Regard religion as the orb of the sun and love as its light. Thus doth the tongue of this Wronged One speak forth in His prison, that thou mayest be of the steadfast.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298 ? [1880-1881], to wife of Hasan Aqa -- BH02105)
The reality of religion: light made visible in life
religion as reality; definitions of religion
Editorial introduction
Think of religion as the orb of the sun, Bahá’u’lláh wrote from His prison, and of love as its light. If so, its reality can be read off a life as daylight is read off a landscape, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá drew the consequence: a religion that breeds enmity is worse than none, since medicine that causes illness should be thrown away. Religion is a dispensary holding the remedy for every ailment, the spirit without which the body of the world is a lifeless form. It must agree with reason, for the heart cannot accept what the mind denies, and it flies only on two wings, science and faith together, or falls into superstition on one side or materialism on the other. James measured religion by a bridled tongue, care for orphans and widows, and a life kept unspotted, the same test of reality by its fruits [1]. From here the way leads into the harmony of science and religion, into religion as the basis of morality and civilisation, into religion as the source of love and unity, and into the oneness beneath the many faiths.
Selected passages
Religion is an attitude toward God which reflects itself in our attitude towards men.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU3608)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-04, to Julia Isbruker -- AB00829)
If religion be the cause of enmity, he declared, its absence is better than its presence, for the purpose of religion is love of mankind, and if religion yields enmity surely its non-existence is preferable. Thirdly, Baha'Ullah proclaimed that religion must correspond with science, for religion is reality and science is reality, and reality corresponds. It is not multiple, there is no difference in any reality. If a religious question be opposed to reason and science, it is pure imagination and baseless, for the opposite of knowledge or science is ignorance.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to Free Religious Association of Boston, Ford Hall, 1912-May-25 -- ABU0171)
If religion becomes the cause of strife and conflict, irreligion is better, for religion is like medicine - if medicine causes illness, it is better to abandon it.
God has sent religions for the connection of hearts and the creation of love and fellowship, not for discord and enmity. Fourth, religion must accord with science and reason. If any religious matter does not accord with science and reason, it is superstition.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Morse home in Paris, 1913-Mar-13 -- ABU0062)
The purpose of all that was manifested was that ears might become ready to hearken unto one exalted Word, and that is this: O people of the earth! Make not God's religion a cause of enmity.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1302-02-11 [1884-Nov-30], to Mirza Muhammad Khan -- BH07546)
Religion is the Cause of fellowship, not strangeness, the motif of ideal communication and not separation, the basis of complete union and not ill-feeling, the foundation of the solidarity of human race and not backbiting.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Interview for al-Ahram newspaper, Ramleh, 1913-Oct-15 -- ABU0237)
The Religion of God is honor to humanity; why make it the cause of degradation? Why make it the cause of darkness and gloom? Assuredly it is a thousand pities that the cause of such a glorious reality should become the cause of degradation and hatred.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1912-Dec-15 in Liverpool -- ABU0607)
Abdul Baha:
There is no doubt whatever that the religious questions must think firstly of economic questions. Religion is for the establishment of unity and fellowship among the people and not for the establishment of class distinctions and social privileges. Today in Persia, were you to enter a Bahai gathering, you could not distinguish between who is the prince and who is the poor. The poor and the rich associate with each other with the utmost equality.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mayor Stitt Wilson of Berkeley, spoken at 1815 California Street on 1912-Oct-05 -- ABU0034)
In any case, today the darkness of the world of nature has encompassed the horizons. Only through the heavenly teachings of Baha'u'llah can humanity be saved from this darkness and become illumined. All these teachings pertain to the world of morals - they do not interfere with any of the religions. The teachings of Baha'u'llah are spiritual, heavenly, luminous, free, freedom of conscience, deliver humanity from the world of dust and bring it to the pure world, are the breathings of the Holy Spirit, are eternal life, are the lights of the Sun of Reality, illumine the world.
