Proofs
Need for study, what to study, how to study[edit]
Need for study[edit]
Binding on everyone to acquire knowledge of proofs and evidences[edit]
"It is imperative to acquire the knowledge of divine proofs and evidences...This matter is highly important. It is binding on everyone and must be regarded as an obligation."
- ('Abdu’l-Bahá, from a newly translated Tablet, Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith, no. 29)
Every subject to be supported by rational proofs and logical arguments[edit]
“Every subject presented to a thoughtful audience must be supported by rational proofs and logical arguments.”
Who should give[edit]
Youth to adduce convincing arguments and proofs[edit]
"Wherefore, O ye illumined youth, strive by night and by day to unravel the mysteries of the mind and spirit, and to grasp the secrets of the Day of God. Inform yourselves of the evidences that the Most Great Name hath dawned. Open your lips in praise. Adduce convincing arguments and proofs. Lead those who thirst to the fountain of life; grant ye true health to the ailing. Be ye apprentices of God; be ye physicians directed by God, and heal ye the sick among humankind. Bring those who have been excluded into the circle of intimate friends. Make the despairing to be filled with hope. Waken them that slumber; make the heedless mindful.
"Such are the fruits of this earthly life. Such is the station of resplendent glory. Upon you be Bahá'u'l-Abha.
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet - translated from the Persian, in Youth (compilation), no. 2234)
Types of proofs[edit]
Proofs of two kinds: miracles for the common people and rational proofs for the learned[edit]
"Proofs are of two kinds: those for the common people and those for the learned. The latter will not be convinced by the proofs for the former, who, likewise, will not be assured by the proofs for the latter. The common people seek miracles and marvels, while the learned regard these not as proof; these neither satisfy their search nor quench their thirst. Rather, they seek conclusive rational proofs. Thus, as thou art endowed with a keen vision and a sound mind, we will set forth conclusive and rational proofs that leave none the possibility for denial."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Light of the World, Tablet 67, par. 3)
Need to know proofs not merely through susceptibilities[edit]
"Day and night you must strive that you may attain to the significances of the heavenly kingdom, perceive the signs of divinity, acquire certainty of knowledge and realize that this world has a creator, a vivifier, a provider, an architect,–knowing this through proofs and evidences and not through susceptibilities,–nay, rather, through decisive arguments and real vision; that is to say, visualizing it as clearly as the outer eye beholds the sun. In this way you behold the presence of God and attain to the knowledge of the holy, divine Manifestations."
- (From the utterances of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Foundations of World Unity, p. 65; also in Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith, no. 60)
Do not dispute, but bring forth proofs and arguments[edit]
"Those who would have men believe that religion is their own private property once more bring their efforts to bear against the Sun of Truth: they resist the Command of God; they invent calumnies, not having arguments against it, neither proofs. They attack with masked faces, not daring to come forth into the light of day.
"Our methods are different, we do not attack, neither calumniate; we do not wish to dispute with them; we bring forth proofs and arguments; we invite them to confute our statements. They cannot answer us, but instead, they write all they can think of against the Divine Messenger, Bahá'u'lláh.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled by these defamatory writings! Obey the words of Bahá'u'lláh and answer them not. Rejoice, rather, that even these falsehoods will result in the spread of the truth. When these slanders appear inquiries are made, and those who inquire are led into a knowledge of the Faith."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 103)
Deeds are insufficient; one must expound the proofs[edit]
“If their [the believers’] task is to be confined to good conduct and advice, nothing will be accomplished. They must speak out, expound the proofs, set forth clear arguments, draw irrefutable conclusions establishing the truth of the manifestation of the Sun of Reality.”
- ('Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, sec. 212, p. 268)
Present to public the proofs of Cause with tongue of fire to exhilarate souls and fill minds with tumult and acclamation[edit]
"This Cause is proclaimed through eloquent, sincere addresses. We must unloose the tongue, spread the fragrances of God, diffuse the words of God. We must present to the public the proofs and evidences of this Cause with a tongue of fire so that souls may be exhilarated, minds become full of tumult and acclamation. "With words of love and illumination we must set hearts aglow with the fire of the love of God, enkindle minds with the power of the Kingdom. We must explain the teachings orally so that hearts may become like pure fountains, the invisible inspirations may descend, the bounties of the Holy Spirit may be revealed, the rays of the Sun of Reality may shine; the breezes of the Paradise of Abha may waft and the glad tidings of the Kingdom of Abha may be announced."
- (Words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, in Star of the West, vol. 13, issue 10, p. 276)
Prayers for reinforcement by, mastery of, and use of proofs[edit]
Prayer to be reinforced by the compelling power of proofs and testimonies[edit]
Grant that I may be confirmed in my allegiance to Thy Faith, and bestow upon me a fuller measure of certitude and assurance, that I may wholly dispense with the world, may turn my face with entire devotion towards Thy face, be reinforced by the compelling power of proofs and testimonies, and, invested with majesty and power, may pass beyond every region of heaven and earth.
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'í Prayers, pp. 265-266)
Prayer to God to make recipient fluent in proofs[edit]
"I implore God...to make you fluent in irrefutable and divine proofs and arguments..."
Prayer to God to make lovers of God to speak out with proofs[edit]
"Guides are they, make them to speak out with arguments and proofs."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'í Prayers, p. 176)
See also[edit]
