Posted by Stuart Gilman (67.68.70.241) on December 21, 2002 at 21:06:18:

In Reply to: Re: Before taking in a maid or secretary posted by Misagh on December 21, 2002 at 11:16:11:

Misagh is not readig the original authentic quote from the Kitab-i-Aqdas. I found it humorous when I read it the first time, allowing two wives and not the islamic four, but suggesting that one wife and a maid (mistress) was better. I related to my lovely wife that Bahaullah preferred a maidservant instead of a second wife. There is no doubt that this was the meaning.

Of course, I have no maidservant, but it was amusing.

Then Abdul Baha clarified that one could not have two wives, period, and, as I wrote, did not negate or comment upon the maidservant companion. This, too, is clear. Monogamy, therefore, consists of fidelity to one wife but permits a maid or mistress to whom one is not married.

Now, as I said, The UHJ has probably made a statement about this but I do not know what it is. It is also possible that the UHJ accepts the one wife/one mistress construct. You ever know.

seg

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