An in-depth Investigation of Baha’i Principles
The Guardian of the Cause can only be a male descendant of `Abdu’l-Bahā’. Although this issue is no longer a matter of concern because the prophecies of these infallible manifestations turned out to be false, the question still remains as to why women are deprived of this right.
According to Baha’i law, women cannot become members of the Universal House of Justice (UHJ).[1] If there is equality between men and women,
Even though Baha’is express opposition to polygamy, their leader was a polygamist and had three wives. Bahā’u’llāh even allowed his followers to have two wives and an unspecified number of virgins at their service:
According to Bahā’u’llāh:
No marriage may be contracted without payment of a dowry, which hath been fixed for city-dwellers at nineteen mithqāls[1] of pure gold, and for village-dwellers at the same amount in silver. Whoso wisheth to increase this sum, it is forbidden him to exceed the limit of ninety-five mithqāls. Thus hath the command been writ in majesty and power.[2]
Women and Inheritance According to Baha’i law, a mother’s share from inheritance is smaller than a father’s and a sister’s share is smaller than a brother’s.[1] This discrimination shows itself in another form when dividing the deceased’s wealth amongst his or her children. The oldest living son has complete rights to the residence of the …
Bahā’u’llāh and `Abdu’l-Bahā’s Opinion about Women A closer inspection of the words of Bahā’u’llāh and his son clearly show that they regarded men superior to women and they had based the pillars of their religion on this belief: A woman’s question was referred to him (meaning `Abdu’l-Bahā) who had asked why hasn’t God made any …
Bahā’u’llāh and `Abdu’l-Bahā’s Opinion about Women Read More »
Were the Baha’is the first group to promote women’s rights? Had no creed, religion, or group expressed such beliefs before them? Throughout history, there have always been groups who have lobbied against discrimination towards women. The height of these campaigns occurred during the French Revolution atthe end of the eighteenth century. This ultimately resulted in …
This is a prescription that has only been prescribed for non-Baha’is. How is it that the Jews, Christians, Muslims, and followers of all other religions must put aside the words of their forefathers and seek the truth with open ears and eyes, but Baha’is should absolutely refrain from doing so?