Bahai9 - User contributions [en]

Administration

2026-05-07T07:29:44Z

B9O9:

==Authoritative books==
* [[Bahá'í Administration]]

==Compilations regarding==
* [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration Principles of Bahá'í Administration]

==Activities==
* [[Convention]]
* [[Elections]]

==Importance==

===The Ideal Instrument to Make Spiritual Laws Function Properly===

"He hopes you will devote as much of your spare time as possible to the work of the Cause, especially in impressing upon the believers the importance of the Administration and helping them to really understand its purpose and all it can achieve once they get it to function properly. In other words it is a perfect form which must be animated by the spirit of the Cause. It is the ideal instrument to make spiritual laws function properly in the material affairs of this world."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], June 16, 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:3|3]])

===A comprehensive statement on the origin and significance of Bahá'í Administration is of vital importance in any work of the Cause===

"He (the Guardian) is of the opinion, however, that while the secondary aspects of Bahá'í Administration should be left out, a comprehensive statement as to its origin and significance in the Bahá'í Dispensation is of vital importance in any work of the Cause, especially if it is written by a believer. The main thing is to properly present the subject so that the reader may be able to grasp it."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 6 April 1936, ''[[EXCERPTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF THE GUARDIAN ON THE BAHÁ’Í LIFE]]'', p. [https://bahai.works/Excerpts_from_the_writings_of_the_Guardian_on_the_Bah%C3%A1%E2%80%99%C3%AD_life/Text 12])

==Dangers of Over-Administration==

There is a tendency, a very natural one, of administrative bodies to want to administer, and consequently to build up rules and regulations, and deluge the friends with admonitions. The Guardian has seen this take place so many times in his own experience in watching over the interests of our Faith, that he feels it wise to warn you against allowing this tendency to creep upon you unawares, so to speak. There must be a free flow of strength, stimulation and energy going out to all the centers, and not a flow of detailed instructions. To the degree to which your Assembly is able to accomplish this, will it demonstrate its maturity. To complicate matters is invariably a sign of immaturity; true wisdom is to simplify them.

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 1 July 1957, ''[[Afire with the Vision|Afire with the Vision: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to Latin America]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/shoghi-effendi_afire_vision 21])

==Administration cannot replace spirituality==

"The need is very great, everywhere in the world…for a true spiritual awareness to pervade and motivate peoples’ lives. No amount of administrative procedure or adherence to rules can take the place of this soul-characteristic, this spirituality which is the essence of Man."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 25 April 1945, EXCERPTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF THE GUARDIAN ON THE BAHÁ’Í LIFE, p. [https://bahai.works/Excerpts_from_the_writings_of_the_Guardian_on_the_Bah%C3%A1%E2%80%99%C3%AD_life/Text 12])

==Not an end, but also inseparable from the spiritual==

===Relationship of the Cause to the Administration===

"Regarding the relationship of the Cause to the Administration: The Bahá'í Faith, as the Guardian himself has repeatedly and emphatically stated, cannot be confined to a mere system of organization, however elaborate in its features and universal in its scope it may be. Organization is only a means to the realization of its aims and ideals, and not an end in itself. To divorce the two, however, would be to mutilate the Cause itself, as they stand inseparably bound to each other, in very much the same relationship existing between the soul and body in the world of human existence."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 19, 1939, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:6|6]])

==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to further subcategorize)==

===Purpose of Administration===

"Your letter of October 19, 1973 giving a comprehensive survey of developments throughout Australia is of great interest and we commend you on your manifold efforts to promote the Faith throughout that vast continent.

"We urge you ever to bear in mind that the purpose of Bahá'í administration is primarily to lend strength and directive to the teaching work and to promote the establishment of the Faith. It should never be regarded as an end in itself but purely as a means to canalize and make effective a spiritual vitality generated by the Word of God in the hearts of the believers.

"The dedication and zeal with which you promote the Cause of God are highly commendable and we will pray at the Sacred Threshold that the process of expansion and consolidation will be greatly intensified as a result of your efforts."

:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, November 12, 1973, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:4|4]])

====Notes====
* Per https://bahai-library.com/uhj_grammatical_clarifications#directive , "directive" should read "direction"

===Social Order of Bahá'u'lláh===

"...To accept the Cause without the administration is like to accept the teachings without acknowledging the divine station of Bahá'u'lláh. To be a Bahá'í is to accept the Cause in its entirety. To take exception to one basic principle is to deny the authority and sovereignty of Bahá'u'lláh, and therefore is to deny the Cause. The administration is the social order of Bahá'u'lláh. Without it all the principles of the Cause will remain abortive. To take exception to this, therefore, is to take exception to the fabric that Bahá'u'lláh has prescribed; it is to disobey His law."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, May 30, 1930: Bahá'í News, No. 43, August 1930, p. 3, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:5|5]])

== See also ==
* [[Administrative Order]]
* [[Administrators]]
* [[Institutions]]
* [[Meetings of Bahá'í Assemblies, Attendance, Resignations]]
* [[Administrative Rights, Sanctions, Dissimulation]]
* [[Appeals]]
* [[By-Laws]]
* [[New believers]]
* [[Relationship of believers with the Assemblies]]
* [[Inactive believers]]
* [[Bahá'í Archives]]
* [[Endowments]]

[[Category:Administration]]

Virtues

2026-05-07T07:24:18Z

B9O9:

==Specific Virtues or Positive Qualities==

=== Balancing Virtues ===

"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, candor, and courage on the other"

: [[Shoghi Effendi]], 23 February 1924 to the Bahá'ís of America, published in "Bahá'í Administration, pp. 63-64)

* [[creativity]]
* [[collaboration]]
* [[enthusiasm]]
* [[joy]]
* [[justice]]
* [[moderation]]
* [[sacrifice]]
* [[service]]
* [[sincerity]]
* [[truthfulness]] (or [[honesty]])
* [[trustworthiness]]
* [[unity]]
* etc.

==Listings==
* [[List of virtues]]
* [[Virtues by rank]]

==See also==
* [[Virtue]]
* [[Vices]]
* [[Sin]]

[[Category:Virtues]]

Bahá'í Fund - eligibility of contributors

2026-05-07T07:18:31Z

B9O9: /* Guidelines for Accepting Funds from Governmental and Other Non-Bahá'í Sources */

==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to categorize)==

===Distinguishing Features of the Cause of God===

"One of the distinguishing features of the Cause of God is its principle of non-acceptance of financial contributions for its own purposes from non-Bahá'ís: support of the Bahá'í Fund is a bounty reserved by Bahá'u'lláh to His declared followers. This bounty imposes full responsibility for financial support of the Faith on the believers alone, every one of whom is called upon to do his utmost to ensure that the constant and liberal outpouring of means is maintained and increased to meet the growing needs of the Cause. Many Bahá'í communities are at present dependent on outside help, and for them the aim must be to become self-supporting, confident that the Generous Lord will, as their efforts increase, eventually enable them to offer for the progress of His Faith material wealth as well as their devotion, their energy and love."

:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to the Bahá'ís of the World, Naw-Ruz 1974, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:843|843]])

===Giving to the Fund is a Spiritual Privilege===

"Giving to the Fund, therefore, is a spiritual privilege, not open to those who have not accepted Bahá'u'lláh, of which no believer should deny himself. It is both a responsibility and a source of bounty. This is an aspect of the Cause which, we feel, is an essential part of the basic teaching and deepening of new believers. The importance of contributing resides in the degree of sacrifice of the giver, the spirit of devotion with which the contribution is made and the unity of the friends in this service; these attract the confirmations of God and enhance the dignity and self-respect of the individuals and the community."

:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to all National Spiritual Assemblies, August 7, 1985, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:844|844]])

===When a Soul Accepts Bahá'u'lláh He Becomes a Co-Worker in the Cause of God===

"There is a profound aspect to the relationship between a believer and the Fund, which holds true irrespective of his or her economic condition. When a human soul accepts Bahá'u'lláh as the Manifestation of God for this age and enters into the divine Covenant, that soul should progressively bring his or her whole life into harmony with the divine purpose--he becomes a co-worker in the Cause of God and receives the bounty of being permitted to devote his material possessions, no matter how meagre, to the work of the Faith."

:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to all National Spiritual Assemblies, August 7, 1985, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:845|845]])

===Those Who Openly Proclaim Recognition of Bahá'u'lláh Permitted to Contribute===

"...Since only those who have openly proclaimed their recognition of Bahá'u'lláh are permitted to contribute financially to the establishment of His world order, it is apparent that more, much more, is required from the few now so privileged. Our responsibilities in this field are very great, commensurate indeed with the bounty of being the bearers of the Name of God in this Day."

:(From the Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá'ís of the World, Ridvan 1966, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:846|846]])

===They Must Create a Sense of Belonging===

"As it has already been pointed out, in various communications 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."

:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to various National Spiritual Assemblies, February 9, 1967, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:847|847]])

===Contributions from Children of Non-Bahá'ís or in Case One Parent is Bahá'í===

"The Universal House of Justice has received your letter asking whether children of non-Bahá'ís or children one of whose parents is a Bahá'í are allowed to contribute to Bahá'í funds, and we have been asked to say that in both cases, if the child wishes to be a Bahá'í and his parents do not object, he may be treated as any other Bahá'í child. However, if the parents object to their child's being a Bahá'í, his contribution may be accepted for charitable purposes, including use for Bahá'í schools where both Bahá'ís and non-Bahá'ís are accepted as pupils."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of India, August 31, 1975, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:848|848]])

===Selling Items for the Benefit of the Bahá'í Fund===

"As to the sale of personal items for the benefit of Bahá'í funds, we begin with the principle that any believer may sell personal services or goods to anyone and do with the proceeds as he wishes, including giving any or all of them to Bahá'í purposes. In doing so, however, he should not represent to non-Bahá'ís that such a sale is for the benefit of a Bahá'í fund as it is also a principle that it is improper to solicit funds from non-Bahá'ís in the name of the Faith for any purpose. This includes the sale of food and admission to entertainment."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, April 1, 1968, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:849|849]])

===It is Not Proper for a Bahá'í Institution to Sponsor a Fund-Raising Sale Open to Public===

"...Neither do we think it is proper for a Bahá'í institution to sponsor a 'garage sale' of personal items contributed by believers for the benefit of a Bahá'í fund. This is not to say that an Assembly may not sell items of property to non-Bahá'ís for fair market value, but rather that non-Bahá'ís should not be led to purchase items at a fund-raising sale on the representation that the proceeds are to be used for Bahá'í purposes."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, April 1, 1968, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:850|850]])

===Auctions Among Bahá'ís--Contributing to the Fund is a Spiritual Responsibility===

"There is no objection to the friends' holding an auction among Bahá'ís for the purpose of contributing the proceeds to the fund, nor is there any objection to Bahá'ís selling their own property to non-Bahá'ís for its fair market value and later contributing the proceeds to the fund, although no representation should be made at the sale about the proceeds going to the Bahá'í fund. The House of Justice feels, however, that it is important for the friends never to lose sight of the fact that contributing to the funds of the Faith is a spiritual responsibility and privilege of profound significance in the spiritual life of the individual believer, and care must be taken not to trivialize this aspect of Bahá'í life or to treat it with a lack of dignity. At the same time, the Assemblies should not dampen the enthusiasm of those friends who, having only slender financial resources, devise imaginative ways of earning money for the work of the Faith.

"As your Assembly is considering sponsoring an auction under its direct auspices, the House of Justice suggests that you should ascertain whether the holding of auctions is legally permissible, since we are informed that in some countries it is legal only if conducted by a licensed auctioneer."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Chile, July 8, 1984, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:851|851]])

===Holding of Raffles===

"The holding of raffles has not been specifically mentioned in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, and the Universal House of Justice has not legislated on the matter. However, the House of Justice does not at present consider it desirable for Bahá'í institutions to raise funds by this method."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, January 15, 1984, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:852|852]])

===Guidelines Towards Establishing a Business Venture Owned by Bahá'ís===

"The Universal House of Justice has received your letter of 15 February concerning the proposal by a number of Bahá'ís to establish a private company whose shares would be owned by Bahá'ís and which would be managed for the financial profit of the friends and of the Faith. We are instructed to transmit its advice.

"Your objective to generate funds for the Faith is, of course, praiseworthy. In the past, as you may assume, similar proposals have been made to the House of Justice, and the following guidelines may be helpful from a letter to an individual:

'Concerning the formation of a company which you and other friends have suggested, the Universal House of Justice ... has decided that the time has not yet come to have the Bahá'í institutions involved in a business transaction in the way which was suggested.

'If the friends, however, are willing, spontaneously, to establish a profitable business in order to benefit themselves as well as the other friends it is meritorious and there is no objection.'

"Should such a business venture as you propose be undertaken--and there is nothing wrong with it in principle--it would be well to advise the Bahá'ís who participate to approach it on the basis of its viability as a business project and they should not underestimate the possibilities of financial loss.

"The House of Justice feels that the institutions of the Faith should neither themselves become involved in nor promote such a private business. The use of national endowments as collateral for such a business is not permissible."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Jamaica, April 5, 1982, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:853|853]])

===Reasons for Not Accepting Donations from Non-Bahá'ís for Administration of the Faith===

"...He wishes me to stress again that under no circumstances the believers should accept any financial help from non-Bahá'ís for use in connection with specific administrative activities of the Faith such as the Temple construction fund, and other local or national Bahá'í administrative funds. The reason for this is twofold: First because the institutions which the Bahá'ís are gradually building are in the nature of gifts from Bahá'u'lláh to the world; and secondly the acceptance of funds from non-believers for specific Bahá'í use would, sooner

or later, involve the Bahá'ís into unforeseen complications and difficulties with others, and thus cause incalculable harm to the body of the Cause."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, July 12, 1938, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:854|854]])

===Guidelines for Accepting Funds from Governmental and Other Non-Bahá'í Sources===

"All gifts by non-Bahá'ís are to be used for charity only."

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Citadel of Faith]]'', p. [[cf:87|87]])

"The crucial point in deciding whether or not funds may be accepted from non-Bahá'í sources is the purpose for which the funds are to be used. As you know, it is absolutely forbidden in the Faith to accept from non-Bahá'ís contributions towards the work of the Cause itself. However, in addition to the work of spreading the Faith and establishing its institutions, Spiritual Assemblies also engage in humanitarian activities, and contributions from non-Bahá'í sources may be accepted towards such activities. Indeed, although we never ask individual non-Bahá'ís for funds, it sometimes happens that a person who has a great admiration for the Faith insists on contributing. In such a case the contribution may be accepted, with the express provision that it will be used only for charitable and humanitarian purposes.

"Governments and their agencies occupy a special position because, of course, they are often very willing to assist those who are engaged in humanitarian service. Thus, where a Spiritual Assembly is undertaking a specifically humanitarian activity for which the government normally would supply financial assistance, the Assembly may accept such assistance. The activity that you instance, a meeting being held on behalf of Human Rights Day to advance one of the aims of the United Nations, is a case in point; there would be no objection to your accepting from 'INAC' its offer to pay for the invitation cards on that occasion.

