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[Page 1]

BAHA’I NEWS LETTER

THE BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Office of the Secretary

169 CHRISTOPHER STREET, NEW YORK CITY

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No. 3

March, 1925

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"That the Cause of God should, in the days to come, witness many a challenging hour and pass through critical stages, in preparation for the glories of its promised ascendancy in the new world has been time and again, undeniably affirmed by our departed Master, and is abundantly proved to us all by its heroic past and turbulent history. And yet, if it is the lot of the chosen ones of God, the people of Baha, to face adversity and suffer tribulation before achieving ultimate victory, are we to believe that whatever befalls us is divinely ordained, and in no wise the result of our faint-heartedness and negligence?"

Shoghi Effendi

To the Assemblies of the

United States and Canada:

Dear Bahá’í friends:

Many significant events are now taking place throughout the Bahá’í world. We ask all the friends to give their special attention at the present moment to the details of the Nayriz disaster, to the announcement of the National Bahá’í Congress and Convention of 1925, and to the recent appeal of Shoghi Effendi in behalf of the urgent need of the Temple, as given elsewhere in this NEWS LETTER.

If any sincere and well-informed servant of the Cause were to attempt to express the one fundamental subject to which the American should give their hearts and minds at this stage in the development of the Bahá’í Movement,- the one subject underlying every aspect of our individual and collective efforts of service—the resuit would be unquestionably the advice that each and every believer forthwith acquaint himself with the letters of Shoghi Effendi.

Since that day when, three years ago, we received the first communication from him whom Abdu’l-Bahá had left as His precious legacy to His friends and followers, the National Spiritual Assembly have spared no effort to place these general messages in the hands of each local Assembly. There can be no doubt but that the letters of Shoghi Effendi have become the strongest unifying influence around which the vital life of each Assembly has revolved. There can be no doubt but that the spiritual strength of each Assembly at the present time can be estimated entirely by the degree to which its members have acquainted themselves with these letters and attempted to found their Bahá’í activities upon the exhortations, the advices, the suggestions, and the decisions given us by the Guardian of the Cause.

Recognizing on the one hand, the difficulty, especially among the larger Assemblies, of studying these letters with sufficient attention so long as only one manuscript copy was available; and on the other hand the extreme importance to the Cause of having every believer make these letters of Shoghi Effendi an intimate part of his daily life, the National Spiritual Assembly have recently made a comprehensive series of exerpts from all the general letters of Shoghi Effendi written from January 21, 1922, to November 27, 1924, and arranged with the Publishing Committee to have these exerpts printed in booklet form.

This booklet, entitled, "Letters from Shoghi Effendi", will be ready for distribution by the time this NEWS LETTERS appears.

By the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Bahá we have been solemnly charged to bring no stain upon the radiant nature of the Guardian of the Cause. The first and essential response we can make to this inviolable command is to turn constantly to the letters of Shoghi Effendi and direct our every activity into the definite channels of spiritual and material service the Guardian has carved so deep and straight through the mental and anarchies of this troubled age. Apart from these channels there can be no effective unity, no sincere effort the Bahá’ís. Just as the spirit of man needs a human temple in order to achieve its eternal identity, so the universal spirit of the Revelation of God needs a world-wide unity in order to bestow its manifold blessings, visible and invisible, upon a suffering and distracted mankind.

How often, as the desolate ruins of the past remind us, has that Revelation descended only to be soon lost by the hearts of men for lack of a unity among the believers that could reflect its myriad rays of light--its significance to mind as well as to soul, its influence upon government and industry as well as upon the conduct of the individual believer.

Amid the differences of race, class, creed and character, necessarily existing throughout the body of the believers, no point of unity could ever arise to protect the Cause and insure its universal triumph apart from the center appointed by the Covenant itself and upheld by the authority of Baha'u'llah.

Every problem that now confronts us has its true solution in the letters of Shoghi Effendi. In those letters the all-conquering energy of the "spirit of the age" is communicated to every sincere heart. Let us make it our foremost endeavor to study these letters, to become penetrated by them without reserve, forgetting any and every limitation of our past, so that we may become worthy to receive in fullest measure the confirmations awaiting the friends of God.

Yours sincerely, in love of Abdu’l-Bahá,

National Spiritual Assembly,

By: HORACE HOLLEY,

Secretary.

