A woman in pain gave up the opium she had relied on, and nearly died. Bahá’u’lláh’s reply to that report sets the keynote for everything that follows: the patient must obey a skilled physician, and the preservation of life governs the rule. Seen from there, the prohibitions on opium, wine and the substances that bring torpor to the body are not arbitrary severity but a defence of something precious: the reason with which a human being has been endowed, and which it is inadmissible to consume away. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s language about opium is fierce, a living death that blots the mind and erodes perception, and it is matched by tenderness toward the one who struggles, by prayers for awakening, welcome for a changed life, and forgiveness. Spiritual wine, the intoxication of divine love, stands against the counterfeit, and joy turns out to need a clear mind. The Qur’an, after forbidding intoxicants, names the enmity they sow and the prayer they interrupt, a reminder that habit, relationship and remembrance are bound together [1]. The questions that open from here concern healing in its material and spiritual forms, the companion prohibition of gambling, the humbler matter of smoking, and the mind’s power of discovery that disciplined living sets free.
Regarding what you wrote about one of the handmaidens of God who used opium for pain and who, after the prohibition was declared, abandoned it and nearly perished - the divine decree is that the patient must follow the physician's directions, but the physician must be skilled. In such case, whatever is prescribed must be followed, for the preservation of human life is, in God's sight, greater than any other matter. God, exalted be His glory, hath given precedence to the science of medicine, for in the existence and health of the body lies the obligation to carry out His laws. Thus health was and shall remain of primary importance.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-09-29 [1881-Aug-25], to Ibn Asdaq (Hand of the Cause) et al -- BH00093)
02
It is inadmissible that man, who hath been endowed with reason, should consume that which stealeth it away.
… Gambling and the use of opium have been forbidden unto you. Eschew them both, O people, and be not of those who transgress. Beware of using any substance that induceth sluggishness and torpor in the human temple and inflicteth harm upon the body. We, verily, desire for you naught save what shall profit you, and to this bear witness all created things, had ye but ears to hear.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book), 1290-05-15 [1873-Jul-11] -- BH00001)
03
Concerning opium which you wrote about - the user, buyer and seller are all deprived of divine grace and bounty, and by explicit divine text it is forbidden. … It is forbidden to this degree, unless someone buys and sells it for medical treatment, as used in pharmacies solely for treating illnesses. Prevent and forbid your bedfellow from using opium as much as you can, that perhaps God willing he may become aware and find deliverance from this great calamity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904 ca., to Mulla Yusuf-i-Nakhai (Khusif) -- AB00695)
04
Regarding the cultivation of opium about which you inquired - the cultivation of opium is not permitted except for medical treatment, as it is used in most treatments.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Kamali Sarvistani, Haydar Ali et al -- AB03806)
05
Utmost joy was obtained from the establishment of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, and likewise from the abandonment of opium cultivation and tobacco use, for opium, except in treating known illnesses, causes the destruction of souls and eternal death of man, and likewise from smoking tobacco there is no result or fruit except wasting time and acquiring illness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Haydar Ali Kamali Sarvistani -- AB03683)
06
Say: The use of opium hath been forbidden unto you in God's Book, the All-Commanding, the All-Wise. It harmeth you and benefiteth you not. This is what ye have been commanded, both before and after, through clear verses and manifest proofs. Blessed is he who acteth in accordance with that which he hath been commanded by God, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-09 [1882-Jul], to Siyyid Mihdi Dahaji et al -- BH00050)
07
It is most regrettable that man should allow his desires to lead him away from the divine Will and the binding decree of His Book, and act contrary to His good-pleasure. Take heed, O brethren, and cleave unto God's compassionate counsels and hold fast unto them. This is better for you, did ye but know it.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-10-14 [1889-Jun-13], to Aqa Siyyid Mirza Afnan et al -- BH00350)
08
In the earliest days of arrival in the prison, that which would enlighten those possessed of insight became manifest, namely that the manufacture of opium is not acceptable in the sight of God. Nevertheless, your honor engaged in that which was not permissible. Now must ye cleave unto that which is worthy of acceptance.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307-07-15 [1890-Mar-7], to Haji Siyyid Muhammad Afnan son of Afnan Kabir et al -- BH00236)
09
Reason showeth that smoking opium is a kind of insanity, and experience attesteth that the user is completely cut off from the human kingdom. May God protect all against the perpetration of an act so hideous as this, an act which layeth in ruins the very foundation of what it is to be human, and which causeth the user to be dispossessed for ever and ever. For opium fasteneth on the soul, so that the user's conscience dieth, his mind is blotted away, his perceptions are eroded. It turneth the living into the dead.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lawh-i-Tanzih va Taqdis (=Lawh-i-Dukhan), 1906-Dec-11, to Baha'is of the world -- AB00109)
10
As for the matter of opium - it makes souls lower than dust and more decayed than rotting bones. … You must definitely counsel both friend and stranger and prevent them from this abhorrent deed, for today at the Most Holy Threshold opium use is the greatest of forbidden things.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1901 ca., to Aqa Muhammad Husayn son of Pir-i Rawhani -- AB00532)
11
This is the worst of all intoxicants, and its prohibition is explicitly revealed. … How could anyone seek the fruit of the infernal tree, and by partaking of it, be led to exemplify the qualities of a monster? How could one use this forbidden drug, and thus deprive himself of the blessings of the All-Merciful?
