Equality of women and men: the flight of a shared humanity

And among the teachings of Baha'u'llah is the equality of women and men. The world of humanity has two wings--one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. Not until the world of women becomes equal to the world of men in the acquisition of virtues and perfections, can success and prosperity be attained as they ought to be.

Know thou, O handmaid, that in the sight of Baha, women are accounted the same as men, and God hath created all humankind in His own image, and after His own likeness. That is, men and women alike are the revealers of His names and attributes, and from the spiritual viewpoint there is no difference between them. Whosoever draweth nearer to God, that one is the most favored, whether man or woman. How many a handmaid, ardent and devoted, hath, within the sheltering shade of Baha, proved superior to the men, and surpassed the famous of the earth.

All should know, and in this regard attain the splendours of the sun of certitude, and be illumined thereby: Women and men have been and will always be equal in the sight of God. The Dawning-Place of the Light of God sheddeth its radiance upon all with the same effulgence. Verily God created women for men, and men for women.

It has been objected by some that woman is not equally capable with man and that she is deficient by creation. This is pure imagination. The difference in capability between man and woman is due entirely to opportunity and education.

… The purpose, in brief, is this: that if woman be fully educated and granted her rights, she will attain the capacity for wonderful accomplishments and prove herself the equal of man.

Women have equal rights with men upon earth; in religion and society they are a very important element. As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs.

Lack of equality between man and woman is, likewise, a cause of human dissension. Baha'u'llah has named this as an important factor of discord and separation, for so long as humankind remains unequally divided in right and importance between male and female, no unity can be established. … God has created man and woman equal as to faculties. He has made no distinction between them.

They are the equals of men. Man and wife are partners and life companions and not master and slave.

The Supreme Pen has removed the distinctions between servants and handmaidens, and through perfect grace and all-embracing mercy has established all upon a single plane.

… In this Day the Hand of divine grace hath removed all distinctions. The servants of God and His handmaidens are regarded on the same plane.

He said:

O handmaidens of God! The friends of the Beloved, both men and women, are accounted as leaves and fruits of the Blessed Tree, and all stand equally respected in one rank before the Most Sublime Vision. Distinction appears only through degrees of steadfastness, love, longing and devotion. "Verily, the most honored among you in the sight of God is the most righteous." Through deeds are the stations of women and men made manifest; otherwise all are observed on the same plane, save those souls who have been specifically distinguished by the Most Exalted Pen.

Divine bounty hath ever encompassed and continueth to encompass all - the seeing and the blind, the learned and the ignorant, male and female - all stand in one spot.

Today men and women are seen on the same plane.

O handmaiden of God! The favours of the Kingdom are boundless and limitless, and they are beyond question and vain imagination. Therefore, male and female are one and the same, and men and bridal handmaidens enjoy an equal station. The one who advances more is nearer, and whoever is further enthused, is closer.

In the Kingdom of God, women and men are one and the same. It is incumbent on everyone to summon humanity to turn towards the Most Exalted Horizon and to spread the sweet savours of God.

...In the estimation of God all men are equal. There is no distinction or preference for any soul, in the realm of His justice and equity

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O faithful handmaiden! The light of faith shines radiantly and brilliantly from the brow of every human being, whether man or woman, and "in their faces thou shalt see the brightness of bliss."

In the Torah it is written that God said, "Let us create man in Our image, after Our likeness," and in a tradition of the Prophet Muhammad it is stated: "God created Adam in His image." The meaning of this image is the divine image, that is, man reflects the attributes of God and manifests the qualities of the Lord. … Thus, man is a sign of the All-Merciful, created in the divine image and likeness. This applies generally and is not specific to men excluding women, for in God's sight there is no male and female. Whoever is more perfect is nearer to God, be it man or woman.

Furthermore, in the teachings of Baha'u'llah, as to the qualities of men and women, he declared years ago that man and woman are both human and are the creatures of one God; that in the estimation of God there is no distinction of gender. All were created after His image and likeness. All humanity is verily the image of God, whether male or female.

One of these principles concerns equality between men and women. He declared that as all are created in the image and likeness of the one God, there is no distinction as to sex in the estimation of God. He who is purest in heart, whose knowledge exceeds and who excels in kindness to the servants of God, is nearest and dearest to the Lord, our Creator, irrespective of sex.

