Unrestrained as the Wind/Social Relationships

Social relationships 153

9 Social relationships

Our relationship to the old world order Obedience to government

1. In every country where any of this people reside, they must behave towards the government of that country with loyalty, honesty and truthfulness. This is that which hath been revealed at the behest of Him Who is the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days.

Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah 22-23

2. ... the attitude of the Baha’is must be two-fold, com- plete obedience to the government of the country they reside in, and no interference whatsoever in political matters or questions. What the Master’s statement really means is obedience to a duly constituted government, whatever that government may be in form. We are not the ones, as individ- ual Baha’is, to judge our government as just or unjust—for each believer would be sure to hold a different viewpoint, and within our own Baha'i fold a hotbed of dissension would spring up and destroy our unity. We must build up our Baha'i system, and leave the faulty systems of the world to go their way. We cannot change them through becoming in- volved in them; on the contrary, they will destroy us.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 7/3/48 to National Teaching Committee for Central America, in Baha'i News, no. 215 (Jan. 1949) 1

3. Now, as the government of America is a republican form of government, it is necessary that all the citizens shall �[Page 154]154 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

take part in the elections of officers and take part in the affairs of the republic. ‘Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas 343

Avoiding political affairs and activities

4. O ye the beloved of the one true God! Pass beyond the narrow retreats of your evil and corrupt desires, and advance into the vast immensity of the realm of God, and abide ye in the meads of sanctity and of detachment, that the fragrance of your deeds may lead the whole of mankind to the ocean of God’s unfading glory. Forbear ye from concerning yourselves with the affairs of this world and all that pertaineth unto it, or from meddling with the activi- ties of those who are its outward leaders. Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah 241

5. O handmaid of the Lord! Speak thou no word of politics; thy task concerneth the life of the soul, for this verily leadeth to man’s joy in the world of God. Except to speak well of them, make thou no mention of the earth’s kings, and the worldly governments thereof. Rather, confine thine utterance to spreading the blissful tidings of the Kingdom of God, and demonstrating the influence of the Word of God, and the holiness of the Cause of God. Tell thou of abiding joy and spiritual delights, and godlike qualities, and of how the Sun of Truth hath risen above the earth’s horizons: tell of the blowing of the spirit of life into the body of the world. ‘Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha 92—93

6. We should—every one of us—remain aloof, in heart and in mind, in words and in deeds, from the political affairs and disputes of the Nations and of Governments. We should keep ourselves away from such thoughts. We should have no political connection with any of the parties and should join no faction of these different and warring sects.

Absolute impartiality in the matter of political parties should be shown by words and by deeds, and the love of the �[Page 155]Nonparticipation, not indifference 155

whole humanity, whether a Government or a nation, which is the basic teaching of Baha’ullah, should also be shown by words and by deeds... .

According to the exhortations of the Supreme Pen and the confirmatory explanations of the Covenant of God, Ba- ha’is are in no way allowed to enter into political affairs under any pretense or excuse; since such an action brings about disastrous results and ends in hurting the Cause of God and its intimate friends.

Shoghi Effendi, in Baha'i News, no. 140 (Dec. 1940) 2

Nonparticipation, not indifference

7. It should be made unmistakably clear that such an attitude [of nonparticipation in politics] implies neither the slightest indifference to the cause and interests of their own country, nor involves any insubordination on their part to the authority of recognized and established govern- ments. Nor does it constitute a repudiation of their sacred obligation to promote, in the most effective manner, the best interests of their government and people. It indicates the desire cherished by every true and loyal follower of Baha’ullah to serve, in an unselfish, unostentatious and patriotic fashion, the highest interests of the country to which he belongs, and in a way that would entail no depar- ture from the high standards of integrity and truthfulness associated with the teachings of his Faith.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 3/21/32 to the Bahd'ts of the United States and Canada, in The World Order of Baha'u'llah 65

8. Let there be no misgivings as to the animating purpose of the world-wide Law of Baha'u'llah. Far from aiming at the subversion of the existing foundations of society, it seeks to broaden its basis, to remold its institutions in a manner consonant with the needs of an ever-changing world. It can conflict with no legitimate allegiances, nor can it undermine essential loyalties. Its purpose is neither to stifle the flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in men’s hearts, nor to abolish the system of national autonomy so essential if the �[Page 156]156 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

evils of excessive centralization are to be avoided. It does not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress, the diversity of ethnical origins, of climate, of history, of language and tradition, of thought and habit, that differentiate the peoples and nations of the world. It calls for a wider loyalty, for a larger aspiration than any that has animated the human race. It insists upon the subordination of national impulses and interests to the imperative claims of a unified world. It repudiates excessive centralization on one hand, and dis- claims all attempts at uniformity on the other. Its watchword is unity in diversity. ...

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 11/28/3l, in The World Order of Baha'u'llah 41-42 /

Violence and self-defense

9. Say: Fear God, O people, and refrain from shedding the

blood of any one. Contend not with your neighbor, and be

ye of them that do good. Beware that ye commit no

disorders on the earth after it hath been well ordered, and

follow not the footsteps of them that are gone astray. Bahd'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah 277

10. ... it is better to be killed than kill. Baha'u'llah, qtd. in God Passes By 198

ll. ... vengeance, according to reason, is also blamewor- thy, because through vengeance no good result is gained by the avenger. So if a man strikes another, and he who is struck takes revenge by returning the blow, what advan- tage will he gain? Will this be a balm for his wound ora remedy for his pain? No, God forbid! In truth the two actions are the same: both are injuries; the only difference is that one occurred first, and the other afterward. There- fore, if he who is struck forgives, nay, if he acts in a manner contrary to that which has been used toward him, this is laudable. The law of the community will punish the aggressor but will not take revenge. This punishment has for its end to warn, to protect and to oppose cruelty and �[Page 157]War and military duty 157

transgression so that other men may not be tyrannical. But if he who has been struck pardons and forgives, he shows the greatest mercy. This is worthy of admiration. ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, Some Answered Questions 267

12. A hitherto untranslated Tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Baha.. . points out that in the case of attack by robbers and highway- men, a Baha'i should not surrender himself, but should try, as far as circumstances permit, to defend himself, and later on lodge a complaint with the government authorities. In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, he also indicates that in an emergency when there is no legal force at hand to appeal to, a Baha’ii is justified in defending his life. In another letter the Guardian has further pointed out that the assault of an irresponsible assailant upon a Baha’i should be resisted by the Baha'i, who would be justified, under such circumstances, in protecting his life.

