Prejudice elimination

Elimination of prejudice of all kinds.

 

179. Elimination of prejudice of all kinds: I have addressed most of these topics individually throughout much of this work, but what really needs to be understood is that, all of these forms of prejudicial bias, such as: hatred towards others, or the feelings of superiority and the beliefs that some people deserve special privileges and treatment, and they feel that they are, in fact really special and that they desire, for themselves exceptions to the rules that other people have to follow and special treatment for themselves and those who they feel are their equal and deserve a special kind of treatment, are deep seeded in mankind and in need of further attention. 

   Until all mankind can address and root out these conceptual diseases peace for mankind is only a desire we can wish for and not a reality we can have in our lives. Prejudice in any form is the cause of dissension in humanity and is therefore unacceptable in an advanced spiritual society. What needs to happen is mankind, as a whole, needs to spiritually grow-up and take responsibility for our naïve behavior and change our prejudicial actions into those which are conducive to the betterment of all mankind: Dharma wheel Buddhist symbols-5pix Buddhism: “Practice kindness and compassion on all alike with no discrimination what-so-ever.” (Buddha, Surangama Sutra) This is a teaching designed to effect these changes in the world for the betterment of mankind. These changes are also strongly expounded on in the Bahá’í Faith.

    In the Bahá’í Writings we find the call for the elimination of all prejudice of every kind, whether it be racial, economic, sexual, social, etc… Man and woman needs to learn to have thoughts of unity and reflect unity in their actions. We are like the leaves of one tree, the drops of one ocean. Jewish symbols star-8pix Judaism: Malachi 2:10 “Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother?” the cross-5pix Christianity: Acts 17:24 “He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” 17:26 “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,”  

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “The fifth “principle or teaching of Bahá’u’lláh is the abandoning of religious, racial, patriotic and political prejudices, which destroy the foundations of human society. All mankind are creatures and servants of the one God. The surface of the earth is one home; humanity is one family and household. Distinctions and boundaries are artificial, human. Why should there be discord and strife among men? All must become united and coordinated in service to the world of humanity.”  

      (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 107) 

    The teachings that are conducive to the true unity of the world of mankind are, as I said, found throughout the Bahá’í Writings, which, with Gods assistance, will eventually be realized throughout the world of mankind; though when some people hear this their first response is “no way, it hasn’t happened yet with all the religions of the world more or less teaching these teachings, why will it happen now?” And the answer to this question is, with Gods help!  

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “The sacred and youthful branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, as well as the Universal House of Justice to be universally elected and established, are both under the care and protection of the Abha Beauty, under the shelter and unerring guidance of the Exalted One may my life be offered up for them both.” 

 ((Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, The Will and Testament, p. 11) (Part of the new covenant God has made with man.)) 

   For the first time, in the history of mankind on this earth, man will be unerringly guided into doing what is right by the actions and spiritual guidance of The Universal House of Justice:  

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “The Bahá’ís must cling firmly to the knowledge that the Cause is safely in Gods hands, that the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh is incorruptible and that they can have complete confidence in the ability of the Universal House of Justice to function under the care and protection of the Abha Beauty, under the shelter and unerring guidance of His Holiness, the Exalted One….” 

(Bahá’í Faith, Compilations, The Compilation of Compilations vol. 1, p. 127) 

     We, unlike the previous revelations revealed to man by Gods messengers, have the unerring guidance of God and Bahá’u’lláh directing the pathway of mankind, which will, for the first time in our history allow mankind to live in peace with one another. It is this new covenant with mankind that promises continuing guidance descending from the heaven of the will of God unto mankind that will establish true peace on this earth; which is unlike anything promised to mankind in the previous dispensations.     

     In the previous religions of God, brought to mankind, though the essential teachings for the peace and tranquility of man are all there, due to the true essential oneness of God, mankind and religion; the covenants brought to mankind in these previous dispensations were not equipped to bring about universal peace and unity to mankind; but the teachings that can and will lead to the eventual peace and unity of mankind are there or hinted at. We only need to look for them in the previous religions.  

a. Equality of the Sexes: If members of the human race stop and reflect on how all of us, each and every one of us, came about, how could anyone rightly consider himself or herself above anyone else? We are all created from same dust By GodJewish symbols star-8pix Judaism: Genesis 2:7 “And The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground.” So, whether we are talking extremes of wealth and poverty, inequity of man and woman; all should be considered equal members of one human family: 

   God created woman not below the feet of man to be walked over, but from the side of man: Jewish symbols star-8pix Judaism: Genesis 2:21 “And Jehovah God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof:” Genesis 2:22 “and the rib, which Jehovah God had taken from the man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man.” Genesis 2:23 “And the man said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “Bahá’u’lláh states there must be ‘equality of man and woman.’ He has declared that in the estimation of God there is no distinction of sex.”  

