https://bahai9.com/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=B9O9Bahai9 - User contributions [en]2026-07-09T00:42:17ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.46.0https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Bounties_of_God&diff=23839Bounties of God2026-05-19T22:39:34Z<p>B9O9: /* The whole of creation is dependent on God's loving-kindness and bounty */</p>
<hr />
<div>==The whole of creation is dependent on God's loving-kindness and bounty==<br />
<br />
"I can have no doubt that should the holy breaths of Thy loving-kindness and the breeze of Thy bountiful favor cease, for less than the twinkling of an eye, to breathe over all created things, the entire creation would perish, and all that are in heaven and on earth would be reduced to utter nothingness."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Prayers and Meditations of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. LVIII )<br />
<br />
==Benefits of creation prove God's bounteousness (and need to turn to Him)==<br />
<br />
===(God gives every atom for us, gives us a loving mother, etc. for love of us, but man neglects these bounties)===<br />
<br />
O SON OF BOUNTY! Out of the wastes of nothingness, with the clay of My command I made thee to appear, and have ordained for thy training every atom in existence and the essence of all created things. Thus, ere thou didst issue from thy mother's womb, I destined for thee two founts of gleaming milk, eyes to watch over thee, and hearts to love thee. Out of My loving-kindness, 'neath the shade of My mercy I nurtured thee, and guarded thee by the essence of My grace and favor. And My purpose in all this was that thou mightest attain My everlasting dominion and become worthy of My invisible bestowals. And yet heedless thou didst remain, and when fully grown, thou didst neglect all My bounties and occupied thyself with thine idle imaginings, in such wise that thou didst become wholly forgetful, and, turning away from the portals of the Friend didst abide within the courts of My enemy. <br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Hidden Words]]'', from the Persian, no. [[hwp:29|29]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
<br />
* ''[[Hidden Words]]'', from the Arabic, no. [[hwa:3|3]] and [[hwa:4|4]].<br />
<br />
===Ignorance to believe that God created and nurtured man (with blessings, the sun, etc.) but did not love him (of whatever religion or no faith)===<br />
<br />
"How ignorant therefore the thought that God who created man, educated and nurtured him, surrounded him with all blessings, made the sun and all phenomenal existence for his benefit, bestowed upon him tenderness and kindness, and then did not love him. This is palpable ignorance, for no matter to what religion a man belongs even though he be an atheist or materialist nevertheless God nurtures him, bestows His kindness and sheds upon him His light."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Star of the West]]'', Vol. 8, issue 7, p. 78)<br />
<br />
==With a Creator loving its creation, and God nurturing all regardless of religion or belief, this is a proof of God loving us==<br />
<br />
"In other respects all humanity is submerged in the ocean of divine mercy. God is the Father of all. He educates all. He provides for all. He loves all. For they are all His servants and His creation. Surely the Creator loves His creatures. It would be impossible to find an artist who does not love his own production. Have you ever seen a man who did not love his own actions? Even though they be bad actions he loves them. How ignorant therefore the thought that God who created man, educated and nurtured him, surrounded him with all blessings, made the sun and all phenomenal existence for his benefit, bestowed upon him tenderness and kindness, and then did not love him. This is palpable ignorance, for no matter to what religion a man belongs even though he be an atheist or materialist nevertheless God nurtures him, bestows His kindness and sheds upon him His light."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Star of the West]]'', Vol. 8, issue 7, pp. [[works:Star of the West/Volume 8/Issue 7/Text#pg77|77]]-78)<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Interventionist God]]<br />
* [[Suffering of the innocent]]<br />
* [[Sequence of teaching]] (need to prove bounties of God)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Religious concepts]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Bounties_of_God&diff=23838Bounties of God2026-05-19T22:38:11Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==The whole of creation is dependent on God's loving-kindness and bounty==<br />
<br />
"I can have no doubt that should the holy breaths of Thy loving-kindness and the breeze of Thy bountiful favor cease, for less than the twinkling of an eye, to breathe over all created things, the entire creation would perish, and all that are in heaven and on earth would be reduced to utter nothingness."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Prayers and Meditations of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. {{pms|87|LVIII}})<br />
<br />
==Benefits of creation prove God's bounteousness (and need to turn to Him)==<br />
<br />
===(God gives every atom for us, gives us a loving mother, etc. for love of us, but man neglects these bounties)===<br />
<br />
O SON OF BOUNTY! Out of the wastes of nothingness, with the clay of My command I made thee to appear, and have ordained for thy training every atom in existence and the essence of all created things. Thus, ere thou didst issue from thy mother's womb, I destined for thee two founts of gleaming milk, eyes to watch over thee, and hearts to love thee. Out of My loving-kindness, 'neath the shade of My mercy I nurtured thee, and guarded thee by the essence of My grace and favor. And My purpose in all this was that thou mightest attain My everlasting dominion and become worthy of My invisible bestowals. And yet heedless thou didst remain, and when fully grown, thou didst neglect all My bounties and occupied thyself with thine idle imaginings, in such wise that thou didst become wholly forgetful, and, turning away from the portals of the Friend didst abide within the courts of My enemy. <br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Hidden Words]]'', from the Persian, no. [[hwp:29|29]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
<br />
* ''[[Hidden Words]]'', from the Arabic, no. [[hwa:3|3]] and [[hwa:4|4]].<br />
<br />
===Ignorance to believe that God created and nurtured man (with blessings, the sun, etc.) but did not love him (of whatever religion or no faith)===<br />
<br />
"How ignorant therefore the thought that God who created man, educated and nurtured him, surrounded him with all blessings, made the sun and all phenomenal existence for his benefit, bestowed upon him tenderness and kindness, and then did not love him. This is palpable ignorance, for no matter to what religion a man belongs even though he be an atheist or materialist nevertheless God nurtures him, bestows His kindness and sheds upon him His light."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Star of the West]]'', Vol. 8, issue 7, p. 78)<br />
<br />
==With a Creator loving its creation, and God nurturing all regardless of religion or belief, this is a proof of God loving us==<br />
<br />
"In other respects all humanity is submerged in the ocean of divine mercy. God is the Father of all. He educates all. He provides for all. He loves all. For they are all His servants and His creation. Surely the Creator loves His creatures. It would be impossible to find an artist who does not love his own production. Have you ever seen a man who did not love his own actions? Even though they be bad actions he loves them. How ignorant therefore the thought that God who created man, educated and nurtured him, surrounded him with all blessings, made the sun and all phenomenal existence for his benefit, bestowed upon him tenderness and kindness, and then did not love him. This is palpable ignorance, for no matter to what religion a man belongs even though he be an atheist or materialist nevertheless God nurtures him, bestows His kindness and sheds upon him His light."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Star of the West]]'', Vol. 8, issue 7, pp. [[works:Star of the West/Volume 8/Issue 7/Text#pg77|77]]-78)<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Interventionist God]]<br />
* [[Suffering of the innocent]]<br />
* [[Sequence of teaching]] (need to prove bounties of God)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Religious concepts]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Administration&diff=23837Administration2026-05-19T22:24:24Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Authoritative books==<br />
* [[Bahá'í Administration]]<br />
<br />
==Compilations regarding==<br />
* [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration Principles of Bahá'í Administration]<br />
<br />
==Activities==<br />
* [[Convention]]<br />
* [[Elections]]<br />
<!--<br />
Add to suitable place<br />
==Functions==<br />
* [[Guidance]]<br />
* [[Soliciting feedback]]<br />
* [[Acquainting with needs of community]]<br />
* [[Building trust]]<br />
<br />
== Institutional Functions==<br />
<br />
**i) Governing/Moderating/Mediating/Advocacy<br />
***a) [[Legislature]], [[Executive]], [[Judiciary]]<br />
***b) [[Media]]/Journalism<br />
***c) [[Organizations]]<br />
**ii) Propagation of Learning/Values<br />
***a) [[Media]]<br />
***b) [[Education]] (see iv.a. above)<br />
***c) [[Organizations]]<br />
--><br />
==Importance==<br />
<br />
===The Ideal Instrument to Make Spiritual Laws Function Properly===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], June 16, 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:3|3]])<br />
<br />
===A comprehensive statement on the origin and significance of Bahá'í Administration is of vital importance in any work of the Cause===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 6 April 1936, ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:435|435]])<br />
<br />
==Dangers of over-administration==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 1 July 1957, ''[[Afire with the Vision|Afire with the Vision: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to Latin America]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/shoghi-effendi_afire_vision 21])<br />
<br />
==Dangers of two extremes as regards Administration==<br />
<br />
"One of the main reasons why the Faith does not advance more rapidly is because the friends have not learned to live with, and work within the framework of the Administrative Order. Either they crystallize it into too set a form, or they rebel against what they feel to be a System, and do not give it sufficient support. Both of these extremes impede the progress of the Faith, and the efficiency of the believers." <br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 30 May 1952)<br />
<br />
==Administrative procedure cannot replace spirituality==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], 25 April 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1843|1843]])<br />
<br />
==Not an end, but also inseparable from the spiritual==<br />
<br />
===Relationship of the Cause to the Administration===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 19, 1939, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:6|6]])<br />
<br />
==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to further subcategorize)==<br />
<br />
===Purpose of Administration===<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
* Per https://bahai-library.com/uhj_grammatical_clarifications#directive , "directive" should read "direction"<br />
<br />
===Social Order of Bahá'u'lláh===<br />
<br />
"...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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Administrative Order]]<br />
* [[Administrators]]<br />
* [[Institutions]]<br />
* [[Meetings of Bahá'í Assemblies, Attendance, Resignations]]<br />
* [[Administrative Rights, Sanctions, Dissimulation]]<br />
* [[Appeals]]<br />
* [[By-Laws]]<br />
* [[New believers]]<br />
* [[Relationship of believers with the Assemblies]]<br />
* [[Inactive believers]]<br />
* [[Bahá'í Archives]]<br />
* [[Endowments]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Administration]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Prayer&diff=23836Prayer2026-05-19T22:21:03Z<p>B9O9: /* See also */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Encouragement toward memorizing prayers==<br />
<br />
===Excellent to memorize prayers===<br />
<br />
"There is no objection to the friends memorizing prayers; on the contrary it is excellent for them to do so."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter dated 6 September 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; in [[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]], no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#144 144])<br />
<br />
===Commit to memory certain of their Faith's prayers (and exhortations)===<br />
<br />
"Those who participate in such a campaign, whether in an organizing capacity, or as workers to whose care the execution of the task itself has been committed, must, as an essential preliminary to the discharge of their duties, thoroughly familiarize themselves with the various aspects of the history and teachings of their Faith. In their efforts to achieve this purpose they must study for themselves, conscientiously and painstakingly, the literature of their Faith, delve into its teachings, assimilate its laws and principles, ponder its admonitions, tenets and purposes, commit to memory certain of its exhortations and prayers, master the essentials of its administration, and keep abreast of its current affairs and latest developments."<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Advent of Divine Justice]]'', p. [[adj:49|49]])<br />
<br />
===Memorizing some of Bahá'u'lláh's prayers (and writings) helpful toward future studies and deepening and enriching spiritual life===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter dated 10 April 1939 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; in [[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]], no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#130 130])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
* [[Prayers and Meditations#On the need to read]]<br />
* [[Memorization]]<br />
<br />
==How to Recite Prayers (Technical)==<br />
<br />
===Reciting should be not too loud or too quiet (moderate voice)===<br />
<br />
"Pronounce not thy prayer aloud, neither pronounce it with too low a voice, but follow a middle way between these:"<br />
<br />
:([[Qur'án]] 17:110, Sale's translation)<br />
<br />
"And be not loud in thy prayer, neither pronounce it too low; but between these follow a middle way:"<br />
<br />
:([[Qur'án]]., Rodwell's translation)<br />
<br />
"Neither speak thy Prayer aloud, nor speak it in a low tone, but seek a middle course between."<br />
<br />
:([[Qur'án]] [https://bahai-library.com/writings/quran/17.html#Paragraph%20110 Yusuf Alí's translation])<br />
<br />
(though see Priceless Pearl for how Shoghi Effendi read enthusiastically and loud as a child, about which 'Abdu'l-Bahá lovingly responded to let him be????)<br />
<br />
===A loud voice in prayer is not necessary for God===<br />
<br />
"If thou pronounce thy prayers with a loud voice, know that it is not necessary in respect to God; for he knoweth that which is secret, and what is yet more hidden."<br />
<br />
:([[Qur'án]] 20:6)<br />
<br />
(though see ''Abdu'l-Bahá's argument below on why though God knows the secret of hearts, it is still necessary for one's benefit to express it (to some degree))<br />
<br />
===Articulating prayers in words is not necessary but it is also natural to want to speak out and commemorate God (at least in thought and action and with love)===<br />
<br />
"Another correspondent asked: "Why pray? What is the wisdom thereof, for God has established everything and executes all affairs after the best order -- therefore, what is the wisdom in beseeching and supplicating and in stating one's wants and seeking help?"<br />
<br />
"`Abdu'l-Bahá replied: --<br />
<br />
:"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.<br />
<br />
:"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.<br />
<br />
::"(from a tablet to an American believer, translated by `Alí Kúlí Khán, October 1908)."<br />
<br />
:(Esslemont quoting 'Abdu'l-Bahá in ''[[Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era]]'', pp. [[bne:92|92]]-[[bne:93|93]])<br />
<br />
"To someone who asked whether prayer was necessary, since presumably God knows the wishes of all hearts, `Abdu'l-Bahá replied: --<br />
<br />
:"If one friend loves another, is it not natural that he should wish to say so? Though he knows that that friend is aware of his love, does he still not wish to tell him of it? ... It is true that God knows the wishes of all hearts; but the impulse to pray is a natural one, springing from man's love to God.<br />
<br />
:"... Prayer need not be in words, but rather in thought and action. 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, finding neither love nor enjoyment in the meeting, do you wish to converse with him?<br />
<br />
::"(article in Fortnightly Review, Jul.-Dec. 1911, p. 784 by Miss E. S. Stevens).<br />
<br />
"In another talk He said: --<br />
<br />
:"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."<br />
<br />
::"(from notes of Miss Alma Robertson and other pilgrims, November and December 1900)."<br />
<br />
:(Esslemont quoting notes of 'Abdu'l-Bahá in ''[[Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era]]'', pp. [[bne:94|94]]-[[bne:95|95]])<br />
<br />
====Todos for this section====<br />
* Find reference to this topic in ''[[Star of the West]]''<br />
<br />
===Much better for the friends to give up saying purely Christian custom of saying "Amen"===<br />
<br />
"Regarding your question it is much better for the friends to give up saying "Amen" as it is a purely Christian custom and associated with the church. He assures you the work you accomplished in New Zealand is highly meritorious."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Messages to the Antipodes]]'', p. [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/antipodes/antipodes.html#419 419])<br />
<br />
===(Even) the Obligatory Prayers may be said silently===<br />
<br />
"The daily prayers are to be said each one for himself, aloud or silent makes no difference."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written on behalf of [[Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, January 31, 1949: Baha'i News, No. 220, June 1949, pp. 2-3; quoted in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1502|1502]], p. 460)<br />
<br />
==How to Recite Prayers (Manner)==<br />
* See [[Recitation of the verses of God#Not to read without thought]]<br />
<br />
==When to recite prayers==<br />
<br />
* [[Dawn prayer]]<br />
<br />
==Spontaneous vs. revealed prayers==<br />
* See [[spontaneous vs. revealed prayers]]<br />
<br />
==Regarding relationship to others==<br />
* [[Direction of thoughts during prayer]]<br />
* [[Intercession]]<br />
* [[Family prayer and reading]]<br />
<br />
==Accompaniment with [[dance]]==<br />
* See [[Feast#Acceptable for prayer to be interpreted in the form of a dance .28e.g..2C tribal.2Ftraditional dances for God.29.2C but preferable not for accompaniment with words of the prayers]]<br />
<br />
==Possible steps of prayer==<br />
<br />
* See https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration#Dynamics%20of%20Prayer<br />
<br />
"Regarding the five steps of prayer outlined by the Guardian and recorded by Mrs. Moffett in her booklet the 'Call to Prayer': These, he wishes me to explain, are merely personal suggestions and need not, therefore, be adopted strictly and universally by the believers."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter dated June 30, 1938 written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1510|1510]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
* [https://bahai-library.com/moffet_dynamics_prayer#s2 Letter from the House regarding these steps]<br />
* [[Will of God#Knowing the Will of God]]<br />
* [[Modes of determining truth]]<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Prayers]]<br />
*[[Prayer-Mystical-Meditation]]<br />
