محل ظهور شاه بهرام مشرق زمین و کشور مقدس ایران است

با بشاراتی که حضرت زرتشت در مورد ظهور حضرت شاه بهرام ورجاوند فرموده اند
 محقق است که این کوکب لامع بایستی از مشرق زمین و از کشور مقدس ایران که زادگاه حضرت زرتشت می باشد، طلوع فرموده و به نبوات آن حضرت تحقق بخشد. آئین بهائی با نوعی منطق روحانی به آینده نوع بشر نوید داده و در چهارچوب این پژوهش آینده است که درباره ایران که گاهواره نخستین این آئین است به تفصیل سخن گفته و به صراحت و قاطعیت پیش بینی کرده که جامعه ایران، در آینده ایام عزیزترین جوامع دنیا خواهد شد و حکومتش به عنوان محترم ترین حکومات عالم تلقی خواهد گشت. لوحی زیبا و شیرین که به زبان مناجات به قلم حضرت عبدالبهاء نگاشته شده ذیلا نقل میگردد:
 " هوالله، پاک یزدانا خاک ایران را از آغاز مشکبیز فرمودی و شورانگیز و دانش خیز و گوهر ریز، از خاورش همواره خورشیدت نورافشان و در باخترش ماه تابان نمایان، کشورش مهرپرور و دشت بهشت آسایش پرگل و گیاه و کهسارش پر از میوه تازه و تر و چمن زارش رشک باغ بهشت، هوشش پیغام سروش وجوشش چون دریای ژرف پرخروش، روزگاری بود که آتش دانشش خاموش شد و اختر بزرگواریش پنهان در زیر روپوش، باد بهارش خزان شد و گلزار دلربایش خارزار، چشمه شیرینش شور گشت و بزرگان نازنینش آواره و در به در هر کشور دور، پرتوش تاریک شد و رودش آب باریک . تا آنکه دریای بخششت به جوش آمد و آفتاب دهش دمید، بهار تازه رسید و باد جان پرور وزید و ابر بهمن بارید و پرتو آن مهرپرور تابید. کشور بجنبید و خاکدان گلستان شد و خاک سیاه رشک بوستان گشت. جهان جهانی تازه شد و آوازه بلند گشت و دشت و کهسار سبز و خرم شد و مرغان چمن به ترانه و آهنگ همدم شدند. هنگام شادمانی

است ، پیغام آسمانی است ، بنگاه جاودانی است، بیدار شو بیدار شو..."(15) همچنین حضرت عبدالبهاء در لوحی خطاب به یکی از پارسیان می فرماید:
 " هوالله، ای سروش پر بشارت، نامه خوش اشارت در نهایت فصاحت و بلاغت بیان اسرار بود و دلیل بر خلوص نیت و محبت پروردگار. حمد کن خدا را که آهنگ سروش شنیدی و شاهنشهی شاه بهرام بدیدی و مانند مرغ چمن به گلشن حقیقت پریدی و بر سرو و سمن گلبانگ اسرار معنوی بلند نمودی. حال شیفته روی آن دلبری و آشفته آن موی معنبر، عاشقان را آه و فغان لازم و مشتاقان را انین و حنین مستدیم و واجب، پس تا توانی آواز بلند کن و شهناز بزن و مرغان چمن را بیدار کن و در سحرگاه به نغمات خوش دمساز نما و علیک البهاء الابهی.ع ع
" (16) حضرت بهاءالله که از سلاله نجبا و بزرگان و اهل نور مازندران بودند در شب دوم محرم 1233 شمسی مطابق با 12 اکتبر 1817 میلادی در طهران متولد شدند و در سال 1268 شمسی مطابق با 1852 میلادی از طرف خداوند به رسالت برانگیخته شده و آیات الهی بر ایشان نازل گردید و ندای ربانی را از ایران بلند نمودند و در مدت 39 سال دوران رسالت خود با نزول آیات و الواح و دستورات الهی ابناء بشر و جمیع ملل را به وحدت عالم انسانی و صلح عمومی و ترک کلیه تعصبات دعوت فرمودند . با توجه به اینکه حضرت زردشت محکم ترین برهان را کلام و کتاب الهی می دانند و در کتاب دینکرد می فرمایند :" یکی از براهین و حجت ها و معجزات من این کتاب است."(17) و در جای دیگر خداوند به زردشت چنین فرمود:"کتابی که فرو فرستادم در جهان کسی از فصحا و بلغا و علما و حکما چنین سخن نیارد گفت، اگر توانند بگویند ، چون عاجز شوند دانند قول یزدان است..."(18) و در مورد آتشی که حضرت زردشت همراه داشت ، حضرت عبدالبهاء می فرماید:" آن کتاب و کلام الله بود که در دست حضرت بود و نفوذ و اثر کلمات الهی از آتش ظاهره سوزنده تر و قلوب انسان که به منزله آتشکده است چون پرتوی از آن آتش گیرد ، میل و هواهای نفس را بسوزاند و انسان را به قرب الهی کشاند و به فیوضاتش بهره مند سازد."(19) حضرت بهاءالله یا شاه بهرام ورجاوند نیز با همان کتاب و همان بیان و احکام اهل عالم را به اتحاد و اتفاق و دوستی و محبت دعوت نموده و به این بیان ناطق:" سراپرده یگانگی بلند شد، به چشم بیگانگان یکدیگر را نبینید ، همه بار یک دارید و برگ یک شاخسار." و نه تنها حکم جنگ و جدال و قتل و قتال و تنفر و انزجار را که در ادیان ماضیه مستولی بر جهان بشری بود ، نسخ و منع فرمودند بلکه بر این حکم متین تاکید نمودند" که اگر دین سبب اختلاف و نفاق گردد ، البته بی دینی بهتر است" و به این وسیله پیروان آئین اهورائی را از هرگونه دونیت و نفاق و کافر و نجس دانستن یکدیگر منع و برحذر داشتند و خصومت و دشمنی و دوگانگی را گناه عظیم شمردند. با اعلان فرامین و دستورات آن حضرت ، شمشیرها به غلاف راجع و لغات " اقتلو و قاتلوهم" از قاموس لغات دین الهی و آئین بهی الانوار شاه بهرام ورجاوند محو گردید. چون خاک ایران موطن حضرت بهاءالله و محل طلوع شمس حقیقت می باشد ، بهائیان خاک ایران را که هر نقطه آن شاهد فداکاریها و جانبازیهای پیروان آئین بهائی بوده عزیز و گرامی می دارند و مستقبل این مرز و بوم را معزز و محترم می دانند. حضرت عبدالبهاء در یکی از الواح می فرماید:"... بهائیان چنان ایران را در انظار جلوه داده اند که امروز جم غفیری از اقالیم سبعه پرستش ایران می نمایند، زیرا شمس حقیقت از آن افق طلوع نموده و وطن مقدس حضرن بهاءالله است. ملاحظه کنید که چه موهبتی حضرت یزدان در حق ایران و ایرانیان فرمود..."(20) و در لوحی دیگر می فرماید :"پروردگار عالمیان محض فضل و احسان هیکل ایران را به خلعتی مفتخر فرمود، و ایرانیان را تاجی بر سر نهاده که جواهر زواهراش بر قرون و اعصار بتابد و آن ظهور این امر بدیع است...مشیت الهیه تعلق گرفته و قوه معنویه در ایران نبعان نموده. هذا امر محتوم و وعد غیر مکذوب."(21) و در بیانی دیگر می فرماید:" مستقبل ایران در نهایت شکوه و عظمت و بزرگواری است. زیرا موطن جمال مبارک ( از القاب حضرت بهاءالله) است. جمیع اقالیم عالم توجه و نظر احترام به ایران خواهند نمود و یقین بدانید چنان ترقی نماید که انظار جمیع اعاظم و دانایان عالم حیران ماند. هذا بشارة کبری، بلغها لمن تشاء و هذا وعد غیر مکذوب.(22) با توجه به اینکه حضرت بهاءالله ایرانی نسب و کشور مقدس ایران مطلع این کوکب لامع است، بهائیان جهان سرزمین ایران را مقدس می دانند و هموطنان حضرت بهاءالله را محترم می شمارند. به آداب و رسوم ایرانیان، خصوصا مهمان نوازی را که از نیاکان خود به ارث برده اند به دیده احترام می نگرند. همچنین با ظهور شاه بهرام ورجاوند از ایران و انتشار تعالیم و احکامش در سراسر جهان بعضی از آداب و سنن ایرانی منجمله عید نوروز که یادگاری از کیان ایران باستان است در کلیه اقالیم جهان به نام نوروز جشن گرفته می شود. و مقدار زیادی از کلمات و لغات و اصطلاحات زبان فارسی همراه با آیات و الواح نازله از قلم حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت عبدالبهاء مصطلح بین پیروان آئین بهائی در سراسر جهان گردیده است. ایران نه تنها مورد توجه و تکریم همه بهائیان جهان بوده و هست، به این اعتبار که آئین شان از این سرزمین سرچشمه گرفته، بلکه از آن جهت که بیشتر آثار بهائی به زبان فارسی است و در آثار بهائی تأثیر آشکاری از ادبیات پرمایه ایران خصوصا ادبیات عرفانی و تمثیل ها و تشبیهات و دیگر صنایع بدیع شعر و نثر فارسی به چشم می خورد، موثر در ادبیات بهائی در سایر سرزمین های عالم مشاهده شده است و نیز بسیاری از بهائیان غربی را به آموختن زبان فارسی به منظور دسترسی به سرچشمه آیات الهی و درک بهتر و استفاده بیشتر از این آثار برانگیخته است. حضرت عبدالبهاء درباره مستقبل ایران میفرمایند: " ... عنقریب ملاحظه خواهد شد که دولت وطنی جمال مبارک در جمیع بسیط زمین محترم ترین حکومات خواهد گشت. ان فی ذلک عبرة للناظرین. و ایران معمورترین بقاع عالم خواهد شد. ان هذا لفضل عظیم".(23) علیهذا کسانی که ایران را دوست دارند و سربلندی و سرافرازی آن را آرزو می کنند و به پیشرفت و ترقی آن اهمیت می دهند باید مطمئن باشند که ایران معززترین حکومات عالم و مورد غبطه جهانیان خواهد شد. زیرا مهد آئین اهورائی و مظهر ظهور انوار ورهرام بوده و مورد
توجه جهانیان خواهد گردید.

