1One Sun With Many Dawnings…5
Religion is One…7
God—The Great Spirit…9
When a Religion is Outdated…10
Differences Are Not Essential…10
Oneness of Religion
The Most Essential Remedy…11
To Conclude…12
1If There Is One God, Why
Are there So Many Religions?…13
1with a Christian…14
1Verses Come From?
2Part I
1The universe moves in rhythm, circles, cycles. What does this mean? That history
repeats itself…the wheel of time turns on and brings us periodically to a new
spring…and to a new dawn…As regularly as the ticking of a clock the cycles of life go
on. Is it not reasonable to believe that the phenomenon of religion…follows exactly
the same principles…?1
But beneath the seeming diversity and changing cycles dawns the sun of unity:
…the Revelation of God may be likened to the sun. No matter how innumerable its
risings, there is but one sun, and upon it depends the life of all things.2 The Báb
A chief barrier to global unity is diversity of religion. In His works, Bahá’u’lláh unveils
the wisdom of the diversity of faiths, and uses it as a basis and a means of unity. The first
question He settles is this: if God is one, why should the Teachers be so many and their
Message so diverse? That the Teachers are so many and their Message so diverse simply
point to the perfection of divine Wisdom. For, as time advances and unfolds, so do our
potentials and powers to comprehend ever-emerging-and-advancing truths. Also as
civilization changes and grows more complex, so do its needs and requirements.
In the following passage Christ clearly proclaims the principle of “progressive
revelation” or gradual unfolding of truth:
I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit
of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:12-13 NIV
The Qur’án confirms the same message:
Naught is there, but its treasuries are with Us, and We send it not down but in a known
measure. Qur’án 15:21 A3
Thus when a new age unfolds, and conditions change, new Teachers must come to renew
religion, to adapt it and make it relevant to the changing times.
These principles and laws, these firmly-established and mighty systems, have
proceeded from one Source, and are rays of one Light. That they differ one from
another is to be attributed to the varying requirements of the ages in which they were
promulgated.4 Bahá’u’lláh
The All-Knowing Physician hath His finger on the pulse of mankind. He perceiveth
the disease, and prescribeth, in His unerring wisdom, the remedy. Every age hath its
own problem, and every soul its particular aspiration. The remedy the world needeth
in its present-day afflictions can never be the same as that which a subsequent age may
require. Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and centre your
2as a child moves from weakness to strength, from ignorance to knowledge and wisdom.
Each religion represents a new stage in the spiritual evolution of mankind, leading the
world one step further toward maturity. Maturity cannot come by force; it must grow
gradually, like a seed. The completion of each stage of growth is essential for the
successful arrival of the next, for it paves the way and lays the basis on which to build. At
birth we nourish the infant’s body with milk and then, later, little by little with solid
foods. Our Creator and Sustainer does exactly the same with our spirits:
I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. I Cor. 3:2 NIV
See also I Cor. 13:11; Isa. 28:9-10
God reveals nothing but the truth, nothing but absolute perfection.
As for God, His way is perfect. The word of the Lord is flawless. Psalms 18:30 NIV
But what is perfection for one age may not be for the next. Every faith is complete in its
own dispensation, in its own age, but insufficient for the next.
The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news
of the kingdom of God is being preached… Christ (Luke 16:16 NIV)
Jesus changed some of the laws of Moses (the law of divorce, for instance), yet He
declared that He had come not “to destroy the law, or the prophets…but to fulfill” (Matt.
5:17; Luke 16:16). How could Jesus change the laws and still declare to have fulfilled
them? The seed sacrifices itself to give rise to the flower, to give birth to the fruit; the
flower and the fruit do not destroy the seed, they merely fulfill the seed’s desire to grow,
to unfold its charm, to manifest its potential. Thus not only did Jesus not destroy the laws
that preceded Him, He fulfilled them by making them more relevant, by allowing them to
unfold, to adapt to an ever-changing world. In the same way, the Bahá’í Faith does not
destroy the past religions, it merely expands them, allowing them to grow with time.
The following verse from the Gospel points to the oneness and wholeness of God’s
Purpose, and indicates that by accepting the new Faith no believer in Christ can lose even
one iota from what he has already received—love, hope, faith, and salvation:
And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given
me, but raise them up at the last day. Christ (John 6:39 NIV)
Does yesterday’s sun excel today’s sun or transcend tomorrow’s? The Báb describes the
purpose of progressive revelation in these terms:
The purpose underlying this Revelation, as well as those that preceded it, has, in like
manner, been to announce the advent of the Faith of Him Whom God will make
manifest [Bahá’u’lláh]. And this Faith—the Faith of Him Whom God will make
manifest—in its turn, together with all the Revelations gone before it, have as their
object the Manifestation destined to succeed it…The process of the rise and setting of
the Sun of Truth will thus indefinitely continue—a process that hath had no beginning
and will have no end.
Well is it with him who in every Dispensation recognizeth the Purpose of God for that
Dispensation, and is not deprived therefrom by turning his gaze towards the things of
the past.6
3divine Purpose for the age in which he lives. The seeker who fails to acknowledge the
new Revelation, who declines to harmonize his life with the new teachings, who refuses
to live by the standards of the new age declared by the new Manifestation or Messenger
of God, may be likened to a mature person who follows the childish ways, who tries to
satisfy his needs by regressing to an earlier age, to live as if he were still a child.
Obviously such a person cannot attain contentment, in spite of every sincere effort. This
is why so many—despite their deep desire to believe, and despite pressures both from
within and without to conform to prevailing conventions, to follow the faith of the
ancestors—stand helpless, unable to please either themselves or others and to submit
1Though called by many and different names and revealed in diverse forms, there has
been, and there will always be, only one divine and indivisible faith inspired and
sustained by the same transcendent spirit. In the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “Truth has many
aspects, but it remains always and forever one.”8 Religions can be likened to the chapters
of an ever-growing anthology written periodically and progressively by seemingly
different writers, who in essence are one. It is not too difficult to recognize the close and
unbreakable links between the various chapters of the one ever-expanding Book. Only the
ink, the paper, and the pen seem to have changed, not the Author or the Hand inscribing
the words.
Here are the words of Christ testifying to the oneness of divine Spirit, revealed again and
again throughout the ages.
Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone
according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,
the Beginning and the End. Christ (Rev. 22:12-13 NIV)
These are the divine Words addressed to the Báb:
I [God] have appointed Thee [the Báb] to be the Beginning and the End, the Seen and
the Hidden. Verily We are the All-Knowing.
No one hath been or will ever be invested with prophethood other than Thee, nor hath
any sacred Book been or will be revealed unto any one except Thee. Such is the decree
ordained by Him Who is the All-Encompassing, the Best Beloved.9
And here are the words of Bahá’u’lláh proclaiming His own advent:
He Who is both the Beginning and the End, He Who is both Stillness and Motion, is
now manifest before your eyes.10
Muhammad testifies to this same timeless Truth:
I am the first Adam, Noah, Moses, and Jesus.11
Likewise Buddha and Krishna declare:
2another Buddha will arise in the world…He will reveal to you the same eternal truths
which I have taught you.12 Buddha
Whenever there is decay of righteousness, O Bharata, and there is exaltation of
unrighteousness, then I Myself come forth; for the protection of the good, for the
destruction of evil-doers, for the sake of firmly establishing righteousness, I am born
from age to age.13 Krishna
In the following verse the Qur’án refers to several Messengers and confirms the oneness
and truth of their teachings:
To you [Muslims] hath He prescribed the faith which He commanded unto Noah…and
which we [God] commanded unto Abraham and Moses and Jesus, saying: “Observe
this faith, and be not divided into sects therein.” Qur’án 42:13
These Voices, speaking so harmoniously across the vast expanse of time, cannot but be
the same single Voice, all expounding and unveiling a truth as timeless and unchanging as
God Himself.
To recognize the oneness of the divine Spirit and divine Purpose, let us consider the
following example. If we have a temple with one dome standing above and crowning
many gates, with each gate carrying the sign “I am the way,” would the many signs belie
each other? Would they not all proclaim the truth? Would they not all lead the worshipers
to the same center, the same altar, the same purpose? Would they not all assemble the
wanderers in the path of truth under one Heavenly Dome?
Every Teacher by His advent unfolds a new gate to divine Wisdom, to Knowledge and
Truth. The unfolding of Knowledge and Truth and Wisdom will continue indefinitely. No
religion can be final, no Savior the last Savior. The outpouring of heavenly bounties can
never cease. The Voice of the eternal will continue to call, the Mirrors of guidance will
continue to shine forevermore. Bahá’u’lláh declares:
These Mirrors will everlastingly succeed each other, and will continue to reflect the
light of the Ancient of Days. They that reflect their glory will, in like manner, continue
to exist for evermore, for the Grace of God can never cease from flowing. This is a
truth that none can disprove.14
The Báb confirms the same truth:
Indeed no religion shall We ever inaugurate unless it be renewed in the days to come.
This is a promise We solemnly have made. Verily We are supreme over all things
Bahá’u’lláh discloses even the approximate timing of the renewal of divine Revelation in
the future:
Once in about a thousand years shall this City• be renewed and re-adorned.16
3•
“City,” “City of God,” and “Holy City” (Jerusalem), as used in both Biblical and Bahá’í scriptures,
signify divine Law or divine Revelation. Bahá’u’lláh writes: “That city is none other than the Word of
God revealed in every age and dispensation” (The Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 199). See also Some Answered
Questions, p. 68.