The House of Justice does not wish at the present time to go beyond the guidelines given in the above-mentioned statements. The question is basically a matter of conscience, and in each case the Baha'i involved must use his judgment in determining when to stop in self-defense lest his action deteriorate into retaliation.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 5/26/69 to National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada, in National Baha'i Review, no. 32 (Aug. 1970) 3

War and military duty

13. O people! Spread not disorder in the land, and shed not

the blood of any one, and consume not the substance of

others wrongfully, neither follow every accursed prattler. Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf 25

14. Today there is no greater glory for man than that of service in the cause of the Most Great Peace. Peace is light, whereas war is darkness. Peace is life; war is death. Peace is guidance; war is error. Peace is the foundation of God; war is a satanic institution. Peace is the illumination of �[Page 158]158 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

the world of humanity; war is the destroyer of human foundations. When we consider outcomes in the world of existence, we find that peace and fellowship are factors of upbuilding and betterment, whereas war and strife are the causes of destruction and disintegration. ... Consider the restlessness and agitation of the human world today because of war. Peace is health and construction; war is disease and dissolution. When the banner of truth is raised, peace becomes the cause of the welfare and ad- vancement of the human world. In all cycles and ages war has been a factor of derangement and discomfort, whereas peace and brotherhood have brought security and consid- eration of human interests. ‘Abdu 'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace 123

15. ... Baha'is should continue to apply, under all circum- stances, for exemption from any military duties that necessi- tate the taking of life. There is no justification for any change of attitude on our part at the present time.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 7/20/46 to National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'ts of the United States and Canada, in Baha'i News, no. 188 (Oct. 1946) 9

16. We have considered your letter of July 15, 1965 concerning Baha'is and military service. Reference is made to the statements of your National Assembly as reported in Baha'i News for April, 1943:

The National Assembly records its understanding of the Guardian's instructions concerning the duty of Baha’is in time of war as obligating each believer called under the draft to apply for noncombatant status, in which status he gives full obedience to the military authority of his country; that this obligation does not mean he is a conscientious objector who refuses obedience to military authority, but on the other hand it makes it incumbent upon the Baha'i to apply for and maintain the noncombatant status without regard to its consequences upon his personal safety, his convenience, the type of activity he must discharge or the rank to which he may be assigned. �[Page 159]War and military duty 159

With this statement in mind, we think that Baha'is should be discouraged from seeking or continuing a career in the military, and that in any event they must, in obedi- ence to the Guardian's clear instructions, apply for exemp- tion from military duty which necessitates the taking of human life.

When the law imposes an obligation upon citizens to fulfill a term of military service, as the U.S. Selective Service Act does, and a Baha'i may fulfill this term of service by enlisting, re-enlisting or by being commissioned as an offi- cer, he may do so provided he does not in any way jeopardize his right to “apply for and maintain the noncombatant status” within the spirit of the above principle. We make no judgment as to whether the law in fact permits him to do this. This is for the believer to determine.’

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 9/20/65 to National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States

17. It is still his firm conviction ‘that the believers, while expressing their readiness to unreservedly obey any direc- tions that the authorities may issue in time of war, should also, and while there is yet no outbreak of hostilities, appeal to the government for exemption from active mili- tary service in a combatant capacity, stressing the fact that in doing so they are not prompted by any selfish considerations but by the sole and supreme motive of upholding the Teachings of their Faith, which makes it a moral obligation for them to desist from any act that would involve them in direct warfare with their fellow-humans of any other race or nation. There are many other avenues through which the believers can assist in times of war by enlisting in services of a non-combatant nature—services that do not involve the direct shedding of blood—such as ambulance work, air raid precaution service, office and

1. Baha'i youth living outside the United States should consult their own National Spiritual Assemblies for specific guidance on serving in their countries’ armed forces. �[Page 160]160 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

administrative works, and it is for such types of national service that they should volunteer.

It is immaterial whether such activities would still expose them to dangers, either at home or in the front, since their desire is not to protect their lives, but to desist from any acts of willful murder.

Letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Principles of Baha'i Administration 95-96

18. A Baha'i may enlist voluntarily in the armed forces of a country in order to obtain a training in some trade or profession provided he can do so without making himself liable to undertake combatant service.

On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, letter dated 12/29/80 to individual believer

19. The Universal House of Justice has considered your letter of 8 July 1982 concerning the decision you have taken in regard to service in the military, and the doubts which are now troubling you about whether your enlist- ment in the Army’s flight school is in violation of the teachings of the Faith.

We are instructed to say that your action in requesting guidance from your National Spiritual Assembly was cor- rect. The National Assembly in its reply to you of 7 June stated that it was up to you to decide whether or not to enlist, keeping in mind the guidance already given in its previous letter. Now that you have enlisted, the House of Justice is confident that you will do all you can to ensure that you are not required to undertake combatant status.

