Music is one of the arts, and the Prophets of God do not
teach the arts; but the tremendous cultural impetus which religion gives to
society gradually produces new and wonderful forms of art. We see this in the
different styles of architecture and painting associated with the Christian,
Muhammadan, Buddhist and other civilizations. Music, too, has grown up as an expression
of the people.
We believe that, in the future, when the Bahá'í spirit has
permeated the world and profoundly changed society, music will be affected by
it; but there is no such thing as Bahá'í music. All it says in the teachings
about music is that it can influence the heart and soul of man very deeply, and
have an extremely uplifting effect.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 3 February 1952
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation
of Compilations, vol. III, The Importance of Arts in Promoting the Faith)