http://aeenebahai.org/fa/node/4579/%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%84-%D8%B8%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%82-%D8%B2%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%86-%D9%88-%DA%A9%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%AF%D8%B3-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA

COHERENCE BETWEEN THE SPIRITUAL AND MATERIAL

The emergence of the materially and spiritually prosperous global civilization associated with humanity’s age of maturity requires that the practical and spiritual aspects of life advance harmoniously together. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that while “material civilization is one of the means for the progress of the world of mankind,” until it is “combined with Divine civilization, the desired result, which is the felicity of mankind, will not be attained.”He continues:

Material civilization is like a lamp-glass. Divine civilization is the lamp itself and the glass without the light is dark. Material civilization is like the body. No matter how infinitely graceful, elegant and beautiful it may be, it is dead. Divine civilization is like the spirit, and the body gets its life from the spirit, otherwise it becomes a corpse. It has thus been made evident that the world of mankind is in need of the breaths of the Holy Spirit. Without the spirit the world of mankind is lifeless, and without this light the world of mankind is in utter darkness.

 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Abdu'l-Baha at Christmas - A Story from the Baha'i Faith

This animation shares some short vignettes and accounts of Abdu'l-Baha's travels in the west during the Christmas season. The accounts are from 'God Passed By' by Shoghi Effendi, and 'Abdu'l-Baha - The Centre of the Covenant' by H.M. Balyuzi.
We are thankful to George Ronald Publisher, who owns the copyright of H.M. Balyuzi's book, for their permission for this video.
To find out more about George Ronald Publisher visit https://grbooks.com

The spiritual reality of man

 

A foundational concept to explore in this context is the spiritual reality of man. In the Revelation of Baha'u'Uah, the nobility inherent to every human being is unequivocally asserted; it is a fundamental tenet of Baha'i belief, upon which hope for the future of humankind is built. The soul's capacity to manifest all the names and attributes of God—He Who is the Compassionate, the Bestower, the Bountiful—is repeatedly affirmed in the Writings.
Economic life is an arena for the expression of honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, generosity, and other qualities of the spirit. The individual is not merely a self-interested economic unit. striving to claim an ever-greater share of the world's material resources. "Man's merit lieth in service and virtue", Baha'u'llah avers, "and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches." And further: "Dissipate not the wealth of your precious lives in the pursuit of evil and corrupt affection, nor let your endeavours be spent in promoting your personal interest." By consecrating oneself to the service of others, one finds meaning and purpose in life and contributes to the upliftment of society itself.

At the outset of His celebrated treatise, The Secret of Divine Civilization, 'Abdu'l-Baha states: And the honour and distinction of the individual consist in this, that he among all the world's multitudes should become a source of social good. Is any larger bounty conceivable than this, that an individual, looking within himself, should find that by the confirming grace of God he has become the cause of peace and well-being, of happiness and advantage to his fellow men? No, by the one true God, there is no greater bliss, no more complete delight. 

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
1 March 2017
To the Baha'is of the World

Contention, conflict, courtesy.

 

This Wronged One hath forbidden the people of God to engage in contention or conflict and hath exhorted them to righteous deeds and praiseworthy character. In this day the hosts that can ensure the victory of the Cause are those of goodly conduct and saintly character. Blessed are they who firmly adhere unto them and woe betide such as turn away therefrom.

 O people of God! I admonish you to observe courtesy, for above all else it is the prince of virtues. Well is it with him who is illumined with the light of courtesy and is attired with the vesture of uprightness. Whoso is endued with courtesy hath indeed attained a sublime station. It is hoped that this Wronged One and everyone else may be enabled to acquire it, hold fast unto it, observe it, and fix our gaze upon it. This is a binding command which hath streamed forth from the Pen of the Most Great Name.

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh
www.bahai.org/r/944336825

Supplication

 

  O GOD, my God! Thou seest how black darkness is enshrouding all regions, how all countries are burning with the flame of dissension, and the fire of war and carnage is blazing throughout the East and the West.  Blood is flowing, corpses bestrew the ground, and severed heads are fallen on the dust of the battlefield.

  O Lord! Have pity on these ignorant ones and look upon them with the eye of forgiveness and pardon. Extinguish this fire, so that these dense clouds which obscure the horizon may be scattered, the Sun of Reality shine forth with the rays of conciliation, this intense gloom be dispelled and the resplendent light of peace shed its radiance upon all countries.

  O Lord! Draw up the people from the abyss of the ocean of hatred and enmity, and deliver them from this impenetrable darkness. Unite their hearts, and brighten their eyes with the light of peace and reconciliation. Deliver them from the depths of war and bloodshed, and free them from the darkness of error. Remove the veil from their eyes, and enlighten their hearts with the light of guidance. Treat them with Thy tender mercy and compassion, and deal not with them according to Thy justice and wrath which cause the limbs of the mighty to quake.

  O Lord! Wars have persisted. Distress and anxiety have waxed great and every flourishing region is laid waste.

