Bahai

7. BAHA'I

Though the Prophet Muhammad is regarded as the last of the Prophets, there have been a number of people in various religions, since his time, who have claimed to be Prophets and have a following. Religions have a tendency to degenerate, and this causes the arising of reformers of varying quality as well as people willing to follow them. Not all of them claim to be Prophets of God. When they do, this produces a separate break away religion. Sometimes religions have degenerated so far that it is not possible to revive them, particularly because of the persecution by the old establishment, except by producing a separate one which may then gradually cause reformation in the old one. The arising of Islam, for instance, caused reformation in many older religions. Thus Christianity separated from Hebrewism, Guru Nanak produced Sikhism out of Hinduism and Joseph Smith created Mormonism out of Christianity. Baha’u’llah founded the Baha’i religion out of Shiah Islam.

This religion, Baha'i, poses a challenge to Islam in that it is newer, more contemporary in its ideas, bases its teachings on the Quran and other scriptures, claims to reform, revive and unite religion, and though it contradicts Islamic teachings by claiming a new Prophet, he is presented as the returned Christ as forecast by the Prophet Muhammad.

People may follow these new religions because they judge the truth, goodness, beauty or relevance of the teaching to their lives in accordance with their various intelligences, prejudices and self-interests, and also because it is part of the teaching of every religion that reformers will arise in the future. They may reject a new religion because of the same reasons, as Jews rejected Jesus and Christians rejected Muhammad, and Muslims reject Baha’u’llah. This is mainly because people have attachments to the person of a Prophet rather than to God and to the letter or forms of a religion rather than the teachings and Spirit which informs it, despite the efforts made by the Prophets to counteract this tendency. The coming of false prophets and Christs was also forecast (Matt 24:5, 24), and while some are most obviously false in so far as their teachings and morality contradicts that of the higher religions and has harmful effects, others cannot be judged so easily even if prejudices are set aside.

Mirza Sayed Ali Muhammad, born 1819 in Shiraz, Persia, a descendant of Muhammad, was a member of the Shaykhi sect of Shiah Islam, known for the symbolic interpretation of Islamic doctrines and their expectation of the imminent return of the Qa’im, the hidden twelfth and final Imam (successor of Muhammad), called Imam Mahdi, the perfect embodiment of the Islamic faith. He claimed in 1844 to be the Bab (Gateway) to “Him Whom God Shall Make Manifest”, and later claimed to be the Imam himself, giving rise to the Babi sect. As he was suspected by the Muslim authorities of fomenting insurrection and treason he was imprisoned several times and eventually executed in 1848. The Babis then broke away from Islam. He forecast that the return of the Promised one, would take place 9 years after his death (in 1853).

Mirza Hoseyn Ali Nur, (born 1817 in Tehran, Persia died 1892) allied himself with the Bab, and after the latter’s execution declared himself his successor. He was arrested in connection with an attempt by two vengeful Babis on the life of the Shah and imprisoned in Tehran in 1853 where he became aware of his mission as forecast. He was later exiled to Baghdad, where he declared to a number of Babis that he was the Messenger forecast by the Bab. He took the name Baha’Allah or Baha’u’llah (“Glory of God” or “The Manifestation of the Hidden God”). The authorities being alarmed by the threat of civil disorder, banished him to Constantinople, then to Adrianopolis where he proclaimed his mission publicly. He was transferred to a prison in Acre in Palestine as a result of the intrigues of his half brother who tried unsuccessfully to form a break away movement. Here he developed his new Religion Baha’i (Baha = glory), which most Babis, but not all accepted. He claimed to be the Messiah promised to the Jews, the return of Jesus promised to Christians and Muslims, the 5th Buddha promised to Buddhists, the return of Krishna promised to the Hindus and Shah Bahram promised to the Zoroastrians. He, therefore, sought to combine all the major religions.

He, like the Bab, had an impressive, intense and charismatic personality which influenced many people. He wrote some beautiful literature, full of quotations from the Quran and the Bible, though this in places seems rather naive, arrogant, flowery and long-winded. For instance he wrote to several rulers in terms which could only have given them the impression that he was hysterical, euphoric or mad. However, before the end of his life, despite persecution, Baha’i had spread to a much greater population in many countries than Christianity had spread in the same period. He appointed his son, Abdul Baha (Servant of the Glory) as successor and expounder of his teachings. But his younger brother, Muhammad Ali, formed a break away sect which made little headway. The Succession then went to Abdul Baha's eldest grandson, Shogu Effendi Rabbani., who died without naming a successor. The religion then split into several sects, the leadership of the main body passed into the hands of the Universal House of Justice. Another group, known as Orthodox, accepted Charles Remey, a close companion of Effendi, as the legitimate successor. There were also several other break away groups which were excommunicated as Covenant Breakers. The Sacred literature of Baha’i consists of the writings of Baha'ullah, Abdul Baha and Shogu Effendi.

The beliefs of this new religion are based on the Quran, though interpreted in an unorthodox manner. God, the Creator of all things, is an unknowable being without attributes. As God has always been the creator, the Cosmos has always existed. Men can know Him only because He manifests as a series of Messengers who are endowed with all the attributes of God and preside over an Age. They are all one in essence, and one with God (4:150), but distinct in their function or mission since this depends on the times and place. They are, therefore, a manifestation of God on earth, and we may speak about each as a return of another Prophet. They can also be described by a function (such as the Seal , Son etc.) or particular attribute of God. The purpose of religion is to facilitate the evolution of Religion and human civilization. Each “Manifestation” adds a new impulse to the world. There are other “Manifestations” to come after a further thousand years. Man is the noblest of all creations, having an immortal soul which separates from the body on death and enters a new existence. Heaven and Hell are symbols of the soul’s relationship with God, nearness leading to good conduct and happiness, and remoteness to evil and suffering. The Last Day, Resurrection and Judgment are interpreted symbolically as referring to the time of revolutionary environmental and ideological changes, when the old order collapses giving way to the new order (a new heaven and a new earth). a new Messenger arrives and there is a renewal of faith and a new Law by which people are judged. Nearness to God, resurrection or the revival of faith requires that a person should recognize, accept and obey the current Messenger. This is Baha’u’llah for the modern age. Jesus, too, regarded this to be case (John 11:25, 14:6), but his followers misunderstood the idea and used it to persecute others, despite the parable of the prodigal son which ought to have told them that the Ishmaelites would return to the home of the father.

