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)
