50+ conflicts in the writings of Shoghi
Effendi when compared to Baha'i, Babi, Islamic and Christian Holy
Writings.
Many of these conflicts have been discussed at some length in the Facebook Group, Academic Shaykhi, Babi and Baha’i Studies.
Following are introductory references:
However, the Most Great Infallibility
[the Independent Prophet, who receives Revelation direct from God] is confined to the One Whose station is immeasurably exalted beyond
ordinances or prohibitions and is sanctified from errors and omissions.
Indeed He is a Light which is not followed by darkness and a Truth not
overtaken by error. Were He to pronounce water to be wine or heaven to
be earth or light to be fire, He speaketh the truth and no doubt would
there be about it; and unto no one is given the right to question His
authority or to say why or wherefore. Whosoever raiseth objections will
be numbered with the froward in the Book of God, the Lord of the
worlds. 'Verily He shall not be asked of His doings but all others
shall be asked of their doings.' [1] He is come from the invisible
heaven, bearing the banner 'He doeth whatsoever He willeth' and is
accompanied by hosts of power and authority while it is the duty of all
besides Him to strictly observe whatever laws and ordinances have been
enjoined upon them, and should anyone deviate therefrom, even to the
extent of a hair's breadth, his work would be brought to naught.
[1 cf. Qur'án 21:23.]
-- Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 108
Briefly, it is said that the "Dayspring of Revelation" [Baha'u'llah, the Independent Prophet] is the manifestation of these words, "He doeth whatsoever He willeth"; this condition is peculiar to that Holy Being, and others have no share of this essential perfection.
That is to say, that as the supreme Manifestations certainly possess
essential infallibility, therefore whatever emanates from Them is
identical with the truth, and conformable to reality. They are not
under the shadow of the former laws. Whatever They say is the word of
God, and whatever They perform is an upright action. No believer has
any right to criticize; his condition must be one of absolute
submission, for the Manifestation arises with perfect wisdom -- so that
whatever the supreme Manifestation says and does is absolute wisdom,
and is in accordance with reality.
...
In short, the meaning of "He doeth whatsoever He willeth" is that if
the Manifestation says something, or gives a command, or performs an
action, and believers do not understand its wisdom, they still ought
not to oppose it by a single thought, seeking to know why He spoke so,
or why He did such a thing. The
other souls who are under the shadow of the supreme Manifestations are
submissive to the commandments of the Law of God, and are not to
deviate as much as a hairsbreadth from it; they must conform their acts
and words to the Law of God. If they do deviate from it, they will be
held responsible and reproved in the presence of God. It is
certain that they have no share in the permission "He doeth whatsoever
He willeth," for this condition is peculiar to the supreme
Manifestations.
So Christ -- may my spirit be sacrificed to Him! -- was the
manifestation of these words, "He doeth whatsoever He willeth," but the
disciples were not partakers of this condition; for as they were under
the shadow of Christ, they could not deviate from His command and will.
-- Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 173
Should differences arise amongst you over any matter, refer it to God
while the Sun [Independent Prophet] still shineth above the horizon of this Heaven and, when
it hath set, refer ye to whatsoever hath been sent down by Him. This,
verily, is sufficient unto the peoples of the world. Say: Let not your
hearts be perturbed, O people, when the glory of My Presence is
withdrawn, and the ocean of My utterance is stilled. In My presence
amongst you there is a wisdom, and in My absence there is yet another,
inscrutable to all but God, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing. Verily,
We behold you from Our realm of glory, and shall aid whosoever will
arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on
high and a company of Our favoured angels.
-- Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 38
Assist ye, O My people, My chosen
servants who have arisen to make mention of Me among My creatures and
to exalt My Word throughout My realm. These, truly, are the stars of the heaven of My loving providence
and the lamps of My guidance unto all mankind. But he whose words
conflict with that which hath been sent down in My Holy Tablets is not
of Me. Beware lest ye follow any impious pretender. These Tablets are
embellished with the seal of Him Who causeth the dawn to appear, Who
lifteth up His voice between the heavens and the earth. Lay hold on
this Sure Handle and on the Cord of My mighty and unassailable Cause.
-- Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 61
Say: Honesty, virtue, wisdom and a saintly character redound to the
exaltation of man, while dishonesty, imposture, ignorance and hypocrisy
lead to his abasement.
-- Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 57
In the future untrue reports will be spread regarding Bahá'u'lláh in
order to hinder the spread of Truth. I tell you this, that you may be
awake and prepared.
-- Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 38
Every subject presented to a thoughtful audience must be supported by rational proofs and logical arguments.
-- Abdu'l-Bahá, Foundations of World Unity, p. 86
A twofold obligation resteth upon him who hath recognized the Day Spring of the Unity of God,
and acknowledged the truth of Him Who is the Manifestation of His
oneness. The first is steadfastness in His love, such steadfastness
that neither the clamor of the enemy nor the claims of the idle
pretender can deter him from cleaving unto Him Who is the Eternal
Truth, a steadfastness that taketh no account of them whatever. The
second is strict observance of the laws He hath prescribed -- laws
which He hath always ordained, and will continue to ordain, unto men,
and through which the truth may be distinguished and separated from
falsehood.
-- Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 289
62. O SON OF DUST!
Turn not away thine eyes from the matchless wine of the immortal
Beloved, and open them not to foul and mortal dregs. Take from the
hands of the divine Cup-bearer the chalice of immortal life, that all
wisdom may be thine, and that thou mayest hearken unto the mystic voice
calling from the realm of the invisible. Cry aloud, ye that are of low
aim! Wherefore have ye turned away from My holy and immortal wine unto
evanescent water?
-- Baha'u'llah, The Persian Hidden Words
9:32 Fain would they extinguish Allah's Light with their mouths, but Allah will not allow but that His Light should be perfected, even though the unbelievers may detest (it).
9:33 It is He who hath sent His Messenger with guidance and religion of
truth, to proclaim it over all religions, even though the pagans may
detest (it).\
-- The Qur'an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 9.
Table of Contents:
1. Conflicting writings on who are the Manifestations of God. (4 pages)
2. Conflicting writings on when the Dispensation of the Bab ended, and when the count of one thousand years begins. (5 pages)
3. Conflicting writings on the continuation of divine guidance after the ascension of the Independent Prophet. (2 pages)
4. Conflicting writings on the separation of Church and State vs mentions of "Baha'i Theocracy", "Baha'i State", etc. (6 pages)
5. Conflicting writings on the Prophethood (Dependent/Lesser) of Imam Husayn. (2 pages)
6. Conflicting translations of the Imamate in the Kitab-i-Iqan, one of Baha'u'llah's major works. (2 pages)
7.
Conflicting writings as relates to the successorship of Imam Ali. (3 pages)
8. Conflicting interpretations of the words, "the day which will not be followed by night". (5 pages)
9. Conflicting
writings regarding polygamy as among "unwarranted practices" in past
eras, causing "incalculable harm to the Faith of God". (2 pages)
10. Conflicting writings about the followers of Moses (political Zionism). (18 pages)
11. Conflicting writings about the Caliphate and Imamate being interchangeable. (2 pages)
12.
Conflicting writings on when the illegitimacy of the Caliphate was evident. (2 pages)
13.