On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, letter dated 7/27/82 to individual believer

Membership in non-Bahd’t religious and other organizations 20. Concerning membership in non-Baha’i religious asso-

ciations, the Guardian wishes to re-emphasize the general principle already laid down in his communications to your �[Page 161]Membership in non-Bahd’i organizations 161

Assembly and also to the individual believers that no Baha’i who wishes to be a wholehearted and sincere upholder of the distinguishing principles of the Cause can accept full mem- bership in any non-Baha’i ecclesiastical organization. For such an act would necessarily imply only a partial accept- ance of the Teachings and laws of the Faith, and an incom- plete recognition of its independent status, and would thus be tantamount to an act of disloyalty to the verities it enshrines. For it is only too obvious that in most of its fundamental assumptions the Cause of Baha’ullah is com- pletely at variance with outworn creeds, ceremonies and institutions. To be a Baha'i and at the same time accept membership in another religious body is simply an act of contradiction that no sincere and logically minded person can possibly accept. To follow Baha’u’llah does not mean accepting some of His teachings and rejecting the rest.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 6/15/35, in Baha'i News, no. 93 (July 1935) 1

21. Generally speaking, the friends should not enter secret societies. It is certainly much better for the believers to dissociate themselves from such organizations. ...

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter to National Spiritual Assemblies, qtd. in letter dated 6/3/74 and written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to individual believer

22. ... here are a few general guidelines that individual Baha'is should consider before joining any organization. When in doubt they should consult their local Spiritual Assembly or even the National Spiritual Assembly.

The Guardian did not elaborate on what is meant by “secret organizations,” but the term certainly applies to all those organizations whose aims and objects are not available to everyone who wishes to know them and whose member- ship is not open to all persons without regard to race or religion. Furthermore, the organization must not engage in partisan politics. Neither should it be one that would not be acceptable anywhere in the world....

As for fraternities and sororities, membership in these is �[Page 162]162 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

permissible provided membership does not exclude persons because of race, religion, or social position.

Membership in the League of Women Voters is permissi- ble unless and until it becomes involved in partisan politics. Discussion of political issues in itself is not forbidden to Baha'is but they cannot support any particular party.

As for membership in the Grange, we assume this is permissible for Baha'is so long as it remains the educational and social movement we understand it to be.

The chief criteria for membership in any organization are: Are its aims or objects compatible with the Baha'i laws and principles? Is membership open to persons of all racial and religious backgrounds? Is it free of partisan politics?

If any Baha'i is in doubt about a particular organization, he can consult the administrative institutions. In doing so he should supply all possible information so that a decision can be based on facts.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'ts of the United States, “Criteria for Membership in Non-Baha't Organizations,” in Baha'i News, no. 108 (Mar. 1967), U.S. Supplement 2

Associating with social movements

23. Fully aware of the repeated statements of ‘Abdu’l-Baha that universality is of God, Baha’is in every land are ready, nay anxious, to associate themselves by word and deed with any association of men which, after careful scrutiny, they feel satisfied is free from every tinge of partisanship and politics and is wholly devoted to the interests of all mankind. In their collaboration with such associations they would extend any moral and material assistance they can afford, after having fulfilled their share of support to those institu- tions that affect directly the interests of the Cause. They should always bear in mind, however, the dominating pur- pose of such a collaboration which is to secure in time the recognition by those with whom they are associated of the paramount necessity and the true significance of the Baha'i Revelation in this day.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 2/20/27 to National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'ts of the United States and Canada, in Baha'i Administration 125-26 �[Page 163]The new world order 163

24. Membership in nonpolitical organizations... is, in- deed, the best method of teaching indirectly the Message by making useful and frequent contacts with well-known and influential persons who, if not completely won to the Faith, can at least become of some effective use to it.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 1/24/34, in The Unfolding Destiny of the British Baha'i Community 91

25. It is surely very necessary that the friends should keep in touch with the modern social movements, but their main objective should be to draw more people to the spirit and teachings of the Cause. They should learn from the experience of others and not permit themselves to go (off) at a tangent, and finally be so absorbed in other move- ments as to forget the Cause of God.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter to Mrs. Harding Urbana (received on 12/25/31), in Baha'i News, no. 64 (July 1932) 4

Our relationship to the new world order Forging Bahda’i communities

26. It behooveth all the beloved of God to become as one, to gather together under the protection of a single flag, to stand for a uniform body of opinion, to follow one and the same pathway, to hold fast to a single resolve. Let them forget their divergent theories and put aside their conflict- ing views since, God be praised, our purpose is one, our goal is one. We are the servants of one Threshold, we all draw our nourishment from the same one Source, we all are gathered in the shade of the same high Tabernacle, we all are sheltered under the one celestial Tree. ‘Abdu 'l-Bahd, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha 230

27. ...it is of the utmost importance that in accordance with the explicit text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, in every locality, be it city or hamlet, where the number of adult (21 years and above) declared believers �[Page 164]164 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

exceeds nine,” a local “Spiritual Assembly” be forthwith established. To it all local matters pertaining to the Cause must be directly and immediately referred for full consulta- tion and decision. The importance, nay the absolute necessi- ty of these local Assemblies is manifest when we realize that in the days to come they will evolve into the local Houses of Justice. ...

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 3/12/23 to the Baha'is of America, Great Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, and Australasia, in Baha’i Administration 37

28. It is incumbent upon every one not to take any step without consulting the Spiritual Assembly, and they must assuredly obey with heart and soul its bidding and be submissive unto it, that things may be properly ordered and well arranged. Otherwise every person will act inde- pendently and after his own judgment, will follow his own desire, and do harm to the Cause.

