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Invitation to Learning by National Teaching Committee, United States

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[Page i]

INVITATION TO LEARNING

THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH

THE KITÁB-I-ÍQÁN The Book of Certitude

GLEANINGS FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

BAHÁ’Í WORLD FAITH SELECTED WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH and ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ

Some Answered Questions

FOUNDATIONS of WORLD UNITY ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ

God Passes by by SHOGHI EFFENDI

MESSAGES TO THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD 1950-1957 by SHOGHI EFFENDI

THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD 1950 - 1954 [Page ii]

INVITATION TO LEARNING THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH

God Passes by: NOCHI EFFENDI

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST 110 LINDEN AVENUE WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 1961

BOOKS FOR YOUR LIBRARY

THE KITAB-I-ÍQÁN, Bahá’u’lláh’s Book of Certitude, translated by Shoghi Effendi, sets forth the grand redemptive scheme of God. Explains some of the abstruse passages of Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures. $3.00

GLEANINGS FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, selected and translated by Shoghi Effendi, explains the meaning of true religion, the spiritual nature of man, and outlines the transformation of human society. $3.00

BAHÁ’Í WORLD FAITH, a comprehensive compilation of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Excellent to present as a gift to a student of the Faith, a library, or a new Bahá’í. $2.50

THE SECRET OF DIVINE CIVILIZATION by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, made as a direct appeal to the Persian people, contains the spiritual sociology needed by the whole world today. This new translation replacing Mysterious Forces of Civilization was requested by the Guardian. $2.50

SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS, an indispensable work of the Master’s used by every active teacher and student of the Faith. $3.00

FOUNDATIONS OF WORLD UNITY, a selection of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s addresses made during his Western journeys on the theme of spiritual foundations of world unity. Paper edition, $1.00; clothbound, $2.00

GOD PASSES BY, by Shoghi Effendi, referred to by Amelia Collins as "the finest flower of his mind, his masterful review of the first one hundred years of the greatest Dispensation vouchsafed by God to man on this planet..." $3.00

MESSAGES TO THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD: 1950-1957, includes the Guardian’s messages to the entire Bahá’í World Community, summary of World Crusade achievements, and his final appeals. $2.00

BAHÁ’Í WORLD VOLUMES official international record of Bahá’í activities. Includes selections from the sacred writings, an international directory, bibliography, and other useful sections. Excellent articles on subjects related to the Cause. Limited editions are published with no repeat printings. (See Literature Catalog for varying prices.) [Page iii] A Study Manual on the Basic Teachings of the ‎Baha'i Bahá’í‎ Faith

Prepared by The American National Teaching Committee 1961

©Copyright National Spiritual Assembly of the ‎Baha'is Bahá’ís‎ of the United States of America

Printed in the U.S.A. [Page iv]

FOREWORD

The primary purpose of this study manual is to provide an orderly and systematic presentation of basic information for those considering enrollment in the Bahá’í Faith. The material has been arranged to suggest brief references covering each topic with space provided for the student to write in a summary of the reference content.

When the student has completed study of all references suggested in the manual, he should have enough information to determine whether he wishes to become a Bahá’í as well as to satisfy the requirements for enrollment.

The manual may also be used as a workbook for Bahá’í study classes, and as a guide for the individual Bahá’í who wishes to deepen himself in the fundamental verities of the spiritual and administrative principles as well as the basic laws of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. [Page v]

RELIGION

	Page
DEFINITION OF RELIGION	1
PURPOSE OF RELIGION	1
THE THREE CONDITIONS OF EXISTENCE	1
THE MEANING OF PROGRESSIVE REVELATION	2
THE UNIVERSAL CYCLES	2

CENTRAL FIGURES IN THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH

	Page
THE BÁB (The Gate)	3
BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (The Glory of God)	3
‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ (The Servant of the Glory)	3

