The Greatest Name of God/Text

[Page -3]

[Page -2]The Greatest Name of

God [Page -1]The addendum on pages 31 and 32 was prepared after the main part of this booklet had been printed. So, when you are reading a particular topic in the section ‘More about the Greatest Name’, please bear in mind that there may be further texts

on that topic in the addendum. [Page 0]The Greatest Name of God

The Greatest Name Its Significance

and Use

Baha’f Publishing Trust Johannesburg [Page 1]“The Explanation of the Emblem of the Greatest Name’ by Hand of the Cause Abu'l-Qasim Faizt is

reprinted by permission from Bahd? News,

October 1968, published by

the National Spiritual Assembly

of the Baha’is of the United States.

First edition in 1998

Second edition issued in 2005 by the National Spiritual Assembly of

the Baha’is of South Africa (Incorporated Association

not for Gain)

Printed in South Africa by Printomatic

10 Montague Road Maitland

ISBNI9I9864377 [Page 2]Contents

Preface 3 Explanation of the Emblem of the Greatest Name 5

More about the Greatest Name 23 [Page 3]Preface

To First Edition:

Those who are new to the Baha’{ Faith, as well as those more familiar with it, often wish to have a detailed explanation of the meaning of the Greatest Name of God. For some years after its publication in 1968, the essay of Hand of the Cause of God Abu'l-Qasim Faizi filled that need. More recently, further information on the Greatest Name has come to light, in particular with the publication in 1992 of the English translation of the Kitdb-i-Agdas, the Most Holy Book of the Baha’i Dispensation.

This booklet presents Mr Faizi’s essay on the Greatest Name together with selected extracts from the Bahai Writings and notes from the English translation of the Kitdb-i-Aqdas to give an updated guide to its use. It is hoped that this booklet will bring to many readers a better understanding and appreciation of this great gift of God to humanity.

To Second Edition:

The requirement to say the Greatest Name 95 times per day now applies to Baha’is everywhere, and this booklet has been adapted accordingly. Further guidance from the Universal House of

Justice has been added.

Tue PUBLISHER [Page 4][Page 5]Explanation of the Emblem of the

Greatest Name

by Hand of the Cause Abu l-Qasim Faizi [Page 6]“From eternity Thou hast been removed far above the reach and the ken of the comprehension of Thy servants, and immeasurably exalted above the strivings of Thy bondslaves to express Thy mystery.

Bah@’u lah [Page 7]he identity of the Greatest Name, a mystery con cealed from time immemorial ‘behind the mystic veil’

and preserved in the treasure house of the knowledge of God, was to be revealed and manifested to men’s eyes at its appointed time in accordance with the Divine Plan, like the other manifold and basic truths of the New Age. Allusions had been made to it by the Messengers of old, under the impact of Whose Revelations, man made spiritual progress and gradually attained a clearer understanding of its hidden meanings. Like a brilliant sun wrapt in clouds, the Greatest Name remained hidden and unknown. Those who longed to catch a glimpse of its splendour drew close, but enjoyed only a dim vision of its radiance. Throughout past centuries, in accordance with the inscrutable wisdom of God’s progressive revelation of truth, the veils remained until gradually, one by one, they were removed from this precious and all-embracing Name.

Anticipated in Past Religions

The eager followers of past religions, in their deep desire to witness a flickering of the approaching majestic dawn, found that the new Name of the Great One to come meant ‘light’, ‘splendour’ and ‘glory’. The followers of Krishna, for instance, expected His return under the name of ‘Vishnu Yasha’, which in Sanskrit means ‘Glory of God’. The last chapter of the Shrimad Bhagwad of the Hindu Scripture states: “Vishnu Yasha will possess great energy, intelligence and prowess . . . He will restore order and peace in this world... Man in general will begin to honour and practise truth.’!

One of the Baha {scholars in the Middle East, whose father had formerly superintended a Buddhist Temple, and who was himself well versed in the writings of the Faith, told me that many times he had read the entire Gospel of Buddha in Sanskrit, every word of which he had understood with the

7 [Page 8]exception of the meaning of a word composed of ‘B’, “H’ and ‘A’, which occasionally appears in Buddhist Scripture. When he learned of the Baha’ Faith, the mystery was solved. The letters, joined together, formed the name of ‘Baha’.

The references by Buddha are exceptionally clear. Ananda, one of His disciples, asked Him, “Who shall teach us when Thou art gone?’ Buddha replied in these clear terms: ‘I am not the first Buddha who came upon earth, nor shall I be the last. In due time another Buddha will arise... He shall reveal to you the same eternal truths which I have taught you. He will preach to you His religion, glorious in its origin, glorious at the climax and glorious at the goal, in the spirit and in the letter.’

