To “follow and manifest the attributes of the Merciful”
In the world of
existence the animal is a captive of nature. Its actions are according to the
exigencies and requirements of nature. It has no consideration or consciousness
of good and evil. It simply follows its natural instinct and inclination. The
Prophets of God have come to show man the way of righteousness in order that he
may not follow his own natural impulse but govern his action by the light of
Their precept and example. According to Their teachings he should do that which
is found to be praiseworthy by the standard of reason and judgment of
intellect, even though it be opposed to his natural human inclination; and he
should not do that which is found to be unworthy by that same standard, even
though it be in the direction of his natural impulse and desire. Therefore, man
must follow and manifest the attributes of the Merciful.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Excerpt from a talk given on 21 April 1912 in Washington D.C.; ‘Promulgation of
Universal Peace’)
