If one friend feels love for another, he will wish to say
so. Though he knows that the friend is aware that he loves him, he will still
wish to say so.... God knows the wishes of all hearts. But the impulse to
prayer is a natural one, springing from man's love to God.
Prayer need not be in words, but rather in thought and
attitude. 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, with no love or pleasure in his meeting with you, do you wish
to converse with him? (Report of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's words as quoted in J. E.
Esslemont, "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era; The Compilation of Compilations,
Vol. II, The Importance of Prayer, Meditation and the Devotional Attitude)
January 30
We can prove ourselves worthy of our Cause only if in our individual conduct and corporate life we sedulously imitate the example of our beloved Master, Whom the terrors of tyranny, the storms of incessant abuse, the oppressiveness of humiliation, never caused to deviate a hair's breadth from the revealed Law of Bahá'u'lláh. Such is the path of servitude, such is the way of holiness He chose to tread to the very end of His life. Nothing short of the strictest adherence to His glorious example can safely steer our course amid the pitfalls of this perilous age, and lead us on to fulfil our high destiny. (Shoghi Effendi, in a letter dated 12 April 1927, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932"; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Excellence in All Things)
January 29
The universal participation of the believers in every aspect of the Faith -- in contributing to the Fund, in teaching, deepening, living the Baha'i life, administering the affairs of the community, and, above all, in the life of prayer and devotion to God -- will endow the Baha'i community with such strength that it can overcome the forces of spiritual disintegration which are engulfing the non-Baha'i world, and can become an ocean of oneness that will cover the face of the planet. (The Universal House of Justice, from a letter dated 29 December 1970, ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986’) (To see the entire message please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by the Universal House of Justice)
January 28
The duties of those whom the friends have freely and
conscientiously elected as their representatives are no less vital and binding
than the obligations of those who have chosen them. Their function is not to
dictate, but to consult, and consult not only among themselves, but as much as
possible with the friends whom they represent. They must regard themselves in
no other light but that of chosen instruments for a more efficient and
dignified presentation of the Cause of God. They should never be led to suppose
that they are the central ornaments of the body of the Cause, intrinsically
superior to others in capacity or merit, and sole promoters of its teachings
and principles. They should approach their task with extreme humility, and
endeavour by their open-mindedness, their high sense of justice and duty, their
candour, their modesty, their entire devotion to the welfare and interests of
the friends, the Cause, and humanity, to win not only the confidence and the
genuine support and respect of those whom they should serve, but also their
esteem and real affection. They must at all times avoid the spirit of
exclusiveness, the atmosphere of secrecy, free themselves from a domineering
attitude, and banish all forms of prejudice and passion from their
deliberations. They should, within the limits of wise discretion, take the
friends into their confidence, acquaint them with their plans, share with them
their problems and anxieties, and seek their advice and counsel. And when they
are called upon to arrive at a certain decision, they should, after
dispassionate, anxious, and cordial consultation, turn to God in prayer, and
with earnestness and conviction and courage record their vote and abide by the
voice of the majority, which we are told by our Master to be the voice of
truth, never to be challenged, and always to be whole-heartedly enforced. To
this voice the friends must heartily respond, and regard it as the only means
that can ensure the protection and advancement of the Cause. (Shoghi Effendi, 23 February 1924 to the
Bahá'ís of America, published in "Bahá'í Administration"; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Consultation)
January 27
God's redemptive grace, flowing through the small yet
infinitely resourceful band of His faithful servants will, as in the days past,
gradually permeate the world, and infuse into the consciousness of peoples and
nations alike the realization that nothing short of the divine panacea He
Himself has prescribed can cure the ills now so sadly afflicting the whole of
mankind. What a higher privilege therefore than to be the instrument, the
channel for the transmission of such divine grace. (The Universal House of
Justice; from a letter to all pioneers, dated 29 November 1970; Messages from
the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986) (To see the entire message please
visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by the Universal House ofJustice)
January 26
Give ye great weight to the Nineteen Day gatherings, so that
on these occasions the beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful
may turn their faces toward the Kingdom, chant the communes, beseech God's
help, become joyfully enamoured each of the other, and grow in purity and
holiness, and in the fear of God, and in resistance to passion and self. Thus
will they separate themselves from this elemental world, and immerse themselves
in the ardours of the spirit.('Abdu'l-Bahá, from
a Tablet to the local Spiritual Assembly of Spokane, Washington, translated
from the Persian;The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Nineteen Day Feast