"In relation to schools and other institutions of community service, government assistance is also acceptable, but here the Assembly needs to be aware that the acceptance of government funding often brings with it an obligation to accept a degree of governmental control, and these points must be carefully considered."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, March 6, 1983, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:855|855]])

===Should Recipient of Public Charity Contribute to the Bahá'í Fund?===

"Concerning your question whether a person is to contribute to the Bahá'í Fund when he obtains his means of livelihood through public charity. Practically this is impossible, for a person who is so dependent upon the community cannot be of much help to others. Generally he does not have sufficient even for himself alone. In principle however, this is a secondary issue. Donations to the Cause are free. It is for every person to judge for himself whether he is in a position to contribute and whether he desires to do it; how he has obtained that sum is immaterial. A poor person may be readier than a rich man in sharing with others, and if he does, his sacrifice would be greater. A rich man's gift may not be a sacrifice, but a poor man's is sure to be."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, March 9, 1932, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:856|856]])

==See also==
* [[Bahá'í Funds]]

[[Category:Bahá’í Funds]]

Administration

2026-05-07T07:16:01Z

B9O9:

==Authoritative books==
* [[Bahá'í Administration]]

==Compilations regarding==
* [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration Principles of Bahá'í Administration]

==Activities==
* [[Convention]]
* [[Elections]]

==Importance==

===The Ideal Instrument to Make Spiritual Laws Function Properly===

"He hopes you will devote as much of your spare time as possible to the work of the Cause, especially in impressing upon the believers the importance of the Administration and helping them to really understand its purpose and all it can achieve once they get it to function properly. In other words it is a perfect form which must be animated by the spirit of the Cause. It is the ideal instrument to make spiritual laws function properly in the material affairs of this world."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], June 16, 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:3|3]])

===A comprehensive statement on the origin and significance of Bahá'í Administration is of vital importance in any work of the Cause===

"He (the Guardian) is of the opinion, however, that while the secondary aspects of Bahá'í Administration should be left out, a comprehensive statement as to its origin and significance in the Bahá'í Dispensation is of vital importance in any work of the Cause, especially if it is written by a believer. The main thing is to properly present the subject so that the reader may be able to grasp it."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 6 April 1936, ''[[EXCERPTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF THE GUARDIAN ON THE BAHÁ’Í LIFE]]'', p. [https://bahai.works/Excerpts_from_the_writings_of_the_Guardian_on_the_Bah%C3%A1%E2%80%99%C3%AD_life/Text 12])

==Administration cannot replace spirituality==

"The need is very great, everywhere in the world…for a true spiritual awareness to pervade and motivate peoples’ lives. No amount of administrative procedure or adherence to rules can take the place of this soul-characteristic, this spirituality which is the essence of Man."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 25 April 1945, EXCERPTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF THE GUARDIAN ON THE BAHÁ’Í LIFE, p. [https://bahai.works/Excerpts_from_the_writings_of_the_Guardian_on_the_Bah%C3%A1%E2%80%99%C3%AD_life/Text 12])

==Not an end, but also inseparable from the spiritual==

===Relationship of the Cause to the Administration===

"Regarding the relationship of the Cause to the Administration: The Bahá'í Faith, as the Guardian himself has repeatedly and emphatically stated, cannot be confined to a mere system of organization, however elaborate in its features and universal in its scope it may be. Organization is only a means to the realization of its aims and ideals, and not an end in itself. To divorce the two, however, would be to mutilate the Cause itself, as they stand inseparably bound to each other, in very much the same relationship existing between the soul and body in the world of human existence."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 19, 1939, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:6|6]])

==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to further subcategorize)==

===Purpose of Administration===

"Your letter of October 19, 1973 giving a comprehensive survey of developments throughout Australia is of great interest and we commend you on your manifold efforts to promote the Faith throughout that vast continent.

"We urge you ever to bear in mind that the purpose of Bahá'í administration is primarily to lend strength and directive to the teaching work and to promote the establishment of the Faith. It should never be regarded as an end in itself but purely as a means to canalize and make effective a spiritual vitality generated by the Word of God in the hearts of the believers.

"The dedication and zeal with which you promote the Cause of God are highly commendable and we will pray at the Sacred Threshold that the process of expansion and consolidation will be greatly intensified as a result of your efforts."

:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, November 12, 1973, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:4|4]])

====Notes====
* Per https://bahai-library.com/uhj_grammatical_clarifications#directive , "directive" should read "direction"

===Social Order of Bahá'u'lláh===

"...To accept the Cause without the administration is like to accept the teachings without acknowledging the divine station of Bahá'u'lláh. To be a Bahá'í is to accept the Cause in its entirety. To take exception to one basic principle is to deny the authority and sovereignty of Bahá'u'lláh, and therefore is to deny the Cause. The administration is the social order of Bahá'u'lláh. Without it all the principles of the Cause will remain abortive. To take exception to this, therefore, is to take exception to the fabric that Bahá'u'lláh has prescribed; it is to disobey His law."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, May 30, 1930: Bahá'í News, No. 43, August 1930, p. 3, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:5|5]])

== See also ==
* [[Administrative Order]]
* [[Administrators]]
* [[Institutions]]
* [[Meetings of Bahá'í Assemblies, Attendance, Resignations]]
* [[Administrative Rights, Sanctions, Dissimulation]]
* [[Appeals]]
* [[By-Laws]]
* [[New believers]]
* [[Relationship of believers with the Assemblies]]
* [[Inactive believers]]
* [[Bahá'í Archives]]
* [[Endowments]]

[[Category:Administration]]

Administration

2026-05-07T07:11:15Z

B9O9: /* Importance */

==Authoritative books==
* [[Bahá'í Administration]]

==Compilations regarding==
* [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration Principles of Bahá'í Administration]

==Activities==
* [[Convention]]
* [[Elections]]

==Importance==

===The Ideal Instrument to Make Spiritual Laws Function Properly===

"He hopes you will devote as much of your spare time as possible to the work of the Cause, especially in impressing upon the believers the importance of the Administration and helping them to really understand its purpose and all it can achieve once they get it to function properly. In other words it is a perfect form which must be animated by the spirit of the Cause. It is the ideal instrument to make spiritual laws function properly in the material affairs of this world."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], June 16, 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:3|3]])

===A comprehensive statement on the origin and significance of Bahá'í Administration is of vital importance in any work of the Cause===

"He (the Guardian) is of the opinion, however, that while the secondary aspects of Bahá'í Administration should be left out, a comprehensive statement as to its origin and significance in the Bahá'í Dispensation is of vital importance in any work of the Cause, especially if it is written by a believer. The main thing is to properly present the subject so that the reader may be able to grasp it."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 6 April 1936, ''[[EXCERPTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF THE GUARDIAN ON THE BAHÁ’Í LIFE]]'', p. [https://bahai.works/Excerpts_from_the_writings_of_the_Guardian_on_the_Bah%C3%A1%E2%80%99%C3%AD_life/Text 12])

===Administration cannot replace spirituality===

"The need is very great, everywhere in the world…for a true spiritual awareness to pervade and motivate peoples’ lives. No amount of administrative procedure or adherence to rules can take the place of this soul-characteristic, this spirituality which is the essence of Man."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 25 April 1945, EXCERPTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF THE GUARDIAN ON THE BAHÁ’Í LIFE, p. [https://bahai.works/Excerpts_from_the_writings_of_the_Guardian_on_the_Bah%C3%A1%E2%80%99%C3%AD_life/Text 12])

==Not an end, but also inseparable from the spiritual==

===Relationship of the Cause to the Administration===

"Regarding the relationship of the Cause to the Administration: The Bahá'í Faith, as the Guardian himself has repeatedly and emphatically stated, cannot be confined to a mere system of organization, however elaborate in its features and universal in its scope it may be. Organization is only a means to the realization of its aims and ideals, and not an end in itself. To divorce the two, however, would be to mutilate the Cause itself, as they stand inseparably bound to each other, in very much the same relationship existing between the soul and body in the world of human existence."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 19, 1939, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:6|6]])

==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to further subcategorize)==

===Purpose of Administration===

"Your letter of October 19, 1973 giving a comprehensive survey of developments throughout Australia is of great interest and we commend you on your manifold efforts to promote the Faith throughout that vast continent.

