Compilation

Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi

© Bahá’í International Community

Extracts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

— 1 —

Whenever ye fall ill, refer to competent physicians. Verily, We have not abolished recourse to material means, rather have We affirmed it through this Pen which God hath made the Dawning Place of His luminous and resplendent Cause.

Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Kitáb-i-Aqdas’ — provisional translation from the Arabic

— 2 —

We have granted you permission to study such sciences as will benefit you, not those which lead to idle disputes. Better is this for you, did ye but know.

Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Kitáb-i-Aqdas’ — provisional translation from the Arabic

— 3 —

Whatever competent physicians or surgeons prescribe for a patient should be accepted and complied with, provided that they are adorned with the ornament of justice. If they were to be endued with divine understanding, that would certainly be preferable and more desirable.

Bahá’u’lláh, from a Tablet — translated from the Persian

— 4 —

Well is it with the physician who cureth ailments in My hallowed and dearly-cherished Name.

Bahá’u’lláh, from a Tablet — translated from the Arabic

— 5 —

In all circumstances they should conduct themselves with moderation; if the meal be only one course this is more pleasing in the sight of God; however, according to their means, they should seek to have this single dish be of good quality.

Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Kitáb-i-Badi’’ — translated from the Persian

— 6 —

Know thou that the soul of man is exalted above, and is independent of all infirmities of body or mind. That a sick person showeth signs of weakness is due to the hindrances that interpose themselves between his soul and his body, for the soul itself remaineth unaffected by any bodily ailments. Consider the light of the lamp. Though an external object may interfere with its radiance, the light itself continueth to shine with undiminished power. In like manner, every malady afflicting the body of man is an impediment that preventeth the soul from manifesting its inherent might and power. When it leaveth the body, however, it will evince such ascendancy, and reveal such influence as no force on earth can equal. Every pure, every refined and sanctified soul will be endowed with tremendous power, and shall rejoice with exceeding gladness.

‘Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh’ #80, p. 153

— 7 —

O BEFRIENDED STRANGER!

The candle of thine heart is lighted by the hand of My power, quench it not with the contrary winds of self and passion. The healer of all thine ills is remembrance of Me, forget it not. Make My love thy treasure and cherish it even as thy very sight and life.

‘The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh’, Persian #32, p. 43

— 8 —

Do not neglect medical treatment when it is necessary, but leave it off when health has been restored…. Treat disease through diet, by preference, refraining from the use of drugs; and if you find what is required in a single herb, do not resort to a compounded medicament. Abstain from drugs when the health is good, but administer them when necessary.

Bahá’u’lláh, cited in J. E. Esslemont, ‘Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era’, p. 106

— 9 —

Verily the most necessary thing is contentment under all circumstances; by this one is preserved from morbid conditions and from lassitude. Yield not to grief and sorrow: they cause the greatest misery. Jealousy consumeth the body and anger doth burn the liver: avoid these two as you would a lion.

Bahá’u’lláh, cited in ‘Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era’, p. 108

Extracts from the Writings and Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

— 10 —

Thou shouldst endeavour to study the science of medicine. It is extremely useful and serveth as the greatest instrument for the dissemination of the Cause. It is absolutely imperative that thou acquire this bounty. Strive day and night that thou mayest become highly qualified in this science. And when thou wishest to dispense treatment set thy heart toward the Abhá Kingdom, entreating divine confirmations.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a Tablet — translated from the Persian

— 11 —

Thou shouldst continue thy profession and at the same time try to serve the Kingdom of God.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a Tablet — translated from the Persian

— 12 —

Thou hast written about thy poor sight. According to the explicit divine text the sick must refer to the doctor. This decree is decisive and everyone is bound to observe it. While thou art there thou shouldst consult the most skilled and the most famed eye specialist.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a Tablet — translated from the Persian

— 13 —

One must obey the command of God and submit to medical opinion. Thou hast undertaken this journey to comply with His command and not for the sake of healing, since healing is in the hand of God, not in the hand of doctors.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a Tablet — translated from the Persian

— 14 —

That the Most Great Name exerciseth influence over both physical and spiritual matters is sure and certain.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a Tablet — translated from the Persian

— 15 —

The child must, from the day of his birth, be provided with whatever is conducive to his health; and know ye this: so far as possible, the mother’s milk is best for, more agreeable and better suited to the child, unless she should fall ill or her milk should run entirely dry….

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a Tablet — translated from the Persian

— 16 —

When thou wishest to treat nervous pains turn thy whole being to the realm on high with thine heart detached from aught else besides Him and thy soul enraptured by the love of God. Then seek confirmation of the Holy Spirit from the Abhá Kingdom, while touching the affected part with utmost love, tenderness and attraction to God. When all these things are combined, be assured that healing will take place.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a Tablet — translated from the Arabic

— 17 —

Regarding the eating of animal flesh and abstinence therefrom, know thou of a certainty that, in the beginning of creation, God determined the food of every living being, and to eat contrary to that determination is not approved. For instance, beasts of prey, such as the wolf, lion and leopard, are endowed with ferocious, tearing instruments, such as hooked talons and claws. From this it is evident that the food of such beasts is meat. If they were to attempt to graze, their teeth would not cut the grass, neither could they chew the cud, for they do not have molars. Likewise, God hath given to the four-footed grazing animals such teeth as reap the grass like a sickle, and from this we understand that the food of these species of animal is vegetable. They cannot chase and hunt down other animals. The falcon hath a hooked beak and sharp talons; the hooked beak preventeth him from grazing, therefore his food also is meat.