Jamál, 15 Qudrat (Power), 181 B.E.
Teaching the Cause
Quotes for Reflection:
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. This, verily, is the truth, and all else naught but error. Each time that Most Mighty Instrument hath come, and that Light shone forth from the Ancient Dayspring, He was withheld by ignorant physicians who, even as clouds, interposed themselves between Him and the world. It failed, therefore, to recover, and its sickness hath persisted until this day. They indeed were powerless to protect it, or to effect a cure, whilst He Who hath been the Manifestation of Power amongst men was withheld from achieving His purpose, by reason of what the hands of the ignorant physicians have wrought. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
BESTIR yourselves, O people, in anticipation of the days of Divine justice, for the promised hour is now come. Beware lest ye fail to apprehend its import and be accounted among the erring. — Bahá’u’lláh 2
Consider the eagerness with which certain peoples and nations have anticipated the return of Imám Ḥusayn, whose coming, after the appearance of the Qá’im, hath been prophesied, in days past, by the chosen ones of God, exalted be His glory. These holy ones have, moreover, announced that when He Who is the Dayspring of the manifold grace of God manifesteth Himself, all the Prophets and Messengers, including the Qá’im, will gather together beneath the shadow of the sacred Standard which the Promised One will raise. That hour is now come. The world is illumined with the effulgent glory of His countenance. And yet, behold how far its peoples have strayed from His path! None have believed in Him except them who, through the power of the Lord of Names, have shattered the idols of their vain imaginings and corrupt desires and entered the city of certitude. The seal of the choice Wine of His Revelation hath, in this Day and in His Name, the Self-Sufficing, been broken. Its grace is being poured out upon men. Fill thy cup, and drink in, in His Name, the Most Holy, the All-Praised. — Bahá’u’lláh 3
The river Jordan is joined to the Most Great Ocean, and the Son, in the holy vale, crieth out: “Here am I, here am I O Lord, my God!”, whilst Sinai circleth round the House, and the Burning Bush calleth aloud: “He Who is the Desired One is come in His transcendent majesty.” Say, Lo! The Father is come, and that which ye were promised in the Kingdom is fulfilled! This is the Word which the Son concealed, when to those around Him He said: “Ye cannot bear it now.” And when the appointed time was fulfilled and the Hour had struck, the Word shone forth above the horizon of the Will of God. Beware, O followers of the Son, that ye cast it not behind your backs. Take ye fast hold of it. Better is this for you than all that ye possess. Verily He is nigh unto them that do good. The Hour which We had concealed from the knowledge of the peoples of the earth and of the favored angels hath come to pass. Say, verily, He hath testified of Me, and I do testify of Him. Indeed, He hath purposed no one other than Me. Unto this beareth witness every fair-minded and understanding soul. — Bahá’u’lláh 4
O thou seeker after truth! Behold the power and greatness of Bahá’u’lláh! Within a short span of time, He hath stirred up the East and the West, and raised aloft, in the midmost heart of the world, the banner of love and harmony, of unity and peace, of fellowship and conciliation, of truthfulness and rectitude. He hath freed from enmity and strife a great multitude of souls belonging to divers and opposing nations, to disparate and contending religions, and hath brought them under the sheltering canopy of fellowship, love, and unity. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 5
Question for Consideration
What is the import of Bahá’u’lláh’s presence in the world and the impact of His teachings on humanity’s future? 6
Gemini Response:
Bahá’u’lláh’s presence in the world signifies a pivotal moment in human history, marking the dawn of a new era. His teachings offer a comprehensive framework for addressing humanity’s challenges and ushering in a new age of peace, justice, and unity.
Key Implications of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: Bahá’u’lláh fulfills the prophecies of previous religious traditions, signifying the culmination of a long-awaited spiritual cycle.
- Unity of Humanity: Bahá’u’lláh proclaims the oneness of humanity, emphasizing the essential unity of all people, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.
- Harmony of Science and Religion: The teachings reconcile science and religion, encouraging a harmonious blend of reason and faith.
- Progressive Revelation: Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation builds upon and completes the teachings of previous divine messengers, adapting them to the needs of the modern age.
- Global Peace and Justice: The Faith promotes a just and equitable world order, advocating for eliminating prejudice, eradicating poverty, and establishing lasting peace.
The impact of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on humanity’s future is profound. By inspiring individuals to embrace unity, justice, and service, the Bahá’í Faith supports those who create a more harmonious and peaceful world. As more people embrace the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the potential for positive change grows exponentially.
ChatGPT Response:
The presence of Bahá’u’lláh in the world and the impact of His teachings are profound and far-reaching. His Revelation marks the dawn of a new era in humanity’s spiritual and social evolution, addressing the challenges of a deeply divided world and offering a framework for unity and peace.
Bahá’u’lláh’s Presence: A Manifestation of Divine Power
Bahá’u’lláh’s presence is described as the coming of the “Physician” to heal the ailments of a suffering humanity. He stated, “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.” His mission is to unify humanity under “the banner of love and harmony, of unity and peace.” His teachings serve as a divine prescription for the moral and spiritual ills afflicting society.
The Impact of His Teachings
Unity of Humanity
Bahá’u’lláh proclaimed the essential oneness of humankind, emphasizing that all people are part of one human family. This principle provides the foundation for resolving racial, religious, and national prejudices. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá highlights this transformative power: “He hath freed from enmity and strife a great multitude of souls… and hath brought them under the sheltering canopy of fellowship, love, and unity.”