The Islamic view is that Allah manifests Himself through His Attributes both in the created world and the Prophets, a great many of these attributes being mentioned in the Quran. That He can be and will be known by them (41:53), though the recognition of this does require inspiration by the Spirit, not necessarily through a prophet; that the purpose of Religion is to instill the awareness of Allah and surrender to Him; that the Cosmos has a beginning and will have an end (21:104, 55:26-27). The teachings about the unity and progression of the Prophets, obedience to them and the nature of Hell and Heaven are the same in both faiths. Since the Spirit of God is in man (physically man and animals are the same), then the words Resurrection and Judgement should also be understood, in Islam, as referring to the Spirit not the body. But, if the author is not mistaken, these terms refer to consciousness, conscience and will, not just to faith, unless the meaning is the same. These terms also appear, in Islam, to have a much wider Cosmic meaning.

Since Baha’i claims to be a new dispensation, it replaces the Islamic religious law and ritual worship. In fact, a reading of The Kitab-I-Iqan, (The Book of Certitude) written by Baha'ullah and containing the main Bahai Laws shows that it differs from only slightly from that of the Quran. Baha’i teachings is devoted mainly to social ethics, and to racial, class and religious unity. The Baha’i is obliged to accept Baha’u’llah’s claims, pray daily, fast 19 days a year from sunrise to sunset, abstain from narcotics and alcohol, obtain parental consent to marriage, practice monogamy (celibacy is condemned), and attend the feast on the first day of each of the 19 months in the Baha’i calendar. At these gatherings community prayers, readings from their scriptures and discussions regarding the affairs of the community take place.

No doubt Baha’u’llah saw the Muslims around him carrying out the Islamic rituals faithfully while neglecting its spiritual and moral teachings. Jesus too, in his day condemned the Jews for hypocrisy in that they were following the letter of the Law but had abandoned its meaning and spirit (Matt 23:13-39). The Christians made the mistake of trying to retain the spirit as taught by Jesus while abandoning the Law. Jesus himself, however, said that he had come to fulfill not destroy the Law (Matt 5:17-20). The spirit has to be contained in a vessel or vehicle to be transported down the ages so that those who will can drink of it. It is also necessary to have techniques which will awaken the spirit and maintain it. These, though not ends in themselves, are necessary means. In the absence of a vessel the spirit soon disappears. Jesus did, however, amend the Hebrew Law and introduce other rituals such as the Sacrament, and Muhammad did likewise. It can be argued that the modern age is one in which the old religious law is felt to be oppressive, and that rituals have become spiritually empty, mere forms. Therefore, they need replacement. In symbolic language, if Religion is heaven then the sun, moon and stars have darkened, though this also applies to the leaders of the religion who perform the rituals and outer forms of religion but give no light (Matt 24:29).

The organization introduced by Baha’u’llah are regarded by Baha’is as the blue print for the future world order. There are no priests. The Guardianship of the faith should have been a hereditary one, being passed down from Baha'ullah's son to his son and so on. Only the Guardian would have the right to interpret doctrines. This would prevent schisms and misunderstandings. Effendi, however, appears to have declared all the other male descendants of Baha'ullah as Covenant Breakers. However, as the function of the Guardian was only to ensure that the teachings are not corrupted, the local community elects a local spiritual assembly which is responsible for all local affairs. Local communities elect delegates to the national convention which elects a national spiritual assembly responsible for national affairs. These national assemblies, in their turn send delegates to the International Convention which elects the supreme body, the Universal House of Justice which has the supreme administrative, legislative and judicial function. Its seat is in Haifa, Israel. It also appoints an institute known as the “Hands of the Cause of God” and Continental Counsellors to propagate the faith and protect the community. The Counsellors appoint several Boards which assist, advise, inspire and encourage Baha’is and their institutions.

This organization, because it is organized from the bottom upwards, removes the dangers of political authoritarianism and oppression, the injustices of a Bureaucracy as well as the dangers of Schisms and Sectarianism. But it requires that all the people in it should adhere to a single ideology or religion. It is not possible for a unified political system to exist unless there is some unifying factor. This is either God or some man or some sub-human, unintelligent mechanism. This organisation is similar to the one which should have existed in Islam but for the Schism. Certainly one of the causes of the disintegration of the Islamic community is lack of a unifying organisation. The disintegration and degeneration of Islam can be attributed to the fact that the Prophet Muhammad did not name a successor though he hinted that it should be Ali. It is the Shiah sect which still regards Ali as the real successor. But as Muhammad foresaw these consequences there must have been some good reason for not naming a successor. The consequences of a succession, as found in Christianity, are certainly not inspiring. He also allowed for a diversity of religions to coexist. It is probably unreasonable to expect, given the diversity of human beings and their diverse circumstances, that they will all accept the same religion or even understand the same religion in the same way.

Baha’u’llah saw his mission to be to unite mankind under one faith, one government and to establish a world-wide higher civilization, the Millennium, the thousand years of peace, prosperity and progress as forecast mainly in Christianity (Rev 20). The Lord’s Prayer Jesus taught his followers also looks forward to the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth (Matt 6:10). Jesus, however, tells us that the kingdom of heaven is within man (Luke 17:21) and that his kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36), though this may only refer to his times. The Quran tells us that the external conditions of a people cannot be changed until the inner psychological state is changed (13:11). Every genuine religion emphasises spiritual growth rather than social progress. However, Baha’i does have spiritual teachings, all appear to be based on the Quran, and it may be argued that the acceptance of these will cause the social changes Bahai's want.

Baha’u’llah’s credentials are as follows:-

He was a morally upright man, received revelations, devoted his life to the spiritual and moral revival of people, and despite persecution succeeded in attracting a following. He is said to have descended from the third son of Abraham by his third wife, Katurah, (Genesis 25:1-4), the descendants of the others having originated Christianity and Islam. This fulfils the Promise to Abraham:-

“And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” Genesis 22:18 and also 26:4.

