fbpx
Wikipedia

Baháʼí literature

February 21, 2024

Baháʼí literature covers a variety of topics and forms, including scripture and inspiration, interpretation, history and biography, introduction and study materials, and apologia. Sometimes considerable overlap between these forms can be observed in a particular text.

The "canonical texts" are the writings of the Báb, Baháʼu'lláh, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice, and the authenticated talks of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. The writings of the Báb and Baháʼu'lláh are regarded as divine revelation, the writings and talks of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and the writings of Shoghi Effendi as authoritative interpretation, and those of the Universal House of Justice as authoritative legislation and elucidation. Some measure of divine guidance is assumed for all of these texts.[1][2]

The Baháʼí Faith relies extensively on its literature. Literacy is strongly encouraged so that believers may read the texts for themselves.[3] In addition, doctrinal questions are routinely addressed by returning to primary works.[2][4]

Many of the religion's early works took the form of letters to individuals or communities. These are termed tablets[2] and have been collected into various folios by Baháʼís over time. Today, the Universal House of Justice still uses letters as a primary method of communication.

Literary forms edit

Generally speaking, the literary form of a particular book can generally be observed by noting the author and/or title.

Scripture, inspiration and interpretation edit

Timeline of Baháʼí writings
1844–1850 The Báb
1852–1892 Baháʼu'lláh
1892–1921[a] ʻAbdu'l-Bahá
1921–1957 Shoghi Effendi
1963–present Universal House of Justice

Baháʼís believe that the founders of the religion, The Báb and Baháʼu'lláh, received revelation directly from God.[citation needed] As such their works are considered divinely inspired. These works are considered to be "revealed text" or revelation.[3][6]

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá was appointed by Baháʼu'lláh to be his successor and was authorized by him to interpret the religion's "revealed text." The works of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá are therefore considered authoritative directives and interpretation, as well as part of Baháʼí scripture.[3] He, along with The Báb and Baháʼu'lláh, is considered one of the "Central Figures" of the religion.[1]

Likewise Shoghi Effendi's interpretations and directives are considered authoritative, but are not considered to expand upon the "revealed text", or to be scripture.[3]

In the Baháʼí view, the Universal House of Justice does not have the position to interpret the founders' works, nor those of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá or Shoghi Effendi. However, it is charged with addressing any question not addressed in those works.[7] As such its directives are considered authoritative,[3] as long as they are in force (the Universal House of Justice may alter or revoke its own earlier decisions as needed),[7] and are often collected into compilations or folios.

The works of the Central Figures, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice taken together are the canonical texts of the Baha'i Faith.[1]

A special category of works consist of the prayers of the Central Figures. These were often included in original letters and have been collected into various prayer books. Baháʼu'lláh's Prayers and Meditations is a significant volume. As Baháʼís are to pray, meditate, and study sacred scripture daily, these books are common.[8]

History and biography edit

Shoghi Effendi's only book, God Passes By, is a central text covering the history of the faith from 1844 to 1944.[9] Nabil-Zarandi's Dawn Breakers covers the Bábí period extensively through to Baháʼu'lláh's banishment from Persia in 1853.[10]

Ruhiyyih Rabbani's Ministry of the Custodians details the interregnum between Shoghi Effendi's death in 1957 and the election of the Universal House of Justice in 1963.[11]

Other authors have revisited the early periods of the religion in the Middle East or addressed historical periods in other places. Some of these contain significant amounts of biographical data and can be considered biographies.[3] Notably, Balyuzi's and Taherzadeh's works have focused on the history and biographies of the central figures of the religion and their significant contemporaries.[12]

Introduction and study materials edit

One of the earliest introductory texts available in English is Esslemont's Baháʼu'lláh and the New Era. This book, originally published in 1923, has undergone several revisions over time to update, correct, and clarify its contents[13] though ʻAbdu'l-Bahá was able to personally review several of its chapters.[14] More than sixty years later, it remains in the top ten of cited Baháʼí books.[15]

Several other introductory texts are available. Hatcher & Martin's The Baháʼí Faith: The Emerging Global Religion, Momen's A Short Introduction to the Baháʼí Faith, and Smith's The Baháʼí Religion are some examples.

Of considerable importance to the Baháʼí community worldwide is the Ruhi series of study materials inspired, and largely produced, by the Baháʼí community of Colombia. These books form the core texts used in "Study Circles" and "Training Institutes" by Baháʼí communities around the world.[16]

Apologia edit

A few of Baháʼu'lláh's works may classify as apologia. In addition to being significant doctrinal works, his Kitáb-i-Íqán (Book of Certitude) and Epistle to the Son of the Wolf address both Islamic and Baháʼí audiences.[17]

During Baháʼu'lláh's lifetime, both Nabíl-i-Akbar and Mírzá Abu'l-Faḍl Gulpáygání were noteworthy Shiʻa scholars who accepted the religion. Nabíl-i-Akbar was well versed in, and wrote on Shiʻa issues. Mírzá Abu'l-Faḍl wrote extensively on both Christian and Shiʻa apologia, most notably in his book The Brilliant Proof.[18]

While Townshend's Christ and Baháʼu'lláh may also be regarded as an apologetic response to Christian concerns, Udo Schaefer, et al.'s Making the Crooked Straight is a decidedly apologetic response to Ficicchia's polemical Der Baháʼísmus - Religion der Zukunft? (Baháʼísm – Religion of the future?), a book which was published and promoted by the Evangelische Zentralstrelle für Weltanschauungsfragen (Central Office of the Protestant Church for Questions of Ideology) in the 1980s.[19][20] This organization has since revoked its affiliation with Ficicchia and now recognizes the Baháʼí Faith as an important partner in inter-religious dialogue.

Revelation edit

 
'Revelation writing': The first draft of a tablet of Baháʼu'lláh

Baháʼu'lláh occasionally would write himself, but normally the revelation was dictated to his secretaries, whose tracts are sometimes recorded it in what has been called revelation writing, a shorthand script written with extreme speed owing to the rapidity of the utterance being transcribed. Afterwards, Baháʼu'lláh revised and approved these drafts. These revelation drafts and many other transcriptions of the writings of Baháʼu'lláh's, some of which are in his own handwriting, are kept in the International Baháʼí Archives in Haifa, Israel.[21][22]

Some large works, for example the Kitáb-i-Íqán, were revealed in a very short time, as in a night, or a few days.[23]

Volume edit

Baháʼu'lláh wrote many books, tablets and prayers, of which only a fraction have so far been translated into English. He revealed thousands of tablets with a total volume more than 70 times the size of the Qurʼan and more than 15 times the size of the Bible.[21][24][25] Over 7000 tablets and other works have been collected of an estimated 15,000 texts.[24][26][27] Considering the great scope and volume of Baháʼu'lláh's writings which Bahá'ís possess, it is interesting Baháʼu'lláh's amanuensis Mírzá Áqá Ján reported that on numerous occasions (especially while in Baghdad) Baháʼu'lláh expressly ordered that hundreds of thousands of his recorded verses be "obliterated and cast into the river" as Baháʼu'lláh felt people at that time were not yet ready for them.[28] Though a small percentage of Bahá'u'lláh's original writings have been translated into English, those completed include many of his most important works.[29][30]

Language edit

Most Baháʼí literature, including all the writings of Baháʼu'lláh, was originally written in either Persian or Arabic.[3] English translations use the characteristic Baháʼí orthography developed by Shoghi Effendi to render the original names. His work was not just that of a translator, as he was also the designated interpreter of the writings,[31] and his translations are used as a standard for current translations of the Baháʼí writings.[32]

A style guide, available at the bahai.org website, gives a glossary and pronunciation guide of names and concepts as used within the Baháʼí Faith, including,[33]

Authenticity and authority edit

The question of the authenticity of given texts is of great concern to Baháʼís. As noted, they attach considerable importance to the writings of those they consider to be authoritative figures.[34] The primary duty of the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice and the International Baháʼí Library is the collection, cataloguing, authentication, and translation of these texts.[35]

By way of comparison, "pilgrims' notes" are items or sayings that are attributed to the central figures but have not been authenticated. While these may be inspirational, they are not considered authoritative.[1][36] Some of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's collected talks (e.g. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá in London, Paris Talks, and The Promulgation of Universal Peace) may fall into this category, but are awaiting further authentication.[37] The Star of the West, published in the United States from 1910 to 1924, contains many pilgrim's notes and unauthenticated letters of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá.

