# Lights of 'Irfan Book 21

*Exported from [Holy-Writings.com](https://www.holy-writings.com/) on 2026-06-19 — 1 clipping.*

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> Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: (unknown), Lights of 'Irfan Book 21, bahai-library.com.
> ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
> 
> Papers Presented at the
> ‘Irfán Colloquia and Seminars
> 
> Lights of ‘Irfán
> Copyright ©2025, Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund
> 
> Papers published in Lights of ‘Irfán represent the views of their authors.
> Reproductions from this compilation are permitted provided that the
> sources and authors are clearly indicated, with the exception of provisional
> translations, which are not to be further distributed.
> 
> Lights of ‘Irfán:
> Studies in the Principal Bahá’í Beliefs
> Papers Presented at the ‘Irfán Colloquia and Seminars
> Volume Twenty-One
> 
> ‘Irfán Colloquia
> Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
> Phone: (847) 733-3501 á Fax: (847) 733-3527
> E-mail: contact@irfancolloquia.org á www.irfancolloquia.org
> 
> Sponsored by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund
> 
> General Editor Iraj Ayman
> 
> 182 B.E. 2025 C.E.
> ISBN 978-1-89068-88-4
> 
> Design & Layout:
> Majid C. Nolley
> majidnolley.com
> Dedicated to
> 
> Dr. Iraj Ayman
> Feb. 9, 1928 – Nov. 12, 2025
> 
> This is the final volume edited by his hand.
> 
> “May the memory of his valued contribution to the field of
> education in numerous academic and other settings as well as
> his endeavors in the promotion of Bahá’í Studies be a source of
> enduring inspiration for present and future generations.”
> 
> The Universal House of Justice
> November 14, 2025
> 184. All men have been created to carry
> forward an ever-advancing civilization.
> The Almighty beareth Me witness:
> To act like the beasts of the field is
> unworthy of man. Those virtues that
> befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy,
> compassion and loving-kindness
> towards all the peoples and kindreds of
> the earth.
> 
> —Baha'u'llah
> Gleanings from the
> Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 215
> 
> Whoso hath searched the depths of the
> oceans that lie hid within these exalted
> words, and fathomed their import, can
> be said to have discovered a glimmer
> of the unspeakable glory with which
> this mighty, this sublime, and most holy
> Revelation hath been endowed. From
> the excellence of so great a Revelation
> the honor with which its faithful
> followers must needs be invested can
> be well imagined. By the righteousness
> of the one true God! The very breath
> of these souls is in itself richer than all
> the treasures of the earth. Happy is the
> man that hath attained thereunto, and
> woe betide the heedless.
> 
> —Baha'u'llah
> Gleanings from the
> Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 10
> PREFACE
> 
> ARTICLES
> 
> Myth or Madness: The (Lost) Joy of Religion
> Shahbaz Fatheazam                               .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   1
> 
> A Survey of the Cardinal Maxims
> of Islamic Philosophy in the Bahá’í Writings
> Vargha Bolodo-Taefi                            .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .    39
> 
> Understanding Traditional Discourses
> JoAnn Borovicka                  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   111
> 
> Which World Are You In?
> Ian Kluge
> .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   127
> 
> The Invocation “Is There Any Remover
> of Difficulties Save God…”
> Muhammad Afnan trans. Adib Masumian                                                                                         .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     189
> 
> The Potent God and the Attracting God:
> Metaphysics and its Social Consequences
> Moojan Momen                    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   191
> 
> Tablet of Fitnih (Tribulations)
> and Its Recipient: Shams-i Jahán
> Foad Seddigh            .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   215
> 
> IN MEMORIAM
> 
> Manuchehr Derakhshani                                                             .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     255
> 
> Ian Kluge      .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   257
> PREFACE
> Since its inception, ‘Irfán Colloquium, has strived to encourage
> Baháʼís to immerse themselves in the ocean of His words, that they
> “may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie
> hid in its depths”, and in this manner deepen their faith and prepare
> themselves for sharing its teachings with their communities. We are
> grateful to our authors for having meticulously shared with us those
> pearls of wisdom in this collection of articles on topics related to
> mystical aspects of the Bahá’í writings.
