September 30

That His Word will eventually be spread and firmly established none of us can ever doubt; my only yearning and hope is that we may through sustained effort and prayer be graciously aided to hasten by our words and deeds the advent of this glorious and long-awaited Day. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a message dated 4 February 1924 addressed to “The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful throughout Canada”; ‘Messages to Canada’)

September 29

As indicated in the 29 December message, these Holy Days [the two bicentenaries] should be viewed as special opportunities for the friends to reach out to the widest possible cross-section of society and to all those with whom they share a connection—whether through a family tie or common interest, an occupation or field of study, neighbourly relations or merely chance acquaintance—so that all may rejoice in the appearance, exactly two hundred years before, of One Who was to be the Bearer of a new Message for humankind. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 18 May 2016 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to all NSAs)

September 28

He sees no objection to Baha'is in various universities holding organized Baha'i student groups, as long as they do this on each campus according to the rules, and no general statement is made regarding such procedure by your Assembly. The tendency of the Baha'is all over the world is to constantly try to lay down new rules and regulations, and pour the Faith into molds, whereas the Guardian insists on the greatest elasticity in details and only the fundamentals, laid down by him already, should be universal and rigidly adhered to. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 5 July 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, US Baha’i News, no. 236, October 1950)

September 27

We are Bahá’ís because we believe it is the Truth for this day, and not because of any hopes we may have for an easier passage through this troubled world! Our tests often come from each other; but for the sake of Bahá’u’lláh we must endure them patiently and rise above them. 
- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 5 April 1950; published in compilation: ‘Fire and Gold: Benefiting from Life’s Tests’, by Brian Kurzius)

September 26

The Revelation of Baha’u’llah is, in relation to the body of the world, as the spirit of man is to his body. In relation to the body of the world (humanity) Divinity is as the light within a lantern. In relation to the soil of the hearts, it is the quickening shower. In relation to the spiritual growth of the trees, it is the vernal breeze; and in relation to the recovery of the diseased body politic, it is a quick acting remedy, because it is the cause of the oneness of the world of humanity. It is love among all mankind. It is a bond which unites all the religions. It is the unity which welds together all the races. It is the connection between all the countries. It is universal peace among the nations. It is universal peace among all the peoples. It is the universal peace which will bring together all nativities. And undoubtedly it is the spirit of the world. It is the light of the world. Likewise, it is an impetus to the promulgation of knowledge, and it is the cause of agreement of religion with science and reason. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Excerpt From a talk in Oakland, California, at the home of Helen Goodall, October 3, 1912; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 11, September 27, 1913)

September 25

A chaste and holy life must be made the controlling principle in the behavior and conduct of all Bahá'ís, both in their social relations with the members of their own community, and in their contact with the world at large. It must adorn and reinforce the ceaseless labors and meritorious exertions of those whose enviable position is to propagate the Message, and to administer the affairs, of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. It must be upheld, in all its integrity and implications, in every phase of the life of those who fill the ranks of that Faith, whether in their homes, their travels, their clubs, their societies, their entertainments, their schools, and their universities. It must be accorded special consideration in the conduct of the social activities of every Bahá'í summer school and any other occasions on which Bahá'í community life is organized and fostered. It must be closely and continually identified with the mission of the Bahá'í youth, both as an element in the life of the Bahá'í community, and as a factor in the future progress and orientation of the youth of their own country. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a message dated 25 December 1938, published in "The Advent of Divine Justice"; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Excellence in All Things)

September 24

On the election day, the friends must whole-heartedly participate in the elections, in unity and amity, turning their hearts to God, detached from all things but Him, seeking His guidance and supplicating His aid and bounty. 