Like Jesus whose coming was prepared by John the Baptist, his coming is said to have been prepared by the Bab, though the Bab did not actually recognize him. But then neither did John recognize Jesus. It is also claimed that the Hebrew, Christian and Islamic scriptures forecast his coming. All of these also forecast that there would be a revolutionary change in the conditions of man. The old systems would be destroyed and a new heaven and a new earth would be created. Whereas earth refers to the physical conditions in which man exists, heaven refers to the mental, psychological and spiritual conditions. There has certainly been a transformation in the life of man throughout the world in all these respects since his time.

Religious literature is full of symbolic language which has been variously interpreted by different people often in accordance with their prejudices and interests. There is, therefore, much conflict about their meaning. It is generally not possible to prove which of these interpretations are correct. All one can say is that if the interpretation is made by someone who has greater knowledge and insight, is reasonable, and he can show that a greater number of facts are explained by his interpretations and fewer facts contradict it, then this interpretation is much more likely to be true than others. If, however, later someone arises who can advance a better explanation then this will be more acceptable. There are some good explanations in esoteric circles such as the Sufis which are not generally known owing to the fact that the interpretation of these symbols requires a special language and way of looking at things, just as science requires, and this, in its turn, requires special training which the generality of people have not undertaken.

When Jesus was asked when he would return, he gives several indications among which were the following:- That the gospel of the Kingdom will be preached throughout the world, that Jerusalem will be destroyed and the Jews would not be allowed to return until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled (Matt 24). It is calculated that the Christian message had reached all the world by 1844 and that the Turks were forced by Western powers to sign the Edict of Toleration, granting religious toleration to territories controlled by them, also in 1844. This led to the return of Jews to Jerusalem, as predicted in the Old Testament.

Jesus also refers to the following prophecy of Daniel (Matt 24:15):-

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know, therefore and understand that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah, the Prince, shall be seven weeks and three score and two weeks; The street shall be built again and the wall, even in troubles times. And after three score and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary: and the end thereof shall be with a flood and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week; and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate even until the consummation and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate” Daniel 9:24-27.

Jerusalem, the Capital of Israel, containing the Temple built by Solomon was destroyed in 922 B.C, again in 850, 612 and 604 BC The Hebrews were dispersed. The Jews were taken captive by the Babylonians and then by the Persians who overcame Babylon. This city was to be rebuilt in time for the coming of Jesus and was later captured by the Romans in 63 B.C, who were still in control when Jesus carried out his mission. It was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D after the rebellion of the Jews, as predicted by Jesus (Matt 24:2).

The Baha’i understand these verses as follows:- They forecast the martyrdom of Jesus 70 weeks after the command to rebuild Jerusalem. Since a day is taken to mean a human year, then we have 7x70 =490 years. This number is also made of 7 plus 3 score (3x20=60) plus 2 weeks plus the one week of his mission (7+60+2+1= 70). The Kings of Persia, Cyrus in 536 B.C, Darius in 519 B.C and Artaxerxes in 456 and 444 B.C made proclamations allowing the Jews who were captives in Persia, to return and rebuild Jerusalem. (Ezra 1, 6 and 7, Nehemiah 2 and 3). The Baha’i take the year 456 as the one meant by Daniel. If one adds 490 years to this we get A.D 32 which is the year Christ was crucified. He was 33 years old, his mission having begun when he was 30. We are also told that he will confirm the covenant for one week, and in the midst of the week he will cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease. Half of seven is three and a half and this is the number of years his mission did, in fact, last.

Daniel also tells us:-

“I saw the night vision and behold the Son of Man (i.e.. Christ) came with the clouds of heaven and came to the Ancient of Days (i.e.. God) and they brought him near before Him, and there was given him dominion and glory and a kingdom that all people, nations and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14

When asked when this would be the answer was

“And he said unto me: Unto two thousand and three hundred days, then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” Daniel 8: 13-14

If the same principles are applied then 2300 - 456 gives us 1844 which is the year of his return. This is the date when the Bab declared his mission. It is not the date when Baha’ullah started his mission.

Certain discrepancies are ignored. Daniel was prophesying in the reign of Darius (Daniel 9:1) which puts the date of the declaration at 519 BC. This would upset all the calculations. It gives us 63 BC the year the Romans captured Jerusalem. The verses also mention that after 3 score and two weeks the Messiah would be cut off and the city would be destroyed by another prince. Whereas this confirms the prediction by Jesus that he would be crucified and that the Jerusalem would be destroyed, the timing is wrong. 62 weeks = 434 years, which puts the date at 22 B.C.

The scriptures also mention that Christ would come under a new name (Isaiah 62:2, 65:15, Rev 2:17, 3:5, 12). This name is “The Glory of God” according to Isaiah 35:2, 40:5, 58:8, Rev 21:2,23, Matt 16:27, Ezek 1:28. This, of course fits Baha’u’llah. It can, however, be argued that Baha’u’llah took this name in order to fulfill the Prophecy. Jesus tells us that he had other sheep to whom he must go in order to create a single community with a single leader (John 10:16), thus justifying his appearance in Persia. The Hebrew Scriptures, it seems, also tell us that the Messiah would come from the East, perhaps from Persia (Micah 7:12, Ezek 43:2-4, Jeremiah 49:38-39), and that he would be preceded by another Prophet (Zechar. 4:14, Malachi 3:1). Zarathustra forecast the arising of a Prophet in Persia and Buddha forecast the arising of another Buddha in the West. Krishna also forecast the coming of an Avatar or incarnation of Shiva in coming times of spiritual darkness and troubles. All this is taken to refer to Baha’u’llah.

