PUBLISHER'S FOREWORD TO 1981 EDITION

Can we know God? Is there a God? Can religious teaching be reconciled with scientific knowledge? What does it mean to be human? These are questions that once were considered exclusively the province of philosophers and theologians. But no more. In our time they are public domain. Our distressed and bewildered civilization, cut loose from the beliefs and values that sustained it for centuries, totters on the brink of self-destruction. We, the individuals in it, experience loss of the meaning and purpose in life that our ancestors took for granted. Today these questions beg for answers.
      Some Answered Questions addresses, in a charming, succinct, and logical manner, not only questions about God and the relationship between science and religion but a wide range of questions certain to be of interest to the soul in search of religious truth as well as to the inquisitive, scientific mind. The answers come from 'Abdu'l-Bahá, son of the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá'í Faith, a new and independent world religion with followers in virtually every country. The answers were compiled from a series of talks He gave at table during 1904, 1905, and 1906. In each of the five sections of the book 'Abdu'l-Bahá expounds questions ranging from the metaphysical to the matter-of-fact. On the one hand, He reaches into the philosophical realm to discuss topics such as immortality, predestination, free will, and the erroneous doctrine of reincarnation‹always treading the mystical path with practical feet. On the other hand. He speaks to questions concerning the organization



of human society‹questions such as the problem of strikes, the treatment of criminals, and the proper relations between capital and labor‹infusing these ordinarily secular matters with spiritual significance.
      In the opening section of Some Answered Questions 'Abdu'l-Bahá uses both logical and traditional proofs to establish the existence of God and the necessity of Divine Educators or Manifestations of God. He devotes several talks to the lives and accomplishments of some of these Divine Manifestations, including Abraham, Moses, Christ, Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá'u'lláh, seeing each as a successive link in God's unfolding plan for mankind's education. Thus He sheds new light on religious history and on the nature of religion itself. 'Abdu'l-Bahá returns to the theme of Manifestations of God in the third section of the book, where He elucidates in greater detail the character, station, and powers of the unique Beings chosen to act as God's spokesmen.
      In the second section of Some Answered Questions 'Abdul-Baha presents the Bahá'í point of view on a number of knotty Christian subjects. He gives particular attention to the issue of the "return" or Second Coming of Christ. He also examines the birth of Christ, the Resurrection, baptism, the meaning of the eucharist, the miracles of Christ, and the Trinity in a manner that readers schooled in traditional Christian doctrine are sure to find startlingly fresh and illuminating.
      In the fourth section of the book 'Abdu'l-Bahá considers the origin, powers, and conditions of man. The Bahá'í affirmation of an underlying harmony and agreement between science and religion comes alive in His explanation of the origin and development of the human species. The book's fifth and final section is devoted to miscellaneous subjects, including discussions of the grounds of human knowledge and of pantheism.
      Some Answered Questions, in style and structure, is unlike



'Abdu'l-Bahá's other works. His Will and Testament, written in three sections, provides the authority for the Administrative Order of the Bahá'í Faith and ensures its integrity and unity. The Secret of Divine Civilization is a treatise on the general state of modern civilization. A Traveler's Narrative chronicles the early history of the Bábí and Bahá'í Faiths. Memorials of the Faithful contains 'Abdu'l-Bahá's remembrances of seventy-nine early Bahá'ís, all bound by their love for Bahá'u'lláh. Only Some Answered Questions, shaped as it is from questions put to Him over meals, affords the reader essays on a variety of themes‹each of which can be read either at one sitting as an individual topic for study and reflection, or as part of a whole that emerges from the collection of talks. Most of the talks are short. All bear the marks of conversation. All use lucid, concrete illustrations to clarify difficult topics. Humor relieves the serious. At every turn a "brilliant simplicity," "persuasiveness," and "force" illuminate the fundamentals and the fine points of Bahá'í belief.
      The Bahá'í Faith was founded by Mírzá Husayn 'Alí (1817-1892), known as Bahá'u'lláh, the "Glory of God." The Bahá'í Faith's origins are intimately linked with the Bábí Faith, founded in Persia (Írán) in 1844 by Mírzá 'Alí-Muhammad (1819-1850), known as the Báb, or "Gate." The Báb announced that He was not only the founder of an independent religion, but the herald of a new and far greater prophet or messenger of God, Who would usher in an age of peace for all mankind. In 1863 Bahá'u'lláh declared that He was the One prophesied by the Báb.
      Bahá'u'lláh's teachings quickly brought Him into conflict with the Persian government and the Muslim clergy, and He was exiled from Írán to various places within the Ottoman Empire. In 1868 He was sent as a prisoner to the fortress city of 'Akká in the Holy Land, in the vicinity of which He passed away in 1892. In His will



He appointed 'Abdu'l-Bahá (1844-1921), His eldest son, to succeed Him in leading the Bahá'í community and in interpreting the Bahá'í writings. 'Abdu'l-Bahá in turn appointed His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi (1897-1957), as His successor, the Guardian of the Cause and authorized interpreter of the Bahá'í teachings. Today the affairs of the Bahá'í world community are administered by The Universal House of Justice, the supreme elected council of the Bahá'í Faith.