**[[Obligatory prayer]]<br />
**[[Repetition of prayers or verses]]<br />
* [[Non-believers#Prayer effective by non-believers (though more effective when read by those who fully accept the Revelation)]]<br />
<br />
The Importance of Prayer, Meditation and the Devotional Attitude: A Compilation <ref> https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/importance-prayer-meditation-devotional-attitude/1#297131853 </ref><br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Incorporate from BNE, p. [[bne:88|88]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Prayer]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Grace&diff=23835Grace2026-05-19T22:06:30Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Tie between the creature and Creator is as a token of His gracious favor and not their merit==<br />
<br />
"The tie...between the creature and the Creator should be regarded as a token of His gracious favor unto men and not as an indication of any merit they may possess."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. [[gwbs:94|94]], pp. [[gwb:193|193]]-194)<br />
<br />
==(No deed have we done to merit beholding God's face)==<br />
<br />
"No deed have I done, O my God, to merit beholding Thy face, and I know of a certainty that were I to live as long as the world lasts I would fail to accomplish any deed such as to deserve this favor, inasmuch as the station of a servant shall ever fall short of access to Thy holy precincts, unless Thy bounty should reach me and Thy tender mercy pervade me and Thy loving-kindness encompass me."<br />
<br />
:([[The Báb]], ''[[Bahá'í Prayers]]'', p. [[bp:151|151]])<br />
<br />
==We must focus on God's all-embracing mercy and grace==<br />
<br />
"Let all your striving be for this, to become the source of life and immortality, and peace and comfort and joy, to every human soul, whether one known to you or a stranger, one opposed to you or on your side. Look ye not upon the purity or impurity of his nature: look ye upon the all-embracing mercy of the Lord, the light of Whose grace hath embosomed the whole earth and all who dwell thereon, and in the plenitude of Whose bounty are immersed both the wise and the ignorant. Stranger and friend alike are seated at the table of His favor. Even as the believer, the denier who turneth away from God doth at the same time cup his hands and drink from the sea of His bestowals."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', pp. [[swab:256|256]])<br />
<br />
==The tenderness of God's mercy surpasses the fury of His wrath==<br />
<br />
"The tenderness of Thy mercy, O my Lord, surpasseth the fury of Thy wrath, and Thy loving-kindness exceedeth Thy hot displeasure, and Thy grace excelleth Thy justice. Hold Thou, through Thy wondrous favors and mercies, the hands of Thy creatures, and suffer them not to be separated from the grace which Thou hast ordained as the means whereby they can recognize Thee."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Prayers and Meditations of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. {{pms|LXXXI}})<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Faith and works]]<br />
* [[Salvation]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Virtues]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Grace&diff=23834Grace2026-05-19T22:06:23Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Tie between the creature and Creator is as a token of His gracious favor and not their merit==<br />
<br />
"The tie...between the creature and the Creator should be regarded as a token of His gracious favor unto men and not as an indication of any merit they may possess."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. [[gwbs:94|94]], pp. [[gwb:193|193]]-194)<br />
<br />
==(No deed have we done to merit beholding God's face)==<br />
<br />
"No deed have I done, O my God, to merit beholding Thy face, and I know of a certainty that were I to live as long as the world lasts I would fail to accomplish any deed such as to deserve this favor, inasmuch as the station of a servant shall ever fall short of access to Thy holy precincts, unless Thy bounty should reach me and Thy tender mercy pervade me and Thy loving-kindness encompass me."<br />
<br />
:([[The Báb]], ''[[Bahá'í Prayers]]'', p. [[bp:151|151]])<br />
<br />
==We must focus on God's all-embracing mercy and grace==<br />
<br />
"Let all your striving be for this, to become the source of life and immortality, and peace and comfort and joy, to every human soul, whether one known to you or a stranger, one opposed to you or on your side. Look ye not upon the purity or impurity of his nature: look ye upon the all-embracing mercy of the Lord, the light of Whose grace hath embosomed the whole earth and all who dwell thereon, and in the plenitude of Whose bounty are immersed both the wise and the ignorant. Stranger and friend alike are seated at the table of His favor. Even as the believer, the denier who turneth away from God doth at the same time cup his hands and drink from the sea of His bestowals."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', pp. [[swab:256|256]])<br />
<br />
<br />
==The tenderness of God's mercy surpasses the fury of His wrath==<br />
<br />
"The tenderness of Thy mercy, O my Lord, surpasseth the fury of Thy wrath, and Thy loving-kindness exceedeth Thy hot displeasure, and Thy grace excelleth Thy justice. Hold Thou, through Thy wondrous favors and mercies, the hands of Thy creatures, and suffer them not to be separated from the grace which Thou hast ordained as the means whereby they can recognize Thee."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Prayers and Meditations of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. {{pms|LXXXI}})<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Faith and works]]<br />
* [[Salvation]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Virtues]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Deeds&diff=23833Deeds2026-05-19T22:01:13Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Consorting with the followers of all religions is the 'crown of deeds'==<br />
<br />
"Consort ye then with the followers of all religions, and proclaim ye the Cause of your Lord, the Most Compassionate; this is the very crown of deeds, if ye be of them who understand"<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', par. [[kap:75|75]])<br />
<br />
==Important to yield fruit==<br />
<br />
"One who yieldeth no fruit is, in the words of the Spirit, like unto a fruitless tree, and a fruitless tree is fit but for the fire."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:60|60]])<br />
<br />
==A deed is its own reward==<br />
<br />
"...unto them that are rid of all attachments a deed is, verily, its own reward."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:189|189]])<br />
<br />
==The good deeds of non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings==<br />
<br />
"if you consider the matter with fairness you will see that these good deeds of the non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings. That is, the Prophets of old exhorted men to perform them, explained their advantages, and expounded their positive effects; these teachings then spread among mankind, successively reaching the non-believing souls and inclining their hearts towards these perfections; and when they found these actions to be laudable and to bring about joy and happiness among men, they too conformed to them. Thus these actions also arise from the divine teachings"<br />
<br />
:(Abdu'l Baha ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', no. 84)<br />
<br />
"A person who performs good deeds but remains ignorant of God is likened to a blind man who creates a piece of art but is unable to see it."<br />
<br />
:(Abdu'l Baha The Divine Art of Living, p. 48)<br />
<br />
==Days of idle worship are ended; only the purest motive supported by deeds of stainless purity is now acceptable to God==<br />
<br />
"Purge your hearts of worldly desires, and let angelic virtues be your adorning. Strive that by your deeds you may bear witness to the truth of these words of God, and beware lest, by `turning back,' He may `change you for another people,' who `shall not be your like,' and who shall take from you the Kingdom of God. The days when idle worship was deemed sufficient are ended. The time is come when naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most High and be acceptable unto Him."<br />
<br />
:([[The Báb]], ''[[Dawn-Breakers]]'', p. [[db:93|93]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Words and deeds]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Good deeds]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Morality&diff=23832Morality2026-05-19T20:30:08Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Moral aspect of the Baha'i Teachings is extremely important==<br />
<br />
"…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 overemphasized.<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, September 6, 1946: Bahá’í Youth, p. 8, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1701|1701]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Virtue]]<br />
* [[Moral education]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Spiritual-Ethical-Religious]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Reason&diff=23831Reason2026-05-19T20:25:05Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==God is rational==<br />
<br />
"invisible yet rational God"<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[World Order of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', pp. [[wob:112|112]]-113) <br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Logic]]<br />
* [[Rhetoric]]<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Expand with need for but also its fallibility per [[modes of determining truth]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Modes of determining truth]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Guardianship&diff=23830Guardianship2026-05-19T20:22:32Z<p>B9O9: /* Sphere of operation/infallibility */</p>
<hr />
<div>For the first (and only) Guardian, see [[Shoghi Effendi]].<br />
<br />
==Letters==<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/uhj_absence_successor_guardian<br />
<br />
==Guardianship anticipated by Bahá'u'lláh==<br />
<br />
"In this Charter of the future world civilization [the Kitáb-i-Aqdas] its Author...anticipates by implication the institution of Guardianship..."<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[God Passes By]]'', p. [[gpb:214|214]])<br />
<br />
"II. ANTICIPATION OF THE INSTITUTION OF THE GUARDIANSHIP"<br />
<br />
:(''[[Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', no. [[syn:II|II]])<br />
<br />
"The Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice can thus be seen to be, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, the "Twin Successors" of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá. They are the supreme institutions of the Administrative Order which was founded and anticipated in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and elaborated by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will."<br />
<br />
:(Introduction to the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', p. [[kapg:3|3]])<br />
<br />
""Aghsán" (plural of Ghusn) is the Arabic word for "Branches". This term is used by Bahá'u'lláh to designate His male descendants. It has particular implications not only for the disposition of endowments but also for the succession of authority following the passing of Bahá'u'lláh (see note 145) and of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Bahá'u'lláh, in the Book of His Covenant, appointed 'Abdu'l-Bahá, His eldest son, as the Centre of His Covenant and the Head of the Faith. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in His Will and Testament, appointed Shoghi Effendi, His eldest grandson, as the Guardian and Head of the Faith.<br />
<br />
"This passage of the Aqdas, therefore, anticipates the succession of chosen Aghsán and thus the institution of the Guardianship and envisages the possibility of a break in their line. The passing of Shoghi Effendi in 1957 precipitated the very situation provided for in this passage, in that the line of Aghsán ended before the Universal House of Justice had been established (see note [[kan:67|67]])."<br />
<br />
:(Notes to the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', no. [[kan:66|66]] in regard to ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', par. [[kap:42|42]])<br />
<br />
==Guardianship anticipated by `Abdu'l-Bahá==<br />
<br />
"It should be borne in mind that the institution of the Guardianship has been anticipated by `Abdu'l-Bahá in an allusion He made in a Tablet addressed, long before His own ascension, to three of His friends in Persia. To their question as to whether there would be any person to whom all the Bahá'ís would be called upon to turn after His ascension He made the following reply: "As to the question ye have asked me, know verily that this is a well-guarded secret. It is even as a gem concealed within its shell. That it will be revealed is predestined. The time will come when its light will appear, when its evidences will be made manifest, and its secrets unraveled."<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[World Order of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[wob:150|150]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
<br />
* Tablets cited in Chapter 1 of the ''[[Priceless Pearl]]'':<br />
** [https://bahai-library.com/khanum_priceless_pearl&chapter=1#2 p. 2] - Tablet beginning "O Maidservant of God! Verily, that child is born and is alive..."<br />
** [https://bahai-library.com/khanum_priceless_pearl&chapter=1#5 p. 5] - Tablet beginning "O God! This is a branch sprung from the tree of Thy mercy..."<br />
<br />
==After 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the Faith referred to institutions (Guardianship with Shoghi Effendi and Universal House of Justice) with no one to claim the station for themselves (except as appointed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá)==<br />
<br />
===After 'Abdu'l-Bahá's passing, all to turn to Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Cause, who is to be succeeded by his first-born lineal descendents===<br />
<br />
"O my loving friends! After the passing away of this wronged one, it is incumbent upon the Aghsán (Branches), the Afnán (Twigs) of the Sacred Lote-Tree, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God and the loved ones of the Abhá Beauty to turn unto Shoghi Effendi--the youthful branch branched from the two hallowed and sacred Lote-Trees and the fruit grown from the union of the two offshoots of the Tree of Holiness,-- as he is the sign of God, the chosen branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, he unto whom all the Aghsán, the Afnán, the Hands of the Cause of God and His loved ones must turn. He is the Interpreter of the Word of God and after him will succeed the first-born of his lineal descendents.<br />
<br />
"The sacred and youthful branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, as well as the Universal House of Justice to be universally elected and established, are both under the care and protection of the Abhá Beauty, under the shelter and unerring guidance of the Exalted One (may my life be offered up for them both). Whatsoever they decide is of God. Whoso obeyeth him not, neither obeyeth them, hath not obeyed God; whoso rebelleth against him and against them hath rebelled against God; whoso opposeth him hath opposed God; whoso contendeth with them hath contended with God; whoso disputeth with him hath disputed with God; whoso denieth him hath denied God; whoso disbelieveth in him hath disbelieved in God; whoso deviateth, separateth himself and turneth aside from him hath in truth deviated, separated himself and turned aside from God. May the wrath, the fierce indignation, the vengeance of God rest upon him! The mighty stronghold shall remain impregnable and safe through obedience to him who is the Guardian of the Cause of God."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', p. [[wt:11|11]])<br />
<br />
===Station of Guardianship Cannot Be Claimed Ere the Expiration of 1000 Years===<br />
<br />
"My purpose is this, that ere the expiration of a thousand years, no one has the right to utter a single word, even to claim the station of Guardianship.<br />
<br />
"The Most Holy Book is the Book to which all peoples shall refer, and in it the Laws of God have been revealed. Laws not mentioned in the Book should be referred to the decision of the Universal House of Justice..."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]]: Persian and Arabic Tablets, Vol. III, pp. 499-501: cited by the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Netherlands, March 9, 1965: Wellspring of Guidance, p. 47, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1058|1058]])<br />
<br />
===God Ordained, in This Day, that Guidance Has Been Vouchsafed to Man Through Institutions===<br />
<br />
"...In view of the fact that guidance in this day, through the bounty of God, and because of the very nature of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation, has been vouchsafed to man through institutions in this world; namely the Guardianship at present; and also in the future, the International House of Justice; individuals are not in a position to interpret the Teachings, and have no justification for claiming special stations."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, December 13, 1955, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1053|1053]])<br />
<br />
==Envisioning of future Guardians==<br />
* ''[[Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/abdul-baha_will_testament#1par17 section 1, par. 17]<br />
* ''[[World Order of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[wob:151|151]] ([https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/wob/40.html#Paragraph%2024 par.])<br />
* "Future Guardians are clearly envisaged and referred to in the Writings..." (From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to Hands of the Cause of God, Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies, December 7, 1969, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1054|1054]])<br />
* For the addressing of this issue, see https://bahai-library.com/uhj_guardianship_uhj_infallibility<br />
<br />
==Anticipation of end of the line of Guardians and significance of this institution despite there having only been one==<br />
<br />
===Future Guardians===<br />
<br />
"Future Guardians are clearly envisaged and referred to in the Writings, but there is nowhere any promise or guarantee that the line of Guardians would endure forever; on the contrary there are clear indications that the line could be broken. Yet, in spite of this, there is repeated insistence in the Writings on the indestructability of the Covenant and the immutability of God's Purpose for this Day.<br />
<br />
"One of the most striking passages which envisage the possibility of such a break in the line of the Guardians is in the Kitab-i-Aqdas itself:<br />
<br />
'The endowments dedicated to charity revert to God, the Revealer of Signs. No one has the right to lay hold on them without leave from the Dawning-Place of Revelation. After Him the decision rests with the Aghsan (Branches), and after them with the House of Justice--should it be established in the world by then--so that they may use these endowments for the benefit of the Sites exalted in this Cause, and for that which they have been commanded by God, the Almighty, the All-Powerful. Otherwise the endowments should be referred to the people of Bahá, who speak not without His leave and who pass no judgement but in accordance with that which God has ordained in this Tablet, they who are the champions of victory betwixt heaven and earth, so that they may spend them on that which has been decreed in the Holy Book by God, the Mighty, the Bountiful.'"<br />
<br />
:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to Hands of the Cause of God, Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies, December 7, 1969, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1054|1054]])<br />
<br />
===Guardianship Does Not Lose Significance nor Position Because There is No Living Guardian===<br />
<br />
