National Bahá’í Review/Issue 117/Text
Message from House of Justice to Iranian Bahá’ís[edit]
To the dear Iranian believers resident in other countries throughout the world
In these tumultuous days when the lovers of the Best Beloved are remote from their homeland, associating with their fellow-believers in other lands, and participating in the services of the loyal supporters throughout the world, we felt it necessary to convey our thoughts to those distinguished friends, with absolute sincerity and affection, and invite them to that which we believe can guarantee their tranquillity and happiness, as well as their eternal salvation and redemption; so that with firm steps and sure hearts they may, God willing, withstand the onslaughts which have and will afflict all the countries of the globe. Thus they may fix their gaze on the dawn of the fulfilment of the soul-vitalizing promises of God and remain certain that behind these dark clouds the Sun of the Will of God is shining resplendent from its height of glory and might.
Before long these dark clouds of contention, negligence, fanaticism, and rebellion shall disperse, the day of victory shall dawn above the horizon, and a new age shall illumine the world. It should not be surmised that the events which have taken place in all corners of the globe, including the sacred land of Iran, have occurred as isolated incidents without any aim or purpose. According to the words of our beloved Guardian: “The invisible hand is at work and the convulsions taking place on earth are a prelude to the proclamation of the Cause of God.” This is but one of the mysterious forces of this supreme Revelation which is causing the limbs of mankind to quake and those who are drunk with pride and negligence to be thunderstruck and shaken. To the truth of this testifies the sacred verse: “The world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order,” and the repeated warnings of the Pen of the Most High, such as:
“The world is encircled with calamities. Even if at times some good may be evident, it is inevitable that a great calamity followeth—and yet no one on earth hath perceived its origin.”
“The world is in travail and its agitation waxeth day by day. Its face is turned towards waywardness and unbelief. Such shall be its plight that to disclose it now would not be meet and seemly. Its perversity will long continue. And when the appointed hour is come, there shall suddenly appear that which shall cause the limbs of mankind to quake. Then and only then will the Divine Standard be unfurled and the Nightingale of Paradise warble its melody.”
Similarly, the Pen of the Centre of the Covenant has repeatedly prophesied the intolerable calamities which must beset this wayward humanity ere it heeds the life-giving Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
“Chaos and confusion are daily increasing in the world. They will attain such intensity as to render the frame of mankind unable to bear them. Then will men be awakened and become aware that religion is the impregnable stronghold and the manifest light of the world, and its laws, exhortations and teachings the source of life on earth.”
Every discerning eye clearly sees that the early stages of this chaos have daily manifestations affecting the structure of human society; its destructive forces are uprooting time-honoured institutions which were a haven and refuge for the inhabitants of the earth in bygone days and centuries, and around which revolved all human affairs. The same destructive forces are also deranging the political, economic, scientific, literary, and moral equilibrium of the world and are destroying the fairest fruits of the present civilization. Political machinations of those in authority have placed the seal of obsolescence upon the root-principles of the world’s order. Greed and passion, deceit, hypocrisy, tyranny, and pride are dominating features afflicting human relations. Discoveries and inventions, which are the fruit of scientific and technological advancements, have become the means and tools of mass extermination and destruction and are in the hands of the ungodly. Even music, art, and literature, which are to represent and inspire the noblest sentiments and highest aspirations and should be a source of comfort and tranquility for troubled souls, have strayed from the straight path and are now the mirrors of the soiled hearts of this confused, unprincipled, and disordered age. Perversions such as these shall result in the ordeals which have been prophesied by the Blessed Beauty in the following words: “Every day a new calamity will seize the earth and a fresh tormenting trial will appear.” “The day is approaching when its (civilization’s) flame will devour the cities.”
In such an afflicted time, when mankind is bewildered and the wisest of men are perplexed as to the remedy, the people of Bahá’, who have confidence in His unfailing grace and divine guidance, are assured that each of these tormenting trials has a cause, a purpose, and a definite result, and all are essential instruments for the establishment of the immutable Will of God on earth. In other words, on the one hand humanity is struck by the scourge of His chastisement which will inevitably bring together the scattered and vanquished tribes of the earth; and on the other, the weak few whom He has nurtured under the protection of His loving guidance are, in this formative age and period of transition, continuing to build amidst
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these tumultuous waves an impregnable stronghold which will be the sole remaining refuge for these lost multitudes. Therefore, the dear friends of God who have such a broad and clear vision before them are not perturbed by such events, nor are they panic-stricken by such thundering sounds, nor will they face such convulsions with fear and trepidation, nor will they be deterred, even for a moment, from fulfilling their sacred responsibilities.
One of their sacred responsibilities is to exemplify in their lives those attributes which are acceptable at His Sacred Threshold. Others must inhale from them the holy fragrances of the homeland of Bahá’u’lláh, the land which is the birthplace of self-sacrificing martyrs and devoted lovers of the Omnipotent Lord. They must not forget that Bahá’ís throughout the world expect much from the Iranian believers. They should hearken to the life-giving clarion call which their Peerless Beloved has given to the friends in Iran:
"It is the wish of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and that which attracts His good-pleasure, and indeed it is His binding command that Bahá’ís, in all matters, even in small daily transactions and dealings with others, should act in accordance with the Divine Teachings. He has commanded us not to be content with lowliness, humility and meekness but rather to become manifestations of utter nothingness and selflessness. Loyalty and fidelity, compassion and love are exhortations of old. In this supreme Dispensation the people of Bahá are called upon to sacrifice their very lives. Notice the extent to which the friends have been required, in the Sacred Epistles and Tablets as well as in our Beloved’s Testament, to be righteousness, well-wishing, forbearing, sanctified, pure, detached from all else save God, severed from the trappings of this world and adorned with the mantle of a goodly character and divine attributes. Before all else they must sanctify their hearts and purify their motives, otherwise all efforts in furthering any enterprise will be fruitless. They must eschew affectation and imitation, for every man of understanding will instantly detect their loathsome odour. They must not neglect the special time they should set aside for meditation, reflection and prayer, for without the blessings and confirmations of God, success, progress and development are difficult, nay, impossible. You cannot imagine what influence is exerted on the hearts of men by genuine love, sincerity and purity of motive, but such an effect can only be produced when strivings and efforts are made every day by every individual. Let not the stranger, the envious and the enemy have cause to attribute the sublimity of the Faith in the past and in its early days to the appearance of outstanding and sanctified souls and the perseverance of martyrs whose absence today implies the necessary decline, weakening, scattering and annihilation of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh."
We beseech God to aid and assist them daily to centre their attentions on these divine admonitions and to tread the path of faithfulness so as to secure abiding happiness.
Another of the sacred responsibilities of the believers is their spiritual commitment to serve God’s Sacred Threshold at all times and under all conditions so that they may dedicate the few, fleeting days of their lives—particularly in this age of transition—to the Cause of God, unmindful of the vicissitudes of fortune, trusting in Providence, and relieved of worries and anxieties. Witness what joyful tidings the Pen of the Most High has given to such blessed souls:
"Whatsoever occurreth in the world of being is light for His loved ones and fire for the people of sedition and strife. Even if all the losses of the world were to be sustained by one of the friends of God, he would still profit thereby, whereas true loss would be borne by such as are wayward, ignorant and contemptuous. Although the author of the following saying had intended it otherwise, yet We find it pertinent to the operation of God’s immutable Will: ‘Even or odd, thou shalt win the wager.’ The friends of God shall win and profit under all conditions, and shall attain true wealth. In fire they remain cold, and from water they emerge dry. Their affairs are at variance with the affairs of men. Gain is their lot, whatever the deal. To this testifieth every wise one with a discerning eye, and every fair-minded one with a hearing ear."
