Exploring the Kitab-i-Aqdas

There are an estimated 6 million Bahá'ís in the world across over 200 countries. Founded by Bahá'u'lláh in 1863 and initially spreading in Persia and parts of the Middle East, the Bahá'í Faith has faced ongoing persecution since its inception. This handbook is the first rigorous and comprehensive study of the Bahá'ís holy text, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (the "Most Holy Book"). The Kitáb-i-Aqdas was written by Bahá'u'lláh in 1873 and covers the theology, laws and principles that guide the Bahá'í faith. This handbook provides a detailed analysis of the holy book and the foundational Bahá'í teachings and laws. It aims to offer clear explanations for academics, students of religion and general readers on this as-yet little understood religious community.

The first part of the handbook is formed of eight chapters and covers key Bahá'í concepts such as the origin, nature and purpose of human beings; the Bahá'í views on God and salvation; the religion's strong connections to Christian and Islamic theology and other world religions; and Bahá'í laws on issues such as prayer, cleanliness, marriage, divorce and inheritance. This part also explains when and how the Kitáb-i-Aqdas was first written and later disseminated and translated. Part Two consists of annotations and commentary on specific laws, terms and concepts that are found in almost every one of the 190 paragraphs of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. These encyclopedic entries are highly detailed so readers can use the book to investigate specific themes and ideas in depth. Drawing on hundreds of original Arabic, Persian and English sources, including previously unpublished ones, Exploring the Kitáb-i-Aqdas is an exhaustive resource and standard reference work on the most important book of the Bahá'í Faith.