Process of Marriage
In a Bahá'í ceremony, there is only one revealed verse that must be recited by both parties. What are the exact words of this verse?
"We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God."
"To follow a path of _____, whatever form one's activity assumes, requires faith and tenacity. In this connection, the benefit of walking that path in the company of others is immense. Loving fellowship, mutual encouragement, and willingness to learn together are natural properties of any group of youth...."
service (14)
'Abdu'l-Bahá said that this type of love "is impossible unless one turn his face towards God and be attracted to His Beauty." (only the exact word will be accepted)
real (7)
'Abdu'l-Bahá advises a young couple to get to know each other's characters thoroughly before taking this very important step (marriage). They must not think only of the effect on each other but of the effects of their characters on... the fruit of the marriage." What is the fruit of the marriage?
children (11)
"The Lord, peerless is He, hath made woman and man to abide with each other in the closest companionship, and to be even as a single _____."
soul (9)
Shoghi Effendi said that this law was laid down by Bahá'u'lláh "to strengthen the social fabric, to knit closer the ties of the home...."
law of consent (18)
'Abdu'l-Bahá tells us that "Bahá'í marriage is the commitment of the two parties one to the other, and their mutual attachment of" these two things.
mind and heart (8)
"Today you will see two souls apparently in close friendship; tomorrow all this may be changed. Yesterday they were ready to die for one another, today they shun one another's society! This is not love; it is the yielding of the hearts to the accidents of _____. When that which has caused this 'love' to exist passes, the love passes also; this is not in reality love."
life (7)
"Each must... exercise the utmost _____ to become thoroughly acquainted with the character of the other, that the binding covenant between them may be a tie that will endure forever."
care (11)
"That two people should live their lives in love and harmony is of far greater importance than that they should be consumed with passion for each other. The one is a great rock of strength on which to lean in time of need; the other a purely _____ thing which may at any time die out."
temporary (6)
"[P]arents are called upon to show wisdom and discretion when their offspring are developing friendships which might ultimately lead to marriage. They should consider carefully the circumstances under which advice should be given, and conditions under which their intervention would be construed as..." this. (Hint: one word, and only that word is acceptable)
interference (18)
In a quote from The Universal House of Justice in Section 11, it is stated that "In the process of becoming 'thoroughly acquainted with the character of the individual to whom are you considering marriage, you may also whish to consult with..." these two sets of people.
"members of your family and those friends whose judgment you trust." ("family" and "friends" is a sufficient answer)
'Abdu'l-Bahá said that this "is sanctified beyond the notions and imaginings of men."
"For true love, real love, is the love of God..." (true love, real love or love of God is an acceptable answer) (7)
This consumeth the body and this doth burn the liver..." What are these two things to have this effect on our bodies?
Jealousy; anger (8)
"Marriage is..., according to the Bahá'í Teachings, primarily a _____ and moral act."
social (4)
According to Section 20, after the decision to marry has been firmly taken, there are two things that must occur in this process toward marriage before the couple enters the 'period of engagement'. What are these two things? (Hint: the two things may seem very obvious, particularly the second one.)
1. the couple obtains consents from all their natural parents
2. the couple makes an official announcement of their plans to marry, that is, they make their intention known to other family members and friends
According to Section 9, we must bear in mind that each person is responsible before God for the progress of his or her own soul. It then quotes a Qur'ánic verse from a marriage prayer revealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá. "He hath let loose the two _____, that meet each other; Between them is a _____ which they overpass not."
seas; barrier (9)
"Were it not for the love of God, no real _____ could exist between human hearts."
connection (7)
According to Section 8, there is a misconception that this "is a natural expression of sincere love." Underlying the stance that this type of attitude and behavior is valid and acceptable expression of love is a definition of love centered on the gratification and fulfillment of the individual's needs and desires. What is this negative characteristic?
possessiveness (8)
"There is no teaching in the Bahá'í Faith that 'soulmates' exist. What is meant is that marriage should lead to a profound _____ of spirit."
friendship (6)
For a Bahá'í marriage, it is the responsibility of the Local Spiritual Assembly to do these two things.
1. appoint or approve of the two witnesses
2. ensure that the marriage is carried out in conformance with all civil requirements
"The true marriage of Bahá'ís is this, that husband and wife should be united both physically and spiritually, that they may ever improve the _____ _____ of each other, and may enjoy everlasting _____ throughout all the worlds of God."
spiritual life; unity (9)
"... love in the human world is a _____ of the love of God and a _____ of the grace of His bounty."
ray; reflection (7)
Bahá'u'lláh revealed: "A goodly character is a means whereby men are guided to This and are led to the Great Announcement. Well is it with him who is adorned with the saintly attributes and character of the Concourse on High."
Straight Path (13)
"In this glorious Cause the life of a married couple should resemble the life of the angels in heaven - a life full of _____ and _____ delight, a life of _____ and concord, a friendship both _____ and physical." (Must get all four words correct to receive the points)
joy; spiritual; unity; mental (10)