National Bahá’í Review/Issue 117/Text

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[Page 1]

Message from House of toIranian V‘

To the deur Iranian believers resident in other‘ countries" throughout the world

In these tumultuous days when the lovers of the Best Beloved are remote front 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 Godand 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. lts 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 Coven ant has repeatedly prophesied the intolerable cala 3\

mities which must beset this wayward

ere it heed‘: the life-giving‘ g .3, _ ’u’ll.’th. ‘ .,. &,._ ..;,; “Chaos and confusion are daily.incfeha§il£if_ » in the world; They will attain such  ; as to render the frame ofé mankind ‘ to bear them. Then will men he awaltenecl-“. and become aware that religion is l'h_€{l!!!.v 1: pregnable stronghold and the manifest fight; i of the world, and its laws, exhortationaand toachingathe source of life’ on c'ar,th'.’.’A = _" Every discerning eye clearly soesjthatl

stages of this chaos have diiily'ltiatlife'sl‘atiiir‘tlr?a 5 ‘

fecting the structure of huntansooiety; Aitsifétittftlci

tive forces are uprooting time-honoured-giduithw 5 ‘ tions which were a haven and refugee ._ habitants of the earth in bygone -

ies. and around which The same destr<u_ctiv¢__forccs are « 

political.‘.economie. scientific? equilibrium» or tl‘_leW«worflt-Illa fairest t‘ruits.'of-..ttig-.p;nresenr:~5‘_,

machlilatitzins ot'-- those: jfi‘

..

the seal of obsolescence upon. the r—ci,pli

of the world's-order. Greed ‘and passiomfdeceit. hypocrisy, tyranny. and pride are dolnifiatiiig

feat'ures..al't‘licting "human relations. Di§<§overies'

and inventions, which are the fruit of

and ‘technological advanclzmetfits.-_rhave’ Fhéaome "

themeans and tools of mass’.extdrmioation—m_id

destruction and are in the hahd’s"ot’ thsiisirgodty.

Even music. art, and literature, which are{i.tz’,,t‘ep resent and! inspire the noblest

highest aspirations and should be a fort and tranquility for troubled souls. l’ta‘l'te'ltlrltyed from the straight path and are now the mirrors of the soiled hearts of this confusedr .“i1Princlpled. and disordered age. Perverniomv-such as these shall result in the ordeals which have been

prophesied by the Blessed Beauty'inll_t_e-follbwhtg ;, words: "Everyday a new aellthithe .. ,, .

earth and a fresh tomienting I-rial.»-.wllli

“The day is approaching whenjts ‘

flame will devour the cities.-’.' ‘. In suohan afflicted time, when V

wilderod anclthe wisest of merl_'are- A to the remedy, the people of=Bah!a; wh :lnEtae‘ goofdenee in His unfailing grace‘ and divine

has a cause. a Plll'PO8¢.“Ifld a deilnheg

are assured that each of .theseetan!t¢nt.i§ttit:it§ials‘-

all are essential instruments" forthe f of the immutable Will of God on trarthavihioth words. on thcone hand humanity i:tstnge_k hat‘-the scourge of His chastiseme t. which inevitably bring together the scatt «and vanquishedutibes

of the earth; and on the other. theilitraiuk. t'ew_ whom He has nurtured under the ‘of ' ’ His loving guidance are, in this .

period of trlmsttion. continuing to‘

.1

I,’ N -‘ WWW. fly“. ha .Jannryl_9: if

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ll '4“ I D Bahat 'ti:'J.‘2'l3"

these tumultuous waves an impregnable strong

fhold which will be the sole remaining refuge for

 __ ‘ lost, multitudes. Therefore, the dear friends

_ who_ha.v/e Bitch a broadfand clear vision ‘ j g ,_ “-a_'_re‘r,iottpert,ttrbedrity su‘chevents, nor

they panic-stricken by such thundering

mantras, .nor“‘vv,lll._tl:_ey.face.S|1°i’I Qbnvuislons with }lIear'%and”-trepidation, not will theylbe‘deterred,

" even for a moment. from fulfilling their sacred re—.

