This Bahá’í teaching of human fellowship and kindness implies that we must be always ready to extend every assistance and help we can to those who are in distress and suffering. Bahá’í charity is of the very essence of the Teachings, and should therefore be developed in every Bahá’í community. Charitable institutions, such as orphanages, free schools and hospitals for the poor, constitute an indispensable part of the Mash̲riqu’l-Adh̲kár. It is the responsibility of every local Bahá’í community to ensure the welfare of its poor and needy members, through whatever means possible.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 26 June 1936 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; compilation: ‘The Institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár’, prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, September 2017)
