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THE COVENANT OF BAHA'U'LLAH By Adib Taherzadeh <pii> By the same author
whatsoever serveth Thee and circleth around Thee. <pv> THE COVENANT OF BAHA'U'LLAH by ADIB TAHERZADEH GR GEROGE RONALD OXFORD <
ibrary Cataloguing in Publication Data Taherzadeh, Adib The covenant of Baha'u'llah. I. Title 297.892 ISBN 0853983437 ISBN 08539
Acknowledgements x Foreword xi Introduction 1 Prologue: The Covenant and the Human Soul 5 Part One THE GREATER COVENANT 'Him Who
gue: The Covenant and the Human Soul 5 Part One THE GREATER COVENANT 'Him Whom God shall make manifest' 1 The Covenant of the Ba
E GREATER COVENANT 'Him Whom God shall make manifest' 1 The Covenant of the Bab 31 2 The Fulfilment of the Covenant of the Bab 5
ifest' 1 The Covenant of the Bab 31 2 The Fulfilment of the Covenant of the Bab 52 3 Mirza Yahya, The Nominee of the Bab 60 4 Th
ahya, The Nominee of the Bab 60 4 The Breaking of the Bab's Covenant 65 5 The Triumph of the Covenant of the Bab 89 Part Two THE
The Breaking of the Bab's Covenant 65 5 The Triumph of the Covenant of the Bab 89 Part Two THE LESSER COVENANT 1. The Ministry
e Triumph of the Covenant of the Bab 89 Part Two THE LESSER COVENANT 1. The Ministry of Abdu'l-Baha 6 Abdu'l-Baha, the Centre of
he Ministry of Abdu'l-Baha 6 Abdu'l-Baha, the Centre of the Covenant 99 7 The Family of Baha'u'llah 111 8 The Arch-breaker of Ba
mily of Baha'u'llah 111 8 The Arch-breaker of Baha'u'llah's Covenant 125 9 The Relationship of Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha 135 1
intment of Abdu'l-Baha 141 11 The Breaking of Baha'u'llah's Covenant 148 12 'The Day that Shall Not Be Followed by Night' 155 13
e Day that Shall Not Be Followed by Night' 155 13 Principal Covenant -breakers during the ministry of Abdu'l-Baha 164 14 Clandest
inistry of Abdu'l-Baha 164 14 Clandestine Opposition to the Covenant 170 <pviii> 15 Mirza Aqa Jan 181 16 Discrediting the Centre
iii> 15 Mirza Aqa Jan 181 16 Discrediting the Centre of the Covenant 193 17 Abdu'l-Baha in Action 208 18 Covenant-breaking in Pe
Centre of the Covenant 193 17 Abdu'l-Baha in Action 208 18 Covenant -breaking in Persia 213 19 Building the Shrine of the Bab 22
the Shrine of the Bab 223 20 Years of Incarceration 231 21 Covenant -breaking in the West 245 22 The Baha'i Attitude to Covenant
Covenant-breaking in the West 245 22 The Baha'i Attitude to Covenant -breaking 253 23 Fostering Steadfastness in the Covenant 261
to Covenant-breaking 253 23 Fostering Steadfastness in the Covenant 261 PART THREE THE LESSER COVENANT 2. The Formative Age 24
ing Steadfastness in the Covenant 261 PART THREE THE LESSER COVENANT 2. The Formative Age 24 The Close of the Heroic Age 273 25
The Universal House of Justice 394 36 The Unfoldment of the Covenant 408 Appendices 1 The Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Baha 416
ha Between pages 252 and 253 Abdu'l-Baha, the Centre of the Covenant Abdu'l-Baha as a young man Bahiyyih Khanum, the Greatest Ho
nd the Mansion of Bahji surrounded by the residences of the Covenant -breakers The Pilgrim House at Bahji Views of the Mansion of
ic material, however limited in scope, for the study of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah -- the unique and priceless heritage He has
n the Golden Age of His Faith on this planet. This peerless Covenant revolves around its Centre, Abdu'l-Baha, extolled by Shoghi
'. The Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Baha, the child of this Covenant , provides its extension through the establishment of the Ad
n the Holy Writings. In order to grasp the mysteries of the Covenant , and to apprehend its immeasurable potentialities for the u
t feature of their Faith. The Kitab-i-'Ahd (The Book of the Covenant ) and the Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Baha, the two major d
ment of Abdu'l-Baha, the two major documents upon which the Covenant of Baha'u'llah is based, are quoted in full in this volume;
s capacity, the preponderating role of Baha'u'llah's mighty Covenant as well as the mysteries it enshrines. That this book, howe
se who embrace the Faith of Baha'u'llah in the study of His Covenant , is the ardent hope of the present author. <p1> INTRODUCTIO
ities and so reveal these latent attributes, God has made a Covenant with man and has required him to abide by its provisions. W
the laws of nature, his soul is governed by the laws of the Covenant of God. A covenant is a contract between two sides, each of
his soul is governed by the laws of the Covenant of God. A covenant is a contract between two sides, each of whom has obligatio
hom has obligations to fulfil. It follows that a meaningful covenant between God and man must require freedom of choice on both
se to his Creator. The relationship of God with man in this Covenant is somewhat similar to the relationship between the princip
a child goes to school for the first time, he enters into a covenant with the school principal, although often without <p2> real
eing and development in every way. The child's part in this covenant is to follow the instructions of the teacher and learn ever
oint other teachers to contribute to his education. In this covenant , the responsibilities of the two parties are fundamentally
nfused and are not interchangeable. Another feature of this covenant is that the two parties are not of the same calibre. One si
e child, is unlearned, weak and immature. The terms of this covenant are drawn up entirely by the strong party and the child has
of God. He is the Creator, the Almighty, the Author of the Covenant , whose terms He Himself has stipulated unilaterally without
he help of man. As in the above example, God's part in this Covenant is different from man's. God's part is to release the vivif
hat it is the act of creation itself that brings about this Covenant of God with man. God's part in the Covenant is to confer li
ings about this Covenant of God with man. God's part in the Covenant is to confer life upon the individual, to provide him, on t
n for the age he lives in, then he has been faithful to the Covenant of God. But if he fails to turn to God's Messengers and His
th for individuals and for society as a whole. This eternal Covenant of God with man encompasses several distinguishable forms.
orge Townshend, for instance, has identified seven types of covenant as being subsidiaries of the eternal Covenant. He outlines
even types of covenant as being subsidiaries of the eternal Covenant . He outlines them as follows: "1. The ... Covenant, beginni
eternal Covenant. He outlines them as follows: "1. The ... Covenant , beginning with Adam and closing with Baha'u'llah, between
gning His Mission. 3. Between a Messenger and the faithful: Covenant of the next (or of a later) Manifestation. 4. Between the M
station. 4. Between the Messenger and the faithful: Ethical Covenant of faith and obedience. 5. Between the Messenger and the fa
h and obedience. 5. Between the Messenger and the faithful: Covenant of immediate Successor. <p4> 6. Between the Messenger and a
7. Between the immediate Successor (e.g. the Centre of the Covenant ) and the faithful: i. Covenant of continuing succession ii.
