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Living The Life .................................. 1
Local Spiritual Assemblies........................ 29
The Local Spiritual Assembly ..................... 39
Teaching The Masses .............................. 61
Music ............................................ 73
National Spiritual Assembly ...................... 83
Opposition ...................................... 137
Peace ........................................... 151
The Power of Divine Assistance .................. 201
Prayer, Meditation and the Devotional Attitude .. 225
Prohibition--Drink .............................. 245
Prominent People................................. 257
Radio ........................................... 281
Significance of the Formative Age ............... 285
Guidelines for Teaching ......................... 295
Trustworthiness ................................. 327
Women ........................................... 355
Writers & Writing ............................... 407
Youth ........................................... 415
Preserving Marriages ............................ 441
|PPg_ii1266. How often the beloved Master was heard to say. Should each
one of the friends take upon himself to carry out, in all its
integrity and implications, only one of the teachings of the
Faith, with devotion, detachment, constancy and perseverance and
exemplify it in all his deeds and pursuits of life, the world
would become another world and the face of the earth would mirror
forth the splendours of the Abha Paradise. Consider what
marvellous changes would be effected if the beloved of the
Merciful conducted themselves, both in their individual and
collective capacities, in accordance with the counsels and
exhortations which have streamed from the Pen of Glory.
(From a letter dated 12 January 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the Bahá'ís of Persia - translated from the Persian)
1267. The wish of `Abdu'l-Bahá, that which attracts His good
pleasure and, indeed, His binding command, is that Bahá'ís, in
all matters, even in small daily transactions and dealings with
others, should act in accordance with the divine Teachings. He
has commanded us not to be content with lowliness, humility and
meekness, but rather to become manifestations of selflessness and
utter nothingness. Of old, all have been exhorted to loyalty and
fidelity, compassion and love; in this supreme Dispensation, the
people of Bahá are called upon to sacrifice their very lives.
Notice the extent to which the friends have been required in the
Sacred Epistles and Tablets, as well as in our Beloved's
Testament, to be righteous, well-wishing, forbearing, sanctified,
pure, detached from all else save God, severed from the trappings
of this world and adorned with the mantle of a goodly character
and godly attributes.First and foremost, one should use every possible means to
purge one's heart and motives, otherwise, engaging in any form
of enterprise would be futile. It is also essential to abstain
from hypocrisy and blind imitation, inasmuch as their foul odour
is soon detected by every man of understanding and wisdom.
Moreover, the friends must observe the specific times for the
remembrance of God, meditation, devotion and prayer, as it is
highly unlikely, nay impossible, for any enterprise to prosper
and develop when deprived of divine bestowals andinfluence genuine love, truthfulness and purity of motives exert
on the souls of men. But these traits cannot be acquired by any
believer unless he makes a daily effort to gain them...
It is primarily through the potency of noble deeds and
character, rather than by the power of exposition and proofs,
that the friends of God should demonstrate to the world that what
has been promised by God is bound to happen, that it is already
taking place and that the divine glad-tidings are clear, evident
and complete. For unless some illustrious souls step forth into
the arena of service and shine out resplendent in the assemblage
of men, the task of vindicating the truth of this Cause before
the eyes of enlightened people would be formidable indeed.
However, if the friends become embodiments of virtue and good
character, words and arguments will be superfluous. Their very
deeds will well serve as eloquent testimony, and their noble
conduct will ensure the preservation, integrity and glory of the
Cause of God.(From a letter dated 19 December 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the Bahá'ís of the East - translated from the Persian)
1268. The chosen ones of God . . . should not look at the
depraved condition of the society in which they live, nor at the
evidences of moral degradation and frivolous conduct which the
people around them display. They should not content themselves
merely with relative distinction and excellence. Rather they
should fix their gaze upon nobler heights by setting the counsels
and exhortations of the Pen of Glory as their supreme goal. Then
it will be readily realized how numerous are the stages that
still remain to be traversed and how far off the desired goal
lies--a goal which is none other than exemplifying heavenly
morals and virtues.(From a letter dated 30 October 1924 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Teheran)1269. It is our duty and privilege to translate the love and
devotion we have for our beloved Cause into deeds and actions
that will be conducive to the highest good of mankind.
(From a letter dated 20 November 1924 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1270. If you read the utterances of Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá
with selflessness and care and concentrate upon them, you will
discover truths unknown to you before and will obtain an insight
into the problems that have baffled the great thinkers of the
world.(From a letter dated 30 January 1925 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1271. The great thing is to "live the life"--to have our lives
so saturated with the Divine teachings and the Bahá'í Spirit that
people cannot fail to see a joy, a power, a love, a purity, a
radiance, an efficiency in our character and work that will
distinguish us from worldly-minded people and make people wonder
what is the secret of this new life in us. We must become
entirely selfless and devoted to God so that every day and every
moment we seek to do only what God would have us do and in the
way He would have us do it. If we do this sincerely then we shall
have perfect unity and harmony with each other. Where there is
want of harmony, there is lack of the true Bahá'í Spirit. Unless
we can show this transformation in our lives, this new power,
this mutual love and harmony, then the Bahá'í teachings are but
a name to us.(From a letter dated 14 February 1925 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1272. If we Bahá'ís cannot attain to cordial unity among
ourselves, then we fail to realize the main purpose for which the
Bab, Bahá'u'lláh and the Beloved Master lived and suffered.
In order to achieve this cordial unity one of the first
essentials insisted on by Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá is that we
resist the natural tendency to let our attention dwell on the
faults and failings of others rather than on our own. Each of us
is responsible for one life only, and that is our own. Each of
us is immeasurably far from being "perfect as our heavenly father
is perfect" and the task of perfecting our own life and character
is one that requires all our attention, our will-power and
energy. If we allow our attention and energy to be taken up in
efforts to keep others right and remedy their faults, we are
wasting precious time. We are like ploughmen each of whom has his
team to manage and his plough to direct, and in order to keep his
furrow straight he must keep his eye on his goal and concentrate
on his own task. If he looks to this side and that
|PPg_4to see how Tom and Harry are getting on and to criticize their
ploughing, then his own furrow will assuredly become crooked.
On no subject are the Bahá'í teachings more emphatic than on
the necessity to abstain from faultfinding and backbiting while
being ever eager to discover and root out our own faults and
overcome our own failings.If we profess loyalty to Bahá'u'lláh, to our Beloved Master
and our dear Guardian, then we must show our love by obedience
to these explicit teachings. Deeds not words are what they
demand, and no amount of fervour in the use of expressions of
loyalty and adulation will compensate for failure to live in the
spirit of the teachings.(From a letter dated 12 May 1925 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1273. As to the question whether it is right to tell an untruth
in order to save another, he feels that under no condition should
we tell an untruth but at the same time try and help the person
in a more legitimate manner. Of course it is not necessary to be
too outspoken until the question is directly put to us.
(From a letter dated 21 December 1927 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1274. We should not, however, forget that an essential
characteristic of this world is hardship and tribulation and that
it is by overcoming them that we achieve our moral and spiritual
development. As the Master says, sorrow is like furrows, the
deeper they go the more plentiful are the fruits we obtain.
(From a letter dated 5 November 1931 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1275. In the "Bayan" The Báb says that every religion of the past
was fit to become universal. The only reason why they failed to
attain that mark was the incompetence of their followers. He then
proceeds to give a definite promise that this would not be the
fate of the revelation of "Him Whom God would make manifest",
that it will become universal and include all the people of the
world. This shows that we will ultimately succeed. But could we
not, through our shortcomings, failures to sacrifice and
|PPg_5reluctance to concentrate our efforts in spreading the Cause,
retard the realization of that ideal? And what would that mean?
It shall mean that we will be held responsible before God, that
the race will remain longer in its state of waywardness, that
wars would not be so soon averted, that human suffering will last
longer.(From a letter dated 20 February 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1276. Every day has certain needs. In those early days the Cause
needed Martyrs, and people who would stand all sorts of torture
and persecution in expressing their faith and spreading the
message sent by God. Those days are, however, gone. The Cause at
present does not need martyrs who would die for the faith, but
servants who desire to teach and establish the Cause throughout
the world. To live to teach in the present day is like being
martyred in those early days. It is the spirit that moves us that
counts, not the act through which that spirit expresses itself;
and that spirit is to serve the Cause of God with our heart and
soul.(From a letter dated 3 August 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer, quoted in "Bahá'í News", 68,
(Nov 1932), p. 3)1277. He sincerely hopes that, through these sacrifices, that
edifice will be completed and become a focal centre for the
spirit and teachings of the Cause in that land; that from it the
light of guidance will spread and bring joy and hope to the heart
of this depressed humanity.If you study the history of Nabil you will see how the Faith
has been fed by the constant sacrifices of the friends. Under
hardships, persecutions and constant worries has the Message of
Bahá'u'lláh been established throughout the world.
(From a letter dated 30 November 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1278. The advice that Shoghi Effendi gave you regarding the
division of your time between serving the Cause and attending to
your other duties was also given to many other friends both by
Bahá'u'lláh and the Master. It is a compromise between the two
verses of the "Aqdas", one making it incumbent upon every Baha'i
to serve the promotion of the Faith and the other that every soul
should be occupied in some form of occupation that
|PPg_6will benefit society. In one of His Tablets Bahá'u'lláh says that
the highest form of detachment in this day is to be occupied with
some profession and be self-supporting. A good Baha'i, therefore,
is the one who so arranges his life as to devote time both to his
material needs and also to the service of the Cause. (From a
letter dated 26 February 1933 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1279. I need not tell you how grievously he deplores the fact
that there are so many negative forces prevailing in Bahá'í gatherings
and particularly in such an important meeting as the Convention. The
oft-repeated words of the Master concerning unity and harmonious
co-operation among the friends should be carefully and thoughtfully
remembered now more than ever. Nothing is more contrary to the spirit
of the Cause than discord and strife, which are the inevitable outcome
of selfishness and greed. Pure detachment and selfless service, these
should be the sole motives of every true believer. And unless each
and every one of the friends succeeds in translating such qualities
into living action, no hope of further progress can be entertained.
It is now that unity of thought and action is most needed. It is now,
when the Cause is entering a new phase of development, when its
Administration is being gradually consolidated amid the welter and
chaos of a tottering civilization, that the friends should present
a united front to those forces of internal dissension, which, if
not completely wiped out, will bring our work to inevitable
destruction.(From a letter dated 24 September 1933 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1280. He, indeed, highly deplores the fact that the
representatives of the highest administrative institution in your
country have permitted such differences and misunderstandings to assume
such a proportion, especially when the principles and laws of
the Administration have been each and all clearly and emphatically
stated by him in so many communications and ever since
the passing of the Master. Such difficulties, if not checked
immediately and vigorously, can do incalculable harm to the body of
the Cause, and may retard not only the flow but also the effectiveness
of its spirit in the world. If deeply and dispassionately examined the
source of all these troubles and disputes isto be found invariably in feelings of egotism and selfishness.
And unless these poisonous feelings are fully overcome there can
be no hope for the effective working and progress of the
administrative machinery of the Cause.(From a letter dated 9 May 1934 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1281. While he would urge you to courageously meet and overcome
the many obstacles that stand in your way, he would at the same
time advise you that in case of failure and no matter what
befalls you, you should remain radiantly content at, and entirely
submissive to, the Divine will. Our afflictions, tests and
trials are sometimes blessings in disguise, as they teach us to
have more faith and confidence in God, and bring us nearer to
Him.(From a letter dated 28 April 1936 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1282. Has not Bahá'u'lláh assured us that sufferings and
privations are blessings in disguise, that through them our inner
spiritual forces become stimulated, purified and ennobled?
Remain, therefore, confident that your material hardships will,
far from hindering your activities for the Cause, impart to your
heart a powerful impetus to better serve and promote its
interests.(From a letter dated 22 November 1936 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1283. Personal effort is indeed a vital prerequisite to the
recognition and acceptance of the Cause of God. No matter how
strong the measure of Divine grace, unless supplemented by
personal, sustained and intelligent effort it cannot become fully
effective and be of any real and abiding advantage.
(From a letter dated 27 February 1938 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1284. Such hindrances, no matter how severe and insuperable they
may at first seem, can and should be effectively overcome through
the combined and sustained power of prayer and of determined and
continued effort.For have not Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá both repeatedly assured
us that the Divine and unseen hosts of victory will ever
reinforce and strengthen those who valiantly and confidently
labour in their name? This assurance should indeed enable you to
overcome any feeling of unworthiness, of incapacity to serve, and
any inner or outer limitation which threatens to handicap your
labours for the Cause. You should therefore arise, and with a
heart filled with joy and confidence endeavour to contribute any
share that is in your power toward the wider diffusion and
greater consolidation of our beloved Faith.Whatever the particular field of service you may choose,
whether teaching or administrative, the essential is for you to
persevere, and not to allow any consciousness of your limitations
to dampen your zeal, much less to deter you from serving joyously
and actively.(From a letter dated 6 February 1939 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1285. The greater your trials and sufferings, the stronger should
wax your attachment and devotion to the Cause. For only through
repeated tribulations and trials does God test His servants, and
these they should therefore view as blessings in disguise, and
as opportunities whereby they can acquire a fuller consciousness
of the Divine Will and Purpose.(From a letter dated 23 February 1939 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to two believers)1286. The course on character building to be given by Miss Flora
Hottes, the Guardian feels, is particularly important and should
be given due emphasis and studied carefully and thoroughly,
especially by the young believers in attendance at the school.
These standards of Bahá'í conduct, which he himself has set forth
in his last general epistle, "The Advent of Divine Justice", and
which it should be the paramount duty of every loyal and
conscientious believer to endeavour to uphold and promote,
deserve serious study and meditation, and should constitute the
main central theme of this year's programme at all the three
Bahá'í Summer Schools in the States.(From a letter dated 20 May 1939 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1287. Regarding ...'s appeal: the Guardian feels the best course
of action in this matter is to ask both of the believers
concerned to forgive and forget the entire matter. He does not
want the friends to form the habit of taking up a kind of Baha'i
litigation against each other. Their duties to humanity are too
sacred and urgent in these days, when the Cause is struggling to
spread and assert its independence, for them to spend their
precious time, and his precious time, in this way. Ask them,
therefore, to unite, forget the past, and serve as never before.
(From a letter dated 22 July 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New
Zealand)1288. Indeed the believers have not yet fully learned to draw on
each other's love for strength and consolation in time of need.
The Cause of God is endowed with tremendous powers, and the
reason the believers do not gain more from it is because they
have not learned to fully draw on these mighty forces of love and
strength and harmony generated by the Faith.He would advise you to leave your friend ... to herself for the
time being, and pray for her. As she does not at the moment wish
your help you can only help her inwardly.You have rendered the Cause many valuable services, and are
still doing so, and this should be your greatest consolation...
(From a letter dated 8 May 1942 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1289. The friends must be patient with each other and must
realize that the Cause is still in its infancy and its
institutions are not yet functioning perfectly. The greater the
patience, the loving understanding and the forbearance the
believers show towards each other and their shortcomings, the
greater will be the progress of the whole Bahá'í community at
large.(From a letter dated 27 February 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1290. We must realize our imperfection and not permit ourselves
to get too upset over the unfortunate things which occur,
sometimes inConventions, sometimes in Assemblies or on Committees, etc. Such
things are essentially superficial and in time will be outgrown.
(From a letter dated 17 March 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1291. Not all of us are capable of serving in the same way, but
the one way every Bahá'í can spread the Faith is by example. This
moves the hearts of people far more deeply than words ever can.
The love we show others, the hospitality and understanding,
the willingness to help them, these are the very best
advertisements of the Faith. They will want to hear about it when
they see these things in our lives.(From a letter dated 14 October 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1292. You have complained of the unsatisfactory conditions
prevailing in the ... Bahá'í Community; the Guardian is well
aware of the situation of the Cause there, but is confident that
whatever the nature of the obstacles that confront the Faith they
will be eventually overcome. You should, under no circumstances,
feel discouraged, and allow such difficulties, even though they
may have resulted from the misconduct, or the lack of capacity
and vision of certain members of the Community, to make you waver
in your faith and basic loyalty to the Cause. Surely, the
believers, no matter how qualified they may be, whether as
teachers or administrators, and however high their intellectual
and spiritual merits, should never be looked upon as a standard
whereby to evaluate and measure the divine authority and mission
of the Faith. It is to the Teachings themselves, and to the lives
of the Founders of the Cause that the believers should look for
their guidance and inspiration, and only by keeping strictly to
such [a] true attitude can they hope to establish their loyalty
to Bahá'u'lláh upon an enduring and unassailable basis. You
should take heart, therefore, and with unrelaxing vigilance and
unremitting effort endeavour to play your full share in the
gradual unfoldment of this Divine World Order.(From a letter dated 23 August 1939 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1293. These, indeed, are the days when heroism is needed on the
part of the believers. Self-sacrifice, courage, indomitable hope
and confidence are the characteristics they should show forth,
because these very attributes cannot but fix the attention of the
public and lead them to enquire what, in a world so hopelessly
chaotic and bewildered, leads these people to be so assured,
so confident, so full of devotion? Increasingly, as time goes by,
the characteristics of the Bahá'ís will be that which captures
the attention of their fellow-citizens. They must show their
aloofness from the hatreds and recriminations which are tearing
at the heart of humanity, and demonstrate by deed and word their
profound belief in the future peaceful unification of the entire
human race.(From a letter dated 26 October 1941 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1294. We must always look ahead and seek to accomplish in the
future what we may have failed to do in the past. Failures,
tests, and trials, if we use them correctly, can become the means
of purifying our spirits, strengthening our characters, and
enable us to rise to greater heights of service.(From a letter dated 14 December 1941 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1295. Regarding the points you refer to in your letter: the
complete and entire elimination of the ego would imply
perfection--which man can never completely attain -- but the ego
can and should be ever-increasingly subordinated to
the enlightened soul of man. This is what spiritual progress
implies.(From a letter dated 14 December 1941 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1296. He was very pleased to hear that the Convention was so well
attended, and the believers enthusiastic and united. One of the
most paramount needs of the Cause in ... is that the friends
should unite, should become really keenly conscious of the fact
that they are one spiritual family, held together by bonds more
sacred and eternal than those physical ties which make people of
the same family. If the friends will forget all personal
differences and open their hearts to a great love for each other
for thesake of Bahá'u'lláh, they will find that their powers are vastly
increased; they will attract the heart of the public, and will
witness a rapid growth of the Holy Faith in... The National
Spiritual Assembly should do all in its power to foster unity
among the believers, and to educate them in the Administration
as this is the channel through which their community life must
flow, and which, when properly understood and practised, will
enable the work of the Cause to go ahead by leaps and bounds.
(From a letter dated 26 October 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma)
1297. Ultimately all the battle of life is within the individual.
No amount of organization can solve the inner problems or produce
or prevent, as the case may be, victory or failure at a crucial
moment. In such times as these particularly, individuals are torn
by great forces at large in the world, and we see some weak ones
suddenly become miraculously strong, and strong ones fail--we can
only try, through loving advice, as your Committee has done, to
bring about the act on the part of the believer which will be for
the highest good of the Cause. Because obviously something bad
for the Cause cannot be the highest good of the individual
Baha'i.(From a letter dated 17 December 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1298. The thing the world needs today is the Bahá'í spirit.
People are craving for love, for a high standard to look up to,
as well as for solutions to their many grave problems. The
Bahá'ís should shower on those whom they meet the warm and living
spirit of the Cause, and this, combined with teaching, cannot but
attract the sincere truth-seekers to the Faith.(From a letter dated 18 December 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1299. Regarding your question about the need for greater unity
among the friends, there is no doubt that this is so, and the
Guardian feels that one of the chief instruments for promoting
it is to teach the Bahá'ís themselves, in classes and through
precepts, that love of God, and consequently of men, is the
essential foundation of every religion, our own included. A
greater degree of love will produce a greater unity,
|PPg_13because it enables people to bear with each other, to be patient
and forgiving. (From a letter dated 7 July 1944 written on behalf
of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, quoted in "Baha'i
News", 173, (Feb 1945), p. 3)1300. He hopes that you will develop into Bahá'ís in character
as well as in belief. The whole purpose of Bahá'u'lláh is that
we should become a new kind of people, people who are upright,
kind, intelligent, truthful, and honest and who live according
to His great laws laid down for this new epoch in man's
development. To call ourselves Bahá'ís is not enough, our inmost
being must become ennobled and enlightened through living a
Bahá'í life.(From a letter dated 25 August 1944 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the Louhelen School Youth Session)1301. So many misunderstandings arise from the passionate
attachment of the friends to the Faith and also their immaturity.
We must therefore be very patient and loving with each other and
try to establish unity in the Bahá'í family. The differences ...
which you describe in your letter he feels are caused by the
above and not by enmity to the Faith or insincerity.
(From a letter dated 17 October 1944 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1302. He was very happy to hear from you, and to learn that Green
Acre this year was pervaded with a love and harmony that was
instrumental in confirming many new souls in the Faith. This love
amongst the believers is the magnet which will, above all else,
attract the hearts and bring new souls into the Cause. Because
obviously the teachings - however wonderful - cannot change the
world unless the Spirit of Bahá'u'lláh's love is mirrored in the
Bahá'í Communities.(From a letter dated 27 October 1944 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1303. Indeed if the friends could seek, and exert themselves, to
become 100 per cent Bahá'ís they would see how greatly their
influence over others would be increased, and how rapidly the
Cause would spread. The world is seeking not a compromise but the
embodiment of a high andshining ideal. The more the friends live up to our teachings in
every aspect of their lives, in their homes, in business, in
their social relationships, the greater will be the attraction
they exercise over the hearts of others.He is pleased to see you have naturally, with conviction and
good will towards all, been mingling with and teaching the
coloured people. When the Bahá'ís live up to their teachings as
they should, although it may arouse the opposition of some it
will arouse still more the admiration of fair-minded people.
(From a letter dated 23 January 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1304. Indeed when we see the increasing darkness in the world
today we can fully realize that unless the Message of Bahá'u'lláh
reaches into the hearts of men and transforms them, there can be
no peace and no spiritual progress in the future.His constant hope is that the believers will conduct
themselves, individually and in their Bahá'í Community life, in
such a manner as to attract the attention of others to the Cause.
The world is not only starving for lofty principles and ideals,
it is, above all, starving for a shining example which the
Bahá'ís can and must provide.(From a letter dated 22 February 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1305. The need is very great, everywhere in the world, in and
outside the Faith, for a true spiritual awareness to pervade and
motivate people's lives. No amount of administrative procedure
or adherence to rules can take the place of thissoul-characteristic, this spirituality which is the essence of
Man. He is very glad to see you are stressing this and aiding the
friends to realize its supreme importance.(From a letter dated 25 April 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1306. Regarding the matter of ... and the inharmony that seems
to exist among certain of the friends ... when Bahá'ís permit the
dark forces of the world to enter into their own relationships
within the Faith they gravely jeopardize its progress; it is the
paramount duty of the believers, the Local Assemblies, and
particularly the National Spiritual Assembly tofoster harmony, understanding and love amongst the friends. All
should be ready and willing to set aside every personal sense of
grievance-- justified or unjustified--for the good of the Cause,
because the people will never embrace it until they see in its
community life mirrored what is so conspicuously lacking in the
world: love and unity.(From a letter dated 13 May 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New
Zealand)1307. Most important of all is that love and unity should prevail
in the Bahá'í Community, as this is what people are most longing
for in the present dark state of the world. Words without the
living example will never be sufficient to breathe hope into the
hearts of a disillusioned and often cynical generation.
(From a letter dated 20 October 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1308. Since you have turned to him for guidance, he will very
frankly give you his opinion.He feels that the present inharmony prevailing amongst you
... is very detrimental to the advancement of the Cause, and can
only lead to disruption and the chilling of the interest of new
believers. You ... should forget about your personal grievances,
and unite for the protection of the Faith which he well knows
you are all loyally devoted to and ready to sacrifice for.
Perhaps the greatest test Bahá'ís are ever subjected to is from
each other; but for the sake of the Master they should be ever
ready to overlook each other's mistakes, apologize for harsh
words they have uttered, forgive and forget. He strongly
recommends to you this course of action. Also he feels that you
and ... should not remain away from the meetings and Feasts in
...; you have now got an enthusiastic group of young Bahá'ís in
..., and you should show them a strong example of Baha'i
discipline and the unity which can and must prevail amongst the
Community of the Most Great Name.(From a letter dated 18 December 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1309. You ask about "spiritual indigestion": Bahá'ís should seek
to be many-sided, normal and well balanced, mentally and
spiritually. We must not give the impression of being fanatics,
but at the same time we must live up to our principles.
(From a letter dated 12 March 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1310. You may be sure he will pray for the unity of the ...
believers, as this is of paramount importance, and upon it
depends the development of the Cause there, and the success of
every teaching effort. The thing the friends need--everywhere--
is a greater love for each other, and this can be acquired by
greater love for Bahá'u'lláh; for if we love Him deeply enough,
we will never allow personal feelings and opinions to hold His
Cause back; we will be willing to sacrifice ourselves to each
other for the sake of the Faith, and be, as the Master said, one
soul in many bodies.(From a letter dated 5 September 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1311. He heartily agrees with you that unless we practise the
Teachings we cannot possibly expect the Faith to grow, because
the fundamental purpose of all religions--including our own--is
to bring man nearer to God, and to change his character, which
is of the utmost importance. Too much emphasis is often laid on
the social and economic aspects of the Teachings; but the moral
aspect cannot be over-emphasized.(From a letter dated 6 September 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1312. The fact that you had a course on 'Bahá'í character' pleased
him very much, as he considers one of the greatest obligations
of your generation of believers is to live a Bahá'í life; you
must demonstrate, by your high moral standards, your courtesy,
your integrity and nobility, that our Faith, is not one of words
but truly changes the heart and conduct of its adherents.
(From a letter dated 19 September 1946 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the Louhelen School Junior Youth Session,
U.S.A.)1313. He feels that the youth, in particular, must constantly
and determinedly strive to exemplify a Bahá'í life. In the world
around us we see moral decay, promiscuity, indecency, vulgarity, bad
manners--the Bahá'í young people must be the opposite of these things,
and, by their chastity, their uprightness, their decency, their
consideration and good manners, attract others, old and young,
to the Faith. The world is tired of words; it wants example, and
it is up to the Bahá'í youth to furnish it.(From a letter dated 19 September 1946 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to Green Acre Summer School1314. The friends must, at all times, bear in mind that they are,
in a way, like soldiers under attack. The world is at present in
an exceedingly dark condition spiritually; hatred and prejudice,
of every sort, are literally tearing it to pieces. We, on the
other hand, are the custodians of the opposite forces, the forces
of love, of unity, of peace and integration, and we must
constantly be on our guard, whether as individuals or as an
Assembly or Community, lest through us these destructive,
negative forces enter into our midst. In other words we must
beware lest the darkness of society become reflected in our acts
and attitudes, perhaps all unconsciously. Love for each other,
the deep sense that we are a new organism, the dawn-breakers of
a New World Order, must constantly animate our Bahá'í lives, and
we must pray to be protected from the contamination of society
which is so diseased with prejudice.(From a letter dated 5 February 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Atlanta, Georgia)
1315. The Cause in ... is growing very rapidly, and the more it
spreads the more the attention of the public will be fixed upon
it. This imposes a heavy responsibility on the believers, as they
must show forth such a spirit of love and unity among themselves
as will attract the hearts of others and encourage them to enter
the Faith in large numbers. We must always remember that the
Teachings are perfect, and that the only reason more of our
fellow men have not as yet embraced them is because we Bahá'ís,
the world over, are ourselves not yet as selfless and radiant
mirrors of Bahá'u'lláh's Truth as we should and could be! We must
constantly strive to better exemplify His Teachings.
|PPg_18(From a letter dated 18 February 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1316. We must concentrate on perfecting our characters as
individual Bahá'ís, and on maturing our still embryonic, and
as yet improperly understood, World Order; on spreading the Message,
according to the provisions of the Divine Plan; and on
building a tightly knit world-wide Bahá'í Community. We are
relatively few in numbers, and have such a precious, unique and
responsible task to carry out. We must concentrate our full
forces upon it.(From a letter dated 9 May 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States
and Canada)1317. It is upon the individual believer, constituting the
fundamental unit in the structure of the home front, that the
revitalization, the expansion, and the enrichment of the home
front must ultimately depend. The more strenuous the effort
exerted, daily and methodically, by the individual labouring on
the home front to rise to loftier heights of consecration, and
of self-abnegation, to contribute, through pioneering at home,
to the multiplication of Bahá'í isolated centres, groups and
Assemblies, and to raise, through diligent, painstaking and
continual endeavour to convert receptive souls to the Faith he
has espoused, the number of its active and whole-hearted
supporters; the sooner will the vast and multiple enterprises,
launched beyond the confines of the homeland, now so desperately
calling for a greater supply of men and means, be provided with
the necessary support that will ensure their uninterrupted
development and hasten their ultimate fruition ...
(From a letter dated 21 September 1957 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States)1318. Regarding the questions you asked: self has really two
meanings, or is used in two senses, in the Bahá'í writings; one
is self, the identity of the individual created by God. This is
the self mentioned in such passages as "he hath known God who
hath known himself", etc. The other self is the ego, the dark,
animalistic heritage each one of us has, the lower nature that
can develop into a monster of selfishness, brutality, lust and
so on. Itis this self we must struggle against, or this side of our
natures, in order to strengthen and free the spirit within us and
help it to attain perfection.Self-sacrifice means to subordinate this lower nature and its
desires to the more godly and noble side of our selves.
Ultimately, in its highest sense, self-sacrifice means to give
our will and our all to God to do with as He pleases. Then He
purifies and glorifies our true self until it becomes a shining
and wonderful reality.(From a letter dated 10 December 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1319. It is the quality of devotion and self-sacrifice that
brings rewards in the service of this Faith rather than means,
ability or financial backing.(From a letter dated 11 May 1948 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New
Zealand)1320. We must never dwell too much on the attitudes and feelings
of our fellow-believers towards us. What is most important is to
foster love andharmony and ignore any rebuffs we may receive; in this way the
weaknesses of human nature and the peculiarity or attitude of any
particular person is not magnified, but pales into insignificance
in comparison with our joint service to the Faith we all love.
(From a letter dated 19 September 1948 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1321. It is often difficult for us to do things because they are
so very different from what we are used to, not because the thing
itself is particularly difficult. With you, and indeed most
Bahá'ís, who are now, as adults, accepting this glorious Faith,
no doubt some of the ordinances, like fasting and daily prayer,
are hard to understand and obey at first. But we must always
think that these things are given to all men for a thousand years
to come. For Bahá'í children who see these things practised in
the home, they will be as natural and necessary a thing as going
to church on Sunday was to the more pious generation of
Christians. Bahá'u'lláh would not have given us these things if
they would not greatly benefit us, and, like children who are
sensible enough to realize their father is wise and does what is
good for them, we must accept to obey these ordinances even
|PPg_20though at first we may not see any need for them. As we obey them
we will gradually come to see in ourselves the benefits they
confer.(From a letter dated 16 March 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1322. ...as we suffer these misfortunes we must remember that the
Prophets of God Themselves were not immune from these things
which men suffer. They knew sorrow, illness and pain too. They
rose above these things through Their spirits, and that is what
we must try and do too, when afflicted. The troubles of this
world pass, and what we have left is what we have made of our
souls; so it is to this we must look--to becoming more spiritual,
drawing nearer to God, no matter what our human minds and bodies
go through.(From a letter dated 5 August 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1323. He was grieved to hear of some of the things you describe.
It shows great spiritual immaturity on the part of some of the
Bahá'ís and an astonishing lack of understanding and study of the
teachings. To live up to our Faith's moral teachings is a task
far harder than to live up to those noble principles the Moral
Re-Armament inculcates, fine and encompassing as they are! Every
other word of Bahá'u'lláh's and `Abdu'l-Bahá'í writings is a
preachment on moral and ethical conduct; all else is the form,
the chalice, into which the pure spirit must be poured; without
the spirit and the action which must demonstrate it, it is a
lifeless form.He judges, from what you say, that the friends have not or
at least many of them have not, been properly taught in the
beginning. There is certainly no objection to stressing the "four
standards" of the Moral Re-Armament--though any teaching of our
precious Faith would go much more deeply into these subjects and
add more to them. When we realize that Bahá'u'lláh says adultery
retards the progress of the soul in the afterlife--so grievous
is it--and that drinking destroys the mind, and not to so much
as approach it, we see how clear are our teachings on these
subjects. You must not make the great mistake of judging our Faith
by one community which obviously needs to study and obey the
Bahá'í teachings.Human frailties and peculiarities can be a great test. But the
only way, or perhaps I should say the first and best way, to
remedy such situations, is to oneself do what is right. One soul
can be the cause of the spiritual illumination of a continent.
Now that you have seen, and remedied, a great fault in your own
life, now that you see more clearly what is lacking in your own
community, there is nothing to prevent you from arising and
showing such an example, such a love and spirit of service, as
to enkindle the hearts of your fellow Bahá'ís.He urges you to study deeply the teachings, teach others,
study with those Bahá'ís who are anxious to do so, the deeper
teachings of our Faith, and through example, effort and prayer,
bring about a change.(From a letter dated 30 September 1949 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1324. Without the spirit of real love for Bahá'u'lláh, for His
Faith and its Institutions, and the believers for each other, the
Cause can never really bring in large numbers of people. For it
is not preaching and rules the world wants, but love and action.
(From a letter dated 25 October 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1325. However, he feels very strongly that if ... is in the state
your letter would seem to indicate it is certainly conducting its
affairs in the wrong way. This does not mean the Assembly, it
means everyone. For where is Bahá'í love? Where is putting unity
and harmony first? Where is the willingness to sacrifice one's
personal feelings and opinions to achieve love and harmony? What
makes the Bahá'ís think that when they sacrifice the spiritual
laws the administrative laws are going to work?He urges you to exert your utmost to get the ... Bahá'ís to
put aside such obnoxious terms as "radical", "conservative",
"progressive", "enemies of the Cause", "squelching the
teachings", etc. If they paused for one moment to think for what
purpose The Báb and the Martyrs gave their lives, and Bahá'u'lláh
and the Master accepted so much suffering, theywould never let such definitions and accusations cross their lips
when speaking of each other. As long as the friends quarrel
amongst themselves their efforts will not be blessed for they are
disobeying God.(From a letter dated 24 February 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1326. There are two kinds of Bahá'ís, one might say: those whose
religion is Bahá'í and those who live for the Faith. Needless to
say, if one can belong to the latter category, if one can be in
the vanguard of heroes, martyrs and saints, it is more
praiseworthy in the sight of God....(From a letter dated 16 April 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)We must reach a spiritual plane where God comes first and
great human passions are unable to turn us away from Him. All the
time we see people who either through the force of hate or the
passionate attachment they have to another person, sacrifice
principle or bar themselves from the Path of God.We must love God, and in this state, a general love for all
men becomes possible. We cannot love each human being for
himself, but our feeling towards humanity should be motivated by
our love for the Father Who created all men.(From a letter dated 4 October 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1328. He urges you to do all you can to promote unity and love
amongst the members of the Community there, as this seems to be
their greatest need.So often young communities, in their desire to administer the
Cause, lose sight of the fact that these spiritual relationships
are far more important and fundamental than the rules and
regulations which must govern the conduct of community affairs.
(From a letter dated 4 October 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1329. The greatest need it seems everywhere inside the Cause is
to impress upon the friends the need for love among them. There
is a tendency to mix up the functions of the Administration and
try to apply it in individualrelationships, which is abortive, because the Assembly is a
nascent House of Justice and is supposed to administer, according
to the Teachings, the affairs of the community. But individuals
toward each other are governed by love, unity, forgiveness and
a sin-covering eye. Once the friends grasp this they will get
along much better, but they keep playing Spiritual Assembly to
each other and expect the Assembly to behave like an individual.
. .(From a letter dated 5 October 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer, quoted in "Bahá'í News" 241
(March 1951), p. 2)1330. When criticism and harsh words arise within a Baha'i
community, there is no remedy except to put the past behind one,
and persuade all concerned to turn over a new leaf, and for the
sake of God and His Faith refrain from mentioning the subjects
which have led to misunderstanding and inharmony. The more the
friends argue back and forth and maintain, each side, that their
point of view is the right one, the worse the whole situation
becomes.When we see the condition the world is in today, we must
surely forget these utterly insignificant internal disturbances,
and rush, unitedly, to the rescue of humanity. You should urge
your fellow-Bahá'ís to take this point of view, and to support
you in a strong effort to suppress every critical thought and
every harsh word, in order to let the spirit of Bahá'u'lláh flow
into the entire community, and unite it in His love and in His
service.(From a letter dated 16 February 1951 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1331. The Guardian feels sure that the contribution which has
been made by your friend who has not been active in the Cause for
a short time will be the means of stimulating her to renewed
service. There is nothing that brings success in the Faith like
service. Service is the magnet which draws the divine
confirmations. Thus, when a person is active, they are blessed
by the Holy Spirit. When they are inactive, the Holy Spirit
cannot find a repository in their being, and thus they are
deprived of its healing and quickening rays.(From a letter dated 12 July 1952 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1332. The Guardian feels that your attitude towards the corrupt
practice of accepting commissions from fellow physicians and
pharmacists is most admirable. The more upright and noble the
Bahá'ís are in their conduct, the more they will impress the
public with the spiritual vitality of the Faith they believe
in.(From a letter dated 20 October 1953 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1333. This challenge, so severe and insistent, and yet so
glorious, faces no doubt primarily the individual believer on
whom, in the last resort, depends the fate of the entire
community. He it is who constitutes the warp and woof on which
the quality and pattern of the whole fabric must depend. He it
is who acts as one of the countless links in the mighty chain
that now girdles the globe. He it is who serves as one of the multitude of
bricks which support the structure and ensure thestability of the administrative edifice now being raised in
every part of the world. Without his support, at once
whole-hearted, continuous and generous, every measure adopted,
and every plan formulated, by the Body which acts as the
national representative of the community to which he belongs is
foredoomed to failure. The World Centre of the Faith itself is
paralysed if such a support on the part of the rank and file of
the community is denied it. The Author of the Divine Plan
Himself is impeded in His purpose if the proper instruments for
the execution of His design are lacking. The sustaining
strength of Bahá'u'lláh Himself, the Founder of the Faith, will
be withheld from every and each individual who fails in the
long run to arise and play his part. (From a letter dated 20
June 1954 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States)1334. When a person becomes a Baha'i, actually what takes place
is that the seed of the spirit starts to grow in the human
soul. This seed must be watered by the outpourings of the Holy
Spirit. These gifts of the spirit are received through prayer,
meditation, study of the Holy Utterances and service to the
Cause of God. The fact of the matter is that service in the
Cause is like the plough which ploughs the physical soil when
seeds are sown. It is necessary that the soil be ploughed up,
so that it can be enriched, and thus cause a stronger growth of
the seed. In exactly thesame way the evolution of the spirit takes place through
ploughing up the soil of the heart so that it is a constant
reflection of the Holy Spirit. In this way the human spirit
grows and develops by leaps and bounds.difficulty, and even severe tests; but if that person turns
firmly toward the divine Manifestation, studies carefully His
spiritual teachings and receives the blessings of the Holy
Spirit, he will find that in reality these tests and
difficulties have been the gifts of God to enable him to grow
and develop. Thus you might look upon your own difficulties in
the path of service. They are the means of your spirit growing
and developing. You will suddenly find that you have conquered
many of the problems which upset you, and then you will wonder
why they should have troubled you at all. An individual must
center his whole heart and mind on service to the Cause, in
accordance with the high standards set by Bahá'u'lláh. When
this is done, the Hosts of the Supreme Concourse will come to
the assistance of the individual, and every difficulty and
trial will gradually be overcome. (From a letter dated 6
October 1954 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an
individual believer)1335. The road is stony, and there are many tests; but as you
say, if the friends will learn to live according to
Bahá'u'lláh's teachings, they will discover that they work
indeed in mysterious and forceful ways; and that there is
always help at hand, that obstacles are overcome, and that
success is assured in the end.(From a letter dated 23 April 1956 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1336. The individual alone must assess its character, consult
his conscience, prayerfully consider all its aspects, manfully
struggle against the natural inertia that weighs him down in
his effort to arise, shed, heroically and irrevocably, the
trivial and superfluous attachments which hold him back, empty
himself of every thought that may tend to obstruct his path,
mix, in obedience to the counsels of the Author of His Faith,
and in imitation of the One Who is its true Exemplar, with men
and women, in all walks of life, seek to touch their hearts
through the distinction which characterizes his thoughts, his
words and his acts, and win them over,tactfully, lovingly, prayerfully and persistently, to the Faith
he himself has espoused. (From a letter dated 19 July 1956
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the United States)1337. He was very sorry to learn of the inharmony amongst the
friends there; and he feels that the only wise course of action
is for all the believers to devote themselves to teaching the
Faith and co-operating with their National Body.Often these trials and tests which all Bahá'í communities
inevitably pass through seem terrible, at the moment, but in
retrospect we understand that they were due to the frailty of
human nature, to misunderstandings, and to the growing pains
which every Bahá'í community must experience.(From a letter dated 25 November 1956 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1338. He is very happy to see that you have put into practice
one of the most encouraging precepts of `Abdu'l-Bahá in which
He said that we should try and make every stumbling-block a
stepping-stone to progress. In the course of your past life you
have all stumbled very gravely; but, far from being embittered
or defeated by this experience, you are determined to make it a
means of purifying your natures, improving your characters, and
enabling you to become better citizens in the future. This is
truly pleasing in the eyes of God.(From a letter dated 26 March 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the Bahá'ís of Kitalya Farm Prison)1339. ...the Bahá'ís must, in view of the condition of the
world today, stand forth firmly and courageously as followers
of Bahá'u'lláh, obeying His Laws, and seeking to build His World Order.
Through compromise we will never be able toestablish our Faith or win others' hearts to it. This involves
often great personal sacrifice, but we know that, when we do
the right thing, God gives us the strength to carry it out, and
we attract His blessing. We learn at such times that our
calamity is indeed a blessing.(From a letter dated 5 May 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to two believer)1340. It is not enough for the friends to make the excuse that
their best teachers and their exemplary believers have arisen
and answered the call to pioneer. A "best teacher" and an
"exemplary believer" is ultimately neither more nor less than
an ordinary Bahá'í who has consecrated himself to the work of
the Faith, deepened his knowledge and understanding of its
Teachings, placed his confidence in Bahá'u'lláh, and arisen to
serve Him to the best of his ability. This door is one which we
are assured will open before the face of every follower of the
Faith who knocks hard enough, so to speak. When the will and
the desire are strong enough, the means will be found and the
way opened either to do more work locally, to go to a new goal
town within the United States, or to enter the foreign pioneer
field...Not only must your Body provide the encouragement and
leadership required, and stimulate the friends to arise and
play their part, but the Local Assemblies must likewise do
everything in their power to help the friends to go forth and
attain their objectives. Each individual Bahá'í must likewise
feel that it is his personal duty to the Cause at this time and
his greatest privilege, and must ask himself what he can do
during the coming six years, beginning now, to hasten the
attainment of the goals of the World Crusade. The Bahá'ís are
the leaven of God, which must leaven the lump of their nation.
In direct ratio to their success will be the protection
vouchsafed, not only to them but to their country. These are
the immutable laws of God, from which there is no escape: "For
unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."
(From a letter dated 21 September 1957 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States)(Based on extracts of communications from the Universal House
of Justice)1341. "As the Bahá'í Administrative Order rapidly expands
throughout the world it behooves everyone associated with it to
familiarize himself with its principles, to understand its
import and to put its precepts into practice. Only as
individual members of Local Spiritual Assemblies deepen
themselves in the fundamental verities of the Faith and in the
proper application of the principles governing the operation of
the Assembly will this institution grow and develop toward its
full potential." (From a letter dated 11 August 1970 to all
National Spiritual Assemblies)1342. "The divinely ordained institution of the Local Spiritual
Assembly operates at the first levels of human society and is
the basic administrative unit of Bahá'u'lláh's World Order. It
is concerned with individuals and families whom it must
constantly encourage to unite in a distinctive Bahá'í society,
vitalized and guarded by the laws, ordinances and principles of
Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation. It protects the Cause of God; it acts
as the loving shepherd of the Bahá'í flock.Assemblies is a vital objective... Success in this one goal
will greatly enrich the quality of Bahá'í life, will heighten
the capacity of the Faith to deal with entry by troops which is
even now taking place and, above all, will demonstrate the
solidarity and ever-growing distinctiveness of the Baha'i
community, thereby attracting more and more thoughtful souls to
the Faith and offering a refuge to the leaderless and hapless
millions of the spiritually bankrupt, moribund present order.
"The friends are called upon to give their whole-hearted
support and cooperation to the Local Spiritual Assembly, first
by voting for the membership and then by energetically pursuing
its plans and programmes, by turning to it in time of trouble
or difficulty, by praying for its success and taking delight in
its rise to influence and honour. This great prize, this gift
of God within each community must be cherished, nurtured,
loved, assisted, obeyed and prayed for."Such a firmly founded, busy and happy community life as is
envisioned when Local Spiritual Assemblies are truly effective,
will provide a firm home foundation from which the friends may
derive courage and strength and loving support in bearing the
Divine Message to their fellow-men and conforming their lives
to its benevolent rule."(From a letter dated Naw-Ruz 1974 to the Bahá'ís of the World)
1343. "The institution of the Local Spiritual Assembly is of
primary importance in the firm establishment of the Faith, and
we hope that you will give particular attention to ensuring that as many as
possible, and in increasing numbers, are, inthe words of the beloved Guardian,'broadly based, securely
grounded' and 'efficiently functioning'."(From a letter dated Naw-Ruz 1974 to all National Spiritual
Assemblies)1344. "...the one vital activity which will enrich the quality
of Bahá'í life is the strengthening of Local Assemblies, for in
this institution, operating at the first level of human
society, rests the greatest opportunity to foster the sound and
healthy growth of the Bahá'í community. In other words, however
efficient the National Assembly and its staff may be, and
however diligently the national committees may function, it is
only when the Local Spiritual Assemblies begin to operate
vigorously that a firm home base can be provided from which to
carry the Divine Message further afield." (From a letter dated
3 April 1974 to the National Spiritual Assembly of South and
West Africa)1345. "It is becoming increasingly understood by the friends
why ... such great emphasis upon the firmness of the foundation
and the efficiency of the operation of the Local Spiritual
Assemblies. This is very heartening, for upon the degree to
which the members of these Assemblies grasp the true
significance of the divine institution on which they serve,
arise selflessly to fulfil their prescribed and sacred duties,
and persevere in their endeavours, depends to a large extent
the healthy growth of the world-wide community of the Most
Great Name, the force of its outward thrust, and the strength
of its supporting roots."(From a letter dated 25 May 1975 to all National Spiritual
Assemblies)II. The Development of the Local Spiritual Assemblies:
1346. "Local Spiritual Assemblies are at the present newly born
institutions, struggling for the most part to establish
themselves both in the Bahá'í community and in the world. They
are as yet only embryos of the majestic institutions ordained
by Bahá'u'lláh in His Writings...."What we find expounded in the writings of our Faith is the
lofty station Local Spiritual Assemblies must attain in their
gradual and at times painful development.... "Among the more
salient objectives to be attained by the Local Spiritual
Assembly in its process of development to full maturity are to
act as a loving shepherd to the Bahá'í flock, promote unity and
concord among the friends, direct the teaching work, protect
the Cause of God, arrange for Feasts, Anniversaries and regular
meetings of the community, familiarize the Bahá'ís with its
plans, invite the community to offer its recommendations,
promote the welfare of youth and children, and participate, as
circumstances permit, in humanitarian activities. In its relationship to the
individual believer, the Assembly shouldcontinuously invite and encourage him to study the Faith, to
deliver its glorious message, to live in accordance with its
teachings, to contribute freely and regularly to the Fund, to
participate in community activities, and to seek refuge in the
Assembly for advice and help, when needed. "In its own meetings
it must endeavour to develop skill in the difficult but highly
rewarding art of Bahá'í consultation, a process which will
require great self-discipline on the part of all members and
complete reliance on the power of Bahá'u'lláh. It should hold
regular meetings and ensure that all its members are currently
informed of the activities of the Assembly, that its Secretary
carries out his duties, and its Treasurer holds and disburses
the funds of the Faith to its satisfaction, keeping proper
accounts and issuing receipts for all contributions. Many
Assemblies find that some of their activities such as teaching,
observance of Feasts and Anniversaries, solution of personal
problems, and other duties are best dealt with by committees
appointed by the Assembly and responsible to it."(From a letter dated 30 July 1972 to the National Spiritual
Assembly of Bolivia)1347. "The time has come, we believe, when increasing numbers
of Local Spiritual Assemblies should assume responsibility for
helping theteaching work of groups, isolated believers, and other
Spiritual Assemblies in their neighborhood. Such extension
teaching goals should be assigned by the National Spiritual
Assembly or one of its teaching committees, or can be
spontaneously adopted by Local Spiritual Assemblies, and should
be carried out within the framework of the overall teaching
plans of the country. It should also be made clear that by
being given such goals a Spiritual Assembly is not being given
any jurisdiction over believers outside its area, still less
over other Local Spiritual Assemblies, but is being called upon
to collaborate with them in their work."(From a letter dated Naw-Ruz 1974 to all National Spiritual
Assemblies)1348. 'We long to see every Local Spiritual Assembly either
spontaneously adopt its own goals or warmly welcome those it
has been or will be given by its National Spiritual Assembly,
swell the number of the adherents who compose its local
community and, guided by the general policy outlined by its
National Spiritual Assembly, proclaim the Faith more
effectively, energetically pursue its extension teaching and
consolidation goals, arrange the observances of the Holy Days,
regularly hold its Nineteen Day Feasts and its sessions for
deepening, initiate and maintain community projects, and
encourage the participation of every member of its community in
giving to the Fund and undertaking teaching activities and administrative
services, so as to make each locality astronghold of the Faith and a torch-bearer of the Covenant."
(From a letter dated 25 May 1975 to all National Spiritual
Assemblies)1349. "The adoption of a local plan by the Local Assembly can
exert a far-reaching influence on its work and on the life of
the community." (From a letter dated 24 December 1975 to the
National Spiritual Assembly of Reunion)III. The Supporting Role of the Auxiliary Board Members and
their Assistants:1350. The National Spiritual Assemblies in consultation with
the Counsellors should avail themselves of the services of the
Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, who, together
"...with the travelling teachers selected by the Assembly or
its Teaching Committees, should becontinuously encouraged to conduct deepening courses ... and to
make regular visits to Local Spiritual Assemblies...."
The visitors, whether Auxiliary Board members, their
assistants or travelling teachers "...should meet on such
occasions not only with the Local Assembly but, of course, with
the local community members, collectively at general meetings
and even, if necessary, individually in their homes." The
subjects to be discussed at such meetings with the Local
Assembly and the friends should include among others the
following points:1. the extent of the spread and stature of the Faith today;
2. the importance of the daily obligatory prayers (at least the
short prayer);3. the need to educate Bahá'í children in the Teachings of the
Faith and encourage them to memorize some of the prayers;
4. the stimulation of youth to participate in community life by
giving talks, etc. and having their own activities, if
possible;5. the necessity to abide by the laws of marriage, namely, the
need to have a Bahá'í ceremony, to obtain the consent of
parents, to observe monogamy; faithfulness after marriage;
likewise the importance of abstinence from all intoxicating
drinks and drugs;6. the local Fund and the need for the friends to understand
that the voluntary act of contributing to the Fund is both a
privilege and a spiritual obligation. There should also be
discussion of various methods that could be followed by the
friends to facilitate their contributions and the ways open to
the Local Assembly to utilize its local Fund to serve the
interests of its community and the Cause;7. the importance of the Nineteen Day Feast and the fact that
it should be a joyful occasion and rallying point of the entire
community;8. the manner of election with as many workshops as required,
including teaching of simple methods of balloting for
illiterates, such as having one central home as the place for
balloting and arranging for one literate person, if only a
child, to be present at that home during the whole day, if
necessary;9. last but not least, the all-important teaching work, both in
the locality and its neighbouring centres, as well as the need
tocontinuously deepen the friends in the essentials of the Faith.
The friends should be made to realize that in teaching the
Faith to others they should not only aim at assisting the
seeking soul to join the Faith, but also at making him a
teacher of the Faith and its active supporter."All the above points should, of course, be stressed within
the framework of the importance of the Local Spiritual
Assembly, which should be encouraged to vigorously direct its
attention to these vital functions and become the very heart of
the community life of its own locality, even if its meetings
should become burdened with the problems of the community. The
local friends should understand the importance of the law of
consultation and realize that it is to the Local Spiritual
Assembly that they should turn, abide by its decisions, support
its projects, co-operate whole-heartedly with it in its task to
promote the interests of the Cause, and seek its advice and
guidance in the solution of personal problems and the
adjudication of disputes, should any arise amongst the members
of the community." (From a letter dated 2 February 1966 to all
National Spiritual Assemblies Engaged in Mass Teaching Work)
1351. "It is at this local level of Bahá'í community life, the
very foundation of the administrative structure of the Faith,
that we so often find lack of adequate strength and efficiency.
It is at this same level that our beloved Guardian urged
Auxiliary Board Members to establish contact with Local
Spiritual Assemblies, groups, isolated centres and the
individual believers, and through periodic and systematic
visits to localities as well as by correspondence help in
promoting the interests of the Plan, assist in the efficient
and prompt execution of the goals, watch over the security of
the Faith, stimulate and strengthen the teaching and pioneer
work, impress upon the friends the importance of individual
effort, initiative and sacrifice, and encourage them to
participate in Bahá'í activities and be unified under all
circumstances." (From a letter dated 17 November 1971 to the
Continental Boards1352. The aims of the Auxiliary Board members and their
assistants, stated previously in relation to the services of
the assistants, "...should be toactivate and encourage Local Spiritual Assemblies, to call the
attention of Local Spiritual Assembly members to the importance
of holding regular meetings, to encourage local communities to
meet for the Nineteen Day Feasts and Holy Days, to help deepen
their fellow-believers' understanding of the Teachings,..."
(From a letter dated 7 October 1973 to the Bahá'ís of the
World)1353. 'We are confident that the institution of the Boards of
Counsellors will lend its vital support and, through the
Counsellors' own contacts with the friends, through their
Auxiliary Boards and their assistants, will nourish the roots
of each local community, enrich and cultivate the soil of
knowledge of the teachings and irrigate it with the living
waters of love for Bahá'u'lláh. Thus will the saplings grow
into mighty trees, and the trees bear their golden fruit."
(From a letter dated 25 May 1975 to all National Spiritual
Assemblies)IV. Suggested Goals for Local Spiritual Assemblies:
1354. "Any plan must have a term and specific goals, expressed
preferably and if possible in numbers. For a Local Spiritual
Assembly it would be better, at least in the early stages of
its development, to have a term of nine months to a year. Of
course it is also quite possible to have a series of plans of
very short terms of say two to three months each, throughout
the year."The examples of local goals listed below are in the form
of questions which each Assembly could put to itself, or may be
directed to it by the National Spiritual Assembly. The
questions are meant to lead to the adoption of a specific goal.
An explanatory note follows items which may need clarification
or comment.1. How many new believers? (The Plan calls for a "great
increase in the number of believers" and confirming individuals
"from every stratum of society". The ideal is for each local
community to double itself every year, since every believer
should, in accordance with the wish of the Master, guide one
soul to the Cause of God every year. In some areas this may be
an ambitiousproject at the beginning, and at the outset a more modest goal
could be adopted.)2. How many firesides? (Shoghi Effendi urged the friends to
hold one fireside every nineteen days in their homes. The
friends willing to respond to this wish, could give their names
to the Local Assembly.)3. Can a pledge be made to have extension teaching activities
outside the local area of jurisdiction? (Obviously only strong
Local Assemblies can sustain such a goal.)4. Are mass media facilities such as radio, television, and the
press available to the Local Assembly? Can a goal be adopted
for such activities?5. Can public meetings be anticipated? If so, how many?
6. What methods can be adopted for the dissemination of Baha'i
literature, such as distribution of books to local libraries,
etc....? Can this goal be expressed in a challenging form?
7. Can the local community participate in the social and
humanitarian activities of the society of which it forms a
part? Could a modest step be taken along this line?
C) Consolidation8. Can the attendance of the friends at Nineteen Day Feasts be
improved upon? What about the Anniversaries? Can the increase
in attendance be expressed numerically, such as in terms of the
percentage of those attending?9. Can regular meetings for the benefit of the local friends be
held? If so, how often and when? (In the recent compilation on
"Meetings" released to all National SpiritualAssemblies,`Abdu'l-Bahá exhorts the friends to hold such
meetings as a "constant" activity, and praises weekly meetings.
He repeatedly counsels the believers to read and recite the
Holy Word in such meetings and deliver speeches on the
teachings, the proofs and the history of the Faith.) 10. Can
daily early morning prayer sessions be held? If so, where and
when? (If this is not feasible every day, an effort could be
made to hold such sessions less frequently. At such devotional
meetingsnot only prayers, but suitable selections from the Sacred
Writings could be read. Bahá'u'lláh has pointed out that upon
the Word of God "must depend the gathering together and
spiritual resurrection of all men", that "every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of God is endowed with such potency
as can instill new life into every human frame", and that were
man to "taste the sweetness of the words which the lips of the
All-Merciful have willed to utter, he would, though the
treasures of the earth be in his possession, renounce them one
and all, that he might vindicate the truth of even one of His
commandments". It is because of such considerations that the
Five Year Plan calls for the friends to memorize selections
from the Writings. If a believer finds it difficult to
memorize, he may be encouraged to make for his own use a
selection of extracts, however brief, which he could reread and
enjoy at his own leisure, to satisfy his inner soul.)
11. Can youth activities be encouraged? If so, in what way?
12. Can activities and classes for children be established? If
so, could a specific goal be adopted?13. Can youth activities be maintained? Could this be expressed
in the form of a goal?14. Is the community strong enough to establish a local
Haziratu'l-Quds?acquired and maintained, and possibly used as an investment for
the community?16. How can local contributions to the local Fund be
encouraged? Can a target be adopted?17. Can the local community serve as host to a district
conference of neighbouring communities and localities?
18. Can the Local Assembly issue a regular Newsletter?
"When the goals are finally decided upon, it is important
that they should be announced to the friends. It should be
borne in mind that Shoghi Effendi longed to see every believer
involved in Bahá'í service, so that universal participation may
be achieved. It would be most effective if the Local Assembly,
prior to such an announcement, would appoint local committees,
to each of which a branch of activity or one or more of the
local goals could be assigned. Such committees need not consist
ofmany members. When the committee appointments are made, the
Local Assembly will be fully prepared to announce its goals and
its committee appointments to the community at a Nineteen Day
Feast or a specially called meeting of the community."
(Prepared for inclusion with a letter dated 24 December 1975 to
the National Spiritual Assembly of Reunion)1355. ...The Lord hath ordained that in every city a House of
Justice be established wherein shall gather counsellors to the
number of Baha, and should it exceed this number it does not
matter. It behoveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful
among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed
of God for all that dwell on earth....(Bahá'u'lláh, cited in a letter dated 5 March 1922 written by
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada, published in "Baha'i
Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932" [rev. ed.],
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1980), p. 21)1356. Addressing the nations, the Ancient Beauty ordaineth that
in every city in the world a house be established in the name
of justice wherein shall gather pure and steadfast souls to the
number of the Most Great Name. At this meeting they should feel
as if they were entering the Presence of God, inasmuch as this
binding command hath flowed from the Pen of Him Who is the
Ancient of Days. The glances of God are directed towards this
Assembly.1357. `Abdu'l-Bahá is constantly engaged in ideal communication
with any Spiritual Assembly which is instituted through the
divine bounty, and the members of which, in the utmost
devotion, turn to the divine Kingdom and are firm in the
Covenant. To them he is whole-heartedly attached and with them
he is linked by everlasting ties....("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", [rev. ed.]
(Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), p. 89)1358. These Spiritual Assemblies are aided by the Spirit of
God. Their defender is `Abdu'l-Bahá. Over them He spreadeth His
Wings. What bounty is there greater than this? These Spiritual
Assemblies are shining lamps and heavenly gardens, from which
the fragrances of holiness are diffused over all regions, and
the lights of knowledge are shed abroad over all created
things. From them the spirit of life streameth in every
|PPg_40direction. They, indeed, are the potent sources of the progress
of man, at all times and under all conditions.(`Abdu'l-Bahá, cited in Shoghi Effendi, "God Passes By"; rev.
ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1987), p. 332)
1359. ...it is of the utmost importance that in accordance with
the explicit text of the "Kitáb-i-Aqdas", the Most Holy Book,
in every locality, be it city or hamlet, where the number of
adult (21 years and above) declared believers exceeds nine,[1] a
local "Spiritual Assembly" be forthwith established. To it When
the number of believers is exactly nine, they constitute
themselves as the Local Spiritual Assembly by joint
declaration. All local matters pertaining to the Cause must be
directly and immediately referred for full consultation and
decision. The importance, nay the absolute necessity of these
local Assemblies is manifest when we realize that in the days
to come they will evolve into the local Houses of Justice...
(From a letter dated 12 March 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the Bahá'ís of America, Australasia, France, Germany, British
Isles, Italy, Japan and Switzerland, published in "Baha'i
Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", p. 37)
1360. Let us recall His explicit and often repeated assurances
that every Assembly elected in that rarefied atmosphere of
selflessness and detachment is in truth appointed of God, that
its verdict is truly inspired, that one and all should submit
to its decision unreservedly and with cheerfulness.
(From a letter dated 23 February 1924 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the Bahá'ís of America, published in "Bahá'í Administration:
Selected Messages 1922-1932" p. 65)1361. Designated as "Spiritual Assemblies"--an appellation that
must in the course of time be replaced by their permanent and
more descriptive title of "Houses of Justice," bestowed upon
them by the Author of the Bahá'í Revelation; instituted,
without any exception, in every city, town and village where
nine or more adult believers are resident; annually and
directly elected, on the first day of the greatest Baha'i
Festival by all adult[1.] When the number of believers is exactly nine, they
constitute themselves as the Local Spiritual Assembly by joint
declaration.believers, men and women alike; invested with an authority
rendering them unanswerable for their acts and decisions to
those who elect them; solemnly pledged to follow, under all
conditions, the dictates of the "Most Great Justice" that can
alone usher in the reign of the "Most Great Peace" which
Bahá'u'lláh has proclaimed and must ultimately establish;
charged with the responsibility of promoting at all times the
best interests of the communities within their jurisdiction, of
familiarizing them with their plans and activities and of
inviting them to offer any recommendations they might wish to
make; cognizant of their no less vital task of demonstrating,
through association with all liberal and humanitarian
movements, the universality and comprehensiveness of their
Faith; dissociated entirely from all sectarian organizations,
whether religious or secular; assisted by committees annually
appointed by, and directly responsible to, them, to each of
which a particular branch of Bahá'í activity is assigned for
study and action; supported by local funds to which all
believers voluntarily contribute; these Assemblies, the
representatives and custodians of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh,
numbering at the present time, several hundred, and whose
membership is drawn from the diversified races, creeds and
classes constituting the world-wide Bahá'í community, have, in
the course of the last two decades, abundantly demonstrated, by
virtue of their achievements, their right to be regarded as the
chief sinews of Bahá'í society, as well as the ultimate
foundation of its administrative structure.1362. That the Spiritual Assemblies of today will be placed in
time by the I louses of Justice, and are to all intents and
purposes identical and not separate bodies, is abundantly
confirmed by `Abdu'l-Bahá Himself. He has in fact in a Tablet
addressed to the members of the first Chicago Spiritual
Assembly, the first elected Bahá'í body instituted in the
United States, referred to them as the members of the "House of
Justice" for that city, and has thus with His own pen
established beyond any doubt the identity of the present Baha'i
Spiritual Assemblies with the Houses of Justice referred to by
Bahá'u'lláh. For reasons which are not difficult to discover,
it has been found advisable to bestow upon the elected
representatives of Bahá'í communities throughout the world the
temporary appellation of Spiritual Assemblies, a term which, as
theposition and aims of the Bahá'í Faith are better understood and
more fully recognized, will gradually be superseded by the
permanent and more appropriate designation of House of
Justice....(Shoghi Effendi, "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected
Letters", 2nd rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1982) p. 6)
Il. Membership - Qualifications, Election:1363. If we but turn our gaze to the high qualifications of the
members of Bahá'í Assemblies ... we are filled with feelings of
unworthiness and dismay, and would feel truly disheartened but
for the comforting thought that if we rise to play nobly our
part every deficiency in our lives will be more than
compensated by the all-conquering spirit of His grace and
power. Hence it is incumbent upon the chosen delegates to
consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and
irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only
those who can best combine the necessary qualities of
unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained
mind, of recognized ability and mature experience....
(From a letter dated 3 June 1925 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the delegates and visitors at the convention of the United
States and Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration:
Selected Messages 1922-1932", p. 88)1364. With reference to your next question concerning the
qualifications of the members of the Spiritual Assembly: there
is a distinction of fundamental importance which should be
always remembered in this connection, and this is between the
Spiritual Assembly as an institution, and the persons who
compose it. These are by no means supposed to be perfect, nor
can they be considered as being inherently superior to the rest
of their fellow-believers. It is precisely because they are
subject to the same human limitations that characterize the
other members of the community that they have to be elected
every year. The existence of elections is a sufficient
indication that Assembly members, though forming part of an
institution that is divine and perfect, are nevertheless
themselves imperfect. But this does not necessarily imply that
their judgement is defective. For as `Abdu'l-Bahá has
repeatedly emphasized Bahá'í Assemblies are under the guidance
and protection of God. The elections, especially when annual,
give the community a good opportunity to remedy any defect or
imperfection from which theAssembly may suffer as a result of the actions of its members.
Thus a safe method has been established whereby the quality of
membership in Bahá'í Assemblies can be continually raised and
improved. But, as already stated, the institution of the
Spiritual Assembly should under no circumstances be identified
with, or be estimated merely through, the personal
qualifications of the members that compose it.(From a letter dated 15 November 1935 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to two believers)1365. ...I feel that reference to personalities before the
election would give rise to misunderstanding and differences.
What the friends should do is to get thoroughly acquainted with
one another, to exchange views, to mix freely and discuss among
themselves the requirements and qualifications for such a
membership without reference or application, however indirect,
to particular individuals. We should refrain from influencing
the opinion of others, of canvassing for any particular
individual, but should stress the necessity of getting fully
acquainted with the qualifications of membership referred to in
our Beloved's Tablets and of learning more about one another
through direct, personal experience rather than through the
reports and opinions of our friends.(From a letter dated 14 May 1927 written by Shoghi Effendi to a
Local Spiritual Assembly, published in "Bahá'í News" 18 (June
1927), p. 9)1366. These local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be elected
directly by the friends, and every declared believer of 21
years and above, far from standing aloof and assuming an
indifferent or independent attitude, should regard it his
sacred duty to take part, conscientiously and diligently, in
the election, the consolidation, and the efficient working of
his own local Assembly.(From a letter dated 12 March 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the Bahá'ís of America, Australasia, France, Germany, British
Isles, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, published in "Baha'i
Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", p. 39)
1367. ...the elector ... is called upon to vote for none but
those whom prayer and reflection have inspired him to
uphold....the practice of nomination, so detrimental to the
atmosphere of a silent and prayerful election, isviewed with mistrust inasmuch as it gives the right to the
majority of a body that, in itself, under the present
circumstances, often constitutes a minority of all the elected
delegates, to deny that God-given right of every elector to
vote only in favour of those whom he is conscientiously
convinced are the most worthy candidates....(From a letter dated 27 May 1927 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published
in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages1368. It is incumbent upon them to take counsel together and to
have regard for the interests of the servants of God, for His
sake, even as they regard their own interests, and to choose
that which is meet and seemly. Thus hath the Lord your God ...
commanded you. Beware lest ye put away that which is clearly
revealed in His Tablet. Fear God, O ye that perceive!
(Bahá'u'lláh, cited in a letter dated 5 March 1922 written by
Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada,
published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932", p. 21)1369. When in session it behooveth them to converse, on behalf
of the servants of God, on matters dealing with the affairs and
interests of the public. For instance, teaching the Cause of
God must be accorded precedence, inasmuch as it is a matter of
paramount importance, so that thereby all men may enter the
pavilion of unity and all the peoples of the earth be regarded
even as a single body...Teaching the Cause must be viewed according to the
conditions of the age and of the times so as to see what course
is deemed proper to take. Other matters also should be dealt
with in like manner. They must, however, take care that nothing
doth take place contrary to the divine verses sent down in this
glorious Manifestation, inasmuch as naught but that which hath
been prescribed by the True One--exalted be His glory --would
serve the interests of His servants. He, in truth, is more
merciful to you than ye are unto yourselves. He, verily, is the
One Who knoweth and is well informed of all. Should these souls
comply with the prescribed conditions, they shall indeed, be
aided through His invisible bestowals. This is truly a matter
whose benefits will be conferred on all men...1370. The prime requisites for them that take counsel together
are purity of motive, radiance of spirit, detachment from all
else save God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances, humility
and lowliness amongst His loved ones, patience and
long-suffering in difficulties and servitude to His exalted
Threshold. Should they be graciously aided to acquire these
attributes, victory from the unseen Kingdom of Bahá shall be
vouchsafed to them. In this day, assemblies of consultation are
of the greatest importance and a vital necessity. Obedience
unto them is essential and obligatory. The members thereof must
take counsel together in such wise that no occasion for
ill-feeling or discord may arise. This can be attained when
every member expresseth with absolute freedom his own opinion
and setteth forth his argument. Should any one oppose, he must on no
account feel hurt for not until matters are fullydiscussed can the right way be revealed. The shining spark of
truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.
If after discussion a decision be carried unanimously, well and
good; but if, the Lord forbid, differences of opinion should
arise, a majority of voices must prevail.[2](`Abdu'l-Bahá, cited in a letter dated 5 March 1922 written by
Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada,
published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932", pp. 21-22)1371. ...Whenever ye enter the council-chamber, recite this
prayer with a heart throbbing with the love of God and a tongue
purified from all but His remembrance, that the All-Powerful
may graciously aid you to achieve supreme victory: "O God, my
God! We are servants of Thine that have turned with devotion to
Thy Holy Face, that have detached ourselves from all beside
Thee in this glorious Day. We have gathered in this spiritual
assembly, united in our views and thoughts, with our purposes
harmonized to exalt Thy Word amidst mankind. O Lord, our God!
Make us the signs of Thy divine Guidance, the Standards of Thy
exalted Faith amongst men, servants to Thy mighty Covenant, O
Thou our Lord Most High! Manifestations of Thy Divine Unity in
Thine Abhá Kingdom, and resplendent stars shining upon all
regions. Lord! Aid us to become seas[2.] "Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sections 43
and 44, p. 87surging with the billows of Thy wondrous Grace, streams flowing
from Thy all-glorious Heights, goodly fruits upon the Tree of
Thy heavenly Cause, trees waving through the breezes of Thy
Bounty in Thy celestial Vineyard. O God! Make our souls
dependent upon the Verses of Thy Divine Unity, our hearts
cheered with the outpourings of Thy Grace, that we may unite
even as the waves of one sea and become merged together as the
rays of Thine effulgent Light; that our thoughts, our views,
our feelings may become as one reality, manifesting the spirit
of union throughout the world. Thou art the Gracious, the
Bountiful, the Bestower, the Almighty, the Merciful, the
Compassionate."(`Abdu'l-Bahá, cited in a letter dated 5 March 1922 written by
Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada,
published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932", pp. 20-21)1372. ...The first condition is absolute love and harmony
amongst the members of the assembly. They must be wholly freed
from estrangement and must manifest in themselves the Unity of
God, for they are the waves of one sea, the drops of one river,
the stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, the trees of one
orchard, the flowers of one garden. Should harmony of thought and
absolute unity be non-existent, that gathering shall be
dispersed and that assembly be brought to naught. The second
condition: they must when coming together turn their faces to
the Kingdom on High and ask aid from the Realm of Glory. They
must then proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity,
care and moderation to express their views. They must in every
matter search out the truth and not insist upon their own
opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one's views will
lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will
remain hidden. The honoured members must with all freedom
express their own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible
for one to belittle the thought of another, nay, he must with
moderation set forth the truth, and should differences of
opinion arise a majority of voices must prevail, and all must
obey and submit to the majority. It is again not permitted that
any one of the honoured members object to or censure, whether
in or out of the meeting, any decision arrived at previously
though that decision be not right, for such criticism would
prevent any decision from being enforced. In short, whatsoever
thing is arranged in harmony and with love and purity of
motive, its result is light, and should the least trace of
|PPg_47estrangement prevail the result shall be darkness upon
darkness.... If this be so regarded, that assembly shall be of
God, but otherwise it shall lead to coolness and alienation
that proceed from the Evil One....(`Abdu'l-Bahá, cited in a letter dated 5 March 1922 written by
Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada,
published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932", p. 22)1373. Discussions must all be confined to spiritual matters
that pertain to the training of souls, the instruction of
children, the relief of the poor, the help of the feeble
throughout all classes in the world, kindness to all peoples,
the diffusion of the fragrances of God and the exaltation of
His Holy Word. Should they endeavour to fulfil these conditions
the Grace of the Holy Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto them, and
that assembly shall become the centre of the Divine blessings,
the hosts of Divine confirmation shall come to their aid, and
they shall day by day receive a new effusion of Spirit.
(`Abdu'l-Bahá, cited in a letter dated 5 March 1922 written by
Shoghi Effendi) to the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada,
published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932", pp. 22-23)1374. A perusal of some of the words of Bahá'u'lláh
and `Abdu'l-Bahá on the duties and functions of the Spiritual
Assemblies in every land (later to be designated as the local
Houses of Justice) emphatically reveals the sacredness of their
nature, the wide scope of their activity, and the grave
responsibility which rests upon them.The matter of Teaching, its direction, its ways and means,
its extension, its consolidation, essential as they are to the
interests of the Cause, constitute by no means the only issue
which should receive the full attention of these Assemblies. A
careful study of Bahá'u'lláh's and `Abdu'l-Bahá'í Tablets will
reveal that other duties, no less vital to the interests of the
Cause, devolve upon the elected representatives of the friends
in every locality. It is incumbent upon them to be vigilant and
cautious, discreet and watchful, and protect at all times the
Temple of the Cause from the dart of the mischief-maker and the
onslaught of the enemy.They must endeavour to promote amity and concord amongst
the friends, efface every lingering trace of distrust, coolness
and estrangement from every heart, and secure in its stead an
active and whole-hearted cooperation for the service of the
Cause. They must do their utmost to extend at all times the
helping hand to the poor, the sick, the disabled, the orphan,
the widow, irrespective of colour, caste and creed. They must
promote by every means in their power the material as well as
the spiritual enlightenment of youth, the means for the
education of children, institute, whenever possible, Baha'i
educational institutions, organize and supervise their work and
provide the best means for their progress and development.
. . .They must undertake the arrangement of the regular meetings
of the friends, the feasts and the anniversaries, as well as
the special gatherings designed to serve and promote the
social, intellectual and spiritual interests of their
fellow-men. These rank among the most outstanding obligations
of the members of every Spiritual Assembly....(The first paragraph is from a letter dated 5 March 1922
written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of the United States
and Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected
Messages 1922-1932" p. 20)The rest is from a letter dated 12 March 1923 also written by
Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of America, Australasia, France,
Germany, British Isles, Italy, Japan and Switzerland, published
in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", pp.
37-39)1375. ...he feels that you should turn to your Local Assembly,
in the strictest confidence, and seek their aid and advice.
These bodies have the sacred obligation to help, advise,
protect, and guide the believers in every way within their
power when appealed to--indeed they were established just for
the purpose of keeping order and unity and obedience to the law
of God amongst the believers. You should go to them as a child
would to its parents...(From a letter dated 28 September 1941 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1376. Bahá'u'lláh has given the promise that in every Assembly
where unity and harmony prevail there His glorious spirit will
not only be present, but will animate, sustain and guide all
the friends in all their deliberations.It is to unity that the Guardian has been continually
calling the friends. For where a united will exists, nothing
can effectively oppose and hamper the forces of constructive
development.... (From a letter dated 17 November 1933 written
on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Local Spiritual Assemblies
of Evanston and Wilmette, Il. U.S.A., published in "Baha'i
News" 190 (December 1946), p. 1)1377. The members of these Assemblies, on their part, must
disregard utterly their own likes and dislikes, their personal
interests and inclinations, and concentrate their minds upon
those measures that will conduce to the welfare and happiness
of the Bahá'í Community and promote the common weal.
(From a letter dated 12 March 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the Bahá'ís of America, Australasia, France, Germany, British
Isles, Italy, Japan and Switzerland, published in"Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", p. 41)
1378. Let us also remember that at the very root of the Cause
lies the principle of the undoubted right of the individual to
self-expression, his freedom to declare his conscience and set
forth his views....And when they are called upon to arrive at a certain
decision, they should, after dispassionate, anxious, and
cordial consultation, turn to God in prayer, and with
earnestness and conviction and courage record their vote and
abide by the voice of the majority, which we are told by our
Master to be the voice of truth, never to be challenged, and
always to be whole-heartedly enforced. To this voice the
friends must heartily respond, and regard it as the only means
that can ensure the protection and advancement of the Cause.
(From a letter dated 23 February 1924 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the Bahá'ís of America, published in "Bahá'í Administration:
Selected Messages 1922-1932", pp. 63-64)1379. Bahá'ís are not required to vote on an Assembly against
their consciences. It is better if they submit to the majority
view and make it unanimous. But they are not forced to. What
they must do, however, is to abide by the majority decision, as
this is what becomes effective. They must not go around
undermining the Assembly by saying they disagreed with the
majority. In other words, they must put the Cause first and not
their own opinions. He (a Spiritual Assembly member) can ask
the Assembly to reconsider a matter, but he has no right to
force them or create inharmony because they won't change. Unanimous
votes are preferable, but certainly cannot be forced
upon Assembly members by artificial methods such as are used by
other societies. (From a letter dated 19 October 1947 written
on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer,
published in "Bahá'í News" 202 (December 1947), p. 3)
1380. But before the majority of the Assembly comes to a
decision, it is not only the right but the sacred obligation of
every member to express freely and openly his views, without
being afraid of displeasing or alienating any of his
fellow-members. In view of this important administrative
principle of frank and open consultation, the Guardian would
advise you to give up the method of asking other members to
voice your opinion and suggestions. This indirect way of
expressing your views to the Assembly not only creates an
atmosphere of secrecy which is most alien to the spirit of the
Cause, but would also lead to many misunderstandings and
complications. The Assembly members must have the courage of
their convictions, but must also express whole-hearted and
unqualified obedience to the well-considered judgement and
directions of the majority of their fellow-members. (From a
letter dated 28 October 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1381. The friends should therefore not feel discouraged at the
differences of opinion that may prevail among the members of an
Assembly, for these, as experience has shown, and as the
Master's words attest, fulfil a valuable function in all
Assembly deliberations. But once the opinion of the majority
has been ascertained, all the members should automatically and
unreservedly obey it, and faithfully carry it out. Patience and
restraint, however, should at all times characterize the
discussions anddeliberations of the elected representatives of the local
community, and no fruitless and hair-splitting discussions
indulged in, under any circumstances. (From a letter dated 18
April 1939 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual
believer)1382. There is only one principle on which to conduct the work
of an Assembly, and that is the supremacy of the will of the
majority. The majority decisions must be courageously adopted
and carried out by the Assembly, quite regardless of the
opinionated adherence to their own views which any minority may
cling to. (From a letter dated 20 November 1941 written on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)
1383. He ... pointed out to them that the attitude of "all for
one and one for all" was very incorrect. An Assembly
constitutes within its area of jurisdiction the Trustees of the
Faith. Its members must at all times put the interests of the
Faith above personality and impartially go into any matter
brought to its attention. Theoretically it is always possible
for a member of an Assembly to be unworthy or insincere. To
take the attitude that any blame cast upon or any charge made
against an Assembly member is a charge against the body itself
is very wrong. An Assembly must protect the Faith and neither
blindly accuse nor blindly defend one of its members....
The Bahá'ís must learn to forget personalities and to
overcome the desire--so natural in people--to take sides and
fight about it. They must also learn to really make use of the
great principle of consultation. There is a time set aside at
the Nineteen Day Feasts for the Community to express its views
and make suggestions to its Assembly; the Assembly and the
believers should look forward to this happy period of
discussion, and neither fear it nor suppress it. Likewise the
Assembly members should fully consult, and in their decisions
put the interests of the Cause first and not personalities, the
will of the majority prevailing.One of the healing remedies Bahá'u'lláh has given to a sick
world is the Assembly (which in future will become a House of
Justice); its members have very sacred and heavyresponsibilities, its power to steer the Community, to protect
and assist its members is likewise very great.(From a letter dated 30 June 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and
Austria)1384. ...it is only too obvious that unless a member can attend
regularly the meetings of his Local Assembly, it would be
impossible for him to discharge the duties incumbent upon him,
and to fulfil his responsibilities, as a representative of the
community. Membership in a Local Spiritual Assembly carries
with it, indeed, the obligation and capacity to remain in close
touch with local Bahá'í activities, and [the] ability to attend
regularly the sessions of the Assembly.(From a letter dated 16 February 1935 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States and Canada, published in "Principles of Baha'i
Administration: A Compilation" 1st Indian ed. (New Delhi:
Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 51)1385. ...it is establishing a dangerous precedent to allow
Assemblies to put a time limit on non-attendance of their
members at meetings of the S.A., beyond which that person is
automatically dropped from the Assembly and a vacancy
declared... There should be no time limit fixed by Assemblies
beyond which a person is dropped. Every case of prolonged
absence from the sessions of the Assembly should be considered
separately by that Assembly, and if the person is seen to not
want to attend meetings, or to be held away from them indefinitely
because of illness or travel, then a vacancy could
legitimately be declared and a new member be elected.
(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an
individual, published in "Bahá'í News" 208 (June 1948), p. 7)
1386. With reference to your question whether it would be
permissible for a believer to resign from the Local Assembly:
under special circumstances, such as illness, one may do so,
but only after, and never before, one has been elected to the
membership of the Assembly. Personal differences and
disagreements among Assembly members surely afford no
sufficient ground for such resignation, and certainly can not
justify absence from Assembly meetings. Through the clash of
personal opinions, as`Abdu'l-Bahá has stated, the spark of truth is often ignited,
and Divine guidance revealed....(From a letter dated 18 April 1939 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1387. The remedy to Assembly inharmony cannot be in the
resignation or abstinence of any of its members. It must learn,
in spite of disturbing elements, to continue to function as a
whole, otherwise the whole system would become discredited
through the introduction of exceptions to the rule.
(From a letter dated 20 November 1941 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1388. Let us also bear in mind that the keynote of the Cause of
God is not dictatorial authority, but humble fellowship, not
arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving
consultation.Nothing short of the spirit of a true Bahá'í can hope to
reconcile the principles of mercy and justice, of freedom and
submission, of the sanctity of the right of the individual and
of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion and prudence on the
one hand and fellowship, candour and courage on the other.
The duties of those whom the friends have freely and
conscientiously elected as their representatives are no less
vital and binding than the obligations of those who have chosen
them. Their function is not to dictate, but to consult, and
consult not only among themselves, but as much as possible with
the friends whom they represent. They must regard themselves in
no other light but that of chosen instruments for a more
efficient and dignified presentation of the Cause of God. They
should never be led to suppose that they are the central
ornaments of the body of the Cause, intrinsically superior to
others in capacity or merit, and sole promoters of its
teachings and principles. They should approach their task with
extreme humility, and endeavour by their open-mindedness, their high
sense of justice and duty, their candour, their modesty,
their entire devotion to the welfare and interests of the
friends, the Cause, and humanity, to win not only the
confidence and the genuine support and respect of those whom
they should serve, but also their esteem and real affection.
They must at all times avoid the spirit of exclusiveness, the
|PPg_53atmosphere of secrecy, free themselves from a domineering
attitude, and banish all forms of prejudice and passion from
their deliberations. They should, within the limits of wise
discretion, take the friends into their confidence, acquaint
them with their plans, share with them their problems and
anxieties, and seek their advice and counsel....(From a letter dated 23 February 1924 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the Bahá'ís of America, published in "Bahá'í Administration:
Selected Messages 1922-1932", pp. 63-63)1389. The first quality for leadership, both among individuals
and Assemblies, is the capacity to use the energy and
competence that exists in the rank and file of its followers.
Otherwise the more competent members of the group will go at a
tangent and try to find elsewhere a field of work and where
they could use their energy.Shoghi Effendi hopes that the Assemblies will do their
utmost in planning such teaching activities that every single
soul will be kept busy. (From a letter dated 30 August 1930
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the United States and Canada)1390. The administrators of the Faith of God must be like unto
shepherds. Their aim should be to dispel all the doubts,
misunderstandings and harmful differences which may arise in
the community of the believers. And this they can adequately
achieve provided they are motivated by a true sense of love for
their fellow-brethren coupled with a firm determination to act
with justice in all the cases which are submitted to them for
their consideration.(From a letter dated 9 March 1934 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1391. There is no task more urgently necessary than the
assurance of perfect harmony and fellowship among the friends,
especially between the Local Assemblies and individual
believers. The Local Assemblies should inspire confidence in
the individual believers, and these in their turn should
express their readiness to fully abide by the decisions and
directions of the Local Assembly. The two must learn to
co-operate, and to realize that only through such a cooperation
can the institutions of the Cause effectively and permanently
function. While obedience to theLocal Assembly should be unqualified and whole-hearted, yet
that body should enforce its decisions in such a way as to
avoid giving the impression that it is animated by dictatorial
motives. The spirit of the Cause is one of mutual co-operation,
and not that of a dictatorship.(From a letter dated 28 October 1935 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1392. ...It is incumbent upon everyone not to take any step
without consulting the Spiritual Assembly, and they must
assuredly obey with heart and soul its bidding and be
submissive unto it, that things may be properly ordered and
well arranged. Otherwise every person will act independently
and after his own judgement, will follow his own desire, and do
harm to the Cause. (`Abdu'l-Bahá, quoted in a letter dated 5
March 1922 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of the
United States and Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration:
Selected Messages 1922-1932"p. 21)1393. ...all matters without any exception whatsoever,
regarding the interests of the Cause in ... [a] locality,
individually or collectively, should be referred exclusively to
the Spiritual Assembly in that locality, which shall decide
upon it, unless it be a matter of national interest, in which
case it shall be referred to the National Body.... (From a
letter dated 5 March 1922 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada, published in
"Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", p. 23)
1394. In order to avoid division and disruption, that the Cause
may not fall a prey to conflicting interpretations, and lose
thereby its purity and pristine vigour, that its affairs may be
conducted with efficiency and promptness, it is necessary that
everyone should conscientiously take an active part in the
election of these Assemblies, abide by their decision,
enforce their decree, and co-operate with them whole-heartedly
in their task of stimulating the growth of the Movement
throughout all regions....(From a letter dated 12 march 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the Bahá'ís of America, Australasia, France, Germany, British
Isles, Italy, Japan andSwitzerland, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected
Messages 1922-1932", p. 41)1395. I fully approve and whole-heartedly and unreservedly
uphold the principle to which you refer that personalities
should not be made centres around which the community may
revolve, but that they should be subordinated under all conditions and
however great their merits to the properlyconstituted Assemblies. You and your co-workers can never
overestimate or overemphasize this cardinal principle of Baha'i
Administration. (From a letter dated 11 April 1933 written on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of
the United States and Canada, published in "Principles of
Bahá'í Administration: A Compilation", p. 58)1396. Regarding the principle that the Cause must not be
allowed to centre around any Bahá'í personality, the Guardian
wishes to make it clear that it was never intended that well-qualified
individual teachers should not receive from LocalAssemblies every encouragement and facilities to address the
public. What the Guardian meant was that the personality and
the popularity of such a speaker should never be allowed to
eclipse the authority, or detract from the influence of, the
body of the elected representatives in every local community.
Such an individual should not only seek the approval, advice
and assistance of the body that represents the Cause in his
locality, but should strive to attribute any credit he may
obtain to the collective wisdom and capacity of the Assembly
under whose jurisdiction he performs his services. Assemblies
and not individuals constitute the bedrock on which the
Administration is built. Everything else must be subordinated
to, and be made to serve and advance the best interests of,
these elected custodians and promoters of the Law of
Bahá'u'lláh. (From a letter dated 12 August 1933 written on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, published
in "Principles of Bahá'í Administration: A Compilation, p. 19)
1397. Regarding consultation: Any person can refer a matter to
the Assembly for consultation whether the other party wishes to
or not. In matters which affect the Cause the Assembly should,
if it deems itnecessary, intervene even if both sides don't want it to,
because the whole purpose of the Assemblies is to protect the
Faith, the Communities and the individual Bahá'ís as well.
(From a letter dated 17 October 1944 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, published in "Baha'i
News" 177 (November 1945), p. 2)1398. The believers should learn to turn more often to their
Assemblies for advice and help and at an earlier date, and the
Assemblies, on the other hand, should act with more vigilance
and a greater sense of Community responsibility towards every
situation that may damage the prestige of the Faith in the eyes
of the public. When decisions have been reached by the
Assembly, they must be carried out loyally and willingly by all
concerned. (From a letter dated 13 March 1944 written on behalf
of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1399. One of the fundamentals involved in our Administrative
Order, which we must remember will become the pattern for our
World Order, is that even if an Assembly makes an ill-advised
decision it must be upheld in order to preserve the unity of
the Community. Appeal can be made from the Local Assembly's
decision to the National Assembly... But the principle of
authority invested in our elected bodies must be upheld. This
is not something which can be learned without trial and
test.... (From a letter dated 30 June 1949 written on behalf
of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany
and Austria)1400. The believers should have confidence in the directions
and orders of their Assembly, even though they may not be
convinced of their justice or right. Once the Assembly, through
a majority vote of its members, comes to a decision the friends
should readily obey it. Specially those dissenting members
within the Assembly whose opinion is contrary to that of the
majority of their fellow- members should set a good example
before the community by sacrificing their personal views for
the sake of obeying the principle of majority vote that
underlies the functioning of all Bahá'í Assemblies. (From a
letter dated 28 October 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1401. The Assembly may make a mistake, but, as the Master
pointed out, if the Community does not abide by its decisions,
or the individual Baha'i, the result is worse, as it undermines
the very institution which must be strengthened in order to
uphold the principles and laws of the Faith. He tells us God
will right the wrongs done. We must have confidence in this and
obey our Assemblies. He therefore strongly urges you to work
directly under your Bahá'í Assembly, to accept your
responsibilities as a voting member, and do your utmost to
create harmony within the community. (From letter dated 1949
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an1402. What the Master desired to protect the friends against
was continual bickering and opinionatedness. A believer can ask
the Assembly why they made a certain decision and politely
request them to reconsider. But then he must leave it at that,
and not go on disrupting local affairs through insisting on his
own views. This applies to an Assembly member as well. We all
have a right to our opinions, we are bound to think
differently; but a Bahá'í must accept the majority decision of
his Assembly, realizing that acceptance and harmony--even if a
mistake has been made--are the really important things, and
when we serve the Cause properly, in the Bahá'í way, God will
right any wrongs done in the end. (From a letter dated 19
October 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an
individual believer)1403. Just as the individual believers a[re] bound to support
and sustain their Local Spiritual Assembly, for the
preservation of the unity of the Faith and the strengthening of
its as yet embryonic World Order, so must the Local Assemblies
obey and sustain their national representatives. The closer the
co-operation between Local and National Assemblies, the greater
will be the power and radiance which can and must stream forth
from these institutions to the suffering ranks of humanity.
