We have but to turn our eyes to the world without to realise
the fierceness and the magnitude of the forces of darkness that are struggling
with the dawning light of the Abhá Revelation. Nations, though exhausted and
disillusioned, have seemingly begun to cherish anew the spirit of revenge, of
domination, and strife. Peoples, convulsed by economic upheavals, are slowly
drifting into two great opposing camps with all their menace of social chaos,
class hatreds, and world-wide ruin. Races, alienated more than ever before, are
filled with mistrust, humiliation and fear, and seem to prepare themselves for
a fresh and fateful encounter. Creeds and religions, caught in this whirlpool
of conflict and passion, appear to gaze with impotence and despair at this
spectacle of increasing turmoil.
Such is the plight of mankind three years after the passing
of Him from Whose lips fell unceasingly the sure message of a fast-approaching
Divine salvation. Are we by our thoughts, our words, our deeds, whether
individually or collectively, preparing the way? Are we hastening the advent of
the Day He so often foretold?
- Shoghi Effendi (From a message dated 24 November
1924; ‘Unfolding Destiny’)