ssor (e.g. the Centre of the Covenant) and the faithful: i. Covenant of continuing succession ii. Ethical Covenant" [I-2] The qu
faithful: i. Covenant of continuing succession ii. Ethical Covenant " [I-2] The question of successorship (nos. 3, 5 and 7 in To
This question can be divided into two aspects: the Greater Covenant and the Lesser Covenant. The Greater Covenant is that which
vided into two aspects: the Greater Covenant and the Lesser Covenant . The Greater Covenant is that which a Manifestation of God
: the Greater Covenant and the Lesser Covenant. The Greater Covenant is that which a Manifestation of God makes with His followe
His followers concerning the next Manifestation. The Lesser Covenant is the one which a Manifestation of God makes concerning Hi
sor. In this book we will discuss mainly three forms of the Covenant which are of great significance to the followers of Baha'u'
great significance to the followers of Baha'u'llah: 1. The Covenant of the Bab concerning the Revelation of Baha'u'llah describ
escribed as 'Him Whom God shall make manifest': the Greater Covenant in the Dispensation of the Bab. 2. The Covenant of Baha'u'l
the Greater Covenant in the Dispensation of the Bab. 2. The Covenant of Baha'u'llah concerning the appointment of Abdu'l-Baha as
intment of Abdu'l-Baha as His successor; part of the Lesser Covenant . 3. The Covenant made by Abdu'l-Baha concerning Shoghi Effe
-Baha as His successor; part of the Lesser Covenant. 3. The Covenant made by Abdu'l-Baha concerning Shoghi Effendi and the Unive
and the Universal House of Justice: also part of the Lesser Covenant . These three themes correspond to the three main parts of t
e three main parts of this book. In the great scheme of the Covenant of God, divine bounties reach humanity through the agency o
ine plan of the will of God for this age. <p4> PROLOGUE The Covenant and the Human Soul The basic principle which governs the op
Soul The basic principle which governs the operation of the Covenant of God with man may be said to have been revealed by Baha'u
things for his existence. God, however, has destined in His Covenant with man that the soul of man should become detached from t
free will. If he chooses to disregard the provisions of the Covenant and to fall in love with the world, its vanities and its ma
rialism, an offspring unworthy of its high station. But the Covenant of God enjoins upon man to recognize His Manifestation and
barrier which prevents man from fulfilling his part in the Covenant of God, Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha have exhorted their fol
the essential condition of loyalty and steadfastness in the Covenant of God -- purity of motive. Without it one's deeds are not
forms of attachment, will he be fulfilling his part in the Covenant of God. To achieve this exalted goal man needs to recognize
s, his words, and his deeds will all be in harmony with the Covenant of God. And it is then that his soul will acquire spiritual
d virtues. This is the ultimate outcome of obedience to the Covenant , which will enable the soul to progress in the spiritual wo
ss in the spiritual worlds of God. <p29> PART I THE GREATER COVENANT 'Him Whom God shall make manifest' <p31> CHAPTER ONE The Co
NT 'Him Whom God shall make manifest' <p31> CHAPTER ONE The Covenant of the Bab The Bab was an independent Manifestation of God
nai', the 'Remembrance of God', concerning Whom 'a separate Covenant hath been established with each and every Prophet', had, th
t part of His Writings was devoted to establishing a mighty covenant with His followers concerning the Revelation of 'Him Whom G
has devoted so much of His Revelation to the subject of the Covenant . When we carefully study the Bayan[1] we note that on pract
reat Revelation which was to follow Him, established a firm Covenant with them and directed all the forces of His Revelation tow
nto Him." [1-5] [1 'Him Whom God shall make manifest'.] The Covenant that the Bab made with His followers concerning 'Him Whom G
Indeed, no Manifestation of God has ever made such a mighty Covenant with His followers regarding the Manifestation Who was to f
Who was to follow. <p52> CHAPTER TWO The Fulfilment of the Covenant of the Bab The promise of the Bab, so unequivocally proclai
he Dispensation of the Bab had now come to its end, and His Covenant was fulfilled. For the believers who learned of it later on
f the World', the 'Desire of the Nations', the 'Lord of the Covenant ', the 'Tree beyond which there is no passing'. He derived H
ssorship. Yet Mirza Yahya, as we shall see later, broke the Covenant of the Bab and claimed to be His successor. Mirza Yahya was
t two decades. <p65> CHAPTER FOUR The Breaking of the Bab's Covenant Shortly after Mirza Yahya had settled in Baghdad, he decide
followed Mirza Yahya were identified as the breakers of the Covenant of the Bab and became known as Azalis. At the same time the
of Baha, the Baha'is. <p89> CHAPTER FIVE The Triumph of the Covenant of the Bab The separation between Baha'u'llah and Mirza Yah
o was a Babi ... could not imagine that Azal had broken the Covenant . So he begged the Blessed Beauty to enlighten him. Baha'u'l
or could this so-called schism tear its fabric asunder. The Covenant of the Bab, to which reference has already been made, with
out special reference being made to the Arch-Breaker of the Covenant of the Bab, Mirza Yahya, who lived long enough to witness,
a, the appointed Successor of Baha'u'llah and Centre of His Covenant , expressed repentance, prayed for forgiveness, was gracious
ully striven to extinguish." [5-8] <p97> PART II THE LESSER COVENANT 1. The Ministry of Abdu'l-Baha <p99> CHAPTER SIX Abdu'l-Bah
bdu'l-Baha <p99> CHAPTER SIX Abdu'l-Baha, the Centre of the Covenant The Covenant made by the Manifestation of God with His foll
99> CHAPTER SIX Abdu'l-Baha, the Centre of the Covenant The Covenant made by the Manifestation of God with His followers concern
s concerning His immediate successor is known as the Lesser Covenant . In the Kitab-i-Aqdas and later in His Will and Testament k
estament known as the Kitab-i-'Ahd, Baha'u'llah made such a covenant with His followers. Through these writings Baha'u'llah esta
e writings Baha'u'llah established a mighty and irrefutable covenant unprecedented in the annals of past religions. Never before
a'u'llah, then, is that its Author has established a mighty covenant with His followers concerning His successor, a covenant who
hty covenant with His followers concerning His successor, a covenant whose characteristics are delineated by Baha'u'llah Himself
se characteristics are delineated by Baha'u'llah Himself, a covenant written in His own hand, unequivocal in the provisions it h
two contrasting features is through the institution of the Covenant . God has in this day vouchsafed to humanity two priceless g
du'l-Baha acts as a mighty wall around it. This wall -- the Covenant -- prevents any intruder from polluting the waters of the R
wers which, through the operation of the institution of the Covenant , are to be vouchsafed progressively to humanity in the cour
ve of a mysterious Being who is the Centre of Baha'u'llah's Covenant . In elucidation of Abdu'l-Baha's station, Shoghi Effendi wr
e One Who was appointed by Baha'u'llah as the Centre of His Covenant . Not only did Abdu'l-Baha direct the affairs of the Cause a
e Person of Abdu'l-Baha who, as the Centre of Baha'u'llah's Covenant , succeeded in imparting new life and vigour to the body of
of the members of Baha'u'llah's family to the Centre of the Covenant , created an unprecedented tempest. This raged furiously wit
ng and vulnerable institutions. The fierce onslaught of the Covenant -breakers upon the Cause of God on the one hand, and their e
and development throughout the world. In order to study the Covenant of Baha'u'llah and grasp its significance, it is necessary
re already published. [7-2] For the purpose of studying the Covenant , however, it is necessary to become informed of Baha'u'llah
i'u'llah. These four, along with their mother, violated the Covenant of Baha'u'llah. Mahd-i-'Ulya died in 1904. The third wife,
one daughter, Furughiyyih; mother and daughter both became Covenant -breakers after the passing of Baha'u'llah. [1 See Abdu'l-Ba
