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April, 1943
Bahá’í Era
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NEWS |
Message From the Guardian[edit]
The report that the New History literature includes a Tablet of the Master urging civil disobedience regarding war, is another indication of the gross misrepresentations of the Faith by that Society, whose publications are deliberately and maliciously aimed at undermining the loyalty of the believers, at creating confusion among them, and causing internal disruption. (Through his Secretary, January 8, 1943)
Highly approve memorandum regarding special Anniversary publication. Advise your Assembly undertake preparation immediately. Praying Divine Guidance in this historic task. The Centenary Celebration should be held in conjunction with the annual Convention in May, 1944.
Received March 1, 1943
In connection with the above he wishes me to add that the actual Celebration gathering, commemorative of that glorious occasion when the blessed Báb declared His spiritual Mission to the world in 1844 should take place exactly two hours and 11 minutes after sunset on May 22, in the Temple—naturally other Bahá’í Centers all over the continent of America must hold their special Commemorative meeting at the same time. The delegates and friends must hold their special Commemorative meeting at that time. The date of the Convention must be fixed by your Assembly in such a manner that the gathering on May 22, 1944, will fall approximately in the middle of the Convention period.
It is certainly a wonderful occasion to look forward to! (Through his Secretary, February 27, 1943)
Overjoyed at the multiplying evidences of the extraordinary progress of the manifold activities of the consecrated American Bahá’í Community. Please, afresh, on eve of the last remaining year of the first Bahá’í Century strain every nerve and concentrate all resources to insure further immediate increase in the number of pioneer settlers in the virgin areas. The call is urgent, hour crucial, golden opportunities slipping away. No sacrifice too great to achieve the consummation of the hopes embodied in the Seven Year Plan. I direct my special appeal to the large, flourishing communities promptly and effectually to cast their weight in the scales to stimulate the dispersion vitality required to achieve the final victory. I am praying the watchful Master to speed the valiant stewards of the Covenant along the path leading to the shining goal.
Received March 15, 1943
This Crucial Year[edit]
Progress Report No. 8 Issued by the National Spiritual Assembly for the Period March 1-31, 1943
44. Plans for the celebration of the Bahá’í Centenary in America are in active motion, with the approval of the Guardian. His message approving the memorandum of plans submitted to him after the January meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly was received on March 1, and is shared with the friends in this issue of Bahá’í News. Later in March came another message from Haifa amplifying the first, and this also is reprinted in these pages. We can now begin to visualize the focal point of all our deepest hopes and most ardent efforts in their culmination one hundred years after the most glorious and blessed hour when the Báb declared His Mission to our world. More than obedience to law and command, the Bahá’ís of East and West make their lives an expression of fervent gratitude to God and devotion to His Manifestation. In addition to the commemorative meeting to be held at the House of Worship, local gatherings will be conducted in all Bahá’í centers. The local Assemblies are urged to prepare for that great occasion, as for example in recording the history of the Faith in their own city, appointing a Committee to develop the program, etc.
45. The Bahá’í School Programs for the 1943 season have been completed, and each School will issue its own announcement. The National Spiritual Assembly hopes that the School announcements will receive the special attention of all the friends this year. Local Assemblies can cooperate by providing for discussion of School programs at the Nineteen Day Feast, and Regional Committees can present the School plans in their bulletin for information of groups and isolated believers. Every believer who can attend a School session this year is urged to notify the School Committee as early as possible and make a definite reservation. Those in charge of housing and food arrangements faces great difficulty on account of the emergency conditions, and they require and deserve the utmost consideration so that each School may render a great, an unparalleled service to the Cause. The Green Acre Program includes study courses from July 12 to September 3. At Geyserville the season will extend from July 4 to July 18. The sessions of the Louhelen School include a Laboratory Session, July 1 to 12, Junior Youth Session, July 14 to August 3, Midsummer Session, July 23 to August 3, General Session, August 5 to 12, and Youth Session, August 14 to 20.
46. A Committee has been formed
within the membership of the National
Spiritual Assembly to carry
out plans for publicity and contacts
of a special type. This Committee
will bring the Bahá’í Peace Plan to
the attention of organizations and
outstanding leaders; it will prepare
a number of statements about the
fundamental nature and aims of the
Faith which local Assemblies and
active teachers can use as press
releases; it will concern itself with
preparation of material to meet attacks
and misrepresentations aimed
[Page 2]
against the Cause; and it will issue
a general statement about the Faith,
which can be used in books of public
reference. The friends can assist
greatly by sending to the National
Office names and addresses of leaders
in the field of post-war peace
plans, and information about postwar
plans as published or as adopted
by responsible organizations.