"lowborn
Christian girl", "child-like members of some of these primitive races",
"[AFRICA] DARK SPIRITUALLY DECADENT CONTINENT", etc. (2 pages)
14. Conflicting writings on the timing of the Lesser Peace. (2 pages)
15. Conflicting writings on schism and its supposed implications. (4 pages)
16. Reference is made to the "Temple Mount" in the Most Holy Book, though it's not part of the Holy Texts, like the Aqsa Mosque. (3 pages)
17. Conflicting writings regarding whether Christ appointed a successor. (2 pages)
18. Conflicting writings regarding the abrogation of past dispensations. (4 pages)
19. Conflicting writings regarding Persian Hidden Words No. 77. (2 pages)
20. Conflicting writings on the four and twenty elders. (2 pages)
21. Conflicting writings on the Return of the Manifestations of God. (3 pages)
22. Conflicting writings on the word "Cord". (2 pages)
23. Conflicting writings regarding the Self of God, the Manifestation of God. (2 pages)
24. Conflicting writings on the "unique" station of Abdu'l-Baha. (3 pages)
25. Conflicting writings on political involvement. (2 pages)
26. Conflicting commentary on the Tablet of the Holy Mariner. (2 pages)
27. Newer translation of passage in Some Answered Questions creates ambiguity about the Manifestations of God. (2 pages)
28. Newer translation of the Tablet of the Branch omits key words. (2 pages)
29. Conflicting
writings related to the statement, "ere the expiration of a thousand
years, no one has the right to utter a single word". (4 pages)
30. Conflicting writings regarding spiritual ordinances. (3 pages)
31. Conflicting writings regarding supreme authority. (3 pages)
32. Conflicting writings on the station of Confucius. (2 pages)
33. Conflicting writings on infallibility. (2 pages)
34. Conflicting writings on the effects of a lack of formal education, and the use of
references based on highly offensive racist views. (7 pages)
35. Conflicting writings on the number of interpreters. (3 pages)
36. Conflicting writings regarding the Throne of the Manifestations of God, as distinct from all others. (3 pages)
37. Conflicting writings about the last resting place of Abdu'l-Baha? (3 pages)
38. Conflicting writings on the "uniqueness" of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah. (4 pages)
39. Conflicting writings on the term "the Mystery of God". (2 pages)
40. Conflicting writings on Baha'u'llah, the Face of God. (3 pages)
41. Conflicting writings regarding the possibility of schism in the Baha'i Faith. (4 pages)
42. Conflicting writings about followers of Moses, attributed to Abdu'l-Baha. (1 page)
43. Conflicting writings as relates to the Tablet of Carmel. (2 pages)
44. Conflicting writings regarding those whom it's said "will utterly destroy the Cause of God". (2 pages)
45. Conflicting writings as relates to the authority of the words of Baha'u'llah, as distinct from all others. (4 pages)
46. Conflicting writings on "Covenant-Breaking". (4 pages)
47. Constitution has no remedy when a majority commit acts "injurious to the common weal". (2 pages)
48. Passage on the Maids of Heaven cited incorrectly in compilation on "The Covenant". (2 pages)
49. Conflicts related to the words "God will verily inspire them with whatsoever He willeth". (3 pages)
50. Conflicting writings regarding countenances in the era of Baha'u'llah. (3 pages)
51. Sole inclusion of Arabic and Persian words in translations can defeat the purpose of translation. (2 pages)
52. Conflicting
writings about turning "in thought" to the Guardian when praying to
God, same as the Manifestation. (2 pages)
53. Conflicting writings regarding when Divine Revelation ends in the era of Baha'u'llah. (2 pages)
54. Lack
of translations and availability of the vast majority of Baha'i Holy
Texts may amount to obstructing a proof of Prophethood. (2 pages)
55. Misinformation about the Baha'i Faith found in Jerusalem Post newspaper, needing correction. (6 pages)
56. Baha'i Shrines (Holy Places) are referred to as "Baha'i Gardens" by the BIC. (2 pages)
57. Misleading statements in the media during the commemoration of the Bicentennial of the Birth of Baha'u'llah. (2 pages)
58. The
Ruhi Institute/Method