Yet another sacred duty is that of clinging to the cord of moderation in all things, lest they who are to be the essence of detachment and moderation be deluded by the trappings of this nether world or set their hearts on its adornments and waste their lives. If they are wealthy they should make these bestowals a means of drawing nigh unto God’s Threshold, rather than being so attached to them that they forget the admonitions of the Pen of the Most High. The Voice of Truth has said: "Having attained the stage of fulfillment and reached his maturity, man standeth in need of wealth, and such wealth as he acquireth through crafts or professions is commendable and praiseworthy in the estimation of men of wisdom." If wealth and prosperity become the means of service at God’s Threshold it is highly meritorious, otherwise it would be better to avoid them. Turn to the Book of the Covenant, the Hidden Words, and other Tablets, lest the cord of your salvation become a rope of woe which will lead to your own destruction. How numerous are those negligent souls, particularly from among your own compatriots, who have been deprived of the blessings of faith and true understanding. Witness how, no sooner had they attained their newly-amassed wealth and status, than they became so bewitched by them as to forget the virtues and true perfections of man’s station. They clung to their empty and fruitless life-style. They had naught else but their homes, their commercial success, and their
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Bahá’í National Review[edit]
ornamental trappings of which to be proud. Behold their ultimate fate. Many a triumphal arch was reduced to a ruin, many an imperial palace was converted into a barn. Many a day of deceit turned into a night of despair. Vast treasures changed hands and, at the end of their lives, they were left only with tears of loss and regret. "...all that perisheth and changeth is not, and hath never been, worthy of attention, except to a recognized measure." Therefore the people of Bahá must not fall prey to the corruption of the ruthless but rather cling to contentment and moderation. They must make their homes havens for the believers, folds for their gatherings and centres for the promulgation of His Cause and the diffusion of His love, so that people of all strata, whether high or low, may feel at home and be able to consort in an atmosphere of love and fellowship.
Another sacred responsibility of those dear Iranian friends now living abroad is to consult with the Assemblies and Bahá’í Institutions so that their settlement in needy areas may help the establishment and consolidation of the Faith. They must serve on the pioneer front wherever they reside. They must not allow themselves to be drawn to and congregate in areas where their relatives or friends reside, unaware of the pioneering needs of the Faith. Praised be God that, through the blessings of the Greatest Name, the believers have been imbued with a love and unity which transcends the ties of kinship and friendship and overcomes the barriers of language and culture. Therefore there is no need for the Iranian friends to congregate in one place. Often such a congregation creates problems. For example, should the number of Iranians exceed the number of native believers in a community, they would inadvertently bring about such difficulties as might appear to others as a religion which is limited and peculiar to Iranians. This could but lead to a waste of time and the disenchantment of both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís. Under such circumstances the dear Iranian friends would neither enjoy their stay in that place nor would they be able to serve the Faith in a befitting manner. It is our ardent hope that, wherever possible, the Iranian friends may settle in those towns or villages which are pioneering goals, so that through their stay the foundation of the Cause may be strengthened. They must encourage each other to pioneer and disperse in accordance with the teaching plans wherever they reside, and sacrifice the happiness and joy which they may othewise obtain from companionship with each other for the sake of the vital interests of the Cause.
Another of the sacred duties incumbent upon the believers is that of avoiding participation in political discussions and intrigues which have become popular nowadays. What have the people of Bahá to do with political contention and controversy? With absolute certainty they must prove to the world that Bahá’ís, by virtue of their beliefs, are loyal citizens of whatever country they reside in and are far removed from the machinations of conspirators and the perpetrators of destruction and chaos. Their ideal is the happiness of all the peoples of the world and sincere and wholehearted service to them. In administrative positions they are obedient to their governments and carry out their duties with the utmost honesty and trustworthiness. They regard no faction as superior to another and prefer no individual above another. They oppose no one, for the Divine Pen has prohibited sedition and corruption and enjoined peace and harmony upon us. For more than a century Bahá’ís have proven by their deeds that they regard servitude and service to their fellow man as being more worthy than the privileges of power which can be gained from politics. In administering their own affairs, they rely on God rather than on the influence of those in power and authority. Particularly in these days when the enemies of the Faith have afflicted the Cause in the sacred land of Iran with the darts of calumny and slander on every side, the dear Iranian friends should be vigilant, both in their contact with other Iranians abroad and with people in general, and behave in such a way as to leave no doubt as to the independence and non-alignment of the Bahá’ís and their good will to all people, whether in Iran or elsewhere. They must not give a new excuse to cause trouble to those mischief-makers who have always sought to further their own unworthy ends by making the Bahá’í community a target for their malicious accusations.
O beloved of God, and compatriots of the Abhá Beauty! Your relationship to the Blessed Perfection merits befitting gratitude. Having appreciated the true value of so inestimable a bounty, your forefathers regarded the offering of their lives in the path of their kind Beloved as easy to make. They were put in chains, became captives of the sword, lost their homes and belongings, yet no sound was heard from their lacerated throats but the cry of "Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá" and "Yá ‘Aliyyu’l-A‘lá." The vibration of the sound of that same soul-burning cry gradually noised abroad the call of this world-illuminating Great Announcement and the ringing notes of that call resounded in all regions of the world, and now too, the beloved friends in Iran, who are the devoted dwellers in the courtyard of the Beloved, stand firm in the same Covenant and Testament. Behold the courage, firmness, detachment, unity, cooperation, zeal, and enthusiasm with which these loyal lovers of the Beloved daily face their tests and prove and demonstrate to the world, with radiant and shining faces, their purity, their heritage, their quality, and their virtue. With the utmost meekness, truthfulness, wisdom, and courage they meet the challenges presented to them, the challenge of defying the enemies, dispelling misunderstandings which are a result of the proliferation of calumnies and false accusations. They have met their fate with acquiescence, have bowed their heads in the valley of submission and resignation, and have borne every tribulation with radiance, for they know with absolute certainty that the fulfilment of divine prophecies will coincide with dire events and the bearing of innumerable afflictions. The beloved Guardian says: "If in the days to come, [Page 4]
adversities of various kinds should encircle that land and national upheavals should further aggravate the present calamities, and intensify the repeated afflictions," the dear friends in that country should not be deflected "from their straight path and chosen highway." He then continues to address the dear friends in these words:
"The liberation of this meek and innocent band of His followers from the fetters of its bondage and the talons of the people of tyranny and enmity must needs be preceded by the clamour and agitation of the masses. The realization of glory, of tranquillity, and of true security for the people of Bahá will necessitate opposition, aggression and commotion on the part of the people of malevolence and iniquity. Therefore, should the buffeting waves of the sea of tribulation intensify and the storms of trials and tribulations assail that meek congregation from all six sides, know of a certainty and without a moment's hesitation that the time for their deliverance has drawn nigh, that the age-old promise of their assured glory will soon be fulfilled, and that at long last the means are provided for the persecuted people of Bahá in that land to attain salvation and supreme triumph. A firm step and an unshakeable resolve are essential so that the remaining stages may come to pass and the cherished ideals of the people of Bahá may be realized on the loftiest summits, and be made manifest in astounding brilliance. 'Such is God's method, and no change shalt thou find in His method.'"
