Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
Encyclopedia
The Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas are selected tablets
written by Bahá'u'lláh
, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith
, and published together as of 1978.
As his mission drew to a close after his writing of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas
in 1873, he continued to write unnumbered tablets and letters, doing so until the last days of his life in 1892.
Six of the tablets in this volume were translated into English
and published in 1917. The translations were improved upon by Shoghi Effendi
, and those not translated by him were filled in with the publication in 1978 under the supervision of the Universal House of Justice
.
The Tablet of Carmel is a short tablet of only a few pages, but it is considered one of the charters of the Bahá'í administration
. It consists essentially of a conversation between God and Mount Carmel. In it, God says to the mountain:
Shoghi Effendi
described the tablet as "the Charter of the World Spiritual and Administrative Centers of the Faith on that mountain." Implying that this document established that Mount Carmel would be the physical location of the Bahá'í World Centre
. The two other documents described as charters by Shoghi Effendi include the Tablets of the Divine Plan
, and the Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá
.
The Lawḥ-i-Aqdas or Most Holy Tablet, sometimes also referred to as the Tablet to the Christians, was addressed to a believer of Christian
background. In the Tablet Bahá'u'lláh proclaims his message to Christians across the world, and in clear terms declares that his station is that of the Kingdom of the Father that Jesus Christ
had promised.
The Bishárát is a Tablet that is composed of fifteen headings, each designated a glad-tiding, where Bahá'u'lláh provides teachings and laws. While the identity of the person that Tablet was addressed to is not known, Adib Taherzadeh states that the tone of the utterances throughout the Tablet indicate that it was addressed to humankind and not specifically to an individual.
The fifteen glad-tidings are:
In the Ṭarázát Bahá'u'lláh reveals some of his teachings and exhortations. The Tablet is composed of six headings, each designating an ornament representing the characteristics that each person should obtain. Bahá'u'lláh writes that truthfulness and sincerity are lacking in the world, and that corruption has spread. He also describes newspapers as the "mirror of the world" and delineates guidelines for the editorial staff.
The ornaments are:
Near the end of the Tablet, Bahá'u'lláh writes to the Bábís who didn't accept his claim as He whom God shall make manifest
and who instead followed Mirza Yahya, and tells them not to follow the promptings of their own selves and passions; he admonishes them lovingly to return to the path of God.
The Tajallíyát was revealed circa 1885 while Bahá'u'lláh was in Bahjí
in honour of Ustád `Alí-Akbar, who was one of the believers from the city of Yazd
, and who designed the first Bahá'í House of Worship
in Ishqábád. The first couple pages of the tablet are written in Arabic
, and the remainder in Persian
.
In the tablet, Bahá'u'lláh explains the station of the Manifestation of God
, and specifically his own mission. He states that he has ushered in the Day of God, and that no one can recognize God except through him.
The tablet is written as four tajallís, or effulgences, which are:
The Kalimát-i-Firdawsíyyih was revealed by Bahá'u'lláh two years before his death in honour of his trusted disciple Ḥájí Mírzá Ḥaydar-`Alí. The tablet is partly written in a style where the words of God are written on ten leaves.
Among other things, Bahá'u'lláh states that people will be exalted through "honesty, virtue, wisdom and saintly character," and that the fear of God is a safe stronghold for all the peoples of the world. He states that living in seclusion or practising asceticism
is not acceptable, and that instead all should work towards the betterment of humanity rather than that what profits themselves; he extols the praiseworthiness of charity and the use of sciences and arts to promote the well-being of humankind. He furthermore writes that moderation
is desirable in all matters, and that anything taken to an excess is a source of evil. He also writes regarding the importance of the moral education
of children. Furthermore, Bahá'u'lláh restates the Golden Rule:
He further enjoins the kings and rules of the world to uphold the cause of religion
, and enjoins all the nations to cleave tenaciously to unity, which will lead to the well-being of humankind. He further writes about the use of an international auxiliary language
to increase the unity of the world. He states that the basis of world order is established on the twin principles of reward and punishment, and that justice is the chief instrument for promoting unity and fellowship among people.
Regarding the Universal House of Justice
, he authorizes its members "to take counsel together regarding those things which have not been outwardly revealed in the Book" referring to its legislative authority and infallibility in those matters. He commands the members of the Universal House of Justice "to ensure the protection and safeguarding of men, women and children."
The Lawḥ-i-Dunyá was revealed in Haifa
by Bahá'u'lláh in 1891 in honour of Áqá Mírzá Aqay-i-Afnán, whose mother was the sister of the wife of the Báb
. The tablet was handed to Áqá Mírzá Aqay-i-Afnán's son by Bahá'u'lláh. In the opening of the tablet, Bahá'u'lláh bestows his bounties upon Hands of the Cause `Alí-Akbar
and Trustee of Huqúqu'lláh
, Amín
who were imprisoned in Qazvin. Bahá'u'lláh then reiterates many of the teachings
he had revealed in previous tablets, such as being detached from worldly desires, living a virtuous life, forbidding contention and conflict, and observing courtesy among other things.
Bahá'u'lláh, then in the tablet, promulgetes some of his teachings which were aimed for the unity of a world society, such as the establishment of an international language
, the promotion of fellowship among all peoples, the education of children
, the importance of agriculture, and the establishment of a constitutional government.
The 'Ishráqát was written by Bahá'u'lláh circa 1885 while he was in Bahjí
to Jalíl-i-Khu'í, a coppersmith and a believer from Azerbaijan
in response to questions that Jalíl-i-Khu'í asked of him. The tablet starts in Arabic
and continues in Persian
. The title Ishráqát, which translates in English
to "effulgences," "radiant lights," or "splendours," refers to the splendours of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation.