It is most interesting to note that in Buddhist Scripture, particularly in the Amitayus Sutra, clear reference is made to ‘AmiTaBHa’ as the ‘Infinite Light of Revelation’, the ‘Unbounded Light’ and the ‘Source of wisdom, of virtue and of Buddhahood’. When giving the qualities of a ‘true follower’ Buddha stated that it was he who ‘relies with his heart upon Amitabha . . . the unbounded Light of Truth.’

The Jewish mystics knew of the significance of the two letters “B’ and “H’ and attached much importance to them. Their spiritual leaders and philosophers wrote commentaries and drew the attention of seeking souls to these letters. There is a legend among the Jews about Solomon’s Seal, a Seal said to have carried the Greatest Name from which it reputedly derived its power over all creation, including the animal world.

In Isaiah, we read, ‘. . . Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.’4 Isaiah also says, ‘. . . the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.’> It is interesting to compare this last verse with its Arabic version which, when translated

8 [Page 9]literally into English, reads as follows: “God will render to Lebanon its glory; the Baha of Carmel and Sharon shall be manifested, and they shall see the glory of God, the Baha of our Lord.’ When Jesus spoke to the Jews who were familiar with these terms, He therefore told them that He would return ‘in the glory of the Father’.

As the Islamic Faith immediately preceded the New Day, followers of Islam found that the veils covering this hidden treasure had become more diaphanous, allowing the heavenly rays of light to penetrate deeper, and to reveal in sharper detail the reality of this mystery. Explicit references had been made to the Greatest Name, and as the seekers found clear indications of these references, they became encouraged to persevere in their search.

The words of the Imdms and divines of Islam served to draw the longing souls to the fountainhead of true knowledge. There is a very powerful prayer which the Shi‘ih Muslims chant as a dawn prayer during the month of the fast. The faithful believer awakens at dawn to catch the melody of its tune as it is chanted from the minarets of mosques or, in these days, is broadcast from the radio stations. In introducing this prayer, Imdm Rida has said, ‘I swear by God that the Greatest Name is found in this prayer. Had you known this, you would have fought with swords to possess this prayer.’7 The opening words of this prayer read as follows: ‘O God! My God! I beseech Thee by Thy Baha, Thy Bahd in its entirety. I beseech Thee by all Thy Baha...’ The prayer then goes on mentioning other Names of God including ‘Beauty’, ‘Splendour’, and all the Names which are a part of the Baha’{ calendar.

Acclaimed by Poets

Poets and philosophers found this mystic secret and openly acclaimed it. At the time of Shah ‘Abbés, the Persian King and contemporary of Queen Elizabeth, the greatest of all

9 [Page 10]the divines of that age went to Persia from Lebanon and established his residence in Isfahan which was then the royal seat and the country’s capital. This man had an encyclopaedic mind, and he wrote outstanding books on the arts, sciences, the literature and philosophy of his age. There are many stories about him and his unique erudition and genius. It is even said that he had invented a machine which reproduced voices from distant lands. One of his discoveries was the Greatest Name, and he adopted the name of ‘Baha’t’ for himself. Shaykh Bahda’f is unquestionably the most renowned of all Persian divines. In one of his poetical works he says, “The Greatest Name is unknown to man, but in the list of all the Names of God it stands first.’ No doubt he had in mind the dawn prayer mentioned above which opens with the name of Baha.

Mawlavi, the greatest of all the mystic poets of the East, whose poems are well known for their elucidations of the spiritual journey of man and his attainments in the realms of God, has stated, ‘We have found Baha and we hasten to offer our life as a sacrifice to Him. He is our ransom.’8

Hafiz, the most renowned of all lyric poets of the East, addressed Persia, saying, ‘May this land remain forever prosperous. From its sacred soil at every breath the breezes of the Merciful are wafted. Glad tidings to the glorious Kings of Persia! Glad tidings for a blissful ending! The Power of the Greatest Name has stayed away the hand of evil from that country.’

While I was in Arabia, | examined the manuscript of a book of Mystic Philosophy from one of the learned men there. In one chapter the author speaks of the conditions to be observed by the seekers of the path to God, and says, ‘Those who tread the path and knock at the door of the knowledge of the Light are sincere and forbearing. They stand face to face with angels who greet them, cleanse and purify them. They pour for them water from the fountain 10 [Page 11]head of Bah4. When they open their eyes they behold God passing by with great majesty. His name appears above the horizon of the Kingdom . . . Those people, though they wander on earth, have their hearts attached to the Exalted Spot and the dwellers in the Great Tabernacle.”