That is why those royal falcons who soar in the firmament of God's love have arisen with such joy, tranquility, and high dignity that their serenity has become a magnet for the attraction of the confirmations of the Concourse on High and has brought such a resounding success to them as has astonished and startled the people of Bahá throughout the world. Others have been inspired by the example of those treasured brethren to renew their pledge to their All-Glorious Beloveed and to serve His Sacred Threshold with high endeavour. Thus they endeavour, as far as possible, to make good the temporary disability of the believers in Iran. Inspired by the courage, constancy, sincerity, and devotion of those enamoured friends in the path of their Beloved, they are increasing their services and renewing and strengthening their resolve so that they may arise in the arena of the love of God as it beseems true lovers. That is why in these days the followers of the Greatest Name in different parts of the world have undertaken to win new victories in remembrance and on behalf of their dear friends in Iran. They have made new plans and their efforts have been confirmed with resounding success, which they attribute to the influences of the high endeavours and the constancy of the friends in the Cradle of the Faith. What then will you do, dear friends who come from the sacred land of Iran? You are the birds of that rose-garden. You should sing such a song that the hearts of others will rejoice with gladness. You are the candles of that Divine Sanctuary. You should shed such a light that it will illumine the eyes of the intimates of God's mysteries. Our eager hearts in these days are expectant to see the rays loyalty and integrity from amidst these dark and threatening clouds, so that your blessed names, like those of your self-sacrificing compatriots, may be recorded in gold upon the Tablets of Honour. This is dependent upon your own high endeavour.
THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE February 10, 1980
Counsellors and the Continental Bahá’í Fund[edit]
To all Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and Individual Believers in the United States
Beloved Co-workers—Concerning the Continental Bahá’í Fund for the Americas
The communication of November 3, 1980, from the Universal House of Justice, addressed to the Bahá’ís of the world announcing the appointment of the Counsellors to serve on five Continental Boards of Counsellors throughout the world, is now well known to all of us.
In a letter of the same date the International Teaching Centre referred to this development as "...this latest step in the unfoldment of the divinely-ordained Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh." The letter from the Universal House of Justice included the following thought-provoking paragraph:
"Events of the most profound significance are taking place in the world. The river of human history is flowing at a bewildering speed. Age-old institutions are collapsing. Traditional ways are being forgotten, and newly-born ideologies which were fondly expected to take their place, are withering and decaying before the eyes of their disillusioned adherents. Amidst this decay and disruption, assailed from every side by the turmoil of the age, the Order of Bahá’u’lláh, unshakeably founded on the Word of God, protected by the shield of the divine Covenant and assisted by the hosts of the Concourse on High, is rising in every part of the world."
We have all noted that whereas there were, in the past, thirteen Boards of Counsellors in the world, there are now five Boards, each having expanded territories to service. Instead of three Boards of Counsellors in the Western Hemisphere serving South, Central and North America respectively, there is now one Board known as the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Bahá’í Faith in the Americas.
Referring to the changes implemented by the Supreme Body, the International Teaching Centre, addressing the Counsellors, observed "Great possibilities for richer service vibrate in these new
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provisions. Yours is the inestimable privilege and blessing to explore, exploit and marshall these possibilities." The sixteen Counsellors serving on the Board of Counsellors in the Americas humbly beseech your prayers as they aspire to be worthy of the trust placed in them by the Universal House of Justice.
The Fund that supports the work of the Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members throughout the Americas will now be known as the Continental Bahá’í Fund for the Americas. Beloved Edna True who served with distinction for 12 1/2 years as Counsellor and Trustee in the North American zone is generously allowing the continued use of her home in Wilmette as an office for the Continental Fund. Accordingly, there is no change in the address to which contributions may be sent.
One significant change, however, is that donations, so generously provided in the past by the friends in North America will now support the services of the Counsellors-Auxiliary Board institutions in all the Americas. How precious indeed is this privilege! Contributions may be made payable to The Continental Bahá’í Fund and sent to the following address:
CONTINENTAL BAHÁ’Í FUND 418 FOREST AVENUE WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
Once again the Counsellors ask for your prayers as they work in close collaboration with the National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the Americas and in support of the plans and directions set by these beloved Generals.
With deepest affection, Lloyd G. Gardner, Trustee Continental Bahá’í Fund for the Americas
Cohabitation, companionate marriage in light of Bahá’í teachings[edit]
Cohabitation can be defined as the sharing of a common residence by members of the opposite sex who are unmarried or otherwise unrelated by immediate family ties.
In many quarters it has become commonplace for couples to live together without having consecrated and formalized their union by spiritual and legal means.
The Bahá’í Faith views such relationships as immoral, and affirms that marriage is the only relationship through which physical intimacy between a couple should occur.
Cohabitation also assumes other forms. Bahá’í youth, for example, have been known to share a common residence on teaching projects or when traveling. Even when properly chaperoned, such arrangements can create the impression of immorality.
The guiding principle that applies in all such cases is that the conduct of Bahá’ís must be completely beyond reproach and must stand in sharp contrast to the current practices of society, whose values are thoroughly confused and stray so far from the Divine Standard.
The friends must realize that the Bahá’í world is raising up the standards of morality from the depths to which they have fallen and that a chaste and holy life, as the beloved Guardian explained, "can tolerate no compromise with the theories, the standards, the habits, and the excesses of a decadent age." (For further references on living a chaste and holy life, please see The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 24-28, and The Dynamic Force of Example, pp. 93-98)
Certainly it would be unacceptable for Bahá’í youth to share the same residence without chaperones; and when they attend weekend events in numbers, arrangements should be made so that the men are housed in one area or building and the women in another. In such cases Assemblies or District Teaching Committees sponsoring the event should give careful consideration to the housing accommodations and advise the youth accordingly.
Another example of cohabitation is the sharing of a residence by individuals of the opposite sex who are of considerably different ages. In such cases the Local Assembly must determine if an impression of immorality or wrongdoing is being fostered and, if so, instruct the believers involved to make other arrangements.
An instance that is seldom considered but to which Bahá’ís should nonetheless be attentive is the common practice of men and women visiting each other alone in their respective homes, apartments, or dormitory rooms. Such visits often create the appearance of promiscuity, especially when they extend late into the evening. Bahá’ís should avoid placing themselves in such situations, even when there is not the least trace of promiscuity.
Attending marriage ceremonies[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to call to the attention of the friends the following statement written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice advising them not to attend marriage ceremonies of believers who are marrying contrary to Bahá’í law if the violation is known beforehand:
"Further to your letter of September 5, 1974, the Universal House of Justice has now had an opportunity to consider your question about believers attending weddings of Bahá’ís who are marrying contrary to Bahá’í law, and we have been asked to convey to you the following:
"If it is known beforehand that a believer is violating such laws, it would be inappropriate for the friends to attend the ceremony. This is out of respect for Bahá’í law. However, if, without realizing the situation, believers find themselves in attendance at a ceremony in the course of which it is apparent that such a violation is occurring, they should not make an issue of it."
(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, "Australian Bahá’í Bulletin," No. 243, September 1975, p. 4)
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True significance of the period of the Bahá’í fast[edit]
"Prayer and fasting is the cause of awakening and mindfulness and conducive to protection and preservation from tests." — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in Bahá’í World Faith
"As regards fasting, it constitutes, together with the obligatory prayers, the two pillars that sustain the revealed Law of God. They act as stimulants to the soul, strengthen, revive, and purify it, and thus insure its steady development.
