A Study of the Kitab-i-Aqdas

Farzin Aghdasi

A Study guide for use in a structured course,

Baha’i Communities of Greater Johannesburg, and Pretoria, South Africa

Summer of 1997

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Syllabus:

The course will demonstrate that this exercise is a first, and feeble, attempt at the study of a “spiritual universe” known as the Kitab-i-Aqdas, “the brightest emanation” from the mind of Baha’u’llah. While the core objective is to go through the text of Aqdas and its associated texts, this material is supplemented by other readings on the subject.

The first session covers the history of the revelation of the Book, and its significance, followed by a global view of its contents. For the next 10 sessions, we study 19 paragraphs each session, to complete the 190 paragraphs of the text of the Aqdas itself. The last session will be an epilogue emphasizing the practical impact of this series of studies in our daily spiritual life.

Time and place:

The classes will be held at number 70, First St. in Sandton on Fridays. They will be one hour duration starting at 7:45 p.m. The presentation will comprise about 40 minutes of discourse, followed by about 20 minutes of question time. The course duration will be for 12 weeks. Active and interactive participation is strongly encouraged, and there will be home-reading material but there will be no quizzes or examinations, unless there is a student-led riot to the contrary!

Session Date

#1 17 / Jan.

#2 24 / Jan.

#3 31 / Jan.

#4 7 / Feb.

#5 21 / Feb.

#6 28 / Feb.

#7 7 / March

#8 14 / March

#9 28 / March

#10 4 / April

#11 11 / April

#12 18 / April

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Session #1: Aim, Purpose, Scope, and the Sources of study:

1. The Aim: To study the text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, and its associated material.

2. The Purpose: To deepen our understanding of the significance, and the spiritual impact of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, to appreciate the role of this Book in our individual and collective lives; to increase our insight into the current and future workings of the Cause; to better equip ourselves for informed defence of the Baha'i ideals, and to draw inspiration and spiritual nourishment from the creative Word.

3. The Scope: In this one semester (twelve-sessions) course we will attempt to:

a) Study the laws and admonitions contained in the Aqdas,

b) Begin to understand the vision of Baha’u’llah, and while firmly holding to the Covenant, to appreciate the reasoning that motivates the laws and admonitions.

c) Gain an appreciation, however inadequate, of the vision that it conveys for a future state of the world civilization.

4. Study Material:

The core material will be the English translation of the Kitab-i-Aqdas as published in 1993, additional readings from interpretations provided by `Abdu’l-Baha', and the Guardian, or other articles written by Baha’is.

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A preliminary consideration for the study of the Faith of Baha'u'llah:

Statement:

"We will begin our inquiry from the point of view of a confirmed believer who, according to the teachings of Baha'u'llah gives the operation of human reason a central role in search of the truth."

Question:

Can a person be a confirmed believer and conduct unbiased inquiry into that which is the object of his adoration?

If the answer is in the negative then are we to discredit reason in matters of religious inquiry or are we to (or can we ) suspend our faith for the duration of the inquiry?

And if the answer is affirmative then what are the proper limits (if any) of the use of reason in such matters. This question is neither trivial nor irrelevant. It is in fact at the core of "Baha'i Studies".

The promise of an abiding peace:

"Indeed if an avowed follower of Baha'u'llah were to immerse himself in, and fathom the depths of, the ocean of these heavenly teachings, and with utmost care and attention deduce from each of them the subtle mysteries and consummate wisdom that lie enshrined therein, such a person's life, materially, intellectually and spiritually, will be safe from toil and trouble, and unaffected by setbacks and perils, or any sadness or despondency"

Shoghi Effendi, cited in The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith, pp.20.

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Session #1: Introduction, and a sketch of the contents.

On its revelation.

On Baha'u'llah's circumstances.

On its distinction from other Holy Texts.

