Extracts From the Writings of Baha'u'llah:
94: In this Day the Blessed Tree of Remembrance speaketh forth in the
Kingdom...
In this Day the Blessed Tree of Remembrance speaketh forth in the Kingdom
of Utterance saying: Well is it with the servant who hath turned his face
towards Him, and embraced His truth, and with the handmaiden who hath
hearkened to His Voice and become of the blissful. Verily, she is a
champion of the field of true understanding. To this the Tongue of Truth
beareth witness from His exalted Station.
O My leaf, blessed art thou for having responded to My call when it was
raised in the name of the True One. Thou didst recognize My Revelation
when men of renown were immersed in manifest idle fancies. Thou hast
verily attained the mercy of thy Lord time and again. Render thanks unto
Him and glorify Him with thy Praise. He is, in truth, with His handmaidens
and servants who have turned towards Him. The shining glory from the
Horizon of My Kingdom be upon thee and upon the one who hath guided thee
to My straight path.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic) [94]
95: We beseech the True One to adorn His handmaidens with the ornament
of...
We beseech the True One to adorn His handmaidens with the ornament of
chastity, of trustworthiness, of righteousness and of purity. Verily, He
is the All-Bestowing, the All-Generous. We make mention of the handmaidens
of God at this time and announce unto them the glad-tidings of the tokens
of the mercy and compassion of God and His consideration for them,
glorified be He, and We supplicate Him for all His assistance to perform
such deeds as are the cause of the exaltation of His Word. He verily
speaketh the truth and enjoineth upon His servants and His handmaidens
that which will profit them in every world of His worlds. He, verily, is
the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic) [95]
Extracts From the Writings and Utterances of 'Abdu'l-Baha:
96: The effulgence of the rays of the Sun of Truth is abundant and the
favours...
The effulgence of the rays of the Sun of Truth is abundant and the favours
of the Blessed Beauty surround the women believers and the handmaidens who
have attained unto certitude. At every moment a bounteous bestowal is
revealed. The handmaidens of the Merciful should seize the opportunities
afforded in these days. Each one should strive to draw nigh unto the
divine Threshold and seek bounties from the Source of existence. She
should attain such a state and be confirmed with such a power as to make,
with but the utterance of one word, a lowly person to be held in
reverence, initiate him who is deprived into the world of the spirit,
impart hope to the despondent, endow the portionless one with a share of
the great bestowal, and confer knowledge and insight upon the ignorant and
the blind, and alertness and vigilance on the indolent and heedless. This
is the attribute of the handmaidens of the Merciful. This is the
characteristic of the bondsmaids of God's Threshold.
O ye leaves who have attained certitude! In the countries of Europe and
America the maidservants of the Merciful have won the prize of excellence
and advancement from the arena of men, and in the fields of teaching and
spreading the divine fragrances they have shown a brilliant hand. Soon
they will soar like the birds of the Concourse on high in the far corners
of the world and will guide the people and reveal to them the divine
mysteries. Ye, who are the blessed leaves from the East, should burn more
brightly, and engage in spreading the sweet savours of the Lord and in
reciting the verses of God. Arise, therefore, and exert yourselves to
fulfil the exhortations and counsels of the Blessed Beauty, that all hopes
may be realized and that the plain of streams and orchards may become the
garden of oneness.
Upon ye, men and women, be the glory of glories.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian) [96]
97: In this great Cycle and wondrous Dispensation some women have been
raised...
In this great Cycle and wondrous Dispensation some women have been raised
up who were the emblems of unity and ensigns of oneness, for the
revelation of divine bestowals is received by men and women in equal
measure. "Verily the most honoured in the sight of God is the most
virtuous amongst you"(5) is applicable to both men and women, to servants
and handmaidens. All are under the shadow of the Word of God and all
derive their strength from the bounties of the Lord. Therefore, do not
consider thyself to be insignificant by doubting what a handmaiden living
behind the veil can do....
With a firm heart, a steadfast step and an eloquent tongue arise to spread
the Word of God and say: "O God, although I am sitting concealed behind
the screen of chastity and am restricted by the veil and exigencies of
modesty, my cherished hope is to raise the banner of service and to become
a maidservant at Thy Holy Threshold; to ride on a charger and penetrate
the army of the ignorant, defeat the mighty regiments and subvert the
foundations of error and violation. Thou art the Helper of the weak, Thou
art the Sustainer of the poor, Thou art the Succourer of the handmaidens.
Verily, Thou art the Almighty and All-Powerful."
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian) [97]
98: Confirmations from the kingdom of God will assuredly be received,
enabling...
