Oneness of mankind

Oneness of mankind,

people

humanity is all one family.

 

161. Oneness of mankind: In the Bahá’í teachings the oneness of mankind is an essential teaching. Bahá’u’lláh teaches that an equal standard of human rights must be recognized and adopted for all mankind for the further progress of the human world. the greatest name 8 pixBaha’i Faith: “Bahá’u’lláh teaches that an equal standard of human rights must be recognized and adopted. In the estimation of God all men are equal; there is no distinction or preferment for any soul in the dominion of His justice and equity.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 240)

The shrine-17pix BABI RELIGION: “Our grace assuredly pervadeth all that dwell in the kingdoms of earth and heaven and in whatever lieth between them, and beyond them all mankind.” “Verily We are equitable.”

(The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 35)

The oneness of mankind is a teaching either out right proclaimed or hinted at in the other religions of God as well. We only need to look for this teaching to realize that God is the Father of all mankind and we are therefore all brothers and sisters in the same human family. Jewish symbols star-8pix Judaism: Malachi 2:10 “Have we not all one Father? hath not one God created us?

The same God found in all the religions is the one creator of all of mankind: the greatest name 8 pixBaha’i Faith: “A Bahá’í denies no religion; he accepts the Truth in all, and would die to uphold it. He loves all men as his brothers, of whatever class, of whatever race or nationality, of whatever creed or colour, whether good or bad, rich or poor, beautiful or hideous.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 56)

Jewish symbols-13pix JUDAISMLeviticus 19:18 “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am The LORD.” Leviticus 19:33 “And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.” Leviticus 19:34 “But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am The LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 10:19 “Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 15:11 “For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.” Proverbs 25:21 “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:” Psalms 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” the cross-5pix Christianity: Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men.”

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “In the estimation of God there is no distinction of color; all are one in the color and beauty of servitude to him. Color is not important; the heart is all-important. It matters not what the exterior may be if the heart be pure and white within. God does not behold differences of hue and complexion; He looks at the hearts.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 267)

Jewish symbols-13pix JUDAISMGenesis 1:26 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:27 “And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 2:7 “God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “Equality and Brotherhood must be established among all members of mankind. This is according to Justice. The general rights of mankind must be guarded and preserved.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 28)

The shrine-17pix BABI RELIGION: “UNTO every people We have sent down the Book in their own language.”

        (The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 44)

the cross-25pix CHRISTIANITYMatthew 5:22 “But I say unto you, That who-so-ever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:” Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:45 “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Luke 3:11 “He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.” Mark 12:29 “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:” Mark 12:30 “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” Mark 12:31 “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “Human brotherhood is, likewise, as clear and evident as the sun, for all are servants of one God, belong to one humankind, inhabit the same globe, are sheltered beneath the overshadowing dome of heaven and submerged in the sea of divine mercy.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 150) 

the cross-25pix CHRISTIANITYActs 17:24 “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,” 1 Thessalonians 3:12 “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:” 1 John 2:9 “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.” 1 John 2:10 “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” 1 John 2:11 “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” 1 John 4:20 “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” 1 John 4:21 “And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” 1 Peter 2:17 “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:”

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “Hence associate with each other in amity; love one another; abandon the prejudices of race; forget forever this gloomy darkness of ignorance, for the Century of Light, the Sun of Reality, hath appeared. Now is the time for affiliation and now is the period for unification.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Compilations, Baha’i Scriptures, p. 281)

The shrine-17pix BABI RELIGION: “Become as true brethren in the one and indivisible religion of God, free from distinction, for verily God desireth that your hearts should become mirrors unto your brethren in the Faith, so that ye find yourselves reflected in them, and they in you. This is the true Path of God, the Almighty, and He is indeed watchful over your actions.”