(‘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)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at St. James Methodist Church on 1912-Sep-05 -- ABU0012)
Through the power of the religion of God every difficult matter becomes easy. The power of religion makes kings submissive and overcomes those with influence. Therefore strive that the true religion which breathes the spirit of life into the human world may spread. This is the remedy for the sick body of the world. This is the antidote for the deadly poison of humanity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Jul-28, to Rev Van Kirk -- AB02380)
Today, the greatest and speediest remedy and the sole effective antidote that the Divine Physician has prescribed for the world's ills is the oneness of humanity, universal peace, the explanation of the principles of the divine religions and the removal of dogmatic imitations and customs which are contrary to science and reason.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some physicians, spoken on 1912-Oct-11 -- ABU1968)
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.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Nov-20 in Haifa -- ABU2458)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at All Souls Unitarian Church on 1912-Jul-14 -- ABU0023)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Nov-12 in Paris -- ABU0493)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Hotel Schenley on 1912-May-07 -- ABU0051)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Hotel Sacramento on 1912-Oct-25 -- ABU0040)
The foundations of divine religion do not negate sound reason and true science. The principles of divine religion do not contradict knowledge and insight, except for some principles and minutiae of the law which were given according to the exigencies of the time and age.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Baha'is, spoken on 1912-Nov-13 -- ABU1366)
In this world there are two things which are the cause of man's elevation and progress: one is knowledge and the other is religion. Knowledge helps man to discover the reality of all things and to bring about universal happiness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to an English-speaking enquirer spoken in April 1914 -- ABU2272)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 34, Peter and the Papacy, 1905-Jan -- AB00256)
"People have a superstitious respect for certain doctrines which are against science and the wise men of the country have thought that religion is opposed to science. Know thou that the great ethical foundation of knowledge is divine revelation and the basis of religion is reality itself.
… "Alas, alas! the world has not discovered the reality of religion hidden beneath the symbolic forms!"
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. 1913-Mar-29 in Paris -- ABU0873)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Genealogical Hall on 1912-Nov-17 -- ABU0101)
Strive that religion may be cleansed from ignorant prejudices.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a stranger, spoken on 1914-May-09 -- ABU1561)
True Religion has nothing to do with human imagination. God's Will is independent of human opinion.Personal ideas and mere human prejudice are the great obstacles to spiritual growth.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Julia Grundy spoken around Jan. 1905 -- ABU2646)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Madaniyyih (The Secret of Divine Civilization), 1875, to The People of Iran -- AB00004)
Therefore, turn thou thy face to the Church of God which consists in divine instructions and merciful exhortations. For what similarity (is there) between the church of stone and cement and the Celestial Holy of Holies!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905 ca., to Mary Luisa Noble -- AB03738)
People think religion is confined in an edifice, to be worshipped at an altar. In reality it is an attitude toward divinity which is reflected through life.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU1955)
When a man's life is a life of eternal quest after God he will worship Him no matter where he might happen to be. I pray to God in the Mosque, the Church or the Synagogue in the same spirit as if I were in His Presence...
