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7. Prohibitions
Baha’u’llah has brought laws for a new social order—the Kingdom of God on earth. By obeying Baha’u’llah’s laws Baha'is 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 Baha’u’llah, and Baha’is must avoid all contact with them. ‘Abdu’l-Baha states that drinking ‘‘is the cause of chronic diseases, weakeneth the nerves, and consumeth the mind.’’'° Not only are the mind and body damaged by these substances, but the soul suffers as well. ‘Abdu’l-Baha 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 pro- tects man and preserves the nobility of his station.
Gambling. Baha’ v llah 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.
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Backbiting. Baha'is are forbidden to gossip about others. ‘Abdu’l-Baha 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. Baha'is must be silent about the faults of others and speak only of their virtues. Baha’u’llah cautions: ‘‘Breathe not the sins of others as long as thou art thyself a sinner.’’ '®
Rumor and gossip must have a ready listener. Baha’ is 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 Baha’is 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-Bahda’i religious institution. Each Baha’i must trans-
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fer his energy and devotion from these older institutions to the new institutions which Baha’u’llah has brought. For example, when a Christian recognizes Baha’u’llah, he does not give up his love for Christ but rather accepts Baha’u’llah as the One promised by Christ. It is necessary, however, for every Baha’i to give up his church membership and become a strong, active member of the Baha’i community. The Christian churches are still waiting for Christ to return in the Glory of the Lord. Baha’ is know that He has returned, and they are busy working to build the Kingdom of God according to Baha’u’1lah’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, Baha’u’llah says that priests and ministers are no longer needed. Each individual is responsible for studying the
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Writings and learning to know and love God. No one should believe in something only because his parents, friends, or religious leaders believe. Each Baha’i must believe as a result of his own study and prayer.
Instead of having clergy to manage the affairs of the com- munity Baha’is 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.