4words of the Scriptures as well. For we know both by reason and revelation that “God
does not show favoritism…” (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11). How can He, the impartial
Father called love (John 3:16; I John 4:8), ignore His children, leave them comfortless,
keep them deprived, up to a certain point in history, and then—and not before—decide to
save them, to redeem them, to offer them the gift of eternal life? Can such an unjustified
partiality, such a gross injustice, be expected from the all-knowing—the God of grace,
compassion, love, and mercy? Can we accept or tolerate such a treatment even from our
own fallible parents?
Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Romans 3:29 NIV
Like parents who give their growing children new gifts, our Creator crowns each age and
each of His Messengers with special blessings and bounties. What makes the gifts unique
is that they all come from the same Source and are tokens of love from the same great
Spirit.
There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. I Corinthians 12:4 NEB
5God—The Great Spirit
6God’s Messengers
1Muhammad The Seal• of the Messengers
The Báb The Gate of God
1Bahá’u’lláh The Glory of God
1say my way is the only way or better than your way?
Is not My way equal? Are not your ways unequal? Ezekiel 18:25
This is the way, walk ye in it. •
Isaiah 30:21
I am the way—and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
me. Christ (John 14:6 NIV)
2•
“Seal” implies both adornment and approval. It also implies the termination of the “Prophetic Cycle.”
•
This verse points to the Revelation destined for our time.
3This is the true Path of God…18 The Báb
…this Book is verily the Straight Path. This is the Way of God unto all who are in the
heavens and all who are on the earth.19 Bahá’u’lláh
This is the right Faith, but the greater part of them know it not. Qur’án 30:29
There is only one religious way. This one way is that of good thoughts, good words,
1preoccupied with dogmas or doctrines that are utterly alien to divine Purpose. But to
judge a religion, whose time has passed and whose mission is fulfilled, by the beliefs and
deeds and dogmas of the followers is to disregard the difference between the divine and
the human.
So drastic has been the alteration of religious truths taught by the previous Messengers
and so numerous the teachings that have been subjected to the misjudgments of
succeeding generations of interpreters as to distort the divine truths beyond the
recognition of even those who revealed them. Thus in judging a religion it is essential to
differentiate between the divine and the human, between man-made and God-made. We
should differentiate between the gem that is genuine—pure, radiant, divine—and the gem
that seems genuine. The knowledge bestowed by Bahá’u’lláh clearly guides us to tell the
difference between God-made and man-made.
Only have faith, patience and courage—this is but the beginning…surely you will
succeed, for God is with you!20 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
1related to the cultural context of the time. Every Messenger renews the essential or
enduring truths taught by His Predecessors, but to meet the needs of the time, He alters or
modifies some of their nonessential teachings, such as those pertaining to rites and
rituals, ways of worship, forbidden foods, or holy days.
Here are the words of the Scriptures indicating the necessity of change in the Mosaic
laws:
For he [Jesus] has cancelled the bond which pledged us to the decrees of the law [of
Moses]…he has set it aside, nailing it to the cross…Allow no one therefore to take you
to task about what you eat or drink, or over the observance of festival, new moon, or
2Christ’s.• Colossians 2:14-17 NEB
To rest on Saturday or on Sunday, to baptize or to sprinkle, to eat fish and pork or to
avoid them, do not constitute the basis of divine teachings; to love or to hate, to be selfish
or unselfish, loyal or disloyal, open-minded or closed-minded, do. The latter constitute
the basis and the essence of all great Faiths, even though the masses of the followers fail
to honor them. Once again we see an expression of the universal law, unity in diversity,
manifesting the divine Wisdom in the realm of religion as in the universe as a whole.
Love is the wellspring of all virtues, the essence of all Revelations. It is the unchanging
reality of God and of Christ, indeed of all divine Teachers. The changing names (Jesus,
Moses, Abraham) and the changing rules (Saturday, Sunday, Friday) stand only as
shadows. But the sun, which casts the light and the shadows, stands still, unchanging,
eternal. The divine Voice eternally warns us saying:
…take heed lest forms and apparels debar you from recognizing Him. Render ye
1Among Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, recognition of the oneness of religion and its realization
as one universal faith dominating the conscience of the whole human race is a most vital
step toward the ultimate potential and destiny of our age: the oneness of mankind.
Religious unity is the foundation of a peaceful world, and the most urgent remedy for the
ills of mankind. Bahá’u’lláh states:
That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument
for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause,
one common Faith. This can in no wise be achieved except through the power of a
skilled, an all-powerful and inspired Physician.22 Bahá’u’lláh
And again:
Gird up the loins of your endeavor, O people of Bahá, that haply the tumult of
religious dissension and strife that agitateth the peoples of the earth may be stilled, that
every trace of it may be completely obliterated. For the love of God, and them that
serve Him, arise to aid this sublime and momentous Revelation. Religious fanaticism
and hatred are a world-devouring fire, whose violence none can quench. The Hand of
Divine power can, alone, deliver mankind from this desolating affliction.23 Bahá’u’lláh
Bahá’u’lláh’s plan of religious unity is a promise confirmed in past scriptures:
…They will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep
my decrees. Ezekiel 37:24 NIV
2•
For further references, see Mark 12:24-34; Luke 5:36-39; Hebrews 10:1-4; 7:12-18; 8:13; 5:12-14;
Matthew 9:16-17; Galatians 5:6; 6:5; 2:19.
1disguised and divided into many deceptively plausible forms. Truth is one, but the
traditions and dogmas are many. If we seek the one universal Truth, we shall all arrive at
one point—the point of unity and oneness. Otherwise, we shall remain divided and in
disarray.
The main reason for the present divisions and differences among the followers of various
religions is that instead of seeking the one universal truth—the point of agreement—they
are preoccupied and concerned with traditions, superstitions, and dogmas, the points of
disagreement. Each believer considers his belief flawless, his way the straight way, each
claiming to be the sole possessor of truth, without ever objectively examining the
universal truths underlying all religions.
As long as such an attitude persists, hope cannot dawn, justice cannot triumph, unity
cannot reign, fellowship cannot flourish. As long as the belief in exclusive salvation, or
the superiority of a given Faith over others, dominates the hearts and minds of the
masses, peace and prosperity cannot prevail. Bahá’u’lláh declares:
Beware, O believers in the Unity of God, lest ye be tempted to make any distinction
between any of the Manifestations of His Cause, or to discriminate against the signs
that have accompanied and proclaimed their Revelation. This indeed is the true
meaning of Divine Unity, if ye be of them that apprehend and believe this truth. Be ye
assured, moreover, that the works and acts of each and every one of these
Manifestations of God, nay whatever pertaineth unto them, and whatsoever they may
manifest in the future, are all ordained by God, and are a reflection of His Will and
Purpose.24
2Part II
If There Is One God,
Why Are There
So Many Religions?
1This is a true story of a young man named Paul who felt comfortable in his small “fish
bowl.” Yet one day he ventured out for an hour and entered a bigger bowl, to see other
fish and to taste fresher waters. After this uplifting and exciting experience, he returned to
his original bowl with a heart slightly refreshed and a mind slightly stretched:
A mind, stretched to a new idea, never goes back to its original dimension.
1the point with a true story. Once I taught a course in child development to 30 teachers
(graduate students). We sat in a big circle and enjoyed excellent communication and
exchange of ideas. The theme I emphasized was positive thinking. Everyone was
encouraged to find the best in himself and in others.
During the second week I noticed a gloomy face in the circle. It belonged to Paul, who
was about 30 years old. I wondered why he was sad and began to entertain theories.
Suddenly it dawned on me. Earlier the students had been asked to reveal their most
cherished goals. Most of them said things like: I want to be a good mother, to be happy,
to build the house of my dream, to travel, to be a better teacher. No one mentioned
anything spiritual except Paul, who said, “I want to please the Lord.”
I was delighted to hear him say this. His thought came as a fresh breath of air. The word
“God” or “Lord” is seldom heard in universities. It seems college professors talk about
everything except God. In places of learning, the idea of the supernatural seems out of
place and outdated.
From Paul’s response, I guessed that he must have heard from me something contrary to
his religious beliefs.
Paul always sat next to a 50-year-old lady, who was vibrant, spiritual, and sociable. I
decided to get to the heart of the problem by seeking her help. One day I asked if she
knew Paul’s problem. She seemed prepared, and gave this quick and candid response:
“At first Paul thought you were a Christian. Then from reading certain passages in your
workbook, he now believes you are not a Christian.” I asked her to assure Paul that I
believe Christ was divine and spoke the word of God. Then I added, “Please also tell him
this “Christ says love your enemies. I am not his enemy. But even if I were, he must still
love me. If one loves a person, he must also respect him.” She was pleased and promised
to convey my message to him. The next day I was astonished by what I saw in Paul’s
face: uninterrupted smiles.
After observing this dramatic change, I felt Paul was ready for an exchange of ideas. One
day after the class I asked him to see me in my office. At that point I wanted to have a
2saw one of several poster with the words “Bahá’í Faith.” He immediately asked, “What is
the Bahá’í Faith?” I said that it was my religion. He could not wait to quiz me about it.
He had never heard the word Bahá’í before.
I told him Bahá’ís accept not only Christianity but all great religions. They believe God
has spoken to humanity in distant times through many Spokesmen. He loves all His
children equally and has sent and will continue to send Saviors to guide them.
He asked if there was any reference in the Bible to support this. I asked him if he
remembered these words from Jesus: “I have other sheep that are not of this fold” (John
10:16). He knew the passage. Then I said, “Jesus came to save primarily the Israelites. In
fact He said, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel’ (Matthew 15:24). Israelites were
the sheep that He tended. But there were other ‘sheep’ or societies (Chinese, Native
Americans, Icelandics, Alaskans, etc.) that had a different history and lived far away from
Palestine. They too belonged to God. A true shepherd loves all His sheep.” Paul said he
had never thought about the meaning of this verse in this way and felt the interpretation
seemed reasonable.
