January 31

If… humanity has come to a point of paralyzing conflict it must look to itself, to its own negligence, to the siren voices to which it has listened, for the source of the misunderstandings and confusion perpetrated in the name of religion. Those who have held blindly and selfishly to their particular orthodoxies, who have imposed on their votaries erroneous and conflicting interpretations of the pronouncements of the Prophets of God, bear heavy responsibility for this confusion—a confusion compounded by the artificial barriers erected between faith and reason, science and religion. For from a fair-minded examination of the actual utterances of the Founders of the great religions, and of the social milieus in which they were obliged to carry out their missions, there is nothing to support the contentions and prejudices deranging the religious communities of mankind and therefore all human affairs. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (‘The Promise of World Peace, October 1985)

January 30

By 1863, Bahá’u’lláh concluded that the time had come to begin acquainting some of those around Him with the mission which had been entrusted to Him in the darkness of the Síyáh-Chál. This decision coincided with a new stage in the campaign of opposition to His work, which had been relentlessly pursued by the Shi‘ih Muslim clergy and representatives of the Persian government. Fearing that the acclaim which Bahá’u’lláh was beginning to enjoy among influential Persian visitors to Iraq would re-ignite popular enthusiasm in Persia, the Shah’s government pressed the Ottoman authorities to remove Him far from the borders and into the interior of the empire. Eventually, the Turkish government acceded to these pressures and invited the exile, as its guest, to make His residence in the capital, Constantinople. Despite the courteous terms in which the message was couched, the intention was clearly to require compliance. 

(From ‘Baha’u’llah’; A statement prepared by the Bahá'í International Community Office of Public Information, at the request of the Universal House of Justice and published in 1992)

January 29

It must always be remembered that authoritative interpretation of the Teachings was, after 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the exclusive right of the Guardian, and fell within the "sacred and prescribed domain" of the Guardianship, and therefore the Universal House of Justice cannot and will not infringe upon that domain. The exclusive sphere of the Universal House of Justice is to "pronounce upon and deliver the final judgment on such laws and ordinances as Bahá'u'lláh has not expressly revealed." Apart from this fundamental difference in the functions of the twin pillars of the Order of Bahá'u'lláh, insofar as the other duties of the Head of the Faith are concerned, the Universal House of Justice shares with the Guardian the responsibility for the application of the revealed word, the protection of the Faith, as well as the duty "to insure the continuity of that divinely-appointed authority which flows from the Source of our Faith, to safeguard the unity of its followers, and to maintain the integrity and flexibility of its Teachings." However, the Universal House of Justice is not omniscient; like the Guardian, it wants to be provided with facts when called upon to render a decision, and like him it may well change its decision when new facts emerge… 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 22 August 1977 to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

January 28

The friends should, of course, ignore any materials produced by Covenant-breakers which they may receive unsolicited by email or happen on while exploring the World Wide Web. With regard to your concerns over the content of the message, you are advised to turn to your Local Spiritual Assembly or an Auxiliary Board member for assistance in dealing with the spurious claims advanced in that message.

The best countermeasure to Covenant-breaker initiatives and the greatest protection for the Cause is for the believers to acquire a deeper appreciation of the station and purpose of Bahá'u'lláh and to become well-grounded in His Covenant. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 7 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 27

The powers released by Bahá'u'lláh match the needs of the times. We may therefore be utterly confident that the new throb of energy now vibrating throughout the Cause will empower it to meet the oncoming challenges of assisting, as maturity and resources allow, the development of the social and economic life of peoples, of collaborating with the forces leading towards the establishment of order in the world, of influencing the exploitation and constructive uses of modern technology, and in all these ways enhancing the prestige and progress of the Faith and uplifting the conditions of the generality of mankind. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Ridvan 1983, message to the Bahá'ís of the World)

January 26

By "verities of the Faith" he means the great teachings and fundamentals enshrined in our Bahá'í literature; these we can find by reading the books, studying under Bahá'í scholars at summer schools and in classes, and through the aid of study outlines. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 19 April 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith)

January 25

He was very sorry to see you are having trouble in your home because of the Bahá'í Faith. He feels that you should do all in your power to promote love and harmony between your husband and yourself, for your own sakes and for the sake of your children. You should, however, point out to him that every man is free to seek God for himself, and that, although you will never seek to influence him or even discuss the Bahá'í Faith with him, if he does not want to, he should leave you free to attend the meetings. The Guardian hopes that through patience, tact and prayer, you will gradually overcome his prejudice. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 16 March 1946 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Family Life)

January 24

You ask about "spiritual indigestion": Bahá'ís should seek to be many-sided, normal and well balanced, mentally and spiritually. We must not give the impression of being fanatics, but at the same time we must live up to our principles. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 12 March 1946 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Living the Life)

