Questions, sent by Professor Cairns, Edinburgh, 24 June
1910:
1. Is it
right to speak of the Báb and of Centre as Manifestations, or as Incarnations?
2. Do the
Bahá'ís teach the doctrine of reincarnation?
3. Did
Bahá'u'lláh claim to supersede the Revelation of Jesus, the Christ?
4. Did
Centre claim to be greater than Jesus, the Christ?
Answers of 'Abdu'l-Bahá (the servant of God), Haifa, 20 July
1910:
O daughter of the Kingdom!
Your letter has arrived. Its contents caused spiritual
happiness and heartfelt gladness.
I wish to answer in detail, but at present my health is not
very strong; I am fatigued, so am obliged to write in short. When I feel better, I will write at length,
for verily, you are occupied with the work of the Kingdom and are serving the
world of Humanity, and therefore are worthy of correspondence.
Now I will write shortly.
1st Answer. The Bahá'ís believe that the incarnation of the
Word of God, meaning the changing of the nature of Divinity into Humanity and
the transformation of the Infinite into the finite, can never be. But they
believe that the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh are Manifestations of a Universal Order in
the world of humanity. It is clear that the Eternal can never be transient,
neither the transient Eternal.
Transformation of nature is impossible. Perfect man,
Manifestation, is like a clear mirror in which the Sun of Reality is apparent
and evident, reflected in its endless bounties.
2nd Answer. In the teaching of Bahá'u'lláh, the
reincarnation of the spirit in successive bodies is not taught.
3rd Answer. Bahá'u'lláh has not abolished the teachings of
Christ. He gave a fresh impulse to them and renewed them; explained and
interpreted them; expanded and fulfilled them.
4th Answer. Bahá'u'lláh has not claimed himself to be greater
than Christ. He gave the following explanation: That the Manifestations of God
are the Rising Points of one and the same Sun; i.e., the Sun of Reality is One,
but the places of rising are numerous. Thus, Beauty is One, but it is shining
upon several mirrors.
Your own answers were good; and now I have myself answered
in short.
Upon you be the Glory of the Most Glorious!
(Signed) 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
Translated by Munírih Khánum.
(Star of the West vol. 2, no. 6, June 24, 1911)