  O Lord! Hearts are heavy, and souls are in anguish. Have mercy on these poor souls and do not leave them to the excesses of their own desires.

  O Lord! Make manifest in Thy lands humble and submissive souls, their faces illumined with the rays of guidance, severed from the world, extolling Thy Name, uttering Thy praise, and diffusing the fragrance of Thy holiness amongst mankind.

  O Lord! Strengthen their backs, gird up their loins, and enrapture their hearts with the most mighty signs of Thy love.

  O Lord! Verily, they are weak, and Thou art the Powerful and the Mighty; they are impotent, and Thou art the Helper and the Merciful.

  O Lord! The ocean of rebellion is surging, and these tempests will not be stilled save through Thy boundless grace which hath embraced all regions.

  O Lord! Verily, the people are in the abyss of passion, and naught can save them but Thine infinite bounties.

  O Lord! Dispel the darkness of these corrupt desires, and illumine the hearts with the lamp of Thy love through which all countries will erelong be enlightened. Confirm, moreover, Thy loved ones, those who, leaving their homelands, their families and their children, have, for the love of Thy Beauty, traveled to foreign countries to diffuse Thy fragrances and promulgate Thy teachings. Be Thou their companion in their loneliness, their helper in a strange land, the remover of their sorrows, their comforter in calamity. Be Thou a refreshing draught for their thirst, a healing medicine for their ills and a balm for the burning ardor of their hearts.

  Verily, Thou art the Most Generous, the Lord of grace abounding, and, verily, Thou art the Compassionate and the Merciful.


`Abdu'l-Bahá Tablets of the Divine Plan P.57-58

The second condition: Fellowship and love amongst the believers.

 

The second condition: Fellowship and love amongst the believers. The divine friends must be attracted to and enamored of each other and ever be ready and willing to sacrifice their own lives for each other. Should one soul from amongst the believers meet another, it must be as though a thirsty one with parched lips has reached to the fountain of the water of life, or a lover has met his true beloved. For one of the greatest divine wisdoms regarding the appearance of the holy Manifestations is this: The souls may come to know each other and become intimate with each other; the power of the love of God may make all of them the waves of one sea, the flowers of one rose garden, and the stars of one heaven. This is the wisdom for the appearance of the holy Manifestations! When the most great bestowal reveals itself in the hearts of the believers, the world of nature will be transformed, the darkness of the contingent being will vanish, and heavenly illumination will be obtained. Then the whole world will become the Paradise of Abhá,  every one of the believers of God will become a blessed tree, producing wonderful fruits.   
O ye friends! Fellowship, fellowship! Love, love! Unity, unity!—so that the power of the Bahá’í Cause may appear and become manifest in the world of existence. My thoughts are turned towards you, and my heart leaps within me at your mention. Could ye know how my soul glows with your love, so great a happiness would flood your hearts as to cause you to become enamored with each other.


Abdu’l-Baha: Tabletsof the Divine Plan, pp. 53

The first condition is firmness in the Covenant of God.

 

The first condition is firmness in the Covenant of God. For the power of the Covenant will protect the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh from the doubts of the people of error. It is the fortified fortress of the Cause of God and the firm pillar of the religion of God. Today no power can conserve the oneness of the Bahá’í world save the Covenant of God; otherwise differences like unto a most great tempest will encompass the Bahá’í world. It is evident that the axis of the oneness of the world of humanity is the power of the Covenant and nothing else. Had the Covenant not come to pass, had it not been revealed from the Supreme Pen and had not the Book of the Covenant, like unto the ray of the Sun of Reality, illuminated the world, the forces of the Cause of God would have been utterly scattered and certain souls who were the prisoners of their own passions and lusts would have taken into their hands an axe, cutting the root of this Blessed Tree. Every person would have pushed forward his own desire and every individual aired his own opinion! Notwithstanding this great Covenant, a few negligent souls galloped with their chargers into the battlefield, thinking perchance they might be able to weaken the foundation of the Cause of God: but praise be to God all of them were afflicted with regret and loss, and erelong they shall see themselves in poignant despair. Therefore, in the beginning the believers must make their steps firm in the Covenant so that the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh may encircle them from all sides, the cohorts of the Supreme Concourse may become their supporters and helpers, and the exhortations and advices of Abdu’l-Baha, like unto the pictures engraved on stone, may remain permanent and ineffaceable in the tablets of all hearts.

Abdu’l-Baha: Tabletsof the Divine Plan, pp. 51-52

How to attain spirituality

 

As you quite correctly appreciate, the fundamental purpose of all religion is the spiritual development of the souls of human beings. This is expressed in the Short Obligatory Prayer, and also there is the following very clear statement written on behalf of the beloved Guardian to an individual believer on 8 December 1935:

 How to attain spirituality is, indeed, a question to which every young man and woman must sooner or later try to find a satisfactory answer. It is precisely because no such satisfactory reply has been given or found, that modern youth finds itself bewildered, and is being consequently carried away by the materialistic forces that are so powerfully undermining the foundation of man’s moral and spiritual life.
 Indeed, the chief reason for the evils now rampant in society is a lack of spirituality. The materialistic civilization of our age has so much absorbed the energy and interest of mankind, that people in general no longer feel the necessity of raising themselves above the forces and conditions of their daily material existence. There is not sufficient demand for things that we should call spiritual to differentiate them from the needs and requirements of our physical existence. The universal crisis affecting mankind is, therefore, essentially spiritual in its causes. The spirit of the age, taken on the whole, is irreligious. Man’s outlook upon life is too crude and materialistic to enable him to elevate himself into the higher realms of the spirit...

The Universal House of Justice

 Department of the Secretariat
 12 June 1984 
 www.bahai.org/r/389778556

 

Ḥuqúqu’lláh (The Right of God) is a great law and a sacred institution . Laid down in the Most Holy Book (the Kitáb-i-Aqdas), it is one of the key instruments for constructing the foundation and supporting the structure of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. It has far-reaching ramifications that extend from promoting the welfare of the individual to buttressing the authority and extending the activity of the Head of the Faith. In providing a regular and systematic source of revenue for the Central Institution of the Cause, Bahá’u’lláh has assured the means for the independence and decisive functioning of the World Center of His Faith.
By identifying this law as “The Right of God,” Bahá’u’lláh has reemphasized the nature of the relationship between human beings and their Creator as a Covenant based on mutual assurances and obligations; and, by designating the Central Authority in the Cause, to which all must turn, as the recipient of this Right, He has created a direct and vital link between every individual believer and the Head of his Faith that is unique in the structure of His World Order.

 
 THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
 DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT
 26 November 2000

Prayer for women.

 

Magnified art Thou, O Lord my God!
I ask Thee by Thy Name which Thou hast set up above all other names, through which the veil of heaven hath been split asunder and the Day-Star of Thy beauty hath risen above the horizon, shining with the brightness of Thy Name, the Exalted, the Most High, to succor me with Thy wondrous help and to preserve me in the shelter of Thy care and protection.
 I am one of Thy handmaidens, O my Lord! Unto Thee have I turned, and in Thee have I placed my trust. Grant that I may be so confirmed in my love for Thee, and in fulfilling that which is well-pleasing unto Thee, that neither the defection of the infidels among Thy people, nor the clamor of the hypocrites among Thy creatures, may avail to keep me back from Thee.
Purge Thou mine ear, O my Lord, that I may hearken unto the verses sent down unto Thee, and illuminate my heart with the light of Thy knowledge, and loose my tongue that it may make mention of Thee and sing Thy praise. By Thy might, O my God! My soul is wedded to none beside Thee, and my heart seeketh none except Thine own Self.
 No God is there beside Thee, the All-Glorious, the Great Giver, the Forgiving, the Compassionate.

