Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas
The Kitáb-i-Aqdas · Bahá’u’lláh · 3,598 words
Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the \
Kitáb-i-Aqdas
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I The Appointment of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá as the Successor of Bahá’u’lláh and Interpreter of His Teachings
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A The faithful are enjoined to turn their faces towards the One “Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.”
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B The faithful are bidden to refer whatsoever they do not understand in the Bahá’í writings to “Him Who hath branched from this mighty Stock.”
1. 1 <a id="647455693"></a>The sublime station occupied by the Obligatory Prayers in the Bahá’í Revelation. 2. 2 <a id="543169084"></a>The Qiblih:
1. a <a id="784533458"></a>Identified by the Báb with “the One Whom God will make manifest.”
2. b <a id="205435401"></a>The appointment made by the Báb is confirmed by Bahá’u’lláh.
3. c <a id="596883155"></a>Bahá’u’lláh ordains His resting-place as the Qiblih after His passing.
4. d <a id="877484886"></a>Turning to the Qiblih is mandatory while reciting the Obligatory Prayers.
3. 3 <a id="906870298"></a>The Obligatory Prayers are binding on men and women on attaining the age of maturity, which is fixed at 15.
4. 4 <a id="055944151"></a>Exemption from offering the Obligatory Prayers is granted to:
1. a <a id="546210668"></a>Those who are ill.
2. b <a id="566607001"></a>Those who are over 70.
3. c <a id="880378070"></a>Women in their courses provided they perform their ablutions and repeat a specifically revealed verse 95 times a day.
5. 5 <a id="190055688"></a>The Obligatory Prayers should be offered individually.
6. 6 <a id="200888104"></a>The choice of one of the three Obligatory Prayers is permissible.
7. 7 <a id="932074079"></a>By “morning,” “noon” and “evening,” mentioned in connection with the Obligatory Prayers, is meant respectively the intervals between sunrise and noon, between noon and sunset, and from sunset till two hours after sunset.
8. 8 <a id="898749197"></a>The recital of the first (long) Obligatory Prayer, once in twenty-four hours is sufficient.
9. 9 <a id="137027151"></a>It is preferable to offer the third (short) Obligatory Prayer while standing.
10. 10 <a id="762299302"></a>Ablutions:
1. a <a id="675370217"></a>Ablutions must precede the recital of the Obligatory Prayers.
2. b <a id="922272346"></a>For every Obligatory Prayer fresh ablutions must be performed.
3. c <a id="698494283"></a>Should two Obligatory Prayers be offered at noon one ablution for both prayers is sufficient.
4. d <a id="872431798"></a>If water is unavailable or its use harmful to the face or hands, the repetition, five times, of a specifically revealed verse is prescribed.
5. e <a id="158422692"></a>Should the weather be too cold the use of warm water is recommended.
6. f <a id="915843752"></a>If ablutions have been performed for other purposes, their renewal prior to the recital of the Obligatory Prayer is not required.
7. g <a id="053611990"></a>Ablutions are essential whether a bath has been taken previously or not.
11. 11 <a id="232751327"></a>Determining the times fixed for Prayer:
1. a <a id="119260644"></a>Reliance on clocks is permissible in determining the times for offering the Obligatory Prayers.
2. b <a id="195359824"></a>In countries situated in the extreme north or south, where the duration of days and nights varies considerably, clocks and timepieces should be relied upon, without reference to sunrise or sunset.
12. 12 <a id="794397520"></a>In case of danger, whether when traveling or not, for every Obligatory Prayer not offered a prostration and the recital of a specific verse is enjoined, to be followed by the repetition, eighteen times, of another specific verse.
13. 13 <a id="345881696"></a>Congregational prayer is forbidden except the Prayer for the Dead.
14. 14 <a id="108472601"></a>The recital, in its entirety, of the Prayer for the Dead is prescribed except for those unable to read, who are commanded to repeat the six specific passages in that Prayer.
15. 15 <a id="494665849"></a>The Obligatory Prayer to be thrice repeated, three times a day, at morn, noon and evening, has been superseded by three Obligatory Prayers subsequently revealed.
16. 16 <a id="169879104"></a>The Prayer of the Signs has been annulled, and a specifically revealed verse substituted for it. The recital of this verse is not however obligatory.
