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’)
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)
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)
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")
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)
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)