Bahá'u'lláh, in the tablet, first calls the Bábís to accept Bahá'u'lláh's claim to be "He whom God shall make manifest
," a figure who was foretold by the Báb
. He then elucidates on the principle of the infallibility of the Manifestations of God
, and discusses the response of humanity to new Manifestations of God when they appear and why humanity, in general, does not accept the new Manifestation of God. Bahá'u'lláh then discusses various prophecies of previous religions which he claims are fulfilled by his coming. He goes on to discuss the personal virtues and behaviours, mainly justice and trustworthiness, that all Manifestations of God
have enjoined.
He then list the nine splendours of his revelation:
Bahá'u'lláh explicitly makes the eighth Ishráq an addendum to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas
. He also foresees Jalíl-i-Khu'í's defection
from the covenant, which occurred after the passing of Bahá'u'lláh.
The Tablet of Wisdom was addressed to Áqá Muḥammad, a distinguished believer from the town of Qá'in, who was surnamed Nabíl-i-Akbar
. In the abjad
notation the name 'Muḥammad' has the same numerical value as 'Nabíl'. Bahá'u'lláh wrote the Tablet during his latter years in Akká
and in the Tablet provides counsel regarding individual conduct, expounds the basic beliefs of some of the philosophers of ancient Greece
, and writes about the fundamentals of true philosophy
. The philosophers mentioned include the following:
The Words of Wisdom is a relatively short tablet of only three pages. Research has indicated that it was actually revealed before the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, but it is, at least for now, being kept in the publication. Through a series of short aphorism
s, it describes the essence of wisdom, love, religion and detachment. One of the quotes from this Tablet, "The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His glory" was chosen by Shoghi Effendi
to adorn one of the doors on the House of Worship
in Wilmette, Illinois
.
Out of respect, the Bahá'ís, rather than addressing Bahá'u'lláh directly, would write to his amanuensis, Mírzá Áqá Ján. The reply would be in the form of a letter from Mírzá Áqá Ján quoting words of Bahá'u'lláh, but would, in fact, be dictated in its entirety by Bahá'u'lláh. Thus all parts of the tablet, even those which ostensibly are the words of Mírzá Áqá Ján himself, are sacred scripture by Bahá'u'lláh. The Tablet of Maqṣúd is in this form. It was addressed to Mírzá Maqṣúd, one of the early believers living at that time in Damascus and Jerusalem.
The Súriy-i-Vafá was written to Shaykh Muḥammad Ḥusayn, one of the early believers of Shiraz
, surnamed Vafá (Fidelity) by Bahá'u'lláh. The tablet was written while Bahá'u'lláh was in Akká
, and was in response to some of the questions of Shaykh Muḥammad Ḥusayn. In the tablet, Bahá'u'lláh refers to the immensity and boundlessness of the spiritual worlds.
In the Tablet to Siyyid Mihdíy-i-Dahají , Bahá'u'lláh writes to Siyyid Mihdíy-i-Dahají who later broke the Covenant
. Bahá'u'lláh stresses the importance of serving the Bahá'í cause, and of teaching the Faith to others. He explains the power of a pure and stainless heart in influencing one's words to have an impact on people, and asks that people memorize passages from the Holy Writings to use in the course of their speech. He also cautions against causing division and discord between people.
The Tablet of the Proof was written after the martyrdom of the King of Martyrs and the Beloved of Martyrs
, and was addressed to Shaykh Muḥammad Báqir, denounced by Bahá'u'lláh as the 'Wolf'. In this tablet Bahá'u'lláh refers to Mír Muḥammad Ḥusayn, the Imám Jum'ih of Isfahán, surnamed the 'She-Serpent', who was Shaykh Muḥammad Báqir's accomplice in the persecution of the Bahá'ís. The Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
was addressed to the son of Shaykh Muḥammad Báqir.
The Kitáb-i-`Ahd ( literally "Book of My Covenant") is Bahá'u'lláh's Will and Testament, where he selects `Abdu'l-Bahá
as his successor. While the Tablet of the Branch
, composed in the Adrianople
period had clearly signaled a high station for "the Branch of Holiness" and the Kitáb-i-Aqdas
has specified that this high station involved leadership of the Bahá'í community after Bahá'u'lláh's passing, it was only with the unsealing of the Kitáb-i-`Ahd after the passing of Bahá'u'lláh that it was confirmed that the Branch referred to was indeed `Abdu'l-Bahá
.
Bahá'u'lláh wrote the Tablet of the Land of Bá on the occasion of `Abdu'l-Bahá
's visit to Beirut
, which is what is referred to as the Land of Bá. In the tablet, Bahá'u'lláh extolls the station of the Master and Most Mighty Branch, `Abdu'l-Bahá.
In this portion of the compilation of the Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, parts of further tablets from Bahá'u'lláh are included. Some of the topics discussed in this section include that God can be only known through the Manifestations of God
, that humanity should be detached from self-glorification, and instead should follow the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh.
Tablet (religious)
A tablet, in the religious context, is a term traditionally used for religious texts.Jews and Christians believe that Moses brought the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai in the form of two stone tablets. According to the Book of Exodus, God delivered the tablets twice, the first set having been...
written by Bahá'u'lláh
Bahá'u'lláh
Bahá'u'lláh , born ' , was the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. He claimed to be the prophetic fulfilment of Bábism, a 19th-century outgrowth of Shí‘ism, but in a broader sense claimed to be a messenger from God referring to the fulfilment of the eschatological expectations of Islam, Christianity, and...
, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith
Bahá'í Faith
The Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh in 19th-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. There are an estimated five to six million Bahá'ís around the world in more than 200 countries and territories....
, and published together as of 1978.
As his mission drew to a close after his writing of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas
Kitáb-i-Aqdas
The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is a central book of the Bahá'í Faith written by Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the religion. The work was written in Arabic under the Arabic title , but it is commonly referred to by its Persian title, Kitáb-i-Aqdas , which was given to the work by Bahá'u'lláh himself...
in 1873, he continued to write unnumbered tablets and letters, doing so until the last days of his life in 1892.
Six of the tablets in this volume were translated into English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
and published in 1917. The translations were improved upon by Shoghi Effendi
Shoghi Effendi
Shoghí Effendí Rabbání , better known as Shoghi Effendi, was the Guardian and appointed head of the Bahá'í Faith from 1921 until his death in 1957...
, and those not translated by him were filled in with the publication in 1978 under the supervision of the Universal House of Justice
Universal House of Justice
The Universal House of Justice is the supreme governing institution of the Bahá'í Faith. It is a legislative institution with the authority to supplement and apply the laws of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, and exercises a judicial function as the highest appellate institution in the...
.
Lawḥ-i-Karmil (Tablet of Carmel)
- See online text here
The Tablet of Carmel is a short tablet of only a few pages, but it is considered one of the charters of the Bahá'í administration
Bahá'í administration
The Bahá'í administration or Bahá'í administrative order refers to the administrative system of the Bahá'í Faith.It is split into two parts, the elected and the appointed...
. It consists essentially of a conversation between God and Mount Carmel. In it, God says to the mountain:
- "Render thanks unto thy Lord, O Carmel. The fire of thy separation from Me was fast consuming thee... Rejoice, for God hath in this Day established upon thee His throne, hath made thee the dawning-place of His signs and the dayspring of the evidences of His Revelation... Beware lest thou hesitate or halt. Hasten forth and circumambulate the City of God that hath descended from heaven, the celestial Kaaba round which have circled in adoration the favoured of God, the pure in heart, and the company of the most exalted angels... Ere long will God sail His Ark upon thee, and will manifest the people of Bahá who have been mentioned in the Book of Names."
Shoghi Effendi
Shoghi Effendi
Shoghí Effendí Rabbání , better known as Shoghi Effendi, was the Guardian and appointed head of the Bahá'í Faith from 1921 until his death in 1957...
described the tablet as "the Charter of the World Spiritual and Administrative Centers of the Faith on that mountain." Implying that this document established that Mount Carmel would be the physical location of the Bahá'í World Centre
Bahá'í World Centre
The Bahá'í World Centre is the name given to the spiritual and administrative centre of the Bahá'í Faith. The World Centre consists of the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh near Acre, Israel, the Shrine of the Báb and its gardens on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, and various other buildings in the area...
. The two other documents described as charters by Shoghi Effendi include the Tablets of the Divine Plan
Tablets of the Divine Plan
The Tablets of the Divine Plan collectively refers to 14 letters written between September 1916 and March 1917 by `Abdu'l-Bahá to Bahá'ís in the United States and Canada. Included in multiple books, the first five tablets were printed in America in Star of the West - Vol. VII, No. 10, September 8,...
, and the Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá
Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá
A seminal document, written in three stages by `Abdu'l-Bahá. Several sections were written under imminent threat of harm. The first section was probably written in 1906....
.
Lawḥ-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Tablet)
- See online text here
The Lawḥ-i-Aqdas or Most Holy Tablet, sometimes also referred to as the Tablet to the Christians, was addressed to a believer of Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
background. In the Tablet Bahá'u'lláh proclaims his message to Christians across the world, and in clear terms declares that his station is that of the Kingdom of the Father that Jesus Christ
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
had promised.
Bishárát (Glad-Tidings)
- See online text here
The Bishárát is a Tablet that is composed of fifteen headings, each designated a glad-tiding, where Bahá'u'lláh provides teachings and laws. While the identity of the person that Tablet was addressed to is not known, Adib Taherzadeh states that the tone of the utterances throughout the Tablet indicate that it was addressed to humankind and not specifically to an individual.
The fifteen glad-tidings are:
- The abolition of the law of holy warReligious warA religious war; Latin: bellum sacrum; is a war caused by, or justified by, religious differences. It can involve one state with an established religion against another state with a different religion or a different sect within the same religion, or a religiously motivated group attempting to...
practised by Muslims, where Bahá'u'lláh states that war of any kind is incompatbile with the Bahá'í principles of love and unity. - The statement that everyone should associate with all the people of the world with a spirit of friendliess regardless of race or religion.
- "The second Glad-Tidings It is permitted that the peoples and kindreds of the world associate with one another with joy and radiance. O people! Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship."
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 28)
- "The second Glad-Tidings It is permitted that the peoples and kindreds of the world associate with one another with joy and radiance. O people! Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship."
- Advocates the adoption of a universal language (See Bahá'í Faith and auxiliary languageBahá'í Faith and auxiliary languageThe Bahá'í Faith teaches that the world should adopt an international auxiliary language, which people would use in addition to their mother tongue. The aim of this teaching is to improve communication and foster unity among peoples and nations...
