InvestigateTruth
Well-Known Member
I have been reading up a bit. In this book called Bahaullah and the new Era, Esslemont claims that Abdul Baha himself claimed that Bahaullah was very highly educated (Doesnt say anything about formal education. Just education).
"When He was only thirteen of fourteen years old He became renowned for His learning. He would converse on any subject and solve any problem presented to Him. In large gatherings He would discuss matters with the Ulama and would explain intricate religious questions."
I know that this statement contradicts with his other writings but is of particular interest to me since this topic came up. I am not interested in discussing the contradictions but lets take a historical approach to this. However, He did not reveal His station until the appointed time, which was when 1863, the year He declared.
The quote from Abdulbaha just means, Bahaullah was very knowledgeable even in childhood and youth. The idea is, Bahaullah, as a Manifestation of God, was All-knowing from the moment He came to this world, but this learning or education was not acquired through human learning. Bahaullah however did not reveal His mission, until the appointed time, which is known as the Hour in Islamic sources.
In many Tablets Bahaullah claimed He did not have books to learn, and did not go to school to learn. Some of His followers were very close to Him. For example His brother Kalim, was a believer in Bahaullah, and was willing to be imprisoned because of his belief in Bahaullah. So, if Bahaullah was lying regarding His education, his brother would have known, and would not believe in Bahaullah.There is an extensively well researched book or series called "Encyclopedia of modern Middle East and North Africa" which explains that during the era of Bahaullah in the early 19th century the Ulama of the traditional madrasa were teaching in the so called "New Schools" as well. And it clearly states that religious education took a stand of preeminence in Iran. This was a time when Egypt and Iran and the likes were competing against each other to modernise their armies, and educate their children. They even sent children to Europe for education and that was as a movement, not just parents sending one child to be educated in a European university. This shows the importance shown for education in the region. Thus, religious education was of "preeminence" and general education was booming and thriving in Iran at the time. At least the government was very interested in educating their children. Also, the Ulama being so strong and themselves being educators its pretty evident that religious education and general education went hand in hand in Iran.
Anyway I know how a Hafiz school works for young children (resident). This is a tradition that dates back to time immemorial where children will have their formal general education along with the Huffaz education. So even in the religious institute, general education is imposed upon children.
Bahaullah's father being a state minister and a close associate of the prime minister at there time typically would put his kids to be educated. Being a family that held many high positions in the government, civil and military occupations in the main city of Tehran, you would expect their children to at least have some education in theology. Its almost implausible that a high end minister of the government not making any effort to have at least one year of education for his children when the government is making a lot of effort to educate their general citizens. After his fathers death according to legend Bahaullah was offered his position in the government but he refused. I would like to think that the Prime Minister would not so closely offer him that level of recognition and position without a day of education.
It just seems highly probable that he would have had some education. As Esslemont himself says "He never attended school or college, and what little teaching He received was given at home." thus he means to say that he had some education at home. There is a chance that his father educated him at home. But its also probable that he had some formal education due to the general reasons I have given in this post.
The Vizier in an Islamic country is highly educated in the Shariah. It is obvious. A close associate of the Prime Minister and a Vizier in Iran would have very high levels of education in Fikh. It is only natural that he would consider his kids for education. Thats just another reason. I find it of particular interest that Abdul Baha in "Some Answered questions" would say that Bahaullah never associated with any Ulama but in another place say that he spoke and discussed with Ulama with a lot of intellect. This is a conflict that I cannot resolve. I also highly doubt that the Prime Minister would personally offer the fathers position of Vazir with no knowledge in the religious law.
Peace.