December 31
As regards the celebration of the Christian Holidays by the
believers: it is surely preferable and even highly advisable that the friends
should in their relation to each other discontinue observing such holidays as
Christmas and New Year, and to have their festal gatherings of this nature
instead during the intercalary days and Naw-Ruz. (From a letter dated 26 May 1982, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a
National Spiritual Assembly; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Cultural
Diversity in the Age of Maturity)
December 30
A world, torn with conflicting passions, and perilously
disintegrating from within, finds itself confronted, at so crucial an epoch in
its history, by the rising fortunes of an infant Faith, a Faith that, at times,
seems to be drawn into its controversies, entangled by its conflicts, eclipsed
by its gathering shadows, and overpowered by the mounting tide of its passions.
In its very heart, within its cradle, at the seat of its first and venerable
Temple, in one of its hitherto flourishing and potentially powerful centers,
the as-yet unemancipated Faith of Bahá’u’lláh seems indeed to have retreated
before the onrushing forces of violence and disorder to which humanity is
steadily falling a victim. The strongholds of such a Faith, one by one and day
after day, are to outward seeming being successively isolated, assaulted and
captured. As the lights of liberty flicker and go out, as the din of discord
grows louder and louder every day, as the fires of fanaticism flame with
increasing fierceness in the breasts of men, as the chill of irreligion creeps
relentlessly over the soul of mankind, the limbs and organs that constitute the
body of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh appear, in varying measure, to have become
afflicted with the crippling influences that now hold in their grip the whole
of the civilized world. (Shoghi Effendi, ‘The Advent of Divine Justice’)
December 29
There is no doubt that the poorer classes should be taught
the Cause and given every opportunity to embrace it. More especially in order
to demonstrate to people our cardinal lack of prejudice, class prejudice as
much as any other kind of prejudice. However he feels that the great point is
to confirm people of true capacity and ability–from whatever social stratum
they may be–because the Cause needs now, and will ever-increasingly need, souls
of great ability who can bring it before the public at large, administer its
ever-growing affairs, and contribute to its advancement in every field. (From a letter dated 30 October 1941 written
on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of
Compilations, vol. II, Teaching Among Aboriginal and Indigenous People)
December 28
… the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which, together
with the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, constitutes the chief depository wherein are enshrined
those priceless elements of that Divine Civilization, the establishment of
which is the primary mission of the Bahá’í Faith. A study of the provisions of
these sacred documents will reveal the close relationship that exists between
them, as well as the identity of purpose and method which they inculcate.
(Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated February 27, 1929 in ‘The World Order of
Baha’u’llah’)
December 27
The American believers, if they wish to carry out, in the spirit and the letter, the parting wishes of their beloved Master, must intensify their teaching work a thousandfold and extend its ramifications beyond the confines of their native land and as far as the most distant outposts of their far-flung Faith. The Tablets of the Divine Plan invest your Assembly with unique and grave responsibilities, and confer upon it privileges which your sister Assemblies might well envy and admire. The present opportunity is unutterably precious. It may not recur again. Undaunted by the perils and the uncertainties of the present hour, the American believers must press on and prosecute in its entirety the task which now confronts them. I pray for their success from the depths of my heart. (Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated July 28, 1936; ‘Messages to America’)
December 26
The woman of the East has progressed. Formerly in India,
Persia and throughout the Orient, she was not considered a human being. Certain
Arab tribes counted their women in with the live stock. In their language the
noun for woman also meant donkey; that is, the same name applied to both and a
man's wealth was accounted by the number of these beasts of burden he
possessed. The worst insult one could hurl at a man was to cry out, "Thou
woman!"
December 25
With "The Dawn-Breakers" in your possession you
could also arrange interesting stories about the early days of the Movement
which the children would like to hear. There are also stories about the life of
Christ, Muhammad and the other prophets which if told to the children will
break down any religious prejudice they may have learned from older people of
little understanding.
Such stories regarding the life of different prophets together with their sayings will also be useful to better understand the literature of the Cause for there is constant reference to them. It is however the work of experienced people to bring together such materials and make of them interesting text books for the children.