"We urge you ever to bear in mind that the purpose of Bahá'í administration is primarily to lend strength and directive to the teaching work and to promote the establishment of the Faith. It should never be regarded as an end in itself but purely as a means to canalize and make effective a spiritual vitality generated by the Word of God in the hearts of the believers.

"The dedication and zeal with which you promote the Cause of God are highly commendable and we will pray at the Sacred Threshold that the process of expansion and consolidation will be greatly intensified as a result of your efforts."

:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, November 12, 1973, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:4|4]])

====Notes====
* Per https://bahai-library.com/uhj_grammatical_clarifications#directive , "directive" should read "direction"

===Social Order of Bahá'u'lláh===

"...To accept the Cause without the administration is like to accept the teachings without acknowledging the divine station of Bahá'u'lláh. To be a Bahá'í is to accept the Cause in its entirety. To take exception to one basic principle is to deny the authority and sovereignty of Bahá'u'lláh, and therefore is to deny the Cause. The administration is the social order of Bahá'u'lláh. Without it all the principles of the Cause will remain abortive. To take exception to this, therefore, is to take exception to the fabric that Bahá'u'lláh has prescribed; it is to disobey His law."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, May 30, 1930: Bahá'í News, No. 43, August 1930, p. 3, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:5|5]])

== See also ==
* [[Administrative Order]]
* [[Administrators]]
* [[Institutions]]
* [[Meetings of Bahá'í Assemblies, Attendance, Resignations]]
* [[Administrative Rights, Sanctions, Dissimulation]]
* [[Appeals]]
* [[By-Laws]]
* [[New believers]]
* [[Relationship of believers with the Assemblies]]
* [[Inactive believers]]
* [[Bahá'í Archives]]
* [[Endowments]]

[[Category:Administration]]

Administration

2026-05-07T07:10:44Z

B9O9:

==Authoritative books==
* [[Bahá'í Administration]]

==Compilations regarding==
* [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration Principles of Bahá'í Administration]

==Activities==
* [[Convention]]
* [[Elections]]

==Importance==

===The Ideal Instrument to Make Spiritual Laws Function Properly===

"He hopes you will devote as much of your spare time as possible to the work of the Cause, especially in impressing upon the believers the importance of the Administration and helping them to really understand its purpose and all it can achieve once they get it to function properly. In other words it is a perfect form which must be animated by the spirit of the Cause. It is the ideal instrument to make spiritual laws function properly in the material affairs of this world."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], June 16, 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:3|3]])

===A comprehensive statement on the origin and significance of Bahá'í Administration is of vital importance in any work of the Cause===

"He (the Guardian) is of the opinion, however, that while the secondary aspects of Bahá'í Administration should be left out, a comprehensive statement as to its origin and significance in the Bahá'í Dispensation is of vital importance in any work of the Cause, especially if it is written by a believer. The main thing is to properly present the subject so that the reader may be able to grasp it."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 6 April 1936, ''[[EXCERPTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF THE GUARDIAN ON THE BAHÁ’Í LIFE]]'', p. [https://bahai.works/Excerpts_from_the_writings_of_the_Guardian_on_the_Bah%C3%A1%E2%80%99%C3%AD_life/Text 12])

===Administration cannot replace spirituality===

"The need is very great, everywhere in the world…for a true spiritual awareness to pervade and motivate peoples’ lives. No amount of administrative procedure or adherence to rules can take the place of this soul-characteristic, this spirituality which is the essence of Man."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 25 April 1945, ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:12]])

==Not an end, but also inseparable from the spiritual==

===Relationship of the Cause to the Administration===

"Regarding the relationship of the Cause to the Administration: The Bahá'í Faith, as the Guardian himself has repeatedly and emphatically stated, cannot be confined to a mere system of organization, however elaborate in its features and universal in its scope it may be. Organization is only a means to the realization of its aims and ideals, and not an end in itself. To divorce the two, however, would be to mutilate the Cause itself, as they stand inseparably bound to each other, in very much the same relationship existing between the soul and body in the world of human existence."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 19, 1939, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:6|6]])

==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to further subcategorize)==

===Purpose of Administration===

"Your letter of October 19, 1973 giving a comprehensive survey of developments throughout Australia is of great interest and we commend you on your manifold efforts to promote the Faith throughout that vast continent.

"We urge you ever to bear in mind that the purpose of Bahá'í administration is primarily to lend strength and directive to the teaching work and to promote the establishment of the Faith. It should never be regarded as an end in itself but purely as a means to canalize and make effective a spiritual vitality generated by the Word of God in the hearts of the believers.

"The dedication and zeal with which you promote the Cause of God are highly commendable and we will pray at the Sacred Threshold that the process of expansion and consolidation will be greatly intensified as a result of your efforts."

:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, November 12, 1973, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:4|4]])

====Notes====
* Per https://bahai-library.com/uhj_grammatical_clarifications#directive , "directive" should read "direction"

===Social Order of Bahá'u'lláh===

"...To accept the Cause without the administration is like to accept the teachings without acknowledging the divine station of Bahá'u'lláh. To be a Bahá'í is to accept the Cause in its entirety. To take exception to one basic principle is to deny the authority and sovereignty of Bahá'u'lláh, and therefore is to deny the Cause. The administration is the social order of Bahá'u'lláh. Without it all the principles of the Cause will remain abortive. To take exception to this, therefore, is to take exception to the fabric that Bahá'u'lláh has prescribed; it is to disobey His law."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, May 30, 1930: Bahá'í News, No. 43, August 1930, p. 3, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:5|5]])

== See also ==
* [[Administrative Order]]
* [[Administrators]]
* [[Institutions]]
* [[Meetings of Bahá'í Assemblies, Attendance, Resignations]]
* [[Administrative Rights, Sanctions, Dissimulation]]
* [[Appeals]]
* [[By-Laws]]
* [[New believers]]
* [[Relationship of believers with the Assemblies]]
* [[Inactive believers]]
* [[Bahá'í Archives]]
* [[Endowments]]

[[Category:Administration]]

History

2026-05-07T06:56:05Z

B9O9: /* Important principles in studying */

==Categorizations of history==
*[[Historical accounts-events]] (Bahá'í history)
*[[Writings on accounts-events by date]] (narrated by the Writings only)
* [[Accounts-events by period]] (incorporates nonauthoritative sources also)
*[[Timelines]]
* [[Figures in history]] (by protagonist)

==Books on history==
===General history (some interaction with Bahá'í history)===
* [[Promised Day Is Come]]

===Bahá'í history (some interaction with general history)===
* Early Bahá'í history: [[Traveler's Narrative]], [[God Passes By]], [[Dawn-Breakers]]
* [[Century of Light]]
* [[pilgrims' notes]]

==Need to study==
* [[History - Need to study]]
* https://bahai-library.com/zamir/sm/?16 (Bahá'í History)
* https://bahai-library.com/zamir/sm/?31 (VI.4.) (General history)
* https://bahai-library.com/zamir/sm/?26 (V.5.) (Interaction of Bahá'í History with general history)

