (78-94)
In paragraph 90 to what does "O banks of the Rhine!" refer?
In paragraph 166 who was Shaykh Muhammad-Hasan"? What is the major point of the paragraph?
In paragraph 165 what does "We have rent the veils asunder. Beware lest ye shut out the people by yet another veil" mean?
In paragraph 176 "We, verily, set foot within the School of God...," what does "School of God" refer to? How do this paragraph and paragraph 104, "We have not entered any school," relate to one another?
Who is the "source of perversion" in paragraph 184?
What does "turn unto Him, and fear not because of thy deeds" mean? How does this counsel help us in our personal transformation? Hint: KA (184).
What are the twin signs of the maturity of mankind?
What does maturity mean in the passage "coming of age of the human race"?
What is the meaning of "This is the Most Great Testimony"?
What does "within thee was born the Manifestation of His Glory" in paragraph 92 of the Aqdas mean?
What is meant by "a sifter of wheat and barley" in paragraph 166? What is the point that Bahá'u'lláh wishes mankind to comprehend in this paragraph?
Who is the phrase "O people of the Bayán" referring to in paragraph 176?
What does the phrase "the letters B and E" refer to in paragraph 177? What does it mean?
In paragraph 184 what is "God hath laid hold on him who led thee astray" referring to? Who are the people to whom Bahá'u'lláh is referring?
In paragraph 167 what does "take heed lest the word 'prophet' withhold you from this Most Great Announcement" mean?

Part X: Education

What is the difference between piety (paragraphs 64, 148, 149, 157) and sincerity (paragraphs 29, 108)? How about wisdom (Q 29), truthfulness (KA 20), and uprightness (Q 106)?
What is the purpose of education according to the Tablet of Maqsúd (TB, pgs. 161-178)?
How many types of education do we have in the Bahá'í Faith? Which one is most important?
Bahá'u'lláh, in the Aqdas, paragraph 48, states, "Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and daughter in the art of reading and writing..." Does this mean that fathers are the only educators of the children? Are the fathers the primary educators of the children?
In paragraph 48, does the "son and daughter" mean one's own children?
How does Bahá'u'lláh describe "knowledge"? Is it a veil, light, gift, or cause of downfall of a person? (Hint: TB, Tarazat p. 33-44)
What is the first thing that children need to learn at school?
What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?
What is the purpose of knowledge?
Bahá'u'lláh, in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, paragraph 99, states "weigh not the Book of God with such standards and sciences as are current amongst you." What does this mean?
In paragraph 99 (quoted above), how would this command explain the principle of "harmony of science and religion"?
How can infallible knowledge and empirical knowledge harmonize?
What is the highest and last end of all learning, according to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas?
What is the difference between knowledge and insight? What is the difference between vision and thought?
Can we ask questions concerning the Faith or should we just accept with faith? What is the meaning of "conscious faith"?
Bahá'u'lláh, in the Aqdas, paragraph 138, states, "to read but one of the verses of My Revelation is better than to peruse the Scriptures of both the former and latter generations." What does this mean? Does it mean we should not read any other scriptures beside our own?
In paragraph 138 (quoted above), what is mean by "latter generation"? What is the message of paragraph 138?
Is reciting the verses of God an obligation? Please give a paragraph in the Aqdas to manifest this trust.
What does it mean when Bahá'u'lláh states, "pride not yourselves on much reading of the verses or on a multitude of pious acts by night and day" (paragraph 149)?
Should we teach our children the verses of God? What is the main objective of this act?
In paragraph 167, Bahá'u'lláh states, "beware lest any name debar you from Him Who is the Possessor of all names." What does this mean?
In paragraph 168 what does "the Living Book" mean?
What is the purpose of learning different languages according to the Aqdas? (Hint: paragraph 118)
What is the language of the Bahá'í Revelation?
Is there any commandment concerning learning the Arabic language in the Bahá'í writings? (Hint: styles of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)
Is there anything in the Bahá'í writings concerning the universal language?
What is the purpose of selecting a "single language for the use of all on earth and a common script" (paragraph 189)?
What is the source of all learning? (Hint: Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh p. 155-157)
What is meant by "Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value," which is mentioned in the Tablet of Maqsúd (Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh 160-178)?
What is meant by "The essence and fundamentals of philosophy have emanated from the Prophets" (Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh p. 145)?