Alcohol consumeth the mind and causeth man to commit acts of absurdity, but this opium, this foul fruit of the infernal tree, and this wicked hashish extinguish the mind, freeze the spirit, petrify the soul, waste the body and leave man frustrated and lost.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Siyyid Asadullah Qumi -- AB01905)
12
As for the matter of drinking wine, this too is forbidden in the Tablets of Baha'u'llah. Surely throughout the world this pressing affliction will ultimately be eliminated through divine assistance and grace.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Feb-27, to Mrs White (Scotland) -- AB03188)
13
As for what thou hast asked about the permissibility of wine - this matter has never been issued from the Most Glorious Pen, for wine dulls the mind.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Ethel J Rosenberg -- AB12196)
14
The eighteenth: Whoso drinketh that which depriveth him of his faculties, upon him shall be incumbent from the Book of God ninety-five mithqals of gold. Never treat your sick with intoxicants, if ye believe in God and His signs.
(The Báb, Bayan-i-Arabi (Arabic Bayan) -- BB00020)
15
It hath been forbidden in the Book for people to smoke tobacco and drink wine, and God hath not placed any healing in them. Those who prescribe them for some people have ruled by the judgment of the Evil One.
(The Báb, Tawqi'a Tahrim Sharb-i-Dukhkhan (in honor of Shaykh 'Ali), unknown (Maku or Chihriq), to Mulla Shaykh 'Ali -- BB00357)
16
It hath been forbidden in the Book to drink wine and smoke tobacco, also opium and wrongful deeds, and intoxicants and whatsoever is not sanctioned by God, and the consumption of all unclean things - how little do ye remember!
For instance, some believe that wine hath ever been and shall remain forbidden. Now, were one to inform them that it might one day be made lawful, they would arise in protest and opposition. In truth, the people of the world have yet not grasped the meaning of "He doeth whatsoever He willeth", nor have they comprehended the significance of Supreme Infallibility. … Supreme Infallibility, as I once heard from His blessed lips, is reserved exclusively to the Manifestations of the Cause of God and the Exponents of His Revelation.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-08-14 [1882-Jul-1], to Mashhadi Baqir et al -- BH00048)
18
Beware lest you exchange the wine of God for your own wine, for it clouds the mind and turns the face away from the face of God, the Mighty, the Wondrous, the Inaccessible. And you must not approach it, for it hath been forbidden unto you by God, the Exalted, the Great.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Ram, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH04606)
19
Be ye intoxicated with the wine of the love of God, not with that which confoundeth your minds, O ye who are devout! It hath been forbidden unto every believing man and woman.
Let them become independent of consciousness-removing wines through the celestial wine and divine attraction, and associate with people in utmost sanctity, purity and detachment.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Jun-02, to Isma'il et al -- AB01210)
21
Man should be intoxicated by gaining increased intelligence, not by that which quenches reason and decreases consciousness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Jun. 1906 -- ABU3394)
22
As for the treatise you have written condemning intoxicants, it is permissible to publish it.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Jul-19, to Agah, Badiullah son of Sirajul-Hukama -- AB01000)
23
The news about the prohibition of opium brought joy and delight.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Oct-12, to Husayn Naraqi -- AB01916)
24
Another subject which was discussed was 'smoking' and 'drinking' because the Druises as a rule are addicted to neither of these two evil habits. Mohamadan history contains many references to these subjects and the Master pointed out that there were in the past ages many temperance Societies and as a result of their activities teetotalers became very numerous. There were many men and women who abstaine[d] totally from all intoxicating drinks and especially from smoking tobacco.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some Druze friends, spoken on 1914-Nov-03 -- ABU1051)
25
As a safeguard against intemperance he does not drink wine or spirits. Baha'u'llah has said it is not good for a sane man to take that which will destroy his health and sense.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU1105)
26
The wise person sees the consequences of matters, not their beginnings. For example, one drinks a cup of wine. Temporarily one feels elation and joy, but does not see the hangover and harm that follows. Gambling is the same way...