> 
> The “Lights of Irfán Book 21” delves into profound explorations of
> Bahá’í beliefs and their intersections with various philosophical and
> spiritual discourses. The volume presents an array of scholarly articles
> aimed at deepening understanding of the Bahá’í Faith’s principal
> teachings and their applicability to contemporary societal issues. Each
> article aims to foster a deeper appreciation of the Bahá’í Faith’s rich
> theological and philosophical heritage, encouraging readers to consider
> how these insights can be applied to enhance personal growth and
> societal advancement. The discussions are rooted in a desire to bridge
> the gap between ancient wisdom and philosophies, religious traditions
> and contemporary challenges, advocating for a world where spiritual
> principles inform and elevate public discourse and personal conduct.
> 
> We hope these articles assist the readers in their journey through mystical dimensions of reality, and to better equip them in meaningful
> conversations on these important existential topics that are often at
> the centre of thoughts and beliefs of humanity at large:
> 
> Myth or Madness: The (Lost) Joy of Religion
> by Shahbaz Fatheazam
> 
> This article, a profoundly mystical and poetic essay, addresses the
> growing detachment from and scepticism toward religion in modern
> society, suggesting that this alienation has led to a loss of joy and fulfilment. Fatheazam argues that the rejuvenation of religious sentiment
> and practice as well as understanding the profound meanings of love
> 
> ii
> Lights of ‘Irfán Book Twenty-One
> 
> and spirituality can restore a sense of purpose and happiness in individuals’ lives. The article discusses the historical roles of religion in society
> and contrasts these with the present-day marginalization, proposing
> that rediscovering the joy in religion could counteract the bleakness
> of modern secular life - religion is not just a relic of the past but an
> essential part of human understanding, providing meaning beyond
> empirical knowledge. The reader may also question the tendency of
> contemporary culture to dismiss religion as obsolete while appreciating the ways in which faith has historically guided human progress.
> 
> A Survey of the Cardinal Maxims
> of Islamic Philosophy in the Bahá’í Writings
> by Vargha Bolodo-Taefi
> 
> Bolodo-Taefi explores the influence of Islamic thought and intellectual
> tradition on the Bahá’í Writings and presents thirty-four cardinal
> maxims of Islamic philosophy that are adopted and expounded in
> the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Each section
> explains the meaning of a maxim, describes its usage by prominent
> figures in Islamic intellectual history, and demonstrates its application
> in the Writings of the Central Figures of the Bahá’í Faith. In doing so,
> we gain a better understanding of
> 
> the integration of some of the most profound Islamic philosophical
> principles within the Bahá’í teachings, and how these philosophical
> maxims have been influential in shaping Islamic thought as well as
> their relevance and reinterpretation in the context of Bahá’í scriptures.
> 
> Understanding Traditional Discourses
> by JoAnn Borovicka
> Borovicka investigates the challenges and opportunities in interpreting
> traditional religious discourses in the modern world. The author examines historical narratives, particularly the allegorical nature of religious
> 
> iii
> Preface
> 
> stories. The chapter highlights how Bahá’í interpretations align with
> modern historical and hermeneutical approaches, suggesting that religious texts should be read with an awareness of their metaphorical and
> contextual meanings. She emphasizes the need to understand these
> discourses within their historical contexts and explores how they can
> be made relevant to contemporary issues. The article advocates for a
> balanced approach that respects traditional wisdom while adapting its
> teachings to modern circumstances.
> 
> Which World Are You In?