17. 17 <a id="391287585"></a>Hair, sable, bones and the like do not nullify one’s prayer. 1. 1 <a id="471862453"></a>The sublime station occupied by fasting in the Bahá’í Revelation.
2. 2 <a id="569043648"></a>The period of fasting commences with the termination of the Intercalary Days, and ends with the Naw-Rúz Festival.
3. 3 <a id="306862029"></a>Abstinence from food and drink, from sunrise to sunset, is obligatory.
4. 4 <a id="489183693"></a>Fasting is binding on men and women on attaining the age of maturity, which is fixed at 15.
5. 5 <a id="211322495"></a>Exemption from fasting is granted to:
1. a <a id="392596083"></a>Travelers
1. i <a id="227157449"></a>Provided the journey exceeds 9 hours.
2. ii <a id="614428638"></a>Those traveling on foot, provided the journey exceeds 2 hours.
3. iii <a id="295866219"></a>Those who break their journey for less than 19 days.
4. iv <a id="998384780"></a>Those who break their journey during the Fast at a place where they are to stay 19 days are exempt from fasting only for the first three days from their arrival.
5. v <a id="796627500"></a>Those who reach home during the Fast must commence fasting from the day of their arrival.
2. b <a id="576513228"></a>Those who are ill.
3. c <a id="801696791"></a>Those who are over 70.
4. d <a id="533659071"></a>Women who are with child.
5. e <a id="941129277"></a>Women who are nursing.
6. f <a id="451558660"></a>Women in their courses, provided they perform their ablutions and repeat a specifically revealed verse 95 times a day.
7. g <a id="972383273"></a>Those who are engaged in heavy labor, who are advised to show respect for the law by using discretion and restraint when availing themselves of the exemption.
6. 6 <a id="715046953"></a>Vowing to fast (in a month other than the one prescribed for fasting) is permissible. Vows which profit mankind are however preferable in the sight of God. 1. 1 <a id="717063958"></a>Marriage:
1. a <a id="171695153"></a>Marriage is highly recommended but not obligatory.
2. b <a id="766211569"></a>Plurality of wives is forbidden.
3. c <a id="672373721"></a>Marriage is conditioned upon both parties having attained the age of maturity which is fixed at 15.
4. d <a id="712869313"></a>Marriage is conditioned on the consent of both parties and their parents, whether the woman be a maiden or not.
5. e <a id="875790830"></a>It is incumbent upon both parties to recite a specifically revealed verse indicating their being content with the will of God.
6. f <a id="204688835"></a>Marriage with one’s stepmother is forbidden.
7. g <a id="808723719"></a>All matters related to marriage with one’s kindred are to be referred to the House of Justice.
8. h <a id="329905820"></a>Marriage with unbelievers is permitted.
9. i <a id="410188913"></a>Betrothal:
1. i <a id="173603318"></a>The period of engagement must not exceed 95 days.
2. ii <a id="967887221"></a>It is unlawful to become engaged to a girl before she reaches the age of maturity.
10. j <a id="619056342"></a>The Dowry:
1. i <a id="119067409"></a>Marriage is conditioned on payment of a dowry.
2. ii <a id="522354868"></a>The dowry is fixed at 19 mithqáls of pure gold for city dwellers, and 19 mithqáls of silver for village dwellers, depending on the permanent residence of the husband, and not of the wife.
3. iii <a id="220259793"></a>It is forbidden to pay more than 95 mithqáls.
4. iv <a id="582367871"></a>It is preferable that a man content himself with the payment of 19 mithqáls of silver.
5. v <a id="443955160"></a>If the full payment of dowry is not possible the issue of a promissory note is permissible.
11. k <a id="103191686"></a>Should either party, following the recital of the specifically revealed verse and the payment of the dowry, take a dislike to the other before the marriage is consummated, the period of waiting is not necessary prior to a divorce. The taking back of the dowry, however, is not permitted.
12. l <a id="481625176"></a>The husband must fix for his wife the time of his return when intending to travel. If, for a legitimate reason, he is prevented from returning at the appointed time, he must inform her and strive to return to her. If he fails to fulfill either condition, she must wait 9 months, after which she may remarry, though it is preferable for her to wait longer. If news of his death or murder reaches her, and the news is confirmed by general report or by 2 reliable witnesses, she may remarry after the lapse of 9 months.
