The Baha'i World: Volume 12 (1950-1954) ======================================= Exported from Holy-Writings.com on 2026-06-20 1 clipping 1. Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States, The Baha'i World: Volume 12 (1950-1954), Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1956, bahai-library.com. ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 107, 108, 109 AND 110 OF THE BAHA'I ERA 1950-1954 A.D. THE BAHA'I WORLD A BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL RECORD Prepared under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of the United States with the approval of Shoghi Effendi V O L U M E XI1 107, log, 109 AND 110 OF THE BAHA'I ERA APRIL 1950-1954 A.D. BAHA'I P U B L I S H I N G T R U S T Wilmette, Illinois O Copyright 1956, by National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of the United States. Reprinted 1981 N 0 T E : The spelling of the Oriental words and proper names used in this issue of THEBAHL'~ WORLDis according to the system of transliteration established at one of the International Oriental Congresses. Library of Congress Catalogue Card No. 27-5882 Printed in t h e United States of America To SHOGHI EFFENDI Guardian of the BahB'i Faith this work is dedicated in the hope that it will assist his efforts to promote that spiritual unity underlying and anticipating the "Most Great Peace" of BAHA'U'LLAH CONTENTS PART ONE PAGE I . Aims and Purposes of the BahVi Faith .............................. 1 I1. International Survey of Current Bahb'i Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 I11. Excerpts from the Bahb'i Sacred Writings: 1. Words of Bahb'u'llih . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 2 . Words of the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 3. Words of 'Abdu'l-Bahi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 IV . The Centenary Celebrations of the Birth of the Mission of BahVu'llih, 1953 115 1. The Guardian's Announcement and Messages ................... 115 2 . The African Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in Kampala. Uganda. February. 1953 .................................. 121 3. The All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in Chi- cago.U.S.A..April-May. 1953 ............................. 133 4 . The European Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in Stock- holm.Sweden.July. 1953 ................................. 167 5. The Asian Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in New Delhi. India. October. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 V . The Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Bib 1850-1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 1. BahVu'llih's Tribute to the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 2 . 'Abdu'l-Bahb's Tribute to the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 3. The Guardian's Message for the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 4 . The Station of the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 5. The Execution of the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 6 . International Observance of the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Bib ................................................... 205 7 . The Martyr Prophet of a World Faith. by William B. Sears ........ 208 8. Pilgrimage to the Scenes of the Bib's Captivity and Martyrdom. by D_hikru711ihKhidem ........................................ 217 9 . A Century of World Crisis 1850.1950. by Dr . G . A . Borgese ...... 226 10. Der 100. Jahrestag des Opfertodes des Bib. by Dr Eugen Schmidt 230 . VI . The Completion of the Construction of the Sepulcher of the Bib in the Holy Land. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 1. Entombment of the Bib's Remains on Mt . Carmel ............... 235 2 . Announcements by the Guardian ............................. 238 3. An Account of the Preparatory Work in Italy. by Dr . Ugo R . Giachery 240 4. Reports on the Construction of the Arcade. by Ben D . Weeden .... 246 VII . The Inauguration of the World BahL'i Crusade 1953-1963 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 1. Announcement by the Guardian .............................. 253 2 . Ten-Year International Bahb'i Teaching and Consolidation Plan 1953- 1963 .................................................. 256 3. Maps of the Ten-Year Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover 4. Chart of the Ten-Year Plan .................... Inside Front Cover 5. Chart showing the Expansion of the Faith ...................... 275 P A R T TWO I. The World Order of BahP'uYU& .................................. 279 1. Present Day Administration of the Bahgi Faith .................. 279 vii viii CONTENTS The Formation of an Organic Religious Community. by Horace Holley ............................................... A Procedure for the Conduct of a Local Spiritual Assembly ...... The Institution of the National Spiritual Assembly. by Horace Holley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Procedure for the Conduct of the Annual BahL'i Convention The Non-Political Character of the Bahi'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Concerning Membership in Non-BahL'i Religious Organizations . . BahL'is and Military Service ............................... Interpretation of the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-BahB . . . . . . . . Excerpts from the Writings of Shoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Important Messages from Shoghi Effendi 1950-1954 . . . . . . . . . . The Process of International Consolidation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appointment of the Hands of the Cause of God . . . . . . . . . . . . Formation of the International BahL'i Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . Documentation of the BahL'i Administrative Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Declaration of Trust of the National Spiritual As- sembly of the BahL'is of the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual As- sembly of the BahL'is of the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual As- sembly of the BahL'is of Persia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Declaration and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of Germany and Austria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual As- sembly of the Bahb'is of 'IrBq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Constitution of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah2is of South America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of South America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Central America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of India. PBkistBn and Burma. Delhi. India . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of India. PBkistBn and Burma. Rangoon. Burma . . . . . . . Certificate of Registration of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of India. PfikistBn and Burma. Lahore. PBkistiLn ...... Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Australia and New Zealand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Maywood. Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Houston. Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of Eliot. Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of Fresno. California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of San Diego. California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Sacramento. California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Glendale. California ................................. Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Fort Wayne. Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CONTENTS PAGE Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of Tucson, Arizona .................................... Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Oak Park, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Nashville, Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Greenwich, Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of Reno, Nevada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Grand Rapids, Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahfis of Surat, India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Jalna, Hyderabad (Deccan), India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Kamarhati, India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of Mysore, India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Singapore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Montevideo, Uruguay ................................ Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Quito, Ecuador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'i Marriage Certificate Adopted by the National Spiritual As- sembly of the Bahi'is of the United States .................. Marriage Certificate issued by the State of Idaho .............. Marriage Certificate issued by the State of Michigan ............ Marriage Certificate issued by the State of New York .......... Marriage Certificate issued by the Territory of Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . Marriage Certificate issued by the Territory of Alaska .......... Marriage Certificate issued by the State of New Mexico ......... Letter from the Board of Education of Prince George's County, Maryland, excusing Bahi'i Children from School Attendance on Bahi'i Holy Days ...................................... Letter from Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Delaware, ex- cusing Bahi'i Children from School Attendance on Bahi'i Holy Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Communications between the Government of Liberia and the Bahi'i Pioneers, authorizing the Teaching of the Faith in the Republic of Liberia, and exempting Goods consigned to the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Monrovia from Customs Fees . . . . . Certificate of Exemption from Registration granted to the Bah6'i Community of Kenya in connection with Emergency Laws re- garding Public Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deed of Transfer of the Bolton Property at Yerrinbool, N.S.W., Australia, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Australia and New Zealand, for a Summer School ........... Certificate of Transfer of Title of the Hyde Dunn Bahi'i School Property in A~~ckland, New Zealand, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Australia and New Zealand . . . . . . . . Certificate of Incorporation of the Bahi'i School in Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, under the name "Green Acre Bahl'i Institute," en- titled to hold property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CONTENTS PAGE 3. The Institution of the Mas_hriquYl-Adhkhr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 515 Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 515 The Spiritual Significance of the Mas_hriquYl-Adhkfir. . . . . . . . . . . . 517 Passages Regarding the Temple in America. taken from God Passes By . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 521 The Bahi'i House of Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 524 Architecture of the Temple Interior. by Robert W . McLaughlin . . . 528 Structural Features of the Interior of the Bahi'i House of Worship. by Edwin H . Eardley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 529 Completing the Interior Ornamentation of the Bahi'i House of Worship. by Alfred P . Shaw. Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 532 Interior Ornamentation of the BahB'i House of Worship. by Allen B. McDaniel and Paul E . Haney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533 Landscape Plan of the Bahi'i House of Worship by Hilbert Dahl 540 Bahb'i . . . Temple of Light. by Harold Leiendecker . . . . . . . . . . 542 Unveiling the Model of the Temple to be constructed on Mount Carmel. Address by Charles Mason Remey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 547 4 . BahB'i Calendar. Festivals and Dates of Historic Significance . . . . . . . 551 Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 551 BahB'i Feasts. Anniversaries and Days of Fasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 551 Bahi'i Holy Days on Which Work Should be Suspended . . . . . . . . 552 Additional Material Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) Re- garding the BahB'i Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 552 Historical Data Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) Regarding Bahi'u'llfih . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 556 Dates of Historic Significance During the First One Hundred and Ten Years of the Bahi'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559 5 . Youth Activities Throughout the Bahi'i World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562 Around the World with Bahi'i Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562 Report of International Bahi'i Youth Activity for the Year 1952- 1953. compiled by Dwight Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586 6 . The Bah2i Faith and the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 597 Bahi'i Relationship with United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 597 United Nations Informed of the B a h s Concept of Worship . . . . . . 598 Prayer Card Issued with Compliments of United Nations Committee of the Bah6'i I.nternationa1 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 599 Report of Bahi'i Activities in relation to the United Nations 1947- 1954. by Mildred Mottahedeh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601 II . Appreciations of the Bah6'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 617 1. Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 618 2 . Prof . E . G . Bro-wne. M.A.. M.B.. Cambridge University . . . . . . . . . . 620 3. Dr . J . Estlin Carpenter. D.Litt.. Manchester College. Oxford . . . . . . 622 4 . Rev . T . K . Cheyne. D.Litt.. D.D.. Oxford University . . . . . . . . . . . . 623 5 . Prof . Arminius Vambkry. Hungarian Academy of Pesth . . . . . . . . . . 623 6. Sir Valentine Chirol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 624 7 . Harry Charles Lukach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625 8. Prof . Jowett. Oxford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625 9. Alfred W . Martin. Society for Ethical Culture. New York . . . . . . . . . 625 10. Prof . James Darmesteter. Ecole des Hautes Etudes. Paris . . . . . . . . . . 626 11. Charles Baudouin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 626 12. D r . Henry H. Jessup. D.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 628 13. Right Hon . The Earl Curzon of Kedleston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 629 14. Sir Francis Younghusband. K.C.S.I.. K.C.I.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630 15. The Christian Commonwealth. Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631 16. Rev. J . Tyssul Davis. B.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631 CONTENTS 17. Herbert Putnam. Congressional Library. Washington. D.C. . . . . . . . . 18. Leo Tolstoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19. Dr . Edmund Privat. University of Geneva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 . Dr . Auguste Forel. University of Ziirich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 . General Renato Piola Caselli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22. Rev. Frederick W. Oakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 . Renwick J . G . Millar. Editor of John O'Groat Journal. Scotland . . . . 24 . Charles H . Prisk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25. Prof . Hari Prasad Shastri. D.Litt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26. Shri Purohit Swami . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 . Prof . Herbert A . Miller. Bryn Mawr College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 . Viscount Herbert Samuel. G.C.B.. M.P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29. Rev.K.T.Chung . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30. Prof . Dimitry Kazarov. University of Sofia. Bulgaria . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31. Rev. Griffith J . Sparham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32. Ernest Renan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33. The Hon . Lilian Helen Montague. J.P.. D.H.L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34. Prof . Norman Bentwich. Hebrew University. Jerusalem . . . . . . . . . . . . 35. Bmile Schreiber. Publicist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 . HelenKeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 . Dr . Rokuichiro Masujima. Doyen of Jurisprudence of Japan . . . . . . . . 38. Sir Flinders Petrie. Archaeologist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39. Former President Masaryk of Czechoslovakia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40. Archduchess Anton of Austria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41. Dr . Herbert Adams Gibbons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 . H.R.H. Princess Olga of Yugoslavia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43. Eugen Relgis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44. Arthur Henderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45. Prof Dr. V Lesny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 . Princess Marie Antoinette de Broglie Aussenac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 . David Starr Jordan. Late President. Leland Stanford University . . . . 48. Prof . Bogdan Popovitch. University of Belgrade. Yugoslavia . . . . . . . 49 . Ex-Governor William Sulzer of New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50. Luther Burbank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51. Prof . Yone Noguchi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52. Prof . Raymond Frank Piper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 AngelaMorgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54. Arthur Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55. Prof . Dr . Jan Rypka. Charles University. Praha. Czechoslovakia . . . . 56. A . L. M . Nicolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57. President Eduard BeneG of Czechoslovakia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58. Sir Ronald Storrs. K.C.M.G.. C.B.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59. Col. Raja Jai Prithvi Bahadur Singh. Raja of Bajang (Nepal) . . . . . . 60. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland . . . . 61. Right Hon . M . R. Jayakar. Privy Councillor. London . . . . . . . . . . . . 62. Prof . Benoy Kumar Sarkar. M.A.. Ph.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63. Sarojinu Naidu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64. Jules Bois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65. The late Sir John Martin Harvey. D.Litt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66. Dr . Hewlett Johnson. Dean of Canterbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67. Arnold J . Toynbee. Hon . D.Litt. Oxon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68. Sir A . Ramaswami Mudaliar. K.C.S.I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69. Dr . Bhagavan Das . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70. S. Eitrem. University of Oslo. Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71. Dr . G . W. Carver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72. George N . Mayhew. Dean. School of Religion. Vanderbilt University 73. Kenneth Walker. F.R.C.S.. F.I.C.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii CONTENTS PAGE 74. Prof . Joseph Klausner. Jerusalem. Israel ....................... 655 75. Prof . Francesco Gabrieli. University of Rome .................. 655 . 76 Dr . G . A . Borgese. Professor of Italian Literature. University of Chi- cago .................................................. 655 77 . Prof . Raffaele Pettazzoni. Professor of the History of Religion. Uni- versity of Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 656 78 . Dr . Marshall Wingfield. D.D.. Litt.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 656 79 . Sir Alfred Zimmern. Switzerland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 656 111. In Memoriam William Sutherland Maxwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 657 Roy C. Wilhelm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662 Siegfriedschopflocher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 664 Louis Gregory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 666 DorothyBaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 670 Marion Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 674 Edward B . Kinney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 677 Dr . Youness Afrukhtih . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 679 Ella Goodall Cooper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 681 Dr . SulaymLn Berjis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 684 Ella Bailey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 685 Maria B. Ioas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 688 Nuri'd-Din Fath 'Azam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 690 HLji Muhammad TLhir Malmiri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 692 Johanna Schubarth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 694 Florence George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 697 Philip Goddard Sprague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 698 Nellie Stevison French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 699 DagmarDole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701 Florence Breed Khan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703 B&ram RawhLni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705 LouiseBosch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705 FlorenceMorton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 708 R a b L n Kulayni MamaqLni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 710 'Abdu'l Hussein Yazdi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711 Charles Kennedy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711 L. W. Eggleston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 712 PART THREE I . Bahi'i Directory 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717 1. International Bahi'i Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717 2. Bahb'i National Spiritual Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717 3 . Countries opened to the Bahb'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Abyssinia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Aden Protectorate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Ad_hirbLyjLn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 AfghLnistLn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 ................................................. 719 Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Aleutian Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Algeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 AndamanIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Andorra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Angola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Argentina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 CONTENTS xiii PAGE Armenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Ashanti Protectorate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Australian New Guinea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Austria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Azores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Bahama Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Balp-aynIs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Balearic Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Bahic_hist&n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Baranof I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Basutoland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Bechuanaland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Belgian Congo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Belgium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Bermuda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Bismarck Archipelago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Bolivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Borneo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 British Cameroons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 British Guiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 British Honduras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 British Somaliland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 British Togoland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Brunei . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Bulgaria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Burma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Canary Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Cape Breton I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Cape Verde Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Caroline Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Ceylon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Channel Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Chile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Chi106 I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Colombia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Cook Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Corsica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Crete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Cuba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Cyprus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Czechoslovakia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Daman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 DiuI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Dominican Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Dutch Guiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Dutch New Guinea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Dutch West Indies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Ecuador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 Eire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 719 El Salvador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 19 xiv CONTENTS Eritrea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FalklandIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faroe Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FijiIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Formosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Franklin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . French Cameroons ........................................ French Equatorial Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . French Guiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . French Morocco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . French Somaliland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . French Togoland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . French West Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frisian Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Galapagos Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gambia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Georgia . ................................................ Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gilbert and Ellice Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gold Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Manan I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Great Britain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greenland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guatemala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hadhramaut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Haiti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hawaiian Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hebrides Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HijCz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honduras .............................................. Hong Kong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hungary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indo-China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indonesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 'IrCq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Italian Somaliland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Italv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamaica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jordan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JuanFernandezIs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karikal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keewatin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KeyWest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kodiak I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Koweit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kuria-Muria Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CONTENTS PAGE Labrador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 LeewardIs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Liberia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Libya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Liechtenstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Lofoten Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Luxembourg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Macao I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Mackenzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Madagascar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Madeirals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Magdalenls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Mahb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Malaya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Malta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Manchuria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Margarita I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Marianals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Marquesas Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Martinique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Mauritius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Mentawai Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Miquelon I . and St. Pierre I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Monaco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Morocco (Int . Zone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Mozambique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Nepal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 New Caledonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Newfoundland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 New Hebrides Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 New Zealand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Nicaragua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Nigeria ................................................ 720 Northern Territories Protectorate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 North Rhodesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Nyasaland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Orkney Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 PBkistiin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Panama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Paraguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Persia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Peru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Philippine Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Poland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Pondicherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Portugal ............................................... 720 Portuguese Guinea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Puerto Rico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Qatar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Queen Charlotte Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 RCunionl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Rhodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Rio de Oro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Ruanda-Urundi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 xvi CONTENTS PAGE Russian S.F.S.R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Samoa Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 SanMarino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Sarawak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Sardinia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 SaudiArabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Seychelles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 ShetlandIs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Siam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Sicly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 SierraLeone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Sikkim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Society Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Solomon Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 SouthAfrica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 SouthRhodesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 South West Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Spanish Morocco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 SpanishSahara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Siidin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Swaziland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Sweden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Switzerland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Syria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Tanganyika . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Tasmania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Tonga Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Trucial Sheiks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Tuamotu Archipelago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Tunisia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 Turkmenistan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 Uganda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 'Ummin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 United States of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 Uruguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 Venezuela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 Windward Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 Yemen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 Yugoslavia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 Yukon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 Zanzibar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 Zululand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721 4 . Local BahB'i Spiritual Assemblies, Groups, and Localities where Iso- lated BahB'is Reside in the United States of America 1953-1954 . . 721 5. Directory of Assemblies, Groups, and Isolated Bahgis in Administrative Divisions in Persia 1953-1954 ............................. 744 6. Directory of Localities where BahB'is Reside under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of India, PiikistLn andBurma 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 753 7. Directory of Localities where BahB'is Reside under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the BahB'is of Central and South America 1953-1954 ................................. 757 8. Directory of Localities in Australia and New Zealand where BahL'is Reside 1953-1954 ....................................... 763 CONTENTS xvii PAGE 9. Directory of Localities in the Dominion of Canada where Bahi'is Reside 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10. Directory of Localities in the British Isles where BahL'is Reside 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11. Directory of Localities in Germany and Austria where Bahi'is Reside 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12. Directory of Localities in Egypt and the Sfidfin where Bahi'is Reside 1953-1954 ............................................. 13. Directory of Localities where Bahi'is Reside under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of 'IrCq 1953-1954 14. Directory of Localities in Italy and Switzerland where Bahi'is Reside 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I1. BahS'i Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. Bahi'u'lljih's Best-Known Writings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. The Bfib's Best-Known Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. Bahi'i Publications of the United States of America in print . . . . . . . a . Writings of Bahi'u'llih . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b . Writings of the BLb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . c . Writings of 'Abdu'l-BahL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . d. Works Compiled from Writings of Bahi'u1ll&hand 'Abdu'l-BahL e . Works Compiled from Writings of Bahi'u'llfih, the BLb and 'Abdu'l-Bahi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . f . Works Compiled from Writings of Bahi'u'llLh, 'Abdu'l-BahL andshoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . g. Writings of Shoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . h . Writings on the Bahi'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i. Bahi'i Reprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . j . Pamphlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . k . Phonograph Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. Outlines and Guides for BahB'i Study Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . m . Children's Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n . Bahi'i Literature in Foreign Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . o. The Bah2i World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p . Periodicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3A . Bahi'i Publications of the United States of America that are out of print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . Bahi'i Publications of Great Britain in print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a. Writings of Bahi'u'llih . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b. Writings of 'Abdu'l-BahL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . c. Works Compiled from the Writings of Bahi'u'llih. the BLb and 'Abdu'l-BahL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . d. Writings of Shoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e. Compilations from the Writings of Shoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . f . Writings on the BahL'i Faith ............................ g. Bahi'i Literature in Pamphlet Form ...................... h . Outlines and Guides for Bahi'i Study Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i . Bahi'i Literature in Foreign Languages .................... 4A . Bahi'i Publications of Great Britain that are out of print ......... 5. Bahi'i Publications of Burma, India, PLkistfin and Princely States in English (Publications in other languages spoken in India, Burma, Ceylon and Pfikistin listed elsewhere under name of language) ... 6. Bahi'i Publications in Albanian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. BahL'i Publications in Bulgarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8. Bahfi'i Publications in Croatian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9. BahL'i Publications in Czech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10. BahL'i Pub1icatio.n~in Danish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii CONTENTS PAGE 11. BahCi Publications in Dutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 802 12. Bahi'i Publications in Esperanto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 803 13. BahL'i Publications in Finnish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805 14. BahL'i Publications in French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805 15. BahL'i Publications in German in print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 807 15A. Bahi'i Publications in German that are out of print . . . . . . . . . . . . . 808 16. BahL'i Publications in Greek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 812 17. Bahi'i Publications in Hungarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 812 18. BahL'i Publications in Icelandic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 812 19. BahCi Publications in Italian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 812 20 . Bahi'i Publications in Maori . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813 21 . Bahi'i Publications in Norwegian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813 22 . Bahi'i Publications in Polish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814 23 . Bahi'i Publications in Portuguese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814 24 . BahL'i Publications in Rumanian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 815 25. Bahi'i Publications in Russian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 815 26 . BahL'i Publications in Serbian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 816 27 . Bahi'i Publications in Slovak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 816 28 . Bahi'i Publications in Spanish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81.6 29 . Bahi'i Publications in Swedish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818 30. Bahi'i Publications in Welsh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818 3 1. BahL'i Publications in Oriental Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818 Abyssinian (Amharic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818 Arabic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818 Armenian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 819 Assamese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 819 Bengali . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 819 Burmese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 819 Chin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Chinese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Gujarati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Gurmukhi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Hebrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Hindi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Japanese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Kanarese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Kashmiri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Kurdish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Malayalam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Marathi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821 Nepalese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822 Oriya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822 Panjabi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822 Pashto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822 Persian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822 Rajasthani . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825 Sindhi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825 Singhalese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825 Tamil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825 Tartar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825 Telugu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826 Turkish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826 Urdu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826 32. Bahi'i Publications in African Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 Acholi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 Adanwe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 Ateso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 CONTENTS xix PAGE ChiNyanja . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 Ewe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 Hausa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 Igbo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 KiKikuyu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 KiSwahili . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 Luganda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 Mende . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 Twi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 Yoruba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 827 33. Languages into which Bahi'i Literature is being translated . . . . . . . . . 827 34. BahB'i Literature for the Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 828 35. Bahi'i Periodicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830 36. References to the Bahb'i Faith in Books and Pamphlets published under non-BahL'i Auspices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 . References to the Bahi'i Faith in Magazines by non-Bahi'i Authors 38. References to the Bahb'i Faith by Bahi'is in non-Bahi'i Publications 39. References to the BahL'i Faith in Encyclopedias and Reference Books 111. Transliteration of Oriental Words frequently used in Bahi'i Literature . . . . Guide to Transliteration and Pronunciation of the Persian Alphabet . . . . Notes on the Pronunciation of Persian Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV Definitions of Oriental Terms used in BahB'i Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PART FOUR I. Articles and Reviews: 1. The Sufferings of Bahi'u'llbh and Their Significance. by George Townshend. M.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 865 2 . The God Who Walks with Men. by Horace Holley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 868 3. Educating for Progress. by Stanwood Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 872 4 . The Prison City of 'AkkA. by William Sears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877 5 . A Century of Spiritual Revival. by Dr . W . Kenneth Christian . . . . . . 883 . 6 The Kingdom of God on Earth. by Marion Hofman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 886 . 7 The Call of the Martyrs. by George Townshend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 892 8. The Path to God. by Dorothy Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 894 9 . An Italian Scientist Extols the Bbb. by Ugo Giachery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 900 10. The BahCi Faith and World Government. by David Earl . . . . . . . . . . 904 11. The Birth of World Religion. by Reginald King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910 12. Teaching Among the American Indians. by Rex King . . . . . . . . . . . . 914 13. In the Presence of 'Abdull.Bahb. by Ella Quant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 917 14. The BahL'i Faith in Backward Africa. by Dunduzu Chisiza . . . . . . . . 921 15. Black Sunlight. by William and Marguerite Sears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 925 16. The Bahi'i Faith. reprinted from India & Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 932 11. Verse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 935 I11. Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947 IV . Maps and Charts of BahL'f Communities Around the World. 1950-1954: Australia and New Zealand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989 The British Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 990 Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 991 Central America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 992 Germany and Austria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 993 India. PBkistbn and Burma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 994 South America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 995 Map of Greenland Showing Localities where BahL'i Literature has been sent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 996 CONTENTS PAGE The United States of America ........................ Inside Back Cover The Bahi'i World: Localities Where Bahi'is Reside .................... Inside Back Cover Map of the Bahi'i World Showing Countries where Bahi'is Reside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover Note: Maps and Chart of the Ten-Year Plan (Part I, Section VII) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE The Sepulcher of the BAb on Mt . Carmel. Haifa. Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frontispiece Corner room of the Shrine of Bahi'u'llLh beneath the floor of which His remains are buried . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Entrance to the Holy Tomb of Bahi'u'llLh at Bahji. Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Views of the garden surrounding the Shrine of BahL'uYllLh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Monumental path leading to the Shrine of BahB'u'llLh. Bahji. Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 View of the Shrine of Bahi'u'llih from the air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Aerial view of the Haram-i-Aqdas ...................................... 7 Panoramic view of newly developed garden of the Shrine of Bahi'u'llih at Bahji. Israel ......................................................... 8-9 View of the curved path in the Shrine Gardens at Bahji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 View of the monumental path leading to the Shrine of BahL'~'l1ih~ showing the main entrance gate at the end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 View of the Shrine of Bahi'u'llih. seen through the Collins gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Main gate leading to the Shrine of Bahi'u'llkh at Bahji. Israel. gift of Hand of the Cause. Mrs . Amelia Collins. and named after her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The new garden in front of the Mansion at Bahji .......................... 17 Shrine of the BLb. Haifa. Israel . Twelve thousand gilded tiles cover the Dome in a fish scale pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Shrine of the BLb on Mt . Carmel . Beyond the Shrine can be seen the city of Haifa. the harbor. the bay of 'AkkL. the hills of the Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Shrine of the BLb. as seen from the slopes of Mt . Carmel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Shrine of the Martyr Prophet of the Bahi'i Faith. completed October. 1953 . . . . 27 Aerial view of the Shrine of the Bkb. Mt . Carmel. Haifa. Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 'Night view of the Sepulcher of the Bkb on Mt . Carmel. showing terraces and gardens ........................................................ 34 Circular cluster of cypress trees. visited by Bahi'u'Ukh. from which He indicated the present site of the Shrine of the BLb and stated that His remains must be brought from Persia and placed there . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Manesmann pipes placed. prior to erection. within recently cast reinforced con- crete work which constitutes support for the superstructure of the Bgb's Shrine 39 Erection of the cement ceiling of the octagon of the Shrine .................. 39 One of the completed pinnacles of the octagon. March. 1952 ................ 39 A corner of the Bkb's Shrine with two pinnacles of the octagon completed and the wrought-iron gilded railing in position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Finishing the molds for beams of the great '"star" foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 The great star-shaped reinforced concrete foundation of the octagon . . . . . . . . . . 47 Octagon of the Shrine seen from the mountainside and showing one iron railing in place. March. 1952 ............................................. 73 Scaffolding around the drum and dome of the Bkb's Shrine. June. 1953 ........ 73 First golden tiles laid on the dome of the BLb's Shrine. Beneath the tile on the right a piece of plaster from the prison room occupied by the BLb in MLh-KL? was imbedded by the Guardian on the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Bahi'uYllLh'sMission ............................................. 77 Raising the bell of the lantern of the dome of the BLb's Shrine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 The crown of the dome ............................................... 81 The completed lantern on the dome of the Shrine of the BLb ................ 84 x85. xxii ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE The B6b was imprisoned while in Tabriz 1848 in this now crumbling prison room of the old brick Ark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The B6b9sremains lie in state in His Holy Sepulcher on Mt. Carmel, 1953 . . . . . . View of the Shrine of the Bib, in the heart of Carmel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BahL'i properties on Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View of one of the paths in the gardens surrounding the resting place of the Great- est Holy Leaf, Haifa, Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hands of the Cause of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108. BahVis attending First Intercontinental BahVi Teaching Conference, in Kampala, Uganda, Africa, February, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . facing Hands of the Cause attending First Intercontinental Bahi'i Conference in Kam- pala, Uganda, Africa, February 12-18, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Group of pioneers to Africa attending First Intercontinental Teaching Conference at Kampala, Uganda, February, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . African choir at Kampala Conference public meeting, singing "Lord, I want to be a BahL'i with all my heart" . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leroy Ioas greeting African Bahi'is on behalf of the Guardian, Kampala, Uganda, Africa, February, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BahL'i All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference, Chicago, Illinois, May 3-6,1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . facing RGhiyyih Khbnum presenting the Guardian's Message of Dedication of the BahL'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, May 2, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BahL'is gathered in the House of Worship, Wilmette, at Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . Amatu'l-Bahb Riihiyyih K_hdn~~m receiving the BahL'is at reception given in her honor at the All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference, Chicago, Illinois,May 4, 1953 ............................................. Bahi'is attending the All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference who had met'Abdu'l-Bahb ................................................ American Indian BahL'is at the All-America Intercontinental Conference, Chi- cago, Illinois, May, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BahL'is from thirty countries attending the Third BahL'i Intercontinental Teach- ing Conference, Stockholm, Sweden, July 21-26, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . following Unity Banquet commemorating the Jubilee Year, held during the Third Intercon- tinental Conference in the Golden Room of the Town Hall, Stockholm, Sweden, July 25, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . preceding Hands of the Cause of God present at the Third Intercontinental Teaching Con- ference, Stockholm, Sweden, July 21-26, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volunteer pioneers for the Ten-Year Global Crusade, Third BahL'i Intercontinen- tal Conference, Stockholm, Sweden, July, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Participants at the Fourth Bahi'i Intercontinental Teaching Conference, New Delhi, India, October 6-15, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . facing The President of the Union of India, Dr. Shri Rajendra Prasad, with members of Bahi'i delegation received in his official residence during Asian Intercontinen- . tal Conference, New Delhi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, with members of BahL'i delegation, New Delhi, October 5, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Public reception held during Fourth Bahi'i Intercontinental Teaching Conference, . New Delhi, India, October, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sketch of the eight-pointed star foundation for the octagon of the Shrine of the .. . .. Bhb, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of the United States of America, elected April, 1953 .................................................... National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Persia, elected April, 1951 . . . . . . . . National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah2is of the British Isles, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Germany and Austria for the Year 110 (1953-1954) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ILLUSTRATIONS xxiii PAGE National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Canada. 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Australia and New Zealand. Year 110 (1953-1954) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of India. Pikistin and Burma. 1952- 1953 and 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Egypt and Sfidin. 1950-1951 . . . . . National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of 'Iriq. 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Central America. Mexico and the Antilles. elected April. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of South America. elected April. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Italo-Swiss BahL'i National Spiritual Assembly, 1953-1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forty-Third Annual Convention of the Bahi'is of the United States, Wilmette, Illinois. April 28-May 1, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . facing Delegates to the Eighteenth Annual Convention of the Bahgis of Persia. at the Haziratu'l-Quds, Tihrin. April 27-May 3. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'is of the British Isles. Convention, Year 110. London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'is attending National Convention of BahL'is of Germany and Austria, held in newly erected Haziratu'l-Quds, April, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Australian and New Zealand Bahb'is gathered at the Haziratu'l-Quds. Sydney. for Jubilee Year Convention and First Pacific School, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canadian National Bahi'i Convention, Toronto, April 29-30, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . 338 Delegates and friends at Twenty-Fourth Annual Bahi'i Convention and Jubilee week celebration, New Delhi, April 26-May 2, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delegates to National Convention of BahB'is of Egypt and S6din. 1950. attended for first time by a delegate from the SitdLn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'is attending First National Bahi'i Convention of South America, Lima, Peru. April. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception, South American National Bahi'i Convention, Lima, Peru, 1953 . . . . . . BahL'i delegates and visiting Bahi'is attending First Bahi'i Convention of Central America. Mexico and the Antilles, Panama City, April 22-24, 1951 . . . . . . . . Bahi'is attending First Italo-Swiss BahB'i Convention. Florence, Italy, April 23-27, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'i Temple . A Temple for man's worship of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View of the Bahi'i House of Worship, Wilmette. Illinois, February, 1953 . . . . . . Interior of dome of the BahL'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . Interior view of the BahS'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interior ornamentation of BahL'i House of Worship, Wilmette. Illinois, as seen from second gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Model of landscaping surrounding Bahi'i House of Worship, Wilmette . . . . . . . . . Design for landscaping surrounding BahL'i House of Worship, Wilmette. Illinois, as made by Hilbert E. Dahl and approved by the Guardian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assembly rig for checking large bay tracery models at Earley Studios . . . . . . . . . . Progress view, December 29, 1950. illustrates finished walls of a bay alcove and ornamentation of column arches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Temple Interior construction-progress to April 17, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interior ornamentation of the dome being put in place, March 28, 1951 . . . . . . . . Model of Ma&iqu'l-Adhkir designed for construction on Mt . Carmel, Israel, Charles Mason Remey. architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Haziratu'l-Quds. Tihrkn, Persia. RidvLn, 1951 (view from the air) .... Ha~iratu'l-Quds of Bahi'is of Germany and Austria, Frankfurt-am-Main, Ger- many, newly erected, April. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Haziratu'l-Quds of BahL'is of Kampala, Uganda. British East Africa, April, 1952 . Haziratu'l-Quds of Bahi'is of Paris. France. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Maywood, Illinois. incorporated June 11, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxiv ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Fresno, California, incorporated Febru- ary 20, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of San Diego, California, incorporated April 29, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Sacramento, California, incorporated April 9, 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Glendale, California, incorporated April 29, 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of Tucson, Arizona, incorporated January 21, 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Oak Park, Illinois, incorporated February 16, 1954 .......................................................... Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Nashville, Tennessee, incorporated April 13, 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Greenwich, Connecticut, incorporated April 23, 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Reno, Nevada, incorporated April 20, 1954 . Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Surat, India, incorporated March 24, 1951 . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Jalna, Hyderabad (Deccan), India, incorpo- rated 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Kamarhati, India, incorporated September 7, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahVis of Mysore, India, incorporated September 25, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Singapore, incorporated July 28, 1952 . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Montevideo, Uruguay, incorporated 1952 . . First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Tripoli, Libya, formed April 21, 1954 . . First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Goteberg, Sweden, formed April 21, 1953 .......................................................... First Spiritual Assembly of the BahCis of Porto, Portugal, formed April, 1952 . . First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of The Hague, Netherlands, 1952-1953 . . British Borneo's first BahL'i Spiritual Assembly, in Kuching, Sarawak . . . . . . . . . . First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa . . . . . . . . First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Trivandrum, India, 1950-1951 . . . . . . . First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Anchorage Recording District, Alaska, organized April 21, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Ziirich, Switzerland, elected April 21, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Basra, South 'Iriq, inaugurating the land of- fered by one of them for the future local Haziratu'l-Quds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Sheffield, England, 1950-1951 . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of Daidanaw, Burma, 1950-1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of Rosario-Santiago, Isabela, Republic of the Philippines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Port Said, Egypt, with a woman as member for first time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Alexandria, Egypt, with women elected mem- bers for first time, April 21, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Cairo, Egypt, with women elected members for first time, April 21, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahg'is of Berlin re-established after World War 11, April21, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Cienfuegos, Cuba, elected April 21, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of Callgo, Peru, elected April 21, 1951 . . . First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Agra, India, 1950-1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Ichalkaranji, India, 1950-1951 . . . . . . . 591 First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Kanpur, India, April 21, 1952 . . . . . . . . 59 1 First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Florence, Italy, elected April 21, 1951 . 592 Eight members of the first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Tokyo, Japan, 1950-1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Naples, Italy, elected April 21, 1951 . . First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Jakarta, Indonesia, elected April 21, 1954 .......................................................... First Spiritual Assembly of the BahVis of Kampala, Uganda, British East Africa, formed April21, 1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Wolfhalden, Switzerland, elected April 21, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regional Conference of United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations, Yildiz Palace, Istanbul, April 9-13, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BahL'i delegates to United Nations International Conference of Non-Governmen- tal Organizations, Lake Success, New York, April, 1949 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BahL'i representatives and observers at United Nations Non-Governmental Organ- izations Regional Conference for the Middle East, Istanbul, Turkey, April 9-13, 1951 ..................................................... Representatives of BahL'i International Community at Regional Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations of United Nations held in Managua, Nica- ragua, August 4-1 1, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BahL'i delegates at Fourth United Nations International Non-Governmental Or- ganizations Conference, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, June 26-28, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'i delegation at Fifth Conference of International Non-Governmental Organ- izations on United Nations Information, New York City, October 6-10, 1952 Fourth World Congress for World Federal Government, Rome, Italy, April 2-9, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. David Earl, headquarters delegate of BahB'i International Community, being presented to President Quirino of the Republic of the Philippines at reception, United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations Conference, Manila, Octo- ber 24, 1952 ................................................... Non-Governmental Organizations Conference on Technical Assistance, United Nations Headquarters, New York, March 29, 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Regional Conference of Bahi'is of France, Lyon, April 18-19, 1954 . . . . First Benelux Bahi'i Conference, Brussels, Belgium, April 12-14, 1952 . . . . . . . . Teaching Conference of Bahi'is of British Isles, Sheffield, England, January, 1953 Delegates in session at Fifth BahL'i Congress, San Salvador, Central America, April 25-28, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Regional Swiss-Italian BahL'i Conference, Rome, March 20-23, 1952 . . . . . . Second All-Swiss BahCi Conference, at Ziirich, November 18-19, 1950 . . . . . . . . Friends attending Third All-Swiss Bahb'i Conference, Bern, February 23-24, 1952 Delegates and friends attending banquet of Fourth South American Bahi'i Con- gress, Lima, Peru, May 1, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First BahL'i Teaching Conference of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela, held in BogotB, October 12-15, 1949 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Group of Bahb'is attending Fourth European Bahi'i Teaching Conference and Summer School, Scheveningen, Holland, August 31-September 10, 1951 . . . Bah&'i Summer Conference in Banff, Alberta, Canada, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Group of BahL'is on steps of "Peace Palace," The Hague, after visiting Bahi'i Book Display in Peace Palace Library, during Fourth European Teaching Conference, 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delegates and friends attending Third European Bahi'i Teaching Conference and Summer School, Elsinore, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxvi ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Conference in session. Third European Teaching Conference. Elsinore. Copen- hagen. Denmark. July 24.27. 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'is attending Fifth European Teaching Conference and Summer School. Lux- embourg. September. 1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Swiss Bahi'i Teaching Conference. Basel. Switzerland. November 22.23. 1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attendants at First French Teaching Conference. held in Lyon. France. May 23 and 24. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International Bahi'i School. Loncoche. Chile. February. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahf i Summer Conference. Ontario. Canada. 1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'i Summer School. Esslingen. Germany. August 9-15. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Twelfth Bahfi Summer School held in Panchgani (India). October. 1951 . . . . . . View of the service dedicated to the Ezeiza International Bahi'i School. Argentina. at opening of Convention School Session. 1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahb'i Summer School held August 18-September 1. 1951. at Thwaite Hall. Cot- tingham. Yorkshire. England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'i Summer School at Hyderabad-Sind (Pikisth). 1952-1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'i Group of Aden. Aden Protectorate. November 22. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'i Group in Hyogo.ken. Osaka. Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View of Bahi'i Guest House. pa~iratu'l.Quds. Baghdbd. 'Iriq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr . Noel Wuttunee of Calgary. Alberta. first ~ G a d i a nIndian BahL'i. with his wife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . His Worship the Mayor of Haifa. Mr . Aba Khoushy. being welcomed by mem- bers of the National Spiritual Assembly when he visited the BahL'i Temple in Wilmette. Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The first Bahi'is in the British Cameroons. 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Title page of Bahi'i pamphlet in ChiNyanja published by British Africa Commit- tee. "Do You Know in What Day You are Living?" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'is of Helsinki. Finland. at Third Intercontinental Teaching Conference in Stockholm. Sweden. July. 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr . Sushila Nayyar. Health Minister. Delhi State. on her way to preside at Cente- nary Commemoration of Tihirih's martyrdom ........................ First Spiritual Assembly of the BahVis of Kalutara (Ceylon). 1953-1954 . . . . . . Some members of National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of 'Iriq carrylug wreath to the royal cemetery to place it on the tomb of the Queen. who died December 27. 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "New Era" Bahi'i School. Panchgani. Bombay State (India). 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'i Group of Suva. Fiji Islands. 1950. with visiting member of National Spir- itual Assembly. Australia and New Zealand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Bahfi Women's Progressive Convention. held at Ha~iratuYl.Quds.Tihrin. April 13.16. 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Faiths Convention held April 30. 1953. in New Delhi. as part of Bahi'i Jubilee Week Celebrations (April 26-May 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Bahi'i group in Addis Ababa on the occasio.n of visit of Mason Remey. Presi- dent of International BahPi Council. Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh and R . Yazdi. following their attendance at the Intercontinental Bahi'i Conference. Kam- pala. Uganda. Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First four native African BahB'is of Kampala. Uganda. representing the Buganda. Batero and Teso tribes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fifth National Bahi'i Youth Convention. Tihrin (BahL'i Year 107) . . . . . . . . . . German. British and Persian Friends attending Bahi'i Youth Summer Week. Dils- berg. Germany. August 18.25. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'i Youth of Germany at BahL'i Youth Summer Week. Breuberg Castle. Neu- stadt.i.Odenwald. July 30-August 5. 1950. with Bahi'i visitors from England. France. Norway. Persia a.nd the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BahL'i Youth Group of Colombo. Ceylon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ILLUSTRATIONS xxvii PAGE BahL'i Youth Symposium. Poona. India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 820 BahL'i Youth Symposium. Rangoon. February 25. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 823 The Bahi'i Youth of Daidanaw. Burma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 824 Float representing "This Earth One Country" entered in annual parade. July 4. 1950. at Anchorage. Alaska. by Bahi'i Children's Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . Bahi'i group at Annual Convention of Bahi'is of British Isles. April 29-May 1. 1950. Bonnington Hotel. London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Among youth attending Green Acre Youth Camp. June. 1951. was a young man from Kenya. British East Africa. now student in an American University . . . BahL'i delegates to United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations Regional Conference. held in Den Passar. Indonesia. July 29-August 3. 1951 (photo- graph taken on board S.S. Plancius) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Braille Exhibit including Bahi'i books transcribed in Braille. arranged by Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Butte. Montana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Display of Bahi'i photographs and texts. Punta Arenas. Magallanes. Chile. 1952 . Festival of Britain-Bahi'i Exhibition. arranged by Spiritual Assembly of Bahi'is of Manchester. September 9.15. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First exhibition of Bahi'i books in Paris. end of 1949 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View of section of BahL'i Jubilee Exhibition at Park Lane House. London . . . . . . Bahi'i Exhibit. Elmhurst. Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professor Michele Lessona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Title Page of Lessona's History of the B6bi Movement. written in 1862 and pub- lished in 1881 in Turin. Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Map of Persia. made in 1845 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Haifa and Haifa Bay at night. 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INTRODUCTION DURING the past twenty-eight years the Bahl'i community of East and West has learned to anticipate each successive volume of THE BA&i WORLD(the first number was entitled "Bahl'i Year Book") as the best means by which the individual believer may keep abreast of the steady development of the Faith throughout the world. This work, in its illustrations as well as in its text, has recorded as completely as possible the progress of current Bahit'i events and activities over an area now embracing more than two hundred and twenty countries. In addition, each volume has presented those "his- torical facts and fundamental principles that constitute the distinguishing features of the Message of Bahl'u'llih to this age." The existence of so many evidences of a newly revealed Faith and Gospel for a humanity arrived at a turning point in its spiritual and social evolution has likewise a profound significance for the non-Bahb'i student and scholar who desires to investigate the world religion founded by the Bib and Bahi'u'llih. For in these pages the reader encounters both the revealed Word in its spiritual powers, and the response which that utterance has evoked during the first one hundred and ten years of the Bahi'i era. He will find what is unparalleled in religious history-the unbroken continuity of a divine Faith from the Manifestation onward through four generations of lzuman experience, and will be able to apprehend what impregnable foundations the Bahit'i World Order rests upon in the life and teachings of the Bib and Bah2u'llih, the life and interpreta- tion of 'Abdu'l-BahA, and (since the year 1921) in the development of an administrative order under the direction of the Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi. It is the avowed faith of Bahl'is that this Revelation has established upon earth the spiritual impulse and the definite principles necessary for social regeneration and the attainment of one true religion and social order throughout the world. In THE B A ~ I WORLD,therefore, those who seek a higher will and wisdom than man possesses may learn how, amid the trials and tribulations of a decadent society, a new age has begun to emerge from the world of the spirit to the realm of human action and belief. S T A F F OF E D I T O R S 1950-1952 UNITEDSTATES-appointed by the National Miss Farrukh loas, Wilmette, Illinois. Spiritual Assembly: Miss Evelyn Larson, Chicago, Illinois. Mrs. Beatrice 0. Ashton, chairman, BRITISHISLES-Representative for the Na- Evanston, Illinois. tional Spiritual Assembly: Mr. Victor de Araujo, Chicago, Illinois. Hugh McKinley, London, England. Miss Ruth E. Dasher, Evanston, Illinois. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND-The Bah2i Mr. Gordon A. Fraser, East Lansing, World Committee of the National Spir- Michigan. itual Assembly: Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, Rome, Italy. Miss Gretta S. Lamprill, secretary, Syd- Mrs. Bahia Faraju'llkh Gulick, Berkeley, ney, N.S.W. California. Mrs. Dulcie Burns-Dive, Rozelle, N.S.W. Mrs. Gertrude K. Henning, Winnetka, 11- INTERNATIONAL B A HBUREAU: ~ ~ linois. Mrs. Anne Lynch, 37 Quai Wilson, Ge- Mr. Horace Holley, Wilmette, Illinois. neva, Switzerland. UNITEDSTATES-appointed by the National Mr. Rafi Y. Mottahedeh, New York, New Spiritual Assembly: York. Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, chairman, New Miss Vera Olsen, New York, New York. York, New York. Mrs. Florence Steinhauer, Hastings-on- Mrs. 0.H. Blackwell, secretary, Forest Hudson, New York. Hills, New York. Mrs. Rouhieh McComb, Glen Cove, Long Mrs. Mary Burnet, New Rochelle, New Island, New York. York. PART ONE THE BAHA'I WORLD AIMS A N D PURPOSES O F THE BAHA'I FAITH U P O N the spiritual foundation estab- tions evolved throughout the centuries to lished by Bahi'u'llih during the forty year justify the separations and antagonisms of period of His Mission (1853-1892), there human society. In America, this association stands today an independent religion rep- means that white believers accept the resented by over two thousand local com- spiritual equality of their Negro fellows. In munities of believers. These communities Europe, it means the reconciliation of Prot- geographically are spread throughout all estant and Catholio upon the basis of a new five continents. In point of race, class, na- and larger faith. In the Orient, Christian, tionality and religious origin, the followers Jewish and Muhammadan believers must of BahVu'llih exemplify well-nigh the whole stand apart from the rigid exclusiveness into diversity of the modern world. They may which each was born. be characterized as a true cross section of The central fact to be noted concerning humanity, a microcosm which, for all its the nature of the Bahi'i Faith is that it con- relative littleness, carries within it individ- tains a power, fulfilled in the realm of con- ual men and women typifying the macro- science, which can reverse the principle cosm of mankind. momentum of modern civilization-the None of the historic causes of association drive toward division and strife-and initi- served to create this world-wide spiritual ate its own momentum moving steadily in community. Neither a common language, a the direction of unity and accord. It is in common blood, a common civil govern- this power, and not in any criterion upheld ment, a common tradition nor a mutual by the world, that the Faith of BahVuy1lih grievance acted upon BahB'is to supply a has special significance. fixed center of interest or a goal of material The forms of traditional opposition vested advantage. On the contrary, membership in in nationality, race, class and creed are not the Bahh5 community in the land of its the only social chasms which the Faith has birth even to this day has been a severe bridged. There are even more implacable, if disability, and outside of Persia the motive less visible differences between types and animating believers has been in direct op- temperaments, such as flow inevitably position to the most inveterate prejudices of from the contact of rational and emotional their environment. The Cause of BahVu'llih individuals, of active and passive disposi- has moved forward without the re-enforce- tions, undermining capacity for co-operation ment of wealth, social prestige or other in every organized society, which attain means of public influence. mutual understanding and harmony in the Every local Bahb'i community exists by Bahi'i community. For personal congenial- the voluntary association of individuals who ity, the selective principle elsewhere con- consciously overcome the fundamental sanc- tinually operative within the field of volun- 2 THE B A H A ' I WORLD tary action, is an instinct which Bahi'is must members of the Bahi'i community realize sacrilice to serve the principle of the one- their tensions and oppositions as ethical or ness of mankind. A BahB'i community, spiritual problems, to be faced and over- therefore, is a constant and active spiritual come in mutual consultation. Their faith victory, an overcoming of tensions which has convinced them that the "truth" or elsewhere come to the point of strife. No "right" of any possible situation is not de- mere passive creed nor philosophic gospel rived from partisan victory but from the which need never be put to the test in needs of the community as an organic daily life has produced this world fellow- whole. ship devoted to the teachings of Bahi'u'llBh. A BahP'i community endures without dis- The basis of self-sacrifice on which the ruption because only spiritual problems can Bahi'i community stands has created a re- be solved. When human relations are held ligious society in which all human relations to be political or social problems they are are transformed from social to spiritual removed from the realm in which rational problems. This fact is the door through will has responsibility and influence. The which one must pass to arrive at insight of ultimate result of this degradation of hu- what the Faith of BahCu'llBh means to this man relationships is the frenzy of desperate age. strife-the outbreak of inhuman war. The social problems of the age are pre- dominantly political and economic. They are problems because human society is di- vided into nations each of which claims to "Th,erefore the Lord of Mankind has be an end and a law unto itself and into caused His holy, divine Manifestations to classes each of which has raised an eco- come into the world. He has revealed His nomic theory to the level of a sovereign and heavenly books in order t o establish spiritual exclusive principle. Nationality has become brotherhood, and t h r o ~ ~ gthe h power of the a condition which overrides the fundamental Holy Spirit has made it possible for perfect humanity of all the peoples concerned, as- fraternity to be realized among mankind." serting the superiority of political consid- -'ABDu'L-BAH~ erations over ethical and moral needs. Simi- larly, economic groups uphold and promote In stating that the Cause of BahB'u'llBh is social systems without regard to the quality an independent religion, two essential facts of human relationships experienced in terms are implied. of religion. Tensions and oppositions be- The first fact is that the Bahi'i Cause his- tween the different groups are organized for torically was not an offshoot of any prior dominance and not for reconciliation. Each social principle or community. The teach- step toward more complete partisan organi- ings of BahL'uYll&h are no artificial synthesis zation increases the original tension and assembled from the modern library of inter- augments the separation of human beings; national truth, which might be duplicated as the separation widens, the element of from the same sources. Bahi'u'llfth created sympathy and fellowship on the human a reality in the world of the soul which level is eventually denied. never before existed and could not exist In the BahL'i community the same ten- apart from Him. sions and instinctive antagonisms exist, but The second fact is that the Faith of the human separation has been made im- Bahi'u'llfth is a religion, standing in the line possible. The same capacity for exclusive of true religions: Christianity, Muhammad- doctrines i s present, but no doctrine repre- anism, Judaism, and other prophetic Faiths. senting one personality or one group can Its existence, like that of early Christianity, secure a hearing. All believers alike are marks the return of faith as a direct and subject to one spiritually supreme sover- personal experience of the will of God. Be- eignty in the teachings of BahL'u'llfth. Dis- cause the divine will itself has been revealed affected individuals may withdraw. The in terms of human reality, the followers of community remains. For the BahL'i teach- BahL'u'll&hare confident that their personal ings are in themselves principles of life and limitations can be transformed by an inflow they assert the supreme value of humanity of spiritual re-enforcement from the higher without doctrines which correspond to any world. It is for the privilege of access to the particular environment or condition. Thus source of reality that they forego reliance AIMS AND PURPOSES O F THE BAHA'I FAITH 3 The corner room of the Shrine of Bahi'u'lliih beneath the floor of which His remains are buried. Entrance to the Holy Tomb of Bahi'u'llhh at Bahji, Israel. Views of the garden surrounding the Shrine of BahL'u'lliih, at Bahji, Israel. AIMS A N D PURPOSES O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH The Monumental Path leading to the Shrine of BahL'u'llLh, Bahji, Israel. upon the darkened self within and the un- sisting of external practices (such as diet, believing society without. marriage and similar ordinances) conform- The religious education of BahL'is revo- ing to the requirements of one time and lutionizes their inherited attitude toward place. their own as well as other traditional reli- This BahL'i teaching leads to a pro- gions. founder analysis of the process of history. To BahL'is, religion is the life and teach- The followers of BahL'u'llLh derive mental ings of the prophet. By identifying religion integrity from the realization made so clear with its founder, they exclude from its spir- and vivid by 'Abdu'l-BahL that true insight itual reality all those accretions of human into history discloses the uninterrupted and definition, ceremony and ritualistic practice irresistible working of a Providence not emanating from followers required from denied nor made vain by any measure of time to time to make compromise with an human ignorance and unfaith. unbelieving world. Furthermore, in limiting According to this insight, a cycle begins religion to the prophet they are able to per- with the appearance of a prophet or mani- ceive the oneness of God in the spiritual festation of God, through whom the spirits oneness of all the prophets. The Bahi'i born of men are revivified and reborn. The rise of into Christianity can wholeheartedly enter faith in God produces a religious commu- into fellowship with the BahL'i born into nity, whose power of enthusiasm and devo- Muhammadanism because both have come tion releases the creative elements of a new to understand that Christ and Mubarnmad and higher civilization. This civilization reflected the light of the one God into the comes to its fruitful autumn in culture and darkness of the world. If certain teachings mental achievement, to give way eventually of Christ differ from certain teachings of to a barren winter of atheism, when strife Moses or Muhammad, the Bah6'is know and discord bring the civilization to an end. that all prophetic teachings are divided into Under the burden of immorality, dishonor two parts: one, consisting of the essential and cruelty marking this phase of the cycle, and unalterable principles of love, peace, humanity lies helpless until the spiritual unity and cooperation, renewed as divine leader, the prophet, once more returns in commands in every cycle; the other, con- the power of the Holy Spirit. --- ~ ~~ ~ AIMS A N D PURPOSES O F THE BAHA'I FAITH 7 8 T H E BAHA'I WORLD Panoramic view of newly developed garden Such is the BahPi reading of the book of endure. The faith of the early Christians the past. Its reading of the present interprets was complete, but its degree of inner con- these world troubles, this general chaos and viction when projected outward upon the confusion, as the hour when the renewal of field of action soon disclosed a fatal lack of religion is no longer a racial experience, a social principle. Whether the outer expres- rebirth of one limited area of human soci- sion of love implied a democratic or an ety, but the destined unification of human- aristocratic order, a communal or individu- ity itself in one faith and one order. It is by alistic society, raised fundamental questions the parable of the vineyard that B a h 3 s of after the crucifixion of the prophet which the Christian West behold their tradition none had authority to solve. and their present spiritual reality at last The BahPi teaching has this vital distinc- inseparably joined, their faith and their so- tion, that it extends from the realm of con- cial outlook identified, their reverence for science and faith to the realm of social ac- the power of God merged with intelligible tion. It confirms the substance of faith not grasp of their material environment. A merely as a source of individual develop- human society which has substituted creeds ment but as a definitely ordered relationship for religion and armies for truth, even as all to the community. hose who inspect the ancient prophets foretold, must needs come BahPi Cause superficially may deny its to abandon its instruments of violence and claim to be a religion for the reason that it undergo purification until conscious, hum- lacks most of the visible marks by which ble faith can be reborn. religions are recognized. But in place of ritual or other formal worship it contains a social principle linking people to a com- munity, the loyal observance of which "The best beloved o f all things in My sight makes spiritual faith co-terminous with life is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou itself. The Bahb'is, having no professional desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may clergy, forbidden ever to have a clergy, confide in thee." - B A H ~ U ' L L ~ Hunderstand that religion, in this age, consists in an "attitude toward God reflected in life." Faith alone, no matter how wholehearted They are therefore conscious of no division and sincere, affords no basis on which the between religious and secular actions. organic unity of a religious fellowship can The inherent nature of the community AIMS A N D PURPOSES O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 9 of the Shrine of Bah5 u'llhh at Bahji, Israel. created by BahL'u'llBh has great significance year elects by universal adult suffrage an at this time, when the relative values of administrative body of nine members called democracy, of constitutional monarchy, of the Spiritual Assembly. This body, with aristocracy and of communism are every- reference to all Bahfi matters, has sole where in dispute. power of decision. It represents the collec- Of the BahL'i community it may be de- tive conscience of the community with re- clared definitely that its character does not spect to Bahfi activities. Its capacity and reflect the communist theory. The rights of power are supreme within certain definite the individual are fully safeguarded and the limitations. fundamental distinctions of personal endow- The various states and provinces unite, ment natural among all people are fully pre- through delegates elected annually accord- served. Individual rights, however, are inter- ing to the principle of proportionate repre- preted in the light of the supreme law of sentation, in the formation of a National brotherhood and not made a sanction for Spiritual Assembly for their country or selfishness, oppression and indifference. natural geographical area. This National On the other hand, the BahL'i order is not Spiritual Assembly, likewise composed of a democracy in the sense that it proceeds nine members, administers all national from the complete sovereignty of the people, Bahfi affairs and may assume jurisdiction whose representatives are limited to carrying of any local matter feit to be of-more than out the popular will. Sovereignty, in the local importance. Spiritual Assemblies, local BahCi community, is attributed to the Di- and national, combine an executive, a legis- vine prophet, and the elected representatives lative and a judicial function, all within the of the believers in their administrative func- limits set by the BahL'i teachings. They have tion look to the teachings of Bahh'u'llLh for no resemblance to religious bodies which their guidance, having faith that the applica- can adopt articles of faith and regulate the tion of His universal principles is the source processes of belief and worship. They are of order throughout the community. Every primarily responsible for the maintenance of Bahfi administrative body feels itself a unity within the BahL'i community and for trustee, and in this capacity stands above the release of its collective power in service the plane of dissension and is free of that to the Cause. Membership in the BahL'i pressure exerted by factional groups. community is granted, on personal declara- The local community on April 21 of each tion of faith, to adults. THE B A H A ' I W O R L D Twelve National Spiritual Assemblies have sunk to the lowest depths and degrees have come into existence since the passing o f barbarism, dimly groping in a world of of 'Abdu'l-BahB in 1921. Each National mental and moral obscurity. . . . God has Spiritual Assembly will, in future, constitute purposed that the darkness o f the world o f an electoral body in the formation of an nature shall be dispelled and the imperfect International Spiritual Assembly, a consum- attributes o f the natal self be efJnced in the mation which will perfect the administrative effulgent reflection of the Sun of Truth." order of the Faith and create, for the first -'ABDu'L-BAHA time in history, an iilternational tribunal representing a world-wide community united The complete text of the BahL'i sacred in a single Faith. writings has not yet been translated into BahC'is maintain their contact with the English, but the present generation of be- source of inspiration and knowledge in the lievers has the supreme privilege of possess- sacred writings of the Faith by continuous ing the fundamental teachings of Bahg- prayer, study and discussion. No believer u'llkh, together with the interpretation and can ever have a finished, static faith any lucid commentary of 'Abdu'l-BahB, and more than he can arrive at the end of his more recently the exposition made by capacity for being. The community has but Shoghi Effendi of the teachings concerning one meeting ordained in the teachings-the the world order which BahL'u'llgh came to general meeting held every nineteen days establish. Of special significance to BahL'is given in the new calendar established by the of Europe and America is the fact that, BBb. unlike Christianity, the Cause of BahB'u'llfih This Nineteen Day Feast is conducted rests upon the Prophet's own words and not simply and informally under a program di- upon a necessarily incomplete rendering of vided into three parts. The first part consists oral tradition. Furthermore, the commentary in reading of passages from writings of and explanation of the BahB'i gospel made BahL'u'llLh, the BBb and 'Abdu'l-Bahfi-a by 'Abdu'l-BahB preserves the spiritual in- devotional meeting. Next follows general tegrity and essential aim of the revealed text, discussion of BahL'i activities-the business without the inevitable alloy of human per- meeting of the local community. After the sonality which historically served to corrupt consultation, the community breaks bread the gospel of Jesus and Muhammad. The together and enjoys fellowship. BahL'i, moreover, has this distinctive advan- The experience which BahL'is receive tage, that his approach to the teachings is through participation in their spiritual world personal and direct, without the veils inter- order is unique and cannot be paralleled in posed by any human intermediary. any other society. Their status of perfect The works which supply the BahL'i teach- equality as voting members of a constitu- ings to English-reading believers are The tional body called upon to deal with matters Kitdb-i-fqdn (Book of Certitude), in which which reflect, even though in miniature, the Bah2u'llfih revealed the oneness of the whole gamut of human problems and activi- Prophets and the identical foundation of all ties; their intense realization of kinship with true religions, the law of cycles according to believers representing so wide a diversity of which the Prophet returns at intervals of races, classes and creeds; their assurance approximately one thousand years, and the that this unity is based upon the highest nature of faith; Hidden Words, the essence spiritual sanction and contributes a neces- of truths revealed by Prophets in the past; sary ethical quality to the world in this age prayers to quicken the soul's life and draw -all these opportunities for deeper and individuals and groups nearer to God; Tab- broader experience confer a privilege that lets of Bahd'u'lldh (TarfizBt, Tablet of the is felt to be the fulfillment of life. World, Kalimfit, Tajalliyfit, Bis_hBrBt, I&- rfiqfit), which establish social and spiritual principles for the new era; Three Tablets of Bahd'u'lldh (Tablet of the Branch, Kitfib-i- "If man is left in his natural state, he will 'Ahd, ~ a w h i i - ~ ~ d athe s ) , appointment of become lower than the animal and continue 'Abdu'l-Bahfi as the Interpreter of Bah2- to grow more ignorant and imperfect. The u'llfih's teachings, the Testament of Bah6'- savage tribes o f Central Africa are evidence u'llfih, and His message to the Christians; o f this. L e f t in their natural condition, they Epistle to the Son o f the W o l f , addressed to AIMS AND PURPOSES O F T H E BAHA'I FAITH 11 A view of the curved path in the Shrine Gardens at Bahji. Beneath the big pine trees on the left, BahL'u'llih often sat. the son of a prominent Persian who had philosophic subjects; Mysterious Forces o f been a most ruthless oppressor of the be- Civilization, a work addressed to the people lievers, a Tablet which recapitulates many of Persia about fifty years ago to show them teachings BahB'u'llih had revealed in earlier the way to sound progress and true civiliza- works. The significant Tablets addressed to tion; Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Balza', three volumes rulers of Europe and the Orient, as well as of excerpts from letters written to individual to the heads of American Republics, about believers and Bahi'i communities, which the year 1870, summoning them to under- illumine a vast range of subjects; Promulga- take measures for the establishment of Uni- tion of Universal Peace, from stenographic versal Peace have been, in selected excerpts, records of the public addresses delivered by incorporated by Shoghi Effendi in his book, 'Abdu'l-Bahi to audiences in Canada and The Promised Day Is Come. the United States during the year 1912; The The largest and most authentic body of Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Baha', a similar record Bahi'u'llih's Writings in the English lan- of His addresses in Paris; 'Abdu'l-Baha' in guage consists of the excerpts chosen and London; and reprints of a number of indi- translated by Shoghi Effendi, and published vidual Tablets, especially that sent to the under the title of Gleanings from the Writ- Committee for a Durable Peace, The Hague, ings o f Bah8u'lla'h. Holland, in 1919, and the Tablet addressed In Prayers and Meditations by Bah2- to the late Dr. Fore1 of Switzerland. The u'lla'h, Shoghi Effendi has similarly given Will and Testament left by 'Abdu'l-BahB has to the Bahi'i Community in recent years a special significance, in that it provided for wider selection and a superb rendering of the future development of BahL'i adminis- devotional passages revealed by BahB'u'llih. trative institutions and the Guardianship. The published writings of 'Abdu'l-BahL The most comprehensive selection of the are: Solne Answered Questions, dealing Writings of BahL'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi with the lives of the Prophets, the interpreta- now available in the English language is tion of Bible prophecies, the nature of man, Baha"i World Faith. the true principle of evolution and other To these writings has now been added the 12 T H E BAHA'I WORLD View of the Monumental Path leading to the Shrine of Bahb'u'llLh, showing the main entrance gate at the end. book entitled Bahsi'i Administration, consist- teaching plan for North America against a ing of the general letters written by Shoghi background of ethical and social regenera- Effendi as Guardian of the Faith since the tion required for Bahb'i service today. The Master's death in 1921, which explain the Promised Day Is Come examines the history details of the administrative order of the of the Faith in its early days when the world Faith, and his letters on World Order, which repudiated the BLb and BahB'u'llbh and in- make clear the social principles imbedded in flicted supreme suffering upon them and Bahi'u'llih's Revelation. their followers, and develops the thesis that These latter letters were in 1938 pub- war and revolution come as penalty for re- lished in a volume entitled The World Order jection of the Manifestation of God. of Bahd'u'll6h. Here the Guardian defines In 1944, the centenary year of the Faith, the relation of the Faith to the current social the Guardian produced in God Passes By crisis, and sums up the fundamental tenets the authentic historical survey of the evolu- of the BahL'i Faith. It is a work which gives tion of the Faith from its origin. to each believer access to a clear insight on The literature has also been enriched by the significance of the present era, and the Shoghi Effendi's translation of The Dawn- outcome of its international perturbations, Breakers, Nabil's Narrative of the Early incomparably more revealing and at the Days of the Bahb'i Revelation, a vivid eye- same time more assuring than the works of witness account of the episodes which re- students and statesmen in our times. sulted from the announcement of the Bib After laying the basis of the administra- on May 23, 1844. tive order, and explaining the relations be- When it is borne in mind that the term tween the Faith of Bahb'u'llih and the cur- "religious literature" has come to represent rent movement and events which transform a wide diversity of subject matter, ranging the world, the Guardian has written books from cosmic philosophy to the psychology of more general BahQi import. In The Ad- of personal experience, from efforts to un- vent o f Divine Justice, Shoghi Effendi ex- derstand the universe plumbed by telescope pounded the significance of 'Abdu'l-BahQs and microscope to efforts to discipline the AIMS A N D PURPOSES OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH 13 A view of the Shrine of BahL'u7116h,Bahji, Israel, seen through the Collins gate. passions and desires of disordered human ing generations lacking a true spiritual cul- hearts, it is clear that any attempt to sum- ture. marize the Bah2i teachings would indicate What the believer learns reverently to be the limitations of the person making the grateful for is a source of wisdom to which summary rather than offer possession-of a he may turn for continuous mental and body of sacred literature touching the needs moral development-a source of truth re- of man and society at every point. The study vealing a universe in which man's life has of BahL'i writing does not lead to any sim- valid purpose and assured realization. Hu- plified program either for the solution of man history begins to reflect the working of social problems or for the development of a beneficent Providence; the sharp outlines human personality. Rather should it be of material sciences gradually fade out in likened to a clear light which illumines the light of one fundamental science of life; whatever is brought under its rays, or to a profounder sociology, connected with the spiritual nourishment which gives life to the inner life, little by little displaces the super- spirit. The believer at first chiefly notes the ficial economic and political beliefs which passages which seem to confirm his own per- like waves dash high an instant only to sub- sonal beliefs or treat of subjects close to his side into the n~ovelessvolun~eof the sea. own previous training. This natural but "The divine reality," 'Abdu'l-Bah6 has nevertheless unjustifiable over-simplification said, "is unthinkable, limitless, eternal, im- of the nature of the Faith must gradually mortal and invisible. The world of creation subside and give way to a deeper realization is bound by natural law, finite and mortal. that the teachings of BahL'u'll6h are as an The infinite reality cannot be said to ascend ocean, and all personal capacity is but the or descend. It is beyond the understanding vessel that must be refilled again and again. of man, and cannot be described in terms The sum and substance of the Faith of which apply to the phenomenal sphere of Bahii'is is not a doctrine, not an organiza- the created world. Man, then, is in extreme tion, but their acceptance of Bah6'u'llBh as need of the only power by which he is able Manifestation of God. In this acceptance to receive help from the divine reality, that lies the mystery of a unity that is general, power alone bringing him into contact with not particular, inclusive, not exclusive, and the source of all life. limited in its gradual extension by no bound- "An intermediary is needed to bring two aries drawn in the social world nor arbitrary extremes into relation with each other. limitations accepted by habits formed dur- Riches and poverty, plenty and need: with- 14 T H E BAHA'f WORLD out an intermediary there could be no rela- well as periodic. Christianity in its original tion between these pairs of opposites. So we essence not only relighted the candle of faith can say that there must be a Mediator be- which, in the years since Moses, had become tween God and man, and this is none other extinguished-it amplified the teachings of than the Holy Spirit, which brings the cre- Moses with a new dimension which history ated earth into relation with the 'Unthink- has seen exemplified in spread of faith from able One,' the divine reality. The divine tribe to nations and peoples. Bah&u'llbh has reality may be likened to the sun and the given religion its world dimension, fulfilling Holy Spirit to the rays of the sun. As the the fundamental purpose of every previous rays of the sun bring the light and warmth Revelation. His Faith stands as the reality of the sun to the earth, giving life to all cre- within Christianity, within Muhammadan- ated things, so do the Manifestations bring ism, within the religion of Moses, the spirit the power of the Holy Spirit from the divine of each, but expressed in teachings which Sun of Reality to give light and life to the relate to all mankind. souls of men." The Bahi'i Faith, viewed from within, is In expounding the teachings of Bah2- religion extended from the individual to em- u'llbh to public audiences in the West, brace humanity. It is religion universalized; 'Abdu'l-Bahb frequently encountered the at- its teaching for the individual, spiritually titude that, while the liberal religionist might identical with the teaching of Christ, sup- well welcome and endorse such tenets, the plies the individual with an ethics, a sociol- Bahh'i teachings after all bring nothing new, ogy, an ideal of social order, for which hu- since the principles of Christianity contain manity in its earlier stages of development all the essentials of spiritual truth. The be- was not prepared. Individual fulfillment has liever whose heart has been touched by the been given an objective social standard of Faith so perfectly exemplified by 'Abdu'l- reality, balancing the subjective ideal de- Bahb feels no desire for controversy, but rived from religion in the past. BahB'uYllih must needs point out the vital difference be- has removed the false distinctions between tween a living faith and a passive formula or the "spiritual" and "material" aspects of life, doctrine. What religion in its renewal brings due to which religion has become separate is first of all an energy to translate belief from science, and morality has been di- into life. This impulse, received into the pro- vorced from all social activities. The whole foundest depths of consciousness, requires arena of human affairs has been brought no startling "newness" of concept or theory within the realm of spiritual truth, in the to be appreciated as a gift from the divine light of the teaching that materialism is not world. It carries its own assurance as a re- a thing but a motive within the human heart. newal of life itself; it is as a candle that has The Bahi'i learns to perceive the universe been lighted, and in comparison with the as a divine creation in which man has his miracle of light the discussion of religion as destiny to fulfill under a beneficent Provi- a form of belief becomes secondary in im- dence whose aims for humanity are made portance. Were the BahL'i Faith no more known through Prophets who stand between than a true revitalization of the revealed man and the Creator. He learns his true re- truths of former religions, it would by that lation to the degrees and orders of the visi- quickening quality of inner life, that return- ble universe; his true relation to God, to ing to God, still assert itself as the supreme himself, to his fellow man, to mankind. The fact of human experience in this age. more he studies the Bahi'i teachings, the For religion returns to earth in order to more he becomes imbued with the spirit of re-establish a standard of spiritual reality. It unity, the more vividly he perceives the law restores the quality of human existence, its of unity working in the world today, in- active powers, when that reality has become directly manifest in the failure which has overlaid with sterile rites and dogmas which overtaken all efforts to organize the prin- substitute empty shadow for substance. In ciple of separation and competition, directly the person of the Manifestation it destroys manifest in the power which has brought all those imitations of religion gradually de- together the followers of Bahi'u'llih in veloped through the centuries and summons East and West. He has the assurance that humanity to the path of sacrifice and devo- the world's turmoil conceals from worldly tion. minds the blessings long foretold, now for- Revelation, moreover, is progressive as gotten, in the sayings which prophesied the The main gate leading to the Shrine of BahCu'llah at Bahji, Israel, gift of Hand of the Cause, Mrs. Amelia Collins, and named after her. coming of the Kingdom of God on earth. teachings of BahCu'llhh are "new," the The Sacred Literature of the BahCi Faith world's present plight is unprecedented, conveys enlightenment. It inspires life. It came without warning save in the utterances frees the mind. It disciplines the heart. For of BahS'u'llQh and 'Abdu'l-BahQ, and day by believers, the Word is not a philosophy to day discloses dangers which strike terror to be learned, but the sustenance of being the responsible student of current affairs. throughout the span of mortal existence. Humanity itself now seems to share the "The BahB'i Faith," Shoghi Effendi stated prison and exile which an unbelieving gen- in a recent letter addressed to a public of- eration inflicted upon the Glory of God ficial, "recognizes the unity of God and of seventy years ago. His Prophets, upholds the principle of an unfettered search after truth, condemns all forms of superstition and prejudice, teaches that the fundamental purpose of religion is "0 M y beloved friends! Y o u are the to promote concord and harmony, that it bearers of the name of God in this Day. must go hand-in-hand with science, and Y o u have been chosen as the repositories o f that it constitutes the sole and ultimate basis His mystery. I t behooves each one o f you of a peaceful, an ordered and progressive so- to manifest the attributes of God, and to ciety. It inculcates the principle of equal op- exemplify by your deeds and words the portunity, rights and privileges for both signs of His righteousness, His power and sexes, advocates compulsory education, glory. . . . Ponder the words of Jesus ad- abolishes extremes of poverty and wealth, dressed to His disciples, as H e sent them recommends the adoption of an auxiliary in- forth to propagate the Cause of God." ternational language, and provides the nec- -THE B ~ B . essary agencies for the establishment and safeguarding of a permanent and universal The words of Bah2uYllhh differ in the peace." minds of believers from the words of phi- Those who, even courteously, would dis- losophers because they have been given sub- miss a Faith so firmly based, will have to stance in the experience of life itself. The admit that, whether or not by their test the history of the Faith stands ever as a guide 16 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D and commentary upon the meaning and in- stantinople under the jurisdiction of the fldence of the written text. Sulthn, exiled by the Turkish government This history, unfolded contemporaneously to Adrianople, and at length imprisoned in with the rise of science and technology in the desolate barracks at 'Akki. the West, reasserts the providential element In 1863, while delayed outside of Bagh- of human existence as it was reasserted by dhd for the preparation of the caravan toTe the spiritual consecration and personal suf- dispatched to Constantinople, Husayn-'Ali fering of the prophets and disciples of established His Cause among the Bibis who former times. insisted upon sharing His exile. His declara- The world of Islim one hundred years tion was the origin of the BahL'i Faith in ago lay in a darkness corresponding to the which the Bib's Cause was fulfilled. The most degraded epoch of Europe's feudal Bibis who accepted Husayn-'Ali as Bah2u'- age. Between the upper and nether mill- ll6h (the Glory of God) were fully con- stones of an absolutist state and a material- scious that His mission was not a develop- istic church, the people of Persia were ment of the Bibi movement but a new ground to a condition of extreme poverty Cause for which the Bib had sacrificed His and ignorance. The pomp of the civil and life as the first of those who recognized the religious courts glittered above the general Manifestation or Prophet of the new age. ruin like firedamp on a rotten log. During forty years of exile and imprison- In that world, however, a few devoted ment, BahB'u'llih expounded a gospel which souls stood firm in their conviction that the interpreted the spiritual meaning of ancient religion of Muhammad was to be purified scriptures, renewed the reality of faith in by the rise of a spiritual hero whose coming God and established as the foundation of was assured in their interpretation of His human society the principle of the oneness gospel. of mankind. This gospel came into being in This remnant of the faithful one by one the form of letters addressed to individual became conscious that in 'Ali-Muhammad, believers and to groups in response to ques- since known to history as the Bhb (the tions, in books of religious laws and prin- "Gate"), their hopes had been realized, and ciples, and in communications transmitted under the Bhb's inspiration scattered them- to the kings and rulers calling upon them to selves as His apostfes to arouse the people establish universal peace. and prepare them for the restoration of This sacred literature has an authoritative Isl6m to its original integrity. Against the commentary and interpretation in the text Bib and His followers the whole force of of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's writings during the years church and state combined to extinguish a between BahL'u'llih's ascension in 1892 and fiery zeal which soon threatened to bring 'Abdu'l-BahL's departure in 1921, Bah6'u'- their structure of power to the ground. ll6h having left a testament naming 'Abdu'l- The ministry of the Bib covered only the Bahh (His eldest son) as the Interpreter of six years between 1844 and His martyrdom His Book and Center of His Covenant. by a military firing squad in the public The imprisonment of the BahL'i com- square at Tabriz on July 9, 1850. munity at 'Akki ended at last in 1908, when In the Bib's own written message He in- the Young Turks party overthrew the exist- terpreted His mission to be the fulfillment ing political rkgime. of past religions and the heralding of a For three years prior to the first World world educator and unifier, one who was to War, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, then nearly seventy come to establish a new cycle. Most of the years of age, journeyed throughout Europe Bhb's chosen disciples, and many thousands and America, and broadcast in public ad- of followers, were publicly martyred in dresses and innumerable intimate gatherings towns and villages throughout the country the new spirit of brotherhood and world in those years. The seed, however, had been unity penetrating His very being as the con- buried too deep in hearts to be extirpated secrated Servant of Bahi. The signiiicance by any physical instrument of oppression. of 'Abdu'l-BahL's commentary and explana- After the Bib's martyrdom, the weight of tion is that it makes mental and moral con- official wrath fell upon Husayn-'Ali, around nection with the thoughts and social condi- whom the Bibis centered their hopes. Hu- tions of both East and West. Dealing with sayn-'Ali was imprisoned in Tihrhn, exiled matters of religious, philosophical, ethical to Baghdid, - from Baghdid - sent to Con- and sociological nature, 'Abdu'l-BahB ex- AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH 17 The new garden in front of the Mansion at Bahji. pounded all questions in the light of His consolidation and administrative order and conviction of the oneness of God and the has become conscious of its collective re- providential character of human life in this sponsibility for the promotion of the gospel age. of Bahi'u'lliih. In addition to the task of The international Bahi'i community, establishing the structure of local and na- grief-stricken and appalled by its loss of the tional Spiritual Assemblies, the believers wise and loving "Master" in 1921, learned have translated Bahi'i literature into many with profound gratitude that 'Abdu'l-Bahl languages, have sent teachers to all parts of in a will and testament had provided for the world, and have completed the Bahi'i the continuance and future development of House of Worship on Lake Michigan, Wil- the Faith. This testament made clear the mette. nature of the Spiritual Assemblies estab- In the general letters issued to the Bahi'i lished in the text of BahL'u'lllh and inau- community by Shoghi Effendi in order to gurated a new center for the widespread community of believers in the appointment execute the provisions of 'Abdu'l-BahL's of His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as Guard- testament, believers have been given what ian of the BahL'i Faith. they are confident is the most profound and During the years of general confusion accurate analysis of the prevailing social dis- since 1921, the BahL'i community has car- order and its true remedy in the World Or- ried forward the increasing work of internal der of Bahi'u'lllh. The Shrine of the Bkb, Haifa, Israel. Twelve thousand gilded tiles cover the Dome in a fish scale pattern. I N T E R N A T I O N A L SURVEY O F C U R R E N T B A H A ' I ACTIVITIES T H E four-year period covered in this sur- members in the Holy Land, in Irbn, in vey was marked by events and activities of Africa, in Australia, in Europe and in North surpassing importance to the followers of America. The number of National Spiritual Bahi'u'llbh. Not since the Ascension of Assemblies was increased to twelve by the 'Abdu'l-Bahb which terminated the Heroic formation of the National Assemblies of the Age of the Faith in 1921 and the publication Bahi'is of Central America, South America, of His Testament which inaugurated the and of Italy and Switzerland. Formative Age have Bahi'is been conscious The impetus in the growth of the BahB'i of such profound alteration and redirection Faith internationally was witnessed not only of the affairs of their community or been outwardly but also within the spiritual drawn so deeply into its sustaining spirit. awareness of the Bahi'is themselves. The Two Centennials were celebrated: the years preceding the Centenary Anniversary Martyrdom of the Bbb, July 9, 1950, and the of the Martyrdom of the Bbb (July, 1950) Birth of the Mission of Bahi'u'llbh during had been largely those of laying ground- Holy Year, 1952-1953, consecrating the Ba- work, building local and national communi- hi'is of East and West to the exalted char- ties. The ultimate objective was known-the acter of their Faith and purifying their souls erection of a world community living ac- by realization of the tragic persecutions suf- cording to the spiritual Laws and Ordinances fered by the Founders and Their following of Bahi'u'llbh-but this was something for in Persia. the far distant future. Suddenly, with the These spiritual experiences were given ex- erection of the Shrine of the Biib on Mt. pression in worthy action. The world-wide Carmel and the opening of the doors of ~ a h i ' icommunitf entered upon the prose- contribution to this "transcending enter- cution of a ten-year intercontinental teach- prise" to the Bah&'isof the world, the spirit- ing plan, a crusade aimed at a tremendous ual impulse was released for an international expansion in the number of countries and consciousness in fact, a matter of action not political dependencies having Bahi'i centers of thinking only. The succession of occur- and a vast increase in the number of Bahi'i rences which followed quickly, inaugurated institutions. This crusade was initiated by by the Guardian of the Bahb'i Faith and four Intercontinental Teaching Conferences emanating from the International Center of held successively in Kampala, Uganda, in the Faith in the Holy Land, united the Ba- Chicago and Wilmette, Illinois, in Stock- hi'is of the world in action as never before holm, Sweden, and in New Delhi, India, in the history of the Faith had been possi'ole. during 1953, involving the participation and In his Announcement of the Centenary cooperation of all National Spiritual As- Commemoration of the birth of Bah2u'- semblies for the first tune in Bahi'i history. ll&h's Mission, inaugurating the interconti- The completion of the Shrine of the Bbb on nental teaching work, the Guardian called Mt. Carmel, Haifa, and of the Bahi'i House upon the Bahi'is of the world to prepare of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, that same themselves "for demonstration of Bahi'i sol- year gave public evidence of the vitality of idarity of unprecedented scope and inten- the Faith. Two new international BahL'i in- sity during the entire course of Bahi'i his- stitutions were established: the International tory." Bahi'i Council at the Bahi'i World Center Thus, during the years 1950-1954 (years in Israel, and the Hands of the Cause with 107-110 of the Bahi'i Era) the Bahi'is of 20 T H E BAHA'I WORLD East and West were swept into an unprece- ominous threat that civilization as we know dented and spiritually vitalizing stage of the it is doomed to destruction. development of the World Order of Bahi'- As the world lay helpless under this dark- u'llih, destined to emerge "in the fullness of ness, the new creation of Bahb'u'llih, His time" in a world-recognized, spiritually uni- community of followers, gathered their fied and administered world commonwealth, forces to establish the foundation of unity the Kingdom of God on earth. throughout the world. Nothing short of the Nor will the student of current affairs fail Divine Power invested in the Mission of the to note the fact that this dynamic spiritual Prophet can reverse the fatal direction of world plan was inaugurated at a time when human affairs and re-deploy men's faculties the menace of devastating atomic warfare in the constructive task of unifying the peo- oppressed the peoples of all nations with the ples in one Faith and one Order. CENTENARY COMMEMORATIONS O F THE MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAR THF. Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Spiritual Assembly reported the publication B i b was reverently anticipated by the Ba- of a memorial pamphlet, copies of which hi'is of East and West. References to His were distributed freely, a devotional pro- mission and martyrdom in Bahi'i Sacred gram in the Haziratu'l-Quds of Cairo and in Writings were searched out and pondered. local centers, consisting of passages from Sa- Chapters in Dawn-Breakers and God Passes cred Writings, and a public meeting to By vividly depicting the event were read which eminent non-Bahi'is were invited. In again and again. view of the religious background of their The Centenary actually began for B a h z s nation, the Egyptian Bahi'is produced a se- when they received the Guardian's cable- lection of passages from the Old and New gram dated July 4, 1950. Moved by the Testament and the Q u r ' h which lent sup- glimpse of high significance revealed by port to the Mission of the Bahb'i Faith. Invi- these words, the BahL'is contemplated the iations were sent personally to about eighty mysterious scene which took place at Tabriz eminent men of letters, law, the arts, educa- on July 9, 1850, when the radiant Youth tors, parliamentarians and representatives of chosen by God to enact so tremendous a the press known to be liberals or independ- drama expired, pierced by the bullets fired ent seekers after truth. by a regiment acting under official com- This public meeting concluded with re- mand. For, as was emphasized in a previous freshments during which a moving picture volume dealing with the Declaration of the of the Bahi'i House of Worship was ex- Bib in 1844, the B i b terminated the Pro- hibited. phetic Era and reflected the Dawn of the The effect was to strengthen the prestige Sun of Truth risen to signalize the Promised of the Faith among intellectual circles and Day of the maturity of the human race. persons of good will. This result was re- A twofold Centenary program was carried flected in the favorable comment published out in the various Bahgi national communi- in the daily press. ties in accordance with the conditions in The Assembly's report included mention each, including national and local gatherings of the successful commemoration held in of believers for spiritual observance of the Addis-Abba, Ethiopia. event, and public activities conveying the In Persia the National Spiritual Assembly challenge of the Bib's Mission to mankind. published a translation of Shoghi Effendi's Thus, in Egypt and Slidfin the National World Survey pamphlet and prepared a The Shrine of the Bib on Mt. Carmel. Beyond the Shrine can be seen the city of Haifa, the harbor, the bay of 'Akkk and the hills of the Lebanon. 22 T H E B A H A. ' f W O R L D Centenary program which was carried out message was broadcast in four languages- by the local communities. English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi-over Throughout Canada, likewise, a great Radio GOA. The National Assembly like- number of devotional and public meetings wise conducted a public meeting at the Con- were carried out in accordance with a plan stitution Club, New Delhi, the program in- launched by the National Spiritual Assem- cluding addresses by Prof. Abdul-Majid bly. Khan, Shri S. N. Chaturvedi, and Shrimati The tribute paid to the Bib by Bahb'is of Shirin Boman. Australia and New Zealand in devotional A scholarly article on the Martyrdom of and public meetings was enlarged through the Bib, based on Nabil's Narrative, by their publication of a pamphlet Martyrdom Prof. Alessandro Bausani, was published in o f the Ba'b. This memorial brochure con- the Italian language magazine Oriente Mo- tained a photograph of the design of the d e r n ~ volume , 30, 1950. Shrine of the BBb on Mt. Carmel and a A Portrait of the Bib, presented to the photograph of the Bahb'i House of Worship American Bahb'is by the Guardian in 1944, in Wilmette, with a selection of passages re- was reverently shown to believers gathered porting the BBb's own words to His disci- in Foundation Hall, Bahb'i House of Wor- ples, Bahb'u'llih's Tribute to Him, utter- ship, at the hour of noon on the Centenary ances of the BBb, and a thoughtful summary date. After this rare and solemn privilege of the Bahb'i Faith. the throng reassembled in the auditorium An excellent press report published in where a program of readings was carried Auckland, based upon a conference with a out under the great dome of the Temple. It Persian Bahb'i student, gave a very favorable was in this hallowed setting, on so holy an impression of the public meeting conducted occasion, that the cabled message from the in that city. The speakers were Suhayl Alb'i Guardian was read, stating in part: "Moved and Gertrude Blum. share (with) assembled representatives (of) In Paris a public meeting was held at the American Bahgi Community gathered be- Music Social, notices of which were circu- neath (the) dome (of the) Most Holy lated in artistic circles, University City, and House (of) Worship (in the) Bahb'i world, magazine and newspaper editors, attracting feelings (of) profound emotion evoked (by a gathering of some one hundred and fifty this) historic occasion the world-wide com- guests. Addresses were delivered by M. De- memoration (of the) first Centenary (of lacroix, Mrs. Marion Little and Mlle. L. the) Martyrdom (of the) Blessed BBb, Migette. Prophet (and) Herald (of the) Faith (of) George Townshend, a leading Bahb'i Bahl'u'llih, Founder (of the) Dispensation scholar and author, contributed a brief arti- marking (the) culmination (of the) six cle on "The Call of the Martyrs," attesting thousand year old Adamic Cycle, Inaugura- the complete devotion of those who yielded tor (of the) five thousand century Bahgi up their lives through "all-absorbing, all- Cycle." forgetting devotion for one in Whom they Still later the gathering met again in saw God Manifest." In this treatise the Ba- Foundation Hall for a national public meet- hb'is were poignantly reminded of the Bib's ing attended by about nine hundred persons. significant words: "0 My beloved friends! Miss Elsie Austin presided, and addresses You are the bearers of the name of God in were delivered by Dr. G. A. Borgese, Uni- this Day. You have been chosen as the re- versity of Chicago, Mrs. Dorothy Beecher positories of His mystery. It behoves each Baker and Mr. William Kenneth Christian. one of you to manifest the attributes of God, After this program a moving picture film of and to exemplify by your deeds and words the Shrines and Gardens at the World Cen- the signs of His righteousness, His power ter, sent by the Guardian, was shown to the and glory . . . For verily I say, this is the Bahl'is. Day spoken of by God in His Book." Meanwhile local meetings were held to Local centers in India, PikistBn and commemorate the Centenary throughout the Burma observed the Centenary not only United States, and many radio stations with meetings but also by providing food to broadcast the story of the Martyrdom of the the indigent through municipal agencies. A BBb. radio program was also made available to The national program included the publi- local stations. Nationally, the Centenary cation of two Centenary pamphlets: The CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 23 The Shrine of the BQb, Haifa, Israel, as seen from the slopes of Mt. Carmel. Bah& Faith-1 844-1950, a World Survey, regions. He is also the Harbinger of the compiled by Shoghi Effendi, and The Mar- Most Great Light, the AbhQ Luminary. The tyr-Prophet o f a World Faith, by William B. Blessed Beauty [BahS'u'llih] is the One Sears, dramatically presenting the Bib's mis- promised by the sacred books of the past, sion and martyrdom for a western public. the revelation of the Source of light that "The Bib, the Exalted One, is the Morn shone upon Mount Sinai, whose fire glowed of Truth, the splendor of Whose light," in the midst of the Burning Bush. We are, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 wrote, "shineth throughout all one and all, servants of their threshold, and T H E BAHA'I WORLD stand each as a lowly keeper at their door. addresses eulogizing the Bgb and explaining . . . Every proof and prophecy, every man- His mission. ner of evidence, whether based on reason Throughout the British Isles the Cente- or on the text of the scriptures and tradi- nary coincided with the successful conclu- tions, are to be regarded as centered in the sion of the first national, coordinated teach- persons of Bahi'u'llbh and the Bgb. In Them ing campaign to be conducted by the British is to be found their complete fulfillment." BahGis. Meetings of commemoration were Reports from the Bahi'is of Germany held in London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Bir- mention public memorial services conducted mingham, Bradford, Bristol and Manchester in the larger communities-Esslingen, Gop- on a regional scale and locally in Bourne- pingen, Frankfurt-am-Main, Heidelberg, mouth, Newcastle and Torquay. Karlsruhe and Stuttgart. Musical selections After a devotional period these programs from the works of Bach, Hayden and Bee- presented a dramatic script on the Martyr- thoven, and readings from the Sacred Writ- dom of the Bbb and a review of the activities ings created an impressive background for of the Bahi'i world community. CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS O F THE B I R T H O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION A MOMENTOUS message was cabled by as counterpart (to) consolidation (of) Faith Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Faith, from at its World Center through recent forma- the BahL'i World Center on November 30, tion (of) International BahS'i Council (in 1951, which is cited in part as follows: the) Holy Land. "Approaching Great Jubilee commemo- "Centennial festivities (of) Year Nine rating (the) Centenary (of the) termination continuing throughout Holy Year commenc- (of the) Bkbi Dispensation (and) birth (of) ing October 1952 must include, apart from Bahi'u'llbh's Revelation (in) SiyAh-C_hbl, consummation (of) plans initiated (by) TihrLn, as well as imperative necessity adopt various National Assemblies in both hemi- effectual measures insure befitting inaugura- spheres, (the) formal dedication (for) pub- tion (of) third concluding phase of initial lic worship (of the) Mother Temple (of epoch (in) execution (of) 'Abdu'l-Bahi's the) West (in the) heart (of) North Ameri- Divine Plan destined (to) culminate (in) can Continent, (and) possible termination hundredth anniversary (of) Declaration of (of) superstructure (of the) Bbb's Sepd- Founder (of) Faith (in) Baghdbd, impel me cher (in) Holy Land, (the) convocation (to) summon entire B a h i ' i o r l d , through (of) four intercontinental Bah6'i Teaching (the) eleven National Assemblies already Conferences to be held successively (in the) functioning (in) East (and) West, (to) be- course (of) historic year (on) Continents stir itself, arise during sixteen months ahead (of) Africa, America, Europe, Asia." through supreme, concerted, sustained ef- The message continued with the directions fort, (and) prepare for demonstration (of) that the first conference was to be convened Bah6'i solidarity (of) unprecedented scope by the British National Spiritual Assembly (and) intensity (during) entire course (of) in Kampala, Uganda, in the early spring of Bahi'i history. 1953, representing the National Assemblies "Forthcoming celebrations must be signal- of the British Isles, United States, Persia, ized through inauguration (of) long-antici- Egypt and Shdbn, India, Pkkistin and pated intercontinental stage in administrative Burma. Invitations to attend were to be is- evolution (of) Faith marking its gradual de- sued to Bahi'is residing in America, Persia, velopment through successive phases (of) the subcontinent of India, the British Isles local, regional, national (and) international and every territory on the continent of Af- Bahi'i activity. Initiation (of) this highly rica. The aim of the conference was to plant significant measure further cementing Bahi'i the banner of the Faith in remaining tem- National Assemblies (in) five continents tories of Africa and the neighboring islands (of) globe will be acclaimed (by) posterity to the east, south and west. CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 25 The second conference, Shoghi Effendi procedure, provide (for) smooth working, directed, was to be convened by the National accord wide publicity, insure resounding Spiritual Assembly of the United States in success, of epoch-making Conferences im- Wilmette, Illinois, during the Ridvin period, mortalizing Centenary (of) memorable representing the Bahb'is of the United States Year anticipated (by) St. John (the) Di- as chief trustees of 'Abdu'l-BahL's Divine vine, foreshadowed by S_hayk_h Ahmad, eu- Plan, and their ally and associates, the Na- logized (by the) Bib, extolled (by) both Ba- tional Assemblies of Canada and Latin hi'u'llih (and) 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and constitut- America. Invitations to attend were to be ing prelude (to) Most Great Jubilee which extended to BahB'is in every State of the will alike commemorate (the) Centenary United States, every Province of Canada and (of) formal assumption (by the) Author every Republic of Latin America. The pur- (of the) BahB'i Revelation (of) His Pro- pose of this conference was to prepare for phetic Office, (and) mark, God willing, the the establishment of the Faith in the re- world-wide establishment (of the) Faith maining territories of the Americas and the forecast (by the) Center (of the) Covenant nearby islands of the Atlantic and Pacific [i.e., 'Abdu'l-Bahg] in His Tablets, prophe- Oceans. sied (by) Daniel (in) his book, thus paving The third in this series of Intercontinental (the) way (for the) advent (of the) Golden Conferences was to be convened in Stock- Age destined (to) witness (the) world rec- holm, Sweden, during the summer of 1953 ognition, universal proclamation (and the) by the European Teaching Committee of ultimate triumph (of the) Cause of Bahf- the United States Assembly, and was to be u'llih." representative of the American, British and By this portentous message the Bah4is German National Assemblies. Invitations to were ushered into a new era of action and attend were to be extended to BahL'is from understanding, symbolized by the Centenary the ten countries of Western Europe, Eng- of the Birth of the Mission of Bah2u'llih land, Scotland, Wales, Eire, France, Ger- and given substance in this series of four many, Austria, and Finland. The purpose of intercontinental teaching conferences which this gathering was to provide for the gradual inaugurated a new World Crusade to cul- introduction of the Faith into the remaining minate in the year 1963, the one hundredth Sovereign States of the European Continent anniversary of Bah6'u'll&h's public assump- and its neighboring islands in the Mediterra- tion of His Mission. nean, the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. The Centenary of the Birth of the Mis- The fourth and concluding Jubilee Teach- sion of Bahb'u'llih was observed through- ing Conference was to be convened in New out the Bahg'i world during the year be- Delhi, India, in the autumn of 1953 by the ginning the middle of October, 1952, and National Spiritual Assembly of India, P&k- ending the middle of October, 1953. This istin and Burma, representative of the Na- period marked the centenary of the year tional Assemblies of Persia, the Indian sub- 1269 A.H., known among BahPis as the continent, 'Iriq, Australasia, the United "Year Nine." It possesses great significance States, Canada, Central America and South since in His Writings the Bib used it to America. Invitations to attend were to be foretell the Birth of the Revelation of BahL'- extended to the Bahi'is of every Sovereign u'llih and therefore the end of His own State and dependency of Asia, North Amer- Dispensation. ica, Central America and South America, The intimation of His Mission as the Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania. This Promised One of all nations was quickened Conference was to consult on steps aimed spiritually in BahL'u'llih as He lay in chains, at opening the Faith in the remaining Asiatic a prisoner, in the dungeon of Siyih-C_h&l, States and dependencies, particularly in Tihrin. It was in so foul a place, to One so South East Asia and the islands of the South cruelly oppressed, that the Holy Spirit de- Pacific and Indian Oceans. scended to the person of Husayn 'Ali and The Guardian ended his message with created BahL'u'llih, the Manifestation of this plea: "Address plea particularly (to) God and the Law-Giver for a new World convenors (of) above-mentioned confer- Era. ences (to) arise .. . prayerfully consider, The Guardian has thus described this tre- carefully plan, energetically prosecute, (the) mendous event: "It was in such dramatic respective sacred delegated tasks . . . fix circumstances, recalling the experience of 26 T H E BAHA'I WORLD Moses when face to face with the Burning religious history of mankind, was inaugu- Bush in the wilderness of Sinai, the succes- rated." sive visions of Zoroaster, the opening of the Gratitude to God for this supreme mercy, heavens and the descent of the Dove upon assuring the ultimate regeneration of hu- Christ in the Jordan, the cry of Gabriel manity and the establishment of Christ's heard by Muhammad in the Cave of Hira, Kingdom on earth, inspired the Bahb'is as and the dream of the Bib, in which the they carried out their plans for the celebra- blood of the Imim Husayn touched and tion of this great Jubilee. sanctified His lips, that Bahb'u'lltih, He While each National Spiritual Assembly 'around Whom the Point of the Bayin hath prepared and carried out appropriate devo- revolved,' and the Vehicle of the greatest tional and public meetings throughout Holy Revelation the world has yet seen, received Year in celebration of the Mission of Bah2- the first intimation of His sublime Mission, u'lltih, the several Intercontinental Confer- and that a ministry, which, alike in its dura- ences themselves represented the fulfillment tion and fecundity, is unsurpassed in the of this sacred experience. INAUGURATION O F T H E WORLD CRUSADE T H E publication of a pamphlet, compiled aim of which was to emphasize the impor- by the Guardian setting forth a statistical tance of those elements in the Ten-Year survey of the Ten-Year International Ba- Plan which related to Africa. A sacred relic hb'i Teaching Plan constituting the World entrusted by the Guardian to his represen- Crusade, underlay the thinking and action tative, in this case a portrait of the Bib, was of Bahb'is in celebrating the Mission of so placed that each attendant in turn could BahVu'llih. The Plan as set forth, accom- gaze upon the Countenance of the Martyr panied by a map, included in the present Prophet. The third element in the pattern volume, specifies twenty-seven objectives, consisted of the active participation of all some to be realized at the World Center and National Spiritual Assemblies having teach- others won by the twelve participating Na- ing missions in that continent. The fourth tional Spiritual Assemblies by 1963-the was the impressive response made by volun- most challenging task ever set for the follow- teers to arise and go forth into the pioneer ers of a Prophet to achieve. Among these field. Another element was the conduct of objectives might be noted: establishing the Bah2i public meetings. Faith in one h ~ ~ n d r ethirty-one d new coun- At Kampala Bahb'i members from all the tries and territorial divisions; translation and different continents gathered together for publication of Bahb'i texts in ninety-one new the first time for discussion of a common languages; construction of two new Bahb'i theme. About two hundred thirty-two per- Houses of Worship and purchase of land for sons attended the Kampala Conference, rep- eleven future Temples; establishing forty- resenting nineteen countries, one hundred eight additional National Spiritual Assem- twenty-three of whom were native African blies; and purchasing properties to be used believers. Some thirty tribes and races were as National Administrative Centers in forty- represented. By some mysterious process of nine cities of the Americas, Europe, Asia, spiritual alchemy the outer differences and Africa and New Zealand. distinctions so important to the worldly were The first Intercontinental Teaching Con- dissolved away, and what one felt in his ference in Holy Year was conducted by the fellow-participant was a joyous light ignited National Spiritual Assembly of the British by the fire of the Mission of Bahi'u'll&h. Isles at Kampala, Uganda, February 12 to The oneness of mankind found impressive 18, 1953. exemplification. The variety itself was evi- All four Conferences disclosed a basic dence of true unity since unity is of the spirit pattern. A message from the Guardian was and not a uniformity of type or personality. delivered by his special representative, a The agenda, entitled "Light Over Africa," Hand of the Cause. At Kampala Mr. Leroy devoted two sessions to commemoratioil of Toas presented the Guardian's message, the the Centenary. The rapid progress of pio- The Shrine of the Martyr Prophet of the BahB'i Faith, completed in October, 1953. 28 T H E B A H A 'f W O R L D neering and teaching work in Africa since Canada, Central America and South Amer- 1950 was summarized. Its prime purpose ica. Its essential purposes were, first, to em- was to bring the Bahi'i teachings to the na- phasize the vital importance of the World tives and after securing their confidence Crusade in all continents, and second, to confirmations were recorded far beyond ex- consult and plan on how to meet the goals pectation. set forth by the Ten-Year Plan for the West- The spiritual capacity of the native Afri-ern Hemisphere and surrounding islands. can for independent investigation of truth Mr. Paul E. Haney, Chairman of the United and responsible membership in the Bahi'i States Assembly, presided at the sessions. community has been fully demonstrated. Ruhiyyih KhBnum delivered the principal It was at the Kampala Conference that address on the "Character and Purpose of the statement was made that this Ten-Year the World Crusade," and in a later session Crusade will result in the fulfillment of thearoused the spirit of pioneering with her prophecies of Daniel relative to the 1335 stirring talk programmed as "Mount Your days, when the Glory of the Lord will cover Steeds!" One evening session was devoted the earth. to the Guardian's representative which was Mr. Hasan Balyuzi, Chairman of the Brit- followed by a reception in which all Bahi'is ish National Spiritual Assembly, presided at had the privilege of presentation to this dis- the Conference sessions. The participating tinguished Hand of the Cause and member National Assemblies were, besides the Brit- of the Guardian's family. ish, the Egyptian, the United States, Persian, During the course of the Conference sev- the 'Iriq and Indian Assemblies, among eral groups of BahL'is were assembled on which the goal areas of Africa and adjacent the speakers' platform for special attention: islands have been divided. These Assemblies, those who had been present when 'Abdu'l- through their representatives, held two con- BahL dedicated the Temple grounds in 1912; ferences to arrange for cooperation in the twelve Hands of the Cause; Bahi'is from African teaching campaign. Persia; a group of Latin American Bahi'is; The Guardian's plans and hopes for Af- of BahL'i Youth; of American Indians; and rica were eloquently expounded by Mr. Ioas. a large company of those who, during the All present realized what a privilege had Conference, had arisen to volunteer their been granted them in Mr. TarBzu'llBh Sa- services as pioneers to the number of one mandari's moving presentation of his per- hundred and fifty. sonal recollections of Bahh'u'llih. During the afternoon of Sunday, May 3, Two public meetings were held, one in the Conference assembled in the auditorium the Conference meeting place, the other in of the House of Worship for the unveiling the assembly auditorium of the local college.of the portrait of Bahh'u'llih which Riihiy- yih K_h&numhad brought as the Guardian's Though second in time, the Intercontinen- supreme blessing to this Conference. The tal Teaching Conference held in Chicago Bahh'is entered the auditorium one by one and Wilrnette, Illinois, had the distinction and Ruhiyyih Khknum touched the hand of of inaugurating the Ten-Year Crusade. each with a drop of the fragrant attar of rose From thirty countries came a throng of over sent by the Guardian for this occasion. The twenty-three hundred Bahi'is. The great portrait of Bahh'u'llih and a portrait of the auditorium of Medinah Temple, Chicago, BBb were placed on a table at the front of presented an impressive spectacle during the the auditorium. Quietly, reverently, one by Conference sessions. one, the seated Bahh'is arose and paused As his special representative the Guard- before these Remembrances of the Twin ian appointed 'Amatu'l-BahB Rhhiyyih K_h& Manifestations of God in this great Day. num, Hand of the Cause, whose gracious Words cannot describe this unique privi- presence and rare charm as speaker seemed lege. It was an inner dedication of spirit to to crown the success of the important occa- the new World Faith. Perhaps outside the sion. Bahh'i World Center at Haifa the celebra- This Conference was termed an All- tion of the Jubilee, the Mission of Bah2- America Conference, and it was conducted u'llih, around the world, witnessed no more by the National Spiritual Assembly of the significant event. Bahi'is of the United States in association The Conference devoted an evening ses- with the National Spiritual Assemblies of sion to the unveiling of the model of the C U R R E N T B A H A'f A C T I V I T I E S 29 BahL'i House of Worship, designed by C. Allen B. McDaniel, supervising engineer Mason Remey, which is to be constructed on of Temple construction for many years, out- Mt. Carmel in the Holy Land. Mr. Remey, lined the history of the project from its first Hand of the Cause and President of the In- beginnings some fifty years before, through ternational Bahi'i Council, spoke of the the purchase of land, the selection of Louis temples of worship which each religion has ~ o u i ~ e o as i s architect, and the completion developed to express its particular style of of the structure under successive contracts. architecture. "The place of worship has been Robert McLaughlin, Director of the School the cultural center." He then referred to of Architecture of Princeton University, ex- the teachings of Bahi'u'llgh which exhort plained the features of the architectural de- His followers to build temples for worship, sign. Horace Holley dealt with the Temple with a general plan for their design and in terms of the meaning of worship. Edwin function. The speaker had visited the city of Eardley, member of the Temple Technical 'Ishqibhd many years ago where the first Committee, and Hilbert Dahl, landscape Bahi'i Temple had been constructed, re- architect, whose design was selected for cently, alas, confiscated by the civil authori- landscaping the Temple grounds, were pre- ties and diverted to other use. sented to the audience. Mr. Alexander, in The Bahi'is were deeply impressed by the name of the Village of Wilmette, of- Mr. Remey's design which has had the dis- fered congratulations oil the completion of tinction of being chosen for the future Tem- Temple construction. The local residents, he ple in the Holy Land, associated with the said, feel privileged to have this world fa- Bahi'i Shrines and the World Center which mous structure in their community. is arising step by step in the Holy Land, The public program returned to the Me- heart of the world. dinah Temple in Chicago. The theme "One Among the key addresses which im- God and One People" was presented Sun- pressed the gathering we note the remarks day evening May 3 by Dr. Charles H. Wes- on teaching work in Africa by Musk Banhi; ley, president of Central State College, Ohio, the exposition of the significance of the Year followed by Ruhiyyih Kbiinum, Ali Yazdi Nine, by S_hu'L'u7llih'AlL'i; Mr. Samandari's presiding. The account written after this reminiscences of Bahi'u'lliih; Mr. 'Ali-Ak- meeting stated concerning Ruhiyyih K_hhi- bar Furfitan's talk on the BahL'i Administra- num: "Every one was touched by the spirit tive Order; Mr. Valiyu'llkh Varqi's presen- which flowed .through her, by her dignity, tation of the subject "Heroes of the Lord of simplicity and candor, and even more by Hosts"; and Mr. mikru'llih Khidem's story those indefinable qualities of a selfless Ba- of Tihrin-the standard of sacrifice. All hP'i, and each knew he had spent a moment these speakers were Hands of the Cause. with a rare soul." Jubilee public meetings were notable oc- The fourth public meeting was devoted to casions. On Wednesday evening, April 29, the theme "The Human Goal," with H. B. Dr. Paul Hutchinson of The Christian Cen- Kavelin presiding. The speakers were Nor- tury, and Mrs. Dorothy Baker of the Na- man Cousins, editor, Saturday Review o f tional Bahi'i Assembly spoke on "Religion Literature, and Dr. W. Kenneth Christian, for Humanity." Matthew Bullock, member member of the National Spiritual Assembly. of the National Assembly, presided. On Fri- Extraordinary was the publicity which ac- day, May 1, the public meeting was held in claimed the Jubilee and the dedication of New Trier High School, Winnetka, in the the House of Worship, carried by Associated vicinity of the Temple in Wilmette. This Press, United Press and Universal Press. meeting formally presented to the friends Feature stories appeared in Newsweek, Cap- and neighbors the story of the BahL'i Tem- pers Weekly, The Chicago Sunday Tribune, ple to be publicly dedicated the following Chicago Daily News ( a n editorial), and the day. Paul Haney, presiding, read messages Bahb'i press committee received clippings of greeting and good wishes from distin- guished personages, including Justice Wil- from t 6 e e hundred and ninety-seven-cities. liam Douglas of the United States Supreme Thirteen international radio broadcasts Court, Mrs. Ruth Bryan Rhode, Dr. Marcus were beamed over Station WRUL to Eu- Bach and the Israeli Ambassador. William rope, the Near East and Latin America. Alexander, President of Wilmette Village, Fifty television stations showed a film-short shared the platform as guest of the BahCis. on the Temple dedication, while Universal 30 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D Newsreel pictures were shown in many the- struction of Human Society." Hans Odemyr aters. of Stockholm presided. This Conference, like that held in Kam- The Bahb'is attending the Stockholm Con- pala, produced a new spirit of intimate ference were profoundly conscious of the fellowship among Bahb'is who had, while vital importance of carrying out a spiritual loyal to the same Faith, been long accus- mission in Europe, the ancient theater of tomed to regard themselves as members of war and conquest, of upholding the Message one particular national community. Boun- of reconciliation, peace and unity in a uni- daries were swept away. versal Faith. The European goals set forth in the World The Third Intercontinental Teaching Con- Crusade call for pioneer settlement of thirty ference was held in Stockholm, Sweden, new territories on the continent and adja- from July 21 to July 26, 1953, in the attrac- cent islands, and the formation of more lo- tive auditorium of the Medborgarhus. This cal Spiritual Assemblies in fifteen lands. The Conference was planned and conducted by success of the Conference was signalized by the European Teaching Committee. Edna the rise of sixty-three volunteers prepared to M. True, Committee chairman, presided, enter the teaching field. Before the end of with Mrs. Marion Hofman of England the final session, pioneers were assigned to serving as co-chairman. The participating all the new territories to be opened in Eu- BahB'i bodies were the National Spiritual rope, except lands where religious missions Assemblies of the British Isles, Germany are at present not permitted. and Austria, Italy and Switzerland, the An unforgettable occasion was the Unity United States. Three hundred seventy-seven Banquet held in the magnificent Golden persons attended, representing Bahb'is in Room of Stockholm Town Hall, commemo- thirty different countries. Ugo Giachery, rating the Jubilee of the Year Nine. In this Hand of the Cause, represented the Guard- setting the chanting of Bahb'u'llfih's words ian of the Faith and read the Guardian's in the original Persian seemed to carry a message addressed to the Conference. This special penetrating force. The Banquet pro- message outlined thirteen European goals to gram was simple and effective. Other than be achieved during the Ten-Year Plan. the prayers and invocations, only simple and The experience acquired in the conduct heart-warming greetings in many languages of the two previous Intercontinental Con- were delivered, each speaker testifying to ferences, at Kampala and Chicago, made his faith and his resolve to serve the Cause the Stockholm Conference an efficient and of Bahb'u'llfih. smoothly running organized meeting. The Stockholm Conference rested on a Among the agenda topics presented by strong basis in the establishment of Bahb'i Hands of the Cause and other Bawis we ~ssembliesin the ten western countries of note: Launching the World-Embracing Spir- Europe since 1946, and the activities of the itual Crusade, by Ugo Giachery; Europe's National Spiritual Assemblies of the British Part in the Ten-Year Global Crusade, by Isles and of Germany and Austria over the Hermann Grossmann; the Kampala Con- years. The International Bahb'i Bureau, long ference, by M6sC BanCni; the All-American maintained in Geneva, Switzerland, has also Conference, by Beatrice Ashton and Mildred contributed to the teaching work in Europe. Mottahedeh; Temple Dedication, by Horace Holley; Sufferings of Bahb'G'llfih and Their The fourth and final Intercontinental Significance, by George Townshend and Teaching Conference, convened at New D_hikru'llfih Lhfidem. Delhi, India, was electrified by a cabled The first afternoon was devoted to the message received from the Guardian of the unveiling of the portrait of the BCb by the Faith in Haifa announcing the completion of Guardian's representative and the commem- construction of the superstructure of the oration of the Mission of BahB'u'llBh. Shrine of the Bfib after five years of work, A public meeting was held in the Con- at a cost of about seven hundred and fifty certhus which assembled an audience of thousand dollars. This achievement at the- about seven hundred. Mrs. Gerd Strand of World Center seemed to be the climax of the Oslo spoke on "The Spiritual Regeneration Holy Year. of the Individual Man," and Professor Zeine The New Delhi Conference was con- N. Zeine of Beirut spoke on "The Recon- ducted by the National Spiritual Assembly C U R R E N T B A H A'f A C T I V I T I E S of India, Pikistin and Burma, A. A. Butt rection of eight National Spiritual Assem- presiding at the first session. Other sessions blies, and through the operation of eight had as chairman a representative of the systematic Teaching Plans, and the con- participating National BahCi Assemblies- certed efforts of BahCi communities in both those of the United States, Canada, Central the East and the West, provide, as it un- and South America, Persia, the host Assem- folds, an effective antidote to the baneful bly of India, Pkkistkn and Burma, 'Iriq, forces of atheism, nationalism, secularism and Australia and New Zealand. and materialism that are tearing at the vitals C. Mason Remey, Hand of the Cause of this turbulent continent, and may it re- from Haifa, as the Guardian's representa- enact those scenes of spiritual heroism tive, delivered Shoghi Effendi's formal mes- which, more than any of the secular revolu- sage to New Delhi. In it were enumerated tions which have agitated its face, have left forty-one virgin territories and islands con- their everlasting imprint on the fortunes stituting the Asia Teaching Mission en- of the peoples and nations dwelling within trusted to the eight participating Assemblies. its borders." "The Asiatic Continent," the Guardian This note of spiritual statesmanship gave wrote, "the cradle of the principal religions the BahCis at New Delhi a deeper under- of mankind; the home of so many of the standing of the meaning of their teaching oldest and mightiest civilizations which have mission in relation to past historical events. flourished on this planet; the crossways of so For the Conference there had been ar- many kindreds and races; the battleground ranged a colorful canopy on the grounds of of so many peoples and nations; above the Constitution Club. The BahCi from the whose horizons, in modern times, the suns West arriving at the meeting was struck by of two independent Revelations-the prom- the pageantry of human types and costumes ise and consummation of a six thousand represented by his comrades from the East. year old religious Cycle-have successively Thirty nations were represented among the arisen; where the Authors of both these four hundred and fifty Bahi'is who regis- Revelations suffered banishment and died; tered. The opening period of devotions was within whose confines the Center of a di- conducted in English, Persian, Hindustani vinely-appointed Covenant was born, en- and Burmese. dured a forty-year incarceration and passed The portrait of the Martyr Prophet, the away; on whose Western extremity the Bib, was unveiled by Mr. Remey and before Qiblih of the Bahi'i world has been defi- it, in awe and reverence, the BahCis present nitely established; in whose heart the city knelt and besought the purity essential to proclaimed by BahCu'llih as the 'Mother of service in the Kingdom. the World' is enshrined; within whose bor- The public events included in the Confer- ders another city regarded as the 'Cynosure ence agenda provided two public meetings- of an adoring world' and the scene of the one held under the marquee, the other in greatest and most glorious Revelation the New Delhi Town Hall. The speakers on the world has witnessed is embosomed; on platform at the first meeting were Horace whose soil so many saints, heroes and mar- Holley, Stanley Bolton, Sr., Dorothy Baker tyrs, associated with both of these Revela- and Ugo Giachery, with C. Mason Remey tions, have lived, struggled and died-such presiding. At the Town Hall the theme a continent, so privileged among its sister "Towards a World Federation," was eluci- continents and yet so long and so sadly dated by H. C. Featherstone, John Robarts, tormented, now stands at the hour of the Mildred Mottahedeh and A. Q. Faizi. launching of a world-encompassing Crusade, New Delhi surpassed the three previous on the threshold of an era that may recall, Conferences in its program of public rela- in its glory and ultimate repercussions, the tions. A public reception and tea held in the great periods of spiritual revival which, garden of Imperial Hotel was attended by from the dawn of recorded history have, at nearly one thousand persons, including high various stages in the revelation of God's officials of the India government and repre- purpose for mankind, illuminated the path sentatives from Embassies and Consulates of the human race. and men from the press. Formal acceptance "May this Crusade, launched simultane- had been received from men in high official ously on the Asiatic mainland, its neighbor- positions. The setting for this occasion was ing islands and the Antipodes, under the di- charming and effective. 32 THE BAHA'I W O R L D For press and other public distribution the Maxwell, designer of the Shrine of the Btib, Indian Assembly had published a brochure with eulogies by John Robarts, Ugo Gia- quoting appreciations of the Faith written by chery and C. Mason Remey. Prayers were eminent Indians, and reproducing many offered for the departed Hand of the Cause, press notices of the Bahi'i Jubilee. Siegfried Schopflocher, of Montreal. Moreover, the host Assembly found it Many of the Bahi'is visited the site se- possible to present delegations of Bahi'is to lected for the future Temple outside New three government leaders-the President of Delhi on a slope overlooking the city. India, the Vice-President, and Prime Minis- This Conference terminated with the ob- ter Nehru. servance of the mid-October Bahi'i Nine- Much of the time during the sessions was teen Day Feast during the early evening of devoted to filling the forty-one pioneer posts October 15, the date of the termination also by volunteers and to contributing funds for of Holy Year. the future construction of three Houses of After the New Delhi Conference Hands Worship. In both realms the result was ex- of the Cause visited local Bahb'i communi- cellent. It was announced that, aside from ties in India, Phkistbn, Burma, Ceylon and delays in arranging visas, it appeared that all other countries of the Orient, by direction of Asiatic virgin territories would soon be defi- the Guardian. Similar directions had been nitely filled. Seventy-four Bahi'is offered received at the three previous Conferences, their services as pioneers. A generous with the result that Hands of the Cause met amount was raised or contributed toward the and addressed local Bahb'i communities in cost of purchasing three Temple sites. The Africa, United States, Central and South sessions brought out from a number of Ba- America, Canada and countries in Western h9'is the personal story of their teaching work Europe. This action brought the new institu- in the early days or, more recently, under con- tion closer to the body of BahB'is. ditions of determined opposition. The very It was on her return home from India, history of the Faith seemed to be repeated after weeks of travel and public teaching, in the experience of these spiritual heroes. that Dorothy Baker met death when the air- The Conference held a memorial meeting plane in which she was traveling exploded in honor of the late William Sutherland and plunged into the Mediterranean Sea. EVENTS CONNECTED WITH THE HOLY LAND AND THE GROWTH O F T H E INTERNATIONAL CENTER EMERGENCE of the Bahi'i world com- hundred year old Faith," not only inspired munity in the years 1950-1954 into a con- the Bahi'is of the world but also gave con- sciously functioning international organism fidence and hope to the new State, which, in was given its impetus by developments ini- turn, showed its appreciation in many ways, tiated by the Guardian of the Faith at its In- notably in the recognition of the historic ternational Center in the Holy Land, in sites of the Faith as Bahi'i Holy Places, in Haifa and 'Akk6 in Israel, "under the assistance with acquisition of new properties shadow of the Mountain of God, Mt. Car- needed, and in increasing recognition of the mel." status of the Faith and of its appointed These developments at the International Head, Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Center were inevitably associated, during BahB'i World Faith. these years, with the development of the rapidly emerging new State of Israel. The spirit released by the erection of the Shrine of the Bhb on Mt. Carmel, which the Guard- ian termed an "enterprise transcending in Erection of the superstructure of the sacredness any collective undertaking Sepulcher of the Bbb, the "shell designed to launched in the course of the history of the preserve and adorn the original structure Aerial view of the Shrine of the BCb, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel. The building was completed in October, 1953. raised by 'Abdu'l-BahC as the Tomb of the of Bahi'is over all the world to contribute Martyr Herald of our Faith," proceeded un- sacrificially toward the cost of this first of interruptedly. Begun in 1948, the work on the Institutions at the International Center the superstructure progressed from stage to of the Faith. stage as successive contracts were signed by The new Government of Israel, struggling the Guardian, or his representative in Italy, in its birth pangs, gave spontaneous expres- Ugo Giachery, for the plans, the cutting and sion of its appreciation of the developments carving of the marble in Italy and its ship- in the heart of the Holy Mountain, by per- ment to Haifa, together with cement, steel, mitting the various kinds of material im- wrought-iron railings, window-frames, until ported for the construction of the Shrine, to the Shrine was finally completed five years enter tax free. The new Government even later, in October, 1953, at a total cost of donated some cement at a crucial stage, three-quarters of a million dollars. when it was itself feverishly erecting build- By the Centenary Anniversary of the ings and housing for its new citizens. The In- Martyrdom of the Bhb, in July, 1950, the ternational Bahi'i Council wrote of this gift: "initial stage" of this "irresistibly advancing "One would have to be a resident of this enterprise" was completed, and the Arcade country to realize just what that means." with its Rose Baveno granite columns, its By Ridvhn of 1952 what the Guardian curved and exquisitely carved corner panels called the "second crown," with its eight of gleaming Chiampo stone, and the green majestic, minaret-like pinnacles gracing the marble mosaic panel of the Greatest Name Octagon, was completed. As the next stage in the north f a ~ a d e ,"the fairest gem set in of construction proceeded and the circular the crown of the Arcade," gave breath-tak- Drum with its eighteen stained-glass win- ing promise of what was yet to come. dows was erected, the third "crown"-the It was the inspiring and unifying privilege brim of the Dome-was set in place by Night view of the Sepulcher of the BBb on Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel, showing terraces and g CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 35 Naw-Ruz of 1953, to be followed by erec- the "avenue of the kings and monarchs of tion of the Dome and the laying, during the earth." Ridvin of 1953, of the first golden tiles covering the two hundred and fifty square EXTENSIONOF INTERNATIONAL ENDOW- meter area of the Dome. On the ninth day MENTS of the ninetieth Anniversary of the Ridvin Festival the Guardian, with his own hands, BahL'i International Endowments have reverently placed a fragment from the plas- been rapidly extended at the World Center ter ceiling of the Biib's prison cell in the of the Faith through the purchase of proper- castle of Mih-Kii beneath one of the gilded ties on the slopes of Mt. Carmel, until as of tiles of the Dome of this beautiful Shrine. April, 1954, they cover a total area of over Erection of the final unit, the stone lan- three hundred and fifty thousand square tern, coincided with the closing of the Holy meters, valued at approximately four million Year (October, 1953), associated with the dollars. Centenary of the birth of the Mission of The Guardian pointed out in a cable dated Bahb'u'llih. (For further details on the erec- April 3, 1952, that the "historic process" of tion of the Shrine of the Bib, see Section establishment of international BahL'i en- VI.) dowments on Mt. Carmel, "inevitably de- The Guardian cabled to the Fourth Inter- layed" during the first fifty years of the continental Teaching Conference in New Faith, was "initiated on the morrow of Delhi in October, 1953: "(A) steadily BahB'u'llih's ascension" through the pur- swelling throng (of) visitors (from) far chase of a limited number of plots during (and) near, (on) many days exceeding (a) the lifetime of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in the immedi- thousand, (is) flocking (the) gates leading ate area of the then newly erected Tomb of (to the) Inner Sanctuary (of this) majestic the Bib. The process was "greatly accel- mausoleum; paying homage (to the) erated" through the purchase of extensive Queen of Carmel enthroned (on) God's properties after 'Abdu'l-Bahi's passing and Mountain, crowned (in) glowing gold, is "now further reinforced." robed (in) shimmering white, girdled (in) A twenty thousand square meter area, emerald green, enchanting every eye from consisting of eighteen plots, was added in air, sea, plain (and) hill." 1952 at a cost of one hundred eighteen thou- During the erection of the Sepulcher of sand dollars, overlooking the resting-place the Bib the Guardian had had the broad of the revered sister of 'Abdu'l-Bahi and the terrace on which it rests extended toward eastern approaches to the Shrine of the Bib. the east, adding three hundred and fifty Land extending from the heart of the Moun- square meters in area, thus enhancing the tain to its ridge was also added, to safe- "beauty and stateliness of the immediate guard the immediate precincts of the Shrine surroundings" of the Shrine. and to provide for extension of the terraces to the top of the Mountain above the Shrine, as envisaged by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. In March, 1953, the Guardian announced the acquisition, "after thirty years of effort, In April, 1951, the Guardian added the of a wooded area of over twenty-three thou- two lower terraces to the impressive road- sand square meters," made possible through way leading, terrace by gardened terrace, the estate bequeathed to the Faith by Roy C. from the city directly to the Shrine. With the Wilhelm. Acquisition of this property in- addition of the two lower terraces and their creased "the total area within the precincts beautification, the Guardian completed the permanently dedicated to the Bib's Sepul- series of nine terraces "linking Haifa's oldest cher to almost a quarter million square me- and most imposing avenue with the Bib's ters." Over one hundred thousand square resting place majestically rising in the bosom meters of the land permanently dedicated to of Carmel." Thus was fulfilled 'Abdu'l- the Shrine of the Bib are registered in the BahB's "cherished desire" to connect the name of the Israel Branch of the National Shrine with the German Templar colony at Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the the foot of Mt. Carmel. The Guardian wrote United States of America. the BahB'is of Persia and the Middle East A strip of land previously owned by Mrs. that this roadway would become known as Farah Sprague, who had asked a fantastic price for this property, when the Guardian many drawings of designs for a BahL'i repeatedly tried to acquire it, and had finally House of Worship. In 1948 at the iilvitation arbitrarily refused to sell it at all to the Ba- of the Guardian he went to Haifa to live and hb'is, was expropriated on the recommenda- there, under the direction of the Guardian, tion of the Mayor of Haifa. Arrangements has been working on the plans for the Tem- were made with the Finance Minister of the ple to be built on Mt. Carmel. The com- State of Israel through the Guardian's repre- pleted design, approved by the Guardian, sentatives for purchase of the property for a and a model of this first BahL'i Temple for small amount. It is now a part of the land the Holy Land, were exhibited at the Sec- being prepared for the International Ar- ond Intercontinental Bahi'i Teaching Con- chives building. ference in Chicago, Illinois, in May, 1953. In the city of Haifa a piece of property The design provides a circular building, em- facing both the House of 'Abdu'l-BahA and bellished with beautiful minaret-like spires, the Western Pilgrim House was also ac- and has nine approaches through gardens. quired, to be kept as a private open space. The Guardian has had it planted with gar- dens. In the development of the Bahb'i Inter- national Center the first edifice "destined to usher in the establishment of the World Ad- When the Guardian announced, in OC- ministrative Center of the Faith" is the In- tober, 1952, the tasks to be accomplished ternational BahB'i Archives. One of the during the Ten-Year World Spiritual Cru- fundamental provisions of the Faith of sade, one of the objectives at the World BahL'u'llAh is that there shall be not only Center of the Faith was the acquisition of the aspect of worship and glorification of land for the future Mas_hriqu'l-Ad_hkLr on God but also the channel through which that Mt. Carmel. A year later he announced that spirit thus engendered can flow out to the a site had been selected and preliminary world through Bahi'i activities. The Admin- steps taken toward the purchase of an area istrative Center provides that channel. at the head of the Mountain of God. This The design for the International BahL'i area, comprising approximately thirty-six Archives has been made by Charles Mason thousand square meters is located "in close Rerney, carrying out suggestions of the proximity to the Spot hallowed by the foot- Guardian of the Faith. It was first exhibited steps of BahL'u'llAh, near the time-honored at the Fourth Intercontinental Conference Cave of Elijah, and associated with the reve- at New Delhi, October, 1953. It calls for a lation of the Tablet of Carmel, the Charter stately marble edifice, of pure classic Greek of the World Spiritual and Administrative form, similar to the Parthenon in Athens, Centers of the Faith on that mountain." having Ionic columns on each side. The Funds amounting to over one hundred thou- building is to be erected on the slope of Mt. sand dollars have been generously contrib- Carmel, at the west end of an arc which uted by one of the Hands of the Cause re- circles from the main boulevard above the siding in the Holy Land. resting places of the sister of 'Abdu'l-BahB Forty years earlier 'Abdu'l-BahA had and His mother and brother. Again the mar- written to Charles Mason Remey, well- ble work is being done in Italy, and shipped known architect then living in Washington, to Haifa, as for the Shrine of the BBb. D.C., that his mission would be to design the BahL'i House of Worship to be built on The World Administrative Center of the Mt. Carmel. Mr. Remey had been studying BahL'i Faith, of which the International Ar- architecture in Paris as a young man when chives is the first building, is, as the Guard- he first heard of the Faith and since then ian points out, "the Ark referred to by had made and exhibited internationally Bahb'u'llAh in the closing passages of His The circular cluster of cypress trees (foreground) is the spot visited by BahL'u'llAh, from which He indicated the present site of the Shrine of the BAb and stated that His Remains must be brought from Persia and placed there. 38 T H E BAHA'I. W O R L D Tablet of Carmel." Addressing Mt. Carmel deemed the "hour now ripe to take long in- Bahi'u'llih writes: "Ere long will God sail evitably deferred step." Appointment of the His Ark upon thee, and will manifest the first contingent of the Hands of the Cause people of BahL who have been mentioned in of God was made known in a cablegram the Book of Names." from the Guardian dated December 24, 1951, in which twelve were named, "equally allocated Holy Land, Asiatic, American, European continents." Those nominated In order that Bahi'i properties on Mt. were : Carmel may be safeguarded by being held in Holy Land: Sutherland Maxwell, Mason the names of various National Spiritual As- Remey, Mrs. Amelia Collins. semblies, Israel Branches of seven National Cradle of the Faith (Persia) : Valiyu'llih Spiritual Assemblies are to be established, in VarqL, TarLzu'llLh Samandari, 'Ali-Akbar addition to that of the National Spiritual As- Furbtan. sembly of the BahL'is of the United States of American Continent: Horace Holley, America, which has been in effect for many Dorothy Baker, Leroy Ioas. years. As of April, 1954, four new Israel European Continent: George Townshend, Branches had been legally established, Hermann Grossmann, Ugo Giachery. formally recognized as Religious Societies by The number of the Hands of the Cause the Israeli Civil Authority and empowered was raised to nineteen with the nomination to hold unrestricted title to immovable prop- of seven additional, in the Guardian's cable- erty in any part of the State of Israel, on be- gram of February 29, 1952: half of their parent Assembly. Dominion of Canada: Fred Schopflocher. The four new Israel Branches are those of United States of America: Mrs. Corinne the National Spiritual Assemblies of the True. BahB'is of the British Isles, of Persia, of Persia: Dhikru'lltih &hidem, S_hu'P'u'- Canada, and of Australia. Through these 11Ph 'AlP'i. bodies the National Spiritual Assembly con- Germany: Adelbert Miihlschlegel. cerned has an interest in the property regis- Africa: M6sL BanPni. tered in its name and could challenge, Australia: Mrs. Clara Dunn. through its Government, any claims that In this cablegram the Guardian stated: might be made by enemies of the Faith. "Members august body invested (in) con- formity (with) 'Abdu'l-BahP's Testament, twofold sacred function, (the) propagation (and) preservation (of the) unity (of the) Faith (of) BahP'u'llLh, (and) destined (to) In December, 1951, the entire BahP'i assume individually (in the) course (of) world was profoundly stirred and humbly time (the) direction (of) institutions paral- grateful that the Guardian of the BahL'i leling those revolving around (the) Uni- Faith felt the time had come in the unfold- versal House (of) Justice, (the) supreme ment of the Faith to proclaim publicly the legislative body (of the) Bahl'i World, (are) appointment of the first Hands of the Cause now recruited (from) all five Continents to be named during their lifetime. Provi- (of) the globe (and) representative (of sion for this Institution had been made by the) three principal world religions (of) 'Abdu'l-BahP in His Testament, and Bahi'uY- mankind." llPh had named a few devoted and dedicated On the death of Mr. Maxwell in March, believers as Hands of the Cause, but hith- 1952, the Guardian cabled that the mantle erto the designation by the Guardian of an of Hand of the Cause "now falls (upon the) outstanding servant of the Faith as Hand of shoulders (of) his distinguished daughter, the Cause had been made publicly only after Amatu'l-BahL Rbhiyyih, who (has) already that person's death. rendered (and is) still rendering manifold The Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi states that no less meritorious self-sacrificing services" "the Hands of the Cause of God must be at the World Center of the Faith. nominated and appointed by the Guardian A sixth Hand of the Cause for Persia was of the Cause of God. All must be under his named by the Guardian on December 7, shadow and obey his command." 1953, with the appointment of JalLl K-hizeh. The first Guardian of the Cause of God And Paul Haney of the United States was CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 39 Manesmann pipes placed prior to erection, within the recently cast re- inforced concrete work which constitutes the sup- port for the superstruc- ture of the Bgb's Shrine. Erection of the cement ceiling of the octagon of the Shrine, January- February, 1952. One of the completed pinnacles of the octagon, March, 1952. 40 T H E BAHA'I. W O R L D nominated Hand of the Cause in the Guard- cution" of the twelve projected National ian's cable of March 19, 1954. Mr. Schop- teaching plans. flocher of Canada passed away in July, The five auxiliary Boards appointed by the 1953, and Mrs. Dorothy Baker of the fifteen Hands of the Cause were announced United States had been killed in an airplane as follows: accident in January, 1954. African: Four of the Hands of the Cause serve in Haifa at the World Center-Amatu'l-Bahi John Allen RGhiyyih Khanum, Mason Remey, Mrs. Miss Elsie Austin Amelia Collins, and Leroy Ioas. 'Ali Nakbjavini In the Guardian's cablegram to the Hands Jal61 Nak_hjavini of the Cause and the National Spiritual As- John Robarts semblies, dated April 6, 1954, he acknowl- William Sears Muhammad Mustafa Soleirnan edged the services of the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land in the erection of the Bib's Valerie Wilson Sepulcher on Mt. Camel, in the reinforce- 'Aziz Yazdi ment of ties with the newly emerged State American: of Israel, in extension of BahL'i International Canada: Rowland Estall Endowments in the Holy Land, in the initia- Central America: Esteban Canales tion of preliminary measures, for the estab- South America: Mrs. Gayle Woolson, lishment of the BahL'i International Admin- Mrs. Margot Worley istrative Center, and in the participation of United States and inter-America: these Hands of the Cause in the four succes- William de Forge sive Intercontinental BahL'i Teaching Con- Mrs. Margery McCormick ferences and their subsequent travels in the Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin five continents. Mrs. Florence Mayberry Dr. Sarah Pereira Asiatic: In the unfoldment of the Institution of the Miss Agnes Alexander Hands of the Cause the Guardian instructed Mrs. Elena Marsella Fernie the fifteen Hands of the Cause outside the Abul Qasim Faizi Holy Land to appoint, during Ridvin 1954, Abbas Ali Butt "by virtue of their supreme function as Carl A. Scherer chosen instruments for the propagation of Daoud Toeg the Faith," five auxiliary Boards, one for Kazem Kazemzadeh each of the five continents. This body of the Australian: Hands of the Cause was, in the Guardian's H. C. Featherstone words, "now entering (the) second phase Miss Thelma Perks (of) its evolution signalized (by) forging (of) ties (with the) National Spiritual As- European: semblies (of the) Bahi'i world (for the) Mrs. Marion Hofman purpose (of) lending them assistance (in) Mrs. Dorothy Ferraby attaining (the) objectives (of the) Ten Year Eugen Schmidt Plan." Mrs. Anna Grossmann The task of the auxiliary Boards was to Louis Henuzet "increasingly lend (their) assistance (for Joel Marengella the) promotion (of the) interests (of the) Miss Elsa Steinmetz Ten-Year Crusade." Their function was to Mrs. Angeline Giachery act "as deputies, assistants and advisers of Mrs. Tove Deleuran the Hands," "working in conjunction" with the National Spiritual Assemblies on each continent. Their duties had been defined by the Guardian in his cablegram of October 8, 1952, launching the World Crusade: to "as- In January, 1951, the Guardian made sist, through periodic systematic visits (to) known to the National Spiritual Assem.blies BahL'i centers (in the) efficient, prompt exe- of East and West his "weighty epoch-making CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 41 decision" to form the first International the Faith has been the acquisition and em- Bahfi Council, as a forerunner of the Uni- bellishment of the land surrounding the versal House of Justice "destined to emerge Shrine of Bahi'u'llbh at Bahji, on the plain in the fullness of time" at the International outside of 'Akkb. After two-year-long nego- Center of the Faith, "the midmost heart of tiations the Guardian announced on Novem- the entire planet." He referred to the Inter- ber 12, 1952, that a contract had been national Council as an "embryonic Interna- signed whereby about one hundred sixty tional Institution," stating that it will evolve thousand square meters of land (forty acres) into an officially recognized Bahfi Court, in the immediate area of the Shrine were to be transformed into a "duly elected body" be transferred by the Israeli Government to and reach its efflorescence finally as the Uni- BahL'i ownership. Thus the Guardian was versal House of Justice. He outlined its able to begin carrying out his longing to threefold function: (1) to forge a link with beautify the entire surroundings of the authorities of the newly emerged State of Tomb of the Founder of the Bahf i Faith. Israel, (2) to assist the Guardian in the erec- This property, equal in extent almost to tion of the Shrine of the Bbb, and ( 3 ) to "the entire Bahi'i international endowments conduct negotiations related to matters pav- purchased in the course of sixty years in the ing the way for the formation of the BahL'i vicinity of the Bbb's Sepulcher," had come Court. into the hands of the Israeli Government be- The Guardian appointed the following cause of the precipitate flight of the former members of the International Bahi'i Coun- Arab owners. The Government of Israel was cil : willing to arrange for its exchange for prop- Amatu'l-Bahb RGhiyyih Khbnum, as liai- erty which was Iocated in a strategic area, son between himself and the Council owned by BahL'is who offered to donate Charles Mason Remey, president their property for the purpose of the ex- Mrs. Amelia Collins, vice-president change. The dramatic event was heightened Ugo Giachery, member-at-large by the fact that the property in the Bahji Leroy Ioas, secretary-general area now being acquired by the Bahfis had Jessie Revell, treasurer formerly been owned by Arab supporters of Ethel Revell, Western assistant secretary old Covenant-breakers and descendents of Lotfullah Hakim, Eastern assistant secre- the notorious enemy of 'Abdu'l-Bahb who tary. had placed his residence at the disposal of Two comprehensive letters have been re- the Turkish Committee of Investigation sent ceived from the International BahL'i Coun- to interrogate 'Abdu'l-Bahb just prior to cil by the National Spiritual Assembly of the overthrow of the Caliphate in 1908. The BahL'is of the United States, which are in- area donated for exchange, on the other cluded in Part Two, Section I, of this vol- hand, was property belonging to the grand- ume. These letters serve to keep the Bahf is children of Mirzb Muhammad-Quli, Bah2- informed of interesting events connected u'llbh's faithful half-brother and companion with the progressive developments at the In- in exile. ternational Center of the Faith, which have The Guardian's cable announced that the been announced by the Guardian. contract was signed on the one hundred Assistance of the members of this Coun- thirty-fifth anniversary of the birth of BahP- cil has been repeatedly acknowledged by the u'llkh. Transfer of the Bahji property was Guardian in the work at the International arranged by the Development Authority of BahL'i Center, in the erection of the Shrine Israel to be registered under the name of the of the Bbb, in contacts which members of Israel Branch of the National Spiritual As- the Council have made with Government sembly of the BahB'is of the United States of and religious authorities of the State of Is- America. rael, in widening the understanding of the The International Council wrote: "The Faith and its spiritual influence in the world. magnitude of this historic event is difficult to understand at this time." Immediately the Guardian began laying out gardens to beautify the area around the Sepulcher of BahL'u'llbh, "the Qiblih of the One of the most astounding and miracu- ~ a h d ' iworld." Laid out in the form of a lous developments at the World Center of semi-circle around the Shrine, with a radius 42 T H E BAHA'I WORLD of 110 meters, the gardens, "sprung from Ilkh's House in 'AkkL, exempt from taxa- the dust," are decorated with white Carrara tion. Thus the status of the Mansion of Bahji marble vases and ornaments, with decorative changed from a personal residence to a lamp posts and beautiful wrought-iron gates beautiful Museum and Pilgrim House for flecked with gold, on graceful pebbled paths the Bahh'is. leading to the Shrine. The International By 1951 there remained still a small one- Council wrote of these developments: story building adjacent to the Tomb of "Lo! like a dream they [the gardens] BahB'u'llLh whose roof had caved in and spread before the eyes of the BahL'is. In- whose walls were crumbling. As Custodian deed the Arab laborers would quote to each of the Bahi'i Holy Places the Guardian con- other an old saying: 'The ring of Solomon sidered its presence detrimental to the dig- has been found!'-which stems from a tradi- nity of the approach to the Shrine of Bahi'- tion that the king lost his ring, and that who- u7116h, and in December, 1951, he ordered ever found it and turned it on his finger- it demolished. Before his order could be car- whatever he wished for would materialize ried out, however, an order was issued from instantly." the Haifa court to prevent this action, at the In order to embellish the area immediately instigation of the Covenant-breakers, urged adjacent to the Tomb of Bahb'u'llLh, the on by Majdi'd-Din, who was nearly one hun- Guardian had, in years past, removed some dred years old, miserably paralyzed and still piles of ruined buildings and had completely living in an adjacent building. After a legal renovated the Mansion of Bahji, where suit, described in a subsequent section of this BahB'uYll&hwas living when He ascended in Survey, the case was settled as a complete 1892, and where Muhammad-'Ali, "Arch victory for the Bahi'is, upholding the au- Covenant-breaker of Bahh'u'llbh's Testa- thority of the Guardian of the Bahh'i World ment," had been permitted to live with his Faith. family, while 'Abdu'l-Bahg and His family Within forty-eight hours after settlement were still living in 'Akki. By 1932 the roof of this case, in which title to the house OC- of the Bahji Mansion was caving in through cupied by Muhammad-'Ali was also cleared neglect of the property by the then inhabit- and included in the settlement, the ruins ant, Muhammad-'Ali, who claimed to have were removed "in a blast of joy" and within no funds to repair the damage. The Guard- one week gardens had appeared as if by ian, who felt that such a condition was not magic, with pebbled paths, marble orna- only a disgrace to the memory of Bahh'u'- ments, peacocks, eagles, cypress trees, and Ilgh but was a responsibility of the BahB'is beautiful wrought-iron gates. to repair, prevailed upon Muhammad-'Ali to move with his familv to an adiacent building. The Guardian ;hen rest&& the Mansion, with great care, to its original Within these gardens, immediately adja- beauty, for it was an exquisite oriental pal- cent to the Tomb of Bahi'u'llbh, the Guard- ace built by a wealthy resident of 'AkkL ian has created an "outer sanctua~y"which during the time of BahCu'llih's incarcera- he has termed the Haram-i-Aqdas, or Most tion in the prison city and deserted when a Holy Court. H e has stated that in the future pestilence struck the area. After the Guard- a "magnificent Mausoleum" will be erected ian had renovated the entire building, re- in its heart. He cabled, February 9, 1953: storing even the original delicate mural dec- "(The) striking enhancement (of the) orations on the walls, he lined the rooms beauty (and) stateliness (of the) most holy with cases containing original Writings of spot (in the) BahB'i world constitutes (a) BahC'u'llBh, books and pictures of priceless befitting tribute (to the) memory (of the) historical value, and placed in Bahh'u'llWs Founder (of the) Faith, within (the) hal- own room original relics associated with His lowed area adjacent (to) His resting-place, stay there. The Guardian then invited the (on the) occasion (of the) Centenary Cele- British District Commissioner to inspect the brations (of the) birth (of) His glorious Mansion with him. The Commissioner was Mission." so impressed that he agreed to ask the High Commissioner to include it as a BahL'i Holy Place, making it, as were the Shrines of On December 25, 1951, a cablegram from BahL'u'llhh and of the Bkb, and BahL'uY- the Guardian was received by all National CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES A corner of the Bbb's Shrine with two pinnacles of the octagon completed and the wrought-iron gilded railing in position. Spiritual Assemblies which brought untold sion of Bahb'u'llbh at Bahji, His cell in the joy to thousands of Bahb'is the world over. prison of 'Akkb is visited, as well as It announced "restrictions on pilgrimage be- the House in 'Akkb where He revealed the ing gradually removed." Not since the war, Kitdb-i-Aqdas and the House where lived ten years before, had it been possible for 'Abdu'l-BahL and Bahiyyih Khinum, His BahB'is to fulfill the longing of their hearts revered sister; also visited are the peaceful to visit the Holy Shrines and be privileged Garden of RidvLn and the Garden of Fir- to meet the Guardian of the Faith in person. daws, where Bah&'u'llbh often went, and the Within four months one hundred Bahb'is International Archives, where priceless relics from.East and West had been permitted this and treasures are viewed. privilege. Their visits were necessarily re- The Guardian has pointed out that the pil- stricted to nine days, owing to limited ac- grims constitute the stream of life blood commodations in the two Pilgrim Houses, so flowing in and out of the great heart of the that as many as possible could be received as Faith. As direct result of the inspiration re- the Guardian's guests. During this pilgrim- ceived, many Bahb'is have pioneered to dis- age the Shrine of Bahb'u'llbh at Bahji and tant countries and islands of the world, the Shrine of the Bbb on Mt. Carmel are carrying the Teachings of Bah6'u711Lhto im- visited, a night at least is spent in the Man- portant goals of the Ten-Year Crusade. 44 T H E BAHA'I WORLD possible for all BahB'i pilgrims to visit this scene of His great suffering and to pray The Mansion of Mazra'ih, in the country there. a few miles north of 'AkkL, where Bahi'u'- Presentation of this room to the Bahi'is llLh first lived after leaving the prison city, came about without any request having been has become a BahL'i Holy Place to be visited made on their part, according to a letter by Bah6'i pilgrims., because of the gracious from the International Council. The mem- intervention of the Prime Minister of Israel, bers of the Council were simply informed Mr. Ben-Gurion. Mazra'ih was formerly the one day in 1951 by the Government Physi- residence of a wealthy Arab PLs_hL, which cian in charge of the hospital into which this 'Abdu'l-BahL had rented and prepared for fortress prison has now been converted, that BahL'u'llLh so that He might be surrounded he wished to deliver the keys of BahB'u'ULWs by the verdure He loved after His nine years room, as it had been set aside for the Ba- of confinement within the prison and the hi'is. The room has been marked with a dig- prison city. The Mansion had since become nified plaque over the entrance. It is a large a Muslim religious endowment but by ar- corner room, on the top floor of the fortress rangements made, at the Prime Minister's prison, with high, small, deeply recessed suggestion, through the Minister of Religions windows and bare stone floor. it is now rtnted to the BahL'is. The Guard- Bahi'u'llLh wrote, as cited by the Guard- ian had it attractively and simply furnished ian: "Blessed the man that hath visited in December, 1950, "in anticipation" of 'AkkL, and blessed he that hath visited the opening the door of pilgrimage. visitor of 'Akki." "He that raiseth therein the call to prayer, his voice will be lifted up unto Paradise." large House ;here ~ahku'llLhlived after His confinement in the prison itself, and The Guardian has frequently referred, in where He revealed the Kitdb-i-Aqdas in his messages to the National Assemblies, to which are "preserved for posterity the basic the cordial relations existing between the laws and ordinances on which the fabric of State of Israel and the International Center His future World Order must rest." Later of the Faith. He has expressed his deep ap- Bahi'u'llLh moved to Mazra'ih and 'Abdu'l- preciation of the assistance given by the BahL and His family remained for a time in Prime Minister, Mr. Ben-Gurion, and the the House in 'AkkL. Ministries of the Government in various The House of Bahi'u'llLh in 'AkkL, now ways. Some of these have already been al- a Bahi'i Holy Place, was completely reno- luded to, in connection with the construc- vated and furnished by the Guardian, except tion of the Shrine of the BLb and the desig- that the room of 'Abdu'l-BahL, where the nation of historical sites of the Faith as Aqdas was revealed, has been left exactly as Bahi'i Holy Places. it was. This House is now visited by a Of vital importance has been the increas- "steadily swelling number of visitors, both ing evidence of greater and deeper under- local and foreign." standing of what the BahL'i Faith is and It is of interest to recall that the Guardian, what it stands for. Contacts by members of in his God Passes By, terms the Kitdb-i- the International Bahi'i Council with the de- Aqdas "the Charter of the future world civil- partments of the Government, both State ization," and points out that David referred and local, and with many Cabinet officials, to 'AkkL as the "strong city" and Hosea have done much to help in establishing and called it "a door of hope." maintaining these cordial relations. A reception given by the International Council at the Mansion of Bah2u7ll5h at Bahji was one of the first steps taken to es- tablish friendly understanding. It was at- The placing of the room occupied by tended by Government officials, Consuls, Bahl'u'llLh in the fortress prison of 'Akkb representatives from the Ministry of Reli- under the control of the BahVis is another gions in Jerusalem and by many friends and dramatic occurrence, one which has made it acquaintances. Greetings have been ex- C U R R E N T B A HA'f A C T I V I T I E S 45 tended to the Bahi'is, in turn, by means of wrought silver-bound volume with colored Israeli radio broadcasts on special BahL'i views of the BahL'i Holy Places in Israel, Feast Days, such as Naw-Rilz and Ridvin. both at Bahji and on Mt. Carmel, was pre- Bahb'i books have been placed in the library sented to the President as a memento of the of the Ministry of Religions and presented to occasion. the Minister himself, who is a profound stu- "The party then left for the gardens and dent of religions, at his request. Shrines. The Guardian took his honored The importance of the fact that the Inter- guests through the gardens fragrant with the national Center of the Bahb'i World Faith is perfume of roses, lilies and the many flowers in Israel is being more and more realized by in bloom, showing them the view over Haifa authorities of both the State Government with 'Akkb in the distance to the north. and the cities of Haifa and 'Akki. Many Then he escorted them to the Holy Shrines. Cabinet officials have visited the Shrine of "The President and Mrs. Ben-Zvi were Bahb'u'llih, the Shrine of the Bib, the Man- greatly impressed with the atmosphere of the sion of Bahji, and the Bahb'i Gardens in sacred precincts, commented at length on 'Akki and on Mt. Carmel. the glory of the Shrine of the Bib and the gardens, which they recognized as the most VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL beautiful in Israel. "On leaving, the President expressed his On April 26, 1954, the extent of these appreciation of the hospitality shown by the growing cordial relations between the State Guardian and of the work which the Bahb'is of Israel and the International Center of the are doing in Israel. He extended his best Faith was evidenced when His Excellency wishes for the success of the BahB'i com- the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Iz- munity, not only in Israel, but throughout hak Ben-Zvi, and Mrs. Ben-Zvi, officially the world. visited the Shrine of the Bib and of 'Abdu'l- "The preliminary steps leading to this his- Bahi on Mt. Carmel, and called upon the toric visit may be of interest. In January the Guardian of the Bahb'i Faith, in response to President, Vice-President and Secretary- an invitation tendered earlier by the Guard- General of the International Bahb'i Council ian. This was the first time in BahCi history asked permission to call on the President of that the Head of a sovereign independent the State of Israel to greet him officially. The State had officially visited the Shrine and latter received them on February first. It was called on the Head of the Bahb'i World during that visit that the President expressed Faith. The Secretary-General of the Interna- the wish to visit His Eminence, the Guard- tional Bahb'i Council describes this event, as ian of the Faith and the Shrine and gardens follows : on Mt. Carmel. Subsequently, the Guardian "On that historic day the President and extended a cordial invitation to the Presi- the Secretary-General of the International dent, which was accepted for April 26." Bahb'i Council were received by the Presi- dent of the State of Israel and Mrs. Ben-Zvi in their suite at the Megiddo Hotel in Haifa at nine in the morning. After visiting a few minutes, the party left by auto for the home Evidence of the official recognition of the of Shoghi Effendi. Bahii'i Faith as an independent world re- "The Guardian and R6hiyyih Khinum ligion by the Jewish authorities has been warmly received the President and Mrs. witnessed by exemption of BahB'i properties Ben-Zvi, surrounding them with gracious from all taxation, both State and local. This hospitality. During the friendly and informal exemption is especially noteworthy in a discussion which followed, Shoghi Effendi growing new State, stniggling to maintain outlined the aims and purposes of the Faith, and further its own development. The ex- the love and friendliness of the Bahb'is for emption includes the properties of the Israel, and their hope and prayer for the Shrines of Bahii'u'llih and of the Bib, the success of the State. The President recalled International Archives (at present in two a visit with 'Abdu'l-Bahi some years ago in separate locations), the two Mansions of Bahji, when he and Mrs. Ben-Zvi were mak- Bahi'u'llih (Bahji and Mazra'ih) , the ing a tour of the country. Persian tea and House in 'AkkL where BahB'u'llih lived sweets were served. A beautiful hand- when He revealed the Aqdas and the House T H E BAHA'I WORLD Finishing the molds for beams of the great "star" foundation. Note that the molds for the beams interlock; beams when poured are six feet deep. (See drawing, page 245.) in Haifa where 'Abdu'l-Bah&lived when He places of the Greatest Holy Leaf and her passed away. Objects received for these kinsmen. As the Guardian wrote in his let- properties are also exempted from taxation. ter of March 29, 1951: "All these establish, Other evidence of official recognition of beyond the shadow of doubt, the high status the Bahi'i Faith has been given in various enjoyed by the international institutions of ways : a World Faith, in the eyes of a new-born A BahL'i marriage certificate has been ac- State." cepted and registered by the District Com- Furthermore, a circular issued to all missioner of Haifa. schools by the Ministry of Education and A Bahi'i Department has been established Culture provides for the excusing of Bahi'i under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. children from school attendance on Bahi'i Goods consigned to the Bahi'i Commu- Holy Days. This action was unsolicited by nity have been exempted from all customs the BahB'is and provides yet further evidence duties. This important evidence of official of the official recognition of the Bahl'i recognition has come about through the Faith. good offices of the Minister of Finance, and has included all material imported for the LEGALCASEWONBY THE B A H ~ ' ~ s construction of the Shrine of the Bkb. The exemption also includes material imported The legal case brought by the Covenant- for beautification of the Gardens and all breakers in December, 1951, in connection furniture for the Bahi'i Holy Places. It has with the ruined house adjacent to the Tomb been extended to include material for all in- of Bahi'u'llkh, referred to under "Acquisi- ternational endowments surrounding the tion and Embellishment of Land Surround- Shrine on Mt. Carmel from the ridge of the ing the Shrine of Bahi'u'llih," was started Mountain to the Templar Colony at its foot, in the civil court of Haifa as a suit against and for the immediate vicinity of the resting- the Guardian of the Faith, to restrain him The great star-shaped reinforced concrete foundation of the octagon of the Bib's Shrine. T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D from removing some unsightly ruins. As dropped or settled out of court, but it con- Custodian of Bahi'i Holy Places and as un- tinued, as if providentially, until it reached disputed possessor of the building concerned the Office of the Prime minister himself, for over thirty years, the Guardian con- through whose intervention it was settled. sidered he was free to order their removal. Meanwhile, as the International Council The Covenant-breakers, however, led by points out, the high-ranking officials of the Mrs. Musa Bahi'i, daughter of a brother of Foreign Office, of the Ministry of Religions, Maammad-'Ali, refused every reasonable of the Attorney-General's Office and of the solution offered by the lawyers and repre- Prime Minister's Office have become well sentatives of the Guardian, so that it became aware that "the BahL'i Faith is united under obvious that those who had brought the suit the leadership of its legitimate Guardian and wished no settlement but only to prolong the that he is the true Custodian of the Bahi'i existing situation. When the Covenant- Holy Places." breakers had the audacity to summon the Head of the Faith to court as witness, the Guardian appealed to the Government to lift the matter entirely out of the jurisdiction of the civil court. The Attorney-General then, The termination of the legal action instructed by the Minister of Religions, in- brought against the Guardian of the Bahi'i formed the head of the Haifa court that ac- Faith was but another indication of the de- cording to a Statute in existence since 1924 clining fortunes of the Covenant-breakers. the case was not one to be tried in a civil The Guardian cabled on June 11, 1952, a court but was a religious matter. "double announcement" to the BahL'i world: To the astonishment of all, however, the "(The) rapid progress (of the) enterprise lawyer for the Covenant-breakers challenged majestically unfolding (in the) heart (of) the order of the Attorney-General and ap- God's Holy Mountain, (and the) steady de- pealed the case to the Supreme Court. Inter- cline (in the) fortunes (of the) remnant views were being constantly held with the (of) old Covenant-breakers still defiantly higher authorities in Jerusalem by the challenging (the) combined strength (of Guardian's representatives, three Hands of the) BahB'i world community." As a result the Cause, as well as through lawyers of the of this "short-sighted action" on the part of respective parties to the suit, without any a handful of enemies of the Faith, long- progress being made. standing privileges which had been extended At this point the Guardian transmitted an to the Covenant-breakers for sixty years appeal to the Prime Minister. This brought were "irretrievably" curtailed. immediate solution, as the representative of Other attempts of the enemies of the the Prime Minister informed the Covenant- Faith to indefinitely delay the completion of breakers that any further litigation they the nine terraces leading to the Shrine of the wished to carry on would be against the Bkb from the city of Haifa had been frus- Government. If they wished to do that, they trated early in 1951. could. The case and the appeal were dropped "God's avenging wrath" had removed, at once. early in April, 1952, the son of Siyyid 'Ali, For six months, the Covenant-breakers Nayer Afnin, who was to have been a star had apparently tried to restrain the Guard- witness for the Covenant-breakers in the ian from embellishing the precincts of the lawsuit brought to challenge the authority Tomb of Bahii'u'llkh. During that interval, conferred upon the Guardian in 'Abdu'l- however, they had revealed, to higher and Bahii's Testament, by virtue of which he is higher departments of the Government, that Custodian of Bahi'i Holy Places. their real objective was not concerned with A few months later, in December, 1953, the ruins in question but with an insidious the Guardian cabled that three others of the plan to obtain possession of a key to the few remaining who had shown faithlessness Holy Shrine, so that they could represent to 'Abdu'l-BahB had been struck down- themselves as "joint custodian" with the Avarih in Persia, Fareed in the United Guardian, and to secure rooms in the Man- States, and Falah in Turkey. The Guardian sion of Bahji itself. During this period of stated: "All three, however blinded (by) litigation it often seemed, the International perversity, could not have failed (to) per- Council has stated, that the case would be ceive, as (their) infamous careers ap- proached (their) end, (the) futility (of tivities (of the) recently concluded Holy their) opposition, (the) measure (of their) Year." own loss (and the) degree (of) progress As 'Abdu'l-Bahb has written: "Firmness (and) consolidation (of the) triumphant in the Covenant will preserve the unity of Administrative order (so) magnificently the religion of God and the foundation of celebrated (in the) course (of the) fes- the religion of God will not be shaken." REGIONAL AND NATIONAL TEACHING CONFERENCES T H E year 1946 marked the beginning of a years ago, supplicating (that) holy souls be new stage in the expansion of the BahL'i raised up (to) promulgate the Faith (in) Faith through the launching of a Seven- northern lands." Year Plan during which the American At the Conference was first inaugurated Bahb'is were to establish BahL'i communities the type of BahL'i summer school which in ten countries of Western Europe. henceforth would follow each summer con- During the first two years of that period, ference. Besides prolonging the sessions of the activities consisted chiefly of placing the Conference, the program of the school BahL'i settlers under the direction of the was designed to stimulate the spirit of Bahi'i European Teaching Committee in at least fellowship, to deepen the understanding on one key city in each country. This under- the part of the Bahi'is in the fundamental taking, Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the spiritual and administrative principles of BahL'i Faith, referred to as "the opening the Faith and to fix the pattern of future phase of the spiritual conquest of the old independent national summer schools in the world under the divinely conceived plan" ten goal countries. entrusted to the American BahL'i Commnu- nity by 'Abdu'l-Bahb thirty years before. So rapidly did the teaching work of the pioneers proceed that in May, 1948, it was Ziirich, Switzerland, was the scene of the possible to assemble ninety-two believers in second All-Swiss Conference, November 18 Geneva, Switzerland, from all ten goal corn- and 19, 1950, with an attendance of eighty, tries for the first BahL'i European Teaching including five BahPis from Germany and Conference. The results of this first confer- two United States pioneers from Luxem- ence were so successf~~l in terms of inspira- bourg. The primary purpose of this meeting tion, planning and developing appropriate was to consolidate and expand the teaching teaching techniques, that similar conferences plans within Switzerland itself and to relate were held annually to 1952, each one of them to the prosecution of the seven points which was acclaimed by the Guardian as of endeavor listed by Shoghi Effendi in his "leaving an indelible imprint on the annals cablegram to the Copenhagen Conference. of the second stage of the evolution of 'Ab- These were: rapid increase in membership, du'l-BahL's Divine Plan." effective promotion of extension teaching work, consolidation of all administrative agencies, energetic dissemination of BahL'i literature, closer collaboration with sister The first such conference in the period communities in the European continent, covered by this volume ( 1950-1954) took greater awareness of the inescapable respon- place in Elsinore, near Copenhagen, Den- sibilities and deeper understanding of the mark, July 24-30, 1950, with an attendance verities of BahL'u'llhh's Revelation, of His of one hundred seventy-seven BahCis repre- Covenant and World Order, and above all, senting twenty-two countries. The greeting "constant daily effort aiming at the enrich- from Shoghi Effendi to the gathering hailed ment of the spiritual life of the individual," it as the "first evidence (of the) answer (to the sole foundation whereupon the stability the) prayer (of the) Center (of the) Cove- of the structure of every BahL'i administra- nant voiced (in) His Tablet over thirty tive edifice must depend. 50 T H E BAHA'I WORLD In his cablegram of April 25, 1951, enu- ing sovereign states (of) Europe and, God merating to the American National Bahi'i willing, reaching beyond its borders as far Convention the accomplishments of the fifth as (the) heart (of the) Asiatic continent." year of the Second Seven-Year Plan, Shoghi Thus opened still another stage in the Effendi mentioned this second All-Swiss evolution of the Bahi'i World Community Conference as "foreshadowing (the) closer --one of "regional cooperation," through integration (of the) ten goal countries (of the five groupings of Bahi'i communities the) European continent through (the) already forming, namely, in the Scandina- eventual formation (of) regional National vian countries where the plan was already in Assemblies (in) Scandinavia, (the) Benelux operation, in the Benelux countries, the countries, Switzerland (and) Italian and Iberian peninsula, and in Italy and Switzer- Iberian peninsulas." land. Confident of divine assistance, the dele- gates at this conference enthusiastically as- sumed another goal which was to become The fourth European Teaching Confer- the culminating achievement of the Seven- ence took place in Scheviningen in Holland, Year Plan-the formation of at least one on the outskirts of The Hague, August 31 regional National Spiritual Assembly by to September 4, 1951, attended by one hun- 1953. Furthermore, plans were made for dred forty representatives from twenty-two participation in the forthcoming Intercon- countries. This city was to produce the sec- tinental Teaching Conference in Stockholm ond local Spiritual Assembly in that country which was soon to open the way for the eight months later, harvest from the initial gradual introduction of the Faith in the re- seed sown there by the Hand of 'Abdu'l- maining sovereign states in the European Bah6 when He addressed a Tablet to the continent, and in the neighboring islands Central Organization for Durable Peace of the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the which met in The Hague in 1919, calling North Sea. the attention of the representatives of the nations gathered there to Bahg'u'll6h's plan for universal peace. The Guardian's message to the Schevinin- In order to launch the plan of regional co- gen Conference referred to the range and operation immediately, Miss Edna True, quality of the work already accomplished, chairman of the European Teaching Com- the spirit demonstrated by the pioneers and mittee, and the American pioneers who had the new Bahi'is, and the degree of maturity attended the Conference in Holland, pro- attained in the greatly diversified, budding ceeded directly to Madrid, Spain, where and virile communities of Europe "rightly they were joined by nine Spanish and Portu- regarded (as the) first fruits (of the) op- guese Bahi'is, for the first Iberian Teaching eration (of) 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Divine Plan (on Conference, September 14 to 16, 1951. the) European continent." Though small and insignificant in num- The message further enlarged the horizon ber, but armed with the promises of 'Abd- of the believers and gave them a glimpse of u'l-Bah6, this little band resolved to demon- the tasks that would follow upon the termi- strate to their fellow-countrymen how to dis- nation of the remaining two years of the solve the barriers of prejudice that had Second Seven-Year Plan. These, the Guard- existed traditionally between Spain and Por- ian said, would include "(the) gradual for- tugal for generations. mation (of) regional National Assemblies Before the three short days had ended, (as) prelude (to the) emergence (of a ) they had initiated plans for the exchange of separate National Assembly (in) each goal community bulletins and qualified teachers, country as well as (the) launching (of) formed an Iberian Teaching Committee, organized campaigns, in collaboration (with mapped out an extension teaching program the) parent community (of the) great re- aimed at forming six new local Spiritual As- public of the West (in) conjunction (with semblies, and established a fund for the work the) long-standing, preeminent national at the World Center. community [Germany] laboring (in the) The acceleration of the teaching work in heart (of the) European continent, aiming all ten countries resulting from the various (at the) spiritual conquest (of the) remain- conferences and summe; schools, and the C U R R E N T B A H A'f A C T I V I T I E S 51 growing number of local Spiritual Assem- to elect nine members for "the twelfth pillar blies and Bahi'i Groups in all Western Eu- of the Universal House of Justice." rope, clearly indicated the necessity and Henceforth the European Teaching Com- wisdom of developing the work along re- mittee concentrated its attention upon the gional lines as called for by the Guardian. strengthening of the remaining eight coun- With less than one year remaining in the tries that were to comprise the next National Seven-Year Plan, the Geneva office of the Assemblies, plus the two (Finland and European Teaching Committee became France) which the Guardian now also the scene of intense activity, for from here placed under its jurisdiction. the Committee directed preparations for no less than six conferences in 1952 with the respective regional teaching committees re- sponsible for local arrangements. The first Benelux Regional Conference was held in Brussels, Belgium, April 12 to 14, 1952, with forty-seven representatives from Holland, Luxembourg and Belgium. The first of the series was the third All- Mr. J&Pdem, Hand of the Cause of God, Swiss Conference in Bern, February 23 and brought news of the developments at the 24, 1952, during which a Swiss National World Center of the Faith and of the ac- Teaching Committee was formed, to which tivities in Persia and the various centers the European Teaching Committee trans- he had already visited in Europe. The main ferred major responsibility for the develop- theme of the Conference was: "Goals ment and consolidation of new BahB'i com- Ahead," and special plans were made for the munities within Switzerland. Fifth European Teaching Conference sched- uled to take place in Luxembourg August 30 to September 7 of that year. A month later, the first BahVi conference ever to take place in Italy opened in Rome on Naw-RGz Day (March 21), 1952. The The Conference in Luxembourg, the Eu- presence of Mr. D_hikru'llPh KhLdem, Hand ropean Teaching Committee announced, was of the Cause of God, from Persia, who had to be the last of the series of the European been given a special mission by the Guard- Teaching Conferences. Each had indeed left ian to visit all Bahi'i centers in Europe, to- "an indelible imprint" on the "evolution of gether with Dr. Ugo Giachery, a Hand of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Divine Plan" in western Eu- the Cause of God in Europe residing in rope. Here in this smallest of the ten goal Rome, lent unusual historic significance to countries, the crossroads of culture and this gathering. conquest for centuries, three Hands of the Mr. KJhPdem told the seventy assembled Cause of God were present as the personal friends about the map of the world on which representatives of the Guardian-Mr. KhL- the Guardian had marked with large circles dem from Persia, Dr. Giachery from Italy the areas of the earth's surface that would and Dr. Adelbert Miihlschlegel from Ger- within the next decade form forty-eight new many. National Spiritual Assemblies. The first of Reviewing the achievements of the Seven- these new ones, which would be the twelfth, Year Plan which would draw to a close six was to embrace Italy and Switzerland, months hence, the European Teaching Com- chosen for this bounty and honor because mittee pointed out that at the beginning of of the swift progress that had been made in the European campaign there was only a the establishment of the Faith in that region. small handful of believers, but at this Con- The area being thus defined for what was ference one hundred thirty-two Bahi'is from to become the Italo-Swiss National Spiritual twenty-one countries had responded to the Assembly in April, 1953, the Italian and roll call and had joined their hearts in prayer Swiss BahB'is present at the Conference im- in twelve languages. mediately mapped out plans for the election The Luxembourg meeting was followed of nineteen delegates from centers in Italy by four more Regional Conferences, each and Switzerland who would convene in convened in a city where intensive teaching Florence during the following RidvPn period work had been started by the regional teach- 52 T H E BAHA'I WORLD ing committee for that particular grouping and its Regional Conferences of Non-Gov- of countries. ernmental Organizations. Between 1950 and 1954 accredited dele- REGIONAL CONFERENCES gates and observers not only attended all the conferences, but won recdpition for their The first, the Iberian Conference, was participation in the discussions, their serv- held in Lisbon, Portugal, September 12 to ices on working committees, and for the 14, 1952, to carry forward the plans that had been initiated for Spain and Portugal breadth of vision expressed in the several the previous year. The next two were held resolutions which they offered. Accredited representatives of the International Bahi'i simultaneously, November 1 and 2, in Oslo for the Scandinavian region of Norway, Community and delegates and observers from the United Stares, joined by represen- Sweden and Denmark, and in Antwerp for the Benelux region of Belgium, Holland and tatives from other national BahB'i commu- nities, met in Regional Conferences of Non- Luxembourg. And finally, November 22 and 23, another, the fourth All-Swiss Con- Governmental Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland; Istanbul, Turkey; Managua, ference, took place in Basel, Switzerland. Nicaragua; Santiago, Chile; Den Passar, In- In Base1 much planning was done for the donesia; Paris, France; La Paz, Bolivia; Ma- Bahi'i Convention to be held in Florence nila, Philippine Islands; and Montevideo, the following April for the formation of the Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly, "a Uruguay, as well as annually in Lawrence, Kansas, and in the International Non-Gov- stepping-stone in the formation in the course ernmental Conferences in New York, the of the next decade of two independent Na- home of the United Nations, and in Geneva, tional Spiritual Assemblies." Switzerland. Although this was the concluding phase Through personal association with dele- of the Second Seven-Year Plan, the expan- gates from other organizations, press inter- sion of the Faith in Europe was to go for- views, and invitations to speak about the ward with even greater impetus as part of Faith on the floor of the conferences, at the World Crusade whose aim is the "spirit- luncheons and other meetings, these repre- ual conquest" of the entire planet. sentatives have brought the Teachings of ~ ~ pAR~lclpAT1oN ~ 2 i uNITED IN NATIONS BahL'u'116h concerniG World Order & the CONFERENCES attention of the leaders in the cause of peace in many countries and established the While concentrating primary attention on recognition of the Bahi'i International Com- Bahi'i conferences, the Bahi'i community munity as "an agency working for and firmly continued to give encouragement and co- believing in the unification of the human operation to meetings of the United Nations family and permanent peace." DEVELOPMENT OF T H E FAITH IN AFRICA T H E ) hour (is) propitious (for the) defined the "preliminary steps" as "the for- galvanized, firmly knit body (of) believers mation (of) nuclei (in) three of the depend- (to) brace itself (to) embark . . . (on) yet encies (of the) British Crown, either (in) another historic undertaking . . . designed East (or) West Africa" and the "translation, (to) carry (the) torch (of the) Faith (to) publication (and) dissemination of BahCi territories (of the) Dark Continent." literature . . . (in) three African languages The cablegram from the Guardian to the (in) addition (to the) three already under- National BahL'i Convention of the British taken." Isles in April, 1950, from which these words On July 5 of the same year, the Guardian are quoted, set the stage for an intensive called upon the American BahL'i commu- teaching campaign in a vast continent where nity to "lend valued assistance (to the) only the northern shores and southern tip meritorious enterprise" and he appealed had previously been touched by the Light "particularly (to) its dearly-beloved mem- of the Teachings of Bahi'u'llih. bers belonging (to the) Negro race (to) Another passage from this same message participate (in the) contemplated project CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 53 marking (a) significant milestone (in the) Another was Enoch Olinga of Kampala world-unfoldment (of the) Faith, supple- who spent his two weeks of vacation teach- menting (the) work initiated fifty years ago ing in the Teso and Mbale areas of Eastern (on the) North American continent . . . Uganda where seventy-two Africans im- (and) providing (the) prelude (to the) full- mediately accepted the Faith. scale operations destined (to) be launched As the teaching work progressed, the need (at a) later period (of the) unfoldment (of for literature increased, but by early fall, the) Divine Plan aiming (at the) conver- 1952, in addition to translations done in sion (of the) backward, oppressed masses KiSwahili, Hausa and ChiNyanja before the (of the) swift-awakening continent." opening of the campaign, pamphlets had Within the year, participation in this been published in Twi, Igbo and Yoruba, "epoch-making enterprise" was further ex- and six others were being completed for panded to include the National Spiritual As- printing-Acholi, Luganda, Adanwe, Ewe, semblies of Persia, Egypt and India; the first Mende and KiKikuyu. pioneers had arrived, and others were on With the launching of the Ten-Year Plan the way, including the first two American on May 1, 1953, the remaining states and Negro pioneers, Mrs. Ethel Stephens, who dependencies, as well as the bordering is- had chosen to settle in the Gold Coast, and lands of Africa were added to the campaign, Mr. William Foster, who chose Liberia as thus incorporating all of Africa in the total his post. World Crusade. The renewed appeal for The first fruits of this historic campaign pioneers included in the Guardian's message were the acceptance of the Faith in Dar es to the Intercontinental Conference held in Salaam by Mr. P. K. Gopalskrishan Nayer, Chicago, resulted in a rapid influx of settlers of Indian nationality, and by Mr. Denis both for the virgin areas and for reinforce- Dudley-Smith of Nyasaland, followed very ment of the centers already established, shortly by the enrollment in Kampala of whose teaching efforts, added to those of the the first two Africans, Crispian Kajubi and African BahL'is, made it possible for the Frederick Biqabwa, members of the Bu- Guardian in his message to the twelve Na- ganda and Mtoro tribes, respectively. The tional Bahi'i Conventions one year later, to first public presentation of the Faith in Kam- assess the accomplishments in Africa in four pala was made by an African contact before short years as follows: a gathering of three hundred Africans from "The African Campaign, outshining the several tribes. brilliant success of the enterprise launched By April, 1952, two years after the in Latin America, throwing into shade the launching of the campaign, the number of splendor of the victories won in recent years states and dependencies to be opened in on the European continent, eclipsing all pre- Africa had been increased to twenty-five, vious collective pioneer undertakings em- pioneers had arrived in nine of them, mem- barked upon in the Asiatic and Australian bers of four African tribes had enrolled as continents, has almost doubled, in the course members, and local Spiritual Assemblies had of a single year, the number of territories been formed in Kampala, Uganda, and Dar opened since the introduction of the Faith es Salaam, Tanganyika. Six months later (October, 1952) there were one hundred & that continent over eighty years ago. The believers in Uganda alone. total number of converts to the Faith be- No sooner had the Africans enrolled than longing to the African race has passed the they began to go out as Bahi'i teachers and six hundred mark. The total number of Af- pioneers to carry the Faith to their own peo- rican BahVi centers has now been raised to ple. The first to undertake such a mission over one hundred and ninety. The total num- was Denis Dudley-Smith, who returned to ber of tribes indigenous to the soil of that his native village in Nyasaland, thus becom- continent represented in the Faith is now ing the first BahVi to settle in that country. over sixty." 54 THE BAHA'I W O R L D RAPID WORLD-WIDE EXTENSION O F THE FAITH A M O N G the twenty-seven objectives of Circle as far as Arctic Bay, Franklin, 73 de- the World Crusade announced by the grees latitude" and "its southern limits have Guardian to the Bahi'i Community on Oc- now reached the Falkland Islands in the tober 8, 1952, was that of "doubling (the) neighborhood of Magallanes, the world's number (of) countries within (the) pale (of southernmost city." the) Faith through planting its banner (in the) remaining Sovereign States (of the) planet as well as (the) remaining virgin ter- ritories mentioned (in) 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Tab- The expansion of the Faith into many lets (of the) Divine Plan, involving (the) new areas of the earth resulted in embrac- opening (of) forty-one countries (on the) ing within its membership many races and Asiatic, thirty-three (on the) African, thirty tribes hitherto deprived of the Teachings of (on the) European, twenty-seven (on the) Bahi'u'llLh. Among the goals of the World American continents." Crusade were two designed to accomplish T o each of the eleven existing National this objective among specified races, namely, Spiritual Assemblies the Guardian assigned the conversion to the Faith of members of the specific territories for which it was to be the leading Indian tribes, and representatives responsible. To the Forty-Fifth Annual Con- of the Basque and Gypsy races. vention of the Bahi'is of the United States By April, 1954, the Guardian announced of America in Chicago, April 29, 1953, he that contact had been established with called upon the "stalwart American Bahi'i twenty-two American Indian tribes, raising community" to "arise and r e a r m . . . its to thirty-four the total number of tribes con- primacy . . . and capture loftier heights tacted throughout the Western Hemisphere. . . . for the exaltation of God's Cause." Also, the first Greenlandic, the first Pygmy, And in a second letter entitled "A Turning the first Berber, and the first Fijian Bahi'is Point in American Bahi'i History," dated had been enrolled, swelling the total number July 18, 1953, the Guardian appealed to of races represented in the Bahi'i World "the envied custodians of a Divine Plan" to ~ o m m u n i t ~ ^thirty-five. to "vindicate their right to the leadership of this World Crusade" and to "scatter far and wide" in fulfillment of "the hope voiced by 'Abdu'l-BahB that from their homeland The translation of Baha'i literature into 'heavenly illumination' may 'stream to all ninety-one additional languages was another the peoples of the world.' " goal of the Ten-Year Plan, representing a Such was the response that by April, twofold increase in the number of languages 1954, the Guardian announced to all twelve into which translations had been printed or Bahi'i Conventions that through "the superb were in the process of translation. feats of the heroic company of the Knights By the end of the first year, introductory of the Lord of Hosts in pursuance of their literature had been translated or was being sublime mission7' the banner of the Faith of translated into forty-two languages-Euro- Bahi'u'llih had been hoisted "in no less than pean, African, Asiatic, American Indian, in- a hundred virgin territories of the globe," cluding seven supplementary languages, thus "swelling the number of sovereign thereby raising the total number of transla- states and dependences enlisted under the tions undertaken since the inception of the standard of the Cause of God to two hun- Faith to one hundred and thirty. By this dred and twenty-eight." time, also, BahL'i literature had been dis- In consequence of the phenomenal success patched as far as the northernmost outpost achieved by the vanguard of "BahL'u'llBh's of the globe-the radio station in Brond- crusaders," he further stated that "the north- lundsfjord, Pearyland, 82 degrees north lati- ern frontiers of a divinely guided, rapidly tude. marching, majestically expanding Faith The needs of the blind, too, for the Light have been pushed . . . beyond the Arctic of BahB'u'llLh, had not been overlooked. A CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 55 steady increase in the number of Braille establishment (of the) long overdue Hazi- transcriptions, not only in English but also ratu'l-Quds (in the) French capital through in Esperanto, Japanese and German, (the) conclusion (of an) agreement (to) brought the number of Braille publications purchase (a) nine thousand pound property to one hundred and ten by' April, 1954. situated (in the) best residential quarter (of the) city." The acquisition of this property was made possible by the spontaneous and generous On February 29, 1952, Shoghi Effendi an- contribution of a single believer, Mr. Hus- nounced by cable to the Bahi'i world, his in- sayn Quli Kiyani, recently come to Paris structions to the Hand of the Cause of God from Persia. in Africa, Mr. M 6 s i Banini, to acquire The formal dedication of the Paris Hazi- property in Kampala, Uganda, for a local ratu'l-Quds took place on July 4, 1953, with Haziratu'l-Quds, to be regarded as the nu- Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hand of the Cause of cleus of a future national administrative God, coming from Rome to assist in the headquarters. ceremonies. This news was followed two weeks later by the Guardian's announcement to the five FUNDS INAUGURATED FOR PURCHASE OF National Assemblies engaged in the teaching ELEVENTEMPLESITES campaign in Africa that he himself had con- tributed six thousand dollars toward this his- The purchase of land for eleven future toric enterprise, and he appealed to the As- Bah6'i Houses of Worship, three on the semblies to participate through contributions American, three on the African, two on the toward the completion of the total purchase Asiatic, two on the European and one on price of fifty-five hundred pounds sterling, or the Australian continents, was another of seventeen thousand dollars. the objectives of the World Crusade ending In commenting on the swift movement of in 1963 as announced by the Guardian on events represented by this development, the October 8, 1952. The purchase of sites for National Spiritual Assembly of the United four was assigned specifically to the Ameri- States pointed out to the American BahB'is can Bahi'i community-Stockholm, Swe- that their national headquarters, the first, den; Rome, Italy; Panama City, Panama, was acquired thirty years after the first Na- and Johannesburg, Union of South Africa. tional Bahi'i Convention in North America, On June 25, 1953, the Guardian cabled whereas, in Central Africa, even before the all National Assemblies "East (and) West establishment of the first local Assembly (to) participate through contributions and "the far-seeing Guardian prepares an Ha& (in the) meritorious endeavors exerted ratu'l-Quds, creating for the Bahi'i work a (toward the) eventual establishment (of a ) substantial edifice" assuring prestige and re- Bahi'i House (of) Worship (in the) City spect for the activities of the Uganda be- (of) Panama, specifically mentioned (by) lievers. 