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Introduction to Bahai Principles

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Introduction to Bahai Principles

By: Dr. Mohammed Alam Qurayshi

\"bahaismiran\"

I present this section on Bahai teachings to bring forth the truth of the Bahai Faith. My focus is to consider the 12 principles which is the focal point of the Bahai teachings. I have undertaken an objective study of these principles and found that the Bahai Faith has nothing to do with its teachings.

I have made this section for the seeker of truth and for all, so that one is not fooled by the high flying diktats of the Bahai teachings, but independently analyses them. The journey into the principles will only tell that they for public consumption, and lack an iota of sincerity and honesty.

At the first instance, the Bahai teachings would look attractive. They are like the cosmetic make-up worn. But, below the makeup are powerful approaches to harm humankind. The Bahai Faith is analogous to a snake - soft to touch but filled with venom. The gullible are enchanted with its softness, but the sensible ones know its deception.

I take the opportunity to present the behind the scene truth in the Bahai call towards:

- Independent investigation of truth

- The Removal of All Prejudice

- Oneness of Mankind

- Universal Auxiliary Language

- Advancing the Status of Women?

It would be of interest to note, that all of the Bahai principles lack any conclusive doctrine, which you too shall vouch for at the end of the read. The section would bring to fore the confusion amongst the Bahai leaders about the interpretation of the teachings and the interpretations done to follow the direction of the wind.

While the Bahai Faith boasts of being a progressive religion, an investigation into the Faith and its teachings reveals it is no religion; but, an organization craving worldly numbers. To sum it all, the educated reader will not reach but one conclusion. The Bahai Faith is a progressive religion, only in one sense - changing its interpretation progressively.

The Independent Investigation of Truth

This principle of the Bahai Faith is one of the oft-quoted statements any prospective convert would hear from the Bahai preachers. Reasoning and critical thinking leads one to the truth. Moreover, when one thinks independently, clearing his mind of past notions and ideas he will instinctively be attracted towards the truth. On this premise, the Bahais wish that all humans should leave their religious teachings aside and give a ear to the Bahai Faith. But the catch is, the Bahais do not permit investigation of the Bahai Faith.

Let us independently investigate this principle in the light of Bahai teachings.

Bahaullah explicitly commands his followers to abandon reasoning:
\"If one wants to investigate the Bahai faith with eyes which are open and with knowledge and insight, then that one shall most certainly return emptily. All should leave their sense, insight, understanding and discernment and accept whatever I say.\"
(Ref: Makatib Vol 2, p 247)

Why is it that this Bahai principle is not applied to Bahai teachings. If truth has to be investigated independently, why is one not allowed to investigate Bahaism? On the contrary, the founder of Bahaism declares if you will investigate the Faith, it will not be worth your while!

He is also quoted to have said:
\"O son of the soil become sightless so that you can observe my beautiful face, become unable to hear anything else so that you can hear my harmonious voice, become uninformed so that you can take away a part of my wisdom… so that you may enter my holy kingdom with a clean eye, an innocent heart and a benevolent ear.\"
(Ref: Bahaullah\'s Ad\'leh Mahboub; Abdul Baha\'s Makatib pg 247)

Imagine if you will, a single-minded devotee, blind, deaf and ignorant to all but the body and soul of Bahaullah. Can such a person compare and investigate various truths and find The Truth?

The Bahai Faith incentivizes such sealing of reason, by calling it the believer\'s colossal delight:
\"No delight has been created in the whole universe more impressive than for one to hear the sayings (of Bahaullah), comprehending their significance and refraining from (raising questions such as) \"for what\" and \"to what\" (purpose).\"
(Bahaullah, Kitab-e-Badie, pg 145)

These negations and contradictions of the Bahai principle are never told to the prospective converts. These unreasonable ideas are never spoken of by the Bahai preachers. How the Bahais cheat innocent youths and never actually allow an independent investigation of truth is quite evident from the following statement of an ex-Bahai, Mr. Eric Stetson (Baha\'i from 1998 to 2002). While writing about his conversion from Christianity to Bahaism he says:
\"I did read several books of Baha\'i scriptures that they provided me with, and I did ask plenty of questions and gave it a lot of thought before officially declaring my faith; but I did not know what to look for in the copious Baha\'i sacred writings, much of which I had never yet been exposed to, that would have dissuaded me from becoming a Baha\'i, nor would I really have wanted to know at that point anyway. (In retrospect, I wish I had been more cautious and probed with a more skeptical mind, so that I would have learned everything before choosing to sign a membership card.) The Baha\'is certainly obliged my subconscious desire to avoid such pitfalls on the path to conversion, never informing me about the serious doctrinal and administrative controversies in their faith that demand careful consideration. I signed my Baha\'i declaration card on the Baha\'i New Year (Naw-Ruz), March 21, 1998, at a wonderful party where I performed some Baha\'i verses of prayer I had memorized in Arabic, singing baritone as part of the U.Va. Baha\'i choir. Everyone was happy: they were happy to have made a new convert, and I was happily ignorant of the bombshell discoveries that a few years later would tear my faith apart.\"

