The Kitáb-i-Aqdas
Introduction
of the remaining passages: accuracy of meaning, beauty of English, and conformity of style with that used by Shoghi Effendi.
We are now satisfied that the translation has reached a point where it represents an acceptable rendering of the original. Nevertheless, it will undoubtedly give rise to questions and suggestions which may shed further light on its content. We are profoundly grateful for the assiduous and meticulous labours of the members of the Committees whom we commissioned to prepare and review this translation of the Aqdas and to compose the annotations. We are confident that this first authorized English edition of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas will enable its readers to obtain at least an inkling of the splendour of the
Mother Book of the Bahá’í
Dispensation.
Our world has entered the dark heart of an age of fundamental change beyond anything in all of its tumultuous history. Its peoples, of whatever race, nation, or religion, are being challenged to subordinate all lesser loyalties and limiting identities to their oneness as citizens of a single planetary homeland. In
Bahá’u’lláh’s words:
“The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.” May the publication of this translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas lend a fresh impulse to the realization of this universal vision, opening vistas of a worldwide regeneration.
The Universal House of Justice
11
1. What is the Bahá’í era destined to lead humanity to?
2. What was significant about the occasion of the release of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas?
3. How long are The Laws set forth in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas destined to endure?
4. On what do the provisions of this charter rest squarely?
5. Complete this quotation:
6. What concepts have been brought to a new level of understanding?
7. What has been changed to suit the age now dawning?
8. What are the eternal truths enunciated by all the Divine Messengers?
a. . . . . . . .
b. . . . . . . .
c. . . . . . . .
9. What does the Kitáb-i-Aqdas remove?
10. What purpose have the Laws of Bahá’u’lláh?
a. . . . . . . .
b. . . . . . . .
c. . . . . . . .
d. . . . . . . .
11. Complete this quotation:
“Think not that . . . . . . .”
12. What is unveiled in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas?
13. Who is the divinely inspired authoritative Interpreter of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings and the Centre and Pivot of the Covenant?
14. Who is the infallible Interpreter of the Teachings?
15. What are the “Twin Successors” and the supreme institutions of the Administrative Order?
16. What did Shoghi Effendi raise up during the thirty-six years of his ministry?
17. What constitutes the binding terms of reference of the Universal House of Justice and its bedrock foundation?
18. The laws govern three areas, what are they?
a. . . . . . . .
b. . . . . . . .
c. . . . . . . .
19. What headings can they be grouped under?
a. . . . . . . .
b. . . . . . . .
c. . . . . . . .
d. . . . . . . .
e. . . . . . . .
f. . . . . . . .
g. . . . . . . .
20. The above constitute the kernel of what?
21. What would cause the oneness of the Word to be destroyed, the unity of the Faith to disappear and the edifice of the Faith of God to be shaken?
22. The Universal House of Justice can not abrogate or change what?
23. How will the laws of the Aqdas come into being?
24. What are the laws of God like?
25. What are the children of men like?
26. What should we observe under all conditions and why?
27. How must man be guided to the ocean of true understanding?
28. What does the Kitáb-i-Aqdas bear eloquent testimony to?
29. When are the laws in the Aqdas absolutely binding on every believer or Bahá’í institution whether in the East or West?
30. When will the Bahá’í community be advised which additional laws are binding upon the believers?
31. Write out and learn what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says about the equality of men and women.
“Equality of men . . . . . . .”
32. What should be emphasised about the Bahá’í Revelation and the Faith of the Báb?
33. What did the Báb state about His Laws in the Bayán?
34. What did Bahá’u’lláh do about some of the Laws set down by the Báb in the Bayán?
35. In what year did Bahá’u’lláh reveal the Kitáb-i-Aqdas?
36. Who was the most eminent of the transcribers of Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings?
37. In which year did Bahá’u’lláh arrange for the publication of the Arabic text and to which city was this arrangement made?
38. What challenge did Shoghi Effendi face when translating from Arabic to English?
39. What is the Arabic of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas marked by?
40. How much of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas did Shoghi Effendi translate?
41. What three qualities did the Universal House of Justice strive for in the remainder of the translation?
42. What are the peoples of the world being challenged to subordinate?
43. Write out and learn the following quote:
“The wellbeing . . . . . . .”