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

The shrine-17pix BABI RELIGION: “When the Qá’im appeared all things would be renewed. But the Qá’im was on the point of appearing, and all that remained was to prepare for his Coming. No more should there be any distinction between higher and lower races, or between male and female. No more should the long, enveloping veil be the badge of woman’s inferiority. The gifted woman before us had her characteristic solution of the problem… It is said in one form of tradition, that Qurratu’l-‘Ayn herself attended the conference with a veil on. If so, she lost no time in discarding it, and broke out (we are told) into the fervid exclamation, ‘I am the blast of the trumpet, I am the call of the bugle,’ i.e. ‘Like Gabriel, I would awaken sleeping souls.’ It is said, too, that this short speech of the brave woman was followed by the recitation by Bahá’u’lláh of the Surih of the Resurrection. The inner meaning of this was that mankind was about to pass into a new cosmic cycle, for which a new set of laws and customs would be indispensable.” 

The Bab: (Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers, p. 298) 

Jewish symbols-13pix JUDAISMGenesis 5:2 “Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam,” God, in His infinite wisdom, didn’t even make the distinction in the name between Adam and Eve. It was man that made the separation between the two sexes: Genesis 2:23 “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Judges 4:4 “And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.” the cross-5pix Christianity: Matthew 8:14 “And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.” Matthew 8:15 “And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.” Matthew 27:55 “And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:” Here we find that Jesus allows women to minister onto him showing no distinction or favoritism between the sexes. The bible demonstrates to us that Christ allowed women to speak to him, to touch him, to interact with him, to be his disciples and tend to his needs, which went against the custom of that day and time. John 8:31 “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, (which were male and female). If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” Jesus treated women equally and respectfully and if not for man’s doings, women would hold a high status in the Christian Faith and a place of high respect in the world. Galatians: 3:26 “For ye are all the children of God” 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 “For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.” 11:11” Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.” 11:12 “For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.” 2 Corinthians: 6:18 “Ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith The Lord Almighty.” Romans 16:1 “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.” 1 Timothy: 5:21 “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.”

the cross-25pix CHRISTIANITYMark 16:9 “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.” 16:10 “And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.” Jesus first appeared to a woman, not to a man, and it was Mary that went to the disciples: Luke 24:10 “It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.” John 20:18 “Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen The LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her.”

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “Woman has everywhere been commended for her faithfulness. After The Lord Christ suffered, the disciples wept, and gave way to their grief. They thought that their hopes were shattered, and that the Cause was utterly lost, till Mary Magdalene came to them and strengthened them saying: ‘Do you mourn the body of Our Lord or His Spirit? If you mourn His Spirit, you are mistaken, for Jesus lives! His Spirit will never leave us!‘ Thus through her wisdom and encouragement the Cause of Christ was upheld for all the days to come. Her intuition enabled her to grasp the spiritual fact.” “Abdu’l-Bahá then added: ‘But in the sight of God sex makes no difference. He or she is greatest who is nearest to God.”’ (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 104)

Islamic symbol-10 pix ISLAM19. “O ye who believe! ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may take away part of the dower ye have given them, except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity.”  

          (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah   4) 

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 97. “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily, to him will We give a new life, a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions (man or woman).” 

          (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah  16)

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 195. “And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them: ‘Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: ye are members, one of another.”‘

           (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah   3)

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 6. “Let the women live in the same style as ye live (equally), according to your means: annoy them not, so as to restrict them, and take mutual counsel together, according to what is just and reasonable.”

        (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah  65)

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 5. “For Muslim men and women — for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise — for them has Allah (God equally) prepared forgiveness and great reward.”

           (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah  33)

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 228. “women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable.”

           (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah   2)

Zoroastrian symbol-12pix ZOROASTRIANISM: 10. “Whoso, man or woman, doeth what Thou, Mazda Ahura (God), knowest as best in life, as destiny for what is Right (give him or her) the Dominion through Good Thought. And those whom I impel to Your adoration, with all these will I cross the Bridge of the Separator.” “There is no discrimination against anybody. Everyone, man or woman, can cross the Chinvat bridge if he (or she) sticks to conscience, rectitude and nonchalance.”  

