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Introduction
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Synopsis and Codification
I. The Appointment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Successor of Bahá’u’lláh and Interpreter of His Teachings
II. Anticipation of the Institution of the Guardianship
III. The Institution of the House of Justice
IV. Laws, Ordinances and Exhortations
V. Specific Admonitions, Reproofs and Warnings
VI. Miscellaneous Subjects
The Aqdas
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Questions and Answers
Question 1
Question 11
Question 21
Question 31
Question 41
Question 51
Question 61
Question 71
Question 81
Question 91
Question 101
Notes
Note 1
Note 11
Note 21
Note 31
Note 41
Note 51
Note 61
Note 71
Note 81
Note 91
Note 101
Note 111
Note 121
Note 131
Note 141
Note 151
Note 161
Note 171
Note 181
Note 191
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Admonitions
Concordance
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About
Applicability of Laws and Ordinances
Paragraph summary
k1.
The inseparable Twin Duties of recognizing and observing the laws of the Manifestation of God
k2.
Precepts laid by God constitute the highest means of order in the world; we should not follow our evil passions
k3.
Commandments of God are the lamps of His loving-providence and keys of mercy
k4.
Laws of God aid the victory of the Cause; laws should be obeyed out of love for God
k5.
Laws not a mere code of laws, but unsealing the choice Wine
k6.
Previously revealed obligatory prayer has been superseded by three prayers; turning towards the Qiblih when saying one’s Obligatory Prayer
k7.
Laws must be faithfully obeyed by all; God doeth as He pleaseth
k8.
Prayer for the Dead
k9.
Hair, bones and the like do not invalidate prayer; wearing fur is permitted
k10.
Prayer and fasting from the beginning of maturity, exemption for the ill and old; prostrating on clean surface; ablutions before prayer; verse to say in case of missing water; times of prayer gauged by clocks in extreme north or south
k11.
Prayer of the Signs absolved; phrase to be said when natural events occur
k12.
Obligatory prayer performed individually; congregational prayer annulled save for Prayer of the Dead
k13.
Women in their courses exempt from obligatory prayer and fasting
k14.
Verse to say in case of missed obligatory prayer because of traveling
k15.
Love of Bahá’u’lláh is key to understanding the Treasures of God
k16.
Fasting, Intercalary Days and Naw-Rúz
k17.
Hold God’s statutes and commandments as standards and not one’s own idle fancies and vain imaginings; fasting from sunrise to sundown
k18.
Repetition of Alláh-u-Abhá 95 times after ablutions
k19.
Forbidden to commit murder or adultery, to engage in calumny or backbiting
k20.
Inheritance categories: children, husband/wife, father, mother, brother, sister, teacher; share of children has been doubled
k21.
In case of no offspring, their share reverts to the House of Justice for orphans and widows and charity
k22.
In case of missing heir, two thirds of their share to the children, one third to the House of Justice
k23.
In case of missing heirs, two thirds to nephew/niece, uncle/aunt, cousins, in that order; one third to the House of Justice
k24.
If no heirs at all, everything is reverted to the House of Justice
k25.
Residence and personal clothing reverts to the male offspring
k26.
In case of passed away son with children, they inherit their father’s share divided with perfect justice
k27.
Shares of underage children should be entrusted to a reliable individual or company. Trustee is assigned a share of the profit.
k28.
Division of estate should be made after debts, Huqúqu'lláh and expenses of funeral and burial have been paid
k29.
Observing the injunctions laid down by God, regard as Water of Life to the followers and Lamp of wisdom and loving-providence
k30.
The establishment of House of Justice in every city and their role
k31.
Building houses of worship to celebrate the praise of God
k32.
Pilgrimage to the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdád and of the Báb in Shíráz
k33.
Injunction on all to engage in an occupation; work exalted to the rank of worship; yield thanks to God at dawn and eventide
k34.
Prohibition of the kissing of hands; repentance be between oneself and God
k35.
Exhortation to arise and serve the Cause of God
k36.
All deeds depend upon the good pleasure and acceptance of God.
k37.
Time of appearance of the next Manifestation of God; specifies the minimum duration of the Bahá’í Dispensation
k38.