eal at the hands of those in the family who later broke the Covenant . Her faith in Baha'u'llah, whom she knew as the Supreme Man
t my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on t
the sake of Baha. During all this time, the men and women ( Covenant -breakers) persecuted her in an incomparable manner, while s
nk in the Faith. Abdu'l-Baha is of course the Centre of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, the Perfect Exemplar and the embodiment of
ames. Happy art thou in that thou hast been faithful to the Covenant of God and His Testament, until Thou didst sacrifice thysel
en." <p125> CHAPTER EIGHT The Arch-breaker of Baha'u'llah's Covenant The history of Baha'u'llah's family has two contrasting fea
t Mirror reflecting His light, and the Centre of His mighty Covenant , while at the same time another son turned into the 'centre
the 'centre of sedition' and the arch-breaker of that same Covenant . Some thoughts on this mystery are offered elsewhere in thi
book.[1] [1 See below, pp 130-34.] This arch-breaker of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah is Mirza Muhammad-'Ali, the eldest son of Ba
Cause of God, and after Baha'u'llah's ascension, broke His Covenant and rose up to extinguish the light of His Faith. In the Ta
hich characterize a true believer. Long before he broke the Covenant they were able to detect in him an air of superiority and s
estions. Why did the provision in Baha'u'llah's Book of the Covenant for Mirza Muhammad-'Ali's successorship not materialize, an
questions, it is necessary to meditate on the nature of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah and try to discover its distinctive and chal
ptions to this, and these are related to the subject of the Covenant . The appointment of Mirza Muhammad-'Ali in the Kitab-i-'Ahd
certain provisions of this momentous document, is that this Covenant , like any covenant, is a reciprocal agreement between two p
of this momentous document, is that this Covenant, like any covenant , is a reciprocal agreement between two parties. In this cas
the lease and possibly institute eviction proceedings! The Covenant of Baha'u'llah as formulated in the Kitab-i-'Ahd also has t
ipients of <p133> His grace, who abide by His bidding. This Covenant necessitates an interaction between the two parties. As in
ad faithfully carried out what was expected of them in this Covenant , then every provision of the Kitab-i-'Ahd would have been f
Baha'u'llah, would have materialized. But they did not. The Covenant was broken by no less a person than Mirza Muhammad-'Ali him
y a careful examination of another essential feature of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah; namely, the non-interference of each party
arty in the functions of the other. The two parties to this Covenant are not of equal station. After all, the station of Baha'u'
vidual will behave in discharging the obligations which the Covenant of Baha'u'llah has placed on him, but He leaves the person
l-Baha and usurp His God-given station as the Centre of the Covenant . During the lifetime of Baha'u'llah he was impotent to achi
bitions. But as we shall see later, he rebelled against the Covenant immediately after the passing of Baha'u'llah and arose in o
aha, that Being Whom He had created to be the Centre of His Covenant and the Interpreter of His Word. It must be remembered that
ition of Abdu'l-Baha as His Successor and the Centre of His Covenant . He kept this a well-guarded secret, and to no one did He i
which explicitly announced Abdu'l-Baha as the Centre of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah and the One to Whom all must turn after His
n after His Ascension was the Kitab-i-'Ahdi (The Book of My Covenant ) which was published among the believers only after His pas
the believers. Since it is so essential to the study of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, the text of the Kitab-i-'Ahd is given here.
mmunity the appointment of Abdu'l-Baha as the Centre of His Covenant during His own days? Looking at it purely from a human poin
ned unaware of this. That the identity of the Centre of the Covenant was kept secret and revealed only after the ascension of Ba
'llah constitutes one of the most important features of the Covenant . A deeper understanding of this Covenant depends upon the i
nt features of the Covenant. A deeper understanding of this Covenant depends upon the individual appreciating the manifold wisdo
the believer be able to acquire a true comprehension of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah in all its aspects. Although such an underst
itating upon the Holy Writings, studying the history of the Covenant , its genesis, and its workings, and praying that his heart
ail are not. The history of the Faith demonstrates that the Covenant has always provided great tests for the believers. The Bab
ity. Many souls who were unfaithful and ambitious broke the Covenant and arose with all their might to wrest the leadership of t
se tests[1] associated with so mighty an institution as the Covenant are inevitable and constitute an inseparable feature of the
ership and proved to be insincere in their faith, broke the Covenant and rose up against Shoghi Effendi. Here again, the Will an
stament by Shoghi Effendi became the examination paper. The Covenant of Baha'u'llah will continue to provide the testing ground
ough many of its outstanding followers rebelled against the Covenant and tried with all their might to undermine its foundations
munity. <p148> CHAPTER ELEVEN The Breaking of Baha'u'llah's Covenant The passing of Baha'u'llah on 28 May 1892 in the Mansion of
unched his ignoble plans to undermine the foundation of the Covenant and overthrow Abdu'l-Baha, its Centre. In a celebrated Tabl
instigator, of Mirza Muhammad-'Ali, the arch-breaker of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah. In this Tablet, Abdu'l-Baha further describ
oom. Abdu'l-Baha states that on that day the foundations of Covenant -breaking were laid, the ocean of vain imagining began to su
their own self and passions. Although the violation of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah began in earnest immediately after His ascen
the West. He tried, as He put it, to stop the foul odour of Covenant -breaking from spreading. He endured in silence for about fo
mong the believers. The whole story of the violation of the Covenant by Mirza Muhammad-'Ali was initially made public by himself
ead through Persia and later in the West, and the plague of Covenant -breaking encompassed the community of the Most Great Name e
aha wrote innumerable Tablets in which He told the story of Covenant -breaking, unmasked the ugly face of this misguided rebellio
ace of this misguided rebellion, named the violators of the Covenant , demonstrated their unfaithfulness and their evil designs a
. He elucidated in great detail the basic principles of the Covenant , its origins, its power and its indestructibility. He also
ity. He also urged the believers to remain steadfast in the Covenant , and inspired them to scale loftier heights in service to H
ice to His Cause. It is appropriate here to define the term Covenant -breaker. A believer who recognizes Baha'u'llah as the Manif
commandments is to turn to Abdu'l-Baha as the Centre of His Covenant , to be submissive to Him and abide by His bidding. The same
ws those upon whom He has placed the mantle of authority. A Covenant -breaker is one who while professing to believe in Baha'u'll
arises in active opposition to Him; or to the Centre of the Covenant , Abdu'l-Baha, or to Shoghi Effendi; or today to the Univers
e of Justice. Baha'u'llah has described those who break the Covenant as 'birds of night'. This description is very apt because t
e from it, preferring the darkness. This is the nature of a Covenant -breaker. He perceives the spiritual power and ascendancy of
elation. In the days of Baha'u'llah, the authority to expel Covenant -breakers was vested in Himself; later it devolved upon Abdu
lf; later it devolved upon Abdu'l-Baha as the Centre of the Covenant , and then upon Shoghi Effendi as the Guardian of the Cause.
