Before undertaking such a task, [teaching project] however,
it is necessary that they should deepen their knowledge of the Teaching. They
should learn to study the words for themselves and both grasp their
significance and also become imbued with their spirit. The hope of Shoghi
Effendi is not only to increase the number of the friends but also to have true
and more understanding Baha’is. The task of the teachers is to produce such
efficient servants for our beloved Faith. ... These nine months, during which
the Guardian has asked the friends to discard Feast Days, are meant to be
months of mourning for the passing away of the Greatest Holy Leaf. The friends
should also use them as a period of redoubled energy in serving the Cause, in
expression of our deep love for her as well as for the Cause for which she
suffered so much.”
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 18 October 1932 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; Baha'i News, no. 71, February 1933)