In the Orient women were degraded and considered subordinate to man. Bahá’u’lláh proclaimed equality of the sexes—that both man and woman are servants of God before Whom there is no distinction. Whosoever has a pure heart and renders good deeds is nearer to God and the object of His favor—whether man or woman.

In the vegetable and animal kingdoms sex exists in perfect equality and without distinction or invidious estimate. The animal, although inferior to man in intelligence and reason, recognizes sex equality. Why should man, who is endowed with the sense of justice and sensibilities of conscience, be willing that one of the members of the human family should be rated and considered as subordinate? … In past ages humanity has been defective and inefficient because it has been incomplete. War and its ravages have blighted the world; the education of woman will be a mighty step toward its abolition and ending, for she will use her whole influence against war.

The teachings of Baha'u'llah also proclaim equality between man and woman, for He has declared that all are the servants of God and endowed with capacity for the attainment of virtues and bestowals. All are the manifestations of the mercy of the Lord. In the creation of God no distinction obtains.

Another teaching of Baha'u'llah is relative to the equality of men and women. In the human family of God there is no distinction. God is no respecter of gender. The religion of God is one. The human family share in common all the faculties; they share in common all the divine bounties. God has not accredited any difference between the male and the female.

The sixth principle of Baha'u'llah regards the equality of men and women. The male and female of the human kingdom are equal before God. God is no respecter of gender. Whosoever practices more faith, whosoever practices more humanitarianism is nearer to God: but between the male and female there is no innate difference because they share in common all the faculties.

Another teaching is that there shall be perfect equality between men and women. Why should man create a distinction which God does not recognize?

Why do we have inequality of sexes? We all are children of the same father and the same mother.

This is the Day whereon the distinctions of loftiness and lowliness have been abolished. Any soul, whether male or female, who hath turned unto the True One is reckoned as being of the True One, and apart from that is mentioned before the All-Merciful as being among the lost, even if they were of the most exalted in creation.

But in this manifest Cycle, since spiritual power has transcended physical bodies - and the dominion, influence and sovereignty in the human world belong to it - therefore the rule of masculine and feminine has been lifted, and the power and dominion of the spirit have become manifest, establishing equality between men and women. Today there is no difference or distinction in any aspect or condition between males and females; rather, they are on the same level and station with no difference or distinction, except for those who are enkindled with the fire of God's love, are aware of God's mysteries, have arisen to serve God's Cause, herald the appearance of God's Kingdom, manifest spiritual virtues, express divine inspirations, and call to peace, harmony, love, affection, fellowship and unity throughout all lands.

O dust at the threshold of grandeur! Masculinity and femininity pertain to the soul, not to the body - to the heart, not to clay. For these two physical attributes are metaphorical, while their spiritual reality is truth. For we observe that a male person with an elephant-like physique can be as lowly, contemptible and weak as an ant, while behind the veil of chastity and purity, a female can be the epitome of strength and power - the former enslaved by self and passion, the latter noble through reason and restraint; the former sinful and the latter virtuous. Thus it becomes clear and evident that manliness and wisdom belong to the heart, not to water and clay.

Today the handmaidens of God are accounted as men. Blessed are they and joy be unto them!

These handmaidens are accounted as men in the sight of God.

Today, the steadfast and assured maidservants are recorded and mentioned in the Crimson Book above the men.

O handmaiden of God! In this precious age, the century of the mighty and omnipotent Lord, women have placed the crown of men upon their heads, inasmuch as all are gathered on the same plane.

O ye beloved maid-servants of God! In this most wonderful Dispensation God hath clothed the women with a new garment and hath crowned their heads with a glorious diadem - and that is equality between men and women.

The other class, now representing the minority, but which ere long may become the majority, is of the opinion that perfect equality already exists. Those who are of this minority declare, first, that God is just, and justice demands an equal distribution of good gifts. They reason logically that it would be tyranny for God to show partiality, and the Lord is free from tyranny. They declare, secondly, that both man and woman being human all faculties and powers should be shared in common; that since creationally one sex has not been shown preference over the other we should not make a distinction that God has not created.