‘Abdu'l-Bahd, qtd. in letter from Shoghi Effendi dated 3/5/22, in Baha'i Administration 21

29. The divinely ordained institution of the Local Spiritual Assembly operates at the first levels of human society and is the basic administrative unit of Baha’u'llah’s World Order. It is concerned with individuals and families whom it must constantly encourage to unite in a distinctive Baha'i society, vitalized and guarded by the laws, ordinances and principles of Baha’u'llah’s Revelation. It protects the Cause of God; it acts as the loving shepherd of the Baha’i flock.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated Naw-Ruz 1974 to Bahd'ts of the world

Supporting Baha’i communities 30. The friends are called upon to give their whole-hearted support and cooperation to the Local Spiritual Assembly,

2. When the number of believers is exactly nine, they constitute themselves as the Local Spiritual Assembly by joint declaration. �[Page 165]Supporting Bahd’i communities 165

first by voting for the membership and then by energetical- ly pursuing its plans and programs, by turning to it in time of trouble or difficulty, by praying for its success and taking delight in its rise to influence and honor. This great prize, this gift of God within each community must be cherished, nurtured, loved, assisted, obeyed and prayed for.

Such a firmly-founded, busy and happy community life as is envisioned when Local Spiritual Assemblies are truly effective, will provide a firm home foundation from which the friends may derive courage and strength and loving support in bearing the Divine Message to their fellowmen and conforming their lives to its benevolent rule.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated Naw-Ruz 1974 to Bahd'ts of the world

31. And now as I look into the future, I hope to see the friends at all times, in every land, and of every shade of thought and character, voluntarily and joyously rallying round their local and in particular their national centers of activity, upholding and promoting their interests with complete unanimity and contentment, with perfect under- standing, genuine enthusiasm, and sustained vigor. This indeed is the one joy and yearning of my life, for it is the fountainhead from which all future blessings will flow, the broad foundation upon which the security of the Divine Edifice must ultimately rest. May we not hope that now at last the dawn of a brighter day is breaking upon our beloved Cause?

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 9/24/24 to Bahd'ts throughout the continent of America, in Baha'i Administration 67

32. His brotherly advice to you, and to all loyal and ardent young believers like you, is that you should deepen your knowledge of the history and of the tenets of the Faith, not merely by means of careful and thorough study, but also through active, wholehearted and continued participation in all the activities, whether administrative or otherwise, of your community. The Baha'i community life provides you �[Page 166]166 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

with an indispensable laboratory where you can translate into living and constructive action, the principles which you imbibe from the teachings. By becoming a real part of that living organism you can catch the real spirit which runs throughout the Baha'i teachings. To study the principles, and to try to live according to them, are, therefore, the two essential mediums through which you can insure the devel- opment and progress of your inner spiritual life and of your outer existence as well. May Baha’u'llah enable you to attain this high station, and may He keep the torch of faith forever burning in your hearts!

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 11/2/33 to individual believer, in The Importance of Deepening 36—37

33. Paralleling the growth of his inner life through prayer, meditation, service, and study of the teachings, Baha'i youth have the opportunity to learn in practice the very functioning of the Order of Baha’u'llah. Through taking part in conferences and summer schools as well as Nineteen Day Feasts, and in service on committees, they can develop the wonderful skill of Baha'i consultation, thus tracing new paths of human corporate action.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 6/10/66 to Baha't youth in every land, in Wellspring of Guidance 96

34. ... youth may demonstrate the efficiency, the vigor, the access of unity which arise from true consultation and, by contrast, demonstrate the futility of partisanship, lob- bying, debate, secret diplomacy, and unilateral action which characterize modern affairs. Youth also take partin © the life of the Baha’i community as a whole and promote a society in which all generations—elderly, middle-aged, youth, children—are fully integrated and make up an organ- ic whole. By refusing to carry over the antagonisms and mistrust between the generations which perplex and bedevil modern society, they will again demonstrate the healing and life-giving nature of their religion.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 6/10/66 to Baha’ youth in every land, in Wellspring of Guidance 96—97 �[Page 167]Fostering unity in the community 167

35. Wherever a Baha’i community exists, whether large or small, let it be distinguished for its abiding sense of security and faith, its high standard of rectitude, its complete free- dom from all forms of prejudice, the spirit of love among its members and for the closely knit fabric of its social life. The acute distinction between this and present day society will inevitably arouse the interest of the more enlightened, and as the world’s gloom deepens the light of Baha’i life will shine brighter and brighter until its brilliance must eventually attract the disillusioned masses and cause them to enter the haven of the Covenant of Baha’u'llah, Who alone can bring them peace and justice and an ordered life.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 8/68 to Hands of the Cause of God and Baha'is at First Bahda't Oceanic Conference, Palermo, Sicily, in Messages from The Universal House of Justice 12

Fostering unity in the community

36. O handmaid of God, peace must first be established among individuals, until it leadeth in the end to peace among nations. Wherefore, O ye Baha'is, strive ye with all your might to create, through the power of the Word of God, genuine love, spiritual communion and durable bonds among individuals. This is your task.

‘Abdu'l-Bahd, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha 246

37. The great and fundamental teachings of Baha’u'llah are the oneness of God and unity of mankind. This is the bond of union among Baha’is all over the world. They become united among themselves, then unite others. It is impossible to unite unless united. Christ said, “Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?” This proves there were dissensions and lack of unity among His followers. Hence His admonition to unity of action.