"During the whole thirty-six years of his Guardianship Shoghi Effendi functioned without the Universal House of Justice. Now the Universal House of Justice must function without the Guardian, but the principle of inseparability remains. The Guardianship does not lose its significance nor position in the Order of Bahá'u'lláh merely because there is no living Guardian. We must guard against two extremes: one is to argue that because there is no Guardian all that was written about the Guardianship and its position in the Bahá'í World Order is a dead letter and was unimportant; the other is to be so overwhelmed by the significance of the Guardianship as to underestimate the strength of the Covenant, or to be tempted to compromise with the clear texts in order to find somehow, in some way, a 'Guardian'."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 27, 1966: Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 86-87, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1057|1057]])<br />
<br />
====See also====<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/grossmann_hermann_letter<br />
<br />
==Types of rulings made by (and abrogation or continuation thereof)==<br />
<br />
===Future Guardians not to abrogate interpretations of former Guardians, but they can elaborate and elucidate former interpretations and abrogate former rulings laid down out of temporary necessity===<br />
<br />
"He feels that there must have been some misapprehension on your part of his statements regarding future Guardians: they cannot "abrogate" the interpretations of former Guardians, as this would imply not only lack of guidance but mistakes in making them; however they can elaborate and elucidate former interpretations, and can certainly abrogate some former ruling laid down as a temporary necessity by a former Guardian."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Messages to Canada 1999|Messages to Canada]]'', p. [[mc2:89|89]])<br />
<br />
===Prerogatives and Duties Invested in the Guardian Are of Three Kinds===<br />
<br />
"In the specific sense of referring to the office and function of the Guardian himself, the House of Justice finds that the prerogatives and duties vested in him are of three kinds. First, as was explained in a letter to an individual believer, which was published in 'Wellspring of Guidance', there are a number of functions and objects which the Guardianship shares with the Universal House of Justice and which the House of Justice must continue to pursue. Secondly, there are other functions of the Guardianship which, in the absence of a Guardian, devolve upon the Universal House of Justice, for example, the Headship of the Faith, the responsibility for directing the work of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God and of ensuring the continuing discharge of the functions of protection and propagation vested in that Institution, and the right to administer the Huququ'llah. Thirdly, there are those prerogatives and duties which lie exclusively within the sphere of the Guardian himself and, therefore, in the absence of a Guardian, are inoperative except insofar as the monumental work already performed by Shoghi Effendi continues to be of enduring benefit to the Faith. Such a function is that of authoritative interpretation of the Teachings."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 5, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1049|1049]])<br />
<br />
===Authoritative Interpretation of the Teachings is the Exclusive Right of the Guardian After Abdu'l-Bahá whereas the Universal House of Justice will pronounce upon laws not expressly revealed, and sharing with the Guardian (the duties of applying the Word, protecting the Faith, ensuring the continuity of divine authority, safeguarding unity, and maintaining the integrity/flexibility of the teachings); the House of Justice is not omniscient and wants to be provided with facts and may change decision when new facts emerge===<br />
<br />
"It must always be remembered that authoritative interpretation of the Teachings was, after Abdu'l-Bahá, the exclusive right of the Guardian, and fell within the 'sacred and prescribed domain' of the Guardianship, and therefore the Universal House of Justice cannot and will not infringe upon that domain. The exclusive sphere of the Universal House of Justice is to 'pronounce upon and deliver the final judgment on such laws and ordinances as Bahá'u'lláh has not expressly revealed'. Apart from this fundamental difference in the functions of the twin pillars of the Order of Bahá'u'lláh, insofar as the other duties of the Head of the Faith are concerned, the Universal House of Justice shares with the Guardian the responsibility for the application of the revealed Word, the protection of the Faith, as well as the duty 'to insure the continuity of that divinely-appointed authority which flows from the Source of our Faith, to safeguard the unity of its followers, and to maintain the integrity and flexibility of its Teachings.' However, the Universal House of Justice is not omniscient; like the Guardian, it wants to be provided with facts when called upon to render a decision, and like him it may well change its decision when new facts emerge."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, August 22, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1051|1051]])<br />
<br />
==Sphere of operation/infallibility==<br />
<br />
=== The Infalibility of the Guardian is confined to matters related to the Baha'i Faith and the interpretation of Baha'i teachings ===<br />
<br />
The infallibility of the Guardian is confined to matters which are related strictly to the Cause and interpretation of the teachings; he is not an infallible authority on other subjects, such as economics, science, etc. When he feels that a certain thing is essential for the protection of the Cause, even if it is something that affects a person personally, he must be obeyed, but when he gives advice, such as that he gave you in a previous letter about your future, it is not binding; you are free to follow it or not as you please.<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Directives from the Guardian]]'', pp. [[dg:33|33]]-34)<br />
<br />
===Infallibility of the Guardian is Not for Individual Believers to Limit or to Judge===<br />
<br />
"Shoghi Effendi was asked several times during his ministry to define the sphere of his operation and his infallibility. The replies he gave and which were written on his behalf are most illuminating. He explains that he is not an infallible authority on subjects such as economics and science, nor does he go into technical matters since his infallibility is confined to 'matters which are related strictly to the Cause'. He further points out that 'he is not, like the Prophet, omniscient at will', that his 'infallibility covers interpretation of the revealed word and its application', and that he is also 'infallible in the protection of the Faith'. Furthermore, in one of the letters, the following guideline is set forth: '...It is not for individual believers to limit the sphere of the Guardian's authority, or to judge when they have to obey the Guardian and when they are free to reject his judgement. Such an attitude would evidently lead to confusion and to schism. The Guardian being the appointed interpreter of the Teachings, it is his responsibility to state what matters which, affecting the interests of the Faith, demand on the part of the believers complete and unqualified obedience to his instructions.'"<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, August 22, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1050|1050]])<br />
<br />
===The words of the Guardian are binding; the Guardian is Assured the Guidance of Both Bahá'u'lláh and the Bab; his infallibility covers the revealed word and its application and the protection of the Faith (with issues regarding its protection and well-being needing to be closely obeyed)===<br />
<br />
"Instructions sent on behalf of the Guardian are binding, as are the words of the Guardian; although of course, they are not the Guardian's words.<br />
<br />
"The Guardian's infallibility covers interpretation of the revealed word and its application. Likewise any instructions he may issue having to do with the protection of the Faith, or its well-being must be closely obeyed, as he is infallible in the protection of the Faith. He is assured the guidance of both Bahá'u'lláh and the Bab, as the Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Bahá clearly reveals."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to an individual believer, August 20, 1956, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1055|1055]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/uhj_infallibility_history_guardian<br />
<br />
==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to categorize)==<br />
<br />
===The Guardianship--Acceptance of--Day that Will Not Be Followed by Night===<br />
<br />
"He feels that if ... ponders more deeply about the fundamentals of Divine Revelation, she will also come to understand the Guardianship. Once the mind and heart have grasped the fact that God guides men through a Mouthpiece, a human being, a Prophet, infallible and unerring, it is only a logical projection of this acceptance to also accept the station of Abdu'l-Bahá and the Guardians. The Guardians are the evidence of the maturity of mankind in the sense that at long last men have progressed to the point of having one world, and of needing one world management for human affairs. In the spiritual realm they have also reached the point where God could leave, in human hands (i.e., the Guardians'), guided directly by the Bab and Bahá'u'lláh, as the Master states in His Will, the affairs of His Faith for this Dispensation. This is what is meant by 'this is the day which will not be followed by the night'. In this Dispensation, divine guidance flows on to us in this world after the Prophet's ascension, through first the Master, and then the Guardians. If a person can accept Bahá'u'lláh's function, it should not present any difficulty to them to also accept what He has ordained a divinely-guided individual in matters pertaining to His Faith."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to an individual believer, November 25, 1948: Bahá'í News, No. 232, p. 8, June 1950, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1047|1047]])<br />
<br />
===The Word "Guardianship" Used with Various Meanings===<br />
<br />
"Regarding your first question, it is important that when considering the references to the Guardianship in the writings of the Faith, and especially when striving to understand how these references apply at the present time, you should realize that the word 'guardianship' is used with various meanings in different contexts. In certain contexts it indicates the office and function of the Guardian himself, in others it refers to the line of Guardians, in still others it bears a more extended meaning embracing the Guardian and his attendant institutions. Nevertheless, it would be quite incorrect to state, at the present time when there is no Guardian, that the Hands of the Cause are members of the Institution of Guardianship. Nor would it be correct to so designate the International Teaching Centre, the Counsellors, the members of the Auxiliary Boards and their assistants."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 5, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1048|1048]])<br />
<br />
===The Distinction Between Authoritative Interpretation and Individual Understanding===<br />
<br />
"A clear distinction is made in our Faith between authoritative interpretation and the interpretation or understanding that each individual arrives at for himself from his study of its teachings. While the former is confined to the Guardian, the latter, according to the guidance given to us by the Guardian himself, should by no means be suppressed. In fact such individual interpretation is considered the fruit of man's rational power and conducive to a better understanding of the teachings, provided that no disputes or arguments arise among the friends and the individual himself understands and makes it clear that his views are merely his own. Individual interpretations continually change as one grows in comprehension of the teachings. In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi it is stated, 'To deepen in the Cause means to read the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and the Master so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form. There are many who have some superficial idea of what the Cause stands for. They, therefore, present it together with all sorts of ideas that are their own. As the Cause is still in its early days we must be most careful lest we fall into this error and injure the Movement we so much adore. There is no limit to the study of the Cause. The more we read the Writings, the more truths we can find in Them, the more we will see that our previous notions were erroneous.' So, although individual insights can be enlightening and helpful, they can also be misleading. The friends must therefore learn to listen to the views of others without being over-awed or allowing their faith to be shaken, and to express their own views without pressing them on their fellow Bahá'ís.<br />
<br />
"The Cause of God is organic, growing and developing like a living being. Time and again it has faced crises which have perplexed the believers, but each time the Cause, impelled by the immutable purpose of God, overcame the crisis and went on to greater heights."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 27, 1966, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1052|1052]])<br />
<br />
===He is the Interpreter of the Word: Divine Truth is Relative===<br />
<br />
"The Will and Testament of Bahá'u'lláh and the Will and Testament of the Master clearly and explicitly indicate that the Interpreter of the Word was the Centre of the Covenant and now is the Guardian. There are no other Interpreters whatsoever and no individual may interpret. This is strictly forbidden.<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, June 4, 1957, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1056|1056]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Shoghi Effendi]]<br />
* [[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] (regarding status of letters written on his behalf)<br />
* [[Aghsán]]<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Incorporate https://bahai-library.com/uhj_anticipation_guardianship_bahaullah<br />
<br />
[[Category:Guardianship]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Guardianship&diff=23829Guardianship2026-05-19T20:21:17Z<p>B9O9: /* Sphere of operation/infallibility */</p>
<hr />
<div>For the first (and only) Guardian, see [[Shoghi Effendi]].<br />
<br />
==Letters==<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/uhj_absence_successor_guardian<br />
<br />
==Guardianship anticipated by Bahá'u'lláh==<br />
<br />
"In this Charter of the future world civilization [the Kitáb-i-Aqdas] its Author...anticipates by implication the institution of Guardianship..."<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[God Passes By]]'', p. [[gpb:214|214]])<br />
<br />
"II. ANTICIPATION OF THE INSTITUTION OF THE GUARDIANSHIP"<br />
<br />
:(''[[Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', no. [[syn:II|II]])<br />
<br />
"The Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice can thus be seen to be, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, the "Twin Successors" of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá. They are the supreme institutions of the Administrative Order which was founded and anticipated in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and elaborated by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will."<br />
<br />
:(Introduction to the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', p. [[kapg:3|3]])<br />
<br />
""Aghsán" (plural of Ghusn) is the Arabic word for "Branches". This term is used by Bahá'u'lláh to designate His male descendants. It has particular implications not only for the disposition of endowments but also for the succession of authority following the passing of Bahá'u'lláh (see note 145) and of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Bahá'u'lláh, in the Book of His Covenant, appointed 'Abdu'l-Bahá, His eldest son, as the Centre of His Covenant and the Head of the Faith. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in His Will and Testament, appointed Shoghi Effendi, His eldest grandson, as the Guardian and Head of the Faith.<br />
<br />
"This passage of the Aqdas, therefore, anticipates the succession of chosen Aghsán and thus the institution of the Guardianship and envisages the possibility of a break in their line. The passing of Shoghi Effendi in 1957 precipitated the very situation provided for in this passage, in that the line of Aghsán ended before the Universal House of Justice had been established (see note [[kan:67|67]])."<br />
<br />
:(Notes to the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', no. [[kan:66|66]] in regard to ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', par. [[kap:42|42]])<br />
<br />
==Guardianship anticipated by `Abdu'l-Bahá==<br />
<br />
"It should be borne in mind that the institution of the Guardianship has been anticipated by `Abdu'l-Bahá in an allusion He made in a Tablet addressed, long before His own ascension, to three of His friends in Persia. To their question as to whether there would be any person to whom all the Bahá'ís would be called upon to turn after His ascension He made the following reply: "As to the question ye have asked me, know verily that this is a well-guarded secret. It is even as a gem concealed within its shell. That it will be revealed is predestined. The time will come when its light will appear, when its evidences will be made manifest, and its secrets unraveled."<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[World Order of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[wob:150|150]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
<br />
* Tablets cited in Chapter 1 of the ''[[Priceless Pearl]]'':<br />
** [https://bahai-library.com/khanum_priceless_pearl&chapter=1#2 p. 2] - Tablet beginning "O Maidservant of God! Verily, that child is born and is alive..."<br />
** [https://bahai-library.com/khanum_priceless_pearl&chapter=1#5 p. 5] - Tablet beginning "O God! This is a branch sprung from the tree of Thy mercy..."<br />
<br />
==After 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the Faith referred to institutions (Guardianship with Shoghi Effendi and Universal House of Justice) with no one to claim the station for themselves (except as appointed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá)==<br />
<br />
===After 'Abdu'l-Bahá's passing, all to turn to Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Cause, who is to be succeeded by his first-born lineal descendents===<br />
<br />
"O my loving friends! After the passing away of this wronged one, it is incumbent upon the Aghsán (Branches), the Afnán (Twigs) of the Sacred Lote-Tree, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God and the loved ones of the Abhá Beauty to turn unto Shoghi Effendi--the youthful branch branched from the two hallowed and sacred Lote-Trees and the fruit grown from the union of the two offshoots of the Tree of Holiness,-- as he is the sign of God, the chosen branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, he unto whom all the Aghsán, the Afnán, the Hands of the Cause of God and His loved ones must turn. He is the Interpreter of the Word of God and after him will succeed the first-born of his lineal descendents.<br />
<br />
"The sacred and youthful branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, as well as the Universal House of Justice to be universally elected and established, are both under the care and protection of the Abhá Beauty, under the shelter and unerring guidance of the Exalted One (may my life be offered up for them both). Whatsoever they decide is of God. Whoso obeyeth him not, neither obeyeth them, hath not obeyed God; whoso rebelleth against him and against them hath rebelled against God; whoso opposeth him hath opposed God; whoso contendeth with them hath contended with God; whoso disputeth with him hath disputed with God; whoso denieth him hath denied God; whoso disbelieveth in him hath disbelieved in God; whoso deviateth, separateth himself and turneth aside from him hath in truth deviated, separated himself and turned aside from God. May the wrath, the fierce indignation, the vengeance of God rest upon him! The mighty stronghold shall remain impregnable and safe through obedience to him who is the Guardian of the Cause of God."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', p. [[wt:11|11]])<br />