Made Known to Babts With the inauguration of the New Age and the appear ance of its Herald, the Bab, the remaining veils were torn asunder through the movement of His exalted Pen. The people began to know more and more clearly that ‘Baha’ was, without any shadow of doubt, the name so dearly treasured and destined to be manifested with all splendour and majesty. The explicit nature of the Bab’s reference to Bah@’ull4h and the glowing terms with which He praised Him, made ‘Baha’ the focus of adoration.

The Bab singled the Greatest Name out in the manuscript copies of His matchless Writings. Years ago, I had the honour to read three volumes of His Writings before they were dispatched to the beloved Guardian. The books were written down by Mull ‘Alf-Akbar-i-Ardistani!° in the first year of the Bab’s Dispensation. These books were written in black ink, but whenever the many references were made to the word ‘Baha’, the word always appeared in red. During the very first year of His ministry, the Bab had instructed His amanuensis to write in this manner in order that those who had no time or patience to read all His Writings would be helped to see this Name.

There are innumerable references to ‘Baha’ in all of the writings of the Bdéb and to quote them all here is beyond the scope of this essay. It is sufficient to note that He has said, “Well is it with him who fixeth his gaze upon the Order of Baha’u'llah, and rendereth thanks unto his Lord.’!!

When the followers of the Bab gathered under special circumstances in Badasht, it was there that everyone received

II [Page 12]a new name. It was then that they knew this shining diadem of majesty and might found its eternal manifestation, not on the forehead of one who was clad in the garments of the learned; but shown instead on that of a Youth who was majestic in appearance, glorious in gait and manners, and godly in every atom of His being. So exalted was He in the eyes of the people, so highly respected and adored, that out of sheer homage and love they did not dare to mention His name. Instead He was referred to as ‘Ishan’.}?

The Letters of the Living and the early believers now knew the Bearer of this Name and recognized in Him such heavenly attributes that, even though they had quafted from the newly-found stream of life, they prayed and longed for the even more glorious day when they could be drowned in the powerful, celestial ocean of the Utterance of this Great One.

Tahirih, in one of her epistles says, “O my God! O my God! the veil must be removed from the face of the Remnant of the Lord. O my God! protect Husayn, the mystery of Muhammad and advance the day of reunion with Him

. Make the point of Baha, O my God! to circulate... O my God! protect all who circumambulate the twin points and keep them steadfast in Thy most Great Cause, so that they might behold the point sending forth light upon them.’!3

It was no wonder that so many hundreds of learned and outstanding divines of the East sacrificed their lives with devotion and faith in the path of the promulgation of the Greatest Name. They waited for its advent, waited for the moment when the effulgences would emanate from it. The instant they felt it was ascending toward the dawning point, they burnt themselves in its light and rose like glowing lamps. They became the ‘Dawn Breakers’.

There are numerous references to the name, the place of birth, the date of declaration, the places of banishment,

I2 [Page 13]the imprisonment and the fate of the Central Figure of our Faith. For the purposes of this essay it is sufficient to know this great, authentic Islamic tradition: ‘All the followers of the Promised Qd@’im shall be put to death except One Whose face shall shine with Abha beauty in the plain of ‘Akka.’

From the introduction we gather that the Greatest Name is ‘Baha’, ‘WSJ’. This point should be well understood and borne in mind, as we proceed to fathom with our limited means this tremendous divine mystery. It will be necessary to proceed slowly and patiently, step by step, in order to discuss each phase of this essential theme so that we might have a full grasp of all of the problems pertaining to the subject.

The Bab adored the name ‘Baha’, and used it profusely in all His writings. He even made many derivatives from this one word and wrote them out in a Tablet which had the form of a five-pointed star, symbolizing the human temple.

Far from attempting to make an exhaustive study of this subject, we merely set forth a few points at random to pave the way for a clearer understanding of this theme, the ‘Symbol of the Greatest Name’.

The Symbol of the Greatest Name

Our explanation of the symbol of the Greatest Name is based mainly on a Tablet revealed by the beloved Master and will cover the topics as follows in this article.

Who Designed the Emblem? One of the believers who had the bounty and privilege of

attaining the presence of the beloved Master has recorded one of the Master’s oral statements which indicates that this emblem was initiated by Him. No less a person than

‘Abdu'l-Baha could have designed this emblem, for who 13 [Page 14]else could have condensed so much of the divine mystery into so little space and into so few letters? Some of the mystic divines among the Israelites have emphatically drawn the attention of their followers to the two letters ‘b’ and ‘h’ indicating that they have some idea about the Greatest Name. It has been said that the Greatest Name was the leading decoration of the Temple. The Muslims were better acquainted with it but not in this form and finality. One finds in the Islamic laws governing worship and reverence, that whoever possesses a ring bearing the symbol of the Greatest Name must wear the ring on their right hand. The friends are not obliged by Baha’u'llah to wear a ring carrying this emblem since there is no specific law by Baha’ulléh in the Aqdas or in His Tablets regarding this. The beloved Master told the friends in the West that the ring should be placed on the right hand, which is a perpetua tion of the Islamic law referred to above.

