How Many Wives can Baha'is Marry ?
ron house
>How many wives are Baha'is permitted to have, at one time ?
In the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Baha'u'llah states that one may have
no more than TWO wives.
'Abdul-Baha says one may have no more than ONE wife.
He also says that this was always the law ever since
Muhammad.
--
Ron House. USQ | A nonviolent diet is the
(ho...@usq.edu.au) Toowoomba, Australia. | foundation for a nonviolent world.
Virk Shakeel
Polygamy: (Any corrections are appreciated)
The moderator said Baha'is can have only one wife.
Baha'u'llah said Baha'is can have two wives.
Abdul-Baha said Baha'is can have only one wife.
Abdul-Baha said the law of one wife has existed since the time of
Muhammad (pbuh).
Baha'u'llah had three wives.
The Holy Quran says, under certain circumstances, men can have up to four
wives.
The Chief work of Baha'u'llah is the Kitab-ul-Aqdas, which contain the
law given by him to his followers.
The literal meaning of Kitab-ul-Aqdas, is, The Holiest Book.
Baha'u'llah writes in this 'Holiest Book':
"Verily God has enjoined marriage upon you, but beware that you do not
marry more than two wives,..." ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (page 22)
This makes it clear that Polygamy has been sanctioned by Baha'u'llah.
However according to todays Baha'is a man can only marry one wife.
I have found an interesting peice of writting, written by an anonymous
author in the October 1907 issue in the Review of Religions.
Remember this was written in 1907, when Baha'is were not as wide spread as
they are today.
Concerning Baha'u'llahs Laws, the Author writes:
"It would be interesting to learn how many of the Western followers of
Baha'u'llah beleive in and follow the laws laid down by him. The Babi
missionaries in the West never mention that Baha'u'llah prescribed forms
for many of the deeds which should be performed on a daily basis, and
these directions he asserted could not be changed, at least for a
thousand years. Misconceptions actually prevail on many of the points
taught by Baha'u'llah, for instance, in relation to polygamy which, it is
thought, Baha'u'llah actually prohibited, while as a matter of fact he
plainly taught that a man could have two wives at one and the same time."
We now know what Baha'u'llahs teachings were on the subject of Polygamy.
The contradiction arises when Baha'is claim Polygamy is prohibited.
The only way this could be possible is if someone changed the 'social
laws' Baha'u'llah claims to have recieved from God.
Who could have the authority to change these laws, especially considering
how short of a period of time this new 'social law' lasted ? Also
considering that the new 'social laws' were not to be changed for the
next 1000 years.
Abdul-Baha claims to have the authority to overide these laws of
Baha'u'llah, but this word is not claimed to be from Baha'u'llah, he said
it came from God. So as a result, Abdul-Baha has the autority to overide
the words which Baha'u'llah claimed were from God. [Baha'is believe that
`Abdu'l-Baha had the authority to interpret or explain what Baha'u'llah
meant. See note 89 of the Kitab-i-Aqdas for more information on this
issue -mod]
It makes absolutely no sense for God to send a new 'social
law' to Baha'u'llah for all the world to follow; Then within a time
period of a few years, change His mind and replace this new 'social law',
with another one. Can this type of action be attributed to God Almighty ?
This rapid change in 'social laws' appears to be the works of men,
looking to gain followers. The most logical conclusion is the one
brougth foward by the anonymous Author mentioned above,
The Author wrote in 1907:
"Had the Western missionaries of Babiism preached it in its true colours,
this religion could not have gained the ground which it has now done in
the West."
Ignoring this significant contradiction, let us now turn to Abdul-Baha.
I have yet to find in exactly which book Abdul-Baha nulified Baha'u'llahs
teaching on Polygamy. However it appears that he did do this, and this
is the teachings Baha'is of today are following. A very interesting
point mentioned is that Abdul-Baha claimed that a man can only marry one
wife. The interesting part is that he claimed that, "this has always
been the law since Muhammad (pbuh)", according to Ron House.
A logical conclusion from this is that Abdul-Baha, had a very limited
knowledge of the Holy Quran. In one example, involving orphans, the
Holy Quran says:
"And if you fear that you will not be fair in dealing with the orphans,
then marry of women as may be agreeable to you, two, or three, or four;
and if you fear you will not deal justly, then marry only one..."(4:4)
Again lets summarize the scenerio:
Baha'u'llah brings a new 'social teaching', ie. Men can marry 2 wives.
