’Idál, 10 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
Nothing from the Bahá’í Writings has been found that precisely defines the biological moment and nature of the event described as ‘conception’. The use of the term in a medical context also appears to be imprecise. Indeed, one understanding of conception is that it coincides with fertilization; yet another is that it occurs following fertilization and implantation, the onset of pregnancy. Thus it may not be possible to know when the association of the soul with the material form occurs, and such questions may be insoluble by human thought or investigation since they relate to mysteries of the spiritual world and the nature of the soul itself. — Universal House of Justice 1
Question for Consideration:
When does the human soul come into being?
Google Bard Response:
The Bahá’í Writings do not explicitly state when the human soul comes into being. However, they do affirm that the soul is a spiritual being that exists independently of the body. This suggests that the soul may come into being before fertilization, or even before conception.
The Universal House of Justice has stated that “it may not be possible to know when the association of the soul with the material form occurs.” This suggests that the timing of the soul’s entry into the body is a mystery that we cannot fully understand.
Some Bahá’ís believe that the soul enters the body at the moment of fertilization. Others believe that the soul enters the body at a later stage, such as implantation or even at birth. Still others believe that the soul may enter the body at any time, even before conception.
Ultimately, the question of when the human soul comes into being is a matter of individual belief. There is no right or wrong answer, and each person must decide what they believe based on their own understanding of the Bahá’í Writings and their own personal experience.
It is important to note that the Bahá’í Faith teaches that the soul is immortal. This means that the soul continues to exist after death. When the body dies, the soul is released from its physical encasement and it is free to return to its spiritual home.
Therefore, even if we cannot know exactly when the soul enters the body, we can be certain that the soul is present from the moment of conception onward. The soul is the essence of our being, and it is what makes us human.
Question for Consideration:
Does the term “conception” describe a precise biological moment?
Google Bard Response:
The Universal House of Justice has written that the term “conception” does not describe a precise biological moment. There are two main definitions of conception in a medical context:
- Fertilization: The union of a sperm and an egg.
- Implantation: The attachment of the fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus.
Some people use the term “conception” to refer to fertilization, while others use it to refer to implantation. This lack of clarity can lead to confusion, especially when discussing the timing of conception in relation to the development of the soul.
The Universal House of Justice has also written that it may not be possible to know when the association of the soul with the material form occurs. This is because questions about the soul and its relationship to the body are mysteries of the spiritual world.
Overall, it is important to recognize that the term “conception” does not describe a precise biological moment. It is a term that is often used imprecisely, and it can be used to refer to either fertilization or implantation. Additionally, it is important to remember that questions about the soul and its relationship to the body are mysteries of the spiritual world.
- 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, 31. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 