47. The National Spiritual Assembly has created a Committee on Pamphlet Literature to gather and recommend for publication the text for a new series of pamphlets which can contribute to the teaching and promotion of the Cause, including the re-issue of pamphlets now out of print. Three or four subjects have already been selected and these will be brought out during the spring of 1943. The policy has been adopted that the National Assembly can and should assist by providing free literature to Assemblies which have no available public teachers or lecturers, so that contacts by the individual believers can be stimulated.
48. An important compilation on the subject of race unity, prepared by Mrs. Maye Harvey Gift and Mrs. Alice Simmons Cox, and sponsored by the Race Unity Committee, has been approved for early publication. Its title is “The Coming Race Unity.” The compilers have accomplished something new in the field by combining the Bahá’í teachings on the subject with excerpts from current race unity writings of scientists and social philosophers. The book is also equipped with bibliography and other reference material of great value. American believers will be able to render an important service to the victory of the Bahá’í principle of the oneness of mankind by assisting in the wide distribution of this text. Part of the edition is to be given to the Race Unity Committee for donating to leaders of opinion, active organizations, and the press.
49. Plans have been approved by which Miss Jean Silver will go forth as a pioneer teacher to Cuba, and Miss Etta Mae Lawrence is to proceed to Buenos Aires, where a business position has been assured. Thus, two more devoted American workers enter the field of Inter-America teaching in order to assure the victory of the Divine Plan. From Puerto Rico comes the glad tidings that the Bahá’í group in the city of San Juan is already large enough to form a Spiritual Assembly on April 21. It is interesting to note that an Assembly in Puerto Rico, like an Assembly in the Hawaiian Islands, has the status of active membership in the Bahá’í community of North America and will be represented at future Conventions.
50. At the March meeting of the National Assembly, approval was given to a large number of teaching projects developed by the National Teaching Committee. These projects included the following teachers and locations: Jean Hendrie, Omaha; Clair Gillespie, Laramie; Muriel Stilson, Sioux Falls; Elsa Steinmetz, Sioux Falls; Flora Valentine, Portsmouth; Mr. and Mrs. William Doull, Providence; Frances L. Wells, San Bernardino; Rose Steinburg, Columbus; Lauretta Voelz, Regina; Mary Bode, Reno; Adeline Lohse, North Augusta; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Stone, Brattleboro; W. J. Christie, Novel; Anne MacNally, Providence; Fleury Martini, Little Rock; Ruth Cornell, Little Rock; Margaret Ellis, Jackson; Ruth Moffett, Augusta; Virginia Camelon, Charleston; Kathryn Frankland, Albuquerque; Mable Ives, Albuquerque.
Thirty-Fifth Annual Convention[edit]
In view of the emergency travel condition this year, which has led to the cancellation of many national Conventions, it seems desirable to emphasize the fact that a Bahá’í Convention combines two functions — that of general consultation on the activities of the Faith, and that of electing the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.
The Guardian many years ago provided for any emergency condition that might make it impossible for the body of the delegates to convene by directing the absent delegates to cast their vote by mail. For while the annual consultation can be suspended, the election must be conducted each year.
In calling the Convention this year, the National Spiritual Assembly has discharged its responsibility in meeting the obligation to provide for the annual election. As for the other important function, of consultation, discussion and recommendation, this depends on the ability of individual delegates to attend the Convention in person, and the delegates and friends will naturally adhere fully to whatever regulations the government may issue controlling travel.
The informal suggestion is made that the friends gather locally for consultation on the Convention subjects where representatives are unable to attend the National gathering this year. Indeed, no effort can be spared if we are to grasp the full meaning of the spiritual tasks which the American community has been called upon to achieve by May, 1944.
Suggestions sent by mail will be given full consideration, and in order to concentrate the attention and prayers of the absent delegates on specific matters of current Bahá’í importance, a simple Agenda has been prepared, a copy of which follows. It has been decided to omit the usual Bahá’í exhibits this year.
Convention Theme: Bahá’í Year 100
Thursday Morning, April 29.
