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130. Whoso interpreteth what hath been sent down from the heaven of Revelation, and altereth its evident meaning # 105 |
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In several of His Tablets, Bahá’u’lláh affirms the distinction
between allegorical verses, which are susceptible to interpretation,
and those verses that relate to such subjects as the
laws and ordinances, worship and religious observances,
whose meanings are evident and which demand compliance
on the part of the believers.
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As explained in notes 145 and 184, Bahá’u’lláh
designated ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, His eldest Son, as His Successor
and the Interpreter of His Teachings. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His
turn appointed His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, to
succeed Him as interpreter of the holy Writ and Guardian
of the Cause. The interpretations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and
Shoghi Effendi are considered divinely guided and are
binding on the Bahá’ís.
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The existence of authoritative interpretations does not
preclude the individual from engaging in the study of the
Teachings and thereby arriving at a personal interpretation
or understanding. A clear distinction is, however, drawn in
the Bahá’í Writings between authoritative interpretation
and the understanding that each individual arrives at from a
study of its Teachings. Individual interpretations based on a
person’s understanding of the Teachings constitute the fruit
of man’s rational power and may well contribute to a greater
comprehension of the Faith. Such views, nevertheless, lack
authority. In presenting their personal ideas, individuals are
cautioned not to discard the authority of the revealed words,
not to deny or contend with the authoritative interpretation,
and not to engage in controversy; rather they should
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offer their thoughts as a contribution to knowledge, making
it clear that their views are merely their own.
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