Taboo
(Note that this page is not about a superstitious, magical view of the utterance of certain words as is sometimes meant with "taboo", but to collect references in the Writings on what may be either a literary device for emphasis and/or an indication of the distastefulness of dwelling too much in speech on certain highly negative subjects, with this word being perhaps as the closest approximation to the concept.)
Examples of topics so distasteful it is fortunate (or fitting) not to have to mention them[edit]
Sexual abuse of children[edit]
"We shrink, for very shame, from treating of the subject of boys. Fear ye the Merciful, O peoples of the world! Commit not that which is forbidden you in Our Holy Tablet, and be not of those who rove distractedly in the wilderness of their desires."
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 107)
Opium[edit]
"Fortunate are they who never even speak the name of it [opium]; then think how wretched is the user."
Indignities committed on dead bodies[edit]
"Although some of those present urged them saying, "Say merely `We are not of this sect,' and it is sufficient, and will be the means of your deliverance and protection," they would by no means consent, but rather confirmed and declared it with eloquent speech and affecting utterance, so that the rage and violence of the Imám-Jum'ih boiled over, and, not satisfied with killing and destroying them, they inflicted sundry indignities on their bodies after death to mention which is not fitting, and of which the details are beyond the power of speech."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Traveler's Narrative, p. 94)
God not ashamed to propound parables of small things[edit]
"Moreover, GOD will not be ashamed to propound in a parable a gnat, or even a more despicable thing: for they who believe will know it to be the truth from their LORD; but the unbelievers will say, What meaneth GOD by this parable? he will thereby mislead many, and will direct many thereby: but he will not mislead any thereby, except the transgressors, who make void the covenant of GOD after the establishing thereof, and cut in sunder that which GOD hath commanded to be joined, and act corruptly in the earth; they shall perish."
- (Qur'án, translation by George Sale, 2:24-25 by Rodwell numbering)
See also[edit]
- Holiness (on not refusing to take anything seriously, another condition enjoined for tasteful speech)
