| In the Bahá'í teachings death is regarded as the
passage of the soul to another plane of existence, which is spiritual
rather than physical. |
| The concept of death as annihilation is regarded as a mistaken idea,
for even the physical elements of which the body is composed do not
cease to exist, but rather undergo a transformation. While the physical
body of man decomposes after death, the soul or spirit is indestructible
and goes on to another existence where the soul continues on its
journey towards God. The nature of this level of existence cannot be
comprehended, except in the most elementary way by analogy: 'The world beyond', Bahá'u'lláh states, 'is as different from this world as this
world is different from that of the child while still in the womb of its
mother.'9 In the physical existence of life on earth the soul progresses
through its own efforts; in the spiritual world beyond it is dependent for
its development on the mercy of God and intercession through the
prayers of other souls. |
| 'Abdu'l-Bahá was asked, 'How should one look forward to death?'
He answered: 'How does one look forward to the goal of any journey?
With hope and with expectation. It is even so with the end of this
earthly journey.'10 Bahá'u'lláh wrote, '0 Son of the Supreme! I have
made death a messenger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou grieve? I
made the light to shed on thee its splendour. Why dost thou veil thyself
therefrom?'11 |
| [BD 65-6] |
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| See also: |
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