laws of God; of the Kitab-i-Aqdas
Editorial introduction
Observe My commandments, Bahá’u’lláh says, for the love of My beauty: the law is given in the voice of a lover, and its fragrance, He says, can be smelled from His garment. Here they begin with joy, forbidding whatever saddens hearts, and they end in protection: a fortress for the world, a father’s rod of wisdom, a dispensary holding a remedy for every ailment. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas sets two duties side by side, recognising the One who reveals the law and observing what He ordains, and declares them inseparable. From there the questions become concrete: honesty in sustenance, respect for a neighbour’s house and property, the end of holy war, provision for a spouse during a long absence, the Huqúqu’lláh offered freely. Each ruling carries its own history of interpretation and application. The psalmist who begs to understand the statutes so that he may keep them with his whole heart asks for the same delight [1]. The path continues through the twin duties of recognition and obedience, the laws of prayer and fasting, and the law of Huqúqu’lláh.
We have forbidden all that saddeneth hearts, and commanded the people of Baha to do that which bringeth joy to the hearts of all created things. Thus hath the decree been ordained from the presence of Him Who is the All-Wise Commander.
When the Ocean of God's Primal Will turned towards creation and its adornment, and the refinement of souls and their preparation, He ordained the Supreme Pen as His first interpreter and commanded it to promulgate His laws and ordinances. These laws and ordinances have had and shall have no purpose except the preservation of souls, their comfort, education and advancement to the heights of certitude, which are the cause and reason for the prosperity of the world, its security and the perpetuation of existence.
Say: O people! Spread not corruption in the land, and enter not houses save by permission. This is that which ye have been commanded in the Tablets. He, verily, is witness over all things. Beware lest ye wrongfully consume the substance of others.
The obliteration of books, holy war, and the seizure of possessions have all been forbidden in this Revelation. This is a bounty that from the beginning of the world until now hath neither been seen nor manifested.
Then grant them the sweetness of Thy commandments and Thy laws. Know thou with certainty that Thou dost not command anyone save that which benefits him in all the worlds of Thy creation.
If man observes the divine verses with the eye of fairness and reflects, he will find each passage to be the dawning-place of laws. Reflect upon this blessed verse wherein He says: "Accept thou what is easy, and enjoin what is just, and turn away from the ignorant." And likewise He says: "Be generous as God has been generous to thee." All laws and principles that are the cause of the world's order and the nations' tranquility can be deduced and derived from these two blessed verses.
Follow ye My laws for love of My beauty. The souls that have turned to God and are steadfast must act in accordance with whatsoever hath been revealed in God's Book - that is to say, such deeds as cause not the outbreak of sedition and hatred.
How is he enabled to free himself from these vices: He can render this service unto himself and then unto others through the influence of the Divine Law. The Divine Law warns man from falling into these black pitfalls and yawning precipices and frees him from the fetters of self.
But the law of God is the remedy for every ill because divine law derives from the requirements of the realities of things.
Therefore God must establish the law, since law comes from essential relationships that arise from the requirements between things, and the realities of things demand it.
The Law of God is like medicine - the physician treats a person according to what is required, not regretting why he treated the patient differently before. Today there may be bile requiring medicine for bile, tomorrow phlegm requiring medicine for phlegm, and the next day excess blood requiring bloodletting. The skilled physician treats the patient according to their condition and circumstances.
The divine laws and religions are God's dispensary. The remedy for every ailment exists therein. A skilled physician is needed to apply this cure, one who knows when to use these remedies.
The perfect Manifestation commands therefore: Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not give false testimony. Thou shalt not bend the law. Beyond that our Holy Book also forbids so-called holy war (religious war), it forbids separation on the basis of legal impurity.
… The state, religious, administrative and criminal laws of the Kitab-i-Aqdas are all more or less connected to the basic law of the love of one's enemy and of peaceableness.
The subject of law is ancient. Just as God and His creation have always co-existed, so too have humankind and law. At most, the establishment and execution of laws have ever been confined to the limitations of a given era.
I have sent down the measures of all things in the number of the letter Ya of the Unity, that you may be thankful.
Say: All drink by His command from the one Water. God beareth witness that there is none other God but Him. Say: All act, by His leave, according to what God hath ordained in the Faith.
Follow what is revealed unto thee from this glorious Book.