13. m <a id="747404655"></a>If the husband departs without informing his wife of the date of his return, and is aware of the law prescribed in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the wife may remarry after waiting a full year. If the husband is unaware of this law, the wife must wait until news of her husband reaches her.
14. n <a id="786040781"></a>Should the husband, after the payment of the dowry, discover that the wife is not a virgin, the refund of the dowry and of the expenses incurred may be demanded.
15. o <a id="551163270"></a>If the marriage has been conditioned on virginity the refund of the dowry and of the expenses incurred may be demanded and the marriage invalidated. To conceal the matter, however, is highly meritorious in the sight of God.
2. 2 <a id="586750074"></a>Divorce:
1. a <a id="023720021"></a>Divorce is strongly condemned.
2. b <a id="913847000"></a>If antipathy or resentment develop on the part of either the husband or the wife, divorce is permissible, only after the lapse of one full year. The beginning and end of the year of waiting must be testified by two or more witnesses. The act of divorce should be registered by the judicial officer representing the House of Justice. Intercourse during this period of waiting is forbidden, and whoever breaks this law must repent and pay the House of Justice 19 mithqáls of gold.
3. c <a id="471911589"></a>A further period of waiting after divorce has taken place is not required.
4. d <a id="281579688"></a>The wife who is to be divorced as a result of her unfaithfulness forfeits the payment of the expenses during the waiting period.
5. e <a id="710570587"></a>Remarrying the wife whom one has divorced is permissible, provided she has not married another person. If she has, she must be divorced before her former husband can remarry her.
6. f <a id="811794493"></a>If at any time during the waiting period affection should recur, the marriage tie is valid. If this reconciliation is followed by estrangement and divorce is again desired, a new year of waiting will have to be commenced.
7. g <a id="827746080"></a>Should differences arise between husband and wife while traveling, he is required to send her home, or entrust her to a dependable person, who will escort her there, paying her journey and her full year’s expenses.
8. h <a id="417035001"></a>Should a wife insist on divorcing her husband rather than migrate to another country, the year of waiting is to be counted from the time they separate, either while he is preparing to leave, or upon his departure.
9. i <a id="873939640"></a>The Islamic law regarding remarriage with the wife whom one has previously divorced is abrogated.
3. 3 <a id="641856679"></a>Inheritance:<sup>[1](/library/bahaullah/the-kitab-i-aqdas/010-key-to-passages-translated-by-shoghi-effendi#597998565)</sup>
1. a <a id="157852101"></a>Inheritance falls into the following categories:
| <a id="403018617"></a>1. | <a id="290407180"></a>children | <a id="464705864"></a>1,080 | <a id="088399565"></a>out of | <a id="077630714"></a>2,520 | <a id="378501956"></a>shares |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| <a id="670160259"></a>2. | <a id="940336956"></a>husband or wife | <a id="845432886"></a>390 | <a id="174948669"></a>″ | <a id="332806611"></a>2,520 | <a id="139009175"></a>″ |
| <a id="508321586"></a>3. | <a id="871711704"></a>father | <a id="531998309"></a>330 | <a id="521096127"></a>″ | <a id="961193697"></a>2,520 | <a id="682309722"></a>″ |
| <a id="422377257"></a>4. | <a id="014990966"></a>mother | <a id="753689167"></a>270 | <a id="529708459"></a>″ | <a id="873079019"></a>2,520 | <a id="961956034"></a>″ |
| <a id="128439414"></a>5. | <a id="626142172"></a>brother | <a id="561752841"></a>210 | <a id="508801555"></a>″ | <a id="832937666"></a>2,520 | <a id="910144533"></a>″ |
| <a id="462972139"></a>6. | <a id="005606601"></a>sister | <a id="010855295"></a>150 | <a id="810441280"></a>″ | <a id="209344432"></a>2,520 | <a id="578624411"></a>″ |
| <a id="298545147"></a>7. | <a id="090073526"></a>teacher | <a id="906625913"></a>90 | <a id="565504903"></a>″ | <a id="054954975"></a>2,520 | <a id="799582538"></a>″ |
2. b <a id="303758928"></a>The share of the children, as allotted by the Báb, is doubled by Bahá’u’lláh, and an equal portion correspondingly reduced from each of the remaining beneficiaries.
