Lawh-i-Ittihád (Tablet of Unity)
First presented at the Irfan Colloquia Session #40
Bosch Bahá'í School: California, USA
May 23–26, 2002
(see list of papers from #40)
This Tablet was revealed in the later years of Akká period by Bahá'u'lláh in honor of Siyyid Asadu'lláh, from the city of Rasht. In this Tablet five levels or aspects of unity are described: unity of religion, unity of speech, unity of deeds, unity of the station of the believers, and unity of earthly possessions.
In addition to expounding on the meaning of each level of unity, Bahá'u'lláh gives simple examples for further clarification of its concept. After reviewing some historical events leading to disunity in the Islamic dispensation, He invites His followers to aid the Cause by holding fast to unity and consensus. He emphasizes that "love of God" is the single cause and, at the same time, the ultimate purpose of a world-embracing unity.
The Tablet ends with words of advice on how to teach the Faith of God (in tender, considerate, and gradual manner), how the believers are expected to be tactful, and how to deepen themselves in the inner meanings of the writings. There are two main objectives in studying this Tablet. On one hand, by reviewing its content, some of the main themes are to be examined in more details. On the other hand, an attempt will be made to explore practical ways to bring about more unity in the relationships amongst individuals, institutions, and the community at large.
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