The Kitáb-i-Aqdas by Bahá'u'lláh

(4 User reviews)   2807
By Abil Kile Posted on Nov 15, 2025
In Category - History
Bahá'u'lláh, 1817-1892 Bahá'u'lláh, 1817-1892
English
Ever wondered what a modern holy book would look like? This is it. Written in the 19th century, 'The Kitáb-i-Aqdas' is the central book of the Bahá'í Faith. It's not just a list of rules—it's a blueprint for building a global society based on justice, unity, and peace. Bahá'u'lláh, its author, claimed to be a Messenger from God for our time. The book tackles everything from prayer and marriage to world governance and the future of humanity. It’s a challenging, profound, and sometimes surprising read that asks the biggest questions about where we're headed as a species. If you're curious about religion, social change, or just want to read something completely different, this is your book.
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3. The Content must be used solely for a non-commercial purpose. Although this blanket permission to reproduce the Content is given freely such that no special permission is required, the Bahá’í International Community retains full copyright protection for all Content included at this Site under all applicable national and international laws. For permission to publish, transmit, display or otherwise use the Content for any commercial purpose, please contact us (http://reference.bahai.org/en/contact.html). CONTENTS Baha’i Terms of Use Preface Introduction A Description of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas by Shoghi Effendi The Kitáb-i-Aqdas Some Texts Revealed By Bahá’u’lláh Supplementary To The Kitáb-i-Aqdas The Tablet of Ishráqát Long Obligatory Prayer Medium Obligatory Prayer Short Obligatory Prayer Prayer For The Dead Questions And Answers Synopsis And Codification Of The Laws And Ordinances Of The Kitáb-i-Aqdas Summary Of Contents Synopsis And Codification Notes 1. the sweet-smelling savour of My garment #4 2. We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power. #5 3. We have enjoined obligatory prayer upon you #6 4. nine rak’áhs #6 5. at noon and in the morning and the evening #6 6. We have relieved you of a greater number #6 7. When ye desire to perform this prayer, turn ye towards the Court of My Most Holy Presence, this Hallowed Spot that God hath ... decreed to be the Point of Adoration for the denizens of the Cities of Eternity #6 8. and when the Sun of Truth and Utterance shall set, turn your faces towards the Spot that We have ordained for you #6 9. We have set forth the details of obligatory prayer in another Tablet. #8 10. the Prayer for the Dead #8 11. six specific passages have been sent down by God, the Revealer of Verses #8 12. Hair doth not invalidate your prayer, nor aught from which the spirit hath departed, such as bones and the like. Ye are free to wear the fur of the sable as ye would that of the beaver, the squirrel, and other animals #9 13. We have commanded you to pray and fast from the beginning of maturity #10 14. He hath exempted from this those who are weak from illness or age #10 15. God hath granted you leave to prostrate yourselves on any surface that is clean, for We have removed in this regard the limitation that had been laid down in the Book # 10 16. Let him that findeth no water for ablution repeat five times the words "In the Name of God, the Most Pure, the Most Pure", and then proceed to his devotions. #10 17. In regions where the days and nights grow long, let times of prayer be gauged by clocks and other instruments that mark the passage of the hours. #10 18. We have absolved you from the requirement of performing the Prayer of the Signs. #11 19. Save in the Prayer for the Dead, the practice of congregational prayer hath been annulled. #12 20. God hath exempted women who are in their courses from obligatory prayer and fasting. #13 21. When travelling, if ye should stop and rest in some safe spot, perform ye—men and women alike—a single prostration in place of each unsaid Obligatory Prayer #14 22. Upon completing your prostrations, seat yourselves cross-legged #14 23. Say: God hath made My hidden love the key to the Treasure #15 24. O Pen of the Most High! #16 25. We have enjoined upon you fasting during a brief period #16 26. and at its close have designated for you Naw-Rúz as a feast #16 27. Let the days in...

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This isn't a novel with a traditional plot. Instead, think of it as the foundational text for a new world religion, written in the 1800s by Bahá'u'lláh. He presents himself as the latest in a line of divine teachers like Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad, bringing teachings for a global age.

The Story

The 'story' is the revelation of laws and principles meant to guide individuals and shape civilization. It starts by establishing Bahá'u'lláh's station and authority. Then, it lays down spiritual laws (like daily prayer and fasting) and social laws covering marriage, inheritance, and the abolition of extremes like monasticism and priesthood. It calls for a world commonwealth, universal education, and the harmony of science and religion. The central conflict it addresses is the disunity of humanity, offering a spiritual and administrative framework to heal it.

Why You Should Read It

Reading this feels like getting a direct, no-nonsense memo for the planet. It’s bold in its vision. You’ll find passages that feel timeless and others that are firmly rooted in its 19th-century context, which is fascinating. It’s not an easy, casual read—it demands thought. But the core ideas of oneness, justice, and our collective maturity are incredibly compelling. It made me think about what a peaceful global society would actually require, on a practical level.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers interested in comparative religion, global ethics, or big-picture social philosophy. It’s also great if you enjoy primary source documents that have shaped history. This isn't for someone looking for a light narrative, but for anyone curious about a radical, hopeful vision for humanity's next chapter, it's absolutely essential reading.



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Ashley Martin
1 year ago

I have to admit, the character development leaves a lasting impact. Truly inspiring.

Liam White
1 year ago

Great read!

Melissa Wright
1 year ago

After finishing this book, the arguments are well-supported by credible references. Thanks for sharing this review.

Dorothy Jones
1 year ago

Based on the summary, I decided to read it and the atmosphere created is totally immersive. Truly inspiring.

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