SOME TEACHINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

	Page
ONENESS OF MANKIND	4
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF TRUTH	4
FOUNDATION OF ALL RELIGIONS IS ONE	4
RELIGION MUST BE THE CAUSE OF UNITY	5
ESSENTIAL HARMONY OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION	5
EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN	5
ELIMINATION OF PREJUDICE OF ALL KINDS	5
UNIVERSAL PEACE UPHELD BY WORLD GOVERNMENT	6
UNIVERSAL COMPULSORY EDUCATION	6
SPIRITUAL SOLUTION TO THE ECONOMIC PROBLEM	6
A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE	6

THE COVENANT

	Page
THE WORD COVENANT DEFINED	7
THE THREE KINDS OF COVENANT	7
Covenant of God with Man - Ancient Covenant	8
Covenant of God with His Manifestation	9
Manifestation’s Covenant with Man - Lesser Covenant	10
THE BAHÁ’ÍS - PARTIES OF THE COVENANT	13
COVENANT BREAKING	14

[Page vi]

THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

GENERAL STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

PURPOSE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER . . . . . . . 15

SOURCE OF AUTHORITY

FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER . . . . . . . . . . . 15

BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTIONS (ADMINISTRATIVE)

THE GUARDIANSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Auxiliary Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE . . . . . . . . . . . 19

International Bahá’í Council . . . . . . . . . . . 20

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES . . . . . . . . . . . 21

LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

NINETEEN DAY FEAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

BAHÁ’Í FUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Local Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

National Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Huqúqu’lláh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Continental Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

NATURE OF BAHÁ’Í ELECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

BAHÁ’Í CONSULTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

THE KITÁB-I-AQDAS

GENERAL STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

LAWS OF THE KITÁB-I-AQDAS CURRENTLY

BINDING UPON BAHÁ’ÍS IN THE U. S. . . . . . . . . . 26

DAILY OBLIGATORY PRAYERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

ORDINANCE OF FASTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

BAHÁ’Í MARRIAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

DIVORCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

BURIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

‎ABSTENANCE ABSTINENCE‎ FROM ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES . . . . . 27

[Page vii]

PART VII

MEMBERSHIP IN NON-BAHÁ’Í ORGANIZATIONS

GENERAL STATEMENT	28
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP	28
MEMBERSHIP IN FREE MASONRY	28
POLITICAL PARTIES	28
OTHER NON-BAHÁ’Í ORGANIZATIONS	28

PART VIII

OTHER TEACHINGS AND EXHORTATIONS

SACRED OBLIGATION TO TEACH THE FAITH	29
OBLIGATION TO ENGAGE IN A TRADE OR PROFESSION	29
OBEDIENCE TO CIVIL GOVERNMENT	29
MAKING OF WILLS	29
BAHÁ’ÍS IN MILITARY SERVICE	29

PART IX

THE DIVINE PLAN

GENERAL STATEMENT	30
THE FIRST SEVEN-YEAR PLAN	30
THE SECOND SEVEN-YEAR PLAN	30
THE TEN-YEAR WORLD CRUSADE	31

PART X

BAHÁ’Í MEMBERSHIP

QUALIFICATIONS OF A TRUE BELIEVER

32

[Page viii]

REFERENCES

ADJ	Advent of Divine Justice
BA	Bahá’í Administration
BC	Bahá’í Community
BN	Bahá’í News
BNE	Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era
BWF	Bahá’í World Faith
CA	Covenant and Administration
DB	Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh
FWU	Foundations of World Unity
Gl.	Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
GPB	God Passes By
MA	Messages to America
MBW	Messages to the Bahá’í World
SAQ	Some Answered Questions
TM	Trustees of the Merciful
W&T	Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
WOB	World Order of Bahá’u’lláh

[Page 1]

RELIGION

1. Definition of Religion

"The outward act or form by which men indicate recognition of a God or Gods in whom obedience and honor are due; a system of Faith and Worship." (Webster)

"Religion is the outer expression of the Divine Reality."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, BWF, p. 224

2. The Purpose of Religion

	BNE, p. 164
Reference Summary:	BWF, pp. 224, 237-8, 270, 289

3. The Three Conditions of Existence

SAQ, pp. 267-269

Reference Summary:

a. Deity --

b. Prophethood --

c. Servitude -- [Page 2]

4. The Meaning of Progressive Revelation

BWF, pp. 224-228, p. 70 DB, p. 11, par. 1; p. 23, par. 2 (or WOB, p. 103, par. 1; p. 115, par. 2)

Reference Summary:

5. The Universal Cycles

FWU, p. 54

Reference Summary: [Page 3]

CENTRAL FIGURES IN THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH

1. The ‎Bab Báb‎ (The Gate)

DB, p. 31; p. 35, last par.

