The Universal House of Justice has sent a notice that they will address the question that has been asked them in this letter regarding the Profecy of Abdul-Baha, revealed in 1916 in the Tablets of the Divine Plan about the future destiny of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas that states:
“Attach great importance to the Indigenous population of America, for these souls may be likened unto the ancient inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, who, before the Mission of Muhammad, were like unto savages. When the light of Muhammad shone forth in their midst, however, they became so radiant as to illumine the world. Likewise, these Indians, should they be educated and guided, there can be no doubt that they will become so illumined as to enlighten the whole world.”
The question to the Universal House Justice asks if this profecy applies only to Indigenous peoples who are Baha'is or to all Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Most Baha'is are unaware of this prophecy or believe it only applies to Indigenous Baha'is. What implications for the Baha'is if the Universal House of Justice states that this Prophecy by Abdul-Baha in the Tablets of the Divine Plan applies to all the Indigenous peoples of the Americas?
If the Universal House of Justice confirms that the prophecy from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan applies to all Indigenous peoples of the Americas and not just Indigenous Bahá’ís, this would have profound implications for the Bahá’í community and the world at large. Here are a few critical reflections on the potential implications:
1. Expanded Vision of Unity and Inclusion
Such a statement would reinforce the foundational Bahá’í principle of the oneness of humanity, which transcends specific religious identities. It would signal that all Indigenous peoples, regardless of their faith tradition, have a sacred role in the spiritual and social development of the Americas and the world. The prophecy would thus highlight the Bahá'í teaching that humanity's progress and enlightenment are not confined to a single faith but to all people and nations.
2. A Broader Call for Collaboration with Indigenous Communities
Recognizing that this prophecy includes all Indigenous peoples would inspire a greater emphasis on collaboration, consultation, and engagement with Indigenous nations throughout the Americas. Bahá'ís would be encouraged to work more closely with Indigenous communities, learning from their spiritual and cultural traditions and supporting initiatives that uplift and empower Indigenous peoples—whether or not they are Bahá'ís. This would enhance efforts to build relationships rooted in respect, reciprocity, and shared vision.
3. Elevating Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom
The prophecy likens Indigenous peoples to the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula before the advent of Islam, indicating the transformative potential within Indigenous cultures. If the Universal House of Justice affirms that this prophecy applies to all Indigenous peoples, it would underscore the importance of Indigenous spiritual and cultural knowledge in contributing to global civilization. It would be a call to value and integrate Indigenous wisdom into global efforts for justice, sustainability, and spiritual renewal.
4. A Catalyst for Social and Educational Initiatives
This expanded understanding could lead to a renewed focus on educational and social initiatives specifically aimed at supporting the empowerment of Indigenous peoples. Bahá’í communities may prioritize projects that address the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, such as educational programs, cultural preservation, and efforts to protect Indigenous land and resources. The statement would encourage Bahá'ís to support Indigenous-led initiatives that promote self-determination and cultural renewal.
5. Deepening of Bahá'í Teaching and Outreach Efforts
Bahá’í communities will need to re-examine their approach to teaching and outreach efforts, recognizing that the destiny of Indigenous peoples does not depend on them becoming Bahá’ís but rather on them realizing their unique spiritual gifts. Bahá'í teachings emphasize that every culture and people have a role to play in the advancement of civilization, and this affirmation would encourage Bahá’ís to approach their relationships with Indigenous peoples in a spirit of humility, respect, and service.
6. A Global Vision of Justice and Healing
In affirming the universal scope of this prophecy, the Bahá’í community would also be called to engage more deeply with the global Indigenous rights movement, which seeks to address the legacies of colonization, environmental destruction, and systemic injustice. Recognizing the sacred role of Indigenous peoples would contribute to global efforts for reconciliation, ecological protection, and justice for all marginalized communities.
7. Spiritual Responsibility of Bahá'ís
Lastly, if the prophecy is confirmed to apply to all Indigenous peoples, it would place a heightened spiritual responsibility on Bahá'ís to ensure their actions reflect this truth. Bahá'ís would need to actively challenge any beliefs or behaviors that may marginalize or overlook the potential of Indigenous peoples, embracing the guidance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to uplift and honor Indigenous nations as central to the future spiritual illumination of the world.
In summary, this confirmation would align with Bahá'í teachings of inclusivity and justice, reminding Bahá'ís of their duty to honor, uplift, and support all Indigenous peoples in their sacred role, as prophesied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It would be an affirmation that the future enlightenment of humanity is deeply intertwined with the flourishing and empowerment of Indigenous cultures across the Americas.
If the Universal House of Justice were to state that the prophecy by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan applies only to Indigenous Bahá'ís, several significant implications could emerge for the Bahá'í community:
1. Clarification of Spiritual Destiny for Indigenous Bahá'ís
This interpretation would specifically highlight the role of Indigenous Bahá'ís in fulfilling this prophecy, placing a unique responsibility on them as central figures in the spiritual awakening and transformation of our Human Family. It would affirm that their spiritual education and guidance within the Bahá'í Faith will be critical to their collective role in enlightening the world. Indigenous Bahá'ís may feel a greater sense of purpose and empowerment in their faith journey, knowing that their spiritual path is directly linked to the future destiny of the entire Americas.