[Page 2]

NATIONAL BAHA'I ASSEMBLY

MOUNTFORT MILLS, Chairman

ALFRED E. LUNT, Acting Chairman and Assistant Treasurer

HORACE HOLLEY, Secretary

FLORENCE MORTON, Treasurer

ELIZABETH GREENLEAF

MAY MAXWELL

AGNES S. PARSONS

SIEGFRIED SCHOPFLOCHER

ROY C. WILHELM

Office of the Secretary

169 CHRISTOPHER STREET

NEW YORK CITY

Office of the Treasurer

5 WHEELER AVENUE

WORCESTER, MASS.

NATIONAL BAHA'I FUND

Maintained by voluntary contributions made, as directed by Shoghi Effendi, to the National Treasurer and expended under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly. Assemblies and individuals are requested to send regular monthly contributions to National Bahá’í Fund, in care of Mrs. Florence Morton, 5 Wheeler Avenue, Worcester, Mass.

REPORT No. 5—FROM DECEMBER 4, 1924 TO JANUARY 22, 1925.

	CASH RECEIVED
Dec. 4	Balance from Report No. 5	$1,195.71
Dec. 4	Add check of Dec. 2, 1924, to Terminal Hardware, which was cancelled and corrected	400.00
Dec. 4	Contributions, December 4 to 31, 1924	1316.88
Dec. 4	Contributions, January 1 to 22, 1925	4721.55
		$7,634.14
	CASH PAID
Dec. 19	Edinger & Sons, 4 tons of coal for Temple	$68.60
Dec. 19	National Secretary, November expenses	28.20
Dec. 19	Terminal Hardware Co., lumber, supplies, for interior work on enclosure for meetings in winter in Temple	262.01
Dec. 20	William Murdock Co., Temple roofing contract	1500.00
Dec. 27	Mr. Vail, expenses for January, 1925	150.00
Dec. 27	Mr. Gregory, expenses for January, 1925	125.00
Dec. 27	International Bahá’í Fund for January, 1925	95.00
Dec. 29	Monthly expenses for Temple, Mr. Anderson's wages, telephone and small sundries	200.00
Dec. 29	Mr. Bourgeois' salary for December, 1925	250.00
Jan. 5	National Secretary, December expenses	76.48
Jan. 5	Penn Oil Co., heating oil for testing furnaces of Temple	40.05
Jan. 5	Alice Greenacre, lawyer, work on exemption of taxes	82.80
Jan. 9	Supplies and News Letter for Assemblies	91.09
Jan. 9	Tudor Press, March and April, 1924, Mr. Lunt Secretary	100.94
Jan. 15	Emergency call for help on Star	100.00
Jan. 19	Northern Trust Co., interest on Temple note	50.00
Jan. 22	Travelling expenses to New York-N.S.A.	40.00
Jan. 13	Exchange on Canadian check	1.50
		3,261.67
Jan. 23	Balance on hand on deposit in worcester Bank	$4,372.47
	Temple Balance	$1,615.47
	General Balance	2,757.00
	National Bahá’í Fund Balance	$4,372.47

RELIEF FOR BAHAIS AT NAYRIZ. PERSIA

On February 6, the National Spiritual Assembly received the following cablegram from Shoghi Effendi: “Flood destroyed 500 Bahá’í homes in Nayriz, Grave disaster. May America contribute her share." In response to this urgent appeal, the National Treasurer transmitted to Shoghi Effendi by cable within a few days, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars. Telegrams were immediately sent to the ten largest Assemblies asking them to make a special contribution to the National Fund by wire, if possible, in behalf of our Persian brothers and sisters. Up to February 22nd, nearly three thousand dollars had been received.

In addition to these telegrams, a letter was sent to the other local Assemblies in order that all the friends might share in the priviiege of ‘coming to the assistance of the homeless Bahá’ís.

As the result of tnis action we feel sure that several thousand dollars additional will be received by the National Fund, and the total amount which will eventually be placed at the disposition of Shoghi Effendi will not fail to be a clear evidence of spirit of helpfulness and also the deep sense of gratitude to the Persian Bahá’ís that exists among the American friends. Believers not members of any local Assembly are invited to contribute according to their means to this special fund. Not less valuable than the amount of our material assistance will be this unified expression of instant and cordial sympathy between two countries whose spiritual connection is so significant in this new age. On February 14th the National Spiritual Assembly received from Shoghi Effendi this acknowledgement of our contribution: "Both transfers received. Deeply appreciative."