Now must we, likewise, bind ourselves together in the utmost unity, be kind and loving to each other, sacrificing all our possessions, our honor, yea, even our lives for each other. Then will it be proved that we have acted according to �[Page 168]168 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

the teachings of God, that we have been real believers in the oneness of God and unity of mankind. ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, The Promulgation of Universal Peace 156

38. How good it is if the friends be as close as sheaves of light, if they stand together side by side in a firm unbroken line. For now have the rays of reality from the Sun of the world of existence, united in adoration all the worshipers of this light; and these rays have, through infinite grace, gathered all peoples together within this wide-spreading shelter; therefore must all souls become as one soul, and all hearts as one heart. Let all be set free from the multiple identities that were born of passion and desire, and in the oneness of their love for God find a new way of life. ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha 76

39. In their relations amongst themselves as fellow- believers, let them not be content with the mere exchange of cold and empty formalities often connected with the organizing of banquets, receptions, consultative assem- blies, and lecture-halls. Let them rather, as equal co- sharers in the spiritual benefits conferred upon them by Baha'u'llah, arise and, with the aid and counsel of their local and national representatives, supplement these official func- tions with those opportunities which only a close and intimate social intercourse can adequately provide. In their homes, in their hours of relaxation and leisure, in the daily contact of business transactions, in the association of their children, whether in their study-classes, their playgrounds, and club-rooms, in short under all possible circumstances, however insignificant they appear, the community of the followers of Baha’u'llah should satisfy themselves that in the eyes of the world at large and in the sight of their vigilant Master they are the living witnesses of those truths which He fondly cherished and tirelessly championed to the very end of His days. If we relax in our purpose, if we falter in our faith, if we neglect the varied opportunities given us from time to time by an all-wise and gracious Master, we are not merely failing in what is our most vital and conspicuous �[Page 169]Fostering unity in the community 169

obligation, but are thereby insensibly retarding the flow of those quickening energies which can alone insure the vigor- ous and speedy development of God's struggling Faith.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 4/12/27 to National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'ts of the United States and Canada, in Baha'i Administration 130-31

40. What impressed him most in the account of your services was the statement that the old and the young Baha'is are firmly united and co-operating in bearing the burdens of the Faith in that locality. Nothing will attract God's blessings and grace more than the unity of the friends, and nothing is more destructive of their highest purpose than divisions and misunderstandings. Cling therefore to unity if you desire to succeed and abide by the will of your Lord Baha'u'llah; for that is the true objective of His Mission in this world.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 10/11/32 to Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Teaneck, N.J., in Baha'i Youth 21—22

41. ... the believers have not yet fully learned to draw on each other’s love for strength and consolation in time of need. The Cause of God is endowed with tremendous powers, and the reason the believers do not gain more from it is because they have not learned to duly draw these mighty forces of love and strength and harmony generated by the Faith.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 5/8/42 to Roan Orloff, in Baha'i News, no. 217 (Mar. 1949) 4

42. As humanity plunges deeper into that condition of which Baha’ullah wrote, “to disclose it now would not be meet and seemly,” so must the believers increasingly stand out as assured, orientated, and fundamentally happy be- ings, conforming to a standard which, in direct contrast to the ignoble and amoral attitudes of modern society, is the source of their honor, strength, and maturity. It is this marked contrast between the vigor, unity, and discipline of the Baha'i community on the one hand, and the increasing confusion, despair, and feverish tempo of a doomed society �[Page 170]170 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

on the other, which, during the turbulent years ahead, will draw the eyes of humanity to the sanctuary of Baha’u'llah’s world-redeeming Faith.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated Ridvdn 1966, in Wellspring of Guidance 79—80

Supporting and strengthening Bahd’i youth

43. Give great attention and support to youth participation in community life and to their teaching the Cause to their own generation in high schools, colleges and elsewhere; encourage and offer guidance to Baha’i youth to plan their lives to be of greatest service to the Faith, and provide means whereby their offers of specific periods of teaching and other service beyond normal teaching activities can be organized and used to the best advantage.

The Universal House of Justice, in Challenge 11

44. The winds of test and trial have blown upon our Faith more than once, and he strongly feels that old believers like yourself should do everything in their power to protect the younger Baha’is, to strengthen their faith, deepen them in the Covenant, and enable them to take full refuge in the Will and Testament of the beloved Master, that impregnable fortress He built for our safety when He Himself should have gone from our sight.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 10/26/41 to individual believer, in Baha'i Youth 21

Supporting the Bahd't funds

45. ... the institutions of the local and national Funds, that are now the necessary adjuncts to all local and nation- al spiritual assemblies, have not only been established by ‘Abdu'l-Baha in the Tablets He revealed to the Baha'is of the Orient, but their importance and necessity have been repeat- edly emphasized by Him in His utterances and writings.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 2/27/29 to National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'ts of the United States and Canada, in The World Order of Baha'u'llah 6 �[Page 171]Supporting the Bahd’i funds 174

46. All the friends of God... should contribute to the extent possible, however modest their offering may be. God doth not burden a soul beyond its capacity. Such contribu- tions must come from all centers and all believers. ...O Friends of God! Be ye assured that in place of these contributions, your agriculture, your industry, and your commerce will be blessed by manifold increases, with goodly gifts and bestowals. He who cometh with one goodly deed will receive a tenfold reward. There is no doubt that the living Lord will abundantly confirm those who expend their wealth in His path. ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, in Words of God 13

47. We must be like the fountain or spring that is continu- ally emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source. To be continually giving out for the good of our fellows undeterred by the fear of poverty and reliant on the unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth and all good—this is the secret of right living. Letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Lifeblood of the Cause 12

48. As to material sacrifices towards the welfare of the Cause he wished you to understand that the general interests of the Cause take precedence over the interests of particular individuals. For instance contributions to the welfare of individuals are secondary to contributions to- wards the National and Local Funds and that of the Temple.

