Dear Shirley Macias My good Baha'i sister
May my effort be a sacrifice to your efforts in the service of the Cause. Please God the Internet be a means of spreading understanding of the Faith ***Thus encouraged, interfaith movements of every kind took root and flourished. A vast literature, available in many languages, introduced an ever wider public, believers and non-believers alike, to the teachings of all the major faiths, an interest picked up in due course by radio, television, film and eventually the Internet. (The Universal House of Justice, 2002 April, To the World's Religious Leaders, p. 1) *** Now as to specifics: You must say to your dear friend Yusuf that your correspondent, humble and aspiring servant of God [khazeh] was deeply touched by the spirit of his enquiry. 1] We are at one with the Moslems that their Holy Book is considered a Holy Book of God in the Dispensation of Baha'u'llah. 2] We respect the sacredness of all the Holy Books. 3] We believe, in fact that all Books of God are correlative: *** The fundamental unity of these Messengers of God is clearly recognized, the continuity of their Revelations is affirmed, the God-given authority and correlative character of their Books is admitted, the singleness of their aims and purposes is proclaimed, the uniqueness of their influence emphasized, the ultimate reconciliation of their teachings and followers taught and anticipated (Shoghi Effendi: The Promised Day is Come, Page: 107) **** 4] We must emphasize over and again that our *PRIMARY PURPOSE* is to deepen Yusuf's [and a Christian's/Jew's/ etc] understanding of their own Faith! 5] The Baha'i Faith's *** declared, its primary purpose is to enable every adherent of these Faiths to obtain a fuller understanding of the religion with which he stands identified, and to acquire a clearer apprehension of its purpose. It is neither eclectic in the presentation of its truths, nor arrogant in the affirmation of its claims. (Shoghi Effendi: World Order of Baha'u'llah, Page: 58)*** 6] WE revere the Prophet Muhammad. And Whenever Baha'u'llah quotes a verse of the Qur'an He says it is from God's Book: ****How well hath a believer of the kindred of Pharaoh, whose story is recounted by ****the All-Glorious in His Book [the Qur'an] *** revealed unto His beloved One [Muhammad], observed: "And a man of the family of Pharaoh who was a believer and concealed his faith said: `Will ye slay a man because he saith my Lord is God, when He hath already come to you with signs from your Lord? If he be a liar, on him will be his lie, but if he be a man of truth, part of what he threateneth will fall upon you. In truth God guideth not him who is a transgressor, a liar.'" (Baha'u'llah: The Kitab-i-Iqan, Page: 12)**** We see the All-Glorious and His Book [the Qur'an] mentioned above. Then mention to your friend 7] The verses mentioned by his good self are valid for all time but that in reality they validate the ***changeless faith of God eternal in the past eternal in the future*** Thus the VERSE IN QUESTION: <<As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with God: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did. (Qur'an 6:159)>> Here the Almighty Revealer of this Qur'anic verse is warning against dividing the eternal Faith. The Arabic of the transliteration is vital in this study. It is: 'Inna Al-Ladhina Farraqu Dinahum Wa Kanu Shiya`aan Lasta Minhum Fi Shay'in 'Innama 'Amruhum 'Ila� Allahi Thumma Yunabbi'uhum Bima Kanu Yaf`aluna (Al-'An`am: 159). as per http://transliteration.org/quran/Color/Fram2.htm as you and Yusuf and every one can kindly agree the breaking into sects is "Kanu Shiya`aan " from which "Shi'ah" Shi'ism" are derived. ie the Shi'ih [Sect] of 'Ali. 8] The Baha'i Faith transcends sects and sectarianism not only as between the sects of Islam but transcends all sects. cf ** Persia, the cradle of an unfolding world civilization, is still bereft of her freedom, sunk in ignorance, a prey to contending policies and factions, beset on one hand by the powers of orthodoxy and sectarian fanaticism and assailed on the other by the forces of materialism and unbelief (Shoghi Effendi: Baha'i Administration, Pages: 88-89) ** 9] WE transcend sectarianism and its stains: &&To the bodily agonies inflicted upon these sufferers, the charges, so unmerited, of