Bahaullah, Badi`, p. 126

1. Is the Principle of Investigating the Truth New?

Abdul-Baha: Investigating the truth is a new principle. Abdul-Baha, 

The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 454. 

Abdul-Baha: Seeking the truth is the foundation of all the Prophets. 

Abdul-Baha, Khatabat (Egypt), vol. 1, p. 66

2. What Is Baha'u'llah's First Principle?

Abdul-Baha: Bahaullah’s first principle is investigating the truth. 

Abdul-Baha, Khatabat (Tehran), vol. 2, p. 144 

Abdul-Baha: Bahaullah’s first principle is the oneness of humanity. 

Abdul-Baha, Khatabat (Tehran), vol. 2, p. 144

3. Are Non-Baha'is Ignorant and without Reason?

Abdul-Baha: One must not label people as being ignorant. 

Makatib, vol. 1, p. 355 

Bahaullah: Whoever does not become a Baha’i is among the most ignorant of the people, even if he has mastery over all sciences. Whoever does not become a Baha’i has no reason even if he thinks he does. Whoever denies my teachings completely lacks reason. 

Badi`, pp. 138-139; Ma’idiy-i asimani, vol. 7, p. 160; Iqtidarat wa chand lau? digar, p. 168

4. Can the Recognition of God Be Obtained through Intellect?

Bahaullah and Abdul-Baha: Reason was created for the purpose of recognizing God. Reconize God by using reason and narrations. 

Makatib, vol. 8, pp. 119 -120 

Bahaullah: Recognition cannot be obtained by the use of reason. Badi`, p. 286.

5. Should We Investigate or Accept without Any Questions?

Abdul-Baha: A person who is fair, will investigate and do research to seek the truth. , 

Khatabat (Egypt), vol.1, p. 189 

Bahaullah: Accept my words without any questions or comparison with someone else’s words.

Badi`, p. 145

6. Investigating the Truth: Only for Non-Baha'is 

Abdul-Baha: Different religions should listen to the words of other religions. Perhaps, what is right is with them. 

Payam-i malakut, p.17 

Bahaullah: Even if someone criticizes Baha’ism with proof, do not listen. 

Baha’i World Faith-Selected Writings of Bahaullah and Abdul-Baha (Abdul-Baha’s Section Only), pp. 430-431.

7. Should Baha'is See and Hear or Become Blind and Death? 

Bahaullah: Research and listen with your own ears and see with your own eyes. 

Payam-i malakut, p.11 (citing Bahaullah) 

Bahaullah: When I speak become death, blind, and ignorant and blindly accept my words. 

Adiyyih-i Hazrat-i Mahbub, pp. 427-428

A Summary and Conclusion of the Three Perspectives

Is "Seeking the truth and setting aside imitations," a new principle?

In the books of the Zoroastrians, the Jews, the Christians, and Muslims, people are invited to seek and accept the truth and are forbidden from blind imitations. It is evident that this principle is not novel.

Did the leaders of Baha’ism act upon this principle?

Bahaullah ordered his followers to blindly imitate him, the UHJ actively prevents the investigation of the truth by withholding or distorting Baha’i scripture, and Baha’i missionaries proselytize to groups that have no means of investigating the truth. It is obvious that Baha’is do not adhere to this principle.

Are these principles, reasonable and logical?

Investigating the truth is reasonable but putting aside imitations is not always a good thing. For instance, referring to experts and specialists in a certain field and imitating them, is not problematic, but rather, it is confirmed by common sense and logic.

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