Praise of character by country and race
Each race[edit]
"...the Cause is for every nation...and each people can and must contribute some of the finest elements of its own genius and race to the Faith."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, to an individual believer, 8/19/52, Microfilm Collection of the Original Letters of Shoghi Effendi, National Bahá'í Archives, Wilmette, IL)
Americas[edit]
American Continent[edit]
"Likewise, the continent of America is, in the eyes of the one true God, the land wherein the splendors of His light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled, where the righteous will abide and the free assemble."
"...a continent [American] which, as recorded by that same pen, "giveth signs and evidences of very great advancement," whose "future is even more promising," whose "influence and illumination are far-reaching," and which "will lead all nations spiritually."
- (Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 35)
"Praise be to God! I find these two great American nations highly capable and advanced in all that appertains to progress and civilization. These governments are fair and equitable. The motives and purposes of these people are lofty and inspiring. Therefore, it is my hope that these revered nations may become prominent factors in the establishment of international peace and the oneness of the world of humanity; that they may lay the foundations of equality and spiritual brotherhood among mankind; that they may manifest the highest virtues of the human world, revere the divine lights of the Prophets of God and establish the reality of unity so necessary today in the affairs of nations."
Indigenous Americans[edit]
"Attach great importance to the indigenous population of America. For these souls may be likened unto the ancient inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, who, prior to the Mission of Muhammad, were like unto savages. When the light of Muhammad shone forth in their midst, however, they became so radiant as to illumine the world. Likewise, these Indians, should they be educated and guided, there can be no doubt that they will become so illumined as to enlighten the whole world."
NOTE: the indigenous peoples of Latin America (in Central and South America) are specifically mentioned in connection with this passage by Shoghi Effendi in Citadel of Faith, p. 16)
"The Master has likened the Indians in your countries to the early Arabian Nomads at the time of the appearance of Muhammad. Within a short period of time they became the outstanding examples of education, of culture and of civilization for the entire world. The Master feels that similar wonders will occur today if the Indians are properly taught and if the power of the Spirit properly enters into their living."
- (From a letter dated 22 August 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America and Mexico, in Teaching Among Aboriginal and Indigenous People, no. 365)
"He was very happy indeed to learn of the very active manner in which the Canadian Bahá'ís have taken hold of this most important subject of teaching the Indians.
"He attaches the greatest importance to this matter as the Master has spoken of the latent strength of character of these people and feels that when the Spirit of the Faith has a chance to work in their midst, it will produce remarkable results."
"A crown to the labors of all those who have striven to establish the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh in Latin America, this Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, the rallying point for the Bahá'ís of those lands, whether they are of the blessed Indian peoples or represent the other races whose diversity enriches the nations of that hemisphere, will be a fountainhead of spiritual confirmations, and this mighty achievement will endow the Bahá'í Community with new and greater capacities, enabling the friends in Latin America, and particularly in this privileged land of Panama, to win victories that will eclipse all their past achievements."
"....the Master has spoken so often of the strength of character and latent capacity of the original peoples of the American continent. Thus, the quickening of some of them is a historic turning-point in the activity of the Faith, as well as the life of these people."
- (From a letter dated 31 July 1956 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, in Teaching Among Aboriginal and Indigenous People, no. 354)
Alaska, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize/British Honduras[edit]
"All the above countries [Alaska, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize/British Honduras] have importance, but especially the Republic of Panama, wherein the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans come together through the Panama Canal. It is a center for travel and passage from America to other continents of the world, and in the future it will gain most great importance."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, pp. 32-33)
"Likewise, ye must give great attention to the Republic of Panama, for in that point the Occident and the Orient find each other united through the Panama Canal, and it is also situated between the two great oceans. That place will become very important in the future. The teachings, once established there, will unite the East and the West, the North and the South."
Canada[edit]
"O ye kind friends and the maidservants of the Merciful:
"IN THE great Qur'an, God says: "Thou shalt see no difference in the creatures of God."[Qur'án 67:3.] In other words, He says: From the ideal standpoint, there is no variation between the creatures of God, because they are all created by Him. From the above premise, a conclusion is drawn, that there is no difference between countries. The future of the Dominion of Canada, however, is very great, and the events connected with it infinitely glorious. It shall become the object of the glance of providence, and shall show forth the bounties of the All-Glorious."
"Again I repeat that the future of Canada, whether from a material or a spiritual standpoint, is very great. Day by day civilization and freedom shall increase. The clouds of the Kingdom will water the seeds of guidance which have been sown there."
"May this community, the leaven placed by the hands of Providence in the midst of a people belonging to a nation, likewise young, dynamic, richly endowed with material resources, and assured of a great material prosperity by `Abdu'l-Bahá, play its part not only in lending a notable impetus to the world-wide propagation of the Faith it has espoused, but contribute, as its resources multiply and as it gains in stature, to the spiritualization and material progress of the nation of which it forms so vital a part."
"As you no doubt are aware, he cherishes the very brightest hopes for the future of the Canadian Bahá'ís. They are a fortunate people, possessing many of the virtues and few of the faults of both the new and old worlds. He remembers them in his prayers in the holy Shrines, and prays that they may speedily advance in the service of the Cause, and accomplish the tasks outlined in the Ten Year Plan as their particular portion of the work."
"There are the vast number of French Canadians who are of Catholic persuasion. They would make fine Bahá'ís, and if representative members could be brought into the Faith, it will add prestige to the Faith, and help solidify its institutions."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Messages to Canada, p. 62)
United States[edit]
"...a nation [United States] that has achieved undisputed ascendancy in the entire Western Hemisphere, whose rulers have been uniquely honored by being collectively addressed by the Author of the Bahá'í Revelation in His Kitáb-i-Aqdas; which has been acclaimed by `Abdu'l-Bahá as the "home of the righteous and the gathering-place of the free," where the "splendors of His light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled"..."
