Marriage Preparation and Marriage
In English:
Compilation of Quotations from Marriage Can Be Forever—Preparation Counts!. The whole book contains significantly more practical preparation content and many other resources and is available at www.marriagetransformation.com/bahai.htm; Quotations on a wide variety of marriage preparation and marriage-related topics, such as 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, 95-day engagement, marriage ceremony, connecting to an Assembly, witnesses...(some are not in print elsewhere)
In Spanish, En Español: 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)
Bahá’u'lláh's Marriage Law - Excerpt provided with permission of Bahá’í Canada (Feb. 2011); includes current guidance on consent, engagements, weddings...
Potential Correlation of Principles from the current Plans of the Universal House of Justice and Relationships and Marriage (pdf file)
Discussion Guide for Parents About Dating, Courting, Character, Chastity, and Consent
Prayers and Readings for 19-Day Feast
Feast Readings and Prayers on the Topic of Marriage
Devotional Meeting Programs
See: Core Activities
General Difficulties and Making Decisions
Understanding Tests (Bahá’í World Centre Research Department)
Divorce
"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: The 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: The 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)
Divorce Resistance Information (an individual initiative by a Bahá'í)
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)
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.
