January 31

...it is incumbent upon the girls of this glorious era to be fully versed in the various branches of knowledge, in sciences and the arts and all the wonders of this pre-eminent time, that they may then educate their children and train them from their earliest days in the ways of perfection. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Women)

January 30

...it is incumbent upon the father and mother to train their children both in good conduct and the study of books; study, that is, to the degree required, so that no child, whether girl or boy, will remain illiterate.... 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá’)

January 29

... [absolute chastity] is mainly and directly concerned with the Bahá'í youth, who can contribute so decisively to the virility, the purity, and the driving force of the life of the Bahá'í community, and upon whom must depend the future orientation of its destiny, and the complete unfoldment of the potentialities with which God has endowed it.... 
- Shoghi Effendi  (‘The Advent of Divine Justice’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, A Chase and Holy Life)

January 28

Bahá’u’lláh states that the essential “requisite” for reciting “the verses of God” is the “eagerness and love” of the believers to “read the Word of God” (Q and A 68). With regard to the definition of “verses of God”, Bahá’u’lláh states that it refers to “all that hath been sent down from the Heaven of Divine Utterance”. Shoghi Effendi, in a letter written to one of the believers in the East, has clarified that the term “verses of God” does not include the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; he has likewise indicated that this term does not apply to his own writings. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (The ‘Notes’ section of the Kitab-i-Aqdas)

January 27

There are many organizations that have devoted themselves to protesting against human rights violations, and in many instances individual Bahá’ís are among those supporting such organizations. Given the relatively small size of the Bahá’í community throughout the world, and the fact that in a great many places the Bahá’ís are themselves not yet fully knowledgeable of the Teachings, it is not possible at this stage for them to assail all the evils afflicting humanity, but must, of necessity, take the time to internalize the principles of the Faith and expand its numbers to a degree that it can influence a profound change in the behavior of world society. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated December 2, 1992; compilation: ‘Involvement in Political Protests and Demonstrations”, prepared by the Office of Public Affairs of US National Spiritual Assembly)

January 26

Observe how many penal institutions, houses of detention and places of torture are made ready to receive the sons of men, the purpose being to prevent them, by punitive measures, from committing terrible crimes -- whereas this very torment and punishment only increaseth depravity, and by such means the desired aim cannot be properly achieved.

Therefore, must the individual be trained from his infancy in such a way that he will never undertake to commit a crime, will, rather, direct all his energies to the acquisition of excellence, and will look upon the very commission of an evil deed as in itself the harshest of all punishments, considering the sinful act itself to be far more grievous than any prison sentence. For it is possible so to train the individual that, although crime may not be completely done away with, still it will become very rare. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)

January 25

…man needs an educator, and this educator must be unquestionably and indubitably perfect in all respects and distinguished above all men. Otherwise, if he should be like the rest of humanity, he could not be their educator, more particularly because he must be at the same time their material and human as well as their spiritual educator… 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Some Answered Questions"; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’ Education)

January 24

Baha’is view government as a system for maintaining the welfare and orderly progress of human society, and obedience to the laws of the land is a distinguishing feature of their beliefs. 
The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 31 October 2008 to believers in Iran - translated from Persian; compilation: ‘Involvement in Political Protests and Demonstrations”, prepared by the Office of Public Affairs of US National Spiritual Assembly)

January 23

The Guardian has urged, over and over again, the paramount necessity for Bahá'í Youth to exemplify the Teachings, most particularly the moral aspect of them. If they are not distinguished for their high conduct they cannot expect other young people to take the Cause very seriously. 
- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 6 September 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, A Chase and Holy Life)

January 22

…how can the Bahá’í community devote its limited time to protesting the myriad cases of human rights abuses in the world when it knows full well that the basic solution to all problems facing society depends on the extent to which the Bahá’í Faith and its Teachings are spread throughout the world? It is not that the Bahá’ís are unconcerned about human rights violations, but rather, that priority must be given to establishing the means through which problems deeply seated in the disunity of the human race can be resolved. Only the Cause of God can do this. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated December 2, 1992; compilation: ‘Involvement in Political Protests and Demonstrations”, prepared by the Office of Public Affairs of US National Spiritual Assembly)