- (Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 35)
"Moreover, it is to this great republic of the West that the Center of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah has referred as the nation that has "developed powers and capacities greater and more wonderful than other nations," and which "is equipped and empowered to accomplish that which will adorn the pages of history, to become the envy of the world, and be blest in both the East and the West for the triumph of its people." It is for this same American democracy that He expressed His fervent hope that it might be "the first nation to establish the foundation of international agreement," "to proclaim the unity of mankind," and "to unfurl the Standard of the Most Great Peace," that it might become "the distributing center of spiritual enlightenment, and all the world receive this heavenly blessing," and that its inhabitants might "rise from their present material attainments to such a height that heavenly illumination may stream from this center to all the peoples of the world." It is in connection with its people that He has affirmed that they are "indeed worthy of being the first to build the Tabernacle of the Great Peace and proclaim the oneness of mankind.""
- (Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 35)
"This nation so signally blest, occupying so eminent and responsible a position in a continent so wonderfully endowed, was the first among the nations of the West to be warmed and illuminated by the rays of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah, soon after the proclamation of His Covenant on the morrow of His ascension. This nation, moreover, may well claim to have, as a result of its effective participation in both the first and second world wars, redressed the balance, saved mankind the horrors of devastation and bloodshed involved in the prolongation of hostilities, and decisively contributed, in the course of the latter conflict, to the overthrow of the exponents of ideologies fundamentally at variance with the universal tenets of our Faith."
- (Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 35)
"Upon these virtues and qualities ["those virtues and qualities of high intelligence, of youthfulness, of unbounded initiative, and enterprise which the nation as a whole so conspicuously displays, and which are being increasingly reflected by the community of the believers within it"]...must depend, to a very great extent, the ability of that community to lay a firm foundation for the country's future role in ushering in the Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh."
"The friends in America are very good. All the people we have met here are kind and pleasant. They are polite and not antagonistic, although somewhat inquisitive. A small minority of them seem prejudiced, yet even these have their good points. The American people have a real love for advancement. They are not content to stand still. They are most energetic and progressive."
"The people of America have remarkably quick perception, intelligence and understanding. Their thoughts are free and not fettered by the yoke of governmental tyranny."
"Therefore, every section thereof is blessed: but because these nine states have been favored in faith and assurance, hence through this precedence they have obtained spiritual privilege. They must realize the value of this bounty; because they have obtained such a favor and in order to render thanksgiving for this most great bestowal, they must arise in the diffusion of divine fragrances so that the blessed verse of the Qur'án, "God is the light of heaven and earth: the similitude of His light is a niche in a wall, wherein a lamp is placed, and the lamp enclosed in a case of glass; the glass appears as if it were a shining star. It is lighted with the oil of a Blessed Tree, an olive neither of the East, nor of the West; it wanteth little but that the oil thereof would give light, although no fire touched it. This is the light added unto light. God will direct unto His light whom He pleaseth"[Qur'án 24:35.]--may be realized.
"In brief, in these nine blessed states 'Abdu'l-Bahá journeyed and traveled from place to place, explained the wisdom of the heavenly books and diffused the fragrances. In most of these states he founded the divine Edifice and opened the door of teaching. In those states he sowed pure seeds and planted blessed trees."
"The strong points of the American friends are their devotion and their initiative, their courage and determination and zeal..."
- (19 August 1952, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, in Cultural Diversity in the Age of Maturity, no. 196)
Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Lesser Antilles, Bahama Islands, Watling Island[edit]
"Likewise the islands of the West Indies, such as Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the islands of the Lesser Antilles, Bahama Islands, even the small Watling Island, have great importance; especially the two black republics, Haiti and Santo Domingo, situated in the cluster of the Greater Antilles. Likewise the cluster of the islands of Bermuda in the Atlantic Ocean have importance."
Various countries of South America and nearby islands[edit]
"In a similar way, the republics of the continent of South America--Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, British Guiana, Dutch Guiana, French Guiana, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela; also the islands to the north, east and west of South America, such as Falkland Islands, the Galapagos, Juan Fernandez, Tobago and Trinidad. Likewise the city of Bahia, situated on the eastern shore of Brazil. Because it is some time that it has become known by this name, its efficacy will be most potent."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 33 [PAR. 11])
Latins[edit]
"He has felt from the very beginning that these gifted, sensitive Latins, who are capable of being both spiritual and intellectual, have a great contribution to make to the future progress of the Cause everywhere..."
"The latin races have always been distinguished by their intelligence and religious nature, and he hopes that the Cause all over the world will greatly benefit by this influx of South American believers who are so devoted to it, so spiritual and enthusiastic."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, to the Baha'is of Havanna, Cuba, 11/10/43, in notes of Bonnie Taylor)
Asia[edit]
“In former days, in the time of the Buddha and Zoroaster, civilization in Asia and in the East was very much higher than in the West and ideas and thoughts of the Eastern peoples were much in advance of, and nearer to the thoughts of God than those of the West.”
- (Attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, p. 69)
Bangladesh[edit]
"The Bahá'í community of Bangladesh, flourishing in the midst of a Muslim society, is a source of joy to the entire Bahá'í world."
- (Universal House of Justice, To the Followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Ridván 1996)
Nepal[edit]
"In the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal, the believers have, through the integrity of their character and the excellence of their conduct, overcome in recent years restrictions on the expansion of the Cause."
- (Universal House of Justice, To the Followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Ridván 1996)
Sri Lanka[edit]
"In the Indian Ocean, the Bahá'í community of Sri Lanka, a nation with a predominantly Buddhist population, is addressing diligently the challenges of growth. In spite of a number of set-backs in the past, the friends have persevered and are using the power of their hard-won unity to respond to the needs of that sorely tried country, whose suffering people thirst for the vivifying waters of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation."
