Does Evil Exist? A Baha’i Perspective
The question of whether evil exists is a perennial one, and it’s noted that some Baha’is commonly cite a specific verse from a talk by ‘Abdu’l-Baha as a definitive answer: “It is thus evident that all evil is mere non-existence. Good has a positive existence; evil is merely its absence.”
However, the sources highlight that while this quote exists, most people, including Baha’is, grapple with the reality of evil thoughts, feelings, and actions that have negative consequences and hurt people. Anyone who has experienced unfair or brutal treatment knows evil exists. Parents, for instance, recognize the need to protect their children from evil.
One challenge in discussing evil is that what is considered evil by one person may be considered good by another. This leads to conflicting views, such as those between parents in Gaza regarding Hamas and Israel, or between parents in Russia and Ukraine. The author expresses a desire for a universal and objective standard for distinguishing good from evil, noting that this view is a minority one, as most people believe their personal standard is universal and objective. Historical examples, like the support for Adolf Hitler’s actions against minorities, illustrate how widely held views on evil can differ profoundly.
‘Abdu’l-Baha Himself prefaced His discussion on evil by stating, “To explain the truth of this matter is difficult indeed.” Part of this difficulty lies in our human perspective and reluctance to view the question objectively from a “God’s eye” point of view.
‘Abdu’l-Baha distinguishes between created things as being of two kinds: material (sensible) and spiritual (intelligible). His argument, as presented, is that evil has no spiritual existence. This is a significant point, as it contrasts with the teachings of many major religions – including Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism (Hinayana and Mahayana), and Hinduism – which posit the existence of two spiritual powers, one good and one associated with evil (often personified as Satan, Mara, or similar figures). This teaching that evil lacks spiritual reality is described as revolutionary and requiring careful explanation.
From a monotheistic perspective, the idea of spiritual evil posing a co-equal or created power of evil presents theological challenges: it would imply either God was not the sole creator or that God created evil, making Him responsible for it. The concept of evil as “mere non-existence” offers an attractive alternative for monotheists seeking to avoid these conclusions.
If evil is not spiritual, where does it exist? The sources suggest that if evil exists at all, it has a material reality. Both material and spiritual reality come from God, and so does “free will”. Humans are created in God’s “image and likeness”, which includes having free will, reflecting God’s attribute of doing “whatsoever He willeth”. This capacity for free will means humans can choose to do good or evil; they are not forced into either by God. Baha’u’llah emphasizes that potential can be manifested only through one’s own volition. The idea of being created in God’s image refers to our spiritual nature, our “living soul,” not physical appearance.
Therefore, the sources argue, the fundamental choice is between doing what is good and doing what is evil. Evil choices are not driven by a spiritual entity like the “devil,” because, in this view, the devil doesn’t have a spiritual existence. You make the choice, and you are accountable for it and its consequences. Blaming others (parents, upbringing, etc.) is misplaced, as you always had the capacity to choose otherwise due to your God-given free will.
Evil, in its material existence, is real and has consequences. When we see evil in the world, we should understand that humans are responsible, not God or Satan. It is contrary to God’s attributes of justice and mercy to hold individuals accountable for the evil choices of others. God created humanity with love, and choosing to return that love and develop our potential through volition can lead to a fuller spiritual life. The example of Adolf Hitler is used to illustrate that despite external influences, the ultimate choice to pursue evil actions was his, making him accountable to both humans and God.
This perspective is seen as radically different not only from traditional religious views but also from materialism, which often blames external physical factors for human behavior. Materialistic philosophies like Marxism, which blame others for problems, have historically led to immense suffering in attempts to eliminate or fundamentally change people.
If humans are accountable for their choices and potential is achieved through volition, and if God sets the standard for good and evil, then knowing God’s Will is essential for an objective standard. While secular and religious leaders influence people’s understanding of good and evil, the ultimate reality is that God is in charge and has endowed humans with free will. God’s standard includes Justice, which is described as His gift, enabling individuals to see and know truth for themselves, independent of others.
To elaborate on the concept of evil as non-existence, ‘Abdu’l-Baha explains that intelligible realities, such as virtues and perfections (knowledge, guidance, understanding), are purely good and have positive existence. Evil in this realm is simply their absence (ignorance, error, foolishness). Similarly, sensible realities (sight, hearing, wealth, health, life, strength) are purely good, and evil is their non-existence (blindness, deafness, poverty, illness, death, weakness).
The apparent contradiction of poisonous things like scorpions and snakes is addressed: they are evil *in relation to us* because their venom is incompatible with our bodies, causing harm. However, within their own reality, their constituent elements are good. Thus, something can be evil in relation to another but not inherently evil within itself. This supports the conclusion that “there is no evil in existence: Whatsoever God has created, He has created good. Evil consists merely in non-existence,” like death being the absence of life or darkness the absence of light.
The sources also define justice as giving each person their due, contrasting it with bounty, which is giving generously even when nothing is deserved. The understanding of what is good or bad can come from reason or religious law. Some acts like murder or theft are inherently understood as wrong by reason, making one accountable even without a religious law reaching them. However, accountability according to religious law (like Christ’s injunctions) only applies if the teachings have been conveyed.
In summary, the Baha’i perspective presented posits that evil has no spiritual existence but is a reality experienced materially through the absence of good and, crucially, through the choices made by humans exercising their God-given free will. Evil is not an independent force opposing good, but rather a lack or an outcome of human actions contrary to God’s standard. Humans are responsible for the evil they commit, and an objective standard for good is found by seeking to know God’s Will and embracing principles like justice.
https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DOES-EVIL-EXIST-v1.pdf