This is a general instruction. Of course helping the individuals in case one is able to help, is also desirable and merits appreciation.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 11/20/25 to individual believer, in Lifeblood of the Cause 4

49. Regarding the question you raised: in the first place every believer is free to follow the dictates of his own conscience as regards the manner in which he should �[Page 172]172 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

spend his own money. Secondly, we must always bear in mind that there are so few Baha'is in the world, relative to the world’s population, and so many people in need, that even if all of us gave all we had, it would not alleviate more than an infinitesimal amount of suffering. This does not mean we must not help the needy, we should; but our contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind, for it is only through the system of Baha’u’llah —Divine in origin—that the world can be gotten on its feet and want, fear, hunger, war, etc., be eliminated. Non- Baha'is cannot contribute to our work or do it for us; so really our first obligation is to support our own teaching work, as this will lead to the healing of the nations.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 12/8/47 to individual believer, in Lifeblood of the Cause 12—13

50. He wishes you... to stress the importance of the institution of the National Baha'i Fund which, in these early days of the administrative development of the Faith, is the indispensable medium for the growth and expansion of the Movement. Contributions to this fund constitute, in addition, a practical and effective way whereby every believer can test the measure and character of his faith, and to prove in deeds the intensity of his devotion and attachment to the Cause.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 9/25/34 to chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahda'ts of the United States and Cana- da, in Lifeblood of the Cause 12

51. As to the idea of “giving what one can afford”; this does by no means put a limit or even exclude the possibility of self-sacrifice. There can be no limit to one’s contributions to the national fund. The more one can give the better it is, specially when such offerings necessitate the sacrifice of other wants and desires on the part of the donor. The harder the sacrifice the more meritorious will it be, of course, in the sight of God. For after all it is not so much �[Page 173]Social and economic development 173

the quantity of one’s offerings that matters, but rather the measure of deprivation that such offerings entail. It is the spirit, and not the mere fact of contributing that we should always take into account when we stress the necessity fora universal and whole-hearted support of the various funds of the Cause.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 12/31/35 to individual believer, in Lifeblood of the Cause 10

52. Most urgently, may every believer give sacrificially of his substance, each in accordance with his means, to the funds of the Cause, local, national, continental and inter- national, so that the material resources—the life-blood of all activities—will be adequate to the tremendous work that we have to perform in the months and years immedi- ately ahead. It requires a concentration of effort, a unity of purpose and a degree of self-sacrifice to match the heroic exertions of the victors of past plans in the progress of the Cause.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 1/2/84 to followers of Bahd’- u'llah in every land

Participation in social and economic development

53. The administrative machinery of the Cause having now sufficiently evolved, its aim and object fairly well grasped and understood, and its method and working made more familiar to every believer, I feel the time is ripe when it should be fully and consciously utilized to further the purpose for which it has been created. It should, I strongly feel, be made to serve a twofold purpose. On one hand, it should aim at a steady and gradual expansion of the Movement along lines that are at once broad, sound and universal; and on the other it should insure the internal consolidation of the work already achieved. It should both provide the impulse whereby the dynamic forces latent in the Faith can unfold, crystallize, and shape �[Page 174]174 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

the lives and conduct of men, and serve as a medium for the interchange of thought and the coordination of activi- ties among the divers elements that constitute the Baha’i community.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 5/11/26 to National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, in Baha'i Administration 109

54. The matter of Teaching, its direction, its ways and means, its extension, its consolidation, essential as they are to the interests of the Cause, constitute by no means the only issue which should receive the full attention of these Assemblies. A careful study of Bahda’u'llah’s and ‘Abdu1-Baha's Tablets will reveal that other duties, no less vital to the interests of the Cause, devolve upon the elected representatives of the friends in every locality. ...

They must do their utmost to extend at all times the helping hand to the poor, the sick, the disabled, the orphan, the widow, irrespective of color, caste and creed.

They must promote by every means in their power the material as well as the spiritual enlightenment of youth, the means for the education of children, institute, whenever possible, Baha'i educational institutions, organize and su- pervise their work and provide the best means for their progress and development.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 3/12/23 to the Baha'is of America, Great Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, and Australasia, in Baha'i Administration 37—38

55. The friends must never mistake the Baha'i administra- tion for an end in itself. It is merely the instrument of the spirit of the Faith. This Cause is a Cause which God has revealed to humanity as a whole. It is designed to benefit the entire human race, and the only way it can do this is to re-form the community life of mankind, as well as seeking to regenerate the individual. The Baha’i administration is only the first shaping of what in future will come to be the social life and laws of community living.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 10/14/41 to individual believer, in The Local Spiritual Assembly 28 �[Page 175]Social and economic development 175

56. The soul-stirring events in Baha’u'llah’s native land and the concomitant advance into the theater of world affairs of the agencies of His Administrative Order have combined to bring into focus new possibilities in the evolution of the Baha'i world community. Our Ridvan message this year captured these implications in its reference to the opening before us of a wider horizon in whose light can dimly be discerned new pursuits and undertakings upon which we must soon embark. These portend our greater involvement in the development of the social and economic life of peoples. ...

.. although it has hitherto been impracticable for Baha'i institutions generally to emphasize development ac- tivities, the concept of social and economic development is enshrined in the sacred Teachings of our Faith. The beloved Master, through His illuminating words and deeds, set the example for the application of this concept to the reconstruc- tion of society. Witness, for instance, what social and eco- nomic progress the Iranian believers attained under His loving guidance and, subsequently, with the unfailing en- couragement of the Guardian of the Cause.