The Cause will gradually produce people who would answer these needs. It is only a question of time. What we should strive to do is to stimulate different individuals who have the talent to attempt the task. (From a letter dated 19 October 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a Local Spiritual Assembly and a State Teaching Committee; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)
Such stories regarding the life of different prophets together with their sayings will also be useful to better understand the literature of the Cause for there is constant reference to them. It is however the work of experienced people to bring together such materials and make of them interesting text books for the children.
The Cause will gradually produce people who would answer these needs. It is only a question of time. What we should strive to do is to stimulate different individuals who have the talent to attempt the task. (From a letter dated 19 October 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a Local Spiritual Assembly and a State Teaching Committee; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)
December 24
Nor should it be thought for a moment that the followers of
Bahá’u’lláh either seek to degrade or even belittle the rank of the world’s
religious leaders, whether Christian, Muslim, or of any other denomination,
should their conduct conform to their professions, and be worthy of the
position they occupy. “Those divines,” Bahá’u’lláh has affirmed, “...who are
truly adorned with the ornament of knowledge and of a goodly character are,
verily, as a head to the body of the world, and as eyes
to the nations. The guidance of men hath, at all times, been and is dependent
upon these blessed souls.” (Shoghi Effendi, ‘The Promised Day Is Come’)
December 23
As to the position of Christianity, let it be stated without
any hesitation or equivocation that its divine origin is unconditionally
acknowledged, that the Sonship and Divinity of Jesus Christ are fearlessly
asserted, that the divine inspiration of the Gospel is fully recognized, that the
reality of the mystery of the Immaculacy of the Virgin Mary is confessed, and
the primacy of Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, is upheld and defended. The
Founder of the Christian Faith is designated by Bahá’u’lláh as the “Spirit of
God,” is proclaimed as the One Who “appeared out of the breath of the Holy
Ghost,” and is even extolled as the “Essence of the Spirit.” His mother is
described as “that veiled and immortal, that most beauteous, countenance,” and
the station of her Son eulogized as a “station which hath been exalted above
the imaginings of all that dwell on earth,” whilst Peter
is recognized as one whom God has caused “the mysteries of wisdom and of
utterance to flow out of his mouth.” (Shoghi Effendi, ‘The Promised Day Is Come’)
December 22
The future christening of the ... child should present no
problem, for the Bahá'í parent should have no objection to the baptism of his
child if the Catholic mother wishes it. Similarly, the use of champagne upon
that occasion is a matter which she is free to undertake, but of course the
Bahá'ís would not partake of alcoholic beverages. (The Universal House of
Justice, from a letter dated 7 December 1977 to a National Spiritual Assembly; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Prohibition on Drinking Alcohol)
December 21
Now with reference to your last dear letter in which you had
asked whether the believers have the right to openly express their criticism of
any Assembly action or policy: it is not only the right, but the vital
responsibility of every loyal and intelligent member of the Community to offer
fully and frankly, but with due respect and consideration to the authority of
the Assembly, any suggestion, recommendation or criticism he conscientiously
feels he should in order to improve and remedy certain existing conditions or
trends in his local community, and it is the duty of the Assembly also to give
careful consideration to any such views submitted to them by any one of the
believers. The best occasion chosen for this purpose is the Nineteen Day Feast,
which, besides its social and spiritual aspects, fulfils various administrative
needs and requirements of the Community, chief among them being the need for
open and constructive criticism and deliberation regarding the state of affairs
within the local Bahá'í Community. But again it should be stressed that all
criticisms and discussions of a negative character which result in undermining
the authority of the Assembly as a body should be strictly avoided. For
otherwise the order of the Cause itself will be endangered, and confusion and
discord will reign in the Community. (From a letter dated 13 December 1939 written
on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of
Compilations, vol. III, Issues Concerning Community Functioning)
December 20
The divinely ordained institution of the Local Spiritual
Assembly operates at the first levels of human society and is the basic
administrative unit of Bahá'u'lláh's World Order. It is concerned with
individuals and families whom it must constantly encourage to unite in a
distinctive Bahá'í society, vitalized and guarded by the laws, ordinances and
principles of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation. It protects the Cause of God; it acts
as the loving shepherd of the Bahá'í flock.
