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Dear Hasan,
The following passages from Notes to Kitab-i-Aqdas should clarify this subject.
Dean B.
While the text of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas appears to permit
bigamy, Bahá'u'lláh counsels that tranquillity and contentment
derive from monogamy. In another Tablet, He
underlines the importance of the individual's acting in such
a way as to "bring comfort to himself and to his partner".
Abdu'l-Bahá, the authorized Interpreter of the Bahá'í
Writings, states that in the text of the Aqdas monogamy is
in effect enjoined. He elaborates this theme in a number of
Tablets, including the following: 206
Know thou that polygamy is not permitted under the law of
God, for contentment with one wife hath been clearly stipulated.
Taking a second wife is made dependent upon equity and justice
being upheld between the two wives, under all conditions.
However, observance of justice and equity towards two wives is
utterly impossible. The fact that bigamy has been made
dependent upon an impossible condition is clear proof of its
absolute prohibition. Therefore it is not permissible for a man to
have more than one wife.
Polygamy is a very ancient practice among the
majority of humanity. The introduction of monogamy has
been only gradually accomplished by the Manifestations of
God. Jesus, for example, did not prohibit polygamy, but
abolished divorce except in the case of fornication;
Muhammad limited the number of wives to four, but
making plurality of wives contingent on justice, and
reintroducing permission for divorce; Bahá'u'lláh, Who was
revealing His Teachings in the milieu of a Muslim society,
introduced the question of monogamy gradually in accordance
with the principles of wisdom and the progressive
unfoldment of His purpose. The fact that He left His
followers with an infallible Interpreter of His Writings
enabled Him to outwardly permit two wives in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas
but uphold a condition that enabled 'Abdu'l-Bahá to
elucidate later that the intention of the law was to enforce
monogamy.
(Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 205)
Dear Hasan,
My understanding is that the writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha have the same effect as
legislation, as do the writings of Shoghi Effendi.
'Abdu'l-Baha has written that a man may two wives only if
Greetings,
Dean B.
----- Original Message -----
From: Hasan Elías
To: Baha'i Studies
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 1:14 AM
Subject: Bigamy permitted in bahá'í writings?
The Baha'i Studies ListservHi all,
I have read in recently posts of two other lists the following:
a.. Bahá'u'lláh in the Kitáb al-Aqdas permits bigamy and never changed
this to monogamy, also never legislated again on this issue
b.. 'Abdu'l-Bahá has never legislated or abrogated the permission of this
law
c.. Shoghi Effendi said that Bahá'u'lláh prescribes monogamy in the Kitáb
al-Aqdas (!)
Could anyone explain to me how we can put this together without falling
into contradictions?
If Bahá'u'lláh permits bigamy, then, why and how the actual bahá'í law
prescribes monogamy and forbids bigamy?
Also, if a muslim take 4 wives, it is ok because it is based on the Qur'án,
then why it is bad for a bahá'í to take 2 wives if he is based on the Kitáb
al-Aqdas, if nobody has the right to abrogate a law of Bahá'u'lláh?
These are basic questions.
Thanks to all,
Hasan
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