'Abdu'l-Bahi, situated (in the) heart (of On June 3, 1952, the Kampala local Spir- the) Western Hemisphere," and for his own itual Assembly, formed the preceding April participation in the "furtherance (of this) 21st, officially took possession of the prop- notable objective" he contributed five hun- erty and immediately began preparation for dred pounds. a public dedication on July 5. Over sixty Meanwhile, contributions for eight of the people attended the formal opening, includ- sites had aggregated, by December 7, 1953, ing representatives of more than twelve Af- approximately two hundred thousand dol- rican tribes. lars. These were for the Temple sites on Mt. The second Hqiratu'l-Quds to be ac- Carmel, in Canada, Panama, Italy, Sweden, quired during this period was one in Paris, 'IrBq, Australia and India. On that date the destined to become the national administra- Guardian cabled all National Assemblies: tive headquarters of the French Bahi'i com- "(The) hour (is) propitious (for) all Na- munity. This achievenlent was announced in tional Assemblies, particularly (the) United the Guardian's cablegram to the Forty-Fifth States, (the) British (and the) Egyptian, Annual BahL'i Convention of the United (to) participate befittingly (in the) opening States Bahb'is on April 30, 1953, as follows: (of the) three remaining Funds ere (the) "Heart-warming news (of the) impending first year (of the) Ten-Year Plan draws (to 56 T H E BAHA'I WORLD a) close, insuring thereby (the) early pur- Spiritual Assemblies and twenty-six local chase (of) sites (for the) future Ma&iquYl- Assemblies. Within the next year, by April Ad_hkArs (in) Cairo, Kampala (and) Jo- 21, 1951, the number of incorporated Na- hannesburg." He further appealed to the tional and local Assemblies had reached one individual believers to reinforce the contri- hundred and ten, and in April, 1954, the butions being made by the three national number of National and local incorporated bodies primarily invested with the responsi- Assemblies in the United States and the en- bility of erecting the Temples in these cities, tire world totaled sixty-six and one hundred and himself contributed an initial gift of twenty, respectively. three thousand pounds for this purpose, thus clearly emphasizing the supreme importance of this aspect of the World Crusade and the necessity of its early completion. Another evidence of the growing recogni- On April 21, 1954, the first of the sites tion accorded the Faith by legal bodies is was purchased at a price of eighteen thou- the increasing number of States granting sand dollars-five acres of land on a hill local Spiritual Assemblies authority to con- seven miles from the heart of the city of duct legal BahB'i marriages. At the close of Panama, with a beautiful view of the city the period covered by this volume Bahb'i and bay. communities in twenty-one States of the A few days later in his message to the United States enjoy this authority. twelve National Assemblies, the Guardian announced the purchase of a four-acre site in Australia, commanding an extensive view of the Paci6c Ocean and the greater portion The number of school authorities grant- of Greater Sydney. Later the municipal au- ing exemption from school attendance by thorities repossessed the property for town Bahb'i children on their Holy Days is still planning purposes. His supplementary mes- another evidence of the increasing recogni- sage dated May 4, 1954, further announced tion of the independent character of the the purchase of a six-acre site in Kampala. Faith. By 1954 this privilege had been granted by local school boards in seven States in the United States, and in Anchor- age, Alaska, the British Isles, the State of During the four years preceding 1950 the Victoria in Australia, and by the Minister of consolidation of the Faith was reflected Education and Culture in Israel for Bahb'i through the incorporation of seven National schoolchildren there. REVIEW O F VARIOUS NATIONAL EVENTS while the administrative institutions de- scribed in 'Abdu'l-Bahb's Testament were End of Second Seven-Year Plan acquiring strength and experience under the Guardian's direction. In 1937, as reported D U R I N G the period of the first World in a previous volume, Shoghi Effendi called War, ' ~ b d u ' l - ~ a 6revealed & the series of upon the Bahb'is of the United States and Tablets addressed to Bahi'is of the United Canada to carry out the objectives enumer- States and Bahb'is of Canada which, when ated in the first Seven-Year Plan terminat- received after the end of hostilities, com- ing in 1944, date of the Centenary of the munication from Palestine being interrupted Announcement of the BAb. By 1944 the ex- by the occupying forces, were published un- terior ornamentation had been applied to der the title The Divine Plan. These Tablets the House of Worship, local Assemblies es- charged the Bahb'is of North America with tablished in all States and Provinces, and the mission of establishing the Faith of local Assemblies formed in fourteen repub- Bahb'u'llAh in countries where the spiritual lics of Latin America. banner had not yet been raised. In 1946, the Guardian announced in a A number of years had to pass without message addressed to the North American concerted action on this international task Annual Convention, a second Plan. "The CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 57 time is ripe, events are pressing, Hosts on in capital cities of Europe prepared the way high are sounding the signal for inaugura- for additional national administrative bodies tion of a second Seven-Year Plan designed in the future. In the darkness of a war-rent to culminate [in] first Centennial of the Year world the light of the Sun of Truth shone Nine marking the mystic birth of BahP'u'- with increased intensity. While the Plan 1lAh's prophetic mission in SiyBh-GhBl at originally called for the formation of Na- Tihrgn." tional Spiritual Assemblies in Canada, This Plan embraced four objectives: Central America and South America, the multiplication of BahL'i centers throughout progress of the teaching work in Europe the Americas and bolder proclamation of proceeded so successfully that the National the Faith to the masses; completion of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Italy interior ornamentation of the House of and Switzerland was also achieved before Worship; formation of three National As- the end of this second Seven-Year Plan. semblies, one in Canada, one in Central America and one in South America; the in- Completion of Bnhd'i Temple itiation of "systematic teaching activity in war-torn, spiritually famished European To complete the BahP'i House of Wor- Continent," aiming at the establishment of ship in Wilmette, Illinois, contracts for the local Assemblies in the countries of West- ornamentation, utilities and furnishings of ern Europe. the interior, and for the landscaping of the "The opening decade of the second Ba- grounds had to be executed. The interior hL'i century coincides," the Guardian wrote was completed by the spring of 1951, and to North America on June 15, 1946, "with the landscape plan brought to its final stage the launching of the second Seven-Year for the public dedication held May 2, 1953. Plan, destined alike to consolidate the ex- The interior ornamentation designs made ploits that have shed such luster on the last by Louis J. Bourgeois, Temple architect, years of the preceding century, and to provided for the treatment of the nine bays carry the Plan a stage further across the or alcoves on the main floor as separate ocean to the.shores of the Old World, and rooms. This early concept reflected a mis- to communicate, through the operation of understanding of the function of the Tem- its regenerative power, its healing influence. ple in expressing the basic unity of religion. to the peoples of the most afflicted, im- The concept later given by the Guardian of poverished and agitated continent of the the Faith made these bays an integral part globe." of the Temple auditorium. To increase the As reported elsewhere in this review, the seating capacity a stairway leading from four objectives of the second Seven-Year Temple foundation level to the main floor Plan were achieved. and thence to the first gallery was removed The significance of this Plan emerges as and a new spiral stairway constructed from one contemplates the international events foundation to gallery which fits between two and conditions which resulted from the sec- adjoining alcoves on the main floor level. ond World War, challenging the religious To carry out this concept, and to main- conscience of mankind. The elements of tain harmony of design between exterior unity which inspire the BahVi Message were and interior ornamentation, two independ- implanted in new lands, creating a far ent studies were carried O L I ~over a period of broader basis and a stronger foundation for nine months after the decision to proceed subsequent teaching plans aimed at carrying with interior ornamentatiol~had been made the Faith to the ends of the earth. in the spring of 1946. The essential features The completion of the ornamentation of sought were to carry the spirit of the ex- the Temple interior prepared this House of terior design and its architectural motifs into Worship for its destined spiritual f~~nction;the interior, the creation of a single great the formation of three more National Spir- auditorium, provision for satisfactory acous- itual Assemblies, bringing the number to tics, the use of color, and seating arrange- eleven, manifested the vitality of the Faith ment. Allen B. McDaniel's treatment was in creating new national communities ex- approved. pressive of the variety of peoples and A Temple Construction Committee was tongues responding to the call of Bah4u'- appointed consisting of Paul E. Haney, IlAh, and the formation of local Assemblies chairman, Amelia E. Collins, Edna M. True, 58 THE BAHA'I WORLD and Philip G. Sprague. Leroy Ioas was later perspective, from floor to dome, from floor added. A technical advisory board was also to first and second gallery, central hall to set up, the members being Allen B. Mc- alcove, and from alcove across the wide hall Daniel, Robert W. McLaughlin and Edwin to opposite entrance portal. Innumerable de- H. Eardley. After investigation Alfred P. tails invite notice-the great columns sup- Shaw, architect, was chosen to prepare the porting the dome, treatment of piers and detailed plans and specifications. It is Mr. gallery columns, details of ornamentation, Shaw's recreation of the spirit of the Bour- the Bahb'i texts set forth in gold lettering in geois design which has been carried out in each of the nine bays, the dome itself, where the ornamentation of the Temple interior. the lines of the columns, prolonged in the The firm of Shaw, Metz and Dolio designed ornamental scheme, converge at the center and engineered the utilities. where the Arabic symbol, "God Most Glo- Final plans and cost estimates were ap- rious," associates the House of Worship proved in January, 1949, the estimated cost with the BahB'i World Faith. being $780,000. The final cost of the interior ornamenta- The John J. Earley Studio was awarded tion as recorded in January, 1954, was the contract for making the sectional units $933,481.99. This sum included certain es- of architectural concrete to be affixed to the sential maintenance items and also the cost walls and columns, and the contract fog of capping the nine pylons, actually an ele- work on the project at the Temple was ment of the exterior ornamentation. placed with the George A. Fuller Company. Dedication of Temple to Public Worship Between July, 1949, and April, 1951, one thousand concrete sections were cast at the The Bahb'i Temple in Wilmette was pub- Earley Studio, shipped to the Temple and licly dedicated on Saturday afternoon, May set in place. Actual operation began on July 2, 1953, a unique event in the series of Jubi- 11, 1949. Before the ornamental surface lee celebrations held throughout the world. could be applied, the interior columns and For the American Bahb'is, especially, the piers were set in place, and the utilities and dedication represented the actual achieve- fixtures installed. The cast concrete sections ment of the goal toward which they had were made of a mixture of ground white been striving since 'Abdu'l-BahQ, in 1903, and crystalline quartz with cement, while granted their petition for the privilege of for the ornamentation up to the dome level constructing a Temple in America. More- the cast units were fabricated with a back- over, during His visit to America in 1912 ground of rose quartz. The floor of audi- their revered Master had visited the Temple torium and surrounding alcoves were laid in site and consecrated the future edifice. Here, terrazzo, another use of color. Color also then, stood the holiest House of Worship appears in the upholstered seats and the ever to arise in the Bahb'i world, for none window draperies. The temporary wooden other could receive His blessing. Deep in doors installed when the superstructure was their hearts they cherished His assurance built were replaced with bronze panels and that when this Temple was completed it doors with plate glass. would release spiritual powers. Seats in the nine bays face the center of As the doors were opened a great throng the auditorium; in the central hall itself the stood waiting, filling the Temple steps, the seats face a single portable reading desk, entrance way and extending along the street pointing the attendants in the direction of Outside the grounds. Three times was the 'AkkB. auditorium filled that afternoon, and at the Just as the completion of the exterior end hundreds reluctantly departed without ornamentation endowed the structure with having been able to enter the auditorium. a new and deeper meaning, while notably The Message of Dedication prepared by enhancing its physical beauty, so the com- the Guardian of the Faith was read on his pletion of the interior created an effect behalf by his chosen representative, RGhiy- greatly exceeding the anticipation of its yih Khinum, presented to the gathering by friends and workers. What has become ap- Paul E. Haney, chairman of the National parent and real, to the inner eye as well as Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of the to physical vision, is the majesty befitting United States. Her clear voice filled the worship offered the one true God. auditorium, focusing attention on the high The great interior provides interesting significance of the Message. ". . . This CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 59 House of Worship, now opening wide its neighboring village of Winnetka weekly doors to peoples of all creds, of all races, papers devoted almost a n entire issue to the of all nations and of all classes, is dedicated story of the Temple. Universal Newsreel to the three fundamental verities animating pictures included exterior and interior views and underlying the Bahi'i Faith-the Unity of the Temple. Fifty television stations of God, the Unity of His Prophets, the made use of a BahB'i Temple dedication Unity of Mankind. film short. Public interest and commenda- "I greet and welcome you on behalf of tion was aroused to an extraordinary de- the Guardian of our Faith within these gree. walls, and invite you to share with us the words recorded in the Sacred Scriptures Landscaping the Tenzple Grounds which we believe to be repositories of the eternal and fundamental t&ths revealed by In July, 1951, the design submitted by God in various ages, for the guidance and Hilbert Dahl was adopted for landscaping salvation of all mankind." the Temple grounds. Letters written by 'Ab- All arose as Ruhiyyih Khinum read a du'l-Bahi laid down certain elements to be prayer revealed by Bahi'u'llih. incorporated in the landscape plan: a cir- Readers from the Persian, Latin Amer- cular area, with nine gardens, nine ap- ican and North American BahL'is then in proaching paths, nine fountains and nine turn stood at the reading desk and presented pools. To these elements Mr. Dahl had passages from the Old Testament, the New given most careful consideration and his de- Testament, the Qur'in and the Bah2i Sa- sign carried out the basic concept. Work cred Writings. The Northwestern University was started on the contract in April, 1952. A Cappella Choir sang choral selections, at The landscaping went forward under two' the opening of the dedication service, dur- successive contracts. The first, at an esti- ing the readings and after the final prayer. mated cost of $200,000, was intended to A note of triumphant ecstasy prevailed provide far the essentials of the plan. The throughout the afternoon. details not completed by 1953 were included The passages from the four Sacred Scrip- in a supplementary contract to be carried tures were, to the BahL'is at least, the com- out over a period of two or more years at plete evidence of the unity of the Prophets an estimated cost of from $180,000 to in revealing, at different stages of human $200,000. evolution, the divine will and guidance for The landscaping plan, accordingly, was mankind. Among the visitors many re- not entirely completed during the period marked afterward that they had not realized covered by the present survey. that the various Prophets had brought the Mr. Dahl's design provided for a circular same basic truths. concrete platform extending out from the Immediately after the public dedication, bottom of the Temple steps, its outer cir- plans were put into operation for the con- cumference a series of concave arcs after duct of a weekly program of public wor- the fashion of the entrance bays of the ship. These programs also present selections Temple itself; steps descend from the plat- from the various Sacred Scriptures, with form to the garden level where nine sunken vocal music provided by an A Cappella gardens were to be developed; nine path- Choir directed by Mr. Lloyd Cousins. The ways lead between the gardens to an outer Temple is thus fulfilling its mission as the circular walk to be constructed on the larg- herald in the Western world of the universal est diameter permitted by the area of the spiritual concept: the Unity of God, the grounds. Unity of His Prophets, the Unity of Man- The principal entrance to the Temple kind. Participants in these programs are steps extends from Linden Avenue, to the chosen without consideration of race or south, where a wide flight of concrete steps class. rises to the garden level. The longest ap- The event attained national significance proach runs from the corner of Linden Ave- through messages of greeting received from nue and Sheridan Road. distinguished personages, from radio an- As the work progressed, the nine gardens nouncements and from illustrated feature were seen to be designed in different pat- articles carried, among others, by The terns of flowers and shrubs, affording a Chicago Sunday Tribune. The Wilmette and pleasing variety. Rows of cypresses were T H E BAHA'I WORLD planted along the paths leading to the gar- based on the fact that the landscaped area dens. Plantings of small flowering trees en- is not large enough for pools and the size hanced the beauty of the landscaped area. of the gardens does not warrant the rather Extensive lawn areas were laid out. De- intricate treatment which the landscape ar- scribing the design Mr. Dahl wrote: "It in- chitect originally proposed. volves an approach leading to each of nine ' b i t h each succeeding season of intensive entrance bays with gardens between. Cir- gardening the landscape develops new cular fountains with jets of water keeping beauty. them ever fresh and clear are found in the Complete final cost of the project will gardens . . . The whole is enclosed within not be available until the next volume of an outer circular walk, and an inner walk, The Bahci'i World. at the base of the Temple steps, provides a vantage point at a higher elevation from which the garden scene can be viewed. "The gardens are arranged and planted with simple dignity, restrained in treatment but with a touch of color and softness of Included in the objectives of the Second texture which will give them a gardenesque Seven-Year Plan given by the Guardian to feeling of peaceful and quiet loveliness . . . North America in 1946 was the establish- In area there are involved almost five acres ment of National Spiritual Assemblies in of intensive development." Central America and South America before The concrete work was carried out by 1953. Since the delegates who would elect the George A. Fuller Company under ex- the members of these Assemblies would be tension of the contract executed for the in- representative of the local BahL'i Assemblies terior ornamentation. A contract was en- in existence at the time, an energetic teach- tered into with the landscape architect on ing plan was inaugurated by the National July 9, 1951. To represent the Temple trus- Spiritual Assembly of the United States to tees in the execution of these contracts a develop at least one Assembly in each coun- Temple Landscape Committee was ap- try. The activities of the Teaching Commit- pointed consisting of Robert W. McLaugh- tee appointed to carry out the plan included li.n, Leroy Ioas, H. B. Kavelin and Clarence. the appointment of regional teaching com- Ullrich. mittees, and the holding of annual confer- The gardens and general landscape plan ences and Bah4i schools, each designed to were sufficiently advanced by May, 1953, prepare the Latin American BahL'is for the to delight those who attended the public responsibilities they would ultimately as- dedication. The temporary floodlighting sume as independent Bahi'i communities. equipment as employed during the Jubilee The first of the twin historic Conventions period brilliantly depicted the imposing ar- called to elect these new National Spiritual chitectural features of the House of Wor- Assemblies was held in Lima, Peru, April ship. 22 to 24, 1951, with eighteen of the twenty- A restudy of the design in its relation to seven official delegates present in person and the particular area involved was carried out seven voting by mail. Representing the Ba- by the Temple Landscape Committee. Their hVis of the United States were Paul E. recommendation eliminated the reflecting Haney, chairman of the National Spiritual pools and the sunken gardens with low Assembly, and Miss Edna M. True, former walk, substituting lawn areas for the reflect- secretary of the Inter-America Committee. ing pools. A tunnel structure was recom- The Convention for Central America, mended over the service entrance to the Mexico and the Antilles, opened the same Temple foundation, with two utility rooms. day in Panama City with twenty-five official Other recommendations were that the delegates representing all of the seventeen outer circular walk should be constructed local Spiritual Assemblies in the twelve with concrete edged with flagstone; and countries of this region. Here the National some of the paths leading from the outer Spiritual Assembly of the United States was walk through the gardens developed with represented by its vice-chairman, Mrs. Dor- lawns. othy Baker, who was also chairman of the The decision to eliminate the reflecting Inter--America Committee, and by Horace pools and the walled sunken gardens was Holley, secretary of the National Assembly. CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES Congratulating the believers at both Con- them in the Guardian's message, to the end ventions for the "magnificent triumph mark- that they would be prepared and ready by ing (the) culmination (of the) fourteen- Ridvkn 1953 to assume their full and inde- year old process linking (the) concluding pendent roles as "pillars of the Universal years (of the) first with (the) opening dec- House of Justice" and participants in the ade (of the) second Bahi'i century," the global crusade. Guardian's cabled message appealed to the two new National Assemblies to "arise (in) complete unity, exemplary fidelity, greatest wisdom, utmost dedication, unswerving re- Although not originally designated as an solve, heroic self-sacrifice (to) befittingly objective of the Second Seven-Year Plan discharge (their) threefold, sacred, inescap- and its teaching campaign in Europe, the able responsibilities: k s t , (to) consolidate Guardian cabled the National Spiritual As- (the) two newly-elected pillars (of the) sembly of the United States on March 8, world administrative order (of the) Faith; 1952, that immediate steps were to be taken second, (to) stimulate (the) propagation for the formation of the first National Spir- (of) its teachings; third, (to) enrich (the) itual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Italy and spiritual life (and) deepen (the) under- Switzerland in Ridvkn 1953. The election of standing (of) its avowed supporters. . . ." nineteen delegates by all established local As a token of his love and as the first Spiritual Assemblies in the two countries precious relic for its national archives, the was set for Naw-R6z 1953, and the city of Guardian also presented to each Assembly Florence, Italy, was designated as the place through Mrs. Amelia Collins, Hand of the where they would elect this new "pillar (of Cause of God, a lock of the blessed hair of the) Universal House of Justice, (the) third BahL'u'llih. in Europe (and) twelfth (in the) BahB'i Messages were read from each of the World." other nine National Spiritual Assemblies This Assembly, the Guardian stated, was and each delegate was presented with a pic- to be regarded as "a stepping stone (in the) ture of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in a special souvenir formation (in the) course (of the) impend- folder bearing a greeting from their "broth- ing decade-long crusade (of) two independ- ers and sisters in Europe, under the Divine ent National Spiritual Assemblies, destined Plan." (to) each lend (an) impetus (to the) un- Part of the agenda at both conventions foldment (and) consolidation (of) Bahi'- was devoted to the discussion of the three n'll5h's embryonic World Order." Seven-Year Plans given by the Guardian to Indicative of the importance of this step, North America, as part of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's the cablegram also announced that the Divine Plan to spread the Teachings of Guardian would entrust to this youngest of BahB'uYll5hthroughout the world, and how, Assemblies a specific plan by which it under the aegis of the Bah2is of the United would collaborate with its sister National States, the believers in Latin America and Assemblies in the achievement of all the Europe had been aided to attain this stage goals of the World Crusade. of international administrative cooperation, The Convention took place April 23 to "thereby paving the way to the ultimate or- 26, 1953, with eighteen of the nineteen ganic union" of all National Spiritual As- elected delegates and thirty visitors present semblies in the International House of Jus- from Italy and Switzerland. Mr. Paul E. tice, destined, as declared by the Guardian Haney, chairman of the National Spiritual "to launch enterprises embracing the whole Assembly of the United States, brought Bahi'i world." greetings from the American Bahi'is and Thus began a new stage in the evolution stressed the unique distinction of the erec- of the Administrative Order in Latin Amer- tion of this twelfth pillar of the Universal ica. During the next two years, the believers House of Justice during the Holy Year. in Central and South America, under their Miss Edna True, chairman of the Euro- respective National Spiritual Assemblies and pean Teaching Committee, and member of with the counsel and guidance of the Na- the National Spiritual Assembly of the tional Spiritual Assembly of the United United States, expressed the great pride of States, were to devote their energies to both the American and European Bahgis carrying out the three objectives assigned to in the remarkable progress of the Faith in 62 THE BAHA'I WORLD these two countries in the seven short years inventory and realize what his share in ef- since the inauguration of the Second Seven- fort, dedication and sacrifice must be!" Year Plan. The Guardian's message to the Conven- tion, awaited with eager anticipation, ex- pressed his feelings of "joy, pride and grati- tude" to the "steadily unfolding, highly The extensive properties of the Bahi'is of promising Italian-Swiss BahB'i communi- the United States of America, valued at ties" and assured this youngest National more than $3,200,000, are indicative of the Spiritual Assembly of his prayers that it rapid expansion and stability of the Faith would be enabled to befittingly discharge its in this country. Most widely known is the responsibilities and tasks through which it BahL'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illi- would "contribute (a) distinct share (in nois, which was formally dedicated and the) world-wide festivities which will com- opened to the public on May 2, 1953. memorate (the) hundredth anniversary (of Erected on land purchased between 1908 the) Declaration (of) Bahi'u'llbh's Mission and 1914, the cost of construction, includ- (in the) city of Baghdid." ing landscaping up to April, 1954, was To this "infant institution" the Guardian $2,763,617.88. assigned two vital functions: "(to) stimu- The Haziratu'l-Quds, also in Wilmette, late (the) propagation (of the) Faith (and consisting of the national administrative to) consolidate (its) institutions (over the) headquarters of the National Spiritual As- length (and) breadth (of) Switzerland (and sembly, a supplementary administrative of- the) Italian Peninsula." fice, the office of the Bahi'i Publishing The ten specific tasks which these func- Trust, the Collins House, and certain land, tions involve are 'listed elsewhere in this is valued at $83,026. The Wilson House in volume as those responsibilities assigned by Malden, Massachusetts, where 'Abdu'l-Bahb the Guardian to Italy and Switzerland un- rested on the occasion of His visit to the der the Ten-Year Crusade. United States in 1912, is valued at $7,000. Among the many gifts presented to the In addition there are four BahPi schooIs, new Assembly was one of rare historical sig- located respectively in Maine, Michigan, nificance from the Guardian-two Tablets Colorado, and California, each consisting of written by 'Abdu'l-Bahb shortly before His certain lands and a number of buildings, passing, to Mrs. J. A. Burr of Florence, the having a total value of $375,418. first Bahi'i in that city and the first to kindle Two pieces of property i.n Wilmette, one the light of the Cause in Italy. Others of adjoining the administrative headquarters particular note were letters .of acclaim from on the shore of Lake Michigan, and a lot the eleven sister National Assemblies, bound across the street from the BahPi House of in leather for "permanent inspiration," the Worship, are being held for future additions Assembly's official seal, engraved in three to the M a m q u ' l - A m 6 . languages-Italian, French and German-a gift of the European Teaching Committee, and a gift of fifteen hu.ndred dollars from the National Spiritual Assembly of the In his message to the Forty-Fifth Annual United States on behalf of the believers of Convention of the Bahi'is of the United that country to inaugurate the new Assem- States, April 29 to May 1, 1953, the Guard- bly's National Bahi'i Fund. ian included among the World Crusade ob- Taking a prominent part in the Conven- jectives for the believers of the United tion was Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hand of the States "the erection of the first Dependency Cause of God, present as the Guardian's of the first Mahriqu'l-AWir of the West- representative, who in his closing remarks ern World," the first of five accessory insti- as chairman of the Convention and of the tutions named by 'Abdu'l-Bahb which will newly elected National Spiritual Assembly, ultimately surround the BahQi House of remarked: "Six years ago who would have Worship. dreamed that we should meet in Florence The nature of the dependency was clari- today; that our two countries would be fied in August, 1953, when the Guardian joined in an undertaking whose vastness recommended that it be a home for the leaves us aghast? Let each one of us take aged, to be started on a modest scale, to CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 63 demonstrate to the people of the world the of Bahi'is in the United States who ex- expression of the Bahi'i Faith in terms of pressed to the Prime Minister their gratitude practical service to humanity. for the Government of Israel's exemplary Up to the time of this survey the only treatment of their World Headquarters and step that has been taken toward this ob- their World Leader Shoghi Effendi Rabbani. jective is the appointment of a special com- "The representatives were Mrs. Amelia mittee to compile information regarding Collins, Vice-Chairman Bahi'i International state and county laws governing the con- Council who lives in Haifa; Miss Edna M. struction and operation of such an institu- True, Recording Secretary; Mr. Horace tion, the suitability of the lake shore prop- Holley, Secretary; and Mr. Leroy C. Ioas, erty for the purpose, and the estimated Treasurer. building and operating costs of a home "For almost an hour the Prime Minister housing twenty guests and staff. and his guests discussed the spiritual content of the Bahi'i Faith and its spread through- out the world. The Prime Minister was par- ticularly interested in the manner in which the Bahi'i faith was introduced into the United States. He expressed surprise when On May 19, 1951, His Excellency the he was informed that there are Bahi'i cen- Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. David Ben- ters in over one hundred seventy-five cities Gurion, during a short visit in Chicago, re- i.n the United States and that there are ceived three members of the National Spir- twenty-five hundred such centers through- itual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United out the world. He was told that the Bah6'i States, accompanied by the Vice-President faith has been accredited to the United Na- of the International Bahi'i Council, Mrs. tions within the International Non-Govern- Amelia E. Collins. The interview was held mental Organizations of the United Nations. in the Prime Minister's suite in the Ambas- "Prior to their departure the BahL'i repre- sador East Hotel. The Guardian had wished sentatives presented to the Prime Minister a the National Spiritual Assembly to express photograph of the Bahi'i Temple in Wil- to the Prime Minister the great interest the mette which is the national shrine for the Bahi'is of the United States of America BahL'i faith in the United States. He was have in the progress of Israel. also given a letter expressing the Bahi'i ap- The interview was very friendly and cor- preciation for the Government of Israel's dial. His Excellency was particularly inter- understanding of their problems and the ested in Mrs. Collins' association with the good wishes of the Bahi'i faith for the de- Bahi'i World Center in Israel, and invited velopment of Israel." her to call on himself and Mrs. Ben-Gurion Owing to his many appointments it was when she returned to Haifa. His Excellency not possible for the Prime Minister to ac- was interested to know how the Bahi'i Faith cept the National Assembly's invitation to had been introduced to America, what had visit the Bahi'i House of Worship. been the effects following 'Abdu'l-Bahh's visit to the United States in 1912, and to what extent the Faith had spread to other lands. A year later the National Spiritual As- A selection of Bahi'i literature was pre- sembly was able to extend an invitation to sented to the Prime Minister, together with the Mayor of Haifa, Mr. Aba Khoushy, to the color print of the design of the Shrine visit the Bahi'i Temple, and on May 14, of the Bhb on Mt. Carmel and a framed 1952, members of the National Assembly photograph of the Bahi'i House of Worship and a group of about thirty Bahi'is cordially in Wilmette, Illinois. On the same day the welcomed the Mayor of Haifa at the Bahi'i Prime Minister's press representative re- House of Worship. In response to a request leased the following statement concerning to speak to the group, the Mayor expressed the interview to newspapers and radio sta- his admiration for the Shrine and the Shrine tions : Gardens on Mt. Carmel and voiced his re- "The Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. David spect and regard for the Bahi'is and the de- Ben-Gurion, this morning received four sire of the Haifa civil authorities to give members of the National Spiritual Assembly their cooperation in the projects being un- 64 T H E BAHA'I WORLD dertaken at the World Center of the Faith. tistic and lovely way in which the Bah$.'i In turn, Mayor Khoushy and his party were books were presented. For almost one and assured of the grateful appreciation of the a half hours they inquired about the Faith American BahPis and of their interest in and looked through the books, which they the development of the BahL'i World Cen- promised to present to the Queen on her re- ter. After the prayer for all nations was turn to the Palace. A few days later the fol- read, Mayor Khoushy and his party were lowing gracious letter was received, signed conducted through the Temple and it was by one of the private secretaries of Her obvious that they were deeply impressed. Majesty the Queen: "Her Majesty the Queen has asked me to convey to you her sincere thanks for the of- fering of the 'Bloemlezing uit de Geschrif- ten van BahL'uYll6h'and some English books In c o ~ e c t i o nwith the Fourth European about the BahPi World Faith. which Her BahL'i Teaching Conference held in Hol- Majesty has accepted with special grati- land in 1951 the Dutch Bahi'i Community tude." was able to fuEU one of its long-cherished hopes, to acquaint Queen Juliana in a dig- nified way with the BahL'i teachings and the work being done in the Netherlands. Purchase o f the Siylih-C_ha'l The Dutch BahL'is had had a copy of their new Dutch translation of the Selected In the third year following the Martyr- Writings o f Bahd'u'lla'h specially bound in dom of the B6b, Husayn-'Ali, pre-eminent green morocco with the title in gold, in among the B5b's followers, was seized by readiness for presentation to Her Majesty order of the gh6h and confined for four the Queen. In addition, they had had made, months in the subterranean dungeon of Tih- by a Dutch artist well known for her beauti- r5n known as the S i y i h - a i l , an abandoned ful handmade leatherwork, a simple pigskin reservoir which had served one of the pub- case, in which the Dutch translation and a lic baths of the city. His place of confine- few books on the Faith in English could be ment was reached along a completely dark- placed together, for the presentation. The ened corridor, down three steep flights of artist, not knowing for whom the case was stairs. There, in thick darkness, his fellow intended, had remarked that pigskin was prisoners numbered about one hundred and especially loved by the Queen Mother, for fifty, among whom were thieves, assassins whom she had made several things. and highwaymen. The dungeon was used A letter was sent to Her Majesty the for the imprisonment of desperate criminals. Queen, after long plan.ning, by the Spiritual His feet were placed in stocks and a Assembly of the Bahl'is of Amsterdam, ex- heavy chain was fastened around his neck. pressing their wish to present the Bloemle- The place has been described as "chill and zing uit de Geschriften van Bahd'u'lla'h to damp, filthy, fever-stricken, infested with the Queen, giving a brief statement of the vermin, and filled with a noisome stench." aims and purposes of the Bahb'i Faith, and It was under these conditions, reflecting commenting appreciatively on the Queen's the bitterest tyranny and fanaticism of the public expressions of strong humanitarian age, that the intimation of a supreme pro- principles and trust in God's guidance. phetic mission entered the heart of Husayn- Presentation of the case with the Bahi'i 'Ali, transforming him into BahL'u'llAh, The books was made on August 31, 1951, the Glory of God. day when Bah6'is from nineteen countries 1.n His Epistle to N5~iri'd-Din ghhih, re- were gathering for the Fourth European vealed at a later time, BahL'u'llih thus de- Teaching Conference which was to start the scribed the Divine origin of His mission: next morning. The BahL'i messenger pre- "0king! I was but a man like others, asleep sented himself at the gate of the Soestdijk upon My couch, when lo, the breezes of the Palace and was conducted to the secretariat All-Glorious were wafted over Me, and s f the Queen, where two of the Queen's taught Me the knowledge of all that hath private secretaries cordially received him. been. This thing is not from Me, but from When the case was unwrapped both secre- One Who is Almighty and All-Knowing taries expressed their admiration for the ar-, ... His all-compelling summons hath C U R R E N T B A H A'f A C T I V I T I E S reached Me, and caused Me to speak His and by active participation in BahB'i com- praise amidst all people." munity affairs the BahB'i women of Persia The birth of the mission of Bahi'u1116h have fully demonstrated their capacity to as- has been described by the Guardian of the sume responsibilities which had been re- Faith in these words: "Wrapped in its served for men. Indeed, in the arena of stygian gloom, breathing its fetid air, spiritual heroism from the earliest days of numbed by its humid and icy atmosphere, the Faith, Persian Bahi'i women have risen His feet in stocks, His neck weighed down to sublime heights of fortitude and sacrifice. by a mighty chain, surrounded by criminals The name of Tghirih stands beside those of and miscre-ants of the worst order . . . at the most exalted women in history. so critical an hour and under such appalling The Four-Year Plan provided facilities circumstances the 'Most Great Spirit,' as for the education of girls and special classes designated by Himself, and symbolized in for adult women. A National Women's Pro- the Zoroastrian, the Mosaic, the Christian, gressive Committee was appointed, with and Muhammadan Dispensations by the Sa- regional committees acting under its super- cred Fire, the Burning Bush, the Dove and vision. A national convention for Bahi'i the Angel Gabriel, respectively, descended women was held annually, with the partici- upon, and revealed itself, personified by a pation of the members of the National 'Maiden,' to the agonized soul of Bahi'- Women's Progressive Committee and u'll6h." twenty-two representatives of the regional The history of religion can offer no committees. At these gatherings the women sharper contrast between the power of the demonstrated their ability and aptitude for Holy Spirit and the circumstances under serving their Faith on an equality with the which that power manifested itself in its men. In addition, district conventions were chosen human vehicle. That from such a held semi-annually, to consult on ways to beginning the mission of Bahi'u'llBh could carry education even to women in the vil- arise and reveal salvation to the peoples and lages. The program of education included nations is an evidence of divine power none oral instruction for the illiterate and those can deny. who had little schooling; an advanced class To Bahi'is, the place so consecrated by for graduates of secondary schools, and a supreme sacrifice has been venerated as a higher class of more advanced education for holy place of their Faith. In the spring of women living in the larger centers. Finally, a 1954 the site of Siy&h-C_hiilin Tihr6n was periodical was circulated with contents cov- purchased for the Faith by Habib Sabet for ering topics of general history, Bahi'i his- $400,000. tory, science, literature, health, hygiene, housekeeping and care of children. End of Four-Year Plan for Persian Women From Shoghi Effendi a message was re- ceived which stated: "The great barrier has The International Survey published for now been completely removed and absolute the years 1946-1950 included reference to equality is attained as the result of recent de- the effort made by the Persian Bahi'is to velopments, as well as the glorious and con- create opportunities for Bahi'i women to at- tinuing efforts rendered by the beloved tain education, and their aim to bring about Bahi'i sisters in that country and abroad." equality with men in relation to elective and appointive offices in the community. This aim was pursued under a four-year plan the result of which has been to find The Five-Year Plan of the Bahi'is of women elected to membership on Assem- Egypt and the Sfidgn began in May, 1948, blies for the first time, thus overcoming a in response to a cablegram from the Guard- long historic disability. The service of men ian to the National Spiritual Assembly of and women in these elective bodies repre- the BahVis of Egypt and Sfidtin. At the end sents the operation of the principle of equal- of this Plan the goals achieved in Egypt in- ity of opportunity and status for men and cluded the establishment of three new local women which the BahVi Faith has estab- Spiritual Assemblies, in Sohag (1950), Me- lished in the new social pattern now unfold- halla el Kobra (1951) and Mansoura ing throughout the world. (1952), thus raising to nine the number of Through special classes and discussions local Spiritual Assemblies. Six virgin prov- 66 T H E BAHA inces were opened, of nine set up as goals. BahL'u'lltih addressed to SultAn 'Abdu'l- A plot for a permanent summer school was 'Aziz the first of His communications to the found but legal transfer of the land was not rulers and ecclesiastical leaders of the world, yet completed. In the Sudhn the goals were proclaiming the Divine Summons and warn- achieved in the opening of three new cen- ing all those who refused to heed His Call. ters, at Port Siidhn, Wau and Wad Medani. On the eve of His banishment from that A Bahi'i center was established at Asmara city by the Sulthn's edict, Bahi'u'llhh re- in Eritrea. In Africa, Algeria was opened to vealed: "Were all the governments of earth the Faith and in Libya BahA'i centers were to unite to take My life and the lives of all established in Benghazi and Tripoli. A Spir- who bear this Name, this Divine Fire would itual Assembly was established in Tunis in never be quenched. . . . Whatever may yet April, 1953. befall Us, great shall be Our gain, and mani- fest the loss wherewith they shall be af- Women Included in Assembly Membership flicted." The Guardian points out that Sul- for First Time t i n 'Abdu'l-'Aziz was also "first among Oriental monarchs to sustain the impact of Elections for members of local Spiritual God's retributive justice." Assemblies in Egypt on April 21, 1951, for The months which Bahi'u'llhh and His the first time permitted inclusion of women. family spent in this house have been as- Accordingly, one or two women members sociated by the Guardian with the begin- were elected as members of the Spiritual As- ning of a period in which "untold privations semblies of Alexandria, Cairo, and Port and unprecedented trials were mingled with Said. The Guardian referred to this change the noblest spiritual triumphs," and one in in his message to the 1951 National Con- which "the day-star of Bahi'u'llhh's ministry vention of the Bahi'is in the United States, was about to reach its zenith." as follows: "(A) notable step (in the) prog- ress (of) Bahi'i women (of the) Middle East (is) taken through (the) extension (of the) right (of) membership (in) local As- On April 21, 1953, the Canadian Bahh'i semblies (to) women believers (in) Egypt." Community rejoiced in the news that their Five-Year Plan was completely and success- fully fulfilled. The plan had been initiated when the National Spiritual Assembly of Among the many significant events that the Bahi'is of Canada was first established transpired during the period covered by this in 1948. Completion of the plan climaxed volume was one announced in the Guard- five years of intensive teaching work and its ian's message to the National Convention organization throughout Canada, from Vic- of Bahi'is in the United States on April 23, toria to Newfoundland. It meant that a 1952, in this statement: "Historic site (of) total of thirty Spiritual Assemblies had been House occupied (by) BahL'u'llhh (in) Istan- established in Canada, and that Bahh'is bul (has been) partly purchased." On Oc- were resident in one hundred different lo- tober 1, 1954, the Guardian further an- calities throughout the Provinces. A Na- nounced to all believers of the East and tional Haziratu'l-Quds had been purchased West that funds to complete the acquisition in the heart of Toronto. of this historical edifice had been provided as a result of "successive contributions Purchase of Hqiratu'l-Quds made by the Hand of the Cause, Amelia Collins, outstanding benefactress of the A building was purchased in October, Faith, for the furtherance of some of the 1952, on St. George Street, Toronto, to most vital objectives of the Ten-Year Plan." serve as the Canadian Haziratu'l-Quds, in Thus there has been preserved for future response to the Guardian's writing the Ca- generations another historic place associated nadian National Bahi'i Assembly that "ef- with the exile and banishment of Bahi'uY- fort must . . . be exerted for the establish- llhh from the land of His birth and His in- ment of an institution which, though not an carceration in the prison city of 'Akkh. integral part of the [five-year] Plan, formu- It was while residing in this house for lated for that Community, is none the less four months from August 16, 1953, that regarded as indispensable owing to its emer- CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 67 gence into an independent existence." Later tional Body who have gone forth as pio- it was found necessary to sell the building neers to virgin territories . . . the purchase acquired, because it proved to be unsuitable of the Temple site in Sydney-all attest the on account of fire regulations. vitality of the faith of the believers in the Antipodes." The Temple site chosen was unfortunately, however, shortly after its purchase, repossessed by the city, and the National Spiritual Assembly, though hav- The home of Mr. and Mrs. William Suth- ing to relinquish this site, was paid a sum erland Maxwell on Pine Avenue in Mont- for it which brought a considerable profit. real, Canada, for many years the gathering place of Bahi'is and their friends, was given over to the ownership of the National Spirit- ual Assembly of the Bahb'is of Canada, to The Five-Year Plan of the National be maintained as a Shrine in remembrance Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Ger- of 'Abdu'l-Bahb's stay in this home in 1912. many and Austria was inaugurated in May, This gracious gift was that of RGhiyyih 1948, in response to a suggestion made by Lhbnum, daughter of May and Sutherland Shoghi Effendi, who left the extent of the Maxwell, and now the wife of the Guardian plan to the decision of the National Assem- of the Bahi'i Faith. Transfer of the prop- bly. The following objectives were set up: erty was completed in March, 1954. It was (1) Consolidation and strengthening the the first Bahi'i home in Canada, established understanding of the Bahi'is for the Ad- in 1907. ministrative Order; (2) increasing the num- Uncountable numbers of persons had ber of Bahi'i centers from fourteen to been received in this^ home and had there twenty-eight and at the same time further- heard of the Bahi'i Faith and been sur- ing Community growth; ( 3 ) deepening in rounded with spiritual guidance and love. the Teachings, through addition to the The Canadian National Spiritual Assembly Bahi'i literature in German, in order to re- wrote of the gift of this home by RGhiyyih place the Bahi'i literature confiscated and LhLnum: "Many who enter its lovely white destroyed by the National Socialist govern- doors have the inner realization that they ment; (4) erection of a National Ha~iratu'l- stand within the same walls where 'Abdu'l- Quds in Frankfurt-am-Main. During the BahL had stood." course of the Plan three communities of ac- tive Bahi'is were cut off from the main body of German Bahi'is, as activities of the Faith were prohibited in the Eastern The Six-Year Plan of the National Spirit- Zone of Germany. ual Assembly of the Bahb'is of Australia During the first four years of the Plan and New Zealand was fulfilled in April, six Bahi'i groups were brought to commu- 1953, and all the goals exceeded. The Plan nity status, one of which relapsed to group called for establishment of two new Spirit- status. During the last year of the Plan, ual Assemblies in Australia and nineteen through the sacrificial efforts of the Bahb'is groups in Australasia. Five additional As- of Germany, aided by Bahi'is from Persia semblies were established, bringing the total who had come to study in Germany, con- number in Australia and New Zealand to centration on nine goal cities resulted in seventeen. Twenty-one groups beyond the establishment of nine additional Assemblies goals of the plan brought the total number by the end of the five years, thus fulfilling of groups to forty. the objective of fourteen additional Bahi'i Communities. The nine new Assemblies es- Purchase of Temple Site in Sydney tablished in one year were Bad Cannstatt, Bonn, Ebingen, Freiburg-i-Breisgau, Gies- In acknowledging the news of purchase sen, Heilbronn, Ludwigsburg, Tiibingen and of the site for a BahB'i House of Worship Ulm. in Sydney to the National Spiritual Assem- On the site of the ruin purchased at West- bly of the Bahi'is of Australia and New endstrasse 24, in Frankfurt-am-Main, for Zealand, the Guardian wrote, on June 16, the Haqiratu'l-Quds shortly before the be- 1954: "The number of pioneers of the Na- ginning of the Five-Year Plan, a stately 68 T H E BAHA'I WORLD five-story building was erected and com- help h a n c e payment of the mortgages. pleted by the end of the Plan. Seemingly Addition to the BahB'i literature in Ger- insurmountable obstacles arose in all phases man has included new translations and of the erection of the building-financing, editions of the Hidden Words, a selection materials, permits-but each was overcome of prayers, translation and publication in turn. A few paragraphs from the account of Shoghi Effendi's "The Dispensation of of the architect of the building, Bruno BahC'u'llAh" from The World Order of Bauer, give modest insight into what some Bahci'u'lldh, of Paris Talks of 'Abdu'l-Baha', of these difficulties were: of Some Answered Questions, and, in press, "Thanks to the great-hearted and gener- of Shoghi Effendi's God Passes By. A be- ous gifts of our beloved Guardian and with ginning was thus made in the Five-Year the help of additional gifts and loans of the Plan to re-establish an authentic BahC'i lit- BahC'is it was possible to work out financ- erature in German. ing arrangements through building loans (mortgages). With a part of the building fund, construction above the first floor was begun in the summer of 1950. All the be- lievers were delighted and breathed more At the Annual Convention of the BahC'is easily, with relief and gratitude. Then . . . of Central America held in San Josh, Costa a rift occurred in the favorable relations Rica, in 1952, the idea of a Plan was devel- between East and West and in its wake oped and later approved by the National came new vexations, disputes and economic Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of Central difficulties. All prices mounted, the workers America and the Antilles, then beginning its struck, materials were again hoarded and second year of existence. The Guardian had thus became scarce and in part illegal. New written the Assembly urging it "to devote evidences of lack of confidence pervaded its energy primarily to laying a sound and the world. Our work was threatened with abiding foundation for the future." The coming to an end. A whole series of old Plan encompassed four points formulated encumbrances burdened the property and by the Guardian: (1) to establish harmony, had to be set aside. Old claims had to give love and understanding among the BahL'is, way to new. Endless, galling dealings with (2) to promote the teaching work, ( 3 ) to the former owners, with the mortgage of- win support for the National BahPi Fund, fice, with the notary and with a number of and (4) to assure publication of BahL'i lit- hancial institutions were necessary in or- erature in well-translated Spanish editions, der to clear the way for continuing the con- in cooperation with the National Spiritual struction. The believers had to be appealed Assembly of South America. to for new sacriftces. Next to the evident To fulfill the first objective the Central divine blessing we must be thankful for this American National Spiritual Assembly sent courage in sacrifice, this insight and this a member to each principal community of unbending will and faith in success, but each country under its jurisdiction, to estab- especially to the great help of our Guardian, lish a bond of love and service through so that we could go forward with the con- these visits; and in reply to letters it took struction and meet the contracts." particular care to quote from the Writings In July, 1950, the commemoration of the on each speciftc question or problem raised. Martyrdom of the BAb in Frankfurt was For the second objective two National held in the large first floor room of the Teaching Committees were formed, one for Hazira, while construction with the upper work among Spanish speaking friends and floors was in progress. In 1952 all interior the other among English and French. These construction work was completed, and a Committees in turn encouraged the Re- lovely garden and planting had been in- gional Teaching Committees which carried stalled in the spacious area back of the out specific projects in the field. An Indian building. The finished H q i r a contains, on Committee carried the Teachings to the ab- the third floor, a meeting hall seating one origines and established a BahB'i Cultural hundred thirty persons, with balcony over- Institute in the heart of the Indian country looking the garden, and an adjoining in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. The first kitchen; a secretariat on the second floor; BahPi School in Central America was held and several apartments at present leased to at "Karbila" outside of Tegucigalpa, Hon- C U R R E N T BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 69 duras. At the end of the Plan all Assemblies The fifth objective, expansion of the Ba- had been maintained and teaching work h 2 i New Era School in Panchgani, to bring was being actively carried on in many fields. it to the status of government recognition, Support for the National Bahi'i Fund was not attained although progress was was aided by appeals in the Assembly's of- made toward this goal. The eighth anniver- ficial news organ Noticias, published in sary of the school was celebrated in De- Spanish, French and English and mailed to cember, 1952. More suitable, larger prop- every Bah2i. erty was purchased and the school was In the interests of well-translated Bahi'i moved to the new premises in February, literature in Spanish, steps were taken to 1953. Improvements were being made in consolidate all translating efforts and to se- this twenty-eight acre property, on which cure well-qualified translators. were located five bungalows in good condi- tion, the number of classrooms was being increased, playgrounds were being devel- The Nineteen-Month Plan of the Na- oped, and a qualified teaching staff was be- tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of ing arranged for. India, Pikistin and Burma, extending from During the Nineteen-Month Plan wide September, 1951, to April, 1953, was the publicity was received in the press which third successive Bahi'i Teaching Plan would prove of valuable assistance in the undertaken in the sub-continent of India work of the future. and Burma. Five main objectives were out- lined and although all were not fully at- tained, the end of the Plan saw great prog- ress as a result of the intense efforts of the Bahi'is of this area. Projected in 1950, in the Guardian's ca- The first objective was to offer Rs 2,50,- blegram to the British Bahii'i Convention of 000 to the Shrine of the Bib Fund; a little that year, the Two-Year Plan of the British over three-fourths of this sum was contrib- Bahi'is was to be a prelude to the "initiation uted. (of the) systematic campaign designed (to) Esslemont's Bah8u'llah and the New Era carry (the) torch (of the) Faith (to) terri- was translated and printed in three lan- tories (of the) Dark Continent whose guages, Indonesian, Siamese, Karen; a re- northern (and) southern fringes were suc- vised translation was made in Burmese; and cessively illuminated (in the) course (of a smaller booklet, "Bahi'u'llih and His the) ministries (of) Bahi'u'llih (and) Message," was translated and printed in 'Abdu'l-Bahi." Kachin. The three objectives of the Plan were The third objective, pioneering into (1) to strengthen the nineteen Spiritual As- neighboring countries, succeeded in open- semblies already established in the British ing seven of eight "goal" countries, with Isles, (2) to form nuclei in three depend- formation of an Assembly in two and prom- encies of the British Crown in East or West ise of one in a third. The areas opened Africa, and ( 3 ) to translate, publish and were Siam (Thailand) ; Malaya, with an As- disseminate Bahi'i literature through the sembly in Singapore; Indonesia; Sarawak, British Publishing Trust in three African with an Assembly established in Kuching; languages in addition to the three already Zanzibar; Madagascar; and Nepal. Indo- undertaken in the Six-Year Plan success- China remained unsettled. fully completed less than a year previously On the home front of the Indian sub- by the British Bahi'is. continent, eight of ten Spiritual Assemblies At the midpoint of the Plan, in April, hoped for were established in India, three 1952, the Guardian was able to announce of five in Pikistin, and one of two in Cey- that pioneers had been dispatched to the lon. It was not possible to fulfill the objec- three virgin territories of Tanganyika, tives in Burma owing to disturbed condi- Uganda and the Gold Coast; that a seven- tions in that country. Of thirteen Assemblies teen thousand dollar Haziratu'l-Quds had to be consolidated in India, twelve main- been purchased in Kampala, Uganda; that tained their status, and all Assemblies to be native Africans of the Teso, Yao, Buganda consolidated in Pikistin (three) and Burma and Mutoco tribes had been enrolled in the (four) maintained status. Faith; and that Spiritual Assemblies had 70 T H E BAHA'I WORLD been formed in Kampala and in Dar es On the home front in the British Isles, Salaam. all Assemblies were maintained on a firm When the Plan came to its brilliant con- basis. In addition to the three pamphlets clusion in April, 1953, the Guardian an- previously printed in African languages nounced that the number of believers in (ChiNyanja, KiSwahili and Hausa) , trans- Uganda alone was over two hundred and lations into Luganda, Twi and Ateso were ninety, residing in twenty-five localities and published a.nd in use, and translations into representing twenty tribes. In Africa all at least eight additional African languages goals were exceeded. Twelve new local Spir- were in progress. The pamphlets were itual Assemblies had been established in printed by the British Publishing Trust and Uganda, and besides the Assembly in Tan- distributed by them. ganyika one was assured in Kenya. In his The objectives thus brilliantly achieved message to the First Intercontinental Bahgi Teaching Conference held in Kampala, in in the British Two-Year Plan laid the February, 1953, the Guardian wrote: "I groundwork for and greatly furthered the welcome with open arms the unexpectedly tremendous successes of the African teach- large number of the representatives of the ing work in which six National Spiritual As- pure-hearted and the spiritually receptive semblies were to cooperate during the Ten- Negro race." Year Crusade. EXCERPTS F R O M T H E B A H A ' I SACRED W R I T I N G S From PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS BY BAHA'U'LLAH A L L praise, 0 my God, be to Thee Who inspiration and Thy Revelation, and to art the Source of all glory and majesty, of manifest Thy names and Thine attributes. greatness and honor, of sovereignty and Through Him Thou didst adorn the pre- dominion, of loftiness and grace, of awe and amble of the book of Thy creation, 0 Thou power. Whomsoever Thou willest Thou Who art the Ruler of the universe Thou hast causest to draw nigh unto the Most Great fashioned! Ocean, and on whomsoever Thou desirest I bear witness that in His person solidity Thou conferrest the honor of recognizing and fluidity have been joined and combined. Thy Most Ancient Name. Of all who are in Through His immovable constancy in Thy heaven and on earth, none can withstand Cause, and His unwavering adherence to the operation of Thy sovereign Will. From whatsoever Thou, in the plenitude of the all eternity Thou didst rule the entire crea- light of Thy glory, didst unveil to His eyes, tion, and Thou wilt continue for evermore throughout the domains of Thy Revelation to exercise Thy dominion over all created and creation, the souls of Thy servants were things. There is none other God but Thee, stirred up in their longing for Thy Kingdom, the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the All- and the dwellers of Thy realms rushed forth Powerful, the All-Wise. to enter into Thy heavenly dominion. Illumine, 0 Lord, the faces of Thy serv- Through the restlessness He evinced in Thy ants, that they may behold Thee; and path, the feet of all them that are devoted to cleanse their hearts that they may turn unto Thee were steeled and confirmed to mani- the court of Thy heavenly favors, and rec- fest Thy Cause amidst Thy creatures, and ognize Him Who is the Manifestation of to demonstrate Thy sovereignty throughout Thy Self and the Day-Spring of Thine Es- Thy realm. sence. Verily, Thou art the Lord of all How great, 0 my God, is this Thy most worlds. There is no God but Thee, the Un- excellent handiwork, and how consummate constrained, the All-Subduing. ( p . 94) Thy creation, which hath caused every un- derstanding heart and mind to marvel! And Lauded be Thy name, 0 Lord my God! I when the set time was fulfilled, and what testify that Thou wast a hidden Treasure had been preordained came to pass, Thou wrapped within Thine immemorial Being didst unloose His tongue to praise Thee, and and an impenetrable Mystery enshrined in to lay bare Thy mysteries before all Thy Thine own Essence. Wishing to reveal Thy- creation, 0 Thou Who art the Possessor self, Thou didst call into being the Greater of all names, and the Fashioner of earth and and the Lesser Worlds, and didst choose heaven! Through Him all created things Man above all Thy creatures, and didst were made to glorify Thee, and to celebrate make Him a sign of both of these worlds, 0 Thy praise, and every soul was directed to- Thou Who art our Lord, the Most Com- wards the kingdom of Thy revelation and passionate! Thy sovereignty. Thou didst raise Him up to occupy Thy At one time, Thou didst raise Him up, 0 throne before all the people of Thy creation. my God, and didst attire Him with the orna- Thou didst enable Him to unravel Thy mys- ment of the name of Him Who conversed teries, and to shine with the lights of Thine with Thee (Moses), and didst through Him 72 T H E BAHA'I WORLD uncover all that Thy will had decreed and vors and Thy gifts, and to rid them of all Thine irrevocable purpose ordained. At an- attachment to aught else except Thee. At other time, Thou didst adorn Him with the another time He revealeth Himself as the name of Him Who was Thy Spirit (Jesus), Fire which Thou didst kindle in the tree of and didst send Him down out of the heaven Thy unity, whose heat melted the hearts of of Thy will, for the edification of Thy peo- Thine ardent lovers when He Who is the ple, infusing thereby the spirit of life into Day-Star of the world shone forth above the the hearts of the sincere among Thy serv- horizon of 'Iriq. I testify, 0 my God, that ants and the faithful among Thy creatures. through Him the veils of human fancy were Again, Thou didst reveal Him, decked forth burnt up, and the hearts of men were set to- by the name of Him Who was Thy Friend wards the scene of Thy most resplendent (Muhammad), and caused Him to shine glory. brightly above the horizon of Hijiz, as a I implore Thee, 0 Thou Who art the token of Thy power and an evidence of Thy Supreme Ordainer, not to suffer me to be might. Through Him Thou didst send unto deprived of the breezes which are wafted in Thy servants what enabled them to scale Thy days, the days whereon the sweet smell the heights of Thy unity, and to yearn over of the raiment of Thy mercy hath been shed the wonders of Thy manifold knowledge abroad. Neither do Thou keep me back and wisdom. from Thy most great Ocean, every drop of I testify, 0 Thou Who art the Lord of the which crieth out and saith: 'Great is the whole creation, and the Desire of whosoever blessedness that awaiteth him who hath been hath sought Thee, that, amidst Thy crea- awakened from his sleep by the breath of tures, they resemble the sun which no mat- God which, from the source of His mercy, ter how often it riseth and setteth is still the hath blown over all such of His creatures one and the same sun. Whoso maketh any as have set themselves towards Him!' distinction between any of them hath truly Thou seest, 0 my Lord, how Thy servants failed to attain the ultimate purpose, and to are held captive by their own selves and reach the highest goal, and hath been de- desires. Redeem them from their bondage, prived of the mysteries of unity and of the 0 my God, by the power of Thy sovereignty lights of sanctity and oneness. I testify, and might, that they may turn towards Thee moreover, that Thou hast decreed that none when He Who is the Revealer of Thy names on the face of the earth should equal them, and attributes is manifested unto men. and none of Thy creatures be able to be Cast upon this poor and desolate crea- compared with any of them, in order that ture, 0 my Lord, the glance of Thy wealth, Thine own singleness and peerlessness might and flood his heart with the beams of Thy be recognized and established. knowledge, that he may apprehend the Glorified, immeasurably glorified be Thy verities of the unseen world, and discover name, 0 my God! How can I ever befit- the mysteries of Thy heavenly realm, and tingly mention Thee or sufficiently praise perceive the signs and tokens of Thy king- Thee, that Thou hast manifested Him by dom, and behold the manifold revelations of the power of Thy might, and caused Him this earthly life all set forth before the face to shine above the horizon of Thy will, and of Him Who is the Revealer of Thine own made Him the Day-Spring of Thy signs, and Self. Direct, then, his eyes, 0 my God, to- the Dawning-Place of the revelation of Thy wards the horizon of Thy loving-kindness, names and Thine attributes? How bewilder- and make steadfast his heart in its attach- ingly mysterious, moreover, 0 my God, is ment to Thee, and unloose his tongue to His nature and all that Thou hast infused praise Thee, and make him able to hold fast: into Him, through Thy strength and by the the cord of Thy love, and to cling to the power of Thy might! At one time He ap- hem of Thy bounteousness, and to proclaim peareth as the water which is Life indeed, Thy name amidst Thy creatures, and to re- sent down out of the heaven of Thy grace, count Thy virtues throughout Thy realm, in and poured forth from the clouds of Thy such wise that no obstacle will deter him mercy, that Thy creatures may be endued from turning to Thy name, the All-Bounti- with new life, and live as long as Thine own ful, and no veil shut him out from Thee, in Kingdom endureth. Every drop of that Whose hand is the dominion of utterance water would suffice to quicken the dead, and and the kingdom of all names and attri- to set their faces in the direction of Thy fa- butes! BAHA'I SACRED W R I T I N G S Octagon of the Shrine seen from the mountainside and showing one iron railing in place. March, 1952. Scaffolding around the drum and dome of the Bib's Shrine; the ribs, tiles and lantern of the dome are still to be added. June, 1953. 74 T H E BAHA'I WORLD Hold Thou the hand of this seeker who Thine utterances in Thy days. Blessed, hath set his face towards Thee, 0 my Lord, moreover, be the man that hath turned unto and draw him out of the depths of his vain Thee, and woe betide him that hath turned imaginations, that the light of certainty may his back upon Thee. shine brightly above the horizon of his Praised be Thou, the Lord of the worlds! heart in the -days whereon the sun of the ( p . 48) knowledge of Thy creatures hath been dark- ened through the shining of the Day-Star of Praise be to Thee, 0 Lord my God! Thou Thy glory; the days whereon the moon of seest and knowest that I have called upon the world's wisdom hath been eclipsed Thy servants to turn nowhere except in the through the appearance of Thy hidden direction of Thy bestowals, and have bidden knowledge, and the manifestation of Thy them observe naught save the things Thou well-guarded secret, and the revelation of didst prescribe in Thy Perspicuous Book, the Thine enshrined mystery; the days whereon Book which hath been sent down according the stars of men's doings have fallen through to Thine inscrutable decree and irrevocable the rising of the orb of Thy unity and the purpose. shedding of the radiance of Thy transcend- I can utter no word, 0 my God, unless I ent oneness. be permitted by Thee, and can move in no I beg of Thee, 0 my God, by Thy most direction until I obtain Thy sanction. It is exalted Word which Thou hast ordained as Thou, 0 my God, Who hast called me into the Divine Elixir unto all who are in Thy being through the power of Thy might, and realm, the Elixir through whose potency the hast endued me with Thy grace to manifest crude metal of human life hath been trans- Thy Cause. Wherefore I have been sub- muted into purest gold, 0 Thou in Whose jected to such adversities that my tongue hands are both the visible and invisible hath been hindered from extolling Thee and kingdoms, to ordain that my choice be con- from magnifying Thy glory. formed to Thy choice and my wish to Thy All praise be to Thee, 0 my God, for the wish, that I may be entirely content with things Thou didst ordain for me through that which Thou didst desire, and be wholly Thy decree and by the power of Thy sover- satisfied with what Thou didst destine for me eignty. I beseech Thee that Thou wilt fortify by Thy bounteousness and favor. Potent art both myself and them that love me in our Thou to do as Thou willest. Thou, in very love for Thee, and wilt keep us firm in Thy truth, art the All-Glorious, the All-Wise. Cause. I swear by Thy might! 0 my God! Happy is the man who hath recognized Thy servant's shake is to be shut out as by Thee, and discovered the sweetness of Thy a veil from Thee, and his glory is to know fragrance, and set himself towards ~ h y Thee. Armed with the power of Thy name kingdom, and tasted of the things that have nothing can ever hurt me, and with Thy love been perfected therein by Thy grace and in my heart all the world's afflictions can in favor. Great is the blessedness of him who no wise alarm me. hath acknowledged Thy most excellent majesty, and whom the veils that have shut Send down, therefore, 0 my Lord, upon out the nations from Thee have not hin- me and upon my loved ones that which will dered from directing his eyes towards Thee, protect us from the mischief of those that 0 Thou Who art the King of eternity and have repudiated Thy truth and disbelieved the Quickener of every moldering bone! in Thy signs. Blessed, also, is he that hath inhaled Thy Thou art, verily, the All-Glorious, the sweet savors, and been carried away by Most Bountiful. ( p . 207) From G L E A N I N G S F R O M T H E W R I T I N G S OF B A H A ' U ' L L A H THEDAYOF FULFILLMENT Scriptures, have all been fulfilled. Out of Zion hath gone forth the Law of God, and The time fore-ordained unto the peoples Jerusalem, and the hills and land thereof, and kindreds of the earth is now come. The are filled with the glory of His Revelation. promises of God, as recorded in the holy Happy is the man that pondereth in his heart that which hath been revealed in the whom the Almighty was pleased to guide, Books of God, the Help in Peril, the Self- were found dumbfounded and heedless. Subsisting. Meditate upon this, 0 ye be- 0 thou that hast remembered Me! The loved of God, and let your ears be atten- most grievous veil hath shut out the peoples tive unto His Word, so that ye may, by His of the earth from His glory, and hindered grace and mercy, drink your fill from the them from hearkening to His call. God crystal waters of constancy, and become grant that the light of unity may envelop the as steadfast and immovable as the mountain whole earth, and that the seal, "the King- in His Cause. dom is God's," may be stamped upon the In the Book of Isaiah it is written: "Enter brow of all its peoples. (p. 10) into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His By the righteousness of God! These are majesty." No man that meditateth upon this the days in which God hath proved the verse can fail to recognize the greatness of hearts of the entire company of His Mes- this Cause, or doubt the exalted character sengers and Prophets, and beyond them of this Day-the Day of God himself. This those that stand guard over His sacred same verse is followed by these words: "And and inviolable Sanctuary, the inmates of the the Lord alone shall be exalted in that Day." celestial Pavilion and dwellers of the Tab- This is the Day which the Pen of the Most ernacle of Glory. How severe, therefore, the High hath glorified in all the holy Scrip- test to which they who join partners with tures. There is no verse in them that doth God must needs be subjected! (p. 11) not declare the glory of His holy Name, and no Book that doth not testify unto the lofti- ness of this most exalted theme. Were We Beware, 0 believers in the Unity of God, to make mention of all that hath been re- lest ye be tempted to make any distinction vealed in these heavenly Books and holy between any of the Manifestations of His Scriptures concerning this Revelation, this Cause, or to discriminate against the signs Tablet would assume impossible dimensions. that have accompanied and proclaimed their It is incumbent, in this Day, upon every man Revelation. This indeed is the true meaning to place his whole trust in the manifold of Divine Unity, if ye be of them that ap- bounties of God, and arise to disseminate, prehend and believe this truth. Be ye as- with the utmost wisdom, the verities of His sured, moreover, that the works and acts of Cause. Then, and only then, will the whole each and every one of these Manifestations earth be enveloped with the morning light of God, nay whatever pertaineth unto them, of His Revelation. ( p 12) and whatsoever they may manifest in the future, are all ordained by God, and are Verily I say, this is the Day in which a reflection of His Will and Purpose. Whoso mankind can behold the Face, and hear the maketh the slightest possible difference be- Voice, of the Promised One. The Call of tween their persons, their words, their mes- God hath been raised, and the light of His sages, their acts and manners, hath indeed countenance hath been lifted up upon men. disbelieved in God, hath repudiated His It behoveth every man to blot out the trace signs, and betrayed the Cause of His Mes- of every idle word from the tablet of his sengers. ( p . 59) heart, and to gaze, with an open and un- biased mind, on the signs of His Revela- It is evident that every age in which a tion, the proofs of His Mission, and the Manifestation of God hath lived is divinely tokens of His glory. ordained, and may, in a sense, be character- Great indeed is this Day! The allusions ized as God's appointed Day. This Day, made to it in all the sacred Scriptures as however, is unique, and is to be distin- the Day of God attest its greatness. The guished from those that have preceded it. soul of every Prophet of God, of every The designation "Seal of the Prophets" fully Divine Messenger, hath thirsted for this revealeth its high station. The Prophetic wondrous Day. All the divers kindreds of Cycle hath, verily, ended. The Eternal Truth the earth have, likewise, yearned to attain is now come. He hath lifted up the Ensign it. No sooner, however, had the Day Star of of Power, and is now shedding upon the His Revelation manifested itself in the world the unclouded splendor of His Reve- heaven of God's Will, than all, except those lation. (p. 6 0 ) 76 T H E BAHA 'f W O R L D Contemplate with thine inward eye the countenance. And yet, behold how far its chain of successive Revelations that hath peoples have strayed from His path! None linked the Manifestation of Adam with that have believed in Him except them who, of the BBb. I testify before God that each through the power of the Lord of Names, one of these Manifestations hath been sent have shattered the idols of their vain imagin- down through the operation of the Divine i n g ~and corrupt desires and entered the Will and Purpose, that each hath been the city of certitude. The seal of the choice bearer of a specific Message, that each hath Wine of His Revelation hath, in this Day been entrusted with a divinely-revealed and in His Name, the Self-Sufficing, been Book and been commissioned to unravel broken. Its grace is being poured out upon the mysteries of a mighty Tablet. The meas- men. Fill thy cup, and drink it in His Name, ure of the Revelation with which every one the Most Holy, the All-Praised. (p. 12) of them hath been identified had been defi- nitely fore-ordained. This, verily, is a token Say: 0 ye that have strayed and lost your of Our favor unto them, if ye be of those way! The Divine Messenger, Who speaketh that comprehend this truth. . . . And when naught but the truth, hath announced unto this process of progressive Revelation cul- you the coming of the Best-Beloved. Behold, minated in the stage at which His peerless, He is now come. Wherefore are ye downcast His most sacred, and exalted Countenance and dejected? Why remain despondent was to be unveiled to men's eyes, He chose when the Pure and Hidden One hath ap- to hide His own Self behind a thousand peared unveiled amongst you? He Who ;s veils, lest profane and mortal eyes discover both the Beginning and the End, He Who is His glory. This He did at a time when the both Stillness and Motion, is now manifest signs and tokens of a divinely-appointed before your eyes. Behold how, in this Day, Revelation were being showered upon Him the Beginning is reflected in the End, how -signs and tokens which none can reckon out of Stillness Motion hath been engen- except the Lord, your God, the Lord of all dered. This motion hath been generated by worlds. And when the set time of conceal- the potent e9ergies which the words of the ment was fulfilled, We sent forth, whilst Almighty have released throughout the en- still wrapt within a myriad veils, an infini- tire creation. Whoso hath been quickened tesimal glimmer of the effulgent Glory en- by its vitalizing power, will find himself im- veloping the Face of the Youth, and lo, the pelled to attain the court of the Beloved; and entire company of the dwellers of the whoso hath deprived himself therefrom, will Realms above were seized with violent com- sink into irretrievable despondency. He is motion and the favored of God fell down truly wise whom the world and all that is in adoration before Him. He hath, verily, therein have not deterred from recognizing manifested a glory such as none in the the light of this Day, who will not allow whole creation hath witnessed, inasmuch as men's idle talk to cause him to swerve from He hath arisen to proclaim in person His the way of righteousness. He is indeed as Cause unto all who are in the heavens and one dead who, at the wondrous dawn of this all who are on the earth. ( p 74) Revelation, hath failed to be quickened by its soul-stirring breeze. He is indeed a cap- 0 Husayn! Consider the eagerness with tive who hath not recognized the Supreme which certain peoples and nations have Redeemer, but hath suffered his soul to be anticipated the return of Imgm-Husayn, bound, distressed and helpless, in the fetters whose coming, after the appearance of the of his desires. QB'im, hath been prophesied, in days past, 0 My servants! Whoso hath tasted of by the chosen ones of God, exalted be His this Fountain hath attained unto everlasting glory. These holy ones have, moreover, an- Life, and whoso hath refused to drink there- nounced that when He Who is the Day from is even as the dead. Say: 0 ye workers Spring of the manifold grace of God mani- of iniquity! Covetousness hath hindered you festeth Himself, all the Prophets and Mes- from giving a hearing ear unto the sweet sengers, including the QB'im, will gather voice of Him Who is the All-Sufficing. Wash together beneath the shadow of the sacred it away from your hearts, that His Divine Standard which the Promised One will raise. secret may be made known unto you. Be- That hour is now come. The world is il- hold Him manifest and resplendent as the lumined with the effulgent glory of His sun in all its glory. BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS i-trst golden tiles laid on the dome of the Bib's Shrine. Beneath the tile on the right a piece of plaster from the prison room occupied by the Bib in Mih-Kii was imbedded by the Guardian on the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Mission of BahL'ulllih. Say: 0 ye that are bereft of understand- Seized with transports of joy, and raising ing! A severe trial pursueth you, and will high her voice, she thus exclaimed: "May suddenly overtake you. Bestir yourselves, my life be a sacrifice to Thee, inasmuch as that haply it may pass and inflict no harm Thou hast fixed Thy gaze upon me, hast be- upon you. Acknowledge the exalted char- stowed upon me Thy bounty, and hast di- acter of the name of the Lord, your God, rected towards me Thy steps. Separation Who hath come unto you in the greatness of from Thee, 0 Thou Source of everlasting His glory. He, verily, is the All-Knowing, life, hath well nigh consumed me, and my the All-Possessing, the Supreme Protector. remoteness from Thy presence hath burned ( P 168) away my soul. All praise be to Thee for hav- ing enabled me to hearken to Thy call, for Ta!bletto Carmel having honored me with Thy footsteps, and for having quickened my soul through the All glory be to this Day, the Day in which vitalizing fragrance of Thy Day and the the fragrances of mercy have been wafted thrilling voice of Thy Pen,' a voice Thou over all created things, a Day so blest that didst ordain as Thy trumpet-call amidst Thy past ages and centuFies can never hope to people. And when the hour at which Thy rival it, a Day in which the countenance of resistless Faith was to be made manifest did the Ancient of Days hath turned towards strike, Thou didst breathe a breath of Thy His holy seat. Thereupon the voices of all spirit into Thy Pen, and lo, the entire crea- created things, and beyond them those of tion shook to its very foundations, unveiling the Concourse on high, were heard calling to mankind such mysteries as lay hidden aloud: "Haste thee, 0 Carmel, for lo, the within the treasuries of Him Who is the light of the countenance of God, the Ruler Possessor of all created things." of the Kingdom of Names and Fashioner of No sooner had her voice reached that the heavens, hath been lifted upon thee." most exalted Spot than We made reply: 78 T H E BAHA'I WORLD "Render thanks unto Thy Lord, 0 Carmel. to disclose that which had been wrapt in The fire of thy separation from Me was fast His knowledge and lay concealed within the consuming thee, when the ocean of My pres- treasury of His might. He, verily, through ence surged before thy face, cheering thine the potency of His name, the Mighty, the eyes and those of all creation, and filling All-Powerful, the Most High, is the ruler with delight all things visible and invisible. of all that is in the heavens and all that is Rejoice, for God hath in this Day estab- on earth. (p. 14) lished upon thee His throne, hath made thee the dawning-place of His signs and the day Bestir yourselves, 0 people, in anticipa- spring of the evidences of His Revelation. tion of the days of Divine justice, for the Well is it with him that circleth around thee, promised hour is now come. Beware lest ye that proclaimeth the revelation of thy glory, fail to apprehend its import and be ac- and recounteth that which the bounty of counted among the erring. ( p . 17) the Lord thy God hath showered upon thee. Seize thou the Chalice of Immortality in the name of thy Lord, the All-Glorious, and give thanks unto Him, inasmuch as He, in All-praise to the unity of God, and all- token of His mercy unto thee, hath turned honor to Him, the sovereign Lord, the in- thy sorrow into gladness, and transmuted comparable and all-glorious Ruler of the thy grief into blissful joy. He, verily, loveth universe, Who, out of utter nothingness, the spot which hath been made the seat of hath created the reality of all things, Who, His throne, which His footsteps have trod- from naught, hath brought into being the den, which hath been honored by His pres- most refined and subtle elements of His ence, from which He raised His call, and creation, and Who, rescuing His creatures upon which He shed His tears. from the abasement of remoteness and the "Call out to Zion, 0 Carmel, and perils of ultimate extinction, hath received announce the joyful tidings: He that was them into His kingdom of incorruptible hidden from mortal eyes is come! His all- glory. Nothing short of His all-encom- conquering sovereignty is manifest; His all- passing grace, His all-pervading mercy, encompassing splendor is revealed. Beware could have possibly achieved it. How could lest thou hesitate or halt. Hasten forth and it, otherwise, have been possible for sheer circumambulate the City of God that hath nothingness to have acquired by itself the descended from heaven, the celestial Kaaba worthiness and capacity to emerge from round which have circled in adoration the its state of non-existence into the realm of favored of God, the pure in heart, and the being? company of the most exalted angels. Oh, Having created the world and all that how I long to announce unto every spot on liveth and moveth therein, He, through the the surface of the earth, and to carry to each direct operation of His unconstrained and one of its cities, the glad-tidings of this sovereign Will, chose to confer upon man Revelation-a Revelation to which the heart the unique distinction and capacity to know of Sinai hath been attracted, and in whose Him and to love Him-a capacity that must name the Burning Bush is calling: 'Unto needs be regarded as the generating impulse God, the Lord of Lords, belong the king- and the primary purpose underlying the doms of earth and heaven.' Verily this is whole of creation. . . . Upon the inmost the Day in which both land and sea rejoice reality of each and every created thing He at this announcement, the Day for which hath shed the light of one of His names, and have been laid up those things which God, made it a recipient of the glory of one of through a bounty beyond the ken of mortal His attributes. Upon the reality of man, mind or heart, hath destined for revelation. however, He hath focused the radiance of Ere long will God sail His Ark upon thee, all of His names and attributes, and made and will manifest the people of Bahh who it a mirror of His own Self. Alone of all have been mentioned in the Book of created things man hath been singled out Names." for so great a favor, so enduring a bounty. Sanctified be the Lord of all mankind, at These energies with which the Day Star the mention of Whose name all the atoms of Divine bounty and Source of heavenly of the earth have been made to vibrate, and guidance hath endowed the reality of man the Tongue of Grandeur hath been moved lie, however, latent within him, even as the BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 79 flame is hidden within the candle and the only then, will the Trust of God, latent in rays of light are potentially present in the the reality of man, emerge, as resplendent lamp. The radiance of these energies may be as the rising Orb of Divine Revelation, from obscured by worldly desires even as the light behind the veil of concealment, and implant of the sun can be concealed beneath the the ensign of its revealed glory upon the dust and dross which cover the mirror. summits of men's hearts. Neither the candle nor the lamp can be From the foregoing passages and allu- lighted through their own unaided efforts, sions it hath been made indubitably clear nor can it ever be possible for the mirror to that in the kingdoms of earth and heaven free itself from its dross. It is clear and evi- there must needs be manifested a Being, an dent that until a fire is kindled the lamp will Essence Who shall act as a Manifestation never be ignited, and unless the dross is and Vehicle for the transmission of the blotted out from the face of the mirror it grace of the Divinity Itself, the Sovereign can never represent the image of the sun Lord of all. Through the Teachings of this nor reflect its light and glory. Day Star of Truth every man will advance And since there can be no tie of direct and develop until he attaineth the station intercourse to bind the one true God with at which he can manifest all the potential His creation, and no resemblance whatever forces with which his inmost true self hath can exist between the transient and the been endowed. It is for this very purpose Eternal, the contingent and the Absolute, that in every age and dispensation the He hath ordained that in every age and Prophets of God and His chosen Ones have dispensation a pure and stainless Soul be appeared amongst men, and have evinced made manifest in the kingdoms of earth such power as is born of God and such and heaven. Unto this subtle, this mysterious might as only the Eternal can reveal. and ethereal Being He hath assigned a two- Can one of sane mind ever seriously im- fold nature; the physical, pertaining to the agine that, in view of certain word; the world of matter, and the spiritual, which is meaning of which he cannot comprehend, born of the substance of God Himself. He the portal of God's infinite guidance can hath, moreover, conferred upon Him a dou- ever be closed in the face of men? Can he ble station. The first station, which is re- ever conceive for these Divine Luminaries, lated to His innermost reality, representeth these resplendent Lights either a beginning Him as One Whose voice is the voice of or an end? What outpouring flood can com- God Himself. To this testifieth the tradition: pare with the stream of His all-embracing "Manifold and mysterious is My relation- grace, and what blessing can excel the evi- ship with God. I am He, Himself, and He dences of so great and pervasive a mercy? is I, Myself, except that I am that I am, There can be no doubt whatever that if for and He is that He is." And in like manner, one moment the tide of His mercy and grace the words: "Arise, 0 Muhammad, for lo, were to be withheld from the world, it the Lover and the Beloved are joined to- would completely perish. For this reason, gether and made one in Thee." He similarly from the beginning that hath no beginning saith: "There is no distinction whatsoever the portals of Divine mercy have been flung between Thee and Them, except that They open to the face of all created things, and are Thy Servants." The second station is the clouds of Truth will continue to the end the human station, exemplified by the fol- that hath no end to rain on the soil of hu- lowing verses: "I am but a man like you." man capacity, reality and personality their "Say, praise be to my Lord! Am I more favors and bounties. Such hath been God's than a man, an apostle?" These Essences of method continued from everlasting to ever- Detachment, these resplendent Realities are lasting. (P. 64) the channels of God's all-pervasive grace. Led by the light of unfailing guidance, and The purpose of God in creating man hath invested with supreme sovereignty, they are been, and will ever be, to enable him to commissioned to use the inspiration of their know his Creator and to attain His Pres- words, the effusions of their infallible grace ence. To this most excellent aim, this su- and the sanctifying breeze of their Revela- preme objective, all the heavenly Books tion for the cleansing of every longing heart and the divinely-revealed and weighty Scrip- and receptive spirit from the dross and dust tures unequivocally bear witness. Whoso of earthly cares and limitations. Then, and hath recognized the Day Spring of Divine T H E BAHA'I WORLD Raising the bell of the lantern of the dome of the BAb's Shrine. guidance and entered His holy court hath hath it been ordained by the all-glorious and drawn nigh unto God and attained His resplendent Pen. . . . Presence, a Presence which is the real Para- That the Manifestations of Divine justice, dise, and of which the loftiest mansions of the Day Springs of heavenly grace, have heaven are but a symbol. Such a man hath when they appeared amongst men always attained the knowledge of the station of been destitute of all earthly dominion and Him Who is "at the distance of two bows," shorn of the means of worldly ascendancy, Who standeth beyond the Sadratu'l- should be attributed to this same principle Muntahd Whoso hath failed to recognize of separation and distinction which ani- Him will have condemned himself to the mateth the Divine Purpose. Were the Eter- misery of remoteness, a remoteness which is nal Essence to manifest all that is latent naught but utter nothingness and the es- within Him, were He to shine in the pleni- sence of the nethermost fire. Such will be tude of His glory, none would be found to his fate, though to outward seeming he question His power or repudiate His truth. may occupy the earth's loftiest seats and be Nay, all created things would be so dazzled established upon its most exalted throne. and thunderstruck by the evidences of His He Who is the Day Spring of Truth is, no light as to be reduced to utter nothingness. doubt, fully capable of rescuing from such How, then, can the godly be d3erentiated remoteness wayward souls and of causing under such circumstances from the froward? them to draw nigh unto His court and at- This principle hath operated in each of tain His Presence. "If God had pleased He the previous Dispensations and been abun- had surely made all men one people." His dantly demonstrated. . . . It is for this rea- purpose, however, is to enable the pure in son that, in every age, when a new Manifes- spirit and the detached in heart to ascend, tation hath appeared and a fresh revelation by virtue of their own innate powers, unto of God's transcendent power was vouch- the shores of the Most Great Ocean, that safed unto men, they that misbelieved in thereby they who seek the Beauty of the All- Him, deluded by the appearance of the peer- Glorious may be distinguished and sepa- less and everlasting Beauty in the garb of rated from the wayward and perverse. Thus mortal men, have failed to recognize Him. BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS The crown of the dome. They have erred from His path and es- ing over all created things and the signs of chewed His company-the company of Him His sovereignty encompassing all creation. Who is the Symbol of nearness to God. On that day ye will discover bow all else They have even arisen to decimate the besides Him will have been forgotten and ranks of the faithful and to exterminate such come to be regarded as utter nothingness. as believed in Him. It should, however, be borne in mind that Behold how in this Dispensation the God and His Manifestation can, under no worthless and foolish have fondly imagined circumstances, be dissociated from the that by such instruments as massacre, plun- loftiness and sublimity which They inher- der and banishment they can extinguish the ently possess. Nay, loftiness and sublimity Lamp which the Hand of Divine power hath are themselves the creations of His Word, if lit, or eclipse the Day Star of everlasting ye choose to see with My sight not with splendor. How utterly unaware they seem yours. (P. 70) to be of the truth that such adversity is the oil that feedeth the flame of this Lamp! Such . . . God's purpose in sending His is God's transforming power. He changeth Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to whatsoever He willeth; He verily hath liberate the children of men from the dark- power over all things. . . . ness of ignorance, and guide them to the Consider at all times the sovereignty ex- light of true understanding. The second is ercised by the Ideal King, and behold the to ensure the peace and tranquillity of man- evidences of His power and paramount in- kind, and provide all the means by which fluence. Sanctify your ears from the idle they can be established. talk of them that are the symbols of denial The Prophets of God should be regarded and the exponents of violence and anger. as physicians whose task is to foster the The hour is approaching when ye will wit- well-being of the world and its peoples, that, ness the power of the one true God triumph- through the spirit of oneness, they may heal 82 T H E BAHA'I WORLD the sickness of a divided humanity. T o none same substance, and hath exalted their is given the right to question their words or reality above the rest of His creatures. Suc- disparage their conduct, for they are the cess or failure, gain or loss, must, therefore, only ones who can claim to have understood depend upon man's own exertions. The the patient and to have correctly diagnosed more he striveth, the greater will be his its ailments. No man, however acute his progress. We fain would hope that the ver- perception, can ever hope to reach the nal showers of the bounty of God may cause heights which the wisdom and understand- the flowers of true understanding to spring ing of the Divine Physician have attained. from the soil of men's hearts, and may wash Little wonder, then, if the treatment pre- them from all earthly defilements. (p. 77) scribed by the physician in this day should not be found to be identical with that which he prescribed before. How could it be other- wise when the ills affecting the sufferer ne- The fundamental purpose animating the cessitate at every stage of his sickness a Faith of God and His Religion is to safe- special remedy? In like manner, every time guard the interests and promote the unity of the Prophets of God have illumined the the human race, and to foster the spirit of world with the resplendent radiance of the love and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it Day Star of Divine knowledge, they have not to become a source of dissension and invariably summoned its peoples to embrace discord, of hate and enmity. This is the the light of God through such means as best straight Path, the fixed and immovable foun- befitted the exigencies of the age in which dation. Whatsoever is raised on this founda- they appeared. They were thus able to scat- tion, the changes and chances of the world ter the darkness of ignorance, and to shed can never impair its strength, nor will the upon the world the glory of their own revolution of countless centuries undermine knowledge. It is towards the inmost essence its structure. Our hope is that the world's of these Prophets, therefore, that the eye of religious leaders and the rulers thereof will every man of discernment must be directed, unitedly arise for the reformation of this age inasmuch as their one and only purpose and the rehabilitation of its fortunes. Let hath always been to guide the erring, and them, after meditating on its needs, take give peace to the afflicted. These are not counsel together and, through anxious and days of prosperity and triumph. The whole full deliberation, administer to a diseased of mankind is in the grip of manifold ills. and sorely-afflicted world the remedy it re- Strive, therefore, to save its life through the quires. . . . It is incumbent upon them wholesome medicine which the almighty who are in authority to exercise moderation hand of the unerring Physician hath pre- in all things. Whatsoever passeth beyond the pared. limits of moderation will cease to exert a And now concerning thy question regard- beneficial influence. Consider for instance ing the nature of religion. Know thou that such things as liberty, civilization and the they who are truly wise have likened the like. However much men of understanding world unto the human temple. As the body may favorably regard them, they will, if of man needeth a to clothe it, so carried to excess, exercise a pernicious in- the body of mankind must needs be adorned fluence upon men. . . . Please God, the with the mantle of justice and wisdom. Its peoples of the world may be led, as the robe is the Revelation vouchsafed unto it by result of the high endeavors exerted by their God. Whenever this robe hath fulfilled its rulers and the wise and learned amongst purpose, the Almighty will assuredly renew men, to recognize their best interests. How it. For every age requireth a fresh measure long will humanity persist in its wayward- of the light of God. Every Divine Revela- ness? How long will injustice continue? How tion hath been sent down in a manner that long is chaos and confusion to reign amongst befitted the circumstances of the age in men? How long will discord agitate the face which it hath appeared. of society? The winds of despair are, alas, As to thy question regarding the sayings blowing from every direction, and the strife of the leaders of past religions. Every wise that divideth and afflicteth the human race is and praiseworthy man will no doubt eschew daily increasing. The signs of impending such vain and profitless talk. The incompa- convulsions and chaos can now be dis- rable Creator hath created all men from one cerned, inasmuch as the prevailing order ap- BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 83 peareth to be lamentably defective. I be- except this wish. There can be no doubt seech God, exalted be His glory, that He whatever that the peoples of the world, of may graciously awaken the peoples of the whatever race or religion, derive their in- earth, may grant that the end of their con- spiration from one heavenly Source, and are duct may be profitable unto them, and aid the subjects of one God. The difference be- them to accomplish that which beseemeth tween the ordinances under which they abide their station. ( p . 215) should be attributed to the varying require- ments and exigencies of the age in which 0 contending peoples and kindreds of the they were revealed. All of them, except a earth! Set your faces towards unity, and let few which are the outcome of human per- the radiance of its light shine upon you. versity, were ordained of God, and are a Gather ye together, and for the sake of God reflection of His Will and Purpose. Arise resolve to root out whatever is the source of and, armed with the power of faith, shatter contention amongst you. Then will the ef- to, pieces the gods of your vain imaginings, fulgence of the world's great Luminary en- the sowers of dissension amongst you. velop the whole earth, and its inhabitants Cleave unto that which draweth you to- become the citizens of one city, and the oc- gether and uniteth you. This, verily, is the cupants of one and the same throne. This most exalted Word which the Mother Book wronged One hath, ever since the early days hath sent down and revealed unto you. To of His life, cherished none other desire but this beareth witness the Tongue of Grandeur this, and will continue to entertain no wish from His habitation of glory. (p. 217) The completed lantern on the dome of the Shrine of the B&b. 2. WORDS O F THE BAB ASHTON Compiled by BEATRICE SHOGHI EFFENDI, the Guardian of the Himself affirms, while confined in Mih-Kil, BahL'i Faith, has mentioned in God Passes that up to that time His writings, embracing By, his history of the first hundred years of highly diversified subjects, had amounted to the Faith, certain Writings of the Bib, in more than five hundred thousand verses. particular, which came to be well known 'The verses which have rained from this and had a profound effect on the scholars Cloud of Divine mercy,' is BahL'u'llBh's and officials of Persia, not only during the testimony in the Kita'b-i-lqa'n, 'have been so six years of the Bib's ministry ( 1844-1850) abundant that none hath yet been able to but in succeeding years as well. estimate their number. A score of volumes In order that "the people of the West" are now available. How many still remain may become better acquainted with some of beyond our reach! How many have been these Writings of the Bib, excerpts f r o m , plundered and have fallen into the lzands of them are presented here, chronologically, as the enemy, the fate of which none knoweth!' they have been identified and made available No less arresting is the variety of themes in translations by Shoghi Effendi, together presented by these voluminous writings, with historical information concerning them such as prayers, homilies, orations, Tablets given by the Guardian in his books and by of visitation, scientific treatises, doctrinal Nabil in his narrative, The Dawn-Breakers. dissertations, exhortations, commentaries on Concerning the Writings of the BBb the Qur'in and on various traditions, epistles Shoghi Effendi states: to the highest religious and ecclesiastical dig- "Alike in the magnitude of the writings nitaries of the realm, and laws and ordi- emanating from His pen, and in the diver- nances for the consolidation of His Faith sity of the subjects treated in those writings, and the direction of its activities."' His Revelation stands wholly unparalleled in the annals of any previous religion. He 1 God Passes By, pp. 22-23. THE QAYYOMU'L-ASMA' The Qayyhmu'l-Asma" (Commentary on warnings addressed to the 'concourse of the Qur'in S6rih of Joseph) was revealed kings and of the sons o f kings;' forecasts the in Arabic, in Zhiriz. The first chapter was doom of Muhammad S_hih; commands his revealed "in its entirety" in the presence of Grand Vizir, Hiji Mirzi Aqisi, to abdicate Mull5 Husayn on "that memorable night" his authority; admonishes the entire Muslim when the Bib declared His Mission, May 23, ecclesiastical order; cautions more specifi- 1844. It was characterized by BahL'u'llih in cally the members of the S_hhi'ah community; His Kitdb-i-fqa'n as "the first, the greatest extols the virtues, and anticipates the com- and mightiest o f all books" in the BBbi ing, of Bahi'u'llBh, the 'Remnant of God,' Dispen~ation.~ the 'Most Great Master;' and proclaims, in Its "fundamental purpose was to forecast unequivocal language, the independence and what the true Joseph (Bahi'u'lliih) would, universality of the Bibi Revelation, unveils in a succeeding Dispensation, endure at the its import, and affirms the inevitable tri- hands of one who was at once His arch- umph of its Author. It, moreover, directs enemy and blood brother. This work, com- the 'people of the West' to 'issue forth from prising above nine thousand three hundred your cities and aid the Cause o f God;' warns verses, and divided into one hundred and the peoples of the earth of the 'terrible, the eleven chapters, each chapter a commentary most grievous vengeance o f God;' threatens on one verse of the above-mentioned silrih, the whole Islamic world with 'the Most opens with the Bib's clarion-call and dire Great Fire' were they to turn aside from the newly-revealed Law; foreshadows the Au- 2 Ibid., p. 23. thor's martyrdom; eulogizes the high station T H E BAHA'I WORLD ordained for the people of Bahi, the 'Com- of glory and through the power of truth, panions o f the crimson-colored ruby Ark;' are the "Remembrance of God" and His prophesies the fading out and utter oblitera- Day before the eyes of the angels that cir- tion of some of the greatest luminaries in cle His mercy-seat.' 'Should it be Our wish,' the firmament of the Bibi Dispensation; and He again affirms, 'it is in Our power t o com- even predicts 'afflictivetorment,' in both the pel, through the agency o f but one letter o f 'Day o f Our Return' and in 'the world which Our Revelation, the world and all that is is to come,' for the usurpers of the Imamate, therein to recognize, in less than the twin- who 'waged war against Husayn (Imim kling o f an eye, the truth of Our C a ~ s e . ' " ~ Husayn) in the Land of the Euphrates.' In this commentary on the Sfirih of "It was this Book which the Bibis univer- Joseph "we read the following references to sally regarded, during almost the entire min- BahL'u'llih: 'Out of utter nothingness, 0 istry of the Bib, as the Qur'in of the people great and omnipotent Master, Thou hast, of the Baygn; whose first and most chal- through the celestial potency o f Thy might, lenging chapter was revealed in the presence brought me forth and raised m e up to pro- of Mull& Husayn, on the night of its Au- claim this Revelation. I have made none thor's Declaration; some of whose pages other but Thee my trust; I have clung to no were borne, by that same disciple, to Bah2- will but Thy will . . . 0 Thou Remnant of u'llih, as the first fruits of a Revelation God! I have sacrificed myself wholly for which instantly won His enthusiastic al- Thee; I have accepted curses for Thy sake, legiance; whose entire text was translated and have yearned for naught but martyrdom into Persian by the brilliant and gifted in the path of Thy love. Suficient witness Tihirih; whose passages inflamed the hostil- unto me is God, the Exalted, the Protector, ity of Husayn m i n [the governor of the the Ancient of Days.' 'And when the ap- province of Firs] and precipitated the initial pointed hour hath struck,' He again ad- outbreak of persecution in S_hiriz; a single dresses BahL'u'llih in that same commen- page of which had captured the imagination tary, 'do Thou, by the leave o f God, the All- and entranced the soul of Hujjat; and whose Wise, reveal from the heights of the Most contents had set afire the intrepid defenders Lofty and Mystic Mount a faint, an infini- of the Fort of S_hayk_h Tabarsi and the tesimal glimmer of Thy impenetrable Mys- heroes of Nayriz and Z a n j h W 3In this book, tery, that they who have recognized the radi- moreover, the Bib refers to His wife and to ance o f the Sinaic Splendor may faint away His little son.4 and die as they catch a lightening glimpse o f " 'I am the Mystic Fane,' the Bib thus the fierce and crimon Light that envelops proclaims His station in the Qayylimu'l- Thy Revelation.' "6 Asma", 'which the Hand of Omnipotence " ' A s to those who deny Him W h o is the hath reared. I am the Lamp which the Fin- Sublime Gate of God,' the Bib, for His part, ger o f God hath lit within its niche and has affirmed in the Qayylimu'l-Asma", 'for caused to shine with deathless splendor. I them W e have prepared, as justly decreed by a m the Flame of that supernal Light that God, a sore torment. And He, God, is the glowed upon Sinai in the gladsome Spot, Mighty, the Wise.' And further, '0 peoples and lay concealed in the midst o f the Burn- of the earth! I swear by your Lord! Y e shall ing Bush.' act as former generatiins have acted. Warn " '0 Qurratu'l-'Ayn!' He, addressing Him- ye, then, yourselves of the terrible, the most self in that same commentary, exclaims, 'I grievous vengeance of God. For God is, recognize in Thee none other except the verily, potent over all things.' And again: "Great Announcementw-the Announce- 'By M y glory! I will make the infidels to ment voiced by the Concourse on high. By taste, with the hands of My power, retribu- this name, I bear witness, they that circle the tions unknown of any one except Me, and Throne of Glory have ever known Thee.' will waft over the ,faithful . those musk- " 'With each and every Prophet, W h o m scented breaths which I have nursed in the W e have sent down in the past,' He further midmost heart of M y throne.' "' adds, 'We have established a separate Cove- nant concerning the "Remembrance of 5 World Order of BahdJu'Ndh, b y Shoghi Effendi, p. God" and His Day. Manifest, in the realm 126. 6 Ibid., p. 101. 3 Ibid., pp. 23-24. 7 The Promised Day Is Conze, b y Shoghi Effendi, 4 Dawn-Breakers, p. 76, notes 3 and 4; p. 81, note 2. p. 2. BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 87 The B5b was imprisoned while in Tabriz 1848 in this now crumbling prison room of the old brick Ark. The B5b's remains lie in state in His Holy Sepulcher on Mt. Carmel, 1953. 88 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D In this same commentary the Bib "has hast been mercifully invested with sover- issued this stirring call to the kings and eignty, and will, in the next, dwell, nigh princes of the earth: unto the Seat of Holiness, with the inmates " '0 concourse o f kings and of the sons of the Paradise of His good-pleasure. Let of kings! Lay aside, one and all, your do- not thy sovereignty deceive thee, 0 S_hdh, minion which belongeth unto God . . . for 'every soul shall taste of death,' and Vain indeed is your dominion, for God hath this, in very truth, hath been written down set aside earthly possessions for such as have as a decree of denied Him . . . 0 concourse of kings! To the s_hi'ih clericals "who, as BahL'- Deliver with truth and in all haste the verses u'llih declared, had they not intervened, sent down by Us to the peoples of Turkey Persia would have been subdued by the and of India, and beyond them, with power power of God in hardly more than two and with truth, to lands in both the East and years" the Bib addressed the following the West . . . By God! If ye do well, to words: "0 concourse of divines! Fear God your own behoof will ye do well; and if ye from this day onwards in the views ye ad- deny God and His signs, W e , in very truth, vance, for He W h o is Our Remembrance having God, can well dispense with all crea- in your midst, and W h o cometh from Us, tures and all earthly dominion.' is, in very truth, the Judge and Witness. "And again: 'Fear ye God, 0 concourse Turn away from that which ye lay hold o f , of kings, lest ye remain afar from Him W h o and which the Book of God, the True One, is His Remembrance (the Bgb), after the hath not sanctioned, for on the Day o f Res- Truth hath come unto you with a Book and urrection ye shall, upon the Bridge, be, in signs from God, as spoken through the won- very truth, held answerable for the position drous tongue of Him W h o is His Remem- ye occupied."1° brance. Seek ye grace from God, for God "0 concourse o f &i3ihs! Fear ye God, hath ordained for you, after ye have be- and Our Cause, which concerneth Him W h o lieved in Him, a Garden the vastness o f is the Most Great Remembrance of God. which is as the vastness of the whole o f For great is its fire, as decreed in the Paradise.' "' Mother-Book." "0 people of the Qur'dn! Addressing Muhammad S_hhh: "0 King Y e are as nothing unless ye submit unto the of Is!dm! Aid thou, with the truth, after Remembrance of God and unto this Book. having aided the Book, Him W h o is Our If ye follow the Cause o f God, W e will for- Most Great Remembrance, for God hath, in give you your sins, and if ye turn aside from very truth, destined for thee, and for such Our command, W e will, in truth, condemn as circle round thee, on the Day o f Judg- your souls in Our Book, unto the Most ment, a responsible position in His Path. I Great Fire. We, verily, do not deal unjustly swear by God, 0 Xhdh! If thou showest with men, even to the extent of a speck on enmity unto Him W h o is His Remembrance, a date-stone."1° God will, on the Day of Resurrection, con- "And finally, in that same Commentary, demn thee, before the kings, unto hell-fire, this startling prophecy is recorded: 'Ere- and thou shalt not, in very truth, find on long W e will, in very truth, torment such that Day any helper except God, the EX- as waged war against Husayn (Imim alted. Purge thou, 0 Khdh, the Sacred Land Husayn), in the Land of the Euphrates, (Tihrin) from such as have repudiated the with the most aflictive torment, and the Book, ere the day whereon the Remem- most dire and exemplary punishment.' 'Ere- brance o f God cometh, terribly and of a long,' He also, referring to that same people, sudden, with His potent Cause, by the leave in that same Book, has written, 'will God o f God, the Most High. God, verily, hath wreak His vengeance upon them, at the time prescribed to thee to submit unto Him W h o of Our Return, and He hath, in very truth, is His Remembrance, and unto His Cause, prepared for them, in the world t o come, a and to subdue, with the truth and by His severe torment.' "11 leave, the countries, for in this world thou 9 Ibid., p. 43. 10 Ibid., p. 88. 8 Ibid., p. 27. 11 Ibid., p. 89. BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 89 The "Epistle between the Two Shrines" Kirmini, one of the most outstanding ex- was "revealed between Mecca and Medina, ponents of the S_hayk_hischool, who at times in answer to questions posed by Mirzi went so far as to assert his independence of Muhit-i-KirmLni," a S_hayk_hi leader, who the leadership of that school assumed after had presented many questions to the Bib the death of Siyyid Kizim by Hiji Muham- while in Mecca. This Epistle was revealed mad Karim KhLn, a redoubtable enemy of in January, 1845.12 the Bibi Faith. The second was the invita- Shoghi Effendi states that the visit of the tion, in the form of an Epistle, conveyed by Bib to Hijiz "was marked by two episodes Quddfis, to the Sherif of Mecca, in which of particular importance. The first was the the custodian of the House of God was declaration of His mission and His open called upon to embrace the truth of the new challenge to the haughty Mirzs Muhit-i- Revelation."13 1 2 God Passes By, p. 24; Dawn-Breakers, pp. 136- 137, 140. 