"The ordinance of fasting is, as is the case with these three prayers, a spiritual and vital obligation enjoined by Bahá’u’lláh upon every believer who has attained the age of fifteen. In the Aqdas He thus writes: 'We have commanded you to pray and fast from the beginning of maturity; this is ordained by God, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers. He has exempted from this those who are weak from illness or age, as a bounty from His Presence, and He is the Forgiving, the Generous.' And in another passage He says: 'We have enjoined upon you fasting during a brief period, and at its close have designated for you Naw-Rúz as a feast... The traveler, the ailing, those who are with child or giving suck, are not bound by the fast... Abstain from food and drink, from sunrise to sundown, and beware lest desire deprive you of this grace that is appointed in the Book.'
"Also in the 'Questions and Answers' that form an appendix to the Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh reveals the following: 'Verily, I say that God has appointed a good station for fasting and prayer. But during good health its benefit is evident, and when one is ill, it is not permissible to fulfill them.' Concerning the age of maturity, He reveals in the appendix of that same book: 'The age of maturity is in the fifteenth year; women and men are alike in this respect...'
"The fasting period, which lasts nineteen days starting as a rule from the second of March every year and ending on the twentieth of that same month, involves complete abstention from food and drink from sunrise till sunset. It is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires." — Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, Bahá’í News, March 1936
Consent for marriage from parents living abroad[edit]
In increasing instances, Bahá’ís or their prospective non-Bahá’í mates wishing to marry have parents who reside in places outside the continental United States.
The verification of parental consent under these circumstances must be ascertained through the National Spiritual Assemblies, since for obvious reasons a Local Spiritual Assembly would not normally by able to verify such consent.
Should a Local Assembly receive written permission directly from parents abroad, the National Spiritual Assembly must be consulted for verification before the marriage can take place.
Individuals, or Local Assemblies acting on behalf of individuals, may contact the National Spiritual Assembly concerning consent. Local Assemblies should not write directly to National Spiritual Assemblies in other countries.
Two approaches are open to those concerned:
By direct request of their offspring, the parents can communicate their consent to the National Spiritual Assembly within whose jurisdiction they live. That National Assembly would then inform the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S., which, in turn, would relay the information to the Local Assembly concerned.
Alternately, the couple could request that the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. communicate their request for parental consent through the National Spiritual Assembly of the country in which the parent or parents reside.
In this instance, detailed information should be given to the National Assembly, such as the full names and addresses of the parents, whether they are Bahá’ís, the name and religion of the prospective mate, and any other particulars the applicant wishes the parents to consider.
This second approach is most effective in countries where the Bahá’ís have difficulty in communicating freely with the outside, such as Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. It also is effective if the parents are non-Bahá’ís.
Purpose of National Review[edit]
The Bahá’í National Review is a publication through which the National Spiritual Assembly informs enrolled Bahá’ís of important matters of national policy and explains various teachings of the Faith. It should be carefully studied and preserved for further reference and instruction. Local Spiritual Assemblies, in particular, should keep all the issues of Bahá’í National Review on hand in a ready reference file.
The Bahá’í National Review is for Bahá’ís only and is to be distinguished from The American Bahá’í, which contains news of events taking place in the American Bahá’í community and is written for the enjoyment and inspiration of the Bahá’ís. While it is permissible to share The American Bahá’í with friends who are close to the Faith, the Bahá’í National Review is for registered Bahá’ís only and therefore should be removed from The American Bahá’í before the latter is shown to anyone else.
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Relationship of Counsellors, Auxiliary Boards[edit]
On June 21, 1968, the Universal House of Justice announced to the Bahá’í world the establishment of the institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors, an institution that would insure the extension into the future of the functions of protection and propagation vested in the Hands of the Cause of God.
At that time the Auxiliary Boards, which had been in existence since 1954 functioning under the direction of the Hands of the Cause, were placed under the direction of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.
Thus the Auxiliary Boards, one for the protection and one for the propagation of the Faith, are an auxiliary institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors whose functions are to protect and propagate the Cause of God. The members of the Auxiliary Boards are appointed by and serve under the direction of the Continental Boards of Counsellors, and act as their deputies, assistants and advisers.
The tasks of assisting in watching over the security of the Cause, protecting it from its internal and external enemies, and of insuring the constant propagation of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh cover, in general, the functions of the Auxiliary Board members-functions they also share with the Local and National Spiritual Assemblies. Their duties include furthering the interests of and assisting in the execution of the Plans put into motion by the Universal House of Justice, lending impetus to and strengthening the teaching work, the preservation and consolidation of the victories won, and the development of the distinctive character of Bahá’í life.
The Auxiliary Board members are called upon to work directly with the individual believers, Groups, and Local Spiritual Assemblies, encouraging, advising and stimulating them in the work of the Cause; assisting them in their development and growth; helping them to deepen in their understanding of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and to act in accordance with His laws and principles; encouraging them to contribute freely to the various Funds of the Faith; urging their full support and devoted participation in plans adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly; and impressing upon them the need to be unified under all circumstances.
The Universal House of Justice announced in its message dated October 7, 1973, to the Bahá’ís of the world that it had taken two decisions designed to reinforce and extend the services of the Auxiliary Boards in order to meet the growing needs of an ever-expanding Bahá’í world community. The first raised the number of Auxiliary Board members throughout the world to 270, of whom 81 would serve in the Western Hemisphere. Second, the Universal House of Justice decided to give to each Continental Board of Counsellors the discretion to authorize individual Auxiliary Board members to appoint assistants to help them in the discharge of their duties.
Believers appointed as assistants to Auxiliary Board members can serve at the same time on administrative institutions, and are appointed for a limited period, with the possibility of reappointment.
One of the main functions of the Auxiliary Board and its assistants is to help bring into being and consolidate Local Spiritual Assemblies.
Individual believers and Local Spiritual Assemblies are encouraged to contact the members of the Auxiliary Board for assistance in the expansion and consolidation of work and for advice and assistance in matters concerning the protection of the Faith.
Importance of writing a last will and testament[edit]
According to the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, it is incumbent upon every Bahá’í to write a will during his lifetime to provide for the disposition of his property after his death as well as to give instructions concerning his burial.
A will is particularly essential if you desire the Bahá’í Faith to have a share of your property. You can use it also to record your wishes for the proper disposition of your Bahá’í literature, files and records, and to include a provision that will ensure that your children receive Bahá’í training.
There is no standard will form approved by the National Spiritual Assembly. Besides variations in the law from state to state, there are single Bahá’ís, married Bahá’ís, Bahá’ís with children, Bahá’ís who have personal property, Bahá’ís who have real property, and Bahá’ís who have both; no form could be devised that would cover all of these various circumstances.
A person preparing a will should contact an attorney. The cost should not be great, and it is the only way to be sure that in your particular set of circumstances your wishes will be carried out.
Before visiting your attorney you should have all the personal information on yourself, your family, your relatives, and your beneficiaries. You should have all the facts concerning your property, whether real, personal or mixed; you should identify the location of your safe-deposit box (if you have one), insurance policies, profit-sharing plans, pensions, etc., the name and address of the person you wish to be your executor, trustee or guardian, and any special provisions that you, as a Bahá’í, might want in your will. Neither the Local Spiritual Assembly nor the National Spiritual Assembly should be named as executor of your will.
