Beyond prejudice: fairness, fellowship, and the work of equality

prejudice; racial prejudice; class distinction

106 selections · 104 reading entries · Current subject view ↗

Editorial introduction

Prejudice begins small, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá observes: a few people say something hateful with a fragment of truth in it, the story spreads, the circle widens, and soon there is a schism. From that ordinary beginning come estrangement between races and religions and countries laid waste. He answers with two plain measures. The first is fairness, praised whether it comes from a neighbour or a stranger, since a well-wishing stranger is worth more than an ignorant acquaintance. The second is delight in difference: a garden of one colour has no beauty, and doves and sheep, black and white, never quarrel over their hue. Yet goodwill alone does not uproot what has grown for generations, and the guidance that follows asks a community to examine its own condescension, protect its minorities, and act together. James, watching a gathering honour a rich visitor and seat a poor one on the floor, makes the same test concrete ^[1]. The road continues into blind imitation, into race unity and love of country, and into the oneness of humanity that gives every effort its reason.

Selected passages

Back to subject Questions for reflection ↓Preparing fonts…

Take prejudice how it grows. First a few people say something hateful about a person and generally there is a fragment of truth in what they say. The story grows, is spread, the circle widens, discussions are indulged in inharmony, schism takes place - what a waste of precious time that could and should be used for constructive work.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Marie Watson et al in Aug. 1921 -- ABU3199)

O friends of God! Religious prejudices, political prejudices, racial prejudices and national prejudices are destructive to the world of humanity. Justice is to be praised and cherished, whether it comes from a native of the country or from a stranger. A well-wishing stranger is better than an ignorant acquaintance. The world of humanity must be wholly delivered from the delusions of prejudice.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Jan-17, to Baha'is of the United States -- AB12107)

These differences of color are in truth an adornment. If all flowers in a garden were of one color, what fragrance would it have? But if you see a garden where flowers of different colors have bloomed, it appears supremely delicate and beautiful to behold. Likewise if the human world were of one color what distinction would it possess? But differences of color are the cause of the manifestation of the power of the All-Merciful.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jan-09, to Anna E Van Blarcom -- AB02583)

In fact numerous points of partnership and agreement exist between the two races; whereas the one point of distinction is that of color. Shall this, the least of all distinctions, be allowed to separate you as races and individuals? In physical bodies, in the law of growth, in sense endowment, intelligence, patriotism, language, citizenship, civilization and religion you are one and the same. A single point of distinction exists -- that of racial color. God is not pleased with -- neither should any reasonable or intelligent man be willing to recognize -- inequality in the races because of this distinction.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Hull House on 1912-Apr-30 -- ABU0627)

All these in the presence of God are equal; they are of one race and creation; God did not make these divisions. These distinctions have had their origin in man himself. Therefore, as they are against the plan and purpose of reality, they are false and imaginary.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Church of the Messiah on 1912-Sep-01 -- ABU0052)

For instance, racial differences are imaginary, yet see how influential they are. Though all are human beings, some are called Slavs, some German, some Chinese, some French, some English. Now these racial differences are purely imaginary, yet how powerful their influence! While the reality is that all are one and all are human - this is truth - yet this truth has no effect. But racial differences, which are imaginary and unreal, hold sway.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Aug-03 in Haifa -- ABU0359)

Humankind is one and the human race is one, but ignorance has brought about differences and opposition. Consider how ignorant man is to be captive to these prejudices. For instance, one prejudice is racial prejudice: "What kind of people are the Germans? What kind of people are the English? What race are the French?" and so forth. Yet all are descendants of Adam and of one family - there is no doubt they are of one race and children of one Adam. Therefore this notion of racial differences is pure fantasy.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Minneapolis synagogue in Minneapolis, 1912-Sep-18 -- ABU0032)

It is strange that man hath made colour a means of strife. Between the white and the black there is the utmost estrangement and discord.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Thomas Maxwell -- AB02243)