Confirmations from the kingdom of God will assuredly be received, enabling
some radiant leaves to appear resplendent in the assemblage of this world
with clear proofs and convincing reasons, which will adorn the cause of
womanhood. They will prove that in this cycle women are equal to men, nay,
in certain respects they will excel. Ponder ye: in this wonderful Cause
numerous were the men who scaled the heights of knowledge; they had a
brilliant utterance, a convincing proof, an eloquent tongue and
magnificent speech, but the blessed leaf, Jinab-i-Tahirih, because she was
a woman, emerged with immense splendour and dumbfounded all the people. If
she were a man, this would not have been so at all. Therefore, ye should
know that the greatness of the Cause hath penetrated the nerves and veins
of the world in such wise that if one of the leaves is attracted and gains
mastery in demonstrating reasons and proofs and in uttering convincing
evidences, she will shine resplendently. O radiant leaves, I swear by the
Beauty of the Desired One and the Mystery of Existence that if ye work
actively in this realm, the outpourings of the Blessed Beauty will reflect
as the sun in the mirrors of the hearts. Your progress will astonish all.
The attracted leaves should not, when associating with each other, talk
merely about the temperature of the weather, the coldness of the water,
the beauty of the flowers and gardens, the freshness of the grass and the
flowing water. They should rather restrict their discussions to
glorification and praise and the uttering of proofs and reasons, to
quoting verses and traditions and putting forth clear testimonies, so that
all the homes of the loved ones will be converted into gathering places
for lessons on teaching the Cause.
If ye do so, in a short while the outpourings of the Kingdom will be so
manifested that each one of the handmaidens of the Merciful will become a
perspicuous book revealing the mysteries of the Lord of Mercy.
Upon you be the glory of glories.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian) [98]
99: In this wondrous Dispensation the favours of the Glorious Lord are
vouchsafed...
In this wondrous Dispensation the favours of the Glorious Lord are
vouchsafed unto the handmaidens of the Merciful. Therefore, they should,
like unto men, seize the prize and excel in the field, so that it will be
proven and made manifest that the penetrative influence of the Word of God
in this new Dispensation hath caused women to be equal with men, and that
in the arena of tests they will outdo others. Therefore, the true
bondsmaids of the Blessed Beauty must be revived by the spirit of
detachment, and refreshed by the breezes of attraction. With hearts
overflowing with the love of God, with souls gladdened by the heavenly
glad-tidings, and with extreme humility and lowliness, let them speak out
with eloquent speech, and praise and glorify the Great Lord, for they are
the manifestations of His bounty and adorned with the crown of splendour.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian) [99]
100: Blessed, blessed are ye for ye have arranged spiritual meetings
and...
Blessed, blessed are ye for ye have arranged spiritual meetings and
engaged in propounding divine proofs and evidences. Ye are intent on
vindicating truth in support of the manifest Light of the Cause, through
conclusive arguments and proofs based on the sacred scriptures of the
past. This is a very noble aim, and this cherished hope a cause of the
illumination of all peoples and nations.
From the beginning of existence until the present day, in any of the past
cycles and dispensations, no assemblies for women have ever been
established and classes for the purpose of spreading the teachings were
never held by them. This is one of the characteristics of this glorious
Dispensation and this great century. Ye should, most certainly, strive to
perfect this assemblage and increase your knowledge of the realities of
heavenly mysteries, so that, God willing, in a short time, women will
become the same as men; they will take a leading position amongst the
learned, will each have a fluent tongue and eloquent speech, and shine
like unto lamps of guidance throughout the world. In some respects, women
have astonishing capacities; they hasten in their attraction to God, and
are intense in their fiery ardour for Him.
In brief, spend your nights and days in the study of the holy Utterances
and in acquiring perfections. Occupy yourselves always in discussing these
matters. When ye meet each other, convey the glad-tidings and impart hope
to one another because of the confirmations and bounties of the Ancient
and Ever-Living Lord. Let each set forth proofs and evidences, and talk
about the mysteries of the Kingdom, so that the true and divine Spirit may
permeate the body of the contingent world and the secrets of all things,
whether of the past or of the future, may become openly manifest and
resplendent.
O loved handmaidens of God! Consider not your present merits and
capacities, rather fix your gaze on the favours and confirmations of the
Blessed Beauty, because His everlasting grace will make of the
insignificant plant a blessed tree, will turn the mirage into cool water
and wine; will cause the forsaken atom to become the very essence of
being, the puny one erudite in the school of knowledge. It enableth a
thorny bush to give forth blossoms, and the dark earth to produce fragrant
and rich hyacinths. It will transmute the stone into a ruby of great
price, and fill the sea shells with brilliant pearls. It will assist a
fledgling schoolchild to become a learned teacher and enable a frail
embryo to reveal the reality of the verse: "Hallowed be the Lord, the Most
Excellent of all creators."(6) Verily, my Lord is powerful over things.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian) [100]
101: In this day the duty of everyone, whether man or woman, is to teach
the Cause....