Not to be dismayed after the passing of Bahá’u’lláh, but rather to stand up and teach His Cause
k39.
People of the world spiritually 'asleep' and can't recognize Bahá’u’lláh; if they did, they would detach themselves and hasten to turn towards God
k40.
To be detached from things of this world that are but transitory in nature
k41.
Call to divines not to let their knowledge and pride hinder them from recognizing Bahá’u’lláh
k42.
Endowments and succession
k43.
Not to lament in adversity; remember God in times of trials
k44.
Prohibiting of shaving one’s head and the growing of hair past ears for men
k45.
Exile and imprisonment for thief and mark on brow for third offence; warning against failing to carry out the statutes of God
k46.
Abrogation of law regarding use of gold and silver utensils; not plunge one’s hand in food; to hold on to refinement in all conditions
k47.
The doctrine of the Most Great Infallibility, The Manifestation of God "doeth whatsoever He willeth"
k48.
Law of compulsory education of children
k49.
Fine of 9 mithqals of gold for adultery, to be doubled on every offense; humiliating torment in the next world
k50.
Not to let the veil of glory hinder us from recognizing God
k51.
Permission to listen to music and singing as long as it doesn't overstep the bounds of propriety and dignity; music as a ladder to the soul
k52.
A third part of all fines go to the House of Justice; admonishment of the men of the House of Justice to observe pure justice in its expenditure
k53.
Refer to Bahá’u’lláh should differences arise, to the Holy Writ after His passing; God will aid those that arise for the triumph of the Cause
k54.
Admonition to the peoples of the earth to recognize Him through His Writings
k55.
The effect of recognizing Him and His Word
k56.
Penalties for wounding or striking a person depends on severity of injury
k57.
The Nineteen Day Feast to be held once every Bahá’í month
k58.
Beware that desires of the flesh and corrupt inclination don't lead to division; exhortation to be united as the fingers of one hand
k59.
God hath enjoined upon men that which will profit them; God is above the doings of His creatures
k60.
Invoke the Name of God when hunting with beasts and birds of prey; not to hunt to excess
k61.
Show kindliness to kindred of Bahá’u’lláh, but they have no right to property of others
k62.
Death penalty or life imprisonment for those that commit arson or murder
k63.
Law regarding number of wives; treatment of female servants; enter into wedlock to bring forth one who will make mention of Him
k64.
Admonition against following promptings of self and stirring up mischief; fear God and show forth piety
k65.
Marriage conditional on the consent of both parties and their parents
k66.
Marriage is conditioned on payment of dowry
k67.
The spouse must specify a time of return when traveling
k68.
Divorce can only take place after a year of patience; remarriage to the same spouse that one had previously divorced is permissible if circumstances allow
k69.
Law regarding divorce while on a journey
k70.
Party that commits infidelity forfeits maintenance on year of patience
k71.
Call to follow the statutes and precepts of God
k72.
Prohibition of the trading of slaves; equality of all in the sight of God
k73.
Perform goodly deeds; admonition against contention and taking of another’s life
k74.
Perform acts of service to the Cause; to be the essence of cleanliness and refinement
k75.
Abolishment of the concept of 'uncleanness' in relation to prayers; exhortation to consort with people of all religions; teaching the Faith the crown of deeds
k76.
Exhortation to attain utmost cleanliness of dress and its relation to prayer; to perfume one’s self
k77.
Abrogation of law regarding the destruction of books; read only those that are profitable
k78.
Announcement to kings of the coming of the sovereign Lord, call to worship God
k79.
Call to Kings to detach themselves from earthly riches
k80.
Call to Kings to recognize and turn to Bahá’u’lláh
k81.
Call to the kings of the world that Bahá’u’lláh is the fulfillment of prophecies of the past
k82.
Call to kings not to let pride hinder the recognition of Bahá’u’lláh
k83.
Bahá’u’lláh wants only possession of the hearts of men
k84.
Great blessings to the king that will arise to aid the Cause
k85.
Message to the Emperor of Austria
k86.
Message to the King of Berlin
k87.
Bahá’u’lláh will show patience with the kings of the world
k88.
Message to the Rulers of America
k89.
