As the place from which spiritual forces are to radiate, the
Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is the focal point for dependencies to be raised up for the
well-being of humanity and is the expression of a common will and eagerness to
serve. These dependencies—centres of education and scientific learning as well
as cultural and humanitarian endeavour—embody the ideals of social and
spiritual progress to be achieved through the application of knowledge, and
demonstrate how, when religion and science are in harmony, they elevate the
station of the human being and lead to the flourishing of civilization. As your
lives amply demonstrate, worship, though essential to the inner life of the
human being and vital to spiritual development, must also lead to deeds that
give outward expression to that inner transformation. This concept of worship—inseparable from
service—is promulgated by the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. - The Universal House of
Justice (From a message dated 18 December 2014 to the Bahá’ís in Iran;
compilation: ‘Social Action’, Prepared by the Research Department of the
Universal House of Justice, August 2020)