3. <a id="462536501"></a>
1. i <a id="778463878"></a>In cases where there is no issue the share of the children reverts to the House of Justice to be expended on orphans and widows and for whatever will profit mankind.
2. ii <a id="087829923"></a>If the son of the deceased be dead and leave issue, these will inherit the share of their father. If the daughter of the deceased be dead and leave issue, her share will have to be divided into the seven categories specified in the Most Holy Book.
4. d <a id="750225711"></a>Should one leave offspring but either part or all of the other categories of inheritors be nonexistent, two-thirds of their shares reverts to the offspring and one-third to the House of Justice.
5. e <a id="823754165"></a>Should none of the specified beneficiaries exist, two-thirds of the inheritance reverts to the nephews and nieces of the deceased. If these do not exist, the same share reverts to the aunts and uncles; lacking these, to their sons and daughters. In any case the remaining third reverts to the House of Justice.
6. f <a id="974943062"></a>Should one leave none of the aforementioned heirs, the entire inheritance reverts to the House of Justice.
7. g <a id="210659535"></a>The residence and the personal clothing of the deceased father pass to the male not to the female offspring. If there be several residences the principal and most important one passes to the male offspring. The remaining residences will together with the other possessions of the deceased have to be divided among the heirs. If there be no male offspring two-thirds of the principal residence and the personal clothing of the deceased father will revert to the female issue and one-third to the House of Justice. In the case of the deceased mother all her used clothing is to be equally divided amongst her daughters. Her unworn clothing, jewels and property must be divided among her heirs, as well as her used clothing if she leaves no daughter.
8. h <a id="166356629"></a>Should the children of the deceased be minors their share should either be entrusted to a reliable person or to a company for purposes of investment, until they attain the age of maturity. A share of the interest accrued should be assigned to the trustee.
9. i <a id="872999770"></a>The inheritance should not be divided until after the payment of the Ḥuqúqu’lláh (The Right of God), of any debts contracted by the deceased and of any expenses incurred for a befitting funeral and burial.
10. j <a id="347147354"></a>If the brother of the deceased is from the same father he will inherit his full allotted share. If he is from another father he will inherit only two-thirds of his share, the remaining one-third reverting to the House of Justice. The same law is applicable to the sister of the deceased.
11. k <a id="011088825"></a>In case there are full brothers or full sisters, brothers and sisters from the mother’s side do not inherit.
12. l <a id="757099410"></a>A non-Bahá’í teacher does not inherit. If there should be more than one teacher, the share allotted to the teacher is to be equally divided among them.
13. m <a id="600006414"></a>Non-Bahá’í heirs do not inherit.
14. n <a id="798376383"></a>Aside from the wife’s used clothing and gifts of jewelry or otherwise which have been proven to have been given her by her husband, whatever the husband has purchased for his wife are to be considered as the husband’s possessions to be divided among his heirs.