2. Focus on Deepening the Education and Empowerment of Indigenous Bahá'ís
The Bahá'í community, especially those involved in educational and community-building efforts, would likely feel an increased focus on empowering Indigenous Bahá'ís to rise to their prophesied potential. There may be an emphasis on developing tailored educational programs, spiritual deepening, leadership training, and other initiatives to ensure Indigenous Bahá'ís are prepared to fulfill their prophesied role. This could also lead to additional attention being given to the recruitment, support, and development of Indigenous Bahá'í communities.
3. Potential Perception of Exclusivity
While this interpretation would strengthen the sense of spiritual identity among Indigenous Bahá'ís, it may also lead to perceptions of exclusivity. If the prophecy is interpreted as applying only to Indigenous Bahá'ís, there could be misunderstandings or discomfort from those who feel that the prophecy is being limited to a specific group rather than having a universal application to all Indigenous peoples.
Non-Bahá'í Indigenous peoples and allies will feel excluded from this vision of spiritual enlightenment, even though the Bahá'í Faith promotes the oneness of humanity.
4. Impact on Bahá'í Outreach and Engagement with Non-Bahá'í Indigenous Peoples
If this prophecy applies solely to Indigenous Bahá'ís, Bahá'í outreach efforts among non-Bahá'í Indigenous communities might take a more focused approach. The goal is to invite them into the Faith so that they, too, may fulfill their prophesied destiny. This could affect the tone of teaching methods and engagement with non-Bahá'í Indigenous populations, possibly leading to an emphasis on conversion rather than collaborative partnership or mutual learning.
Conversely, the Bahá'í community may need to be cautious about how this message is communicated to ensure that it does not come across as dismissive of the spiritual potential of non-Bahá'í Indigenous peoples or reduce their role in global transformation outside the Bahá'í framework.
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5. Emphasis on Indigenous Leadership within the Bahá'í Community
Such a statement would significantly emphasize fostering Indigenous leadership within the Bahá'í Faith. The Bahá'í community might prioritize the development of Indigenous leaders to serve as spiritual guides, administrators, and educators, emphasizing their unique role in fulfilling this prophecy. It would call for more visibility and representation of Indigenous Bahá'ís in leadership positions at the local, national, and global levels of Bahá'í administration.
6. Possible Reinterpretation of Global Transformation and Unity
The Bahá'í Faith emphasizes the unity of all peoples and the eventual spiritual transformation of the entire world. If this prophecy applies only to Indigenous Bahá'ís, it could prompt a reinterpretation of how the broader Indigenous role in global unity and transformation is understood within the Bahá'í teachings. It would likely reaffirm the idea that the full realization of the prophecy is conditional upon individuals accepting the Bahá'í Faith as the means through which their spiritual enlightenment will be realized. This might, in turn, create distinctions between the spiritual roles of Bahá'ís and non-Bahá'ís.
7. Deeper Engagement in Bahá'í Administration and Community Life
Indigenous Bahá'ís may feel a heightened responsibility to engage more deeply in Bahá'í administrative and community life, recognizing that their active participation is integral to the fulfillment of this prophecy. This could lead to a more vital call for Indigenous representation in Bahá'í institutions, consultation processes, and teaching plans, as their role is essential to the Faith’s progress in the Americas.
8. Reinforcement of Bahá'í Identity and the Power of the Covenant
Within the Bahá'í community, this interpretation could reinforce the importance of the Bahá'í Covenant and the power of the Bahá'í Faith to transform the hearts and minds of individuals and entire populations. If the prophecy is seen as exclusive to Indigenous Bahá'ís, it would underscore the transformative power of accepting Bahá'u'lláh’s teachings and the special role of Bahá'í institutions in guiding this transformation. This may encourage Indigenous Bahá'ís to fully embody the principles of the Faith, knowing their spiritual illumination has global significance.
9. Challenges of Interpretation
If the prophecy is seen as applying only to Indigenous Bahá'ís, there could be ongoing discussions within the Bahá'í community about the interpretation of prophecies and their application in modern times. This may lead to reflections on how prophecies are understood in the context of the Bahá'í belief in progressive revelation and the oneness of humanity. Questions may arise about the broader spiritual destiny of non-Bahá'í Indigenous peoples and how their role fits into the Bahá'í vision of global transformation.
Conclusion
If the Universal House of Justice affirms that this prophecy by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá applies only to Indigenous Bahá'ís, it would have a profound impact on the way the Bahá'í community engages with Indigenous peoples. It would strengthen the spiritual identity of Indigenous Bahá'ís and emphasize their unique role in the global spiritual transformation of the Americas. However, it could also introduce challenges in outreach, inclusivity, and the broader vision of the oneness of humanity, requiring careful reflection and communication within and beyond the Bahá'í community.
For the past 55 years, I have held the perspective that Abdul-Baha's prophecy in the Tablets of the Divine Plan applies to all the Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Shunkmanu He Me Yedo! Chanupa Sapa He Me Yedo!
Hinhan Wicasta and Deloria Tiospaye, Chickasaw and Ihanktonwan Nations
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ibWe_yF7oWOWLehFa0LV9TArvnX8IjgTLKyZo0QJoNM/edit?usp=sharing