Nihilism, occultism, anarchism, eclecticism, immorality, sectarianism, heresy, political partisanship - each conclusively disproved by the tenets of the Faith itself and by the conduct of its followers - were added, swelling thereby the number of those who, unwittingly or maliciously, were injuring its cause. (Shoghi Effendi: The Promised Day is Come, Page: 7) && So we must say, being guided as we are, by the Guardian that the Faith is the Promise, the Reconciler, the Unifier, and the Essence [PURE is my mnemonic] of all Faiths and not, God forbid, a sect "superimposed" on others ******Not only have the peoples of the earth ignored, and some of them even assailed, a Faith which is at once the essence, the promise, the reconciler, and the unifier of all religions, but they have drifted away from their own religions, and set up on their subverted altars other gods wholly alien not only to the spirit but to the traditional forms of their ancient faiths. (Shoghi Effendi: The Promised Day is Come, Page: 112) ****** ***This Faith is now increasingly demonstrating its right to be recognized, not as one more religious system **superimposed** on the conflicting creeds which for so many generations have divided mankind and darkened its fortunes, but rather as a restatement of the eternal verities underlying all the religions of the past, as a unifying force instilling into the adherents of these religions a new spiritual vigor, infusing them with a new hope and love for mankind, firing them with a new vision of fundamental unity of their religious doctrines, and unfolding to their eyes the glorious destiny that awaits the human race. (Shoghi Effendi, Summary Statement - 1947, Special UN Committee on Palestine) 9]Then we should share with all Moslem friends this precious fact that in its inception Islam was whole too and part of the *Changeless Faith* A vital verse to recall in this regard ie the *Changeless faith is this one: <<<Shara`a Lakum Mina Ad-Dini Ma Wassa� Bihi Nuhaan Wa Al-Ladhi 'Awhayna 'Ilayka Wa Ma Wassayna Bihi 'Ibrahima Wa Musa� Wa `Isa� 'An 'Aqimu Ad-Dina Wa La Tatafarraqu Fihi Kabura `Ala� Al-Mushrikina Ma Tad`uhum 'Ilayhi Allahu Yajtabi 'Ilayhi Man Yasha'u Wa Yahdi 'Ilayhi Man Yunibu (Ash-Shura�: 13). >>> He has enjoined upon you for religion what He prescribed to Noah and what we inspired thee with, and what we inspired Abraham and Moses and Jesus,-to be steadfast in religion, and not to part into sects therein-a great thing to the idolaters is that which ye call them to! God elects for Himself whom He pleases and guides unto Himself him who turns repentant. But they did not part into sects until after the knowledge had come to them, through mutual envy; (The Qur'an (E.H. Palmer tr), Sura 42:13 - Counsel) 13. The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah-the which We have sent by inspiration to thee-and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in Religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than God, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. God chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him). 14. And they became divided only after knowledge reached them -- through selfish envy as between themselves. (The Qur'an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 42) 10] So the Same Religion but make NO DIVISIONS... 11] In fact there is a predication of His holiness the Prophet that Islam will be divided:(!) Abdullah bin Amar (RA) relates that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said "Surely things will happen to my people as happened earlier to Israelites, they will resemble each other like one shoe in a pair resembles the other ... verily the Israelites were divided into 72 sections but my people will be divided into 73 sections, all of them will be in the fire except one." The companions asked, 'Who are they O Messenger of God?' Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "They are those who will be like me and my companions." Tirmidhi Kitabul Iman 12] You may kindly then mention that His holiness Baha'u'llah decried this fissiparous divisions and decried them. He wrote a Tablet explaining the danger of becoming divided: http://bahai-library.org/provisionals/ittihad.html ***When this Wronged One [Baha'u'llah] was being exiled from Zawra (Baghdad) to Edirne, we entered a mosque, on the way, where we saw different forms of the obligatory prayer being performed. Although all were agreed on the words of the prayer, yet each was different from the other for some reason. If the people of the Qur'an [p. 392] had truly acted in accordance with what was revealed in the Qur'an, then everyone on earth would have attained to the honour of becoming a believer. But differences in [ritual] acts resulted in differences in the cause, and this weakened the Cause. One group prays with hands closed and another with hands open; one group gives greetings while saying the shahadah, while another says "as-salam". And besides this, one group dances and says this is remembrance of God. We take refuge in God! God is sanctified and detached from any such remembrance. The Holy Law (Shari`ah) of the Messenger of God may be likened to an ocean [p. 393] from which innumerable gulfs branch out. And this is the cause of the weakness of the Shari`ah of God among the peoples. Until now no-one, not kings nor subjects nor the indigent have understood the reason for this, nor have they appreciated how to regain that power that has vanished and the learning that has fallen away. Thus one gulf is Shi`a, one gulf is Sunni, one Shaykhi, another Shah Ni`matullahi, one Naqshbandi, another Malamati, one Jalali, another Rifa`i, and yet another Kharabati. Thus are multiplied the innumerable pathways [p. 394] to hell. Thus do the stones weep and the Pen of the All-High laments. Seest thou what has befallen a Shari`ah whose light illumined the world and whose fire, that is to say the fire of its love, was the guide of its peoples. Well is it with those who ponder upon these matters and investigate then and are fair in their judgement. Thus did this difference in rituals become the cause of the shaking of the foundations of the Cause of God. *** Baha'u'llah says the stones weep. We do empathise with Yusuf but Baha'is are calling all humanity to the Changeless Faith and Please share these luminous quotations: ***This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Let him that seeketh, attain it; and as to him that hath refused to seek it - verily, God is Self-Sufficient, above any need of His creatures. 183 Say: This is the infallible Balance which the Hand of God is holding, in which all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth are weighed, and their fate determined, if ye be of them that believe and recognize this truth. Say: This is the Most Great Testimony, by which the validity of every proof throughout the ages hath been established, would that ye might be assured thereof. (Baha'u'llah: The Kitab-i-Aqdas, Pages: 85-86)*** ******** Shall he who denieth this Cause be able to vindicate the truth of any cause throughout creation? Nay, by Him Who is the Fashioner of the universe! Yet the people are wrapped in a palpable veil. Say: Through this Cause the day-star of testimony hath dawned, and the luminary of proof hath shed its radiance upon all that dwell on earth. Fear God, O men of insight, and be not of those who disbelieve in Me. (Baha'u'llah: The Kitab-i-Aqdas, Page: 80) *** Point 13] Your Moslem brother's second Qur'anic quotation is:: <<There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: (As they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, "That is from God," but it is not from God: It is they who tell a lie against God, and (well) they know it! (3:78)>> Wa 'Inna Minhum Lafariqaan Yalwuna 'Alsinatahum Bil-Kitabi Litahsabuhu Mina Al-Kitabi Wa Ma Huwa Mina Al-Kitabi Wa Yaquluna Huwa Min `Indi Allahi Wa Ma Huwa Min `Indi Allahi Wa Yaquluna `Ala� Allahi Al-Kadhiba Wa Hum Ya`lamuna ('ali `Imran: 78). The following verse expounds verse 78 and one can see that this too DOES NOT APPLY to the Baha'i Faith. Ma Kana Libasharin 'An Yu'utiyahu Allahu Al-Kitaba Wa Al-Hukma Wa An-Nubuwata Thumma Yaqula Lilnnasi Kunu `Ibadaan Li Min Duni Allahi Wa Lakin Kunu Rabbaniyina Bima Kuntum Tu`allimuna Al-Kitaba Wa Bima Kuntum Tadrusuna ('ali `Imran: 79). 