Types of proofs

Manifestation Himself (for those present or as evident in history, Their words or actions)

No greater proof than Manifestation Himself

"He Who is everlastingly hidden from the eyes of men can never be known except through His Manifestation, and His Manifestation can adduce no greater proof of the truth of His Mission than the proof of His own Person."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, sec. 20)

If one had attained His presence, one would not need further evidence

"Today, at table, let us speak for a little of proofs. If you had come to this blessed place in the days of the manifestation of the evident Light, [Bahá'u'lláh.] if you had attained to the court of His presence, and had witnessed His luminous beauty, you would have understood that His teachings and perfection were not in need of further evidence."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 36)

Writings of the Manifestation

"Say: The first and foremost testimony establishing His truth is His own Self. Next to this testimony is His Revelation. For whoso faileth to recognize either the one or the other He hath established the words He hath revealed as proof of His reality and truth. This is, verily, an evidence of His tender mercy unto men."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, sec. 52)

The followers of the Manifestation

"Amongst the proofs demonstrating the truth of this Revelation is this, that in every age and Dispensation, whenever the invisible Essence was revealed in the person of His Manifestation, certain souls, obscure and detached from all worldly entanglements, would seek illumination from the Sun of Prophethood and Moon of Divine guidance, and would attain unto the Divine Presence."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, sec. 91)

The enemies of the Manifestation

"Wert thou to ponder a while, thou wilt recognize that, apart from all these established truths and above-mentioned evidences, the repudiation, cursing, and execration, pronounced by the people of the earth, are in themselves the mightiest proof and the surest testimony of the truth of these heroes of the field of resignation and detachment. Whenever thou dost meditate upon the cavils uttered by all the people, be they divines, learned or ignorant, the firmer and the more steadfast wilt thou grow in the Faith."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, par. 265)

Prophecy

"Although We did not intend to make mention of the traditions of a bygone age, yet, because of Our love for thee, We will cite a few which are applicable to Our argument. We do not feel their necessity, however, inasmuch as the things We have already mentioned suffice the world and all that is therein. . . As the people differ in their understanding and station, We will accordingly make mention of a few traditions, that these may impart constancy to the wavering soul, and tranquillity to the troubled mind. Thereby, will the testimony of God unto the people, both high and low, be complete and perfect."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, par. 266 passim)

See also

• Sources of guidance
• Miracle (not a good proof)