Guardian of the Cause. At present, should anyone break the Covenant , his expulsion would be by decision of the Hands of the Cau
ds with his older brother Mirza Muhammad-'Ali, violated the Covenant and rose up in opposition to Abdu'l-Baha. Some years passed
resumed his nefarious activities against the Centre of the Covenant . This son of Baha'u'llah, who survived his commander-in-chi
them appear to condemn the person of Abdu'l-Baha. Thus the Covenant -breakers began their shameful careers with acts of deceit,
s. But in the end they were overwhelmed by the power of the Covenant , and the only traces they left behind are the stains of the
'llah had expressly provided through the institution of the Covenant , an institution which He had firmly established prior to Hi
He had firmly established prior to His ascension. This same Covenant He had anticipated in His Kitab-i-Aqdas, had alluded to it
n a special document which He designated as 'the Book of My Covenant ', and which He entrusted, during His last illness, to His e
i Revelation, do we find any single document establishing a Covenant endowed with an authority comparable to the Covenant which
hing a Covenant endowed with an authority comparable to the Covenant which Baha'u'llah had Himself instituted." [12-1] By this m
us document the station of Abdu'l-Baha as the Centre of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah was announced to the believers. What was onl
me.] This clear appointment of Abdu'l-Baha as the Centre of Covenant safeguards the unity of the Baha'i community and protects i
the unity of its community. Through the institution of the Covenant , the mighty stronghold of the Cause of God has become invin
aults launched against it over a long period of time by the Covenant -breakers. As we shall see later in this book, Mirza Muhamma
s into insignificance compared to it. In spite of this, the Covenant -breakers failed miserably and the Covenant of Baha'u'llah t
ite of this, the Covenant-breakers failed miserably and the Covenant of Baha'u'llah triumphed. It was not so in past religions.
ar's opposition to Imam Ali. The successful breaking of the Covenant of Muhammad by Umar through his refusal to submit to Imam A
o Jalil-i-Khu'i,[1] a believer who was being drawn into the Covenant -breakers' net in the province of Adhirbayjan. The reason wh
ccessor of Muhammad is in order to demonstrate the evils of Covenant -breaking and the tragic consequences of the violation of th
tions the Prophets did not establish a firm and unequivocal Covenant with their followers concerning their successors, <p159> no
unity among the followers. But the non-existence of a clear Covenant and lack of guidance should not be construed as a failure o
nd what were the reasons which prevented them from making a Covenant in writing as did Baha'u'llah? A careful study of the histo
ts of God's attributes, did not make an unequivocal written Covenant with their followers because of the immaturity of the peopl
ts and the strict discipline which the observance of such a Covenant would inevitably have required. Mankind has gone through th
e Manifestations of God in past ages to establish a written Covenant with their followers would have been like giving a child ne
qualities which are essential for remaining faithful to the Covenant are humility and self-abnegation, steadfastness in one's fa
time to be held responsible for observing the terms of the Covenant . However, now that mankind is destined to come of age in th
has for the first time established a mighty and irrefutable Covenant , and required His servants to obey His commandments and be
all-encompassing wisdom did not impose upon His followers a Covenant whose terms would have been beyond their capacity. Islam ex
s followers were not sufficiently mature to be given a firm Covenant , similar to that established by Baha'u'llah, requiring them
it was revealed by Muhammad, the violators of His unwritten Covenant -- those who rejected Ali and represented by the letters of
ion of Baha'u'llah, the believers who were steadfast in the Covenant were convinced that the command for removing the letter of
Testament of Baha'u'llah. Through this mighty document the Covenant of Baha'u'llah was established and its Centre appointed. Th
negation has been removed is that in this Dispensation the Covenant -breakers have never been, nor will they ever be, able to un
d great influence over people. The ceaseless efforts of the Covenant -breakers at the time of Abdu'l-Baha to destroy the edifice
rd' Him. This act of 'turning' is the pivot round which the Covenant of Baha'u'llah revolves for all time, and steadfastness in
Baha'u'llah revolves for all time, and steadfastness in the Covenant will be determined by the extent to which a believer readil
table to God unless the believer turns to the Centre of the Covenant , is submissive to Him and wholeheartedly carries out His co
ouse of Justice. To emphasize this important feature of the Covenant the following analogy may be helpful. An aircraft flies in
osition to Abdu'l-Baha or Shoghi Effendi were pronounced as Covenant -breakers and cast out of the Community of the Most Great Na
as we continue the story. <p164> CHAPTER THIRTEEN Principal Covenant -Breakers during the Ministry of Abdu'l-Baha When the Kitab-
to survey, however briefly, the nefarious activities of the Covenant -breakers during Abdu'l-Baha's Ministry, it is necessary to
saw the birth of the Administrative Order, the child of the Covenant , and the strengthening of its foundations by Shoghi Effendi
ardian, having witnessed the indisputable ascendancy of the Covenant and the extinction of his hopes and evil designs. <p165> An
tance.[1] His shameful activities against the Centre of the Covenant , and his opposition at a later date to Shoghi Effendi will
g person who wavered in his allegiance to the Centre of the Covenant ; he was easily manipulated and became a willing tool in the
t of the family, all of whom were affected by the spirit of Covenant -breaking. Mirza Diya'u'llah died in 1898 not very long afte
'llah's Ministry.[1]His rebellion against the Centre of the Covenant wiped out his forty-year record of service to Baha'u'llah a
of Baha'u'llah, vol. 1, pp. 41-42.] Another opponent of the Covenant was Muhammad-Javad-i-Qazvini. He first attained the presenc
id of knowledge and learning, he attacked the Centre of the Covenant in his venomous writings which contain many inaccuracies, f
ievers in the Holy Land were being tested by the disease of Covenant -breaking, a number of outstanding teachers of the Faith in
efected and rose up in opposition against the Centre of the Covenant . The main source of rebellion was the <p166> proud and egot
aha'u'llah that Jamal showed his true colours, rejected the Covenant and rebelled against its Centre. There were other teachers
f the community, were tested through the institution of the Covenant . They failed to comply with the provisions of the Kitab-i-'
o comply with the provisions of the Kitab-i-'Ahd, broke the Covenant and were expelled from the community. Those who are unfamil
mmunity. <p167> Jamal, and others like him who later became Covenant -breakers, were assiduously serving the Cause during Baha'u'
God. One of the main factors which turns a believer into a Covenant -breaker is ambition to become prominent in the community, t
tion within the Faith. This is the common objective of most Covenant -breakers. Such individuals have not realized that the only
rvitude and self-effacement. Those who rebelled against the Covenant did not understand or pay attention to this principle, of s
pay attention to this principle, of such importance to the Covenant of God with man. In this life we note that opposites attrac
ll be a force of repulsion between the two parties. This is Covenant -breaking. In the Tablet of the Holy Mariner,[1] whose main
the Tablet of the Holy Mariner,[1] whose main theme is the Covenant , Baha'u'llah confirms that should man be desirous to rise t
me. He knew the station of Abdu'l-Baha as the Centre of the Covenant , the One to whom all believers must turn. Yet he wanted to
itself to be on a par with the other. All those who became Covenant -breakers were in this category. They rose up in opposition
f the Most Great Name. Another feature of these episodes of Covenant -breaking which has puzzled many people is the fact that alm
nd daughters, should be foremost among the violators of His Covenant ? In normal circumstances when a person attains a prominent
ance and human limitations. This analogy sheds light on the Covenant -breaking by most members of Baha'u'llah's family and on the
mbers of His family turned their backs on Him and broke His Covenant . <p170> CHAPTER FOURTEEN Clandestine Opposition to the Cove
nant. <p170> CHAPTER FOURTEEN Clandestine Opposition to the Covenant That Abdu'l-Baha did not disclose the rebellion of Mirza Mu
his way Abdu'l-Baha tried to contain this deadly disease of Covenant -breaking within the Holy Land. During this four-year period
tely, the more Abdu'l-Baha showered loving counsel upon the Covenant -breakers, the more haughty and rebellious they became. At l
eceived in Persia from Muhammad-Javad-i-Qazvini, one of the Covenant -breakers resident in the Holy Land. <p171> "Since the days
me that some form of secret opposition to the Centre of the Covenant was taking place and that Muhammad-Javad himself was one of
bilisi). Everywhere he found the believers steadfast in the Covenant , enchanted by the utterances of Abdu'l-Baha in His Tablets,
rywhere, and the believers vowed to remain steadfast in the Covenant , come what may. When Haji arrived in Beirut he stayed with
mations and assistance were showered upon the Centre of His Covenant , these unfaithful ones began to promote their designs. When
Infallibility. [1 One of the shameful accusations which the Covenant -breakers spread around was that Abdu'l-Baha had claimed to
of Baha'u'llah. On the other hand, the Arch-breaker of the Covenant and his entourage had considerably lessened the measure of
he days of the Blessed Beauty. Added to this treatment, the Covenant -breakers through their words and deeds and by subtle hints
humility, submissiveness and obedience to the Centre of the Covenant that you demonstrated in the Holy Presence of Baha'u'llah.