13 God Passes By, p. 9. EPISTLE T O THE SHERIF OF MECCA "No sooner had the Bib performed the which had been addressed to him by the last of the observances in connection with Bsb, failed to respond to the call of the Di- His pilgrimage to Mecca than He addressed vine Message."14 "Seven years later, when an epistle to the Sherif of that holy city, in the course of a conversation with a cer- wherein He set forth, in clear and unmistak- tain Hiji Niyiz-i-Baghdidi, this same Sherif able terms, the distinguishing features of was informed of th~circumstancesattend- His mission, and called upon him to arise ing the mission and martyrdom of the and embrace His Cause. This epistle, to- Prophet of S_hhir&z,he listened attentively to gether with selections from His other writ- the description of those events and ex- ings, He delivered to Quddfis, and instructed pressed his indignation at the tragic fate that him to present them to the Sherif. The lat- had overtaken Him."15 ter, however, too absorbed in his own ma- 14-Dawn-Breakers, p. 138. terial pursuits to incline his ear to the words 15 God Passes By, p. 9. This work of the BLb, "comprising seven period before His banishment to the fortress hundred s6rihs,"16 was also revealed in the prison of MLh-Kfi. 16 God Passes By, p. 24. The K-hhasd'il-i-Sab'ih (meaning literally necessity of putting into effect immediately "The Seven Qualifications") "enjoined the all its provisions." Mull&Sidiq, "among the alteration of the formula of the adhfin'' (the first believers who identified themselves with Muslim call to prayer). This was a treatise the Message proclaimed by the Bgb," "im- in which the BLb had "set forth the essen- pelled by the injunction of the Bgb in the tial requirements for those who had attained Khasri'il-i-Sab'ihto alter the sacrosanct for- to the knowledge of the new Revelation and mula of the adhin, sounded it in its had recognized its claim." A copy was en- amended form before a scandalized congre- trusted by the Bgb to Quddfis when he de- gation in S_hirAz, and was instantly arrested, parted from BG&ihr to S_hiriz. Quddfis, reviled, stripped of his garments, and soon after arriving in &iriz, gave it to scourged with a thousand lashes."17 MullL SBdiq-i-KhurgsLni, and "stressed the 1 7 Ibid., pp. 24, 10-11; Dawn-Breakers, pp. 143-144. 90 T H E BAHA'I WORLD RISALIY-I-F UR0'-I-'ADLfY YIH Written originally in Arabic, this work of the Bkb was staying at the residence of the the Bkb was "rendered into Persian by Imkm-Jum'ih in I$fkh8n.18 Mu116 Muhammad-Taqiy-i-Harkti" while 18 GO^ Passes BY, p. 24; Dawn-~reakers,p. 208. COMMENTARY ON THE SORIH OF KAWTJHAR The Commentary on the Stirih of Kaw- the Shkh that he, contenting himself with a a a r (Qur'kn, 108) was revealed by the Bkb mere written report to the Court Chamber- during the third interview held with Him by lain, arose forthwith to dedicate his entire Siyyid Yahyky-i-DkrLbi, surnamed Vahid, life and resources to the service of a Faith sent by Muhammad Shkh "to investigate and that was to requite him with the crown of report to him the true situation" concerning martyrdom during the Nayriz upheaval." the Bkb's claims. Vahid was "one of the The one in whose soul this commentary of most erudite, eloquent and influential" of the Bkb's "effected such a transformation" the subjects of the S_hLh. "Broad-minded, was designated by Bahb'u'llkh in His Kita'b- highly imaginative, zealous by nature, inti- i-Iya'n "that unique asnd peerless figure of mately associated with the court, he, in the his age." He was "a man of immense erudi- course of three interviews, was completely tion and the most pre-eminent figure to en- won over by the arguments and personality list under the banner of the new Faith." To of the Bkb. . . . During the third interview his "talents and saintliness" and "high attain- the circumstances attending the revelation ments in the realm of science and philoso- of the BAb's commentary on the stirih of phy" the Bib testified in His Dald'il-i-Sab'ih Kawaar, comprising no less than two thou- ("Seven Proofs") .I9 sand verses, so overpowered the delegate of 19 God Passes By, pp. 11-12, 24, 50. COMMENTARY ON THE SORIH OF VA'L-'ASR The Commentary on the SGrih of Va'l- quest of the Imkm-Jum'ih. The Bkb, "writ- 'Asr (Qur'kn, 103) was revealed by the Bkb ing with astonishing rapidity . . . in a few during the first forty days of His sojourn in hours, had devoted to the exposition of the I~fkhknwhen he was "the guest of MirzL signiiicance of only the first letter of that Siyyid Muhammad, the Sultanu'l-UlamL, s6rih-a letter which SJhay& Alpnad-i- the Imkm-Jum'ih, one of the principal ec- AbsPi had stressed, and which Bahb'u'llkh clesiastical dignitaries of the realm, in ac- refers to in the Kita'b-i-Aqdas-verses that cordance with the instructions of the gov- equalled in number a third of the Qur'kn, a ernor of the city, Manliaihr U k n , the feat that called forth such an outburst of Mu'tarnidu'd-Dawlih, who had received reverent astonishment from those who wit- from the Bkb a letter requesting him to ap- nessed it that they arose and kissed the hem point the place where He should dwell." of His robe."20 This well-known commentary was re- vealed "one night, after supper" at the re- zQIbid., pp. 14, 24; Dawn-Breakers, p. 201. DISSERTATION ON THE SPECIFIC MISSION OF MUHAMMAD Written at the request of Manti&ihr and demonstrate the truth of Muhammad's G L n , the governor of I~fLhin,"a Georgian specific mission. To this request, which by origin and a Christian by birth," the Dis- those present had felt compelled to decline, sertation on the Specific Mission of Muham- the Bkb readily responded. In less than two mad was revealed also in the house of the hours, and in the space of fifty pages, He ImLm-Jum'ih. "Before a brilliant assembly had not only revealed a minute, a vigorous of the most accomplished divines" the and original dissertation on this noble Mu'tamid "requested the Bkb to expound theme, but had also linked it with both the BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 91 coming of the Qi'im and the return of the dressed to the divines of every city in Persia, I m h Husayn-an exposition that prompted as well as to those residing in Najaf and Manh&ihr KhBn to declare before that KarbilB, wherein He set forth in detail the gathering his faith in the Prophet of IslBm, errors committed by each one of them. It as well as his recognition of the supernatural was during His incarceration in the fortress gifts with which the Author of so convincing of Mih-Ku that He, according to the testi- a treatise was endowed."'l mony of ShaykJh Hasan-i-Zuniizi, who tran- scribed during those nine months the verses As Shoghi Effendi points out, "The great dictated by the Bib to His amanuensis, re- bulk of the writings emanating from the vealed no less than nine commentaries on Bib's prolific mind was, however, reserved the whole of the Qur'Bn-commentaries for the period of His confinement in whose fate, alas, is unknown, and one of Ma-KG and Ghihriq. To this period must which, at least the Author Himself has af- probably belong the unnumbered Epistles firmed, surpassed in some respects a book which, as attested by no less an authority as deservedly famous as the Qayyhmu'l- than Bahi'u'llih, the Bib specifically ad- A~mi'."~~ 2 1 God Passes By, pp. 14-15; Dawn-Breakers, pp. 202-204. 22 God Passes By, p. 24. THE PERSl 'AN BAYAN "Within the walls of that same fortress interpreted in a masterly fashion the mean- [MBh-Ku] the Bayin (exposition)-that ing of certain terms frequently occurring in monumental repository of the laws and pre- the sacred Books of previous Dispensations, cepts of the new Dispensation and the treas- such as Paradise, Hell, Death, Resurrection, ury enshrining most of the Bib's references the Return, the Balance, the Hour, the Last and tributes to, as well as His warning re- Judgment, and the like. Designedly severe in garding, 'Him Whom God will make mani- the ruIes and regulations it imposed, revolu- fest'wwas revealed. tionizing in the principles it instilled, calcu- "Peerless among the doctrinal works of Iated to awaken from their age-long torpor the Founder of the Bibi Dispensation; con- the cIergy and the people, and to administer sisting of nine Vihids (Unities) of nineteen a sudden and fatal blow to obsolete and cor- chapters each, except the last Vihid, com- rupt institutions, it proclaimed, through its prising only ten chapters; not to be con- drastic provisions, the advent of the antici- founded with the smaller and less weighty pated Day, the Day when 'the Summoner Arabic Bayh, revealed during the same shall summon to a stern business,' when period; fulfilling the Muhammadan proph- He will 'demolish whatever hath been be- ecy that 'a Youth from Bani-His_him . . . fore Him, even as the Apostle of God de- will reveal a new Book and promulgate a molished the ways of those that preceded new Law;' wholly safeguarded from the Him.' interpolation and corruption which has been ". . . Unlike the Prophets gone before the fate of so many of the Bib's lesser Him, Whose Covenants were shrouded in works, this Book, of about eight thousand mystery, unlike Bahi'u'llBh, Whose clearly verses, occupying a pivotal position in Bibi defined Covenant was incorporated in a literature, should be regarded primarily as specially written Testament, and designated a eulogy of the Promised One rather than by Him as 'the Book of My Covenant,' the a code of laws and ordinances designed to Bib chose to intersperse His Book of Laws, be a permanent guide to future generations. the Persian Bayin, with unnumbered pas- This Book at once abrogated the laws and sages, some designedly obscure, mostly in- ceremonials enjoined by the Qur'in regard- dubitably clear and conclusive, in which He ing prayer, fasting, marriage, divorce and fixes the date of the promised Revelation, inheritance, and upheld, in its integrity, the extols its virtues, asserts its pre-eminent belief in the prophetic mission of Muham- character, assigns to it unlimited powers and mad, even as the Prophet of Islim before prerogatives, and tears down every barrier Him had annulled the ordinances of the that might be an obstacle to its recognition. Gospel and yet recognized the Divine origin 'He, verily,' BahB'u'llih, referring to the of the Faith of Jesus Christ. It moreover BAb in His Kitcib-i-Bad', has stated, 'hath 92 T H E BAHA'I WORLD not fallen short of His duty to exhort the all preceding Dispensations hath been to people o f the Baydn and to deliver unto pave the way for the advent o f Muhammad, them His Message. In no age or dispensa- the Apostle of God. These, including the tion hath any Manifestation made mention, Muhammadan Dispensation, have had, in in such detail and in such explicit language, their turn, as their objective the Revelation of the Manifestation destined to succeed proclaimed by the QBim. The purpose un- Him.' "23 derlying this Revelation, as well as those ". . . in the third Vghid of this Book that preceded it, has, in like manner, been there occurs a passage which, alike in its to announce the advent of the Faith of Him explicit reference to the name of the Prom- W h o m Gad will make manifest. And this ised One, and in its anticipation of the Order Faith-the Faith o f Him Whom God will which, in a later age, was to be identified make manifest-in its turn, together with with His Revelation, deserves to rank as one all the Revelations gone before it, have as of the most significant statements recorded their object the Manifestation destined to in any of the Bib's writings. 'Well is it with succeed it. And the latter, no less than all him,' is His prophetic announcement, 'who the Revelations preceding it, prepare the fixeth his gaze upon the Order o f BahBu'lldh, way for the Revelation which is yet to fol- and rendereth thanks unto his Lord. For He low. The process of the rise and setting of will assuredly be made manifest. God hath the Sun o f Truth will thus indefinitely con- indeed irrevocably ordained it in the tinue-~ process that hath had no beginning Baydn.' "24 and will have no end."'? "The germ that holds within itself the "'The Baydn,' the BAb in that book, re- potentialities of the Revelation that is to ferring to the Promised One, affirms, 'is, come is endowed with a potency superior to from beginning to end, the repository of all the combined forces of all those who follow o f His attributes, and the treasury of both me." "Of all the tributes I have paid to Him His fire and His light.' ' I f thou attainest unto W h o is to come after Me, the greatest is this, His Revelation,' He, in another connection My written confession, that no words o f declares, 'and obeyest Him, thou wilt have Mine can adequately describe Him, nor can revealed the fruit o f the Bayhn; if not, thou any reference to Him in M y Book, the art unworthy o f mention before God.' Baya'n, do justice to His Cause."25 "The " '0 people of the Baydn!' He, in that Baydn and whosoever is therein revolve same Book, thus warns the entire company round the saying of 'Him W h o m God shall of His followers, 'act not as the people of make manifest,' even as the Alif (the Gos- the Qur'a'n have acted, for if ye do so, the pel) and whosoever was therein revolved fruits of your night will come to nazight.' round the saying o f Muhammad, the Apos- 'Suffer not the Baya'n,' is His emphatic in- tle of God." " A thousand perusals of the junction, 'and all that hath been revealed Baydn cannot equal the perusal of a single therein to withhold you from that Essence verse to be revealed by 'Him W h o m God o f Being and Lord of the visible and in- shall make manifest.'. . . Today the Baydn visible.' "28 is in the stage o f seed; at the beginning of the "And finally is this, His moving invoca- manifestation of 'Him W h o m God shall tion to God: 'Bear Thou witness that, make manifest' its ultimate perfection will through this Book, I have covenanted with become apparent . . . The Baya'n and such all created things concerning the mission as are believers therein yearn more ardently o f Him W h o m Thou shalt make manifest, after Him than the yearning of any lover ere the covenant concerning M y own mis- after his beloved . . . The Baydn deriveth sion had been established. Suficient witness all its glory from 'Him W h o m God shall art Thou and they that have believed in Thy make manifest.' All blessing be upon him signs.' "29 who believeth in Him and woe betide him " 'How veiled are ye, 0 My creatures,' that rejecteth His He, speaking with the voice of God, has re- "It is clear and evident that the object of vealed in the BayAn, '. . . who, without any right, have consigned Him unto a moun- 23 Ibid., pp. 24-25, 28. tain (Mikii), not one of whose inhabitants 24 Ibid., p. 25. 25 World Order of Bahri'u'lla'h, by Shoghi Effendi, p. 27 Zbid., p. 117. ~nn 28 God Passes By, p. 29. 26 Ibid., pp. 100-101. 29 Ibid., p. 30. BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 93 is worthy o f mention. . . . With Him, numbered lamps are shining! All that is on which is with Me, there is n o one except him earth hath been created for Him, and all who is one o f the Letters o f the Living o f partake with delight o f His benefits, and yet M y Book. In His presence, which is M y they are so veiled from Him as t o refuse Presence, there is not at night even a lighted H i m even a lamp!"'30 lamp! And yet, in places (of worship) which - in varying degrees reach out unto Him, un- 30 The Promised Day I S Come, p. 7 . THE ARABIC BAYAN The "smaller and less weighty Arabic confinement in Mih-KG.31 Bayin" was also revealed during the Bib's -passes BY, p. 2s. TABLETS TO MUHAMMAD SHAH The first Tablet of the Bib to Muhammad been generated all created things. I am the Shih was written following the Commentary Countenance o f God Whose splendor can on the Shrih of Joseph, and the second never be obscured, the Light o f God Whose Tablet some two years later, after the Bib's radiance can never fade . . . All the keys Dissertation on the Specific Mission of o f heaven God Izath chosen to place on M y Muhammad, revealed in IsfLhin. In the sec- right hand, and all the keys o f hell on M y ond Tablet to Muhammad Shih the Bib left . . . I arn one of the sustaining pillars wrote "craving an audience in which to set o f the Primal Word o f God. Whosoever hath forth the truths of the new Revelation, and recognized Me, Izath known all that is true dissipate his and right, and hath attained all that is good "The Bib was still in Mih-KG when He and seemly . . . The substance wherewith wrote the most detailed and illuminating of God hath created M e is not the clay out o f His Tablets to Muhammad SJhih. Prefaced which others have been formed. He hath by a laudatory reference to the unity of conferred upon M e that which the worldly- God, to His Apostles and to the twelve wise can never comprehend, nor the faith- Imims; unequivocal in its assertion of the ful discover . . . divinity of its Author and of the supernatu- "By M y life! But for the obligation to ral powers with which His Revelation had acknowledge the Cause o f Him W h o is the been invested; precise in the verses and Testimony o f God . . . I would not have traditions it cites in confirmation of so announced this unto thee . . . In that same audacious a claim; severe in its condemna- year (year 6 0 ) I despatched a messenger tion of some of the officials and representa- and a book unto thee, that thou mightest act tives of the Khih's administration, particu- towards the Cause of Him W h o is the Testi- larly of the 'wicked and accursed' Husayn mony o f God as befitteth the station o f tlzy K_h&n; moving in its description of the sovereignty . . . humiliation and hardships to which its "I swear by the truth o f God! Were he writer had been subjected, this historic docu- who hatlz been willing to treat M e in such ment resembles, in many of its features, the a manner to know who it is whom he hath Lawh-i-Sulta'n, the Tablet addressed, under so treated, he, verily, would never in his life similar circumstances, from the prison for- be happy. Nay-I, verily, acquaint thee tress of 'Akk6 by BahL'u'llih to Nisiri'd- with the truth o f the matter-it is as if he Din SJhih, and constituting His lengthiest hath imprisoned all the Prophets, and all the epistle to any single sovereign."33 men o f truth, and all the chosen ones . . . The B i b was confined in the fortress of W o e betide him from whose hands jloweth Mih-Kc for nine months, about July, 1847, evil, and blessed the man from whose hands to April, 1848.34 From this mountain for- jloweth good . . . tress He thus addressed Muhammad &ih: "I swear by God! I seek no earthly goods "I am the Primal Point from which have from thee, be it as much as a mustard seed . . . I swear by the truth o f God! Wert thou 32 Zbid., p. 24. 33 Ibid., p. 26. to know that which I know, thou wouldst 34 Zbid., pp. 17-19. forego the sovereignty o f the world and o f C it;' % =! it;' F 4 I. LRIYD OF TUE BAUg/ COMMON1 T Y . +fAlFA fE G f N D I Sff4Ifl.F OF B d B 2 TERRACES J 4ESTlNG PLACE OF BI(WYY/fi ZffdNUM 4 R£.STlNG PLd CES OF TflE PU.?£ST B P A K H AND THE MOJffER of ABDUL BBAffd 5. i n r E R n d r / o n d ~~QCHIYESBU/LD/NG 6. PILGRIM HOUSES 7 ARC Bahh'i properties on Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel. 96 THE BAHA'I W O R L D the next, that thou mightest attain My good- swear by the Most Great Lord! Wert thou pleasure, through thine obedience unto the to be told in what place Z dwell, the first per- True One . . . Wert thou to refuse, the son t o have mercy on Me would be thyself. Lord of the world would raise up one who In the heart o f a mountain is a fortress will exalt His Cause, and the Command o f ( M i h - K ~ ). . . the inmates of which are God will, verily, be carried into e f J e ~ t . " ~ confined ~ to two guards and four dogs. Pic- "I swear by God! Shouldst thou know the ture, then, M y plight . . . In this mountain things which in the space of these four years I have remained alone, and have come to have befallen M e at the hands of thy people such a pass that none of those gone before and thine army, thou wouldst hold thy M e have suffered what I have suffered, nor breath from fear of God . . . Alas, alas, any transgressor endured what I have en- for the things which have touched Me! I d~red!"~' 35 The Promised Day Is Come, pp. 43-44. 36 Ibid., pp. 6-7. DALA'ZL-I-SAB'IH (SEVEN PROOFS)37 "The most important of the polemical This is what happened to the monarchs that works of the Bib," the Dald'il-i-Sab'ih was held fast unto the Gospel. They awaited the also revealed during the Bib's confinement conzing o f the Prophet of God (Muham- in Mih-KG. "Remarkably lucid, admirable mad), and when He did appear, they failed in its precision, original in conception, un- to recognize Him. Behold how great are answerable in its argument, this work, apart the sums which these sovereigns expend from the many and divers proofs of His without even the slightest thought of ap- mission which it adduces, is noteworthy for pointing an oficial charged with the task the blame it assigns to the 'seven powerful o f acquainting them in their own realms sovereigns ruling the world' in His day, as with the Manifestation o f God! They would well as for the manner in which it stresses thereby have fulfilled the purpose for which the responsibilities, and censures the conduct, they have been created. All their desires of the Christian divines of a former age have been and are still fixed upon leaving who, had they recognized the truth of behind them traces of their names.' Muhammad's mission, He contends, would "The Bib, moreover, in that same treatise, have been followed by the mass of their censuring the failure of the Christian di- co- religionist^."^^ vines to acknowledge the truth of Muham- " 'Gracious God!' writes the Bib with mad's mission, makes this illuminating state- reference to the 'seven powerful sovereigns ment: 'The blame falleth upon their doctors, ruling the world' in His day, 'None of them for if these had believed, they would have hath been informed of His (the Bib's) been followed by the mass of their country- Manifestation, and i f informed, none hath men. Behold, then, that which hath come to believed in Him. W h o knoweth they may pass! The learned men o f Christendom are leave this world below full of desire, and held to be learned by virtue of their safe- without having realized that the thing for guarding the teaching of Christ, and yet con- which they were waiting had come t o pass. sider how they themselves have been the 37 For the translation into the French, by A. L. M. cause of men's failure to accept the Faith Nicolas, of excerpts from this Tablet, see The Bahri'i and attain unto salvation!' " 3 g World, Vol. VIII, p. 205. 38 G o d Passes By, p. 26. 39 The Promised Day Is Come, p. 17. "During the Bib's confinement in the as an exposition of the science of divination, fortress of Chihriq, where He spent almost was later recognized to have unraveled, on the whole of the two remaining years of His the One hand, the mystery of the Mustaghi@, and to have abstrusely alluded, on the other, life, the Lawh-i-Huru'fa't (Tablet of the Let- to the nineteen years which must needs ters) was revealed, in honor of Day~6n-a elapse between the Declaration of the Bib Tablet which, however misconstrued at first and that of BahL'u'llih . . . BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 97 "To this period of incarceration in the BahB'u'llBh, in His Epistle to the Son o f fortresses of MBh-K6 and Ghihriq-a pe- the W o l f , cites a passage from the Tablet of riod of unsurpassed fecundity, yet bitter in the BBb to DayyBn, prefacing it with these its humiliations and ever-deepening sorrows words: -belong almost all the written references, "Dayya'n, who, according to the words o f whether in the form of warnings, appeals or H i m W h o is the Point . . . is the repository exhortations, which the BBb, in anticipation o f the trust o f the one true God . . . and of the approaching hour of His supreme the treasury of the pearls of His Ic~zowledge, affliction, felt it necessary to make to the was made by them to sufJer so cruel a Author of a Revelation that was soon to martyrdom that the Concourse on high wept supersede His and lamented. He it is whom He (the Bib) This Tablet was revealed for "a promi- had taught the hidden and preserved I c n o ~ ~ l - nent official of high literary ability . . . edge and entrusted him therewith, through later surnamed DayyBn by the BBb,"41 on His words: whom "He conferred the title of 'the third " '0 thou who art named Dayya'n! This Letter to believe in H i m W h o m God shall is a hidden and preserved Knowledge. W e make manifest.' "42 have entrusted it-unto thee, and brought it According to Nabil, "The mystery of the to thee, as a mark of honor from God, inas- MustaghLtk [literally, "He Who is invoked"] much as the eye of thine heart is pure. Thou had long baffled the most searching minds wilt appreciate its value, and wilt cherish its among the people of the BayLn and had excellence. God, verily, hath deigned to be- proved an insurmountable obstacle to their stow upon the Point of the Bnya'n a hidden recognition of the promised One. The Bib and preserved Knowledge, the like of which had Himself in that Tablet unraveled that God hatlz not sent down prior to this Reve- mystery; no one, however, was able to un- lation. More precious is it than any other derstand the explanation which He had lcnowledge in the estimation of God-glori- given. It was left to BahB'u'llLh to unveil it fied be He! He, verily, hath made it His to the eyes of all rnen."l3 testimony, even as He hath made the verses 40 G o d Passes By, p. 27. to be His testimony .' 'j4" 41 The Dawn-Breakers, p. 303. 4 2 God Passes By, p. 28. 43 The Dawn-Breakers, pp. 304-305. 44 O y . cit., p. 175. DENUNCIATORY TABLET T O HkJf M f R Z k k Q k S i "It was during these years-years dark- nation, this epistle was forwarded to the ened throughout by the rigors of the BBb's intrepid Hujjat who, as corroborated by captivity, by the severe indignities inflicted BahB'u'llBh, delivered it to that wicked min- upon Him, and by the news of the disasters ister"" [Grand Vizir of Muhammad S_hBh]. that overtook the heroes of MBzindarLn and This Tablet was given the name of the Nayriz-that He revealed, soon after His Lhutbiy-i-Qahriyyih (literally, "Sermon of return from Tabriz, His denunciatory Tablet W r a t h ) .4G to HLji MirzL AqLsi. Couched in bold and B y , p, 27, moving language, unsparing in its condem- p. 46 Tlze ~ a w l z - ~ ~ e a k e323. ~~, "In the Kita'b-i-Panj-Lha'n, one of His summate His own Revelation . . . 'Wait last works, He had alluded to the fact that thou,' is His statement to 'Azim, 'until nine the sixth Naw-R6z after the declaration will have elapsed from the time of the of His mission would be the last He was Baya'n. Then exclaim: "Blessed, therefore, destined to celebrate on earth."47 ". . . to be God, the most excellent of Makers!" "'48 'Azim He divulged, in the Kitib-i-Panj- S_haCn,the name, and announced the ap- 48 Ibid., pp. 27, 28. Mulli Shaykh 'Ali, surnamed proaching advent, of Him Who was to con- 'Azim (literally, "great") by the Bib, was one of the "outstanding figures among the ecclesiastical leaders 47 God Passes By, p. 51. of K_hurLsin" (Dawn-Breakers, p. 125). 3. WORDS O F 'ABDU'L-BAHA From SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS* festations, who will come, one following on the other. It has been prophesied that in the time of these two ~anifestationsthe earth will be transformed, the world of existence T H E state in which one should be seri- will be renewed, and beings will be clothed ously to search for the truth is the condition in new garments. Justice and charity will of the thirsty burning soul desiring the water encompass the world, enmity and hatred will of life, of the fish struggling to reach the disappear, all causes of division among peo- sea, of the sufferer seeking for the true doc- ples, races, and nations will vanish, and the tor to obtain the divine cure, of the lost cause of union, harmony, and concord will caravan endeavoring to find the right road, appear. The negligent will awake, the blind of the lost and wandering ship striving to will see, the deaf will hear, the dumb will reach the shore of salvation. speak, the sick will be cured, the dead will Also, the seeker must be endowed with arise. War will give place to peace, enmity certain qualities. First of all he must be will be conquered by love, the causes of just, and severed from all else save God; his dispute and wrangling will be entirely re- heart must be entirely turned to the supreme moved, and true felicity will be attained. horizon; he must be free from the bondage The world will become the mirror of the of vices and passions, for all these are ob- Heavenly Kingdom, humanity will be the stacles; furthermore, he must be able to en- Throne of Divinity. All nations will become dure all hardships; he must be absolutely one, all religions will be unified, all indi- pure and sanctified, and free from the love vidual men will become of one family and or the hatred of the inhabitants of the world. of one kindred. All the regions of the earth Why? because the fact of his love for any will become one, the superstitions caused person or thing might prevent him from by races, countries, individuals, languages, recognizing the truth in another, and in the and politics will disappear; and all men will same way, hatred for anything might be a attain to life eternal, under the shadow of hindrance in discerning truth. This is the the Lord of Hosts. condition of seeking; and the seeker must Now we must prove from the Holy Books have these qualities and attributes. Until he that these two Manifestations have come, reaches this condition, it is not possible for and we must divine the meaning of the him to attain to the Sun of Reality. words of the Prophets; for we wish for Let us now return to our subject. proofs drawn from the Holy Books. . . . All the peoples of the world are awaiting To conclude: in the Book of Daniel,' two Manifestations, who must be con- from the rebuilding of Jerusalem to the temporaneous; all wait for the fulfillment of martyrdom of Christ, seventy weeks are this promise. In the Bible the Jews have the appointed; for by the martyrdom of Christ promise of the Lord of Hosts and the Mes- the sacrifice is accomplished and the altar siah; in the Gospel the return of Christ and destroyed. This is a prophecy of the mani- Elijah is promised. festation of Christ. These seventy weeks In the religion of Muhammad there is the begin with the restoration and the rebuilding promise of the Mihdi and the Messiah, and of Jerusalem, concerning which four edicts it is the same with the Zoroastrian and the were issued by three kings. other religions, but if we relate these matters The first was issued by Cyrus in the year in detail it would take too long. The essen- 536 B.c.; this is recorded in the first chapter tial fact is that all are promised two Mani- of the Book of Ezra. The second edict, with * Chapters X, XI1 through XIV. Some Answered Questions was first published in 1908. 1 Daniel 9:24. View of one of the paths in the gardens surrounding the Resting Place of the Greatest Holy Leaf. Haifa, Israel. 100 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D reference to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, is Now that the manifestation of Christ has that of Darius of Persia in the year 519 n.c.; been proved by the prophecies of Daniel, let this is recorded in the sixth chapter of Ezra. us prove the manifestations of Bahi'u'llih The third is that of Artaxerxes in the seventh and of the Bhb. Up to the present we have year of his reign, that is in 457 B.c.; this is only mentioned logical proofs; now we shall recorded in the seventh chapter of Ezra. speak of traditional proofs. The fourth is that of Artaxerxes in the year In the eighth chapter of the Book of Dan- 444 B.c.; this is recorded in the second chap- iel, verse thirteen, it is said: "Then I heard ter of Nehemiah. one saint speaking, and another saint said But Daniel refers especially to the third unto that certain saint which spake, How edict which was issued in the year 457 B.C. long shall be the vision concerning the daily Seventy weeks make four hundred and sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, ninety days. Each day, according to the text to give both the sanctuary and the host to be of the Holy Book, is a year. For in the Bible trodden under foot?" Then he answered it is said: "The day of the Lord is one (v. 14): "Unto two thousand and three year."z Therefore four hundred and ninety hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be days are four hundred and ninety years. cleansed"; (v. 17) "But he said unto me The third edict of Artaxerxes was issued . . . at the time of the end shall be the four hundred and fifty-seven years before vision." That is to say, how long will this the birth of Christ, and Christ when he was misfortune, this ruin, this abasement and martyred and ascended was thirty-three degradation last? meaning, when will be years of age. When you add thirty-three to the dawn of the Manifestation? Then he four hundred and fifty-seven, the result is answered, "Two thousand and three hun- four hundred and ninety, which is the time dred days; then shall the sanctuary be announced by Daniel for the manifestation cleansed." Briefly, the purport of this pas- of Christ. sage is that he appoints two thousand three But in the twenty-fifth verse of the ninth hundred years, for in the text of the Bible chapter of the Book of Daniel this is ex- each day is a year. Then from the date of pressed in another manner, as seven weeks the issuing of the edict of Artaxerxes to re- and sixty-two weeks; and apparently this bclild Jerusalem until the day of the birth of differs from the first saying. Many have re- Christ there are 456 years, and from the mained perplexed at these differences, trying birth of Christ until the day of the mani- to reconcile these two statements. How can festation of the BAb there are 1844 years. seventy weeks be right in one place, and When you add 456 years to this number it sixty-two weeks and seven weeks in another? makes 2300 years. That is to say, the ful- These two sayings do not accord. fillment of the vision of Daniel took place But Daniel mentions two dates. One of in the year 1844 A.D., and this is the year of these dates begins with the command of the Bib's manifestation according to the Artaxerxes to Ezra to rebuild Jerusalem; actual text of the Book of Daniel. Consider this is the seventy weeks which came to an how clearly he determines the year of mani- end with the ascension of Christ, when by festation; there could be no clearer prophecy his martyrdom the sacrifice and oblation for a manifestation than this. ceased. In Matthew, chapter 24 verse 3, Christ The second period, which is found in the clearly says that what Daniel meant by this twenty-sixth verse, means that after the prophecy was the date of the manifestation, termination of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and this is the verse: "As he sat upon the until the ascension of Christ, there will be Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto sixty-two weeks; the seven weeks are the him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall duration of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, these things be? and what shall be the sign which took forty-nine years: when you add of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" these seven weeks to the sixty-two weeks, One of the explanations He gave them in it makes sixty-nine weeks, and in the last reply was this (v. 15) : "When ye therefore week (69-70) the ascension of Christ took shall see the abomination of desolation, place. These seventy weeks are thus com- spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in pleted, and there is no contradiction. the holy place (whoso readeth let him un- derstand) ." I n this answer He referred them Cf. Numbers 14:34. to the eighth chapter of the Book of Daniel, B A H A ' I S A C RE D W R I T I N G S 101 saying that every one who reads it will un- proclamation of the mission of Muhammad derstand that it is this time that is spoken of. caused his manifestation to be known.4 Consider how clearly the manifestation of the Bbb is spoken of in the Old Testament and in the Gospel. To conclude, let us now explain the date of the manifestation of BahL'u'llbh from the In Isaiah, chapter 11 verses 1 to 10, it is Bible. The date of BahL'u'llih is calculated said:-"And there shall come forth a rod according to lunar years from the mission out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall and the Hijirah of Muhammad; for in the grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the religion of Muhammad the lunar year is in Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wis- use, as also it is the lunar year which is em- dom and understanding, the spirit of counsel ployed concerning all commands of worship. and might, the spirit of knowledge and of In Daniel, chapter 12 verse 6, it is said: the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of "And one said to the man clothed in linen, quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: which was upon the waters of the river, and he shall not judge after the sight of his How long shall it be to the end of these eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his wonders? And I heard the man clothed in ears: But with righteousness shall he judge linen, which was upon the waters of the the poor, and reprove with equity for the river, when he held up his right hand and meek of the earth: and he shall smite the his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him earth with the rod of his mouth, and with that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, the breath of his lips shall he slay the times and a half; and that when he shall wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle have accomplished to scatter the power of of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his the holy people, all these things shall be reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the finished." lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with As I have already explained the significa- the kid; and the calf and the young lion and tion of one day, it is not necessary to explain the fatling together; and a little child shall it further; but we will say briefly that each lead them. And the cow and the bear shall day of the Father counts as a year, and in feed; their young ones shall lie down to- each year there are twelve months. Thus gether: and the lion shall eat straw like the three years and a half make forty-two ox. And the sucking child shall play on the months, and forty-two months are twelve hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall hundred and sixty days. The Bib, the pre- put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They cursor of BahL'u'llbh, appeared in the year shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy 1260 from the Hijirah of Muhammad, by mountain: for the earth shall be full of the the reckoning of Islim. knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover Afterwards, in verse 11, it is said: "And the sea." from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be This rod out of the stem of Jesse might be taken away, and the abomination that correctly applied to Christ, for Joseph was maketh desolation be set up, there shall be a of the descendents of Jesse the father of thousand two hundred and ninety days. David; but as Christ found existence Blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to the through the Spirit of God, he called himself thousand three hundred and five-and-thirty the Son of God. If he had not done so, this days!" description would refer to him. Besides this, The beginning of this lunar reckoning is the events which he indicated as coming to from the day of the proclamation of the pass in the days of that rod, if interpreted prophethood-of ~ u h a m m a din the country symbolically, were in part fulfilled in the of Hijbz; and that was three years after his mission; because in the beginning the proph- 4 The year 1290 from the proclamation of the mis- ethood of Muhammad was kept secret, and sion of Muhammad, was the year 1280 of the Hijirah, or 1863-1864 of our era. It was at this epoch (April no one knew it save KJhadijih and Ibn Nau- 1864) that BahL'u'lllh on leaving BaghdLd for Constan- faL3 After three years it was announced. tinople, declared to those who surrouiided Him that He was the Manifestation announced by the Bib. And BahL'u'llih in the year 1290 from the I t is this declaration which the BahB'is celebrate by the Feast of Ridvh, this name being that of the garden a t the entrance of the city of Baghdld, where Bahl'ulla stayed during twelve days, a3d where He 3 Waraqat-Ibn-Naufal. KAadijih's cousin. made the declaration. 102 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D day of Christ, but not all; and if not inter- like one family and kindred. The light of preted, then decidedly none of these signs heavenly love will shine, and the darkness of happened. For example, the leopard and the enmity and hatred will be dispelled from the lamb, the lion and the calf, the child and the world. Universal peace will raise its tent in asp, are metaphors and symbols for various the center of the earth, and the Blessed Tree nations, peoples, antagonistic sects, and hos- of Life will grow and spread to such an ex- tile races, who are as opposite and inimical tent that it will overshadow the East and the as the wolf and lamb. We say that by the West. Strong and weak, rich and poor, an- breath of the spirit of Christ they found con- tagonistic sects and hostile nations-which cord and harmony, they were vivified, and are like the wolf and the lamb, the leopard they associated together. and kid, the lion and the calf-will act to- But "they shall not hurt nor destroy in all wards each other with the most complete My holy mountain: for the earth shall be love, friendship, justice, and equity. The full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the world will be filled with science, with the waters cover the sea." These conditions did knowledge of the reality of the mysteries not prevail in the time of the manifestation of beings, and with the knowledge of God. of Christ; for until today various and antag- Now consider, in this great century which onistic nations exist in the world, very few is the cycle of BahVu'llAh, what progress acknowledge the God of Israel, and the science and knowledge have made, how greater number are without the knowledge many secrets of existence have been discov- of God. In the same way, universal peace ered, how many great inventions have been did not come into existence in the time of brought to light, and are day by day mul- Christ; that is to say, between the antago- tiplying in number. Before long, material nistic and hostile nations there was neither science and learning, as well as the knowl- peace nor concord, disputes and disagree- edge of God, will make such progress, and ments did not cease, and reconciliation and will show forth such wonders, that the be- sincerity did not appear. So, even at this holders will be amazed. Then the mystery of day, amongst the Christian sects and nations this verse in Isaiah. "For the earth shall be themselves, enmity, hatred, and the most full of the knowledge of the Lord," will be violent hostility are met with. completely evident. But these verses apply word for word to Reflect also that in the short time since BahVu'llgh: likewise in this marvellous Bah6'u'llgh has appeared, people from all cycle the earth will be transformed, and the countries, nations, and races have entered world of humanity arrayed in tranquillity under the shadow of this Cause. Christians, and beauty. Disputes, quarrels, and murders Jews, Zoroastrians, Buddhists, Hindus, and will be replaced by peace, truth, and con- Persians all associate together with the cord; among the nations, peoples, races, and greatest friendship and love, as if indeed countries, love and amity will appear. Co- these people had been related and connected operation and union will be established, and together, they and theirs, for a thousand finally war will be entirely suppressed. When years; for they are like father and child, the laws of the Most Holy Book are en- mother and daughter, sister and brother. forced, contentions and disputes will find a This is one of the meanings of the compan- final sentence of absolute justice before a ionship of the wolf and the lamb, the leop- general tribunal5 of the nations and king- ard and the kid, and the lion and the calf. doms, and the difficulties that appear will be One of the great events which is to occur solved. The five continents of the world will in the day of the manifestation of that in- form but one, the numerous nations will be- comparable Branch, is the hoisting of the come one, the surface of the earth will be- Standard of God among all nations; mean- come one land, and mankind will be a single ing that all the nations and tribes will come community. The relations between the coun- under the shadow of this Divine Banner, tries, the mingling, union, and friendship of which is no other than the Lordly Branch the peoples and communities, will reach to itself, and will become a single nation. The such a degree that the human race will be antagonism of faiths and religions, the hos- tility of races and peoples, and the national differences, will be eradicated from amongst 5 The universal Baytu'l-'Adl, a sort of tribunal of international arbitration, instituted by BahL'u'llLh in them. All will become one religion, one the Kitdb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book. faith, one race, and one single people, and BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 103 will dwell in one native land, which is the of judgment, and on this earth of judgment terrestrial globe. Universal peace and con- there is no sea; meaning that the teachings cord will be realized between all the nations, and the Law of God will entirely spread and that incomparable Branch will gather over the earth, and all men will enter the together all Israel: signifying that in this Cause of God, and the earth will be com- cycle Israel will be gathered in the Holy pletely inhabited by believers; therefore Land, and that the Jewish people who are there will be no more sea, for the dwelling- scattered to the East and West, South and place and abode of man is the dry land. In North, will be assembled together. other words, at that epoch the field of that Now see: these events did not take place Law will become the pleasure-ground of in the Christian cycle, for the nations did man. Such earth is solid, the feet do not slip not come under the One Standard which is upon it. the Divine Branch. But in this cycle of the The Law of God is also described as the Lord of Hosts all the nations and peoples Holy City, the New Jerusalem. It is evident will enter under the shadow of this Flag. In that the New Jerusalem which descends the same way, Israel, scattered all over the from heaven is not a city of stone, mortar, world, was not reassembled in the Holy bricks, earth, and wood. It is the Law of Land in the Christian cycle; but in the be- God which descends from heaven and is ginning of the cycle of Bah6'u'llLh this di- called new; for it is clear that the Jerusalem vine promise, as is clearly stated in all the which is of stone and earth does not descend Books of the Prophets, has begun to be from heaven, and that it is not renewed; but manifest. You can see that from all the parts that which is renewed is the Law of God. of the world tribes of Jews are coming to The Law of God is also compared to an the Holy Land; they live in villages and adorned bride who appears with most beau- lands which they make their own, and day tiful ornaments, as it has been said in chap- by day they are increasing to such an extent, ter 21 of the Revelation of St. John: "And I that all Palestine will become their home. John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, com- ing down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." And in chapter 12 verse 1 it is said: "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon We have before explained that what is under her feet, and upon her head a crown most frequently meant by the Holy City, the of twelve stars": this woman is that bride, Jerusalem of God, which is mentioned in the Law of God that descended upon Mu- the Holy Book, is the Law of God. It is hammad. The sun with which she was compared sometimes to a bride, dnd some- clothed, and the moon which was under her times to Jerusalem, and again t o the new feet, are the two nations which are under heaven and earth. So in chapter 21, verses the shadow of that Law, the Persian and 1, 2, and 3 of the Revelation of St. John, it Turkish kingdoms; for the emblem of Persia is said: "And I saw a new heaven and a new is the sun, and that of Turkey is the crescent earth: for the first heaven and the first earth moon: thus the sun and moon are the em- were passed away, and there was no more blems of two kingdoms which are under the sea. And I John saw the holy city, new power of the Law of God. Afterwards it is Jerusalem, coming down from God out of said: "upon her head is a crown of twelve heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her starsv-these twelve stars are the twelve husband. And I heard a great voice out of Imims who were the promoters of the Law heaven saying, Behold, the tabeknacle of of Muhammad, and the educators of the God is with men, and He will dwell with people, shining like stars in the heaven of them, and they shall be His peopled and God guidance. Himself shall be with them and be their Then it is said in the second verse: "and God." she being with child cried," meaning that Notice how clear and evident it is that this Law fell into the greatest difficulties, the first heaven and earth signify the former and endured great troubles and afflictions Law. For it is said that the first heaven and until a perfect offspring was produced, that earth have passed away and there is no more is, the coming Manifestation, the Promised sea: that is to say, that the earth is the place One, who is the perfect offspring, and who 104 THE BAHA was reared in the bosom of this Law which hammad. The Bani-Umayyih were always is as its mother. Th'e child who is referred waiting to get possession of the Promised to is the BBb, the First Point, who was in One who was to come from the line of Mu- truth born from the Law of Muhammad. hammad, to destroy and annihilate him; for That is to say, the Holy Reality, who is the they much feared the appearance of the child and outcome of the Law of God, his promised Manifestation, and they sought to mother, and who is promised by that reli- kill any of Muhammad's descendents who gion, finds a reality in the kingdom of that might be highly esteemed. Law; but because of the despotism of the Verse 5. "And she brought forth a inan dragon the child was carried up to God. child, who was to rule all nations with a rod After twelve hundred and sixty days the of iron." This great son is the promised dragon was destroyed, and the child of the Manifestation who was born of the Law of Law of God, the Promised One, became God and reared in the bosom of the divine manifest. teachings. The iron rod is a symbol of power Verses 3 and 4. "And there appeared an- and might-it is not a sword-and means other wonder in heaven, and behold a great that with divine power and might he will red dragon, having seven heads and ten shepherd all the nations of the earth. This horns and seven crowns upon his heads. son is the BBb. And his tail drew the third part of the stars Verse 5. "And her child was caught up of heaven, and did cast them to the earth." unto God, and to His throne." This is a These signs are an allusion to the dynasty of prophecy of the BLb, who ascended to the the Umayyads who dominated the Muham- heavenly realm, to the Throne of God, and madan religion. Seven heads and seven to the center of His Kingdom. Consider how crowns mean seven countries and dominions all this corresponds to what happened. over which the Bani-Umayyih had power: Verse 6. "And the woman fled into the they were the Roman dominion around wilderness," that is to say, the Law of God Damascus, and the Persian, Arabian, and fled to the wilderness, meaning the vast des- Egyptian dominions, together with the do- ert of HijLz, and the Arabian Peninsula. minion of Africa, that is to say Tunis, Mo- Verse 6. "Where she had a place prepared rocco, and Algeria, the dominion of Anda- of God." The Arabian Peninsula became the lusia which is now Spain, and the dominion abode and dwelling-place, and the center of of Turkestan and Transoxania. The Bani- the Law of God. Umayyih had power over these countries. Verse 6. "That they should feed her there The ten horns mean the names of the Umay- a thousand two hundred and threescore yad rulers: that is, without repetition, there days." In the terminology of the Holy Book were ten names of rulers, meaning ten these twelve--hundred and sixty days mean names of commanders and chiefs-the first the twelve hundred and sixty years that the is Ab6 Sufian and the last Marwan-but Law of God was set up in the wilderness of several of them bear the same name. So Arabia, the great desert: from it the Prom- there are two Mu'awia, three Yazid, two ised One has come. After twelve hundred Walid, and two Marwan; but if the names and sixty years that Law will have no more were counted without repetition there would influence, for the fruit of that tree will have be ten. The Bani-Umayyih, of whom the appeared, and the result will have been pro- first was Ab6 Sufian, Amir of Mecca and duced. chief of the dynasty of the Umayyads, and Consider how the prophecies correspond the last was Marwan, destroyed the third to one another. In the Apocalypse, the ap- part of the holy and saintly people of the pearance of the Promised One is appointed lineage of Muhammad who were like the after forty-two months, and Daniel ex- stars of heaven. presses it as three times and a half, which is Verse 4. "And the dragon stood before also forty-two months; which are twelve the woman which was ready to be delivered, hundred and sixty days. In another passage for to devour the child as soon as it was of John's Revelation it is clearly spoken of born." As we have before explained, this as twelve hundred and sixty days, and in the woman is the Law of God. The dragon was Holy Book it is said that each day signifies standing near the woman to devour her one year. Nothing could be more clear than child, and this child was the promised Mani- this agreement of the prophecies with one festation, the offspring of the Law of Mu- another. The BBb appeared in the year 1260 BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 105 of the Hijirah of Muhammad, which is the world, and it attains to a life-giving spirit. beginning of the universal era-reckoning of The earth was a lifeless body; it finds a new all Islbm. There are no clearer proofs than spirit, and produces endless beauty, grace, this in the Holy Books for any Manifesta- and freshness. Thus the spring is the cause tion. For him who is just, the agreement of of new life, and infuses a new spirit. the times indicated by the tongues of the Afterwards comes the summer, when the Great Ones is the most conclusive proof. heat increases, and growth and development There is no other possible explanation of attain their greatest power. The energy of these prophecies. Blessed are the just souls life in the vegetable kingdom reaches to the who seek the truth. But failing justice, the degree of perfection, the fruit appears, and people attack, dispute, and openly deny the the time of harvest ripens; a seed has be- evidence; like the Pharisees who, at the come a sheaf, and the food is stored for manifestation of Christ, denied with the winter. Afterwards comes tumultuous au- greatest obstinacy the explanations of Christ tumn when unwholesome and sterile winds and of his disciples. They obscured Christ's blow, it is the season of sickness, when all Cause before the ignorant people, saying, things are withered, and the balmy air is "These prophecies are not of Jesus, but of vitiated. The breezes of spring are changed the Promised One who shall come later, ac- to autumn winds, the fertile green trees have cording to the conditions mentioned in the become withered and bare, flowers and fra- Bible." Some of these conditioils were that grant herbs fade away, the beautiful garden he must have a kingdom, be seated on the becomes a dust-heap. Following this comes throne of David, enforce the Law of the the seasoil of winter, with cold and tempests. Bible, and manifest such justice that the It snows, rains, hails, storms, thunders and wolf and the lamb shall gather at the same lightens, freezes and congeals; all plants die, spring. and animals languish and are wretched. And thus they prevented the people from When this state is reached, again a new knowing Christ. life-giving spring returns, and the cycle is renewed. The season of sI ~' r 3i with n ~ its hosts Note.-In these last conversations 'Ahdu'l-Bahi of freshness and beauty, spreads its tent on wishes to reconcile in a new interpretation the the plains and mountains with great pomp apocalyptic prophecies of the Jews, the Chrislians, and the Muslims, rather than to show their supernatural and magnificence. A second time the form character. of the creatures is renewed, and the creation of beings begins afresh; bodies grow and de- velop, the plains and wilderilesses become green and fertile, trees bring forth blossoms, In this material world time has cycles; and the spring of last year returns in the places change through alternating seasons, utmost fullness and glory. Such is, and such and for souls there are progress, retrogres- ought to be, the cycle and succession of ex- sion, and education. istence: such is the cycle and revolution of Sometime it is the season of spring, at an- the material world. other time it is the season of autumn, and It is the same with the spiritual cycles of again it is the season of summer or the sea- the Prophets. That is to say, the day of the son of winter. appearance of the Holy Manifestations is In the spring there are the clouds which the spiritual springtime, it is the divine send down the precious rain, the musk- splendor, it is the heavenly bounty, the scented breezes and life-giving zephyrs; the breeze of life, the rising of the Sun of Real- air is perfectly temperate, the rain falls, the ity. Spirits are quickened, hearts are re- sun shines, the fecundating wind wafts the freshed and invigorated, souls become good, clouds, the world is renewed, and the breath existence is set in motion, human realities of life appears in plants, in animals, and in are gladdened, and grow and develop in men. Earthly beings pass from one condition good aualities '3 1 and ~erfections. I Universal to another. All things are clothed in new progress takes place, and there are resur- garments, and the black earth is covered rection and lamentation; for it is the day of with herbage; mountains and plains are judgment, the time of turmoil and distress, adorned with verdure, trees bear leaves and at the same time that it is the season of joy, blossoms, gardens bring forth flowers and of happiness, and of absolute attraction. fragrant herbs. The world becomes another Afterwards the life-giving spring ends in 106 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D fruitful summer. The word of God is ex- has numerous rising and dawning places: alted, the Law of God is promulgated; all one day it rises from the zodiacal sign of things reach perfection. The heavenly table Cancer, another day from the sign of Libra is spread, the holy breezes perfume the East or Aquarius, another time it is from the sign and the West, the teachings of God conquer of Aries that it diffuses its rays. But the sun the world, men become educated, praise- is one sun and one reality; the people of worthy results are produced, universal prog- knowledge are lovers of the sun, and are not ress appears in the world of humanity, and fascinated by the places of its rising and the divine bounties surround all things. The dawning. The people of perception are the Sun of Reality rises from the horizon of the seekers of the Truth, and not of the places Kingdom with the greatest power and heat. of its appearance, nor of its dawning points; When it reaches the meridian it will begin therefore they will adore the Sun from what- to decline and descend, and the spiritual ever point in the zodiac it may appear, and summer will be followed by autumn, when they will seek the Reality in every Sanctified growth and development are arrested. Soul who manifests it. Such people always Breezes change into blighting winds, and the attain to the truth, and are not veiled from unwholesome season dissipates the beauty the Sun of the Divine World. So, the lover and freshness of the gardens, plains, and of the sun and the seeker of the light will bowers. That is to say, attraction and good- always turn towards the sun, whether it will do not remain, divine qualities are shines from the sign of Aries or gives its changed, the radiance of hearts is dimmed, bounty from the sign of Cancer, or radiates the spirituality of souls is altered, virtues are from Gemini; but the ignorant and unin- replaced by vices, and holiness and purity structed are lovers of the signs of the zodiac, disappear. Only the name of the Religion of and enanlored and fascinated by the rising- God remains, and the exoteric forms of the places, and not by the sun. When it was in divine teachings. The foundations of the Re- ihe sign of cancer they turned towards it, ligion of God are destroyed and annihilated, though afterwards the sun changed to the and nothing but forms and customs exist. sign of Libra; as they were lovers of the Divisions appear, firmness is changed into sign, they turned towards it and attached instability, and spirits become dead; hearts themselves to it, and were deprived of the languish, souls become inert, and winter ar- influences of the sun merely because it had rives; that is to say, the coldness of igno- changed its place. For example, once the rance envelops the world and the darkness Sun of Reality poured forth its rays from the of human error prevails. After this come in- sign of Abraham, and then it dawned from difference, disobedience, inconsiderateness, the sign of Moses and illuminated the hori- indolence, baseness, animal instincts, and zon; afterwards it rose with the greatest the coldness and insensibility of stones. It is power and brilliancy from the sign of like the season of winter when the terrestrial Christ: those who were the seekers of Real- globe, deprived of the effect of the heat of ity, worshiped that Reality wherever they the sun, becomes desolate and dreary. When saw it, but those who were attached to Abra- the world of intelligence and thought has ham were deprived of its influences, when it reached to this state, there remain only con- shone upon Sinai and illuminated the reality tinual death and perpetual nonexistence. of Moses. Those who held fast to Moses When the season of winter has had its when the Sun of Reality shone from Christ effect, again the spiritual springtime returns with the utmost radiance and lordly splen- and a new cycle appears. Spiritual breezes dor, were also veiled; and so forth. blow, the luminous dawn gleams, the divine Therefore man must be the seeker after clouds give rain, the rays of the Sun of Real- the Reality; and he will find that Reality in ity shine forth, the contingent world attains each of the Sanctified Souls. He must be unto a new life, and is clad in a wonderful fascinated and enraptured, and attracted to garment. All the signs and the gifts of the the divine bounty; he must be like the but- past springtime reappear, with perhaps even terfly who is the lover of the light from greater splendor in this new season. whatever lamp it may shine, and like the The spiritual cycles of the Sun of Reality nightingale who is the lover of the rose in are like the cycles of the material sun; they whatever garden it may grow. are always revolving and being renewed. If the sun were to rise in the West, it The Sun of Reality, like the material sun, would still be the sun; one must not with- BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 107 draw from it on account of its rising-place, regarded the Sun of Reality, without any nor consider the West to be always the place doubt they would have recognized the Sun of sunset. In the same way, one must look in the dawning-place of the reality of Christ, for the heavenly bounties, and seek for the in the greatest divine splendor. But, alas! a Divine Aurora. In every place where it ap- thousand times alas! attaching themselves to pears, one must become its distracted lover. the outward words of Moses, they were de- Consider that if the Jews had not kept turn- prived of the divine bounties and the lordly ing to the horizon of Moses, and had only splendors ! HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD Amatu'l-BahB R6hiyyih Q L n u m appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God, March 26, 1952. William Sutherland Maxwell, appointed Charles Mason Remey, appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the Holy Land, December 24, 1951. God from the Holy Land, December 24, 1951. Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, appointed Leroy C. Ioas, appointed by Shoghi Effendi by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of a Hand of the Cause of God from God from the Holy Land, December 24, 1951. the United States, December 24, 1951. Valiyu'llBh VarqB, appointed Ugo R. Giachery, appointed by Shoghi Effendi by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause a Hand of the Cause of God from the of God from the Cradle of the Faith (Persia), European Continent, December 24, 1951. December 24, 1951. George Townshend, appointed by Shoghi Horace Holley, appointed by Shoghi Effendi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the a Hand of the Cause of God from the European Continent, December 24, 1951. United States, December 24, 1951. Tarfizu'llah Samandari, appointed MGsB Banhi, appointed by Shoghi Effendi by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God a Hand of the Cause of God from the Cradle of the Faith (Persia), from Africa, February 29, 1952. December 24, 1951. 'Ali-Akbar Furtitan, appointed by Shoghi Siegfried Schopflocher, appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the Cradle of the Faith, December 24, 1951. Dominion of Canada. February 29, 1952. Upper left: Hermann Grossmann, appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the European Continent, December 24, 1951. Upper right: Mrs. Dorothy Baker, appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the United States, December 24, 1951. Left: Mrs. Clara Dunn, appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from Australia, February 29, Upper left: Mrs. Corinne True, appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the United States, February 29, 1952. Upper right: Dbikru'llBh KhLdem, appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the Cradle of the Faith (Persia), February 29, 1952. Paul E. Haney, appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the United States, March 19, 1954. Upper left: Adelbert Miihlschlegel, appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from Germany, February 29, Upper right: Shu'2u'llih 'Algi, - appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from the. Cradle of the Faith (Persia), February 29, 1952. Left: Jalil Khgzeh, appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause of God from Persia, December 7, 195 THE CENTENARY C E L E B R A - T I O N S OF T H E BIRTH OF THE M I S S I O N OF B A H A ' U ' L L A H , 1953 1. MOMENTOUS ANNOUNCEMENT O F THE JUBILEE CENTEN'ARY C O N V E Y all National Assemblies Bahi'i summation plans initiated (by) various Na- World (the) following momentous an- tional Assemblies both hemispheres, (the) nouncement. formal dedication (for) public worship (of) Approaching Great Jubilee commemorat- Mother Temple (of) West (in) heart North ing Centenary termination Bfibi Dispensa- American continent, and possible termina- tion, birth Bahi'u'llfih's Revelation (in) tion superstructure (of) Bfib's Sepulcher Siyih C_hLl, Tihrfin, as well as imperative (in) Holy Land, (the) convocation (of) necessity adopt effectual measures insure be- four intercontinental Bahi'i Teaching Con- fitting inauguration third concluding phase ferences to be held successively (in) course of initial epoch (in the) execution 'Abdu'l- historic Year (on) continents (of) Africa, Bahi's Divine Plan destined culminate hun- America, Europe, Asia. dredth anniversary (of) Declaration (of) First conference (will be) convened by Founder (of) Faith (in) Baghdfid, impel me British National Spiritual Assembly (in) summon entire BahL'i w o r l d ~ t h r o ~eleven ~~h Kampala, Uganda (in) early spring, repre- National Assemblies already functioning sentative of British, American, Persian, (in) East (and) West, bestir itself, arise Egyptian, Indian National Spiritual Assem- during sixteen months ahead through su- blies, to which Bahi'is residing (in) Amer- preme concerted sustained effort, prepare ica, Persia, Indian subcontinent, British for demonstration (of) BahL'i solidarity Isles, every territory African continent (will (of) unprecedented scope (and) intensity be) invited attend, aiming planting banner (during) entire course Bahi'i history. (of) Faith (in) remaining territories (and) Forthcoming celebrations must be signal- neighboring islands east, south, west African ized through inauguration long anticipated continent. intercontinental stage in administrative evo- Second conference (will be) convened by lution (of) Faith marking its gradual de- United States National Spiritual Assembly velopment through successive phases (of) (in) Wilmette, (in) RidvLn period, repre- local, regional, national, international Bahfi'i sentative (of) chief trustees 'Abdu'l-Bahi's activity. Initiation this highly significant Plan, their ally and associates United States, measure further cementing BahL'i National Canadian, Latin American National As- Assemblies (in) five continents (of) globe semblies, to which BahL'is every state Amer- will be acclaimed (by) posterity as counter- ican Union, every Province Canada, every part (to) consolidhtion Faith at its World Republic Latin America (will be) invited at- Center through recent formation Interna- tend, designed pave way establishment Faith tional Bahi'i Council (in) Holy Land. (in) remaining territories (of the) Americas Centennial festivities (of) Year Nine con- (and) neighboring islands (in) both Atlan- tinuing throughout Holy Year commencing tic (and) Pacific oceans. October 1952 must include, apart from con- Third conference (will be) convened by 116 T H E BAHA'I WORLD American European Teaching Committee (in) Stockholm, Sweden, during summer, representative (of) American, British, Ger- The Year Nine mail National Assemblies, to which Bah2is (of) each ten goal countries Europe (and) I. England, Scotland, Wales, Eire, France, The following statement is an excerpt from Germany, Austria, Finland, (will be) in- the portion of the Guardian's letter of NO- vited attend, for purpose gradual introduc- vember 23, 1951, written through his Sec- tion (of) Faith (into) remaining sovereign retary. states European continent (and) neighbor- Regarding your question about the Cen- ing islands Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, tenary, the Guardian wishes you to share the North Sea. following information with the Persian and Fourth conference (will be) convened by other National Assemblies; the "Year Nine" National Spiritual Assembly subcontinent is an abbreviation of 1269 A.H. This term India (in) New Delhi, autumn, representa- has been used by the BLb in His Writings, tive (of) National Assemblies (of) Persia, foreshadowing the Birth of the Revelation of Indian subcontinent, 'IrLq, Australasia, Bahi'u'llLh. The friends should refer, in United States, Canada, Central and South God Passes B y , to the passages mentioning America, to which BahL'is residing (in) the year Nine in order to appreciate its sig- every sovereigil state (and) dependency nificance as well as the great importance at- (in) Asia, North, Central, South America, tached to it by the BLb. In that same book Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania (will be) the Guardian has explained that the Revela- invited attend, in order deliberate measures tion of Bahi'u'llih was progressive: It com- calculated open Faith remaining Asiatic menced with the first intimation He re- states (and) dependencies, particularly ceived, of His Prophetic Mission while in South East Asia and islands (of) South Pa- the SiyLh-GhLl of Tihr6n. The beginning of cific (and) Indian Oceans. the year Nine occurred about two months Address plea particularly (to) convenors after His imprisonment in that dungeon. We above-mentioned conferences (to) arise do not know the exact time He received this within short time (at their) disposal, prayer- first intimation, nor have either the BLb, or fully consider, carefully plan, energetically Bahi'u'llLh, made mention of any specific prosecute, respective sacred delegated tasks, date in this connection. We therefore regard take immediate preliminary steps issue in- the entire year Nine as a Holy Year, and the vitations, fix procedure, provide smooth emphasis should be placed, in accordance working, accord wide publicity, insure re- with the BLb's Writings, on the entire Year sounding success, epoch-making conferences which started in October, 1852. This means immortalizing Centenary (of) memorable our Centenary Year of Celebration will be Year, anticipated (by) St. John (the) Di- from October, 1952, to October, 1953. All vine, foreshadowed (by) S_hayk_h Ahmad, celebrations must be held within these two eulogized (by the) Bib, extolled (by) both dates. As the RidvLn period is associated BahL'u'llLh (and) 'Abdu'l-BahL, and con- with Bahb'u'll6h's Revelation it should be stituting prelude (to) Most Great Jubilee, regarded as the most important time of that which will alike commemorate Centenary year and therefore the most suitable period formal assumption (by) Author (of) Bahi'i for the celebrations. Revelation (of) His Prophetic Office, (and) The second stage in that progressive Reve- mark, God willing, world-wide establish- lation was when Bahi'u'llkh declared His ment Faith forecast (by) Center (of) Cove- Mission to His companions in BaghdLd; this nant (in) His Tablets, prophesied (by) is considered the most momentous stage in Daniel (in) his book, thus paving way (for) His Revelation, hence it is called the "Most advent (of) Golden Age destined witness Great Festival," the One Hundredth An- world recognition, universal proclamation, niversary of which will be celebrated in ultimate triumph (of the) Cause of Bah2u'- RidvLn 1963 and will constitute the Most 116h. Great Jubilee, the third of its kind, the first (Signed) SHOGHI Jubilee having been the Centenary of the BLb's Declaration; and the second the one Cablegram received November 30, 1951 at we will be celebrating all over the world in Wilmette, Illinois. 1952-1953. CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 117 The third and last stkge in BahL'u'llih's sage "divulged." It was in that same year Revelation was when He proclaimed His that, according to BahL'u'llih, Himself, "the Mission to the rulers and relLgious leaders of requisite num6er of pure, of wholly conse- the world in Adrianople. The first was an crated, and sanctified souls" had been "most intimation, the second a declaration and the secretlv consummated." J third a proclamation-the intimation was It was in such dramatic circumstances, re- from God to Him, which He kept a secret calling the experience of Moses when face within His own spirit, the declaration was to to face with the Burning Bush in the wilder- His faithful companions, and the proclama- ness of Sinai, the successive visions of tion was to the entire body of the religious Zoroaster, the opening of the heavens and and political leaders of mankind. the descent of the Dove upon Christ in the Jordan, the cry of Gabriel heard by Muham- 11. mad in the Cave of Hira, and the dream of This statement is an excerpt from the the Bib, in which the blood of the Imim Guardian's letter of June 15, 1946, pub- Husayn touched and sanctified His lips, that lished as " A God-Given Mandate" in "Mes- Bahi'u'llih, He "around Whom the Point sages to America," pages 99-101. of the Bayin hath revolved," and the Ve- What greater reward can crown the labors hicle of the greatest Revelation the world of that community, now launched on the has yet seen, received the first intimation of second stage of its world mission, than that His sublime Mission, and that a ministry, the consummation of the second Seven Year which, alike in its duration and fecundity, is Plan should coincide with the celebrations unsurpassed in the religious history of man- commemorating the centenary of the "Year kind, was inaugurated. It was on that occa- Nine," the year which alike marked the sion that the "Most Great Spirit," as desig- termination of the Bibi Dispensation, and nated by Bahi'u'llih Himself, revealed itself signalized the birth of BahL'u'llih's pro- to Him, in the form of a "Maiden," and phetic Mission? It was at a time when the bade Him "lift up" His "voice between earth Faith for which the Bib had suffered and and heavenn-that same Spirit which, in the died was hovering on the brink of extinc- Zoroastrian, the Mosaic, the Christian and tion, when BahL'u'llih lay wrapped in the Muhammadan Dispensations, had been re- gloom of the Siybh-chi1 of Tihrin, His feet spectively symbolized by the "Sacred Fire," in stocks, His neck freighted with chains, the "Burning Bush," the "Dove," and the and surrounded by vile and wretched crimi- "Angel Gabriel." nals, that the auspicious year 1269 A.H., ac- "One night in a dream," Bahb'u'llhh Him- claimed by the B i b as the "Year Nine," self, recounting His soul-,shaking experience dawned upon the world, ushering in the of the first stirrings of His prophetic Mis- most glorious and momentous stage in the sion, in the Year Nine, in that abomiilable Heroic Age of the greatest religious dispen- pit, has written, "these exalted words were sation in the spiritual history of mankind. heard on every side: 'Verily, We shall ren- T o that year He had referred as the year in der Thee victorious by Thyself and by Thy which "the realities of the created things" Pen. Grieve Thou not for that which hath will "be made manifest," the year in which befallen Thee, neither be Thou afraid, for mankind "will attain unto all good," in Thou art in safety. Ere long will God raise which the "Bayin," as yet "in the stage of up the treasures of the earth-men who will seed," will manifest "its ultimate perfec- aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy tion," in which the "embryo of the Faith will Name, wherewith God hath revived the attain the station of 'the most comely of hearts of such as have recognized Him.' " forms,' " and in which "a new creation" will And again, "During the days I lay in the be beheld. It was in that same year that the prison of Tihrhn, though the galling weight "third woe," as anticipated by St. John the of the chains and the stench-filled air al- Divine, quickly succeeded the second. To lowed Me but little sleep, still in those in- that same year S_hayk_h-Ahmad-i-AhsL'i,who frequent moments of slumber I felt as if had heralded the Faith of the Bib, had al- something flowed from the crown of My luded as the year "after Hin" (68), when, head over My breast, even as a mighty tor- according to His written testimony, the rent that precipitateth itself upon the earth "mystery" of the Cause of God would be from the summit of a lofty mountain. Every "manifested," and the "secret" of His Mes- limb of My body would, as a result, be set T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D afire. At such moments My tongue recited its birth; which had lost its greatest expo- what no man could bear to hear." nents through the tragic martyrdom of most What still greater reward could await of the Letters of the Living, and particularly those who, inspired by the success achieved of the valiant Mull5 Husayn and of the by the prosecu~orsof the second Seven Year erudite Vahid and which had been afflicted Plan, will have arisen to carry forward to with the supreme calamity of losing its Di- a triumphant conclusion the third phase of vine Founder; was being subjected to still the Mission entrusted to them by 'Abdu'l- more painful ordeals-ordeals which robbed BahL, than that their prodigious labors, hav- it of both the heroic Hujjat and of the far- ing embraced territories far beyond the famed TLhirih; which caused it to pass confines of the continents of Europe and through a reign of terror, and to experience of America, should climax in, and be wor- a blood-bath of unprecedented severity, thily commemorated through, the world- which inflicted on it one of the greatest wide celebrations of the "Most Great Festi- humiliations it has ever suffered through the val," the "King of Festivals," the "Festival attempted assassination of the Sovereign of God" Himself-the Festival associated himself, and which unloosed a veritable with the accession of Him Who is the Lord deluge of barbarous atrocities in TihrLn, of the Kingdom to the throne of everlasting MLzindarLn, Nayriz and Khhiriiz before which glory, and with the formal assumption by paled the horrors of the seige of ZanjSn, and Him of His prophetic office? What gseater which swept no less a figure than BahB'u'llLh reward than that the consummation of the Himself-the last remaining Pillar of a third Seven Year Plan, marking the close Faith that had been so rudely shaken, so of the first, and signalizing the opening of ruthlessly denuded of its chief buttresses- the second, epoch in the evolution of the into the subterranean dungeon of TihrLn, Divine Plan, should synchronize with that an imprisonment that was soon followed by greatest of all Jubilees, related to the year His cruel banishment, in the depths of an 1335, mentioned by Daniel in the last Chap- exceptionally severe winter, from-HIS native ter of His Book, and associated by 'Abdu'l- land to 'IrLq. To these tribulations He Him- BahL with the world triumph of His Father's self has referred as "afflictions" that Faith? What greater glory than that those "rained" upon Him, whilst the blood shed who have brought this initial epoch in the by His companions and lovers He character- resistless march of a world-embracing Plan ized as the blood which "impregnated" the to a triumphant termination should be made earth with the "wondrous revelation" of to feel that they, and those gone before God's "might." them, have, through their collective, their Nor should the momentous character of sustained, and heroic endeavors, organized the unique event, that may be regarded as through three successive stages, and cover- the climax and consummation of this tragic ing a span of almost a quarter of a century, period, be overlooked or underestimated, in- been vouchsafed by the Almighty the privi- asmuch as its centenary synchronizes with lege of contributing, more than any other the termination of the sixteen month interval community consciously laboring in the serv- separating the American B a h u Community ice of the Faith of BahB'u'llLh, to this bliss- from the conclusion of its present Plan. This ful consummation, and to have played a unique event, the centenary of which is to preponderating role in the world triumph be befittingly celebrated, not only in the of its institutions? American continent but throughout the BahB'i World, and is destined to be regarded as the culmination of the Second Seven From the Guardian's letter of November Year Plan, is none other than the "Year 23, 1951. Nine," anticipated 2,000 years ago as the The historic significance of this period "third woe" by St. John the Divine, alluded cannot indeed be overestimated. For it was to by both S_hayk_hA b a d and Siyyid KBzim a hundred years ago that a Faith, which -the twin luminaries that heralded the ad- had already been oppressed by a staggering vent of the Faith of the BLb-specifically weight of untold tribulations; which had mentioned and extolled by the Herald of sustained shattering blows in MLzindarLn, the Bahi'i Dispensation in His Writings, and Nayriz, TihrLn and Zanjb, and indeed eulogized by both the Founder of our Faith throughout every province in the land of and the Center of His Covenant. In that CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 119 year, the year "after Hin" (68), mentioned There, as He Himself has recorded, under by S_hayk_h Ahmad, the year that witnessed the impact of this dream, He experienced the birth of the Mission of the promised the onrushing force of His newly revealed "Qayytim," specifically referred to by Siyyid Mission, that "flowed" even as "a mighty Kgzim, the "requisite number" in the words torrent" from His "Head to His "breast," of Bahi'u'llih, "of pure, of wholly conse- whereupon "every limb" of His body "would crated and sanctified souls7' had been "most be set afire." There, in a vision, the "Most secretly consummated." In that year, as tes- Great Spirit," as He Himself has again testi- tified by the Pen of the Bgb, the "realities of fied, appeared to Him, in the guise of a the created things" were "made manifest," "Maiden" "calling" with "a most wondrous, "a new creation was born" and the seed of a most sweet Voice" above His Head, whilst His Faith revealed its "ultimate perfection." "suspended in the air" before Him, and, In that year, as borne witness by 'Abdu'l- "pointing with Her finger" unto His Head, Bah6, a hitherto "embryonic Faith" was imparted "tidings which rejoiced" His born. In that year, while the Blessed Beauty "soul." There appeared above the horizon lay in chains and fetters, in that dark and of that dungeon in the city of Tihrin, the pestilential Pit, "the breezes of the All- rim of the Orb of His Faith, whose dawning Glorious," as He Himself described it, "were wafted" over Him. There, whilst His neck light had, nine years previously, broken was weighted down by the Qara-Guhar, His upon the city of S_hhir&z,-an Orb which, feet in stocks, breathing the fetid air of the after suffering an eclipse of ten years, was Siyih-Chil, He dreamed His dream and destined to burst forth, with its resplendent heard, "on every side," "exalted words," rays, upon the city of Baghdid, to mount its and His "tongue recited" words that "no zenith in Adrianople, a n d to set eventually man could bear to hear." in the prison-fortress of 'AkkB. Hands of the Cause attending the First Intercontinental Bahi'i Conference in Kampala, Uganda, Africa Left to right: Mu& Bangni, Valiyu'llih Varqi, SJhu'B'u'llih 'AlB'i, Mason Remey, Horace Holley, T D-hikru'llgh K_hh6dem, Leroy Ioas, Dorothy Baker, 'Ali-Akbar Funitan. The Kampala Haziratu'l-Quds is in the background. 2. THE AFRICAN INTERCONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCE HELD IN KAMPALA, UGANDA, FEBRUARY, 1953 (1) THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE TO THE CONFERENCE Presented by LEROY IOAS T O T H E Hands of the Cause, the Mem- ponderance of the members of this same bers of the National Spiritual Assemblies, race at so significant a Conference, a phe- the pioneers, the resident believers and visi- nomenon unprecedented in the annals of tors attending the African Intercontinental Bahi'i Conferences held during over a cen- Teaching Conference in Kampala, Uganda. tury, and auguring well for a ;orresponding multiplication in the number of the repre- Well-beloved Friends: sentatives of the yellow, the red and brown I hail with a joyous heart the convocation races of mankind dwelling respectively in in the heart of the African continent of the the Far East, in the Far West and in the first of the four Intercontinental Teaching islands of the South Pacific Ocean, a multi- Conferences constituting the highlights of plication designed ultimately to bring to a the world wide celebrations of the Holy proper equipoise the divers ethnic elements Year which commemorates the hundredth comprised within the highly diversified anniversary of the birth of the Mission of world-embracing BahB'i Fellowship. the Founder of our Faith. I welcome with I feel moved, on this auspicious occasion, open arms the unexpectedly large number to pay a warm tribute to the elected repre- of the representatives of the pure-hearted sentatives, as well as the members, of the and the spiritually receptive Negro race, so British, the Persian, the American, the dearly loved by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, for whose Egyptian and the Indian BahB'i Communi- conversion to His Father's Faith He so ties which have participated, in pursuance of deeply yearned and whose interests He so their respective Plans, in the opening stage ardently championed in the course of His of a colossal teaching campaign, consti- memorable visit to the North American tuting a vital phase of the impending dec- continent. I am reminded, on this historic ade-long World Crusade, and aiming at the occasion, of the significant words uttered by spiritual conquest of the entire African con- Bah&'ulll&hHimself, Who as attested by the tinent. I desire in particular to express to all Center of the Covenant, in His Writings, those gathered at this Conference my feel- "compared the colored people to the black ings of abiding appreciation of the magnifi- pupil of the eye," through which "the light cent role played and of the remarkable of the spirit shineth forth." I feel particu- larly gratified by the substantial participa- tion in this epoch-making Conference of - prizes won, by the small band of Persian, British and American pioneers, in th- course of the initial stage of this divinely propelled the members of a race dwelling in a conti- and mysteriously unfolding collective en- nent which for the most part has retained terprise, which has overshadowed both the its primitive simplicity and remained uncon- Latin American and European teaching taminated by the evils of a gross, a rampant campaigns launched in recent years, which and cancerous materialism undermining the is destined to exert an incalculable influence fabric of human society alike in the East and on the fortunes of the Faith throughout the in the West, eating into the vitals of the con- world, and which may well have far-reach- flicting peoples and races inhabiting the ing repercussions among the two chief races American, the European and the Asiatic dwelling in the North American continent. continents, and alas threatening to engulf T o the American BahL'i Community, the in one common catastrophic convulsion the chief executor of 'Abdu'l-Bah&'s Divine generality of mankind. I acclaim the pre- Plan; to the British BahB'i Community, des- I2I1 122 THE BAHA'I WORLD tined to play in future decades a predomi- namely: The National Spiritual Assembly of nating role in opening to the Faith of Bahb'- the BahL'is of Central and East Africa, to be u'llih not only the British Territories formed under the aegis of the National throughout the African continent, but the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of the divers Dependencies of the British Crown British Isles, with its seat in Kampala; the scattered on the surface of the globe; to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is Persian Bahb'i Community, at once the most of South and West Africa, to be formed un- venerable and most consistently persecuted der the aegis of the National spiritual As- among its sister communities in both the sembly of the Bahb'is of the United States East and the West; to the Egyptian Bahi'i of America, with its seat in Johannesburg; Community that may well boast of having the National Spiritual Assembly of the erected in that continent the first pillar of Bahb'is of North West Africa, to be formed the Universal House of Justice; to the In- under the aegis of the National Spiritual As- dian Bahb'i Community, fated to contribute, sembly of the Bahb'is of Egypt and Siidin, to a marked degree, to the spiritual quicken- with its seat in Tunis. ing of the Indians constituting a noble ele- Second, the initial purchase of land for ment of the population of Africa-to these the future construction of three Mdriqu'l- Communities I feel I must acknowledge my A w i r s , one in Cairo, one in Kampala and deep sense of thankfulness for the strenuous one in Johannesburg, situated respectively in efforts exerted by their pioneers to raise aloft the north, the heart and the south of the the standard of the Faith in the territories African continent. allocated to them in Liberia, Uganda, Tan- Third, the opening of the following thirty- ganyika, the Gold Coast, Kenya, Somali- three virgin territories and islands: Cape land, Nyasaland, Northern Rhodesia, Libya, Verde Is., Canary Is., French Somaliland, Algeria, Zanzibar and Madagascar. TO French Togoland, Mauritius, Northern Ter- others who, though not following the fixed ritories Protectorate, Portuguese Guinea, pattern of the Plan initiated for the present Reunion I., Spanish Guinea, St. Helena, and African campaign, have arisen to introduce St. Thomas I., assigned to the National the Faith in the Territories of Sierra Leone, Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of the Angola, Mozambique and Southern Rhode- United States of America; Ashanti Protector- sia I feel, moreover, a debt of gratitude is ate, Basutoland, Bechuanaland, Italian So- due for their share in extending the range maliland, Southern Rhodesia and Swaziland of Bahb'i pioneer activity in that continent. assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly The hour is indeed propitious, as the cli- of the Bahb'is of Persia; French Equatorial max of the world wide rejoicings signalizing Africa, French West Africa, Morocco (Int. the Holy Year approaches, for the National Zone), Rio de Oro, Spanish Morocco and Spiritual Assemblies of these same Com- Spanish Sahara assigned to the National munities to gird up their loins, in collabora- Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt tion with the National Spiritual Assembly of and S6din; Comoro Is., French Cameroons, the BahL'is of 'Iriq, in a supreme effort to Gambia, Ruanda-Urundi and Socotra I. as- launch, on the morrow of this fateful Con- signed to the National Spiritual Assembly of ference, that phase of the ten-year Crusade the Bahb'is of India, PikistAn and Burma; which, God willing, will culminate in the the British Cameroons, British Togoland, introduction of our glorious Faith in all the Madeira and South West Africa, assigned to remaining territoriei of that vast continent the National Spiritual Assembly of the as well as the chief neighboring islands lying BahL'is of the British Isles; and Seychelles in the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans. The Is. assigned to the National Spiritual As- decade on whose threshold they now stand sembly of the Bahb'is of 'Iriq. must, circumstances permitting, witness: Fourth, the translation and publication of First, the erection of three additional pil- BahL'i literature in the following thirty-one lars within the confines of that continent and languages to be undertaken by the National its neighboring islands, designed to support, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of the together with no less than forty-five other British Isles: Accra, Afrikaans, Aladian, National Spiritual Assemblies to be es- Ashanti, Banu, Bemba, Bua, Chuana, Gio, tablished in other parts of the world, the Gu, Jieng, Jolof, Kuanyama, Krongo, Kroo, final unit in the erection of the Administra- Luimbi, Malagasy, Nubian, Pedi, Popo, tive Order of the Faith of BahL'u'llih, Ronga, Sena, Shilha, Shona, Sobo, Suto, 124 T H E BAHA'I WORLD Wongo, Xosa, Yalunka, Yao, and Zulu. of the Bahi'is of Egypt and SGdBn, author- Fifth, the consolidation of the twenty-four ized to hold, on behalf of its parent institu- following territories already opened to the tion, property dedicated to the Holy Shrines Faith in the African continent: Angola, at the World Center of the Faith in the State Belgian Congo, Gold Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, of Israel. Sierra Leone, Tanganyika, Uganda and Twelfth, the appointment, during Ridvin Zululand, allocated to the National Spiritual 1954, by the Hand of the Cause in Africa, Assembly of the Bahi'is of the British Isles; of an auxiliary Board of nine members who Abyssinia, Algeria, Eritrea, Libya, French will, in conjunction with the six National Morocco, Somaliland, SGdin and Tunisia, Spiritual Assemblies participating in the allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly African Campaign, assist, through periodic of the Bahgis of Egypt and SGdin; Mada- and systematic visits to Bahi'i Centers, in gascar, Mozambique and Zanzibar, allocated the efficient and prompt execution of the to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Plans formulated for the prosecution of the Bahi'is of India, PBkistin and Burma; teaching campaign in the African continent. Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, allo- May the six aforementioned National cated to the National Spiritual Assembly of Spiritual Assemblies, aided by the Hand of the Bahb'is of Persia; Liberia and South the Cause appointed in that continent, and Africa, allocated to the National Spiritual the auxiliary Board to be chosen by him, Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and supported by the national committees of America. and sub-committees to be formed in due Sixth, the establishment, circumstances course, and reinforced by the constant and permitting, of a National BahL'i Court in energetic efforts of an ever-swelling number the capital city of Egypt, the recognized of pioneers, whether settlers or itinerant center of both the Islamic and Arab worlds, teachers, and assisted by the whole-hearted officially empowered to apply, in matters of collaboration of the indigenous believers in personal status, the Laws and Ordinances all localities, be spiritually welded into a unit revealed in the KitBb-i-Aqdas, the Mother- at once dynamic and coherent, and be suf- Sook of the Bahb'i Revelation. fused with the creative, the directing and Seventh, the incorporation of the three propelling forces proceeding from the above-mentioned Regional National Spirit- Source of the Revelation Himself, and be ual Assemblies. made, as the projected campaign unfolds, Eighth, the establishment by those same the vehicle of His grace from on High, and National Spiritual Assemblies of National prove themselves worthy and effective in- BahL'i Endowments. struments for the execution and ultimate Ninth, the establishment of a National coi~summationof one of the most thrilling Ifaziratu'l-Quds in Johannesburg and one in and far-reaching enterprises undertaken in Tunis and the conversion into a similar in- the Formative Age of the Faith and con- stitution of the local Ha~iratu'l-Quds of stituting one of the noblest phases of the Kampala. most glorious Crusade ever launched in the Tenth, the formation of a National Bahi'i course of BahL'i history for the systematic Publishing Trust in Cairo. propagation of the Cause of Bahi'u'llih over Eleventh, the formation of an Israel the surface of the entire planet. Branch of the National Spiritual Assembly REPORT OF THE AFRICAN INTERCONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCE I< AMPALA, Uganda, is one of the lovelier the four Bahb'i Intercontinental Conferences and more temperate spots of Africa where was held. the native African and the European are Meetings took place in a large and well- not in bitter conflict. In this Protectorate made army Marquee erected on the spacious from February 12 to 18, 1953, the first of attractive grounds of the Kampala Haziratu'l- CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 125 Quds. In that tent, which was literally and the past would result from our ability to figuratively a tent of the Oneness of Man- strengthen the administrative order and kind, two hundred and thirty-two BahCis, demonstrate the devotion and service which representing thirty ethnic groups from nine- is the spirit of the Baha'i Faith. teen countries of the continents of America, The Conference agenda was designed to Asia, Europe and Africa, were assembled. draw upon the teaching and administrative The Africans were well represented and con- experience of the Baha'is around the world. stituted a majority of the Conference. They Talks of great wisdom, information and came from eighteen tribes of Uganda and inspiration were given by the Hands of the in addition, there were Baha'is from North, Cause, the Assembly representatives froin South, East and West Africa. This mingling the United States, Great Britain, India and of races and nationalities taking place on friin. The Africa pioneers who had done the such a high and dignified level was produc- ground-breaking in Africa's widely differing tive of much happiness and inspiration. areas contributed much in their down-to- Thus the Kampala Conference demon- earth discussion of the pioneers' problems, strated the ~ a h L ' i h a t t e r nfor harmony and and in their presentation of theAattitudes unity among the children of men. Com- which they must be prepared to face and pletely missing was the sense of alienation with which they must deal. and tension characteristic of the meeting of Following are excerpts from some of the races which have long practiced the embit- talks given: tering separations established by old tradi- Horace Holley, American Hand of the tions in Africa. The choice of the theme, Cause: 'Abdu'l-BahB said, "Blessed are those "Light Over Africa," was amply justified. who work in groups." Small groups which There was earnest consultation over the learn to solve their problems train them- tasks and opportunities of the Great Teach- selves for larger problems. The small group ing Crusade, the training of BahCi teachers, is but the flowerpot in which the seed is the maturing of individual Baha'is to the planted. When the seed grows we transplant spirit and principles of their Faith, and the it to a larger garden. important work of developing and consoli- . . . The BahCi local community with dating BahCi groups and Assemblies the local assembly is civilization in minia- throughout the African continent. ture. The individual begins to realize that The earnest and beautiful prayers which the Faith establishes a social order. The uni- opened the Conference gave it the momen- fied community is civilization. Human so- tum and high spirit which prevailed. Fol- ciety is a series of human relationships. The lowing this, powerful messages from the Be- Bahb'i Faith gives us the form of perfect loved Guardian were read, giving a set of government for our own Baha'i affairs. Man definite objectives and the magnificent scope is not wholly man until he learns the spirit of the Crusade with its relationship to the of the Teachings. development of the World Order of BahC- . . . The seed has all the potentialities of u'116h. Along with these great messages, the the tree. The little group is the seed, and Guardian sent a striking map of the world when it has attained a tiny sprout, com- on which he had drawn the Crusade objec- munity development begins which will re- tives, and, by means of colors and lines, sult in the maturity of the tree. God has no charted the assignments and responsibilities time. He is timeless. Man conquers time given to each cointry. when he is imbued with moral purpose. He The messages and the maps were pre- knows that the power of God will bring His sented by Leroy Ioas, Hand of the Cause, work to perfection. who came as the Guardian's representative The Guardian wrote the American BahCis to the Conference. He gave us the Beloved that the world is in dire need of the love of Guardian's words and views, pointing out God. At every stage in the consolidation of that through this Holy Crusade the BahCis the community, the friends must do their would in ten years double the accomplish- utmost to convey the love that is born of inents of the past one hundred and ten God. years. "They will cover the earth with the 'AE Nal&java'ni, Persian pioneer to glory of the Lord," thus fulfilling the ancient Africa: 'Abdu'l-BahB said that teaching is prophecy of Daniel. He made us under- like the science of medicine. In each case stand that the victories ahead like those of you find a different disease, and the treat- African choir at Kampala Conference public meeting, singing "Lord, I want to be a Bah2i with a CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHAYU'LLiiH'S MISSION 127 ment changes accordingly. The Guardian ple working for certain ideas of civilization. has given us the general principle for teach- In Africa, however, some of the groups have ing in Africa, "One teaches the receptive not even evolved to the village stage, as we souls one finds." Also in The Challenging know it in the West. The village for them Requirements the Guardian emphasizes the is merely a boundary line for administration fundamental prerequisites of Teaching and or collection of taxes. The African family tells us teaching methods must be adapted often lives in two villages. There is little to the various backgrounds, temperaments community life as we know it. As BahB'is and susceptibilities of the races. the Africans have made the jump from a The susceptibilities of the African people family or clan stage of society t o t h e sense are (1) an abhorrence of any racial dis- of world community in only a few months. crimination; (2) fear of plans and activities Only the power of BahB'u'llBh could have originated by white people; ( 3 ) a dissatis- made this possible. It is only this power faction with the methods used by mission- which can create a new society and environ- aries; (4) a consciousness of the superiority ment for this progress. of the outside world, coupled with a thirst The assuming of responsibility, as we un- for knowledge and progress; (5) an under- derstand it in the West, will be new to the standing and preference for simpler ideas; African. The African leaders never give (6) a hesitation at the use of reason in the responsibility to the members of their flock. study of religious methods; (7) an accept- They may dispense charity or similar ac- ance of the teachings of the Church and the tions, but they never permit the development Bible; (8) a sensitiveness and appreciation of responsibility. It must be noted, too, that for true and sincere love, lack of prejudice the African has had very little experience in and genuine hospitality; (9) a strong faith voting, in administrative responsibility and in God and His Prophets. in the exercise of the mind over the dictates . . . The first thing a pioneer must have of the heart; these are all new experiences is devotion, understanding and love for the for him. The lack of equality between the Guardian. He should study the writings con- sexes is another factor to be considered. stantly and turn to the Guardian in his . . . The Bah2is must instill in the Afri- heart. The second most important thing is can a crusading spirit for African advance- prayer at all times, not in words, but in ment. They must demonstrate the Unity of deeds. . . . Where there is more than one the Faith, and prove that they have come to pioneer, there must be unity . . . real drive out disunity. To meet the need there unity among the BahB'is. The spirit of love must be preparation, prayer, meditation, and unity is absolutely necessary, or there study classes for deepening, and classes for can be no success. Deeds not words must be educating the illiterate in every village. The the attitude of the pioneer. Africans must be urged to help themselves Philip Hainsworth, British pioneer to and to develop and share the Message of Africa: An African once said to me . . . BahPu'llLh. . . . "Our hearts are like mirrors, we reflect what we see." Thus the African reflects the state The high spiritual note of the Conference of mind of the person with whom he deals came when its participants were afforded the or works. The white man's condemnation of privilege of viewing the photograph of the the African is a condemnation of himself. portrait of the BBb which the Beloved The success of the Persian pioneers is ex- Guardian had sent as a special gift. Prior plained by the fact that they show such an to the actual viewing of the portrait, a short abundance of love to the African who re- period was devoted to stories of the BBb re- flects it back. lated by two Hands of the Cause, Mr. Translation difficulties with the African Valiyu'll5h VarqL and Mr. Leroy Ioas. Mr. language are not so much in words as in Varqi's story on the history of the portrait ideas. The person of a narrow environment was as follows: cannot understand the problems of the As part of a plot against the life of the world. Then there are unique to Bgb, the Governor of Uriimiyyih invited Africa. For thirteen hundred years the Him to the public bath when He arrived in Islamic countries have been struggling to that city. A wild and dangerous horse, develop ideas of nationalism. For two thou- notorious for its unruliness, was sent to the sand years the Western world has had peo- BLb and the attendants accompanying the horse had been instructed to run away as VarqS's father asked BahL'u'llBh if nine soon as He had mounted. Under such cir- copies could be made for future Ma&riqu'l- cumstances, the Governor was certain that Ad_hkBrs of the world but BahL'u'llBh said the BBb would be killed. that only one or two copies could be made On being told of the plot, the BBb merely of the countenance of that "Father of replied, "I have left My Life in the Hands Beauty and Grandeur." The painter drew of God." another and gave it to VarqB's father. When According to plan, the dangerous horse He was martyred, this picture was taken to was led to the Bib and as He mounted, the the House of the Bib and the original pencil attendants ran away. At His first touch, sketch was taken to the House of the Mas- however, the horse grew tame and gentle, ter. carrying Him to the public bath calmly and Two water colors are in the World Center comfortably. When the BBb dismounted, the Archives and another is at present in the horse again became so unruly that seven or Royal Archives, but 'Abdu'l-BahB said the eight men rushed to subdue it, but when the latter would come back to the BahS'is. The BBb was ready to return home and the wild copy of the portrait sent to Kampala and horse was once more led up to Him, the that sent to America are photographs of same incidents occurred-the attendants the painting in the World Center Archives. dashing away when the BBb mounted, and Mr. Leroy Ioas told the following story: the dangerous horse becoming tame and When the BBb was martyred, His body gentle. Thus, it carried the BBb back to His was thrown into a moat to be devoured by home. dogs. This was done because there was a Crowds of people who had heard of the verse in the Qur'in declaring that the dogs vicious nature of the horse came to see the would not devour the body of the Promised spectacle. They marveled at the behavior of One and they wished to make certain that the animal, and to their simple minds the this prophecy would not apply to the BBb. extraordinary demonstration appeared n6th- However, dogs did not molest the remains ing short of a miracle. Therefore, when the and the body of the BBb was promptly res- BBb left the bath, they hurried with recep- cued by the BBbis. tacles and cloths to carry away every bit of Today the Guardian walks in the gardens the water that had touched His Holy Person. on Mt. Carmel. He loves to point out that After this episode, great numbers of peo- the most beautiful sepulcher in the world, ple went to see the BAb and among them surrounded by lovely gardens, now houses was a young painter who wanted to paint a those remains which were thrown into the picture of the Holy Man. When he was per- moat, and that all over the world there are mitted to visit Him and was ushered into friends who proclaim the Divinity and His presence, the BAb gathered His 'ab6 Holiness of the Blessed BBb. about Him, placed His hands on His knees The actual viewing of the portrait was an and gazed intently at the painter, who stud- occasion of great reverence and spiritual ied His face. On arriving home the painter dedication. Preceding the procession of the tried to paint it from memory but could not, viewers, Mr. 'Ali-Akbar Furbtan, Hand of so he went a second time to see the BBb. the Cause, chanted the Tablet of Visitation Again the BAb pushed back His turban, in the original tongue. The portrait was set drew His 'ab6 around Him, placed His upon a table covered with a fine silk cloth hands on His knees and gazed intently at and adorned with roses. The believers the painter. This whole incident was re- walked solemnly by so that they might gaze peated once again and then the painter, hav- upon it. The Persians and Africans evi- ing a perfect impression of the Countenance, denced great devotion, kneeling before the drew the portrait with a pencil. When portrait and kissing the cloth beneath it. Varq6s father was shown this portrait, he Tears streamed from many eyes, for every asked the painter to do it in water color. heart was filled with love and respect for This was executed and a copy sent to Bah2- the great suffering and service of the BAb uYll6h, who upon receiving it, sent for a who was martyred for heralding the dawn of great AfnAn, a cousin of the BBb, who hap- a World Faith. pened to be in the Holy Land at that time, Along with the portrait the Guardian sent to come and identify it. The AfnBn stated another very valuable and impressive gift to that the portrait was a true likeness. the Conference. It was a beautifully lettered CENTENARY O F BIRTH OF BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 129 Leroy Ioas greeting African BahB'is on behalf of the Guardian, Kampala, Uganda, Africa, February, 1953. scroll of portions of the BBb's Comme~ltary gave concentrated attention during the Con- on the S h i h of Joseph. This magnificent ference. They followed the consultation revelation of the BBb was the one He gave closely and frequently participated, express- on the night of His announcement of His ing their views on matters discussed. Two Station and Mission. The Guardian said that African women of the Teso tribe addressed this Commentary was the Bible of the early the Conference, being particularly con- BBbis and that the BBb sent portions of it to cerned with the emphasis the Faith places BahB'u'llBh, Who when He read it, acknowl- upon education and freedom from preju- edged the BBb. In this highly significant dice. Several of the speakers made an appeal Commentary, the BBb addressed the rulers for BahL'i teachers and schools. and leaders of the world, giving prophecies Conference languages were English, Per- concerning the suffering which would come, sian, Teso and Swahili. The African and and the extension of the Faith to Africa. In Persian interpreters did a masterful job of it, also, He first called the people of the translating the talks and the ensuing dis- West to issue forth from their cities in the cussions. They spoke with eloquence and service of the Faith. ease, so that none of the listeners lost the Despite their primitive background, the expression and fire of what was said. African Bahl'is showed great interest and The Persian Bahi'is brought a unique T H E BAHA'I WORLD spirit to the Conference. There was a spon- attracted lively comment in the Kampala taneous and natural friendliness about them press and from it came an opportunity to and they showed the African believers great reply to an article which misstated the teach- courtesy and whole-hearted dection. One ings of the Faith. In addition to the public of them, Tadw'llih Samandari, the only meetings and the press publicity, mention living Hand of the Cause who saw Bah2u'- should be made of the two fine window dis- llhh, enchanted all with the stories and remi- plays in prominent shops on the main street niscences of his visit with Him. of Kampala, which were arranged by the The American BahB'is also won the inter- Collisons and the Elstons, American pio- est of the Africans who seemed eager to neers. The displays were of books, posters learn about America and asked many ques- and pamphlets on the Faith, pictures of the tions about it. The spirit of America's Louis Temple in Wihnette, and a circle of dolls Gregory, first Negro Hand of the Cause, was which represented the various races and na- keenly felt at the Conference. The story of tionalities. These windows drew crowds of his life, as published by the National Spirit- people. ual Assembly of the United States, was The Conference released a special booklet eagerly read and the Africans expressed for teaching use in Africa. It was The keen interest and deep admiration for this BahBi Life, an unusually fine compilation of distinguished servant of the Cause of Bahg- the teachings selected and arranged by Rex u'llih who devoted his life to the promulga- and Mary Collison for the British Africa tion of the Teachings. Several asked that Teaching Committee who published it. a large picture of Louis Gregory be sent to The Conference closed on a high note of the Ha~iratu'l-Qudsin Kampala. dedication. Every believer there understood Two public meetings were held in con- the grave responsibilities the BahB'is face nection with the Conference in Kampala. as they enter upon the greatest religious The first was at Makere College, the leading Crusade in history and every one resolved college in East Africa for African natives, to share in the great task of achieving the and was well attended by Europeans, Afri- goals. All knew that the victories sought cans and Asians. Horace Holley, American come only through deeds which express Hand of the Cause, and H. M. Balyuzi of sincere devotion, wisdom, purity of heart, Great Britain were the speakers. The second and courageous and tireless service in the was held under the Conference Marquee promotion of that which will advance the and the speakers were Dorothy Baker, unity of mankind. The spiritual influence American Hand of the Cause, and Matthew and fellowship this Conference generated Bullock of the United States. This meeting will be far-reaching in its effect upon Africa. AFRICA'S NEW HORIZON I N THE months preceding the Kampala Most of the African BahB'is had joined the Conference the Guardian spoke to many Faith during the six months preceding the of the pilgrims who came to Haifa of the Conference, and the majority of them came African BahB'is and how pure-hearted they from the interior bush country where they were. Some of the pilgrims wondered how had had little contact with governmental these Africans, coming from so primitive a processes. To this Conference came Bahi'is culture, could integrate themselves in the of nineteen countries outside of Africa, and BahB'i world which was trying to emerge as Africans representing thirty tribes. Even the highest type of civilization the world had those in charge of the program could yet known. It seemed beyond comprehen- scarcely visualize the result of mingling such sion that these primitive people could learn, diverse elements of race and culture. in so short a time, to function according to From the very moment that the African Bahi'i principles when it had taken BahB'is Bahi'is began to arrive in Kampala and to from the more highly developed countries meet the BahCs of other countries, new and decades to evolve working communities. dazzling facets of the unity of the human CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 131 race appeared to all the participants with a the Aggrey Memorial School, composed a brilliant clarity. Racial and cultural differ- letter to the Conference in which they wrote ences disappeared into a pattern of unity. that they were glad of the long history of For all the world to see, here was the ex- martyrdoms in the BahC'i Faith because ample of an emerging world commonwealth when they might perhaps suffer a similar with all races joining hands in a united ef- fate in teaching their African brothers they fort for the betterment of all. Racial and would have this noble example before them. cultural differences properly became the They went on to say that should they be variations which added richness and color burned for their Faith they would hope to men's lives rather than becoming sources that their ashes would be blown over Africa of contention. Imbued with the noble prin- to fertilize the soil for the planting of the ciples of the Teachings of Bah$u'llBh, de- seeds of the BahB'i Faith. signed to weld the races of man together, All the Africans who spoke showed by there was no difficulty whatever in making their comments how well they had grasped a bridge from one Bahi'i to another, re- the basic principles of the Faith. Though the gardless of national or racial origin. Ani- position of women in Africa is not high, the mated by the same great purposes, the force women spoke with ease and freedom and of unity increased with each passing day of declared their intention to share in the task the Conference. It soon became apparent of teaching Africa. Both men and women that the so-called diierences that divide men found in their Faith a fresh objective view- were wholly imaginary and that all peoples point on the problems of Africa itself. More have the same capacity to take their proper than that, their horizon had been broadened share, as brothers, in the advancement of to include not only their own continent but civilization. all the world. There was a newly acquired The African BahB'is, in accepting the sense of responsibility that cried out for principles of the Faith, had bridged a gap action-not action to overcome their prob- of six thousand years of civilization and had lems by force, but to foster their own de- advanced to a viewpoint which has not as velopment and that of their continent by yet been achieved by the peoples of highly teaching the principles of their Faith. All evolved nations. In the many hours of con- pleaded for education so that they might sultation during the nine days of the Con- truly take their places as citizens of the ference they spoke with dignity and wisdom world. as individuals and not as "blocks" of people. This Conference, the first of four Inter- When they voted on any question by 6 &ow continental Bahb'i Conferences, was also the of hands it was easy to see that all were vot- first time that large groups of Bahgt'is from ing as individuals and not by national or different continents had gathered to work racial blocks. Though the Africans had had together. The ease with which all national no previous experience in such conferences, and cultural barriers were hurdled bccame both men and women freely participated in apparent even the first day. Orientals, Af- an orderly fashion in the discussion of vari- ricans and Occidentals found no dificulty ous questions. in understanding each other's viewpoint. The BahB'is coming from outside of Af- Midway in the Conference it would have rica were deeply moved to see and hear the been difficult for an outside observer to many evidences of the love that the African guess that the participants had, for the most Bahii't'is bore for their new-found Faith. part, never met until the Conference opened. Their faith was no passing emotional fancy There was an atmosphere of love, trust and but a firmly rooted conviction that they had mutual respect which blended all into a found the truth for this day. Some spoke of cooperative whole, moving forward together the fact that they wished it to be understood toward the great goal destined to launch the that they had not come for material gain whole earth into a new era of understanding. but for spiritual enrichment. Many spoke of Touching, indeed, to Bahgis long in the their desire to teach their fellow Africans. Faith, were the devotion and respect of these They considered it their responsibility to new Bahi'is, their desire to know everything awaken their fellow Africans to this light in the Bahi'i books, their expressions of sur- which had newly illumined their lives. A prise and joy when they realized that the group of young men coming from diierent National Headquarters building belonged to parts of Africa who were then attending them! Every one of the thousands of martyrs T H E BAHA'I WORLD who died for their Faith in the early years light on all the civilized world. Like them, of its history would surely have felt his the Africans at once realized the burning death newly vindicated in the glowing faces truth of Bahb'u'llgh's Message. Like them, of these new Bahb'is as they walked with they longed to hasten with the tidings to devout feet before the Portrait of the Bgb. their fellow-men. From them flows a dy- In Him they saw the Herald who had given namic force of belief that will hasten the His life that men might find the Promised emergence of their great continent and will, One. in turn, spread its influence to other parts BahL'is present who had been in the of the world. Faith for many years felt a sharp sting of This Conference forever laid to rest the remorse when the Africans asked why the time-worn idea that primitive people are Bahb'is had waited one hundred and nine child-like and cannot shoulder their share of years before bringing them the joyful tidings responsibility for world development. They, of a new day. Well might they reproach like all other peoples, can readily assume themselves, having at last discovered that in their place when their hearts and minds are the heart of Africa were millions of souls won over to a noble ideal, divinely inspired. untainted by the materialism now eating into This is the alchemy that brings the true the vitals of the Western world. Here, wait- brotherhood of man and true progress in ing, were a people as pure in heart as those civilization. who first believed in Jesus Christ. The Though it was the Africans who thanked Guardian has said that many of the Africans the Bahb'i visitors for having demonstrated had accepted the BahB'i Faith like the Chris- to them the unity of man, it was the visitors tians in The Boolc of Acts. Indeed, many who learned the profound lesson that spirit- had come through dreams and visions as ually, there are no primitive people-only did the early Christians whose faith shed those waiting to be awakened. 