(From a letter dated 29 July 1942 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Bombay)
VII. Prospects of the Future1404. The administrative machinery of the Cause having now
sufficiently evolved, its aim and object fairly well grasped
and understood, and itsmethod and working made more familiar to every believer, I feel
the time is ripe when it should be fully and consciously
utilized to further the purpose for which it has been created.
It should, I strongly feel, be made to serve a twofold purpose.
On one hand, it should aim at a steady and gradual expansion of
the Movement along lines that are at once broad, sound and
universal; and on the other, it should ensure the internal
consolidation of the work already achieved.... (From a letter
dated 11 May 1926 written by Shoghi Effendi to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada,
published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932", p. 109)1405. The friends must never mistake the Bahá'í administration
for an end in itself. It is merely the instrument of the spirit
of the Faith. This Cause is a Cause which God has revealed to
humanity as a whole. It is designed to benefit the entire human
race, and the only way it can do this is to re-form the
community life of mankind, as well as seeking to regenerate the
individual. The Bahá'í Administration is only the first shaping
of what in future will come to be the social life and laws of
community living. As yet the believers are only just beginning
to grasp and practise it properly. So we must have patience if
at times it seems a little self-conscious and rigid in its
workings. It is because we are learning something very
difficult but very wonderful--how to live together as a
community of Bahá'ís, according to the glorious teachings.
(From a letter dated 14 October 1941 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to two believers)1406. Ours, dearly-beloved co-workers, is the paramount duty to
continue, with undimmed vision and unabated zeal, to assist in
the final erection of that Edifice the foundations of which
Bahá'u'lláh has laid in our hearts, to derive added hope and
strength from the general trend of recent events, however dark
their immediate effects, and to pray with unremitting fervour
that He may hasten the approach of the realization of that
Wondrous Vision which constitutes the brightest emanation
of His Mind and the fairest fruit of the fairest civilization
the world has yet seen.(From a letter dated 28 November 1931 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the Bahá'ís of the West, published in "The World Order of
Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 48)1407. And now as I look into the future, I hope to see the
friends at all times, in every land, and of every shade of
thought and character, voluntarily and joyously rallying round
their local and in particular their national centres of
activity, upholding and promoting their interests with complete
unanimity and contentment, with perfect understanding, genuine
enthusiasm, and sustained vigour. This indeed is the one joy
and yearning of my life, for it is the fountain-head from which
all future blessings will flow, the broad foundation upon which
the security of the Divine Edifice must ultimately rest....
(From a letter dated 24 September 1924 written by Shoghi
Effendi to the Bahá'ís of America)When the masses of mankind are awakened and enter the Faith
of God, a new process is set in motion and the growth of a new
civilization begins. Witness the emergence of Christianity and
of Islam. These masses are the rank and file, steeped in
traditions of their own, but receptive to the new Word of God,
by which, when they truly respond to it, they become so
influenced as to transform those who come in contact with them.
God's standards are different from those of men. According to
men's standards, the acceptance of any cause by people of
distinction, of recognized fame and status, determines the
value and greatness of that cause. But, in the words of
Bahá'u'lláh:'The summons and the message which We gave were
never intended to reach or to benefit one land or one people
only. Mankind in its entirety must firmly adhere to whatsoever
hath been revealed and vouchsafed unto it." Or again, "He hath
endowed every soul with the capacity to recognize the signs of
God. How could He, otherwise, have fulfilled His testimony unto
men, if ye be of them that ponder His Cause in their hearts."
In countries where teaching the masses has succeeded, the
Bahá'ís have poured out their time and effort in village areas
to the same extent as they had formerly done in cities and
towns. The results indicate how unwise it is to solely
concentrate on one section of the population. Each National
Assembly therefore should so balance its resources and
harmonize its efforts that the Faith of God is taught not only
to those who are readily accessible but to all sections of
society, however remote they may be. The unsophisticated people
of the world--and they form the large majority of its
population--have the same right to know of the Cause of God as
others. When the friends are teaching the Word of God they
should be careful to give the Message in the same simplicity as
it is enunciated in our Teachings. In their contacts they must
show genuine -and divine love. The heart of an unlettered soul
is extremely sensitive;any trace of prejudice on the part of the pioneer or teacher is
immediately sensed.When teaching among the masses, the friends should be
careful not to emphasize the charitable and humanitarian
aspects of the Faith as a means to win recruits. Experience has
shown that when facilities such as schools, dispensaries,
hospitals, or even clothes and food are offered to the people
being taught, many complications arise. The prime motive should
always be the response of man to God's message, and the
recognition of His Messenger. Those who declare themselves as
Bahá'ís should become enchanted with the beauty of the
Teachings; and touched by the love of Bahá'u'lláh. The
declarants need not know all the proofs, history, laws, and
principles of the Faith, but in the process of declaring
themselves they must, in addition to catching the spark of
faith, become basically informed about the Central Figures of
the Faith, as well as the existence of laws they must follow
and an administration they must obey. After declaration, the
new believers must not be left to their own devices. Through
correspondence and dispatch of visitors, through conferences
and training courses, these friends must be patiently
strengthened and lovingly helped to develop into full Baha'i
maturity. The beloved Guardian referring to the duties of
Bahá'í Assemblies in assisting the newly declared believer has
written: "...the members of each and every Assembly should
endeavour, by their patience, their love, their tact and
wisdom, to nurse, subsequent to his admission, the newcomer
into Bahá'í maturity, and win him over gradually to the
unreserved acceptance of whatever has been ordained in the
teachings." (From a letter dated 13 July 1964 written by the
Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual
Assemblies)From reports and minutes we receive from various National
Spiritual Assemblies, it is evident that your efforts to
attract a greater number of receptive souls to the Cause of
God, to open new areas for increased teaching activity and to
consolidate the work so far accomplished are dependent upon
more local travelling teachers and pioneers being assisted by
the Fund to spend more of their time in Bahá'í teaching
services under your direction. There is a danger in this
situation which must be avoided at all costs. Despite the
pressing requirements of the Nine Year Plan, no Bahá'í
|PPg_63teacher anywhere should consider himself as permanently
employed by the Faith. We do not have in the Cause of God any
paid career open to Bahá'í teachers.The beloved Guardian elucidated this basic principle of
Bahá'í Administration through his repeated letters to National
Assemblies from which we quote:At present it would be quite impossible to spread the Cause
if those who arise to serve it as teachers or pioneers were not
given financial assistance. All must realize, however, that the
monies they receive are only to enable them to fulfil their
objectives, and that they cannot consider themselves
permanently entitled to be supported by the Cause.
(From a letter dated 12 August 1944 to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá'ís of India and Burma)Likewise travelling teachers should be assisted financially
to carry out the "projects" assigned to them. The friends
should not for a moment confuse this type of support with the
creation of a paid clergy. Any Bahá'í can, at the discretion of
the NSA receive this necessary assistance and it is clearly
understood it is temporary and only to carry out a specific
plan. (From a letter dated 29 May 1946 to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles)Each National Assembly, through its auxiliary Teaching
Committees, should be able to so plan the time and efforts of
its band of subsidized travelling teachers that no impression
of permanency is given. As far as possible each "project" must
be definite in objective and in duration. Likewise, when
pioneer projects are envisaged, it must be made clear to the
pioneer that he must make every effort to establish himself in
some position in his pioneering post and thus become freed from
the necessity of drawing further on Bahá'í funds. Experience
has shown that the observance of these principles is essential
for the rearing of healthy communities; wherever they have been
ignored difficulties and complications have arisen. In the
application of these principles, if you have any difficulty,
you should feel free to consult with us. Also, if you have
found any particular scheme proving to besuccessful without violating the above principles, you are
welcome to send the details to us so that we may share your
methods with other National Assemblies and enable them to
benefit from your experience.Another problem closely linked with the above and which
directly affects areas where mass teaching work is being
carried out is the extent to which the local believers
contribute to the Fund. As you note, one of the objectives of
the Nine Year Plan is universal participation in Baha'i
community life. This can be possible when each believer
understands that his personal spiritual life will be enriched
and universal blessings will descend only if each Baha'i
participates in contributing, however poor he may be, however
small the contribution, and in whatever form it is offered.
Your Assembly must devote enough time at each meeting to
consider carefully this basic process. We must be confident
that the principles laid down in our Writings are not only
workable, but are the only solution to the ills of mankind.
With such confidence in their hearts, the members of each
National Assembly faced with this stupendous problem must
deliberate, and within the framework of the social and economic
conditions of the communities they are serving, they must find
ways and means that would gradually, yet positively, help in
realising this purpose. (From a letter dated 25 June 1964
written by the Universal House of Justice to all National
Spiritual Assemblies engaged in teaching work among the masses)
It has been due to the splendid victories in large-scale
conversion that the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh has entered a new
phase in its development and establishment throughout the
world. It is imperative, therefore, that the process of
teaching the masses be not only maintained but accelerated. The
teaching committee structure that each National Assembly may
adopt to ensure best results in the extension of its teaching
work is a matter left entirely to its discretion, but an
efficient teaching structure there must be, so that the tasks
are carried out with dispatch and in accordance with the
administrative principles of our Faith. From among the
believers native to each country, competent travelling teachers
must be selected and teaching projects worked out. In the words
of our beloved Guardian, commenting upon the teaching work in
Latin America: "Strong and sustained support should be given to
the vitally needed and highly meritorious activities started by
the native ... travelling teachers, ...who, as the mighty task progresses, must increasingly bear the
brunt of responsibility for the propagation of the Faith in
their homelands."While this vital teaching work is progressing each National
Assembly must ever bear in mind that expansion and
consolidation are inseparable processes that must go hand in
hand. The inter-dependence of these processes is best
elucidated in the following passage from the writings of the beloved
Guardian: "Every outward thrust into new fields, every
multiplication of Bahá'í institutions, must be paralleled by a
deeper thrust of the roots which sustain the spiritual life of
the community and ensure its sound development. From this
vital, this ever-present need attention must, at no time, be
diverted; nor must it be, under any circumstances neglected, or
subordinated to the no less vital and urgent task of ensuring
the outer expansion of Bahá'í administrative institutions. That
this community ... may maintain a proper balance between these
two essential aspects of its development ... is the ardent hope
of my heart...." To ensure that the spiritual life of the
individual believer is continuously enriched, that local
communities are becoming increasingly conscious of their
collective duties, and that the institutions of an evolving
administration are operating efficiently, is, therefore, as
important as expanding into new fields and bringing in the
multitudes under the shadow of the Cause. These objectives can
only be attained when each National Spiritual Assembly makes
proper arrangements for all the friends to be deepened in the
knowledge of the Faith. The National Spiritual Assemblies in
consultation with the Hands of the Cause, who are the
Standard-Bearers of the Nine Year Plan, should avail themselves
of the assistance of Auxiliary Board members, who, together
with the travelling teachers selected by the Assembly or its
Teaching Committees, should be continuously encouraged to
conduct deepening courses at Teaching Institutes and to make
regular visits to Local Spiritual Assemblies. The visitors,
whether Board members or travelling teachers should meet on
such occasions not only with the Local Assembly but, of course,
with the local community members, collectively at general
meetings and even, if necessary, individually in their homes.
The subjects to be discussed at such meetings with the Local
Assembly and the friends should include among others the
following points:1). the extent of the spread and stature of the Faith today;
|PPg_662). the importance of the daily obligatory prayers (at least
the short prayer);3). the need to educate Bahá'í children in the Teachings of
the Faith and encourage them to memorize some of the prayers;
4). the stimulation of youth to participate in community life
by giving talks, etc. and having their own activities, if
possible;5). the necessity to abide by the laws of marriage, namely, the
need to have a Bahá'í ceremony, to obtain the consent of
parents, to observe monogamy; faithfulness after marriage;
likewise the importance of abstinence from all intoxicating
drinks and drugs;6). the local Fund and the need for the friends to understand
that the voluntary act of contributing to the Fund is both a
privilege and a spiritual obligation. There should also be
discussion of various methods that could be followed by the
friends to facilitate their contributions and the ways open to
the Local Assembly to utilize its local Fund to serve the
interests of its community and the Cause;7). the importance of the Nineteen Day Feast and the fact that
it should be a joyful occasion and rallying point of the entire
community;8). the manner of election with as many workshops as required,
including teaching of simple methods of balloting for
illiterates, such as having one central home as the place for
balloting and arranging for one literate person, if only a
child, to be present at that home during the whole day, if
necessary;9). last but not least, the all-important teaching work, both
in the locality and its neighbouring centres, as well as the
need to continuously deepen the friends in the essentials of
the Faith. The friends should be made to realize that in
teaching the Faith to others they should not only aim at
assisting the seeking soul to join the Faith, but also at
making him a teacher of the Faith and its active supporter.
All the above points should, of course, be stressed within
the framework of the importance of the Local Spiritual
Assembly, which should be encouraged to vigorously direct its
attention to these vital functions and become the very heart of
the community life of its own locality, even if its meetings
should become burdened with the problemsof the community. The local friends should understand the
importance of the law of consultation and realize that it is to
the Local Spiritual Assembly that they should turn, abide by
its decisions, support its projects, co-operate whole-heartedly
with it in its task to promote the interests of the Cause, and
seek its advice and guidance in the solution of personal
problems and the adjudication of disputes, should any arise
amongst the members of the community. (From a letter dated 2
February 1966 written by the Universal House of Justice to all
National Spiritual Assemblies engaged in mass teaching work)
As it has already been pointed out, in variouscommunications to you, it is important for the National
Spiritual Assemblies to work out ways and means of creating a
sense of belonging in the hearts of the believers. One of the
ways this can be done is to bring to their attention the needs
of the Fund. The National Assembly should neither feel
embarrassed nor ashamed in turning to the friends, continuously
appealing to them to exemplify their faith and devotion to the
Cause by sacrificing for it, and pointing out to them that they
will grow spiritually through their acts of self-abnegation,
that the fear of poverty should not deter them from sacrificing
for the Fund, and that the assistance and bounty of the Source
of all good and of all wealth are unfailing and assured.... It
might be useful to share with the friends extracts from the
writings of the beloved Guardian, such as the two passages we quote
below:Every Baha'i, no matter how poor, must realize what a grave
responsibility he has to shoulder in this connection, and
should have confidence that his spiritual progress as a
believer in the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh will largely depend
upon the measure in which he proves, in deeds, his readiness to
support materially the divine institutions of His Faith. (From
a letter dated 17 July 1937 written on behalf of the Guardian
to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of India and
Burma)The institution of the National Fund, so vital and
essential for the uninterrupted progress of these activities
must, in particular, be assured of the whole-hearted, the
ever-increasing and universal support of the mass of believers,
for whose welfare, and in whosename, these beneficent activities have been initiated and have
been conducted. All, no matter how modest their resources, must
participate.(From a letter dated 8 August 1957 written on behalf of the
Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of
Central and East Africa)We feel that each National Assembly should carefully and
regularly consult on this vital aspect of the education of the
friends, spare no effort and lose no opportunity in bringing to
their attention the needs of the hour. For example, where land
is difficult to obtain, or where funds for the purchase of
endowments are not available, the friends should be appealed to
in a dignified and effective manner to donate from their own
land for the use of Bahá'í institutions. In the construction of
local Bahá'í centres, the National Assembly should carefully
devise methods of appealing to the friends to contribute
manpower or local materials for the construction of such
buildings. If ready cash is not available for contributions to
the Fund, the National Assembly should guide the friends in
ways they could raise funds by a collective effort to cultivate
a piece of land, by contributing cash crops, livestock or
home-made dishes, sweetmeats, or handicrafts. Special meetings
could also be arranged for the sale of such contributions in
kind. In the matter of attendance of delegates at Conventions,
the desirability of the friends themselves beingself-supporting should be pointed out by the National Assembly.
If a delegate cannot his own expenses in attending the
Convention, the Local Assembly or the believers in the
electoral unit from which the delegate comes should be
encouraged by the National Assembly to defray such expenses, so
that only when funds are unavailable from those sources, the
National Assembly is approached to consider offering financial
assistance. The same principle holds true about other
activities, such as attendance at Institutes, Conferences and Summer
Schools. (From a letter dated 9 February 1967 written
by the Universal House of Justice to various National Spiritual
Assemblies)Many National Spiritual Assemblies in carrying out their
plans for expansion and consolidation have found it necessary
to select a number of believers for service as travelling
teachers. While we appreciate the valuable services these
travelling teachers have already rendered we arenevertheless deeply conscious of the problems facing your
National Assemblies in your desire to carry out your teaching
programmes with as much dispatch as possible. The purpose of
this letter is to draw your attention to the fact that these
problems could well be minimized if the selection of such
teachers were done with great care and discretion.
It must be realized that people who are mostly illiterate
cannot have the benefit of reading for themselves the written
word and of deriving directly from it the spiritual sustenance
they need for the enrichment of their Bahá'í lives. They become
dependent, therefore, to a large extent on their contacts with
visiting teachers. The spiritual calibre or moral quality of
these teachers assumes, therefore, great importance. The
National Spiritual Assembly or the Teaching Committees
responsible for the selection of these teachers should bear in
mind that their choice must depend, not only on the knowledge
or grasp of the teachings on the part of the teachers, but
primarily upon their pure spirit and their true love for the
Cause, and their capacity to convey that spirit and love to
others. ...What wonderful results will soon be witnessed in the
areas under your jurisdiction if you devise ways and means to
ensure, as far as circumstances permit, that the travelling
teachers you are encouraging to circulate among the friends
will all be of the standard called for in these quotations--pure and sanctified
souls, with nothing but true devotion andself-sacrifice motivating them in their services to God's Holy
Cause.... (From a letter dated 26 October 1967 written by the
Universal House of Justice to National Spiritual Assemblies
engaged in mass teaching)The paramount goal of the teaching work at the present time
is to carry the message of Bahá'u'lláh to every stratum of
human society and every walk of life. An eager response to the
teachings will often be found in the most unexpected quarters,
and any such response should be quickly followed up, for
success in a fertile area awakens a response in those who were
at first uninterested. The same presentation of the teachings
will not appeal to everybody; the method of expression and the
approach must be varied in accordance with the outlook and
interests of the hearer. An approach which is designed to
appeal to everybody will usually result in attracting the
middle section, leaving both extremes untouched. No effort must be spared
to ensure that the healing Word of God reaches the
rich and the poor, thelearned and the illiterate, the old and the young, the devout
and the atheist, the dweller in the remote hills and islands,
the inhabitant of the teeming cities, the suburban businessman,
the labourer in the slums, the nomadic tribesman, the farmer,
the university student; all must be brought consciously within
the teaching plans of the Bahá'í Community.Whereas plans must be carefully made, and every useful
means adopted in the furtherance of this work, your Assemblies
must never let such plans eclipse the shining truth expounded
in the enclosed quotations: that it is the purity of heart,
detachment, uprightness, devotion and love of the teacher that
attracts the divine confirmations and enables him, however
ignorant he be in this world's learning, to win the hearts of
his fellowmen to the Cause of God. (From a letter dated 31
October 1967 written by the Universal House of Justice to all
National Spiritual Assemblies)The growth of the Cause in India during the past several
years has been vast and awe inspiring, and it is quite natural
that this growth should have been accompanied by problems and
responsibilities that taxed the administrative experience and
capacities of your National Assembly to the utmost.
...Travelling teachers and foreign pioneers could doubtless
stimulate the friends and assist them in the teaching work, but
essentially, the progress and growth of the Cause in India
depend upon the services of your own people, and, to this end,
a concerted effort should be made to integrate the friends in
India into the work of the Cause in all its aspects, to assure
universal participation that will result in winning even
greater victories for the Cause. In this connection, your idea
of engaging a number of well trained travelling teachers in
India is, in principle, correct. You have various Teaching
Institutes and a number of devoted, well-informed teachers at
your disposal for this service. One of the most important
duties of such travelling teachers should be to develop nuclei
of devoted and active believers in the many centres who would
inspire and assist the friends in active participation in the
work to be done in their villages and towns. A plan should be
developed to enable such travelling teachers to spend more time
in fewer places instead of making brief visits in numerous
centres. This would enable them to, in turn, train resident
teachers in the various localities to spearhead the work of
|PPg_71expansion and consolidation in their areas. The names of the
believers thus trained should be given to the administrative
bodies in charge of teaching. Teaching Institutes, Summer
Schools, Conferences, etc. should be utilized to provide further
encouragement and training for those believers whenever
such opportunities arise.In all your training programmes, the Bahá'í Administration
should have special attention. The believers should know that
our administration is part of our religion. For this reason,
not only should you patiently and lovingly train the believers,
but should also strive to attract to the Faith individuals who
possess qualities and capacities that will add to the
administrative strength of the Community as a whole. The
beloved Guardian has stated: "There is no doubt that the poorer
classes should be taught the Cause and given every opportunity
to embrace it. More especially in order to demonstrate to
people our cardinal lack of prejudice... However, he feels that
the great point is to confirm people of true capacity and
ability--from whatever social stratum they may be-- because the
Cause needs now, and will ever-increasingly need, souls of
great ability who can bring it before the public at large,
administer its ever-growing affairs, and contribute to its
advancement in every field." We note with deep satisfaction
that the Message of God is being given to a cross section of
all the people of India, as evidenced by your success in
attracting a large number of college students to the Faith, as
well as others representing various classes of people. (From a
letter dated 15 February 1968 written by the Universal House of
Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the1408. Intone, O My servant, the verses of God that have been
received by thee, as intoned by them who have drawn nigh unto
Him, that the sweetness of thy melody may kindle thine own
soul, and attract the hearts of all men....("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", rev. ed.
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1984), p. 295)
1409. We have permitted you to listen to music and singing.
Beware lest such listening cause you to transgress the bounds
of decency and dignity. Rejoice in the joy of My Most Great
Name through which the hearts are enchanted and the minds of
the well-favoured are attracted.We have made music a ladder by which souls may ascend to
the realm on high. Change it not into wings for self and
passion. I seek refuge in God that you be not of the ignorant.
("Kitáb-i-Aqdas" - Provisional translation from the Arabic)
1410. Blessed is he who directeth his steps towards the
Mashriqu'l-Adhkar at the hour of dawn, communing with Him,
attuned to His remembrance, imploring His forgiveness. And
having entered therein, let him sit in silence to hearken unto
the verses of God, the Sovereign, the Almighty, the
All-Praised. Say, the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar is in truth any House
raised in towns or villages, for mention of Me. Thus hath it
been named before His Throne; would that ye know it. And those
who chant the verses of the Merciful in most melodious tones
will attain thereby unto that with which the kingdoms of earth
and heaven can never compare. And they will inhale therefrom
the fragrance of My realms which none discerneth in this day
save those who have been granted vision by this sublime Beauty.
Say, verily, the verses of the Merciful uplift the stainless
hearts unto those realms of the spirit which cannot be
described in words or expressed in symbols. Blessed are they
that hearken! ("Kitáb-i-Aqdas" - Provisional translation from
the Arabic)1411. Teach your children that which hath been sent down from
the heaven of majesty and power that they may recite the
Tablets of the Merciful in the halls of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkars
in most melodious tones. Verily, he who hath been drawn by the
magnet of the love of My Name, the Merciful, will recite the
verses of God in such wise as to enrapture the hearts of those
who are fast asleep. Well is it with him who hath quaffed the
choice wine of immortal life from the utterances of his Lord,
the Lord of Mercy, through the power of this exalted Name
whereby every high and lofty mountain hath been reduced to
dust. ("Kitáb-i-Aqdas" - Provisional translation from Arabic)
From the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá1412. This wonderful age has rent asunder the veils of
superstition and has condemned the prejudice of the people of
the East.Among some of the nations of the Orient, music and harmony
was not approved of, but the Manifested Light, Bahá'u'lláh, in
this glorious period has revealed in Holy Tablets that singing
and music are the spiritual food of the hearts and souls. In
this dispensation, music is one of the arts that is highly
approved and is considered to be the cause of the exaltation of
sad and desponding hearts.Therefore ... set to music the verses and the divine words
so that they may be sung with soul-stirring melody in the
Assemblies and gatherings, and that the hearts of the listeners
may become tumultuous and rise towards the Kingdom of Abha in
supplication and prayer. ("Bahá'í World Faith: Selected
Writings of Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá", rev. ed. (Wilmette:
Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1976), p. 378)1413. Thank thou God that thou art instructed in music and
melody, singing with pleasant voice the glorification and
praise of the Eternal, the Living. I pray to God that thou
mayest employ this talent in prayer and supplication, in order
that the souls may become quickened, the hearts may become
attracted and all may become inflamed with the fire of the love
of God!("Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas" vol. 3 (Chicago: Baha'i
Publishing Society, 1916), p. 512)1414. ...although sound is but the vibrations of the air which
affect the tympanum of the ear, and vibrations of the air are
but an accident among the accidents which depend upon the air,
consider how much marvelous notes or a charming song influence
the spirits! A wonderful song giveth wings to the spirit and
filleth the heart with exaltation....("Bahá'í World Faith: Selected Writings of Bahá'u'lláh
and `Abdu'l-Bahá", p. 334)1415. The utmost joy was attained, for--praise be to God!--the
friends of the Merciful passed some time on that day joyous and
singing in the land of the Mashrak-el-Azcar and enjoyed
commemorating the Lord of the verses with the greatest joy.
I am hopeful that, during the coming Rizwan,[1] a great feast
shall be held in the land of the Mashrak-el-Azcar, a spiritual
celebration prepared and the melodies of the violin and the
mandolin and hymns in praise and glorification of the Lord of
Hosts make all the audience joyous and ecstatic.(`Abdu'l-Bahá, "Tablets of Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas", vol. I (Chicago:
Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1930)1416. O maid-servant of God! Sing with beautiful melodies in
the meetings of the maid-servants, praising and glorifying thy
Supreme Lord.1417. O thou attracted one of the Kingdom! Complete thou the
study of the art of music and sacrifice thyself more or less to
the Lord of the Kingdom.1418. ...a musical and melodious voice imparteth life to an
attracted heart, but lureth toward lust those souls who are
engulfed in passion and desire. ("The Divine Art of Living, rev
ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1979), p. 100)
____1419. O servant of Baha! Music is regarded as a praiseworthy
science at the Threshold of the Almighty, so that thou mayest
chant verses at large gatherings and congregations in a most
wondrous melody and raise such hymns of praise at the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar
to enrapture the Concourse on High. By virtueof this, consider how much the art of music is admired and
praised. Try, if thou canst, to use spiritual melodies, songs
and tunes, and to bring the earthly music into harmony with the
celestial melody. Then thou wilt notice what a great influence
music hath and what heavenly joy and life it conferreth. Strike
up such a melody and tune as to cause the nightingales of
divine mysteries to be filled with joy and ecstasy. (From a
Tablet to an individual believer- translated from the Persian)
Extracts from the Utterances of `Abdu'l-Bahá1420. What a wonderful meeting this is! These are the children
of the Kingdom. The song we have just listened to was very
beautiful in melody and words. The art of music is divine and
effective. It is the food of the soul and spirit. Through the
power and charm of music the spirit of man is uplifted. It has
wonderful sway and effect in the hearts of children, for their
hearts are pure, and melodies have great influence in them. The
latent talents with which the hearts of these children are
endowed will find expression through the medium of music.
Therefore, you must exert yourselves to make them proficient;
teach them to sing with excellence and effect. It is incumbent
upon each child to know something of music, for without
knowledge of this art the melodies of instrument and voice
cannot be rightly enjoyed. Likewise, it is necessary that the
schools teach it in order that the souls and hearts of the
pupils may become vivified and exhilarated and their lives be
brightened with enjoyment. ("The Promulgation of Universal
Peace: Talks Delivered by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the
United States and Canada in 1912, 2nd. ed. Wilmette: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 52)1421. Music is one of the important arts. It has a great effect
upon the human spirit. Musical melodies are a certain something
which prove to be accidental upon etheric vibrations, for voice
is nothing but the expression of vibrations, which, reaching
the tympanum, affect the nerves of hearing. Musical melodies
are, therefore, those peculiar effectsproduced by, or from, vibration. However, they have the keenest
effect upon the spirit. In sooth, although music is a material
affair, yet its tremendous effect is spiritual, and its
greatest attachment is to the realm of the spirit. If a person
desires to deliver a discourse, it will prove more effectual
after musical melodies. The ancient Greeks, as well as Persian
philosophers, were in the habit of delivering their discourses
in the following manner:--First, playing a few musical
melodies, and when their audience attained a certain
receptivity thereby they would leave their instruments at once
and begin their discourse. Among the most renowned musicians of
Persia was one named Barbod, who, whenever a great question had
been pleaded for at the court of the King, and the Ministry had failed to
persuade the King, they would at once refer thematter to Barbod, whereupon he would go with his instrument to
the court and play the most appropriate and touching music, the
end being at once attained, because the King was immediately
affected by the touching musical melodies, certain feelings of
generosity would swell up in his heart, and he would give way.
You may try this: If you have a great desire and wish to attain
your end, try to do so on a large audience after a great solo
has been rendered, but it must be on an audience on which music
is effective, for there are some people who are like stones,
and music cannot affect stones.development of humanity, but the only true way is through the
Teachings of God. Music is like this glass, which is perfectly
pure and polished. It is precisely like this pure chalice
before us, and the Teachings of God, the utterances of God, are
like the water. When the glass or chalice is absolutely pure
and clear, and the water is perfectly fresh and limpid, then it
will confer Life; wherefore, the Teachings of God, whether they
be in the form of anthems or communes or prayers, when they are
melodiously sung, are most impressive. It was for this reason
that His Holiness David sang the psalms in the Holy of Holies
at Jerusalem with sweet melodies. In this Cause the art of
music is of paramount importance. The Blessed Perfection, when
He first came to the barracks (Acca) repeated this statement:
"If among the immediate followers there had been those who
could have played some musical instrument, i.e., flute or harp,
or could have sung, it would have charmed every one." In short,
musical melodies form an important rolein the associations, or outward and inward characteristics, or
qualities of man, for it is the inspirer or motive power of
both the material and spiritual susceptibilities. What a motive
power it is in all feelings of love! When man is attached to
the Love of God, music has a great effect upon him.
("Table Talk" Acca, July 1909, quoted in "Herald of the
South" (January 13, 1933), pp. 2-3)1422. Voice is the vibration of the air, and is like the waves
of the sea. The voice is produced through the instrumentality
of the lips, throat, teeth, tongue, etc. These cause a wave in
the air, and this wave reaches the nerve of the ear, which is
thereby affected. This is the voice.There are two kinds of voices. One when the complete
instrument is perfect, then the emission of sound is perfect.
The second is when the instrument is imperfect, it affects the
voice in such a way that it is far from pleasing. What we have
just said refers to the voice itself.It is natural for the heart and spirit to take pleasure and
enjoyment in all things that show forth symmetry, harmony, and
perfection. For instance: a beautiful house, a well designed
garden, a symmetrical line, a graceful motion, a well written
book, pleasing garments--in fact, all things that have in
themselves grace or beauty are pleasing to the heart and
spirit--therefore, it is most certain that a true voice causes
deep pleasure. What is music? It is a combination of harmonious
sounds. What is poetry? It is a symmetrical collection of
words.Therefore, they are pleasing through harmony and rhythm. Poetry
is much more effective and complete than prose. It stirs more
deeply, for it is of a finer composition.A fine voice when joined to beautiful music causes a great
effect, for both are desirable and pleasing. All these have in
themselves an organization, and are constructed on natural law.
Therefore, they correspond to the order of existence like
something which would fit into a mold. A true voice fits into
the mold of nature. When it is so, this affects the nerves, and
they affect the heart and spirit.In the world of existence physical things have a connection
with spiritual realities. One of these things is the voice,
which connects itselfwith the spirit; and the spirit can be uplifted by this means
--for though it is a physical thing, it is one of the material,
natural organizations-- therefore, it is effective.
All forms when understood aright gladden the spirit.
Melodies are like water. The voice is like a goblet. The pure
water in a pure glass is pleasing. Therefore, it is acceptable.
But even though the water be pure, if it be in a goblet which
is not so, this receptacle will make it unacceptable.
Therefore, a faulty voice even though the music be good, is
unpleasing. In short: melodies, though they are material, are
connected with the spiritual, therefore, they produce a great
effect. A certain kind of melody makes the spirit happy,
another kind makes it sad, another excites it to action. All
these feelings can be caused by voice and music, for through
the nerves it moves and stirs the spirit. Even over animals,
music has an effect. For example: When they wish to take a
camel over a desert road, they attach to him some bells, or
they play upon a flute, and this sound prevents him from
realizing the fatigue of the journey; his nerves are affected,
but he does not have an increase of thought, he feels nothing
but physical sensation. Whatever is in the heart of man,
melody moves and awakens. If a heart full of good feelings and
a pure voice are joined together, a great effect is produced.
For instance: if there be love in the heart, through melody, it
will increase until its intensity can scarcely be borne; but if
bad thoughts are in the heart, such as hatred, it will increase
and multiply. For instance: the music used in war awakens the
desire for bloodshed. The meaning is that melody causes
whatever feeling is in the heart to increase. Some feelings
occur accidentally and some have a foundation. For example:
some people are naturally kind, but they may be accidentally
upset by a wave of anger. But if they hear music, the true nature will
reassert itself. Music really awakens the real,natural nature, the individual essence. With whatever purpose
you listen to music, that purpose will be increased. For
instance: there will be a concert given for the poor and
unfortunate, and if you go there thinking of the aim, the music
will increase your compassion and generosity. This is the
reason why music isused in war. And so it is with all the things that cause the
excitation of the nerves. (`Abdu'l-Bahá'í words to Mrs. Mary
L. Lucas, as quoted in "A Brief Account of My Visit to Acca"
(Chicago: Bahá'í Publishing Society, 1905), pp. 11-14)
From Letters Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi1423. With regard to singing some of the hymns written by
Mrs...., he thinks that it would be a splendid idea and when
Mrs. Lua Getsinger was living with the Master's family, she
often sang them and tried to teach them to the small children
in the family. (22 March 1928 to an individual believer)
1424. He thinks that it would especially be beautiful to see
little children singing them in groups.... (22 March 1928 to
an individual believer)1425. The Guardian values the hymns that you are so beautifully
composing. They certainly contain the realities of the Faith,
and will indeed help you to give the Message to the young ones.
It is the music which assists us to affect the human spirit; it
is an important means which helps us to communicate with the
soul. The Guardian hopes that through this assistance you will
give the Message to the people, and will attract their hearts.
(15 November 1932 to an individual believer, cited in "Baha'i
News" 71 (February 1933), p. 2)1426. In regard to the main question you have raised in
connection with the singing of hymns at Bahá'í meetings: He
wishes me to assure you that he sees no objection to it
whatsoever. The element of music is, no doubt, an important
feature of all Bahá'í gatherings. The Master Himself has
emphasized its importance. But the friends should in this, as
well as in all other things, not pass beyond the limits of
moderation, and should take great care to maintain the strict
spiritual character of all their gatherings. Music should lead
to spirituality, and provided it creates such an atmosphere
there can be no objection against it.A distinction of vital importance should, however, be
clearly established between the singing of hymns composed by
the believers and the chanting of the Holy Utterances.
(17 March 1935 to an individual believer)1427. With regard to your question concerning the use of music
in the Nineteen Day Feasts, he wishes you to assure all the
friends that he not only approves of such a practice, but
thinks it even advisable that the believers should make use, in
their meetings, of hymns composed by Bahá'ís themselves, and
also of such hymns, poems and chants as are based on the Holy
Words. (7 April 1935 to an individual believer)1428. Although now is only the very beginning of Bahá'í art,
yet the friends who feel they are gifted in such matters should
endeavour to develop and cultivate their gifts and through
their works to reflect, however inadequately, the Divine Spirit
which Bahá'u'lláh has breathed into the world.1429. Music, as one of the arts, is a natural cultural
development, and the Guardian does not feel that there should
be any cultivation of "Bahá'í Music" any more than we are
trying to develop a Bahá'í school of painting or writing. The
believers are free to paint, write and compose as their talents
guide them. If music is written, incorporating the sacred
writings, the friends are free to make use of it, but it should
never be considered a requirement at Bahá'í meetings to have
such music. The further away the friends keep from any set
forms, the better, for they must realize that the Cause is
absolutely universal, and what might seem a beautiful addition
to their mode of celebrating a Feast, etc., would perhaps fall
on the ears of people of another country as unpleasant sounds--and vice
versa. As long as they have music for its own sake it
is all right, but they should not consider it Bahá'í music.
(20 July 1946 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States and Canada)1430. Instrumental music may be used at the Bahá'í Feasts.
|PPg_821431. As regards producing a book of Bahá'í songs, your
understanding that there is no cultural expression which could
be called Bahá'í at this time (distinctive music, literature,
art, architecture, etc., being the flower of the civilization
and not coming at the beginning of a new Revelation), is
correct. However, that does not mean that we haven't Baha'i
songs, in other words, songs written by Bahá'ís on Baha'i
subjects.... (21 September 1957 to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the United States)1432. You should try and work out the questions about songs
with the Reviewing Committee or the National Spiritual
Assembly. A Bahá'í can write songs, mentioning the Faith. This
is not "Bahá'í Music", but music in which the Faith is mentioned. This is
probably what the National SpiritualAssembly meant. (24 October 1957 to an individual believer)
(Prepared for inclusion with a letter dated 1 March 1972
written by the Universal House of Justice to all National
Spiritual Assemblies)1433. Regarding the establishment of "National Assemblies", it
is of vital importance that in every country, where the
conditions are favourable and the number of the friends has
grown and reached a considerable size, such as America, Great
Britain and Germany, that a "National Spiritual Assembly" be
immediately established, representative of the friends
throughout that country.Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, unify and co-ordinate,
by frequent personal consultations, the manifoldactivities of the friends as well as the local Assemblies; and
by keeping in close and constant touch with the Holy Land,
initiate measures, and direct in general the affairs of the
Cause in that country. It serves also another purpose, no less
essential than the first, as in the course of time it shall
evolve into the National House of Justice (referred to in
`Abdu'l-Bahá'í Will as the "secondary House of Justice"), which
according to the explicit text of the Testament will have, in
conjunction with the other National Assemblies throughout the
Bahá'í world, to elect directly the members of the
International House of Justice, that Supreme Council that will
guide, organize and unify the affairs of the Movement
throughout the world.It is expressly recorded in `Abdu'l-Bahá'í Writings that
these National Assemblies must be indirectly elected by the
friends; that is, the friends in every country must elect a
certain number of delegates, who in their turn will elect from
among all the friends in that country the members of the
National Spiritual Assembly....This National Spiritual Assembly, which pending the
establishment of the Universal House of Justice will have to be
re-elected once a year, obviously assumes graveresponsibilities, for it has to exercise full authority over
all the local Assemblies in its province, and will have to
direct the activities of the friends, guard vigilantly the
Cause of God, and control and supervise the affairs of the
Movement in general.With it too rests the decision whether a certain point at
issue is strictly local in its nature, and should be reserved
for the consideration and decision of the local Assembly, or
whether it should fall under its own province and be regarded
as a matter which ought to receive its special attention. The
National Spiritual Assembly will also decide upon such
|PPg_86matters which in its opinion should be referred to the Holy
Land for consultation and decision.(From a letter dated 12 March 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá'ís of America,
Australasia, France, Germany, British Isles, Italy, Japan and
Switzerland, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected
Messages 1922-1932" [rev. ed.], (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing
Trust, 1980), pp. 39-41)1434. It is, I firmly believe, of the utmost urgent importance
that, with unity of purpose and action firmly established in
our midst, and with every trace of the animosity and mistrust
of the past banished from our hearts, we should form one united
front, and combat, wisely and tactfully, every force that might
darken the spirit of the Movement, cause division in its ranks,
and narrow it by dogmatic and sectarian belief.It is primarily upon the elected members of the National Spiritual
Assemblies throughout the Bahá'í world that thishighly important duty devolves, as in their hands the direction
and management of all spiritual Bahá'í activities have been
placed and centralized, and as they constitute in the eyes of
the people of their country the supreme body in that land that
officially represents, promotes and safeguards the various
interests of the Cause. It is my fervent prayer and my most
cherished desire that the unfailing guidance of Bahá'u'lláh and
the blessings of our beloved Master will enable them to set a
high and true example to all other Bahá'í institutions and
Local Assemblies, and will show them what absolute harmony,
mature deliberation and whole-hearted co-operation can achieve.
Should such a representative and responsible body fail to
realize this fundamental requisite for all successful
achievement, the whole structure is sure to crumble, and the
Great Plan of the Future, as unfolded by the Master's Will and
Testament, will be rudely disturbed and grievously delayed.
(From a letter dated 9 April 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and
Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932" pp. 45-46)1435. Regarding the method to be adopted for the election of
the National Spiritual Assemblies, it is clear that the text of
the Beloved's Testamentgives us no indication as to the manner in which these
Assemblies are to be elected. In one of His earliest Tablets,
however, addressed to a friend in Persia, the following is
expressly recorded:"At whatever time all the beloved of God in each country
appoint their delegates, and these in turn elect their
representatives, and these representatives elect a body, that
body shall be regarded as the Supreme Baytu'l-'Adl (Universal
House of Justice)". These words clearly indicate that a
three-stage election has been provided by `Abdu'l-Bahá for the
formation of the International House of Justice, and as it is
explicitly provided in His Will and Testament that the
"Secondary Houses of Justice (i.e. National Assemblies) must
elect the members the Universal One", it is obvious that the
members of the National Spiritual Assemblies will have to be
indirectly elected by the body of the believers in their
respective provinces....Should the appointing of the delegates be made a part of
the functions of Local Spiritual Assemblies, who are already
elected bodies, the principle of a four-stage election would be
introduced, which would be at variance with the provisions
explicitly laid down in the Master's Tablet. On the other hand,
were the Local Spiritual Assemblies, the number of whose
members is strictly confined to nine, to elect directly the
members of the National Spiritual Assembly--thus maintaining
the principle of a three-stage election--all Bahá'í localities,
which must necessarily differ in numerical strength, would then
have to share equally in the election of the National Spiritual
Assembly--a practice which would be contrary to fairness and
justice. Moreover, the central principle guiding for the
present the administration of the Cause has been to make the
Bahá'í National Spiritual Assemblies as independent as possible
in the conduct of such affairs as fall within their province,
and to lessen the hampering influence of any institution within
their jurisdiction that might, whether directly or indirectly,
impair their authority and prestige.(From a letter dated 12 May 1925 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and
Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932", pp. 84-85)1436. High aims and pure motives, however laudable in
themselves, will surely not suffice if unsupported by measures
that are practicable and methods that are sound. Wealth of
sentiment, abundance of goodwill andeffort, will prove of little avail if we should fail to
exercise discrimination and restraint and neglect to direct
their flow along the most profitable channels. The unfettered
freedom of the individual should be tempered with mutual
consultation and sacrifice, and the spirit of initiative and
enterprise should be reinforced by a deeper realization of the
supreme necessity for concerted action and a fuller devotion to
the common weal.It would be impossible at this stage to ignore the
indispensability or to overestimate the unique significance of
the institution of the National Spiritual Assembly--the pivot
round which revolve the activities of the believers throughout
the American continent. Supreme is their position, grave their
responsibilities, manifold and arduous their duties. How great
the privilege, how delicate the task of the assembled delegates
whose function it is to elect such national representatives as
would by their record of service ennoble and enrich the annals
of the Cause! If we but turn our gaze to the highqualifications of the members of Bahá'í Assemblies, as
enumerated in `Abdu'l-Bahá'í Tablets, we are filled with
feelings of unworthiness and dismay, and would feel truly
disheartened but for the comforting thought that if we rise to
play nobly our part every deficiency in our lives will be more
than compensated by the all-conquering spirit of His grace and
power. Hence it is incumbent upon the chosen delegates to
consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and
irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only
those who can best combine the necessary qualities of
unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained
mind, of recognized ability and mature experience. May the
incoming National Spiritual Assembly --the privileged and
chosen servants of the Cause--immortalize their term of
stewardship by deeds of loving service, deeds that will redound
to the honour, the glory and the power of the Most Great Name.
(From a letter dated 3 June 1925 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the delegates and visitors at the Convention of the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published
in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932" pp.
87-88)1437. The administrative machinery of the Cause having now
sufficiently evolved, its aim and object fairly well grasped
and understood, and its method and working made more familiar
to every believer, I feel the time is ripe when it should be
fully and consciously utilized to further thepurpose for which it has been created. It should, I strongly
feel, be made to serve a twofold purpose. On one hand, it
should aim at a steady and gradual expansion of the Movement
along lines that are at once broad, sound and universal; and on
the other, it should ensure the internal consolidation of the
work already achieved. It should both provide the impulse
whereby the dynamic forces latent in the Faith can unfold,
crystallize, and shape the lives and conduct of men, and serve
as a medium for the interchange of thought and the
co-ordination of activities among the divers elements that
constitute the Bahá'í community.Such in their broad outline are the guiding principles
which those who have been placed in charge of theadministration of the affairs of the Cause should at present
endeavour to promote, explain and securely establish. Nothing
short of the spirit of unwavering faith, of continuous
vigilance and patient endeavour can hope to secure eventually
the realization of this our cherished desire.May America's national representatives arise with clear
vision, with unswerving determination and renewed vigour to
carry out in its entirety the sacred task they have purposed to
perform. (From a letter dated 11 May 1926 written by Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States
and Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected
Messages 1922-1932", pp. 109-110)1438. Now that the N.S.A. has been properly constituted and its
officers duly appointed, it is incumbent upon each and all to
introduce and promote such measures as will consolidate the
work that you have so well begun. The institution of the
National Fund, a Bahá'í Bulletin similar to the News Letter
issued by the American N.S.A., a vigorous and well-conceived
campaign of Teaching, a continuous and purposeful endeavour to
co-ordinate the activities of the Local Assemblies and groups
throughout India and Burma and the sending of detailed and
frequent reports to the Holy Land are among the most primary
and urgent requirements of the new day that has dawned upon
India. I eagerly await your reports and assure you of my
continued prayers for the success of your arduous labours.
(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter dated
28 October 1926 written on his behalf to the National Spiritual
Assembly of India andBurma, published in "Dawn of a New Day" (New Delhi: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, n.d. [1970]), pp. 1415)1439. I wish to reaffirm, in clear and categorical language,
the principle already enunciated upholding the supreme
authority of the National Assembly in all matters that affect
the interests of the Faith in that land. There can be no
conflict of authority, no duality under any form or
circumstances in any sphere of Bahá'í jurisdiction whether
local, national or international. The National Assembly,
however, although the sole interpreter of its Declaration of
Trust and by-laws, is directly and morally responsible if it
allows any body or institution within its jurisdiction to abuse
its privileges or to decline in the exercise of its rights and
prerogatives. It is the trusted guardian and the mainspring of
the manifold activities and interests of every national
community in the Bahá'í world. It constitutes the sole link
that binds these communities to the International House of
Justice--the supreme administrative body in the Dispensation of
Bahá'u'lláh. (In the hand writing of Shoghi Effendi, appended
to a letter dated 11 June 1934 written on his behalf to the
National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada)
1440. ...the Guardian was very pleased to learn of the progress
made by the Indian National Spiritual Assembly in its efforts
to consolidate, widen and maintain the scope of its national
activities. The difficulties in your way are tremendous. The
differences of language and of social and intellectual
background do, undoubtedly, render the work somewhat difficult
to carry out and may temporarily check the efficient and smooth
working of the national administrative machinery of the Faith.
They, nevertheless, impart to the deliberations of the National
Assembly a universality which they would be otherwise lacking,
and give to its members a breadth of view which is their duty
to cultivate and foster. It is not uniformity which we should
seek in the formation of any National or Local Assembly. For
the bedrock of the Bahá'í administrative order is the principle
of unity in diversity, which has been so strongly and so
repeatedly emphasized in the writings of the Cause. Differences
which are not fundamental and contrary to the basic teachings
of the Cause should be maintained, while the underlying unity
of the administrativeorder should be at any cost preserved and ensured. Unity, both
of purpose and of means, is, indeed, indispensable to the safe
and speedy working of every Assembly, whether local or
national.(From a letter dated 2 January 1934 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma,
published in "Dawn of a New Day" pp. 47-48)1441. With regard to your question concerning the right of a
member of the National Spiritual Assembly to disclose to that
body any facts which he possesses as a member of a Local
Spiritual Assembly, the Guardian thinks that the adequate
presentation of all such facts is not only the right but the
duty of every member of the National Spiritual Assembly. It is,
indeed, the responsibility of every conscientious and loyal
believer who has the privilege of being a member of the
National Spiritual Assembly to provide for the general
information of his co-workers in that body, all the facts which
the latter requires for the study and settlement of the cases
under its consideration. (From a letter dated 14 January 1935
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual
Assembly of India and Burma)1442. The formation of every new National Assembly must,
indeed, be viewed as a step forward in the evolution of the
Administration of the Faith. And not until a sufficient number
of such National Assemblies has been duly constituted can there
be any hope for the future expansion of the Cause.
(From a letter dated 26 March 1934 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer, published in "Bahá'í News"
91 (April 1935), p. 15)1443. With regard to your question as to the advisability of
disclosing to an individual believer the contents of the
National Spiritual Assembly's correspondence: The Guardian
thinks that although this cannot be considered as constituting
an obligation which a believer can impose upon the national
body, yet it would seem highly advisable that the National
Spiritual Assembly should give a sympathetic consideration to
any such request made to it by a believer. This, he feels,
would avoid giving the impression that the Assembly is working
in an atmosphere of complete secrecy, and that it is motivated
by dictatorial motives. The finaldecision in such matters, however, is entirely left to the
discretion of the National Spiritual Assembly. The basic
principle that should always be remembered is that the National
Spiritual Assembly cannot be required to reveal to any outsider
all the details concerning its work. It may choose to do so if
it wishes, but nobody has the right to enforce upon it any such
action. This is, of course, the purely legal side of the
question. But a purely legalistic attitude in matters affecting
the Cause, particularly now that the Faith is still in a state
of infancy, is not only inadequate but fraught with unforeseen
dangers and difficulties. The individuals and Assemblies must
learn to co-operate and to co-operate intelligently, if they
desire to adequately discharge their duties and obligations
towards the Faith. And no such co-operation is possible without
mutual confidence and trust.(From a letter dated 19 June 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New
Zealand, published in "Letters from the Guardian to Australia
and New Zealand, 1923-1957" (Sydney: National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia, 1970), p. 9)
1444. ...Shoghi Effendi wishes to urge once more your Assembly
to give careful and sympathetic consideration to this case,
which has already engaged their attention for several months.
The situation must be carefully studied, and all its aspects
thoroughly investigated, and a decision should be reached and
fearlessly and immediately carried out. Too much delay does not
only harm the interests of the petitioner but will, in
addition, have the effect of detracting from the authority and
prestige of your Assembly. (From a letter dated 12 August 1935
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual
Assembly of India and Burma)1445. The evolution of the Plan imposes a threefold obligation,
which all individual believers, all Local Assemblies, as well
as the National Assembly itself, must respectively recognize
and conscientiously fulfil. Each and every believer, undaunted
by the uncertainties, the perils and the financial stringency
afflicting the nation, must arise and ensure, to the full
measure of his or her capacity, that continuous and abundant
flow of funds into the national Treasury, on which the
successful prosecution of the Plan must chiefly depend. Upon
the Local Assemblies, whose special function and high privilege
is to facilitate the admission of new believersinto the community, and thereby stimulate the infusion of fresh
blood into its organic institutions, a duty no less binding in
character devolves. To them I wish particularly to appeal, at
this present hour, when the call of God is being raised
throughout the length and breadth of both continents in the New
World, to desist from insisting too rigidly on the minor
observances and beliefs, which might prove a stumbling-block in
the way of any sincere applicant, whose eager desire is to
enlist under the banner of Bahá'u'lláh. While conscientiously
adhering to the fundamental qualifications already laid down,
the members of each and every Assembly should endeavour, by
their patience, their love, their tact and wisdom, to nurse,
subsequent to his admission, the newcomer into Bahá'í maturity,
and win him over gradually to the unreserved acceptance of
whatever has been ordained in the teachings. As to the National
Assembly, whose inescapable responsibility is to guard the
integrity, co-ordinate the activities, and stimulate the life, of the entire
community, its chief concern, at the presentmoment, should be to anxiously deliberate as how best to enable
both individual believers and Local Assemblies to fulfil their
respective tasks. Through their repeated appeals, through their
readiness to dispel all misunderstandings and remove all
obstacles, through the example of their lives, their unrelaxing
vigilance, their high sense of justice, their humility,
consecration and courage, they must demonstrate to those whom
they represent their capacity to play their part in the
progress of the Plan in which they, no less than the rest of
the community, are involved. May the all-conquering Spirit of
Bahá'u'lláh be so infused into each component part of this
harmoniously functioning System as to enable it to contribute
its proper share to the consummation of the Plan. (In the
handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter dated 30
January 1938 written on his behalf to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in
"Messages to America: Selected Letters and Cablegrams Addressed
to the Bahá'ís of North America 1932-1946" (Wilmette: Baha'i
Publishing Committee, 1947), pp. 11-12)1446. Such a rectitude of conduct[1] must manifest itself, with
ever-increasing potency, in every verdict which the elected
representatives of the Baha'i[1]... with its implications of justice, equity, truthfulness,
honesty, fair-mindedness, reliability and trustworthiness...
(see "The Advent of Divine Justice", p. 23)community, in whatever capacity they may find themselves, may
be called upon to pronounce....It must be exemplified in the
conduct of all Bahá'í electors, when exercising their sacred
rights and functions.... It must constitute the brightest
ornament of the life, the pursuits, the exertions, and the
utterances of every Bahá'í teacher, whether laboring at home or
abroad, whether in the front ranks of the teaching force, or
occupying a less active and responsible position. It must be
made the hallmark of that numerically small, yet intensely
dynamic and highly responsible body of the elected national
representatives of every Bahá'í community, which constitutes
the sustaining pillar, and the sole instrument for the
election, in every community, of that Universal House whose
very name and title, as ordained by Bahá'u'lláh, symbolizes
that rectitude of conduct which is its highest mission to
safeguard and enforce.So great and transcendental is this principle of Divine
justice, a principle that must be regarded as the crowning
distinction of all Local and National Assemblies, in their
capacity as forerunners of the Universal House of Justice, that
Bahá'u'lláh Himself subordinates His personal inclination and
wish to the all-compelling force of its demands and
implications. "God is My witness!" He thus explains, "were it
not contrary to the Law of God, I would have kissed the hand of My
would-be murderer, and would cause him to inherit My earthly
goods. I am restrained, however, by the binding Law laid down
in the Book, and am Myself bereft of all worldlypossessions.""Know thou, of a truth," He significantly affirms,
"these great oppressions that have befallen the world are
preparing it for the advent of the Most Great Justice." "Say,"
He again asserts, "he hath appeared with that Justice
wherewith mankind hath been adorned, and yet the people are,
for the most part, asleep." "The light of men is Justice, "He
moreover states, "(Quench it not with the contrary winds of
oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the
appearance of unity among men." "No radiance," He declares,
"can compare with that of justice. The organization of the
world and the tranquility of mankind depend upon it." "O people
of God!" He exclaims, "That which traineth the world is
Justice, for it is upheld by two pillars, reward and
punishment. These two pillars are the sources of life to the
world.... Small wonder, therefore, that the Author of the
Bahá'í Revelation should have chosen to associate the name and
title of that House, which is to be the crowning glory of His
administrative institutions, not withforgiveness but with justice, to have made justice the only
basis and the permanent foundation of His Most Great Peace, and
to have proclaimed it in His Hidden Words as "the (best beloved
of all things" in His sight.("The Advent of Divine Justice" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing
Trust, 1984), pp. 26-29)1447. In countries where the local Bahá'í communities had
sufficiently advanced in number and in influence measures were
taken for the initiation of National Assemblies, the pivots
round which all national undertakings must revolve. Designated
by `Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will as the "(Secondary Houses of
Justice," they constitute the electoral bodies in the formation
of the International House of Justice, and are empowered to
direct, unify, coordinate and stimulate the activities of
individuals as well as local Assemblies within their
jurisdiction. Resting on the broad base of organized local
communities, themselves pillars sustaining the institution
which must be regarded as the apex of the Bahá'í Administrative
Order, these Assemblies are elected, according to the principle
of proportional representation, by delegates representative of
Bahá'í local communities assembled at Convention during the
period of the Ridvan Festival; are possessed of the necessary
authority to enable them to insure the harmonious and efficient
development of Bahá'í activity within their respective spheres;
are freed from all direct responsibility for their policies and
decisions to their electorates; are charged with the sacred
duty of consulting the views, of inviting the recommendations
and of securing the confidence and cooperation of the delegates
and of acquainting them with their plans, problems and actions; and are
supported by the resources of national funds to which
all ranks of the faithful are urged to contribute....
("God Passes By", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust,
1987), pp. 332-333)1448. Now that you have been elected to the National Spiritual
Assembly he feels that this offers you your greatest field of
service at the present time. Every other work for the Cause
should be subordinated to this, and you should conserve your
strength for this work--if you feel you have not enough to go
around to all the other tasks as well! Your long and devoted
services to the Cause have all been a training and preparation
|PPg_96for wider activities, and this election to the N.S.A. itself is
a preparation, he hopes, for still greater work in the future.
(From a letter dated 28 July 1944 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1449. He was very happy to see that changes had been made in
the membership of the National Spiritual Assembly this year,
not from any reasons of personality, but because change itself
is good and brings a fresh outlook into the discussions of any
Assembly. He was also pleased to see that these changes
involved more younger people being on the National Spiritual
Assembly; with the tremendous amount of work which this second
Seven Year Plan is going to involve, this will be a great help
to the older members of that body.(From a letter dated 21 May 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1450. We should respect the National Spiritual Assembly and the
Local Spiritual Assembly because they are institutions founded
by Bahá'u'lláh. It has nothing to do with personality, but is
far above it. It will be a great day when the friends, on and
off the Assemblies, come to fully grasp the fact that it is not
the individuals on an Assembly which is important, but the
Assembly as an institution.(From a letter dated 7 July 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1451. The Guardian regrets that, in the light of the Master's
statement that the deliberations of Assemblies must be secret
and confidential, it is not possible to have a non-Assembly
member in the National Spiritual Assembly meeting. You must
always remember that, in matters of principle, there can be no
deviation; in America it may be possible for you to find a
wholly trustworthy believer; but if your Assembly is permitted
to have non-Assembly secretaries present, then the same
privilege must be accorded oriental and Latin American
Assemblies; and can these other countries be assured of finding
people of the calibre you have found? Highly personal subjects,
damaging to the honour and happiness of others, are often taken up by
National Assemblies, and the danger that confidence will
be betrayed is already great enough with the 9 chosen
|PPg_97representatives of the whole Community, let alone introducing
non-Assembly members. You will just have to make your minutes a
little more compact and sacrifice, if necessary, a certain
amount of efficiency in order to follow this very important
principle.(From a letter dated 5 July 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States)1452. EVIDENCES INCREASING HOSTILITY WITHOUT PERSISTENT
MACHINATIONS WITHIN FORESHADOWING DIRE CONTEST DESTINED
RANGE ARMY LIGHT FORCES DARKNESS BOTH SECULAR RELIGIOUS
PREDICTED UNEQUIVOCAL LANGUAGE `Abdu'l-Bahá NECESSITATE
THIS CRUCIAL HOUR CLOSER ASSOCIATION HANDS FIVE CONTINENTS
BODIES ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES NATIONAL Bahá'í COMMUNITIES
WORLD OVER JOINT INVESTIGATION NEFARIOUS ACTIVITIES INTERNAL
ENEMIES ADOPTION WISE EFFECTIVE MEASURES COUNTERACT THEIR
TREACHEROUS SCHEMES PROTECT MASS BELIEVERS ARREST SPREAD
EVIL INFLUENCE. CALL UPON HANDS NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES EACH
CONTINENT SEPARATELY ESTABLISH HENCEFORTH DIRECT CONTACT
DELIBERATE WHENEVER FEASIBLE AS FREQUENTLY POSSIBLE
EXCHANGE REPORTS TO BE SUBMITTED THEIR RESPECTIVE AUXILIARY
BOARDS NATIONAL COMMITTEES EXERCISE UNRELAXING VIGILANCE
CARRY OUT UNFLINCHINGLY SACRED INESCAPABLE DUTIES. SECURITY
PRECIOUS FAITH PRESERVATION SPIRITUAL HEALTH BAHA'I
COMMUNITIES VITALITY FAITH ITS INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS PROPER
FUNCTIONING ITS LABORIOUSLY ERECTED INSTITUTIONS FRUITION
ITS WORLD-WIDE ENTERPRISES FULFILMENT ITS ULTIMATE DESTINY
ALL DIRECTLY DEPENDENT BEFITTING DISCHARGE WEIGHTY
RESPONSIBILITIES NOW RESTING MEMBERS THESE TWO INSTITUTIONS
OCCUPYING WITH UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE NEXT INSTITUTION
GUARDIANSHIP FOREMOST RANK DIVINELY ORDAINED ADMINISTRATIVE
HIERARCHY WORLD ORDER Bahá'u'lláh.(From a cable dated 4 July 1957 sent by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, published
in "Messages to the Bahá'í World 1950-1957" (Wilmette: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, 1971), p. 123)1453. Hitherto the National Convention has been primarily
called together for the consideration of the various
circumstances attending the election of the National Spiritual
Assembly. I feel, however, that in view of the expansion and
the growing importance of the administrative sphere of the
Cause, the general sentiments and tendencies prevailing among
the friends, and the signs of increasing interdependence among
the National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world, the
assembled accredited representatives of the American believers should
exercise not only the vital and responsible right of
electing the National Assembly, but should also fulfil the
functions of an enlightened, consultative and co-operative body
that will enrich the experience, enhance the prestige, support
the authority, and assist the deliberations of the National
Spiritual Assembly. It is my firm conviction that it is the
bounden duty, in the interests of the Cause we all love and
serve, of the members of the incoming National Assembly, once
elected by the delegates at Convention time, to seek and have
the utmost regard, individually as well as collectively, for
the advice, the considered opinion and the true sentiments of
the assembled delegates. Banishing every vestige of secrecy, of
undue reticence, of dictatorial aloofness, from their midst,
they should radiantly and abundantly unfold to the eyes of the
delegates, by whom they are elected, their plans, their hopes,
and their cares. They should familiarize the delegates with the
various matters that will have to be considered in the current
year, and calmly and conscientiously study and weigh the
opinions and judgments of the delegates. The newly elected
National Assembly, during the few days when the Convention is
in session and after the dispersal of the delegates, should
seek ways and means to cultivate understanding, facilitate and
maintain the exchange of views, deepen confidence, and
vindicate by every tangible evidence their one desire to serve
and advance the common weal. Not infrequently, nay oftentimes,
the most lowly, untutored, and inexperienced among the friends
will, by the sheer inspiring force of selfless and ardent
devotion, contribute a distinct and be the regard paid by those
whom the delegates call upon to serve in high position to this
all-important though inconspicuous manifestation of the
revealing power of sincere and earnest devotion.The National Spiritual Assembly, however, in view of the
unavoidable limitations imposed upon the convening of frequent
and long-standing sessions of the Convention, will have to
retain in its hands the final decision on all matters that
affect the interests of the Cause in America, such as the right
to decide whether any Local Assembly is functioning in
accordance with the principles laid down for the conduct and
the advancement of the Cause. It is my earnest prayer that they
will utilize their highly responsible position, not only for
the wise and efficient conduct of the affairs of the Cause, but
also for the extension and deepening of the spirit of
cordiality and whole-hearted and mutual support in their
co-operation with the body of their co-workers throughout the
land. The seating of delegates to the Convention, i.e. the
right to decide upon the validity of the credentials of the
delegates at a given Convention is vested in the outgoing
National Assembly, and the right to decide who has the voting
privilege is also ultimately placed in the hands of the
National Spiritual Assembly, either when a Local Spiritual
Assembly is for the first time being formed in a given locality
or when differences arise between a new applicant and an
already established Local Assembly. While the Convention is in
session and the accredited delegates have already elected from
among the believers throughout the country the members of the
National Spiritual Assembly for the current year, it is of
infinite value and a supreme necessity that as far as possible
all matters requiring immediate decision should be fully and
publicly considered, and an endeavour be made to obtain after
mature deliberation unanimity in vital decisions. Indeed it has
ever been the cherished desire of our Master `Abdu'l-Bahá that
the friends in their councils, local as well as national,
should by their candour, their honesty of purpose, their
singleness of mind, and the thoroughness of their discussions
achieve unanimity in all things. Should this in certain cases
prove impracticable the verdict of the majority should prevail,
to which decision the minority must under all circumstances
gladly, spontaneously and continually submit. Nothing short of
the all-encompassing, all-pervading power of His Guidance and
Love can enable this newly-enfolded order to gather strength
and flourish amid the storm and stress of a turbulent age, and
in the fullness of time vindicate its high claim to be
universally recognized as the one Haven of abiding felicity and
peace.(From a letter dated 29 January 1925 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and
Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932", pp. 78-80)1454. In connection with the annual holding of the Baha'i
Convention and Congress, I feel that although such a
representative body need not be convened necessarily every
year, yet it is highly desirable, in view of the unique
functions it fulfils in promoting harmony and goodwill, in
removing misunderstandings and in enhancing the prestige of the
Cause, that the National Spiritual Assembly should exert itself
to gather together annually the elected representatives of the
American believers. It would in some ways be obviously
convenient and eminently desirable, though not absolutely
essential, if the National Spiritual Assembly could arrange
that the holding of such a Congress should synchronize with the
time at which the national elections are renewed, and that both
events should take place, if not on the first of Ridvan, at
least during the twelve joyous days of what may be justly
regarded as the foremost Bahá'í Festival. Apart from the local
elections, which universally are to be renewed on the 21st of
April, it is entirely left to the discretion of the National
Spiritual Assembly to decide, after having given due
consideration to the above-mentioned observations, on whatever
time and place the Bahá'í Convention as well as the annual
elections are to be held. Were the National Spiritual Assembly
to decide after mature deliberation to omit the holding of the
Bahá'í Convention and Congress in a given year, then they
could, only in such a case, devise ways and means to ensure
that the annual election of the National Spiritual Assembly
should be held by mail, provided it can be conducted with
sufficient thoroughness, efficiency and dispatch. It would also
appear to me unobjectionable to enable and even to require in
the last resort such delegates as cannot possibly undertake the
journey to the seat of the Bahá'í Convention to send their
votes, for the election of the National Spiritual Assembly
only, by mail to the National Secretary, as in my view the
advantages of such a procedure outweigh the considerations
referred to in your letter. It should however be made clear to
every elected delegate--who should be continually reminded--that
it is a sacred responsibility and admittedly preferable to
attend if possible in person the sessions of the Convention, to
take an active part in all its proceedings, and to acquaint his
fellow-workers on hisreturn with the accomplishments, the decisions, and the
aspirations of the assembled representatives of the American
believers.(From a letter dated 24 October 1925 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and
Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932", pp. 91-92)1455. The Guardian wishes the National Spiritual Assembly to
remind, and make it quite clear to, the believers in that land
that the supreme body in the United States and Canada, whose
privilege and function is to lay down, amend and abrogate the
administrative principles of the Faith with the approval of the
Guardian, is not the Convention, however representative it may
be, but the National Spiritual Assembly. On the other hand, it
is the sacred obligation and the primary function of the
National Assembly not to restrict, under any circumstances, the
freedom of the assembled delegates, whose twofold function is
to elect their national representatives and to submit to them
any recommendations they may feel inclined to make. The
function of the Convention is purely advisory and though the
advice it gives is not binding in its effects on those on whom
rests the final decision in purely administrative matters, yet,
the utmost caution and care should be exercised lest anything
should hamper the delegates in the full and free exercise of
their functions. In discharging this sacred function no
influence whatever, no pressure from any quarter, even though
it be from the National Assembly, should under any
circumstances affect their views or restrict their freedom. The
delegates must be wholly independent of any administrative
agency, must approach their task with absolute detachment and
must concentrate their attention on the most important and
pressing issues.The Guardian believes that the right to elect the Chairman
and the Secretary of the Convention should be vested in the
assembled delegates, lest any objection be raised that the
members of the outgoing National Assembly are seeking to direct
the course of the discussions in a manner that would be
conducive to their own personal interests. The National
Assembly, however, must at all times vigilantly uphold, defend,
justify and enforce the provisions of the Declaration of Trust
and By-Laws, which are binding on the Convention no less than
on themselves. The National Spiritual Assembly has the right to
lay down, enforce and interpret the National Constitution of
the Bahá'ís in that land. It cannot, if it wishes to
|PPg_102remain faithful to that Constitution, lay down any regulations,
however secondary in character, that would in the least hamper
the unrestricted liberty of the delegates to advise and elect
those whom they feel best combine the necessary qualifications
for membership of so exalted a body.Non-delegates, however, according to the Guardian's
considered opinion, should not be given the right to intervene
directly during the sessions of the Convention. Only through an
accredited delegate should they be given indirectly the chance
to voice their sentiments and to participate in the
deliberations of the Convention. Much confusion and
complications must inevitably result, in the days to come, if
such a restriction be not imposed on a gathering which is
primarily intended for the accredited delegates of the Baha'i
communities. Bearing this restriction in mind, it is the duty
of the National Spiritual Assembly to devise ways and means
which would enable them to obtain valuable suggestions, not
only from the total number of the elected delegates, but from
as large a body of their fellow-workers as is humanly possible.
Shoghi Effendi has not departed from any established
administrative principle. He feels he has neither curtailed the
legitimate authority of the National Spiritual Assembly, nor
invested the Convention with undue powers enabling it to rival
or supersede those whom it has to elect. What the Guardian is
aiming at is to remind the friends, more fully than before, of
the two cardinal principles of Bahá'í Administration, namely,
the supreme and unchallengeable authority of the National
Spiritual Assembly in national affairs and working within the
limits imposed by the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, and the
untrammelled freedom of the Convention delegates to advise,
deliberate on the actions, and appoint the successors of their
National Assembly. The Guardian is confident that you will
elucidate and give the widest publicity to these already
established principles, upon which the progress, the unity and
welfare of Bahá'í administrative institutions must ultimately
depend. [Postscript in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi:] The
utmost care and vigilance should be exercised lest any fresh
misunderstandings arise regarding these fundamental issues. The
root principle of Bahá'í Administration is unreservedly
maintained. No departure from its established tenets is contemplated.
The undisputed authority of America's supreme Bahá'í Administrative
Body has beenreaffirmed, while, on the other hand, the untrammelled freedom
of individual believers and delegates to exercise their
functions has been once again reaffirmed and strengthened. On
the continuous and harmonious co-operation of the two leading
Bahá'í institutions in America the growth and success of the
Administration bequeathed by `Abdu'l-Bahá must ultimately
depend. May next year's Convention witness the triumph of these
basic principles. (From a letter dated 12 August 1933 written
on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly
of the United States and Canada)1456. Concerning the status, rights and prerogatives of the
Annual Bahá'í Convention, the Guardian wishes to make it quite
clear to all the believers that this annual meeting of the
delegates is by no means a continuous consultative body all
through the year; that its twofold function of electing the
body of the National Spiritual Assembly, and of offering any
constructive suggestions in regard to the generaladministration of the Cause is limited to a definite period;
and that consequently the opinion current among some of the
believers that the delegates are to serve as a consultative
body throughout the year is at variance with the fundamental,
though as yet unspecified, principles underlying the
Administration. Shoghi Effendi firmly believes that
consultation must be maintained between the National Spiritual
Assembly and the entire body of the believers, and that such a
consultation, when the Convention is not in session, can best
be maintained through the agency of the Local Assemblies, one
of whose essential functions is to act as intermediaries
between the local communities and their nationalrepresentatives. The main purpose of the Nineteen Day Feasts is
to enable individual believers to offer any suggestion to the
Local Assembly, which in its turn will pass it to the National
Spiritual Assembly. The Local Assembly is, therefore, the
proper medium through which local Bahá'í communities can
communicate with the body of the national representatives. The
Convention should be regarded as a temporary gathering, having
certain specific functions to perform during a limited period
of time. Its status is thus limited in time to the Convention
sessions, the function of consultation at all other times being
vested in the entire body of the believers through the Local
Spiritual Assemblies.[Postscript in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi:]
|PPg_104ambiguity, that the annual Convention is not to be regarded as
a body entitled to exercise functions similar to those which an ordinary
parliament possesses under a democratic form ofgovernment. The Administrative Order which lies embedded in the
teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, and which the American believers have
championed and are now establishing, should, under no
circumstances, be identified with the principles underlying
present-day democracies. Nor is it identical with any purely
aristocratic or autocratic form of government, the
objectionable features inherent in each of these political
systems are entirely avoided. It blends, as no system of human
polity has as yet achieved, those salutary truths and
beneficial elements which constitute the valuable contributions
which each of these forms of government have made to society in
the past. Consultation, frank and unfettered, is the bedrock of
this unique Order. Authority is concentrated in the hands of
the elected members of the National Assembly. Power and
initiative are primarily vested in the entire body of the
believers acting through their local representatives. To
generate those forces which must give birth to the body of
their national administrators, and to confer, freely and fully
and at fixed intervals, with both the incoming and outgoing
National Assemblies, are the twofold functions, the supreme
responsibility and sole prerogative of the delegates assembled
in Convention. Nothing short of close and constant interaction
between these various organs of Bahá'í administration can
enable it to fulfil its high destiny. (From a letter dated 18
November 1933 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the
National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada)
1457. Concerning the status of members of the National
Spiritual Assembly at Convention sessions the Guardian feels
that the members of both the incoming and the outgoing
Assemblies should be given the full right to participate in the
Convention discussions. Those members of the National Spiritual
Assembly who have been elected delegates will, in addition to
the right of participation, be entitled to vote. The Guardian
wishes thereby to render more effective the deliberations and
the recommendations of the national representatives. He feels
that the exercise of such a right by the members of the
National Spiritual Assembly will enable them to consult more
fully with the assembled delegates, toexchange fully and frankly with them their views, and to
consider collectively the interests, needs and requirements of
the Cause. This, he believes, is one of the primary functions
of the Convention. (From a letter dated 25 December 1933
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in "Baha'i
News" 81 (February 1934), p. 3)1458. In connection with the circular letter you have sent the
Local Assemblies in order to define the specific rights and
functions of the Annual Bahá'í Convention, and to explain once
more the relationships binding that body to the National
Spiritual Assembly, the Guardian wishes me to again affirm his
view that the authority of the National Spiritual Assembly is
undivided and unchallengeable in all matters pertaining to the
administration of the Faith throughout the United States and
Canada, and that, therefore, the obedience of individual
Bahá'ís, delegates, groups, and Assemblies to that authority is
imperative, and should be whole-hearted and unqualified. He is
convinced that the unreserved acceptance and complete
application of this vital provision of the Administration is
essential to the maintenance of the highest degree of unity
among the believers, and is indispensable to the effective
working of the administrative machinery of the Faith in every
country.co-operate in carrying out the Guardian's instructions on this
point, and with the renewed assurance of his prayers and
supplications on your behalf, and on behalf of your
collaborators in the National Assembly.(From a letter dated 11 June 1934 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States
and Canada)1459. What has given me still greater pleasure is to learn that
the members of this Central Body, which has assumed so grave a
responsibility and is facing such delicate and difficult tasks,
command individually and collectively not only the sympathy of
their spiritual brethren and sisters but also can confidently
rely on their active and whole-hearted support in the campaign
of service to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh. It is indeed as it
should be, for if genuine and sustained co-operation and mutual
confidence cease to exist between individual friends and their
Local andNational Assemblies, the all-beneficent work of the Cause must
cease and nothing else can enable it to function harmoniously
and effectively in future.True, the Cause as every other movement has its own
obstacles, complications and unforeseen difficulties, but
unlike any other human organization it inspires a spirit of
Faith and Devotion which can never fail to induce us to make
sincere and renewed efforts to face these difficulties and
smooth any differences that may and must arise.I look forward with fervent hope to hear of these renewed
efforts on your part and of the strong determination which you
will never suffer to slacken, to maintain at any cost the
unity, the effectiveness and the dignity of the Cause.
(From a letter dated 23 December 1922 written by Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States
and Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected
Messages 1922-1932", p. 28)1460. The need for the centralization of authority in the
National Spiritual Assembly, and the concentration of power in
the various local Assemblies, is made manifest when we reflect
that the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh is still in its age of tender
growth and in a stage of transition; when we remember that the
full implications and the exact significance of the Master's
world-wide Instructions, as laid down in His Will are as yet
not fully grasped, and the whole Movement has not sufficiently
crystallized in the eyes of the world.It is our primary task to keep the most vigilant eye on the
manner and character of its growth, to combat effectively the
forces of separatism and of sectarian tendencies, lest the
Spirit of the Cause be obscured, its unity be threatened, its
Teachings suffer corruption, lest extreme orthodoxy on one
hand, and irresponsible freedom on the other, cause it to
deviate from that Straight Path which alone can lead it to
success.(From a letter dated 12 March 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of America,
Australasia, France, Germany, British Isles, Italy, Japan and
Switzerland, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected
Messages 1922-1932", p. 42)1461. Let us .. . remember that at the very root of the Cause
lies the principle of the undoubted right of the individual to
self-expression, his freedom to declare his conscience and set
forth his views....Let us also bear in mind that the keynote of the Cause of
God is not dictatorial authority, but humble fellowship, not
arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving
consultation. Nothing short of the spirit of a true Bahá'í can
hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and justice, of
freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the
individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion and
prudence on the one hand and fellowship, candour and courage on
the other. The duties of those whom the friends have freely and
conscientiously elected as their representatives are no less
vital and binding than the obligations of those who have chosen
them. Their function is not to dictate, but to consult, and
consult not only among themselves, but as much as possible with
the friends whom they represent. They must regard themselves in
no other light but that of chosen instruments for a more
efficient and dignified presentation of the Cause of God. They
should never be led to suppose that they are the central
ornaments of the body of the Cause, intrinsically superior to
others in capacity or merit, and sole promoters of its
teachings and principles. They should approach their task with
extreme humility, and endeavour by their open-mindedness, their
high sense of justice and duty, their candour, their modesty,
their entire devotion to the welfare and interests of the
friends, the Cause, and humanity, to win not only the confidence and the
genuine support and respect of those whom they should serve, but also
their esteem and real affection.They must at all times avoid the spirit of exclusiveness, the
atmosphere of secrecy, free themselves from a domineering
attitude, and banish all forms of prejudice and passion from
their deliberations. They should, within the limits of wise
discretion, take the friends into their confidence, acquaint
them with their plans, share with them their problems and
anxieties, and seek their advice and counsel. And when they are
called upon to arrive at a certain decision, they should, after
dispassionate, anxious, and cordial consultation, turn to God
in prayer, and with earnestness and conviction and courage
record their vote and abide by the voice of the majority, which
we are told by our Master to be the voice of truth, never to be
challenged, and always to be whole-heartedly enforced. To this
voice the friends must heartily respond,and regard it as the only means that can ensure the protection
and advancement of the Cause.(From a letter dated 23 February 1924 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the Bahá'ís of America, published in "Bahá'í Administration:
Selected Messages 1922-1932" pp. 63-64)1462. The News-Letter which you have lately initiated fulfils a
very vital function and has been started admirably well. I
would urge you to enlarge its scope, as much as your resources
permit, that in time it may devote a special section to every
phase of your activities, administrative, devotional,
humanitarian, financial, educational and otherwise. That it may
attain its object it must combine the essential qualities of
accuracy, reliability, thoroughness, dignity and wisdom. It
should become a great factor in promoting understanding,
providing information on Bahá'í activity both local and
foreign, in stimulating interest, in combating evil influences,
and in upholding and safeguarding the institutions of the
Cause. It should be made as representative as possible, should
be replete with news, up-to-date in its information, and should
arouse the keenest interest among believers and admirers alike
in every corner of the globe. I cherish great hopes for its
immediate future, and I trust you will devote your special
attention to its development, and by devising well-conceived
and world-wide measures transform this News-Letter into what I
hope will become the foremost Bahá'í Journal of the world.
(From a letter dated 10 April 1925 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and
Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932" p. 82)1463. Let it be made clear to every inquiring reader that among
the most outstanding and sacred duties incumbent upon those who
have been called upon to initiate, direct and co-ordinate the
affairs of the Cause are those that require them to win by every
means in their power the confidence and affection of
those whom it is their privilege to serve. Theirs is the duty
to investigate and acquaint themselves with the considered
views, the prevailing sentiments, the personal convictions of
those whose welfare it is their solemn obligation to promote.
Theirs is the duty to purge once for all their deliberations
and the general conduct of their affairs from that air of
self-contained aloofness, from the suspicionof secrecy, the stifling atmosphere of dictatorial
assertiveness, in short from every word and deed that might
savour of partiality, self-centeredness and prejudice. Theirs
is the duty, while retaining the sacred and exclusive right of
final decision in their hands, to invite discussion, provide
information, ventilate grievances, welcome advice from even the
most humble and insignificant member of the Bahá'í Family,
expose their motives, set forth their plans, justify their
actions, revise if necessary their verdict, foster the spirit
of individual initiative and enterprise, and fortify the sense
of interdependence and co-partnership, of understanding and
mutual confidence between them on one hand and all Local
Assemblies and individual believers on the other. (From a
letter dated 18 October 1927 written by Shoghi Effendi to the
National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and
Canada)1464. Regarding the proposed News-Letter ... this, the Guardian
feels, is a splendid idea and can render a unique and
much-needed help to your Assembly in its efforts for the
establishment of the Administration, and the more effective
functioning of its institutions throughout Australia and New
Zealand. It has not only the great advantage of keeping the
friends well informed about the events and developments in the
Cause, but in addition can help in consolidating the organic
unity of the believers by bringing them within the full orbit
of the National Spiritual Assembly's jurisdiction. It is hoped
that this body will do its utmost to maintain the publication
of this bulletin, and will make full use of this splendid
medium for the further widening and consolidation of the
foundations of the Local as well as National Assemblies. (From
a letter dated 23 September 1936 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New
Zealand)1465. This contact between the members of the National Assembly
and the individual believers is certainly of immense value to
the Cause, as it serves to promote, more than any other means,
intelligent co-operation, fellowship and understanding among
the friends. It is the National Spiritual Assembly's
responsibility, therefore, to foster by every means in its
power this growth, and thus help in further consolidating its
authority and prestige in the community. There is nothing that
can inflict upon ita greater harm than the attitude of aloofness, of isolation
from the general body of the believers.It is Shoghi Effendi's hope that the success that has
attended this last session of the National Spiritual Assembly
at San Francisco will stimulate the members to hold their
meetings in as many different centres as possible. He is
fervently praying for their guidance in this matter.
(From a letter dated 4 December 1936 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1466. Before closing there is one suggestion in your letter
which the Guardian wishes me to confirm, namely that it is one
of the vital functions of the National Spiritual Assembly to be
always in touch with local conditions in every community and to
endeavour, through personal contacts and by means of regular
correspondence, to guide the friends, individually and
collectively, in all their activities.(From a letter dated 30 June 1938 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1467. Let every participator in the continent-wide campaign
initiated by the American believers, and particularly those
engaged in pioneer work in virgin territories, bear in mind the
necessity of keeping in close and constant touch with those
responsible agencies designed to direct, coordinate, and
facilitate the teaching activities of the entire community.
Whether it be the body of their elected nationalrepresentatives, or its chief auxiliary institution, the
National Teaching Committee, or its subsidiary organs, the
regional teaching committees, or the local Spiritual Assemblies
and their respective teaching committees, they who labor for
the spread of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh should, through constant
interchange of ideas, through letters, circulars, reports,
bulletins and other means of communication with these
established instruments designed for the propagation of the
Faith, insure the smooth and speedy functioning of the teaching
machinery of their Administrative Order. Confusion, delay,
duplication of efforts, dissipation of energy will, thereby, be
completely avoided, and the mighty flood of the grace of
Bahá'u'lláh, flowing abundantly and without the least
obstruction through these essential channels will so inundate
the hearts and souls ofmen as to enable them to bring forth the harvest repeatedly
predicted by `Abdu'l-Bahá.(Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice", pp. 52-53)
1468. The Guardian is, doubtless, well aware of the existing
imperfections in the administrative machinery of the Cause, but
these, he strongly feels, should be attributed not to the
administrative system itself, but to the administrators of the
Faith, who by reason of their human limitations and
imperfections can never hope to entirely fulfil those ideal
conditions set forth in the Teachings. Many of the existing
defects in the present-day activities of the believers,
however, will as the Community develops and gains in experience
be gradually removed, and healthier and more progressive
conditions prevail. And it is towards the realization of this
high aim that the friends should earnestly and unitedly strive.
The Guardian feels certain that no matter how much your
heart may be afflicted at the sight of the difficulties now
confronting the American Community, and however revolting may
appear to you the attitude and the shortcomings of certain of
its members, you will far from being discouraged be stimulated
to exert every effort in your power to remedy such unhealthy
conditions, confident that in your earnest and sincere attempt
to do so, you will be assisted and guided by the unfailing
confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh.(From a letter dated 14 May 1939 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1469. The Guardian believes that a great deal of the
difficulties from which the believers ... feel themselves to be
suffering are caused by their neither correctly understanding
nor putting into practice the administration. They seem--many
of them--to be prone to continually challenging and criticizing
the decisions of their Assemblies. If the Bahá'ís undermine the
very bodies which are, however immaturely, seeking to
co-ordinate Bahá'í activities and administer Bahá'í affairs, if
they continually criticize their acts and challenge or belittle
their decisions, they not only prevent any real rapid progress
in the Faith's development from taking place, but they repel
outsiders who quite rightly may ask how we ever expect to unite
the whole world when we are so disunited among ourselves!
|PPg_112administration, to obey the Assemblies, and each believer seek
to perfect his own character as a Baha'i. We can never exert
the influence over others which we can exert over ourselves. If
we are better, if we show love, patience, and understanding of
the weaknesses of others; if we seek to never criticize but
rather encourage, others will do likewise, and we can really
help the Cause through our example and spiritual strength. The
Bahá'ís everywhere, when the administration is first
established, find it very difficult to adjust themselves. They
have to learn to obey, even when the Assembly may be wrong, for
the sake of unity. They have to sacrifice their personalities,
to a certain extent, in order that the community life may grow
and develop as a whole. These things are difficult--but we must
realize that they will lead us to a very much greater, more perfect,
way of life when the Faith is properly established
according to the administration.The Guardian would advise you to abide by the decisions of
the National Spiritual Assembly in all matters. If they,
knowing the requirements of the Faith all over India, do not
feel it the time or advisable to publish your writings, you
should accept their decision. Also you should not seek to
publish any books or pamphlets without their sanction.
Concentrate on teaching the Holy Faith, and put your trust in
Bahá'u'lláh. The Guardian will pray for you and all the dear
friends there.(From a letter dated 26 October 1943 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1470. The Bahá'ís are fully entitled to address criticisms to
their Assemblies; they can freely air their views about
policies or individual members of elected bodies to the
Assembly, Local or National, but then they must whole-heartedly
accept the advice or decision of the Assembly, according to the
principles already laid down for such matters in Baha'i
administration.He always has the right to step in and countermand the
decisions of a National Assembly; if he did not possess this
right he would be absolutely impotent to protect the Faith,
just as the National Spiritual Assembly, if it were divested of
the right to countermand the decisions of a LocalAssembly, would be incapable of watching over and guiding the
national welfare of the Bahá'í Community.It is the duty of the National Spiritual Assembly to
exercise the greatest wisdom, forbearance and tact in handling
the affairs of the Cause. Many of the differences which arise
between the believers are due to their immaturity, their
extreme zeal and sincerity.(From a letter dated 13 May 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New
Zealand, published in "Letters from the Guardian to Australia
and New Zealand, 1923-1957", pp.55-57)1471. The N.S.A.s the world over, owing to the spiritual
immaturity of the believers, must at the present time exert the
greatest patience in dealing with the friends; otherwise, as
seems to be rapidly becoming the case in Australia, the friends
will take sides, bitterness will increase and what started out
as a small thing (however unjustified and regrettable a
departure from the Bahá'í spirit) will become a menace to the
progress of the Faith and definitely retard its progress.
(From a letter dated 8 August 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New
Zealand, published in "Letters from the Guardian to Australia
and New Zealand, 1923-1957", p.58)1472. Over and over, in going through the correspondence he
received from your Assembly, he was struck by the fact that the
friends acted so unadministratively. Instead of taking up their
accusations and problems and unhappy feelings with their Local
Assembly, or the National Assembly, they referred to
individuals or individual members of the Assembly, or they
refused to meet with the Assembly. The first thing a believer
should do is to turn to an Assembly--that is why we have
Assemblies! He feels this trouble would never have arisen if
the Bahá'ís utilized their Assemblies as they should....
(From a letter dated 30 June 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and
Austria)1473. The question of your budget, which you have raised in
your letter, is one of great importance. In spite of the
numbers which you representand the enthusiasm of the Bahá'ís, your Assembly must face the
fact that it represents a very poor community, financially. Any
over-ambitious budget, which would place an oppressive
financial burden on the friends, would be highly unwise,
because, unless it is met, it will give them a feeling at the
end of the year of intense frustration.He thinks that what you have outlined is too much. Your
Assembly will have to, particularly during this first year of
its existence, be less ambitious as regards projects involving
money, and devote itself particularly to encouraging the
friends, reinforcing the foundations of the Local Assemblies,
assisting the groups to attain Assembly status, and deepening
in every way it can the education of the African friends in the
Faith. The other National Spiritual Assemblies, as you know,
are having their own problems financially; and, although there
is no objection to appealing to them to give you some help, the
Guardian doubts very much whether they will be in a position to
add very substantially to your funds at this time.