xtraordinary loving kindness and humility the Centre of the Covenant shows to you, while you appear proud and haughty before His
lessed Beauty, and whom should we consider steadfast in His Covenant ? "The believers have endured all manner of oppression. They
deviate from the straight path. They will cling fast to the Covenant of Baha'u'llah and its Centre, He 'who hath branched from t
r He visited the Mansion. Even these were taken over by the Covenant -breakers once their opposition to Him was intensified and b
he believers in that house. The Mansion was occupied by the Covenant -breakers for several decades after the Master's passing and
He and his associates knew those who were steadfast in the Covenant and those who were weak, simple-hearted, or proud and ambit
n outstanding teacher of the Faith who was steadfast in the Covenant . Consequently, some believers would conclude that the famou
the famous Baha'i teacher must have joined the ranks of the Covenant -breakers. This could result in the defection of some weak a
ing of the friends. There were other ways through which the Covenant -breakers succeeded by deceitful practices in gathering a nu
straight path, and He did not reveal their breaking of the Covenant to the Baha'is outside the Holy Land. However, after four y
leading statements, and calumnies against the Centre of the Covenant , posing themselves as the voice of truth trying to purify t
e wanted to share with Him the station of the Centre of the Covenant . It was as a result of these letters by Mirza Muhammad-'Ali
in His Tablets began openly to refer to the breaking of the Covenant by His unfaithful brother; from then on, right up to the en
He explained in innumerable Tablets the significance of the Covenant and urged the friends to remain steadfast in the Cause of G
ould not have taken the pen to announce his breaking of the Covenant . For four years I have concealed this matter so that the be
eloved of God might not learn of your unfaithfulness to the Covenant . It is now beyond my power to conceal it any longer. You ha
d-'Ali.] <p179> The family of Baha'u'llah, those who became Covenant -breakers, were leading a very comfortable life in the Mansi
st breed which were kept in the stables at the Mansion. The Covenant -breakers often spent their time riding and hunting. When th
the Mansion any amount of food and other supplies which the Covenant -breakers requested. But they used to demand five or six tim
son." [14-5] During the early years of their rebellion, the Covenant -breakers noticing on the one hand their own prosperity and
monstrated in the above story, were thus interpreted by the Covenant -breakers as weakness. This misconception, coupled with the
upply the exorbitant expenses they demanded, emboldened the Covenant -breakers to step up their campaign of misrepresentation aga
qa Jan, Baha'u'llah's amanuensis, threw in his lot with the Covenant -breakers and became one of Mirza Muhammad-'Ali's most power
surrounded by a number of close companions who later became Covenant -breakers. Yet, in spite of this serious handicap of working
terial things. Soon after the ascension of Baha'u'llah, the Covenant -breakers led by Mirza Muhammad-'Ali plotted to take Mirza A
ka, and was acclaimed by Shoghi Effendi as a 'herald of the Covenant ', and 'trusted secretary' of the Master, has left to poster
f Baha'u'llah's generosity, he had a reasonable income. The Covenant -breakers had secretly resolved to take his life. Probably t
ed, the person who was rejected by Baha'u'llah and whom the Covenant -breakers were intent upon murdering? They told me that he h
s fully informed about Mirza Aqa Jan's involvement with the Covenant -breakers. In his memoirs, he has recorded his story. The fo
Baha to take refuge in His house, the ill-fated standard of Covenant -breaking was upraised. The Aghsan[1] began to regret the de
tion they could influence more believers to join the <p185> Covenant -breakers. They deplored his absence among them, and tried o
nd post it to Mirza Aqa Jan, care of the Archbreaker of the Covenant . This he did and when the letter arrived, they decided that
r, but did not know who had placed it there. [1 A notorious Covenant -breaker.] [2 She was the wife of Mirza Diya'u'llah, son of
postles of Baha'u'llah. After the death of Diya'u'llah, the Covenant -breakers kept his widow against her will at Bahji, and when
maginings, and that everyone must turn to the Centre of the Covenant . Through his action, he was about to create a great upheava
hearts were heavy and our thoughts agitated. We noticed the Covenant -breakers were actively moving around with a few non-Baha'is
ate a great upheaval for Us." [15-4] [1 This was before the Covenant -breakers took over these rooms. See p. 175 above.] In order
e community and placed Abdu'l-Baha's life in danger had the Covenant -breakers' plans materialized, we should note that when the
-breakers' plans materialized, we should note that when the Covenant -breakers realized that they were no longer in a position to
poses. While he was living in the house of Abdu'l-Baha, the Covenant -breakers secretly established contact with him and together
gainst Abdu'l-Baha. Dr Yunis Khan writes the story: "...The Covenant -breakers decided to take advantage of Mirza Aqa Jan's situa
umnies with which he charged Abdu'l-Baha, the Centre of the Covenant , were much worse than those which Covenant-breakers had alr
he Centre of the Covenant, were much worse than those which Covenant -breakers had already brought against Him. It was arranged t
itten in the same style as his 'Revelation writings' to the Covenant -breakers who would then have them transcribed, as in the da
.] Dr Yunis Khan in his memoirs goes on to explain that the Covenant -breakers had decided to put their plans into operation on t
in order to create tension and unrest. At the same time the Covenant -breakers made arrangements for a certain Yahya Tabur Aqasi
ficial hostile to Abdu'l-Baha; he was heavily bribed by the Covenant -breakers and was very friendly towards them. His function w
His banishment from the Holy Land. That would also give the Covenant -breakers the opportunity to take possession of the Shrine o
waiting for a struggle to ensue between the Baha'is and the Covenant -breakers so that they could charge the former with disturba
r this event Mirza Aqa Jan openly threw in his lot with the Covenant -breakers and became one of their ablest supporters. Some ti
shoulder. In later years, because of the opposition of the Covenant -breakers, the procession would start outside the gate of th
lets..." [15-7] Dr Yunis Khan mentions that it was when the Covenant -breakers intensified their attacks against the Cause that t
in the middle of the rows where we were sitting, one of the Covenant -breakers came by the order of the Centre of Sedition [Mirza
t forty years. Such a man was honoured and respected by the Covenant -breakers and was regarded as one of their best agents for f
nity. <p193> CHAPTER SIXTEEN Discrediting the Centre of the Covenant As Mirza Muhammad-'Ali's campaign of discrediting Abdu'l-Ba
hey knew the Master, were not spiritually close to Him. The Covenant -breakers invented several stories of different kinds and be
d. But now because of the falsehoods invented by the <p194> Covenant -breakers, people who were hitherto great admirers of Abdu'l
ummarised below: "One of the deceitful schemes contrived by Covenant -breakers after the ascension of Baha'u'llah was that, on th
d pocketing the proceeds. The Master often told us that the Covenant -breakers had done this so that the believers might stop sen
p196> "When the Shaykh departed, the Master spoke about the Covenant -breakers and said that they had girded up their loins for t
