Some Reflections on the Structure of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas

Abstract

Secondary literature on the Kitáb-i-Aqdas has tended to comment that the book is relatively unstructured—that it is a mix of topics without any logical or discernible order. This short article challenges the assumption that the Kitáb-i-Aqdas is unstructured and suggests there is value to our understanding of the book and of Bahá’í law by exploring further elements of structure. Particular emphasis is placed on the first nineteen paragraphs of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and how they state in most concise form the pivotal constructs of Bahá’í spiritual and social teachings.