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to English and American tourists, spoken on 1914-Feb-23 -- ABU0967)
In reply to the question about the church (most important to Mr Miller as he is considering resigning his chair at Columbia to enter the ministry) the Master said religion was one truth which the sectarians had divided; however, the Light can be found everywhere, and it was good to unite with the people, especially in work for humanity and when one's own motive was pure.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Dickinson Miller recalled by Juliet Thompson, spoken on 1911-Aug-24 -- ABU2794)
The divine religion is luminosity, good character, the spirit of the world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Oct-15 in Paris -- ABU0633)
In truth, the religion of God is the school of perfections wherein the meanings of the virtues and qualities of the Kingdom are taught.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Oct-30, to Ibn-i-Abhar -- AB10598)
The religion of God reforms the moral side of the life of mankind. It is the spreader of the virtues of the world of humanity. It is the founder of the divine perfections in the hearts of man. It is nearness unto God. It is the cause of attraction and enkindlement with the Fire of the Love of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1914-Mar-12 -- ABU2815)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Temple Emmanu-El on 1912-Oct-12 -- ABU0015)
Divine Education is the sum total of all development. It is the safeguard of humanity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in 1912 in the United States -- ABU1956)
The greatest foundation for educating humankind in this earthly world is divine teachings and laws. If you want to educate someone in good character, you must labor for years and endure difficulties, and even then what will become of it, to what degree will your education affect them, how long will it last, and what results will it yield? But when that person comes under the shadow of divine religion, they are completely transformed immediately upon believing, becoming a lover of humanity from the depths of their heart, advancing in all conditions and manners, becoming a new creation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jun-07 in Paris -- ABU1208)
Whoever takes shelter under that blessed word becomes, from the depths of their heart, a well-wisher of humankind, not out of fear of politics and torment and harm. If they are ignorant, in deeds they become equal to the learned, and the benefits of their actions surpass the results of most wise people's conduct in ordering the world and improving the morals of nations. And this kind of transformation of hearts is not achieved by any power except divine religion and spiritual teachings.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-May-17 in Paris -- ABU1305)
What is truth? Truth is the word of God, which gives life to humanity. It restores sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf; it makes eloquent those who are dumb, and living beings out of dead beings; it illumines the world of heart and soul; it reduces into nothingness the iniquities of the neglectful and erring ones. … The road to attain to this Truth is the love of God. When the light of the love of God is burning in the mirror of the heart, that flame shows the way and guides to the Kingdom of the Word of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU2295)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Nov-08 in Paris -- ABU0984)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Dec or <, to Baha'is of the world -- AB00065)
Man must live beneath the shade of the commandments of the religion of God and at the same time soar in such a pure atmosphere of holiness and severance. It is not necessary for him or her to take the vows of a true monk or a real nun, but his and her detachment from the things of the world must be like into theirs.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1914-Feb-08 -- ABU2081)
Our relationship to God, the Lord, must rest on two basic pillars: willing submission of one's own will to the divine Will, and uprightness. In the latter basic condition we fail, if we try to satisfy our conscience and our longing with empty formalism and dead dogmatism.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken to Miss St. in Aug 1910 -- ABU3247)
Man must possess the religion of God which is the source of all valour, moral and intellectual. If he has not this, he may have at least, the simple "natural religion" of humanity.
But there are an increasing number of men and women who are devoid of either of these two necessary qualities and they always fail in the real test of life. Outwardly they boast of courage but inwardly they lack the backbone to stand the ordeal.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1914-Dec-03 -- ABU3079)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given in Church of the Ascension on 1912-Jun-02 -- ABU0006)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Church of the Messiah on 1912-Sep-01 -- ABU0052)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Church of the Divine Paternity on 1912-May-19 -- ABU0178)
By religion I mean the lights of the Sun of Reality, and the foundation of divine religions is one - it is one reality, one spirit, one light. It has no multiplicity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Oct-21 in Paris -- ABU0235)
My discourses in various gatherings have been founded on principles that are in conformity with reality as well as with the utmost wisdom. For instance, I say that the foundation of all divine religions is the same and that the Prophets are the dawning places of truth. No one can take exception or say that the principles of the Prophets and the truth of their teachings are different. Then I state that the basic teachings of Baha'u'llah are universal peace; the oneness of humanity; prohibition of execration and calumny; association with the followers of all religions in harmony and unity of nations, of races and of governments; and such like.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at 309 W 78th St in New York, 1912-Jul-17 -- ABU1372)
The fundamental basis of all divine religions is one and the same. In that sense the Bahai movement is not a new religion.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Interview with W. A. Lawson of the Sacramento Bee, Hotel Sacramento, 1912-Oct-26 -- ABU0365)
He answered me that his father had not really founded a new religion, but a Bahauistic Organization (Bahauïstische Organisatie). This derives its name from the prophet Bahaulah, his father. For six thousand years, he continued, there has been intolerance and struggle among the various religions themselves, and also fanaticism, hate and political discord among the various peoples and countries.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Interview with Mrs. Jo Goudsmit at House of the Master in Haifa, 1920-02 ca. -- ABU0477)
Question: "What do the Baha'is teach?"