There was a colored pugilist, Jack Johnson who defeated in an athletic fight a white man. This created much resentment against the colored race. In reality we are all the servants of God. We are all his children, whether white or black. These color lines are mere superstitions. They are the phantasmal shadows of a prejudiced mind. They have no foundation.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Feb-16 in Paris -- ABU2091)

What does it matter if the skin of a man is black, white, yellow, pink, or green? In this respect the animals show more intelligence than man. Black sheep and white sheep, white doves and blue do not quarrel because of difference of colour.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. 1912 in the United States -- ABU3379)

Differences which are only those of blood also cause them to destroy and kill one another. Alas! that this should still be so. Let us look rather at the beauty in diversity, the beauty of harmony, and learn a lesson from the vegetable creation.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Oct-28 in Paris -- ABU0491)

Hatred is not so much the cause of separation now as it used to be; the cause of disunion now is mostly prejudice.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU1638)

And the breeding-ground of all these tragedies is prejudice: prejudice of race and nation, of religion, of political opinion; and the root cause of prejudice is blind imitation of the past -- imitation in religion, in racial attitudes, in national bias, in politics. So long as this aping of the past persisteth, just so long will the foundations of the social order be blown to the four winds, just so long will humanity be continually exposed to direst peril.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Jan-28, to Rasmussen, Captain et al -- AB00197)

We must not allow our love for any one religion or any one personality to so blind our eyes that we become fettered by superstition!

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Nov-10 in Paris -- ABU0282)

We must not entertain prejudice, for prejudice is an obstacle to realization. Inasmuch as the effulgence is one effulgence, the human realities must all become recipients of the same light, recognizing in it the compelling force that unites them in its illumination.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at All Saints Unitarian Church on 1912-Apr-26 -- ABU0196)

If we harbor prejudice, it will be the cause of deprivation and ignorance.
The strife between religions, nations and races arises from misunderstanding.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Metropolitan Temple on 1912-May-28 -- ABU0149)

Is there anyone who will abandon prejudice and look with the eye of fairness? Nay, by My life! None shall attain thereunto save honored servants who have rent asunder the veils in the name of God, the Lord of Names, and have arisen among the people with this all-compelling Remembrance of what was and what is to come.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290-05 [1873-Jun] -- BH01262)

Religion must remove prejudice; if it does not eliminate prejudice, it is not religion, for religion is the following of truth. … Therefore we must abandon racial, national, political and religious prejudices and investigate truth, for these prejudices cause differences among humanity. This prejudice causes blood to be shed. This prejudice causes helpless mothers to cry and wail over the death of their children. This prejudice causes fathers to become sonless. This prejudice causes the countries of the world to be laid waste. This prejudice has caused and continues to cause the world's turmoil.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address at Theosophical Society of Paris, 1911-Dec-06 [sic] -- ABU0031)

The chief cause is the misrepresentation of religion by the religious leaders and teachers. They teach their followers to believe that their own form of religion is the only one pleasing to God, and that followers of any other persuasion are condemned by the All-Loving Father and deprived of His Mercy and Grace. Hence arise among the peoples, disapproval, contempt, disputes and hatred.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Dreyfus home in Paris, 1911-Oct-27 -- ABU0072)

One of the forms of prejudice which afflict the world of mankind is religious bigotry and fanaticism. When this hatred burns in human hearts, it becomes the cause of revolution, destruction, abasement of humankind and deprivation of the mercy of God. For the holy Manifestations and divine Founders of religion Themselves were completely unified in love and agreement, whereas Their followers are characterized by bitter antagonism and attitudes of hostility toward each other.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Second Divine Science Church on 1912-Sep-25 -- ABU0057)

And soon these prejudices and rotten traditions will pass away for these traditions and superstitions are the cause of difference and strife. They have no connection to divine religion - they are human inventions, not the foundation of the divine Manifestations. The foundation of divine religions is sanctified and free from these superstitions, especially in this luminous age when most have realized that these superstitions are fruitless and harmful to the comfort and ease of humanity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jan-05 in London -- ABU0704)

