Bahaism and Its Claims Part 11

The "Bayan," the chief book of the Bab, antic.i.p.ates the time when the Shah's government shall be superseded by a Babi state, which shall prevail in Persia. It gives the laws for this Babi state as well as regulations for the distribution of the spoils of war and for the Jahad,[267] showing that the Bab antic.i.p.ated religious wars. The kings of the Bayanic dispensation are directed what they should do. In the five chief provinces of Persia, no unbelievers are to be allowed to live, except some foreign Christian merchants. They are not to be killed, but to be driven out and their property confiscated.[268]

Directions are given as to the use of their property. The strongly intolerant doctrine is set forth[269] that "unbelievers have no right to anything, not even to a believing wife. All that thou seest in the hands of unbelievers is not theirs by right. If the manifestation has power, he would even forbid their breathing."

Babism, therefore, was a political as well as a religious movement. As such it fought and with some prospect of success, for, as Browne says, "it seemed at one time to menace the supremacy alike of the Kajar dynasty and of the Mohammedan faith in Persia."[270]

The Bab was executed in 1850. The Babi insurrections were suppressed.

Terrible reprisals followed the attempt on the life of Nasr-ud-Din Shah.

The leaders fled into exile to Turkey. Babism, repressed and forced into concealment, entered upon a new phase. It emerged somewhat changed as Bahaism (1867).

II. Bahaism should be considered in its political aspects in relation to the Government of Persia.

(a) In Persia, the issue of the sword had declared against the Babis.

Baha Ullah adopted a policy aptly called "political opportunism."[271]

He proclaimed the loyalty of himself and his followers to the Shah, denounced the attempted a.s.sa.s.sinations, wrote prayers to be said for the Shah,[272] and pleaded for the toleration of the sect as one without political aspirations. Bahai apologists condemned the Bab and the conduct of the Babis, declaring it contrary to the principles of the Bab.[273] Mirza Abul Fazl, on trial before the Persian Government, repudiated the Babis, denounced their actions as unseemly and bad,[274]

and declared with emphasis that Bahaism was an entirely different religion. He p.r.o.nounced the Shah free from blame regarding the death of the Bab[275] and the persecutions of the Babis, casting the responsibility and reproach on the mullahs and the Ministers of State.[276] He even made a show of blaming the attendants for the death of Badi, the messenger who bore Baha's epistle to the Shah, and made as though the Shah regretted it. The "New History" and the "Traveller's Narrative" are both tendency writings, following out the same purpose, glossing over the facts as given in the contemporary narrative of Mirza Jani, putting the odium on the mullahs and a.s.serting "that no particular blame attaches to His Most Sacred Majesty the Shah";[277] though other writings of Baha show a spirit of hostility to the Shah.[278] Following the policy of conciliation the Bahais made pet.i.tion to the Shah stating that[279] "this sect has no worldly object nor any concern with political matters, it has nothing to do with affairs of Government neither has it any concern with the powers of the throne." They stated that[280] "they have made no disturbance, or rebellions, or any sign of sedition." So Baha[281] enjoined that "in every country they must behave towards the Government with faithfulness, trustfulness, and truthfulness." The Persian Government responded to this policy and ceased to persecute as before. During the past fifty years the Bahais have not been much molested. Their persecutions have been few and generally due to local causes. The number of Bahais who have lost their lives in the course of their history (after they cease to be Babis) is probably not more than 300, more than half of whom were killed in riots at Ispahan and Yezd in 1903. The Bahai historian[282] states that "on rare occasions certain Ulema, for their own personal and private advantage, molest one or two individuals of the sect." But the Shah's Government has tolerated them.[283] Not counting the present Holy War against the Christians, more have been killed in Persia in the half century than Bahais.[284] The Government has shown liberality towards Bahais by allowing them to occupy positions in the civil service, as clerks in the post, telegraph, customs, courts, and consulates, and has not discriminated against them.