In the New Testament we read:-

“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod; and the angel stood, saying: rise and measure the temple of God, and the alter, and them that worship therein. But the court which is outside the Temple leave out, and measure it not, for it is given to the Gentiles; and the Holy City shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses and they shall prophecy a thousand two hundred and three score days, clothed in sackcloth.” Rev. 11:1-3

The reed here is a perfect man in a state of surrender, being empty and responding to the breath of God. The Temple or some esoteric group and the people in it are to be measured by him, but not those who are outside, those who belong to conventional or formal religion. 42 months or one thousand two hundred and three score days both equal 1260 years. The outer part of the Temple, (formal rather than spiritual religion) is to be given to the Gentiles for this period, and two witnesses for God also referred to as two candle sticks giving light from two Olive trees shall preside over this period. (See the Light verse in Quran 24:35-37). The Baha’i take this to be the period over which the Prophet Muhammad and his assistant Ali reigned. This is because the Muslim year starts with the flight of Muhammad to Medina where he established a State based on Islam, replacing the dispensation of Jesus, and the Bab, said to be the new prophet replacing the dispensation of Muhammad, began his mission in the Muslim year 1260 or the Christian year 1844.

However, the Bab is said to be like John the Baptist, preparing the way for Baha’u’llah, the Christ returned, the real founder of the Baha’i dispensation. His mission began only in 1853. The Babis did not break away from Islam until 1848. Their interpretation, therefore, seems rather forced, particularly as their other interpretations apply the Christian solar, not the Muslim lunar calendar which was introduced much later after these Prophecies were written. Ali is not regarded as a Prophet by Muslims. It is more likely that the two witnesses are Jesus and Muhammad. But there is some justification for the Bahai view in that Ali married the Prophet’s daughter and the descendants of this union, known as Sayeds, have a special place in Islam. The Prophet himself instructed the Muslims, according to one Hadith, to follow the Quran and his family. According to another Muslims were to follow the Quran and his Sunna. Shiahs accept the first and Sunnis accept the second version.

The Prophecy continues:-

“And if any man hurt them (the witnesses), fire proceeds out of their mouths and devoureth their enemies; and if any man hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy; and have power over the waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt where also our Lord (Jesus) was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them and make merry and shall sends gifts one to another because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and a half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them: come up hither. And they ascended up unto heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour there was a great earthquake and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand, and the remnants were affrighted and gave glory to the God of Heaven. The second woe is past; and behold the third woe comes quickly. And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven saying: The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” (Rev 11:5-15)

Obviously we must interpret the terms used symbolically. It cannot be denied that Muslims did achieve a high Civilization and obtained a large Empire by vanquishing their enemies. The blessings of Allah were certainly on them. It is equally undeniable that these blessings have been withdrawn and the Muslim world is impoverished, degenerate and enslaved and that all other nations of the world are relieved, rejoice and help each other to keep the Muslims in that state. Satan, the deceiver and opponent of the Prophets and the Spiritual message, has risen and overcome them. As the Prophet Muhammad himself predicted, the Spirit has departed and only the dead body, the rituals and institutions, of Islam remain, devoid of all light. But the people would not bury it, but continued to crucify the truth in the same way as they crucified Jesus, that is spiritually. They would do this for three days and a half after which there would be a resurrection. This period equals three and a half years which equals 42 months which is 1260 days. And this is again interpreted as 1260 years, the era of Muhammad. The resurrection or re-entry of the spirit is interpreted as the mission of the Bab. The call from Heaven is interpreted as meaning that the mission of Muhammad has come to an end and Islam should, like Jesus sacrifice itself, making way for the next dispensation. The three woes are interpreted as meaning the coming of Muhammad, the martyrdom of the Bab which was accompanied by an earthquake, and the mission of Baha’u’llah. These are all woes for the unbelievers. On the other hand, it could be interpreted as the beginning of the revival and spiritualisation of Islam. But "Islam" can be thought of as a general term referring to "True Religion" rather than to a particular religion.

But note also the following:-

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth; and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and three score days (1260). And there was a war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and the dragon fought against his angels and prevailed not, neither was their place found anymore in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called Devil and Satan, which deceives the whole world. He was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out with him. ... And when the dragon saw that he was cast out unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle that she might fly into the wilderness into her place where she nourishes for a time and times and a half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the commandment of God and have testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev 12)

Baha’is take the woman to be Islam where the sun is an emblem of Persia and the moon of Turkey and the stars are the 12 Imams (see Genesis 25:16 where Ishmael gives rise to 12 princes according to their nations). and the child is the Bab, the precursor of Baha’i who was executed. The seven heads and crowns of the Dragon are taken as meaning the dominions over which the Bani-Umayih (the dynasty which took over and destroyed Islam) had power.

This interpretation does not appear to be correct since the text refers to Christ. The woman may be regarded as the Spirit or Religion in general, which gave birth to Jesus. But owing to persecution by Satan, he was taken up to heaven. Religion then went into the wilderness, implying that it went into the deserts of Arabia and among an unknown, outcast and primitive people, as Islam, or that it retreated even further into hidden esoteric groups where she was nourished. However, the efforts of Satan became more intense causing the degeneration of Religion and the persecution of the Spiritually minded. But the earth, the conditions in which religion found itself, nature herself, tended to neutralize his evil mechanisations. The words “time, times and a half” could mean one year plus two years plus half a year = 42 months = 1260 days or years.

The other chapters in this book can be, and have been, interpreted as referring to the degeneration of Christianity and mankind in general, the eventual descent of Jesus and the establishment of the Millennium, after which Satan will again become active (Rev.20:7-8). They provide confirmation for the Baha’i religion only if it is first accepted that Baha’u’llah is Christ returned. And this is only possible if we understand the term in a spiritual sense not a physical one. The man Baha’ullah is not identical with the man Jesus, but the same spirit informs both. This distinction can be seen in the following:-

The Jews were expecting the return of the Prophet Elias as a precursor to the coming of the Messiah. When they asked John the Baptist if he was Elias, he denied it (John 1:21). But when they asked Jesus about him he said that John was Elias, if they would receive it and if they had ears to hear. (Matt 11:14-15, 17:11-13). It is a question of function. This also has relevance to the theory of reincarnation. In the New Testament when Jesus speaks of his return he uses the phrase “Son of Man” (Matthew 24:30, 25:31) which could mean a Prophet in general. However, it could be understood symbolically as the revival of Religion or Spirituality because Jesus is to return from heaven as he ascended and all the people would see this (Acts 1:11, Revelations 1:7)). This cannot be done in the flesh. Nor could all the people see him physically (except through TV), though they could perceive and understand his teachings. The words of the Prophet Muhammad regarding the return of Jesus, however, seem to refer to a real person in the flesh but not to a new religion.