There is no Baháʼí corollary to Islamic Hadith; in fact, Baháʼís do not consider Hadith authoritative.[2][38]

The Baháʼí community seeks to expand the body of authenticated and translated texts. The 1992 publication of the English translation of Baháʼu'lláh's The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and the more recent Gems of Divine Mysteries (2002), The Summons of the Lord of Hosts (2002), and The Tabernacle of Unity (2006) are significant additions to the body of work available.

At the same time there is concerted effort to re-translate, edit, and even redact works that are not authenticated. For example, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá on Divine Philosophy, published in 1916, was not reprinted at the direction of Shoghi Effendi.[39] Also, early editions of Esslemont's Baháʼu'lláh and the New Era contained several passages that could not be authenticated, or were incorrect. These have been reviewed and updated in subsequent editions.[40] This practice has been criticized by observers,[41] but is considered an integral part of maintaining the integrity of the texts.[42][43][44]

Bábí texts are proving very difficult to authenticate, despite the collection of a variety of documents by E.G. Browne in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.[45] Browne's principal correspondents were Azalis,[46][47] whom he considered to be the genuine followers of the Báb. Compounding the difficulties of collecting reliable manuscripts at such a distance – Browne was at Cambridge – was the widespread Azali practice of taqiyya (dissimulation), or concealing one's beliefs.[48] Browne appears to have been unaware of this.[46][49] Azali taqiyya rendered many early Bábí documents unreliable afterwards, as Azali Bábís would often alter and falsify Bábí teachings and history.[48][50]

In contrast, dissimulation was condemned by Baháʼu'lláh and was gradually abandoned by the early Baháʼís.[48][51][52][53]

Select bibliography edit

The list below is incomplete. William P. Collins, in his Bibliography of English-language Works on the Bábí and Baháʼí Faiths, 1844–1985,[54] gives a list of 2,819 items, which includes multiple editions.[3]

For ease of browsing, the bibliography is sub-divided by author.

Authoritative edit

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá edit

  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1911). ʻAbdu'l-Bahá in London. London, UK: Baháʼí Publishing Trust (published 1982). ISBN 0-900125-50-0.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1918). ʻAbdu'l-Bahá on Divine Philosophy. Boston, USA: Tudor Press – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1972). Foundations of World Unity. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Trust. ISBN 0-87743-018-7.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (2021). Light of the World: Selected Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1915). Memorials of the Faithful. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Trust (published 1997). ISBN 0-87743-242-2.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1912). Paris Talks. Baháʼí Distribution Service (published 1995). ISBN 1-870989-57-0.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1912). MacNutt (ed.). The Promulgation of Universal Peace. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Trust (published 1982). ISBN 0-87743-172-8.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1875). Gail; Khan (eds.). The Secret of Divine Civilization. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Trust (published 1990). ISBN 0-87743-008-X.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1978). Gail (ed.). Selections From the Writings of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Trust. ISBN 0-85398-084-5.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1908). Some Answered Questions. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Trust (published 1990). ISBN 0-87743-162-0.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1909). Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas. Chicago, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Committee.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1917). Tablets of the Divine Plan. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Trust (published 1991). ISBN 0-87743-233-3.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1919). The Question of Universal Peace - The Tablet to The Hague by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. Den Haag, The Netherlands: Stichting Baháʼí Literatuur (published 1999). ISBN 90-70765-43-8 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1886). Browne (ed.). A Traveller's Narrative: Written to illustrate the episode of the Bab (2004 reprint, with translator's notes ed.). Los Angeles, USA: Kalimát Press (published 2004). ISBN 1-890688-37-1.
  • ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1921). The Will And Testament of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. Mona Vale, N.S.W, Australia: Baháʼí Publications Australia (published 1992). ISBN 0-909991-47-2.
    • Many of the above are collections but there are estimated to be over 15,000 texts archived, and over 30,000 possibly written in total.[24][26][27]

Báb edit

Baháʼu'lláh edit

Main article: List of writings of Baháʼu'lláh

Central Figures: prayer books edit

  • The Báb; Baháʼu'lláh; ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1996). Baháʼí Daybook: Passages for Deepening and Meditation. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Trust. ISBN 0-87743-154-X.
  • The Báb; Baháʼu'lláh; ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (2002). Baháʼí Prayers: A Selection of Prayers Revealed by Baháʼu'lláh, the Báb, and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Trust. ISBN 0-87743-285-6.
  • The Báb; Baháʼu'lláh; ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (2003). Fountains of Love: A Selection of Prayers and Meditations by Baháʼu'lláh, The Báb, and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. Germany: Baháʼí Verlag GmbH. ISBN 3-87037-397-0.
  • The Báb; Baháʼu'lláh; ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (2000). Remembrance of God: A Selection of Baháʼí Prayers and Holy Writings. New Delhi, India: Baháʼí Publishing Trust. ISBN 81-85091-64-1.

Central Figures and Shoghi Effendi: compilations edit

The Universal House of Justice has prepared several compilations of extracts from the Central Figures and Shoghi Effendi.

  • Compilations (1991). Research Department of the Universal House of Justice (ed.). Compilation of Compilations, Volume I. Baháʼí World Centre: Baháʼí Publications Australia – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  • Compilations (1991). Research Department of the Universal House of Justice (ed.). Compilation of Compilations, Volume II. Baháʼí World Centre: Baháʼí Publications Australia – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  • Compilations (2000). Research Department of the Universal House of Justice (ed.). Compilation of Compilations, Volume III. Baháʼí World Centre: Baháʼí Publications Australia. ISBN 1-876322-84-5 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  • Compilations (1983). Hornby, Helen (ed.). Lights of Guidance: A Baháʼí Reference File. Baháʼí Publishing Trust, New Delhi, India. ISBN 81-85091-46-3 – via Baháʼí Library Online.

Shoghi Effendi edit

Universal House of Justice and its agencies edit

These are original works of the Universal House of Justice and its agencies as distinct from compilations.

Other authors edit

 
Words from Baháʼu'lláh

Mírzá Abu'l-Faḍl Gulpáygání edit

Balyuzi, H.M. edit

Bahíyyih Khánum edit

  • Khánum, Bahíyyih; et al. (1982). Research Department at the Baháʼí World Centre (ed.). Bahíyyih Khánum, the Greatest Holy Leaf: A Compilation from Baháʼí Sacred Texts and Writings of the Guardian of the Faith and Bahíyyih Khánum's Own Letters. Haifa, Israel: Baháʼí World Centre. ISBN 0-85398-131-0.