sponsibilities. - One of their sacred responsibilities is to exemp V lify in their lives those attributes which are accepjtabieat His Sacred Threshold. Othersmust inhale

them the holy fragrances of the homeland of

vBahll.’v’tt‘lll6h. the land which is the birthplace of uself-sacrificing martyrs and devoted lovers of the .Omnipotcnt Lord‘. They must not forget that Ba

 {"h£'is'througl,Ijout;the world expect much from the

' ‘~_ ‘Ir, inn.believers. They should hearken to the life . its clarion call winch-theirlfoerless Beloved .,ltas given to the friends in Iran:

»V“lt is the wish of ‘Abdu_'l-Baht!» and that ' which attracts His good~pleasure, and in " ' deed it is His binding command that Ba hilfsy in all 'matters..even in small daily ‘l minus and. -dealings with others, alltqllld act in accordance with the Divine

Heghasroomntanded us not to be
ldtwlitiees, humility and meek- " '1iu't‘ra'ther't‘o become manifestations of

~ut,ter nothingness and selflessness. Loyalty ',-andifidellty, ‘compassion and love are ex

~_-hortations of old. in this supreme Dispen

- sation the people of Bebe/are called upon to

"5 ~.“"socrifice their very livm. Notice the extent

oum=Beloved’s Testament, to be righteous. vzeflewishing, forbearing, sanctified, pure, J from all else save God, severed

_ i ‘ =-from the trappings of this world and adorn «ed 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 enter-prise will be fruitless; They must

'- 1 feschew affectation and-imitation. for every

A ' .»'imen-‘qftunderstanding will instantly detect

thelrzi-loathsome odour. They must not no ' T" " ~fl¢&‘:tbe- special time they should set aside

'5 for Incslltation. reflection and prayer, for gvtdthout the blessings littfconfirmations of

2 -gfllod. success, l progress‘ and development

‘are-difficult,’ nay, impossible. You cannot

what‘ influence is exerted on the

.s ofmen by genuine love, sincerity and ' purityfof tnotive,- but such an effect can on- sly be-produced when str-ivings and efforts ' .-nrelmade every day ‘by every individual. Let _ not the stranger. the envious and the enemy

have cause to attribute the sublimity of the
V Filth 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

ation 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——particuIarly 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 dctaclmtent 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 titan 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 standcth 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 computriots, 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 bewitchcd 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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ornamental trappings of which to be proud. Behold their ultimate fate. Many a triumphal arch was reduced to a min, 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 anti changcth 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 mttst serve on the pioneer front wherever they reside. They tnust 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 congregntion 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 n 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 othewisc 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 Baha 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

I peoples of the world and sincere fund;

ed service to them. In administrative‘.posiiio'n'ri...,. they are obedient to their governments and “ out their duties with the utmost honestytandttfliil worthiness. They" regard no faction as snpjeri_or”t._ ~, another and prefer. no individual-above

They oppose no one, for the Divine Pen has 3- .

., hibited sedition and corruption. and enjojttotl

peace and harmony upon us. For more than aittelifi l’-t jig I

tury Bahá’ís have proven by their deeds fthat/the"y~.';' ' regard servitude and service to their fellow ninti as‘; 3 , being more worthy than the privileges nfipower ' ' V which can be gained from politics. in I 7

ing their own affairs, they rely on God rather.tha_n 7 '_ . I

on the influence of-those in power and authority. _ _ Particularly in these days when the enemies of the’ ‘v 7 Faith have afflicted the Cause in the sacred of Iran with the clartsof calumny and 'slander"dn every side. the clear Iranian. friends should,;lae_" vigilant, both in theircontact with other Iraniitns*~,." abroad and with people in general, and behave in 7 such a way as to leave nodoubt as to theirxdepcna dence and non-alignment’ of the‘Bahá’ís and good will to all people. whether in Iran or else.-”;". where. They must not give a new cxotuse to.-PAW? trouble to those misehiefémakers who hate sought to further' their own unwort _ making‘ the -Bahá’í irorrlntunity-a ‘-tar V: malicioulact; " ' , r'_:;.;”,t.. V .0 bet<>‘s«eat"o.“t .o‘ai.‘ ' . _.. new Abhá=‘B5flNYl«' , l_:!|1!‘-‘}tn:€W'§i(3liil'h‘rFl;'I.¢"""*fllé’ihlGW&l Perfectiotrnrieritfsl gratitude. ‘Having ap- _' preciated thetrue ‘value of so inestimable a boun- ‘ ty, your forefathers regarded the offering of their lives in the pathof their kind Beloved as can to make. They wereput inchains-. became captives , of the sword, lost their homes and belongings.»-yet ' ' 1‘ no sound was heard from their Iacerated throats f but the cry of “Ya Baha’u’l-Abhtl" and “W” i 3, ‘Aliyyu’I Alla." The vibration of the‘, that same soul-burning» cry gradually abroad the call of this world-illuminating G'reIt'~.' ‘ Announcement and the ringing notes of that chili ; g resounded in all regions of the world. and now 3 i too", the beloved -friends in Iran, who are the do-_ = .j “

