Fidál, 12 ʻ’Izzat (Might), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
That seeker should, also, regard backbiting as grievous error, and keep himself aloof from its dominion, inasmuch as backbiting quencheth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the life of the soul. He should be content with little, and be freed from all inordinate desire. He should treasure the companionship of them that have renounced the world, and regard avoidance of boastful and worldly people a precious benefit. At the dawn of every day he should commune with God, and, with all his soul, persevere in the quest of his Beloved. He should consume every wayward thought with the flame of His loving mention, and, with the swiftness of lightning, pass by all else save Him. He should succor the dispossessed, and never withhold his favor from the destitute. He should show kindness to animals, how much more unto his fellowman, to him who is endowed with the power of utterance. He should not hesitate to offer up his life for his Beloved, nor allow the censure of the people to turn him away from the Truth. He should not wish for others that which he doth not wish for himself, nor promise that which he doth not fulfill. With all his heart he should avoid fellowship with evildoers, and pray for the remission of their sins. He should forgive the sinful, and never despise his low estate, for none knoweth what his own end shall be. How often hath a sinner attained, at the hour of death, to the essence of faith, and, quaffing the immortal draught, hath taken his flight unto the Concourse on high! And how often hath a devout believer, at the hour of his soul’s ascension, been so changed as to fall into the nethermost fire! — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration:
What effect does backbiting have on the one who backbites? 2
Google Bard Response:
Bahá’u’lláh teaches that backbiting has a devastating effect on the one who backbites. He writes that it “quencheth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the life of the soul.”
This is because backbiting is a form of spiritual poison. When we backbite someone, we are spreading negative thoughts and energy about them. This not only harms the person we are backbiting, but it also harms our own souls.
Backbiting can have a number of negative effects on the one who backbites, including:
- It can harden the heart. When we backbite someone, we are choosing to focus on their negative qualities and shortcomings. This can make it difficult for us to see the good in them, and it can also make it difficult for us to feel compassion for others.
- It can damage relationships. Backbiting can lead to distrust, resentment, and conflict. It can also damage our relationships with the people we are backbiting, as well as with the people we are backbiting to.
- It can create negative karma. Backbiting is a form of spiritual violence. When we backbite someone, we are creating negative karma for ourselves. This means that we are more likely to experience negative experiences in our own lives.
In addition to these negative effects, backbiting can also have a number of spiritual consequences. Bahá’u’lláh teaches that backbiting can prevent us from attaining spiritual growth and development. He also teaches that backbiting can lead us astray from the path of God.
If we want to protect our hearts and our souls, it is important to avoid backbiting. Instead, we should focus on speaking positively about others, and on spreading love and compassion.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/7#568533901. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 9-10. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 