(_b_) Coming to the period of the agitation for a const.i.tution and the revolution, it is plain that the Bahais had little to do with the struggle. Neither they nor their teachings were the cause of it. The causes were the same, in general, as those which influenced Turkey and China towards const.i.tutional reform. The occasions in local circ.u.mstances and politics had nothing to do with Bahaism. The leaders were enlightened Moslems, and even mullahs of the Shiahs. They were not Bahais. These held aloof from the propaganda and the struggle for popular liberties, took little part in the elections or in parliament, and joined neither the army of the const.i.tutionalists nor that of the reactionaries. They displayed no love of country by striving for the cause of the people, nor any real love or loyalty to the autocratic Shah. Yet the influence of Abdul-Baha Abbas was thrown in favour of Mohammed Ali Shah, and after he had scattered parliament at the cannon's mouth and annulled the const.i.tution, Bahais were granted appointments in the civil service and rejoiced in the reactionary regime. A tablet of Abdul Baha was circulated prophesying a long and prosperous reign for Mohammed Ali Shah, who before many months was driven from his throne into exile.

My personal knowledge of these circ.u.mstances is supported by abundant printed evidence. First of all there is Abdul Baha's own statement. He said in America,[285] "In Persia the Bahais have no part in the movements which have terminated in corruption. They must have nothing to do with seditious movements." Excerpts from his letters[286] show that they were constantly enjoined "from the very beginning of the revolution to stand aside from the struggle and war." To the same effect are the words of the Bahai Remey,[287] "The Bahais had remained neutral in the struggle for const.i.tutional liberty and the renewal of Persia." So Dreyfus, another Bahai,[288] "He (Abdul Baha) dissuaded them from mixing themselves up in the political struggle. This explains the apparently pa.s.sive role played by the Bahais in contemporary events in Persia."

Because of this att.i.tude, Professor Browne accuses them of lack of patriotism and laments their inaction. But this att.i.tude of neutrality was only maintained by them as far as taking up arms and public action were concerned. Their secret influence was on the side of the reactionary party. It is plain that the const.i.tutionalists regarded the Bahais as their opponents, and Mohammed Ali Shah counted them as his supporters. Abdul Baha said in New York,[289] "The Bahais have taken no part whatever in political questions and disturbances. Their clamorous persecutors were the revolutionists. These discontents wanted const.i.tutional rights and privileges. They were politicians, not religionists." Certainly the hostile animus of these words is unmistakable. There is indubitable proof, too, that Abdul Baha carried on correspondence with Mohammed Ali Shah. M. H. Ford, a Bahai writer,[290] states the fact in detail. Its purport was such that, when the Const.i.tutionalists knew it, Abdul Baha feared violence. This was commonly reported in Persia. In Chicago the first Bahai missionary to America confirmed this fact which he had heard from Acca. He said, "The authorities intercepted Abbas's letter intriguing with Mohammed Ali Shah, and therefore the revolutionists threatened him." Remey shows the affiliation of the Bahais with the Shah, and his satisfaction with them.

He arrived at Teheran just when the Shah had scattered the parliament and hanged the editors. He says, "We found the Bahais in the utmost peace and happiness. They were in good esteem and respect of the [reactionary] Government, and were now enjoying _unusual_ privileges....

Several of the Bahais had been appointed to high governmental positions." In accord with all these facts is the statement of J. D.

Frame, M. D., of Resht:

"The political influence of the Bahais has been grossly exaggerated.

They were forbidden to accept seats in the first parliament and professed to maintain strict neutrality, but in the spring of 1908 a 'tablet' was circulated among them, promising that Mohammed Ali Shah would rule for the remainder of his life; and the writer possesses a copy of another 'tablet' promising him speedy peace and prosperity. The subsequent forced abdication of the king cost the Bahais considerable prestige and some followers."[291]

We thus see a double failure on the part of this movement. As Babism it failed in 1848-1852 in its rebellion and wars against the Kajars; as Bahaism it failed to enter into and a.s.sist the modern movement, which, aiming at reform and progress, inaugurated a const.i.tution. The cause of the latter is not far to seek; Bahaism has a political scheme of its own. We will now consider it.