mi

voted dwellers in the courtyard of the Beloved; A "

stand firm in the" same Covenant and Testament: h “ I Behold the courage. flrrriness, detachjment. unify -‘ cooperation, zeal. and enthusiasm‘ with whiehl .. these loyal lovers of the Beloved daily, fade ‘* 7 tests and prove and demonstrate to the '\vo‘t'1cl«,1 -with‘ radiant and shining faces, their'puri_l.‘y;‘ ’ I heritage, their quality, and their virtue.‘ With; ,‘ utmost meekness. truthfulness. wisdom,’ fdti4_ courage they meet the challenges‘ them.’ the ‘challenge of defying thegleneirtieigidiiis iv .3 petting misunderstandings which are a.'*~i'wult‘ oft‘ the proliferation of calttmniel -and; fal_att«,. " cusations. They have met theirpfite wltlmbqub cscence, have bdwed their headitln tiie'valIei_"6f-. submission and resignation, and have tribulation with radiance, for they I'tnow.'witll"ab- I solute certainty that the fulfilment of divine prophecies will coincide with dire events and the bearing of innumerable afflictions. The beloved i'Guardian says: ‘‘If in the days to come..adver-pa i

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‘fillies’-of various kinds should encircle that land

- and national upheavals should further aggravate

mile’-present calamities, and intensfiy 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 innoIt cent band of His followers from the feltcrs

. ‘-«of its bondage and the talons of the people

of tyranny and enmity tnust needs be pre= ceded by the clamour and agitation of the

masses. “The realization of glory. of trancitilll_ity_,tand of true security for the people , "fl(3f'Bali¢ will necessitate opposition, aggresio‘i‘ransteommotion on thepart of the peo of nialevlileneé _ailcl.‘iniquity. Therefore, “siiould fie-1E$’tffeilng~-twaves‘of-the sea of

and thetstorms of trials

tribulations assaii that meek congrega. , io‘ti'£rom‘al'l six sides; know of a certainty

without a moment's hesitation that the

. ’2'time for their deliverance. has drawn nigh, .. k that the age-old promiseof their assured " glory will soon be fulfilled, and that at long

‘last the means are provided for the persecuted ple of Baha in that land to ‘attain a;ivat‘to1,l«and supreme triumph. A firm step and an unshalreable resolve are essential so

 _ n stages my camera pass‘

M.§-tllte"1't‘.*.li’eri_i;h » ideals of the people of ‘fiiliahé ma ‘be realized on the loftiest.sumrmits. andy be made manifest in astounding .-‘brilliance. ‘Such is God's rrtetlipd, and no change shalt thou find in His method.’ ” Thai is why those royal falcons who soar in the

L of _(jo_r:l's love-have arisen with ‘such

 ytranqtlilitys, and birth dignity that their seren

confirmations of the Concourse on High and has brought such a resounding success to them as has astonished and startled the people of Buha throughout the world. Others have been inspired by the example of those treasured brethren to renew their pledge to their All-Cilorious Beloveed and to serve His Sacred Tlireshold with high endeavour. Titus they endeavour, as far as possible, to make good the temporary disability of the belicvers in Iran. Inspired by the courage, constancy, sincetity, 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 inlluences 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 of 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 I February 10, 1980

