branches and fruit of one tree, children of one household; for
all are the progeny of Adam. We are waves of one sea, grass of the same
meadow, stars in the same heaven; and we find shelter in the universal
divine Protector. If one be sick, he must be treated; the ignorant must be
educated; the sleeping must be awakened; the dead must be quickened with
life. These were principles of the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

In proclaiming the oneness of mankind He taught that men and women are
equal in the sight of God and that there is no distinction to be made
between them. The only difference between them now is due to lack of
education and training. If woman is given equal opportunity of education,
distinction and estimate of inferiority will disappear. The world of
humanity has two wings, as it were: One is the female; the other is the
male. If one wing be defective, the strong perfect wing will not be
capable of flight. The world of humanity has two hands. If one be
imperfect, the capable hand is restricted and unable to perform its
duties. God is the Creator of mankind. He has endowed both sexes with
perfections and intelligence, given them physical members and organs of
sense, without differentiation or distinction as to superiority;
therefore, why should woman be considered inferior? This is not according
to the plan and justice of God. He has created them equal; in His estimate
there is no question of sex. The one whose heart is purest, whose deeds
are most perfect, is acceptable to God, male or female. Often in history
women have been the pride of humanity--for example, Mary, the mother of
Jesus. She was the glory of mankind. Mary Magdalene, Asiyih, daughter of
Pharaoh, Sarah, wife of Abraham, and innumerable others have glorified the
human race by their excellences. In this day there are women among the
Baha'is who far outshine men. They are wise, talented, well-informed,
progressive, most intelligent and the light of men. They surpass men in
courage. When they speak in meetings, the men listen with great respect.
Furthermore, the education of women is of greater importance than the
education of men, for they are the mothers of the race, and mothers rear
the children. The first teachers of children are the mothers. Therefore,
they must be capably trained in order to educate both sons and daughters.
There are many provisions in the words of Baha'u'llah in regard to this.

He promulgated the adoption of the same course of