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