… It must be admitted that in the past woman has not had the same educational opportunities that man has received, but when she is given equal advantages undoubtedly she will become his peer in knowledge and attainments.

In proclaiming the oneness of mankind He taught that men and women are equal in the sight of God and that there is no distinction to be made between them. The only difference between them now is due to lack of education and training. If woman is given equal opportunity of education, distinction and estimate of inferiority will disappear. The world of humanity has two wings, as it were: One is the female; the other is the male. If one wing be defective, the strong perfect wing will not be capable of flight.

Baha'u'llah destroyed these ideas and proclaimed the equality of man and woman. He made woman respected by commanding that all women be educated, that there be no difference in the education of the two sexes and that man and woman share the same rights. In the estimation of God there is no distinction of sex.

Girls are like boys - there is absolutely no difference. Ignorance in both is blameworthy, and lack of education in both types is repugnant. "Are those who know equal with those who know not?" This command is binding for both groups. In fact, if viewed with true insight, the education and training of girls is more necessary than boys, for these daughters will one day become mothers and nurturers of children.

This is peculiar to the teachings of Baha'u'llah, for all former religious systems placed men above women. Daughters and sons must follow the same form of study and the same education. Having one course of education promotes unity among mankind.

But the children of men are in need of education and civilization, and they require to be polished, till they become bright and shining. Man and woman both should be educated equally and equally regarded.

The seventh principle is the equality of rights for men and women. The education of women must be equal to that of men so that they may advance and achieve the same status as men.

This is the age of woman. She should receive the same education as her brother and enjoy the same privilege; for all souls are equal before God.

The education of women is more important than the education of men, because when women are educated, children also develop in spiritual life.

The girl's education is of more importance today than the boy's, for she is the mother of the future race. It is the duty of all to look after the children. Those without children should, if possible, make themselves responsible for the education of a child.

Ninth, there must be an equality of rights between men and women. Women shall receive an equal privilege of education. This will enable them to qualify and progress in all degrees of occupation and accomplishment. For the world of humanity possesses two wings: man and woman. If one wing remains incapable and defective, it will restrict the power of the other, and full flight will be impossible.

His sixth teaching is the equality of rights between men and women; they must achieve equality of rights so that women may attain all perfections equal to men.

Sex is not particularized to humanity; it exists throughout the animate kingdoms but without distinction or preference. In the vegetable kingdom there is complete equality between male and female of species. Likewise, in the animal plane equality exists; all are under the protection of God. … Woman's lack of progress and proficiency has been due to her need of equal education and opportunity. Had she been allowed this equality, there is no doubt she would be the counterpart of man in ability and capacity. The happiness of mankind will be realized when women and men coordinate and advance equally, for each is the complement and helpmeet of the other.

The realities of things have been revealed in this radiant century, and that which is true must come to the surface. Among these realities is the principle of the equality of man and woman -- equal rights and prerogatives in all things appertaining to humanity. Baha'u'llah declared this reality over fifty years ago. But while this principle of equality is true, it is likewise true that woman must prove her capacity and aptitude, must show forth the evidences of equality. She must become proficient in the arts and sciences and prove by her accomplishments that her abilities and powers have merely been latent.

In Europe and America, women are truly respected but their legitimate rights have not yet reached the degree of perfection, for their education in sciences and arts is not yet complete, and so forth from the divine teachings which are truly the life of the world and humanity today.

You must strive greatly, endeavor in acquiring sciences, exert effort in comprehending the realities of things, and devote boundless energy to human virtues. Know that divine grace encompasses you.

Women will progress when men themselves testify that women are equal to them. There is no need for struggle and contention. After children in school strive and acquire sciences and reach the utmost degree of perfection, everyone testifies that they are perfect - their very deeds testify to their perfection.

If this gathering succeeds and progresses as it should, and they memorize the prophecies, verses and traditions that indicate the rising of the Sun of Truth, and acquire sufficient mastery in presenting proofs - rational arguments for establishing the Divinity and Oneness of God and the prophethood of the Prophets and the guardianship of the holy ones - surely the confirmations of the divine Kingdom will arrive successively, and some pure leaves will so shine forth in the assemblage of the world through explanation, elucidation and presentation of proof that they will adorn the world of women and demonstrate that in this wondrous Dispensation women are equal to men, and in some cases even surpass them.