(ZOROASTER, Avesta – Yasna 46 and Hymns of Atharvan p.  534) 

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: 5. “Zarathushtra: Teachings address I to maidens marrying, and to you (bridegrooms) giving counsel. Lay them to heart and learn to get them within your Selves in earnest attention to The Life of Good Thought. Let each of you strive to excel the other in the Right, for it will be a prize for that one.” 6. “So is it in fact, ye men and women! 

          (The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasna 53)

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: Denkard. Zoroaster, “The man ought not to be considered better than the woman.”

Hindu symbol-10pix HINDUISM: 96. “To be mothers were women created, and to be fathers men; religious rites, therefore, are ordained in the Veda to be performed (by the husband) together with the wife (equally).” 

          (Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 9) 

Hindu symbol 5-pix Hinduism: 67. “The nuptial ceremony is stated to be the Vedic sacrament for women and to be equal.”  

          (Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 2) 

Hindu symbol 5-pix Hinduism: 4. “These two, man and woman, are like the right and the left wings of a bird, which are deficient and excessive. The Brihat (the left wing) is man, the Rathantara (the right wing) is woman. The excess belongs to the man, the deficiency to the woman. Therefore they are deficient and excessive.” 5. “Now the left wing of a bird is verily by one feather better, therefore the left wing is larger by one verse.” (For the bird of humanity to truly take flight the two wings of humanity must become equal, or no true flight, for mankind, is possible). 

          (Hindu, Upanishads vol. 1, Aitareya-Aranyaka Part 1 

Buddhist wheel symbol-10 pix BUDDHISM: “The Lord Buddha replied to Sabuti, saying: “Truly a most excellent theme. Attend diligently unto me and I will enunciate a Truth whereby the mind of a good disciple, whether man or woman, seeking to attain supreme spiritual wisdom shall be adequately sustained and enabled to bring into subjection every inordinate desire.”(Buddha, Diamond Sutra) 

Dharma wheel Buddhist symbols-5pix Buddhism: “Good disciples, whether man or woman, should thus arrange their thoughts instinct or intelligence,–from these changeful conditions of being, I urge you to seek deliverance in the transcendental concept of Nirvana. Thus shall disciples be delivered from the immeasurable, innumerable, and illimitable world of sentient life, but, in reality, there is no world of sentient life from which to seek deliverance. And why? Because, in the minds of enlightened disciples there have ceased to exist such arbitrary concepts of phenomena as an entity, a being, a living being, a personality.” (Buddha, Diamond Sutra) 

Dharma wheel Buddhist symbols-5pix Buddhism: “Not until all discrimination is abandoned is their perfect emancipation.” “Vows for the emancipation of all beings; to realize supreme enlightenment through the perfect self-realization of Noble Wisdom, ascending the stages and entering Tathagatahood.” (Buddha, Lankavatara Sutra)  

Dharma wheel Buddhist symbols-5pix Buddhism: “Thus should the Noble Prajna Paramita be explained. Thus should a young disciple, whether man or woman, thus should the highest Bodhisattva, understand and explain the Prajna Paramita.” (Buddha, Diamond Sutra) 

 Mandaean symbol-15pix SABEANISM: “The Mandaean religion stresses the importance of the active role of women in life since she constitutes half of society. Man and woman are equal creatures in the greatest miracle of heavenly creation. All the holy books including the Ginza Rba emphasize that the Great Creator created all creatures. He created Adam and Eve by His power, from clay, and created them as two equals. The woman is a symbol of fertility, regeneration and the cornerstone of the family and its happiness.” (Sabeanism, Mandaean, in the name of the Great Life (God). 

The shrine-17pix BABI RELIGION: “O THOU the Supreme Word of God! Fear not, nor be Thou grieved, for indeed unto such as have responded to Thy Call, whether men or women, We have assured forgiveness of sins, as known in the presence of the Best Beloved and in conformity with what Thou desirest.” 

          (The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 54) 

The shrine10 pix Babi Religion: “It would be far more heinous a deed to sadden the hearts of the faithful, whether men or women, than to lay waste the sacred House of God.” 

          (The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 14) 

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “BAHA’U’LLAH declares the absolute equality of the sexes. The male and female in the mineral, vegetable and animal kingdoms share alike the material bestowals. Why should there be a difference in the human kingdom? Verily, they are equal before God, for so he created them. Why should woman be deprived of exercising the fullest opportunities offered by life? Whosoever serves humanity most is nearest God — for God is no respecter of gender. The male and female are like the two wings of a bird and when both wings are reinforced with the same impulse the bird of humanity will be enabled to soar heaven-ward to the summit of progress.” 