(From a letter dated 6 July 1956 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Central and East
Africa)1474. He appreciates your spirit of devotion to the Faith, but
he feels that you, your husband and ... should comply with the
instructions of the National Spiritual Assembly. There can be
no protection for the Faith unless the friends are willing to
submit to their administrative bodies, especially when these
are acting in good faith; and the individual believers are not
in a position to judge their National Body. If any wrong has
been done, we must leave it in the hands of God, knowing, as
`Abdu'l-Bahá said, that He will right it, and in the mean time
not disrupt the Cause of God by constantly harping on these
matters. (From a letter dated 3 February 1957 written on
behalf of Shoghi1475. He feels that your Assembly must keep before its eyes the
balance specified by Bahá'u'lláh, Himself, in other words,
justice, reward and retribution. Although the Cause is still
young and tender, and many of the believers inexperienced, and
therefore loving forbearance is often called for in the place
of harsh measures, this does not mean that aNational Spiritual Assembly can under any circumstances
tolerate disgraceful conduct, flagrantly contrary to our
Teachings, on the part of any of its members, whoever they may
be and from wherever they may come. You should vigilantly watch
over and protect the interests of the Bahá'í Community, and the
moment you see that any of the Persian residents in Germany,
or, for that matter, German Bahá'ís themselves, are acting in a
way to bring disgrace upon the name of the Faith, warn them,
and, if necessary, deprive them immediately of their voting
rights if they refuse to change their ways. Only in this way
can the purity of the Faith be preserved. Compromise and weak
measures will obscure the vision of its followers, sap its
strength, lower it in the eyes of the public and prevent it
from making any progress. (From a letter dated 14 August 1957
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual
Assembly of Germany and1476. ...as the Movement grows in strength and power the
National Spiritual Assemblies should be encouraged, if
circumstances permit and the means at their disposal justify,
to resort to the twofold method of directly and indirectly
winning the enlightened public to the unqualified acceptance of
the Bahá'í Faith. The one method would assume an open, decisive
and challenging tone. The other, without implying in any manner
the slightest departure from strict loyalty to the Cause of
God, would be progressive and cautious. Experience will reveal
the fact that each of the methods in its own special way might
suit a particular temperament and class of people, and that
each, in the present state of a constantly fluctuating society,
should be judiciously attempted and utilized.It is I feel for the national representatives of the
believers in every land to utilize and combine both methods,
the outspoken as well as the gradual, in such a manner as to
secure the greatest benefit and the fullest advantage for this
steadily-growing Cause....As the Movement extends the bounds of its influence and its
opportunities for fuller recognition multiply, the twofold
character of the obligations imposed on its national elected
representatives should, I feel, be increasingly emphasized.
Whilst chiefly engaged in the pursuit of theirmajor task, consisting chiefly in the formation and the
consolidation of Bahá'í administrative institutions, they
should endeavour to participate, within recognized limits, in
the work of institutions which, though unaware of the claim of
the Bahá'í Cause, are prompted by a sincere desire to promote
the spirit that animates the Faith. In the pursuit of their
major task their function is to preserve the identity of the
Cause and the purity of the mission of Bahá'u'lláh. In their
minor undertaking their purpose should be to imbue with the
spirit of power and strength such movements as in their
restricted scope are endeavouring to achieve what is near and
dear to the heart of every true Baha'i. It would even appear at
times to be advisable and helpful as a supplement to their work
for the Bahá'ís to initiate any undertaking not specifically
designated as Baha'i, provided that they have ascertained that
such an undertaking would constitute the best way of approach
to those whose minds and hearts are as yet unprepared for a
full acceptance of the claim of Bahá'u'lláh. These twofold
obligations devolving upon organized Bahá'í communities, far
from neutralizing the effects of one another or of appearing
antagonistic in their aims, should be regarded as complementary
and fulfilling, each in its way, a vital and necessary
function.It is for the national representatives of the Bahá'í Cause
to observe the conditions under which they labour, to estimate
the forces that are at work in their own surroundings, to weigh
carefully and prayerfully the merits of either procedure, and
to form a correct judgement as to the degree of emphasis that
should be placed upon these twofold methods. Then and only then
will they be enabled to protect and stimulate on one hand the
independent growth of the Bahá'í Faith, and on the other
vindicate the claim of its universal Principles to the doubtful
and unbelieving. (From a letter dated 20 February 1927 written
by Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
United States and Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration:
Selected Messages 1922-1932" pp. 124-127)1477. The Guardian feels that it is a pity that, through the
over-enthusiasm of the official concerned, a school building
was placed at the disposal of the Bahá'ís before any official
decision had been made as to whether it was possible for them
to send a teacher there.We must be very careful in our dealings with the public,
particularly officials, lest we create situations which cause
us embarrassment, and may belittle our prestige in non-Baha'i
eyes.The Guardian attaches the greatest importance to your work;
and is delighted to see that you are carrying on your various
projects with so much enthusiasm and devotion. It would be
ideal if an offer, such as that made, could be accepted; but as
the Cause has so many burdens to bear at this time, we are
forced to do as `Abdu'l-Bahá said--give up the important for
the most important.(From a letter dated 29 December 1951 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the Comite Nacional de Ensenanza Bahá'í para
los indigenas)1478. All donations and contributions should be offered to the
Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express purpose of promoting
the interests of the Cause, throughout that locality or
country. It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and
faithful servant of Bahá'u'lláh, who desires to see His Cause
advance, to contribute freely and generously for the increase
of that Fund. The members of the Spiritual Assembly will at
their own discretion expend it to promote the Teaching
Campaign, to help the needy, to establish educational Baha'i
institutions, to extend in every way possible their sphere of
service....(From a letter dated 12 March 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of America,
Australasia, France, Germany, British Isles, Italy, Japan and
Switzerland, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected
Messages 1922-1932" pp. 41-42)1479. By now the election of the new National Spiritual
Assembly and of its office-bearers will probably be completed.
The office of Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly is
most important and the smooth and efficient working of the
Bahá'í organization in India and Burma will depend to a large
extent on him....It is obvious that to carry out these manifold duties
efficiently, thoroughly and tactfully is no easy task and
Shoghi Effendi greatly hopesthat someone may be found who will be able to devote the
necessary ability, time and energy to carry them out
satisfactorily.(From a letter dated 12 May 1925 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma)
1480. As regards your question whether the president of the
National Spiritual Assembly is entitled to give any ruling
during the period of his tenure, the Guardian wishes me to
state that no such ruling can be valid unless approved by the
other members of the National Assembly. The president has no
special legislative capacity, except as a member of the Assembly.
(From a letter dated 28 February 1937 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and
Burma)1481. In connection with resolution No. 15 recorded in the
minutes of your National Spiritual Assembly: the Guardian
wishes you to make clear to all the believers that membership
in a Bahá'í Assembly or Committee is a sacred obligation which
should be gladly and confidently accepted by every loyal and
conscientious member of the Community, no matter how humble and
inexperienced. Once elected to serve in a given Assembly a
believer's duty is to do his utmost to attend all Assembly
meetings, and co-operate with his fellow-members, unless,
however, he is prevented from doing so by some major reason
such as illness, and even then he should notify the Assembly to
this effect. The National Spiritual Assembly's duty is to urge,
and also facilitate attendance at Assembly meetings. If a
member has no valid reason to justify his repeated absence from
Assembly meetings, he should be advised, and even warned, and
if such warning is deliberately ignored by him, the Assembly
will then have the right to suspend his rights as a voting
member of the Community. Such administrative sanction would
seem to be absolutely imperative and necessary, and while not
tantamount to a complete expulsion of such [a] member from the
Cause, deprives him of any real participation in its
administrative functions and affairs, and is thus a most
effective corrective measure which the Assembly can use against
all such half-hearted and irresponsible individuals in the
Community.(From a letter dated 2 July 1939 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma)
|PPg_1191482. As regards the question of what procedure the Baha'i
Assemblies should adopt when dissatisfied with the services of
any of their officers: Should such dissatisfaction involve the
loyalty of an Assembly officer to the Faith, he should,
following a majority vote, be dismissed. But in case the
dissatisfaction is due to the incompetence of a member, or
simply to a neglect on his part to discharge his duties, this
does not constitute sufficient justification to force his
resignation or dismissal from the Assembly. He should be kept
in office until new elections are held.(From a letter dated 22 November 1940 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
British Isles)1483. Regarding your question concerning the secretary of the
National Spiritual Assembly: There cannot be any permanently
elected secretary who would year after year hold office, as
this would be contrary to the principles of the administration;
however, the Guardian feels that the National Spiritual Assembly
should supply the secretary with a paid helper inorder to enable him to carry on his duties properly and at the
same time pursue his own profession, if that is necessary for
him. In other words the secretary of the National Spiritual
Assembly can have a full-time secretary under him if the work
requires it.(From a letter dated 22 June 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma)
1484. Generally speaking the secretary of an Assembly must be
careful to convey exactly what the majority decision or advice
of the body was. There can surely be no objection to his
putting it in proper terms and clarifying the matter according
to the decision or instruction of the Assembly. But he should
of course not introduce his personal views unless endorsed by
the Assembly.(From a letter dated 19 October 1947 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1485. He was sorry that he felt it necessary to insist that the
secretary of your Assembly must be located in Buenos Aires, so
that the Secretariat can be located in the Headquarters of this
region; this is a general principle which he has insisted the
friends adhere to everywhere. A situation similar to yours
arose in Scandinavia, where the secretary was in Oslo instead
ofStockholm, and a change was necessary there also. As the Ten
Year Crusade unfolds it is increasingly important for the work
to go forward in a uniform manner and according to general
principles applicable to all.(From a letter dated 29 July 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Argentina, Chile,
Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia)1486. I always eagerly await detailed and frequent reports from
the National Assembly and desire strongly its members to meet
as often as possible and actively, efficiently and constantly
direct, co-ordinate and reinforce the activities of the
individuals and Local Assemblies throughout India and Burma. I
thirst for more specific information and urge its secretary to
ensure that every communication from the Holy Land or from any
other Bahá'í centre is promptly and widely distributed. I
assure you of my loving prayers.(From a letter dated 5 March 1925 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma)
1487. Another factor which, in the Guardian's opinion, is
essential to the development of your National Spiritual
Assembly is the holding of frequent meetings. Although the
members are stationed at great distances from one another yet they can
communicate through correspondence. It is notnecessary that all the members should be present in all the
sessions. Those who, for some reason or another, are unable to
attend in person the meetings of the National Spiritual
Assembly can express their views in a written form and send
them to the Assembly. The main point is that your national
activities should not be let to suffer in any way, and its work
be retarded and postponed because of such necessarily
unimportant and secondary considerations.(From a letter dated 2 January 1934 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma)
1488. The Guardian welcomes the step taken by your Assembly to
increasingly devote its meetings to the consideration of major
policies and plans, and to dwell less on matters of detail and
of mere secondary administrative character. He would, however,
urge that all decisions,unless of a trivial and insignificant nature dealing purely
with routine work, should be reached after careful and
conscientious deliberation by all the nine members. Any
tendencies towards decentralization, or the delegation of
authority to any person or body to make decisions on matters
which directly and solely concern the National Spiritual
Assembly itself, would be harmful and should be checked at the
very outset. It is for this very reason, namely to enable the
National Spiritual Assembly to properly and fully discharge its
functions of consultation and deliberation on issues that
concern the national community under its jurisdiction, that its
membership has been limited to nine, so that it may not be too
unwieldy for making decisions that would often require quick
action and mature deliberation by all the members. In order to
safeguard the distinctive character of such a central and
authoritative institution more frequent gatherings would seem
imperative, particularly as the problems which it will be
called upon to deal with are destined to increase in number and
importance with the steady expansion of the Faith in North
America.(From a letter dated 28 January 1939 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States and Canada)1489. Likewise, he feels that the National Spiritual Assembly
should meet more often, even if all members cannot always be
present. Decisions by correspondence lack the vitality of those
that arise out of active consultation, and now the Faith is
progressing so well there, and has a sound administrative
foundation, more vigorous and systematic action is required.
(From a letter dated 16 July 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New
Zealand)1490. Large issues in such spiritual activities that affect the
Cause in general in that land,... far from being under the
exclusive jurisdiction of any Local Assembly or group of
friends, must each be minutely and fully directed by a special
board, elected by the National Body, constituted as a committee
thereof, responsible to it and upon which the National Body
shall exercise constant and general supervision.(From a letter dated 5 March 1922 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United
States and Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration:
Selected Messages 1922-1932, p. 24)1491. I very highly approve of the arrangements you have made
for centralizing the work in your hands and of distributing it
to the various committees, who, each in its own sphere, have so
efficiently and thoroughly undertaken the management of their
own affairs.(From a letter dated 23 December 1922 written by Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States
and Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected
Messages 1922-1932", p. 28)1492. Vital issues, affecting the interests of the Cause in
that country, such as the matter of translation and
publication, the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, the Teaching Work, and
other similar matters that stand distinct from strictly local
affairs, must be under the full jurisdiction of the National
Assembly.It will have to refer each of these questions, even as the
local Assemblies, to a special Committee, to be elected by the
members of the National Spiritual Assembly from among all the
friends in that country, which will bear to it the same
relation as the local committees bear to their respective local
Assemblies.(From a letter dated 12 March 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of America,
Australasia, France, Germany, British Isles, Italy, Japan and
Switzerland, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected
Messages 1922-1932", p. 40)1493. Touching the recent decision of the National Spiritual
Assembly to place as much as possible of the current details of
the work in the hands of its national Committees, I feel I
should point out that this raises a fundamental issue of
paramount importance, as it involves a unique principle in the
administration of the Cause, governing the relations that
should be maintained between the central administrative Body
and its assisting organs of executive and legislative action.
As it has been observed already, the role of these committees
set up by the National Spiritual Assembly, the renewal, the membership and
functions of which should be reconsideredseparately each year by the incoming National Assembly, is
chiefly to make thorough and expert study of the issue
entrusted totheir charge, advise by their reports, and assist in the
execution of the decisions which in vital matters are to be
exclusively and directly rendered by the National Assembly. The
utmost vigilance, the most strenuous exertion is required by
them if they wish to fulfil, as befits their high and
responsible calling, the functions which it is theirs to
discharge. They should, within the limits imposed upon them by
present-day circumstances, endeavour to maintain the balance in
such a manner that the evils of over-centralization which clog,
confuse and in the long run depreciate the value of Baha'i
services rendered shall on one hand be entirely avoided, and on
the other the perils of utter decentralization with the
consequent lapse of governing authority from the hands of the
national representatives of the believers definitely averted.
The absorption of the petty details of Bahá'í administration by
the personnel of the National Spiritual Assembly is manifestly
injurious to efficiency and an expert discharge of Baha'i
duties, whilst the granting of undue discretion to bodies that
should be regarded in no other light than that of expert
advisers and executive assistants would jeopardize the very
vital and pervading powers that are the sacred prerogatives of
bodies that in time will evolve into Bahá'í National Houses of
Justice. I am fully aware of the strain and sacrifice which a
loyal adherence to such an essential principle of Baha'i
administration--a principle that will at once ennoble and
distinguish the Bahá'í method of administration from the
prevailing systems of the world--demands from the national
representatives of the believers at this early stage of our
evolution. Yet I feel I cannot refrain from stressing the broad
lines along which the affairs of the Cause should be
increasingly conducted, the knowledge of which is so essential
at this formative period of Bahá'í administrative institutions.
(From a letter dated 18 October 1927 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and
Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932", pp. 141-142)1494. Aided by national committees responsible to and chosen by
them, without discrimination, from among the entire body of the
believers within their jurisdiction, and to each of which a
particular sphere of Bahá'í service is allocated, these Baha'i
National Assemblies have, as the scope of their activities
steadily enlarged, proved themselves, through the spirit of
discipline which they have inculcated and through their
|PPg_124uncompromising adherence to principles which have enabled them
to rise above all prejudices of race, nation, class and color,
capable of administering, in a remarkable fashion, the
multiplying activities of a newly-consolidated Faith.
Nor have the national committees themselves been less
energetic and devoted in the discharge of their respective
functions. In the defense of the Faith's vital interests, in
the exposition of its doctrine; in the dissemination of its
literature; in the consolidation of its finances; in the
organization of its teaching force; in the furtherance of the
solidarity of its component parts; in the purchase of its
historic sites; in the preservation of its sacred records,
treasures and relics; in its contacts with the various
institutions of the society of which it forms a part; in the
education of its youth; in the training of its children; in the
improvement of the status of its women adherents in the East;
the members of these diversified agencies, operating under the
aegis of the elected national representatives of the Baha'i
community, have amply demonstrated their capacity to promote
effectively its vital and manifold interests....1495. He feels that the Local Assemblies should be encouraged
to realize that National Committees are constituted to serve
their needs, not to dictate arbitrarily to them, and to unify
the work of the Cause which is now spreading so rapidly in the
British Isles. The Committees in question should be very
tactful in dealing with a young Assembly which is beginning to
"feel its oats", as this spirit of independence, if properly
handled, can lead it to be strong and independent rather than
weak and always relying on other bodies to carry it forward!
Assemblies, however, should certainly co-operate with National
Committees and not refuse their assistance.(From a letter dated 5 November 1948 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
British Isles)1496. In regard to your criticism of the Article VIII of the
By-Laws of the N.S.A., the Guardian wishes you to know that
since this is a secondary matter arising out of the general
principles he has already laid down in one of his latest
communications addressed to you and to the N.S.A. concerning
the power of the delegates and the relation of these to the
|PPg_125National Assembly, he does not think it is necessary for him to
enter into these details which by their very nature fall within
the jurisdiction of the N.S.A. It is to that body which you
should submit any criticism, whether in regard to the
provisions of the Constitution, or in connection with any other
phase of the administrative work of the Cause. It is not for
the Guardian to enter into matters of detail. His overwhelming
and pressing duties, and the very nature of his position as the
supreme Guardian of the Faith, make it impossible for him to
interfere in affairs of a local character, and of a relatively
secondary importance. It is for you, as one of the
distinguished members of the highest administrative body of the
Cause in the States, to remind your fellow-members of what is
their duty to consider and to act upon. The Guardian lays down
the general principle, and it is for the National Assembly to
direct all local assemblies and groups as to the best way they
can apply it to their local conditions.(From a letter dated 11 November 1933 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1497. In connection with his cablegram sent in July urging your
Assembly to cease issuing any more statements on various
administrative matters, the Guardian wishes me again to
reiterate and confirm the directions and explanations already
conveyed in one of his recent communications to the National
Spiritual Assembly to the effect that the publication of such
statements no longer fills an urgent need, and that their
multiplication would only result in making the administration
of the Cause too rigid. The various rulings and regulations
recorded in the "Bahá'í Administration" and the supplementary
statements already issued by the National Assembly, he feels,
are for the present sufficiently detailed to guide the friends
in their present-day activities. He himself has in recent years
deliberately refrained from adding any more administrative
regulations, or from even elucidating and elaborating those
already enforced. All the more reason that your Assembly
should, likewise, desist from multiplying the administrative
regulations which, as their number increases, must necessarily
fetter and confuse those who are called upon to carry them out.
It is not necessary for your Assembly to anticipate situations
which have not arisen, and to lay down general rules and
regulations to meet them. It would be wiser to consider every
case individually as it arises, and then to resolve the problem
connected withit in the most suitable and practical manner. The American
believers, as well as their national representatives, must
henceforth direct their attention to the greater and vital
issues which an already established Administration is called
upon to face and handle, rather than allow their energies to be
expended in the consideration of purely secondaryadministrative matters. The Guardian wishes your Assembly to
refer again to the communication already referred to bearing on
this subject.(From a letter dated 25 November 1937 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States and Canada)1498. In reading your annual Convention report the Guardian has
noted the request made that the National Spiritual Assembly
should lay down certain rules of procedure. He has already
informed the American N.S.A. that they should henceforth
refrain from laying down any further rules and regulations, as
these would tend to rigidity the affairs of the Cause and
ultimately obscure its spirit and retard its growth. He feels
that your Assembly should exercise the same care, and avoid
introducing any rules of procedure not already in existence.
Every case coming before the Assembly should be judged on its
own merits, and be decided individually without any recourse to
new rulings.(From a letter dated 29 June 1941 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma)
1499. Now that your Assembly is formed, and is embarking on its
independent existence as a National Body, he wishes to
emphasize a point which he is constantly stressing to other
National Bodies: you must avoid issuing rules and regulations.
The fundamentals laid down in the Bahá'í Administration must,
of course, be adhered to, but there is a tendency for
Assemblies to constantly issue detailed procedures and rules to
the friends, and he considers this hampers the work of the
Cause, and is entirely premature. As far as is possible cases
which come up should be dealt with and settled as they arise,
and not a blanket ruling be laid down to cover all possible
similar cases. This preserves the elasticity of the
Administrative Order and prevents red tape from developing and
hampering the work of the Cause. You must likewise bear in mind
that you are now a wholly independent National Body, and must
consider the administration of the affairs of the Faith within
your jurisdiction as yourseparate problem. There is no more need for you to follow every
single rule laid down by the American N.S.A., than there is for
the British or the Australian and New Zealand N.S.A.s to do
this. Uniformity in fundamentals is essential, but not in every
detail. On the contrary, diversity, the solving of the local
situation in the right way, is important.(From a letter dated 4 November 1948 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada)
1500. He was particularly pleased to see that members of your
Assembly have been out travelling and contacting the friends in
an effort to deepen their understanding of the workings of the
administration and also their knowledge of the Faith in
general. He feels that particularly at present in Latin America
this intimate, loving and friendly approach will do more to
further the work than anything else. Indeed, he would go so far
as to advise your Assembly to avoid deluging the friends with
circulars and unnecessary bulletins. You must always bear in
mind the genuine difference between the peoples of the south
and the peoples of the north; to use the same techniques as those
adopted in the United States would be disastrous because
the mentality and background of life are quite different. Much
as the friends need administration, it must be brought to them
in a palatable form, otherwise they will not be able to
assimilate it and instead of consolidating the work you will
find some of the believers become estranged from it.
(From a letter dated 30 June 1952 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America)
1501. As regards the "Administrative Manual": he urges you to
not add to the rules and regulations, but try to cut down on
these and decide cases as they arise; there is a natural
tendency to codify the teachings and produce handbooks of
procedure, there are not enough Bahá'ís in the whole world to
justify this, and he continuously urges the various National
Spiritual Assemblies to beware of this tendency. He has no
time, at all, to go over such things himself; indeed, your
Assembly, and all the others, will have to assume increasing
responsibility for your work in order to relieve him. He is
worn out with all his work and added material to read. (From a
letter dated 19 June 1953 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America)
|PPg_1281502. He hopes your Assembly will devote special, constant
attention to encouraging the friends in their teaching work,
and facilitate their tasks. As the new National Assemblies are
being formed, he feels it incumbent upon him to issue a word of
warning to avoid rules and regulations and tying the believers'
work up in red tape. Over-administration can be even worse for
the Faith at this time than under-administration. The believers
are, for the most part, young in the Cause, and if they make
mistakes it is not half as important as if their spirit is
crushed by being told all the time --do this and don't do that!
The new National Body should be like a loving parent, watching
over and helping its children, and not like a stern judge,
waiting for an opportunity to display his judicial powers. The
reason he points this out to you is that constantly, for the
past twenty years and more, he has been pointing this out to
the old and tried National Assemblies, and he does not want the
younger bodies to make the same mistakes. Individual cases
should be dealt with as they arise, according to the Teachings,
of which the believers have quite sufficient available to
handle all of their problems at this time, and no more
additional rules and regulations need be introduced.
(From a letter dated 30 June 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska)
1503. The whole purpose of the Bahá'í administrative bodies at
this time is to teach, to increase the membership, to increase
the Assemblies and to increase the groups, not to create rules
and regulations and impede the work through unnecessary red tape, but
to ensure that a great breath of spiritual vitality
and inspiration goes out to the friends from their new National
Body. Your Assembly should constantly bear this in mind,
encourage and stimulate the friends in the teaching field,
smooth out difficulties and misunderstandings and hurt feelings
through love, understanding and wisdom, refrain from harsh
measures, and, above all, from over-organization of the affairs
of the Communities. There is a definite tendency of people
everywhere to try and over-administer, so to speak, and the
beloved Guardian points this out to your Assembly during the
very first year of its existence in order to put it on its
guard against this danger, which will stifle the spiritual life
of the Community. You maybe sure that many, many times he has issued this same warning
to such old and tried National Bodies as that of America,
Germany, England, etc.(From a letter dated 5 July 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Benelux
countries)1504. Your Assembly must be very careful not to overload the
Bahá'ís with rules and regulations, circulars and directions.
The purpose of the administration at this time is to blow on
the fire newly kindled in the hearts of these people who have
accepted the Faith, to create in them the desire and capacity
to teach, to facilitate the pioneer and teaching work, and help
deepen the knowledge and understanding of the friends. The
beloved Guardian issues this word of warning, as long
experience has shown that it is a tendency on the part of all
N.S.A.s to over-administer. In their enthusiasm they forget
that they only have a handful of inexperienced souls to guide,
and attempt to deal with their work as if they had a large
population to regulate! This then stifles the spirit of the
friends and the teaching work suffers.(From a letter dated 15 July 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia)
1505. To facilitate matters and avoid misunderstandings he
prefers to refer you and the individual friends to them. He is
sure that you will obtain full satisfaction by putting the
question to them. The purpose of the Guardian in this is not to
avoid the issue but only to facilitate matters and eliminate
misunderstandings. In all such matters the friends should first
approach the Local, then the National Assembly and only in case
they can obtain no satisfaction should they approach the
Guardian on these matters. This way many difficulties will be
avoided.(From a letter dated 14 November 1932 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, published in "Baha'i
News" 71 (February 1933), p. 2)1506. Anything whatsoever affecting the interests of the Cause
and in which the National Assembly as a body is involved
should, if regarded as unsatisfactory by Local Assemblies or
individual believers, be immediately referred to the National
Assembly itself. Neither the general body of the believers, nor
any Local Assembly, nor even the delegates to the Annual
|PPg_130Convention should be regarded as having any authority to
entertain appeals against the decision of the National
Assembly. Should the matter be referred to the Guardian it will
be his duty to consider it with the utmost care and to decide
whether the issues involved justify him to consider it in
person, or to leave it entirely to the discretion of the
National Assembly.This administrative principle which the Guardian is now
restating and emphasizing is so clear, so comprehensive and
simple that no misunderstanding as to its application, he
feels, can possibly arise. There are no exceptions whatever to
this rule, and the Guardian would deprecate any attempt to
elaborate or dwell any further upon this fundamental and
clearly-enunciated principle. The problems with which the Faith
is now grappling, whether national or international, are so
pressing and momentous that no one among its loyal adherents
can afford to dissipate his precious energies on details
arising from the application of administrative principles, or
even on the perfecting of the machinery of the administration
itself. Purely secondary matters can be postponed until the
primary tasks are performed.(From a letter dated 10 September 1934 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States and Canada)1507. As to your second question relative to the right of a
committee to appeal to the National Spiritual Assembly against
the Local Assembly by which it has been elected, the Guardian
wishes me to inform you that this matter, being of a rather
secondary character involving as it does the application of a
minor administrative regulation, is one for your National
Spiritual Assembly to consider and to decide upon. It is a
matter that should be left to the discretion of your Assembly.
(From a letter dated 14 January 1935 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and
Burma)1508. When the Local Assembly has given its decision in the
matter, you then have the right to appeal, if you wish, to the
National Spiritual Assembly for further consideration of your
case. But before taking such an action it is your duty as a
loyal and steadfast believer to whole-heartedly and
unreservedly accept the National Spiritual Assembly's request
to enter into joint conference with your Local Assembly. You
should haveconfidence that in obeying the orders of your National Assembly
you will not only succeed in solving your own personal problems
with the friends, but will in addition set a noble example
before them.Shoghi Effendi hopes, therefore, that you will follow the
advice and guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly,
confident that the final outcome of all these questions will be
full justice to you and to everybody concerned.(From a letter dated 2 October 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1509. Regarding the matter you mentioned concerning the Chicago
Spiritual Assembly and one of its members: Whenever there is
any infringement of Bahá'í rights, or lapse in the proper
procedure, the friends should take the matter up with the
Assembly concerned, and, if not satisfied, then with the
National Spiritual Assembly. This is both their privilege and
their duty.(From a letter dated 10 July 1942 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1510. Committees should first take up their problems with the
National Spiritual Assembly and seek to solve them
satisfactorily; if they are dissatisfied they have the right to
appeal to the Guardian himself. The Guardian will then decide
whether it is a matter for him to pronounce upon, or if he will
refer it back to the National body. (From a letter dated 28
March 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi1511. Appeal can be made from the Local Assembly's decision to
the National Assembly, and from the National Assembly's
decision to the Guardian. But the principle of authority
invested in our elected bodies must be upheld. This is not
something which can be learned without trial and test....
(From a letter dated 30 June 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and
Austria)1512. He suggests you let the entire matter of your appeal
drop. Unless a very serious major issue is involved (which he
does not feel is the case thistime) to drive these subjects home is far more likely to do the
Cause harm than good. There are many mistakes made, but they
are, for the most part, not serious enough to warrant creating
inharmony and raising issues which lead to endless argument and
discussion, wasting time and energy better spent on creative
action. (From a letter dated 8 December 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1513. The friends have every right to appeal to the Australian
National Assembly and express their views that ... be allowed
to teach people of all races as she has been doing; but in the
mean time she should comply with the wishes of the National
Assembly, because all Bahá'ís must learn to live according to
the administrative principles of our Faith. If they don't, they
only undermine the very institutions they are trying to create,
and which we know, carry the solution to the world's problems.
It is often difficult to follow this course, but it is the one
`Abdu'l-Bahá always asked the friends to follow; and obedience,
even when we believe the instruction is not wise, brings in
itself blessings from on high. (From a letter dated 29
November 1952 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an
individual believer)1514. The time is indeed ripe for the manifold activities,
wherein the servants and handmaids of Bahá'u'lláh are so
devoutly and earnestly engaged, to be harmonized and conducted
with unity, cooperation and efficiency, that the effect of such
a combined and systematized effort, through which an
All-powerful Spirit is steadily pouring, may transcend every
other achievement of the past, however glorious it has been...
(Shoghi Effendi, "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932", p. 24)1515. He is constantly yearning for happy news concerning the
spread of the Message and this, he is firmly convinced, depends
mainly on the united and combined efforts of the friends and
the Assemblies. Without unity, co-operation and selfless
service the friends will surely be unable to attain their goal.
How can we possibly increase in number and in strength if we do
not present a united front to those forces, both from without
and within, which threaten to undermine the very edifice of the
Cause? Unityis, therefore, the main key to success. And the best way to
ensure and consolidate the organic unity of the Faith is to
strengthen the authority of the Local Assemblies and to bring
them within the full orbit of the NationalAssembly's jurisdiction. The National Assembly is the head, and
the Local Assemblies are the various organs of the body of the
Cause. To ensure full co-operation between these various parts
is to safeguard the best interests of the Faith by enabling it
to counteract those forces which threaten to create a breach
within the ranks of the faithful....(From a letter dated 20 September 1933 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1516. Administrative efficiency and order should always be
accompanied by an equal degree of love, of devotion and of
spiritual development. Both of them are essential and to
attempt to dissociate one from the other is to deaden the body
of the Cause. In these days, when the Faith is still in its
infancy, great care must be taken lest mere administrative
routine stifles the spirit which must feed the body of the
Administration itself. That spirit is its propelling force and
the motivating power of its very life.But as already emphasized, both the spirit and the form are
essential to the safe and speedy development of the
Administration. To maintain full balance between them is the
main and unique responsibility of the administrators of the
Cause.(From a letter dated 10 December 1933 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States and Canada)1517. He fully appreciates the spirit which has prompted you to
abide whole-heartedly and without any hesitation by the
instructions of the National Assembly, and he strongly feels
that your attitude in the whole matter constitutes an example
which the friends will gladly learn to follow. You have
[sacrificed], and must indeed continue to sacrifice, some of
your personal opinions and views regarding the teaching work
for the sake of upholding the authority of the National
Spiritual Assembly. For such a sacrifice on your part does not
involve submission to any individual, but has the effect of
strengthening the authority of the community as a whole as
expressed through the medium of its duly recognized
representatives. We should, indeed, learn to curb our
individualism when we are confronted with problems and issues
affecting the general welfare of theCause. For Bahá'í community life implies a consciousness of
group solidarity strong enough to enable every individual
believer to give up what is essentially personal for the sake
of the common weal. (From a letter dated 31 May 1934 written
on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to two believers)1518. It is indeed thrilling to note the rapidity and soundness
with which the flourishing Bahá'í community in that far-off
land is establishing the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, is fearlessly
proclaiming its truths, upholding its verities and standards,
multiplying its institutions, defending its interests,
disseminating its literature, and exemplifying its invincible
power and spirit. I rejoice, feel proud, and am eternally
grateful. I cannot but pray, with redoubled fervour, to Him Who
so manifestly guides and sustains you, to increase your
numbers, to remove every barrier that obstructs your path, to
safeguard your unity, to bless your undertakings and to enable
you to demonstrate, afresh and with still greater force, the
reality of the faith that animates you in the discharge of your
sacred duties. Be assured and persevere. (In the handwriting
of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter dated30 July 1941 written on his behalf to the National Spiritual
Assembly of Australia and New Zealand)1519. Excommunication is a spiritual thing and up until now the
Guardian has always been the one who exerted this power, and he
feels for the present he must continue to be. Only actual
enemies of the Cause are excommunicated. On the other hand,
those who conspicuously disgrace the Faith or refuse to abide
by its laws can be deprived, as a punishment, of their voting
rights; this in itself is a severe action, and he therefore
always urges all National Assemblies (who can take such action)
to first warn and repeatedly warn the evil-doer before taking
the step of depriving him of his voting rights. He feels your
Assembly must act with the greatest wisdom in such matters, and
only impose this sanction if a believer is seriously injuring
the Faith in the eyes of the public through his conduct or
flagrantly breaking the laws of God. If such a sanction were
lightly used the friends would come to attach no importance to
it, or to feel the N.S.A. used it every time they got angry
with some individual's disobedience to them. We must always
remember that, sad and often childish as it seems,
|PPg_135some of those who make the worst nuisances of themselves to
their National Bodies are often very loyal believers, who think
they are protecting the true interests of their Faith by
attacking N.S.A. decisions!throughout the entire Bahá'í world, the believers have got to
master and follow the principles of their divinely laid down
Administrative Order. They will never solve their problems by
departing from the correct procedure.... The Bahá'ís have got
to learn to live up to the laws of Bahá'u'lláh, which are
infinitely higher, more exacting and more perfect than those
the world is at present familiar with. Running away, fighting
with each other, fostering dissension, is not going to advance
the Indian or any other Community; all it is going to do is to
bring Bahá'u'lláh's plans and work to a standstill until such
time as the believers unite to serve Him, or new and more
dedicated souls arise to take their place. (From a letter
dated 8 May 1948 written on behalf of ShoghiEffendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan
and Burma)1520. It is very unfortunate that some of the believers do not
seem to grasp the fact that the administrative order, the Local
and National Assemblies, are the pattern for the future,
however inadequate they may sometimes seem. We must obey and
support these bodies, for this is the Bahá'í law. Until we
learn to do this we cannot make real progress. Those friends
who believe that the N.S.A. is doing wrong in some matters are,
unconsciously, implying the Guardian does not know what is
going on, which is not true. He watches very carefully over the
various National Assemblies, and never hesitates to intervene
when he considers it necessary. To undermine confidence in the
National Body disrupts the Faith, confuses and alienates the
friends, and prevents the thing the Master desired above all
else, that the Bahá'ís be as one spirit in many bodies, united
and loving.The Bahá'ís are far from perfect, as individuals or when
they serve on elected bodies, but the system of Bahá'u'lláh is
perfect and gradually the believers will mature and the system
will work better. The watchful eye of the Guardian prevents any
serious errors, and the believers should know this and
co-operate with their Assemblies fully.(From a letter dated 1 November 1950 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1521. The friends should be helped to overcome their problems,
deepen in the Faith, and increase their unity and their love
for each other. In this way you will find that your work goes
ahead speedily, and that the National Body is like the beating
of a healthy heart in the midst of the Community, pumping
spiritual love, energy and encouragement out to all the
members.(From a letter dated 30 June 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska)
1522. The National Assembly is the guardian of the welfare of
the Faith, a most sacred and heavy responsibility and one which
is inescapable. They must be ever vigilant, ever on the
look-out, ever ready to take action, and, on all matters of
fundamental principle, refuse to compromise for an instant.
Only in this way can the body of the Faith be free of disease.
(From a letter dated 14 August 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and
Austria)1523. Behold how in this Dispensation the worthless and foolish
have fondly imagined that by such instruments as massacre,
plunder and banishment they can extinguish the Lamp which the
Hand of Divine power hath lit, or eclipse the Day Star of
everlasting splendor. How utterly unaware they seem to be of
the truth that such adversity is the oil that feedeth the flame
of this Lamp! Such is God's transforming power. He changeth
whatsoever He willeth; He verily hath power over all things....
("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh" rev. ed.
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1983), sec. 29, p. 72)
1524. Pay thou no heed to the humiliation to which the loved
ones of God have in this Day been subjected. This humiliation
is the pride and glory of all temporal honor and worldly
elevation. What greater honor can be imagined than the honor
conferred by the Tongue of the Ancient of Days when He calleth
to remembrance His loved ones in His Most Great Prison? The day
is approaching when the intervening clouds will have been
completely dissipated, when the light of the words, "All honor
belongeth unto God and unto them that love Him," will have
appeared, as manifest as the sun, above the horizon of the Will
of the Almighty.Ere long the world and all that is therein shall be as a
thing forgotten, and all honor shall belong to the loved ones
of thy Lord, the All-Glorious, the Most Bountiful.
("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec.
140, pp. 305-6)1525. Say: O people of God! Beware lest the powers of the earth
alarm you, or the might of the nations weaken you, or the
tumult of the people of discord deter you, or the exponents of
earthly glory sadden you. Be ye as a mountain in the Cause of
your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the Unconstrained.
(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice"
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1984), p. 82)1526. Say: Beware, O people of Baha, lest the strong ones of
the earth rob you of your strength, or they who rule the world
fill you with fear. Put your trust in God, and commit your
affairs to His keeping. He, verily, will, through the power of
truth, render you victorious, and He, verily, is powerful to do
what He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of omnipotent
might.(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice" p. 82)
1527. It is incumbent upon all men, each according to his
ability, to refute the arguments of those that have attacked
the Faith of God. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the
All-Powerful, the Almighty. He that wisheth to promote the
Cause of the one true God, let him promote it through his pen
and tongue, rather than have recourse to sword or violence. We
have, on a previous occasion, revealed this injunction, and We
now confirm it, if ye be of them that comprehend. By the
righteousness of Him Who, in this Day, crieth within the inmost
heart of all created things: "God, there is none other God
besides Me!" If any man were to arise to defend, in his
writings, the Cause of God against its assailants, such a man,
however inconsiderable his share, shall be so honored in the
world to come that the Concourse on high would envy his glory.
No pen can depict the loftiness of his station, neither can any
tongue describe its splendour. For whosoever standeth firm and
steadfast in this holy, this glorious, and exalted Revelation,
such power shall be given him as to enable him to face and
withstand all that is in heaven and on earth. Of this God is
Himself a witness.("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec.
154, pp. 329-30)1528. When the victory arriveth, every man shall profess
himself as believer and shall hasten to the shelter of God's
Faith. Happy are they who in the days of world-encompassing
trials have stood fast in the Cause and refused to swerve from
its truth. ("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec.
150, p. 319)1529. ...The darkness of error that has enveloped the East and
West is, in this most great cycle, battling with the light of
Divine Guidance. Its swords and its spears are very sharp and
pointed; its army keenly bloodthirsty.(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice", p. 6)
1530. This day the powers of all the leaders of religion are
directed towards the dispersion of the congregation of the
All-Merciful, and the shattering of the Divine Edifice. The
hosts of the world, whether material, cultural or political are
from every side launching their assault, for the Cause is
great, very great. Its greatness is, in this day, clear and
manifest to men's eyes.(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice", p. 6)
1531. ...How great, how very great is the Cause! How very
fierce the onslaught of all the peoples and kindreds of the
earth. Ere long shall the clamor of the multitude throughout
Africa, throughout America, the cry of the European and of the
Turk, the groaning of India and China, be heard from far and
near. One and all, they shall arise with all their power to
resist His Cause. Then shall the knights of the Lord, assisted
by His grace from on high, strengthened by faith, aided by the
power of understanding, and reinforced by the legions of the
Covenant, arise and make manifest the truth of the verse:
"Behold the confusion that hath befallen the tribes of the
defeated!" (Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The World Order of
Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 17)1532. The prestige of the Faith of God has immensely increased.
Its greatness is now manifest. The day is approaching when it
will have cast a tremendous tumult in men's hearts. Rejoice,
therefore, O denizens of America, rejoice with exceeding
gladness!(Cited in Shoghi Effendi,'The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh:
Selected Letters", p. 79)1533. O ye beloved of God! When the winds blow severely, rains
fall fiercely, the lightning flashes, the thunder roars, the
bolt descends and storms of trial become severe, grieve not;
for after this storm, verily, the divine spring will arrive,
the hills and fields will become verdant, the expanses of grain
will joyfully wave, the earth will become covered with
blossoms, the trees will be clothed with green garments and
adorned with blossoms and fruits. Thus blessings become
manifest in all countries. These favours are results of those
storms and hurricanes.Therefore, O ye beloved of God, be not grieved when people
stand against you, persecute you, afflict and trouble you and
say all manner of evil against you. The darkness will pass away
and the light of the manifest signs will appear, the veil will
be withdrawn and the Light of Reality will shine forth from the
unseen [Kingdom] of El-Abha. This we inform you before it
occurs, so that when the hosts of people arise against you for
my love, be not disturbed or troubled; nay rather, be firm as a
mountain, for this persecution and reviling of the people upon
you is a pre-ordained matter. Blessed is the should who is firm
in the path!(`Abdu'l-Bahá, "Tablets of Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas", voL I (Chicago:
Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1930), pp. 12-14)1534. ...a large multitude of people will arise against you,
showing oppression, expressing contumely and derision, shunning
your society, and heaping upon you ridicule. However, the
Heavenly Father will illumine you to such an extent that, like
unto the rays of the sun, you shall scatter the dark clouds of
superstition, shine gloriously in the midst of Heaven and
illumine the face of the earth. You must make firm the feet at
the time when these trials transpire, and demonstrate
forbearance and patience. You must withstand them with the
utmost love and kindness; consider their oppression and
persecution as the caprice of children, and do not give any
importance to whatever they do. For at the end the illumination
of the Kingdom will overwhelm the darkness of the world and the
exaltation and grandeur of your station will become apparent
and manifest...(From a Tablet to an individual believer, published in "Baha'i
News" 10 (September 1910), pp. 1-2)1535. I am however assured and sustained by the conviction,
never dimmed in my mind, that whatsoever comes to pass in the
Cause of God, however disquieting in its immediate effects, is fraught with
infinite Wisdom and tends ultimately to promoteits interests in the world. Indeed, our experiences of the
distant past, as well as of recent events, are too numerous and
varied too permit of any misgiving or doubt as to the truth
|PPg_141of this basic principle--a principle which throughout the
vicissitudes of our sacred mission in this world we must never
disregard or forget.(From a letter dated 23 December 1922 to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in
"Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932" [rev. ed.],
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1980),1536. That the Cause of God should in the days to come witness
many a challenging hour and pass through critical stages in
preparation for the glories of its promised ascendancy in the
New World has been time and again undeniably affirmed by our
departed Master, and is abundantly proved to us all by its
heroic past and turbulent history....(From America, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected
Messages 1922-1932", pp. 60-61)1537. We cannot believe that as the Movement grows in strength,
in authority and in influence, the perplexities and the
sufferings it has had to contend with in the past will
correspondingly decrease and vanish. Nay, as it grows from
strength to strength, the fanatical defendants of the
strongholds of Orthodoxy, whatever be their denomination,
realizing the penetrating influence of this growing Faith, will
arise and strain every nerve to extinguish its light and
discredit its name. For has not our beloved `Abdu'l-Bahá sent
forth His glowing prophecy from behind the prison walls of the
citadel of 'Akka--words so significant in their forecast of the
coming world turmoil, yet so rich in their promise of eventual
victory...Dearly-beloved friends, upon us devolves the supreme
obligation to stand by His side, to fight His battles and to
win His victory. May we prove ourselves worthy of this trust.
(From a letter dated 12 February 1927 to the Bahá'ís of the
West, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932"), p. 123)1538. Viewed in the light of past experience, the inevitable
result of such futile attempts, however persistent and
malicious they may be, is to contribute to a wider and deeper
recognition by believers and unbelievers alike of the
distinguishing features of the Faith proclaimed by
|PPg_142Bahá'u'lláh. These challenging criticisms, whether or not
dictated by malice, cannot but serve to galvanize the souls of
its ardent supporters, and to consolidate the ranks of its
faithful promoters. They will purge the Faith from those
pernicious elements whose continued association with the
believers tends to discredit the fair name of the Cause, and to
tarnish the purity of its spirit. We should welcome, therefore,
not only the open attacks which its avowed enemies persistently
launch against it, but should also view as a blessing in
disguise every storm of mischief with which they who apostatize
their faith or claim to be its faithful exponents assail it
from time to time. Instead of undermining the Faith, such
assaults, both from within and from without, reinforce its
foundations, and excite the intensity of its flame. Designed to
becloud its radiance, they proclaim to all the world the
exalted character of its precepts, the completeness of its
unity, the uniqueness of its position, and the pervasiveness of
its influence.(From a letter dated 21 March 1930 to the Bahá'ís of the West,
published in "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected
Letters",1539. For let every earnest upholder of the Cause of
Bahá'u'lláh realize that the storms which this struggling Faith
of God must needs encounter, as the process of the
disintegration of society advances, shall be fiercer than any
which it has already experienced. Let him be aware that so soon
as the full measure of the stupendous claim of the Faith of
Bahá'u'lláh becomes to be recognized by those time-honoured and
powerful strongholds of orthodoxy, whose deliberate aim is to
maintain their stranglehold over the thoughts and consciences
of men, that this infant Faith will have to contend with
enemies more powerful and more insidious than the cruellest
torture-mongers and the most fanatical clerics who have
afflicted it in the past. What foes may not in the course of
the convulsions that shall seize a dying civilization be
brought into existence, who will reinforce the indignities
which have already been heaped upon it!(From a letter dated 21 March 1930 to the Bahá'ís of the West,
published in "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected
Letters", p. 17)1540. We have only to refer to the warnings uttered
by `Abdu'l-Bahá in order to realize the extent and character of
the forces that are destined to contest with God's holy
Faith....Stupendous as is the struggle which His words foreshadow,
they also testify to the complete victory which the upholders
of the Greatest Name are destined eventually to achieve.
Peoples, nations, adherents of divers faiths, will jointly and successively
arise to shatter its unity, to sap its force, andto degrade its holy name. They will assail not only the spirit
which it inculcates, but the administration which is the
channel, the instrument, the embodiment of that spirit. For as
the authority with which Bahá'u'lláh has invested the future
Bahá'í Commonwealth becomes more and more apparent, the fiercer
shall be the challenge which from every quarter will be thrown
at the verities it enshrines.(From a letter dated 21 March 1930 to the Bahá'ís of the West,
published in "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected
Letters",1541. Fierce as may seem the onslaught of the forces of
darkness that may still afflict this Cause, desperate and
prolonged as may be that struggle, severe as may be the
disappointments it may still experience, the ascendancy it will
eventually obtain will be such as no other Faith has ever in
its history achieved....Who knows but that triumphs, unsurpassed in splendour, are
not in store for the mass of Bahá'u'lláh's toiling followers?
Surely, we stand too near the colossal edifice His hand has
reared to be able, at the present stage of the evolution of His
Revelation, to claim to be able even to conceive the full
measure of its promised glory. Its past history, stained by the
blood of countless martyrs, may well inspire us with the
thought that, whatever may yet befall this Cause, however
formidable the forces that may still assail it, however
numerous the reverses it will inevitably suffer, its onward
march can never be stayed, and that it will continue to advance
until the very last promise, enshrined within the words of
Bahá'u'lláh, shall have been completely redeemed.(From the Epilogue to "The Dawn-Breakers: Nabil's Narrative of
the Early Days of the Bahá'í Revelation", trans. and ed.
Shoghi Effendi. (London: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1975), pp.
667-668)1542. The separation that has set in between the institutions
of the Bahá'í Faith and the Islamic ecclesiastical
organizations that oppose it--a movement that has originated in
Egypt and is now spreading steadily throughout the Middle East,
and will in time communicate its influenceto the West--imposes upon every loyal upholder of the Cause the
obligation of refraining from any word or action that might
prejudice the position which our enemies have, in recent years
and of their own accord, proclaimed and established.... Our
adversaries in the East have initiated the struggle. Our future
opponents in the West will, in their turn, arise and carry it a
stage further. Ours is the duty, in anticipation of this
inevitable contest, to uphold unequivocally and with undivided
loyalty the integrity of our Faith and demonstrate the
distinguishing features of its divinely appointed institutions.
(In the hand writing of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 15 June 1935 written on his behalf of the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published
in "Bahá'í News" 95 (October 1935), p. 2)1543. That the forces of irreligion, of a purely materialistic
philosophy, of unconcealed paganism have been unloosed, are now
spreading, and, by consolidating themselves, are beginning to
invade some of the most powerful Christian institutions of the
western world, no unbiased observer can fail to admit. That
these institutions are becoming increasingly restive, that a
few among them are already dimly aware of the pervasive
influence of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh, that they will, as their
inherent strength deteriorates and their discipline relaxes,
regard with deepening dismay the rise of His New World Order,
and will gradually determine to assail it, that such an
opposition will in turn accelerate their decline, few, if any,
among those who are attentively watching the progress of His
Faith would be inclined to question. (From a letter dated 11
March 1936 to the Bahá'ís of the West, published in "The World
Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters", pp. 180-81)
1544. Fierce and manifold will be the assaults with which
governments, races, classes and religions, jealous of its
rising prestige and fearful of its consolidating strength, will
seek to silence its voice and sap its foundations. Unmoved by
the relative obscurity that surrounds it at the present time,
and undaunted by the forces that will be arrayed against it in
the future, this community, I cannot but feel confident, will,
no matter how afflictive the agonies of a travailing age,
pursue its destiny, undeflected in its course, undimmed in its
serenity, unyielding in its resolve, unshaken in its
convictions.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 5 July 1938 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published
in "Messages to America: Selected Letters and Cablegrams
Addressed to the Bahá'ís of North America 1932-1946" (Wilmette:
Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1947) p. 14)1545. The resistless march of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh ...
propelled by the stimulating influences which the unwisdom of
its enemies and the force latent within itself both engender,
resolves itself into a series of rhythmic pulsations,
precipitated, on the one hand. through the explosive outbursts
of its foes, and the vibrations of Divine Power, on the other,
which speed it, with ever-increasing momentum, along that
predestined course traced for it by the Hand of the Almighty.
(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 12 August 1941 written on his behalf to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the United States and Canada, published
in "Messages to America: Selected Letters and Cablegrams
Addressed to the Bahá'ís of North America 1932-1946", p. 51)
1546. How can the beginnings of a world upheaval, unleashing
forces that are so gravely deranging the social, the religious,
the political, and the economic equilibrium of organized
society, throwing into chaos and confusion political systems,
racial doctrines, social conceptions, cultural standards,
religious associations, and trade relationships--how can such
agitations, on a scale so vast, so unprecedented, fail to
produce any repercussions on the institutions of a Faith of
such tender age whose teachings have a direct and vital bearing
on each of these spheres of human life and conduct?
Little wonder, therefore, if they who are holding aloft the
banner of so pervasive a Faith, so challenging a Cause, find
themselves affected by the impact of these world-shaking
forces. Little wonder if they find that in the midst of this
whirlpool of contending passions their freedom has been
curtailed, their tenets contemned, their institutions
assaulted, their motives maligned, their authority jeopardized,
their claim rejected.(From a letter dated 25 December 1938 to the Bahá'ís of the
United States and Canada, published in "The Advent of Divine
Justice", pp. 2-3)1547. Let not, however, the invincible army of Bahá'u'lláh, who
in the West, and at one of its potential storm-centres is to
fight, in His name and for His sake, one of its fiercest and
most glorious battles, be afraid of any criticism that might be
directed against it. Let it not be deterred by any condemnation
with which the tongue of the slanderer may seek to debase its
motives. Let it not recoil before the threatening advance of
the forces of fanaticism, of orthodoxy, of corruption, and of
prejudice that may be leagued against it. The voice of
criticism is a voice that indirectly reinforces the
proclamation of its Cause. Unpopularity but serves to throw
into greater relief the contrast between it and its
adversaries, while ostracism is itself the magnetic power that
must eventually win over to its camp the most vociferous and
inveterate amongst its foes....(From a letter dated 25 December 1938 to the Bahá'ís of the
United States and Canada, published in "The Advent of Divine
Justice", p. 42)1548. We can discover a no less distinct gradation in the
character of the opposition it has had to encounter--... an
opposition which, now, through the rise of a divinely appointed
Order in the Christian West, and its initial impact on civil
and ecclesiastical institutions, bids fair to include among its
supporters established governments and systems associated with
the most ancient, the most deeply entrenched sacerdotal hierarchies in
Christendom. We can, at the same time,recognize, through the haze of an ever-widening hostility, the
progress, painful yet persistent, of certain communities within
its pale through the stages of obscurity, of proscription, of
emancipation, and of recognition--stages that must needs
culminate in the course of succeeding centuries, in the
establishment of the Faith, and the founding, in the plenitude
of its power and authority, of the world-embracing Baha'i
Commonwealth....("God Passes By", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust,
1987), Foreword p. xvii)1549. Nor should a survey of the outstanding features of so
blessed and fruitful a ministry omit mention of the prophecies
which the unerring pen of the appointed Center of Bahá'u'lláh's
Covenant has recorded. These foreshadow the fierceness of the
onslaught that the resistless march of the Faith must provoke
in the West, in India and in the Far East when it meets the
time-honored sacerdotal orders of the Christian, the
|PPg_147Buddhist and Hindu religions. They foreshadow the turmoil which
its emancipation from the fetters of religious orthodoxy will
cast in the American, the European, the Asiatic and African
continents....1550. Despite the blows leveled at its nascent strength,
whether by the wielders of temporal and spiritual authority
from without, or by black-hearted foes from within, the Faith
of Bahá'u'lláh had, far from breaking or bending, gone from
strength to strength, from victory to victory. Indeed its
history, if read aright, may be said to resolve itself into a
series of pulsations, of alternating crisis and triumphs,
leading it ever nearer to its divinely appointed destiny....
("God Passes By", p. 4091551. The tribulations attending the progressive unfoldment of
the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh have indeed been such as to exceed in
gravity those from which the religions of the past have
suffered.Unlike those religions, however, these tribulations have failed
utterly to impair its unity, or to create, even temporarily, a
breach in the ranks of its adherents. It has not only survived
these ordeals, but has emerged, purified and inviolate, endowed
with greater capacity to face and surmount any crisis which its
resistless march may engender in the future.1552. Whatever may befall this infant Faith of God in future
decades or in succeeding centuries, whatever the sorrows,
dangers and tribulations which the next stage in its world-wide
development may engender, from whatever quarter the assaults to be
launched by its present or future adversaries may be
unleashed against it, however great the reverses and setbacks
it may suffer, we, who have been privileged to apprehend, to
the degree our finite minds can fathom, the significance of
these marvelous phenomena associated with its rise and
establishment, can harbor no doubt that what it has already
achieved in the first hundred years of its life provides
sufficient guarantee that it will continue to forge ahead,
capturing loftier heights, tearing down every obstacle, opening
up new horizons and winning still mightier victories until its
glorious mission, stretching into the dim ranges of time that
lie ahead, is totally fulfilled.1553. No opportunity, in view of the necessity of ensuring the
harmonious development of the Faith, should be ignored, which
its potential enemies, whether ecclesiastical or otherwise, may
offer, to set forth, in a restrained and unprovocative
language, its aims and tenets, to defend its interests, to
proclaim its universality, to assert the supernatural, the
supranational and non-political character of its institutions,
and its acceptance of the Divine origin of the Faiths which
have preceded it....(From a letter dated 5 June 1947 to the Bahá'ís of the West,
published in "Citadel of Faith: Messages to America 1947-1957"
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1980), p. 23)1554. Indeed this fresh ordeal that has, in pursuance of the
mysterious dispensations of Providence, afflicted the Faith at
this unexpected hour, far from dealing a fatal blow to its
institutions or existence, should be regarded as a blessing in
disguise, not a "calamity" but a "providence" of God, not a
devastating flood but a "gentle rain" on a "green pasture", a
"wick" and "oil" unto the "lamp" of His Faith, a "nurture" for
His Cause, "water for that which has been planted in the hearts
of men", a "crown set on the head" of His Messenger for this
Day. (In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a
letter dated 20 August 1955 written on his behalf to the
National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, published in
"Citadel of Faith: Messages to America 1947-1957", p. 139)
IV. From Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi
1555. ...when the very progress of the Cause on the one hand,
and the corresponding decline in ecclesiastical organizations
on the other will inevitably incite Christian ecclesiastical
leaders to vehemently oppose and undermine the Faith, the
believers will then have a real chance to defend and vindicate
the Cause.... (From a letter dated 25 May 1938 to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada)
1556. The matter of refuting attacks and criticisms directed
against the Cause through the press is, he feels, one which
devolves on the National Spiritual Assembly to consider. This
body, whether directly or throughthe agency of its committees, should decide as to the
advisability of answering any such attacks, and also should
carefully examine and pass upon any statements which the
friends wish to send to the press to this effect. Only through
such supervision and control of all Bahá'í press activities can
the friends hope to avoid confusion and misunderstanding in
their own minds and in the mind of the general public whom they
can reach through the press.The Guardian would advise, therefore, that henceforth you
seek the guidance and approval of the National Spiritual
Assembly in all your attempts to refute the criticisms of the
enemies of the Cause, as there are certain cases when it is an
absolute loss of time and energy, and even perhaps positively
harmful, to counteract such attacks, which often lead to
interminable and fruitless controversies. The National
Spiritual Assembly can best advise you as to what action to
take in such matters.(From a letter dated 28 September 1938 to an individual
believer)1557. The friends . . . should not feel bewildered, for they
have the assurance of Bahá'u'lláh that whatever the nature and
character of the forces of opposition facing His Cause, its
eventual triumph is indubitably certain. (From a letter dated
30 August 1937 to an individual believer)1558. We have every reason to hope and believe that in the
future many of the truly enlightened clergy may seek the
shelter of Bahá'u'lláh, just as we feel certain that we may
also expect at some future date a keen antagonism to our Faith
on the part of those who do not see in it the salvation of the
world, but rather challenge to their own fame and position.
(From a letter dated 6 July 1942 to a group of believers)
1559. It seems both strange and pitiful that the Church and
clergy should always, in every age, be the most bitter
opponents of the very Truth they are continually admonishing
their followers to be prepared to receive! They have become so
violently attached to the form that the substance itself eludes
them!However, such denunciations as those your minister made
publicly against you and the Bahá'í Faith can do no harm to the
Cause at all; onthe contrary they only serve to spread its name abroad and mark
it as an independent religion.(From a letter dated 7 February 1945 to an individual believer)
1560. Although this may temporarily prove an embarrassment to
your work, and a set-back, there is no doubt that it signalizes
a step forward in the advance of the Faith; for we know that
our beloved Faith must eventually clash with the entrenched
orthodoxies of the past; and that this conflict cannot but lead
to greater victories, and to ultimate emancipation, recognition
and ascendancy.(From a letter dated 8 April 1951 to two believers)
1561. We are bound to meet with increasing opposition from
Church-dominated countries, but our counter-moves must be
carefully undertaken. He would like you to always consult him
in matters which bring the Faith before government or Church
bodies in cases of this kind.(From a letter dated 23 November 1951 to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the United States)1562. This is the Day in which God's most excellent favours
have been poured out upon men, the Day in which His most mighty
grace hath been infused into all created things. It is
incumbent upon all the peoples of the world to reconcile their
differences, and, with perfect unity and peace, abide beneath
the shadow of the Tree of His care and loving-kindness. It
behoveth them to cleave to whatsoever will, in this Day, be
conducive to the exaltation of their stations, and to the
promotion of their best interests.... ("Gleanings from the
Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing
Trust, 1983), p. 6)1563. God's purpose in sending His Prophets unto men is
twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the
darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true
understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and
tranquillity of mankind, and provide all the means by which
they can be established. ("Gleanings from the Writings of
Bahá'u'lláh" pp. 79-80)1564. O ye that dwell on earth! The distinguishing feature that
marketh the preeminent character of this Supreme Revelation
consisteth in that We have ... laid down the essential
prerequisites of concord, of understanding, of complete and
enduring unity. Well is it with them that keep My statutes.
("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", p. 97)
1565. The Great Being, wishing to reveal the prerequisites of
the peace and tranquillity of the world and the advancement of
its peoples, hath written: The time must come when the
imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an
all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized.
Therulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and,
participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and
means as will lay the foundations of the world's Great Peace
amongst men. Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers
should resolve, for the sake of the tranquillity of the peoples
of the earth, to be fully reconciled among themselves. Should
any king take up arms against another, all should unitedly
arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the
world will no longer require any armaments, except for the
purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of
maintaining internal order within their territories. This will
ensure the peace and composure of every people, government and
nation. We fain would hope that the kings and rulers of the
earth, the mirrors of the gracious and almighty name of God,
may attain unto this station, and shield mankind from the
onslaught of tyranny....The day is approaching when all the
peoples of the world will have adopted one universal language
and one common script. When this is achieved, to whatsoever
city a man may journey, it shall be as if he were entering his
own home. These things are obligatory and absolutely essential.
It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to
strive to translate that which hath been written into reality
and action.... That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth
himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great
Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote
the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In
another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride
himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who
loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and
mankind its citizens.("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", pp. 249-250)
1566. O ye rulers of the earth! Wherefore have ye clouded the
radiance of the Sun, and caused it to cease from shining?
Hearken unto the counsel given you by the Pen of the Most High,
that haply both ye and the poor may attain unto tranquillity
and peace. We beseech God to assist the kings of the earth to
establish peace on earth. He, verily, doth what He willeth. O
kings of the earth! We see you increasing every year your
expenditures, and laying the burden thereof on your subjects.
This, verily, is wholly and grossly unjust. Fear the sighs and
tears of this Wronged One, and lay not excessive burdens on
your peoples. Do not rob them to rear palaces for yourselves; nay rather
choose for them that which ye choosefor yourselves. Thus We unfold to your eyes that which
profiteth you, if ye but perceive. Your people are your
treasures. Beware lest your rule violate the commandments of
God, and ye deliver your wards to the hands of the robber. By
them ye rule, by their means ye subsist, by their aid ye
conquer. Yet, how disdainfully ye look upon them! How strange,
how very strange!Now that ye have refused the Most Great Peace, hold ye fast
unto this, the Lesser Peace, that haply ye may in some degree
better your own condition and that of your dependents. O rulers
of the earth! Be reconciled among yourselves, that ye may need
no more armaments save in a measure to safeguard your
territories and dominions. Beware lest ye disregard the counsel
of the All-Knowing, the Faithful. Be united, O kings of the
earth, for thereby will the tempest of discord be stilled
amongst you, and your peoples find rest, if ye be of them that
comprehend. Should any one among you take up arms against
another, rise ye all against him, for this is naught but
manifest justice.("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh" pp. 253-254)
1567. The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are
unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.
This unity can never be achieved so long as the counsels which
the Pen of the Most High hath revealed are suffered to pass
unheeded.("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", p. 286)
1568. We pray God--exalted be His glory--and cherish the hope
that He may graciously assist the manifestations of affluence
and power and the daysprings of sovereignty and glory, the
kings of the earth--may God aid them through His strengthening
grace--to establish the Lesser Peace. This, indeed, is the
greatest means for ensuring the tranquillity of the nations. It
is incumbent upon the Sovereigns of the world--may God assist
them--unitedly to hold fast unto this Peace, which is the chief
instrument for the protection of all mankind. It is Our hope
that they will arise to achieve what will be conducive to the
well-being of man. It is their duty to convene an all-inclusive
assembly, which either they themselves or their ministers will
attend, and to enforce whatever measures are required to
establish unity and concord amongst men. They must put
|PPg_154away the weapons of war, and turn to the instruments of
universal reconstruction. Should one king rise up against
another, all the other kings must arise to deter him. Arms and
armaments will, then, be no more needed beyond that which is
necessary to ensure the internal security of their respective
countries. If they attain unto this all-surpassing blessing,
the people of each nation will pursue, with tranquillity and
contentment, their own occupations, and the groanings and
lamentations of most men would be silenced. We beseech God to
aid them to do His will and pleasure. He, verily, is the Lord
of the throne on high and of earth below, and the Lord of this
world and of the world to come. It would be preferable and more
fitting that the highly-honoured kings themselves should attend
such an assembly, and proclaim their edicts. Any king who will
arise and carry out this task, he, verily will, in the sight of
God, become the cynosure of all kings. Happy is he, and great
is his blessedness!("Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, 1988), pp. 30-31)1569. The sixth Glad-Tidings is the establishment of the Lesser
Peace, details of which have formerly been revealed from Our
Most Exalted Pen. Great is the blessedness of him who upholdeth it and
observeth whatsoever hath been ordained by God, the
All-Knowing, the All-Wise.("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas",
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1988), p.23)1570. ... In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is
carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil. Consider the
civilization of the West, how it hath agitated and alarmed the
peoples of the world. An infernal engine hath been devised, and
hath proved so cruel a weapon of destruction that its like none
hath ever witnessed or heard. The purging of such deeply-rooted
and overwhelming corruptions cannot be effected unless the
peoples of the world unite in pursuit of one common aim and
embrace one universal faith. Incline your ears unto the Call of
this Wronged One and adhere firmly to the Lesser Peace.
("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", p.
69)1571. First: It is incumbent upon the ministers of the House of
Justice to promote the Lesser Peace so that the people of the
earth may be relievedfrom the burden of exorbitant expenditures. This matter is
imperative and absolutely essential, inasmuch as hostilities
and conflict lie at the root of affliction and calamity.
("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", p.
89)1572. In the abundance of Our grace and loving-kindness We have
revealed specially for the rulers and ministers of the world
that which is conducive to safety and protection, tranquillity and peace;
haply the children of men may rest secure from the
evils of oppression. He, verily, is the Protector, the Helper,
the Giver of victory. It is incumbent upon the men of God's
House of Justice to fix their gaze by day and by night upon
that which hath shone forth from the Pen of Glory for the
training of peoples, the upbuilding of nations, the protection
of man and the safeguarding of his honour.("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", p.
125)1573. ... They that are possessed of wealth and invested with
authority and power must show the profoundest regard for
religion. In truth, religion is a radiant light and an
impregnable stronghold for the protection and welfare of the
peoples of the world, for the fear of God impelleth man to hold
fast to that which is good, and shun all evil. Should the lamp
of religion be obscured, chaos and confusion will ensue, and
the lights of fairness and justice, of tranquillity and peace
cease to shine. Unto this will bear witness every man of true
understanding.("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", p.
125)1574. We have enjoined upon all mankind to establish the Most
Great Peace --the surest of all means for the protection of
humanity. The sovereigns of the world should, with one accord,
hold fast thereunto, for this is the supreme instrument that
can ensure the security and welfare of all peoples and nations.
They, verily, are the manifestations of the power of God and
the daysprings of His authority. We beseech the Almighty that
He may graciously assist them in that which is conducive to the
well-being of their subjects. A full explanation regarding this
matter hath been previously set forth by the Pen of Glory; well
is it with them that act accordingly. ("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", p.1575. The purpose of religion as revealed from the heaven of
God's holy Will is to establish unity and concord amongst the
peoples of the world; make it not the cause of dissension and
strife. The religion of God and His divine law are the most
potent instruments and the surest of all means for the dawning
of the light of unity amongst men. The progress of the world,
the development of nations, the tranquillity of peoples, and
the peace of all who dwell on earth are among the principles
and ordinances of God. Religion bestoweth upon man the most
precious of all gifts, offereth the cup of prosperity,
imparteth eternal life, and showereth imperishable benefits
upon mankind. It behoveth the chiefs and rulers of the world,
and in particular the Trustees of God's House of Justice, to
endeavour to the utmost of their power to safeguard its position,
promote its interests and exalt its station in the
eyes of the world. In like manner it is incumbent upon them to
enquire into the conditions of their subjects and to acquaint
themselves with the affairs and activities of the divers
communities in their dominions. We call upon the manifestations
of the power of God--the sovereigns and rulers on earth--to
bestir themselves and do all in their power that haply they may
banish discord from this world and illumine it with the light
of concord.("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, pp.
129-130)1576. Our hope is that the world's religious leaders and the
rulers thereof will unitedly arise for the reformation of this
age and the rehabilitation of its fortunes. Let them, after
meditating on its needs, take counsel together and, through
anxious and full deliberation, administer to a diseased and
sorely-afflicted world the remedy it requireth.The Great Being saith: The heaven of divine wisdom is
illumined with the two luminaries of consultation and
compassion. Take ye counsel together in all matters, inasmuch
as consultation is the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way,
and is the bestower of understanding.("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p.
168)1577. Take ye counsel together, and let your concern be only
for that which profiteth mankind and bettereth the condition
thereof ... Regard the world as the human body which, though
created whole and perfect, has been afflicted, through divers
causes, with grave ills and maladies. Not for one day did it
rest, nay its sicknesses waxed more severe, as it fell under
the treatment of unskilled physicians who havespurred on the steed of their worldly desires and have erred
grievously. And if at one time, through the care of an able
physician, a member of that body was healed, the rest remained
afflicted as before. Thus informeth you the All-Knowing, the
All-Wise.... That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign
remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the
world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause,
one common Faith. This can in no wise be achieved except
through the power of a skilled, an all powerful and inspired
Physician. This verily is the truth, and all else naught but
error.Consider these days in which the Ancient Beauty, He Who is
the Most Great Name, hath been sent down to regenerate and
unify mankind. Behold how with drawn swords they rose against
Him, and committed that which caused the Faithful Spirit to
tremble. And whenever We said unto them: 'Lo, the World
Reformer is come,' they made reply: 'He, in truth, is one of
the stirrers ofmischief' ...(Extracts from the Tablet to Queen Victoria, cited in Shoghi
Effendi, "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters",
rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1982), pp. 39-40;
p. 163)1578. ... Praise be to God that thou hast attained!... Thou
hast come to see a prisoner and an exile.... We desire but the good
of the world and happiness of the nations; yet they deem us a
stirrer up of strife and sedition worthy of bondage and
banishment.... That all nations should become one in faith and
all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity
between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity
of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled--what
harm is there in this?... Yet so it shall be; these
fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the
"Most Great Peace" shall come.... Do not you in Europe need this
also? Is not this that which Christ foretold?... Yet do we see
your kings and rulers lavishing their treasures more freely on
means for the destruction of the human race than on that which
would conduce to the happiness of mankind.... These strifes and
this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all men be as one
kindred and one family.... Let not a man glory in this, that he
loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves
his kind....(Words spoken. to E. G. Browne, from his pen portrait of
Bahá'u'lláh, J. E. Esslemont, "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era",
5th rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1987), pp.
39-40)1579. Know thou that all the powers combined have not the power
to establish universal peace, nor to withstand the
overmastering dominion, at every time and season, of these
endless wars. Ere long, however, shall the power of heaven, the
dominion of the Holy Spirit, hoist on the high summits the
banners of love and peace, and there above the castles of
majesty and might shall those banners wave in the rushing winds
that blow out of the tender mercy of God.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", [rev. ed.]
(Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), p. 174)1580. Rest thou assured that in this era of the spirit, the
Kingdom of Peace will raise up its tabernacle on the summits of
the world, and the commandments of the Prince of Peace will so
dominate the arteries and nerves of every people as to draw
intoHis sheltering shade all the nations on earth. From springs of
love and truth and unity will the true Shepherd give His sheep
to drink.O handmaid of God, peace must first be established among
individuals, until it leadeth in the end to peace among
nations. Wherefore, O ye Bahá'ís, strive ye with all your might
to create, through the power of the Word of God, genuine love,
spiritual communion and durable bonds among individuals. This
is your task. ("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá",
p. 246)1581. So long as these prejudices [religious, racial, national,
political] survive, there will be continuous and fearsome wars.
To remedy this condition there must be universal peace. To
bring this about, a Supreme Tribunal must be established,
representative of all governments and peoples; questions both
national and international must be referred thereto, and all
must carry out the decrees of this Tribunal. Should any
government or people disobey, let the whole world arise against
that government or people.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", p. 249)
1582. At present universal peace is a matter of great
importance, but unity of conscience is essential, so that the
foundation of this matter may become secure, its establishment
firm and its edifice strong.Therefore Bahá'u'lláh, fifty years ago, expounded this
question of universal peace at a time when He was confined in
the fortress of 'Akka and was wronged and imprisoned.... Among
His teachings was the declaration of universal peace....the
teachings of Bahá'u'lláh were not limited to the establishment
of universal peace. They embraced many teachings which
supplemented and supported that of universal peace.
. . .In fine, such teachings are numerous. These manifold
principles, which constitute the greatest basis for the
felicity of mankind and are of the bounties of the Merciful,
must be added to the matter of universal peace and combined
with it, so that results may accrue. Otherwise the realization
of universal peace by itself in the world of mankind is
difficult. As the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh are combined with
universal peace, they are like a table provided with every kind
of fresh and delicious food. Every soul can find, at that table
of infinite bounty, that which he desires. If the question is
restricted to universal peace alone, the remarkable results
which are expected and desired will not be attained. The scope
of universal peace must be such that all the communities and
religions may find their highest wish realized in it. The
teachings of Bahá'u'lláh are such that all the communities of
the world, whether religious, political or ethical, ancient or
modern, find in them the expression of their highest wish. For
example, the question of universal peace, about which
Bahá'u'lláh says that the Supreme Tribunal must be established:
although the League of Nations has been brought into existence, yet it is
incapable of establishing universal peace. But the
Supreme Tribunal which Bahá'u'lláh has described will fulfil
this sacred task with the utmost might and power. And His plan
is this: that the national assemblies of each country and
nation--that is to say parliaments--should elect two or three
persons who are the choicest of that nation, and are well
informed concerning international laws and the relations
between governments and aware of the essential needs of the
world of humanity in this day. The number of these
representatives should be in proportion to the number of
inhabitants of that country. The election of these souls who
are chosen by the national assembly, that is, the parliament,
must be confirmed by the upper house, the congress and the
cabinet and also by the presidentor monarch so these persons may be the elected ones of all the
nation and the government. The Supreme Tribunal will be
composed of these people, and all mankind will thus have a
share therein, for every one of these delegates is fully
representative of his nation.[1] When the Supreme Tribunal gives
a ruling on any international question, either unanimously or
by majority rule, there will no longer be any pretext for the
plaintiff or ground of objection for the defendant. In case any
of the governments or nations, in the execution of the
irrefutable decision of the Supreme Tribunal, be negligent or
dilatory, the rest of the nations will rise up against it,
because all the governments and nations of the world are the
supporters of this Supreme Tribunal. Consider what a firm
foundation this is! But by a limited and restricted League the
purpose will not be realized as it ought and should. This is
the truth about the situation, which has been stated....
("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", pp. 297-298,
p. 304, pp. 306-307)1583. True civilization will unfurl its banner in the midmost
heart of the world whenever a certain number of its
distinguished and high-minded sovereigns--the shining exemplars
of devotion and determination-- shall, for the good and
happiness of all mankind, arise, with firm resolve and clear
vision, to establish the Cause of Universal Peace. They must
make the Cause of Peace the object of general consultation, and
seek by every means in their power to establish a Union of the
nations of the world. They must conclude a binding treaty and
establish a covenant, the provisions of which shall be sound,
inviolable and definite. They must proclaim it to all the world
and obtain for it the sanction of all the human race. This
supreme and noble undertaking--the real source of the peace and
well-being of all the world--should be regarded as sacred by
all that dwell on earth. All the forces of humanity must be
mobilized to ensure the stability and permanence of this Most
Great Covenant. In this all-embracing Pact the limits and
frontiers of each and every nation should be clearly fixed, the
principles underlying the relations of governments towards one
another definitely laid down, and all international agreements
and obligations ascertained. In like manner,[1] The translation of this sentence has been revised since
the publication of "Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá".
|PPg_161the size of the armaments of every government should be
strictly limited, for if the preparations for war and the
military forces of any nation should be allowed to increase,
they will arouse the suspicion of others. The fundamental
principle underlying this solemn Pact should be so fixed that
if any government later violate any one of its provisions, all
the governments on earth should arise to reduce it to utter
submission, nay the human race as a whole should resolve, with
every power at its disposal, to destroy that government. Should
this greatest of all remedies be applied to the sick body of
the world, it will assuredly recover from its ills and will
remain eternally safe and secure.Observe that if such a happy situation be forthcoming, no
government would need continually to pile up the weapons of
war, nor feel itself obliged to produce ever new military
weapons with which to conquer the human race. A small force for
the purposes of internal security, the correction of criminal
and disorderly elements and the prevention of local
disturbances, would be required--no more. In this way the
entire population would, first of all, be relieved of the
crushing burden of expenditure currently imposed for military
purposes, and secondly, great numbers of people would cease to
devote their time to the continual devising of new weapons of
destruction -- those testimonials of greed andbloodthirstiness, so inconsistent with the gift of life--and
would instead bend their efforts to the production of whatever
will foster human existence and peace and well-being, and would
become the cause of universal development and prosperity. Then
every nation on earth will reign in honour, and every people
will be cradled in tranquillity and content. A few, unaware of
the power latent in human endeavour, consider this matter as
highly impracticable, nay even beyond the scope of man's utmost
efforts. Such is not the case, however. On the contrary, thanks
to the unfailing grace of God, the loving-kindness of His
favoured ones, the unrivaled endeavours of wise and capable
souls, and the thoughts and ideas of the peerless leaders of
this age, nothing whatsoever can be regarded as unattainable.
Endeavour, ceaseless endeavour, is required. Nothing short of
an indomitable determination can possibly achieve it. Many a
cause which past ages have regarded as purely visionary, yet in
this day has become most easy and practicable. Why should this
most great and lofty Cause--the day-star of the firmament of
true civilization andthe cause of the glory, the advancement, the well-being and the
success of all humanity--be regarded as impossible of
achievement? Surely the day will come when its beauteous light
shall shed illumination upon the assemblage of man.
The apparatus of conflict will, as preparations go on at
their present rate, reach the point where war will become
something intolerable to mankind. It is clear from what has
already been said that man's glory and greatness do not consist
in his being avid for blood and sharp of claw, in tearing down
cities and spreading havoc, in butchering armed forces and
civilians. What would mean a bright future for him would be his
reputation for justice, his kindness to the entire population
whether high or low, his building up countries and cities,
villages and districts, his making life easy, peaceful and
happy for his fellow beings, his laying down fundamental
principles for progress, his raising the standards and
increasing the wealth of the entire population. No power on
earth can prevail against the armies of justice, and every
citadel must fall before them; for men willingly go down under
the triumphant strokes of this decisive blade, and desolate
places bloom and flourish under the tramplings of this host.
There are two mighty banners which, when they cast their shadow
across the crown of any king, will cause the influence of his
government quickly and easily to penetrate the whole earth,
even as if it were the light of the sun: the first of these two
banners is wisdom; the second is justice. Against these two
most potent forces, the iron hills cannot prevail, and
Alexander's wall will break before them. It is clear that life
in this fast-fading world is as fleeting and inconstant
as the morning wind, and this being so, how fortunate are the
great who leave a good name behind them, and the memory of a
lifetime spent in the pathway of the good pleasure of God. A
conquest can be a praiseworthy thing, and there are times when
war becomes the powerful basis of peace, and ruin the very
means of reconstruction. If, for example, a high-minded
sovereign marshals his troops to block the onset of the
insurgent and the aggressor, or again, if he takes the field
and distinguishes himself in a struggle to unify a divided
state and people, if, in brief, he is waging war for a
righteous purpose, then this seeming wrath is mercy itself, and
this apparent tyranny the very substance of justice and this
warfare the cornerstone of peace. Today, thetask befitting great rulers is to establish universal peace,
for in this lies the freedom of all peoples.("The Secret of Divine Civilization" 2nd ed. (Wilmette: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, 1983), pp. 64-67, 70-71)1584. In cycles gone by, though harmony was established, yet,
owing to the absence of means, the unity of all mankind could
not have been achieved. Continents remained widely divided, nay even
among the peoples of one and the same continentassociation and interchange of thought were well nigh
impossible. Consequently intercourse, understanding and unity
amongst all the peoples and kindreds of the earth were
unattainable. In this day, however, means of communication have
multiplied, and the five continents of the earth have virtually
merged into one.... In like manner all the members of the human
family, whether peoples or governments, cities or villages,
have become increasingly interdependent. For none is
self-sufficiency any longer possible, inasmuch as political
ties unite all peoples and nations, and the bonds of trade and
industry, of agriculture and education, are being strengthened
every day. Hence the unity of all mankind can in this day be
achieved. Verily this is none other but one of the wonders of
this wondrous age, this glorious century. Of this past ages
have been deprived, for this century--the century of light--has
been endowed with unique and unprecedented glory, power and
illumination. Hence the miraculous unfolding of a fresh marvel
every day. Eventually it will be seen how bright its candles
will burn in the assemblage of man.Behold how its light is now dawning upon the world's
darkened horizon. The first candle is unity in the political
realm, the early glimmerings of which can now be discerned. The
second candle is unity of thought in world undertakings, the
consummation of which will ere long be witnessed. The third
candle is unity in freedom which will surely come to pass. The
fourth candle is unity in religion which is the corner-stone of
the foundation itself and which, by the power of God, will be
revealed in all its splendour. The fifth candle is the unity of
nations--a unity which in this century will be securely
established, causing all the peoples of the world to regard
themselves as citizens of one common fatherland. The sixth
candle is unity of races, making of all that dwell on earth
peoples and kindreds of one race. The seventh candle is unity
of language, i.e., the choice of a universal tongue in which
all peoples will be instructed and converse. Each and every one
of these will inevitably come to pass, inasmuch as the power of
the Kingdom of God will aid and assist in their realization.
|PPg_164(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh", pp.
38-39, and "The Promised Day Is Come", rev. ed. (Wilmette:
Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1980), pp. 120-121)1585. ...every great Cause in this world of existence findeth
visible expression through three means: first, intention;
second, confirmation; third, action. Today on this earth there
are many souls who are promoters of peace and reconciliation
and are longing for the realization of the oneness and unity of
the world of humanity; but this intention needeth a dynamic
power, so that it may become manifest in the world of being. In
this day the divine instructions and lordly exhortations
promulgate this most great aim, and the confirmations of
the Kingdom also support and aid the realization of this intention.
Therefore, although the combined forces and thoughts of the
nations of the world cannot by themselves achieve this exalted
purpose, the power of the Word of God penetrateth all things
and the assistance of the divine Kingdom is continuous. Erelong
it will become evident and clear that the ensign of the Most
Great Peace is the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, and the tent of
union and harmony among nations is the Tabernacle of the divine
Kingdom, for therein the intention, the power and the action,
all three, are brought together. The realization of everything
in the world of being dependeth upon these three elements.
(From a Tablet - translated from Persian)1586. As far as possible, rest thou not for a moment, travel to
the North and South of the country and summon all men to the
oneness of the world of humanity and to universal peace,
saying:O people! Bahá'u'lláh laid the foundation of universal peace
fifty years ago. He even addressed Epistles to the kings
wherein He declared that war could destroy the foundation of
the world of humanity, that peace is conducive to everlasting
life and that dire peril awaited mankind. Also three years
before the outbreak of the world war `Abdu'l-Bahá travelled to
America and most of Europe, where he raised His voice before
all gatherings, societies and churches, appealing: O ye
assemblage of men! The continent of Europe hath virtually
become an arsenal filled with explosives. There are vast stores
of destructive material hidden underground, liable to burst
forth at a single spark, causing the whole earth to quake. O ye
men of understanding!Bestir yourselves that perchance this accumulation of volatile
material may not explode. But the appeal went unheeded and
consequently this murderous war broke out.The bulk of humanity now realiseth what a great calamity
war is and how war turneth man into a ferocious animal, causing
prosperous cities and villages to be reduced to ruins and the
foundations of the human edifice to crumble. Now, since all men
have been awakened and their ears are attentive, it is time for
the promulgation of universal peace--a peace based on
righteousness and justice--that mankind may not be exposed to
further dangers in the future. Now is the dawn of universal
peace, and the first streaks of its light are beginning to
appear. We earnestly hope that its effulgent orb may shine
forth and flood the East and the West with its radiance. The
establishment of universal peace is not possible save through
the power of the Word of God...1587. Chaos and confusion are daily increasing in the world.
They will attain such intensity as to render the frame of
mankind unable to bear them. Then will men be awakened and become
aware that religion is the impregnable stronghold and
the manifest light of the world, and its laws, exhortations and
teachings the source of life on earth.1588. Today the world of humanity is in need of international
unity and conciliation. To establish these great fundamental
principles a propelling power is needed. It is self-evident
that the unity of the human world and the Most Great Peace
cannot be accomplished through material means. They cannot be
established through political power, for the political
interests of nations are various and the policies of peoples
are divergent and conflicting. They cannot be founded through
racial or patriotic power, for these are human powers, selfish
and weak. The very nature of racial differences and patriotic
prejudices prevents the realization of this unity and
agreement. Therefore, it is evidenced that the promotion of the
oneness of the kingdom of humanity, which is the essence of the
teachings of all the Manifestations of God, is impossible
except throughthe divine power and breaths of the Holy Spirit. Other powers
are too weak and are incapable of accomplishing this. ("The
Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912" 2nd. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1982),
pp. 11-12)1589. We will pray that the ensign of international peace may
be uplifted and that the oneness of the world of humanity may
be realized and accomplished. All this is made possible and
practicable through your efforts. May this American democracy
be the first nation to establish the foundation of
international agreement. May it be the first nation to proclaim
the universality of mankind. May it be the first to upraise the
standard of the Most Great Peace, and through this nation of
democracy may these philanthropic intentions and institutions
be spread broadcast throughout the world. Truly, this is a
great and revered nation. Here liberty has reached its highest
degree. The intentions of its people are most praiseworthy.
They are, indeed, worthy of being the first to build the
Tabernacle of the Most Great Peace and proclaim the oneness of
mankind. I will supplicate God for assistance and confirmation
in your behalf.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", pp. 36-37)1590. Today the greatest need of the world of humanity is
discontinuance of the existing misunderstandings among nations.
This can be accomplished through the unity of language. Unless
the unity of languages is realized, the Most Great Peace and
the oneness of the human world cannot be effectively organized
and established because the function of language is to portray
the mysteries and secrets of human hearts. The heart is like a
box, and language is the key. Only by using the key can we open
the box and observe the gems it contains. Therefore, the
question of an auxiliary international tongue has the utmost
importance.... It is my hope that it may be perfected through
the bounties of God and that intelligent men may be selected
from the various countries of the world to organize an
international congress whose chief aim will be the promotion of
this universal medium of speech.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered
by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and
Canada in 1912", pp. 60-61)1591. ...because I find the American nation so capable of
achievement and this government the fairest of western
governments, its institutions superior to others, my wish and
hope is that the banner of international reconciliation may
first be raised on this continent and the standard of the Most
Great Peace be unfurled here. May the American people and their
government unite in their efforts in order that this light may
dawn from this point and spread to all regions, for this is one
of the greatest bestowals of God. In order that America may
avail herself of this opportunity, I beg that you strive and
pray with heart and soul, devoting all your energies to this
end: that the banner of international peace may be upraised
here and that this democracy may be the cause of the cessation
of warfare in all other countries.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered
by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and
Canada in 1912", pp. 83-84)1592. In past ages humanity has been defective and inefficient
because it has been incomplete. War and its ravages have
blighted the world; the education of woman will be a mighty
step toward its abolition and ending, for she will use her
whole influence against war. Woman rears the child and educates
the youth to maturity. She will refuse to give her sons for
sacrifice upon the field of battle. In truth, she will be the
greatest factor in establishing universal peace and
international arbitration. Assuredly, woman will abolish
warfare among mankind.... ("The Promulgation of Universal
Peace: Talks Delivered by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the
United States and Canada in 1912" p. 108)1593. All of us know that international peace is good, that it
is conducive to human welfare and the glory of man, but
volition and action are necessary before it can be established.
Action is essential. Inasmuch as this century is a century of
light, capacity for action is assured to mankind. Necessarily
the divine principles will be spread among men until the time
of action arrives. Surely this has been so, and truly the time
and conditions are ripe for action now....("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered
by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and
Canada in 1912", p. 121)1594. This has come to pass. The powers of earth cannot
withstand the privileges and bestowals which God has ordained
for this great and glorious century. It is a need and exigency
of the time.... Let this century be the sun of previous
centuries, the effulgences of which shall last forever, so that
in times to come they shall glorify the twentieth century,
saying the twentieth century was the century of lights, the
twentieth century was the century of life, the twentieth
century was the century of international peace, the twentieth
century was the century of divine bestowals, and the twentieth
century has left traces which shall last forever.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered
by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and
Canada in 1912", pp. 125-26)1595. The most momentous question of this day is international
peace and arbitration, and universal peace is impossible
without universal suffrage. Children are educated by the women.
The mother bears the troubles and anxieties of rearing the
child, undergoes the ordeal of its birth and training.
Therefore, it is most difficult for mothers to send to the
battlefield those upon whom they have lavished such love and
care. Consider a son reared and trained twenty years by a
devoted mother. What sleepless nights and restless, anxious
days she has spent! Having brought him through dangers and
difficulties to the age of maturity, how agonizing then to
sacrifice him upon the battlefield! Therefore, the mothers will
not sanction war nor be satisfied with it. So it will come to
pass that when women participate fully and equally in the
affairs of the world, when they enter confidently and capably
the great arena of laws and politics, war will cease; for woman
will be the obstacle and hindrance to it. This is true
and without doubt.Delivered by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States
and Canada in 1912", pp. 134-35)1596. Now the glorious and brilliant twentieth century has
dawned, and the divine bounty is radiating universally....
|PPg_169Truly, this can be called the miracle of centuries, for it is
replete with manifestations of the miraculous. The time has
come when all mankind shall be united, when all races shall be
loyal to one fatherland, all religions become one religion, and
racial and religious bias pass away. It is a day in which the
oneness of humankind shall uplift its standard and
international peace, like the true morning, flood the world
with its light....("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered
by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and
Canada in 1912", p. 153)1597. He promulgated the adoption of the same course of
education for man and woman. Daughters and sons must follow the
same curriculum of study, thereby promoting unity of the sexes.
