Public pools
Not to approach the public pools of (traditional) Persian baths or the malodorous pools in the courtyards of Persian homes (for bathing)[edit]
"Immerse yourselves in clean water; it is not permissible to bathe yourselves in water that hath already been used. See that ye approach not the public pools of Persian baths; whoso maketh his way toward such baths will smell their fetid odour ere he entereth therein. Shun them, O people, and be not of those who ignominiously accept such vileness. In truth, they are as sinks of foulness and contamination, if ye be of them that apprehend. Avoid ye likewise the malodorous pools in the courtyards of Persian homes, and be ye of the pure and sanctified. Truly, We desire to behold you as manifestations of paradise on earth, that there may be diffused from you such fragrance as shall rejoice the hearts of the favoured of God. If the bather, instead of entering the water, wash himself by pouring it upon his body, it shall be better for him and shall absolve him of the need for bodily immersion. The Lord, verily, hath willed, as a bounty from His presence, to make life easier for you that ye may be of those who are truly thankful."
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 106)
"Use of public pools in Persian baths" (under "Prohibitions")
The prohibition in regards to pools which were only infrequently changed[edit]
"Bahá'u'lláh prohibits the use of the pools found in the traditional public bath-houses of Persia. In these baths it was the custom for many people to wash themselves in the same pool and for the water to be changed at infrequent intervals. Consequently, the water was discoloured, befouled and unhygienic, and had a highly offensive stench."
- (Notes to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, 131)
The law prohibiting the use of the type of pool as found in Persian baths among the laws not binding on the believers in the West[edit]
"IV.D.1.y, The laws prohibiting the use of the type of pools which used IV.D.1.y.xxv to be found in Persian baths..."
- (On behalf of? the Universal House of Justice, at https://bahai-library.com/uhj_laws_not_binding )