Abdul-Baha abrogates Baha'u'llahs teaching, with another new 'social
teaching of his own, ie. Men can marry 1 wife.
He than claims "this has always been the law since Muhammad (pbuh)",
according to Ron House.
Which leads us to two more problems:
1) Muhammad (pbuh) did not teach complete prohabition of polygamy, this
is addressed above.
2) Even if we were ignorant to the fact that Muhammad (pbuh), did allow
polygamy in certain circumstances; Abdul-Baha's claim, would still be
invalid. Due to the fact that Baha'u'llah says in his 'Holiest Book':
"but beware, that you do not marry more than two wives, and as for him
who contents himself with one woman only, he himself and the women will
both live in peace,..."
I ask all Baha'is to read some of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad's books, to
study what he did in his lifetime, to study the signs brought foward for
him. The more you find out about him, the more likely you will accept
him as being the true Promised Messiah. Baha'is appear to me rational,
logical, and open minded people, read about Ahmad, and let me know what
you think. [privately -mod]
Thank you.
Shak
Pete Hellmann, GCRC Sleep Lab Manager 2-3567
In response to the claim that Baha'is are allowed
multiple wives I present the following quotations from the
Kitab-i-Aqdas and other sources. To begin to understand
these statements one must read the quotations with an
understanding of the concept that the Manifestation of God
is infallible.
I will touch on that subject later, but first in the
Kitab-i-Aqdas Baha'u'llah says:
"God hath prescribed matrimony unto you. Beware
that ye take not unto yourselves more wives than two.
Whoso contenteth himself with a single partner from
among the maidservants of God, both he and she shall
live in tranquillity. And he who would take into his
service a maid may do so with propriety. Such is the
ordinance which, in truth and justice, hath been
recorded by the Pen of Revelation. Enter into wedlock,
O people, that ye may bring forth one who will make
mention of Me amid My servants. This is My bidding
unto you; hold fast to it as an assistance to yourselves."
[Kitab-i-Aqdas, paragraph 63]
When asked about marriage Baha'u'llah says:
30. "QUESTION: Concerning the verse: "he who would take
into his service a maid may do so with propriety."
"ANSWER: This is solely for service such as is
performed by any other class of servants, be they
young or old, in exchange for wages; such a
maiden is free to choose a husband at whatever
time she pleaseth, for it is forbidden either that
women should be purchased, or that a man should
have more wives than two."
[Kitab-i-Aqdas, questions and answers, #30]
Concerning the subject of bigamy, note #89 in the
Kitab-i-Aqdas gives the following explanantion.
"While the text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas appears to permit
bigamy, Baha'u'llah counsels that tranquillity and contentment
derive from monogamy. In another Tablet, He
underlines the importance of the individual's acting in such
a way as to "bring comfort to himself and to his partner".
Abdu'l-Baha, the authorized Interpreter of the Baha'i
Writings, states that in the text of the Aqdas monogamy is
in effect enjoined. He elaborates this theme in a number of
Tablets, including the following:
"Know thou that polygamy is not permitted under the law of
God, for contentment with one wife hath been clearly stipulated.
Taking a second wife is made dependent upon equity and justice
being upheld between the two wives, under all conditions.
However, observance of justice and equity towards two wives is
utterly impossible. The fact that bigamy has been made
dependent upon an impossible condition is clear proof of its
absolute prohibition. Therefore it is not permissible for a man to
have more than one wife.
"Polygamy is a very ancient practice among the
majority of humanity. The introduction of monogamy has
been only gradually accomplished by the Manifestations of
God. Jesus, for example, did not prohibit polygamy, but
abolished divorce except in the case of fornication;
Muhammad limited the number of wives to four, but
making plurality of wives contingent on justice, and
reintroducing permission for divorce; Baha'u'llah, Who was
revealing His Teachings in the milieu of a Muslim society,
introduced the question of monogamy gradually in accordance
with the principles of wisdom and the progressive
unfoldment of His purpose. The fact that He left His
followers with an infallible Interpreter of His Writings
enabled Him to outwardly permit two wives in the Kitab-i-Aqdas
but uphold a condition that enabled Abdu'l-Baha to
elucidate later that the intention of the law was to enforce
monogamy."
[ Kitab-i-Aqdas, note #89]
So the question remains, why was Baha'u'llah allowed
to have three wives? First, it should be known that
at the time that Baha'u'llah was married to three women, the laws
of the Kitab-i-aqdas where not revealed. The laws of
marriage that where binding at that time where the laws
found in the Quran which allows four wives.
