This is the first Dispensation in which the believers have the privilege
of viewing the faces of the Manifestations of God -- the drawing of the
Bab and the photographs of Baha'u'llah.
I know of no admonition to the Baha'is to not look at Baha'u'llah's
picture on the internet.
I believe it is ill-advised to urge the Baha'is, at the top of a
wikipedia page, to not look at the photograph that appears lower on the
page, because it sounds weird. Again, there is no such admonition or
prohibition.
These statements from the Guardian may provide insight into the issues
involved. The statements about the film of the Master I feel provide
the spirit behind the guidance regarding the portraits of the
Manifestations.
Brent
Photograph of Bahá'u'lláh
"There is no objection that the believers look at the picture of
Bahá'u'lláh, but they should do so with the utmost reverence, and should
also not allow that it be exposed openly to the public, even in their
private homes."
(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual
believer, December 6, 1939)
(Lights of Guidance, p. 540)
Viewing the Film of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
"Regarding the use of the Master's film the greatest care must be
exercised lest we cheapen its value by too frequent and indiscriminate
exhibition either amongst the believers or the non-Bahá'ís. Only on
special occasions, such as important anniversaries, should the film be
shown and its solemn sacred character should be duly emphasized."
(From a letter of Shoghi Effendi, February 28, 1928)
Portrayal of any Manifestation of God Forbidden
"Your understanding that the portrayal of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh in
works of art is forbidden, is correct. The Guardian made it clear that
this prohibition refers to all Manifestations of God; photographs, or
reproductions of portraits, of the Master may be used in books, but no
attempt should be made to portray Him in dramatic or other works where
He would be one of the 'dramatic personae'. However, there can be no
objection to symbolic representation of such Holy Figures, provided it
does not become a ritual and that the symbol used is not irreverent."
(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice, December 3, 1972)
(Lights of Guidance, p. 539)
Record and Film of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
The Guardian, when referring to this record [of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's voice],
requested the friends "to exercise restraint and caution." "In my view,"
he added, "it should be used only on special occasions and be listened
to with the utmost reverence. The dignity of the Cause, I am sure, would
suffer from too wide and indiscriminate use of one of the most precious
relics of our departed Master."
(Extract from a letter of the Universal House of Justice, quoting Shoghi
Effendi's guidance, published in Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities)
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