Gandhi's fundamental principles are truth and nonviolence. In contrast, it can be argued that the fundamental principle of the Bahá'í Faith is unity. Hence, it should not come as a surprise if Gandhi and the Bahá'ís assign different priorities to these principles.
For instance, Gandhi did consent to become the cause of disunity in
order not to compromise on the principle truth. Indeed, Gandhi
believed that it is more important to be correct and truthful than to
be united. This philosophical approach is a natural consequence of
Gandhi's belief that Truth is God. A classic example of Gandhi's
emphasis on truth--to the point of compromising on the principle of
unity--is his attitude towards unjust and tyrannical
governments.![[footnote]](img45.png){kind=small}
Indeed, Gandhi believed it was a wrong not to oppose
(nonviolently) an unjust government. In contrast, the Bahá'ís believe that it is more important to be united than to be
correct. Essentially, Gandhi believed that Truth is higher than Unity,
while Bahá'ís believe that Unity is more important than Truth.
`Abdu'l-Bahá explains:
It is my hope that the friendsbecome united on all subjects and not disagree at all. If they agree upon a subject, even though it be wrong, it is better than to disagree and be in the right, for this difference will produce the demolition of the divine foundation. Though one of the parties may be in the right and they disagree that will be the cause of a thousand wrongs, but if they agree and both parties are in the wrong, as it is in unity the truth will be revealed and the wrong made right.[1]