Talismans in the Bábí and Baháʼí Faiths


Talismans are referred to in several of the writings of the Báb, founder of the Bábí Faith, and to a lesser extent in the writings of Baháʼu'lláh, founder of the Baháʼí Faith.

In Bábism

A Da'ira is a symbolic circular talisman for women described by the Báb. For men he instructed the use of a Haykal, a five-pointed star. The Báb stated that these terms should not be interpreted too literally, and that one should focus on their spiritual meaning. The purpose was that the texts on the paper should appear in the heart of the person carrying it. The Haykal is a symbol for the Manifestation of God, while the circle refers to the "Sun of Truth," another term for the Manifestation of God. Their purpose was constant awareness of the symbolic meanings, and to help the Bábís to recognize "He whom God shall make manifest" when he would appear.

In the Baháʼí Faith

Baháʼu'lláh, who claimed to be the one promised by the Báb, de-emphasized the esoteric elements of Bábism and stressed rationality. He stated for example "Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess." Baháʼí scholar Udo Schaefer writes that Baháʼu'lláh uses the talisman as a metaphor, and that humans possess two properties of a talisman when they try "to follow their true spiritual vocation". They have the capacity to do good deeds and attract blessings, and are able to ward off evil from themselves or others.
The Súriy-i-Haykal of Baháʼu'lláh, which includes his messages addressed to Pope Pius IX, Napoleon III, Tsar Alexander II of Russia, Queen Victoria, and Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, was written in the form of a Haykal.
Additionally, there are some prayers that offer talismanic protection, for example, the Long Healing Prayer and some prayers for protection. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá stated that the Greatest Name offers protection.

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