In this wondrous Dispensation, the favors of the Glorious Lord encompass the handmaidens of the All-Merciful, therefore they must, like men, snatch the ball from the field so it may be proven and established that the penetrating power of the Word of God in this new cycle has made women equal to men, and in the field of tests they seize the ball from the arena.

Most lovingly convey on behalf of `Abdu'l-Baha, the warmest Abha greetings to all the maidservants of God, and say that in this Dispensation, women have assumed the same position as men, nay rather in Europe and America they have even surpassed men in the teaching work as well as in their attraction to the Divine fragrances.

Now in America most of the teachers are maidservants of the Merciful, and they have truly excelled over the men.

Today the women in the West lead the men in the services of the Cause, summon the people under the shade of the Blessed Perfection, and loosen their tongues in eloquent lectures, delivery of wonderful proofs and the elucidation of new arguments.

Without doubt, women's groups are advancing in this age and striving to become equal with men. This is a great intention. If women's groups progress and gain power, they will accomplish many things they are currently unable to do.

O handmaidens of the Court of Unity! The light of truth in this mighty Dispensation has cast its rays upon all, making no distinction between male and female. Women have attained the station of men, and those who were secluded have hastened to the arena of knowledge.

O handmaid of God! The grace and bounty of the Sovereign of existence has reached such a degree that in this Most Great Cycle women have been raised up who, in recognition, certitude, utterance and explanation, have won the palm of victory from men and have been so gathered beneath the all-embracing Word that they have become the manifestation of most wondrous signs. The Glory be upon thee.

O handmaid of God! Glad tidings! For in this divine Cycle women will soon gallop in the arena of men. In America, the clamor of the handmaids of the All-Merciful has shaken the very foundations. Behold what is happening!

O thou leaf who art well assured! In this divine Dispensation, and in this heavenly Age, mankind has become freed from the shackles of the distinction between the feminine and the masculine. The one who exerteth the utmost endeavor, is the one who advanceth and excelleth. How numerous are the men who remained behind [the veil], and how many the women who became the heroines of the field.

Now, in this wondrous Revelation, women have indeed surpassed men, and this limitation hath been removed. All have been accounted with the same station. Whosoever ariseth further, shall obtain a greater share; and the valiant hero who urgeth ahead and hit the polo ball of service, will carry off the prize, and it maketh no difference whether man or woman, whether male or female. The Lord hath exalted the veiled woman above the men, she hath triumphed over the largest of armies, and hath won the leading prize in the fields of ecstasy and delight.

O pure leaf, throughout the dispensations men were the heroes of the battlefield and the valiant members of the army of revolt, but in this great cycle some women will arise who will become the envy of men, and the example to be emulated by the traditional hero, Rustam.

But through the bounties of Baha'u'llah, exalted be His glory, such women are now endowed with a new garment. A crown of bounty hath been placed upon their heads. They have achieved dignity, have become peers of men, and have attained equality.

In this cycle females have the station of males, rather in the West women have achieved superiority over men.

O ye two cherished handmaidens of the Abha Beauty! Although in ancient times the status of women was inferior compared to men, in this glorious Dispensation women are equal to men. Indeed, some of the handmaidens of the All-Merciful have outstripped men in the arena.

In Persia the men surpass the women. In the Kingdom there is no difference. All are good. Praise be to GOD, the Love of GOD is in their hearts! When women progress, some other fact is shown.

Taken in general, women today have a stronger sense of religion than men. The woman's intuition is more correct; she is more receptive and her intelligence is quicker. The day is coming when woman will claim her superiority to man.

… But in the sight of God sex makes no difference. He or she is greatest who is nearest to God.

The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities both of body and mind. But the balance is already shifting; force is losing its dominance, and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy. Hence the new age will be an age less masculine and more permeated with the feminine ideals, or, to speak more exactly, will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more evenly balanced.

After contrasting the general position of the Eastern and the Western women, and then describing how in many respects the Eastern woman has the advantage of her Western sister, Abdu'l-Baha turned and said to the visitor: "Give me your reasons for believing that woman today should have the vote?"

