In the religion of God, there is no
freedom of action outside the law of God. Man may not transgress this law, even
though no harm is inflicted on one's neighbour. This is because the purpose of
Divine law is the education of all -- others as well as oneself -- and, in the
sight of God, the harm done to one individual or to his neighbour is the same
and is reprehensible in both cases. Hearts must possess the fear of God. Man
should endeavour to avoid that which is abhorrent unto God. Therefore, the
freedom that the laws of Europe offer to the individual does not exist in the
law of God. Freedom of thought should not transgress the bounds of courtesy,
and actions, likewise, should be governed by the fear of God and the desire to
seek His good pleasure.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, excerpt from a Tablet included in a
letter dated 8 February 1988 written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice to an individual believer)
