Baha’i News – The book “Baha’u’llah and the New Era” by Dr. John Esslemont is a fundamental reference work in Baha’i literature, with its first edition published in 1919. This book is considered a comprehensive and clear introduction to the teachings and principles of the Baha’i Faith, and it greatly contributed to introducing this nascent faith to the Western world in the early twentieth century. Despite more than a century passing since its publication, the book still retains its importance as a valuable resource for researchers and those interested in a deeper understanding of Baha’i thought and its role in shaping a vision for humanity’s future.
Dr. John Esslemont was a prominent Scottish physician who embraced the Baha’i Faith in 1913 after meeting Abdu’l-Baha, the son of Baha’u’llah and the Center of His Covenant and Testament in the Baha’i Faith. Esslemont dedicated his life to studying and disseminating the teachings of Baha’u’llah. His writings were characterized by clarity, accuracy, and objectivity, which made him a trusted author in presenting this new faith. Esslemont gathered his information from authentic Baha’i sources, including the writings of Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha, in addition to his personal experience and reflections on the teachings.
The book begins by providing a historical overview of the emergence of the Baha’i Faith, starting with the appearance of the Bab in Persia in 1844, who declared Himself to be the Herald of a greater Divine Manifestation. Esslemont explains how the Bab’s message led to a significant religious movement that faced severe persecution from authorities and religious powers at the time. He then moves on to the appearance of Baha’u’llah (meaning “Glory of God”), who declared in 1863 that He was the Promised One foretold by the Bab. Esslemont elucidates the circumstances surrounding Baha’u’llah’s life, including His multiple exiles to Iraq, then Adrianople, and finally Akka (Acre) in Ottoman Palestine, where He spent the last years of His life in prison.
The book then delves into the essence of the Baha’i teachings, which constitute the fundamental pillar of this faith. Among the most prominent of these teachings are:
- Oneness of God: The Baha’i Faith emphasizes the existence of one unknowable God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who reveals Himself to humanity through a series of Divine Manifestations.
- Oneness of Religions: Baha’u’llah teaches that all Divine religions originate from one source, and that the Messengers of God (such as Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ, Muhammad, the Bab, and Baha’u’llah) are successive manifestations of one Divine message that evolves to meet the needs of humanity in each era. This concept calls for religious tolerance and the elimination of fanaticism.
- Oneness of Humankind: This principle is a cornerstone of the Baha’i Faith. Baha’u’llah affirms that all human beings are equal and belong to one human family, regardless of race, color, class, or national origin. This principle calls for the elimination of all forms of prejudice and discrimination, and for the building of a world governed by peace and justice.
- Equality of Men and Women: The Baha’i Faith affirms the full equality of rights, opportunities, and dignity between men and women. Baha’u’llah likens men and women to the two wings of a bird that cannot soar unless both are strong and balanced.
- Establishment of Permanent World Peace: The Baha’i Faith offers a roadmap for achieving world peace through the establishment of a new global order based on justice, unity, and cooperation among nations. This includes the establishment of an international tribunal, a world parliament, and an auxiliary universal language.
- Elimination of All Forms of Prejudice: Whether it be religious, racial, political, or national prejudice.
- Harmony of Religion and Science: The Baha’i Faith sees no contradiction between religion and science; rather, it considers them complementary, for science without religion leads to materialism, and religion without science leads to superstition.
- Necessity of Universal Compulsory Education: The Baha’i Faith emphasizes the importance of education for all, men and women, as an essential element for individual and societal progress.
Dr. Esslemont’s style is characterized by clarity and simplicity, making complex teachings easy for a wide audience to understand. In his presentation, he relies on direct quotations from the Baha’i sacred writings, which lends great credibility to his book. He also clarifies how these teachings are not merely theoretical principles, but rather the foundations for a practical model to transform human society towards unity, justice, and prosperity.
The book “Baha’u’llah and the New Era” by Dr. John Esslemont remains an essential reference for anyone who wishes to understand the essence of the Baha’i Faith and its message to the world. It provides a comprehensive vision of the Baha’i Faith, affirming its ability to offer solutions to contemporary global problems, and its role in building a global civilization based on unity and peace. The importance of the book lies not only in its being a historical source, but in its being an invitation to ponder the possibility of achieving a better and more humane world… More
Article Writer:
Bahia Al-Bekkali
Journalist and Writer
Founder of ABN Bahá’í News
Contact: bahiabekkali@abnnews.net
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