Some may say this is a fine point, or loop hole, so
secondly one must understand that as the "Manifestation of
God", Baha'u'llah is understood to be infallible. Abdul-Baha
explains it this way:
"Briefly, it is said that the "Dayspring of Revelation" is
the manifestation of these words, "He doeth whatsoever
He willeth"; this condition is peculiar to that Holy Being,
and others have no share of this essential perfection. That
is to say, that as the supreme Manifestations certainly possess
essential infallibility, therefore whatever emanates
from Them is identical with the truth, and conformable to
reality. They are not under the shadow of the former laws.
Whatever They say is the word of God, and whatever
They perform is an upright action. No believer has any
right to criticize; his condition must be one of absolute
submission, for the Manifestation arises with perfect
wisdom--so that whatever the supreme Manifestation
says and does is absolute wisdom, and is in accordance
with reality." [ Some Answered Questions, page 172 ]
With this in mind it becomes obvious that the
"Manifestation of God" is able to provide "justice and
equity" to His wives.
Lastly, I think the circumstances surrounding His
marriages should be discussed. I do not have the proper
texts with me at this point so I cannot get into too much
detail. Also this post has gotten somewhat out of hand in
its length. If anyone needs more detail I will attempt to post
that information in a seperate post.
The second and third wives of Baha'u'llah where the
wives of two devout believers. If I remember correctly their
husbands where killed by enemies of the Faith. At that point
in time these women would have found themselves in dire
situations without husbands. Being a widow in those days was
not a good thing, but being the widow of a devout and
active Baha'i was almost the same as a decree of death.
Baha'u'llah chose to provide "protection" and elevate their
legal status as women by marrying them. I think it is safe
to say that Baha'u'llah did not marry these women out of
lust or the need for status.
I hope this information gives the readers a clearer
picture of a somewhat cloudy situation.
Peace,
Pete
PJ...@Virginia.edu
Rick Troxel
(Shakeel Virk) says:
> I will summarize the information I have been told concerning Baha'is
> and Polygamy: (Any corrections are appreciated)
>
> The moderator said Baha'is can have only one wife.
> Baha'u'llah said Baha'is can have two wives.
> Abdul-Baha said Baha'is can have only one wife.
> Abdul-Baha said the law of one wife has existed since the time of
> Muhammad (pbuh).
> Baha'u'llah had three wives.
> The Holy Quran says, under certain circumstances, men can have up to
> four wives.
>
> The Chief work of Baha'u'llah is the Kitab-ul-Aqdas, which contain the
> law given by him to his followers. The literal meaning of
> Kitab-ul-Aqdas, is, The Holiest Book.
Or, as it is usually transliterated today: the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Most
Holy Book. By the way, all the Writings of Baha'u'llah are considred
scriptural, not only this one.
> Baha'u'llah writes in this 'Holiest Book':
> "Verily God has enjoined marriage upon you, but beware that you do not
> marry more than two wives,..." ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (page 22)
> This makes it clear that Polygamy has been sanctioned by Baha'u'llah.
This question is answered in Note 89 (pp. 205-206) of the same book:
89. Beware that ye take not unto yourselves more
wives than two. Whoso contenteth himself with
a single partner from among the maidservants
of God, both he and she shall live in tranquillity. # 63
Best regards,
--
Rick Troxel Rick_...@nih.gov ri...@helix.nih.gov 301/496-4823
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
All effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his
heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and
the will to do service to humanity. --Abdu'l-Baha
Rick Troxel
Virk) says:
> I have found an interesting peice of writting, written by an anonymous
> author in the October 1907 issue in the Review of Religions. Remember
> this was written in 1907, when Baha'is were not as wide spread as they
> are today.
>
> Concerning Baha'u'llahs Laws, the Author writes:
>
> "It would be interesting to learn how many of the Western followers of
> Baha'u'llah beleive in and follow the laws laid down by him. The Babi
> missionaries in the West never mention that Baha'u'llah prescribed
> forms for many of the deeds which should be performed on a daily
> basis, and these directions he asserted could not be changed, at least
> for a thousand years. Misconceptions actually prevail on many of the
> points taught by Baha'u'llah,
..."
> "Had the Western missionaries of Babiism preached it in its true
> colours, this religion could not have gained the ground which it has
> now done in the West."