<br />
===Station of Guardianship Cannot Be Claimed Ere the Expiration of 1000 Years===<br />
<br />
"My purpose is this, that ere the expiration of a thousand years, no one has the right to utter a single word, even to claim the station of Guardianship.<br />
<br />
"The Most Holy Book is the Book to which all peoples shall refer, and in it the Laws of God have been revealed. Laws not mentioned in the Book should be referred to the decision of the Universal House of Justice..."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]]: Persian and Arabic Tablets, Vol. III, pp. 499-501: cited by the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Netherlands, March 9, 1965: Wellspring of Guidance, p. 47, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1058|1058]])<br />
<br />
===God Ordained, in This Day, that Guidance Has Been Vouchsafed to Man Through Institutions===<br />
<br />
"...In view of the fact that guidance in this day, through the bounty of God, and because of the very nature of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation, has been vouchsafed to man through institutions in this world; namely the Guardianship at present; and also in the future, the International House of Justice; individuals are not in a position to interpret the Teachings, and have no justification for claiming special stations."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, December 13, 1955, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1053|1053]])<br />
<br />
==Envisioning of future Guardians==<br />
* ''[[Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/abdul-baha_will_testament#1par17 section 1, par. 17]<br />
* ''[[World Order of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[wob:151|151]] ([https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/wob/40.html#Paragraph%2024 par.])<br />
* "Future Guardians are clearly envisaged and referred to in the Writings..." (From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to Hands of the Cause of God, Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies, December 7, 1969, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1054|1054]])<br />
* For the addressing of this issue, see https://bahai-library.com/uhj_guardianship_uhj_infallibility<br />
<br />
==Anticipation of end of the line of Guardians and significance of this institution despite there having only been one==<br />
<br />
===Future Guardians===<br />
<br />
"Future Guardians are clearly envisaged and referred to in the Writings, but there is nowhere any promise or guarantee that the line of Guardians would endure forever; on the contrary there are clear indications that the line could be broken. Yet, in spite of this, there is repeated insistence in the Writings on the indestructability of the Covenant and the immutability of God's Purpose for this Day.<br />
<br />
"One of the most striking passages which envisage the possibility of such a break in the line of the Guardians is in the Kitab-i-Aqdas itself:<br />
<br />
'The endowments dedicated to charity revert to God, the Revealer of Signs. No one has the right to lay hold on them without leave from the Dawning-Place of Revelation. After Him the decision rests with the Aghsan (Branches), and after them with the House of Justice--should it be established in the world by then--so that they may use these endowments for the benefit of the Sites exalted in this Cause, and for that which they have been commanded by God, the Almighty, the All-Powerful. Otherwise the endowments should be referred to the people of Bahá, who speak not without His leave and who pass no judgement but in accordance with that which God has ordained in this Tablet, they who are the champions of victory betwixt heaven and earth, so that they may spend them on that which has been decreed in the Holy Book by God, the Mighty, the Bountiful.'"<br />
<br />
:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to Hands of the Cause of God, Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies, December 7, 1969, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1054|1054]])<br />
<br />
===Guardianship Does Not Lose Significance nor Position Because There is No Living Guardian===<br />
<br />
"During the whole thirty-six years of his Guardianship Shoghi Effendi functioned without the Universal House of Justice. Now the Universal House of Justice must function without the Guardian, but the principle of inseparability remains. The Guardianship does not lose its significance nor position in the Order of Bahá'u'lláh merely because there is no living Guardian. We must guard against two extremes: one is to argue that because there is no Guardian all that was written about the Guardianship and its position in the Bahá'í World Order is a dead letter and was unimportant; the other is to be so overwhelmed by the significance of the Guardianship as to underestimate the strength of the Covenant, or to be tempted to compromise with the clear texts in order to find somehow, in some way, a 'Guardian'."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 27, 1966: Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 86-87, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1057|1057]])<br />
<br />
====See also====<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/grossmann_hermann_letter<br />
<br />
==Types of rulings made by (and abrogation or continuation thereof)==<br />
<br />
===Future Guardians not to abrogate interpretations of former Guardians, but they can elaborate and elucidate former interpretations and abrogate former rulings laid down out of temporary necessity===<br />
<br />
"He feels that there must have been some misapprehension on your part of his statements regarding future Guardians: they cannot "abrogate" the interpretations of former Guardians, as this would imply not only lack of guidance but mistakes in making them; however they can elaborate and elucidate former interpretations, and can certainly abrogate some former ruling laid down as a temporary necessity by a former Guardian."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Messages to Canada 1999|Messages to Canada]]'', p. [[mc2:89|89]])<br />
<br />
===Prerogatives and Duties Invested in the Guardian Are of Three Kinds===<br />
<br />
"In the specific sense of referring to the office and function of the Guardian himself, the House of Justice finds that the prerogatives and duties vested in him are of three kinds. First, as was explained in a letter to an individual believer, which was published in 'Wellspring of Guidance', there are a number of functions and objects which the Guardianship shares with the Universal House of Justice and which the House of Justice must continue to pursue. Secondly, there are other functions of the Guardianship which, in the absence of a Guardian, devolve upon the Universal House of Justice, for example, the Headship of the Faith, the responsibility for directing the work of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God and of ensuring the continuing discharge of the functions of protection and propagation vested in that Institution, and the right to administer the Huququ'llah. Thirdly, there are those prerogatives and duties which lie exclusively within the sphere of the Guardian himself and, therefore, in the absence of a Guardian, are inoperative except insofar as the monumental work already performed by Shoghi Effendi continues to be of enduring benefit to the Faith. Such a function is that of authoritative interpretation of the Teachings."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 5, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1049|1049]])<br />
<br />
===Authoritative Interpretation of the Teachings is the Exclusive Right of the Guardian After Abdu'l-Bahá whereas the Universal House of Justice will pronounce upon laws not expressly revealed, and sharing with the Guardian (the duties of applying the Word, protecting the Faith, ensuring the continuity of divine authority, safeguarding unity, and maintaining the integrity/flexibility of the teachings); the House of Justice is not omniscient and wants to be provided with facts and may change decision when new facts emerge===<br />
<br />
"It must always be remembered that authoritative interpretation of the Teachings was, after Abdu'l-Bahá, the exclusive right of the Guardian, and fell within the 'sacred and prescribed domain' of the Guardianship, and therefore the Universal House of Justice cannot and will not infringe upon that domain. The exclusive sphere of the Universal House of Justice is to 'pronounce upon and deliver the final judgment on such laws and ordinances as Bahá'u'lláh has not expressly revealed'. Apart from this fundamental difference in the functions of the twin pillars of the Order of Bahá'u'lláh, insofar as the other duties of the Head of the Faith are concerned, the Universal House of Justice shares with the Guardian the responsibility for the application of the revealed Word, the protection of the Faith, as well as the duty 'to insure the continuity of that divinely-appointed authority which flows from the Source of our Faith, to safeguard the unity of its followers, and to maintain the integrity and flexibility of its Teachings.' However, the Universal House of Justice is not omniscient; like the Guardian, it wants to be provided with facts when called upon to render a decision, and like him it may well change its decision when new facts emerge."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, August 22, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1051|1051]])<br />
<br />
==Sphere of operation/infallibility==<br />
<br />
=== The Infalibility of the Guardian is confined to matters related to the Baha'i Faith and the interpretation of Baha'i teachings ===<br />
<br />
The infallibility of the Guardian is confined to matters which are related strictly to the Cause and interpretation of the teachings; he is not an infallible authority on other subjects, such as economics, science, etc. When he feels that a certain thing is essential for the protection of the Cause, even if it is something that affects a person personally, he must be obeyed, but when he gives advice, such as that he gave you in a previous letter about your future, it is not binding; you are free to follow it or not as you please.<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Directives from the Guardian]]'', pp. [[33-34]]<br />
<br />
===Infallibility of the Guardian is Not for Individual Believers to Limit or to Judge===<br />
<br />
"Shoghi Effendi was asked several times during his ministry to define the sphere of his operation and his infallibility. The replies he gave and which were written on his behalf are most illuminating. He explains that he is not an infallible authority on subjects such as economics and science, nor does he go into technical matters since his infallibility is confined to 'matters which are related strictly to the Cause'. He further points out that 'he is not, like the Prophet, omniscient at will', that his 'infallibility covers interpretation of the revealed word and its application', and that he is also 'infallible in the protection of the Faith'. Furthermore, in one of the letters, the following guideline is set forth: '...It is not for individual believers to limit the sphere of the Guardian's authority, or to judge when they have to obey the Guardian and when they are free to reject his judgement. Such an attitude would evidently lead to confusion and to schism. The Guardian being the appointed interpreter of the Teachings, it is his responsibility to state what matters which, affecting the interests of the Faith, demand on the part of the believers complete and unqualified obedience to his instructions.'"<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, August 22, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1050|1050]])<br />
<br />
===The words of the Guardian are binding; the Guardian is Assured the Guidance of Both Bahá'u'lláh and the Bab; his infallibility covers the revealed word and its application and the protection of the Faith (with issues regarding its protection and well-being needing to be closely obeyed)===<br />
<br />
"Instructions sent on behalf of the Guardian are binding, as are the words of the Guardian; although of course, they are not the Guardian's words.<br />
<br />
"The Guardian's infallibility covers interpretation of the revealed word and its application. Likewise any instructions he may issue having to do with the protection of the Faith, or its well-being must be closely obeyed, as he is infallible in the protection of the Faith. He is assured the guidance of both Bahá'u'lláh and the Bab, as the Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Bahá clearly reveals."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to an individual believer, August 20, 1956, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1055|1055]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/uhj_infallibility_history_guardian<br />
<br />
==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to categorize)==<br />
<br />
===The Guardianship--Acceptance of--Day that Will Not Be Followed by Night===<br />
<br />
"He feels that if ... ponders more deeply about the fundamentals of Divine Revelation, she will also come to understand the Guardianship. Once the mind and heart have grasped the fact that God guides men through a Mouthpiece, a human being, a Prophet, infallible and unerring, it is only a logical projection of this acceptance to also accept the station of Abdu'l-Bahá and the Guardians. The Guardians are the evidence of the maturity of mankind in the sense that at long last men have progressed to the point of having one world, and of needing one world management for human affairs. In the spiritual realm they have also reached the point where God could leave, in human hands (i.e., the Guardians'), guided directly by the Bab and Bahá'u'lláh, as the Master states in His Will, the affairs of His Faith for this Dispensation. This is what is meant by 'this is the day which will not be followed by the night'. In this Dispensation, divine guidance flows on to us in this world after the Prophet's ascension, through first the Master, and then the Guardians. If a person can accept Bahá'u'lláh's function, it should not present any difficulty to them to also accept what He has ordained a divinely-guided individual in matters pertaining to His Faith."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to an individual believer, November 25, 1948: Bahá'í News, No. 232, p. 8, June 1950, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1047|1047]])<br />
<br />
===The Word "Guardianship" Used with Various Meanings===<br />
<br />
"Regarding your first question, it is important that when considering the references to the Guardianship in the writings of the Faith, and especially when striving to understand how these references apply at the present time, you should realize that the word 'guardianship' is used with various meanings in different contexts. In certain contexts it indicates the office and function of the Guardian himself, in others it refers to the line of Guardians, in still others it bears a more extended meaning embracing the Guardian and his attendant institutions. Nevertheless, it would be quite incorrect to state, at the present time when there is no Guardian, that the Hands of the Cause are members of the Institution of Guardianship. Nor would it be correct to so designate the International Teaching Centre, the Counsellors, the members of the Auxiliary Boards and their assistants."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 5, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1048|1048]])<br />
<br />
===The Distinction Between Authoritative Interpretation and Individual Understanding===<br />
<br />
"A clear distinction is made in our Faith between authoritative interpretation and the interpretation or understanding that each individual arrives at for himself from his study of its teachings. While the former is confined to the Guardian, the latter, according to the guidance given to us by the Guardian himself, should by no means be suppressed. In fact such individual interpretation is considered the fruit of man's rational power and conducive to a better understanding of the teachings, provided that no disputes or arguments arise among the friends and the individual himself understands and makes it clear that his views are merely his own. Individual interpretations continually change as one grows in comprehension of the teachings. In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi it is stated, 'To deepen in the Cause means to read the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and the Master so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form. There are many who have some superficial idea of what the Cause stands for. They, therefore, present it together with all sorts of ideas that are their own. As the Cause is still in its early days we must be most careful lest we fall into this error and injure the Movement we so much adore. There is no limit to the study of the Cause. The more we read the Writings, the more truths we can find in Them, the more we will see that our previous notions were erroneous.' So, although individual insights can be enlightening and helpful, they can also be misleading. The friends must therefore learn to listen to the views of others without being over-awed or allowing their faith to be shaken, and to express their own views without pressing them on their fellow Bahá'ís.<br />
<br />
"The Cause of God is organic, growing and developing like a living being. Time and again it has faced crises which have perplexed the believers, but each time the Cause, impelled by the immutable purpose of God, overcame the crisis and went on to greater heights."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 27, 1966, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1052|1052]])<br />
<br />
===He is the Interpreter of the Word: Divine Truth is Relative===<br />
<br />
"The Will and Testament of Bahá'u'lláh and the Will and Testament of the Master clearly and explicitly indicate that the Interpreter of the Word was the Centre of the Covenant and now is the Guardian. There are no other Interpreters whatsoever and no individual may interpret. This is strictly forbidden.<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, June 4, 1957, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1056|1056]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Shoghi Effendi]]<br />
* [[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] (regarding status of letters written on his behalf)<br />
* [[Aghsán]]<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Incorporate https://bahai-library.com/uhj_anticipation_guardianship_bahaullah<br />
<br />
[[Category:Guardianship]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Guardianship&diff=23828Guardianship2026-05-19T20:21:09Z<p>B9O9: /* Sphere of operation/infallibility */</p>
<hr />
<div>For the first (and only) Guardian, see [[Shoghi Effendi]].<br />
<br />
==Letters==<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/uhj_absence_successor_guardian<br />
<br />
==Guardianship anticipated by Bahá'u'lláh==<br />
<br />
"In this Charter of the future world civilization [the Kitáb-i-Aqdas] its Author...anticipates by implication the institution of Guardianship..."<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[God Passes By]]'', p. [[gpb:214|214]])<br />
<br />
"II. ANTICIPATION OF THE INSTITUTION OF THE GUARDIANSHIP"<br />
<br />
:(''[[Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', no. [[syn:II|II]])<br />
<br />
"The Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice can thus be seen to be, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, the "Twin Successors" of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá. They are the supreme institutions of the Administrative Order which was founded and anticipated in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and elaborated by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will."<br />
<br />
:(Introduction to the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', p. [[kapg:3|3]])<br />
<br />