Part XI: Teaching

What is the purpose of teaching according to the Kitab-i-Aqdas? Hint: KA (35, 38), TB (84).
What is the best way to teach the Cause of God? Words or deeds? Hint: TB (36).
In the Tablet of Ishráqát, Bahá'u'lláh says, "Help, then, your Lord with the hosts of goodly deeds and praise worthy character" (TB 120). What is meant by "goodly deeds"? What is the difference between deeds and character? Give 2 examples where one can distinguish between the two.
Bahá'u'lláh, in the Aqdas states, "Make not your deeds as snares wherewith to entrap the object of your aspiration" (KA 36). What does this mean? What is the impact of this passage on teaching the Cause of God?
Bahá'u'lláh, in the Lawh-i-Hikmat (Tablet of Wisdom) states, "He that riseth to serve My Cause should manifest My wisdom..." (TB 138). What does "My wisdom" mean?
Does wisdom in any way relate to the influence of the manner of one's speech?
Bahá'u'lláh says, "Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation" (TB 143). What are the conditions of influence and moderation in one's speech? How does this impact the teaching work?
What does this passage convey: "Beware lest any reference to wisdom debar you from its source or withhold you from the dawning place thereof" (TB 149)?
What is the essence of faith according to the tablet called "Words of Wisdom" (TB 155-157)? How does this influence the teaching work?
Why does God want us to bring people under His banner rather than Him rendering the Cause "victorious" Himself, "through the power of a single word"? Which one is quicker? Which method is more befitting for the station of man? Can you cite a passage to shed some light on this question? (TB 197)
When teaching (sharing the message of Bahá'u'lláh), is it good to state our views or quote from the writings? (Hint: TB 200)
There are 11 paragraphs in the Aqdas concerning the commandment to teach. Please discuss the points raised in each of the following paragraphs concerning teaching: 35, 38, 153-155, 73, 74, 117, 118, 173 and 178.
Is teaching a form of serving humanity?
Bahá'u'lláh states, "through the power of thine utterance subdue the hearts of men" (TB 84). What are the qualities of such utterances that could subdue the hearts?
Bahá'u'lláh states, "through the power of good words, the righteous have always succeeded in winning command over the meads of the hearts of men" (TB 85). What is meant by "good words"? Can "good words" exist without a "virtuous life and goodly behavior"?
Bahá'u'lláh states, "Let your vision be world embracing rather than confined to your own self" (Lawh-i-Dunyá). Does this in anyway enhance our teaching work? In what ways?
Bahá'u'lláh states, "The brightness of the fire of your love will no doubt fuse and unify the contending peoples of the kindreds of the earth" (TB 88). What does this mean? How does this passage relate to "be like fire to my enemies" (Tablet of Ahmad)?
If we consider ourselves better than those with whom we are sharing the message, can our teaching be of any value? Is considering ourselves to be better a violation of "whatsoever hath caused dissensions and divisions....hath been nullified and abolished" (TB 87)?
Bahá'u'lláh states, "unloose thy tongue and proclaim the truth...be not afraid of anyone, place thy whole trust in God" (TB 190). What is meant by "be not afraid of anyone"? Does that refer to the manner in which we speak about the Cause or does it refer to contentment in afflictions caused by the ungodly while teaching?

Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh

The Ethical Covenant: (concerning the relation of God and the individual)
1. They that have violated the covenant of God by breaking His Commandments and have turned back on their heels, they have erred grievously in the sight of God. KA (2)
2. It behoveth everyone....to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the World.
3. Observe my commandments for the love of My Beauty. KA (4)
The Greater Covenant: (next Manifestation after Bahá'u'lláh)

Whoso layeth claim to a revelation direct from God ere the expiration of a full thousand years, such a man is assuredly a lying impostor. KA (37), N (62, 63)
The Lesser Covenant:
Endowments....revert to God...after Him, this authority shall pass to the Aghsan, and after them to the House of Justice - should it be established in the world by then....otherwise, the endowment shall revert to the people of Bahá.. KA (42), N (66, 67)
When the ocean of My Presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces towards Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root. KA (121), N (145)
O people of the world! When the Mystic Dove will have winged its flight from its sanctuary of praise....refer ye whatsoever ye understand not in the Book to Him Who hath branched from this Mighty Stock. KA (174), N (184)

The Manifestations of God

Manifestations of God In General
1. Their twin stations: KA (1, 102, 161)
2. Their Infallibility: KA (47), N (75)
3. Their Knowledge: KA (104, 176)
4. Their Authority: KA (7, 183)
5. Dialogue between the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh: KA (157, 158, 161-163, 175-177)
The Station of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation
1. The matchless Cause: KA (136, 178-180)
2. The New World Order: KA (181)
3. Impact of the Cause: KA (157)
4. Duration of Bahá'í Dispensation: KA (37)
Purpose of Bahá'u'lláh in this world
1. To manifest the truth: KA (96, 172)
2. To seize and possess the hearts: KA (83)
3. To exhort for the sake of God: KA (59, 87)
Bahá'u'lláh's Names and Titles
1. His love is the key to the treasures of the world: KA (15)
2. King of Kings: KA (82)
3. Most Great Law: KA (81)
4. The Speaker on Sinai: KA (80)
5. The Dayspring of God's Light: KA (85)
6. The Ultimate Objective: KA (36)
7. The Promised One: KA (88)
8. The Lord of mankind: KA (89, 143)
9. The Best-Beloved: KA (129, 141)
10. Most Great Announcement: KA (167)
11. Remembrance of God: KA (167)
12. Possessor of all names: KA (167), N (180, 181)
13. Desire of the World: KA (1)
14. The Source of Divine Inspiration: KA (1)
15. Ancient Beauty: Q (100)
16. Ancient of Days: KA (80)
17. Ancient Root: KA (121)
18. He Whom God shall make manifest: KA (135, 137, 139)
19. He Who causeth the dawn to appear: KA (117)
20. Living Book: KA (134, 168)
21. Mighty Stock: KA (174)
22. Mystic Dove: KA (174)
23. Nightingale: KA (139)
24. Most Mighty Ocean: KA (96)

Ordinances, Prohibitions and Punishments

Numbers in parentheses following a "KA" refer to paragraph numbers in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Numbers in parentheses after an "N" refer to the number of a note to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Numbers in parentheses after a "Q&A" refer to the number of a question and answer about the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