In this day the duty of everyone, whether man or woman, is to teach the
Cause. In America, the women have outdone the men in this regard and have
taken the lead in this field. They strive harder in guiding the peoples of
the world, and their endeavours are greater. They are confirmed by divine
bestowals and blessings. It is my hope that in the East the handmaids of
the Merciful will also exert such effort, reveal their powers, and
manifest their capacities....
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian) [101]
102: Now is the time to speak forth and to deliver speeches, the time to
teach...
Now is the time to speak forth and to deliver speeches, the time to teach
and to give testimony. Loosen thy tongue, expound the truths, and
establish the validity of the verse: "The All-Merciful hath taught the
Qur'an."(7) The Holy Spirit speaketh through the innermost essence of the
human tongue, God's Spirit which desireth communion with the human soul
unfoldeth the truths, the Faithful Spirit writeth down and the Spirit of
the Ancient of Days confirmeth. I swear by that Peerless Beauty, Who is in
the Unseen Kingdom, that when the leaves loose their tongues in praise and
glorification of the All-Loving Lord, and in teaching the Cause of the
Kind Lord, the concourse of the Kingdom and the inmates of the Unseen
Realms will give ear, and cry out with exclamations of extreme joy and
jubilation.
Glory be upon thee and upon every handmaiden who is steadfast in the
Covenant.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian) [102]
103: O handmaid of God!... To the mothers must be given the divine
Teachings...
O handmaid of God!... To the mothers must be given the divine Teachings
and effective counsel, and they must be encouraged and made eager to train
their children, for the mother is the first educator of the child. It is
she who must, at the very beginning, suckle the new-born at the breast of
God's Faith and God's Law, that divine love may enter into him even with
his mother's milk, and be with him till his final breath.
So long as the mother faileth to train her children, and start them on a
proper way of life, the training which they receive later on will not take
its full effect. It is incumbent upon the Spiritual Assemblies to provide
the mothers with a well-planned programme for the education of children,
showing how, from infancy, the child must be watched over and taught.
These instructions must be given to every mother to serve her as a guide,
so that each will train and nurture her children in accordance with the
Teachings.
("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha" [rev. ed.], (Haifa: Baha'i
World Centre, 1982), sec. 113, p. 138) [103]
104: ...we must not make distinctions between individual members of the
human...
...we must not make distinctions between individual members of the human
family. We must not consider any soul as barren or deprived. Our duty lies
in educating souls so that the Sun of the bestowals of God shall become
resplendent in them, and this is possible through the power of the oneness
of humanity. The more love is expressed among mankind and the stronger the
power of unity, the greater will be this reflection and revelation, for
the greatest bestowal of God is love. Love is the source of all the
bestowals of God. Until love takes possession of the heart, no other
divine bounty can be revealed in it.
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 15) [104]
105: In brief, the assumption of superiority by man will continue to be
depressing...
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 endeavour, you
will attain the highest degree."
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", pp. 76-77)
[105]
106: The purpose, in brief, is this: that if woman be fully educated
and...
The purpose, in brief, is this: that if woman be fully educated and
granted her rights, she will attain the capacity for wonderful
accomplishments and prove herself the equal of man. She is the coadjutor
of man, his complement and helpmeet....
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 136) [106]
107: The realities of things have been revealed in this radiant century,
and...
The realities of things have been revealed in this radiant century, and
that which is true must come to the surface. Among these realities is the
principle of the equality of man and woman--equal rights and prerogatives
in all things appertaining to humanity. Baha'u'llah declared this reality
over fifty years ago. But while this principle of equality is true, it is
likewise true that woman must prove her capacity and aptitude, must show
forth the evidences of equality. She must become proficient in the arts
and sciences and prove by her accomplishments that her abilities and
powers have merely been latent. Demonstrations of force, such as are now
taking place in England, are neither becoming nor effective in the cause
of womanhood and equality. Woman must especially devote her energies and
abilities toward the industrial and agricultural sciences, seeking to
assist mankind in that which is most needful. By this means she will
demonstrate capability and ensure recognition of equality in the social
and economic equation. Undoubtedly God will confirm her in her efforts and
endeavours, for in this century of radiance Baha'u'llah has proclaimed the
reality of the oneness of the world of humanity and announced that all
nations, peoples and races are one....