Now, of course, scholars are more aware of the distinction between Babis
and Baha'is. :^)
I would encourage readers unaware that the applicability of Baha'i laws
was made gradual, sometimes even regional, to read pp. 3-6 of the
Introduction in the Kitab-i-Aqdas.
Egean R. Evans
(ron house) wrote:
> 3s...@qlink.queensu.ca (Virk Shakeel) writes:
>
> >How many wives are Baha'is permitted to have, at one time ?
>
> In the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Baha'u'llah states that one may have
> no more than TWO wives.
>
> 'Abdul-Baha says one may have no more than ONE wife.
> He also says that this was always the law ever since
> Muhammad.
This is my interpretation of the paragraph referring to spouses in the
Kitab-i-Aqdas :
Baha'u'llah says that man could have two wives only if man were capable of
true justice. Since he is not capable of this, he can only have one.
Elisabeth
Roger Reini
>I will summarize the information I have been told concerning Baha'is and
>Polygamy: (Any corrections are appreciated)
>law given by him to his followers.
>The literal meaning of Kitab-ul-Aqdas, is, The Holiest Book.
>
>Baha'u'llah writes in this 'Holiest Book':
>
>"Verily God has enjoined marriage upon you, but beware that you do not
>marry more than two wives,..." ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (page 22)
>
official translation of the passage (verse 63, Kitab-i-Aqdas):
"God hath prescribed matrimony unto you. Beware that ye take not unto
yourselves more wives than two. Who contenteth himself with a single
partner from among the maidservants of God, both he and she shall live in
tranquility. And he who would take into his service a maid may do so with
propriety. Such is the ordinance which, in truth and justice, hath been
recorded by the Pen of Revelation. Enter into wedlock, O people, that ye
may bring forth one who will make mention of Me amid My servants. This is
My bidding unto you; hold fast to it as an assistance to yourselves."
Here is the explanatory note on the portion from "Beware that ye . . ." to "
. . live in tranquility" (note 89):
While the text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas appears to permit bigamy, Baha'u'llah
counsels that tranquility and contentment derive from monogamy. In another
Tablet, He underlines the importance of the individual's acting in such a
way as to "bring comfort to himself and to his partner." 'Abdu'l-Baha, the
authorized Interpreter of the Baha'i Writings, states that in the text of
the Aqdas monogamy is in effect enjoined. He elaborates this theme in a
number of Tablets, including the following:
"Know thou that polygamy is not permitted under the law of God, for
contentment with one wife hath been clearly stipulated. Taking a second
wife is made dependent upon equity and justice being upheld between the two
wives, under all conditions. However, observance of justice and equity
towards two wives is utterly impossible. The fact that bigamy has been made
dependent upon an impossible condition is clear proof of its absolute
prohibition. Therefore it is not permissible for a man to have more than
one wife."
Polygamy is a very ancient practice among the majority of humanity. The
introduction of monogamy has been only gradually accomplished by the
Manifestations of God. Jesus, for example, did not prohibit polygamy, but
abolished divorce except in the case of fornication; Muhammad limited the
number of wives to four, but making plurality of wives contingent on
justice, and reintroducing permission for divorce; Baha'u'llah, Who was
revealing His Teachings in the milieu of a Muslim society, introduced the
question of monogamy gradually in accordance with the principles of wisdom
and the progressive unfoldment of His purpose. The fact that He left His
followers with an infallible Interpreter of His Writings enabled Him to
outwardly permit two wives in the Kitab-i-Aqdas but uphold a condition that
enabled 'Abdu'l-Baha to elucidate later that the intention of the law was to
enforce monogamy.
---
Roger (rre...@delphi.com)
w.sc...@genie.geis.com
If you're going to read stuff written by authors who have no
understanding of Babi/Baha'i history and teachings, you will have no
understanding of them as well. I hardly know where to even start with
what you wrote, there is so much misinformation. For now, however, I'll
just stick to the marriage issue.
Fortunately, I saved a prior article on the subject of marriage and all
I had to do was insert it here. This was posted months ago here, but you
still don't seem to understand the Baha'i position--perhaps you didn't
see this article. Well, maybe this time it will "take" and we can get on
to other issues.
> (Kelly G. Willis) you write:
> >Another interesting thought is that the Aqdas is ambiguous concerning
> >the prohibition of polygamy.