Ordinances: Things we should do
1. Obligatory prayers: KA (6, 8-14, 18)
2. Fasting: KA (10, 13, 16, 17)
3. Inheritance: KA (20-29)
4. Pilgrimage: KA (32)
5. Work is worship: KA (33)
6. Education of children: KA (48, 150)
7. Marriage: KA (63-70)
8. Cleanliness: KA (74-76, 106, 151, 152)
9. Huqúqu'lláh: KA (97)
10. Zakát: KA (146)
11. Writing a will and testament: KA (109)
12. Burial laws: KA (128-130)
13. Reading the verses: KA (149, 150)
14. Teaching: KA (35, 38, 53-55, 73, 74, 117, 118, 173, 178)
15. Gentleness and courtesy: KA (153, 156)
16. Kindness to animals: KA (187)
17. Obedience to those who wield authority over the people: KA (95)
18. Seeking repentance from God: KA (34)
19. Resorting to competent physicians: KA (113)
Prohibitions: Things we should not do
1. Congregational Prayer: KA (12)
2. Murder, adultery, and backbiting: KA (19)
3. Kissing of hands and confession: KA (34)
4. Claiming a revelation: KA (37)
5. Shaving the head: KA (44)
6. Hunting to excess: KA (6)
7. Sedition: KA (64)
8. Trading in slaves: KA (72)
9. Interpreting the verses: KA (105)
10. Marrying father's wives: KA (107)
11. Muttering verses in public: KA (108)
12. Use of intoxicants: KA (119)
13. Entering a house without permission: KA (145)
14. Begging and supporting beggars: KA (147)
15. Conflict and contention: KA (148)
16. Gambling and use of opium: KA (155)
17. Use of pulpits: KA (154)
18. Carrying arms: KA (159)
Punishments:
1. Theft: KA (45)
2. Adultery: KA (49)
3. Wounding: KA (62)
4. Arson: KA (62)
5. Manslaughter: KA (188)

New Laws That Abrogae the Laws of Former Dispensations

Hair doth not invalidate your prayer, nor aught from which the spirit hath departed.. KA (9), N (12)
God hath granted you leave to prostrate on any surface that is clean, for we have removed in this regard the limitation that had been laid down in the Book. KA (10), N (15)
We have absolved you from the requirement of performing the prayer of the signs. KA (11), N (18)
The practice of congregational prayer hath been annulled. KA (12)
The kissing of hands hath been forbidden in the Book... To none is it permitted to seek absolution from another soul..... KA (34), N (57, 58)
Shave not your heads. KA (44)
Whoso wisheth to make use of vessels of silver and gold is at liberty to do so. KA (46), N (72-74)
We have made it lawful for you to listen to music. KA (51), N (79)
The Lord hath prohibited... the practice to which ye formerly had recourse when thrice ye had divorced a woman. KA (68), N (100-103)
It is forbidden you to trade in slaves, be they men or women. KA (72)
God hath decreed, in token of His mercy unto His creatures, that semen is not unclean. KA (74), N (103, 104)
God hath likewise...abolished the concept of "uncleanness," whereby diverse things and people have been held to be impure. KA (75), N (106, 107)
God hath relieved you of the ordinance laid down in the Bayan concerning the destruction of books. KA (77), N (108-110)
It is forbidden you to wed your father's wives. KA (107), N (133, 134)
God had formerly laid upon each one of the believers the duty of offering before Our throne priceless gifts from among his possessions...we have absolved them of this obligation. KA (114), N (141)
In the Bayán it had been forbidden you to ask Us questions. The Lord hath now relieved you of this prohibition... KA (126)
God hath removed the restrictions on travel that had been imposed in the Bayán. KA (131), N (153)
Ye have been prohibited from making use of pulpits. KA (154), N (168)
A fine of nineteen mithgals of gold had formerly been prescribed by Him Who is the Lord of mankind for anyone who was the cause of sadness to others; in this dispensation, however, He hath absolved you thereof. KA (148), N (163, 164)
Permitted you to attire yourselves in silk. KA (159)
The Lord hath relieved you...of the restrictions that formerly applied to clothing and to the trim of the beard. KA (159), N (173-175)

Commandments in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas that Help Us with Personal Transformation

