Bahá’í Laws/Prohibitions

Bahá’í Laws

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[Page 10] Divorce is a very serious matter. The foundation of the Kingdom of God is harmony, love, and union not differences, especially between husband and wife. If either partner has been the cause of the divorce, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says he will have great difficulties and feel deep regret. If, however, both partners have sincerely tried to seek unity and have proceeded in obedience to the principles and spirit of Bahá’í law, no stigma can be attached to them. Divorced Bahá’ís are free to remarry.

7. Prohibitions

Bahá’u’lláh has brought laws for a new social order—the Kingdom of God on earth. By obeying Bahá’u’lláh’s laws Bahá’ís are guided to the straight path and enjoy the true freedom which comes from submission to God.

Alcohol and Drugs. The use of alcohol and drugs is strictly forbidden by Bahá’u’lláh, and Bahá’ís must avoid all contact with them. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that drinking “is the cause of chronic diseases, weakeneth the nerves, and consumeth the mind.” ¹⁵ Not only are the mind and body damaged by these substances, but the soul suffers as well. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says that in addition to killing the powers of reason and weakening one’s intelligence, drugs can take possession of the soul and make a living man as dead. An individual who uses alcohol or drugs does things of which he is later ashamed. He may lose the respect of his family and friends and find his spiritual progress retarded. Obedience to the law against alcohol and drugs protects man and preserves the nobility of his station.

Gambling. Bahá’u’lláh instructs His followers not to gamble. Gambling is putting one’s trust in chance rather than in God. The law against gambling does not mean that one cannot play games. Many games are both fun and harmless. But any game becomes harmful when it results in wasting money or time, which is unacceptable in the Cause of God. [Page 11] Backbiting. Bahá’ís are forbidden to gossip about others. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá calls backbiting the most great sin. Gossip and backbiting hurt both the speaker and the person spoken about. They also slow the progress of the Faith because they lead to division and ill feeling which must then be overcome before the goal of establishing unity and harmony can be won. Bahá’ís must be silent about the faults of others and speak only of their virtues. Bahá’u’lláh cautions: “Breathe not the sins of others as long as thou art thyself a sinner.” 16

Rumor and gossip must have a ready listener. Bahá’ís hearing gossip about people should refuse to listen and should tell the gossiper to take his information or suspicions to the Local Spiritual Assembly. This action will help stop the spread of gossip.

Church Membership. While Bahá’ís accept the truths brought by all of God’s Manifestations, they do not show their belief in these Messengers by becoming or remaining members of any non-Bahá’í religious institution. Each Bahá’í must trans- [Page 12] fer his energy and devotion from these older institutions to the new institutions which Bahá’u’lláh has brought. For example, when a Christian recognizes Bahá’u’lláh, he does not give up his love for Christ but rather accepts Bahá’u’lláh as the One promised by Christ. It is necessary, however, for every Bahá’í to give up his church membership and become a strong, active member of the Bahá’í community. The Christian churches are still waiting for Christ to return in the Glory of the Lord. Bahá’ís know that He has returned, and they are busy working to build the Kingdom of God according to Bahá’u’lláh’s divine plan.

Clergy. In the past priests and ministers were often the only people who could read. They studied the holy scriptures, told people what to believe, and took care of religious matters. Since most people now can learn to read and write and can think for themselves, Bahá’u’lláh says that priests and ministers are no longer needed. Each individual is responsible for studying the [Page 13] Writings and learning to know and love God. No one should believe in something only because his parents, friends, or religious leaders believe. Each Bahá’í must believe as a result of his own study and prayer.

Instead of having clergy to manage the affairs of the community Bahá’ís elect a Spiritual Assembly of nine members. The Spiritual Assembly is responsible for handling marriages and burials, planning teaching activities, spending funds, and providing for the education of children.

8. Wills and Burial

Bahá’u’lláh has given several laws concerning wills and burials. Each Bahá’í must leave an official will. The will should say how one wants his money and property divided—what should be given to his family, to the Fund, and so on. It is also wise to state in one’s will that one is a Bahá’í and wants to be buried according to Bahá’í laws. This is important because many Bahá’ís have non-Bahá’í relatives who are not aware of Bahá’í burial procedures.

Any Bahá’í can conduct a funeral service, though the Local Spiritual Assembly is responsible for seeing that the service is arranged properly. A Bahá’í funeral should be simple. Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá have revealed beautiful prayers for the departed; these are often read, along with other prayers and selections from the Writings. Non-Bahá’ís may have Bahá’í funerals if they wish.

Bahá’ís may not be cremated. Bodies must be buried, and the burial must be within one hour’s journey from the place of death. Often people spend much time and money shipping the body of a relative half way around the world to be buried in a certain place. Bahá’ís do not believe it matters where one’s physical body is laid to rest because when one dies, he enters a new spiritual life where place means nothing. Also Bahá’ís regard the whole earth as their home, not just one small area of it.