I asked, if he had several babies, would he love some of them more than the others. He
said no. Then I said, “When Jesus and Moses and Abraham speared, America was not yet
discovered. But people lived in that continent. Would God ignore His Native American
babies? Would He leave them in the dark of unbelief for thousands of years?” He listened
with interest and could detect no flaws in my reasoning.
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show
favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
Acts 10:34-35 NIV
Then Paul said, “But Native Americans have some strange beliefs.” I answered, “A great
portion of the pure teachings of God’s ancient Messengers has been lost. New ideas have
been added by people to all ancient faiths. Don’t you think that some Christian
denominations have beliefs that appear strange to you and to non-Christians?” He said
yes. Then I said, “Would God send the members of those denominations to hell? Would
God send someone to hell because he believed in the wrong doctrines?” He said no. Then
I said, “Think of those religions as denominations of Christianity. Most religious conflict
and intolerance is due to misunderstanding. We need to learn more about other faiths.”
He asked, “Why do Muslims believe in polygamy?” I said, “Because in tribal Arabia
unmarried women could not live in safety. They were often kidnapped and abused.
Polygamy absorbed single women and protected them.” Then I said, “Have you ever seen
anything in the Bible against polygamy?” He said no, but he was sure a reference could
be found. I asked him to try. He promised he would inquire from his pastor and let me
know later.
Then Paul said the Bible predicts the coming of Antichrists and wondered if the non-
Christian religions were not the fulfillment of this prophecy. I said the Gospel defines an
Antichrist as one who denies the station or mission of Jesus Christ (I John 4:2-3).
Muhammad as well as Bahá’u’lláh (the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith) and the Báb
(Bahá’u’lláh’s Herald) glorified Christ. The title in no way applies to them. In fact, the
prophecy about the Antichrist confirms the divine origin of both Islam and the Bahá’í
3station) is of God (I John 4:2). I showed him this passage from Bahá’u’lláh about the
supreme station of Christ:
We testify that when He came into the world, He shed the splendor of His glory upon
all created things…Blessed is the man who, with a face beaming with light, hath
turned towards Him.1 Bahá’u’lláh
I asked if he knew how much Muhammad loved and glorified Jesus. He said no. I
indicated that the Qur’án repeatedly confirms the divine origin of Jesus. And asked him
why this was unknown to Christians. He had no answer.
He then introduced his favorite quotation from Jesus: “I am the way and the truth. No one
comes to the Father but by Me.” In response, I took a piece of paper and made this
drawing:
4Then I said, “Think of each of these great Teachers or Redeemers as a pathway to God.
Each of them came in a different age and called Himself the way, one that led people to
God. In fact, all great Messengers have made the same claim.” I showed him these
quotations:
This is the way, walk ye in it. Isaiah 30:21
I am the way—and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through me. Christ (John 14:6 NIV)
This is the path.2 Buddha
5…this book is verily the Straight Path. This is the Way of God unto all who are in
the heavens and all who are on the earth.4 Bahá’u’lláh
This is the right Faith, but the greater part of them know it not. Qur’án 30:29
There is only one religious way. This one way is that of good thoughts, good words,
1Then I said, “The best way to know if these religions came from God is to look at their
scriptures and see if they are alike.” I told him that I had compiled a few quotations from
the Scriptures of five major faiths without giving their source. I asked if he was interested
in receiving a copy. He showed an interest, and I gave him a copy of the test. (See the
appendix.)
Then he said, “But there are many cults. How can I tell a religion is not a cult?” I said,
“Jesus gave this precise answer to your question: ‘By their fruits shall ye know them.’”
He nodded his head; he knew the passage. Then I said, “How can you differentiate
between a Mother Theresa, a saint, and a Ted Bundy, a serial killer? Only by their deeds,
only by their fruits. There is no other way.” Then I added, “What do you think is the
difference between your beliefs and my beliefs?” He appeared puzzled. I said, “I am
absolutely sure that our moral values are identical. In fact, there is no difference between
a good Christian, a good Muslim, and a good Bahá’í. There is also no difference between
a mediocre Christian, a mediocre Bahá’í, and a mediocre Muslim. They are exactly alike.
They differ only in their theologies. Some Christians believe that to be saved you must be
baptized; others deny this. Some people believe in a personal devil, others do not. These
differences are not critical.”
He asked, “How can one be saved?” I said, “Every religion teaches two requirements.
The first is to love God and the Ones who speak for Him—His Messengers. If God made
us, we must acknowledge Him, thank Him, and love Him. How would you feel if your
son or daughter, whom you loved dearly, abandoned or ignored you? The second
requirement is to love people, which results from the first requirement. Can one love God
and hate His children? These are the fundamentals; everything else is secondary. In
addition to loving God, we are also asked to fear Him. But fear does not mean phobia; it
means having respect for His justice.”
What then, O Israel, does the Lord your God ask of you? Only to fear the Lord your
God, to conform to all his ways, to love him and to serve him with all your heart and
soul. Deuteronomy 10:12 NEB
He who walks [acts] righteously and speaks what is right [acknowledges the
truth…this is the man who will dwell on the heights… Isaiah 33:15-16 NIV
Christian teachers often give the impression that forgiveness of sins was initiated by
Christ, and that only through Him can it be obtained. Does God change His ways? Did
He become a forgiver of sins at a given point in history and not earlier?
2Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the
Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Isaiah 55:7 NIV
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is
the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no
deceit. Psalms 32:1-2 NIV
Christians often give the false impression that the only requirement for being saved is to
say, “My Lord and Savior is Jesus Christ.” Seldom do they mention the verses that
emphasize deeds, that underline living the law. How many believers remember hearing or
reading these beautiful verses?
For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those
who obey the law who will be declared righteous. Romans 2:13 NIV
I told Paul “Suppose a person loved both God and His children (Jesus called these His
greatest commandments) but practiced the wrong doctrines. Would God send this person
to hell? For instance, would a person go to hell for not receiving communion?” He said
no. “Yet,” I added “many people think that anyone who doesn’t belong to their faith or
fails to support specific doctrines is damned to eternal hell. Many Muslims think
Christians go to hell. Many Christians believe Muslims do. This is prejudice, for it is
based on suppositions, prejudgments, and wishful thinking. Are not these the ingredients
that shape prejudice?”
Then Paul said, “I believe when Jesus comes, He will conquer the world with great power
and glory.” I asked if that was not the way He was supposed to come the first time. He
said: “No, In His first advent, Jesus was supposed to come as a suffering servant.” I said,
“You are not alone in your belief. Most Christians believe the same way.” The following
statement from Dr. Barry Chant is typical of books of prophecy written by Christian
writers:
On that day [our day], He would not come as the suffering servant, but as the reigning
King! The angels whose aid He refused at the cross (Matt. 26:53) would now be at His
side to enforce His rule!
In this way, the Lord made it clear that just as He had come to earth the first time, so
He would come again a second time. The difference, however, would lie in the manner
of His coming. Not in lowliness, but in exaltation! Not in obscurity, but in glory! Not
in weakness, but in power! Not is sacrifice, but in supremacy! Not in meekness, but in
majesty!
When we look at the Old Testament promises of the coming of Christ, we must draw a
distinction between those which speak of His coming as Savior, and those which
speak of His coming as Sovereign.5
To prove this point, Dr. Chant then quotes this verse:
He [the Messiah] is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted
with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we
esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3
3But like many other Christian writers, Dr. Chant makes no mention of the following
prophecies:
You [Mary] will…give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus…The
Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the
house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end. Luke 1:31-33 NIV
The promise that the angel gave to Mary was already given to the people of Israel:
…I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will
establish his kingdom…I will be his father, and he will be my son…I will set him
over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever.
I Chronicles 17:11-14 NIV
The promise was even confirmed by Jesus Himself:
Art thou a king?…To this end I [Christ] was born… John 18:37
See also Psalms 132:11, Micah 5:2
Did God fail to keep His promise of sending a king to the people of Israel? No, God does
not fail; humans fail to understand His language. In both advents, the power and glory of
Christ were spiritual. Both Christ and Bahá’u’lláh revealed the greatest glory and power
and experienced the greatest pain and suffering. (For biblical prophecies that point to
Bahá’u’lláh’s suffering, see Lord of Lords and King of Kings.)
Then I asked, “Why do Christian writers always refer to the prophecies that point to the
sufferings of Jesus but not to His Davidic Kingdom?” Paul had no answer.
At this point he smiled gently and said, “My mind can accept what you say; it makes
sense. But my heart still says, ‘Stay with Jesus. He is different.’” I said, “Please
remember that I am not trying to take Jesus away from you. My love for Him is as
supreme, as strong, and as unending as yours. I am only trying to expand your vision, to
give you a new perspective. In fact, because of this new knowledge your understanding
of God’s plan and purpose for humans and your love for Jesus will grow abundantly.
Reason always strengthens faith. Faith is like the flower, reason like the root. Each needs
the other.
“It is clear your mind appreciates the evidence, but your heart remains unsure. This is to
be expected. When we deal with emotional issues such as family or religious matters,
reasoning can touch only the mind, not the heart. Further, the human heart does not
change instantly. It may take months or even years and decades before the seeds of reason
can grow roots and branches into the heart. Our heart may be the toughest muscle we
have.”