Association with the followers of all religions: KA (144)
Aid the cause of God (teach the Cause): KA (84, 159)
Charity:
1. Endowment: KA (42)
2. Provide good cheer for oneself and others: KA (16)
3. Huqúqu'lláh: KA (97)
4. Zakát (alms for the poor): KA (146, Q (107), N (161)
Educate the children of the poor: KA (46)
Chastity: KA (19, 107), N (134)
Civility: N (74)
Courtesy: KA (120), N (74)
Cleanliness: KA (74, 76, 106, 152), N (34, 131, 132, 167)
Constancy: KA (163, 164)
Steadfastness: KA (134, 173, 183)
Contentment: KA (63, 66), Q (38), N (89)
Detachment: KA (54, 83, 84, 129), N (149)
Fairness: KA (4, 40, 187)
Faithfulness: KA (97, 149)
Fear of God: KA (64, 73, 88, 120, 151, 167, 184)
Fellowship: KA (57, 75), N (173)
Fidelity: KA (120)
Avoid disputation: KA (77, 177), N (110) and dissension: KA (183)
Earn one's living: KA (147)
Work is worship: KA (33, 167)
Acquire knowledge: KA (77, 138)
Education: KA (48)
Learn diverse languages: N (76)
Educate your children: KA (48, 150)
Forbearance: KA (153)
Forgiveness: KA (49, 184)
Godliness: KA (108), Q (106)
Hospitality: KA (16, 57), N (29, 82)
Humility: N (3, 135, 168)
Justice: KA (26, 52, 60, 88, 134, 167, 187)
Kindness: KA (61), Q (106), N (85)
Love: KA (4, 15, 36, 65, 132), N (23, 134)
Obedience to authorities, laws and government: KA (29, 64, 95, 148,161, 297)
Respect to parents: Q (104, 106)
Patience: KA (87)
Refinement: KA (74), N (74, 104)
Piety: KA (64, 148, 149, 157), N (61, 135)
Sincerity: KA (29, 108), Q (106), N (95)
Remembrance of God: KA (40, 43)
Provide service to mankind: KA (77)
Wisdom and tact: Q (29, 33)
Tenderness: KA (126, 184)
Tenacity: KA (74)
Trustworthiness: KA (120, 156)
Truthfulness: KA (120)
Consultation: KA (30)
United with others: KA (57, 58, 65, 70)
Uprightness: Q (106)
Obligatory prayers: KA (6, 8-14, 18)
Fasting: KA (10, 16, 17)
Feast and other Holy Festivals: KA (57, 110, 112), Q (48), N (82)
Avoid backbiting by seeing the good/avoid faultfinding: KA (19)
Avoid confession of sins in front of others: KA (34), N (58)
Avoid craftiness (purity of motives):
Avoid drinking wine: KA (119)
Avoid opium: KA (155, 190)
Clothing: KA (74, 76, 159)
Recite the holy verses: KA (115, 116, 131, 150)
Avoid causing sadness: Q (98)
Avoid interpretation of the sacred text: KA (105, 167, 168), N (180)
Kindness to animals: KA (60, 123)
Saying Alláh-u-Abhá 95 times every day: KA (18)
Recognition of the Manifestation of God: KA (55, 80, 85, 100, 157, 182, 183)
Avoid contention: KA (73, 148)
Consult competent doctors when sick: KA (113)
Do not carry arms: KA (159), N (173-175)
Avoid gambling: KA (155)

The Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
Revealed after The Kitáb-i-Aqdas
and Their Relationship to Selected Passages in The Aqdas