The major themes of Kitab-i-Aqdas:

1. To the Kings and sovereigns: lawful rulers of the land.

2. To clergy: who presumed moral stewardship.

3. Most Great Infallibility: to set the Manifestation apart; and tame humans.

4. Centre of the Covenant: to interpret the Word; and unite us in common understanding.

5. Guardianship: to watch over us; and guarantee the constitution.

6. Houses of Justice: to replace existing tyrannies.

7. World Order: social, political, economic, education, family, etc.

8. Duration of this Dispensation; the next Manifestation.

9. Laws: for our protection.

10. Admonitions: for our spiritual growth.

11. On Liberty and other follies.

12. Prophetic statements: Berlin, Constantinople, Tehran, Khorasan, Kirman.

13 On specific people: Mirza Yahya, Haji Karim Khan, Sifter of the wheat.

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Some significant themes in the Kitab-i-Aqdas:

On Baha’u’llah Himself, and His Station:

15. Revelation of the Hidden Treasure

176. The Knowledge of Baha’u’llah is innate

158. On Baha’u’llah’s sufferings and its effect in the world (On the principle of atonement)

177. The primacy of Baha’u’llah over the creation, and the symbolism of joining B and E (Disputation concerning the Cause is forbidden )

On the nature of this revelation:

136. Significance of this revelation

138. Commandment to hold fast to this revelation

143. The unique and exclusive station of this Revelation

172. The purpose of revelation is to manifest, glorify, exalt, and extol God (The selfless purpose of the Manifestation)

182. On the study of the Word of God, and its acceptance; also on the changeless Faith of God its unity and unifying force

183. On the Word as the infallible balance, the ultimate Testimony and the source of unity

186. The role of the Book explained

On Law:

On law: a gift that reawakens the soul; not a mere legal code; more than a deterrence of crime or settlement of dispute; spiritual.

2-5. Significance of the Law, its role and function (“transgress the bounds”, The imagery of the sea, “sweet smelling savour of My garment”, “the choice Wine”)

7. Obedience to the laws, He doeth what He pleaseth, attitude of the true believer

161. Acknowledgement of belief in God, and recognition of His authority enjoined

162. God’s freedom to change the Laws (The principle of freedom and authority of God)

Significance of the Law

On Succession: paras 37, 42, 53, 121, notes: 62,63, 66, 67, 145, 183, 184

42. Endowments for charity (The Guardianship, and its termination, the ministry of the Custodians, the people of Baha, and the timing of the formation of the House of Justice)

53. Unity preserved by reference to sacred Text (The authority of the revealed Text, and its role in preserving unity)

37. Next Manifestation (Continuity of Revelation, and Baha’ullah’s impact on far future)

174. Appointment of the branch (Abdu’l-Baha)

On Prayer

6. Obligatory Prayer ordained, and Qiblih established

8. Text of prayers revealed separately, Prayer for the dead

9. Abrogation of impurities for Prayer, misconceived by the divines

11. Prayer of Signs not obligatory

12. Congregational Prayer abolished except for the dead

13. Exemptions and verse for menstruating women (Ritual impurity abolished)

14. Travellers duties for missed prayers

On Fasting

10. Fasting ordained, age of maturity, exemptions for the weak, ablutions, etc.

16. Fasting Exemptions and Intercalary days

On other Devotional practices

32. Pilgrimage

18. Repetition of the Greatest Name 95 times

149. Commandment to recite the verses of God, its timing, amount and manner

150. Chanting by children in the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar

On Governance:

30. Houses of Justice (Trusted Ones of the Merciful)

181. On the new World Order (On government: democratic; constitutional; agent for justice; based on reward and punishment; kings as vassals of God)

On social organization:

31. Houses of Worship (The central role of Mashriqu’l-Adhkar )

19. Murder, adultery, backbiting, and calumny forbidden

145. Prohibition of unlawful entry and breaking in

159. Carrying of arms restricted, choice of clothing left to one’s discretion (On gun control principles)

160. Development of cities enjoined (On urban development policies, and the use of material means. Refer to the “Prosperity of Mankind” statement from the Baha’i International Community)

177. Disputation concerning the Cause is forbidden

188. Punishment for manslaughter is specified

189. International Auxiliary language is enjoined (Signs of the maturity of the world)

On Economic matters: Inheritance, work:

20-29. Inheritance (Inheritance: Intestacy, Seven classes of heirs, Non-Baha’i heirs, Differences due to Gender, Half-brothers or sisters, Teacher, The Law of primogeniture: the distinctions and duties of the eldest son, Debts, Huququ’llah, and burial expenses)