""Aghsán" (plural of Ghusn) is the Arabic word for "Branches". This term is used by Bahá'u'lláh to designate His male descendants. It has particular implications not only for the disposition of endowments but also for the succession of authority following the passing of Bahá'u'lláh (see note 145) and of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Bahá'u'lláh, in the Book of His Covenant, appointed 'Abdu'l-Bahá, His eldest son, as the Centre of His Covenant and the Head of the Faith. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in His Will and Testament, appointed Shoghi Effendi, His eldest grandson, as the Guardian and Head of the Faith.<br />
<br />
"This passage of the Aqdas, therefore, anticipates the succession of chosen Aghsán and thus the institution of the Guardianship and envisages the possibility of a break in their line. The passing of Shoghi Effendi in 1957 precipitated the very situation provided for in this passage, in that the line of Aghsán ended before the Universal House of Justice had been established (see note [[kan:67|67]])."<br />
<br />
:(Notes to the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', no. [[kan:66|66]] in regard to ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', par. [[kap:42|42]])<br />
<br />
==Guardianship anticipated by `Abdu'l-Bahá==<br />
<br />
"It should be borne in mind that the institution of the Guardianship has been anticipated by `Abdu'l-Bahá in an allusion He made in a Tablet addressed, long before His own ascension, to three of His friends in Persia. To their question as to whether there would be any person to whom all the Bahá'ís would be called upon to turn after His ascension He made the following reply: "As to the question ye have asked me, know verily that this is a well-guarded secret. It is even as a gem concealed within its shell. That it will be revealed is predestined. The time will come when its light will appear, when its evidences will be made manifest, and its secrets unraveled."<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[World Order of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[wob:150|150]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
<br />
* Tablets cited in Chapter 1 of the ''[[Priceless Pearl]]'':<br />
** [https://bahai-library.com/khanum_priceless_pearl&chapter=1#2 p. 2] - Tablet beginning "O Maidservant of God! Verily, that child is born and is alive..."<br />
** [https://bahai-library.com/khanum_priceless_pearl&chapter=1#5 p. 5] - Tablet beginning "O God! This is a branch sprung from the tree of Thy mercy..."<br />
<br />
==After 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the Faith referred to institutions (Guardianship with Shoghi Effendi and Universal House of Justice) with no one to claim the station for themselves (except as appointed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá)==<br />
<br />
===After 'Abdu'l-Bahá's passing, all to turn to Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Cause, who is to be succeeded by his first-born lineal descendents===<br />
<br />
"O my loving friends! After the passing away of this wronged one, it is incumbent upon the Aghsán (Branches), the Afnán (Twigs) of the Sacred Lote-Tree, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God and the loved ones of the Abhá Beauty to turn unto Shoghi Effendi--the youthful branch branched from the two hallowed and sacred Lote-Trees and the fruit grown from the union of the two offshoots of the Tree of Holiness,-- as he is the sign of God, the chosen branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, he unto whom all the Aghsán, the Afnán, the Hands of the Cause of God and His loved ones must turn. He is the Interpreter of the Word of God and after him will succeed the first-born of his lineal descendents.<br />
<br />
"The sacred and youthful branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, as well as the Universal House of Justice to be universally elected and established, are both under the care and protection of the Abhá Beauty, under the shelter and unerring guidance of the Exalted One (may my life be offered up for them both). Whatsoever they decide is of God. Whoso obeyeth him not, neither obeyeth them, hath not obeyed God; whoso rebelleth against him and against them hath rebelled against God; whoso opposeth him hath opposed God; whoso contendeth with them hath contended with God; whoso disputeth with him hath disputed with God; whoso denieth him hath denied God; whoso disbelieveth in him hath disbelieved in God; whoso deviateth, separateth himself and turneth aside from him hath in truth deviated, separated himself and turned aside from God. May the wrath, the fierce indignation, the vengeance of God rest upon him! The mighty stronghold shall remain impregnable and safe through obedience to him who is the Guardian of the Cause of God."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', p. [[wt:11|11]])<br />
<br />
===Station of Guardianship Cannot Be Claimed Ere the Expiration of 1000 Years===<br />
<br />
"My purpose is this, that ere the expiration of a thousand years, no one has the right to utter a single word, even to claim the station of Guardianship.<br />
<br />
"The Most Holy Book is the Book to which all peoples shall refer, and in it the Laws of God have been revealed. Laws not mentioned in the Book should be referred to the decision of the Universal House of Justice..."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]]: Persian and Arabic Tablets, Vol. III, pp. 499-501: cited by the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Netherlands, March 9, 1965: Wellspring of Guidance, p. 47, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1058|1058]])<br />
<br />
===God Ordained, in This Day, that Guidance Has Been Vouchsafed to Man Through Institutions===<br />
<br />
"...In view of the fact that guidance in this day, through the bounty of God, and because of the very nature of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation, has been vouchsafed to man through institutions in this world; namely the Guardianship at present; and also in the future, the International House of Justice; individuals are not in a position to interpret the Teachings, and have no justification for claiming special stations."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, December 13, 1955, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1053|1053]])<br />
<br />
==Envisioning of future Guardians==<br />
* ''[[Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/abdul-baha_will_testament#1par17 section 1, par. 17]<br />
* ''[[World Order of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[wob:151|151]] ([https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/wob/40.html#Paragraph%2024 par.])<br />
* "Future Guardians are clearly envisaged and referred to in the Writings..." (From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to Hands of the Cause of God, Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies, December 7, 1969, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1054|1054]])<br />
* For the addressing of this issue, see https://bahai-library.com/uhj_guardianship_uhj_infallibility<br />
<br />
==Anticipation of end of the line of Guardians and significance of this institution despite there having only been one==<br />
<br />
===Future Guardians===<br />
<br />
"Future Guardians are clearly envisaged and referred to in the Writings, but there is nowhere any promise or guarantee that the line of Guardians would endure forever; on the contrary there are clear indications that the line could be broken. Yet, in spite of this, there is repeated insistence in the Writings on the indestructability of the Covenant and the immutability of God's Purpose for this Day.<br />
<br />
"One of the most striking passages which envisage the possibility of such a break in the line of the Guardians is in the Kitab-i-Aqdas itself:<br />
<br />
'The endowments dedicated to charity revert to God, the Revealer of Signs. No one has the right to lay hold on them without leave from the Dawning-Place of Revelation. After Him the decision rests with the Aghsan (Branches), and after them with the House of Justice--should it be established in the world by then--so that they may use these endowments for the benefit of the Sites exalted in this Cause, and for that which they have been commanded by God, the Almighty, the All-Powerful. Otherwise the endowments should be referred to the people of Bahá, who speak not without His leave and who pass no judgement but in accordance with that which God has ordained in this Tablet, they who are the champions of victory betwixt heaven and earth, so that they may spend them on that which has been decreed in the Holy Book by God, the Mighty, the Bountiful.'"<br />
<br />
:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to Hands of the Cause of God, Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies, December 7, 1969, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1054|1054]])<br />
<br />
===Guardianship Does Not Lose Significance nor Position Because There is No Living Guardian===<br />
<br />
"During the whole thirty-six years of his Guardianship Shoghi Effendi functioned without the Universal House of Justice. Now the Universal House of Justice must function without the Guardian, but the principle of inseparability remains. The Guardianship does not lose its significance nor position in the Order of Bahá'u'lláh merely because there is no living Guardian. We must guard against two extremes: one is to argue that because there is no Guardian all that was written about the Guardianship and its position in the Bahá'í World Order is a dead letter and was unimportant; the other is to be so overwhelmed by the significance of the Guardianship as to underestimate the strength of the Covenant, or to be tempted to compromise with the clear texts in order to find somehow, in some way, a 'Guardian'."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 27, 1966: Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 86-87, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1057|1057]])<br />
<br />
====See also====<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/grossmann_hermann_letter<br />
<br />
==Types of rulings made by (and abrogation or continuation thereof)==<br />
<br />
===Future Guardians not to abrogate interpretations of former Guardians, but they can elaborate and elucidate former interpretations and abrogate former rulings laid down out of temporary necessity===<br />
<br />
"He feels that there must have been some misapprehension on your part of his statements regarding future Guardians: they cannot "abrogate" the interpretations of former Guardians, as this would imply not only lack of guidance but mistakes in making them; however they can elaborate and elucidate former interpretations, and can certainly abrogate some former ruling laid down as a temporary necessity by a former Guardian."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Messages to Canada 1999|Messages to Canada]]'', p. [[mc2:89|89]])<br />
<br />
===Prerogatives and Duties Invested in the Guardian Are of Three Kinds===<br />
<br />
"In the specific sense of referring to the office and function of the Guardian himself, the House of Justice finds that the prerogatives and duties vested in him are of three kinds. First, as was explained in a letter to an individual believer, which was published in 'Wellspring of Guidance', there are a number of functions and objects which the Guardianship shares with the Universal House of Justice and which the House of Justice must continue to pursue. Secondly, there are other functions of the Guardianship which, in the absence of a Guardian, devolve upon the Universal House of Justice, for example, the Headship of the Faith, the responsibility for directing the work of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God and of ensuring the continuing discharge of the functions of protection and propagation vested in that Institution, and the right to administer the Huququ'llah. Thirdly, there are those prerogatives and duties which lie exclusively within the sphere of the Guardian himself and, therefore, in the absence of a Guardian, are inoperative except insofar as the monumental work already performed by Shoghi Effendi continues to be of enduring benefit to the Faith. Such a function is that of authoritative interpretation of the Teachings."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 5, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1049|1049]])<br />
<br />
===Authoritative Interpretation of the Teachings is the Exclusive Right of the Guardian After Abdu'l-Bahá whereas the Universal House of Justice will pronounce upon laws not expressly revealed, and sharing with the Guardian (the duties of applying the Word, protecting the Faith, ensuring the continuity of divine authority, safeguarding unity, and maintaining the integrity/flexibility of the teachings); the House of Justice is not omniscient and wants to be provided with facts and may change decision when new facts emerge===<br />
<br />
"It must always be remembered that authoritative interpretation of the Teachings was, after Abdu'l-Bahá, the exclusive right of the Guardian, and fell within the 'sacred and prescribed domain' of the Guardianship, and therefore the Universal House of Justice cannot and will not infringe upon that domain. The exclusive sphere of the Universal House of Justice is to 'pronounce upon and deliver the final judgment on such laws and ordinances as Bahá'u'lláh has not expressly revealed'. Apart from this fundamental difference in the functions of the twin pillars of the Order of Bahá'u'lláh, insofar as the other duties of the Head of the Faith are concerned, the Universal House of Justice shares with the Guardian the responsibility for the application of the revealed Word, the protection of the Faith, as well as the duty 'to insure the continuity of that divinely-appointed authority which flows from the Source of our Faith, to safeguard the unity of its followers, and to maintain the integrity and flexibility of its Teachings.' However, the Universal House of Justice is not omniscient; like the Guardian, it wants to be provided with facts when called upon to render a decision, and like him it may well change its decision when new facts emerge."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, August 22, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1051|1051]])<br />
<br />
==Sphere of operation/infallibility==<br />
<br />
=== The Infalibility of the Guardian is confined to matters related to the Baha'i Faith and the interpretation of Baha'i teachings ===<br />
<br />
The infallibility of the Guardian is confined to matters which are related strictly to the Cause and interpretation of the teachings; he is not an infallible authority on other subjects, such as economics, science, etc. When he feels that a certain thing is essential for the protection of the Cause, even if it is something that affects a person personally, he must be obeyed, but when he gives advice, such as that he gave you in a previous letter about your future, it is not binding; you are free to follow it or not as you please.<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Directives from the Guardian]]'', pp. [[dg:33-34]]<br />
<br />
===Infallibility of the Guardian is Not for Individual Believers to Limit or to Judge===<br />
<br />
"Shoghi Effendi was asked several times during his ministry to define the sphere of his operation and his infallibility. The replies he gave and which were written on his behalf are most illuminating. He explains that he is not an infallible authority on subjects such as economics and science, nor does he go into technical matters since his infallibility is confined to 'matters which are related strictly to the Cause'. He further points out that 'he is not, like the Prophet, omniscient at will', that his 'infallibility covers interpretation of the revealed word and its application', and that he is also 'infallible in the protection of the Faith'. Furthermore, in one of the letters, the following guideline is set forth: '...It is not for individual believers to limit the sphere of the Guardian's authority, or to judge when they have to obey the Guardian and when they are free to reject his judgement. Such an attitude would evidently lead to confusion and to schism. The Guardian being the appointed interpreter of the Teachings, it is his responsibility to state what matters which, affecting the interests of the Faith, demand on the part of the believers complete and unqualified obedience to his instructions.'"<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, August 22, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1050|1050]])<br />
<br />
===The words of the Guardian are binding; the Guardian is Assured the Guidance of Both Bahá'u'lláh and the Bab; his infallibility covers the revealed word and its application and the protection of the Faith (with issues regarding its protection and well-being needing to be closely obeyed)===<br />
<br />
"Instructions sent on behalf of the Guardian are binding, as are the words of the Guardian; although of course, they are not the Guardian's words.<br />
<br />
"The Guardian's infallibility covers interpretation of the revealed word and its application. Likewise any instructions he may issue having to do with the protection of the Faith, or its well-being must be closely obeyed, as he is infallible in the protection of the Faith. He is assured the guidance of both Bahá'u'lláh and the Bab, as the Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Bahá clearly reveals."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to an individual believer, August 20, 1956, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1055|1055]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/uhj_infallibility_history_guardian<br />
<br />
==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to categorize)==<br />
<br />
===The Guardianship--Acceptance of--Day that Will Not Be Followed by Night===<br />
<br />
"He feels that if ... ponders more deeply about the fundamentals of Divine Revelation, she will also come to understand the Guardianship. Once the mind and heart have grasped the fact that God guides men through a Mouthpiece, a human being, a Prophet, infallible and unerring, it is only a logical projection of this acceptance to also accept the station of Abdu'l-Bahá and the Guardians. The Guardians are the evidence of the maturity of mankind in the sense that at long last men have progressed to the point of having one world, and of needing one world management for human affairs. In the spiritual realm they have also reached the point where God could leave, in human hands (i.e., the Guardians'), guided directly by the Bab and Bahá'u'lláh, as the Master states in His Will, the affairs of His Faith for this Dispensation. This is what is meant by 'this is the day which will not be followed by the night'. In this Dispensation, divine guidance flows on to us in this world after the Prophet's ascension, through first the Master, and then the Guardians. If a person can accept Bahá'u'lláh's function, it should not present any difficulty to them to also accept what He has ordained a divinely-guided individual in matters pertaining to His Faith."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to an individual believer, November 25, 1948: Bahá'í News, No. 232, p. 8, June 1950, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1047|1047]])<br />
<br />
===The Word "Guardianship" Used with Various Meanings===<br />
<br />
"Regarding your first question, it is important that when considering the references to the Guardianship in the writings of the Faith, and especially when striving to understand how these references apply at the present time, you should realize that the word 'guardianship' is used with various meanings in different contexts. In certain contexts it indicates the office and function of the Guardian himself, in others it refers to the line of Guardians, in still others it bears a more extended meaning embracing the Guardian and his attendant institutions. Nevertheless, it would be quite incorrect to state, at the present time when there is no Guardian, that the Hands of the Cause are members of the Institution of Guardianship. Nor would it be correct to so designate the International Teaching Centre, the Counsellors, the members of the Auxiliary Boards and their assistants."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 5, 1977, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1048|1048]])<br />