          (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 82)

the greatest name 8 pixBaha’i Faith: “Bahá’u’lláh states there must be “equality of man and woman. He has declared that in the estimation of God there is no distinction of sex.” The one whose heart is most pure, whose deeds and service in the Cause of God are greater and nobler, is most acceptable before the divine threshold — whether male or female.”

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

b. Oneness of Mankind: the greatest name 8 pixBaha’i Faith: “All bias must stop whether racial prejudice, religious prejudice, national bias or any other thing that causes divisions. All countries, in the estimation of the one true God, are but one country, and all cities and villages are on an equal footing. Neither holds distinction over another.” 

          (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 61) 

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) 

     We are all created from the same God so we must rise above our differences. Jewish symbols star-8pix Judaism: Malachi 2:10 “Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother? 

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “Bahá’u’lláh taught the Oneness of humanity; that is to say, all the children of men are under the mercy of the Great God. They are the sons of one God; they are trained by God. He has placed the crown of humanity on the head of every one of the servants of God. Therefore all nations and peoples must consider themselves brethren. They are all descendants from Adam. They are the branches, leaves, flowers and fruits of One Tree. They are pearls from one shell. But the children of men are in need of education and civilization, and they require to be polished, till they become bright and shining. Man and woman both should be educated equally and equally regarded. It is racial, patriotic, religious and class prejudice, that has been the cause of the destruction of Humanity” 

 “All men must be treated equally. This is inherent in the very nature of humanity.” 

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 27 p. 28) 

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) 

Jewish symbols-13pix JUDAISMGenesis 1:26 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:” 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.” 

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “Consort with all the peoples, kindreds and religions of the world with the utmost truthfulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness, good-will and friendliness, that all the world of being may be filled with the holy ecstasy of the grace of Baha, that ignorance, enmity, hate and rancor may vanish from the world and the darkness of estrangement amidst the peoples and kindreds of the world may give way to the Light of Unity.” 

          (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, The Will and Testament) 

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.” Deuteronomy 10:19 “Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”  

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) 

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.” 

“The most important principle of divine philosophy is the oneness of the world of humanity, the unity of mankind, the bond conjoining east and west, the tie of love which blends human hearts.” 

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 267 p. 244)  

the cross-25pix CHRISTIANITYActs 17:24 “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;” Acts 17:25 “Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” Acts 17:26 “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;” Jewish symbols star-8pix Judaism: 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.” 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?

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “The divine purpose is that men should live in unity, concord and agreement and should love one another.” 

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 245) 

Islamic symbol-10 pix 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, between them, into sects: (abolishing unity) each party rejoices in that which is with itself.” But to Allah (God) there is no distinction between men whether one complexion or another, it is the heart that is all important to Allah and what is inside the heart. 

          (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah  23)

Islamic symbol-5pix 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 to show mercy and forgiveness to you.”

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

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

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

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 15. “For in Allah’s sight are (all) His servants.” 10. “The believers are but a single Brotherhood.” 13. “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other).” 19. “Mankind was but one nation, but differed (later).” Thus: 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), Surahs 3, 10, 22, 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.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 547 and 548 

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: “Maha Ratu Zarathushtra exhorts that one should give up all parochial outlook and consider himself to be a citizen of the world. The earth is my mother and I am the son of the whole earth.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan p. 619) 

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.” “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 pp. 130, 368 and 634)

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: Denkard. Zoroaster, “Be it known that, the Creator Ohrmazd (Ahura Mazda, God) created every creature (regularly) from a single species, and produced every man from one single father; and for this reason, that (His) creatures may, on account of their common origin, nourish and improve and support one another, and men, from their common birth, may regard one another as their own, and do good to one another as sincere brothers,”

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 a) “Helper to his brother men.” 

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

Hindu symbol 5-pix Hinduism: “This Trta Aptya knoweth well, and speaketh out for brotherhood. When next we meet together at the central point, even there shall Aditi confirm our brotherhood.” 

