"...[T]he provision of guidance on administrative matters such as the laws of engagement, marriage, and divorce falls under the purview of Local and National Spiritual Assemblies...."
(On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual, September 24, 2014)
Marriage
About the Bahá'í Marriage Laws:
Bahá’u'lláh's Marriage Law - Excerpt provided with permission of Bahá’í Canada (2013); includes current guidance on consent, engagements, weddings...
The Bahá’í Marriage Law (English, Spanish, and Persian) - From the November/December 2012 issue of The American Bahá'í. Originally published in the November/December 2010 issue of The American Bahá'í, ©2010 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Cs of the United States, republished by permission.
Guidance from the Bahá’í Writings:
"To Set the World in Order: Building and Preserving Strong Marriages" (Compilation of the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice; 2023)
"Preserving Bahá’í Marriages" (compilation of the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice; 2009); Introductory Memo to the 1999 version of Preserving Bahá’í Marriages from the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice
Prayers and Readings for 19-Day Feast:
Consider doing one 19-Day Feast a year on the topic of marriage!
Feast Readings and Prayers on the Topic of Marriage
(Additional selections can be made from "To Set the World in Order: Building and Preserving Strong Marriages" above)
Courtship, Marriage Preparation, and Marriage
Compilation: Investigation of Character, Courtship Practices, and Selection of a Marriage Partner (from the Bahá’í World Centre)
Some Perspectives from Marriage Transformation:
Books and other materials are available at https://marriagetransformation.com/shop/.
Discussion Guide for Parents About Dating, Courting, Character, Chastity, and Consent
When You Have a Spouse Who Is Not a Bahá’í - Quotations and content from Marriage Transformation about kindness, love, tactfulness, respect and more.
Potential Correlation of Principles from the current Plans of the Universal House of Justice and Relationships and Marriage (pdf file)
Linking Marriage Strengthening with the Plans from the Universal House of Justice
Devotional Meeting Programs: See: Core Activities
“Careful preparation for marriage is an essential first step in the preservation of Bahá’í marriage.” (Bahá’í World Centre Research Department memorandum for Preserving Bahá’í Marriages compilation, item 3)
Marriage Can Be Forever--Preparation Counts!
A marriage preparation workbook based on the Bahá’í teachings
by Susanne M. Alexander and Johanna Merritt Wu
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Fourth Revised Edition On Sale in July 2024
This workbook is a comprehensive marriage preparation guide for courting/serious couples. Each chapter contains quotations from the Bahá’í Writings, stories, activities, consultation questions, and worksheets.
Topics include: friendship, dating, courting, character, expectations, religious harmony, extended family, intercultural and interracial relationship, equality, personality, communication, consultation, emotions, sex, chastity, service, money, handling tests, making a commitment, consent from parents, engagement, marriage ceremony, connecting to an Assembly, and more. |
Excerpt In Spanish, En Español: (3rd Edition)
Compilation of Quotations from the Bahá’í Writings excerpted from Marriage Can Be Forever—Preparation Counts!; Recopilación de citas de los escritos Bahá’í extraído de Matrimonio Puede ser Siempre—Preparación Cuenta! Spanish Compilation (pdf)
Volumes 1 and 2 are available for purchase in Spanish paperback:
El matrimonio puede ser para siempre ¡La preparación cuenta! (Vol. 1, Vol. 2) - Marriage Can Be Forever--Preparation Counts! published in Spanish and for sale through the National Spiritual Assembly of Spain; https://editorialbahai.com/product/el-matrimonio-puede-ser-para-siempre-vol-i-la-preparacion-cuenta/
Volumes 1 and 2 are available for purchase in PDF format:
http://marriagetransformation.com/shop/el-matrimonio-puede-ser-para-siempre-vol-1-ebook-pdf/
http://marriagetransformation.com/shop/el-matrimonio-puede-ser-para-siempre-vol-2-ebook-pdf/
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Handling Difficulties and Making Decisions (includes intuition and distinguishing open and closed doors)
Understanding Tests (Bahá’í World Centre Research Department Memo to the Universal House of Justice)
Coping with Life's Trials (Bahá’í World Centre Compilation)
Directing the Course of One's Life (Universal House of Justice)
Divorce
Divorce (compilation on www.bahairesearch.com)
Excerpts:
"There is no doubt about it that the believers in America, probably unconsciously influenced by the extremely lax morals prevalent and the flippant attitude towards divorce which seems to be increasingly prevailing, do not take divorce seriously enough and do not seem to grasp the fact that although Bahá’u’lláh has permitted it, He has only permitted it as a last resort and strongly condemns it.
"The presence of children, as a factor in divorce, cannot be ignored, for surely it places an even greater weight of moral responsibility on the [husband] and wife in considering such a step. Divorce under such circumstances no longer just concerns them and their desires and feelings but also concerns the children’s entire future and their own attitude towards marriage." (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, “Preserving Bahá’í Marriages”, p. 450)
"Wherever there is a Bahá’í family, those concerned should by all means do all they can to preserve it, because divorce is strongly condemned in the Teachings, whereas harmony, unity and love are held up as the highest ideals in human relationships." (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, “Divorce”, p. 244)
"We Bahá’ís must realize that in present-day society the exact opposite process is taking place: young people care less and less for their parents’ wishes, divorce is considered a natural right, and obtained on the flimsiest and most unwarrantable and shabby pretexts. People separated from each other, especially if one of them has had full custody of the children, are only too willing to belittle the importance of the partner in marriage also responsible as a parent for bringing those children into this world. The Bahá’ís must, through rigid adherence to the Bahá’í laws and teachings, combat these corrosive forces which are so rapidly destroying home life and the beauty of family relationships, and tearing down the moral structure of society." (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance, p. 370)
Relating to a Spouse After Divorce: "If divorce taketh place, the spiritual love and affection between you should increase, and you should become like a brother and sister." ( 'Abdu’l-Bahá to a couple; verified by the World Centre Research Department on April 23, 2007)
Some Perspectives from Marriage Transformation: Any individual or couple considering separating or divorcing is strongly encouraged to consult with a Bahá’í institution as soon as possible for more detailed guidance. Couples seeking a Bahá’í divorce
must complete a year of waiting approved by and under the guidance of a Spiritual Assembly. A year of waiting includes the requirement to explore opportunities for reconciliation. See more information at Resources for Troubled Marriages.
"...[T]he provision of guidance on administrative matters such as the laws of engagement, marriage, and divorce falls under
the purview of Local and National Spiritual Assemblies...."
(On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual, September 24, 2014)