(The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 56)

Islamic symbol-10 pix ISLAM: “Those who have the same religion as you have; they are brothers to you, and those who have religions other than that of yours, they are human beings like you. Men of either category suffer from the same weaknesses and disabilities that human beings are inclined to, they commit sins, indulge in vices either intentionally or foolishly and unintentionally without realizing the enormity of their deeds. Let your mercy and compassion come to their rescue and help in the same way and to the same extent that you expect Allah (God) to show mercy and forgiveness to you.”

(Islam, Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh)

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 7. “Let there be peace and tranquility for all the creatures of Allah (God).” “enter not into conflict,”

(Islam, Ali b. Abi Taalib, Letters from Nahjul Balaagh, Masnavi Vol 1)

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 25. “The Sacred Mosque, which We have made (open) to (all) men — equal is the dweller there and the visitor from the country.”

(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah  22)

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 51. “O ye Messengers! enjoy (all) things good and pure, and work righteousness: for I am well-acquainted with (all) that ye do.” 52. “And verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other).” 53. “But people have cut off their affair (of unity), between them, into sects: each party rejoices in that which is with itself.” 10. “The believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two brothers: And fear Allah, that ye may receive Mercy.”

(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs  23 and 49)

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 7. “It may be that Allah (God) will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies: for Allah has power (over all things); and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.”

(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah  60)

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 9. “If two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel make ye peace between them: but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah; but if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair: for Allah loves those who are fair (and just).” 10. “The believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two brothers: And fear Allah, that ye may receive Mercy.”

(The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah  49)

Zoroastrian symbol-12pix ZOROASTRIANISM: “Maha Ratu Zarathustra enjoins love for the whole of mankind. One who does not love man, does not really love God. It should be realized that one soul resides in all. Thus one should be a friend to everyone. This social service, which is the concrete of the life of the individual, is not to be confined to any particular country but should extend throughout the world to the whole of humanity.” Thereby, will peace and security rein amongst humanity and war and violence be a thing of the past. (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 547 and 548)

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: “Brotherhood of man is the idea that appealed to Him (Mazda, God) most. And that is the only meaning of the Service of the soul of the world.” “For if God is the one Father of all men then all men are equal.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 549 and 550)

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: “Equality, equity, is the basis of rectitude: one who sees others in himself and himself in others, does not stray from rectitude.” “When one sees everybody in his own self and sees his own self in everybody, that is universal life.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 130 and 368)

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: “No one should make a distinction between himself and another person. All men should be treated as equals. No one should claim for himself an exception.”  (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan p. 634)

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: “Love attracts, while fear repels. Thus love is the principle of unity, unity with God and unity with men.” “When men love and help one another to the best of their power they derive the greatest pleasure from loving their fellow-men.” “The religion of the Gatha is the religion of love, and Mazda is the friend of men.” Thus, the religion of Ahura (God) is a religion of love, peace and unity, where violence is dispelled by peace, in the name of God. (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan p. 500, 507 and Denkard)

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: “Mazda is not the God of any particular tribe. The doors of Mazda are not closed to foreigners. So soon as anyone of them becomes fit he is to be included in the fold.” “Love of God is calculated to remove the distinction between one nation and another.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 542 and 544)

Hindu symbol-10pix HINDUISM: “The world is overcome- aye! even here! By such as fix their faith on Unity. The sinless Brahma (God) dwells in Unity, And they in Brahma. Be not over-glad Attaining joy, and be not over-sad Encountering grief, but, stayed on Brahma, still Constant let each abide! The sage whose soul Holds off from outer contacts, in himself Finds bliss; to Brahma joined by piety, His spirit tastes eternal peace.”

(Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 5)

Hindu symbol 5-pix Hinduism: (Be ye a) “Helper to his brother men.”

(Hindu, Mababharata (R. Dutt, abridged tr))

Hindu symbol 5-pix Hinduism: 6. “Is then thy friendship with thy friends most mighty? Thy brotherhood with us?” 22. “Even mortal man…. attains to brotherhood with you.”