Answer: "I believe that humanity is a divine humanity and that it must rise higher and higher; but it cannot soar with only one wing." Abdu'l-Baha expressed his pleasure at this answer, and smiling, replied: "But what will you do if one wing is stronger than the other?" Answer: "Then we must strengthen the weaker wing, otherwise the flight will always be hampered."

Abdu'l-Baha smiled and asked: "What will you say if I prove to you that the woman is the stronger wing?"

The answer came in the same bright vein: "You will earn my eternal gratitude!" at which all the company made merry.

Abdu'l-Baha then continued more seriously: "The woman is indeed of the greater importance to the race. She has the greater burden and the greater work. Look at the vegetable and the animal worlds. The palm which carries the fruit is the tree most prized by the date grower. The Arab knows that for a long journey the mare has the longest wind. For her greater strength and fierceness, the lioness is more feared by the hunter than the lion.

"The mere size of the brain has been proved to be no measure of superiority. The woman has greater moral courage than the man; she has also special gifts which enable her to govern in moments of danger and crisis. If necessary she can become a warrior."

Question: I have heard that you teach equality of rights between men and women.

… Answer: The equality of rights between men and women is better established in America than elsewhere, and is advancing day by day. However, until complete equality between male and female is achieved in rights, the world of humanity will not make extraordinary progress. Women constitute one important pillar of two mighty pillars and are humanity's first teachers and educators, for mothers are the first teachers of young children. They establish moral character and educate children, who later study in higher schools. Now if the teacher and educator is deficient, how can the one educated become perfect? Therefore, the progress of women brings about the progress of men, hence women must be given complete education so they may reach the level of men.

Humanity is like a bird with its two wings -- the one is male, the other female. Unless both wings are strong and impelled by some common force, the bird cannot fly heavenwards. According to the spirit of this age, women must advance and fulfill their mission in all departments of life, becoming equal to men. They must be on the same level as men and enjoy equal rights. This is my earnest prayer and it is one of the fundamental principles of Baha'u'llah.

And let it be known once more that until woman and man recognize and realize equality, social and political progress here or anywhere will not be possible. For the world of humanity consists of two parts or members: one is woman; the other is man. Until these two members are equal in strength, the oneness of humanity cannot be established, and the happiness and felicity of mankind will not be a reality.

In all questions which concern the welfare of a nation, is not the woman's view as important as the man's, if one would get a just and true consideration of all sides of that question? Therefore I am in favour of votes for women on every subject.

Did anyone previously imagine that women would one day demand equal rights with men and achieve their aim? Now in nine states of America women have gained the right to vote.

The question of the equality of right between male and female is one of the fundamental laws of nature, and it will be realized sooner or later. It is bound to come.

Turning towards the ladies He said with a smile:

I have said in America and Europe that there is only the question of votes in which women have been held back and claim equality with men. In California they even have this right. In all other respects it is men who must demand equality of rights.

Regarding women's suffrage, this is a political issue and I am detached from all political matters, however I will say this much: both men and women are human and are like two wings for the world of humanity. If either of these wings is weak, the bird cannot fly. If both wings are strong, humanity will soar to the highest heaven.

As I have not ample time at my disposal, I will give herein a brief, conclusive and comprehensive answer. It is as follows:

In this Revelation of Baha'u'llah, the women go neck and neck with the men. In no movement will they be left behind. Their rights with men are equal in degree. They will enter all the administrative branches of politics. They will attain in all such a degree as will be considered the very highest station of the world of humanity and will take part in all affairs. Rest ye assured. Do ye not look upon the present conditions; in the not far distant future the world of women will become all-refulgent and all-glorious, For His Holiness Baha'u'llah Hath Willed It so! At the time of elections the right to vote is the inalienable right of women, and the entrance of women into all human departments is an irrefutable and incontrovertible question. No soul can retard or prevent it.

But there are certain matters, the participation in which is not worthy of women. For example, at the time when the community is taking up vigorous defensive measures against the attack of foes, the women are exempt from military engagements. It may so happen that at a given time warlike and savage tribes may furiously attack the body politic with the intention of carrying on a wholesale slaughter of its members; under such a circumstance defense is necessary, but it is the duty of men to organize and execute such defensive measures and not the women -- because their hearts are tender and they cannot endure the sight of the horror of carnage, even if it is for the sake of defense. From such and similar undertakings the women are exempt.

