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As mentioned previously, the Baha‘i follow the teaching
of Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri (1817-1892) whose title is Baha’ullah (‘The Splendor of
God’). As opposed to Muslims who believe Prophet Muhammad to be God’s last
prophet to humanity, Baha’ullah believed himself to be the prophet foretold by
Sayid Ali Muhammad Shirazi, the founder of the Babi movement. Baha’ullah contradicted
the Muslim belief that Abraham, Moses, and Jesus were prophets and not divine.
He taught, instead, that God had become manifest in many different forms such
as Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, the Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the ‘Bab’ and Baha’ullah
himself. Baha’ullah is not, however, the final and definitive manifestation of
God. Other prophets will come, but not for at least 1000 years.
This belief opposes the most fundamental aspect of
Islam, which is the distinction made between the creation and the Creator. Islam
firmly believes that God is separate and distinct from His creation, and that He
never did or will become human. The prophets He sent were fully human, but
chosen to deliver His message to humanity. Worship is to be rendered to God
only, and not to any created being. Nest in importance to this belief is the
belief is that Muhammad was the last and final prophet sent to all of humanity,
and the message of Islam is the final message of God, and none other will come
until the Day of Judgment. These two principles form the basis and most
fundamental principle of Islamic faith, the first pillar of Islam, one clearly contradicted
in Baha’i faith.
There are no initiation rites, priesthood or sacraments
in the Baha’i religion. However, Baha’is do have certain duties, and are
obliged to pray every day (although their prayer is different from that
practiced by Muslims); they are also obliged to meet on the first day of each
Baha’i month for celebration; to fast from dawn to sunset during the month of ‘Ala
(while Muslims fast in Ramadan); to avoid drugs or alcohol; to avoid membership
of political parties; and to observe particular holy days such as the birth of Baha’ullah
and the martyrdom of the ‘Bab’. Emphasis is placed in their propagation on the
unity of humanity and the absolute equality of men and women, and the Baha’is
see themselves as working towards the establishment of a world government which
will eradicate extremes of wealth and poverty.
The only sacred text in Islam is the Quran, but the Baha’is
treat the writings of Baha’ullah as sacred as well. The most important of
these writings are: The Most Holy Book, The Book of Certitude, The Hidden
Words, The Seven Valleys, and Epistle to the Son of the Wolf.
Claims of Baha’ullah
Baha’ullah claimed to be God. The following are some of
his statements:
“There is no God but Me, the Honored, the Wise.”
“Take what the Ancient Hand gives you.”
“There is no God but Me, the securer, the regulator. Certainly
We have sent the prophets and revealed the books.”
“The God of eternity is in the prison.”
“Everything other than Me is created by My command.”
“I am the Greatest Branch (Abdul-Baha) without any
partners.”
“We Baha’is are certain of the eternal beauty.”
“Surely I am God. There is no God but me, the Lord of
all things. Everything other than Me is My creation, then O My creation you
worship Me.”
The Twelve Principles
The Baha’i pride themselves on the Twelve Principles or
twelve teachings, which they promulgate. Baha’i speakers focus heavily on
these principles considering that these are the best that can be found in any
religion. Seven out of the twelve Principles revolve around Unity. They are:
·
Unity in the political realm.
·
Unity in the worldly matters.
·
Unity in freedom.
·
Unity in religion.
·
Unity in the nation.
·
Unity in the tongue.
·
Unity in genealogy.
Nevertheless, Baha’i history and doctrine contravene these
principles. The Baha’is killed Mohammad Ibrahim by throwing him into the river
Tigris for not believing in Baha’ullah’s call.
They attempted to assassinate Nasiruddin Shah, the king of Iran. Baha’ullah killed one hundred and thirty people in one night and plundered their
belongings. Baha’ullah
ill treated his brother Subhe Azal and Abdul-Baha did worse to his brother
Mohammad Ali. Ironically, among the Baha’is themselves there are at least two
major divisions at loggerheads with each other - the 3rd generation Baha’i and
the Orthodox Baha’i. Lastly, the Baha’is have yet to officially announce the
alphabet of the new language they have invented for every person in the world.
Intolerant Teachings
There are various intolerant ideas preached by the Baha’is
found in the Babi cult before them which have no basis in Islam:
“Babis! God has made war obligatory upon you. Capture
cities and people for Babism.”
“Do not let those who do not believe in the Bayan remain
on the earth.”
“Snatch the wealth of those who do not believe in the
Bayan.”
“Rejecters of Bab! Even if you take a bath 1000 times
in a day, you shall remain unclean.”
“Whatever belongings of the non-Babis come into
possession of the Babis they become clean.”
In summary, the Baha’is differ from Muslims in the most
fundamental Islamic beliefs and practices. Their leaders have made
extraordinary claims to divinity similar to other religious cults. Although
they seem to preach peace and unity, their history has been marred by violence.
Their history and original teachings also contradict their averred concept of
world peace and gender equality.
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