      The central teachings of the Bahá'í Faith are the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of mankind. The fundamental principles proclaimed by Bahá'u'lláh are 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; and that their missions represent successive stages in the spiritual evolution of human society. Since Bahá'u'lláh teaches that the purpose of religion is the promotion of concord and unity and that religion is the foremost agency for the achievement of peace and orderly progress in society, the Bahá'í writings provide the outline of institutions necessary for the establishment of peace and world order. These include a world federation or commonwealth, with executive, legislative, and judiciary arms; an international auxiliary language; a world economy; a mechanism for world intercommunication; and a universal system of currency, weights, and measures.
      The Bahá'í writings also provide specific guidance that helps Bahá'ís (followers of Bahá'u'lláh) fulfill the basic purpose of human life‹knowing and worshiping God and "carrying forward an ever-advancing civilization"‹while they strive to bring about the unity of mankind, world peace, and world order. For example, the Bahá'í writings call for the fostering of a good character and the development of spiritual qualities such as honesty,



trustworthiness, compassion, and justice. These are achieved through prayer, meditation, and work done in the spirit of service to humanity‹all expressions, for Bahá'ís, of the worship of God. In the pursuance of the Bahá'í principle of the organic oneness of humanity, the Bahá'í writings call for the eradication of prejudices of race, creed, class, nationality, and sex. They call for the systematic elimination of all forms of superstition hampering human progress and the achievement of a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of life, both of which rest on an understanding of the principles of an unfettered search for truth and of the harmony of science and religion as two facets of truth. They encourage the development of the unique talents and abilities of every individual, through the pursuit of knowledge and the acquisition of skills, for the practice of a trade or profession is required not only for personal satisfaction but also for the enrichment of society as a whole. They call for the full participation of both men and women in all aspects of community life, including the elective and administrative processes and decision-making, in implementation of the Bahá'í principle of equal opportunities, rights, and privileges for both sexes. They call for the fostering of the principle of universal compulsory education.
      Some Answered Questions has appeared in a number of editions since it was first published in London in 1908. It continues to be one of the most popular and eagerly sought after works in the growing literature of the Bahá'í Faith. More important, the book has assumed a significant place in the sacred literature of the Faith, being one of the very few compilations of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's utterances authenticated by 'Abdu'l-Bahá Himself. This new edition once more makes readily available a priceless resource for the student of the Bahá'í teachings and for the seeking soul.



PUBLISHER'S FOREWORD TO 1964 EDITION

In view of questions that have sometimes arisen concerning Some Answered Questions and how it came to be written, Laura Clifford Barney, the interlocutor who obtained the answers from 'Abdu'l-Bahá, has made known to the publishers the following facts:

The talks between 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Laura Clifford Barney took place during the difficult years, 1904-1906, when He was confined to the city of 'Akká by the Turkish government and permitted to receive only a few visitors. At the time He was under constant threat of removal to a distant desert confinement.
      As interlocutor. Miss Barney arranged for one of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's sons-in-law, or for one of the three distinguished Persians of His secretariat of that period, to be present during the talks to insure accuracy in recording His replies to the questions asked Him. 'Abdu'l-Bahá later read the transcriptions, sometimes changing a word or a line with His reed pen. They were later translated into English by Miss Barney. The original Persian texts are today a part of the Bahá'í archives of Haifa. For additional commentary on this work, refer to Shoghi Effendi's statements in God Passes By, pages 107, 260, 268, 305 and 383.
      'Abdu'l-Bahá was finally freed in 1908 after the revoluion in the Ottoman Empire and the overthrow of the Sultán. A few years later He traveled to Egypt, Europe and North America, welcoming persons of all religious faiths and classes, meeting outstanding personalities, and



speaking before groups in temples, universities, religious centers and missions, as well as before friendly home gatherings.



PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION

"I have given to you my tired moments," were the words of 'Abdu'l-Bahá as He rose from table after answering one of my questions.
      As it was on this day, so it continued; between the hours of work. His fatigue would find relief in renewed activity; occasionally He was able to speak at length; but often, even though the subject might require more time, He would be called away after a few moments; again, days and even weeks would pass, in which He had no opportunity of instructing me. But I could well be patient, for I had always before me the greater lesson‹the lesson of His personal life.
      During my several visits to 'Akká, these answers were written down in Persian while 'Abdu'l-Bahá spoke, not with a view to publication, but simply that I might have them for future study. At first they had to be adapted to the verbal translation of the interpreter; and later, when I had acquired a slight knowledge of Persian, to my limited vocabulary. This accounts for repetition of figures and phrases, for no one has a more extensive command of felicitous expressions than 'Abdu'l-Bahá. In these lessons He is the teacher adapting Himself to His pupil, and not the orator or poet.
      This book presents only certain aspects of the Bahá'í Faith, which is universal in its message and has for each questioner the answer suited to his special development and needs.