III. Bahaism has set forth a system of civil government. Claiming to be a revelation from G.o.d, it has enunciated the laws and regulations of the future State. It approves of const.i.tutional monarchy as the best form of government, and permits republics.[292] But this monarchy will be limited not so much by its const.i.tution as by the law of Bahaism and its hierarchy. Baha, in the "Kitab-ul-Akdas," the Book of Laws, directs that Bet-Adl, houses of justice, be established in every place, with nine or more members, all Bahai men, who shall be Trustees of the Merciful, Administrators for G.o.d. In the thirteenth of the "Glad Tidings"[293] he says:

"The affairs of the people are placed in charge of the men of the House of Justice. They are daysprings of command (divine agents, representatives of G.o.d). They may execute what they deem advisable. It is inc.u.mbent upon all to obey them. Their souls will be inspired with divine aspiration. G.o.d will inspire them with what He willeth."

With them will lie the interpretation of points of doctrine. They must decree and judge according to Bahai revelation. "They must gaze day and night towards that which hath been revealed from the horizon of the Supreme Pen." They shall rule by divine right. Their authority shall be absolute. Abdul Baha restates the words of Baha:[294] "The House of Justice must be obeyed in all things." "It is the centre of true government." "The Law of G.o.d will be invested in them, and they will render decisions." "All judgment will be from the standpoint of G.o.d's laws." "Its decisions and commands will be guarded from mistake. It will have conferred upon it infallibility." The House of Justice will have local councils, national ones, and an international one.[295] Of the latter, Abdul Baha said in an address in New York:

"A universal or world House of Justice shall be organized. That which it orders shall be the Truth in explaining the commands of Baha Ullah and shall be obeyed by all. _All men shall be under its supervision._"[296]

Its functions are not confined to matters of faith, for Abdul Baha continues: "The House of Justice is endowed with a political as well as a religious aspect. It embodies both aspects, and is protected by the preserving power of Baha Ullah himself." _In the political aspect it will be supreme._ "The separation of the Religion and the State can only be temporary," says Dreyfus,[297] "a momentary stage. For the present the two spheres are separate. When Bahaism triumphs they will be united." "The House of Justice[298] will have under its control almost the whole administration, and naturally will take the place of our munic.i.p.al councils. Such has been Baha Ullah's intention. Further he clearly aims not only at a munic.i.p.al House of Justice, but also at a legislative one, sitting as a national parliament and as an international tribunal." Remember that all the members are to be Bahais.

So Remey says, "There will be a union of Religion and the State--the governments of the nations. The material laws of men will be founded and enforced according to Bahaism."[299] In this politico-religious regime, the political will be subject to the religious. "The kings and rulers of the world," says Abdul Baha,[300] "will find their true authority under the rulings of the House of Justice. It will decide between kings and kings." Baha addressed letters[301] to kings with arrogant a.s.sumption of authority to control the civil powers.

The Houses of Justice will have _large financial powers_. They shall inherit all property of those dying without heirs, and one-third of that of those dying childless.[302] One-third of all fines for crimes shall go to them. For example, in case of murder, two-thirds of the blood money shall go to the family of the murdered and one-third to the House of Justice. A t.i.the of nineteen-hundredths shall be given into their hands. They shall act as trustees for minors and incapables, and as a Poor Board.

They shall have _civil_ jurisdiction, "to settle material difficulties between believers,"[303] for the protection of men, for the preservation of human honour.[304] "If any man refuses to educate his children, the House of Justice shall do it at his expense," and "shall order all the negligent to pay" and use police powers to enforce it.

They must also interpret and administer _criminal_ law, for Baha has "revealed" a code of laws and regulations concerning material as well as spiritual things.[305] Abdul Baha says, "The revelations of Baha Ullah contain all the great laws of social government." "The laws cover all points and questions of national administration."[306] For example, in the "Kitab-ul-Akdas," the punishment for theft is prescribed: for the first offense, exile; for the second, imprisonment; for the third, branding "thief" on the forehead, "lest other countries accept him." For adultery a fine is to be paid to the House of Justice, and for the second offense, double of the fine. Arson is made punishable by burning, etc. This fiat legislation of Baha Ullah is to be imposed upon the parliaments of all nations. "All legislative and administrative functions," says Dreyfus,[307] "shall a.s.sume a sacred character" under the control of the Bahai House of Justice.

