Chapter 56
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Baha'i Shrines (Holy
Places) are referred to as "Baha'i Gardens" by the BIC, at the
following link (which appears to be intended for audiences in Israel):
https://www.ganbahai.org.il/
Below are some passages worth reflecting on, in this context:
1)
'Verily He [Baha'u'llah, the Independent Prophet] 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
2)
2. The Qiblih:
a. Identified by the Báb with "the One Whom God will make manifest".
b. The appointment made by the Báb is confirmed by Bahá'u'lláh.
c. Bahá'u'lláh ordains His resting-place as the Qiblih after His passing.
d. Turning to the Qiblih is mandatory while reciting the Obligatory Prayers.
-- Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 145
54. The Lord hath ordained that those of you who are able shall make pilgrimage to the sacred House # 32
Two sacred Houses are covered by this
ordinance, the House of the Báb in Shiraz and the House of Bahá'u'lláh
in Baghdad. Bahá'u'lláh has specified that pilgrimage to either of
these two Houses fulfils the requirement of this passage (Q and A 25,
29). In two separate Tablets, known as Suriy-i-Hajj (Q and A 10),
Bahá'u'lláh has prescribed specific rites for each of these
pilgrimages. In this sense, the performance of a pilgrimage is more
than simply visiting these two Houses.
After the passing of Bahá'u'lláh,
'Abdu'l-Bahá designated the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh at Bahji as a place
of pilgrimage. In a Tablet, He indicates that the "Most Holy Shrine,
the Blessed House in Baghdad and the venerated House of the Báb in
Shiraz" are "consecrated to pilgrimage", and that it is "obligatory" to
visit these places "if one can afford it and is able to do so, and if
no obstacle stands in one's way". No rites have been prescribed for
pilgrimage to the Most Holy Shrine.
-- Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 191
3)
Endowments dedicated to charity revert to God, the Revealer of Signs. None hath the right to dispose of them without leave from Him Who is the Dawning-place of Revelation.
After Him, this authority shall pass to the Aghsan, and after them to
the House of Justice -- should it be established in the world by then
-- that they may use these endowments for the benefit of the Places
which have been exalted in this Cause, and for whatsoever hath been
enjoined upon them by Him Who is the God of might and power. Otherwise,
the endowments shall revert to the people of Baha who speak not except by His leave
and judge not save in accordance with what God hath decreed in this
Tablet -- lo, they are the champions of victory betwixt heaven and
earth -- that they may use them in the manner that hath been laid down
in the Book by God, the Mighty, the Bountiful.
-- Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 34
4)
Again, consider the Mosque of Aqsa and the other places which We have
made sanctuaries unto the people in every land and region. The honour
and distinction they enjoy is in no wise due to their own merit, but
stemmeth from their relation to Our Manifestations, Whom We have
appointed as the Daysprings of Our Revelation amidst mankind, if ye be
of them that understand. In this there lieth a wisdom inscrutable to
all save God. Inquire, that He may graciously make plain unto you His
purpose. His knowledge, verily, embraceth all things. Detach
yourselves, O people, from the world and all its vanities, and heed not
the call of such as have disbelieved in God and joined partners with
Him. Arise above the horizon of utterance to extol and praise your
Lord, the All-Merciful. This is that which God hath purposed for you;
well is it with them who perceive it.
-- Baha'u'llah, The Surih of the Temple, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, p. 48
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