ong these dark clouds would be dispersed, the domain of the Covenant -breakers would be rolled up, and assured us that the Cause
f children. He told us to ponder upon the activities of the Covenant -breakers. Because of their enmity toward Him, they go throu
Abdu'l-Baha's friends describing similar activities by the Covenant -breakers. Haji Ali Yazdi[1 ] who was one of the resident Ba
ter and to hurt Him as much as possible. For many years the Covenant -breakers carried out this type of campaign to discredit Abd
e Cause of God became victorious through the potency of the Covenant , and the Covenant-breakers by their actions extinguished th
ame victorious through the potency of the Covenant, and the Covenant -breakers by their actions extinguished their own spiritual
treated cruelly by Abdu'l-Baha. One such person in whom the Covenant -breakers confided was Rosamond Dale Owen, the wife of Laure
and foe alike, would have brought great satisfaction to the Covenant -breakers, had it not been for the fact that by the time Mrs
the Promised One of all ages, exposes the hypocrisy of the Covenant -breakers, their treachery and their utter faithlessness in
in the Cause of God. These characteristics are true of the Covenant -breakers of the past, present and future. They are cut off
-Baha openly declared His own position as the Centre of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, the Promoter of His Cause and the Interpret
nd all the believers must turn. He explained that since the Covenant -breakers had arisen against Him they had violated the provi
ot disclosed their rebellion to the believers, but that the Covenant -breakers themselves had announced to the Baha'i world their
of the court case was widely publicized and once again the Covenant -breakers were frustrated in their actions and failed to hum
l-Baha, the Most Great Mystery of God and the Centre of His Covenant , we can observe some of their superhuman characteristics. U
en Abdu'l-Baha was suffering grievously at the hands of the Covenant -breakers and was continually confronted by the implacable e
se throughout the world. Unaffected by the onslaught of the Covenant -breakers, His love and encouragement continued to be shower
. At a time when He was being attacked on every side by the Covenant -breakers, and the believers were dispirited and disconsolat
hened their faith, assured them of the invincibility of the Covenant and widened their vision to see the greatness of the Cause
d the Ark of the Cause of God. But it was the Centre of the Covenant who was at the helm. Through the potency of His words and t
-Baha, in the midst of intense suffering at the hand of the Covenant -breakers, earnestly prayed that yet more suffering and hard
ordinance of teaching the Faith versus steadfastness in the Covenant . Of course, teaching the Cause of God is the most meritorio
uty of a believer. Yet during those perilous times when the Covenant -breakers were actively engaged in spreading their venomous
believers that deepening the friends in the subject of the Covenant and assisting them to remain firm in their faith took prece
friends in those days to that of building a house while the Covenant -breakers were trying to raze it to the ground. In such circ
ing the Cause of God. During those turbulent years when the Covenant -breakers were engaged in making mischief in the Holy Land,
hey became spiritual giants who championed the Cause of the Covenant and defended it with heroism and sacrifice. Dr Yunis Khan i
ah, and thus enabled them to withstand the onslaught of the Covenant -breakers. This privilege was the experience of those believ
humbled by this experience." [17-3] <p208> CHAPTER EIGHTEEN Covenant -breaking in Persia Soon after the ascension of Baha'u'llah,
mmunity. Thus, from the very start, the Arch-breaker of the Covenant sowed the seeds of dissension in the hearts of those who we
the faithful believers and posed as loyal defenders of the Covenant . Notorious among them was Jamal-i-Burujirdi, the most promi
ng them was Jamal-i-Burujirdi, the most prominent among the Covenant -breakers in Persia. It will be helpful for the study of the
n Persia. It will be helpful for the study of the spread of Covenant -breaking in Persia to dwell at some length on the infamous
im to servitude and detachment went unheeded. The poison of Covenant -breaking had been effectively injected into his whole being
i had come to the conclusion that Jamal was disloyal to the Covenant , and they used to confront him in different ways, but Abdu'
du'l-Baha continued to exhort Jamal to steadfastness in the Covenant , and to purity of motive. The Tablets addressed to him duri
Persia, Jamal threw in his lot with the Arch-breaker of the Covenant . By transferring his loyalty to Mirza Muhammad-'Ali, Jamal
, but after Jamal became involved in activities against the Covenant , he was expelled from the Faith by Abdu'l-Baha. No sooner d
which He emphasized the importance of steadfastness in the Covenant . In this Tablet He states [18-6] that in this day the confi
ns of Baha'u'llah will reach only those who are firm in the Covenant . He affirms that even should the embodiment of the Holy Spi
diment of the Holy Spirit fail to turn to the Centre of the Covenant , it will become a dead body, whereas a child who remains st
e a dead body, whereas a child who remains steadfast in the Covenant will be assisted by the hosts of the Supreme Concourse. Iro
-'Ali. In this Tablet Abdu'l-Baha explains the basis of the Covenant , describes its vital role in preserving the unity of the Fa
great emphasis on <p216> the importance of firmness in the Covenant in order to preserve unity in this dispensation. [1 See abo
of the most momentous Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha concerning the Covenant and its significance in this Dispensation. It was revealed
897-8), a time of great agitation in the Holy Land when the Covenant -breakers were actively looking for any material with which
slam, He knew that if the Tablet fell into the hands of the Covenant -breakers, it would add fuel to the fire. Therefore He sent
ere were a few other teachers who also rebelled against the Covenant in Persia. Siyyid Mihdiy-i-Dahaji was one. Like Jamal he wa
n the winds of tests began to blow. He ultimately broke the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, and, in the hope of becoming one of the und
ity, which agitated the minds of many, but the power of the Covenant finally swept him into the abyss of ignominy and cleansed t
y of the Cause do we find an occasion when the power of the Covenant manifested itself with such intensity and effectiveness as
m the Faith of those who rebelled against the Centre of the Covenant . The speed with which the pollution of Covenant-breaking wa
ntre of the Covenant. The speed with which the pollution of Covenant -breaking was removed from the community of the Most Great N
a very few individuals, remained loyal to the Centre of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah. The efforts of the Covenant-breakers in mis
e Centre of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah. The efforts of the Covenant -breakers in misleading the believers were so ineffective th
anywhere in that vast community who could be labelled as a Covenant -breaker. <p218> This magnificent achievement was due primar
the Faith who deepened the believers in the subject of the Covenant . These holy souls, 'the learned ones in Baha' whom He descr
ening the faith of the believers and confirming them in the Covenant of Baha'u'llah. Although Covenant-breaking did not become a
nd confirming them in the Covenant of Baha'u'llah. Although Covenant -breaking did not become an issue in Persia itself, the beli
ountry were aware of the perfidy of the Arch-breaker of the Covenant and his associates in conducting their disgraceful intrigue