>
> While I agree that your statement: "It did take Abdu'l-Baha to
> interpret its meaning." is a reasonable assumption implying your
> theory of ambiguity of the verse of the Aqdas, yet, I feel that
> reliance on such logic could become a barrier in one's realization of
> the profound nature of the approach adopted by the Manifestation of
> God in directing humanity towards monogamy.
>
> Please allow me to offer you an example for clarification. If you are
> to give a directive as an individual in the position of authority to
> several subordinates and ask them to execute the same directive among
> the same population then you are prone to find a difference in results
> depending on the personal character, degree of diplomacy and wisdom of
> each one of your appointed executors. Therefore, the success and
> failure of your directive directly depends on how he/she (i.e. an
> executor) will present his/her task to the public. A sensitive message
> depending on how it is delivered can cause war or peace, refusal or
> submission on the part of those subject to it. Children offer a very
> good testing ground for this theory. Sometimes direct parental
> commands don't work and back-door approaches are necessary in order to
> make them react and do something.
>
> The same approach is adopted by the Manifestations of God. God, the
> Divine School-Master sends His Manifestations, the spiritual Teachers
> to educate humanity, the children of God. The Manifestation of God is
> faced with the same dilemma in dealing with humanity as a parent is in
> dealing with his/her children. Sometimes direct approaches are
> necessary, sometimes indirect approaches must be undertaken in order
> to produce results. There are many examples of this in the Scriptures
> of all religions. I am sure you are familiar with them. For example,
> Prophet Muhammad is recorded to have said:
> "kallem an-naasa alaa qadre uqoolehem" [Mersad'ul Ibaad of Najm Raazi
> p. 15]
>
> which means;
>
> "Speak to people according to their capacity." (For they will only
> deny what they do not understand and it will be detrimental to them.)
>
> Baha'u'llah elaborates on this same theme on many occasions. The
> following will perhaps be of interest to this discussion:
>
> "How manifold are the truths which must remain unuttered until the
> appointed time is come! Even as it hath been said: `Not everything
> that man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything he can disclose
> be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as
> suited to the capacity of those who hear it." Gleanings from the
> Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 176
>
> Marriage, which is a very culturally dependent institution, is one
> such a sensitive issue which had to be approached in an indirect
> manner because of social restraints. I will offer the Islamic and the
> Baha'i approach in order to demonstrate the evolutionary approach
> adopted by the Manifestations of God and its wisdom. Baha'u'llah
> reveals in verse 63 of the Book of Aqdas:
> 63) God hath prescribed matrimony unto you. Beware that ye take not
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> unto yourselves more wives than two. Whoso contenteth himself with a
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> single partner from among the maidservants of God, both he and she
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> shall live in tranquillity.
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Prophet Muhammad reveals a similar prescription in the Holy Qur'an:
>
> "...marry women of your choice two or three or four; but if ye fear
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them) then only one..."
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Qur'an 4:3
>
> Interestingly enough later on in the same Chapter it is revealed:
>
> Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women even if it is
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> your ardent desire:"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> Qur'an 4:129
>
> NOTE: The only possible implication of these two verses are strict
> monogamy.
>
> Arabs of the Time of Ignorance, each one of whom possessed numerous
> wives, were incapable of making an abrupt cultural transition from
> polygamy into strict monogamy. As a result, divine wisdom required
> that the number of wives a man could have, in a polygamous
> relationship, to be limited and the males' inability to exercise
> fairness among his wives to be hinted at. This provided for a smooth
> transition from polygamy into monogamy. Muslims, while, strictly
> observant of the number of wives allowed to them (i.e. maximum of
> four) have historically turned a blind eye towards the warning given
> in Qur'an 4:129 and assumed that they are indeed able to treat their
> wives with fairness and as a result have practiced polygamy (IMHO,
> this is all a part and parcel of a natural and organic growth
> process). The roots of such an attitude resides mainly in Muslims'
> attempt to emulate Prophet Muhammad as the exemplar of Muslim
> life. The following Hadith narrated by Said bin Jubair hints at this
> issue:
>
> Ibn 'Abbas asked me, "Are you married?" I replied, "No." He said,
> "Marry, for the best person of this (Muslim) nation (i.e., Muhammad)
> of all other Muslims, had the largest number of wives." [Sahih Bukhari
> 7:7]
>
> Of course the majority of Prophet Muhammad's marriages were not based
> on love, they had socio-political reasons for establishing ties
> between tribes, however, this Hadith represents the impression one of
> the believers had and the conclusion he reached at by looking at
> Prophet Muhammad's marriages. The marriage practices of Muhammad,
> regardless of their irrelevance to the clear laws of the Qur'an about
> marriage, became an example for the believers to follow. This clearly
> points out the crucial role of an exemplar and the human tendency
> (i.e. the early believers people like Ibn-i Abbas) to look at their
> religion with the glass of their cultural background.