- (Universal House of Justice, To the Followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Ridván 1996)
Andaman and Nicobar Islands[edit]
"...the Bahá'í community of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has steadily grown over the years and is blessed with sincere and devoted believers, whose efforts won them the distinction of having their own National Spiritual Assembly."
- (Universal House of Justice, To the Followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Ridván 1996)
India[edit]
"This is truly in keeping with the tradition of warm hospitality for which our Indian believers have already won such a high reputation."
"It makes him proud to behold the way this great Eastern nation is arising, through its enlightened Bahá’ís, to serve the Cause of God, and is fast pushing to the forefront of Bahá’í service, and becoming an example and an inspiration to the other Bahá’í communities in the Orient and Far East."
"By virtue of its immense natural and human resources, its magnificent history and the rich cultural diversity of its inhabitants, India plays a prominent role in the shaping of human affairs."
- (Universal House of Justice, To the Followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Ridván 1996)
"In response to the bountiful favours conferred upon them over the decades, the friends in India have made sacrificial efforts for the progress of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh and have achieved splendid victories in His Name... Its valiant members, relying on the unfailing grace of Bahá'u'lláh, surmounted the obstacles before them, persevered, and sustained their efforts until India came to occupy a privileged place in the eyes of the Bahá'ís of the world.
"The Indian Bahá'í community has gone from strength to strength..."
- (Universal House of Justice, To the Followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Ridván 1996)
Todos for this section[edit]
Iran (Persian)[edit]
"...the people are as the human body, and determination and the will to struggle are as the soul, and a soulless body does not move. This dynamic power is present to a superlative degree in the very nature of the Persian people, and the spread of education will release it."
"O people of Persia! Awake from your drunken sleep! Rise up from your lethargy!...
"Were not the people of Persia, in days long gone, the head and front of intellect and wisdom? Did they not, by God's grace, shine out like the daystar from the horizons of Divine knowledge? How is it that we are satisfied today with this miserable condition, are engrossed in our licentious passions, have blinded ourselves to supreme happiness, to that which is pleasing in God's sight, and have all become absorbed in our selfish concerns and the search for ignoble, personal advantage?...
It should not be imagined that the people of Persia are inherently deficient in intelligence, or that for essential perceptiveness and understanding, inborn sagacity, intuition and wisdom, or innate capacity, they are inferior to others. God forbid! On the contrary, they have always excelled all other peoples in endowments conferred by birth."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Secret of Divine Civilization, pp. 8-9 passim)
Palestine(/Israel)[edit]
"All countries, in the estimation of the one true God, are but one country, and all cities and villages are on an equal footing. Neither holds distinction over another. All of them are the fields of God and the habitation of the souls of men. Through faith and certitude, and the precedence achieved by one over another, however, the dweller conferreth honor upon the dwelling, some of the countries achieve distinction, and attain a preeminent position. For instance, notwithstanding that some of the countries of Europe and of America are distinguished by, and surpass other countries in, the salubrity of their climate, the wholesomeness of their water, and the charm of their mountains, plains and prairies, yet Palestine became the glory of all nations inasmuch as all the holy and divine Manifestations, from the time of Abraham until the appearance of the Seal of the Prophets (Muhammad), have lived in, or migrated to, or traveled through, that country.
Jews[edit]
"...You should certainly endeavour to establish further contacts with your Jewish fellow-citizens, as their spiritual destiny is assuredly bright. The age-long sufferings and tribulations which the Jews all over the world have so cruelly experienced will be terminated during the Bahá'í era, as they will be gradually led to embrace the Faith which, indeed, constitutes the only means of salvation to their race."
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, September 22, 1937, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1817)
"He feels you did the right thing to have yourself under 'Religion' registered as a Bahá'í. Unfortunately, owing to this obnoxious and vicious race prejudice of every sort which afflicts the world today, the term Jew has come more to mean a race than a religion. You certainly, as your father feels, should never wish to disassociate yourself from a group of people who have contributed as much to the world as the Jews have. On the other hand your actual religion today is Bahá'í, and he feels that Jews should, when they become Bahá'ís, always give this as their Faith, but as their racial descent they should give 'Jewish'."
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 15, 1948, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1819)
"...If the Jews study the teachings they will find in them the hopes and aspirations that they have always cherished. Bahá'u'lláh bears a wonderful message to the Jews and many of them have come to appreciate it and are active in carrying it to others of their race. Through Bahá'u'lláh, the Master tells us, they shall regain their ancient glory and become loved by all the people of the whole world."
- (From a letter written On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, June 14, 1932, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1818)
Hijaz (Arabia) and Palestine/Israel[edit]
Likewise, Mecca and Medina have achieved illimitable glory, as the light of Prophethood shone forth therein. For this reason Palestine and Hijaz have been distinguished from all other countries.
South East Asians[edit]
"South East Asia, whose gifted and industrious peoples have embraced four of the world’s major religions, have produced in all ages civilizations and cultures representative of the highest accomplishments of the human race, now experiencing with the rest of the world the disruptive, revolutionizing, “vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order … the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed,” lies open and receptive to the Word of God, ready once more to nourish in its fertile soil that potent seed and to bring forth, in its own characteristic manner and as an integral part of the world civilization, the institutions, the fabric, the brilliant edifice of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order.
"We now summon the believers of this highly promising area..."
China/Chinese[edit]
"Let them awaken and quicken the land of China — a land which has its own world and civilization, whose people constitute one-fourth of the population of the globe, which ranks foremost among all nations in the material, cultural and spiritual resources and potentialities, and whose future is assuredly bright. Let them draw that vast and mighty land under the shadow of the Word of God, cause its peoples to associate with the other nations of the world, and demonstrate the true oneness of mankind, which can alone be established through the power of Bahaullah."