          (Hindu Vedas, Rig Veda – Book 1 and 10) 

Hindu symbol 5-pix Hinduism: “Confirm our brotherhood.” (Be a) “Helper to his brother men.” (Hindu- Mababharata, Rig Veda – Book 10) 

Buddhist wheel symbol-10 pix 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: “By tranquility is meant Oneness, and Oneness gives birth to the highest Samadhi which is gained by entering into the realm of Noble Wisdom that is realizable only within one’s inmost consciousness.” “But 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) 

The shrine-17pix BABI RELIGION: “Those who have deprived themselves of this Resurrection by reason of their mutual hatreds or by regarding themselves to be in the right and others in the wrong, were chastised on the Day of Resurrection by reason of such hatreds evinced during their night. 1 Thus they deprived themselves of beholding the countenance of God, and this for no other reason than mutual denunciations.” 

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

c. Oneness of Faith in God: the greatest name 8 pixBaha’i Faith: “The term progressive revelation is used to denote the continuous number of prophets, or manifestations of God, that have been sent to the earth as divine educators of mankind. The Reality of the divine Religions is one, because the Reality is one and cannot be two. All the prophets are united in their message, and unshaken. They are like the sun; in different seasons they ascend from different rising points on the horizon. Therefore every ancient prophet gave the glad tidings of the future, and every future has accepted the past.”

    “It is the outward practices of religion that are so different, and it is they that cause disputes and enmity — while the reality is always the same, and one.” “The fundamental basis of the revealed religion of God is immutable, unchanging throughout the centuries, not subject to the varying conditions of the human world.”  

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 28, Paris Talks p. 120 and Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 275)  

     The Bahá’í Writings clearly indicate that the overall essence of religion is one, but what do the other religions say on the subject?

    In the bible, Christ tells us that he has other sheep not of this fold: the cross-5pix Christianity: John 10:16 “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” With this one statement Jesus implies the oneness of religion. He has other sheep not of the fold he is with; the other religions. Christ tells us: John 10:16 “Them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd,” or there will be one religion with one shepherd overseeing all through the oneness of religion. This is not an indication that Catholics, Protestants and Baptists i.e. will all be brought together into one fold; as I have heard some people claim. These different religious sects all belong to the same religion and didn’t even exist at the time Christ made this statement. So, it only stands to reason that Christ was talking about Judaism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism etc… which were all other religions that were based on The One over all Creator and Supreme Being if we look closely into these religions. Hebrews 13:20 “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,”

     Also, I have found, in other places in the Holy scriptures, talk indicating that Gods prophets have been appearing since the beginning of creation: the cross-5pix Christianity: 2 Peter 3:1 “I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, 3:4…as they were from the beginning of the creation.” Luke 1:68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began, that we should be saved.” Acts 3:21 “God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” Jewish symbols star-8pix Judaism: Sirach 36:15 “Give testimony unto those that thou hast possessed from the beginning, and raise up prophets that have been in thy name.” (Deuterocanonical Apocrypha,) Hosea 12:9 “And I that am the Lord thy God, I have also spoken by the prophets, (Manifestations) and I have multiplied visions and used similitude’s, by the ministry of the prophets.” 4 Ezra 6:38 “O Lord, thou spakest from the beginning of the creation,” by the mouth of the holy prophets. (Apocrypha, Esdras 2 (Ezra 4)) Muhammad tells us, in the Quran, that God has established the same religion with his (Muhammad’s) followers as He did with the manifestations of the past religions: 

Islamic symbol-10 pix ISLAM: 106. “None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar; knowest thou not that Allah (God) hath power over all things? 

          (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah   2) 

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: “Allah’s Apostle said, ‘Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.” 

          (Islam, Hadith, Bukhari Vol 4, Book 55, Number 652) 

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 13. “The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah, the which We have sent by inspiration to thee and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in Religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn to Him.” 

          (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah  42)

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: 152.“To those who believe in Allah and His Messengers and make no distinction between any of the Messengers, We shall soon give their (due) rewards: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

           (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah   4)

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 shrine10 pix Babi Religion: “He Who is the Eternal Truth beareth me witness, whoso followeth this Book hath indeed followed all the past Scriptures which have been sent down from heaven by God, the Sovereign Truth. Verily, He is well informed of what ye do…” “Every religion proceedeth from God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.” 

(The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, pp. 44 and 138) 

Zoroastrian symbol-12pix ZOROASTRIANISM: 3. “And we worship the former religions of the world devoted to Righteousness which were instituted at the creation, the holy religions of the Creator Ahura Mazda (God), the resplendent and glorious.” 

