Posted by Rob (209.245.163.151) on August 13, 2003 at 00:34:31:

In Reply to: Re: David Kelley's Funeral posted by Stuart Gilman on August 10, 2003 at 18:01:30:

"In the Bahá'í teachings individuals may not arbitrarily shorten the time given for their perfection. Individuals should "gratefully and patiently" accept "all difficulties and afflictions" that may be a means of self perfection ('Abdu'l-Bahá, quoted from Fádl-i-Mázinderání, Amr wa Khalq, Vol. 3, p. 14). The suicide of Haidar Alá who took his life out of his ardent desire to become a martyr during the time of Bahá'u'lláh was accepted "as a sign of Our mercy" by Bahá'u'lláh, but He prohibited such acts for all times: "However, this station has ended with him. Who, after him, commits such an act will not be mentioned before God. Such deeds never were and never will be our desire for you" (unauthorised translation, quoted from Amr wa Khalq, Vol. 3, p. 12/13)."

From a footnote found in
"In a Blue Haze: Smoking and Baháíí Ethics" by Udo Schaefer
http://bahai-library.org/books/bluehaze/notes.html

It would seem from this explanation that Baha'u'llah's quote that Stuart shares, namely "He will be immersed in the ocean of pardon and forgiveness and will become the recipient of bounty and favour," is in reference to one whose suicide came before suicide was prohibited and condemned by Him. Therefore it appears that, as with many Baha'i laws, His prohibition of suicide was after a grace period during which it was permitted. Indeed, Baha'u'llah contradicted His former acceptance of suicide as was His Divine Authority to do.

this topic is closed - post at bahai-library.com/forum