- (Shoghi Effendi to the Baha'is of the East, 23 January 1923, Cited in The Pure in Heart, by Jimmy Seow)
"...the wonderful country of China..."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi/Shoghi Effendi, January 27, 1924, Japan Will Turn Ablaze!, p. 55)
"To them, `Abdu'l-Bahá has referred as "truth-seeking" and "prompted with ideal motives". From among them, He declared, can be raised "such divine personages that each one of them may become the bright candle of the world of humanity.""
- (Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1996 to East Asia, par. 10)
"China has most great capability. The Chinese people are most simple-hearted and truth-seeking...China is the country of the future."
- (Attributed to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Star of the West, Volume VIII, April 28, 1917)
"...a number of Chinese-speaking believers must arise who, as pioneers and traveling teachers in all the countries of South East Asia, will attract large numbers of the talented Chinese race to embrace and serve the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh."
See also[edit]
Japan[edit]
"For the inhabitants of Japan are intelligent, sagacious, and have the power of rapid assimilation."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, revealed in Akka, May 29, 1907, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, p. 27)
"It is a great happiness to be here this evening, especially for the reason that the members of this Association have come from the region of the Orient. For a long time I have entertained a desire to meet some of the Japanese friends. That nation has achieved extraordinary progress in a short space of time; a progress and development which have astonished the world. Inasmuch as they have advanced in material civilization they must assuredly possess the capacity for spiritual development. For this reason I have an excessive longing to meet them. Praise be to God! this pleasure is now afforded me, for here in this city I am face to face with a revered group of the Japanese. According to report the people of the Japanese nation are not prejudiced. They investigate reality. Wherever they find truth they prove to be its lovers. They are not attached tenaciously to blind imitations of ancient beliefs and dogmas. Therefore it is my great desire to discourse with them upon a subject in order that the unity and blending together of the nations of the east and the nations of the west may be furthered and accomplished. In this way religious, racial and political prejudice, particularly bias and sectarianism will be dispelled amongst men. Any kind of prejudice is destructive to the body-politic."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Japan Will Turn Ablaze, p. 42)
"It is my hope that in that farm ye will become divine farmers. The enlightened people of Japan are tired and disgusted with the superannuated and putrefied blind imitations. They are assured that these blind imitations are pure superstitions without any truth. Therefore they have capacity to hear the Call of God. The land is untouched. We will have to see what the divine farmers will do!"
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, p. 34)
"The people of Japan are intelligent but they are in need of a leader that he may awaken them."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Japan Will Turn Ablaze, p. 6)
"Japan, a land so richly endowed, so alert and progressive, so quick in its grasp of realities of life, is now the recipient of a Divine Bestowal, greater, richer and more enduring than any material gift she has ever enjoyed in modern times ....
"And now in conclusion, let us not forget those ringing words of the Beloved, uttered with such force and emphasis:—“The Fire of the Love of God shall assuredly set Japan afire!” and let us arise, now at this moment, with increased and renewed confidence in His Sayings that we may assure and hasten the advent of so glorious an era in the history of that ancient land."
- (From a letter of Shoghi Effendi, 14 December 1922, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, pp. 75-76)
"The Japanese are really progressive people and such vital teachings which comprise the principles of the Bahá'í religion are sure to seize their attention and arouse a deep interest in them. ...he hopes that you will not give up altogether your interest in that promising country, but as long as you are away you will keep your tender plants all fresh and green with stimulating messages to them. These are Shoghi Effendi's earnest hopes..."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, pp. 54-55)
"Japan, He said, will turn ablaze. Let us not, in any way, whatsoever, retard the realization of His promise. Nay, let us hasten, through our service, cooperation and efforts the advent of this glorious day.
"The bereaved Ladies of the Holy Household, receive with comfort and refreshing gladness any news that may come to them from that wonderful and distant land. They all know what the Master has graciously spoken about the future of the Cause in that land. They all expect from it a rapid transformation, a spiritual transformation even more sudden and startling than its material progress and advancement, for the Power of God can achieve wonders still greater than those the brilliant minds of the Japanese can achieve. This they firmly believe, for more than once, the Master has spoken of the spiritual potentialities hidden in the nature of these capable people. They all await with eagerness the joyful-tidings that your letters to them shall bear in future."
- (Shoghi Effendi, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, pp. 73-74)
"Both the Master and Shoghi Effendi have always cherished great hopes for the Bahá'í Faith in Japan. They have felt that only through the broad spiritual outlook which the Faith provides can the Japanese people introduce true spiritual enlightenment in their fast developing civilization. Hence Shoghi Effendi's great pleasure to hear from you and learn of your increasing interest in and enthusiasm for the Cause."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, pp. 79)
"The love of the Japanese people, for truth and beauty is very great, and our Guardian feels sure that gradually many souls will become attracted to the Cause of God through your persevering and devoted labours."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, pp. 90)
"The Japanese people have great vision and spirituality, and the difficulties of the last war have prepared many of them for the Divine Guidance."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, pp. 95)
"He feels that the Japanese people, so sensitive to every form of beauty both spiritual and material, will have a deep appreciation of the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, not only because of their truth and justice, but because of the great beauty which permeates them, a beauty which will gradually, through the fulfillment of His prophecies and the practice of His Laws and Principles, permeate the life of mankind, and create a society such as has never been dreamed of before."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, pp. 102)
"He (the Guardian) is delighted over the progress the Faith is making in Japan, and feels greatly attracted to the Japanese believers, who show a spirit of sincerity and faith which augurs well for the future development of the work there."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, pp. 105)
"The progress of the Faith in Japan is a source of great joy to the Guardian. It is truly making rapid strides among these keen-minded and receptive people."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, March 1, 1955, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, pp. 70)
Korea[edit]
"The Guardian was happy to learn that you are still in Korea and that you are able to continue in the teaching work of that important country."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Japan Will Turn Ablaze, pp. 108)
Africa and Negro Race (using terminology of the time)[edit]
"O thou who art pure in heart, sanctified in spirit, peerless in character, beauteous in face! Thy photograph hath been received revealing thy physical frame in the utmost grace and the best appearance. Thou art dark in countenance and bright in character. Thou art like unto the pupil of the eye which is dark in colour, yet it is the fount of light and the revealer of the contingent world.