January 23

Perhaps the greatest test Bahá'ís are ever subjected to is from each other; but for the sake of the Master they should be ever ready to overlook each other's mistakes, apologize for harsh words they have uttered, forgive and forget. He strongly recommends to you this course of action. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 18 December 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Living the Life)

January 22

The man of science is perceiving and endowed with vision, whereas he who is ignorant and neglectful of this development is blind. The investigating mind is attentive, alive; the callous and indifferent mind is deaf and dead. A scientific man is a true index and representative of humanity, for through processes of inductive reasoning and research he is informed of all that appertains to humanity, its status, conditions and happenings. He studies the human body politic, understands social problems and weaves the web and texture of civilization. In fact, science may be likened to a mirror wherein the infinite forms and images of existing things are revealed and reflected. It is the very foundation of all individual and national development. Without this basis of investigation, development is impossible. Therefore, seek with diligent endeavor the knowledge and attainment of all that lies within the power of this wonderful bestowal. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, 23 April 1912, Washington D.C.; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’)

January 21

The German people have true appreciation for spiritual matters and when they are interested in a certain sphere they are not satisfied with a shallow knowledge of it. They try to go deep in any subject they take up, and once they are convinced of its truth are ready to devote all their life to it. Such are the people that the Cause needs. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 11 December 1932 written on behalf of Shofgi Effendi to an individual believer; ‘The Light of Divine Guidance’, vol. 2)

January 20

Shoghi Effendi was very glad to hear that you are planning to study Persian very seriously. Should you do it you will obtain ample reward for your labours, for you will then be able to go straight to the writings themselves. 
- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 14 January 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; ‘The Light of Divine Guidance’, vol. 2)

January 19

Concerning cremation…as Bahá’u’lláh in the book of Aqdas directs the friends to bury their dead, he indirectly discourages cremation. Whether there is some basic reason for such a preference he does not say, but we may try and find it. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 14 January 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; ‘The Light of Divine Guidance’, vol. 2)

January 18

‘Abdu’l-Bahá does often state that the medical science will much improve. With the appearance of every Revelation a new insight is created in man and this in turn expresses itself in the growth of science. This has happened in past dispensations and we find its earliest fruits in our present day. What we see however is only the beginning. With the spiritual awakening of man this force will develop and marvelous results will become manifest. Among other phases of human learning the medical science will have a place. There is a Tablet of Medicine that Bahá’u’lláh has revealed and which is translated into English. That does not contain much of scientific informations but has some interesting advices for keeping healthy. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 14 January 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; ‘The Light of Divine Guidance’, vol. 2)

January 17

On the question of removing life support in medical cases where physiological intervention prolongs life in disabling and otherwise fatal illnesses our Teachings indicate that God, the Giver of life, can alone dispose of it as He deems best, and nothing has been found in the Sacred Text on these matters specifically. Until such time as the Universal House of Justice considers legislation on euthanasia, decisions in the matters to which you refer must be left to the consciences of those responsible, within the limits prescribed by the law of the land. Bahá'ís are permitted to specify in their wills that their bodies or organs of their bodies may be donated to the proper uses of science or the replacement of organs or organ parts. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 30 August 1988, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual; compilation: ‘Reproduction and other Biological Subjects’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice) 

January 16

With regard to the soul of man: According to the Bahá'í Teachings the human soul starts with the formation of the human embryo, and continues to develop and pass through endless stages of existence after its separation from the body. Its progress is thus infinite. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 31 December 1937, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual; compilation: ‘Reproduction and other Biological Subjects’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice )

January 15

The Universal House of Justice has received your letter postmarked 5 January 1988 concerning the choice of a family name for your baby son.

We are directed to advise you that there is nothing in the teachings of the Faith concerning this subject. The friends are free to decide for themselves in such matters, bearing in mind the legal requirements and traditions of the countries in which they live. It is the hope of the House of Justice that you and your husband will, in earnest and loving consultation, come to a decision that will be conducive to joy and harmony among the members of your immediate family. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 19 January 1988 to an individual believer; compilation on “The Naming of Babies”, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)

January 14

In regard to the question as to whether people ought to kill animals for food or not, there is no explicit statement in the Bahá'í Sacred Scriptures (as far as I know) in favour or against it. It is certain, however, that if man can live on a purely vegetarian diet and thus avoid killing animals, it would be much preferable. This is, however, a very controversial question and the Bahá'ís are free to express their views on it. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 9 July 1931 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Some Aspects of Heath, Healing, Nutrition and Related Matters)

January 13

As regards the action you contemplate in seeking divorce from him: He leaves the final decision in this matter to you and your husband, though of course, from the standpoint of the Cause, he thinks it preferable for you both not to resort to such drastic action, unless it is absolutely unavoidable. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 24 February 1940 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations vol. I, Divorce)