A believer should have a special provision in his will for burial in accordance with Bahá’í laws. It should be spelled out in the will that the place of burial must be within one hour's travel from the place of death, that cremation is forbidden, and
[Page 8]
that the body is not to be embalmed unless required by state law.
The requirements of a Bahá’í burial binding on Western believers are basically three-fold. First, the body should be interred within one hour's journey from the place of death. Second, the body should not be embalmed unless required by state law (each Assembly should be familiar with state requirements for burial without embalming, as there may be special stipulations concerning the treatment of the body, such as a sealed casket or burial within 24 hours). Third, the body must not be cremated. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated that "The body of man, which has been formed gradually, must similarly be decomposed gradually."
In response to various questions asked by the friends, the beloved Guardian and the Universal House of Justice have clarified certain matters. One may receive a Bahá’í funeral regardless of whether he is a Bahá’í or possesses his administrative rights. The decision as to whether the casket should be open or closed is up to those making the arrangements. (Since the body is not to be embalmed, an open casket could be difficult to arrange.)
Any individual Bahá’í or group of Bahá’ís may conduct the funeral service, as we have no clergy. The service may consist of prayers, general readings, and music, if desired.
The tombstone or grave marker may have a nine-pointed star or rosetta. The word "Bahá’í" may be on the marker, either by itself or within the rosetta or star. An appropriate extract from the Writings is also permissible. The marker should not contain the Greatest Name, ringstone symbol, or the burial ring inscription upon it. At this time the requirement to wear the burial ring (now available from the Publishing Trust) is not binding upon the American believers.
It should be noted that the congregational prayer for the dead (see Prayers and Meditations, pp. 260-61) and the burial ring are meant to be used by those who have attained the age of maturity (15 years). Children who have yet to reach this age are under a special bounty and and compassion (see Some Answered Questions, pp. 278-79).
A Bahá’í can give his or her body to medical science as long as the conditions that all Bahá’ís must observe are met, e.g., treating the body with respect, no cremation, burial within an hour's journey from the place of death, and so on. There are no prohibitions against donating organs for use in transplants. A Bahá’í may be buried in a vault if it is desired.
The Bahá’ís do not seek out their own cemeteries, as all people return to the same God. However, Bahá’ís are sometimes excluded from cemeteries of other religions so it becomes necessary for Bahá’ís to purchase land for this purpose.
If a person is single and without family or on welfare, a Local Spiritual Assembly may find itself in a difficult position, since the person's assets are frozen and the Assembly has no funds to pay for the funeral and burial.
Assemblies would be well-advised to discuss in advance arrangements with believers and local authorities, where appropriate, making whatever legal arrangements are necessary, so that burial arrangements can be made without complication. Leaving provisions for burial in one's will often proves ineffective, since the will is usually read after the funeral.
Significance of new Bahá’í calendar and the Intercalary Days[edit]
The Báb showed the importance of the new Age which He came to announce by starting a new calendar. Bahá’u’lláh upheld this new measurement of time for the world of today and tomorrow.
The Bahá’í year has 19 months and each month has 19 days. This comes to 361 days. However, the earth takes 365 1/4 days in its journey around the sun. That means there are four days (five in "leap years" that is, every fourth year) that must be added or put into the calendar. This is the meaning of the word "intercalary" (pronounced in-TER-ka-la-ry). The Intercalary Days are between the 18th Bahá’í month (February 7-25) and the 19th Bahá’í month (March 2-20).
The Intercalary Days, called "Ayyam-i-Há," have been named by Bahá’u’lláh as days to be specially devoted to hospitality, to the giving of presents, to visiting and looking after the sick and the poor. These days and activities are both a joyous time of fellowship and service to others, as well as a time of preparation for the spiritual experience of the Fast that follows immediately after the close of Ayyam-i-Há.
First comes the happy expression of Bahá’í love and brotherhood carried out in acts of kindness toward others, and then comes the time of the Fast when we Bahá’ís seek our full ration of spiritual food through special remembrance of God. Based on a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Bahá’í News (U.S. Supplement), p. 2, February 1967
Guidance for Bahá’ís visiting the Holy Land[edit]
Bahá’ís traveling to Israel for any reason, and particularly those wishing to visit the Bahá’í Shrines and Holy Places at the World Centre, must first have the permission of the Universal House of Justice. You may write or cable to seek permission. The address is Box 155, Haifa 31 000, Israel.
Important notice[edit]
Assembly secretaries and Group correspondents—Please include your telephone numbers at home and at work on all correspondence sent to the Bahá’í National Center. Thank you.
Bahá’í Publishing Trust[edit]
Domestic PRICE LIST/ORDER FORM EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15 - AUGUST 15, 1982[edit]
ORDERED BY: Name Address City State Zip Home Phone No. Work Phone No.
SHIP TO: (if different) Name Address City State Zip
VISA MASTERCARD INTERBANK# (MASTERCARD ONLY) EXP. DATE: ACCT.#
Ship 4th class. I realize it might take 8 weeks. Ship UPS. Someone will be at the shipping address to receive the package in 2-4 weeks.
signature
Personal order with check or money order enclosed Community librarians order with check enclosed Community librarians order so please charge the community account no
MASTERCARD AND VISA ACCEPTED ON PHONE ORDERS CALL TOLL FREE 800-323-1880
FEEL FREE TO PHOTOCOPY THIS FORM AND USE IT INDEPENDENT OF THE PRICE LIST.
Qty. Stock Number Title Price Amount
Make check or money order payable to: Bahá’í Publishing Trust And send the order to: 415 LINDEN AVENUE WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091.
- For 4th class add 10% (MINIMUM $1.50)
- For UPS add 15% (MINIMUM $2.00)
- If you are a librarian we will bill you for the exact amount.
TOTAL OF ITEMS ABOVE TOTAL FROM PAGE 8 ORDER TOTAL SHIPPING AND HANDLING* GRAND TOTAL
Literature and Related Materials[edit]
Works of Bahá’u’lláh[edit]
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf 103-001.. cloth. . .11.00
Gleanings from Writings of Bahá’u’lláh 103-003. .. . cloth. . . . .11.00
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, The 103-005. . . . . cloth... 5.00
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, The 103-006, paper (Temporarily out of stock)
Kitáb-i-Iqán: The Book of Certitude 103-008. . . . . cloth... .14.00.