> In consideration of the norms prevalent in the society in which
> Baha'u'llah lived a similar approach as the Qur'an was adopted. This
> is why Baha'u'llah reveals in the Book of Aqdas:
>
> 63) God hath prescribed matrimony unto you. Beware that ye take not
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> unto yourselves more wives than two. Whoso contenteth himself with a
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> single partner from among the maidservants of God, both he and she
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> shall live in tranquillity.
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Regardless of such provision given in the Book of Aqdas, the Exemplar
> of the Baha'i life, 'Abdu'l-Baha has upheld the Qur'anic prescription
> offered in Qur'an 4:129 as the most fundamental implication of the
> verse of the Book of Aqdas (which adopts a very similar approach as
> Qur'an 4:3), suggesting that it is impossible for one to remain fair
> between two wives, as a result, must remain content with one. Once
> again, divine wisdom required it so for the laws to be revealed in
> such a way that make the acceptance of the cultural transition from
> polygamy to monogamy more smooth. This is why Baha'u'llah's approach
> to this issue remains similar to that of the Qur'an:
>
> "Whoso contenteth himself with a single partner from among the
> maidservants of God, both he and she shall live in tranquillity."
> Aqdas: verse 63
>
> The following quotation from 'Abdu'l-Baha clarifies the underlying
> assumption in this verse of the Book of Aqdas:
>
> "Know thou that polygamy is not permitted under the law of God, for
> contentment with one wife hath been clearly stipulated. Taking second
> wife is made dependent upon equity and justice being upheld between
> the two wives [i.e. Qur'an 4:129], under all conditions. However,
> observance of justice and equity towards two wives is utterly
> impossible. The fact that bigamy has been made dependent upon an
> impossible condition is clear proof of its absolute
> prohibition. Therefore it is not permissible for a man to have more
> than one wife." 'Abdu'l-Baha, cit. Book of Aqdas, p. 206
>
> Unlike Muslims, Baha'is have successfully upheld the rule of monogamy
> since the inception of the Faith.
>
> NOTE: If we as Baha'is did not have the luxury of having the Center of
> the Covenant of Baha'u'llah (i.e. 'Abdu'l-Baha) as the Exemplar of the
> Baha'i life, what happened to Islam would have ended up to be repeated
> in the Baha'i Faith. That is to say naturally we would have looked at
> Baha'u'llah's multiple marriages as the example and approval for
> bigamy without realizing the reason why the law of Aqdas has been
> revealed by Baha'u'llah in such a particular way.
>
> In my humble opinion there was a second reason behind such an approach
> (i.e. Hinting at bigamy but intending monogamy in reality.) being
> adopted by Baha'u'llah: That was fulfilment of prophecies. Perhaps the
> following lines offer a perspective for your consideration.
>
> Prophet Muhammad also FORECASTED the nature of and the future
> provisions for the divine law of marriage. That is to say, the
> approach adopted Baha'u'llah was foreordained. The following Sahih
> Hadith from the Bukhari compilation establishes the anticipated next
> step in the spiritual evolution of humanity in the institution of
> marriage:
>
> Narrated Abu Huraira:
>
> Allah's Apostle said, "The first group (of people) who will enter
> Paradise will
> 1^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> be (glittering) like the moon when it is full. They will not spit or
> blow their noses or relieve nature. Their utensils will be of gold and
> their combs of gold and silver; in their centers the aloe wood will be
> used, and their sweat will smell like musk. Everyone of them will have
> two wives; the marrow of the bones
> 2^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> of the wives' legs will be seen through the flesh out of excessive
> beauty. They (i.e. the people of Paradise) will neither have
> differences nor hatred amongst themselves; their hearts will be as if
> one heart and they will be glorifying Allah in the morning and in the
> evening."
> Sahih Bukhari, 4:468
>
> This Hadith is rather interesting in its implications, since, it hints at
> two issues:
>
> 1- By the term "Paradise" as clearly described by the Pen of The Bab and
> Baha'u'llah, is meant "nearness to the Manifestation of God", or, "being
> in the presence of the Manifestation of God". Therefore, it is an
> implicit reference to the believers living at the time of the Return of
> Christ. Thus, by "The first group (of people) who will enter Paradise"
> those "who would accept the new Revelation and believe the Manifestation
> of God" are meant.
