Mashriqu’l-Adhkár :Bahá’í House of Worship

The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains, is a "material structure" that has "a spiritual effect" and, indeed, "a powerful influence on every phase of life." Its purpose is not fulfilled by worship alone; it must inspire the direct actions of those working to regenerate the life of humanity. The dependencies surrounding the Temple link worship to service to humanity; the prayers and praise of God expressed within the Temple are translated into deeds of compassion, care, and education in the world outside.
 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi refer to the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár as a witness to and an embodiment of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh—a "silent teacher"—and as a stimulus to the spreading of those teachings. "When the foundation of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is laid in America," ‘Abdu’l-Bahá predicted, "and that Divine Edifice is completed, a most wonderful and thrilling motion will appear in the world of existence . . . From that point of light the spirit of teaching, spreading the Cause of God and promoting the teachings of God, will permeate to all parts of the world."

 Bahá’u’lláh urges that Houses of Worship be made "as perfect as is possible in the world of being" and that they be befittingly adorned.