Kitáb-i-Iqán: The Book of Certitude 103-028. . . . . paper.. 7.00
Mission of Bahá’u’lláh, The 303-009. . . . . paper. .50
Prayers and Meditations 103-010. . . . . cloth. .11.00
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, The 103-012. . . . . cloth.. .10.00
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, The 103-013. . . . . paper. . . . . . 5.00
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh 303-024. . . . . cloth. . . . . .10.00
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh 303-023. . . . . paper. . . .... 5.00
Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys 103-015. 1.50
Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys. cloth. 103-016. . paper. 2.50
Synopsis of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas 103-020. . . . . cloth. 4.00
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh 103-021. cloth.. .11.00
Works of the Báb[edit]
Selections from Writings of the Báb 105-050. . . . . cloth... . 9.00
Works of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
Christ’s Promise Fulfilled 106-001. . . . . paper. 3.00
Foundations of World Unity 106-003. . . . . cloth. .10.00
Memorials of the Faithful 106-012. cloth. .10.00
Paris Talks 106-015. . cloth. 9.00
Paris Talks 106-016. paper. 4.50
Secret of Divine Civilization, The 106-006. . . . . cloth. . . . . .10.00
Selections/Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 106-025. . . . . cloth. . .11.00
Selections/Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 106-026. . . . . paper. ... 6.00
Some Answered Questions 106-037. . . . . cloth. .11.00
Some Answered Questions 106-038. paper. 6.00
Tablets of the Divine Plan 106-010. . cloth. .11.00
Tablets of the Divine Plan 106-011.. ... paper. 5.50
Traveler’s Narrative, A 106-027. . . . . cloth. .10.00
Traveler’s Narrative, A 106-028. .... paper. 5.00
Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 106-020. . . . . paper.. 1.50
Works of Shoghi Effendi[edit]
Advent of Divine Justice, The 108-001. . . . . cloth. .10.00
Advent of Divine Justice, The 108-002. . . . . paper. . 5.00
Bahá’í Administration 108-004. cloth. (Temporarily out of stock)
Bahá’í Administration 108-005. ...paper. 5.50
Call to the Nations 108-050. . . . . cloth. 6.50
Call to the Nations 108-051. ..paper. 3.50
Citadel of Faith 108-006.. .. cloth. .11.00
Citadel of Faith 108-007. .. paper. 5.50
God Passes By 108-010. . . cloth. .12.50
God Passes By 108-011. . . . . paper. 6.50
Messages to the Bahá’í World 108-015. . . . . cloth. .10.00
Promised Day Is Come, The 108-017. .. cloth. .11.00
Promised Day Is Come, The 108-018. ..paper. 5.50
Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi 308-043. . . . paper. ... .. 1.50
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, The 108-020. . . cloth... ..11.00
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, The 108-021, paper (Temporarily out of stock)
The Universal House of Justice[edit]
Constitution/Universal House/Justice 225-002. . . . . paper. . 1.50
Messages: 1968-1973 225-008. . . . . cloth. . . . . .10.00
Messages: 1968-1973[edit]
225-009. ...paper. 5.00
Mighty River, A
Seven Year Plan, The
415-061. . . . . paper. 1.00
225-051. . . . . paper.
Wellspring of Guidance 1.50
National Spiritual Assembly, The
215-042. . . . . paper. 3.00
225-005. . cloth. .10.00
Political Non-Involvement & Obedience
Wellspring of Guidance
315-063. . . . . paper. . 1.50
Prayer Books[edit]
225-006, .... paper..
Bahá’í Prayers General Audience:
315-005.
Bahá’í Prayers (Combined) 5.00
Quickeners of Mankind
215-068. . . . . paper. 4.00
Special Measure of Love, A
215-047. . . . . paper 1.50 . cloth.
Bahá’ís: 5.00
Spiritual Foundations.
215-066. ....paper. 1.50
Various Aspects of the Bahá’í Faith
115-007. . cloth.
Bahá’í Prayers (Combined)
115-008. . paper. 6.00 1.50
Communion with God (Large Type Edition)
315-011. . . . . paper. . . . . 1.50
Bahá’í Prayers/Tablets for the Young
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Center of the Covenant
331-037. . . . . paper. .....5.95
Another Song, Another Season
332-037. 332-052. ..paper...SALE. 2.00
Babf and Bahá’í Religions ... cloth.
Bahá’í: Follower of the Light
Children:[edit]
.28.50
315-054. ... cloth. 5.00
331-096. ..... paper. . . 3.00
O God, Guide Me!
Bahá’í Faith: Introduction (G. Faizi)
352-048. . . . . paper. 3.00
231-059. ..paper.. 1.50
Bahá’í Faith, The (Perkins)
Prayer Cards[edit]
332-065. ... paper. 4.00
Children's Prayers.
306-035. 10/1.00
Bahá’í Faith, The: The Spirit Way
440-004. ..1.50
Mission of Youth
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.
353-017.. 10/1.50
231-004. . . cloth. . . .13.00
"Thy Name Is My Healing"
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.
303-025.. 10/1.00
231-005.. paper.. 2.00
Compilations[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh: The King of Glory
332-047. . . cloth. . . .22.50
Bahá’í Education: A Compilation
Buddha Maitrya-Amitabha Has Appeared
215-059. . paper.. 4.00
332-026. . paper. . .12.50
Bahá’í Holy Places at the World Centre
Circle of Unity
215-002. ... cloth.. . 2.00
441-009. .1.00
Bahá’ Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast
215-056. ... . paper. 2.50
Bahá’í World Faith
315-020... .cloth .10.00
Bahá’í Youth: A Compilation
215-045. . . . .paper. 2.00
Centers of Bahá’í Learning
Concordance to The Hidden Words, A
368-052... . . paper... ... 6.00
Counsels of Perfection
332-033. cloth. .SALE 3.00
Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akká
332-041. . . . . paper. . 3.00
215-058.. ...paper 1.50
Consultation: A Compilation
215-064. ... .paper. . 1.50
332-018. . . . . cloth.
Dawn Over Mount Hira
332-019. .SALE 4.50 . paper. . .SALE 2.00
Continental Board of Counselors, The
Dawn-Breakers, The
215-067. . paper. . 4.00
331-053. .. . . cloth. .20.00
Divine Art of Living, The
Dawn-Breakers, The
315-023. .. . paper. 3.50
331-054. ...paper. .10.00
Individual and Teaching, The
215-060.. .paper 2.00
Local Spiritual Assembly, The
215-040.....paper. .. 1.50
Explanation of Emblem of Greatest Name:
365-014. . . . .leaflet. ... 1.00
[Page 12]
From Strength to Strength
332-030. ... . paper. 4.50
God Loves Laughter 331-074. . . . . paper. 3.95
Greatest Gift, The
Children and Youth[edit]
My Baby Book 0-3 Years: 352-053. . . . . cloth. .....16.00
3-7 Years: 365-007. ...paper. 1.50
Islamic Contributions to Civilization God and His Messengers 352-043. . . . . paper.. 3.95 339-007. . . . . paper... 5.00
Sunflower Books for Children:[edit]
My Bahá’í Book (No. 1)) 332-051.. cloth. 5.95 353-001. . . . . paper.. 2.00
Light Shineth in Darkness, The 332-029. ... . cloth. 8.95
My Favorite Prayers/Passages (No. 2) 353-002. . . . . paper. 2.00
Light Shineth in Darkness, The God and Me (No. 3) 332-028. . . . . paper. 4.95 353-003. ... paper. 2.00
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Our Bahá’í Holy Places (No. 4) 332-010. cloth. .12.00 353-004. . . . . paper. 2.00
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Sunflower Books, Set of Four 332-011. . paper. 6.00 353-005. . . . . paper. 7.50
Mothers, Fathers, and Children 332-071. .. . paper. 4.50
7-11 Years:[edit]
Prescription for Living 331-024. . . . . paper. 2.50
Fly Through the Bahá’í Year 352-075. . . . . paper. 5.00
Renewal of Civilization Scottish Visitors, The 331-032... . . paper. 1.65. 352-076.. paper. 2.50
Response to the Revelation Secret in the Garden, The 331-098. ... cloth.. 9.00 332-057. . . . . paper. . . . . . 2.50
Revelation/Bahá’u’lláh-Adrianople-V. 2 331-092. . . . . cloth. . . . . .15.95
Revelation/Bahá’u’lláh-Adrianople-V. 2. 331-093. . . . . paper. . . . . . 8.95
Stories from the Delight of Hearts Story As Told, The 332-024. 5.50
Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká 332-040... ..paper...SALE. 3.00
Thief in the Night, The Secret in the Garden (w/cassette tape) 353-015. ... 8.00
Ali's Dream 352-080. cloth. 9.95
Ali's Dream 352-081. . paper. 4.95
Birth of Bahá’í Faith 352-055. . . . . paper. . 1.00
Deepening Materials[edit]
353-013.... . cloth. 5.50
Secret in the Garden, The 353-014.. . paper. 3.00
11-15+ Years:[edit]
331-060. cloth. . 6.50
Thief in the Night, The 331-061... ..paper.. . 2.50
Thief in the Night, The 331-061... ..paper.. . 2.50
Tomorrow and Tomorrow 331-035. . . . paper. . .SALE. .50
Tribute to Shoghi Effendi, A 331-049. .... paper. .50
Trusted Ones of God, The: The LSA 368-013. ...paper 10/3.00
239 Days: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Journey/Amer. 332-005. cloth.. .12.00
Victory Promises 367-019. . paper. . 2.00
When We Grow Up 332-038. . cloth. 6.50
When We Grow Up. 332-039. .. . paper. . 2.25
Deepening Packet for New Believers[edit]
365-015. . . . . paper. 5.00
On Becoming a Bahá’í 468-009. .. . paper. 1.00
Star Study Program (SSP):[edit]
Bahá’í Community Life. 364-054. paper.. .SALE. .50
Bahá’í Laws 364-060. paper. . .SALE. .50
Bahá’u’lláh 364-050. ...paper. .SALE. .50
Local Spiritual Assembly, The 364-058. . . . paper. . . SALE. .50
[Page 13]
New Race of Men: Deepening Book No. 2
365-011. . 1.50
New World Order: Deepening Book No. 1
365-010.
