Question:
What role does music play in your faith?
Answer: Music is used
to augment, to harmonize and to beautify all the “core activities” of
the Bahá’í community: its devotional meetings, study circles, junior
youth classes and children’s classes. It is also a permanent feature
during the spiritual and/or social part of our monthly worship service
called the Nineteen Day Feast — the Bahá’í calendar consists of 19
months of 19 days — and our 11 holy days. Those who love to sing can
also join the Ottawa Bahá’í Choir.
I recently attended a community consultation called a “reflection
meeting” during which the members consulted on the progress of the
expansion and consolidation of the Bahá’í Faith in Ottawa. To lift our
spirits, we began with singing. Our interfaith devotionals usually
begin with music. Both instrumental music and the human voice are used
in community activities, but music in Bahá’í temples must be sung a
cappella (voice only). No reason is given for this practice in the
Bahá’í sacred writings, but a cappella music is also used in eastern
orthodox cathedrals, orthodox synagogues and mosques. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
(1844-1921), the son and successor the Prophet-Founder Bahá’u’lláh
(1817-1892), and the authorized interpreter of his writings, advised
the Bahá’ís to set the sacred writings to music. This has given rise to
scores of new musical compositions that contain unrhymed lyrics. In
this way, new musical forms are being developed.
Here is a cogent statement on the subject of music by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
“The art of music is divine and effective. It is the food of the soul
and spirit. Through the power and charm of music the spirit of man is
uplifted. It has wonderful sway and effect in the hearts of children,
for their hearts are pure, and melodies have great influence in them.
The latent talents with which the hearts of these children are endowed
will find expression through the medium of music. Therefore, you must
exert yourselves to make them proficient; teach them to sing with
excellence and effect … Likewise, it is necessary that the schools
teach it in order that the souls and hearts of the pupils may become
vivified and exhilarated and their lives be brightened with enjoyment”
(The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 52). -
Jack
McLean