When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of
education and the equality of men and women be realized, the
foundations of war will be utterly destroyed. Without equality
this will be impossible because all differences and distinction
are conducive to discord and strife. Equality between men and
women is conducive to the abolition of warfare for the reason
that women will never be willing to sanction it. Mothers will
not give their sons as sacrifices upon the battlefield after
twenty years of anxiety and loving devotion in rearing them
from infancy, no matter what cause they are called upon to
defend. There is no doubt that when women obtain equality of
rights, war will entirely cease among mankind.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 175)1598. The world is in greatest need of international peace.
Until it is established, mankind will not attain composure and
tranquillity. It is necessary that the nations and governments
organize an international tribunal to which all their disputes
and differences shall be referred. The decision of that
tribunal shall be final. Individual controversy will be
adjudged by a local tribunal. International questions will come
before the universal tribunal, and so the cause of warfare will
be taken away.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered
by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and
Canada1599. I find these two great American nations [the United
States and Canada] highly capable and advanced ... it is my
hope that these reverednations may become prominent factors in the establishment of
international peace and the oneness of the world of humanity...
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered
by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 318)1600. The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male
and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent
in strength, the bird will not fly. Until womankind reaches the
same degree as man, until she enjoys the same arena of
activity, extraordinary attainment for humanity will not be
realized; humanity cannot wing its way to heights of real
attainment. When the two wings or parts become equivalent in
strength, enjoying the same prerogatives, the flight of man
will be exceedingly lofty and extraordinary. Therefore, woman
must receive the same education as man and all inequality be
adjusted. Thus, imbued with the same virtues as man, rising
through all the degrees of human attainment, women will become
the peers of men, and until this equality is established, true
progress and attainment for the human race will not be
facilitated.The evident reasons underlying this are as follows: Woman
by nature is opposed to war; she is an advocate of peace.
Children are reared and brought up by the mothers who give them
the first principles of education and labour assiduously in
their behalf. Consider, for instance, a mother who has tenderly
reared a son for twenty years to the age of maturity. Surely
she will not consent to having that son torn asunder and killed
in the field of battle. Therefore, as woman advances toward the
degree of man in power and privilege, with the right of vote
and control in human government, most assuredly war will cease;
for woman is naturally the most devoted and staunch advocate of
international peace.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered
by `Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and
Canada in 1912", p. 375)1601. A Supreme Tribunal shall be elected by the peoples and
governments of every nation, where members from each country
and government shall assemble in unity. All disputes shall be
brought before this Court, its mission being to prevent war.
("Paris Talks: Addresses given by `Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in
1911-1912", 11th ed. (London: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1979),
p. 132)1602. A Supreme Tribunal shall be established by the peoples
and Governments of every nation, composed of members elected
from each country and Government. The members of this Great
Council shall assemble in unity. All disputes of an
international character shall be submitted to this Court, its
work being to arrange by arbitration everything which otherwise
would be a cause of war. The mission of this Tribunal would be
to prevent war.("Paris Talks: Addresses given by `Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in
1911-1912", p. 155)1603. As to the question of disarmament, all nations must
disarm at the same time. It will not do at all, and it is not
proposed, that some nations shall lay down their arms while
others, their neighbours, remain armed. The peace of the world
must be brought about by international agreement. All nations
must agree to disarm simultaneously...No nation can follow a peace policy while its neighbour
remains warlike. There is no justice in that. Nobody would
dream of suggesting that the peace of the world could be
brought about by any such line of action. It is to be brought
about by a general and comprehensive international agreement,
and in no other way...Simultaneous action, he went on, is necessary in any scheme
of disarmament. All the governments of the world must transform
their battleships and warcraft into merchant vessels. But no
one nation can by itself start in upon such a policy and it
would be folly should one power attempt to do so ... it would
simply invite destruction....Are there any signs that the permanent peace of the world
will be established in anything like a reasonableIt will be established in this century, he answered. It
will be universal in the twentieth century. All nations will be
forced into it.Yes: the nations will be forced to come to peace and to
agree to the abolition of war. The awful burdens of taxation
for war purposes will get beyond human endurance...
No, said `Abdu'l-Bahá in conclusion, I repeat, no nation
can disarm under these circumstances. Disarmament is surely
coming, but it mustcome, and it will come, by the universal consent of the
civilized nations of the earth. By international agreement they
will lay down their arms and the great era of peace will be
ushered in. In this and no other way can peace be established
upon the earth.(Extracts from interview with newspaper reporter, quoted in
"`Abdu'l-Bahá in Canada" (Thornhill: Bahá'í Canada
Publications, 1987), pp. 34-35)1604. Once the Parliament of Man is established and its
constituent parts organized, the governments of the world
having entered into a covenant of eternal friendship will have
no need of keeping large standing armies and navies. A few
battalions to preserve internal order, and an International
Police to keep the highways of the seas clear, are all that
will be necessary. Then these huge sums will be diverted to
other more useful channels, pauperism will disappear, knowledge
will increase, the victories of Peace will be sung by poets and
bards, knowledge will improve the conditions and mankind will be rocked
in the cradle of felicity and bliss. Then, whether a
government is constitutional or republican, hereditary monarchy
or democratic, the rulers will devote their time to the
prosperity of their nations, the legislation of just and sane
laws and the fostering of closer and more amicable relations
with their neighbours-- thus will the world of humanity become
a mirror reflecting the virtues and attributes of the Kingdom
of God.By a general agreement all the governments of the world
must disarm simultaneously... It will not do if one lays down
the arms and the other refuses to do so. The nations of the
world must concur with each other concerning this supremely
important subject, thus they may abandon together the deadly
weapons of human slaughter. As long as one nation increases her
military and naval budget, another nation will be forced into
this crazed competition through her natural and supposed
interests.... Now the question of disarmament must be put into
practice by all the nations and not only by one or two.
Consequently the advocates of Peace must strive day and night,
so that the individuals of every country may become
peace-loving, public opinion may gain a strong and permanent
footing, and day by day the army of International Peace be
increased,complete disarmament be realized and the Flag of Universal
Conciliation be waving on the summit of the mountains of the
earth.The ideals of Peace must be nurtured and spread among the
inhabitants of the world; they must be instructed in the school
of Peace and the evils of war. First: The financiers and
bankers must desist from lending money to any government
contemplating to wage an unjust war upon an innocent nation.
Second: The presidents and managers of the railroads and
steamship companies must refrain from transporting war
ammunition, infernal engines, guns, cannons and powder from one
country into another. Third: The soldiers must petition,
through their representatives, the Ministers of War, the
politicians, the Congressmen and the generals to put forth in a
clear, intelligible language the reasons and the causes which
have brought them to the brink of such a national calamity. The
soldiers must (demand this as one of the prerogatives.
"Demonstrate to us", they must say, "that this is a just war,
and we will then enter into the battlefield otherwise we will
not take one step.... Come forth from your hiding-places, enter
into the battlefield if you like to attackeach other and tear each other to pieces if you desire to air
your so-called contentions. The discord and feud are between
you; why do you make us, innocent people, a party to it? If
fighting and bloodshed are good things, then lead us into the
fray by your presence!"In short, every means that produces war must be checked
and the causes that prevent the occurrence of war be advanced; -so that
physical conflict may become an impossibility. On the
other hand, every country must be properly delimited, its exact
frontiers marked, its national integrity secured, its permanent
independence protected, and its vital interests honoured by the
family of nations. These services ought to be rendered by an
impartial, international Commission. In this manner all causes
of friction and differences will be removed. And in case there
should arise some disputes between them, they could arbitrate
before the Parliament of Man, the representatives of which
should be chosen from among the wisest and most judicious men
of all the nations of the world.("Star of the West", vol. 5, no. 8 (August 1914), pp. 115-117)
1605. Every century holds the solution of one predominating
problem. Although there may be many problems, yet one of the
innumerableproblems will loom large and become the most important of
all....in this luminous century the greatest bestowal of the
world of humanity is Universal Peace, which must be founded, so
that the realm of creation may obtain composure, the East and
the West, which include in their arms the five continents of
the globe, may embrace each other, mankind may rest beneath the
tent of oneness of the world of humanity, and the flag of
universal peace may wave over all the regions....Today the true duty of a powerful king is to establish a
universal peace; for verily it signifies the freedom of all the
people of the world. Some persons who are ignorant of the world
of true humanity and its high ambitions for the general good,
reckon such a glorious condition of life to be very difficult,
nay rather impossible to compass. But it is not so, far from
it.("Star of the West". vol. 7, no. 14 (November 1916), p. 136)
1606. O ye individuals of humanity, find ye means for the
stoppage of this wholesale murder and bloodshed. Now is the
appointed time! Now is the opportune time! Arise ye, show ye an
effort, put ye forward an extraordinary force, and unfurl ye
the Flag of Universal Peace and dam the irresistible fury of
this raging torrent which is wreaking havoc and ruin
everywhere.("Star of the West" vol. 18, no. 11 (February 1928), p. 345)
1607. By what process, continued the questioner, will this
peace on earth be established? Will it come at once after a
universal declaration of the Truth?No, it will come about gradually, said `Abdu'l-Bahá. A
plant that grows too quickly lasts but a short time. You are my
family, and he looked about with a smile, my new children! if a
family lives in unison, great results are obtained. Widen the
circle; when a city lives in intimate accord greater results
will follow, and a continent that is fully united will likewise
unite all other continents. Then will be the time of the
greatest results, for all the inhabitants of the earth belong
to one native land.Conversations", Commemorative ed. (London: Bahá'í Publishing
Trust, 1987), p. 106)1608. Dearly-beloved friends! Humanity, whether viewed in the
light of man's individual conduct or in the existing
relationships between organized communities and nations, has,
alas, strayed too far and suffered too great a decline to be
redeemed through the unaided efforts of the best among its
recognized rulers and statesmen--however disinterested their
motives, however concerted their action, however unsparing in
their zeal and devotion to its cause. No scheme which the
calculations of the highest statesmanship may yet devise, no
doctrine which the most distinguished exponents of economic
theory may hope to advance, no principle which the most ardent
of moralists may strive to inculcate, can provide, in the last
resort, adequate foundations upon which the future of a
distracted world can be built. No appeal for mutual tolerance
which the worldly-wise might raise, however compelling and
insistent, can calm its passions or help restore its vigour.
Nor would any general scheme of mere organized international
co-operation, in whatever sphere of human activity, however
ingenious in conception or extensive in scope, succeed in
removing the root cause of the evil that has so rudely upset
the equilibrium of present day society. Not even, I venture to
assert, would the very act of devising the machinery required
for the political and economic unification of the world -- a
principle that has been increasingly advocated in recent times--
provide in itself the antidote against the poison that is
steadily undermining the vigour of organized peoples and
nations. What else, might we not confidently affirm, but the
unreserved acceptance of the Divine Programme enunciated, with
such simplicity and force as far back as sixty years ago, by
Bahá'u'lláh, embodying in its essentials God'sdivinely-appointed scheme for the unification of mankind in
this age, coupled with an indomitable conviction in the
unfailing efficacy of each and all of its provisions, is
eventually capable of withstanding the forces of internal
disintegration which, if unchecked, must needs continue to eat
into the vitals of a despairing society. It is towards this
goal--the goal of a new World Order, Divine in origin,
all-embracing in scope, equitable in principle, challenging in
its features--that a harassed humanity must strive.
To claim to have grasped all the implications of Bahá'u'lláh's
prodigious scheme for world-wide human solidarity, or to have
fathomed its import, would be presumptuous on the part of even
the declaredsupporters of His Faith. To attempt to visualize it in all its
possibilities, to estimate its future benefits, to picture its
glory, would be premature at even so advanced a stage in the
evolution of mankind.All we can reasonably venture to attempt is to strive to
obtain a glimpse of the first streaks of the promised Dawn that
must, in the fullness of time, chase away the gloom that has
encircled humanity. All we can do is to point out, in their
broadest outline, to what appear to us to be the guiding
principles underlying the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, as
amplified and enunciated by `Abdu'l-Bahá, the Centre of His
Covenant with all mankind and the appointed Interpreter and
Expounder of His Word. That the unrest and suffering afflicting
the mass of mankind are in no small measure the direct
consequences of the World War and are attributable to the
unwisdom and short-sightedness of the Framers of the Peace
Treaties only a biased mind can refuse to admit.... It would be
idle however to contend that the war, with all the losses it
involved, the passions it aroused and the grievances it left
behind, has solely been responsible for the unprecedented
confusion into which almost every section of the civilized
world is plunged at present. Is it not a fact--and this is the
central idea I desire to emphasize--that the fundamental cause
of this world unrest is attributable, not so much to the
consequences of what must sooner or later come to be regarded
as a transitory dislocation in the affairs of a continually
changing world, but rather to the failure of those into whose
hands the immediate destinies of peoples and nations have been
committed, to adjust their systems of economic and political
institutions to the imperative needs of a fast evolving age?
Are not these intermittent crises that convulse present-day
society due primarily to the lamentable inability of the
world's recognized leaders to read aright the signs of the
times, to rid themselves once for all of their preconceived
ideas and fettering creeds, and to reshape the machinery of
their respective governments according to those standards that
are implicit in Bahá'u'lláh's supreme declaration of the
Oneness of Mankind -- the chief and distinguishing feature of
the Faith He proclaimed?.... How pathetic indeed are the
efforts of those leaders of human institutions who, in utter
disregard of the spirit of the age, are striving to adjust
national processes, suited to the ancient days ofnations to an age which must either achieve the unity of the
world, as adumbrated by Bahá'u'lláh, or perish. At so critical
an hour in the history of civilization it behoves the leaders
of all the nations of the world, great and small, whether in
the East or in the West, whether victors or vanquished, to give
heed to the clarion call of Bahá'u'lláh and, thoroughly imbued
with a sense of world solidarity, the sine qua non of loyalty
to His Cause, arise manfully to carry out in its entirety the
one remedial scheme He, the Divine Physician, has prescribed
for an ailing humanity. Let them discard, once for all, every
preconceived idea, every national prejudice, and give heed to
the sublime counsel of `Abdu'l-Bahá, the authorized Expounder
of His teachings. You can best serve your country, was
`Abdu'l-Bahá'í rejoinder to a high official in the service of
the federal government of the United States of America, who had
questioned Him as to the best manner in which he could promote
the interests of his government and people, if you strive, in
your capacity as a citizen of the world, to assist in the
eventual application of the principle of federalism underlying
the government of your own country to the relationships now
existing between the peoples and nations of the world.
Some form of a world super-state must needs be evolved, in
whose favour all the nations of the world will have willingly
ceded every claim to make war, certain rights to impose
taxation and all rights to maintain armaments, except for
purposes of maintaining internal order within their respective
dominions. Such a state will have to include within its orbit
an international executive adequate to enforce supreme and
unchallengeable authority on every recalcitrant member of the
commonwealth; a world parliament whose members shall be elected
by the people in their respective countries and whose election
shall be confirmed by their respective governments; and a
supreme tribunal whose judgement will have a binding effect
even in such cases where the parties concerned did not
voluntarily agree to submit their case to its consideration. A
world community in which all economic barriers will have been
permanently demolished and the interdependence of Capital and
Labour definitely recognized; in which the clamour of religious
fanaticism and strife will have been for ever stilled; in which
the flame of racial animosity will have been finally
extinguished; in which a single code of international law--the
product of the considered judgement of theworld's federated representatives--shall have as its sanction
the instant and coercive intervention of the combined forces of
the federated units; and finally a world community in which the
fury of a capricious and militant nationalism will have been
transmuted into an abiding consciousness of world citizenship-
such indeed, appears, in its broadest outline, the Order
anticipated by Bahá'u'lláh, an Order that shall come to be
regarded as the fairest fruit of a slowly maturing age.
Let there be no misgivings as to the animating purpose of
the world-wide Law of Bahá'u'lláh. Far from aiming at the
subversion of the existing foundations of society, it seeks to
broaden its basis, to remould its institutions in a manner
consonant with the needs of an ever-changing world. It can
conflict with no legitimate allegiances, nor can it undermine essential
loyalties. Its purpose is neither to stifle the flame
of a sane and intelligent patriotism in men's hearts, nor to
abolish the system of national autonomy so essential if the
evils of excessive centralization are to be avoided. It does
not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress the diversity of
ethnical origins, of climate, of history, of language and
tradition, of thought and habit, that differentiate the peoples
and nations of the world. It calls for a wider loyalty, for a
larger aspiration than any that has animated the human race. It
insists upon the subordination of national impulses and
interests to the imperative claims of a unified world. It
repudiates excessive centralization on one hand, and disclaims
all attempts at uniformity on the other. Its watchword is unity
in diversity such as `Abdu'l-Bahá Himself has explained. Its
[the principle of the Oneness of Mankind] implications are
deeper, its claims greater than any which the Prophets of old
were allowed to advance. Its message is applicable not only to
the individual, but concerns itself primarily with the nature
of those essential relationships that must bind all the states
and nations as members of one human family. It does not
constitute merely the enunciation of an ideal, but stands
inseparably associated with an institution adequate to embody
its truth, demonstrate its validity, and perpetuate its
influence. It implies an organic change in the structure of
present-day society, a change such as the world has not yet
experienced. It constitutes a challenge, at once bold and
universal, to outworn shibboleths of national creeds--creeds
thathave had their day and which must, in the ordinary course of
events as shaped and controlled by Providence, give way to a
new gospel, fundamentally different from, and infinitely
superior to, what the world has already conceived. It calls for
no less that the reconstruction and the demilitarization of the
whole civilized world--a world organically unified in all the
essential aspects of its life, its political machinery, its
spiritual aspiration, its trade and finance, its script and
language, and yet infinite in the diversity of the national
characteristics of its federated units.It represents the consummation of human evolution--an
evolution that has had its earliest beginnings in the birth of
family life, its subsequent development in the achievement of
tribal solidarity, leading in turn to the constitution of the
city-state, and expanding later into the institution of
independent and sovereign nations.To take but one instance. How confident were the assertions
made in the days preceding the unification of the states of the
North American continent regarding the insuperable barriers
that stood in the way of their ultimate federation! Was it not
widely and emphatically declared that the conflicting
interests, the mutual distrust, the differences of government
and habit that divided the states were such as no force,
whether spiritual or temporal, could ever hope to harmonize or
control? And yet how different were the conditions prevailing a
hundred and fifty years ago from those that characterize
present-day society! It would indeed be no exaggeration to say
that the absence of those facilities which modern scientific
progress has placed at the service of humanity in our time made
of the problem of welding the American states into a single
federation, similar though they were in certain traditions, a
task infinitely more complex than that which confronts a
divided humanity in its efforts to achieve the unification of
all mankind. Who knows that for so exalted a conception to take
shape a suffering more intense that any it has yet experienced
will have to be inflicted upon humanity? Could anything less
than the fire of a civil war with all its violence and
vicissitudes--a war that nearly rent the great American
Republic--have welded the states, not only into a Union of
independent units, but into a Nation, in spite of all the
ethnic differences that characterized its component parts? That
so fundamental a revolution, involving such far-reaching
changes in the structure of society, can beachieved through the ordinary processes of diplomacy and
education seems highly improbable. We have but to turn our gaze
to humanity's blood-stained history to realize that nothing
short of intense mental as well as physical agony has been able
to precipitate those epoch-making changes that constitute the
greatest landmarks in the history of human civilization.
Great and far-reaching as have been those changes in the past,
they cannot but appear, when viewed in their proper
perspective, except as subsidiary adjustments preluding that
transformation of unparalleled majesty and scope which humanity
is in this age bound to undergo. That the forces of a world
catastrophe can alone precipitate such a new phase of human
thought is, alas, becoming increasingly apparent. That nothing
short of the fire of a severe ordeal, unparalleled in its
intensity, can fuse and weld the discordant entities, that
constitute the elements of present-day civilization, into the
integral components of the world Commonwealth of the future is
a truth which future events will increasingly demonstrate. The
prophetic voice of Bahá'u'lláh warning, in the concluding
passages of the "Hidden Words", "the peoples of the world" that
"an unforeseen calamity is following them and that grievous
retribution awaiteth them" throws indeed a lurid light upon the
immediate fortunes of sorrowing humanity. Nothing but a fiery
ordeal, out of which humanity will emerge, chastened and
prepared, can succeed in implanting that sense ofresponsibility which the leaders of a new-born age must arise
to shoulder. I would again direct your attention to those
ominous words of Bahá'u'lláh which I have already quoted: "And
when the appointed hour is come, there shall suddenly appear
that which shall cause the limbs of mankind to quake." Has not
`Abdu'l-Bahá Himself asserted in unequivocal language that
"another war, fiercer than the last, will assuredly break out"?
Upon the consummation of this colossal, this unspeakably
glorious enterprise--an enterprise that baffled the resources
of Roman statesmanship and which Napoleon's desperate efforts
failed to achieve --will depend the ultimate realization of
that millennium of which poets of all ages have sung and seers
have long dreamed. Upon it will depend the fulfilment of the
prophecies uttered by the Prophets of old whenswords shall be beaten into ploughshares and the lion and the
lamb lie down together. It alone can usher in the Kingdom of
the Heavenly Father as anticipated by the Faith of Jesus
Christ. It alone can lay the foundation for the New World Order
visualized by Bahá'u'lláh--a World Order that shall reflect,
however dimly, upon this earthly plane, the ineffable
splendours of the AbhaOne word more in conclusion. The proclamation of the
Oneness of Mankind--the head corner-stone of Bahá'u'lláh's
all-embracing dominion --can under no circumstances be compared
with such expressions of pious hope as have been uttered in the
past. His is not merely a call which He raised, alone and
unaided, in the face of the relentless and combined opposition
of two of the most powerful Oriental potentates of His day-
while Himself an exile and prisoner in their hands. It implies
at once a warning and a promise--a warning that in it lies the
sole means for the salvation of a greatly suffering world, a
promise that its realization is at hand. Uttered at a time when
its possibility had not yet been seriously envisaged in any
part of the world, it has, by virtue of that celestial potency
which the Spirit of Bahá'u'lláh has breathed into it, come at
last to be regarded, by an increasing number of thoughtful men,
not only as an approaching possibility, but as the necessary
outcome of the forces now operating in the world. Surely the
world, contracted and transformed into a single highly complex
organism by the marvellous progress achieved in the realm of
physical science, by the world-wide expansion of commerce and
industry, and struggling, under the pressure of world economic
forces, amidst the pitfalls of a materialistic civilization,
stands in dire need of a restatement of the Truth underlying
all the Revelation, of the past in a language suited to its
essential requirements. And what voice other than that of
Bahá'u'lláh- the Mouthpiece of God for this age--is capable of
effecting a transformation of society as radical as that which
He has already accomplished in the hearts of those men and
women, so diversified and seemingly irreconcilable, who
constitute the body of His declared followers throughout the
world? That such a mighty conception is fast budding out in the
minds of men, that voices are being raised in its support, that
its salient features must fast crystallize in the consciousness
of those who are in authority,few indeed can doubt. That its modest beginnings have already
taken shape in the world-wide Administration with which the
adherents of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh stand associated only
those whose hearts are tainted by prejudice can fail to
perceive.(28 November 1931 to the Bahá'ís of the West, published in "The
World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters", pp. 33-37, 40
43, 45-48)1609. No machinery falling short of the standard inculcated by
the Bahá'í Revelation, and at variance with the sublime pattern
ordained in His teachings, which the collective efforts of
mankind may yet devise can ever hope to achieve anything above
or beyond that "Lesser Peace" to which the Author of our Faith
has Himself alluded in His writings. "Now that ye have refused
the Most Great Peace," He, admonishing the kings and rulers of
the earth, has written, "hold ye fast unto this the Lesser
Peace, that haply ye may in some degree better your own
condition and that of your dependents." Expatiating on this
Lesser Peace, He thus addresses in that same Tablet the rulers
of the earth: "Be reconciled among yourselves, that ye may need
no more armaments save in a measure to safeguard your
territories and dominions... Be united, O kings of the earth,
for thereby will the tempest of discord be stilled amongst you,
and your peoples find rest, if ye be of them that comprehend.
Should any one among you take up arms against another, rise ye
all against him, for this is naught but manifest justice."
The Most Great Peace, on the other hand, as conceived by
Bahá'u'lláh -- a peace that must inevitably follow as the
practical consequence of the spiritualization of the world and
the fusion of all its races, creeds, classes and nations--can
rest on no other basis, and can be preserved through no other
agency, except the divinely appointed ordinances that are
implicit in the World Order that stands associated with His
Holy Name....The Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh, whose supreme mission is
none other but the achievement of this organic and spiritual
unity of the whole body of nations, should, if we be faithful
to its implications, be regarded as signalizing through its
advent the (coming of age of the entire human race. It should
be viewed not merely as yet another spiritual revival in the
ever-changing fortunes of mankind, not only as a further stage
in a chainof progressive Revelations, nor even as the culmination of one
of a series of recurrent prophetic cycles, but rather as
marking the last and highest stage in the stupendous evolution
of man's collective life on this planet. The emergence of a
world community, the consciousness of world citizenship, the founding of
a world civilization and culture--all of which must
synchronize with the initial stages in the unfoldment of the
Golden Age of the Bahá'í Era--should, by their very nature, be
regarded, as far as this planetary life is concerned, as the
furthermost limits in the organization of human society, though
man, as an individual, will, nay must indeed as a result of
such a consummation, continue indefinitely to progress and
develop.The whole of mankind is groaning, is dying to be led to
unity, and to terminate its age-long martyrdom. And yet it
stubbornly refuses to embrace the light and acknowledge the
sovereign authority of the one Power that can extricate it from
its entanglements, and avert the woeful calamity that threatens
to engulf it. Ominous indeed is the voice of Bahá'u'lláh that
rings through these prophetic words: "O ye peoples of the
world! Know, verily, that an unforeseen calamity followeth you,
and grievous retribution awaiteth you. Think not that which ye
have committed hath been effaced in My sight." And again: "We
have a fixed time for you, O peoples. If ye fail, at the
appointed hour, to turn towards God, He, verily, will lay
violent hold on you, and will cause grievous afflictions to
assail you from every direction. How severe, indeed, is the
chastisement with which your Lord will then chastise you!"
Must humanity, tormented as she now is, be afflicted with still
severer tribulations ere their purifying influence can prepare
her to enter the heavenly Kingdom destined to be established
upon earth? Must the inauguration of so vast, so unique, so
illumined an era in human history be ushered in by so great a
catastrophe in human affairs as to recall, nay surpass, the
appalling collapse of Roman civilization in the first centuries
of the Christian Era? Must a series of profound convulsions
stir and rock the human race ere Bahá'u'lláh can be enthroned
in the hearts and consciences of the masses, ere His undisputed
ascendancy is universally recognized, and the noble edifice of
His World Order is reared and established?The long ages of infancy and childhood, through which the
human race had to pass, have receded into the background.
Humanity is now experiencing the commotions invariably
associated with the most turbulent stage of its evolution, the
stage of adolescence, when the impetuosity of youth and its
vehemence reach their climax, and must gradually be superseded
by the calmness, the wisdom, and the maturity that characterize
the stage of manhood. Then will the human race reach that
stature of ripeness which will enable it to acquire all the
powers and capacities upon which its ultimate development must
depend. Unification of the whole of mankind is the hall mark of
the stage which human society is now approaching. Unity of
family, of tribe, of city-state, and nation have been
successively attempted and fully established. World unity is
the goal towards which a harassed humanity is striving.
Nation-building has come to an end. The anarchy inherent in
state sovereignty is moving towards a climax. A world, growing
to maturity, must abandon this fetish, recognize the oneness
and wholeness of human relationships, and establish once for
all the machinery that can best incarnate this fundamental
principle of its life. . . . The unity of the human
race, as envisaged by Bahá'u'lláh, implies the establishment of
a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and
classes are closely and permanently united, and in which the
autonomy of its state members and the personal freedom and
initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely
and completely safeguarded. This commonwealth must, as far as
we can visualize it, consist of a world legislature, whose
members will, as the trustees of the whole of mankind,
ultimately control the entire resources of all the component
nations, and will enact such laws as shall be required to
regulate the life, satisfy the needs and adjust the
relationships of all races and peoples. A world executive,
backed by an international Force, will carry out the decisions
arrived at, and apply the laws enacted by, this world
legislature, and will safeguard the organic unity of the whole
commonwealth. A world tribunal will adjudicate and deliver its
compulsory and final verdict in all and any disputes that may
arise between the various elements constituting this universal
system. A mechanism of world inter-communication will be
devised, embracing the whole planet, freed from national
hindrances and restrictions, andfunctioning with marvellous swiftness and perfect regularity. A
world metropolis will act as the nerve centre of a world
civilization, the focus towards which the unifying forces of
life will converge and from which its energizing influences
will radiate. A world language will either be invented or
chosen from among the existing languages and will be taught in
the schools of all the federated nations as an auxiliary to
their mother tongue. A world script, a world literature, a
uniform and universal system of currency, of weights and
measures, will simplify and facilitate intercourse and
understanding among the nations and races of mankind. In such a
world society, science and religion, the two most potent forces
in human life, will be reconciled, will co-operate, and will
harmoniously develop. The press will, under such a system,
while giving full scope to the expression of the diversified
views and convictions of mankind, cease to be mischievously
manipulated by vested interests, whether private or public, and
will be liberated from the influence of contending governments
and peoples. The economic resources of the world will be
organized, its sources of raw materials will be tapped and
fully utilized, its markets will be co-ordinated and developed,
and the distribution of its products will be equitably
regulated.National rivalries, hatreds, and intrigues will cease, and
racial animosity and prejudice will be replaced by racial
amity, understanding and co-operation. The causes of religious
strife will be permanently removed, economic barriers and
restrictions will be completely abolished, and the inordinate
distinction between classes will be obliterated. Destitution on
the one hand, and gross accumulation of ownership on the other,
will disappear. The enormous energy dissipated and wasted on
war, whether economic or political, will be consecrated to such
ends as will extend the range of human inventions and technical
development, to the increase of the productivity of mankind, to
the extermination of disease, to the extension of scientific
research, to the raising of the standard of physical health, to
the sharpening and refinement of the human brain, to the
exploitation of the unused and unsuspected resources of the
planet, to the prolongation of human life, and to the
furtherance of any other agency that can stimulate the
intellectual, the moral, and spiritual life of the entire human
race.A world federal system, ruling the whole earth and
exercising unchallengeable authority over its unimaginably vast
resources, blending and embodying the ideals of both the East
and the West, liberated from the curse of war and its miseries,
and bent on the exploitation of all the available sources of
energy on the surface of the planet, a system in which Force is
made the servant of Justice, whose life is sustained by its
universal recognition of one God and by its allegiance to one
common Revelation --such is the goal towards which humanity,
impelled by the unifying forces of life, is moving.
(11 March 1936, published in "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh:
Selected Letters", pp. 162-63, 201-4)1610. The world-shaking ordeal which Bahá'u'lláh, as quoted in
the foregoing pages, has so graphically prophesied, may find it
[the American nation] swept, to an unprecedented degree, into
its vortex. Out of it will probably emerge, unlike its
reactions to the last world conflict, consciously determined to
seize its opportunity, to bring the full weight of its
influence to bear upon the gigantic problems that such an
ordeal must leave in its wake, and to exorcise forever, in
conjunction with its sister nations of both the East and the
West, the greatest curse which, from time immemorial, has
afflicted and degraded the human race.Then, and only then, will the American nation, moulded and
purified in the crucible of a common war, inured to its
rigours, and disciplined by its lessons, be in a position to
raise its voice in the councils of the nations, itself lay the
corner-stone of a universal and enduring peace, proclaim the
solidarity, the unity, and maturity of mankind, and assist in
the establishment of the promised reign of righteousness on
earth. Then, and only then, will the American nation, while the
community of the American believers within its heart is consummating its
divinely appointed mission, be able to fulfillthe unspeakably glorious destiny ordained for it by the
Almighty, and immortally enshrined in the writings of
`Abdu'l-Bahá. Then, and only then, will the American nation
accomplish "that which will adorn the pages of history,"
"become the envy of the world and be blest in both the East and
the West."(25 December 1938, published in "The Advent of Divine Justice"
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1984), pp. 90-91)
|PPg_1871611. The world is, in truth, moving on towards its destiny.
The interdependence of the peoples and nations of the earth,
whatever the leaders of the divisive forces of the world may
say or do, is already an accomplished fact. Its unity in the
economic sphere is now understood and recognized. The welfare
of the part means the welfare of the whole, and the distress of
the part brings distress to the whole. The Revelation of
Bahá'u'lláh has, in His own words, "lent a fresh impulse and
set a new direction" to this vast process now operating in the
world. The fires lit by this great ordeal are the consequences
of men's failure to recognize it. They are, moreover, hastening
its consummation. Adversity, prolonged, world wide, afflictive,
allied to chaos and universal destruction, must needs convulse
the nations, stir the conscience of the world, disillusion the
masses, precipitate a radical change in the very conception of
society, and coalesce ultimately the disjointed, the bleeding
limbs of mankind into one body, single, organically united, and
indivisible.To the general character, the implications and features
of this world commonwealth, destined to emerge, sooner or
later, out of the carnage, agony, and havoc of this great world
convulsion, I have already referred in my previous
communications. Suffice it to say that this consummation will,
by its very nature, be a gradual process, and must, as
Bahá'u'lláh has Himself anticipated, lead at first to the
establishment of that Lesser Peace which the nations of the
earth, as yet unconscious of His Revelation and yet unwittingly
enforcing the general principles which He has enunciated, will
themselves establish. This momentous and historic step,
involving the reconstruction of mankind, as the result of the
universal recognition of its oneness and wholeness, will bring
in its wake the spiritualization of the masses, consequent to
the recognition of the character, and the acknowledgement of
the claims, of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh--the essential
condition to that ultimate fusion of all races, creeds,
classes, and nations which must signalize the emergence of His
New World Order.Then will the coming of age of the entire human race be
proclaimed and celebrated by all the peoples and nations of the
earth. Then will the banner of the Most Great Peace be hoisted.
Then will the world wide sovereignty of Bahá'u'lláh--the
Establisher of the Kingdom of the Father foretold by the Son, and
anticipated by the Prophets of God before Him and after
Him--be recognized, acclaimed, and firmly established. Then
|PPg_188will a world civilization be born, flourish, and perpetuate
itself, a civilization with a fullness of life such as the
world has never seen nor can as yet conceive. Then will the
Everlasting Covenant be fulfilled in its completeness. Then
will the promise enshrined in all the Books of God be redeemed,
and all the prophecies uttered by the Prophets of old come to
pass, and the vision of seers and poets be realized. Then will
the planet, galvanized through the universal belief of its
dwellers in one God, and their allegiance to one common
Revelation, mirror, within the limitations imposed upon it, the
effulgent glories of the sovereignty of Bahá'u'lláh, shining in
the plenitude of its splendour in the Abha Paradise, and be
made the footstool of His Throne on high, and acclaimed as the
earthly heaven, capable of fulfilling that ineffable destiny
fixed for it, from time immemorial, by the love and wisdom of
its Creator.(28 March 1941, published in "The Promised Day Is Come" pp.
122-124)1612. The principle of collective security He [Bahá'u'lláh]
unreservedly urges; recommends the reduction in national
armaments; and proclaims as necessary and inevitable the
convening of a world gathering at which the kings and rulers of
the world will deliberate for the establishment of peace among
the nations. ("God Passes By", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, 1987), pp.1613. During this Formative Age of the Faith, and in the course
of the present and succeeding epochs, the last and crowning
stage in the erection of the framework of the Administrative
Order of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh--the election of the
Universal House of Justice--will have been completed, the
"Kitáb-i-Aqdas", the Mother-Book of His Revelation, will have
been codified and its laws promulgated, the Lesser Peace will
have been established, the unity of mankind will have been
achieved and its maturity attained, the Plan conceived by
`Abdu'l-Bahá will have been executed, the emancipation of the
Faith from the fetters of religious orthodoxy will have been
effected, and its independent religious status will have been
universally recognized... ."simultaneous processes, generated as far back as the concluding
years of the HeroicAge of our Faith, each clearly defined, each distinctly
separate, yet closely related and destined to culminate,
in the fullness of time, in a single glorious consummation.
One of these processes is associated with the mission of
the American Bahá'í community, the other with the destiny of
the American nation. The one serves directly the interests of
the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh... The
other process dates back to the outbreak of the First World War
that threw the Great Republic of the West into the vortex of
the first stage of a world upheaval. It received its initial
impetus through the formulation of President Wilson's Fourteen
Points, closely associating for the first time that Republic
with the fortunes of the Old World. It suffered its first
set-back through the dissociation of that Republic from the
newly-born League of Nations which that President had laboured
to create. It acquired added momentum through the outbreak of
the Second World War, inflicting unprecedented suffering on
that Republic, and involving it still further in the affairs of
all the continents of the globe. It was further reinforced
through the declaration embodied in the Atlantic Charter, as
voiced by one of its chief progenitors, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
It assumed a definite outline through the birth of the United
Nations at the San Francisco Conference. It acquired added
significance through the choice of the City of the Covenant
itself as the seat of the newly-born organization, through the
declaration recently made by the American President related to
his country's commitments in Greece and Turkey, as well as
through the submission to the General Assembly of the United
Nations of the thorny and challenging problem of the Holy Land,
the spiritual as well as the administrative centre of the World
Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. It must, however long and tortuous the
way, lead, through a series of victories and reverses, to the
political unification of the Eastern and Western Hemispheres,
to the emergence of a world government, and the establishment
of the Lesser Peace, as foretold by Bahá'u'lláh and
foreshadowed by the Prophet Isaiah. It must, in the end,
culminate in the unfurling of the banner of the Most Great
Peace, in the Golden Age of the Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh.
(5 June 1947 to the Bahá'ís of West, published in "Citadel of
Faith: Messages to America 1947-1957" (Wilmette: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, 1980), p. 6, pp.1614. The raising of this Edifice will in turn herald the
construction, in the course of successive epochs of the
Formative Age of the Faith, of several other structures, which
will serve as the administrative seats of such divinely
appointed institutions as the Guardianship, the Hands of the
Cause, and the Universal House of Justice. These Edifices will,
in the shape of a far-flung arc, and following a harmonizing
style of architecture, surround the resting-places of the
Greatest Holy Leaf, ranking as foremost among the members of
her sex in the Bahá'í Dispensation, of her Brother, offered
up as a ransom by Bahá'u'lláh for the quickening of the world and
its unification, and of their Mother, proclaimed by Him to be
His chosen "consort in all the worlds of God". The ultimate
completion of this stupendous undertaking will mark the
culmination of the development of a world-widedivinely-appointed Administrative Order whose beginnings may be
traced as far back as the concluding years of the Heroic Age of
the Faith.This vast and irresistible process, unexampled in the
spiritual history of mankind, and which will synchronize with
two no less significant developments--the establishment of the
Lesser Peace and the evolution of Bahá'í national and local
institutions--the one outside and the other within the Baha'i
world--will attain its final consummation, in the Golden Age of
the Faith, through the raising of the standard of the Most
Great Peace, and the emergence, in the plenitude of its power
and glory, of the focal Centre of the agencies constituting the
World Order of Bahá'u'lláh. The final establishment of this
seat of the future Bahá'í World Commonwealth will signalize at
once the proclamation of the sovereignty of the Founder of our
Faith and the advent of the Kingdom of the Father repeatedly
lauded and promised by Jesus Christ.This World Order will, in turn, in the course of successive
Dispensations of the Bahá'í Cycle, yield its fairest fruit
through the birth and flowering of a civilization, divinely
inspired, unique in its features, world-embracing in its scope,
and fundamentally spiritual in its character --a civilization
destined as it unfolds to derive its initial impulse from the
spirit animating the very institutions which, in their
embryonic state, are now stirring in the womb of the present
Formative Age of the Faith.(27 November 1954 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
United States, published in "Messages to the Bahá'í World,
1950-1957" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1971), pp. 7475)
|PPg_191Extracts from Letters Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi:
1615. The world is in great turmoil, and what is most pathetic
is that it has learned to keep away from God, Who alone can
save it and alleviate its sufferings. It is our duty, we who
have been trusted with the task of applying the divine remedy
given by Bahá'u'lláh, to concentrate our attention upon the
consummation of this task, and not rest until the peace
foretold by the Prophets of God is permanently established....
(9 December 1931 to the Bahá'ís of Tokyo)1616. Shoghi Effendi wrote his last general letter to the
western friends because he felt that the public should be made
to understand the attitude the Bahá'í Faith maintains towards
the prevailing economic and political problems. We should let
the world know what the real aim of Bahá'u'lláh was. Up to the
present Unity of Mankind was only of an academic importance.
Now it is becoming more and more a subject for international
statesmen to think of. It is coming to the field of practical
politics. It is therefore a wonderful chance for us to come to
the front and expound the teaching which is the goal and aim of
the social precepts of Bahá'u'lláh. Shoghi Effendi hopes that
the friends will re-echo this call to an organic unity of
mankind until it forms part of the conscious faith of every
living man in the world. Great judgement should be however
practised lest we be misunderstood and our Faith be classed
among radical movements.(28 January 1932 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
United States and Canada)1617. Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter dated January 26th 1932 which accompanied a printed
copy of his last general letter. He thanks you both for this as
well as for the one hundred copies you are shipping to him. He
is deeply gratified to learn that the friends find it
interesting and worthwhile enough as to make its subject-matter
the topic of their teaching campaign. He sincerely hopes that
this will also awaken some of the friends to the importance of
this teaching of the Cause and stimulate them to make a
thorough and deep study of it. For it undoubtedly forms the
goal of the social precepts of the Faith. There is no reason
why the Bahá'ís should not take the lead inadvocating such a federation of the world, towards which the
world is driven by forces it cannot control....(16 February 1932 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
United States and Canada)1618. The different nations of the world will never attain
peace except after recognizing the significance of the
teachings and whole-heartedly upholding them for through those
precepts all international problems will be solved and every
man will secure the spiritual environment in which his soul can
evolve and produce its highest fruits.1619. The Guardian has also read with deep interest all the
enclosed papers. He is firmly convinced that through
perseverance and concerted action the cause of Peace will
eventually triumph over all the dark forces which threaten the
welfare and progress of the world today. But such purely human
attempts are undoubtedly ineffective unless inspired and guided
by the power of faith. Without the assistance of God, as given
through the message of Bahá'u'lláh, peace can never be safely
and adequately established. To disregard the Bahá'í solution
for world peace is to build on foundations of sand. To accept
and apply it is to make peace not a mere dream, or an ideal,
but a living reality. This is the point which the Guardian
wishes you to develop, to emphasize again and again, and to support by
convincing arguments. The Bahá'í peace programme is,
indeed, not only one way of attaining that goal. It is not even
relatively the best. It is, in the last resort, the sole
effective instrument for the establishment of the reign of
peace in this world. This attitude does not involve any total
repudiation of other solutions offered by variousphilanthropists. It merely shows their inadequacy compared to
the Divine Plan for the unification of the world. We cannot
escape the truth that nothing mundane can in the last
resort be enduring, unless supported and sustained through the
power of God.1620. Whatever our shortcomings may be, and however formidable
the forces of darkness which besiege us today, the unification
of mankind as outlined and ensured by the World Order of
Bahá'u'lláh will in thefullness of time be firmly and permanently established. This is
Bahá'u'lláh's promise, and no power on earth can in the long
run prevent or even retard its adequate realization. The
friends should, therefore, not lose hope, but fully conscious
of their power and their role they should persevere in their
mighty efforts for the extension and the consolidation of
Bahá'u'lláh's universal dominion on earth.1621. As regards the International Executive referred to by the
Guardian in his "Goal of a New World Order", it should be noted
that this statement refers by no means to the Baha'i
Commonwealth of the future, but simply to that world government
which will herald the advent and lead to the final
establishment of the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh. The formation
of this International Executive, which corresponds to the
executive head or board in present-day national governments, is
but a step leading to the Bahá'í world government of the
future, and hence should not be identified with either the
institution of the Guardianship or that of the International
House of Justice.1622. In connection with your teaching work: what the Guardian
wishes you to particularly emphasize in all your talks is the
supreme necessity for all individuals and nations in this day
to adopt in its entirety the social programme given by
Bahá'u'lláh for the reconstruction of the religious, economic
and political life of mankind. He wishes you to explain and
analyze the elements that help in raising this Divine World
Order in the light of the present-day events and conditions in
the world. Special stress, he feels, should be laid on the
impending necessity of establishing a supranational and
sovereign world state, as the one described by Bahá'u'lláh.
With the world becoming increasingly subject to tumults and
convulsions never experienced before, the realization of such a
necessity is entering into the consciousness of not only the
wise and learned, but of the common people as well. The
believers should, therefore, seize this opportunity and make a
supreme effort to present, in a convincing and eloquent
language, those social and humanitarian teachings of the Faith
which we believe to constitute the sole panacea for the
innumerable ills afflicting our present-day world.
|PPg_1941623. With reference to your question concerning `Abdu'l-Bahá's
reference to "unity in the political realm": this unity should
be clearly distinguished from the "unity of nations". The first
is a unity which politically independent and sovereign states
achieve among themselves; while the second is one which is
brought about between nations, the difference between a state
and a nation being that the former, as you know, is a political
entity without necessarily being homogeneous in race, whereas
the second implies national as well as political homogeneity.
(26 July 1936 to an individual believer)1624. As regards your teaching work: the Guardian has already
advised you to stress in your talks the idea of a world
superstate, and the concept of the Oneness of Mankind
underlying it. In addition, he wishes you also to emphasize the
fact that humanity, taken as a whole, has entered the most
critical and momentous stage of its evolution, the stage of
maturity. This idea of the coming of age of mankind constitutes
the central core of the Bahá'í Teachings, and is the most
distinguishing feature of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh. A
proper understanding of this concept gives the key to an
adequate appreciation of the tremendous claim made by the
Author of the Faith, both with regard to His own station, and
to the incomparable greatness of His Dispensation.
(12 October 1936 to an individual believer)1625. With reference to the question you have asked concerning
the time and means through which the Lesser and Most Great
Peace, referred to by Bahá'u'lláh, will be established,
following the coming World War: Your view that the Lesser Peace
will come about through the political efforts of the states and
nations of the world, and independently of any direct Baha'i
plan or effort, and the Most Great Peace be established through
the instrumentality of the believers, and by the direct
operation of the laws and principles revealed by Bahá'u'lláh
and the functioning of the Universal House of Justice as the
supreme organ of the Bahá'í superstate -- your view on this
subject is quite correct and in full accord with the
pronouncements of the Guardian as embodied in "The Unfoldment
of World Civilization".(14 March 1939 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States and Canada, and to an individual believer)1626. Though it is premature to try and endeavour to foresee on
what basis various nations would be represented on any
international council, or in any international form of
government, it is clear that from the Bahá'í standpoint it
could only be carried out on a basis of true justice; and
justice does not imply one race having a preponderating vote
over some other race's representatives, and thus being in a
position to dominate them.1627. What `Abdu'l-Bahá meant about the women arising for peace
is that this a matter which vitally affects women, and when
they form a conscious and overwhelming mass of public opinion
against war there can be no war. The Bahá'í women are already
organized through being members of the Faith and the
Administrative Order. No further organization is needed. But
they should, through teaching and through the active moral
support they give to every movement directed towards peace,
seek to exert a strong influence on other women's minds in
regard to this essential matter.1628. The Seven Lights of Unity will not necessarily appear in
the order given. A product of the second may well be universal
culture.1629. The teachings of Bahá'u'lláh will establish a new way of
life for humanity. Those who are Bahá'ís must endeavour to
establish this way of life just as rapidly as possible. Now
that the hour has arrived when the Bahá'í Faith is gaining
prominence, and is being reviewed by so many peoples, it is
necessary that the adherents of the Faith should live up to the
high ideals of the Faith in every way. In this way they can
demonstrate that the Bahá'í Faith does create a new way of
life, which brings to the individual a complete association
with the Will of God, and thus the establishment of a peaceful
and universal society. Divisional attachments are of men, while
universal service is of God.The Guardian is now anxious that all the friends achieve a
universal consciousness and universal way of life.
(20 November 1955 to an individual believer)1630. World government will come, but we do not know the date.
(15 August 1957 to an individual believer)Extracts from Letters of the Universal House of Justice:
1631. When Bahá'u'lláh proclaimed His Message to the world in
the nineteenth century He made it abundantly clear that the
first step essential for the peace and progress of mankind was
its unification. As He says, "The well-being of mankind, its
peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity
is firmly established." ("The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh", p.
203)To this day, however, you will find most people take the
opposite point of view: they look upon unity as an ultimate,
almost unattainable goal and concentrate first on remedying all
the other ills of mankind. If they did but know it, these other
ills are but various symptoms and side effects of the basic
disease--disunity.revivification of mankind and the curing of all its ills can be
achieved only through the instrumentality of His Faith....
We are told by Shoghi Effendi that two great processes are
at work in the world: the great Plan of God, tumultuous in its
progress, working through mankind as a whole, tearing down
barriers to world unity and forging humankind into a unified
body in the fires of suffering and experience. This process
will produce, in God's due time, the Lesser Peace, the
political unification of the world. Mankind at that time can be
likened to a body that is unified but without life. The second
process, the task of breathing life into this unified body--of
creating true unity and spirituality culminating in the Most
Great Peace--is that of the Bahá'ís, who are labouring
consciously, with detailed instructions and continuing Divine
guidance, to erect the fabric of the Kingdom of God on earth,
into which they call their fellow men, thus conferring upon
them eternal life.(8 December 1967, published in "Wellspring of Guidance:
Messages 1963-1968", 1st rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing
Trust, 1976), pp. 131-34)1632. It is true that `Abdu'l-Bahá made statements linking the
establishment of the unity of nations to the twentieth century.
For example: 'The fifth candle is the unity of nations--a unity
which, in this century, will be securely established, causing
all the peoples of the world to regard themselves as citizens
of one common fatherland." And, in The "Promised Day Is Come",
following a similar statement quoted from "Some Answered
Questions", Shoghi Effendi makes this comment: "This is the
stage which the world is now approaching, the stage of world
unity, which, as `Abdu'l-Bahá assures us, will, in this
century, be securely established."There is also this statement from a letter written in
1946 to an individual believer on behalf of the beloved Guardian by his
secretary:All we know is that the Lesser and the Most Great Peace
will come -- their exact dates we do not know. The same is true
as regards the possibility of a future war; we cannot state
dogmatically it will or will not take place --all we know is
that mankind must suffer and be punished sufficiently to make
it turn to God.Extracts from Letters Written on behalf of the Universal House
of Justice:1633. ...the Bahá'í Faith aims to eliminate all war, including
nuclear. The fundamental purpose of our Faith is unity and the
establishment of peace. This goal, which is the longing of
people throughout an increasingly insecure world, can only be
achieved through the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Since it is only
the Bahá'ís who can give these Teachings to mankind, the
friends must weigh carefully how they will spend their time and
energy and guard against associating with activities which
unduly distract them from their primary responsibility of
sharing the Message of Bahá'u'lláh.1634. At the present time, the subject of nuclear disarmament
has become very much a political issue, with demonstrations
taking place not only in the United States but also in England
and some western European countries. To single out nuclear
disarmament falls short of the Bahá'í position and would
involve the Faith in the current disputes between nations. It
is very clear that Bahá'ís believe disarmament, not only of
nuclear weapons but of biological, chemical and all other
forms, is essential...1635. Concerning the transition from the present system of
national sovereignty to a system of world government, the House
of Justice fully agrees with your view that the Bahá'ís must
now do all in their power to promote this transition. This
requires several related activities, all of which are goals of
the present Seven Year Plan. One is the establishment as
rapidly as possible of firmly grounded efficiently functioning
Local Spiritual Assemblies in every part of the world, so that
seekers everywhere will have a point of reference to which they
can turn for guidance and for the Teachings of the Faith. A
second is the deepening of the believers, of all ages, in their
understanding of and obedience to the Teachings. A third is the
proclamation of the Faith to all strata of society, and in
particular to those in authority and to leaders of thought so
that those who hold the direction of peoples in their hands
will learn accurately about the nature and tenets of the Faith
and will grow to respect it and implement its principles. A
fourth is the promotion of Bahá'í scholarship, so that an
increasing number of believers will be able to analyse the
problems of mankind in every field and to show how the
Teachings solve them. A fifth is the development of relations
between the Bahá'í International Community and the United
Nations both directly with the highest UN institutions and
at a grass-roots level in areas of rural development,
education, etc.As you are no doubt aware, the Guardian indicated that the
development of mankind from its present chaotic condition to
the stage of the Bahá'í World Commonwealth would be a long and
gradual one. The coming into existence of a World Authority and
the initiation of the Lesser Peace, is one major transformation
in this process, and will be followed by other stages of the
development of the Faith as outlined byShoghi Effendi in his writings. Undoubtedly, as these
developments are taking place, the counsel the institutions of
the Faith can give to governments, the pattern of world
administration offered by the Bahá'í community and the great
humanitarian projects which will be launched under the aegis of
the Universal House of Justice, will exercise a great influence
on the course of progress.1636. It is true that Bahá'ís are not pacifists since we uphold
the use of force in the service of justice and upholding law.
But we do not believe that war is ever necessary and its
abolition is one of the essential purposes and brightest
promises of Bahá'u'lláh's revelation. His specific command to
the kings of the earth is: "Should any one among you take up
arms against another, rise ye all against him, for this is
naught but manifest justice." (Tablet to Queen Victoria, "The
Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh", p. 13) The beloved Guardian has
explained that the unity of mankind implies the establishment
of a world commonwealth, a world federal system,".. .liberated
from the curse of war and its miseries in which Force is made
the servant of Justice..." whose world executive "backed by an
international Force,...will safeguard the organic unity of the
whole commonwealth." This is obviously not war but the
maintenance of law and order on a world scale. Warfare is the
ultimate tragedy of disunity among nations where no
international authority exists powerful enough to restrain them
from pursuing their own limited interests. Bahá'ís therefore
ask to serve their countries in non-combatant ways during such
fighting; they will doubtless serve in such an international
Force as Bahá'u'lláh envisions, whenever it comes into being.
(11 September 1984 to an individual believer)1637. Bahá'u'lláh's principal mission in appearing at this time
in human history is the realization of the oneness of mankind
and the establishment of peace among the nations; therefore,
all the forces which are focused on accomplishing these ends
are influenced by His Revelation. We know, however, that peace
will come in stages. First, there will come the Lesser Peace,
when the unity of nations will be achieved, then gradually the
Most Great Peace--the spiritual as well as social and political
unity of mankind, when the Bahá'í World Commonwealth, operating
in strict accordancewith the laws and ordinances of the Most Holy Book of the
Bahá'í Revelation, will have been established through the
efforts of the Bahá'ís.As to the Lesser Peace, Shoghi Effendi has explained that
this will initially be a political unity arrived at by decision
of the governments of various nations; it will not be
established by direct action of the Bahá'í community. This does
not mean, however, that the Bahá'ís are standing aside and
waiting for the Lesser Peace to come before they do something
about the peace of mankind. Indeed, by promoting the principles
of the Faith, which are indispensable to the maintenance of
peace, and by fashioning the instruments of the Baha'i
Administrative Order, which we are told by the beloved Guardian
is the pattern for future society, the Bahá'ís are constantly
engaged in laying the groundwork for a permanent peace, the
Most Great Peace being their ultimate goal. The Lesser Peace
itself will pass through stages; at the initial stage the
governments will act entirely on their own without the
conscious involvement of the Faith; later on, in God's good
time, the Faith will have a direct influence on it in ways
indicated by Shoghi Effendi in his "The Goal of a New World
Order". In connection with the steps that will lead to this
latter stage, the Universal House of Justice will certainly
determine what has to be done, in accordance with the guidance
in the Writings, such as the passage you quoted from "Tablets
of Bahá'u'lláh", page 89. In the meantime, the Bahá'ís will
undoubtedly continue to do all in their power to promote the
establishment of peace.1638. Be not dismayed, O peoples of the world, when the day
star of My beauty is set, and the heaven of My tabernacle is
concealed from your eyes. Arise to further My Cause, and to
exalt My Word amongst men. We are with you at all times, and
shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly
almighty. Whoso hath recognized Me, will arise and serve Me with such
determination that the powers of earth and heaven("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, rev. ed.
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1984), sec. 71, p. 137; "A
Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy
Book of Bahá'u'lláh", 1st ed. (Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre,
1973), p. 14)1639. Let not your hearts be perturbed, O people, when the
glory of My Presence is withdrawn, and the ocean of My
utterance is stilled. In My presence amongst you there is a
wisdom, and in My absence there is yet another, inscrutable to
all but God, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing. Verily, We
behold you from Our realm of glory, and shall aid whosoever
will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the
Concourse on high and a company of Our favoured angels.
("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. 72, p.
139; "A Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the
Most Holy Book of Bahá'u'lláh" p. 16)1640. Dost thou believe thou hast the power to frustrate His
Will, to hinder Him from executing His judgement, or to deter
Him from exercising His sovereignty? Pretendest thou that aught
in the heavens or in the earth can resist His Faith? No, by Him
Who is the Eternal Truth! Nothing whatsoever in the whole of
creation can thwart His Purpose....Know thou, moreover, that He it is Who hath, by His own
behest, created all that is in the heavens and all that is on
the earth. How can, then, the thing that hath been created at
His bidding prevail against Him?...("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. 113, p.
220)1641. By the righteousness of God! Whoso openeth his lips in
this Day and maketh mention of the name of his Lord, the hosts
of Divine inspiration shall descend upon him from the heaven of
My name, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. On him shall also
descend the Concourse on high, each bearing aloft a chalice of
pure light. Thus hath it been foreordained in the realm of
God's Revelation, by the behest of Him Who is the All-Glorious,
the Most Powerful.("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. 129, p.
280)1642. They that have forsaken their country for the purpose of
teaching Our Cause--these shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen
through its power. A company of Our chosen angels shall go
forth with them, as bidden by Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Wise. How
great the blessedness that awaiteth him that hath attained the honor of
serving the Almighty!...("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. 157, p.
334)1643. Great is the blessedness of him who hath in this Day cast
away the things current amongst men and hath clung unto that
which is ordained by God, the Lord of Names and the Fashioner
of all created things, He Who is come from the heaven of
eternity through the power of the Most Great Name, invested
with so invincible an authority that all the powers of the
earth are unable to withstand Him. Unto this beareth witness
the Mother Book, calling from the Most Sublime Station.
(Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas"
[rev. ed.], (Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), p. 48)
1644. This is the most great, the most joyful tidings imparted
by the Pen of this Wronged One to mankind. Wherefore fear ye, O
My well-beloved ones? Who is it that can dismay you? A touch of
moisture sufficeth to dissolve the hardened clay out of which
this perverse generation ismoulded. The mere act of your gathering together is enough to
scatter the forces of these vain and worthless people.
("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas",
pp. 8485)1645. The source of courage and power is the promotion of the
Word of God, and steadfastness in His Love.("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", p.
156)1646. He, verily, will aid everyone that aideth Him, and will
remember everyone that remembereth Him. To this beareth witness
this Tablet that hath shed the splendor of the loving-kindness
of your Lord, the All-Glorious, the All Compelling....
(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice"
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1984), p. 76)1647. Every single letter proceeding from Our mouth is endowed
with such regenerative power as to enable it to bring into
existence a new creation --a creation the magnitude of which is
inscrutable to all save God. He verily hath knowledge of all
things....(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice", p.
80)1648. It is in Our power, should We wish it, to enable a speck
of floating dust to generate, in less than the twinkling of an
eye, suns of infinite, of unimaginable splendour, to cause a
dewdrop to develop into vast and numberless oceans, to infuse
into every letter such a force as to empower it to unfold all
the knowledge of past and future ages....(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice", pp. 80-81)
1649. We are possessed of such power which, if brought to
light, will transmute the most deadly of poisons into a panacea
of unfailing efficacy.(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice", p.
81)1650. Say: Beware, O people of Baha, lest the strong ones of
the earth rob you of your strength, or they who rule the world fill
you with fear. Put your trust in God, and commit your affairs
to His keeping. He, verily, will, through the power of truth,
render you victorious, and He, verily, ispowerful to do what He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins
of omnipotent might....(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice", p.
82)1651. By the righteousness of God, should a man, all alone,
arise in the name of Bahá and put on the armor of His love, him
will the Almighty cause to be victorious, though the forces of
earth and heaven be arrayed against him....(Cited in Shoghi Effendi "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh:
Selected Letters", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing
Trust, 1982), p. 106)1652. By God besides Whom is none other God! Should any one
arise for the triumph of our Cause, him will God render
victorious though tens of thousands of enemies be leagued
against him. And if his love for Me wax stronger, God will
establish his ascendancy over all the powers of earth and
heaven. Thus have We breathed the spirit of power into, all
regions.(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh:
Selected Letters" p.106)1653. Rid thou thyself of all attachments to aught except God,
enrich thyself in God by dispensing with all else besides Him,
and recite this prayer:Say: God sufficeth all things above all things, and nothing
in the heavens or in the earth or in whatever lieth between
them but God, thy Lord, sufficeth. Verily, He is in Himself the
Knower, the Sustainer, the Omnipotent.Regard not the all-sufficing power of God as an idle fancy.
It is that genuine faith which thou cherishest for the
Manifestation of God in every Dispensation. It is such faith
which sufficeth above all the things that exist on the earth,
whereas no created thing on earth besides faith would suffice
thee. If thou art not a believer, the Tree of divine Truth would
condemn thee to extinction. If thou art a believer, thy
faith shall be sufficient for thee above all things that exist
on earth, even though thou possess nothing.("Selections from the Writings of The Báb" [rev. ed.], (Haifa:
Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), p. 123)1654. Say, verily any one follower of this Faith can, by the
leave of God, prevail over all who dwell in heaven and earth
and in whatever lieth between them; for indeed this is, beyond
the shadow of a doubt, the one true Faith. Therefore fear ye
not, neither be ye grieved.Say, God hath, according to that which is revealed in the
Book, taken upon Himself the task of ensuring the ascendancy of
any one of the followers of the Truth, over and above one
hundred other souls, and the supremacy of one hundred believers
over one thousand non-believers and the domination of one
thousand of the faithful over all the peoples and kindreds of
the earth; inasmuch as God calleth into being whatsoever He
willeth by virtue of His behest. Verily He is potent over all
things. Say, the power of God is in the hearts of those who
believe in the unity of God and bear witness that no God is
there but Him, while the hearts of them that associate partners
with God are impotent, devoid of life on this earth, for
assuredly they are dead.("Selections from the Writings of The Báb" p. 153)
1655. When the Day-Star of Bahá will shine resplendent above
the horizon of eternity it is incumbent upon you to present
yourselves before His Throne....Ye have, one and all, been called into being to seek His
presence and to attain that exalted and glorious station.
Indeed, He will send down from the heaven of His mercy that
which will benefit you, and whatever is graciously vouchsafed
by Him shall enable you to dispense with all mankind.... Indeed
if it be His Will He can assuredly bring about the resurrection
of all created things through a word from Himself. He is, in
truth, over and above all this, the All-Powerful, the Almighty,
the Omnipotent.("Selections from the Writings of The Báb", pp. 16466)
1656. Hallowed be the Lord in Whose hand is the source of
dominion. He createth whatsoever He willeth by His Word of
command Be", and it is. His hath been the power of authority
heretofore and it shall remain His hereafter. He maketh
victorious whomsoever He pleaseth, through the potency of His
behest. He is in truth the Powerful, the Almighty. Unto Him
pertaineth all glory and majesty in the kingdoms of Revelation
andCreation and whatever lieth between them. Verily He is the Potent,
the All Glorious. From everlasting He hath been the
Source of indomitable strength and shall remain so unto
everlasting. He is indeed the Lord of might and power. All the
kingdoms of heaven and earth and whatever is between them are
God's, and His power is supreme over all things. All the
treasures of earth and heaven and everything between them are
His, and His protection extendeth over all things. He is the
Creator of the heavens and the earth and whatever lieth between
them and He truly is a witness over all things. He is the Lord
of Reckoning for all that dwell in the heavens and on earth and
whatever lieth between them, and truly God is swift to reckon.
He setteth the measure assigned to all who are in the heavens
and the earth and whatever is between them. Verily He is the
Supreme Protector. He holdeth in His grasp the keys of heaven
and earth and of everything between them. At His Own pleasure
doth He bestow gifts, through the power of His command. Indeed
His grace encompasseth all and He is the All-Knowing.
("Selections from the Writings of The Báb", p. 171)
1657. Glorified art Thou, O God, Thou art the Creator of the
heavens and the earth and that which lieth between them. Thou
art the sovereign Lord, the Most Holy, the Almighty, the
All-Wise. Magnified be Thy Name, O God, send down upon them who
have believed in God and in His signs a mighty succour from Thy
presence such as to enable them to prevail over the generality
of mankind.("Selections from the Writings of The Báb, p. 176)
1658. Praised art Thou, O Lord! At Thy behest Thou dost render
victorious whomsoever Thou willest, through the hosts of heaven
and earth and whatsoever existeth between them. Thou art the
Sovereign, the Eternal Truth, the Lord of invincible might.
("Selections from the Writings of The Báb", p. 177)
1659. O Lord! Assist those who have renounced all else but
Thee, and grant them a mighty victory. Send down upon them, O
Lord, the concourse of the angels in heaven and earth and all
that is between, to aid Thy servants, to succour and strengthen
them, to enable them to achieve success, to sustain them, to
invest them with glory, to confer upon them honour and
|PPg_207exaltation, to enrich them and to make them triumphant with a
wondrous triumph.("Selections from the Writings of The Báb", p. 192)
1660. Send forth, O God, such hosts as would render Thy
faithful servants victorious. Thou dost fashion the created
things through the power of Thy decree as Thou pleasest. Thou
art in truth the Sovereign, the Creator, the All-Wise.
("Selections from the Writings of The Báb", p. 211)
1661. Heed not your weaknesses and frailty; fix your gaze upon the
invincible power of the Lord, your God, the Almighty. Has
He not, in past days, caused Abraham, in spite of His seeming
helplessness, to triumph over the forces of Nimrod? Has He not
enabled Moses, whose staff was His only companion, to vanquish
Pharaoh and his hosts? Has He not established the ascendancy of
Jesus, poor and lowly as He was in the eyes of men, over the
combined forces of the Jewish people? Has He not subjected the
barbarous and militant tribes of Arabia to the holy and
transforming discipline of Muhammad, His Prophet? Arise in His
name, put your trust wholly in Him, and be assured of ultimate
victory.(Addressed to the Letters of the Living cited in "The
Dawn-Breakers: Nabil's Narrative of the Early Days of the
Bahá'í Revelation" trans. and ed. Shoghi Effendi (Wilmette:
Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1974), p. 94)1662. These souls are the armies of God and the conquerors of
the East and the West. Should one of them turn his face toward
some direction and summon the people to the Kingdom of God, all
the ideal forces and lordly confirmations will rush to his
support and reinforcement. He will behold all the doors open
and all the strong fortifications and impregnable castles razed
to the ground. Singly and alone he will attack the armies of
the world, defeat the right and left wings of the hosts of all
the countries, break through the lines of the legions of all
the nations and carry his attack to the very center of the
powers of the earth. This is the meaning of the Hosts of God.
("Tablets of the Divine Plan Revealed by `Abdu'l-Bahá to the
North American Bahá'ís" rev. ed. (Wilmette:Bahá'í Publishing
Trust, 1980), pp. 47-48)1663. If in this day a soul shall act according to the precepts
and the counsels of God, he will serve as a divine physician to
mankind, and like the trump of Israfil,[1] he will call the dead
of this contingent world to life; for the confirmations of the
Abha Realm are never interrupted, and such a virtuous soul
hath, to befriend him, the unfailing help of the Company on
high. Thus shall a sorry gnat become an eagle in the fullness
of his strength, and a feeble sparrow change to a royal falcon
in the heights of ancient glory.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" [rev. ed.I,
(Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), sec. 8, p. 23)
1664. Know thou of a certainty that thy Lord will come to thine
aid with a company of the Concourse on high and hosts of the
Abhá Kingdom. These will mount the attack, and will furiously
assail the forces of the ignorant, the blind....("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" sec. 19, p.
43)1665. If a small number of people gather lovingly together,
with absolute purity and sanctity, with their hearts free of
the world, experiencing the emotions of the Kingdom and the
powerful magnetic forces of the Divine, and being at one in
their happy fellowship, that gathering will exert its influence
over all the earth. The nature of that band of people, the
words they speak, the deeds they do, will unleash the bestowals
of Heaven, and provide a foretaste of eternal bliss. The hosts
of the Company on high will defend them, and the angels of the
Abha Paradise, in continuous succession, will come down to
their aid.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" sec. 39, p. 81)
1666. He will come to your aid with invisible hosts, and
support you with armies of inspiration from the Concourse
above; He will send unto you sweet perfumes from the highest
Paradise, and waft over you the pure breathings that blow from
the rose gardens of the Company on high. He will breathe into
your hearts the spirit of life, cause you to enter the Ark of
salvation, and reveal unto you His clear tokens and signs.
Verily is this abounding grace. Verily is this the victory that
none can deny.[1] Believed to be the angel appointed to sound the
trumpet on the Day of Resurrection to raise the dead at the
bidding of the Lord.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" sec. 157, pp.
186-87)1667. Rest ye assured that if a soul ariseth in the utmost
perseverance and raiseth the Call of the Kingdom and resolutely
promulgateth the Covenant, be he an insignificant ant he shall
be enabled to drive away the formidable elephant from the
arena, and if he be a feeble moth he shall cut to pieces the
plumage of the rapacious vulture.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 184, p.
209)1668. The confirmations of Him Who is the Ever-Forgiving have
wrapped every clime in light, the armies of the Company on high
are rushing forward to do battle at the side of the friends of
the Lord and carry the day...("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 193, p.
229)1669. All praise and thanksgiving be unto the Blessed Beauty,
for calling into action the armies of His Abhá Kingdom, and
sending forth to us His never-interrupted aid, dependable as
the rising stars....("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 195, p.
237)1670. Whensoever holy souls, drawing on the powers of heaven,
shall arise with such qualities of the spirit, and march in
unison, rank on rank, every one of those souls will be even as
one thousand, and the surging waves of that mighty ocean will
be even as the battalions of the Concourse on high....
("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá, sec. 207, p.
260)1671. It is clear that in this day, confirmations from the
unseen world are encompassing all those who deliver the divine
Message. Should the work of teaching lapse, these confirmations
would be entirely cut off, since it is impossible for the loved
ones of God to receive assistance unless they teach.
("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá, sec. 209, pp.
26465)1672. O ye servants of the Sacred Threshold! The triumphant
hosts of the Celestial Concourse, arrayed and marshalled in the
Realms above, stand ready and expectant to assist and assure
victory to that valiant horsemanwho with confidence spurs on his charger into the arena of
service. Well is it with that fearless warrior, who armed with
the power of true Knowledge, hastens unto the field, disperses
the armies of ignorance, and scatters the hosts of error, who
holds aloft the Standard of Divine Guidance, and sounds the
Clarion of Victory. By the righteousness of the Lord! He hath
achieved a glorious triumph and obtained the true victory.
("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" sec. 208, p.
264)1673. Be not grieved at the smallness of your number and thank
God for the power of your spirits. He shall assist you with
such a confirmation whereat minds will be astonished and souls
will be amazed.(`Abdu'l-Bahá, "Tablets of Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas, vol. 1 (Chicago:
Bahá'í Publishing Committee 1930), p. 80)1674. Be ye assured with the greatest assurance that, verily,
God will help those who are firm in His Covenant in every matter,
through His confirmation and favor, the lights of which will
shine forth unto the east of the earth, as well as the west
thereof. He will make them the signs of guidance among the
creation and as shining and glittering stars from all horizons.
("Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas", vol. 1, p. 83)1675. Arise with every power to assist the Covenant of God and
serve in His vineyard. Be confident that a confirmation will be
granted unto you and a success on His part is given unto you.
Verily, He shall support you by the angels of His holiness and
reinforce you with the breaths of the Spirit that ye may mount
the Ark of Safety, set forth the evident signs, impart the
spirit of life, declare the essence of His commands and
precepts, guide the sheep who are straying from the fold in all
directions, and give the blessings. Ye have to use every effort
in your power and strive earnestly and wisely in this new
century. By God, verily the Lord of Hosts is your support, the
angels of heaven your assistance, the Holy Spirit your
companion and the Center of the Covenant your helper. Be not
idle, but active and fear not....("Tablets of Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas", vol. 1, p. 162; "Bahá'í World
Faith: Selected Writings of Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá, [rev.
ed.] (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1976), p. 362)
|PPg_2111676. By the Lord of the Kingdom! If one arise to promote the
Word of God with a pure heart, overflowing with the love of God
and severed from the world, the Lord of Hosts will assist him
with such a power as will penetrate the core of the existent
beings.("Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas" vol 2 (Chicago: Baha'i
Publishing Society, 1915) p. 348)1677. Your Lord hath assuredly promised His servants who are
firm and steadfast to render them victorious at all times, to
exalt their word, propagate their power, diffuse their lights,
strengthen their hearts, elevate their banners, assist their
hosts, brighten their stars, increase the abundance of the
showers of mercy upon them, and enable the brave lions (or
teachers) to conquer.Hasten, hasten, O ye firm believers! Hasten, hasten, O ye
steadfast! Abandon the heedless, set aside every ignorant, take
hold of the strong rope, be firm in this Great Cause, draw
light from this Evident Light, be patient and be steadfast in
this wise Religion! Ye shall see the hosts of inspiration
descending successively from the Supreme World, the procession
of attraction falling incessantly from the heights of heaven,
the abundance of the Kingdom of El-ABHA outpouring continually
and the teachings of God penetrating with the utmost power,
while the heedless are indeed in evident loss.("Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas" vol. 2, pp. 442-43)
1678. Today, any soul who looseneth his tongue in the delivery
of Truth and is engaged in the diffusion of the fragrances of
God, he shall undoubtedly be assisted and confirmed by the Holy
Spirit and can resist the attacks of all the people of the
world, [for the] power of the Realm of Might shall prevail.
That is why thou seest that, although the disciples of Christ
were physically weak and apparently vanquished by the
persecution of every king, yet in the end were victorious over
all and brought them under their protection.("Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas, vol. 3 (Chicago: Baha'i
Publishing Society, 1916), p. 508)1679. Should anyone in this day attach his heart to the Kingdom,
release himself from all else save God and become attracted to
the fragrances ofholiness, the army of the Kingdom of ABHA will help him and the
angels of the Supreme Concourse will assist him.1680. Remember not your own limitations; the help of God will
come to you. Forget yourself. God's help will surely come!
When you call on the Mercy of God waiting to reinforce you,
your strength will be tenfold. Look at me: I am so feeble, yet
I have had the strength given me to come amongst you: a poor
servant of God, who has been enabled to give you this message!
I shall not be with you long! One must never consider one's own
feebleness, it is the strength of the Holy Spirit of Love,
which gives the power to teach. The thought of our own weakness
could only bring despair. We must look higher than all earthly
thoughts; detach ourselves from every material idea, crave for
the things of the spirit; fix our eyes on the everlasting
bountiful Mercy of the Almighty, who will fill our souls with
the gladness of joyful service to His command 'Love One
Another'.("Paris Talks: Addresses given by `Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in
1911-1912", 10th ed. (London: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1979),
pp. 38-39)1681. How great, how very great is the Cause; how very fierce
the onslaught of all the peoples and kindreds of the earth!
Erelong shall the clamor of the multitude throughout Africa,
throughout America, the cry of the European and of the Turk,
the groaning of India and China be heard from far and near. One
and all they shall arise with all their power to resist His
Cause. Then shall the Knights of the Lord, assisted by grace
from on high, strengthened by faith, aided by the power of
understanding and reinforced by the legions of the Covenant,
arise and make manifest the truth of the verse: 'Behold the
confusion that hath befallen the tribes of the defeated!'[2]
(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "Bahá'í Administration: Selected
Messages 1922-1932" [rev. ed.], (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing
Trust, 1980), p. 123)1682. The Báb hath said: "Should a tiny ant desire, in this
day, to be possessed of such power as to be able to unravel the
abstrusest and most bewildering passages of the Quran, its
wish will no doubt be fulfilled, inasmuch as the mystery of
eternal might vibrates within the innermost being of all
created things." If so helpless a creature can be endowed with
so subtle a capacity, how much more efficacious must be the
power released through the liberal effusions of the grace of
Bahá'u'lláh!(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice" p. 46)
1683. The Kingdom of God is possessed of limitless potency.
Audacious must be the army of life if the confirming aid of
that Kingdom is to be repeatedly vouchsafed unto it.... Vast is
the arena, and the time ripe to spur on the charger within it.
Now is the time to reveal the force of one's strength, the
stoutness of one's heart and the might of one's soul.
(Cited in a letter dated 28 January 1939 to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published
in Shoghi Effendi "Messages to America: Selected Letters and
Cablegrams Addressed to the Bahá'ís of North America
1932-1946" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1947), p.
17)1684. And now you, if you act in accordance with the teachings
of Bahá'u'lláh, may rest assured that you will be aided and
confirmed. In all affairs which you undertake, you shall be
rendered victorious, and all the inhabitants of the earth
cannot withstand you. You are the conquerors, because the power
of the Holy Spirit is your assistant. Above and over physical
forces, phenomenal forces, the Holy Spirit itself shall aid you
(Published in "Star of the West, voL 8, no. 8 (1 August
1917), p. 103)1685. Be ye valiant and fearless! Day by day add to your
spiritual victories. Be ye not disturbed by the constant
assaults of the enemies. Attack ye like unto the roaring lions.
Have no thought of yourselves, for the invisible armies of the
Kingdom are fighting on your side. Enter ye the battlefield
with the Confirmations of the Holy Spirit. Know ye of a
certainty that the powers of the Kingdom of Abha are with you.
The hosts of the heaven of Truth are with you. The cool breezes
of the Paradise of Abha are wafting over your heated brows. Not
for a moment are ye alone. Not for a second are ye left to
yourselves. The Beauty of Abha is with you. The Glorious God is
with you. The King of Kings is with you.(Published in "Star of the West" vol. 13, no. 5 (August 1922),
p. 113)1686. Difficult and delicate though be our task, the sustaining
power of Bahá'u'lláh and of His Divine guidance will assuredly
assist us if we follow steadfastly in His way, and strive to
uphold the integrity of His laws. The light of His redeeming
grace, which no earthly power can obscure, will if we persevere,
illuminate our path, as we steer our course amid the snares and
pitfalls of a troubled age, and will enable us to discharge our
duties in a manner that would redound to the glory and the
honour of His blessed Name.(From a letter dated 21 March 1932 written by Shoghi Effendi to
the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada, published in "The
World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters", p. 67)
1687. "Peter,"`Abdu'l-Bahá has testified, "according to the
history of the Church, was also incapable of keeping count of
the days of the week. Whenever he decided to go fishing, he
would tie up his weekly food into seven parcels, and every day
he would eat one of them, and when he had reached the seventh,
he would know that the Sabbath had arrived, and thereupon would
observe it." If the Son of Man was capable of infusing into
apparently so crude and helpless an instrument such potency as
to cause, in the words of Bahá'u'lláh, "the mysteries of wisdom
and of utterance to flow out of his mouth," and to exalt him
above the rest of His disciples, and render him fit to become
His successor and the founder of His Church, how much more can
the Father, Who is Bahá'u'lláh, empower the most puny and
insignificant among His followers to achieve, for the execution
of His purpose, such wonders as would dwarf the mightiest
achievements of even the first apostle of Jesus Christ!
("The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 46)1688. The field is indeed so immense, the period so critical,
the Cause so great, the workers so few, the time so short, the
privilege so priceless, that no follower of the Faith of
Bahá'u'lláh, worthy to bear His name, can afford a moment's
hesitation. That God-born Force, irresistible in its sweeping
power, incalculable in its potency, unpredictable in its
course, mysterious in its workings, and awe-inspiring in its
manifestations--aForce which, as The Báb has written, "vibrates within the
innermost being of all created things," and which, according to
Bahá'u'lláh, has through its "vibrating influence," "upset the
equilibrium of the world and revolutionized its ordered life"
--such a Force, acting even as a two-edged sword, is, under our
very eyes, sundering, on the one hand, the age-old ties which
for centuries have held together the fabric of civilized
society, and is unloosing, on the other, the bonds that still
fetter the infant and as yet unemancipated Faith of
Bahá'u'lláh.1689. There is no time to lose. There is no room left for
vacillation. Multitudes hunger for the Bread of Life. The
stage is set. The firm and irrevocable Promise is given. God's
own Plan has been set in motion. It is gathering momentum with
every passing day. The powers of heaven and earth mysteriously assist in
its execution. Such an opportunity is irreplaceable.
Let the doubter arise, and himself verify the truth of such
assertions. To try, to persevere, is to ensure ultimate and
complete victory.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 28 January 1939 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published
in "Messages to America: Selected Letters and Cablegrams
Addressed to the Bahá'ís of North America, 1932-1946"
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1947), p. 17)
1690. Faced with such a challenge, a community that has scaled
thus far such peaks of enduring achievement can neither falter
nor recoil. Confident in its destiny, reliant on its God-given
power, fortified by the consciousness of its past victories,
galvanized into action at the sight of a slowly disrupting
civilization, it will--I can have no doubt--continue to fulfil
unflinchingly the immediate requirements of its task, assured
that with every step it takes and with each stage it traverses,
a fresh revelation of Divine light and strength will guide and
propel it forward until it consummates, in the fullness of time
and in the plenitude of its power, the Plan inseparably bound
up with its shining destiny.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi appended to a letter
dated 4 July 1939 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published
in "Messages to America: Selected Letters and Cablegrams
Addressed to the Bahá'ís of North America, 1932-1946", p. 26)
|PPg_2161691. The field, in all its vastness and fertility, is wide
open and near at hand. The harvest is ripe. The hour is
overdue. The signal has been given. The spiritual forces
mysteriously released are already operating with increasing
momentum, unchallenged and unchecked. Victory, speedy and
unquestioned, is assured to whomsoever will arise and respond
to this second, this urgent and vital call.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 28 July 1939 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published
in "Messages to America: Selected Letters and Cablegrams
Addressed to the Bahá'ís of North America, 1932-1946", pp.
28-29)1692. The vastness of the field, the smallness of your numbers,
the indifference of the masses, must neither discourage nor
appall you. You should at all times fix your gaze on the
promise of Bahá'u'lláh, put your whole trust in His creative
Word, recall the past and manifold evidences of His
all-encompassing and resistless power, and arise to become
worthy and exemplary recipients of His all-sustaining grace and
blessings.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter dated 29 June
1941 written on his behalf to the NationalSpiritual Assembly of India, published in "Dawn of a New Day" (New Delhi:
Bahá'í Publishing Trust, n.d. [1970]), p. 90)1693. If the friends, individually and collectively, play their
part and exert their utmost the abundant blessings of
Bahá'u'lláh will be fully vouchsafed, and the triumph of the
Plan will mark a glorious chapter in the history of the Faith.
(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 18 December 1945 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles)1694. ...FORCES MYSTERIOUSLY RELEASED DESIGNED DIRECT
OPERATION STIMULATE PROCESSES ENSURE CONSUMMATION SECOND
STAGE DIVINE PLAN INCONCEIVABLY POTENT. FULL RAPID USE THESE
FORCES BY ORGANIZED COMMUNITY ALIVE SUBLIMITY MISSION
IMPERATIVE, MANIFOLD AGENCIES LOCAL REGIONAL NATIONAL
INTERCONTINENTAL DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE PROSECUTION PLAN NOW
CALLED UPON ACHIEVE RESPECTIVE SPHERES ... SUCCESSES SO
CONSPICUOUSAS SHALL IMMEASURABLY FORTIFY HOPES WINNING STIPULATED
TIME TOTAL DECISIVE VICTORY....(From a cable dated 6 October 1946 to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in
"Messages to America: Selected Letters and Cablegrams Addressed
to the Bahá'ís of North America 1932-1946", p. 108)
1695. The invisible hosts of the Kingdom are ready and eager to
rush forth to the assistance of such as will have the courage
to weigh the issues involved and to take the decision
commensurate with these issues....(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 6 September 1949 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles)1696. Time is short. Opportunities, though multiplying with
every passing hour, will not recur, some for yet another
century, others never again. However severe the challenge,
however multiple the tasks, however short the time, however
sombre the world outlook, however limited the material
resources of a hard-pressed adolescent community, the untapped
sources of celestial strength from which it can draw are
measureless in their potencies, and will unhesitatingly pour
forth their energizing influences if the necessary daily effort
be made and the required sacrifices be willingly accepted.
(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 18 December 1945 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States, published in "Citadel
of Faith: Messages to America 1947-1957" (Wilmette: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, 1980), p. 85)1697. The invisible battalions of the Concourse on high are
mustered, in serried ranks, ready to rush their reinforcements
to the aid of the vanguard of Bahá'u'lláh's crusaders in the
hour of their greatest need...(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 23 November 1951 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States, published in "Citadel
of Faith: Messages to America 1947-1957", 105)1698. LORD HOSTS KING OF KINGS PLEDGED UNFAILING AID
EVERY CRUSADER BATTLING HIS CAUSE. INVISIBLE BATTALIONS
|PPg_218(From a cable dated 8 October 1952 to the Bahá'ís of the West
published in "Messages to the Bahá'í World 1950-1957"
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1971), p. 44)1699. Putting on the armour of His love, firmly buckling on the
shield of His mighty Covenant, mounted on the steed of
steadfastness, holding aloft the lance of the Word of the Lord
of Hosts, and with unquestioning reliance on His promises as
the best provision for their journey, let them set their faces
towards those fields that still remain unexplored and direct
their steps to those goals that are as yet unattained, assured
that He Who has led them to achieve such triumphs, and to store
up such prizes in His Kingdom, will continue to assist them in
enriching their spiritual birthright to a degree that no finite
mind can imagine or human heart perceive.(From a letter dated April 1956 to all National Spiritual
Assemblies, published in "Messages to the Bahá'í World
1950-1957", p. 102)1700. Delicate and strenuous though the task may be, however
arduous and prolonged the effort required, whatsoever the
nature of the perils and pitfalls that beset the path of whoever arises to
revive the fortunes of a Faith struggling against the rising forces of
materialism, nationalism, secularism, racialism and ecclesiastism, the
all-conquering potency of the grace of God, vouchsafed through the
Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh, will, undoubtedly, mysteriously and surprisingly,
enable whosoever arises to champion His Cause to win complete and total
victory.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 19 July 1956 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States, published in "Citadel
of Faith: Messages to America 1947-1957", p. 149)1701. ...the sustaining grace promised to all those who will
arise, with single-mindedness, courage, dedication and high
resolve, to aid in the attainment of these noble objectives, is
of such potency that no earthly power can resist the ultimate
fulfilment of so glorious a task, or even delay its eventual
fruition.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 27 June 1957 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual of New Zealand)1702. The Concourse on High watches over them ready to
vouchsafe its aid and confer its blessings on their valiant and
concerted endeavours. The Author of the Divine Plan will, as
promised by Him in His epoch-making Tablets, assist them to
surmount whatever obstacles they may encounter in their path,
and crown their historic enterprise with a resounding victory.
The Founder of their Faith Himself will not fail to reward
them, in His own Kingdom, and in accordance with His wisdom and
bounty, for their share in the furtherance of the interests of
His world-encompassing Order, and to exalt them amidst the
company of His immortal saints and heroes dwelling in the Abha
Kingdom.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 2 July 1957 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the Arabian Peninsula)
From Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi1703. Perhaps the reason why you have not accomplished so much
in the field of teaching is the extent you looked upon your own
weaknesses and inabilities to spread the message. Bahá'u'lláh
and the Master have both urged us repeatedly to disregard our
own handicaps and lay our whole reliance upon God. He will come
to our help if we only arise and become an active channel for
God's grace. Do you think it is the teachers who make converts
and change human hearts? No, surely not. They are only pure
souls who take the first step, and then let the spirit of
Bahá'u'lláh move them and make use of them. If any one of them
should even for a second consider his achievements as due to
his own capacities, his work is ended and his fall starts. This
is in fact the reason why so many competent souls have after
wonderful services suddenly found themselves absolutely
impotent and perhaps thrown aside by the Spirit of the Cause as
useless souls. The criterion is the extent to which we are
ready to have the will of GodStop being conscious of your frailties, therefore; have a
perfect reliance upon God; let your heart burn with the desire
to serve His missionand proclaim His call; and you will observe how eloquence and
the power to change human hearts will come as a matter of
course.Shoghi Effendi will surely pray for your success if you
should arise and start to teach. In fact the mere act of
arising will win for you God's help and blessings.
(Dated 31 March 1932 to an individual believer)1704. You should never look at your own limitations, much less
allow them to deter you from promoting the Message. For the
believers, whether capable or not, whether poor or rich, and
whether influential or obscure, are after all but mere channels
through which God carries His message to mankind. They are
instruments, whereby He communicates His will to His people.
The friends, therefore, must cease looking at their own
deficiencies in a way that would kill in them the spirit of
initiative and of service. They should have confidence in the
divine assistance promised to them by Bahá'u'lláh, and kill in
them the spirit of initiative and of service. They should have
confidence in the divine assistance promised to them by
Bahá'u'lláh, and strengthened and revived by such an assurance
they should continue to toil till the very end of their life.
(Dated 18 March 1934 to an individual believer)1705. The invisible hosts of the Kingdom are ready to extend to
you all the assistance you need, and through them you will no
doubt succeed in removing every obstacle in your way, and in
fulfilling this most cherished desire of your heart.
Bahá'u'lláh has given us [a] promise that should we persevere
in our efforts and repose all our confidence in Him the doors
of success will be widely open before us....(Dated 22 September 1936 to an individual believer)
1706. The harder you strive to attain your goal, the greater
will be the confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh, and the more certain
you can feel to attain success. Be cheerful, therefore, and
exert yourself with full faith and confidence. For Bahá'u'lláh
has promised His Divine assistance to everyone who arises with
a pure and detached heart to spread His holy Word, even though
he may be bereft of every human knowledge and capacity, and
notwithstanding the forces of darkness and of opposition which
may be arrayed against him. The goal is clear, the path safe
andcertain, and the assurances of Bahá'u'lláh as to the eventual
success of our efforts quite emphatic. Let us keep firm, and
whole-heartedly carry on the great work which He has entrusted
into our hands.1707. The Bahá'í teacher must be all confidence. Therein lies
his strength and the secret of his success. Though
single-handed, and no matter how great the apathy of the people
around you may be, you should have faith that the hosts of the
Kingdom are on your side, and that through their help you are bound to
overcome the forces of darkness that are facing the
Cause of God. Persevere, be happy and confident, therefore.
(Dated 30 June 1937 to an individual believer)1708. ...he would advise you to persevere in the task you have
set your heart to accomplish, confident that through Divine
assistance you will be able, sooner or later, to attain your
goal. Reliance on God is indeed the strongest and safest weapon
which the Bahá'í teacher can carry. For by its means no earthly
power can remain unconquered, and no obstacle become
insuperable.1709. Smallness of numbers, lack of skilled teachers, and
modesty of means should not discourage or deter them. They must
remember the glorious history of the Cause, which, both East
and West, was established by dedicated souls who, for the most
part, were neither rich, famous, nor well educated, but whose
devotion, zeal and self-sacrifice overcame every obstacle and
won miraculous victories for the Faith of God.... Let them
dedicate themselves--young and old, men and women alike--and go
forth and settle in new districts, travel, and teach in spite
of lack of experience, and be assured that Bahá'u'lláh has
promised to aid all those who arise in His Name. His strength
will sustain them; their own weakness is unimportant.