33. Occupation (work, performed in spirit of Service, is worship)

146. Zakat

147. Prohibition of begging, commandment to work, and care for the disabled

151. Renewal of furnishings after 19 years

On Man’s Nobility and the conditions of our spiritual growth:

17. Call to Action, follow His Standards

34. Repentance, and kissing of hands

36. Humility

35. Arise to serve

38. Arise to serve after the Ascension

Nobility of Man’s Character

Conditions for Our Spiritual Growth: Actions and Intentions

“The very life of all deeds is My good pleasure”

Prohibitions to preserve our nobility:

154. Use of pulpits prohibited

155. Gambling and opium prohibited (On use of gambling money for charity)

190. Use of opium prohibited (On substance abuse and habit forming drugs, On apathy)

On morals:

134. Call to steadfastness

148. Prohibition of conflict and contention, of assault or of saddening others; the golden rule

153. Gentleness and forbearance enjoined (On the proper use of criticism, On the emotion of anger and its management)

166. The example of contrast between Shaykh Muhammad-Hasan and the sifter of wheat (The ultimate example of sincerity)

187. Kindness to animals is enjoined (Animal rights, and the issues relating to their treatment)

On religious intolerance:

144. Commandment to associate with followers of all religions

165. Call to divines not to spread disorder (On the divines, their role, and duties 165-71)

167. Calling on divines not to be attached to any “name” mentioned in Holy books

168. Disputation from Holy books forbidden

169. Divines to gather people to this Cause

170. Example of Karim Khan-i-Kirmani

171. A call to tear the veils

On Education: paras 48, notes 76

163. Doubt decried, constancy praised (On the agitation of doubts and the proper role of inquiry for independent investigation of truth)

173. Praise of the learned ones in Baha (The station of the Hands of the Cause, and other teachers of the Faith, The throbbing artery in the body of mankind)

178. Conditions for understanding the verses of God include detachment, and spiritual insight (On how to gain a deeper understanding of the Word of God)

On Refinement: paras 46, notes 74

152. Washing of feet

To the Babis: paras 175, 176, 178, 179, 180

The Babis and their reaction to the revelation of Baha’u’llah

135. Tribute of the Bab for Baha’u’llah

137. The Qiblih of Bayan

139. Laws of Bayan on marriage conditioned on appearance of Baha’u’llah

140. Establishment of the Baha’i Faith precedes the recognition of the Babi Faith

141. Baha’u’llah’s admonition to the Babis

142. Purpose of the Babi laws

157. Symbolism of the “Great Reversal” and of the “Six” used by Shaykh Ahmad-i-Ahsa’i

164. Of the sorry state of affairs in Kirman and its future (On covenant breaking and the agitation of Azalis)

175. Interpretation of the word “school” spoken of by the Bab

179. The content and purpose of the Bayan

180. Asking of the meaning of Bayan is permitted

184. The most merciful call to repentance for Mirza Yahya, the source of perversion

185. Prayer that the centre of sedition may heed the call

On His arch covenant-breaker (184, 185, 186)

Miscellaneous:

156. On acceptance of invitations to banquets (A culture of celebration and joy)

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Exercises for the Study of the Kitab-i-Aqdas:

Identify all the passages in the Aqdas that refer to the World Order of Baha'u'llah.

Identify all the passages in the Aqdas that abrogate Christian, Islamic, or Babi Laws or other practices.

Which passage anticipates the Guardianship and its discontinuation?

What are the signs of the maturity of the world?

Where are the pilgrimage sites?

What are the differences of Laws for men and women? Which ones are not tied to economy?

Given any passage in the Aqdas, do you know what are in the Notes, in the Questions and Answers, and in the Codification that clarify it?

In the Codification, write the paragraph number in the text of Aqdas relevant to each item.

Can you elaborate on the Codes?

Are there any missing Codes?

Which passages in the Aqdas are most moving?

Which passages do you like to commit to memory? Make you own selection / synopsis of Aqdas.

Which passages in the Aqdas can be shared at a fireside?

According to Aqdas, how do Baha'i teachings differ from Western Liberal Democratic traditions?

Shi'ah Muslims believe in fourteen infallible people. What is the Most Great Infallibility? Comment.