Strengthening and development of Local Spiritual Assemblies is a vital objective... Success in this one goal will greatly enrich the quality of Bahá'í life, will heighten the capacity of the Faith to deal with entry by troops which is even now taking place and, above all, will demonstrate the solidarity and ever-growing distinctiveness of the Bahá'í community, thereby attracting more and more thoughtful souls to the Faith and offering a refuge to the leaderless and hapless millions of the spiritually bankrupt, moribund present order. (The Universal House of Justice, from a letter dated Naw-Ruz 1974 to the Bahá'ís of the World; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Local Spiritual Assemblies)
Strengthening and development of Local Spiritual Assemblies is a vital objective... Success in this one goal will greatly enrich the quality of Bahá'í life, will heighten the capacity of the Faith to deal with entry by troops which is even now taking place and, above all, will demonstrate the solidarity and ever-growing distinctiveness of the Bahá'í community, thereby attracting more and more thoughtful souls to the Faith and offering a refuge to the leaderless and hapless millions of the spiritually bankrupt, moribund present order. (The Universal House of Justice, from a letter dated Naw-Ruz 1974 to the Bahá'ís of the World; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Local Spiritual Assemblies)
December 19
The instruction of these children is even as the work of a
loving gardener who tendeth his young plants in the flowering fields of the
All-Glorious. There is no doubt that it will yield the desired results;
especially is this true of instruction as to Bahá'í obligations and Bahá'í
conduct, for the little children must needs be made aware in their very heart
and soul that "Bahá'í" is not just a name but a truth. Every child
must be trained in the things of the spirit, so that he may embody all the
virtues and become a source of glory to the Cause of God. Otherwise, the mere
word "Bahá'í", if it yield no fruit, will come to nothing.
Strive then to the best of thine ability to let these children know that a Bahá'í is one who embodieth all the perfections, that he must shine out like a lighted taper -- not be darkness upon darkness and yet bear the name "Bahá'í". (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet, The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)
Strive then to the best of thine ability to let these children know that a Bahá'í is one who embodieth all the perfections, that he must shine out like a lighted taper -- not be darkness upon darkness and yet bear the name "Bahá'í". (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet, The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)
December 18
Concerning the positive aspects of chastity the Universal House of Justice states that the Bahá'í Faith recognizes the value of the sex impulse and holds that the institution of marriage has been established as the channel of its rightful expression. Bahá'ís do not believe that the sex impulse should be suppressed but that it should be regulated and controlled.
Chastity in no way implies withdrawal from human relationships. It liberates people from the tyranny of the ubiquity of sex. A person who is in control of his sexual impulses is enabled to have profound and enduring friendships with many people, both men and women, without ever sullying that unique and priceless bond that should unite man and wife. (From a letter dated 8 May 1979 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, A Chase and Holy Life)
Chastity in no way implies withdrawal from human relationships. It liberates people from the tyranny of the ubiquity of sex. A person who is in control of his sexual impulses is enabled to have profound and enduring friendships with many people, both men and women, without ever sullying that unique and priceless bond that should unite man and wife. (From a letter dated 8 May 1979 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, A Chase and Holy Life)
December 17
O ye loving mothers, know ye that in God's sight, the best
of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children and train them in all the
perfections of humankind; and no nobler deed than this can be imagined.(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings
of `Abdu'l-Bahá’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Family Life)
December 16
We have no way of substantiating the stories of the Old
Testament other than references to them in our own teachings, so we cannot say
exactly what happened at the battle of Jericho. (From a letter dated 25
November 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer;
compilation on ‘The Bible: Extracts on the Old and New Testaments’, prepared by
the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)
December 15
The significance of the Nineteen Day Feast is thus
threefold. It is a gathering of a devotional, social and administrative
importance. When these three features are all combined, this Feast can and will
surely yield the best and the maximum of results. The friends, however, should
be on their guard lest they overstress the significance of this institution
created by Bahá'u'lláh. They should also take care not to undertake or minimize
its importance. (In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi, 2 October 1935 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States
and Canada; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, The Nineteen Day Feast)
December 14
While he would urge you to courageously
