Translation:
Official translation
The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws
Abstract:
The ‘mother book’ of the Bahá’í Dispensation, announcing to the kings of the earth the promulgation of the ‘Most Great Law’; formally ordaining the institution of the House of Justice; prescribing the obligatory prayers; designating the time and period of fasting; formulating laws surrounding marriage and inheritance; ordaining the institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (houses of worship); establishing the Nineteen Day Feasts; abolishing the institution of priesthood; and specifying punishments for murder, arson, adultery, and theft. Apart from these laws, He reminds his followers of the twin duties of recognition and obedience; exhorts them to fellowship with the adherents of all religions; warns them to guard against fanaticism, sedition, pride, dispute, and contention; enjoins on them cleanliness, truthfulness, chastity, hospitality, fidelity, courtesy, forbearance, justice, and fairness; and counsels them to be ‘even as the fingers of one hand and the limbs of one body’.