Opening of Convention by Presiding Officer of the National Spiritual Assembly
Roll Call of Delegates
Election of Convention Officers
Convention Message to the Guardian
Supplementary Report of Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly
Reports of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer
Report of Temple and Other Bahá’í' Trustees
Thursday Afternoon and Evening
North America Teaching: Unfinished Tasks, Plans and Projects
Friday Morning, April 30
Inter-America Teaching: Unfinished Tasks, Plans and Projects
Friday Afternoon
Election of National Spiritual Assembly
Friday Evening
- Race Unity
- Bahá’í Schools
- College Teaching
- Youth Activities
Saturday Morning, May 1
- Publicity
- Radio
- Contacts
- World Order Magazine
Between Saturday Morning and Afternoon Sessions—Convention Photograph
Saturday Afternoon
- Plans for Centenary of Bahá’í Faith
Saturday Evening
- Riḍván Feast
Sunday Afternoon, May 2
- Bahá’í Congress
Ballots— Mailed to delegates on or before
April 3. Each ballot is accompanied
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by information on how to vote by mail.
Exhibits— There will be no Bahá’í Exhibits by Committees at the Convention this year.
Committee— General Chairman, Edna True; Chairman of Housing Committee, Mrs. Mineola Hannen, 112 Linden avenue, Wilmette, Ill.; Chairman of Meals Committee, Mrs. Harriet Hilpert; Chairman of Information Committee, John Haggard; Chairman of Devotions Committee, Mrs. Mary Hammond; Chairman of Riḍván Feast Committee, Mrs. Sarah Walrath; Chairman of Riḍván Feast Program Committee, “Mrs. Corinne True.
Inter-America News[edit]
Pan American Day
Expressions of good will and appreciation are to be broadcast on April 14 to all South and Central American countries on this special Latin American Day, These tributes are being voiced by various important organizations through the instrumentality of the Pan American Union. The Inter-America Committee forwarded to the National Assembly the following tribute prepared by Charles Wolcott which will be part of the Inter–National Broadcast on Pan American Day:
“On this day, the twelfth anniversary commemorating the birth of political, economic and spiritual unity of the 21 Republics of the American continent, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada sends sincere greetings to Latin America with the earnest hope that the Continental solidarity and understanding so far achieved will become the cornerstone of a universal and enduring peace, and create power to assist, with the hands of justice, the brokenhearted, and crush the great oppressors with the forces of divine truth.”
Mathew Kaszab
In loving memory of our departed pioneer teacher the following tribute in the form of a burial stone is being prepared through the initiative and generous donation of Mrs. Loulie Mathews, to be set up at his last resting place in Brownsville, Texas:
(Design of the Greatest Name)
MATHEW KASZAB
Died January 13, 1943.
Pioneer Bahá’í Teacher in Nicaragua
“His services are unforgettable”
Wilfrid E. Barton, Salvador Tormo, Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, Emilio Barros, Bahá’í Committee representing the National Spiritual Assembly in the construction of the memorial to Mrs. May Maxwell in Quilmes Cemetery, Buenos Aires, with Mariano Viciano, the sculptor chosen to carry out William Sutherland Maxwell’s design.
Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador, has achieved its required number and in terse and eloquent terms John Stearns writes: “Please send more registration cards.” There is a wealth of joyous satisfaction in those few words.
Venezuela
Miss Sholtis has sent another sheaf of clippings from Spanish publications in Caracas. One is headed “Notes on the Spiritual Mission of Gwenne Dorothy Sholtis” and the other: “The Greatest Event of History.” This is a truly wonderful accomplishment, evidence of the devoted services of Miss Sholtis.
Costa Rica
From San José we have received another issue of the Alma Tica magazine which contains a long article written on the Faith and illustrated, by Mrs. Gayle Woolson. San José also is supplying a pioneer teacher now to go to Nicaragua to pick up the threads left by Mathew and we hope soon to see them woven into a Spiritual Assembly.
Argentina
Buenos Aires is soon to welcome a new pioneer from New York as Miss Etta Mae Lawrence is to leave very soon to assist in the work of the young people in the Buenos Aires Community. Our loving prayers go with her on this glorious mission.
Cuba
A request came from the secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Havana for some Bahá’í literature in Chinese and fortunately we were able to supply a copy of Some Answered Questions. The book reached Havana safely and was very gratefully accepted by the Chinese gentleman for whom it was intended and he is sharing the contents with his friends.
Colombia
We take this opportunity to congratulate Miss Ruth Shook who was recently married and is now living in Bogotá and although letters are very rare due to censorship we know that she is very well and happy and is carrying on her teaching of the Faith. We know that she has married a man from this country but we have not yet learned her married name. Loving greetings to all.