Bahá’u’lláh

PRAYER FOR HUMANITY

 

O Thou compassionate Lord, Thou Who art generous and able! We are servants of Thine sheltered beneath Thy providence. Cast Thy glance of favor upon us. Give light to our eyes, hearing to our ears, and understanding and love to our hearts. Render our souls joyous and happy through Thy glad tidings. O Lord! Point out to us the pathway of Thy kingdom and resuscitate all of us through the breaths of the Holy Spirit.
Bestow upon us life everlasting and confer upon us never-ending honor. Unify mankind and illumine the world of humanity. May we all follow Thy pathway, long for Thy good pleasure and seek the mysteries of Thy kingdom. O God! Unite us and connect our hearts with Thy indissoluble bond.
Verily, Thou art the Giver,
Thou art the Kind One and
Thou art the Almighty.

‘Abdu’l-Baha

Abdu'l-Baha - Walking the Chosen Highway

The quotations depicted are the following:

 "I am walking in my chosen highway; I know the destination. Hundreds of storms and tempests may rage furiously around my head; hundreds of Titanics may sink to the bottom of the sea, the mad waves may rise to the roof of heaven; all these will not change my purpose, will not disturb me in the least; I will not look either to the right or to the left; I am looking ahead, far, far. Piercing through the impenetrable darkness of the night, the howling winds, the raging storms, I see the glorious Light beckoning me forward, forward. The balmy weather is coming, and the voyager shall land safely." 

 -Abdu’l-Baha, quoted in 'Star of the West', Volume IV, No. 12

O my Lord!

 

O my Lord! Thou knowest that the people are encircled with pain and calamities and are environed with hardships and trouble. Every trial doth attack man and every dire adversity doth assail him like unto the assault of a serpent. There is no shelter and asylum for him except under the wing of Thy protection, preservation, guard and custody.
 O Thou the Merciful One! O my Lord! Make Thy protection my armor, Thy preservation my shield, humbleness before the door of Thy oneness my guard, and Thy custody and defense my fortress and my abode. Preserve me from the suggestions of self and desire, and guard me from every sickness, trial, difficulty and ordeal.
 Verily, Thou art the Protector, the Guardian, the Preserver, the Sufficer, and verily, Thou art the Merciful of the Most Merciful.


Abdu'l-Bahá

O SON OF SPIRIT!

 

O SON OF SPIRIT!

I created thee rich, why dost thou bring thyself down to poverty? Noble I made thee, wherewith dost thou abase thyself? Out of the essence of knowledge I gave thee being, why seekest thou enlightenment from anyone beside Me?
Out of the clay of love I molded thee, how dost thou busy thyself with another? Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting.

 Bahá’u’lláh

The progress and promotion of the cause of God depend on material means.

 

Nothing that existeth in the world of being hath ever been or ever will be worthy of mention. However, if a person be graciously favoured to offer a penny-worth -- nay even less -- in the path of God, this would in His sight be preferable and superior to all the treasures of the earth. It is for this reason that the one true God -- exalted be His glory -- hath in all his heavenly Scriptures praised those who observe His precepts and bestow their wealth for His sake. Beseech ye God that He may enable everyone to discharge the obligation of Huquq, inasmuch as the progress and promotion of the cause of God depend on material means. If His faithful servants could realize how meritorious are benevolent deeds in these days, they would all arise to do that which is meet and seemly. In His hand is the source of authority and He ordaineth as He willeth. He is the Supreme Ruler, the Bountiful, the Equitable the Revealer, the All-Wise.

- Baha’u’llah (The Compilation of Compilations, vol.1, Huququ’llah)

In ordaining the mighty law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh,

 

In ordaining the mighty law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, the Blessed Beauty has vouchsafed a favour unto His ardent lovers through which they can express their personal sense of devotion to God in a profoundly private act of conscience. This sacred law creates a direct and vital link between the individual believer and the Head of the Faith, enables the friends to become firm and steadfast, and, as the beloved Master affirms, exerts “a great influence on their hearts and souls”. Above all, when those privileged to pay the Right of God offer it in a spirit of joy, fellowship, and contentment, it will impart prosperity and protection, purify their worldly possessions, and enable them and their offspring to benefit from the fruits of their endeavours.
Beyond the bestowal of such spiritual benefits upon the individual, this law promotes the common good and contributes to the spiritualization of humanity through the promotion of a new attitude towards the acquisition and use of material resources necessary for great collective enterprises designed to improve all aspects of life. Indeed, the institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh is a key instrument for constructing the foundation and supporting the structure of the New World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, serving as a powerful element in the growth of a world civilization.

 Extracts from a letter dated 21 June 2016 by the Universal House of Justice to the International Board of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh

Foundations of the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh

 

Magnified art Thou, O Lord of the entire creation, the One unto Whom all things must turn! With my inner and outer tongues I bear witness that Thou hast manifested and revealed Thyself, sent down Thy signs, and proclaimed Thy testimonies. I testify to Thy self-sufficiency from aught else except Thee, and Thy sanctity above all earthly things. I entreat Thee by the transcendent glory of Thy Cause and the supreme potency of Thy Word to grant confirmation unto him who desireth to offer what Thou hast prescribed unto him in Thy Book and to observe that which will shed forth the fragrance of Thine acceptance. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the All-Gracious, the All-Forgiving, the All-Generous.

From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

 

Humanity, through suffering and turmoil, is swiftly moving on towards its destiny; if we be loiterers, if we fail to play our part surely others will be called upon to take up our task as ministers to the crying needs of this afflicted world. 

Not by the force of numbers, not by the mere exposition of a set of new and noble principles, not by an organised campaign of teaching—no matter how worldwide and elaborate in its character—not even by the staunchness of our faith or the exaltation of our enthusiasm, can we ultimately hope to vindicate in the eyes of a critical and sceptical age the supreme claim of the Abhá Revelation. One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendour of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.

Shoghi Effendi. Unfolding Destiny

Ḥuqúqu’lláh—The Right of God

 

Whoso is privileged to pay the Right of God will be numbered with such as have observed the ordinances of the one true God—magnified be His glory—and have fulfilled that which is set down by the All-Glorious Pen.
Time and again have We written and commanded that no one should solicit such payment. The offering of every person that voluntarily tendereth the Ḥuqúqu’lláh with the utmost joy and pleasure may be accepted, otherwise acceptance was not and is not permissible. Those that are oblivious of their duty should be briefly reminded. Deeds must be performed with willingness, and in all circumstances high regard must be given to the dignity of the Cause of God. Formerly We have mentioned that were a person to possess the whole world and would tender his possessions at the cost of degrading the honour of the Cause, even to the extent of a grain of mustard, it would be essential and imperative to refuse to accept such wealth. Such is the Cause of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Well is it with them that act accordingly.
The ordinance prescribing the payment of Ḥuqúq is but a favour vouchsafed by the one true God—exalted be His glory—and the benefits arising therefrom shall fall to the donors themselves. It behoveth all to render thanks unto God, the Most Exalted, Who hath graciously enabled them to meet the obligation of Ḥuqúq. We held back the Pen for a long period during which no instruction was issued in this respect, until such time as the requirements of His inscrutable wisdom demanded the acceptance of Ḥuqúq. “Averse is God from putting aught into effect except through its means.” It is essential for certain people to receive aid, and others need attention and care, but all this must take place by the leave of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.


Ḥuqúqu’lláh—The Right of God

The Great Being saith...