"I have not forgotten nor will I forget thee. I beseech God that He may graciously make thee the sign of His bounty amidst mankind, illumine thy face with the light of such blessings as are vouchsafed by the merciful Lord, single thee out for His love in this age which is distinguished among all the past ages and centuries."
"I hail with a joyous heart the convocation in the heart of the African continent of the first of the four Intercontinental Teaching Conferences constituting the highlights of the world-wide celebrations of the Holy Year which commemorates the hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Mission of the Founder of our Faith. I welcome with open arms the unexpectedly large number of the representatives of the pure-hearted and the spiritually receptive Negro race, so dearly loved by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, for whose conversion to His Father’s Faith He so deeply yearned and whose interests He so ardently championed in the course of His memorable visit to the North American continent. I am reminded, on this historic occasion, of the significant words uttered by Baha'u'llah Himself, Who as attested by the Center of the Covenant, in His Writings, “compared the colored people to the black pupil of the eye,” through which “the light of the spirit shineth forth.” I feel particularly gratified by the substantial participation in this epoch-making conference of the members of a race dwelling in a continent which for the most part has retained its primitive simplicity and remained uncontaminated by the evils of a gross, a rampant and cancerous materialism undermining the fabric of human society alike in the East and in the West, eating into the vitals of the conflicting peoples and races inhabiting the American, the European and the Asiatic continents, and alas threatening to engulf in one common catastrophic convulsion the generality of mankind."
- (Shoghi Effendi, February 1953, to the African Intercontinental Conference, in Messages to the Bahá'í World: 1950-1957, pp. 135-136)
"The qualities of heart so richly possessed by the Negro are much needed in the world today—their great capacity for faith, their loyalty and devotion to their religion when once they believe, their purity of heart. God has richly endowed them, and their contribution to the Cause is much needed, especially as there is a lack of Negro Bahá’í teachers who can go out to their own people, along with their white brothers and sisters, and convince them of the active universality of our Faith. He will especially pray that you may confirm souls of capacity in this field."
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to two believers, September 27, 1941, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1809)
"The Negro Bahá'ís have much to contribute to the Cause. They are a deeply spiritual people with a great capacity for faith, and possess both patience and loyalty. He is very happy to see the way they are increasingly assuming their share of Bahá'í responsibility, and arising to dedicate themselves to the Cause of God in this day."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 3/17/43 to individual believers, Microfilm Collection of the Original Letters of Shoghi Effendi, National Bahá'í Archives, Wilmette, IL, in Pupil of the Eye, sec. 1, no. 6)
"Bahá'u'lláh," `Abdu'l-Bahá moreover has said, "once compared the colored people to the black pupil of the eye surrounded by the white. In this black pupil is seen the reflection of that which is before it, and through it the light of the spirit shineth forth."
"The black and the brown races will lead the world…The black race of Africa has been protected by God through their geographical isolation from the rest of the world.”
African tribesmen[edit]
"In spite of the fact that ... has been expelled from the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, the remarkable progress of the Faith there has been a source of great satisfaction. It shows that a spiritual receptivity, a purity of heart and uprightness of character exist potentially amongst many of the peoples of the Pacific Isles to an extent equal to that of the tribesmen of Africa. It is indeed an encouraging and awe-inspiring sight to witness the spread of our beloved Faith amongst those whom civilized nations misguidedly term "savages", "primitive peoples" and "uncivilized nations"...."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 11 July 1956 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, Unfolding Destiny, p. 365)
Europe[edit]
General praise[edit]
"Had He [Bahá'u'lláh] appeared in Europe, its people would have seized their opportunity, and His Cause, by virtue of the freedom of thought, would by this time have compassed the earth. But alas! this Cause, though it first appeared in Persia, yet eventually it shall be seen how the peoples of Europe have wrested it from its hand. Take note of this and remember it in the future. Ultimately you shall see how it has come to pass.(40)"
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, The Bahá'í World: 1928-1930; Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1930, in Compilation on Europe, no. 1)
"A continent, occupying such a central and strategic position on the entire planet; so rich and eventful in its history, so diversified in its culture; from whose soil sprang both the Hellenic and Roman civilizations; the mainspring of a civilization to some of whose features Bahá'u'lláh Himself paid tribute; on whose southern shores Christendom first established its home; along whose eastern marches the mighty forces of the Cross and the Crescent so frequently clashed; on whose southwestern extremity a fast evolving Islamic culture yielded its fairest fruit; in whose heart the light of the Reformation shone so brightly, shedding its rays as far as the outlying regions of the globe; the wellspring of American culture; whose northern and western fringes were first warmed and illuminated, less than a century ago, by the dawning light of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh; in whose heart a community, so rich in promise, was subsequently established; whose soil was later sanctified by the twice-repeated visit of the appointed Center of His Covenant; which witnessed, in consequence of the rise and establishment of the Administrative Order of His Faith, the erection of two of the foremost pillars of the future Universal House of Justice; which, in recent years, sustained the dynamic impact of a series of national plans preparatory to the launching of a World Spiritual Crusade-- such a continent has at last at this critical hour--this great turning-point in its fortunes--entered upon what may well be regarded as the opening phase of a great spiritual revival that bids fair to eclipse any period in its spiritual history."