Bahá’ís Subject to the Draft[edit]
The Selective Service Advisory
Committee has informed us that
there has been a change in the Army
Regulations which affects those who,
like Bahá’ís, apply for, or now have,
the noncombatant status. To qualify
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for admission to Officers Candidate
School, this regulation now applies:
“Applicants classified as conscientious
objectors, or claiming such objection,
are eligible only if they
refute by affidavit their objection.”
That is, if they abandon their
noncombatant status.
To meet this development and clarify the matter for Bahá’ís, the National Assembly adopted the following statement:—
“The National Assembly records its understanding of the Guardian’s instructions concerning the duty of Bahá’ís in time of war as obligating each believer called under the draft to apply for noncombatant status, in which status he gives full obedience to the military authority of his country; that this obligation does not mean he is a conscientious objector who refuses obedience to military authority, but on the other hand it makes it incumbent upon the Bahá’í to apply for and maintain the noncombatant status without regard to its consequences upon his personal safety, his convenience, the type of activity he must discharge or the rank to which he may be assigned.”
The purpose is to emphasize the fundamental principle that up to the extent of his personal will, the individual Bahá’í is noncombatant but if he is required by the military authority to be a combatant he will obey. Where there is no compulsion upon him, he will not abandon the noncombatant status.
It is unfortunate that the phrase “conscientious objector” is employed in the army and draft regulations in two different ways, applying to the complete pacifist and also to the Bahá’í who is not a pacifist. Assemblies and Regional Committees can assist the friends by clarifying the Bahá’í attitude wherever it is not yet known.
A new bulletin entitled “Statement of Bahá’í Position on Military Service for Use by Believers in Presenting Claims for Noncombatant Duty Under U.S. Draft Law” has been prepared, and copies have been sent to local Assemblies and to Regional Teaching Committees. A copy will be sent to believers subject to the draft, on request. It directs the Bahá’í how to make correct application for Classification in Class I-A-O. Bahá’ís do not apply for classification in Class IV-E which is reserved for pacifists.
This bulletin also states that the War Department has made a new ruling, which provides that individuals who obtain a noncombatant status can be assigned only to the Medical Corps.
Since this bulletin was prepared, the Bahá’í Selective Service Advisory Committee has received a letter from the Adjutant General stating that “Army regulations are now being amended to permit qualified soldiers in this classification (noncombatant) to appeal for admission to the Medical Administrative Corps Officer Candidate School.” This makes it clear that drafted Bahá’ís can apply for admission to this Officer Candidate School, though other Schools for training Officers are not open now to men in the noncombatant classification.
Annual Committee Reports[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes the National Committees hereafter to cover in their Annual Reports the twelve-month period, March 1 to February 28, which coincides with the fiscal period represented by the Treasurer’s Annual Report. The period of the Committee term of office, July 1 to June 30, is unfeasible for these Reports since Annual Reports are printed and circulated prior to the Convention.
Annual Reports of Local Assemblies[edit]
The local Assemblies are reminded of the desire of the NSA that each Assembly prepare and submit an annual report of its activities and those of the local community. These reports can cover the period, April 21-April 20, coinciding with the Assembly term of office.
The Assembly Reports received during the past two years have been very much appreciated.
Committee List[edit]
Pamphlet Literature—a new Committee appointed at the March, 1943 meeting. George O. Latimer, Secretary, 1921 N, E. 40th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, and Mrs. Dorothy Baker.
Geyserville School—Mrs. Sarah Kenny and Ray Brackett added.
Anita Ioas and Mrs. Marguerite Sears unable to serve.
Regional Teaching Committees — Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, Esther Klein added, Roberta Wilson unable to serve. Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, Mrs. Sarah Eason unable to serve.
Bahá’í Calendar[edit]
Nineteen Day Feasts: Glory, April 9; Beauty, April 28; Grandeur, May 17.
Feast of Riḍván: April 21-May 2.
Declaration of the Báb: May 23.
(Two hours and 11 minutes after sunset, May 22)
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh: May 29.
(At 3:00 A.M. standard time)
Meeting of the National Spiritual
Assembly: April 28, at Wilmette.
Thirty-Fifth Annual Convention:
April 29 and 30, May 1 and 2. Temple Foundation Hall.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
The friends are reminded of the facilities which are available for the study of Islám. There are two Study Outlines, as follows:—
Introduction to the Study of the Qur’án, per copy, 35c.