3. T H E A L L - A M E R I C A I N T E R - CONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCE HELD I N CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., A P R I L 29-MAY 6, 1953 THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGES TO THE CONFERENCE KHANUM Presented by R ~ H ~ Y Y IH 0 N THE occasion of the launching of an epochal, global, spiritual, decade-long cru- course of the nlinistry of the Center of the Covenant in twenty additional sovereign sade, constituting the high-water mark of states and dependencies in both hemi- the festivities commemorating the Centenary spheres, this Faith has spread, since the as- of the birth of the Mission of BahB'u'llBh, cension of 'Abdu'l-BahL, to ninety-four coinciding with the ninetieth Anniversary of countries, raising the total number of the the Declaration of that same Mission in the territories within its pale to one hundred Garden of Ridvkn, and synchronizing with twenty-nine, no less than eighteen of which both the convocation of the All-American were added in a single year, while fifty-one Intercontinental Teaching Conference in were opened in the course of the nine year Chicago, and the fiftieth Anniversary of the interval separating the first from the second inception of the holiest Mahriqu'l-Ad_hkLr BahL'i Jubilee. The number of eastern and of the BahL'i world and its dedication to western languages into which its literature public worship-on such a solemn and his- has been translated and printed, or is in the toric occasion I invite His followers, the process of translation, and which reached world over, to contemplate with me the forty-one a decade ago, is now ninety-one, glorious and manifold evidences of the on- including thirteen African and twenty-five ward march of His Faith and of the steady Indian and Burmese languages. The number unfoldment of its embryonic World Order of settlements in Greenland provided with both in the Holy Land and in the five con- BahVi Scriptures in the Greenlandic tongue tinents of the globe. has been raised to forty-eight, including This infinitely precious Faith, despite Thule beyond the Arctic Circle and Etah eleven decades of uninterrupted persecution, near the 80th latitude, whilst Bahgi litera- on the part of governments and ecclesiastics, ture in that same language has been des- involving the martyrdom of its Prophet- patched as far north as the radio station at Herald, the four banishments and forty- Brondlunsfjord, Pearyland, 82nd latitude, year-long exile suffered by its Founder, the the northernmost outpost of the world. Rep- forty years of incarceration inflicted upon resentatives of thirty-one races and of its Exemplar, and the sacrifice of no less twenty-four African tribes have been en- than twenty thousand of its followers, has rolled in the Bahi'i World Community. succeeded in firmly establishing itself in all Contact has been established with the fol- the continents of the globe, and is irresistibly lowing seventeen minority groups and races: forging ahead, with accelerating momentum the Eskimos of Alaska and Greenland, the bidding fair to envelop, at the close of the Lapps of Scandinavia, the Maoris of New coming decade, the whole planet with the Zealand, the Sea-Dayaks of Sarawak, the radiance of its splendor. Polynesians of the Fiji Islands, the Cree In- Confined within the lifetime of its Martyr dians of Prairie Provinces, Canada, the Prophet to two countries, reaching during Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, the the period of the ministry of its Author thir- Oneida Indians in Wisconsin, the Omaha In- teen' other lands; planting its banner in the dians in Nebraska, the Seminole Indians in I-33 134 T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D Florida, the Mexican Indians in Mexico, the way for the formation of a BahL'i Inter- Indians of the San Blas Islands, the Indians national Court and the eventual emergence of Chichicastenango in Guatemala, the of the Universal House of Justice, the Su- Mayans in Yucatan, the Patagonian Indians preme Legislative Body of the future Bahi'i in Argentina, the Indians of La Paz in Commonwealth, has been established, en- Bolivia and the Inca Indians in Peru. larged, and the functions of its members The national Plans, formulated and vig- defined. The number of the pillars of the orously and systematically prosecuted, in Universal House of Justice has been raised the course of the concluding years of the to twelve through the successive formation first, and the opening years of the second, of the Canadian, the Central American, the epoch of the Formative Age of the Faith, by South American and the Italo-Swiss Na- the Bahi'i Communities in the United tional Spiritual Assemblies. The stupendous States, in Persia, in the British Isles, in Latin process of the rise and consolidation of the America, in Canada, in India, Pbkistbn and World Administrative Center of the Faith Burma, in 'Iriq, in Australia and New Zea- has been accelerated through the acquisi- land, in Germany and Austria, in Egypt and tion, in the Plain of 'AkkL, of a one hundred the SudLn, have raised the number of BahQi and sixty thousand square meter area, sur- centers established in both hemispheres to rounding the Qiblih of the Bahi'i world, two thousand five hundred maintained by permitting of the extension of the Outer representatives of the white, the black, the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Tomb-to be yellow, the red and the brown races of man- designated henceforth the Haram-i-Aqdas- kind, comprising ten in the Arabian Penin- through the initiation, at the inception of sula, over thirty in Egypt and the ShdBn, the Holy Year, of the landscaping and em- over forty in the recently opened European bellishment of a tenth of the acquired area, goal countries, over fifty in the British Isles, and through the adoption of measures for over sixty in Australia, New Zealand and the extensive illumination of the entire Sanc- Tasmania, over seventy in Germany and tuary and the erection of stately portals con- Austria, over ninety in Canada, over ninety stituting a befitting tribute to the memory of in India, Pbkistin and Burma, over one the Author of the Faith, within the Sacred hundred in Central and South America, over Precincts of His Sepulcher, on the occasion six hundred in Persia and over one thousand of the celebration of the Greatest Festival of two hundred in the United States of Amer- the Year commemorating the Centenary of ica. The Superstructure of the Sepulcher of the birth of His Mission. The fifty-year-old the Martyr Herald of the Faith-a three- enterprise, involving the purchase of land quarters of a million dollar enterprise-is for the construction, the exterior and inte- nearing completion, on the slopes of the rior ornamentation, and the landscaping of Mountain of God, within the heart of the the grounds of, the holiest House of Wor- Holy Land, the nest of the Prophets, and ship ever to be reared to the glory of the the divinely chosen Spiritual and Adminis- Most Great Name, the Mother Temple of trative Center of the Bahi'i world. The the West, and involving the expenditure of preliminary measures, heralding the unfold- over two and a half million dollars, has been ment of the institution of Guardianship, the consummated, in time for its dedication to pivot of 'Abdu'l-BahQs Will and Testament, public worship during the Ridvbn period of have been adopted, through the appointment this Holy Year coinciding with both the of the first two contingents of the Hands of fiftieth anniversary of the inception of this the Cause, numbering nineteen, recruited enterprise and the one hundredth anniver- from the five continents of the globe, repre- sary of the birth of Bahi'u'llbh's ministry. sentative in their extraction of the three The design for the Ma&riqu'l-Adhkbr on principal religions of mankind, and consti- Mt. Carmel, conceived by the architect ap- tuting the nucleus of that august institution pointed by 'Abdu'l-BahL, has been com- invested with such weighty and sacred func- pleted, and a model constructed, which is tions by the Center of BahB'u'llBh's Cove- soon to be unveiled at the All-America nant. The International Bahi'i Council, Intercontinental Teaching Conference, in comprising eight members, charged with as- anticipation of the selection and the pur- sisting in the manifold activities attendant chase of its future site, and of its ultimate upon the rise of the World Administrative construction in the neighborhood of the Center of the Faith, which must pave the Bib's Sepulcher. The total area of Bah2i CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 135 international endowments, surrounding and America. The Bahb'i Holy Days have been permanently dedicated to the Tomb of the recognized by the Ministry of Education of BLb has been raised, through recent succes- the State of Israel, in the British Isles, by the sive purchases of extensive plots, overlook- state of Victoria in Australia, in Anchorage, ing that hallowed Spot, to almost one- Alaska, in Washington, D.C. and in seven quarter of a million square meters. The states of the American Union. National estimated value of the Bahb'i international Bahb'i Conferences have been held in recent endowments and holy Places at the World years in Bern, Ziirich, Basel, Rome; Na- Center of the Faith, in the twin cities of tional Bahi'i Women's Conventions and 'Akki and Haifa, has passed the four mil- Youth Conferences have convened in Tih- lion dollar mark. The Bahb'i national en- rin, whilst Regional Teaching Conferences dowments in the United States of America have been organized in Buenos Aires, in now exceed three million dollars. The area Panama City, in Scandinavia, in the Iberian of land purchased on the slopes of the Peninsula, and in the Benelux countries. Elburz Mountains, overlooking the city of European International Teaching Confer- Tihrin, in anticipation of the construction ences have been convened successively in of the first Ma&riquYl-A&kir of Persia, has Geneva, in Brussels, in Copenhagen, in reached approximately four million square Scheveningen and in Luxembourg City, pav- meters. The area of land dedicated to the ing the way for the convocation of four suc- Shrine of Bahb'u'IlLh, in the vicinity of the cessive Intercontinental Teaching Confer- confines of the Holy Land, exceeds two mil- ences, the first of which has recently been lion three hundred thousand square meters. held in Kampala, in the heart of the African The area of land dedicated to the Shrine of continent, the rest to be successively con- the Bib and registered in the name of the vened in Wilmette, Illinois, in Stockholm Israel Branch of the National Spiritual As- and in New Delhi-Conferences which, sembly of the Bahb'is of the United States God willing, will be the forerunners of the ' of America, is more than one hundred thou- World Bahb'i Congress, to be convened in sand square meters. Over one hundred and the City of Baghdid, on the occasion of the fifty thousand square meters of land have centenary of The formal assumption by been dedicated to the Faith in the Antipo- Bahb'u'llih of His prophetic Office. Recog- des, eighty thousand square meters in the nition has been extended to the Faith by the Territory of Alaska, whilst the lands con- United Nations as an international non- tributed in Latin America for a similar pur- governmental organization enabling the pose approximate one-half of a million Bahb'i International Community to appoint square meters, ninety thousand of which accredited representatives, who have already have been set aside near Santiago, Chile for attended, in their capacity as observers, the the first Ma&riquYl-A&kkb of South Amer- Conference on Human Rights held in Ge- ica. The estimated value of the National neva and the United Nations General As- Bahi'i administrative headquarters estab- sembly held in Paris and participated in lished in Tihrin, in Wilmette, Illinois, in United Nations regional non-governmental BaghdLd, in Cairo, in New Delhi, in Sydney, conferences, held in localities as far apart in Trankfurt and in Toronto, exceed one as New York, Santiago, Manila, Istanbul, and three-quarters of a million dollars. The Den Passar, Paris, Managua, Geneva and Bahb'i Spiritual Assemblies now incorpo- Montevideo. rated number one hundred and fourteen, of So glorious a record of accomplishments which nine are national and the rest local in the service of the Faith of Bahi'u'lltih, Assemblies, fifty-six of which are in the whether local, national or international, in United States of America, sixteen in India, both the teaching and administrative spheres eleven in South America, six in Central of Bah6'i activity, can be regarded in no America, three each in Pikistin, in Burma other light than as a prelude to a period of and in Canada, two in Australia and one prodigious expansion and consolidation to each in Germany, in BaluchistLn, in New be inaugurated by the launching of a global Zealand, in the Philippine Islands and in spiritual crusade, on the threshold of which Malaya. The Bah&'iMarriage Certificate has the Bah6'i world now stands. This crusade been recognized by the Israel Civil Authori- extending through ten years will involve the ties, as well as by twenty-one federal dis- simultaneous prosecution of twelve National tricts and states of the United States of Plans, will necessitate the active and sus- 136 T H E BAHA'I WORLD tained participation of each of the twelve ing the Bahi'i World Community with the existing National Spiritual Assemblies rep- United Nations; the opening to the Faith, resenting no less than thirty-six nations and circumstances permitting, of eleven Repub- will demand the utmost exertion, consecra- lics comprised in the Soviet Union, as well tion and heroism. It aims at the broadening as two Soviet-controlled European states- and the reinforcement of the foundations of all, please God, culminating in the convoca- the Faith in each of the twelve areas that tion of a World Bah6'i Congress, in the are to serve as operational bases for the vicinity of the Garden of Ridvin, in the prosecution of these twelve National Plans; third holiest city of the BahL'i world, on the the opening of one hundred and thirty-one occasion of the world-wide celebrations territories to the Faith, the consolidation of commemorating the centenary of the formal one hundred and eighteen territories; the assumption by BahL'u'llLh of His prophetic translation and printing of literature in Office. ninety-one languages; the construction of Let there be no mistake. The avowed, the two Ma&iqu'l-Ad&k6rs; the acquisition of primary aim of this Spiritual Crusade is sites for the f ~ ~ t u rconstruction e of eleven none other than the conquest of the citadels Temples; the formation of forty-eight Na- of men's hearts. The theater of its operations tional Spiritual Assemblies; the founding of is the entire planet. Its duration a whole dec- forty-seven National Ijaziratu'l-Quds; the ade. Its commencement synchronizes with incorporation of fifty National Spiritual As- the Centenary of the birth of BahL'u'llLh's semblies; the framing of BahL'i national Mission. Its culmination will coincide with constitutions and the establishment of BahL'i the Centenary of the Declaration of that national endowments by each of these Na- same Mission. The agencies assisting in its tional Assemblies; the adoption of prelimi- conduct are the nascent administrative insti- nary measures for the construction of BahL'- tutions of a steadily evolving divinely ap- u'llLh's Sepulcher; the erection of the first pointed Order. Its driving force is the ener- Dependency of the first Maariqu'l-AdJhkir gizing influence generated by the Revelation of the western world; the development of heralded by the BLb and proclaimed by the institution of the Hands of the Cause; BahL'u'llLh. Its Marshal is none other than the transformation of the International the Author of the Divine Plan. Its standard- BahL'i Council into an international B a h a bearers are the Hands of the Cause of God court; the codification of the Laws and appointed in every continent of the globe. Ordinances of the KitLb-i-Aqdas; the estab- Its generals are the twelve National Spiritual lishment of six National BahL'i Courts in the Assemblies participating in the execution of chief cities of the Islamic East; the extension its design. Its vanguard is the chief executors of international BahL'i endowments in the of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Master Plan, their allies Plain of 'Akki and on the slopes of Mt. Car- and associates. Its legions are the rank and mel; the construction of the International file of believers standing behind these same Bahi'i Archives in the neighborhood of the twelve National Assemblies and sharing in BLb's Sepulcher; the construction of the the global task embracing the American, the Tomb of the BLb's wife in SJhirfiz; the iden- European, the African, the Asiatic and tification of the resting-places of Bahg- Australian fronts. The charter directing its u'llfih's father, of the BLb's mother and of course is the immortal Tablets that have His cousin and their reburial in the neigh- flowed from the Pen of the Center of the borhood of the Most Great House; the ac- Covenant Himself. The armor with which quisition of the Garden of Ridvin in Bagh- its onrushing hosts have been invested is the did, and of the sites of the SiyLh-GhLl in glad tidings of God's own Message in this Tihrkn, of the Bfib's martyrdom in Tabriz Day, the principles underlying the Order and of His incarceration in Ghihriq; the es- proclaimed by His Messenger, and the laws tablishment of six BahL'i National Publish- and ordinances governing His Dispensation. ing Trusts; the formation of seven Israel The battlecry animating its heroes and Branches of Bahi'i National Spiritual As- heroines is the cry of YL BahL'u'l-Abhi, Y i semblies; the participation of women in the 'Aliyyu'l-A'li' . membership of Bahl'i local and national So vast, so momentous and challenging a Spiritual Assemblies in Persia; the establish- crusade that will, God willing, illuminate ment of a Bahi'i National Printing-Press in the annals of the second epoch of the Form- Tihr5n; the reinforcement of the ties bind- ative Age of the Faith of BahL'u'llLh, and CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 137 immortalize the second decade of the second Light, shining with added brilliancy in its Bahi'i century, and the termination of crystal globe in Adrianople, aiid later on in which will mark the closing of the first the fortress-town of 'Akks, to thirteen coun- Epoch in the evolution of 'Abdu'l-BahB's tries in the Asiatic and African continents. Divine Plan, will, in itself, pave the way for, The seventh was its projection, from the and constitute the prelude to, the initiation Most Great Prison, in the course of the of the laborious and tremendously long proc- ministry of the Center of the Covenant, ess of establishing in the course of subse- across the seas and the shedding of its illu- quent crusades in all the newly opened mination upon twenty sovereign states and sovereign states, dependencies and islands of dependencies in the American, the Euro- the planet, as well as in all the remaining pean, and Australian continents. The eighth territories of the globe, the framework of part of that process was the diffusion of that the Administrative Order of the Faith, with same Light in the course of the first, and the all its attendant agencies, and of eventually opening years of the second, epoch of the erecting in these territories still more pillars Formative Age of the Faith, over ninety- to share in sustaining the weight, and in four sovereign states, dependencies and broadening the foundation, of the Universal islands of the planet, as a result of the prose- House of Justice. cution of a series of national Plans, initiated Then, and only then, will the vast, the by eleven National Spiritual Assemblies majestic process, set in m o t i ~ i iat the dawn throughout the Bahi'i world, utilizing the of the Adamic cycle, attain its consumrna- agencies of a newly emerged, divinely ap- tion-a process which commenced six thou- pointed Administrative Order, and which sand years ago, with the planting, in the soil has now culnlinated in the One Hundredth of the Divine Will, of the Tree of Divine Anniversary of the birth of Bahi'u'llih's Revelation, and which has already passed Mission. The ninth part of this process-the through certain stages and must needs pass stage we are now entering-is the further through still others ere it attains its final diff~lsionof that same Light over one hun- consummation. The first part of this process dred and thirty-one additional territories and was the slow and steady growth of this Tree islands in both the Eastern and Western of Divine Revelation, successively putting Hemispheres, through the operation of a forth its branches, shoots and offshoots, and decade-long world spiritual crusade whose revealing its leaves, buds and blossoms, as a termination will, God willing, coincide with direct consequence of the light and warmth, the Most Great Jubilee commemorating the imparted to it by a series of progressive centenary of the Declaration of Bahi'u'llBh Dispensations associated with Moses, Zoro- in Baghdid. And finally the tenth part of aster, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad and other this mGhtY process must be the penetration Prophets, and of the vernal showers of blood of that Light, in the course of numerous shed by countless martyrs in their path. The Crusades and of successive epochs of both second part of this process was the fruition the Formative and Golden Ages of the of this Tree, "that belongeth neither to the Faith, into all the remaining territories of East nor to the West," when the BBb ap- the globe through the erection of the entire peared as the Perfect Fruit and declared His machinery of Bahi'u'llih's Administrative Mission in the Year Sixty in the City of Order in all territories, both East and West, Khiriz. The third part was the grinding of the stage at which the Light of God's tri- this sacred Seed, of infinite preciousness and umphant Faith shining in all its power and potency, in the mill of adversity causing it glory will have suffused and enveloped the to yield its oil, six years later, in the City of entire planet. Tabriz. The fourth part was the ignition of This present Crusade, on the threshold of this oil by the Hand of Providence in the which we now stand, will, moreover, by depths and amidst the darkness of the Siyih- virtue of the dynamic forces it will release Chi1 of Tihrin a hundred years ago. The aiid its wide repercussions over the entire fifth, was the clothing of that flickering surface of the globe, contribute effectually Light, which had scarcely penetrated the to the acceleration of yet another process of adjoining territory of 'Iriq, in the lamp of tremendous significance which will carry the Revelation, after an eclipse lasting no less steadily evolving Faith of BahB'u'llih than ten years, in the City of Baghdid. The through its present stages of obscurity, of sixth, was the spread of the radiance of that repression, of emancipation and of recogni- T H E BAHA'I WORLD tion-stages one or another of which BahL'i Christ-promised Kingdom of God on earth national communities in various parts of the -the Kingdom of BahL'u'llhh-mirroring world now find themselves in, to the stage of however faintly upon this humble handful establishment, the stage at which the Faith of dust the glories of the AbhL Kingdom. of BahL'u'llih will be recognized by the civil This final and crowning stage in the evo- authorities as the State Religion, similar to lution of the Plan wrought by God Himself that which Christianity entered in the years for humanity will, in turn, prove to be the following the death of the Emperor Con- signal for the birth of a world civilization, stantine, a stage which must later be fol- incomparable in its range, its character and lowed by the emergence of the BahB'i state potency, in the history of mankind,-a civi- itself, functioning, in all religious and civil lization which posterity will, with one voice, matters, in strict accordance with the Laws acclaim as the fairest fruit of the Golden and Ordinances of the KitQb-i-Aqdas, the Age of the Dispensation of BahL'u'llhh, and Most Holy, the Mother-Book of the BahL'i whose rich harvest will be garnered during Revelation, a stage which, in the fullness of future Dispensations destined to succeed one time, will culminate in the establishment of another in the course of the five thousand the World BahL'i Commonwealth, function- century BahL'i Cycle. ing in the plenitude of its powers, and which -SHOGHI will signalize the long-awaited advent of the May 4, 1953. (2) Presented by R ~ H ~ WKHANUM IH T O THE Hands of the Cause, the members summons issued by the Author of the Bahi'i of the National Spiritual Assemblies, the Faith Himself, and enshrined for all time in pioneers, the resident believers and visitors the Mother-Book of His Revelation and attending the All-America Intercontinental Repository of His Laws, and addressed col- Teaching Conference in Chicago, Illinois, lectively to the rulers of the entire Western U.S.A. Hemisphere, conferring upon them an honor such as has not been conferred by Well-beloved Friends: Him on the rulers of any other continent of With a heart overflowing with joy and the globe. With a throbbing heart I call to thankfulness I acclaim, at this hour marking mind, at a distance of more than a century, the climax of the world-wide festivities of since the Herald of the Faith bade in His this Holy Year, the convocation, in the heart Qayyhmu'l-AsmB' the "peoples of the West" of the North American continent and under to "issue forth" from their "cities" to aid His the shadow of the newly consecrated Mother Cause, the long series of events which have Temple of the West, of the second and, illuminated the annals of Bahsi history in without doubt, the most distinguished of the the course of six memorable decades stretch- four Intercontinental Teaching Conferences ing from the time when the name of BahL'- commemorating the Centenary of the incep- u'llih was first publicly mentioned on the tion of the Mission of Bahi'u'llih. On the American continent to the present hour occasion of the opening of this epoch- when the first Mahriqu'l-AihkQr of the making Conference, at which members of West has finally been dedicated to public the United States, the Canadian, the Cen- worship on the occasion of the celebrations tral American and South American National signalizing the termination of the first cen- Spiritual Assemblies, as well as representa- tury since the birth of His Mission. I can tives of the BahL'i Communities in the States but, at this juncture, touch upon certain out- of the American Union, in the Provinces of standing episodes which, viewed in their the Dominion of Canada, in Alaska, and in proper perspective, may well be regarded as the Republics of Latin America, are as- landmarks in the rise and development of sembled, I recall the unique, the historic, the the Faith of BahL'u'llQh throughout the highly significant and profoundly moving Americas. I am particularly reminded of the CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 139 holding of the World Parliament of Reli- the incorporation of no less than four na- gions of Chicago in September 1893; of the tional, and of more than fifty local, BahB'i arrival of the first American Bahi'i pilgrims Spiritual Assemblies; in the recognition by in the Holy Land in December 1898; of the eighteen States of the American Union of inception of the Temple enterprise in June the Bahi'i Marriage Certificate; in the estab- 1903; of the opening of the first American lishment of two national administrative BahB'i Convention in March 1909; of headquarters, one in the Dominion of Can- 'Abdu'l-BahB's arrival in America in April ada and the other in the heart of the North 1912; of the laying by Him of the corner- American continent; in the framing of na- stone of the Mahriqu'l-Ad_hkh in May tional BahPi constitutions; in the inaugura- 1912; of the unveiling of the Tablets of the tion of summer schools; and in a notable Divine Plan in April 1919; of the birth and progress in the translation, the printing and rise of the Bahb'i Administrative Order on the dissemination of BahB'i literature. the morrow of 'Abdu'l-BahB's ascension; The hour has now struck for the National of the official inauguration of 'Abdu'l-BahA's Bahi'i Communities dwelling within the Plan through the launching of the first confines of the Western Hemisphere-the Seven-Year Teaching enterprise in April first region in the Western World to be 1937; of the completion of the exterior warmed and illuminated by the rays of ornamentation of the Mas_hriqu'l-Ad_hkir, God's infant Faith shining from its World on the eve of the Centenary Celebrations of Center in the Holy Land-to arise and, in the Founding of the Faith, in May 1944; of thanksgiving for the manifold blessings con- the inception of the second Seven-Year Plan tinually showered upon them from on high in April 1946; of the formation of an inde- during the past six decades and for the in- pendent National Spiritual Assembly in the estimable bounties of God's unfailing pro- Dominion of Canada in April 1948; of the tection and sustaining grace vouchsafed His establishment of the National Spiritual As- Cause ever since its inception more than a semblies of Central and South America in century ago, and in anticipation of the Most April 1951; and of the completion of the Great Jubilee which will commemorate the interior ornamentation of the Temple in hundredth anniversary of BahB'u'll&h's for- October 1952. mal assumption of His Prophetic Office, So remarkable a development in the launch, determinedly and unitedly, the third course of the past six decades, spanning the and last stage of an enterprise inaugurated concluding phase of the Heroic, and the sixteen years ago, the termination of which opening decade of the Formative, Age of will mark the closing of the initial epoch in the Faith, and encompassing the length and the evolution of 'Abdu'l-BahL's Divine Plan. breadth of a continent, so greatly blessed, so Standing on the threshold of a ten-year richly endowed, has resulted in the extension long, world-embracing spiritual crusade of the ramifications of a nascent Administra- these Communities are now called upon, by tive Order to every State of the American virtue of the weighty pronouncement re- Union, to every Province of the Dominion corded in the Most Holy Book, and in direct of Canada, and to every Republic of Central consequence of the revelation of the Tablets and South America; in the construction, the of the Divine Plan, to play a preponderating ornamentation, and the dedication to public role in the systematic propagation of the worship of the first Mas_hriqu'l-Ad_hkgr of Faith, in the course of the coming decade, the Western World; in the erection of no less which will, God willing, culminate in the than four pillars destined with others to sus- spiritual conquest of the entire planet. tain the weight of the final and crowning It is incumbent upon the members of the unit of the Administrative Structure of the American BahB'i Community, the chief ex- Faith; in the establishment of over ninety ecutors of 'Abdu'l-BahPs Divine Plan, the centers in the Dominion of Canada, of over members of the Canadian BahL'i Commu- an hundred centers in Latin America, and of nity acting as their allies, and the members over twelve hundred centers in the Great of the Latin American BahB'i Communities Republic of the West, covering a range that in their capacity as associates in the execu- stretches from the Arctic Circle in the North tion of this Plan, to brace themselves and to the extremity of Chile in the South; in the initiate, in addition to the responsibilities founding of local and national endowments they have assumed, and will assume, in estimated at over three million dollars; in other continents of the globe, an intercon- 140 T H E BAHA'I WORLD tinental campaign designed to carry a stage ica; of Bermuda, Costa Rica, Cuba, Domin- further the glorious work already inaugu- ican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, rated throughout the Western Hemisphere. Haiti, Hond~~ras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mex- The task, at once arduous, thrilling and ico, Nicaragua and Panama allocated to the challenging, which now confronts these four National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is Bahl'i Communities involves: First, the for- of Central America; and of Argentina, Bo- mation, under the aegis of the National livia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of the Paraguay, Perii, Uruguay and Venezuela, United States, and in collaboration with the allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly two existing National Assemblies in Latin of the Bahb'is of South America. Seventh, America, of one National Spiritual Assem- the incorporation of the twenty-one above bly in each of the twenty Latin American mentioned National Spiritual Assemblies. Republics as well as the establishment of a Eighth, the establishment by these same Na- National Spiritual Assembly in Alaska under tional Spiritual Assemblies of national the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly Bahb'i endowments. Ninth, the establish- of the Bahl'is of the United States of Amer- ment of a National Hwiratu'l-Quds in the ica. Second, the establishment of the first capital city of each of the afore-mentioned Dependency of the Mahriqu'l-A&kkb in Republics, as well as one in Anchorage, Wilmette. Third, the purchase of land for Alaska. Tenth, the formation of two Na- the future construction of two Mahriqu'l- tional Bahl'i Publishing Trusts, one in Wil- A a k i r s , one in Toronto, Ontario; one in mette, Illinois, and the other in Rio de Ja- Panama City, Panama, situated respectively neiro, Brazil. Eleventh, the formation of an in North and in Central America. Fourth, Israel Branch of the National Spiritual As- the opening of the following twenty-seven sembly of the BahB'is of Canada, authorized virgin territories and islands: Anticosti Is- to hold, on behalf of its parent institution, land, Baranof Island, Cape Breton Island, property dedicated to the holy Shrines at the Franklin, Grand Manan Island, Keewatin, World Center of the Faith in the State of Labrador, Magdalen Islands, Miquelon Is- Israel. Twelfth, the appointment during Rid- land and St. Pierre Island, Queen Charlotte vin 1954, by the Hands of the Cause in the Islands and Yukon, assigned to the National United States and Canada, of an auxiliary Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of Can- Board of nine members who will, in con- ada; Aleutian Islands, Falkland Islands, Key junction with the four National Spiritual As- West and Kodiak Island assigned to the Na- semblies participating in the American cam- tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of paign, assist, through periodic and system- the United States of America; Bahama Is- atic visits to Bahl'i centers, in the efficient lands, British Honduras, Dutch West Indies and prompt execution of the Plans formu- and Margarita Island, assigned to the Na- lated for the prosecution of the teaching tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of campaign in the American Continent. Central America; British Guiana, Chi106 Mindful of the magnificent services ren- Island, Dutch Guiana, French Guiana, Ga- dered during over half a century by the chief lapagos Islands, Juan Feinandez Island, Lee- executors of 'Abdu'l-Bah6's Divine Plan, ward Islands, and Windward Islands, as- within a territory that posterity will regard signed to the National Spiritual Assembly of as the cradle of the embryonic World Order the Bahl'is of South America. Fifth, the of BahB'u'llih and the stronghold of its nas- translation and publication of Bahl'i litera- cent institutions, and confident that this vast ture in the following ten languages, to be and historic assemblage, over which the na- undertaken by the National Spiritual Assem- tional elected representatives of this privi- bly of the Bahl'is of the United States of leged Community are presiding, will prove America: Aguaruna, Arawak, Blackfoot, to be the harbinger of still greater victories, Cherokee, Iroquois, Lengua, Mataco, Maya, I have been impelled to transmit, through Mexican and Yahgan. Sixth, the consolida- my special representative, who will partici- tion of Greenland, Mackenzie and New- pate on my behalf in the proceedings of this foundland, allocated to the National Spirit- Conference and act as my deputy at the ual Assembly of the BahB'is of Canada; of official dedication of the Maaiqu'l-Ad_hkir, Alaska, the Hawaii Islands and Puerto Rico a reproduction of the Portrait of Bahb'u'llLh allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly Himself, made in the prime of His life, of the BahL'is of the United States of Amer- whilst an exile in Baghdbd, - as a token of my C E N T E N A R Y O F B I R T H O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 141 admiration for this Community's unflagging the most potent agency in paving the way and herculean labors, and as a benediction for the launching of one of the most brilliant and inspiration for those who, whether offi- phases of the grandest crusade ever under- cially or unofficially, are participating in the taken by the followers of BahB'u'llBh since proceedings of a Conference that will go the inception of His Faith more than a hun- down in history as the most momentous dred years ago. gathering held since the close of the Heroic -SHOGHI Age of the Faith and will be regarded as Sunday, May 3, 1953. THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE DEDICATION OF THE MOTHER-TEMPLE OF THE WEST Presented by R ~ H ~ Y YKHANUM IH O N BEHALF of the Guardian of the hath surged, and the dispensations of Thy Faith of BahL'u'llLh, I have the great honor providence have been promulgated unto the of dedicating this first Mas_hriquYl-AdhkLr of followers of all religions . . . Lauded and the Western World to public worship. glorified art Thou, 0 Lord my God! Thou "Initiated fifty years ago, its foundation art He Who from everlasting hath been stone laid by 'Abdu'l-Bahl, the son of the clothed with majesty, with authority and Founder of the Faith, raised by contribu- power, and will continue unto everlasting to tions from its followers all over the world, be arrayed with honor, with strength and reared in the vicinity of the first Bah6'i cen- glory. The learned, one and all, stand aghast ter established in the West, this House of before the signs and tokens of Thy handi- Worship, now opening wide its doors to work, while the wise find themselves, with- peoples of all creeds, of all races, of all na- out exception, impotent to unravel the mys- tions and of all classes, is dedicated to the tery of Them Who are the Manifestations of three fundamental verities animating and un- Thy might and power. Every man of insight derlying the Bah6'i Faith-the Unity of hath confessed his powerlessness to scale the God, the Unity of His Prophets, the Unity heights of Thy knowledge, and every man of Mankind. of learning hath aclcnowledged his failure to "I greet and welcome you on behalf of the fathom the nature of Thine Essence. Guardian of our Faith within these walls, " 'Having barred the way that leadeth and invite you to share with us the words unto Thee, Thou hast, by virtue of Thine au- recorded in the Sacred Scriptures which we thority and through the potency of Thy will, believe to be repositories of the eternal and called into being Them Who are the Mani- fundamental truths revealed by God in var- festations of Thy Self, and hast entrusted ious ages, for the guidance and salvation of Them with Thy message unto Thy people, all mankind. and caused Them to become the Day- "May I now request you all to rise while Springs of Thine inspiration, the Exponents I read on behalf of the Guardian of the Faith these words of prayer written by the of Thy Revelation, the Treasuries of Thy Author of the Bahki Revelation: knowledge and the Repositories of Thy " '0 God, Who art the Author of all Man- Faith, that all men may, through Them, ifestations, the Source of all Sources, the turn their faces towards Thee, and may draw Fountain-Head of all Revelations, and the nigh unto the kingdom of Thy Revelation Well-Spring of all Lights! I testify that by and the heaven of Thy grace. Thy Name the heaven of understanding hath " 'I beseech Thee, therefore, by Thyself been adorned, and the ocean of utterance and by Them, to send down, from the right 142 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D Ruhiyyih Khinum presenting the Guardian's Message of Dedication of the BahC'i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, May 2, 1953. hand of the throne of Thy grace, upon all Whose hand is the source of all gifts, that that dwell on earth, that which shall wash they may all arise to serve Thy Cause, and them from the stain of their trespasses may detach themselves entirely from all ex- against Thee, and cause them to become cept Thee. Thou art the Almighty, the All- wholly devoted to Thy Self, 0 Thou in Glorious, the Unrestrained.' " CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 143 REPORTS OF THE ALL-AMERICA INTERCONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCE REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE T H E second and, in the Guardian's words, the Conference itself was convened during "without doubt, the most distinguished of Ridv6n period, the mid-point of the Holy the four Intercontinental Teaching Confer- Year, was again due to the loving plans of ences commemorating the Centenary of the our Guardian. inception of the Mission of BahL'u7116h"was In all, twelve Hands of the Cause were held in Chicago and Wilmette, Illinois, May present. Besides the three members of the 3 through 6, 1953. As the Guardian stated Bahb'i International Council and the five in one of his messages to the Conference, Hands of the Cause from Persia, there were this occasion marked the launching of the Mr. M h 6 Ban6ni of Africa, Mr. Fred "epochal, global, spiritual decade-long cru- Schopflocher of Canada, and Mrs. Dorothy sade." This crusade represents the "third and Baker and Mr. Horace Holley of the United last stage of an enterprise inaugurated six- States. teen years ago, the termination of which will The Conference was held in the Medinah mark the closing of the initial epoch in the Temple in Chicago, a large building which evolution of 'Abdu'l-BahL's Divine Plan." comfortably accommodated the sessions and The Inter-America Conference, convened activities attended by two thousand three by the National Spiritual Assembly of the hundred and forty-four registered Bahb'is Bahb'is of the United States, embracing the from thirty-three different countries of the United States, Canada, Central and South world, including two hundred and thirty-five America, was endowed by our beloved who came from countries other than the Guardian with great and special blessings. United States. A total of some twenty-five The sacrifice of the Guardian, already over- hundred BahL'is had attended the BahL'i burdened with work, in sending to the Con- Consecration Service held at the House of ference as his personal representative 'Ama- Worship on May 1. tu'l-Bah6 Rithiyyih Khhnurn, gave to the de- One of the important services rendered by liberations of the Conference and to the next the Jubilee Committee was the provision of ten years their basic clue. a duplicate set of attractive, leather-bound Guest Books for the registration of BahL'is The presence of all five Hands of the attending all or any of the Jubilee events Cause from Persia, ever ready with inspiring conducted in Medinah Temple. One of these stories of heroic deeds, brought a unique volumes has been sent to the Guardian, and blessing to this Conference of the West. Sac- the other is preserved permanently in the rifice-love-deeds, these must needs be our National Archives. equipment for the coming ten years, already A second set of duplicate volumes was begun. maintained at the Temple for registration of The Conference was especially blessed believers unable to attend the sessions held with two tremendously pregnant messages in Chicago. from Shoghi Effendi, read by Rlihiyyih From the moment, on Sunday morning, KhAnum, one at the opening session and the May 3, that the Inter-America Conference other the following day. was opened with prayers read in English and The unveiling by Charles Mason Remey, Spanish and chanted in Persian, and the president of the BahB'i International Council chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly and Hand of the Cause, of the model of his of the United States, Paul Haney, spoke its design for the Mas_hriqu'l-ALhk6r on Mount cordial welcome to all present, saying, "This Carmel was also an event of this Conference is a unique and historic event," one felt by the special request of the Guardian. That caught up in a transcending spiritual current T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D which presaged indeed a new phase in the ing New Territories" during the afternoon evolution of the Faith, the like of which had session, Mr. MGsA BanAni, Hand of the never before been experienced in the world. Cause from Africa, gave an absorbing ac- The roll call of visitors from the various count of how it is done in Africa. countries included BahL'is from Persia, Tur- Mr. B a n h i first conveyed the greetings Icey, Australia, Japan, Denmark, British East sent by the BahL'is from all centers of Africa, Sweden, Finland, France, the prov- Africa. He stated that there were three rea- inces of Canada, as well as the Northwest sons for the great success of the teaching Territories, ten of the fourteen countries and work in Uganda: (1) The bounties and con- islands of Central America opened to the firmations of BahL'u'llkh. (2) The complete Faith, nine of the ten republics of South unity of the pioneers. ( 3 ) The exemplary America, and forty-seven States of the way in which 'Ali NakhjavBni, one of the United States, plus Alaska and Hawaii. pioneers, conducted himself, with absolute Races represented included the Negro, freedom from prejudice. "He went and lived North American Indian, Chinese, Japanese, with the Africans in the heart of the jungle," Mongolian and Caucasian, Persian and Mr. Bankni said, "and this was a new experi- Turkish. ence for the Africans, because at no time The high note of the opening session previously had any white man acted toward came when the love of the Guardian was these Africans as he did. In the past the brought to the Conference by 'Amatu'l-Bahk Africans had heard many prom&es and Rithiyyih Khknum and she read his opening many beautiful words from white men, but message [see page 1331. in actions they had always seen the opposite. At the morning session of the second day, When they saw that words and deeds were the Guardian's second message was read by one in the person of 'Ali NakJ~javLni they Ruhiyyih KhAnum. In this message the immediately warmed up to the Faith and Guardian gives a monumental survey of the have received the Message of the Faith progress of the Faith to date, which, how- very eagerly and in exultation." ever, must be regarded as a "prelude" to the Mr. Bankni also emphasized how impor- period now inaugurated. The beloved tant it is for the BahL'i pioneers to make the Guardian, in his love and mercy, as ever authorities in the country understand that holds before us the promise of the glorious BahL'is have no connection with politics. He future, while outlining to us the challenging told a story of how cooperation with the tasks of the present. police on the part of the Bah2i pioneer, in Then Rithiyyih Khknum spoke to the letting them know he was making a trip to Conference on "The Character and Purpose a region of the jungle, vitiated the attempts of the World Crusade." [See page 151.1 of a white person to make trouble. Now one Following this stirring session four pio- of the tribal villages visited has a spiritual neer tables-one for each of the four assembly. Many of that tribe and others "allied" and "associated" National Spiritual came to the Kampala Conference, eighty Assemblies-were set up. During the lunch- Africans in all, invited as guests of the eon period these tables were crowded with Guardian. The fact that they returned "hale BahL'is volunteering to pioneer, leaving and hearty and much happier" after contact their names and addresses with the respec- with the BahL'is resulted in fifty more com- tive National Spiritual Assembly representa- ing into the Faith after the Conference. tive. At the opening of the afternoon session Consultation on opening new territories the co-chairman of the Conference, Mrs. was continued on Tuesday morning. The Dorothy Baker, called all those, and others National Spiritual Assembly representatives who wished to pioneer, to the platform to from Canada, Central America, South give their names over the microphone. Most America (the "allied" and "associated" As- of them also spoke a few words and stated semblies) and the United States each spoke where they would like to go. An eventual of the opportunities presented in their virgin total of one hundred and fifty BahB'is of areas, and gave short descriptions of the various countries signified their wish to pio- territories assigned to each by the Guardian. neer. Included were two anonymous offers All those who had had experience in pio- to serve in leper colonies. neering anywhere were then asked to give To implement the consultation on pio- their suggestions for opening new territories. neering under the topic "The Art of Open- The role of BahL'i Youth in pioneering CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 145 Bah6'is gathered in the House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, on the occasion of its Dedication. in the World Crusade was presented in the fied, and a recommendation was made to afternoon session. Following the opening de- the National Spiritual Assembly that teach- votions, Mrs. Amelia Collins spoke briefly ing committees be asked to make a special and read the following words spoken by the point of contacting foreign students in our Guardian, as they offer the "key for all of universities. us today": The magnetic power is the action Mr. 'Ali-Akbar Furlitan, Hand of the of the believers. If they arise and show the Cause and secretary of the National Spirit- right spirit it will act as a magnet and attract ual Assembly of Persia, who has written this power which is accumulated ready to textbooks for BahL'i children in Persia and aid every believer who will arise t o serve. for teachers training the Youth, spoke about The chairman of the National BahL'i the pioneering preparation given to Bah6'i Youth Committee, Dwight Allen, empha- Youth in Persia. First, he said, it was made sized the role of Youth as part of the BahL'i sure that every Bahii'i, young or old, was Community in the Ten-Year Crusade-in convinced that this particular phase of the consultation and in pioneering. He then Divine Plan could be achieved. Then, they opened the discussion to all "Youth." Practi- were assured of the promise of Divine help. cal points were brought out concerning the Mr. Furfitan gave the Guardian's three need for Youth to orient their education guarantees for the fulfillment of the Ten- toward work useful in pioneering and to Year Crusade as recently written to the plan their lives and marriage to that end; Bahi'is of Persia: (1) To arise with love, and concerning opportunities for jobs in (2) to persevere after one has arisen, and international organizations. The problem of (3) the occurrence of certain events in the Bahi'i Youth in military service was clari- world which will in some way assist the ful- 146 T H E BAHA'I WORLD fillment of this Crusade. Mr. FurfItan ex- She said: "There is nothing dBuse about plained that the Youth are taught that pio- Shoghi Effendi. He is like the point of flame neering has two aspects, the personal (that that comes out of a blowtorch. . . . Inten- of prayer and study) and the administrative sity of concentration and action." which involves cooperation with their As- Rtihiyyih Lhinum told of the way in semblies and Committees. which the Guardian, in two and one-half At this session there was also consultation months, had converted twelve thousand concerning the work among the Indians and square meters (almost three acres) of land, the Eskimos. Members of the Indian Teach- all sand, around Bahji and the Tomb of ing Committees of Central and of South BahL'u'llih, into beautiful gardens. She said America reported activities initiated to reach he concentrated sixteen hours a day on get- the Indians. The efforts of Bahb'is in Green- ting this work done. "Otherwise it could land and Alaska to reach the Eskimos were have taken two years. Everything he does, he reported. Teaching in schools, nursing and does that way. And we must learn to work study of anthropology were mentioned as the way Shoghi Effendi does, because only valuable ways of making these contacts. Mr. in that way will we get the work accom- Eli Powlas, a full-blooded Oneida Indian plished." now a BahL'i, was one who spoke. He was She gave instances of the great integrity asked by R~hiyyihLhinum to translate a of the Guardian. "Shoghi Effendi is like the Bahi'i pamphlet into his language for . law. . . He has the most tremendous Shoghi Effendi. "This would make the courage where principle is concerned," And Guardian happy," she said. Of course he she told of his returning thirty-four thou- eagerly agreed to do it. sand pounds sterling donated at one time during the Guardian's absence from Haifa Riihfyyih Khhinum urged us to stud) the by a man "with whom Shoghi Effendi was methods of the Guardian, to try to see things displeased. He considered that the man's with far-seeing vision and make use, in our spirit was not right, that his motives were teaching, of developments on the periphery not pure, and Shoghi Effendi could not ac- of the Faith, as evidenced in his pamphlet cept money from him. He said, 'How can I Information Statistical and Comparative, take his money and not reinstate him in my 1844-1952 and his Appreciations of the good graces? And he can't buy me.' " RfI- Bahd'i Faith, which we should use to give wyyih Khinum added: "You see, it is these people an idea of the extent of the Faith and things that set the standard of BahL'is in the the quality of those who speak favorably world. When our integrity is as shining and of it. as clear cut as Shoghi Effendi's, we will not Monday evening was the time set aside have much' trouble bringing people into the for the Guardian's representative, 'Amatu'l- Faith." Bahi Riihiyyih Khhinum, to speak to the R a y y i h a i n u m spoke of the absolute Bahi'is from her heart. She spoke to the necessity for us to learn to think in terms of heart of every Bahb'i, about many things, all principle and not in terms of personality. "It helpful. She spoke chiefly of that which seems to be a terrible disease that we all "you want most to hear about-Shoghi have, of constantly thinking of everything in Effendi." And she told how when she first terms of personality. We never seem to get went to serve with the Guardian she had a to terms of principle. You see, the Guardian mental image of the Cause of God as a ship, doesn't care anything about personality. It the Captain of the ship was Shoghi Effendi doesn't exist as far as he is concerned. He and the Bah2is were all on deck and she cares only for principle. There are no ex- was one of them. After a time the image ceptions to his rule. It doesn't matter who needed revising-the Guardian was the ship, you are or what you have done, how much the sea was the Cause of God and the you have given, how prominent you are, BahB'is were traveling on the ship. "Time anything to do with you that you might feel went by and that image was no longer large entitles you to some special consideration. enough. Finally I came to the conclusion . . . It is only principle. that the ocean was the Guardian and the "Now the Bahb'is should learn to look at Cause of God was the ship and the Cause of things that way. They have simply got to God often gets a rough ride and the ocean is stop thinking in terms of personality. They tossed by the winds of God." have got to start thinking in terms of prin- CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 147 Amatu'l-Bahi Rithiy~ihKhAnum receiving the Bahi'is at reception given in her honor at the All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference, Chicago, Illinois, May 4, 1953. ciple. The principle is your Spiritual Assem- KJhLnum graciously answered about fifty blies composed of nine people. They have questions written out by Bahi'is and sent to been elected by you. They are supposed to the platform at her invitation. fulfill certain functions specified in our The reception for Riihiyyih LhhLnum teachings which are quite clear. Whether which followed gave the friends the oppor- they do it very well or very poorly or you tunity to shake hands with her and speak think Mrs. Jones is a person who actually a few words individually with her. started the whole thing and you are sure it The evening of Tuesday, May 5 , was de- is Mr. Smith who doesn't like you, or what- voted to the World Center, with the unveil- ever the thing is that is going on in your ing by Charles Mason Remey of his model mind, you have got to learn, always, that it for the Ma&riqu'l-Ad_hkLr to be erected on is principle that is the thing to follow. . . . Mt. Carrnel, a talk by Mr. Funitan on the We are never, never going to get this ad- institutions of the World Order of BahB'- ministrative order swinging until we forget u'llih, and the viewing of color moving all individuals, however much they get into pictures of the Shrines and gardens in Haifa our hair, and devote ourselves to the appli- and Bahji, sent by the beloved Guardian to cation of the principles involved. . . . You be shown at the Conference. will be astonished what you can do if you As Mr. Rerney unveiled the model the ever get over the question of personalities. friends saw the exquisitely beautiful design . . . Don't look at each other so much as for the Mas_hriqu'l-A&kLr of the Holy an individual. Look at each other as all Land, with the landscaping of its surround- BahB'is, all belonging to Bahi'u'llLh and all ing terrace. Five drawings were also dis- belonging to Shoghi Effendi. . . And . played, of various elevations, cross section when you see those things, think of that love and interior design. Acquisition of land for ill your heart for Shoghi Effendi, and say, its erection is one of the objectives in the 'All right, I love you.' " development of the World Center during Following her stirring talk, Rchiyyih this Crusade. 148 T H E BAHA'I WORLD Mr. Furtitan's talk on the World Order later, after he had also visited 'Abdu'l-BahL was a very comprehensive review tracing the On this visit he had with him two of his development of the Administration, the sons; one of them, RGhu'llBh, a very gifted importance of the Will and Testament of child, was only eight years old. One day the 'Abdu'l-BahB, the functions of the two great Greatest Holy Leaf, 'Abdu'l-Bahi's sister, "pillars" of interpretation and legislation asked the boy what he did in Persia. He BahB'is attending the All-America Intercontinental Teaching Conference who had met 'Abdu'l-BahL. which support the Administrative Order, replied, "I was teaching." So the Greatest and, finally, the steps outlined by the Guard- Holy Leaf asked him how he taught. He said ian in his second communication to the Con- he spoke only to those who had "percep- ference through which the development of tion." The Greatest Holy Leaf then asked the Faith would progress. him to tell her whether two boys who were At the last morning session of the Con- present (sons of Bahi'u'llkh) could under- ference four of the Persian Hands of the stand what he had to say. R~hu'llkhwent to Cause had been asked to speak on the the boys, looked attentively into their faces, "Significance of the Year Ninem-General and returned to Bahiyyih Klhknum saying, Shu'i'u'llBh 'Ali'i, Valiyu'llkh VarqB, TarL- "It is no use; they would not understand." qu'llBh Samandari and D_hikru'llfih miidem. Both of these brothers of 'Abdu'l-BahB be- General 'AlB'i read from passages in the came Covenant-breakers. Writings of BahB'u'llBh and told that the Mr. VarqB himself had accompanied exact site of the dungeon of the SiyBh-GhBl 'Abdu'l-Bahb on His visit to the United is known but that large buildings have since States. been built over this property. Mr. Samandari, the oldest Hand of the Mr. VarqB had been asked to tell about Cause among the five Persians, is descended his father and brother who attained to mar- from one of the pupils of S_hayk_h Ahmad, tyrdom. He told the moving story of his first of the two forerunners of the Bkb. At grandfather's making the trip to Bahji on the age of fifteen, Mr. Samandari attained foot from Persia only to become ill and die the presence of Bahi'u7llBh. He recalled his just before he reached his goal. He was impression of the great humility and the buried by 'Abdu'l-BahB in a grave made grandeur and majesty of Bahi'u'llBh, and with His own hands. Mr. VarqL's father at- told many reminiscences of that memorable tained the presence of BahB'u'llbh several visit. times and asked for martyrdom for himself Then, inevitably, came the closing session and one of his sons. He was a physician and of the Conference, a Conference which the traveled about Persia to promulgate the Guardian stated in his opening message Faith. His wish was granted many years "will go down in history as the most mo- CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 149 mentous gathering held since the close of the all of this I feel is the result of our Guard- Heroic Age of the Faith, and will be re- ian's sacrifice. Let us just cherish this garded as the most potent agency in paving thought all through the next ten years, that the way for the launching of one of the most our Guardian is sacrificing for us daily, and brilliant phases of the grandest crusade ever with great joy. To see the Guardian smile undertaken by the followers of BahP'u'llLh just once is enough to cause you to wish to since the inception of His Faith more than lay down your life, really and truly it is. one hundred years ago." But that is not it. We are to make our At this session the Guardian's own chosen Guardian happy, and this it is really our representative, R6l$yyih KJhhum, called privilege to do." upon us to "Mount Your steed^!''^' Mrs. Collins then concluded the Con- When R6hiyyih LhLnum finished, just be- ference with reading 'Abdu'l-BahP's Tablet fore the reading of the closing prayer Mrs. of Visitation. Amelia Collins spoke briefly: "Now I have witnessed in this audience day after day : T h e s e were the words of Quddds as he led the your great joy, your inspiration, your long- BAbfs at the siege of Tabarsf. See The Dawn-Brealcers, ing to serve, the pledges you have made, and page 365. THE JUBILEE PUBLIC MEETINGS T H E impressive p ~ ~ b l ievents c of the All- satisfaction which will be achieved when all American Jubilee celebrations, which in- are gathered as brothers in one common cluded four public meetings and the dedica- household of faith under one God. In a tion of the House of Worship, received forceful manner, Dr. Hutchinson then pre- widespread notice in the press and attracted sented his analysis of the hopeful factors- much public attention and interest. Each of points of light-in the general darkness of the four meetings, with their distinguished the present age. He outlined five such points guest participants and outstailding BahP'i of light which exist in the thinking of com- speakers, drew large audiences, estimated to mon men everywhere, and which therefore have varied from fifteen hundred to twenty- offer promise for the future. These are: the five hundred. faith of common men in the reality of prog- The first meeting was held Wednesday ress, the belief in the reality and authority evening, April 29, the opening day of Jubi- of moral values, the belief in the reality of lee week, at Medinah Temple in Chicago. human oneness, common man's inlcreasiilg Mr. Matthew Bullock was chairman and the awareness of the necessity for world govern- two speakers on the theme of "Religion for ment, and his deep belief in the spiritual Humanity" were Dr. Paul Hutchinson and basis for all life. Mrs. Dorothy Baker. Mrs. Baker spoke on the "Mission of the Dr. Hutchinson is widely known and Prophets" with eloquence and persuasive- respected as an outstanding analyst of pres- ness. She identified the Prophets as the ent day problems and spokesman for the lay founders of civilization and described their Protestant Church world. He is editor of two-fold mission as individual and social, the Christian Century, generally coilsidered "to glorify the individual and to safeguard to be the most influential Protestant period- and unify the race." Then she traced the ical. Dr. Hutchinson's subject was "Points of development of this two-fold mission in the Light in the Dark World." He began his stories of Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, remarks by offering his congratulations on showing that religion has given repeated the completion of the House of Worship, proofs that it is the source of human prog- which he described as a symbol of man- ress and redemption. BahP'u'llLh was pro- kind's oneness in this vital quest for spiritual claimed as the fountain-head of light and 150 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D salvation for this chaotic hour. Mrs. Baker Mr. Haney then introduced the third concluded by outlining the movement of member of the Technical Committee, Mr. the Faith toward the achievement of the Edwin Eardley, and the Landscape Archi- eternal plan of God-the "Kingdom indi- tect, Mr. Hilbert Dahl. The chairman pre- visible, whose watchword is the oneness of sented Mr. William Alexander, the President the human race-all rivers flow to the of the Village of Wilmette, to whom he ex- ocean; all missions are fulfilled in this mis- pressed the appreciation of the BahL'is for sion." the friendly attitude and cooperation ex- tended by the village authorities during the On the eve of the dedication of the Tem- years of the Temple's building. Mr. Alex- ple, Friday, May 1, a public meeting was ander, in the name of the Village of Wil- held in the New Trier High School, Win- mette, offered greetings and congratulations netka, a suburb north of Chicago in the and stated that the village feels privileged to vicinity of the House of Worship. BahL'is have this world famous structure in its com- came from their special service of consecra- munity and has sincere regard for the lofty tion held at the Temple in the afternoon to ideals which it represents. join with guests-for the most part residents Mr. Horace Holley then gave a penetrat- of the northern suburbs who have watched ing and profound definition of the purpose the Temple during the long years of its of the BahL'i House of Worship. building as they have flowed past on the The meeting was closed with the reading highway that borders the Temple grounds- of an editorial from the Chicago Daily News in a happy prelude to the great event of the on the dedication of the Temple, praising next day, the public dedication. On this the ideals for which it stands. evening the story of their beloved House of Worship was publicly unfolded. R6hiyyih Lhknum, the Guardian's rep- Mr. Paul Haney, the chairman, pre- resentative to the All-American Interconti- sented several messages of greeting and con- nental Conference, and Dr. Charles Wesley gratulations on the dedication of the House were speakers on the theme "One God and of Worship from well-known people. One People," Sunday, May 3, at Medinah The history, architecture and purpose of Temple in Chicago. There was much excite- the Temple were discussed by BahL'is whose ment over the participation of RGhiyyih close association with the work has famil- Lhhbnum in a public program and the large iarized them with its every detail. Mr. Alien audience rose as she came on the huge stage McDaniel, a former member of the National with Dr. Wesley, guest speaker, and Mr. Spiritual Assembly, for many years supervis- 'Ali Yazdi, Chairman. ing engineer of the building and more re- Dr. Charles H. Wesley, president of Cen- cently on the Technical Committee, gave tral State College at Wilberforce, Ohio, au- the history of the project from its beginning, thor, historian and educator, chose as his through the purchase of the land, the choice topic "The Significance of Oneness-Prin- of a plan and the completion of the con ciple or Expediency?" He stated that the struction. Mr. Robert McLaughlin, Director principle of oneness is recognized and ad- of the School of Architecture of Princeton vocated by the great religions and by most University and Fellow of the American In- world thinkers, but practice departs from stitute of Architects, who has served for theory. In application to life in the modern some years on the Technical Committee, world, the principle of oneness has faced described the unusual architectural elements obstacles which Dr. Wesley listed as selfish of the building, pointing to the unique fitness nationalism, self-serving industrialism, and of the plan to the Bahit'i conception of unity self-contained racism. In the movement to- and manner of worship. He stressed the ward world unity and the oneness of man- timeless quality of the architectural design kind, he questioned whether it would be for it has stood apart and aloof from the reached by principle or expediency, the changing fashions of the last thirty years. latter being thus far the most influential Regarding it as an example of early BahL'i argument. Permanent and enduring change architecture, Mr. McLaughlin speculated on will come only through the translation of the wonders of world architecture that will democratic and religious ideals into practical develop as the world becomes spiritually activities. What is needed, he asserted, "is a and physically united. consistent application of principle by people CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 151 of principle with a consistent and intelligent prepare men for the modern crisis. He re- plan of action. Resistance may be great, but counted vividly his experiences and impres- the cause is greater." sions at Los Alamos, viewing the electronic Rithiyyih u i n u m had chosen to speak brain, visiting a horribly scarred victim of on "A World Crusade." She spoke at first the atom bomb at Hiroshima, Japan; seeing directly to the comments of Dr. Wesley, and the refugees in Korea; and being at a ceme- stressed the essential importance of the tery for American soldiers in Korea. His principle of oneness to the Faith of Bah6'- analyses of the fundamental ills of this age u'llih. She then announced that the BahL'is sprang from his critical examination of the are undertaking a specific program to diffuse deep meanings of these events in the total the teachings of one God, one people, and question of human destiny. He asked, could one religion to all parts of the planet. She the deformed figure of the atom bomb vic- presented the broad outlines of the ten-year tim and the pitiful plight of the refugee be Crusade to reach practically all peoples and the face of tonlorrow's man? Man needs remote corners of the world, closing with faith and "a rule of law in a responsible the invitation to all to join this vast spiritual world government." The question, he con- crusade, or if not, to wish us well. Certainly tinued, is what kind of qualities, human and Rithiyyih KJhAnum herself impressed the spiritual, will be brought to bear on the crea- large gathering more than any words that tion of world order? Men have created war were spoken. Everyone was touched by the and destruction, and they can now create a spirit which flowed through her, by her moral and just peace. dignity, simplicity and candor, and even Dr. W. Kenneth Christian spoke on "Reli- more by those indefinable qualities of a gion for a World Society." He reviewed selfless Bahi'i. Each knew that he had spent some of the basic tenets of the BahL'i Faith, a moment with a rare soul. stressing the progressive revelations of God's Will and the oneness of mankind. The fourth public meeting on the theme "Disunity is the disease of our civilization," of "The Human Goal" was held the closing he asserted, and "we cannot have an endur- evening of Jubilee week, Wednesday, May ing and peaceful world society without the 6, at Medinah Temple. Mr. Norman Cous- spiritual foundation of a world faith." "If a ins and Dr. W. Kenneth Christian shared the world government were set up and ready to platform and Mr. H. Borrah Kavelin was start tomorrow, what ethics would knit to- chairman. gether the actions of the people?" he asked. Mr. Norman Cousins, well-known writer "What would supply the world loyalty to and lecturer, is editor of The Saturday Re- support a world government?" He declared view, America's oldest literary magazine, that only a "world religion can meet the and president of the United World Federal- basic needs to support and firmly knit to- ists. His most recent book Who Speaks for gether the billions of people on this planet." Man? was currently receiving widespread "The Bahi'i Faith provides a standard of notice. Mr. Cousins' subject was "A New morality and human rights above conven- Moral Order." His friendly manner and in- ience and political pressure. Bahi'u'llih formal style immediately won his audience, stands as the conscience of humanity in this when he said he was scared because he was age." He calls men to "Unity of faith as "in the presence of people who live out the rightful equals in the Kingdom of God." things I have been talking about." He re- ferred to his inclusion of quotations from It is interesting to the BahL'i to note the the Faith in his latest book because it unanimity of basic ideas among our three stresses "integration as opposed to com- eminent guest speakers. Though differing partmentalization of mankind," and it talks markedly in approach each stressed that the of the "unity of the whole man: economical man, political man and social man." He essence of the problem of this age and the stated that the crisis of modern man is one urgent need for the world of tomorrow is of human destiny, one of unity versus frag- the oneness of mankind and world govern- mentation and disintegration. He spoke of ment, demonstrating so clearly that the the compartmentalization of life as the dis- humanitarian and spiritual principles enun- ease of our age, and of the limitations of ciated decades ago by BahL'u'llih are now education, whether religious or academic, to viewed by a world conscious of their source 152 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D as fundamental verities of our time. Though means it could be achieved. The BahL'i each man analyzed the crisis of society to- speakers, on the other hand, were able not day, none could provide the answers as to only to describe the disease of society, but the source of the power to realize these could and did deal quite fully with the aims, nor could they define the character of healing remedy of the world religion, given the goal of human destiny, or tell by what men in this era by BahC'u'llLh. JUBILEE AT WILMETTE O N FRIDAY afternoon, May 1, there down into the earth, that hollowed-,outhole; was a simple consecration service at the this great mother-of-pearl bubble of a Tem- Temple for Bahb'is alone; a private dedica- ple that can hardly stay on the ground and tion and a commemoration of the Master's seems to float above it. If people want a coming to this spot by the Lake in 1912 and miracle, this is it. with His own hands placing the Temple cor- Elsie Austin of the National Spiritual As- nerstone. This afternoon the BahL'is sembly was reading the words which the swarmed all over the Temple walks and Master spoke as He laid the Temple corner- steps, but upstairs in the vast auditorium stone in the fields here, forty-one years ago. everything was quiet. Her delicate bronze profile shone out against High up in the tip of the Dome against a the wing of flowers to her right. white background the golden Greatest Name JinLb-i-VarqB, whose father and small was written. The Hands of the Cause were brother both died for the Cause and who seated directly before the reading stand. was present here in 1912, now chanted the Microphones were placed in front of it, and Arabic Visitation Tablet (Pmyers and Medi- behind at either side were huge bouquets of tations, p. 310) just as it is chanted in Bahji yellow, pink and white flowers, stretched out and at the Shrine of the BQb. When the like wings. The sun had come out but it was words came to: "Waft, then, unto me, 0 my not too bright. In the second gallery above God and my Beloved, from the right hand us there were great bug-like mechanisms, of Thy mercy and Thy loving kindness, the startlingly black against the white; these holy breaths of Thy favors, that they may were the "juniors," the lights which unseen draw me away from myself and from the technicians working up in the air were fo- world unto the courts of Thy nearness and cusing on the lectern. Thy presence'-I remembered being told The people were absolutely silent. The that when the Master was here, He would Dome, its white rays dropping away, poured sometimes chant or repeat these lines and dcwn a lacy rain of grace. Light filtered then Lua Getsinger would weep, and she through the closed Temple drapes. would say, "He is pleading so to go, to die Madame Samihih BanBni, wife of the and then we shall be left alone." Africa Hand of the Cause, now rose and chanted a haunting Persian prayer. Then On Saturday afternoon, May 2, I had Harlan Ober read the passage beginning hurried upstairs with the Press, to the first "They apprehended Us" from the Epistle to gallery which looms high above the audi- the Son of the W o l f . It tells of BahL'u'll&h7s ence level. A capacity crowd of eleven hun- imprisonment in the slums of Tihrhn. The dred people waited below us. The silence was absolute. Members of the Press were contrast between the Black Pit and this Edi- collecting wooden chairs on which to stand fice and this Jubilee took sudden shape: that so they could peer over the high parapet into darkness and stench, this light and fra- the crowd below; their comings and goings grance; those murderers and thieves, these had to be utterly silent because of the acous- massed disciples from around the world; tical properties of the Dome; any noise those sweating walls, that slime, three flights would have dissipated the great spiritual CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 153 atmosphere that was accumulating from the Western world; he had sent on the exact time and the place, the unseen presences and Persian and Arabic readings which were to the actual presence of the Guardian's con- be chanted, together with translations where sort, of the other Hands of the Cause-six these had been made; he had chosen Jin6b-i- of whom were here from the far sids of the Furfitan and Jin6b-i-Khh6dem to chant the earth-and of the multitudes of Bahi'is who selections, and had directed the Hands of had come, in some cases with the greatest the Cause of God to choose who should sacrifice, to witness this hour. Across dizzy chant the final commune, and they had cho- space from us was the silent black-robed sen Jinib-i-Samandari. Just then someone choir. The dedication was about to take parted the great off-white drapes, and I saw place. below us a blinding flash of bright green In a moment Paul Haney spoke: "On this tree tops over against the darker green of historic occasion. . . . Shoghi Effendi Rab- the grass. bani, Guardian of the Bah2i Faith, has sent he service was given, all except for his wife, 'Amatu'l-Bahi Rdhiyyih Lhinum, 'Amatu'l-BahL's words of dedication, three as his personal representative to present a times to accommodate the many more than message of dedication from him as world capacity crowds which came. Horace Holley leader of the Bahi'i Faith." And then we opened the second one, reading, as we all heard Rdhiyyih K_h&nuin,in her grave and stood, the commune which Riihiyyih youthful voice, giving full value to each of K_h&nurnhad read before. I sat in the first the beautiful English words of the message row, off center, and watched the light com- from our beloved Guardian dedicating this ing through the sixty red roses massed at first Mas_hriqu'l-ALhkir of the Western either side of the reading stand, the Persian World to public worship. rug glowing beneath it, and the shadow of They say it was the first time in history the roses thrown by the lights against one of that a woman figured so prominently in the the pillars. It was brighter than day from the dedication of a Temple of an independent lights, except when they were dimmed as the Faith. choir sang. Again I listened to words read There was a pause. Then another voice or chanted in three languages, to the Hands began, a man's voice, Borrah Kavelin's, of the Cause Furtitan, Lhidem and Saman- reading from the nineteenth Psalm: "Their dari, to Albert Windust, Selma Solomon, line is gone out through all the earth, and and David Bond. The end came when Ji- their words to the end of the world." nib-i-Samandari, tiny under the looming As Margot Worley, Chairman of the Na- white reaches of the Dome, with that austere tional Assembly of South America, read dignity which is his special characteristic, from the words of Jesus, I thought again finished his Persian chant, put on his glasses how the references to Him in our teaching again, and took up the book which had been are apt to be tender and full of pathos, like open but not referred to, on the reading imminent spring not yet come on, or a re- stand before him. curring song, mournful and delicate, as if the world would never get over the Cruci- Like all other Bahi'i pilgrims, I had, fixion, while time lasts. during successive visits to the Holy Land, Matthew Bdlock read from the Qur'in, seen the Portraits of BahiYu'll&h.The one as Louis Gregory had read from it under that remained in memory through the years this same Dome, at the Centenary in 1944. was the photograph made in Adrianople, After a delay of thirteen hundred years, where He was exiled from December 12, Islim is being befittingly proclaimed in the 1863 to August 12, 1868. It has the direct, West: "0 our Lord! Punish us not if we probing glance that all who saw Him de- forget, or fall into sin. . . . 0 our Lord! scribe. It is not the face of youth, but of the . . . lay not on us that for which we have Ancient of Days. not strength; but blot out our sins and for- As RGhiyyih U i n u m described the sa- give us, and have pity on us!" cred gift which the Guardian had sent us in The Guardian had said to use the Psalms her care-the colored, photographically re- ('Abdu'l-Bahi loved the Psalms) and to use produced Portrait of Bah6'u'llih "in the the words of Jesus, and to quote from the bloom of manhood"-a new and different Qur'in passages on the unity of God and Being began to take shape; a youthful Per- His Prophets which would appeal to the sonage, still in His thirties, perhaps, or early 154 THE BAHA'I WORLD forties, since the Portrait was done in BagJh- herded together for comfort. Some main- did; One Whom painters forever wanted to tained that they waited five hours; I waited paint and poets to write about. The Master about three. Finally we worked our way tells how even hostile poets had eulogized clear up the Temple steps and reached the Him, one of them writing: "He charms great glass doors. men, H e drugs them; He is a hypnotizer! Here, one by one, we passed through, to Beware! Beware!" (Promulgation o f Uni- find R6hiyyih Lhinum on our left, anoint- versal Peace, p. 431). We know too that ing each one with attar of rose. The use of others maintained H e bewitched His guests this attar, enjoined by Bahi'u'llQh, was fa- by dropping a magic philter in their tea miliar to the early American BahC'is be- (Dawn-Breakers, p. 113). Not yet, in this cause of its use by the Master, but some of Portrait, the Manifestation Whom the world the newer BahL'is had not heard of the cus- had forsaken (Gleanings, p. 261), the fresh- tom until Mrs. Amelia Collins had anointed ness of Whose countenance had faded us on the Guardian's behalf at the Conven- (Promised Day Is Come, p. 7 ) , the One tion in 1952. Who cried with such a bitter cry that every We sat in fragrant silence, about sixteen mother in her bereavement was bewildered hundred of us at a given time, and since at Him and forgot her own anguish every detail had been carefully plaimed, we (Prayers and Meditations, p. 271). 'Ama- had only to follow the ushers' directions and tu'l-BahQ spoke of the strong and youthful were soon passing q~~ietly,single file, toward beauty He had once and of the redness of the tables where two Portraits were placed. His lips. She told us this Portrait-which It was a white ethereal and muffled-scene; has never before been out of the hands of a verse from the Qur'in described it: "And the Master or the Guardian-was made by low shall be their voices before the God of a Christian artist who had seen Him at the Mercy, nor shalt thou hear aught but the public baths. light footfall" (Surih 20: 107). We drew We went remembering what the BQb had near to the Portraits and there was hardly said: "Look not upon Him with any eye ex- a moment to look, first on the grave coun- cept His own. For whosoever looketh upon Him with His eye, will recognize Him; oth- tenance of the Bib, the One "Who had erwise he will be veiled from Him" (Epistle never taken His eyes away from the face of to the Son of the W o l f , p. 153). God" (Gleanings, p. 221)-and then on the That Sunday afternoon, May 3, a great young and joyous Bahi'u'llih. He seemed crowd of us massed for hours on the Tem- to be greeting each one of us. ple steps. It was cold and windy and we It was really jubilee. (7) THE PUBLIC DEDICATION OF THE B A H N HOUSE OF WORSHIP By WILLIAMB. SEARS Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Be- values independent of words. To convey the hold the man whose name is The Branch;* and exaltation that animated Bahgis on this he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall never-to-be-repeated occasion is equally be- build the temple of the Lord; Even he shall yond the power of expression. To each wor- build the temple of the Lord; and he shall shiper, the moment was a personal one, as- bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne. . . . sociated with the heart and spirit. Therefore, Zechariah 6:12, 13. these pages will try to share the joy and rap- ture that filled one heart only. These pages IT IS impossible to report upon a prayer or a meditation. They exist in a realm of will recall the wonderful river of memories that flowed ceaselessly throughout the Dedi- cation, the stream of thoughts that made * "The Branch" is a title of 'Abdu'l-BahL. every barren period of the past become liv- CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 155 ing and fertile, that banished all sorrow, When gazing upon a model of this House healed all suffering; and led the wayfarer at of Worship, a famous professor of architec- last to the sea of understanding, to this har- ture had said, "This is a new creation which bor of the love of God, to safety inside this will revolutionize architecture in the world, Ark of His Covenant. and it is the most beautiful I have ever Across the aisle could be seen the glowing seen." and triumphant faces of those apostles of The model had now become reality. The BahL'u'llih who had stood upon this same dream had become clothed in flesh. Here, plot of ground with 'Abdu'l-Bahi on that on this day of dedication, were gathered to- cold, windy May day forty-one years ago. gether people of all races, religions and na- They had watched their beloved Master ded- tions. The words had been fulfilled: "And icate this spot, then an empty, open field, to they that are afar off shall come and build the welfare of all humanity. The real Tem- in the temple of the Lord, and ye shall know ple, he had told them, was the Word of that the Lord of Hosts has sent me unto God; for to it all humanity must turn. Then you," for "Mine house shall be called a he looked up, smiled, and assured them that house of prayer for all people," and "all na- "in the unseen world, the Temple is already tions shall flow unto it." built." On that day of Dedication you could look From a lofty gallery, the unseen choir into the tranquil, confident eyes of those fol- filled the Temple with the music and words lowers of BahL'u'llih who had helped to "Who can comprehend Thee?" Through the draft the immortal cablegram to the Holy mind flowed the wonderful creative words Land back in 1909, a message which had of Bahi'u'llgh: brought solace to the heavy-laden heart of "Lauded and glorified art Thou, 0 Lord, 'Abdu'l-Bahi. In a Tablet written later to my God! How can I make mention of Thee, His followers He told the story of its coming assured as I am that no tongue, however and announced the triumphant event that deep its wisdom, can befittingly magnify synchronized with it. Thy name, nor can the bird of the human "The most joyful tidings is this, that the heart, however great its longing, ever hope holy, the luminous body of the BBb . . . to ascend unto the heaven of Thy majesty after having for sixty years been transferred and knowledge." from place to place, . . . has, through the "Know thou of a certainty," BahL'u'llBh mercy of the Abhi Beauty, been cere- proclaims further, "that the Unseen can in moniously deposited, on the day of Naw- no wise incarnate His essence and reveal it RGz, within the sacred casket in the exalted unto men. . . . He Who is everlastingly Shrine on Mount Carmel. . . . By a hidden from the eyes of men can never be strange coincidence, on that same day of known except through His Manifestation Naw-RGz, a cablegram was received from [the Prophet], and His Manifestation can Chicago, announcing that the believers in adduce no greater proof of the truth of His each of the American centers had elected a Mission than the proof of His own person." delegate and sent to that city . . . and defi- The music soared up to the dome of the nitely decided on the site and construction Temple and departed. Then were heard the of the Ma&riqu'l-A&kb" [House of Wor- first spoken words, delivered by RGhiyyih ship]. Lhhinum, the representative of the Guardian Every moment inside that dome of ex- of the BahL'i Faith. quisite beauty and majesty, on the day of its "On behalf of the Guardian of the Faith dedication, was enriched by memories of the of BahL'u'llih, I have the great honor of love and sacrifice that had raised this jewel dedicating this first Mad~riqu'l-Ad_hkir of of God. the Western World to public worship." [For Its inception, the architect of the Temple the entire message of Dedication, see page has himself testified, was not from man, for, 141.1 as musicians, artists, poets receive their in- A; the address of Dedication ended, a spiration from another realm, so the Tem- quiet settled over the assembled throng. ple's architect, through all his years of labor, Through the doorway to the East could be was ever conscious that BahCu'llih was the seen the blue waters of Lake Michigan rush- creator of this building to be erected to His ing toward the Temple in great white waves, glory. bowing and prostrating themselves upon the 156 T H E BAHA'I WORLD sand. Through the doors to the South were Christendom, Christ returned 'in the glory visible the throngs of people streaming to- of the Father'; to W ' a h Islim, the return of ward the Temple. The clouds, which had the Imim uusayn; to Sunni Islim, the de- threatened to shut out the sun, parted and scent of the 'Spirit of God' [Jesus Christ]; to down through the glass dome came the the Zoroastrians, the promised Zhih- flooding sunlight as the first of the Holy Bahrim; to the Hindus, the reincarnation of Books was opened. Krishna; to the Buddhists, the fifth Bud- From the scriptures of all Faiths, the one dha." religion of God was to be recognized as one This was the King of Glory, and this His sheltering tree, of which Moses was the Temple, God's Temple, the House of Wor- seed, Jesus the trunk, Muhammad the ship for all His prophets and people. branches, the Bib the leaves, and BahL'u'- llih the fruit. "The word is one, though the . . . The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord speakers are many." mighty in battle. From the Faith of Moses came the all en- Lift up your head, 0 ye gates; even lift them up, compassing praise of one God: ye everlasting doors; and the King o f glory shall come in. The heavens declare the glory o f God; and the W h o is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, firmament showeth his handywork. He is the King o f Glory. Psalm 24. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor la~zguage,where their What moments of satisfaction these words . . voice is not heard. . stirred in the mind. Those delicious hours The law of the Lord is perfect. . . . The statutes of the Lord are right. . . . when the teachings of the BahS'i Faith were heard for the first time. Those exciting hours Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, 0 Lord, of research and study, unveiling proof after my strength, and my redeemer. proof of the vitality and the great need of Psalm 19. Bah2u'llih's universal truth. Those equally exciting mental expeditions deep into the The statutes of the Lord are right! What holy scriptures of the past confirming the untold blessings Moses has conferred upon conditions of the coming of the great Prom- mankind. The ten commandments for which ised One to the mountain of God in Israel; H e was the channel from God are the basis those prophecies which disclosed the en- of the structure of law in the western world. forced journeys of BahL'u'llih, His exile to The eternal fountain of the Faith of BaghdBd, His banishment to Constantinople, Moses continued to pour out its words: ~ d z a n o p l e , and to the prison of 'Akki across the bay from Mt. Carmel in Israel. The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; BahL'u'llih, the shepherd of the one fold the world, and they that dwell therein. of God, was to spend no less than a third of For He hath founded it upon the seas, and His allotted span of life here in the "valley . established it upon the floods. . . of Achor" which in the book of Isaiah had This is the generation of them that seek Him, been singled out as a "door of hope" for . that seek Thy face, . . "my herds to lie down in." This was the land Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory promised by God to Abraham; sanctified by shall come in. . . . the Revelation of Moses; honored by the Psalm 24. lives and labors of the Hebrew patriarchs, judges, kings, and prophets; revered as the As the reading of the Psalm ended, the cradle of Christianity; and as the place echo rang through the silence: "Who is this where Zoroaster, according to 'Abdu'l- King of glory?' And the heart answered: Bahgs testimony, "held converse with some "Who has brought together from all racial, of the prophets of Israel." This was the land religious, and national backgrounds these associated by Islim with the apostles' night- lovers of God? Bahk'u'lliih, whose very journey through the seven heavens to the name means 'The Glory of God.' " throne of the Almighty. "To Israel He was the incarnation of the "His enemies intended that His imprison- 'Everlasting Father,' T h e Lord of Hosts' ment should completely destroy and anni- come down 'with ten thousands of saints'; to hilate the blessed Cause," says 'Abdu'l-Bahl, CENTENARY OF BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 157 "but this prison . . . . became the means Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or of its development. . . . From this prison the prophets: I am come not to destroy, but to His light was shed abroad; His fame con- Matthew 5 : 8 , 9, 16, 17. quered the world, and the proclamation of His glory reached the East and the West. . . . His light at first had been a star, now From the Mount of Olives, Jesus had it became a mighty sun." poured out His teachings into those hearts Then the second Holy Book was opened: that were athirst for the words of God. They were not His teachings, not His words, but And He opened His mouth, and tazlght them, the words and counsels of an infinite, un- saying, knowable God. How plainly Christ had tried Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the to tell mankind this: "For I have not spoken Kingdom o f heaven. . .. of myself; but the Father which sent me, He Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst gave me a commandment, what I should after righteousness: for they shall be filled. say, and what I should speak." Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain These words of the Sermon on the Mount mercy. were the "bread of life" which comes down Matthew 5 : 2 , 3, 6, 7. from Heaven in the time of each Prophet. They are the food with which each Prophet These were the words of Christ. Words nourishes mankind. This "bread of life" is in alive with a new richness and power be- the Old Testament in the generous and lov- cause of the fresh measure of love and de- ing "holiness code" of Leviticus, a model of votion which Bahi'u'lliih had instilled in the charity, hospitality, kindness and unity. It hearts of His followers for Jesus of Naza- came again in the Sermon on the Mount. It reth. is once more in this day in the book of the "Know thou," says BahB'u'lliih of His Hidden Words of Bahi'u'll6h. Holiness Christ, "that when the Son of Man yielded up His breath to God, the whole Judge not, that ye be not judged. creation wept with a great weeping. By sac- For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be rificing Himself, however, a fresh capacity judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall was infused into all created things. Its evi- be measured to you again. . . . dences, as witnessed in all the peoples of the Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye earth, are now manifest before thee. The shall find; knock, and it slzatl be opened unto deepest wisdom which the sages have ut- you. . . . tered, the profoundest learning which any Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to yoz~,do ye even so to them: mind hath unfolded, the arts which the for this is the law and the prophets. ablest hands have produced, the influence Matthew 7:1, 2, 7, 12. exerted by the most potent of rulers, are but manifestations of the quickening power re- With the reading of the words of the leased by His transcendent, His all-per- "golden rule" from the New Testament, vasive, and resplendent Spirit. eyes met across the sunlighted interim of the "We testify that when H e came into the Temple. The teacher smiled, the student re- world, He shed the splendor of His glory sponded, and in that moment, memory re- upon all created things. Through Him the called the happy evening of the great dis- leper recovered from the leprosy of per- covery that the "golden rule" was to be versity and ignorance. Through Him, the found in all the Holy Books. It was like the unchaste and wayward were healed. theme of a symphony; it repeated, growing Through His power, born of Almighty God, ever stronger. The words were one because the eyes of the blind were opened, and the God is one, His prophets one, and His crea- soul of the sinner sanctified." tures inhabitants of one home, the earth. The messages of the Books cry out that God Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see is not in competition with Himself. There is God. Blessed are the peacemalzers: for they shall be no exclusive salvation for the Jew, the Bud- called the children o f God. . .. dhist, the Christian, the Muslim, the BahA'i. Let your light so shine before men, that they Christ did not come to the Christians; He may see your good works, and glorify your Fa- came to the world. BahL'u'll6h did not come ther which is in heaven. to the BahA'is; He came to all humanity. 158 T H E BAHA'I WORLD In the Old Testament man was his The Spirit of Truth has come! The light brother's keeper; in the New Testament he of splendor has been shed upon the earth, was his brother's brother; in this day of the but as in.the days of its previous appearance great Covenant with all Faiths, it is written: in Jerusalem, only an eye that sees with the "Blessed is he who prefers his brother be- sight of the true seeker can recognize Him. fore himself, such a one is of the followers Raise thy voice in thanks within this House of BahB'u'll6h." of God, that thou hast heard His voice for What heart can fail to be stirred and "many are called, but few are chosen." made richer by the belief in this oneness of "Call thou to remembrance Him who was Almighty God, and this unity of His mes- the Spirit [Jesus]," Bahi'u'llih warns hu- sengers, who are the lights stationed at in- manity, "Who, when He came, the most tervals along one road of life-when the learned of His age pronounced judgment light of one age and its prophet begins to against Him in His own country, whilst he fade back into time and another appears to who was only a fisherman believed in Him. banish darkness. They are the strata of earth Take heed, then, ye men of understanding along the river bank that mark the history heart! Consider those who opposed the Son of man. For a time, each was the topmost [Jesus], when He came unto them with sov- layer from which grew the fruits, grains and ereignty and power. How many the Phari- vegetables to nourish man. Each layer later sees who were waiting to behold Him, and became the foundation for the next, the new were lamenting over their separation from that was to grow upon it. Him! And yet, when the fragrance of His In yet another way, the "word" of each coming was wafted over them, and His Messenger is like unto the air which men beauty was unveiled, they t ~ ~ r n easide d from breathe in every part of the earth and in Him and disputed with Him. . . . None every age. It never fails to give life to each save a very few, who were destitute of any creature, in each age, in each part of the power among men, turned toward His earth. It is the "word" that was with God face. . . ." and "became flesh and dwelt amongst man" How our hearts had wept, when, as chil- in the form of Moses, Krishna, Buddha, ZO- dren, we had heard how His own people had roaster, Jesus, Muhammad, the B6b and refused to accept Jesus. They called him a BahB'uYllBh. false prophet. "Nay, but He deceiveth the Here, today, in this House of God, united people," they said. as "leaves of one tree and the drops of one The Messiah, they insisted, was to come ocean," the followers of BahB'u'llBh linked from an unknown place, to sit upon the their hopes and energies with those of their throne of David, to rule with a sword, and fellow-men and cried out together the joy to promulgate the law of Moses. "This that is in their hearts: poverty-stricken upstart," they said of Jesus, "This is the Day in which God's most ex- "fulfills none of these conditions. He is a cellent favors have been poured out upon false prophet!" men, the Day in which His most mighty Alas! Had they not blindly insisted on a grace hath been infused into all created material fulfillment of these prophecies, they things. It is incumbent upon all the peoples would have seen that although Jesus' body of the world to reconcile their differences, came from the womb of His mother, Mary, and, with perfect unity and peace, abide be- His spirit came from God, "the unknown neath the shadow of the Tree of His care place," that the throne upon which He sat and loving-kindness." was in the kingdom He established in the The page of the Book of Jesus was hearts of the people. His sword was His turned, and His words were read for all to tongue and teachings with which He con- hear : quered the world. Today wherever the Bible is read throughout the world, there we find I have yet many things to say unto you, but the Old Testament of Moses linked with the ye cannot bear them now. New Testament of Christ. Jesus brought the Howbeit when he, the Spirit of Truth, is come, Word and Book of Moses to people who he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not would never have heard of Moses if Christ speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, had not appeared. that shall he speak: and he will shew you things "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers to come. John 16:12. 