Hi Free Baha'i Team, I've a question, can you please help me with it. If a guy who once served the Cause turns away from it, does the teaching say to simply condemn and excommunicate them, or does Baha'u'llah ask to leave the door open for them to return? Answer: Hello Maggie, Allah’u’Abha! Thank you for your email. The question you have raised is quite interesting, and we understand where you're coming from. One of the most striking things about Baha'u'llah's words is that even when He addresses someone who has seriously turned away, He does not begin by closing the door. He calls that person to truth, self-examination, repentance and return. The passage from the Kitab-i-Aqdas is particularly powerful because Baha'u'llah reminds this person of the closeness they once had to the Cause. He recalls how they were educated and prepared for service, and even reminds them of the words they themselves once wrote at His direction. Then comes the questi...
Why do we have a NDF (Nineteen Day Feast) every month? Is this really from the teachings of Baha'u'llah, or was it later introduced by the Administration to maintain control over the Baha'is, collect funds and just meet to submit to the orders of the administrative bodies? Just asking for your thoughts on this. Answer: Dear friend, Allah'u'Abha! Baha'u'llah does indeed speak about regular gathering, but His instruction is far simpler and far more spiritual than what exists today. In the Kitab-i-Aqdas, He writes: "Hospitality has been prescribed (as an obligation), once every month, even though it be with water only. God desired to bring hearts together even, if necessary, it be by the causes of heavens and earth." -Kitab-i-Aqdas This passage speaks of hospitality, not administration. It speaks of hearts coming together, not attendance being tracked. It speaks of simplicity, not structured agendas, reports, consultations, or announcements. ...