The hatred between nations was such that they considered each other unclean. If a Jew entered a Muslim's house, they would make him sit on the ground considering him unclean, and if he drank from a cup, they would either break it or wash it repeatedly.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Jun-27, to Mr Phillips, Sec'y of World Peace Conf -- AB01148)

For two thousand years this enmity and religious prejudice have continued. Blood has been shed, ordeals have been suffered. These few words will remedy the difficulty and unite two great religions.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at 8th St Temple Synagogue on 1912-Nov-08 -- ABU0002)

Praise be to God, that your churches are free from prejudices. They are not so creed-bound as not to be able to breathe. Many Christian churches in Europe are yet extremely dogmatic.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Bishop Birch, spoken at Hotel Ansonia on 1912-Apr-17 -- ABU1353)

How long, how long, these prejudices? How long this dogmatic superiority?

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a Mohammedan Sheikh, spoken on 1913-Dec-16 -- ABU2352)

The sphere of their thoughts is very contracted, and although there are some acute thinkers and practical reformers in their midst, the mass of the community frowns on any suggestions or rules which change in the slightest degree their mode of living.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to an Indian Muslim prince, spoken on 1914-Jan-18 -- ABU2359)

The basic reason for this slaughter is the division between religions - each sect considering the religion of others as barbarous and each deeming it a most sacred trust to shed the blood of the infidels.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU1199)

Certain religious teachers, however, think only of their creeds. They believe a holy war can conquer the world. They reason thus: "All the other religious teachers are in error and I am obliged to chastise them and show them their mistakes for their own salvation."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU1348)

Misinterpreting the divine commands, men have acquired prejudices and on these prejudices they have waged religious wars and caused bloodshed. Behold what is happening to-day! Men are killing their brothers, believing this to be the cause of salvation, believing that such work is approved by God, believing that those whom they kill will be sent to hell.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU1723)

They needlessly drove these helpless ones away from here; at the very least they could have educated the girls. Although they are prejudiced and constantly teach prayers to the children, this is due to ignorance. They are better than others who render no service at all...

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Jul-15 in Haifa -- ABU2041)

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

Darkness brooded over the horizon of the Orient; foul clouds of ignorance hid the sky; religious prejudice prevailed. The peoples of the Orient were as though submerged in a sea of blind dogma and tradition. The votaries of the different religions hated each other; they never associated with each other in the same building. Had they done so, they would have considered themselves contaminated ...

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to Outlook Tower society at Rainy Hall, New College, The Mound, on 8 Jan. 1913 -- ABU2365)

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

Why should dissension exist among them? The surface of the earth is one native land, and that native land was provided for all. God has not set these boundaries and race limitations. Why should imaginary barriers which God has not originally destined be made a cause of contention?

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at All Souls Church on 1912-May-05 -- ABU0137)

Wars between peoples have always, from the beginning of history until now, sprung either from religious prejudice, racial prejudice, patriotic prejudice or political prejudice - while all these prejudices are mere illusion, for religion is the foundation of fellowship and love, humanity is one species and one family, and the earth is one homeland. Therefore all these wars and bloodsheds arise entirely from prejudice.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address at Turanian Society of Budapest, Budapest, 1913-Apr-14 -- ABU0028)

All differences, wars, conflicts and bloodshed are caused by this prejudice. Every war you see is either caused by religious prejudice, racial prejudice, national prejudice or political prejudice.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Nov-13 in Paris -- ABU0285)

Therefore, I greatly desired to speak among them so that, God willing, the peoples of the East and West might unite with one another, and that these prejudices--religious, national, sectarian, political, and racial--might vanish from among humanity. Every form of prejudice is destructive to the edifice of humanity.
When we look at history, we observe that from the beginning of the world until this day, thousands of wars and conflicts have occurred, and every bloodshed that has taken place has stemmed from prejudice.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Japanese YMCA meeting on 1912-Oct-07 -- ABU0039)