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", pp. 283-84)
[107]
108: Equality of the sexes will be established in proportion to the
increased...
Equality of the sexes will be established in proportion to the increased
opportunities afforded woman in this age, for man and woman are equally
the recipients of powers and endowments from God, the Creator. God has not
ordained distinction between them in His consummate purpose.
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 300) [108]
109: Woman must endeavour then to attain greater perfection, to be man's
equal...
Woman must endeavour then to attain greater perfection, to be man's equal
in every respect, to make progress in all in which she has been backward,
so that man will be compelled to acknowledge her equality of capacity and
attainment.
In Europe women have made greater progress than in the East, but there is
still much to be done! When students have arrived at the end of their
school term an examination takes place, and the result thereof determines
the knowledge and capacity of each student. So will it be with woman; her
actions will show her power, there will no longer be any need to proclaim
it by words.
It is my hope that women of the East, as well as their Western sisters,
will progress rapidly until humanity shall reach perfection.
God's Bounty is for all and gives power for all progress. When men own the
equality of women there will be no need for them to struggle for their
rights! One of the principles then of Baha'u'llah is the equality of sex.
Women must make the greatest effort to acquire spiritual power and to
increase in the virtue of wisdom and holiness until their enlightenment
and striving succeeds in bringing about the unity of mankind. They must
work with a burning enthusiasm to spread the Teaching of Baha'u'llah among
the peoples, so that the radiant light of the Divine Bounty may envelop
the souls of all the nations of the world!
("Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Baha in Paris in 1911-1912", pp.
162-63) [109]
Extracts From Letters Written by Shoghi Effendi:
110: Regarding the position of the Baha'i women in India and Burma, and
their...
Regarding the position of the Baha'i women in India and Burma, and their
future collaboration with the men in the administrative work of the Cause,
I feel that the time is now ripe that those women who have already
conformed to the prevailing custom in India and Burma by discarding the
veil should not only be given the right to vote for the election of their
local and national representatives, but should themselves be eligible to
the membership of all Baha'i Assemblies throughout India and Burma, be
they local or national.
This definite and most important step, however, should be taken with the
greatest care and caution, prudence and thoughtfulness. Due regard must be
paid to their actual capacity and present attainments, and only those who
are best qualified for membership, be they men or women, and irrespective
of social standing, should be elected to the extremely responsible
position of a member of the Baha'i Assembly.
This momentous decision, I trust, will prove to be a great incentive to
the women Baha'is throughout India and Burma who, I hope, will now bestir
themselves and endeavour to the best of their ability to acquire a better
and more profound knowledge of the Cause, to take a more active and
systematic part in the general affairs of the Movement, and prove
themselves in every way enlightened, responsible and efficient co-workers
to their fellow-men in their common task for the advancement of the Cause
throughout their country.
May they fully realize their high responsibilities in this day, may they
do all in their power to justify the high hopes we cherish for their
future, and may they prove themselves in every respect worthy of the noble
mission which the Baha'i world is now entrusting to their charge.
(27 December 1923 to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma)
[110]
111: Full rights have been accorded to Baha'i women residing in the cradle
of the...
Full rights have been accorded to Baha'i women residing in the cradle of
the Faith, to participate in the membership of both national and local
Baha'i Spiritual Assemblies, removing thereby the last remaining obstacle
to the enjoyment of complete equality of rights in the conduct of the
administrative affairs of the Persian Baha'i Community.
(April 1954, published in "Messages to the Baha'i World 1950-1957"
(Wilmette: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1971), p. 65) [111]
113: That the members of this community, of either sex and of every age,
of...
That the members of this community, of either sex and of every age, of
whatever race or background, however limited in experience, capacity and
knowledge, may arise as one man, and seize with both hands the God-given
opportunities now presented to them through the dispensations of an
all-loving, ever-watchful, ever-sustaining Providence, and lend thereby a
tremendous impetus to the propelling forces mysteriously guiding the
operations of this newly-launched, unspeakably potent, world-encompassing
Crusade, is one of the dearest wishes which a loving and longing heart
holds for them at this great turning point in the fortunes of the Faith of
Baha'u'llah in the American continent.
(20 June 1954 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States,
published in "Citadel of Faith: Messages to America 1947-1957" (Wilmette:
Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1980), p. 132) [112]
Extracts From Letters and a Telex Written by the Universal House of
Justice:
Concerning the point you raised in your letter ... that the women's
liberation movement in ... is assuming extreme positions which are having
some influence on impressionable Baha'i young women, we feel it would be
helpful if your Assembly were to stress the unique position that women
occupy by being members of the Baha'i Faith particularly through
participation in the administration of its affairs on both a local and
national scale.