 

The Great Being saith: O ye children of men! The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it not to become a source of dissension and discord, of hate and enmity. This is the straight Path, the fixed and immovable foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this foundation, the changes and chances of the world can never impair its strength, nor will the revolution of countless centuries undermine its structure. Our hope is that the world’s religious leaders and the rulers thereof will unitedly arise for the reformation of this age and the rehabilitation of its fortunes. Let them, after meditating on its needs, take counsel together and, through anxious and full deliberation, administer to a diseased and sorely-afflicted world the remedy it requireth.
The Great Being saith: The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined with the two luminaries of consultation and compassion. Take ye counsel together in all matters, inasmuch as consultation is the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding.


Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

He Who is the Day Spring of Truth is, no doubt, fully capable of rescuing from such remoteness wayward souls and of causing them to draw nigh unto His court and attain His Presence. “If God had pleased He had surely made all men one people.” His purpose, however, is to enable the pure in spirit and the detached in heart to ascend, by virtue of their own innate powers, unto the shores of the Most Great Ocean, that thereby they who seek the Beauty of the All-Glorious may be distinguished and separated from the wayward and perverse. Thus hath it been ordained by the all-glorious and resplendent Pen….

That the Manifestations of Divine justice, the Day Springs of heavenly grace, have when they appeared amongst men always been destitute of all earthly dominion and shorn of the means of worldly ascendancy, should be attributed to this same principle of separation and distinction which animateth the Divine Purpose. Were the Eternal Essence to manifest all that is latent within Him, were He to shine in the plentitude of His glory, none would be found to question His power or repudiate His truth. Nay, all created things would be so dazzled and  thunderstruck by the evidences of His light as to be reduced to utter nothingness. How, then, can the godly be differentiated under such circumstances from the froward?

Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

Take heed, O concourse of the rulers of the world!

 

Take heed, O concourse of the rulers of the world! There is no force on earth that can equal in its conquering power the force of justice and wisdom. I, verily, affirm that there is not, and hath never been, a host more mighty than that of justice and wisdom. Blessed is the king who marcheth with the ensign of wisdom unfurled before him, and the battalions of justice massed in his rear. He verily is the ornament that adorneth the brow of peace and the countenance of  security. There can be no doubt whatever that if the day-star of justice, which the clouds of tyranny have obscured, were to shed its light upon men, the face of the earth would be completely transformed.


Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

Martyrdom of the Bab

 

He is the All-Glorious!
O thou illustrious `Alí-Akbar! 
This day is the day of the Martyrdom of His Holiness the Exalted One [the Bab], may My spirit be a sacrificed unto His sanctified blood.
This Day is the day in which this Sun of Truth concealed itself behind the clouds of mercy.
This Day is the day in which this luminous Orb did set!
This Day is the day in which that pure and refined Being fell upon and rolled onto the blood-soaked earth.
This Day is the day in which His hate-free Breast, like unto a spotless mirror, was riddled by thousands of bullets!
This Day is the day in which that Divine Lamp became severed from its physical frame!
This Day is the day in which the lamentations of the Concourse on High are raised.
This Day is the day in which the inhabitants of the Kingdom, with tearful eyes and throbbing hearts, weep and moan!

Abdu'l-Bahá

Fire and paradise both bow down

 

Worship thou God in such wise that if thy worship lead thee to the fire, no alteration in thine adoration would be produced, and so likewise if thy recompense should be paradise. Thus and thus alone should be the worship which befitteth the one True God. Shouldst thou worship Him because of fear, this would be unseemly in the sanctified Court of His presence, and could not be regarded as an act by thee dedicated to the Oneness of His Being. Or if thy gaze should be on paradise, and thou shouldst worship Him while cherishing such a hope, thou wouldst make God's creation a partner with Him, notwithstanding the fact that paradise is desired by men.
Fire and paradise both bow down and prostrate themselves before God. That which is worthy of His Essence is to worship Him for His sake, without fear of fire, or hope of paradise.
 Although when true worship is offered, the worshipper is delivered from the fire, and entereth the paradise of God's good-pleasure, yet such should not be the motive of his act. However, God's favour and grace ever flow in accordance with the exigencies of His inscrutable wisdom.
 The most acceptable prayer is the one offered with the utmost spirituality and radiance; its prolongation hath not been and is not beloved by God. The more detached and the purer the prayer, the more acceptable is it in the presence of God.

Selections from the Writings of the Bab, 

Light of reconciliation is dimmed

 

At present the light of reconciliation is dimmed in most countries and its radiance extinguished while the fire of strife and disorder hath been kindled and is blazing fiercely. Two great powers who regard themselves as the founders and leaders of civilization and the framers of constitutions have risen up against the followers of the Faith associated with Him Who conversed with God.  Be ye warned, O men of understanding. It ill beseemeth the station of man to commit tyranny; rather it behoveth him to observe equity and be attired with the raiment of justice under all conditions. Beseech ye the One true God that He may, through the power of the hand of loving-kindness and spiritual education, purge and purify certain souls from the defilement of evil passions and corrupt desires, that they may arise and unloose their tongues for the sake of God, that perchance the evidences of injustice may be blotted out and the splendour of the light of justice may shed its radiance upon the whole world. The people are ignorant, and they stand in need of those who will expound the truth.
The Great Being saith: The man of consummate learning and the sage endowed with penetrating wisdom are the two eyes to the body of mankind. God willing, the earth shall never be deprived of these two greatest gifts. That which hath been set forth and will be revealed in the future is but a token of this Servant’s ardent desire to dedicate Himself to the service of all the kindreds of the earth.


Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, P.171

At the outset of every endeavour,

 

Door of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh

At the outset of every endeavour, it is incumbent to look to the end of it. Of all the arts and sciences, set the children to studying those which will result in advantage to man, will ensure his progress and elevate his rank. Thus the noisome odours of lawlessness will be dispelled, and thus through the high endeavours of the nation’s leaders, all will live cradled, secure and in peace.

 The Great Being saith: The learned of the day must direct the people to acquire those branches of knowledge which are of use, that both the learned themselves and the generality of mankind may derive benefits therefrom. Such academic pursuits as begin and end in words alone have never been and will never be of any worth. The majority of Persia’s learned doctors devote all their lives to the study of a philosophy the ultimate yield of which is nothing but words.

It is incumbent upon them who are in authority to exercise moderation in all things. Whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence. Consider for instance such things as liberty, civilization and the like. However much men of understanding may favourably regard them, they will, if carried to excess, exercise a pernicious influence upon men.

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, P.169

The rule of the sword.

 

Know thou that We have annulled the rule of the sword, as an aid to Our Cause, and substituted for it the power born of the utterance of men. Thus have We irrevocably decreed, by virtue of Our grace. Say: O people! Sow not the seeds of discord among men, and refrain from contending with your neighbor, for your Lord hath committed the world and the cities thereof to the care of the kings of the earth, and made them the emblems of His own power, by virtue of the sovereignty He hath chosen to bestow upon them. He hath refused to reserve for Himself any share whatever of this world’s dominion. To this He Who is Himself the Eternal Truth will testify.
The things He hath reserved for Himself are the cities of men’s hearts, that He may cleanse them from all earthly defilements, and enable them to draw nigh unto the hallowed Spot which the hands of the infidel can never profane. Open, O people, the city of the human heart with the key of your utterance. Thus have We, according to a pre-ordained measure, prescribed unto you your duty.

Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

Wherefore, be thankful to God,

 

Wherefore, be thankful to God, for having strengthened thee to aid His Cause, for having made the flowers of knowledge and understanding to spring forth in the garden of thine heart. Thus hath His grace encompassed thee, and encompassed the whole of creation. Beware, lest thou allow anything whatsoever to grieve thee. Rid thyself of all attachment to the vain allusions of men, and cast behind thy back the idle and subtle disputations of them that are veiled from God. Proclaim, then, that which the Most Great Spirit will inspire thee to utter in the service of the Cause of thy Lord, that thou mayest stir up the souls of all men and incline their hearts unto this most blessed and all-glorious Court….


Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words,

 

The world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.
Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths. Take heed that ye do not vacillate in your determination to embrace the truth of this Cause—a Cause through which the potentialities of the might of God have been revealed, and His sovereignty established. With faces beaming with joy, hasten ye unto Him. This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Let him that seeketh, attain it; and as to him that hath refused to seek it—verily, God is Self-Sufficient, above any need of His creatures.


Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

Say: Blessed the ...

Say: Blessed the slumberer who is awakened by My Breeze. Blessed the lifeless one who is quickened through My reviving breaths. Blessed the eye that is solaced by gazing at My beauty. Blessed the wayfarer who directeth his steps towards the Tabernacle of My glory and majesty. Blessed the distressed one who seeketh refuge beneath the shadow of My canopy. Blessed the sore athirst who hasteneth to the soft-flowing waters of My loving-kindness. Blessed the insatiate soul who casteth away his selfish desires for love of Me and taketh his place at the banquet table which I have sent down from the heaven of divine bounty for My chosen ones. Blessed the abased one who layeth fast hold on the cord of My glory; and the needy one who entereth beneath the shadow of the Tabernacle of My wealth. Blessed the ignorant one who seeketh the fountain of My knowledge; and the heedless one who cleaveth to the cord of My remembrance. Blessed the soul that hath been raised to life through My quickening breath and hath gained admittance into My heavenly Kingdom. Blessed the man whom the sweet savours of reunion with Me have stirred and caused to draw nigh unto the Dayspring of My Revelation. Blessed the ear that hath heard 17 and the tongue that hath borne witness and the eye that hath seen and recognized the Lord Himself, in His great glory and majesty, invested with grandeur and dominion. Blessed are they that have attained His presence. Blessed the man who hath sought enlightenment from the Day-Star of My Word. Blessed he who hath attired his head with the diadem of My love. Blessed is he who hath heard of My grief and hath arisen to aid Me among My people. Blessed is he who hath laid down his life in My path and hath borne manifold hardships for the sake of My Name. Blessed the man who, assured of My Word, hath arisen from among the dead to celebrate My praise. Blessed is he that hath been enraptured by My wondrous melodies and hath rent the veils asunder through the potency of My might. Blessed is he who hath remained faithful to My Covenant, and whom the things of the world have not kept back from attaining My Court of holiness. Blessed is the man who hath detached himself from all else but Me, hath soared in the atmosphere of My love, hath gained admittance into My Kingdom, gazed upon My realms of glory, quaffed the living waters of My bounty, hath drunk his fill from the heavenly river of My loving providence, acquainted himself with My Cause, apprehended that which I concealed within the treasury of My Words, and hath shone forth from the horizon of divine knowledge engaged in My praise and glorification. Verily, he is of Me. Upon him rest My mercy, My loving-kindness, My bounty and My glory.


Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh P.17

O concourse of bishops!

 

Say: In the East the light of His Revelation hath broken; in the West have appeared the signs of His dominion. Ponder this in your hearts, O people, and be not of those who have turned a deaf ear to the admonitions of Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Praised. Let the Breeze of God awaken you. Verily, it hath wafted over the world. Well is it with him that hath discovered the fragrance thereof and been accounted among the well-assured.
O concourse of bishops! Ye are the stars of the heaven of My knowledge. My mercy desireth not that ye should fall upon the earth. My justice, however, declareth: ‘This is that which the Son hath decreed.’ And whatsoever hath proceeded out of His blameless, His truth-speaking, trustworthy mouth, can never be altered.

LAWḤ-I-AQDAS, Page 14

Global Conferences: Worldwide conferences inspired hope, say societal le...

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — As thousands of conferences encircling the globe are now coming to an end, people from all walks of life are seeing how consultations at these vibrant gatherings have harmonized different points of view in the pursuit of plans that apply spiritual principles to issues and challenges facing their societies.
 One of the special features of these gatherings has been the participation of officials, traditional chiefs, and community leaders, who have conveyed their appreciation for how these discussions are infusing neighborhoods and villages with a renewed spirit of hope and a heightened consciousness of humanity’s oneness.
 Provided below is a sampling of some of the insights and perspectives voiced by officials and leaders—many of whom participated, followed by images and videos of a small fraction of the many conferences that have taken place since the News Service’s last report.


Bahá’í World News Service

تنها دینی كه اسلام را مى پذیرد دیانت بهائی است

پس چرا مى گویند بهائیان دشمن اسلامند؟

معهد اعلی می فرمایند: جای تأسّف است که اهل افترا بهائیان را مخالف و حتّی دشمن اسلام می‌شمرند. اما در نقطه مقابل، در آثار بهائی از اسلام به عنوان «شریعت مبارکه غرّا» یاد می‌شود. حضرت محمّد (ص) را «سراج وهّاج نبوّت کبری»، «سرور کائنات» و «نیر آفاق» که «به اراده الهی از افق حجاز اشراق نمود» وصف می‌نماید و از حضرت امیرالمؤمنین (ع) به «بدر منیر افلاک علم و معرفت» و «سلطان عرصه علم و حکمت» یاد می‌کند. از قلم نفس شارع امر ابهی زیارت‌نامه مخصوص حضرت سیدالشّهداء نازل شده که در آن حضرت بهاءالله مقام آن حضرت را با القاب «فخر الشّهداء» و «نیر الانقطاع من افق سماء الابداع» می‌ستایند. حضرت عبدالبهاء حدود صد سال پیش در اروپا و امریکا در کلیساها، کنیسه‌ها و در جمع دانشمندان راجع به مقام و اهمّیت اسلام خطاباتی ایراد فرمودند و به همین علت بود که در مراسم تشییع و تدفین حضرت عبدالبهاء، عده کثیری از اهالی منطقه شام، از جمله هزاران نفر مسلمان، برای ادای احترام به مقام ایشان حضور داشتند و مفتی شهر حیفا و دیگر رهبران مسلمانان در بزرگداشت آن حضرت سخنانرانی کردند. و جالب است که بر خلاف پیروان ادیان دیگر، تنها بهاییان هستند که دین اسلام را از جانب خداوند می دانند و به آن احترام می گذارند. 

 پیام ۲۹ اکتبر ۲۰۰۸ 

That one indeed is a man who

 

That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens. 

Such exhortations to union and concord as are inscribed in the Books of the Prophets by the Pen of the Most High bear reference unto specific matters; not a union that would lead to disunity or a concord which would create discord. This is the station where measures are set unto everything, a station where every deserving soul shall be given his due. Well is it with them that appreciate the meaning and grasp  the intent of these words, and woe betide the heedless.

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

The balance of equity and justice

 

The Great Being saith: The heaven of statesmanship is made luminous and resplendent by the brightness of the light of these blessed words which hath dawned from the dayspring of the Will of God: It behoveth every ruler to weigh his own being every day in the balance of equity and justice and then to judge between men and counsel them to do that which would direct their steps unto the path of wisdom and understanding. This is the cornerstone of statesmanship and the essence thereof. From these words every enlightened man of wisdom will readily perceive that which will foster such aims as the welfare, security and protection of mankind and the safety of human lives.

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

Clutches of tyranny and oppression.

 

In these days the tabernacle of justice hath fallen into the clutches of tyranny and oppression. Beseech ye the One true God—exalted be His glory—not to deprive mankind of the ocean of true understanding, for were men but to take heed they would readily appreciate that whatever hath streamed from and is set down by the Pen of Glory is even as the sun for the whole world and that therein lie the welfare, security and true interests of all men; otherwise the earth will be tormented by a fresh calamity every day and unprecedented commotions will break out. God grant that the people of the world may be graciously aided to preserve the light of His loving counsels within the globe of wisdom. We cherish the hope that everyone may be adorned with the vesture of true wisdom, the basis of the government of the world.

