Enjoyments
The Baha'i teaching is based on moderation, not as asceticism. Enjoyment of the good and beautiful things of life, both material and spiritual, is not only encouraged but enjoined. Baha'u'llah says: "Deprive not yourselves of that which has been created for you." Again He says: "It is incumbent upon you that exultation and glad tidings be manifest in your faces." (69:3)

'Abdu'l-Baha says: All that has been created is for man, who is at the apex of creation, and he must be thankful for the divine bestowals. All material things are for us, so that through our gratitude we may learn to understand life as a divine benefit. If we are disgusted with life we are ingrates, for our material and spiritual existence are the outward evidences of the divine mercy. Therefore we must be happy and spend our time in praises, appreciating all things. (69:4)

Asked whether the Baha'i prohibition of gambling applies to game of every description, 'Abdu'l-Baha replied: (69:5)

No, some games are innocent, and if pursued for pastime there is no harm. But there is danger that pastime may degenerate into waste of time. Waste of time is not acceptable in the Cause of God. But recreation which may improve the bodily powers, as exercise, is desirable. - A Heavenly Vista, p. 9. (69:6)

Cleanliness
Baha'u'llah says, in the Book of Aqdas:
Be the essence of cleanliness among mankind .. under all circumstances conform yourselves to refined manners .. let no trace of uncleanliness appear on your clothes.. Immerse yourselves in pure water; a water which hath been used is not allowable.. Verily We have desired to see in you the manifestations of Paradise on earth, so that there may be diffused from you that whereat the hearts of the favored ones shall rejoice. - Kitab-i-Aqdas. (69:7)

Mirza Abu'l-Fadl, in his book, Baha'i Proofs (p. 89), points out the extreme importance of these commands, more especially in some parts of the East, where water of the foulest description is often used for household purposes, for bathing and even for drinking, and horribly insanitary conditions abound, causing a vast amount of preventable disease and misery. These conditions, often supposed to be sanctioned by the prevailing religion, can be changed, among Orientals, only by the commandment of one who is believed to have Divine authority. In many parts of the Western Hemisphere, too, a wonderful transformation would result were cleanliness accepted not only as next to godliness, but as an essential part of godliness. (69:9)

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