      In my case the teachings were made simple, to correspend



to my rudimentary knowledge, and are therefore in no way complete and exhaustive, as the Table of Contents may suggest‹the Table of Contents having been added merely to indicate the subjects treated of. But I believe that what has been so valuable to me may be of use to others, since all men, notwithstanding their differences, are united in their search for reality; and I have therefore asked 'Abdu'l-Bahá's permission to publish these talks.
      Originally they were not given in any special order, but have now been roughly classified for the convenience of the reader. The Persian text has been closely followed, at times even to the detriment of the English, a few alterations being made in the translation merely where the literal rendering seemed too involved and obscure; and the interpolated words, required to make the meaning clearer, have not been indicated in any way in order to avoid the too frequent interruption of the thought by technical or explanatory signs. Also many of the Persian and Arabic names have been written in their simplest form without strictly adhering to a scientific system which would be confusing to the average reader.
LAURA CLIFFORD BARNEY





INDEX

Aaron, 169 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 60n Abraham, 12-13, 89 descendants of, 13, 213 exile of, results of, 12-13 Actions. See Deeds Adam, 89-90 caused man's physical life, 118-20 meaning of, and Eve, 122-26 this cycle began with, 161 'Akká [Most Great Prison], 28, 31, 32, 36n 'Alí, 48, 49 explanations and commentaries of, 50 power of, like Joshua, 50 Alpha and Omega, 219, 281 Animal cannot perceive intellectual realities, 187-88 spirit of, 143, 208 world of, 78-79, 235 Apostles. See Jesus Christ, disciples of Arab tribes barbarism of, 19-20 Muhammad educated, 24, 49-51 Aristotle, 15, 290 Astrology, 245-47 Sun of Reality rises from various signs of Zodiac, 76 Astronomy curvature of horizon, 187-88 elements of universe are interconnected, 245-47 in Qur'án, 23 Atoms similar to greatest beings of universe, 182 Attributes. See Character; Man, powers and virtues of; Spirituality Báb, the, 25-26, 54 Bahá'u'lláh recognized, assisted, 27-28 born from Law of Muhammad, 69 descended from Abraham, 13, 213 erudition of, 25 iron rod of, 70 martyrdom of, 55 prophecies of and concerning (see Prophecies) referred to as Hadrat-i-A'lá (His Supreme Highness), 25n Primal Point, 69 Bábís, persecution of, 28 Bahá'ís diversity of, 65 may become people of Sun of Reality, 222 Bahá'u'lláh, 27-35 awakened by breezes of All-Glorious, 85 Báb recognized, assisted by, 27-28 banishments of, 30-32 to 'Akká, 31, 32, 36n assisted Cause, 31, 36 effects of, 13 declaration of, 44 n descended from Abraham, 213 educated thousands, 35 erudition of, 28-29 knowledge of Arabic, 34 miracle(s) of are not decisive proofs, 37 attributed to, 34, 37 offers to perform, 29-30, 35 perfection of, 150 power of, 35 presence of, effect of, 34, 36 proofs of, claim of, 36-43 prophecies of and concerning (see Prophecies) referred to as Divine Branch, 65 Greatest Luminary, 124, 125 Greatest Name, 149-50 Incomparable Branch, 65 Jamál-i-Mubárak (the Blessed Beauty), 27n Jamál-i-Qidam (the Preexistent, or Ancient Beauty), 27n Light of Reality, 36 Supreme Pen, 289 station of difference between, and other Manifestations, 150 supreme Manifestation for Adamic cycle, 161 universal Manifestation, 58 'ulamá could not reply to epistle of, 33 Writings of Epistle of the Covenant, 60, 60n Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book), 64, 171n, 238 Kitáb-i-Haykal, 33 Kitáb-i-Íqán, 110, 110n, 289 Súriy-i-Haykal, 32-33 Tablets to the Kings, 33 Baptism, 91-96 of Christ, 91-92 of infants, 95 Barbara, Saint, 136 Bible prophecies of (see Prophecies) symbolism in, 85 (see also Bible verse explanations; Prophecies; Symbolism) clergy did not understand, 104-05 Bible verse explanations Acts 15:20; 93 Dan. 8:13-14, 17; 41-42 Dan. 9:24, 25; 40, 41 Dan. 12:6-7, 11-12; 43 Deut. 3:26; 169 Deut. 5:8-9; 165 Exod. 20:4-5; 165 Ezek. 4:6; 46 Ezek. 30:1-3; 56 1 Cor. 15:22; 118-21 Gen. 1:26; 194 Gen. 2:16-17, 3:5, 11-15, 22; 122 Gen. 9:25; 213 Isa.; 111 Isa. 11:1-10; 62-66 Isa. 43:1; 169 Isa. 48:12; 168-69 John 1:1; 153, 156, 163, 206 John 1:12-13; 89 John 1:13; 224 John 1:19-21; 132-33 John 3:5; 223 John 3:6; 101 John 3:13; 103, 110 John 6:26, 33, 35; 97-98 John 6:38; 103 John 6:41; 121 John 6:42; 