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

CHAOS AND REDEMPTION

 

Present world chaos, exhibiting the impetuosity, follies, rebelliousness characteristic of humanity's adolescent stage of development, and harbinger of the long-promised Golden Age of the maturity of the human race, is relentlessly spreading and distressingly intensified. The alternating victories and reverses, heralding parallel transition of proscribed Cause of Bahá'u'lláh struggling towards emancipation, world recognition and spiritual universal dominion, are simultaneously multiplying. The recrudescence of the chronic persecution afflicting the cradle of the Faith, the grave danger threatening the appropriated Temple and disbanded centers in Turkistan and Caucasus, the repressive measures successively choking the life and paralyzing the action of both the long-standing and the newly-fledged communities of Central, Western and South-Eastern Europe, the intermittent outbursts of religious fanaticism directed against the North African Assemblies, and the aggravation of the situation at the world Spiritual and Administrative Center, contrast with, and are outweighed by, the surging spirit, the startling expansion, the sweeping conquests, the superb consolidation of the swiftly-accumulating resources of the one remaining community singled out for the proclamation of the Administrative Order throughout the length and breadth of the Western Hemisphere. I appeal to the New World champions of the New World Order of Bahá'u'lláh to stand fast at this tragic hour in the fortunes of mankind and the challenging state of the evolution of the Faith. I beg them to close their ranks jointly, severally and vow themselves to incomparably sublime task whose operation must hasten the ascendancy of the beloved Cause and the spiritual redemption of a reconstructed mankind. Cablegram October 29, 1940

Shoghi Effendi,

Conquering power the force of justice and wisdom.

 

Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. We cherish the hope that the light of justice may shine upon the world and sanctify it from tyranny. If the rulers and kings of the earth, the symbols of the power of God, exalted be His glory, arise and resolve to dedicate themselves to whatever will promote the highest interests of the whole of humanity, the reign of justice will assuredly be established amongst the children of men, and the effulgence of its light will envelop the whole earth. The Great Being saith: The structure of world stability and order hath been reared upon, and will continue to be sustained by, the twin pillars of reward and punishment. And in another connection He hath uttered the following in the eloquent tongue Justice hath a mighty force at its command. It is none other than reward and punishment for the deeds of men. By the power of this force the tabernacle of order is established throughout the world, causing the wicked to restrain their natures for fear of punishment.
In another passage He hath written: Take heed, O concourse of the rulers of the world! There is no force on earth that can equal in its conquering power the force of justice and wisdom. I, verily, affirm that there is not, and hath never been, a host more mighty than that of justice and wisdom. Blessed is the king who marcheth with the ensign of wisdom unfurled before him, and the battalions of justice massed in his rear. He verily is the ornament that adorneth the brow of peace and the countenance of 165 security. There can be no doubt whatever that if the day-star of justice, which the clouds of tyranny have obscured, were to shed its light upon men, the face of the earth would be completely transformed.


Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

Prerequisites of the peace and tranquillity of the world

 

The Great Being, wishing to reveal the prerequisites of the peace and tranquillity of the world and the advancement of its peoples, hath written: The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and, participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means as will lay the foundations of the world’s Great Peace amongst men. Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should unitedly arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world will no longer require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of maintaining internal order within their territories. This will ensure the peace and composure of every people, government and nation. We fain would hope that the kings and rulers of the earth, the mirrors of the gracious and almighty name of God, may attain unto this station, and shield mankind from the onslaught of tyranny.


Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

Think not that We have revealed

 

Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power. To this beareth witness that which the Pen of Revelation hath revealed. Meditate upon this, O men of insight!…

Whenever My laws appear like the sun in the heaven of Mine utterance, they must be faithfully obeyed by all, though My decree be such as to cause the heaven of every religion to be cleft asunder. He doth what He pleaseth. He chooseth; and none may question His choice. Whatsoever He, the Well-Beloved, ordaineth, the same is, verily, beloved. To this He Who is the Lord of all creation beareth Me witness. Whoso hath inhaled the sweet fragrance of the All-Merciful, and recognized the Source of this utterance, will welcome with his own eyes the shafts of the enemy, that he may establish the truth of the laws of God amongst men. Well is it with him that hath turned thereunto, and apprehended the meaning of His decisive decree.


Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

O ye peoples of the world!

 

O ye peoples of the world! Know assuredly that My commandments are the lamps of My loving providence among My servants, and the keys of My mercy for My creatures. Thus hath it been sent down from the heaven of the Will of your Lord, the Lord of Revelation. Were any man to taste the sweetness of the words which the lips of the All-Merciful have willed to utter, he would, though the treasures of the earth be in his possession, renounce them one and all, that he might vindicate the truth of even one of His commandments, shining above the day spring of His bountiful care and loving-kindness.

Say: From My laws the sweet smelling savor of My garment can be smelled, and by their aid the standards of victory will be planted upon the highest peaks. The Tongue of My power hath, from the heaven of My omnipotent glory, addressed to My creation these words: “Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty.” Happy is the lover that hath inhaled the divine fragrance of his Best-Beloved from these words, laden with the perfume of a grace which no tongue can describe. By My life! He who hath drunk the choice wine of fairness from the hands of My bountiful favor, will circle around My commandments that shine above the Day Spring of My creation.

Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh

 

I implore Thee, O my Lord, by Thy name the splendors of which have encompassed the earth and the heavens, to enable me so to surrender my will to what Thou hast decreed in Thy Tablets, that I may cease to discover within me any desire except what Thou didst desire through the power of Thy sovereignty, and any will save what Thou didst destine for me by Thy will.
Whither shall I turn, O my God, powerless as I am to discover any other way except the way Thou didst set before Thy chosen Ones? All the atoms of the earth proclaim Thee to be God, and testify that there is none other God besides Thee. Thou hast from 242 eternity been powerful to do what Thou hast willed, and to ordain what Thou hast pleased.
Do Thou destine for me, O my God, what will set me, at all times, towards Thee, and enable me to cleave continually to the cord of Thy grace, and to proclaim Thy name, and to look for whatsoever may flow down from Thy pen. I am poor and desolate, O my Lord, and Thou art the All-Possessing, the Most High. Have pity, then, upon me through the wonders of Thy mercy, and send down upon me, every moment of my life, the things wherewith Thou hast recreated the hearts of all Thy creatures who have recognized Thy unity, and of all Thy people who are wholly devoted to Thee.
Thou, verily, art the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE Riḍván 2022

 

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

 Riḍván 2022

 To the Bahá’ís of the World

 Dearly loved Friends, A year of preparation and reflection, as well as of great exertion, has concluded, distinguished by the efforts of the friends worldwide to mark the centenary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, including by sending representatives to participate in a special event honouring Him in the Holy Land. Through these efforts, the inspiration offered by the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has been felt by countless souls and not only Bahá’ís. His concern for every member of the human family, His teaching work, His promotion of undertakings for education and social well-being, His profound contributions to discourses in both the East and the West, His heartfelt encouragement of projects to construct Houses of Worship, His shaping of early forms of Bahá’í administration, His cultivation of varied aspects of community life—all these complementary facets of His life were a reflection of His constant and complete dedication to serving God and serving humanity. Beyond being a towering figure of moral authority and surpassing spiritual insight, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was a pure channel through which the forces released by the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh could act upon the world. To comprehend the society-building power possessed by the Faith, one need look no further than the achievements of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His ministry and the transformative effects of the guidance that flowed unceasingly from His pen. So many of the marvellous advances made by the present-day Bahá’í community—which were surveyed in our message to you last Riḍván—trace their origins to the actions, decisions, and directions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

 How fitting, then, that the Bahá’í community’s collective tribute to its perfect Exemplar should form the prelude to its commencement of a major undertaking focused on the release of the society-building power of the Faith in ever-greater measures. The areas of endeavour that fall within the scope of the Nine Year Plan, and of the current series of Plans, are directed towards the fulfilment of this overarching objective. It is also the focus of the more than 10,000 conferences being held across the globe to mark the launch of this great spiritual enterprise. These conferences, expected to welcome unprecedented numbers of participants, are bringing together not only Bahá’ís but many other well-wishers of humanity who share with them a longing to foster unity and better the world. Their determination and strong sense of purpose are reflected in the spirit generated at the gatherings that have already occurred, where the participants have been galvanized as much by the dynamic consultations to which they have contributed as by the collective vision explored at these joyful events. We look with eager anticipation to what the coming months and years will bring.