If the predictions of Jesus and in the Book of Revelations are to be taken as referring to historical events rather than symbolizing events in heaven or in the spiritual field, then the 14th and 15th century is a good example where Famines, Plagues and Wars ravaged humanity, particularly Europe, and decimated the population. It is also during this time that the organized churches became thoroughly corrupt and the religious authorities “committed fornication” (Rev. 14) with kings and merchants (i.e. political and commercial powers). Reformation was brought about only in the 16th century by Luther and Calvin, no doubt having been affected by Islamic ideas following the crusades of 11th and 12 centuries. The establishment of the Protestant Christianity also induced the Counter-reformation in the Catholic Church.

One of the central themes in the Quran is the Last Day, the Day of Resurrection and Judgement. (Quran 77, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83). The Baha’i interpret these as follows:- The Last Day refers to the end of an Age when turmoil and revolutionary changes will usher in a new Age, a new Heaven and a new Earth. The Trumpet refers to a new Announcement, a new dispensation of Religion. (Quran 79:6-7 and 39:67-68 mention two trumpets taken to mean the Bab and Baha’u’llah). The darkening of the sun, moon and stars refers to religious leaders who give no light, and the cleaving of the heavens refer to the necessary revolutionary changes in religion, while the clouds refer to obscurity in the conventional or rigid mind (Quran 2:210, 25:25, 44:10-11 and Matt. 24:29-30). Resurrection refers to a reawakening of mankind, spiritual regeneration or the return of faith. Judgement refers to the separation between those who accept and follow the new Prophet and, therefore adapt themselves to the new world, and those who reject him and, therefore, suffer or are annihilated. The Quran does tell us that every Announcement or Message has its term (6:67), which presumably also means the end of the dispensation of Muhammad.

All this seems very reasonable, but there are certain difficulties:-

(1) There is little doubt that the world has completely changed from about the middle of 19th century, owing to scientific and technological advances. The invention of aeroplanes and cars, telephones, radio and television, computers and automated machines have transformed every city, contracted the world, changed commercial and social interactions and made all people inter-dependent. The political maps and constitutions of the world have also changed and are changing. The nature of science has also changed, in its philosophy, theories and practice, and is now unable to contradict the religious view. New moral concerns regarding human rights, the welfare of the environment and animal conservation have arisen. There do appear to be an increasingly greater number of people who have woken up to human rights and dignity, the sacredness of all life and the welfare of this planet, and are becoming concerned with global matters of the injustices in the world, environmental matters, animals rights and even with spiritual and psychological development. These physical and social changes may also require an equivalent spiritual change and a religion purified of past superstitions. There is a worldwide rekindling of interest in religion and that at a higher level. There appears to be an intensifying struggle worldwide between these newly enlightened people and those who are still in spiritual darkness.

But the Millennium has not yet arrived. In fact wars, crimes, prejudices, poverty, disease and ecological disasters appear to have increased not decreased. It is also true that there is much suffering in many parts of the world owing to maladaptation to the new system. There ought, therefore, also to be a new spiritual teaching, a new religion to reflect these changes and facilitate mental transformation and adaptation. This new religion, it is claimed, is Baha’i. Those who accepted it would prosper and those which did not would suffer. Thus, the Day of Judgement has arrived. They do point to a widespread destruction and transformation of the earth. There have been two world wars followed by a cold war consisting of much intrigue and lying, several epidemics, economic slumps, famines and even earthquakes, droughts and floods since 1844. All prediction, however, tells us that Christ would return after these tribulations and not before them, though the examples in the Quran always follow the warning of the Messenger. The predictions in the Matthew 24 do not, however, seem to refer to a personal return of Jesus, but to a spiritual return which probably refers to the establishment of Christianity in the Roman Empire under Constantine. This interpretation is probably affirmed in the story of the companions of the cave who fell asleep during the time the Romans were persecuting the Christians and woke up to a transformed Christian world (Quran 18). This is given in the Quran as an example of Resurrection.

It may be argued that these disasters are the punishments for those who have not accepted and implemented his teachings (Rev. 14 -20). And it is only because of the disasters that people turn to religion. The history of all other religions is that they tend to degenerate after the death of their founders. Why should the case be different with Baha’i? It is, of course, also true that the spiritual impulse introduced by a Prophet continues its transformation of the Society for a long time to come because the number of adherents grows and so does their power. The Spirit of a Messenger presides over a whole Age. This may yet bring about the transformations as forecast. But this requires faith and is not the rational evidence which the Bahai’s presumably intend.

(2) It cannot be shown that the coming of Baha’i caused any of these changes. It may also be pointed out that a great many other religions, sects within religions, semi-religions, cults and religious reformations, revivals and purifications have also arisen world-wide. There are many others who also claim revelation and even that they are Christ. All this may be just one aspect of a general transformation. A new spirit has entered into the world but it has many agents or channels. This interpretation is much more in harmony with Christian scriptures if they are not read naively. Jesus tells us that he would return in the clouds of heaven, and shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to another. But no one knows when that will be (Matt 24:30 - 36). This must, obviously, be interpreted spiritually.

The trumpet does, however, seem to refers to an announcement. Many Christians and Muslims expect an actual Prophet. According to the Prophet Muhammad, he would be a man who will marry have children and remain for 45 years. He would be preceded by the Dajjal (anti-Christ), whom he would defeat by joining a section of Muslims who were still fighting for truth. He would sit down with their commander and lead them in prayer. If this prediction is not interpreted too naively then it could be seen that the Anti-christ is also a symbol for lies, distortions, perversions, injustice and persecution which may be incarnated in one or more persons or in a movement. Baha’u’llah did, in fact, join the Babis who were fighting for truth and were a section of the Muslims, led by the Bab, and were, indeed, persecuted. In this connection, a prediction by the Prophet Muhammad needs to be quoted:-

“The Bani Israel divided into 72 sects, but my people will divide into 73 sects, and all of them but one will go to hell.”