(Dated 29 June 1941 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
of the Bahá'ís of India, published in "Dawn of a New Day", p.
89)1710. Bahá'u'lláh has said that God will assist all those who
arise in His service. The more you labour for His Faith, the
more He will aid and bless you.(Dated 23 November 1941 to the Bahá'ís of Quito, Ecuador)
1711. If the friends always waited until they were fully
qualified to do any particular task, the work of the Cause
would be almost at a standstill! But the very act of striving
to serve, however unworthy one may feel, attracts the blessings
of God and enables one to become more fitted for the task.
(Dated 4 May 1942 to an individual believer)1712. When once a few bold, self-sacrificing individuals have
arisen to serve, their example will no doubt encourage other
timid, would-be pioneers to follow in their footsteps. The
history of our Faith is full of records of the remarkable
things achieved by really very simple, insignificant
individuals, who became veritable beacons and towers of
strength through having placed their trust in God, having
arisen to proclaim His Message....(Dated 27 March 1945 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
British Isles)1713. Once the friends start out to win the goals set in their
Plan, they will find the Divine confirmations sustaining them
and hastening its consummation....1714. It shows that wherever and whenever the friends arise to
serve, the mysterious power latent in this Divine Cause rushes
in to bless and reinforce their labours far beyond their
fondest hopes.(Dated 18 February 1947 to an individual believer)
1715. Each one of us, if we look into our failures, is sure to
feel unworthy and despondent, and this feeling only frustrates
our constructive efforts and wastes time. The thing for us to
focus on is the glory of the Cause and the Power of Bahá'u'lláh
which can make of a mere drop a surging sea!1716. ...when we put our trust in Him, Bahá'u'lláh solves our
problems and opens the way.1717. Just one mature soul, with spiritual understanding and a
profound knowledge of the Faith, can set a whole country
ablaze--so great is the power of the Cause to work through a
pure and selfless channel.1718. At all times we must look at the greatness of the Cause,
and remember that Bahá'u'lláh will assist all who arise in His
service. When we look at ourselves, we are sure to feel
discouraged by our shortcomings and insignificance!
(Dated 12 December 1950 to an individual believer)
1719. Today, as never before, the magnet which attracts the
blessings from on high is teaching the Faith of God. The Hosts
of Heaven are poised between heaven and earth, just waiting,
and patiently, for the Bahá'í to step forth, with pure devotion
and consecration, to teach the Cause of God, so they may rush
to his aid and assistance. It is the Guardian's prayer that the
Friends may treble their efforts, as the time is short--alas,
the workers too few. Let those who wish to achieve immortality
step forth and raise the Divine Call. They will be astonished
at the spiritual victories they will gain.1720. The Hosts of the Supreme Concourse are in martial array,
poised between Earth and Heaven ready to rush to the assistance
of those who arise to Teach the Faith. If one seeks the
confirmation of the Holy Spirit, one can find it in rich
abundance in the Teaching Field. The world is seeking as never before, and
if the Friends will arise with new determination,fully consecrated to the noble task ahead of them, victory
after victory will be won for the Glorious Faith of God.
(Dated 2 February 1956 to an individual believer)1721. The Friends must realize the Power of the Holy Spirit
which is manifest and quickening them at this time through the
appearance ofBahá'u'lláh. There is no force of heaven or earth which can
affect them if they place themselves wholly under the influence
of the Holy Spirit and under its guidance....1722. Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may
unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that
lie hid in its depths. Take heed that ye do not vacillate in
your determination to embrace the truth of this Cause--a Cause
through which the potentialities of the might of God have been
revealed, and His sovereignty established. With faces beaming
with joy, hasten ye unto Him. This is the changeless Faith of
God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Let him that
seeketh, attain it; and as to him that hath refused to seek it
-verily, God is Self-Sufficient, above any need of His
creatures.("A Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Most
Holy Book of Bahá'u'lláh", 1st ed. (Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre,
1973), pp. 27-28)1723. Recite ye the verses of God every morning and evening.
Whoso reciteth them not hath truly failed to fulfil his pledge
to the Covenant of God and His Testament, and whoso in this day
turneth away therefrom hath indeed turned away from God since
time immemorial. Fear ye God, O concourse of My servants!
Take heed lest excessive reading and too many acts of piety
in the daytime and in the night season make you vainglorious.
Should a person recite but a single verse from the Holy
Writings in a spirit of joy and radiance, this would be better
for him than reciting wearily all the Scriptures of God, the
Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. Recite ye the verses of God in such
measure that ye be not overtaken with fatigue orboredom. Burden not your souls so as to cause exhaustion and
weigh them down, but rather endeavour to lighten them, that
they may soar on the wings of revealed Verses unto the
dawning-place of His signs. This is conducive to nearer access
unto God, were ye to comprehend.("Kitáb-i-Aqdas" provisional translation from the Arabic)
|PPg_2261724. The wine of renunciation must needs be quaffed, the lofty
heights of detachment must needs be attained, and the
meditation referred to in the words "One hour's reflection is
preferable to seventy years of pious worship" must needs be
observed, so that the secret of the wretched behaviour of the
people might be discovered, those people who, despite the love
and yearning for truth which they profess, curse the followers
of Truth when once He hath been made manifest....("Kitáb-i-Iqan" [rev. ed.], (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing
Trust, 1985), p. 238)1725. In like manner, those words that have streamed forth from
the source of power and descended from the heaven of glory are
innumerable and beyond the ordinary comprehension of man. To
them that are possessed of true understanding and insight the Surah of
Hud surely sufficeth. Ponder a while those holy words in your heart, and,
with utter detachment, strive to grasp their meaning....
("Kitáb-i-Iqan" p. 5)1726. O brother, we should open our eyes, meditate upon His
Word, and seek the sheltering shadow of the Manifestations of God,
that perchance we may be warned by the unmistakable counsels of the
Book, and give heed to the admonitions recorded in the holy
Tablets; that we may not cavil at the Revealer of the verses,
that we may resign ourselves wholly to His Cause, and embrace
wholeheartedly His law, that haply we may enter the court of
His mercy, and dwell upon the shore of His grace. He, verily, is
merciful, and forgiving towards His servants.1727. Be swift in the path of holiness, and enter the heaven of
communion with Me. Cleanse thy heart with the burnish of the
spirit, and hasten to the court of the Most High.("The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh", Persian no. 8, rev. ed.
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1985), p. 24)1728. Say: Deliver your souls, O people, from the bondage of
self, and purify them from all attachment to anything besides
Me. Remembrance of Me cleanseth all things from defilement, could
ye but perceive it. Say: Wereall created things to be entirely divested of the veil of
worldly vanity and desire, the Hand of God would in this Day
clothe them, one and all, with the robe "He doeth whatsoever He
willeth in the kingdom of creation," that thereby the sign of
His sovereignty might be manifested in all things. Exalted then
be He, the Sovereign Lord of all, the Almighty, the Supreme
Protector, the All-Glorious, the Most Powerful.Intone, O My servant, the verses of God that have been
received by thee, as intoned by them who have drawn nigh unto
Him, that the sweetness of thy melody may kindle thine own
soul, and attract the hearts of all men. Whoso reciteth, in the
privacy of his chamber, the verses revealed by God, the
scattering angels of the Almighty shall scatter abroad the
fragrance of the words uttered by his mouth, and shall cause
the heart of every righteous man to throb. Though he may, at
first, remain unaware of its effect, yet the virtue of the
grace vouchsafed unto him must needs sooner or later exercise
its influence upon his soul. Thus have the mysteries of the
Revelation of God been decreed by virtue of the Will of Him Who
is the Source of power and wisdom.("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", rev. ed.
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1984), sec. 136, pp. 29495)
1729. O Salman! All that the sages and mystics have said or
written have never exceeded, nor can they ever hope to exceed,
the limitations to which man's finite mind hath been strictly
subjected. To whatever heights the mind of the most exalted of
men may soar, however great the depths which the detached and
understanding heart can penetrate, such mind and heart can
never transcend that which is the creature of their own
conceptions and the product of their own thoughts. The
meditations of the profoundest thinker, the devotions of the
holiest of saints, the highest expressions of praise from
either human pen or tongue, are but a reflection of that which
hath been created within themselves, through the revelation of
the Lord, their God. Whoever pondereth this truth in his heart
will readily admit that there are certain limits which no human
being can possibly transgress. Every attempt which, from the
beginning that hath no beginning, hath been made to visualize
and know God is limited by the exigencies of His own creation-
a creation which He, through the operation of His own Will and
for the purposes of none other but His own Self, hath called
into being. Immeasurably exalted is Heabove the strivings of human mind to grasp His Essence, or of
human tongue to describe His mystery....("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. 148, pp.
317-18)1730. Do thou meditate on that which We have revealed unto
thee, that thou mayest discover the purpose of God, thy Lord,
and the Lord of all worlds. In these words the mysteries of
Divine Wisdom have been treasured....("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. 79, p. 153)
1731. Were any man to ponder in his heart that which the Pen of
the Most High hath revealed and to taste of its sweetness, he
would, of a certainty, find himself emptied and delivered from
his own desires, and utterly subservient to the Will of the
Almighty. Happy is the man that hath attained so high a
station, and hath not deprived himself of so bountiful a grace.
("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. 163, p.
343)1732. Occupy thyself in remembrance of the Beauty of Him Who is
the Unconstrained at early morn, and seek communion with Him at
the hour of dawn. O 'Ali! Remembrance of Me is a healing
medicine to the souls and a light to the hearts of men.
(From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the
Persian)1733. It is seemly that the servant should, after each prayer,
supplicate God to bestow mercy and forgiveness upon his
parents. Thereupon God's call will be raised:'Thousand upon
thousand of what thou hast asked for thy parents shall be thy
recompense!' Blessed is he who remembereth his parents when
communing with God. There is, verily, no God but Him, the
Mighty, the Well-Beloved.("Selections from the Writings of The Báb" [rev. ed.], (Haifa:
Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), p. 94)1734. The reason why privacy hath been enjoined in moments of
devotion is this, that thou mayest give thy best attention to
the remembrance of God, that thy heart may at all times be
animated with His Spirit, and notbe shut out as by a veil from thy Best Beloved. Let not thy
tongue pay lip service in praise of God while thy heart be not
attuned to the exalted Summit of Glory, and the Focal Point of
communion. Thus if haply thou dost live in the Day of
Resurrection, the mirror of thy heart will be set towards Him
Who is the Day-Star of Truth; and no sooner will His light
shine forth than the splendour thereof shall forthwith be
reflected in thy heart. For He is the Source of all goodness,
and unto Him revert all things. But if He appeareth while thou
hast turned unto thyself in meditation, this shall not profit
thee, unless thou shalt mention His Name by words He hath
revealed. For in the forthcoming Revelation it is He Who is the
Remembrance of God, whereas the devotions which thou art
offering at present have been prescribed by the Point of the
Bayan, while He Who will shine resplendent in the Day of
Resurrection is the Revelation of the inner reality enshrined
in the Point of the Bayan--a Revelation more potent,
immeasurably more potent, than the one which hath preceded it.
("Selections from the Writings of The Báb, pp. 93-94)
1735. Worship thou God in such wise that if thy worship lead
thee to the fire, no alteration in thine adoration would be
produced, and so likewise if thy recompense should be paradise.
Thus and thus alone should be the worship which befitteth the
one True God. Shouldst thou worship Him because of fear, this
would be unseemly in the sanctified Court of His presence, and
could not be regarded as an act by thee dedicated to the
Oneness of His Being. Or if thy gaze should be on paradise, and
thou shouldst worship Him while cherishing such a hope, thou
wouldst make God's creation a partner with Him, notwithstanding
the fact that paradise is desired by men.Fire and paradise both bow down and prostrate themselves
before God. That which is worthy of His Essence is to worship
Him for His sake, without fear of fire, or hope of paradise.
Although when true worship is offered, the worshipper is
delivered from the fire, and entereth the paradise of God's
good-pleasure, yet such should not be the motive of his act.
However, God's favour and grace ever flow in accordance with
the exigencies of His inscrutable wisdom. The most acceptable
prayer is the one offered with the utmost spirituality and
radiance; its prolongation hath not been and is not
|PPg_230beloved by God. The more detached and the purer the prayer, the
more acceptable is it in the presence of God.("Selections from the Writings of The Báb" pp. 77-78)
Extracts from the Writings and Utterances of1736. O thou who hast bowed thyself down in prayer before the
Kingdom of God! Blessed art thou, for the beauty of the divine
Countenance hath enraptured thy heart, and the light of inner
wisdom hath filled it full, and within it shineth the
brightness of the Kingdom. Know thou that God is with thee
under all conditions, and that He guardeth thee from the
changes and chances of this world and hath made thee a handmaid
in His mighty vineyard....("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" [rev. ed ],
(Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), sec. 91, p. 122)
1737. Praise be to God, thy heart is engaged in the
commemoration of God, thy soul is gladdened by the glad tidings
of God and thou art absorbed in prayer. The state of prayer is
the best of conditions, for man is then associating with God.
Prayer verily bestoweth life, particularly when offered in
private and at times, such as midnight, when freed from daily
cares.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" sec. 172, p.
202)1738. Thou hast asked about places of worship and the
underlying reason therefor. The wisdom in raising up such
buildings is that at a given hour, the people should know it is
time to meet, and all should gather together, and, harmoniously
attuned one to another, engage in prayer; with the result that
out of this coming together, unity and affection shall grow and
flourish in the human heart.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 58, pp.
94-95)1739. Praised be God, ye two have demonstrated the truth of
your words by your deeds, and have won the confirmations of the
Lord God. Every day at first light, ye gather the Baha'i
children together and teach them the communes and prayers. This
is a most praiseworthy act, and bringeth joy to the children's
hearts: that they should, at every morn, turn their faces
|PPg_231toward the Kingdom and make mention of the Lord and praise His
Name, and in the sweetest of voices, chant and recite.
These children are even as young plants, and teaching them
the prayers is as letting the rain pour down upon them, that
they may wax tender and fresh, and the soft breezes of the love of
God may blow over them, making them to tremble with joy.
("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 115,
p. 139)1740. O handmaid of God! Prayers are granted through the
universal Manifestations of God. Nevertheless, where the wish
is to obtain material things, even where the heedless are
concerned, if they supplicate, humbly imploring God's help-
even their prayer hath an effect.O handmaid of God! The prayers which were revealed to ask
for healing apply both to physical and spiritual healing.
Recite them, then, to heal both the soul and the body. If
healing is right for the patient, it will certainly be granted;
but for some ailing persons, healing would only be the cause of
other ills, and therefore wisdom doth not permit an affirmative
answer to the prayer.O handmaid of God! The power of the Holy Spirit healeth
both physical and spiritual ailments.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 139, pp.
161-62)1741. Beseech thou from God's infinite grace whatsoever thou
desirest. But wert thou to heed my advice thou wouldst desire
naught save entrance into the Abhá Kingdom, and seek naught
save the bounties of the Beauty of the All-Glorious, may my
life be sacrificed for His loved ones. This is my exhortation
to thee.(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
1742. Thou hast asked about material means and prayer. Prayer
is like the spirit and material means are like the human hand.
The spirit operateth through the instrumentality of the hand.
Although the one true God is the All-Provider, it is the earth
which is the means to supply sustenance. "The heaven hath
sustenance for you"[1] but when sustenance is decreed it becometh
available, whatever the means may be. When man refuseth to
____use material means, he is like a thirsty one who seeketh to
quench his thirst through means other than water or other
liquids. The Almighty Lord is the provider of water, and its
maker, and hath decreed that it be used to quench man's thirst,
but its use is dependent upon His Will. If it should not be in
conformity with His Will, man is afflicted with a thirst which
the oceans cannot quench.1743. The state of prayer is the best of conditions, for man is
then associating with God. Prayer verily bestoweth life,
particularly when offered in private and at times, such as
midnight, when freed from daily cares.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 172, p.
202)1744. The obligatory prayers are binding inasmuch as they are
conducive to humility and submissiveness, to setting one's face
towards God and expressing devotion to Him. Through such prayer
man holdeth communion with God, seeketh to draw near unto Him,
converseth with the true Beloved of one's heart, and attaineth
spiritual stations.1745. Remembrance of God is like the rain and dew which bestow
freshness and grace on flowers and hyacinths, revive them and
cause them to acquire fragrance, redolence and renewed charm.
"And thou hast seen the earth dried up and barren: but when We
send down the rain upon it, it stirreth and swelleth, and
groweth every kind of luxuriant herb."[2] Strive thou, then, to
praise and glorify God by night and by day, that thou mayest
attain infinite freshness and beauty.1746. It behoveth the servant to pray to and seek assistance
from God, and to supplicate and implore His aid. Such becometh
the rank of servitude, and the Lord will decree whatsoever He
desireth, in accordance with His consummate wisdom.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Arabic)1747. O Lord! In this Most Great Dispensation Thou dost accept
the intercession of children in behalf of their parents. This
is one of the special infinite bestowals of this Dispensation.
Therefore, O Thou kind Lord, accept the request of this Thy
servant at the threshold of Thy singleness and submerge his
father in the ocean of Thy grace, because this son hath arisen
to render Thee service and is exerting effort at all times in
the pathway of Thy love. Verily, Thou art the Giver, the
Forgiver and the Kind!1748. Know thou that in every word and movement of the
obligatory prayer there are allusions, mysteries and a wisdom
that man is unable to comprehend, and letters and scrolls
cannot contain.1749. O maid-servant of God! Chant the Words of God and,
pondering over their meaning, transform them into actions! I
ask God to cause thee to attain a high station in the Kingdom
of Life forever and ever.("Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá 'Abbas", vol. I (Chicago: Baha'i
Publishing Society, 1909), p. 85)1750. Therefore, know thou that the True One possesseth
invisible worlds which human meditation is unable to comprehend
and the intellect of man hath no power to imagine. When thou
wilt purify and clarify thy spiritual nostrils from every
worldly moisture, then thou wilt inhale the holy fragrances
diffusing from the merciful gardens of these worlds.
("Bahá'í World Faith: Selected Writings of Bahá'u'lláh and
`Abdu'l-Bahá", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust,
1976), p. 393)1751. When man allows the spirit, through his soul, to
enlighten his understanding, then does he contain all
Creation...But on the other hand, when man does not open his mind and
heart to the blessing of the spirit, but turns his soul towards
the material side, towards the bodily part of his nature, then
is he fallen from his high place and he becomes inferior to the
inhabitants of the lower animal kingdom....("Paris Talks: Addresses given by `Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in
1911-1912, 10th ed. (London: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1979),
pp. 96-97)1752. Bahá'u'lláh says there is a sign (from God) in every
phenomenon: the sign of the intellect is contemplation and the
sign of contemplation is silence, because it is impossible for
a man to do two things at one time --he cannot both speak and
meditate.It is an axiomatic fact that while you meditate you are
speaking with your own spirit. In that state of mind you put
certain questions to your spirit and the spirit answers: the
light breaks forth and the reality is revealed. You cannot
apply the name 'man' to any being void of this faculty of
meditation; without it he would be a mere animal, lower than
the beasts. Through the faculty of meditation man attains to
eternal life; through it he receives the breath of the Holy
Spirit--the bestowal of the Spirit is given in reflection and
meditation. The spirit of man is itself informed and
strengthened during meditation; through it affairs of which man
knew nothing are unfolded before his view. Through it he
receives Divine inspiration, through it he receives heavenly
food. Meditation is the key for opening the doors of mysteries.
In that state man abstracts himself: in that state man
withdraws himself from all outside objects; in that subjective
mood he is immersed in the ocean of spiritual life and can
unfold the secrets of things-in-themselves. To illustrate this,
think of man as endowed with two kinds of sight; when the power
of insight is being used the outward power of vision does not
see. This faculty of meditation frees man from the animal
nature, discerns the reality of things, puts man in touch with
God. This faculty brings forth from the invisible plane the
sciences and arts. Through the meditative faculty inventions
are made possible, colossal undertakings are carried out;
through it governments can run smoothly. Through this faculty
man enters into the very Kingdom of God.Nevertheless some thoughts are useless to man; they are
like waves moving in the sea without result. But if the faculty
of meditation is bathed in the inner light and characterized
with divine attributes, the results will be confirmed.
|PPg_235The meditative faculty is akin to the mirror; if you put it
before earthly objects it will reflect them. Therefore if the
spirit of man is contemplating earthly subjects he will be
informed of these. But if you turn the mirror of your spirits
heavenwards, the heavenly constellations and the rays of the
Sun of Reality will be reflected in your hearts, and the
virtues of the Kingdom will be obtained. Therefore let us keep
this faculty rightly directed--turning it to the heavenly Sun
and not to earthly objects--so that we may discover the secrets
of the Kingdom, and comprehend the allegories of The Bible and the
mysteries of the spirit. May we indeed become mirrors
reflecting the heavenly realities, and may we become so pure as
to reflect the stars of heaven.("Paris Talks: Addresses given by `Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in
1911-1912", pp. 174-76)1753. Know thou, verily, it is becoming in a weak one to
supplicate to the Strong One, and it behooveth a seeker of
bounty to beseech the Glorious Bountiful One. When one
supplicates to his Lord, turns to Him and seeks bounty from His
Ocean, this supplication brings light to his heart,
illumination to his sight, life to his soul and exaltation to
his being.During thy supplications to God and thy reciting,'Thy
Name is my healing," consider how thine heart is cheered, thy
soul delighted by the spirit of the love of God, and thy mind
attracted to the Kingdom of God! By these attractions one's
ability and capacity increase. When the vessel is enlarged the
water increases, and when the thirst grows the bounty of the
cloud becomes agreeable to the taste of man. This is the
mystery of supplication and the wisdom of stating one's wants.
("J.E. Esslemont, "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era", 5th rev. ed.
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1987), p. 93)1754. We must strive to attain to that condition by being
separated from all things and from the people of the world and
by turning to God alone. It will take some effort on the part
of man to attain to that condition, but he must work for it,
strive for it. We can attain to it by thinking and caring less
for material things and more for the spiritual. The further we
go from the one, the nearer we are to the other. The choice is
ours.Our spiritual perception, our inward sight must be opened,
so that we can see the signs and traces of God's spirit in
everything. Everything can reflect to us the light of the
Spirit.(Report of `Abdu'l-Bahá'í words as quoted in J. E. Esslemont,
"Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era", p. 89)1755. If one friend feels love for another, he will wish to say
so. Though he knows that the friend is aware that he loves him,
he will still wish to say so.... God knows the wishes of all
hearts. But the impulse to prayer is a natural one, springing
from man's love to God.Prayer need not be in words, but rather in thought and
attitude. But if this love and this desire are lacking, it is
useless to try to force them. Words without love mean nothing.
If a person talks to you as an unpleasant duty, with no love or
pleasure in his meeting with you, do you wish to converse with
him? (Report of `Abdu'l-Bahá'í words as quoted in J. E.
Esslemont, "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era", p. 94)1756. In the highest prayer, men pray only for the love of God,
not because they fear Him or hell, or hope for bounty or
heaven.... When a man falls in love with a human being, it is
impossible for him to keep from mentioning the name of his
beloved. How much more difficult is it to keep from mentioning
the Name of God when one has come to love Him.... The spiritual
man finds no delight in anything save in commemoration of God.
(Report of `Abdu'l-Bahá'í words as quoted in J. E. Esslemont,
"Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era", p. 95)1757. The simplicity characterizing the offering of Baha'i
prayers, whether obligatory or otherwise, should be maintained.
Rigidity and rituals should be strictly avoided.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 30 October 1936 written on his behalf to an individual
believer)Extracts from Letters Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi:
1758. The Guardian wishes you, therefore, to pray, and to
supplicate the Almighty that He may give you a fuller measure
of His grace; that through it your spiritual energies may be
quickened and that you may become more imbued with that spirit
which must needs animate, sustain and strengthen every sincere
and true follower of the Faith.1759. Concerning the directions given by Bahá'u'lláh for the
recital of certain prayers, Shoghi Effendi wishes me to inform
you that these regulations--which by the way are very few and
simple--are of a great spiritual help to the individual
believer, in that they help him to fully concentrate when
praying and meditating. Their significance is thus purely spiritual.
(5 November 1934 to an individual believer)1760. In prayer the believers can turn their consciousness
toward the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh, provided that in doing so
they have a clear and correct understanding of His station as a
Manifestation of God.1761. With regard to your spiritual experiences, the Guardian
has been very interested to share them. He would, however, urge you
to always use and read, during your hours of meditation and
prayer, the words revealed by Bahá'u'lláh and the Master.
(6 December 1935 to an individual believer)1762. The problem with which you are faced is one which
concerns and seriously puzzles many of our present-day youth.
How to attain spirituality is, indeed, a question to which
every young man and woman must sooner or later try to find a
satisfactory answer. It is precisely because no such
satisfactory reply has been given or found, that modern youth
finds itself bewildered, and is being consequently carried away
by the materialistic forces that are so powerfully undermining
the foundation of man's moral and spiritual life.Indeed, the chief reason for the evils now rampant in
society is a lack of spirituality. The materialistic
civilization of our age has so much absorbed the energy and
interest of mankind, that people in general no longer feel the
necessity of raising themselves above the forces and conditions
of their daily material existence. There is not sufficient
demand for things that we should call spiritual to
differentiate them from the needs and requirements of our
physical existence. The universal crisis affecting mankind is,
therefore, essentially spiritual in its causes. The spirit of
the age, taken on the whole, is irreligious. Man's outlook upon
life is too crude and materialistic to enable him to elevate
himself into the higher realms of the spirit.It is this condition, so sadly morbid, into which society
has fallen, that religion seeks to improve and transform. For
the core of religious faith is that mystic feeling that unites
man with God. This state of spiritual communion can be brought
about and maintained by means of meditation and prayer. And
this is the reason why Bahá'u'lláh has so much stressed the
importance of worship. It is not sufficient for a believer to
merely accept and observe the teachings. He should, in
addition, cultivate the sense of spirituality, which he can
acquire chiefly by the means of prayer. The Bahá'í Faith, like
all other Divine religions, is thus fundamentally mystic in
character. Its chief goal is the development of the individual
and society, through the acquisition of spiritual virtues and
powers. It is the soul of man that has first to be fed. And
this spiritual nourishment prayer can best provide. Laws and
institutions, as viewed by Bahá'u'lláh, can become really
effective only when our inner spiritual life has been perfected
and transformed. Otherwise religion will degenerate into a mere
organization, and become a dead thing.The believers, particularly the young ones, should
therefore fully realize the necessity of praying. For prayer is
absolutely indispensable to their inner spiritual development,
and this, already stated, is the very foundation and purpose of
the Religion of God.(8 December 1935 to an individual believer, published in "Bahá'í News" 102
(August 1936), p. 3)1763. ...the obligatory prayers are by their very nature of
greater effectiveness and are endowed with a greater power than
the non-obligatory ones, and as such are essential.
|PPg_2391764. While praying it would be better to turn one's thoughts
to the Manifestation as He continues, in the other world, to be
our means of contact with the Almighty. We can, however, pray
directly to God Himself.(27 April 1937 to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and
Burma)1765. You have asked whether our prayers go beyond Bahá'u'lláh:
it all depends whether we pray to Him directly or through Him
to God. We may do both, and also can pray directly to God, but
our prayers would certainly be more effective and illuminating
if they are addressed to Him through His Manifestation,
Bahá'u'lláh.1766. The Guardian wishes me to assure you that he sees no
objection to the friends coming together for meditation and
prayer. Such a communion helps in fostering fellowship among
the believers, and as such is highly commendable.1767. [...] was a matter of deepest [...] to the Guardian to
hear of the news of the formation in Honolulu of a Morning
Class of prayer and meditation conducted by dear Mrs.... in her
home, inasmuch as he feels the absolute necessity for the
friends to make now a special effort to cultivate the
devotional side of their Bahá'í life in preparation for a more
intensified and successful service, particularly in the
teaching field.1768. Although you seem to feel that your prayers have not so
far been answered, and do no longer have any hope that your
material conditions will ameliorate, the Guardian wishes you
nevertheless not to allow such disappointments to undermine
your faith in the power of prayer, but rather to continue
entreating the Almighty to enable you to discover the great
wisdom which may be hidden behind all these sufferings. For are
not our sufferings often blessings in disguise, through which
God wishes to test the sincerity and depth of our faith, and
thereby make us firmer in His Cause?The true worshipper, while praying, should endeavour not so
much to ask God to fulfil his wishes and desires, but rather to
adjust these and make them conform to the Divine Will. Only
through such an attitude can one derive that feeling of inner
peace and contentment which the power of prayer alone can
confer.1769. You should rest assured that your strict adherence to the
laws and observances enjoined by Bahá'u'lláh is the one power
that can effectively guide and enable you to overcome the tests
and trials of your life, and help you to continually grow and
develop spiritually.The Guardian particularly appreciates the fact that you
have been faithfully observing Bahá'u'lláh's injunction
regarding the recital of the daily obligatory prayers, and have
thereby set such a high example before your Baha'i
fellow-youth. These daily prayers have been endowed with a
special potency which only those who regularly recite them can
adequately appreciate. The friends should therefore endeavour
to make daily use of these prayers, whatever the peculiar
circumstances and conditions of their life.1770. He wishes again to assure you he will pray for your
spiritual advancement in the Holy Shrines. The power of God can
entirely transmute our characters and make of us beings
entirely unlike our previous selves. Through prayer and supplication,
obedience to the divine laws Bahá'u'lláh has revealed, and
ever-increasing service to His Faith, we can change ourselves.
(22 November 1941 to an individual believer)1771. There are no set forms of meditation prescribed in the
teachings, no plan, as such, for inner development. The friends
are urged--nay enjoined--to pray, and they also should
meditate, but the manner of doing the latter is left entirely
to the individual.The inspiration received through meditation is of a nature that
one cannot measure or determine. God can inspire into our minds
things that we had no previous knowledge of, if He desires to
do so.1772. Prayer and meditation are very important factors in
deepening the spiritual life of the individual, but with them
must go also action and example, as these are the tangible
results of the former. Both are essential.1773. The believers, as we all know, should endeavour to set
such an example in their personal lives and conduct that others
will feel impelled to embrace a Faith which reforms human
character. However, unfortunately, not everyone achieves easily
and rapidly the victory over self. What every believer, new or
old, should realize is that the Cause has the spiritual power
to re-create us if we make the effort to let that power
influence us, and the greatest help in this respect is prayer.
We must supplicate Bahá'u'lláh to assist us to overcome the
failings in our own characters, and also exert our own
will-power in mastering ourselves.1774. Through meditation the doors of deeper knowledge and
inspiration may be opened. Naturally, if one meditates as a
Bahá'í he is connected with the Source; if a man believing in
God meditates he is tuning in to the power and mercy of God;
but we cannot say that any inspiration which a person, not
knowing Bahá'u'lláh, or not believing in God, receives is
merely from his own ego. Meditation is very important, and the
Guardian sees no reason why the friends should not be taught to
meditate, but they should guard against superstitious or
foolish ideas creeping into it.1775. He feels more emphasis should be laid on the importance
and power of prayer, including the use of The Greatest Name,
but not over-emphasizing it. It is the spirit behind the words
which is really important.1776. In regard to your question: we must not be rigid about
praying; there is not a set of rules governing it; the main
thing is we must start out with the right concept of God, the
Manifestation, the Master, the Guardian-- we can turn, in
thought, to any one of them when we pray. For instance you can
ask Bahá'u'lláh for something, or, thinking of Him, ask God for
it. The same is true of the Master or the Guardian. You can
turn in thought to either of them and then ask their
intercession, or pray direct to God. As long as you don't
confuse their stations, and make them all equal, it does not
matter much how you orient your thoughts.1777. He is delighted to hear you are now fully recovered and
again active in your important work for the Cause. However, you
should not neglect your health, but consider it the means which
enables you to serve. It-- the body--is like a horse which
carries the personality and spirit, and as such should be well
cared for so it can do its work! You should certainly safeguard
your nerves, and force yourself to take time, and not only for
prayer and meditation, but for real rest and relaxation. We
don't have to pray and meditate for hours in order to be
spiritual.1778. I might add that he does not believe any radiations of
thought or healing, from any group, are going to bring peace.
Prayer, no doubt, will help the world, but what it needs is to
accept Bahá'u'lláh's system so as to build up the World Order
on a new foundation, a divine foundation!1779. If you find you need to visualize someone when you pray,
think of the Master. Through Him you can address Bahá'u'lláh.
Gradually try to think of the qualities of the Manifestation,
and in that way a mental form will fade out, for after all the
body is not the thing, His Spirit is there and is the
essential, everlasting element.1780. He would advise you to only use the short midday
Obligatory Prayer. This has no genuflections and only requires
that when saying it the believer turn his face towards 'Akka
where Bahá'u'lláh is buried. This isa physical symbol of an inner reality, just as the plant
stretches out to the sunlight--from which it receives life and
growth--so we turn our hearts to the Manifestation of God,
Bahá'u'lláh, when we pray; and we turn our faces, during this
short prayer, to where His dust lies on this earth as a symbol
of the inner act.Bahá'u'lláh has reduced all ritual and form to an absolute
minimum in His Faith. The few forms that there are--like those
associated with the two longer obligatory daily prayers--are
only symbols of the inner attitude. There is a wisdom in them,
and a great blessing, but we cannot force ourselves to
understand or feel these things, that is why He gave us also
the very short and simple prayer, for those who did not feel
the desire to perform the acts associated with the other two.
(24 June 1949 to an individual believer)1781. He suggests that you daily pray to Bahá'u'lláh to let you
meet a soul receptive to His Message. The power of prayer is
very great, and attracts the Divine confirmations. He, also,
will pray for your teaching work there.1782. He thinks it would be wiser for the Bahá'ís to use the
Meditations given by Bahá'u'lláh, and not any set form of
meditation recommended by someone else; but the believers must
be left free in these details and allowed to have personal
latitude in finding their own level of communion with God.
(27 January 1952 to an individual believer)1783. It is forbidden for an intelligent person to drink that
which depriveth him of his intelligence; it behoveth him to
engage in that which is worthy of man, not in the act of every
heedless doubter.("Kitáb-i-Aqdas" - provisional translation from the Arabic)
1784.Turn not away thine eyes from the matchless wine of the
immortal Beloved, and open them not to foul and mortal dregs.
Take from the hands of the divine Cupbearer the chalice of
immortal life, that all wisdom may be thine, and that thou
mayest hearken unto the mystic voice calling from the realm of
the invisible. Cry aloud, ye that are of low aim! Wherefore
have ye turned away from My holy and immortal wine unto
evanescent water?("The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh, Persian no. 62, rev. ed.
Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1985), pp. 43-44)
1785. Fear ye God, O people of the earth, and think not that
the wine We have mentioned in Our Tablet is the wine which men
drink, and which causeth their intelligence to pass away, their
human nature to be perverted, their light to be changed, and
their purity to be soiled. Our intention is indeed that wine
which intensifieth man's love for God, for His Chosen Ones and
for His loved ones, and igniteth in the hearts the fire of God
and love for Him, and glorification and praise of Him. So
potent is this wine that a drop thereof will attract him who
drinketh it to the court of His sanctity and nearness, and will
enable him to attain the presence of God, the King, the
Glorious, the Most Beauteous. It is a wine that blotteth out
from the hearts of the true lovers all suggestions of
limitation, establisheth the truth of the signs of His oneness
and divine unity, and leadeth them to the Tabernacle of the
Well-Beloved, in the presence of God, the Sovereign Lord, the
Self-Subsisting, the All-Forgiving, the All-Generous. We meant
by this Wine, the River of God, and His favour, the fountain of
His living waters, and the Mystic Wine and its divine grace,
even as it was revealed in the Quran, if ye are of those who
understand. He said, and how true is His utterance: "A wine
|PPg_246delectable to those who drink it."[1] And He had no purpose in
this but the wine We have mentioned to you, O people of
certitude!Beware lest ye exchange the Wine of God for your own
wine, for it will stupefy your minds, and turn your faces away
from the Countenance of God, the All-Glorious, the Peerless,
the Inaccessible. Approach it not, for it hath been forbidden
unto you by the behest of God, the Exalted, the Almighty.
(From a Tablet- translated from the Arabic)1786. The Mystic Wine of the one true God hath a different
intoxication and imparteth another exhilaration. The one
diminisheth the intelligence of man, the other increaseth it.
The one leadeth to perdition, the other bestoweth life.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)1787. Drink ye, O handmaidens of God, the Mystic Wine from the
cup of My words. Cast away, then, from you that which your
minds abhor, for it hath been forbidden unto you in His Tablets
and His Scriptures. Beware lest ye barter away the River that
is life indeed for that which the souls of the pure-hearted
detest. Become ye intoxicated with the wine of the love of God,
and not with that which deadeneth your minds, O ye that adore
Him! Verily, it hath been forbidden unto every believer,
whether man or woman. Thus hath the sun of My commandment shone
forth above the horizon of My utterance, that the handmaidens
who believe in Me may be illumined.(Quoted in "The Advent of Divine Justice" (Wilmette:
Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1984), p. 33)1788. The drinking of wine is, according to the text of the
Most Holy Book, forbidden; for it is the cause of chronic
diseases, weakeneth the nerves, and consumeth the mind.
(Quoted in "The Advent of Divine Justice", p. 33)1789. Regarding the use of liquor: According to the text of the
Book of Aqdas, both light and strong drinks are prohibited. The
reason for thisprohibition is that alcohol leadeth the mind astray and causeth
the weakening of the body. If alcohol were beneficial, it would
have been brought into the world by the divine creation and not
by the effort of man. Whatever is beneficial for man existeth
in creation. Now it hath been proved and is established
medicallyAs to the meaning of that which is written in the Tablets:
"I have chosen for thee whatsoever is in the heaven and the
earth", this signifieth those things which are in accordance
with the divine purpose and not the things which are harmful.
For instance, one of the existing things is poison. Can we say
that poison must be used as it hath been created by God?
Nevertheless, intoxicating liquor, if prescribed by a physician
for the patient and if its use is absolutely necessary, then it
is permissible.In brief, I hope that thou mayest become inebriated with
the wine of the love of God, find eternal bliss and receive
inexhaustible joy and happiness. All wine hath depression as an
after-effect, except the wine of the Love of God.1790. Intellect and the faculty of comprehension are God's
gifts whereby man is distinguished from other animals. Will a
wise man want to lose this Light in the darkness of
intoxication? No, by God! This will not satisfy him! He will,
rather, do that which will develop his powers of intelligence
and understanding, and not increase his negligence,
heedlessness and decline. This is an explicit text in the
perspicuous Book, wherein God hath set forth every goodly
virtue, and exposed every reprehensible act.Extracts from Letters Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi
1791. With regard to your first question on alcohol and
drinking, Bahá'u'lláh, fully aware of the great misery that it
brings about, prohibits it as He expressly states that
everything that takes away the mind, or in other words makes
one drunk, is forbidden....1792. The wine mentioned in the Tablets has undoubtedly a
spiritual meaning for in the "Book of Aqdas" we are definitely
forbidden to takenot only wine, but everything that deranges the mind. In poetry
as a whole wine is taken to have a different connotation than
the ordinary intoxicating liquid. We see it thus used by the
Persian poets such as Saadi and Umar Khayyam and Hafiz to mean
that element which nears man to his divine beloved, which makes
him forget his material self so as better to seek his spiritual
desires. It is very necessary to tell the children what this
wine means so that they may not confuse it with the ordinary
wine.1793. With regard to the question you have raised in connection
with the sale of alcoholic liquors by the friends: he wishes me
to inform you that dealings with such liquors, in any form, are
highly discouraged in the Cause. The believers should, therefore,
consider it their spiritual obligation to refrainfrom undertaking any business enterprise that would involve
them in the traffic of alcoholic drinks.1794. Concerning the third question (sale of alcoholic drinks
at Baha'i-owned premises and restaurants), the beloved Guardian
has asked me to point out that this practice is highly improper
and reprehensible and would be tantamount to encouraging acts
that are forbidden in the Faith. It is indeed the conscientious
duty of every true Bahá'í to abandon such practices. However,
should a Bahá'í owner rent his property without himself taking
any part whatever in the business, or giving aid to the tenant,
then he would incur no responsibility. Nevertheless, the
landlord should resort to every possible means to rid his
premises of the defilement of this degrading business; how far
more injurious if he himself were engaged in such repugnant
affairs.(From a letter dated 6 November 1935 to a National Spiritual
Assembly translated from the Persian)1795. Concerning your question with regard to the use of
alcohol for rubbing: the believers can make any use of alcohol
for any such treatments, provided they do not drink it, unless,
of course, they are compelled to do so, under the advice of a
competent and conscientious physician, who may have to
prescribe it for the cure of some special ailment.
|PPg_2491796. With reference to your question whether those foods which
have been favoured with alcoholic liquors such as brandy, rum,
etc. should be classified under the same category as the
intoxicating drinks, and consequently be avoided by the
believers, the Guardian wishes all the friends to know that
such foods, or beverages, are strictly prohibited.
(9 January 1939 to an individual believer)1797. The reason Bahá'u'lláh forbade drinking alcoholic
beverages is because it is bad for the health, more
particularly for the mind. Of course you can point this out to
Mr.... and Mr.... and you can also pray that they will
themselves feel the urge to give it up; but these are habits
each individual should seek to surmount for his own good.
(17 February 1945 to an individual believer)1798. The degree to which the use of alcohol has spread in the
world today is truly alarming; it is a great evil, and we
Bahá'ís can see clearly why Bahá'u'lláh prohibits its being
taken at all.1799. Any work that helps people to get over the terrible habit
of drinking is excellent, and should be looked upon with
sympathy and approval by the Bahá'ís. He thanks you for the
Alcoholics Anonymous pamphlet you enclosed and was pleased to
see it.1800. He feels you should, in teaching, certainly not start
with such a difficult point as abstinence from wine; but when
the person wishes to join the Faith he must be told....
(7 April 1947 to two believers)1801. Of course no Bahá'í should drink, and if he persists in
it and refuses to make an effort to overcome it, the Assembly
must take action. But in these newly established centres one
must be very patient lest the whole group go to pieces because
of too strong or sudden action.1802. When we realize that Bahá'u'lláh says ... that drinking
destroys the mind, and not to so much as approach it, we see
how clear are our teachings on these subjects.1803. However, drinking is prohibited in the Book of Laws and,
although the Guardian has not made this an immediate issue to
be considered when people apply for membership, all Bahá'ís
should not drink, and if they persist the Assembly should take
action....1804. From your letter it would be assumed that some of your
believers feel that the law of the "Aqdas" regarding the use of
intoxicating liquors is a personal one, and may be followed or
not followed, as the individual desires. This is not correct.
The law of the "Aqdas" regarding not using intoxicating liquors
is binding on all Bahá'ís. The Guardian does feel, however,
that with new Bahá'ís, coming into the Faith, leniency should
be exercised; but he feels that when a person is a Bahá'í for
some time, his Bahá'í association and the spirit of the
Teachings which he studies and endeavours to exemplify will
bring about a change in the character, and the individual will
stop drinking. However, old and firm Bahá'ís must apply the law
of the non-use of alcoholic beverages.1805. The Assemblies must be wise and gentle in dealing with
such cases, but at the same time must not tolerate a prolonged
and flagrant disregard of the Bahá'í Teachings as regards
alcohol.1806. As regards the questions you asked: Under no circumstances
should Bahá'ís drink. It is so unambiguously forbidden in
the Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh that there is no excuse
for them even touching it in the form of a toast, or in a
burning plum pudding; in fact, in any way.There is no reason why Bahá'ís may not serve some alcoholic
refreshment to their guests, if they feel sincerely that this
will further their teaching work. If they can obtain their
objectives without doing so, itwould be better; but we don't want to give people the
impression that we are peculiar in every way.Extracts from Letters written by the Universal House of Justice
1807. As to those believers who continue to drink, they should
be lovingly exhorted, then firmly warned and eventually
deprived of their voting rights. The number of times a person
is exhorted and warned is a matter left to the discretion of
each Local Spiritual Assembly, in consultation with the
National Spiritual Assembly. The policy you adopt should not be
one of removing the administrative rights of the believers in a
bureaucratic and automatic way, as this would be unwise and
unjust. Your Assembly as well as all Local Spiritual Assemblies
should courageously and continuously remind the friends of
their obligation in this respect, handle firmly all flagrant
cases, and use such cases, in a way that by force of example,
they exert their influence upon the other believers. It must be
made clear to the Local Assemblies that they should be willing
to cooperate with the believers affected by such drinking
habits, when any such believer promises gradually and
systematically to reduce his drinking with the objective in
mind of entirely abandoning this habit.We feel sure that your National Assembly will, with wisdom,
loving kindness and determination succeed in uprooting this
evil from your ranks and bring about the spiritual upliftment
and advancement of the believers under your area of
jurisdiction.(12 November 1965 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
1808. There are certain scientific purposes for which alcohol
may be used, but we believe that a Bahá'í should not willingly
submit himself to scientific experiments requiring him to drink
alcoholic beverages.1809. Alcohol should not be served at any reception, either at
home or in a public place, at which you are host... We believe
you should not use the term "cocktail party". The designation
of either "tea" or "reception" would be preferable.
(31 December 1967 to an individual believer)1810. ...it is clear that on all occasions officially sponsored
by Bahá'í Institutions or where the host is acting as a
representative of the Cause alcohol should not be served. In
private homes or in the course of business or professional
activity it is left to the conscience of Bahá'ís themselves
whether they serve alcoholic drinks to non-Bahá'ís but the
obligation is very strong to observe the prohibition enjoined
by Bahá'u'lláh.(8 February 1968 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
1811. ...no Bahá'í institution should serve alcoholic drinks
under any circumstances, and we also feel that it would be
inappropriate for a Bahá'í to serve such beverages at a
function given by him.1812. As to question number 6 concerning the sale of alcohol by
a believer, as you state, obviously he should cease to deal in
the sale of alcohol in his shop." However, as he is a new
believer and was engaged in this business before becoming a
Baha'i, he should be given a reasonable opportunity to find
another means whereby he can earn a living and should be given
every assistance by the National Spiritual Assembly to do so.
He should be treated with patience and understanding,
especially if he is making efforts to dispose of this business
and to seek other employment. However, if after a reasonable
time has elapsed and no effort has been made to comply with the
Bahá'í law, then, as a last resort, the Assembly would have no
alternative but to suspend his administrative rights.
(13 March 1974 to a National Spiritual Assembly)1813. We have found no texts prohibiting the friends from using
favoured extracts in their food. This may be a matter for later
legislation by the Universal House of Justice but for the time
being the friends should be left free to do as they choose. The
same principle applies to those who are employed in factories
manufacturing such extracts.1814. Flagrant violation by members of the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá'í requirement to abstain from intoxicating
drinks will certainly have a debilitating effect on the
national community, and these violationsshould be forcefully resisted through frank consultation of the
matter by the Counsellors with the National Spiritual Assembly,
so that in addition to admonishments, stern warnings be given
to the member or members concerned, and sanctions imposed, if
disregard of Bahá'í laws is continued.(From a memorandum dated 10 February 1975 to the International
Teaching Centre)1815. Such employments [Bahá'ís who are in the employment of
non-Bahá'ís and whose employment involves the serving or
selling of alcoholic beverages] cover a very wide range of
degree of involvement, therefore it is left to the individual
to decide whether or not he feels his employment violates the
spirit of the Bahá'í law. In cases of doubt he can, of course,
consult his Spiritual Assembly for advice.We have found no explicit text or instruction of the
beloved Guardian on such a situation [the sale of alcoholic
beverages by a business in which a Bahá'í is a partner with
non-Bahá'ís] and feel that it is one in which no hard and fast
rules should be drawn at the present time.... We feel that this
is a matter which needs to be decided in each case in the light
of the spirit of the teachings and the circumstances of the
case, and unless the situation is one which is endangering the
good name of the Faith or is obviously a ruse on the part of a
believer to evade the Bahá'í law, it should be left to the
conscience of the believer concerned who should, of course, be
informed of the Bahá'í teachings concerning alcohol and should
make every effort to dissociate himself from such an activity.
The above [paragraph] concerns Bahá'ís who are already in
partnerships dealing in such matters. It is, however, obvious
that a Bahá'í who is not in such a situation should not enter
into it.(From a memorandum dated 15 January 1976 to the International
Teaching Centre) Extract from Letter written on behalf of The
Universal House of Justice1816. The future christening of the ... child should present no
problem, for the Bahá'í parent should have no objection to the
baptism of his child if the Catholic mother wishes it.
Similarly, the use of champagne upon thatoccasion is a matter which she is free to undertake, but of
course the Bahá'ís would not partake of alcoholic beverages.
(7 December 1977 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
1817. The House of Justice ... points out that, as far as
advertising is concerned, the Bahá'í must use wisdom in
deciding what is allowable and what is not. For example, while
the issuing of an advertisement specifically for wines would
seem to be inadmissible, there would be no objection to a
Bahá'í advertising agent's issuing an advertisement listing the
prices of goods on sale at a supermarket even if wines and
spirits are included on it. It is, thus, a matter of emphasis
and wisdom. Primarily the House of Justice wishes the decision
in such matters to be left to the judgement of the individual
concerned, but where there is any doubt, or where the National
Spiritual Assembly feels that the good name of the Faith is
being injured, the Assembly should, of course, be consulted and could
decide in specific instances.In view of the requirements of his conscience in light of
Bahá'í law, a Bahá'í advertising agent might be well advised to
include a clause in any contract he signs in which difficulties
of this nature might arise, protecting his right to demur.
(20 December 1977 to an individual believer)1818. Concerning the questions you raise about [doing]
illustrations for the wine company manual, the House of Justice
feels this is for you to decide...1819. As to your questions concerning the serving of alcohol by
Bahá'ís to their non-Bahá'í guests, the House of Justice feels
that, because of the many differing circumstances relating to
this subject, it does not wish to make any definite statements
at the present time. It is obvious that Bahá'ís themselves must
not drink alcohol and the rest, for the time being, must be
left to their own consciences....Concerning your enquiry about a Bahá'í keeping brandy in
his home for emergency use on the advice of a doctor, the House
of Justice feels there is no objection to this.1820. In the case of a believer who continues to take alcoholic
drinks the Assembly should decide whether the offence is
flagrant, and, if it is, should try to help him to understand
the importance of obeying the Bahá'í law. If he does not
respond he must be repeatedly warned and, if this is
unsuccessful, he is subject to loss of his voting rights. In
the case of an alcoholic who is trying to overcome his weakness
the Assembly must show especial patience, and may have to
suggest professional counselling and assistance. If the offence
is not flagrant, the Assembly need take no action at all.
(26 September 1978 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
Revised August 1990SOULS TO THE CAUSE" ................................... 259
11. SOME GUIDELINES FOR REACHING PROMINENT PEOPLE ..... 265
2.1 "ESTABLISH TIES OF FRIENDSHIP" .................... 265
2.2 ATTITUDES AND APPROACHES .......................... 267
2.3 THE ROLE OF THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES .............. 274
2.4 THE "COURSE OF PRUDENCE" .......................... 277
|PPg_259I. The Importance of Guiding "Distinguished Souls to the
Cause"1821. I hope that thou wilt ... endeavour to teach some
high-ranking and influential persons, for the hearts of the
people have become attracted to the Cause of God and their
minds bewildered and enthralled by its awesome grandeur. Those
who occupy high positions, too, have become profoundly
receptive to its message. The loved ones of God should
therefore make a determined effort and guide these
distinguished souls to the Cause.(From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the
Persian)1822. You should always seek to guide prominent people inasmuch
as once such a person is regenerated he is likely to bring
about the quickening of a thousand souls. Thus the spirit of
truth would flow forth unimpeded into the veins and arteries of
a multitude.(From a Tablet to an individual believer- translated from
the Persian)1823. Wherefore thou shouldst seek to impart the Message to
influential person and become a cause of guidance to the
learned and distinguished, that perchance there may be raised
up in Iran wise, sagacious souls who shall be solicitous for
both the good of the state and the welfare of the populace, who
shall labour diligently night and day to the end that their
great nation may retrieve its former glory and restore for all
the world to see the splendour of the Kiyaniyan kings, and that
its illustrious people may shine out amongst mankind with an
extraordinary brilliance and attain to lasting happiness and
contentment.(From a Tablet to a group of believers - translated from the
Persian)1824. You should give serious concern to the matter of
teaching, and think of ways of imparting the Message to prominent
people, for once such person have given their allegiance to the Faith
they will cause the people to be led, troop after troop, to the
wellspring of unfailing guidance.(From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the
Persian)From letters written by or on behalf of Shoghi Effendi[1]
1825. It is incumbent upon the Bahá'ís to seize the
opportunities of the present hour and, with wisdom, firm
resolve and cheerfulness, impress the verities of their Faith
upon the attention of every reasonable-minded person in whom
they find a willingness to listen, explaining to them its noble
principles, its universal teachings, its basic tenets, and the
fundamental laws of the new era inaugurated by Bahá'u'lláh. In
like manner, they must clearly and convincingly demonstrate to
their fellow-citizens, whether high or low, the necessity of
accepting and recognizing the resplendent teachings of the
Universal Manifestation of God; must show to the leaders of
their country that the unity, the strength and spiritual
vitality of the Bahá'í community are palpable and concrete
realities; must eliminate and nullify the effects of
prejudices, superstitions, misunderstandings and all fanciful
and erroneous conceptions on the hearts of the pure and
righteous people; and must attract to the community of the
Greatest Name, through whatever channels and by whatever
means, persons of capacity, experience and devotion
who,joining the ranks of the believers, severing themselves
from every extraneous attachment, identifying themselves
whole-heartedly with the organized community of the Bahá'ís in
the area, will labour heart and soul to consolidate the
foundations of Bahá'í belief and proclaim the tidings of the
Promised Day.continuation at the present time is a service beyond measure
both profitable and desirable. Similarly, the establishment of
contact and maintenance of friendly relations with government
officials and other nationally distinguished figures is a
matter that should be regarded by the friends as a binding
obligation.(2 November 1928 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Iran Central
Spiritual Assembly - translated from the Persian).
1826. Shoghi Effendi was delighted to hear of your conversation
with Sir.... How much he hopes to have such scholars obtain a
true understanding of the spirit and teaching of the Cause and
arise to dissipate that veil of misconceptions that is
prejudicing the mind of the scholars in the western world. The
Cause is in great need for such competent and spiritually
____[1] To individual believers unless otherwise noted.
|PPg_261minded men who after a thorough study of the Movement would
share with the world the fruit of their labours.(11 March 19297 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
1827. ...he feels that the great point is to confirm people of
true capacity and ability--from whatever social stratum they
may be--because the Cause needs now, and will ever-increasingly
need, souls of great ability who can bring it before the public
at large, administer its ever-growing affairs, and contribute
to its advancement in every field.(30 October 1941 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
1828. The more people of capacity who accept the Faith, the
higher will become the standard of the entire group.
(17 June 1942 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
1829. The Cause of God has room for all. It would, indeed, not
be the Cause of God if it did not take in and welcome everyone--poor and
rich, educated and ignorant, the unknown, and theprominent--God surely wants them all, as He created them all.
(10 December 1942 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
1830. He was very pleased to learn ... that your reception was
such a success, and that you now feel that people in high
places are beginning to waken from their sleep and see the Light of
Bahá'u'lláh. The time must come when they do; it just seems a
question of how soon.A lot, also, depends on our having inside the Faith enough
people of real capacity to form a nucleus that will attract to
it similar souls....(22 November 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
1831. He hopes that your contract with Chief ... will prove
fruitful, and that his heart may open to the Message you have
carried him. It would be a great asset to the Faith if a
prominent Chief of some tribe should accept it and arise to
serve it.From letters written by the Universal House of Justice
1832. ...one of the most important duties of each National
Spiritual Assembly is to acquaint leaders of thought and
prominent men and women in its country with the fundamental
aims, the history and the present status and achievements of
the Cause. Such an activity must be carried out with the utmost
wisdom, discretion and dignity.(2 July 1967 to all National Spiritual Assemblies, published in
"Wellspring of Guidance: Messages 1963-1968", 1st rev. ed.
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1976), p. 117)
1833. The paramount goal of the teaching work at the present
time is to carry the message of Bahá'u'lláh to every stratum of
human society and every walk of life. An eager response to the
teachings will often be found in the most unexpected quarters,
and any such response should be quickly followed up, for
success in a fertile area awakens a response in those who were
at first uninterested.The same presentation of the teachings will not appeal to
everybody; the method of expression and the approach must be
varied in accordance with the outlook and interests of the
hearer. An approach which is designed to appeal to everybody
will usually result in attracting the middle section, leaving
both extremes untouched. No effort must be spared to ensure
that the healing Word of God reaches the rich and the poor, the
learned and the illiterate, the old and the young, the devout
and the atheist, and the dweller in the remote hills and
islands, the inhabitant of the teeming cities, the suburban
businessman, the labourer in the slums, the nomadic tribesman,
the farmer, the university student; all must be brought
consciously with the teaching plans of the Bahá'í Community.
(31 October 1967 to all National Spiritual Assemblies,
published in "Wellspring of Guidance: Messages 1963-1968", p.
124)1834. There have been notable advances in the process of
gaining wider recognition for the Cause of God and in fostering
cordial relations with civil authorities, a matter of vital
importance in these days when there is a growth of opposition
to the Faith from those who, misconstruing its true nature
and aims, take alarm at its progress.(Ridvan 1978 to the International Bahá'í Convention)
|PPg_2631835. Yet these disasters[2] have called forth fresh energies
in the hearts of the friends, have fed the deep roots of the
Cause and given rise to a great harvest of signal victories.
Chief among these are the successful conclusion of the Five
Year Plan; the launching of the Seven Year Plan, now in the
final year of its second phase; and unprecedented proclamation
of the Faith to Heads of States, parliaments andparliamentarians, government ministers and officials, leaders
of thought and people prominent in the professions, resulting in a change
of attitude on the part of the mass media, whichnow increasingly approach us for information about the
Cause....The growing maturity of a world-wide religious community
which all these processes indicate is further evidenced in the
reaching out, by a number of national communities, to the
social and economic life of their countries, exemplified by the
founding of tutorial schools, the inception of radio stations,
the pursuit of rural development programmes and the operation
of medical and agricultural schemes. To these early beginnings
must be added the undoubted skills acquired, as a result of the
Iranian crisis, in dealing with international organizations,
national governments and the mass media--the very elements of
society with which it must increasingly collaborate toward the
realization of peace on earth.1836. The entrance of the Cause onto the world scene is
apparent from a number of public statements in which we have
been characterized as "model citizens", "gentle"'"law-abiding", "not guilty of any political offence or crime";
all excellent but utterly inadequate insofar as the reality of
the Faith and its aims and purposes are concerned. Nevertheless
people are willing to hear about the Faith, and the opportunity
must be seized. Persistently greater and greater efforts must
be made to acquaint the leaders of the world, in all
departments of life, with the true nature of Bahá'u'lláh's
revelation as the sole hope for the pacification and
unification of the world. Simultaneous with sucha programme must be unabated, vigorous pursuit of the teaching
work, so that we may be seen to be a growing community, while
universal observance by the friends of the Bahá'í laws of
personal living will assert the fullness of, and arouse a
____[2] The "loss of six Hands of the Cause" and the waves of bitter
persecution" directed against the Bahá'í community in Iran.
|PPg_264desire to share in, the Bahá'í way of life. By all these means
the public image of the Faith will become, gradually but
constantly, nearer to its true character....There can be no doubt that the progress of the Cause from
this time onward will be characterized by an ever increasing
relationship to the agencies, activities, institutions and
leading individuals of the non-Bahá'í world. We shall acquire
greater stature at the United Nations, become better known in
the deliberations of governments, a familiar figure to the
media, a subject of interest to academics, and inevitably the
envy of failing establishments. Our preparation for the
response to this situation must be a continual deepening of our
faith, an unwavering adherence to its principles of abstention
from partisan politics and freedom from prejudices, and above
all an increasing understanding of its fundamental verities and
relevance to the modern world.1837. Some of the loved ones should establish ties of
friendship with the notables of the region and manifest towards
them the most affectionate regard. In this manner these men may
become acquainted with the Bahá'í way of life, learn of the
teachings of the Merciful One, and be informed of the pervasive
influence of the Word of God in every quarter of the globe. If
but one of these souls were attracted to the Cause, others
would quickly be similarly moved, since the people tend to
follow in the footsteps of their leaders.(From a Tablet to an individual believer- translated from
the Persian)1838. Ye should strive to widen the circle of those with whom
ye enjoy friendly relations, and to establish the closest
contact with those benevolent souls whose only thought is to do
good, who are labouring in the cause of universal peace, and
who cherish no desire but to witness the unification of the
world of humanity. Ye should seek out the company of such
people as these, that ye may imbue them with an awareness of
the heavenly Kingdom, for albeit their motives are of the
finest, yet they do not realize that all the powers of the
earth are impotent either to establish universal peace or to
promote the oneness of the human world. Nothing short of the
power of the Word of God and the breaths of the Holy Spirit can
ever succeed.(From a Tablet to a Spiritual Assembly - translated from the
Persian)From letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi[3]
1839. Our Guardian hopes and prays that you will be guided in
your endeavour to bring together at the banquet various
prominent citizens of various races and religions with the sole
purpose of winning then ultimately to the recognition of God's
sacred Faith. You must stress the universal aspect of the Cause
and show utmost kindness and love to them all as a preparation
to their eventual acceptance of the entire truth.[3] To individual believers unless otherwise noted
|PPg_2661840. Some of the items were of great interest to him,
especially that part which told of the contacts you have made
with distinguished men and invited them to speak at your meetings. This is
an effective way to make these take an activepart in promoting the Faith and increasing their knowledge of
its spirit and basic teachings.Shoghi Effendi hopes that some day they will come forward
as devoted servants and consecrate their lives to it....there
are distinguished men who are friends and admirers of the
Cause, but due to their natural conservative and cautious
attitude towards anything new, prefer to be onlookers than
passionate advocates. They cannot however keep on that
dispassionate state of mind, some day they will feel
unwittingly drawn into it....He is sending you two copies of "The Dawn-Breakers" to be
presented to two distinguished friends of the Cause. One of
these he wants to be presented to sir ... in acknowledgement of
the services he has rendered to us.... This is one form of
keeping up the interest of such distinguished men in the
progress of the Faith. Maybe one day they will take an active
part.1841. He was also very pleased to see that the Cause is
receiving newspaper publicity there, and you are winning the
sympathetic interest of editors and people of importance. The
Faith needs friends as well as adherents, and you should always
endeavour to attract the hearts of enlightened leaders to its
teachings.1842. There are, as you truly say, many important admirers of
the Faith at present in the U.S.A.--and, indeed, in other
countries, but it is unlikely such people will actually embrace
the Cause; they are not ready to identify themselves with an as
yet struggling Movement with a relatively small following;
moreover, many such people would be unwilling to make the
effort required to live up to Bahá'í standards of conduct!
Still, it is excellent that we are winning more friends and
admirers; this in itself helps the Cause and adds to its
prestige, and gradually some of these people may actually make
the sacrifice of entering its service.1843. He feels that the believers should make every effort, in
the proper way and with discretion, to keep in contact with
important people.... We should make every effort to ensure that
leaders of thought in public life are not merely familiar with
the name Baha'i, but if possible stand in a cordial
relationship to some members of our Community, if not to the
body of the Faith.(18 February 1951 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
From letters written by the Universal House of Justice
1844. A very important activity which has been pursued
effectively in all too few countries is the undertaking by the
National Spiritual Assembly of a sustained, planned effort to
foster cordial relations with prominent people and responsible
government officials and to familiarize them personally with
the basic tenets and the teachings of the Faith. Such an
activity must be carried out with wisdom and discretion, and
requires the constant attention of a responsible committee as
well as periodic review by the National Spiritual Assembly
itself. Where successful it can effectively forestall
opposition to the Faith and smooth the way for many essential
aspects of the development of the Bahá'í community.
(Naw-Ruz 1974 to all National Spiritual Assemblies)
1845. The House of Justice feels that your National Assembly
must do more than distribute printed information about the
Faith, as valuable as this is. A beginning should be made to
identify the prominent persons in your country and ways be
found to meet with them personally to acquaint them with the
Faith. To this end, the House of Justice again urges you to
appoint a committee to investigate the possibilities. If the
few prominent Bahá'ís ... are too busy to assist, then you will
have to either redirect their efforts or call others to this
task.1846. Be righteous, O servants, in your actions! Turn not away
from the helpless; make mention of Me amidst the great, and
have no fear.1847. For we, the followers of the Blessed Beauty, should all
be engaged in the service of the Cause of God, and become
sources of guidance to humanity. Thou shouldst, if thou deemest
it advisable and possible, proceed forthwith to organize a
meeting of dignitaries. And when thy distinguished guests have
assembled, speak to them about the Cause. Thou shouldst
likewise advise the friends to arrange for another meeting with
these same persons to be held one evening and to be addressed
by them. This is a great service that I am entrusting to thee,
and I pray to God that He may grant thee His assistance and
confirmation, and bestow His blessings upon thy family.
(From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the
Persian)From letters written by or on behalf of Shoghi Effendi[4]
1848. I do hope your passionate fervour, your mature experience
and the ardour of your love will accomplish a great deal among
the higher-class people with whom you associate. The Cause must
capture the heights, and I look to you as the beloved and
enthusiastic apostle of `Abdu'l-Bahá to win to the Cause,
cultured and capable souls. Be not disheartened and be assured
of my constant loving prayers for the success of your
much-valued efforts.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 2 April 1925 written on his behalf)1849. Ever since its[5] inception Shoghi Effendi has cherished
the hope of making it a work that would prove interesting and
illuminating to the reader. Destined mainly for the
non-Bahá'ís, he has tried to attract through its pages the
attention of educated and enlightened people and especially
leaders in every country, with a view to acquainting them with
the broad and fundamental principles of the Faith and to
winning their consideration of the Movement as a growing force
for good and for peace throughout the entire world. It is
therefore with lively satisfaction that he has seen the
publication grow yearly in importance and this feeling has been
lately enhanced very much by the words of interest and
appreciation which he has received from many quarters and
leading men, among which was a remarkably encouraging letter
from Sir Herbert Samuel.[4] To individual believers unless otherwise noted
[5] "The Bahá'í World"Indeed Shoghi Effendi has made it a point to send copies to as
many leading men as possible and copies of last year's issue
were presented to the Emperor of Japan, the Shah of Persia and
Queen Marie of Rumania.(12 December 1929 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
1850. As to teaching work in colleges and universities, this is
very important, for students as a whole are open-minded and
little influenced by tradition. They would easily enter the
Cause if the subject is properly presented and their intellect
and sentiments properly satisfied. This, however, should be
attempted only by persons who have had university training and
are therefore acquainted with the mind of the intelligent and
educated youth. (3 February 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi, published in "Bahá'í News" 64 (July 1932), p. 4)
1851. The letter you addressed to the Secretary of State, he
liked very much. He sincerely hopes that through such
approaches and communications the authorities will come to take
into consideration the importance of the Cause and gradually
feel deep sympathy and admiration for its spirit. It is very
important that they should know how we stand and what is our
attitude towards some of the outstanding problems and issues
that face the world in the present day. These are very
difficult questions and most delicate, but the Master's spirit
will surely guide you and inspire you to do what is proper and wise.
(4 May 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada)
1852. It is really strange how much modern thinkers are, of
their own accord, drawing nearer to the teachings of the Faith
and voicing views very much like ours. It shows clearly the
truth of the saying of the Master that the spirit of the
Movement has permeated the hearts of all the people of the
world. It is God's hands operating and guiding the nations and
intellectual men and leaders of society to a gradual acceptance
of His Message revealed through Bahá'u'lláh. The way we can
hasten the development of this process is by doing our share in
spreading the words of God far and wide. Eventhough we may not see any case of sudden conversion on the part
of theseintellectuals, yet they are bound to be influenced in their
view and look to the Faith with greater admiration and with a
more willing desire to be led by its precepts. Shoghi Effendi,
therefore, wishes me to encourage you in your work, in sending
appropriate literature to such men of learning.1853. Through the reading of such a challenging and scholarly
work[6] many will, undoubtedly, be awakened and stimulated, while
others will be infuriated to the extent of virulently attacking
the Faith. The unprecedented publicity which the Cause will be
thus receiving will in itself constitute an important step towards
a wider and fuller recognition of the Movement bydistinguished personalities, in both intellectual and social circles.
(15 May 1934 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National
Spiritual Assembly)1854. Regarding your work with the upper classes, the Guardian
quite agrees with you that the people of wealth and culture do
sometimes have a great capacity for spiritual things. But they
need the right type of people to approach them, and a method
that can suit their mentality. Our teaching methods should
allow a certain degree of elasticity in establishing contacts
with various types of individual seekers. Every inquirer has to
be approached from his own angle. Those who are essentially of
the mystic type should first be given those teachings of the
Cause which emphasize the nature and value of spiritual
realities; while those who are practically minded and of a
positive type are naturally more ready and inclined to accept
the social aspect of the Teachings. But of course, gradually
the entire Message, in all its aspects and with the full
implications it entails, should be explained to the newcomer.
For to be a believer means to accept the Cause in its
wholeness, and not to adhere to some of its teachings. However,
as already stated, this ought to be done gradually and
tactfully. For conversation is after all a slow(28 December 1936 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
____1855. It is wonderful to see, at last, the intellectuals
turning to the problems of the world and seeking to solve them.
Side by side with this non-Bahá'í work, so close to many of
Bahá'u'lláh's teachings, we believers must carry on our purely
Bahá'í work, which only we can do, and which has such
tremendous implications for the future of humanity in every
sphere.(14 April 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
1856. They[7] must be neither provocative nor supine, neither
fanatical nor excessively liberal, in their exposition of the
fundamental and distinguishing features of their Faith. Thy
must be either wary or bold, they must act swiftly or mark
time, they must use the direct or indirect method, they must be
challenging or conciliatory, in strict accordance with the
spiritual receptivity of the soul with whom they come in
contact, whether he be a nobleman or a commoner, a northerner
or a southerner, a layman or a priest, a capitalist or a
socialist, a statesman or a prince, an artisan or a beggar. In
their presentation of the Message of the Bahá'u'lláh they must
neither hesitate nor falter. They must be neither contemptuous
of the poor nor timid before the great. In their exposition of
its verities they must neither over stress nor whittle down the
truth which they champion, whether their hearer belong to
royalty, or be a prince of the Church, or a politician, or a
tradesman, or a man of the street. To all alike, high or low,
rich or poor, they must proffer, with open hands, with a
radiant heart, with an eloquent tongue, with infinite patience,
with uncompromising loyalty, with great wisdom, with
unshakeable courage, the Cup of Salvation, at so critical an
hour, to the confused, the hungry, the distraught and
fear-stricken multitudes...(5 June 1947 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of the
West, published in "Citadel of Faith: Messages to America
1947-1957" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1980), pp.
25-26)1857. The lack of prejudice, (for the most part) the true
altruism of the pure scientist, is pretty well demonstrated,
and to such people the Faith, if properly presented, should
have a great appeal; and moreover such people could do
tremendous things for the Cause if they joined it in numbers.
____There is certainly a place in the Cause for outstanding
people, and we need more of them. But the administration must
function on a consultative basis, not leadership.1858. It seems what we need now is a more profound and
co-ordinated Bahá'í scholarship in order to attract such men as
you are contacting. The world has--at least the thinking world--caught up
by now with all the great and universal principles
enunciated by Bahá'u'lláh over 70 years ago, and so of course
it does not sound "new" to them. But we know that the deeper
teachings, the capacity of His projected World Order to
re-create society, are new and dynamic. It is these we must
learn to present intelligently and enticingly to such men!
(3 July 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)1859. ...the solution given to the world's problems by
Bahá'u'lláh is the only solution--being Divine in origin--and
most desperately needed; therefore we, the few who have caught
the vision, should not waste our energies beating up and down
the paths pursued by humanity, and which are not solving its
ghastly present-day problems. We should concentrate on the
Cause, because it is what is needed to cure the world. This is
a sound attitude, for if we don't devote ourselves to the
Bahá'í work and teaching, who will?On the other hand there is a big difference between this
and learning. If the Bahá'ís want to be really effective in
teaching the Cause they need to discuss intelligently,
intellectually, the present condition of the world and its
problems. We need Bahá'í scholars, not only people far, far
more deeply aware of what our teachings really are, but also
well-read and well-educated people, capable of correlating our
teachings to the current thoughts of the leaders of society.
We Bahá'ís should, in other words, arm our minds with
knowledge in order to better demonstrate to, especially, the
educated classes, the truths enshrined in our Faith. What the
Guardian, however, does not advise the friends to do is to
dissipate their time and energies in serving movements that are
akin to our principles but not, we believe, capable of solving
the present spiritual crisis the world finds itself in. We can
co-operate with such movements and their promoters to good
effect,while at the same time openly standing forth as Bahá'ís with a
specific programme to offer society.From letters written by or on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice1860. In view of the difficulty you have experienced in obtaining
publicity about the Faith in the national press in
..., the House of Justice has instructed us to say that there
are three courses of action which should assist you in
achieving this in the future. First, it is important that
there be certain believers, such as the members of a public
information committee, who are given the task of cultivating
personal contacts with influential figures in the national
information media. This personal contact is a vital element in
fostering the receptivity of the media to news about the Faith.
Secondly, as an aid to promoting such links, yourrepresentatives could take with them examples of excellent
material about the Faith that has been published in such
important newspapers as "Le Monde", "The Times" of London, and
"The New York Times".... Thirdly, repeated mention of the Faith
in the local press will contribute to the willingness of the
national press to regard the Bahá'í Faith as newsworthy
material.(5 January 1981 written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly)1861. With the approach of the Year of Peace and the rapidly
growing awareness among thinking people of the need for
world-wide solutions to the problems threatening humankind, the
House of Justice feels that there is a need for research and the
writing of books and papers on subjects which are of immediate
interest to the leaders of thought and the generality of
mankind.(31 March 1985 written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice to the Association for Bahá'í Studies, Canada)
1862. It was also mentioned that there was a need to reach
leaders of thought and people in authority with the Teachings;
that there is a tendency for the people to more readily accept
new ideas if they have already been accepted by the upper
echelons of society. If this is so, perhaps a viable programme
could be developed of inviting prominentBahá'ís from other countries to visit ... in order to contact
prominent [individuals] of similar station or profession.
(16 February 1987 written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly)1863. National Bahá'í communities have organized and
successfully conducted inter-religious conferences, peace
seminars, symposiums on racism and other subjects on which we
have a specific contribution to make, often achieving
widespread publicity and the interest of highly placed leaders
of society.(Ridvan 1987 written by the Universal House of Justice to the
Bahá'ís of the World)From letters written by or on behalf of Shoghi Effendi[8]
1864. To approach such well-known important persons is always
an extremely delicate matter, since it requires a good deal of
wisdom, courage and ability. But those friends who really feel
the urge to do so, and possess the necessary qualifications,
should cultivate such friends which, if properly done, can be
of an immense benefit to the Cause. In any case, however, the
assistance and help of either the Local or the National
Assembly is not only useful but necessary, if important
contacts of this sort are to be fruitful and promising....
(30 August 1933 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
1865. ...a resolute attempt should be made by the national
elected representatives of the entire community, aided by their
Public Relations, Race Unity, Public Meetings, Visual
Education, College Speakers Bureau and Radio Committees, to
reinforce the measures already adopted for the proclamation,
through the press and radio, of the verities of the Faith to
the masses, and for the establishment of closer contact with
the leaders of public thought, with colleges and universities
and with newspaper and magazine editors.(5 June 1947 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of the
West, published in "Citadel of Faith: Messages to America
1947-1957" pp. 9)[8] To individual believers unless otherwise noted
|PPg_2751866. The National Assembly should not be timid about trying to
contact important visitors to.... The stature of the Faith is
now such that its representatives can demand and receive
attention. Whether they are always successful or not, is not
the point, the point is to let people of importance realize we
are active and on the world scene, so to speak.(23 November 1951 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a
National Spiritual Assembly)1867. The Guardian was very happy to see your Assembly had had
a successful meeting with both the Mayor of ... and the
Minister for Foreign Affairs; such important contacts should be
carried out on a high level, and only believers able to perhaps
offer hospitality or having some point of contact with the
officials in question or being themselves attractive to meet,
should be used by your Assembly, and in conjunction with your
members, to meet such personages.(30 June 1952 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National
Spiritual Assembly)1868. He feels that the time has now come when you should
establish a national committee to make contacts with civil
authorities on a national level, and with important public
figures in State and large City administrations. The purpose
of these contacts is to establish friendly relations with
important public figures, so that they may be fully informed of
the Faith and its principles, may gain confidence in the
Bahá'ís and their activities, may understand the non-political
aspect of the Faith, and in the future, be anxious to be of
assistance to us as the Faith evolves.(29 December 1953 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a
National Spiritual Assembly)From letters written by or on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice1869. National Spiritual Assemblies must promote wise and
dignified approaches to people prominent in all areas of human
endeavour, acquainting them with the nature of the Baha'i
community and the basic tenets of the Faith, and winning their
esteem and friendship.(Naw Ruz 1979 written by the Universal House of Justice to the
Bahá'ís of the World)1870. ... the House of Justice is extremely happy that your
National Assembly is continuing its wise, effective and ongoing
efforts to familiarize the officials in your country about the
Faith. Such approaches should be planned whenever the occasion
arises. In the meantime, through your various proclamation
efforts, the Bahá'í community should indirectly draw the
attention of people of all strata of society to the Cause so
that it will be easier for the Bahá'ís to have a positive
access to the officials in the time of need.(26 July 1987 written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly)1871. The spark which ignited the mounting interest in the
Cause of Bahá'u'lláh was the heroic fortitude and patience of
the beloved friends in Iran, which moved the Bahá'í world
community to conduct a persistent, carefully orchestrated
programme of appeal to the conscience of the world. This vast
undertaking, involving the entire community acting unitedly
through its Administrative Order, was accompanied by equally
vigorous and visible activities of that community in other
spheres which have been detailed separately. Nonetheless, we
are impelled to mention that an important outcome of this
extensive exertion is our recognition of a new stage in the
external affairs of the Cause, characterized by a marked
maturation of National Spiritual Assemblies in their growing
relations with governmental and non-governmental organizations
and with the public in general.This recognition prompted a meeting in Germany last
November of national Bahá'í external affairs representatives
from Europe and North America, together with senior
representatives of the Offices of the Bahá'í International
Community, intent on effecting greater coordination of their
work. This was a preliminary step towards the gathering of more
and more National Spiritual Assemblies into a harmoniously functioning,
international network capable of executing globalundertakings in this rapidly expanding field. Related to these
developments was the significant achievement of international
recognition accorded the Faith through its formal acceptance
last October into membership of the Network on Conservation and
Religion of the renowned World Wide Fund for Nature.
|PPg_277(Ridvan 1988 written by the Universal House of Justice to the
Bahá'ís of the World)1872. ...thou shouldst initially adopt that course of prudence
that the Faith enjoins. In the early stages, thou shouldst seek
out the company of the eminent members of the populace and,
turning thyself in utter lowliness to the unseen realm of
Glory, thou shouldst pray for succour and protection so that
the Holy Spirit may, through the outpourings of its grace,
grant thee its assistance. When, by thy godly conduct and
demeanour, thy fervour, thy chaste and lucid utterance, thou
shalt have succeeded in winning the affection of one and all,
then shall the portals of heavenly guidance be opened wide;
then shall the bounteous cup be borne around and all the souls
that drink therefrom be inebriated with the wine of holy
mysteries and truths.(From a Tablet to an individual believer- translated from the
Persian)From letters written by or on behalf of Shoghi Effendi[9]
1873. You mentioned in your letter your intention to make
contact with the representatives of movements which are akin to
the Cause in the principles they advocate. Shoghi Effendi
trusts that in all such communications and activities you would
maintain the prestige and superiority of the Cause. We should
never compromise our principles for some temporary benefits we
are apt to reap. It is very important to bring the Cause to the
attention of such leaders of thought and for this purpose we
have to get in touch with them, but our aim should be to draw
them to the Cause rather than follow their footsteps.
(29 November 1926 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a
National Spiritual Assembly)1874. I entirely agree with you that non-interference in
politics does not imply non-association on the part of the
friends with the outside world. I hope you will impress the
friends with the necessity of maintaining close, but not too
intimate, relationships with the authorities, the foreign
representatives, and the leaders of public thought in the
capital. They should be on their guard, however, lest too close
an association should[9] To individual believers unless otherwise noted
|PPg_278lead, imperceptibly, to compromise on the principles which we
cherish and uphold. They must mix with all classes of society
without associating themselves with their policies and schemes.
(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 8 October 1927 written on his behalf)1875. It is our supreme obligation to endeavour to bring the
knowledge of this Revelation to the highest authorities and the
leading personalities among our countrymen, but to refrain from
associating ourselves or identifying our Faith with their
political pursuits, their conflicting ambitions and party
programmes. May the Almighty guide and sustain your high
endeavours, and enable you to win for His Cause the most
capable, the most virtuous and the most enlightened leaders of
public opinion in that land.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi appended to a letter
dated 15 April 1932 written on his behalf)1876. Shoghi Effendi fully approves your meeting of important
men who are in power and have the reins of government in their
hands. In fact he would urge you to avail yourself of every
such opportunity that presents itself. But you should be very
careful not to discuss matters that are political and that are
points of contention between the different parties. That would
drag the Cause into political affairs, a thing which was
strictly forbidden by the Master. Your concern in meeting such
people should be to familiarize them with the teachings of the
Cause and imbue them with the spirit of the Movement. Should
such men embrace the Movement they would lead with themselves
thousands of others into the Cause.(15 April 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)
From a letter written by the Universal House of Justice
1877. It is perfectly in order for Bahá'í institutions to
present the Bahá'í view or recommendations on any subject of
vital interest to the Faith which is under the consideration of
a government, if the governmental authority itself invites such
a submission, or if it is open to receive recommendations. The
Bahá'í Assemblies should, however, refrain from bringing
pressure to bear on the authorities in such matters, either
|PPg_279separately or in concert with others. The Bahá'ís will submit
their views, if permissible, expressing them as cogently and
forcefully as the occasion warrants, but will not go beyond
this to the stage of pressing the authorities to adopt these
views. Moreover, when considering whether or not it is wise to
make such a submission on any particular matter, the Bahá'í Assembly
concerned must take care that it will not diffuse the
energies of the Community or divert its resources by making
submissions unless the interests of Faith demand it. Likewise
the Assembly must ensure that it does not, by any minute and
detailed analysis of a situation, "needlessly alienate or
estrange any government or people", or involve the Faith in
"the base clamourings and contentions of warring sects,
factions and nations."From letters written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice1878. The House of Justice received your letter of 13 December
1986 inquiring about permissible activities of the Bahá'ís in
relation towards governments...The general policy already enunciated by Shoghi Effendi in
"The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh", pages 63-67, should be
scrupulously upheld by the friends. However, as the Faith
emerges from obscurity, the application of certain aspects of
this policy will require the clarification of the House of
Justice. With the passage of time, practices in the political
realm will definitely undergo the profound changes anticipated
in the Bahá'í writings. As a consequence, what we understand
now of the policy of non-involvement in politics will also
undergo a change; but as Shoghi Effendi has written, this
instruction, "at the present stage of the evolution of our
Faith, should be increasingly emphasized, irrespective of its
application to the East or to the West".In view of the necessity of the Bahá'í community to relate
to governments, whether for reasons of defending its persecuted
members or of responding to opportunities to be of service, a
correct understanding of what is legitimate Bahá'í action in
the face of the policy of non-interference with government
affairs is bound to be difficult to achieve on the part of
individual friends. The force of circumstances, operating
internally and externally, is pressing the Bahá'í community
into certain relationships with governments.Hence, it is important that decisions as to the conduct of
such relationships be made by authorized institutions of the
Faith and not by individuals. In matters of this kind, given
the utter complexity of human affairs with which the Baha'i
community must increasingly cope both spiritually and
practically, individual judgement is not sufficient.
(23 June 1987 to an individual believer)1879. This is a field of service in which much latitude for
initiative must be given to individuals. For instance, in the
aspect of the work which calls for reaching very important
persons, it is necessary to rely on the personal relationships
which individual Bahá'ís have developed or are capable of
developing, to rely on their ability to engage the attention
of such persons, because these Bahá'ís are themselves attractive
in particular ways. While exercising careful judgement in
selecting the individuals you can call on for such services,
and providing them with any necessary guidance, you must also
be sensitive to these points and avoid excessive control, or
even the appearance of it, in your dealing with those who are
engaged in these important services.1880. Your comments concerning the maintenance of contacts with
officials in the lower level of your Government's hierarchy are
well taken, and you should feel confident in pursuing this wise
course of action.There is no objection to initiating contact with high
officials of the Catholic Church. This would require your
careful consideration as to the timeliness of such action and
determination by you as to how to proceed without unduly
arousing opposition to the Faith.Your Assembly is encouraged to establish contacts with
national associations, bearing in mind the need to select such
organizations wisely, so as not to stretch your human and
financial resources beyond reasonable bounds or to distract the
community from its primary teaching efforts. As this balance is
sometimes difficult to achieve, you may wish to include this as
an element of your consultation with the Counsellors on the
role of ... in the process of the Faith's emergence from
obscurity in Latin America and the world.(Extracts from letters written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi)1881. In regard to your wish of broadcasting the Message,
Shoghi Effendi would advise you to consult with the Spiritual
Assembly as to whether such an action meets their approval, and
if so to ask their assistance and help for finding the best
means through which to carry out your plan. The idea of a
wireless station is rather ambitious and requires much
financial expenditure. If, however, you find it feasible and
within your financial capacity you should not hesitate to do
so, in as much as this will enable you to spread the Cause in a
much easier and more efficient manner.1882. Your suggestion regarding the installation of a radio
station in the Temple is truly splendid. But it remains to be
seen whether the National Spiritual Assembly finds it
financially feasible to undertake such a project, which is,
beyond doubt, a very costly enterprise. Whatever the
expenditure involved in this project, there is no reason why
the believers should not start now considering seriously
the possibility of such a plan, which, whe[n] carried out and
perfected, can lend an unprecedented impetus to the expansion
of the teaching work throughout America.It is for the National Spiritual Assembly, however, to take
the final decision in this matter, and to determine whether the
national fund of the Cause is at present sufficiently strong to
permit them to install a radio station in the Temple.
The Guardian feels, nevertheless, confident that this plan
will receive the careful consideration of the National
Spiritual Assembly members, and hopes that, if feasible, they
will take some definite action in this matter.1883. He read with interest the various suggestions you made to
the National Spiritual Assembly, and feels they are
fundamentally sound, especially the wider use of the radio.
Unfortunately at the present time anything that would make a
fresh demand on the financial resources of the Cause in
America--such as a Baha'i-owned broadcasting station--
|PPg_282is out of the question, as the friends are finding it difficult
to meet the great needs of the teaching and Temple Funds.
However the idea should, he feels, be kept in mind for future
realization.1884. In connection with the radio work ... he would suggest
that the main consideration is to bring to the attention of the
public the fact that the Faith exists, and its teachings. Every
kind of broadcast, whether of passages from the Writings, or on
topical subjects, or lectures, should be used. The people need
to hear the word "Baha'i" so that they can, if receptive,
respond and seek the Cause out. The primary duty of the friends
everywhere in the world is to let the people know such a
Revelation is in existence; their next duty is to teach it.
(24 July 1943 to an individual believer)1885. He feels it would be excellent if the Cause could be
introduced more to the people through the medium of radio, as
it reaches the masses, especially those who do not take an
interest in lectures or attend any type of meeting.
(7 March 1945 to an individual believer)1886. The matter of obtaining free time on the radio is one
which the Radio Committee and the National Spiritual Assembly
must decide upon: but the principle is that every effort should
be made to present the teachings over the air as often as
possible as long as the manner in which it is done is
compatible with the dignity of our beloved Faith.1887. He was sorry to learn through your cable that the project
for a Bahá'í radio station can not be carried out at present;
he considers that such a station would be a very great asset to
the Cause, not only as a teaching medium and a wonderful form
of publicity, but also as an enhancement of its prestige. He
feels your Assembly should not drop the matter, but go on
investigating ways to make such a project materialize as soon
as possible.(20 March 1946 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States and Canada)1888. He hopes that a Bahá'í radio station will prove feasible
during the coming years, as he considers it of great
importance.(4 May 1946 to the Radio Committee of the National Spiritual
Assembly of the United States and Canada)1889. The Bahá'ís should not always be the last to take up new
and obviously excellent methods, but rather the first, as this
agrees with the dynamic nature of the Faith which is not only
progressive, but holds within itself the seeds of an entirely
new culture and civilization.1890. The Guardian approves in principle of a radio station,
and sees no objection to its being in the Temple; but he
considers the cost you quote too much of a burden at the
present time for the Fund to bear, in view of the multiple
expenses of the new Seven Year Plan. If there is any way it can
be done for a price you feel the Fund could pay, and which
would be more reasonable, he approves of your doing it. In any
case the National Spiritual Assembly should strongly press for
recognition as a Religious Body, and claim full rights to be
represented on the air on an equal footing with other
established Churches.(20 July 1946 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States and Canada)1891. He approves of your desire to teach the principles of the
Faith through radio. But he urges you to do all you can to
always, however small the reference you are able to make to it
may be, clearly identify or associate what you are giving out
with Bahá'u'lláh. The time is too short now for us Baha'i's to
be able to first educate humanity and then tell it that the
Source is this new World Faith. For their own spiritual
protection people must hear of the name Baha'i--then, if they
turn blindly away, they cannot excuse themselves by saying they
never even knew it existed! For dark days seem still ahead of
the world, and outside of this Divine Refuge the people will
not, we firmly believe, find inner conviction, peace and
security. So they have a right to at least hear of the Cause as
such!1892. The passing of `Abdu'l-Bahá, so sudden in the
circumstances which caused it, so dramatic in its consequences,
could neither impede the operation of such a dynamic force[1] nor
obscure its purpose. Those fervid appeals, embodied in the Will
and Testament of a departed Master, could not but confirm its
aim, define its character and reinforce the promise of its
ultimate success.Out of the pangs of anguish which His bereaved followers
have suffered, amid the heat and dust which the attacks
launched by a sleepless enemy had precipitated, the
Administration of Bahá'u'lláh's invincible Faith was born. The
potent energies released through the ascension of the Center of
His Covenant crystallized into this supreme, this infallible
Organ for the accomplishment of a Divine Purpose. The Will and
Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá unveiled its character, reaffirmed
its basis, supplemented its principles, asserted its
indispensability, and enumerated its chief institutions....
