AboutSuzanne Gerstner Expertise I can answer questions on all aspects of the Baha`i Faith, but am most interested in the spiritual teachings of this and other Faiths, and the interconnectedness of all religions. I believe that true religion should bring about love and unity. This is what the world really needs right now and the Baha`i teachings have a lot to offer on this subject.
Experience I've been a Baha'i for the past 23 years and have been answering questions on the newsgroup soc.religion.bahai since 1998.
Education/Credentials BA in Liberal Arts; Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and am currently working on an MA in psychotherapy.
Question I have just recently become very interested in Bahai and i think that it is the faith i want to commit myself to as I believe in its principle, ideals and goals. But before i do so i need to know its stance on inter-religious marriage. I am set to marry a wonderful Muslim man who has taught me more about love and accepting people for their differences than i could have ever achieved on my own. This man has also given me a better understanding about the importance of God in one's life. If the Bahai faith (and its people) will not accept our union then i will not look further into joining it as i can not give up the man i love.
The reason i ask this is that i've come across conflicting opinion and people have mentioned inconsistencies between what Bab wrote in his Bayan and what his son wrote in his Aqdas....if you could clarify and inform me that would be wonderful.
Thank you so much.
Answer Hi,
There's no prohibition in the Baha'i Faith about interfaith marriages. Baha'is do it all the time. I'm glad for you that you found someone who is so spiritual and wise. I hope you'll be very happy together.
By the way, the Bab was both the Founder of the Babi Faith, and also the forerunner to Baha'u'llah. His entire mission was in preparing the way for the coming of Baha'u'llah, just like John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ. The Bab's laws and ordinances had to do with preparing people in that time and place to recognize and to follow Baha'u'llah. When Baha'u'llah came, He was free (as all Manifestations of God are) to reveal new laws for the new age. So the fact that there are some different laws doesn't mean that there are inconsistencies. Just new laws.
Anyway, please feel free to ask any questions you like.