meet and overcome the many obstacles that stand in your way, he would at the
same time advise you that in case of failure and no matter what befalls you,
you should remain radiantly content at, and entirely submissive to, the Divine
will. Our afflictions, tests and trials are sometimes blessings in disguise, as
they teach us to have more faith and confidence in God, and bring us nearer to
Him. (From a letter dated 28 April 1936 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to
an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Living the
Life)
December 13
Regarding divorce, the Guardian stated that it is
discouraged, deprecated and against the good pleasure of God. The Assembly must
circulate among the friends whatever has been revealed from the Pen of
'Abdu'l-Bahá in this connection so that all may be fully reminded. Divorce is
conditional upon the approval and permission of the Spiritual Assembly. The
members of the Assembly must in such matters independently and carefully study
and investigate each case. If there should be valid grounds for divorce and it
is found that reconciliation is utterly impossible, that antipathy is intense and
its removal is not possible, then the Assembly may approve the divorce. (From a letter dated 7 July 1938 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the
National Spiritual Assembly of Iran - translated from the Persian; The
Compilation of Compilations vol. II)
December 12
Viewed in the light of past experience, the inevitable
result of such futile attempts, however persistent and malicious they may be,
is to contribute to a wider and deeper recognition by believers and unbelievers
alike of the distinguishing features of the Faith proclaimed by Bahá'u'lláh.
These challenging criticisms, whether or not dictated by malice, cannot but
serve to galvanize the souls of its ardent supporters, and to consolidate the
ranks of its faithful promoters. They will purge the Faith from those
pernicious elements whose continued association with the believers tends to
discredit the fair name of the Cause, and to tarnish the purity of its spirit.
We should welcome, therefore, not only the open attacks which its avowed
enemies persistently launch against it, but should also view as a blessing in
disguise every storm of mischief with which they who apostatize their faith or
claim to be its faithful exponents assail it from time to time. Instead of
undermining the Faith, such assaults, both from within and from without,
reinforce its foundations, and excite the intensity of its flame. Designed to
becloud its radiance, they proclaim to all the world the exalted character of
its precepts, the completeness of its unity, the uniqueness of its position,
and the pervasiveness of its influence. (Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated 21
March 1930 to the Bahá'ís of the West, published in ‘The World Order of
Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II,
Opposition)
December 11
Concerning the attendance of certain individuals at the
meeting of the Assemblies and at the invitation of that body: This Shoghi
Effendi considers to be as expert advice, which is absolutely necessary for
good administration. The members of the Assembly are not supposed to know
everything on every subject, so they can invite a person, versed in that
question, to attend their meetings and explain his views. But naturally he will
have no right to vote. (From a letter
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 23 October 1926 to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the British Isles, published in ‘Unfolding Destiny: The Messages
from the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith to the Bahá'í Community of the British
Isles’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Consultation)
December 10
The one chief remaining citadel, the mighty arm which still
raises aloft the standard of an unconquerable Faith, is none other than the
blessed community of the followers of the Most Great Name in the North American
continent. By its works, and through the unfailing protection vouchsafed to it
by an almighty Providence, this distinguished member of the body of the
constantly interacting Bahá’í communities of East and West, bids fair to be
universally regarded as the cradle, as well as the stronghold, of that future
New World Order, which is at once the promise and the glory of the Dispensation
associated with the name of Bahá’u’lláh. (Shoghi Effendi, ‘The Advent of Divine
Justice’, December 25, 1938)
December 9
May our loving and ever-watchful Master, guide and protect
you in all the services you are so whole-heartedly tendering to His sacred
Threshold, and may He enable you to contribute your full share in carrying out
His Great Purpose for mankind! This is my prayer for you all whenever I visit
the Three Holy Shrines, and I feel certain that He will not fail
to answer it, if we but hold fast to those principles for which He lived,
laboured and died. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated June 1, 1923,
to the Baha’is in Rangoon; Messages of Shoghi Effendi to the Indian
Subcontinent: 1923-1957) (To read the entire letter please visit Messages tothe Baha’i World Community - by Shoghi Effendi)
December 8
He feels that you and your wife should do everything in your
power to produce a harmonious relationship between you and avoid divorce by all
means, if possible. The Bahá'í attitude is that marriage is a very serious and
sacred relationship and divorce a last resort to be avoided if humanly possible.