Baha'u'llah also taught that prejudices -- whether religious, racial, patriotic or political -- are destructive to the foundations of human development. Prejudices of any kind are the destroyers of human happiness and welfare. Until they are dispelled, the advancement of the world of humanity is not possible; yet racial, religious and national biases are observed everywhere.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given in Baptist Temple on 1912-Jun-08 -- ABU0007)

He pronounced prejudice -- whether religious, racial, patriotic, political -- the destroyer of the body politic. He said that man must recognize the oneness of humanity, for all in origin belong to the same household, and all are servants of the same God.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address at New York Peace Society reception, spoken at Hotel Astor on 1912-May-13 -- ABU0186)

Prejudices of all kinds -- whether religious, racial, patriotic or political -- are destructive of divine foundations in man. All the warfare and bloodshed in human history have been the outcome of prejudice.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Metaphysical Club on 1912-Aug-27 -- ABU0024)

All the divisions in the world, hatred, war and bloodshed, are caused by one or other of these prejudices.
The whole world must be looked upon as one single country, all the nations as one nation, all men as belonging to one race.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Theosophical Society in Paris, Nov. 1911 -- ABU0091)

The causes of disputes among different nations are always due to one of the following classes of prejudices:
(a) Racial, language.
(b) Theological.
(c) Personal.
(d) "Beliefs," customs, traditions.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU2075)

The Master addressed some socialists, saying:
Baha'u'llah delivered us from all prejudices. It is prejudice that destroys the world. Every enmity, war, misunderstanding and suffering that has ever occurred in this world has been from either religious, patriotic, racial or political prejudice. Prejudice is contemptible and injurious in whatever form it may be.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to various people, spoken at Hotel Plaza on 1912-Nov-01 -- ABU0319)

The wise ones among the nations will gather to investigate the cause, and will become aware that the cause of bloodshed is prejudices, the most severe of which is religious prejudice.

(Bahá’u’lláh, to words to Varqa the martyr -- BHU0024)

It is due to prejudice that homes are destroyed. It is due to prejudice that blood is shed. It is due to prejudice that the parties and nations of the world detest each other.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jan-19 in London -- ABU1158)

O respected person! Your letter was received. Praise be to God, it indicated that a luminous gathering has been established in Budapest, and blessed souls have attended and discussions that yield eternal results have taken place. It is certain that this assembly will receive the rays of the Sun of Truth and will be confirmed by heavenly power, and universal benefits will result from it, for the foundation of this assembly is the oneness of the world of humanity, and its system is love between all people, and its principles are the abandonment of racial, religious, denominational, national and political prejudices, for all these prejudices are delusions.
These prejudices are bloodthirsty and destroy the edifice of humanity, and are the cause of hatred and animosity and the spilling of men's blood and the captivity of women and the orphaning of children and the destruction of countries and the displacement of great multitudes, as occurred in the Balkans. Consider that surely one million souls became scattered, homeless and wandering, and their dear youth rolled in blood, and their women and children perished. How many prosperous cities were buried and how many villages were completely destroyed.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Nov-13, to Mr. Stark -- AB00737)

Racial prejudices and commercial rivalries have assumed such a monstrous aspect that the peoples of the world goaded by their superiors have taken arms against each other...

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1915-Apr-20 -- ABU1626)

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

If the races do not come to an agreement, there can be no question or doubt of bloodshed. When I was in America, I told the white and colored people that it was incumbent upon them to be united or else there would be the shedding of blood. I did not say more than this so that they might not be saddened. But, indeed, there is a greater danger than only the shedding of blood. It is the destruction of America.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Dr. Zia Bagdadi, spoken on 1920-Apr-06 -- ABU2309)

Religious prejudices from one side, the darkness of racial fanaticism from another, political prejudices from another side, ignorant prejudices from another side, self-attachment and personal interests and motives-all these have made the horizons of the East darker than night.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Albert Vail, spoken on 1919-Nov-23 -- ABU2255)

