Fidál, 01 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
As the spirit of man lives forever after casting off this elemental frame, it is, like all existing things, undoubtedly capable of progress, and thus one may pray for a departed soul to advance, to be forgiven, or to be made the recipient of divine favours, bounties, and grace. That is why, in the prayers of Bahá’u’lláh, the forgiveness and pardon of God are implored for those who have ascended to the next world. Moreover, just as people are in need of God in this world, so too are they in need of Him in the next. The creatures are ever in need, and God is ever completely independent of them, whether in this world or in the world to come. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
Why should we pray for the souls of the departed? 2
Google Bard Response:
According to the passage from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, there are several reasons why we should pray for the souls of the departed:
1. The soul continues to progress after death: The passage emphasizes that the spirit of man lives on after leaving the body and is capable of further growth and development. Therefore, our prayers can contribute to their ongoing spiritual progress.
2. Seeking forgiveness and divine blessings: We can pray for the departed to be forgiven for their past mistakes and receive God’s mercy, bounties, and grace. This reflects the belief that God’s forgiveness and love extend beyond this life.
3. Continuing dependence on God: Just as we rely on God in this world, our dependence on Him continues in the next. Our prayers acknowledge this dependence and acknowledge that the departed still need God’s guidance and support.
4. Compassion and connection: Praying for the departed allows us to express our love, compassion, and connection to them even after they have passed away. It also demonstrates our belief in the continuity of the soul’s existence and our hope for their well-being in the afterlife.
5. Sharing in the spiritual community: Praying for the departed is seen as an act of service and contributes to the unity and well-being of the entire spiritual community. It reflects the interconnectedness of all souls and our responsibility to support each other, both in this life and the next.
In summary, praying for the souls of the departed is a way to express our love, compassion, and hope for their continued spiritual growth and well-being in the afterlife. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing connection we share with them and our dependence on God’s mercy and grace.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 11, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/10#799280882. ↩
- 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, 48. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 