To perk the Baha’i cult as modern and also to provide opportunities to attract non- Baha’is, the second leader of Baha’ism mentioned about a principle called the independent investigation of truth and quitting imitation as the innovative teachings of Baha’ism. He also introduced the continuation of imitation as the factor for misleading and fighting: “The independent investigation of truth is Bahaullah’s teaching and human being must investigate the truth independently and quit imitating because the world nations have their own various imitations and difference in imitations causes conflicts and wars. As long as, there are imitations it is impossible for the oneness of humane world to be existed.[1]”

Nevertheless, it is necessary to be known that the following notes are the Baha’ism intention by quitting imitation in the principle of the independent investigation of truth:

1)   Baha’ism means quitting imitation in the domain of worldview and beliefs. In this regard, it won’t be a new principle; because all divine religions, especially Islam stress on the necessity for beliefs to be investigated. As the holy Quran considers directees as those who investigate and search among enormous various speeches and points of view and select the best one:

"...فَبَشِّرْ عِبَادِ الَّذِینَ یَسْتَمِعُونَ الْقَوْلَ فَیَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُ أُوْلَئِکَ الَّذِینَ هَدَاهُمُ اللَّهُ وَأُوْلَئِکَ هُمْ أُوْلُواْ الْأَلْبَابِ" (زمر/ 18- 17)

“Therefore, give good tidings (O Muhammad) to my bondmen. Who hear advice and follow the best thereof. Such are those whom Allah guideth, and such are men of understanding.”

2)   Quitting imitation in the principle of the independence investigation of truth means the prohibition of imitation in the domain of commandments, musts and mustn’ts. In this case, Baha’ism:

First, infringe the intellectual principle of referring unskilled person to skillful one.

Second, has violated the order of absolute obeying the universal house of justice and the Baha’i assemblies in action. Of course, Baha’ism is too harsh that believes violating this principle and the slightest hesitation, opposition against the Baha’ism organization will lead to excommunication.

“Avoid each person who isn’t merited (that is, he/ she is violating the Baha’i organization or possesses unholy odour (that is, looking upon Baha’ism with suspicion) because it is harmful for the faith. Several people have been found who are imprisoned by desires and are speaking about right. You should be very careful against them because they are worse than the killer poison.[2]”

Yes, those who violate the universal house of justice orders and the Baha’i assembly one will be exteremely encountered. The violators and opposers will be excommunicated out of the Baha’i community. As Shoqi Effendi has said: “It isn’t allowable to have social intercourse and speak with those who have been excommunicated.[3]”

Consequently, the punishment of excommunication and opposition are being done in Baha’ism while this cult has posed the independent investigation of truth as one of its main slogans!