,. flies, becomes magnet ‘for the attraction of the

the communication of November 3, 1980, “tn the Universal House of Justice. addressed to .4, Baha_’_is of the world announcing the apJpiiintment of the Counsellors to serve on five Coulzinerital ‘Boards of Counsellors throughout

,tlye'world, is now well ltnown to all of us. ,gln -a Letter of the same date the international

I V :=%-=fTea't:hialg,- Centre referred to this development as ,; "-‘._‘-I-«';;.tli1'.s latest step in the an/aldrnem‘ of the di ..ieiIsel_t~ordained Administrative Order of HalidWlltilt. " The..le_tter from the Universal House of ' ustice included the following thought-provoking

' £aa:astaph=

1 "Events of the most profound significance are ‘taking place in the world. The river of human hrs‘ tory lsflowlng at a bewildering speed. A ge-old in

’»stti2utt'on.ir, are collapsing. Tradlrlonalrways are be

forgntten, and newly-born ideologies which

autlthe, Continental Bahá’í Fund

‘ fni Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and

Believers in the United States ‘ '

V Co-workers-—Conce'mlng the Continenllnhfl Fund for the Americas

were fondly expected to take their place, are withering and decaying uefare the eyes‘ of their _dI'sillusirmed adherents. Amidst this decay and disruption, assailed from every side by the turmoil of the age. the Order of Buhd 'u 'Ilrlh, unshukeahly founded on the Word of God, protected lzy the shield of the divine Co venom and assisted by the hosts of the Concourse on High, is rising in every part of the worl .” '

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 C‘ontinental Board of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Bahá’í Faith in the Amerteas.

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 ineslimabie privilege and blessing I0 ex‘pIorz'. exploit and marshal! 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 Coun- sellors 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 coni tinucd use of her home in Wilmette as art 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 dona

tions, so:gerr.erot}al’y proA*3lded"in 3‘ . friends in North Aarterica will now support C’

services of the Qotid§ellors—Auxiflary 2

tutions in all the ‘Kmerleag. How-predous .2 C

is this prl_vllege!"Cor'rtrilit\tiorls may be."rnade T‘

payable to The Contirrentilllllhfi-Fund andtsetlt '

to the following address: . -._ CONTINENTAL .l§AHA’l l . - " 41-8 FORESTAVENUE '_ I wtLMBTRE, H.LINOlS'6009l. y Once again the -Counsellors -"oak" prayers astthey work in close with _ the National Spiritual Assemblies, ' __ Americas and in support of the " tions set by these beloved Gt-neraffii‘ With deepest at’/faction. 1 Lloyd ago

l“' , 5

Con-tirlerttal aatiatft Fttntl‘ rot; “ r ‘

Cohabitation, companionate marriagelinilighthof if A

Cohabitation can he delined as the sharing of a common residence by lnembers 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 shouid 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.

Certainly it would be unacceptable for Bahá’í youth to share the same residence without chaper; ones; 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. Bahti’ls should avoid placing themselves in such situations. even when there is not the least trace of pro miscuity. . » T . x -. The guidingpritrdiplc that 'ap“plies<itti _ _ 1

cases is that the conduct of «Bahá’ís mustgbe

ptetely beyond reproach and must stand

contrast to the current practices of society, wbosejn ;

values are thoroughly confused and stray so‘l{mfi from the Divine Standard. , - , . * The friends must realizeythat the Bahá’í world is

raising up the standards of morality. from the depthsto which they have fallen and thahlchlntel and holy life, as the beloved Gua},dian_expldlIt¢fil‘ . “can tolerate no -compgrornisc with the. theo '

decadent age." (For f'urt1:ie'_r:ref,erences-on , chaste and holy life, please see The Adynt of ‘, ft

vine Justice; ants, and The j

of Example, pp, .93-98)

Attending ' marriage .1

The National Spiritual Assembly wisties'}t_o.;:stt-ff,

to the attention of the friends the foll¢!9?iif3‘§tlI}t’_e'- , . mcut written on behalf of the Univer:s;tfil3~_House"it‘zf ; 1‘ Justice advising them not to attend 'nta'rr'iage ’

monies of believers who are marrying contrary to 2“; Bahá’í law if the violation is known beforehand:

“Further to yourgletter of September 5, l9';7';4. -' the Universal House of Justice has,-now had an ‘ . opportunity t.o consider your question about .f