By saying \"Investigate the truth\" the Bahai\'s really want to say \"Question your own religious beliefs as we want you to question them but NEVER question the Bahai faith as it is forbidden to question it\"

The Bahais never talk about their disruptive history nor of their authoritarian administrative structure which they zealously propagate as their gift to mankind. The truth about these would repulse any prospective convert.

I call upon the Bahai\'s to independently investigate the truth in Baha\'ism. Think honestly! Would you accept a faith which makes tall claims but falls short in action.!!

Would you rather not follow the Quranic teaching:
\"Who hear advice, and follow the best thereof. Such are those whom Allah guideth, and such are men of understanding.
(Ref: Surah Zumar: 19)

Would you rather not shrug off prejudice and independently investigate the truth as was declared by the Holy Quran much before Baha\'is came up with their un-acknowledged plagiarised teachings: \"O Ye who believe! If an evil-liver bring you tidings, verify it, lest ye smite some folk in ignorance and afterward repent on what ye did\"
(Ref: Surah Hujarat : 6)

If a Baha\'i seeking help from the Almighty God (whom we all profess to believe) would honestly investigate the truth about Bahaism he would definitely conclude that Bahaism is not a religion guiding man to god but an organisation fulfilling Zionist aims. (How many prospective Muslim converts are told that the headquarters of Bahaism are in Haifa, Israel?)

The Removal of All Prejudice

Among the 12 principles of the Bahai faith is the important one “The Removal of all Prejudice”. Abdul Baha is quoted to have said:

\"All warfare and bloodshed in human history have been the outcome of prejudice. This earth is one home and one nativity. God has created mankind with equal endowment and right to live upon the earth. Racial prejudice or separation into nations proceeds from human motives or ignorance. Why should we be separated by artificial and imaginary boundaries? This is one globe, one land, one country.\"

At the onset let me say, this is no new idea that the Bahais are reveling in. Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) had declared fourteen centuries earlier,

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white – except by piety and good action. (The Last Sermon of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh))

The Islamic teaching is well demonstrated in the annual pilgrimage – Hajj. This philosophy is so deeply ingrained in the Muslim world (and also recognized to be part of Islam by non-Islamic scholars) that it is not even mentioned. But the Bahais have chosen it, above everything else and are promoting it as if it is invented by the Bahais. It could probably be because Bahais have not found anything as persuasive as this in the teachings for them to showcase or maybe they are just riding the global wave of equality and want to leverage it.

On another note, it is also important to understand what is meant by removal of prejudice and how has it been proposed to be removed by the Bahai Faith.

Bahaullah says, \"Close your eyes to racial differences and welcome all with the light of oneness. We desire but the good of the world and happiness of nations; that all nations should become one in faith and all men be as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race annulled .... Is not this that which Christ foretold?\"

If you read it carefully, you will realize that Bahaullah has proposed that the entire mankind accept the Bahai Faith to effect unity and strengthen bonds of affections. There should be no Muslim on the face of the earth, no Christian, no Hindu, no Buddhist. All religions should be wiped out and only Bahais should exist.

My question is why should anyone accept the Bahai Faith? What is the reality of the Faith? How do we determine that the Bahai teachings are from God or have they been plagiarized by some few to further their strategic goals?

Oneness of Mankind

The unity of mankind is one of the central teachings of the Bahai Faith. The teaching promulgates the thought that humans are equal, regardless of their nationality, gender, race and color. Quotations from Abdul Baha, Shoghi et al are propounded to emphasize the importance of this principle. Shoghi is cited to have said,

“The principle of the Oneness of Mankind — the pivot around which all the teachings of Bahá\'u\'lláh revolve... Its message is applicable not only to the individual, but concerns itself primarily with the nature of those essential relationships that must bind all the states and nations as members of one human family. ... It implies an organic change in the structure of present-day society, a change such as the world has not yet experienced. ... It calls for no less than the reconstruction and the demilitarization of the whole civilized world.”

If we pay attention to these words, we understand that this is the key teaching of Bahaullah, most important of all his teachings. All other beliefs are built around this, and the goal is to establish this principle. With mankind becoming One, the saying ‘The world is one nation and mankind its citizens,” would be fulfilled. To achieve this aim, the existing structure needs to be redeveloped and the world nations disarm.