97-98, 103 John 6:50; 97, 121 John 6:51; 97, 125 John 6:58; 121 John 6:63; 98 John 12:40-41; 102 John 14:11; 153, 207 John 16:12-13; 109 John 17:5; 116-17 John 17:21; 153, 207 Luke 11:2; 156 Matt. 3:13-15; 91 Matt. 5:39; 270 Matt. 6:9; 156 Matt. 8:22; 101, 126, 279 Matt. 12:31-32; 127-28 Matt. 13:14; 102 Matt. 16:18; 135 Man. 19:16-17; 170 Matt. 22:14; 129-31 Matt. 24:3; 42 Matt. 24:29-30; 110 Matt. 26:26; 99 Num. 20:13; 169 Rev. chap. 11; 45-61 Rev. 12:1-6; 68-72 Rev. 21:1-3; 67-68 Rev. 22:13; 219 Rom. 9:21; 249 Rom. 14:14; 94 Titus 1:15; 94 Birth, spiritual, 223-24 Blindness, spiritual, 102 Brahma, 100 Branch Divine, 65 Incomparable, 65 Buddha, 165-66 Business practices, 273-77 moderation of income, 274 profit sharing, 274-75 strikes, 273-75 Canaan, 213 Catholic Church, Popes ef, 135-37, 166 Character. See also Man differences in, 212-16 good attributes in, 79-80 innate and acquired, 212-16 Perfect Man like reed, 45 qualities of man, 236 virtues appear through power of God, 80 Children death of, 240 must implore forgiveness to parents, 231 Christ. See Jesus Christ Christianity baptism, 91-96 church of God founded on rock of belief, 135 decay of, 165-66 enmity between Islám and, 22 Eucharist, 98 Pentecost, 106 Popes, 135-37, 166 Trinity, meaning of, 113-15 Christians greatness of, attested to by Galen, 303 Muhammad protected, 21 Civilization depends on educators, 7 of Israel, 14 Communion. See Eucharist Comprehension. See Knowledge Confucius, 165-66 Copernicus, 23 n Covenant, Epistle of the, 60n Creation, 5-6. See also Existence; Universe annihilation of matter not possible, 203-04 attributes of God require, 281 in beginning matter was one, 181 Creator always had, 281 goodness of, 215-16, 264 man cannot create, 182 perfection of, 177-78 world of, requires appearance of human spirit, 200-01 Crime and criminals cause of, is ignorance, 272 education necessary to prevent, 268, 271-72 murder and, 266-67 punishment of community responsible for, 267, 268-71 purpose of, 267, 268-69 vengeance blameworthy, 267, 268-69, 271 Cycle(s), 160-61, 164-66 Adamic, 161 in material world, 73-74 new, are renewed by Holy Spirit, 145 spiritual, of the Prophets, 74-77 universal, 160-61 David, 164 Dávúdí, Siyyid, 34 Dawning-Points. See Manifestations of God Dead communication with spirits, 251-53 meaning of the, 59, 101-02, 126, 279 Deafness, spiritual, 102 Death. See Life, after death Deeds charitable, may be cause of pardon, 231 good, alone are not sufficient, 238, 300, 302-04 Disease. See Health and healing Divinity. See God Doctors. See Physicians Dove, symbolism of, 85 Dreams, 227, 253 Druzes, 287 Earth contingent world is source of imperfections, 5-6 curvature of, 187-88 evolution of, 151, 182-83, 196-97, 199 materialist's theory of formation of, 88 perfection of, is to be fertile, 78 transformation of, in this cycle, 63-66 Economics. See Business practices Education, 7-9 Divine, 8 human, 8 influence of, 214 material, 8 role of Manifestations in man's, 8-11, 236-37 spiritual, 8-9 to prevent crime, 271-72 Educators. See Manifestations of God Egyptians', denial of Muhammad caused destruction of, 50 Elders, four and twenty, 57-58 Elias (Elijah) return of, 39, 288 John the Baptist was, 132-34 Eucharist, 97-98 Eve, 122-26 represents soul of Man, 123, 126 Evil man can choose to do, 248-50 nonexistence of, 215, 263-64 satanic qualities, 235-36 tree of good and, 122-26 Zaqqúm tree, 285 Evolution, 191-92, 198-99 of earth, 151, 182-83 of man, 88, 151, 177-84, 191-94, 198-99 always a distinct species, 184, 193-94 Existence. See also Creation; Preexistence causes of, 280 conditions and degrees of, 129-31, 235-36, 249 are limited to servitude, prophethood, and Deity, 230 man cannot progress beyond own state of, 235-37 illusion and reality of, 278 material, is relative nonexistence, 241-42, 243, 278, 280-81 movement (progress and decline) necessary to, 233-34 nonexistence cannot become, 180, 204, 281 perfections of, unlimited, 230 repetition impossible in, 283-84 signs of, cannot appear from nonexistence, 225 worlds of, have not been without man, 196-97 Ezekiel, 164 Factories, laws for. See Business practices Faith is life eternal, 130 Fate (predestination), 138-39, 244. See also Free will "Father is in the Son," 207 Fire God appeared as pillar of, 85 symbol of love of God, 92 First Mind (First Will), 203 Forgiveness, 231-32, 267 Free will, 248-50. See also Fate Furqán, 53 Future. See also Time dreams may reveal, 