Some Derivatives of the Name Baha

Bani: Light or Glory

Asua: Most Glorious

At ABHA (sometimes used as el Abha): The All-Glorious, the Most Glorious

Banfyyr: The name of the Greatest Holy Leaf, meaning Full of Glory

A.tLAH-u-ABHA: God, the All-Glorious. This is a Baha’i greeting, initiated and used since the days of Adrianople.!4 Its use ninety-five times each day, according to an instruction written on behalf of the beloved Guardian, ‘is not absolutely binding’.* ‘Allah-u-Abh@’ is to be repeated in the long obligatory prayer where instructions call for the use of the Greatest Name.

YA BaHd’u'L-ABHA: This is an invocation. It means ‘O Glory of the All-Glorious’. In this connection we recall the

• This has since changed. See p. 23. (Editor)

14 [Page 15]soul-stirring message of the Guardian in 1953 to the Intercontinental Conferences where he refers to “Y4 Baha’ulAbha’ and ‘Ya ‘Alfyywl-A‘la’ as the ‘battle cry’ of the pioneers and teachers in the many fields of his world-embracing spiritual Crusade. The first, as already stated, means ‘O Glory of the All-Glorious’, while the second means ‘O Exalted (essence) of the Most Exalted One’. There is nothing in the Writings which says we have to repeat such an invocation a specific number of times each day. However, what a thrill it would be for us in times of dire need, to seek God’s guidance, His support and strength, by addressing Bah@’ulldéh and the Bab directly with these beautiful invocations. YA Baha’u'l-Abhd is symbolized thus:

Y Il

Symbol of the Greatest Name

We will begin with the basic pattern of the design and, as we proceed, the picture will be complete:

ee’ A_&

This part of the symbol comprises three levels, each level indicated by a number. Together they represent the underlying belief which is the basis of all the religions of God. They are as follows:

1 The World of God: The Creator

IS [Page 16]2 The World of the Prophets or Manifestations: Cause, or

Command 3 The World of Man: Creation

The followers of all religions believe that man, left to himself, can never recognize God and attain His presence; nor is man able to fathom the mystery and purpose of his own creation. God, in His unlimited bounty has singled out His Chosen Ones and will continue to do so, sending them to man at different times and ages in order to grant him penetrating insight and to enable him to have a glimpse of the unfading glories of the innumerable worlds beyond.

The Prophets accept descent from their realms on high and suffer the abasement of living in human temples, walking amongst men and speaking their languages. The Manifestations are invariably denied, ridiculed, humiliated and even put to death. Were it not for Their spiritual upliftment and leadership, man would have continued to live as a wild beast and would have been eternally doomed to deprivation and loss.

These functions of the Prophets are clearly demonstrated in the design of the Greatest Name by having the world of the Prophets (shown in horizontal line) repeated in vertical line, thus joining the world of the Creator to that of His creation.

PoP yb

Contrary to this, the mystics believe in only two worlds, the world of God and the world of man. They proclaim that should man cleanse himself from all worldly desires and earthly attachments, he will be enabled to attain the presence of his Lord, the Creator. The mystics claim there

16 [Page 17]is no need for an intermediary link between God and His creation. They therefore believe in, and practise, an ascetic life which sometimes takes them to secluded corners of the world, occasionally in the mountains, forests and jungles. This hermit’s life is utterly forbidden by the mighty Pen of Baha’ullah, because He desires every man to be a fruitful member of the society he lives in.

The Baha’is believe that no matter what height of spiritual, scientific and material success man may reach, he is and will forever be in need of divine guidance bestowed upon him by the Prophets of God. It is only through Them that man can comprehend the secrets of true civilization and recognize the Will, and the Purpose of his Creator. The Baha’is also believe that it is through a complete understanding and the full establishment of Their highly valued and vital precepts and teachings that man can attain the highest state of happiness, and eventually rejoice in the presence of his Lord.

Let us ponder once more upon this design and behold with our own eyes the perfect realization of Christ’s prayer. The lights of the Kingdom on High are mirrored forth by the Manifestations of God upon the plane of creation, thus fulfilling the promise of the appearance of God’s Kingdom

on earth, as it is in heaven.

Symbol of the Greatest Name: The Letters it Contains

Now let us study the letters inscribed in the symbol to discover what they signify.

The letters “B’ and ‘h’ in the Oriental script are written as ‘We’ and ‘J respectively. “B’ stands for the name of the Bab and ‘h’ stands for the name of Bhaa.

