Join me in song. “We are the world” (USA for Africa). The world hungers and thirsts for racial justice. As a friend of the Baha’i Faith, I regularly attend Baha’i gatherings, including Firesides and Devotionals. I also participate in book studies with Baha’i curriculum. The message within the Baha’i Faith is this:
The oneness of God
The oneness of religion
The oneness of humanity
What better time than now to adhere to these righteous values and to work toward unity. Through the emergence of the recent protests supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in honor of the loss of George Floyd, an African-American man who died while in police custody, we learn about how deadly police brutality really can be. It’s not just a sad story. It’s not simply a hashtag. It is the indefensible loss of human life, which in the Qur’an is like killing all mankind (Qur’an 5:32). Now the protests are criticized for their inclusion of violence and looting. Once again, many peaceful protesters are being blamed for the actions of a few. Yet, the philosophy being undone is profits over people. People matter more than profits. Capitalism has failed us. We need ethics to come truly into play.
We learn from The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah:
3
O FRIEND!
In the garden of thy heart plant
naught but the rose of love,
and from the nightingale of affection
and desire loosen not thy hold.
Treasure the companionship of the
righteous and eschew all
fellowship with the ungodly.
THE HIDDEN WORDS OF BAHA’U’LLAH
PART II FROM THE PERSIAN
It is well-known that Moses gave us the law. Jesus gave us love. Muhammad, peace be upon him, gave us light. "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth..." (Qur'an 24:35). Baha’u’llah continued in the tradition of light. I came up with the Baha’i friendly joke to share this message. How many Baha’i believers does it take to change a lightbulb? Because of Baha’u’llah we’re no longer in the dark.
We should all investigate the truth and advance reconciliation. Find local and global ways to be part of the movement to unite mankind and end oppression. Invest in marginalized communities. Listen to the voices of the oppressed. “Seek justice, love mercy. Walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Here is more humor. Did you hear how the UN became the NU? From the United Nations to a Nation United. After all, the earth is but one country.
This joke is based on the Baha’i belief that the world is but one nation of many, diverse groups of citizens. This tends to simplify race relations. Is it possible to come together as one? I believe in my heart that unity is our truest expression. Division is surface level; it is superficial. Deeper, at the core, we are one. Together, we are one.
With love and heartfelt hope
Yeru
Comments