==Baha'i writings on periods of history==

===Impact of Islam on the European Renaissance===

"The so-called Christian civilization of which the Renaissance is one of the most striking manifestations is essentially Muslim in its origins and foundations. When medieval Europe was plunged in darkest barbarism, the Arabs regenerated and transformed by the spirit released by the religion of Muhammad were busily engaged in establishing a civilization the like of which their contemporary Christians in Europe had never witnessed before. It was eventually through Arabs that civilization was introduced to the West. It was through them that the philosophy, science and culture which the old Greeks had developed found their way to Europe. The Arabs were the ablest translators, and linguists of their age, and it is thanks to them that the writings of such well-known thinkers as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were made available to the Westerners. It is wholly unfair to attribute the efflorescence of European culture during the Renaissance period to the influence of Christianity. It was mainly the product of the forces released by the Muhammadan Dispensation."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, April 27, 1936, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1664|1664]])

=== Shoghi Effendi's interpretation of the Protestant Reformation===

"What contribution the Reformation did really make was to seriously challenge, and partly undermine, the edifice which the Fathers of the Church had themselves reared, and to discard and demonstrate the purely human origin of the elaborate doctrines, ceremonies and institutions which they had devised. The Reformation was a right challenge to the man-made organization of the Church, and as such was a step in advance. In its origins, it was a reflection of the new spirit which Islam had released, and a God-sent punishment to those who had refused to embrace its truth."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, December 28, 1936, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1653|1653]])

=== Criticism of Hegelian Nationalism ===

“The Hegelian philosophy which, in other countries, has, in the form of an intolerant and militant nationalism, insisted on deifying the state, has inculcated the war-spirit, and incited to racial animosity, has, likewise, led to a marked weakening of the Church and to a grave diminution of its spiritual influence. Unlike the bold offensive which an avowedly atheistic movement had chosen to launch against it, both within the Soviet union and beyond its confines, this nationalistic philosophy, which Christian rulers and governments have upheld, is an attack directed against the Church by those who were previously its professed adherents, a betrayal of its cause by its own kith and kin.”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[World Order of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[wob:182|182]])

==Important principles in studying==

===Unity of Bahá'í revelation as one complete whole===

"Shoghi Effendi feels that the Unity of the Bahá'í revelation as one complete whole embracing the Faith of the Báb should be emphasised... The Faith of the Báb should not be divorced from that of Bahá'u'lláh. Though the teachings of the Bayan have been abrogated and superseded by the laws of Aqdas, yet due to the fact that the Báb considered Himself as the forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh we should regard His dispensation together with that of Bahá'u'lláh as forming one entity, the former being an introductory to the advent of the latter. Just as the advent of John the Baptist--who according to various authorities was Himself the originator of laws which abrogated the teachings current among the Jews--forms part of the Christian revelation, the advent of the Báb likewise forms an integral part of the Bahá'í Faith. That is why Shoghi Effendi feels justified to call Nabil's narrative a narrative of the early days of the Bahá'í revelation."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 30 November 1930, ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', pp. [[ud:426|426]]-427)

===Every area of the world has received spiritual guidance===

“Unto every people We have sent down the Book in their own language.”

:([[The Bab]], ''[[Selections from the writings of the Bab]]'', pp. [[45-46]])

"Undoubtedly in those regions [The Americas] the Call of God must have been raised in ancient times"

:([[Abdu'l Baha], ''[[Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks]]'')

====See also====
* ''[[God Passes By]]'', pp. [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/gpb/0.html#xiv xiv]-xvi

===[[Crisis and victory]]===

==Institutions for preserving==
* [[Archives]]

==To-dos for this page==
* Integrate quotations cited at https://bahaipedia.org/History#Historiography

[[Category:History]]

History

2026-05-07T06:47:44Z

B9O9: /* Important principles in studying */

Political science

2026-05-07T06:39:34Z

B9O9: /* Baha'is can, in moderation, write on political Philosophy and the analysis of the presuppositions shaping political structures */

== The analysis of the presuppositions shaping political structures ==

There is, however, one case in which one can criticize the present social and political order without being necessarily forced to side with or oppose any existing regime. And this is the method adopted by the Guardian in his "Goal of a New World Order". His criticisms of the world conditions besides being very general in character are abstract; that is, instead of condemning existing institutional organizations it goes deeper and analyzes the basic ideas and conceptions which have been responsible for their establishment. This being a mere intellectual and philosophical approach to the problem of world political crisis, there is no objection if you wish to try such a method, which immediately carries you from the field of practical politics to that of political theory. But in view of the fact that no clear-cut line can be drawn between theory and practice you should be extremely careful not to make too free a use of such a method.

*[[political criticism]]

==To-dos for this page==
* Incorporate from https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20081223_001/20081223_001.xhtml?e0ae84b0

[[Category:Politics]]

Political science

2026-05-07T06:39:06Z

B9O9:

== Baha'is can, in moderation, write on political Philosophy and the analysis of the presuppositions shaping political structures ==

There is, however, one case in which one can criticize the present social and political order without being necessarily forced to side with or oppose any existing regime. And this is the method adopted by the Guardian in his "Goal of a New World Order". His criticisms of the world conditions besides being very general in character are abstract; that is, instead of condemning existing institutional organizations it goes deeper and analyzes the basic ideas and conceptions which have been responsible for their establishment. This being a mere intellectual and philosophical approach to the problem of world political crisis, there is no objection if you wish to try such a method, which immediately carries you from the field of practical politics to that of political theory. But in view of the fact that no clear-cut line can be drawn between theory and practice you should be extremely careful not to make too free a use of such a method.

*[[political criticism]]

==To-dos for this page==
* Incorporate from https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20081223_001/20081223_001.xhtml?e0ae84b0

[[Category:Politics]]

Philosophy

2026-05-07T06:30:59Z

B9O9: /* See also */

==All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy==

"Among other teachings and principles Bahá'u'lláh counsels the education of all members of society. No individual should be denied or deprived of intellectual training although each should receive according to capacity. None must be left in the grades of ignorance, for ignorance is a defect in the human world. All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy; that is, as much as may be deemed necessary. All cannot be scientists or philosophers but each should be educated according to his needs and deserts."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', 1982 ed., p. [[pup:108|108]]; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:710|710]])

==(Criticism of) narrow-minded materialists is what was meant, not criticism of deistic philosophers, or even moderate materialistic philosophers who have been of service to mankind==

"It is as thou hast written, not philosophers in general but narrow-minded materialists that are meant. As to deistic philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, they are indeed worthy of esteem and of the highest praise, for they have rendered distinguished services to mankind. In like manner we regard the materialistic, accomplished, moderate philosophers, who have been of service (to mankind)."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablet to August Forel]]'', p. [[taf:7|7]])

==Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual.==

"When He [Abdu'l Baha] calls the philosophers of the West materialistic this does not for a moment mean He includes all Western philosophers for, as you truly point out, many of them have been very spiritual in their concepts...."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 1946 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Socrates]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/uncompiled_letters/1940s/1946-06-07%20on%20behalf%20of%20to%20an%20individual%20re%20Abdul-Bahas%20statements%20as%20dogmatic%20finalities.html 13]

==Fruitless metaphysical hair-splitting and not philosophy in general is meant as sciences to be avoided that begin and end in words==

"Philosophy, as you will study it and later teach it, is certainly not one of the sciences that begins and ends in words. Fruitless excursions into metaphysical hair-splitting is meant, not a sound branch of learning like philosophy.....