>
> 2- Moreover, the statement: "Everyone of them will have two wives;" is a
> theological clue for the Muslim community to recognize the Return of
> Christ in the context of the newly revealed Laws of God. Baha'u'llah
> addresses, in my humble opinion, this theological clue in the Book of
> Aqdas by the revelation of the verse: "Beware that ye take not unto
> yourselves more wives than two."
>
> I hope this begins to hint at the wisdom of the approach adopted by Prophet
> Muhammad and Baha'u'llah in the Qur'an and the Aqdas.
>
> Warm regards,
>
> Kamran Hakim
Thank you, Kamran, for all the work you put into this article.
Love and peace, Wendy---{-@
W.Sc...@GEnie.GEIS.com
Virk Shakeel
: In <1995Feb2.0...@cs.cornell.edu>, 3s...@qlink.queensu.ca
: (Shakeel Virk) says:
: > Baha'u'llah writes in this 'Holiest Book':
: > "Verily God has enjoined marriage upon you, but beware that you do not
: > marry more than two wives,..." ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
: > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (page 22)
: > This makes it clear that Polygamy has been sanctioned by Baha'u'llah.
: This question is answered in Note 89 (pp. 205-206) of the same book:
: 89. Beware that ye take not unto yourselves more
: wives than two. Whoso contenteth himself with
: a single partner from among the maidservants
: of God, both he and she shall live in tranquillity. # 63
: While the text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas appears to permit bigamy,
: Baha'u'llah counsels that tranquillity and contentment derive from
: monogamy.
This is true, Baha'u'llah says, that men who "contenteth" themselves with one
wife is no sin; and that both him and his wife will "live in tranquillity".
However he also says that men may marry two wives, as is written above.
: In another Tablet, He underlines the importance of the
: individual's acting in such a way as to "bring comfort to himself and
: to his partner".
Again I agree, he probably did say that marrying one wife, could "bring
comfort to himself and to his partner". The point I am stating is that
he permitted men to marry two wives, as the verse above clearly states.
: Abdu'l-Baha, the authorized Interpreter of the
: Baha'i Writings, states that in the text of the Aqdas monogamy is in
: effect enjoined. He elaborates this theme in a number of Tablets,
: including the following:
:
: Know thou that polygamy is not permitted under the law of
: God, for contentment with one wife hath been clearly
: stipulated. Taking a second wife is made dependent upon equity
: and justice being upheld between the two wives, under all
: conditions. However, observance of justice and equity towards
: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
: two wives is utterly impossible. The fact that bigamy has been
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
: made dependent upon an impossible condition is clear proof of
: its absolute prohibition. Therefore it is not permissible for
: a man to have more than two wives.
Now we arrive at a point of faith. If Baha'is have strong faith in
Abdul-Baha they will accept this 'interpertation', without questioning it.
I am not a Baha'i, and see a clear contradiction between the words of
Baha'u'llah and those of Abdul-Baha. From Baha'u'llahs writtings it is
clear that he set the law that men can marry two wives, if he acts
justly, and equally to both. If Baha'u'llah actually meant men can
only marry one wife, he would not have said, "beware that you do not take
unto yourselves more than two wives". Why mention this ? Why didn't he
say, "beware that you do not take unto yourselves more than 50 wives",
for these sentences mean the same thing, according to Abdul-Baha.
The fact that Baha'u'llah clearly distinguished the number two and not
more, nor less, must have some value.
It is also not "utterly impossible", to act justly with two wives. This
can be easily proven. The law God Almighty sent down to Muhammad (pbuh)
is very clear:
"And if you fear that you will not be fair in dealing with the orphans,
then marry of women as may be agreeable to you, two, or three, or four;
and if you fear you will not deal justly, then marry only one.."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You see, God, the All-Knowing, had already sent the law that men, in
certain circumstances can marry more than one wife, if they "deal justly".
This proves that it is possible for men to deal justly. Are we to assume
men could deal justly in the past, but have lost this ability after
Abdul-Baha's time ?
: Polygamy is a very ancient practice among the majority of
: humanity. The introduction of monogamy has been only gradually
: accomplished by the Manifestations of God. Jesus, for example, did
: not prohibit polygamy, but abolished divorce except in the case of
: fornication; Muhammad limited the number of wives to four, but making
: plurality of wives contingent on justice, and reintroducing permission
: for divorce; Baha'u'llah, Who was revealing His Teachings in the
: milieu of a Muslim society, introduced the question of monogamy
: gradually in accordance with the principles of wisdom and the
: progressive unfoldment of His purpose.