To grasp the significance and the important implications of this beautiful and artistic combination, we must bear in mind that among the Near-Eastern people the Phoenicians were the first to sail their boats to distant lands. Wherever

17 [Page 18]they travelled, they established trading centres, and as traders found themselves forced to adopt some practical way of recording their commercial transactions. The characters they adopted became their alphabet and in the course of centuries this alphabet developed and gradually became a pattern of alphabets used both in the East and the West. Gibbon says:

‘. . . Phoenicia and Palestine will for ever live in the memory of mankind; since America, as well as Europe, has received letters from the one, and religion from the other.’

‘... The use of letters was introduced among the savages of Europe about fifteen hundred years before Christ; and the Europeans carried them to America, about fifteen centuries after the Christian era. But in a period of three thousand years, the Phoenician alphabet received considerable alteration, as it passed through the hands of the Greeks and the Romans.’ !5

Will Durant, in his monumental The Story of Civilization, describes this contribution as the most precious legacy of the ancient cultures.

Ancient Alphabets The Phoenicians used their alphabet for both letters and

numbers; therefore each letter had a numerical value. Their alphabet starts as follows:!¢

Numerical Numerical Letter value Letter value A I H 8 B 2 T 9 J 3 I 10 D 4 K 20 H 5 LL 30 W 6 M 40 Z, 7 N 50

18 [Page 19]When the Phoenicians wished to say, “One house; two years; or nine letters’, they would write ‘A house; B years; T letters. There are some very interesting remnants of the influence exerted by this very ancient people of the Near East still to be found in the western languages of today. The four letters, ‘K’, ‘LV, ‘M’ and ‘N’ are in the same order in English, French and some other western alphabets, just as they appeared in the Phoenician alphabet illustrated above.

The next stage in the science of numbers was the acquisition of numbers by the Muslims who acquired them from the Indians. To the nine digits of the Indians, the Muslims introduced ‘zero’ thus completing the science of numbers. The world is indebted to the Indians for this very valuable and fundamental contribution. Had it not been for these numbers, the science of mathematics would have stood still, and without mathematics man could not have progressed in technology, nor could he have fashioned instruments with which he changes the face of the earth today.

The people of the East continued to give numerical values to the letters of their alphabet even though they had the Indian numbers. Today it is still common to find that poets, doctors of religion and writers convey their thoughts through this symbolic method of letters with numerical value.

This method was used a great deal by the Bab. He very often gave people and places surnames which had the same numerical value as the original names. For example, he called Mah-Ku ‘Basit’ (open). Mah-Kti and Basit have the same numerical value of 72. He called Chihrfq “Shadid’ (grievous). Both of these have a numerical value of 318. Likewise, the great author of the Dawn-Breakers was named Muhammad, but surnamed Nabil; both names have a numerical value of 92. It is this same method which is used for the designs of the symbols of the Greatest Name.

19 [Page 20]Symbol of the Greatest Name: Baha’uIl4h and the Bab

We repeat the letters in the symbol of the Greatest Name: B= \’ stands for the Bab and H =.@ stands for Bhaa.

The numerical value of Bab would be: B=2; A=1; B=2; total=s5.

The name ‘Baha’ is as follows: B=2; H=5; A=1; A=1; total=9.

Nine is the perfect number, on the top of the ladder of the numerical progressive elevation. It is very mysterious and more than any other number, full of special qualities and potencies. The numbers end with nine. After nine, whatever we write in the form of digits is repetition of the same figures. Mankind throughout ages will gradually fathom the mysteries of this special number which is the numerical manifestation of the Greatest Name: Bhaa.

Symbol of the Greatest Name: Adam and Eve

The number nine contains all the numbers from one to nine which, when added together give a total of forty-five. (1+2+43 etc.) Continuing our calculation in this way we say the number five, representing the Béb (B=2; A=), contains all the numbers from one to five, which, if added together give a total of fifteen. The name of Eve in Arabic, Persian and in other Oriental languages is written in three letters: H=8; W=6; A=1r. These total fifteen. Likewise the name of Adam in the Oriental languages is in three letters: A=1; D=4; M=4o. These total forty-five.

Thus we find that two traditional names, Adam and Eve, God’s first two spiritual creations, referred to in the Scriptures of old and held in such reverence and love by men throughout the ages, are linked with the twin Manifestations referred to in all the Books of God, and Whose appearance was promised on the Last Day. Thus Adam and

20 [Page 21]Eve are connected with the Bab and Bahd’ulllah in this

great symbol, which becomes a token of oneness between the past and the present.

