Argue

If two individuals dispute . . . both are wrong.

In brief, O ye believers of God! The text of the divine Book is this: If two souls quarrel and contend about a question of the divine questions, differing and disputing, both are wrong. The wisdom of this incontrovertible law of God is this: That between two souls from amongst the believers of God, no contention and dispute may arise; that they may speak with each other with infinite amity and love. Should there appear the least trace of controversy, they must remain silent, and both parties must continue their discussions no longer, but ask the reality of the question from the Interpreter. This is the irrefutable command!

As long as the friends quarrel amongst themselves their efforts will not be blessed for they are disobeying God.

During the days of Bahá’u’lláh some of the prominent teachers of the Cause in Persia were divided as to the station of Bahá’u’lláh and at last wrote to Him for arbitration. In answer Bahá’u’lláh said that if they were united both sides were right and if they were divided both were wrong.

The more the friends argue back and forth and maintain, each side, that their point of view is the right one, the worse the whole situation becomes.

When criticism and harsh words arise within a Bahá’í community there is no remedy except to put the past behind one and persuade all concerned to turn over a new leaf, and, for the sake of God and His Faith, refrain from mentioning the subjects which have led to misunderstanding and inharmony.

For Bahá’ís to go further than this, by engaging in acrimonious debate, much less by reflecting on the character of others, would be to cross the line that separates legitimate defence of the Faith from contention.

At one stage during the ministry of Bahá’u’lláh, there were two major schools of thought among the believers concerning His station. Some believed Him to be the Supreme Manifestation of God, while others went further than this. When Bahá’u’lláh was asked about His station, He confirmed that as long as individuals were sincere in their beliefs, both views were right, but if they argued among themselves or tried to convert each other, both were wrong. This indicates that man because of his finite mind will never be able to understand the true station of the Manifestation of God. The criteria are sincerity and faith. Knowing man’s limitations, God accepts from him what he is able to achieve.

Despite this divergence of view among the early followers of Bahá’u’lláh as to His station, attributable solely to their varying capacities to grasp so exalted a concept, it is of immense significance that the central purpose of His Revelation to bring unity to mankind was never deflected. From its earliest days the Bahá’í community was protected from division and discord, and has continued throughout its eventful history to demonstrate the cohesive and unifying influence which motivates it. Those who recognize Bahá’u’lláh and embrace His Faith come under the shelter of a unity which is spiritual in nature, which surpasses all human limitations, and is derived from the power of God’s Covenant for humanity in this age.