Amount
Suffering of Bahá’u’lláh: Book No. 3 365-012. . . . . paper.. 1.50
Comprehensive Deepening Program (CDP)[edit]
Bahá’í Electoral Process, The 364-003. . . . . paper. 4.00
Destiny of America 364-015... . paper. 9.00
Dynamic Force of Example, The 364-004... .. paper. 5.00
Fortress for Well-Being 364-010.. cloth. . . . . .12.00
Fortress for Well-Being (gift edition) 364-002.. ...paper. 2.00
Knowledge, Volition, and Action 364-001. ....paper. 5.00
Meaning of Deepening, The 364-005. . . . . paper. 2.50
Supreme Gift of God to Man, The 364-008 (001-005+015), paper. . .20.00 Personal Transformation Program
The Administrative Order[edit]
Declaration of Trust/By-Laws of NSA-LSA 468-007. . . . . paper. .... 1.50
Guidelines/Local Spiritual Assemblies 468-037. . . . . paper. . . . . . 4.00
Guidelines for L.S.A. Development (set) 468-040... paper. ... 6.00
Bahá’í World Volumes[edit]
Bahá’í World: Volumes I-XII, 1925-1954 333-000, cloth (shipping incl.) 176.00
Bahá’í World, The: Vol. XIII, 1954-1963 233-013. . . . . cloth... ...27.00
Bahá’í World, The: Vol. XIV, 1963-1968 233-014. . cloth. .16.00
Bahá’í World, The: Vol. XV, 1968-1973 233-015. ... cloth. .17.50
Bahá’í World, The: Vol. XVI, 1973-1976 233-016. cloth. .20.00
Pamphlets[edit]
Above All Barriers: 340-000. 10/5.00
Another Religion Calls Israel Home 340-001.. 10/3.50
Bahá’í Answers 340-002. 10/3.50
Bahá’í Faith-Encycl. Britannica-Lg. type 340-079. 10/5.00
Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith 340-007. 10/3.50
Bahá’í: World Faith for Modern Man 340-011. 10/5.00
Becoming Your True Self 340-015. 10/5.00
Building a Unified Community paper.. 1.50 340-098.. 10/2.50
Children: A Bahá’í Perspective 340-094. . 10/2.50
Coming to Terms with Death 340-090. 10/2.50
Disarming for Universal Peace. 340-087... 10/2.50
Environment and Human Values, The 340-056. 10/2.50
From Alienation to World Peace 340-085.. 10/2.50
God Who Walks with Men, The 340-024. 10/3.50
God's New Age 340-057. .10/3.50
Human Rights Are God-Given Rights 340-025. .. 10/2.50
I Am a Bahá’í (Chicago Tribune Reprint) 340-026. .. 10/3.50
In Search of the Supreme Talisman 340-077. . 10/5.00
Loyalty to Government 340-031. 10/2.50
Meaning of Worship, The 340-034.. 10/4.00
Message of Bahá’u’lláh, The 340-035. . 10/2.00
One Universal Faith. 340-037. 10/1.00
One World, One Family 340-038.. 10/1.00
One World, One People: A Bahá’í View. 340-099.. 10/2.50
Open Door, The (with envelope) 340-058. 10/8.50
Power of Prayer, The 340-076.. 10/5.00
Prophesy Fulfilled 340-043. 10/3.50
Reality of Christ, The 340-033. 10/5.00
Straight Path, The 340-070... 10/2.50
To Be a Bahá’í 340-045.. 10/5.00
Universal and Lasting Peace 340-046. .. . 10/5.00
Why Bahá’u’lláh? 340-049. 10/2.00
Why Our Cities Burn 340-050. ... 10/3.50
Audio/Visual Aids and Related Materials[edit]
Filmstrip Programs[edit]
Come and Sing 835-021. SALE 4.00 Flight 835-009. SALE 4.00 Happy Ayyam-i-Há! 835-019. SALE 4.00 Lote Tree, The 835-018. SALE 4.00
Calendars[edit]
Bahá’í Date Book 769-032.. .1.50 Bahá’í Pocket Calendar 769-062. 10/1.00 Bahá’í Wall Calendar 769-042. 1.00
Posters[edit]
O God, Guide Me..., 16 x 22 859-009. .3.00 Wilmette House of Worship, 17 x 22 859-001. .1.00
Slides[edit]
Wilmette House / Worship: 4 Seasons (6) 810-018. .3.00 Wilmette House / Worship: Int./Ext. (6) 810-019.. .3.00 Both Sets 810-020. .5.00
Record Albums[edit]
Arise! (Spanish/English) 803-089. 16.00 Each One Teach One 803-003.. 15.00 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Glimpses of Perfection 800-007. 16.00 Land of Resplendent Glory: Parts 1,2,3 804-005. .. 40.00
Cassette Tapes[edit]
Come and Sing 832-020. .5.00 Continental Board of Counselors, The 830-036. .6.00 Crisis in Bahá’í World... Intern’1 Fund 831-045.. .6.00 In Memory of the Martyrs 832-025. 6.00 Majesty and Greatness of the...LSA 830-090. ..... .6.00 Moment w/Continental Bd. of Counselors 831-076.. .6.00 Secret in the Garden, The 832-005. .3.00 Seven Year Plan Update--Ridván 1980 831-065. ..6.00 Shoghi Effendi: Sign of God 830-059. .6.00
Legacies of Service[edit]
Are You Happy? (Enoch Olinga) 831-052. . .6.00 In the Days of the Guardian (Leroy Ioas). 831-053. ... . .6.00 In His Presence (Tarázu’lláh Samandarí) 831-050. ... . .6.00 My Only Desire... (Agnes Alexander) 830-099. . . .6.00 Triumph of the Cause (Hasan M. Balyuzi) 831-051. . . .6.00
Photo Prints/Lithographs[edit]
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 4 x 6 color photo print 875-001. ... 10/6.00 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (seated smiling) 8x10 litho 875-040... .. 10/6.00 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (set of four) 4 x 5 litho 870-012. .2.00
Greatest Name Emblems[edit]
8 x 10, black on white 864-003. .. .50 8 x 10, gold on white 864-004... .1.00 8 x 10, gold on white, with folder 864-010. .3.00 8 x 10, silver on white, with folder 864-009. .3.00 3½ x 5, embossed. 864-008... .50 3 x 4, black on white. 864-005. 10/1.50
Postcards[edit]
Wilmette House of Worship: Auditorium 845-052. .. 10/1.50 Wilmette House of Worship: Dawn 845-063. .. 10/1.50 Wilmette House of Worship: Fall 845-064. .. 10/1.50 Wilmette House of Worship: Inner Dome 845-057.. 10/1.50 Wilmette House of Worship: Night 845-066. . . . 10/1.50. Wilmette House of Worship: Winter 845-065. . 10/1.50 Wilmette House of Worship: Spring 845-062. ... 10/1.50
Teaching Cards[edit]
Bahá’ís in Unity 846-002. Wilmette House of Worship, nighttime 846-027.. 50/2.50
Accessory Materials[edit]
Bahá’í Introductory Booklet 267-002... . 50/2.50 Bahá’í Faith--Teaching Booklet (English) 486-090-86. 1.00 "Bahá’í Faith" Presentation/File folder 855-001. . paper. . . . 10/12.50 Puzzle/Puzzle 840-025. 1.50 Wilmette House/Worship Medal & Booklet 840-002.. .5.00
Greeting Cards[edit]
(All cards are 10 per package, with envelopes, except as noted.)