As for what thou didst desire regarding the derivative laws, take all that thou hast understood from Our allusions, and concerning that which thy knowledge encompasseth not, act according to what hath been revealed in the traditions to the utmost degree. We have not neglected anything in the Book.
… As for what you asked about taking certain properties from the believers, both men and women - know that for the fifth (khums) among people, half is the right of the assured believers in this Cause [from the descendants of Hashim] and half is the right of the Imam, peace be upon him.
These ordinances concerning livestock - camels, cattle and sheep - are binding when they graze in open pastures by God's bounty. However, if they are fed by their owner through purchase or other means, no zakat is due on them. If their circumstances vary, the ruling reverts to the days of plenty after scarcity. No zakat is due from the owner of camels and cattle used for working the land according to the Book's ordinance, but otherwise it is obligatory except if one trades with them and profits, and if loss occurs it remains obligatory.
Wearing silk and the use of gold and silver are permitted; congregational prayer is not incumbent.
It is not for anyone to interpret except to take its rulings from the places God has made the repositories of His judgment. God does not accept any deed from anyone except what He has commanded and willed, to the end of the statements.
He is the Lord by Whom His knowledge is strengthened from all things in the heavens and on earth and whatsoever lies between them. He is the Powerful, the Inaccessible, the Guardian, the Self-Subsisting. Were He to desire the heavens and earth, none could grasp what is in His hand through the assistance of a thousand thousand matters until reaching God.
He shineth from the Horizon of the Heaven of true Knowledge with Wisdom and Utterance!
O Hasan! Hearken unto the Call of Husayn Who hath been incarcerated in the Prison Fortress of 'Akka by reason of that which the hands of the heedless have wrought. If one were to question them, "by what reason have ye imprisoned Him?", they would reply: "Verily, He hath come with a new Shariah and this new Shariah doth not accord with the Law under which we have been. To this matter testifieth our Book which is called the Qur'an, a Book that is from God, the Lord of all mankind.
In these days the Most Exalted Pen is occupied at all times, morning and evening, night and day, despite what hath befallen it of tribulations and trials. From the holy heaven the Most Holy Book is being sent down - verily it is God's balance for all who are in the heavens and on earth.
This is not from Me but from Him,' and through verses and clear proofs it is evident that if any fair-minded person were to compare the Kitab-i-Aqdas, which was revealed at the beginning of imprisonment, with the books possessed by the deniers, the radiance of the Word would shine forth like the sun and be proven.
In recent years, a number of the loved ones have inquired about certain divine ordinances. … Therefore the mighty Tablet which is in truth the cause of the order of the world and the life of nations was sent down from the heaven of will.
The Kitab-i-Aqdas, which was sent down from the holy heaven in previous years, remained concealed for a time and He did not command that it be sent to other lands. He stated that the ordinance of Huququ'llah was revealed in that Book, and this was due to God's mercy and kindness, for after the servants became aware of what the All-Merciful had revealed therein, compliance with it would become obligatory upon all. … However, He commanded that no one should request the Huquq. It is prescribed in the Book of God for each soul to pay it of their own accord with the utmost joy and delight.
Concerning what you wrote about someone from Europe who had come seeking to learn of this community's claims, laws and fundamental purpose - this was presented at the Divine Throne. His word, exalted be His majesty: "O physician! The laws were revealed in those days but We did not send them forth - a wisdom from Our presence. It is not permitted that he whom you mentioned in your letter should become acquainted with them, for We see the days in travail. Verily He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. When the time cometh, We shall send them forth in truth as a grace from Our presence to all the worlds.
And in these days the Kitab-i-Aqdas has been revealed from the holy heaven - blessed is he who looks into it and ponders what has been sent down of the verses of his Lord, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.
In these days the Most Holy Book has been sent down from the heaven of the All-Merciful's will. In it is that which brings joy to eyes, gladdens hearts, and causes spirits to soar. Blessed are those souls who gaze upon it with the eye of insight and ponder the sweetness of God's verses and what is concealed therein of the pearls of knowledge and wisdom.
We have revealed in the prison a Book named at the Throne the Most Holy Book, wherein We have laid down the laws and adorned it with the commandments of thy Lord, Who commandeth all in the heavens and earth. Say: O people, hold fast unto it and observe what hath been sent down therein of the wondrous laws of your Lord, the Forgiving, the Generous. It profiteth you in this world and the next, and purifieth you from that which beseemeth you not.