I concluded the discussion with a few more passages from a Book we both
acknowledged. I asked him to consider these quotations, written long before anyone had
heard the name of Jesus:
The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the
nations…all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Psalms 98:2-3 NIV
I said “Notice the phrase, all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
The statement was made centuries before the birth of Jesus; it was made long before
America was discovered by the people of the East. At that time the Native Americans
4knew nothing about the Bible, yet as the verse declares, they had already seen God’s
salvation. How could have they seen God’s salvation if they had not received their own
Savior? Consider these magnificent and timely words of Paul:
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For
there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and
richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.” Romans 10:11-13 NIV
The word “Gentile” means anyone who is not of the Jewish Faith. It includes not only
Christians of the West but also Chinese, Africans, East Indians, and Native Americans,
who, for the most part, do not follow Judaism. Paul’s intention was to teach the Jews the
universality of God’s love, to help them overcome the same obstacle that Christians of
today are facing: exclusive salvation through Jesus.
I quoted also this brief and beautiful passage:
Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Romans 3:29 NIV
A key to appreciating other faiths is humility. When we think that our way of life is the
only way, we lose humility. The absence of humility leads to pride, and pride dims the
light of the Spirit. It becomes a veil between the heart and Heaven. “Nothing sets a
person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility.”
For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation
[emphasis added]. Psalms 149:4 NIV
…he shall save the humble person. Job 22:29
O SON OF MAN!
Humble thyself before Me, that I may graciously visit thee.6 Bahá’u’lláh
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody
else, Jesus told this parable:
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on
everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: “God, I thank you that I am not like
other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice
a week and give a tenth of all I get.” But the tax collector stood at a distance. He
would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on
me, a sinner.” I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before
God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself
will be exalted. Luke 18:9-14 NIV
Jesus said that “Many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Mark 10:31; Luke
13:30). What does that mean? It means Christians who put themselves ahead of all others,
who think they are the only ones saved, the only ones who will be raptured (taken to
heaven) will, in God’s estimation, actually occupy the last position. This is what pride
does to a person. If a person is humble, he will say, “How do I know the truth? Can I
know it without making a thorough and impartial investigation? Can a jury member make
5a sound judgment by hearing only one side of a question?” I said “I encourage you to
take time and examine Bahá’u’lláh’s claim.”
Paul responded with a positive attitude. I was surprised at his openness. He was in no
mood to argue. I felt good to have had such a receptive listener. He continued to smile for
the rest of the semester.
What would be the consequences if I had not talked with him? By holding this dialogue, I
took a heavy weight off his shoulders and mine too. How much more accepting will he
become toward others, especially his own students from religions and denominations
other than his own? The seed of understanding and tolerance planted in his heart will
make it easier for him to relate to them intimately, understand them, love them, and
respect them. (One cannot respect a person who is worthy of hell!)
By the way, after the original dialogue, I asked Paul if his pastor had found a biblical
reference that forbids polygamy. He said not yet.
6A man asked a woman, “Where did King Solomon get all his wisdom from?” The woman
answered, “He had hundreds of wives to consult with.”
No one should be forced out of his fishbowl; he should only be invited to taste fresh
waters.
Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17
O SON OF MAN!
…forfeit not thy portion from My wondrous fountain, lest thou shouldst thirst for
evermore.7 Bahá’u’lláh
Noted author Robert Anthony declares:
Every person has been hypnotized to some degree either by ideas he has accepted
from others or ideas he has convinced himself are true…8
Once a person believes that something is true, whether or not it is, he then acts as if it
were. He will instinctively seek to collect facts to support the belief no matter how
false it may be. No one will be able to convince him otherwise unless, through
personal experience or study, he is ready to change. Hence, it is easy to see that, if one
accepts something which is not true, all subsequent actions and reactions will be
based upon a false belief…
The average person never comes near reaching his unlimited potential because he is
living under the false assumption that he already knows the truth. He believes what his
parents have told him, what his teachers have taught him, what he has read, and what
his religion preaches WITHOUT ACTUALLY PROVING ANYTHING FOR HIMSELF.9
Truth can never be revealed to the so-called “firm believer.” You know the type,
always quoting “facts.” He does not want to recognize anything outside of his beliefs,
and sees everything with which he disagrees as a threat. He goes through life labeling
all that is new, different, and enlightening as “evil” or at least “unacceptable,” and all
that is old, traditional, and suppressing as “good.”10
7The following statement from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Paris Talks, delivered on November 10,
1911, is a fitting conclusion to this dialogue:
A star has the same radiance whether it shines from the East or from the West. Be free
from prejudice…if the Divine light of truth shone in Jesus Christ, it also shone in
Moses and in Buddha….we must be willing to clear away all that we have previously
learned, all that would clog our steps on the way to truth; we must not shrink if
necessary from beginning our education all over again. 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! When we are freed from all these bonds, seeking with liberated minds,
then shall we be able to arrive at our goal.
“Seek the truth, the truth shall make you free.” So shall we see the truth in all
religions, for truth is in all and truth is one!11
1“I’m paintin’ flowers” he said
She said, “It’s not the time for art young man
And anyway flowers are green and red
There’s a time for everything young man
And a way it should be done
You’ve got to show concern for everyone else
For you’re not the only one.
And she said, “Flowers are red young man
Green leaves are green
Than the way they always have been seen.”
But the little boy said…
“There are so many colors in the rainbow
So many colors in the morning sun
So many colors in the flower and I see every one.”
“Well,” the teacher said, “You’re sassy
There’s ways that things should be
And you’ll paint flowers the way they are
So repeat after me”…
And she said,
“Flowers are red young man
Green leaves are green
2Than they way they always have been seen.”
But the little boy said…
“There are so many colors in the rainbow
So many colors in the morning sun
So many colors in the flower and I see every one.”
The teacher put him in a corner
She said, “It’s for your own good.
And you won’t come out ’til you get it right
And are responding like you should.”
Well! finally he got lonely
Frightened thoughts filled his head
And he went up to the teacher
And this is what he said…
And he said…
“Flowers are red, green leaves are green
Than the way they always have been seen.”
Time went by like it always does
And they moved to another town
And the little boy went to another school
And this is what he found
The teacher there was smilin’
She said, “Painting should be fun
And there are so many colors in a flower
So let’s use every one
But that little boy painted flowers
In neat rows of green and red
And when the teacher asked him why
This is what he said…
And he said,
“Flowers are red, green leaves are green
Than the way they always have been seen.”
But there still must be a way to have our children say…
“There are so many colors in the rainbow,
So many colors in the morning sun
So many colors in the flower and I see every one.”
—Harry Chapin
11. Rúhíyyih Rabbání. Prescription for Living, Oxford: George Ronald, 1978, pp. 141-142.
2. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 105.
3. Translated by Arberry.
4. Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 13.
5. The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 116.
6. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 106.
7. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 85.
8. Paris Talks, p. 53.
9. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 159.
10. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 168.
11. The Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 153.
12. Fosdar, S. Buddha and Amitabha, Calcutta: Anna Art Press, pp. 10-11.
13. Bhagavad-Gita, Chapter 4. Quoted in Ferraby, John. All Things Made New, London: Ruskin House,
1957, p. 170.
14. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 74.
15. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 159.
16. The Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 199.
17. Motlagh, Hushidar Hugh. Choosing Your Destiny, Mt. Pleasant, MI: Global Perspective, 2000, p. 4.
18. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 56.
19. The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 98.
20. Paris Talks, p. 101.
21. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 162.
22. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 255.
23. Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, pp. 13-14.
24. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 59.
11. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 86, 85.
2. May, Dann. A Simple Method for Teaching Christians, 1987, p. 91.
3. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 56.
4. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 44.
5. Pratney, Winkie and Barry Chant. The Return, England: Sovereign World, 1988, p. 34.
6. The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh (Arabic), no. 42.
7. The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh (Arabic), no. 37.
8. Anthony, Robert. Total Self-confidence, New York: Berkley Books, 1984, p. 1.
9. Anthony, Robert. Total Self-confidence, New York: Berkley Books, 1984, pp. 3-4.
10. Anthony, Robert. Total Self-confidence, New York: Berkley Books, 1984, p. 6.
11. Paris Talks, p. 137.
Can You Tell Where
1These Verses Come From?
2284 Quotations from
1connecteth this world with the realms above,
and the Standard of His Truth unto every one
in the kingdoms of earth and heaven.
Bahá’u’lláh
(Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 50.)
1These Verses Come From?
1The following are 284 quotations from the Scriptures of four great religions: the Bahá’í
Faith, Christianity, Islám, and Judaism. The quotations are offered in two sections, each
containing 142 quotations. The references are provided at the end of each section. See if
you can recognize the source of each quotation. Check the appropriate letter in the left
column.