)
January 25
The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has
dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities
both of body and mind. But the balance is already shifting; force is losing its
dominance, and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love
and service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy. Hence the new
age will be an age less masculine and more permeated with the feminine ideals,
or, to speak more exactly, will be an age in which the masculine and feminine
elements of civilization will be more evenly balanced. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by
Dr. Esslemont in ‘Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era’; The Compilation of
Compilations, vol. II, Women)
January 24
Commerce, agriculture and industry should not, in truth, be
a bar to service of the one true God. Indeed, such occupations are most potent
instruments and clear proofs for the manifestation of the evidences of one's
piety, of one's trustworthiness and of the virtues of the All-Merciful Lord. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
from a Tablet; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá'í Virtue)
January 23
We all know how often the Master and the beloved Guardian
called upon the friends to consciously strive to be more loving, more united,
more dedicated and prayerful than ever before in order to overcome the
atmosphere of present-day society which is unloving, disunited, careless of
right and wrong and heedless of God. "... when we see the increasing
darkness in the world today," the Guardian's secretary wrote on his
behalf, "we can fully realize that unless the Message of Bahá'u'lláh
reaches into the hearts of men and transforms them, there can be no peace and
no spiritual progress in the future." (The Universal House of Justice,
from a message to the Baha’is of the world dated 16 November 1969; Messages
from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986) (To see the entire message
please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by the Universal House ofJustice)
January 22
The House of Justice wishes to avoid use of the terms "Bahá'í
scholarship" and "Bahá'í scholars" in an exclusive sense, which
would effectively establish a demarcation between those admitted into this
category and those denied entrance to it. It is clear that such terms are
relative, and that what is a worthy scholarly endeavour by a Bahá'í, when
compared to the activities of those with whom he is in contact, may well be
regarded as of vastly lesser significance when measured against the
accomplishments of the outstanding scholars which the Faith has produced. The
House of Justice seeks the creation of a Bahá'í community in which the members
encourage each other, where there is respect for accomplishment, and a common
realization that every one is, in his or her own way, seeking to acquire a
deeper understanding of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh and to contribute to the
advancement of the Faith. (From a letter dated 19 October 1993 written on
behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Scholarship)
January 21
As for a Baha’i wishing to marry an atheist who states that
the Baha’i marriage vow will compromise his convictions, in order to be
married, a Baha’i must have the Baha’i marriage ceremony. If, for any reason,
the person the Baha’i wishes to marry refuses to have the Baha’i marriage
ceremony, then the Baha’i cannot marry that person. (From a letter dated 14
February 1984 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer; published in Baha’i Studies Bulletin, 3.4, December 1995)
January 20
Already, the community of the believers of the North
American continent—at once the prime mover and pattern of the future
communities which the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is destined to raise up throughout
the length and breadth of the Western Hemisphere—has, despite the prevailing
gloom, shown its capacity to be recognized as the torchbearer of that light,
the repository of those mysteries, the exponent of that righteousness and the
sanctuary of that freedom. (Shoghi Effendi, letter dated December 25, 1938, ‘The
Advent of Divine Justice’)
January 19
Every Bahá'í, however humble or inarticulate, must become
intent on fulfilling his role as a bearer of the Divine Message. Indeed, how
can a true believer remain silent while around us men cry out in anguish for
truth, love and unity to descend upon this world? (The Universal House of
Justice, from a message to the Baha’is of the world dated 16 November 1969;
Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986) (To see the entire
message please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by the UniversalHouse of Justice)
January 18
The Guardian has the impression that your husband is a fine
man, and he is very pleased to hear you two are arranging to be reunited. He
feels very strongly that Bahá'ís, if possible, more especially Bahá'ís who
serve the Cause as actively and conspicuously as you and your family do, should
set the newer believers and the young Bahá'ís a high example in every way. As
Bahá'u'lláh was so very much against divorce (even though He permits it) and
considered marriage a most sacred responsibility, believers should do
everything in their power to preserve the marriages they have contracted, and
to make of them exemplary unions, governed by the noblest motives. (From a
letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, dated 19
October 1947; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Preserving Baha’i
Marriages)
January 17
The Obligatory Prayer … referred to in this verse [of the Kitab-i-Aqdas] has been superseded by the three Obligatory Prayers later
revealed by Bahá’u’lláh…
A rak’áh is the recitation of specifically revealed verses accompanied by a prescribed set of genuflections and other movements.