--k,_ 11

lievers attending weddings of .Bahá’ís " N

marrying contrary to Bahalt law, and we‘: been asked to convey to you the following: u ”,j.'; g: “ ‘if it is known beforehand ;tbat~a l3¢liasv'er"jit violating such laws, it would be inap_propa_iate—ifor _‘

the friends to attend the ceremony, This is.out‘ol" ‘Q -.

respect .for Bahá’í law. However, it‘, without -f_ realizing the situation. believers find therrtu.-lvesin l attendance at a ceremony in the course of which it

v z

is apparent that such a violation is occurring, they

should not make an issue of it.’ ”,

(From a letter written on behalf of the ;; sal House of Justice. “Australian Bahá’í«':Dt,tl~rp 5‘

lctin,” No. 243, September 1975, p‘. 4): ' -;t

l l ' the standards, tire.»hablts,. and,-the excesseatof£~’;j3‘ié} _,

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V ; j"'P-ra'yer and fasting is the cause of awakening

"éariditnindfulncss andtconducive to rotection and

’ auervation lrom tdats.”‘—‘Abdu'— «Balm, in But'l~WorldFalth " ' " - " ‘

» , .7'l't V‘ .

...' V. ' ' “As regards fasting. itjyznstltutes. together with theivthetwo pillars that .i'_$tl$!8§Il -the ‘revealed ‘aw~of ‘Ciog:l.*~.'I’hey act as iii-stignulahtsgzto the soul; strengthen; revive, and - ' ‘ '_‘ :it~,_«§nd-thus insure its steady development.

fastingiis. as ‘is the case with

iihpeihieemfrayers, a spiritual and vital obligation itniiihxed by‘fialrta’u,.’-litih upon every believer who ‘V hasfattained the age of fifteen. lnthe Aqdas He .tlaua.writea: ‘We have commanded you to pray ‘and fast from the beginningof maturity; this is or. by God, your Lord and the Lord of your ‘forsfjllhers. He has exempted from this those who are weak frornéiltness or age, a’s.a bounty from His

I Preserice, and He lsthe Forgiving, the Generous.’

' :=-~. - Andiimkanother passage He says: ‘We have enj it ‘ joinedwupon you fasting during a brief period, and f -r at its close have designated for you Naw-Rtiz as a feast The traveler, the ailing. those who are i. . with-childior giving suck. are not bound by the ' "éfast Abstain from food and drink, from sunrise to sundown; and beware" lest desire deprive

. 1-;

 ‘significance of the period of the Bahá’í’ fast

you of this grace that is appointed in the Book.’

“Also in the ‘Questions and Answers’ that form an appendix to the Aqdaa. Bahá’u’lláh rcveals the following: ‘Verity, I say that God has appointed a good station for fasting and praye . 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 anti 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 front foot! and drink from sunrise till sunset. it is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer mtisl"strive to make the necessary rcadjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. its significance and purpose are, therefore. funtlarncntally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence front selfish and carnal desires.”——Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, Bahá’í News.r March 1936

’htstt'itl¢G§, "Hlihd¥*is or their pros‘ ., '_  _ _'. . Rf  to marry have

‘ 1'7 ' Wlhc-reaide.1h pinata outside the continen. ‘“‘lt~JVl,'l|i"9d"'_g1{V3($L. . c- '2 ‘ r ‘ .

~ ifhesuorifiqationof parental consent under these , citoumuances must be ascertained through the ' ' ’_Nti,t_ici’ti_h,!'S15lt!llnal' Assemblies; since for obvious 4jqaaont_i,}iiI"‘ ‘Spiritual Assembly would not nonlitfl-it! by able to verify such consent. Two approaches are open to thpse concerned:

request of their offspring, the parents

cangcotptnunicatc their consent to the National Spiritual Assembly within whose jurisdiction they live’. Ihat National Assembly would then inform the Spiritual Assembly of the U.S., which, in turn, would relay the information to the 'L;ocalAuenlbly concerned. . " , ‘- Altematiely. the couple could request that the

• V ‘mgonal Spiritual Assembly of the US. commu. , etheir request for parental‘ consent through

National Spiritual Assembly of the country in
the parent or parents reside.‘

In this instance. ed information should be _, to the National Assembly. such as the full » and addresses of are parents, whether they ‘are"e'Bahá’ís. the name and religion of the prospec». ttvje mate, and any‘other‘parlicnlara the applicant

the-‘parents to consider. '

‘ ' , i‘I§hi.s'.seco_nrl approach ismost effective in countries where the Bahá’ís have difficulty in com freely with theioutside, such as iron »_ Bther‘Mlddlc Eastern countries. It also is cf-. : fdptiycrif the parents are non-Bahá’ís.

from parents living abroad

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.