Thus only one of the sects which claim to follow Muhammad are real Muslims. It could be argued that Baha’ullah did become their leader and eventually overcame the persecutors. He did marry and have children. His mission could be calculated from the year he succeeded the Bab (1848) until his death (1892) and this comes to 45 years in the Islamic Lunar Calendar. But the prediction does not tell us that there will be a new separate religion. This is probably because all true religions are regarded to be one, namely Surrender (Islam) though propagated by many different Messengers.

(3) There is no reason to suppose that these teachings are not also literally true. Disasters of a cosmic nature owing to the impact of meteors, comets and asteroids or explosions on the sun have happened before several times, wiping out of life and facilitating a new evolution. Baha'ullah appears to be unaware of the fact that there are records all over the world and also scientific evidence that the earth is struck periodically by major physical disasters which kill off most of life and destroy civilisations worldwide and that there is, thereafter a slow building up of life and civilisations in another form. The recreation of the earth has a more literal meaning. Human perversions may also destroy the planet and themselves through atomic or other wars, pollution, disruption of the ecological system, wastage of resources and general mismanagement of the environment, their societies and their own psychological welfare. This Judgement either requires reincarnation or it takes place elsewhere in the spiritual world. In the Quran, the Last Day, the Day of Judgement is connected with personal Judgement. Chapter 77, 79 and others of the Quran mentions the dimming of stars, the scattering of mountains like dust and the renting asunder of the heavens. Chapter 29 of the Quran describes how a number of nations to whom Prophets came were destroyed because they did not heed their warnings. But this Judgement is distinguished from the Judgement in the Hereafter.

“Thus Allah made them taste humiliation in the life of the World, but verily, the doom of the Hereafter will be greater if they did but know.” 39:26

The examples given in the Quran regarding the Day of Resurrection and Judgement are of Communities like Egypt and the Jews of Palestine to whom Moses and Jesus came as warners. They brought spiritual revival to some people and those who rejected these Messengers were destroyed. The pagan Arabs were likewise destroyed when they rejected Muhammad. One would, therefore, suppose that the Persians or the whole Muslim nation would be destroyed if they rejected Baha’ullah. But this has not happened. Certainly all Muslim nations have lost their civilization and power and are dominated by foreign Western ones, by tyrannies of their own, and many are undergoing persecution in Iraq, Bosnia, Palestine and elsewhere. On the other hand there has been a religious awakening in Iran and a re-establishment of Islam. The old kingly regimes were swept away by a revolution and this nation was able to withstand and defeat the onslaught of what might be called Satanic forces in the form of Iraq armed by the might of Western powers. There are movements in other Islamic nations also trying to re-establish Islam. The Baha’i would probably deny that these developments were in accord with Baha’ullah’s mission and point rather to the spread of the Baha’i faith through many lands. From the Islamic point of view, and perhaps also from that of Baha’ullah, the purpose of a messenger has never been to form a sect, but to cause spiritual revival. On the other hand it could be that there are only political movements in Islamic countries, not spiritual ones, and these will accelerate the destruction of the dispensation of Muhammad.

If the Day of Judgement is taken in the worldly sense as the destruction of a degenerate community, then there is no forecast in the Quran that another particular prophet is to come after Muhammad, and certainly no new religion since religion is perfected in Islam. But then the Quran does not see religion in terms of sects. The distinction to be made is between those who worship and serve God and those who do not. The term Messenger can only be taken as a general principle which could apply to Baha’ullah as well. This does not explain how those who have died in the past can be personally judged and punished or rewarded for the good and evil they did. If the coming of Baha’ullah is seen as introducing the Final Judgement then we must suppose that this is the age when all the dead of the past are being resurrected to Hell or Paradise in the spiritual world and no living person will die, but will merely be transformed. Physical reincarnation cannot possibly apply because this would mean that people will now be immortal, that there will be no more evil. A belief that such an event has taken place in the spiritual world requires faith. According to the Quran it should be one of general awakening such that all will be in no doubt about it. (79:14). But perhaps it is an event yet to come and Baha’ullah was merely a warner of it. In that case Muhammad has already done this and so have other Messengers and people need only heed these warnings. This is not to say that they do not require strong reminders from time to time. Resurrection may, however, mean that there is a revival of religion and interest in spiritual matters and that people become aware of their immortality. We are certainly living in an age in which there is a worldwide revival of religion. Though there may be no obvious sociological connection between this and the arising of Bahai, there may be a psychological connection, or the arising of Bahai is only a manifestation of a world-wide psychological process.

It is much more likely that these verses of Book of Revelations and the Quran refer not to physical or historical events but to psychological or spiritual ones and to thing in the collective psyche.

Since Baha’u’llah is regarded as the Prophet for the new age, his teachings are concerned with things which are relevant to the present age which is to last a thousand years. The main teachings the Baha’is advance are the following:-

1. The unity of mankind.

2. The unity of religion.

3. The independent investigation of truth.

4. The harmony between science and religion.

5. The equality of men and women.

6. Universal education.

7. The establishment of a Universal language.

8. The creation of a World Government.

9. A spiritual and moral solution to economic problems, including the equitable distribution and use of the world’s wealth and resources.

10. Co-operation between workers, managers and owners.

It cannot be denied that the world has undergone revolutionary changes, that it is facing a number of psychological, social and ecological problems which require urgent solutions, that all the religions of the world, including Islam, have degenerated and certainly require reformation and revival, that the above aims are compatible with the spirit of the age and offer solutions to these problems. Nor are these aims incompatible with Islam. Baha’i does not deny the validity of Islam. In fact, it is based on the Quran. People converted to Baha’i are people who have improved and are on the whole better people than the average person who professes to be a Muslim but has not deliberately converted to his own religion. Why then did Muslims persecute the Baha’i? There are three reasons for this.

