The Babi and Baha'i Religion — Page 31
THE B Ā B Ī AND BAH Ā ’ Ī RELIGION 31 discussion having been that the Islamic Sharia should be abrogated 31. The result was that a large number of the B a b i s began to incline to this view. But a small portion thought that there was no valid reason for abrogating the Islamic Sharia, and that no change in it could be held, permissible 32. Qurratul ‘Ain was in the first group, being in fact one of its most vehement exponents. She insisted that the B a b should have a sharia of his own, and that the time had come when the Islamic law had to be changed. But the other B a b i leaders were extremely apprehensive that any step of this kind would radically displease the rank and file of the movement, and was likely to be repudiated by them. Discussion continued till at last Qurratul ‘Ain came out with a proposal that since the Islamic law did not ordain death far a woman apostate, she would take upon herself the responsibility to move the idea publicly that the time had come when the Islamic Sharia had to be abrogated and abandoned. If the proposal was well received, so far so good; but if any very great deal of resentment was expressed, she would take back what she said, and the incident would be closed for the time being. On a suitable occasion, when the other prominent leaders had deliberately 31 Al-Kaw a kib , page 219. 32 Al-Kaw a kib , page 220.