("America and the Most Great Peace, 21 April 1933, "The World
Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters", rev. ed (Wilmette:
Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 89)1893. With `Abdu'l-Bahá'í ascension, and more particularly with
the passing of His well-beloved and illustrious sister the Most
Exalted Leaf-- the last survivor of a glorious and heroic age--there
draws to a close the first and most moving chapter of
Bahá'í history, marking the conclusion of the Primitive, the
Apostolic Age of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. It was `Abdu'l-Bahá
Who, through the provisions of His weighty Will and Testament,
has forged the vital link which must for ever connect the age
that has just expired with the one we now live in--the
Transitional and Formative period of the Faith--a stage that
must in the fullness of time reach its blossom and yield its
fruit in the exploits and triumphs that are to herald the
Golden Age of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh.miraculously released through the agency of two independent and
swiftly successive Manifestations are now under our very eyes
and through the care of the chosen stewards of a far-flung Faith being
gradually mustered and disciplined. They are slowly
crystallizing into institutions that will come to be regarded
as the hall-mark and glory of the age we are called upon to
establish and by our deeds immortalize. For upon our
present-day efforts, and above all upon the extent to which we
strive to remodel our lives after the pattern of sublime
heroism associated with those gone before us, must depend the
efficacy of the instruments we now fashion -- instruments that
must erect the structure of that blissful Commonwealth which
must signalize the Golden Age of our Faith.("The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh" 8 February 1934, "The World
Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters" p. 98)1894. `Abdu'l-Bahá, Who incarnates an institution for which we
can find no parallel whatsoever in any of the world's
recognized religious systems, may be said to have closed the
Age to which He Himself belonged and opened the one in which we
are now laboring. His Will and Testament should thus be
regarded as the perpetual, the indissoluble link which the mind
of Him Who is the Mystery of God has conceived in order to
insure the continuity of the three ages that constitute the
component parts of the Bahá'í Dispensation. The period in which
the seed of the Faith had been slowly germinating is thus
intertwined both with the one which must witness its
efflorescence and the subsequent age in which that seed will
have finally yielded its golden fruit.The creative energies released by the Law of Bahá'u'lláh,
permeating and evolving within the mind of `Abdu'l-Bahá, have,
by their very impact and close interaction, given birth to an
Instrument which may be viewed as the Charter of the New World
Order which is at once the glory and the promise of this most
great Dispensation. The Will may thus be acclaimed as the
inevitable offspring resulting from that mystic intercourse
between Him Who communicated the generating influence of His
divine Purpose and the One Who was its vehicle and chosen
recipient. Being the Child of the Covenant--the Heir of both
the Originator and the Interpreter of the Law of God--the Will
and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá can no more be divorced from Him
Who supplied the original and motivating impulsethan from the One Who ultimately conceived it. Bahá'u'lláh 's
inscrutable purpose, we must ever bear in mind, has been so
thoroughly infused into the conduct of `Abdu'l-Bahá, and their
motives have been so closely wedded together, that the mere
attempt to dissociate the teachings of the former from any
system which the ideal Exemplar of those same teachings has
established would amount to a repudiation of one of the most
sacred and basic truths of the Faith.The Administrative Order, which ever since `Abdu'l-Bahá's
ascension has evolved and is taking shape under our very eyes
in no fewer than forty countries of the world, may be considered
as the framework of the Will itself, the inviolable stronghold
wherein this new-born child is being nurtured anddeveloped. This Administrative Order, as it expands and
consolidates itself, will no doubt manifest the potentialities
and reveal the full implications of this momentous Document--this most
remarkable expression of the Will of One of the most
remarkable Figures of the Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh. It will,
as its component parts, its organic institutions, begin to
function with efficiency and vigor, assert its claim and
demonstrate its capacity to be regarded not only as the nucleus
but the very pattern of the New World Order destined to embrace
in the fullness of time the whole of mankind.("The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh", 8 February 1934, "The World
Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters", pp. 143-44)
1895. Dearly-beloved friends: Though the Revelation of
Bahá'u'lláh has been delivered, the World Order which such a
Revelation must needs beget is as yet unborn. Though the Heroic
Age of His Faith is passed, the creative energies which that
Age has released have not as yet crystallized into that world
society which, in the fullness of time, is to mirror forth the
brightness of His glory. Though the framework of His
Administrative Order has been erected, and the Formative Period
of the Bahá'í Era has begun, yet the promised Kingdom into
which the seed of His institutions must ripen remains as yet
uninaugurated...."The heights," Bahá'u'lláh Himself testifies, "which,
through the most gracious favor of God, mortal man can attain
in this Day are as yet unrevealed to his sight. The world of
being hath never had, nor doth it yet possess, the capacity for
such a revelation. The day, however, isapproaching when the potentialities of so great a favor will,
by virtue of His behest, be manifested unto men."For the revelation of so great a favor a period of intense
turmoil and wide-spread suffering would seem to be
indispensable. Resplendent as has been the Age that has
witnessed the inception of the Mission with which Bahá'u'lláh
has been entrusted, the interval which must elapse ere that Age
yields its choicest fruit must, it is becoming increasingly
apparent, be overshadowed by such moral and social gloom as can
alone prepare an unrepentant humanity for the prize she is
destined to inherit.... As we view the world around us, we are
compelled to observe the manifold evidences of that universal
fermentation which, in every continent of the globe and in
every department of human life, be it religious, social,
economic or political, is purging and reshaping humanity in
anticipation of the Day when the wholeness of the human race
will have been recognized and its unity established. A twofold
process, however, can be distinguished, each tending, in its
own way and with an accelerated momentum, to bring to a climax
the forces that are transforming the face of our planet. The
first is essentially an integrating process, while the second
is fundamentally disruptive. The former, as it steadily
evolves, unfolds a System which may well serve as a pattern for
that world polity towards which a strangely-disordered world is
continually advancing; while the latter, as its disintegrating
influence deepens, tends to tear down, with increasing
violence, the antiquated barriers that seek to block humanity's
progress towards its destined goal. The constructive process
stands associated with the nascent Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, and is
the harbinger of the New World Order that Faith must erelong
establish. The destructive forces that characterize the other
should be identified with a civilization that has refused to
answer to the expectation of a new age, and is consequently
falling into chaos and decline. A titanic, a spiritual
struggle, unparalleled in its magnitude yet unspeakably
glorious in its ultimate consequences, is being waged as a
result of these opposing tendencies, in this age of transition
through which the organized community of the followers of
Bahá'u'lláh and mankind as a whole are passing.... It is not my
purpose to call to mind, much less to attempt a detailed
analysis of, the spiritual struggles that have ensued, or to
note the victoriesthat have redounded to the glory of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh
since the day of its foundation. My chief concern is not with
the happenings that have distinguished the First, the Apostolic
Age of the Bahá'í Dispensation, but rather with the outstanding
events that are transpiring in, and the tendencies which
characterize, the formative period of its development, this Age
of Transition, whose tribulations are the precursors of that
Era of blissful felicity which is to incarnate God's ultimate
purpose for all mankind.("The Unfoldment of World Civilization", 11 March 1936, "The
World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters", pp. 168-71)
1896. The moment had now arrived for that undying, that
world-vitalizing Spirit that was born in Shiraz, that had been
rekindled in Tihran, that had been fanned into flame in Baghdad
and Adrianople, that had been carried to the West, and was now
illuminating the fringes of five continents, to incarnate
itself in institutions designed to canalize its outspreading
energies and stimulate its growth. The Age that had witnessed
the birth and rise of the Faith had now closed. The Heroic, the
Apostolic Age of the Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh, that
primitive period in which its Founders had lived, in which its
life had been generated, in which its greatest heroes had
struggled and quaffed the cup of martyrdom, and its pristine
foundations been established--a period whose splendors no
victories in this or any future age, however brilliant, can
rival--had now terminated with the passing of One Whose mission
may be regarded as the link binding the Age in which the seed
of the newborn Message had been incubating and those which are
destined to witness its efflorescence and ultimate fruition.
The Formative Period, the Iron Age, of that Dispensation
was now beginning, the Age in which the institutions, local,
national and international, of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh were to
take shape, develop and become fully consolidated, in
anticipation of the third, the last, the Golden Age destined to
witness the emergence of a world-embracing Order enshrining the
ultimate fruit of God's latest Revelation to mankind, a fruit
whose maturity must signalize the establishment of a world
civilization and the formal inauguration of the Kingdom of the
Father upon earth as promised by Jesus Christ Himself....
|PPg_290The last twenty-three years of the first Bahá'í century may
thus be regarded as the initial stage of the Formative Period
of the Faith, an Age of Transition to be identified with the
rise and establishment of the Administrative Order, upon which
the institutions of the future Bahá'í World Commonwealth must
needs be ultimately erected in the Golden Age that must witness
the consummation of the Bahá'í Dispensation. The Charter which
called into being, outlined the features and set in motion the
processes of, this Administrative Order is none other than the
Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá, His greatest legacy to
posterity, the brightest emanation of His mind and the
mightiest instrument forged to insure the continuity of the
three ages which constitute the component parts of His Father's
Dispensation....The Administrative Order which this historic Document has
established, it should be noted, is, by virtue of its origin
and character, unique in the annals of the world's religious
systems....The Document establishing that Order, the Charter of a
future world civilization, which may be regarded in some of its
features as supplementary to no less weighty a Book than the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas;...("God Passes By", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust,
1987), pp. 324-28)1897. The first seventy-seven years of the preceding century,
constituting the Apostolic and Heroic Age of our Faith, fell
into three distinct epochs, of nine, of thirty-nine and of
twenty-nine years' duration, associated respectively with the
Babi Dispensation and the ministries of Bahá'u'lláh and of
`Abdu'l-Bahá. This Primitive Age of the Bahá'í Era,
unapproached in spiritual fecundity by any period associated
with the mission of the Founder of any previous Dispensation,
was impregnated, from its inception to its termination, with
the creative energies generated through the advent of two
independent Manifestations and the establishment of a Covenant
unique in the spiritual annals of mankind.The last twenty-three years of that same century coincided
with the first epoch of the second, the Iron and Formative, Age
of the Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh--the first of a series of
epochs which must precede the inception of the last and Golden Age of
that Dispensation--a Dispensation which, as the Author
of the Faith has Himself categorically asserted, must extend
over a period of no less than one thousand years,and which will constitute the first stage in a series of
Dispensations, to be established by future Manifestations, all
deriving their inspiration from the Author of the Baha'i
Revelation, and destined to last, in their aggregate, no less
than five thousand centuries....During this Formative Age of the Faith, and in the course
of present and succeeding epochs, the last and crowning stage
in the erection of the framework of the Administrative Order of
the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh--the election of the Universal House
of Justice--will have been completed, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the
Mother-Book of His Revelation, will have been codified and its
laws promulgated, the Lesser Peace will have been established,
the unity of mankind will have been achieved and its maturity
attained, the Plan conceived by `Abdu'l-Bahá will have been
executed, the emancipation of the Faith from the fetters of
religious orthodoxy will have been effected, and its
independent religious status will have been universally
recognized, whilst in the course of the Golden Age, destined to
consummate the Dispensation itself, the banner of the Most
Great Peace, promised by its Author, will have been unfurled,
the World Bahá'í Commonwealth will have emerged in the
plenitude of its power and splendor, and the birth and
efflorescence of a world civilization, the child of that Peace,
will have conferred its inestimable blessings upon all mankind.
("The Challenging Requirements of the Present Hour, 5 June
1947, "Citadel of Faith: Messages to America 1947-1957"
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1980), pp. 4-6)
Revised August 19901898. O Friends! You must all be so ablaze in this day with the
fire of the love of God that the heat thereof may be manifest
in all your veins, your limbs and members of your body, and the
peoples of the world may be ignited by this heat and turn to
the horizon of the Beloved.1899. Teach thou the Cause of God with an utterance which will
cause the bushes to be enkindled, and the call 'Verily, there is no God but
Me, the Almighty, the Unconstrained' to be raisedtherefrom. Say: Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to
exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its
influence, this is conditional upon refinement which in turn is
dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its
moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom as
prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets....("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", 1st
pocket-sized ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1988), p.
143)1900. Moderation is indeed highly desirable. Every person who
in some degree turneth towards the truth can himself later
comprehend most of what he seeketh. However, if at the outset a
word is uttered beyond his capacity, he will refuse to hear it
and will arise in opposition.1901. ... Piety and detachment are even as two most great
luminaries of the heaven of teaching. Blessed the one who hath
attained unto this supreme station...("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", p.
253)1902. Should any one among you be incapable of grasping a
certain truth, or be striving to comprehend it, show forth,
when conversing with him, a spirit of extreme kindliness and
good-will. Help him to see andrecognize the truth, without esteeming yourself to be, in the
least, superior to him, or to be possessed of greater
endowments.The whole duty of man in this Day is to attain that share
of the flood of grace which God poureth forth for him. Let
none, therefore, consider the largeness or smallness of the
receptacle. The portion of some might lie in the palm of a
man's hand, the portion of others might fill a cup, and of
others even a gallon-measure.("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, rev. ed.
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1983), p. 8)1903. Consort with all men, O people of Baha, in a spirit of
friendliness and fellowship. If ye be aware of a certain truth,
if ye possess a jewel, of which others are deprived, share it
with them in a language of utmost kindliness and good-will. If
it be accepted, if it fulfil its purpose, your object is
attained. If any one should refuse it, leave him unto himself,
and beseech God to guide him. Beware lest ye deal unkindly with
him. A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It
is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning,
it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding....
("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", p. 289)
1904. If he be kindled with the fire of His love, if he
forgoeth all created things, the words he uttereth shall set on
fire them that hear him.(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice"
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1984), p. 51)1905. Say: O people of God! That which can insure the victory
of Him Who is the Eternal Truth, His hosts and helpers on
earth, have been set down in the sacred Books and Scriptures, a
nd are as clear and manifest as the sun. These hosts are such
righteous deeds, such conduct and character, as are acceptable
in His sight. Whoso ariseth, in this Day, to aid Our Cause, and
summoneth to his assistance the hosts of a praiseworthy
character and upright conduct, the influence from such an
action will, most certainly, be diffused throughout the whole
world.(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice", p.
24)1906. Now is the time for you to divest yourselves of the
garment of attachment to this world that perisheth, to be
wholly severed from the physical world, become heavenly angels,
and travel to these countries....("Tablets of the Divine Plan Revealed by `Abdu'l-Bahá to the
North American Bahá'ís, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing
Trust, 1980), p. 34)1907. With hearts overflowing with the love of God, with
tongues commemorating the mention of God, with eyes turned to
the Kingdom of God, they must deliver the Glad Tidings of the
manifestation of the Lord of Hosts to all the people. Know ye
of a certainty that whatever gathering ye enter, the waves of
the Holy Spirit are surging over it, and the heavenly grace of
the Blessed Beauty encompasseth that gathering.("Tablets of the Divine Plan Revealed by `Abdu'l-Bahá to the
North American Bahá'ís", pp. 38-39)1908. The aim is this: The intention of the teacher must be
pure, his heart independent, his spirit attracted, his thought
at peace, his resolution firm, his magnanimity exalted and in
the love of God a shining torch. Should he become as such, his
sanctified breath will even affect the rock; otherwise there
will be no result whatsoever. As long as a soul is not
perfected, how can he efface the defects of others. Unless he
is detached from aught else save God, how can he teach
severance to others!("Tablets of the Divine Plan Revealed by `Abdu'l-Bahá to the
North American Bahá'ís", p. 51)1909. ...rest ye assured in the confirmations of the Merciful
and the assistances of the Most High; become ye sanctified
above and purified from this world and the inhabitants thereof;
suffer your intention to become for the good of all; cut your
attachment to the earth and like unto the essence of the spirit
become ye light and delicate. Then with a firm resolution, a
pure heart, a rejoiced spirit, and an eloquent tongue, engage
your time in the promulgation of the divine principles...
("Tablets of the Divine Plan Revealed by `Abdu'l-Bahá to the
North American Bahá'ís", p. 67)1910. ...the believers of God must become self-sacrificing and
like unto the candles of guidance become ignited... Should they
show forth such a magnanimity, it is assured that they will
obtain universal divine confirmations, the heavenly cohorts
will reinforce them uninterruptedly, and a most great victory
will be obtained....("Tablets of the Divine Plan Revealed by `Abdu'l-Bahá to the
North American Bahá'ís", p. 27)1911. 0 ye believers of God! Be not concerned with the
smallness of your numbers, neither be oppressed by the
multitude of an unbelieving world. Five grains of wheat will be
endued with heavenly blessing, whereas a thousand tons of tares
will yield no results or effect. One fruitful tree will be
conducive to the life of society, whereas a thousand forests of
wild trees offer no fruits. The plain is covered with pebbles,
but precious stones are rare. One pearl is better than a
thousand wildernesses of sand, especially this pearl of great
price, which is endowed with divine blessing. Ere long
thousands of other pearls will be born from it. When that pearl
associates and becomes the intimate of the pebbles, they also
all change into pearls....rest ye not, seek ye no composure, attach not yourselves
to the luxuries of this ephemeral world, free yourselves from
every attachment, and strive with heart and soul to become
fully established in the Kingdom of God. Gain ye the heavenly
treasures. Day by day become ye more illumined. Draw ye nearer
and nearer unto the threshold of oneness. Become ye the
manifestors of spiritual favours and the dawning-places of
infinite lights!...As regards the teachers, they must completely divest
themselves from the old garments and be invested with a new
garment. According to the statement of Christ, they must attain
to the station of rebirth--that is, whereas in the first
instance they were born from the womb of the mother, this time
they must be born from the womb of the world of nature. Just as
they are now totally unaware of the experiences of the fetal
world, they must also forget entirely the defects of the world
of nature. They must be baptized with the water of life, the
fire of the love of God and the breaths of the Holy Spirit; be
satisfied with little food, but take a large portion from the heavenly table.
They must disengage themselves from temptationand covetousness, and be filled with the spirit. Through the
effect of their pure breath, they must change the stone into
the brilliantruby and the shell into pearl. Like unto the cloud of vernal
shower, they must transform the black soil into the rose-garden
and orchard. They must make the blind seeing, the deaf hearing,
the extinguished one enkindled and set aglow, and the dead
quickened.("Tablets of the Divine Plan Revealed by `Abdu'l-Bahá to the
North American Bahá'ís" pp. 86-88)1912. O thou maid-servant of God! Whenever thou art intending
to deliver a speech, turn thy face toward the Kingdom of ABHA
and, with a heart detached, begin to talk. The breaths of the
Holy Spirit will assist thee.("Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas, vol. 2 (Chicago: Baha'i
Publishing Committee, 1930 printing), p. 246)1913. By the Lord of the Kingdom! If one arise to promote the
Word of God with a pure heart, overflowing with the love of God
and severed from the world, the Lord of Hosts will assist him
with such a power as will penetrate the core of the existent
beings.1914. Under all conditions the Message must be delivered, but
with wisdom. If it be not possible openly, it must be done
quietly. The friends should be engaged in educating the souls
and should become instruments in aiding the world of humanity
to acquire spiritual joy and fragrance. For example: If every
one of the friends (believers) were to establish relations
of friendship and right dealings with one of the negligent
souls, associate and live with him with perfect kindliness, and
meanwhile through good conduct and moral behaviour lead him to
divine instruction, to heavenly advice and teachings, surely he
would gradually arouse that negligent person and would change
his ignorance into knowledge.Souls are liable to estrangement. Such methods should be
adopted that the estrangement should be first removed, then the
Word will have effect. If one of the believers be kind to one
of the negligent ones and with perfect love should gradually
make him understand the reality of the Cause of God in such a
way that the latter should know in what manner the Religion of
God hath been founded and what its object is, doubtless
|PPg_298he will become changed; excepting abnormal souls who are
reduced to the state of ashes and whose hearts are like stones,
yea, even harder.1915. If thou wishest to guide the souls, it is incumbent on
thee to be firm, to be good and to be imbued with praiseworthy
attributes and divine qualities under all circumstances. Be a
sign of love, a manifestation of mercy, a fountain of
tenderness, kind-hearted, good to all and gentle to the
servants of God, and especially to those who bear relation to
thee, both men and women. Bear every ordeal that befalleth thee
from the people and confront them not save with kindness, with
great love and good wishes.("Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas, vol. 3 (Chicago: Baha'i
Publishing Committee, 1930 printing), pp. 619-20)1916. The teacher, when teaching, must be himself fully
enkindled, so that his utterance, like unto a flame of fire,
may exert influence and consume the veil of self and passion.
He must also be utterly humble and lowly so that others may be
edified, and be totally self-effaced and evanescent so that he
may teach with the melody of the Concourse on high--otherwise
his teaching will have no effect.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá, [rev. ed.]
(Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), Sec. 217, p. 270)
1917. When the friends do not endeavour to spread the message,
they fail to remember God befittingly, and will not witness the
tokens of assistance and confirmation from the Abhá Kingdom nor
comprehend the divine mysteries. However, when the tongue of
the teacher is engaged in teaching, he will naturally himself
be stimulated, will become a magnet attracting the divine aid
and bounty of the Kingdom, and will be like unto the bird at
the hour of dawn, which itself becometh exhilarated by its own
singing, its warbling and its melody.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", Sec. 211, pp.
267-68)1918. In accordance with the divine teachings in this glorious
dispensation we should not belittle anyone and call him
ignorant, saying: "You know not, but I know". Rather, we should
look upon others with respect, andwhen attempting to explain and demonstrate, we should speak as
if we are investigating the truth, saying: "Here these things
are before us. Let us investigate to determine where and in
what form the truth can be found." The teacher should not
consider himself as learned and others ignorant. Such a thought
breedeth pride, and pride is not conducive to influence. The
teacher should not see in himself any superiority; he should
speak with the utmost kindliness, lowliness and humility, for
such speech exerteth influence and educateth the souls.
("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá, Sec 15, p. 30)
1919. It is at such times that the friends of God avail
themselves of the occasion, seize the opportunity, rush forth
and win the prize. If their task is to be confined to good
conduct and advice, nothing will be accomplished. They must
speak out, expound the proofs, set forth clear arguments, draw
irrefutable conclusions establishing the truth of the
manifestation of the Sun of Reality.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", Sec. 212, p.
268)1920. When a speaker's brow shineth with the radiance of the
love of God, at the time of his exposition of a subject, and he
is exhilarated with the wine of true understanding, he becometh
the centre of a potent force which like unto a magnet will
attract the hearts. This is why the expounder must be in the
utmost enkindlement.1921. Speak, therefore; speak out with great courage at every
meeting. When you are about to begin your address, turn first
to Bahá'u'lláh and ask for the confirmations of the Holy
Spirit, then open your lips and say whatever is suggested to
your heart; this, however, with the utmost courage, dignity and
conviction....("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", Sec. 216 p.
269)1922. As to his question about the permissibility of
promulgating the divine teachings without relating them to the
Most Great Name, you should answer: "This blessed Name hath an
effect on the reality of things. If these teachings are spread
without identifying them with this holy Name, they will fail to
exert an abiding influence in the world. The teachings are like
|PPg_300the body, and this holy Name is like the spirit. It imparteth
life to the body. It causeth the people of the world to be
aroused from their slumber."1923. The teaching work should under all conditions be actively
pursued by the believers because divine confirmations are
dependent upon it. Should a Bahá'í refrain from being fully,
vigorously and wholeheartedly involved in the teaching work he
will undoubtedly be deprived of the blessings of the Abha
Kingdom. Even so, this activity should be tempered with wisdom
- not that wisdom which requireth one to be silent and
forgetful of such an obligation, but rather that which
requireth one to display divine tolerance, love, kindness,
patience, a goodly character, and holy deeds. In brief,
encourage the friends individually to teach the Cause of God
and draw their attention to this meaning of wisdom mentioned in the
Writings, which is itself the essence of teaching the
Faith--but all this to be done with the greatest tolerance, so
that heavenly assistance and divine confirmation may aid the
friends.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", Sec. 213, p.
268)1924. The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with
others and show absolute love and affection towards them. These
links have a deep influence on people and they will listen.
When the friends sense receptivity to the Word of God, they
should deliver the Message with wisdom. They must first try and
remove any apprehensions in the people they teach. In fact,
every one of the believers should choose one person every year
and try to establish ties of friendship with him, so that all
his fear would disappear. Only then, and gradually, must he
teach that person. This is the best method.1925. Follow thou the way of thy Lord, and say not that which
the ears cannot bear to hear, for such speech is like luscious
food given to small children. However palatable, rare and rich
the food may be, it cannot be assimilated by the digestive
organs of a suckling child. Therefore unto every one who hath a
right, let his settled measure be given."Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor
can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor
can every timelyutterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who
hear it." Such is the consummate wisdom to be observed in thy
pursuits. Be not oblivious thereof, if thou wishest to be a man
of action under all conditions. First diagnose the disease and
identify the malady, then prescribe the remedy, for such is the
perfect method of the skilful physician.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", Sec. 214, pp.
268-69)1926. Do not argue with anyone, and be wary of disputation.
Speak out the truth. If your hearer accepteth, the aim is
achieved. If he is obdurate, you should leave him to himself,
and place your trust in God. Such is the quality of those who
are firm in the Covenant.1927. In this day every believer must concentrate his thoughts
on teaching the Faith... O loved ones of God! Each one of the
friends must teach at least one soul each year. This is
everlasting glory. This is eternal grace.From the Writings of Shoghi Effendi and Letters Written on His
Behalf:1928. First and foremost, one should use every possible means
to purge one's heart and motives, otherwise, engaging in any
form of enterprise would be futile. It is also essential to
abstain from hypocrisy and blind imitation, inasmuch as their
foul odour is soon detected by every man of understanding and
wisdom. Moreover, the friends must observe the specific times
for the remembrance of God, meditation, devotion and prayer, as
it is highly unlikely, nay impossible, for any enterprise to
prosper and develop when deprived of divine bestowals and
confirmation. One can hardly imagine what a great influence
genuine love, truthfulness and purity of motives exert on the
souls of men. But these traits cannot be acquired by any
believer unless he makes a daily effort to gain them....
It is primarily through the potency of noble deeds and
character, rather than by the power of exposition and proofs,
that the friends of God should demonstrate to the world that
what has been promised by God isbound to happen, that it is already taking place and that the
divine glad-tidings are clear, evident and complete....
(From a letter dated 19 December 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi
to the Bahá'ís of the East- translated from the Persian)
1929. Having . .. obtained a clear understanding of the true
character of our mission, the methods to adopt, the course to
pursue, and having attained sufficiently the individual
regeneration --the essential requisite of teaching--let us
arise to teach His Cause with righteousness, conviction,
understanding and vigor. Let this be the paramount and most
urgent duty of every Baha'i. Let us make it the dominating
passion of our life. Let us scatter to the uttermost corners of
the earth; sacrifice our personal interests, comforts, tastes
and pleasures; mingle with the divers kindreds and peoples of
the world; familiarize ourselves with their manners,
traditions, thoughts and customs; arouse, stimulate and
maintain universal interest in the Movement, and at the same
time endeavor by all the means in our power, by concentrated
and persistent attention, to enlist the unreserved allegiance
and the active support of the more hopeful and receptive among
our hearers. Let us too bear in mind the example which our
beloved Master has clearly set before us. Wise and tactful in
His approach, wakeful and attentive in His early intercourse,
broad and liberal in all His public utterances, cautious and
gradual in the unfolding of the essential verities of the
Cause, passionate in His appeal yet sober in argument,
confident in tone, unswerving in conviction, dignified in His
manners--such were the distinguishing features of our Beloved's
noble presentation of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh.("Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932" [rev.
ed.], (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1980), pp. 69-70)
1930. Having on his own initiative, and undaunted by any
hinderances with which either friend or foe may, unwittingly or
deliberately, obstruct his path, resolved to arise and respond
to the call of teaching, let him carefully consider every
avenue of approach which he might utilize in his personal
attempts to capture the attention, maintain the interest, and
deepen the faith, of those whom he seeks to bring into the fold
of his Faith. Let him survey the possibilities which the
particular circumstancesin which he lives offer him, evaluate their advantages, and
proceed intelligently and systematically to utilize them for
the achievement of the object he has in mind. Let him also
attempt to devise such methods as association with clubs,
exhibitions, and societies, lectures on subjects akin to the
teachings and ideals of his Cause such as temperance, morality,
social welfare, religious and racial tolerance, economic
cooperation, Islam, and Comparative Religion, or participation
in social, cultural, humanitarian, charitable, and educational
organizations and enterprises which, while safeguarding the
integrity of his Faith, will open up to him a multitude of ways
and means whereby he can enlist successively the sympathy, the
support, and ultimately the allegiance of those with whom he
comes in contact. Let him, while such contacts are being made,
bear in mind the claims which his Faith is constantly making
upon him to preserve its dignity, and station, to safeguard the
integrity of its laws and principles, to demonstrate its
comprehensiveness and universality, and to defend fearlessly
its manifold and vital interests. Let him consider the degree
of his hearer's receptivity, and decide for himself the
suitability of either the direct or indirect method of
teaching, whereby he can impress upon the seeker the vital
importance of the Divine Message, and persuade him to throw in
his lot with those who have already embraced it. Let him
remember the example set by `Abdu'l-Bahá, and His constant
admonition to shower such kindness upon the seeker, and
exemplify to such a degree the spirit of the teachings he hopes
to instill into him, that the recipient will be spontaneously
impelled to identify himself with the Cause embodying such
teachings. Let him refrain, at the outset, from insisting on
such laws and observances as might impose too severe a strain
on the seeker's newly awakened faith, and endeavour to nurse
him, patiently, tactfully, and yet determinedly, into full
maturity, and aid him to proclaim his unqualified acceptance of
whatever has been ordained by Bahá'u'lláh. Let him, as soon as
that stage has been attained, introduce him to the body of his
fellow-believers, and seek, through constant fellowship and
active participation in the local activities of his community,
to enable him to contribute his share to the enrichment of its
life, the furtherance of its tasks, the consolidations of its
interests, and the coordination of its activities with those if its sister
communities. Let him not be content until he hasinfused into his spiritual child so deep a longing as to impel
him to arise independently, in his turn, and devote his
energies to thequickening of other souls, and the upholding of the laws and
principles laid down by his newly adopted Faith.1931. Every laborer in those fields, whether as traveling
teacher or settler, should, I feel, make it his chief and
constant concern to mix, in a friendly manner, with all
sections of the population, irrespective of class, creed,
nationality, or color, to familiarize himself with their ideas,
tastes, and habits, to study the approach best suited to them,
to concentrate, patiently and tactfully, on a few who have
shown marked capacity and receptivity, and to endeavor, with
extreme kindness, to implant such love, zeal, and devotion in
their hearts as to enable them to become in turnself-sufficient and independent promoters of the Faith in their
respective localities....1932. Nor should any of the pioneers, at this early stage in
the upbuilding of Bahá'í national communities, overlook the
fundamental prerequisite for any successful teaching
enterprise, which is to adapt the presentation of the
fundamental principles of their Faith to the cultural and
religious backgrounds, the idealogies, and the temperament of
the divers races and nations whom they are called upon to
enlighten and attract. The susceptibilities of these races and
nations, from both the northern and southern climes, springing
from either the Germanic or Latin stock, belonging to either
the Catholic or Protestant communion, some democratic, others
totalitarian in outlook, some socialistic, others capitalistic
in their tendencies, differing widely in their customs and
standards of living, should at all times be carefully
considered, and under no circumstances neglected.These pioneers, in their contact with the members of divers
creeds, races and nations, covering a range which offers no
parallel in either the north or south continents, must neither
antagonize them nor compromise with their own essential
principles. They must be neither provocative nor supine,
neither fanatical nor excessively liberal, in their exposition
of the fundamental and distinguishing features of their Faith.
They must be either wary or bold, they must act swiftly or mark
time, they must use the direct or indirect method, they must be
challenging or conciliatory, in strict accordance with the
spiritual receptivity of the soulwith whom they come in contact, whether he be a nobleman or a
commoner, a northerner or a southerner, a layman or a priest, a
capitalist or a socialist, a statesman or a prince, an artisan
or a beggar. In their presentation of the Message of
Bahá'u'lláh they must neither hesitate nor falter. They must be
neither contemptuous of the poor nor timid before the great. In
their exposition of its verities they must neither overstress
nor whittle down the truth which they champion, whether their
hearer belong to royalty, or be a prince of the church, or a
politician, or a tradesman, or a man of the street. To all
alike, high or low, rich or poor, they must proffer, with open
hands, with a radiant heart, with an eloquent tongue, with
infinite patience, with uncompromising loyalty, with great
wisdom, with unshakable courage, the Cup of Salvation at so
critical an hour, to the confused, the hungry, the distraught
and fear-stricken multitudes, in the north, in the west, in the
south and in the heart, of that sorely tried continent.
("Citadel of Faith: Messages to America 1947-1957" (Wilmette:
Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1980), pp. 25-26)1933. The individual alone must assess its character, consult
his conscience, prayerfully consider all its aspects, manfully
struggle against the natural inertia that weighs him down in
his effort to arise, shed, heroically and irrevocably, the
trivial and superfluous attachments which hold him back, empty
himself of every thought that may tend to obstruct his path,
mix, in obedience to the counsels of the Author of His Faith,
and in imitation of the One Who is its true Exemplar, with men
and women, in all walks of life, seek to touch their hearts,
through the distinction which characterizes his thoughts, his
words and his acts, and win them over tactfully, lovingly,
prayerfully and persistently, to the Faith he himself has
espoused.("Citadel of Faith: Messages to America 1947-1957", p. 148)
1934. ...revisit all the centres where you have already sown
the seed, in order to water the seedlings that have taken root
and to sow fresh good seed in the prepared ground.
(From a letter dated 9 April 1925 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to two believers)1935. Entire and selfless devotion is what is most needful. The
brighter our torch burns, the more light will it give and the
more readily will it impart its blaze to others....
(From a letter dated 3 May 1925 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1936. Shoghi Effendi feels that he can lay down no rule as to
when one should introduce the names of The Báb, Bahá'u'lláh and
`Abdu'l-Bahá in one's teaching. Much depends on the temperament
and aptitude both of the teacher and the one taught....
. . .We must look to the example of the Master and follow our
"Inner Light", adapting our message as best we can to the
capacity and "ripeness" of the one we are seeking to teach....
Man 's spiritual digestive powers have similar laws to those
that govern physical digestion. When people are spiritually
hungry and thirsty they must be given wholesome and suitable
spiritual food, but if we give too much at a time or too rich
food for the digestive powers, it only causes nausea and
rejection or malassimilation.(From a letter dated 20 October 1925 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to two believers)1937. Although teaching the Cause is the duty of every real
Bahá'í and must be our main aim in life, to obtain the best
results extensive and organized efforts at teaching must be by
the approval and through the help and supervision of either the
Local or the National Spiritual Assemblies. Shoghi Effendi
hopes that you will translate your earnestness and enthusiasm
into real service in close co-operation with the friends and
the Assemblies.(From a letter dated 31 May 1926 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1938. In spreading the Cause we should be mindful not to lower
its prestige and also try and get the people whom we approach
really attracted. Shoghi Effendi has often in his letters
mentioned the importance of follow-up work. Seeds sown but not
watered and reared will not mature into fruition.(From a letter dated 13 August 1928 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1939. Perhaps the reason why you have not accomplished so much
in the field of teaching is the extent you looked upon your own
weaknesses and inabilities to spread the message. Bahá'u'lláh
and the Master have both urged us repeatedly to disregard our
own handicaps and lay our whole reliance upon God. He will come
to our help if we only arise and become an active channel for
God's grace. Do you think it is the teachers who make converts
and change human hearts? No, surely not. They are only pure
souls who take the first step, and then let the spirit of
Bahá'u'lláh move them and make use of them. If any one of them
should even for a second consider his achievements as due to
his own capacities, his work is ended and his fall starts. This
is in fact the reason why so many competent souls have after
wonderful services suddenly found themselves absolutely
impotent and perhaps thrown aside by the Spirit of the Cause as
useless souls. The criterion is the extent to which we are
ready to have the will of God operate through us.Stop being conscious of your frailties, therefore; have a
perfect reliance upon God; let your heart burn with the desire to serve His
mission and proclaim His call; and you will observe
how eloquence and the power to change human hearts will come as
a matter of course.Shoghi Effendi will surely pray for your success if you
should arise and start to teach. In fact the mere act of
arising will win for you God's help and blessings.
(From a letter dated 31 March 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1940. It is on young and active Bahá'ís, like you, that the
Guardian centres all his hopes for the future progress and
expansion of the Cause, and it is on their shoulders that he
lays all the responsibility for the upkeep of the spirit of
selfless service among their fellow-believers. Without that
spirit no work can be successfully achieved. With it triumph,
though hardly won, is but inevitable. You should, therefore,
try all your best to carry aflame within you the torch of
faith, for through it you will surely find guidance, strength
and eventual success.. ..every one of them is able, in his own measure, to
deliver the Message ... Everyone is a potential teacher. He has
only to use what God has given him and thus prove that he is
faithful to his trust.(From a letter dated 1 September 1933 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1941. In teaching the Cause, much depends on the personality of
the teacher and on the method he chooses for presenting the
message. Different personalities and different classes and
types of individuals need different methods of approach. And it
is the sign of an able teacher to know how to best adapt his
methods to various types of people whom he happens to meet.
There is no one method one can follow all through. But there
should be as many ways of approach as there are types of
individual seekers. Flexibility and variety of method is,
therefore, an essential prerequisite for the success of every
teaching activity.(From a letter dated 31 May 1934 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1942. There are innumerable ways of teaching the Cause. You can
choose the one that suits best your nature and capacity.
(From a letter dated 13 November 1935 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1943. A true and adequate knowledge of the Cause is, indeed,
indispensable to every one who wishes to successfully teach the
Message. The book of "Gleanings" gives the friends a splendid
opportunity to acquire this necessary knowledge and
understanding. It gives them, in addition, that inspiration and
spiritual fervour which the reading of the Holy Words can alone impart.
(From a letter dated 2 December 1935 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1944. What the Guardian feels it of vital importance for the
friends to do is to teach the Cause directly and by means of
imparting the Holy Words....(From a letter dated 6 May 1936 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1945. It is in intellectual circles such as this that the
believers should endeavour to teach, confident that no matter
how limited their capacity may be, yet their efforts are
continually guided and reinforced from on High. This spirit of
confident hope, of cheerful courage, and of undaunted
enthusiasm in itself, irrespective of any tangible results
which it may procure, can alone ensure the ultimate success of
our teaching efforts.(From a letter dated 31 October 1936 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1946. ...the upper classes ... need the right type of people to
approach them, and a method that can suit their mentality. Our
teaching methods should allow a certain degree of elasticity in
establishing contacts with various types of individual seekers.
Every inquirer has to be approached from his own angle. Those
who are essentially of the mystic type should first be given
those teachings of the Cause which emphasize the nature and
value of spiritual realities; while those who are practically
minded and of a positive type are naturally more ready and
inclined to accept the social aspect of the Teachings. But of
course, gradually the entire Message, in all its aspects and
with the full implications it entails, should be explained to
the newcomer. For to be a believer means to accept the Cause in
its wholeness, and not to adhere to some of its teachings.
However, as already stated, this ought to be done gradually and
tactfully. For conversion is after all a slow process.
(From a letter dated 28 December 1936 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1947. Do not feel discourag[ed] if your labours do not always
yield an abundant fruitage. For a quick and rapidly-won success
is not always the best and the most lasting. The harder you
strive to attain your goal, the greater will be the
confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh, and the more certain you can feel
to attain success. Be cheerful, therefore, and exert yourself
with full faith and confidence. For Bahá'u'lláh has promised
His Divine assistance to everyone who arises with a pure and
detached heart to spread His holy Word, even though he may be
bereft of every human knowledge and capacity, andnotwithstanding the forces of darkness and of opposition which may be
arrayed against him. The goal is clear, the pathsafe and certain, and the assurances of Bahá'u'lláh as to the
eventual success of our efforts quite emphatic. Let us keep
firm, and whole-heartedly carry on the great work which He has
entrusted into our hands.(From a letter dated 3 February 1937 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1948. The Bahá'í teacher must be all confidence. Therein lies
his strength and the secret of his success. Though
single-handed, and no matter how great the apathy of the people
around you may be, you should have faith that the hosts of the
Kingdom are on your side, and that through their help you are
bound to overcome the forces of darkness that are facing the
Cause of God. Persevere, be happy and confident, therefore.
(From a letter dated 30 June 1937 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1949. ...refrain, under any circumstances, from involving
yourselves, much less the Cause, in lengthy discussions of a
controversial character, as these besides being fruitless
actually cause incalculable harm to the Faith. Bahá'u'lláh has
repeatedly urged us not to engage in religious controversies,
as the adepts of former religions have done. The Bahá'í teacher
should be concerned above all in presenting the Message, in
explaining and clarifying all its aspects, rather than in
attacking other religions. He should avoid all situations that,
he feels, would lead to strife, to hair-splitting and
interminable discussions.(From a letter dated 29 November 1937 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1950. The believers ought to give the Message even to those who
do not seem to be ready for it, because they can never judge
the real extent to which the Word of God can influence the
hearts and minds of the people, even those who appear to lack
any power of receptivity to the Teachings.(From a letter dated 14 January 1938 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1951. The love we bear mankind, our conviction that
Bahá'u'lláh's Faithcontains the only and the Divine remedy for all its ills, must
bedemonstrated today in action by bringing the Cause before the
public. No doubt the majority are not yet able to see its true
significance, but they must not be deprived, through our
failure in obligation, of the opportunity of hearing of it.
And there are many precious souls who are seeking for it and ready
to embrace it.(From a letter dated 19 March 1942 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1952. If the friends always waited until they were fully
qualified to do any particular task, the work of the Cause
would be almost at a standstill! But the very act of striving
to serve, however unworthy one may feel, attracts the blessings
of God and enables one to become more fitted for the task.
Today the need is so great on the part of humanity to hear
of the Divine Message, that the believers must plunge into the
work, wherever and however they can, heedless of their own
shortcomings, but ever heedful of the crying need of their
fellow-men to hear of the teachings in their darkest hour of
travail.(From a letter dated 4 May 1942 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1953. The Cause of God has room for all. It would, indeed, not
be the Cause of God if it did not take in and welcome everyone--poor and
rich, educated and ignorant, the unknown, and theprominent--God surely wants them all, as He created them all.
(From a letter dated 10 December 1942 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to two believers)1954. ...no system, for teachers to practise, exists. But
obviously the more people know about the teachings and the
Cause, the better they will be able to present the subject. If
some people find that prayer and placing all their trust in
God, releases in them a flood of inspiration, they should be
left free to pursue this method if it is productive of results.
(From a letter dated 25 January 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to two believers)1955. Through example, loving fellowship, prayer, and kindness the friends can attract the hearts of such people and enable them to realize that this is the Cause of God in deed, not merely words!...
1955. Через личный пример, заботливую дружбу, молитву и доброту друзья смогут привлечь сердца таких людей и дадут им почувствовать, что это - Дело Божие, причём на деле, а не только на словах!
(From a letter dated 24 February 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)
(Из письма, датированного 24 февраля 1943 г. от имени Шоги Эффенди одному из верующих)
1956. Unless and until the believers really come to realize
they are one spiritual family, knit together by a bond more
lasting than mere physical ties can ever be, they will not be
able to create that warm community atmosphere which alone can
attract the hearts of humanity, frozen for lack of real love
and feeling.(From a letter dated 5 May 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1957. Not all of us are capable of serving in the same way, but
the one way every Bahá'í can spread the Faith is by example.
This moves the hearts of people far more deeply than words ever
can.The love we show others, the hospitality and understanding,
the willingness to help them, these are the very best
advertisements of the Faith....(From a letter dated 14 October 1943 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1958. By all means persevere and associate in a friendly spirit
with other groups of young people, particularly of a different
race or minority nationality, for such association will
demonstrate your complete conviction of the oneness of mankind
and attract others to the Faith, both young and old alike.
A spirit of prejudice-free, loving comradeship with others
is what will open the eyes of people more than any amount of
words. Combined with such deeds you can teach the Faith easily.
(From a letter dated 18 June 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the Bahá'ís of Dayton, Oh)1959. ...a sound knowledge of history, including religious
history, and also of social and economic subjects, is of great
help in teaching the Cause to intelligent people...
|PPg_313(From a letter dated 4 May 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1960. He feels you should, in teaching, certainly not start
with such a difficult point as abstinence from wine; but when
the person wishes to join the Faith he must be told....
(From a letter dated 7 April 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to two believers)1961. All the Bahá'ís, new and old alike, should devote
themselves as much as possible to teaching the Faith; they
should also realize that the atmosphere of true love and unity
which they manifest within the Bahá'í Community will directly
affect the public, and be the greatest magnet for attracting
people to the Faith and confirming them.(From a letter dated 4 April 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Stuttgart, Germany)
1962. In teaching people, when they begin to seriously study
the Faith there is no objection to impressing upon them that
this message involves great spiritual responsibility, and
should not be either accepted or cast aside lightly. But we must be very
gentle, tactful and patient, and not administer shocks to people.
We must always teach constructively, and be very sure that
none of us, through disagreement among ourselves or indiscretion, cool off
the souls of the seekers.(From a letter dated 14 October 1947 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1963. There is no objection to leaving Bahá'í Literature in a
public place as long as it is not overdone and does not savour
of proselytizing.(From a letter dated 22 December 1947 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1964. ...it is spirit, determination, faith and devotion which
bring victories into being, one after another, in Britain, and
not luxury and leisure....(From a letter dated 29 April 1948 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British
Isles)1965. We should never insist on teaching those who are not
really ready for the Cause. If a man is not hungry you cannot
make him eat. Among the Theosophists there are, no doubt, many
receptive souls, but those who are satisfied should be just
associated with in a friendly way, but let alone. Once a seeker
comes to accept the concept of progressive religion, and
accepts Bahá'u'lláh as the Manifestation for this day, the
reincarnation concept will fade away in the light of truth; we
should try and avoid controversial issues in the beginning, if
possible.(From a letter dated 23 June 1948 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1966. It seems what we need now is a more profound and
co-ordinated Bahá'í scholarship in order to attract such men as
you are contacting. The world has--at least the thinking world--caught up
by now with all the great and universal principles
enunciated by Bahá'u'lláh over 70 years ago, and so of course
it does not sound "new" to them. But we know that the deeper
teachings, the capacity of His projected World Order to
re-create society, are new and dynamic. It is these we must
learn to present intelligently and enticingly to such men!
(From a letter dated 3 July 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1967. ...we, the few who have caught the vision, should not
waste our energies beating up and down the paths pursued by
humanity, and which are not solving its ghastly present-day
problems. We should concentrate on the Cause, because it is
what is needed to cure the world....If the Bahá'ís want to be really effective in teaching the
Cause they need to be much better informed and able to discuss
intelligently, intellectually, the present condition of the
world and its problems.... We Bahá'ís should, in other words,
arm our minds with knowledge in order to better demonstrate to, especially,
the educated classes, the truths enshrined in our(From a letter dated 5 July 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1968. Teaching individually is of great importance, and often
enables you to confirm people, whereas public speaking, while
it carries the Message to more people, does not confirm very
many. You can do both.(From a letter dated 5 August 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1969. ...when we put our trust in Him, Bahá'u'lláh solves our
problems and opens the way.(From a letter dated 12 October 1949 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1970. To find these receptive souls and teach them, with tact
and understanding, is the duty and privilege of every single
Baha'i.(From a letter dated 20 October 1949 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1971. Without the spirit of real love for Bahá'u'lláh, for His
Faith and its Institutions, and the believers for each other,
the Cause can never really bring in large numbers of people.
For it is not preaching and rules the world wants, but love and
action.(From a letter dated 25 October 1949 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1972. Just one mature soul, with spiritual understanding and a
profound knowledge of the Faith, can set a whole country
ablaze--so great is the power of the Cause to work through a
pure and selfless channel.(From a letter dated 6 November 1949 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1973. As we have such wonderful prayers and meditations in our
writings, the reading of these with friends who are interested
in and crave for this type of small meeting is often a step
towards attracting them to the Faith. Perhaps you could start
such an activity in your city.(From a letter dated 4 February 1950 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1974. The believers are entirely free to hold as many little
teaching groups or Firesides as they please in their own
homes... In fact this personal, informal, home teaching is
perhaps the most productive of results.(From a letter dated 24 February 1950 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1975. ...make a special point of praying ardently not only for
success in general, but that God may send to you the souls that
are ready. There are such souls in every city...(From a letter dated 18 March 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Punta Arenas)
1976. The people of the world are submerged in an atmosphere
which is the very antithesis, morally, of the Baha'i
atmosphere; we must teach them. If we are too strict in the
beginning most--not all--types will be rebuffed and veer away
from what they might otherwise be led to accept. On the other
hand, we don't want Bahá'ís who do not seriously try to live up
to the teachings--we must therefore use great tact and
challenge strong souls and lead weak souls.(From a letter dated 7 August 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1977. At all times we must look at the greatness of the Cause,
and remember that Bahá'u'lláh will assist all who arise in His
service. When we look at ourselves, we are sure to feel
discouraged by our shortcomings and insignificance!
(From a letter dated 12 December 1950 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1978. The excellent work you are doing in the teaching field,
he appreciates very deeply and wishes you to persevere and go
on teaching people of importance. Even if they are not always
good prospects as far as being converted to the Faith goes, it
is very necessary that they should hear of it and be made
friendly towards it.(From a letter dated 10 February 1951 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1979. Although it is good not to provoke conventional people
too much, on the other hand, we must not allow them to come
between us and obeying Bahá'u'lláh; and we know that He has
instructed His servants to spread His Message....(From a letter dated 1 May 1951 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1980. ...whilst actively teaching, the friends must themselves
be taught and deepened in the spirit of the Faith, which brings
love and unity.(From a letter dated 17 July 1951 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1981. These people, finding the Bahá'ís sincerely lacking in
either prejudice --or that even worse attitude, condescension--might not
only take interest in our Teachings, but also help us to reach their people
in the proper way.It is a great mistake to believe that because people are
illiterate or live primitive lives, they are lacking in either
intelligence or sensibility. On the contrary, they may well
look on us, with the evils of our civilization, with its moral
corruption, its ruinous wars, its hypocrisy and conceit, as
people who merit watching with both suspicion and contempt. We
should meet them as equals, well-wishers, people who admire and
respect their ancient descent, and who feel that they will be
interested, as we are, in a living religion and not in the dead
forms of present-day churches.(From a letter dated 21 September 1951 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the Comite Nacional de ensenanza Bahá'í para
los indigenas)1982. Teaching is of course the head corner-stone of all Baha'i
service, but successful teaching is dependent upon many
factors, one of which is the development of a true Bahá'í way
of living and the fulfilment of responsibilities which we have
incurred.(From a letter dated 3 June 1952 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1983. It should not be overlooked, however, that the most
powerful and effective teaching medium that has been found so
far is the fireside meeting, because in the fireside meeting,
intimate personal questions canbe answered, and the student find the spirit of the Faith more
abundant there.(From a letter dated 11 December 1952 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to a Local Spiritual Assembly and an individual
believer)Today, as never before, the magnet which attracts the
blessings from on high is teaching the Faith of God. The Hosts
of Heaven are poised between heaven and earth, just waiting,
and patiently, for the Bahá'í to step forth, with pure devotion
and consecration, to teach the Cause of God, so they may rush
to his aid and assistance. It is the Guardian's prayer that the
Friends may treble their efforts, as the time is short--alas,
the workers too few. Let those who wish to achieve immortality
step forth and raise the Divine Call. They will be astonished
at the spiritual victories they will gain.(From a letter dated 28 March 1953 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1984. What is needed to achieve success in the teaching field
is a complete dedication on the part of the individual,
consecration to the glorious task of spreading the Faith, and
the living of the Bahá'í life, because that creates the magnet
for the Holy Spirit, and it is the Holy Spirit which quickens the new soul.
Thus the individual should be as a reed, throughwhich the Holy Spirit may flow, to give new life to the seeking
soul.One should search out those who are receptive to the Faith,
and then concentrate on these persons in their teaching.
(From a letter dated 18 December 1953 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1985. The peoples generally are seeking the light of Divine
Guidance. The problems of the world have awakened the populace.
It only remains for the Bahá'ís to raise the Call and give the
Message according to the high standards enunciated by the
beloved Master. The world can become alive with the gifts of
the Holy Spirit, if the Bahá'ís fulfil their sacred obligation.
In pioneering fields, and on the home front, the friends
must arise with the same spirit of dedication and consecration
which animated the original pioneers. If they do, they will be
astonished at the great results they will achieve.
|PPg_319Setting aside all the shibboleths of present-day living,
leaving behind the false standards of those endeavouring to
solve the world's problems by weak platitudes, and
demonstrating the new Bahá'í way of dynamic spiritual living,
let them, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, arise to
spread the Water of Life over America. This will produce the
results which the cries of humanity today require. Where are
the spiritual souls who will now seize their opportunity, and
achieve immortal glory in the service of the Faith!
(From a letter dated 14 April 1954 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States)1986. As you interest different ones in the Faith, you must be
very cautious, and gradually lead them into the Light of Divine
Guidance, especially the practices of Bahá'í living. Thus you
should not be dogmatic about any of the secondary practices of
the Faith....(From a letter dated 5 June 1954 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1987. The Guardian feels that the most effective way for the
Bahá'ís to teach the Faith is to make strong friends with their
neighbours and associates. When the friends have confidence in
the Bahá'ís and the Bahá'ís in their friends, they should give
the Message and teach the Cause. Individual teaching of this
type is more effective than any other type.established in order to permit and encourage the individual to
teach in his own home, has been proven the most effective
instrument for spreading the Faith....(From a letter dated 27 December 1954 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi
to an individual believer)1988. It is better to have one Bahá'í who understands the
Teachings and is wholeheartedly convinced of their truth, than
a number of Bahá'ís, who are not well aware of the Cause, and
deep-rooted in the Covenant.(From a letter dated 22 January 1955 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1989. Consecration, dedication and enthusiastic service is the
Keynote to successful teaching. One must become like a reed
through which the Holy Spirit descends to reach the student of
the Faith.We give the Message, and explain the Teachings, but it is
the Holy Spirit that quickens and confirms.(From a letter dated 16 February 1955 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1990. The Guardian thinks perhaps a different approach to the
aborigines might attract them; one of being interested in their
lives and their folklore, and of trying to become their friend,
rather than trying to change them or improve them.
(From a letter dated 9 April 1955 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1991. The Bahá'ís must realize that the success of this work
depends upon the individual. The individual must arise as never
before to proclaim the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. The most effective
way for them to carry on their work is for the individual to
make many contacts, select a few who they feel would become
Bahá'ís, develop a close friendship with them, then complete
confidence, and finally teach them the Faith, until they become
strong supporters of the Cause of God.(Prom a letter dated 13 May 1955 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to all National Spiritual Assemblies)1992. The all-important thing of course is that every activity
... is for the purpose of teaching the Faith and confirming
people. Therefore you and the other Bahá'ís should watch the
situation very closely. You should study those who attend the
meetings, and when you find one who you feel would become a
strong and active Baha'i, then you should concentrate on
teaching him. Thus, if you are able to confirm some souls, you
will have rendered distinguished and outstanding service.
Actually this is the goal of all such activities in all of the
universities.(From a letter dated 1 June 1955 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1993. The Hosts of the Supreme Concourse are in martial array, poised
between Earth and Heaven ready to rush to the assistance
of those who arise to Teach the Faith. If one seeks the
confirmation of the Holy Spirit, one can find it in rich
abundance in the Teaching Field. The world is seeking as never
before, and if the Friends will arise with new determination,
fully consecrated to the noble task ahead of them, victory
after victory will be won for the Glorious Faith of God.
(From a letter dated 2 February 1956 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)1994. The greatest glory and honor which can come to an
individual is to bring the light of guidance to some new soul.
The quickening power of the Holy Spirit, which has come into
the world through Bahá'u'lláh, is the source of immortal life;
and those who are quickened by this spirit in this world will
find themselves in great honor and glory in the next world. The
most meritorious service which anyone could render is to bring
the light of divine guidance and the quickening power of the
spirit to an entirely new area. Humanity is crying for
salvation; and it is only by the Bahá'ís going into the various
areas of the world, that it can be brought to them. This is the
reason the Guardian has encouraged all of the friends to
disperse to new territories, for this is the hour for the
quickening of the world.(From a letter dated 11 March 1956 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the Bahá'í Community of Tacoma, US)1995. The need of the Hour is Teaching on the Home Front. Its
goals can be won, by a new spirit of dedication and
consecration on the part of the friends, each in his own
country, in his own home.... Never must they let a day pass
without teaching some soul, trusting to Bahá'u'lláh that the
seed will grow. The friends should seek pure souls, gain their
confidence, and then teach that person carefully until he
becomes a Baha'i, and then nurture him until he becomes a firm
and active supporter of the Faith.Everyone must remember that it is the "Holy Spirit that
quickens" and therefore the teacher must become like a reed
through which the Holy Spirit may reach the seeking soul.
The beloved Guardian has stressed over and over again, that
to effectively teach the Faith, the individual must study
deeply, the DivineWord, imbibe Its life-giving waters, and feast upon Its
glorious teachings. He should then meditate on the import of
the Word, and finding its spiritual depths, pray for guidance
and assistance. But most important, after prayer is action.
After one has prayed and meditated, he must arise, relying
fully on the guidance and confirmation of Bahá'u'lláh, to teach
His Faith. Perseverance in action is essential, just as wisdom
and audacity are necessary for effective teaching. The
individual must sacrifice all things to this great goal, and
then the victories will be won.(From a letter dated 30 May 1956 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the Hands of the Cause in the United States)
1996. The spirit of the hour is teaching on the Home Fronts.
Its goal can only be won by a new spirit of dedication and
consecration on the part of the friends at home. Miraculous
victories are being won, in the difficult virgin areas, because
the pioneers have consecrated their lives to the Noble Mission
they have embarked upon. The Friends at home must display this
same consecration and dedication. Never must they let a day
pass, without teaching some soul, hoping that Bahá'u'lláh will
cause each seed to grow. The Friends should seek pure souls,
gain their confidence and then teach that person carefully
until he becomes a Baha'i--and then nurture him until he
becomes a firm and active supporter of the Faith.(From a letter dated 15 June 1956 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the Bahá'ís of Lafayette, In)1997. He hopes you will be guided and confirmed in your work,
so many souls may find eternal life, through your selfless
services. It is important that you make contact with pure
hearted individuals, gain their confidence, they gain
confidence in you, and then gradually teach them. It is better
to concentrate on a few, rather than attempt to teach too many
at a time. Consecration, devotion, dedication, humility are
essential, that the Holy Spirit may use you as a reed for the
diffusion of Its creative rays.(From a letter dated 15 July 1956 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)1998. The Guardian feels that, if the friends would meditate a
little more objectively upon both their relationship to the
Cause and the vastnon-Bahá'í public they hope to influence, they would see things
more clearly.... He fully realizes that the demands made upon
the Bahá'ís are great, and that they often feel inadequate,
tired and perhaps frightened in the face of the tasks that
confront them. This is only natural. On the other hand, they
must realize that the power of God can and will assist
them; and that because they are privileged to have accepted the
Manifestation of God for this Day, this very act has placed
upon them a great moral responsibility toward their fellow-men.
It is this moral responsibility to which the Guardian is
constantly calling their attention...(From a letter dated 19 July 1956 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States)1999. The friends must certainly explore new channels and have
more audacity, if they are to get anywhere in adding to their numbers.
(From a letter dated 6 October 1956 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)2000. The most effective method of teaching is the Fireside
group, where new people can be shown Bahá'í hospitality, and
ask all questions which bother them. They can feel there the
true Bahá'í spirit--and it is the spirit that quickeneth.
(From a letter dated 20 October 1956 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)2001. He feels that to distribute Bahá'í pamphlets from door to
door ... is undignified and might create a bad impression of
the Faith....(From a letter dated 20 October 1956 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada)
2002. We must be careful not to teach in a fanatical way. We
should teach as the Master taught. He was the perfect Exemplar
of the Teachings. He proclaimed the universal truths, and,
through love and wise demonstration of the universal verities
of the Faith, attracted the hearts and the minds.(From a letter dated 20 October 1956 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)2003. The Master assured us that when we forget ourselves, and strive with all our powers to serve and teach the Faith, we receive divine assistance. It is not we who do the work, but we are the instruments used at that time for the purpose of teaching His Cause.
2003. Учитель заверил нас, что когда мы забываем о самих себе и всеми силами стараемся служить Вере и учить ей, мы получаем Божественную поддержку. Не мы выполняем эту работу - мы являемся в этот момент всего лишь орудиями, которые используются для обучения Его Делу.
(From a letter dated 8 November 1956 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)
(Из письма, датированного 8 ноября 1956 г., от имени Шоги Эффенди одному из верующих)
2004. The Teaching of the Faith is dependent on the individual
and his effort. When the individual arise with enthusiasm, with
full dedication and consecration, and allows nothing to deter
him; then results will be achieved....(From a letter dated 17 December 1956 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís assembled at the Indiana State
Convention)2005. The Guardian hopes the Friends ... will display the
loving spirit of the Master in their contacts, and then win
those souls to the Faith. The fireside method of teaching seems
to produce the greatest results, when each one invites friends
into their homes once in nineteen days, and introduces them to
the Faith. Close association and loving service affects the
hearts; and when the heart is affected, then the spirit can
enter. It is the Holy Spirit that quickens, and the Friends
must become channels for its diffusion.(From a letter dated 27 January 1957 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)2006. The Guardian was very happy to receive the news of the
sudden spurt in the number of Friends joining the Faith. It
demonstrates that one must persevere until the very end, if
success is to be achieved....(From a letter dated 19 April 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)2007. ...the world is being shaken to its foundations and the
people are seeking. If the Bahá'ís will arise as never before
to teach the Cause they will find many listeners and many will
find eternal life through their sacrificial efforts.
(From a letter dated 17 May 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada)
|PPg_3252008. Divine Truth is relative and that is why we are enjoined
to constantly refer the seeker to the Word itself--and why any
explanations we make to ease the journey of the soul of any
individual must be based on the Word--and the Word alone.
(From a letter dated 4 June 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada)
2009. The believers must be encouraged to teach individually in
their own homes. Bahá'u'lláh has enjoined upon the Bahá'ís the
sacred obligation of teaching. We have no priests, therefore
the service once rendered by priests to their religions is the
service every single Bahá'í is expected to render individually
to his religion. He must be the one who enlightens new souls,
confirms them, heals the wounded and the weary upon the road of
life, and gives them to quaff from the chalice of everlasting
life the knowledge of the Manifestation of God in His Day.
(From a letter dated 5 July 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Benelux
countries)2010. The Beloved Guardian directs me to inform you that you
should not weary in well doing. He knows you must become
discouraged at times when hardness of the hearts of the local
people does not permit the budding of the seeds which you are
so diligently sowing. However, he assures you that all of the
seeds that are sown will ultimately reap their fruit. . .
(From a letter dated 7 August 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)2011. Teaching is the source of Divine Confirmation. It is not
sufficient to pray diligently for guidance, but this prayer
must be followed by meditation as to the best methods of action
and then action itself Even if the action should not
immediately produce results, or perhaps not be entirely
correct, that does not make so much difference, because prayers
can only be answered through action and if someone's action is
wrong, God can use that method of showing the pathway which is right....
(From a letter dated 22 August 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer)2012. It is not enough for the friends to make the excuse that
their best teachers and their exemplary believers have arisen
and answered the call to pioneer. A "best teacher" and an
"exemplary believer" is ultimately neither more nor less than
an ordinary Bahá'í who has consecrated himself to the work of
the Faith, deepened his knowledge and understanding of its
Teachings, placed his confidence in Bahá'u'lláh, and arisen to
serve Him to the best of his ability. This door is one which we
are assured will open before the face of every follower of the
Faith who knocks hard enough, so to speak. When the will and
the desire are strong enough, the means will be found and the
way opened either to do more work locally, to go to a new goal
town ... or to enter the foreign pioneer field....
The Bahá'ís are the leaven of God, which must leaven the
lump of their nation. In direct ratio to their success will be
the protection vouchsafed, not only to them but to their
country. These are the immutable laws of God, from which there
is no escape: "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall
be much required."(From a letter dated 21 September 1957 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
United States)2013. O people! The goodliest vesture in the sight of God in
this day is trustworthiness. All bounty and honour shall be the
portion of the soul that arrayeth itself with this greatest of
adornments.2014. Regard thou faith as a tree. Its fruits, leaves, boughs
and branches are, and have ever been, trustworthiness,
truthfulness, uprightness and forbearance.2015. The virtues and attributes pertaining unto God are all
evident and manifest, and have been mentioned and described in
all the heavenly Books. Among them are trustworthiness,
truthfulness, purity of heart while communing with God,
forbearance, resignation to whatever the Almighty hath decreed,
contentment with the things His Will hath provided, patience,
nay, thankfulness in the midst of tribulation, and complete
reliance, in all circumstances, upon Him. These rank, according
to the estimate of God, among the highest and most laudable of
all acts. All other acts are, and will ever remain, secondary
and subordinate unto them....("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, rev. ed.
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1983), sec. 134, p. 290)
2016. Beautify your tongues, O people, with truthfulness, and
adorn your souls with the ornament of honesty. Beware, O
people, that ye deal not treacherously with any one. Be ye the
trustees of God amongst His creatures, and the emblems of His
generosity amidst His people. They that follow their lusts and
corrupt inclinations, have erred and dissipated their efforts.
They, indeed, are of the lost....("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. 136, p.
297)2017. The purpose of the one true God in manifesting Himself is
to summon all mankind to truthfulness and sincerity, to piety
and trustworthiness, to resignation and submissiveness to the
Will of God, to forbearance and kindliness, to uprightness
and wisdom. His object is to array every man with the mantle of
a saintly character, and to adorn him with the ornament of holy
and goodly deeds.("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. 137, p.
299)2018. Say: Let truthfulness and courtesy be your adorning.
Suffer not yourselves to be deprived of the robe of forbearance
and justice, that the sweet savors of holiness may be wafted
from your hearts upon all created things. Say: Beware, O people
of Baha, lest ye walk in the ways of them whose words differ
from their deeds. Strive that ye may be enabled to manifest to
the peoples of the earth the signs of God, and to mirror forth
His commandments....("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh", sec. 139, p.
305)2019. We ask God, exalted be His glory, to confirm each one of
the friends in that land in the acquisition of such
praiseworthy characteristics as shall conduce to the spread of
justice and equity among the peoples of the world. The first,
the fundamental purpose underlying creation hath ever been, and
will continue to be, none other than the appearance of trustworthiness and
godliness, of sincerity and goodwillamongst mankind, for these qualities are the cause of peace,
security and tranquillity. Blessed are those who possess such
virtues.2020. I beseech Thee, O my God, by all the transcendent glory of Thy Name, to clothe Thy loved ones in the robe of justice and to illumine their beings with the light of trustworthiness. Thou art the One Who hath power to do as He pleaseth and Who holdeth within His grasp the reins of all things, visible and invisible.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Arabic)Заклинаю Тебя, о мой Боже, всей неземной славой Твоего Имени - облачи возлюбленных Твоих в наряд справедливости и озари их светом надёжности. Ты есть Тот, Кто властен вершить, что угодно Тебе, Тот, Кто держит в руках Своих бразды всего сущего, зримого и незримого.
|PPg_3292021. Say: O people of God! Adorn your temples with the
adornment of trust- worthiness and piety. Help, then, your Lord
with the hosts of goodly deeds and a praiseworthy character....
"Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas",
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1988), p. 120)
2022. One day of days We repaired unto Our Green Island. Upon
Our arrival, We beheld its streams flowing, and its trees
luxuriant, and the sunlight playing in their midst. Turning Our
face to the right, We beheld what the pen is powerless to
describe; nor can it set forth that which the eye of the Lord
of Mankind witnessed in that most sanctified, that most
sublime, that blest, and most exalted Spot. Turning, then, to
the left We gazed on one of the Beauties of the Most Sublime
Paradise, standing on a pillar of light, and calling aloud
saying: 'O inmates of earth and heaven! Behold ye My beauty,
and My radiance, and My revelation, and My effulgence. By God,
the True One! I am Trustworthiness and the revelation thereof,
and the beauty thereof. I will recompense whosoever will cleave
unto Me, and recognize My rank and station, and hold fast unto
My hem. I am the most great ornament of the people of Baha, and
the vesture of glory unto all who are in the kingdom of
creation. I am the supreme instrument for the prosperity of the
world, and the horizon of assurance unto all beings.' Thus have
We sent down for thee that which will draw men nigh unto the
Lord of creation.("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", p.
122)2023. The fourth Taraz concerneth trustworthiness. Verily it is
the door of security for all that dwell on earth and a token of
glory on the part of the All-Merciful. He who partaketh thereof
hath indeed partaken of the treasures of wealth and prosperity.
Trustworthiness is the greatest portal leading unto the
tranquillity and security of the people. In truth the stability
of every affair hath depended and doth depend upon it. All the
domains of power, of grandeur and of wealth are illumined by its light.
("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", p.
37)2024. Were a man in this day to adorn himself with the raiment
of trustworthiness it were better for him in the sight of God
than that he should journey on foot towards the holy court and
be blessed withmeeting the Adored One and standing before His Seat of Glory.
Trustworthiness is as a stronghold to the city of humanity, and
as eyes to the human temple. Whosoever remaineth deprived
thereof shall, before His Throne, be reckoned as one bereft of
vision.2025. We call to remembrance every one of the friends and
exhort them to have regard to trustworthiness, which is a
charge that God hath entrusted to the safe-keeping of His
servants; to righteousness, which He hath made to be a citadel
of strength for His well-favoured ones and faithful, humble
servants; and to whatever virtues shall conduce to their
dignity and honour among all peoples.2026. O ye friends of God in His cities and His loved ones in
His lands! This Wronged One enjoineth on you honesty and piety.
Blessed the city that shineth by their light. Through them man
is exalted, and the door of security is unlocked before the
face of all creation. Happy the man that cleaveth fast unto
them, and recognizeth their virtue, and woe betide him that
denieth their station.("Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, 1988), p. 23)2027. Be ye God's manifestations of trustworthiness in every
land. So perfectly should ye mirror forth this quality that
even were ye to travel through cities heaped with gold, your
gaze would not for a single moment be seduced by its allure.
This is the standard required of you, O assemblage of true
believers. Assist ye your gracious Lord with your wealth and
substance so that in all the worlds of God His servants may
perceive from you the sweet savours of the one true God.
(From a Tablet- translated from the Arabic)2028. He is the true servant of God who, in this day, were he
to pass through cities of silver and gold, would not deign to
look upon them, and whose heart would remain pure and undefiled
from whatever things can be seen in this world, be they its
goods or its treasures. I swear by the Sun of Truth! The breath
of such a man is endowed with potency, and his words with
attraction ....(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice"
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1984), p. 23)2029. Say: O bearer of My Name! Upon thee be My glory and My
loving-kindness. Thou hast ever been adorned with the fair robe
of trustworthiness and piety. These twin qualities are as two
companions for thee in whom thou mayest find solace. They are
as two sentinels who shall stand watch over thee, and two
guardians that shall, by God's leave, keep thee from harm.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)2030. Cleave ye to the hem of the raiment of virtue and keep
fast hold of the cord of piety and trustworthiness. Have regard
to the good of the world and not to your own selfish desires. O
peoples of God! Ye are the shepherds of the world. Keep ye your
flocks unbesmirched by the mire of evil passion and desire, and
adorn each one with the ornament of the fear of God. This is
the firm command that hath issued forth in this day from the
pen of the Ever-Abiding. I swear by the righteousness of God!
The sword of upright conduct and a goodly character is sharper
than blades of steel.(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
2031. We ask God graciously to grant that all may evince such fairness of character, such goodliness of deed and kindliness of word as will meet with His good pleasure. It hath been decreed that the citadels of men's hearts should be subdued through the hosts of a noble character and praiseworthy deeds. Contention, discord, strife and sedition have all been forbidden in the Book of God. Beseech the Lord that He deprive not His dominions of the effulgent light of the sun of trustworthiness, nor deny them the radiance of the Day-Star of truthfulness or the splendour of the orb of justice and equity. Trustworthiness and piety are even as two luminaries shining resplendent above the horizon of the heaven of the Tablet in which are inscribed the ordinances of God. Well is it with them that have discerned them, and woe betide the heedless!
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
Мы просим Бога, дабы по милости Своей даровал Он всем явить такую чистоту души, такую красоту деяний и доброту речи, кои удостоятся Его приятия. Заповедано, что твердыни сердец человеческих должны покоряться воинствами благородного нрава и похвальных деяний. Раздоры, разногласия, борьба и подстрекательство к мятежу - всё сие запрещено в Книге Божией. Молите Господа, да не лишит Он владения Свои лучезарного света, исходящего от солнца надёжности, и да не воздержит от них сияния Дневной Звезды честности и ярких лучей светила справедливости и равенства. Надёжность и благочестие подобны двум светилам, ярко сияющим над окоёмом небес Скрижали, на коей начертаны повеления Божии. Благо тем, кто прочёл их, и горе беспечным!
|PPg_3322032. We have counselled all people, in the most clear and eloquent language, to adorn their characters with trustworthiness and godliness, and with such qualities as are conducive to the elevation of man's station in the world of being. This Wronged One testifieth that the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony. Dissension and strife have always been, and shall remain, rejected by God. The Books, the Scriptures and Holy Writings of previous ages have all proclaimed the joyful tidings that the purpose underlying this most mighty Revelation is none other than the rehabilitation of the world and its nations; that perchance the power of utterance may prevail over the power of arms, and the world's affairs be administered through the potency of love. We ask God, the True One, to invest all with the mantle of trustworthiness, for that is the world's comeliest garment.
(From a Tablet- translated from the Persian)Самым ясным и выразительным языком Мы советовали всем людям украсить свою душу надежностью и благочестием и такими качествами, кои ведут к возвышению положения человека в мире бытия. Сей Гонимый свидетельствует, что цель, ради коей смертные явились из полного несуществования в царство бытия - трудиться для улучшения мира и жить вместе в мире и согласии. Раздоры и борьба всегда отвергались и будут отвергаться Богом. Книги, Свитки и Святые Писания былых эпох единодушно провозглашают радостную весть о том, что цель сего наимогущественного Откровения
2033. Cleave thou to the fear of God and to whatsoever hath
been revealed in His Book: thus biddeth thee He Who is the Word
of Truth and the Knower of things unseen. Say: trustworthiness
is the sun of the heaven of My commandments, truthfulness is
its moon, and praiseworthy attributes are its stars. Yet the
people, for the most part, understand not.2034. We send Our greetings to the faithful followers of the
one true God, who have tasted of the sweet waters of
loving-kindness and directed their gaze toward the Realm of
Glory. We enjoin upon them all to conduct themselves with
trustworthiness and rectitude and to lead chaste and virtuous
lives.O beloved friends! Whoever adorneth his character with such
virtues will be reckoned among the true servants of God, and
his name will be commemorated by the Concourse on High; but he
who depriveth himself thereof shall not be accounted of their
number. Strive diligently to acquire such goodly qualities and
traits of character as will be the cause of everlasting
salvation. Make not the fruits of the tree of trustworthiness
targets for the stones of treachery, nor rend its boughs
asunder with theinstruments of tyranny and oppression. Truthfulness and
sincerity have always been the ornament of a man's character,
and so they shall ever be. O friends! Let not the deceptive
glamour of this fleeting world--to whose impermanence all
things attest--cut you off from God's enduring bestowals, nor
deprive you from partaking of the spiritual sustenance that He
hath sent down from the heaven of His bounty. Keep your gaze
centred on Him Who is the Sovereign Word of Truth: place your
whole reliance upon Him, and beg of Him to destine for you what
is meet and fitting. Resign your affairs into the hands of God,
the Lord of creation. Call ye to mind the people of former
ages: whither are they sped, the prideful and vainglorious, the
workers of iniquity and unrighteousness?Where are their hoards of treasure, their palaces, citadels and
thrones? Reflect upon those bygone days, and the vicissitudes
of which they tell, and be ye admonished thereby. The prayer of
this Wronged One is that God may assist all to do what shall
meet with His favour and acceptance.2035. Thou art most dear to Us; and, as We love thee, so love
We all in whom may be perceived the goodly adornments of
trustworthiness and uprightness, and such qualities of virtue
and integrity as have been enjoined upon men in the Book of
God, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. Happy the lot of the soul
that hath perceived the fragrant breaths of divine utterance,
and given ear to what hath been revealed by God, the
Omniscient, the All-Informed. God hath, verily, willed that His
Cause should be assisted by the hosts of goodly deeds and a
righteous character. Blessed, then, be the man that
apprehendeth this truth and acteth conformably; and woe betide
those who ignore or deny it!2036. We send our greetings to the friends and exhort them to
conduct themselves with rectitude, trustworthiness, piety,
virtue and loving-kindness--with all those qualities, in fine,
that will serve to bring forth man's true station in the world
of being. He Who is the Eternal Truth, exalted be His glory,
hath ever loved faithfulness. Well is it with him who adorneth
his temple with its raiment, and is honoured by this greatest
of distinctions.2037. Trustworthiness, wisdom and honesty are, of a truth,
God's beauteous adornments for His creatures. These fair
garments are a befitting vesture for every temple. Happy are
those that comprehend, and well is it with them that acquire
such virtues.(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
2038. Cleave ye at all times to the cord of trustworthiness and
hold fast the hem of the garment of truthfulness: thus biddeth
you He Who is the Truthful, the Trusted One. God is my witness,
trustworthiness is a light that shineth refulgently from the
heavens, and leadeth to the exaltation of the Cause of God, the
Omnipotent, the Incomparable, the All-Praised. Whoso hath
remained faithful to the Covenant hath been steadfast in his
adherence to trustworthiness, whilst those who have repudiated
it have erred grievously.2039. It behoveth ye all so to adorn your inner and outer
beings that, robed in trustworthiness, girt with righteousness
and arrayed in truthfulness and rectitude, ye may become a
means for the exaltation of the Cause and the education of the
human race.2040. The companions of God are, in this day, the lump that
must leaven the peoples of the world. They must show forth such
trustworthiness, such truthfulness and perseverance, such deeds
and character that all mankind may profit by their example....
(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice", p.
23)2041. They who dwell within the Tabernacle of God, and are
established upon the seats of everlasting glory, will refuse,
though they be dying of hunger, to stretch their hands, and
seize unlawfully the property of their neighbour, however vile
and worthless he may be. The purpose of the one true God in
manifesting Himself is to summon all mankind to truthfulness
and sincerity, to piety and trustworthiness, to resignation and
submissiveness to the will of God, to forbearance and kindliness, to
uprightness and wisdom. His object is to array every man with the mantle
of a saintly character, and to adorn him with the ornament of holy and
goodly deeds....(Cited in Shoghi Effendi, "The Advent of Divine Justice", p.
24)2042. O My loved ones! We charge you to conduct yourselves with
trustworthiness and rectitude, that through you the attributes
of your Lord may be manifested to His servants and the
evidences of His exalted holiness may appear in every land. He
is, verily, the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days.2043. I counsel you, O friends of God, to comport yourselves
with the utmost trustworthiness in your dealings with my
servants and people. By its aid shall the Cause of God be
promoted throughout the world and its exalted sanctity become
manifest to all creation. Be ye the repositories of the trust
of all men. Thus have We commanded them in the Tablets. Thy
Lord is, verily, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.2044. O friends of God in every land! This Wronged One adjureth
you by the Best-Beloved of the world, Who is calling aloud in
the Kingdom of Utterance, that ye deal not faithlessly with the
substance of your fellow men. Be ye the trustees of God in His
dominions and the embodiments of truthfulness throughout His
realms. Blessed the man that heedeth the counsels of God and
observeth His precepts.2045. We have enjoined upon all to become engaged in some trade
or profession, and have accounted such occupation to be an act
of worship. Before all else, however, thou shouldst receive, as
a sign of God's acceptance, the mantle of trustworthiness from
the hands of divine favour; for trustworthiness is the chief
means of attracting confirmation and prosperity. We entreat God
to make of it a radiant and mercifully showering rain-cloud
that shall bring success and blessings to thy affairs. He of a truth is the
All-Bountiful, the Gracious.(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
2046. Commerce is as a heaven, whose sun is trustworthiness
and whose moon is truthfulness. The most precious of all things
in the estimation of Him Who is the Sovereign Truth is
trustworthiness: thus hath it beenrecorded in the sacred Scroll of God. Entreat ye the one true
God to enable all mankind to attain to this most noble and
lofty station.(From a Tablet- translated from the Persian and Arabic)
2047. In connection with the demands for payment of which thou
hast written in thy letter, it is manifestly clear that anyone
who hath the ability to settle his debts, and yet neglecteth to
do so, hath not acted in accordance with the good pleasure of
the one true God. Those who incur debts should strive to settle
them with all diligence and application. God's binding
commandments with respect to trustworthiness, uprightness and
the honouring of rights have been recorded in clear and
perspicuous language in all the sacred Books, Tablets,
Scriptures and holy Writings. Well is it with him whom the
fleeting vanities of the world have not deprived of a lasting
adornment, and whom avarice and negligence have not shut out
from the illumination of the sun of trustworthiness. These
matters, however, depend on the existence of ability, for the
making of a demand is contingent upon ability to meet it. By
the Lord of the Book, the former is not permissible in the
absence of the latter. To this testifieth the Verse: "Respite
thy debtor till he findeth means to pay."[1]2048. In most of Our Tablets We have counselled the servants of
God to be trustworthy and righteous, just and fair-minded. We
have commanded them to eschew iniquity and evil and bidden them
practise piety and the fear of God. The heedless, however, have
been led only into ever-increasing loss. Truly, had God's
creatures but conformed their actions to the will and pleasure
of God, exalted be His glory, the whole earth would by now be
seen as a single country, a blessed land of beauty and light.
(From a Tablet- translated from the Arabic)2049. Say: desist from wickedness and transgression, and lay
hold on trustworthiness and piety, candour and sincerity. This
is the commandment of God, the Lord of the Judgement Day. He
Whom the world hath wronged speaketh not through the promptings
of worldlydesire, but in accordance with what hath been revealed in the
Book of God, the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days. Righteousness
of character is the means whereby the high stations attainable
by man in the world of being may be made evident: to this
testify God's honoured servants, whom the evil whisperings of
the people have not deterred from arising to render service to
their Lord, the King of the Mighty Throne.Thus doth the Holy Reed intone its melodies, and the
Nightingale of Paradise warble its song, so that He may infuse
life eternal into the mortal frames of men, impart to the temples of
dust the essence of the Holy Spirit and the heavenly Light, and
draw the transient world, through the potency of a single word,
unto the Everlasting Kingdom.2051. One day The Báb asked that some honey be purchased for
Him. The price at which it had been bought seemed to Him
exorbitant. He refused it and said: "Honey of a superior
quality could no doubt have beenpurchased at a lower price. I who am your example have been a
merchant by profession. It behoves you in all your transactions
to follow in My way. You must neither defraud your neighbour
nor allow him to defraud you. Such was the way of your Master.
The shrewdest and ablest of men were unable to deceive Him, nor did He
on His part choose to act ungenerously towards the
meanest and most helpless of creatures." He insisted that the
attendant who had made that purchase should return and bring
back to Him a honey superior in quality and cheaper in price.
(Cited in "The Dawn-Breakers: Nabil's Narrative of the Early
Days of the Bahá'í Revelation", trans. and ed. Shoghi Effendi,
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1974), p. 303)
Extracts from the writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá:2052. Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues.
Without truthfulness progress and success, in all the worlds of
God, are impossible for any soul. When this holy attribute is
established in man, all the divine qualities will also be
acquired.(Cited in Shoghi Effendi,"The Advent of Divine Justice" p. 26)
2053. O Sadiq![2] Truthfulness, uprightness and integrity are the
attributes of the righteous and the hallmarks of the pure.
Truthfulness is the goodliest of qualities as it comprehendeth
all other virtues. A truthful person will be protected from all
moral afflictions, will shrink from every evil deed, and be
preserved from every wicked act, inasmuch as all vices and
misdeeds are the very antithesis of truthfulness, and a
truthful man will hold them all in utter abhorrence.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)2054. O pure soul! Follow thou in the footsteps of the truthful
and tread the way of the righteous, so that, through
truthfulness, thou mayest come to occupy a Seat of Truth,[3] and,
through righteousness, thou mayest attain to abiding honour. If
the sum of all sins were to be weighed in the balance,
falsehood would, on its own, countervail them; nay, its evils
would even outweigh them and its detriment prove greater. It
were better[2] The name "Sadiq" means literally "truthful" or "sincere"
[3] Quran, 54:55for thee that thou shouldst be a blasphemer and tell the truth
than that thou shouldst mouth the formulas of faith and yet be
a liar. These clear words are addressed as an admonition to the
peoples of the world. Render thanks unto God that it is through
thee that this counsel hath been addressed to all mankind.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)2055. O army of God! Through the protection and help vouchsafed
by the Blessed Beauty--may my life be a sacrifice to His loved
ones--ye must conduct yourselves in such a manner that ye may
stand out distinguished and brilliant as the sun among other
souls. Should any one of you enter a city, he should become a
centre of attraction by reason of his sincerity, his
faithfulness and love, his honesty and fidelity, his truthfulness and
loving-kindness towards all the peoples of theworld, so that the people of that city may cry out and say:
'This man is unquestionably a Baha'i, for his manners, his
behaviour, his conduct, his morals, his nature, and disposition
reflect the attributes of the Bahá'ís.' Not until ye attain
this station can ye be said to have been faithful to the
Covenant and Testament of God. For He hath, through irrefutable
Texts, entered into a binding Covenant with us all, requiring
us to act in accordance with His sacred instructions and
counsels.""Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" [rev. ed.],
(Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), sec. 35, pp. 70-1)
2056. ...we, and the friends of God, should on no account
slacken our efforts to be loyal, sincere and men of good will.
We should at all times manifest our truthfulness and sincerity,
nay rather, we must be constant in our faithfulness and
trustworthiness, and occupy ourselves in offering prayers for
the good of all.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá, sec. 225, p.
294)2057. The primary characteristic of true believers is
trustworthiness whereas the primary characteristic of the
rebellious is faithlessness.2058. If a man were to perform every good work, yet fail in the
least scruple to be entirely trustworthy and honest, his good
works would become asdry tinder and his failure as a soul-consuming fire. If, on the
other hand, he should fall short in all his affairs, yet act
with trustworthiness and honesty, all his defects would
ultimately be righted, all injuries remedied, and all
infirmities healed. Our meaning is that, in the sight of God,
trustworthiness is the bedrock of His Faith and the foundation
of all virtues and perfections. A man deprived of this quality
is destitute of everything. What shall faith and piety avail if
trustworthiness be lacking? Of what consequence can they be?
What benefit or advantage can they confer? Wherefore
`Abdu'l-Bahá counselleth the friends--nay, rather, fervently
imploreth them--so vigilantly to guard the sanctity of the
Cause of God and preserve their own dignity as individuals that
all nations shall come to know and honour them for their
trustworthiness and integrity. They can render no greater
service than this today. To act otherwise would be to take an
axe to the root of the Cause of God--we take refuge with God
from this heinous transgression and pray that He will protect
His loved ones from committing so flagrant a wrong.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)2059. You have written on the question of how the friends
should proceed in their business dealings with one another.
This is a question of the greatest importance and a matter that
deserveth the liveliest concern. In relations of this kind, the
friends of God should act with the utmost trustworthiness and
integrity. To be remiss in this area would be to turn one's
face away from the counsels of the Blessed Beauty and the holy
precepts of God. If a man in his own home doth not treat his
relations and friends with entire trustworthiness and
integrity, his dealings with the outside world--no matter how
much trustworthiness and honesty he may bring to them--will
prove barren and unproductive. First one should order one's own
domestic affairs, then attend to one's business with the
public. One should certainly not argue that the friends need
not be treated with undue care, or that it is unnecessary for
them to attach too great importance to the practice of
trustworthiness in their dealings with one another, but that it
is in their relations with strangers that correct behaviour is
essential. Talk like this is sheer fantasy and will lead to
detriment and loss. Blessed be the soul that shineth with the
light of trustworthiness among the people and becometh a sign
of perfection amidst all men.2060. Since the orderly running of your association dependeth
upon the devotion, integrity, fair-mindedness and sanctity of
purpose manifested by the friends of God, they should show
forth in their management of its affairs such purity, nobility
and far-sighted wisdom that they will become a model for other
societies, and all people may be edified and enlightened by
their example. In this way the Bahá'ís will become known to all
as people who are dependable and honest, virtuous and
enlightened, pure and refined; who are industrious and
high-principled, liberal-minded and promoters of freedom; whose
concern is to serve the common good, not to advance their own
interests, and whose aim is to further the welfare and
prosperity of the people, not to foster their own well-being.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)2061. Your criterion should be to pursue your commercial
activities with such fairness and equity as to be a cause of
guidance to others. The friends of God should, through the
instrumentality of their business, lead the people to God's
path, and make them so astonished as to exclaim: "How great is
their truthfulness, how high their trustworthiness, and how
true is their good will!"2062. Every business company should be established on divine
principles. Its foundations should be trustworthiness, piety
and truthfulness in order to protect the rights of the people.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)2063. Commerce, agriculture and industry should not, in truth,
be a bar to service of the one true God. Indeed, such
occupations are most potent instruments and clear proofs for
the manifestation of the evidences of one's piety, of one's
trustworthiness and of the virtues of the All-Merciful Lord.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)2064. Ye who are the sincere well-wishers of the state, who are
the dutiful and compliant subjects of the government, should
occupy yourselves inconstant service. Anyone who entereth the employ of the
government should show forth in all his deeds and actions the
highest degree of rectitude and honesty, of temperance and
self-discipline, of purity and sanctity, of justice and equity.
If, God forbid, he should be guilty of the least breach of
trust, or approach his duties in a slack or desultory fashion,
or extort so much as a farthing from the populace, or seek to
further his own selfish interests and personal gain--then it is
certain that he shall be deprived of the outpourings of God's
grace.2065. In discharging the functions of the office to which thou
hast been appointed, thy conduct and actions should attest to
the highest standard of trustworthiness and honesty, to a
degree of sincerity that is altogether above suspicion, and to
an integrity that is immune to the promptings of self-interest.
Thus shall all know that the Bahá'ís are the embodiments of
probity, and the very essence of spotless virtue. If they
accept office, their motive is to render service to the whole
of humanity, not to seek their own self-interest; and their
object is to vindicate the cause of truth, not to give
themselves over to self-indulgence and base ingratitude.