15. o <a id="575547731"></a>Any person is at liberty to will his possessions as he sees fit provided he makes provisions for the payment of Ḥuqúqu’lláh and the discharge of his debts.4. D Miscellaneous Laws, Ordinances and Exhortations
1. 1 <a id="145215475"></a>Miscellaneous Laws and Ordinances:
1. a <a id="715895690"></a>Pilgrimage
2. b <a id="140634987"></a>Ḥuqúqu’lláh
3. c <a id="998866348"></a>Endowments
4. d <a id="671402451"></a>The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár
5. e <a id="860305844"></a>Duration of the Bahá’í Dispensation
6. f <a id="546209821"></a>Bahá’í Festivals
7. g <a id="313444483"></a>The Nineteen Day Feast
8. h <a id="777486707"></a>The Bahá’í Year
9. i <a id="473547832"></a>The Intercalary Days
10. j <a id="874632534"></a>The age of maturity
11. k <a id="127997233"></a>Burial of the dead
12. l <a id="634355560"></a>Engaging in a trade or profession is made obligatory and is exalted to the rank of worship
13. m <a id="148198095"></a>Obedience to government
14. n <a id="939878088"></a>Education of children
15. o <a id="243893175"></a>The writing of a testament
16. p <a id="788850586"></a>Tithes (Zakát)
17. q <a id="468979988"></a>Repetition of the Greatest Name 95 times a day
18. r <a id="009257814"></a>The hunting of animals
19. s <a id="870508651"></a>Treatment of female servants
20. t <a id="702595891"></a>The finding of lost property
21. u <a id="336768628"></a>Disposition of treasure trove
22. v <a id="860829410"></a>Disposal of objects held in trust
23. w <a id="500217249"></a>Manslaughter
24. x <a id="897733868"></a>Definition of just witnesses
25. y <a id="875365760"></a>Prohibitions:
1. i <a id="526652387"></a>Interpretation of the Holy Writ
2. ii <a id="587916546"></a>Slave trading
3. iii <a id="135623772"></a>Asceticism
4. iv <a id="084019673"></a>Monasticism
5. v <a id="348073492"></a>Mendicancy
6. vi <a id="093105174"></a>Priesthood
7. vii <a id="961675816"></a>Use of pulpits
8. viii <a id="435217006"></a>The kissing of hands
9. ix <a id="804067143"></a>Confession of sins
10. x <a id="035084113"></a>Plurality of wives
11. xi <a id="482514683"></a>Intoxicating drinks
12. xii <a id="422135100"></a>Opium
13. xiii <a id="400760919"></a>Gambling
14. xiv <a id="572856326"></a>Arson
15. xv <a id="072468411"></a>Adultery
16. xvi <a id="453839035"></a>Murder
17. xvii <a id="165270824"></a>Theft
18. xviii <a id="764704373"></a>Homosexuality
19. xix <a id="023039292"></a>Congregational prayer, except for the dead
20. xx <a id="687236946"></a>Cruelty to animals
21. xxi <a id="244212053"></a>Idleness and sloth
22. xxii <a id="013486817"></a>Backbiting
23. xxiii <a id="951466969"></a>Calumny
24. xxiv <a id="169746611"></a>Carrying arms unless essential
25. xxv <a id="522680741"></a>Use of public pools in Persian baths
26. xxvi <a id="033932880"></a>Entering a house without the owner’s permission
27. xxvii <a id="779257316"></a>Striking or wounding a person
28. xxviii <a id="636172906"></a>Contention and conflict
29. xxix <a id="509274551"></a>Muttering sacred verses in the street
30. xxx <a id="416508424"></a>Plunging one’s hand in food
31. xxxi <a id="841445137"></a>Shaving one’s head
32. xxxii <a id="200703736"></a>Growth of men’s hair beyond the lobe of the ear
2. 2 <a id="175057568"></a>Abrogation of specific laws and ordinances of previous Dispensations, which prescribed:
1. a <a id="807128164"></a>Destruction of books
2. b <a id="431858057"></a>Prohibition of the wearing of silk
3. c <a id="462571906"></a>Prohibition of the use of gold and silver utensils
4. d <a id="256992267"></a>Limitation of travel
5. e <a id="596222213"></a>Offering priceless gifts to the Founder of the Faith
6. f <a id="294333585"></a>Prohibition on questioning the Founder of the Faith
7. g <a id="595588309"></a>Prohibition against remarrying one’s divorced wife
8. h <a id="801650408"></a>Penalizing whoever causes sadness to his neighbor
9. i <a id="676441426"></a>Prohibition of music
10. j <a id="405444941"></a>Limitations upon one’s apparel and beard
11. k <a id="137033743"></a>Uncleanliness of divers objects and peoples
12. l <a id="495390514"></a>Uncleanliness of semen
13. m <a id="598995095"></a>Uncleanliness of certain objects for purposes of prostration
3. 3 <a id="438469867"></a>Miscellaneous Exhortations:
1. a <a id="466666288"></a>To associate with the followers of all religions with fellowship
2. b <a id="186150105"></a>To honor one’s parents
3. c <a id="554370876"></a>Not to wish for others what one does not wish for one’s self
4. d <a id="187120387"></a>To teach and propagate the Faith after the ascension of its Founder
5. e <a id="526696495"></a>To assist those who arise to promote the Faith
6. f <a id="506324378"></a>Not to depart from the Writings or to be misled by those who do
7. g <a id="204115884"></a>To refer to the Holy Writ when differences arise