- Shoghi Effendi (From a message dated 27 February 1923 to the Bahá'ís of the East - translated from the Persian; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. 3, Sanctity and Nature of Bahá'í Elections)

September 23

The news of the very successful Congress held in Santiago pleased him very much. Now that more of the Latin believers are active and beginning to assume responsibilities, the work will go forward on a more permanent foundation, as pioneers from a foreign land can never take the place of native believers who must always constitute the bedrock of any future development of the Faith in their country. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 30 January 1948 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Teaching Among Aboriginal and Indigenous People)

September 22

Nor should any of the pioneers, at this early stage in the upbuilding of Bahá'í national communities, overlook the fundamental prerequisite for any successful teaching enterprise, which is to adapt the presentation of the fundamental principles of their Faith to the cultural and religious backgrounds, the ideologies, and the temperament of the divers races and nations whom they are called upon to enlighten and attract. The susceptibilities of these races and nations, ... differing widely in their customs and standards of living, should at all times be carefully considered, and under no circumstances neglected. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 5 June 1947 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of the West; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Teaching Among Aboriginal and Indigenous People)

September 21

The teachings of Baha’u’llah are likewise concerned with good conduct, and good conduct is the greatest effulgence of the All Glorious. Unless ethics be improved, the world of humanity will be incapable of true advancement. Real advancement is dependent upon the world of humanity becoming a center of divine morals, becoming a place of the effulgences of the Merciful, becoming a mirror reflecting the bestowals of God. Thereby the world of humanity will become the image and likeness of God. Until these virtues reveal themselves in the world of humanity, real progress and advancement will not be possible. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Excerpt from a talk by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Oakland, California, at the home of Helen Goodall, October 3, 1912; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 11, September 27, 1913)

September 20

It is true that you are laboring for our beloved Cause under difficult and trying conditions, yet you realize, I am sure, that by so doing you are treading the Path our Beloved has pursued throughout His heroic life, that your fortitude, your perseverance, your services, your loyalty to Him will be abundantly rewarded in the world to come in His Divine Presence. Be then, cheerful, radiant and resolute and persevere to the very end and be assured of my constant and ardent prayers for your happiness, prosperity and spiritual advancement. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a message to an individual believer, 1 February 1924; ‘Messages to Canada’)

September 19

Among the teachings of Baha'u'llah is one requiring man, under all conditions and circumstances, to be forgiving, to love his enemy and to consider an ill-wisher as a well-wisher. Not that he should consider one as being an enemy and then put up with him, or to simply endure him, or to consider one as inimical and be forbearing toward him. This is declared to be hypocrisy. This love is not real. Nay, rather, you must see your enemies as friends, ill-wishers as well wishers and treat them accordingly. That is to say, your love and kindness must be real. Your well-wishing must be reality, not merely forbearance, for forbearance, if not of the heart, is hypocrisy. The people of Reality will not accept it. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Excerpt From a talk by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Oakland, California, at the home of Helen Goodall, October 3, 1912; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 11, September 27, 1913)

September 18

The “Point of Adoration”, that is, the point to which the worshipper should turn when offering obligatory prayer, is called the Qiblih. The concept of Qiblih has existed in previous religions. Jerusalem in the past had been fixed for this purpose. Muḥammad changed the Qiblih to Mecca. The Báb’s instructions in the Arabic Bayán were:

“The Qiblih is indeed He Whom God will make manifest; whenever He moveth, it moveth, until He shall come to rest.”

This passage is quoted by Bahá’u’lláh in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (# 137) and confirmed by Him in the above-noted verse. He has also indicated that facing in the direction of the Qiblih is a “fixed requirement for the recitation of obligatory prayer” (Q and A 14 and 67). However, for other prayers and devotions the individual may face in any direction. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (‘The Notes section of the Kitab-i-Aqdas’)

September 17

These passages of the document [“Century of Light”] seek to acquaint believers everywhere with the profound change in Bahá'í culture that the preceding decades of struggle, achievement and disappointment made possible and that was capitalized on through the agency of the Four Year Plan. The culture now emerging is one in which groups of Bahá'u'lláh's followers explore together the truths in His Teachings, freely open their study circles, devotional gatherings and children's classes to their friends and neighbours, and invest their efforts confidently in plans of action designed at the level of the cluster, that makes growth a manageable goal. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 22 August 2002 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

September 16

The House of Justice has now established a mechanism which will allow for inclusion in books and pamphlets of provisional translations which are of sufficiently good quality for wide distribution. Arrangements have been made for such translations to be checked at the World Centre. When these items are to be included in works intended for publication by a Bahá'í publisher, the trust or publisher involved should forward them here for the necessary clearance. In the case of items to be included in works submitted to non-Bahá'í publishers, the authors or translators themselves should forward the items here for consideration prior to the involvement of any non-Bahá'í publishers. Publications containing such translations, once these have been cleared, should indicate that they are provisional translations. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 30 June 1999 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to some National Spiritual Assemblies)

