The Revelation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas

*A retelling based on **God Passes By** by Shoghi Effendi, which describes the revelation and contents of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, with two passages quoted from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas itself. Words in quotation marks are quoted from those books.*

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In 1868 Sulṭán 'Abdu'l-'Azíz banished Bahá'u'lláh, with His family and companions, to 'Akká.

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Shoghi Effendi describes the town as having sunk under the Turks "to the level of a penal colony to which murderers, highway robbers and political agitators were consigned from all parts of the Turkish empire." Bahá'u'lláh Himself recorded what was said of it: "it is the most desolate of the cities of the world, the most unsightly of them in appearance, the most detestable in climate, and the foulest in water." The Sulṭán's decree, dated 26 July 1868, "not only condemned them to perpetual banishment, but stipulated their strict incarceration," and forbade them to associate with one another or with the people of the town.

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The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, was revealed "soon after Bahá'u'lláh had been transferred to the house of Údí Khammár (circa 1873), at a time when He was still encompassed by the tribulations that had afflicted Him." Shoghi Effendi writes that its promulgation "may well rank as the most signal act of His ministry," and describes the Book as "the Mother Book of His Dispensation, and the Charter of His New World Order."

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The Book covers a wide range. In it Bahá'u'lláh announces to the kings of the earth the "Most Great Law." He ordains the institution of the House of Justice and alludes to the future Centre of His Covenant, giving Him the right to interpret His Writings. He prescribes the obligatory prayers and the Fast, formulates the law of inheritance, ordains the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár and establishes the Nineteen Day Feasts.

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He abolishes the priesthood; prohibits slavery, asceticism, mendicancy and monasticism; makes work in a trade or profession an obligation, "exalting such occupation to the rank of worship"; and stresses the education of children. He summons the Presidents of the Republics of the American continent to champion the cause of justice, and urges the parliaments of the world to adopt a universal language and script.

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To the kings He writes: "By the righteousness of God! It is not Our wish to lay hands on your kingdoms. Our mission is to seize and possess the hearts of men." And of the Book itself He says: "Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power."

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*This is a retelling. For the fuller account, see **God Passes By** by Shoghi Effendi, and the Kitáb-i-Aqdas itself in the Bahá'í Reference Library.*

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