(or WOB, p. 123; p. 127, last par.)

BC, p. 1

Reference Summary:

2. Bahá’u’lláh (The Glory of God)

DB, p. 36, last par.;

(or WOB, p. 127, last par.)

BC, p. 2; BWF, p. 220

Reference Summary:

3. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (The Servant of the Glory)

DB, pp. 39-41; p. 44

(or WOB, pp. 131-2; p. 136)

BC, p. 4; BWF, p. 248, par. 1

Reference Summary:

[Page 4]

SOME TEACHINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

1. Oneness of Mankind       BWF, p. 246, par. 1

WOB, pp. 42-43

Reference Summary:

2. Independent Investigation of Truth       BWF, pp. 238-239, 246, 285, par. 3

Reference Summary:

3. Foundation of all Religions is One

a. The Manifestation and Progressive Revelation       BWF, pp. 70, 28-29

FWU, pp. 92-93

Reference Summary:

b. The Station of the Manifestation       BWF, pp. 22-23

Reference Summary:

c. Proofs of Prophethood       Gl., p. 105, last par.

FWU, p. 95, par. 2

Reference Summary:

[Page 5]

SOME TEACHINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

(Continued)

4. Religion Must be the Cause of Unity BWF, p. 247, first par.

Reference Summary:

5. Essential Harmony of Science and Religion BWF, pp. 240, 247, 286

Reference Summary:

6. Equality of Men and Women BWF, pp. 241, 247, 288

Reference Summary:

7. Elimination of Prejudice of all Kinds BWF, pp. 240, 247, 286

Reference Summary: [Page 6]

SOME TEACHINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

(Continued)

8. Universal Peace Upheld by World Government BWF, pp. 247-248 BWF, pp. 291-292 WOB, p. 204

Reference Summary:

9. Universal Compulsory Education BWF, p. 241, 247

Reference Summary:

10. Spiritual Solution to the Economic Problem BWF, p. 240, par. 3 BWF, p. 247, par. 7 BNE, p. 179

Reference Summary:

11. A Universal Language BWF, p. 241, par. 2 WOB, p. 203

Reference Summary: [Page 7]

THE COVENANT

The word Covenant defined Any Dictionary, or CA, p. 21

Reference Summary:

The Three Kinds of Covenant

There are three kinds of Covenant, all of which are adjuncts to the general Covenant of God:

1. The Covenant of God with Man, variously called "The Great Covenant," "The Greater Covenant," or "The Ancient Covenant;"

2. The Covenant of God with His Manifestations -- It is through this Covenant that God perpetuates His Covenant with man;

3. The Covenant of the Manifestation of God with His Followers - This Covenant is called the Lesser Covenant and has two forms that become distinct through Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation. It is through this Covenant that the Manifestation fulfills God's Covenant with Him. [Page 8]

THE COVENANT

(Continued)

1. The Covenant of God with Man - The Ancient Covenant

a. General Statement CA, pp. 1, 7

Reference Summary:

b. The Ancient Covenant - fulfilled by Bahá’u’lláh BWF, p. 77, par. 4; p. 79, last par.; p. 87, par. 2

Reference Summary:

c. Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation contains both a promise of greater things to come and the fulfillment of the promises enshrined in past Covenants.

BWF, p. 9, par. 1; p. 70, par. 1 Gl., p. 80; GPB, p. 100

Reference Summary: [Page 9] 2. The Covenant of God with His Manifestation

It is through this Covenant that God perpetuates The Ancient Covenant -- the Covenant of God with man. Each Revelation, including Bahá’u’lláh’s as well as those of the past, is the product of God’s Covenant with His Manifestation that He reveal God’s Word to the measure ordained by God.

a. General statement Gl., p. 79; BWF, p. 111; BWF, p. 76

Reference Summary:

b. Historical Example - God’s Covenant with Abraham Genesis XV, 18 BWF, p. 271

Reference Summary:

c. Covenant of God with Bahá’u’lláh that He reveal God’s Word for this Day Bahá’u’lláh, BWF, pp. 74-75, par. 1, under "The Covenant Thou Hast Established".