1925 NATIONAL BAHA’I CONVENTION

By unanimous vote of the National Spiritual Assembly, the annual Convention will this year be held at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, on July 6th, 7th and 8th.

Two circumstances combine to make the National Convention this year especially important,- the fact that it is to be held in an environment so definitely blessed by Abdu’l-Bahá, so fully consecrated to a permanent service of the Bahá’í ideals, and recently referred to in such significant words by the Guardian of the Cause; and secondly the fact that the date has been advanced from Ridvan to a period when it will be possible for a far greater number of the friends to be present throughout the sessions.

In a later NEWS LETTERS will be given the essential details both as to the connection between Green Acre and the Bahá’í Cause and concerning the arrangements which are available at Green Acre for the hospitality of delegates and friends during the Convention. The preliminary announcement is made at this time in order that all the believers, and especially those who live at a distance, may plan their summer vacations as to include Green Acre for at least the period of July 6th, 7th, and 8th. May we not all hope that the Convention of 1925 will be an impressive evidence of the power of the Bahá’í Movement in this continent?

THE MASHRIQU'L ADHKAR

The December 1924 NEWS LETTER served to acquaint the friends with the exact details of the several contracts proposed by the Temple Committee and approved by the National Spiritual Assembly in order to safeguard the Foundation Hall of the Temple from deterioration and redeem the grounds from their present condition of unsightliness and neglect.

In approving these contracts, the [Page 3]National Spiritual Assembly made itself responsible for a minimum of $7075.00 to be paid from the National Bahá’í Fund on the Temple account this year. This amount represented the barest minimum actually required for the maintenance of the present Foundation Hall and by no means included any of that additional work which both the Temple Committee and the National Spiritual Assembly considered befitting the true progress of the Cause.

Up to the present time the National Treasurer has been unable to authorize the placing of more than a fraction of the work listed in our December NEWS LETTER, a condition which calls for decisive action on the part of every Assembly.

Not until the Foundation Hall and grounds have been made dignified and Beautiful; not until they have been placed in condition such as not merely to remove all source of criticism on the part of non-Bahá’ís, but to become the object of admiring and friendly interest among the thoughtful people of this country—will the Cause in America progress one single step in any direction.

We have accepted the Message as a power--as the only power--capable of bringing order and harmony into the world. In the construction of a material Temple we have consciously or unconsciously undertaken prove to the world what effect this Cause can have upon those who enter the circle of its influence. Step by step as the Temple arises to the fullness of its glorious beauty we can prove more eloquently than by any words what a new unifying spirit has come to earth in this age. Nothing could ever counteract the evidence of indifference or neglect in this enterprise so many years publicly proclaimed in every part of the world.

Abdu'l Bahá has said: “In fine, when travelling and journeying throughout the world, wherever one finds construction, it is the result of fellowship and love, while everything that is in ruins shows the effect of enmity and hate."

On February 10th the National Spiritual Assembly received this cablegram from Shoghi Effendi: "Urge believers to realize supreme necessity of immediate universal response to recent Temple appeal. Forwarding ninety-five pounds sterling."

It wiil not be overlooked by any of the friends that this contribution from Shoghi Effendi, amounting to nearly five hundred dollars, was made at the time when the Nayriz disaster was taxing every possible material resource. Could any circumstance more appealingiy remind us of our mutual responsibility in behalf of the Temple, or more urgently serve to quicken our vision of the significance which the Temple bears to the progress of the Cause in this country and perhaps throughout the world?

Will each local Spiritual Assembly straightway initiate a new and more vigorous method of contributing to the National Bahá’í Fund in order that every approved Temple contract may be placed without further delay.

NEWS OF THE CAUSE

After fifteen years of unique service to the Cause of interracial understanding and solidarity, the pioneer Bahá’í servant, Dr. Moody has arrived in this country for a visit of probably one year or until improved conditions in Tihran enable her to resume her work. Accompanied by Elizabeth Stewart, Dr. Moody landed at Boston en route from Haifa on Wednesday, January 14th.