Esslemont, J.E. edit

Nabíl-i-Zarandí edit

  • Nabíl-i-Zarandí (1932) [Composed 1890]. The Dawn-Breakers: Nabíl's Narrative. Translated by Shoghi Effendi (Hardcover ed.). Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Trust. ISBN 0-900125-22-5.

Rabbani, Rúhíyyih edit

  • Rabbani, R., ed. (1992). The Ministry of the Custodians 1957-1963. Baháʼí World Centre. ISBN 0-85398-350-X – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  • Rabbani, R. (1969). The Priceless Pearl (Hardcover ed.). London, UK: Baháʼí Publishing Trust: 2000. ISBN 1-870989-91-0.
  • Rabbani, R. (1948). Twenty-Five Years of the Guardianship. Wilmette, Illinois, USA: Baháʼí Publishing Trust – via Baháʼí Library Online.

Taherzadeh, Adib edit

Periodicals edit

News edit

  • The Baháʼí World (published since 1925 in various places), some volumes digitized online at bahaiworld.bahai.org (official website), bahai.works and at bahai-library.com, as well as some maps and charts.
  • Star of the West, (published March 1910 to March 1935 in the United States), digitized online at several places including bahai.works, starofthewest.info, bahai-library.com
  • Baháʼí News (published Dec. 1924 to Oct. 1990 in the United States), digitized online at bahai.works, bahai-news.info, bahai-library.com
  • The American Baháʼí (published since 1970 in the United States)
  • Herald of the South (published since 1925 in New Zealand and Australia)
  • Australian Baháʼí Report (published at least 1999–2006) in Australia, some issues of which were digitized and are archived online at

See also edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ The majority of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's writings are from the period 1892–1921, while a few have an earlier date: Secret of Divine Civilization (1875), A Traveller's Narrative (1886) and his commentary on 'I was a Hidden Treasure'.[5]

Citations edit

  1. ^ a b c d Smith 2000, pp. 100–101.
  2. ^ a b c d Schaefer 2007, p. 7.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Smith 2000, p. 227.
  4. ^ Smith 2000, pp. 115–116.
  5. ^ Smith 2000, p. 20.
  6. ^ Smith 2000, p. 294.
  7. ^ a b Smith 2000, pp. 346–350.
  8. ^ Smith 2000, pp. 274–275.
  9. ^ Smith 2000, pp. 318–318.
  10. ^ Smith 2000, p. 118.
  11. ^ Smith 2000, p. 117.
  12. ^ Smith 2000, pp. 89–90.
  13. ^ The Universal House of Justice (1996-06-02). "Prophecy of Daniel; Modifications of Baha'u'llah and the New Era". Baháʼí Library Online.
  14. ^ "J. E. Esslemont - Named a Hand of the Cause at His Passing". Baháʼí News. No. 15. June 1973. pp. 6–8.
  15. ^ Fazel, Seena; Danes, John (1995). "Baháʼí scholarship: an examination using citation analysis". Baháʼí Studies Review. 5 (1)., Table 4: Most cited Baháʼí books, 1988-1993.
  16. ^ Baháʼí International Community. "Collaborative Study for Individual and Social Transformation". Retrieved 2006-12-04.
  17. ^ Smith 2000, pp. 40, 133.
  18. ^ Smith 2000, pp. 22–23, 258–258.
  19. ^ Fazel, S. (2004). "Making the Crooked Straight, by Udo Schaefer, Nicola Towfigh, and Ulrich Gollmer: Review". Interreligious Insight. 2 (1): 96.
  20. ^ Cannuyer, C. (1998). "Making the Crooked Straight, by Udo Schaefer, Nicola Towfigh, and Ulrich Gollmer: Review". Baháʼí Studies Review. 8 (1) – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  21. ^ a b BWNS (May 2002). . Archived from the original on 2008-12-22. Retrieved 2006-11-24.
  22. ^ Taherzadeh, A. (1976). The Revelation of Baháʼu'lláh, Volume 1: Baghdad 1853-63. Oxford, UK: George Ronald. ISBN 0-85398-270-8.
  23. ^ "Book of Certitude: Dating the Iqan". Kalimat Press. 1995. Retrieved 2007-02-26 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  24. ^ a b c d Universal House of Justice. "Baháʼí Archives - Preserving and safeguarding the Sacred Texts". Baháʼí Library Online. Retrieved 2008-06-26.
  25. ^ Universal House of Justice. "Numbers and Classifications of Sacred Writings texts". Retrieved 2006-11-24 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  26. ^ a b c The Universal House of Justice. "Numbers and Classifications of Sacred Writings texts". Retrieved 2006-12-04.
  27. ^ a b c Stockman, R. & Cole, J. "Number of tablets revealed by Baháʼu'lláh". Baháʼí Library Online. Retrieved 2006-12-04.
  28. ^ Shoghi Effendi. God Passes By, p. 138. Bahá'í Reference Library: Bahá'í World Centre.
  29. ^ Smith 2000, pp. 79–86.
  30. ^ a b McGlinn, S. (1999). "The Leiden list of the works of Baha'u'llah". Retrieved 2006-12-04 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  31. ^ ʻAbdu'l-Bahá 1992, p. 11.
  32. ^ Baháʼu'lláh (2002). The Summons of the Lord of Hosts.
  33. ^ Style guide, glossary and pronunciation guide at bahai.org website. Retrieved 5 December 2019.
  34. ^ Smith 2000, pp. 100–101, 307.
  35. ^ The Universal House of Justice (1997-08-06). "Questions about Aspects of the Baháʼí Teachings". Retrieved 2006-12-22 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  36. ^ The Universal House of Justice (2003-07-14). "Utterances and Tablets of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá Quoted in Compilations and Letters of the Universal House of Justice". Retrieved 2006-12-22 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  37. ^ The Universal House of Justice (1996-10-22). "Authenticity of Some Baháʼí Texts". Retrieved 2006-12-22 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  38. ^ Smith 2000, p. 307.
  39. ^ "Opening notes to the online edition of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá on Divine Philosophy". Retrieved 2006-12-22 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  40. ^ Effendi, Shoghi (1973). 49: Daniel, the prophecy of. p. 18.
  41. ^ Beckwith 1985, pp. 37–38.
  42. ^ The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of the United States (1992-09-24). "Dates in Baha'u'llah and the New Era: A response to Francis Beckwith". Baháʼí Library Online. Retrieved 2006-12-22.
  43. ^ The Universal House of Justice (1995-06-25). "Beckwith's allegations". Retrieved 2006-12-22.
  44. ^ The Universal House of Justice (1999-05-04). "Access to materials at the Baháʼí World Centre". Retrieved 2006-12-25 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  45. ^ MacEoin, D. (1986). Smith, Peter (ed.). "Hierarchy, Authority and Eschatology in Early Bábí Thought". In Iran: Studies in Bábí and Baháʼí History. Los Angeles, USA: Kalimát Press. 3: 95–97. ISBN 0-933770-46-4. Retrieved 2006-12-25 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  46. ^ a b Wickens, Cole & Ekbal 1989.
  47. ^ Balyuzi 1970, pp. 18, 34, 72, 96.
  48. ^ a b c Manuchehri 2000.
  49. ^ Balyuzi 1970, p. 70.
  50. ^ For example, the problems with the version of the Nuqtatu'l-Kaf translated and published in 1910 by E.G. Browne are noted by MacEoin (MacEoin, D. (1986). "Hierarchy, Authority and Eschatology in Early Bábí Thought". In Iran: Studies in Bábí and Baháʼí History. 3: 106–107 – via Baháʼí Library Online.), and addressed by Balyuzi (Balyuzi 1970, pp. 70–88) and Cole (Cole, J. (August 1998). "Nuqtat al-Kaf and the Babi Chronicle Traditions". Research Notes in Shaykhi, Babi and Baha'i Studies. 2 (6): 106–107.) who notes that material on Subh-i-Azal (Mirza Yahya) was likely added to that manuscript in 1864.
  51. ^ Susan, Maneck (1996). "Wisdom and Dissimulation: The Use and Meaning of Hikmat in the Baháʼí Writings and History". Baháʼí Studies Review. Association for Baháʼí Studies (English-Speaking Europe). 6. Retrieved 2006-12-22 – via Baháʼí Library Online.
  52. ^ Taherzadeh 1977, p. 111.
  53. ^ Taherzadeh 1987, p. 92.
  54. ^ Collins 1990, pp. 41–158.
  55. ^ "Bahai News/Volume 1/Issue 1 - Bahaiworks, a library of works about the Bahá'í Faith". Bahai News. Vol. 1, no. 1. Chicago: Baháʼí News Service. 1910-03-21.
  56. ^ "Star of the West/Volume 2/Issue 1 - Bahaiworks, a library of works about the Bahá'í Faith". Star of the West. Vol. 2, no. 1. Chicago: Baháʼí News Service. 1911-03-21.
  57. ^ "Star of the West/Volume 22/Issue 1 - Bahaiworks, a library of works about the Bahá'í Faith". The Baháʼí Magazine. Vol. 22, no. 1. Washington, D.C.: National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada. April 1931.