Answer: "They teach that the internal, spiritual Idea is the same in all the religions, that a unique, general plan underlies the foundation of the past Faiths, that priestcraft has discredited the religion of God, that the palpitating divine Idea is hidden under the encrustation of dead ecclesiasticism, that religion must shuffle off its tattered garments of medieval Ages and put on the robe of Universal precepts of God."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Interview with five American teachers, Haifa, 1914-Jul-21 -- ABU3057)
While in Europe, I always proclaimed, 'The Cause of Baha'u'llah embraces all the past Dispensations and manifests all their benefits to human society. It is like a tree that has many strong branches. The Faith of Baha'u'llah contains all the teachings beneficial to the world of humanity and will profit every segment of society.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1914-Dec-01 -- ABU1991)
True religion also does not change. By true religion I mean the collective ethical ideals of humanity - those fundamental principles which have guided man through the welter of change and confusion.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1914-Sep-02 -- ABU0969)
In truth, the world of existence has been renewed. Therefore, the foundation of religion must also be renewed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a reporter from the Post, spoken on 1912-Oct-04 -- ABU3137)
'Abdu'l-Baha answered: "Baha'u'llah is the same Light in a new Lamp. To see, we must look at the Light and not at the Lamp. This is Spiritual Sight. The sun is one orb, but it has different rising-points on the horizon. One point was Jesus, one Moses, one Baha'u'llah, and so on.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Julia Grundy spoken around Jan. 1905 -- ABU0468)
When a tree is dried, a new shoot springs from its original root, so in reality the Christian Dispensation is from the same Mosaic root, etc. Today the Baha'i Tree has sprung up from the root of all the former prophetic Trees. To serve this Tree, to irrigate this Tree, is to serve and irrigate all the other Trees.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Saidol Molk, spoken on board the SS Baron Call at sea, 1913-Dec-04 -- ABU1089)
"Every moment today cries for a new spirit of baptism and reformation. Where is the universal Reformer? For the dispelling of these darknesses there must needs be a Light. Now investigate day and night so that you may discover the source of this Light!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to an Indian scholar, spoken on 1914-Mar-25 -- ABU1631)
...it matters not what name each calls himself - The Great Work is One. Christ is ever in the world of existence. He has never disappeared out of it... Rest assured that Christ is present. The Spiritual beauty we see around us today is from the breathings of Christ.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Higher Thought center, ca. 1911-Oct-04 -- ABU3346)
The teachings of Christ are forgotten. Consider that Christ commanded Peter to sheathe his sword. He also said, 'Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also' [Matt. 5:39].
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some Christian ministers, spoken at Krug home on 1912-Dec-01 -- ABU2836)
Christ said, "What has happened in the past will happen again in the future." The reason of this is that all things are under the operation of Divine Law which is the same today, yesterday, and forever.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Julia Grundy spoken around Jan. 1905 -- ABU3202)
Even if one is not a believer, one acknowledges that this law is truly like the spirit in the human world. It promotes itself without people becoming believers.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Jul-19 in Haifa -- ABU1163)
When once we have real religion, war will cease.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Rabbi Stephen Wise, spoken on 1912-May-13 -- ABU3418)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Nov-27, to Hidayatullah Khan -- AB04278)
The world of existence is like the human body - material forces are like its organs and parts. But this body needs a spirit to animate it, to give it life and vitality, to endow it with sight, hearing, memory and perception, so that the light of intellect may shine within it.