227 secrets of, revealed to Prophets, 138-39 Galen, 15, 303 Galileo, 24n Garden of Eden, 122-26 God, 146-49, 171, 230, 281 appeared as pillar of fire, 85 bounty of, 232 Creator has always had a creation, 281 day of, 57-58 emanation from, 202-07, 294-96 future, knowledge of, does not cause its occurrence, 138-39 justice of, 232 imperfections impossible in, 148 Kingdom of, 58, 241-43 knowledge of, by man foundation of salvation, 238 greatest glory of human world, 300 only through Manifestations, 147-48, 222 unknowable, 146-49, 220-22 Law of divided in two pans, 47-48 ignorance of, pardonable, 267 New Jerusalem is, 68 woman as symbol of, 68, 70 love of deprivation of, results in imperfection, 302-03 fire is symbol of, 92 is fruit of human existence, 300-01 man dependent upon, 248-50 manifestation of, 206-07 in creatures is impossible, 202-03, 295-96 Nature ruled by, 4 nearness to, is wealth of other world, 231 oneness of and concept of the Trinity, 113-15 divine system is one, 199 Essence of Unity, 180, 221 established by Abraham, 13 perfections of, 196 manifested in the Reality of Christ, 206-07 shine forth from the reality of man, 196 preexistence of, 203 proofs of existence of, 5-6 separation from, is greatest torment, 265 Spirit of, 241 tests His creatures, 29 time nonexistent for, 116, 152-53, 156 Word of, 116-17, 124, 152 has no beginning or end, 152-53 Hagar, 13 Hasan 'Amú, Mullá, 29-30 Health and healing, 257-59. See also Physicians cures without medicines in, 254-56 spiritual, 255-56 through diet, 257-59 diseases are contagious, 214, 254 causes of, 257 medical treatments for, 94, 158-59 terror may cause sickness, 255 Heaven. See Kingdom of God Hell, 223-25 Hippocrates, 15 Holy City, meaning of, 46, 48, 67, 68 Holy Ghost. See Holy Spirit Holy of Holies, 46 has become visible, 59-60 symbolic meaning of, 48 Holy Spirit, 108-09, 114, 145, 152, 299 acceptance or rejection of, 127-28 Christ born of, 16, 87-88, 118-19 descent of, 106-08 eternal life is gift of, 242 healing power of, 256 House of Justice, 172, 172n, 173 Ibn-Nawfal, Varaqat-, 44 Ignorance, 137 symbolized by darkness, 84 Imagination, 210-11, 251-53 Imáms, symbolized by twelve stars, 68 Imperfections. See also Perfection are torments, 265 blameworthy, 130-31 equivalent of death, 120 when reach perfection, become eternal, 152 Income, moderation of, 274 Infallibility, two kinds of, 171-74 Inherited qualities, 213 Intelligence, 3-4, 9. See also Knowledge; Mind Intercession, 231 Invention, power of, 144, 186 Írán. See Persia Isaac, 213 Isaiah, 164 Ishmael, 13, 213 Islám. See also Muhammad enmity between Christianity and, 22 Imáms of, symbolized by twelve stars, 68 Mihdí and Messiah are awaited by, 39 overcome by Umayyads, 51-53, 69-70 prophecies of (see Prophecies) rise and fall of, 48-54 spurious traditions in, 22 'ulamá could not reply to Bahá'u'lláh, 33 Israel, Jews will assemble in, 65-66 Israelites, 14, 16 Jacob, 13, 168-69 Jeremiah, 164 Jerusalem, 46-47, 52 divine, 59-60 New, 67-68 Jesus Christ, 16-17, 152-53 advent of came from heaven, 110-11 prophecies concerning, 40-41 Word of God existed before its bodily manifestation, 116-17 baptism of, 91-92 birth of, 110-11 born of Holy Spirit, 16, 87-88, 118-19 greatness due to perfections, not birth, 89-90 bread and wine of, 97-99, 121 descendant of Abraham, 13, 213 difference between, and other Manifestations, 150 disciples of born of God, 223-24 can never become Christ, 233-34 descent of Holy Spirit on, 106-10 dove, symbolism of, 85 "Father is in the Son," symbolism of, 85 Kingdom of, 225 martyrdom of, 104, 120-21 miracles after, 37-38 would have acted like Muhammad, 20-21 Mosaic Law abrogated by, 16, 93-94 Moses and Elias, meeting with, 253 perfection of, 121, 150 called the Word, 206-07 God's perfections manifested in, 206-07 proof of, 101 referred to as Rúhu'lláh, 95n Word of God, 149 rejection of, 71-72, 77, 111, 116-17 resurrection of, 103-05 return of, 39, 110-12 Trinity, meaning of the, 113-15 was not rod out of stem of Jesse, 62-63 work of accomplished, 10, 101 causes spiritual life of man, 118-21 educated eleven men, 35 enlightened mankind, 120-21 tree of life planted by, 124 united diverse peoples, 10, 301-02 Jews Christ rejected by. 111, 117 because turned to horizon of Moses, 77 follow law, not reason, 266 Muhammad protected, 21 will assemble in Israel, 65-66 John the Baptist, 91, 93-95 was return of Elijah, 132-34, 288 Joseph, 13 Judaism. See Moses; Prophecies