Skip to main content

Unraveling the Threads: Exploring Divisions in the Bahá'í Faith

 Unraveling the Threads: Exploring Divisions in the Bahá'í Faith



In the tapestry of the Bahá'í Faith, the question of Guardianship looms large, stirring debate and reflection among its adherents. The events surrounding 1957 and the subsequent tumult leading to 1963 mark a pivotal moment in Bahá'í history, particularly regarding the belief in the continuation of Guardianship.


At the heart of this discourse lies the divergence of beliefs among Bahá'ís, notably between the guardianists and the mainstream adherents centered around the Universal House of Justice (UHJ) in Haifa, Israel. For the guardianists, the absence of a clear successor appointed by Shoghi Effendi, coupled with the declaration of other potential candidates as covenant-breakers, led to a profound realization: the end of the living Guardianship.


The guardianists grappled with the concept of BADA, an Arabic term signifying a divine change of course, attributing the cessation of the Guardianship to what they perceived as God's will. Despite the pivotal role of the Guardianship in earlier Bahá'í literature, they concluded that no valid successor was available, thus accepting the end of this institution.


However, within the guardianist camp, a glimmer of hope persisted, embodied by Mason Remey, who served as the President of the International Bahá'í Council (IBC), which was the embryonic form of the UHJ. And no one except a living Guardian can be the head of UHJ.


Remey himself recounted how he was approached by several Bahá'ís who expressed their conviction that his presidency signaled his potential role as the next Guardian. Despite this acknowledgment, Remey waited for validation from others, a sentiment echoed in his words, "waiting to be wanted."


However, the anticipation surrounding Remey's potential guardianship was not met with widespread support from the Hands of the Cause, leaving his claim to the Guardianship largely contested and unfulfilled.


The complexities surrounding the Guardianship in the Bahá'í Faith serve as a testament to the diverse interpretations and beliefs within the community. While some uphold the authority of the UHJ as the highest governing body, others grapple with the legacy and potential continuation of the Guardianship, embodying the ongoing evolution and exploration of faith within the Bahá'í community.


In navigating these discussions, it is essential to approach differing perspectives with respect and understanding, recognizing the rich tapestry of beliefs that contribute to the vibrant mosaic of the Bahá'í Faith. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure: like other religions, the Bahá'í Faith is also subject to schisms and the emergence of multiple sects, which raises many questions regarding its authenticity. The presence of numerous differences and divisions within such a young faith is indeed surprising. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this topic. Along the way, we will also share information with readers regarding other sects, their beliefs, and their current status.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rúhíyyih Khánum and the Guardianship in the Bahá'í Faith: Unity, Controversy, and Schisms

  The institution of the Guardianship holds a significant place within the Bahá'í Faith, as it was established by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will and Testament to ensure the unity and continuity of the religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh. According to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the Guardian of the Cause of God is the "sacred head and the distinguished member for life" of the Universal House of Justice, which serves as the supreme legislative body of the Bahá'í world. The Guardian is entrusted with the authority to interpret the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, as well as the appointment of the Hands of the Cause of God, who assist him in his work.   The first Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith was Shoghi Effendi, appointed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will as His "branch" and "the sign of God." From 1921 until his passing in 1957, Shoghi Effendi guided the development and expansion of the Bahá'í community. His not...
Post a Comment
Read more

Guardianship or 'Badah'? Investigating the Mason Remey Claim and the Hands of the Cause Decision

  The International Baha’i Council (IBC) was an administrative body established by Shoghi Effendi, the first Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, in 1951. It was intended to be an "embryonic" Universal House of Justice, the supreme institution of the Baha’i Faith. Shoghi Effendi appointed Charles Mason Remey as the president of the IBC and gave him a prominent role in the development of the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa, Israel.   Remey was a prominent American Baha’i who had been a close associate of 'Abdu’l-Baha, the son of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith. 'Abdu’l-Baha had praised Remey as "my dear son" and had prophesied that he would be "a sign of guidance unto mankind". Remey was also considered to be an adopted Aghsan (Branch), a term used for the male descendants of Baha’u’llah.   According to the Will and Testament of 'Abdu’l-Baha, which established the Guardianship as a hereditary institution, the Guardian had to appoint h...
Post a Comment
Read more

Who Are Covenant Breakers in the Bahá'í Faith? Exploring the Concept and its Significance

  First, let us understand what a covenant is:   In the Bahá'í Faith, the term "Covenant" refers to the agreement or contract between God and humanity. The Bahá'í Covenant establishes a relationship between God and humanity that is founded on the recognition of Bahá'u'lláh as the Manifestation of God for this age, and the acceptance of His teachings as the source of guidance for humanity.   The Bahá'í Covenant is seen as a vital and unifying force that protects the integrity of the religion and ensures the continuation of its spiritual and social progress. The Covenant includes the concept of succession, which means that after the passing of Bahá'u'lláh, the leadership of the Bahá'í community was passed on to His appointed successor, `Abdu'l-Bahá, and after him to a line of individuals known as the Guardians of the Bahá'í Faith. According to mainstream Baha'is, the Guardianship ended upon the passing away of Shoghi Effendi, ...
Post a Comment
Read more