November 30

It should not be forgotten that the beloved Master promised, as the Guardian recalled in his early letters to America, to send intellectual, rather than physical, tests to the friends there in order to purify and better prepare them for their divinely appointed destiny. Nor should the prerequisites of success the Guardian outlined for the American Baha'i Community be overlooked. It is in the framework of these prerequisites that the success or failure of the American Community must ultimately be measured, not from the standpoint of any frustration in effecting a desired change in the Iranian situation, which, despite its admitted distress for the community, has done more to proclaim the Cause abroad than any other experience in this century.

In a society whose people are as Protestant and demonstrative as the Americans, such public displays and symbolic gestures as street demonstrations and the wearing of armbands and ribbons may have a certain appeal to public attention and may even prove to be effective in the proper context and under the proper circumstances. But the evocative power of such activities is difficult to sustain over a long period. Particularly is this so in your country where the public demonstrations of a myriad groups constantly compete for attention. The House of Justice feels that while these ephemeral activities might relieve the immediate anxieties of some of the friends, they would have no measurable effect on the course of events in Iran. Our human resources are so limited, they must be devoted to the most effective means of responding to the situation. Of infinitely more value are actions that reflect the spiritual profundity underlying these persecutions and that match the dignity, radiance and optimism for the Faith of the valorous victims, who, as their published testimonies show, are quite clear about the reasons for their suffering and dying. Moreover, in the long view, it would not serve the best interests of the Faith for its members, at the very time of their emergence from obscurity, to impress themselves upon the consciousness of the public as a community identified with such symbols as armbands and ribbons. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 7 December 1983, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the NSA of the United States; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986’)

November 28

It is striking how private and personal the most fundamental spiritual exercises of prayer and meditation are in the Faith. Baha'is do, of course, have meetings for devotions, as in the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar or at Nineteen Day Feasts, but the daily obligatory prayers are ordained to be said in the privacy of one's chamber, and meditation on the Teachings is, likewise, a private individual activity, not a form of group therapy. In His talks 'Abdu'l-Baha describes prayer as "conversation with God," and concerning meditation He says that "while you meditate you are speaking with your own spirit. In that state of mind you put certain questions to your spirit and the spirit answers:  the light breaks forth and the reality is revealed."

There are, of course, other things that one can do to increase one's spirituality. For example, Baha'u'llah has specified no procedures to be followed in meditation, and individual believers are free to do as they wish in this area, provided that they remain in harmony with the Teachings, but such activities are purely personal and should under no circumstances be confused with those actions which Baha'u'llah Himself considered to be of fundamental importance for our spiritual growth. Some believers may find that it is beneficial to them to follow a particular method of meditation, and they may certainly do so, but such methods should not be taught at Baha'i Summer Schools or be carried out during a session of the School because, while they may appeal to some people, they may repel others.  They have nothing to do with the Faith and should be kept quite separate so that inquirers will not be confused. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 1 September 1983, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Norway; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986’)

November 26

Europe has suffered so appallingly in past centuries from persecutions and conflicts inspired by religious differences and fanaticism that there has been a revulsion against religion. Many Europeans have become skeptical, scornful of religious practices, and reluctant either to discuss religious subjects or to give credence to the power of faith. This turning away from religion has been powerfully reinforced by the growth of materialism, and has produced a combination of physical well-being and spiritual aridity that is having catastrophic results, socially and psychologically, on the population. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 1 September 1983, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Norway; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986’)

November 24

In the past, the policy adopted by some National Assemblies was to discourage young Baha'is from enrolling to serve in activities sponsored by non-Baha'i voluntary organizations, as the Assemblies were under the impression that these young people would not be able to engage in direct teaching, nor participate, for the most part, in Baha'i activities while serving abroad in such programmes.  Perhaps in some instances the Baha'is involved were not sure how to function as members of the Baha'i community in order to give each aspect of their lives its proper due.

In the light of experience, however, it is now clear that we should have no misgivings in encouraging young Baha'is to enrol in such voluntary service organization programmes as the United Nations Volunteers, United States Peace Corps, Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO) and similar Canadian agencies, the British Volunteer Program (BVP) of the United Kingdom, and other voluntary service organizations. Other countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the Scandinavian lands are understood to have similar service organizations which are compatible with Baha'i development goals as now tentatively envisaged.

Some of the advantages of such service to the Faith are worth mentioning. Volunteers will receive thorough orientation and sometimes will be taught basic skills which will enable them to help the Baha'i community in projects undertaken in developing countries. Wherever they serve, these volunteers should be able to participate in Baha'i activities and contribute to the consolidation of the Baha'i community. The freedom to teach is to a large extent dependent upon the local interpretation of the group leader, but even if volunteers do not engage in direct teaching, being known as Baha'is and showing the Baha'i spirit and attitude towards work and service should attract favourable attention and may, in many instances, be instrumental in attracting individuals to the Faith of Baha'u'llah. And finally, the period of overseas service often produces a taste for such service, and volunteers may well offer to directly promote the pioneer work either in the same country or in another developing country. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 13 December 1983, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to certain National Spiritual Assemblies; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986’)

November 22

The friends will occasionally come across instances when their fellow believers have made comments or circulated the comments of others in ways that seem unwise, or imprudent, when judged against the standards set out in the Bahá’í Writings. It would be wrong, when encountering postings of this kind, to conclude that such behaviour must therefore be unobjectionable, condoned, or even encouraged. Not infrequently, Bahá’í institutions have had to counsel individuals about their actions online, although wherever possible they do so with discretion, out of respect for the dignity of the persons in question.