79. It is not (possible) that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom, and the prophetic office, should say to people: "Be ye my worshippers rather than God's; on the contrary (he would say): "Be ye worshippers of Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all, for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." (The Qur'an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 3) ie a true Prophet [in Baha'i discourse Manifestation = Maz.har Amr illah] will never summon people to other than God! Baha'u'llah invited all to the "Cherisher of all". So His validity in fact is asserted by verse 3:79. The following soul stirring Passage is so clear: ***By God! Mine head yearneth for the spear out of love for its Lord. I never passed a tree, but Mine heart addressed it saying: `O would that thou wert cut down in My name, and My body crucified upon thee, in the path of My Lord!'... By God! Though weariness lay Me low, and hunger consume Me, and the bare rock be My bed, and My fellows the beasts of the field, I will not complain, but will endure patiently as those endued with constancy and firmness have endured patiently, through the power of God, the Eternal King and Creator of the nations, and will render thanks unto God under all conditions. We pray that, out of His bounty - exalted be He - He may release, through this imprisonment, the necks of men from chains and fetters, and cause them to turn, with sincere faces, towards His Face, Who is the Mighty, the Bounteous. Ready is He to answer whosoever calleth upon Him, and nigh is He unto such as commune with Him. (Baha'u'llah: Proclamation of Baha'u'llah, Page: 60) *** Point 14 Yusuf, your dear Moslem brother's last quotation dear Shirley Macias is this <<<And surely this your religion is one religion and I am your Lord, therefore be careful (of your duty) to Me. But they cut off their religion among themselves into sects, each part rejoicing in that which is with them. Therefore leave them in their overwhelming ignorance till a time. (23:52-54)>>> Again this verse invites/ admonishes one to avoid dangers of disunity Wa 'Inna Hadhihi 'Ummatukum 'Ummatan Wahidatan Wa 'Ana Rabbukum Fa Attaquni (Al-Mu'uminun: 52). Fataqatta`u 'Amrahum Baynahum Zuburaan Kullu Hizbin Bima Ladayhim Farihuna (Al-Mu'uminun: 53). Fadharhum Fi Ghamratihim Hatta� Hinin (Al-Mu'uminun: 54). overwhelming ignorance till a time = The Arabic Divine Text mentions Hin = '68 [1268 Anno Hegirae]. When that year was completed Baha'u'llah assumed His Office as the Unifier and Redeemer of the Children of men **** In that year, the year "after Hin" (68), mentioned by Shaykh Ahmad, the year that witnessed the birth of the Mission of the promised "Qayyum," specifically referred to by Siyyid Kazim, the "requisite number" in the words of Baha'u'llah "of pure, of wholly consecrated and sanctified souls" had been "most secretly consummated." In that year, as testified by the pen of the Bab, the "realities of the created things" were "made manifest," "a new creation was born" and the seed of His Faith revealed its "ultimate perfection." In that year, as borne witness by Abdu'l-Baha, a hitherto "embryonic Faith" was born. In that year, while the Blessed Beauty lay in chains and fetters, in that dark and pestilential pit, "the breezes of the All-Glorious," as He Himself described it, "were wafted" (Shoghi Effendi: Citadel of Faith, Page: 101) *** Please finally indicate to your friend Yusuf, dear Shirley, the Twin Trumpet Blasts Wa Ma Qadaru Allaha Haqqa Qadrihi Wa Al-'Ardu Jami`aan Qabdatuhu Yawma Al-Qiyamati Wa As-Samawatu Matwiyatun Biyaminihi Subhanahu Wa Ta`ala� `Amma Yushrikuna (Az-Zumar: 67). Wa Nufikha Fi As-Suri Fasa`iqa Man Fi As-Samawati Wa Man Fi Al-'Ardi 'Illa Man Sha'a Allahu Thumma Nufikha Fihi 'Ukhra� Fa'idha Hum Qiyamun Yanzuruna (Az-Zumar: 68). Wa 'Ashraqati Al-'Ardu Binuri Rabbiha Wa Wudi`a Al-Kitabu Wa Ji'a Bin-Nabiyina Wa Ash-Shuhada'i Wa Qudiya Baynahum Bil-Haqqi Wa Hum La Yuzlamuna (Az-Zumar: 69). These amazing divine verses of the Holy qur'an indicate that Man cannot estimate in his finitude God's Plans and Infinite Grace [as indeed God has shown this Grace by sending the Twin Manifestations ***67. "No just estimate" have they made of God, such as is due to Him: on the Day of Judgement the whole of the earth will be but His handful, and the heavens will be rolled up in His right hand: Glory to Him! High is He above the Partners they attribute to Him! 68. The Trumpet will (just) be sounded, when all that are in the heavens and on earth will swoon, except such as it will please God (to exempt). Then will a **second one** be