is not in keeping with Divine Unity, a fundamental teaching. (6 pages)
59. Writing on shunning, of questionable authenticity, attributed to Abdu'l-Baha. Worth further research. (2 pages)
60. Conflicting writings calling for the rejection of one who reveals the signs of God. (6 pages)
61. Conflicting writings about life in the next world (as not dependent on actions in this world). (7 pages)
62. Conflicting writings as relates to Divine Unity. (2 pages)
63. Conflicting writings on holy war as a divine teaching. (2 pages)
64. Conflicting writings on communion as a divine teaching. (2 pages)
65. Prayer for America has falsehoods, and may not be authentic. (4 pages)
66. Conflicting writings regarding recognition of the next Manifestation of God. (3 pages)
67. Translation of "beauties of divine mystery" as things rather than souls (Prophets). (1 page)
68. Excerpt from letter to the House and NSAs regarding the conflicts listed above, and the need to correct them. (3 pages)
Brief
compilations on various terms and themes found in the Holy Writings
referred to, listed alphabetically. For quicker reading, selected
compilations are highlighted,
and may have links referring to other compilations. Most of these are copied from compilations associated with the Tablet of the Holy Mariner. Many of the themes
are related, resulting in the reuse/repetition of certain references that
encompass multiple themes:
C1. Angels, the Prophets. (8 pages)
C2. Announcement, the call of a Prophet. (2 pages)
C3. Apostles (I), the Twelve Messengers in the era of Christ. (3 pages)
C4. Apostles (II), Prophecies of the Twelve Apostles on the coming of Muhammad, the Holy Imams, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. (6 pages)
C5. Arabian Youth, the Bab, an Independent Prophet. (5 pages)
C6. Assayer, the Prophet. (2 pages)
C7. Balance, the teachings of the Prophets. (2 pages)
C8. Bayan, the Holy Book revealed by the Bab, an Independent Prophet. (2 pages)
C9. Bird of Heaven, the Independent Prophet and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (4 pages)
C10. Branch, symbolic term for a Dependent/Lesser Prophet (like David, Imam Ali, and Abdu'l-Baha). (2 pages)
C11. Chosen Ones, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (9 pages)
C12. Clouds, the veils to recognising Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (6 pages)
C13. City of God, the religion of God in a given Dispensation. (3 pages)
C14. Cord of God, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (3 pages)
C15. Countenance, the Face of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (5 pages)
C16. Covenant, as relates to the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (14 pages)
C17. Creation of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets by God. (4 pages)
C18. Day of Judgement, the Day of the appearance of the Manifestation of God, one of the two classes of Prophets. (5 pages)
C19. Deathless Tree, the Burning Bush. (3 pages)
C20. References to Dependent/Lesser Prophets of Baha'u'llah in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh. (25 pages)
C21. References to Dependent/Lesser Prophets of Baha'u'llah in the writings of Abdu'l-Bahá. (6 pages)
C22. Descent of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets from heaven to earth. (4 pages)
C23. Dispensation, the era of an Independent Prophet. (3 pages)
C24. Divine Unity, as relates to Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (9 pages)
C25. Dust; meanings of, in the writings. (4 pages)
C26. Earth, a mystical term, as relates to Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (6 pages)
C27. Eternity as relates to Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C28. Exalted Paradise, the abode of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C29. Face of God, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C30. Favour of God, divine revelation from the Messengers of God. (2 pages)
C31. Fragrance, mystical meanings of. (4 pages)
C32. Firm Handle, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (2 pages)
C33. Garden, mystical meanings of. (4 pages)
C34. Glory, its association with the two classes of Prophets. (4 pages)
C35. Grace of God through the Prophets. (8 pages).
