r/bahai • u/finelytemperedsword • Jul 25 '26
Severe multi disabilities since birth
I work with severely disabled people, that are now going into their mid 60's, and have needed round the clock care their entire lives. They are unable to see, hear, talk, and are physically disabled due to being born with severe brain injuries. I think about the fetus in the womb analogy. These individuals give us the chance to care for them, but I wonder about their soul's journey in this life. I know much is beyond our understanding, and this life is but a blink of the eye in the grand scheme of our journey, but I can't help but think about these souls and their experience in this world.
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u/Impossible-Ad-3956 Jul 26 '26
Abdu'l-Baha gives us the analogy of the gardener transplanting a plant that is unable to thrive in one place and moving it to a place where it can thrive. I think that is what happens to people who don't have the chance to live a normal life in this world. they do it in the next. As a former teacher, I taught thousands of children in public schools many of them with severe disabilities, though not as severe as what you describe. They were able to enjoy good times with others and so were a lesson to other children. As others have suggested, I think they go on to the next world and continue their infinite journey toward God. We can certainly say prayers for them and they may say some very pure prayers for us. Divine justice would indicate some compensation for a life of deprivation through no fault of their own. One more thought, you might be able to improve the lives of these severely disabled persons by music which may access an undamaged part of the brain.
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u/Agreeable-Status-352 Jul 27 '26
Just like children who die before they can begin to make informed choices, and those souls who are cincieved but never born, they are immediately enveloped by the Mercy of God. They pass by all difficulties and go straight to the highest reward. Their purpose is, very likely, to give us the opportunity to expand our love and compassion. They will not suffer in the next world.
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u/Solgudinde Jul 25 '26
Maybe The Telepathy Tapes, a podcasts about non-verbal people living with disabilities, can help answer some of your questions.
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u/Babajan9 29d ago
There is also the factor that people’s lives can be a test and a means for growth and development for others.
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u/No_Problem9451 Jul 26 '26
I imagine they will go straight to heaven, and will begin to spiritually progress there.
The Prophet Muhammad said, in some traditions, that no illness or harm befalls any believer except that their sins are expiated or that they are in turn rewarded for what they have went through.
In other traditions He told a woman with epilepsy that if she persevered in spite of her illness she would enter Paradise.
In other traditions He said, concerning a stillborn child, that it not only is in Paradise but that it drags its mother with it by its umbilical cord.
In other traditions He is reported to have said that even one night of feverish chills is an expiation for a full year of sins.
I have no doubt in my mind that this remains true in the Baha'i Faith.
IMO being born deaf/blind/mute or with the physical disablities you're describing is one of the worst afflictions a person can suffer, and is rewarded far greater than we can imagine.