Apostrophe to the people of Constantinople
k90.
Apostrophe to the 'Banks of the Rhine'
k91.
Apostrophe to Iran as the source of joy to all mankind
k92.
Tihrán "the Dayspring of His light"; blessed as being the spot where Bahá’u’lláh was born
k93.
Prophecy that the leadership of Iran will go to the people and there will be peace and tranquility
k94.
Prophecy regarding the province of Khurásán
k95.
Not to contend with those in authority
k96.
God telling Bahá’u’lláh to spread His Laws
k97.
Law of Huqúqu'lláh and the blessings derived therefrom
k98.
The Kitáb-i-Aqdas revealed in answer to request by the believers for the Laws of the Faith
k99.
Exhortation to leaders of religion not to weigh the Book of God with the standards current amongst men
k100.
Sympathy for religious leaders that have failed to recognize Bahá’u’lláh
k101.
Challenge to religious leaders to find one that rivals Bahá’u’lláh in vision or insight
k102.
The end of all learning is recognition of Him Who is the Object of all knowledge; learning of religious leaders has become a veil to the recognition of God
k103.
The station of true learning is how the Mother Book should be read
k104.
The divinely intuitive knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh
k105.
Warning not to interpret or alter the evident meaning of the Revelation of God
k106.
Laws regarding cleaning of physical body and avoiding public baths
k107.
Prohibition of marrying one’s stepmother and homosexuality
k108.
Prohibition of muttering sacred verses in the street, preferable do it in places erected for such purposes or one’s own home
k109.
Law regarding the obligation of writing a will
k110.
The establishment of the two Most Great Festivals and the Twin Holy Days
k111.
Festival of Naw-Rúz; the crown of all days
k112.
Ridván is the Most Great Festival
k113.
Consulting competent physicians when ill; the importance of utilizing material means
k114.
Abrogation of Law of giving gifts to 'Him Whom God Shall Make Manifest'
k115.
Explanation of Mashriqu'l-Adhkar and blessedness of prayer therein
k116.
Power of the Holy Verses being recited melodiously
k117.
Call to assist those that promote the Faith; warning against following impious pretenders
k118.
Learning languages permitted to help spread the Faith in the East and West
k119.
Not to consume things that steal away man’s reasoning; acting in a manner worthy of man’s high station
k120.
To adorn oneself with praiseworthy qualities; servitude unto God will exalt one’s station; not to be hindered by others to reach that high station
k121.
Turning to Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from the Ancient Root after the passing of Bahá’u’lláh
k122.
Pettiness of men in asking for what injures them
k123.
Liberty causes overstepping of bounds of propriety
k124.
Man in need of guidance
k125.
True liberty is man’s submission to the Will of God
k126.
Abrogation of Law in the Bayán regarding the asking of questions of the Manifestation of God
k127.
Bahá’í calendar of 19 months
k128.
Law regarding coffin material and ring for the deceased
k129.
Law regarding inscription on the ring of the deceased; inscription superseded by another revealed by Bahá’u’lláh
k130.
Law regarding wrapping and transportation of the body of the deceased
k131.
Abrogation of the law restricting travel
k132.
Call to the peoples of the world regarding the Station of God and Cause of God; not to hesitate in accepting it
k133.
Establishment of Shrines at the Twin Holy Spots
k134.
Exhortation to steadfastness and not to be distracted by anything else
k135.
Tribute from the Báb regarding Bahá’u’lláh
k136.
The high station of this Revelation
k137.
Explanation of verse regarding the Qiblih in the Bayán as a proof that Bahá’u’lláh is Him Whom God Shall Make Manifest
k138.
The station of the verses of His Revelation
k139.
Law of marriage from the the Bayán as an example of the Báb’s exaltation of the Cause of Him Whom God Shall Make Manifest
k140.
The exaltation of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh before the Cause of the Báb
k141.
Exhortation to the people of the Bayán not to join those who have risen up against Bahá’u’lláh
k142.
Bahá’u’lláh has clarified and mitigated the laws of the Báb as a sign of His bounty
k143.
Bab foretells what Baha'u'llah will say in His Dispensation; Bahá’u’lláh the Manifestation of God and the Dayspring of His Titles on this earth
k144.