The New York Assembly, through Miss Nellie Lloyd arranged a reception for Dr. Moody and Miss Stewart at the Hotel Waldorf Astoria, Sunday, January 18th, and the large Waldorf Gallery was crowded in anticipation of the privilege of Dr. Moody and Miss Stewart and hearing at first hand their remarkable story.

Calmly, yet with the dramatic emphasis always surrounds one who has actually participated in stirring events, Dr. Moody related her experiences in Tihran. None present will ever forget her vivid account of the splendid accomplishment of the Tarbiat Schools, the unfailingly ardent devotion of the Persian Bahá’ís, and the remarkable part played by Major Imbrie in saving the lives of thousands of the Persian believers, and probably also of Dr. Moody and Miss Stewart themselves, at the sacrifice of his own life. By the Persian friends Major Imbrie is held in reverent memory among those whose sacrifice has been of signal service to the Bahá’í Cause.

It is impossible in this brief space even to outline outline Dr. Moody's full story, which will surely be one of the most significant pages in the history of the Cause. We hope that Dr. Moody will describe her experiences at length for the inforrnation and also inspiration of all the believers, in the pages of the Bahá’í Magazine.

A letter has been received from our young Persian brother, A. Rahim Yazdi, secretary of the Bahá’í student group at the American University of Beirut, Syria. For the first time in the history this institution, the student body have been able to organize for the study of the Bahá’í teachings. These friends desire to receive communications from American Assemblies.

All those who were present at the Convention in Worcester, Mass., last year will recall the thrill of joy that followed the reading of a telegram from Bahaiyyih Khánum stating that Jinabi Fadil might continue his teaching in this country as the guest of the American Bahá’ís.

Following a summer of activity at Green and Dublin, New Hampshire, Jinabi Fadil and his family spent some weeks with the Philadelphia Assembly holding daily instruction classes and assisting in the preparation of the Philadelphia Amity Convention.

On his journey to the Pacific Coast, Jinabi Fadil passed a brief period at Chicago where he delivered a series of public lectures at the headquarters of the Chicago Assembly, speaking also each Sunday afternoon in the Foundation Hall of the Temple.

Preparations for Jinabi Fadil's activities throughout the Western States region had been energetically made by Mrs. Cooper, Chairman of the Western States Teaching Committee.

A letter from Adelaide Sharp, Secretary of the Denver Assembly, has brought most interesting details of the nine days spent by Jinabi Fadil in Denver. During this visit, Jinabi Fadil delivered ten public lectures at important centers which reveal the successful efforts of the friends in Denver. Among these centers were: Woman's Club, Theosophical Hall; Labor College, Grace Church Community Center; State Historical Society; Colorado Scientific Society; Young Women's Christian Association; and Iliff School of Theology (Methodist). An address on the customs and manners of Persia was also delivered before the students of the State University at Boulder, Colorado. Many interesting newspaper clippings accompanied the letter of the Denver secretary.

The program of activities at Butte, Montana, was somewhat restricted by the fact that our brother's visit coincided with election week, but the absence of constant public meetings enabled the friends to drink deeper from the inspiration of Jinabi's loving wisdom.

[Page 4]Writing of Jinbai Fadil's activities in Helena, Montana, our dear Bahá’í brother Fred Mortensen has beautifully expressed the feeling of the friends in every Assembly inspired by the presence of the great Persian Bahá’í teacher: "The magnetism of his devotion and the ardor of his ambition, to be constantly working in the Vineyard of Baha'u'llah, is a revelation and an inspiration to us, who seem as drones in comparison." While in Helena Jinabi Fadil spoke before the Kiwanis Club, to the patients of the Government Hospital, the Helena Trades and Labor Assembly, Helena High School, Mount St. Charles College (Catholic) and St. Vincent Academy (Catholic school for girls).

Arriving in Spokane, Washington, in the latter part of November, Jinabi Fadil several times addressed a newly established group known as "Constructive Thinking for Direct Help." Following this, addresses were given at the Business Women's Club, the Truth Church, Young People's Forum, Roosevelt School, and daily meetings at the Bahá’í Assembly room in the Kuhn Building. The Spokane friends report a great increase of interest in the Cause as the result of these lectures.