). - Serve MonarchMonarchA monarch is the person who heads a monarchy. This is a form of government in which a state or polity is ruled or controlled by an individual who typically inherits the throne by birth and occasionally rules for life or until abdication...
s that protect the oppressed. - Exhorts Bahá'ís to honesty and truthfulness towards their government.
- Concerns the establishment of the Lesser Peace.
- Confirms that clothing and facial hair are left to the discretion of each individual.
- Abolishes the practice of idleness in the name of religion, performed by people who would lead an ascetic life and go into seclusion. Bahá'u'lláh instead states that every person must work for the betterment of humanity.
- Abrogates the practice of the confession of sins as practiced by some Christian churches, and provides a prayer to be used by individuals to ask forgiveness directly of God.
- Abolishes the law of the destruction of Books. This refers to the BábBábSiyyid `Alí Muḥammad Shírází was the founder of Bábism, and one of three central figures of the Bahá'í Faith. He was a merchant from Shíráz, Persia, who at the age of twenty-four claimed to be the promised Qá'im . After his declaration he took the title of Báb meaning "Gate"...
's advice in the BayánBayán (exposition)In Bábism, a Bayán , or exposition, denotes the whole body of the works of the Báb, the central one being the Persian Bayán. Some modern Bábís call themselves 'Bayaní' after this title of the Báb's writings. Bahá'ís also see this work as holy, since they consider their founder to be the...
to destroy holy books of the past. - Permits the study of arts and sciences which "would redound to the progress and advancement of the people." This is in reference to some Muslim clergy who had forbidden the study of modern sciences.
- Enjoins everyone to engage in some form of occupation, such as crafts, and trades and raises this occupation to the station of worship.
- Writes about the duties of the Universal House of JusticeUniversal House of JusticeThe Universal House of Justice is the supreme governing institution of the Bahá'í Faith. It is a legislative institution with the authority to supplement and apply the laws of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, and exercises a judicial function as the highest appellate institution in the...
and that they are charged with the affairs of all people. - States that it is not necessary to undertake long journeys to visit the resting-places of the dead. This is in reference to the practice by Muslims who believe that it is conducive to the forgiveness of sins. Bahá'u'lláh states that instead the cost of this journey should be offered to the Bahá'í Fund. While Bahá'u'lláh disapproves of special long journeys to visit the graves of the dead, he states that there is some spiritual value in praying at the resting-place of the dead.
- Recommends a constitutional monarchyConstitutional monarchyConstitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a constitution, whether it be a written, uncodified or blended constitution...
combined with representative democracyRepresentative democracyRepresentative democracy is a form of government founded on the principle of elected individuals representing the people, as opposed to autocracy and direct democracy...
in preference to a republic.
Ṭarázát (Ornaments)
- See online text here
In the Ṭarázát Bahá'u'lláh reveals some of his teachings and exhortations. The Tablet is composed of six headings, each designating an ornament representing the characteristics that each person should obtain. Bahá'u'lláh writes that truthfulness and sincerity are lacking in the world, and that corruption has spread. He also describes newspapers as the "mirror of the world" and delineates guidelines for the editorial staff.
The ornaments are:
- That everyone should know oneselfKnow thyselfThe Ancient Greek aphorism "Know thyself", Greek: ', English phonetics pronunciation: , was inscribed in the pronaos of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi according to the Greek periegetic writer Pausanias .The maxim, or aphorism, "Know Thyself" has had a variety of meanings attributed to it in...
understand what characters leads to glory or poverty, and after he has understood this he should be active in a profession or craft that serves humankind. Bahá'u'lláh singles out people who dedicate themselves to the education of others. - That everyone should consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.
- That everyone should strive to obtain a good character, especially justice and fairness.
- States that trustworthiness is the greatest character that leads to the security of the world.
- That people should not defile their tongues with the abuse of others.
- States that knowledge is a wondrous gift from God, and that everyone should try to acquire it.
Near the end of the Tablet, Bahá'u'lláh writes to the Bábís who didn't accept his claim as He whom God shall make manifest
He whom God shall make manifest
He whom God shall make manifest is a messianic figure in the religion of Babism. The messianic figure was repeatedly mentioned by the Báb, the founder of Babism, in his book, the Bayán. The Báb described the messianic figure as the origin of all divine attributes, and stated that his command was...
and who instead followed Mirza Yahya, and tells them not to follow the promptings of their own selves and passions; he admonishes them lovingly to return to the path of God.
Tajallíyát (Effulgences)
- See online text here
Mansion of Bahjí
The Mansion of Bahjí is a term used to describe a summer house in Acre, Israel, where Bahá'u'lláh, founder of the Bahá'í Faith died in 1892. His shrine is located next to this house...
in honour of Ustád `Alí-Akbar, who was one of the believers from the city of Yazd
Yazd
Yazd is the capital of Yazd Province in Iran, and a centre of Zoroastrian culture. The city is located some 175 miles southeast of Isfahan. At the 2006 census, the population was 423,006, in 114,716 families....
, and who designed the first Bahá'í House of Worship
Bahá'í House of Worship
A Bahá'í House of Worship, sometimes referred to by its Arabic name of Mashriqu'l-Adhkár ,is the designation of a place of worship, or temple, of the Bahá'í Faith...
in Ishqábád. The first couple pages of the tablet are written in Arabic
Arabic language
Arabic is a name applied to the descendants of the Classical Arabic language of the 6th century AD, used most prominently in the Quran, the Islamic Holy Book...
, and the remainder in Persian
Persian language
Persian is an Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and countries which historically came under Persian influence...
.