Reference Summary: [Page 10]

3. The Manifestation’s Covenant with Man - The Lesser Covenant

It is by means of this Covenant that the Manifestation of God maintains the continuity of the Ancient Covenant of God by (a) sanctioning the One Who preceded Him and (b) giving the glad tidings of His Successor’s coming.

This Covenant has two forms which become distinct with the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh:

(1) The Manifestation covenants with His followers that they accept the next Manifestation.

(2) The Manifestation covenants with His followers that they accept His immediate successor. Within this category is the successor’s Covenant that the followers accept him whom he designates should succeed him (as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did in His Will and Testament).

a. General Statement GPB, pp. 27-29

Reference summary: [Page 11]

THE COVENANT

(Continued)

3. The Manifestation’s Covenant with Man - The Lesser Covenant (Continued)

b. The Two Forms of Bahá’í Covenant

General Statement CA, IIa, par. 2, p. 12

Reference Summary:

(1) Bahá’u’lláh’s statement concerning the next Manifestation. WOB, p. 132

Reference Summary:

(2) Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant with the Bahá’ís that they accept ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as Centre of His Covenant.

Kitáb-i-‘Ahd cited WOB, p. 134

Kitáb-i-Aqdas cited WOB, p. 134

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement, WOB, p. 136;

WOB, pp. 358-359.

Reference Summary:

(a) Purpose of this Covenant BWF, pp. 357-358

Reference Summary:

(b) Uniqueness of this Covenant BWF, p. 248; GPB, p. 238

Reference Summary:

[Page 12]

THE COVENANT (Continued)

b. The Two Forms of Bahá’í Covenant (Continued)

(3) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Covenant with the Bahá’ís that they accept Shoghi Effendi as "The Guardian of the Cause of God" and the Administration after Him.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W&T, p. 11, par. 2

Reference Summary:

(4) The Legacy of Shoghi Effendi

After the passing of Shoghi Effendi in November, 1957, the Hands of the Cause certified that the Guardian had left no heir, and, bound by the provisions of the Master’s Will and Testament, could appoint no Guardian to succeed him since there were no living descendants of Bahá’u’lláh who were Bahá’ís.

In his last communication to the Bahá’í World, the Guardian designated the Hands of the Cause, "The Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh’s Embryonic World Commonwealth" and recalled their dual function of protection and propagation of the Faith. It is to the Hands of the Cause that the Bahá’ís now turn for direction and guidance in the completion of the Ten Year Crusade destined to culminate in the election of the Universal House of Justice.

Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 127, par. 2

Hands of the Cause, Proclamation by the Hands of the Cause to the Bahá’ís of East and West, BN, #323, January 1958, p. 1

Reference Summary: [Page 13]

THE COVENANT

(Continued)

4. The Bahá’ís -- Parties of the Covenant

Bahá’ís, to uphold their part of the spiritual contract -- the Covenant -- must obey the laws and ordinances of Bahá’u’lláh.

BWF, p. 126, par. 2

BWF, pp. 400-401, 404

Reference Summary:

a. High Station destined for true believer

WOB, p. 111, par. 3

BWF, p. 425, par. 1

Reference Summary:

b. Attainment of high station is dependent upon fulfillment of three conditions

(1) Firmness in the Covenant

BWF, pp. 425-26

(2) Fellowship and Love

BWF, p. 426

Reference Summary:

(3) Promotion of the Faith

BWF, p. 426

Gl. p. 278; BWF, p. 206

Reference Summary:

[Page 14]

5. Covenant Breaking

General Reference: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W&T, pp. 6-7

Reference Summary:

a. Meaning of Covenant-breaking W&T, p. 4; p. 8, last par.; pp. 20-21; BNE, p. 161, par. 1 and 2

Reference Summary:

b. What Happens to a Covenant-breaker BNE, p. 161 Historical Review: MBW, pp. 24, 28, 38, 120 W&T, pp. 12-13