The periods from December 2nd to January first was spent with the Seattle Assembly which had arranged a daily program in their new headquarters at 41441/2 Fourteenth Street, N. E. and public lectures before many different societies and groups. Among these were Liberal Catholic Church, Trinity Hall, Besant Lodge, Sojourners of Truth Club, Seattle Auto-Science Club, Women's Educational CLub, and Progressive Thought Club. The friends will remember that it was Seattle, on Jinabi Fadil's last visit to this country, where the series of five little booklets reprinting Jinabi Fadil's public lectures were published by Mr. Hougen, Dr. Grant, the pastor of the Christian Spiritualist Church, told his congregation following one of Jinabi Fadil's addresses, "Make every effort to hear this wonderful teacher as often as you can."

The month of January was spent by Jinabi Fadil in Portland, Oregon, and it would be difficult to imagine a more varied and significant program than had been arranged for him by the Portland Assembly. The Civic League Club, Church of Truth, Kiwanis Club, Progressive Business Men's Club, First Divine Science Church, Spiritualist Church, Disarmament Forum, Theosophical Society, Women's Advertising Club, Sorosis Club, Portland Women's Research Club,-all these platforms gave Jinabi Fadil the opportunity to reveal one or another ray of the Sun of Truth. "The Forum", a weekly leaflet published by the Oregon Civic League, in its issue of January 7th, reported one of Jinabi Fadil's addresses in detail.

The activities of Jinabi Fadil in San Francisco during February will be given in detail in an early number of the NEWS LETTER. The San Francisco Assembly have recently taken a most significant step in the development of a true Assembly life by acquiring for their exclusive use a home at 2108 Scott Street. The San Francisco Bahá’í Home is open every afternoon for inquiries and public meetings are held Friday evenings and Wednesday afternoons.

The Fifth All-India and Burma Bahá’í Convention was held December 29th, 30th and 31st, at Bombay, public sessions being held daily with lectures on International Religion, Universal Peace, World-wide Social Reconstruction, and Dawn of a New Dispensation. Mrs. Inez Cook of the New York Assembly writes as follows: "The friends in Bombay gave us a warm welcome as we had a letter to the Assembly from Shoghi Effendi. We met a number of the friends from all the cities, as they had gathered for the Convention, but we were unable to attend the sessions as our boat accommodations could not be changed."

A letter from Miss Leonora Holsapple brings the interesting news that she and Miss Maud Mickle have established a Bahá’í center in Bahia, Brazil. Meetings are held each Wednesday evening in Portuguese, and on Sundays in English. A reference library of Bahá’í literature is available and the Cause has begun to spread in a most remarkable way.

Miss Agnes Alexander is now serving the Cause in Honolulu, and the secretary of the Honolulu Bahá’í Assembly reports a great enlargement of their activities. Mrs. Anthony Y. Seto holds Wednesday evening meetings at the home of Mrs. S. A. Baldwin, and Friday afternoon meetings are held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. George J. Augur.

A Unity Feast for the Western New York Assemblies was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harlan F. Ober, Buffalo, on Saturday evening, January 17th. Believers from Geneva and Rochester were present, as well as members of the Buffalo Assembly. This Feast signalizes a new and most enthusiastic spirit of service on the part of the friends throughout Western New York and many public meetings have already been planned.

Letters from Shoghi Effendi This booklet can now be obtained for 20 cents each {postage 5 cents additional} from the Bahá’í Publishing Committee. P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York City.

On Friday, February 6th, the New York Assembly held a Nineteen Day Feast in St. Mark's Hall, followed by a reception to Mrs. Grace Krug and Mr. and Mrs. Ali Kuli Khan, just arrived from Haifa. The return of these distinguished and capable believers after several year's absence, brought a great stimulus to the New York Assembly, of which about two hundred attended the Feast. The New York Assembly on this occasion were the guests of Mrs. Grace Krug, Mrs. May Maxwell and Mrs. Florence Schopflocher.

Copies of a local newspaper published in Los Angeles have been received containing a series of three articles by our energetic and gifted brother, Ahmad Sohrab. In the preparation of these articles Ahmad had taken the opportunity created by a previous article on the subject of the expectation felt by many people of the coming of a World Messiah, to give Abdu'l Baha's own criterion of how the World Master is to be recognized when He comes. It was part of the necessary limitations imposed upon him in writing these articles that Ahmad Sohrab made no definite reference to the Manifestation of Baha'u'llah.