In the tablet, Bahá'u'lláh explains the station of the Manifestation of God
Manifestation of God
The Manifestation of God is a concept in the Bahá'í Faith that refers to what are commonly called prophets. The Manifestations of God are a series of personages who reflect the attributes of the divine into the human world for the progress and advancement of human morals and civilization...
, and specifically his own mission. He states that he has ushered in the Day of God, and that no one can recognize God except through him.
The tablet is written as four tajallís, or effulgences, which are:
- The knowledge of God can only be obtained through the Manifestation of God.
- Steadfastness in the cause of God is obtained by recognizing the Manifestation of God, and through faith in his wisdom and teachings.
- It is incumbent upon everyone to acquire knowledge in the arts, crafts, and sciences, but only those that can help humanity advance, and "not those which begin with words and end with words."
- Recognition of the divinity of the Manifestations of God.
- See also: this online study outline of Tajallíyát.
Kalimát-i-Firdawsíyyih (Words of Paradise)
- See online text here
The Kalimát-i-Firdawsíyyih was revealed by Bahá'u'lláh two years before his death in honour of his trusted disciple Ḥájí Mírzá Ḥaydar-`Alí. The tablet is partly written in a style where the words of God are written on ten leaves.
Among other things, Bahá'u'lláh states that people will be exalted through "honesty, virtue, wisdom and saintly character," and that the fear of God is a safe stronghold for all the peoples of the world. He states that living in seclusion or practising asceticism
Asceticism
Asceticism describes a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from various sorts of worldly pleasures often with the aim of pursuing religious and spiritual goals...
is not acceptable, and that instead all should work towards the betterment of humanity rather than that what profits themselves; he extols the praiseworthiness of charity and the use of sciences and arts to promote the well-being of humankind. He furthermore writes that moderation
Moderation
Moderation is the process of eliminating or lessening extremes. It is used to ensure normality throughout the medium on which it is being conducted...
is desirable in all matters, and that anything taken to an excess is a source of evil. He also writes regarding the importance of the moral education
Bahá'í Faith and education
The theme of education in the Bahá'í Faith is given emphasis. Its literature gives a principle of universal and compulsory education, which is identified as one of key principles alongside monotheism and the unity of humanity....
of children. Furthermore, Bahá'u'lláh restates the Golden Rule:
- "O son of man! If thine eyes be turned towards mercy, forsake the things that profit thee and cleave unto that which will profit mankind. And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbour that which thou choosest for thyself."
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 64)
He further enjoins the kings and rules of the world to uphold the cause of religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
, and enjoins all the nations to cleave tenaciously to unity, which will lead to the well-being of humankind. He further writes about the use of an international auxiliary language
Bahá'í Faith and auxiliary language
The Bahá'í Faith teaches that the world should adopt an international auxiliary language, which people would use in addition to their mother tongue. The aim of this teaching is to improve communication and foster unity among peoples and nations...
to increase the unity of the world. He states that the basis of world order is established on the twin principles of reward and punishment, and that justice is the chief instrument for promoting unity and fellowship among people.
Regarding the Universal House of Justice
Universal House of Justice
The Universal House of Justice is the supreme governing institution of the Bahá'í Faith. It is a legislative institution with the authority to supplement and apply the laws of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, and exercises a judicial function as the highest appellate institution in the...
, he authorizes its members "to take counsel together regarding those things which have not been outwardly revealed in the Book" referring to its legislative authority and infallibility in those matters. He commands the members of the Universal House of Justice "to ensure the protection and safeguarding of men, women and children."
Lawḥ-i-Dunyá (Tablet of the World)
- See online text here
The Lawḥ-i-Dunyá was revealed in Haifa
Haifa
Haifa is the largest city in northern Israel, and the third-largest city in the country, with a population of over 268,000. Another 300,000 people live in towns directly adjacent to the city including the cities of the Krayot, as well as, Tirat Carmel, Daliyat al-Karmel and Nesher...
by Bahá'u'lláh in 1891 in honour of Áqá Mírzá Aqay-i-Afnán, whose mother was the sister of the wife of the Báb
Báb
Siyyid `Alí Muḥammad Shírází was the founder of Bábism, and one of three central figures of the Bahá'í Faith. He was a merchant from Shíráz, Persia, who at the age of twenty-four claimed to be the promised Qá'im . After his declaration he took the title of Báb meaning "Gate"...
. The tablet was handed to Áqá Mírzá Aqay-i-Afnán's son by Bahá'u'lláh. In the opening of the tablet, Bahá'u'lláh bestows his bounties upon Hands of the Cause `Alí-Akbar
Hají Ákhúnd
Ḥají Mullá `Alí-Akbar Shahmírzádí , known as Ḥají Ákhúnd was an eminent follower of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, a global religion of Persian origin. He was appointed a Hand of the Cause, and identified as one of the nineteen Apostles of Bahá'u'lláh.- Background :Hají Ákhúnd was...
and Trustee of Huqúqu'lláh
Huqúqu'lláh
Huqúqu'lláh , sometimes called the Law of Huqúq is a socio-economic and spiritual law of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, a charter document of the Bahá'í Faith, written by Bahá'u'lláh...
, Amín
Hájí Amín
Mullá Abu'l-Hasan-i-Ardikání , surnamed Amín-i-Iláhí, better known as Hájí Amín was an eminent follower of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, a global religion of Persian origin...
who were imprisoned in Qazvin. Bahá'u'lláh then reiterates many of the teachings
Bahá'í teachings
The Bahá'í teachings represent a considerable number of theological, social, and spiritual ideas that were established in the Bahá'í Faith by Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the religion, and clarified by successive leaders including `Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'u'lláh's son, and Shoghi Effendi, `Abdu'l-Bahá's...
he had revealed in previous tablets, such as being detached from worldly desires, living a virtuous life, forbidding contention and conflict, and observing courtesy among other things.