Reference Summary:

c. True Believer’s Relationship to Covenant-breakers BWF, p. 448, par. 2; p. 430, par. 2; p. 431 BN, #179, January 1946, p. 1 W&T, p. 20; p. 25

Reference Summary: [Page 15]

General Statement

"The method of Bahá’í Administration, with its provisions for local, national and international units, is the most perfect plan for world-wide spiritual unity ever evolved..." Shoghi Effendi, ‎CA BA‎, p. 58

It (Administrative Order)... "Constitutes the very pattern of that divine civilization which the Almighty Law of Bahá’u’lláh is destined to establish upon earth." Shoghi Effendi, ‎CA BA‎, p. 52

"It (Administrative Order) will, as its component parts, its organic institutions, begin to function with efficiency and vigor, assert its claim and demonstrate its capacity to be regarded not only as the nucleus but the very pattern of the New World Order destined to embrace in the fullness of time the whole of mankind." Shoghi Effendi, WOB, p. 144

Purpose of the Administrative Order

"... The Spirit breathed by Bahá’u’lláh upon the world... can never permeate and exercise an abiding influence upon mankind unless and until it incarnates itself in a visible Order, which would bear His Name, wholly identify itself with His principles, and function in conformity with His Laws..." Shoghi Effendi, WOB, p. 19.

Source of Authority for the Administrative Order

WOB, pp. 156-157

Universal House of Justice

Reference Summary: its Source is Bahá’u’lláh.

Its shield + defender are the embattled Hosts of the Abhá Kingdom

Its Seed is the blood of no less than 20,000 martyrs who have offered up their lives that it may be born and flourish —

The axis round which its institutions revolve are the authentic provisions of the Will & Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá —

Its guiding principles are the Truths which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá so clearly enunciated in His Public Addresses throughout the West.

The Laws that govern its operation + limit its functions are those which have been expressly ordained in the ‘Aqdas

The Seat round which its spiritual - its Humanitarian + Administrative activities will cluster are the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and its Dependencies —

The pillars that sustain its authority and buttress its structure are the Twin Institutions of Guardianship and [Page 16] By their conduct & example Their deeds (of its present & future Guardians) They must needs establish ‎it its‎ Truth upon an unassailable foundation and transmit to future generations unimperishable evidences of its reality.

Bahá’í Institutions (Administrative)

Following are listed the primary administrative institutions of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh:

1. INSTITUTION OF GUARDIANSHIP

a. Source of Authority

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W&T, p. 11, par. 2

Reference Summary: Shoghi Effendi — in Will + Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá —

"After the passing away of this wronged one (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) It is incumbent upon the Aghsán (Branches: sons + descendants of Bahá’u’lláh), the Afnán (the Twigs: Relatives of the Báb) of the Sacred Lote-Tree (Manifestation), the Hands (Pillars) of the Cause of God + the Loved ones of the Abhá Beauty (the believers) to turn to Shoghi Effendi — the youthful branch, branched as He is the Sign of God, the chosen Branch — the Guardian of the Cause of God —"

b. Functions

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W&T, p. 11, par. 2; p. 12, last par.; p. 12, par. 2; p. 14, par. 3

Reference Summary: "He is the Expounder of the Words of God"

"He must appoint in His own life-time him that shall become his successor, that differences may not arise after his passing." "He directs the Body of the Hands — He must continually urge them to strive + endeavor to the utmost of their ability, to diffuse the sweet savors of God, + to guide all the peoples of the world —"

"Should the first-born of the Guardian of the Cause of God not manifest in himself the Truth of the words 'The child is the secret essence of its sire', that is, should he not inherit of the spiritual within him (the Guardian of the Cause of God) + his glorious lineage not be matched with a goodly character, then must he (the Guardian) choose another branch to succeed him."

NOTE: After the passing of Shoghi Effendi in November, 1957, the Hands of the Cause certified that the Guardian had left no heir, and, bound by the provisions of the Master's Will and Testament, could appoint no Guardian to succeed him since there were no living descendants of Bahá’u’lláh who were Bahá’ís. He has been made the permanent Head of the Univ: House of J.

