Loyalty to government
Bahá’ís are called upon to show loyalty to the government of the land in which they live, to abide by its laws, and to be well-wishers of its leaders and representatives. In the Bahá’í view, governments are seen as the keepers of harmony and order in society, and showing loyalty to government is an essential spiritual and social principle that helps to preserve social order and cohesion and the rule of law.
Bahá’u’lláh set forth this and related principles in His Writings, stating:
| “ | In every country or government where any of this community reside, they must behave toward that government with faithfulness, trustfulness, and truthfulness. | ” |
| — Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p.22 | ||
He further forbade His followers from participating in any movement that is seditious, politically subversive or socially disruptive. During His Ministry, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá clarified these teachings and counselled the Bahá’ís not to involve themselves in political pursuits nor to discuss political affairs.[1][2]
Loyalty to government, in the Bahá’í view, is an essential spiritual and social principle. We must obey and be the well-wishers of the government of the land and the essence of the Bahá’í spirit is that in order to establish a better social order and economic condition, there must be allegiance to the laws and principles of government.
This allegiance is part of the strong emphasis on integrity of character found in the Bahá’í teaching: Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts. Beautify your tongues, O people, with truthfulness, and adorn your souls with the ornament of honesty. Beware, O people, that ye deal not treacherously with any one. Be ye the trustees of God amongst His creatures, and the emblems of His generosity amidst His people.
Without integrity of character in its citizens and without loyalty to government, a nation will find itself torn asunder and unable to function as an organic society. Not only do the Bahá’í teachings obligate members to be loyal to their government - they also specifically forbid them from taking any part in subversive political and social movements.[3]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ The Bahá’í World, An International Record. (1974). Bahá’í World Centre. Haifa. Volume 14 (1963-1968), Pg(s) 531-539. View as PDF.
- ↑ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Baha'i World Faith, p.407.
- ↑ The Bahá’í World, An International Record. (1978). Bahá’í World Centre. Haifa. Volume 16 (1973-1976), Pg(s) 496. View as PDF.