<br />
===The Distinction Between Authoritative Interpretation and Individual Understanding===<br />
<br />
"A clear distinction is made in our Faith between authoritative interpretation and the interpretation or understanding that each individual arrives at for himself from his study of its teachings. While the former is confined to the Guardian, the latter, according to the guidance given to us by the Guardian himself, should by no means be suppressed. In fact such individual interpretation is considered the fruit of man's rational power and conducive to a better understanding of the teachings, provided that no disputes or arguments arise among the friends and the individual himself understands and makes it clear that his views are merely his own. Individual interpretations continually change as one grows in comprehension of the teachings. In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi it is stated, 'To deepen in the Cause means to read the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and the Master so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form. There are many who have some superficial idea of what the Cause stands for. They, therefore, present it together with all sorts of ideas that are their own. As the Cause is still in its early days we must be most careful lest we fall into this error and injure the Movement we so much adore. There is no limit to the study of the Cause. The more we read the Writings, the more truths we can find in Them, the more we will see that our previous notions were erroneous.' So, although individual insights can be enlightening and helpful, they can also be misleading. The friends must therefore learn to listen to the views of others without being over-awed or allowing their faith to be shaken, and to express their own views without pressing them on their fellow Bahá'ís.<br />
<br />
"The Cause of God is organic, growing and developing like a living being. Time and again it has faced crises which have perplexed the believers, but each time the Cause, impelled by the immutable purpose of God, overcame the crisis and went on to greater heights."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter of the [[Universal House of Justice]] to an individual believer, May 27, 1966, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1052|1052]])<br />
<br />
===He is the Interpreter of the Word: Divine Truth is Relative===<br />
<br />
"The Will and Testament of Bahá'u'lláh and the Will and Testament of the Master clearly and explicitly indicate that the Interpreter of the Word was the Centre of the Covenant and now is the Guardian. There are no other Interpreters whatsoever and no individual may interpret. This is strictly forbidden.<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, June 4, 1957, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1056|1056]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Shoghi Effendi]]<br />
* [[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] (regarding status of letters written on his behalf)<br />
* [[Aghsán]]<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Incorporate https://bahai-library.com/uhj_anticipation_guardianship_bahaullah<br />
<br />
[[Category:Guardianship]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Deeds&diff=23827Deeds2026-05-19T20:18:33Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Important to yield fruit==<br />
<br />
"One who yieldeth no fruit is, in the words of the Spirit, like unto a fruitless tree, and a fruitless tree is fit but for the fire."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:60|60]])<br />
<br />
==A deed is its own reward==<br />
<br />
"...unto them that are rid of all attachments a deed is, verily, its own reward."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:189|189]])<br />
<br />
==The good deeds of non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings==<br />
<br />
"if you consider the matter with fairness you will see that these good deeds of the non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings. That is, the Prophets of old exhorted men to perform them, explained their advantages, and expounded their positive effects; these teachings then spread among mankind, successively reaching the non-believing souls and inclining their hearts towards these perfections; and when they found these actions to be laudable and to bring about joy and happiness among men, they too conformed to them. Thus these actions also arise from the divine teachings"<br />
<br />
:(Abdu'l Baha ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', no. 84)<br />
<br />
"A person who performs good deeds but remains ignorant of God is likened to a blind man who creates a piece of art but is unable to see it."<br />
<br />
:(Abdu'l Baha The Divine Art of Living, p. 48)<br />
<br />
==Days of idle worship are ended; only the purest motive supported by deeds of stainless purity is now acceptable to God==<br />
<br />
"Purge your hearts of worldly desires, and let angelic virtues be your adorning. Strive that by your deeds you may bear witness to the truth of these words of God, and beware lest, by `turning back,' He may `change you for another people,' who `shall not be your like,' and who shall take from you the Kingdom of God. The days when idle worship was deemed sufficient are ended. The time is come when naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most High and be acceptable unto Him."<br />
<br />
:([[The Báb]], ''[[Dawn-Breakers]]'', p. [[db:93|93]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Words and deeds]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Good deeds]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Deeds&diff=23826Deeds2026-05-19T20:16:56Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Important to yield fruit==<br />
<br />
"One who yieldeth no fruit is, in the words of the Spirit, like unto a fruitless tree, and a fruitless tree is fit but for the fire."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:60|60]])<br />
<br />
==A deed is its own reward==<br />
<br />
"...unto them that are rid of all attachments a deed is, verily, its own reward."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:189|189]])<br />
<br />
==The good deeds of non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings==<br />
<br />
"if you consider the matter with fairness you will see that these good deeds of the non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings. That is, the Prophets of old exhorted men to perform them, explained their advantages, and expounded their positive effects; these teachings then spread among mankind, successively reaching the non-believing souls and inclining their hearts towards these perfections; and when they found these actions to be laudable and to bring about joy and happiness among men, they too conformed to them. Thus these actions also arise from the divine teachings"<br />
<br />
:(Abdu'l Baha ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', no. 84)<br />
<br />
==Days of idle worship are ended; only the purest motive supported by deeds of stainless purity is now acceptable to God==<br />
<br />
"Purge your hearts of worldly desires, and let angelic virtues be your adorning. Strive that by your deeds you may bear witness to the truth of these words of God, and beware lest, by `turning back,' He may `change you for another people,' who `shall not be your like,' and who shall take from you the Kingdom of God. The days when idle worship was deemed sufficient are ended. The time is come when naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most High and be acceptable unto Him."<br />
<br />
:([[The Báb]], ''[[Dawn-Breakers]]'', p. [[db:93|93]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Words and deeds]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Good deeds]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Deeds&diff=23825Deeds2026-05-19T20:16:45Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Important to yield fruit==<br />
<br />
"One who yieldeth no fruit is, in the words of the Spirit, like unto a fruitless tree, and a fruitless tree is fit but for the fire."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:60|60]])<br />
<br />
==A deed is its own reward==<br />
<br />
"...unto them that are rid of all attachments a deed is, verily, its own reward."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:189|189]])<br />
<br />
==The good deeds of non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings==<br />
<br />
"if you consider the matter with fairness you will see that these good deeds of the non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings. That is, the Prophets of old exhorted men to perform them, explained their advantages, and expounded their positive effects; these teachings then spread among mankind, successively reaching the non-believing souls and inclining their hearts towards these perfections; and when they found these actions to be laudable and to bring about joy and happiness among men, they too conformed to them. Thus these actions also arise from the divine teachings"<br />
<br />
:(Abdu'l Baha ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', no. [[84]])<br />
<br />
==Days of idle worship are ended; only the purest motive supported by deeds of stainless purity is now acceptable to God==<br />
<br />
"Purge your hearts of worldly desires, and let angelic virtues be your adorning. Strive that by your deeds you may bear witness to the truth of these words of God, and beware lest, by `turning back,' He may `change you for another people,' who `shall not be your like,' and who shall take from you the Kingdom of God. The days when idle worship was deemed sufficient are ended. The time is come when naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most High and be acceptable unto Him."<br />
<br />
:([[The Báb]], ''[[Dawn-Breakers]]'', p. [[db:93|93]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Words and deeds]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Good deeds]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Deeds&diff=23824Deeds2026-05-19T20:16:36Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Important to yield fruit==<br />
<br />
"One who yieldeth no fruit is, in the words of the Spirit, like unto a fruitless tree, and a fruitless tree is fit but for the fire."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:60|60]])<br />
<br />
==A deed is its own reward==<br />
<br />
"...unto them that are rid of all attachments a deed is, verily, its own reward."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:189|189]])<br />
<br />
==The good deeds of non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings==<br />
<br />
"if you consider the matter with fairness you will see that these good deeds of the non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings. That is, the Prophets of old exhorted men to perform them, explained their advantages, and expounded their positive effects; these teachings then spread among mankind, successively reaching the non-believing souls and inclining their hearts towards these perfections; and when they found these actions to be laudable and to bring about joy and happiness among men, they too conformed to them. Thus these actions also arise from the divine teachings"<br />
<br />
:(Abdu'l Baha ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', p. [[84]])<br />
<br />
==Days of idle worship are ended; only the purest motive supported by deeds of stainless purity is now acceptable to God==<br />
<br />
"Purge your hearts of worldly desires, and let angelic virtues be your adorning. Strive that by your deeds you may bear witness to the truth of these words of God, and beware lest, by `turning back,' He may `change you for another people,' who `shall not be your like,' and who shall take from you the Kingdom of God. The days when idle worship was deemed sufficient are ended. The time is come when naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most High and be acceptable unto Him."<br />
<br />
:([[The Báb]], ''[[Dawn-Breakers]]'', p. [[db:93|93]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Words and deeds]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Good deeds]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Deeds&diff=23823Deeds2026-05-19T20:16:08Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Important to yield fruit==<br />
<br />
"One who yieldeth no fruit is, in the words of the Spirit, like unto a fruitless tree, and a fruitless tree is fit but for the fire."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:60|60]])<br />
<br />
==A deed is its own reward==<br />
<br />
"...unto them that are rid of all attachments a deed is, verily, its own reward."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:189|189]])<br />
<br />
==The good deeds of non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings==<br />
<br />
"if you consider the matter with fairness you will see that these good deeds of the non-believers also have their origin in the divine teachings. That is, the Prophets of old exhorted men to perform them, explained their advantages, and expounded their positive effects; these teachings then spread among mankind, successively reaching the non-believing souls and inclining their hearts towards these perfections; and when they found these actions to be laudable and to bring about joy and happiness among men, they too conformed to them. Thus these actions also arise from the divine teachings"<br />
<br />
:(Abdu'l Baha ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', p. [[saq:84]])<br />
<br />
==Days of idle worship are ended; only the purest motive supported by deeds of stainless purity is now acceptable to God==<br />
<br />
"Purge your hearts of worldly desires, and let angelic virtues be your adorning. Strive that by your deeds you may bear witness to the truth of these words of God, and beware lest, by `turning back,' He may `change you for another people,' who `shall not be your like,' and who shall take from you the Kingdom of God. The days when idle worship was deemed sufficient are ended. The time is come when naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most High and be acceptable unto Him."<br />
<br />
:([[The Báb]], ''[[Dawn-Breakers]]'', p. [[db:93|93]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Words and deeds]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Good deeds]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Grace&diff=23821Grace2026-05-19T19:03:25Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Tie between the creature and Creator is as a token of His gracious favor and not their merit==<br />
<br />
"The tie...between the creature and the Creator should be regarded as a token of His gracious favor unto men and not as an indication of any merit they may possess."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. [[gwbs:94|94]], pp. [[gwb:193|193]]-194)<br />
<br />
==(No deed have we done to merit beholding God's face)==<br />
<br />
"No deed have I done, O my God, to merit beholding Thy face, and I know of a certainty that were I to live as long as the world lasts I would fail to accomplish any deed such as to deserve this favor, inasmuch as the station of a servant shall ever fall short of access to Thy holy precincts, unless Thy bounty should reach me and Thy tender mercy pervade me and Thy loving-kindness encompass me."<br />
<br />
:([[The Báb]], ''[[Bahá'í Prayers]]'', p. [[bp:151|151]])<br />
<br />
==The Tenderness of God's mercy surpasses the fury of His wrath==<br />
<br />
"The tenderness of Thy mercy, O my Lord, surpasseth the fury of Thy wrath, and Thy loving-kindness exceedeth Thy hot displeasure, and Thy grace excelleth Thy justice. Hold Thou, through Thy wondrous favors and mercies, the hands of Thy creatures, and suffer them not to be separated from the grace which Thou hast ordained as the means whereby they can recognize Thee."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Prayers and Meditations of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. {{pms|LXXXI}}) <br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Faith and works]]<br />
* [[Salvation]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Virtues]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Grace&diff=23820Grace2026-05-19T19:02:51Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Tie between the creature and Creator is as a token of His gracious favor and not their merit==<br />
<br />
"The tie...between the creature and the Creator should be regarded as a token of His gracious favor unto men and not as an indication of any merit they may possess."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. [[gwbs:94|94]], pp. [[gwb:193|193]]-194)<br />
<br />
==(No deed have we done to merit beholding God's face)==<br />
<br />
"No deed have I done, O my God, to merit beholding Thy face, and I know of a certainty that were I to live as long as the world lasts I would fail to accomplish any deed such as to deserve this favor, inasmuch as the station of a servant shall ever fall short of access to Thy holy precincts, unless Thy bounty should reach me and Thy tender mercy pervade me and Thy loving-kindness encompass me."<br />
<br />
:([[The Báb]], ''[[Bahá'í Prayers]]'', p. [[bp:151|151]])<br />
<br />
"The tenderness of Thy mercy, O my Lord, surpasseth the fury of Thy wrath, and Thy loving-kindness exceedeth Thy hot displeasure, and Thy grace excelleth Thy justice. Hold Thou, through Thy wondrous favors and mercies, the hands of Thy creatures, and suffer them not to be separated from the grace which Thou hast ordained as the means whereby they can recognize Thee."<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Prayers and Meditations of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. {{pms|LXXXI}}) <br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Faith and works]]<br />
* [[Salvation]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Virtues]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Administration&diff=23794Administration2026-05-07T07:29:44Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Authoritative books==<br />
* [[Bahá'í Administration]]<br />
<br />
==Compilations regarding==<br />
* [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration Principles of Bahá'í Administration]<br />
<br />
==Activities==<br />
* [[Convention]]<br />
* [[Elections]]<br />
<!--<br />
Add to suitable place<br />
==Functions==<br />
* [[Guidance]]<br />
* [[Soliciting feedback]]<br />
* [[Acquainting with needs of community]]<br />
* [[Building trust]]<br />
<br />
== Institutional Functions==<br />
<br />
**i) Governing/Moderating/Mediating/Advocacy<br />
***a) [[Legislature]], [[Executive]], [[Judiciary]]<br />
***b) [[Media]]/Journalism<br />
***c) [[Organizations]]<br />
**ii) Propagation of Learning/Values<br />
***a) [[Media]]<br />
***b) [[Education]] (see iv.a. above)<br />
***c) [[Organizations]]<br />
--><br />
==Importance==<br />
<br />
===The Ideal Instrument to Make Spiritual Laws Function Properly===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], June 16, 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:3|3]])<br />
<br />
===A comprehensive statement on the origin and significance of Bahá'í Administration is of vital importance in any work of the Cause===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
==Dangers of Over-Administration==<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
<br />
==Administration cannot replace spirituality==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
==Not an end, but also inseparable from the spiritual==<br />
<br />
===Relationship of the Cause to the Administration===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 19, 1939, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:6|6]])<br />
<br />
==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to further subcategorize)==<br />
<br />
===Purpose of Administration===<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
* Per https://bahai-library.com/uhj_grammatical_clarifications#directive , "directive" should read "direction"<br />
<br />
===Social Order of Bahá'u'lláh===<br />
<br />
"...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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Administrative Order]]<br />
* [[Administrators]]<br />
* [[Institutions]]<br />
* [[Meetings of Bahá'í Assemblies, Attendance, Resignations]]<br />
* [[Administrative Rights, Sanctions, Dissimulation]]<br />