13. . . . ." Jesus had cried out because of their CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 159 disbelief. "I send unto you prophets, and the Book of Christ in their hands-a Book wise men, and scribes; and some of them ye laden with testimony of the coming of shall kill or crucify; and some of them shall BahVu'llLh-they have repeated the sin of ye scourge in your synagogues, and perse- the "generation of vipers." They have de- cute them from city to city." nied the Messenger of God. How accurately these words of Christ Every prophet seems false to the age in were to be fulfilled not only in His own life, which He appears. He calls men from their but again in the day of His return. The sensual desires and pleasures and they fight herald of the BahL'i Faith had been against responding to His summons. They "scourged in the synagogue" and "killed." ask for a great sign so they can be certain He was lashed with the bastinado in the of His truth before they give up their physi- prayer house in Tabriz. Later, in this same cal comfoi-ts and satisfactions. They wish to city, He was suspended before a mocking be hypnotized into belief by miracles and and disbelieving multitude as Christ had wonders so that they need not exert any been suspended; finally, His breast was personal effort. made a target for a volley of musket balls. BahVu'llLh recognized this insincerity BahVu'llLh, the Founder of the Faith, and challenged it. While in exile in Bagh- shared each step of persecution with His did, He was asked, as an evidence of She Herald, the BLb. He was held captive in truth of His Mission, for a miracle that TihrLn, Amul, and again "in the Black Pit" would satisfy completely all concerned. of T i h r h . He was scourged in the prayer BahVu'llLh told them that the Cause of God house of h u l . He was exiled from His was not a theatrical display to be presented native city, TihrLn, to BaghdLd, 'IrLq, to be upon demand. "Although you have no right persecuted "from city to ztY" as Jesus had to ask this," He said, "for God should test foretold. He was banished from BaghdLd to His creatures, and they should not test God, Constantinople, to Adrianople, and- finally still I allow and accept this request . . . . to 'AkkL in Syria, across the bay from Mt. the 'ulam8s (clergy) must assemble, and Carmel. with one accord, choose one miracle, and "0Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest write that, after the performance of this the prophets, and stonest them which are miracle, they will no longer entertain doubts sent unto thee, how often would I have about Me, and that all will acknowledge and gathered thy children together, even as a confess the Truth of My Cause. Let them hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, seal this paper, and bring it to Me. This and ye would not!" must be the accepted criterion: if the mira- What a tragedy, that all through history cle is performed, no doubt will remain for the liberals of one age become the orthodox them; and if not, We shall be convicted of of the next. They accept the symbolical in- imposture." terpretation of the prophecies that validate This clear, challenging, courageous reply, their own prophet and call down shame unexampled in the annals of any religion upon those who insist that the prophecies was addressed to the most illustrious of the must be fulfilled to the letter. Then, having clergy in the heart of their stronghold. They won their goal and captured the citadel, they did not accept the challenge. "What if He turn the same well-directed cannon of or- should perform the miracle?'they asked thodoxy upon those who come after them. themselves. The matter was dropped. . No wonder His Holiness Christ censored Bahh'u'llih, the Spirit of Truth, has come them saying, "Search the scriptures; for in to fulfill the prophecies of the past. He is them ye think ye have eternal life: and the Father in the parable of the vineyard, they are they which testify of me. . . . For who has seized the vineyard (this earth) had ye believed Moses, ye would have be- from those who destroyed His servants (the lieved me: for he wrote of me. But if ye prophets) and slew His son (Jesus). Bah6'- believe not his writings, how shall ye believe u'llih (the Father) has come into the vine- my words?" yard to give it out to those who will render For years the Jews had searched the to Him the fruits of love and service. He scriptures which testified to the coming of has come! The Spirit of Truth, the Father, the Messiah, but still they denied Christ. the Lord of Hosts, the Glory of God! What The followers of Jesus sighed sorrowfully tongue can voice its thanks? at the perversity of the Jews, yet, holding "Address yourselves to the promotion of 160 T H E BAHA'I WORLD American Indian BahA'is at the All-America Intercontinental Conference, Chicago, Illinois, May, 1953. the well-being and tranquillity of the chil- with joy and reverence. They were lifted to dren of men," the Spirit of Truth has com- heaven with a devotion and respect long manded. "Bend your minds and wills to the denied in the West to this glorious Mes- education of the peoples and kindreds of the senger of the light of truth. earth, that haply the dissensions that divide it may, through the power of the Most Great Moreover, t o Moses gave we "the Book," and Name, be blotted out from its face, and all we raised up apostles after him; and to Jesus, mankind become the upholders of one Or- son o f Mary, gave we clear proofs o f his mis- sion, and strengthened him by the Holy Spirit. der, and the inhabitants of one City. Illu- S o o f t then as an apostle cometh t o you with mine and hallow your hearts; let them not that which your souls desire not, swell ye with be profaned by the thorns of hate or the pride, and treat some as impostors, and slay thistles of malice. Ye dwell in one world, others? and have been created through the opera- Qur'dn 2:81. tion of one Will. Blessed is he who mingleth with all men in a spirit of utmost kindliness There is a generation of vipers born to and love." strike at the representative of God in what- The tidings have been given, the song ever age He appears. God does not send a sung, and the great bell tolled. But as in the Messenger to enforce His edicts. He sends days of Jesus the ears are stopped up with the Laws and the Life. If we are athirst, we the clay of desire. shall drink and be revived. If we are not, we Then the third Holy Book was opened, will turn aside and wither away. The choice and a voice spoke, calling us back to our is ours; the channel of God's grace, the presence beneath the sheltering dome of this Prophet, offers us the cup. Perhaps none of house of prayer. These words were the the Messengers of God have been more words of the prophet of Islhm, words read maligned in the West than Muhammad, but CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 161 through the agency of BahL'u'llBh, who con- to Moses and to Jesus, and that which was given nects and unifies all the links in God's chain to the prophets from their Lord. N o diflerence of educators, Muhammad has come into His do we make between any of them: and to God are we resigned. rightful place in the hearts and minds of all the people of the earth. Here in the BahL'i Faith we had been The invisible choir, raising its voice to the brought to a true understanding of IslBin. sunbathed dome, began the words "Have ye Here is the only place in the Western world not heard?" The lips of the followers of where the Prophet of Arabia has received BahL'u'llBh silently repeated the words, an unprejudiced hearing as one of God's those words they had been crying out to all Messengers. The truth and beauty of His mankind in every corner of the planet, teachings have been acknowledged as God- "Have you not heard? He has come! The given. His words, "Let there be no compul- new ~erusalemhas descended!" sion in religion" witness to the tolerance of "All nations and kindreds . . . . will be- Muhammad. come a single nation . . . . the hostility of Love for His teachings and His life was races and peoples, and differences among created in our hearts by the BahL'i World Faith which spontaneously engenders a nations, will be eliminated. All men . .. . will have one common Faith, will be depth of devotion for all the Messengers of blended into one race, and become a single God-unmatched by the most zealous of people. All will dwell in one common fa- those who support any one Faith exclu- therland, which is the planet itself." sively. BahB'is have come to see Muhammad Then the Books of the Bahi'i World through new eyes; Muhammad of stately Faith were opened, and the words of a and commanding presence. He was de- prayer of the BBb, the Herald of the Faith, scribed affectionately by one who knew him were chanted in the original tongue. intimately as having "depth and feeling in His dark black eyes and the winning expres- Is there any Remover of dificulties save God? sion . . . . gained the confidence and love Say: Praised be God! He is God! All are His even of strangers." Another admirer de- servants, and all abide by His bidding. clared, "He was the most generous of men. It was as though the sunlight beamed in His The heart felt impelled to cry out in countenance." triumph when it thought of the words spo- The Prophet of Islam not only united the ken by this Holy Youth that night so long warring tribes of Arabia in a common faith ago in ZhirBz, IrBn. It happened just two in one God, but also by introducing the con- hours and eleven minutes after the sun had cept of the nation as a unit in the organiza- set on the twenty-second of May in 1844. tion of society, He made a major contribu- This was the hour of the birth of the BahL'i tion to civilization. He recognized the rights Faith. "This night, this very hour," the BBb of the individual, abolished privilege of had said, "will, in the days to come, be birth, banished the concept of superiority of celebrated as one of the greatest and most skin color, gave protection to the non- significant of all festivals." believer, and advanced man's social con- The BBb, the Herald, had ushered in this sciousness to a height so advanced that Eu- new Day of God. BahL'u'llBh, the Founder, rope could not boast of accomplishing the had established it upon an enduring founda- same until many centuries after His coming. tion. The words first spoken to but one soul Human solidarity as well as spiritual one- on that historic night had echoed and re- ness were basic principles in Isl6m. Small echoed down through the years until now wonder that His words are recognized as its message had been planted and was bear- God-inspired. ing fruit in almost every nation of the world. Now in the western world, His words No Messenger was ever foretold with were being voiced under the dome of the such accuracy and power, as the coming of BahPi Temple: BahL'u'llBh was foretold by the BAb. Lest the hour of BahL'u'llBh's appearance be mis- W e believe in God, and that which hath been taken, the BBb wrote this clear prophecy, sent to us, and that which hath been sent down "Ere nine will have elapsed from the incep- to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob tion of this Cause, the realities of the cre- and the tribes: and that which hath been given ated things will not be made manifest. All 162 THE BAHA'I WORLD that thou hast as yet seen is but the stage those who were waiting to enter. Bahb'is from the moist germ until We clothed it and their friends were still arriving on foot, with flesh. Be patient, until thou beholdest a by bus, by car, from every direction. The new creation." ceremony of Dedication would have to be In the year Nine (1269 of the calendar of repeated until all had shared in this occa- IslLm and 1853 of the Christian calendar) sion. BahL'uYll6hwas imprisoned in the Black Pit 'Abdu'l-BahL had said that this Temple in Tihr6n. He later described his experience would be one of the greatest of teachers. there in these words: "I was but a man like "When that Divine Edifice is completed, a others, asleep upon My couch, when lo, the most wonderful and thrilling motion will breezes of the All-Glorious were wafted appear in the world of existence. . . . over Me, and taught Me the knowledge of From that point of light the spirit of teach- all that hath been. This thing is not from ing, spreading the Cause of God and pro- Me, but from One Who is Almighty and moting the teachings of God, will permeate All-Knowing. And He bade Me lift up My to all parts of the world." Out of this voice between earth and heaven. . ." . Mother Temple of the West, thousands of Then a song of oneness was heard as the Temples would be born, He had promised. words of BahL'u'llLh, the unifier of man- "It marks," he furthermore had written, kind, wafted upward in His holy house of "the inception of the Kingdom of God on prayer. earth." The world has long awaited such a house That the divers communions of the earth, and of prayer. It is not dedicated to the East or the manifold systems of religious belief, should the West, to the light or dark skin, to the never be allowed to foster the feelings o f ani- rich or the poor, but to all humanity. It mosity among men, is, in this Day, of the es- was established by BahL'u'llLh in His great sence o f the Faith of God and His Religion. These principles and laws, these firmly-estab- Book of Laws for this new age. This Temple lished and mighty systems, have proceeded from is a symbol of the spirit of service which one Source, and are rays of one Light. That gives life to the BahL'i World Community they differone from another is to be attributed in its relation both to the Faith of God and to the varying requirements o f the ages in to mankind in general. In the future, within which they were promulgated. the walls of these Houses of Worship throughout the world, the representatives of The Books of all Faiths were closed, and Bahi'i local and national communities will the moment sealed, forever, in the memory. gather daily at the hour of dawn to derive The promises of all the Holy Books were the necessary inspiration enabling them to fulfilled and the day of the "one fold and discharge their administrative responsibil- one shepherd" had come at last. The choir ities as the elected and chosen trustees of joyously sang out: the World Faith of BahC'u'll6h. This House of Worship is the first fruit of From the sweet-scented streams of Thine eter- a slowly maturing Administrative Order nity give me to drink, 0 my God, and of the which will be guided by the words found fruits o f the tree of Thy being enable me to above the Temple entrances: "The best be- taste, 0 my Hope. . . . Within the meadows o f loved of all things in My sight is Justice; Thy nearness, before Thy presence, make me able to roam, 0 my Beloved. . . . T o the melo- turn not away therefrom if thou desirest dies of the dove of Thy oneness suffer me to Me." "0 rich ones on earth! The poor in hearken, 0 Resplendent One. . . . T o the your midst are My trust; guard ye My heaven of Thy loving-kindness lift me up, 0 my trust." "The source of all learning is the Quickener. . .. knowledge of God, exalted be His glory." Only a future age will fully comprehend The public dedication of the Bahi'i this great gift of Bahi'uyll&hto society. This House of Worship was completed. As we House of Worship is the nucleus of a great passed through one of the nine archways of social evolution which will establish the the Temple, we could read the words of Kirigdom of God when the "Will" of God BahL'u'llih, graven upon the stone above will be "done on earth as it is in Heaven." our heads: "The earth is but one country; A temple will be the heart of a community and mankind its citizens." center in each city. Around it will be built The steps outside were thronged with a hospital, a hospice, an orphanage, a col- CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 163 lege and scientific laboratories. These edu- It is a gift from the BahL'is; a house of cational, humanitarian, and scientific institu- prayer with doors thrown wide open to men tions will complete the dedication of the in- and women of all races and religions. In- dividual to God. To the BahB'i there is no side its doors there is no infidel or pagan; rigid division between the spiritual and prac- all are children of one God. All may turn tical parts of life. their hearts to Him and know that they are Services in the Temple will not be elab- brothers. orate. There will be no ritual or set forms. BahB'is have no professional clergy to pre- "Blessed is the spot, and the house, and side. Services are for prayer, meditation, the place, and the city, and the heart, and and the reading of writings from the sacred the mountain, and the refuge, arzd the cave, scriptures of the Bahii'i Faith and other and the valley, and the land, and the sea, great Faiths of the world. and the island, and the meadow where men- This House of Worship does not belong tion o f God hath been made, and His praise to the BahL'is alone; it belongs to humanity. glorified." UNVEILING THE MODEL OF TEMPLE TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON MOUNT CARMEL MASONREMEY Address by CHARLES MANY years ago our beloved Master, 'Abdu'l-BahQ, told us that certain material ered from the top of the mountain. But it was the center; that simple altar on the objects, certain material constructions have mountain top, that place of worship, was a spiritual mission in the world, have a spir- the center of the civilization of that day. In itual effect in the world, and before the those days, the people lived pastoral lives in BahL'i Temple, the Ma&riqu'l-Adhkir, was the valleys below, but on certain occasions built here in Wilmette, he told us that when they went up onto the mountain top for that Temple was built, it would have a great their spiritual worship, for their sacrifices. spiritual effect in the world, that it would be Later on, centuries later, when Moses, the a symbol manifesting forth to all of the Prophet of God, led the children of Israel world the spiritual ideals and the services to out of Egypt, out of the land of bondage to the world of humanity of the friends of the the land of promise, one of the first institu- Bahi'i Faith. tions that He instituted was the Tabernacle. As we study into the history of the re- The Tabernacle was a portable temple of ligions of the past, we see that each religion worship. I suppose the Tabernacle described has developed a civilization in the world and in the Old Testament was probably covered has developed also a style of architecture with skins of animals, but it had certain ele- which has found its full and perfect devel- ments of worship in it. There was the inner opment in the t e m ~ l e sof the epoch. Way Holy of Holies, there was the court around back in the very dawn of religious history, that, and finally the outer court, and during when the Prophet Abraham came out from the long forty years that the children of Is- his homeland and took his band of followers rael were in the wilderness, when they to the Land of Promise, the Holy Land, one struck their camp, their first duty was to of His first activities was building a temple set up this Tabernacle, so the Tabernacle to the Lord, and that temple was a very sim- during those years was the center of their ple place of worship, the altar which he built religious life in the wilderness. on the mountain top for the sacrifices that Later on, when the Jewish civilization de- He instituted as the ritual for the people of veloped in Jerusalem, the 'Temple of Solo- His day. It was probably a very, very simple mon, the Temple in Jerusalem, was the cen- affair, built, laid up, of rough stones gath- ter of their religious life and their cultural 164 T H E BAHA'I WORLD life, and it was built very much on the plan, institutions that go to make up the activities the rudimentary plan, of the tabernacle in of a great world civilization. the wilderness. There was the inner Holy of The first one of these BahL'i temples was Holies and then the inner court and the built many years ago over in that country outer court. east of the Caspian Sea, sometimes spoken At that time, people flowed from all na- of as Trans-Caspian. There, in the City of tions to Jerusalem in order to partake of the 'I&qLbid, our friends of the Orient built learning and the culture that developed the first BahVi Temple. It was my privilege around the civilization there, the center of to visit it back some forty-five years ago. We which was the Temple. have heard very little about our friends Centuries later, when the Christian there in the last few years. The present Rus- Church was established, little by little, these sian Government has confiscated our Tem- churches, places of worship, were the cul- ple and the Bahl'i community there in 'I&- tural centers of Christianity. First, the style q&bLdhas been scattered and dispersed, but developed out of the Roman style in the now, only in the last few days, we have ded- City of Rome. Later on it developed into icated and completed the Temple here in the Romanesque style in the West, into the Wilmette with which you are all so familiar. Byzantine style of the Eastern Church, and A number of years ago, when I was still after some thirteen or fourteen centuries, we a student of architecture, I first heard of the have the flowering out of the magnificent Bahl'i Faith, and one of my first recollec- cathedrals and churches of Europe. tions was that when the time came for me to This style of architecture, the Gothic create my thesis in architecture, I would like style, developed in its greatest fragrance and very much, indeed, to take as my subject a development and beauty around in the cen- typical Bahl'i Temple. That was way back tral part of France; the Cathedrals of Lyon, a little over fifty years ago and, following of Chartres, of Amiens, Rheims, and Notre that, I spent a good deal of time in making Dame of Paris are the outstanding temples different studies for BahVi Temples, and of the Christian epoch. some of you may recall that when the de- When Muhammad gave His teaching off sign was chosen for the Temple here in Wil- in the deserts of Arabia, one of the first de- mette, a number of us architects offered velopments of architecture was the Mosques drawings. Some of my drawings were of- that were built in and about the city of fered at that time. But shortly after that, the Cairo, and this Islamic culture went west- Master, 'Abdu'l-BahL, revealed a Tablet to ward into Northern Africa and up into me and told me that my mission in the Spain. It went East into Persia and then future would be to design the Temple to be down into India and the Mosques of these built on Mt. Carmel in the Holy Land. countries were the spiritual centers of edu- As we all know, the Holy Land is the cation and culture in that magnificent civili- Holy Land of all the religions of the world. zation which Islim gave to the world. The Jewish religion, the Christian religion, And so it was with the other religions in it is the Holy Land for Islim, and now in the far East. The place of worship has been these days, it is the Holy Land for all the the cultural center and the point for the de- world in the BahL'i Faith. Our spiritual velopment of architecture and all of the al- background is there and also our Adminis- lied arts. trative Center is there, and it was the plan Now, in the Bahl'i Faith, which is the in the mind of the Master, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, new religion of the present day and present that there should be a Bahii'i Temple built age, in the writings of BahPu'llih, we have upon Mt. Carmel. exhortations that we should build in this During these years, I have made a num- epoch, temples for worship, and He has ber of studies and along about five years given us a general plan for these temples. ago, our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, There shall be a temple proper, a circular wrote to me and told me that it was time to building, built on the plan of a nine-sided begin to think of the design, the completed polygon, which is to be the sanctuary for design for that Temple. worship and prayer and meditation, and this At that time, in the latter part of 1947 central temple is to be surrounded by vari- and the early days of 1948, I made a com- ous institutions for the physical benefit of plete set of drawings for the Temple and mankind, schools and hospitals and all the later on I took those drawings over to our CENTENARY O F BIRTH OF BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 165 Guardian and he made a number of sugges- of this design and that it should be unveiled tions that really created within my mind an here in this Conference, and 1 left Haifa a entirely unique and different design from little over three months ago, and I went to any of those studies that I had made before, Italy, and there in the City of Florence, I a& that is the design that we are going to engaged a wood carver to make this model, show you this evening. These designs were carved of wood. I had had some rather bad made during the past two or three years that experience with some of the models that I I have been spending in Haifa and they had made of plaster. It didn't hold up in were made under the direction of our transportation, but this model of wood has Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, and I must say transported very well and it is assembled that the architecture, the architectural mo- and we are going to show it to you now. tifs, are really his rather than mine. He gave This ensemble of models will give you an me a great many criticisms, a great many idea of the architecture. It speaks for itself. suggestions, and after a period of time, of It shows the Temple proper which will be working and making drawings and submit- erected upon Mt. Carmel in the Holy Land, ting them to him and restudying them, etc., surrounded by terraces and gardens, with a design was made that he approved of, and fountains and avenues leading up to it. It it was his idea that a model should be made speaks for itself. MESSAGES OF GREETING RECEIVED FOR TEMPLE DEDICATION T H E Dedication of the Temple brought know. But perhaps not so many realize its many messages of greeting from public lead- symbolic significance. It teaches the essential ers. Following are excerpts from some of unity of mankind under one God, irrespec- the greetings received. tive of the various sects and creeds that give From the Ambassador of Israel in the expression to the various faiths. There is a United States came the message: "On occa- basic wholeness among people the world sion of dedication of Bahb'i House of Wor- around. There are spiritual ties that unite ship I wish to convey to you sincere greet- them in the brotherhood of man. . . . The ings and congratulations of State of Israel. important thing is recognition of the essen- Israel people and government, harboring in tial unity of mankind under one God. That their country the BahCi spiritual Center, is a force which cuts across politics, trade have always cherished cordial, friendly re- routes, racial groupings the world around. lations with Guardian of that Center and all It can be made a powerful moral force in BahCis. Ideals of peace and brotherliness the practical affairs of the world if there is underlying BahVi Faith are dear and sacred a dedication to the cause-the kind of dedi- to Israel, ancient and revived alike. Wish cation that went into the long and difficult you every success." (signed) Abba Evan, task of constructing the Bahgi House of Ambassador, State of Israel. Worship at Wilmette." From Charles Malik, Ambassador of Mrs. Ruth Bryan Rhode, former United Lebanon in the United States, came: "The States Ambassador to Denmark sent this devotion to the highest spiritual realities is message: "On the occasion of the dedication the greatest thing in the world. I believe of the BahB'i House of Worship, I join in without the judgment and guidance of God spirit with the Assembly whose aspiration all is of no avail. May you therefore be is the unification of mankind. May the quickened in your endeavors to search for, beauty of the edifice and its symbolism carry know and worship Him." inspiration in wider and wider circles Justice William 0. Douglas of the Su- around our troubled earth." preme Court wrote: "The BahB'i House of Dr. Paul R. Anderson, President of the Worship at Wilmette, Illinois, is a structure Pennsylvania College for Women, wrote: "I of g e a i beauty, as millions who have seen it am delighted to learn of the dedication of the Bah6'i House of Worship at Wilmette. wrote: "May I be permitted to send you my In times like these it stands as a great monu- felicitations on this occasion and to express ment of liberalism and internationalism. the hope that your newly-dedicated House "I have never met more serious believers of Worship will be a source of inspiration in the cause of humanity than BahB'is. Such and spiritual guidance to many people in loyalty to the highest ideals is what we need our country." to bring us closer to the goal of a peaceful, From Syracuse University, the Depart- friendly world." ment of Philosophy, Dr. Raymond Frank Dr. Marcus Bach, of the State University Piper, sent this message: "The BahB'i of Iowa, sent the following tribute: "The House of Worship is a unique and magnifi- Bah6'i emphasis on the unity of religions is cent achievement in the history of the the richest adornment of our contemporary world's religions and cultures because it em- faith. bodies, in incomparable, compelling, and "While the dedication of your House of unforgettable beauty, the glorious ideal of Worship symbolizes this fact in ceremonial, the enlightened and creative unity of reli- it remains for true followers of the Glory of gions, and also because it is a sun-clear, en- God to instill its principle in the hearts of during symbol which invites all religionists, men. and others too, to work together in loving "The words of BahB'u'llBh, which have sympathy for the sake of multiplying those become a challenge and a working formula precious fruits of goodwill, wisdom, peace, for our time, have long been my text, 'The and joy of which mankind now stands in earth is but one country; and mankind its profound and painful need." citizens.' A long letter came from Dr. Shao Chang "These words, strengthened by my recent Lee, Head of the Department of Foreign visit with the Guardian, are now further in- Studies at Michigan State College. With the tensified by the rising influence demon- letter came a large Chinese card with the strated in the Intercontinental Centenary twelve BahP'i principles beautifully lettered Conferences. in Chinese by Dr. Lee. In his letter, Dr. "It is my earnest hope that men of every Lee said in part: "I for one deeply appre- belief and race may catch the spirit and ciate the efforts that you and other members power inherent in the BahVi cause and that of the Assembly have made and are making this day of dedication will hasten the dawn to achieve an integrated community of of concord and direct the eyes of nations truth-loving and peace-loving peoples. At toward the light of brotherhood and peace." this critical point in world history, you bring Among the clergymen sending greetings to mankind the spiritual and practical values was Dr. David Rhys Williams, of the First which Bahb'u'llkh has emphasized, and Unitarian Church of Rochester, New York, which the world greatly needs." who wired that the members of his congre- Dr. Kirtley F. Mather, Professor of Ge- gation "extend fraternal greetings and best ology at Harvard University, wrote: "You wishes for an inspiring centennial celebra- and your associates are greatly to be con- ti0.n of the BahL'i Revelation and join you in gratulated upon the completion of this affirming the oneness of all religions as you lovely edifice, but even more because of the dedicate your beautiful Temple as a symbol effective work you are doing to unite the of this oneness." people of many lands and creeds in a spir- Dr. Karl M. Chworowsky, minister of the itual unity that cannot help but bear rich First Unitarian Church of Fairfield County, fruits in coming years." Conn., wrote: "The writer who for these From The Hoover Institute and Library, past several years has enjoyed the high privi- Stanford University, the Chairman, Dr. lege and profound inspiration of active fel- H. H. Fisher, wrote: "Please accept my sin- lowship with the Bahi'is of New York, de- cere good wishes. I am sure that believers in sires to join with your many friends and human brotherhood and workers for under- well-wishers in congratulating the Bahb'is of standing among the peoples of the earth will the United States on this occasion of the be happy to know, as I am, of the dedica- dedication of your beautiful House of Wor- tion of this House of Worship to these great ship. . . . The richest blessings of the Eter- causes." nal One be and abide with you . . ." From the Sage School of Philosophy at Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, of Cleveland, Cornell University, Dr. E. A. Burtt wrote: CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 167 "All I can say is that this seems to me a attempting to put into practice one of the notable occasion in the history and progress highest ideals of religious and democratic of religion in the United States, and that teachings. Our organization is dedicated to I hope the Temple will increasingly help to the same end although through use of dif- bring about a spirit of union and of hope ferent tools. We are, therefore, fellow- among adherents of all religious creeds." soldiers trying to build a society in which From Dr. Harry A. Overstreet came the there will be no place for distinctions and following: "Your effort to make a new feel- differences based upon race, color, class or ing come alive in us-that of ongoing reve- religion." lation-is to me most impressive. This is the Mr. Roy Wilkins, Administrator for the feeling all of us, I think, must somehow NAACP, wrote: "I am happy to send greet- manage to make intimately part of our- ing to the members of the Bahi'i faith and selves. This must be our worship of the One their friends upon the occasion of the dedi- God that liveth." cation of you; Temple to the brotherhood Mr. Thurgood Marshall, Director and Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and of man. Our poor world is in great need of Educational Fund, wired: "We are happy to the deep faith and sincere and unostentati- extend greetings and best wishes on the oc- ous practices of the Bahi'is." casion of the dedication of the BahL'i House ~ r e e t i n ~were s also received from: Dr. of Worship. You affirmatively offer full re- Dwight J. Bradley; Dr. Albert Guerard; Dr. ligious fellowship to all without distinctions Channing H. Tobias, Director of the Phelps based upon race and color and are thereby Stokes Fund; and Dr. Frank H. Hankins. 4. T H E EUROPEAN INTERCONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCE HELD I N STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, JULY 21-26, 1953 THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE Presented by UGOGIACHERY T O THE Hands of the Cause, the mem- I look back, with feelings of wonder, bers of the National Spiritual Assemblies, thankfulness and joy, upon the chain of the pioneers, the resident believers and vis- memorable circumstances which, a little itors attending the European Intercontinen- over a century ago, accompanied the intro- tal Teaching Conference in Stockholm, duction of the Faith into, and marked the Sweden: inception of its nascent institutions within, a continent which, in the course of the last Well-beloved friends: two thousand years, has exercised on the With a glad and grateful heart I welcome destiny of the human race a pervasive in- the convocation, in the capital-city of fluence unequaled by that of any other con- Sweden, of the third of a series of Inter- tinent of the globe. continental Teaching Conferences associ- I feel impelled, on this historic occasion, ated with the world-wide festivities com- when the members of the American, the memorating the centenary of the Mission of British, the German and the newly formed BahL'u'llAh and destined to exert a profound Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assemblies, as and lasting influence on the immediate for- well as representatives of the Bahi'is of the tunes of His Faith in all continents of the United Kingdom, of Eire, of Germany, of globe. Austria, of the Scandinavian and Benelux 168 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D countries, of the Iberian Peninsula, of Italy, munity-Plans which, within less than a of Switzerland, of France, and of Finland decade, succeeded in laying the structural are assembled, to pay a warm tribute to the basis of the Administrative Order of the valiant labors of the early British and Faith in Wales, in Scotland, in Northern Ire- French BahL'i pioneers, who at the very land and in Eire, in multiplying and con- dawn of the Faith in Europe, strove with solidating BahL'i institutions throughout the such diligence, consecration and resolution, British Isles, in broadening and strengthen- to fan into flame that holy Fire which the ing the foundations of that same Order in hand of the appointed Center of BahL'uY- Germany and Austria, in erecting the Na- llgh's Covenant had kindled in the north- tional Administrative Headq~~arters of the west extremity of that continent on the mor- Faith in the city of Frankfurt, in establish- row of His Father's ascension. I recall the ing Spiritual Assemblies in the capital cities slow eastward spread of that infant Light of no less than ten sovereign states in Eu- which led to the gradual emergence of the rope, in reenforcing the administrative foun- German and Austrian BahL'i Communities, dations of that Faith in those territories, in during the darkest period of 'Abdu'l-BahL's providing the means for the convocation of incarceration in the prison-fortress of five European, and a series of regional, 'Akkg. I am reminded of His subsequent Teaching Conferences, and above all, in the epoch-making visit, soon after His provi- convocation of the historic Convention in dential release from His forty-year confine- Florence culminating in the emergence of ment in the Most Great Prison, to these the National Spiritual Assembly of the newly-fledged struggling Communities, of Bahi'is of Italy and Switzerland, the third His patient seed-sowing destined to yield at in a series of institutions destined to play a later age its first fruits, and constituting a their part in the eventual establishment of landmark of the utmost significance in the the Supreme Legislative Body of the Ad- rise and establishment of the Faith of BahL'- ministrative Order of the Faith of Bahg- u'llgh in that continent. u'llih. I, moreover, call to mind, on this occa- The hour is now ripe for these Commun- sion, the successive episodes which, on the ities whether new or old, local or national, morrow of 'Abdu'l-Bahl's ascension, in the already functioning on the Northern, the course of the initial Epoch of the Formative Western and the Southern fringes of that Age of the BahL'i Dispensation, signalized continent, as well as those situated in its the emergence of those administrative insti- very heart, to initiate befittingly and prose- tutions, both local and national, which pro- cute energetically the European Campaign claimed the germination of those potent of a global Crusade which will not only con- seeds which had lain dormant for more than tribute, to an unprecedented degree, to the a decade in these newly-opened European broadening and the consolidation of the territories, and which culminated in the foundations of the Faith of BahL'u'll5h on construction of the framework of the Ad- the continent of Europe, but will also diffuse ministrative Order of the Faith of BahL'u'- its light over the neighboring islands, and llih and the erection of the first two pillars will, God willing, carry its radiance to the destined to sustain in that continent the Eastern territories of that continent, and be- weight of the final unit of that Order. yond them as far as the heart of Asia. Nor can I fail to acclaim, as a further The privileged prosecutors of so revolu- milestone in the irresistible evolution of that tionizing, so gigantic, so sacred and benefi- Faith, the launching, following the creation cent a campaign, are, on the morrow of its of the administrative agencies designed to launching, and, at such a crucial hour in the provide the effectual instruments for its destinies of the European continent, sum- propagation, of the Six-Year Plan of the moned to undertake: British BahL'i Community followed succes- First, the formation, under the aegis of sively by the European Teaching Campaign, the National Spiritual Assembly of the inaugurated in accordance with the provi- BahL'is of the United States, of one Na- sions of the second Seven-Year Plan of the tional Spiritual Assembly in each one of the American BahL'i Community, the Five-Year Scandinavian and Benelux Countries, and Plan conceived by the German and Austrian those of the Iberian Peninsula, and one in BahL'i Communities and the Two-Year Plan Finland, as well as the establishment, in col- later initiated by the British Bahl'i Com- laboration with the Paris Spiritual Assem- CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 169 Hands of the Cause of God present at the Third Intercontinental Teaching Conference, Stockholm, Sweden, July 21-26, 1953. bly, of the National Spiritual Assembly of thirty virgin territories and islands: Albania, the Bahi'is of France, the establishment, Crete, Estonia, Finno-Karelia, Frisian Is- under the aegis of the National Spiritual As- lands, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, sembly of the Bahi'is of Germany and Aus- Rumania, White Russia, assigned to the Na- tria, of the National Spiritual Assembly of tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the Bahi'is of Austria, and the establish- Germany and Austria; Channel Islands, ment, under the aegis of the National Spirit- Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Hebrides Islands, ual Assembly of the BahB'is of the United Malta, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, as- States, and in association with the National signed to the National Spiritual Assembly of Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Italy the BahVis of the British Isles; Andorra, and Switzerland, of independent National Azores, Balearic Islands, Lofoten Islands, Spiritual Assemblies in Italy and Switzer- Spitzbergen, Ukraine, assigned to the Na- land. tional Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Second, the construction of the first the United States of America; Liechtenstein, Ma&riquYl-Ad_hkCof Europe in the city of Monaco, Rhodes, San Marino, Sardinia, Frankfurt, the heart of Germany, which oc- Sicily, assigned to the National Spiritual As- cupies such a central position in the conti- sembly of the BahVis of Italy and Switzer- nent of Europe. land. Third, the purchase of land for the future Fifth, the translation and publication of construction of two Mas_hriqu'l-ALhkBrs, BahC'i literature in the following ten lan- one in the North in the city of Stockholm, guages to be undertaken by the National and one in the South in the city of Rome, Spiritual Assembly of the BahVis of the the seat and stronghold of the most power- United States of America, through its Eu- ful church in Christendom. ropean Teaching Committee: Basque, Fourth, the opening of the following Estonian, Flemish, Lapp, Maltese, Piedmon- 170 T H E BAHA'I WORLD tese, Romani, Romansch, Yiddish, Ziryen. tribute; on whose southern shores Christen- Sixth, the consolidation of Belgium, Den- dom first established its home; along whose mark, Finland, France, Holland, Italy, Lux- eastern marches the mighty forces of the embourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Cross and the Crescent so frequently Switzerland, allocated to the National Spirit- clashed; on whose southwestern extremity a ual Assembly of the BahP'is of the United fast evolving Islamic culture yielded its fair- States of America; of Austria, Bulgaria, est fruit; in whose heart the light of the Ref- Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Russian ormation shone so brightly, shedding its S.F.S., Yugoslavia, allocated to the National rays as far as the outlying regions of the Spiritual Assembly of the BahP'is of Ger- globe; the well-spring of American culture; many and Austria; of Eire allocated to the whose northern and western fringes were National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahfi'is first warmed and illuminated, less than a of the British Isles; of Iceland allocated to century ago, by the dawning light of the the National Spiritual Assembly of the Revelation of Bahfi'u'llih; in whose heart a Bahfi'is of Canada; and of Corsica allocated Community, so rich in promise, was subse- to the National Spiritual Assembly of the quently established; whose soil was later Bahfi'is of Italy and Switzerland. sanctified by the twice-repeated visit of the Seventh, the incorporation of the thirteen appointed Center of His Covenant; which above-mentioned National Spiritual Assem- witnessed, in consequence of the rise and es- blies. tablishment of the Administrative Order of Eighth, the establishment by these same His Faith, the erection of two of the fore- National Spiritual Assemblies of national most pillars of the future Universal House Bahfi'i endowments. of ~ustice;which, in recent years, sustained Ninth, the establishment of a national the dynamic impact of a series of national Haziratu'l-Quds in the capital city of each Plans preparatory to the launching of a of the countries where National Spiritual world spiritual crusade-such a continent Assemblies are to be established, as well as has at last at this critical hour-this great one in London and one in Paris. turning-point in its fortunes-entered upon Tenth, the formation of a National ~?ihP'i what may well be regarded as the opening Publishing Trust in Frankfurt, Germany. phase of a great spiritual revival that bids Eleventh, the formation of Israel Branches fair to eclipse any period in its spiritual his- of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the tory. Bahfi'is of the British Isles and of Germany May the elected representatives of the and Austria, authorized to hold, on behalf National BahP'i Communities entrusted with of their parent institutions, property dedi- the conduct of this momentous undertaking cated to the holy Shrines at the World Cen- launched on the soil of this continent, aided ter of the Faith in the State of Israel. by the Hands of the Cause and their aux- Twelfth, the conversion to the Faith of iliary Board, reinforced by the local com- representatives of the Basque and Gypsy munities, the groups and isolated believers races. Thirteenth, the appointment, during sharing in this massive and collective enter- Ridvin 1954, by the Hands of the Cause in prise, and supported by the subsidiary agen- Europe, of an auxiliary Board of nine mem- cies to be appointed for its efficient prosecu- bers who will, in conjunction with the four tion, be graciously assisted by the Lord of National Spiritual Assemblies participating Hosts to contribute, in the years immedi- in the European campaign, assist, through ately ahead, through their concerted efforts periodic and systematic visits to Bahb'i cen- and collective achievements, in both the ters, in the efficient and prompt execution of teaching and administrative spheres of the Plans formulated for the prosecution of Bahb'i activity, to the success of this glo- the teaching campaign in the European con- rious Crusade, and lend a tremendous im- tinent. A continent, occupying such a central and petus to the conversion, the reconciliation strategic position on the entire planet; so and the ultimate unification of the divers rich and eventful in its history, so diversified and conflicting peoples, races, and classes in its culture; from whose soil sprang both dwelling within the borders of a travailing, the Hellenic and Roman civilizations; the a sorely-agitated, and spiritually-famished mainspring of a civilization to some of continent. whose features Bahb'u'llih Himself paid May all the privileged participators, en- CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 171 listing under the banner of Bahi'u'llih for heroism as will rival, nay outshine, the feats the promotion of so preeminent and meri- accomplished nineteen hundred years ago, torious a Cause, be they from the Eastern or by that little band of God-intoxicated disci- Western Hemisphere, of either sex, white or ples who, fearlessly preaching the Gospel of colored, young or old, neophyte or veteran, a newly-arisen Messiah, contributed so de- whether serving in their capacity as ex- cisively to the illumination, the regeneration pounders of the teachings, or administrators, and the advancement of the entire European of His Faith, as settlers or itinerant teachers, continent. distinguish themselves by such deeds of SHOGHI REPORT OF THE EUROPEAN INTERCONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCE T H E Third Intercontinental Bahi'i Teach- Giachery. On this occasion Mrs. Baker re- ing Conference, held in Stockholm, Sweden, marked, "I begin to understand why Europe from July 21-26, 1953, can be described in has been considered the pulse of the world. one word, Action! In this Jubilee celebration If we regenerate its pulse, the world may be of Bahi'u'llih's Mission "the spirit of the conquered!" Year Nine was revived" and the European Then, as the believers answered the roll campaign was launched. call, three hundred and seventy-seven from Visualize, for a moment, the large audi- thirty countries responded: One hundred torium of the Medborgarhus [Citizens Hall], and ten from the ten goal countries,' its stage decorated with pink gladiolas, yel- seventy-six from Germany, sixty-six from low roses and carnations; Ugo Giachery, the frin, forty-two from England, and forty- special representative of the Guardian at the eight from other lands! speaker's table with Edna True, Chairman On the afternoon of this first day of the of the European Teaching Committee, Mar- Conference, following the reading of the ion Hofman, Co-Chairman for the Confer- prayer, "The Remover of Difficulties," ence, Honor Kempton and Anne Lynch, the story of the meeting of Mull5 Husayn secretaries. with the Bib, and the chanting of the Tab- The Conference was convened by Edna let of Ahmad by a descendent of the Bib, True on Wednesday morning, July 22, and the sacred gift of our beloved Guardian- the message of the Guardian was read by the blessed portrait of His Holiness the Bbb Ugo Giachery, outlining the thirteen goals -was unveiled. Profound reverence touched of "so revolutionizing, so gigantic, so sacred each heart as the friends gazed on the por- and beneficent a campaign." Honor Kemp- trait of the Blessed Bgb, creating a sense of ton read messages and greetings from the dedication and consecration which was to International Bahi'i Council, many of the burst into a flame of action! It was a holy National Spiritual Assemblies, the European moment, a moment in eternity. Teaching Committee and countless local As- The public meeting, held that night in the semblies and individuals. Concerthus, brought an audience of almost The Chairman then presented each of the seven hundred to hear Mrs. Gerd Strand of fourteen Hands of the Cause who were Oslo, Norway, and Professor Zeine N. Zeine present: Amelia Collins, Vice-President of of Beirut, Lebanon. Hans Odemyr of Stock- the International Bahi'i Council, Charles holm presented the speakers after giving a Mason Remey, President of the Interna- brief rCsum6 of the principles of the Faith. tional Bahi'i Council, Dorothy Baker, Her- Mrs. Strand, who spoke in Swedish on "The mann Grossmann, Adelbert Miihlschlegel, Spiritual Regeneration of the Individual Valiyu'llbh Varqi, SJhu'i'u'llih 'Ali'i, Tar%- Man." pictured the "winter darkness of u'llih Samandari. 'Ali-Akbar Furtitan. c l Georgea Townshen& r Mfisb B a n W S Horace , Norway, Denmark, &lgi Holland, Holley, JXhikru'llbh Khbdem and Ugo Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, France, Finland. 172 T H E BAHA'I WORLD doubt and restlessness" with the Bahl'i Rev- might be called a token contribution of elation "coming as a sunrise from the east, $250. "Undoubtedly, the first payment," he carrying the hope and promise of spring in added. This was followed by an offer of its bosom." She reviewed the effects of edu- $5,000 each for Stockholm and Frankfurt, cation and religion on the character of man another of $1,000 for each, and then came and closed her talk with a quotation from offers in kroner, pesetas, marks, lire, francs, BahA'u'llih giving the BahL'i standards of so that in a few moments a total of $8,567 conduct. Professor Zeine, speaking of "The each was reached. But this was not all, for Reconstruction of Human Society," ex- the floodgates had opened and BahL'is, plained that the reason "we are living in ti young and old, gave cameras, wedding time of confusion, perplexity and insecurity rings, Bahl'i rings, diamonds, watches, is that most people have lost their sense of necklaces, earrings. One young man offered values and their sense of direction, admit- to sell his motorcycle and walk. Two broth- ting no authority higher than their own, re- ers offered to w&-k for two months on the jecting spiritual authority." He logically un- Mas_hriqull-AdJhkbr in Frankfurt. Many laid folded his subject, showing that "only God on the altar of sacrifice the last piece of can save humanity from itself" and ended jewelry belonging to the family, heirlooms, with the thought that "human society can- precious and historic gifts associated with not be reconstructed on any solid, lasting the Holy family and the early believers, ob- foundation unless we turn to God again." jects which could never be replaced. Some The session Thursday morning opened of the gifts were given in memory of de- with the reading of the cable to be sent to parted mothers, sisters, brothers, pioneers the Guardian: Dagmar Dole and Johanna Schubarth; in "Three hundred and seventy-seven believ- memory of the chairman of the Persian Na- ers (from) thirty countries humbly thank tional Assembly and of Louis Gregory, first (the) beloved Guardian (for the) sacred, Negro Hand of the Cause of Bahl'u'll6h. blessed bounty (of his) priceless gift (and) Numerous gifts were given for the Stock- join (in) heartfelt loving greetings. (Our) holm Mas_hriquYl-Aak6r;photographs and hearts (are) joyously, solemnly united paintings of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, Persian rugs car- (and) uplifted (by) your message (sent) rying the symbol of the Greatest Name, em- through (your) honored representative broidered cloths, a silver picture frame, a (and by) greetings from fourteen revered, vase, precious soil from the home of the B6b beloved Hands (of the) Cause. (The) vision in I~f6h6n and other offerings from the (of) Europe's great destiny (and this) im- friends. mense Crusade calls us (to) rededication In the afternoon a glimpse of the First (and a) greater loyalty. (We are) entreating and Second International Conferences was your prayers. Devoted love, Third Intercon- given as Miis6 Banhi, S_hu'l'uyll6h 'AI6'i, tinental Conference." Horace Holley, Mildred Mottahedeh and Introducing the subject, "Launching the Beatrice Ashton made their reports. Mr. European Campaign of the World-Embrac- Ban6ni told many interesting incidents in ing Crusade," Dr. Giachery summarized the connection with t h e preparations for the Guardian's cable for us and made an impas- Kampala Conference and explained how sioned appeal for us not to consider our lim- seemingly insurmountable obstacles had itations and human frailties but to arise, one been miraculously overcome, many at the and all, to shoulder our responsibilities. He very last moment. General 'All'i compared listed the three immediate goals as follows: the gathering to an experimental farm, 1. T o get our pioneers to the virgin terri- wherein God was trying out new seeds tories as soon as possible. which were destined to bring in a bumper 2. To start translations. crop. He confessed that, before the Confer- 3. T o purchase land for future Mas_hri- ence, he had had misgivings as to the firm- qu'l-ALhk6rs in Rome and Stockholm ness of the African believers so recently and the construction of the Ma&riqu'l- converted to the Faith. Much to his joy he A&kir in Frankfurt. found that "each of these African believers The response began immediately with is deep in the Faith . . . and that their Horace Holley's announcement that the knowledge is superior to that of many of the Bahl'is of America, through their National people who have been in the Faith for Spiritual Assembly, were making what years." CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 173 The Temple Dedication was vividly de- Justice. "By 1963 we shall have a Universal scribed by Horace Holley, who spoke of the House of Justice, no doubt, and in Baghdid structural beauty of the edifice and of its in- witness to that great day of ~ a n i e cHe terior ornamentation and read the statement could not live to see that day but he said, made at the dedication in behalf of the 'Blessed are they who will see that day.' . . . Guardian by Rtihiyyih Khinum. Then Mrs. Daniel, whose grave is in 'Iriq, will, in each Mottahedeh covered the high points of the one of us, see his prophecy fulfilled. . . ." Second Intercontinental Teaching Confer- Friday morning Ugo Giachery read the ence held in Wilmette. The afternoon ses- paragraph of the Guardian's cable setting sion closed with a showing of slides and forth Europe's part in the Global Crusade, films taken by believers at the First and Sec- listing the territories in which we must have ond Intercontinental Conferences and the pioneers before the end of the Jubilee year, Temple Dedication. These were explained just a little over two months from now! He by Beatrice Ashton. made a moving appeal saying, "We are Two evenings of the Conference were de- young and strong and able to go; we all have voted to the early history of the Faith, with our businesses, our family connections and George Townshend and D_hikru'llih KhC things that are important to do, but when dem speaking Thursday evening on "The we realize that we can do without them and Sufferings of Bahi'u'llih and Their Signifi- that by pioneering we can accomplish some- cance." Mr. Townshend explained that "the thing that will last for all eternity! . . . pains, the griefs, the sorrows, the sufferings, "I am hoping that before the day is over the rejections, the betrayals, the frustrations we shall be able to cable the Guardian that which were the common lot of all the High every place is filled. The Guardian will in- Prophets reached their culmination in Him" scribe i h e name of every pioneer on a spe- and, he significantly added, "Not He Him- cial scroll, the Knights of Bahi'u'llih, and self alone but the Cause of God was in this will remain forever in the inmost tomb prison." Again, he said: "Wrongs done to of Bahi'u'llih in Bahji." the founder of a religion have two inevitable Dr. Giachery then announced that an- effects: one is that of retribution against the other message from the Guardian had been wrong done-the severity of which we may received and read it to the assembled be- judge from the two thousand year exile of lievers. the Jewish people; the other is that of re- This cable from the beloved Guardian set ward to the High Prophet through the re- ablaze the true spirit of sacrifice and de- lease of fresh powers of life that otherwise voted souls responded to the call; singly., in would have lain latent, enabling Him to families, in couples, offering to go wherever pour forth Divine energies which in their needed. Sixty-three volunteered, in all: boundlessness will utterly overwhelm the twenty-seven from the Persian ranks, eleven forces of evil and empower Him to say, 'Be from England, four from Germany, fifteen of good cheer, I have overcome the world.' " from the ten goal countries with five of- Mr. Townshend closed with these words, fers from American pioneers now serving "Love is a priceless thing, only to be won under the European Teaching Committee at the cost of death . . . Those heroic souls and one from America. who are rapt in the love of the Lord, they On Friday afternoon, the friends had the are the true lovers." joy of seeing moving pictures of the Holy Mr. Khidem traced the life of Bahi'u'llih places of the Faith in Israel. The beauty of in His imprisonments and banishment. He the gardens, as well as the tremendous told of His great sufferings and loneliness, achievements at the World Center, is just pointing out that, "When we look back a one more miracle to add to the wondrous hundred years ago, Bahi'u'llih was alone, testimonies to the power of Bahi'u'llih in but now His lovers all around the world in our day! twenty-five hundred localities in one hun- Friday evening, Horace Holley, in his dred and twenty-nine countries speak of presentation of "The Birth and Develop- Him in ninety different languages!" He then ment of the Institutions of the Faith," traced enumerated many of the achievements of the power and authority of Bahi'u'llih per- the Faith, ending with the establishment of petuated in Bahi'i institutions. "Now what the Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly, we have here is indeed a divine creation. It another pillar of the Universal House of is humanity being raised toward God and CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 175 the divine grace of God descending to hu- believers to study the history of the Faith manity . . . Therefore, in our daily lives and compare it with the early days of past when we have troubles and difficulties of an religions. Mr. FurGtan showed that the dis- administrative nature, let us not be too im- ciples of other religions had not fully recog- patient or too easily discouraged because we nized the true and exalted station of their are in the process of making possible the own prophets and gave examples of disobe- formation of that spiritual body of the Uni- dience to the expressed wishes and com- versal House of Justice. There is the basis of mands of Moses, Christ and Muhammad. the world's peace. There is the order and As contrast, he cited the many examples of security of the world. There is the nobility absolute obedience in the Bahh'i Faith. One, and enlightenment of the human race . . . taken from the record of the last days of the If by the purity of our motives, by the depths earthly life of the BBb, tells that when the of our self-sacrifice, we could hasten by one Bib called for a volunteer to take His life year or one month the establishment of that (not wishing, as He said, to die by the hand body, the whole human race would bless us of an unbeliever) a youth sprang to his feet, for that great gift." Mr. Holley concluded ready to obey His command and later ex- with this thought: " 'Abdu'l-Bahi told us to plained that his obedience was to His Cause, see God in every human face, and we not to His person; to His Word, not to His should also see God in our institutions. personality. When we do this, we can with more patience Mr. Furiitan closed his remarks by quot- and insight join in this great new order of ing a saying of 'Abdu'l-Bahi: "A small justice and peace." piece of cotton can prevent the ear from Mr. Tarazu'llBh Samandari spoke of "The hearing sweet melodies. A very thin veil can Stirring Episodes of the Early Days of the cover the eyes and make it impossible for Faith." He said: "When there is a Divine them to see. A very small headache can Beloved, He needs lovers . . . A farmer cause our mind to stop functioning . . . a . needs, first of all, soil in which to plant . . small drop of mortal poison can kill the per- The Manifestations require the heart in son who takes it. The veils of selfishness are which to plant their love . . . In the days like the piece of cotton, the thin veil, the of Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi, there were small headache and the drop, but those lovers who went through the fire of martyr- heroic souls, the Dawn-Breakers, did not let dom." Mr. Samandari pointed out that to- any veils come in between them and their day "Pioneering is the equivalent of martyr- true responsibility." dom and suffering. They will reap the same At the opening of the session Saturday fruits as the early believers for their sacri- morning a letter from King Gustav Adolph fice." He told of 'Abdu'l-BahB's prophecy of Sweden was read in which he acknowl- that kings would one day carry flowers to edged receipt of the Jubilee booklet. the Shrine of BahB'u'llBh and visit the Holy Dr. Grossmann then called attention to Places of the Bahh'i world. four maps of Europe on which were desig- One time, in the presence of BahB'u'llBh nated the goals of each of the four National as He chanted the Tablet to the Sulfin, Mr. Spiritual Assemblies and Local Spiritual As- Samandari said: "He was seen in two states semblies in the European campaign and en- at the same time; that of the majesty and deavored to orient, geographically, the might of kingship, and one of modesty and needs of the Crusade. He brought out many meekness; the two could be seen, side by interesting historical facts with regard to side." In conclusion, he related a story of these countries and enumerated the lan- the last days of the Blessed Perfection. He guages into which Bahgi literature is to be had summoned all the believers to come to translated during the next ten years. His bedside and chanted verses from the At this point a letter written by R6hiyyih Book of Aqdas referring to His passing. See- KhBnum at the request of the Guardian was ing the believers overcome with grief, He read by Dr. Giachery: 'The friends in counseled them, "The most important attri- Stockholm must realize that the most im- bute in the life of the believers should be portant institutions to support at this time love and unity." are the London Haziratu'l-Quds and the In beginning his presentation of "The funds for the Temple land in Stockholm and Dawn-Breakers," Mr. 'Ali-Akbar FurGtan Frankfurt. The back of some of the hardest said that the Guardian had instructed the work in the plan will then be broken. . . . 176 T H E B A H A.'P W O R L D The Guardian wishes that the friends should 'Abdu'l-Bahi when He told them to build do their utmost to fill the remaining virgin the Ma&riqu'l-ALhkBr. "Little by little the territories and after returning home they friends began to contribute their funds to should urge the Bahb'is generally to do the build the Temple. After a while we had suffi- same. The Hands of the Cause in their cient funds to begin construction and by the travels should do likewise. . . ." time the Temple was completed $2,600,000 John Ferraby, Secretary of the National had been spent! Because the BahB'is con- Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, was centrated on carrying out the Master's wish, asked to report on the efforts made thus far they produced a building that is the glory of in England to secure a site for their Haqira- America. The Master told Mrs. Corinne tu'l-Quds. "Nearly the whole of the center True who was the first and, for many years, of London is owned by a few landowners," the financial secretary, that they must make he said, "and the few properties available a beginning and then all things would come command a very high price indeed. There is and, therefore, no matter how small or how only one property offered which seems in weak your community is, realize that it is any way suitable. If we cannot find a the seed from which will come the fruitful cheaper place, the Guardian has told us we trees!" may purchase it. . . . For a lease they are At the beginning of the afternoon session, asking five thousand pounds sterling, but for Amelia Collins, at the request of our Guard- the land thirteen thousand pounds sterling, ian, showed the latest photographs of de- making a total of eighteen thousand pounds velopments in the work on the Shrine of the in all. The Guardian has cabled two thou- Bib and explained how, on the day of the sand pounds toward the cost." Feast of RidvAn, the Guardian had sealed a Again the Conference was moved to ac- bit of the plaster from the ceiling of the tion and excitement mounted as contribu- prison room of the Bib at M6h-K6 behind tions were offered. Soon it was announced one of the golden tiles in the Dome of the that the London Ha~iratu'l-Quds was as- Shrine. sured a very substantial amount by this Discussing "Opening up New Territo- Conference. ries," Edna True outlined some salient con- Consultation on the Guardian's cable siderations and shared experiences of the continued and many points were clarified, European Teaching Committee in the work among them the meaning of "incorporation" in Europe. Dorothy Ferraby, of England, and "national endowments," set forth by reviewed the work of the British Africa Horace Holley. "The legal incorporation of Committee in its collaboration with other a national or local assembly," he said, "is National Spiritual Assemblies in the devel- very important from several points of view. opment of the first world project. Dorothy In the first place, it produces recognition Baker followed with practical suggestions and enhances the prestige of the Faith and for opening new territories and placing pio- in the second place, it brings to the BahB'i neers, using Spitzbergen as a concrete exam- community the advantage of legal protec- ple. Honor Kempton spoke on spiritual tion in the case of lawsuits, litigation, etc. prerequisites and practical preparation for Finally, it creates of the institution of the pioneers, suggesting The Advent of Divine Spiritual Assembly a legal person, a cor- Justice and The Challenging Requirements porate body which is free from the personal- of the Present Hour as excellent textbooks ities of the nine members. This legal person for this study. Many pioneers in the Euro- has perpetuity of existence." In considering pean field shared their experiences for the endowments, he added, "In the future the remainder of the afternoon. Local Spiritual Assembly and, of course, the The night of the Unity Banquet arrived. National Spiritual Assembly will build A full moon watched its reflection in the schools, libraries and other BahB'i institu- waters surrounding Stockholm's Town Hall. tions. As these institutions come into exist- Inside, the magnificent Golden Room, daz- ence they are held legally by the aggregate zling in its splendor, was filled with joyous body and not by the nine members of the "God-intoxicated souls" gathered to com- Spiritual Assembly. The nine members of memorate the great Jubilee of the Year the Spiritual Assembly are the trustees of Nine. In this perfect setting all were en- these properties." He drew attention to the chanted, as the Guardian's special repre- lesson taught the American believers by sentative, the President and the Vice-Presi- CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 177 dent of the International Bahi'i Council, achieve settlement of the goal areas as Hands of the Cause, seven members from quickly as possible. He read the following National Spiritual Assemblies, delegates cable, sent to the Guardian by the Hands of from each of the goal countries, and visitors the Cause and representatives of the Na- from other lands were presented. Heart- tional Spiritual Assemblies: warming greetings in many languages "Fourteen Hands (and) members (of the heightened the spirit of love and unity in the following) National Spiritual Assemblies: hearts until all were "as one soul in many United States, British Isles, Germany, Italo- bodies." Each believer, leaving this golden Swiss, IrLn, 'Irgq, present (at) Stockholm, scene, carried with him a precious little consulting (on the) rapid settlement (of) packet of petals from the Shrine of Bahi'uY- pioneer territories, impressed (by the) spir- llih, brought from the Holy Land for this itual fervor (and) capacity (of the) Third occasion. As it had opened, the Unity Ban- Conference, pledge (and) humbly beseech quet closed with chanting by Persian be- prayers. Devoted love." lievers. The Jubilee had indeed been befit- Dorothy Baker reported that of the Euro- tingly commemorated. pean goals assigned to the National Spiritual Summarizing the Conference next morn- Assembly of the United States, the Azores, ing, Marion Hofman declared, "These days Balearic Islands, Lofoten Islands, and Spitz- have been days of faith, obedience, detach- bergen had been filled, leaving one virgin ment, love, heroism, and sacrifice!" As ex- territory to be assigned-Andorra. As she amples she pointed out that even before the spoke, a believer immediately offered to Guardian's request that the friends establish pioneer in that country. Funds to purchase Temple sites, $27,000 Dr. Eugen Schmidt announced that pio- had been donated; that, in response to the neers under the National Spiritual Assembly appeal of the Guardian for the participants of Germany and Austria had been assigned to "swell the roll of honor through enlisting to Greece, Frisian Islands and Crete. promptly under the unfurled banner of the Dr. Ugo Giachery announced for the advancing Hosts of BahB'uqllhh," one out of Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly that seven arose and enlisted under that banner. assignments have been made for Monaco, A third achievement she likened to the Sicily, Rhodes, and Sardinia. This left Liech- Holiest Temple of the B a h s World. "As tenstein and San Marino but, again, be- that building of steel and concrete rose in lievers immediately rose to volunteer for Wilmette, a symbol of the transcendence of these posts. the Cause . . . it brought joy to the believ- Mr. Ferraby, Secretary of the National ers around the world . . . even so does the Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, an- arising of the European BahB'i community nounced assignments to Cyprus, Malta, and reinforce all of us." the Shetland Islands. Pioneers were avail- At the close of the morning session, Edna able to fill other posts, he said, but funds True expressed the appreciation of the Eu- were lacking. A Persian believer at once as- ropean Teaching Committee for the assist- sured the necessary amount to send pioneers ance given by all who contributed to the to the Channel, Hebrides and Orkney Is- success of the Stockholm Conference. Ugo lands, while a BahB'i from Sweden offered Giachery, the Guardian's special representa- to settle in the Faroe Islands. tive to the Stockholm Conference, com- Thus, pioneers were assigned to all the mented on the maturity which the European territories to be opened to the Faith in community had reached, lauded the Euro- Europe! For those territories where, for the pean Teaching Committee and the pioneers present, admittance to the countries cannot for their work and addressed special thanks be secured, the pioneers are preparing them- to the Persian friends who contributed so selves by thrift and study for the moment generously to the achievement of the Euro- when they shall take their posts. The others pean goals. either are en route or planning their im- Closing the Conference Sunday after- minent departures to positions for the wag- noon, Horace Holley announced that the ing of the World Crusade. representatives of the National Spiritual As- With these miracles of action the Confer- semblies had held several sessions during ence drew to its close. In his farewell re- the Conference and had appointed a special marks, Mr. Khidem drew attention to other committee to accept all pioneer offers and tangible miracles: the presence at the Con- 178 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D ference, as Bahi'is, of a descendent of backbone of the S_hayk_hisis broken." Ni~iri'd-Din S_hih, a descendent of the The Third Intercontinental BahL'i Teach- Imgm Jum'ih whose father's uncle was the ing Conference closed with the reading, in Son of the Wolf, and the former head of English and in the original Persian, of the S_hay&i School of Isfihin, at whose 'Abdu'l-BahB's prayer for the unity of East declaration as a believer it was said, "the and West. 5. T H E ASIAN I N T E R C O N T I N E N T A L T E A C H I N G C O N F E R E N C E H E L D I N NEW DELHI, INDIA, OCTOBER 7-15, 1953 THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE TO THE CONFERENCE Presented by CHARLES MASONREMEY T O THE Hands of the Cause, the mem- Faith in the entire Eastern Hemisphere- bers of the National Spiritual Assemblies, my thoughts, on such an occasion, go back the pioneers, the resident believers and to the early dawn of our Faith, to those visitors attending the Asian Intercontinental unforgettabie scenes of matchless heroism, Teaching Conference in New Delhi, India. of dark tragedy, of imperishable glory which heralded its birth, and accompanied Well-beloved friends : the spread, of its infant Light in the heart of With high hopes and a joyful heart I ac- the Asiatic continent. claim the convocation, in the leading city of I vividly recall the meteoric rise of the the Indian sub-continent, of the fourth and Faith of the Bib in the provinces of Persia last of the Intercontinental Teaching Con- and the stirring episodes associated with His ferences of a memorable Holy Year com- cruel incarceration in the mountain-fast- memorating the centenary of the birth of nesses of Ad&rb&yjin, with the revelation the prophetic Mission of BahB'u'llih. of the laws of His Dispensation, with the On this historic occasion, when the mem- proclamation of the independence of His bers of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Faith, with the peerless heroism of His dis- the Bahi'is of the United States of America, ciples, with the fiendish cruelty of His foes of the Dominion of Canada, of Central and -the Chief Magistrate, the civil authorities, South America, of Persia, of the Indian sub- the ecclesiastical dignitaries and the masses continent and of Burma, of 'Iriq and of of the people, of His native land-with the Australasia, as well as representatives of the humiliation, the spoliation, the dispersal, the sovereign states and dependencies of the eventual massacre of a vast number of His Asiatic continent, of the Republics of followers, and, above all, with His own ex- North, Central and South America, and of ecution in the City of Tabriz. Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania are With a throb of wonder I call to mind the assembled, and are to deliberate on the early and sudden fruition of Ilis Dispensa- needs and requirements of the recently tion in the capital city of that land, and the launched triple Campaign embracing the dramatic circumstances attending the birth Asiatic mainland, the Australian continent and the islands of the P a c s c Ocean-a of Bahi'u'llih's Revelation culminating in campaign which may well be regarded as His precipitate banishment to 'Iriq. the most extensive, the most arduous and I am reminded, moreover, of the initial the most momentous of all the campaigns of spread of the light of this Revelation, in a world-girdling Crusade, and which, in its consequence of the banishment of BahB'u'- scope, is unparalleled in the history of the llih, to the adjoining territories of 'Irhq, CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 179 and, as far as the western fringes of that ism were performed, and in many of whose continent, to Turkey and the neighboring territories such brilliant victories have been territories of Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, won, to contribute, in association with its and, at a later stage, to the Indian sub-con- sister continents, to the progress and ulti- tinent and China, situated on the southern male triumph of this global Crusade, in a and eastern extremities of that continent as manner befitting its unrivaled position in well as to the Caucasus and Russian Turki- the entire BahQ'i world. stin. The various BahB'i Communities dwelling Nor can I fail to remember the series of within the borders of this continent and alternating crises and victories each con- those situated to the south of its shores in stituting a landmark in the evolution of the the Antipodes, which include the oldest and Faith-which it has experienced in some of most venerable among all the communities these territories, associated with the dis- of the Bahi'i world, and whose members in tressful withdrawal of its Author to the their aggregate constitute the overwhelming mountains of Suliminiyyih; with the glori- majority of the followers of Bahi'u'llih, are ous Declaration of His Mission in Baghdid; called upon, in close association with four with His second and third banishments to other Bahi'i communities in the Western Constantinople and Adrianople; with the Hemisphere, to undertake in the course of grievous rebellion of His half-brother; with the coming decade: the proclamation of His own Mission; with First, the construction of the first Ma- His fourth banishment to the desolate and driqu'l-Adhkir in Bahi'u'llih's native land, far-off penal colony of 'Akki in Syria; with in the City of TihrAn, surnamed by Bahii'u'- the revelation of the Kitib-i-Aqdas, His llih "Mother of the World." Most Holy Book; with His ascension in the Second, the purchase of land for the Holy Land; with the establishment of His future construction of three Mas_hriqu71- Covenant and the inauguration of the Min- A a k i r s , one in the City of Baghdid, en- A istry of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, His son and the shrining the "Most Great House," the third Exemplar and authorized Interpreter of His holiest city of the Bahi'i world, one in New teachings. Delhi, the leading city of the Indian sub- These opening stages in the evolution of continent, and the third in Sydney, the His Faith in the Asiatic continent were fol- oldest and foremost Bahi'i Center in the lowed, while the first and Apostolic Age of Antipodes. His Dispensation was drawing to a close, by Third, the formation of no less than the opening of the Islands situated in the eleven National Spiritual Assemblies, one Pacific Ocean, Japan in the north, and the each in PikistBn, Burma and Ceylon, under Australian continent in the South. To these the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly memorable chapters of Asian Bahi'i history of the Bahi'is of India, Pikistin and another was soon added, on the morrow of Burma; one in Turkey and one in Afghini- the ascension of the Center of Bahi'u'llih's stin, under the aegis of the National7Spir- Covenant, and during the initial epoch of itual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Persia; one the Formative Age of the Faith, distin- in Japan, under the aegis of the National guished by the rise of the Administrative Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the Order and the erection of its pillars in the United States of America; one in New Zea- cradle of that Faith, in 'Iriq, in India, land, under the aegis of the National Spir- Pikistin and Burma and in the Antipodes. itual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Australia This memorable episode in its development and New Zealand, as well as four regional in that vast continent was succeeded by the National Spiritual Assemblies, one in the initiation, during the second epoch of that Arabian Peninsula, under the aegis of the same Age, of a series of Plans in those same National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is territories in support of 'Abdu'l-BahL's Di- vine Plan and as a prelude to the opening of of Persia; one in South-East Asia, under the the recently launched world-embracing aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of Spiritual Crusade. the BahB'is of India, Pikistin and Burma; The hour has now struck for this conti- a third in the South Pacific, under the aegis nent, on whose soil, more than a century of the National Spiritual Assembly of the ago, so much sacred blood was shed, in BahL'is of the United States of America; whose very heart deeds of such tragic hero- and a fourth in the Near East, under the THE B A H A ' I WORLD aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of Indonesia, Malaya, Nepal, PLkistSn, Sara- the BahQis of 'Iriq. wak, Siam, allocated to the National Spirit- Fourth, the opening of the following ual Assembly of the Bahb'is of India, Piki- forty-one virgin territories and islands : s d n and Burma; of China, Formosa, Japan, Andaman Islands, Bhutan, Daman, Diu, Korea, Manchuria, Philippine Islands, allo- Goa, Karikal, MahB, Mariana Islands, Nico- cated to the National Spiritual Assembly of bar Islands, Pondicherry, Sikkim, assigned the BahPis of the United States of America; to the National Spiritual Assembly of the of Jordan, Koweit, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria, Bahb'is of India, PLkistLn and Burma; Caro- Trucial Sheiks, 'UmmLn, allocated to the line Islands, Dutch New Guinea, Hainan National Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis Island, Kazakhstan, Macao Island, Sakhalin of 'Iriq; of Bismarck Archipelago, Fiji, Island, Tibet, Tonga Islands, assigned to the New Caledonia, Australian New Guinea, al- National Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis located to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States of America; Brunei, of the BahB'is of Australia and New Zea- Chagos Archipelago, Kirgizia, Mongolia, land; of Hong Kong, allocated to the Na- Solomon Islands, Tadzhikistan, Uzbekistan, tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly British Isles. of the Bahb'is of Persia; Admiralty Islands, Seventh, the incorporation of the eleven Cocos Island, Loyalty Islands, Mentawai above-mentioned National Spiritual Assem- Islands, New Hebrides Islands, Portuguese blies, as well as those of Persia and 'Iriq. Tirnor, Society Islands, assigned to the Na- Eighth, the establishment by these above- tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'is of mentioned eleven National Spiritual Assem- Australia and New Zealand; Gilbert and blies of national Bahb'i endowments. Ellice Islands, Marshall Islands, Tuamotu Ninth, the establishment of a national Archipelago, assigned to the National Spir- Haziratu'l-Quds in the capital cities of each itual Assembly of the BahPis of Central of the countries where National Spiritual America; Hadhramaut, Kuria-Muria Islands, Assemblies are to be established, as well as assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly one in Suva, one in Jakarta, one in Bahrayn of the BahB'is of 'Iriq; Marquesas Islands, and one in Beirut. Samoa Islands, assigned to the National Tenth, the establishment of a national Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'is of Can- Bahd'i Court in the capital cities of Persia, ada; Cook Islands, assigned to the National of 'Irhq, of Pikistin and of Afghinistbn- Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of South the leading Muslim centers in The Asiatic, America. continent. Fifth, the translation and publication of Eleventh, the establishment of two- na- BahB'i literature in the following forty tional BahB'i Publishing Trusts, one in languages, to be undertaken by the National TihrLn and one in New Delhi. Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of India, Twelfth, the formation of Israel branches PikistLn and Burma, in association with the of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is Bahb'is of Persia, of 'IrLq, and of Australia, of Australia and New Zealand: Abor Miri, authorized to hold on behalf of their parent Aneityum, Annamese, Balochi, Bentuni, institutions property dedicated to the holy Binandere, Cheremiss, Chungchia, Geor- Shrines at the World Center of the Faith in gian, Houailou, Javanese, Kado, Kaili, the State of Israel. Kopu, Kusaie, Lepcha, Lifu, Manchu, Thirteenth, the appointment, during Rid- Manipuri, Manus Island, Marquesas, Men- vin 1954, by the Hands of the Cause in tawai, Mongolian, Mordoff, Mwala, Na-Hsi, Asia and in Australia of an auxiliary Board Nicobarese, Niue, Ossete, Ostiak, Pali, of nine members who will, in conjunction Panjabi, Pashto, Perm, Petats, Samoan, with the eight National Spiritual Assemblies Th6, Tibetan, Tongan, Vogul. participating in the Asiatic and Australian Sixth, the consolidation of Aden Protec- campaigns, assist, through periodic and torate, Ad_hirbiyjin, AfghinistLn, Ahsi, Ar- systematic visits to BahL'i centers, in the effi- menia, Bahrayn Islanz Georgia, Hijgz, cient and prompt execution of the Plans Saudi-Arabia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ye- formulated for the prosecution of the teach- men, allocated to the National Spiritual As- ing campaigns in the continent of Asia and sembly of the BahHs of Persia; of Balfichi- in the Antipodes. stsn, Borneo, Burma, Ceylon, Indo-China, The Asiatic continent, the cradle of the CENTENARY OF BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 181 principal religions of mankind; the home of the launching of a world-encompassing Cru- so many of the oldest and mightiest civiliza- sade, on the threshold of an era that may tions which have flourished on this planet; well recall in its glory and ultimate repercus- the crossways of so many kindreds and sions, the great periods of spiritual revival races; the battleground of so many peoples which, from the dawn of recorded history and nations; above whose horizons, in mod- have, at various stages in the revelation of ern times, the suns of two independent Rev- God's purpose for mankind, illuminated the elations-the promise and consummation of path of the human race. a six thousand year old religious Cycle- May this Crusade, launched simultane- have successively arisen; where the Authors ously on the Asiatic mainland, its neighbor- of both of these Revelations suffered banish- ing islands and the Antipodes, under the ment and died; within whose confines the direction of eight National Spiritual Assem- Center of a divinely-appointed Covenant blies, and through the operation of eight was born, endured a forty-year incarcera- systematic Teaching Plans, and the con- tion and passed away; on whose Western certed efforts of BahB'i communities in both extremity the Qiblih of the BahC'i world has the East and the West, provide, as it unfolds, been definitely established; in whose heart an effective antidote to the baneful forces the city proclaimed by BahL'u'llBh as the of atheism, nationalism, secularism and "Mother of the World" is enshrined; within materialism that are tearing at the vitals of whose borders another City regarded as the this turbulent continent, and may it re-enact "Cynosure of an adoring world" and the those scenes of spiritual heroism which, scene of the greatest and most glorious Rev- more than any of-the secular revolutions elation the world has witnessed is em- which have agitated its face, have left their bosomed; on whose soil so many saints, everlasting imprint on the fortunes of the heroes and martyrs, associated with both of peoples and nations dwelling within its these Revelations, have lived, struggled and borders. died-such a continent, so privileged among -SHOGHI its sister continents and yet so long and so Haifa, Israel sadly tormented, now stands at the hour of October, 1953. REPORT OF THE ASIAN INTERCONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCE T H E fourth Intercontinental Teaching sembled anywhere in the world. Here were Conference held under the auspices of the seen the many races and peoples of India, National Spiritual Assembly of India, PBki- Pikistin and Burma, Ceylon, Indonesia, stQn and Burma convened the first interna- Australia and New Zealand, Persia, 'IrQq, tional BahL'i gathering ever to be held in the Egypt, Africa, Turkey, Europe, Canada, East. This great event took place in New United States, Central and South America, Delhi, the picturesque metropolis of India, unified in spirit and purpose within the from October 7-15, 1953. West had come Guardian's consummate application of the East at the behest of the Guardian. The Divine Plan of 'Abdu'l-BahB for the re- attendance registered four hundred and demption and unification of humanity at the eighty-nine, coming from thirty-one coun- time of impending peril. tries. The President of the Indian Republic, Surmounting the difficulties of language, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, declared that it was the Conference exemplified that world unity the first gathering of its kind in the East. which already exists among Bahi'is. Its ses- The delegates assembled beneath the sions concentrated the forces of the BahL'i colorful canopy erected on the grounds of world upon those goals of the Ten-Year the Constitution Club-undoubtedly the Plan which are to establish firmly the Faith most varied coilgregation of Bal12is yet as- of BahL'u'llih throughout the lands of the 182 THE B A H A ' I WORLD Far East and the islands of the South Pacific race filled with tea tables under the soft light Ocean. of late afternoon. There were about one After devotions conducted in English, thousand guests, including high officials of Persian, Hindustani and Burmese, the Con- the Indian government, representatives from ference was opened by the Chairman of the embassies and consulates, and men from the Indian National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. press. 'Abbls 'Ali Butt, with a gracious address of In addition, the National Spiritual As- welcome : sembly arranged to present delegations of "On behalf of the Bahl'is of India, Plki- Bahb'is to the three leaders of the Indian st6n and Burma, I welcome the representa- government-Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Presi- tive of the beloved Guardian, the Hands of dent; Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President; the Cause, the representatives of the Na- and Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister tional Spiritual Assemblies, and the friends -each on a separate occasion and in his who have come to participate in this great own office or reception room. Conference." The evening before the Conference, a Chairman Butt concluded his address reception was held at the Hotel Imperial with the following survey of the Faith in for the representatives of the local and India, Burma and PSkistSn. "We have a foreign press. Reporters from over thirty Publishing Committee and have published newspapers and news agencies had the op- Bahi'i literature in all the languages of portunity to meet Mr. Remey, the Guard- India and PlkistLn and the principal lan- ian's representative, a number of other guages of Burma, Ceylon and Indonesia, Hands of the Cause, and delegates from reaching a total of twenty-six languages. many countries. Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, "We hold trust properties valued at more International Observer for the Bahb'is at the than one million rupees in the three coun- United Nations, served as chairman and tries of India, PlkistQn and Burma. We have made a statement on the purpose of the a school in Panchgani where we have re- New Delhi Conference. This was followed cently purchased an extensive piece of land." by Mrs. Dorothy Baker's outline of the All arrangements for the sessions, which history of the Cause and plans for expansion were varied, dramatic and altogether ap- during the ten-year World Crusade. pealing, were made by the Indian National One evening was devoted to a program of Spiritual Assembly. They displayed remark- Indian dancing and music given by profes- able initiative and resourcefulness in making sional entertainers. On another occasion, an the Conference an occasion for outstanding organized sight-seeing tour, making use of a public events and contacts. fleet of ten forty-seat buses, enabled the As at the previous Intercontinental Con- delegates to visit historical and other famous ferences, the agenda included public meet- spots. Looking upon the remnants of a ings-one held on the grounds of the Con- glorious past, the visiting Bahi'is felt the stitution Club and one in New Delhi Town inherent capacity of the Indian people to Hall. The Guardian's representative, Charles build a new civilization, as part of the great Mason Remey, Hand of the Cause and world civilization of the future. President of the International Council, pre- To return to the Conference proper: fol- sided at the first. The theme was "Universal lowing the address of welcome, the Guard- Peace-A Need and Exigency of the Time," ian's message to the Conference was pre- and the speakers were Horace Holley, Doro- sented by Mason Remey. thy Baker and Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hands of Of the thirteen goals set forth by Shoghi the Cause, and Stanley Bolton, Sr. Mrs. Effendi in this communication, the Con- Baker presided at the Town Hall meeting ference made immediate effort to fulfill the which was based on the theme "Towards fourth goal, "the opening of. . . . forty- a World Federation," the speakers being one virgin territories and islands"; and the H. C. Featherstone, John Robarts, Mildred second goal, "the purchase of land for the Mottahedeh and Abu'l Qasim Faizi. future construction of three Ma&riquYl- This Conference, however, surpassed the AakSrs, one in the city of BaghdSd, - en- previous Conferences in that it provided a shrining the 'Most Great House,' the third public reception and tea in the garden of the holiest city of the BahB'i world, one in New Imperial Hotel. The scene was picturesque Delhi, the leading city of the Indian sub- and charming-the spacious lawn and ter- continent, and the third in Sydney, the old- CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 183 est and foremost Bahfi'i center in the Antip- understanding engendered by the Guard- odes." ian's Message was heightened by the privi- The achievement of these goals was hand- lege of viewing the Portrait of the Bib, the somely supported by the Conference: Forty- Martyr Prophet of the Faith. One by one, five thousand dollars was contributed to- kneeling before it in awe and reverence, ris- ward the purchase of the three tracts of ing to behold the likeness of the divine land; seventy-four pioneers offered their Herald, anointed by the Guardian's repre- services, were interviewed by a special com- sentative with attar of rose, the followers of mittee and twenty-five of them were able to the Cause of God besought the purity es- depart almost immediately to their posts; al- sential to service in His Kingdom. most ten thousand dollars was contributed During the afternoon of the first day of to a fund for pioneer budgets and all appli- the Conference, another message from the cations from pioneers not assigned definite Guardian, a cablegram, was presented. It posts at this time were referred to the Na- bore a triple announcement: the completion tional Spiritual Assemblies concerned. of the Shrine of the Bib; the arrival of nine- It was reported that the Indian National teen additional pioneers at their posts; and Spiritual Assembly had chosen the site for preliminary steps taken toward the acquisi- the future House of Worship, nine acres tion of an extensive area preparatory to pur- overlooking New Delhi. chase of the site for the future House of "Such a Continent," the Guardian wrote, Worship on Mt. Carmel, through the mu- "so privileged among its sister continents nificent donation by Mrs. Amelia Collins, and yet so long and so sadly tormented, now Hand of the Cause. stands at the hour of the launching of a The Guardian urged that this triple world-encompassing Crusade, on the thresh- bounty called for concerted exertion on the old of an era that may well recall in its part of the assembled believers to carry out glory and ultimate repercussions, the great a triple responsibility. First, redoubled con- periods of spiritual revival which, from the secration to the task of sending pioneers, dawn of recorded history have, at various particularly into the Pacific area; second, in- stages in the revelation of God's purpose creased self-sacrifice in order to purchase for mankind, illuminated the path of the land for future Temples in Asia; third, ear- human race. nest consultation by representatives of the "May this Crusade, launched simultane- Persian and 'Iriqi National Spiritual As- ously on the Asiatic mainland, its neighbor- semblies and the assembled Hands of the ing islands and the Antipodes, under the Cause on thorough investigation of ways direction of eight National Spiritual As- and means to insure the purchase of Holy semblies, and through the operation of eight Places, particularly the site of the Siyih- systematic Teaching Plans and the con- Chil, as well as identification and transfer to certed efforts of BahB'i communities in both Bahfi'i cemeteries of the bodies of relatives the East and the West, provide, as it un- of the Bib and Bahfi'u'llih. The Guardian folds, an effective antidote to the baneful also expressed his ardent hope that the New forces of atheism, nationalism, secularism Delhi Conference would contribute in un- and materialism that are tearing at the vitals precedented degree to the ultimate attain- of this turbulent continent, and may it re- ment of the goals of the World Crusade. enact those scenes of spiritual heroism The Conference agenda as prepared and which, more than any of the secular revolu- printed by the Indian National Assembly tions which have agitated its face, have left was set aside at this point because of the their everlasting imprint on the fortunes of Guardian's cable and instead, the purchase the peoples and nations dwelling within its of three Temple sites, the sending of pio- borders." neers and the purchase of Holy Places in The Guardian likewise described to the frin and 'Iriq took priority and became the Conference the teaching campaign upon focus of attention. which it was to deliberate, "a campaign Mr. Horace Holley emphasized the need which may well be regarded as the most ex- for action and closed his talk by stating that tensive, the most arduous and the most a world poised for suicide could never be momentous of all the campaigns of a world- healed unless we spread the Faith of Bahi'- girdling Crusade." u'llih. Dr. Ugo Giachery and other speakers The spirit of consecration and deepened reiterated the call for action. 184 T H E BAHA'I WORLD To give inspiration and help to delegates Japan is endowed with the most remarkable already thinking of offering their services as capacity for the spread of the Cause of pioneers, those who had taken this step in God. . . .' " earlier years spoke of their experiences. Mr. Mfis6 Ban6ni from Kampala, These talks were interspersed with a steady Uganda [British East Africa] was then asked flow of volunteering pioneers who came to to speak: the platform and were presented to the as- "I was in Tihrin when the call of the semblage. A moving statement was made by Guardian came for pioneers for Africa, and 'Ali-Akbar Furhtan, Hand of the Cause, finally I decided to go with Mr. 'Ali Nakh- quoting from 'Abdu'l-Bah6 on the spiritual jav6ni. Overcoming many difficulties, both significance of pioneering, and likening of us got our visas. I settled in Kampala events today to the early days of Christian- where 'Ali joined me and after some months ity. we had two believers. We lived in a hotel The first of the early pioneers to speak and the teaching work was done while walk- was Mrs. Clara Dunn, Hand of the Cause, ing in the street; the morning prayers were and spiritual mother of Australia and New held in the parks. Then the Guardian per- Zealand, who said: mitted both Mrs. Banini and me to make "Dear friends, this is the most wonderful the pilgrimage to Haifa. He gave us many occasion of my life. My late husband, John instructions and on the last day, he ap- Henry Hyde Dunn, and I responded to the pointed me Hand of the Cause for Africa. Divine Plan. I want to tell those who have While we were away, 'Ali had been living answered the call of the Guardian to stand and teaching in the villages and when we and go. It will be the greatest joy and returned, little by little the number of be- pleasure of your lives even if the tests come. lievers grew. We need them to prove us. Bahi'u'll6h paid "We heard from the Guardian that the the price, set the pace, and the Master majority of believers attending the Kampala rAbdu'l-Bah61 gave us the path to follow. Conference would be Africans or native be- We have nothing to fear. If we have faith lievers, but when the time came for the we can conquer the whole world. The Su- Conference, they thought they would have preme Concourse is waiting to help to stay at home to help with the harvest. US. . . ." Moreover, their friends had told them that Then Miss Agnes Alexander told the the white people would gather them in and friends that she was in Geneva, Switzerland, sell them as slaves. 'Ali and another Bahii'i when World War I broke out and found went to them and said, "Ali is not inviting herself without luggage and unable to cash you; Banini is not inviting you; but you her checks. On August 22, 1914, she re- will all be guests of the Guardian.' So many ceived a letter from 'Abdu'l-Bahi telling her of them decided to come and thus, we had to go to Japan. a majority of Africans at the Conference- "Of course," she said, "I had no desire out of two hundred and thirty people, one but to follow the Master's wish." She ex- hundred and forty were natives. They went plained how miraculously she was enabled back to their villages extremely happy and to do so. After 'Abdu'l-BahS's passing, their suspicious relatives were surprised to Shoghi Effendi wrote a beautiful letter to see them." the friends in Japan in which he stated: Mrs. Gloria Faizi spoke of the experi- "As attendant and secretary of 'Abdu'l- ences of herself and her husband, Abu'l- Bah6 for well nigh two years after the termi- Qasim Faizi: nation of the Great War, I recall so vividly "The pioneers to Arabia are poor, very the radiant joy that transfigured His face poor. The people belong to the Sunni sect whenever I opened before Him your suppli- of Isl6m and whenever you openly speak cations as well as those of Miss Agnes Alex- about the Faith, you are advised to keep ander. What promises He gave us all regard- quiet if you wish to stay in Arabia. After ing the future of the Cause in that land at the Guardian asked the Persians to volun- the close of almost every supplication I read teer for Arabia many wanted to go, but only to Him. Let me state straightaway, the most two families out of forty were able to get emphatic, the most inspiring of them all. there. These are His very words that still keep "We at Bahrayn are in a position to see ringing in my ears: 'Japan will turn ablaze! all the pioneers who are on the way to The President of the Union of India, Dr. Shri Rajendra Prasad, with some members of the BahL'i delegation whom he received in his official residence during the Asian Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in New Delhi, October, 1953. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, with some members of the BahL'i delegation, New Delhi, October 5, 1953. 186 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D Arabia. We see young men who have fin- pioneering effort, he attended a moving pfc- ished their studies in colleges and have ob- ture show and saw 'Abdu'l-Bahi's picture tained their degrees, leaving their education and a view of the Temple in Wilmette. This behind to take jobs as carpenters, tailors, gave him an opportunity to hand out litera- barbers. After completing their studies, they ture to those leaving the theater and resulted take a short course in some manual work so in his being questioned by the Police De- that they can earn a livelihood. . . A . partment, but eventually they approved his large family lives in only one room in the literature. winter and during the summer months of Mrs. Shirin Fozdlr described the results intense heat and moisture, they live on the of her pioneering in Singapore and the roof of the house, which is merely a cover- prestige accorded her as a Bahl'i by civil ing of palm branches and leaves. They have authorities there. Dr. H. M. Munji of India no water in the house, nor electricity. Their dwelt on the difficulties a Bahi'i faces in food consists of bread, rice, dates and tea, teaching the Cause to Hindus. and in the winter a few vegetables. But do Other pioneers who shared their experi- not think they are less happy than people in ences were Saeed Nahvi, Pondicherry, In- other parts of the world. . . ." dia; Mr. 'Ilmi, PAkistln; Mr. Mawlavi, Mr. Artemus Lamb of South America felt Aden; Mrs. Salisa Kirmani, Karikal, India; that his experiences would be helpful to Oc- Mr. Alvin Blum, New Zealand, on tech- cidentals: "Many believe that everything nique of pioneering; Dr. Lukmani, on teach- will open up right away; often there comes a ing in India and Ceylon; and Mrs. Bahiyyih rude awakening." He told how he left for Nldiri who presented greetings from a South America with everything he thought Bahi'i pioneering in Zanzibar. would be needed. Arriving in Mexico, he In the Guardian's first cablegram an- went ashore sightseeing, leaving all belong- nouncing the completion of the shrine of ings on board the ship. Returning later to the Blb, he requested that the Conference continue the next stage of the voyage, he should hold a befitting memorial gathering noticed people running toward the water- to pay tribute to Hand of the Cause Suther- front and when he reached the wharf, there land Maxwell, the "immortal architect of was his ship being towed out to sea in the arcade of the superstructure of the flames. Thus he found himself in Mexico Shrine." He further suggested that acknowl- without clothes, money, or any documents edgement should be made on the same occa- for identification-indeed anything that sion to the "unflagging labors and vigilance connected him with the past. At the mo- of Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery in ne- ment, this seemed a sign of God and he felt gotiating contracts, inspecting and dispatch- he should turn back. But later in a hotel ing all the materials required for the con- room, he began to pray and then came the struction of the edifice," and also to the realization that he must be detached from "assiduous and constant care of Hand of the all else save God. So he prepared his mind Cause Leroy Ioas in supervising the con- to go anywhere in Latin America. With the struction of both the drum and the dome." help of the Consul, he was able to go to Two doors of the Shrine had recently been Chile and in one-third of the time expected, given the names of Sutherland Maxwell and arrived in the most southerly town of South Ugo Giachery. The cable announced that a America. door of the octagon would be associated Mr. J a m a i d Fozdlr, from Sarawak, henceforth with the name of Leroy Ioas. Borneo, said that they had had their diffi- The memorial gathering held in accordance culties in Sarawak-difficulties in finding with the Guardian's wishes was most im- employment, housing and establishing them- pressive. Eulogies of Sutherland Maxwell selves. Their activities came under suspicion, were given by John Robarts, Ugo Giachery but they finally won the confidence of the and Mason Remey. Mrs. Mildred Mottahe- authorities and were able to secure publicity deh paid tribute to Ugo Giachery and Mrs. for the Faith. When he and Mrs. Fozdlr Dorothy Baker to Leroy Ioas. left Sarawak, there was an assembly and Another undertaking urged by the Guard- fourteen members in the community. Re- ian in his first cablegram was that the Hands cently, he had heard of further enrollments. of the Cause, together with representatives Mr. C. P. M. Anver Cadir of Thailand of frlnian and 'Irsqi National Spiritual As- related that after twenty fruitless days of semblies, should consult on ways and means CENTENARY O F BIRTH O F BAHA'U'LLAH'S MISSION 187 to acquire Holy Places of the Faith, par- which he felt were of the greatest concern titularly the SiyBh-C_hBl, where, during His to the Guardian. First, the Guardian wanted imprisonment in that foul dungeon, BahVu7- more cooperation and spiritual oneness llPh received the first intimations of His mis- among the BahCis in India coming into the sion. It was announced later that the con- Faith from different backgrounds, Hindu, sultation had been held as the Guardian Muslim and Persian. BahVi love should be Public reception held during the Fourth BahVi Intercontinental Teaching Conference, New Delhi, India, October, 1953. requested, and that Mr. Habib Sabet of New very strong among them. In America the York City had offered to purchase the site white and colored should be united in the of the SiyBh-C_hBl. This generous and cou- same way. Second, he hoped that the friends rageous offer was received with great joy in India would give greater emphasis now and word was promptly sent to the Guard- and in the future to teaching the Hindu peo- ian. ple. In India where there is a preponderance A second cablegram was received from of Hindus as compared with the Muslims, the Guardian directed to the Hands of the the same proportion should be the goal: Cause who were present at the Conference. twice as many Hindus as Muslims in the It called upon them to disperse at the close BahVi community. Third, the Guardian was of the Conference to teach for one or two now concentrating on the Pacific islands and months in Asia, Africa and Australia, in the surrounding countries. Expansion of the order to establish close contact with the re- Faith had been planned in stages and in the spective National Assemblies, and assist following order: Latin America, the Ten the local assemblies to attain the goals of the Goal countries of Europe, Central and Ten-Year Plan. This message laid out the South America. Now the time had come to itinerary of all the Hands, and the Guardian spread the Faith in the islands of the Pa- contributed three thousand pounds for the cific and the countries nearby. With this new expense of the undertaking. advance, the new emphasis on reaching The evening of the third day of the Con- American Indians and Eskimos, together ference was given over to the Guardian's with consolidating the gains already won, representative, Mason Remey. It was de- the Bah&'iswould be busy indeed during the signed to bring to the delegates a more vivid ten-year World Crusade. realization of the Guardian as a person in When Mr. Remey was called upon to de- lieu of his actual presence. liver a last word during the closing hours Mr. Remey emphasized three matters of the Conference, he reiterated these same 188 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D three points. At that time, Mr. Butt, Chair- recently been martyred there-the first man of the National Spiritual Assembly for BahS'i to be conf?rmed from the ancient India, Pikistin and Burma asked Mr. Re- John the Baptist community. A eulogy of mey to let the Guardian know that enroll- him was delivered by Kamil 'Abbis. One ments were coming in from the Hindu peo- session was devoted to a memorial gather- ple and that the National Assembly was ing in honor of Mr. Fath-i-A'zam, a Persian taking action to carry out still further the martyr. Mr. Furiitan chanted a prayer for a Guardian's desire for the Hindus. still more recent BahS'i martyr of Persia. At During the evening with the Guardian's the very first session, Siegfried Schopflocher, representative, Mrs. Dorothy Baker upon Hand of the Cause, who had recently passed being asked to give her impressions of the on, was eulogized and a prayer was chanted Guardian said: for him. "The Guardian is a new creation. You At the request of the National Spiritual can never fully understand his station nor Assembly of India, PLkistLn and Burma, the describe your meeting- with him. In some office of Conference Chairman was assumed strange way your existence becomes in daily rotation by representatives of the changed. You can never let go that first look participating Assemblies. The final sessions, when he greets you. Then the moment at however, devoted to the BahS'i community table when he talks about the Faith and the of India, and the concluding hours of the teachings. It is so clear, so simple. . .. I Conference were conducted by our hosts in left Haifa with this impression of the the persons of Mr. 'Abbis 'Ali Butt, Chair- Guardian-the courtier and the court; the man, and Mr. A. RahmLn, Secretary. lover and the beloved; the king and the vas- The Vice-Chairman of the Indian Na- sal of God." tional Spiritual Assembly spoke on the It would be impossible to include in this BahS'i School at Panchgani, which the account of the New Delhi Conference ev- Guardian has said will become a University. erything that deserves description. Much At present there are eighty-three children that added richness must be omitted and living there and attending classes in BahL'i only brief reference can be accorded to and academic subjects. Seventy-five thou- other weighty occurrences. sand rupees [about sixteen thousand dollars] JinLb-i-Fidil, who made two visits to are needed now for a new school building, America, sent once by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 and and additional sums for equipment, labora- once by the Guardian, was called upon to tory and general repairs to the existing address the Conference. He spoke chiefly of plant. Contributions were made for this pur- the history of the Faith which the Guardian pose. had asked him to write. It is to comprise Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh outlined BahS'i nine volumes. Before coming to the Confer- activities in relation to the United Nations. ence he had sent the completed eighth vol- Particularly enjoyed was her remark that the ume in manuscript form to the Guardian. Non-Governmental Organization Confer- The five Hands of the Cause from Trin, ence in Istanbul was conducted in the palace Valiyu'llLh Varqi, Tarb~u'llih Samandari, of the Sultin who persecuted BahS'u'llLh. 'Ali-Akbar Furfitan, Shu'S'u'llih 'AlS'i and The commission for interviewing pioneers DJhikru'llLh Khidem, all graced the Confer- headed by Alvin Blum did magnificent ence with their presence and were often work; Habib Sabet very capably handled the heard as they chanted prayers and contrib- appeal for funds; and Abu'l Qasim Faizi's uted to the consultations. Mr. Samandari's translation work was essential to the success stories of his youthful contacts with BahVu'- of the Conference. llih were greatly appreciated. This historic gathering closed with a cele- The Conference was grieved by informa- bration of the Nineteen Day Feast, which tion from Basra ['Iriq] that a BahS'i had signalized likewise the end of Holy Year. THE C E N T E N A R Y OF THE T R I B U T E T O THE BAB From the KZTAB-I-~QAN T H O U G H young and tender of age, and path of Thy love. Sufficient Witness unto me though the Cause He revealed was contrary is God, the Exalted, the Protector, the An- to the desire of all the peoples of earth, both cient of Days!" high and low, rich and poor, exalted and Likewise, in His interpretation of the let- abased, king and subject, yet He arose and ter "HA," He craved martyrdom, saying: steadfastly proclaimed it. All have known "Methinks I heard a Voice calling in my in- and heard this. He was afraid of no one; most being: 'Do thou sacrifice- the ihing He was regardless of consequences. Could which Thou lovest most in the path of God, such a thing be made manifest except even as Husayn, peace be upon him, hath through the power of a divine Revelation, offered up his life for My sake?' And were and the potency of God's invincible Will? I not regardful of this inevitable mystery, by By the righteousness of God! Were any one Him, Who hath my being between His to entertain so great a Revelation in his hands even if all the kings of the earth were heart, the thought of such a declaration to be leagued together they would be power- would alone confound him! Were the hearts less to take from me a single letter, how of all men to be crowded into his heart, he much less can these servants who are would still hesitate to venture upon so awful worthy of no attention, and who verily are an enterprise. He could achieve it only by of the outcast . . . That all may know the the permission of God, only if the channel degree of My patience, My resignation, and of his heart were to be linked with the self-sacrifice in the path of God." Source of divine grace, and his soul be as- Could the Revealer of such utterance be sured of the unfailing sustenance of the regarded as walking any way but the way Almighty. To what, We Wonder, do they of God, and as having yearned for aught ascribe so great a daring? Do they accuse else except His good-pleasure? In this very Him of folly as they accused the Prophets verse there lieth concealed a breath of de- of old? Or do they maintain that His motive tachment, which if it were to be breathed was none other than leadership and the full upon the world, all beings would re- acquisition of earthly riches? nounce their lives, and sacrifice their souls. Gracious God! In His Book, which He Reflect upon the villainous behavior of this hath entitled "Qayybmu'l-Asmb',"-the generation, and witness their astounding in- first, the greatest and mightiest of all books gratitude. Observe how they have closed -He prophesied His own martyrdom. In it their eyes to all this glory, &d are abjectly is this passage: "0 thou Remnant of God! pursuing those foul carcasses from whose I have sacrificed myself wholly for Thee; I bellies ascendeth the cry of the swallowed have accepted curses for Thy sake; and have substance of the faithful. And yet, what un- yearned for naught but martyrdom in the seemly calumnies they have hurled against 1.89 T H E BAHA'I WORLD those Daysprings of Holiness? Thus do We of divink wisdom which encompassed all recount unto thee that which the hands of beings! In every city, all the divines and dig- the infidels have wrought, they who, in the nitaries rose to hinder and repress them, and Day of Resurrection, have turned their face girded up the loins of malice, of envy, and away from the divine Presence, whom God tyranny for their suppression. How great the hath tormented with the fire of their own number of those holy souls, those essences misbelief, and for whom He hath prepared of justice, who, accused of tyranny, were in the world to come a chastisement which put to death! And how many embodiments shall devour both their bodies and souls. of purity, who showed forth naught but true For these have said: "God is powerless, and knowledge and stainless deeds, suffered an His hand of mercy is fettered." agonizing death! Notwithstanding all this, Steadfastness in the Faith is a sure testi- each of these holy beings, up to his last mony, and a glorious evidence of the truth. moment, breathed the Name of God, and Even as the "Seal of the Prophets" hath soared in the realm of submission and resig- said: "Two verses have made Me old." Both nation. Such was the potency and transmut- these verses are indicative of constancy in ing infl~~ence which He exercised over them, the Cause of God. Even as He saith: "Be that they ceased to cherish any desire but thou steadfast as thou hast been bidden." His will, and wedded their soul to His re- And now consider how this Sadrih of the membrance. Ridvkn of God hath, in the prime of youth, Reflect: Who in this world is able to risen to proclaim the Cause of God. Behold manifest such transcendent power, such per- what steadfastness that Beauty of God hath vading influence? All these stainless hearts revealed. The whole world rose to hinder and sanctified souls have, with absolute res- Him, yet it utterly failed. The more severe ignation, responded to the summons of His the persecution they inflicted on that Sadrih decree. Instead of complaining, they ren- of Blessedness, the more His fervor in- dered thanks unto God, and amidst the creased, and the brighter burned the flame darkness of their anguish they revealed of His love. All this is evident, and none dis- naught but radiant acquiescence to His will. puteth its truth. Finally, He surrendered His It is evident how relentless was the hate, and soul, and winged His flight unto the realms how bitter the malice and enmity enter- above. tained by all the peoples of the earth to- And among the evidences of the truth of wards these companions. The persecution His manifestation were the ascendancy, the and pain they inflicted on these holy and transcendent power, and supremacy which spiritual beings were regarded by them as He, the Revealer of being and Manifesta- means unto salvation, prosperity, and ever- tion of the Adored, hath, unaided and alone, lasting success. Hath the world, since the revealed throughout the world. No sooner days bf Adam, witnessed such tumult, such had that eternal Beauty revealed Himself in violent commotion? Notwithstanding all the S_hirkz, in the year sixty, and rent asunder torture they suffered, and manifold the af- the veil of concealment, than the signs of flictions they endured, they became the ob- the ascendancy, the might, the sovereignty, ject of universal opprobrium and execration. and power, emanating from that Essence of Essences and Sea of Seas, were manifest in ~ e t h i n k spatiencebas , revealed only by vir- every land. So much so, that from every city tue of their fortitude, and faithfulness itself there appeared the signs, the evidences, the was begotten only by their deeds. tokens, the testimonies of that divine Lumi- Do thou ponder these momentous hap- nary. How many were those pure and kindly penings in thy heart, so that thou mayest ap- hearts which faithfully reflected the liqht of prehend the greatness of this Revelation, that eternal Sun, and how manifold the and perceive its stupendous glory. . . . emanations of knowledge from that Ocean ( p p . 230-236) C E N T E N A R Y O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 191 2 . 'ABDU'L-BAHA'S TRIBUTE TO THE B A B From SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS A S FOR the BB,'-may my soul be His and annihilate him, He alone withstood sacrifice!-at a youthful age, that is to say them, and moved the whole of Persia. when He had reached the twenty-fifth year Many 'Ulamri and public men, as well as of His blessed life, He stood forth to pro- other people, joyfully sacrificed their lives in claim His Cause. It was universally admitted His Cause, and hastened to the plain of by the Shiites that He had never studied in martyrdom. any school, and had not acquired knowledge The government, the nation, the doctors from any teacher; all the people of Shhiriz of divinity, and the great personages, de- bear witness to this. Nevertheless, He sud- sired to extinguish His light, but they could denly appeared before the people, endowed not do so. At last His moon arose, His star with the most complete erudition. Although shone forth, His foundations became firmly He was but a merchant, He confounded all established, and His dawning-place became the 'Ulam2 of Persia. All alone, in a way brilliant. He imparted divine education to an which is beyond imagination, He upheld the unenlightened multitude and produced mar- Cause against the Persians, who are re- velous results on the thoughts, morals, cus- nowned for their religious fanaticism. This toms, and conditions of the Persians. He an- illustrious soul arose with such power that nounced the glad tidings of the manifesta- He shook the supports of the religion, of the tion of the Sun of Bahi to His followers, morals, the conditions, the habits, and the and prepared them to believe. customs of Persia, and instituted new rules, The appearance of such wonderful signs new laws, and a new religion. Though the and great results, the effects produced upon great personages of the State, nearly all the the minds of the people, and upon the pre- clergy, and the public men, arose to destroy vailing ideas; the establishment of the foun- dations of progress, and the organization of l T h e BLb is here designated by His title Bazrati the principles of success and prosperity by a 'AIL, His Supreme Highness; but for the convenience young merchant, constitute the greatest of the reader we shall continue to designate Him by the proof that He was a perfect educator. A just name under which He is known throughout Europe, i.e., the Bkb. person will never hesitate to believe this. 2 Doctors of the religion of Islkm. (pp. 30-31) 3 . THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE FOR THE CENTENARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF THE BAB M o v m share (with) assembled repre- Cycle, Inaugurator (of the) five thousand sentatives (of) American BahVi Commu- century Bah6i Cycle. nity gathered beneath (the) dome (of the) Poignantly call (to) mind (the) circum- Most Holy House (of) Worship (in the) stances attending (the) last act consummat- BahA7 world, feelings (of) profound emo- ing (the) tragic ministry (of the) Master- tion evoked (by this) historic occasion (of Hero (of the) most sublime drama (in the) the) world-wide commemoration (of the) religious annals (of) mankind, signalizing First Centenary (of the) Martyrdom (of the) (the) most dramatic event (of the) most Blessed Bib, Prophet (and) Herald (of turbulent period (of the) Heroic Age (of the) Faith (of) Bah$u'llih, Founder (of the) Bahi'i Dispensation, destined (to) be the) Dispensation marking (the) culmina- recognized (by) posterity (as the) most tion (of the) six thousand year old Adamic precious, momentous sacrifice (in the) THE BAHA'I W O R L D world's spiritual history. Recall (the) peer- ing army (of the) Faith (in the) Western less tributes paid (to) His memory by (the) world. Founder (of the) Faith, acclaiming Him (The) embryonic Faith, maturing three Monarch (of) God's Messengers, (the) years after His martyrdom, traversing (the) Primal Point round Whom (the) realities period (of) infancy (in the) course (of the) (of) all (the) Prophets circle in adoration. Heroic Age (of the) Faith (is) now steadily Profoundly stirred (by the) memory (of progressing towards maturity (in the) pres- the) agonies He suffered, (the) glad-tidings ent Formative Age, destined (to) attain full He announced, (the) warnings He uttered, stature (in the) Golden Age (of the) Bahgi (the) forces He set (in) motion, (the) ad- Dispensation. versaries He converted, (the) disciples He Lastly (the) Holy Seed (of) infinite pre- raised up, (the) conflagrations He precipi- ciousness, holding within itself incalculable tated, (the) legacy He left (of) faith (and) potentialities representing (the) culmination courage, (the) love He inspired. Acknowl- (of the) centuries-old process (of the) evo- edge with bowed head, joyous, thankful lution (of) humanity through (the) ener- heart (the) successive, marvelous evidence gies released by (the) series (of) progres- (of) His triumphant power (in the) course sive Revelations starting with Adam (and) (of the) hundred years elapsed since (the) concluded (by the) Revelation (of the) Seal last crowning act (of) His meteoric Min- (of the) Prophets, marked by (the) succes- istry. sive appearance (of the) branches, leaves, (The) creative energies released (at the) buds, blossoms (and) plucked, after six hour (of the) birth (of) His Revelation, en- brief years (by the) hand (of) destiny, dowing mankind (with the) potentialities ground (in the) mill (of) martyrdom (and) (of the) attainment (of) maturity (are) de- oppression (but) yielding (the) oil whose ranging, during (the) present transitional first flickering light cast (upon the) somber, age, (the) equilibrium (of the) entire planet subterranean walls (of the) Siyah-Chal (of) (as the) inevitable prelude (to the) con- Tihrin, whose fire gathered brilliance (in) summation (in) world unity (of the) com- Baghdad (and) shone (in) full resplen- ing (of) age (of the) human race. (The) dency (in) its crystal globe (in) Adrianople, portentous (but) unheeded warnings ad- whose rays warmed (and) illuminated (the) dressed (to) kings, princes, ecclesiastics fringes (of the) American, European, Aus- (are) responsible (for the) successive over- tralian continents through (the) tender min- throw (of) fourteen monarchies (of) East istering~(of the) Center (of the) Covenant, (and) West, (the) collapse (of the) institu- whose radiance is now overspreading (the) tion (of the) Caliphate, (the) virtual ex- surface (of the) globe during (the) present tinction (of the) Pope's temporal sover- Formative Age, whose full splendor (is) eignty, (the) progressive decline (in the) destined (in the) course (of) future mil- fortunes (of the) ecclesiastical hierarchies leniums (to) suffuse (the) entire planet. (of the) IslLmic, Christian, Jewish, Zo- Already the crushing (of) this God- roastrian, (and) Hindu Faiths. imbued kernel upon (the) anvil (of) ad- (The) Order eulogized (and) announced versity (has) ignited (the) first sparks (of (in) His writings, whose laws BahQ'u'llkh the) Holy Fire latent within it through subsequently revealed (in the) Most Holy (the) emergence (of the) firmly-knit world- Book, whose features 'Abdu'l-BahS delin- encompassing community constituting no eated (in His) Testament, (is) now passing less (than) twenty-five hundred centers es- through (its) embryonic stage through tablished throughout a hundred countries (the) emergence (of the) initial institutions representing over thirty races (and) extend- (of the) world administrative order (in the) ing as far north as (the) Arctic Circle five continents (of the) globe. (The) clarion (and) as far south (as the) Straits (of) call sounded (in the) QayyGmu'l-AsmQ', Magallanes, equipped (with) literature summoning (the) peoples (of the) West translated (into) sixty languages (and) pos- (to) forsake (their) homes (and) proclaim sessing endowments nearing ten million dol- His message, (was) nobly answered (by lars, enriched through (the) erection (of) the) communities (of the) western hemi- two Houses (of) Worship (in the) heart (of sphere headed (by the) valorous, stalwart the) Asiatic (and) North American conti- American believers, (the) chosen vanguard nents. (the) stately mausoleum reared (in) (of the) all-conquering, irresistibly-march- its World Center, consolidated through C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R T Y R D O M O F THE BAB 193 (the) incorporation (of) over (a) hundred the) entire body (of the) American be- (of) its national (and) local Assemblies lievers, (the) privileged occupants (and) (and) reinforced through (the) proclama- stout-hearted defenders (of the) foremost tion (of) its independence (in the) East, its citadel (of the) Faith, (to) re-dedicate recognition (in the) West, eulogized by themselves (and) resolve, no matter how royalty, buttressed (by) nine pillars sustain- great (the) perils confronting (their) sister ing (the) future structure (of) its supreme communities (on the) European, Asiatic, administrative council, energized through African (and) Australian continents, how- (the) simultaneous prosecution (of) spe- ever somber (the) situation facing both cific plans conducted (under the) aegis (of) (the) cradle (of the) Faith (and) its world its national councils designed (to) enlarge center, however grievous (the) vicissitudes (the) limits (and) extend (the) ramifica- tions (and) consolidate (the) foundations they themselves may eventually suffer, (to) (of) its divinely-appointed administrative hold aloft unflinchingly (the) torch (of the) order (over the) surface (of the) entire Faith impregnated (with the) blood (of) planet. innumerable martyrs (and) transmit it un- (I) appeal (on) this solemn occasion, impaired so that it may add luster (to) rendered doubly sacred through (the) ap- future generations destined (to) labor after proaching hundredth anniversary (of the) them. most devastating holocaust (in the) annals (signed) SHOGHI (of the) Faith, (at) this anxious hour (in Haifa, Israel the) fortunes (of this) travailing age, (to July 4, 1950. 