Now, after all the years of constant teaching activity, the Community of the Greatest Name has grown to the stage at which the processes of this development must be incorporat- ed into its regular pursuits; particularly is action compelled by the expansion of the Faith in Third World countries where the vast majority of its adherents reside. The steps to be taken must necessarily begin in the Baha’i Community itself, with the friends endeavoring, through their applica- tion of spiritual principles, their rectitude of conduct and the practice of the art of consultation, to uplift themselves and thus become self-sufficient and self-reliant. Moreover, these exertions will conduce to the preservation of human honor, so desired by Baha’ullah. In the process and as a consequence, the friends will undoubtedly extend the bene- fits of their efforts to society as a whole, until all mankind achieves the progress intended by the Lord of the Age... .

We go forward confident that the wholehearted involve- �[Page 176]176 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

ment of the friends in these activities will ensure a deeper consolidation of the community at all levels. Our engage- ment in the technical aspects of development should, howev- er, not be allowed to supplant the essentials of teaching, which remains the primary duty of every follower of Baha’ u'llah. Rather should our increased activities in the develop- ment field be viewed as a reinforcement of the teaching work, as a greater manifestation of faith in action. For, if expan- sion of the teaching work does not continue, there can be no hope of success for this enlarged dimension of the consolida- tion process.

Ultimately, the call to action is addressed to the individ- ual friends, whether they be adult or youth, veteran or newly-enrolled. Let them step forth to take their places in the arena of service where their talents and skills, their special- ized training, their material resources, their offers of time and energy and, above all, their dedication to Baha'i princi- ples, can be put to work in improving the lot of man.

May all derive enduring inspiration from the following statement written in 1933 by the hand of our beloved Guardian:

The problems which confront the believers at the pres- ent time, whether social, spiritual, economic or administra- tive will be gradually solved as the number and the re- sources of the friends multiply and their capacity for service and for the application of Baha'i principles develops. They should be patient, confident and active in utilizing every possible opportunity that presents itself within the limits now necessarily imposed upon them. May the Almighty aid them to fulfill their highest hopes.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 10/20/83 to Bahd'ts of the world

57. Baha'i communities in many lands have attained a size and complexity that both require and make possible the implementation of a range of activities for their social and economic development which will not only be of immense value for the consolidation of these communities and the �[Page 177]God's holy purpose for humanity 177

development of their Baha'i life, but will also benefit the wider communities within which they are embedded and will demonstrate the beneficial effects of the Baha’i Message to the critical gaze of the world.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 1/2/84 to followers of Bahd’- u'llah in every land

58. The upsurge of zeal throughout the Baha'i world for exploration of the new dimension of social and economic development is both heartwarming and uplifting to all our hopes. This energy within the community, carefully and wisely directed, will undoubtedly bring about a new era of consolidation and expansion, which in turn will attract further widespread attention, so that both aspects of change in the Baha'i world community will be interactive and mutually propelling.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated Ridvdn 1984 to Baha'is of the world

Achieving God's holy purpose for humanity

59. ... the Ancient Beauty was ever, during His sojourn in this transitory world, either a captive bound with chains, or living under a sword, or subjected to extreme suffering and torment, or held in the Most Great Prison. Because of His physical weakness, brought on by His afflictions, His blessed body was worn away to a breath; it was light as a cobweb from long grieving. And His reason for shouldering this heavy load and enduring all this anguish, which was even as an ocean that hurleth its waves to high heaven—His reason for putting on the heavy iron chains and for becoming the very embodiment of utter resignation and meekness, was to lead every soul on earth to concord, to fellow-feeling, to oneness; to make known amongst all peoples the sign of the singleness of God, so that at last the primal oneness deposited at the heart of all created things would bear its destined fruit, and the �[Page 178]178 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

splendor of “No difference canst thou see in the creation of the God of Mercy,’* would cast abroad its ray.

Now is the time, O ye beloved of the Lord, for ardent endeavor. Struggle ye, and strive. And since the Ancient Beauty was exposed by day and night on the field of martyrdom, let us in our turn labor hard, and hear and ponder the counsels of God; let us fling away our lives, and renounce our brief and numbered days. Let us turn our eyes away from empty fantasies of this world’s divergent forms, and serve instead this pre-eminent purpose, this grand design.

‘Abdu 'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha 263

60. O ye believers of God! Be not concerned with the smallness of your numbers, neither be oppressed by the multitude of an unbelieving world. Five grains of wheat will be endured with heavenly blessing, whereas a thou- sand tons of tares will yield no results or effect. One fruitful tree will be conducive to the life of society, whereas a thousand forests of wild trees offer no fruits. The plain is covered with pebbles, but precious stones are rare. One pearl is better than a thousand wildernesses of sand, especially this pearl of great price, which is endowed with divine blessing. Erelong thousands of other pearls will be born from it. When that pearl associates and becomes the intimate of the pebbles, they also all change into pearls. ‘Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan 86—87

61. Humanity, torn with dissension and burning with hate, is crying at this hour for a fuller measure of that love which is born of God, that love which in the last resort will prove the one solvent of its incalculable difficulties and problems. Is it not incumbent upon us, whose hearts are aglow with love for Him, to make still greater effort, to

3. Qur'an 67:3. �[Page 179]God's holy purpose for humanity 179

manifest that love in all its purity and power in our dealings with our fellow-men? May our love of our beloved Master, so ardent, so disinterested in all its aspects, find its true expression in love for our fellow-brethren and sisters in the faith as well as for all mankind. I assure you, dear friends, that progress in such matters as these is limitless and infinite, and that upon the extent of our achievements along this line will ultimately depend the success of our mission in life.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 2/23/24 to Bahda'ts throughout America, in Baha'i Administration 62

62. By the sublimity of their principles, the warmth of their love, the spotless purity of their character, and the depth of their devoutness and piety, let them demonstrate to their fellow-countrymen the ennobling reality of a power that shall weld a disrupted world.