Symbol of the Greatest Name: The Essence of Sacrifice and the Essence of Servitude

x

The two five-pointed stars on both sides of the emblem represent the human body; a head, two hands and two feet. These two stars represent the twin Manifestations of God in this Day. Their advent is the fulfilment of all the writings of God’s prophets in bygone ages, Who, emphatically, repeatedly and often, in a language clearer than the light of the sun, assured mankind of the undoubted appearance of these Twin Luminaries, Who would rescue the world from the fetters of prejudice and the dictates of self.

In conclusion, may I venture to suggest another approach to the meaning of the two stars? This approach is merely a personal one, therefore not authoritative. Could we not visualize God as manifested in His most resplendent glory in the majestic figure of Bahd’u'llah, and standing on either side of Him, two towering personalities of unsurpassed beauty: the Bab, the Herald, the incarnation of sacrifice and of self-effacement and the highest expression of true love ever possible in this contingent life; and “Abdul-Baha, the Centre of the Covenant, the true Exemplar of the teachings and the highest embodiment of servitude? These two exemplify the mysteries of sacrifice and servitude, calling on all men to hasten and offer their potentialities as humble gifts for the establishment of God’s redeeming order, the very reflection of His kingdom on earth.

21 [Page 22]Notes

I

DAnfwn

IO Il 12

13

14 I5

16

Prof. Printam Singh, The Second Coming of Shri Krishna, . 10 Sermon of the Great Passing Shirin Khénum, Lord Buddha and Amitabha pp. 13, 17-19 Isaiah 33: 9 Isaiah 35: 2 Holy Bible, Arabic translation, 1881, third edition; also Ishraq Khavari, Rahig-i-Makhtum (The Sealed Wine) pp. 218-19 Mafatihu' Janan, (Keys of Paradise), compilation of Muslim Prayers Nabil’s Narrative, p. 72, “Whoso seeketh Me, shall find Me .. (a tradition) Maqam-i-A'ld is the name given by ‘Abdu'l-Bahd to the Shrine of the Bab. It means ‘the Exalted Spot’. Nabil’s Narrative, p. 146, footnote no. 3 Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 25 Honorific form of Persian pronoun for the third person singular

S SYS) “ | pork od “CA web lal APF ° cA eet " Sa ~ ww § ” »? ° UR i risa A

EE OPA ou bel be

Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 176

Gibbon, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire ch. 1 p. 32

The Hebrew alphabet used by Israeli people today is exactly the same.

22, [Page 23]More about the Greatest Name Repeating the Greatest Name Daily

‘The use of the Greatest Name 95 times a day is not absolutely binding. This and other similar matters will be clearly and fully explained when the Agdas is published...

(Letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 10 October 1936)

The Kitdb-i-Agdas was published in 1992 and in paragraph 18, states: ‘It hath been ordained that every believer in God, the Lord of Judgement, shall, each day, having washed his hands and then his face, seat himself and, turning unto

God, repeat “Allah-u-Abha” ninety-five times.’

On 28 December 1999, the Universal House of Justice announced that this law now applies to Baha’is everywhere. In Note 33 in the Most Holy Book, it is explained that “The repetition of “Allah-u-Abha” ninety-five times is to be preceded by the performance of ablutions . . .’ Further details about ablutions can be found in the Agdas. Concerning ‘turning unto God’, this does not necessarily mean turn ing to the Qiblih: in Questions and Answers no. 14 in the Kitdb-i-Agqdas, Baha’ wllah states

‘Facing in the direction of the Qiblih is a fixed requirement for the recitation of obligatory prayer, but for other prayers and devotions one may follow what the

merciful Lord hath revealed in the Qur’4n: “Whichever way ye turn, there is the face of God.”’

From a letter on behalf of the Universal House of Justice: ‘With regard to your question on the recitation of the Most Great Name, no text has yet been found which would exempt those who have reached age 70 from

23 [Page 24]reciting the Most Great Name 95 times each day. The Universal House of Justice does not wish to legislate on this question, and the friends should feel free to make their own decisions on this matter.’

(Dated 26 July 2004 written to an individual)

‘With regard to your request, there is no objection to your informing the friends who enquire that, in the Long Obligatory Prayer when the worshipper is required to use the Most Great Name, and in the Prayer for the Dead when the Most Great Name is repeated six times, the words to be used are “Alléh-u-Abha” and not their translation in the language or languages of our choice. Similarly, for the repetition of the Greatest Name 95 times a day, “Allaéh-u-Abha” should be used.’ (On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, 12 September 2000)

The Power of the Greatest Name

‘The Greatest Name should be found upon the lips in the first awakening moment of early dawn. It should be fed upon by constant use in daily invocation, in trouble, under opposition, and should be the last word breathed when the head rests upon the pillow at night. It is the name of comfort, protection, happiness, illumination, love and unity.