4 . THE S T A T I O N OF THE B A B From T H E W O R L D O R D E R O F BAHAU'LLAH D E A R L Y - B E L o v E D friends! That the actuating me to undertake the task of edit- Bib, the ina~iguratorof the Bibi Dispensa- ing and translating Nabil's immortal Narra- tion, is fully entitled to rank as one of the tive has been to enable every follower of the self-sufficient Manifestations of God, that Faith in the West to better understand and He has been invested with sovereign power more readily grasp the tremendous implica- and authority, and exercises all the rights tions of His exalted station and to more ar- and prerogatives of independent Prophet- dently admire and love Him. hood, is yet another fundamental verity There can be no doubt that the claim to which the Message of Bah2u'lliih insistently the twofold station ordained for the Bgb by proclaims and which its followers must un- the Almighty, a claim which He Himself has compromisingly uphold. That He is not to so boldly advanced, which BahL'uYllihhas be regarded merely as an inspired Precursor repeatedly affirmed, and to which the Will of the Bahgi Revelation, that in His person, and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi has finally as He Himself bears witness in the Persian given the sanction of its testimony, consti- Bayiin, the object of all the Prophets gone tutes the most distinctive feature of the before Him has been fulfilled, is a truth Bah2i Dispensation. It is a further evidence which I feel it my duty to demonstrate and of its uniqueness, a tremendous accession to emphasize. We would assuredly be failing in the strength, to the mysterious power and our duty to the Faith we profess and would authority with which this holy cycle has be violating one of its basic and sacred prin- been invested. Indeed the greatness of the ciples if in our words or by our c o n d ~ ~we ct Bib consists primarily, not in His being the hesitate to recognize the implications of this divinely-appointed Forerunner of so tran- root principle of Bahgi belief, or r e f ~ ~ stoe scendent a Revelation, but rather in His uphold unreservedly its integrity and dem- having been invested with the powers in- onstrate its truth. Indeed the chief motive herent in the inaugurator of a separate re- T H E B A H A 'f W O R L D ligious Dispensation, and in His wielding, to through the power of a Divine Revelation a degree unrivaled by the Messengers gone and the potency of God's invincible Will? before Him, the scepter of independent By the righteousness of Cod! Were any one Prophethood. to entertain so great a Revelation in his The short duration of His Dispensation, heart the thought of such a declaration the restricted range within which His laws would alone confound him! Were the hearts and ordinances have been made to operate, of all men to be crowded into his heart, he supply no criterion whatever wherewith to would still hesitate to venture upon so aw- judge its Divine origin and to evaluate the ful an enterprise." " N o eye," He in another potency of its message. "That so brief a passage affirms, "hath beheld so great an span," BahL'u'llLh Himself explains, "should outpouring o f bounty, nor hath any ear have separated this most mighty and won- heard of such a Revelation of lovirzg-kind- drous Revelation from Mine own previous . ness . . The Prophets 'endowed with con- Manifestation, is a secret that no man can stancy,' whose loftiness and glory shine as unravel and a mystery such as no mind can the sun, were each honored with a Book fathom. Its duration had been foreordained, which all have seen, and the verses o f which and no man shall ever discover its reason have been duly ascertained. Whereas the unless and until he be informed of the con- verses which have rained from this Cloud o f tents o f M y Hidden Book." "Behold," divine mercy have been so abundant that BahB'u'llLh further explains in the Kithb-i- none hath yet been able to estimate their Badi", one of His works refuting the argu- number . . . How can they belittle this ments of the people of the BayLn, "behold, Revelation? Hath any age witnessed such how immediately upon the completion o f momentous happenings?" the ninth year o f this wondrous, this most Commenting on the character and influ- holy and merciful Dispensation, the requi- ence of those heroes and martyrs whom the site number o f pure, of wholly coizsecrated spirit of the BLb had so magically trans- and sanctified souls had been most secretly formed BahB'u'llBh reveals the following: consummated." "If these companions be not the true strivers The marvelous happenings that have her- after God, who else could be called by this alded the advent of the Founder of the Bhbi name? . . . If these conzpanions, with all Dispensation, the dramatic circumstances of their marvelous testimonies and wondrous His own eventful life, the miraculous trag- works, be false, who then is worthy to claim edy of His martyrdom, the magic of His in- for himself the truth? . . . Has the world fluence exerted on the most eminent and since the days o f Adam witnessed such tu- powerful among His countrymen, to all of mult, such violent commotion? . . Me- . which every chapter of Nabil's stirring nar- thinks' . patience was revealed only by virtue rative testifies, should in themselves be re- o f their fortitude, and faithfulness itself was garded as sufficient evidence of the validity begotten only by their deeds." of His claim to so exalted a station among Wishing to stress the sublimity of the the Prophets. BLb's exalted station as compared with that However graphic the record which the of the Prophets of the past, BahB'u'llBh in eminent chronicler of His life has trans- that same epistle asserts: " N o understand- mitted to posterity, SJ luminous a narrative ing can grasp the nature o f His Revelation, must pale before the glowing tribute paid to nor can any knowledge comprehend the full the BLb by the pen of BahL'u'llLh. This measure of His Faith." He then quotes, in tribute the BBb Himself has, by the clear as- confirmation of His argument, these pro- sertion of His claim, abundantly supported, phetic words: "Knowledge is twenty and while the written testimonies of 'Abdu'l- seven letters. All that the Prophets have re- BahL have powerfully reinforced its char- vealed are two letters thereof. N o man thus acter and elucidated its meaning. far hath known more than these two letters. Where else if not in the Kitib-i-fqAn can But when the QZim shall arise, He will the student of the BBbi Dispensation seek cause the remaining twenty and five letters to find those affirmations that unmistakably to be made manifest." "Behold," He adds, attest the power and spirit which no man, "how great and lofty is His station! His except he be a Manifestation of God, can rank excelleth that of all the Prophets and manifest? "Could such a thing," exclaims His Revelation transcendeth the comprehen- BahL'u'llLh, "be made manifest except sion and understanding of all their chosen CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 195 ones." "Of His Revelation," He further letter of Our Revelation, the world and all adds, "the Prophets of God, His saints and that is therein to recognize, in less than the chosen ones, have either not been informed, twinkling o f an eye, the truth of Our or, in pursuance of God's inscrutable de- Cause." cree, they have not disclosed." "I am the Primal Point," the Bib thus ad- Of all the tributes which Bah2u'llih's un- dresses Muhammad $hLh from the prison- erring pen has chosen to pay to the memory fortress of MLh-KG, "from which have been of the Bib, His "Best-Beloved," the most generated all created things . . . I a m the memorable and touching is this brief, yet Countenance of God Whose splendor can eloquent passage which so greatly enhances never be obscured, the Iight o f God whose the value of the concluding passages of that radiance can never fade . . . All the keys same epistle. "Amidst them all," He writes, o f heaven God hath chosen to place on My referring to the afflictive trials and dangers right hand, and all the keys o f hell on M y besetting him in the city of BaghdLd, "We left . . . I am one of the sustaining pillars stand life in hand wholly reesig5ed to His of the Primal Word of God. Whosoever Will, that perchance through God's loving hath recognized Me, hath known all that is kindness and grace, this revealed and mani- true and right, and hath attained all that is fest Letter (Bah2u'llih) may lay down His good and seemly . . . The substance life as a sacrifice in the path o f the Primal wherewith God hath created Me is not the Point, the most exalted Word (the B i b ) . By clay out of which others have been formed. Hinz, at Whose bidding the Spirit hath spo- He hath conferred upon Me that which the ken, but for this yearning of Our soul, W e worldly-wise can never comprehend, nor the would not, for one moment, have tarried faithful discover." "Should a tiny ant," the any longer in this city." BLb, wishing to stress the limitless potential- Dearly-beloved friends! So resounding a ities latent in His Dispensation, character- praise, so bold an assertion issued by the istically affirms, "desire in this day t o be pen of Bahi'u'llLh in so weighty a work, are possessed o f such power as to be able to un- fully re-echoed in the language in which the ravel the abstrusest and most bewildering Source of the Bibi Revelation has chosen to passages o f the Qur'a'n, its wish will no clothe the claims He Himself has advanced. doubt be fulfilled, inasmuch as the mystery "I am the Mystic Fane," the BLb thus pro- of eternal might vibrates within the inner- claims His station in the Qayyilmu'l-Asm2, most being o f all created things." "If so "which the Hand of Onznipotence hnth helpless a creature," is 'Abdu'I-BahL's com- reared. I am the Lamp which the Finger o f ment on so startling an affirmation, "can be God hath lit within its niche and caused to endowed with so subtle a capacity, how shine with deathless splendor. I anz the much more eficacious must he the power Flame of that supernal Light that glowed released through the liberal effusions of the upon Sinai in the gladsome Spot, and lay grace - of Bahn"u'lldh!" concealed in the midst of the Burning T o these authoritative assertions and Bush." "0 Qurratu'l-'Ayn!" He, addressing solemn declarations made by BahVu'llLh and Himself in that same commentary, ex- the BLb must be added 'Abdu'l-BahL's own claims, "I recognize in Thee none other ex- incontrovertible testimony. He, the ap- cept the 'Great Announcement'-the An- pointed interpreter of the utterances of both nouncement voiced by the Concourse on BahVu'llLh and the Bib, corroborates, not high. By this name, I bear witness, they that by implication but in clear and categorical circle the Throne of Glory have ever knowrz language, both in His Tablets and in His Thee." "With each and every Prophet, Testament, the truth of the statements to WIzorn W e have sent down in the past," He which I have already referred. further adds, "We have established a sepa- In a Tablet addressed to a Bah2i in rate Covenant concerning the erner ern- Mjzindargn, in which He unfolds the mean- brance of G o d and His Day. Manifest, irz ing of a misinterpreted statement attributed the realm o f glory and through the power to Him regarding the rise of the Suil of o f truth, are the 'Rernembrance of God' and Truth in this century, He sets forth, briefly His Day before the eyes of the angels that but conclusively, what should remain for circle His n~ercy-seat." "Should it be Our a11 time our true conception of the relation- wish," He again affirms, "it is in Our power ship between the two Manifestations as- to compel, through the agency of but one sociated with the Bah2i Dispensation. "drz 196 THE B A H A ' I WORLD making such a statement," He explains, "I keeper at their door." "Every proof and had in mind no one else except the Ba'b and prophecy," is His still more emphatic warn- Bahd'u'lldh, the character of whose Revela- ing, "every manner of evidence, whether tiohs it had been m y purpose to elucidate. based on reason or on the text of the scrip- The Revelation of the Ba'b may be likened tures and traditions, are to be regarded as t o the sun, its station corresponding to the centered in the persons of Bnha"u'lld1z and first sign of the Zodiac-the sign Aries- the Ba'b. In them is to be found their com- which the sun enters at the Vernal Equinox. plete fulfillment." The station of Bahri'u'lla'h's Revelation, on And finally, in His Will and Testament, the other hand, is represented by the sign the repository of His last wishes and parting Leo, the sun's mid-summer and highest sta- instructions, He in the following passage, tion. By this is meant that this holy Dis- pensation is illumined with the light of the specifically designed to set forth the guiding principles of Bahl'i belief, sets the seal of Sun o f Truth shining from its most exalted station, and in the plenitude of its resplend- His testimony on the BQb's dual and exalted station: "Tlae foundation o f the belief of the ency, its heat and glory." "The Bdb, the Exalted One," 'Abdu'l- people o f Bahd (may my life be offered up BahL more specifically affirms in another for them) is this: His holiness the exalted Tablet, "is the Morn o f Truth, the splendor One (the Bdb) is the Manifestation of the o f Whose light shineth throughout all re- unity and oneness o f God and the Forerun- gions. He is also the Harbinger o f the Most ner of the Ancient Beauty (BahPu'llQh). Great Light, the Abha' Luminary. The His holiness, the Abhd Beazlty (BahL'u'llLh) Blessed Beauty is the One promised by the (may my life be olflered up as a sacrifice for sacred books of the past, the revelation of His steadfast friends) is the supreme Mani- the Source of light that shone upon Mount festation of God and the Day-Spring o f His Sinai, Whose fire glowed in the midst of the most divine Essence." "All others," He sig- Burning Bush. W e are, one and all, servants nificantly adds, "are servants unto Him and o f their threshold, and stand each as a lowly do His bidding." (pp. 223-128) 5. T H E EXECUTION'OF T H E B A B From GOD PASSES BY:k T H E waves of dire tribulation that vio- fused to meet any of His friends, and was lently battered at the Faith, and eventually reluctant to touch the meat and drink that engulfed, in rapid succession, the ablest, the was offered Him. Tears rained continually dearest and most trusted disciples of the from His eyes, and profuse expressions of BQb,plunged Him, as already observed, into anguish poured forth from His wounded unutterable sorrow. For no less than six heart, as He languished, for no less than months the Prisoner of Chihriq, His chroni- five months, solitary and disconsolate, in cler has recorded, was unable to either write His prison. or dictate. Crushed with grief by the evil The pillars of His infant Faith had, for tidings that came so fast upon Him, of the the most part, been hurled down at the first endless trials that beset His ablest lieuten- onset of the hurricane that had been loosed ants, by the agonies suffered by the besieged upon it. Quddtis, immortalized by'Him as and the shameless betrayal of the survivors, Ismu'llQhi'l-Ak_hir(the Last Name of God) ; by the woeful afflictions endured by the cap- on whom BahVu'llLh's Tablet of Kullu't- tives and the abominable butchery of men, TaCQmlater conferred the sublime appella- women and children, as well as the foul in- tion of Nuqtiy-i-Uk_hhrL (the Last Point) ; dignities heaped on their corpses, He, for whom He elevated, in another Tablet, to a nine days, His amanuensis has affirmed, re- rank second to none except that of the Her- ald of His Revelation; whom He identifies, * Chapter IV. in still another Tablet, with one of the CENTENARY OF MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 197 "Messengers charged with imposture" men- zeal, was being, swiftly and inevitably, tioned in the Qur'in; whom the Persian drawn into the fiery furnace whose flames Bayin extolled as that fellow-pilgrim round had already enveloped Zanjin and its whom mirrors to the number of eight Vi- environs. The Bib's maternal uncle, the only hids revolve; on whose "detachment and the father He had known since His childhood, sincerity of whose devotion to God's will His shield and support and the trusted God prideth Himself amidst the Concourse guardian of both His mother and His wife, on high;" whom 'Abdu'l-Bahh designated as had, moreover, been sundered from Him by the "Moon o f Guidance;" and whose ap- the axe of the executioner in Tihrin. No less pearance the Revelation of St. John the Di- than half of His chosen disciples, the Let- vine anticipated as one of the two "Wit- ters of the Living, had already preceded nesses" into whom, ere the "second woe is Him in the field of martyrdom. Tihirih, past," the "spirit of life from GO&' must though still alive, was courageously pursu- enter-such a man had, in the full bloom of ing a course that was to lead her inevitably his youth, suffered, in the Sabzih-Maydin of to her doom. BBrfur6&, a death which even Jesus Christ, A fast ebbing life, so crowded with the as attested by BahPu'llih, had not faced in accumulated anxieties, disappointments, the hour of His greatest agony. Mull6 Hu- treacheries and sorrows of a tragic ministry, sayn, the first Letter of the Living, sur- now moved swiftly towards its climax. The named the Bibu'l-Bib (the Gate of the most turbulent period of the Heroic Age of Gate); designated as the "Primal Mirror;" the new Dispensation was rapidly attaining on whom eulogies, prayers and visiting Tab- its culmination. The cup of bitter woes lets of a number equivalent to thrice the vol- which the Herald of that Dispensation had ume of the Qur'in had been lavished by the tasted was now full to overflowing. Indeed, pen of the Bib; referred to in these eulogies He Himself had already foreshadowed His as "beloved of M y Heart;" the dust of own approaching death. In the Kitib-i-Panj- whose grave, that same Pen had declared, Sha'n, one of His last works, He had alluded was so potent as to cheer the sorrowful and to the fact that the sixth Naw-RGz after the heal the sick; whom "the creatures, raised in declaration of His mission would be the last the beginning and in the end" of the BBbi He was destined to celebrate on earth. In Dispensation, envy, and will continue to His interpretation of the letter H i , He had envy till the "Day of Judgment;" whom the voiced His craving for martyrdom, while in Kitib-i-fqin acclaimed as the one but for the QayyGmu'l-Asml' He had actually whom "God would not have been estab- prophesied the inevitability of such a con- lished upon the seat o f His mercy, nor as- summation of His glorious career. Forty cended the throne of eternal glory;" to days before His final departure from Chih- whom Siyyid K&im had paid such tribute riq He had even collected all the docu- that his disciples suspected that the recipient ments in His possession, and placed them, of such praise might well be the promised together with His pen-case, His seals and One Himself-such a one had likewise, in His rings, in the hands of Mulls Biqir, a the prime of his manhood, died a martyr's Letter of the Living, whom He instructed to death at Tabarsi. Vahid, pronounced in the entrust them to Mulli 'Abdu'l-Karim-i- Kitib-i-fqin to be the "unique and peerless Qazvini, surnamed MirzB Ahmad, who was figure o f his age," a man of immense erudi- to deliver them to BahL'u'llih in Tihrin. tion and the most preeminent figure to en- While the convulsions of MBzindarin and list under the banner of the new Faith, to Nayriz were pursuing their bloody course whose "talents and saintliness," to whose the Grand Vizir of NBviri'd-Din S_hih, anx- "high attainments in the realm of science iously pondering the significance of these and philosophy" the Bib had testified in His dire happenings, and apprehensive of their Dall'il-i-Sab'ih (Seven Proofs), had al- repercussions on his countrymen, his gov- ready, under similar circumstances, been ernment and his sovereign, was feverishly swept into the maelstrom of another up- revolving in his mind that fateful decision heaval, and was soon to quaff in his turn the which was not only destined to leave its cup drained by the heroic martyrs of indelible imprint on the fortunes of his MBzindarBn. uujjat, another champion of country, butwas to be fraught with such in- conspici~ousaudacity, of unsubduable will, calcdable consequences for the destinies of of remarkable originality and vehement the whole of mankind. The repressive meas- 198 T H E B A H A. ' f W O R L D ures taken against the followers of the BBb, dom. The fad&-bB&i had abruptly inter- he was by now fully convinced, had but rupted the last conversation which the BBb served to inflame their zeal, steel their reso- was confidentially having in one of the lution and confirm their loyalty to their rooms of the barracks with His amanuensis persecuted Faith. The BBb's isolation and Siyyid Husayn, and was drawing the latter captivity had produced the opposite effect to aside, and severely rebuking him, when he that which the Amir-NizBm had confidently was thus addressed by his Prisoner: "Not anticipated. Gravely perturbed, he bitterly until I have said to him all those things that condemned the disastrous leniency of his I wish to say can any earthly power silence predecessor, HBji MirzB AqBsi, which had Me. Though all the world be armed against brought matters to such a pass. A more Me, yet shall it be powerless to deter Me drastic and still more exemplary punish- from fulfilling, to the last word, My inten- ment, he felt, must now be administered to tion." To the Christian SBm K_hBn-the what he regarded as an abomination of colonel of the Armenian regiment ordered heresy which was polluting the civil and ec- to carry out the execution-who, seized clesiastical institutions of the realm. Nothr with fear lest his act should provoke the ing short, he believed, of the extinction of wrath of God, had begged to be released the life of Him Who was the fountain-head from the duty imposed upon him, the BBb of so odious a doctrine and the driving force gave the following assurance: "Follow your behind so dynamic a movement could stem instructions, and if your intention be sin- the tide that had wrought such havoc cere, the Almighty is surely able to relieve throughout the land. you o f your perplexity." The siege of ZanjBn was still in progress Sgm =in accordingly set out to dis- when he, dispensing with an explicit order charge his duty. A spike was driven into from his sovereign, and acting independ- a pillar which separated two rooms of the ently of his counsellors and fellow-ministers, barracks facing the square. Two ropes were dispatched his order to Prince uamzih fastened to it from which the Bhb and one MirzB, the Hi~hatu'd-Dawlih,the gover- of his disciples, the youthful and devout nor of Ad_hirbByjBn, instructing him to exe- MirzB Muhammad-'Mi-i-Zuniizi, surnamed cute the BBb. Fearing lest the infliction of Anis, who had previously flung himself at such condign punishment in the capital of the feet of his Master and implored that un- the realm would set in motion forces he der no circumstances he be sent away from might be powerless to control, he ordered Him, were separately suspended. The firing that his Captive be taken to Tabriz, and squad ranged itself in three files, each of there be done to death. Confronted with a two hundred and fifty men. Each file in turn flat refusal by the indignant Prince to per- opened fire until the whole detachment had form what he regarded as a flagitious crime, discharged its bullets. So dense was the the Amir-Ni?Bm commissioned his own smoke from the seven hundred and fifty brother, MirzB Hasan K_hBn, to execute his rifles that the sky was darkened. As soon as orders. The usual formalities designed to se- the smoke had cleared away the astounded cure the necessary authorization from the multitude of about ten thousand souls, who leading mujtahids of Tabriz were hastily and had crowded onto the roof of the barracks, easily completed. Neither Mull5 Muham- as well as the tops of the adjoining houses, mad-i-MamgqBni, however, who had beheld a scene which their eyes could penned the BBb's death-warrant on the very scarcely believe. day of His examination in Tabriz, nor HBji The BBb had vanished from their sight! MirzL BBqir, nor Mull& MurtadCQuli, to Only his companion remained, alive and whose houses their Victim was ignomini- unscathed, standing beside the wall on ously led by the farrB&-bBs_hi, by order of which they had been suspended. The ropes the Grand Vizir, condescended to meet face by which they had been hung alone were to face their dreaded Opponent. severed. "The Siyyid-i-BBb has gone from Immediately before and soon after this our sight!" cried out the bewildered specta- humiliating treatment meted out to the tors. A frenzied search immediately ensued. BBb two highly significant incidents oc- He was found, unhurt and unruffled, in the curred, incidents that cast an illuminating very room He had occupied the night be- light on the mysterious circumstances sur- fore, engaged in completing His interrupted rounding the opening phase of His martyr- conversation with His amanuensis. ''I Izavs C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R T Y R D O M O F T H E BAB finished M y conversation with Siyyid sure that none of them had survived, they Husayn" were the words with which the were riddled with a second volley, after Prisoner, so providentially preserved, which their bodies, pierced with spears and greeted the appearance of the farrid? lances, were exposed to the gaze of the bi&i, "Now you may proceed to fulfill people of Tabriz. The prime instigator of your intention." Reballing the bold assertion the Bib's death, the implacable Amir- his Prisoner had previously made, and N i z h , together with his brother, his chief shaken by so stunning a revelation, the accomplice, met their death within two farri&-b&&i quitted instantly the scene, years of that savage act. and resigned his post. On the evening of the very day of the Stim JQhin, likewise, remembering, with Bib's execution, which fell on the ninth of feelings of awe and wonder, the reassuring July 1850 (28th of SJha'bin 1266 A.H.), words addressed to him by the Bib, or- during the thirty-first year of His age and dered his men to leave the barracks im- the seventh of His ministry, the mangled mediately, and swore, as he left the court- bodies were transferred from the courtyard yard, never again, even at the cost of his of the barracks to the edge of the moat out- life, to repeat that act. Aq6 Jin-i-ghamsih, side the gate of the city. Four companies, colonel of the body-guard, volunteered to each consisting of ten sentinels, were or- replace him. On the same wall and in the dered to keep watch in turn over them. On same manner the Bib and His companion the following morning the Russian Consul were again suspended, while the new regi- in Tabriz visited the spot, and ordered the ment formed in line and opened fire upon artist who had accompanied him to make a them. This time, however, their breasts were drawing of the remains as they lay beside riddled with bullets, and their bodies com- the moat. In the middle of the following pletely dissected, with the exception of their night a follower of the BBb, Hiji Sulaymh faces which were but little marred. "0 Lhin, succeeded, through the instrumental- wayward generation!" were the last words ity of a certain Htiji Allih-Yir, in remov- of the BBb to the gazing multitude, as the ing the bodies to the silk factory owned by regiment prepared to fire its volley, "Had one of the believers of Milin, and laid them, you believed in Me every one of you would the next day, in a specially made wooden have followed the example o f this youth, casket, which he later transferred to a place who stood in rank above most o f you, and of safety. Meanwhile the mullis were boast- would have willingly sacrificed himself in fully proclaiming from the pulpits that, My path. The day will come when you will whereas the holy body of the Immaculate have recognized Me; that day I shall have Imim would be preserved from beasts of ceased to be with you." prey and from all creeping things, this man's Nor was this all. The very moment the body had been devoured by wild animals. shots were fired a gale of exceptional vio- No sooner had the news of the transfer of lence arose and swept over the city. From the remains of the Bib and of His fellow- noon till night a whirlwind of dust obscured sufferer been communicated to Bahb'u'llih the light of the sun, and blinded the eyes than He ordered that same Sulaymin g h i n of the people. In S_hiriz an "earthquake," to bring them to Tihrin, where they were foreshadowed in no less weighty a Book taken to the Imim-Zidih-Hasan, from than the Revelation of St. John, occurred whence they were removed to different in 1268 A.H. which threw the whole city places, until the time when, in pursuance of into turmoil and wrought havoc amongst 'Abdu'l-Bahb's instructions, they were trans- its people, a havoc that was greatly ag- ferred to the Holy Land, and were per- gravated by the outbreak of cholera, by manently and ceremoniously laid to rest by famine and other afflictions. In that same Him in a specially erected mausoleum on year no less than two hundred and fifty of the slopes of Mt. Carmel. the firing squad, that had replaced Sim Thus ended a life which posterity will KJhin's regiment, met their death, together recognize as standing at the confluence of with their officers, in a terrible earthquake, two universal prophetic cycles, the Adamic while the remaining five hundred suffered, Cycle stretching back as far as the first three years later, as a punishment for their dawnings of the world's recorded religious mutiny, the same fate as that which their history and the Bahb'i Cycle destined to hands had inflicted upon the Bib. To in- propel itself across the unborn reaches of 200 THE B A H A ' I WORLD time for a period of no less than five thou- martyrdom, instructed the Russian Consul sand centuries. The apotheosis in which in Tabriz to fully inquire into, and report such a life attained its consummation marks, the circumstances of so startling a Move- as already observed, the culmination of the ment, a commission that could not be carried most heroic phase of the Heroic Age of the out in view of the Bib's execution. In coun- Bahb'i Dispensation. It can, moreover, be tries as remote as those of Western Europe regarded in no other light except as the most an interest no less profound was kindled, dramatic, the most tragic event transpiring and spread with great rapidity to literay, within the entire range of the first Bahb'i artistic, diplomatic and intellectual circles. century. Indeed it can be rightly acclaimed "All Europe," attests the above-mentioned as unparalled in the annals of the lives of French publicist, "was stirred to pity and all the Founders of the world's existing indignation . . . Among the IittCrateurs of religious systems. my generation, in the Paris of 1890, the So momentous an event could hardly fail martyrdom of the Bib was still as fresh a to arouse widespread and keen interest even topic as had been the first news of His beyond the confines of the land in which it death. We wrote poems about Him. Sarah had occurred. "C'est un des plus magnifi- Bernhardt entreated Catulle Mendhs for a ques exemples de courage qu'il ait CtC donnC play on the theme of this historic tragedy." B l'humanitC de contempler," is the testi- A Russian poetess, member of the Philo- mony recorded by a Christian scholar and sophic, Oriental and Bibliological Societies government official, who had lived in Persia of St. Petersburg, published in 1903 a drama and had familiarized himself with the life entitled "The Bib," which a year later was and teachings of the Bib, "et c'est aussi une played in one of the principal theatres of admirable preuve de I'amour que notre hB- that city, was subsequently given publicity ros portait g ses concitoyens. I1 s'est sacrifie in London, was translated into French in pour l'humanit6: pour elle il a donn6 son Paris, and into German by the poet Fiedler, corps et son iime, pour elle il a subi les was presented again, soon after the Russian privations, les affronts, les injures, la torture Revolution, in the Folk Theatre in Len- et le martyre. I1 a scell6 de son sang le pacte ingrad, and succeeded in arousing the genu- de la fraternit6 universelle, et comme J6sus ine sympathy and interest of the renowned il a pay6 de sa vie I'annonce du rhgne de la Tolstoy, whose eulogy of the poem was concorde, de l'6quitB et de l'amour du pro- later published in the Russian press. chain." "Un fait Btrange, unique dans les It would indeed be no exaggeration to say annales de I'humanit6," is a further testi- that nowhere in the whole compass of the mony from the pen of that same scholar world's religious literature, except in the commenting on the circumstances attending Gospels, do we find any record relating to the Bib's martyrdom. "A veritable miracle," the death of any of the religion-founders of is the pronouncement made by a noted the past comparable to the martyrdom suf- French Orientalist. "A true God-man," is fered by the Prophet of Shiriz. So strange, the verdict of a famous British traveler and so inexplicable a phenomenon, attested by writer. "The finest product of his country," eye-witnesses, corroborated by men of rec- is the tribute paid Him by a noted French ognized standing, and acknowledged by gov- publicist. "That Jesus of the age . . . a ernment as well as unofficial historians prophet, and more than a prophet," is the among the people who had sworn undying judgment passed by a distinguished English hostility to the BBbi Faith, may be truly re- divine. "The most important religious move- garded as the most marvelous manifestation ment since the foundation of Christianity," of the unique potentialities with which a is the possibility that was envisaged for the Dispensation promised by all the Dispensa- Faith the BBb had established by that far- tions of the past had been endowed. The famed Oxford scholar, the late Master of passion of Jesus Christ, and indeed His Balliol. whole public ministry, alone offer a parallel "Many persons from all parts o f the to the Mission and death of the BBb, a par- world," is 'Abdu'l-Bahi's written assertion, allel which no student of comparative re- "set out for Persia and began to investigate ligion can fail to perceive or ignore. In the wholeheartedly the matter." The Czar of yonthfulness and meekness of the Inaugura- Russia, a contemporary chronicler has tor of the Bgbi Dispensation; in the extreme written, had even, shortly before the B6b's brevity and turbulence of His public min- istry; in the dramatic swiftness with which Cycle" and the inception of the "Cycle o f that ministry moved towards its climax; in Fulfillment," had simultaneously through the apostolic order which He instituted, and His Revelation banished the shades of night the primacy which He conferred on one of that had descended upon His country, and its members; in the boldness of His chal- proclaimed the impending rise of that In- lenge to the time-honored conventions, rites comparable Orb Whose radiance was to and laws which had been woven into the envelop the whole of mankind. He, as af- fabric of the religion He Himself had been firmed by Himself, "the Primal Point from born into; in the r6le which an officially which have been generated all created recognized and firmly entrenched religious things," "one of the sustaining pillars of the hierarchy played as chief instigator of the Primal Word of God," the "1Mystic Fane," outrages which He was made to suffer; in the "Great Annouizcement," the "Flame o f the indignities heaped upon Him; in the that supernal Light that glowed upon Sinai," suddenness of His arrest; in the interroga- the "Remembrance o f God" concerning tion to which He was subjected; in the deri- Whom "a separate Covenant hath been es- sion poured, and the scourging inflicted, tablished with each and every Prophet" had, upon Him; in the public affront He sus- through His advent, at once fulfilled the tained; and, finally, in His ignominious sus- promise of all ages and ushered in the con- pension before the gaze of a hostile multi- summation of all Revelations. He the tude-in all these we cannot fail to discern "Qi'im" (He Who ariseth) promised to the a remarkable similarity to the distinguishing Shhi'ahs, the "Mihdi" (One Who is guided) features of the career of Jesus Christ. awaited by the Sunnis, the "Return of John It should be remembered, however, that the Baptist" expected by the Christians, the apart from the miracle associated with the "Oaidar-MBh" referred to in the Zoro- Bib's execution, He, unlike the Founder of astrian scriptures, the "Return of Elijah" the Christian religion, is not only to be re- anticipated by the Jews, Whose Revelation garded as the independent Author of a was to show forth "the signs and tokens o f divinely revealed Dispensation, but must all the Prophets," Who was to "manifest also be recognized as the Herald of a new the perfection o f Moses, the radiance o f Era and the Inaugurator of a great universal Jesus and the patience of Job" had ap- prophetic cycle. Nor should the important peared, proclaimed His Cause, been merci- fact be overlooked that, whereas the chief lessly persecuted and died gloriously. The adversaries of Jesus Christ, in His lifetime, "Second Woe," spoken of in the Apocalypse were the Jewish rabbis and their associates, of St. John the Divine, had, at long last, ap- the forces arrayed against the Bib repre- peared, and the first of the two "Messen- sented the combined civil and ecclesiastical gers," Whose appearance had been prophe- powers of Persia, which, from the moment sied in the Qur'in, had been sent down. The of His declaration to the hour of His death, first "Trumpet-Blast," destined to smite the persisted, unitedly and by every means at earth with extermination, announced in the their disposal, in conspiring against the up- latter Book, had finally been sounded. "The holders and in vilifying the tenets of His Inevitable," "The Catastrophe," "The Resur- Revelation. rection," "The Earthquake o f the Last The Bib, acclaimed by BahVu'llLh as the Hour," foretold by that same Book, had all "Essence o f Essences," the "Sea o f Seas," come to pass. The "clear tokens" had been the "Point round Whom the realities of the "sent down," and the "Spirit" had Prophets and Messengers revolve," "from "breathed," and the "souls" had "waked W h o m God hath caused to proceed the up," and the "heaven" had been "cleft," and knowledge o f all that was and shall be," the "angels" had "ranged in order," and the Whose "rank excelleth that of all the Proph- "stars" had been "blotted out," and the ets," and Whose "Revelatioiz transcendeth "earth" had "cast forth her bzlrden," and the comprehension and understanding of all "Paradise" had been "brought near," and their chosen ones," had delivered His Mes- "hell" had been "made to blaze," and the sage and discharged His mission. He Who "Book" had been "set," and the "Bridge" was, in the words of 'Abdu'l-Bah$ the had been "laid out," and the "Balance" had "Morn o f Truth" and "Harbinger of the been "set up," and the "mountains scattered Most Great Light," Whose advent at once in dust." The "cleansing of the Sanctuary," signalized the termination of the "Prophetic prophesied by Daniel and confirmed by T H E BAHA'I WORLD Jesus Christ in His reference to "the abomi- had been clearly formulated and pro- nation of desolation," had been accom- claimed. The Covenant which, despite the plished. The "day whose length shall be a determined assaults launched against it, thousand years," foretold by the Apostle of succeeded, unlike all previous Dispensa- God in His Book, had terminated. The tions, in preserving the integrity of the "forty and two months," during which the Faith of its Author, and in paving the way "Holy City," as predicted by St. John the for the advent of the One Who was to be Divine, would be trodden under foot, had its Center and Object, had been firmly and elapsed. The "time of the e n d had been irrevocably established. The light which, ushered in, and the first of the "two Wit- throughout successive periods, was to propa- nesses" into Whom, "after three days and a gate itself gradually from its cradle as far as half the Spirit of Life from GocE" would Vancouver in the West and the China Sea enter, had arisen and had "ascended up to in the East, and to diffuse its radiance as heaven in a cloud." The "remaining twenty far as Iceland in the North and the Tasman and five letters to be made manifest," ac- Sea in the South, had broken. The forces cording to Islamic tradition, out of the of darkness, at first coniined to the con- "twenty and seven letters" of which Knowl- certed hostility of the civil and ecclesiastical edge has been declared to consist, had been powers of ghhi'ah Persia, gathering momen- revealed. The "Man Child," mentioned in tum, at a later stage, through the avowed the Book of Revelation, destined to "rule all and persistent opposition of the Caliph of nations with a rod of iron," had released, Islim and the Sunni hierarchy in Turkey, through His coming, the creative energies and destined to culminate in the fierce which, reinforced by the effusions of a antagonism of the sacerdotal orders as- swiftly succeeding and infinitely mightier sociated with other and still more powerful Revelation, were to instill into the entire religious systems, had launched their initial human race the capacity to achieve its assault. The nucleus of the divinely or- organic unification, attain maturity and dained, world-embracing Community-a thereby reach the final stage in its age-long Community whose infant strength had al- evolution. The clarion-call addressed to the ready plucked asunder the fetters of S_hhiCah "concourse of kings and of the sons of orthodoxv.,, and which was. with everv ex- kings," marking the inception of a process pansion in the range of its fellowship, to which, accelerated by Bahi'u'llih's subse- seek and obtain a wider and still more sig- quent warnings to the entire company of the nificant recognition of its claims to be the monarchs of East and West, was to produce world religion of the future, had been so widespread a revolution in the fortunes formed and was slowly crystallizing. And, of royalty, had been raised in the Qay- lastly, the seed, endowed by the Hand of yumh'l-Asmi'. The "Order," whose founda- Omnipotence with such vast potentialities, tion the Promised One was to establish in though rudely trampled under foot and the Kitiib-i-Aqdas, and the features of which seemingly perished from the face of the the Center of the Covenant was to delineate earth, had, through this very process, been in His Testament, and whose administrative vouchsafed the bpportunity To germinate framework the entire body of His followers and remanifest itself, in the shape of a still are now erecting, had been categorically more compelling Revelation-a Revelation announced in the Persian Bayln. The laws which were designed, on the one hand, to destined to blossom forth, in a later period abolish at a stroke the privileges and cere- into the flourishing institutions of a world- monials, the ordinances and institutions of a wide administrative System, and to ripen, in superannuated Dispensation, and to bridge, the Golden Age as yet unborn, into mighty on the other, the gap between an obsolete agencies functioning in consonance with the system and the institutions of a world-en- principles of a world-unifying, world-re- compassing Order destined to supersede it, deeming Order. CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB From THE DAWN-BREAKERS (Nabil's Narrative) * D E P R I V E D of His turban and sash, the proaching victory. 'Tomorrow,' He said to twin emblems of His noble lineage, the BBb, us, 'will be the day of My martyrdom. together with Siyyid Husayn, His amanuen- Would that one of you might now arise and, sis, was driven to yet another confinement with his own hands, end My life. I prefer to which He well knew was but a step further be slain by the hand of a friend rather than on the way leading Him to the goal He had by that of the enemy.' Tears rained from set Himself to attain. That day witnessed a our eyes as we heard Him express that wish. tremendous commotion in the city of We shrank, however, at the thought of tak- Tabriz. The great convulsion associated in ing away with our own hands so hrecious a the ideas of its inhabitants with the Day of life. We refused, and remained silent. Mirzi Judgment seemed at last to have come upon Muhammad-'Ali suddenly sprang to his feet them. Never had that city experienced a and announced himself ready to obey what- turmoil so fierce and so mysterious as the ever the Bib might desire. 'This same youth one which seized its inhabitants on the day who has risen to comply with My wish,' the the BBb was led to that place which was to Bib declared, as soon as we had intervened be the scene of His martyrdom. As He ap- and forced him to abandon the thought, proached the courtyard of the barracks, a 'will, together with Me, suffer martyrdom. youth suddenly leaped forward who, in his Him will I choose to share with Me its eagerness to overtake Him, had forced his crown.' " way through the crowd, utterly ignoring Early in the morning, Mirzi Hasan IQhBn the risks and perils which such an attempt ordered his farrBs_h-bBs_hi[chief attendant] might involve. His face was haggard, his to conduct the BBb into the presence of the feet were bare, and his hair dishevelled. leading mujtahids of the city and to obtain Breathless with excitement and exhausted from them the authorization required for with fatigue, he flung himself at the feet of His execution. As the B6b was leaving the the Bib and, seizing the hem of His gar- barracks, Siyyid Husayn asked Him what ment, passionately implored Him: "Send he should do. "Confess not your faith," me not from Thee, 0 Master. Wherever He advised him. "Thereby you will be en- Thou goest, suffer me to follow Thee." abled, when the hour comes, to convey to "Muhammad 'Ali," answered the BBb, those who are destined to hear you, the "arise, and rest assured that you will be with things of which you alone are aware." He Me. To-morrow you shall witness what God was engaged in a confidential conversation has decreed." Two other companions, un- with him when the farrBsh-bB&i suddenly able to contain themselves, rushed forward interrupted and, holding Siyyid Husayn by and assured Him of their unalterable loy- the hand, drew him aside and severely re- alty. These, together with MirzB Muham- buked him. "Not until I have said to him mad-'Aliy-i-Zuniizi, were seized and placed all those things that I wish to say," the BBb in the same cell in which the BBb and Siyyid warned the farrBs_h-bB&i, "can any earthly Husayn were confined. power silence Me. Though all the world be I have heard Siyyid Husayn bear witness armed against Me, yet shall they be power- to the following: "That night the face of the less to deter Me from fulfilling, to the last BBb was aglow with joy, a joy such as had word, My intention." The farr6sh-bBs_hiwas never shone from His countenance. Indif- amazed at such a bold assertion. He made, ferent to the storm that raged about Him, however, n o reply, and bade Siyyid Husayn He conversed with us with gaiety and cheer- arise and follow him. fulness. The sorrows that had weighed so heavily upon Him seemed to have com- pletely vanished. Their weight appeared to The Bib was, in His turn brouqht before have dissolved in the consciousness of ap- Mulli Mul?ammad-i-MimBqini. No sooner had he recognized Him than he seized the * Pages 507-517. death-warrant he himself had previously 204 THE BAHA' f WORLD written and, handing it to his attendant, reposed on the breast of his Master. As soon bade him deliver it to the farr6&-b6s_hi. "No as they were fastened, a regiment of soldiers need," he cried, "to bring the Siyyid-i-Bib ranged itself in three files, each of two hun- into my presence. This death-warrant I dred and fifty men, each of which was or- penned the very day I met him at the gath- dered to open fire in its turn until the whole ering presided over by the Vali-'Ahd. He detachment had discharged the volleys of its surely is the same man whom I saw on that bullets. The smoke of the firing of the seven occasion, and has not, in the meantime, sur- hundred and fifty rifles was such as to turn rendered any of his claims." the light of the noonday sun into darkness. From thence the Bib was conducted to There had crowded onto the roof of the the house of Mirzb Bkqir, the son of Mirz6 barracks, as well as the tops of the adjoining a m a d , to whom he had recently suc- houses, about ten thousand people, all of ceeded. When they a~rived,they found his whom were witnesses to that sad and mov- attendant standing at the gate holding in his ing scene. hand the BLb's death-warrant. "No need to As soon as the cloud of smoke had cleared enter," he told them. "My master is already away, an astounded multitude were looking satisfied that his father was right in pro- upon a scene which their eyes could scarcely nouncing the sentence of death. He can do believe. There, standing before them alive no better than follow his example." and unhurt, was the companion of the BBb, Mu116 MurtadCQuli, following in the whilst He Himself had vanished uninjured footsteps of the other two mujtahids, had from their sight. Though the cords with previously issued his own written testimony which they were suspended had been rent in and refused to meet face to face his dreaded pieces by the bullets, yet their bodies had opponent. No sooner had the farrQs_h-b6s_hi miraculously escaped the volleys. Even the secured the necessary documents than he tunic which MirzL Muhammad-'Ali was delivered his Captive into the hands of S6m wearing had, despite the thickness of the IQhAn, assuring him that he could proceed smoke, remained unsullied. "The Siyyid-i- with his task now that he had obtained the B6b has gone from our sight!" rang out the sanction of the civil and ecclesiastical au- voices of the bewildered multitude. They thorities of the realm. set out in a frenized search for Him, and found Him, eventually, seated in the same room which He had occupied the night be- S6m IQhkn was, in the meantime, finding fore, engaged in completing His interrupted himself increasingly affected by the be- conversation, with Siyyid Husayn. An ex- havior of his Captive and the treatment pression of unruffled calm was upon His that had been meted out to Him. He was face. His body had emerged unscathed from seized with great fear lest his action should the shower of bullets which the regiment bring upon him the wrath of God. "I pro- had directed against Him. "I have finished fess the Christian Faith," he explained to My conversation with Siyyid Husayn," the the B6b, "and entertain no ill will against B6b told the farr6s_h-b6&i. "Now you may you. If your Cause be the Cause of Truth, proceed to fulfil your intention." The man enable me to free myself from the obliga- was too much shaken to resume what he tion to shed your blood." "Follow your in- had already attempted. Refusing to accom- structions," the BLb replied, "and if your plish his duty, he, that same moment, left intention be sincere, the Almighty is surely that scene and resigned his post. He related able to relieve you from your perplexity." all that he had seen to his neighbor, MirzL S6m Kh6n ordered his men to drive a nail Siyyid Muhsin, one of the notables of Ta- into the pillar that lay between the door of briz, who, as soon as he heard the story, was the room that Siyyid Husayn occupied and converted to the Faith. the entrance to the adjoining one, and to make fast two ropes to that nail, from which the BLb and His companion were to S5m IQhkn was likewise stunned by the be separately suspended. MirzL Muham- force of this tremendous revelation. He or- mad-'Ali begged S6m KhLn to be placed in dered his men to leave the barracks imme- such a manner that his own body would diately, and refused ever again to associate shield that of the B6b. He was eventually himself and his regiment with any act that suspended in such a position that his head involved the least injury to the B6b. He CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 205 swore, as he left that courtyard, never again sun and blinded the eyes of the people. The to resume that task even though his refusal entire city remained enveloped in that dark- should entail the loss of his own life. ness from noon till night. Even so strange a No sooner had SBm KhBn departed than phenomenon, following immediately in the AkB JBn K_hBn-i-Khamsih, colonel of the wake of that still more astounding failure of body-guard, known also by the names of SBm KhLn's regiment to injure the BBb, was KJhamsih and NBsiri, volunteered to carry unable to move the hearts of the people of out the order for execution. On the same Tabriz, and to induce them to pause and wall and in the same manner, the BBb and reflect upon the significance of such mo- His companion were again suspended, while mentous events. They witnessed the effect the regiment formed in line to open fire which so marvelous an occurrence had upon them. Contrariwise to the previous oc- produced upon SBm KJhBn; they beheld the casion, when only the cord with which they consternation of the farrBs_h-bi&i and saw were suspended had been shot to pieces, this him make his irrevocable decision; they time their bodies were shattered and were could even examine that tunic which, de- blended into one mass of mingled flesh and spite the discharge of so many bullets, had bone. "Had you believed in Me, 0 wayward remained whole and stainless; they could generation,"-were the last words of the BBb read in the face of the BBb, who had emerged to the gazing multitude as the regiment was unhurt from that storm, the expression of preparing to fire the final volley, "every one undisturbed serenity as He resumed His of you would have followed the example of conversation with Syyid Husayn; and yet this youth, who stood in rank above most of none of them troubled himself to inquire as you, and willingly would have sacrificed to the significance of these unwonted signs himself in My path. The day will come and wonders. when you will have recognized Me; that day The martyrdom of the BBb took place at I shall have ceased to be with you." noon on Sunday, the twenty-eighth of Sha- The very moment the shots were fired, a 'bBn, in the year 1266 A.H. [July 9, 18501, gale of exceptional severity arose and swept thirty-one lunar years, seven months, and over the whole city. A whirlwind of dust of twenty-seven days from the day of His birth incredible density obscured the light of the in ShirBz. 6. INTERNATIONAL OBSERVANCE OF THE CENTENARY O F THE M A R T Y R D O M O F T H E BAB T H E world-wide character of the Bahs'i suggestions for the conduct of both meet- Faith has been demonstrated once more by ings. the action of various National Spiritual As- semblies in preparing memorial and public EGYPTAND SUDAN programs for their respective communities. The National Spiritual Assembly has pub- This survey briefly outlines the informa- lished a Memorial pamphlet in the Arabic tion received to date from the national re- language. On account of the conditions of ports and does not attempt to cover all the dispute among the three religions recognized local activities, interesting and important as in the Muslim world, the pamphlet supplied they might be. "historical, logical and traditional proofs from the Qur'Ln, the Old and New Testa- ments," to support the BahL'i Revelation. From the National Spiritual Assembly we Its epilogue presented the Bahs'i teachings learn that on June 1 a general letter was and principles as set forth by the Guardian issued giving plans for a special Memorial in the Faith of BahBu'lla'h, World Religion, Meeting and also a Public Meeting on the followed by a selection from Hidden Words, Centenary date, with list of readings and and ended with "How to Live a Bah2i Life 206 T H E BAHA'I WORLD from Words of 'Abdu'l-BahB." The English Shrimati Shirin Boman-The Martyr-Prophet of translation of the title of this pamphlet is a World Faith (In Hindustani) "Page of Light." Shri S. N. Chaturvedi (Publicity Officer, U.S. of Cards of invitation to the Public Meeting Rajasthan)-A Century of Spiritual Revival (In English) in Cairo were sent to more than eighty emi- nent non-Bahi'is, of whom (including the All Are Cordially Invited press) about forty attended. The motion picture film of the Bahi'i Temple in Wil- mette was shown. Press comments were very Two items have been received: a news- favorable. paper clipping reporting a talk by Suhayl The Centenary was also observed by the 'AlA'i at a gathering of Auckland and Dev- BahL'is of Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. onport Bahi'i communities held to com- memorate the Centenary; and a pamphlet entitled "Martyrdom of the Bib, 1850- The National Assembly prepared a spe- 1950" published by the National Spiritual cial number of the Bahd'i News of Persia, Assembly. Its contents include: Foreword, giving the Centenary program for use A Summary of the BahL'i Faith, The Mar- throughout the local communities. The tyrdom of the BBb, Bahi'u'llih's Tribute to world survey pamphlet prepared by the the Bgb, The Bib's Farewell Address to the Guardian and published in the United States Letters of the Living, and Utterances of the was translated into Persian and copies dis- BBb. It contains 24 pages with two full-page tributed throughout the provinces. illustrations. On May 10 the National Assembly ad- dressed a general letter to all local Assem- blies appointing three Regional Committees, each serving for the BahA'is in one of the three countries. Nine items of advice and The Bahi'i House of Worship provided an direction were given for the Commemora- ideal setting for the program carried out on tion and Public Meetings. 'The poor shall Sunday, July 9, 1950, in commemoration of be fed as far as possible. This may be done the Centenary. The "Holiest House of Wor- through the Municipality," was one sugges- ship in the BahL'i World" bestowed its own tion. A very attractive Centenary pamphlet special blessing upon the great gathering of was also published, of 64 pages and illustra- some five hundred BahL'is convened in tions. Its contents were listed as follows: Foundation Hall at the hour of noon, to see "Foreword, A Prayer By the Bgb, The the Portrait of the Bgb which the Guardian World Religion, The Execution of the BBb, made a most precious gift and trust to BahL'u'llih's Tribute to the Bib, The Bib North America in 1944. and the Revelation of Bahi'u'llBh, The This meeting, drawn together spiritually Bgb's Address to the Letters of the Living, by the sublime nature of the occasion, re- A Pattern for Future Society, Appreciations alized anew its grandeur when the Guard- of the Bah6'i Faith." ian's cablegram, shared with the "assembled representatives (of) American Bahi'i Com- Program munity gathered beneath (the) dome (of In Commemoration of the Centenary the) most Holy House (of) Worship (in of the Martyrdom of the Bgb, the) Bahi'i World" his "feelings (of) pro- the Forerunner of Bah2i Faith, found emotion evoked (by this) historic Public Lectures will Be Held occasion."l This reading followed a brief under the Chairmanship of period of silence for individual use of the the Honourable Shri Sri Prakasa Daily Prayer. at the Constitution Club, Curzon Road Bahi'u'llih's Tablet of Visitation (Prayers New Delhi and Meditations, pp. 3 10-313) intensified on July 9, 1950 at 9-30 A.M. the emotions to the degree of awe and ex- Prof. Abdul-Majid Khan, Guest Speaker (For- alted reverence. merly Indian Consul, Jidda, Saudi Arabia) -A Century of World Crisis (In English) 1 This cablegram is given in full on pages 191 to 193. CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 207 Then, after the Portrait was placed on the welcomed the visitors in the name of the rug-covered speakers' table, flanked by red BahL'is. She stated the purpose of the Cen- roses, row by row the friends quietly filed tenary, the significance of the Martyrdom of before the Portrait to behold the features the B6b, and referred to the Centenary and likeness of the Martyr-Prophet whose meetings being carried out in all parts of the mission inaugurated the world era in the life world. of mankind. As Chairman Miss Austin then presented When the BahL'is in the last row had re- the three speakers: Dr. G. A. Borgese, of sumed their seats, the gathering departed the University of Chicago, member of the from the Foundation Hall and entered by Committee to Frame a World Constitution, the outside steps the auditorium of the ~ o u s e and director of the magazine Common of Worship. Here, though the evidences of Cause; Mrs. Dorothy Beecher Baker, long- construction were so apparent, the interior time member of the National Spiritual As- ornamentation had b&h completed to a sembly, worker for unity, who has traveled point where the beauty of the finished de- widely and lectured throughout North sign impressed the hearts. Indeed, an archi- America, South America and Western Eu- tectural sketch of the completed auditorium, rope; Mr. William Kenneth Christian, mem- in color, had been placed outside the Foun- ber of the National Spiritual Assembly, on dation Hall before noon, that the friends the faculty of Michigan State College, might better visualize what the auditorium writer, former member of the editorial staff will be when completed early in 1951. of World Order Magazine. In this remarkable theater, signifying both the majesty of the Faith and the sacri- The Shrine and Gardens ficial efforts of the believers, the second part At 5:30 P.M., after the public meeting, of the Centenary program unfolded: Read- the BahL'is gathered once more in Temple ings from the Bahi'i Sacred Writings con- Foundation Hall. cerning the Station and Martyrdom of the This meeting, concluding the Centenary B6b. Seven readers presented these selec- program, had been arranged in order to tions: Tablet of Alpnad; Prayers and Me&- project the moving picture film which the tations by BahB'u'llkh, pp. 272-276; Some Guardian had sent from Haifa as one more Answered Questions, pp. 30-31; Words of contribution to the Centenary celebration, the B6b and of 'Abdu'l-Bahti from Dispen- which synchronized with the completion of sation of Bahh'u'lla'h, pp. 35-36, p. 34; the Arcade surrounding the Shrine of the Gleanings from the Writings of Baha"u'EEa'h, Bkb on Mt. Carmel. pp. 291-293; pp. 74-75, 144-146; Prayer re- The showing of the films was preceded vealed by the B6b, "IS There any Remover by the reading of a letter written by Mr. of Difficulties"; Prayers and Meditations, Ben Weeden from Haifa describing the pp. 84-86. The spirit of worship sustained progress of construction work on the Shrine the gathering throughout these readings, of the B6b. (See Section VI, page 246.) evoking power to realize the meaning of The film, a composite of numerous se- these Holy Words and to reconsecrate one- lected views, created as a whole an intensely self in service to so holy a Faith. interesting picture of the Shrines and gar- The readings form a-gemlike compilation dens at the BahB'i World Center-the which any one may from time to time Guardian's own project carried out at the ponder for himself, renewing faith and spiritual heart of the Faith. steadfastness whenever the world seems too It is not possible to reproduce these vivid violent and chaotic to be overcome and photographic scenes in words. For the transformed. BahL'is present it was no less an experience than a psychic transportation to Haifa and Public Meeting 'Akkti to see with their own eyes what has At 3: 30 P.M. the BahL'is reconvened in been done since the days of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 to Foundation Hall for the public meeting. glorify the remains of BahL'u'l16h7 the Bkb, The estimated attendance of BahL'is and the Master and members of the Holy Fam- non-BahL'is was about nine hundred. Sel- ily, and prepare the way for the building of dom has Foundation Hall held a larger the international institutions of the Faith to gathering. be centered in that holy region. The power Miss Elsie Austin, presiding, graciously of the Guardianship, the vision, the super- 208 T H E BAHA'I WORLD human toil of the guardian, were realized as (the) conclusion (of the) holiest enterprise seldom before. since (the) dawn (of the) Revela- The final note was also sounded by tion. . . .3 3 2 Shoghi Effendi in the reading of his cable- Thus this Centenary is not merely a re- gram addressed to the Bahl'is through all calling, no matter how reverently, of a great National Spiritual Assemblies, announcing Event which took place one hundred years the termination of the initial step of the con- ago: it is an occasion on which the Bahi'is struction of the "domed structure designed are challenged to carry forward the work of (to) embellish (and) preserve (the) B6b's an ever-living and Divine Faith. sepulcher on Mt. Carmel." "(The) hour (is) ripe," the message con- Centenary Pamphlets tinued, "(to) undertake (the) preliminaries Two pamphlets were published by the (for the) erection (of the) octagonal first National Spiritual Assembly of the United unit (of the) superstructure. . . . States as part of the Centenary commemora- "(I) appeal (to) entire body (of) believ- tion. ers (to) seize (this) priceless opportunity The first publication is the world survey (to) stimulate (the) unfoldment (of) this compiled by the Guardian with data report- process through generous, sustained contri- ing the spread of the Faith from 1844 to butions (for the) furtherance (of an) enter- 1950, entitled The Bah& Faith-1844- prise transcending any national institution 1950. whether H ~ i r a or Ma&riqu'l-Adhkir, The second publication is The Martyr reared (in the) past or (in) process (of) Prophet of a World Faith by William B. construction. Sears, telling the story of the B6b for a "The hour (is) propitious . . . (to) western public. repay part (of the) infinite debt (of) grati- ZThis cable, dated Haifa, July 7, 1950, appears in tude owed its martyrs, through hastening World Order Unfolds, page 12. 7 . THE MARTYR PROPHET OF A WORLD F A I T H * The blistering July sun glared from the The chain of events leading to this scene barrels of seven hundred and fifty rifles, began in 1844. awaiting the command to fire and to take It was in an age of religious fervor. Ev- His life. erywhere men were preaching the return of He seemed so young to die, barely thirty, Christ. They urged the world to prepare for and He was handsome, gentle, confident. it. Wolff in Asia, Sir Edward Irving in Eng- Could He pos~.iblybe guilty of the shocking land, Leonard H. Kelber in Germany, Ma- crime o f which He was accused? son in Scotland, Davis in South Carolina, Thousands of eager spectators lined the and William Miller in Pennsylvania all Public Square. They crowded along the agreed that their studies of the Scriptures roof-tops overlooking the scene of death. clearly showed that the hour for Christ's re- They wanted one last sight of Him for He turn was at hand. was either good or evil, and hey were not James Russell Lowell's poem "The Crisis" sure which. was written in that very hour of Advent en- It was high noon, July 9, 1850, in a thusiasm: parched corner o f Persia, the barracks square o f the sun-drenched city of Tabriz. "Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide. * Pamphlet issued by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States, commemorating the Some great cause, God's new Messiah . . ." Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Bib, Tabrfz, Persia, July 9, 1850. The years between 1843 and 1847 were C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R TY R D O M O F T H E BAB 209 generally accepted as the time for the return "I sat enraptured by the magic of His of Christ. Careful study of the prophecies voice and the sweeping force of His revela- had simultaneously led Bible scholars and tion. At last I reluctantly arose from my students in different parts of the world to seat and begged to depart. He smilingly bade these fateful years. me be seated, and said: 'If you leave in such Did the years between 1843 and 1847 a state, whoever sees you will assuredly say: pass with no sign of the return of Christ? This poor youth has lost his mind.' " Or were these years comparable to those At that moment the clock registered two which followed the birth and enunciation of hours and eleven minutes after sunset on the Christ's original message? Years which eve of May 23, 1844. The Biib declared to passed with no visible sign to the people of Mulli Husayn as he prepared to leave, "This Palestine that the Promised One had come. night, this very hour will, in the days to The crucifixion of a trouble maker from come, be celebrated as one of the greatest Nazareth they had dismissed from their and most significant festivals." minds. Was the story to wait, as it had One hundred years later, May 23, 1944, waited in the time of Jesus, for over one in over eight hundred Bahgi communities hundred years before it began to reach the of the world this hour was commemorated consciousness of the people? Was the story as the dawn of a new age, the beginning of of Calvary to be retold at an execution post the era of "one fold and one shepherd." in the public square of Tabriz? In one century from the evening of its birth, this World Faith heralded by the Bib And during 1844, in Persia, this story had had spread to all the major countries of the its beginning. earth, embracing people from every walk of It was the eve of May 23rd in S i r i z , the life, every religious conviction, every shade "city of nightingales and blue tile foun- of skin-color. tains." ShirAz, in what was once the ancient province of Elam given by Daniel, the The fame of the Bgb soon spread beyond Prophet, as the place of visioil in the latter the circle of His disciples. It reached the days and mentioned in the book of Jere- authorities of both church and state. They miah: "And I will set my throne in Elam." were alarmed by the enthusiasm with which A young man declared that He was the the people accepted the B6b's message. The one foretold in all the holy books of the same wave of opposition and hatred that past. He said He had come to usher in a had surrounded ~esus,began to engulf the new era, a new springtime in the hearts of Bgb. The clergy at once initiated a com- men. He was called "The B6b" which means bined attack upon Him. They gathered their the door or the gate. His teaching was to be wisest and most capable scholars and speak- the gateway to a new age of unity: The ers to argue with and try to confuse the world is one country and mankind its citi- B6b. They arranged great public debates in zens; there is only one religion and all the Shhiriz and invited the governor, the clergy, prophets have taught it. the military chiefs, as well as the people, As Jesus had spoken to Peter, the fisher- hoping to -discredit the young prophet of man, the B6b spoke to a Persian student, Shiriz. Mu116 IJusayn. Mull6 Husayn's own words He spoke such searching truths that day can best describe the depth of this experi- by day the crowds increased. His purity of ence : conduct at an age when passions are intense "I sat spellbound by His utterance, ob- impressed the people who met Him. He was livious of time. . . . This Revelation, so possessed of extraordinary eloquence and suddenly and impetuously thrust upon me, daring. Instead of benefiting the clergy, the came as a thunderbolt which, for a time, debates they arranged elevated the B6b at seemed to have benumbed my faculties their expense. He exposed, unsparingly, . . . Excitement, joy, awe, and wonder their vices and corruption. He proved their stirred the depths of my soul. Predominant infidelity to their own doctrine. He shamed among these emotions was a sense of glad- - - Bahl'i Revelation, translated from the original Persian ness and strength which seemed to have and edited bv Shoghi Effendi, Bahl'i Publishing Com- transfigured me."' mittee, New -~ork,-1932.The quotations are f&m the -- following pages of The Dawn-Breakers: 62-65, 61, 173- 1The quotations cited are taken from The Dawn- 177, 239, 315-316, 321-322, 447, 450-452, 502, 507, 509, Breakers, Nabfl's Narrative of the Early Days of the 512-517. 210 T H E BAHA'I WORLD them in their lives. He defeated them with Tihrin. The SJhih had received a letter from their own Holy Book in His hand. the BBb requesting such an audience. The Soon all of Persia was talking about the BBb said that He was confident of the just- BBb. The ShBh himself, moved to investi- ness of the King and so He wished to come gate the truth of the reports concerning the to the capital and hold conferences with the Bib, delegated Siyyid Yahyiy-i-Dhibi, sur- priests of the empire in the presence of the named Vahid, to go at once to S_hiriz and ShBh, the civil authorities, and the people. investigate the matter in person. V*id was The BBb offered to explain His Cause and chosen because he was called the "most His purpose. He said He would accept be- learned and most influential" of all the forehand the judgment of the KhBh and, in SJhih's subjects. case of failure, was ready to sacrifice His Vahid had three interviews with the BBb. head. After the first, he said to a friend, "I have The Bib never reached Tihrin. The in His presence expatiated unduly upon my Prime Minister, Hiji Mirzi Aqisi, feared own learning. He was able in a few words the consequences of such an interview. He to answer my questions . . ." feared the influence the BBb might exert on Of these interviews, Vahid said later, "As both the sovereign and the capital city. He soon as I was ushered into His presence, a succeeded in persuading the Shih to trans- sense of fear, for which I could not account, fer so dreaded a subject to MBh-K6, a pris- suddenly seized me . . . The BBb, behold- on castle in the AdJhirbByjBn mountains to ing my plight, arose from His seat, ad- the north. vanced towards me, and, taking hold of my En route to MBh-K6, the BBb approached hand, seated me beside Him. the gate of Tabriz. The news of His arrival " 'Seek from me,' He said, 'whatever is stirred the hearts of the people and they set your heart's desire. I will readily reveal it to out to meet Him, eager to extend their wel- you.' come to so beloved a Leader. The officials "Like a babe that can neither understand of the government refused to allow them to nor speak, I felt powerless to respond. The draw near and receive His blessing. Bib smiled as He gazed at me and said: As the Bib walked along the streets of 'Were I to reveal for you [the answers to Tabriz, the cries of the multitude resounded the questions you seek], would you acknowl- on every side. So loud was the clamor of edge that My words are born of the spirit welcome that a crier was ordered to warn of God? Would you recognize that My ut- the people of the danger to which they were terance can in no way be associated with exposing themselves. The cry went forth: sorcery or magic? . . . "Whosoever shall make any attempt to ap- "How am I to describe this scene of in- proach the Siyyid-i-BBb, or seek to meet expressible majesty? Verses streamed from him, all [that person's] possessions shall His pen with a rapidity that was truly as- forthwith be seized and he himself con- tounding. The incredible swiftness of His demned to perpetual imprisonment!" writing, the soft and gentle murmur of His An undercurrent of excitement ran voice, and the stupendous force of His style, through the city during the BBb's stay. With amazed and bewildered me." saddened hearts and mixed feelings of help- Vahid summed up his report on his in- lessness and confusion, the people watched vestigation of the Bib by saying, "Such was the beloved Prophet leave Tabriz for the the state of certitude to which I had at- castle of Mih-K6. They whispered among tained that if all the powers of the earth themselves, as had the followers of Jesus were to be leagued against me they would when they watched Him being delivered in be powerless to shake my confidence in the turn to Caiaphas and Pilate: If this is the greatness of His Cause." Promised One, why is He subjected to the When word of this reached the SJhBh, he whims of the men of earth? told his Prime Minister that he had been in- The Bib was given into the custody of formed Vahid had become a follower of the 'Ali Khin, warden of the solid, four-towered BBb. "If this be true, it behooves us to stone castle which sat on the summit of a cease belittling the Cause of that Siyyid." mountain on the frontier of Russia, Turkey, Still disturbed by Vahid's response to the and Persia. Bzib's teachinq, the ShBh issued an order The Prime Minister was confident that summoning the BBb to the capital city of few, if any, would venture to penetrate that C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R T Y R D O M O F T H E BAB wild region. The people of the area were al- warned to profit by the failure of 'Ali ready hostile to the BBb, and it was the at MBh-Ku. Yet, in spite of the open threat Prime Minister's hope that this enforced se- to his own safety, Yahyi L h i n found him- clusion among enemies would stifle the self powerless to obey. He soon felt the fas- Faith at its birth and lead to its extinction. cination of his prisoner and forgot the duty He soon realized how gravely he had un- he was expected to perform, for the love of derrated the force of the Bib's influence. the BBb had claimed his entire being. The hostility of the natives was subdued by Even the Kurds who lived in Chihriq, and the gentle manners of the BBb. Their hearts whose fanaticism and hatred exceeded that were softened by His love for them. Their of the inhabitants of MBh-KG, fell under the pride was humbled by His modesty. Their transforming influence of the Bib. The love opposition to His teaching was nlellowed by which the Bib radiated was a living thing. the wisdom of His words. Even the warden, As Saul of Tarsus had fallen victim to the 'Ali KJhin, began to relax the severity of enrapturing warmth of Jesus, in like manner the Bkb's imprisonment, in spite of the whoever came in contact with the BBb was Prime Minister's repeated warning against transported into a new world of joy and falling under His spell. gladness. As the crowds had flocked to Soon great numbers began to come from Jesus on the Mount of Olives, so came the all quarters to visit the Bib at Mih-Kii. hungry, thirsty people of Persia to the During this period, the Bib composed His Mountain of Chihriq. Persian Baya'n, the most comprehensive of No sooner did this news reach the capital all His writings. In it the Bib defined His than the infuriated Prime Minister de- mission as two-fold: To call men to God, manded that the Bib be transferred at once and to announce the coming of the Promise to Tabriz. He called an immediate confer- of all ages and all religions-a great world ence of all the ecclesiastical dignitaries of educator whose station was so exalted that Tabriz to seek the most effective means for in the words of the Bib, "A thousand pe- bringing to an abrupt end the BBb's power rusals of the Baya'n cannot equal the perusal over the people. of a single verse to be revealed by 'Him The news of the impending arrival of the Whom God shall make manifest.' "' Bib caused such popular enthusiasm that The Prime Minister was informed of the the authorities decided to confine the BBb affection which the once unfriendly people in a place outside the gate of the city. of MBh-KG were showing toward the Bib. The crowds besieged the entrance to the He was told of the flood of pilgrims to the meeting place the next day, impatiently castle. Those who had been ordered to awaiting the time when they could catch a watch developments reported to the Prime glimpse of His face. They pressed forward Minister that the warden, 'Ali K_hBn, had in such large numbers that a passage had to been enchanted by the Bib and treated Him be forced for the BBb. as his host rather than as his prisoner. Both When the BBb entered the hall, a great fear and rage impelled the Prime Minister stillness descended upon the people. At last to issue an instant order for the transfer of the stillness was broken by the president of the BBb to the castle of Chihriq, called the the gathering. "Who do you claim to be," "grievous mountain." he asked the BBb, "and what is the message The BBb said farewell to the people of which you have brought?" MBh-K6 who, in the course of His nine Pontius Pilate had asked Jesus, "Art thou months' captivity among them, had recog- a king then?'And Jesus replied, "Thou say- nized to a remarkable degree the power of est that I am a king. To this end was I born, His personality and the greatness of His and for this cause came I into the world, character. that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my The Bib was subjected to a closer and more voi~e."~ rigorous confinement at Chihriq. The Prime So did the Bib reply to the Assembly. "I Minister left strict and explicit instructions am, I am, I am the Promised One! I am to the keeper, Yahyi K_hBn, that no one was the One whose name you have for a thou- to enter the presence of his prisoner. He was sand years invoked, at whose mention you 2 World Order of Bahd'u'lldh, page 100. 3 John 18:37. 212 T H E BAHA'I WORLD have risen, whose advent you have longed Prime Minister Hiji Mirzd A q h i was top- to witness, and the hour of whose Revela- pled from power. The successor to the tion you have prayed God to hasten. Verily throne was seventeen year old Ndsiri'd-Din I say, it is incumbent upon the peoples of Mirzi, and the active direction of the affairs both the East and the West to obey My of the nation fell to a new Prime Minister, word and pledge allegiance to My person." MirzQ Taqi Lhin. His rule was iron-hearted Immediately after He had pronounced and his hatred for the Bib more implacable these words, a quiet fell over the hall; a than that of Hiji Mirzb Aqisi. He un- feeling of awe seized those who were pres- chained a combined assault of civil and ec- ent; the pallor of their faces betrayed the clesiastical powers against the Bib and His agitation of their hearts. Faith. The examination of the Bib continued to its pre-arranged end. Yet, once again the When word of the suffering of His followers purpose of the authorities had been frus- reached the Bib, who had been returned to trated. The meeting had served only to up- the castle of Chihriq, He was plunged in lift Him in the eyes of the people. sorrow. There was yet an added blow to come to Him. His beloved uncle, by whom The Bib was at length delivered to the head He had been reared in childhood, was ar- of the religious court of Tabriz to be rested in TihrBn to await execution. whipped with the bastinado. As Jesus had It was this same uncle who had served the fallen under the scourge for His claim to be BQb with such devotion throughout His life, a Redeemer of men, the Bib also was sub- who became one of His first and most ar- jected to the same indignity. Eleven times dent disciples. It had been less than a year the head of the religious court applied the before his arrest in Tihrdn that the BBb's rod to the Bib's feet. He was struck across uncle had visited Him in His prison cell in the face with one of the strokes intended Chihriq. He had gone from there to Tihrin for His feet. to teach the Faith of the Bib and had re- Dr. McCormick, an English physician, mained there until his arrest as one of four- treated Him and recalled their meeting in teen prisoners. the following manner, "He was a very mild The fourteen captives in TihrBn were im- and delicate-looking man, rather small in prisoned in the home of one of the city of- stature and very fair for a Persian, with a ficials. Every kind of ill treatment was in- melodious soft voice, which struck me much flicted upon them to induce them to reveal . . . In fact his whole look and deportment the names and addresses of other believers. went far to dispose one in his favour." The Prime Minister issued a decree threat- His persecutors had fondly hoped that by ening with execution whoever among the summoning the Bib to Tabriz they would fourteen was unwilling to recant his faith. be able through threats and intimidations to Seven were compelled to yield to the pres- induce Him to abandon His mission. They sure and were released at once. The remain- had failed. As Jesus had said, "My teaching ing seven became known as the "Seven Mar- is not mine, but His that sent me," the Bib tyrs of TihrQn." The Bib's uncle, one of the too made it clear that this message was leading merchants of S_hdz, was one of something greater than Himself. these seven. The gathering in Tabriz had enabled Him His friends urged him to deny his faith at last to set forth emphatically, in the pres- and save his life. A number of the more af- ence of the authorities, the distinguishing fluent merchants offered to pay a ransom for features of His claim. It had also enabled him. The BQb's uncle rejected their offer. Him to destroy, in brief and convincing lan- Finally he was brought before the Prime guage, the arguments of His enemies. Minister. The news of this meeting spread rapidly "A number have interceded in your be- throughout Persia. It awakened new zeal in half," the Prime Minister told him. "Emi- the hearts of His followers. They redoubled nent merchants of Shiriz and Tihrin are their efforts to spread His teachings. It en- willing, nay eager, to pay your ransom . . . kindled a corresponding reaction among His A word of recantation from you is sufficient adversaries. Persecutions, unprecedented in to set you free and ensure your return, with their violence, swept over the nation. honors, to your native city." The a i h succumbed to illness, and his The Bib's uncle boldly replied to these CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 213 words. "Your Excellency," he said, ". . . ship, better would it have been than to de- my repudiation of the truths enshrined in clare your allegiance to one who is certainly this Revelation would be tantamount to a inferior to you in knowledge." rejection of all the Revelations that have "The knowledge which I have acquired," preceded it. T o refuse to acknowledge the Qurbin-'Ali answered, "has led me to bow Mission of the . . . Bib would be to . . . down in allegiance before Him." Qurbin- deny the Divine character of the Message 'Ali boldly continued: "Ever since I attained which Muhammad, Jesus, Moses, and all the age of manhood, I have regarded justice the Prophets of the past have revealed." and fairness as the ruling motives of my The Prime Minister could not hide his life. I have judged the B i b fairly" with my impatience as the Bib's uncle signed his own mind and with my heart. I "have reached death-warrant with his lips. the conclusion that should this Youth, to The Bib's uncle continued: "God knows whose transcendent power friend and foe that whatever I have heard and read con- alike testify, be false, every Prophet of God, cerning the sayings and doings of those Mes- from time immemorial down to the present sengers, I have been privileged to witness day, should be denounced as the very em- the same from this Youth, this beloved bodiment of falsehood!" Kinsman of mine, from His earliest boy- Neither the sweetness of bribes, nor the hood to this, the thirtieth year of His life threat of death had any effect. . . . I only request that you allow me to be "I am assured of the unquestioning devo- the first to lay down my life in [His] path." tion of over a thousand admirers," Qurbin- The Prime Minister was stupefied by such 'Ali told the Prime Minister, "and yet I am an answer. Without uttering a word, he powerless to change the heart of the least motioned that the Bib's uncle be taken out among them. This Youth, however, has and beheaded. proved Himself capable of transmuting The second to fall beneath the heads- . . . the souls of the most degraded among man's axe was Mirzi Qurbin-'Ali. He was His fellow men. Upon a thousand like me a close friend of many nobles. The mother He has, unaided and alone, exerted such in- of the Shih, because of her friendship for fluence that, without even attaining His Qurbin-'Ali, said to the King, "He is no presence, they have flung aside their own follower of the Bib, but has been falsely desires and have clung passionately to His accused." will. Fully conscious of the inadequacy of So they sent for him. "You are a scholar, the sacrifice they have made, these yearn to a man of learning," they said. "You do not lay down their lives for His sake . . ." belong to this misguided sect; a false charge The Prime Minister hesitated. "I am loth, has been preferred against you." whether your words be of God or not, to Qurbin-'Ali replied, "I reckon myself one pronounce the sentence of death against the of the followers and servants of the Bib, possessor of so exalted a station." though whether or no He hath accepted me "Why hesitate?" burst forth Qurbin-'Ali. as such, I know not." "[For this was I born.] This is . . . the day They tried to persuade, holding out hopes on which I shall seal with my life-blood my of a salary and pension. faith in His cause." Seeing the Prime Min- "This life and these drops of blood of ister's uncertainty, he added quickly, "Be mine," he said, "are of but small account; not, therefore, reluctant, and rest assured were the empire of the world mine, and had that I shall never blame you for your act. I a thousand lives, I would freely cast them The sooner you strike off my head, the all at the feet of His friends." greater will be my gratitude to you." Qurbin-'Ali was taken to the Prime Min- The Prime Minister paled. "Take him ister. away from this place!" he cried. "Take him "Since last night I have been besieged by away! Another moment, and . . . [he] will all classes of State officials," the Prime Min- have cast his spell over me!" ister told him, "who have vigorously inter- Qurbin-'Ali smiled gently. "You are ceded in your behalf. From what I learn of proof against that magic that can captivate the position you occupy and the influence only the pure in heart." your words exercise, you are not much in- Infuriated, the Prime Minister arose from ferior to the Siyyid-i-Bib himself. Had you his seat. His face was mottled and his whole claimed for yourself the position of leader- frame shaking with anger as he shouted: 'f WORLD "Nothing but the edge of the sword can sured that you will be with Me. Tomorrow silence the voice of this deluded people!" you shall witness what God has decreed." He turned to the executioners. It is enough. That night the face of the BBb was aglow "No need to bring any more members of with joy, a joy such as had never shone from this hateful sect before me. Words are His countenance. Indifferent to the storm powerless to overcome their unswerving ob- that raged about Him, He conversed with stinacy. Whomever you are able to induce to His companions with gaiety and cheerful- recant his faith, release him; as for the rest, ness. The sorrows that had weighed so heav- strike off their heads. I will face no more ily upon Him seemed to have completely of them!" vanished. The news of the tragic fate which had be- The BBb saw the sun rise over the sands fallen the seven martyrs of TihrBn brought of His native Persia for the last time. He immeasurable sorrow to the heart of the was engaged in a confidential conversation BBb. To His companions, the Bgb explained with one of His followers who served as His that this event foreshadowed His own death secretary when He was interrupted by a gov- soon to follow. ernment official. The chief attendant for the The Prime Minister decided to strike at Prime Minister's brother had come to lead the very head of the Faith. Remove the BBb, the BBb to the presence of the leading Doc- he felt, and once more the old order could tors of Law in Tabriz to obtain from them be restored. He called his counsellors to- the authorization for His execution. gether and unfolded his plans. The BBb rebuked the attendant for his in- "Nothing," he told them, "short of his terruption and held fast to His secretary's [the BBb's] public execution can . . . en- hand. able this distracted country to recover its "Not until I have said to him all those tranquillity and peace." things that I wish to say," the Bgb warned He dispatched an order commanding that the attendant, "can any earthly power si- the BBb be brought to Tabriz a second time. lence Me. Though all the world be armed Forty days before the arrival of this sum- against Me, yet shall they be powerless to mons, the BBb collected all the documents deter Me from fulfilling, to the last word, and writings in His possession. He placed My intention." them in a box, along with His pen-case and The attendant was amazed at such bold- ring, and made arrangements for their dis- ness and effrontery in a mere prisoner. He posal. 'Abdu'l-Karim, to whom they were insisted that the BAb accompany him. The eventually entrusted, informed his fellow- barracks doors were opened and the BBb disciples that all he could reveal of the letter was brought into the courtyard, His conver- which had been given him concerning the sation left unfinished. contents of the box was that it was to be de- To the people of Tabriz, the B6b was no livered into the hands of BahL'u'llBh, one of longer triumphant. The campaign of united the Bgb's ablest defenders in TihrBn. opposition by church and state was having At last the Bgb was escorted to the city of its effect. The BBb was now a humbled Tabriz which was to be the scene of His prisoner. The crowd filled the streets and martyrdom. Never had this city experienced people climbed on each other's shoulders a turmoil so fierce. As the Bib was being led the better to see this man who was still so through the courtyard to His cell in the city much talked about. barracks, a youth leaped forward into His Just as Jesus had entered Jerusalem path. This eighteen year old boy had forced hailed on all sides and with palms strewn in his way through the crowd ignoring the peril His path only to be mocked and reviled in to his own life which such an attempt in- that same Jerusalem within the week, in like volved. His face was haggard, his feet were manner the glory that had attended the bare, his hair dishevelled. He flung himself Bgb's first visit to Tabriz was forgotten at the feet of the BBb and implored Him: now. This time the crowd, restless and ex- "Send me not from Thee, 0 Master. Wher- citable, flung insulting words at the Bib. ever Thou goest, suffer me to follow Thee." They pursued Him as He was led through Reminiscent of the words of Jesus to the the streets. They broke through the guards thief on the cross, the Bib answered him, and struck Him in the face. When some saying, "Muhammad-'Ali, arise and rest as- missile hurled from the crowd would reach its mark the guards and the crowd would The smoke from the firing of the seven burst into laughter. hundred and fifty old-style rifles was such As soon as the chief attendant secured the as to turn the light of the noonday sun into death warrant, he delivered the Bib into the darkness. As soon as the cloud of smoke had hands of Sim LhBn who was in charge of cleared away, the crowd looked upon a the Armenian regiment which had been or- scene which reason could scarcely accept. dered to execute Him. Standing before them, alive and unhurt, was S i m L h i n had found himself increasingly the companion of the Bib, Muhammad-'Ali. affected by the behavior of his captive. He The BBb Himself had vanished from their I was seized with great fear lest his action sight. The cords with which they had been should bring upon him the wrath of God. suspended were torn into pieces by the bul- He approached the Bib and spoke to Him. lets, yet their bodies had escaped the volleys. "I profess the Christian Faith," he ex- The soldiers tried to quiet the crowd. The plained, "and entertain no ill will against chief attendant began a frantic search for you. If your Cause be the Cause of Truth, the Bib. He found Him seated in the same enable me to free myself from the obliga- room which He had occupied the night be- tion to shed your blood." fore. The BBb was completing the conversa- "Follow your instructions," the BBb re- tion which had been interrupted that morn- plied, "and if your intention be sincere, the ing by the chief attendant. Almighty is surely able to relieve you from "I have finished My conversation with your perplexity." My secretary," the Bib told the attendant. SBm K_hh ordered his men to drive a nail "Now you may proceed to fulfil your in- into the pillar that lay between the doors of tention." the barracks. To the nail they made fast the The attendant was too much shaken to ropes from which the BBb and His com- resume. He remembered the words the BBb panion, Muhammad-'Ali, were to be sepa- had spoken that morning: "Though all the rately suspended. world be armed against Me, yet shall they The Bib remained silent, His pale hand- be powerless to deter Me from fulfilling, to some face framed by a black beard and the last word, My intention." The attendant small moustache. His appearance and His refused to continue. He left the scene and refined manners, His white and delicate resigned his post. hands, His simple but neat garments, all Meanwhile, in the courtyard the soldiers, seemed out of place in the midst of this in order to quell the excitement of the scene of violence. crowd, showed the cords which had been Muhammad-'Ali begged Sim a B n to severed by the bullets. The seven hundred place him in such a manner that his body and fifty musket balls had shattered the would shield that of the BBb. He was even- ropes into fragments and freed the two, tually suspended so that his head rested nothing more. upon the breast of his Master. A. L. M. Nicolas, a European scholar, About ten thousand people had crowded wrote of this episode, "It was a thing unique onto the roofs of the adjoining houses, all in the annals of the history of humanity. eager to witness the spectacle, yet all willing The volley severed their bonds and delivered to change at the least sign from the BBb. As them without a scratch." M. C. Huart, a the crowd that had passed by on Golgotha, French writer, stated, "It was a real mira- reviling Him, wagging their heads and say- cle . . ." ing, "Save thyself. If thou be the Son of SBm Khdn was likewise stunned. He re- God, come down from the cross," so, too, called the words the BBb had addressed to did the people of Tabriz mock the BBb and him: "If your intention be sincere, the Al- jeer at His impotence. mighty is surely able to relieve you from As soon as the BBb and His companion your perplexity." He ordered his regiment were fastened to the post, the regiment of to leave the barracks square immediately. soldiers ranged itself in three files. Sim He told the authorities that he would refuse Chin could delay the command no longer. ever again to associate himself and his regi- He ordered his men to fire. In turn, each of ment with any act that would involve the the files opened fire upon them until the least injury to the BBb, even though his re- whole detachment had discharged its volley fusal should entail the loss of his own life. of bullets. After the departure of S6m Khin, the T H E BAHA'I WORLD colonel of the bodyguard volunteered to enlist our sympathies on behalf of the young carry out the order for the execution. A Prophet of S_hirBz." second time the BBb and His companion were lashed to the fatal post while the firing At last the clergy and the state prided them- squad formed in line before them. As they selves on having crushed the life from the prepared to fire the final volley, the BBb Cause they had battled so long. The BBb spoke His last words to the gazing multi- was no more. His chief disciples had been tude. destroyed, the mass of His followers "Had you believed in Me, 0 wayward throughout the land were being gradually generation," He said, "every one of you cowed and exhausted. would have followed the example of this Within three years, the Cause for which youth, who stood in rank above most of the Bib had given His life seemed on the you, and willingly would have sacrificed verge of extinction. The life of the ill-fated himself in My path. The day will come Youth of ZhhirBz appeared to be one of the when you will have recognized Me; that day saddest and most fruitless. I shall have ceased to be with you." Yet this abyss of darkness and despair The regiment discharged the volley. The was the very hour for which the Bib had Bgb and His companion gave up their lives long been preparing His followers. Repeat- as the bullets shattered their bodies. As edly He had told them that He was but the Jesus had expired on the cross so that men humble forerunner of a Messenger of in- might be called back to God, the BBb comparable greatness yet to follow. In His breathed his last against the barracks wall book the Bay& the Bib had written, "Of in the city of Tabriz. all the tributes I have paid to Him Who is The martyrdom of the BBb took place at to come after Me, the greatest is this, My noon on Sunday, July 9, 1850, thirty years written confession that no words of Mine from the time of his birth in S_hirBz. can adequately describe Him, nor can any reference to Him in My book, the Baya'n, do There is but one parallel in all recorded his- justice to His C a ~ s e . " ~ tory to the brief, turbulent ministry of the Bkb. It is the passion of Jesus Christ. There Amid the shadows that were gathering is a remarkable similarity in the distinguish- about the Faith of the BBb, the figure of ing features of their careers: the youthful- Bah2u'llBh alone remained as the hope of ness and meekness; the dramatic swiftness an unshepherded community; that same with which their ministry moved toward its BahA'u'llBh, to whom the BBb had sent the climax; the boldness with which they chal- box containing His personal possessions and lenged the time-honored conventions, laws, His writings. and rites of the religions into which they The marks of clear vision, of courage and had been born; the r6le which the religious sagacity which BahB'u'llgh had shown on hierarchy played as chief instigator of the more than one occasion ever since he rose outrages they were made to suffer; the in- to champion the Cause of the Bab, ap- dignities heaped upon them; the suddenness peared to qualify him to revive the fortunes of their arrest; the interrogations to which of an expiring Faith. they were subjected; the scourgings inflicted Yet even this hope seemed taken from the upon them; the public affronts they sus- believers. Bah6'u'llBh was imprisoned in the tained; and finally their ignominious suspen- "black pit" in Tihrin. He was stripped of sion before the gaze of a hostile multitude. his possessions and was exiled to Baghdad - Sir Francis Younghusband in his book, in 'IrBq. The Gleam, said, "His life must be one of The SJhBh and the Prime Minister re- those events in the last hundred years which joiced. If they were to believe their coun- is really worth study." sellors, they would never again hear of the Edward Granville Browne, the famous BBb or His Faith. It was swiftly receding Cambridge scholar, wrote, "Who can fail to into oblivion. be attracted by the gentle spirit of the BBb? Once again they had underestimated the His sorrowful and persecuted life; his purity character of this Faith and the source of its of conduct, and youth; his courage and un- power. The BBb had promised His followers complaining patience under misfortune . . . in His book, the BayLn, that the one but most of all his tragic death, all serve to 4 World Order o f Bahd'u'lla'h, page 100. CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 217 "Whom God will make manifest" would ap- The Cause for which the Bib had given pear nineteen years from the date of His His life no longer seemed to border on the own declaration. In 1863 outside the city of verge of obliteration. The dawn had now Baghdid, nineteen years from that evening given way to daylight. The era promised to in a i r i z when the Bib had spoken to Mull6 the earth since the beginning of time, the Husayn, BahL'u'llLh declared to the world day of the "one fold and one shepherd" had that He was the One foretold by the Bib. been ushered in by His sacrifice. 8. PILGRIMAGE T O T H E SCENES O F T H E BAB'S CAPTIVITY AND MARTYRDOM By DHIKRU'LLAH &I~DEM Translated by Marzieh Gail A HUNDRED years have now gone by these words of it: "Inevitable for us is since the meek and holy Bib, the Gate of Ad_hirbiyjBn. Nothing can equal it . . ." God, was put to death at noon on July 9, They are traveling to see the place with 1850, and even to the present day the world their physical eyes, but also to weep over and its peoples ("except for those into the anguish of that Lord of men in the whose eyes God hath shed the radiance of Country of Sorrows itself, where earth and His Face") are fast in a deathlike sleep, air, mountains and lakes, streams, trees, and unconscious of a mighty Faith, a transcend- stones bear witness to the wrong that was ent Dispensation, which made prophets and done Him. They will pour out for Him as seers of past ages cry out and weep with a libation something of the sorrow of their longing for it. hearts. At this time the Bahi'is of the world, The bus goes fast. Again it slows. It ful- from the northernmost point of the globe to fills the promise as to the Day of the Lord the southernmost, and from Far East to Far and the coming of the Kingdom when, West, following the example of Shoghi Ef- Scripture says, the earth will be rolled up. fendi turned their hearts toward the Country All along our talk is of the passion of the of Sorrows, to commemorate at the Guard- BBb. We pass through ZanjBn and remem- ian's bidding the first Centenary of the BBb's ber how lightly Hujjat and his companions martyrdom. In recognition of this event the tossed away their lives there. Wherever the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is new road replaces the old, we turn like of Persia went on a nine days' pilgrimage compass needles to the abandoned thor- into AdJ~irbByjin.This is an account of their oughfare, because it was there that the Bib journey and what it meant to one of them. passed by. At Miyinaj we see Him again- in that house with the upper room. One of the friends calls our attention to the fact that the BBb loved high places; that even It is Thursday, the 6th of July, 1950. It when they were leading Him away to prison, is the day of Istijlil, the day of Qudrat, the wherever they would stop, in whatever town month of Rahmat, of the year Javkb, of the or village, and even if there were only one sixth VBhid of the first Kull-i-$hay'. The upper room in the place, it was there He group of travelers has set out as pilgrims, in chose to stay. His prisons, too, whether in a spirit of humility and penitence and great Tabriz or MBh-KG or Chihriq, were always love, going to the place of the Bib's last in high places. In His Tablet to Muhammad agony. They are traveling to that spot whose SJhih, revealed at Mih-KG, He speaks, how- very name, some thousand years ago, set fire ever, of His abode as being still higher than to the heart of Muhammad's descendent the the prison, for He says, "It is as if I were ImBm Muhammad-BBqir, so that he spoke dwelling in the loftiest Paradise, delighting 218 T H E BAHA'I WORLD Myself with the remembrance of God the of the earth be banded together they could Most Great." not take from Me so much as a single letter As we talk of all this, mountains and of a word." deserts and pasture lands pass by us, and And again, in the Tablet to Muhammad about midnight we come to Tabriz. Waiting S_h&h: "All the keys of heaven God hath for us here are the believers. They welcome chosen to place on My right hand, and all us, and carrying out the efficient arrange- the keys of hell on My left . . ." It was His ments of the Tabriz Assembly, they guide own unconditioned will to cast down His us away singly or by two's, to the different holy life in the pathway of the "Remnant of houses where we are to stay. Here are peo- God"-He Whom the Splendor of God has ple who have never laid eyes on us before, named "My previous Manifestation, the approaching us with such pleasure. And Precursor of My Beauty." Of Whom, again, afterward, when we went away, although we He has said, "I am He, He is I; I am His had been with them only a few days, they Beloved; He is My Beloved." wept and so did we. It is this that is stirring Could we sleep on a night like this? Day all over the Bahi'i world today, because the finally breaks. The appointed time ap- love of God has transfigured human nature. proaches. It is as if from all the streets and It is two days before the Commemora- passageways of Tabriz souls are gathering tion. Early on the day itself, all are to gather for Judgment. Yes, it is the Resurrection at the Haziratu'l-Quds, where a general Day, the rise of the Q2im and the Qayy6m. meeting will be held; communes will be The squares of Tabriz are black with chanted, the Guardian's letter will be read, crowds. "Deliver us, most exalted Beloved and then, one by one or two by two, the . . . forgive us then our sin and hide away visitors, guided by local believers, are to from us our evil deeds." (Qur'kn 3 : 191.) circle around the Barracks Square where the Some are hurrying, reverently, prayer- B5b was offered up as a sacrifice, the holy fully, up to the "Ark," the Citadel where the place of which it is written: "The souls of B5b was imprisoned, to that high place the Prophets and Messengers do pace which even today dominates the whole city about it." and which, once seen, is impressed on the The meetings arranged throughout Tabriz heart forever. They go here, that they may, are brilliant. Absent friends are remembered prior to commemorating the hour of the and missed. We feel that the hearts of all Martyrdom, witness yet another stage in the believers throughout East and West are fo- long passion of the B5b. Some wait till a cused on this city, and this gives rise to emo- later hour to make this pilgrimage. These tions that are best communicated not in stay in the vicinity of the BAbYsupper cham- words but from heart to heart. ber, and bowing their foreheads to the earth in that exalted place, are repeating excerpts from His writings, such as the Commentary Now it is the eve of the Martyrdom. The on the S6rih of Joseph. Not one has a Bahfis are in their houses; they are gath- thought except for t h e ~ e l o v e d ;they are in ered in small groups, or q ~ ~ i alone. te They another world now, and they cannot easily are communing with their Lord. I cannot return from it. tell how it is. We recall the aspect of that At the base of the terrifying "Ark," at the other night one hundred years ago: How entrance to the courtyard, the BQb has once MirzL Muhammad-'Ali surnamed Anis and again demonstrated His power; for on a Siyyid Husayn the amanuensis remained in structure they have raised here in memory the presence of the Bib; the conversation of the dead, we find inscribed this verse that took place that night between- disciple from the Qur'a'n: "Think not of those who and Beloved; all this came to mind again. are slain in the path of God as dead; nay, To emulate the kind of obedience that Anis alive with their Lord, are they richly sus- offered his Lord that night-this is the ulti- tained." (S6rih 3: 163.) It stands as a secret mate wish of every BahC'i. allusion to the BQb's agony and death. The In a commentary the BAb had referred to pilgrims, reading this holy verse, seek leave the circumstances of His approaching mar- to enter here, and thus they pass into the tyrdom in this wise: "Had I not been gaz- prison with their hearts free from everything ing upon this secret fact, I swear by Him in except God. Whose hand is My soul, should all the kings The time has come to attend the meeting C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R TYRDOM O F T H E BAB in Tabriz. The program goes forward; it is lieved in Me, every one of you would have well arranged and deeply moving. Although followed the example of this youth, who the friends in other areas have been advised stood in rank above most of you, and would not to attend in large numbers, nevertheless have willingly sacrificed himself in My path. some are here from other parts of Adbir- The day will come when you will have rec- biyjBn for this historic day, and the great ognized Me; that day I shall have ceased to auditorium of the Haziratu'l-Quds is be with you."l jammed; those who cannot find seats stand In the words of 'Abdu'l-BahB, "The in the doorways and in the embrasures of groaning of the Supreme Concourse is lifted the windows. Prayers are chanted. Then we up. . . . The people of Paradise wail and listen to the BBb's Tablet to Muhammad cry out, their eyes shedding tears, their SJhih. Today the holy blood of the Bib is hearts afire." At this moment we are con- coursing through the world, it is flowering scious of the loving attention of the Guard- everywhere, and where is Muhammad ian, the beloved Shoghi Effendi, who labors S_h&h?We search, but find no trace of him. at all times to exalt the BBb, who spreads That foolish Minister of his has also sunk His utterances abroad, who is now devoting into his tomb, and that other Prime Minis- his nights and days to constructing the ter, Taqi the Bloodshedder, the Brazen, who Shrine of the Martyr-Prophet on Mt. Car- condemned the Lord of the world to death, mel. has vanished in eternal night. The circumambulation is complete. A In the Turkish language, the Assembly feast is ready. But it is as if our bodies had secretary then speaks. He tells impressively sustained a death wound, and the pain does of the spread of the Faith across the world, not lessen . . . and of the building of the Bib's Shrine on During the remainder of our stay a great Mt. Carmel. The account of the Martyrdom number of gatherings are held, each one is read. A strange spiritual atmosphere pre- generating a vivid, never-to-be-forgotten vails; you would say a glimmer from the quality of the spirit. world beyond is hovering here. With com- plete humility, the Visitation Tablet of the BBb is chanted. The following day we leave for Saysin. It is almost noon. The pilgrims, led by Some of the friends have come out along some of the local friends, have come in ut- the way to welcome us while others have ter lowliness, imploring the help of God, to repaired and leveled the road ahead. What circumambulate that place which is wor- is this joy, this feeling of exhilaration? In shiped by the people of Paradise. Unob- the s~acious I auditorium-I think it meas- trusively they pass around the Barracks ures nine by nineteen meters-of the new Square. They see the very spot where the Hazira a morning and an afternoon meeting Martyrdom took place. They visualize the are held. The auditorium is packed, there is Barracks as they were that day, and the no room even to walk through, many are roof tops black with people. They see the crowding the embrasures of the windows BBb there, bound to Anis, and suspended and the doorways, and others stand outside from the ropes. They hear again the words the building. Prayers are being chanted. As that passed between the B6b and the far&&- the Assembly welcomes us in the accents of bi&i; between the Bib and SBm K_hin. Ad_hirbiyjin, we recall the well-known Then Anis, making himself a living shield verse, "When they speak Persian, Turks are for the BBb. Then the first volley, by the will life-bestowers." Two of us, Varqi and Fur6- of the Bib, setting forth His proof to the tan, reply with addresses in Turkish, telling stupefied people, taking no effect. Anis of victories already won by the Faith, and stands there before them in his immaculate victories to come. Labib, famed Bahi'i white robe; not even the smoke from the photographer, takes pictures. He has made seven hundred and fifty rifles has settled on photographs of all these places that relate it. The Bib concludes His interrupted con- to the Bib in Ad_hirbiyjBn,the way-stations versation with His amanuensis. Other sol- on His journey, the historic sites .. . Food diers are drawn up. The Bib utters His last is prepared foi. us. words, and His blessed voice still seems to The next day we visit the holy sites at ring across the Barracks Square: "0 wayward generation! Had you be- 1 Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, page 53. THE BAHA'I W O R L D Urhmiyyih. We are to meet the friends of like their spiritual brothers and sisters across this area on our return. The lake of UrG- Persia, they have left their homes and it is miyyih rises before us, and we recall the their great joy to have taken part in the ex- B6b's arrival at the city here, RidL'iyyih. As tensive teaching campaign; to have earned one of the friends has said, it is not sadden- the approval of the beloved Guardian who ing to visit these holy places, because out- wrote of the Plan: "It is a vital undertaking wardly at least the Bib suffered no afflic- of the followers of the All-Merciful, con- tions here. He was the guest of Malik Q6sim ceived and established in the opening years Mirzb, who received Him with ceremony of the second century of the BahL'i Dis- and forbade that any disrespect be shown pensation, and without peer or precedent Him. The room of the Bbb, in the upper throughout all the brilliant history of the story of the prince's house, is like His up- first century of this wondrous Cause in that per chamber in SJhfrQz;it lifts the spirit. holy land"; and to have assisted in the The entrance door and wall of the public Plan's successful completion by the Cente- bath attended by the Bbb have been pre- nary of the Martyrdom. served; they are just as they were then. They are rendering enviable services and Dumbly they address the pilgrim. The pool their faces are nothing but light. Unforget- of the bath is empty now. The people had tably now, a woman believer chants; her carried away, to, the last drop, the water voice rises, all lowliness and supplication, so used by the B6b for His ablutions, to bless that our hearts are drawn toward God. And themselves with it and keep it as medicine out of that place, Salmbs, which lies near . for their ills. . . Chihriq-and which the poet H6fifiz has We know that even an animal had a care named "the abode of Salmb," greeting it six for Him here. The prince's unmanageable hundred years ago and calling down bless- horse became quiet under His hand, and let ings upon it, saying, "Hail, a thousand times Him mount-a strange thing to witness, and hail, to thee, 0 abode of Salmb! How dear the memory of it will endure forever.' At is the voice of thy camel-drivers, how sweet the same time, a warning to mankind; for the jingling of thy bells!"