The Obligatory Prayer originally enjoined by Bahá’u’lláh upon His followers consisted of nine rak’áhs. The precise nature of this prayer and the specific instructions for its recitation are unknown, as the prayer has been lost…
The original Obligatory Prayer had “for reasons of wisdom” been revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in a separate Tablet... It was not released to the believers in His lifetime, having been superseded by the three Obligatory Prayers now in use.
Shortly after the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the text of this prayer, along with a number of other Tablets, was stolen by Muhammad-‘Alí, the Arch-breaker of His Covenant. (From the “Notes” section of the ‘Kitab-i-Aqdas’, prepared by the Research department of the Universal House of Justice)
A rak’áh is the recitation of specifically revealed verses accompanied by a prescribed set of genuflections and other movements.
The Obligatory Prayer originally enjoined by Bahá’u’lláh upon His followers consisted of nine rak’áhs. The precise nature of this prayer and the specific instructions for its recitation are unknown, as the prayer has been lost…
The original Obligatory Prayer had “for reasons of wisdom” been revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in a separate Tablet... It was not released to the believers in His lifetime, having been superseded by the three Obligatory Prayers now in use.
Shortly after the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the text of this prayer, along with a number of other Tablets, was stolen by Muhammad-‘Alí, the Arch-breaker of His Covenant. (From the “Notes” section of the ‘Kitab-i-Aqdas’, prepared by the Research department of the Universal House of Justice)
January 16
The Faith of Bahá'u'lláh should indeed be regarded, if we
wish to be faithful to the tremendous implications of its message, as the
culmination of a cycle, the final stage in a series of successive, of
preliminary and progressive revelations. These, beginning with Adam and ending
with the Báb, have paved the way and anticipated with an ever-increasing
emphasis the advent of that Day of Days in which He Who is the Promise of All
Ages should be made manifest.
There are no Prophets, so far, in the same category as Bahá'u'lláh, as He culminates a great cycle begun by Adam. (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand, December 26, 1941: Letter from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand; Lights of Guidance)
There are no Prophets, so far, in the same category as Bahá'u'lláh, as He culminates a great cycle begun by Adam. (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand, December 26, 1941: Letter from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand; Lights of Guidance)
January 15
It is now imperative for every Bahá'í to set for himself
individual teaching goals. The admonition of 'Abdu'l-Bahá to lead at least one
new soul to the Faith each year and the exhortation of Shoghi Effendi to hold a
Bahá'í fireside in one's home every Bahá'í month are examples of individual
goals. (The Universal House of Justice, from a message to the Baha’is of the
world dated 16 November 1969; Messages from the Universal House of Justice,
1963-1986) (To see the entire message please visit Messages to the Baha’i WorldCommunity – by the Universal House of Justice)
January 14
The youth are indeed those to whom the Cause should perforce
offer its greatest appeal, as it holds alone the promise for their future
security. Without that which Bahá'u'lláh has given to humanity
the outlook for the future of the world would appear truly hopeless, for the
evil forces in men's nature seem to have gained the ascendancy, and only a
spiritual force, direct from God, can enable the good side of human nature to
again assume command of men's lives. (From a letter dated 15 June 1945, written
on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of
Compilations, vol. II, Youth)
January 13
The question of economics must commence with the farmer and
then be extended to the other classes inasmuch as the number of farmers is far
greater than all other classes. Therefore, it is fitting to begin with the
farmer in matters related to economics for the farmer is the first active agent
in human society. In brief, from among the wise men in every village a board
should be set up and the affairs of that village should be under the control of
that board. Likewise a general storehouse should be founded with the
appointment of a secretary. At the time of the harvest, under the direction of
that board, a certain percentage of the entire harvest should be appropriated
for the storehouse.
The storehouse has seven revenues: Tithes, taxes on animals, property without an heir, all lost objects found whose owners cannot be traced, one third of all treasure-trove, one third of the produce of all mines, and voluntary contributions.
This storehouse also has seven expenditures:
The storehouse has seven revenues: Tithes, taxes on animals, property without an heir, all lost objects found whose owners cannot be traced, one third of all treasure-trove, one third of the produce of all mines, and voluntary contributions.
This storehouse also has seven expenditures:
1. General running expenses of the storehouse, such as the
salary of the secretary and the administration of public health.