For the darkness of ignorance and religious prejudices and racial prejudices and ideological prejudices have encompassed the world and thrown the human world into disarray and separated mankind from one another.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Mar ca., to Lua Getsinger -- AB03990)

It is the wish of our heavenly Father that every heart should rejoice and be filled with happiness, that we should live together in felicity and joy. The obstacle to human happiness is racial or religious prejudice, the competitive struggle for existence and inhumanity toward each other.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Baha'is, spoken on board the SS Celtic in harbor, 1912-Dec-05 -- ABU0270)

Among the teachings of Baha'u'llah is that religious prejudice, racial prejudice, national prejudice, and political prejudice are destructive to human foundations. Until mankind becomes free of these vain imaginings, the world will find no rest or tranquility.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Jan-27, to Hand of the Cause Ali Muhammad Ibn Asdaq -- AB00088)

Again from among His Teachings is that religious, racial, worldly and political fanaticisms destroy the foundation of Humanity. As long these superstitions exist, the world of Humanity although outwardly civilized yet in reality will be savagery incarnate and strife and war, dispute and wrangling will be interminable.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Aug-26, to George Anzelin -- AB00374)

Fifth is that religious prejudice, racial prejudice, national prejudice, political prejudice destroy the foundation of humanity and cause the wrath and anger of God.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Hishmatullah (London and Bombay) -- AB01118)

We serve the world of morals and we consider religious prejudice, racial prejudice, political prejudice, and even patriotic prejudice as destructive to the human world.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Aug-10, to Fanny A Knobloch -- AB04422)

Remove from your midst all prejudices - racial, national, religious, sectarian, political, commercial, industrial and agricultural - so that you may be free from all limitations and lay the foundation for the unity of mankind.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Nov-11, to Baha'is of New York -- AB00861)

They abrogate and nullify religious, racial, political, patriotic and economic prejudices and the like.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jan-09, to Isabel F Chamberlain -- AB02574)

I hope they will be free from religious prejudices, racial prejudices, natural prejudices, economic prejudices and political prejudices.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Aug-28, to Baha'is of Germany -- AB12211)

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.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Dec-06, to Wilhelm Heydorn -- AB07457)

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.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to newspaper reporters, spoken in Euclid Hotel on 1912-May-06 -- ABU2221)

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.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali-Kuli Khan -- AB00966)

I beseech divine favors that these two souls may cause divine teachings to be promoted in the church, the oneness of humanity to be proclaimed, universal peace to be spread, and the foundation of religious, racial, gender, political and even national prejudices to be entirely demolished, the earth to become one homeland and all nations to become one people, as well as other divine teachings contained in the Tablets and Scriptures.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Apr-03, to Juliet Thompson -- AB00369)

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.
… Strive that religion may be cleansed from ignorant prejudices. Strive that bias may be removed.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a stranger, spoken on 1914-May-09 -- ABU1561)

The basis of the Call [i.e., teaching and delivering addresses] must be the Oneness of the world of humanity, so that religious fanaticism, sectarian bias, racial prejudice and political prejudice may be removed and all mankind may enter under the uni-colored tent of the Oneness of the World of Humanity, the hearts may affiliate with each other, the souls be attracted, and the East and West may embrace each other.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Jul-12 -- AB11086)

To tread the path of service means that ye must live and act according to the Teachings of Baha'u'llah, ye must serve the world of humanity, and deliver mankind from religious, racial, political, and national prejudices, so that all may be gathered together beneath the shelter of the one-coloured tabernacle of the unity of mankind.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Jan-03, to B Alfred Hills -- AB02247)

The followers of religions, nations, and races - all peoples of the world - must abandon vain prejudices and imaginary distinctions, even to the point of entering each other's temples and synagogues across all nations and peoples.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Mar-28 in Paris -- ABU1075)

The Mohammedans must go to the churches of the Christians and of the Jews and vice-versa, the others must go to the Mohammedan mosques. They hold aloof from one another merely because of unfounded prejudices and dogmas.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Feb-22 -- ABU1796)

Consider this: if those prejudices and vain imaginings still existed in our midst, would it have been possible for such intimate fellowship to have been fostered among the various peoples gathered here - who belong to foreign religions and hail from distant lands - and for us to have shown such love and kindness to one another?