C36. Imams (I), the Prophethood (Dependent/Lesser) of the Holy Imams. (7 pages)
C37. Imams (II), references to the Holy Imams in the Quran. (11 pages)
C38. Imams (III), the successorship of the Holy Imams to Muhammad. (9 pages)
C39. Imams (IV), Prophecies of the Holy Imams on the coming of the Bab and Baha'u'llah. (4 pages)
C40. Imams (V), doctrines and practices introduced by the Holy Imams in the era of Muhammad. (1 page)
C41. Immortal Being, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (3 pages)
C42. Inner meaning, understanding mystical/symbolic language. (3 pages)
C43. Jerusalem, as a mystical term referring to the City of God, the religion of God in a given Dispensation. (2 pages)
C44. Joining partners with God, rejecting the Prophets as the Face of God. (5 pages)
C45. Letter, symbolic term for a Dependent/Lesser Prophet/Messenger. (4 pages)
C46. Life (salvation), through recognition of the Manifestation of God. (4 pages)
C47. Light from which the Prophets (Independent and Dependent/Lesser) are created. (4 pages)
C48. Luminous Being, the Independent Prophet and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (4 pages)
C49. Maid of Heaven, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (11 pages)
C50. Manifestations of God, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (14 pages)
C51. Moon, symbolic term used to refer to a Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (3 pages)
C52. Mortal eyes; believers, as separate from the Prophets. (3 pages)
C53. Most Great Infallibility, the station of the Independent Prophet, who receives Revelation direct from God. (5 pages)
C54. Mystery of God, the Independent Prophet and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (2 pages)
C55. Mystic Doves, Independent Prophets and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C56. Mystical writings, a divine test. (6 pages)
C57. Names, the Religions and Revelations of God. (3 pages)
C58. Oneness of God as relates to the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (7 pages)
C59. Pearls, their association with the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C60. Pre-existence of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (7 pages)
C61. Proof of God, the Manifestations of God (Independent Prophets and Dependent/Lesser Prophets). (3 pages)
C62. Proofs of Prophethood. (4 pages)
C63. Prophecies in the era of Moses on the coming of Jesus, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. (3 pages)
C64. Prophecies in the era of Jesus on the coming of Muhammad, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. (1 page)
C65. Prophecies in the era of Muhammad on the coming of the Bab and Baha'u'llah. (5 pages)
C66. Prophecies in the era of the Bab on the coming of Baha'u'llah. (4 pages)
C67. Purity, a fundamental divine teaching and its relationship to mystical themes. (5 pages)
C68. Quddus, a Moon in the dispensation of the Bab. (2 pages)
C69. Remembrance of God, the Independent Prophet and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (1 page)
C70. Resurrection, its association with the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C71. Return of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C72. Revelation of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (5 pages)
C73. Root, the Independent Prophet. (2 pages)
C74. Ruby, its association with the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (3 pages)
C75. Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad, the last Independent Prophet in the Prophetic Cycle. (2 pages)
C76. Sealed (hidden meanings explained by Prophets). (5 pages)
C77. Self of God, the Manifestation of God, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (5 pages)
C78. Servant, as relates to the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C79. Seventh Valley, the highest stage of spiritual growth. (1 page)
C80. Signs of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C81. They who speak not until God hath spoken, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (2 pages)
C82. Stars, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (3 pages)
C83. Step out/forth, the appearance of Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets on earth from the realm of pre-existence. (3 pages)
C84. Straight Path, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C85. Sun and Moon, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (5 pages)
C86. Tablet of God, the revealed word of God. (3 pages)
C87. Temples, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (6 pages)
C88. Testimony of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C89. Throne, the throne of Prophethood (Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophethood). (8 pages)
C90. Touchstone, its association with Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (3 pages)
C91. True seeker, the qualities of. (2 pages)
C92. Trumpet, the call of an Independent or Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (5 pages)
C93. Twelve Messengers promoting the teachings of the Independent Prophet. (2 pages)
C94. Two classes of Prophets, Independent Prophets and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (8 pages)
C95. Understanding the Holy Writings (qualities needed). (3 pages)
C96. Unity: the station of pure abstraction and essential unity of the Manifestations of God. (8 pages)
C97. Universal Manifestation, Baha'u'llah, the Independent Prophet. (2 pages)
C98. Valley of Unity, the Fourth Valley in spiritual growth, past the last plane of limitation. (2 pages)
C99. Veil of Concealment, realm of pre-existence of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C100. Victory (spiritual) associated with the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C101. Witnesses, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (2 pages)
C102. Youth, Baha'u'llah, the Independent Prophet. (6 pages)
Compiled by Aziz Mboya. E-mail: am19"AT"protonmail.com
Conflicts identified by Aziz Mboya and 3 other individuals.