8. h <a id="437251045"></a>To immerse one’s self in the study of the Teachings
9. i <a id="457044272"></a>Not to follow one’s idle fancies and vain imaginations
10. j <a id="289814852"></a>To recite the holy verses at morn and at eventide
11. k <a id="732608458"></a>To recite the holy verses melodiously
12. l <a id="433265320"></a>To teach one’s children to chant the holy verses in the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár
13. m <a id="249208881"></a>To study such arts and sciences as benefit mankind
14. n <a id="635075437"></a>To take counsel together
15. o <a id="055090471"></a>Not to be indulgent in carrying out the statutes of God
16. p <a id="690257037"></a>To repent to God of one’s sins
17. q <a id="643764749"></a>To distinguish one’s self through good deeds
1. i <a id="707055735"></a>To be truthful
2. ii <a id="643863012"></a>To be trustworthy
3. iii <a id="029357812"></a>To be faithful
4. iv <a id="416640721"></a>To be righteous and fear God
5. v <a id="273975204"></a>To be just and fair
6. vi <a id="430154933"></a>To be tactful and wise
7. vii <a id="790925953"></a>To be courteous
8. viii <a id="660558903"></a>To be hospitable
9. ix <a id="739357199"></a>To be persevering
10. x <a id="646973272"></a>To be detached
11. xi <a id="744357952"></a>To be absolutely submissive to the Will of God
12. xii <a id="646834763"></a>Not to stir up mischief
13. xiii <a id="488423397"></a>Not to be hypocritical
14. xiv <a id="540282917"></a>Not to be proud
15. xv <a id="475101287"></a>Not to be fanatical
16. xvi <a id="788989270"></a>Not to prefer one’s self to one’s neighbor
17. xvii <a id="405816707"></a>Not to contend with one’s neighbor
18. xviii <a id="281139261"></a>Not to indulge one’s passions
19. xix <a id="731071608"></a>Not to lament in adversity
20. xx <a id="311306378"></a>Not to contend with those in authority
21. xxi <a id="232970725"></a>Not to lose one’s temper
22. xxii <a id="118161691"></a>Not to anger one’s neighbor
18. r <a id="230451987"></a>To be closely united
19. s <a id="609651830"></a>To consult competent physicians when ill
20. t <a id="680358001"></a>To respond to invitations
21. u <a id="311434297"></a>To show kindness to the kindred of the Founder of the Faith
22. v <a id="276405405"></a>To study languages for the furtherance of the Faith
23. w <a id="747650369"></a>To further the development of cities and countries for the glorification of the Faith
24. x <a id="549736747"></a>To restore and preserve the sites associated with the Founders of the Faith
25. y <a id="367903886"></a>To be the essence of cleanliness:
1. i <a id="153638043"></a>To wash one’s feet
2. ii <a id="939261041"></a>To perfume one’s self
3. iii <a id="075939770"></a>To bathe in clean water
4. iv <a id="839670387"></a>To cut one’s nails
5. v <a id="037268826"></a>To wash soiled things in clean water
6. vi <a id="330551258"></a>To be stainless in one’s dress
7. vii <a id="973271181"></a>To renew the furnishings of one’s house5. V Specific Admonitions, Reproofs and Warnings
Addressed to:
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4 The Rulers of America and Presidents of the Republics therein
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3 The supreme importance of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, “The Most Holy Book”
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5 The twin duties of recognition of the Manifestation and observance of His Laws, and their inseparability
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6 The end of all learning is the recognition of Him Who is the Object of all knowledge
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7 The blessedness of those who have recognized the fundamental verity “He shall not be asked of His doings”
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9 The selection of a single language and the adoption of a common script for all on earth to use: one of two signs of the maturity of the human race
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10 Prophecies of the Báb regarding “He Whom God will make manifest”
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12 Eulogy of the king who will profess the Faith and arise to serve it
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15 The merit of all deeds is dependent upon God’s acceptance
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16 The importance of love for God as the motive of obedience to His Laws
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23 Condemnation of those who lay false claim to esoteric knowledge
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24 Condemnation of those who allow pride in their learning to debar them from God
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33 Assurance of aid to all those who arise to serve the Faith