(a) The main reason is the fear and prejudice against something new in narrow conditioned, literal minds against things which such a mind cannot comprehend. People form habits and attachments to certain ideas, beliefs, ways of thinking and doing things which become the foundations of their lives. Any threat to these creates insecurity and this arouses retaliation. It by passes the rational mind. When asked to discuss their differences, the Islamic Ulema (scholars) refused to do so. But it is not only new Prophets and their followers who are persecuted.

(b) The Muslim religious establishment feared the erosion of their authority, power and prestige, just as the Jews who persecuted Jesus did. Political authorities feared political turmoil and disorder. Businessmen may have feared loss of profit. Miscreants of all kinds feel guilty and fear exposure and condemnation.

(c) A more rational reason is that Muslims regard Muhammad as the last of the Prophets and Islam as religion completed. There can, therefore, be no further genuine prophets or genuine religions. Yet Muhammad did forecast the return of Jesus. It is necessary to point out that a reading of Quran tells us that:-

“Muhammad is a Messenger (Rasul) of God, and the Seal of the Prophets (Nabi).” 33:40

It does not tell us that there will be no further Messengers. Baha’i distinguishes between the Age of Promise and the Age of Fulfillment. Muhammad, they tells us, is the Seal of the Prophets in the Age of Promise and Baha’u’llah is the first Prophet in the Age of Fulfillment, a new cycle. The Quran itself does not mention the return of Jesus or the coming of any other Prophet or of another religion in the future. This, one would have thought, would have been sufficiently important to mention. However, Quran tells us that

“The ordinance from heaven is directed to the earth and it then ascends unto Allah in a thousand years.” 32:5

This could, perhaps, refer to a dispensation of religion. Yet, the prediction about the return of Jesus and the Muslim understanding of the Last Hour does not quite fit Baha’u’llah, though this may be a matter of interpretation. The Baha’i have ignored the Muslim religious Law, rituals and practices though these are the means by which spiritual growth is to be facilitated. However, Islam recognizes the validity of other spiritual disciplines. Quran 61:9 tells us that Islam will conquer all religions, but here the wording refers to the Religion of Truth and Surrender to Allah as opposed to Idolatry, rather than Islam in the narrow sense.

Baha’i appears to be a purely social religion as their program shows, interested mainly in this world, while Islam appears to be more interested in the Spiritual world and the Hereafter (6:32). The Quran tells us that conditions of life of a people cannot be changed until they are spiritually or psychologically transformed (13:11). This implies that no matter how social and political conditions are changed, they will produce mal-practices and suffering if the people remain the same. Perhaps, things have changed and social engineering can now create psychological transformation. But if those who do it are of low spiritual quality will this not end in disaster?

It may also be argued that the pursuit of these social aims have a spiritual or psychological value. Though the Quran confirms the social or worldly interpretation of the Day of Judgement which Baha’i also obtained from the Quran (21:94-106, Chapter 52 and 56 and many other verses), it is clear that it also speaks of spiritual transformation and entry into Paradise, While the Baha’i social program is certainly compatible with Islam, Islam also teaches the spiritual growth of man, the development of knowledge, consciousness, conscience, high moral values and self-discipline (91:8-10, 34:46, 3:164, 6:123) the vicegerency of man (2:30), Surrender to God (3:85, 5:3,35, 6:162-164), that human beings will be transformed (56:60-63), that they will move from plane to plane (84:19-20), and that every individual will be resurrected and judged for his own behaviour on the Day of Judgement (84:1-11 and many other verses) and it will then be too late for the faithless evil-doers to make amends, because Paradise and Hell are Spiritual and Eternal States (89:21-30 and many others). This cannot apply to the people of the past in the Baha’i interpretation unless re-incarnation is also taught. But if it is, then presumably they have another chance to make amends, and they will undergo physical death again. However, some Christian sects teach that after physical resurrection people will enjoy eternal life on earth - paradise will be on earth - and the wicked will be eternally dead. But this view cannot be sustained if Satan is to be loosed again after a thousand years (Revelations 20:2-3). The Lord’s prayer as taught by Jesus (Matthew 6:9-13) does say

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.”

This has been interpreted as meaning that Paradise will be on earth. But it can be interpreted as meaning that human beings on earth ought to obey God as all things do in Heaven. The Christian scriptures also tell us that

“Flesh and blood cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven but that man will be transformed into a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:37-50).

This is also the Islamic view. There seem to be only three alternatives:- Either it is the Baha’i contention that the Quran taught these things not because they were true but only for effect. Or that Baha’i ignores them to cater for the modern sceptical age. Or that they have a better explanation for these teachings which this author has not come across.

The Quran tells us:-

"This day have I perfected for you your religion, and completed My favour unto you, and have chosen for you as religion Al-Islam. But he who is forced by hunger, not inclined willfully to sin, verily, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." Quran 5:3

There cannot be a higher religion than "Surrender to Allah" i.e. self-identification with the ultimate Reality. But the implication of the verse is that though circumstances cause people to fall below the standards set by Islam, they can be forgiven. This failure is no reflection on Islam itself, which remains perfect. However, this perfection cannot be understood by sinners, those whose minds are still unregenerate.

These arguments cannot, however, justify persecution in so far as the Quran teaches that:-

(i) There is no compulsion in religion (2:256, 4:80, 10:100 -101),

(ii) That all who surrender to Allah, no matter what sect they belong to, will receive salvation (2:111-112, 5:68-69),

(iii) That the Muslim attitude should be one of agreeing to differ (42:15, 3:64, 109:1-6).

(iv) That a truly spiritual man should recognise a true teaching wherever it is found. (2:146).

(v) That there is no virtue in adhering to tradition (2:170).

(vi) That guidance and inspiration depends on Allah’s Will, not man’s (40:15, 6:125-126).

(vii) That what people believe depends on Allah. (2:120, 10:100-101, 13:19).

(viii) That each nation receives its messengers and has a limited term (7:34-35) The Prophet himself forecast the decline of Islam.

(ix) That the Muslim should not be swayed by the belief or disbelief of others.(3:175-176, 5:105, 6:66-70)

(x) That Allah can replace those who do not adhere to their religion (5:54, 4:133, 70:40-44).