September 15

I am waiting with intense expectation to see your individual activities and talents all merged into one motive force, sustained by your combined efforts, directed by a unified purpose, and inspired by one common aim. Then will the showers of His grace rain upon you, and the unfailing promises of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá be speedily and effectively fulfilled. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a message dated 4 February 1924 addressed to “The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful throughout Canada”; ‘Messages to Canada’)

September 14

Bahá’u’lláh ordains His resting-place as the Qiblih after His passing. The Most Holy Tomb is at Bahjí, Akká. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá describes that Spot as the “luminous Shrine”, “the place around which circumambulate the Concourse on High”.

In a letter written on his behalf, Shoghi Effendi uses the analogy of the plant turning in the direction of the sun to explain the spiritual significance of turning towards the Qiblih:

“...just as the plant stretches out to the sunlight—from which it receives life and growth—so we turn our hearts to the Manifestation of God, Bahá’u’lláh, when we pray; ... we turn our faces ... to where His dust lies on this earth as a symbol of the inner act.” 

- The Universal House of Justice  (‘The Notes section of the Kitab-i-Aqdas’)

September 13

In Arabic, there are several words for prayer. The word “salát”, which appears here   [Paragraph 6 of the Kitab-i-Aqdas] in the original, refers to a particular category of prayers, the recitation of which at specific times of the day is enjoined on the believers. To differentiate this category of prayers from other kinds, the word has been translated as “obligatory prayer”.

Bahá’u’lláh states that “obligatory prayer and fasting occupy an exalted station in the sight of God” (Q and A 93). ‘Abdu’l-Bahá affirms that such prayers are “conducive to humility and submissiveness, to setting one’s face towards God and expressing devotion to Him”, and that through these prayers “man holdeth communion with God, seeketh to draw near unto Him, converseth with the true Beloved of his heart, and attaineth spiritual stations”. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (‘The 'Notes' section of the Kitab-i-Aqdas’)

September 12

...when the very progress of the Cause on the one hand, and the corresponding decline in ecclesiastical organizations on the other will inevitably incite Christian ecclesiastical leaders to vehemently oppose and undermine the Faith, the believers will then have a real chance to defend and vindicate the Cause.... 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 25 May 1938 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada)

September 11

It is with deep concern indeed that he has learned of the difficulties you have encountered in your business, and [he] was particularly grieved to hear of the bitter competition you are meeting from some Persians in New York, who seem determined to ruin and force you out of business, despite the fact that you have shown them kindness, and refused to deal with them harshly. Though the Guardian would advise that you continue keeping such [a] true Bahá'í attitude of forbearance, he wishes you at the same time not to give way, and not to allow any threat on their part to discourage or demoralize you. However unethical the methods they may employ, it should be your firm conviction that such malicious devices cannot in the long run succeed, and that the most effective way of counteracting them is for you to maintain unreservedly the one true standard of business conduct inculcated in the Teachings. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter date 31 October 1938 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá'í Virtue)

September 10

Indeed this fresh ordeal that has, in pursuance of the mysterious dispensations of Providence, afflicted the Faith at this unexpected hour, far from dealing a fatal blow to its institutions or existence, should be regarded as a blessing in disguise, not a "calamity" but a "providence" of God, not a devastating flood but a "gentle rain" on a "green pasture", a "wick" and "oil" unto the "lamp" of His Faith, a "nurture" for His Cause, "water for that which has been planted in the hearts of men", a "crown set on the head" of His Messenger for this Day. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter dated 20 August 1955 written on his behalf to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, published in "Citadel of Faith: Messages to America 1947-1957", p. 139; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Opposition)

September 9

It is… evident from Bahá'í teachings that no husband should subject his wife to abuse of any kind, and that such a reprehensible action is the antithesis of the relationship of mutual respect and equality enjoined by the Bahá'í writings -- a relationship governed by the principles of consultation and devoid of the use of force to compel obedience to one's will. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter date 22 July 1987 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Preserving Baha’i Marriages)

September 8

These schools for academic studies must at the same time be training centres in behaviour and conduct, and they must favour character and conduct above the sciences and arts. Good behaviour and high moral character must come first, for unless the character be trained, acquiring knowledge will only prove injurious. Knowledge is praiseworthy when it is coupled with ethical conduct and virtuous character; otherwise it is a deadly poison, a frightful danger. A physician of evil character, and who betrayeth his trust, can bring on death, and become the source of numerous infirmities and diseases.