(From a Tablet- translated from the Persian)2066. As for those who are engaged in government service, they
should perform their duties with the utmost fidelity,
trustworthiness, rectitude, uprightness, integrity and
high-mindedness. Let them not tarnish their good repute by
pursuing personal interests, nor, for the sake of transient
worldly benefits, make themselves objects of public odium and
outcasts of the Threshold of Grandeur.2067. Those persons who are selected to serve the public, or
are appointed to administrative positions, should perform their
duties in a spirit of true servitude and ready compliance. That
is to say, they should be distinguished by their goodly disposition and
virtuous character, content themselves withtheir allotted remuneration, and act with trustworthiness in
all their doings. They should keep themselves aloof from
unworthy motives, and be far removed above covetous designs;
for rectitude, probity and righteousness are among the most
potent means for attracting thegrace of God and securing both the prosperity of the country
and the welfare of the people. Glory and honour for man are not
to be found in fortunes and riches, least of all in those which
have been unlawfully amassed through extortion, embezzlement
and corruption practised at the expense of an exploited
populace. Supreme honour, nobility and greatness in the human
world, and true felicity in this life and the life to come--all
consist in equity and uprightness, sanctity and detachment. If
a man would seek distinction, he should suffice himself with a
frugal provision, seek to better the lot of the poor of the
realm, choose the way of justice and fair-mindedness, and tread
the path of high-spirited service. Such a one, needy though he
be, shall win imperishable riches and attain unto everlasting
honour.2068. If any of the friends should enter into the service of
the government, they should make their occupation a means of
drawing nearer to the divine Threshold: they should act with
probity and uprightness, rigorously shun all forms of venality
and corruption, and content themselves with the salaries they
are receiving, taking pride, rather, in the degree of sagacity,
competence and judgement that they can bring to their work. If
a person content himself with a single loaf of bread, and
perform his duties with as much justice and fair-mindedness as
lieth within his power, he will be the prince of mortals, and
the most praiseworthy of men. Noble and distinguished will he
be, despite his empty purse! Pre-eminent will he rank among
the free, although his garb be old and worn! For man, praise
and glory reside in virtuous and noble qualities; honour and
distinction in nearness to the divine Threshold. The world's
wealth is, by contrast, the stuff of illusion.[4] Those who lust
after it are the followers of evil and, erelong, they shall be
plunged into confusion and despair. Which is better--that a man
should be thus, or that he should comport himself with
consecration and sanctity of purpose and stand out
conspicuously for his integrity, uprightness and honesty? Nay,
such qualities are better than the riches of Korah,[5]
and dearer than all the treasures of existence.[5] Name synonymous with great wealth, mentioned (in the form
'Qar'un') in the Quran, 28:762069. If one of the friends ... be appointed to a high
administrative office, he should strive diligently to perform
the duties committed to his charge with perfect honesty,
integrity, sincerity, rectitude and uprightness. If, however,
he abuse his position through corrupt or mercenary behaviour,
he will be held in detestation at the Threshold of Grandeur and
incur the wrath of the Abha Beauty--nay, he shall be forsaken
by the one true God and all who adore Him. So far from acting
thus, he should content himself with his salary and allowances,
seek out the way of righteousness, and dedicate his life to the
service of state and people. Such must be the conduct and
bearing of the Bahá'ís. Whoso transgresseth these bounds shall
fall at length into manifest loss.2070. Those souls who are employed in government departments
should approach their duties with entire detachment, integrity
and independence of spirit, and with complete consecration and
sanctity of purpose. Content with the wages they are receiving,
they should see that they do not stain their fair character
through acts of bribery and fraud. Were one of the friends in
this day to misappropriate so much as a single penny, the
sacred mantle of God's Cause would become sullied by his action
and the shame of it would attach to the whole community. Heaven
forbid! Nay, rather, the government and people should come to
repose such trust in the Bahá'ís as to wish to commit all
affairs of state throughout the provinces into the chaste, pure
hands of God's well-beloved.2071. All government employees, whether of high or low rank,
should, with perfect integrity, probity and rectitude, content
themselves with the modest stipends and allowances that are
theirs. They should keep their hands unsullied and preserve
their fair name from blemish.... If a man deal faithlessly with
a just government he shall have dealt faithlessly with God; and
if he render it faithful service he shall have rendered that
service to God.2072. Let them perform their services with complete sanctity
and detachment, and on no account defile themselves by
receiving bribes, harbouring unseemly motives, or engaging in
noxious practices. Let them be content with their wages, and
seek distinction in truthfulness, straightforwardness, and the
pursuit of virtue and excellence; for vanity in riches is
worthy of none but the base, and pride in possessions beseemeth
only the foolish. To attain to true glory and honour, man
should exercise justice and equity, forbear to act in an
oppressive manner, render service to his government, and work for the
good of his fellow-citizens. Were he to seek after
aught else but this he would indeed be in manifest loss.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)2073. How foolish and ignorant must a man be, how base his
nature, and how vile the clay of which he is fashioned, if he
would defile himself with the contamination of bribery,
corruption and perfidy towards the state! Truly, the vermin of
the earth are to be preferred to such people!2074. If it should happen that one of the friends be called
upon to serve his country and people in some capacity, he
should apply himself to his work with heart and soul, and
discharge his duties with perfect honesty, trustworthiness and
godliness.2075. These are the days for rendering the divine Cause
victorious and effective aid! The victory of God's Faith is
dependent upon teaching; and teaching is conditional upon
righteous actions and goodly deeds and conduct. The
foundation-stone of a life lived in the way of God is the
pursuit of moral excellence and the acquisition of a character
endowed with qualities that are well-pleasing in His sight. The
Bahá'ís should adorn themselves with this holy raiment; with
this mighty sword they should conquer the citadels of men's
hearts. People have grown weary and impatient of rhetoric and
discourse, of preaching and sermonizing. In this day, the one
thing that can deliver the world from its travail and attract
the hearts of its peoples is deeds, not words; example, not
precept; saintlyvirtues, not statements and charters issued by governments and
nations on socio-political affairs. In all matters, great or
small, word must be the complement of deed, and deed the
companion of word: each must supplement, support and reinforce
the other. It is in this respect that the Bahá'ís must seek
distinction over other peoples and nations, whom the Pen of the
Most High has epitomized in the following words: "Their words
are the pride of the world, and their deeds are the shame of
the nations."(8 December 1923 to a Bahá'í community - translated from the
Persian)2076. The employment that the Bahá'ís accept, the tasks and
duties that they perform, should be of a kind whose benefits
accrue to the nation as a whole and not such as are a means of
profit to a small circle of high officials and a few select
individuals. Further, the beloved friends and members of the
Assemblies should, in the manifold circumstances of their lives
and in all their multifarious dealings and pursuits, by their
deeds, their bearing and demeanour, seek to demonstrate to
their fellow-countrymen the excellence of this sacred Cause, to
vindicate its truth, and give living testimony to its potency
and the sublimity of its spirit. It is thus that the friends
should proceed, not confining themselves to the delivery of the
message, to explanations, expositions and elucidations.
`Abdu'l-Bahá, the Chief Interpreter of the Faith of
Bahá'u'lláh, has written:Wherefore it is incumbent upon all Bahá'ís to ponder this
very delicate and vital matter in their hearts, that, unlike
other religions, they may not content themselves with the noise,
the clamour, the hollowness of religious doctrine. Nay, rather, they
should exemplify in every aspect of their lives those attributes and virtues
that are born of God and should arise to distinguish themselves by their
goodly behaviour. They should justify their claim to be Bahá'ís by deeds
and not by name. He is a true Bahá'í who strives by day and by night to
progress and advance along the path of human endeavour, whose most
cherished desire is so to live and act as to enrich and illuminate the world,
whose source of inspiration is the essence of divine virtue, whose aim in life
is so to conduct himself as to be the cause of infinite progress. Only when
he attains unto such perfect gifts can it be said of him that he is a true
Baha'i. For in this holy Dispensation, the crowning glory of
|PPg_347bygone ages and cycles, true faith is no mere acknowledgement
of the unity of God, but rather the living of a life that will
manifest all the perfections and virtues implied in such
belief.[6]See how firm and strongly-worded is this statement of
`Abdu'l-Bahá's, and how demanding its requirements!
Notwithstanding, it is only when the Bahá'ís are able fully and
befittingly to distinguish their characters by the adornment of
these divine virtues that they will appear before the eyes of
the world in a worthy and appropriate manner and that the name
of Bahá'u'lláh will set the universe ablaze.(30 October 1924 to a Local Spiritual Assembly - translated
from the Persian)2077. Nothing but the abundance of our actions, nothing but the
purity of our lives and the integrity of our character, can in
the last resort establish our claim that the Bahá'í spirit is
in this day the sole agency that can translate a long-cherished
ideal into an enduring achievement. (24 November 1924 to the
National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada,
published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages
1922-1932" [rev. ed.], (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust,
1980), p. 68)2078. This is the day for excellence of character and conduct. We should
all adorn ourselves with these ornaments of theKingdom while still in this world of being, so that we may
render fit service to the Threshold of the Most Merciful.
(In the hand writing of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 24 November 1924 written on his behalf to an individual
believer- translated from the Persian)2079. The responsibilities of the members of the Spiritual
Assemblies that are engaged in teaching the Cause of God in
Eastern lands have been clearly laid down in the holy Texts.
These bid them to work towards the improvement of morals
and the spread of learning; to strive to eradicate ignorance
and unenlightenment, eliminate prejudice, and reinforce the
foundation of true faith in people's hearts and minds; to seek
to develop self-reliance and avoidance of blind imitation; to
aim to enhance the efficient management of their[6] Translated by Shoghi Effendi and published in "The Baha'i
World", vol. 2, "1925-1928" (New York: Bahá'í Publishing
Committee, 1928), p. xvicircumstances; to show their commitment to truthfulness and
honesty, and their ability to conduct themselves with
frankness, courage and resolution.They similarly enjoin them to lend their support to
agricultural and industrial development, to consolidate the
foundations of mutual assistance and co-operation, to promote
the emancipation and advancement of women and support the
compulsory education of both sexes, to encourage application of
the principles of consultation among all classes, and to adhere
in all dealings to a standard of scrupulous integrity. They
further impress upon them the virtue of trustworthiness and
godliness, of purity of motive, kindliness of heart, and
detachment from the fetters of this material world. They call
upon them so to sanctify themselves that they will rise above
the corrupt and evil influences that exercise so powerful a
sway over the Western world, and charge them to abide by the
counsel of moderation at all times and under all conditions.
They urge them to make detailed inquiry into the various
branches of contemporary learning--arts and sciences alike--and
to concentrate their attention on serving the general interests
of the people; to deepen themselves by attentive study of the
sacred Texts, and to apply the divine guidance they contain to
the circumstances, needs and conditions of society today; to
refrain from entering into the tangled affairs of political
parties and to have neither concern for, nor involvement in,
the controversies of politicians, the wranglings of theologians
or any of the ailing social theories current amongst men. They
finally exhort them to be sincerely obedient, in both thought
and word, to the laws duly enacted by the government of the
realm, and to distance themselves from the methods, concepts and
ill-grounded arguments of extreme traditionalists and
modernists alike; to accord honour, veneration and respect to--
and endorse the efforts of-- exponents of the arts and
sciences, and to esteem and revere those who are possessed of
extensive knowledge and scholarly erudition; to uphold the
right of freedom of conscience; and to abstain from criticizing
and disparaging the manners, customs and beliefs of other
individuals, peoples and nations. These are among the most
pressing requirements for the nations of the East. These are
the basic, the binding, the inescapable responsibilities
|PPg_349of the trustees of the Merciful, the representatives of the
Bahá'í communities, the members of the Spiritual Assemblies.
(30 January 1926 to the Spiritual Assemblies throughout
the East - translated from the Persian)2080. The people of Baha, under the jurisdiction of whatsoever
state or government they may be residing, should conduct
themselves with honesty and sincerity, trustworthiness and
rectitude. They should concern themselves with men's hearts,
and hold themselves aloof from the fluctuations and limitations
of the contingent world. They are neither thirsty for
prominence, nor acquisitive of power; they are neither adepts
at dissimulation and hypocrisy, nor are they seekers after
wealth and influence; they neither crave for the pomp and
circumstance of high office, nor do they lust after the glory
of titles and ranks. They are averse to affectation and
ostentation, and shrink from the use of coercive force; they
have closed their eyes to all but God, and set their hearts on
the firm and incontrovertible promises of their Lord; they have
severed the bonds of earthly expectations and attachments, and
connected their lives to the One Peerless Beloved. Oblivious to
themselves, they have occupied their energies in working
towards the good of society; and, steadfastly adhering to the
sound and wholesome principles of God's Faith, they have turned
their backs on the morbid imaginings, the incoherent theories,
and pernicious ideas of the victims of caprice and folly. While
vigilantly refusing to accept political posts, they should
whole-heartedly welcome the chance to assume administrative
positions; for the primary purpose of the people of Bahá is to
advance the interests and promote the welfare of the nation,
not to further the devious ends and designs of the profligate
and shameless. Such is the method of the Bahá'ís; such is the
conduct of all spiritually illumined souls; and aught else is
manifest error.(February 1927 to the believers throughout the East -
translated from the Persian)2081. In their homes, ... in the daily contact of business
transactions, ... the community of the followers of Bahá'u'lláh
should satisfy themselves that in the eyes of the world at
large and in the sight of their vigilant Master they are the
living witnesses of those truths which He fondly cherished and
tirelessly championed to the very end of His days....
|PPg_350(12 April 1927 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
United States and Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration:
Selected Messages 1922-1932", p. 130)2082. Let them so shape their lives and regulate their conduct
that no charge of secrecy, of fraud, of bribery or of
intimidation may, however ill-founded, be brought against
them....(21 March 1932 to the believers throughout North America,
published in "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters",
rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 64)
2083. It [rectitude of conduct] must be constantly reflected in
the business dealings of all its members, in their domestic
lives, in all manner of employment, and in any service they
may, in the future, render their government or people....
(25 December 1938 to the believers throughout North America,
published as "The Advent of Divine Justice" p. 26)
Extracts from letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi:
(To individual believers unless otherwise stated)2084. The permanence and stability achieved by any association,
group or nation is a result of--and dependent upon--the
soundness and worth of the principles upon which it bases the
running of its affairs and the direction of its activities. The
guiding principles of the Bahá'ís are: honesty, love, charity
and trustworthiness; the setting of the common good above
private interest; and the practice of godliness, virtue and
moderation. Ultimately, then, their preservation and happiness
are assured. Whatever misfortunes they may encounter, wrought
by the wiles of the schemer and ill-wisher, shall all pass away
like waves, and hardship shall be succeeded by joy. The friends
are under the protection of the resistless power and
inscrutable providence of God. There is no doubt that every
blessed soul who brings his life into harmony with this
all-swaying power shall give lustre to his works and win an
ample recompense. The actions of those who choose to set
themselves against it should provoke not antipathy on our part,
but prayers for their guidance. Such was the way of the Bahá'ís
in days gone by, and so must it be, now and for always.
|PPg_351(18 December 1925 to a National Spiritual Assembly - translated
from the Persian)2085. The Pen of the Most High has recorded: "Fear of God is the greatest
commander that can render the Cause of Godvictorious, and the hosts which best befit this commander have
ever been and are an upright character and pure and goodly
deeds."[7]The people of Bahá should, then, lead their lives and
conduct their affairs with the highest degree of sanctity and
godliness, and uncompromisingly repudiate and dissociate
themselves from the disreputable practices, the deplorable
modes and customs prevalent among the people of the West. Piety
and devotion should be the object of all who would be accounted
lovers of this Cause, and the adornment of every righteous
soul; otherwise, slowly but surely, the illumination conferred
on the innermost reality of men's hearts by the virtues of the
human world will flicker and fade and die away, to be
overwhelmed by the engulfing darkness of vice and depravity.
Courtesy and dignity are what bring nobility and standing to a
man; whereas frivolity and facetiousness, ribaldry and
effrontery will lead to his abasement, degradation and
humiliation. The Bahá'ís should, indeed must, seek to
distinguish themselves in all things, for what difference else
would there be between them and others? Any action, therefore,
that is calculated to detract from the dignity of man's station
must be steadfastly avoided and shunned.2086. You brought up the question of showing forth honesty and
trustworthiness when engaged in the service of the state. These
are qualities that must distinguish all the activities of the
friends, and the acquisition of which is a religious duty
incumbent on every believer. That some of the leaders whom they
serve may be unappreciative of their efforts, or fail correctly
to value their services, should give no cause for surprise. The
reason for such conduct is the remoteness of such men from the
True Source of justice, equity and fair-mindedness. We should
keep our vision centred on God, not on the doings of His
creatures. Every[7] From the Kitáb-i-Ahd, published in "Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
Revealed after the Kitáb-i-'Aqdas" rev. ed. (Haifa: Baha'i
World Center, 1982), p. 222.spotless action, every sincere intent of ours will win the
commendation of the True One, will be exalted and magnified by
Him, and requited with a bounteous recompense.2087. It is with deep concern indeed that he has learned of the
difficulties you have encountered in your business, and [he]
was particularly grieved to hear of the bitter competition you
are meeting from some Persians in New York, who seem determined
to ruin and force you out of business, despite the fact that
you have shown them kindness, and refused to deal with them harshly.
Though the Guardian would advise that you continue
keeping such [a] true Bahá'í attitude of forbearance, he wishes
you at the same time not to give way, and not to allow any
threat on their part to discourage or demoralize you. However
unethical the methods they may employ, it should be your firm
conviction that such malicious devices cannot in the long run
succeed, and that the most effective way of counteracting them
is for you to maintain unreservedly the one true standard of
business conduct inculcated in the Teachings.2088. May I, in closing, also express his satisfaction at the
improvement in Mr....'s business conditions. He will continue
to pray that the high standard of integrity he has so well
maintained in his business transactions may not only serve to
draw upon him the confirmations and blessings of God, but in
addition prove an effective means for the attraction of many
souls to the Faith.2089. As for your comment that the Faith has a need for
selfless, love-intoxicated followers, for people of outstanding
spiritual endowments, for powerful, eloquent speakers and for
men of material resources and talents to vindicate the truth of
our beloved Cause, the Guardian instructed me to write:
"What is needed is excellence of character and conduct, and
compliance with the laws revealed by Bahá'u'lláh--these are the magnets
that attract divine confirmation, and the means of
|PPg_353establishing the validity and uniqueness of the Cause of the All-Glorious."
He further bade me write:"The removal of imperfections is a gradual process. Constant advice and admonition are necessary so that, step by step, the community may make good the various deficiencies that beset it and run its affairs on a planned and orderly basis."
Исправление несовершенств - постепенный процесс. Следует неустанно подавать совет и увещевание, дабы, шаг за шагом, община исправила различные недостатки, мешающие ей, и начала вести свои дела планомерно и упорядоченно.
(12 January 1946)2090. The Guardian feels that your attitude towards the corrupt
practice of accepting commissions from fellow physicians and
pharmacists is most admirable. The more upright and noble the
Bahá'ís are in their conduct, the more they will impress the
public with the spiritual vitality of the Faith they believe
in.2091. He feels you should both consider the competent running
of your business not only a moral obligation to any creditors
outstanding, but also the wise and proper thing to do.
(6 June 1954)I. The Bahá'í concept of equality .................... 1
II. The role of education in the developmentof women .......................................... 11
III. Application of the principle of equalityto family life .................................... 15
IV. Women in the world at large ....................... 21
V. Fostering the development of women ................ 25
VI. Bibliography ...................................... 33
|PPg_3572092. O Children of Men! Know ye not why We created you all
from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the
other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created.
Since We have created you all from one same substance it is
incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same
feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that
from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of
oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest.
Such is My counsel to you, O concourse of light! Heed ye this
counsel that ye may obtain the fruit of holiness from the tree
of wondrous glory.("The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh "Arabic no. 68, rev. ed.
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1985), p. 20)2093. Exalted, immensely exalted is He Who hath removed
differences and established harmony. Glorified,infinitely glorified is He Who hath caused discord to cease, and
decreed solidarity and unity. Praised be God, the Pen of the
Most High hath lifted distinctions from between His servants
and handmaidens, and, through His consummate favours and
all-encompassing mercy, hath conferred upon all a station and
rank of the same plane. He hath broken the back of vain
imaginings with the sword of utterance and hath obliterated the
perils of idle fancies through the pervasive power of His
might.2094. This Wronged One hath heard thy voice and that which thy
inner and outer tongue hath uttered in praise of thy Lord. By
the righteousness of God! That which the people possess, and
the treasures of the earth, and that which the rulers and kings
own, are not equal in this day to the singing of His praise.
The Lord of the Kingdom beareth witness unto this at this
glorious moment. And having heard thy groaning and lamentation,
We are responding with a Tablet which calleth out betwixt earth
and heaven and maketh mention of thee with words that
immortalize what hath appeared from thee in His love, in His
service, in His remembrance and in His praise. And He hath made
that which hath issued forth from thy mouth a trust with Him
for thee. He is verily theMost Bounteous, the Most Generous. If thou truly givest ear to
that which hath been revealed for thee from My Supreme Pen at
this moment, thou shalt soar with the wings of eagerness in the
heaven of love for the Lord of the Day of the Covenant, and
wilt say during all the days of thy life: Thanks be unto Thee,
O Thou the Desire of the world, and praise be unto Thee, O Thou
the Beloved of the people of understanding. May all existence
be a sacrifice for Thy favour, and all that hath been and will
ever be, a ransom for Thy Word, O Thou the Wronged One amongst
the people of enmity, O Thou in Whose grasp are the reins of
all who are in heaven and on earth....In this Day the Hand of divine grace hath removed all
distinctions. The servants of God and His handmaidens are
regarded on the same plane. Blessed is the servant who hath
attained unto that which God hath decreed, and likewise the
leaf moving in accordance with the breezes of His will. This
favour is great and this station lofty. His bounties and
bestowals are ever present and manifest. Who is able to offer
befitting gratitude for His successive bestowals and continuous
favours?(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
2095. By My Life! The names of handmaidens who are devoted to
God are written and set down by the Pen of the Most High in the
Crimson Book. They excel over men in the sight of God. How
numerous are the heroes and knights in the field who are bereft
of the True One and have no share in His recognition, but thou
hast attained and received thy fill.2096. Verily the Pen of the Most High hath borne witness unto
thy recognition of Him, thy love for Him and thy turning
towards the Ancient Countenance at a time when the world hath
rejected Him, save those whom God, the Most High, hath
willed....Well is it with thee for having adorned thyself with the
ornament of the love of God and for having been enabled to make
mention of Him and utter His praise. Divine grace, in its
entirety, is in the mighty grasp of God, exalted be He. He
conferreth it upon whomsoever He willeth. How many a man
considered himself a celebrated divine and a repository of
heavenly mysteries, and yet when the slightest test visited
him, he arose with such opposition and denial as to cause the
Concourse on high tomoan and lament. Through the bestowals of the Lord, however,
and His infinite favour, thou hast attained unto the hidden
secret and the well-guarded treasure. Preserve then, in the
name of God, this lofty station and conceal it from the eyes of
betrayers. The glory shining from the horizon of My Kingdom be
upon thee and upon every handmaiden who hath attained the
splendours of My sublime Throne.(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
2097. We beseech God to aid all the leaves to attain the
knowledge of the Tree and deprive them not of the ocean of His
generosity. In this day no regard is paid to loftiness or
lowliness, to poverty or wealth, to nobility and lineage, to
weakness or might. Whosoever recognizeth the incomparable
Beloved is the possessor of true wealth and occupieth a divine
station. Today, in the court of the True One, the queen of the
world and her like are not worth a mustard seed, because
although she may speak in the name of God, invoke the Lord of
creation every day in the temple of her body, and spend large
sums of earthly wealth for the development of her nation, she
is deprived of recognition of the Sun of His Manifestation and
is barred from the True One in Whose remembrance she is
engaged....(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
2098. Throughout the centuries and ages many a man hath waited
expectant for God's Revelation, and yet when the Light shone
forth from the horizon of the world, all but a few turned their
faces away from it. Whosoever from amongst the handmaidens hath
recognized the Lord of all Names is recorded in the Book as one
of those men by the Pen of the Most High. Offer thou praise to
the Beloved of the world for having aided thee to recognize the
Dayspring of His Signs and the Revealer of the evidences of His
Glory. This is a great bounty, a bounteous favour. Preserve it
in the name of the True One....(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
Extracts From the Writings and Utterances of `Abdu'l-Bahá:
2099. From the beginning of existence until the Promised Day
men retained superiority over women in every respect. It is
revealed in the Quran: "Men have superiority over women." But
in this wondrousDispensation, the supreme outpouring of the Glorious Lord
became the cause of manifest achievements by women. Some
handmaidens arose who excelled men in the arena of knowledge.
They arose with such love and spirituality that they became the
cause of the outpouring of the bounty of the Sovereign Lord
upon mankind, and with their sanctity, purity and attributes of
the spirit led a great many to the shore of unity. They became
a guiding torch to the wanderers in the wastes of bewilderment,
and enkindled the despondent in the nether world with the flame
of the love of the Lord. This is a bounteous characteristic of
this wondrous Age which hath granted strength to the weaker sex
and hath bestowed masculine might upon womanhood....
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)2100. O handmaid of God! In this wondrous dispensation in which
the Ancient Beauty and the Manifest Light--may my spirit be
sacrificed for His loved ones--hath risen from the horizon of
age-old hopes, women have assumed the attributes of men in
showing forth steadfastness in the Cause of God, and revealing
the heroism and might of fearless men. They invaded the arena
of mystic knowledge and hoisted aloft the banner on the heights
of certitude. Thou, too, must make a mighty effort and show
forth supreme courage. Exert thyself and taste of the sweetness
of a heavenly draught, for the sweet taste of the love of God
will linger on to the end that hath no end.2101. Render thanks to the Lord that among that race thou art
the first believer,[1] arisen to guide others. It is my hope that
through the bounties and favours of the Abha Beauty thy
countenance may be illumined, thy[1] This Tablet was addressed to one Mrs. Pocohontas in Washington.
According to Fadil Mazandarani, the recipient of the Tablet was
a black woman. See "Tarikh-i-Zuhuru'l-Haq", vol. 8, part 2, p.
1209 (Tihran: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 132 B.E.). Additional
information provided by the Archives of the National Spiritual
Assembly of the United States indicates that Mr. Louis Gregory,
in a history of the Washington, D.C. that thou hast engaged in
spreading sweet-scented breezes, and hast Bahá'í community,
mentions a black Baha'i, Mrs. Pocohontas Pope, who is likely
the same person. Mrs. Pope learned of the Bahá'í Faith through
Alma and Fanny Knobloch and Joseph and Pauline Hannen. There is,
at present no other information on Mrs. Pope.disposition pleasing, and thy fragrance diffused, that thine
eyes may be seeing, thine ears attentive, thy tongue eloquent,
thy heart filled with supreme glad-tidings, and thy soul
refreshed by divine fragrances, so that thou mayest arise among
that race and occupy thyself with the edification of the
people, and become filled with light. Although the pupil of the
eye is black, it is the source of light. Thou shalt likewise
be. The disposition should be bright, not the appearance.
Therefore, with supreme confidence and certitude, say: "O God!
Make me a radiant light, a shining lamp, and a brilliant star,
so that I may illumine the hearts with an effulgent ray from
Thy Kingdom of Abha...."2102. The establishment of a women's assemblage for the
promotion of knowledge is entirely acceptable, but discussions
must be confined to educational matters. It should be done in
such a way that differences will, day by day, be entirely wiped
out, not that, God forbid, it will end in argumentation between
men and women. As in the question of the veil, nothing should
be done contrary to wisdom. The individual women should, today,
follow a course of action which will be the cause of eternal
glory to all womankind, so that all women will be illumined.
And that lieth in gathering to learn how to teach, in holding
meetings to recite the verses, to offer supplications to the
kingdom of the Lord of evident signs, and to institute
education for the girls. Ponder the manner in which
Jinab-i-Tahirih used to teach. She was free from every concern,
and for this reason she was resplendent.Now the world of women should be a spiritual world, not a
political one, so that it will be radiant. The women of other
nations are all immersed in political matters. Of what benefit
is this, and what fruit doth it yield? To the extent that ye
can, ye should busy yourselves with spiritual matters which
will be conducive to the exaltation of the Word of God and of
the diffusion of His fragrances. Your demeanour should lead to
harmony amongst all and to coalescence and the good-pleasure of
all....I am endeavouring, with Bahá'u'lláh's confirmations and
assistance, so to improve the world of the handmaidens that all
will be astonished. This progress is intended to be in
spirituality, in virtues, in human perfections and in divine
knowledge. In America, the cradle of women's liberation, women
are still debarred from political institutions because
|PPg_362they squabble. They are yet to have a member in the House of
Representatives. Also Bahá'u'lláh hath proclaimed: "O ye men of
the House of Justice." Ye need to be calm and composed, so
that the work will proceed with wisdom, otherwise there will be
such chaos that ye will leave everything and run away. "This
newly born Bábe is traversing in one night the path that
needeth a hundred years to tread." In brief, ye should now
engage in matters of pure spirituality and not contend with
men. `Abdu'l-Bahá will tactfully take appropriate steps. Be
assured. In the end thou wilt thyself exclaim, "This was indeed
supreme wisdom!" I appeal to you to obliterate this contention
between men and women....No one can on his own achieve anything. `Abdu'l-Bahá must
be well pleased and assist.2103. Know thou, O handmaid, that in the sight of Baha, women
are accounted the same as men, and God hath created all
humankind in His own image, and after His own likeness. That
is, men and women alike are the revealers of His names and
attributes, and from the spiritual viewpoint there is no
difference between them. Whosoever draweth nearer to God, that
one is the most favoured, whether man or woman. How many a
handmaid, ardent and devoted, hath, within the sheltering shade
of Baha, proved superior to the men, and surpassed the famous
of the earth.The House of Justice, however, according to the explicit
text of the Law of God, is confined to men;[2] this for a wisdom
of the Lord God's, which will ere long be made manifest as
clearly as the sun at high noon.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" [rev. ed.],
(Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), sec. 38, pp. 79-80)
2104. And among the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh is the equality of
women and men. The world of humanity has two wings--one is
women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally
developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight
is impossible. Not until the world of women[2] From other extracts it is evident that the limitation of
membership to men applies only to the Universal House of
Justice, and not to the National and Local Houses of Justice.
|PPg_363becomes equal to the world of men in the acquisition of virtues
and perfections, can success and prosperity be attained as they
ought to be.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 227, p.
302)2105. Inasmuch as this is the century of light, it is evident
that the Sun of Reality, the Word, has revealed itself to all
humankind. One of the potentialities hidden in the realm of
humanity was the capability or capacity of womanhood. Through
the effulgent rays of divine illumination the capacity of woman
has become so awakened and manifest in this age that equality
of man and woman is an established fact....In this day man must investigate reality impartially and
without prejudice in order to reach the true knowledge and
conclusions. What, then, constitutes the inequality between man
and woman? Both are human. In powers and function each is the
complement of the other. At most it is this: that woman has
been denied the opportunities which man has so long enjoyed,
especially the privilege of education....The truth is that all mankind are the creatures and
servants of one God, and in His estimate all are human. Man is
a generic term applying to all humanity. The Báblical statement
"Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" does not
mean that woman was not created. The image and likeness of God
apply to her as well. In Persian and Arabic there are two
distinct words translated into English as man: one meaning man
and woman collectively, the other distinguishing man as male
from woman the female. The first word and its pronoun are
generic, collective; the other is restricted to the male. This
is the same in Hebrew. To accept and observe a distinction
which God has not intended in creation is ignorance and
superstition....It is my hope that the banner of equality may be raised
throughout the five continents where as yet it is not fully
recognized and established. In this enlightened world of the
West woman has advanced an immeasurable degree beyond the women
of the Orient. And let it be known once more that until woman
and man recognize and realize equality, social and political
progress here or anywhere will not be possible. For the world
of humanity consists of two parts or members: oneis woman; the other is man. Until these two members are equal
in strength, the oneness of humanity cannot be established, and
the happiness and felicity of mankind will not be a reality.
God willing, this is to be so.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", 2nd. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1982),
pp. 74-77)2106. Today questions of the utmost importance are facing
humanity, questions peculiar to this radiant century....
One of these questions concerns the rights of woman and her
equality with man. In past ages it was held that woman and man
were not equal --that is to say, woman was considered inferior
to man, even from the standpoint of her anatomy and creation. She was
considered especially inferior in intelligence, and the
idea prevailed universally that it was not allowable for her to
step into the arena of important affairs. In some countries man
went so far as to believe and teach that woman belonged to a
sphere lower than human. But in this century, which is the
century of light and the revelation of mysteries, God is
proving to the satisfaction of humanity that all this is
ignorance and error; nay, rather, it is well established that
mankind and womankind as parts of composite humanity are
coequal and that no difference in estimate is allowable, for
all are human. The conditions in past centuries were due to
woman's lack of opportunity. She was denied the right and
privilege of education and left in her undeveloped state.
Naturally, she could not and did not advance. In reality, God
has created all mankind, and in the estimation of God there is
no distinction as to male and female. The one whose heart is
pure is acceptable in His sight, be that one man or woman. God
does not inquire, "Art thou woman or art thou man?" He judges
human actions. If these are acceptable in the threshold of the
Glorious One, man and woman will be equally recognized and
rewarded.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and
Canada in 1912", p. 133)2107. The world of humanity consists of two parts: male and
female. Each is the complement of the other. Therefore, if one
is defective, the other will necessarily be incomplete, and
perfection cannot be attained. Thereis a right hand and a left hand in the human body, functionally
equal in service and administration. If either proves
defective, the defect will naturally extend to the other by
involving the completeness of the whole; for accomplishment is
not normal unless both are perfect. If we say one hand is
deficient, we prove the inability and incapacity of the other;
for single-handed there is no full accomplishment. Just as
physical accomplishment is complete with two hands, so man and
woman, the two parts of the social body, must be perfect. It is
not natural that either should remain undeveloped; and until
both are perfected, the happiness of the human world will not
be realized.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 134)2108. The status of woman in former times was exceedingly
deplorable, for it was the belief of the Orient that it was
best for woman to be ignorant. It was considered preferable
that she should not know reading or writing in order that she
might not be informed of events in the world. Woman was
considered to be created for rearing children and attending
to the duties of the household. If she pursued educational
courses, it was deemed contrary to chastity; hence women were
made prisoners of the household. The houses did not even have
windows opening upon the outside world. Bahá'u'lláh destroyed
these ideas and proclaimed the equality of man and woman. He
made woman respected by commanding that all women be educated,
that there be no difference in the education of the two sexes
and that man and woman share the same rights. In the estimation
of God there is no distinction of sex. One whose thought is
pure, whose education is superior, whose scientific attainments
are greater, whose deeds of philanthropy excel, be that one man
or woman, white or colored, is entitled to full rights and
recognition; there is no differentiation whatsoever....
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 166)2109. Woman's lack of progress and proficiency has been due to
her need of equal education and opportunity. Had she been
allowed this equality, there is no doubt she would be the
counterpart of man in ability and capacity. The happiness of
mankind will be realized when women andmen coordinate and advance equally, for each is the complement
and helpmeet of the other.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 182)2110. He establishes the equality of man and woman. This is
peculiar to the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, for all other
religions have placed man above woman.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 455)2111. Women have equal rights with men upon earth; in religion
and society they are a very important element. As long as women
are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so
long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be
theirs.("Paris Talks: Addresses given by `Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in
1911-1912", 10th ed. (London: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1979),
p. 133)2112. In the world of humanity ... the female sex is treated as
though inferior, and is not allowed equal rights and
privileges. This condition is due not to nature, but to
education. In the Divine Creation there is no such distinction.
Neither sex is superior to the other in the sight of God. Why
then should one sex assert the inferiority of the other,
withholding just rights and privileges as though God had given His authority
for such a course of action? If women receivedthe same educational advantages as those of men, the result
would demonstrate the equality of capacity of both for
scholarship.In some respects woman is superior to man. She is more
tender-hearted, more receptive, her intuition is more intense.
("Paris Talks: Addresses given by `Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in
1911-1912", p. 161)2113. Divine Justice demands that the rights of both sexes
should be equally respected since neither is superior to the
other in the eyes of Heaven.Dignity before God depends, not on sex, but on purity and
luminosity of heart. Human virtues belong equally to all!
("Paris Talks: Addresses given by `Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in
1911-1912", p. 162)2114. In the Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh, women are advancing
side by side with men. There is no area or instance where they
will lag behind: they have equal rights with men, and will
enter, in the future, into all branches of the administration
of society. Such will be their elevation that, in every area of
endeavour, they will occupy the highest levels in the human
world. Rest thou assured. Look not upon their present state. In
future, the world of womankind will shine with lustrous
brilliance, for such is the will and purpose of Bahá'u'lláh. At
the time of elections the right to vote is the inalienable
right of women, and the entrance of women into all human
departments is an irrefutable and incontrovertible question. No
soul can retard or prevent it.But there are certain matters, the participation in which
is not worthy of women. For example, at the time when the
community is taking up vigorous defensive measures against the
attack of foes, the women are exempt from military engagements.
It may so happen that at a given time warlike and savage tribes
may furiously attack the body politic with the intention of
carrying on a wholesale slaughter of its members; under such a
circumstance defence is necessary, but it is the duty of men to
organize and execute such defensive measures and not the women--
because their hearts are tender and they cannot endure the
sight of the horror of carnage, even if it is for the sake of
defence. From such and similar undertakings the women are
exempt. As regards the constitution of the House of Justice,
Bahá'u'lláh addresses the men. He says: "O ye men of the House
of Justice!"But when its members are to be elected, the right which
belongs to women, so far as their voting and their voice is
concerned, is indisputable. When the women attain to the
ultimate degree of progress, then, according to the exigency of
the time and place and their great capacity, they shall obtain
extraordinary privileges. Be ye confident on these accounts. His Holiness
Bahá'u'lláh has greatly strengthened the cause ofwomen, and the rights and privileges of women is one of the
greatest principles of `Abdu'l-Bahá. Rest ye assured! Ere long
the days shall comewhen the men addressing the women, shall say: 'Blessed are ye!
Blessed are ye! Verily ye are worthy of every gift. Verily ye
deserve to adorn your heads with the crown of everlasting glory,
because in sciences and arts, in virtues and perfections ye
shall become equal to man, and as regards tenderness of heart
and the abundance of mercy and sympathy ye are superior'
(From a Tablet to an individual believer- translated from the
Persian, published in "Paris Talks: Addresses given by
`Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912",2115. The woman of the East has progressed. Formerly in India,
Persia and throughout the Orient, she was not considered a
human being. Certain Arab tribes counted their women in with
the live stock. In their language the noun for woman also meant
donkey; that is, the same name applied to both and a man's
wealth was accounted by the number of these beasts of burden he
possessed. The worst insult one could hurl at a man was to cry
out, "Thou woman!"From the moment Bahá'u'lláh appeared, this changed. He did
away with the idea of distinction between the sexes,
proclaiming them equal in every capacity. In former times it
was considered wiser that woman should not know how to read or
write; she should occupy herself only with drudgery. She was
very ignorant. Bahá'u'lláh declares the education of woman to
be of more importance than that of man. If the mother be
ignorant, even if the father have great knowledge, the child's
education will be at fault, for education begins with the milk.
A child at the breast is like a tender branch that the gardener
can train as he wills. The East has begun to educate its women.
Some there are in Persia who have become liberated through this
cause, whose cleverness and eloquence the 'ulama cannot refute.
Many of them are poets. They are absolutely fearless.
I hope for a like degree of progress among the women of Europe-- that
each may shine like unto a lamp; that they may cry out
the proclamation of the kingdom; that they may truly assist the
men; nay, that they may be even superior to the men, versed in
sciences and yet detached, so that the whole world may bear
witness to the fact that men and women have absolutely the same
rights. It would be a cause of greatjoy for me to see such women. This is useful work; by it woman
will enter into the kingdom. Otherwise, there will be no
results.("`Abdu'l-Bahá on Divine Philosophy" (Boston: Tudor Press,
1918), pp. 81-83)2116. The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man
has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and
aggressive qualities both of body and mind. But the balance is
already shifting; force is losing its dominance, and mental
alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and
service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy.
Hence the new age will be an age less masculine and more
permeated with the feminine ideals, or, to speak more exactly,
will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of
civilization will be more evenly balanced.(J. E. Esslemont, "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era", 5th rev. ed.
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1987), p. 149)
Extracts From Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi2117. If presented properly the position of women in the Baha'i
teachings will surely attract much attention, for it is not
only legal but also spiritual and educational. Our ideals are
so high and at the same time so practicable that all other
views will fall short if compared to them.(7 January 1931 to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and
Burma)2118. As regards your question concerning the membership of the
Universal House of Justice: there is a Tablet from '`Abdu'l-Bahá
in which He definitely states that the membership of the
Universal House is confined to men, and that the wisdom of it
will be fully revealed and appreciated in the future. In the
local as well as the national Houses of Justice, however, women
have the full right of membership. It is, therefore, only to
the International House that they cannot be elected. The
Bahá'ís should accept this statement of the Master in a spirit
of deep faith, confident that there is a divine guidance and
wisdom behind it which will be gradually unfolded to the eyes
of the world.2119. As regards the membership of the International House of
Justice, `Abdu'l-Bahá states in a Tablet that it is confined to
men, and that the wisdom of it will be revealed as manifest as
the sun in the future. In any case the believers should know
that, as `Abdu'l-Bahá Himself has explicitly stated that sexes
are equal except in some cases, the exclusion of women from the
International House of Justice should not be surprising. From
the fact that there is no equality of functions between the
sexes one should not, however, infer that either sex is
inherently superior or inferior to the other, or that they are
unequal in their rights.(14 December 1940 to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma)
Extracts From Letters Written by the Universal House of
Justice:2120. It is apparent from the Guardian's writings that where
Bahá'u'lláh has expressed a law as between a man and a woman it
applies, mutatis mutandis, between a woman and a man unless the
context should make this impossible. For example, the text of
the "Kitáb-i-Aqdas" forbids a man to marry his father's wife
(i.e. his step-mother), and the Guardian has indicated that
likewise a woman is forbidden to marry her step-father....
(28 April 1974 to an individual believer)2121. Concerning your questions about the equality of men and
women, this, as `Abdu'l-Bahá has often explained, is a
fundamental principle of Bahá'u'lláh; therefore the Laws of the
"Aqdas" should be studied in the light of it. Equality between
men and women does not, indeed physiologically it cannot, mean
identity of functions. In some things women excel men, for
others men are better fitted than women, while in very many
things the difference of sex is of no effect at all. The
differences of function are most apparent in family life. The
capacity for motherhood has many far-reaching implications
which are recognized in Bahá'í Law. For example, when it is not
possible to educate all one's children, daughters receive
preference over sons, as mothers are the first educators of the
next generation. Again, for physiological reasons, women are
granted certain exemptions from fasting that are not applicable
to men.2122. The primary question to be resolved is how the present
world, with its entrenched pattern of conflict, can change to a
world in which harmony and co-operation will prevail.
World order can be founded only on an unshakableconsciousness of the oneness of mankind, a spiritual truth
which all the human sciences confirm. Anthropology, physiology,
psychology, recognize only one human species, albeit infinitely
varied in the secondary aspects of life. Recognition of this
truth requires abandonment of prejudice -- prejudice of every
kind--race, class, colour, creed, nation, sex, degree of
material civilization, everything which enables people to
consider themselves superior to others.fundamental prerequisite for reorganization and administration
of the world as one country, the home of humankind. Universal
acceptance of this spiritual principle is essential to any
successful attempt to establish world peace....From Letters Written on Behalf of the Universal House of
Justice:2123. To the general premise that women and men have equality
in the Faith, this, as often explained by `Abdu'l-Bahá, is a
fundamental principle deriving from Bahá'u'lláh and therefore
His mention of the "Men of Justice" in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas should
be considered in light of that principle ....2124. ...`Abdu'l-Bahá asserts: "In this divine age the bounties
of God have encompassed the world of women. Equality of men and
women, except in some negligible instances, has been fully and
categorically announced. Distinctions have been utterly
removed." That men and women differ from one another in certain
characteristics and functions is an inescapable fact of nature;
the important thing is that He regards such inequalities as
remain between the sexes as being "negligible".(8 January 1981 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
United States)2125. You are quite right in stating that men and women have
basic and distinct qualities. The solution provided in the
teachings of Bahá'u'lláh is not, as you correctly observe, for
men to become women, and forwomen to become men. `Abdu'l-Bahá gave us the key to the
problem when He taught that the qualities and functions of men
and women "complement" each other. He further elucidated this
point when He said that the "new age" will be "an age in which
the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be
more properly balanced."2126. It may be helpful to stress ... that the Bahá'í principle
of the equality of men and women is clearly stated in the
teachings, and the fact that there is diversity of function
between them in certain areas does not negate this principle.
(23 August 1984 to two believers)II. The Role of Education in the Development of Women
Extracts From the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh:2127. It is the bounden duty of parents to rear their children
to be staunch in faith ... For every praiseworthy deed is born
out of the light of religion, and lacking this supreme bestowal
the child will not turn away from any evil, nor will he draw
nigh unto any good.(From a Tablet - translated from Persian, published in
"Bahá'í Education, a compilation, 1976 World Centre edition, p.
6)Extracts From the Writings and Utterances of `Abdu'l-Bahá:
2128. Praised be God, the women believers have organized
meetings where they will learn how to teach the Faith, will spread the sweet
savours of the Teachings and make plans for...those present should concern themselves with every means
of training the girl children; with teaching the various
branches of knowledge, good behaviour, a proper way of life,
the cultivation of a good character, chastity and constancy,
perseverance, strength, determination, firmness of purpose;
with household management, the education of children, and
whatever especially applieth to the needs of girls--to the end
that these girls, reared in the stronghold of all perfections,
and with the protection of a goodly character, will, when they
themselves become mothers, bring up their children from
earliest infancy to have a good character and conduct
themselves well.Let them also study whatever will nurture the health of the
body and its physical soundness, and how to guard their
children from disease.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" sec. 94, pp.
123-24)2129. Work ye for the guidance of the women in that land, teach
the young girls and the children, so that the mothers may
educate their little ones from their earliest days, thoroughly
train them, rear them to have a goodly character and good
morals, guide them to all the virtues of humankind, prevent the
development of any behaviour that would be worthy of blame, and
foster them in the embrace of Bahá'í education. Thus shall
these tender infants be nurtured at the breast of the knowledge
of God and His love. Thus shall they grow and flourish, and be
taught righteousness and the dignity of humankind, resolution
and the will to strive and to endure. Thus shall they learn
perseverance in all things, the will to advance, high
mindedness and high resolve, chastity and purity of life. Thus
shall they be enabled to carry to a successful conclusion
whatsoever they undertake.Let the mothers consider that whatever concerneth the
education of children is of the first importance. Let them put
forth every effort in this regard, for when the bough is green
and tender it will grow in whatever way ye train it. Therefore
it is incumbent upon the mothers to rear their little ones even
as a gardener tendeth his young plants. Let them strive by day
and by night to establish within their children faith and
certitude, the fear of God, the love of the Beloved of the
worlds, and all good qualities and traits. Whensoever a mother
seeth that her child hath done well, let her praise and applaud
him and cheer his heart; and if the slightest undesirable trait
should manifest itself, let her counsel the child and punish
him, and use means based on reason, even a slight verbal
chastisement should this be necessary. It is not, however,
permissible to strike a child, or vilify him, for the child's
character will be totally perverted if he be subjected to blows or verbal
abuse.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 95, pp.
124-25)2130. ...it is incumbent upon the father and mother to train
their children both in good conduct and the study of books;
study, that is, to the degree required, so that no child,
whether girl or boy, will remain illiterate....("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" sec 101, p.
127)2131. `Abdu'l-Bahá'í supreme joy is in observing that a number
of leaves from among the handmaidens of the Blessed Beauty have
been educated, that they are the essence of detachment, and are
well-informed of the mysteries of the world of being; that they
raise such a call in their glorification and praise of the
Greatest Name as to cause the inmates of the Fanes of the
Kingdom to become attracted and overjoyed, and that they recite
prayers in prose and poetry, and melodiously chant the divine
verses. I cherish the hope that thou wilt be one of them, wilt
cast forth pearls, wilt be constantly engaged in singing His
praise and wilt intone celestial strains in glorification of
His attributes....2132. ...Thou hast written about the girls' school. What was
previously written still holdeth true. There can be no
improvement unless the girls are brought up in schools and
centres of learning, unless they are taught the sciences and
other branches of knowledge, and unless they acquire the
manifold arts, as necessary, and are divinely trained. For the
day will come when these girls will become mothers. Mothers are
the first educators of children, who establish virtues in the
child's inner nature. They encourage the child to acquire
perfections and goodly manners, warn him against unbecoming
qualities, and encourage him to show forth resolve, firmness,
and endurance under hardship, and to advance on the high road
to progress. Due regard for the education of girls is,
therefore, necessary. This is a very important subject, and it
should be administered and organized under the aegis of the
Spiritual Assembly....2133. ...it is incumbent upon the girls of this glorious era to
be fully versed in the various branches of knowledge, in
sciences and the arts and all the wonders of this pre-eminent
time, that they may then educate their children and train them
from their earliest days in the ways of perfection.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)2134. Furthermore, the education of woman is more necessary and
important than that of man, for woman is the trainer of the child
from its infancy. If she be defective and imperfect
herself, the child will necessarily be deficient; therefore,
imperfection of woman implies acondition of imperfection in all mankind, for it is the mother
who rears, nurtures and guides the growth of the child. This is
not the function of the father. If the educator be incompetent,
the educated will be correspondingly lacking. This is evident
and incontrovertible. Could the student be brilliant and
accomplished if the teacher is illiterate and ignorant? The
mothers are the first educators of mankind; if they be
imperfect, alas for the condition and future of the race.
It has been objected by some that woman is not equally
capable with man and that she is deficient by creation. This is
pure imagination. The difference in capability between man and
woman is due entirely to opportunity and education. Heretofore
woman has been denied the right and privilege of equal
development. If equal opportunity be granted her, there is no
doubt she would be the peer of man. History will evidence this.
In past ages noted women have arisen in the affairs of nations
and surpassed men in their accomplishments....The purpose, in brief, is this: that if woman be fully
educated and granted her rights, she will attain the capacity
for wonderful accomplishments and prove herself the equal of
man. She is the coadjutor of man, his complement and helpmeet.
Both are human; both are endowed with potentialities of
intelligence and embody the virtues of humanity. In all human
powers and functions they are partners and coequals. At present
in spheres of human activity woman does not manifest her natal
prerogatives, owing to lack of education and opportunity.
Without doubt education will establish her equality with
men....("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", pp. 133-37)2135. In proclaiming the oneness of mankind He taught that men
and women are equal in the sight of God and that there is no
distinction to be made between them. The only difference
between them now is due to lack of education and training. If
woman is given equal opportunity of education, distinction and
estimate of inferiority will disappear....He promulgated the adoption of the same course of education
for man and woman. Daughters and sons must follow the same
curriculumof study, thereby promoting unity of the sexes. When all
mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the
equality of men and women be realized, the foundations of war
will be utterly destroyed....("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in
1912, pp. 17475)2136. Why should a woman be left mentally undeveloped? Science
is praiseworthy--whether investigated by the intellect of man
or woman. So, little by little, woman advanced, giving
increasing evidence of equal capabilities with man--whether in
scientific research, political ability or any other sphere of
human activity. The conclusion is evident that woman has been
outdistanced through lack of education and intellectual
facilities. If given the same educational opportunities or
course of study, she would develop the same capacity and
abilities.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 281)2137. Bahá'u'lláh has announced that inasmuch as ignorance and
lack of education are barriers of separation among mankind, all
must receive training and instruction. Through this provision
the lack of mutual understanding will be remedied and the unity
of mankind furthered and advanced. Universal education is a
universal law. It is, therefore, incumbent upon every father to
teach and instruct his children according to his possibilities.
If he is unable to educate them, the body politic, the
representative of the people, must provide the means for their
education.The sex distinction which exists in the human world is due
to the lack of education for woman, who has been denied equal
opportunity for development and advancement. Equality of the
sexes will be established in proportion to the increased
opportunities afforded woman in this age, for man and woman are
equally the recipients of powers and endowments from God, the
Creator. God has not ordained distinction between them in His
consummate purpose.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 300)2138. The education of each child is compulsory.... In addition
to this widespread education each child must be taught a
profession, art, ortrade, so that every member of the community will be enabled to
earn his own livelihood. Work done in the spirit of service is
the highest form of worship....2139. Devote ye particular attention to the school for girls,
for the greatness of this wondrous Age will be manifested as a
result of progress in the world of women. This is why ye observe that in
every land the world of women is on the march,and this is due to the impact of the Most Great Manifestation,
and the power of the teachings of God.(From a Tablet- Translated from the Persian, published in
"Bahá'í Education, a compilation", p. 37)2140. Our hearts rejoiced at thy letter concerning a school for
girls.Praised be God that there is now a school of this type in
Tihran where young maidens can, through His bounty, receive an
education and with all vigour acquire the accomplishments of
humankind. Erelong will women in every field keep pace with the
men. Until now, in Persia, the means for women's advancement
were non-existent. But now, God be thanked, ever since the
dawning of the Morn of Salvation, they have been going forward
day by day. The hope is that they will take the lead in virtues
and attainments, in closeness to the Court of Almighty God, in
faith and certitude--and that the women of the East will become
the envy of the women of the West.(From a Tablet- Translated from the Persian, published in
"Bahá'í Education, a compilation", p. 48)Extract From a Letter Written by the Universal House of
Justice:2141. The cause of universal education, which has already
enlisted in its service an army of dedicated people from every
faith and nation, deserves the utmost support that the
governments of the world can lend it. For ignorance is
indisputably the principal reason for the decline and fall of
peoples and the perpetuation of prejudice. No nation can
achieve success unless education is accorded all its citizens.
Lack of resources limits the ability of many nations to fulfil
this necessity, imposing a certain ordering of priorities. The
decision-making agencies involved would do well to consider
giving first priority to the education of women and girls,
since itis through educated mothers that the benefits of knowledge can
be most effectively and rapidly diffused throughout society. In
keeping with the requirements of the times, consideration
should also be given to teaching the concept of world
citizenship as part of the standard education of every child.
(October 1985 to the Peoples of the World)Extracts From Letters Written on Behalf of the Universal House
of Justice:2142. A very important element in the attainment of such
equality is Bahá'u'lláh's provision that boys and girls must
follow essentially the same curriculum in schools.
(28 December 1980 to the National Spiritual Assembly of New
Zealand)2143. The House of Justice regards the need to educate and
guide women in their primary responsibility as mothers as an
excellent opportunity for organizing women's activities. Your
efforts should focus on helping them in their function as
educators of the rising generation. Women should also be
encouraged to attract their husbands and male members of their
families to the Faith so that the Bahá'í community will be
representative of the society of which it forms a part.
Gradually the spirit of unity and fellowship, as set forth in
our teachings, will be reflected in the life of Baha'i
families.(29 February 1984 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Mariana Islands)III. Application of the Principle of Equality to Family Life
Extracts From the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh:2144. Steadfastness in the Cause is mentioned in the Tablets
and set forth by the Pen of the Ancient of Days. Render thanks
to the Beloved of the world that thou hast set thy heart on Him
and art uttering His praise. Many a man hath in this day been
deprived of making mention of the All-Sufficing Lord and of
recognizing His truth; and many a woman hath fixed her gaze
upon the Horizon of the Most High, and hath adorned herself
with the garb of the love of the Desire of the world. This is
God's grace which He bestoweth upon whomsoever He pleaseth. By
the Day-Starof ancient mysteries! The sweet-scented fragrance of every
breath breathed in the love of God is wafted in the court of
the presence of the Lord of Revelation. The reward of no good
deed is or ever will be lost. Blessed art thou, doubly blessed
art thou! Thou art reckoned amongst those handmaidens whose
love for their kin hath not prevented them from attaining the
shores of the Sea of Grace and Mercy. God willing, thou shalt
rest eternally neath the shade of the favours of the
All-Merciful and shalt be assured of His bounties. Engage in
the praise of the True One and rejoice in His loving-kindness.
The world passeth away, and that which is everlasting is
the love of God. God willing, thou shalt circumambulate the
True One in every world of His worlds and shalt be free from
all else save Him....(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
2145. All should know, and in this regard attain the splendours
of the sun of certitude, and be illumined thereby: Women and
men have been and will always be equal in the sight of God. The
Dawning-Place of the Light of God sheddeth its radiance upon
all with the same effulgence. Verily God created women for men,
and men for women. The most beloved of people before God are
the most steadfast and those who have surpassed others in their
love for God, exalted be His glory....The friends of God must be adorned with the ornament
of justice, equity, kindness and love. As they do not allow
themselves to be the object of cruelty and transgression, in
like manner they should not allow such tyranny to visit the
handmaidens of God. He, verily, speaketh the truth and
commandeth that which benefitteth His servants and handmaidens.
He is the Protector of all in this world and the next.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
Extracts From the Writings and Utterances of2146. The Lord, peerless is He, hath made woman and man to
abide with each other in the closest companionship, and to be
even as a single soul. They are two helpmates, two intimate
friends, who should be concerned about the welfare of each
other.If they live thus, they will pass through this world with
perfect contentment, bliss, and peace of heart, and become the
object of divine grace and favour in the Kingdom of heaven. But
if they do other thanthis, they will live out their lives in great bitterness,
longing at every moment for death, and will be shamefaced in
the heavenly realm.Strive, then, to abide, heart and soul, with each other as
two doves in the nest, for this is to be blessed in both
worlds.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec 92, p.
122)2147. ...following the precepts of God and the holy Law, suckle
your children from their infancy with the milk of a universal
education, and rear them so that from their earliest days,
within their inmost heart, their very nature, a way of life
will be firmly established that will conform to the divine
Teachings in all things.For mothers are the first educators, the first mentors; and
truly it is the mothers who determine the happiness, the future
greatness, the courteous ways and learning and judgement, the
understanding and the faith of their little ones.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 96, p.
126)2148. ...it is enjoined upon the father and mother, as a duty,
to strive with all effort to train the daughter and the son, to
nurse them from the breast of knowledge and to rear them in the
bosom of sciences and arts. Should they neglect this matter,
they shall be held responsible and worthy of reproach in the
presence of the stern Lord.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 98, p.
127)2149. O ye loving mothers, know ye that in God's sight, the
best of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children and
train them in all the perfections of humankind; and no nobler
deed than this can be imagined.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" sec. 144, p.
139)2150. Note ye how easily, where unity existeth in a given
family, the affairs of that family are conducted; what progress
the members of that family make, how they prosper in the world.
Their concerns are in order, they enjoy comfort and
tranquillity, they are secure, their position is assured, they
come to be envied by all. Such a family but addeth to its
stature and its lasting honour, as day succeedeth day....
("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 221, p.
279)2151. You have asked whether a husband would be able to prevent
his wife from embracing the divine light or a wife dissuade her
husband from gaining entry into the Kingdom of God. In truth
neither of them could prevent the other from entering into the
Kingdom, unless the husband hath an excessive attachment to the
wife or the wife to the husband. Indeed when either of the two
worshippeth the other to the exclusion of God, then each could
prevent the other from seeking admittance into His Kingdom.
(From a Tablet - Translated from the Arabic, published in
"Family Life, a compilation", p. 8)2152. Question: What is the attitude of your belief toward the
family?Answer: According to the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh the
family, being a human unit, must be educated according to the
rules of sanctity. All the virtues must be taught the family.
The integrity of the family bond must be constantly considered,
and the rights of the individual members must not be
transgressed. The rights of the son, the father, the mother--
none of them must be transgressed, none of them must be
arbitrary.Just as the son has certain obligations to his
father, the father, likewise, has certain obligations to his
son. The mother, the sister and other members of the household
have their certain prerogatives. All these rights and
prerogatives must be conserved, yet the unity of the family
must be sustained. The injury of one shall be considered the
injury of all; the comfort of each, the comfort of all; the
honor of one, the honor of all.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912" p. 168)Extracts From letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi
to individual believers unless otherwise cited:
2153. When such difference of opinion and belief occurs between husband
and wife it is very unfortunate for undoubtedly it
detracts from that spiritual bond which is the stronghold of
the family bond, especially in times of difficulty. The way,
however, that it could be remedied is not by acting in such
wise as to alienate the other party. One of the objects of the
Cause is actually to bring about a closer bond in the homes. In
all such cases, therefore, the Master used to advise obedience
to the wishes of the other party and prayer. Pray that your
husband may gradually seethe light and at the same time so act as to draw him nearer
rather than prejudice him. Once that harmony is secured then
you will be able to serve unhampered.2154. Shoghi Effendi trusts that as a result of his cable and
this letter your wife will be able to devote a little more time
to her family, but he also hopes that you will be able to
assist her in obtaining the time and opportunity to serve a
Cause that is so dear and near to her heart and in which her
services are much appreciated.2155. The Guardian, in his remarks ... about parents' and
children's, wives' and husbands' relations in America, meant
that there is a tendency in that country for children to be too
independent of the wishes of their parents and lacking in the
respect due to them. Also wives, in some cases, have a tendency
to exert an unjust degree of domination over their husbands,
which, of course, is not right, any more than that the husband
should unjustly dominate his wife.2156. It is one of the essential teachings of the Faith that
unity should be maintained in the home. Of course this does not
mean that any member of the family has a right to influence the
faith of any other member; and if this is realized by all the
members, then it seems certain that unity would be feasible.
(6 July 1952)2157. The Guardian fully appreciates your desire to go forth as
a pioneer at this time, and to help establish the Faith in the
virgin areas, but you should not go against the wishes of your
husband, and force him to give up everything in order that you
might serve the Faith in this manner. We must bear in mind the
wishes and the rights of those who are closely connected in our
lives.If your husband wishes you to remain where you are,
certainly there is a vast field for teaching there....
(31 July 1953)2158. Wherever there is a Bahá'í family, those concerned should
by all means do all they can to preserve it, because divorce is
strongly condemned in the Teachings, whereas harmony, unity and
love are held up as the highest ideals in human relationships.
This must always apply to the Bahá'ís, whether they are serving
in the pioneering field or not.(9 November 1956 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Central
America)Extracts From letters Written on Behalf of the Universal House
of Justice to individual believers unless otherwise cited:
2159. That the first teacher of the child is the mother should
not be startling, for the primary orientation of the infant is
to its mother. This provision of nature in no way minimizes the
role of the father in the Bahá'í family. Again, equality of
status does not mean identity of function.2160. In considering the problems that you and your wife are
experiencing, the House of Justice points out that the unity of
your family should take priority over any other consideration.
Bahá'u'lláh came to bring unity to the world, and a fundamental
unity is that of the family. Therefore, we must believe that
the Faith is intended to strengthen the family, not weaken it.
For example, service to the Cause should not produce neglect of
the family. It is important for you to arrange your time so
that your family life is harmonious and your household receives
the attention it requires.Bahá'u'lláh also stressed the importance of consultation.
We should not think this worthwhile method of seeking solutions
is confined to the administrative institutions of the Cause.
Family consultation employing full and frank discussion, and
animated by awareness of the need for moderation and balance,
can be the panacea for domestic conflict. Wives should not
attempt to dominate their husbands, nor husbands their
wives....2161. Noting that you and your husband have consulted about
your family problems with your Spiritual Assembly but did not
receive any advice, andalso discussed your situation with a family counsellor without
success, the House of Justice feels it most essential for your
husband and you to understand that marriage can be a source of
well-being, conveying a sense of security and spiritual
happiness. However, it is not something that just happens. For
marriage to become a haven of contentment it requires the
cooperation of the marriage partners themselves, and the
assistance of their families....responsibilities towards one another and to the family as a
whole, and these duties and responsibilities vary from member
to member because of their natural relationships. The parents
have the inescapable duty to educate their children--but not
vice versa; the children have the duty to obey their parents--the
parents do not obey the children; the mother--not the
father--bears the children, nurses them in Bábyhood, and is
thus their first educator; hence daughters have a prior right
to education over sons and, as the Guardian's secretary has
written on his behalf, 'The task of bringing up a Bahá'í child,
as emphasized time and again in Bahá'í Writings, is the chief
responsibility of the mother, whose unique privilege is indeed
to create in her home such conditions as would be most
conducive to both his material and spiritual welfare and
advancement. The training which a child first receives through
his mother constitutes the strongest foundation for his future
development..." A corollary of this responsibility of the
mother is her right to be supported by her husband -- a husband
has no explicit right to be supported by his wife....
In any group, however loving the consultation, there are
nevertheless points on which, from time to time, agreement
cannot be reached. In a Spiritual Assembly this dilemma is
resolved by a majority vote. There can, however, be no majority
where only two parties are involved, as in the case of a
husband and wife. There are, therefore, times when a wife
should defer to her husband, and times when a husband should
defer to his wife, but neither should ever unjustly dominate
the other. In short, the relationship between husband and wife
should be as held forth in the prayer revealed by `Abdu'l-Bahá
which is often read at Bahá'í weddings:"Verily, they are married in obedience to Thy command. Cause
them to become the signs of harmony and unity until the end of
time."These are all relationships within the family, but there is
a much wider sphere of relationships between men and women than
in the home, and this too we should consider in the context of
Bahá'í society, not in that of past or present social norms.
For example, although the mother is the first educator of the
child, and the most important formative influence in his
development, the father also has the responsibility of
educating his children, and this responsibility is so weighty
that Bahá'u'lláh has stated that a father who fails to exercise
it forfeits his rights of fatherhood. Similarly, although the
primary responsibility for supporting the family financially is
placed upon the husband, this does not by any means imply that
the place of woman is confined to the home....(28 December 1980 to the National Spiritual Assembly of New
Zealand)2163. You have asked, however, for specific rules of conduct to
govern the relationships of husbands and wives. This the House
of Justice does not wish to do, and it feels that there is
already adequate guidance included in the compilation on this
subject. For example the principle that the rights of each and
all in the family unit must be upheld, and the advice that
loving consultation should be the keynote, that all matters
should be settled in harmony and love, and that there are times
when the husband and the wife should defer to the wishes of the
other. Exactly under what circumstances such deference should
take place, is a matter for each couple to determine....
(16 May 1982)2164. You ask about the admonition that everyone must work, and
want to know if this means that you, a wife and mother, must
work for a livelihood as your husband does. We are requested to
enclose for your perusal an excerpt, "The twelfthGlad-Tidings", from Bahá'u'lláh's "Tablet of Bisharat".[3] You
will see that the directive is for the friends to be engaged in
an occupation which will be of benefit to mankind. Homemaking
is a highly honourable and responsible work of fundamental
importance for mankind....[3] This passage appears in the present compilation under
Section IV., page 21.2165. With regard to your question whether mothers should work
outside the home, it is helpful to consider the matter from the
perspective of the concept of a Bahá'í family. This concept is
based on the principle that the man has primary responsibility
for the financial support of the family, and the woman is the
chief and primary educator of the children. This by no means
implies that these functions are inflexibly fixed and cannot be
changed and adjusted to suit particular family situations, nor
does it mean that the place of the woman is confined to the
home. Rather, while primary responsibility is assigned, it is
anticipated that fathers would play a significant role in the
education of the children and women could also be breadwinners.
As you rightly indicated, `Abdu'l-Bahá encouraged women to
"participate fully and equally in the affairs of the world".
In relation to your specific queries, the decision
concerning the amount of time a mother may spend in working
outside the home depends on circumstances existing within the
home, which may vary from time to time. Family consultation
will help to provide the answers....2166. The great importance attached to the mother's role
derives from the fact that she is the first educator of the
child. Her attitude, her prayers, even what she eats and her physical
condition have a great influence on the child when it
is still in the womb. When the child is born, it is she who has
been endowed by God with the milk which is the first food
designed for it, and it is intended that, if possible, she
should be with The Báby to train and nurture it in its earliest
days and months. This does not mean that the father does not
also love, pray for, and care for his Báby, but as he has the
primary responsibility of providing for the family, his time to
be with his child is usually limited, while the mother is
usually closely associated with The Báby during this intensely
formative time when it is growing and developing faster than it
ever will again during the whole of its life. As the child
grows older and more independent, the relative nature of its
relationship with its mother and father modifies and the father
can play a greater role.2167. It is enjoined upon every one of you to engage in some
form of occupation, such as crafts, trades and the like. We
have graciously exalted your engagement in such work to the
rank of worship unto God, the True One. Ponder ye in your
hearts the grace and the blessings of God and render thanks
unto Him at eventide and at dawn. Waste not your time in
idleness and sloth. Occupy yourselves with that which
profiteth yourselves and others. Thus hath it been decreed in
this Tablet from whose horizon the day-star of wisdom and
utterance shineth resplendent.The most despised of men in the sight of God are those who
sit idly and beg. Hold ye fast unto the cord of material means,
placing your whole trust in God, the Provider of all means.
When anyone occupieth himself in a craft or trade, such
occupation itself is regarded in the estimation of God as an
act of worship; and this is naught but a token of His infinite
and all-pervasive bounty.("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas"
[rev. ed.], (Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), p. 26)
Extracts From the Writings and Utterances of2168. The handmaidens of God and the bondsmaids in His divine
Court should reveal such attributes and attitudes amongst the
women of the world as would cause them to stand out and achieve
renown in the circles of women. That is, they should associate
with them with supreme chastity and steadfast decency, with
unshakeable faith, articulate speech, an eloquent tongue,
irrefutable testimony and high resolve. Beseech God that thou
mayest attain unto all these bounties.2169. Until the reality of equality between man and woman is
fully established and attained, the highest social development
of mankind is not possible. Even granted that woman is inferior
to man in some degree of capacity or accomplishment, this or
any other distinction would continue to be productive of
discord and trouble. The only remedy is education, opportunity;
for equality means equal qualification....And let it be known once more that until woman and man
recognize and realize equality, social and political progress
here or anywhere will not be possible....("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912, pp. 76-77)2170. ...the principle of religion has been revealed by
Bahá'u'lláh that woman must be given the privilege of equal
education with man and full right to his prerogatives. That is
to say, there must be no difference in the education of male
and female in order that womankind may develop equal capacity
and importance with man in the social and economic equation.
Then the world will attain unity and harmony. In past ages
humanity has been defective and inefficient because it has been
incomplete. War and its ravages have blighted the world; the
education of woman will be a mighty step toward its abolition
and ending, for she will use her whole influence against war.
Woman rears the child and educates the youth to maturity. She
will refuse to give her sons for sacrifice upon the field of
battle. In truth, she will be the greatest factor in
establishing universal peace and international arbitration.
Assuredly, woman will abolish warfare among mankind....
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 108)2171. Again, it is well established in history that where woman
has not participated in human affairs the outcomes have never
attained a state of completion and perfection. On the other
hand, every influential undertaking of the human world wherein
woman has been a participant has attained importance. This is
historically true and beyond disproof even in religion.Jesus
Christ had twelve disciples and among His followers a woman
known as Mary Magdalene.Judas Iscariot had become a traitor and
hypocrite, and after the crucifixion the remaining eleven
disciples were wavering and undecided. It is certain from the
evidence of the Gospels that the one who comforted them and
reestablished their faith was Mary Magdalene.The most momentous question of this day is international
peace and arbitration, and universal peace is impossible
without universal suffrage. . . .("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 134)2172. Question: Is it not a fact that universal peace cannot be
accomplished until there is political democracy in all the
countries of the world?Answer: It is very evident that in the future there shall
be no centralization in the countries of the world, be they
constitutional in government, republican or democratic in form.
The United States may be held up as the example of future
government--that is to say, each province will be independent
in itself, but there will be federal union protecting the
interests of the various independent states. It may not be a
republican or a democratic form. To cast aside centralization
which promotes despotism is the exigency of the time. This will
be productive of international peace. Another fact of equal
importance in bringing about international peace is woman 's
suffrage. That is to say, when perfect equality shall be
established between men and women, peace may be realized for
the simple reason that womankind in general will never favor
warfare. Women will not be willing to allow those whom they
have so tenderly cared for to go to the battlefield. When they
shall have a vote, they will oppose any cause of warfare.
Another factor which will bring about universal peace is the
linking together of the Orient and the Occident.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 167)2173. When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of
education and the equality of men and women be realized, the
foundations of war will be utterly destroyed. Without equality
this will be impossible because all differences and distinction
are conducive to discord and strife. Equality between men and
women is conducive to the abolition of warfare for the reason
that women will never be willing to sanction it....
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 175)2174. Woman must especially devote her energies and abilities
toward the industrial and agricultural sciences, seeking to
assist mankind in that which is most needful. By this means she
will demonstrate capability and ensure recognition of equality
in the social and economic equation....("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 283)2175. Therefore, strive to show in the human world that women are most
capable and efficient, that their hearts are moretender and susceptible than the hearts of men, that they are
more philanthropic and responsive toward the needy and
suffering, that they are inflexibly opposed to war and are
lovers of peace. Strive that the ideal of international peace
may become realized through the efforts of womankind, for man
is more inclined to war than woman, and a real evidence of
woman's superiority will be her service and efficiency in the
establishment of universal peace.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912" p. 284)2176. ...imbued with the same virtues as man, rising through
all the degrees of human attainment, women will become the
peers of men, and until this equality is established, true
progress and attainment for the human race will not be
facilitated.The evident reasons underlying this are as follows: Woman
by nature is opposed to war; she is an advocate of peace.
Children are reared and brought up by the mothers who give them
the first principles of education and labor assiduously in
their behalf. Consider, for instance, a mother who has tenderly
reared a son for twenty years to the age of maturity. Surely
she will not consent to having that son torn asunder and killed
in the field of battle. Therefore, as woman advances toward the
degree of man in power and privilege, with the right of vote
and control in human government, most assuredly war will cease;
for woman is naturally the most devoted and staunch advocate of
international peace.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 375)2177. According to the spirit of this age, women must advance
and fulfill their mission in all departments of life, becoming equal to men.
They must be on the same level as men and enjoy equal rights. This is my
earnest prayer and it is one of the fundamental principles of Bahá'u'lláh.
(J. E. Esslemont, "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era" p. 147)
2178. ...The woman is indeed of the greater importance to the
race. She has the greater burden and the greater work. Look at
the vegetable and the animal worlds. The palm which carries the
fruit is the tree most prized by the date grower. The Arab
knows that for a long journey the mare has the longest wind. For her
greater strength and fierceness, the lioness is more feared by the hunter
than the lion.The woman has greater moral courage than the man; she has also
special gifts which enable her to govern in moments of
danger and crisis....("`Abdu'l-Bahá in London: Addresses, and Notes of Conversations"
(London: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1982), pp. 102-3)
Extracts From Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi2179. Concerning Bahá'í representation at the All-Asian Women's
Conference: this is undoubtedly a most commendable thing to do
especially as the Cause has so much concerning the position of
women in society. Shoghi Effendi hopes that the National
Assembly will do its best to win the admiration of all the
assembled delegates for the teachings of the Cause along that
line. We should always take such opportunities that present
themselves. Maybe we would succeed to render some service to
society and alleviate its ills.(10 November 1930 to the National Spiritual Assembly of India
and Burma)2180. What `Abdu'l-Bahá meant about the women arising for peace
is that this a matter which vitally affects women, and when
they form a conscious and overwhelming mass of public opinion
against war there can be no war. The Bahá'í women are already
organized through being members of the Faith and the
Administrative Order. No further organization is needed. But
they should, through teaching and through the active moral
support they give to every movement directed towards peace,
seek to exert a strong influence on other women's minds in
regard to this essential matter.Extract From a Letter Written by the Universal House of
Justice:2181. The emancipation of women, the achievement of full
equality between the sexes, is one of the most important,
though less acknowledged prerequisites of peace. The denial of
such equality perpetrates an injustice against one half of the
world's population and promotes in men harmful attitudes and
habits that are carried from the family to the workplace, to
political life, and ultimately to international relations.
There are no grounds, moral, practical, or biological, upon
which such denial can be justified. Only as women are welcomed
into full partnership in all fields of human endeavour will the
moral and psychological climate be created in which
international peace can emerge.Extracts From Letters Written on Behalf of the Universal
House of Justice:2182. ...there is a much wider sphere of relationships between
men and women than in the home, and this too we should consider
in the context of Bahá'í society, not in that of past or present
social norms. For example, although the mother is the
first educator of the child, and the most important formative
influence in his development, the father also has the
responsibility of educating his children, and this
responsibility is so weighty that Bahá'u'lláh has stated that a
father who fails to exercise it forfeits his rights of
fatherhood. Similarly, although the primary responsibility for
supporting the family financially is placed upon the husband,
this does not by any means imply that the place of woman is
confined to the home. On the contrary, `Abdu'l-Bahá has stated:
In the Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh, women are advancing
side by side with men. There is no area or instance where they
will lag behind: they have equal rights with men, and will
enter, in the future, into all branches of the administration
of society. Such will be their elevation that, in every area of
endeavour, they will occupy the highest levels in the human
world....[4][4] The quotation in the original letter which was taken from
"Paris Talks", p. 182, has been replaced by this revised
translation.So it will come to pass that when women participate fully and
equally in the affairs of the world, when they enter
confidently and capably the great arena of laws and politics, war will
cease;...In the Tablet of the World, Bahá'u'lláh Himself has
envisaged that women as well as men would be breadwinners in
stating:Everyone, whether man or woman, should hand over to a
trusted person a portion of what he or she earneth through
trade, agriculture or other occupation, for the training and
education of children, to be spent for this purpose with the
knowledge of the Trustees of the House of Justice.
("Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas", p.
90) (28 December 1980 to the National Spiritual Assembly of New
Zealand)2183. The duty of women in being the first educators of mankind
is clearly set forth in the Writings. It is for every woman, if
and when she becomes a mother, to determine how best she can
discharge on the one hand her chief responsibility as a mother
and on the other, to the extent possible, to participate in
other aspects of the activities of the society of which she
forms a part....2184. In this Day the Blessed Tree of Remembrance speaketh
forth in the Kingdom of Utterance saying: Well is it with the
servant who hath turned his face towards Him, and embraced His
truth, and with the handmaiden who hath hearkened to His Voice
and become of the blissful. Verily, she is a champion of the
field of true understanding. To this the Tongue of Truth
beareth witness from His exalted Station.O My leaf, blessed art thou for having responded to My call
when it was raised in the name of the True One. Thou didst
recognize My Revelation when men of renown were immersed in
manifest idle fancies. Thou hast verily attained the mercy of
thy Lord time and again. Render thanks unto Him and glorify Him
with thy Praise. He is, in truth, with Hishandmaidens and servants who have turned towards Him. The
shining glory from the Horizon of My Kingdom be upon thee and
upon the one who hath guided thee to My straight path.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
2185. We beseech the True One to adorn His handmaidens with the
ornament of chastity, of trustworthiness, of righteousness and
of purity. Verily, He is the All-Bestowing, the All-Generous.
We make mention of the handmaidens of God at this time and
announce unto them the glad-tidings of the tokens of the mercy
and compassion of God and His consideration for them, glorified
be He, and We supplicate Him for all His assistance to perform
such deeds as are the cause of the exaltation of His Word. He
verily speaketh the truth and enjoineth upon His servants and
His handmaidens that which will profit them in every world of
His worlds. He, verily, is the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian and Arabic)
Extracts From the Writings and Utterances of2186. The effulgence of the rays of the Sun of Truth is
abundant and the favours of the Blessed Beauty surround the
women believers and the handmaidens who have attained unto
certitude. At every moment a bounteous bestowal is revealed.
The handmaidens of the Merciful should seize the opportunities
afforded in these days. Each one should strive to draw nigh
unto the divine Threshold and seek bounties from the Source of
existence. She should attain such a state and be confirmed with
such a power as to make, with but the utterance of one word, a
lowly person to be held in reverence, initiate him who is
deprived into the world of the spirit, impart hope to the
despondent, endow the portionless one with a share of the great
bestowal, and confer knowledge and insight upon the ignorant
and the blind, and alertness and vigilance on the indolent and
heedless. This is the attribute of the handmaidens of the Merciful.
This is the characteristic of the bondsmaids of God's
Threshold.O ye leaves who have attained certitude! In the countries
of Europe and America the maidservants of the Merciful have won
the prize of excellence and advancement from the arena of men,
and in the fields of teaching and spreading the divine
fragrances they have shown a brilliant hand. Soon they will
soar like the birds of the Concourse on high in the
|PPg_395far corners of the world and will guide the people and reveal
to them the divine mysteries. Ye, who are the blessed leaves
from the East, should burn more brightly, and engage in
spreading the sweet savours of the Lord and in reciting the
verses of God. Arise, therefore, and exert yourselves to fulfil
the exhortations and counsels of the Blessed Beauty, that all
hopes may be realized and that the plain of streams and
orchards may become the garden of oneness.2187. In this great Cycle and wondrous Dispensation some women
have been raised up who were the emblems of unity and ensigns
of oneness, for the revelation of divine bestowals is received
by men and women in equal measure. "Verily the most honoured in
the sight of God is the most virtuous amongst you"[5] is
applicable to both men and women, to servants and handmaidens.
All are under the shadow of the Word of God and all derive
their strength from the bounties of the Lord. Therefore, do not
consider thyself to be insignificant by doubting what a
handmaiden living behind the veil can do....With a firm heart, a steadfast step and an eloquent tongue
arise to spread the Word of God and say: "O God, although I am
sitting concealed behind the screen of chastity and am
restricted by the veil and exigencies of modesty, my cherished
hope is to raise the banner of service and to become a
maidservant at Thy Holy Threshold; to ride on a charger and
penetrate the army of the ignorant, defeat the mighty regiments
and subvert the foundations of error and violation. Thou art
the Helper of the weak, Thou art the Sustainer of the poor,
Thou art the Succourer of the handmaidens. Verily, Thou art the
Almighty and All-Powerful."2188. Confirmations from the kingdom of God will assuredly be
received, enabling some radiant leaves to appear resplendent in
the assemblage of this world with clear proofs and convincing
reasons, which will adorn the cause of womanhood. They will
prove that in this cycle women are equal to men, nay, in
certain respects they will excel. Ponder ye: in this
____wonderful Cause numerous were the men who scaled the heights of
knowledge; they had a brilliant utterance, a convincing proof,
an eloquent tongue and magnificent speech, but the blessed
leaf, Jinab-i-Tahirih, because she was a woman, emerged with
immense splendour and dumbfounded all the people. If she were a
man, this would not have been so at all. Therefore, ye should
know that the greatness of the Cause hath penetrated the nerves
and veins of the world in such wise that if one of the leaves
is attracted and gains mastery in demonstrating reasons and
proofs and in uttering convincing evidences, she will shine
resplendently. O radiant leaves, I swear by the Beauty of the
Desired One and the Mystery of Existence that if ye work
actively in this realm, the outpourings of the Blessed Beauty
will reflect as the sun in the mirrors of the hearts. Your
progress will astonish all.The attracted leaves should not, when associating with each
other, talk merely about the temperature of the weather, the
coldness of the water, the beauty of the flowers and gardens,
the freshness of the grass and the flowing water. They should
rather restrict their discussions to glorification and praise
and the uttering of proofs and reasons, to quoting verses and
traditions and putting forth clear testimonies, so that all the
homes of the loved ones will be converted into gathering places
for lessons on teaching the Cause. If ye do so, in a short
while the outpourings of the Kingdom will be so manifested that
each one of the handmaidens of the Merciful will become a
perspicuous book revealing the mysteries of the Lord of Mercy.
Upon you be the glory of glories.2189. In this wondrous Dispensation the favours of the Glorious
Lord are vouchsafed unto the handmaidens of the Merciful.
Therefore, they should, like unto men, seize the prize and
excel in the field, so that it will be proven and made manifest
that the penetrative influence of the Word of God in this new
Dispensation hath caused women to be equal with men, and that
in the arena of tests they will outdo others. Therefore, the
true bondsmaids of the Blessed Beauty must be revived by the
spirit of detachment, and refreshed by the breezes of
attraction. With hearts overflowing with the love of God, with
souls gladdened by the heavenly glad-tidings, and with extreme
humility and lowliness, let them speak outwith eloquent speech, and praise and glorify the Great Lord,
for they are the manifestations of His bounty and adorned with
the crown of splendour.2190. Blessed, blessed are ye for ye have arranged spiritual
meetings and engaged in propounding divine proofs and evidences. Ye are
intent on vindicating truth in support of themanifest Light of the Cause, through conclusive arguments and
proofs based on the sacred scriptures of the past. This is a
very noble aim, and this cherished hope a cause of the
illumination of all peoples and nations.From the beginning of existence until the present day, in
any of the past cycles and dispensations, no assemblies for
women have ever been established and classes for the purpose of
spreading the teachings were never held by them. This is one of
the characteristics of this glorious Dispensation and this
great century. Ye should, most certainly, strive to perfect
this assemblage and increase your knowledge of the realities of
heavenly mysteries, so that, God willing, in a short time,
women will become the same as men; they will take a leading
position amongst the learned, will each have a fluent tongue
and eloquent speech, and shine like unto lamps of guidance
throughout the world. In some respects, women have astonishing
capacities; they hasten in their attraction to God, and are
intense in their fiery ardour for Him.In brief, spend your nights and days in the study of the
holy Utterances and in acquiring perfections. Occupy yourselves
always in discussing these matters. When ye meet each other,
convey the glad-tidings and impart hope to one another because
of the confirmations and bounties of the Ancient and
Ever-Living Lord. Let each set forth proofs and evidences, and
talk about the mysteries of the Kingdom, so that the true and
divine Spirit may permeate the body of the contingent world and
the secrets of all things, whether of the past or of the
future, may become openly manifest and resplendent.
O loved handmaidens of God! Consider not your present
merits and capacities, rather fix your gaze on the favours and
confirmations of the Blessed Beauty, because His everlasting
grace will make of the insignificant plant a blessed tree, will
turn the mirage into cool water and wine; will cause the
forsaken atom to become the very essence of being,
|PPg_398the puny one erudite in the school of knowledge. It enableth a
thorny bush to give forth blossoms, and the dark earth to
produce fragrant and rich hyacinths. It will transmute the
stone into a ruby of great price, and fill the sea shells with
brilliant pearls. It will assist a fledgling schoolchild to
become a learned teacher and enable a frail embryo to reveal
the reality of the verse: "Hallowed be the Lord, the Most
Excellent of all creators."[6]2191. In this day the duty of everyone, whether man or woman,
is to teach the Cause. In America, the women have outdone the
men in this regard and have taken the lead in this field. They
strive harder in guiding the peoples of the world, and their
endeavours are greater. They are confirmed by divine bestowals and
blessings. It is my hope that in the East the handmaids of
the Merciful will also exert such effort, reveal their powers,
and manifest their capacities....2192. Now is the time to speak forth and to deliver speeches,
the time to teach and to give testimony. Loosen thy tongue,
expound the truths, and establish the validity of the verse:
"The All-Merciful hath taught the Quran."[7] The Holy Spirit
speaketh through the innermost essence of the human tongue,
God's Spirit which desireth communion with the human soul
unfoldeth the truths, the Faithful Spirit writeth down and the
Spirit of the Ancient of Days confirmeth. I swear by that
Peerless Beauty, Who is in the Unseen Kingdom, that when the
leaves loose their tongues in praise and glorification of the
All-Loving Lord, and in teaching the Cause of the Kind Lord,
the concourse of the Kingdom and the inmates of the Unseen
Realms will give ear, and cry out with exclamations of extreme
joy and jubilation.Glory be upon thee and upon every handmaiden who is
steadfast in the Covenant.2193. O handmaid of God!... To the mothers must be given the
divine Teachings and effective counsel, and they must be
encouraged and made eager to train their children, for the
mother is the first educator of the child. It is she who must,
at the very beginning, suckle the new-born at the breast of
God's Faith and God's Law, that divine love may enter into him
even with his mother's milk, and be with him till his final
breath.So long as the mother faileth to train her children, and
start them on a proper way of life, the training which they
receive later on will not take its full effect. It is incumbent
upon the Spiritual Assemblies to provide the mothers with a
well-planned programme for the education of children, showing
how, from infancy, the child must be watched over and taught.
These instructions must be given to every mother to serve her as
a guide, so that each will train and nurture her children in
accordance with the Teachings.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" [rev. ed.],
(Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1982), sec. 113, p. 138)
2194. ...we must not make distinctions between individual
members of the human family. We must not consider any soul as
barren or deprived. Our duty lies in educating souls so that
the Sun of the bestowals of God shall become resplendent in
them, and this is possible through the power of the oneness of
humanity. The more love is expressed among mankind and the stronger the
power of unity, the greater will be thisreflection and revelation, for the greatest bestowal of God is
love. Love is the source of all the bestowals of God. Until
love takes possession of the heart, no other divine bounty can
be revealed in it.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 15)2195. In brief, the assumption of superiority by man will
continue to be depressing to the ambition of woman, as if her
attainment to equality was creationally impossible; woman's
aspiration toward advancement will be checked by it, and she
will gradually become hopeless. On the contrary, we must
declare that her capacity is equal, even greater than man's.
This will inspire her with hope and ambition, and her
susceptibilities for advancement will continually increase. She
must not be told and taught that she is weaker and inferior in
capacity and qualification. If a pupil istold that his intelligence is less than his fellow pupils, it
is a very great drawback and handicap to his progress. He must
be encouraged to advance by the statement, "You are most
capable, and if you endeavour, you will attain the highest
degree."("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", pp. 76-77)2196. The purpose, in brief, is this: that if woman be fully
educated and granted her rights, she will attain the capacity
for wonderful accomplishments and prove herself the equal of
man. She is the coadjutor of man, his complement and
helpmeet....("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", p. 136)2197. The realities of things have been revealed in this
radiant century, and that which is true must come to the
surface. Among these realities is the principle of the equality
of man and woman--equal rights and prerogatives in all things
appertaining to humanity. Bahá'u'lláh declared this reality
over fifty years ago. But while this principle of equality is
true, it is likewise true that woman must prove her capacity
and aptitude, must show forth the evidences of equality. She
must become proficient in the arts and sciences and prove by
her accomplishments that her abilities and powers have merely
been latent. Demonstrations of force, such as are now taking
place in England, are neither becoming nor effective in the
cause of womanhood and equality. Woman must especially devote
her energies and abilities toward the industrial and agricultural
sciences, seeking to assist mankind in that whichis most needful. By this means she will demonstrate capability
and ensure recognition of equality in the social and economic
equation. Undoubtedly God will confirm her in her efforts and
endeavours, for in this century of radiance Bahá'u'lláh has
proclaimed the reality of the oneness of the world of humanity
and announced that all nations, peoples and races are one....
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912", pp. 283-84)2198. Equality of the sexes will be established in proportion
to the increased opportunities afforded woman in this age, for
man and woman are equallythe recipients of powers and endowments from God, the Creator.
God has not ordained distinction between them in His consummate
purpose.("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
`Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada
in 1912, p. 300)2199. Woman must endeavour then to attain greater perfection,
to be man's equal in every respect, to make progress in all in
which she has been backward, so that man will be compelled to
acknowledge her equality of capacity and attainment.