In brief, Bahaism would set up in each town, in every country, ruling councils, and a central one universal in its sway, composed entirely of Bahais, clothed with supreme authority, because G.o.d-given, over kings, parliaments, and peoples; councils infallible and absolute, superior to appeal or protest; deciding and exacting obedience in every department of the life of humanity--religious, domestic, social, educational, financial, judicial, and political. It would be not an _imperium in imperio_, but an Empire over all. It would be a priestcraft[308] such as the world has not yet seen--a religious-political regime in which kings and presidents will go not to Canossa but to Acca, and alike hold the stirrups of Bahai justices, and laws of parliaments will be subject to revision and veto by the Bahai House. In it is the certainty of priestly oppression when fallible men set up their judgment as G.o.d's. The Bahais claim to have no priests and no _hierarchy_. It is a question of names.

Their system and laws contain the real thing, full-fledged, men mediating G.o.d's will. We may call it a _bahaiarchy_, if they prefer.

Abdul Baha, recognizing the objections that will be made to the political functions of the Bahai justices, and foreseeing difficulty with Governments, has, for the time being, directed that in America and Europe the name "House of Spirituality" or "House of Consultation" be used.[309] But change of name does not alter the reality or change the "revelation" of Baha. The House of Justice (central) is to be set up when Abdul Baha dies, and it will a.s.sume its functions gradually as opportunity and expediency demand. Already orders have gone forth prohibiting the interpretation of the words of Baha or personal expositions of them.[310] Already the fiat has interdicted the publication, by a Bahai, of a tract, book, or translation on the Bahai religion without submitting it to the censor at Acca.[311]

The effect of the working of the Bahai system may be realized by imagining it as set up in Persia. Suppose, for example, that the small minority of Bahais now in Persia should become a majority, with a Bahai Shah, Bahaism would become the established religion. "Houses of Justice"

would come into operation. What of those who remain Moslems and Christians? Fortunately Baha has abolished the law of the Bab that required their expulsion from the chief provinces of Persia and the confiscation of their property. But either the other religions must be judged by Bahai courts, or separate courts must be set up for them. This would perpetuate the double system of courts, the _urfi_ or civil and the _shari_ or religio-civil courts. The latter would be entirely Bahai and either lording it over or in conflict with the civil administration.

This would be a continuation of the present confusion of Persian conditions, only with the Bahais in control. What might the minority expect? The oppressions and anathemas received by the old Bahais from the followers of Abdul Baha Abbas give the answer.[312] Fortunately for the world, the universal reign of Bahaism is not to be realized, neither is the prophecy of Abdul Baha to be fulfilled which says[313] "that the flag of Baha Ullah will overcome every other flag and all rulers will do homage to it."

FOOTNOTES:

[265] "New Hist.," p. 362.

[266] _Ibid._, p. xvi.

[267] "Trav.'s Narr.," p. 287.

[268] "Bayan," VI, 4.

[269] "Beyan Persan," Vol. IV, p. 118.

[270] Browne, "New Hist.," p. vii.

[271] Browne, "New Hist.," p. vii.

[272] _Ibid._, p. 316.

[273] "Trav.'s Narr.," p. 65.

[274] "Bahai Proofs," pp. 51, 63, 77.

[275] _Ibid._, p. 38.

[276] "New Hist.," pp. 172, 180.

[277] "Trav.'s Narr.," p. 189.

[278] See "Surat-ul-Muluk," and _S. W._, Sept. 27, 1913, pp. 9, 10. See Chap. VIII, p. 186, 191.

[279] "Trav.'s Narr.," p. 156.

[280] _Ibid._, p. 160.

[281] "Words of Paradise."

[282] "Trav.'s Narr.," p. 166.

[283] Browne, "A Year Among the Persians," p. 101. M. A. Ford in "The Oriental Rose," p. 74, says, "For many years before the death of Baha Ullah, there was no persecution of the friends."

[284] See "Missions and Modern History," R. E. Speer, p. 130, Note 2.

[285] _S. W._, July 13, 1913.

[286] Browne's "Persian Revolution," pp. 424-429.