* [[Appeals]]<br />
* [[By-Laws]]<br />
* [[New believers]]<br />
* [[Relationship of believers with the Assemblies]]<br />
* [[Inactive believers]]<br />
* [[Bahá'í Archives]]<br />
* [[Endowments]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Administration]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Virtues&diff=23793Virtues2026-05-07T07:24:18Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Specific Virtues or Positive Qualities==<br />
<br />
=== Balancing Virtues ===<br />
<br />
"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"<br />
<br />
: [[Shoghi Effendi]], 23 February 1924 to the Bahá'ís of America, published in "Bahá'í Administration, pp. 63-64)<br />
<br />
* [[creativity]]<br />
* [[collaboration]]<br />
* [[enthusiasm]]<br />
* [[joy]]<br />
* [[justice]]<br />
* [[moderation]]<br />
* [[sacrifice]]<br />
* [[service]]<br />
* [[sincerity]]<br />
* [[truthfulness]] (or [[honesty]])<br />
* [[trustworthiness]]<br />
* [[unity]]<br />
* etc.<br />
<br />
==Listings==<br />
* [[List of virtues]]<br />
* [[Virtues by rank]]<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Virtue]]<br />
* [[Vices]]<br />
* [[Sin]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Virtues]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Bah%C3%A1%27%C3%AD_Fund_-_eligibility_of_contributors&diff=23792Bahá'í Fund - eligibility of contributors2026-05-07T07:18:31Z<p>B9O9: /* Guidelines for Accepting Funds from Governmental and Other Non-Bahá'í Sources */</p>
<hr />
<div>==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to categorize)==<br />
<br />
===Distinguishing Features of the Cause of God===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===Giving to the Fund is a Spiritual Privilege===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===When a Soul Accepts Bahá'u'lláh He Becomes a Co-Worker in the Cause of God===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===Those Who Openly Proclaim Recognition of Bahá'u'lláh Permitted to Contribute===<br />
<br />
"...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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===They Must Create a Sense of Belonging===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===Contributions from Children of Non-Bahá'ís or in Case One Parent is Bahá'í===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===Selling Items for the Benefit of the Bahá'í Fund===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===It is Not Proper for a Bahá'í Institution to Sponsor a Fund-Raising Sale Open to Public===<br />
<br />
"...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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===Auctions Among Bahá'ís--Contributing to the Fund is a Spiritual Responsibility===<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===Holding of Raffles===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===Guidelines Towards Establishing a Business Venture Owned by Bahá'ís===<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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:<br />
<br />
'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.<br />
<br />
'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.'<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===Reasons for Not Accepting Donations from Non-Bahá'ís for Administration of the Faith===<br />
<br />
"...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<br />
<br />
or later, involve the Bahá'ís into unforeseen complications and difficulties with others, and thus cause incalculable harm to the body of the Cause."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, July 12, 1938, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:854|854]])<br />
<br />
===Guidelines for Accepting Funds from Governmental and Other Non-Bahá'í Sources===<br />
<br />
"All gifts by non-Bahá'ís are to be used for charity only."<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Citadel of Faith]]'', p. [[cf:87|87]])<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
===Should Recipient of Public Charity Contribute to the Bahá'í Fund?===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, March 9, 1932, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:856|856]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Bahá'í Funds]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Bahá’í Funds]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Administration&diff=23791Administration2026-05-07T07:16:01Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Authoritative books==<br />
* [[Bahá'í Administration]]<br />
<br />
==Compilations regarding==<br />
* [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration Principles of Bahá'í Administration]<br />
<br />
==Activities==<br />
* [[Convention]]<br />
* [[Elections]]<br />
<!--<br />
Add to suitable place<br />
==Functions==<br />
* [[Guidance]]<br />
* [[Soliciting feedback]]<br />
* [[Acquainting with needs of community]]<br />
* [[Building trust]]<br />
<br />
== Institutional Functions==<br />
<br />
**i) Governing/Moderating/Mediating/Advocacy<br />
***a) [[Legislature]], [[Executive]], [[Judiciary]]<br />
***b) [[Media]]/Journalism<br />
***c) [[Organizations]]<br />
**ii) Propagation of Learning/Values<br />
***a) [[Media]]<br />
***b) [[Education]] (see iv.a. above)<br />
***c) [[Organizations]]<br />
--><br />
==Importance==<br />
<br />
===The Ideal Instrument to Make Spiritual Laws Function Properly===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], June 16, 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:3|3]])<br />
<br />
===A comprehensive statement on the origin and significance of Bahá'í Administration is of vital importance in any work of the Cause===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
==Administration cannot replace spirituality==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
==Not an end, but also inseparable from the spiritual==<br />
<br />
===Relationship of the Cause to the Administration===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 19, 1939, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:6|6]])<br />
<br />
==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to further subcategorize)==<br />
<br />
===Purpose of Administration===<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
* Per https://bahai-library.com/uhj_grammatical_clarifications#directive , "directive" should read "direction"<br />
<br />
===Social Order of Bahá'u'lláh===<br />
<br />
"...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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Administrative Order]]<br />
* [[Administrators]]<br />
* [[Institutions]]<br />
* [[Meetings of Bahá'í Assemblies, Attendance, Resignations]]<br />
* [[Administrative Rights, Sanctions, Dissimulation]]<br />
* [[Appeals]]<br />
* [[By-Laws]]<br />
* [[New believers]]<br />
* [[Relationship of believers with the Assemblies]]<br />
* [[Inactive believers]]<br />
* [[Bahá'í Archives]]<br />
* [[Endowments]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Administration]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Administration&diff=23790Administration2026-05-07T07:11:15Z<p>B9O9: /* Importance */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Authoritative books==<br />
* [[Bahá'í Administration]]<br />
<br />
==Compilations regarding==<br />
* [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration Principles of Bahá'í Administration]<br />
<br />
==Activities==<br />
* [[Convention]]<br />
* [[Elections]]<br />
<!--<br />
Add to suitable place<br />
==Functions==<br />
* [[Guidance]]<br />
* [[Soliciting feedback]]<br />
* [[Acquainting with needs of community]]<br />
* [[Building trust]]<br />
<br />
== Institutional Functions==<br />
<br />
**i) Governing/Moderating/Mediating/Advocacy<br />
***a) [[Legislature]], [[Executive]], [[Judiciary]]<br />
***b) [[Media]]/Journalism<br />
***c) [[Organizations]]<br />
**ii) Propagation of Learning/Values<br />
***a) [[Media]]<br />
***b) [[Education]] (see iv.a. above)<br />
***c) [[Organizations]]<br />
--><br />
==Importance==<br />
<br />
===The Ideal Instrument to Make Spiritual Laws Function Properly===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], June 16, 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:3|3]])<br />
<br />
===A comprehensive statement on the origin and significance of Bahá'í Administration is of vital importance in any work of the Cause===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
===Administration cannot replace spirituality===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
==Not an end, but also inseparable from the spiritual==<br />
<br />
===Relationship of the Cause to the Administration===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 19, 1939, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:6|6]])<br />
<br />
==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to further subcategorize)==<br />
<br />
===Purpose of Administration===<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
* Per https://bahai-library.com/uhj_grammatical_clarifications#directive , "directive" should read "direction"<br />
<br />
===Social Order of Bahá'u'lláh===<br />
<br />
"...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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Administrative Order]]<br />
* [[Administrators]]<br />
* [[Institutions]]<br />
* [[Meetings of Bahá'í Assemblies, Attendance, Resignations]]<br />
* [[Administrative Rights, Sanctions, Dissimulation]]<br />
* [[Appeals]]<br />
* [[By-Laws]]<br />
* [[New believers]]<br />
* [[Relationship of believers with the Assemblies]]<br />
* [[Inactive believers]]<br />
* [[Bahá'í Archives]]<br />
* [[Endowments]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Administration]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Administration&diff=23789Administration2026-05-07T07:10:44Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Authoritative books==<br />
* [[Bahá'í Administration]]<br />
<br />
==Compilations regarding==<br />
* [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration Principles of Bahá'í Administration]<br />
<br />
==Activities==<br />
* [[Convention]]<br />
* [[Elections]]<br />
<!--<br />
Add to suitable place<br />
==Functions==<br />
* [[Guidance]]<br />
* [[Soliciting feedback]]<br />
* [[Acquainting with needs of community]]<br />
* [[Building trust]]<br />
<br />
== Institutional Functions==<br />
<br />
**i) Governing/Moderating/Mediating/Advocacy<br />
***a) [[Legislature]], [[Executive]], [[Judiciary]]<br />
***b) [[Media]]/Journalism<br />
***c) [[Organizations]]<br />
**ii) Propagation of Learning/Values<br />
***a) [[Media]]<br />
***b) [[Education]] (see iv.a. above)<br />
***c) [[Organizations]]<br />
--><br />
==Importance==<br />
<br />
===The Ideal Instrument to Make Spiritual Laws Function Properly===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], June 16, 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:3|3]])<br />
<br />
===A comprehensive statement on the origin and significance of Bahá'í Administration is of vital importance in any work of the Cause===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
===Administration cannot replace spirituality===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 25 April 1945, ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:12]])<br />
<br />
<br />
==Not an end, but also inseparable from the spiritual==<br />
<br />
===Relationship of the Cause to the Administration===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 19, 1939, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:6|6]])<br />
<br />
==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to further subcategorize)==<br />
<br />
===Purpose of Administration===<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
====Notes====<br />
* Per https://bahai-library.com/uhj_grammatical_clarifications#directive , "directive" should read "direction"<br />
<br />
===Social Order of Bahá'u'lláh===<br />
<br />
"...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."<br />
<br />
:(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]])<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Administrative Order]]<br />
* [[Administrators]]<br />
* [[Institutions]]<br />
* [[Meetings of Bahá'í Assemblies, Attendance, Resignations]]<br />
* [[Administrative Rights, Sanctions, Dissimulation]]<br />
* [[Appeals]]<br />
* [[By-Laws]]<br />
* [[New believers]]<br />
* [[Relationship of believers with the Assemblies]]<br />
* [[Inactive believers]]<br />
* [[Bahá'í Archives]]<br />
* [[Endowments]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Administration]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=History&diff=23788History2026-05-07T06:56:05Z<p>B9O9: /* Important principles in studying */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Categorizations of history==<br />
*[[Historical accounts-events]] (Bahá'í history)<br />
*[[Writings on accounts-events by date]] (narrated by the Writings only)<br />
* [[Accounts-events by period]] (incorporates nonauthoritative sources also)<br />
*[[Timelines]]<br />
* [[Figures in history]] (by protagonist)<br />
<br />
==Books on history==<br />
===General history (some interaction with Bahá'í history)===<br />
* [[Promised Day Is Come]]<br />
<br />
===Bahá'í history (some interaction with general history)===<br />
* Early Bahá'í history: [[Traveler's Narrative]], [[God Passes By]], [[Dawn-Breakers]] <br />
* [[Century of Light]]<br />
* [[pilgrims' notes]]<br />
<br />
==Need to study==<br />
* [[History - Need to study]]<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/zamir/sm/?16 (Bahá'í History)<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/zamir/sm/?31 (VI.4.) (General history)<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/zamir/sm/?26 (V.5.) (Interaction of Bahá'í History with general history)<br />
<br />
==Baha'i writings on periods of history==<br />
<br />
===Impact of Islam on the European Renaissance===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, April 27, 1936, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1664|1664]])<br />
<br />
=== Shoghi Effendi's interpretation of the Protestant Reformation===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, December 28, 1936, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1653|1653]])<br />
<br />
=== Criticism of Hegelian Nationalism ===<br />
<br />
“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.” <br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[World Order of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[wob:182|182]])<br />
<br />
==Important principles in studying==<br />
<br />
===Unity of Bahá'í revelation as one complete whole===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 30 November 1930, ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', pp. [[ud:426|426]]-427)<br />
<br />
===Every area of the world has received spiritual guidance===<br />
<br />
“Unto every people We have sent down the Book in their own language.” <br />
<br />
:([[The Bab]], ''[[Selections from the writings of the Bab]]'', pp. [[45-46]])<br />
<br />
"Undoubtedly in those regions [The Americas] the Call of God must have been raised in ancient times"<br />
<br />
:([[Abdu'l Baha], ''[[Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks]]'')<br />
<br />
====See also====<br />
* ''[[God Passes By]]'', pp. [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/gpb/0.html#xiv xiv]-xvi<br />
<br />
===[[Crisis and victory]]===<br />
<br />
==Institutions for preserving==<br />
* [[Archives]]<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Integrate quotations cited at https://bahaipedia.org/History#Historiography<br />
<br />
[[Category:History]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=History&diff=23787History2026-05-07T06:47:44Z<p>B9O9: /* Important principles in studying */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Categorizations of history==<br />
*[[Historical accounts-events]] (Bahá'í history)<br />
*[[Writings on accounts-events by date]] (narrated by the Writings only)<br />
* [[Accounts-events by period]] (incorporates nonauthoritative sources also)<br />
*[[Timelines]]<br />
* [[Figures in history]] (by protagonist)<br />
<br />
==Books on history==<br />
===General history (some interaction with Bahá'í history)===<br />
* [[Promised Day Is Come]]<br />
<br />
===Bahá'í history (some interaction with general history)===<br />
* Early Bahá'í history: [[Traveler's Narrative]], [[God Passes By]], [[Dawn-Breakers]] <br />
* [[Century of Light]]<br />
* [[pilgrims' notes]]<br />
<br />
==Need to study==<br />
* [[History - Need to study]]<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/zamir/sm/?16 (Bahá'í History)<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/zamir/sm/?31 (VI.4.) (General history)<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/zamir/sm/?26 (V.5.) (Interaction of Bahá'í History with general history)<br />
<br />
==Important principles in studying==<br />
<br />
===Unity of Bahá'í revelation as one complete whole===<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 30 November 1930, ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', pp. [[ud:426|426]]-427)<br />
<br />
===Every area of the world has received spiritual guidance===<br />
<br />
“Unto every people We have sent down the Book in their own language.” <br />
<br />
:([[The Bab]], ''[[Selections from the writings of the Bab]]'', pp. [[45-46]]<br />
<br />
"Undoubtedly in those regions the Call of God must have been raised in ancient times"<br />
<br />
:([[Abdu'l Baha], ''[[Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks]]''<br />
<br />
====See also====<br />
* ''[[God Passes By]]'', pp. [https://bahai-library.com/writings/shoghieffendi/gpb/0.html#xiv xiv]-xvi<br />
<br />
===[[Crisis and victory]]===<br />
<br />
==Institutions for preserving==<br />
* [[Archives]]<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Integrate quotations cited at https://bahaipedia.org/History#Historiography<br />
<br />
[[Category:History]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Political_science&diff=23786Political science2026-05-07T06:39:34Z<p>B9O9: /* Baha'is can, in moderation, write on political Philosophy and the analysis of the presuppositions shaping political structures */</p>
<hr />
<div>== The analysis of the presuppositions shaping political structures ==<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
*[[political criticism]]<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Incorporate from https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20081223_001/20081223_001.xhtml?e0ae84b0<br />
<br />
[[Category:Politics]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Political_science&diff=23785Political science2026-05-07T06:39:06Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Baha'is can, in moderation, write on political Philosophy and the analysis of the presuppositions shaping political structures ==<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
*[[political criticism]]<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Incorporate from https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20081223_001/20081223_001.xhtml?e0ae84b0<br />
<br />
[[Category:Politics]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Philosophy&diff=23784Philosophy2026-05-07T06:30:59Z<p>B9O9: /* See also */</p>
<hr />
<div>==All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', 1982 ed., p. [[pup:108|108]]; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:710|710]])<br />
<br />
==(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==<br />
<br />
"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)."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablet to August Forel]]'', p. [[taf:7|7]])<br />
<br />
==Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual.==<br />
<br />
"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...."<br />
<br />
:([[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]<br />
<br />
==Fruitless metaphysical hair-splitting and not philosophy in general is meant as sciences to be avoided that begin and end in words==<br />
<br />
"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.....<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 15 February 1947 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:445|445]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
* [[Usefulness]]<br />
<br />
==Branches of Philosophy==<br />