Name of Tablet	Pages	Paragraphs in Kitáb-i-Aqdas
1. Lawh-i-Karmil (Tablet of Carmel)	4-5	KA (80)
2. Lawh-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Tablet)	10-17	KA (2, 36, 39, 80, 87)
3. Bishárát (Glad-Tidings)	21-29
First Glad-Tiding		KA (144, 148)
Second Glad-Tiding		KA (75)
Third Glad-Tiding		KA (118)
Fourth Glad-Tiding		KA (84)
Fifth Glad-Tiding		KA (35, 38, 95)
Seventh Glad-Tiding		KA (159)
Eighth Glad-Tiding		KA (36, 63), N (59, 60)
Ninth Glad-Tiding		KA (34), N (57, 58)
Tenth Glad-Tiding		KA (77), N (108-110)
Eleventh Glad-Tiding		KA (77), N (108-110)
Twelfth Glad-Tiding		KA (33), N (56)
Thirteenth Glad-Tiding		KA (30), N (49-52)
Fourteenth Glad-Tiding		KA (131), N (153)
Fifteenth Glad-Tiding		KA (75, 77), N (106, 107, 108, 110)
4. Tarázát (Ornaments)	33-44
First Taráz		KA (33, 77), N (108-110)
Second Taráz		KA (75), N (106, 107)--(Second Glad-Tiding)
Third Taráz		KA (134), N (58)
Fourth Taráz		KA (120, 156)
Fifth Taráz		KA (29, 108, 120), QA(106), N (95)
Sixth Taráz		KA (48, 77, 138), N (76)--(Eleventh Glad-Tiding)
5. Tajallíyát (Effulgences)	50-58
First Tajallí		KA (80, 182)
Second Tajallí		KA (134, 163, 164, 173, 183)
Third Tajallí		KA (77)
Fourth Tajallí		KA (80, 89, 129, 141, 143)
6. Kalimát-i-Firdawsíyyih (Words of Paradise)	63-72
First Leaf		KA (4)
Second Leaf		KA (78, 82, 83, 84, 88, 169, 173)
Third Leaf		KA (178)
Seventh Leaf		KA (75, 77)
Eighth Leaf		KA (48, 150, 176)
Ninth Leaf		KA (30, 43)
Tenth Leaf		KA (36)
Eleventh Leaf		KA (87, 172)
7. Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)	84-97	KA (2, 3, 30, 35, 36, 40, 45, 48, 49, 53, 62, 75, 77, 81-95, 189)
8. Ishráqát (Splendors)	105-134
First Ishráq		KA (78, 82-84, 88, 169, 173)
Third Ishráq		KA (1-5)
Fifth Ishráq		KA (78-88)
Seventh Ishráq		KA (48, 150)
Eighth Ishráq		KA (30)
Ninth Ishráq		KA (87, 172)
9. Lawh-i-Hikmat (Tablet of Wisdom)	137-138, 140-143, 149-151	KA (29, 35, 38, 172, 173, 179)
10. Asl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom)	155-157	KA (1, 2, 4, 7, 102, 116, 138, 149)
11. Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd)	161-178	KA (2, 3, 33-35, 38, 48, 75, 123, 159, 189)
12. Súriy-i-Vafá (Tablet to Vafá)	181-191	KA (1, 2, 7, 35, 126)
13. Lawh-i-Siyyid-i-Mihdíy-i-Dahají (Tablet to Siyyid-i-Mihdíy-i-Dahají)	195-197	KA (35, 38)
14. Lawh-i-Burhán (Tablet of the Proof)	205-216
15. Kitáb-i-`Ahd (Book of the Covenant)	219-223	KA (42, 75, 95, 121, 172-174)
16. Lawh-i-Ard-i-Bá (Tablet of the Land of Bá)	227, 228	KA (121, 174)

Passages in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and
Their Relationship to The Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
That Were Revealed After The Kitáb-i-Aqdas