Bahá'u'lláh, then in the tablet, promulgetes some of his teachings which were aimed for the unity of a world society, such as the establishment of an international language
Bahá'í Faith and auxiliary language
The Bahá'í Faith teaches that the world should adopt an international auxiliary language, which people would use in addition to their mother tongue. The aim of this teaching is to improve communication and foster unity among peoples and nations...
, the promotion of fellowship among all peoples, the education of children
Bahá'í Faith and education
The theme of education in the Bahá'í Faith is given emphasis. Its literature gives a principle of universal and compulsory education, which is identified as one of key principles alongside monotheism and the unity of humanity....
, the importance of agriculture, and the establishment of a constitutional government.
Ishráqát (Splendours)
- See online text here
The 'Ishráqát was written by Bahá'u'lláh circa 1885 while he was in Bahjí
Mansion of Bahjí
The Mansion of Bahjí is a term used to describe a summer house in Acre, Israel, where Bahá'u'lláh, founder of the Bahá'í Faith died in 1892. His shrine is located next to this house...
to Jalíl-i-Khu'í, a coppersmith and a believer from Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan , officially the Republic of Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to...
in response to questions that Jalíl-i-Khu'í asked of him. The tablet starts in Arabic
Arabic language
Arabic is a name applied to the descendants of the Classical Arabic language of the 6th century AD, used most prominently in the Quran, the Islamic Holy Book...
and continues in Persian
Persian language
Persian is an Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and countries which historically came under Persian influence...
. The title Ishráqát, which translates in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
to "effulgences," "radiant lights," or "splendours," refers to the splendours of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation.
Bahá'u'lláh, in the tablet, first calls the Bábís to accept Bahá'u'lláh's claim to be "He whom God shall make manifest
He whom God shall make manifest
He whom God shall make manifest is a messianic figure in the religion of Babism. The messianic figure was repeatedly mentioned by the Báb, the founder of Babism, in his book, the Bayán. The Báb described the messianic figure as the origin of all divine attributes, and stated that his command was...
," a figure who was foretold by the Báb
Báb
Siyyid `Alí Muḥammad Shírází was the founder of Bábism, and one of three central figures of the Bahá'í Faith. He was a merchant from Shíráz, Persia, who at the age of twenty-four claimed to be the promised Qá'im . After his declaration he took the title of Báb meaning "Gate"...
. He then elucidates on the principle of the infallibility of the Manifestations of God
Manifestation of God
The Manifestation of God is a concept in the Bahá'í Faith that refers to what are commonly called prophets. The Manifestations of God are a series of personages who reflect the attributes of the divine into the human world for the progress and advancement of human morals and civilization...
, and discusses the response of humanity to new Manifestations of God when they appear and why humanity, in general, does not accept the new Manifestation of God. Bahá'u'lláh then discusses various prophecies of previous religions which he claims are fulfilled by his coming. He goes on to discuss the personal virtues and behaviours, mainly justice and trustworthiness, that all Manifestations of God
Manifestation of God
The Manifestation of God is a concept in the Bahá'í Faith that refers to what are commonly called prophets. The Manifestations of God are a series of personages who reflect the attributes of the divine into the human world for the progress and advancement of human morals and civilization...
have enjoined.
He then list the nine splendours of his revelation:
- Those in power must have a profound regard for religion, for it is the means of all human prosperity and progress.
- The Lesser Peace is necessary to humankind's tranquillity and advancement.
- Everyone must obey God's commandments.
- Humankind must exhibit upright character and perform deeds of service.
- Governments must rule with justice and equity.
- There must be an international auxiliary languageBahá'í Faith and auxiliary languageThe Bahá'í Faith teaches that the world should adopt an international auxiliary language, which people would use in addition to their mother tongue. The aim of this teaching is to improve communication and foster unity among peoples and nations...
that will bind all mankind together. - EducationBahá'í Faith and educationThe theme of education in the Bahá'í Faith is given emphasis. Its literature gives a principle of universal and compulsory education, which is identified as one of key principles alongside monotheism and the unity of humanity....
is of paramount importance. - The Universal House of JusticeUniversal House of JusticeThe Universal House of Justice is the supreme governing institution of the Bahá'í Faith. It is a legislative institution with the authority to supplement and apply the laws of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, and exercises a judicial function as the highest appellate institution in the...
is given responsibilities for the well-being of humankind and are given legislative authority to make new and authoritative laws that are not specified in his writings. - The purpose of religion is to establish unity and concord among humankind. Humankind must follow the teachings God has sent.
Bahá'u'lláh explicitly makes the eighth Ishráq an addendum to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas
Kitáb-i-Aqdas
The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is a central book of the Bahá'í Faith written by Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the religion. The work was written in Arabic under the Arabic title , but it is commonly referred to by its Persian title, Kitáb-i-Aqdas , which was given to the work by Bahá'u'lláh himself...
. He also foresees Jalíl-i-Khu'í's defection
Covenant-breaker
A Covenant-breaker or the act of Covenant-breaking is a term used by Bahá'ís to refer to a particular form of heresy. Being declared a Covenant-breaker by the head of the Faith — which since 1963 refers to the elected nine-member Universal House of Justice, the governing body of the Bahá'ís....
from the covenant, which occurred after the passing of Bahá'u'lláh.