What does Aqdas say about Liberty? Government? Law? Education? Family? Economy? Music? Arts and Sciences? House of Justice?

Do we have separation of Church and State? Freedom of speech? of Action? of thought?

Write a three page article about the Aqdas or some aspect of it.

Which Laws of Aqdas are absolutely unheard of in the past?

Many scientists have expressed the desire to know the Mind of God. Aqdas is the brightest emanation from the Mind of Baha'u'llah. Can you comment on the workings of His Mind?

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Session #2: Paragraphs 1-19:

· Twin duties of man (para. 1)

· Significance of the Law

“transgress the bounds” (para. 2)

The imagery of the sea (para. 2)

“sweet smelling savour of My garment” (para. 4)

“the choice Wine” (para. 5)

· He doeth what He pleaseth (para. 7)

· The Hidden Treasure (para. 15)

· Pen of the Most High (para. 16)

· Prayer

Obligatory, nine rak’ahs, (para. 6)

Qiblih (para. 6)

Of Signs (para. 11)

Congregational (para. 12)

Ritual impurity (para. 13)

Exemptions: Travellers, etc.

· Fasting

Exemptions (para. 16)

Intercalary days (para. 16)

· Naw-Ruz (para. 16)

· Repetition of the Greatest Name (para. 18)

· Murder, adultery, backbiting, and calumny (para. 19)

Brief Content (by para.):

1. Twin duties of man to recognize and obey the Manifestation

2-5. Significance of the Law, its role and function

6. Obligatory Prayer ordained, and Qiblih established

7. Obedience to the laws, He doeth what He pleaseth, attitude of the true believer

8. Text of prayers revealed separately, Prayer for the dead

9. Abrogation of impurities for Prayer, misconceived by the divines

10. Fasting ordained, age of maturity, exemptions for the weak, ablutions, etc.

11. Prayer of Signs not obligatory

12. Congregational Prayer abolished except for the dead

13. Exemptions and verse for menstruating women

14. Travellers duties for missed prayers

15. Revelation of the Hidden Treasure

16. Naw-Ruz, Fasting, Intercalary days, Fasting exemptions

17. Call to Action, follow His Standards

18. Repetition of the Greatest Name 95 times

19. Murder, adultery, backbiting, and calumny forbidden

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Session #3: Paragraphs 20-38:

· Inheritance (20-29)

Intestacy

Seven classes of heirs

Non-Baha’i heirs

Differences due to Gender

Half-brothers or sisters

Teacher

The Law of primogeniture: the distinctions and duties of the eldest son

Debts, Huququ’llah, and burial expenses

· Trusted Ones of the Merciful (30)

· The central role of Mashriqu’l-Adhkar (31)

· The Law of Pilgrimage, and the importance of Holy Places (32)

· Work, performed in spirit of Service, is Worship (33)

· Nobility of Man’s Character (34)

· Conditions for Our Spiritual Growth: Actions and Intentions (36)

· “The very life of all deeds is My good pleasure” (36)

· Our Inner Need to Serve the Cause (35)

· Continuity of Revelation, and Baha’ullah’s impact on far future (37)

· The test of the recognition of the Manifestation (38)

Brief Content (by para.):

20-29. Inheritance

30. Houses of Justice

31. Houses of Worship

32. Pilgrimage

33. Occupation

34. Repentance, and kissing of hands

35. Arise to serve

36. Humility

37. Next Manifestation

38. Arise to serve after the Ascension

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Session #4: Paragraphs 39-57:

· On the drunkenness of evil desires, and the source of bewilderment (39)

· The days of our lives flee away as a breath of wind (40)

· On the ascendancy of the ungodly (40)

· On pride, and the tread of sandals, analogy of Nimrod (41)

· The shrill voice of the Most Exalted Pen (41)

· The Manifestation as the Sun above the All-Glorious Horizon (41)

· The Guardianship, and its termination, the ministry of the Custodians, the people of Baha, and the timing of the formation of the House of Justice (42)

· Of moderation, and a sense of balance (43,44)

· The supremacy of Aqdas, and Baha’u’llah’s own repeal of an earlier injunction (44)

· The cultivation of the sense of shame, as a deterrent for crime (45)