Italy and Switzerland[edit]
"The convocation of the epoch-making Convention in the city of Florence, coinciding with the climax of the festivities commemorating the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh's Mission, is an event which posterity will recognize as a landmark of the utmost significance in the second Epoch of the Formative Age of the Bahá'í Dispensation....It has set in motion forces which, in the course of a few years, will hasten the emergence of two independent National Spiritual Assemblies, one in the capital city of the peace-loving, high-minded, firmly-knit Swiss nation, and the other within the heart and stronghold of the leading, the most ancient and powerful Church of Christendom, and the seat of the government of a country whose people, by virtue of their qualities of mind and heart, may well rank as one of the most distinguished on the European continent."
- (Shoghi Effendi, 19 June 1953, appended in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi to a letter written on his behalf to the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy and Switzerland, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 65)
....
"That the members of these sister communities now linked by ties of spiritual comradeship, at this earliest stage in the unfoldment of their separate Missions, and destined to exert, as they mature, and pursue independently the path of service to their beloved Cause, a profound and abiding influence, by virtue of the position they occupy, and the fame acquired by their countries as seats of mighty institutions, both religious and secular, on the fortunes of the Faith in Europe and beyond its confines, that the members of these communities may meet befittingly the challenge of the present hour, and arise as one man to accomplish each of the goals set before them, is a prayer that I never fail to utter and a wish which I cherish with all my heart."
- (Shoghi Effendi, 12 August 1957 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy and Switzerland, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 66?)
"The Bahá'ís of Italy and Switzerland have a very great future. They come from one of the great peace-loving peoples of the world, and from the country of the seat of the strongest administrative centre of Christendom...."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 10 June 1953 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy and Switzerland, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 67)
United Kingdom[edit]
"A little over half-a-century ago, this community, now invested with a mandate of the utmost significance both at home and overseas, was called into being in the course of the opening years of the third and last epoch of the Heroic Age of the Faith. A decade later, the Appointed Centre of a Covenant, through the creative and potent energies of which so important a member of a steadily rising world community was conceived and nurtured, chose to infuse into that infant community through the impact of His personality in the course of a twice repeated visit to the heart and centre of that Empire, a measure of His own mysterious power, which, as He Himself prophesied, was destined to unfold its potentialities in the course of a later age. On the morrow of His passing, the earliest evidences of the unfailing promise He had made revealed themselves through the first stirrings of an Administrative Order—the Child of the Covenant, the Shield of that community and the divinely appointed Agency for the execution of the mandate with which that community was to be invested in the second epoch of the Formative Age of the Baha'i Dispensation."
- (Letter of the Guardian of 16 October 1951, in Unfolding Destiny, pp. 270-71)
"The British people are traditionally slow to move. Fortunately, once they do move, it's almost impossible to stop them;..."
"...the inherent qualities of tenacity of purpose, of exemplary fidelity, of perspicacity that distinguishes the race to which they belong, must inspire hope and confidence in their future, and fully entitles them to play a leading role in the future proclamation of the Message of Bahá'u'lláh to the multitudes that live beneath the shadow of the British Crown."
"...that they may address themselves to it with their characteristic zeal, ability, intelligence and fervour...that they may earn increasingly, through their superb feats, the unqualified admiration of their brethren in every continent of the globe and prove themselves worthy of the bounties already received and those which, we may well believe, are held in store for them, is my cherished hope and constant prayer."
- (Shoghi Effendi, Unfolding Destiny, p. 288)
France[edit]
"Paris hath great natural vitality and ardour. In the realms of nature and politics she hath always been a city in ferment. And yet--the fire of the love of God hath still not blazed up as it should have and could, for the power of nature is still triumphant over the power of religion. However, since the people of Paris are full of ardour, I hope they will show forth a mighty passion in heavenly pleasures. Then will the Sun of Truth shine down and make that realm a garden of infallible delight. Should the sea of the Covenant and Testament surge forth in that region, the people will surely be filled with ardour. Without the power of the Covenant, the horizons of the world will be stilled...."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the Persian, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 52)
"Paris hath capacity! Should the fire of the love of God touch Paris's heart, blessed souls will rise up and she will be of all spots brightest and best. Strive with all thy heart that a few important souls may be attracted--souls profound in science and learning, of lofty aspirations, not bound by that which perisheth nor seeking the body's ease, like candles in every company, forthright and faithful at the midmost centre of the world! ....
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the Persian, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 54)
"Paris hath acquired capacity through the endeavours of the friends of God. Were all to do as thou hast done and exert their efforts to exalt the Word of God and propagate the divine fragrances, in a little while that city would be celebrated in every corner of the world and that clime would become a garden of delight...."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the Persian, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 55)
"...the French nation is an active and lively one."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, sec. 67, p. 102)
"The French people have a great capacity for religious feeling, and the Guardian hopes that after their great sufferings during this war their hearts will gradually become receptive to this Divine Message which alone can heal the ills of all mankind."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 6 August 1944 to an individual believer, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 64)
Dutch[edit]
"In a country of such intelligent and forward-thinking people as the Dutch, the Cause should make steady progress."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, to Ms. Charlotte Stirratt, 6/4/48, in papers of Bonnie Taylor)
German[edit]
"...we have to admit that its people are endowed with a spiritual vitality quite superior to many other races. Being in the heart of that populated continent and being inspired by such a strong religious spirit, Germany can easily achieve a wonderful task in regenerating the world."
"...the characteristic qualities of painstaking thoroughness, scientific exactitude and dispassionate criticism distinguishing the race to which they belong..."