In his last communication to the Bahá’í World, the Guardian designated the Hands of the Cause, "The Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh's Embryonic World Commonwealth" and recalled their dual function of protection and propagation of the Faith. It is to the Hands of the Cause that the Bahá’ís now turn for direction and guidance in the completion of the Ten Year Crusade destined to culminate in the election of the Universal House of Justice.

W.O.B. p. 150 The interpretation of the Guardian, functioning within his own sphere, is as authoritative + binding as the enactments of the International House of Justice. —

MBW, p. 127, par. 2; Proclamation by the Hands of the Cause to the Bahá’ís of East and West, BN, #323, January 1958, p. 1 [Page 17]

THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (Continued)

2. HANDS OF THE CAUSE

a. Source of Authority

WOB, p. 147

Reference Summary: "In the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh — In the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God which first Bahá’u’lláh and then ‘Abdu’l-Bahá brought into being"

b. Functions

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W&T, p. 13, par. 2

Reference Summary: "Protection + Propagation of the Faith"

1. To diffuse the Divine Fragrances
2. To edify the souls of men
3. To promote learning
4. To improve the character of all men.
5. To be at all times + under all conditions, sanctified + detached from earthly things.
6. They must manifest the fear of God by their conduct, their manners, their deeds and their words — "

c. Election of Hands to serve at Haifa and their primary functions

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W&T, p. 12

Reference Summary: "The Hands of the Cause of God must elect from their own number, 9 persons that shall at all times be occupied in the important services in the work of the Guardian of the Cause of God. The election of these 9 must be carried either unanimously or by majority from the company of the Hands of the Cause of God and these, whether unanimously or by a majority vote, must give their assent to the choice of the one whom the Guardian of the Cause of God hath chosen as his successor. This assent must be given in such wise as the assenting + dissenting voices may not be distinguished (i:e: secret ‎Ballat ballot‎)"

NOTE: In his last message dated October, 1957, the Guardian emphasized their dual function -- [protection and propagation] of the Faith. (Insert BN, November, 1957) [Page 18]

THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

(Continued)

A. The Auxiliary Boards -- Subsidiary Institution of the Hands of the Cause

(1) Appointment MBW, p. 58; p. 128, par. 1

Reference Summary:

(2) Functions MBW, p. 128

Reference Summary:

(3) Fund inaugurated to assist Hands and Auxiliary Boards MBW, p. 59

Reference Summary: [Page 19]

THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (Continued)

The Local as well as

3. THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

a. Source of Authority WOB, p. 5, last par.

Reference Summary: Kitáb-i-Aqdas

b. Functions ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W&T, pp. 14, 20;

WOB, pp. 149-150, p. 153, par. 1;

BA, p. 63

Reference Summary: To take counsel together regarding those things which have not outwardly been revealed in the Book + To enforce that which is agreeable to them - It hath power to enact laws that are not expressly recorded in the Book + bear upon daily transactions, so also it hath power to repeal the same. This it can do because these laws form no part of the Divine explicit Text. Its exclusive right + prerogative is to pronounce upon + deliver the final judgement on such laws + ordinances as Bahá’u’lláh has not expressly revealed -

c. When Elected Shoghi Effendi, WOB, p. 7, par. 2;

Message from Hands of the Cause,

November 30, 1958, (Insert, BN,

January 1959)

Reference Summary: Not until they (the National Houses of Justice of the East + West) are themselves fully representative of the rank + file of the believers in their respective countries, not until they have acquired the weight + the experience that will enable them to function vigorously in the organic life of the Cause, can they approach their sacred task, and provide the spiritual basis for the constitution of so august a body, in the Bahá’í World. // 3rd par.

d. How Elected ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W&T, p. 20, last par.;

universally elected + established - p. 11 Shoghi Effendi, WOB, pp. 7, 154

Reference Summary: “Upon the National Houses of Justice of East + West devolves the task, in conformity with the explicit provision of the Will, of electing directly the members of the International House of Justice -

Democratic Election by the Representatives of the Faithful”

[Page 20]

NOTE ON THE INTERNATIONAL BAHÁ’Í COUNCIL

The formation of the first International Bahá’í Council was announced by Shoghi Effendi in a cable dated January 9, 1951. Shoghi Effendi designated this appointed body the "forerunner of the supreme administrative institution (the Universal House of Justice)" which is destined to be "transformed into a duly elected body," to develop "into officially recognized Bahá’í court," to effloresce "into the Universal House of Justice," and to have its final fruition through the erection of the manifold auxiliary institutions constituting the world administrative center."