· Laws as means of education and for our protection and exaltation (45)

· On cleanliness and refinement (46)

· The doctrine of the Most Great Infallibility (47): Ishraqat and chapter 45 of Some Answered Questions

· On Education: father’s responsibility for literacy, social responsibility, financial implications, the high station of educators, education of daughters, and role of women (48)

· On sexual immorality and its punishment (49): material and spiritual punishments, for unmarried individuals, 9 mithqal of 19 nakhuds each (~32 grams, or 1 ounce) of gold, geometric progression

· “veils of glory” (50)

· Music as a ladder for the soul (51)

· Men of Justice (52)

· The authority of the revealed Text, and its role in preserving unity (53)

· Arise for the triumph of the Cause (53)

· The transforming power of the Word of God, and the condition of detachment (54,55)

· Feast: gradually institutionalized, not obligatory, social, devotional, and consultative aspects (56)

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Session #4: Paragraphs 39-57:

Brief Content (by para.):

39. The people are asleep

40. Detachment, worldly goods are insecure

41. Pride of the divines

42. Endowments for charity

43. Mourning, the middle way prescribed

44. Hair, moderation enjoined

45. Theft, punishment specified

46. Refinement advocated

47. Most Great Infallibility established for the Manifestation

48. Education enjoined

49. Adultery, punishment specified

50. Call to action

51. Music allowed, purity and moderation enjoined

52. House of Justice, its role and function

53. Unity preserved by reference to sacred Text

54. Arise with Detachment

55. His Grace and Bounty in revealing Himself

56. Assault, punishments will be specified in future

57. Feast, once a month, to increase unity

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Session #5: Paragraphs 58-76:

· The call to unity, and the organic analogy: Be ye as the fingers of one hand (58)

· Baha’u’llah’s motivation: wholly for the sake of God (59)

· Environmental issues of “hunting to excess” (60)

· Protection of His kindred from corruption, and of the society from them, comparison with secular rulers (61)

· On the death penalty, and a harsh punishment for the arsonist (62)

· On marriage, and a fortress for well being, parental consent, dowry, maintenance, and man’s financial responsibilities (63, 65, 66, 67)

· On the mischief-making Self (64)

· On divorce and its conditions, antipathy and year of patience (68, 69, 70)

· On slavery, contention, and adversarial institutions, defining relationships among individuals (72,73)

· On refinement, purity, elegance, and cleanliness (74, 76)

· Abolishing ritual uncleanliness (75)

Brief Content (by para.):

58. Unity enjoined, divisions forbidden

59. Summon for the Sake of God

60. Hunting allowed in moderation

61. Kindred of the Manifestation: kindliness bidden, right to property denied

62. Murder and Arson, punishments specified

63. Marriage prescribed, monogamy established, purpose clarified, maid allowed

64. Piety and fear of God enjoined, Mischief forbidden

65. Parental Consent

66. Dowry

67. Travel by husband: fix return date, 9 months patience

68. Divorce permitted: year of patience, condition of antipathy

69. Divorce during Travel: alimony

70. Maintenance not due when divorce for infidelity

71. Call to virtue

72. Slavery forbidden

73. Goodly deeds enjoined, Contention

74. Refinement enjoined, cleanliness of semen, use clean water

75. Abolishing the concept of Uncleanness, consort will all men

76. Cleanliness: prayers will not ascend, use perfumes,

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Session #6: Paragraphs 77-95:

· On Science, its benefits and limitations (77)

· To the Kings and sovereigns, the lawful rulers of the land, to know their own place, humble themselves, accept the Faith, and to serve it (78-84)

· Address to specific Kings: Emperor of Austria, King of Berlin, and Rulers and Presidents of America (85-88)

· To the Rulers and Presidents of America to “bind ... the broken with the hands of justice, and crush the oppressor...” (88)

· Prophetic statements about Berlin, Constantinople, Tehran, and Khorasan (89-94)

· See additional materials from “ A study of the Tablets of Baha'u'llah to the Kings”

· On Baha’i relations with civic authorities (95)

Brief Content (by para.):

