Joanna

Hello everyone

I would like to know which are the scriptures that are considered the most important things to read?

Thanks

Yeshua

I think Baha'is would consider all their scriptures to be important There are literally hundreds so you are quite spoiled for choice when it comes to the Baha'i Faith - like a child in a candy shop!

I would suggest the following though if you want to learn about the religion, as these have been beneficial to me (a Non-Baha'i):

Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book; explains the main laws and morals of the religion)

The Kitab-i-Iqan (The Book of Certitude - particularly good if you are of Christian stock; it has a most wonderful passage about Jesus dying on the cross and how all of creation "wept with a great weeping". I cried )

Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah (pretty self-explanatory)

The Hidden Words (simply put: STUNNING. This is the simplest of Baha'u'llah's writings - short, snappy Wisdom sayings like the book of proverbs or the Analects of Confucius)

Some Answered Questions by Abdu'l-Baha

Secret of Divine Civilisation by Abdu'l-Baha

You can find all these - and more - on the Baha'i Reference Library website: Baha'i Reference Library

Happy reading and peace be with you!

Joanna

Thank you so much for your answers, that was really very helpful! Yes, I am a Christian actually

LordOfGoblins

If you are coming from a Christian background I recomend Release the Sun by William Sears. It gives you some of the early Bahai history how the whole thing started but saves you from all the obscure middle-eastern names that a westerner would find very difficult with the longer original narrations that are translated from persian. It is also not that big unlike the orifinal historical one that is a huge and would take a long time to finish. I read it when I was younger.
Also I recomend if you are not used to it dont jump into the heavier stuff because it can overwhelm easily. Thats just my opinion.

Joanna

OK thanks a lot for the comment and helpful suggestions! that's great, I will keep this in mind

Yes, I think reading something light to start off with would be a good idea!

Tobias

I think the Hidden Words are always a good start. Except you have an aversion against mysticism.

Pollwr

I would reccomend, in addition to the texts mentioned above, "Selections from the writings of Abdúl-Bahá. I have always found this book quite accessible and one that can be dipped into.

BruceDLimber

Another good one if you'd like the philosophical and mystical side of the Faith is The Seven Valleys; I think you'll especially enjoy the section on the Valley of Knowledge!

Regards, :-)

Bruce