Code: B = Bahá’í Faith; C = Christianity; I = Islám; J = Judaism
2BCIJ Listen, my people, and I will speak…I am God, your God
BCIJ The Lord our God is one Lord
BCI J Truly your God is but one, Lord of the heavens and of the earth
BCI J Verily there is no God besides me
BCIJ I am the Lord, who has made all things
BCI J Is there any doubt concerning God, maker of the heavens and the earth…?6
BCIJ Glory to God
BCI J Glory be to God the Lord of the worlds.8
BCI J Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are
your ways…Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name?9
BCI J Blessed be the name of the Lord, full of majesty and glory.10
BCI J Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.11
BCI J The heavens declare the glory of God
BCI J …all things…declare His glory…yet ye understand not
BCIJ No one is good except God alone.14
BCIJ Lord God Almighty…you alone are holy
BCIJ Only what is revealed to me [from God] do I follow.16
BCI J …God is the source of my being
BCIJ I call only upon my Lord
BCIJ I can of my own self do nothing
3BCIJ I have no power to help or harm myself, except as God pleases.20
BCIJ I only follow my Lord’s utterances to me.21
BCIJ This is God, my Lord; in Him do I put my trust
BCIJ I am…the truth
BCIJ We have come to you with the truth
BCIJ This book is…the truth from thy Lord.25
BCI J These are the true words of God.26
BCI J This is the way [to God], walk ye in it.27
BCIJ This is the true Path of God, the Almighty
BCIJ I have come down from heaven.29
BCIJ God is my witness! The Promised One hath come down from heaven
BCI J Be thou content with Me and seek no other helper. For none but Me can
ever suffice thee.31
BCIJ Set all thy hope in God, and cleave tenaciously to His unfailing mercy.32
BCIJ Do not forget the covenant I have made with you
BCIJ Be faithful to the covenant of God
BCIJ Trust always in God, my people, pour out your hearts before him. God is
our shelter.35
BCI J My will and the will of another than Me, even as fire and water, cannot
dwell together in one heart.36
BCI J How goodly the reward of those who labor, who patiently endure, and put
their trust in their Lord!37
BCI J It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord
BCIJ God [is] rich without you…yet if ye be thankful He will be pleased with
you.39
BCIJ …it behooveth thee to glory in My name, not in thine own; to put thy trust
in Me and not in thyself…40
BCIJ …be grateful for the favors of God
BCIJ Detach yourselves from all else but Me, and turn your faces towards My
face, for better is this for you than the things ye possess. Withhold not from
yourselves the grace of God and His mercy.42
BCI J Cast away the things that keep you back from God and persevere on this
far-stretching Way.43
BCIJ …thy Lord is nigh, ready to answer.44
4BCIJ …He is the hearer, the near at hand.45
BCI J Withhold not from yourselves the grace of God and His mercy. Whoso
withholdeth himself therefrom is indeed in grievous loss.46
BCI J Beware lest the transitory things of human life withhold you from turning
unto God, the True One.47
BCI J There is no power nor strength but in God alone.48
BCI J I know of a certainty that since I have God, the Ever-Living, the Adored
One, I am the possessor of all things, visible and invisible
BCI J The source of all evil is for man to turn away from his Lord and set his heart
on things ungodly.50
BCI J The source of error is to disbelieve in the One true God…51
BCI J Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.52
BCIJ Break not the bond that uniteth you with your Creator
BCI J There is no peace for thee save by renouncing thyself and turning unto
Me.54
BCIJ …God is with those who fear him and do good deeds.55
BCI J The source of all learning is the knowledge of God…56
BCI J Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; and walketh in His ways.57
BCI J For everything there is a sign. The sign of love is fortitude under My decree
and patience under My trials.58
BCIJ …we all believe in Thee, and eagerly hope to enter Thy presence.59
BCIJ …men ought always to pray
BCI J True knowledge…is the knowledge of God, and this is none other than the
recognition of His Manifestation in each Dispensation.61
BCI J He hath endowed every soul with the capacity to recognize the signs of
God
BCIJ Blessed are the steadfastly enduring, they that are patient under ills and
hardships
BCI J …the prayer of the upright is His delight.64
BCIJ And make mention of the name of thy Lord at morn, at even, and at night.
Adore him, and praise him all nightlong.65
BCIJ For every one of you his paramount duty is to choose for himself that on
which no others may infringe and none usurp from him. Such a thing…is the
love of God, could ye but perceive it.66
BCIJ Let the flame of the love of God burn brightly within your radiant hearts.67
5BCIJ Make my love thy vesture, and thy shield remembrance of Me, and thy
provision reliance upon God
BCI J Walk in My statutes for love of Me and deny thyself that which thou
desirest if thou seekest My pleasure.69
BCI J Call unto me, and I will answer thee
BCI J Call on Me and I will answer you.71
BCI J Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.72
BCI J The station of absolute self-surrender transcendeth, and will ever remain
exalted above, every other station.73
BCIJ …men should merge their will wholly in the Will of God, and regard their
desires as utter nothingness beside His Purpose.74
BCI J The source of all glory is acceptance of whatsoever the Lord hath bestowed,
and contentment with that which God hath ordained.75
BCI J I, the Lord, search the mind and test the heart
BCIJ …God will test you
BCI J Be not afraid of anyone, place thy whole trust in God, the Almighty, the All-
Knowing.78
BCI J Prefer not your will to Mine, never desire that which I have not desired for
you…79
BCIJ And we [God] test you by means of each other.80
BCIJ Put thy whole confidence in the grace of God, thy Lord…81
BCIJ O Lord of Hosts, thou dost test the righteous and search the depths of the
heart
BCI J If anyone revile you, or trouble touch you, in the path of God, be patient,
and put your trust in Him Who heareth, Who seeth.83
BCIJ …know ye that your possessions…are only a test
BCI J And He it is who hath made the heavens and the earth…that He might test
you to show who would excel in works.85
BCI J Let Him be thy helper and enrich thyself with His treasures, for with Him
are the treasuries of the heavens and of the earth.86
BCIJ He that giveth up himself wholly to God, God shall, assuredly, be with
him…87
BCIJ …he that placeth his complete trust in God, God shall, verily, protect him
from whatsoever may harm him
BCI J Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall My loved ones.89
6BCI J Happy are they that have cast behind their backs all else save God and have
held fast unto that which the Lord of strength and power hath enjoined upon
them.90
BCI J …my yoke is easy and my burden light.91
BCIJ We [God] will not burden a soul beyond its power
BCIJ If you love only those who love you, what reward can you expect?93
BCIJ Happy is the man that heedeth My counsel, and keepeth the precepts
prescribed by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.94
BCIJ Happy are they that observe God’s precepts; happy are they that have
recognized the Truth…95
BCIJ …happy are they that judge with fairness in all matters and hold fast to the
Cord of My irrevocable Justice.96
BCIJ Sorrow not save that thou art far from Us. Rejoice not save that thou art
drawing near and returning unto Us.97
BCI J Turn away evil by what is better, and lo! he between whom and thyself was
enmity, shall be as though he were a warm friend. But none attain to this
[high standard] save those steadfast in patience, and none attain to it except
the most highly favored.98
BCIJ Honor your father and your mother
BCIJ Blessed is he that draweth nigh unto Him, and woe betide them that are far
away.100
BCIJ O ye the beloved of the one true God! Pass beyond the narrow retreats of
your evil and corrupt desires, and advance into the vast immensity of the
realm of God, and abide ye in the meads of sanctity and of detachment
BCIJ Thou art He Who changeth through His bidding abasement into glory, and
weakness into strength, and powerlessness into might, and fear into calm,
and doubt into certainty.102
BCIJ Honor your father and mother…that it may go well with you
BCIJ Thy Lord hath ordained…kindness to your parents…speak to them both with
respectful speech; and treat them tenderly and humbly; and say, “Lord, have
compassion on them both.”104
BCI J …repent to God of your sins.105
BCI J When the sinner findeth himself wholly detached and freed from all save
God, he should beg forgiveness and pardon from Him.106
BCIJ …return ye to God and repent, that He, through His grace, may have mercy
upon you, may wash away your sins, and forgive your trespasses.107
7BCIJ The greatness of His mercy surpasseth the fury of His wrath, and His grace
encompasseth all who have been called into being and been clothed with the
robe of life, be they of the past or of the future.108
BCI J …loyalty is my desire, not [the ceremony of] sacrifice, not whole-offerings
but the knowledge of God.109
BCI J The purpose of God in creating man hath been, and will ever be, to enable
him to know his Creator and to attain His presence.110
BCI J The supreme cause for creating the world and all that is therein is for man to
know God.111
BCIJ But for man, who, on My earth, would remember Me, and how could My
attributes and My names be revealed.112
BCIJ The Word of God is the king of words and its pervasive influence is
incalculable.113
BCIJ Every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God is endowed with such
potency as can instill new life into every human frame
BCIJ Woe to those who… make a show of devotion, but refuse to help the
needy.115
BCI J …whenever thou shalt long for Me, thou shalt find Me close to thee.116
BCI J Humble thyself before Me, that I may graciously visit thee.117
BCI J …he who forgiveth…shall be rewarded by God himself
BCI J God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.119
BCIJ …nor walk loftily on earth; for God loveth not the arrogant and the proud.120
BCIJ Ask not of Me that which We desire not for thee, then be content with what
We have ordained for thy sake
BCI J …within thee have I placed the essence of My light. Be thou content with it
and seek naught else, for My work is perfect and My command is
binding.122
BCI J …his [God’s] work is perfect
BCIJ He [God] truly loveth not the men of pride.124
BCI J It is the waywardness of the heart that removeth it far from God, and
condemneth it to remoteness from Him.125
BCIJ He who hath made everything…most good
BCIJ …the heart is the most deceitful of all things…who can fathom it?127
BCIJ …the heart is prone to evil.128
BCIJ Be not content with the ease of a passing day
8BCIJ Bestow upon me my portion, O Lord, as Thou pleasest, and cause me to be
satisfied with whatsoever Thou hast ordained for me.130
BCIJ Sorrow not save that thou art far from Us. Rejoice not save that thou art
drawing near and returning unto Us.131
BCIJ Let not the happenings of the world sadden you.132
BCI J Let not the world and its vileness grieve you. Happy is he whom riches fill
not with vain-glory, nor poverty with sorrow.133
BCIJ Sorrow not if, in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to
your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful
joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for you.134
BCI J They hasten forward to Hell Fire, and mistake it for light.135
BCIJ In my Father’s house are many mansions
BCIJ …the mansions of the next life shall be better for those who fear God.137
BCIJ But seek, by means of what God hath given thee, to attain the future
Mansion; and neglect not thy part in this world but be gracious to others as
God hath been gracious to thee
BCI J …if thou art overtaken by affliction in My path, or degradation for My sake,
be not thou troubled thereby…Rely upon God, thy God and the Lord of thy
fathers.139
BCIJ Be patient under all conditions, and place your whole trust and confidence
in God.140
BCI J He, verily, shall increase the reward of them that endure with patience.141
BCI J Be patient, for thy Lord is patient.142
12. Mark 12:29.
3. Qur’án 37:4-5.
4. Qur’án 21:25.
5. Isaiah 44:24 NIV.
6. Qur’án 14:11.
7. Luke 2:14.
8. Qur’án 39:75.
9. Revelation 15:3-4 NIV.
10. Qur’án 55:78.
11. Psalms 113:2.
12. Psalms 19:1 NIV.
13. Qur’án 17:44 Y.
14. Luke 18:20 NEB.
15. Revelation 15:3-4 NIV.
16. Qur’án 6:50.
17. John 8:42.
18. Qur’án 72:20.
19. John 15:5.
20. Qur’án 10:50.
21. Qur’án 7:202.
22. Qur’án 42:8.
23. John 14:6 NIV.
24. Qur’án 43:48.
25. Qur’án 32:1-2.
26. Revelation 19:9 NIV.
27. Isaiah 30:21.
28. The Báb. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 56.
29. John 6:38 NEB.
30. Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 182.
31. Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Arabic), no. 17.
32. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 323.
33. II Kings 17:38 NIV.
34. Qur’án 16:93.
35. Psalms 62:8.
36. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Persian), no. 31.
37. Qur’án 29:58-59.
38. Psalms 92:1.
39. Qur’án 39:9.
241. Qur’án 16:115.
42. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 257.
43. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 266.
44. Qur’án 11:64.
45. Qur’án 34:49.
46. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 104.
47. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 267.
48. The Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 252.
49. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 16.
50. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 156.
51. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 156.
52. Ecclesiastes 12:13.
53. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 328.
54. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Arabic), no. 8.
55. Qur’án 16:128.
56. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 156.
57. Psalms 128:1.
58. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Arabic), no. 48.
59. Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh, p. 96.
60. Luke 18:1.
61. Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 89.
62. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 105.
63. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 129.
64. Proverbs 15:8.
65. Qur’án 76:25-26.
66. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 261.
67. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 325.
68. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 63.
69. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Arabic), no. 38.
70. Jeremiah 33:3.
71. Qur’án 40:62.
72. Matthew 21:22.
73. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 338.
74. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 337.
75. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 155.
76. Jeremiah 17:10 NEB.
77. Qur’án 16:92 Y.
78. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 190.
79. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Persian), no. 19.
80. Qur’án 25:22.
81. The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 49.
82. Jeremiah 20:12 NEB.
384. Qur’án 8:28.
85. Qur’án 11:9.
86. The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 49.
87. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 233.
88. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 233.
89. Shoghi Effendi. The Advent of Divine Justice, Wilmette, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1956, p. 69.
90. Shoghi Effendi. The Advent of Divine Justice, Wilmette, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1956, p. 235.
91. Matthew 11:30.
92. Qur’án 23:64.
93. Matthew 5:46 NEB.
94. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 305.
95. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 62.
96. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 62.
97. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Arabic), no. 35.
98. Qur’án 41:35.
99. Exodus 20:12 NIV.
100. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 51.
101. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 241.
102. Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh, p. 249.
103. Ephesians 6:1 NIV.
104. Qur’án 17:24-25.
105. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 160.
106. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 24.
107. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 130.
108. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 130.
109. Hosea 6:6 NEB.
110. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 70.
111. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 268.
112. Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 49.
113. Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 173.
114. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 141.
115. Qur’án 107:4-7.
116. The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, p. 63.
117. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Arabic), p. 42.
118. Qur’án 42:31.
119. I Peter 5:5.
120. Qur’án 31:17.
121. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Arabic), no. 18.
122. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Arabic), no. 12.
123. Deuteronomy 32:4.
124. Qur’án 16:25.
125. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 186.
4127. Jeremiah 17:9 NEB.
128. Qur’án 12:53.
129. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Persian), no. 39.
130. Bahá’í Prayers, 1982 ed., p. 57.
131. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Arabic), no. 35.
132. Shoghi Effendi. The Advent of Divine Justice, Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1956, p. 69.
133. Bahá’í Year Book, New York City: Bahá’í Publishing Committee, April 1925-April 1926, vol. 1, p.
42.
134. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 329.
135. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 42.
136. John 14:2.
137. Qur’án 12:109.
138. Qur’án 28:77.
139. Bahá’í Prayers, 1982 ed., p. 211.
140. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 296.
141. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 129.
142. Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 134.
1These Verses Come From?
1BCIJ Cast away, O concourse of divines [religious leaders], the things ye have
composed with the pens of your idle fancies and vain imaginings.1
BCI J This is the Cause that hath caused all your superstitions and idols to
tremble.2
BCIJ We have found you behind the veils…measure not the Book of God with
your selfish desires.3
BCI J Nowhere doth your true and abiding glory reside except in your firm
adherence unto the precepts of God.4
BCIJ No soul knoweth what joy of the eyes is reserved for the good
BCIJ …those who go down to the pit.6
BCIJ …the bottomless pit
BCI J Verily the hypocrites shall be in the lowest abyss [the bottomless pit] of the
fire
BCI J Free thyself from the fetters of this world, and loose thy soul from the
prison of self. Seize thy chance, for it will come to thee no more.9
BCI J Thine heart is My treasury, allow not the treacherous hand of self to rob
thee of the pearls which I have treasured therein.10
BCIJ …hell, where the fire never goes out.11
BCI J …in the fire shall they abide for ever.12
BCI J For he will command his angels…to guard you in all your ways; they will
lift you in their hands
BCI J …verily over you (are appointed angels) to protect you—kind and
honorable, recording (your deeds). They know (and understand) all that ye
do.14
BCI J The angels of the Lord encompass around those who fear him.15
BCI J The candle of thine heart is lighted by the hand of My power, quench it not
with the contrary winds of self and passion.16
BCI J To give and to be generous are attributes of Mine; well is it with him that
adorneth himself with My virtues.17
2BCI J The spirit shall return to God who gave it.18
BCI J To us [God] shall all return.19
BCI J …they take with them the record of their deeds.20
BCIJ O ye rich ones on earth! The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My
trust, and be not intent only on your own ease.21
BCIJ Be ye trustworthy on earth, and withhold not from the poor the things given
unto you by God through His grace.22
BCI J And everything they do is in the Books; each action, both small and great, is
written down.23
BCI J And each shall have his book put into his hands…they shall find all that they
have done, and thy Lord will not deal unjustly with anyone.24
BCIJ [Their sins are] recorded…engraved on the tablets of their heart [soul]
BCIJ …this earthly life shall come to an end, and everyone shall expire and return
unto my Lord God Who will reward with the choicest gifts the deeds of
those who endure with patience.26
BCI J Busy not thyself with this world, for with fire We test the gold, and with
gold We test Our servants.27
BCIJ I know of a certainty, by virtue of my love for Thee, that Thou wilt never
cause tribulations to befall any soul unless Thou desirest to exalt his station
in Thy celestial Paradise28
BCI J Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall My loved ones.29
BCI J He verily, shall increase the reward of them that endure with patience.30
BCI J …whatever good works ye send on before [death]…ye shall find with God.31
BCIJ Overstep not the bounds of moderation
BCI J It is through your deeds that ye can distinguish yourselves from others.
Through them the brightness of your lights can be shed upon the whole
earth.33
BCIJ Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die
BCI J I will call you to account for your doings.35
BCIJ Be not troubled in poverty nor confident in riches, for poverty is followed
by riches, and riches are followed by poverty.36
BCI J Rejoice not in the things ye possess; tonight they are yours, tomorrow
others will possess them.37
BCI J Thou dost wish for gold and I desire thy freedom from it. Thou thinkest
thyself rich in its possession, and I recognize thy wealth in thy sanctity
therefrom.38
3BCIJ Should a man wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to
wear its apparels, or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can
befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and
God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the
heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him.39
BCIJ On a certain day shall every soul come to plead for itself, and every soul
shall be repaid according to its deeds
BCIJ …God brings everything we do to judgment, and every secret, whether good
or bad.41
BCI J Ye were created to show love one to another and not perversity and rancor.
Take pride not in love for yourselves but in love for your fellow-creatures.