Muhammad and the Founding of Islám, per copy, 60c
A limited supply of the Rodwell translation of the Qur’án is also on hand, at $1.00 per copy. This book is obtained from England, and shipments are slow and irregular.
The Chosen Highway, by Lady Blomfield. Part I, The Báb; Part II, Bahá’u’lláh; Part III, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; Part IV. Various Documents. 266 pages. Per copy, $2.00.
Address orders to Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Membership Status of Absent Believers[edit]
A believer who is absent from his community retains his voting membership provided he has the intention of resuming residence, but if he is a member of the Spiritual Assembly and his absence is indefinite, his membership of the Assembly is to be replaced so that the Assembly will have the services of nine members able to meet. To obtain recognition, new Assemblies must have nine resident members able to meet regularly.
Publication of Letters From the Guardian[edit]
For a number of years the National Spiritual Assembly has published in Bahá’í News only such excerpts from letters written by the Guardian to individuals as the Guardian has specifically permitted. The NSA feels that the same principle applies to the publication of the Guardian’s letters to individuals in local and regional newsletters.
Wills Naming the NSA As Beneficiary[edit]
Believers wishing to provide a bequest for Bahá’í use will find a form of bequest on page 21 of the revised edition of Bahá’í Procedure. The believers who draw up wills naming the National Assembly as beneficiary are requested to send a copy to the National Office for the records.
Braille Transcriptions[edit]
The Committee on Braille Transcriptions has received five orders and a number of interested inquiries for the second edition of the Braille “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.” Copies are being placed by friends in Libraries of New Orleans, Houston, and Albuquerque.
For information about the Esslemont book and also the Iqán, in Braille, address Miss Ella Quant, Chairman, 1089 Glenwood Blvd., Schenectady, N. Y.
Will the friends in the various Centers who have borrowed Braille books from the Bahá’í Braille Reserve Library in Cleveland, Ohio, for the blind contacts in their respective localities, ascertain as soon as possible whether these books are being used by the blind? If no longer in use, kindly return to Mrs. Mayme Jackson, 9615 Shakespeare Parkway, Cleveland, Ohio.
Some of these Braille books have been out on loan for three years, and our supply of available Braille Bahá’í pamphlets and booklets is being depleted.
Temple Library and Sales Committee[edit]
The friends are informed that a new Temple card is now available,
Mathew Kaszab, Bahá’í pioneer to Nicaragua, with some members of the group
he formed in Managua.
with the “reflection picture” of the
House of Worship on one side, and
the nine texts of Bahá’u’lláh on the
other. Orders will be filled at the
rate of 100 for $0.75, postpaid. Address
orders to the Committee
through H. E. Walrath, Chairman,
4639 Beacon Street, Chicago.
The announcement is also made of a new Temple picture, a printed reproduction of Carl Scheffler’s etching—type pen and ink drawing. The illustration itself measures 10″ by 10″, while the paper mounting measures 15½″ by 14″. Suitable for framing, Price, postpaid, 25c. Order through Mr. Walrath.
In Memoriam[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. It confereth the gift oy everlasting life.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
Miss Gwendolyn McReynolds, Colorado Springs.
Mrs. Carrie McGriff, Lima.
Mrs. Muriel McComb, Glenwood Landing, N. Y.
Mrs. Lillian McClellan, Cleveland.
Enrollments and Transfers[edit]
Enrollment of new believers reported by local Assemblies:—
Milwaukee, four. Boston, two. Berkeley, two. Oakland, two. Portland, one. West Chester, one. Toronto, one. Evanston, one. San Diego, one. Wilmette, one. Flint, one. Cleveland, one. Salt Lake City, one youth. Binghamton, one. Vancouver, one.
Enrollments by transfer reported by local Assemblies:—
Toronto, one. Lima, one. Los Angeles, one. Chicago, one youth.
Enrollment of isolated believers in March—twenty-eight.
The Guardian’s Answers to Questions[edit]
With the Guardian’s consent, the following explanations made by him with questions submitted by the late Francis A. Kelsey we published for the information of the friends.
1. Regarding the passage beginning with the words “Knowledge consists of twenty-seven letters . . .” this should not be interpreted
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Port au Prince, Haiti, newly established April 21,
1942. Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Blackwell, pioneer teachers who developed this Bahá’í
Community, are both in the picture.
literally. It only indicates the relative
greatness of superiority of the
new Revelation.
2. The fundamentals of all Divinely-instituted religions cannot be rigidly classified. No definite or exhaustive list of them can be set up, as we have no means of ascertaining that what we consider to be those fundamentals are common to all such religions.