(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer,
dated 10 August 1945; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Preserving
Baha’i Marriages)
December 7
December 6
It behoves
us, now that the signs
of that glorious and promised Day
are fast appearing, to arise, with utter selflessness, unity and determination,
to promote and consolidate the Work which He has Himself established in the
heart of that vast Dominion, and prove ourselves, by our wisdom, moderation,
and constancy, worthy of the many bestowals He [‘Abdu’l-Baha] has showered upon
us in the past. If we but follow in His Way, regard at all times the dignity
of the Cause, guard sedulously its unity and vital principles, and exercise the
utmost endeavour to keep its Spirit pure, effective, and unobscured, then, and
only then, can we hope to achieve the immediate spread and triumph of the
Cause. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter dated April
20, 1923 addressed to the Baha’is of Canada; ‘Messages to Canada’) (To read the
entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World)
December 5
There can be no doubt that the progress of the Cause from
this time onward will be characterized by an ever increasing relationship to
the agencies, activities, institutions and leading individuals of the
non-Bahá'í world. We shall acquire greater stature at the United Nations,
become better known in the deliberations of governments, a familiar figure to
the media, a subject of interest to academics, and inevitably the envy of
failing establishments. Our preparation for the response to this situation must
be a continual deepening of our faith, an unwavering adherence to its
principles of abstention from partisan politics and freedom from prejudices,
and above all an increasing understanding of its fundamental verities and
relevance to the modern world. (The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1984 to
the Bahá'ís of the World; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Teaching
Prominent People)
December 4
The simplicity characterizing the offering of Bahá'í
prayers, whether obligatory or otherwise, should be maintained. Rigidity and
rituals should be strictly avoided. (In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi,
appended to a letter dated 30 October 1936 written on his behalf to an
individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, The Importance
of Prayer, Meditation and the Devotional Attitude)
December 3
The Cause needs more Bahá'í scholars, people who not only
are devoted to it and believe in it and are anxious to tell others about it,
but also who have a deep grasp of the Teachings and their significance, and who
can correlate its beliefs with the current thoughts and problems of the people
of the world. (From a letter dated 21 October 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III,
Scholarship)
December 2
Let us pray to God that in these
days of world-encircling gloom, when the dark forces of nature, of hate,
rebellion, anarchy and reaction are threatening the very stability of human
society, when the most precious fruits of civilization are undergoing severe
and unparalleled tests, we may all realize, more profoundly than ever, that
though but a mere handful amidst the seething masses of the world, we are in
this day the chosen instruments of God’s grace, that our mission is most urgent
and vital to the fate of humanity, and, fortified by these sentiments, arise to
achieve God’s holy purpose for mankind. (Shoghi Effendi, excerpt from a letter
dated 14 November 1923 to the Baha’is throughout America, ‘Baha’i Administration’)
(To see the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community –by Shoghi Effendi)
December 1
...In the teachings there is nothing against dancing, but
the friends should remember that the standard of Bahá'u'lláh is modesty and
chastity. The atmosphere of modern dance halls, where so much smoking and
drinking and promiscuity goes on, is very bad, but decent dances are not
harmful in themselves. There is certainly no harm in classical dancing or
learning dancing in school. There is also no harm in taking part in dramas.
Likewise in cinema acting. The harmful thing, nowadays, is not the art itself
but the unfortunate corruption which often surrounds these arts. As Bahá'ís we
need avoid none of the arts, but acts and the atmosphere that sometimes go with
these professions we should avoid. (From a letter dated 30 June 1952 written on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan
and Burma; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, A Chase and Holy Life)
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