A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
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Education |
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Education—the instruction and guidance of men and the
development and training of their innate faculties—has been
the supreme aim of all the Holy Prophets since the world began,
and in the Bahá’í teachings the fundamental importance
and limitless possibilities of education are proclaimed in the
clearest terms. The teacher is the most potent factor in civilization
and his work is the highest to which men can aspire.
Education begins in the mother’s womb and is as unending as
the life of the individual. It is a perennial necessity of right
living and the foundation of both individual and social welfare.
When education on right lines becomes general, humanity
will be transformed and world will become a paradise.
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At present a really well educated man is the rarest of
phenomena, for nearly everyone has false prejudices, wrong
ideals, erroneous conceptions and bad habits drilled into him
from babyhood. How few are taught from their earliest childhood
to love God with all their hearts and dedicate their lives
to Him; to regard service to humanity as the highest aim in
life; to develop their powers to the best advantage for the
general good of all! Yet surely these are the essential elements
of a good education. Mere cramming of the memory with facts
about arithmetic, grammar, geography, languages, etc., has
comparatively little effect in producing noble and useful lives.
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It is decreed that every father must educate his sons
and daughters in learning and in writing and also in that
which hath been ordained in the tablet. He who neglects
that which hath been commanded (in this matter), if he
be rich, it is incumbent on the trustees of the House of
Justice to recover from him the amount required for the
education of his children; otherwise (i.e. if the parent be
not capable) the matter shall devolve upon the House of
Justice. Verily We have made it (the House of Justice)
an asylum for the poor and needy. He who educates his son, or any other children, it is as though he hath educated one of My children.—Tablet of Ishráqát. Men and women must place a part of what they earn by trade, agriculture or other business, in charge of a trustworthy person, to be spent in the education and instruction of the children. That deposit must be invested in the education of the children, under the advice of the trustees (or members) of the House of Justice.—Tablet of the World. |
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