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jan-19 in London -- ABU3680)

I hope day by day these connections increase and this love and harmony grow more, so that this assembly may cause all humanity's hearts to draw closer to each other and all peoples to achieve love for one another, that the world of humanity may be illumined and the darkness of prejudice and ignorance may be dispelled.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1912-Dec-27 in London -- ABU2710)

Question: "What do the Baha'is believe?"
Answer: "They believe that mankind must love mankind; that universal amity must be practiced; that dead dogmas must be thrown away. That we are at the Threshold of the era of interdependence, that we must forget prejudices and that Universal Love must become the dominant note of the music of the 20th century."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Interview with five American teachers, Haifa, 1914-Jul-21 -- ABU3229)

I hope that we shall all be confirmed to serve the world of humanity, because no service is greater today than promoting the oneness of mankind and international peace, so that people may be freed from the bonds of ancient prejudices and harmful imitations, cleansed of religious, national, racial, political and patriotic prejudices. As long as these prejudices remain, felicity and ease will not be fully revealed in the world of man.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Ritz Hotel in Budapest, 1913-Apr-09 -- ABU1661)

And my hope is that you may become the cause of raising the standard of the oneness of the human world and become the means of connection and harmony among all religions and peoples, so that humankind may find affinity with one another, may pass beyond estrangement and turn to unity, may extinguish the fire of religious, racial, political and national prejudice, so that the flame of the burning fire of Mount Sinai may illumine the horizons.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jan-28, to Baha'is of Akron, OH -- AB03610)

As for the Spiritual Assembly, I pray that God may assist them in all affairs and enable them to exalt the Word of God and promote the divine teachings, so that they may become the cause of human unity and the spread of the divine breaths, until no prejudice remains between religions, denominations and races, and all may hold fast together to the cord of God, and misunderstandings between all parties may vanish, and the human world may become a mirror of the Kingdom of God upon which spiritual lights shine.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jan-30, to Zia M Bagdadi -- AB04957)

With a sincere heart I supplicate at the Divine Threshold that this congress may be successful in founding a noble institution which shall be permanent and everlasting; that it may ignite a candle from which a heavenly light shall beam, and plant a tree whose fruit may be friendship, love and unity between all the children of men, so that conflict and warfare may be abolished, and patriotic, racial, religious and political prejudices become unknown.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-May-29, to President, first Universal Races Congress -- AB04999)

Thou hast inquired regarding the teachings and instructions of Baha'u'llah. Thou must instruct the people of the world in the Love of God, that they may eradicate the foundation of warfare and strife, be attracted by the Glad-tidings of the Kingdom of Abha, lay the basis of love and amity, raise the melody of amity, and the oneness of the Kingdom of humanity; transmute tyranny and persecution into love and faithfulness, efface the traces of bloodshed and carnage; construct the edifice of reconciliation, dispel the darkness of estrangement, diffuse the light of unity; change the poison of animosity into the honey of sympathetic affection; destroy the religious, national and social prejudices from the individuals of humanity; live and act, with and toward each other as though they were from one race, one country, one religion, and one kind.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB09104)

I am ever anticipating joyous news from America, wishing that all the newspapers and journals might write of the Bahais in the following terms:
"These people are distinguished in all qualities; they have pure intentions; they are truthful to all humanity; they are trustworthy; they exercise kindness towards all mankind; and with heart and soul and life they are engaged in service; they depend upon GOD; they are severed from the attachments of this world, albeit they are all engaged in some profession or work; they serve real civilization ; in reality they are civilized people; they fear nothing whatever; night and day their thoughtful attention is devoted to philanthropic deeds; they wish no harm to any one; they do not annoy anybody; they put forth efforts in general philanthropy; their greatest and highest desire is that bias may be removed from among the nations and sects of the world; that all mankind maybe united with each other; that all wars and battles may be abolished from among the nations and powers of the world; that the standard of universal peace or the Most Great Peace shall be raised; that estrangement may cease entirely; that no religious fanaticism, racial or patriotic bias shall exist, for all are the creatures of GOD, and all are the signs of the Power of GOD."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Charles and Mariam Haney spoken in Feb. 1909 -- ABU0803)