‘I hope that thou mayest become informed of the concealed mystery and recondite symbol of the stone of the Most Great Name. . . The use of the Greatest Name and dependence upon it, cause the soul to strip itself of the husks of mortality and to step forth free, reborn, a new creature .

(Abdu'l-Bahd: United States Supplement to Bahd’t

News, no 80, p. 2, October 1964)

24. [Page 25]The Meaning and Forms of the Greatest Name

““Alléh-u-Abha” is an Arabic phrase meaning “God the All-Glorious”. It is a form of the Greatest Name of God... In Isldm there is a tradition that among the many names of God, one was the greatest; however, the identity of this Greatest Name was hidden. Bahd’u'lléh has confirmed that the Greatest Name is “Baha”.

“The various derivatives of the word “Baha” are also regarded as the Greatest Name. Shoghi Effendi’s secretary writing on his behalf explains that

The Greatest Name is the Name of Baha’ullah. “Y4 Baha’ul-Abha” is an invocation meaning: “O Thou Glory of Glories!”. “Allah-u-Abha” is a greeting which means: “God the All-Glorious”. Both refer to Baha ulléh. By Greatest Name is meant that Baha’ullaéh has appeared in God’s Greatest Name, in other words, that He is the supreme Manifestation of God. (Kitdb-i-Agdas note 33)

The Use of the Greatest Name

‘It is quite important that the Greatest Name or the picture of ‘Abdu l-Bahd be placed in a dignified position. They should not be placed on the floor, nor, on the other hand, should they be held above the heads of the people in the photograph. It would seem the proper position would be for them to be held about chest height.’

(On behalf of the Guardian to a National Spiritual

Assembly 10 December 1952)

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‘Regarding the sticker with “World Fellowship” and the ringstone symbol on it: he does not encourage the use of this type of thing.’ (On behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer 12 March 1946)

25 [Page 26]‘In regard to your question regarding the use of the Greatest Name on tombstones of Baha’is or nonBahd@’is, the Guardian considers this too sacred to be placed in such a position in general use, and the friends should not use it on their tombstones. They can use quotations from the Teachings, if they wish to, but not the Greatest Name. Naturally, if anyone has already used it, it does not matter.’

(On behalf of the Guardian to a National Spiritual

Assembly 20 June 1954)

‘If it becomes necessary to destroy a picture of the Greatest Name, there is no objection to whatever method is used. It is quite proper to wear the ringstone as a pin. (On behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer 5 January 1957)

‘Regarding the use of the Greatest Name: The Guardian does not feel it necessary to give any further explanation beyond what he has already written as he wishes the believers to be free in using it, and not to be subjected to any ruling in this matter. This attitude of the Guardian is in keeping with his previous instructions, discouraging official, detailed and binding statements in connection with administrative regulations or matters pertaining to Baha’{ conduct, which would tend to restrict unduly the freedom of the individual, and to multiply the existing rules and directions for the guidance of individuals and assemblies.’

(On behalf of the Guardian to a National Spiritual

Assembly 15 August 1942)

‘We have your letter of June 22, 1967 enclosing sketches of emblems which are intended to be used by Baha’is who wish to place them inside their automobiles.

26 [Page 27]‘The use of such emblems is entirely within the discretion of your National Spiritual Assembly, but you should not use The Greatest Name on the emblem.’

(Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual

Assembly 16 August 1967)

‘On page 3, item 11) we note your actions with regard to the use of the Greatest Name and the ringstone symbol. The Greatest Name, of which the ringstone symbol is one form, should be treated with the greatest respect, and it was certainly within your discretion to rule that it should not be used on a flag or on posters in the particular circumstances involved. However, there is no general prohibition on the use of the Greatest Name on flags or posters.’

(Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual

Assembly 2 January 1973)

‘Although there exists an instruction that the symbol of the Greatest Name should not be used on gravestones, no instruction has been found prohibiting the use of the symbol of the Greatest Name on any other particular item, such as jewelry, books or pamphlets. However, the Greatest Name should not be used in an undignified manner.

‘Nothing has been found which would prohibit a believer from manufacturing and selling items using the Greatest Name provided that the manner in which the Greatest Name is used is dignified.’

(On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a

National Spiritual Assembly 25 March 1975)

‘The Baha'is are free to greet each other with Alléh-uAbhé when they meet, if they want to, but they should avoid anything which to outsiders, in a western country, might seem like some strange oriental password. We

27 [Page 28]must be very firm on principles and laws, but very nor mal and natural in our ways, so as to attract strangers!’ (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer 17 July 1951)

‘We have found nothing in the texts forbidding the use of the Greatest Name, the Names of the Manifestations of God or the names of the Central Figures of our Faith in the lyrics of music. However, we feel that when they are used they should be used with reverence and respect, both in the manner in which they are incorporated in the lyrics and in the manner of presentation.’ (Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly 14 March 1968)

. We are requested by the Universal House of Justice to share with you the following guidelines on the use of the symbols of the Greatest Name.