(Hindu, Vedas, Rig Veda – Book  4 and 8)

Hindu symbol 5-pix Hinduism: “Be united, be in harmony, in affection, Radiant, with kindly thought, Clothed in food and strength, United have I made your minds, your ordinances, your hearts.”

(Hindu, Vedas, Yajur Veda – Kanda IV)

Buddhist wheel symbol-10 pix BUDDHISM: “The Analysis of the Body, and the Contemplation on the Buddha, the Law, the Holy Brotherhood, Morality, etc…. produce Neighborhood-Concentration.”

((The Eightfold Path), Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path))

Dharma wheel Buddhist symbols-5pix Buddhism: “Owing to their original vows they are transported by emotions of love and compassion as they become aware of the part they are to perform in the carrying out of their vows for the emancipation of all beings. Thus they do not enter into Nirvana, but, in truth, they too are already in Nirvana because in their emotions of love and compassion there is no rising of discrimination; henceforth, with them, discrimination no more takes place.” (Buddha, Lankavatara Sutra)

Dharma wheel Buddhist symbols-5pix Buddhism: “After they attain self-realization they will find themselves reacting spontaneously to the impulses of a great and compassionate heart endowed with skillful and boundless means and sincerely and wholly devoted to the emancipation of all beings.” “Not until all discrimination is abandoned is their perfect emancipation.” (Buddha, Lankavatara Sutra)

Mandaean symbol-15pix SABEANISM: “We will pray with Thee the ‘uthras’ prayer and ask of Thee, of the Great (Life, God), a petition for ourselves, for our friends, for our friends’ friends and for those who love the great Family of Life.” “Praise Thee, for amongst them all hatred, Envy and dissensions exist not. The Place which is all portals of radiance, light and glory Praiseth Thee.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 75 and 76)

Mandaean symbol1 Sabeanism: “May the gate of sin be barred to them and the gate of light be open for them. May they be knit together in the communion of Life in which there is no separation.” “I will come and will fly And will reach the sons of my Name, the sons of my Sign, And the sons of the great Family of Life.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 34 and 76)

Mandaean symbol1 Sabeanism: “Diffuse Thy light over all who love.” For Thy sake do we love all that liveth, humanity is one in love. (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapter 76)

The shrine-17pix BABI RELIGION: “O ye that are invested with the Bayan! Denounce ye not one another, ere the Day-Star of ancient eternity shineth forth above the horizon of His sublimity. We have created you from one tree and have caused you to be as the leaves and fruit of the same tree, that haply ye may become a source of comfort to one another. Regard ye not others save as ye regard your own selves, that no feeling of aversion may prevail amongst you so as to shut you out from Him Whom God shall make manifest on the Day of Resurrection. It behooveth you all to be one indivisible people; thus should ye return unto Him Whom God shall make manifest.”

(The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 127)

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “A fundamental teaching of Bahá’u’lláh is the oneness of the world of humanity. Addressing mankind, He says: “Ye are all leaves of one tree and the fruits of one branch.” By this it is meant that the world of humanity is like a tree, the nations or peoples are the different limbs or branches of that tree and the individual human creatures are as the fruits and blossoms thereof. In this way His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh expressed the oneness of humankind.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 246)

the greatest name 8 pixBaha’i Faith: “The principle or teaching of Bahá’u’lláh is the proclamation of the oneness of the world of humanity — that all are servants of God and belong to one family; that God has created all and, therefore, His bestowals are universal; and that His providence, training, sustenance and loving-kindness surround all mankind.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 106)

the greatest name 8 pixBaha’i Faith: “As the East and the West are illumined by one sun, so all races, nations, and creeds shall be seen as the servants of the One God. The whole earth is one home, and all peoples, did they but know it, are bathed in the oneness of Gods mercy. God created all. He gives sustenance to all. He guides and trains all under the shadow of his bounty. We must follow the example God Himself gives us, and do away with all disputations and quarrels.”

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 38)