January 12

While such accounts as the reported experiences in Garabandal and Fátima could be interesting and provoke one's curiosity, we have no way of checking the veracity of such experiences. Shoghi Effendi has advised in his letters to the friends who asked him about psychic powers that we do not understand the nature of such phenomena, that we have no way of being sure of what is true and what is false, that very little is known about the mind and its workings, and that we should endeavour to avoid giving undue consideration to such matters. God undoubtedly has many and various methods of awakening mankind to the significance of this day, but Bahá'ís, having recognized Bahá'u'll'áh, should work in the full light of His Revelation and not divert their energies into fruitless speculations concerning such phenomena as those of Garabandal. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 3 July 1984 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; compilation: ‘African religions; miracles; strange phenomena’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, 6 August 1996)

January 11

The teachers of the Cause can surely become members of any Assembly or committee. There should be no incapacity attached to them. But Shoghi Effendi would just prefer to see them devote all their time to teaching and leave the administrative functions for those who cannot serve as teachers. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, published in Baha'i News, October 1932; quoted by the Universal House of Justice in a letter dated 25 November 1963; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986 Baha'i News, October 1932)

January 10

There is a fundamental difference between Divine Revelation as vouchsafed by God to His Prophets, and the spiritual experiences and visions which individuals may have. The latter should, under no circumstances, be construed as constituting an infallible source of guidance, even for the person experiencing them. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 1 November 1940 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; compilation: ‘African religions; miracles; strange phenomena’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, 6 August 1996)

January 9

… the Bahá'í Teachings contain few references to Sabaeanism… Bahá'u'lláh, in His Tablets in the Persian language, describes two different groups as Sabaeans. They are,

•  the followers of an ancient religion who worship idols named after stars and who claim to have taken their religion from Seth and Idrís;

•  the followers of John the Baptist who failed to recognise Jesus as the Manifestation of God. He further states that this group is known to some as Sabaeans and that it continues to exist in the world. 

- The Research Department of the Universal House of Justice  (Memorandum to the Universal House of Justice, dated 6 August 1996; included in compilation: ‘African religions; miracles; strange phenomena’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, 6 August 1996)

January 8

He (the Guardian) encouraged him to face manfully the future, accept the legitimate sanction of society as punishment for his admittedly anti-social conduct, and realise that his very suffering, humiliation and punishment can—if he will let it—be the means of freeing him from many of his past weaknesses and mistakes, and making him a worthy member of society. He should look to the future, for there is in his power, with Bahá’u’lláh’s help, to shape into a worthy and constructive way of life.... 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 23 June 1948 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; ‘Unfolding Destiny’)

January 7

As regards your question about p. 41, Kitáb-i-Íqán; to say that, after 622 A.D., Christendom was Islám in disguise is a little misleading. The Sun of Truth, after the advent of Muhammad, no longer shone from the Christian horizon. Islám was, from then until the Báb’s advent, the Path of Truth. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 23 June 1948 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; ‘Unfolding Destiny’)

January 6

Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl was a very excellent and erudite Bahá’í teacher. Although he did err sometimes, yet in identifying Abraham with Zoroaster, he is not confusing the Prophet Abraham with the Prophet Zoroaster, as the name of Zoroaster was supposed to have been “Abram”. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 23 June 1948 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; ‘Unfolding Destiny’)

January 5

We should never insist on teaching those who are not really ready for the Cause. If a man is not hungry, you cannot make him eat. Among the Theosophists there are, no doubt, many receptive souls, but those who are satisfied should be just associated with in a friendly way, but let alone. Once a seeker comes to accept the concept of progressive religion, and accepts Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation for this day, the reincarnation concept will fade away in the light of truth; we should try and avoid controversial issues in the beginning if possible. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 23 June 1948 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; ‘Unfolding Destiny’)

January 4

As regards the questions you have asked, as Bahá’u’lláh says categorically that God commanded Abraham to offer up Ismá’íl, as far as we are concerned, it is Ismá’íl who was the intended sacrifice.

In view of the great antiquity of Genesis, it is quite possible that at some period the names were changed, and the error was propagated.

Whatever happened, we Bahá’ís must follow the words in our own Scriptures as being the most authentic. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 6 March 1955 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; ‘Unfolding Destiny’)

January 3

As we almost never attain any spiritual goal without seeing the next goal we must attain still beyond our reach, he urges you, who have come so far already on the path of spirituality, not to fret about the distance you still have to cover! It is an indefinite journey, and, no doubt in the next world the soul is privileged to draw closer to God than is possible when bound on this physical plane 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 3 March 1955 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; ‘Unfolding Destiny’)

January 2

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 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 6 September 1946 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Excellence in All Things; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Excellence in All Things)

January 1

At present people are too engulfed in hopes, events, desires, and various partizanships, to realise that there is no way out for humanity except to accept the Divine Plan for this Day, and put its healing principles and laws into practice. But gradually their eyes will be opened, and it is for this time that the friends must labour to bring the knowledge of the Cause before as wide a public as possible. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 14 March 1942 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; ‘Unfolding Destiny’)