is entertained in their hearts for the Master. The more the Covenant -breakers inflicted sufferings upon Him, the more intense be
sition. He explained that although He was the Centre of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah and the Interpreter of His words, He was nev
ions concerning Abdu'l-Baha's station of servitude. "As the Covenant -breakers intensified their campaign of trouble-making for t
calumny and slander created by the people of malice and the Covenant -breakers, Baha'i poets and people of letters in that countr
ed me. I quickly followed Him. I heard Him say: 'I told the Covenant -breakers that the more they hurt me, the more will the beli
the blame was removed from the believers and placed on the Covenant -breakers, I somewhat regained consciousness and a little li
iniquities and transgressions perpetrated by these ruthless Covenant -breakers which had produced a strong reaction among the bel
wn the hall and speaking more about the machinations of the Covenant -breakers. But I was not in a position to think properly or
which was used by the believers had been taken over by the Covenant -breakers... "4. The Covenant-breakers had given up their ea
ers had been taken over by the Covenant-breakers... "4. The Covenant -breakers had given up their earlier practice of demanding p
r, these gatherings are not so frequent these days. "7. The Covenant -breakers, who had not succeeded in their previous intrigues
he construction of the mausoleum of the Bab. "8. Two of the Covenant -breakers made attempts on the life of Abdu'l-Baha. One had,
the Shrine took a long time, for under the influence of the Covenant -breakers the owner at first refused to sell. After many dif
vide access to the building site. At the instigation of the Covenant -breakers, the owner demanded an exorbitant price for this l
erment of the remains of the Bab in that holy spot. But the Covenant -breakers, who were being continually frustrated in their de
ious activities and forced to witness the ascendancy of the Covenant , particularly the arrival of pilgrims from the West, were a
of some impending tribulation which would be caused by the Covenant -breakers. He is reported to have intimated to the friends t
s. He is reported to have intimated to the friends that the Covenant -breakers would create great trouble for Him, but that they
several appeals to the government authorities in Syria, the Covenant -breakers had had to raise large sums of money to bribe vari
activities came to light, it opened the eyes of some of the Covenant -breakers who had previously been duped into believing that
ho had been for so long deceived by the Arch-breaker of the Covenant , went to Abdu'l-Baha, expressed remorse for their folly and
the second Caliph of Sunni Islam, had broken the unwritten Covenant of Muhammad and unlawfully usurped the successorship of the
spreading falsehood and calumnies against the Centre of the Covenant . When it became public knowledge that the cause of imposing
sing this new incarceration was Majdu'd-Din's petition, the Covenant -breakers became subdued and chastened for some time. Howeve
ervice to the Cause, urging them to remain steadfast in the Covenant and diffuse the divine fragrances with wisdom and persevera
e upon the annals of the Faith. In the Holy Land, while the Covenant -breakers were rejoicing that Abdu'l-Baha had been made a pr
sha mentioned earlier. When the party arrived at Bahji, the Covenant -breakers witnessed the majestic figure of Abdu'l-Baha walki
ese developments were taking place in the Baha'i world, the Covenant -breakers resumed their malicious propaganda against the Mas
ter. In 1904 fresh adversities appeared on the horizon. The Covenant -breakers had assiduously plotted until the friendly Governo
ned. These activities culminated in the Arch-breaker of the Covenant finally drawing up an official indictment against the Maste
to face charges brought against Him by the violators of the Covenant . He visited the members of the Commission several times, an
ce, Abdu'l-Baha described His suffering at the hands of the Covenant -breakers. The stories He recounted were so heart-rending th
t Dr Yunis Khan asked the Master to tell him how long these Covenant -breakers would continue to oppose Him. Abdu'l-Baha is repor
a's followers in the world, no trace would be left of these Covenant -breakers. And indeed, as we shall see in the forthcoming pa
aster is reported to have said that God always assisted the Covenant -breakers during His Ministry and enabled them to make every
had shown himself ruthless in dealing with dissidents. The Covenant -breakers, who had lost hope of carrying out their evil plot
ahji and had friendly association with the violators of the Covenant . Their first act was to again plant a number of spies aroun
nal petition to the authorities. With the assistance of the Covenant -breakers, the members of the Commission even sought to brin
rdinary strength. Later in their report, they confirmed the Covenant -breakers' allegation that Abdu'l-Baha had indeed built a fo
engaged in preparing their report in collaboration with the Covenant -breakers, sent one of their agents to Abdu'l-Baha inviting
l half-brother of Baha'u'llah who remained steadfast in the Covenant after the ascension of Baha'u'llah.] "4. That two-thirds of
that it needed but his arrogant rebellion to bring down the Covenant and Testament in ruins; it needed but this, so he thought,
and His divine commands annulled, and that accordingly, the Covenant and Testament was abolished. Again he would set himself to
tic release from confinement was the greatest blow that the Covenant -breakers had ever sustained in their entire period of oppos
ower of understanding, and reinforced by the legions of the Covenant , arise and make manifest the truth of the verse: 'Behold th
h the unerring pen of the appointed Centre of Baha'u'llah's Covenant has recorded! These foreshadow the fierceness of the onslau
its history achieved..." [20-14] <p245> CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE Covenant -breaking in the West We now go back a few years to return t
t the close of the nineteenth century. As we have seen, the Covenant -breakers were becoming very frustrated, for they found them
nd heavenly joy as a result of meeting Abdu'l-Baha that the Covenant -breakers became inflamed with rage and envy; their gloom an
hand of Mirza Muhammad-'Ali. He joined the infamous band of Covenant -breakers, rose up in opposition against Abdu'l-Baha, dissem
lthough he tried to help Khayru'llah remain faithful to the Covenant , sadly, a few years later, he himself and his son Dr Farid
r, he himself and his son Dr Farid (Fareed) likewise became Covenant -breakers. It is interesting to note that in spite of all Kh
ommunity. As in Persia, the believers remained loyal to the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, and thereafter refused to associate with th
f Baha'u'llah, its history, its teachings, its laws and its Covenant , which he pointed out was the guarantor of the unity of the
est, was being continually urged by the Arch-breaker of the Covenant to foment discord and contention among the believers, and t
'i teachers to purify his heart and mind from the poison of Covenant -breaking failed. Abdu'l-Baha expelled him from the communit
nity and commented that as a result of his violation of the Covenant he would be reckoned as dead, and that soon the repugnant o
e of Abdu'l-Baha's travels to the West and the power of the Covenant in these words: "Abdu'l-Baha's historic journeys to the Wes
the earth in the city of Adrianople, so did the Orb of His Covenant mount its zenith and shed its brightest rays when <p250> He