          (Zoroaster, The Zend-Avesta, Avesta – Yasna 16)

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: “The busy world is apt to forget the most important lesson of life so the merciful Mazda sends prophets now and then to remind men of their highest destiny.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan)

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: “The path, O Ahura, which You told me to be of conscience, and which happens to be the religion of all the prophets, and which, by good deeds promotes rectitude as well, and which brings to the righteous recompense of which You are the giver; the way of all the saints (saoshyants) may be said to be only one. For in essential matters, there is no difference between one prophet and another. In as much as the same God is worshipped everywhere. All of them are different phases of the same religion.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 314 thru 316)

 Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: “If one disbelieves in the spiritual experience of the prophet he deprives himself of the means of salvation. The gospel of the prophet enables one to have a glimpse of His spirit. All the prophets teach the same truth. The lamps are different, but the flame is the same.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan p. 468)

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix Zoroastrianism: “Ahura Mazda is not unmindful of His creatures and sends a prophet to every nation (and people). He had already said that the religion taught by all the prophets is one in all essential points.” “Do not make any distinction between the prophets.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan p. 651)

Hindu symbol-10pix HINDUISM: “I come, and go, and come. When Righteousness Declines, O Bharata! when Wickedness Is strong, I rise, from age to age, and take Visible shape, and move a man with men, Succouring the good, thrusting the evil back, And setting Virtue on her seat again.” 

          (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 4) 

Hindu symbol 5-pix Hinduism: “As I before have been So will I be again for thee; with lightened heart behold! Once more I am thy Krishna, the form thou knew’st of old! 

          (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 9) 

Hindu symbol 5-pix Hinduism: “These words to Arjuna spake Vasudev, and straight did take Back again the semblance dear Of the well-loved charioteer; Peace and joy it did restore When the Prince beheld once more Mighty BRAHMA’S (GODS) form and face Clothed in Krishna’s gentle grace.”

           (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 11)

Buddhist wheel symbol-10 pix BUDDHISM: “I am not the first Buddha who came upon earth, nor shall I be the last. In due time another Buddha will arise…. He shall reveal to you the same eternal truths which I have taught you. He will preach to you His religion, glorious in its origin, glorious at the climax and glorious at the goal, in the spirit and in the letter.” [1 Sermon of the Great Passing.]  

Dharma wheel Buddhist symbols-5pix Buddhism: “Among all the Buddhas there is a sameness of Buddha-nature, there is no distinction among them except as they manifest various transformations according to the different dispositions of beings who are to be disciplined and emancipated by various means. In the Ultimate Essence which is Dharmakaya, all the Buddhas of the past, present and future, are of one sameness.” “The self-realization of Noble Wisdom by all the Tathagatas is the same as my own self-realization of Noble Wisdom; there is no more, no less, no difference.” (Buddha, Lankavatara Sutra)

 Mandaean symbol-15pix SABEANISM: “In the Name of the Great Life. Vines shone in the water And in the Jordan mighty they grew. Ye are flourishing offshoots. Messengers hither I bring you.” “Establishing Your likeness and giving us light, Let your radiance shine upon us.” (Sabeanism, Ginza Rba- chapters 177 and 382) 

The shrine-17pix BABI RELIGION: “Every religion proceedeth from God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.”

        (The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 138)

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “Bahá’u’lláh promulgated the fundamental oneness of religion. He taught that reality is one and not multiple, that it underlies all divine precepts and that the foundations of the religions are, therefore, the same. Certain forms and imitations have gradually arisen. As these vary, they cause differences among religionists. If we set aside these imitations and seek the fundamental reality underlying our beliefs, we reach a basis of agreement because it is one and not multiple.”

(Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 175)

d. Elimination of bias towards wealth and poverty; status, economic bias:the greatest name 8 pixBaha’i Faith: “Among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is, that religious, racial, political, economic and patriotic prejudices destroy the edifice of humanity. As long as these prejudices prevail, the world of humanity will not have rest. For a period of 6,000 years history informs us about the world of humanity. During these 6,000 years the world of humanity has not been free from war, strife, murder and bloodthirstiness.” 

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 286) 

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’I FAITH: “National rivalries, hatreds and intrigues will cease, and racial animosity and prejudice will be replaced by racial amity, understanding and cooperation. The causes of religious strife will be permanently removed, economic barriers and restrictions will be completely abolished, and the inordinate distinction between classes will be obliterated. Destitution on the one hand, and gross accumulation of owner-ship on the other, will disappear.” 

          (Baha’u’llah, The Proclamation of Baha’u’llah, p. xii) 

The shrine-17pix BABI RELIGION: “The call is raised for “the condemnation of all forms of prejudice, including racial, national, religious and sexual. The equality of rights, opportunities and privileges for men and women. The elimination of extremes of poverty and wealth.” 

