The issue of proselytizing is of the most important theological prinajples of Bahaism. Since the beginning of announcing Seyyed Ali Muhammad Bab’s faith in 1260 A-H. (1844 A.D.), the identity of Babism and Bahaism mixed with proselytizing. One of the first jobs done by Bab was sending proselytizers and claimants to various regions for proselytizing.[1] This method was later on followed by the Baha’is.
After Shogi Effendi’s death in 1957 A.D. / 1336 S.H. in London and interrupting the movement of hereditary in succession which ended in the formation of 27-people board of the disciples of God’s faith and the universal houses of justice, the issue of proselytizing became more important; so that from that time on this sectarian duty was executed not by just a person or a group of people but by administrative religious system having disciplined organization in the form of 9-year and 10-year plans.
Alongside with these universal plans, the local plans must be mentioned which were planned and executed by the community of Baha’is of each country regarding the needs of that land. The 19-day reception meetings must be mentioned in smaller level formed aiming proselytizing the divine faith.
In Bahaism, proselytizing isn’t separated from emigration and departing to regions considered essential by the universal house of justice or assembly is executed aiming proselytizing and preaching the faith. The issue of proselytizing is originated from the ideas of Baha’i leaders like other teachings. In the tablet of wills, Abdul Baha had said in this regard: “Proselytizing is of the most important affairs for directing nations.” or he called proselytizing is the greatest divine gift.”[۲]
Shogi Effendi considered the divine confirmations as dependent on the development of proselytizing issue in a letter addressing national assembly of Iran. He assumed those who proselytize God’s faith as merited for being confirmed by the divine blows.”[۳]
He reminded to emphasize more that if proselytizing is delayed, the divine confirmation will be totally interrupted because it will be impossible for divine disciples to be confirmed without proselytizing.[4]
In addition to these two statements, the universal house of justice and local and national assemblies reminded the role of proselytizing.
It is stated in one of the handwritings of the universal house of justice: However, what must be described first are total attempt and strong limitation in proselytizing issue. Proselytizing enthusiasm must be induced in people’s hearts and proselytizing is the main aim of all organizations. Several aims must be suggested to people and families and plans must be contrived for the spiritual assemblies and even for populations and centers which end in proselytizing.”[۵]
The message continued to be stated: ” The most effective method which causes spiritual power of the community of disciples to be strengthened and also causes knowledge, enthusiasm and confidence of people to be increased is proselytizing. So, the disciples must be encouraged to preach the word of Allah based on time expediencies and to induce the divine signs with cordial kindness and sympathy language. Arguments, debates and disputes must be avoided…”[۶]
In the second stage, the universal house of justice orders national assemblies of Each country to encourage the Baha’i to proselytize.[7]
It is important to be noted that proselytizing is forbidden in Israel. It has been forbidden since Bahaullah’s period of time.
So, what is the reason? The real reason is that Bahaullah announced proselytizing as forbidden across the Ottoman Emperor and behaved based on dissimulation to save himself and his relatives. That prohibition was later on confirmed by the Baha’i leaders particularly Shogi Effendi.
[۱] Narrated by Babi resources, Mullah Hussein Bashrouyee entitled Bab-al-Abwab, the first Hayy letter and the most important one was sent to Khorasan and Mullah Sadeq Khorasani entitled holy and Mulla Muhammad Ali Barforoushi entitled Goddous were sent to Kerman
[۲] The faith news magazine, No. 4, 1356 S.H. Ordibehesht and Khordad 2536, P. 164.
[۳] Ibid.
[۴] Ibid.
[۵] The handwritings of the universal house of justice, 10th of Al-Mashiyeh, No.15, 1356 S.H. Azar and Day 2536 (132 Badi’a), p. 590.
[۶] Ibid, pp. 590-591.
[۷] The faith news magazine, “the message of the universal house of justice addressing the holy spiritual assembly of Tehran, No.1, year 1357 S.H., Farvardin 2537 (133 Badi’a), p. 17.
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