You are detached from every thought and your greatest wish is to render a heavenly service to the world of humanity, so that the various denominations and the different religions may cast off the garment of blind imitation and put on the robe of truth, so that they may kindly grow together and refrain from prejudices which are based on ignorance, so that they may become the flowers of one garden and the waves of one ocean.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Sep-19, to Heinrich Schwab -- AB12532)

Praise God that thou hast become the cause of spreading the heavenly teachings and hast served the oneness of the world of humanity, so that these prejudices - religious, sectarian, racial, political, economic and even patriotic - may be eliminated from among men and the light of divine love may illumine the realm of hearts.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Mar-17, to Jean B Masson -- AB02976)

The letter brought joy, for its contents indicated that you are protected and preserved from the evil of the Covenant-breakers, that you are explaining the divine teachings, serving the unity of the human world, are free from the ignorant prejudices that are ingrained in nations and peoples, and are a well-wisher of all humanity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Apr-01, to Yuhanna Dawud -- AB03130)

Today all the inhabitants of the world are submerged in the darkness of dogmas and religions, sectarian, racial and political prejudices; peradventure, God willing thou mayst become a brilliant star and cause the disappearance of these darknesses from those parts;- so that the light of Divine Love may illumine those regions and the Flag of the Oneness of the world of humanity be upraised.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Feb-10, to Rev. C.J. Street -- AB04604)

My hope is that the Divine Light may shine here, and that the Heavenly Star of Baha'u'llah may strengthen you, so that you may be the cause of the Oneness of Humanity, that you may help to make the darkness of superstition and prejudice disappear and unite all creeds and all nations.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU1590)

Germany will become radiant and illumined as soon as it is freed from racial and patriotic prejudices and as soon as it lives under the shadow of the Pavilion of the unity of mankind.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-May-28, to Rudolf Gotz -- AB12230)

From these wartime upheavals, a wonderful capacity has been created among people. The divine teachings are the spirit of this age, and ears are ready to hear, so that, God willing, the unity of the human world will pitch its tent at the pole of the horizons, and these religious, sectarian, racial and even national prejudices will be eliminated.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Mar-25, to Spiritual Assembly of Bombay, India -- AB01042)

As Baha'u'llah has stated in numerous Tablets this utterance and awakened all Baha'is that they should have no religious, sectarian, racial or national prejudices, but gather beneath the banner of the unity of humankind.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Mar-11, to Ahmad Baqiruf -- AB01180)

Thou hast praised the Convention. This Convention shall acquire great importance in future, for it is serving the divine Kingdom and the world of mankind. It promulgateth universal peace and layeth the basis of the oneness of mankind; it freeth the souls from religious, racial and worldly prejudices and gathereth them under the shade of the one-coloured pavilion of God. Praise thou God, therefore, that thou hast attended such a Convention and hast listened to the divine Teachings.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-18, to Mrs Sara Welsh -- AB03459)

O friends of God! Be wholly free from the odour of ignorant prejudice, the enmity and hatred common among the masses, and the idle fancies relating to race, nationality and religion. These are utterly contrary to the religion of God and divine good-pleasure and are the cause of humanity's deprivation from the bounties of the Merciful.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB01437)

O ye believers of God! Avoid the smell of ignorant prejudices, the blind enmity and hatred and the racial, patriotic and religious superstitions which are in toto inconsistent with the Divine Religion, opposed to the good-pleasure of God and conducive to the deprivation of man from the Bestowals of the Merciful.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Mar or < -- AB02849)

