In one of His Tablets, "Abdu"l-Baha states that "if a person is incapable of earning a living, is stricken by dire poverty or becometh helpless, then it is inc.u.mbent on the wealthy or the Deputies to provide him with a monthly allowance for his subsistence.... By "Deputies" is meant the representatives of the people, that is to say the members of the House of Justice." (See also note 162 on mendicancy.)
In response to a question concerning whether Baha"u"llah"s injunction requires a wife and mother, as well as her husband, to work for a livelihood, the Universal House of Justice has explained that Baha"u"llah"s directive is for the friends to be engaged in an occupation which will profit themselves and others, and that homemaking is a highly honourable and responsible work of fundamental importance to society.
Concerning the retirement from work for individuals who have reached a certain age, Shoghi Effendi in a letter written on his behalf stated that "this is a matter on which the International House of Justice will have to legislate as there are no provisions in the Aqdas concerning it".
57. The kissing of hands hath been forbidden in the Book. #34
In a number of earlier religious Dispensations and in certain cultures the kissing of the hand of a religious figure or of a prominent person was expected as a mark of reverence and deference to such persons and as a token of submission to their authority. Baha"u"llah prohibits the kissing of hands and, in His Tablets, He also condemns such practices as prostrating oneself before another person and other forms of behaviour that abase one individual in relation to another. (See note 58.)
58. To none is it permitted to seek absolution from another soul #34
Baha"u"llah prohibits confession to, and seeking absolution of one"s sins from, a human being. Instead one should beg forgiveness from G.o.d. In the Tablet of Bis_h_arat, He states that "such confession before people results in one"s humiliation and abas.e.m.e.nt", and He affirms that G.o.d "wisheth not the humiliation of His servants".
Shoghi Effendi sets the prohibition into context. His secretary has written on his behalf that we
...are forbidden to confess to any person, as do the Catholics to their priests, our sins and shortcomings, or to do so in public, as some religious sects do. However, if we spontaneously desire to acknowledge we have been wrong in something, or that we have some fault of character, and ask another person"s forgiveness or pardon, we are quite free to do so.
The Universal House of Justice has also clarified that Baha"u"llah"s prohibition concerning the confession of sins does not prevent an individual from admitting transgressions in the course of consultations held under the aegis of Baha"i inst.i.tutions. Likewise, it does not preclude the possibility of seeking advice from a close friend or of a professional counsellor regarding such matters.
59. Amongst the people is he who seateth himself amid the sandals by the door whilst coveting in his heart the seat of honour. #36
Traditionally in the East it has been the practice to remove sandals and shoes before entering a gathering. The part of a room farthest from the entrance is regarded as the head of the room and a place of honour where the most prominent among those present are seated. Others sit in descending order towards the door, by which the shoes and sandals have been left and where the most lowly would sit.
60. And among the people is he who layeth claim to inner knowledge #36
This is a reference to people who claim access to esoteric knowledge and whose attachment to such knowledge veils them from the Revelation of the Manifestation of G.o.d. Elsewhere Baha"u"llah affirms: "They that are the worshippers of the idol which their imaginations have carved, and who call it Inner Reality, such men are in truth accounted among the heathen."
61. How many a man hath secluded himself in the climes of India, denied himself the things that G.o.d hath decreed as lawful, imposed upon himself austerities and mortifications #36
These verses const.i.tute the prohibition of monasticism and asceticism. See the Synopsis and Codification, section IV.D. 1.y.iii.-iv. In the Words of Paradise Baha"u"llah amplifies these provisions. He states: "Living in seclusion or practising asceticism is not acceptable in the presence of G.o.d," and He calls upon those involved to "observe that which will cause joy and radiance". He instructs those who have taken up "their abodes in the caves of the mountains" or who have "repaired to graveyards at night"
to abandon these practices, and He enjoins them not to deprive themselves of the "bounties" of this world which have been created by G.o.d for humankind. And in the Tablet of Bis_h_arat, while acknowledging the "pious deeds" of monks and priests, Baha"u"llah calls upon them to "give up the life of seclusion and direct their steps towards the open world and busy themselves with that which will profit themselves and others". He also grants them leave "to enter into wedlock that they may bring forth one who will make mention of G.o.d".
62. Whoso layeth claim to a Revelation direct from G.o.d, ere the expiration of a full thousand years #37
The Dispensation of Baha"u"llah will last until the coming of the next Manifestation of G.o.d, Whose advent will not take place before at least "a full thousand years" will have elapsed. Baha"u"llah cautions against ascribing to "this verse" anything other than its "obvious meaning", and in one of His Tablets, He specifies that "each year" of this thousand year period consists of "twelve months according to the Qur"an, and of nineteen months of nineteen days each, according to the Bayan".
The intimation of His Revelation to Baha"u"llah in the Siyah-C_h_al of ?ihran, in October 1852, marks the birth of His Prophetic Mission and hence the commencement of the one thousand years or more that must elapse before the appearance of the next Manifestation of G.o.d.
63. This is that of which We gave you forewarning when We were dwelling in "Iraq, then later while in the Land of Mystery, and now from this Resplendent Spot. #37
The "Land of Mystery" refers to Adrianople, and "this Resplendent Spot" is a reference to Akka.
64. Amongst the people is he whose learning hath made him proud ... who, when he heareth the tread of sandals following behind him, waxeth greater in his own esteem #41
In the East, the practice has been for followers of a religious leader, out of deference, to walk a pace or two behind him.
65. Nimrod #41
The Nimrod referred to in this verse is, in both Jewish and Islamic traditions, a King who persecuted Abraham and whose name became symbolic of great pride.
66. Ag_h_san #42
"Ag_h_san" (plural of G_h_usn) is the Arabic word for "Branches". This term is used by Baha"u"llah to designate His male descendants. It has particular implications not only for the disposition of endowments but also for the succession of authority following the pa.s.sing of Baha"u"llah (see note 145) and of "Abdu"l-Baha. Baha"u"llah, in the Book of His Covenant, appointed "Abdu"l-Baha, His eldest son, as the Centre of His Covenant and the Head of the Faith. "Abdu"l-Baha, in His Will and Testament, appointed Shoghi Effendi, His eldest grandson, as the Guardian and Head of the Faith.
This pa.s.sage of the Aqdas, therefore, antic.i.p.ates the succession of chosen Ag_h_san and thus the inst.i.tution of the Guardianship and envisages the possibility of a break in their line. The pa.s.sing of Shoghi Effendi in 1957 precipitated the very situation provided for in this pa.s.sage, in that the line of Ag_h_san ended before the Universal House of Justice had been established (see note 67).