Women in military
Woman opposed to war and is naturally the most devoted advocate of international peace[edit]
"Woman by nature is opposed to war; she is an advocate of peace. Children are reared and brought up by the mothers who give them the first principles of education and labor assiduously in their behalf. Consider, for instance, a mother who has tenderly reared a son for twenty years to the age of maturity. Surely she will not consent to having that son torn asunder and killed in the field of battle. Therefore, as woman advances toward the degree of man in power and privilege, with the right of vote and control in human government, most assuredly war will cease; for woman is naturally the most devoted and staunch advocate of international peace."
Advice against women being assigned combat duties[edit]
"But there are certain matters, the participation in which is not worthy of women. For example, at the time when the community is taking up vigorous defensive measures against the attack of foes, the women are exempt from military engagements. It may so happen that at a given time warlike and savage tribes may furiously attack the body politic with the intention of carrying on a wholesale slaughter of its members; under such a circumstance defence is necessary, but it is the duty of men to organize and execute such defensive measures and not the women—because their hearts are tender and they cannot endure the sight of the horror of carnage, even if it is for the sake of defence. From such and similar undertakings the women are exempt."
- (From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the Persian, published in Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912, p. 182-84, in Women, no. 23)
If necessary, woman can become a warrior[edit]
"The woman has greater moral courage than the man; she has also special gifts which enable her to govern in moments of danger and crisis. If necessary she can become a warrior."
- (Attributed to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 'Abdu'l-Bahá in London, p. 103)
In this age, women have proved themselves courageous in battle[edit]
"In this age the realities of things have been exposed. Many mysterious things became revealed, and among them was this very subject. So that outside of Europe and America, even in the Orient today it is a well-known fact, if not well practiced, that womankind is equal to mankind. There have appeared women who have been verily the signs of guidance, might and power! Some have been notable poets. Some philosophic minds. Some brave and courageous. Among the brave were those who exhibited their valor and courage on the battlefield."
- (Star of the West, Volume 3, Issue 3, under Wisdom-Talks, p. 8)
Although if given the opportunity, women could become equal to men in killing (as in the military), it is better for all to create joy and love, rather than killing[edit]
"Man must impartially investigate the reality. He must not be prejudiced. What is the difference between man and woman? Both are human. In all functions and powers they are co-partners. At most it has been this: That woman has not had the opportunities which man has so long enjoyed, especially education. She has not had military tactics. If she cannot go on the battlefield and kill, is that a shortcoming? Supposing she has not used a gun, nor worked the cannon. If we present a cannon to a woman and ask her to fire it and she should fail, is that an imperfection? At most we can say such is a compliment or praise to her, that in the hardness of the heart she is inferior to man! If we say to womankind, Come along and kill people, they will say—I cannot do it. Now that is not a shortcoming! But be it known that if womankind had been trained according to military tactics, I believe that they could kill as many too. But God forbid womankind to learn military tactics! May they never make up their minds to take up the gun. Because that is not a glory. Home-making and joy-creating and comfort-making are truly glories of man! Man should not glory in this, that he can kill people. Man should glory in this, that he can love."
- (Star of the West, Volume 3, Issue 3, under Wisdom-Talks, p. 9; also in Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 75)