Purpose of National Review

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 cxplaitls 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 Iltthti’I National Review is for Bahá’ís only and is to be distinguished from The American Barhi’l‘. which contains news of events taking place in the American Bahá’í community and is written for the enjoyment and inspiration of the Bahti'ls. While it is permissible to share The American BIhfi with friends who are close to the Faith, the Bithff National Review is for registered Bahá’ís only and therefore should be removed from The American Baht’! before the latter is shown to anyone else.

[Page 7]

0

Nali_c>m| 4 Review

Baha’

Relationship of Counsellors, ”

On June 2|. 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 l)ahét‘u‘llz‘ih cover, in general, the functions of the Auxiliary Board members——functions they also share with the L0cal 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 l3nhti’l 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

i cumstatlcés.

‘ r’: _-,’ its message dated October rz'.‘.1973i‘i“ci’ in-.4

of the Cause; assis‘tirrg':iheirt_inrtheir develophient ; and growth; he‘lpir’Ig‘*th‘e‘li‘lT'to?7t‘i’eepen in their uh- ", V derstanding of the Teachings‘ of Bahá’u’lláh and I; . to act in accordance withllis laws and prineiptes; ” encouraging than to contdbule f‘r_‘eely_to ous Funds of the -Faith; their-‘fall suppiitf.‘ and devoted partieipationli$?xf.1‘ilaiss-%ildopt;a’d'by the National Spiritualeuassembtyz * ,’ irnp_ ‘ ' upon them the need "to-be. ‘ " rider’

w

The Universal House oi’ Justiéé of theworld t_ii.ts’,t-_:Vi,{3i‘i_afr_i_p;...i,aIre'_r;,;two_,decisioils"tley signed to Eittiejndgthé fifth Auxiliary Boardr=_iit.<i ’ A Hit -miétrt ‘!h§.‘.sr0.Wifl£ needs of an" wer-anl§anflht&13nhfi'iwi3tlil‘ ‘ nity. The first raised ‘ii‘lf¢f;);lll,|lllUEl:": of, y A , Board members throughout the wortdit'o‘27Q,i.uf .. whom 8l,would serve inithe Western Herjtlsphére. ' c -' T Second, the Universal Home of Justice dfacidedto i 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 , 1 A limited period, with the possibility of reappo'i":it- , " t ment. ‘ .. ._ H ' ‘ " ;,-7.‘;-.w‘ ‘

One’ of the functions of the Atixmfitf‘ ‘Board and its assistants is to help bring and consolidate Local.:5pii'-_itual Assemblies’: .:~ 1

Individual believers and'Local Spiritual A »' = blies pre encouraged tofcontact the members of . : the Auxiliary Board for assistance in the ,‘ " sion and consolidation of work and for advice and _. assistance in matters concerning the protection of the Faith. . t

It .\

Importance of writing a last will ] li.__

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 Bahsi’ls, Bah.’t'ls 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 patients: set of,‘ circumstances your wishes will be’carried outs ‘ V Before visiting jtourvatrorney you shouid have -T all the personal‘ information" on yourself, your ; family, your relatives, and your be‘nefiei*tiries';i 'You should have all ‘thefacts concerning ymlry-, property, whether real, personal or‘inixe¢l$ you‘. " ‘Q should identify the location’ tiryour sartvdcptnit box (if you have one), insurance policies, pr'ofit— g? sharing plans, pensions. etc.t, nameantl dress of the person you fwlshtobe your " “ trustee or guardian, and auyfspecial "provisions . that you, as a Bahá’í,,. might want in your will.’ 5 _ Neither the Local Spiritual Assembly nor the_NIt' tional Spiritual Assemblyshould be named as ' ecutor of your will. , ‘ ' , ‘ t ' -*f. A believer should have a special provision ill-this will for burial in accordance with Bahá’í 115 should be spelled, outlu the willthat the 7 _ burial must be withhx one hour’s travel from the _t place of death, that cremation is forbidden, and ’ t

,.