Justice as the Cornerstone of Peace
Bahá’u’lláh called for the establishment of universal justice as the means to achieve peace. His teachings urge the creation of institutions and laws that safeguard the rights of all people, transcending the limitations of narrow self-interest.
Reconciliation of Science and Religion
Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings foster intellectual and spiritual progress by harmonizing scientific inquiry and religious faith. This principle empowers humanity to explore and harness the forces of nature while maintaining moral and ethical clarity.
Empowerment of Individuals and Communities
Bahá’u’lláh’s message inspires individuals to live lives of service and integrity. He said, “Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich… and a defender of the victim of oppression.” His teachings are equipping communities worldwide to contribute to social progress.
A Vision for Humanity’s Future
Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation is a call to personal transformation and a blueprint for reconstructing society. He wrote, “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens,” envisioning a future where humanity lives in global peace and harmony. His teachings inspire efforts to build a world civilization founded on justice, equity, and compassion.
Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings serve as the “light” to guide humanity toward its spiritual maturity, enabling society’s collective advancement and ensuring every individual’s dignity and well-being. As humanity increasingly recognizes the wisdom in His words, the vision of a united and peaceful world will gradually become a reality.
Claude Response:
Bahá’u’lláh’s presence and teachings have had a profound and transformative impact on the world. Some key points:
- Bahá’u’lláh proclaimed the principle of the oneness of humanity and the need for global unity and cooperation. He emphasized the essential harmony of all religions and called for eliminating all forms of prejudice.
- Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings have inspired a global community to promote peace, justice, and the betterment of humankind. The Bahá’í Faith has grown to have millions of adherents worldwide.
- Bahá’u’lláh’s vision encompasses establishing a new world order with a just global governance system, collective security, and the equitable distribution of the world’s resources. This represents a radical reimagining of humanity’s future.
- Bahá’u’lláh’s writings and teachings have influenced progressive social and political movements, contributing to advancements in gender equality, racial integration, and universal education.
Bahá’u’lláh’s presence and principles have catalyzed a profound transformation in human consciousness and society, laying the foundation for a more unified, just, and peaceful world order. The far-reaching impact of His teachings continues to unfold.
Perplexity Response:
Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, emphasized the importance of unity among all peoples as a fundamental remedy for the world’s ills. His teachings advocate for a universal Cause and a common Faith, which he describes as essential for healing humanity’s divisions and fostering peace. This vision is rooted in the belief that all religions share a common truth and that humanity is on the brink of a collective coming of age.
The Role of Bahá’u’lláh
Bahá’u’lláh’s presence in the world is a pivotal moment in spiritual history. He articulated that the union of all peoples is the “sovereign remedy” for global discord, asserting that this unity can only be achieved through the guidance of an inspired leader—referred to metaphorically as a “skilled Physician” [1][4]. His teachings suggest that previous manifestations of divine guidance were often obstructed by ignorance and misunderstanding, leading to continued suffering and division among humanity [2][3].
Impact on Humanity’s Future
Promotion of Unity
Bahá’u’lláh’s message encourages individuals to overcome sectarian divisions and embrace a shared identity as members of one human family. This unity is not merely an ideal but is framed as essential for achieving global peace and justice [1][5].
Progressive Revelation
Central to Bahá’í belief is the concept of progressive revelation, which posits that all major world religions are part of a single divine plan, revealed progressively over time to meet humanity’s evolving needs. This perspective fosters respect for diverse faiths while promoting a collective spiritual evolution [4][5].
Social Transformation
The teachings of Bahá’u’lláh advocate for social justice, equality, and the elimination of prejudice. His vision includes empowering women, eradicating poverty, and establishing universal education as foundational elements for a harmonious society [1][3].
Spiritual Awakening
Bahá’u’lláh calls upon humanity to recognize its spiritual potential and to engage in self-reflection and moral development. He emphasizes that true religion should foster love, unity, and goodwill rather than enmity or discord [2][3].
Conclusion
Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings profoundly impact humanity, urging it towards a future characterized by unity, peace, and collective progress. His call for a universal faith resonates with contemporary efforts to address global challenges through collaboration and understanding among diverse cultures and religions. As individuals strive to embody these principles, they contribute to realizing Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for a just and unified world.
Citations:
[1] https://www.bahaiblog.net/articles/bahai-life/bahai-faith-religion/
[2] https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/god-his-creation/revelation/quotations
[3] https://bahai.works/Study_Aid_on_the_Essential_Verities_of_the_Bah%C3%A1%E2%80%99%C3%AD_Faith/Text
[4] https://www.bahai.us/beliefs/building-community/progressive-revelation/
[5] https://www.bahai.org/library/other-literature/official-statements-commentaries/one-common-faith/3
[6] https://bahaiteachings.org/one-common-faith-and-how-unity-happens/
[7] https://www.bahaiblog.net/articles/books/introduction-one-common-faith/
[8] https://www.bahaibookstore.com/One-Common-Faith-P6440
- Baháʼuʼlláh. The Summons of the Lord of Hosts : Tablets. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1st ed. Haifa: Baháʼí World Centre, 2002. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/summons-lord-hosts/6#062512306 ↩
- 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/2#226192092. ↩
- 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/2#702842448. ↩
- Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 11. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/2#483367212. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Light of the World: Selected Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Center, 2021. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/light-of-the-world/3#994711958. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Teaching the Cause. 2.1.1.PE April 2023. Vol. Book 6. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2023, 84. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH.
Frameworks for Understanding the World 