th among the peoples of the West. "That divinely instituted Covenant had, shortly after its inception, demonstrated beyond the s
s Tablets written in this period, Abdu'l-Baha refers to the Covenant -breakers, who were on the retreat, as 'blind creatures that
ved ones of God! Praise be to Him, the bright banner of the Covenant is flying higher every day, while the flag of perfidy hath
blets Abdu'l-Baha assured the believers that in the end the Covenant -breakers who rose up against Him during His Ministry would
y: "The case of all of them resembleth the violation of the Covenant by Judas Iscariot and his followers. Consider: hath any res
nsignificant violators will surely betray the Centre of the Covenant for the large sum which by every subtle means they have beg
d? Under all conditions those who have remained firm in the Covenant have conquered, while the violators have met defeat, disapp
.. he [Mirza Muhammad-'Ali] who, from the moment the Divine Covenant was born until the end of his life, showed a hatred more un
d upon it -- such a man, together with the infamous crew of Covenant -breakers whom he had misled and instigated, was condemned t
e same malady. Muhammad-Javad-i-Qazvani, a <p252> notorious Covenant -breaker, perished miserably. Shu'a'u'llah who, as witnessed
in His Will, had counted on the murder of the Centre of the Covenant , and who had been despatched to the United States by his fa
yid Mihdiy-i-Dahaji, who, betraying Abdu'l-Baha, joined the Covenant -breakers, died in obscurity and poverty, followed by his wi
d-Husayn-i-Kashani, who represented the arch-breaker of the Covenant in Persia, India and Egypt, failed utterly in their mission
ly espoused the cause of this arch-breaker of Baha'u'llah's Covenant , or who had secretly sympathized with him, whilst outwardly
d." [21-8] <p253> CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO The Baha'i Attitude to Covenant -Breaking Covenant-breaking is a deadly spiritual disease, a
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO The Baha'i Attitude to Covenant-Breaking Covenant -breaking is a deadly spiritual disease, and never before in
to light. In this Dispensation however, the position of the Covenant -breakers and their spiritual condition have been exposed an
ly examined. As we have described in a previous chapter,[1] Covenant -breaking provokes the wrath of God. Therefore, when a belie
kes the wrath of God. Therefore, when a believer breaks the Covenant , his spiritual life-line is cut off. Although he may have g
erson any more. This is the reason why the violators of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah acted in the way they did. [1 See above, p.
the scale, to be lowly, humble and self-effacing. This the Covenant -breakers were not. They aspired to be equal to the Centre o
ers were not. They aspired to be equal to the Centre of the Covenant , and thus the spiritual energies released by God could not
exclusive to the violators at the time of Abdu'l-Baha. The Covenant -breakers who opposed Shoghi Effendi, and those who appeared
ry here to distinguish between the enemies of the Faith and Covenant -breakers. The former attack the Cause of God mainly <p254>
e Almighty and strike at its roots, as the violators of the Covenant do, are grave transgressions which are unforgivable. Christ
ibes this as a 'sin against the Holy Ghost'. The subject of Covenant -breaking was frequently broached by the Master according to
d intrigues, their plots and conspiracies. He often likened Covenant -breaking to a contagious disease: the only way to prevent i
the protection of the believers from the deadly disease of Covenant -breaking was imperative, and could be achieved only by cutt
aha warned them of the consequences of association with the Covenant -breakers. He cabled them: "He who sits with leper catches l
ed the believers emphatically to avoid associating with the Covenant -breakers. In His Will and Testament, Abdu'l-Baha admonishes
iples of the Cause of God is to shun and avoid entirely the Covenant -breakers, for they will utterly destroy the Cause of God, e
his spiritual disease, it is necessary not only to shun the Covenant -breakers, but also to expel them from the community in the
, the Prophets of old did not establish a firm and explicit Covenant [1]with their followers, and so the adherents of past religi
amply demonstrate the danger. If, in this Dispensation, the Covenant -breakers had not been expelled and had been allowed to asso
from the Faith, the community, cleansed from the poison of Covenant -breaking, acquires a fresh vitality and vigour, and is enab
tory. During the days of Baha'u'llah the authority to expel Covenant -breakers was vested in Himself alone. Later it devolved upo
e. Later it devolved upon Abdu'l-Baha, as the Centre of the Covenant , and then upon Shoghi Effendi, as the Guardian of the Cause
t to realize that no one is lightly or hurriedly declared a Covenant -breaker by the Centre of the Cause. Great efforts are made
els and intensified their rebellion did He announce them as Covenant -breakers and cast them out of the community. Never before h
n of God created the instrument whereby the breakers of His Covenant , those who oppose the Centre of the Cause from within the c
me to time. In one of His Tablets Abdu'l-Baha describes the Covenant -breakers as dead bodies which the ocean casts out on its sh
e greatness of the Cause, and as heretofore such a manifest Covenant , written by the Supreme Pen, hath not been entered upon, th
ch is one of its inseparable features; but the ocean of the Covenant shall surge and shall cast ashore the bodies of the dead, f
t retain them. Thus it is seen that the ocean of the <p257> Covenant hath surged and surged until it hath thrown out the dead bo
and shall soon disperse and vanish, while the ocean of the Covenant shall eternally surge and roar... "From the early days of c
hout all the divine dispensations, such a firm and explicit Covenant hath not been entered upon. In view of this fact is it poss
for this foam to remain on the surface of the ocean of the Covenant ? No, by God! The violators are trampling upon their own dig
soon see." [22-4] Those who are expelled from the Faith as Covenant -breakers are left to their own devices. The believers will
t will inevitably wither and die. Severing association with Covenant -breakers must not be confused with acts of opposition or ha
n the course of His talks, Abdu'l-Baha used to explain that Covenant -breaking exerts an evil influence upon the conduct and mora
ct and morals of the public. The seed of sedition which the Covenant -breakers have sown among the people is capable of inclining
time they will have to be vigilant and resourceful lest the Covenant -breakers influence public opinion, because whenever their f
loved ones of God is to make every endeavour to prevent the Covenant -breakers from infiltrating the Baha'i community... "Abdu'l-
le of the City of Kirman[1] and said that the breath of the Covenant -breakers [Muhammad-'Ali and his associates], which is none
du'l-Baha's presence, He was talking in the same vein about Covenant -breakers... At one point I remembered an incident which hap
f the notorious Jamal-i-Burujirdi [father and son were both Covenant -breakers], was being considered for employment as a teacher
an to say that you consulted together and decided to stop a Covenant -breaker earning a living? This is not the way to serve the
there should be no differentiation between a believer and a Covenant -breaker. The loved ones of the Abha Beauty must be the sign
th the peoples of the world is enjoined on the Baha'is, the Covenant -breakers are a legitimate exception. They are cast out of t
'is are forbidden to take any measures designed to harm the Covenant -breakers or obstruct their personal work and activities. On