3. The declaration of the Báb took place on May 22nd after sunset, and as the Bahá’í day starts and ends with sunset, the feast of the Declaration is celebrated on May 23rd and not the 22nd.
4. Regarding the date of the birth of Jesus Christ; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement on the subject should be considered by the Bahá’ís as the standard, and as the basis of their calculation.
5. There is disagreement among Oriental scholars relative to the exact date of the birth of Muhammad. You should refer to authorities on the subject, such as Sale, whose translation at the Qur’án has become almost classical.
6. Bahá’u’lláh was born at dawn.
7. The Báb was born before dawn.
8. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has given no explanation regarding the 500,000 year period of the Bahá’í cycle. Individual believers are free to work out for themselves the explanation they desire, so long as they do not impose their views on others.
9. Inherited characteristics of the soul are not innate, while the inherent ones are innate and not acquired. The inherent characteristics of the soul derive from man’s own nature.
10. There is no authority for the statement which is alleged to have been said by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the effect that cancer is a spiritual disease. The saying is quite unauthoritative, and should not be circulated.
11. Jesus’ name has never been confounded with that of Joshua. The two have always been considered as quite distinct.
12. Yes, the Guardian considers “astrology,” which is a pseudo-science, as for the most part “nonsensical,” as it is mostly made up of superstitious beliefs and practices.
13. There is no objection in principle to an Assembly being re-elected, whether in toto or in part, provided the members are considered to be well-qualified for that post. It is individual merit that counts. Novelty, or the mere act of renewal of elections, are purely secondary considerations. Changes in Assembly membership would be welcome, so for as they do not prejudice the quality of such membership. Once Assembly elections are over, the results should be conscientiously and unquestionably accepted by the entire body of the believers, not necessarily because they represent the Voice of Truth or the Will of Bahá’u’lláh, but for the supreme purpose of maintaining unity and harmony in the Community. Besides, the acceptance of majority vote is the only effective and practical way of settling dead-locks in elections. No other solution is indeed possible.
14. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gives no reason whatever why Friday has been chosen as the day of rest in the Bahá’í calendar. He just affirms it.
15. The belief according to which Judah represents the Jews, and Israel the Chosen People, is erroneous.
16. The Teachings throw no light on the question as to what became of the ten tribes of Israel or whether they were absorbed into some other nation or not.
17. Also, no reference is to be found in the Bahá’í Teachings regarding the pyramid of Cheops, and as to its being considered a monument of prophecy.
18. This statement which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is alleged to have made is absolutely unauthoritative and should be disregarded. (Question was: ’Abdu’l-Bahá is alleged to have said that Bahá’u’lláh was the seventh in order of the Universal Manifestations; that Jesus was the sixth, that Melchisedek was the fifth and that the four prior to them are unknown.)
19. The separation of the sheep from the goats is purely figurative, i.e., the faithful from the unfaithful.
The Bahá’í World Community[edit]
1. News From Irán
The flow of eager Iránian pilgrims
to and from Haifa has imparted a
new life to the gatherings and activities
of friends in this country. The
spiritual refreshment so abundantly
manifest in their faces, the life-giving
messages of encouragement that
[Page 7]
they convey from our beloved
Guardian and the glad-tidings that
they bear to us of the divine order
and regularity prevailing in the
world’s spiritual center, combine to
give us strength to bear the brunt
of what remains in store for all in
the near future. Every believer is
moved beyond himself to rise to still
higher display of energy and devotion
in the path of service. Some
of the messages brought by the pilgrims
who recently returned may be
summarized as follows:—
1. Contributions are asked from all
- friends in Irán towards the funds
- of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Damascus.
2. Further warning was conveyed to
- friends not to meddle with politics
- of any kind and not to take
- part in every controversy as to
- which of the belligerent Powers
- is to be blamed for the war.
3. A copy of the Finnish translation of
- Dr. Esselmont’s Book published
- in Helsinki during the recent war
- and bombardment there, was presented
- by the Guardian to the
- Bahá’í Library of Ṭihrán.
4. The Guardian very strongly desires
- all friends to show loving
- kindness to all members of the
- Community irrespective of their
- race or creed. Friends must in no
- way be influenced by the political
- dislikes now in vogue against any
- race or creed or nationality. All
- minorities must receive utmost
- kindness from friends. Copy of a
- Tablet from the Master was
- brought by one of the pilgrims
- which contains the following
- passage:—
“ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s belief is the oneness of the world of Humanity; all people are the Lord’s flock and the Lord is the kind shepherd of all. We bear no grudge against any religion; we invite all to the oneness of mankind. But all must drink from the source of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings so that strife, struggle and dissension may vanish from among men. All people are like unto different birds which must gather around the spring of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.”