Judgment, day of, 59 Justice, 232, 266 Khadíjah (wife of Muhammad), 44 Kingdom of God, 58, 241-43 Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book), 64, 171n, 238 Kitáb-i-Haykal, 33 Kitáb-i-Íqán, 110, 110n, 289 Knowledge, 108, 137, 236 difference of condition is obstacle to, 221 four methods of acquiring, 297-99 of God (see God) symbols of light, 84 water, 92 two kinds of, 83-84, 157-59 Koran. See Qur'án Lamp. See Light Last Supper, 99 Law divine, 59-60 of God divided in two parts, 47-48 ignorance of, pardonable, 267 is New Jerusalem, 68 obedience to, 174 woman as symbol of, 68, 70 Manifestation gives Holy, 158-59 must change as man changes, 48, 95-96 Learning. See Knowledge Life. See also Existence after death, 223-25, 239-40 bird released from cage, 228 for children, 240 Kingdom of God in, 241-43 rewards of other world in, 224-25 spiritual progress continues in, 231-37, 240 spiritual progress through prayers, intercession, charity of others in, 231, 240 veiled are separated from God in, 243 wealth of, is nearness to God, 231 eternal, 121, 126 faith is, 130 Holy Spirit gives, 242 tree of life planted by Christ is, 124 everlasting, 98 Light, 150 imagery of lamp and, 155, 288, 303 symbolizes knowledge, 84 Logic, fallibility of, 297-98 Lord of Hosts, 39, 56 Lot, 12 Love of God, 300-01 Lying, 265 is most odious attribute, 215-16 Man, 5-6, 235-37 assimilation by, is honor for animal world, 79 body of, may be unable to reflect spirit, 229 character of (see Character) condition of cannot create, 182 changes, 94-96 dependency of, on God, 248-50 differences between, man and animals, 185-90 is end of imperfection, beginning of perfection, 235 differences between good, sinners, and wicked who are veiled, 238 educated by Manifestations, 8-11 evolution of, 88, 151, 177-84, 191-94, 198-99 always a distinct species, 184, 193-94 existence of, 195-97 Adam caused physical life of, 118-20 Christ caused spiritual life of, 118-21 created by God, 5 is emanation from God, 202-04, 206 life of body caused by spirit, 201 Perfect Manifestation always exists, 196 provides reason for existence of universe, 195-97 very ancient, 160-61 free will of, 248-50 God incomprehensible to, 146-49 intelligence of, 3-4 knowledge of, is of two kinds, 83-84 perfection of, 178-79 acquired by passage through conditions of existence, 200 powers and virtues of, 79-80, 300-05 appear through powers of God, 80 can resist Nature, 187 five inner or spiritual powers, 210-11 five outer powers, 210-11 perceives intellectual realities, 186-88, 217-18 power of invention, 186 virtues are rewards of this life, 223-24 reproached by God through His Manifestations, 167-70 spirit of (see Spirit) Manifestation and emanation, 205-07 Manifestations of God, 85-86, 127-28, 146-50, 162-63, 218-19. See also individual Manifestations: Abraham; Báb; Bahá'u'lláh; Buddha; Jesus Christ; Muhammad ascension of, 155 attributes and powers of divine intellectual power, 218 divine knowledge not acquired, 157-59 divine power, 10, 11 infallibility, 171-74 inseparable from Bounty of God, 155 manifest perfections, attributes of God, 147-50, 206-07, 222 reflect Sun of Reality, 114, 147-48, 222 signs of greatness from childhood, 155 supernatural powers, 100-02 cycles of, 74-77, 160-61, 164-66 differences between, 150 two kinds of Prophets, 164-65 existence of has no beginning, no end, 152-53 Perfect Man always exists, 196 future revealed to, 138 influence of, 9-10, 162-63 intercession by, 232 necessity for obedience to, 173-74 perfection of, 8-9, 11, 150-53, 167-70 Christ and Bahá'u'lláh possess perfections of former Manifestations and more, 150 Perfect Man, 114, 174, 196, 222 Promised One to come after Christ, 109 purpose of to educate mankind, 8-11, 168, 236-37 as gardeners of world of humanity, 194 to mediate between God and His creatures, 145 recognition of, 127-28 rejection of, 127-28 hatred of Holy Spirit unpardonable, 127-28 reproach of, meant for people, 167-70 return of, meaning of, 132-34, 288-89 stations or conditions of, are three, 151-56, 218-19 teachings of change with changes in man, 94-96 Law of God given by, 158-59 material laws altered in each cycle, 48 necessity of following, 300-05 two, are awaited by the world, 39 universal Manifestation, 58 visions of, 251-53 Martyrdom of Bábís, 25. See also Tests and trials Medicine. See Health and healing Mihdí, 39 Mind First, 203 has no outward existence, 263 is power of human spirit, 209 