January 21

High aims and pure motives, however laudable in themselves, will surely not suffice if unsupported by measures that are practicable and methods that are sound. Wealth of sentiment, abundance of good will and effort, will prove of little avail if we should fail to exercise discrimination and restraint and neglect to direct their flow along the most profitable channels. The unfettered freedom of the individual should be tempered with mutual consultation and sacrifice, and the spirit of initiative and enterprise should be reinforced by a deeper realization of the supreme necessity for concerted action and a fuller devotion to the common weal. 
- Shoghi Effendi  (From a message dated June 3rd, 1925, addressed to the delegates and visitors to the Baha’i Convention, Green Acre, Maine; Baha’i News, no. 6, July-August 1925; ‘Baha’i Administration’)

January 20

Let us acknowledge at the outset the magnitude of the ruin that the human race has brought upon itself during the period of history under review. [20th Century] The loss of life alone has been beyond counting. The disintegration of basic institutions of social order, the violation—indeed, the abandonment—of standards of decency, the betrayal of the life of the mind through surrender to ideologies as squalid as they have been empty, the invention and deployment of monstrous weapons of mass annihilation, the bankrupting of entire nations and the reduction of masses of human beings to hopeless poverty, the reckless destruction of the environment of the planet—such are only the more obvious in a catalogue of horrors unknown to even the darkest of ages past. Merely to mention them is to call to mind the Divine warnings expressed in Bahá’u’lláh’s words of a century ago: “O heedless ones! Though the wonders of My mercy have encompassed all created things, both visible and invisible, and though the revelations of My grace and bounty have permeated every atom of the universe, yet the rod with which I can chastise the wicked is grievous, and the fierceness of Mine anger against them terrible.” 
(‘Century of Light’, a document prepared under the supervision of the Universal House of Justice and published in 2001)

January 19

Now is the time, as all human endeavours to repair the old order only result in deeper and deeper confusion, to proclaim constantly and openly the claims of the Faith and the redemptive power of Bahá'u'lláh. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From Naw-Ruz 1980 message; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)

January 18

…the friends must observe the specific times for the remembrance of God, meditation, devotion and prayer, as it is highly unlikely, nay impossible, for any enterprise to prosper and develop when deprived of divine bestowals and confirmation. 
- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 19 December 1923 to the Bahá'ís of the East - translated from the Persian; ‘The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Guidelines for Teaching’)

January 17

Where Bahá'í communities are unable to free themselves from an orientation to Bahá'í life that has long outlived whatever value it once possessed, the teaching work will lack both the systematic character it requires, and the spirit that must animate all effective service to the Cause. To mistakenly identify Bahá'í community life with the mode of religious activity that characterizes the general society--in which the believer is a member of a congregation, leadership comes from an individual or individuals presumed to be qualified for the purpose, and personal participation is fitted into a schedule dominated by concerns of a very different nature--can only have the effect of marginalizing the Faith and robbing the community of the spiritual vitality available to it. 
- 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)

January 16

Before long these dark clouds of contention, negligence, fanaticism, and rebellion shall disperse, the day of victory shall dawn above the horizon, and a new age shall illumine the world. It should not be surmised that the events which have taken place in all corners of the globe, including the sacred land of Iran, have occurred as isolated incidents without any aim and purpose. According to the words of our beloved Guardian, "The invisible hand is at work and the convulsions taking place on earth are a prelude to the proclamation of the Cause of God." This is but one of the mysterious forces of this supreme Revelation which is causing the limbs of mankind to quake and those who are drunk with pride and negligence to be thunderstruck and shaken. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 10 February 1980, addressed to the Iranian believers resident in other countries throughout the world, translated from Persian; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)

January 15

…social inequality is the inevitable outcome of the natural inequality of men. Human beings are different in ability and should, therefore, be different in their social and economic standing. Extremes of wealth and poverty should, however, be totally abolished. Those whose brains have contributed to the creation and improvement of the means of production must be fairly rewarded, though these means may be owned and controlled by others. 
- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 26 December 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Economics, Agriculture, and Related Subjects)