Devote ye the utmost attention to this matter, for the basic, the foundation-principle of a school is first and foremost moral training, character and the rectification of conduct. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, ‘The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education’)

September 7

It is clear that the Bahá'í teachings call for an absolute standard of fidelity in the relationship between husband and wife. An excerpt from a letter dated 28 September 1941 to an individual believer written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in "Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1968-1973", page 108, states:

The question you raise as to the place in one's life that a deep bond of love with someone we meet other than our husband or wife can have is easily defined in view of the teachings. Chastity implies both before and after marriage an unsullied, chaste sex life. Before marriage absolutely chaste, after marriage absolutely faithful to one's chosen companion. Faithful in all sexual acts, faithful in word and in deed. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter date 22 July 1987 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Preserving Baha’i Marriages)

September 6

In this new and wondrous Cause, the advancement of all branches of knowledge is a fixed and vital principle, and the friends, one and all, are obligated to make every effort toward this end, so that the Cause of the Manifest Light may be spread abroad, and that every child, according to his need, will receive his share of the sciences and arts -- until not even a single peasant's child will be found who is completely devoid of schooling. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, ‘The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education’)

September 5

When an application for divorce is made to a Spiritual Assembly, its first thought and action should be to reconcile the couple and to ensure that they know the Bahá'í teachings on the matter. God willing, the Assembly will be successful and no year of waiting need be started. However, if the Assembly finds that it is unable to persuade the party concerned to withdraw the application for divorce, it must conclude that, from its point of view, there appears to be an irreconcilable antipathy, and it has no alternative to setting the date for the beginning of the year of waiting. During the year the couple have the responsibility of attempting to reconcile their differences, and the Assembly has the duty to help them and encourage them. But if the year of waiting comes to an end without reconciliation the Bahá'í divorce must be granted as at the date of the granting of the civil divorce if this has not already taken place. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter date 6 May 1987 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Preserving Baha’i Marriages)

September 4

In thy school, instruct thou God's children in the customs of the Kingdom. Be thou a teacher of love, in a school of unity. Train thou the children of the friends of the Merciful in the rules and ways of His loving-kindness. Tend the young trees of the Abha Paradise with the welling waters of His grace and peace and joy. Make them to flourish under the downpour of His bounty. Strive with all thy powers that the children may stand out and grow fresh, delicate, and sweet, like the ideal trees in the gardens of Heaven.

All these gifts and bounties depend upon love for the Beauty of the All-Glorious, and on the blessings in the teachings of the Most High, and the spiritual instructions of the Supreme Concourse, and on ecstasy and ardour and diligent pursuit of whatsoever will redound to the eternal honour of the community of man. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, ‘The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education’)

September 3

He was very happy to see that changes had been made in the membership of the National Spiritual Assembly this year, not from any reasons of personality, but because change itself is good and brings a fresh outlook into the discussions of any Assembly. He was also pleased to see that these changes involved more younger people being on the National Spiritual Assembly; with the tremendous amount of work which this second Seven Year Plan is going to involve, this will be a great help to the older members of that body. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 21 May 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, National Spiritual Assembly)

September 2

We must be patient with each other's shortcomings, and always strive to create love and unity among the believers, who, after all, are still immature in many ways and far from perfect. The Faith itself is the great thing, and the Bahá'ís must strive to become ever more perfect instruments for Bahá'u'lláh to use and to accomplish His purpose through. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 26 May 1946 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Excellence in All Things)

September 1

In regard to your question: we must not be rigid about praying; there is not a set of rules governing it; the main thing is we must start out with the right concept of God, the Manifestation, the Master, the Guardian -- we can turn, in thought, to any one of them when we pray. For instance you can ask Bahá'u'lláh for something, or, thinking of Him, ask God for it. The same is true of the Master or the Guardian. You can turn in thought to either of them and then ask their intercession, or pray direct to God. As long as you don't confuse their stations, and make them all equal, it does not matter much how you orient your thoughts. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 24 July 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, The Importance of Prayer, Meditation and the Devotional Attitude)