(9 April 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States)
[113]
114: 'Abdu'l-Baha has pointed out that "Among the miracles which
distinguish...
'Abdu'l-Baha has pointed out that "Among the miracles which distinguish
this sacred dispensation is this, that women have evinced a greater
boldness than men when enlisted in the ranks of the Faith." Shoghi Effendi
has further stated that this "boldness" must, in the course of time, "be
more convincingly demonstrated, and win for the beloved Cause victories
more stirring than any it has as yet achieved." Although obviously the
entire Baha'i world is committed to encouraging and stimulating the vital
role of women in the Baha'i community as well as in society at large, the
Five Year Plan calls specifically on eighty National Spiritual Assemblies
to organize Baha'i activities for women. In the course of the current year
which has been designated "International Women's Year" as a world-wide
activity of the United Nations, the Baha'is, particularly in these eighty
national communities, should initiate and implement programs which will
stimulate and promote the full and equal participation of women in all
aspects of Baha'i community life, so that through their accomplishments
the friends will demonstrate the distinction of the Cause of God in this
field of human endeavour.
(25 May 1975 to all National Spiritual Assemblies) [114]
115: PARTICULARLY CALL UPON BAHA'I WOMEN, WHOSE CAPACITIES IN MANY LANDS
STILL...
PARTICULARLY CALL UPON BAHA'I WOMEN, WHOSE CAPACITIES IN MANY LANDS STILL
LARGELY UNUSED, AND WHOSE POTENTIAL FOR SERVICE CAUSE SO GREAT, TO ARISE
AND DEMONSTRATE IMPORTANCE PART THEY ARE TO PLAY IN ALL FIELDS SERVICE
FAITH.
(24 March 1977 to all National Spiritual Assemblies) [115]
116: The youth have long been in the forefront of the teaching work, and
now our...
The youth have long been in the forefront of the teaching work, and now
our hearts rejoice to see the women, in so many lands where previously
their capacities were largely left unused, devoting their capable services
to the life of the Baha'i community....
(Ridvan 1978 to the International Baha'i Convention) [116]
117: At the heart of all activities, the spiritual, intellectual and
community...
At the heart of all activities, the spiritual, intellectual and community
life of the believers must be developed and fostered, requiring: the
prosecution with increased vigour of the development of Local Spiritual
Assemblies so that they may exercise their beneficial influence and
guidance on the life of Baha'i communities; the nurturing of a deeper
understanding of Baha'i family life; the Baha'i education of children,
including the holding of regular Baha'i classes and, where necessary, the
establishment of tutorial schools for the provision of elementary
education; the encouragement of Baha'i youth in study and service; and the
encouragement of Baha'i women to exercise to the full their privileges and
responsibilities in the work of the community--may they befittingly bear
witness to the memory of the Greatest Holy Leaf, the immortal heroine of
the Baha'i Dispensation, as we approach the fiftieth anniversary of her
passing.
(Naw-Ruz 1979 to the Baha'is of the World) [117]
118: The equality of men and women is not, at the present time,
universally applied....
The equality of men and women is not, at the present time, universally
applied. In those areas where traditional inequality still hampers its
progress we must take the lead in practising this Baha'i principle. Baha'i
women and girls must be encouraged to take part in the social, spiritual
and administrative activities of their communities....
(Ridvan 1984 to the Baha'is of the World) [118]
119: Calling upon local and national Baha'i communities to sponsor a
wide...
Calling upon local and national Baha'i communities to sponsor a wide range
of activities which will engage the attention of people from all walks of
life to various topics relevant to peace, such as: the role of women...
(23 January 1985 to all National Spiritual Assemblies) [119]
Extracts From Letters Written on Behalf of the Universal House of Justice:
120: The House of Justice regards the need to educate and guide women in
their...
The House of Justice regards the need to educate and guide women in their
primary responsibility as mothers as an excellent opportunity for
organizing women's activities. Your efforts should focus on helping them
in their function as educators of the rising generation....
(29 February 1984 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Mariana
Islands) [120]
121: The principle of the equality between women and men, like the
other...
The principle of the equality between women and men, like the other
teachings of the Faith, can be effectively and universally established
among the friends when it is pursued in conjunction with all the other
aspects of Baha'i life. Change is an evolutionary process requiring
patience with one's self and others, loving education and the passage of
time as the believers deepen their knowledge of the principles of the
Faith, gradually discard long-held traditional attitudes and progressively
conform their lives to the unifying teachings of the Cause.
(25 July 1984 to an individual believer) [121]