One example among many areas in which the considerations set out above are relevant is the discussion on social media of matters pertaining to Iran. As will be readily appreciated, this is an area of particular sensitivity, and therefore the friends need to be especially on their guard. Rash statements made online could endanger the believers in that land or unwittingly provide the enemies of the Cause with the means to misrepresent the Baha'is. Observing strict caution in this respect is essential for the protection of the sorely tried community in Iran.

In this connection, the House of Justice has asked us to convey an additional point to the Persian believers who reside outside the Cradle of the Faith. It is understandable that these friends feel a strong personal concern for the well-being of their fellow Baha'is in Iran and for the future of that sacred land. Nevertheless, they are urged to bear in mind that, regardless of their land of origin, their primary obligation ought to be to the progress of the Faith in the land in which they now dwell. Indeed, over the course of the Faith's history, the contributions made by Persian Baha'is to the teaching work on every continent are too many to recount, and the House of Justice rejoices when these friends direct their efforts towards advancing the Five Year Plan in the places where they reside. This must be their chief object; striving for such a goal is what will bring joy to their spiritual brothers and sisters in Iran and properly honour the sacrifices being made by those steadfast servants. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 1 December 2019 to all National Spiritual Assemblies; compilation: ‘Bahá’í Approach to Non-Involvement in Partisan Political Activity’, US Bahá’í National Center, October 2022; US Baha’i National Administrative website)

November 20

With regard to your first question, Shoghi Effendi wishes me to tell you that he has already written to America what for the present should be the qualifications of a true believer. He must accept Bahá'u'lláh as a supreme and divine Manifestation and 'Abdu'l-Bahá as the chief Interpreter and Exemplar of those teachings. He must accept each and all of the provisions of the Master's last Will and Testament and must work with and accept the present administration of the Cause. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 22 May 1927, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Conditions for Membership in the Bahá'í Community’, included in a Memorandum from the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice dated 30 December 1991, attached to a letter dated 30 December 1991 written on behalf of the Uinersal House of Justice to an individual believer; Baha’i Library Online)

November 18

Let no one fail to appreciate the possibilities thus created. Passivity is bred by the forces of society today. A desire to be entertained is nurtured from childhood, with increasing efficiency, cultivating generations willing to be led by whoever proves skilful at appealing to superficial emotions. Even in many educational systems students are treated as though they were receptacles designed to receive information. That the Bahá’í world has succeeded in developing a culture which promotes a way of thinking, studying, and acting, in which all consider themselves as treading a common path of service—supporting one another and advancing together, respectful of the knowledge that each one possesses at any given moment and avoiding the tendency to divide the believers into categories such as deepened and uninformed—is an accomplishment of enormous proportions. And therein lie the dynamics of an irrepressible movement. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Ridvan 2010 message; online Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World Center)

November 16

To Israel He [Bahá’u’lláh] was neither more nor less than the incarnation of the “Everlasting Father”; the “Lord of Hosts” come down “with ten thousands of saints”; to Christendom Christ returned “in the glory of the Father,” to Shí‘ah Islám the return of the Imám Husayn; to Sunní Islám the descent of the “Spirit of God” (Jesus Christ); to the Zoroastrians the promised Sháh-Bahrám; to the Hindus the reincarnation of Krishna; to the Buddhists the fifth Buddha. 

- Shoghi Effendi  ('God Passes By')

November 14

Pregnant indeed are the years looming ahead of us all. The twin processes of internal disintegration and external chaos are being accelerated every day and are inexorably moving towards a climax.... The Community of the Most Great Name, the leaven that must leaven the lump, the chosen remnant that must survive the rolling up of the old, discredited, tottering Order and assist in the unfoldment of a new one in its stead, is standing ready, alert, clear-visioned, and resolute.... Fierce and manifold will be the assaults with which governments, races, classes and religions, jealous of its rising prestige and fearful of its consolidating strength, will seek to silence its voice and sap its foundations. Unmoved by the relative obscurity that surrounds it at the present time, and undaunted by the forces that will be arrayed against it in the future, this community, I cannot but feel confident, will, no matter how afflictive the agonies of a travailing age, pursue its destiny, undeflected in its course, undimmed in its serenity, unyielding in its resolve, unshaken in its convictions. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 5 July 1938 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in "Messages to America: Selected Letters and Cablegrams Addressed to the Bahá'ís of North America, 1932-1946"; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. 1, Crisis and Victory)

