Bahai Faith; Peace -- Religious aspects -- Bahai Faith
The sixth principle or teaching of Bahá’u’lláh concerns the 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. In the vegetable and
animal kingdoms sex exists in perfect equality and without distinction or
invidious estimate. The animal, although inferior to man in intelligence
and reason, recognizes sex equality. Why should man, who is endowed with
the sense of justice and sensibilities of conscience, be willing that one
of the members of the human family should be rated and considered as
subordinate? Such differentiation is neither intelligent nor
conscientious; therefore, the principle of religion has been revealed by
Bahá’u’lláh that woman must be given the privilege of equal education with
man and full right to his prerogatives. That is to say, there must be no
difference in the education of male and female in order that womankind may
develop equal capacity and importance with man in the social and economic
equation. Then the world will attain unity and harmony. In past ages
humanity has been defective and inefficient because it has been
incomplete. War and its ravages have blighted the world; the education of
woman will be a mighty step toward its abolition and ending, for she will
use her whole influence against war. Woman rears the child and educates
the youth to maturity. She will refuse to give her sons for sacrifice upon
the field of battle. In truth, she will be the greatest factor in
establishing universal peace and international arbitration. Assuredly,
woman will abolish warfare among mankind. Inasmuch as human society
consists of two parts, the male and female, each the complement of the
other, the happiness and stability of humanity cannot be assured unless
both are perfected. Therefore, the standard and status of man and woman
must become equalized.
Among other teachings and principles Bahá’u’lláh counsels the education of
all members of society. No individual should be denied or deprived of
intellectual training, although each should receive according to capacity.
None must be left in the grades of ignorance, for ignorance is a defect in
the human world. All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and
philosophy—that is, as much as may be deemed necessary. All cannot be
scientists and philosophers, but each should be educated according to his
needs and deserts.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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