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Marriage It hath been laid down in the Bayan [the Bab's Revelation] that marriage is dependent upon the consent of both parties [bride and bridegroom]. Desiring to establish love, unity and harmony amidst Our servants, We have conditioned it, once the couple's wish is known, upon the permission of their parents, lest enmity and rancor should arise amongst them. - Kitab-i-Aqdas (114:2) On this point 'Abdu'l-Baha wrote to an inquirer: - "As to the question of marriage, according to the law of God: First you must select one, and then it depends on the consent of the father and mother. Before your selection they have no right of interference." (114:3) 'Abdu'l-Baha says that as a result of this precaution of Baha'u'llah's the strained relations between relatives- in- law which have become proverbial in Christian and Muhammadan countries are almost unknown among the Baha'is, and divorce is also of very rare occurrence. He writes on the subject of matrimony: - (114:4) Baha'i marriage is union and cordial affection between the two parties. They must, however, exercise the utmost care and become acquainted with each other's character. This eternal bond should be made secure by a firm covenant, and the intention should be to foster harmony, fellowship and unity and to attain everlasting life... (114:5) In a true Baha'i marriage the two parties must become fully united both spiritually and physically, so that they may attain eternal union throughout all the worlds of God, and improve the spiritual life of each other. This is Baha'i matrimony (114:6) The Baha'i marriage ceremony is very simple, the only requirement being that the groom and the bride, in the presence of at least two witnesses, each say: "We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God." (114:7) Divorce The friends (Baha'is) must strictly refrain from divorce unless something arises which compels them to separate because of their aversion for each other; in that case, with the knowledge of the Spiritual Assembly, they may decide to separate. They must then be patient and wait one complete year. If during this year harmony is not reestablished between them, then their divorce may be realized... The foundation of the Kingdom of God is based upon harmony and love, oneness, relationship and union, not upon differences, especially between husband and wife. If one of these two become the cause of divorce, that one will unquestionably fall into great difficulties, will become the victim of formidable calamities and experience deep remorse. (Tablet to the Baha'is of America.)
(114:9)
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