As regards the constitution of the House of Justice, Baha'u'llah addresses the men. He says: "O ye men of the House of Justice!"

But when its members are to be elected, the right which belongs to women, so far as their voting and their voice is concerned, is indisputable. When the women attain to the ultimate degree of progress, then, according to the exigency of the time and place and their great capacity, they shall obtain extraordinary privileges. Be ye confident on these accounts. His Holiness Baha'u'llah has greatly strengthened the cause of women, and the rights and privileges of women is one of the greatest principles of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Rest ye assured! Erelong the days shall come when the men addressing the women, shall say: "Blessed are ye! Blessed are ye! Verily ye are worthy of every gift. Verily ye deserve to adorn your heads with the crown of everlasting glory, because in sciences and arts, in virtues and perfections ye shall become equal to man, and as regards tenderness of heart and the abundance of mercy and sympathy ye are superior."

Convey unto my heavenly daughter, thy honoured mother, and likewise unto my dear daughter, thy honoured sister, and likewise unto my dear daughter, Vardiyyih Khanum, the most wondrous Abha greeting. Say unto the steadfast handmaid of God, Miss Ruzih: "This answer is for both thee and Parvin Khanum." And upon thee be the glory of the All-Glorious.

Among them is the equality of men and women, with some exceptions in certain matters.

Equality of men and women, except in some negligible instances, has been fully and categorically announced. Distinctions have been utterly removed.

O handmaiden of God! In this mighty Dispensation women are accounted the same as men except in some negligible circumstances.

Q. I see that in his tablet to Ex-Governor Sulzer the Master says that the Universal Arbitration Tribunal will consist of the best men and women of the different countries. Will women in the future sit in the Beit-ul-Adl also?

Abdul Baha: Men and women are equal in this respect, with the condition that women should reach to the degree of men. As yet they have not reached this state. They will become members of the Beit-ul-Adl in the future. The time will come when women will reach the degree of men (as regards education). Then they will be equal.

In this new meeting, especially for the establishment of the Temple, ladies are also to be members.

In the olden time, it was not possible for women to sit at table in equality with the men, but in this Day it is different, and the change has been largely brought about by the position given to women in free America. It is the power of Baha'u'llah that made it possible for these American women to sit at this Table with these pilgrims. This is to show that in the Kingdom of Abha there will be equality established between women and men. They are equal.

In the East it was prohibited for men and women to assemble in the same room. However in this Dispensation, the women have the same rank as men, and there is not the least difference between the two.

God has created man and wife as one, and perfect unity is established when these two are considered as one.

And further ... man and woman should truly be friends and should be in sympathy with each other. Their understanding should have a basis in reality and not be based upon passion and desire. In the latter case, they might live together for a few years, but afterwards, differences may arise... Each should seek to comfort and assist the other...

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Indeed, it is true that if women had influence, the fire of this war would not have been ignited. If the women of Europe generally and the women of America collectively had the right to vote in all states, they certainly would not have agreed to war.

The Baha'is must be the servants of universal Peace, the workers for the Cause of the Oneness of the world of humanity, the spreaders of heavenly Love amongst the children of men, the promulgators of the principles of the progress of mankind, the dispellers of the clouds of religious, national, patriotic and political prejudices and the upholders of the inviolable rights of equality between men and women.

Yet another of the teachings of Baha'u'llah is the equality of men and women and their equal sharing in all rights. And there are many similar principles. It hath now become evident that these teachings are the very life and soul of the world.

First is the independent investigation of truth, second is the oneness of humanity, third is that religion must be the cause of love and fellowship - if it is not the cause of love and fellowship it has no purpose, fourth is that religion must accord with science, fifth that religious prejudice, sectarian prejudice, racial prejudice and national prejudice destroy the foundation of humanity - all people are God's sheep and of one race and the earth is one homeland, sixth that one must be free of all imitations and hold fast to the foundation of divine religions, seventh is unity of language - one language must be chosen or newly invented that will be universal so that misunderstandings between religions and races and nations will disappear, and likewise the equality of men and women, and likewise the spread of sciences and knowledge, and likewise the union of women and men among all religions and nations, and likewise justice and equity, and likewise political unity and so forth.

