7. Marriage and Family Life

(Excerpts from Door to the Future [Asu e no Tobira])

 

7.1. Purpose of the Institution of Marriage

 

121. And when He desired to manifest grace and beneficence to men, and to set the world in order, He revealed observances and created laws; among them He established the law of marriage, made it as a fortress for well-being and salvation, and en-joined it upon us in that which was sent down out of the heaven of sanctity in His Most Holy Book. He saith, great is His glory: "Marry, O people, that from you may appear he who will remember Me amongst My servants; this is one of My commandments unto you; obey it as an assistance to yourselves." - Bahá'u'lláh

(Bahá'u'lláh: Bahá'í Prayers, pp. 158-159)

 

122. "The pious deeds of the monks and priests among the followers of the Spirit - upon Him be the peace of God - are remembered in His presence. In this Day, however, let them give up the life of seclusion and direct their steps towards the open world and busy themselves with that which will profit themselves and others. We have granted them leave to enter into wedlock that they may bring forth one who will make mention of God, the Lord of the seen and the unseen, the Lord of the Exalted Throne."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 24)

 

123. "Regarding the question of matrimony: Know thou that the command of marriage is eternal. It will never be changed nor altered. This is divine creation and there is not the slightest possibility that change or alteration affect this divine creation (marriage)."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'í Marriage and Family Life, p. 2)

 

124. "Of course, under normal circumstances, every person should consider it his moral duty to marry. And this is what Bahá'u'lláh has encouraged the believers to do. But marriage is by no means an obligation. In the last resort it is for the individual to decide whether he wishes to lead a family life or live in a state of celibacy."

(Shoghi Effendi from a letter dated May 3 1936, to an individual believer: Bahá'í Marriage and Family Life, p. 2)

 

125. "It should, moreover, be borne in mind that although to be married is highly desirable, and Bahá'u'lláh has strongly recommended it, it is not the central purpose of life. If a person has to wait a considerable period before finding a spouse, or if ultimately, he or she must remain single, it does not mean that he or she is thereby unable to fulfill his or her life's purpose."

(Universal House of Justice: Bahá'í Marriage and Family Life, p. 2)

 

126. O people of the earth! A solitary life and severe discipline do not meet God’s approval. The possessors of perception and knowledge should look unto the means which are conducive to joy and fragrance….Deprive not yourselves of that which is created for you.  - Bahá'u'lláh

(Bahá'u'lláh: A Fortress for Well-Being, p. 7)