Is fasting and performing prayers mandatory as per Baha'i laws?

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Email 1:

Is fasting and performing prayers is mandatory as per the Baha’is too? Can you please clarify.

Answer:

Hi SR,

Allah'u'Abha!

Hope this message finds you well. I am glad to hear from you after a long time. I understand that you are seeking clarification on a certain matter, and we the Free Baha’is are here to assist you in any way we can.

In regards to your query, I would like to refer to an extract from Kitab-i-Aqdas which I believe can provide further insight and clarity. The extract is as follows:

“Worship and Fasting are obligatory to you on your coming to maturity a command from God, your Lord and the Lord of your early fathers. Whoever is weak from illness or advanced age, God exempts him because of a Grace on His part. He is the Generous One, the Forgiver. God permits you to prostrate yourselves on everything pure, and we have taken away the ruling stipulated in the Book. God knows and you do not. Whoever does not find water, let him repeat five times, "bi-sm-illah, al- athar, al-athar" (In the name of God, the Purest, the Purest,) and then begin worship. This is what the Master of the worlds commanded. In those lands where nights and days are long they may perform worship by (using) clocks and objects which determine the times. He is the Wise One, the Explainer.”

In the subsequent passages, there are specific prayers mentioned that Baha'is are discharged from performing. I would be happy to elaborate on these further and provide you with the necessary information.

The passages in question states the following:

“We have exempted you from worship (on the occasion) of wonders. Whenever they appear, make mention of God with greatness and power. He is the Hearing One, the Seeing One. Say: "al-'azama lillah, rabb ma yura wa wa ma la yura, rabb al-'alamin" (Greatness belongs to God, the Lord of what is seen and what is unseen, the Lord of the worlds).”

“Worship as individuals has been ordained for you; the commandment regarding group worship is remitted (rufi'a), except in worship for the dead. He is the Wise One, the Commanding One.”

I hope that the explanation provided has assisted you in gaining clarity on your question. Should you have any further queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, and we will endeavor to provide you with the information you require.

Thank you for your interest in this topic. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Please feel free to keep in touch with us.

Regards,

Team Free Baha'is

Reference : 5 Volume 7 | Edition 2 | Azamat (Grandeur) 180 B.E.



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