The Most Holy Book hath been sent down from the holy Kingdom and the divine commandments are manifest therein without veil or concealment. All must act according to it.
The Book that abrogates all previous scriptures and books is the Most Holy Book, which is the foundation of the Preserved Tablet of the Covenant, and the Book of the Covenant is its interpreter and expositor.
The laws of Baha'u'llah are the unchangeable, organic laws of the Universal House of Justice. They are the very foundation upon which the structure of additional legislation is built.
Before the dawning of the Sun of divine ordinances, no one bore any obligation, but after Its rising all must hold fast to the cord of His command and act according to that which hath been sent down from the heaven of the Divine Will as a token of grace.
At the beginning of the Cause, God - glorified be His majesty - regarded acceptance alone, for before the revelation of divine ordinances and laws, He revealed and cast forth the Word. Whosoever accepted it without hesitation attained unto all good. But after the heaven of divine decree was raised up and the sun of the Cause shone forth, it became binding and obligatory upon all to hold fast unto it and act according to it.
The implementation of laws should be to a degree that does not cause fear and anxiety and disorder and separation, until such time as the divine Cause is proclaimed. After the proclamation, all the laws of the Kitab-i-Aqdas must be fully implemented.
Concerning the question about shaving the head, which was forbidden in the Kitab-i-Aqdas but commanded in the Surih of Pilgrimage - His exalted Word - all are today bound by the Kitab-i-Aqdas and whatever is revealed therein is the Divine decree amongst the servants, though shaving of the head hath been pardoned for those who visit the House. Today, such actions as do not cause commotion among the people should be performed by all.
However, should anyone venture forth after the supreme prohibition, his deed will never be accepted, and should he enter the Most Great Sanctuary he hath been and shall remain deprived, inasmuch as his harm extendeth to the very Root of the Divine Tree and the Branches of the Lordly Tree.
And as for what thou didst write regarding the transgression of the servants and their rebellion against the bounds of God and their turning away from what was ordained in the Book, write for them a tract on the laws and send it to them, that they may remember and not transgress the bounds of God.
When any laws are abrogated, even though the people may not believe and be convinced, they become ineffective. For instance, consider Ramadan now. In ancient times how firmly established it was! It was so strictly observed that if someone wished to eat even in a hidden place, it was impossible. Even children would fast. Now it has completely disappeared - it is a name without substance.
Concerning what you wrote about the Fast - the Fast remains as it was, that is, the Fast of the Bayan, as explicitly mentioned in the Kitab-i-Aqdas.
Regarding Zakat, We have commanded that they should act as was revealed in the Qur'an.
According to the Command, before detailing the minimum taxable limits of things, they should act according to what was revealed in the Qur'an - meaning that for whatever is subject to zakat, they should act according to what was revealed in the Qur'an.
O thou who art steadfast in the Covenant! Concerning what thou didst write about the Zakat, the Zakat on garden produce is after the deduction of expenses, that is, the garden expenses must be paid, and whatever remains thereafter is subject to Zakat.
At the time of departure from home and spouse, it is incumbent upon every soul to set an appointed time for the journey, and whatever time is set shall be binding and effective. If one returns at the appointed time, then verily he hath fulfilled his promise and followed the command of his Lord. If one does not return at the appointed time due to a specific excuse - that is, if some obstacle prevents return such that one is truly impeded - then one must send word and strive with utmost effort to return. If one does not return at the appointed time and sends no word, then the spouse must wait nine months, after which, if she wishes to take another husband, there is no objection. The maintenance of the spouse during this appointed period must be provided.
Since, however, this matter is connected with the Law of God, this servant cannot breathe a word. For according to the binding injunction of the Book, ere entering upon one's fifteenth year marriage is not permitted.
And as to the question about items found along the way, God's decree is that if they are found in cities and villages, a crier must make one proclamation and inform the people of that city or village. If the owner is found, they shall return it and collect the crier's fee. Otherwise, they shall wait nineteen days. If the owner is not found, it reverts to the finder. And if it occurs in the wilderness, its limit is set at two units in the Book of God.
That which hath been sent down from the heaven of God's Will hath been and shall ever be the cause and means of the progress of the people of the world and the salvation of all therein.
