The Doctrine of the Most Great Infallibility of the Manifestation of God

By Sohrab Kourosh

First presented at the Irfan Colloquia Session #24
Louhelen Bahá'í School: Michigan, USA
October 8–12, 1999
(see list of papers from #24)

    One of the distinguishing characteristics of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, as cited by the beloved Guardian in God Passes By, is that "[it] enunciates the doctrine of the 'Most Great Infallibility' of the Manifestation of God; asserts this infallibility to be the inherent and exclusive right of the Prophet."

    This enunciation found in paragraph 47 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas states: "He Who is the Dawning-Place of God's cause hath no partner in the Most Great Infallibility. He it is Who, in the kingdom of creation, is the Manifestation of 'He doeth whatsoever He willeth.' God hath reserved this distinction unto His own Self, and ordained for none a share in so sublime and transcendent a station. This is the Decree of God, concealed ere now within the veil of impenetrable mystery."

    A review of the writings of the Central Figures of the Bahá'í Faith demonstrates that no single concept, principle idea, or teaching of the Faith has been designated as a "doctrine" except for the "Most Great Infallibility" of the Manifestation of God. Webster's New International Dictionary, among other meanings, defines "doctrine" as: a principle of faith: tenet, dogma, syn: refer to authoritative teaching accepted by a body of believers or adherents; authoritative teaching or ruling laid down or promulgated as true and unquestionable.

    From the explanations and definition of infallibility given by Bahá'u'lláh in the passage quoted above and in the Tablet of Ishraqat, and by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Some Answered Questions, it becomes clear that a very close or even identical relation exists between this doctrine and two other basic principles of the Faith:
    1. The station of the Manifestation of God "Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation."

    2. The Divine Origin or the revelatory nature of the Bahá'í teachings.

    3. Adherence to these principles results in acceptance of other claims or enunciations that are made in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas or other writings, such as:
      1. The infallibility and inerrancy of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas as the "infallible balance" and "The Most Great Testimony" by which the validity of every proof hath been established.

      2. That Bahá'u'lláh did not learn His knowledge from other people, but had innate and divine knowledge. As revealer of the Sacred Books of the past, His interpretation of the meanings of the statements of those books is standard.

      3. As Divine Physician, He prescribed the Divine remedy for the ills of the world.

      4. The exalted station of the Author of the Faith, His reality, and His mind are not accessible to other beings and the human mind cannot comprehend the mind of the Manifestation.

      5. The Most Great Infallibility, or "essential infallibility," belongs exclusively to the Manifestation of God, but other holy beings can receive and acquire "conferred infallibility"; this is the infallibility that is conferred on them by the Manifestation of God.
    These concepts have far-reaching implications and effects, especially the Doctrine of the Most Great Infallibility of the Manifestation of God, that is knowingly or unknowingly being challenged almost on a daily basis by some individuals.

    Although Bahá'ís are allowed to formulate their own personal interpretations and understandings from the sacred text, "In presenting their personal ideas, individuals are cautioned not to discard the authority of the revealed words, [and] not to deny or contend with the authoritative interpretation."

    Regarding the Most Great Infallibility of the Manifestation of God, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas further states that: "This is the Decree of God, concealed ere now within the veil of impenetrable mystery. We have disclosed it in this Revelation, and have thereby rent asunder the veils of such as have failed to recognize that which the Book of God set forth and who were numbered with the heedless." This is indicative of the fact that the believers of the previous dispensations were not ready for this important Doctrine, and, interestingly enough, some of the contemporary people also failed to recognize it, and, therefore, "were numbered with the heedless." Regarding the Most Great Infallibility of the Manifestation of God, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas further states that: "This is the Decree of God, concealed ere now within the veil of impenetrable mystery. We have disclosed it in this Revelation, and have thereby rent asunder the veils of such as have failed to recognize that which the Book of God set forth and who were numbered with the heedless." This is indicative of the fact that the believers of the previous dispensations were not ready for this important Doctrine, and, interestingly enough, some of the contemporary people also failed to recognize it, and, therefore, "were numbered with the heedless."

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