> by Ian Kluge
> 
> The article by the late Ian Kluge engages with philosophical inquiries about the nature of reality, questioning the existence of different
> “worlds” such as the material, spiritual, and metaphysical. He discusses
> how Bahá’í teachings address these concepts and examine existence of
> God. Kluge further argues that human perception of reality is shaped
> by philosophical assumptions, and that the Bahá’í worldview inter
> alia considers empirical reason and spiritual insight. He also examines
> postmodern relativism and defends the idea that objective truth exists
> beyond individual subjectivity. The article may challenge readers to
> reflect on their perceptions of reality and consider a more integrated
> worldview that encompasses both physical and spiritual elements
> when reflecting on God’s existence and its implications on our lives.
> 
> The Invocation “Is There Any Remover of Difficulties Save God...”
> by Muhammad Afnan, translated by Adib Masumian
> 
> The article, which was first published by ‘Irfán Colloquium in Persian
> in 2006, has now been translated in English and explains the origin of
> this invocation in the Bahá’í Faith, discussing its significance in times
> of personal and communal hardship. The author examines how this
> invocation reflects broader theological themes of divine providence
> and human reliance on God.
> 
> iv
> Lights of ‘Irfán Book Twenty-One
> 
> The Potent God and the Attracting God:
> Metaphysics and its Social Consequences
> by Moojan Momen
> The article examines two conceptual frameworks in relation to God
> by major Western world religions and by philosophers – attracting
> God versus Potent God , and their implications on theological thought
> and on humanities’ belief in God and religion, and how it influences
> their world view and governance. The “Potent God” represents divine
> authority, justice, and law, whereas the “Attracting God” embodies
> love, beauty, and personal transformation. Momen argues that societies dominated by a fear-based view of God tend toward authoritarianism, while those embracing a loving God foster inclusivity and moral
> progress. Understanding the difference between these frameworks also
> has profound implications on our social relationships based on “power
> and hierarchy” or “love and mutuality” and on models of governance
> in our society.
> 
> Tablet of Fitnih (Tribulations) and Its Recipient: Shams-i Jahán
> by Foad Seddigh
> 
> Seddigh reviews the story and the poems of Princess Sháms-i Jahán – a
> grand-daughter of Fátḥ-i-‘Alí Sháh and an aunt of Náṣiri’d-Dín Sháh,
> who declared her belief in the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. The article also
> examines in depth Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet of Fitnih, which prophesies a
> time of great trials and tests for humanity. The author highlights the
> esoteric language used in the tablet, discussing its references to cosmic
> disturbances (e.g., “the heavens of knowledge will be cleft asunder”
> and “resplendent suns will be darkened”). The chapter explores how
> Bahá’u’lláh’s warnings about spiritual tests and separations echo earlier religious prophecies, and includes a translation of the Tablet at the
> end of the article.
> 
> v
> Preface
> 
> The In Memoriam section in this volume pays tribute to two of
> ‘Irfán Colloquium’s closest collaborators and ardent supporters: Dr
> Manuchehr Derakhshani (1932-2025) who served for nearly 3 decades
> at the Bahá’í National Centre Persian Affairs Office and was most
> helpful in reviewing many of the articles that ‘Irfán published over
> the past 3 decades, and Ian Kluge (1948-2025) who had an uniquely
> in-depth knowledge of philosophical traditions and the intellectual
> history of religious thought, and enthusiastically participated and contributed to numerous discussions on these topics over many decades.
> We shall miss them dearly.
> 
> We thank the authors for their diligent research and their patience;
> and hope the readers will have the opportunity to reflect on the profoundly mystical concepts shared in many of these articles, which may
> enhance their understanding of the purpose of life as they continue
> their journey towards drawing closer to that unknowable essence.
> 
> All papers published in this book, present the views and understanding of their authors. The texts of the papers are published as provided
> by the authors. Their writing styles and scholarly approaches are,
> therefore, different.
> 
> Rama Ayman
> 
> vi
>
> — *Lights of 'Irfan Book 21 (Used by permission of the curator)*