"The German people have true appreciation for spiritual matters and when they are interested in a certain sphere they are not satisfied with a shallow knowledge of it. They try to go deep in any subject they take up, and once they are convinced of its truth are ready to devote all their life to it. Such are the people that the Cause needs. Such should be the souls that you should try and interest in the Faith."
"The progress being made by the Faith in Germany is excellent. It is if at last the Cause were let out of the cage and can spread its wings there and fly--and the hearts of the German people are a very rich field in which to sow the Divine Seeds. He has always foreseen for Germany a great future in the Bahá'í world..."
"He was particularly glad to hear the working people, the backbone of every nation, are receptive to the Cause and being taught."
"I shall never forget this city, inasmuch as divine fragrances are inhaled from its citizens. Unlike the people of certain cities, the inhabitants of this place are not immersed in the sea of materialism. They are endowed with constancy and spiritual perception. However, there are some cities whose residents are so deeply absorbed in the world of nature that they are wholly bereft of spiritual perception. They occupy themselves with eating, resting, dancing and amusement. They are entirely unaware of the kingdom of heaven. But Stuttgart is not such a city. Therefore, I earnestly hope that it may become illumined."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet - translated from the Persian, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 2)
"There are clear signs which indicate that the effulgent light of the Sun of Truth will shine forth with the utmost intensity not only in the Stuttgart region but throughout the whole of Germany, that the reviving breath of the Holy Spirit will exert great influence there and the pervasive grace of the Word of God will be widely diffused. Let me give you this glad-tiding: Ye shall attain great heights in the Kingdom of God, and the portals of the Kingdom are wide open before the people of Germany. Let us see who will outshine the others. It is my earnest hope that all who are called in Germany may be among the chosen. Therefore, ye should never rest, but strive day and night to guide the people, to give sight to the blind, to quicken the dead and bestow eternal life."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet to the Bahá'ís of Stuttgart - translated from the Persian, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 5)
"Praised be God, ye are all like unto brilliant candles and as the trees of the Abhá Kingdom. 'Abdu'l-Bahá doth cherish tender affection toward the loved ones of God in Stuttgart. His nostrils are perfumed by the fragrance of those flowers, and His heart is filled with blissful joy at the charm and beauty of those blessed souls. There is no doubt that the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh will spread far and wide in those regions and that souls, shining resplendent like brilliant candles, will shed illumination upon the surrounding regions. Wherefore, let me announce these joyful tidings unto you: The glances of God's loving-kindness are directed towards you, and the splendours of the Sun of Truth adorn your hearts."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet to the Bahá'ís of Stuttgart - translated from the Persian, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 6)
"In brief, Germany will shine resplendent, inasmuch as its citizens are religiously minded. They are not subservient to the world of nature, for souls who are immersed in the material world are like mouldering corpses and remain unaffected by the quickening breath of the Spirit.
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the Persian, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 7)
"There is much spiritual receptivity in Germany. Many souls evince a special disposition to receive the outpourings of heavenly grace. They have the capacity to become the recipients of divine teachings. Hence some individuals are attracted to the principle of the oneness of mankind and treat all the peoples and kindreds of the earth in a spirit of concord and fellowship. I cherish the hope that they may become wholly detached from religious, racial, national, economic and political prejudices, so that they may regard the world of humanity as one family, since they are endued with perceptive eyes and attentive ears. Therefore 'Abdu'l-Bahá doth cherish infinite affection toward these souls. Although that country is at present sunk in despondency and lethargy, I fain would hope that the reviving breeze of His loving-kindness may blow, bestowing a new life upon all souls. In brief, it behoveth you to exert your utmost to manifest exceeding love and fellowship toward all the peoples of the earth as well as the followers of all religions."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet to the Bahá'ís of Germany - translated from the Persian, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 8)
"The land of Germany is even as the globe of a lamp, and the loved ones of God there are like the brilliant light thereof. That country therefore will undoubtedly be illumined."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet to individual believers - translated from the Persian, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 9)
"The Cause of God will make great progress in Germany. It will surpass all other regions."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet - translated from the Persian, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 12)
"The people of Stuttgart and Esslingen are very warm-hearted, sincere and genuinely attracted to the Cause. They will surpass all other Europeans and will cause great excitement throughout Europe; they will stir the whole continent."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet - translated from the Persian, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 17)
"Your only consolation lies in the ever-living words of our departed Master, who confidently declared that the days are not far distant when Germany will shake off her present humiliation, and will emerge, mighty, united and glorious, not only to take her destined place in the councils of nations, but to raise high the triumphant banner of the Cause in the very heart of Europe."
- (Shoghi Effendi, 4 December 1923 to the Bahá'ís of Germany, published in "The Light of Divine Guidance: The Messages from the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith to the Bahá'ís of Germany and Austria", vol. 1, pp. 14-15, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 18)
"As 'Abdu'l-Bahá has so often remarked Germany will one day be destined to lead all the nations and peoples of Europe spiritually, that from its very heart the Bahá'ís will spread all over the European continent, proclaiming with one voice the glad-tidings of this New Day."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 15 March 1934, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 39)
"I was so pleased to receive your letter. I long to hear more fully and more frequently from you. You are a tower of strength and a pillar of His Faith in that land. Germany has a glorious future under the banner of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. Its mission is to champion the Cause of God in Europe and establish it firmly in the heart of that continent. The tests and trials which have beset the Faith in that land were necessary and providential. It is for the German believers, who have weathered the storm, to arise and promote the Cause, to proclaim the non-political character of their Faith, to establish its nascent institutions and prove by their words and acts their freedom from every taint of particularism and prejudice...."
- (Shoghi Effendi, 16 May 1933, appended in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi to a letter written on his behalf to an individual believer, published in "The Light of Divine Guidance", vol. 1, pp. 47-48, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 22)
"...to the members of the equally small yet virile and highly promising community, planted in the heart of the European continent, whose mission is to spread the light of the Faith throughout the regions that lie in its neighbourhood and project its radiance as far as the heart of the Asiatic continent...."
