As you are no doubt well aware, in discussing the principle of non-involvement in politics, Shoghi Effendi wrote that Bahá'ís are to "refrain from associating themselves, whether by word or deed, with the political pursuits of their respective nations, with the policies of their governments and the schemes and programs of parties and factions." In political controversies, they "should assign no blame, take no side, further no design, and identify themselves with no system prejudicial to the best interests" of their "world-wide Fellowship." They are called to "avoid the entanglements and bickerings inseparable from the pursuits of the politician". And they are to "rise above all particularism and partisanship, above the vain disputes, the petty calculations, the transient passions that agitate the face, and engage the attention, of a changing world." Bahá'ís and Bahá'í institutions should not take positions on the political decisions of governments, including disputes among governments of different nations; should refrain from becoming involved in debates surrounding any political controversy; and should not react, orally or otherwise, in a manner that could be taken as evidence of support for a partisan political stance. It is not for a Bahá'í, in offering social commentary, to vilify specific individuals, organizations, or governments or to make attacks on them. Indeed, the Guardian specifically cautioned the friends against referring to political figures in their public remarks, whether in criticism or support.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 27 April 2017 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; online Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World Center)