(Moojan Momen, The Babi  and Baha’i Religions, p. xxiv) 

     There should be no distinction between one man and another in regards to social status, wealth or poverty, the various religions of God declare to us. Jewish symbols star-8pix Judaism: Leviticus 19:15 “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.” Deuteronomy 1:17 “Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is Gods:” the cross-5pix Christianity: Acts 10:34 “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” James 2:1 “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” 2:2 “For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;” 2:3 “And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:” 2:4 “Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” 2:5 “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” 2:6 “But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?” 2:7 “Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?” 2:8 “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:” 2:9 “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are (convicted) of the law as transgressors.” 

Islamic symbol-10 pix ISLAMLetter 45. “Uthman bin Hunayf was the Governor of Basra. He was one of those persons who were held in respect by Imam Ali. During his governorship Ibn Hunayf once attended a feast given by a rich man of Basra. It was a very sumptuous dinner. When Imam Ali heard of this he wrote the following letter to him. It shows that the more Imam Ali liked a person the more severely he judged his activities.” “Ibn Hunayf! I have received information that a person of Basra invited you to a dinner and you immediately accepted the invitation. I have also heard that very sumptuous meals were served there! Finest varieties of viands were placed before you in large plates and you enjoyed them. I am sorry to hear the news. I never expected that you would accept the invitation of a person who invites big officers and rich people and from whose doors poor persons and hungry paupers are turned away rudely.” 

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

Zoroastrian symbol-12pix ZOROASTRIANISM: 71. (The one) “Who accepts neither compliments, nor bribe, who is no respecter of persons,” wealthy or destitute of worldly belongings, is living by Ahura’s (Gods) teachings. 

          (Zoroaster, The Zend-Avesta, Avesta Fragments)

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.” Whether rich or poor all are equal in the sight of Ahura. (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan p. 634)

Hindu symbol-10pix HINDUISM: “To the Brahmans pure and holy Rama due obeisance made, to the poor and to the helpless deeper love and honour paid,” “Wealth, relations, occupation, birth, learning, and age must be honoured;” Both poor and wealthy, learned and aged are to be honoured not just one group of people thereby demonstrating that the teachings of equality are taught in Hinduism obscurely. 

          (Hindu, Ramayana (R. Dutt, abridged tr) (The Dharma Sutras, Gutama 6)) 

Buddhist wheel symbol-10 pix BUDDHISM: “The world…is given to pleasure, delighted with pleasure, enchanted with pleasure. Verily, such beings will hardly understand the law of conditionality, the Dependent Origination of everything; incomprehensible to them will also be the end of all formations, the forsaking of every substratum of rebirth, the fading away of craving; detachment, extinction.”  “Realizing this a monk, as a disciple of the Buddha, should take no pleasure in the respect of others,” one is not to respect others due to their social standing or look down upon the down trodden. 

(The Eightfold Path and Buddha Dhammapada Buddhist, Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards)) 

The shrine-17pix BABI RELIGION: “When the Qá’im appeared all things would be renewed. No more should there be any distinction between higher and lower races mankind was about to pass into a new cosmic cycle, for which a new set of laws and customs would be indispensable.”  

The Bab: (Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers, p. 298) 

“Be no son of the House, the world, Adam, look upon the world which is a completely unreal thing. It is a unreal thing, in which you can put no trust.” “Man’s merit lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches.” “For Thou settest my soul free From transitory things,” and the undo respect of others wealthy or poverty stricken. (Sabeanism, Instruction of Adam and Ginza Rba- chapter 93 (Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p 153)) 

e. Patriotic and political biases: are two main factors in the disunity and warfare plaguing mankind. It needs to be understood that we are all from one world and we are all one people: the greatest name 8 pixBaha’i Faith: “His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh addressing all humanity, said that Adam the parent of mankind may be likened to the tree of nativity upon which you are the leaves and blossoms. Inasmuch as your origin was one, you must now be united and agreed; you must consort with each other in joy and fragrance. He pronounced prejudice, whether religious, racial, patriotic, political, the destroyer of the body-politic. He said that man must recognize the oneness of humanity, for all in origin belong to the same household and all are servants of the same God. Therefore mankind must continue in the state of fellowship and love, emulating the institutions of God and turning away from satanic promptings, for the divine bestowals bring forth unity and agreement whereas satanic leadings induce hatred and war.” 

(Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 233) 

    We are told in the Bahá’í Faith: The earth is one country and mankind its citizens. the greatest name 8 pixBaha’i Faith: “We work and pray for the unity of mankind, that all the races of the earth may become one race, all the countries one country, and that all hearts may beat as one heart, working together for perfect unity and brotherhood.” 

          (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 99) 

The shrine-17pix BABI RELIGION: “When the Qá’im appeared all things would be renewed. No more should there be any distinction between higher and lower races mankind was about to pass into a new cosmic cycle, for which a new set of laws and customs would be indispensable.”  

The Bab: (Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers, p. 298) 

The shrine10 pix Babi Religion: “The call is raised for the condemnation of all forms of prejudice, including racial, national, religious and sexual. The equality of rights, opportunities and privileges for men and women. The elimination of extremes of poverty and wealth.” 

(Moojan Momen, The Babi  and Baha’i Religions, p. xxiv) 

    This is also a teaching hinted at or implied by the other religions of God, telling us to be one race or one nation disregarding all national or political views that lead to disunity within mankind: Jewish symbols star-8pix Judaism: Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 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 fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth.” Genesis 2:7 “And The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 9:3 “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.” All things on the earth, for all men, not just a chosen few from, one area or another, or from one nation or social standing then another: the cross-5pix Christianity: Acts 17:24 “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;” Acts 17:25 “Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” Acts 17:26 “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,” Jewish symbols star-8pix Judaism: Malachi 2:10 “Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother?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: “All bias must stop whether racial prejudice, religious prejudice, national bias or any other thing that causes divisions. All countries, in the estimation of the one true God, are but one country, and all cities and villages are on an equal footing. Neither holds distinction over another.” 

          (Bahá’í Faith, Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 61) 

the greatest name 8 pixBaha’i Faith: “Abstention from political activity was combined with the requirement that Bahá’ís should demonstrate their unqualified obedience and loyalty to the government of what ever country they resided in, strictly eschewing involvement in any subversive or seditious movement. Such a ban applied even if the government was unjust, and even to the extent of subordinating the operation and application of all but the most fundamental Bahá’í laws and principles. Bahá’ís could, however, employ such means as were lawful, to petition for the changing of unjust laws, although even in this instance they were also warned against the precipitate adoption of a specific ‘Bahá’í’ attitude or course of action.”

   “There is also considerable Bahá’í involvement with such allied groups as the United Nations Association, although always on a strictly non-political basis.” 

          (Peter Smith, The Babi & Baha’i Religions, pp. 147 and 149) 

Islamic symbol-10 pix ISLAM: 20. “Do ye not see that Allah (God) has subjected to your (use) all things in the heavens and on earth, and has made His bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, (both) seen and unseen?”  13. “He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth.” 25. “The Sacred Mosque, which We have made (open) to (all) men — equal is the dweller there and the visitor from the country.” “behold, in that are Signs indeed for those who reflect.”          

          (The Qur’an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surahs 22, 31 and 45) 

Islamic symbol-5pix Islam: “It is important to remember that Islam is a universal religion, meant for the whole world — not in any sense a restricted or local faith.” 

          (Islamic Miscellaneous, Gail – Six Lessons on Islam, p. 8) 

Zoroastrian symbol-12pix ZOROASTRIANISM: “Maha Ratu Zarathushtra exhorts that one should give up all parochial outlook and consider himself to be a citizen of the world. The earth is my mother and I am the son of the whole earth.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan p. 619) 

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) 

Zoroastrian symbol-5pix 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.” (ZOROASTER, Hymns of Atharvan pp. 547 and 548) “By one thought of My mind; Thence did arise, to fill this world, the races of mankind; Wherefrom who comprehends My Reign of mystic Majesty- That truth of truths- is thenceforth linked in faultless faith to Me:” All races of men come from Ahura (God), no race is better or worse than any other, all are equal in the sight of Ahura.

Hindu symbol-10pix HINDUISM: “Yea! knowing Me the source of all, by Me all creatures wrought, The wise in spirit cleave to Me.” 

      (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr) chapter 10) 

50. “The sages declare Brahma (God), the (creator) of the universe, the law, the Great One, and the Undiscernible One (to constitute) the highest order of beings.” “For men hath he created earth and waters, and ever helped the prayer of him who worships.” No group of men over any of the others in distinction, all on an equal standing. 

(Hindu, Laws of Manu chapter 12, Vedas, Rig Veda – Book  2) 

Buddhist wheel symbol-10 pix 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. (the oneness of all men) 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) 

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) 

the greatest name-12pixBAHA’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)