[Page 8]. .- st‘.

Bah

"'N r " t al Rgsigi

.: 3 ‘ll

7

1': N »->

,.e

, _L:

' um thie‘-,bodyjs'not ta..-he embalmed unless re-. ‘ quirod by state law." ‘ “ .

The requirements of a..Bahá’í burial binding on

' Western believers’are'»basi’caily three-fold. First, .. ‘the body should be interred within one hour's E journey from the place of death. Second, the

.li5Iould' not be embalmed unless required by

atate~ia.w3(_cach Assembly should be familiar with state requirements. for burial without embalming, as.-t_h_er¢.may be special stipulations concerning the tzeamaent of the body. sucltas a sealed casket or burial within 24 hours). Third, the body must not

‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated that “The body

’wliicit’ has been formed gradually, must similarly be decomposedrgradually.”

In response to various questions asked by the .f,rietid,s, the beloved Guardian and the Universal

iiflouaciof Justice haveclarified certain matters. . , Olififmay receive a Dalia’! funeral regardless of > he is ii Build’! or ‘possesses his adminis_" 7‘ Trativet rights, The decision as to whether the cas ket should beopen or closed is up to those making the arrttrigemems. (Since the body is not to. be embnlmed. 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.

Theiservice may consist of prayers, general read «_"i._.caientlnr _and- .. 2 h;tgrcalary“Days.,,_ 7 _‘ ‘iillfléflance of the new Age _ g to announce by starting a new caimflk ":fiEl!ii’i!;'llah upheld this new measurement

' ;o£,_,_..neW

of}‘téime"ffor the world of today and tomorrow.

'[‘h’e'2—Ba‘_ha'l year has 19 months and each month

< fhas‘l9 days. This comes to 361 days. However, ,the ;eartli._:%‘ltes 365 1/4 days in its journey around . the sun. ,

at means, there are four days (five in

• ‘|e§p))'ears” that is.’every fpurth year) that must

be added or put into the calendar. This is the

1 meaning of. the word “intercalary” (pronounced ._ in-TER-ks,-la-ry). The lntercalary Days are be ‘ tween the 18th Bahá’í month (February 7-25) and

i_ é ,_-~ the 19:1: Bahá’í month (March 2-20).

-,]_,'FherIntercaiary Days, called “Ayyam-i-Ha,"

been named by Bahá’u’lláh as days to be

gpeoially devoted to hospitality, to the giving of patents. to visiting and looking after the sick and

These days and activities are both a joy

iboua,-time, of fellowship and service to others, as

wall as atime of preparation for the spiritual ex ‘i ‘ of the Fast that follows immediately after i _- the close of Ayytitn-Hid.

first comes the happy expression of Bahá’í love _an_d brotherhood carried -ourin acts of kindness

' ' others, and then comes the time of the

we Bahá’ís seek our full ration of spiri
 through  remembrance of

on a ietterfrorn the National Spiritual Assembly of India, BaIti’;l_News (us. Sup

pigment). p. 2, Febniary 1967-,

4

ings, and music, if desired. r

The tombstone or grave marker may have a nine-pointed star or roselta. The word “Ballad” 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, ringstonc symbol, or the burial ring inscription upon it. At this time the requirement I() 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 (sec Prayers and Meditations, pp. 260-61) and the burial ring are meant to be used by those who have ultained 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 Balu‘l'ls 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 ill 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 sornetimes excluded from cemeteries of other religions so it becomes necessary for Bahá’í: to purchase land for this purpose.

if a person is single and wiihout family or on well'are, 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 funet'al.

Guidance for Bahá’í’s visiting the Holy Land

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 3] 000, Israel.

Important notice

Assembly secretaries and Group correspondents-—-Pleasc include your telephone numbers at home and at work on all correspondence sent to the Bahá’í National Center. Thank you.