77. Prohibit book-burning, and Study Profitable Sciences

78. Announcement to the kings of the coming of Baha’u’llah

79. Material treasures as a distraction

80. The station of this Day

81. On the revelation of the Most Great Law

82. Commandment to the kings to humble themselves, to accept the Faith, and to serve it

83. On the mission of Baha’u’llah

84. On the station of the king who arises to aid the Cause

85. To the Emperor of Austria, and how he missed his chance

86. To the King of Berlin, on his pride, and the example of Napoleon III

87. On Baha’u’llah’s patience with the kings

88. To the Rulers and Presidents of America

89. Warnings to the people of Constantinople, and to its ruler

90. Prophetic statements about the banks of Rhine

91. Consolation for the people and the land of Tehran

92. Honour for the birth place of Baha’u’llah

93. Promise of peoples power in Tehran

94. Prophecies about the province of Khorasan

95. On obedience to the civil authorities

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Session #7: Paragraphs 96-114:

· The educative and nurturing role of the Law of God (96)

· The spiritual principles motivating the law of huququ’llah (97)

· The principle of gradual implementation of the laws (98)

· The dialectic nature of revelation (98)

· The innate knowledge of the Manifestation (102,103,104)

· Personal understanding versus authoritative interpretation (105)

· Baha’i attitudes towards homosexuality and towards homosexuals (107)

· On sincerity, and public virtues (108)

· The purpose of will for Baha’is (109)

· On Baha’i Holy Days (110, 111, 112)

· On health and healing (113)

Brief Content (by para.):

96. The Law is the source of joy

97. Huququ’llah

98. Manner of the revelation of the Kitab-i-Aqdas

99. The Book of God is the standard

100. The compassionate call of God to the people

101. Baha’u’llah’s claim to insight, and challenge to the clergy

102. The blinding effect of learning

103. The station and knowledge of Baha’u’llah

104. The unlettered One

105. Interpretation of the Word

106. Injunction to cleanliness

107. On homosexuality

108. Muttering sacred verses in public

109. Writing a will

110. The two Most Great Festivals, and Birthdays of the twin Manifestations

111. On Naw-Ruz

112. The Festival of Ridvan

113. Competent physicians

114. Absolution of offering gifts to the Manifestation

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Session #8: Paragraphs 115-133:

· The Institution of Mashriqu’l-Azkar, and the spiritual effect of melodiously reciting the verses of God (115,116)

· On the teachers of the Faith (117)

· On translation of the Holy Word (118)

· On substance abuse and the efficacy of “prohibition” (119)

· On virtues (120)

· On successorship (121)

· On liberty (122-125)

· On continuation of Divine guidance, and the guiding principle of enquiry (126)

· On the calendar (127)

· On burial (128-130)

· On Baha’i Holy Places (133)

Brief Content (by para.):

115. On the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar

116. On chanting

117. Support for the teachers of the Cause, and their reliance on the authentic sacred text

118. Permission to study languages for teaching

119. Prohibition of alcoholic drinks, and other substances

120. On virtues: trustworthiness, fidelity, fear of God, truthfulness, courtesy, and servitude unto God

121. Appointment of Abdu’l-Baha as the source of authority after Baha’u’llah

122. On liberty

123. Animal as the embodiment, and sedition as the consequence of liberty

124. Limits to liberty

125. True liberty and its meaning

126. Permission to ask

127. The number of months in the Baha’i calendar

128. On burial

129. On the inscription for the burial ring

130. On the shroud

131. On the removal of restrictions on travel

132. The call for the acceptance of the Faith

133. Baha’i Holy Places

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Session #9: Paragraphs 134-152:

· Doubts of the unbelievers (134)

· The central role of Him Whom God shall make manifest in the Bayan (135, 136)

· On Qiblih and turning in worship to the Temple of God. Objections raised by clergy to worship of Man, and reply from the Biblical and Quranic story of Satan (137)

· Explanation of statements on exclusivity of religion. Biblical statement of Christ that “I am the way the light and the truth. No man cometh to the Father but through Me”, and the Quranic statement that “No religion is accepted in the sight of God except Islam” (138)

· The intent and nature of Bayanic Laws. The Laws of Babi religion were not intended to be implemented independently from the Cause of Baha’u’llah (139, 142)

· The concept of twin Manifestat