Para. of the Aqdas	Tablets related to the Paragraph
1	Third Ishráq Asl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom) Súriy-i-Vafá (Tablet to Vafá)
2	Lawh-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Tablet) Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Third Ishráq Asl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom) Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd) Súriy-i-Vafá (Tablet to Vafá)
3	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Third Ishráq Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd)
4	First Leaf Third Ishráq Asl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom)
5	Third Ishráq
7	Asl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom) Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd) Súriy-i-Vafá (Tablet to Vafá)
29	Fifth Taráz Lawh-i-Hikmat (Tablet of Wisdom)
30	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Thirteenth Glad-Tiding Ninth Leaf Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Eighth Ishráq
33	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Twelfth Glad-Tiding First Taráz Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd)
34	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Ninth Glad-Tiding Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd)
35	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fifth Glad-Tiding Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Lawh-i-Hikmat (Tablet of Wisdom) Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd) Súriy-i-Vafá (Tablet to Vafá) Lawh-i-Siyyid-i-Mihdíy-i-Dahají (Tablet to Siyyid-i-Mihdíy-i-Dahají)
36	Lawh-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Tablet) Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Eighth Glad-Tiding Tenth Leaf Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
38	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fifth Glad-Tiding Lawh-i-Hikmat (Tablet of Wisdom) Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd) Lawh-i-Siyyid-i-Mihdíy-i-Dahají (Tablet to Siyyid-i-Mihdíy-i-Dahají)
39	Lawh-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Tablet)
40	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
42	Kitáb-i-`Ahd (Book of the Covenant)
43	Ninth Leaf
45	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
48	Sixth Taráz Eighth Leaf Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Seventh Ishráq Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd)
49	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
53	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
62	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
63	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Eighth Glad-Tiding
75	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Second Glad-Tiding Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fifteenth Glad-Tiding Seventh Leaf Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd) Kitáb-i-`Ahd (Book of the Covenant)
77	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Tenth Glad-Tiding Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Eleventh Glad-Tiding Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fifteenth Glad-Tiding First Taráz Second Taráz Sixth Taráz Third Tajallí Seventh Leaf Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
78	Second Leaf First Ishráq Fifth Ishráq
79	Fifth Ishráq
80	Lawh-i-Karmil (Tablet of Carmel) Lawh-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Tablet) First Tajallí Fourth Tajallí Fifth Ishráq
81	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Fifth Ishráq
82	Second Leaf Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) First Ishráq Fifth Ishráq
83	Second Leaf Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) First Ishráq Fifth Ishráq
84	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fourth Glad-Tiding Second Leaf Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) First Ishráq Fifth Ishráq
85	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Fifth Ishráq
86	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Fifth Ishráq
87	Lawh-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Tablet) Eleventh Leaf Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Fifth Ishráq Ninth Ishráq
88	Second Leaf Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) First Ishráq Fifth Ishráq
89	Fourth Tajallí Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
90	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
91	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
92	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
93	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
94	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
95	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fifth Glad-Tiding Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Kitáb-i-`Ahd (Book of the Covenant)
102	Asl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom)
108	Fifth Taráz
116	Asl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom)
118	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Third Glad-Tiding
120	Fourth Taráz Fifth Taráz
121	Kitáb-i-`Ahd (Book of the Covenant) Lawh-i-Ard-i-Bá (Tablet of the Land of Bá)
123	Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd)
126	Súriy-i-Vafá (Tablet to Vafá)
129	Fourth Tajallí
131	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fourteenth Glad-Tiding
134	Third Taráz Second Tajallí
138	Sixth Taráz Asl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom)
141	Fourth Tajallí
143	Fourth Tajallí
144	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): First Glad-Tiding
148	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): First Glad-Tiding
149	Asl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom)
150	Eighth Leaf Seventh Ishráq
156	Fourth Taráz
159	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Seventh Glad-Tiding Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd)
163	Second Tajallí
164	Second Tajallí
169	Second Leaf First Ishráq
172	Eleventh Leaf Ninth Ishráq Lawh-i-Hikmat (Tablet of Wisdom) Kitáb-i-`Ahd (Book of the Covenant)
173	Second Tajallí Second Leaf First Ishráq Lawh-i-Hikmat (Tablet of Wisdom) Kitáb-i-`Ahd (Book of the Covenant)
174	Kitáb-i-`Ahd (Book of the Covenant) Lawh-i-Ard-i-Bá (Tablet of the Land of Bá)
176	Eighth Leaf
178	Third Leaf
179	Lawh-i-Hikmat (Tablet of Wisdom)
182	First Tajallí
183	Second Tajallí
189	Lawh-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World) Lawh-i-Maqsúd (Tablet of Maqsúd)
Q&A 106	Fifth Taráz
Note 49	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Thirteenth Glad-Tiding
Note 50	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Thirteenth Glad-Tiding
Note 51	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Thirteenth Glad-Tiding
Note 52	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Thirteenth Glad-Tiding
Note 56	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Twelfth Glad-Tiding
Note 57	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Ninth Glad-Tiding
Note 58	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Ninth Glad-Tiding Third Taráz
Note 59	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Eighth Glad-Tiding
Note 60	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Eighth Glad-Tiding
Note 76	Sixth Taráz
Note 95	Fifth Taráz
Note 106	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fifteenth Glad-Tiding Second Taráz
Note 107	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fifteenth Glad-Tiding Second Taráz
Note 108	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Tenth Glad-Tiding Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Eleventh Glad-Tiding Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fifteenth Glad-Tiding First Taráz
Note 109	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Tenth Glad-Tiding Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Eleventh Glad-Tiding First Taráz
Note 110	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Tenth Glad-Tiding Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Eleventh Glad-Tiding Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fifteenth Glad-Tiding First Taráz
Note 153	Bishárát (Glad-Tidings): Fourteenth Glad-Tiding