Glory not in love for your country, but in love for all mankind.42
BCI J Man’s merit lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth
and riches.43
BCI J Let each morn be better than its eve, and each morrow richer than its
yesterday.44
BCIJ And that which we have revealed…is the very truth
BCI J Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their
modesty.46
BCIJ Let those who do not find the means for marriage, keep themselves chaste,
until God gives them the means out of His grace.47
BCI J Deliver your souls, O people, from the bondage of self, and purify them
from all attachment to anything besides Me.48
BCI J Arise, O people, and, by the power of God’s might, resolve to gain the
victory over your own selves
BCI J …pride not yourselves in your learning.50
BCIJ He is indeed a captive who hath not recognized the Supreme Redeemer, but
hath suffered his soul to be bound, distressed and helpless, in the fetters of
his desires.51
BCIJ God loveth those who are pure. Naught…in the sight of God is more loved
than purity
BCI J Earth and heaven cannot contain Me; what can alone contain Me is the heart
of him that believeth in Me, and is faithful to My Cause.”53
BCIJ Come, all you who are thirsty
BCIJ Let him then who will, take the way to his Lord.55
BCI J …those that seek me shall find me.56
4BCI J He hath chosen out of the whole world the hearts of His servants, and made
them each a seat for the revelation of His glory.57
BCI J Thine heart is My treasury, allow not the treacherous hand of self to rob
thee of the pearls which I have treasured therein.58
BCI J O peoples of the world! Forsake all evil, hold fast that which is good.59
BCIJ And follow not that of which thou hast no knowledge; because the hearing
and the sight and the heart, each of these shall be questioned.60
BCI J Every man shall bear his own burden
BCIJ By My life, the light of a good character surpasseth the light of the sun and
the radiance thereof. Whoso attaineth unto it is accounted as a jewel among
men.62
BCI J Ye are the trees of My garden; ye must give forth goodly and wondrous
fruits, that ye yourselves and others may profit therefrom.63
BCIJ Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts.64
BCI J Be fair to yourselves and to others, that the evidence of justice may be
revealed, through your deeds, among Our faithful servants.65
BCIJ Be ye a refuge to the fearful; bring ye rest and peace to the disturbed…be a
healing medicine for those who suffer pain
BCIJ No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another.67
BCIJ …proclaim the message
BCIJ To proclaim a clear message is our only duty.69
BCIJ Ye shall surely make it known to mankind and not hide it
BCIJ Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor and look upon him with a bright and
friendly face.71
BCI J The brightness of the light of chastity sheddeth its illumination upon the
worlds of the spirit.72
BCI J Let your eye be chaste, your hand faithful, your tongue truthful and your
heart enlightened.73
BCIJ They that follow their lusts…are of the lost.74
BCIJ Unless ye march forth…He will place another people in your stead
BCIJ I tell you…if you keep quiet, the stones will cry out.76
BCIJ Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent.77
BCI J True liberty consisteth in man’s submission unto My commandments, little
as ye know it.78
5BCIJ The liberty that profiteth you is to be found nowhere except in complete
servitude unto God, the Eternal Truth.79
BCI J If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but
now they have no excuse
BCI J Surely, therefore, will we call those to account, to whom a Messenger hath
been sent
BCIJ We verily behold your actions. If we perceive from them the sweet-smelling
savor of purity and holiness, we will most certainly bless you.82
BCIJ Look not upon the creatures of God except with the eye of kindliness and
mercy, for Our loving providence hath pervaded all created things, and Our
grace encompasseth the earth and the heavens.83
BCIJ Blessed is he who prefers his brother before himself.84
BCI J We love to see you at all times consorting in amity and concord…We shall
always be with you; if We inhale the perfume of your fellowship, Our heart
will assuredly rejoice, for naught else can satisfy Us.85
BCIJ Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land…Seek righteousness and
humility, perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.86
BCI J Take thou thy portion of the ocean of His grace, and deprive not thyself of
the things that lie hidden in its depths.87
BCIJ In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love
BCIJ …God guideth all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and
safety.89
BCIJ For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with
salvation.90
BCI J Be ye as the fingers of one hand, the members of one body.91
BCI J …regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and
the leaves of one branch.92
BCIJ One must see in every human being only that which is worthy of praise.
When this is done, one can be a friend to the whole human race.93
BCI J Lay not on any soul a load which ye would not wish to be laid upon you,
and desire not for any one the things ye would not desire for yourselves.
This is My best counsel unto you, did ye but observe it.94
BCI J Ascribe not to any soul that which thou wouldst not have ascribed to
thee
BCIJ Happy…the believers, who…keep aloof from vain words.96
BCIJ The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away
therefrom if thou desirest Me
6BCI J If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face,
and overlook the faults of one another for My name’s sake
BCIJ And woe, on that day [our day] to those…who plunge into vain disputes
BCI J These are they whose hearts and ears and eyes God hath sealed up; these are
the careless one.100
BCI J If ye become aware of a sin committed by another, conceal it, that God may
conceal your own sin.101
BCI J …forgive the sinful, and never despair his low estate, for none knoweth
what his own end shall be.102
BCI J Be generous in your days of plenty, and be patient in the hour of loss.103
BCIJ Be generous in prosperity and thankful in adversity
BCIJ My Lord! Bestow on me wisdom
BCIJ Give me now wisdom
BCI J …he to whom wisdom is given hath much good given him
BCI J Great is the blessedness awaiting the poor that endure patiently and conceal
their sufferings, and well is it with the rich who bestow their riches on the
needy and prefer them before themselves.108
BCIJ If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye possess a jewel, of which others are
deprived, share it with them in a language of utmost kindliness and good-
will.109
BCIJ Should any one among you be incapable of grasping a certain truth, or be
striving to comprehend it, show forth, when conversing with him, a spirit of
extreme kindliness and good-will.110
BCIJ …Wisdom proclaimeth: He that hath Me not is bereft of all things: Turn ye
away from all that is on earth and seek none else but Me.111
BCIJ Blessed is he who hath kept it [his soul] pure
BCIJ Humility exalteth man to the heaven of glory and power, whilst pride
abaseth him to the depths of wretchedness and degradation.113
BCI J …the heart wherein the least remnant of envy yet lingers, shall never attain
My everlasting dominion
BCIJ …no one should sadden another, not even for a moment
BCIJ Be not the cause of grief, much less of discord and strife.116
BCIJ …those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.117
BCI J They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over
so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand.118
BCIJ Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowful
7BCI J Blessed are such as hold fast to the cord of kindliness and tender mercy and
are free from animosity and hatred.120
BCIJ A kindly tongue is…the fountain of the light of wisdom and
understanding.121
BCI J Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner.122
BCIJ Give then the good tidings to those who hear an utterance and follow the
best [they find] therein. These are they whom God guideth and are endowed
with wisdom.123
BCI J …backbiting quencheth the light of the heart and extinguisheth the life of
the soul.124
BCIJ …the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison.125
BCI J Beware lest ye contend with anyone, nay, strive to make him aware of the
truth with kindly manner and most convincing exhortation.126
BCIJ Show honor to your parents and pay homage to them. This will cause
blessings to descend upon you from the clouds of the bounty of your Lord,
the Exalted, the Great!127
BCIJ Woe to you…you yourselves do not enter [the Kingdom of God], nor will
you let those enter who are trying to.128
BCI J Beware lest ye commit that which would sadden the hearts of your fathers
and mothers.129
BCI J It is seemly that the servant should, after each prayer, supplicate God to
bestow mercy and forgiveness upon his parents.130
BCIJ Blessed is he who remembereth his parents when communing with God.131
BCIJ As for those who…turned others aside from the way of God, to them we will
add punishment on punishment
BCIJ Blessed are the learned that pride not themselves on their attainments
BCIJ Purge thy heart from malice and, innocent of envy, enter the divine court of
holiness.134
BCIJ If a suggestion from Satan assail thy [mind], seek refuge with God. For He
heareth and knoweth [all things].135
BCIJ Well is it with him who is illumined with the light of courtesy and is attired
with the vesture of uprightness. Whoso is endued with courtesy hath indeed
attained a sublime station.136
BCI J I am reproached and mocked all the time for uttering the word of Lord.137
BCIJ God desireth not to straiten the heart of anyone, be it even an ant, how much
less the heart of a superior creature
8BCIJ O companion of My throne!…Speak no evil, that thou mayest not hear it
spoken unto thee, and magnify not the faults of others that thine own faults
may not appear great
BCI J Take heed, O people, lest ye be of them that give good counsel to others, but
forget to follow it themselves.140
BCIJ …never came Messengers to them whom they did not deride.141
BCIJ He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon
them.142
1These Verses Come From?
1BCIJ Cast away, O concourse of divines [religious leaders], the things ye have
composed with the pens of your idle fancies and vain imaginings.1
BCI J This is the Cause that hath caused all your superstitions and idols to
tremble.2
BCIJ We have found you behind the veils…measure not the Book of God with
your selfish desires.3
BCI J Nowhere doth your true and abiding glory reside except in your firm
adherence unto the precepts of God.4
BCIJ No soul knoweth what joy of the eyes is reserved for the good
BCIJ …those who go down to the pit.6
BCIJ …the bottomless pit
BCI J Verily the hypocrites shall be in the lowest abyss [the bottomless pit] of the
fire
BCI J Free thyself from the fetters of this world, and loose thy soul from the
prison of self. Seize thy chance, for it will come to thee no more.9
BCI J Thine heart is My treasury, allow not the treacherous hand of self to rob
thee of the pearls which I have treasured therein.10
BCIJ …hell, where the fire never goes out.11
BCI J …in the fire shall they abide for ever.12
BCI J For he will command his angels…to guard you in all your ways; they will
lift you in their hands
BCI J …verily over you (are appointed angels) to protect you—kind and
honorable, recording (your deeds). They know (and understand) all that ye
do.14
BCI J The angels of the Lord encompass around those who fear him.15
BCI J The candle of thine heart is lighted by the hand of My power, quench it not
with the contrary winds of self and passion.16
BCI J To give and to be generous are attributes of Mine; well is it with him that
adorneth himself with My virtues.17
2BCI J The spirit shall return to God who gave it.18
BCI J To us [God] shall all return.19
BCI J …they take with them the record of their deeds.20
BCIJ O ye rich ones on earth! The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My
trust, and be not intent only on your own ease.21
BCIJ Be ye trustworthy on earth, and withhold not from the poor the things given
unto you by God through His grace.22
BCI J And everything they do is in the Books; each action, both small and great, is
written down.23
BCI J And each shall have his book put into his hands…they shall find all that they
have done, and thy Lord will not deal unjustly with anyone.24
BCIJ [Their sins are] recorded…engraved on the tablets of their heart [soul]
BCIJ …this earthly life shall come to an end, and everyone shall expire and return
unto my Lord God Who will reward with the choicest gifts the deeds of
those who endure with patience.26
BCI J Busy not thyself with this world, for with fire We test the gold, and with
gold We test Our servants.27
BCIJ I know of a certainty, by virtue of my love for Thee, that Thou wilt never
cause tribulations to befall any soul unless Thou desirest to exalt his station
in Thy celestial Paradise28
BCI J Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall My loved ones.29
BCI J He verily, shall increase the reward of them that endure with patience.30
BCI J …whatever good works ye send on before [death]…ye shall find with God.31
BCIJ Overstep not the bounds of moderation
BCI J It is through your deeds that ye can distinguish yourselves from others.
