72. Whoso wisheth to make use of vessels of silver and gold is at liberty to do so. # 46In the Bayan the Bab allowed the use of gold and silver utensils, thus abrogating the Islamic condemnation of their use which stems not from an explicit injunction of the Qur'an but from Muslim traditions. Baha'u'llah here confirms the Bab's ruling.
73. Take heed lest, when partaking of food, ye plunge your hands into the contents of bowls and platters. # 46This prohibition was defined by Shoghi Effendi as "plunging one's hand in food". In many parts of the world it has been customary to eat with the hands from a communal bowl.
74. Adopt ye such usages as are most in keeping with refinement. # 46This is the first of several passages referring to the importance of refinement and cleanliness. The original Arabic word "latafah", rendered here as "refinement", has a wide range of meanings with both spiritual and physical implications, such as elegance, gracefulness, cleanliness, civility, politeness, gentleness, delicacy and graciousness, as well as being subtle, refined, sanctified and pure. In accordance with the context of the various passages where it occurs in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, it has been translated either as "refinement" or "cleanliness".
3. Baha'u'llah forbids the western custom of eating with the fingers, probably intending that forks and spoons be used.
4. Lit.: "Delicacy," passim.