Guest Author - Sandy Mullins

The 12th month of the Baha段 Calendar called 棚lm (Knowledge) starts October 15th at sundown. The Baha段 (Badi) Calendar months are named after attributes or qualities of God. Though out all the writings of the Manifestations of God (Prophets) these qualities and/or terms are used throughout.

Knowledge of God is important, as well as a well rounded knowledge and education. One of my favorite stories I remember hearing about was a traveling Baha段. He always had a suitcase full of books. Like any good Baha段 he had his prayer books and other Baha段 books, but he always had a wide variety of other subjects in his suitcase. This gentleman was always reading and looking for more knowledge and understanding of the world around him. Baha段s value a good education and the search for independent investigation is something Baha置値lah talked about. If you investigate, it is believed that you will come to the truth in all things, even God.

Let us take a look at how the previous manifestations of God have used the word Knowledge:

From Buddha, we have these words:
Hence, the purpose of the Holy Life does not consist in acquiring alms, honor, or fame, nor in gaining morality, concentration, or the eye of knowledge. That unshakable deliverance of the heart: that, verily, is the object of the Holy Life, that is its essence, that is its goal
Buddha, the Word, The Eightfold Path

People who have learned little grow old like an ox;
their flesh grows, but their knowledge does not grow.
Buddha, Sayings of the Buddha

From the Hebrew Writings, we have these words:
Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Kesuvim (Writings), Daniel

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.'
Kesuvim (Writings), Daniel

Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this Thy people, that is so great?'
Kesuvim (Writings), Divrei HaYomim (Chronicles)

To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion;
Kesuvim (Writings), Mishlei (Proverbs)

Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.
Kesuvim (Writings), Mishlei (Proverbs)

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Nev'im (Prophets), Chabakkuk

And He hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship
Torah (Law), Shemos (Exodus)

From The New Testament we hear:
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
King James Bible, 1 Corinthians

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
King James Bible, 1 Corinthians

Then, with Muhammed in the Qu池an:
They said, 'Glory be to Thee! no knowledge is ours but what Thou thyself hast taught us, verily, Thou art the knowing, the wise.
The Qur'an, Sura 2 - The Heifer

And blessed be he whose is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and what is between both, and His is the knowledge of the Hour, and unto Him shall ye be brought back!
The Qur'an, Sura 43 - Gilding

Baha置値lah, the latest manifestation of God tells us:
"Naught in the heavens or on the earth can escape His knowledge, and He, verily, perceiveth all things."
Baha'u'llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries, p. 68

Arise in the name of Him Who is the Object of all knowledge, and, with absolute detachment from the learning of men, lift up your voices and proclaim His Cause.
Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 84

Illumine, then, their eyes with the light of Thy knowledge, that they may see Thee visibly supreme over all things, and resplendent amidst Thy creatures, and victorious over all that are in Thy heaven and all that are on Thy earth.
Baha'u'llah, Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah, p. 43

Abdu値-Baha the son of Baha置値lah we hear:
Knowledge is with God, the Lord of the Throne and of the dust and the Lord of the lofty seat.
Abdu'l-Baha, A Traveler's Narrative, p. 44

But that which God (glorious is His mention) hath desired for Himself is the hearts of His servants, which are treasures of praise and love of the Lord and stores of divine knowledge and wisdom.
Abdu'l-Baha, A Traveler's Narrative, p. 63

The banner of the Holy Spirit is uplifted, and men see it, and are assured with the knowledge that this is a new day.
Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 19

For more information on the Baha'i Faith please check Baha'i Links