Baha'u'llah never mentioned monogamy, he permitted men to marry two wives.
It was Abdul-Baha who interperted these verses to mean, men can only
marry one wife, because it is utterly impossible for men to act justly
with two wives. The same 'interpertaion' should then also be applied to
the laws given to Muhammad (pbuh), ie. if men can not act justly they
should marry only one wife. Yet you mention above that, "Muhammad limited
the number of wives to four" ? Why apply different meanings to verses
which are very similar ?
ie. you can marry 4 wives if you are just with them.
you can marry 2 wives if you are just with them.
Since, according to Abdul-Baha it is impossible to act justly, these
sentences should be interperted in the exact same way. ie. men can only
marry one wife. You agree that for the laws in the Holy Quran, the
verses mean men can marry 4 wives in certain circumstances.
Yet when similar words are said by Baha'u'llah they have a totally
differnt meaning ?
This is inconsistent.
Do Baha'is interpert the verses in the Quran to mean men can only have
one wife ?
If Baha'is do interpert the Holy Quran in this way, it leads to another
problem. ie. Baha'u'llah, before making the law that men can marry no
more than two wives (which means men can marry only one wife), he married
3 wives, following Islamic Laws.
: The fact that He left His
: followers with an infallible Interpreter of His Writings enabled Him
: to outwardly permit two wives in the Kitab-i-Aqdas but uphold a
: condition that enabled Abdu'l-Baha to elucidate later that the
: intention of the law was to enforce monogamy.
Interperting verses I can understand. Abdul-Baha has not interperted the
verses, he has changed the law, clearly set foward by Baha'u'llah. Not
only that but according to his interpertation, he has changed the law
which was sent down by God Almighty, to Muhammad (peace and blessings
be upon him).
Baha'is have faith and trust in Abul-Baha. Baha'is are not in postion to
question his interpertations, as an Ahmadi Muslim, I find his
interpertation of the clear verses hard to swallow.
Thank you.
Shak
Matthew P Menge
(Virk Shakeel) writes:
Technically, 'Abdu'l-Baha could have enforced monogamy purely out
of His own authority as monogamy is not forbidden according to Baha'i Law
and 'Abdu'l-Baha was the Center of the Covenant. So, "legally", there is
no problem.
You mentioned the following verse in the Qur'an:
"And if you fear that you will not be fair in dealing with the
orphans, then marry of women as may be agreeable to you, two, or three, or
four; and if you fear you will not deal justly, then marry only
one..."(Qur'an 4:4)
I believe 'Abdu'l-Baha said it was impossible to deal
justly between two wives, although I am not aware of the source.
As for Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad; from what you have said about
him he appears to be a great social reformer who has done a great deal of
good in the world. It may even be possible (albeit unlikely) that he was
alluded to in the Scriptures of old, but, according to our teachings, it
would be impossible for him to be a Major Manifestation of God, as
Baha'u'llah and Muhammad were.
The Baha'i Religion is designed to suit the needs mankind for at
least 1000 years. Thus the significance of some parts of the teachings
will not be understood for several centuries. These teachings are not
designed for this century but for a distant century. This is why the
meaning of certain passages are difficult to understand at present.
Regards,
Matt
Benjamin La Framboise
Baha'is accept `Abdu'l-Baha's interpretation regarding the number of
wives allowed, not simply because we think He has a good explanation, but
because Baha'u'llah told us to do this; We cannot deny `Abdu'l-Baha's
explanation of Baha'u'llah's Writings without denying Baha'u'llah
Himself. According to what Baha'u'llah has told us, `Abdu'l-Baha's
interpretation is unerring; therefore, to say that it isn't unerring is to
disbelieve in Baha'u'llah's statement in the first place. So, yes,
Baha'is do follow `Abdu'l-Baha as a matter of faith, but this faith is
grounded in our faith of Baha'u'llah.
As for whether or not `Abdu'l-Baha's explanation could be applied to the
Islamic teachings regarding the number of wives, we have absolutely NO
idea, unless `Abdu'l-Baha specifically explained this in any way. We
cannot apply `Abdu'l-Baha's explanation to any place else except the
verse it was intended to explain.
In His service,
Ben