This pertains to the outward realm; in the inward realm, whosoever hath acted according to the divine commandments and held fast to the Most Holy Book which hath been sent down from the holy Kingdom, is reckoned before God as one of the people of the divine presence.
Know thou that We have adorned the heaven of knowledge with the stars of commandments and laws. Blessed is he who hath recognized and acted according to that which was commanded by the Ancient Sender-down.
Then command the people to observe what We have sent down from Our holy dominion in Our Most Holy Book, that they may act according to what hath been revealed therein of the ordinances of thy Lord, the All-Knowing.
Cast the world behind you, then act according to what We have commanded you in Our Most Holy Book. Verily it hath been sent down from the heaven of the Will of your Lord, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.
We counsel you and those women who have believed in God to show forth the Most Great Steadfastness and to act in accordance with what We have sent down in the Most Holy Book. By the life of God! It is verily a perspicuous Book.
Act thou according to what hath been sent down in My Most Holy Book. By My life! It shall profit thee.
And in gratitude for this bounty, which is an effect of the grace of His Holiness the One, you must arise to obey the divine commands and ordinances.
Some have followed the commandments, while others have remained occupied with their own desires and deprived and veiled from that which was ordained by God.
Beware lest ye cast behind your backs the bounds of God. Act ye according to that which ye have been commanded by the True One, the Knower of things unseen.
Through Our laws the edifice of the Cause hath been made firm and every lofty house hath been raised up.
The Supreme Pen hath at all times counseled His loved ones to praiseworthy character and goodly deeds, and hath informed all of the Most Holy Book which hath been sent down from the sacred Kingdom. Blessed is he who holdeth fast unto it and woe unto those who remain veiled from it.
There is no doubt that the divine commandments have ever been the cause of salvation for all peoples. Blessed is the one who hath pondered the divine ordinances and acted upon them.
God willing, the deficient and imperfect souls must become perfect through the loving counsels of those who seek the Ka'bih of their heart's desire, and they must not transgress the divine commandments.
Say: O friends! Know ye the value of the days of the All-Merciful and act according to that which ye have been commanded in the Book.
This is the most exalted station and the most glorious rank, and this greatest bounty and mightiest grace depends on that which hath been revealed in God's Book of commands and laws.
Hold fast unto that which hath been sent down of the laws from the presence of God, the Single, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
Glorified be He Who created all things by His command and ordained the measures of every matter in a Preserved Tablet of might, and established therein the laws of the Cause through the tongue of the Messengers aforetime - and this is a known truth - and commanded them in the Book with that which would draw them near to a most praiseworthy sanctuary of holiness, and forbade them from all that would veil them from the beauty of God, the Mighty, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting.
O 'Abdu'l-Husayn! Hold fast to the Book of God and what hath been sent down therein of laws and ordinances.
I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy Prophets and Messengers that Thou aid me to remember Thee and praise Thee and to act according to that which Thou hast commanded me in Thy Book.
Monday, December 2---Supper. This world is likened unto the ocean; the law and teachings of God is the ship; the mate is the covenant; the Captain is God; and the seashore is the kingdom of Abha.
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
Day and night Abdul-Baha is engaged in the remembrances of the friends, and time after time doth he associate with them and behold their blessed faces. I entreat in the Threshold of the Lord of Existence to confirm them in a befitting manner and assist them to follow wholly the Commands of God!
Life in this world is a succession of tests and achievements, of falling short and of making new spiritual advances. Sometimes the course may seem very hard, but one can witness, again and again, that the soul who steadfastly obeys the law of Baha'u'llah, however hard it may seem, grows spiritually, while the one who compromises with the law for the sake of his own apparent happiness is seen to have been following a chimera: he does not attain the happiness he sought, he retards his spiritual advance and often brings new problems upon himself.
Is not faith but another word for implicit obedience, whole-hearted allegiance, uncompromising adherence to that which we believe is the revealed and express will of God, however perplexing it might first appear, however at variance with the shadowy views, the impotent doctrines, the crude theories, the idle imaginings, the fashionable conceptions of a transient and troublous age? If we are to falter or hesitate, if our love for Him should fail to direct us and keep us within His path, if we desert Divine and emphatic principles, what hope can we any more cherish for healing the ills and sicknesses of this world?
For thought and discussion