- (Shoghi Effendi, 30 June 1952, appended in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi to a letter written on his behalf to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 31)
Austrian[edit]
"The Austrian believers are dear and near to my heart, and I deeply sympathize with them in the ordeal and tribulations which they have suffered, and which have demonstrated the quality of their faith and the depth of their devotion."
"The German and Austrian Bahá'í Communities, on whom 'Abdu'l-Bahá lavished His favours, for whose future He cherished such high hopes, occupying such a central position in a continent endowed with such great potentialities, must, by reason of their unique and predominant position, their past history, their virility, tenacity and splendid accomplishments, assume a preponderating role in the conduct of a Crusade in which all Bahá'í communities dwelling on the European mainland, both young and old, are called upon to participate to the utmost of their capacity with all the resources at their disposal.
"They stand, moreover, at this crucial hour in their destiny, on the threshold of a new era in their history--the era that must witness the initiation of their mission beyond the borders of their homeland, and one which must culminate in their carrying the banner of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh across the eastern frontiers of Europe, and as far as the territories lying in the heart of the Asiatic continent."
- (Shoghi Effendi, 21 June 1953, appended in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi to a letter written on his behalf to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria, published in "The Light of Divine Guidance", vol. 1, pp. 199-202, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 32)
"By virtue of the important position they occupy in the heart of the European continent; singled out for special favours by the Centre of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant among their sister communities in that same continent; distinguished through the appointment of two Hands of the Cause from among their members; entrusted with the tremendous and sacred responsibility of erecting the first Bahá'í House of Worship on European soil; displaying, on the morrow of the ordeals which have for so long and so cruelly afflicted them, a virility, a courage, a fidelity worthy of emulation by their sister communities not only in neighbouring lands but throughout the Bahá'í world, these twin communities, destined through their common language, racial characteristics and traditions to play a notable and distinct part in the world-wide progress of the Faith in both the European and Asiatic continents, must continue to forge ahead, with inflexible resolve, unshakeable faith, undimmed vision, and unabated vigour, along the road leading them to the fulfilment of their high destiny."
- (Shoghi Effendi, 2 August 1955, appended in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi to a letter written on his behalf to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria, published in "The Light of Divine Guidance", vol. 1, pp. 237-38, in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland, no. 35)
Irish[edit]
"The Irish are tenacious in their religious beliefs, and once convinced of the truth and significance of our glorious Faith should make ardent and devoted Bahá'ís."
"The Irish people, with their deep religious instinct, although they may be at first difficult to convert, once convinced of the truth, will make staunch believers and will, he hopes, convey this Faith, with all its promise and healing power, to other countries in the course of time."
Scotch[edit]
"The progress being made in spreading the Faith in Scotland pleases him immensely, and he feels the Cause will find many exemplary and wonderful servants among the Scotch people. They may be slow to be convinced, but once they embrace a thing they do so with full conviction and great determination to serve their belief."
"He has a profound admiration for the characteristics of the Scots; their deep religious feelings, their frank, open and friendly nature, their tenacity and abilities will enable them to greatly enrich the Faith in the British Isles, and, he hopes, later in the pioneer fields abroad."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Unfolding Destiny, pp. 399-400)
Welsh[edit]
"This booklet in their own language will do much to convince sincere Welsh truth-seekers of the respect and consideration with which we Bahá'ís approach all minorities, also of our devout desire to share with such a talented race the glory of Bahá'u'lláh's message."
Oceania[edit]
Maori[edit]
"As you formulate your plans and carry them out for the work entrusted to you during the next six years, he wishes you to particularly bear in mind the need of teaching the Maoris. These original discoverers of New Zealand are of a very fine race, and they are a people long admired for their noble qualities; and special effort should be made, not only to contact the Maoris in the cities, and draw them into the Faith, but to go to their towns and live amongst them and establish Assemblies in which at least the majority of the believers will be Maoris, if not all. This would be indeed a worthy achievement."
- (On behalf of the Guardian, Messages to the Antipodes, 27 June 1957, pp. 436-437)
"...he wishes you to particularly bear in mind the need of teaching the Maoris. These original discoverers of New Zealand are of a very fine race, and they are a people long admired for their noble qualities;..."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Arohanui, p. 73-74)
Pacific Islanders[edit]
"In spite of the fact that ... has been expelled from the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, the remarkable progress of the Faith there has been a source of great satisfaction. It shows that a spiritual receptivity, a purity of heart and uprightness of character exist potentially amongst many of the peoples of the Pacific Isles to an extent equal to that of the tribesmen of Africa. It is indeed an encouraging and awe-inspiring sight to witness the spread of our beloved Faith amongst those whom civilized nations misguidedly term "savages", "primitive peoples" and "uncivilized nations"...."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 11 July 1956 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, Unfolding Destiny, p. 365)
"The Polynesians for many centuries, ever since the white man contacted them, have been admired for their fine characteristics and the nobility of their spirit. It would be a great contribution to the world-wide character of our Faith to have people of this race active in its service and representing what their race has to give, as time goes on, in joint Bahá'í national and international councils."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 1 May 1956 to an Individual; Islands of the South Pacific (compilation), no. 24)
Australian[edit]
"The people of Australia have shown remarkable qualities as Bahá'ís - qualities of intelligent understanding and spirituality, combined, as well as great faith in and devotion to the Cause, once they accept it. These characteristics have greatly endeared them to Shoghi Effendi, and he has great hopes for the future of the Cause in that country."
See also[edit]
- Vices by country/race
- Exaggerated emphasis (regarding the sometimes unqualified strong praise)