"As regards your own studies: he would advise you not to devote too much of your time to the abstract side of philosophy, but rather to approach it from a more historical angle. As to correlating philosophy with the Bahá'í teachings; this is a tremendous work which scholars in the future can undertake. We must remember that not only are all the teachings not yet translated into English, but they are not even all collected yet. Many important Tablets may still come to light which are at present owned privately."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 15 February 1947 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:445|445]])

===See also===
* [[Usefulness]]

==Branches of Philosophy==
* [[Aesthetics]]
* [[Ethics]]
* [[Logic]]
* [[History of Philosophy]] (see also [[time-sequence]])

==See also==

* https://loom.loomofreality.org/ (Compilation of over 6,000 Baha'i quotations on philosophical topics, organised and grouped into sections on different sub-themes of philosophy)

* https://bahai-library.com/tags/*_Philosophy (Collection of many articles on Philosophy)

* Sergeev, Mikhail. "Theology and Philosophy." In The World of the Bahá'í Faith, pp. 159-174. Routledge, 2021.

* [[Wikipedia:Philosophy]] (for the public article at Wikipedia)

==To-dos for this page==
* Add references for the Bahá'í perspective on philosophical issues

[[Category:Philosophy]]

Philosophy

2026-05-07T06:30:36Z

B9O9: /* See also */

Philosophy

2026-05-07T06:19:39Z

B9O9:

==All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy==

"Among other teachings and principles Bahá'u'lláh counsels the education of all members of society. No individual should be denied or deprived of intellectual training although each should receive according to capacity. None must be left in the grades of ignorance, for ignorance is a defect in the human world. All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy; that is, as much as may be deemed necessary. All cannot be scientists or philosophers but each should be educated according to his needs and deserts."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', 1982 ed., p. [[pup:108|108]]; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:710|710]])

==(Criticism of) narrow-minded materialists is what was meant, not criticism of deistic philosophers, or even moderate materialistic philosophers who have been of service to mankind==

"It is as thou hast written, not philosophers in general but narrow-minded materialists that are meant. As to deistic philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, they are indeed worthy of esteem and of the highest praise, for they have rendered distinguished services to mankind. In like manner we regard the materialistic, accomplished, moderate philosophers, who have been of service (to mankind)."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablet to August Forel]]'', p. [[taf:7|7]])

==Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual.==

"When He [Abdu'l Baha] calls the philosophers of the West materialistic this does not for a moment mean He includes all Western philosophers for, as you truly point out, many of them have been very spiritual in their concepts...."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 1946 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Socrates]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/uncompiled_letters/1940s/1946-06-07%20on%20behalf%20of%20to%20an%20individual%20re%20Abdul-Bahas%20statements%20as%20dogmatic%20finalities.html 13]

==Fruitless metaphysical hair-splitting and not philosophy in general is meant as sciences to be avoided that begin and end in words==

"Philosophy, as you will study it and later teach it, is certainly not one of the sciences that begins and ends in words. Fruitless excursions into metaphysical hair-splitting is meant, not a sound branch of learning like philosophy.....

"As regards your own studies: he would advise you not to devote too much of your time to the abstract side of philosophy, but rather to approach it from a more historical angle. As to correlating philosophy with the Bahá'í teachings; this is a tremendous work which scholars in the future can undertake. We must remember that not only are all the teachings not yet translated into English, but they are not even all collected yet. Many important Tablets may still come to light which are at present owned privately."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 15 February 1947 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:445|445]])

===See also===
* [[Usefulness]]

==Branches of Philosophy==
* [[Aesthetics]]
* [[Ethics]]
* [[Logic]]
* [[History of Philosophy]] (see also [[time-sequence]])

==See also==
* [[Wikipedia:Philosophy]] (for the public article at Wikipedia)

==To-dos for this page==
* Add references for the Bahá'í perspective on philosophical issues

[[Category:Philosophy]]

Philosophy

2026-05-07T06:17:53Z

B9O9:

==All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy==

"Among other teachings and principles Bahá'u'lláh counsels the education of all members of society. No individual should be denied or deprived of intellectual training although each should receive according to capacity. None must be left in the grades of ignorance, for ignorance is a defect in the human world. All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy; that is, as much as may be deemed necessary. All cannot be scientists or philosophers but each should be educated according to his needs and deserts."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', 1982 ed., p. [[pup:108|108]]; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:710|710]])

==(Criticism of) narrow-minded materialists is what was meant, not criticism of deistic philosophers, or even moderate materialistic philosophers who have been of service to mankind==

"It is as thou hast written, not philosophers in general but narrow-minded materialists that are meant. As to deistic philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, they are indeed worthy of esteem and of the highest praise, for they have rendered distinguished services to mankind. In like manner we regard the materialistic, accomplished, moderate philosophers, who have been of service (to mankind)."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablet to August Forel]]'', p. [[taf:7|7]])

==Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual.==

"When He [Abdu'l Baha] calls the philosophers of the West materialistic this does not for a moment mean He includes all Western philosophers for, as you truly point out, many of them have been very spiritual in their concepts...."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 1946 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Socrates]]'', no. [13] <ref> https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/uncompiled_letters/1940s/1946-06-07%20on%20behalf%20of%20to%20an%20individual%20re%20Abdul-Bahas%20statements%20as%20dogmatic%20finalities.html </ref>)

==Fruitless metaphysical hair-splitting and not philosophy in general is meant as sciences to be avoided that begin and end in words==

"Philosophy, as you will study it and later teach it, is certainly not one of the sciences that begins and ends in words. Fruitless excursions into metaphysical hair-splitting is meant, not a sound branch of learning like philosophy.....

"As regards your own studies: he would advise you not to devote too much of your time to the abstract side of philosophy, but rather to approach it from a more historical angle. As to correlating philosophy with the Bahá'í teachings; this is a tremendous work which scholars in the future can undertake. We must remember that not only are all the teachings not yet translated into English, but they are not even all collected yet. Many important Tablets may still come to light which are at present owned privately."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 15 February 1947 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:445|445]])

===See also===
* [[Usefulness]]

==Branches of Philosophy==
* [[Aesthetics]]
* [[Ethics]]
* [[Logic]]
* [[History of Philosophy]] (see also [[time-sequence]])

==See also==
* [[Wikipedia:Philosophy]] (for the public article at Wikipedia)

==To-dos for this page==
* Add references for the Bahá'í perspective on philosophical issues

[[Category:Philosophy]]

Philosophy

2026-05-07T06:16:59Z

B9O9: /* Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual. */

==All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy==

"Among other teachings and principles Bahá'u'lláh counsels the education of all members of society. No individual should be denied or deprived of intellectual training although each should receive according to capacity. None must be left in the grades of ignorance, for ignorance is a defect in the human world. All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy; that is, as much as may be deemed necessary. All cannot be scientists or philosophers but each should be educated according to his needs and deserts."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', 1982 ed., p. [[pup:108|108]]; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:710|710]])

==(Criticism of) narrow-minded materialists is what was meant, not criticism of deistic philosophers, or even moderate materialistic philosophers who have been of service to mankind==

"It is as thou hast written, not philosophers in general but narrow-minded materialists that are meant. As to deistic philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, they are indeed worthy of esteem and of the highest praise, for they have rendered distinguished services to mankind. In like manner we regard the materialistic, accomplished, moderate philosophers, who have been of service (to mankind)."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablet to August Forel]]'', p. [[taf:7|7]])

==Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual.==

"When He [Abdu'l Baha] calls the philosophers of the West materialistic this does not for a moment mean He includes all Western philosophers for, as you truly point out, many of them have been very spiritual in their concepts...."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 1946 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Socrates]]'', no. [13])

==Fruitless metaphysical hair-splitting and not philosophy in general is meant as sciences to be avoided that begin and end in words==

"Philosophy, as you will study it and later teach it, is certainly not one of the sciences that begins and ends in words. Fruitless excursions into metaphysical hair-splitting is meant, not a sound branch of learning like philosophy.....