5. Bahá’ís are encouraged again,
- most vehemently by the Guardian
- to forsake country and home
- and to emigrate into neighboring
- countries with a view to settling
- down and creating Bahá’í centers
- there, Balúchistán, Afghanistan,
- Kurdistán, Ahsa (country of
- Shaikh Ahmad Aḥsá’i, the Herald
- of the Báb’s Cause), Yaman, and
- Ḥijáz were especially mentioned.
- The example of Bahá’í friends in
- America was often cited by the
- Beloved Guardian. They were
- able through migration to win
- over to the Cause vast realms
- and cities. A number of young
- Bahá’ís have accordingly volunteered
- to emigrate to these countries
- and thus to fulfill one of the
- expressed wishes of the Guardian.
- The restrictions over the departure
- from the country of all Iránians
- are numerous and often almost
- unsurmountable, but efforts
- are being made to cope with
- them.
Panbih-Chulih is a village of some fifty households near Sari, in Mazindaran. On Saturday, the 26th of Mihr 1320 (18th October 1941), at about the hour of midnight, an armed band entered the house of Darvish Ibrahim Maddah Akbari, a well-known believer of that place. They awoke Alikhan, the servant, who was sleeping at the door and inquired as to where Yaqub, the eldest son of the household, was. The faithful servant, seeing this strange and armed crew, introduced himself as Yaqub. One of the visitors, however, who knew Yaqub, broke forth angrily “What? You are not Yaqub!”, and called out loudly, “Yaqub! Yaqub! Come forth! Guests have arrived.” Roused by this disturbance, Yaqub stirred forth and welcomed the visitors, and they called for tea. Yaqub straightway returned to the room and took up the samovar to prepare tea. Yusuf, his younger brother, wished to issue forth from the room to fetch water, but his exit was barred by the intruders who forbade him egress. When asked the cause, the ruffianly crew refrained from giving any reply, but surrounded him and, in a body, forced him to re-enter the room. Yusuf, finding it beyond his power to resist 20 armed men, submitted, and resigned himself to his fate. Several of these ruffians then gained entrance into the room and, having satisfied themselves from a thorough search that it contained no weapons of defence, kicked the samovar into a corner and ordered all the inmates to set themselves against the wall, face to face with the intruders.
There were eight members in the family, as follows:—
1. Darvish Ibrahim Maddah Akbari, the father, aged about 62 years
2. Yaqub Akbar, Maddah’s son, aged about 40 years
3. Yusuf Akbar, Maddah’s son, aged about 24 years
4. Nargis Khanum, Maddah’s daughter, aged about 30 years
5. Surur Khanum, Maddah’s daughter, aged about 18 years
6. Zia, Maddah’s son, aged about 20 years
7. Siyyidih Khanum, Maddah’s wife, aged about 60 years
8. Shimsi Khanum, wife of Yusuf, aged about 18 years
These hapless ones sat down as bidden by their persecutors, and Yusuf, who stood up and requested them to take whatever they pleased of their property, but spare their lives or, at least, allow their womenfolk a safe exit, was the first to be dispatched with three gunshots. The second volley was directed towards the eldest son, Yaqub. Next, a bullet aimed at Nargis’ head blew her brain to bits. The lamp had by now gone out and the room was filled with smoke, so Maddah, the father, rose in his place; he thus sustained injuries only on his hands and legs. The murderers abstained from killing Siyyidih Khanum, the mother, as she was a siyyid. Shimsi Khanum, who was beside her husband, received a bullet in her leg and swooned, but Surur and Zia hid behind a pile of cotton in a corner of the room and hence escaped any harm.
2. News From ‘Iráq
The students of the Bahai Summer School in Baghdad have been extremely delighted and honored by the receipt of the blessed telegram which our Beloved Guardian has addressed to them in reply to the telegram they sent to him at the opening of the Summer School.
Our beloved Guardian has attached great importance to the question of the Bahá’í Summer School in ‘Iráq, and has impressed upon the N.S.A. the necessity of supervising the organization and working of this Bahá’í Educational Institution, on the same lines as those adopted by the Spiritual Assembly of The United States and Canada, based on instructions issued to them by the Guardian, in this connection.