* [[Aesthetics]]<br />
* [[Ethics]]<br />
* [[Logic]]<br />
* [[History of Philosophy]] (see also [[time-sequence]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
* 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)<br />
<br />
<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/tags/*_Philosophy (Collection of many articles on Philosophy)<br />
<br />
<br />
* Sergeev, Mikhail. "Theology and Philosophy." In The World of the Bahá'í Faith, pp. 159-174. Routledge, 2021.<br />
<br />
<br />
* [[Wikipedia:Philosophy]] (for the public article at Wikipedia)<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Add references for the Bahá'í perspective on philosophical issues<br />
<br />
[[Category:Philosophy]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Philosophy&diff=23783Philosophy2026-05-07T06:30:36Z<p>B9O9: /* See also */</p>
<hr />
<div>==All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', 1982 ed., p. [[pup:108|108]]; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:710|710]])<br />
<br />
==(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==<br />
<br />
"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)."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablet to August Forel]]'', p. [[taf:7|7]])<br />
<br />
==Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual.==<br />
<br />
"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...."<br />
<br />
:([[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]<br />
<br />
==Fruitless metaphysical hair-splitting and not philosophy in general is meant as sciences to be avoided that begin and end in words==<br />
<br />
"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.....<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 15 February 1947 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:445|445]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
* [[Usefulness]]<br />
<br />
==Branches of Philosophy==<br />
* [[Aesthetics]]<br />
* [[Ethics]]<br />
* [[Logic]]<br />
* [[History of Philosophy]] (see also [[time-sequence]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
* 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)<br />
<br />
* https://bahai-library.com/tags/*_Philosophy (Collection of many articles on Philosophy)<br />
<br />
* Sergeev, Mikhail. "Theology and Philosophy." In The World of the Bahá'í Faith, pp. 159-174. Routledge, 2021.<br />
<br />
* [[Wikipedia:Philosophy]] (for the public article at Wikipedia)<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Add references for the Bahá'í perspective on philosophical issues<br />
<br />
[[Category:Philosophy]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Philosophy&diff=23781Philosophy2026-05-07T06:19:39Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', 1982 ed., p. [[pup:108|108]]; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:710|710]])<br />
<br />
==(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==<br />
<br />
"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)."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablet to August Forel]]'', p. [[taf:7|7]])<br />
<br />
==Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual.==<br />
<br />
"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...."<br />
<br />
:([[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]<br />
<br />
==Fruitless metaphysical hair-splitting and not philosophy in general is meant as sciences to be avoided that begin and end in words==<br />
<br />
"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.....<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 15 February 1947 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:445|445]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
* [[Usefulness]]<br />
<br />
==Branches of Philosophy==<br />
* [[Aesthetics]]<br />
* [[Ethics]]<br />
* [[Logic]]<br />
* [[History of Philosophy]] (see also [[time-sequence]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Wikipedia:Philosophy]] (for the public article at Wikipedia)<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Add references for the Bahá'í perspective on philosophical issues<br />
<br />
[[Category:Philosophy]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Philosophy&diff=23780Philosophy2026-05-07T06:17:53Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', 1982 ed., p. [[pup:108|108]]; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:710|710]])<br />
<br />
==(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==<br />
<br />
"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)."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablet to August Forel]]'', p. [[taf:7|7]])<br />
<br />
==Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual.==<br />
<br />
"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...."<br />
<br />
:([[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>)<br />
<br />
==Fruitless metaphysical hair-splitting and not philosophy in general is meant as sciences to be avoided that begin and end in words==<br />
<br />
"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.....<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 15 February 1947 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:445|445]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
* [[Usefulness]]<br />
<br />
==Branches of Philosophy==<br />
* [[Aesthetics]]<br />
* [[Ethics]]<br />
* [[Logic]]<br />
* [[History of Philosophy]] (see also [[time-sequence]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Wikipedia:Philosophy]] (for the public article at Wikipedia)<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Add references for the Bahá'í perspective on philosophical issues<br />
<br />
[[Category:Philosophy]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Philosophy&diff=23779Philosophy2026-05-07T06:16:59Z<p>B9O9: /* Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual. */</p>
<hr />
<div>==All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', 1982 ed., p. [[pup:108|108]]; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:710|710]])<br />
<br />
==(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==<br />
<br />
"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)."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablet to August Forel]]'', p. [[taf:7|7]])<br />
<br />
==Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual.==<br />
<br />
"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...."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 1946 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Socrates]]'', no. [13])<br />
<br />
==Fruitless metaphysical hair-splitting and not philosophy in general is meant as sciences to be avoided that begin and end in words==<br />
<br />
"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.....<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 15 February 1947 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:445|445]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
* [[Usefulness]]<br />
<br />
==Branches of Philosophy==<br />
* [[Aesthetics]]<br />
* [[Ethics]]<br />
* [[Logic]]<br />
* [[History of Philosophy]] (see also [[time-sequence]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Wikipedia:Philosophy]] (for the public article at Wikipedia)<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Add references for the Bahá'í perspective on philosophical issues<br />
<br />
[[Category:Philosophy]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Philosophy&diff=23778Philosophy2026-05-07T06:16:45Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==All mankind must be given a knowledge of science and philosophy==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', 1982 ed., p. [[pup:108|108]]; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:710|710]])<br />
<br />
==(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==<br />
<br />
"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)."<br />
<br />
:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablet to August Forel]]'', p. [[taf:7|7]])<br />
<br />
==Not all Western Philosophers have been materialistic - Some have been very spiritual.==<br />
<br />
"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...."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 1946 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Socrates]]'', no. [13])<br />
<br />
==Fruitless metaphysical hair-splitting and not philosophy in general is meant as sciences to be avoided that begin and end in words==<br />
<br />
"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.....<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 15 February 1947 [[to an individual believer]], ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:445|445]])<br />
<br />
===See also===<br />
* [[Usefulness]]<br />
<br />
==Branches of Philosophy==<br />
* [[Aesthetics]]<br />
* [[Ethics]]<br />
* [[Logic]]<br />
* [[History of Philosophy]] (see also [[time-sequence]])<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Wikipedia:Philosophy]] (for the public article at Wikipedia)<br />
<br />
==To-dos for this page==<br />
* Add references for the Bahá'í perspective on philosophical issues<br />
<br />
[[Category:Philosophy]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=History_-_Need_to_study&diff=23775History - Need to study2026-05-07T06:00:54Z<p>B9O9: /* Importance of studying History in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Works to study==<br />
* [[Dawn-Breakers-Need to study]]<br />
* [[God Passes By#Need to read]]<br />
<br />
==Study in meetings==<br />
* [[Need to study history in meetings]]<br />
<br />
==The Past is a mirror unto the present==<br />
<br />
"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"<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tabernacle of Unity]]'', par. [https://bahai-library.com/bahaullah_tabernacle_unity#par1.16 1.16])<br />
<br />
==Importance of studying History in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
"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." <br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth, 13 March 1944 to an individual believer.]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth]<br />
<br />
==Thorough study of history prerequisite successful career service to Faith==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#74 74])<br />
<br />
==Younger Bahá’í generation to read history in order to teach==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Dawn of a New Day]]'', p. [[dnd:3|3]])<br />
<br />
==Advice to young believers to deepen knowledge of history with careful and thorough study (and then practice what it inspires in community)==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth (compilation)]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth#2259 2259])<br />
<br />
“Much stress should be laid on the thorough study of the history and teachings of the Cause.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#42 42])<br />
<br />
“Special stress, however, should be put on the history of the Movement...”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#19 19])<br />
<br />
“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...”<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#34 34])<br />
<br />
==A more profound study of its history among rock bottom requirements==<br />
<br />
“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.” <br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#90 90])<br />
<br />
[[Category:History]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Sociology&diff=23774Sociology2026-05-07T05:59:28Z<p>B9O9: /* Importance of studying Sociology in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Social Contracts==<br />
<br />
==Importance of studying Sociology in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
"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." <br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth, 13 March 1944 to an individual believer.]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth]<br />
<br />
<br />
* [[marriage]]<br />
<br />
==Topics==<br />
* [[individual and the environment]]<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Community]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Social sciences]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Sociology&diff=23773Sociology2026-05-07T05:57:04Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Social Contracts==<br />
<br />
==Importance of studying Sociology in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
* [[marriage]]<br />
<br />
==Topics==<br />
* [[individual and the environment]]<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Community]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Social sciences]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=History_-_Need_to_study&diff=23772History - Need to study2026-05-07T05:47:28Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Works to study==<br />
* [[Dawn-Breakers-Need to study]]<br />
* [[God Passes By#Need to read]]<br />
<br />
==Study in meetings==<br />
* [[Need to study history in meetings]]<br />
<br />
==The Past is a mirror unto the present==<br />
<br />
"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"<br />
<br />
:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tabernacle of Unity]]'', par. [https://bahai-library.com/bahaullah_tabernacle_unity#par1.16 1.16])<br />
<br />
==Importance of studying History in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
==Thorough study of history prerequisite successful career service to Faith==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#74 74])<br />
<br />
==Younger Bahá’í generation to read history in order to teach==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Dawn of a New Day]]'', p. [[dnd:3|3]])<br />
<br />
==Advice to young believers to deepen knowledge of history with careful and thorough study (and then practice what it inspires in community)==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth (compilation)]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth#2259 2259])<br />
<br />
“Much stress should be laid on the thorough study of the history and teachings of the Cause.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#42 42])<br />
<br />
“Special stress, however, should be put on the history of the Movement...”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#19 19])<br />
<br />
“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...”<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#34 34])<br />
<br />
==A more profound study of its history among rock bottom requirements==<br />
<br />
“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.” <br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#90 90])<br />
<br />
[[Category:History]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=History_-_Need_to_study&diff=23771History - Need to study2026-05-07T05:43:57Z<p>B9O9: /* Need to study History to be informed about Progressive Movements */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Works to study==<br />
* [[Dawn-Breakers-Need to study]]<br />
* [[God Passes By#Need to read]]<br />
<br />
==Study in meetings==<br />
* [[Need to study history in meetings]]<br />
<br />
==Importance of studying History in order to be informed about Progressive Movements and to correlate these to the Baha'i teachings==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
==Thorough study of history prerequisite successful career service to Faith==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#74 74])<br />
<br />
==Younger Bahá’í generation to read history in order to teach==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Dawn of a New Day]]'', p. [[dnd:3|3]])<br />
<br />
==Advice to young believers to deepen knowledge of history with careful and thorough study (and then practice what it inspires in community)==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth (compilation)]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth#2259 2259])<br />
<br />
“Much stress should be laid on the thorough study of the history and teachings of the Cause.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#42 42])<br />
<br />
“Special stress, however, should be put on the history of the Movement...”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#19 19])<br />
<br />
“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...”<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#34 34])<br />
<br />
==A more profound study of its history among rock bottom requirements==<br />
<br />
“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.” <br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#90 90])<br />
<br />
[[Category:History]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=History_-_Need_to_study&diff=23770History - Need to study2026-05-07T05:43:18Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Works to study==<br />
* [[Dawn-Breakers-Need to study]]<br />
* [[God Passes By#Need to read]]<br />
<br />
==Study in meetings==<br />
* [[Need to study history in meetings]]<br />
<br />
==Need to study History to be informed about Progressive Movements==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
<br />
==Thorough study of history prerequisite successful career service to Faith==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#74 74])<br />
<br />
==Younger Bahá’í generation to read history in order to teach==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Dawn of a New Day]]'', p. [[dnd:3|3]])<br />
<br />
==Advice to young believers to deepen knowledge of history with careful and thorough study (and then practice what it inspires in community)==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth (compilation)]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth#2259 2259])<br />
<br />
“Much stress should be laid on the thorough study of the history and teachings of the Cause.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#42 42])<br />
<br />
“Special stress, however, should be put on the history of the Movement...”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#19 19])<br />
<br />
“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...”<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#34 34])<br />
<br />
==A more profound study of its history among rock bottom requirements==<br />
<br />
“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.” <br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#90 90])<br />
<br />
[[Category:History]]</div>B9O9https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=History_-_Need_to_study&diff=23769History - Need to study2026-05-07T05:42:28Z<p>B9O9: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Works to study==<br />
* [[Dawn-Breakers-Need to study]]<br />
* [[God Passes By#Need to read]]<br />
<br />
==Study in meetings==<br />
* [[Need to study history in meetings]]<br />
<br />
==Need to study History to be informed about Progressive Movements==<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
:([[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])<br />
<br />
<br />
==Thorough study of history prerequisite successful career service to Faith==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#74 74])<br />
<br />
==Younger Bahá’í generation to read history in order to teach==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Dawn of a New Day]]'', p. [[dnd:3|3]])<br />
<br />
==Advice to young believers to deepen knowledge of history with careful and thorough study (and then practice what it inspires in community)==<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Youth (compilation)]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_youth#2259 2259])<br />
<br />
“Much stress should be laid on the thorough study of the history and teachings of the Cause.”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#42 42])<br />
<br />
“Special stress, however, should be put on the history of the Movement...”<br />
<br />
:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#19 19])<br />
<br />
“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...”<br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Centres of Bahá'í Learning]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_centers_bahai_learning#34 34])<br />
<br />
==A more profound study of its history among rock bottom requirements==<br />
<br />
“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.” <br />
<br />
:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#90 90])<br />
<br />
[[Category:History]]</div>B9O9