“The Guardian, in a letter written on his behalf to an individual on 4 August 1949, stated:

It is better not to encourage the use of this symbol

on stationery and paintings.

‘Likewise, the Universal House of Justice, in its letter to a National Assembly stated:

We wish to call your attention to the impressions

of the Greatest Name on the back of the envelope

in which your letter was enclosed. This use of the

Greatest Name is not befitting and we ask you to dis continue it. (16 May 1971)

‘In another communication regarding this subject, the following was written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Assembly:

. we are instructed to say that it would not be appropriate to use the symbol of the Greatest Name on the official stationery of a Local Spiritual Assembly.

(6 November 1984)

28 [Page 29]“While the House of Justice is reluctant to issue a list of the specific uses of the Greatest Name which should be avoided, the principal thing is for the friends to realize the great sacredness of this symbol, and to use it in ways which are dignified and appropriate. . . .’

(On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a

National Spiritual Assembly 3 June 1987)

‘The overriding consideration must always be the proper dignity with which the Greatest Name should be used. Thus it would not be befitting to use it on drinking vessels or ash trays, plates for eating, and the like. There would, however, be no objection to its use on plaques or ornaments, jewelry or similar items which are not normally put to common use. The House of Justice instructs us to say that great care should be given to the accurate representation of the Persian calligraphy, since any deviation from an accepted representation can be distressing to Iranian believers.’

(On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a

National Spiritual Assembly 12 March 1980)

‘It was kind of you to think of making pins for the Baha’fs; but he feels that this is too much like Clubs and other Organizations. Indeed the Bahda’is do not even have to wear a Bahda’f ring-stone unless they care to do so. He thinks it is better not to add any other means of identification.’

(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer

22 February 1956)

29 [Page 30]30 [Page 31]Addendum

... you have asked about compensation for forgetting to recite the Greatest Name 95 times each day. No special prayer or revealed verse from Bahda’u'lléh exists, however, for this purpose; and this matter also is left to the prompting of the conscience.’ (On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual 30 March 2001)

‘,.. the House of Justice sees no objection to the use of the Greatest Name symbol, including the ringstone symbol, on the opening page being designed for wills, as described in your message. It would not be appropriate to use the symbol on other pages or on a cover, where it would represent merely a design feature.’

(On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly 25 April 1997)

‘... you ask about the use of the Greatest Name and the ringstone symbol on your local community’s Web site. Concerning the use of Baha’{ symbols on Web sites, the House of Justice has determined that for the present, it is permissible to use the ringstone symbol or other variations of the Greatest Name, provided that it is presented in a dignified manner.’

(On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an

individual 11 December 2000)

‘Beyond this, your Assembly is familiar with the guidance of the Guardian on the especially sacred character of the Greatest Name of God in this Dispensation. In light of this, the House of Justice feels that it would be inappropriate to name any periodical Abhd.’ (On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly 18 September 1997)

31 [Page 32]‘In view of the statements written on behalf of the Guardian concerning the Greatest Name, it would seem preferable not to use the English transliteration “Allah-u-Abh4” on the tombstone of a believer.’ (On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly 17 May 2001)

‘... if you seek immunity from the sway of the forces of the contingent world, hang the Most Great Name in your dwelling, wear the ring of the Most Great Name on your finger, place the picture of ‘Abdu’ l-Baha in your home and always recite the prayers that I have written. Then you will behold the marvellous effect they produce. Those so-called forces will prove but illusions and will be wiped out and exterminated.’

(From a Tablet of Abdul-Bahd quoted in a letter

on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an

individual 30 August 1984)

“You also ask regarding the use in your mind of the Greatest Name or its symbol to invoke healing. The following utterance of ‘Abdu 1-Baha, cited in the book Abdu'l-Bahd in London, provides a useful perspective on this matter: Baha’is often wear a stone with the greatest name carved on it: there is no magical influence in the stone; it is a reminder, and companion. If you are about to do some selfish or hasty action, and your glance falls on the ring on your hand, you will remember and change your intention.’ (On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual 14 December 1999)

32 [Page 33]Tamm =e Wi eli ‘Greatest Name’ has a definite significance and role. The essay ‘Explanation of the Emblem of the Greatest Name’ by Hand of the Cause of God

A Q Faizi is presented Niamey iat iene sce ance from the Baha’i Writings on its form, its ere = mea le TEU e

ISBN 1919864377

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