One of the functions of the sun is to quicken and reveal the hidden
realities of the kingdoms of existence. Through the light and heat of the
great central luminary, all that is potential in the earth is awakened and
comes forth into the realm of the visible. The fruit hidden in the tree
appears upon its branches in response to the power of the sun; man and all
other organisms live, move and have their being under its developing rays;
nature is resplendent with countless evolutionary forms through its
pervading impulse--so that we can say a function of the sun is the
revelation of the mysteries and creative purposes hidden within the
phenomenal world.
The outer sun is a sign or symbol of the inner and ideal Sun of Truth, the
Word of God. Inasmuch as this is the century of light, it is evident that
the Sun of Reality, the Word, has revealed itself to all humankind. One of
the potentialities hidden in the realm of humanity was the capability or
capacity of womanhood. Through the effulgent rays of divine illumination
the capacity of woman has become so awakened and manifest in this age that
equality of man and woman is an established fact. In past ages woman was
wronged and oppressed. This was especially the case in Asia and Africa. In
certain parts of Asia women were not considered as members of humankind.
They were looked upon as inferior, unworthy creatures, subordinate and
subject to man. A certain people known as the Nusayris held to the belief
for a long period that woman was the incarnation of the evil spirit, or
Satan, and that man alone was the manifestation of God, the Merciful. At
last this century of light dawned, the realities shone forth, and the
mysteries long hidden from human vision were revealed. Among these
revealed realities was the great principle of the equality of man and
woman, which is now finding recognition throughout the whole
world--America, Europe and the Orient.
History records the appearance in the world of women who have been signs
of guidance, power and accomplishment. Some were notable poets, some
philosophers and scientists, others courageous upon the field of battle.
Qurratu'l-'Ayn, a Baha'i, was a poetess. She discomfited the learned men
of Persia by her brilliancy and fervor. When she entered a meeting, even
the learned were silent. She was so well versed in philosophy and science
that those in her presence always considered and consulted her first. Her
courage was unparalleled; she faced her enemies fearlessly until she was
killed. She withstood a despotic king, the _Sh_ah of Persia, who had the
power to decree the death of any of his subjects. There was not a day
during which he did not command the execution of some. This woman singly
and alone withstood such a despot until her last breath, then gave her
life for her faith.
Consider the mysteries revealed during the last half century, all due to
the effulgence of the Sun of Reality, which has been so gloriously
manifested in this age and cycle. In this day man must investigate reality
impartially and without prejudice in order to reach the true knowledge and
conclusions. What, then, constitutes the inequality between man and woman?
Both are human. In powers and function each is the complement of the
other. At most it is this: that woman has been denied the opportunities
which man has so long enjoyed, especially the privilege of education. But
even this is not always a shortcoming. Shall we consider it an
imperfection and weakness in her nature that she is not proficient in the
school of military tactics, that she cannot go forth to the field of
battle and kill, that she is not able to handle a deadly weapon? Nay,
rather, is it not a compliment when we say that in hardness of heart and
cruelty she is inferior to man? The woman who is asked to arm herself and
kill her fellow creatures will say, "I cannot." Is this to be considered a
fault and lack of qualification as man's equal? Yet be it known that if
woman had been taught and trained in the military science of slaughter,
she would have been the equivalent of man even in this accomplishment. But
God forbid! May woman never attain this proficiency; may she never wield
weapons of war, for the destruction of humanity is not a glorious
achievement. The upbuilding of a home, the bringing of joy and comfort
into human hearts are truly glories of mankind. Let not a man glory in
this, that he can kill his fellow creatures; nay, rather, let him glory in
this, that he can love them.
When we consider the kingdoms of existence below man, we find no
distinction or estimate of superiority and inferiority between male and
female. Among the myriad organisms of the vegetable and animal kingdoms
sex exists, but there is no differentiation whatever as to relative
importance and value in the equation of life. If we investigate
impartially, we may even find species in which the female is superior or
preferable to the male. For instance, there are trees such as the fig, the
male of which is fruitless while the female is fruitful. The male of the
date palm is valueless while the female bears abundantly. Inasmuch as we
find no ground for distinction or superiority according to the creative
wisdom in the lower kingdoms, is it logical or becoming of man to make
such distinction in regard to himself? The male of the animal kingdom does
not glory in its being male and superior to the female. In fact, equality
exists and is recognized. Why should man, a higher and more intelligent
creature, deny and deprive himself of this equality the animals enjoy? His
surest index and guide as to the creative intention concerning himself are
the conditions and analogies of the kingdoms below him where equality of
the sexes is fundamental.
The truth is that all mankind are the creatures and servants of one God,
and in His estimate all are human. Man is a generic term applying to all
humanity. The biblical statement "Let us make man in our image, after our
likeness" does not mean that woman was not created. The image and likeness
of God apply to her as well. In Persian and Arabic there are two distinct
words translated into English as man: one meaning man and woman
collectively, the other distinguishing man as male from woman the female.
The first word and its pronoun are generic, collective; the other is
restricted to the male. This is the same in Hebrew.
To accept and observe a distinction which God has not intended in creation
is ignorance and superstition. The fact which is to be considered,
however, is that woman, having formerly been deprived, must now be allowed
equal opportunities with man for education and training. There must be no
difference in their education. Until the reality of equality between man
and woman is fully established and attained, the highest social
development of mankind is not possible. Even granted that woman is
inferior to man in some degree of capacity or accomplishment, this or any
other distinction would continue to be productive of discord and trouble.
The only remedy is education, opportunity; for equality means equal
qualification. In brief, the assumption of superiority by man will
continue to be depressing to the ambition of woman, as if her attainment
to equality was creationally impossible; woman's aspiration toward
advancement will be checked by it, and she will gradually become hopeless.
On the contrary, we must declare that her capacity is equal, even greater
than man's. This will inspire her with hope and ambition, and her
susceptibilities for advancement will continually increase. She must not
be told and taught that she is weaker and inferior in capacity and
qualification. If a pupil is told that his intelligence is less than his
fellow pupils, it is a very great drawback and handicap to his progress.
He must be encouraged to advance by the statement, "You are most capable,
and if you endeavor, you will attain the highest degree."
It is my hope that the banner of equality may be raised throughout the
five continents where as yet it is not fully recognized and established.
In this enlightened world of the West woman has advanced an immeasurable
degree beyond the women of the Orient. And let it be known once more that
until woman and man recognize and realize equality, social and political
progress here or anywhere will not be possible. For the world of humanity
consists of two parts or members: one is woman; the other is man. Until
these two members are equal in strength, the oneness of humanity cannot be
established, and the happiness and felicity of mankind will not be a
reality. God willing, this is to be so.
2 May 1912
Talk at Baha'i Women's Reception
Hotel La Salle, Chicago, Illinois