Correlation of Paragraphs, Notes, and Questions and Answers
of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas

Paragraph	Notes	Questions & Answers
4	1, 190
5	2, 144, 170
6	3-9	14, 63, 65-67, 81-83, 93
8	9, 10, 11, 19	63, 70, 85
9	12
10	13-17, 20, 25, 30, 31, 34	20, 64, 74, 93, 103
11	18	52
12	10, 19	85
13	20, 34, 106
14	21, 22	21, 58, 59, 60, 61
15	23
16	14, 20, 24-31, 147	22, 35, 75, 76
17	32
18	20, 33, 34, 137	18, 51, 62, 66, 77, 86
19	35-37, 77
20	38-42, 44	5-7, 33, 34, 41, 53, 69, 72
21	42
22	43
25	44	34, 37, 72
26	45	54
27	46
28	47, 125	9, 80
29	33, 48
30	49, 50-52	99
31	53
32	54, 55	10, 25, 29
33	56
34	57, 58
36	59, 60, 61
37	62, 63
41	64, 65
42	66, 67, 145, 183
44	68, 69	10
45	70, 71	49
46	72, 73, 74
47	75
48	76
49	36, 77, 78	23, 49
51	79
52	80
56	81
57	82	48
60	83, 84	24
61	85
62	86, 87
63	88-99	3, 4, 12, 13, 26, 27, 30, 39, 43, 46, 47, 50, 84, 87, 88, 92
65	92
66	93-95	39, 87, 88
67	96-99, 147	4, 27, 79
68	100-102	12, 19, 31, 38, 40, 73, 98
74	74, 103-105	91
75	12, 20, 103, 106, 107, 138, 140
77	108-110
80	111-114
84	115
85	116
86	117, 118
89	119, 120
90	121
91	122
92	123
94	124
97	47, 125	8, 9, 42, 44, 45, 69, 80, 89, 90, 95
98	126
100	115, 127, 128, 164
103	129
105	130, 145, 184
106	131, 132
107	133, 134	49, 50
108	135
109	33, 38-48, 136, 137	69
110	26, 138, 147	1, 2, 36
111	26, 139, 147
112	107, 138, 140
114	141
115	142	15
117	143
119	144
121	66, 145, 184
126	146
127	26, 139, 147, 148
128	149	70
129	150
130	151, 152	16, 56
131	153
133	54, 154	29, 32
134	155
135	156
137	7, 8, 157
139	109, 158
140	159
143	160
146	161	107
147	56, 162
148	128, 163, 164
149	165	68
151	166
152	167	97
154	168
155	169, 170
157	171, 172
159	173-175
164	176, 177, 190
166	178, 179
167	180, 181
170	171, 172, 182
173	67, 183
174	145, 184
175	185, 186
176	187
177	188
181	189
184	177, 190-192
189	193, 194

Back to: Study Guides

Home

Site Map

Forum

Links

About

Contact