Among them is the abandonment of religious prejudices, sectarian prejudices, racial prejudices, patriotic prejudices and political prejudices.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Aug-09, to Baha'is of Istanbul -- AB01534)

We must abandon all forms of prejudices - religious, racial, sectarian, patriotic and nationalistic.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jul-06 in Port Said -- ABU2098)

We do not oppose the religion of anyone. We act in accordance with the Gospel. But we must also act in accordance with the teachings of Baha'u'llah. They are--the oneness of the world of humanity, independent investigation of truth, abandonment of prejudice, universal peace, etc. You must act in accordance with these teachings.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Albert Vail -- ABU3267)

Dr. Allen asked: "How will the unity of mankind be established?"
Abdul Baha's answer was: When you remove the causes thereof. These causes are racial, patriotic and religious bias or prejudice. This bias will be removed and when it is removed, people will live in friendliness, kindness and love which will bring forth unity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Rev. Allen, spoken around 1909-Apr-12 -- ABU3401)

It has always been the practice of the heedless to hold back the sincere ones from the Cause of God. As for a trap, praise be to God that we have been trapped happily for sixty years and we have no desire to escape. It is a trap that frees people from the shackles of prejudice and superstitions and delivers them from the prison of self and desire. It makes them the captives of the love of God and of service to the Cause of the oneness of humanity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Baha'is, spoken on 1912-Aug-05 -- ABU2861)

The divine power alone is potent enough to triumph over these religious, racial and patriotic prejudices.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU2416)

Fix your eyes on the Sun of Truth for his light floods the whole earth. Let the sun give you of his strength then the clouds of prejudice will not hide his light from your eyes, then will the sun be without clouds for you.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mary Hanford Ford, spoken on 1911-Oct-27 -- ABU2529)

O God! The darkness of contention, strife and warfare between the religions, the nations and peoples has beclouded the horizon of Reality and hidden the heaven of Truth.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Dec-30, to Jinzo Naruze -- AB11235)

The minds of men must become purified from these foolish ideas.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a Persian friend, spoken on 1914-May-27 -- ABU1045)

Evidence for these statements can be found in the Hidden Words and other Tablets: "The Blessed Beauty removed religious and sectarian prejudice."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Jul-29 in Haifa -- ABU1427)

The Blessed Beauty has provided the means for the unification of the world of humanity and has removed religious and social conflicts. No longer is a person to be defined by such labels as Jewish or Christian. All are embraced by the effulgence of the Faith, and all dwell beneath the tabernacle of unity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends spoken in Dec. 1907 -- ABU3293)

They harbor no prejudices--no religious prejudice, no racial prejudice, no national prejudice, no political prejudice, no linguistic prejudice--they are free from all these prejudices. They regard the earth as one homeland and all humanity as one nation.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Parsons home on 1912-Jul-31 -- ABU0082)

Praise be to God that in the Baha'i Cause there are no ignorant prejudices - the Baha'i knows neither racial prejudice, political prejudice, nor religious prejudice.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ahmad Baqiruf -- AB08659)

He said, Tell them a Baha'i is a person who is free from all prejudices—racial prejudices, religious prejudices, political prejudices, social prejudices, economic prejudices.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words recorded by Miss Boylan spoken around 1911-Aug-25 -- ABU3501)

Further quotations · supplied wording and references

100

A rectitude of conduct, an abiding sense of undeviating justice, unobscured by the demoralizing influences which a corruption-ridden political life so strikingly manifests; a chaste, pure, and holy life, unsullied and unclouded by the indecencies, the vices, the false standards, which an inherently deficient moral code tolerates, perpetuates, and fosters; a fraternity freed from that cancerous growth of racial prejudice, which is eating into the vitals of an already debilitated society -- these are the ideals which the American believers must, from now on, individually and through concerted action, strive to promote, in both their private and public lives, ideals which are the chief propelling forces that can most effectively accelerate the march of their institutions, plans, and enterprises, that can guard the honor and integrity of their Faith, and subdue any obstacles that may confront it in the future.

ADJ.022