2. Tithes to the government.
3. Taxes on animals to the government.
4. Costs of running an orphanage.
5. Costs of running a home for the incapacitated.
6. Costs of running a school.
7. Payment of subsidies to provide needed support of the poor. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
from a Tablet dated 4 October 1912 to an individual believer;
The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Economics,
Agriculture, and Related Subjects)
January 12
Concerning your question as to whether Baha’is may join the
police force of a country where this force bears arms, there is in general no
objection to Baha’is volunteering to serve in the police force. However, police
forces vary considerably from country to country, and according to local
situations, and conditions can change from time to time. Therefore the House of
Justice feels that under current world conditions no hard and fast rules can be
laid down, and if the friends have a strong desire to participate in law
enforcement they should in such matters come to their own conclusions. (From a
letter dated 14 February 1984 written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice to an individual believer; published in Baha’i Studies Bulletin, 3.4,
December 1995)
January 11
The generality of mankind, blind and enslaved, is wholly
unaware of the healing power with which this community [the Community of the
Most Great Name ]has been endowed, nor can it as yet suspect the role which
this same community is destined to play in its redemption. Fierce and manifold
will be the assaults with which governments, races, classes and religions, jealous
of its rising prestige and fearful of its consolidating strength, will seek to
silence its voice and sap its foundations. Unmoved by the relative obscurity
that surrounds it at the present time, and undaunted by the forces that will be
arrayed against it in the future, this community, I cannot but feel confident,
will, no matter how afflictive the agonies of a travailing age, pursue its
destiny, undeflected in its course, undimmed in its serenity, unyielding in its
resolve, unshaken in its convictions. (Shoghi Effendu, letter dated July 5,
1938; ‘Messages to America’)
January 10
One of the great events which is to occur in the Day of the
manifestation of that Incomparable Branch [Bahá’u’lláh] is the hoisting of the
Standard of God among all nations. By this is meant that all nations and
kindreds will be gathered together under the shadow of this Divine Banner,
which is no other than the Lordly Branch itself, and will become a single
nation. Religious and sectarian antagonism, the hostility of races and peoples,
and differences among nations, will be eliminated. All men will adhere to one
religion, will have one common faith, will be blended into one race, and become
a single people. All will dwell in one common fatherland, which is the planet
itself. (Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’, quoted by Shoghi Effendi in
‘The Promised Day Is Come’)
January 9
With reference to your question about Baha’i marriage, there
is nothing in the Writings to indicate or imply that Baha’i marriage is open
only to those who are physically able to have children. The bearing of children
is but one of the purposes of marriage, albeit the primary one. The
consummation of marriage by a couple is an intimate and private matter outside
the scrutiny of others. While consummation normally implies a sexual
relationship, the Baha’i law requiring consummation to take place within
twenty-four hours of the wedding ceremony can be considered fulfilled if the
couple has commenced cohabitation with the intention of establishing the family
relationship. (From a letter dated 14 February 1984 written on behalf of the
Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; published in Baha’i
Studies Bulletin, 3.4, December 1995)
January 8
… as the appointed Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant and the
authorized Interpreter of His teaching had Himself later explained, the
dissolution of the tabernacle wherein the soul of the Manifestation of God had
chosen temporarily to abide signalized its release from the restrictions which
an earthly life had, of necessity, imposed upon it. Its influence no longer
circumscribed by any physical limitations, its radiance no longer beclouded by
its human temple, that soul could henceforth energize the whole world to a
degree unapproached at any stage in the course of its existence on this planet.