… Similarly, although the body of the contingent world may be at the height of freshness and delicacy in the material realm, it is without spirit. Its spirit is the divine religion - divine religion is the spirit of the contingent world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Sanderson home in Paris, 1911-Oct-15 -- ABU0690)
That which is a reality and is eternal and everlasting is the love of God, is the knowledge of His Highness, the Forgiver, is the spread of the perspicuous religion of God, the uplifting of the Word of God, and the diffusion of the lights of the guidance of God!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909 or < -- AB03890)
All that thou seest and readest and knowest is but fancy and imagination, ignorance and error, save that which appeareth from the Truth and returneth unto the Truth. All that existeth in creation is fancy or imagination or reflections in mirrors or shadows.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1892-Sep-16, to Muhammad Javad et al -- AB08125)
O thou who knowest the pearl! Dost thou know what is the pearl and gem? It is the divine Faith and heavenly teachings and praise of the Lord of Glory.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Gawhar Khanum -- AB10950)
O Khayyat!
Christ declares that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. Observe how the power of God's Cause has transformed the eye of the needle into a vast plain, and both rich and poor have entered in troops, one after another.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Khayyat -- AB08062)
All these roads are narrow and will end either to precipices or [the] wild but the highway of truth is clear and all the smaller roads converge into it. The Baha'i Cause is the sweet spring of water which is never dried up, it is the Great Highway which leads man to the glorious palace of the King of Kings, it is the limitless sea and all the lakes and rivers are limited.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mr Eckstein, spoken at Hotel Marquardt on 1913-Apr-05 -- ABU2620)
1. Religion is connection with God.
2. There is one God.
3. There is but one possibility for connection.
From these three premises there results the conclusion with convincing logic: Religion is an organic unity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 11 Jun 1910 -- ABU1484)
To a mathematician He said, 'I hope that you will try to teach the truth and principles of divine religions to different nations just as you are teaching mathematics to different persons in your school.'
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to various individuals, spoken at Parsons home on 1912-Apr-27 -- ABU2324)
Abdul-Baha said: "Material affairs are of two kinds. The first are those concerns that have no direct relation to life. They contribute toward luxury, effeminacy, indolence and voluptuousness. Indulgence in these things make one negligent of God and stifles all traces of spirituality.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Pleiades Sylvan Bower, Alhammeh near Tiberias, 1914-May-14 -- ABU2801)
From the first days until now, the Supreme Pen has summoned the people to that which draweth them nigh unto God.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1305-02-22 [1887-Nov-9], to Aqa Siyyid Taqi -- BH04055)
Religion is a manifest light.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304 ? [1886-1887], to Muhammad Sadiq -- BH10723)
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
People think religion is confined in an edifice, to be worshipped at an altar. In reality it is an attitude toward divinity which is reflected through life. ADP.014 Religion is an attitude toward God which reflects itself in our attitude towards men.
ABU3608
The fundamentals of all Divinely-instituted religions cannot be rigidly classified. No definite or exhaustive list of them can be set up, as we have no means of ascertaining that what we consider to be those fundamentals are common to all such religions.
LG#1702 (10 Jul. 1939 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
We should be confident that there is consistency in the universe, that the Manifestation is aware of that consistency, and we must ourselves be aware that the principle of the harmony of religion and science is a dynamic one which will require new levels of understanding of true science and true religion alike.
(22 Jun. 1977 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice)
Continue exploring
- church and state in the future
- definitions of a Baha'i; qualities of a Baha'i
- essential; necessary relationships
- harmony of science and religion
- language and the structure of reality
- lists; enumerations of Baha'i principles
- oneness; unity of religion
- religion as basis of morality; of divine civilization
- religion as source of love and unity
For thought and discussion
Questions to carry forward
- What would it mean to assess religious life by the love, justice, and understanding it produces?
- How does the image of a remedy help distinguish religion’s purpose from practices that cause division?
- What relationship do these passages propose between reasoned inquiry and spiritual transformation?
- How can an enduring religious purpose call for renewed forms of expression?
- How does James 1:26–27 connect integrity, speech, and care for others with the reality of religion?
- How might the warning against an exhaustive list of religious fundamentals encourage both conviction and humility in comparative study?