For full reference see Messages to the Bahá’í World, pp. 7-8; Bahá’í World, Vol. XII, p. 378

In a message from the Hands of the Faith dated November 2, 1960, published in Bahá’í News No. 357, p. 4, par. 5, December 1960, the Hands of the Faith called for the first election of the International Bahá’í Council.

A cable from the Hands of the Faith dated April 29, 1961, published in Bahá’í News No. 363, p. 10, June 1961, announces the election of the International Bahá’í Council. [Page 21]

4. THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

a. Source of Authority       WOB, pp. 5-6

Reference Summary:

b. Functions       BA, p. 40

Reference Summary: [Page 22]

5. THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

a. ‎Souce Source‎ of Authority

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W&T, p. 14, par. 3;

BA, p. 21; GPB, pp. 331-332

b. Functions

CA, pp. 63-64

Reference Summary: [Page 23]

THE WORLD ORDER OF Bahá’u’lláh

(Continued)

6. THE NINETEEN-DAY FEAST

a. Source of Authority      TM, pp. 10-11

Reference Summary:

b. Function (Three Parts)      TM, p. 11; BC, p. 27

Reference Summary: [Page 24] "Contributions to the Local & National Funds are of a purely voluntary character; that no coercion or solicitation of funds is to be tolerated in the Cause — that general appeals addressed to the communities as a body should be the only form in which the financial requirements of the Faith are to be met — W.O.B — 9 —"

"The institutions of the Local & National Funds have not only been established by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets He revealed to the Bahá’ís of the Orient, but their importance & necessity have been repeatedly emphasized by Him in His utterances & writings — W.O.B. p. 6 —"

"The financial support accorded to a very few workers in the Teaching and Administrative fields is of a temporary nature — W.O.B. p. 9 —"

7. THE BAHA’I FUND

a. Source of Authority: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, BA, p. ‎41 36‎. Purely & Strictly Voluntary in character.

Reference Summary: As the progress + extension of spiritual activities is dependent + conditioned upon material means, it is of absolute necessity that immediately after the establishment of Local as well as National Spiritual Assemblies, a Bahá’í fund be established, to be placed under the exclusive control of the Spiritual Assembly —

(1) The National Fund: BA, pp. 36-37, 47, 92, 41-42, 53-54, 101

Reference Summary: All donations & contributions should be offered to the Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express purpose of promoting the interests of the Cause throughout that locality or country — It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious & faithful servant of Bahá’u’lláh who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely & generously for the increase of that Fund. The members of the Spiritual Assembly will at their own discretion expend it to promote the Teaching Campaign, to help the needy, to establish Bahá’í Institutions, to extend in every possible way the educational sphere of service.

(2) The Local Fund: BA, p. 42

Reference Summary: I cherish the hope that all the friends, realizing the necessity of this measure, will bestir themselves & contribute however modestly at first, towards the speedy establishment and the increase of that Fund —

(3) The Huqúqu’lláh (Right of God): W&T, p. 15

Reference Summary:

(4) The Five Continental Funds: Bahá’í World, Vol. XII, p. 377, last par.; BN, (Insert) Nov. 1957

Reference Summary: [Page 25]

THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

(Continued)

The Nature of Bahá’í Elections CA, pp. 60-62

Reference Summary:

Bahá’í Consultation CA, p. 68, last par.

Reference Summary: [Page 26]

THE KITÁB-I-AQDAS (BOOK OF LAWS)

General Statement on the Kitáb-i-Aqdas

GPB, p. 218 BC, p. 10

Laws of Kitáb-i-Aqdas currently binding on Bahá’ís in the U.S.

a. Daily Obligatory Prayer

Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Prayers, p. 117 par. 1; BC, p. 11

b. Ordinance of Fasting

BC, pp. 12-13; BNE, p. 223

Reference Summary:

[Page 27] c. Marriage

(1) Monogamy BC, p. 11; GPB, p. 214

Reference Summary:

(2) Consent of Parents BNE, pp. 214-215; TM, pp. 19-22

Reference Summary:

(3) The Bahá’í Marriage Ceremony TM, pp. 19-20

Reference Summary:

(4) Divorce TM, p. 22, last par.

Reference Summary:

d. Burial TM, p. 23; BN, #278, April, 1954, p. 3

Reference Summary:

e. ‎Abstenance Abstinence‎ from Alcoholic Beverages ADJ, p. 27; BC, p. 11

Reference Summary: [Page 28]

MEMBERSHIP IN NON-BAHÁ’Í ORGANIZATIONS

1. Church Membership	BC, pp. 67-68 Bahá’í World Vol. XII, pp. 313-316
Reference Summary:
2. Membership in Free Masonry	BN, September 1955, p. 4
Reference Summary:
3. Political Parties	TM, p. 17; BC, pp. 69-70 Bahá’í World Vol. XII, pp. 306-312 BN, December 1940; August 1957
Reference Summary:
4. Other Non-Bahá’í Organizations	TM, p. 16
Reference Summary:

[Page 29]

OTHER TEACHINGS AND EXHORTATIONS

1. "Sacred Obligation to teach the Faith" W&T, pp. 10, 25

Reference Summary:

2. Making of Wills TM, p. 25; GPB, p. 214

Reference Summary:

3. Obligation to engage in trade or profession BWF, p. 195

Reference Summary:

4. Obedience to Civil Government W&T, p. 15; BA, p. 162; BWF, pp. 440, 446

Reference Summary:

5. Bahá’ís in Military Service Bahá’í World Vol. XII, pp. 316-318 BN, #240, February 1951, p. 2 BN, #247, September 1951, p. 4

Reference Summary: [Page 30]

General Statement

The Tablets of the Divine Plan, consisting of fourteen separate Tablets, were revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, during 1916-1917. In these Tablets ‘Abdu’l-Bahá designated the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada as the teaching agency chosen for an international mission.

Initiation of the Plan was held in abeyance until 1937 when the Guardian conferred upon the American Bahá’í Community the Mission of the First Seven-Year Plan -- "the first stage of that enterprise, which had been held in abeyance, for well nigh twenty years, while the administrative institutions of the Faith were slowly taking shape and were being perfected."

The First Seven-Year Plan was followed by The Second Seven-Year Plan in 1946.

The Ten-Year World Crusade inaugurated in 1953 established an intercontinental teaching plan involving all the existing National Spiritual Assemblies of East and West.

(For complete text see Tablets of the Divine Plan published by Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois)

1. The First Seven-Year Plan (1937 - 1944)

a. Objectives (2)

Reference Summary: MA, p. 7, par. 1 MA, p. 9, par. 1

2. The Second Seven-Year Plan (1946 - 1953)

a. Objectives (4)

Reference Summary: MA, pp. 87-88 [Page 31]

a. Four-fold Objectives

Reference Summary: MBW, p. 41, par. 2

NOTE: After 1963, successive stages and epochs are to follow "as far as the fringes of that Golden Age" (Shoghi Effendi, Challenging Requirements, p. 19)

"The Golden Age of the Faith itself that must witness the unification of all the peoples and nations of the world, the establishment of the Most Great Peace, the inauguration of the Kingdom of the Father upon earth, the coming of age of the entire human race and the birth of a world civilization, inspired and directed by the creative energies released by Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order... (GPB, p. 411, last par.) "...A civilization which posterity will, with one voice, acclaim as the fairest fruit of the Golden Age of the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, and whose rich harvest will be garnered during future Dispensations destined to succeed one another in the course of the five thousand century Bahá’í Cycle." (The Guardian's Message to the All-America Intercontinental Bahá’í Conference, May 4, 1953, last paragraph) [Page 32]

BAHÁ’Í MEMBERSHIP

Qualifications of a True Believer

Reference Summary: BA, p. 90