Sports

Articles[edit]

The Function of Sports in Life - article of Shoghi Effendi as a youth on the historical function of sports as well as physical activity's benefit to mental and even moral character

Games to be encouraged if of an athletic nature[edit]

"Playing games is not in the least forbidden. It should in fact be encouraged if they are of an athletic nature."

(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Lights of Guidance, no. 1002)

('Abdu'l-Bahá's praise of wrestling He witnessed)[edit]

'Abdu'l-Bahá noticed two of the airmen who were wrestling on the grounds, and when they stopped, he went to them clapping his hands and crying in English, "Bravo! Bravo! that is good exercise."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, 'Abdu'l-Bahá in London, pp. 99-100)

Not to have a fanatical obsession with sport[edit]

"On page 25 of "The Advent of Divine Justice" the beloved Guardian is describing the requirements not only of chastity, but of "a chaste and holy life"–both the adjectives are important. One of the signs of a decadent society, a sign which is very evident in the world today, is an almost frenetic devotion to pleasure and diversion, an insatiable thirst for amusement, a fanatical devotion to games and sport , a reluctance to treat any matter seriously, and a scornful, derisory attitude towards virtue and solid worth. Abandonment of "a frivolous conduct" does not imply that a Bahá'í must be sour-faced or perpetually solemn. Humour, happiness, joy are characteristics of a true Bahá'í life. Frivolity palls and eventually leads to boredom and emptiness, but true happiness and joy and humour that are parts of a balanced life that includes serious thought, compassion and humble servitude to God, are characteristics that enrich life and add to its radiance.

"Shoghi Effendi's choice of words was always significant, and each one is important in understanding his guidance. In this particular passage, he does not forbid "trivial" pleasures, but he does warn against "excessive attachment" to them and indicates that they can often be "misdirected". One is reminded of `Abdu'l-Bahá's caution that we should not let a pastime become a waste of time."

(From a letter dated 8 May 1979 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, A Chaste and Holy Life, selection 23)

Permissible to use weapons as part of certain sports (e.g., archery, marksmanship, and fencing)[edit]

"There are a number of other situations in which weapons are needed and can be legitimately used; for instance...in such sports as archery, marksmanship, and fencing."

(Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Note no. 173)

To-dos for this page[edit]

Any other quotes on children encouraged to do athletic activities?