Let me ask the Bahais to outline the changes and how will they come about? What will make the world nations give up their race for nuclear leadership and disarm? Calls for reconstruction of society, demilitarization of world nations, change in the organic structure of the society can be made, but the challenge is to sketch out how will it be done. How can one trust such ideas, when there is no clarity, no explanation, no plan.

Also, what is the Bahai contribution in bringing peace and security in the society, other than lip service for public consumption?

If the Bahais say that this is a prophecy, and one day it will be fulfilled, then I need to draw your attention to Abdul Baha’s prophecy of Guardianship and how he was proven wrong when Shoghi died without any children.

It would be worthwhile to note, that the principal Bahai teaching - Oneness of Mankind, is a satanic attempt to plagiarize the Islamic belief of Imam Mahdi (pbuh). The belief in Imam Mahdi (pbuh) is an essential Islamic belief and fulfillment of the Quranic prophecy that God will fill this earth with peace and security at the hands of Imam Mahdi (pbuh).

Lastly, irrespective of the influence the idea of Oneness of Humanity has, in the attempt to convert unsuspecting people to the Bahai Faith, the Bahais have drastically failed to stay united themselves. Despite being only a century and a half old, the Faith has fragmented into innumerable sects. (Read: Sects of Bahais). It would be of interest to know that Bahais who speak so fondly of the world being one family, show a marked degree of intolerance when a Bahai questions the Administration. They are ex-communicated and labeled Covenant Breakers. This moment, they forget the principles of tolerance, peace and brotherhood. The apparent kindness and good manners a Bahai demonstrates, is only towards a non-Bahai, and not part of the Bahai culture. These are mere words aimed at making an attractive proposition to draw new adherents.

If Bahai principles have been unable to reform it’s own community, unite it’s own adherents, it would be thoughtless to think that the teachings would be able to unite humanity.

Universal Auxiliary Language

The Bahai Faith has introduced the idea of having an auxiliary language. This is an important Bahai principle which claims to be a step towards bringing world peace, as Abdul Baha has been quoted to have said: \"One of the great steps towards universal peace would be the establishment of a universal language.\"
(Paris Talks, The Eighth Principle)

Considering the fact that it is included amongst the important 12 Bahai principles, it would be worthwhile to know its conformity with divine laws.

The religion of God is always complete and perfect. In it, there is no confusion and all explanations have been provided. It does not leave man in the state of ambiguity and contradiction. In fact, its fundamentals are explicit and it outlines a defined path.

A look at the principle of universal language, raises many doubts about the validity of such a belief. The least needed for this idea to be divine was that the Bahai Faith should have provided a clear guideline about the language. The confusion exists not only amongst this day Bahais, but even among the Bahai leaders, themselves.

Bahaullah in his writings has \"recommended\" Arabic as the universal language. \"That proposition which is especially beloved, when presented before the Heavenly Throne, is that all should converse in the Arabic language. This, inasmuch as it is the most comprehensive of all languages (absat az kull al-lughat).
(Tablet of Bahaullah commenting on the verse of Aqdas about the selection of International Auxiliary language and script)

The Bahai holy book of Aqdas too was written in Arabic, which reflects its importance and the possibility of becoming the universal language. But, with the disastrous failure of the Bahai Faith in the Muslim world, and the growing popularity of Esperanto (a constructed language) Abdul Baha miscalculated: \"Esperanto has been drawn up with this end in view (of being the universal language): it is a fine invention and a splendid piece of work, but it needs perfecting. Esperanto as it stands is very difficult for some people… … Therefore appreciate \'Esperanto\', for it is the beginning of the carrying out of one of the most important of the Laws of Bahá\'u\'lláh, and it must continue to be improved and perfected.\"
(Paris Talks, The Eighth Principle)

However, Esperanto could not sustain itself, and the widespread usage of English had the Universal House of Justice declare: The need for it (a universal auxiliary language) is now recognized on all sides, as reflected in the circumstances that have compelled the United Nations and much of the non-governmental community to adopt several \"official languages\". Until a decision is taken by international agreement, the effect of such developments as the Internet, the management of air traffic, the development of technological vocabularies of various kinds, and universal education itself, has been to make it possible, to some extent, for English to fill the gap.
(The Universal House of Justice, Century of Light (2001), p. 128)

Bahaullah wanted Arabic, Abdul Baha backs Esperanto, while the Universal House of Justice recommends English. With so much confusion amongst the leaders in the first 150 years itself, makes one wonder if this could ever be called a divine commandment.

