Mashriqu’l-Adhkar is the focal point for ...

Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in 'Ishqabad

As the place from which spiritual forces are to radiate, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar is the focal point for dependencies to be raised up for the well-being of humanity and is the expression of a common will and eagerness to serve. These dependencies — centres of education and scientific learning as well as cultural and humanitarian endeavour — embody the ideals of social and spiritual progress to be achieved through the application of knowledge, and demonstrate how, when religion and science are in harmony, they elevate the station of the human being and lead to the flourishing of civilization. As your lives amply demonstrate, worship, though essential to the inner life of the human being and vital to spiritual development, must also lead to deeds that give outward expression to that inner transformation. This concept of worship — inseparable from service — is promulgated by the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar.

In this connection Shoghi Effendi states:
 Divorced from the social, humanitarian, educational and scientific pursuits centring around the Dependencies of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, Baha’i worship, however exalted in its conception, however passionate in fervour, can never hope to achieve beyond the meagre and often transitory results produced by the contemplations of the ascetic or the communion of the passive worshiper. It cannot afford lasting satisfaction and benefit to the worshiper himself, much less to humanity in general, unless and until translated and transfused into that dynamic and disinterested service to the cause of humanity which it is the supreme privilege of the Dependencies of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar to facilitate and promote.

The Universal House of Justice.
 18 December 2014 To the Baha’is in Iran