For the Bahá'í Teachings do not only preclude the possibility of bigamy, but also, while permitting divorce, consider it a reprehensible act, which should be resorted to only in exceptional circumstances, and when grave issues are involved, transcending such considerations as physical attraction or sexual compatibility and harmony. The institution of marriage, as established by Bahá'u'lláh, while giving due importance to the physical aspect of marital union, considers it as subordinate to the moral and spiritual purposes and functions with which it has been invested by an all-wise and loving Providence. Only when these different values are given each their due importance, and only on the basis of the subordination of the physical to the moral, and the carnal to the spiritual, can such excesses and laxity in marital relations as our decadent age is so sadly witnessing be avoided, and family life be restored to its original purity, and fulfil the true function for which it has been instituted by God.
The Guardian will most fervently pray that, inspired and
guided by such a divine standard, and strengthened by Bahá'u'lláh's unfailing
assistance and confirmations, you may be able to satisfactorily adjust your
relations with the persons concerned, and thus reach the one right solution to
this assuredly challenging problem of your life. (From a letter written on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, dated 8 May 1939; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Preserving Baha’i Marriages) [1] A
believer who, having married his first wife out of compassion, now wished to be
permitted to marry a woman with whom he had fallen in love, saying that his
wife was agreeable to his taking this second wife.]