In Europe women have made greater progress than in the
East, but there is still much to be done! When students have
arrived at the end of their school term an examination takes
place, and the result thereof determines the knowledge and
capacity of each student. So will it be with woman; her actions
will show her power, there will no longer be any need to
proclaim it by words. It is my hope that women of the East, as
well as their Western sisters, will progress rapidly until
humanity shall reach perfection. God's Bounty is for all and
gives power for all progress. When men own the equality of
women there will be no need for them to struggle for their
rights! One of the principles then of Bahá'u'lláh is the
equality of sex. Women must make the greatest effort to acquire
spiritual power and to increase in the virtue of wisdom and
holiness until their enlightenment and striving succeeds in
bringing about the unity of mankind. They must work with a
burning enthusiasm to spread the Teaching of Bahá'u'lláh among
the peoples, so that the radiant light of the Divine Bounty may
envelop the souls of all the nations of the world!
("Paris Talks: Addresses given by `Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in
1911-1912", pp. 162-63)2200. Regarding the position of the Bahá'í women in India and
Burma, and their future collaboration with the men in the
administrative work of the Cause, I feel that the time is
now ripe that those women who have already conformed to the
prevailing custom in India and Burma by discarding the veil
should not only be given the right to vote for the election of
their local and national representatives, but should themselves
be eligible tothe membership of all Bahá'í Assemblies throughout India and
Burma, be they local or national.This definite and most important step, however, should be
taken with the greatest care and caution, prudence and
thoughtfulness. Due regard must be paid to their actual
capacity and present attainments, and only those who are best
qualified for membership, be they men or women, and
irrespective of social standing, should be elected to the
extremely responsible position of a member of the Baha'i
Assembly.This momentous decision, I trust, will prove to be a great
incentive to the women Bahá'ís throughout India and Burma who,
I hope, will now bestir themselves and endeavour to the best of
their ability to acquire a better and more profound knowledge
of the Cause, to take a more active and systematic part in the
general affairs of the Movement, and prove themselves in
every way enlightened, responsible and efficient co-workers to
their fellow-men in their common task for the advancement of
the Cause throughout their country.May they fully realize their high responsibilities in this
day, may they do all in their power to justify the high hopes we
cherish for their future, and may they prove themselves in
every respect worthy of the noble mission which the Baha'i
world is now entrusting to their charge.(27 December 1923 to the National Spiritual Assembly of India
and Burma)2201. Full rights have been accorded to Bahá'í women residing
in the cradle of the Faith, to participate in the membership of
both national and local Bahá'í Spiritual Assemblies, removing
thereby the last remaining obstacle to the enjoyment of
complete equality of rights in the conduct of theadministrative affairs of the Persian Bahá'í Community.
(April 1954, published in "Messages to the Bahá'í World
1950-1957" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1971), p. 65)
2202. That the members of this community, of either sex and of
every age, of whatever race or background, however limited in
experience, capacity and knowledge, may arise as one man, and
seize with both hands the God-given opportunities now presented
to them through the dispensations of an all-loving,
ever-watchful, ever-sustaining Providence, and lend thereby a
tremendous impetus to the propelling forces mysteriously
guiding the operations of this newly-launched, unspeakably
|PPg_403potent, world-encompassing Crusade, is one of the dearest
wishes which a loving and longing heart holds for them at this
great turning point in the fortunes of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh
in the American continent.(20 June 1954 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States, published in "Citadel of Faith: Messages to America
1947-1957" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1980), p. 132)
Extract From Letters and a Telex Written by the Universal House
of Justice:2203. Concerning the point you raised in your letter ... that
the women's liberation movement in . .. is assuming extreme
positions which are having some influence on impressionable
Bahá'í young women, we feel it would be helpful if
your Assembly were to stress the unique position that women occupy by
being members of the Bahá'í Faith particularly through participation in the
administration of its affairs on both a local and national scale.
(9 April 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States)2204. `Abdu'l-Bahá has pointed out that "Among the miracles
which distinguish this sacred dispensation is this, that women
have evinced a greater boldness than men when enlisted in the
ranks of the Faith." Shoghi Effendi has further stated that
this "boldness" must, in the course of time, "be more
convincingly demonstrated, and win for the beloved Cause
victories more stirring than any it has as yet achieved."
Although obviously the entire Bahá'í world is committed to
encouraging and stimulating the vital role of women in the
Bahá'í community as well as in society at large, the Five Year
Plan calls specifically on eighty National Spiritual Assemblies
to organize Bahá'í activities for women. In the course of the
current year which has been designated "International Women's
Year" as a world-wide activity of the United Nations, the
Bahá'ís, particularly in these eighty national communities,
should initiate and implement programs which will stimulate and
promote the full and equal participation of women in all
aspects of Bahá'í community life, so that through their
accomplishments the friends will demonstrate the distinction of
the Cause of God in this field of human endeavour.
(25 May 1975 to all National Spiritual Assemblies)
|PPg_4042205. PARTICULARLY CALL UPON Bahá'í WOMEN, WHOSE CAPACITIES
IN MANY LANDS STILL LARGELY UNUSED, AND WHOSE POTENTIAL FOR
SERVICE CAUSE SO GREAT, TO ARISE AND DEMONSTRATEIMPORTANCE PART THEY ARE TO PLAY IN ALL FIELDS SERVICE FAITH.
(24 March 1977 to all National Spiritual Assemblies)
2206. The youth have long been in the forefront of the teaching
work, and now our hearts rejoice to see the women, in so many lands
where previously their capacities were largely left
unused, devoting their capable services to the life of the
Bahá'í community....(Ridvan 1978 to the International Bahá'í Convention)
2207. At the heart of all activities, the spiritual,
intellectual and community life of the believers must be
developed and fostered, requiring: the prosecution with
increased vigour of the development of Local Spiritual
Assemblies so that they may exercise their beneficial influence
and guidance on the life of Bahá'í communities; the nurturing
of a deeper understanding of Bahá'í family life; the Baha'i
education of children, including the holding of regular Baha'i
classes and, where necessary, the establishment of tutorial
schools for the provision of elementary education; the
encouragement of Bahá'í youth in study and service; and the
encouragement of Bahá'í women to exercise to the full their
privileges and responsibilities in the work of the community--may they
befittingly bear witness to the memory of the Greatest
Holy Leaf, the immortal heroine of the Bahá'í Dispensation, as
we approach the fiftieth anniversary of her passing.
(Naw Ruz 1979 to the Bahá'ís of the World)2208. The equality of men and women is not, at the present
time, universally applied. In those areas where traditional
inequality still hampers its progress we must take the lead in
practising this Bahá'í principle. Bahá'í women and girls must
be encouraged to take part in the social, spiritual and
administrative activities of their communities....
(Ridvan 1984 to the Bahá'ís of the World)2209. Calling upon local and national Bahá'í communities to
sponsor a wide range of activities which will engage the
attention of people from all walks of life to various topics
relevant to peace, such as: the role of women...(23 January 1985 to all National Spiritual Assemblies)
Extracts From Letters Written on Behalf of the Universal House
of Justice:2210. The House of Justice regards the need to educate and
guide women in their primary responsibility as mothers as an
excellent opportunity for organizing women's activities. Your
efforts should focus on helping them in their function as
educators of the rising generation....(29 February 1984 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Mariana Islands)2211. The principle of the equality between women and men, like
the other teachings of the Faith, can be effectively and
universally established among the friends when it is pursued in
conjunction with all the other aspects of Bahá'í life. Change
is an evolutionary process requiring patience with one's self and others,
loving education and the passage of time as thebelievers deepen their knowledge of the principles of the
Faith, gradually discard long-held traditional attitudes and
progressively conform their lives to the unifying teachings of
the Cause.Bahá'u'lláh. "The Hidden Words". London: National Spiritual
Assembly of the British Isles, 1949.Bahá'u'lláh. "Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas", Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1978.`Abdu'l-Bahá. "Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá".
Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1978.`Abdu'l-Bahá. "The Promulgation of Universal Peace". Wilmette:
Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1982.`Abdu'l-Bahá. "Paris Talks". London: Bahá'í Publishing Trust,
1961.`Abdu'l-Bahá. "`Abdu'l-Bahá in London". London: Baha'i
Publishing Trust, 1982.Shoghi Effendi. "Messages to the Bahá'í World, 1950-1957".
Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1971.Shoghi Effendi. "Citadel of Faith". Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing
Trust, 1980."Bahá'í Education, a compilation". Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre,
1976."`Abdu'l-Bahá on Divine Philosophy", compiled by Isobel F.
Chamberlain, Boston: The Tudor Press, 1917.Esslemont, John Ebenezer. "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era",
Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1976.2212. Thou hast written that one of the friends hath composed a
treatise. This was mentioned in the Holy Presence, and this is
what was revealed in response: Great care should be exercised
that whatever is written in these days doth not cause
dissension, and invite the objection of the people. Whatever
the friends of the one true God say in these days is listened
to by the people of the world. It hath been revealed in the
Lawh-i-Hikmat: "The unbelievers have inclined their ears
towards us in order to hear that which might enable them to
cavil against God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting."[1]
Whatever is written should not transgress the bounds of tact
and wisdom, and in the words used there should lie hid the
property of milk, so that the children of the world may be
nurtured therewith, and attain maturity. We have said in the
past that one word hath the influence of spring and causeth
hearts to become fresh and verdant, while another is like unto
blight which causeth the blossoms and flowers to wither. God
grant that authors among the friends will write in such a way
as would be acceptable to fair-minded souls, and not lead to
cavilling by the people.(From a Tablet of Bahá'u'lláh to an individual believer-
translated from Persian and Arabic)2213. Say: O men! This is a matchless Day. Matchless must,
likewise, be the tongue that celebrateth the praise of the
Desire of all nations, and matchless the deed that aspireth to
be acceptable in His sight. The whole human race hath longed
for this Day, that perchance it may fulfil that which well
beseemeth its station, and is worthy of its destiny. Blessed is
the man whom the affairs of the world have failed to deter from
recognizing Him Who is the Lord of all things.("Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh" (Wilmette:
Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1983), sec XVI, p. 39)[1] "Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas
(Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1988), p. 1412214. How great the multitude of truths which the garment of
words can never contain! How vast the number of such verities
as no expression can adequately describe, whose significance
can never be unfolded, and to which not even the remotest
allusions can be made! How manifold are the truths which must
remain unuttered until the appointed time is come! Even as it
hath been said: "Not everything that a man knoweth can be
disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded
as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the
capacity those who hear it."Of these truths some can be disclosed only to the extent of
the capacity of the repositories of the light of Our knowledge, and the
recipients of Our hidden grace. We beseech God to strengthen thee with
His power, and enable thee to recognize Him Who is the Source of all
knowledge, that thou mayest detach thyself from all human learning, for,
"what would it profit any man to strive after learning when he hath already
found and recognized Him Who is the Object of all knowledge?" Cleave to
the Root of Knowledge, and to Him Who is the Fountain thereof, that thou
mayest find thyself independent of all who claim to be well versed in human
learning, and whose claim no clear proof, nor the testimony of any
enlightening book, can support. ("Gleanings from the Writings of
Bahá'u'lláh" sec. LXXXIX, pp.2215. In this Day the secrets of the earth are laid bare before
the eyes of men. The pages of swiftly-appearing newspapers are
indeed the mirror of the world. They reflect the deeds and the
pursuits of divers peoples and kindreds. They both reflect them
and make them known. They are a mirror endowed with hearing,
sight and speech. This is an amazing and potent phenomenon.
However, it behoveth the writers thereof to be purged from the
promptings of evil passions and desires and to be attired with
the raiment of justice and equity. They should enquire into
situations as much as possible and ascertain the facts, then
set them down in writing.(From the Tarazat, published in "Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, pp. 3940)2216. It ill beseemeth thee to turn thy gaze unto former or
more recent times. Make thou mention of this Day and magnify
that which hath appeared therein. It will in truth suffice all
mankind. Indeed expositionsand discourses in explanation of such things cause the spirits
to be chilled. lt behoveth thee to speak forth in such wise as
to set the hearts of true believers ablaze and cause their
bodies to soar.Teach thou the Cause of God with an utterance which will
cause the bushes to be enkindled, and the call "Verily, there
is no God but Me, the Almighty, the Unconstrained" to be raised
therefrom. Say: Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to
exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its
influence, this is conditional upon refinement which in turn is
dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its
moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom as
prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets. Meditate upon
that which hath streamed forth from the heaven of the Will of
thy Lord, He Who is the Source of all grace, that thou mayest
grasp the intended meaning which is enshrined in the sacred
depths of the Holy Writings.(From the Lawh-i-Hikmat, published in "Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, pp. 142-43)2217. Every word of thy poetry is indeed like unto a mirror in
which the evidences of the devotion and love thou cherishest
for God and His chosen ones are reflected. Well is it with thee
who hast quaffed the choice wine of utterance and partaken of
the soft flowing stream of true knowledge. Happy is he who hath
drunk his fill and attained unto Him and woe betide the
heedless. Its perusal hath truly proved highly impressive, for
it was indicative of both the light of reunion and the fire of
separation.(From the Lawh-i-Maqsud, published in "Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, pp. 175-76)2218. It is my hope that thou mayest succeed in writing thy
book. However, the language should be moderate, tempered, and
infinitely courteous. Look not at the language used by that
hostile writer, for he was prejudiced and unrefined. Any person
with the slightest degree of fairness will understand that his
writing is totally biased and inspired by enmity. This is
enough proof that what he hath written is spurious.
(From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the
Persian)2219. Pure souls, such as Mirza Abu'l-Fadl, upon him be the
Glory of God, spend their nights and days in demonstrating the
truth of the Revelation, by adducing conclusive and brilliant
proofs and expanding the verities of the Faith, by lifting the
veils, promoting the religion of God and spreading His
fragrances.(From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the
Persian)2220. Great care should be exercised in preparing this
translation. Mr.... should make a supreme effort so that the
language will be most exquisite, eloquent and lucid, even if
the translated text is to be submitted to, and made dependent
upon the opinions of, experts in language.(From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the
Persian)2221. The subjects to be taught in children's school are many,
and for lack of time We can touch on only a few: First and most
important is training in behaviour and good character; the
rectification of qualities; arousing the desire to become
accomplished and acquire perfections, and to cleave unto the
religion of God and stand firm in His Laws: to accord total
obedience to every just government, to show forth loyalty and
trustworthiness to the ruler of the time, to be well wishers of
mankind, to be kind to all.And further, as well as in the ideals of character,
instruction in such arts and sciences as are of benefit, and in
foreign tongues. Also, the repeating of prayers for the
well-being of ruler and ruled; and the avoidance of
materialistic works that are current among those who see only
natural causation, and tales of love, and books that arouse the
passions. To sum up, let all the lessons be entirely devoted to
the acquisition of human perfections. Here, then, in brief are
directions for the curriculum of these schools. Greetings be
unto you, and praise.(From a Tablet to an individual believer, published in "The
Bahá'í World: 1972-1976, vol. 16, pp. 36-37)From a Letter written by Shoghi Effendi to an Individual
Believer2222. I am overjoyed at such a splendid production. I strongly
urge you to secure the assistance of one of the best and most
respected publishers inEngland and to ensure that it will receive the fullest
attention regarding its outward form and style of printing. The
book is correct in its presentation of the essentials of the
Faith, eminently readable, exquisitely arranged, and has a
distinctive charm unsurpassed by any book of its kind whether
written by Eastern or Western believers. I heartily recommend
it to every earnest and devout teacher of the Cause.
(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 11 November 1927 written on his behalf)From Letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to
Individual Believers2223. Your literary ability makes you especially qualified to
teach the Cause. For in the world of today much can be achieved
through the power of the pen. All you need is to try to deepen
your knowledge of the history and the teachings of the Faith,
and thus well-equipped you will assuredly win a glorious
success--Bahá'u'lláh has given us the assurance that He will be
always on our side and will give us all the help we may need.
You should, therefore, arise steadfastly to serve our beloved
Cause and dedicate the rest of your life to the noble ideal
which it seeks to realize.2224. What Bahá'u'lláh meant primarily with "sciences that
begin and end in words" are those theological treatises and
commentaries that encumber the human mind rather than help it
to attain the truth. The students would devote their life to
their study but still attain no where. Bahá'u'lláh surely never
meant to include story writing under such a category; and
shorthand and typewriting are both most useful talents very
necessary in our present social and economic life.
What you could do, and should do, is to use your stories to
become a source of inspiration and guidance for those who read
them. With such a means at your disposal you can spread the
spirit and teachings of the Cause; you can show the evils that
exist in society, as well as the way they can be remedied. If
you possess a real talent in writing you should consider it as
given by God and exert your efforts to use it for the
betterment of society.[2][2] This advice was given to a believer who asked whether such
skills as shorthand and typing, and the writing of stories
dealing with human experience, would be classified among those
sciences that "begin and end in words", as mentioned by
Bahá'u'lláh.2225. He has received and read with deepest interest the
manuscripts you had enclosed in your letter, one entitled "The
Ocean of His Utterances", and the other consisting of a long
poem in which you had made an attempt to present the Message
indirectly.As to this last one, he approves of your suggestion to
write a sequel to it, and to refer more directly to the Cause.
He would, however, advise you to couch the whole subject in such
a form as to make it interesting and appealing to the
non-Bahá'í reader. The direct presentation of the Teachings is
surely highly important and even indispensable nowadays. But it
should be done with utmost care and tact, and in a manner that
would appeal to the non-believers.2226. There is a great need for teaching the Cause at present;
every Bahá'í should teach, and each one has his own capacities
and can expect to reach certain souls who respond to his
efforts. Your gift of writing should by all means be utilized
in serving the Cause. Every one is perforce only an instrument
in giving the Message which is more or less coloured by his own
capacities and approach to life. There is no harm in this. You
should write freely what you feel, what you wish to convey to
the mind of the reader; afterwards you yourself, and those who
pass upon Bahá'í manuscripts and publications, can make sure
that all your points conform to the teachings. The way you give
them out and present them is an individual matter and there is
no objection to this at all.He would not recommend fiction as a means of teaching; the
condition of the world is too acute to permit of delay in
giving them the direct teachings, associated with the name of Bahá'u'lláh.
But any suitable approach to the Faith, which appeals to this or that group,
is certainly worthy of effort, as we wish to bring the Cause to all men,
in all walks of life, of all mentalities.[3][3] This advice was given to a believer who sought the counsel
of the Guardian on ways one might use writing skills to teach
the Faith. The believer proposed writing a novel in which the
Bahá'í teachings and their source would be presented indirectly
and in such a way as to stimulate curiosity and search by the
reader. HJ5. 137.0322227. Regarding your question about what courses would be most
useful for you to study: He feels that both radio and
journalistic work are fields in which the Bahá'ís could well
learn to express themselves for the sake of helping their
teaching work, and advises you, if you have the time, to study
these subjects.2228. Your suggestion regarding a book for the general public
is a good one. The question is not only have we Bahá'ís
competent to present this subject in a way which would catch
the attention of the public, but also even if such a book
existed would it achieve its end? We have, unfortunately, not
very many capable Bahá'í writers, and the condition of
confusion in the world is such that it seems doubtful if such a
work would arrest the attention of distracted mankind.
However, we need more and better Bahá'í books, and he
suggests you present your idea to the German, British and
American National Spiritual Assemblies.2229. There is no objection to your being a journalist as long
as you try to keep off political issues; especially the big
East-West issue. You have a talent for writing, and it might be
of help to you financially and in making contacts for the
Faith.2230. Regarding the advice you asked him for, he feels that to
devote all one's studies with the object of becoming a Baha'i
author, is rather risky. We need Bahá'í authors badly, but you
have to be assured that you have the talent to earn your living
in that field, and also serve the Faith in it.He feels that the best thing for you to do is to devote
your studies to acquiring a sound education, if you like along
literary lines, and then see what develops.From a Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice2231. The Universal House of Justice has considered your letter
of 6 December 1979 concerning the novel you are writing
involving aromantic relationship and asking whether you should continue
this project in light of the advice of `Abdu'l-Bahá that
curricula of schools should avoid tales of love.We have been asked to say that what should be avoided are
stories that arouse the passions. From what you say, the
purpose of your story is to appeal to higher motivations in
life and, in fact, to spread the spirit and teachings of the
Cause.2232. Blessed is he who in the prime of his youth and the
heyday of his life will arise to serve the Cause of the Lord of
the beginning and of the end, and adorn his heart with His
love. The manifestation of such a grace is greater than the
creation of the heavens and of the earth. Blessed are the
steadfast and well is it with those who are firm.2233. It is incumbent upon the youth to walk in the footsteps
of Hakim[1] and to be trained in his ways, for such important
souls as he and his like have now ascended to the Kingdom of
Abha. The youth must grow and develop and take the place of
their fathers, that this abundant grace, in the posterity of
each one of the loved ones of God who bore great agonies, may
day by day increase, until in the end it shall yield its fruit
on earth and in Heaven.2234. Wherefore, O ye illumined youth, strive by night and by
day to unravel the mysteries of the mind and spirit, and to
grasp the secrets of the Day of God. Inform yourselves of the
evidences that the Most Great Name hath dawned. Open your lips
in praise. Adduce convincing arguments and proofs. Lead those
who thirst to the fountain of life; grant ye true health to the
ailing. Be ye apprentices of God; be ye physicians directed by
God, and heal ye the sick among humankind. Bring those who have
been excluded into the circle of intimate friends. Make the
despairing to be filled with hope. Waken them that slumber;
make the heedless mindful.Such are the fruits of this earthly life. Such is the
station of resplendent glory. Upon you be Baha'u'l-Abha.
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)2235. O Lord! Make this youth radiant and confer Thy bounty
upon this poor creature. Bestow upon him knowledge, grant him added
strengthat the break of every morn and guard him within the shelter of
Thy protection so that he may be freed from error, may devote
himself to the service of Thy Cause, may guide the wayward,
lead the hapless, free the captives and awaken the heedless,
that all may be blessed with Thy remembrance and praise. Thou
art the Mighty and the Powerful.2236. What you have undertaken to achieve, under the guidance
and instruction, of that valiant and indefatigable servant of
the Abha Threshold, my well-beloved brother Dr. Bagdadi, is
highly praiseworthy and of supreme importance. Never flinch in
your great enterprise. Deepen your knowledge of the Cause.
Strive to extend the sphere of your activities and seek to
understand and promote the harmony that must exist between true
science and Divine Revelation. I will never fail to pray for
you. I have great hopes in the ultimate triumph of the task
before you. (In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to
a letter dated 23 January 1924 written on his behalf to the
Bahá'í Youth of Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.)2237. The Bahá'í youth must be taught how to teach the Cause of
God. Their knowledge of the fundamentals of the Faith must be
deepened and the standard of their education in science and
literature enhanced. They must become thoroughly familiar with
the language used and the example set by `Abdu'l-Bahá in His
public addresses throughout the West. They must also be
acquainted with those essential prerequisites of teaching as
recorded in the Holy Books and Tablets.(9 June 1925 to the Spiritual Assembly of the East- translated
from the Persian)2238. I strongly urge you to devote, while you are pursuing
your studies, as much time as you possibly can to a thorough
study of the history and Teachings of our Beloved Cause. This
is the prerequisite of a future successful career of service to
the Bahá'í Faith in which I hope and pray you will distinguish
yourself in the days to come.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 18 May 1926 written on his behalf to an individual
believer)2239. The youthful and eager workers for the Cause ... occupy a
warm place in my heart. I will remember their hopes, their
plans, their activities in my hours of prayer at the Holy Shrine. I urge them
to study profoundly the revealed utterancesof Bahá'u'lláh and the discourses of `Abdu'l-Bahá and not to
rely unduly on the representation and interpretation of the
Teachings given by Bahá'í speakers and teachers. May the
Almighty sustain you and guide you in your work.(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 20 March 1929 written on his behalf to an individual
believer)2240. The work in which you are engaged is dear and near to my
heart and constitutes one of the most vital aspects of the
manifold activities of our beloved Faith. The highest standards
of purity, of integrity, of detachment and sacrifice must be
maintained by the members of your group in order to enable you
to play a decisive part in the spread and consolidation of the
Faith. A tremendous responsibility has been laid upon you, and
nothing short of a pure, a virtuous, an active and truly
exemplary life can enable you to fulfil your high destiny. I
will pray that you may be guided and strengthened to render the
most effective service to the Cause and by your example lend a
fresh impetus to the onward march of its new-born institutions.
(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter
dated 6 September 1934 written on his behalf to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada Youth
Council)2241. If the younger Bahá'í generation, in whom Shoghi Effendi
has great hopes, take the pain of studying the Cause deeply and
thoroughly, read its history, find its underlying principles
and become both well informed and energetic, they surely can
achieve a great deal. It is upon their shoulders that the
Master has laid the tremendous work of teaching. They are the
ones to raise the call of the Kingdom and arouse the people
from slumber. If they fail the Cause is doomed to(26 April 1923 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís
of India and Burma)2242. His hope, as well as that of the friends, is that you
should increase both in number and spirituality. The future of
this Cause, which is so dear to us all, depends upon the energy
and devotion of the rising generation. It is you who before
long will be called to shoulder its responsibilities and
undertake its spread. To do that, however, you ought to be well
equipped. You ought to have your intellectual as well as
spiritual side equally developed....(28 December 1925 to the Bahá'í Youth of Baltimore, Maryland,
U.S.A.)2243. We had heard through various channels the wonderful way your
children had grown to speak about the Cause in public.
Shoghi Effendi's hope is that they will, the three of them,
become able and devoted speakers on the Cause and subjects akin
to it. To do this properly they will need a firm foundation of
scientific and literary training which fortunately they are
obtaining. It is just as important for the Bahá'í young boys and
girls to become properly educated in colleges of high standing
as it is to be spiritually developed.The mental as well as the spiritual side of the youth has
to be developed before he can serve the Cause efficiently.
(28 November 1926 to an individual believer)2244. He was greatly pleased and highly encouraged with your
slow but progressive work among members of the faculty and the
student body in State College. It is high time for the Bahá'ís
to try and reach the thinking and educated youth of the country
upon whom so much of the future depends, especially the
stupendous task of applying the spirit and letter of the Baha'i
teachings to the requirements of the time--a work for which
generations of preparation might be necessary.2245. He was deeply interested in your work among the
university students and hopes that it will bear much fruit. The
youth is open-minded, unhampered by prejudice and ready to
accept any message that satisfies his spiritual longings as
well as intellectual demands. The work should, however, be both
intensive and extensive. It is not sufficient that you should
address many student bodies; persons have to be found to follow
up that work, pick those who are interested to know more and
groundthem in the teachings. This task undoubtedly pertains to the
teaching committee which should always be on the alert, see
where there is a receptive group and send teachers to bring
them into the Cause.2246. Being a Bahá'í you are certainly aware of the fact that
Bahá'u'lláh considered education as one of the most fundamental
factors of a true civilization. This education, however, in
order to be adequate and fruitful, should be comprehensive in
nature and should take into consideration not only the physical
and the intellectual side of man but also his spiritual and
ethical aspects. This should be the programme of the Baha'i
youth all over the world.And no doubt the best means through which this educational
development can be attained is by joining the different
associations and gatherings which intend to promote the ideals
of this new international civilization. Although the Guardian
prefers that Bahá'ís should join those associations which are
within the orbit of Bahá'í activities, he nevertheless approves and even
encourages any person who would like to join anynon-Bahá'í movements, provided that these movements will not
promote any ideal or principle which will harm and check the
advance of the Cause.2247. The prevailing distress in America and Europe should
awaken the youth to the futility of concentrating their whole
life on purely material pursuits. They should learn the lesson
that spiritual considerations should be the dominating factors
of our life, that our guiding purpose should be to enhance our
moral life and seek what is eternal and abiding.Should the different nations continue to go wrong and be
guided by the selfish desire of personal aggrandizement, you
will be the group that will suffer most. Our present policies
bear their fruits only in the future and it is the youth of the
present that are the men and women of the future.2248. Shoghi Effendi was delighted to see the result of the
work achieved, which proved the deep interest the young Bahá'ís
are showing in theprogress of the Faith. The message of Bahá'u'lláh which
contains the only true and lasting solution of the social and
spiritual problems that confront society at present, is
entrusted to their care. It is they who should, with a spirit
of complete detachment and consecration, raise the banner of
the Faith and enlist the support of strong and devoted souls.
Through such conferences Shoghi Effendi hopes you will
develop your knowledge of modern problems and at the same time
help those non-Bahá'ís who come to help, to see the light
brought by Bahá'u'lláh to the world. People who come so close
to our doors and perhaps enter our home should not be left
to go without carrying away some of the delights we are enjoying.
They are also seeking souls earnestly desiring to attain their
spiritual and social ideals. To approach themmay need tact and care and may entail much difficulty, but
such is our duty we are called to carry through.Shoghi Effendi hopes that the success of this last summer
will encourage you to hold more conferences in the future, thus
arousing the youth to true service and spreading the Message
far and wide. He will remember you all in his prayers and ask
for you divine guidance and assistance....[Postscript in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi:]
I am delighted with your letter enclosing the splendid report
on International relations. I am particularly gratified to
learn of the active part played by the Bahá'í youth and of
their harmonious co-operation with the older and more
experienced believers. I would warn them to be on their guard
lest the impression be given to the outside world that the
Bahá'ís are political in their aims and pursuits or interfere
in matters that pertain to the political activities of their
respective governments. The Cause, still in its state of infancy, should be
adequately protected from this particular2249. The youth should be encouraged to train themselves in
public speaking while they are still pursuing their studies in
schools or colleges.(7 December 1931 to an individual believer, published in
"Bahá'í News" 64 (July 1932), p 4)2250. The account of your work among the foreign students made
Shoghi Effendi very happy. Not only will these young people get
a good impression of American families and hospitality, but the
spiritual training you try to give them will make their
education so much more complete and worthwhile. This is beside
the fact that in their heart is planted the seeds of the Baha'i
teachings which in time will germinate and bring forth wondrous
fruits. All these young people when they return home will carry
the Message with them and even though they do not become
confirmed believers, they will remain friends always ready to
render a service to the Bahá'í teachers they happen to meet.
Shoghi Effendi hopes you will carry on that work but at the
same time try to make them true Bahá'ís--in spirit as well as
in faith.2251. The present condition of the world--its economic
instability, social dissensions, political dissatisfaction and
international distrust--should awaken the youth from their
slumber and make them inquire what the future is going to
bring. It is surely they who will suffer most if some calamity
sweep over the world. They should therefore open their eyes to
the existing conditions, study the evil forces that are at play
and then with a concerted effort arise and bring about the
necessary reforms--reforms that shall contain within their
scope the spiritual as well as social and political phases of
human life.(13 March 1932 to an individual believer, published in "Baha'i
News" 68 (November 1932), p. 3)2252. What impressed him most in the account of your services
was the statement that the old and the young Bahá'ís are firmly
united and co-operating in bearing the burdens of the Faith in
that locality. Nothing will attract God's blessings and grace
more than the unity of the friends, and nothing is more
destructive of their highest purpose than divisions and
misunderstandings. Cling therefore to unity if you desire to
succeed and abide by the will of your Lord Bahá'u'lláh; for that is the true
objective of His Mission in this world.(11 October 1932 to the Local Spiritual Assembly of West
Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.A.)2253. Surely in this very critical period of human history when
old institutions are beginning to crumble down or being
considerably modified, there is a certain amount of
maladjustments and unfortunate happenings; but such a condition
is not permanent. The Cause and its institutions will gradually
take their place and with its virile spirit secure the full
obedience of its followers and of the people of the world as a
whole. So we need not be too pessimistic as to the future or
take passing conditions too seriously. The young people who are
living between these two eras, and seeing the destruction of
old institutions are therefore apt to discard all respect for
them and in fact view with contempt any person that may still
cherish the old. Hence we see the loose morality prevalent
among them. This condition is not true only of America and
Europe but also of the East, and I dare say in the East more
than in the West.Even though the Bahá'í Youth should feel with the condition
in which they see their non-Bahá'í friends and not indict them
for it, they should not let themselves be carried by the wave
of world events as they are being carried. Whereas they see
before them only a world that is crumbling down we are also
seeing a new world being built up. Whereas they experience the
destruction of old institutions that commanded their respect,
we are beholding the dawn of a new era with its strict commands
and new social bonds. Their materialistic outlook shows them
the futility of all things while our faith in a regenerated and
spiritualized man makes us look to the future and build for it.
To make them follow our ways we should sympathize with their
plight but should not follow their ways. We should take our
stand on a higher plane of moral and spiritual life and,
setting for them the true example, urge them up to our level.
The young people should read what Bahá'u'lláh and the Master
say on such matters and follow them conscientiously. That is if
they desire to be true to the teachings and establish them
throughout the world. [Postscript in the handwriting of Shoghi
Effendi:]The activities, hopes and ideals of the Bahá'í Youth in
America, as well as in all other parts of the world are close
and dear to my heart. Upon them rests the supreme and
challenging responsibility to promote the interests of the
Cause of God in the days to come, to co-ordinate its world-wide
activities, to extend its scope, to safeguard its integrity, to
exalt its virtues, define its purpose, and translate its ideals
and aims into memorable and abiding achievements. Theirs is a
mighty task, at onceholy, stupendous and enthralling. May the spirit of Bahá'u'lláh
protect, inspire and sustain them in the prosecution of their
divinely-appointed task!(26 October 1932 to an individual believer, published in
"Bahá'í News" 443 (February 1968), p. 8)2254. The Movement is in need of young people, who have been
spiritually awakened, to arise and stem the tide of a material
civilization that has brought mankind to the verge of ruin.
Should the forces, now playing havoc with society, be let
loose, should we neglect our duty to check them and bring them
under our control, no man dare imagine what the future will
bring.It is upon the young people that the greatest suffering
will fall. They should, therefore, mobilize their ranks, and,
with one accord, arise and consummate their task and establish
the Kingdom of God upon the earth.(Published in "Herald of the South" Vol. 4, No. 5, (January -
March 1933), p. 11; also published in "The Bahá'í World, Vol. 5, (1932
-1934) (New York: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1936), pp.370-72)
2255. Life is not easy for the young people of this generation.
They enter life with a heart full of hope, but find before
themselves nothing but failures, and see in the future nothing
but darkness. What they need is the light manifested by
Bahá'u'lláh, for that brightens their soul and stimulates their
vigour in facing difficulties.2256. As regards the attitude of her group towards the
administration, they will come to understand these things, for
before long they will see that without a proper administrative
body the ideas of the Cause will never be put into practice,
nor will the future progress of the Faith be ensured. In
dealing with the young people one has to use tact and reason
out the different problems with them.2257. It is always gratifying to learn of the splendid effects
which the teachings of the Cause inevitably bring in the hearts
and minds of young Bahá'í men and women and to witness their
eagerness to mould andshape their entire living according to the divine teachings
bequeathed to the world by Bahá'u'lláh. For the Bahá'í youth
constitute the main active element in the Cause. Theirs is the
duty not only to study and to spread the Teachings but to put
them into actual practice. It is hoped that you will
increasingly mirror forth the beauty and the power of the
principles of the Faith and will become shining examples to
every Bahá'í whose sole aim in life is to scale the heights
which Bahá'u'lláh has summoned His followers to attain.
(5 August 1933 to two believers)2258. It is on young and active Bahá'ís, like you, that the
Guardian centres all his hopes for the future progress and
expansion of the Cause, and it is on their shoulders that he
lays all the responsibility for the upkeep of the spirit of
selfless service among their fellow-believers. Without that
spirit no work can be successfully achieved. With it triumph,
though hardly won, is but inevitable. You should, therefore,
try all your best to carry aflame within you the torch of
faith, for through it you will surely find guidance, strength
and eventual success.2259. I need not tell you what great hopes he cherishes for the
future role which young Bahá'ís will be inevitably called upon
to play in the teaching as well as in the administrative fields
of Bahá'í activity. It is on them that he centres his essential
and vital hopes for the effective and wide spread of the
Message, and for the strengthening of the basis of the nascent
Bahá'í administrative institutions which are gradually taking
shape amidst storms of an unprecedented severity, and under
extremely tragic circumstances.His brotherly advice to you, and to all loyal and ardent
young believers like you, is that you should deepen your
knowledge of the history and of the tenets of the Faith, not
merely by means of careful and thorough study, but also through
active, whole-hearted and continued participation in all the
activities, whether administrative or otherwise, of your
community. The Bahá'í community life provides you with an
indispensable laboratory, where you can translate into living
and constructive action the principles which you imbibe from
the Teachings. By becoming a real part of that living organism
you can catch the realspirit which runs throughout the Bahá'í Teachings. To study the
principles, and to try to live according to them, are,
therefore, the two essential mediums through which you can
ensure the development and progress of your inner spiritual
life and of your outer existence as well. May Bahá'u'lláh
enable you to attain this high station, and may He keep the
torch of faith for ever burning in your heart!2260. He would advise you, however, to devote some more of your
time to active teaching in public. To that end he would urge
you to attend, if possible, all the sessions and meetings at
the Geyserville Summer School, that you may not only deepen
your knowledge of the Teachings, but also acquire the necessary
training for expounding them to the public. The ambition of
every young Bahá'í should be, indeed, to become a well-informed
and competent teacher. For this very purpose the institution of
[the] Bahá'í Summer School has been established, and its
importance so strongly and repeatedly emphasized by the Guardian.
(21 June 1935 to an individual believer)2261. The problem with which you are faced is one which
concerns and seriously puzzles many of our present-day youth.
How to attain spirituality is, indeed, a question to which
every young man and woman must sooner or later try to find a
satisfactory answer. It is precisely because no such
satisfactory reply has been given or found, that modern youth
finds itself bewildered, and is being consequently carried away
by the materialistic forces that are so powerfully undermining
the foundation of man's moral and spiritual life.Indeed, the chief reason for the evils now rampant in
society is a lack of spirituality. The materialistic
civilization of our age has so much absorbed the energy and
interest of mankind, that people in general no longer feel the
necessity of raising themselves above the forces and conditions
of their daily material existence. There is not sufficient
demand for things that we should call spiritual to differentiate
them from the needs and requirements of our physical existence.
The universal crisis affecting mankind is, therefore,
essentially spiritual its causes. The spirit of the age, taken
on the whole, is irreligious. Man's outlook upon life is
|PPg_426too crude and materialistic to enable him to elevate himself
into the higher realms of the spirit.It is this condition, so sadly morbid, into which society
has fallen, that religion seeks to improve and transform. For
the core of religious faith is that mystic feeling that unites
man with God. This state of spiritual communion can be brought
about and maintained by means of meditation and prayer. And
this is the reason why Bahá'u'lláh has so much stressed the
importance of worship. It is not sufficient for a believer to
merely accept and observe the teachings. He should, in
addition, cultivate the sense of spirituality, which he can
acquire chiefly by the means of prayer. The Bahá'í Faith, like
all other Divine religions, is thus fundamentally mystic in
character. Its chief goal is the development of the individual
and society, through the acquisition of spiritual virtues and
powers. It is the soul of man that has first to be fed. And
this spiritual nourishment prayer can best provide. Laws and
institutions, as viewed by Bahá'u'lláh, can become really
effective only when our inner spiritual life has been perfected
and transformed. Otherwise religion will degenerate into a mere
organization, and become a dead thing.The believers, particularly the young ones, should
therefore fully realize the necessity of praying. For prayer is
absolutely indispensable to their inner spiritual development,
and this, already stated, is the very foundation and purpose of
the Religion of God.(8 December 1935 to an individual believer, published in
"Bahá'í News" 102 (August 1936) p. 3)2262. ...the Guardian fully realizes the difficulties that
stand in the way of co operation between the young and old
believers. This is a problem that confronts the Cause almost
everywhere, especially in those communities where the number of
young and old Bahá'ís is nearly the same. The solution, as in
all such cases, is to be found through intelligent and mutual
compromise. The old believers have to give up something of
their old conceptions and ways of working in order to better
adapt themselves to the changing social conditions and
circumstances. The young too must learn to act with wisdom, tact
and moderation, and to take advantage and benefit from the
age-long experiences of their older fellow-believers. The old
and the young have each something specific to contribute to the
|PPg_427progress and welfare of the Bahá'í community. The energy of
youth should be tempered and guided by the wisdom of old age.
As to the attitude of resentment which the young believers
are inclined to assume regarding certain precepts of the Cause,
such as obligatory prayers: there can and should be no
compromise whatever in such matters that are specifically
enjoined by Bahá'u'lláh. We should neither have any feeling of
shame when observing such laws and precepts, nor should we
overestimate their value and significance. Just as the friends
have no difficulty in recognizing the value of the specific
prayers revealed by Bahá'u'lláh, such as the Tablets of fasting
and healing, so also they should recognize that the obligatory
prayers are by their very nature of greater effectiveness and
are endowed with a greater power than the non-obligatory ones,
and as such are essential.2263. What can control youth and save it from the pitfalls of
the crass materialism of the age is the power of a genuine,
constructive and living Faith such as the one revealed to the
world by Bahá'u'lláh. Religion, as in the past, is still the
world's sole hope, but not that form of religion which our
ecclesiastical leaders strive vainly to preach. Divorced from
true religion, morals lose their effectiveness and cease to
guide and control man's individual and social life. But when
true religion is combined with true ethics, then moral progress
becomes a possibility and not a mere ideal. The need of our
modern youth is for such a type of ethics founded on pure
religious faith. Not until these two are rightly combined and
brought into full action can there be any hope for the future
of the race.(17 April 1936 to an individual believer, published in "Baha'i
News" 104 (December 1936), p. 1)2264. The obligation to teach is essentially the responsibility
of young believers. Their whole training should therefore be
directed in such a way as to make them competent teachers. It is for this
very purpose that Bahá'í summer schools, whichconstitute the very basis upon which the Bahá'í universities of
the future will be established, should be widely attended by
young believers.(15 May 1936 to Bahá'í Youth Groups United States)
|PPg_4282265. Regarding your question in connection with Bahá'í youth
activity: The chief purpose underlying all such activities
undertaken by our Bahá'í youth throughout the world is to
stimulate enthusiasm, promote instruction and foster the
development of the spirit of solidarity and co-operation among
young Bahá'í men and women, in order to enable them at a later
age to collaborate intelligently and harmoniously with their
fellow-believers of whatever class, age or origin. Such
activities should be undertaken within the framework of the
Administrative Order. They should neither be overemphasized nor
curtailed. The formation of youth committees is a means to
achieve the end stated above, and is not an end in itself. (8
November 1937 to an individual believer)2266. It is his fervent hope and his heart's ardent prayer that
you may increasingly deepen in your faith, and steadily gain
in your understanding and appreciation of the Teachings, and
display such earnestness and perseverance in your Baha'i
studies as to gradually acquire the full knowledge, training
and experience necessary for active and effective service to
the Faith in the future.Although still young in age, you should endeavour from now,
through close association with your fellow-believers, and
through your faithful application to your Bahá'í studies, to
prepare yourself for that day when you will be called upon, as
a grown-up and responsible member of the Community, to take
full part in the activities of the Cause, and thus prove
yourself worthy of being a member of this world-wide Fellowship
created by Bahá'u'lláh.The Guardian was truly pleased to note that you have
already started reading some Bahá'í books, and would specially
advise you to endeavour [to] commit to memory certain passages
from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, and in particular, some of
His prayers. This training would undoubtedly be of tremendous
help to you in your future studies of the Cause, and would also
serve to considerably deepen and enrich your own spiritual life
at present.1002. He feels the importance of young believers taking an
active part in every field of service cannot be overestimated,
for they must carry on thegreat work of reconstruction into the future, which will be in dire need of
spiritual example and leadership.2267. Indeed it is very important for the Faith, to extend the
teachings of Bahá'u'lláh amongst the youth, as it is through
their activities, that the Cause of our Beloved Master will in
future spread all over the American continent. They have upon
their shoulders all the responsibilities for the progress of
the Movement; it is our duty to rear their spiritual feelings,
enlighten their hearts with the light of guidance which has
been shed before us by the Master.(2 November 1932 to two believers, published in "Bahá'í News,
143 (May 1941), p. 8)2268. The responsibility of young believers is very great, as
they must not only fit themselves to inherit the work of the
older Bahá'ís and carry on the affairs of the Cause in general,
but the world which lies ahead of them --as promised by
Bahá'u'lláh--will be a world chastened by its sufferings, ready
to listen to His Divine Message at last, and consequently a
very high character will be expected of the exponents of such a
religion. To deepen their knowledge, to perfect themselves in
the Bahá'í standards of virtue and upright conduct, should be
the paramount duty of every young Baha'i.(6 June 1941 to the Bahá'í Youth of Bombay, India)
2269. The tasks which will face the present generation of
Bahá'í Youth-- and are indeed already beginning to face them--are
stupendous. They cannot but expect to find themselves most
severely tested in the days to come--tested as to their
characters, their faith, the strength of their convictions, and
their complete adherence to the Laws of Bahá'u'lláh.
Shoghi Effendi's greatest hope, and his prayer, is that
they may so distinguish themselves in the eyes of their
fellow-countrymen that it will become increasingly evident what
a Bahá'í is and what he stands for. How wonderful it would be
to witness the time when the actions and words of the Bahá'ís
will have become so well known that people will say: "Ah! That
must be a Baha'i--they are like that!" and mean it as a
compliment.(19 October 1941 to the Bahá'í Youth at Louhelen Bahá'í School,
Youth Session)2270. The winds of test and trial have blown upon our Faith
more than once, and he strongly feels that old believers like
yourself should do everything in their power to protect the
younger Bahá'ís, to strengthen their faith, deepen them in the
Covenant, and enable them to take full refuge in the Will and
Testament of the beloved Master, that impregnable fortress He
built for our safety when He Himself should have gone from our sight.
(26 October 1941 to an individual believer)2271. If ever it could be said that a religion belonged to the
youth, then surely the Bahá'í Faith today is that religion. The
whole world is suffering, it is sunk in misery, crushed beneath
its heavy problems. The task of healing its ills and building
up its future devolves mainly upon the youth. They are the
generation who, after the war, will have to solve the terrible
difficulties created by the war and all that brought it about.
And they will not be able to upbuild the future except by the
laws and principles laid down by Bahá'u'lláh. So their task is
very great and their responsibility very grave.(8 May 1942 to the Bahá'í Youth of Peoria, Illinois, U.S.A.)
2272. Young men such as yourselve[s,] so surprisingly dedicated
to a movement which the uninitiated might associate with mature
people of a philosophical bent of mind, so free from the
current dissipated habits of most young people, are in a
position to capture the attention and respect of both young and
old alike. This Cause, although it embraces with equal esteem
people of all ages, has a special message and mission
for the youth of your generation. It is their charter for their
future, their hope, their guarantee of better days to come.
Therefore the Guardian is especially happy that the young
Bahá'ís are active in the pioneer work....2273. The Cause needs more Bahá'í scholars, people who not only
are devoted to it and believe in it and are anxious to tell
others about it, but also who have a deep grasp of the
Teachings and their significance, andwho can correlate its beliefs with the current thoughts and
problems of the people of the world.The Cause has the remedy for all the world's ills. The
reason why more people don't accept it is because the Bahá'ís
are not always capable of presenting it to them in a way that
meets the immediate needs of their minds. Young Bahá'ís like
yourself must prepare themselves to really bring the Message to
their generation, who need it so desperately and who can
understand the language it speaks so well. He would advise you
among other books to study the Talks of `Abdu'l-Bahá, as His
method of approaching the mind of the public cannot be
surpassed... He also advises you to develop yourself as a
public speaker so you will be increasingly able to teach the
Cause...2274. The Guardian hopes that along with whatever other studies
you take up, you will continually study the teachings and
endeavour to acquire a profound knowledge of them. The importance of
young Bahá'ís becoming thoroughly steeped inevery branch of the teachings cannot be overemphasized, as they
have great teaching tasks ahead of them to accomplish.
(22 January 1944 to an individual believer)2275. The Guardian has always advised young people to study
deeply such subjects as History, Economics and Sociology as
they are all related to the teachings and aid in understanding
the Faith....The greatest need of youth today is character training.
Prayer is only one factor in this; they must learn to live up
to the ethical teachings of the Faith....He feels that teaching the Faith to the youth is of the
utmost importance in these days, as they will not only become
the workers of the future but will be able to widely spread the
Message among their own generation. He approves of your
devoting as much time to this work as feasible, in conjunction
with the valuable services you are so tirelessly rendering the
teaching work in various cities and towns.2276. ...concerning what studies you should specialize in with
a view to teaching in the future: He would suggest either
History, Economics or Sociology, as these are not only fields
in which Bahá'ís take a great interest but also cover subjects
which our teachings cast an entirely new light upon....
(13 March 1944 to an individual believer.)2277. ...if the believers are going to accomplish their duty
and present theDivine solution to mankind, they must prepare themselves for
the great tasks that lie ahead. This and women in the Faith
teachings, so that they can all the problems facing them have
Administration, so that they can wisely and efficiently
administer ever-growing affairs of the Cause; and they must
exemplify the Bahá'í way of living....(12 May 1944 to an individual believer, published in
"Bahá'í News" 175 June 1945), p. 3)2278. He hopes that you will develop into Bahá'ís in character
as well as in belief. The whole purpose of Bahá'u'lláh is that
we should become a new kind of people, people who are upright,
kind, intelligent, truthful, and honest and who live according
to His great laws laid down for this new epoch in man's
development. To call ourselves Bahá'ís is not enough, our
inmost being must become ennobled and enlightened through
living a Bahá'í life.(25 August 1944 to the Louhelen School, Youth Session)
2279. Aside from teaching the Cause, the greatest service the
Bahá'í Youth can render is to exemplify in their lives the
teachings and especially to be promoters--within the Bahá'í communities
and in the world at large-- of love and harmony,qualities so sadly lacking in these days of hatred, suspicion,
vindictiveness and prejudice.(15 October 1944 to the Louhelen School, Youth Session)
2280. The youth are indeed those to whom the Cause should
perforce offer its greatest appeal, as it holds alone the
promise for their future security.Without that which Bahá'u'lláh has given to humanity the
outlook for the future of the world would appear truly
hopeless, for the evil forces in men's nature seem to
have gained the ascendancy, and only a spiritual force,
direct from God, can enable the good side of human nature to again
assume command of men's lives. (15 June 1945 to an individual believer)
2281. By all means persevere and associate in a friendly spirit
with other groups of young people, particularly of a different
race or minority nationality, for such association will
demonstrate your complete conviction of the oneness of mankind
and attract others to the Faith, both young and old alike.
A spirit of prejudice-free, loving comradeship with others
is what will open the eyes of people more than any amount of
words. Combined with such deeds you can teach the Faith easily.
(18 June 1945 to the Bahá'ís of Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A.)
2282. He is always pleased to see enlightened and capable young
people embrace the Cause, because the world of the near future
naturally belongs to them and the heavy responsibilities of
that future must needs fall on their shoulders. They cannot
find a pattern to work by comparable to that which Bahá'u'lláh
has given to the world in this age; the sanity, the justice,
the perfect balance of His system can alone accomplish the next
step in Man's evolution--the unification of the human race as
one family inhabiting this planet.2283. He feels that one of the primary duties of your Committee
is to encourage young Bahá'ís to prepare themselves for pioneer
work, particularly in Latin America; as he has already informed
the American believers, the tremendous tasks facing them in
Europe--and indeed all over the world--cannot be embarked upon
until they have finished the work begun in South America. In
this field youthful Bahá'ís have already accomplished much, and
he hopes others will arise and follow them.Now that the war is over and so many young people are being
released from the services and returning to a more normal life,
the young Bahá'ís in every city should make a point of keeping
in touch with local youthactivities and clubs, and endeavouring to make their views
known to as many young people in as many ways as possible.
Above all they should set a high example to them; chastity,
politeness, friendliness, hospitality, joyous optimism about
the ultimate future happiness and well-being of mankind, should
distinguish them and win over to them the love and admiration
of their fellow youth. The thing which is most conspicuously
lacking in modern life is a high standard of conduct and good
character; the young Bahá'ís must demonstrate both, if they
hope to seriously win over to the Faith members of their own
generation, so sorely disillusioned and so contaminated by the
laxity war gives rise to.He assures you he will certainly pray for the success of
your Committee's work, and for the Bahá'í youth in general, for whom he
feels a strong affection and for whom he cherishes very high hopes.
(20 October 1945 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
United States and Canada National Youth Committee)
2284. He was also very happy to see the Bahá'í youth are
holding meetings and making every effort to mingle with other
young people, through local clubs and groups, and thus bring
the Cause to their notice.As the beloved Master so constantly reiterated, example is
the greatest teacher of all, and the Guardian feels that the
Bahá'ís must, each and every one of them, contribute his share
to the unity of the community he lives in, and show forth to
his fellow believers, and to the world at large, that love for
which the world is dying, the love of God. When non-Bahá'ís see
us loving and united, our power will be irresistible; the
perfection of our teachings, laws, and principles will then be
seen as a practical reality.(23 October 1945 to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Dayton,
Ohio)2285. The Guardian has urged, over and over again, the
paramount necessity for Bahá'í Youth to exemplify the
Teachings, most particularly the moral aspect of them. If they
are not distinguished for their high conduct they cannot expect
other young people to take the Cause very seriously.
He heartily agrees with you that unless we practise the
Teachings we cannot possibly expect the Faith to grow, because
the fundamental purpose of all religions--including our own--is
to bring man nearer to God, and to change his character, which
is of the utmost importance.Too much emphasis is often laid on the social and economic
aspects of the Teachings; but the moral aspect cannot be
over-emphasized.2286. He feels that the youth, in particular, must constantly
and determinedly strive to exemplify a Bahá'í life. In the
world around us we see moral decay, promiscuity, indecency,
vulgarity, bad manners--the Bahá'í young people must be the
opposite of these things, and, by their chastity, their
uprightness, their decency, their consideration and good
manners, attract others, old and young, to the Faith. The world
is tired of words; it wants example, and it is up to the Baha'i
youth to furnish it.(19 September 1946 to the Green Acre Bahá'í Summer School)
2287. They now have a golden opportunity to arise and fulfil
their own cherished plans before it is too late.... More
believers must arise, and, putting their trust in Bahá'u'lláh,
do their duty to the Faith they believe in and love so dearly.
The youth in particular should be encouraged to enter this
field of service, for the spread of the Cause is their only
hope for a stable world in which to live and establish families
of their own.(12 October 1946 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of the British Isles)2288. He appreciates very much the devoted and determined
spirit with which you are facing the future and all the Baha'i
responsibility it will bring to you increasingly. The part of
youth is very great; you have the opportunity to really
determine to exemplify in word and deed the teachings of
Bahá'u'lláh, and to show your generation that the New World
Order He has brought is a tangible reality in the lives of His
followers.(12 March 1946 to Louhelen School, Senior Youth Session,
published in "Bahá'í News" 190 (December 1946), p. 1)
2289. In fact the youth work everywhere in the Bahá'í world is
dear to his heart, and he attaches great importance to it. The
young people, who will inevitably grow up to shoulder all the
work of the Cause, are really its hope, and should be one of
the most active factors in its propagation. Through their
courageous adherence to the high moral and ethical standards
set by Bahá'u'lláh, and through gaining a mastery of His many,
|PPg_436diversified, and profound teachings, they can shape, to a great
extent, the development and aid in the rapid expansion of their
beloved Faith in the various countries in which they labour.
They should be made to realize their responsibility is heavy
and their privilege very precious.(26 December 1946 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
British Isles National Youth Committee)2290. In the years that lie ahead, in order to accomplish the
tremendous tasks entrusted to our care by the Master, young
people like yourself will be required to carry the work
forward and fill the places left vacant by the older generation of
believers; indeed they must do more than that, they must create
new places and functions for themselves.What the Cause really needs most at present is capable
teachers, wise, deeply grounded in the Faith. He hopes you will
fit yourself to be one of these.2291. As regards your future: he feels that if you specialize
in the Social Sciences this would be also of assistance to you
in teaching the Cause. And he would also suggest that, if
feasible when you decide on a place to study, or to establish
yourself permanently, you could render the Cause a great
service by going somewhere where there is a weak Assembly or a
group only and helping in developing the Faith there.
(24 June 1947 to an individual believer)2292. He is very happy to hear of the formation of the new
youth groups you mention, as this will not only greatly
stimulate the Bahá'í youth and enable them to attract new young
people to the Faith, but will also do the general work of the
Cause in these cities a great deal of good. He urges your
Committee to make every effort to establish youth groups
wherever there are Spiritual Assemblies, and circumstances
permit.(25 September 1947 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
British Isles National Youth Committee)2293. There are two kinds of Bahá'ís, one might say: those
whose religion is Bahá'í and those who live for the Faith.
Needless to say, if one can belong to the latter category, if
one can be in the vanguard of heroes,martyrs and saints, it is more praiseworthy in the sight of
God. He hopes you will attain to this high station.
But, as you must earn your living, he advises you to
consult with your teachers at the University, and see in what
field they believe you might excel and be able to find
employment. This is a detail which he cannot advise you about.
In principle it is good if the young Bahá'ís seek careers which
would enable them to find employment abroad, as then they can
render valuable pioneer services.2294. He urges you to make up your minds to do great, great
deeds for the Faith; the condition of the world is steadily
growing worse, and your generation must provide the saints,
heroes, martyrs and administrators of future years. With
dedication and will-power you can rise to great heights!
(2 October 1951 to the Louhelen School, Youth Session,
published in "Bahá'í News" 253 (March 1952), p. 1)
2295. He urges you all to devote particular attention to the
contact with racial minorities. In a country which has such a
large element of prejudice against its coloured citizens as the
United States, it is of the greatest importance that the
Bahá'ís--and more especially the youth--should demonstrate
actively our complete lack of prejudice and, indeed, our
prejudice in favour of minorities.successfully in Africa if we do not in our home communities
demonstrate to the fullest extent our love for the people who
spring from the African population!2296. He, therefore, urges you to seriously consider the type
of profession or trade that might ensure you a post in a
pioneer field in Africa, or the Pacific Islands, or Asia, in
which you could earn your living while serving the Cause as
well. It is a great challenge, and a great opportunity offered
your generation...(5 August 1952 to the Louhelen school, youth session)
|PPg_4382297. On the shoulders of the youth today rests the future of
the Faith. Therefore they should be well educated and trained
not only in the Teachings of the Faith, but also in secular
matters.2298. Your niece's profession in training and educating
children is one that will give her a rich reward, because she
is aiding in the development of the characters of the youth of
today, who will become the ones who will guide humanity tomorrow. If
they could be guided both materially and spiritually then it would be a
great victory, because after the world goes through its present travail,
spiritual values will predominate, and those youth who have the benefit
of both material and spiritual education will be the true leaders of society.
(22 May 1955 to an individual believer)2299. He hopes that the Bahá'í youth in Germany will be
encouraged to take a more active part in administrative affairs
and in the teaching work. They must always realize that they
are the future of the Cause, and they should gain from
experience as teachers and administrators from the older
friends, in preparation for the time when the burden of the
work will fall on their shoulders.(21 June 1956 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís
of Germany and Austria)2300. The beloved Guardian feels that sufficient attention is
not being paid to the matter of contacting minorities in the
United States. A great impetus could be lent to the work in the
European countries, in certain far-eastern areas, and in Latin
America if the Bahá'ís residing in the big cities and
university towns would make a determined and sufficient effort
to extend friendship and hospitality to students and nationals
from countries where the Bahá'ís are struggling so hard to
establish the Faith. They would not only have the possibility
of making more local believers, but they might also increase
the membership of communities abroad, by sending back Bahá'ís
from the United States. This has happened already a number of
times with Chinese and Japanese friends, etc., to the great
advantage of the Cause.(19 July 1956 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of
the United States)2301. The Divine Confirmations are descending in torrents on
those who arise to teach. At this critical time in the history
of the Faith, teaching is the one Bahá'í service that is
confirmed.The Guardian hopes that you will therefore arise with
renewed effort to take your part in this great Crusade that is
now sweeping the world. America has been called upon by the
Master to play the preponderating role in this great World
Crusade which is moving forward with increasing momentum. If
more Bahá'ís are not confirmed in the United States, then
America may be deprived of its great Spiritual Destiny. The
Guardian is looking to the Youth of America to raise the Banner
of the Faith to ever higher and more glorious heights. The
Youth should become severed from all things of the world and
filled with the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit, arise to
spread the Message and quicken the hearts.(8 August 1957 to the Bahá'í Youth of Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.)
Revised September 1990A compilation prepared by the Research Department of the
Universal House of Justice2302. God doth verily love union and concord, and abhorreth
separation and divorce.2303. If antipathy or resentment develop on the part of either
the husband or the wife, divorce is permissible, only after the
lapse of one full year ....("A Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Most
Holy Book of Bahá'u'lláh" (Haifa: Bahá'í World Centre, 1973), p. 42)
From the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá2304. Marriage, among the mass of the people, is a physical
bond, and this union can only be temporary, since it is
foredoomed to a physical separation at the close.Among the people of Baha, however, marriage must be a union
of the body and of the spirit as well, for here both husband
and wife are aglow with the same wine, both are enamoured of
the same matchless Face, both live and move through the same
spirit, both are illumined by the same glory. This connection
between them is a spiritual one, hence it is a bond that will
abide forever. Likewise do they enjoy strong and lasting ties
in the physical world as well, for if the marriage is based
both on the spirit and the body, that union is a true one,
hence it will endure. If, however, the bond is physical and
nothing more, it is sure to be only temporary, and must
inexorably end in separation.When, therefore, the people of Bahá undertake to marry, the
union must be a true relationship, a spiritual coming together
as well as a physical one, so that throughout every phase of
life, and in all the worlds of God, their union will endure;
for this real oneness is a gleaming out of the love of God.
In the same way, when any souls grow to be true believers,
they will attain a spiritual relationship with one another, and
show forth a tenderness which is not of this world. They will,
all of them, become elatedfrom a draught of divine love, and that union of theirs, that
connection, will also abide forever. Souls, that is, who will
consign their own selves to oblivion, strip from themselves the
defects of humankind, and unchain themselves from human
bondage, will beyond any doubt be illumined with the heavenly
splendours of oneness, and will all attain unto real union in
the world that dieth not.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" (Haifa: Baha'i
World Centre, 1982), sec. 84, pp. 117-18)2305. As for the question regarding marriage under the Law of
God: first thou must choose one who is pleasing to thee, and
then the matter is subject to the consent of the father and
mother. Before thou makest thy choice, they have no right to
interfere."("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá" sec. 85, p.
118)2306. Bahá'í marriage is the commitment of the two parties
one to the other, and their mutual attachment of mind and heart.
Each must, however, exercise the utmost care to become
thoroughly acquainted with the character of the other, that the
binding covenant between them may be a tie that will endure
forever. Their purpose must be this: to becomeloving companions and comrades and at one and eternity ....
The true marriage of Bahá'ís is this, united bothphysically and spiritually, that they may ever improve the
spiritual life of each other, and may enjoy everlasting unity
throughout all the worlds of God. This is Bahá'í marriage.
("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 86, p. 11
2307. O ye two believers in God! The Lord, peerless is He, hath
made woman and man to abide with each other in the closest
companionship, and to be even as a single soul. They are two
helpmates, two intimate friends, who should be concerned about
the welfare of each other.If they live thus, they will pass through this world with
perfect contentment, bliss, and peace of heart, and become the
object of divine grace and favour in the Kingdom of heaven. But
if they do other than this, they will live out their lives in
great bitterness, longing at every moment for death, and will
be shamefaced in the heavenly realm.Strive, then, to abide, heart and soul, with each other as
two doves in the nest, for this is to be blessed in both
worlds.("Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá", sec. 92, p.
122)2308. Formerly in Persia divorce was very easily obtained.
Among the people of the past Dispensation a trifling matter
would cause divorce. However, as the light of the Kingdom shone
forth, souls were quickened by the spirit of Bahá'u'lláh, then
they totally eschewed divorce. In Persia now divorce doth not
take place among the friends, unless a compelling reason
existeth which makes harmony impossible. Under such rare
circumstances some cases of divorce take place.Now the friends in America must live and conduct themselves
in this way. They must strictly refrain from divorce unless
something ariseth which compelleth them to separate because of
their aversion for each other, in that case with the knowledge
of the Spiritual Assembly they may decide to separate. They
must then be patient and wait one complete year. If during this
year, harmony is not re-established between them, then their
divorce may be realized. It should not happen that upon the
occurrence of a slight friction or displeasure between husband
and wife, the husband would think of union with some other
woman, or, God forbid, the wife also think of another husband.
This is contrary to the standard of heavenly value and true
chastity. The friends of God must so live and conduct
themselves, and evince such excellence of character and
conduct, as to make others astonished. The love between husband and
wife must not be purely physical, nay, rather, it must be
spiritual and heavenly. These two souls should be considered as
one soul. How difficult it would be to divide a single soul!
Nay, great would be the difficulty!In short, the foundation of the Kingdom of God is based upon
harmony and love, oneness, relationship and union, not upon
differences, especially between husband and wife. If one of
these two becomes the cause of divorce, that one will
unquestionably fall into great difficulties, will become the
victim of formidable calamities and experience deep remorse.
(From a Tablet--translated from the Persian)Extracts from Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi[1]
2309. When such difference of opinion and belief occurs between
husband and wife it is very unfortunate for undoubtedly it
detracts from that spiritual bond which is the stronghold of
the family bond, especially in times of difficulty. The way,
however, that it could be remedied is not by acting in such
wise as to alienate the other party. One of the objects of
the Cause is actually to bring about a closer bond in the
homes. In all such cases, therefore, the Master used to advise
obedience to the wishes of the other party and prayer. Pray
that your husband may gradually see the light and at the same
time so act as to draw him nearer rather than prejudice him.
Once that harmony is secured then you will be able to
serve unhampered.2310. Divorce is, according to the "Aqdas", permissible. But it
is discouraged. Both the husband and wife have equal right to
ask for divorce, and whenever either of them feels it
absolutely essential to do so. Divorce becomes valid even if
one of the parties refuses to accept it, and after one year of
separation, during which period the husband is under the
obligation of providing for his wife and children.
(6 July 1935)2311. The Guardian has received your letter ... and has learned
with deep concern of your family difficulties and troubles. He
wishes me to assure you of his fervent prayers on your behalf
and on behalf of your dear ones at home, that you may be guided
and assisted from on High to compose your differences and to
restore complete harmony and fellowship in your midst. While he
would urge you to make any sacrifice in order to bring about
unity in your family, he wishes you not to feel discouraged if
your endeavours do not yield any immediate fruit. You should do
your part with absolute faith that in doing so you are
fulfilling your duty as a Baha'i. The rest is assuredly in
God's hand.[1] To individual believers unless otherwise noted
|PPg_4452312. The validity of a Bahá'í marriage is dependent upon the
free and full consent of all four parents. The freedom of the
parents in the exercise of this right is unrestricted and
unconditioned. They may refuse their consent on any ground, and
they are responsible for their decision to God alone.
(19 March 1938)2313. Regarding divorce, the Guardian stated that it is
discouraged, deprecated and against the good pleasure of God.
The Assembly must circulate among the friends whatever has been
revealed from the Pen of `Abdu'l-Bahá in this connection so
that all may be fully reminded. Divorce is conditional upon the
approval and permission of the Spiritual Assembly. The members
of the Assembly must in such matters independently and
carefully study and investigate each case. If there should be
valid grounds for divorce and it is found that reconciliation
is utterly impossible, that antipathy is intense and its
removal is not possible, then the Assembly may approve the
divorce.2314. The Guardian is in receipt of your letter .. . and has
learned with deep concern of the state of disharmony existing
between you and your husband.While he wishes me to assure you that he will pray for the
solution of your domestic troubles, he would urge you to
endeavour, by every means in your power, to compose your
differences, and not to allow them to reach such proportions as
to lead to your complete and final separation from your
husband. For while, according to the Bahá'í law, divorce is
permissible, yet it is highly discouraged, and should be
resorted to only when every effort to prevent it has proved to
be vain and ineffective. It is for you, and for Mr.... as well,
to ponder carefully over the spiritual implications which any
act of divorce on either part would involve, and, strengthened
by the power of faith and confident in the blessings which
strict adherence to the principles and laws of Bahá'u'lláh is
bound to confer upon every one of His faithful followers, to
make afresh resolve to solve your common difficulties and to restore
the harmony, peace and happiness of your family life.
(11 September 1938)2315. I wish to assure you, in particular, of his supplications
for your guidance in connection with your proposed plan to
unite in marriage with Dr.. May the Beloved help you in forming
the right decision, and spare you the anxiety and suffering
which too hasty action in such matters inevitably produces. You should give
this question, which is of such vital concern toyour future, the full consideration it deserves, and examine
all its aspects carefully and dispassionately. The final
decision rests with you and Dr.....2316. The Bahá'í Teachings do not only encourage marital life,
considering it the natural and normal way of existence for
every sane, healthy and socially-conscious and responsible
person, but raise marriage to the status of a divine
institution, its chief and sacred purpose being the
perpetuation of the human race--which is the very flower of the
entire creation-- and its elevation to the true station
destined for it by God.2317. The situation facing you[2] is admittedly difficult and
delicate, but no less grave and indeed vital are the
responsibilities which it entails and which, as a faithful and
loyal believer, you should conscientiously and thoroughly
assume. The Guardian, therefore, while fully alive to the
special circumstances of your case, and however profound his
sympathy may be for you in this challenging issue with which
you are so sadly faced, cannot, in view of the emphatic
injunctions contained in the Teachings, either sanction your
demand to contract a second marriage while your first wife is
still alive and is united with you in the sacred bonds of
matrimony, or even suggest or approve that you divorce her just
in order to be permitted to marry a new one.[2] A believer who, having married his first wife out of
compassion, now wished to be permitted to marry a woman with
whom he had fallen in love, saying that his wife was agreeable
to his taking this second wife.possibility of bigamy, but also, while permitting divorce,
consider it a reprehensible act, which should be resorted to
only in exceptional circumstances, and when grave issues are
involved, transcending such considerations as physical
attraction or sexual compatibility and harmony. The institution
of marriage, as established by Bahá'u'lláh, while giving due
importance to the physical aspect of marital union, considers
it as subordinate to the moral and spiritual purposes and
functions with which it has been invested by an all-wise and
loving Providence. Only when these different values are given
each their due importance, and only on the basis of the
subordination of the physical to the moral, and the carnal to
the spiritual, can such excesses and laxity in marital
relations as our decadent age is so sadly witnessing be
avoided, and family life be restored to its original purity,
and fulfil the true function for which it has been instituted by God.
The Guardian will most fervently pray that, inspired and
guided by such a divine standard, and strengthened by
Bahá'u'lláh's unfailing assistance and confirmations, you may
be able to satisfactorily adjust your relations with the
persons concerned, and thus reach the one right solution to
this assuredly challenging problem of your life.2318. He has noted the question you had asked concerning the
problem of marriage, and its infrequency among the believers in
general. It is indeed a matter of deep regret to him that some
of our young believers do not attach due importance to the
question of marriage, and seem, as you state, to be under the
impression that marital life has been discouraged in the Cause.
This is certainly an erroneous conception, and whosoever takes
the pain to carefully and intelligently read the words of
Bahá'u'lláh, and to ponder over their implications, cannot but
be convinced of the truth that in the Bahá'í Faith marriage,
and family life, in particular, are both not only commendable,
but constitute a social function of highest and indeed vital
importance, as through them alone the human race is
perpetuated.The believers should well know that whereas Bahá'u'lláh has
not made marriage a binding obligation, He has nevertheless
attributed to it such spiritual and social significance as no
individual believer, under normal circumstances, can well be
justified in disregarding it. In fact, inHis Book of Laws (the "Kitáb-i-Aqdas") He emphatically stresses
its importance, and defines its essential purpose, namely the
procreation of children and their training in the Religion of
God, that they may know and adore Him, and mention and praise
His Name.2319. ... he indeed feels rejoiced at the happy news of the
settlement of your domestic differences with Mrs.... and
particularly to know that you have jointly undertaken a most
successful teaching tour .. This bond of common service to the
Cause which is has proved such an effective solution of your
personal problems, he hopes, and indeed will fervently pray,
will be further cemented by the passing of years and through your
increased and joint participation in the teaching work ...
(16 December 19402320. Regarding the question whether it is necessary to obtain
the consent of the parents of a non-Bahá'í participant in a
marriage with a Baha'i: as Bahá'u'lláh has stated that the
consent of the parents of both parties is required in order to
promote unity and avoid friction, and as the "Aqdas" does not
specify any exceptions to this rule, the Guardian feels that
under all circumstances the consent of the parents of both parties is
required.2321. Bahá'u'lláh has laid great emphasis on the sanctity of
marriage, and the believers should exert their utmost to create
harmony in their homes and a situation which at least is not
bad for their children. But if, after prayer andself-sacrificing effort, this proves quite impossible, then
they may resort to divorce.2322. Marriage is, in the "Aqdas", set forth as a most sacred
and binding tie, and the Bahá'ís should realize that divorce is
viewed as a last resort, to be avoided at aU costs if possible
and not to be lightly granted.2323. He feels that you and your wife should do everything in
your power to produce a harmonious relationship between you and
avoid divorce by all means, if possible. The Bahá'í attitude is
that marriage is a very serious and sacred relationship and
divorce a last resort to be avoided if humanly possible.
(10 August 1945)2324. He was very sorry to hear that you and your husband are
still so unhappy together. It is always a source of sorrow in
life when married people cannot get on well together, but the
Guardian feels that you and your husband, in contemplating
divorce, should think of the future of your children and how
this major step on your part will influence their lives and
happiness.If you feel the need of advice and consultation he suggests
you consult your Local Assembly; your fellow Bahá'ís will
surely do all they can to counsel and help you, protect your
interests and those of the Cause.2325. The Guardian has the impression that your husband is a
fine man, and he is very pleased to hear you two are arranging
to be reunited. He feels very strongly that Bahá'ís, if
possible, more especially Bahá'ís who serve the Cause as
actively and conspicuously as you and your family do, should
set the newer believers and the young Bahá'ís a high example in
every way. As Bahá'u'lláh was so very much against divorce
(even though He permits it) and considered marriage a most
sacred responsibility, believers should do everything in their
power to preserve the marriages they have contracted, and to
make of them exemplary unions, governed by the noblest motives.
(19 October 1947)2326. Bahá'u'lláh has clearly stated the consent of all living parents is
required for a Bahá'í marriage. This applies whether
the parents are Bahá'ís or non-Bahá'ís, divorced for years or
not. This great law He has laid down to strengthen the social
fabric, to knit closer the ties of the home, to place a certain
gratitude and respect in the hearts of children for those who
have given them life and sent their souls out on the eternal
journey towards their Creator. We Bahá'ís must realize that in
present-daysociety the exact opposite process is taking place: young
people care less and less for their parents' wishes, divorce is
considered a natural right, and obtained on the flimsiest and
most unwarrantable and shabby pretexts. People separated from
each other, especially if one of them has had full custody of
the children, are only too willing to belittle the importance
of the partner in marriage also responsible as a parent for
bringing those children into this world. The Bahá'ís must,
through rigid adherence to the Bahá'í laws and teachings,
combat these corrosive forces which are so rapidly destroying
home life and the beauty of family relationships, and tearing
down the moral structure of society.(25 October 1947 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
2327. There is no doubt about it that the believers in America,
probably unconsciously influenced by the extremely lax morals
prevalent and the flippant attitude towards divorce which seems
to be increasingly prevailing, do not take divorce seriously
enough and do not seem to grasp the fact that although
Bahá'u'lláh has permitted it, He has only permitted it as a
last resort and strongly condemns it.The presence of children, as a factor in divorce, cannot be
ignored, for surely it places an even greater weight of moral
responsibility on the man and wife in considering such a step.
Divorce under such circumstances no longer just concerns them
and their desires and feelings but also concerns the children's
entire future and their own attitude towards marriage.
As to whether you and Mr.... should now divorce: this is a
matter which so intimately concerns you both, your children,
and your future that he does not feel he can do more than point
out to you what he has stated above. The decision must rest
with you both.2328. Divorce should be avoided most strictly by the believers,
and only under rare and urgent circumstances be resorted to.
Modern society is criminally lax as to the sacred nature of
marriage, and the believers must combat this trend assiduously.
(5 January 1948)2329. He was sorry to hear of the inharmony and unhappiness
which has arisen in your home, and he assures you he will pray
for its removal.He suggests to you that perhaps you are not giving your
husband enough of your love, physically and spiritually, to
keep his interest centred in you. Marriage problems are often
very involved and subtle, and we Bahá'ís, being enlightened and
progressive people, should not hesitate, if it seems necessary
or desirable, to turn to science for help in such matters. If
you and your husband talked over your problems--together or
separately--with a good physician you might find that you can
cure your own husband, or at least try to do so. It is a great
pity that two believers, united in this glorious Cause, and
blessed with a family, should not be able to live together
really harmoniously, and he feels you should take constructive
action and not allow the situation to get worse. When the
shadow of separation hangs over a husband and wife they should
leave no stone unturned in their effort to avert its becoming a
reality.He urges you both to devote more of your time to teaching
the Cause and to pray together that Bahá'u'lláh may give you a
real and lasting love for each other.2330. He was very sorry to hear that you are contemplating
separation from your husband. As you no doubt know, Bahá'u'lláh
considers the marriage bond very sacred; and only under very
exceptional and unbearable circumstances is divorce advisable
for Bahá'ís.The Guardian does not tell you that you must not divorce
your husband; but he does urge you to consider prayerfully, not
only because you are a believer and anxious to obey the laws of
God, but also for the sake of the happiness of your children,
whether it is not possible for you to rise above the
limitations you have felt in your marriage hitherto, and make a
go of it together. We often feel that our happiness lies in a
certain direction; and yet, if we have to pay too heavy a price
for it in the end we may discover that we have not really
purchased either freedom or happiness, but just some new
situation of frustration and disillusion.2331. He feels that you should by all means make every effort
to hold your marriage together, especially for the sake of your
children, who, like all children of divorced parents, cannot
but suffer from conflicting loyalties, for they are deprived of
the blessing of a father and mother in one home, to look after
their interests and love them jointly.Now that you realize that your husband is ill, you should
be able to reconcile yourself to the difficulties you have
faced with him emotionally, and not take an unforgiving
attitude, however much you may suffer.We know that Bahá'u'lláh has very strongly frowned upon
divorce; and it is really incumbent upon the Bahá'ís to make
almost a superhuman effort not to allow a Bahá'í marriage to be
dissolved.2332. What the Bahá'ís must do is not commit adultery if they
are married, and refrain from sexual intimacy before marriage.
It is not a sin in the Bahá'í Faith if you do not marry, but
marriage is recommended to the believers by Bahá'u'lláh.
There is no teaching in the Bahá'í Faith that "soul mates"
exist. What is meant is that marriage should lead to a profound
friendship of spirit, which will endure in the next world,
where there is no sex, and no giving and taking in marriage;
just the way we should establish with our parents, our
children, our brothers and sisters and friends a deep spiritual
bond which will be everlasting, and not merely physical bonds
of human relationship.2333. He has been very sorry to hear that your marriage seems to
have failed utterly. I need not tell you as a Bahá'í that every
effort should be made by any Bahá'í to salvage their marriage
for the sake of God, rather than for their own sake. In the
case of pioneers, it is even more important, because they are
before the public eye. However, in such matters it is neither
befitting nor right that the Guardian should bring pressure on
individuals. He can only appeal to you and ... to try again;
but if you cannot rise to this test, that is naturally a personal
matter.2334. The Guardian will pray for the solution of your problems.
He will pray for the healing of your son, and for the happiness
and unity of your family. The true basis of unity is service,
and he hopes all the members will arise with renewed effort to
teach the Faith.2335. Wherever there is a Bahá'í family, those concerned should
by all means do all they can to preserve it, because divorce is
strongly condemned in the Teachings, whereas harmony, unity and
love are held up as the highest ideals in human relationships.
This must always apply to the Bahá'ís, whether they are serving
in the pioneering field or not.(9 November 1956 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
Extracts from Letters Written on Behalf of the Universal
House of Justice[3]2336. In considering the problems that you and your wife are
experiencing, the House of Justice points out that the unity of
your family should take priority over any other consideration.
Bahá'u'lláh came to bring unity to the world, and a fundamental
unity is that of the family. Therefore, we must believe that
the Faith is intended to strengthen the family, not weaken it.
For example, service to the Cause should not produce neglect of
the family. It is important for you to arrange your time so
that your family life is harmonious and your household receives
the attention it requires.Bahá'u'lláh also stressed the importance of consultation.
We should not think this worthwhile method of seeking solutions
is confined to the administrative institutions of the Cause.
Family consultation employing full and frank discussion, and
animated by awareness of the need for moderation and balance,
can be the panacea for domestic conflict. Wives should not
attempt to dominate their husbands, nor husbands their
wives....2337. You letter ... describing the difficulties confronting
your family distressed the Universal House of Justice and we
are requested to convey the following to you.[3] To individual believers unless otherwise noted
|PPg_454Noting that you and your husband have consulted about your
family problems with your Spiritual Assembly but did not
receive any advice, and also discussed your situation with a
family counsellor without success, the House of Justice feels
it most essential for your husband and you to understand that
marriage can be a source of well-being, conveying a sense of
security and spiritual happiness. However, it is not something
that just happens. For marriage to become a haven of contentment
it requires the cooperation of the marriage partners
themselves, and the assistance of their families. You mention
your concern over your eldest daughter. It is suggested that you
include her and perhaps your younger children in family
consultations. As Bahá'ís we understand the importance of the
consultative process and we should not feel it is to be used
only by the Spiritual Assemblies.2338. Irreconcilable antipathy arising between the parties to a
marriage is not merely a lack of love for one's spouse but an
antipathy which cannot be resolved. It is for the Spiritual
Assembly to decide whether this condition exists before it sets
the date for the beginning of the year of waiting, and this it
may do on the application of one of the parties. It is not
affected by the other party's not wishing to apply for a
divorce.The date for the beginning of the year of waiting having
been fixed, it is the obligation of the parties to make every
effort to reconcile their differences and to try to preserve
the marriage. The Spiritual Assembly has the obligation to
offer them every assistance in this regard ...Obviously, seeking the assistance of one's Spiritual
Assembly is a part of the Bahá'í divorce procedure, and the
parties concerned should consult with the Assembly about their
problems. It is within the discretion of the parties, or either
of them, to also avail themselves of professional marriage
counsellors.2339. Your letter of ... to the Universal House of Justice
makes clear that you are seeking to re-establish your marriage
through study of the Writings and through various modes of
consultation and assistance. We are asked to convey its advice
on this vital subject of reconciliation ofpartners in marriage in the context of understanding of
yourself and your relationship to others.You are urged to persevere in your studies, in your prayers
for resolution of your problems, and in your meditation which
may provide guidance and confidence, inasmuch as the
understanding of self and of relationships to others are
contained in the Writings and in the example of the Master,
`Abdu'l-Bahá.Neither you nor your husband should hesitate to continue
consulting professional marriage counsellors, individually and
together if possible, and also to take advantage of the
supportive counselling which can come from wise and mature
friends. Non-Bahá'í counselling can be useful but it is usually
necessary to temper it with Bahá'í insight.You ask how to deal with anger. The House of Justice
suggests that you call to mind the admonitions found in our
Writings on the need to overlook the shortcomings of others; to
forgive and conceal their misdeeds, not to expose their bad
qualities, but to search for and affirm their praiseworthy
ones, and to endeavour to be always forbearing, patient, and
merciful. Such passages as the following extracts from letters
written on behalf of the beloved Guardian will be helpful:
There are qualities in everyone which we can appreciate and
admire, and for which we can love them; and perhaps, if you
determine to think only of these qualities which your husband
possesses, this will help to improve the situation .... You
should turn your thoughts away from the things which upset you,
and constantly pray to Bahá'u'lláh to help you. Then you will
find how that pure love, enkindled by God, which burns in the
soul when we read and study the Teachings, will warm and heal,
more than anything else. Each of us is responsible for one life
only, and that is our own. Each of us is immeasurably far from
being "perfect as our heavenly father is perfect" and the task
of perfecting our own life and character is one that requires
all our attention, our will-power and energy ....2340. The relationship between husband and wife must be viewed
in the context of the Bahá'í ideal of family life. Bahá'u'lláh
came to bring unity to the world, and a fundamental unity is
that of the family. Therefore,one must believe that the Faith is intended to strengthen the
family, not weaken it, and one of the keys to a strengthening
of unity is loving consultation. The atmosphere within a Baha'i
family as within the community as a whole should express "the
keynote of the Cause of God" which, the beloved Guardian has
stated, "is not dictatorial authority, but humble fellowship,
not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving
consultation...."In any group, however loving the consultation, there are
nevertheless points on which, from time to time, agreement
cannot be reached. In a Spiritual Assembly this dilemma is
resolved by a majority vote. There can, however, be no
majority where only two parties are involved, as in the case of
a husband and wife. There are, therefore, times when a wife
should defer to her husband, and times when a husband should
defer to his wife, but neither should ever unjustly dominate
the other....(28 December 1980 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
2341. You have asked, however, for specific rules of conduct to
govern the relationships of husbands and wives. This the House
of Justice does not wish to do, and it feels that there is
already adequate guidance included in the compilation on this
subject; for example, the principle that the rights of each and
all in the family unit must be upheld, and the advice that
loving consultation should be the keynote, that all matters
must be settled in harmony and love, and that there are times
when the husband and wife should defer to the wishes of the
other. Exactly under what circumstances such deference should
take place is a matter for each couple to determine. If, God
forbid, they fail to agree, and their disagreement leads to
estrangement, they should seek counsel from those they trust
and in whose sincerity and sound judgement they have
confidence, in order to preserve and strengthen their ties as a
united family.2342. Concerning the definition of the term "aversion" in
relation to Bahá'í divorce law, the Universal House of Justice
points out that there are no specific "grounds" for Baha'i
divorce such as there are in some codes of civil law. Baha'i
law permits divorce but, as both Bahá'u'lláh and`Abdu'l-Bahá have made very clear, divorce is abhorred. Thus,
from the point of view of the individual believer he should do
all he can to refrain from divorce. Bahá'ís should be
profoundly aware of the sanctity of marriage and should strive
to make their marriages an eternal bond of unity and harmony.
This requires effort and sacrifice and wisdom andself-abnegation. A Bahá'í should consider the possibility of
divorce only if the situation is intolerable and he or she has
a strong aversion to being married to the other partner. This
is a standard held up to the individual. It is not a law, but
an exhortation. It is a goal to which we should strive.
From the point of view of the Spiritual Assembly, however,
the matter is somewhat different. The Spiritual Assembly should
always be concerned that the believers in its community are
being deepened in their understanding of the Bahá'í concept of
marriage, especially the young people, so that the very thought
of divorce will be abhorrent to them.... It can be seen,
therefore, that "aversion" is not a specific legal term that
needs to be defined. Indeed a number of other terms are used in
describing the situation that can lead to divorce in Baha'i
law, such as "antipathy", "resentment", "estrangement",
"impossibility of establishing harmony" and"irreconcilability". The texts, however, point out that divorce
is strongly condemned, should be viewed as "a last resort" when
"rare and urgent circumstances" exist, and that the partner who
is the "cause of divorce" will "unquestionably" become the
"victim of formidable calamities".2343. When an application for divorce is made to a Spiritual
Assembly, its first thought and action should be to reconcile
the couple and to ensure that they know the Bahá'í teachings on
the matter. God willing, the Assembly will be successful and no
year of waiting need be started. However, if the Assembly finds
that it is unable to persuade the party concerned to withdraw
the application for divorce, it must conclude that, from its
point of view, there appears to be an irreconcilable antipathy,
and it has no alternative to setting the date for the beginning
of the year of waiting. During the year the couple have the
responsibility of attempting to reconcile their differences,
and the Assembly has the duty to help them and encourage them.
But if the year of waiting comes to anend without reconciliation the Bahá'í divorce must be granted
as at the date of the granting of the civil divorce if this has
not already taken place.2344. It is clear that the Bahá'í teachings call for an
absolute standard of fidelity in the relationship between
husband and wife. An excerpt from aletter dated 28 September 1941 to an individual believer written on behalf
of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in "Messages from the Universal House of
Justice, 1968-1973", page 108, states:The question you raise as to the place in one's life that a
deep bond of love with someone we meet other than our husband
or wife can have is easily defined in view of the teachings.
Chastity implies both before and after marriage an unsullied,
chaste sex life. Before marriage absolutely chaste, after
marriage absolutely faithful to one's chosen companion.
Faithful in all sexual acts, faithful in word and in deed.
It is also evident from Bahá'í teachings that no husband
should subject his wife to abuse of any kind, and that such a
reprehensible action is the antithesis of the relationship of
mutual respect and equality enjoined by the Bahá'í writings--a
relationship governed by the principles of consultation and
devoid of the use of force to compel obedience to one's will.
(22 July 1987)2345. The House of Justice advises you to continue the
strenuous efforts you are making to overcome the difficulties
in your marriage. It is pleased to note that you and your
husband have turned to the Local Spiritual Assembly for
guidance and have sought help from a Bahá'í who is a marriage
counsellor. Such endeavours, when combined with a strong and
determined effort, improve greatly the prospects that your
marriage can be maintained. However, it must also be borne in
mind that the fact that Bahá'u'lláh has permitted divorce is,
no doubt, an indication that in certain circumstances it is
unavoidable. If your earnest efforts to maintain your marriage
do not yield the desired result, you should not be distraught.
(28 April 1989)2346. The House of Justice is distressed to learn that you and
your husband are continuing to experience marital difficulties.
It has frequently advised believers in such situations to turn
to the Spiritual Assemblies for advice and counsel, and to
follow this advice in their efforts to preserve the unity of
their marital relationship. It has been found useful in many
instances to also seek the assistance of competent professional
marriage counsellors, who can provide useful insights and
guidance in the use of constructive measures to bring about a
greater degree of unity.2347. ... no husband should subject his wife to abuse of any
kind, whether emotional, mental or physical....When a Bahá'í wife finds herself in such a situation and
feels it cannot be resolved through consultation with her
husband, she could well turn to the Local Spiritual Assembly
for advice and guidance, and might also find it highly
advantageous to seek the assistance of competent professional
counsellors. If the husband is also a Baha'i, the Local
Spiritual Assembly can bring to his attention the need to avoid
abusive behaviour and can, if necessary, take firm measures to
encourage him to conform to the admonitions of the teachings.
There have been many instances in which a couple, through a
consecrated and determined effort, aided by the power of prayer
and the advice of experts, succeeded in overcoming seemingly
insuperable obstacles to their reconciliation and in
reconstructing a strong foundation for their marriage. There
are also innumerable examples of individuals who have been able
to effect drastic and enduring changes in their behaviour,
through drawing on the spiritual powers available by the bounty
of God. As you know, in the Bahá'í Faith, divorce is
discouraged and should be resorted to only when a prolonged
effort to effect reconciliation has been unsuccessful. However,
it should also be noted that divorce is permissible when an
irreconcilable antipathy exists between the two parties to the
marriage.