Our Prayers and Pancakes gathering brought together friends for a meaningful morning of reflection, connection, and community. We shared a rich discussion about what prayer means to each of us personally. Many reflected on prayer… More
The Watchman and the Lover: A Story from the Seven Valleys
Painting by Riza-yi ‘Abbasi
dated 1039 AH/1630 CE
In the Valley of Knowledge from The Seven Valleys of Bahá’u’lláh, the seeker of love begins to understand that he cannot judge what is truly good or bad for him. What appears as fear may be mercy, and what seems like loss may be the hidden path to union.
Majnún, driven by longing for Laylī, once ran through the streets in restless love. A watchman followed closely behind him. In his confusion and exhaustion, he cried out in fear:
“Surely this watchman is ‘Izrá’íl, my angel of death, following so fast upon me,”
He ran on, unable to distinguish between danger and guidance. Overcome by longing, he climbed a high wall and fell into a garden.
There, everything changed. He saw Laylī softly present, searching for something she had lost. In that moment, fear dissolved into joy, and he realized that what he had thought was death was actually a path leading him to life and nearness to his Beloved.
In awakening, he understood that the watchman was not ‘Izrá’íl (the angel of death), but a means of divine guidance: What seemed like ending was in fact beginning.
He then prayed in gratitude:
“O God! Bestow honour upon the watchman, and riches and long life. For the watchman was Gabriel, guiding this poor one; or he was Isráfíl, bringing life to this wretched one!”
In this valley, the seeker learns a simple but profound truth: he does not know what is truly harm or help. Only love reveals meaning, and only trust opens the heart to the wisdom behind all things.
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Why Baha’is Don’t Drink Alcohol
The Bahá’í Faith prohibits alcohol because it is believed to harm both the mind and the body. Bahá’ís regard the power of reason as one of humanity’s greatest gifts, and alcohol is seen as something that clouds judgment, weakens self-control, and hinders spiritual growth. For this reason, Bahá’u’lláh forbade the drinking of alcoholic beverages except when prescribed by a physician for medical purposes.
Further insight comes from Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet of Medicine, which emphasizes the importance of preserving health and living in moderation. Also, according to The Most Holy Book, the drinking of wine is the cause of chronic diseases, weakeneth the nerves, and consumeth the mind. This statement highlights the physical and mental harms associated with alcohol and reflects the Bahá’í principle that the body should be treated with care and respect.
Bahá’í teachings link physical health with spiritual well-being. A clear and healthy mind enables individuals to develop virtues such as wisdom, self-discipline, and service to others. Since alcohol can impair judgment and contribute to personal and social problems, abstaining from it supports these spiritual goals.
Thus, the Bahá’í prohibition of alcohol is not merely a restriction but a means of promoting health, clarity of thought, and a life directed toward spiritual and social progress.
Thames Valley Bahá’í Community 