Mineral world, 78, 235 Miracles, 100-02 are not decisive proofs, 37, 100-02 attributed to Bahá'u'lláh, 34, 37 Bahá'u'lláh offers to perform, 29-30, 35 inner significance of, 37-38 Moon as symbol of Ottoman Empire, 68 Moses, 14-15 descendant of Abraham, 13, 213 law of, abrogated by Christ, 16, 93-94 reproach of, actually meant for Israel, 169 Most Great Prison. See 'Akká Most Holy Book (Kitáb-i-Aqdas), 64, 171n, 238 Mount Carmel, 32 Muhammad, 18-24, 48-54 beginning of prophethood of, was kept secret, 44 Christians protected by, 21 defensive military action of, 18, 20 descendant of Abraham, 13, 213 Jews protected by, 21 Law of God descended upon, 68 laws of, 49 Pentateuch and Gospel promulgated by, 22 persecution of, 18-20 power of, 50 prophecies concerning (see Prophecies) prophethood of, like Moses, 50 Qur'án (see Qur'án) reproach of, meant for people, 169-70 Muhammad-'Alíy-i-Bárfurúshí, Hájí Mullá (Quddús), 54, 54n Murder (see Crime and criminals) Music, power of, 246 Mysteries of being exist in man, 236 divine, 123 man probes, 186 Napoleon III [Emperor of France], 32-33 Násiri'd-Dín Sháh (Sháh of Persia), 33, 85n Nature, 3-4. See also Earth animal world, 78-79, 143 cycles of material world, 73-74 God rules, 4 man can resist, 189 man's body is captive of, 119 mineral world, 78 union of male and female, 87 vegetable world, 78, 143 Next world. See Life, after death Noah, Canaan not spiritual descendant of, 213 Nonbeliever difference between good, sinners, and wicked who are veiled, 238 may be pardoned after death, 232 Nonexistence. See Existence Nusayris, 288 Obedience to Manifestations, 173-74 Omnipotent, divine cycle of, 56 Ottoman Empire, moon is symbol of, 68 Pantheism, 290-96 Paradise, 223-26, 228 Parents, children must implore forgiveness for, 231 Paul, 93 Peace, establishment of, 58, 62-66 Pentecost, 106-07 Perfection(s) of all creation, 177-78 all things created perfect from the first, 199 of Christ, 121 each degree of existence requires, 129-31 imperfections and, 129-31, 151-52 limitless, 230-32, 237 of Manifestations of God, 8-9, 11, 114, 114n, 174 of man's spirit, 144 Perfect Man, 114, 114n, 174, 196, 222 Persia Báb enlightened, 26 Bahá'u'lláh enlightened, 31-32, 304-05 decay of, 27 reconstruction of, depends on teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, 35 sun is symbol of, 68 Peter, 93, 135, 135 n Philosophers Aristotle, 15, 290 Plato, 15 Socrates, 14 Philosophy, fallibility of reason in, 297-98 Physicians, 94, 158-59 Galen, 15, 303 lying to patient by, 215-16 Manifestations are like, 94, 158-59 patient must obey, 173-74 Planets, composition and decomposition of, 180-81. See also Earth Plato, 15, 23, 297-98 Poor, care of, 277 Popes, 135-37, 166 Powers of man. See Man Predestination. See Fate; Free will Preexistence, 116-17, 148-49, 203, 280-81 Preexistent Power, 218 Preexistent Reality, 221 Promised One, 109 Prophecies, 39. See also Bible verse explanations ark of His Testament, 60 concerning the Báb date of advent, 41-43, 46, 54, 69-72 all correspond to one another, 71 martyrdom of, 55 perfect offspring born from Law of Muhammad, 69 second woe is appearance of, 56 concerning Bahá'u'lláh date of advent, 43-44 Lord of Hosts manifested in Holy Land, 32 rod out of stem of Jesse, 62-63 third woe is appearance of, 56 will establish unity, 63-66 concerning Christ date of advent, 40-41 return, 110-12 concerning Muhammad, 48-54 crown of twelve stars, 68 first woe is appearance of, 56 two olive trees, 49 two witnesses clothed in sackcloth, 48 woman clothed with sun, 68 concerning Napoleon III [Emperor of France], 32-33 dead bodies shall lie in street, 51 dragon with seven heads, 69-70 earth will be transformed, 39 elders, four and twenty, 57-58 Holy City trod under foot forty and two months, 46 Jerusalem, New, 67-68 judgment of dead, 59 lightnings, voices, and thunderings, 60-61 reward them that fear Thy name, 59 seventh angel, 56 Spirit of truth will come, 109 Spiritual and Divine Kingdom will be established, 57-58 stars will fall on earth, 111-12 temple of God opened in heaven, 59-60 two Manifestations awaited by world, 39 woe, first, second, and third, 56 wolf shall dwell with lamb, 62-66 Prophets, 164-65. See also Manifestations of God Ptolemy, 287 Punishment is to be veiled from God, 224-25 Pythagoras, 23 Qualities. See Character; Seeker; Spirituality Quddús (Hájí Mullá Muhammad-'Alíy-i-Bárfurúshí), 54, 54n Qur'án, 22-24 also called Furqán, 53n earth's