(xi) That Allah can abrogate or confirm what He wills (13:39)

(xii) That for everything there is a prescribed time. (13:38)

It is true, however, that the aims of Baha’i are not quite the same as Islam, states them more clearly and appear more relevant to the contemporary world, and this may appeal to people. The aims of Islam are wider than merely the establishment of a civilization, as they include human psychological, social as well as environmental development; the avoidance of idolatry in all its forms; the pursuit of unity, truth, virtue, utility and beauty. It is fully comprehensive which Baha’i is not. The emphasis in Baha’i is on Justice which leaves out Compassion and Truth, two other factors required for completion. Perhaps Baha’i chose only that which seemed particularly relevant at the moment.

However merit refers not just to (a) the teachings, but also to (b) motives and (c) practice. Motives require inspiration through a faith. If a person by his faith in Baha’i becomes a better person, then no Muslim can, with justice, object. He might have benefited more by becoming a true Muslim, but Islam is professed by millions of people in whom no such faith is inspired and they are no better for it. Faith must not only be based on a comprehensive, self-consistent theoretical basis, contain sufficient incentives, but must also lead to effective and efficient practices. These must be appropriate to the aims, the social context and in the manner of their application.

On the other hand, Baha’u’llah understands the word “civilization” in a much wider sense than it is understood in the West where it is identified mostly with technology. There may be no contradiction at all.

There seems to be little cause for doubt that Baha’u’llah was a man of high moral qualities, sincere, with a sense of mission, and that he inspired and morally elevated many followers giving them a sense of significance and purpose in life, and still does so. His religion is spreading throughout the world. It could be said that he was a man carried away to exaggeration by certain inner experiences where persecution reinforced self-importance. Though this is not unusual, this also militates against virtue, reason and success. This cannot be said about Baha’u’llah. His claims to revelation are no different from those made by other Prophets and can only be judged by his achievements. He sacrificed his comfort and life for his faith, sought neither wealth, power nor position, was persecuted by the establishment for the same reasons as other Prophets (5:62, 6:7, 8:32, 11:27,113, 26:187, 34:43, 37:36, 45:8,22,24) and yet succeeded in spreading his religion. His abilities and achievements, however, fall far short of those of the Prophet Muhammad.

However, he appears to concentrate his attention on the Prophets, while the Quran also points to the nature of man and the rest of Creation. Though he declares laudable goals there do not appear to be many methods of achieving these. Nor can we find many new truths, spiritual practices and Laws in it. This writer may, however, be wrong about all this. The goals could have been, and have been, declared by many other people requiring no inspiration, but merely observation and reason. Mere exhortation seems futile. It is also possible to criticize particular aims such as the establishment of a World Government on the grounds that this could lead to world-wide oppression. However, these criticisms are only possible if one isolates one aspect of the teaching from the whole and discounts the effectiveness of inspiration into the followers.

Baha’i appears to lack an inner dimension, unless it expects this to be transferred from the Quran which he adulates and quotes extensively. This would certainly confirm the belief that his mission was not to abolish Islam but to reform and revive it, as the returned Jesus was expected to do. He also quotes the Bible extensively. Perhaps the statement that Jesus and Muhammad are brothers is fulfilled in Baha’u’llah.

Baha’i should, probably, be seen as a movement which unifies, revitalizes and consolidates religions in general. It resurrects, generalizes and re-emphasises the message contained in the mission of Muhammad and tries to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Baha’i appears to be logically the next step in the evolution of mankind. Though, the message of Muhammad was for the whole world, it did not unite the world. His task was to transcend tribal and racial differences with a sense of nationhood. This created the brotherhood of Islam but distinguished it from other religions. But his task was also to introduce and establish the Principle of Truth or Objectivity, but succeeded only to a limited extent, e.g. in science and not in politics, economics and ethics. Baha’u’llah could be likened to Jesus in that he came to fulfil that which was contained in the previous dispensation. He was a teacher, not a leader like Muhammad. This does not invalidate the statement that Islam is completed religion and Muhammad is the Seal of the Prophets, but it is yet to be applied. The question is : will it unite all religions and mankind, or does it merely add another religion to the others.

It may be asserted that if the Baha’i religion is genuine then it is also Islam in its true meaning, Surrender to Allah, not to Jesus, Muhammad or Baha’u’llah, though obedience to the Prophet is obedience to Allah. If it is not, then it might like other secular institutions still be useful and the Muslim can hardly object to the aims. If this, too, is not the case, then it is merely like any other religion which makes no difference, and even if it inspires some people now it may soon degenerate. It is, certainly, very difficult for people brought up in a tradition to accept or even look at another.

Islam contains everything required for the spiritual life. The Muslim merely has to study, practice and apply his religion sincerely and correctly. If he does not, then there is no point in joining another religion either. There does not seem to be much point in creating another separate religious sect. Even the Baha’is admit that religion is completed in Islam. What is required in the modern world is a Universal Religion which is not sectarian. However, it is true that a new age requires new laws, institutions and practices. As Jesus tells us, new wine needs new bottles (Matt 9:17), an idea also confirmed by the Prophet Muhammad. One effect of the spread of Baha’i may be that it brings the Quran to a great number of people of the world who would not otherwise have either read or accepted it and this cannot be regarded by Muslims as a bad thing.

If Baha’ullah is a genuine Prophet, then it has to be admitted that the significance and consequences of the practice, teachings and institutions which he introduced for the new age cannot be judged by any ordinary intellect such as that of the present author. In the same way as Christianity came to remove the corruptions which had crept into Hebrewism, and Islam came to remove the corruptions and superstitions which crept into Christianity, so also, it may be argued, Baha’i has come to remove the corruptions and malpractices and misapprehensions which have certainly crept into Islam. In addition, the main function of Christianity was to Spiritualize what was ritualism and institutionalism in Hebrewism, to apply the teaching at a higher level. The function of Islam was to Objectify by removing the worship of human beings. The development of the Sciences, Law and Democracy may be regarded as a consequence of this. It is rather difficult to imagine what new social forces can come out of Bahai, except that it appears to be a more practical application of what is already contained in Islam.

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