The January issue of the Bahá’í Magazine, Star of the West, is developed around the idea of spiritual education, and its various articles and quotations from Abdu'l Bahá present this important subject in a way which should make this issue of the Star of permanent usefulness. It is hoped that the friends will secure many additional copies to give to those who they know are interested in education as the basis of the news age. The February number, just received, is if possible even more finely organized around the teachings and progress of the Cause. No believer out of touch with the Bahá’í Magazine can possible realize what an effective teaching medium the Cause now possess in this country. It would be an excellent service if each Assembly could place copies regularly in local libraries, schools and similar places.

[Page 5]

LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI

For recognized believers only

To the beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful throughout the West.

MY DEAR FRIENDS: From various reliable reports, recently received from Persia, it is becoming increasingly evident that this most unhappy country is passing through yet another crisis of extreme violence and far-reaching results. The growing instability of its affairs, the unceasing turmoil caused by conflicting personalities and factions, the economic stagnation of the country, are all signs that are highly disquieting to every well-wisher of Persia. These evidences of discontent may conceivably lead to an upheaval that might react most unfavorably on the fortunes of the Movement in Persia.

Already the exigencies of the present political life of the country have brought about a gradual recrudescence of religious fanaticism which, in its stubbornness and ferocity, can hardly find a parallel even in the semi-civilized countries of the world. I have just received a communication addressed by the secretary of the Qaghan Spiritual Assembly to the National Assembly of Persia, dated January 7th, and recording the following facts: "In the village of Qamsar, not very far from Tihran, a Persian, Aqa Rida by name, embraces the Bahá’í faith. His friends and relatives are indignant and furious. They determine to persecute him. He is several times beaten severely and injured. They secure the sanction of the local Mulla to enable his wife, without obtaining a divorce, to marry another man. This unhappy person hastens desperately to Qashan and appealing to local authorities seeks and obtains temporary and partial relief. A few days ago, the son of a Mulla, Aqa Ahmad by name, visited Qamsar. Mischief-makers instantly incite him to humiliate, torment, and even murder the miserable convert. He immediately orders his arrest. His agents without notice and in a barbaric manner break into the house of a believer called Nasru-'llah, accuse him of having sheltered his co-religionist, and command him to deliver the refugee immediately. Unsatisfied by his protestations and emphatic assurances, they start to search his house, violate the privacy of his home, enter the chamber of his wife, find her lying in bed having given birth to a child the night before, approach her, violently expose her, and shamelessly injure her to the point of almost ending her life. They then turn to her wretched husband and, with the aid of clubs, sticks, and chains pitilessly mutilate his body. Fallen unconscious, they leave him, thinking him dead, and continue their search. Having fully investigated the matter they find that the husband was right after all and that Aqa Rida had fled to Mazkan. Reinforced by two Siyyids they immediately resolve to pursue him, and arriving in the village suddenly make their appearance at a meeting where the Bahá’ís were gathered and there instantly recognize their victim. They mercilessly drag him out, bind his hands behind his back, thrust him to the front, and with their whips, chains, and the butt end of their rifles drive him on to Qamsar. The Bahá’í woman in the vicinity, alarmed and grief-stricken, run after these heartless villains, and with loud lamentations vainly implore their mercy. Annoyed by their wailing they fire at them and disperse them. They drag him to Qamsar till at last he is brought before the Mulla's son who orders him to recant. But this ardent devotee, though young in faith refuses to yield and with remarkable fortitude and sublime composure disdains the threats and insults of his enemies. The Mulla's son, angry and exasperated, gives order first to throw him into the river, then to tie him to the trunk of a tree and inflict on him the most severe corporal punishment. The people, however, with unutterable cruelty drag him through the streets into the main throughfare and start to force handfuls of straw into his mouth and with blows and kicks strive to compell him to swallow. They then befoul his face with filth. Finally they so disgrace and dishonor him and resort to such vile methods that the pen would shrink from recording the further unspeakable indignities to which this unfortunate man was subjected. . ."