January 14

As you know very well, the method of Bahá'í elections is at complete variance with the methods and practices of elections in political systems. The beloved Guardian has pointed out to us that should we follow the method of the politicians in our Bahá'í elections, misunderstandings and differences will arise, chaos and confusion will ensue, mischief will abound and the confirmations of God will be cut off from that Bahá'í community. In view of these grave warnings, the utmost care must always be exercised so that the purity and spiritual character of Bahá'í elections are maintained and preserved. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 6 December 1971 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilation, Vol. III, Sanctity and Nature of Baha’i Elections)

January 13

When one sees some inexperienced or immature Bahá'ís indulge in electioneering, either openly or secretly, far from being tempted to imitate them, one should resolutely arise and through proper administrative channels and procedures assist in eradicating such tendencies and cleansing the Bahá'í community from such evil influences. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 6 December 1971 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilation, Vol. III, Sanctity and Nature of Baha’i Elections)

January 12

It is perfectly in order for Bahá'í institutions to present the Bahá'í view or recommendations on any subject of vital interest to the Faith which is under the consideration of a government, if the governmental authority itself invites such a submission, or if it is open to receive recommendations. The Bahá'í Assemblies should, however, refrain from bringing pressure to bear on the authorities in such matters, either separately or in concert with others. The Bahá'ís will submit their views, if permissible, expressing them as cogently and forcefully as the occasion warrants, but will not go beyond this to the stage of pressing the authorities to adopt these views. Moreover, when considering whether or not it is wise to make such a submission on any particular matter, the Bahá'í Assembly concerned must take care that it will not diffuse the energies of the Community or divert its resources by making submissions unless the interests of Faith demand it. Likewise the Assembly must ensure that it does not, by any minute and detailed analysis of a situation, "needlessly alienate or estrange any government or people", or involve the Faith in "the base clamourings and contentions of warring sects, factions and nations." 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 21 November 1971 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations vol. II, Teaching Prominent People)

January 11

Children are the most precious treasure a community can possess, for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future. They bear the seeds of the character of future society which is largely shaped by what the adults constituting the community do or fail to do with respect to children. They are a trust no community can neglect with impunity. An all-embracing love of children, the manner of treating them, the quality of the attention shown them, the spirit of adult behavior toward them— these are all among the vital aspects of the requisite attitude. Love demands discipline, the courage to accustom children to hardship, not to indulge their whims or leave them entirely to their own devices. An atmosphere needs to be maintained in which children feel that they belong to the community and share in its purpose. They must lovingly but insistently be guided to live up to Bahá’í standards, to study and teach the Cause in ways that are suited to their circumstances. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (Ridvan 2000 message)

January 10

By the statement "the economic solution is divine in nature" is meant that religion alone can, in the last resort, bring in man's nature such a fundamental change as to enable him to adjust the economic relationships of society. It is only in this way that man can control the economic forces that threaten to disrupt the foundations of his existence, and thus assert his mastery over the forces of nature. 
- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 26 December 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Economics, Agriculture, and Related Subjects)

January 9

It is also quite permissible for a National Spiritual Assembly to debar an individual believer from serving on a Local Spiritual Assembly without removing his or her voting rights and they may also debar a believer from attending the consultative part of a Nineteen Day Feast. You may also debar a believer from voting in elections without imposing all the other administrative sanctions involved in administrative expulsion. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 31 January 1972; Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

January 8

We note from reading your minutes that the enthusiasm of some of the new believers is being tested by the reading of long, wordy letters at Nineteen Day Feasts, and we think that something should be done about this. While it is important that the believers be informed about important messages from the Holy Land and other important items, it is true that the reading of messages at Nineteen Day Feasts can become a very boring and trying experience particularly for new believers not acquainted with many aspects of Bahá'í administration. We think you should consider other ways and means by which believers could be informed of vital and necessary information, such as through bulletins, institutes and other meetings. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 6 September 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, The Nineteen Day Feast)

