| According to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas,N1 marriage is ‘highly recommended but not obligatory'.8 Plurality of wives is forbidden, both partners must be at least fifteen years of age and both parties must consent, as well as their parents. Bahá'ís must be married in a Bahá'í ceremony, witnessed by two representatives of a spiritual assembly.N2 The only requirement for the Bahá'í ceremony is the recitation by bride and groom of the following verse which constitutes the Bahá'I marriage vow: ‘We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God.'9 N3 The engagement period must not exceed ninety-five days. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas also specifies the payment of a dowry to be given by the man to the woman, but at present the provisions of the law relating to the engagement period and dowry are applied only to Iranians.N4 |
| When one partner is not a Bahá'í it is permissible to participate in the ceremony of another faith as long as it does not involve a declaration of faith in another religion and as long as the ceremony occurs in the same twenty-four-hour period as the Bahá'í ceremony.10 |
| Bahá'u'lláh writes: '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 enjoined 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, 0 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."'11 |
| 'Abdu'l-Bahá described the nature of Bahá'í marriage: ‘Bahá'í marriage is the commitment of the two parties one to the other, and their mutual attachment of mind and heart. Each must, however, exercise the utmost care to become thoroughly acquainted with the character of the other, that the binding covenant between them may be a tie that will endure forever. Their purpose must be this: to become loving companions and comrades and at one with each other for time and eternity. . . The true marriage of Bahá'ís is this, that the husband and wife should be united both physically and spiritually, that they may ever improve the spiritual life of each other, and may enjoy everlasting unity throughout all the worlds of God. This is Bahá'í marriage.'12 |
| [BD 148] |
 |
| See also: |
|
|
| Notes: |
- This definition was written in 1989. In 1992 The full Kitáb-i-Aqdas was published and many laws and ordinances were clarified. To wit:
- The two witness do not need to be members of an assembly, but they do have to be approved by officiating assembly.
- In Arabic the vows are slightly different for the bride and groom.
- These laws may be observed by any Bahá'í world wide.
|
|