"As regards your own studies: he would advise you not to devote too much of your time to the abstract side of philosophy, but rather to approach it from a more historical angle. As to correlating philosophy with the Bahá'í teachings; this is a tremendous work which scholars in the future can undertake. We must remember that not only are all the teachings not yet translated into English, but they are not even all collected yet. Many important Tablets may still come to light which are at present owned privately."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 15 February 1947 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:445|445]])

===See also===
* [[Usefulness]]

==Branches of Philosophy==
* [[Aesthetics]]
* [[Ethics]]
* [[Logic]]
* [[History of Philosophy]] (see also [[time-sequence]])

==See also==
* [[Wikipedia:Philosophy]] (for the public article at Wikipedia)

==To-dos for this page==
* Add references for the Bahá'í perspective on philosophical issues

[[Category:Philosophy]]

Philosophy

2026-05-07T06:16:45Z

B9O9:

==All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy==

"Among other teachings and principles Bahá'u'lláh counsels the education of all members of society. No individual should be denied or deprived of intellectual training although each should receive according to capacity. None must be left in the grades of ignorance, for ignorance is a defect in the human world. All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy; that is, as much as may be deemed necessary. All cannot be scientists or philosophers but each should be educated according to his needs and deserts."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', 1982 ed., p. [[pup:108|108]]; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:710|710]])

==(Criticism of) narrow-minded materialists is what was meant, not criticism of deistic philosophers, or even moderate materialistic philosophers who have been of service to mankind==

"It is as thou hast written, not philosophers in general but narrow-minded materialists that are meant. As to deistic philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, they are indeed worthy of esteem and of the highest praise, for they have rendered distinguished services to mankind. In like manner we regard the materialistic, accomplished, moderate philosophers, who have been of service (to mankind)."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablet to August Forel]]'', p. [[taf:7|7]])

==Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual.==

"When He calls the philosophers of the West materialistic this does not for a moment mean He includes all Western philosophers for, as you truly point out, many of them have been very spiritual in their concepts...."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 1946 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Socrates]]'', no. [13])

==Fruitless metaphysical hair-splitting and not philosophy in general is meant as sciences to be avoided that begin and end in words==

"Philosophy, as you will study it and later teach it, is certainly not one of the sciences that begins and ends in words. Fruitless excursions into metaphysical hair-splitting is meant, not a sound branch of learning like philosophy.....

"As regards your own studies: he would advise you not to devote too much of your time to the abstract side of philosophy, but rather to approach it from a more historical angle. As to correlating philosophy with the Bahá'í teachings; this is a tremendous work which scholars in the future can undertake. We must remember that not only are all the teachings not yet translated into English, but they are not even all collected yet. Many important Tablets may still come to light which are at present owned privately."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 15 February 1947 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:445|445]])

===See also===
* [[Usefulness]]

==Branches of Philosophy==
* [[Aesthetics]]
* [[Ethics]]
* [[Logic]]
* [[History of Philosophy]] (see also [[time-sequence]])

==See also==
* [[Wikipedia:Philosophy]] (for the public article at Wikipedia)

==To-dos for this page==
* Add references for the Bahá'í perspective on philosophical issues

[[Category:Philosophy]]

History - Need to study

2026-05-07T06:00:54Z

B9O9: /* Importance of studying History in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings */

==Works to study==
* [[Dawn-Breakers-Need to study]]
* [[God Passes By#Need to read]]

==Study in meetings==
* [[Need to study history in meetings]]

==The Past is a mirror unto the present==

"Say: O ye that have eyes to see! The past is the mirror of the future. Gaze ye therein and be apprised thereof; perchance ye may be aided thereby to recognize the Friend and may be not the cause of His displeasure"

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tabernacle of Unity]]'', par. [https://bahai-library.com/bahaullah_tabernacle_unity#par1.16 1.16])

==Importance of studying History in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings==

"Shoghi Effendi has for years urged the Bahá'ís (who asked his advice, and in general also), to study history, economics, sociology, etc., in order to be au courant with all the progressive movements and thoughts being put forth today, and so that they could correlate these to the Bahá'í teachings. What he wants the Bahá'ís to do is to study more, not to study less. The more general knowledge, scientific and otherwise, they possess, the better."

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Scholarship, 1947-07-05 To an individual believer re areas of study]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/uncompiled_letters/1940s/1947-07-05%20To%20an%20individual%20believer%20re%20areas%20of%20study.html])

"Regarding the advice you requested from him 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. Your knowledge would be of use to the Cause in teaching it in the future, and you could also perhaps introduce the Bahá'í ideas into your lectures as an educator."

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth, 13 March 1944 to an individual believer.]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth]

==Thorough study of history prerequisite successful career service to Faith==

“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.”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#74 74])

==Younger Bahá’í generation to read history in order to teach==

“If the younger Bahá’í generation, in whom Shoghi Effendi has great hopes, take the pains 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 stagnation.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Dawn of a New Day]]'', p. [[dnd:3|3]])

==Advice to young believers to deepen knowledge of history with careful and thorough study (and then practice what it inspires in community)==

“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 continue participation in all the activities, whether administrative or otherwise, of your community.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth (compilation)]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth#2259 2259])

“Much stress should be laid on the thorough study of the history and teachings of the Cause.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#42 42])

“Special stress, however, should be put on the history of the Movement...”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#19 19])

“I wish to urge the necessity of concentrating, at your next summer session, on the systematic study of the early history and principles of the Faith...”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#34 34])

==A more profound study of its history among rock bottom requirements==

“a more profound study of its history...remain the rock bottom requirements which alone can guarantee the opening, and hasten the advent, of that blissful era which every British Bahá’í heart so eagerly anticipates, and the glories of which can, at present, be but dimly discerned.”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#90 90])

[[Category:History]]

Sociology

2026-05-07T05:59:28Z

B9O9: /* Importance of studying Sociology in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings */

==Social Contracts==

==Importance of studying Sociology in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings==

"Shoghi Effendi has for years urged the Bahá'ís (who asked his advice, and in general also), to study history, economics, sociology, etc., in order to be au courant with all the progressive movements and thoughts being put forth today, and so that they could correlate these to the Bahá'í teachings. What he wants the Bahá'ís to do is to study more, not to study less. The more general knowledge, scientific and otherwise, they possess, the better."

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Scholarship, 1947-07-05 To an individual believer re areas of study]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/uncompiled_letters/1940s/1947-07-05%20To%20an%20individual%20believer%20re%20areas%20of%20study.html])

"Regarding the advice you requested from him 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. Your knowledge would be of use to the Cause in teaching it in the future, and you could also perhaps introduce the Bahá'í ideas into your lectures as an educator."

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth, 13 March 1944 to an individual believer.]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth]

* [[marriage]]

==Topics==
* [[individual and the environment]]

==See also==
* [[Community]]

[[Category:Social sciences]]

Sociology

2026-05-07T05:57:04Z

B9O9:

History - Need to study

2026-05-07T05:47:28Z

B9O9:

==Works to study==
* [[Dawn-Breakers-Need to study]]
* [[God Passes By#Need to read]]

==Study in meetings==
* [[Need to study history in meetings]]

==The Past is a mirror unto the present==

"Say: O ye that have eyes to see! The past is the mirror of the future. Gaze ye therein and be apprised thereof; perchance ye may be aided thereby to recognize the Friend and may be not the cause of His displeasure"

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tabernacle of Unity]]'', par. [https://bahai-library.com/bahaullah_tabernacle_unity#par1.16 1.16])

==Importance of studying History in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings==

"Shoghi Effendi has for years urged the Bahá'ís (who asked his advice, and in general also), to study history, economics, sociology, etc., in order to be au courant with all the progressive movements and thoughts being put forth today, and so that they could correlate these to the Bahá'í teachings. What he wants the Bahá'ís to do is to study more, not to study less. The more general knowledge, scientific and otherwise, they possess, the better."