Through them the brightness of your lights can be shed upon the whole
earth.33
BCIJ Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die
BCI J I will call you to account for your doings.35
BCIJ Be not troubled in poverty nor confident in riches, for poverty is followed
by riches, and riches are followed by poverty.36
BCI J Rejoice not in the things ye possess; tonight they are yours, tomorrow
others will possess them.37
BCI J Thou dost wish for gold and I desire thy freedom from it. Thou thinkest
thyself rich in its possession, and I recognize thy wealth in thy sanctity
therefrom.38
3BCIJ Should a man wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to
wear its apparels, or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can
befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and
God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the
heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him.39
BCIJ On a certain day shall every soul come to plead for itself, and every soul
shall be repaid according to its deeds
BCIJ …God brings everything we do to judgment, and every secret, whether good
or bad.41
BCI J Ye were created to show love one to another and not perversity and rancor.
Take pride not in love for yourselves but in love for your fellow-creatures.
Glory not in love for your country, but in love for all mankind.42
BCI J Man’s merit lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth
and riches.43
BCI J Let each morn be better than its eve, and each morrow richer than its
yesterday.44
BCIJ And that which we have revealed…is the very truth
BCI J Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their
modesty.46
BCIJ Let those who do not find the means for marriage, keep themselves chaste,
until God gives them the means out of His grace.47
BCI J Deliver your souls, O people, from the bondage of self, and purify them
from all attachment to anything besides Me.48
BCI J Arise, O people, and, by the power of God’s might, resolve to gain the
victory over your own selves
BCI J …pride not yourselves in your learning.50
BCIJ He is indeed a captive who hath not recognized the Supreme Redeemer, but
hath suffered his soul to be bound, distressed and helpless, in the fetters of
his desires.51
BCIJ God loveth those who are pure. Naught…in the sight of God is more loved
than purity
BCI J Earth and heaven cannot contain Me; what can alone contain Me is the heart
of him that believeth in Me, and is faithful to My Cause.”53
BCIJ Come, all you who are thirsty
BCIJ Let him then who will, take the way to his Lord.55
BCI J …those that seek me shall find me.56
4BCI J He hath chosen out of the whole world the hearts of His servants, and made
them each a seat for the revelation of His glory.57
BCI J Thine heart is My treasury, allow not the treacherous hand of self to rob
thee of the pearls which I have treasured therein.58
BCI J O peoples of the world! Forsake all evil, hold fast that which is good.59
BCIJ And follow not that of which thou hast no knowledge; because the hearing
and the sight and the heart, each of these shall be questioned.60
BCI J Every man shall bear his own burden
BCIJ By My life, the light of a good character surpasseth the light of the sun and
the radiance thereof. Whoso attaineth unto it is accounted as a jewel among
men.62
BCI J Ye are the trees of My garden; ye must give forth goodly and wondrous
fruits, that ye yourselves and others may profit therefrom.63
BCIJ Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts.64
BCI J Be fair to yourselves and to others, that the evidence of justice may be
revealed, through your deeds, among Our faithful servants.65
BCIJ Be ye a refuge to the fearful; bring ye rest and peace to the disturbed…be a
healing medicine for those who suffer pain
BCIJ No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another.67
BCIJ …proclaim the message
BCIJ To proclaim a clear message is our only duty.69
BCIJ Ye shall surely make it known to mankind and not hide it
BCIJ Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor and look upon him with a bright and
friendly face.71
BCI J The brightness of the light of chastity sheddeth its illumination upon the
worlds of the spirit.72
BCI J Let your eye be chaste, your hand faithful, your tongue truthful and your
heart enlightened.73
BCIJ They that follow their lusts…are of the lost.74
BCIJ Unless ye march forth…He will place another people in your stead
BCIJ I tell you…if you keep quiet, the stones will cry out.76
BCIJ Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent.77
BCI J True liberty consisteth in man’s submission unto My commandments, little
as ye know it.78
5BCIJ The liberty that profiteth you is to be found nowhere except in complete
servitude unto God, the Eternal Truth.79
BCI J If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but
now they have no excuse
BCI J Surely, therefore, will we call those to account, to whom a Messenger hath
been sent
BCIJ We verily behold your actions. If we perceive from them the sweet-smelling
savor of purity and holiness, we will most certainly bless you.82
BCIJ Look not upon the creatures of God except with the eye of kindliness and
mercy, for Our loving providence hath pervaded all created things, and Our
grace encompasseth the earth and the heavens.83
BCIJ Blessed is he who prefers his brother before himself.84
BCI J We love to see you at all times consorting in amity and concord…We shall
always be with you; if We inhale the perfume of your fellowship, Our heart
will assuredly rejoice, for naught else can satisfy Us.85
BCIJ Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land…Seek righteousness and
humility, perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.86
BCI J Take thou thy portion of the ocean of His grace, and deprive not thyself of
the things that lie hidden in its depths.87
BCIJ In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love
BCIJ …God guideth all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and
safety.89
BCIJ For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with
salvation.90
BCI J Be ye as the fingers of one hand, the members of one body.91
BCI J …regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and
the leaves of one branch.92
BCIJ One must see in every human being only that which is worthy of praise.
When this is done, one can be a friend to the whole human race.93
BCI J Lay not on any soul a load which ye would not wish to be laid upon you,
and desire not for any one the things ye would not desire for yourselves.
This is My best counsel unto you, did ye but observe it.94
BCI J Ascribe not to any soul that which thou wouldst not have ascribed to
thee
BCIJ Happy…the believers, who…keep aloof from vain words.96
BCIJ The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away
therefrom if thou desirest Me
6BCI J If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face,
and overlook the faults of one another for My name’s sake
BCIJ And woe, on that day [our day] to those…who plunge into vain disputes
BCI J These are they whose hearts and ears and eyes God hath sealed up; these are
the careless one.100
BCI J If ye become aware of a sin committed by another, conceal it, that God may
conceal your own sin.101
BCI J …forgive the sinful, and never despair his low estate, for none knoweth
what his own end shall be.102
BCI J Be generous in your days of plenty, and be patient in the hour of loss.103
BCIJ Be generous in prosperity and thankful in adversity
BCIJ My Lord! Bestow on me wisdom
BCIJ Give me now wisdom
BCI J …he to whom wisdom is given hath much good given him
BCI J Great is the blessedness awaiting the poor that endure patiently and conceal
their sufferings, and well is it with the rich who bestow their riches on the
needy and prefer them before themselves.108
BCIJ If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye possess a jewel, of which others are
deprived, share it with them in a language of utmost kindliness and good-
will.109
BCIJ Should any one among you be incapable of grasping a certain truth, or be
striving to comprehend it, show forth, when conversing with him, a spirit of
extreme kindliness and good-will.110
BCIJ …Wisdom proclaimeth: He that hath Me not is bereft of all things: Turn ye
away from all that is on earth and seek none else but Me.111
BCIJ Blessed is he who hath kept it [his soul] pure
BCIJ Humility exalteth man to the heaven of glory and power, whilst pride
abaseth him to the depths of wretchedness and degradation.113
BCI J …the heart wherein the least remnant of envy yet lingers, shall never attain
My everlasting dominion
BCIJ …no one should sadden another, not even for a moment
BCIJ Be not the cause of grief, much less of discord and strife.116
BCIJ …those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.117
BCI J They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over
so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand.118
BCIJ Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowful
7BCI J Blessed are such as hold fast to the cord of kindliness and tender mercy and
are free from animosity and hatred.120
BCIJ A kindly tongue is…the fountain of the light of wisdom and
understanding.121
BCI J Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner.122
BCIJ Give then the good tidings to those who hear an utterance and follow the
best [they find] therein. These are they whom God guideth and are endowed
with wisdom.123
BCI J …backbiting quencheth the light of the heart and extinguisheth the life of
the soul.124
BCIJ …the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison.125
BCI J Beware lest ye contend with anyone, nay, strive to make him aware of the
truth with kindly manner and most convincing exhortation.126
BCIJ Show honor to your parents and pay homage to them. This will cause
blessings to descend upon you from the clouds of the bounty of your Lord,
the Exalted, the Great!127
BCIJ Woe to you…you yourselves do not enter [the Kingdom of God], nor will
you let those enter who are trying to.128
BCI J Beware lest ye commit that which would sadden the hearts of your fathers
and mothers.129
BCI J It is seemly that the servant should, after each prayer, supplicate God to
bestow mercy and forgiveness upon his parents.130
BCIJ Blessed is he who remembereth his parents when communing with God.131
BCIJ As for those who…turned others aside from the way of God, to them we will
add punishment on punishment
BCIJ Blessed are the learned that pride not themselves on their attainments
BCIJ Purge thy heart from malice and, innocent of envy, enter the divine court of
holiness.134
BCIJ If a suggestion from Satan assail thy [mind], seek refuge with God. For He
heareth and knoweth [all things].135
BCIJ Well is it with him who is illumined with the light of courtesy and is attired
with the vesture of uprightness. Whoso is endued with courtesy hath indeed
attained a sublime station.136
BCI J I am reproached and mocked all the time for uttering the word of Lord.137
BCIJ God desireth not to straiten the heart of anyone, be it even an ant, how much
less the heart of a superior creature
8BCIJ O companion of My throne!…Speak no evil, that thou mayest not hear it
spoken unto thee, and magnify not the faults of others that thine own faults
may not appear great
BCI J Take heed, O people, lest ye be of them that give good counsel to others, but
forget to follow it themselves.140
BCIJ …never came Messengers to them whom they did not deride.141
BCIJ He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon
them.142
📖 End of Book
Return to Book Details