(Shoghi Effendi, ‘God Passes By’)
January 7
Pregnant indeed are the years looming ahead of us all. The
twin processes of internal disintegration and external chaos are being
accelerated and every day are inexorably moving towards a climax. The rumblings
that must precede the eruption of those forces that must cause “the limbs of humanity to quake” can already be heard. “The time of the
end,” “the latter years,” as foretold in the Scriptures, are at long last upon
us. The Pen of Bahá’u’lláh, the voice of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, have time and again,
insistently and in terms unmistakable, warned an unheeding humanity of
impending disaster. The Community of the Most Great Name, the leaven that must
leaven the lump, the chosen remnant that must survive the rolling up of the
old, discredited, tottering order, and assist in the unfoldment of a new one in
its stead, is standing ready, alert, clear-visioned, and resolute. The American
believers, standard-bearers of this world-wide community and torch-bearers of
an as yet unborn civilization, have girt up their loins, unfurled their banners
and stepped into the arena of service. Their Plan has been formulated. Their
forces are mobilized. They are steadfastly marching towards their goal. The
hosts of the Abhá Kingdom are rushing forth, as promised, to direct their steps
and reinforce their power. (Shoghi Effendu, letter dated July 5, 1938;
‘Messages to America’)
January 6
The House of Justice feels that, when
Bahá'ís are teaching in an online "chat room" and Covenant-breakers
intrude upon the discussion, the friends should not feel obliged to sign off
simply because Covenant-breakers are present in this virtual space. They
should, however, refrain from knowingly engaging the Covenant-breakers in
discussions and, in any case, should avoid being drawn into contentious or
disputatious situations.(From a letter dated 27 October 1997 written on behalf
of the Universal House of Justice to an individual; compilation ‘Electronic Communication with
Covenant-breakers’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House
of Justice)
January 5
Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous task on this earthly plane had, moreover,
at the time of His passing, been brought to its final consummation. His
mission, far from being in any way inconclusive, had, in every respect, been
carried through to a full end. The Message with which He had been entrusted had
been disclosed to the gaze of all mankind. The summons He had been commissioned
to issue to its leaders and rulers had been fearlessly voiced. The fundamentals
of the doctrine destined to recreate its life, heal its sicknesses and redeem
it from bondage and degradation had been impregnably established. The tide of
calamity that was to purge and fortify the sinews of His Faith had swept on
with unstemmed fury. The blood which was to fertilize the soil out of which the
institutions of His World Order were destined to spring had been profusely
shed. Above all the Covenant that was to perpetuate the influence of that
Faith, insure its integrity, safeguard it from schism,
and stimulate its world-wide expansion, had been fixed on an inviolable basis.
January 4
Bahá’u’lláh proclaims in the Hidden Words that God inspires
His servants and is revealed through them. He says, “Thy heart is My home;
sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it
for My manifestation.” Therefore, we learn that nearness to God is possible
through devotion to Him, through entrance into the Kingdom and service to
humanity; it is attained by unity with mankind and through loving-kindness to
all; it is dependent upon investigation of truth, acquisition of praiseworthy
virtues, service in the cause of universal peace and personal sanctification.
In a word, nearness to God necessitates sacrifice of self, severance and the
giving up of all to Him. Nearness is likeness.
Behold how the sun shines upon all creation, but only surfaces that are pure and polished can reflect its glory and light. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk, 26 May 1912, New York, ‘The Promulgation of the Universal Peace’) (To see the entire talk please visit Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha)
Behold how the sun shines upon all creation, but only surfaces that are pure and polished can reflect its glory and light. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk, 26 May 1912, New York, ‘The Promulgation of the Universal Peace’) (To see the entire talk please visit Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha)
January 3
Let us recall His explicit and often-repeated assurances
that every Assembly elected in that rarefied atmosphere of selflessness and
detachment is in truth appointed of God, that its verdict is truly inspired,
that one and all should submit to its decision unreservedly and with
cheerfulness. (Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated 23 February 1924 to the
Bahá'ís of America, published in "Bahá'í Administration"; The
Compilation of Compilation, Vol. III, Sanctity and Nature of Baha’i Elections)
January 2
It is surely for those to whose hands so priceless a
heritage has been committed to prayerfully watch lest the tool should supersede
the Faith itself, lest undue concern for the minute details arising from the
administration of the Cause obscure the vision of its promoters, lest
partiality, ambition, and worldliness tend in the course of time to becloud the
radiance, stain the purity, and impair the effectiveness of the Faith of
Bahá’u’lláh. (Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated February 27, 1929, ‘The World
Order of Bahau’llah’)
January 1
At present universal peace is a matter of great importance,
but unity of conscience is essential, so that the foundation of this matter may
become secure, its establishment firm and its edifice strong.
Therefore Bahá'u'lláh, fifty years ago, expounded this question of universal peace at a time when He was confined in the fortress of 'Akká and was wronged and imprisoned....
Among His teachings was the declaration of universal peace....the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh were not limited to the establishment of universal peace. They embraced many teachings which supplemented and supported that of universal peace. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Peace)
Therefore Bahá'u'lláh, fifty years ago, expounded this question of universal peace at a time when He was confined in the fortress of 'Akká and was wronged and imprisoned....
Among His teachings was the declaration of universal peace....the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh were not limited to the establishment of universal peace. They embraced many teachings which supplemented and supported that of universal peace. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Peace)
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