We can prove ourselves worthy of our Cause only if in our individual conduct and corporate life we sedulously imitate the example of our beloved Master, whom the terrors of tyranny, the storms of incessant abuse, the oppressiveness of humiliation, never caused to deviate a hair’s breadth from the revealed Law of Baha’u'llah.

Such is the path of servitude, such is the way of holiness He chose to tread to the very end of His life. Nothing short of the strictest adherence to His glorious example can safely steer our course amid the pitfalls of this perilous age, and lead us on to fulfill our high destiny.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 4/12/27 to National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, in Baha'i Administration 132

63. We are told by Shoghi Effendi that two great processes are at work in the world: the great Plan of God, tumultuous in its progress, working through mankind as a whole, tearing down barriers to world unity and forging human- kind into a unified body in the fires of suffering and experience. This process will produce, in God’s due time, �[Page 180]180 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

the Lesser Peace, the political unification of the world. Mankind at that time can be likened to a body that is unified but without life. The second process, the task of breathing life into this unified body—of creating true unity and spirituality culminating in the Most Great Peace —is that of the Baha’is, who are laboring consciously, with detailed instructions and continuing divine guidance, to erect the fabric of the Kingdom of God on earth, into which they call their fellowmen, thus conferring upon them eternal life.

The working out of God's Major Plan proceeds mysteri- ously in ways directed by Him alone, but the Minor Plan that He has given us to execute, as our part in His grand design for the redemption of mankind, is clearly delineated. It is to this work that we must devote all our energies, for there is no one else to do it.

The Universal House of Justice, qtd. in letter dated 7/7/76 and written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to individual believer, in Baha'i National Review, no. 101 (Sept. 1976) 2

64. Ours, dearly-beloved co-workers, is the paramount duty to continue, with undimmed vision and unabated zeal, to assist in the final erection of that Edifice the foundations of which Baha'u'llah has laid in our hearts, to derive added hope and strength from the general trend of recent events, however dark their immediate effects, and to pray with unremitting fervor that He may hasten the ap- proach of the realization of that Wondrous Vision which constitutes the brightest emanation of His Mind and the fairest fruit of the fairest civilization the world has yet seen.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 11/28/31, in The World Order of Baha'u'llah 48

65. The champion builders of Baha’u'llah’s rising World Order must scale nobler heights of heroism as humanity plunges into greater depths of despair, degradation, dissen- sion and distress. Let them forge ahead into the future serenely confident that the hour of their mightiest exertions and the supreme opportunity for their greatest exploits �[Page 181]God's holy purpose for humanity 181

must coincide with the apocalyptic upheaval marking the lowest ebb in mankind's fast-declining fortunes.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 11/3/48 to the Bahda'ts of the United States, in Citadel of Faith 58

66. You are a community of victors, you occupy the front ranks of Baha’u'llah’s invincible army of light, indeed, you must remain in the vanguard of its thrust. The soul-shaking events transpiring at this very moment in the motherland of our Faith make even more urgent than ever the necessity of multiplying the size of your community on which rest inescapable God-given responsibilities towards the world community, no less than towards itself. All your accomplish- ments proclaim your ability to excel in the fundamental goal of expanding your membership. The progress of the Cause in your country undoubtedly depends upon such expansion.

It is, of course, the individual believer who bears pri- mary responsibility for securing this goal, therefore, it is primarily to the individual believer “on whom,” as the beloved Guardian averred, “in the last resort, depends the fate of the entire community,” that our concern in this instance is addressed. For it is the individual who possesses the will to act as a teacher or not. No Spiritual Assembly, no teaching committee, no group of well-intentioned Baha'is, however much it exerts itself, may usurp the position occu- pied by the individual in this fundamental activity. Recog- nizing that the Spiritual Assemblies and their designated committees have devoted much to proclaiming the Faith through the mass media and sundry other means, that the enormous resources poured into such proclamation repre- sent an investment in the teaching work which paves the way for the action of the individual teacher, and that publici- ty, however much it may arouse public interest in the cause, is incapable of replacing personal teaching efforts, let the individual Baha'i renew his resolve to “arise and respond to the call of teaching.” Let him, acting on Shoghi Effendi’s advice, “survey the possibilities which the particular cir- cumstances in which he lives offer him, evaluate their �[Page 182]182 SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

advantages, and proceed intelligently and systematically to utilize them for the achievement of the object he has in mind.” Let him also strive to obtain adequate knowledge of the teachings and reflect the virtues of that knowledge in his daily life. Finally, let him waste no time, forfeit no further opportunity.

The Universal House of Justice, telex dated 3/23/84 to the Bahd'ts of the United States

67. The rising sun of Baha’u'llah’s Revelation is having its visible effect upon the world and upon the Baha'i community itself. Opportunities, long dreamed of for teaching, attended by showering confirmations, now challenge in ever- increasing numbers, every individual believer, every Local and National Spiritual Assembly. The potent seeds sown by ‘Abdu'1-Baha are beginning to germinate within the divinely- ordained Order expounded and firmly laid by the beloved Guardian. Humanity is beaten almost to its knees, bewil- dered and shepherdless, hungry for the bread of life. This is our day of service; we have that heavenly food to offer. The peoples are disillusioned with deficient political theories, social systems and orders; they crave, knowingly or unknow- ingly, the love of God and reunion with Him. Our response to this growing challenge must be a mighty upsurge of effective teaching, imparting the divine fire which Baha’u'llah has kindled in our hearts until a conflagration arising from millions of souls on fire with His love shall at last testify that the Day for which the Chief Luminaries of our Faith so ardently prayed has at last dawned.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated Ridvan 1982 to Bahd'ts of the world