References edit

Wickens; Cole; Ekbal (1989). "Browne, Edward Granville". Encyclopaedia Iranica. Vol. IV/5. Retrieved 2022-12-05.

Further reading edit

External links edit

These sites focus on Baháʼí texts and related documents:

  • Baháʼí Reference Library Searchable online editions of Baháʼí sacred texts in English, Arabic, and Persian. Sponsored by the Baháʼí International Community.
  • Baháʼí eBooks Publications Publishers of Baháʼí books for electronic devices. Sponsored privately.
  • The Bábí and Baháʼí Religions: An Annotated Bibliography An extensive bibliography of Bábí and Baháʼí related books, articles, and letters. Sponsored privately.
  • Baháʼí Library Online An extensive online library of Bábí and Baháʼí related books, articles, and letters. Sponsored privately.
  • Baháʼí Prayers Online index of, and links to, prayers sorted by topic. Sponsored privately.
  • Statements Library Searchable online editions of statements of the Baháʼí International Community. Sponsored by the Baháʼí International Community.
  • (archived)
  • Babí & Baháʼí texts and studies in English, Arabic, and Persian. Some texts not authenticated and provisional translations. Sponsored privately.
  • Windows to the Past Deepening talks (MP3 and transcriptions).

These sites contain online or downloadable searchable databases of collected world religious works. English and French language versions contain extensive Baháʼí, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, and other religious texts. Large libraries of Baháʼí texts are available in other, generally European, languages:

  • Bahairesearch.com Online. Sponsored privately. Includes several European and Japanese language Baháʼí texts.
  • Ocean Downloadable. Sponsored privately.
  • Holy Writings, online version of Ocean content. Sponsored privately.

February 21, 2024
baháʼí, literature, this, article, rely, excessively, sources, closely, associated, with, subject, potentially, preventing, article, from, being, verifiable, neutral, please, help, improve, replacing, them, with, more, appropriate, citations, reliable, indepen. This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral Please help improve it by replacing them with more appropriate citations to reliable independent third party sources May 2021 Learn how and when to remove this template message Bahaʼi literature covers a variety of topics and forms including scripture and inspiration interpretation history and biography introduction and study materials and apologia Sometimes considerable overlap between these forms can be observed in a particular text The canonical texts are the writings of the Bab Bahaʼu llah ʻAbdu l Baha Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice and the authenticated talks of ʻAbdu l Baha The writings of the Bab and Bahaʼu llah are regarded as divine revelation the writings and talks of ʻAbdu l Baha and the writings of Shoghi Effendi as authoritative interpretation and those of the Universal House of Justice as authoritative legislation and elucidation Some measure of divine guidance is assumed for all of these texts 1 2 The Bahaʼi Faith relies extensively on its literature Literacy is strongly encouraged so that believers may read the texts for themselves 3 In addition doctrinal questions are routinely addressed by returning to primary works 2 4 Many of the religion s early works took the form of letters to individuals or communities These are termed tablets 2 and have been collected into various folios by Bahaʼis over time Today the Universal House of Justice still uses letters as a primary method of communication Contents 1 Literary forms 1 1 Scripture inspiration and interpretation 1 2 History and biography 1 3 Introduction and study materials 1 4 Apologia 2 Revelation 2 1 Volume 3 Language 4 Authenticity and authority 5 Select bibliography 5 1 Authoritative 5 1 1 ʻAbdu l Baha 5 1 2 Bab 5 1 3 Bahaʼu llah 5 1 4 Central Figures prayer books 5 1 5 Central Figures and Shoghi Effendi compilations 5 1 6 Shoghi Effendi 5 1 7 Universal House of Justice and its agencies 5 2 Other authors 5 2 1 Mirza Abu l Faḍl Gulpaygani 5 2 2 Balyuzi H M 5 2 3 Bahiyyih Khanum 5 2 4 Esslemont J E 5 2 5 Nabil i Zarandi 5 2 6 Rabbani Ruhiyyih 5 2 7 Taherzadeh Adib 5 3 Periodicals 5 3 1 News 6 See also 7 Notes 8 Citations 9 References 10 Further reading 11 External linksLiterary forms editGenerally speaking the literary form of a particular book can generally be observed by noting the author and or title Scripture inspiration and interpretation edit Timeline of Bahaʼi writings1844 1850 The Bab1852 1892 Bahaʼu llah1892 1921 a ʻAbdu l Baha1921 1957 Shoghi Effendi1963 present Universal House of JusticeBahaʼis believe that the founders of the religion The Bab and Bahaʼu llah received revelation directly from God citation needed As such their works are considered divinely inspired These works are considered to be revealed text or revelation 3 6 ʻAbdu l Baha was appointed by Bahaʼu llah to be his successor and was authorized by him to interpret the religion s revealed text The works of ʻAbdu l Baha are therefore considered authoritative directives and interpretation as well as part of Bahaʼi scripture 3 He along with The Bab and Bahaʼu llah is considered one of the Central Figures of the religion 1 Likewise Shoghi Effendi s interpretations and directives are considered authoritative but are not considered to expand upon the revealed text or to be scripture 3 In the Bahaʼi view the Universal House of Justice does not have the position to interpret the founders works nor those of ʻAbdu l Baha or Shoghi Effendi However it is charged with addressing any question not addressed in those works 7 As such its directives are considered authoritative 3 as long as they are in force the Universal House of Justice may alter or revoke its own earlier decisions as needed 7 and are often collected into compilations or folios The works of the Central Figures Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice taken together are the canonical texts of the Baha i Faith 1 A special category of works consist of the prayers of the Central Figures These were often included in original letters and have been collected into various prayer books Bahaʼu llah s Prayers and Meditations is a significant volume As Bahaʼis are to pray meditate and study sacred scripture daily these books are common 8 History and biography edit Shoghi Effendi s only book God Passes By is a central text covering the history of the faith from 1844 to 1944 9 Nabil Zarandi s Dawn Breakers covers the Babi period extensively through to Bahaʼu llah s banishment from Persia in 1853 10 Ruhiyyih Rabbani s Ministry of the Custodians details the interregnum between Shoghi Effendi s death in 1957 and the election of the Universal House of Justice in 1963 11 Other authors have revisited the early periods of the religion in the Middle East or addressed historical periods in other places Some of these contain significant amounts of biographical data and can be considered biographies 3 Notably Balyuzi s and Taherzadeh s works have focused on the history and biographies of the central figures of the religion and their significant contemporaries 12 Introduction and study materials edit One of the earliest introductory texts available in English is Esslemont s Bahaʼu llah and the New Era This book originally published in 1923 has undergone several revisions over time to update correct and clarify its contents 13 though ʻAbdu l Baha was able to personally review several of its chapters 14 More than sixty years later it remains in the top ten of cited Bahaʼi books 15 Several other introductory texts are available Hatcher amp Martin s The Bahaʼi Faith The Emerging Global Religion Momen s A Short Introduction to the Bahaʼi Faith and Smith s The Bahaʼi Religion are some examples Of considerable importance to the Bahaʼi community worldwide is the Ruhi series of study materials inspired and largely produced by the Bahaʼi community of Colombia These books form the core texts used in Study Circles and Training Institutes by Bahaʼi communities around the world 16 Apologia edit A few of Bahaʼu llah s works may classify as apologia In addition to being significant doctrinal works his Kitab i Iqan Book of Certitude and Epistle to the Son of the Wolf address both Islamic and Bahaʼi audiences 17 During Bahaʼu llah s lifetime both Nabil i Akbar and Mirza Abu l Faḍl Gulpaygani were noteworthy Shiʻa scholars who accepted the religion Nabil i Akbar was well versed in and wrote on Shiʻa issues Mirza Abu l Faḍl wrote extensively on both Christian and Shiʻa apologia most notably in his book The Brilliant Proof 18 While Townshend s Christ and Bahaʼu llah may also be regarded as an apologetic response to Christian concerns Udo Schaefer et al s Making the Crooked Straight is a decidedly apologetic response to Ficicchia s polemical Der Bahaʼismus Religion der Zukunft Bahaʼism Religion of the future a book which was published and promoted by the Evangelische Zentralstrelle fur Weltanschauungsfragen Central Office of the Protestant Church for Questions of Ideology in the 1980s 19 20 This organization has since revoked its affiliation with Ficicchia and now recognizes the Bahaʼi Faith as an important partner in inter religious dialogue Revelation edit nbsp Revelation writing The first draft of a tablet of Bahaʼu llahBahaʼu llah occasionally would write himself but normally the revelation was dictated to his secretaries whose tracts are sometimes recorded it in what has been called revelation writing a shorthand script written with extreme speed owing to the rapidity of the utterance being transcribed Afterwards Bahaʼu llah revised and approved these drafts These revelation drafts and many other transcriptions of the writings of Bahaʼu llah s some of which are in his own handwriting are kept in the International Bahaʼi Archives in Haifa Israel 21 22 Some large works for example the Kitab i Iqan were revealed in a very short time as in a night or a few days 23 Volume edit Bahaʼu llah wrote many books tablets and prayers of which only a fraction have so far been translated into English He revealed thousands of tablets with a total volume more than 70 times the size of the Qurʼan and more than 15 times the size of the Bible 21 24 25 Over 7000 tablets and other works have been collected of an estimated 15 000 texts 24 26 27 Considering the great scope and volume of Bahaʼu llah s writings which Baha is possess it is interesting Bahaʼu llah s amanuensis Mirza Aqa Jan reported that on numerous occasions especially while in Baghdad Bahaʼu llah expressly ordered that hundreds of thousands of his recorded verses be obliterated and cast into the river as Bahaʼu llah felt people at that time were not yet ready for them 28 Though a small percentage of Baha u llah s original writings have been translated into English those completed include many of his most important works 29 30 Language editMost Bahaʼi literature including all the writings of Bahaʼu llah was originally written in either Persian or Arabic 3 English translations use the characteristic Bahaʼi orthography developed by Shoghi Effendi to render the original names His work was not just that of a translator as he was also the designated interpreter of the writings 31 and his translations are used as a standard for current translations of the Bahaʼi writings 32 A style guide available at the bahai org website gives a glossary and pronunciation guide of names and concepts as used within the Bahaʼi Faith including 33 Bahaʼi Faith pronounced as Ba HIGH Bahaʼu llah pronounced as Ba ha ul LAH Bab pronounced as Bahb Bob ʻAbdu l Baha pronounced as Abdul ba HAH Bahaʼi Naw Ruz pronounced as Naw Rooz Ridvan pronounced as REZ vahnAuthenticity and authority editThe question of the authenticity of given texts is of great concern to Bahaʼis As noted they attach considerable importance to the writings of those they consider to be authoritative figures 34 The primary duty of the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice and the International Bahaʼi Library is the collection cataloguing authentication and translation of these texts 35 By way of comparison pilgrims notes are items or sayings that are attributed to the central figures but have not been authenticated While these may be inspirational they are not considered authoritative 1 36 Some of ʻAbdu l Baha s collected talks e g ʻAbdu l Baha in London Paris Talks and The Promulgation of Universal Peace may fall into this category but are awaiting further authentication 37 The Star of the West published in the United States from 1910 to 1924 contains many pilgrim s notes and unauthenticated letters of ʻAbdu l Baha There is no Bahaʼi corollary to Islamic Hadith in fact Bahaʼis do not consider Hadith authoritative 2 38 The Bahaʼi community seeks to expand the body of authenticated and translated texts The 1992 publication of the English translation of Bahaʼu llah s The Kitab i Aqdas and the more recent Gems of Divine Mysteries 2002 The Summons of the Lord of Hosts 2002 and The Tabernacle of Unity 2006 are significant additions to the body of work available At the same time there is concerted effort to re translate edit and even redact works that are not authenticated For example ʻAbdu l Baha on Divine Philosophy published in 1916 was not reprinted at the direction of Shoghi Effendi 39 Also early editions of Esslemont s Bahaʼu llah and the New Era contained several passages that could not be authenticated or were incorrect These have been reviewed and updated in subsequent editions 40 This practice has been criticized by observers 41 but is considered an integral part of maintaining the integrity of the texts 42 43 44 Babi texts are proving very difficult to authenticate despite the collection of a variety of documents by E G Browne in the late 19th and early 20th centuries 45 Browne s principal correspondents were Azalis 46 47 whom he considered to be the genuine followers of the Bab Compounding the difficulties of collecting reliable manuscripts at such a distance Browne was at Cambridge was the widespread Azali practice of taqiyya dissimulation or concealing one s beliefs 48 Browne appears to have been unaware of this 46 49 Azali taqiyya rendered many early Babi documents unreliable afterwards as Azali Babis would often alter and falsify Babi teachings and history 48 50 In contrast dissimulation was condemned by Bahaʼu llah and was gradually abandoned by the early Bahaʼis 48 51 52 53 Select bibliography editThe list below is incomplete William P Collins in his Bibliography of English language Works on the Babi and Bahaʼi Faiths 1844 1985 54 gives a list of 2 819 items which includes multiple editions 3 For ease of browsing the bibliography is sub divided by author Authoritative edit ʻAbdu l Baha edit ʻAbdu l Baha 1911 ʻAbdu l Baha in London London UK Bahaʼi Publishing Trust published 1982 ISBN 0 900125 50 0 ʻAbdu l Baha 1918 ʻAbdu l Baha on Divine Philosophy Boston USA Tudor Press via Bahaʼi Library Online ʻAbdu l Baha 1972 Foundations of World Unity Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 018 7 ʻAbdu l Baha 2021 Light of the World Selected Tablets of Abdu l Baha ʻAbdu l Baha 1915 Memorials of the Faithful Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust published 1997 ISBN 0 87743 242 2 ʻAbdu l Baha 1912 Paris Talks Bahaʼi Distribution Service published 1995 ISBN 1 870989 57 0 ʻAbdu l Baha 1912 MacNutt ed The Promulgation of Universal Peace Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust published 1982 ISBN 0 87743 172 8 ʻAbdu l Baha 1875 Gail Khan eds The Secret of Divine Civilization Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust published 1990 ISBN 0 87743 008 X ʻAbdu l Baha 1978 Gail ed Selections From the Writings of ʻAbdu l Baha Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 85398 084 5 ʻAbdu l Baha 1908 Some Answered Questions Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust published 1990 ISBN 0 87743 162 0 ʻAbdu l Baha 1909 Tablets of Abdul Baha Abbas Chicago USA Bahaʼi Publishing Committee ʻAbdu l Baha 1917 Tablets of the Divine Plan Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust published 1991 ISBN 0 87743 233 3 ʻAbdu l Baha 1919 The Question of Universal Peace The Tablet to The Hague by ʻAbdu l Baha Den Haag The Netherlands Stichting Bahaʼi Literatuur published 1999 ISBN 90 70765 43 8 via Bahaʼi Library Online ʻAbdu l Baha 1886 Browne ed A Traveller s Narrative Written to illustrate the episode of the Bab 2004 reprint with translator s notes ed Los Angeles USA Kalimat Press published 2004 ISBN 1 890688 37 1 ʻAbdu l Baha 1921 The Will And Testament of ʻAbdu l Baha Mona Vale N S W Australia Bahaʼi Publications Australia published 1992 ISBN 0 909991 47 2 Many of the above are collections but there are estimated to be over 15 000 texts archived and over 30 000 possibly written in total 24 26 27 Bab edit Arabic Bayan Persian Bayan The Bab 1976 Selections from the Writings of the Bab Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 1 931847 30 4 Bahaʼu llah edit Main article List of writings of Bahaʼu llah Bahaʼu llah 1988 Composed 1892 Epistle to the Son of the Wolf Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 182 5 Bahaʼu llah 2002 Gems of Divine Mysteries Haifa Israel Bahaʼi World Centre ISBN 0 85398 975 3 Bahaʼu llah 1976 Gleanings from the Writings of Bahaʼu llah Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 187 6 Bahaʼu llah 1858 The Hidden Words of Bahaʼu llah Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust published 2003 ISBN 0 87743 296 1 Bahaʼu llah 1873 The Kitab i Aqdas The Most Holy Book Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust published 1992 ISBN 0 85398 999 0 Bahaʼu llah 1862 Kitab i Iqan The Book of Certitude Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust published 2003 ISBN 1 931847 08 8 Bahaʼu llah 1974 1st pub 1938 Prayers and Meditations Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 024 1 Bahaʼu llah 1991 Proclamation of Bahaʼu llah Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 064 0 Bahaʼu llah 1863 The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust published 1991 ISBN 0 87743 227 9 Bahaʼu llah 2002 The Summons of the Lord of Hosts Haifa Israel Bahaʼi World Centre ISBN 0 85398 976 1 Bahaʼu llah 2006 The Tabernacle of Unity Bahaʼu llah s Responses to Manikchi Sahib and Other Writings Haifa Israel Bahaʼi World Centre ISBN 0 85398 969 9 Bahaʼu llah 1994 Composed 1873 92 Tablets of Bahaʼu llah Revealed After the Kitab i Aqdas Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 174 4 Fire Tablet Long Healing Prayer Tablet of Ahmad Arabic Tablet of the Holy Mariner Over 7000 tablets and other works have been collected of an estimated 15 000 texts 24 26 27 However only a relative few have been translated and catalogued 30 Central Figures prayer books edit The Bab Bahaʼu llah ʻAbdu l Baha 1996 Bahaʼi Daybook Passages for Deepening and Meditation Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 154 X The Bab Bahaʼu llah ʻAbdu l Baha 2002 Bahaʼi Prayers A Selection of Prayers Revealed by Bahaʼu llah the Bab and ʻAbdu l Baha Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 285 6 The Bab Bahaʼu llah ʻAbdu l Baha 2003 Fountains of Love A Selection of Prayers and Meditations by Bahaʼu llah The Bab and ʻAbdu l Baha Germany Bahaʼi Verlag GmbH ISBN 3 87037 397 0 The Bab Bahaʼu llah ʻAbdu l Baha 2000 Remembrance of God A Selection of Bahaʼi Prayers and Holy Writings New Delhi India Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 81 85091 64 1 Central Figures and Shoghi Effendi compilations edit The Universal House of Justice has prepared several compilations of extracts from the Central Figures and Shoghi Effendi Compilations 1991 Research Department of the Universal House of Justice ed Compilation of Compilations Volume I Bahaʼi World Centre Bahaʼi Publications Australia via Bahaʼi Library Online Compilations 1991 Research Department of the Universal House of Justice ed Compilation of Compilations Volume II Bahaʼi World Centre Bahaʼi Publications Australia via Bahaʼi Library Online Compilations 2000 Research Department of the Universal House of Justice ed Compilation of Compilations Volume III Bahaʼi World Centre Bahaʼi Publications Australia ISBN 1 876322 84 5 via Bahaʼi Library Online Compilations 1983 Hornby Helen ed Lights of Guidance A Bahaʼi Reference File Bahaʼi Publishing Trust New Delhi India ISBN 81 85091 46 3 via Bahaʼi Library Online Shoghi Effendi edit Effendi Shoghi 1938 The Advent of Divine Justice Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 195 7 Effendi Shoghi 1974 Bahaʼi Administration Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 166 3 Effendi Shoghi 1980 Citadel of Faith Messages to America 1947 1957 Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 145 0 Effendi Shoghi 1970 Dawn of a New Day India Bahaʼi Publishing Trust Effendi Shoghi 2009 Dear Co worker Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries Leuven Belgium Brilliant Books p 164 via Bahaʼi Library Online Effendi Shoghi 1973 Directives from the Guardian Hawaii Bahaʼi Publishing Trust Effendi Shoghi 1981 The Dispensation of Bahaʼu llah Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 900125 46 2 Effendi Shoghi 1944 God Passes By Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 020 9 Effendi Shoghi 1982 The Light of Divine Guidance Volume 1 Germany Bahaʼi Publishing Trust Effendi Shoghi 1982 The Light of Divine Guidance Volume 2 Germany Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 3 87037 159 5 Effendi Shoghi 1971 Messages to the Bahaʼi World 1950 1957 Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 036 5 Effendi Shoghi 1976 Principles of Bahaʼi Administration 4th ed London UK Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 900125 13 6 via Bahaʼi Library Online Effendi Shoghi 1996 The Promised Day is Come Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 244 9 Effendi Shoghi 1938 The World Order of Bahaʼu llah Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 231 7 Universal House of Justice and its agencies edit These are original works of the Universal House of Justice and its agencies as distinct from compilations Bahaʼi International Community 1992 Bahaʼu llah Bahaʼi World Centre Bahaʼi International Community 2001 Century of Light Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 294 5 Universal House of Justice 2001 Attainment of the Unity of Nations and the Lesser Peace Bahaʼi World Centre via Bahaʼi Library Online Universal House of Justice 1972 Constitution of the Universal House of Justice Bahaʼi World Centre via Bahaʼi Library Online Universal House of Justice 2002 Letter to the World s Religious Leaders Bahaʼi World Centre via Bahaʼi Library Online Universal House of Justice 1996 Marks G W ed Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963 1986 The Third Epoch of the Formative Age Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 239 2 via Bahaʼi Library Online Universal House of Justice 2005 One Common Faith Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 315 1 Universal House of Justice 1986 The Promise of World Peace London UK Oneworld ISBN 1 85168 002 0 Other authors edit nbsp Words from Bahaʼu llahMirza Abu l Faḍl Gulpaygani edit Mirza Abu l Faḍl Gulpaygani 1998 The Brilliant Proof Los Angeles Kalimat Press ISBN 1 890688 00 2 via Bahaʼi Library Online Mirza Abu l Faḍl Gulpaygani 1981 Miracles and Metaphors Los Angeles Kalimat Press ISBN 0 933770 22 7 via Google Books Balyuzi H M edit Balyuzi H M 2001 ʻAbdu l Baha The Centre of the Covenant of Bahaʼu llah Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 043 8 Balyuzi H M 1973 The Bab The Herald of the Day of Days Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 048 9 Balyuzi H M 1980 Bahaʼu llah King of Glory Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 328 3 Balyuzi H M 1970 Edward Granville Browne and the Bahaʼi Faith Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 023 3 Balyuzi H M 1985 Eminent Bahaʼis in the time of Bahaʼu llah Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 152 3 Balyuzi H M 1981 Khadijih Bagum the Wife of the Bab Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 100 0 Balyuzi H M 1976 Muhammad and the Course of Islam Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 478 6 Bahiyyih Khanum edit Khanum Bahiyyih et al 1982 Research Department at the Bahaʼi World Centre ed Bahiyyih Khanum the Greatest Holy Leaf A Compilation from Bahaʼi Sacred Texts and Writings of the Guardian of the Faith and Bahiyyih Khanum s Own Letters Haifa Israel Bahaʼi World Centre ISBN 0 85398 131 0 Esslemont J E edit Esslemont J E 1980 Bahaʼu llah and the New Era 5th ed Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 160 4 Nabil i Zarandi edit Nabil i Zarandi 1932 Composed 1890 The Dawn Breakers Nabil s Narrative Translated by Shoghi Effendi Hardcover ed Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 900125 22 5 Rabbani Ruhiyyih edit Rabbani R ed 1992 The Ministry of the Custodians 1957 1963 Bahaʼi World Centre ISBN 0 85398 350 X via Bahaʼi Library Online Rabbani R 1969 The Priceless Pearl Hardcover ed London UK Bahaʼi Publishing Trust 2000 ISBN 1 870989 91 0 Rabbani R 1948 Twenty Five Years of the Guardianship Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust via Bahaʼi Library Online Taherzadeh Adib edit Taherzadeh A 2000 The Child of the Covenant Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 439 5 Archived from the original on 2018 02 05 Retrieved 2016 04 02 via Bahaʼi Library Online Taherzadeh A 1992 The Covenant of Bahaʼu llah Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 344 5 Taherzadeh A 1976 The Revelation of Bahaʼu llah Volume 1 Baghdad 1853 63 Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 270 8 Taherzadeh A 1977 The Revelation of Bahaʼu llah Volume 2 Adrianople 1863 68 Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 071 3 Taherzadeh A 1984 The Revelation of Bahaʼu llah Volume 3 ʻAkka The Early Years 1868 77 Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 144 2 Taherzadeh A 1987 The Revelation of Bahaʼu llah Volume 4 Mazra ih amp Bahji 1877 92 Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 270 8 Taherzadeh A 1972 Trustees of the Merciful London UK Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 900125 09 8 Archived from the original on 2018 02 22 Retrieved 2013 06 12 Periodicals edit News edit The Bahaʼi World published since 1925 in various places some volumes digitized online at bahaiworld bahai org official website bahai works and at bahai library com as well as some maps and charts Star of the West published March 1910 to March 1935 in the United States digitized online at several places including bahai works starofthewest info bahai library com Titled Bahai sic News for Volume 1 March 1910 to March 1911 55 Star of the West for Volumes 2 21 March 1911 to March 1931 56 then The Bahaʼi Magazine thereafter Volumes 22 25 57 Initially published in Chicago by the Bahaʼi News Service under the auspices of the Canada United States Executive Committee for the Bahaʼi Temple Unity later published in Washington D C by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada Bahaʼi News published Dec 1924 to Oct 1990 in the United States digitized online at bahai works bahai news info bahai library com The American Bahaʼi published since 1970 in the United States Herald of the South published since 1925 in New Zealand and Australia Australian Bahaʼi Report published at least 1999 2006 in Australia some issues of which were digitized and are archived online at archive orgSee also editBahaʼi Faith in fictionNotes edit The majority of ʻAbdu l Baha s writings are from the period 1892 1921 while a few have an earlier date Secret of Divine Civilization 1875 A Traveller s Narrative 1886 and his commentary on I was a Hidden Treasure 5 Citations edit a b c d Smith 2000 pp 100 101 a b c d Schaefer 2007 p 7 a b c d e f g h Smith 2000 p 227 Smith 2000 pp 115 116 Smith 2000 p 20 Smith 2000 p 294 a b Smith 2000 pp 346 350 Smith 2000 pp 274 275 Smith 2000 pp 318 318 Smith 2000 p 118 Smith 2000 p 117 Smith 2000 pp 89 90 The Universal House of Justice 1996 06 02 Prophecy of Daniel Modifications of Baha u llah and the New Era Bahaʼi Library Online J E Esslemont Named a Hand of the Cause at His Passing Bahaʼi News No 15 June 1973 pp 6 8 Fazel Seena Danes John 1995 Bahaʼi scholarship an examination using citation analysis Bahaʼi Studies Review 5 1 Table 4 Most cited Bahaʼi books 1988 1993 Bahaʼi International Community Collaborative Study for Individual and Social Transformation Retrieved 2006 12 04 Smith 2000 pp 40 133 Smith 2000 pp 22 23 258 258 Fazel S 2004 Making the Crooked Straight by Udo Schaefer Nicola Towfigh and Ulrich Gollmer Review Interreligious Insight 2 1 96 Cannuyer C 1998 Making the Crooked Straight by Udo Schaefer Nicola Towfigh and Ulrich Gollmer Review Bahaʼi Studies Review 8 1 via Bahaʼi Library Online a b BWNS May 2002 A new volume of Bahaʼi sacred writings recently translated and comprising Bahaʼu llah s call to world leaders is published Archived from the original on 2008 12 22 Retrieved 2006 11 24 Taherzadeh A 1976 The Revelation of Bahaʼu llah Volume 1 Baghdad 1853 63 Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 270 8 Book of Certitude Dating the Iqan Kalimat Press 1995 Retrieved 2007 02 26 via Bahaʼi Library Online a b c d Universal House of Justice Bahaʼi Archives Preserving and safeguarding the Sacred Texts Bahaʼi Library Online Retrieved 2008 06 26 Universal House of Justice Numbers and Classifications of Sacred Writings texts Retrieved 2006 11 24 via Bahaʼi Library Online a b c The Universal House of Justice Numbers and Classifications of Sacred Writings texts Retrieved 2006 12 04 a b c Stockman R amp Cole J Number of tablets revealed by Bahaʼu llah Bahaʼi Library Online Retrieved 2006 12 04 Shoghi Effendi God Passes By p 138 Baha i Reference Library Baha i World Centre Smith 2000 pp 79 86 a b McGlinn S 1999 The Leiden list of the works of Baha u llah Retrieved 2006 12 04 via Bahaʼi Library Online ʻAbdu l Baha 1992 p 11 Bahaʼu llah 2002 The Summons of the Lord of Hosts Style guide glossary and pronunciation guide at bahai org website Retrieved 5 December 2019 Smith 2000 pp 100 101 307 The Universal House of Justice 1997 08 06 Questions about Aspects of the Bahaʼi Teachings Retrieved 2006 12 22 via Bahaʼi Library Online The Universal House of Justice 2003 07 14 Utterances and Tablets of ʻAbdu l Baha Quoted in Compilations and Letters of the Universal House of Justice Retrieved 2006 12 22 via Bahaʼi Library Online The Universal House of Justice 1996 10 22 Authenticity of Some Bahaʼi Texts Retrieved 2006 12 22 via Bahaʼi Library Online Smith 2000 p 307 Opening notes to the online edition of ʻAbdu l Baha on Divine Philosophy Retrieved 2006 12 22 via Bahaʼi Library Online Effendi Shoghi 1973 49 Daniel the prophecy of p 18 Beckwith 1985 pp 37 38 The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahaʼis of the United States 1992 09 24 Dates in Baha u llah and the New Era A response to Francis Beckwith Bahaʼi Library Online Retrieved 2006 12 22 The Universal House of Justice 1995 06 25 Beckwith s allegations Retrieved 2006 12 22 The Universal House of Justice 1999 05 04 Access to materials at the Bahaʼi World Centre Retrieved 2006 12 25 via Bahaʼi Library Online MacEoin D 1986 Smith Peter ed Hierarchy Authority and Eschatology in Early Babi Thought In Iran Studies in Babi and Bahaʼi History Los Angeles USA Kalimat Press 3 95 97 ISBN 0 933770 46 4 Retrieved 2006 12 25 via Bahaʼi Library Online a b Wickens Cole amp Ekbal 1989 Balyuzi 1970 pp 18 34 72 96 a b c Manuchehri 2000 Balyuzi 1970 p 70 For example the problems with the version of the Nuqtatu l Kaf translated and published in 1910 by E G Browne are noted by MacEoin MacEoin D 1986 Hierarchy Authority and Eschatology in Early Babi Thought In Iran Studies in Babi and Bahaʼi History 3 106 107 via Bahaʼi Library Online and addressed by Balyuzi Balyuzi 1970 pp 70 88 and Cole Cole J August 1998 Nuqtat al Kaf and the Babi Chronicle Traditions Research Notes in Shaykhi Babi and Baha i Studies 2 6 106 107 who notes that material on Subh i Azal Mirza Yahya was likely added to that manuscript in 1864 Susan Maneck 1996 Wisdom and Dissimulation The Use and Meaning of Hikmat in the Bahaʼi Writings and History Bahaʼi Studies Review Association for Bahaʼi Studies English Speaking Europe 6 Retrieved 2006 12 22 via Bahaʼi Library Online Taherzadeh 1977 p 111 Taherzadeh 1987 p 92 Collins 1990 pp 41 158 Bahai News Volume 1 Issue 1 Bahaiworks a library of works about the Baha i Faith Bahai News Vol 1 no 1 Chicago Bahaʼi News Service 1910 03 21 Star of the West Volume 2 Issue 1 Bahaiworks a library of works about the Baha i Faith Star of the West Vol 2 no 1 Chicago Bahaʼi News Service 1911 03 21 Star of the West Volume 22 Issue 1 Bahaiworks a library of works about the Baha i Faith The Bahaʼi Magazine Vol 22 no 1 Washington D C National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada April 1931 References editʻAbdu l Baha 1992 1st pub 1921 The Will And Testament of ʻAbdu l Baha Mona Vale N S W Australia Bahaʼi Publications Australia ISBN 0 909991 47 2 ʻAbdu l Baha 1992 Composed 1901 08 The Will And Testament of ʻAbdu l Baha p 11 Balyuzi H M 1970 Edward Granville Browne and the Bahaʼi Faith Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 023 3 Beckwith Francis 1985 Bahaʼi Minneapolis MN USA Bethany House ISBN 0 87123 848 9 Collins William P 1990 Bibliography of English language Works on the Babi and Bahaʼi Faiths 1844 1985 Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 315 1 Archived from the original on 2013 08 01 Effendi Shoghi 1973 Directives from the Guardian Hawaii Bahaʼi Publishing Trust Effendi Shoghi 1944 God Passes By Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 020 9 Effendi Shoghi 1996 Promised Day is Come Wilmette Illinois USA Bahaʼi Publishing Trust ISBN 0 87743 244 9 Manuchehri Sepehr 2000 Taqiyyah Dissimulation in the Babi and Baha i Religions Australian Baha i Studies 2 Retrieved 2022 12 02 Schaefer U 2007 Bahaʼi Ethics in Light of Scripture Volume 1 Doctrinal Fundamentals Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 978 0 85398 505 1 via Google Books Smith Peter 2000 A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahaʼi Faith Oxford UK Oneworld Publications ISBN 1 85168 184 1 via Google Books Smith Peter 2008 An Introduction to the Baha i Faith Cambridge Cambridge University Press ISBN 978 0 521 86251 6 via Google Books Taherzadeh A 1977 The Revelation of Bahaʼu llah Volume 2 Adrianople 1863 68 Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 071 3 Taherzadeh A 1987 The Revelation of Bahaʼu llah Volume 4 Mazra ih amp Bahji 1877 92 Oxford UK George Ronald ISBN 0 85398 270 8 Wickens Cole Ekbal 1989 Browne Edward Granville Encyclopaedia Iranica Vol IV 5 Retrieved 2022 12 05 Further reading editPhelps Steven 2022 Ch 5 The Writings of Bahaʼuʼllah In Stockman Robert H ed The World of the Baha i Faith Oxfordshire UK Routledge pp 51 71 ISBN 978 1 138 36772 2 MacEoin Denis 2011 BAHAISM xii Bahai Literature Encyclopaedia Iranica online ed Retrieved 7 October 2021 External links editThese sites focus on Bahaʼi texts and related documents Bahaʼi Reference Library Searchable online editions of Bahaʼi sacred texts in English Arabic and Persian Sponsored by the Bahaʼi International Community Bahaʼi eBooks Publications Publishers of Bahaʼi books for electronic devices Sponsored privately The Babi and Bahaʼi Religions An Annotated Bibliography An extensive bibliography of Babi and Bahaʼi related books articles and letters Sponsored privately Bahaʼi Library Online An extensive online library of Babi and Bahaʼi related books articles and letters Sponsored privately Bahaʼi Prayers Online index of and links to prayers sorted by topic Sponsored privately Statements Library Searchable online editions of statements of the Bahaʼi International Community Sponsored by the Bahaʼi International Community International Bahaʼi Library Haifa archived H Bahai Discussion Network Babi amp Bahaʼi texts and studies in English Arabic and Persian Some texts not authenticated and provisional translations Sponsored privately Windows to the Past Deepening talks MP3 and transcriptions These sites contain online or downloadable searchable databases of collected world religious works English and French language versions contain extensive Bahaʼi Buddhist Christian Hindu Islamic Jewish and other religious texts Large libraries of Bahaʼi texts are available in other generally European languages Bahairesearch com Online Sponsored privately Includes several European and Japanese language Bahaʼi texts Ocean Downloadable Sponsored privately Holy Writings online version of Ocean content Sponsored privately Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Bahaʼi literature amp oldid 1193131857, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.