sounded, when behold, they will be standing and looking on! 69. And the Earth will shine with the glory of its Lord: the Record (of Deeds) will be placed (open); the prophets and the witnesses will be brought forward: and a just decision pronounced between them; and they will not be wronged (in the least) Earth will shine with the Glory of its Lord **Binuri Rabbiha ** subtly giving the Sacred Appellation of the Most Great Name *** He was formally designated Baha'u'llah, an appellation specifically recorded in the Persian Bayan, signifying at once the glory, the light and the splendor of God. (Shoghi Effendi: God Passes By, Page: 94) ** Another translation reads: ****But they have not "deemed of God as is He due"; for on the resurrection day the whole Earth shall be but his handful, and in his right hand shall the Heavens be folded together. Praise be to Him! and high be He uplifted above the partners they join with Him! And there shall be a blast on the trumpet, and all who are in the Heavens and all who are in the Earth shall expire, save those whom God shall vouchsafe to live. Then shall there be another blast on it, and lo! arising they shall gaze around them: And the earth shall shine with the light of her lord, and the Book shall be set, and the prophets shall be brought up, and the witnesses; and judgment shall be given between them with equity; and none shall be wronged: (The Qur'an (Rodwell tr), Sura 39 - The Troops) **** 67 And they esteem not God as He hath the right to be esteemed,... (The Qur'an (Pickthall tr), Sura 39 - The Companies) The Day of Baha'u'llah has been anticipated in the Holy Qur'an as the Great Announcement and the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith mentions this same verses of Sura 39: ***To His Day He, in the pages of that same Book, had paid a glowing tribute, glorifying it as the "Great Day," the "Last Day," the "Day of God," the "Day of Judgment," the "Day of Reckoning," the "Day of Mutual Deceit," the "Day of Severing," the "Day of Sighing," the "Day of Meeting," the Day "when the Decree shall be accomplished," the Day whereon the second "Trumpet blast" will be sounded, the "Day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of the world," and "all shall come to Him in humble guise," the Day when "thou shalt see the mountains, which thou thinkest so firm, pass away with the passing of a cloud," the Day "wherein account shall be taken," "the approaching Day, when men's hearts shall rise up, choking them, into their throats," the Day when "all that are in the heavens and all that are on the earth shall be terror-stricken, save him whom God pleaseth to deliver," the Day whereon "every suckling woman shall forsake her sucking babe, and every woman that hath a burden in her womb shall cast her burden," the Day "when the earth shall shine with the light of her Lord, and the Book shall be set, and the Prophets shall be brought up, and the witnesses; and judgment shall be given between them with equity; and none shall be wronged." (Shoghi Effendi: God Passes By, Page: 96) *** For the source of these verses please see Seena Fazel and my humble searches: http://bahai-library.org/articles/jbs.5-3.fazel.html To His Day He, in the pages of that same Book, had paid a glowing tribute, glorifying it as the "Great Day," (83:5) the "Last Day,"[34] the "Day of God," (14:5, 30:43, 45:14) the "Day of Judgement," (1:4) the "Day of Reckoning" (38:16, 26, 53) the "Day of Mutual Deceit," (64:9) the "Day of Severing," (37:21, 42:21, 44:40, 78:17) the "Day of Sighing," (19:39). the "Day of Meeting," (40:15) the "Day when the Decree shall be accomplished," (10:54) the Day whereon the second "Trumpet blast" (39:68) will be sounded., the "Day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of the world," (83:6) and "all shall come to Him in humble guise," (45:28) the Day when "thou shalt see the mountains, which thou thinkest so firm, pass away with the passing of a cloud," (27:88) the Day "wherein account shall be taken," "the approaching Day, when men's hearts shall rise up, choking them, into their throats," (40:18) the Day when "all that are in the heavens and all that are in the earth shall be terror-stricken, save him whom God pleaseth to deliver," (27:87, 89) the Day whereon "every suckling woman shall forsake her sucking