 Since we addressed our 30 December 2021 message to the Counsellors’ Conference, National Spiritual Assemblies and Regional Bahá’í Councils have been earnestly assessing the possibilities for intensifying the process of growth in the clusters within their jurisdiction during the Nine Year Plan. We feel it would be helpful, for the purpose of gauging the progress made over time, to view the Plan as unfolding in two phases of four and five years’ duration, and National Assemblies were invited to consider the advances they expect to see in their respective communities by Riḍván 2026 and then by Riḍván 2031. This exercise also involved a re-evaluation of cluster boundaries, and the outcome of these adjustments is that the total number of clusters in the world has risen by a quarter and now stands at over 22,000. Judging by the forecasts received, it is estimated that, by the end of the Plan, a programme of growth at some level of development will exist in around 14,000 of these clusters. From among them, the number where the programme of growth could be considered intensive is projected to climb to 11,000 over the same time period. And of these, it is anticipated that the number of clusters where the third milestone has been passed will rise above 5,000 by 2031. Without question, to make such advances will entail colossal effort over the entire duration of the Plan. Yet we find these to be worthy aspirations towards which to strive, for they represent an ambitious but serious appraisal of what lies within reach.

 This is telling. Such objectives could not be realistically contemplated if administrative institutions and agencies had not evolved markedly, endowing them with significantly heightened capacity to manage the affairs of a community whose activities have multiplied so quickly, embracing a vast and growing number of kindred souls. It would not be possible to aspire to such growth if a desire to learn—to act, to reflect, to capture insights, and to absorb the insights emerging elsewhere—had not been cultivated at all levels, extending to the grassroots of the community. And the effort implied by such projections would hardly be feasible if a systematic approach to the teaching work and to human resource development had not become increasingly manifest in the Bahá’í world. All this has brought about an advance in the Bahá’í community’s awareness of its own identity and purpose. A determination to be outward looking in the process of community building had already become an established aspect of culture in many, many places; it has now blossomed, in a rising number of communities, into a sense of real responsibility for the spiritual and material progress of larger and larger groups within society, well beyond the membership of the Bahá’í community itself. The efforts of the friends to build communities, to engage in social action, and to contribute to the prevalent discourses of society have cohered into one global enterprise, bound together by a common framework for action, focused on helping humanity to establish its affairs on a foundation of spiritual principles. The significance of the developments we have described, reaching this point one hundred years after the inauguration of the Administrative Order, cannot be overlooked. In the extraordinary rise in capacity that has occurred in the last two decades—and which has made it possible for the Bahá’í world to view its endeavours in terms of the release of the society-building power of the Faith—we see incontrovertible evidence that the Cause of God has entered the sixth epoch of its Formative Age. We announced last Riḍván that the widespread phenomenon of large numbers participating in Bahá’í activities, being kindled by faith, and acquiring the skills and abilities to serve their communities signalled that the third epoch of the Master’s Divine Plan had commenced; thus, the One Year Plan, at its inception then and at its conclusion now, has come to mark a set of historic advances made by the company of the faithful. And at the threshold of a new, mighty undertaking, this united body of believers stands ready to seize the possibilities wide open before it.

 A prominent feature of the epoch that now ends was the erection of the last of the continental Houses of Worship and the initiation of projects to establish Houses of Worship at the national and local levels. Much has been learned, by Bahá’ís the world over, about the concept of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and the union of worship and service it embodies. During the sixth epoch of the Formative Age, much more will be learned about the path that leads from the development within a community of a flourishing devotional life—and the service which it inspires—to the appearance of a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. Consultations are beginning with various National Spiritual Assemblies, and as these proceed, we will periodically announce places where a Bahá’í House of Worship will be raised up in the coming years.

 Our joy at seeing the community of the Greatest Name go from strength to strength is tempered by our deep sorrow at seeing the persistence of conditions and conflicts in the world that create misery and desperate suffering—in particular, at observing the recrudescence of destructive forces that have disordered international affairs while visiting horrors upon populations. We know well and are reassured that, as Bahá’í communities have repeatedly demonstrated in many different contexts, the followers of Bahá’u’lláh are committed to offering relief and support to those around them, no matter how straitened their own circumstances. But until humanity as a whole undertakes to establish its affairs on foundations of justice and truth, it is, alas, fated to stagger from one crisis to another. We pray that, if the recent outbreak of war in Europe is to yield any lessons for the future, it will serve as an urgent reminder of the course that the world must take if it is to attain genuine and enduring peace. The principles enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh to the monarchs and presidents of His time, and the weighty responsibilities with which He charged rulers past and present, are perhaps even more pertinent and imperative today than when they were first recorded by His Pen. For Bahá’ís, the inexorable advance of the Major Plan of God—bringing with it ordeals and upheavals, but ultimately impelling humanity towards justice, peace, and unity—is the context within which the Minor Plan of God, with which the believers are chiefly occupied, unfolds. The dysfunctional state of present-day society makes the need for the release of the society-building power of the Faith abundantly clear and pressing. We cannot but expect that, for now, convulsions and disturbances will continue to afflict the world; you will no doubt appreciate, then, why every earnest supplication we offer for all God’s children to be relieved from bewilderment and bitter hardship is coupled with an equally heartfelt prayer for the success of the much-needed service you are rendering for the Cause of the Prince of Peace. In every cluster where the activities of the Plan are gaining momentum, we see the development of communities with the noble characteristics we described in the 30 December 2021 message. As societies experience stresses of various kinds, the followers of the Abhá Beauty must stand out more and more for their qualities of resilience and rationality, for their standard of conduct and their adherence to principle, and for the compassion, detachment, and forbearance they demonstrate in their pursuit of unity. Time and again, the distinctive characteristics and attitudes shown by the believers in periods of acute difficulty have prompted people to turn to Bahá’ís for explanation, counsel, and support, especially when the life of a society has been upset by peril and unforeseen disruptions. In sharing these observations, we are mindful that the Bahá’í community itself also experiences the effects of the forces of disintegration at work in the world. Moreover, we are conscious that the greater the friends’ efforts to promote the Word of God, the stronger the countervailing forces they will encounter, sooner or later, from various quarters. They must fortify their minds and spirits against the tests that are sure to come, lest these impair the integrity of their endeavours. But the believers know well that whatever storms lie ahead, the ark of the Cause is equal to them all. Successive stages of its voyage have seen it weather the elements and ride the waves. Now it is bound for a new horizon. The confirmations of the Almighty are the gusts that fill its sails and propel it towards its destination. And the Covenant is its lodestar, keeping the sacred vessel set on its sure and certain course. May the hosts of heaven send blessings upon all who sail within.

 [signed: The Universal House of Justice]