Exhortation to associate with the followers of all religions with fellowship; all things come from God and to Him shall they return
k145.
Entering a house without the owner’s permission is forbidden
k146.
Zakát (tithes) and its measure will be laid out at a later time if it be the Will of Him
k147.
All are enjoyed to earn a living and not beg; House of Justice to care for those that are unable to
k148.
Forbidden to engage in contention and conflict or commit acts that will cause sadness to others; fine removed, exhortation to show righteousness and piety instead; reflect on one’s end; the verses of God are the infallible balance
k149.
Reciting the verses at morn and eventide; in such a manner that the soul will be uplifted and soar
k150.
Teaching one’s children to chant the verses of God
k151.
Renewing the furnishing of one’s house every 19 years if one has the means; God desires utmost refinement of both self and one’s possessions
k152.
Washing of one’s feet
k153.
To respond to anger with gentleness, and leave him to God
k154.
The use of pulpits is forbidden
k155.
Forbidden to gambling and use opium; God desires only that which will profit His servants
k156.
Responding to invitations with joy and gladness
k157.
Mystery of the Great Reversal has been made manifest; God gives and withholds what He willeth from whomsoever He may wish
k158.
Blessed are those that discover the inner meanings of His Pen
k159.
Forbidden to carry arms unless essential; permission to wear silk; restrictions of clothing and beard removed; exhortation to seemly conduct and praiseworthy character
k160.
Promoting the development of cities and countries through materials means
k161.
The blessedness of those who recognize the fundamental verity "He shall not be asked of His doings"
k162.
None has the right to question the authority of God
k163.
Those that recognize the unquestionable authority of God will be endowed with constancy and steadfastness
k164.
Prophecies related to the city of Kirmán
k165.
The concource of divines behind veils at the appearance of Bahá’u’lláh; exhorted to pluck asunder the veils, not to spread disorder in the Faith, not to measure the Book of God with their selfish desires
k166.
Condemnation of Shaykh Muhammad-Hasan who despite his learning failed to recognize Bahá’u’lláh, while a sifter of wheat did
k167.
Exhortation to divines not to let names or pride debar them from the recognition of Him, and to not make themselves veils between the people and Baha'u'llah
k168.
Divines take the Word of God and use it to refute Him
k169.
Call to ecclesiastics not to cause strife in their countries
k170.
Condemnation of Hájí Muhammad-Karím Khán
k171.
Exhortation to ecclesiastics to tear the veils asunder
k172.
Purpose of Bahá’u’lláh in revealing Himself on this earth
k173.
The great station of the learned among the people of Bahá
k174.
Turning to Him Who hath branched from the mighty Stock after the passing of Bahá’u’lláh
k175.
Bahá’u’lláh’s knowledge from the School of Transcendent Oneness
k176.
The innate knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh; revealed only to the measure of mankind’s understanding
k177.
Existence of the spirit of Bahá before existence of all things; language of the inmates of God
k178.
Cause not to be made the plaything of one’s idle fancies or a field for foolish and faint of heart; arena of insight and detachment, vision and upliftment
k179.
What is revealed in the Bayán should not turn people away from Bahá’u’lláh, but serves only to extol His greatness and celebrate His praise
k180.
To the people of the Bayán, asking what they understand not of Bahá’u’lláh
k181.
The revolutionizing effect of the New World Order; upsetting the world’s equilibrium
k182.
To immerse oneself in the study of the Teachings; not to vacillate in embracing the truth of this Cause
k183.
The Revelation is the infallible Balance; not to make it a cause of dissension amongst the believers
k184.
Recalling the actions of Mírzá Yahyá; assurance of forgiveness should he repent
k185.
Expressions of hope that Mírzá Yahyá will understand the counsels of God and repent
k186.
The Kitáb-i-Aqdas as the undeviating Path for the peoples of the earth and the Dawning-place of God’s commandments
k187.
Exhortation to treat animals kindly and show forth justice and fairness to all creation
k188.
Penalty for manslaughter
k189.
Choosing a universal language; one of two signs of the coming of age of human race
k190.
Forbidden to smoke opium