On no subject are the Bahá’í teachings more emphatic than on the necessity to abstain from faultfinding and backbiting while being ever eager to discover and root out our own faults and overcome our own failings. If we profess loyalty to Bahá’u’lláh, to our Beloved Master and our dear Guardian, then we must show our love by obedience to these explicit teachings. Deeds not words are what they demand, and no amount of fervour in the use of expressions of loyalty and adulation will compensate for failure to live in the spirit of the teachings. (From a letter dated 12 May 1925 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, in Living the Life, pp. 5–7)
During this worldwide pandemic, a lot of people around me, including some of my closest friends, have been taking a lot more risks than I’m comfortable with and I have found myself filled with criticism and judgement, leading to a lot of estrangement between us. This morning, I find myself wanting to talk to one of them, and am rehearsing in my head what I want to say – mostly centered around the fact that there’s a big difference between being afraid that I might get or give the virus to others, and being obedient to the government. I want to align with and honor the sacrifices of my Bahá’í brothers and sisters in Iran, or in Germany during the Nazi regime or in South Africa, during apartheid, where Baha’i’s might not approve of the government’s policies, but have steadfastly been obedient at horrific expense to themselves.
Obviously, I can’t make the call when I’m feeling so critical and judgmental. I don’t want to even reach out to others for support in what to say, because that would be backbiting, which is a sin far worse than the risks they are willing to take in their lack of obedience to the government. I may not like what others are doing, and I may even feel alone in my decision to adhere to the directives and feel lonely as a result, and even still, I will take a deep breath and give all of it to God, so that I can stop even breathing in the sins of others.
Reading the Writings morning and night and finding exactly the right quote when I need it the most, I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read today’s meditation? I’d love it if you would share so we can all expand our knowledge of the Writings!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Letting Go of Criticizing Others
Consultation may be done with anyone, anytime for any matter. During consultation the facts must be expressed, and feelings are facts. I don’t see why you can’t consult with a third party on how to respond to terrifying situations – without naming, or otherwise describing, other individuals.
I think backbiting only occurs when the point is to attack some specific other person.
Yes, our motives definitely play an important part, Duane.
Dear Susan, I empathize with your painful feelings of isolation and feeling a barrier between people you care deeply about. I think the pandemic is helping our Baha’i communities mature through mental tests. You evoked the responses of the Baha’is in Iran, Germany, and South Africa, and this reminded me of the 2 March 2013 message of the Universal House of Justice to the Baha’is of Iran. For me, the framework for looking at controversies provided by that letter is useful.
It may be impossible for the average person to know the truth of “facts” offered by various sources. Personally, I feel I can and should comply with a lawful order that doesn’t require violating a Baha’i law or moral principle. For those oppressed communities in Iran and elsewhere, the choices and decisions must be a hundred-fold more complicated.
Well said, Kathy! Thank you!
It seems situation in the States is more complicated than anywhere else, perhaps because of lack of unity in all levels of the society.
Good point Vafa. We know that if there’s a lack of unity, that gathering will be brought to naught. I think we’re definitely witnessing this all over the world, as the old world order crumbles before our eyes.