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Rulers and Subjects
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Bahá’u’lláh forbids tyranny and oppression in the most
emphatic terms. In Hidden Words He writes:—
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O Oppressors of Earth!
Withdraw your hands from tyranny, for I have pledged
Myself not to forgive any man’s injustice. This is My
covenant which I have irrevocably decreed in the preserved
tablet and sealed it with My seal of glory.
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Those entrusted with the framing and administration of
laws and regulations must “hold fast to the rope of Consultation,
and decide upon and execute that which is conducive to
the people’s security, affluence, welfare and tranquillity; for
if matters be arranged otherwise, it will lead to discord and
tumult.”—Tablet of the World.
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On the other hand, the people must be law-abiding and loyal
to the just government. They must rely on educational methods
and on the force of good example, not on violence, for bringing
about a better state of affairs in the nation. Bahá’u’lláh says:—
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In every country where any of this community reside,
they must behave toward the government of that country
with faithfulness, truthfulness, and obedience.—Glad
Tidings.
O people of God! Adorn your temples with the mantle
of trustworthiness and integrity; then assist your Lord
with the hosts of good deeds and good morals. Verily We
have forbidden you sedition and strife, in My Books and
Epistles, in My Writings and Tablets; and by this We
have desired only your loftiness and exaltation.—Tablet
of I shráqát.
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