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Abstract: Study questions, categorized cross-references to the Aqdas and its notes and "Questions and Answers," topical concordances, and other research materials. Notes: |
Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book):
Questions and Concordances
2000
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)
- 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)
- It behoveth everyone....to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the
Desire of the World.
- 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
- Their twin stations: KA (1, 102, 161)
- Their Infallibility: KA (47), N (75)
- Their Knowledge: KA (104, 176)
- Their Authority: KA (7, 183)
- Dialogue between the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh: KA
(157, 158, 161-163, 175-177)
- The Station of Bahá'u'lláh's
Revelation
- The matchless Cause: KA (136, 178-180)
- The New World Order: KA (181)
- Impact of the Cause: KA (157)
- Duration of Bahá'í Dispensation: KA
(37)
- Purpose of Bahá'u'lláh in this
world
- To manifest the truth: KA (96, 172)
- To seize and possess the hearts: KA (83)
- To exhort for the sake of God: KA (59, 87)
- Bahá'u'lláh's Names and
Titles
- His love is the key to the treasures of the world:
KA (15)
- King of Kings: KA (82)
- Most Great Law: KA (81)
- The Speaker on Sinai: KA (80)
- The Dayspring of God's Light: KA (85)
- The Ultimate Objective: KA (36)
- The Promised One: KA (88)
- The Lord of mankind: KA (89, 143)
- The Best-Beloved: KA (129, 141)
- Most Great Announcement: KA (167)
- Remembrance of God: KA (167)
- Possessor of all names: KA (167), N (180, 181)
- Desire of the World: KA (1)
- The Source of Divine Inspiration: KA (1)
- Ancient Beauty: Q (100)
- Ancient of Days: KA (80)
- Ancient Root: KA (121)
- He Whom God shall make manifest: KA (135, 137, 139)
- He Who causeth the dawn to appear: KA (117)
- Living Book: KA (134, 168)
- Mighty Stock: KA (174)
- Mystic Dove: KA (174)
- Nightingale: KA (139)
- 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
- Obligatory prayers: KA (6, 8-14, 18)
- Fasting: KA (10, 13, 16, 17)
- Inheritance: KA (20-29)
- Pilgrimage: KA (32)
- Work is worship: KA (33)
- Education of children: KA (48, 150)
- Marriage: KA (63-70)
- Cleanliness: KA (74-76, 106, 151, 152)
- Huqúqu'lláh: KA (97)
- Zakát: KA (146)
- Writing a will and testament: KA (109)
- Burial laws: KA (128-130)
- Reading the verses: KA (149, 150)
- Teaching: KA (35, 38, 53-55, 73, 74, 117, 118, 173, 178)
- Gentleness and courtesy: KA (153, 156)
- Kindness to animals: KA (187)
- Obedience to those who wield authority over the people: KA (95)
- Seeking repentance from God: KA (34)
- Resorting to competent physicians: KA (113)
- Prohibitions: Things we should not do
- Congregational Prayer: KA (12)
- Murder, adultery, and backbiting: KA (19)
- Kissing of hands and confession: KA (34)
- Claiming a revelation: KA (37)
- Shaving the head: KA (44)
- Hunting to excess: KA (6)
- Sedition: KA (64)
- Trading in slaves: KA (72)
- Interpreting the verses: KA (105)
- Marrying father's wives: KA (107)
- Muttering verses in public: KA (108)
- Use of intoxicants: KA (119)
- Entering a house without permission: KA (145)
- Begging and supporting beggars: KA (147)
- Conflict and contention: KA (148)
- Gambling and use of opium: KA (155)
- Use of pulpits: KA (154)
- Carrying arms: KA (159)
- Punishments:
- Theft: KA (45)
- Adultery: KA (49)
- Wounding: KA (62)
- Arson: KA (62)
- Manslaughter: KA (188)
New Laws That Abrogate 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:
- Endowment: KA (42)
- Provide good cheer for oneself and others: KA (16)
- Huqúqu'lláh: KA (97)
- 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
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 | |
|
. |