All-Occasion: Blessed Is the Spot 848-084. .. SALE. 2.00 Blossom (12 cards, 3 designs) 848-085. SALE 2.00 Butterfly 848-091. SALE. 2.00 Wildflower 848-080. SALE 2.00
Ayyam-i-Há: Ayyam-i-Há Balloon. 848-094. .. SALE 2.00 Ayyam-i-Há Friend Ship 848-087.. SALE 2.00 Ayyam-i-Ha Giraffe 848-099. SALE 2.00
Celebration: Celebration 848-082. SALE 2.00 Hands Around the World 848-079.. SALE 2.00
Holy Day All-Occasion: Magnolia Holy Day 848-092.. SALE 2.00 Shrine of the Báb 848-093. SALE 2.00
Rites of Passage: Frost at Dawn 848-096. SALE 2.00 White Blossom 848-098.. SALE 2.00
Non-English Literature[edit]
Chinese Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, The 473-005-73.. 1.00
Greek Hidden Words and Prayers 484-006-84.. 7.00
Korean Fulfillment of Buddhist Prophesies 497-004-97. 3.00 New Garden, The 497-003-97. .5.00 Prayers and The Hidden Words 497-001-97. .6.00
Laotian
Norwegian Bahá’u’lláh og den Nye Tid (Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era). 488-013-88. . . . . .. 7.00
Persian Selections from Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 406-046-89. . . . (cloth). . . . .10.00 Selections from Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 406-047-89. . . . (paper). . . . . Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh (Persian/Arabic) 403-043-89. . . (cloth). . . . .14.00
Portuguese Fe Bahá’í, A: Uma Introdução (The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction) 490-086-90. ... 2.00 Oração Bahá’í Completo (Bahá’í Prayers) 490-071-90. 3.00
Spanish Obras de Bahá’u’lláh: (Works of Bahá’u’lláh). Epistola al Hijo del Lobo (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf) 403-027-93.. 6.50 Palabras Ocultas de Bahá’u’lláh, Las (The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh) 403-024-93. . . . 2.50 Pasajes Immortales. (Immortal Passages) 403-052-93.. 1.50 Proclamación de Bahá’u’lláh, La (The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh) 403-034-93. . 4.00
Obras de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: (Works of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá) Voluntad y Testame uto ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bqhá) 406-079-93. 1.50
Obras de Shoghi Effendi: (Works of Shoghi Effendi)[edit]
Dia Prometido Ha Liegado, El (The Promised Day Is Come) 408-035-93. 5.00
Dispensación de Bahá’u’lláh, La (The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh) 408-042-93.. 3.00
Llamado a la Naciones (Call to the Nations) 408-016-93. . 5.00
Meta de un Nuevo Orden Mundial, La (The Goal of a New World Order) _ 408-083-93. . 1.50
Publicaciones de la Casa Universal de Justicia: (The Universal House of Justice)[edit]
Constitución/Casa Universal de Justicia (Constitution/Universal House Justice) 425-075-93. .. 5.00
Recopilaciónes: (Compilations)[edit]
Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, La (The National Spiritual Assembly) 415-002-93... . 3.00
Educación Bahá’í: Una Recopilación (Bahá’í Education: A Compilation) 415-093-93. 3.00
Fiesta de los 19 y Reuniones Bahá’ís (Bahá’í Meetings/ The 19 Day Feast) 415-091-03... 2.00
Principios de Administración Bahá’í (Principles of Bahá’í Administration) 415-032-93. 3.00
Quienes Dios Confía, En (The Trusted Ones of God) 468-056-93. . .50
Recuerdo de Dios (Remembrance of God) 415-054-93. 1.00
Rosedal, El (The Rose Garden) 415-007-93. 2.00
Para los Niños: (Children)[edit]
ABCedario Bahá’í (Bahá’í ABC's) 452-094-93. 4.00
Regalo, El (The Gift) 452-068-93. 7.00
Tarjetas de Enseñanza (Teaching Cards)
Unidad de los Bahá’ís, La (Bahá’ís in Unity) 846-032-93.. .50/2.50
Libros Sobre la Fe: (Books about the Falth)[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh y la Nueva Era (Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era) 431-015-93...... 5.00
Fe Bahá’í, La--Libretin de Enseñanza (The Bahá’í Faith--Teaching Booklet) 231-005-93. 1.50
Fe Bahá’í, La: Una Introduccion. (The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction) 431-055-93. . ... 1.50
Folletos: (Pamphlets)[edit]
Datos Básicos de la Fe Bahá’í (Basic Facts of the Bahá’í Faith) 440-070-93. .10
Fe Bahá’í, La: El Alba de Una Nueva Era (The Bahá’í Faith: Dawn of a New Day) 440-047-93. .20
Mensaja de Bahá’u’lláh, El (The Message of Bahá’u’lláh) 440-097-93... .10/4.00
Nueva Era de Dios, La (God's New Age) 440-051-93. .30
Resolucion Espiritual del Problemo... (Spiritual Solution to...Problems) 440-057-93. .10/1.50
Swedish[edit]
Oraciones Bahá’ís (Bahá’í Prayers) 115-013-93. 2.00
Bahá’u’lláh och den Nya Tidsåldem (Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era) 495-054-95.. ... 9.00
Vietnamese[edit]
Kinh Bahá’í (Bahá’í Prayers) 496-055-96. 1.50