- See also: this online study outline of Ishráqát.
Lawḥ-i-Ḥikmat (Tablet of Wisdom)
- See online text here
The Tablet of Wisdom was addressed to Áqá Muḥammad, a distinguished believer from the town of Qá'in, who was surnamed Nabíl-i-Akbar
Nabíl-i-Akbar
Áqá Muḥammad-i-Qá'iní also known as Fadil-i-Qa'ini surnamed Nabíl-i-Akbar , was a distinguished Bahá'í from the town of Qá'in...
. In the abjad
Abjad numerals
The Abjad numerals are a decimal numeral system in which the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet are assigned numerical values. They have been used in the Arabic-speaking world since before the 8th century Arabic numerals...
notation the name 'Muḥammad' has the same numerical value as 'Nabíl'. Bahá'u'lláh wrote the Tablet during his latter years in Akká
Acre, Israel
Acre , is a city in the Western Galilee region of northern Israel at the northern extremity of Haifa Bay. Acre is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the country....
and in the Tablet provides counsel regarding individual conduct, expounds the basic beliefs of some of the philosophers of ancient Greece
Ancient philosophy
This page lists some links to ancient philosophy. In Western philosophy, the spread of Christianity through the Roman Empire marked the ending of Hellenistic philosophy and ushered in the beginnings of Medieval philosophy, whereas in Eastern philosophy, the spread of Islam through the Arab Empire...
, and writes about the fundamentals of true philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
. The philosophers mentioned include the following:
- EmpedoclesEmpedoclesEmpedocles was a Greek pre-Socratic philosopher and a citizen of Agrigentum, a Greek city in Sicily. Empedocles' philosophy is best known for being the originator of the cosmogenic theory of the four Classical elements...
- PythagorasPythagorasPythagoras of Samos was an Ionian Greek philosopher, mathematician, and founder of the religious movement called Pythagoreanism. Most of the information about Pythagoras was written down centuries after he lived, so very little reliable information is known about him...
- HippocratesHippocratesHippocrates of Cos or Hippokrates of Kos was an ancient Greek physician of the Age of Pericles , and is considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine...
- SocratesSocratesSocrates was a classical Greek Athenian philosopher. Credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, he is an enigmatic figure known chiefly through the accounts of later classical writers, especially the writings of his students Plato and Xenophon, and the plays of his contemporary ...
- PlatoPlatoPlato , was a Classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, student of Socrates, writer of philosophical dialogues, and founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Along with his mentor, Socrates, and his student, Aristotle, Plato helped to lay the...
- AristotleAristotleAristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. His writings cover many subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, government, ethics, biology, and zoology...
- Bálinus (Apollonius of Tyana)
- See also: this online study outline to Lawḥ-i-Ḥikmat.
Aṣl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr (Words of Wisdom)
- See online text here
The Words of Wisdom is a relatively short tablet of only three pages. Research has indicated that it was actually revealed before the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, but it is, at least for now, being kept in the publication. Through a series of short aphorism
Aphorism
An aphorism is an original thought, spoken or written in a laconic and memorable form.The term was first used in the Aphorisms of Hippocrates...
s, it describes the essence of wisdom, love, religion and detachment. One of the quotes from this Tablet, "The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His glory" was chosen by Shoghi Effendi
Shoghi Effendi
Shoghí Effendí Rabbání , better known as Shoghi Effendi, was the Guardian and appointed head of the Bahá'í Faith from 1921 until his death in 1957...
to adorn one of the doors on the House of Worship
Bahá'í House of Worship
A Bahá'í House of Worship, sometimes referred to by its Arabic name of Mashriqu'l-Adhkár ,is the designation of a place of worship, or temple, of the Bahá'í Faith...
in Wilmette, Illinois
Wilmette, Illinois
Wilmette is a village in New Trier Township, Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is located north of Chicago's downtown district and has a population of 27,651. Wilmette is considered a bedroom community in the North Shore district...
.
Lawḥ-i-Maqṣúd (Tablet of Maqṣúd)
- See online text here
Out of respect, the Bahá'ís, rather than addressing Bahá'u'lláh directly, would write to his amanuensis, Mírzá Áqá Ján. The reply would be in the form of a letter from Mírzá Áqá Ján quoting words of Bahá'u'lláh, but would, in fact, be dictated in its entirety by Bahá'u'lláh. Thus all parts of the tablet, even those which ostensibly are the words of Mírzá Áqá Ján himself, are sacred scripture by Bahá'u'lláh. The Tablet of Maqṣúd is in this form. It was addressed to Mírzá Maqṣúd, one of the early believers living at that time in Damascus and Jerusalem.
Súriy-i-Vafá (Tablet of Vafá)
- See online text here
The Súriy-i-Vafá was written to Shaykh Muḥammad Ḥusayn, one of the early believers of Shiraz
Shiraz, Iran
Shiraz is the sixth most populous city in Iran and is the capital of Fars Province, the city's 2009 population was 1,455,073. Shiraz is located in the southwest of Iran on the Roodkhaneye Khoshk seasonal river...
, surnamed Vafá (Fidelity) by Bahá'u'lláh. The tablet was written while Bahá'u'lláh was in Akká
Acre, Israel
Acre , is a city in the Western Galilee region of northern Israel at the northern extremity of Haifa Bay. Acre is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the country....
