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'Abdul-Baha said that though a Baha'i may defend his life if attacked, he should not retaliate even against a bloodthirsty enemy. (121:2) "Peace is light whereas war is darkness. Peace is life: war is death. Peace is guidance; war is error. Peace is the foundation of God; war is satanic institution. Peace is the illumination of the world of humanity; war is the destroyer of human foundations." ('Abdul-Baha) (121:7) Therefore, wherever possible within the law, Baha'is must do all in their power to avoid being placed in a position in which there is an obligation to kill: (121:8) "...It would be unthinkable for (Baha'is) to willingly place themselves in a position where they must take a human life...." (Uhj) (122:1) However, in those countries where there is no legal choice, then Baha'is are obliged to go through with their military service even in combatant units. This is a different position from that of the pacifist. To the Baha'i, deplorable as it is to have to serve in the armed forces, rebellion is worse because in the long run acceptance of the idea of disloyalty will make more difficult the establishment of a just world government and lasting peace.... (122:4) "..The other main objection to the conscientious objectors (i.e. pacifists) is that their method of establishing peace is too negative. Non-cooperation is too passive a philosophy to become an effective way for social reconstruction. Their refusal to bear arms can never establish peace. There should be a spiritual revitalization which nothing, except the Cause of God, can effectively bring to every man's heart." (Shoghi Effendi)
(122:5)
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