Political Troubles in the Levant

The political trouble in the Middle East over the summer served to remind us of how unstable the world is, and of the suffering ordinary people are having to endure because mankind has not yet turned to Bahá'u'lláh. Many Bahá'ís received comments from their friends regarding the safety of the Bahá'í Holy Places in Haifa and the fighting in general. It can be quite a challenge under these circumstances to stay neutral and not take sides, but this is exactly what The Universal House of Justice advises us to do.

In a letter to an individual on 12th January 2003, the Universal House of Justice explains some of the reasons why it is wise not to get embroiled in discussions about government policy in the Middle East:

As you are aware, it is not the practice of Bahá'í institutions or individuals to take positions on the political decisions of governments. One of the greatest obstacles to progress is the tendency of Bahá'ís to be drawn into the general attitudes and disputes that surround them. The central importance of the principle of avoidance of politics and controversial matters is that Bahá'ís should not allow themselves to be involved in the disputes of the many conflicting elements of the society around them. The aim of the Bahá'ís is to reconcile viewpoints, to heal divisions, and to bring about tolerance and mutual respect among men, and this aim is undermined if we allow ourselves to be swept along by the ephemeral passions of others. This does not mean that Bahá'ís cannot collaborate with any non-Bahá'í movement; it does mean that good judgment is required to distinguish those activities and associations which are beneficial and constructive from those which are divisive.

This does not mean that we should avoid discussions on current affairs. Far from it - such discussions are an excellent opportunity to share relevant Bahá'í teachings with others. Abdu'l-Bahá discussed the causes of war and pathways to peace at length in His Writings. His teachings on this subject form a rich resource for us to draw upon when sharing the Faith with our friends.

The issue of world peace is central to the Bahá'í message which in turn revolves around two major themes: unity and justice. Experience is showing that the kind of changes in international relations that will result in sustainable peace, depend on the growth of a new spiritual understanding that all human beings are part of one family. It is this key concept that Bahá'ís are sharing with their friends, neighbours, family and colleagues.

In its message to the Bahá'ís of the world dated 17th August 2006, The Universal House of Justice encourages us to channel our energies in pursuit of the current Plan: To the followers of the Blessed Beauty imbued with a world-healing vision of the Divine Plan in its current phase, the disquiet intermittently affecting this Land of the Prophets may well be regarded, beyond all other contexts, as a reminder of - indeed, a spur for - the efforts to be made, the tasks urgently to be done. Press on, then, undeterred by any trouble, confident of the promised glory of the divinely assured outcome.