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Aug-02 in Haifa -- ABU2055)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
27
Regarding the use of liquor: According to the text of the Book of Aqdas, both light and strong drinks are prohibited. The reason for this prohibition is that alcohol leadeth the mind astray and causeth the weakening of the body. If alcohol were beneficial, it would have been brought into the world by the divine creation and not by the effort of man. Whatever is beneficial for man existeth in creation. Now it hath been proved and is established medically and scientifically that liquor is harmful.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-May-04, to John D Bosch -- AB02266)
28
Abdul Baha said: "Wine is always a dangerous thing to take and no good effects ever come from it. It is man-made and not created by GOD. Had GOD created it, He would have put it into the grapes! Grapes are very good things to eat, especially at this seasons when they are ripe and of fine flavor; but do not touch the wine--that is bad! There is a certain effect from wine, but it is only good while it lasts, and no permanent good could ever come from it.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mr and Mrs Kinney et al, spoken on 1909-Aug-21 -- ABU0941)
29
But they must on no account allow their children to drink wine or alcoholic drinks. Abdul-Baha spoke of the Druses who never drank wine or smoked, and in consequence of this, many diseases were quite unknown to them.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to E.J. Rosenberg et al, spoken in March 1901 -- ABU2199)
30
In reality wine or spirits taken even in moderate quantities does not permanent good. It is like urging a horse to full speed by whipping him. The whip represents the effect of wine on manis body. Wine taken as a medicine for weak people, who have all their lives been used to it, is permitted.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to E.J. Rosenberg et al, spoken around Feb. 1901 -- ABU2766)
31
Divine wisdom is such that one benefits from honey and is harmed by poison, yet man reaches such a state that he becomes so addicted to opium that if he does not consume it he will die - not that these habits were created in him.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. Jan. 1909 -- ABU1547)
32
The major part of their lives is spent in the gratification of the appetites, sensuality, dancing halls and theatres, wine drinking, association with undesirable stratum of the community in which they live and leading an insipid, voluptuous and profligate life, ruinous to themselves and the nations alike.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Persian students, spoken on 1913-Sep-03 -- ABU3095)
33
It is said that at one time a King went out travelling incognito. He put on a humble suite of cloth[es] and started on his way. After a few days journey he lost his way in the scorching desert and finally reached at the door of an Arab tent. The Arab finding the man exhausted from heat and hunger dragged him under the shade. When the King was revived he asked the Arab what he has to eat and drink. "I have a goat-skin of wine and a little goat" the Arab answered. "Very well. Bring the wine and kill the goat to be cooked." he said. The wine was brought. When the King drank one cup he looked at the Arab and said: "Do you know who I am?" "No." "Then you must know that I am a soldier in the King's Army." The Arab was glad to entertain a brave man.
He drank another cup. "Do you know who I am?" "Who are you?" "I am a Minster in the King's Council Chamber." "I am delighted to receive such a distinguished statesman."
A third cup was taken. "Do you know who I am?" "Well?" "I am the King himself."
The Arab could not stand it any longer. He arose from his place and took from him the goat-skin of wine. "Why do you do this?" the guest asked astonished. "Because I believe if you drink another cup you will declare yourself to be the prophet of God and a fifth cup may raise you to the station of God, so it is better for you to cool down a little, to cool down a little."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Aug-05 in Ramleh -- ABU1591)
34
Pray thou God for this (attainment), and I will pray to Him to awaken the two people that they may avoid alcoholic drinks.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909 or <, to Mary Stockard -- AB07837)
35
It is a pity that in the prime of youth he should become addicted to drink. If he gives it up, he will become illumined, spiritual and confirmed by divine favors.
I will always pray: "O God! Protect Thy servants from drinking wine and prevent them from intoxicants. O Lord! Remove this affliction from the face of the earth until no trace of intoxicants remains and no mention of smoking tobacco is heard.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Aug-12, to Carrie C Haines -- AB06945)
36
O thou who art turned unto God! If thou hast abandoned wine which befuddles the mind and consciousness and dulls perception, the Cup-bearer of divine favors will soon give thee to drink of the crimson wine of the love of God, whose intoxication is eternal and everlasting.
Concerning what actually occurred with the opium - He said it was not permissible, but "Verily We have forgiven it, and it is from Us." With such a blessed word, it is not permissible for your honor to be grieved.
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
38
It [A chase and holy life] requires total abstinence from all alcoholic drinks, from opium and from similar habit-forming drugs.
ADJ.030
Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified
39
Baha'is should not use hallucinogenic agents, including LSD, peyote and similar substances, except when prescribed for medical treatment. Neither should they become involved in experiments with such substances.
LG#1184 (11 Nov. 1967 from the Universal House of Justice)
Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified