Chapter 1

A Compilation on Bahá’í Education

by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

Edition 1, (September 2006)

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CONTENTS

Baha’i Terms of Use [Frontispiece] “The newly born babe of that Day excels the wisest and most venerable men of...” FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH: “1: The Prophets and Messengers of God have been sent down for the sole purpose of...” “2: We have decreed, O people, that the highest and last end of all learning...” “3: Consider ... the revelation of the light of the Name of God, the Educator....” “4: Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however,...” “5: Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the...” “6: We prescribe unto all men that which will lead to the exaltation of the...” “7: Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and...” “8: ...Everyone, whether man or woman, should hand over to a trusted person a...” “9: Strain every nerve to acquire both inner and outer perfections, for the...” “10: Man is even as steel, the essence of which is hidden: through admonition...” “11: There are many things which will, if neglected, be wasted, and come to...” “12: It is the bounden duty of parents to rear their children to be staunch in...” “13: The fear of God hath ever been the prime factor in the education of His...” “14: That which is of paramount importance for the children, that which must...” “15: ...Schools must first train the children in the principles of religion,...” “16: ...Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive...” “17: ...The learned of the day must direct the people to acquire those...” “18: It is incumbent upon the children to exert themselves to the utmost in...” “19: In the treasuries of the knowledge of God there lieth concealed a...” “20: It beseemeth ... the ... officials of the Government to convene a gathering and...” “21: Teach ye your children the verses that have been divinely revealed, that...” “22: Teach your children that which hath been sent down from the heaven of...” “23: At the outset of every endeavour, it is incumbent to look to the end of...” “24: As to the children: We have directed that in the beginning they should be...” “25: O Ḥusayn! O thou Preceptor!...” “26: Blessed is that teacher who remaineth faithful to the Covenant of God, and...” FROM THE WRITINGS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ: “27: O God, O Thou Who hast cast Thy splendour over the luminous realities of...” “28: O thou true friend! Read, in the school of God, the lessons of the...” “29: Man is in the highest degree of materiality, and at the beginning of...” “30: Man is said to be the greatest representative of God, and he is the Book...” “31: Close investigation will show that the primary cause of oppression and...” “32: The primary, the most urgent requirement is the promotion of education....” “33: Observe carefully how education and the arts of civilization bring honour,....” “34: But education is of three kinds: material, human, and spiritual....” “35: There are some who imagine that an innate sense of human dignity will...” “36: As to the differences among human beings and the superiority or...” “37: Question.—How many kinds of character has man, and what is the cause...” “38: As to the difference between that material civilization now prevailing,...” “39: Among the safeguards of the Holy Faith is the training of children, and...” “40: The root cause of wrongdoing is ignorance, and we must therefore hold fast...” “41: Were there no educator, all souls would remain savage, and were it not for...” “42: And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is the promotion of education....” “43: There are certain pillars which have been established as the unshakeable...” “44: Thou didst write as to the children: From the very beginning, the...” “45: My wish is that these children should receive a Bahá’í education, so...” “46: Child education is a matter of the utmost importance. The infant, while...” “47: O thou who gazest upon the Kingdom of God!...” “48: We have previously written and sent out a detailed letter regarding the...” “49: As to thy question regarding the education of children: It behoveth thee...” “50: Exert every effort to acquire the various branches of knowledge and true...” “51: O ye two servants at the Holy Threshold!...” “52: O ye two well-loved handmaids of God! Whatever a man’s tongue speaketh,...” “53: O thou steadfast in the Covenant!...” “54: O true companions!...” “55: The education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts...” “56: Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to...” “57: Blessed art thou, since thou art engaged in rendering a service which will...” “58: It is the hope of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that those youthful souls in the...” “59: O thou handmaid of God!...” “60: Make ye inquiries as to a woman teacher. She must be extremely modest,...” “61: In thy school, instruct thou God’s children in the customs of the Kingdom....” “62: Make every effort to acquire the advanced knowledge of the day, and strain...” “63: O thou steadfast in the Covenant!...” “64: O thou who art steadfast in the Covenant!...” “65: O thou teacher of the children of the Kingdom!...” “66: O ye recipients of the favours of God!...” “67: O ye of high resolve and noble aims!...” “68: One of the friends hath sent us a letter regarding the school at...” “69: The services ye are rendering in support of the Ta’yíd School merit the...” “70: What thou hadst written as to the school is a cause for great rejoicing,...” “71: Make ye every effort to improve the Tarbíyat School and to develop order...” “72: The All-Merciful hath created humankind for the adornment of this...” “73: God be praised that ye have succeeded in establishing a school in...” “74: The method of instruction which ye have established, beginning with proofs...” “75: As to the children: From the age of five their formal education must...” “76: Thou didst ask as to the education of children. Those children who,...” “77: The subjects to be taught in children’s school are many, and for lack of...” “78: As to the organization of the schools: If possible the children should...” “79: As to the education of children, exert every effort to further this; it is...” “80: The school for girls taketh precedence over the school for boys, for it is...” “81: Our hearts rejoiced at thy letter concerning a school for girls....” “82: In past centuries the girl children of Persia were deprived of all...” “83: In this holy Cause the question of orphans hath the utmost importance....” “84: Your letter hath come and hath occasioned the utmost joy, with its news...” “85: Thou didst write about the believers’ daughters who attend the schools of...” “86: Consider that if the mother is a believer, the children will become...” “87: O handmaids of the beauty of Abhá! Your letter hath come, and its perusal...” “88: Today it is obligatory for the loved ones of God, and their imperative...” “89: O Handmaids of the Lord!...” “90: ... O maid-servants of the Merciful! It is incumbent upon you to train...” “91: Deliver my longings and greetings to the consolation of thine eye... and...” “92: ...O dear one of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá! Be the son of thy father and be the...” “93: O ye dear children!...” “94: It is incumbent upon the youth to walk in the footsteps of Hakím...” “95: The Sunday school for the children in which the Tablets and Teachings of...” “96: O ye children of the the Kingdom:...” “97: O young trees and plants, matchless and tender, that grow in the meadows...” FROM THE WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI AND LETTERS WRITTEN ON HIS BEHALF: “98: For the members of the Children’s Educational Work Committee ... I...” “99: They must promote by every means in their power the material as well as...” “100: As to the spiritual activities of the “Children of the Kingdom” in...” “101: A basic and vital requirement of these days is the matter of educating the...” “102: The “Magazine of the Children of the Kingdom”, the latest issue of which I...” “103: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has always attached very great importance to the education of...” “104: In connection with the question that you had asked as to whether you...” “105: Among the sacred obligations devolving upon the Spiritual Assemblies is...” “106: Shoghi Effendi was very interested to hear of the plans you are making for...” “107: We had heard through various channels the wonderful way your children had...” “108: In philanthropic enterprises and acts of charity, in promotion of the...” “109: Your short but impressive letter addressed to Shoghi Effendi was received....” “110: We hope that before long the Bahá’ís will even afford to have schools that....” “111: He is very glad to know that you attach importance to the training of the...” “112: He was deeply gratified to hear that the friends are attaching such a...” “113: Shoghi Effendi wishes you particularly to give all your attention to the...” “114: The Bahá’í Faith ... advocates compulsory education...” “115: He was deeply gratified to learn that your material conditions are improving...” “116: Shoghi Effendi was deeply saddened to learn from your letter... of the...” “117: The Guardian sees no objection that reference be made to the fact that the...” “118: As regards your plans: the Guardian fully approves indeed of your view...” “119: The Guardian wishes me to assure you, in particular, of his supplications...” “120: With regard to your activities in connection with the training and...” “121: You have asked him for detailed information concerning the Bahá’í...” “122: With regard to the statement attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and which you...” “123: The task of bringing up a Bahá’í child, as emphasized time and again in...” “124: With regard to your little daughter ...; he is truly rejoiced and...” “125: With reference to the question of the training of children: given the...” “126: The question of the training and education of children in case one of the...” “127: The Guardian was delighted to hear of your youth group. The children who...” “128: These Bahá’í children are of such great importance to the future. They...” “129: ...The Guardian feels that it would be better for either the mothers of...” “130: You Bahá’í children and young people have both great privileges and...” “131: The Guardian, in his remarks to ... about parents’ and children’s, wives’...” “132: Regarding your question about children fighting: the statement of the...” “133: You ask him about the fear of God: perhaps the friends do not realize...” “134: He is sorry to hear your little boy is not developing satisfactorily;...” “135: Regarding the questions you asked him: there is no objection to children...” “136: In regard to your question: he feels this is a matter for you and your...” “137: Any Bahá’í can give to the Cause’s Funds, adult or child. No statement...” “138: Just because you are children does not mean you cannot serve the Faith,...” “139: The general principle ... is that a request for excuse from School sessions on...” “140: The beloved Guardian was greatly delighted to learn of the success of the...” “141: The Guardian will pray for the spiritual development of your dear son. On...” “142: The Guardian is happy to see you are teaching the children, as a firm...” “143: In explaining the fear of God to children, there is no objection to...” “144: Individual Bahá’ís may press for getting religion taught in the public...” SUPPLEMENT: EXTRACTS FROM THE TALKS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ: “145: Among these children many blessed souls will arise, if they be trained...” “146: Educate the children in their infancy in such a way that they may become...” “147: The art of music is divine and effective. It is the food of the soul and...” “148: If a pupil is told that his intelligence is less than his fellow pupils, it is...” “149: ...According to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh the family, being a human ,...” “150: He promulgated the adoption of the same course of education for man and...” “151: The child must not be oppressed or censured because it is undeveloped; it must...” “152: Bahá’u’lláh has announced that inasmuch as ignorance and lack of...” “153: The education of each child is compulsory.... In addition to this wide-spread...”

[FRONTISPIECE]

“The newly born babe of that Day excels the wisest and most venerable men of...”

The newly born babe of that Day excels the wisest and most venerable men of this time, and the lowliest and most unlearned of that period shall surpass in understanding the most erudite and accomplished divines of this age....

(The Báb, quoted in “The Dawn-Breakers: Nabíl’s Narrative of the Early Days of the Bahá’í Revelation”, trans. and ed. Shoghi Effendi. (London: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1975), p. 65)

FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH:

“1: The Prophets and Messengers of God have been sent down for the sole purpose of...”

The Prophets and Messengers of God have been sent down for the sole purpose of guiding mankind to the straight Path of Truth. The purpose underlying their revelation hath been to educate all men, that they may, at the hour of death, ascend, in the utmost purity and sanctity and with absolute detachment, to the throne of the Most High....

(“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1984), Sec. 81, pp. 156–7) [1]

“2: We have decreed, O people, that the highest and last end of all learning...”

We have decreed, O people, that the highest and last end of all learning be the recognition of Him Who is the Object of all knowledge...

(“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, Sec. 98, p. 199) [2]

“3: Consider ... the revelation of the light of the Name of God, the Educator....”

Consider ... the revelation of the light of the Name of God, the Educator. Behold, how in all things the evidences of such a revelation are manifest, how the betterment of all beings dependeth upon it. This education is of two kinds. The one is universal. Its influence pervadeth all things and sustaineth them. It is for this reason that God hath assumed the title, “Lord of all worlds”. The other is confined to them that have come under the shadow of this Name, and sought the shelter of this most mighty Revelation. They, however, that have failed to seek this shelter, have deprived themselves of this privilege, and are powerless to benefit from the spiritual sustenance that hath been sent down through the heavenly grace of this Most Great Name. How great the gulf fixed between the one and the other!...

(“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, Sec. 93, pp. 189–90) [3]

“4: Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however,...”

Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom....

(“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, Sec.122, pp. 259–60) [4]

“5: Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the...”

Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the earth, that haply the dissensions that divide it may, through the power of the Most Great Name, be blotted out from its face, and all mankind become the upholders of one Order, and the inhabitants of one City....

(“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, Sec. 154, pp. 333–4) [5]

“6: We prescribe unto all men that which will lead to the exaltation of the...”

We prescribe unto all men that which will lead to the exaltation of the Word of God amongst His servants, and likewise, to the advancement of the world of being and the uplift of souls. To this end, the greatest means is education of the child. To this must each and all hold fast. We have verily laid this charge upon you in manifold Tablets as well as in My Most Holy Book. Well is it with him who deferreth thereto.

We ask of God that He will assist each and every one to obey this inescapable command that hath appeared and been caused to descend through the Pen of the Ancient of Days.

(From a Tablet—translated from the Persian) [6]

“7: Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and...”

Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath been laid down in the Holy Tablet. He that putteth away that which is commanded unto him, the Trustees are then to take from him that which is required for their instruction, if he be wealthy, and if not the matter devolveth upon the House of Justice. Verily, have We made it a shelter for the poor and needy. He that bringeth up his son or the son of another, it is as though he hath brought up a son of Mine; upon him rest My Glory, My loving kindness, My Mercy, that have compassed the world.

(“A Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book of Bahá’u’lláh”, 1st ed. (Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1973), pp. 15–16) [7]

“8: ...Everyone, whether man or woman, should hand over to a trusted person a...”

...Everyone, whether man or woman, should hand over to a trusted person a portion of what he or she earneth through trade, agriculture or other occupation, for training and education of children, to be spent for this purpose with the knowledge of the Trustees of the House of Justice.

(“Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas” [rev. ed.], (Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1982), p.90) [8]

“9: Strain every nerve to acquire both inner and outer perfections, for the...”

Strain every nerve to acquire both inner and outer perfections, for the fruit of the human tree hath ever been and will ever be perfections both within and without. It is not desirable that a man be left without knowledge or skills, for he is then but a barren tree. Then, so much as capacity and capability allow, ye needs must deck the tree of being with fruits such as knowledge, wisdom, spiritual perception and eloquent speech.

(From a Tablet—translated from the Persian) [9]

“10: Man is even as steel, the essence of which is hidden: through admonition...”

Man is even as steel, the essence of which is hidden: through admonition and explanation, good counsel and education, that essence will be brought to light. If, however, he be allowed to remain in his original condition, the corrosion of lusts and appetites will effectively destroy him.

(From a Tablet—translated from the Persian) [10]

“11: There are many things which will, if neglected, be wasted, and come to...”

There are many things which will, if neglected, be wasted, and come to nothing. How often in this world do we see a child who has lost his parents and who, unless attention be devoted to his education and training, can produce no fruit. And better off dead than alive is he who produceth no fruit.

(From a Tablet—translated from the persian) [11]

“12: It is the bounden duty of parents to rear their children to be staunch in...”

It is the bounden duty of parents to rear their children to be staunch in faith, the reason being that a child who removeth himself from the religion of God will not act in such a way as to win the good pleasure of his parents and his Lord. For every praiseworthy deed is born out of the light of religion, and lacking this supreme bestowal the child will not turn away from any evil, nor will he draw nigh unto any good.

(From a Tablet—translated from the Persian) [12]

“13: The fear of God hath ever been the prime factor in the education of His...”

The fear of God hath ever been the prime factor in the education of His creatures. Well is it with them that have attained thereunto!

(“Epistle to the Son of the Wolf”, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1979), p. 27) [13]

“14: That which is of paramount importance for the children, that which must...”

That which is of paramount importance for the children, that which must precede all else, is to teach them the oneness of God and the laws of God. For lacking this, the fear of God cannot be inculcated, and lacking the fear of God an infinity of odious and abominable actions will spring up, and sentiments will be uttered that transgress all bounds...

The parents must exert every effort to rear their offspring to be religious, for should the children not attain this greatest of adornments, they will not obey their parents, which in a certain sense means that they will not obey God. Indeed, such children will show no consideration to anyone, and will do exactly as they please.

(From a Tablet—translated from the Persian) [14]

“15: ...Schools must first train the children in the principles of religion,...”

...Schools must first train the children in the principles of religion, so that the Promise and the Threat recorded in the Books of God may prevent them from the things forbidden and adorn them with the mantle of the commandments; but this in such a measure that it may not injure the children by resulting in ignorant fanaticism and bigotry.

(“Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas”, p. 68) [15]

“16: ...Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive...”

...Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation. Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words....