why can't non baha'is go to feast

Amstronge

2 min read

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13-01-2025

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The Baháʼí Faith's Nineteen Day Feast is a cherished spiritual gathering for its members. It's a time of fellowship, prayer, and reflection. But why are non-Baháʼís generally not invited to attend? Understanding this requires exploring the core tenets of the Baháʼí Faith and its approach to community.

The Nature of the Baháʼí Feast

The Nineteen Day Feast is more than just a social event. It's a sacred ritual central to Baháʼí community life. It's a time for spiritual nourishment, strengthening bonds within the community, and celebrating the principles of unity and oneness. The Feast is guided by specific prayers and readings from Baháʼí sacred texts. These devotional aspects are integral to the experience.

Why the Exclusivity? A Matter of Spiritual Cohesion

The restriction on non-Baháʼís attending Feasts isn't about exclusion in a negative sense. It's more about fostering a specific type of spiritual atmosphere and strengthening the bonds of the Baháʼí community.

• Internal Growth and Spiritual Development: The Feast is designed to facilitate spiritual growth among Baháʼís. The shared prayers, readings, and discussions are deeply personal and intended to nurture faith among adherents. A mixed audience might dilute the intended atmosphere.

• Community Building: The Feast strengthens the unity and connection among Baháʼís. It provides a space for members to share their experiences, support one another, and work towards the collective goals of the Faith. Including non-Baháʼís could disrupt this sense of close-knit community.

• Sacred Space: Similar to other faiths with specific rituals, the Baháʼí Feast is seen as a sacred space for spiritual contemplation and interaction among believers. This sacred space is meant to be protected and maintained.

Openness and Hospitality in the Baháʼí Faith

It's important to clarify that the Baháʼí Faith emphasizes hospitality and openness. While non-Baháʼís aren't typically invited to the Nineteen Day Feast itself, Baháʼís are encouraged to engage in meaningful interactions with people of all faiths and backgrounds. Baháʼís often host other events and gatherings where people of diverse backgrounds are welcome. The difference lies in the distinct nature and purpose of the Nineteen Day Feast itself.

Alternatives to the Feast

Baháʼís often find other ways to extend hospitality and build bridges with their neighbours. These might include community service projects, open houses, or discussions about the Baháʼí Faith. These interactions allow for broader engagement without compromising the sanctity and intended purpose of the Nineteen Day Feast.

Conclusion: Respecting Sacred Space

The exclusion of non-Baháʼís from the Nineteen Day Feast isn't a rejection of others. Instead, it's a deliberate choice to protect the unique spiritual character and intimate community building aspects of this sacred gathering. The Baháʼí Faith actively promotes unity and understanding through other means of engagement and outreach. Understanding this context provides clarity to the reason behind this practice.