, and was in response to some of the questions of Shaykh Muḥammad Ḥusayn. In the tablet, Bahá'u'lláh refers to the immensity and boundlessness of the spiritual worlds.
Lawḥ-i-Siyyid-i-Mihdíy-i-Dahají (Tablet to Siyyid Mihdíy-i-Dahají)
- See online text here
In the Tablet to Siyyid Mihdíy-i-Dahají , Bahá'u'lláh writes to Siyyid Mihdíy-i-Dahají who later broke the Covenant
Covenant-breaker
A Covenant-breaker or the act of Covenant-breaking is a term used by Bahá'ís to refer to a particular form of heresy. Being declared a Covenant-breaker by the head of the Faith — which since 1963 refers to the elected nine-member Universal House of Justice, the governing body of the Bahá'ís....
. Bahá'u'lláh stresses the importance of serving the Bahá'í cause, and of teaching the Faith to others. He explains the power of a pure and stainless heart in influencing one's words to have an impact on people, and asks that people memorize passages from the Holy Writings to use in the course of their speech. He also cautions against causing division and discord between people.
Lawḥ-i-Burhán (Tablet of the Proof)
- See online text here
The Tablet of the Proof was written after the martyrdom of the King of Martyrs and the Beloved of Martyrs
Núrayn-i-Nayyirayn
Núrayn-i-Nayyirayn are two brothers who were followers of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, a global religion of Persian origin. They were beheaded in 1879 as a result of being Bahá'ís...
, and was addressed to Shaykh Muḥammad Báqir, denounced by Bahá'u'lláh as the 'Wolf'. In this tablet Bahá'u'lláh refers to Mír Muḥammad Ḥusayn, the Imám Jum'ih of Isfahán, surnamed the 'She-Serpent', who was Shaykh Muḥammad Báqir's accomplice in the persecution of the Bahá'ís. The Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
The Epistle to the Son of the Wolf is the last major work of Bahá'u'lláh, founder of the Bahá'í Faith, before his death in 1892. It is a letter written to a Muslim cleric, a violent opponent of the Bahá'ís who, along with his father , also a Muslim cleric, had put to death a number of Bahá'ís...
was addressed to the son of Shaykh Muḥammad Báqir.
Kitáb-i-`Ahd (Book of the Covenant)
- See online text here
The Kitáb-i-`Ahd ( literally "Book of My Covenant") is Bahá'u'lláh's Will and Testament, where he selects `Abdu'l-Bahá
`Abdu'l-Bahá
‘Abdu’l-Bahá , born ‘Abbás Effendí, was the eldest son of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. In 1892, `Abdu'l-Bahá was appointed in his father's will to be his successor and head of the Bahá'í Faith. `Abdu'l-Bahá was born in Tehran to an aristocratic family of the realm...
as his successor. While the Tablet of the Branch
Tablet of the Branch
The Súrih-i-Ghusn or Tablet of the Branch a tablet written by Bahá'u'lláh, founder of the Bahá'í Faith in Adrianople. It clearly confirms a clearly high station for "the Branch of Holiness" .-See also:*Kitáb-i-Aqdas...
, composed in the Adrianople
Edirne
Edirne is a city in Eastern Thrace, the northwestern part of Turkey, close to the borders with Greece and Bulgaria. Edirne served as the capital city of the Ottoman Empire from 1365 to 1453, before Constantinople became the empire's new capital. At present, Edirne is the capital of the Edirne...
period had clearly signaled a high station for "the Branch of Holiness" and the Kitáb-i-Aqdas
Kitáb-i-Aqdas
The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is a central book of the Bahá'í Faith written by Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the religion. The work was written in Arabic under the Arabic title , but it is commonly referred to by its Persian title, Kitáb-i-Aqdas , which was given to the work by Bahá'u'lláh himself...
has specified that this high station involved leadership of the Bahá'í community after Bahá'u'lláh's passing, it was only with the unsealing of the Kitáb-i-`Ahd after the passing of Bahá'u'lláh that it was confirmed that the Branch referred to was indeed `Abdu'l-Bahá
`Abdu'l-Bahá
‘Abdu’l-Bahá , born ‘Abbás Effendí, was the eldest son of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. In 1892, `Abdu'l-Bahá was appointed in his father's will to be his successor and head of the Bahá'í Faith. `Abdu'l-Bahá was born in Tehran to an aristocratic family of the realm...
.
Lawḥ-i-Arḍ-i-Bá (Tablet of the Land of Bá)
- See online text here
Bahá'u'lláh wrote the Tablet of the Land of Bá on the occasion of `Abdu'l-Bahá
`Abdu'l-Bahá
‘Abdu’l-Bahá , born ‘Abbás Effendí, was the eldest son of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. In 1892, `Abdu'l-Bahá was appointed in his father's will to be his successor and head of the Bahá'í Faith. `Abdu'l-Bahá was born in Tehran to an aristocratic family of the realm...
's visit to Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
, which is what is referred to as the Land of Bá. In the tablet, Bahá'u'lláh extolls the station of the Master and Most Mighty Branch, `Abdu'l-Bahá.
Excerpts from Other Tablets
- See online text here
In this portion of the compilation of the Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, parts of further tablets from Bahá'u'lláh are included. Some of the topics discussed in this section include that God can be only known through the Manifestations of God
Manifestation of God
The Manifestation of God is a concept in the Bahá'í Faith that refers to what are commonly called prophets. The Manifestations of God are a series of personages who reflect the attributes of the divine into the human world for the progress and advancement of human morals and civilization...
, that humanity should be detached from self-glorification, and instead should follow the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh.