HIST 2070 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Compulsory Education, He Whom God Shall Make Manifest, The Twelve Imams
27 Jun 2018
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Origins:
The origins of the Baha'i faith are found in Shi'a Islam, the dominant form of that religion in Iran
and more particularly in the teachings of an individual called the Báb
During his 9-year ministry, the Báb and his followers suffered persecutions and were engaged in
battles, because of their claim that the Bab was a prophet - Muslims believe that Muhammed was
the last messenger of god, and any teaching that there could further prophets is regarded as one
of the worst heresies
It is important to keep in mind that Iran was and still is a centre of Shi'a Islam - it teaches there
were twelve Imams beginning with Ali
oOne theological division of Shi'a Islam saw the twelve Imans not as human but rather as
incarnations of the divine - in Shi'a belief the twelfth Iman is hidden and will appear at some
time chosen by Allah
Central figures:
The Báb (Siyyid Ali Muhammad Shirazi, 1819-1850)
oModern Baha'i followers believe that even as a child, he was generally recognized for his
knowledge and insights - he has innate knowledge; though without a formal education
oHe was sought after his interpretations and explanations of complex questions within
the Quran
oTogether with Baha'u'llah, Baha'is refer to "twin manifestations": The Báb, whose
mission was to prepare humanity for "Him Whom God Shall Make Manifest"; and then
Baha'u'llah
Baha'u'llah
oWas the prophet founder of the Baha'i faith, his name in Arabic means "The Glory of
God"
oHe became a follower of the Báb, abandoning material advantages and eventually
becoming a prisoner of the Persian government
oBecause the Báb's teachings were a departure from Islam, both he and his followers
were considered heretics - the persecutions that began then resulted in Baha'u'llah and
others among his followers to be imprisoned in the infamous prison (the black pit) - it was
during this period that Baha'u'llah received his message from God, that he was the one
foretold by the Báb
oBooks he wrote:
Kitabi Aqdas(the most holy book) - book of laws and practices
Kitabi Iqan (book of certitude)
The hidden words (words for contemplation and inspiration)
Prayers and meditations
The 7 valleys and the 4 valleys (metaphical exploration of the nature of the soul
and its journey toward its creator)
Abdul-Baha (Abbas Effendi, 1844-1921)
oThe son of Baha'u'llah, his name literally means "servant of god" - he was appointed
successor to Baha'u'llah through his father's will, thus ensuring clear succession and
avoiding the schism that split Islam in two at the passing of Muhammad
oHe is considered the center of the covenant - much as Jews consider God's covenant - as
embodying the continuing presence and inspiration from God
oHe was the emissary with the authorities; he met with visitors and pilgrims; he oversaw
practical needs of the new faith; he authored books, letters as well as continuing the work
find more resources at oneclass.com
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