babe, and every woman that hath a burden in her womb shall cast her burden," (22:2) the Day "when the earth shall shine with the light of her Lord, and the Book shall be set, and the Prophets shall be brought up, and the witnesses; and judgement shall be given between them with equity; and none shall be wronged." (39:68) (God Passes By 96, references added) Please God this will help Keep me informed. I have no love, no desire, no ambition, no yearning but to aid you all in your **Most Great Work** mentioned in the Tablets of the Divine Plan addressed to the States and Canada: *** Now strive ye that the Collective Center of the sacred religions - for the inculcation of which all the Prophets were manifested and which is no other than the spirit of the divine teachings - be spread ..., so that each one of you may shine forth from the horizon of reality like unto the morning star, divine illumination may overcome the darkness of nature, and the world of humanity may become enlightened. This is ***the most great work!*** Should you become confirmed therein, this world will become another world, the surface of the earth will become the delectable paradise, and eternal Institutions be founded (`Abdu'l-Baha: Tablets of the Divine Plan, Page: 106) *** kf. dust and nothingness in my own being ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Baha'i Studies Sent: 24 September 2003 17:23 Subject: Questions from a Muslim Dear Khazeh Fananapazir: I am in a conversation with a Muslim who has asked specific questions, particularly those concerned with Muhammad being the Seal of the Prophets, and where to find in the Qur'an mentions of this Great Day of God, and the Baha'i view on them. I took the liberty of sharing a portion your response in your e-mail of September 22 concerning the National Geographical Article, specifically the statements "The Meaning of the Seal of the Prophets" and "Has the Day of Judgment Come?" He responded to me: (Quote) Hi there -- Well, you've certainly given me a lot to think about. I thought your citations were fascinating, and will certainly pursue them further. May I ask your opinion on the following verses? As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with God: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did. (6:159) There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: (As they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, "That is from God," but it is not from God: It is they who tell a lie against God, and (well) they know it! (3:78) And surely this your religion is one religion and I am your Lord, therefore be careful (of your duty) to Me. But they cut off their religion among themselves into sects, each part rejoicing in that which is with them. Therefore leave them in their overwhelming ignorance till a time. (23:52-54) Peace, Yusuf (End quote) Dear Khazeh: I am in no way a scholar on Islam and wondered whether you can offer me some Baha'i writings or views that will answer his questions. He is extremely polite and courteous in our discussions. I have suggested that he read the Kitab-i-Iqan, although I do not know whether he will. His first question to me was the Baha'i view on Muhammad being the Seal of the Prophets and I do believe that your approach to the question has given him room for thought. Anything you can offer would be most appreciated. He is looking for the Baha'i position on three Qur'anic verses mentioned above. With deep thanks and loving Baha'i greetings, Shirley Macias ---------- You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Baha'i Studies is available through the following: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://list.jccc.net/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=bahai-st news://list.jccc.net/bahai-st http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist (public) http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] (public) ---------- You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Baha'i Studies is available through the following: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://list.jccc.net/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=bahai-st news://list.jccc.net/bahai-st http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist (public) http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] (public)