The Guardian’s message was a
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source of a great encouragement to
the youths of Baghdad, and their
sincere efforts to raise the standard
of this Bahá’í Institution in its second
year of existence, whether from
educational or other point of view,
have certainly been crowned with
success.
There is no doubt that this Institution, which is of considerable importance to the Bahá’í World, is at present in its infancy, and its development and advancement to maturity will only depend upon the care and attention given to it by the believers, so that in course of time, these Summer Schools will turn into Bahá’í colleges, from which will graduate torch bearers of divine guidance, and messengers of love and peace to all humanity.
The subjects which our beloved Guardian has advised our Spiritual Assembly to teach at the Summer School have added an important matter to this year’s program, and have given same increased beauty and attractiveness, which had their best impression on the students.
Below is the program of this year’s Summer School, together with the names of the lecturers:—
History of the Bahá’í Cause, Adib R. Baghdadi.
Bahá’í Administvation and Justice, Nurrl-ddin Abbas.
Outstanding Events in the First Bahá’í Century, Munir Wakil.
The Future of the Bahá’í Cause, Aziz Sabur.
The Laws and Comments Thereon, Jamil Nadji.
Society Under the Bahá’í teachings, Hassan Safa’.
3. News From Haifa
We have learned from Irán that complying with the explicit request of the Guardian, the bodies of the two famous Bahá’í martyrs, known universally in the Bahá’í world as “the King of Martyrs” and “the Beloved of Martyrs,” as well as the remains of the renowned Bahá’í teacher, Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, have been transferred from their original burial place to the new Bahá’í cemetery of Isfahan. The transfer took place on the 27th of September, 1941, in the presence of eight members of the Spiritual Assembly of Isfahan, a representative of the Bahá’í National Assembly and a Bahá’í mason. An official
Bahá’í Exhibit, January 21, in Flower Shop at Ridgewood, N. J.
report describing in detail the
procedure of the transfer and the
exact position of the new tombs has
been signed by the above-mentioned
believers and sent to the Guardian
in Haifa.
One of the evil spirits who has tried for years to injure the Bahá’í Faith in Persia is known under the pseudonym of “Ayati,” his real name being “Aváreh.” He, at first, associated himself with the Cause and was, indeed, at one time, a Bahá’í lecturer and teacher. But his unstable character, coupled with a proud and rebellious nature, could not withstand the spiritual tests and trials that confronted him. The inner flimsy fabric of his soul collapsed. The outward mask of pretended loyalty and faithfulness to the Faith slipped down from his face, revealing the concealed mockery of sham behind it. He stubbornly put forward his own views about the Cause and his own interpretation of its Teachings. His waywardness increased day by day until it was turned into an open rebellion—a rebellion bristling with intense hatred and enmity not only towards the Faith itself, but towards the very person of its Founders. This naturally brought about his downfall and separation from the Bahá’í Community.
Thereafter, for many years and with tireless energy inspired by a consuming hatred, he engaged himself with heart and soul in various seditious activities with the avowed intention of maiming and crippling the Faith in Persia. Among those activities was the publication of a periodical called “The Saltcellar.”
Using his venomous pen, he ridiculed and vilified the Bahá’í Teachings in prose and verse. He filled his “Saltcellar” with foul calumnies and malicious slanders against the Founders of the Bahá’í Faith.
But seldom do such characters escape divine retribution on this earth. The state of ignominy and disgrace of “Ayati” is revealed by his own pen in the following note (translated from the Persian) which appeared in the newspaper called “The Weekly Star”—published in Ṭihrán—Vol. V. No. 1272 and dated Friday, 12 Esfandmáh, 1320 (March 6, 1942).
“My dear Editor,
“It has taken me a long time to render you homage and fealty and to express to you in writing the enthusiasm which was awakened in my heart by the kindling of your ‘Star’s’ light. But, believe me, for a person like Ayati who has reached senility, with the infirmities of old age upon him, and who is the subject of ignominy from all sides—instead of receiving relief and assistance—life is indeed a sorrowful burden for him. For over five years during which the publication of his magazine called the ‘Saltcellar’ was suspended, because of the crooked policy of the former regime, there was much hope and expectations run high during this new period concerning freedom of speech and freedom of the press. But it seems that I am ill-fated for as soon as I took up my pen and published two numbers of the ‘Saltcellar’, then all of a sudden the third number which was still unfinished, was confiscated at the printing press, by the orders of the governor of Yazd.”
