cire perdue

I have been followed by a gang or two lately - quite a few people want to fight me, for a number of reasons. Am I allowed to hit them if they are about to hit me first/am I allowed to defend myself? Or in this instance, am I allowed to hit them if they are still following me and harassing me this time next year?

Rani

'following me..this time next year'? Are they Carolers? Ok, kidding.

CP, we know you have access to Ocean and these references but I thought to include them below just in case.

My feeling is that we should not ever initiate any kind of aggression or ever be the first to hit or strike another. Yes, we have the right to defend ourselves, but I would only do such a thing if they hit first and even then I would do it in a way to protect myself and would avoid hurting another unless it was a very extreme circumstance and it was necessary to protect my life. Actually, if it were an extreme circumstance I'd probably run, unless I was in an enclosed area and had no other recourse. But it sounds that they don't want to threaten your life, but rather are taunting you (?).

It's better to avoid the situation, to depend on God and prayer. Perhaps you can use reason, humour or better still, your humility, loving spirit and self-confidence to show them that you have no time for petty disagreements, and somehow show them how to live with goodwill. There are so many prayers for Protection that have been revealed. Please say more of these.
Who would want to hurt CP? It's hard to understand!


398. Bahá'í justified in Defending his Life in Emergency

"Regarding the question you raised: In an emergency, when there is no legal source at hand to appeal to, a Bahá'í is perfectly justified to defending his life."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, July 24, 1943)
(Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 116)


399. Self-Defense

"From the texts you already have available it is clear that Bahá'u'lláh has stated that it is preferable to be killed in the path of God's good-pleasure than to kill, and that organized religious attack against Bahá'ís should never turn into any kind of warfare, as this is strictly prohibited in our Writings.

"The House of Justice does not wish at the present time to go beyond the guidelines given in the above-mentioned statements. The question is basically a matter of conscience, and in each case the Bahá'í involved must use his judgment in determining when to stop in self-defense lest his action deteriorate into retaliation.

"Of course the above principles apply also in cases when a Bahá'í finds himself involved in situations of civil disorder. We have, however, advised the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States that under the present circumstances in that country it is preferable that Bahá'ís do not buy nor own arms for their protection or the protection of their families."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, May 26, 1969: Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1968 -- 1973, p. 26)


400. Pioneer Living in a Remote Area Lacking Protection, Circumstances Under which a Bahá'í is Justified in Defending Self

"We have your letter of March 2, 1972 asking if ... a pioneer couple living in a remote area lacking police protection may have a weapon in their possession for defending themselves as thieves have broken into their house twice and robbed them.

"A hitherto untranslated Tablet from 'Abdu'l-Bahá points out that in the case of attack by robbers and highwaymen, a Bahá'í should not surrender himself, but should try, as far as circumstances permit, to defend himself, and later on lodge a complaint with the government authorities. A statement in a letter written on behalf of the Guardian indicates that in an emergency when there is no legal force at hand to appeal to a Bahá'í is justified in defending his life. Although we have advised certain National Assemblies in countries facing increasing civil disorder the protection of their families, we feel that in the circumstances you have outlined in your letter it would be permissible for the pioneer family to keep a weapon in the house, provided the law permits."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Honduras, March 20, 1972)

cire perdue

It's not me, it is a young friend. Thank you!!

Prodaytrader

Krav Maga baby. Does the body and mind good! Turn the other cheek, then the first, then put your knee right through the back of their skull. As a Bahai we are lovers of life. We do not run from martyrdom yet we do not seek it out either. Self defense is perfectly acceptable even if precieved and not actual. Defense of property is another issue tho. Probably best not to defend your property unless as I say a precieved threat of bodily injury of self or family such as a night prowler in the home. Right or wrong I know Krav and I own guns and have been a Bahai my entire life! Hope this helps

cire perdue

With your attittude I have some money I would very much like you to invest..............

This is NOT martyrdom, but teenage angst. AS I said it is not me. As a Baha'i I would prefer to have noses broken not permanent brain death for my victims. Is Krav Maga for hire? Sounds like a great bodyguard. What's he lift?
Anyway I will convey your sentiments to my friend, especially since he has decided he won't fight, however I told him I prefer him alive, preferably only mildly damaged, no brain trauma or missing limbs or fingers. Present tactic is pray and avoid. I suggest rolling in ball with hands over head. However I expect the Holy Spirit to do its part and inspire him.

I email'd my young friend, just now, and told him he had maul, I mean mail.