A previous communication addressed to me by the same National Spiritual Assembly and dated October 22nd, reveals a parallel incident: "In Farahan, province of Iraq-i-Ajam, an old believer, Ride-Quli Khan, who for years past had at the instigation of the fanatical clergy suffered humiliations and heavy losses at the hands of the mob, proceeded a few days ago to Sultan-Abad in order to renew his complaints to the provincial authorities. Profiting by his absence, a band of ruffians break into his house at night in order to carry away any valuable property. His wife, an expectant mother, is awakened and offers resistance. Armed with poignards they rush on her and inflict on her in a most brutal fashion several mortal wounds. They even proceed to murder her son and are only prevented from doing so by the cry of the neighbors who rush forth to intervene."

In the province of Fars, Yazd, and Khurasan similar cases of atrocities and outrageous conduct have been witnessed. Houses have been sacked, property confiscated, homes destroyed. In addition to the murder of the American Consul in Tihran, we know of three Bahá’ís who in the course of the past year have suffered martyrdom. A considerable number have deserted their homes and belongings, and, panic-stricken, have either migrated to another province or sought refuge in neighboring mountains.

To this sad tale of unbridled cruelty must be added the devastation caused by the recent floods which have destroyed nearly half of Nayriz including five hundred houses which belonged to the Bahai's of that town.

Mindful as we are of the repeated and emphatic injunctions of our beloved Abdu'l Bahá scrupulously avoid meddling by word or deed with the political affairs of Persia, we cannot but feel gravely concerned at the plight and the perilous position of a vast number of our brothers and sisters in that beloved yet most backward countries. Whilst we disassociate ourselves with the confused political aspirations of the contending factions in Persia, we should, if we be faithful to our trust, watch carefully every development in the situation, and by every lawful and legitimate means strive to alleviate the sufferings of our patient friends and ensure the protection of our Sacred Cause.

Free from every desire to be offensive or provocative, without seeking in the least to accuse or denounce any nation or individual, we should as much as it lies in our power broadcast the true facts of the situation. We should intelligently endeavor to enlighten the public opinion of the world on these ugly incidents and incredible happenings that will stain for ever the memory of this twentieth century civilization.

[Page 6]Conscious as all Bahá’ís are, of the absolute necessity and wisdom of non-resistance and abiding loyalty to the sovereign authority in the land they live in, we can have but one recourse and can appeal for redress only to the recognized authority in whose jurisdiction such-glaring offences are being committed. You will gather from the above-mentioned reports how grievous and perplexing the situation is at present. You will realize with horror the shameless brutality of the ignorant masses as well as the insatiable hostility and unrestrained power of the clerical element. You will admire the tenacity of faith and the spirit of magnificent heroism displayed with undiminished splendor by those who only recently have adhered to the Cause.

Should the friends on the spot fail to obtain redress and this calamitous condition continue unchecked, I will then inform you by cable, and request your National Spiritual Assemblies to communicate both by cable and letter with the recognized authority in Persia. You will in the name of all the Bahá’ís in your respective countries demand that prompt and effective action be taken for the protection and well-being of your fellow-workers in Persia. Any grievance that is submitted should be supported by evidence based on the actual facts of the situation: It should be expressed and presented in a sober yet firm language, should be conciliatory in tone, and moving in it's appeal. We must make it abundantly clear that in giving publicity to these disgraceful and atrocious acts, the Bahá’ís the world over are in no wise animated by a hostile and revengeful spirit, that their purpose is not to retaliate nor to accuse or offend any soul, but only to ensure the safety and tranquility of law-abiding, devoted and patriotic citizens.

And having resorted to very practical and legitimate means for that end, and done our best, through prayer and supplication, to mitigate the endless sufferings of our dear ones in Persia, let us rest assured of the high destiny of their sorely-tried fatherland. Let us also remember that having done our duty rewards them whatever else befalls Persia is truly ordained from on high and is but the means for the working out of His purpose for that chosen country. Let us finally recall His promise that in the fullness of time the Government of Baha'u'llah's native land will be universally recognized as the most honored of all earthly governments, that its sons will be so raised in esteem of mankind as to become the envy and the admiration of all the world.

I feel confident that my dearly-beloved friends throughout the West, desirous to maintain the growing solidarity of the Cause, and fully alive to the critical conditions in Persia, will arise to do their utmost for the immediate relief as well as the ultimate deliverance of their long-suffering expectant in Persia.

Your brother and fellow-worker,

(signed) SHOGHI.

Haifa, Palestine; March 3, 1925.

P. S. Copies of this circular should be distributed only among declared believers, and extracts from it may be published in the Press. (SHOGHI.)