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Scholarship, 1947-07-05 To an individual believer re areas of study]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/uncompiled_letters/1940s/1947-07-05%20To%20an%20individual%20believer%20re%20areas%20of%20study.html])

==Thorough study of history prerequisite successful career service to Faith==

“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.”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#74 74])

==Younger Bahá’í generation to read history in order to teach==

“If the younger Bahá’í generation, in whom Shoghi Effendi has great hopes, take the pains 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 stagnation.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Dawn of a New Day]]'', p. [[dnd:3|3]])

==Advice to young believers to deepen knowledge of history with careful and thorough study (and then practice what it inspires in community)==

“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 continue participation in all the activities, whether administrative or otherwise, of your community.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth (compilation)]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth#2259 2259])

“Much stress should be laid on the thorough study of the history and teachings of the Cause.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#42 42])

“Special stress, however, should be put on the history of the Movement...”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#19 19])

“I wish to urge the necessity of concentrating, at your next summer session, on the systematic study of the early history and principles of the Faith...”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#34 34])

==A more profound study of its history among rock bottom requirements==

“a more profound study of its history...remain the rock bottom requirements which alone can guarantee the opening, and hasten the advent, of that blissful era which every British Bahá’í heart so eagerly anticipates, and the glories of which can, at present, be but dimly discerned.”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#90 90])

[[Category:History]]

History - Need to study

2026-05-07T05:43:57Z

B9O9: /* Need to study History to be informed about Progressive Movements */

==Works to study==
* [[Dawn-Breakers-Need to study]]
* [[God Passes By#Need to read]]

==Study in meetings==
* [[Need to study history in meetings]]

==Importance of studying History in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings==

"Shoghi Effendi has for years urged the Bahá'ís (who asked his advice, and in general also), to study history, economics, sociology, etc., in order to be au courant with all the progressive movements and thoughts being put forth today, and so that they could correlate these to the Bahá'í teachings. What he wants the Bahá'ís to do is to study more, not to study less. The more general knowledge, scientific and otherwise, they possess, the better."

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Scholarship, 1947-07-05 To an individual believer re areas of study]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/uncompiled_letters/1940s/1947-07-05%20To%20an%20individual%20believer%20re%20areas%20of%20study.html])

==Thorough study of history prerequisite successful career service to Faith==

“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.”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#74 74])

==Younger Bahá’í generation to read history in order to teach==

“If the younger Bahá’í generation, in whom Shoghi Effendi has great hopes, take the pains 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 stagnation.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Dawn of a New Day]]'', p. [[dnd:3|3]])

==Advice to young believers to deepen knowledge of history with careful and thorough study (and then practice what it inspires in community)==

“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 continue participation in all the activities, whether administrative or otherwise, of your community.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth (compilation)]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth#2259 2259])

“Much stress should be laid on the thorough study of the history and teachings of the Cause.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#42 42])

“Special stress, however, should be put on the history of the Movement...”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#19 19])

“I wish to urge the necessity of concentrating, at your next summer session, on the systematic study of the early history and principles of the Faith...”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#34 34])

==A more profound study of its history among rock bottom requirements==

“a more profound study of its history...remain the rock bottom requirements which alone can guarantee the opening, and hasten the advent, of that blissful era which every British Bahá’í heart so eagerly anticipates, and the glories of which can, at present, be but dimly discerned.”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#90 90])

[[Category:History]]

History - Need to study

2026-05-07T05:43:18Z

B9O9:

==Works to study==
* [[Dawn-Breakers-Need to study]]
* [[God Passes By#Need to read]]

==Study in meetings==
* [[Need to study history in meetings]]

==Need to study History to be informed about Progressive Movements==

"Shoghi Effendi has for years urged the Bahá'ís (who asked his advice, and in general also), to study history, economics, sociology, etc., in order to be au courant with all the progressive movements and thoughts being put forth today, and so that they could correlate these to the Bahá'í teachings. What he wants the Bahá'ís to do is to study more, not to study less. The more general knowledge, scientific and otherwise, they possess, the better."

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Scholarship, 1947-07-05 To an individual believer re areas of study]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/uncompiled_letters/1940s/1947-07-05%20To%20an%20individual%20believer%20re%20areas%20of%20study.html])

==Thorough study of history prerequisite successful career service to Faith==

“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.”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#74 74])

==Younger Bahá’í generation to read history in order to teach==

“If the younger Bahá’í generation, in whom Shoghi Effendi has great hopes, take the pains 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 stagnation.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Dawn of a New Day]]'', p. [[dnd:3|3]])

==Advice to young believers to deepen knowledge of history with careful and thorough study (and then practice what it inspires in community)==

“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 continue participation in all the activities, whether administrative or otherwise, of your community.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth (compilation)]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth#2259 2259])

“Much stress should be laid on the thorough study of the history and teachings of the Cause.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#42 42])

“Special stress, however, should be put on the history of the Movement...”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#19 19])

“I wish to urge the necessity of concentrating, at your next summer session, on the systematic study of the early history and principles of the Faith...”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#34 34])

==A more profound study of its history among rock bottom requirements==

“a more profound study of its history...remain the rock bottom requirements which alone can guarantee the opening, and hasten the advent, of that blissful era which every British Bahá’í heart so eagerly anticipates, and the glories of which can, at present, be but dimly discerned.”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#90 90])

[[Category:History]]

History - Need to study

2026-05-07T05:42:28Z

B9O9:

==Works to study==
* [[Dawn-Breakers-Need to study]]
* [[God Passes By#Need to read]]

==Study in meetings==
* [[Need to study history in meetings]]

==Need to study History to be informed about Progressive Movements==

"Shoghi Effendi has for years urged the Bahá'ís (who asked his advice, and in general also), to study history, economics, sociology, etc., in order to be au courant with all the progressive movements and thoughts being put forth today, and so that they could correlate these to the Bahá'í teachings. What he wants the Bahá'ís to do is to study more, not to study less. The more general knowledge, scientific and otherwise, they possess, the better."

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Scholarship, 1947-07-05 To an individual believer re areas of study]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/uncompiled_letters/1940s/1947-07-05%20To%20an%20individual%20believer%20re%20areas%20of%20study.html])

==Thorough study of history prerequisite successful career service to Faith==

“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.”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#74 74])

==Younger Bahá’í generation to read history in order to teach==

“If the younger Bahá’í generation, in whom Shoghi Effendi has great hopes, take the pains 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 stagnation.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Dawn of a New Day]]'', p. [[dnd:3|3]])

==Advice to young believers to deepen knowledge of history with careful and thorough study (and then practice what it inspires in community)==

“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 continue participation in all the activities, whether administrative or otherwise, of your community.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth (compilation)]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth#2259 2259])

“Much stress should be laid on the thorough study of the history and teachings of the Cause.”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#42 42])

“Special stress, however, should be put on the history of the Movement...”

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#19 19])

“I wish to urge the necessity of concentrating, at your next summer session, on the systematic study of the early history and principles of the Faith...”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#34 34])

==A more profound study of its history among rock bottom requirements==

“a more profound study of its history...remain the rock bottom requirements which alone can guarantee the opening, and hasten the advent, of that blissful era which every British Bahá’í heart so eagerly anticipates, and the glories of which can, at present, be but dimly discerned.”

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#90 90])

[[Category:History]]