movement mentioned in, 23-24 verse explanations Súrih 9:17; 87 Súrih 23:14; 183, 224 Súrih 36:35; 87 Súrih 37:180; 287 Súrih 48:1-2; 169-70 Súrih 59:2; 288 Reason, fallibility of, 297-98 Reed, Perfect Man like, 45 Reincarnation, 282-89 Religion, 158-59 establishment of Divine Kingdom, 57-58 Law of God divided in two parts, 47-48 science and, 137 spiritual cycles of, 74-77, 145, 160-161, 164-66 traditions of, liable to error, 298 Repentance, 91-92 Resurrection, 74, 103-05 Return, meaning of, 132-34, 288-89 Revenge, 270. See also Vengeance Ridván, Feast of, 44n Righteous actions, 302. See also Deeds Rumelia, 28 Sabbath, penalty for breaking, 96 Sacrifice, 79 of Christ, 120-21 Science discoveries of, 144 progress of, 64 religion and, 137 Seeker must be like butterfly and nightingale, 77 must seek Sun of Reality not dawning-place, 77 qualities of, 38 Senses (powers), five inner and five outer, 210-11, 297 Serpent, 122 symbolism of, 123-24, 126 Sháh of Persia, Násiri'd-Dín Sháh, 33, 85n Sight, 210-11, 297 Simon. See Peter Sin, 119-20 attachment to physical world is, 124, 126 difference between good, sinners, and wicked who are veiled, 238 good deeds of righteous are sins of Near Ones, 126 Sleep, symbolism of, 85-86. See also Dreams Socrates, 15 Sodom, 51 Solomon, 164 Soul. See Spirit Spirit of animal, 143 communication with spirits, 251-53 five categories of, 143-45, 208-09 of God, 109 heavenly, 144-45 Holy. See Holy Spirit human, 143-44, 150, 151, 185-90, 208-09 causes life of body, 201 after death (see Life, after death) emanates from God, 206 has always existed, 198-99 immortality of, 223-29, 242-43 is rational soul, 208, 217-18, 239-40 mind is power of, 209 necessity for appearance of, in the body, 200-01 not affected by bodily vicissitudes, 156, 227-29, 239-40 not limited by place or time, 241-42 Manifestations have rational soul, 151-53, 154-55 mineral, 78, 235 vegetable, 143, 208 Spiritual influence upon material things, 245-47 Spirituality badily power is weak compared to spiritual power, 126 perfections and imperfections, 129-31 Perfect Man like reed, 45 qualities of, are contagious, 214 spiritual birth, 223 virtues of man appear through power of God, 80 Spring, 73-74, 78, 145, 242 divine, 57 spiritual, 74 Strikes, 273, 276 Súfís, 290-96 Sun imagery of, and mirror, 106, 107, 113-14, 144, 145, 147-48, 155, 196, 201, 206-07, 222, 229 is cause of life and illumination, 162 of Reality, 57, 58, 104, 172, 207 has numerous dawning places, 76-77 reflects in Manifestations of God, 114 symbol of Persia, 68 Súriy-i-Haykal, 32-33 Symbolism, 83-86. See also Bible verse explanations; Prophecies of Adam and Eve, 122-26 of baptism, 91-92 of bird in cage, 228 of blindness, 102 of bread and wine, 97-99, 121, 125 clergy has not understood, 104-05 of darkness is ignorance, 84 of dead, 59, 101-02, 126 of deafness, 102 of dove, 85 of fire, 92 of Holy City, 46, 48, 67, 68 of Jerusalem (see Jerusalem) of light is knowledge, 84 of resurrection, 103-05 of serpent, 123-24, 126 of stars falling to earth, 111-12 of water is knowledge and life, 92 Syria, 52 Tablets to the Kings, 33 Tests and trials. See also Martyrdom of Bahá'í's, 35 torment, two kinds of, 265 Theosophy, 285-86, 290-96 Tihrán, 28 Time future events, knowledge of, 138-39 may be seen in dreams, 227 past, present, and future, in world of God, 156 preexistence of, 116-17, 148-49, 203 universe has no beginning, 180 Word of God exempt from, 152-53 Torment. See Tests and trials Transmigration, 282-83 Tree Blessed, 58 of life (good and evii), 122-25 of Zaqqúm, 285, 285n Trinity, meaning of, 113-15 "Father is in the Son," 207 Truth, 137 investigation of, 45-46 requirements for seeker of, 38-39 Umayyads, 51-52, 69-70 Unity Essence of, 180, 221 establishment of, 62-66 Kingdom of, 123 love of God brings, 301, 304-05 pantheism, 290-96 Threshold of, 137 Universal House of Justice infallibility of, 172, 172n, 173 Universe elements of, are interconnected, 245-47 has no beginning, 180 perfection of, 177 requires numberless forms of existence, 129-30 requires existence of man, 195-97 Valí, 34n Vegetable world, 78, 143, 208, 235 Vengeance, 267, 268-69, 271 Water is symbol of knowledge and life, 92 Wealth moderation of, 274-75 true, 78-80 Will, 3-4 Word Christ's perfections are called, 206-07 of God, 116-17, 124, 152-53 is cause of all life, 163 World. See Earth Zaqqúm, tree of, 285, 285n Zodiac, Sun of Reality rises from various signs of, 76 Zoroastrianism, 39