My message is the oneness of humanity and universal peace; the harmony of true science and religion; the equality of rights; the elimination of religious, racial and political prejudices; the truth of all the divine religions; the removal of religious imitations and superstitions; the education of women to such a degree that they may have equal rights with men; the adjustment of the economic condition of all people so that if a rich man enjoys honor and affluence, the poor man may also have a mat to lie on and a house to dwell in; the establishment of spiritual civilization; the reformation of human morals; the unity of all religions, so that when the people of the world recognize the truth of all religions, they may become united since truth is one - if they follow imitation, war and dissension shall remain, because imitations are the cause of differences.

Similarly, he speaks with rational proofs and arguments about the oneness of humanity, the harmony of religion with reason and science, the promotion of universal peace, East-West relations, the falsity of religious prejudice, the censure of national and racial prejudice, the reproach of political prejudice, equality of rights between men and women, advancement of true sciences and knowledge, reconciliation between natural and divine philosophy, and the spirituality of the human world.

They establish the equality of both sexes and propound economic principles which are for the happiness of individuals.

Seventh, unity between men and women and equality of rights.

Sixth is equality between men and women, and so forth.

The fifth teaching of Baha'u'llah is that there must be equality between women and men.

Another teaching establishes the equality of both sexes for the world of Humanity has two wings, one is the male sex and the other the female. Not until both wings are equally strong will the world of humanity be able to soar upon these wings and attain unto success and prosperity.

For the world of humanity has two wings - one male and one female. If one wing is weak, the bird cannot fly. When both wings gain strength, then it can soar.

5 - Equality of the sexes, for mankind has two wings, male and female. When one of them is weaker than the other, the bird can not fly, and it is only when both wings have equal power that the bird can fly. Therefore when both do not have equal power, mankind can never prosper.

"Baha'u'llah declares the absolute equality of the sexes. The male and female in the mineral, vegetable and animal kingdoms share alike the material bestowals. Why should there be a difference in the human kingdom? Verily, they are equal before God, for so he created them. Why should woman be deprived of exercising the fullest opportunities offered by life?

In the sight of the Heavenly Father all are equal. The religion of God is for the equalization of rights and not for the gradation of classes and the distribution of privileges. The religion of God is the leveller of all social inequalities and the destroyer of sacerdotal distinctions.

He establishes the equality of man and woman. This is peculiar to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, for all other religions have placed man above woman.

Praise be to God that over fifty years ago, the principle of Baha'u'llah was revealed; that women should have equal rights with men. He revealed this principle when no one else had thought of it.

One of the teachings of Baha'u'llah is equality of rights for men and women. When He promulgated this principle in the Orient, the people were astonished.

Women used to be oppressed in the Orient. They were in every respect humiliated. They were deprived of the opportunity to gain knowledge. They could not study science or art, and in politics they had no voice at all. Men did not consider them their equal. Baha'u'llah announced that women have the same right as men. He uplifted their conditions. He said, "The world of humanity has two wings, the one is man, the other woman."

In all the former dispensations, men were considered superior to women. Women were lower than men; nay, rather during some of the past ages women were made captives of men. For example during the Mosaic dispensation women were captives of men, but in the dispensation of Baha'u'llah, His Bestowals have made men and women equal. He caused the people to put into active practice this social equality and declared that the women in this age shall make extraordinary advancement and they shall reach to such a degree, that no difference will be left between men and women.

Unlike its Mohammedan neighbor, it teaches the equality of man and woman. "The world of humanity has two wings," is Abdul-Baha's view, "man and woman. If one wing is weak then the bird cannot fly."

From the moment Baha'u'llah appeared, this changed. He did away with the idea of distinction between the sexes, proclaiming them equal in every capacity.

Although in the Dispensation of the Furqan (Qur'an) women were considered the weaker sex and received few rights - "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women" was revealed and "To the male the equivalent of the portion of two females" was sent down - yet the people of the Furqan went beyond bounds and exceeded all limits, such that poor women became captives and like purchased slaves.

But praise be to God, in this divine Dispensation of justice such a pavilion and tent has been raised at the pole of the horizons that women have become equal sharers and partners with men in all rights, and they have raised the banner of "How many women kept in seclusion and behind veils have surpassed men!"

