The Babi and Baha'i Religion — Page 71
THE B Ā B Ī AND BAH Ā ’ Ī RELIGION 71 prayer in congregation had been deemed unneces- sary, except in the case of the funeral prayer. All other prayers were to be offered singly, in contrast with Islam where the five obligatory prayers are held binding to be said preferably in congregation, except in specified cases when they could be offered singly by each individual. 15. With regard to fasting Bah a ’ull a h has taken this new stand that whereas the Islamic calendar being lunar, the month of fasting went all round the year, passing through all seasons, the Bah a ’ i month of fasting has only nineteen days, and comes always in the same season. The second departure he has made from it is that in Islam those who happen to be on a journey during the period of fasting, or who happen to be ill, have to make up later. But in the sharia of Bah a ’ull a h they are not called upon to make up the deficiency (42). Moreover in Bah a ’ i fasting all that is needed is that one should not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset. The early meal before dawn is not necessary, nor is one required to refrain from sexual intercourse between man and wife during the time they are fasting. 16. The Hajj (pilgrimage to the Ka‘bah) is held binding in Islam on all Muslims who have the means and health for the journey. In contrast with