November 12

In the name He [Bahá’u’lláh] bore He combined those of the Imám Husayn, the most illustrious of the successors of the Apostle of God—the brightest “star” shining in the “crown” mentioned in the Revelation of St. John—and of the Imám ‘Alí, the Commander of the Faithful, the second of the two “witnesses” extolled in that same Book. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (‘God Passes By’)

November 10

You ask whether the believers are to take an active role in combatting what they perceive as negative forces in their society. As the House of Justice has previously stated, "most people have no clear concept of the sort of world they wish to build, nor how to go about building it. Even those who are concerned to improve conditions are therefore reduced to combatting every apparent evil that takes their attention. Willingness to fight against evils, whether in the form of conditions or embodied in evil men, has thus become for most people the touchstone by which they judge a person’s moral worth. Bahá’is, on the other hand, know the goal they are working towards and know what they must do, step by step, to attain it. Their whole energy is directed towards the building of the good, a good which has such a positive strength that in the face of it the multitude of evils—which are in essence negative—will fade away and be no more. To enter into the quixotic tournament of demolishing one by one the evils in the world is, to a Bahá’i, a vain waste of time and effort."

In this period of uncertainty and transition, different political and social groups are vying for power to direct humanity towards their varying, and often conflicting, visions of an ideal society. At times, some of their objectives may be similar to those of the Faith. However, the Bahá’i community does not see itself as one among these competing groups and organizations. As discussed above, its approach is different. In working to build a new world based on the vision of Bahá’u’llah, Baháis must inevitably distinguish between those dimensions of public issues that are in keeping with the Bahá’i Teachings, which they can actively support, and those that are not, which they would neither promote nor necessarily oppose. Moreover, in pursuing their aims, Baháis cannot become embroiled in political controversies that would divide the Bahá’i community, dissipate its energies, and deflect it from its purpose to unify society. In attempting to determine what lines of action may be suitable in this regard, believers are advised to turn to their National Spiritual Assemblies. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 6 August 2020 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Selected Extracts on Political Non-Involvement and Social Transformation’, attached to a letter dated 26 February 2021 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

November 8

The sincere interest in the welfare of your country and its peoples that has prompted you to write is acknowledged. It is clear that you are generally aware of the principle of noninvolvement in politics enunciated by Shoghi Effendi; this principle not only demands that Bahá’ís strictly avoid any type of partisan political activity but also requires that they refrain from becoming involved in debates surrounding any political controversy or reacting, orally or otherwise, in a manner that could be taken as evidence of support for a partisan political stance. Moreover, it is not for Bahá’ís, in offering social commentary, to vilify specific individuals, organizations, or governments or to make attacks on them. “Except to speak well of them, make thou no mention of the earth’s kings, and the worldly governments thereof”, was the counsel of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to one believer. Therefore, Bahá’ís should be circumspect in the manner in which they mention any political figures when making public comments, regardless of whether such comments are sympathetic or critical. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 26 February 2021 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; US Baha’i National Administrative website)

November 6

Regarding the very delicate and complex question of ascertaining the qualifications of a true believer, I cannot in this connection emphasize too strongly the supreme necessity for the exercise of the utmost discretion, caution and tact, whether it be in deciding for ourselves as to who may be regarded a true believer or in disclosing to the outside world such considerations as may serve as a basis for such a decision. I would only venture to state very briefly and as adequately as present circumstances permit the principal factors that must be taken into consideration before deciding whether a person may be regarded a true believer or not. Full recognition of the station of the Forerunner, the Author, and the True Exemplar of the Bahá'í Cause, as set forth in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Testament; unreserved acceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been revealed by Their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of our Beloved's sacred Will; and close association with the spirit as well as the form of the present day Bahá'í administration throughout the world — these I conceive to be the fundamental and primary considerations that must be fairly, discreetly, and thoughtfully ascertained before reaching such a vital decision. Any attempt at further analysis and elucidation will, I fear, land us in barren discussions and even grave controversies that would prove not only futile but even detrimental to the best interests of a growing Cause.... 

- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 24 October 1925 to a National Spiritual Assembly, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932")

November 4

As regards your husband's attitude towards the Cause: unfriendly though that may be you should always hope that, through conciliatory and friendly means, and with wise, tactful and patient effort you can gradually succeed in winning his sympathy for the Faith. Under no circumstances should you try to dictate and impose upon him by force your personal religious convictions. Neither should you allow his opposition to the Cause [to] seriously hinder your activities.... You should act patiently, tactfully and with confidence that your efforts are being guided and reinforced by Bahá'u'lláh. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 23 July 1937 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Family Life)

November 2

A God that is only loving or only just is not a perfect God. The Divinity has to possess both of these aspects as every father ought to express both in his attitude towards his children. If we ponder a while, we will see that our welfare can be ensured only when both of these divine attributes are equally emphasized and practised. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 29 April 1933 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Family Life)