O assured leaf! In every Dispensation men had a greater share and portion from the ocean of divine bounties, and "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women" was evident. However, in this Most Great Dispensation, which is one of justice and equality, the closest and then the next closest are equal.

I am the founder and promoter of women's freedom.

The emancipation of women is one of the pillars of the Cause of God; it is for this reason I sent the blessed leaf Ruha to Paris and London and the maidservants of God Zinat and Qudsiyyih to America, that they might become role models for the women of the East.

… For the present, however, thy daughters must speak with moderation concerning the emancipation of women in Europe. They must not appear strident, for stridency bringeth about other harms. One's speech must be mild.

Regarding the matter of women seeking rights, this too is among the distinctive features of the teachings of Baha'u'llah, but this must be sought through the acquisition of perfections, the advancement of thoughts, the development of minds and souls, and divine spiritual power - not through impolite actions.

Women must educate themselves and strive to acquire virtues. Moreover, they must win their rights through education, and not by force or obstruction, for it befits the wise to seek equality through prudent and educative means. Indeed, the wise seek to secure their rights through the acquisition of virtues, while the ignorant attempt to do this through compulsion. For instance, when a child reaches the age of adolescence, all testify to his growth and maturity.

Regarding women's liberation, a detailed confidential letter was written to you. Now observe how it was the essence of wisdom, otherwise the followers of Yahya along with the Ja'fari committee and others would have raised the banner of corruption during Ramadan and Muharram, and their cries of woe would have reached the vault of heaven.

The talks which were given about the 'rights of women', praise be to God, now their signs have appeared!

O cherished handmaiden of God! In this mighty Dispensation and ancient and living Cycle, women have been distinguished by such a bounty that they have become equal to men.

O maidservants of God, nowadays, in the countries of the West and America there are disagreements and quarrels between men and women. Men say that because women are weak and feeble in powers, and men are active in the field, therefore in existence women cannot be counted the same as men. But women clam: "We are equal with men in all the powers and in intelligence and understanding. There is no difference. We are all human beings and of humankind. What is the reason for this distinction? Nay this thought is tyranny and transgression.

His Holiness the Blessed Perfection has raised the station of woman and hath glorified her before the eyes of all the world. On her head He hath placed the crown of the Everlasting Glory, and in her hand He hath put the scepter of equality.

Despite this, both sides became supplicant and praised His blessed address, for His blessed speech and utterance concerned peace and reconciliation, the happiness and unity of humanity, explanation of divine teachings, and the necessity of education and refinement of women's manners and morals to such a degree that they would gain the capacity and worthiness for equality of rights with men.

With regard to the status of women, the important point for Baha'is to remember is that in the face of the categorical pronouncements in Baha'i Scripture establishing the equality of men and women, the ineligibility of women for membership on the Universal House of Justice does not constitute evidence of the superiority of men over women. It must also be borne in mind that women are not excluded from any other international institution of the Faith. They are found among the ranks of the Hands of the Cause. They serve as members of the International Teaching Center and as Continental Counsellors. And, there is nothing in the text to preclude the participation of women in such future international bodies as the Supreme Tribunal.

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All are the creatures of God and He has created them after His form and likeness; that is to say, after the form and likeness of the Manifestations of His names and His attributes. From the spiritual point of view, therefore, there is no difference between women and men.

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In former ages, men enjoyed ascendancy over women because bodily might reigned supreme and the spirit was subject to its dominion. In this radiant age, however, since the power of the spirit hath transcended that of the body and assumed its ascendancy, authority and dominion over the human world, this physical distinction hath ceased to be of consequence; and, as the sway and influence of the spirit have become apparent, women have come to be the full equals of men. Today, therefore, there is no respect or circumstance in which a person's sex provideth grounds for the exercise of either discrimination or favour.

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The emancipation of women, the achievement of full equality between the sexes, is one of the most important, though less acknowledged prerequisites of peace. The denial of such equality perpetrates an injustice against one half of the world's population and promotes in men harmful attitudes and habits that are carried from the family to the workplace, to political life, and ultimately to international relations. There are no grounds, moral, practical, or biological, upon which such denial can be justified. Only as women are welcomed into full partnership in all fields of human endeavour will the moral and psychological climate be created in which international peace can emerge.

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