January 7

We have your letter of October 12, 1971 concerning the date for the holding of the Nineteen Day Feast. It is preferable that Nineteen Day Feasts be held on the first day of the Bahá'í month, but if it should be difficult to do so, it is permissible to hold it on a succeeding day of the Bahá'í month. The matter is left to the discretion of the Local Spiritual Assembly. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 28 October 1971 to the National Teaching Committee of Ireland, October 28, 1971, published in Australian Bahá'í Bulletin, No. 213, May 1972; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

January 6

It seems likely that Bahá'u'lláh's Tablet to the Pope [Pius IX] was never delivered to him. We do not know the method used to transmit it to him, and can only guess that Church dignitaries would not have attached sufficient importance to it to deliver It. ...it would be wonderful if it were actually found in the Vatican archives. The original was written in Arabic. In 1868 Bahá'u'lláh arrived in 'Akka, and the Tablet was supposedly sent from there about that period. Unfortunately this is the closest we can come at present to an accurate date. 
- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 15 November 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; Memorandum from the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice dated 20 November 1989)

January 5

European Bahá'í youth in particular face tremendous and challenging tasks in the immediate future. Can one doubt that the manner in which the governments of the European nations have rallied to the defense of the persecuted Bahá'ís in Iran will draw down blessings from on high upon this continent? And who among the people of Europe are more likely to be kindled by the challenge and hope of the Message of Bahá'u'lláh than the youth? Now is an opportunity to awaken the interest, set afire the hearts and enlist the active support of young people of every nation, class and creed in that continent. The key to success in this endeavour is, firstly, to deepen your understanding of the Teachings of the Cause so that you will be able to apply them to the problems of individuals and society, and explain them to your peers in ways that they will understand and welcome; secondly, to strive to model your behaviour in every way after the high standards of honesty, trustworthiness, courage, loyalty, forbearance, purity, and spirituality set forth in the Teachings; and, above all, to live in continual awareness of the presence and all-conquering power of Bahá'u'lláh, which will enable you to overcome every temptation and surmount every obstacle. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message dated July 4, 1983 addressed to the European Youth Conference in Innsbruck)

January 4

The Hands of the Cause, of Bahá'u'lláh's days, will be known to the friends by name when the history of the Cause in Persia and the Near East is written and available. 
- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 19 April 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; included in a memorandum dated 11 August 1998 by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)

January 3

With reference to your question regarding the three daily obligatory prayers: the Bahá'í worshipper is not required to recite them all each day, but has to choose one, and should also strictly conform to any instructions revealed by Bahá'u'lláh in connection with its recital, such as the raising of hands, various genuflexions, etc. Those who for some reason or other, especially when physically unable to observe these regulations owing to illness or some bodily defect, cannot conform to these instructions, should preferably choose the short prayer, which is exceedingly simple. 
- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 7 December 1939 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, included in a compilation: ‘Exemption from Obligatory Prayer’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)

January 2

As to the use of charts generally for demonstrating spiritual truths, the beloved Guardian pointed out the limitation of charts and diagrams in expressing spiritual realities and even, in certain cases, discouraged their use.  
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 5 January 1981 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, included in a Memorandum from the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, dated 21 December 1997)

January 1

The twentieth century, the most turbulent in the history of the human race, has reached its end. Dismayed by the deepening moral and social chaos that marked its course, the generality of the world’s peoples are eager to leave behind them the memories of the suffering that these decades brought with them. No matter how frail the foundations of confidence in the future may seem, no matter how great the dangers looming on the horizon, humanity appears desperate to believe that, through some fortuitous conjunction of circumstances, it will nevertheless be possible to bend the conditions of human life into conformity with prevailing human desires.

In the light of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh such hopes are not merely illusory, but miss entirely the nature and meaning of the great turning point through which our world has passed in these crucial hundred years. Only as humanity comes to understand the implications of what occurred during this period of history will it be able to meet the challenges that lie ahead. The value of the contribution we as Bahá’ís can make to the process demands that we ourselves grasp the significance of the historic transformation wrought by the twentieth century. 
(‘Century of Light’, a document prepared under the supervision of the Universal House of Justice and published in 2001)