The least one would expect from a religion is to outline the path. The central figures themselves were so confused that Abdul Baha declared: \"An international Congress should be formed, consisting of delegates from every nation in the world, Eastern as well as Western. This Congress should form a language that could be acquired by all, and every country would thereby reap great benefit.\"
(Paris Talks, The Eighth Principle)

Why should the Congress form a language? Is this not a Bahai teaching? It is disgusting to note that religious leaders are so powerless, that they have to seek assistance from world diplomats. This teaching was easier said than done. Do you not think that if the interpreter of the religion is so confused that he cannot provide the solution, something is wrong with the faith?

Also, it would be worthwhile to note that Abdul Baha says a common language would pave the way for universal peace (quoted in the beginning), Shoghi takes a U-turn. What Bahá\'u\'lláh is referring to in the Eighth Leaf of the Exalted Paradise [Tablets of Bahá\'u\'lláh, p. 68, above] is a far distant time, when the world is really one country, and one language would be a sensible possibility. From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi

Effendi to an individual believer, March 16, 1946 republished in Lights of Guidance, p. 340

While Abdul Baha says a universal language will unite the world, Shoghi declares a united world will develop a universal language. What came first, the chicken or the egg?

Confusion abound in this teaching, and the incessant change in the Bahai interpretation, emphasizes the missing link between the Faith and God. While truth is clear and explicit, and religion focusses on clearing confusion and doubts, the Bahai faith only adds to contradiction. All this makes one wonder, is there any truth in the Bahai Faith?

Advancing the Status of Women? Or only Men?

Amongst the many doctrines adopted by the Bahais to attract converts to their fold is the concept of \"Advancing the Status of Women\". Bahais are often found to shout themselves hoarse over this concept as if they were the first to put forth the concept of equality of men and women. The Bahais use this doctrine very aggressively to secure a place in the minds of the people of today\'s liberal world.

It is interesting to understand why the Bahais are so very vociferous about this principle, unlike the other principles (for example, the concept of a universal language). Perhaps it is due to the fact that women constitute approximately half of world\'s population. Or maybe it is possible that winning the interest of a woman will have a positive effect on the next generation. Perhaps above all, they wish to demonstrate themselves as a very progressive religion. Nevertheless, it is essential to verify the truth in this principle advanced by the Bahais as being one of their own.

I have chosen to confine my arguments within the Bahai Faith, while Islam has evidently laid down regulations to advance the status of women centuries earlier.

To highlight their commitment, the Bahais are prolific in talking about this principle. Words from Bahaullah, Abdul Baha and Shoghi are quoted to express the Bahai devotion to women.

Abdul Baha is quoted to have said in Promulgation p 375, \"The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly. Until womankind reaches the same degree as man, until she enjoys the same arena of activity, extraordinary attainment for humanity will not be realized; humanity cannot wing its way to heights of real attainment. When the two wings . . . become equivalent in strength, enjoying the same prerogatives, the flight of man will be exceedingly lofty and extraordinary.

I urge you to read the above statement to absorb its importance.

As per Abdul Baha - the sole interpreter of the Bahai Faith -women must enjoy equal authority and perform the same activities as men. Till this is not done, humanity will never reach attainment. Fair enough.

However a question arises here. Why has the Universal House of Justice - the apex governing body of the Bahai Faith - never had any female representation? This is not due to the lack of qualified women amongst the Bahai Faith. Rather women are expressly debarred from becoming members of the Universal House of Justice!

It is clear that the primary Bahai body, which must be obeyed by all Bahais, refuses to adhere to the words of the founders of the Bahai Faith. A factual indication that Bahais are not interested in advancing the status of women, but are simply paying lip service to deceitfully attract new converts.

Historically central Bahai figures, namely Bab, Baha and Abdul Baha never regarded women as equal to men. The 19 Apostles of Bahaullah were all men! Even, among the 18 Letters of Living of Bab, there was only one woman! I wish to draw your attention to the following statistics.

Members

Women Members

Percentage

Letters of Living of Bab

19

1

5%

Apostles of Bahaullah

19

0

0%

Bahaullah\'s Hands of Cause

4

0

0%

Abdul Baha\'s Special Disciples

19

5

26%

Abdul Baha\'s Hands of Cause

4

0

0%

Shoghi\'s Hands of Cause

42

6

14%

Universal House of Justice

9

0

0%

Please note that leave alone equality, Bahaullah did not deem fit to give any position to women. It is clear from above that neither in the past (Bab, Bahaullah) nor in the present (UHJ), were women considered equal to men.

There is no doubt that advancing the status of women is a proposition which is appeal to all. However while the concept is being trumpeted by the Bahais, it is more important to to see how far that is implemented in spirit and in practice. For the Bahai Faith, it appears that the concept is being advanced merely to attract more women and consequently, the next generation to their fold.

Source:www.TheBahaiTruth.com

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