-out of Salmbs, how is it that man in his unawareness has which lies between the "Open Mountain" sunk even below the animal and has shut (Mbh-KG) and the "Grievous Mountain" himself away from grace? (Chihriq), our unspoken prayers ring out We cannot forget the meeting with our from one mountain to the other. Surely they friends of RidL'iyyih, in a house blessed by are heard as well in the holy worlds of the the Bgb with His presence. Here too the in- Beloved. visible hand of the Bbb has been at work- Suddenly we decide to follow the road across from the Bath we read the inscrip- taken by Mu116 Husayn when, in Madhad, tion: "God is the Light of the heavens and he vowed to walk the whole distance that of the earth." (Qur'a'n 24:35.) This verse separated him from the Bbb, and come to appears in delicate calligraphy on sky-blue Him on the mountain of Mbh-KG. We long tile, and serves as a guide post to "the Coun- to visit the spot on the mountain where the tenance of God Whose splendor can never Lord shone forth, as promised by God in be obscured, the light of God whose radi- the Qur'bnic verse: "When God manifested ance can never fadeH-words uttered by Himself to the mountain." (Shrih 7: 139.) the Primal Point Himself concerning His It so happened that the Guardian's mes- own Essence. sage, sent by telegraph in commemoration of the Martyrdom and addressed to the long-afflicted Bahi'is of Persia, was dated at this very day and hour. It is morning. Our bus leaves for Tabrfz. The words of the Imbm who said, "I have The driver has agreed to stop all along the known God by His disposal of man's re- way so that we can meet with local friends, solves," were now demonstrated. Everyone and some of these have been alerted ahead felt a longing to go on pilgrimage to "the of time. The first place where we stop is Open Mountain." The plan to turn back to SJhbhphr (Salmgs), and a meeting is held. Tabriz was changed; we determined to re- The pioneers here are solidly established; main in m u y and prepare for the pilgrim- age to M6h-KG. 2 The Dawn-Breakers, pages 309-310. Some feel that although they are unable to walk the entire distance that separated the mountain. For this reason I will not Mull6 Husayn from the they will at ride." least go on foot from Lhuy to M6h-Kh, fol- We strain our eyes, but we cannot see 'Ali lowing in the footsteps of Mull& Husayn's EhQn now, and his honored visitors. But the faithful attendant, Qambar-'Ali. Unfortu- memory of this event has, even till our day, nately this cannot be done. It is now almost made the hearts of hundreds of thousands of half past three in the afternoon, and the bus BahL'is all across the world beat faster; and is leaving for MQh-Kh. Some of the friends God alone in His wisdom knows how many of Khuy are with us. We find ourselves look- billions of other hearts, throughout the ing up and down the road, searching for length of the Bah6'i Cycle which in the Mull6 Husayn and Qambar-'Ali, and we words of 'Abdu'l-Bahk is to last "at least five think of those two holy souls; we consider hundred thousand years," will turn their at- their humility, their spiritual quality, their tention toward this place. evanescence. Mountains and valleys pass by. We are still in the defile. We cannot see The goal nears. M&h-KG. And then suddenly, around the Over a wide area around M&h-KG the bend, there is "the Open Mountain" and the plains are black; the world mourns at town of M&h-Kfion its slopes. Mhh-Kh; for mile on mile the land is stud- You who may read this, believe me: I ded with outcroppings of glistening black would swear by Him Who is the Lord of the rock. Like ebony planets, these rocks rise mountain that in all the world there is no out of the land; they flood it like waves of such terrifying sight as this. Those who have an ebony sea. Posted haphazardly at the traveled to the ends of the earth will bear mountain pass are other, monstrous shapes, me out: There is no other mountain like terrifying rock formations that guard the this. It has no like, just as the anguish of entry. All nature is a prison here, on guard the B6b had no like, so that the Blessed over the Beloved of mankind, over that Beauty wrote in the Visitation Tablet: "I Captive of Whom Bahk'u'llLh has written: bear witness that the eye of creation hath "The purpose in creating the world and never gazed upon one wronged like Thee." making it to flourish was His Manifesta- If, as scientists believe, our globe of dust tion." detached itself one way or another from the We come to a river that boils and clamors sun, and down through the endless ages through the rocks; it has cut its way through came at last to be as we know it, it is certain solid rock and is maybe fifteen feet deep. that wind and cloud, sun, moon, and sky We remember how Nabil tells us that the worked from the beginning that had no be- night before Mull&Husayn and his servitor ginning to bring about this mountain of arrived-it was on the eve of the Feast of M6h-Kh, in just this wise, to serve as the the New Year-'Ali KhQn, the frontier offi- prison of the BQb. It is not a place that writ- cer in charge of the castle of MQh-Kfi,had a ers and painters can describe, this spot that dream. He saw the Prophet Muhammad, was the destined setting against which the followed by a companion, advancing to meet meekness of the B6b shone out. The reader him from beside the bridge. In the dream, must see the mountain for himself, and the Muhammad was on His way to visit the cas- prison house and the place where the Lord tle, to greet the B&b on the occasion of the made Himself manifest, and he must then New Year. 'Ali B Q n awoke with a sense observe what the sight has done to his own of exhilaration. He performed his ablutions heart, and meditate on these things through and prayed, dressed himself in his best gar- long, wakeful nights and at many a dawn, ments, sprinkled rosewater on his hands, and and then, if he can, let him write of it. went out on foot to receive the Visitor. He We are speaking of this when, after a further instructed a servant to saddle and brief detour from the road in the frightening bridle his three best horses and hold them in pass that leads through the mountain, we see readiness at the bridge. But when he met on our right a view of "the Open Mountain" Mull6 Husayn there, 'Ali Kh6n was told: "I and on its slopes the town of M6h-K6. At have vowed to accomplish the whole of my this point the pass, lying between M6h-Kh journey on foot, to visit an illustrious Per- and another high mountain that pushes into sonage who is being held prisoner on top of the sky across from it, widens out. And 3 Maahad is in the northeast corner of Persia; again we come face to face with the heights Mih-Kti in the extreme northwest corner. of MAh-Kfi. Then the pass narrows again as T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D if it were the mouth of the Fathomless Pit. The two towers which nature has planted The mountain stretches like a bow, be- on the slopes of the mountain seem from tween the entrance and exit of the pass. It here more vigilant than ever, holding their rises, awesome, overpowering, into the sky. Captive in full view. It rivals the moon's heights, and shuts the A deep cleft runs crookedly from the moon away. At either end of the bow, na- summit all the way down the mountain and ture has piled two massive towers, lifting out across from the prison, like a knotted black of the mountain, up and up into the Milky cord hanging; thousands of feet it swings Way. From a distance you would say these down, a symbol of the anger of God. Per- two are jailers, adding to the cruelty of the haps it means that God desires to pull down BBb's imprisonment. Or again, that they are the mountain, to crush out nature and man minarets from which was raised the cry, as well. Yet again, we believe that MBh-KG, "Hasten ye to salvation! Hasten ye to salva- the prison of His Holiness, should exist for- tion! I bear witness that He Who is 'Ali be- ever, that, as the ages unroll, the peoples of fore Nabi14 ('Ali-Muhammad, the Bkb) is the earth may come at last to understand the Gate of the Remnant of God!" some hint of the BBb's agony. So it is that The city of MBh-KG lies within the curve the pull of the earth has not been able to of the bow, the opening of which is several draw down this curving roof-like peak, hundred meters across; it clings to the steep raised up "without pillars that can be seen" slopes, an almost perpendicular street rises (Qur'a'n 3 1:9) and that castle and mountain jaggedly from house to house, leading finally stand in their place. up to the mountain top. Panting and sweat- This is MBh-K6 . . . ing we climb toward the summit. Not all of The pilgrims, with two of the BahL'is who us, however. One or two of the band who are pioneers at MBh-KG, reach only the base set out from Khuy to make this pilgrimage of the mountain at sunset. They must climb cannot keep on; the road is too rough, too the mountain before night shuts down, for steep. They cannot reach that last point of at the summit is their long-desired goal. all, the prison of the BBb. They complete At this time we bring to mind what their pilgrimage by the roadside, and who Lhayk_h Hasan-i-ZunGzi said to the historian knows, perhaps they show a special rever- Nabil: That as the BBb dictated His Teach- ence in this. ings at MBh-KG, the rhythmic flow of His As the BQb writes in the Tablet to Mu- chant could be heard by those who lived at hammad S_h&h,the castle lies in the center the foot of the mountain, and mountain and of the mountain and there is no higher point. valley re-echoed His voice. What a melody The slope ends abruptly at the castle and that must have been; how it must have above it there is not a span of earth where shaken the spirit! Our ears strain now in the anything could be built or find a foothold. effort to hear it again, or to catch the song Not jutting straight up in fortress-like walls, of the Kingdom that reverberates from slope but inverted here in a wide arc, the moun- to slope. tain becomes a great parasol or cupola shel- After long twisting and turning up the tering the prison place. Rain and snow can- mountain we draw near to the abode of the not fall here; stars and moon cannot cast Well Beloved. Here is another " ~ r a t o r y "at~ down their light; only the cruel cold, the the base of the walls; from the heart of the scorching heat can enter here. For all day mountain, gushing beneath the castle, a long in the heat of summer, the fortress and stream of pity and anguish jets out with a the mountain, like a concave mirror, gather noise like sighs and sobs and plunges down in the heat, and all night long, while in other the mountain, scattering over the surface of places people are restfully asleep, they ra- a massive rock. Here is clear delicate water, diate it back. And wintertimes the cold is so well-suited to this holy place, fomr our ablu- intense that the water which the BBb used tions. The friends are very careful not to for His ablutions froze on His face. muddy it. It is here that the Monarch of love was We come to the castle steps. Step after beset by the legions of tyranny, and the step, our yearning mounts. Here then is the Dove of holiness prisoned by owls. prison of the Lord of the Age. Here is the 4According to the abjad reckoning, "Nabfl" and 5 Mugall&, "The Oratory," a favorite resort of the "Muhammad" are numerical equivalents, the letters of poet If&@ near Shhiriz, watered by the stream of each word totaling 92. Rukn&bBd. CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB place where they brought as a captive the rank and station to the spreading awareness Sovereign and Possessor of the earth, of of this Order. Whom it is written: "My Lord hath or- In the heart of this mountain the wrongs dained that all which is and all which is not inflicted on Him Whom the world has should belong to the Adored One that liveth wronged stand before us. But in the heart of forever." another mountain, which seems now to rise Now we can make out His cell and that face to face with this one and in sharp con- of His guards. The sorrowing voice of the trast with this, the sovereignty, dominion BBb, which could move a heart to its depths, and might of the Lord are made manifest. seems to be ringing against the mountain- The Guardian of Bahb'u'llih's followers, the side, and the sacred verses H e addressed to "primal branch" that hath grown out "from Muhammad Shih from this very place speak the Twin Holy Trees," watches us here, to our souls: "I swear by the Most Great watches the two mountains. Here is Lord! Wert thou to be told in what place I Mih-KG; and there is the holy mountain dwell, the first person to have mercy on Me where the Bib's body is laid to rest-named would be thyself. In the heart of a mountain by Prophets thousands of years back in time is a fortress . . . the inmates of which are the Mountain of God (Mt. Carmel). The confined to two guards and four dogs. Pic- King of Glory has related that mountain to ture, then, My plight . . ." His own Self. The Heavenly Father has All of us, in complete humility, praying chosen that spot to hold the dust of the Bib, and supplicating God, visit the cells and and has set it apart as the center of His new rooms. We take up the dust of the holy place World Order. for a blessing. We chant verses of the Bib: "0 Thou the Consolation of Mine eyes! Verily Thou art the Great Announcement!" Now that we speak of these things here "0 Thou Remnant of God! I have sacrificed at Mih-KG in the Bib's prison, and Mt. Myself wholly for Thee; I have accepted Carmel rises suddenly before us, it is not curses for Thy sake, and have yearned for inappropriate to turn our thoughts toward naught but martyrdom in the path of Thy His everlasting resting place, so that we may love." We call to mind His Manifestation note how the long cruelties, the prison, and and His longing to offer Himself up in at last the bullets-intended, in the words of death. The Visitation Tablet is chanted. As the Almighty, to free mankind from the we stand there in the dark of the night, we chains of self and passion-were changed remember that the Holy Being spent His into abiding glory. How BahL'u'llLh, in the nights on the mountain in total darkness; pathway of Whose love the BLb sought and there was not even a candle for Him here. found death, fulfilled the promises voiced by Our hearts are heavy; grief bows us down. the Prophets of God back through the end- But suddenly we are comforted by the words less ages, when He named Mt. Carmel as the of the Primal Point to His own Essence: Shrine of the Bib. How at His command the "Be patient, 0 Consolation of Mine eyes, for blessed hands of 'Abdu'l-Bahi reared the verily God hath vowed to establish Thy divine edifice; how redemption of the prom- glory in every land, amongst all that dwell ises set down in the Tablet of Carme16 was on earth." Our minds are now flooded with entrusted to the mighty arm of Shoghi Ef- joy. It is as if from one end of the sky to the fendi, the wondrous, unique and priceless other a blinding light shines down. We see Guardian. that the BLb-Who in this place out of the What is the best way to go on pilgrimage very depths of His captivity and His anguish to the City that has come down from revealed unnumbered utterances-com- heaven, as the Shrine of the Bib is called in pletely disregarded the prison, and con- the Tablet of Carmel; the Shrine which, tinued to exercise that all-powerful, all- Bahb'u'llbh tells us, Mt. Zion circumambu- pervasive Will, against which no worldly lates? Shall we take the path that leads from might prevails. In His Book, the Persian the Pilgrims' House all the way to the Tomb Baya'n, written on this mountain top, from -the house that after its builder is named this dark and narrow cell, He alludes to His Ja'far-AbLd? 'Abdu'l-BahL said that Hifiz own glory; and with His promise of World referred to this house when he wrote: Order bestows new life on all mankind, and 6 In Gleanings from tlze Writings of Bahri'u'lldh, relates the exaltation of His own eternal pages 14-17. 224 T H E B A H A. ' f W O R L D Between Ja'far-Abid and Musalli u'llih, the Point of Adoration, Him Whom Laden with ambergris the north wind God made manifest. blows. 'Abdu'l-Bahi, Who had cast aside His Or, as in the case of Mhh-Kii, when we turban and wept and sobbed aloud as, with looked first at the mountain itself, shall we His own hands, He laid the Bib's body in contemplate the Shrine from a distance and the heart of Carmel, Himself rests now be- set these two mountains against each other side the Bib. The companion who died with and compare them each to each? I think this the Bib has never been separated from Him. last is best. . . . Near them are built the tombs of the Most We follow the Guardian over the flower- Exalted Leaf, and of the brother, the ing slopes of Haifa. They seem to glitter mother, and consort of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. with colored gems and pearls, like a bride at From the foot of the mountain all the her wedding, and we repeat to ourselves the way to the Shrine, the nine terraces rise in lines, "From every branch within the blos- memory of nine Letters of the Living, and, soming grove, a thousand petals are cast be- in accord with the Guardian's design, from fore the king." We observe the Guardian's the Shrine to the summit of Mt. Carmel nine gait, and we think that if men's eyes were more shall complete the number. seeing eyes, this in itself would be proof The beloved Guardian, called by the Mas- enough. ter "My Shoghi," was from his early child- We have watched the sea in the sunset hood enamored of the Bib. He dreamed of and now we are returning. We look upon the Bib, and he was named Rabbini in Carmel, heart of the world, and at its center memory of the Bib's title Rabb-i-A'lL. It is the Bib's Shrine, heart of Carmel. We see its he who, standing on the heights of the terraces from far away, burning like lighted Shrine, drew the geometric designs of the torches before the eyes of its builder. The terraces. He laid out the gardens, and estab- Guardian smilingly contemplates all this. lished the International Bahi'i Endowments His voice, strong and clear, rings down the about the Shrine. He has placed here the In- mountain; he is saying, "Terraces of light; ternational Archives, of whose treasures light upon light." Bah6'u111ih had promised, "Ere long souls His words echo back from the slopes and will be raised up who will preserve every the sea. We think of the contrast between holy relic in the most perfect manner." The those long nights on Mih-Kii, when the Bhb portrait of the Bib, drawn in Uriimiyyih was denied even a candle, and now, when and gazed upon by Bahi'u'llhh Himself, is the terraces of His Shrine are light upon here. Here too are His outer garments and light, the face of the building is a solid sheet His shirt, soaked in His blood. A copy of the of light, the whole mountain is to blaze with portrait and locks of the Bhb's hair have light. We remember two lines that were been sent as a historic gift to the Bahi'i chanted by 'Abdu'l-Bahh: "Glad tidings, House of Worship in the United States, glad tidings! Zion is dancing! Glad tidings, which has been completed under the Guard- glad tidings! The Kingdom of God whirls in ianship of Shoghi Effendi; and the Guardian delight !" has promised a copy to Persia, cradle of the Instead of panting and struggling up the Faith, as soon as the first Persian Ma&riqu'l- narrow twisted road at Mih-K6, stopping at AdJhkir is built. times because we can climb no more, here The Guardian has added to the Shrine on we can rest on every terrace in the midst of Mt. Carmel three rooms built according to gardens and trees, in lovely settings of the same plan as those already constructed mountainside and sea. Pools and fountains by the Master. He has extended the length, are to be built here that will reflect the sky width and height of the Shrine, and is now and heaven. Each terrace is dedicated to one protecting the Edifice like a pearl of great of the Letters of the Living, and we are re- price within the shell of an arcade and ceived as it were by him. We forget our sor- crowning it with a balustrade set with pan- rows, as we take deep breaths of the delicate els, the central one to the north bearing a air. great green and gold mosaic of the Greatest No longer is the Bib a captive on Name. Mih-K6. He rests in the divine gardens on It is the Guardian who has widely spread the Mountain of God. He lies across the the works of the Bhb. In "The Dispensation Bay of Haifa from His Well-Beloved, Bahi'- of Bahi'u'llih" he has set forth the exalted C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R TY R D O M O F T H E BAB 225 station of the Bib. By translating the narra- and delicate gardens have no equal any- tive of Nabil he has published the days of where else. the Bib across the earth. He has seen to it When the famed Orientalist A. L. M. that in every area the Centenaries of the Nicolas, who had longed to see the Bib's Bib's Declaration and of His Martyrdom Shrine exalted, received as a gift from were befittingly celebrated. Across over a Shoghi Effendi a copy of its design, together hundred countries he has added thousands with a copy of The Dawn-Breakers of Na- upon thousands of souls to the company of bil, he was so moved that he kissed the bear- those who love the Bib, and he is looking er's hand. Strangers love this place, how for yet more countries to come. much more do the friends. At this time the Guardian is concen- Within the holy precincts we put on slip- trating his labors on completion of the Edi- pers and anoint ourselves with rose water fice, importing marbles and granite and poured out by the Guardian himself, this other priceless rock materials that had lain wonderful personage who has arisen "with in the earth down endless ages until at last the most perfect form, most great gift, most they should serve for the building of just complete perfection." His handsome face is such a Shrine-rock materials in jade and so phenomenally bright that the Master rose, that are symbols of the Bib's lineage wrote, "His face shineth with a brightness and the way He died. Following the archi- whereby the horizons are illumined." tect's design (you can see it in color, in the Within the Shrine his voice, resonant, pages of that mirror of Bahb'i activities haunting, lifts in the Visitation prayer: "The around the globe, The Bahd'i World),7 the praise which hath dawned from Thy most arcade and balustrade have been completed, august Self, and the glory which hath shone and the Guardian is now working day and forth from Thy most effulgent Beauty, rest night to direct completion of the superstruc- upon Thee . . ." ture and rear the great golden dome. Then I wonder if I am awake or in a dream. the light will pour out of this source of "Bless Thou, 0 Lord my God, the Divine light and envelop all mankind, and the "peo- Lote-Tree and its leaves, and its boughs, and ple of BahZ1" referred to in the Tablet of its branches . . . as long Thy most excel- Carmel will be made manifest, and God will lent titles will endure and Thy most august sail His ark upon His holy mountain, and attributes will last." If we observe the the laws of God will be made known to all Guardian when he places flower petals on men, and the Tabernacle of the Lord of the threshold of the Bib's sepulcher, we Hosts will be pitched on the heights of Car- shall see as he strews the roses and violets mel, and the divine World Order be un- there how intense are the stirrings of His veiled; and there near the resting place of love. the Most Exalted Leaf (the sister of 'Abdu'l- Today from the mountain of M i h - K I ~the Bahi) and the other blessed ones, and in anguished cry of the Bib is raised no more: the neighborhood of the Holy Shrine, the "In this mountain I have remained alone, Universal House of Justice will be estab- and have come to such a pass that none of lished, and the promise "Then shalt thou see those gone before Me have suffered what I the Abhi paradise on earth" will be re- have suffered, nor any transgressor endured deemed. what I have endured!" With these great vic- Let us go into the gardens around the tories, these new and mighty institutions, Shrine-Tomb. Let us walk there on the surely the sorrow of His heart is stilled at Mountain of God, and "unravel the mys- last, and out of the verses of the Baya'n He teries of love from its windflowers," for is calling: "Well is it with him who fixeth "solaced are the eyes of them that enter and his gaze upon the Order of BahL'u'llih and abide therein!" Let us see with our own eyes rendereth thanks unto His Lord!" how "the rose-gardens that grow around His Today the Bib is not alone on the moun- Holy Tomb have become the pleasure-spot tain any more: "The people of the Supreme of all kinds and conditions of men," how the Horizon and the presences who dwell in the flower beds and fruit-bearing trees cluster so eternal paradise circle around His Shrine." thick around the Shrine. Visitors, not The love of the Bahb'is around the globe, Bahi'is, will tell you these fresh and green from Anchorage to Magallanes, from far- thest East to farthest West, gathered within 7 Frontispiece, Volume IX. the shelter of the Branch of the Sinaitic 226 T H E BAHA'I WORLD Tree, centers on this place and is offered up upon them, to spread this Faith. And when continuously to Him; while the Guardian their labors are completed they will hasten labors by day and by night to bring to pass to this sacred place, and in complete humil- the prophecy of the Master when He said: ity, supplicating God, bowing down before "I see the ships of all the kings of the world Him, in utter lowliness, they will circle berthed at the docks of Haifa. I see the round the Holy Shrines, and lifting their sovereigns disembark. Bareheaded and bare- voices will cry out to heaven, extolling and footed, and carrying on their shoulders vases magnifying and glorifying the Lord, and studded with jewels, they advance toward they will unveil and establish before all the the Shrine." And to fulfill these written peoples of the earth the incalculable great- words set down by the Pen of Glory: ness of this almighty Faith." "After that which is inevitable shall have come to pass, these very kings and presi- In this unfaithful world, this house of dents will follow in the footsteps of the grief, where all things die except the Face of champions of the C a ~ ~ of s e God. They will the Beloved, where in a little while there enter the field of service. They will fling in will be no sign of us left, let us bequeath to the dust the crowns of their perishable sov- those who will come after us an enduring ereignty and place on their heads the proof of what we feel. So that they will re- diadems of utter servitude, and in the front member us, who lived in the days of the first ranks of the pioneers they will labor with all Guardian; so that they will tell one another, their heart, with all their possessions, with for five thousand centuries to come, how we all that God in His bounty hath bestowed loved the Primal Point. 9. A CENTURY O F WORLD CRISIS, 1850-1950* Professor of Italian Literature, The University of Chicago; Founder and Secretary General of the Committee to Frame a World Constitution; Director o f Common Cause T H E world crisis as it existed a few weeks distinguish the scientific factors of the crisis ago was bland as compared with its present from those related to education and culture, phase.l I shall, however, cling to the topic of as it is also very difficult or sheerly impossi- my brief talk, while apologizing if it is in- ble to separate sharply all these from the herently difficult or practically impossible to political and the social causes of the dis- * From stenographic notes of an address delivered order. at the Centenary Commemoration of the Martyrdom Obviously the main political factor in the of the Bib held at the Bahb'i House of Worship, crisis of the last century has been the rise Wilmette, Illinois, July 9, 1950. In this talk Dr. Borgese outlines some of the ele- of the national states to absolute independ- ments of the crisis of western civilization in the last ent sovereignties with no superior authority century. He uses as an explanatory key the proposal that the cause of the crisis has been the fragmentation acknowledged. Hence ultimately the bound- of the humanistic and cosmopolitan culture of eight- less bellurn ornniurn contra ornnes-the war eenth century Europe, a time in which educated people were in surprising agreement as to their social and of everybody against everybody. There was educational ideals and in their scientific and artistic still, at the beginning of the nineteenth cen- interpretations of the world. Using this fragmentation as tury, a certain shadow if not reality of su- a general theme, he traces its development in successive areas of human endeavor-in political, social and eco- perior authority. There was striving for nomic organization and in science, education and the something that could connect the various arts. Finally, Dr. Borgese argues that the only way to end the crisis is to bring about a reunification of social national, local efforts. Napoleon tried it in and cultural ideals by a return to the true nature of a bad way in his wars of conquest-in a cer- religion. (Editors.) 1 The invasion of Korea occurred on June 25, 1950, tain other way, perhaps not quite so bad as two weeks before this address was delivered. (Editors.) those we have seen since, he tried it. At the CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 227 middle of the nineteenth century all his cos- level at that moment. In the future a strong mopolitan schemes and other remainders of government would always hold a monopoly all-embracing authority had collapsed. Na- of arms. The derogatory conception of the tions and nation-states emerged in their self- popular revolutions, as they had been arising sufficient power. at that time, had two faces, two aspects. On Obviously, also, the main social factor has the one hand there was the Communist been, as everybody knows, the maturation Manifesto of Marx and Engels of 1848, es- of the industrial revolution. Here three con- tablishing or contending that nothing like sequences can be distinguished. The first of bourgeois revolutions can lead anywhere, these is the growth in the absolute power of that the reformation must be deeper and in- management, a development which built the finitely more radical, and that this reforma- basic pattern for any totalitarianism, fascist tion must also be against the assumption of or other. Then there is the depersonalization the bourgeois revolution's ideas of liberty, of capital, so that anybody can have shares justice and what-not. On the other hand, the in a factory manufacturing fertilizers or other aspect of the crisis at that moment is shares in an automotive industry, without seen in the dominating behavior of the gov- knowing the least thing about either activity ernments, whether extant or in the making, and without having any contact with plan- in so far as they conceived governance as ning and production. power, or acquisition, of power, as a matter And finally, a third factor as a conse- of power, exercised from on high, not as a quence of the maturation of the industrial tumult from below. revolution: the sharp demarcation between If you take the examples of the two most the owner class and the working class, creat- recent national unities in Europe, that is, ing a division of classes deeper than has Italy and Germany, you see the phenome- been known in the Middle Ages or in the non happening in both countries. In Italy early modern age. from the Mazzinian or great popular ideal- Now when we speak of these factors, ism we step over to the wise calculation of which are supposed to be well known to any the man on horseback, Cavour; and the free cultivated and thoughtful mind, we must, bourgeois progressive Germany of Frank- however, incur the danger of speaking furt disappears, vanishes, before the iron fist moralistically, of sermonizing, as if the only policy and success of Bismarck. These are perilous things that have happened were due some of the events that happened at the cul- to the ill will of a few men or states, and as mination of the nineteenth century. if we were holier than they and we could There is another crisis in the fields to have avoided them if we had been at the which I have referred, that is, in science, helm. No such boastful and ridiculous im- education and culture, which in a very sim- plication is included in my presentation. ilar way belongs in the same trend. One of Anything that has happened must be looked the epoch-making events immediately after at with a certain kind of reverence toward the culmination of the nineteenth century what was evidently inevitable or at least was was the publication in 1859 of the basic not avoided. book of Darwin, On the Origin of Species True, the subject suggested to me, "A by Means o f Natziral Selection, or (the title Century of World Crisis, 1850-1950," is continues) the Preservation of Favoured connected with the event of the martyrdom Races in the Struggle for Life. of the Biib that Sunday-it was a Sunday, There have been a number of occasions too, I have learned-July 9, 1850. How- on which I have indicated that the real reli- ever, the connection is not merely arbitrary gion of our age is evolution, meaning by or pious. As a matter of fact, things of an religion the complex of imaginations and epoch-making nature did happen at the mid- beliefs, that is, the Weltanschauung, the cos- dle and around the culmination of the nine- mic conception of the whole. But I am glad teenth century. The Revolutions of 1848, to make it clear that evolution is neverthe- that upsurge of idealistic popular will, were less a religion which falls into two churches: suppressed. No occasion for resistance was There is evolutionism of the right and there any more offered. The balance between the is evolutionism of the left. The evolutionisin possible armaments of the armed people of of the right is a popular interpretation of the barricades and the armaments in the Darwin which had its heyday in the latter hands of the government reached a decisive part of the nineteenth century and which 228 THE BAHA'I W O R L D finally received its most glamor-like accent judgments. But he is right when he speaks in Nietzsche's philosophy. This church of against what we have called the aesthetics the right is a church of discord, of struggle, of expressionism, saying that art or poetry the survival of the fittest. One can say it is or fiction is not expression alone, it is com- the religion of Eris, discord, whereas the munication. It is a communicated expression church of the left, evolutionism of progress, which has power over the minds and hearts achieved through cooperation, through mu- of our fellow men. "Art," he wrote, "is not a tual aid, much rather than through conflict, pleasure, a solace or an amusement. Art is a should be called the church of Eros, the great matter. Art is an organ of human life, church of love. The evolutionary church of transmuting man's reasonable perception the right had a prevalence during the latter into feeling. The task of art is enormous. part of the nineteenth century and the be- It is through the influence of the real art ginning of ours. that the peaceful cooperation of man which In education the consequences both of the is now plagued by external means should be prevalence of the natural sciences and of the obtained, by man's free and joyous activity. mechanical sciences and of the industrial Art should- cause violence to be set aside, revolution were necessarily specialization. and it is only art that can accomplish this." The vocational skill was deepened and Now if we consider what is our present sharpened in the one direction of labor and attitude toward these main factors of the production, while the universality of hu- crisis through which we have lived and are manism went to pieces. living, we see that the first factor consisted In another field, that of culture, we have, of national policies and the industrial revo- in 1857, the publication of Baudelaire's lution mastered by the will to power, both Fleurs du Ma1 (the flowers of evil), a book of them to be considered together-military of grandiose lyrical power which, however, political power in the state, production and has the effect of making amends to the enlargement of production in industry. We prophetic, the moral, the ethical kind of have also had regimentation, a second factor poetry which was represented at that time, in the fragmentation of humanism, that is, particularly by Victor Hugo in France, but specialized and vocational skill. The third you may also remember as part of its imita- factor is deviation of the arts and of culture tions Tennyson in England or Walt Whit- in general, which have become an assem- man in the United States. Even at the risk blage of facts, a deviation from a feeling of of exposing the moralistic poetry to ridicule, responsibility as communication to its fever- of sapping the authority of the Good and ish exultation in pure expressionism. establishing Beauty as the criterion, even as If we look at our attitudes toward these the Flower ( L a Fleur) on the root and stem evils, the progress that has been achieved is of evil, the former poetry no longer has the that we have become cautious, we have be- approval of Baudelaire and those who fol- come aware of them, and we realize that the low. Most of the poetry since Baudelaire higher and bloodier the crisis arises, the has stressed Beauty in the form of expres- more tensely are we in quest of remedies, sion over the Good. of rewards. There are remedies that have However, I cannot help returning to a been proposed of the reactionary, of the crude but extremely significant book by retrograde kind, that is, to dig out some Tolstoy, written around, very shortly before, things from the past ancient medieval civili- the end of the nineteenth century, the title zation or even from the monistic2 liberal of which is What Is Art? It is crude because civilization of the eighteenth century, and to the taste of Tolstoy was, shall I say, fanati- build them anew and give them a new cally colored-a direction of judgment that chance for life; that is the fertilization of was taken by him in that he did not have fossils. It cannot be successful. At least the any remorse or any restraint. Having estab- second kind of remedy is more hopeful, and lished that music can be corruptive, he that is the creation of something new from breaks his lances not only against Wagner's the past with the clear vision that when we Siegfried but also against Beethoven's Kreut- speak of politics and industrial revolution zer Sonata, even against the Ninth Sym- phony with which he should have felt him- 2 Monistic, that is, the humanized world as composed self in complete agreement. And equally of interrelated cultures which was destroyed (broken up into fragmentary concepts) in the nineteenth century. savage is he in scores of other particular (Editors.) C E N T E N A R Y O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 229 and science and technology and education that the Jew, the Christian and the Arabian and culture and liberty and the arts, we are all, after all, believe the same thing. simply naming and listing the boughs of one Then, in later times, it seemed as if the tree, the tree being religion, provided that West had gone its own way; as if only the the word religion is understood in its cosmic self-enclosed or impoverished elements of sense. the IslBmic tradition were at work in the It is very curious that even at the acme of Near and Middle East. scientism, of positivism, it is Auguste Comte There is something dramatic and thrilling who already at the beginning of the latter in the appearance of this solitary man, the part of the nineteenth century tried to trans- BBb, who resumes the IslLmic tradition from mute the belief in science into a mystical be- its sources and who brings it to the neces- lief. He created, together with a sublime sary conclusion that there is one mankind, woman friend of his, an unsuccessful and one world, and "mankind its citizens." And yet significant religion of science. But then, that there is only one religion and all the even more convincing, you see a personality Prophets have taught that one. like Gandhi arise from the tail end of Hin- So there is another spur, and it is another duism and extract from Hinduism what is of revelation of the concomitance of the good universal and permanent value, leaving the efforts all around the world; the fact that the metaphors and imaginations and the myths BBb and His successors have been able to to the delight of the cultivated mind or to raise congregations in the United States is the pleasure of the uncultivated, to the another evidence, if you are ready for the pleasure and comfort of the popular mind, paradox, that the real Christianity or real but hallowing and cleansing the substance of Judaism is not quite dead in this country, so the Hindu teaching as the age wants it to be that an IslBmic prophecy could be accepted understood. Nor is the experience of Tolstoy in so far as it found a terrain in traditions different, who, after all, performed the same of the West which you did not want to dis- operation in what concerned Christianity. honor or disown. He did not even want to know, right or Now I have finished, with the desire only wrong as he may have been, anything about of adding one more expression of my thank- the resurrection of Jesus, or about redemp- fulness for having been singled out for this tion through Christ's sacrificial death; all appearance. As a matter of fact the dis- this was for him superstition or myth. What tance, physical, between Wilmette and the he wanted was the Christian idea of the uni- South Side of Chicago where the University versality of man, and of brotherly love, to is located, and a little house where are the be extracted as the real, permanent, inex- offices of the Committee to Frame a World tinguishable quintessence of the historical Constitution, in which is located the Com- transformation of the Christian creed. mon Cause of which I am the director-the But the importance-I should not say distance between Wilmette and the South but, I should say and-the real meaning and Side of Chicago is small. The distance be- importance of your religion of the Bah&'i tween what you are doing and worshiping Faith is in this trend, that it is again a con- here and what we are doing and attempting tribution through the very curvilinear ways, there is nothing. It has been said in 1936 by one might say providential, of Islam which Shoghi Effendi, and similar words have ap- had been separated for centuries from the peared in earlier Writings of the Bahi'i culture of the human progressive family and Faith: which enters it again through a twig arising "A world federal system, ruling the whole from that branch of the Isliimic tree which earth and exercising unchallengeable au- had already given the fruits that everybody thority over its unimaginably vast resources, remembers in the late Middle Ages and in blending and embodying the ideals of both the Sufi poetry of that Persia where Tabriz, the East and the West, liberated from the the place of the martyrdom of the BBb, is curse of war and its miseries, and bent on located. Nor could anybody forget that the exploitation of all the available sources civilization owed to IslAm one of the most of energy on the surface of the planet, a creative elements of progress in the late system in which Force is made the servant Middle Ages and in the eve of the Renais- of Justice, whose life is sustained by its uni- sance, that is, the principle of religious toler- versal recognition of one God and by its al- ance, or even more than tolerance, the idea legiance to one common Revelation-such 230 T H E BAHA'I WORLD is the goal towards which humanity, im- those who can, to join physically or spiritu- pelled by the unifying forces of life, is ally in what ways would be the best to fur- m~ving."~ ther the Fourth World Congress for World And we wrote in the Preamble of our pre- Federal Union which we are calling to be liminary draft of a World Constitution: assembled in Rome in 19514-a year of de- "The people of the earth having agreed that cision. The spirit which leads us there is the advancement of man in spiritual excel- yours as it is ours. Nowhere has it been said lence and physical welfare is the common better what unites us to you and you to us, goal of mankind, that universal peace is the as a symbolic meeting of what should be prerequisite for the pursuit of that goal, that and shall be, the universal meeting of the justice in turn is the prerequisite of peace, human mind, than in the first two and most and peace and justice stand or fall together, basic of the nine selected utterances of that iniquity and war inseparably spring Bahi'u'llgh carved on the exterior of this from the competitive anarchy of the na- House of Worship. The first repeats: "The tional states, that therefore the age of na- earth is but one country and mankind its tions must end and the era of humanity be- citizen^."^ The second: "The best beloved of gin." all things in My sight is Justice. Turn not That is what we wrote and write, because away therefrom if thou desirest Me."6 our work proceeds. It counts on your help and on your vicinity. This is a good occa- 4The Fourth World Congress for World Federal Government was held in Rome, Italy, April 2-9, 1951. sion for me to invite all of you, or at least The Prelimfizary Draft of a World Constitution has been published by The University of Chicago Press, 1948. 3 From "Unfoldment of World Civilization," written 5 Gleanings from the Writings of Bahd'u'lldh, page * c,, in 1936, by Shoghi Effendi, published in World Order o f LJU. Bahd'u'lldh, p. 204. 6 Hidden Words (Arabic), verse 2. 10. DER 100. JAHRESTAG DES OPFERTODES DES BAB E S SIND heute 100 Jahre, dass an jenem mehr als 100 L'indern auf allen Kontinenten, wildbewegten Sommertag, am 9. Juli 1850 in Hunderten von Stadten und Dorfern, in Tabris in Aserbeidschan (Persien) ein viele Hunderttausende aller Rassen und junger Perser, erst 31 jahrig, auf Geheiss Stande zu einer Gedenkfeier zusammen, die einer fanatischen, muhammadanischen dem Martyrertod des genannten Persers Geistlichkeit und seiner Regierung von einem gewidmet ist, dem B&b,das soviel besagt wie Regiment Soldaten unter ungewohnlichen das Tor oder die Pforte zu einem neuen Urnstanden erschossen wurde. Mit roher Gottgesandten, einer gottlichen Manifesta- irdischer Gewalt wurde das Leben eines tion. grossen Menschen ausgeloscht, der sechs DURCHOPFER ZUR WELTORDNUNG Jahre lang das Evangelium einer neuen religiosen Sendung verkiindete. In der Geschichte der Volker, im Auf- Obwohl der Hingerichtete-Sein Name und Niedergang ihrer Kulturen sind es nicht war 'Ali Muhammad-in seinem Lande viele menschliche Opfertaten, die die Ge- eine machtige geistige Bewegung ausloste, schicke der Menschheit wesentlich bestimm- wurde jenem Ereignis wenig Beachtung ten. Wohl kennen wir manche heldenmutige geschenkt, in einer Zeit, die in den grosseren Taten von Menschen, die aus politischen Bann neuer Erfindungen, nationaler Macht- oder sozialen Griinden den Einsatz ihres entfaltung und materiellen Reichtums personlichen Lebens nicht scheuten. Es sind gezogen war. uns auch menschliche Opfer um des Glau- Heute, nach 100 Jahren seit jenem bens oder einer Idee willen bekannt. Die denkwiirdigen Geschehen, finden sich in erhabensten und erschiitterndensten Zeug- C E N T E N A R Y O F M A R T Y R D O M O F T H E BAB 23 1 nisse von Selbstiiberwindung und Opfer- den Menschheit an, eine neue Menschheit, gang sind uns aber in der fortschreitenden die ein grosserer als Er, eine gottliche, Mani- Entwicklung der Religion gegeben. festation, zu einer befriedeten, geistigen Es sind die unvergesslichen Beispiele Einheit herauffiihren werde. bedingungsloser Unterwerfung iiberragender Der BBb als das Tor zu einem neuen, einzelner unter den Willen Gottes, die eine erleuchteten Zeitalter war mehr als ein Re- erlosen.de Kraft und zukunftsweisendes formator oder Mystiker auf muharnmada- Licht in das Dunkel der Menschheitsent- nisch-persischem Boden-Er war selbst ein wicklung hineintrugen. Das Leben, Wirken Sprecher Gottes, ein Herold gottlicher Fiih- und Leiden der wenigen Grossen, der rung, der in wenigen gefahrvollen Jahren in gottlichen Boten, wiesen den Menschen bezwingender geistiger Macht die Rechte immer wieder durch jener opfervolle Hin- der Menschheit iiber die der Rasse, Klasse gabe den Weg zu deren hochsten Bestim- und Nation erhob und unter Hinweis auf mung, zur liebenden Hingabe an den Schop- die grosse Offenbarung einen trennende fer und die Mitmenschen. Bekenntnisse iibergreifenden, universalen Wenn Abrahams Opferbereitschaft noch Glauben verkiindete. Er legte den Grund zu darin gepriift wurde, dass er seinen iiber einer mit Seinem Blut geweihten Weltreli- alles geliebten Sohn Gott auf dem Altar des gion und machte den Weg frei fur jenen, Opfers darbringen sollte, so steht uns der ,,den Gott offenbaren wird," BahL'u'llBh- Opfertod Christi als das bezwingendste die Herrlichkeit Gottes-Der, im Jahre Zeugnis des bedingungslosen Gehorsams ge- 1863, Seine vom BBb vorausgesagte Sen- geniiber Gott vor Augen. Das Geschehen dung offentlich verkiindigte. von Golgotha, der Kreuzestod des Naza- Der denkwiirdige 9. Juli 1850, an dem der reners, wurde fiir das Abendland zu einem BBb hingerichtet wurde, ist durch Augen- geschichtsbildenden Ereignis von nicht zeugenberichte von Freunden nnd Feinden geahnter Kraft und Bedeutung, hat aber seit fur die Nachwelt festgehalten worden. der Reformation mehr und mehr an Ein- Unterdriickung, Verfolgung und Einker- fluss auf das Volkerleben verloren. Die kerung des neuen Propheten konnten nicht kulturschopferische Macht der Sendung verhindern, Seine AnhSnger starker und Muhammads, die im Mittelalter bis nach mutiger anwachsen zu lassen, weshalb trotz Spanien vordrang, verebbte in den letzten Fehlens einer Bestatigung durch ein Gericht Jahrhunderten ebenfalls in wachsendem und ohne letzte Rechtfertigungsmoglichkeit Masse und verfiel ebenso wie das Christen- des BBb das von der geistlichen Fiihrung tum einer Verweltlichung und Verflachung. gefillte Todesurteil am 9. Juli 1850 in THb- An die Stelle der aussohnenden, verbin- ris ausgefiihrt wurde. Dem Bruder des denden Religion hat der aufgeklarte Mensch Grosswesirs, Mirzii SBm K h h , einem Chri- der Neuzeit die Vernunft, Systeme von sten, wurde als Oberst eines armenischen Lebensanschauungen, Philosophien und Regiments der Befehl zur Hinrichtung des Ideologien gesetzt, die die inneren, sittlichen BBb gegeben. Dem Regimentskommandeur Bindungen des einzelnen wie der Gemein- fie1 das edle Betragen seines Gefangenen so schaft bedrohlich lockerten und aushohlten. sehr auf, dass er dem BBb erklarte, keine Ein Autor unserer Zeit gab kennzeichnen- hose Absicht gegen Ihn zu hegen und dass denveise seinem Buch iiber den Weg des er, erfiillt von Furcht, dass seine Tat den 19. Jahrhundertsl den Untertitel: ,,Am Ab- Zorn Gottes herbeifiihren wiirde, den Verur- grund der Ersatzreligionenc'! teilten bat, ihn von der ihm auferlegten Nun haben sich aber seit 1844 Dinge Pflicht zu entbinden, wenn Seine Sache die ereignet, die wir bis jetzt auf Geschichts- Sache der Wahrheit sei. Der BBb gab dem und Zeittafeln nicht verzeichnet finden, die Obersten darauf folgende Zusicherung: jedoch den Beginn eines neuen Zeitalters ,,Folgen Sie ihren Anweisungen, und wenn fiir die Menschheit bedeuten. Der BBb, von Ihre Absicht aufrichtig ist, so ist der All- dem wir eingangs sprachen und Dessen machtige sicher imstande, Sie aus Ihrer Opfertod am heutigen Tag wir und viele mit Verlegenheit zu befreien." uns in tiefster Ehrfurcht und Liebe geden- Noch ein bedeutungsvolles Vorkommnis ken, kiindigte Mitte des letzten Jahrhunderts ereignete sich vor der Hinrichtung des BBb. eine geistige Wiedergeburt der straucheln- Der Farris_h-BBs_hi, der die Durchfiihrung des Befehles des Grosswesirs iibernahm, 1 Hermann Ullmann (Chr. Kaiser Verlag, Miinchen). hatte schroff die letzte Unterhaltung unter- 232 T H E BAHA'I WORLD brochen, die der Blb vertraulich in einem tet hatte, Sein unterbrochenes Gesprach der Raume der Kaserne mit Seinem vertrau- mit Siyyid Husayn vollendend. Ein Ausdruck ten Gehilfen Siyyid Husayn fuhrte, und zog ruhigsten Friedens war auf Seinem Antlitz. den letzteren beiseite und schalt ihn heftig Sein Korper war dern Kugelhagel, den das aus, als er von seinem Gefangenen also Regiment auf Ihn gerichtet hatte, unbeschE angeredet wurde: digt entgangen.-,Ich habe meine Unter- ,,Nicht ehe Zch ihm alles gesagt habe, haltung mit Siyyid Husayn beendet', sagte was Zch ihm sagen will, kann irgend eine der BAb zum Farr&s_h-B&s_hi. ,Nun mogen sie irdische Macht Mich zum Schweigen ihre Absicht erfiillen.' bringen. Moge auch die ganze Welt gegen ,,Der Mann war zu sehr erschiittert, um Mich in Waffen stehen, so sol1 es ihr doch fortzufahren. Er weigerte sich, seiner Auf- nicht gelingen, Mich a m Vollbringen gabe nachzukommen, verliess augenblicklich Meiner Absicht bis zum letzten Wort zu den Schauplatz und legte seinen Posten nie- hindern." . der . . S6m Kh6n war genau so betaubt ALISThe Dawn-Breakers,' entnehmen wir von der Wucht dieser gewaltigen Offenba- auch : rung. Er befahl seinen Leuten, die Kaserne ,,S6m Khln befahl seinen Leuten, einen sofort zu verlassen und verweigerte fur sich Nagel in den Pfeiler zwischen der Tiir zu und sein Regiment jede Handlung, die auch dern von Siyyid Husayn bewohnten Zim- nur die kleinste Unbill fiir den BBb eintra- mer und dern Eingang zum Nebenraum gen konnte. Er schwor beim Verlassen des einzuschlagen und zwei Seile an ihn zu hef- Hofes, nie wieder die Aufgabe zu uberneh- ten, von denen der B6b und Sein Gefihrte men, selbst wenn seine Weigerung ihm den gesondert herabhangen sollten. Mirzl Mu- Tod einbringen sollte. hammad-'Ali [der Gefahrte des B6b] bat ,,Kaum hatte Sgm Kh6n sich entfernt, als S6m Khln, so angebunden zu werden, dass sich Aq6 J6n Khin-i-Khamsih, Oberst der sein Korper an der Brust des B6b ruhte . . . Leibgarde, auch bekannt unter den Namen Sobald sie angebunden waren, trat ein Re- Khamsih und Ngsiri, freiwillig erbot, den giment Soldaten in drei Gliedern an, jedes Hinrichtungsbefehl zu vollstrecken. Der B6b zu 250 Mann, mit der Weisung, wechsel- und Sein Gefahrte wurden an der gleichen weise zu feuern, bis die ganze Abteilung Mauer und in der gleichen Weise wieder ihre Salven verschossen hatte. Der Pulver- hochgehingt, und das Regiment trat in Li- dampf der feuernden 750 Gewehre war nie an, um auf sie zu feuern. Anders als geeignet, das Licht des Mittags in Dunkel vorher, da nur ihr Hingeseil in Stiicke ge- zu wandeln. Auf dern Dach der Kaserne schossen war, wurden ihre Korper diesmal sowohl als auch auf den angrenzenden Hau- verletzt und zu einer einzigen Masse von sern hatten sich an zehntausend Menschen Fleisch und Knochen vermengt. angesammelt, von denen jeder Zeuge dieses traurigen und erregenden Schauspiels war. ,, ,Hattest du, o widerspenstiges Geschle- cht, an Mich geglaubt', waren die letzten ,,Sobald der Rauch sich verzogen hatte, Worte des Bdb an die gaffende Menge, starrte eine verbluffte Menge auf ein Bild, wiihrend sich das Regiment anschickte, das ihre Augen kaum zu fassen vermochten: die letzte Salve abzufeuern, ,so wiirde Da stand der Gefiihrte des Bib vor ihnen, jeder von euch dern Beispiel dieses Jiing- lebend und unversehrt, wahrend Er Selbst lings, der im Rang hoch iiber den meisten ohne Schaden ihren Blicken entschwunden von euch stand, gefolgt sein und sich gern war. Obgleich die Kugeln ihre Hlngestricke auf Meinem Pfad geopfert haben. Der zerfetzt hatten, waren ihre Leiber wunder- Tag wird kommen, da ihr Mich erkannt barerweise den Salven entgangen. Selbst das haben werdet, an jenem Tag werde ich Gewand Mirzl Muhammad-'Ali's war, trotz aufgehiirt haben, in eurer Mitte zu wei- der Dichte des Rauches, ohne Flecken ge- blieben. ,Der Siyyid-i-B6b ist unseren Blicken Zen.' entschwunden!', so tonten die Stimmen der ,,Im Augenblick, als die Schiisse fielen, bestiirzten Menge. Rasend fing sie an, Ihn erhob sich ein Sturm von ungewohnlicher zu suchen und fand Ihn schliesslich in dern Stirke und fegte uber die ganze Stadt hin. Zimmer sitzend, in dern Er zuvor iibernach- Ein unglaublich dichter Wirbel von Staub verdunkelte die Sonne und blendete die Au- 2 "Nabil's Narrative" (New York, 1932), Kapitel gen der Leute. Die ganze Stadt blieb in das XXIII. Dunkel gehiillt von Mittag bis Abend." CENTENARY O F MARTYRDOM O F T H E BAB 23 3 EIN JAHRHUNDERT IM ZEICHENDER chte, dem alle iibrigell untergeordnet sind, NEUEN GOTTESOFFENBARUNG bleibt der Konflikt des Glaubens und Un- glaubens"? Heute, ein Jahrhundert, nachdem die Aus der Diagnose der tiefsten Ursachen Stimme des B8b durch seine Hinrichtung der heutigen allgemeinen Unsicherheit, des zum Schweigen gebracht wurde, miissen wir Misstrauens und des Zweifels, der Verant- erkennen, dass die ganze Menschheit ihr wortungsmudigkeit und des Glaubens- eigenes, selbstverschuldetes Martyrertum schwundes ergibt sich fur den tiefer Schauen- erleidet, weil sie sich immer noch weigert, den fast zwangslaufig die Antwort, dass nur dem gottlichen Ruf zu folgen und sich in eine neue sittlich-religiose Fundamentierung einem umfassenden Glauben auszusohnen der einzelmenschlichen, gesellschaftlichen und zu vereinigen. Gleichsam wie ein Me- und zwischenstaatlichen Beziehungen und teor trat der BBb mit prophetischer Ver- Bindungen eine durchgreifende Wendung heissung der unmittelbar bevorstehenden der bedrohlichen Lage der Menschheit her- Heraufkunft eines Gottgesandten am Fir- beifiihren kann. Verstandigung oder Chaos, mament auf und wurde durch seinen Opfer- Ordnung oder Untergang heisst die alterna- tod zum Wegbereiter und Lichtstrahl der tive Lebensfrage der Menschheit. erlosenden Wahrheit, die der von Ihm Ver- Wir sind der gleichen Auffassung wie heissene, Bah$u'llgh, in der Niederlegung Toynbee, der sagt: ,,Was der modernen einer gerechten Weltordnung im Zeichen Welt zutiefst not tut, ist eine Neugeburt des der Einheit der Menschheit und der Reli- Glaubens an das Uebernatiirliche." Wahrer gionen bald nach dem erschutternden Ereig- Glauben kann aber nur aus der Religion nis in Tabris offenbarte. kommen und diese kann heute nur eine sol- Der berufene Erklher der Sendungen des che sein, die die ganze Menschheit erneuert Bkb und BahL'u'llih's, 'Abdul-Bah8, legt die und vereinigt. Beziehungen zwischen den beiden mit der Die Sicherung des Weltfriedens und eines BahB'i-Sendung verbundenen Manifestatio- sozialen Ausgleichs ist ohne die Errichtung nen wie folgt dar : einer gerechten Weltordnung nicht denkbar ,,Die Oflenbarung des Bhb mag mit der und diese wiederulll kann nur dann von Be- Sonne verglichen werden, deren Stand stand sein, wenn sie gottlichen Ursprungs dem ersten Tierkreiszeichen entspricht, ist. dern Zeichen des Widders, in welches die In religionsgeschichtlicher Einmaligkeit Sonne mit der Tag- und Nachtgleiche hat nun BahL'u'll8h schon vor mehr als 80 des Friihlings eintritt. Die Stufe der O f - Jahren trotz Verfolgung, Verbannung, Ein- fenbarung Bah6'u'lldhJs dagegen wird kerkerung und Lebensbedrohung ,,den Zir- durch das Zeichen des Lowen dargestellt, kel der Einigkeit gefuhrt, Er hat einen Plan wenn die Sonne die Sommermitte und niedergelegt fur die Vereinigung aller ihren hochsten Stand erreicht hat. Das Volker, um sie alle unter dem schiitzenden bedeutet, dass diese heilige Offenbarung Zelt der Einigkeit zu sammeln." ('Abdu'l- erleuchtet ist vom Lichte der Sonne der BahA) Wahrheit, die von ihrem erhabensten Es ist zum Ereignis geworden: Fur die Punkte aus in der Fulle ihres Glanzes, Volker der Welt lie@ seit dem Erscheinen ihrer Warme und ihrer Herrlichkeit he- BahL'u'll8h's eine gottlich geoffenbarte Welt- rabscheint." Charta in authentischdokumentarischer Die heutigen Probleme des Aufbaus einer Form bereit. Die Zukunft der Menschheit friedlichen und gerechten Weltordnung wird durch deren allgemeine Annahme und iibersteigen menschliches Konnen und Ver- Verwirklichung bestimmt werden. mogen; sie erheischen wahrlich eine gottliche Die von BahL'u1118h niedergelegte Welt- inspirierte Losung, die nur aus dem Bereich ordnung und deren autoritative Erlauterung der Religion kommen kann. Alle grossen durch Seinen Bltesten Sohn 'Abdu'l-BahB Kulturen hatten ihren Aufstieg einem re- verbiirgen in ihrem Aufbau soziale Gerech- ligiasen Impuls zu verdanken und zerfielen tigkeit, treuhiinderische, beratende und mit dem Niedergang ihrer gottlichen Bin- ubernationale Zusammenarbeit im Bewusst- dungen. Hatte Goethe nicht recht, wenn er sein wahrer und weltoffener Bruderschaft. sagte: ,,Das eigentlich einzige und tiefste Ausgehend von der tragenden Idee der gei- Thema der Welt- und Menschheitsgeschi- stigen Einheit der Menschheit zielt die Welt- 3 Die Sendung Baha'u'llah's, S. 40. ordnung von BahL'u'llLh auf die schliess- 234 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D liche Bildung eines Weltgemeinwesens ab, schheit durch die vereinenden Lebenskrafte da die nationalstaatliche Entwicklung ihren zustrebt." Abschluss gefunden hat. Zu den wesentli- Gott geht voriiber betitelte Shoghi Effendi chen Bestandteilen der iiberstaatlichen Vo1- sein Buch iiber das erste Bah2i-Jahrhun- kergemeinschaft werden folgende Vorausset- dert. Wenn wir heute des freiwilligen Opfer- zungen zahlen: Ueberwindung aller irnperia- todes des BBb gedenken, konnen wir uns der listischen Macht- und Herrschaftsanspriiche, erlosenden und verpflichtenden Macht die- Einfiihrung der obligatorischen interna- ses erschiitternden Ereignisses nicht entzie- tionalen Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit und Bildung hen. Christi Wort: ,,Nehme dein Kreuz auf eines Internationalen Schiedsgerichtshofes dich und folge mir nach" hat durch den nebst einer Weltpolizei als Sicherheits- und Opfergang des BBb und die von Bah2uYllBh Vollzugs-Weltorgan, allgemeine Abriistung, aus freiem Entschluss auf sich genommene Kriegfiihrung nur bei unbestrittener Vertei- 40-jahrige Freiheitsberaubung in unbe- digungszwangslage irn Sinne einer kollekti- schreiblicher, hartester und erniedrigender ven Verteidigungs- und Schutzpflicht im Ag- Gefangnis- und Kerkerhaft eine unvergleich- gressionsfalle, Abschaffung der allgemeinen liche Steigerung erfahren. Die neue Welt- Wehrpflicht ohne unbedingte Kriegsdienst- ordnung muss von wiedergeborenen Men- venveigerung, Losung der sozialen Fragen schen getragen werden, von opferbereiten, auf der Grundlage der Wiirdigung jeglicher glaubensstarken Menschen, deren liebende menschendienenden Arbeit und einer Be- Taten sie zur Stufe des wahren Menschen grenzung von Armut und Reichtum nach erheben. Grundsatzen der Leistung und gerechter Die tiefste Bedeutung, die erlosende Kraft Teilhaberschaft am Arbeitsertrag, Einheit des Opfers erschliesst sich den Menschen in von Religion und Wissenschaft als Basis der dem Geschehen der fortschreitenden Got- Volkerverstandigung, Einfiihrung einer tesoffenbarung, in der unbedingten Hingabe Welthilfssprache und Einheitsschrift, einer der Gottgesandten an Gott fiir die Men- Weltverfassung unter Einbeziehung der un- schen, in ihrer Wahrheitsoffenbarung. verletzlichen Menschenrechte und -Pflich- Dem Glauben an den Erloser muss aber ten. die sittliche Tat der Selbstiibenvindung des Shoghi Effendi schrieb d a r ~ b e r : ~ Menschen folgen. ,,Ein Weltbundsystem, das die ganze Erde Die folgenden Worte Bah2u'll&h's mogen beherrscht und eine unanfechtbare Befugnis uns am heutigen Gedenktag zur 100. Wie- iiber ihre unvorstellbar umfassenden Hilfs- derkehr des Martyrertodes des BBb die hohe quellen ausiibt, die Ideale sowohl des Ostens Berufung des Menschen unserer Zeit verge- als auch des Westens verschrnilzt und ver- genwartigen: kijrpert, von dem Fluch des Krieges und ,,0 Sohn des Menschen! seines Elends befreit ist und sich auf die Auf die Tafel des Geistes schreibe alles, Ausniitzung aller verfiigbaren Kraftquellen was Wir dir verkiindet haben, mit der auf der OberfEache des Planeten richtet, ein Tinte des Lichtes. Wenn du dies nicht System, in dem die Starke zur Dienerin der vermagst, so mache zu deiner Tinte d m Gerechtigkeit gemacht ist, dessen Dasein Wesen deines Herzens. Bist du auch dazu durch seine allumfassende Anerkennung des nicht imstande, dann schreibe mit der einen Gottes und durch seinen Gehorsam roten Tinte, die auf dem Pfade zu Mir gegen eine gemeinsame Offenbarung getra- vergossen wurde. Wahrlich, dies ist Mir gen wird-dies ist das Ziel, dem die Men- kostbarer als alles andere, denn solches Licht wahret ewiglich." 4Aus World Order of Bahri'u'lldh, by Shoghi Ef- fendi, S. 204. 5 Verborgene Worte (Arabische v. 7 1 ) . THE COMPLETION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SEPULCHER O F T H E B A B IN T H E HOLY LAND, 1953 1 . E N T O M B M E N T O F T H E BAB'S R E M A I N S ON M T . CARMEL From GOD PASSES BY* W I T H I N a few months of the historic following their execution, through the pious decree which set Him free, in the very year intervention of Hbji Sulaymbn Kh6n, from that witnessed the downfall of Sultan 'Ab- the edge of the moat where they had been du'l-Hamid, that same power from on high cast to a silk factory owned by one of the which had enabled 'Abdu'l-Bahb to preserve believers of Milgn, and were laid the next inviolate the rights divinely conferred on day in a wooden casket, and thence carried Him, to establish His Father's Faith in the to a place of safety. Subsequently, accord- North American continent, and to triumph ing to Bahi'u'll6h's instructions, they were over His royal oppressor, enabled Him to transported to Tihrbn and placed in the achieve one of the most signal acts of His shrine of Im6m-Zbdih Hasan. They were ministry: the removal of the B6b's remains later removed to the residence of HAji Su- from their place of concealment in Tihrbn 1aymAn a 6 n himself in the Sar-C_has_hmih to Mt. Carmel. He Himself testified, on quarter of the city, and from his house were more than one occasion, that the safe trans- taken to the shrine of Im6m-Z6dih Ma'sGm, fer of these remains, the construction of a where they remained concealed until the befitting mausoleum to receive them, and year 1284 A.H. (1867-1868), when a Tab- their final interment with His own hands in let, revealed by BahL'u'llbh in Adrianople, their permanent resting-place constituted directed Mu116 'Ali-Akbar-i-SJhahmirz6di one of the three principal objectives which, and Jam61-i-BurGjirdi to transfer them with- ever since the inception of His mission, He out delay to some other spot, an instruction had conceived it His paramount duty to which, in view of the subsequent reconstruc- achieve. This act indeed deserves to rank as tion of that shrine, proved to have been one of the outstanding events in the first providential. BahL'i century. Unable to find a suitable place in the As observed in a previous chapter the suburb of Sh6h 'Abdu'l-'A~im, Mullb 'Ali- mangled bodies of the B6b and His fellow- Akbar and his companion continued their martyr, Mirzb Muhammad-'Ali, were re- search until, on the road leading to C_has_h- moved, in the middle of the second night mih-'Ali, they came upon the abandoned and dilapidated Masjid-i-Ma&L'u'll6h, * From Chapter XVIII. where they deposited, within one of its 23 6 T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D walls, after dark, their precious burden, hav- few months later, was to commence. About ing first re-wrapt the remains in a silken that same time, the marble sarcophagus, de- shroud brought by them for that purpose. signed to receive the body of the Bib, an Finding the next day to their consternation offering of love from the BahPis of Ran- that the hiding-place had been discovered, goon, had, at 'Abdu'l-Bahi's suggestion, they clandestinely carried the casket through been completed and shipped to Haifa. the gate of the capital direct to the house of No need to dwell on the manifold prob- Mirzi Hasan-i-Vazir, a believer and son-in- lems and preoccupations which, for almost law of Hiji Mirzi Siyyid 'Aliy-i-Taf- a decade, continued to beset 'Abdu'l-BahP ris_hi, the Majdu'l-A&rif, where it remained until the victorious hour when He was able for no less than fourteen months. The long- to bring to a final consummation the his- guarded secret of its whereabouts becoming toric task entrusted to Him by His Father. known to the believers, they began to visit The risks and perils with which Bahi'u'llih the house in such numbers that a communi- and later His Son had been confronted in cation had to be addressed by Mulli 'Ali- their efforts to insure, during half a century, Akbar to Bahi'u'llih, begging for guidance the protection of those remains were but a in the matter. HBji ghih Muhammad-i- prelude to the grave dangers which, at a Man&idi, surnamed Aminu'l-Bayin, was later period, the Center of the Covenant accordingly commissioned to receive the Himself had to face in the course of the Trust from him, and bidden to exercise the construction of the edifice designed to re- utmost secrecy as to its disposal. ceive them, and indeed until the hour of His Assisted by another believer, Hiji ghih final release from His incarceration. Muhammad buried the casket beneath the The long-drawn out negotiations with the floor of the inner sanctuary of the shrine of shrewd and calculating owner of the build- Imim-Zidih Zayd, where it lay undetected ing-site of the holy Edifice, who, under the until Mirzi Asadu'llih-i-I~fihini was in- influence of the Covenant-breakers, refused formed of its exact location through a chart for a long time to sell; the exorbitant price forwarded to him by Bahi'u'llih. Instructed at first demanded for the opening of a road by Bah&'u'llih to conceal it elsewhere, he leading to that site and indispensable to the first removed the remains to his own house work of construction; the interminable ob- in Tihrin, after which they were deposited jections raised by officials, high and low, in several other localities such as the house whose easily aroused suspicions had to be of Husayn-'Aliy-i-IsfBhini and that of Mu- allayed by repeated explanations and assur- hammad-Karim-i-'AttBr, where they re- ances given by 'Abdu'l-Bahi Himself; the mained hidden until the year 1316 (1899) dangerous situation created by the mon- A.H., when, in pursuance of directions is- strous accusations brought by Mirzi Mu- sued by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, this same Mirz6 hammad-'Ali and his associates regarding Asadu'llih, together with a number of other the character and purpose of that building; believers, transported them by way of Isfi- the delays and complications caused by hin, Kirmin&ih, Baghdid and Damascus, 'Abdu'l-Bahi's prolonged and enforced ab- to Beirut and thenceby sea to 'Akki, ar- sence from Haifa, and His consequent in- riving at their destination on the 19th of the ability to supervise in person the vast month of Ramadin 1316 A.H. (January 3 1, undertaking He had initiated-all these 1899), fifty lunar years after the Bib's exe- were among the principal obstacles which cution in Tabriz. He, at so critical a period in His ministry, In the same year that this precious Trust had to face and surmount ere He could reached the shores of the Holy Land and execute in its entirety the Plan, the outline was delivered into the hands of 'Abdu'l- of which Bahfi'u'llih had communicated to Bahl, He, accompanied by Dr. Ibrihim Him on the occasion of one of His visits to K_hayru711&h,whom He had already honored Mt. Carmel. with the titles of "BahiYs Peter," "The Sec- "Every stone of that building, every stone ond Columbus" and "Conqueror of Amer- o f the road leading to it," He, many a time ica," drove to the recently purchased site was heard to remark. "I have with infinite which had been blessed and selected by tears and at tremendous cost, raised and Bahi'u'llih on Mt. Carmel, and there laid, placed in position." "One night," He, ac- with His own hands, the foundation-stone of cording to an eye-witness, once observed, "I the edifice, the construction of which He, a was so hemmed in by My anxieties that I C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 237 had no other recourse than to recite and Shrine on Mt. Carmel . . . By a strange repeat over and over again a prayer o f the coincidence, on that same day o f Naw-Rdz, Ba'b which I had in My possession, the re- a cablegram was received from Chicago, an- cital of which greatly calmed Me. The next nouncing that the believers in each o f the morning the owner o f the plot himself came American centers had elected a delegate and to Me, apologized and begged Me to pur- sent to that city . . . and definitely decided chase his property ." on the site and construction of the Ma&- Finally, in the very year His royal ad- riqu'l-AdJhka'r." versary lost his throne, and at the time of With the transference of the remains of the opening of the first American Bahi'i the BBb-Whose advent marks the return of Convention, convened in Chicago for the the Prophet Elijah-to Mt. Carmel, and purpose of creating a permanent national their interment in that holy mountain, not organization for the construction of the far from the cave of that Prophet Himself, Maariqu'l-AdJhkBr, 'Abdu'l-BahB brought the Plan so gloriously envisaged by Bahg- His undertaking to a successful conclusion, u'llBh, in the evening of His life, had been at in spite of the incessant machinations of last executed, and the arduous labors as- enemies both within and without. On the sociated with the early and tumultuous years 28th of the month of Safar 1327 A.H., the of the ministry of the appointed Center of day of the first Naw-Rfiz (1909) which He His Covenant crowned with immortal suc- celebrated after His release from His con- cess. A focal center of Divine illurnillation finement, 'Abdu'l-BahB had the marble sar- and power, the very dust of which 'Abdu'l- cophagus transported with great labor to the Bahl averred had inspired Him, yielding in vault prepared for it, and in the evening, sacredness to no other shrine throughout the by the light of a single lamp, He laid within BahPi world except the Sepulcher of the it, with His own hands-in the presence of Author of the BahL'i Revelation Himself, believers from the East and from the West had been permanently established on that and in circumstances at once solemn and mountain, regarded from time immemorial moving-the wooden casket containing the as sacred. A structure, at once massive, sim- sacred remains of the BBb and His com- ple and imposing; nestling in the heart of panion. Carmel, the "Vineyard of God"; flanked by When all was finished, and the earthly re- the Cave of Elijah on the west, and by the mains of the Martyr-Prophet of ShhirBz were, hills of Galilee on the east; backed by the at long last, safely deposited for their ever- plain of Sharon, and facing the silver-city lasting rest in the bosom of God's holy of 'AkkB, and beyond it the Most Holy mountain, 'Abdu'l-BahB, Who had cast aside Tomb, the Heart and Qiblih of the Bahi'i His turban, removed His shoes and thrown world; overshadowing the colony of Ger- off His cloak, bent low over the still open man Templars who, in anticipation of the sarcophagus, His silver hair waving about "coming of the Lord," had forsaken their His head and His face transfigured and lu- homes and foregathered at the foot of that minous, rested His forehead on the border mountain, in the very year of Bahi'u'llBh's of the wooden casket, and, sobbing aloud, Declaration in BaghdBd ( 1863), the mauso- wept with such a weeping that all those who leum of the BBb had now, with heroic effort were present wept with Him. That night He and in impregnable strength been estab- could not sleep, so overwhelmed was He lished as "the Spot round which the Con- with emotion. course on high circle in adoration." Events "The most joyful tidings is this," He have already demonstrated through the ex- wrote later in ~ a b l e tannouncing to His tension of the Edifice itself, through the em- followers the news of this glorious victory, bellishment of its surroundings, through the "that the holy, the luminous body of the acquisition of extensive endowments in its Ba'b . . . after having for sixty years been neighborhood, and through its proximity to transferred from place to place, by reason the resting-places of the wife, the son and o f the ascendancy o j the enemy, and from daughter of Bahi'u'llBh Himself, that it was fear o f the malevolent, and having known destined to acquire with the passing of the neither rest nor tranquillity has, through the years a measure of fame and glory com- mercy o f the Abha' Beauty, been ceremo- mensurate with the high purpose that had niously deposited, on the day of Naw-RBz, prompted its founding. Nor will it, as the within the sacred casket, in the exalted years go by, and the institutions revolving 23 8 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D around the World Administrative Center of Revelation. Well is it with him that circleth the future BahL'i Commonwealth are grad- around thee, that proclaimeth the revelation ually established, cease to manifest the la- o f thy glory, and recounteth that which the tent potentialities with which that same im- bounty o f the Lord thy God hath showered mutable purpose has endowed it. Resist- upon thee." "Call out to Zion, 0 Carmel!" lessly will this Divine institution flourish and He, furthermore, has revealed in that same expand, however fierce the animosity which Tablet, "and announce the joyful tidings: its future enemies may evince, until the f ~ ~ l lHe that was hidden from mortal eyes is measure of its splendor will have been dis- come! His all-conquering sovereignty is closed before the eyes of all mankind. "Haste thee, 0 Carmel!" BahQ'u'llQh,sig- manifest; His all-encompassing splendor is nificantly addressing that holy mountain, revealed. Beware lest thou hesitate or halt. has written, "for lo, the light of the Coun- Hasten forth and circumambulate the City tenance o f God . . . hath been lifted upon of God that hath descended from heaven, thee . . . Rejoice, for God hath, in this the celestial Kaaba round which have cir- Day, established upon thee His throne, hath cled in adoration the favored o f God, the made thee the dawning-place of His signs pure in heart, and the company of the most and the dayspring o f the evidences o f His exalted angels." 2. CONSTRUCTION O F THE SUPER- STRUCTURE OF THE SHRINE O F THE BAB ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE GUARDIAN . , construction (of the) shell designed (for) 1AM) happy (to) announce (the) com- its embellishment (and) preservation, addi- tional height by one-third, additional width pletion of plans and specifications for (the) by one-fifth, enhancing (the) massiveness erection of (the) arcade surrounding the (of the) edifice embosomed (in the) Moun- BQb's Sepulcher, constituting (the) first step tain of God, heralding (the) erection (of in (the) process destined to culminate in the) lofty gilded dome that will eventually (the) construction of the Dome anticipated shine forth in solitary splendor from its by 'Abdu'l-BahQ and marking (the) con- heart. summation of (an) enterprise initiated by Him fifty years ago according to instruc- (b) tions given Him by BahL'u'llQh. (On the) occasion (of the) fivefold his- Announce (to the) friends (the) comple- toric celebration-(the) dedication (for) tion, (on the) eve (of) Naw-Rfiz, (of the) public worship (of the) holiest Ma&riqu'l- erection (of) parapet crowning (the) east- Ad_hk&r(of the) Bahgi world; (the) convo- ern f a ~ a d e(of) Holy Shrine one year after cation (of the) Second Intercontinental placing (the) first threshold stones upon Teaching Conference (of the) Holy Year; (the) foundation (of the) arcade. (The) (the) Anniversary (of the) Declaration beauty (and) majesty (of the) finely carved (of) BahA'u'llQh (in the) Garden of Rid- panels surmounting (the) soaring arches v&n; (the) holding (of the) Forty-Fifth spanning (the) rosy monolith columns, em- American BahL'i Convention, (and the) blazoned with emerald green and scarlet launching (of the) epochal, global spiritual mosaic bymbolizing (the) BQb's lineage and Crusade, marking (the) climax (of the) fes- martyrdom, (is) strikingly revealed. (The) tivities associated (with the) Centenary (of original pearl-like structure raised by (the) the) Birth (of) BahL'u'llQh's Mission-an- hands (of the) Center (of the) Covenant, nounce (to) His followers (of) East (and) enshrining (the) remains (of the) Martyr West (that the) final phase (of the) con- Prophet (of the) Faith, acquiring, through struction (of the) Biib's Sepulcher (has C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 239 been) ushered in through (the) erection stage (of the) initial epoch (in the) evolu- (of) scaffolding (for the) completion (of tion (of the) process initiated over sixty the) shuttering (of the) dome. years ago (by the) Founder (of the) Faith, Forty-four gilded tiles out of (a) total (in the) heart (of the) Mountain (of) God, (of) twelve thousand, designed (to) cover (is) consummated. (The) finishing touches two hundred fifty square'meter surface (of (of the) installation (of) stained glass win- the) dome (were) placed (in) permanent dows (in the) Drum (and) Octagon, (the) position (on the) eve (of the) ninth day of removal (of) scaffolding (from the) exte- the) Ninetieth Anniversary (of the) Ridvkn rior (and) interior (of the) edifice, (the) Festival. (On the) afternoon (of the) same interior calcimining (of the) Dome, Drum day, during (the) course (of a) moving (and) Octagon, tuckpointing, cleaning ceremony (in the) presence (of) pilgrims (and) floodlighting (the) entire Structure (and) resident believers (of) 'AkkB (and) (have been) completed, synchronizing Haifa, (there was) placed reverently (a) (with the) closing weeks (of the) glorious fragment (of the) plaster ceiling (of the) twelve-month (in the) annals (of the) Holy Bgb's prison cell (in the) Castle (of) Mkh- Faith. Kfi, beneath (the) gilded tiles (of the) (A) steadily swelling throng (of) visitors crowning unit (of the) majestic edifice. Cir- (from) far (and) near, (on) many days ex- cumambulated (the) base (of the) dome, ceeding (a) thousand, (is) flocking (the) paid homage (to) His memory, recalled gates leading (to the) Inner Sanctuary (of (His) afflictive imprisonment (and) offered this) majestic mausoleum; paying homage prayers (on) behalf (of the) friends (of) (to the) Queen of Carmel enthroned (on) East (and) West (on a) subsequent visit (to God's Mountain, crowned (in) glowing the) interior (of) His Shrine. gold, robed (in) shimmering white, girdled Preparatory steps are now being taken (in) emerald green, enchanting every eye (for the) pouring (of) concrete (for the) from air, sea, plain (and) hill. construction (of the) ribs (of the) dome, as ( I am) moved (to) request (the) attend- well as for (the) placing (of) ornamental ants (at the) Conference (to) hold (a) be- stones surrounding its base. fitting memorial gathering (to) pay tribute (My) hopes (are) heightened (that the) (to the) Hand (of the) Cause, Sutherland termination (of the) five-year-long, three- Maxwell, immortal architect (of the) Ar- quarter million dollar enterprise, undertaken cade (and) Superstructure (of the) Shrine. (in the) heart (of) Carmel, (will) coincide (I) feel, moreover, acknowledgement (with the) termination (of the) world-wide (should) be made (at the) same gathering celebrations commemorating (the) Cente- (of the) unflagging labors (and) vigilance nary (of the) inception (of) BahL'u'llBh's (of the) Hand (of the) Cause, Ugo Gia- Ministry. chery, (in) negotiating contracts, inspecting (and) despatching all materials required (for the) construction (of the) Edifice, as (On the) occasion (of the) conclusion well as (of the) assiduous, constant care (of (of the) Holy Year ( I am) overjoyed (to the) Hand (of the) Cause, Leroy Ioas, (in) share the) following triple announcement supervising (the) construction (of) both (with the) attendants (at the) fourth (and) Drum (and) Dome. To two doors (of the) h a 1 Intercontinental Teaching Conference, Shrine recently named after (the) first two marking (the) termination (of) festivities aforementioned Hands, (the) Octagon associated (with the) Centenary (of the) Door, now added, (will) henceforth (be) Birth (of) BahL'uYllkh'sProphetic Mission. associated (with the) third Hand who con- (The) five-year-old, three-quarter million tributed (to the) raising (of this) stately, dollar enterprise, constituting (the) final sacred Structure. . . . T H E BAHA'I WORLD 3 . A N A C C O U N T O F THE P R E P A R A T O R Y WORK I N I T A L Y O N April 22, 1948, at four o'clock in the tion."' For around and above the original afternoon, in a room of the Hotel Savoia in Edifice erected by 'Abdu'l-BahL this beauti- Rome, William Sutherland Maxwell, acting ful new exterior is being placed, as by en- for Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the chantment, within the matchless setting of BahQ'i Faith, signed the first contract for the magnificent gardens. The Persian gardens of marble necessary to complete the Shrine of Haifa are the finest in the East, and the con- the BLb on Mt. Carmel. As the signatures stant loving supervision of the Guardian has were being affixed to the document, the fine embellished them to a degree almost impos- drizzle which had been falling for many sible to visualize. hours ceased as by magic, and a ray of the At ground level the design of the Shrine warm spring sun lit up the room. calls for a quadrate colonnade, with twenty- All those present looked at the skies four columns and eight pilasters of Rose through the open balcony and smiled cheer- Granite of Baveno, each fifteen feet high fully, while this correspondent reviewed and resting on bases of the same granite. rapidly in his mind the contrasting condi- All tourists who have visited Italy know tions prevailing on this joyous occasion and Lake Maggiore. Between Stresa and Ver- those during the tremendous hours which bania on the shores of this romantic lake, followed the noon of July 9, ninety-eight stands Mt. Mottarone, famous for the years before, when an obscuring gale swept unique view of Lombardy's plains. On the the city of Tabriz at the time of the Bib's north side of this mountain, lies the Cava martyrdom. del Camoscio, or Quarry of the Chamois, On May 5 a second contract was signed from which the rose granite for the col- in the same room, and a complex and pon- umns, pilasters and bases has been quarried. derous machinery was set in motion. Archi- Huge blocks have been hewn from the side tects, draftsmen, quarriers, stonecutters, of the mountain, thence lowered by cograil sculptors, and artists began a momentous to the plains and transported by sturdy activity. Many are familiar with the beauti- horse-drawn carts to the marble works in ful color plate giving the architect's design Gravellona. Scores of men have been at of the Shrine as it appears in Volume IX of work on these blocks, week after week, pro- The B a h a World as the frontispiece. But ducing by their accurate, painstaking labor only a few have seen the counties> accurate the most perfect columns that glisten like and detailed drawings of this unique build- mirrors in the sun. Every column has been ing, a mighty work done by one man. packed as if it were precious glassware, in The Italian architects who have had the mammoth wooden boxes, for shipment to opportunity to examine these plans have ex- Haifa. pressed their admiration, with the highest The columns and pilasters support beau- words of praise, for the conception, the tifully carved capitals of rare design, em- style, the elegance, and the exquisite intri- bodying classic elements of ancient Greco- cacy of the decoration which characterizes Roman architecture and the delicate filigree- the entire project. like motifs of Persia. Twenty-eight carved So begins the befitting completion of the arches sustain the f a ~ a d ewith sculptured work envisioned by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, which He panels and join the four monumental cor- so dramatically described, "Every stone of ners into a harmonious ensemble. The that building, every stone of the road leading arches, panels, corners, and f a ~ a d e shave to it, I have with infinite tears and at tre- been made, piece by piece, of a marble-like mendous cost, raised and placed in posi- 2 Cited in God Passes By, by Shoghi Effendi, page 275. The original Edifice was completed in 1908 and the 1 Dr. Giachery was appointed by Shoghi Effendi as Bib's remains were laid to rest therein on March 21, his personal representative for the work in Italy for the 1909. (ffe "Entombment of the Bbb's Remains on Mt. Shrine of the Bib. (Editors.) Carmel, page 235 this Section.) C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 24 1 stone called Chiampo. This stone, which is liam Sutherland Maxwell, the architect for quarried near Vicenza, fifty miles northwest the Shrine, had signed, on behalf of the of Venice, is hard, compact, of uniform tex- Guardian, the first contract much had al- ture, and the delicate tint of wheat straw ready been accomplished. at harvest time. Seventy-two wooden cases, occupying 67 Car loads of large blocks of Chiampo cubic meters and weighing 90 metric tons, have been carried from the quarry to were stowed safely in the holds of the S.S. Pietrasanta, on the Tyrrhenian sea. Pietra- Norte, to be carried through a blockade of santa, just north of Pisa, is one of the fore- hostile naval vessels to its final destination most marble working centers of Italy, not in Haifa. Those early months will remain in far from Carrara. Here a large group of our memory as the most difficult of the en- skilled artists, carvers, stonecutters, carpen- tire period necessary to the procurement of ters, and sculptors have been mobilized un- material for the Shrine. der the guidance of two able architects There was no mail service at this time (one, a college professor) to transfer into between Italy and the nascent State of stone the dream-like conception of Mr. Israel; a few letters which had been posted Maxwell. had been returned to the sender. shipping This correspondent has had the special was erratic, and only a very few steamers privilege of visiting the laboratory of Pietra- dared to approach the shores of Israel as santa where over sixty men work daily with there was constant danger of confiscation of incredible facility to make the various hieces the cargo by hostile warships. To maintain of the building which dovetail to perfection. correspondence with the International It is a sight never to be forgotten: dozens of Bahb'i Center in Haifa was the most com- men at work in clouds of dust raised by plex and difficult problem. Plans and archi- their drills and chisels, deft fingers mov- tectural drawings had to be sent back and ing with care and skill, shaping the stone forth. Photographs of the work accom- they have learned to love, humble artists plished had to be submitted to Mr. Maxwell contributing to the engraving of pages of for his approval. Cablegrams sent only at splendor in the history of the Bahb'i Faith, the sender's risk and without promise of de- unknown actors in the unfolding of the most livery, if transmitted, were delayed by the glorious of all Plans as envisaged by censor for weeks at a time. After much Bahb'u'llgh. searching, a method was found by which In Pietrasanta, also, a large portion of the the necessary and vital correspondence outdoor yard is ever covered with immense could be carried on: Once a week there packing cases containing the completed passed through Rome a lone plane going pieces ready for shipment to Haifa. from Prague to Haifa. By complying with a It was on November 16, 1948, that the tedious and endless procedure of filling out following memorable cablegram was sent forms, waiting in long queues and obtain- from Rome to Shoghi Effendi in Haifa, and ing government permits, it became possible was despatched with deep emotion by this to entrust to the crew of the plane the pack- correspondent: ages of mail. These were delivered with "First shipment granite, stone holy Bgb's regularity but with much delay on account Shrine left Leghorn Sunday November 14th of the censorship. In looking back, it all Steamship Norte due Haifa twenty-third en- seems a continuous chain of miracles! trusting safety beloved Guardian's prayer The activity which originated in Rome assistance Blessed Perfection ever-present with the signing of three contracts in less Master's guiding hand. Loving devotion. than three months included, in the begin- Ugo Giachery." ning, the choice of the stone or marble to This message, the delivery of which was be used in the construction. Mr. Maxwell not guaranteed in war-torn I ~ r a e l ,was ~ to wanted very much to match a Palestinian bring to the Guardian the much awaited stone with a similar Italian marble. To news that the fruits of the first six months simplify the search Mr. Maxwell was taken of intense activity and toil in four different to the Geological Office of Rome, a govern- parts of Italy were ripe and ready to be de- ment institution where samples of stones of livered. Since that day in April, when Wil- every geological era and description are 3 Israel was declared an independent Republic in available. With the assistance of the director May, 1948. of the Office a stone was found which 242 T H E B A H A.'I W O R L D matched the Palestinian stone in color, Then, when operation was resumed at the structure and geological formation. It was a first signs of spring, the stratum uncovered typical Italian marble used chiefly in the was imperfect and criss-crossed by flaws. civil building trade. When the contractor for Weeks of anxiety followed until another the work on the Shrine, Messrs. Guido M. perfect stratum was struck and the much Fabbricotti, Successors, of Carrara, was needed material started to flow again from charged with locating the quarry and mak- Chiampo to Pietrasanta. ing a substantial purchase of this stone, it For the columns, the pilasters and their was found that all the approaches to the bases, which were made of Rose Baveno quarry had been blown up during the war granite, the matter was not so complicated and that to put the quarry back into opera- as the quarry yielded perfect blocks for all tion would require many months of work our needs. This part of the work was carried and a considerable sum of money. out in the little town of Gravellona near Taken aback but undaunted, we directed Lake Maggiore. the search in other directions and after a From the same district came also the second visit to the Geological Office an- green marble used in the panels of the balus- other quarry was located, in Northern Italy trade and as background for the central at the little town of Chiampo, not far from panel of the Greatest Name.5 "Verde Ugo" Venice. is the name of this beautiful green marble Signor Andrea R ~ c c a , the ~ energetic chosen by Mr. Maxwell; it is named after Italian architect who has been carrying out the owner of the quarry, Count Ugo d'Ivrea all the technical details of the work in Italy of Gressoney, Piedmont. as envisaged by Mr. Maxwell, was dis- After the first shipment had arrived safely patched immediately to this quarry to make in Haifa, we initiated a continuous flow of a thorough survey of the material. The re- material from the Italian ports of Genoa, ports were good and heartening, and ar- Leghorn and Venice to Haifa. Obstacles of rangements were made to quarry the needed every nature arose from time to time, from quantity of large blocks of "Chiampo," to the most unexpected sources. The most be sent by lorries, or trucks, to the Tyr- serious was created by the drought which rhenian side of the Italian peninsula where prevailed in Italy during the winter and the stone would be cut and carved. spring of 1949. All industrial electric power The reader should consider for a moment was curtailed to three working days per the arduous and intricate process of stone week. The workmen could not operate the q~~arrying as applied to the requirements for pneumatic drills and chisels; the great cut- the Shrine. A perfect stone was needed, ting saws were idle, and the production of without blemishes or even the most minute cut stone lagged behind the schedule which imperfection. Tons upon tons of rock had to had been set. After this correspondent had be removed first in order to reach the vein prevailed on the contractors to purchase a or stratum of the marble to be quarried. diesel electric generator, the rain started After that, a quantity about three times again and things went back to normal. larger than needed was to be removed and During these crises one of the partners of shipped to the laboratory. To illustrate this the contracting firm became very ill and point, for example, in order to carve to suddenly died. He was Colonel Alberto perfection an ornate capital, weighing when Bufalini of Carrara, a fine and competent finished about one ton, a block three times gentleman in whom Mr. Maxwell and this that weight was initially required-and correspondent had placed a great deal of there were thirty-two capitals to be carved! trust and responsibility. His death was a real After the signing of the third and fourth loss, an irreparable loss to the firm and his contracts, when much more "Chiampo" was family. His last words addressed to his wife needed, considerable difficulties were met were an exhortation to complete the work of with. First, the quarry had to be closed on the Shrine in the best possible manner, as account of the frigid weather and much this was the greatest thing he had done in snow which made any work impossible. his life time. Fortunately, his two young sons are carrying on, with competence and 4The Academy of Fine Arts of Carrara bestowed upon Signor Rocca the honorary Professorship in Ar- chitecture of that Academy, in recognition of his meri- 5 YL-BahL'u'l-AbhL, or Allih-u-Abhi, meaning ''God torious skill as an artist and an architect. the All Glorious!" C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 243 interest, the work so well initiated by their Rockefeller "Cloister" which was moved father. from France to New York City. Great anxiety was also caused by the The Guardian's desire was to have the shipping situation. We would engage a complete colonnade surrounding the origi- steamer to take a cargo on a certain date nal Shrine, built by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, erected from a certain port. The precious cargo of and finished for the one hundredth anniver- material for the Shrine would be brought to sary of the Martyrdom of the Bib-July 9, the wharf and there it would have to wait 1950. for days and days until the ship arrived. One Time was racing by fast. New contracts time the steamer arrived on schedule but an were concluded for the parapet which earthquake sent the population of Leghorn crowns the colonnade. Samples of gold and fleeing to the countryside, and there was no green mosaics were submitted for approval. one to load the ship! In another instance, Their acceptance started a new activity, the when the steamer was unloading our cargo completion of twenty-eight large panels of stone in the port of Haifa, the captain be- carved and embellished with "blue-green" came alarmed at a plane flying overhead and mosaic and "scarlet-red" blossoms. The hastily took the ship out of the port, re- great central panel, the one which was to turning half of the cargo back to Italy. An- bear the Greatest Name, was completed other time a fire broke out on board the with its huge star of green marble in one steamer Sacro Cuore, endangering all our piece and with background rays filled in shipment, but it remained miraculously un- with gold mosaic. damaged. Still another time a full load of he shipment of these panels presented a stone which had been transferred from the great problem. They were heavy, large in ship to a lighter in the port of Haifa went to size and delicate to handle on account of the mosaic. After thorough consultation with the bottom of the sea, when a stiff wind arose and capsized the lighter. Again good the Contractors and Signor Rocca it was de- fortune was on our side and a salvage com- cided to ship the panels in double cases to be sure they would arrive in Haifa in excel- pany with the aid of a diver brought every lent condition. The Guardian approved this case to the surface undamaged. plan, and every panel reached its destination The testing of all the cut stone has been in the utmost state of perfection. But the one of the most meticulous tasks and has problem of moving such large cases was not been carried out with unfailing precision a small one; again another link was added and accuracy. The reader should realize that to the chain of miracles. the stone shipped was not merely cut; it was To ship all the columns, pilasters, capi- cut to a size prescribed by plans made by tals, star panels, arches of the arcade, walls the architect, then carved, finished to a of the arcade, monumental corners, cor- smooth surface, and placed with its neigh- nices, small pilasters and panels of the para- boring stones in the actual part of the build- pet, we used seventeen different steamers ing erected in the marble works, in sections over a period of nineteen months. Nearly held together by plaster of Paris. Specialized eight hundred tons of finished material were workers then went over every single stone shipped and safely delivered in Haifa, in to eliminate any imperfection to the fraction 1,800 wooden cases. The largest piece of a line. The stones were then numbered, shipped weighed over three tons, and the the temporary part of the building disman- largest carved piece of "Chiampo" weighed tled, and every piece placed in a strong over one ton. Altogether 4,587 finished wooden box made especially for it, to be pieces were transported from Italy to Mt. shipped to Haifa. Carmel during this period. A detailed list would give the number of Over 100 trucks were required, to carry the case and the number of each stone the material from the laboratory to the contained in it, while a master key-plan wharves to be shipped, and more than 100 indicated the location of each stone in the railroad cars and lorries were used to bring building. A fascinating gigantic puzzle. An the stone blocks from the quarry to the lab- Italian journalist has stated that this appears oratory. to be the largest prefabricated building to On May 8, 1950, the last shipment left move from the European continent to any Leghorn on the S.S. Maria-the last 44 point in the world, even larger than thk cases containing the precious cargo for the T H E B A H A 'I W O R L D BAb's Shrine. This steamer entered the har- without damaging its structure or impairing bor of Haifa on May 20, thus bringing to a in any manner the sacred entirety of the close the nineteen months of intense labor Holy Tombs. To carry out this bold plan, on the Italian side of the Mediterranean Sea. this correspondent was called upon to pro- On June 29, 1950, the last small stone was vide and ship at the earliest possible moment put in position at 3 :30 P.M. in the Arcade of a large amount of structural steel, eight huge the Shrine on Mt. Carmel, in ample time for Manesmann pipesG and 100,000 pounds of the commemoration of the Centenary of the cement-all material it was impossible to se- Martyrdom of the Bib. The Guardian's cure in Israel. On the other hand, Italy's re- foresight had won; the colonnade was com- construction program made these materials pleted and all the BahB'i world rejoiced at extremely scarce in Italy and they were ex- the announcement. portable only under special Government li- The morning of the first of September, censes. Twice the cement was obtained and 1950, a cable from Shoghi Effendi was re- twice, with great swiftness, its shipment was ceived, announcing the shipment by plane prevented by ever-changing and unheralded of the architectural drawings for the octagon Government regulations. After weeks of section of the Shrine superstructure, to ob- stubborn perseverance, and soliciting and tain an estimate of the cost and of the time pleading with Government agencies, the required to complete this part of the con- licenses were obtained and the material left struction. On September 8 the drawings fi- the port of Leghorn on two ships, the S.S. nally arrived. After a series of conferences Komemiut and the S.S. Frankis, on April 5 and consultations with Architect Rocca and and 13, 1951, respectively. representatives of the firm of Messrs. Guido Professor Neuman has personally de- M. Fabbricotti, Successori, of Carrara, a scribed to this correspondent the fascinating new contract for the carved Chiampo neces- and highly skilled work of casting the eight sary to erect the octagon was stipulated. The huge piers and the eight-pointed star on contract was signed in Rome, at Via Liguria which the entire new structure-the octa- 38, on Saturday, October 21. Again a com- gon, the drum and the dome-will rest. The plex machinery was set in motion with a star consists of eight interlocked beams of speed that, at the time, left both this corre- reinforced concrete, each measuring one spondent and the contractors spellbound foot wide, six feet deep and forty-three feet and breathless; immediately a representative long, each point of the star resting on one of the contractor was dispatched to Chiampo of the eight vertical piers. The lower edge of to purchase all the blocks of marble re- the beams is a distance of about one foot quired, before the closing of the quarry from the roof of the original Shrine. On the which, on account of the inclement weather, upper part of the beams is laid a mighty was scheduled the first week of November. concrete platform which constitutes the As soon as the work of cutting and carv- floor of the octagon and the foundation for ing the stone started, new technical prob- the eight steel columns. As all the beams are lems of vital importance arose in Haifa interlocked (like two superimposed quad- which demanded skillful, rapid and accurate rangles), it was necessary to cast this enor- solution. The reader should consider that the mous foundation in one day-something of ensemble of the octagon, the drum and the a miracle, "epoch-making, unique in the his- dome-a mighty construction weighing over tory of engineering in the entire Middle 1,000 tons-could not be laid on the roof East," said Professor Neuman, "as we had of the original Shrine, this venerable Edifice to cast 135 cubic meters of concrete in one erected by 'Abdu'l-BahA being unable to single day." hold such tremendous weight. During this search for the materials men- Prof. H. Neuman of Haifa Institute of tioned, another cablegram from Shoghi Technology, the engineer for the project, de- Effendi requested an estimate of the cost of vised a very ingenious system to support the the cylinder (or drum) and of the dome. entire superstructure by planning to sink Again new conferences and consultations eight mighty piers, of unusual dimensions, took place, to agree on many important all the way through the original Shrine to technical details and to discuss costs and la- reach the bedrock lying under its founda- bor. tion. It was a truly gigantic and delicate task G Hollow steel columns 15 feet high and one foot to break through the masonry of the Shrine wide, to support the drum aild the dome. C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 245 After several quotations were submitted The task of cutting and carving the to the Guardian, authority was received to Chiampo stone for the octagon was proceed- stipulate a new contract at a favorable cost, ing with great alacrity. It was a meticulous and on Friday, March 24, the contract was and vast undertaking to carve out of the signed at Via Liguria, in Rome. During ne- stone eight fa~adeseach measuring twenty- gotiations for this contract, additional re- four by twenty-six feet, with intricate orna- quests were received from time to time from mental carvings and eight huge pinnacles to Shoghi Effendi which resulted in new con- be placed at the summit of every corner. 1 EDIFICE BUILT B Y 'ABDU'L-BAHA' -3. REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAM C O N C R E T E PIERS T O BED-ROCK Haif a, Israel. Sketch of the eight-pointed star foundation for the Octagon: 1. Outline of original Edifice, built by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, roughly square in shape. 2. Eight reinforced concrete piers rising from bedrock to one foot above roof level of original Edifice. 3. Reinforced concrete eight-pointed star foundation, consisting of eight interlocked concrete beams one foot wide, six feet deep and forty-three feet long. The eight points of this star rest on the eight concrete piers; the entire star is raised one foot above the roof of the original Edifice. 4. Dotted line connecting points of the star foundation represents the f a ~ a d eof the Octagon. Small circles at intersections of beams indicate position of the eight hollow steel columns (Manesmann pipes). tracts for the beautiful hand-wrought iron Over fifty highly skilled stone cutters and railing for the octagon, iron window frames artist carvers accomplished this work, some- for the same structure and for the cylinder times laboring until late at night in order to -a total of eighteen large windows, eight of deliver the material in less than a year. Ship- medium size, sixteen small ones-and an ments were made from time to time. The oak door with wrought-iron grill. In addition first lot of Chiampo, 18 tons carefully to these items other contracts were drawn packed in sealed wooden boxes, left the port up for lamp posts to embellish the terraces of Leghorn on May 4, on the S.S. De Vil- outside the Shrine and for artistic wrought- hena. Another important shipment of 105 iron gates for the completion of the terraces. tons was made on August 2 on the S.S.Resi, 246 T H E BAHA'I WORLD and was followed by other shipments of 54 precedented violence were lashing the north tons on the same steamer on September 26, and the south of the Italian peninsula, bring- of 30 tons on the S.S. Rapido on November ing about the disastrous floods which devas- 12, and the balance on the S.S. De Vilhena tated all the Polesine region in the north and on December 3. a good part of Calabria in the south. The About the middle of September an addi- Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic seas were tional request was received, for structural stormy as they had never been in the mem- steel, another 100,000 pounds of cement, a ory of any living man. Right at that moment huge quantity of construction lumber, all to a large cargo of Chiampo stone, of steel and permit the erection of the cylinder and the a good part of the lumber had been sent to dome. By this time the Italian Government the port of Leghorn for shipment. No had made it almost impossible to purchase steamer was then able to enter or leave any or to ship abroad any quantity of steel, even port. All shipping was paralyzed for a few the smallest. Petitions to the proper author- ity, and verbal pleading seconded by written weeks and our precious and most needed statements stressing the importance of com- cargo lay idle at the wharf. It was only on pleting the cylinder and the dome of the November 12 (BahL'u'llLh's birthday) that Shrine, which would extol1 the skill of Ital- the S.S. Rapido, after completing hasty load- ian artistry, brought the capitulation of the ing operations, sailed from Leghorn with the adamant Committee on Exports, and with weather still unsettled. the great rejoicing of this correspondent the At the present date, January, 1952, the export license for the steel, cement and lum- work is proceeding with great speed to com- ber was granted. "This is an exceptional plete the cylinder with its eighteen intri- measure," stated the government official cately carved windows, the eighteen great who signed the license, "as no such permit ribs of the dome, and the stone lantern has been granted for months, even to larger which crown this superstructure of the corporations with world-wide trade." Shrine, like outstretched arms and uplifted By the middle of October storms of un- hands joined in a prayer to the Almighty. 4. R E P O R T S ON T H E CONSTRUCTION O F THE ARCADE SHOGHI EFFENDI has asked me to where the Bhb's earthly remains should be write you about the progress of the building placed at rest. That was a memorable day of the arcade about the Shrine of the BBb and it is fitting that one of the BahL'is pres- on Mt. Carmel from time to time, with the ent at the time should now be residing at the suggestion that it be printed in BahBi News BahL'i Pilgrim House near the Shrine and for the information of the friends. This is a acting as host to all visitors-Hussein Ek- rather large task for so poor a servant to bal. He is a fine and kindly, elderly gentle- nndertake, for truly the erection of this ar- man, and it is a privilege to meet and know cade will be an epic milestone in the annals him. of the Bah6'i Faith, and will foreshadow the All Bah6'is know that 'Abdu'l-BahL was erection of the golden dome, some one hun- able to bring the precious remains of the dred and twenty feet in height, and the com- BBb to Mt. Carmel and to erect six of the pletion of the enterprise conceived by BahL'- nine rooms of the present Shrine building. u'116h sixty years ago. Perhaps, something not so well known, is Many of the friends will recall the circu- that one day in 1915, 'Abdu'l-BahB was sit- lar group of cypress trees near the Shrine, ting on the terrace at the top of the steps of under which BahL'u'llBh sat when He indi- His home looking up to the building then on cated to 'Abdu'l-BahL the spot upon which Mt. Carmel and remarked that as yet the the Shrine of the Bib was to be erected, and Shrine of the BBb was "unbuilt" and that C O M P L E T I O N O F S E P U L C H E R O F T H E BAB 247 considerable sums of money would be told by Ugo Giachery who rendered so great needed, but God willing, they would be a service in all this work, and continues to forthcoming. How significant that word "un- act as Shoghi Effendi's appointed represent- built," and yet, how precious are the rooms ative in Italy in the matter of stone for the built at His direction! How indicative it was Shrine of the B5b. that He envisaged the beautiful structure Very quickly after the return from Italy, which is to be raised about the precious on May 15, affairs in Palestine took on a kernel He had placed on Mt. Carmel. You swifter tempo. The British Mandate had may be sure no stone which was laid at His come to an end and the State of Israel came desire will ever be disturbed. This same will to birth. This latter event forced a change in hold true of the three rooms added by Sho- the construction plans for the Shrine. The ghi Effendi after the passing of 'Abdu'l- first intent was to use Palestinian stone for Bahi, and in accordance with His desire. the thresholds, the corners, walls, and the The present nine-room structure will always cornices, but circumstances left the quarries remain the kernel of the Shrine and the of the needed stone in the hands of the present project will only be a beautiful and Arabs. This looked like a serious obstacle glorious shell to protect and preserve it. and might cause a serious delay, but Shoghi Even with this bit of background in mind, Effendi immediately communicated with few will ever know the intense longing Ugo Giachery and within a surprisingly which has been in the heart of Shoghi Ef- short time Ugo was able to place a further fendi, over a long period of years, to start contract with Guido M. Fabbricotti, Suc- the construction of the edifice he knew was cessors, for the cutting, in Chiampo granite, so dear to the heart of 'Abdu'l-Bahh. Then, of all the stone needed to construct the ar- suddenly, in the spring of this year, 1948, he cade. Everyone feels this has been a happy felt that the end of his patient waiting had turn of events as this Chiampo granite is a come, even though conditions in the world, very fine and beautiful stone. The placing of and especially in Palestine, were far from this latest contract means that all the stone propitious. However, he well knew that of the arcade will be Italian and it is possi- every great step forward in our Bahi'i Faith ble that when the time comes to add the has been taken under severe difficulties, balustrade and the tall dome the master therefore, he did not hesitate to send Mr. stonecutters of Italy will have more work William S. Maxwell to Italy with his exqui- to do. sitely designed plans, to contract for the cut- With the matter of the stonework de- ting and carving of the stone necessary to cided, Shoghi Effendi took swift action to- bring out the full richness and delicacy of ward preparing the site about the Shrine for the arcade he, Mr. Maxwell, has conceived. the work to come. This is a huge task in It might be mentioned that his designs and itself and is not without a little heartbreak drawings have excited the admiration of for it means disturbing the beauty Shoghi many of the finest stonecutters in Italy. This Effendi has devoted so many years to create is justified and it is to be regretted that space about the Shrine, to gladden the hearts of does not allow the telling of the labor and the pilgrims and visitors. There were hun- devotion Mr. Maxwell has put into this dreds upon hundreds of finely laid tiles to be work. It is great, very great. carefully removed and properly stored, The trip to Italy was most successful; many yards of well-cared-for hedging and with the very able assistance of Dr. Ugo R. trees to take up and replant, four huge, lead Giachery, contracts were entered into with vases and their pedestals dismounted, the Guido M. Fabbricotti, Successors, of Car- laying of the foundation and the taking of rara, Italy, for twenty-four columns and many, many cubic yards of stone from the eight pilasters, with their bases, to be cut high wall on the mountain side of the and polished from Rose Baveno granite, the Shrine. The laying of the foundation has capitals for these, together with the twenty- been completed and the cutting of the rock eight graceful arches, star panels and deli- wall progressing swiftly under Shoghi Ef- cate, curved corner panels to be cut and fendi's direction. carved of cream, Chiampo granite. The While work was progressing in Haifa search for a proper stone and the selection much of the work in Italy was being finished of Chiampo granite for this fine carved and packed for shipment. The excitement of work is a tale in itself and could better be the day Shoghi Effendi asked Ugo Giachery T H E BAHA'I WORLD to arrange for the first shipment of stone bors both great and small, it is to be hoped was only equaled by the day we learned that that the friends who read it will not forget the S. S. Norte had left Italy with some one the importance and great purpose behind hundred and twelve tons of columns, pi- these strivings. The structure 'Abdu'l-Bah6 lasters, bases, socles, and threshold stones, hoped one day, God willing, would be raised and would arrive in Haifa on November 28. upon the side of Mt. Carmel is taking tangi- Activities increased greatly here as there was ble form under the hands of our beloved much to be done to clear the shipment Guardian. through customs, arrange transportation Haifa, Dec. 28, 1948 from the port and prepare a space near the Gardens where this precious cargo could be With completion of the foundation to- stored. And then came word from Ugo that ward the end of 1948, the enlarging of the an additional forty tons was being loaded on site of the Shrine began. This meant cutting the S. S. Campidoglio and would arrive in into the side of the mountain and the re- Haifa on December 3. One hundred and moval of many hundreds of yards of earth fifty-two tons of cut, carved and polished and rock. It was a difficult work and was not stone on the high seas! Only a small part of made easier by the very cold and rainy the six hundred and fifty odd tons to come winter such as has not been experienced in from Italy, but the flow of stone had started! Israel for many years. Yet, despite the ad- At last the 28th came and the slow and verse circumstances, under the direction of careful unloading got underway. A good Shoghi Effendi, this work, including the nec- measure of the pieces were unloaded into essary retaining wall, was completed within lighters but the great columns and pilasters, a period of time that amazed the engineers. weighing about three tons each, had to be It was truly a herculean task in itself and is taken from the S.S. Norte by one of the big the more remarkable if consideration is shore cranes. It was a grand sight to see given to the fact that Shoghi Effendi also those huge crates rise slowly out of the hold extended the terrace of the Garden upon of the ship and be gently lowered onto the which the Shrine is located, by a matter of quay. With the unloading completed, the some two hundred feet. A truly large under- work of clearing the shipment was quickly taking in itself due to the steepness of the finished and the transportation to the storage mountain. space near the Gardens started. Before this As this work neared completion a new task was completed the S.S. Campidoglio ar- drainage system for the Shrine was put in rived with forty additional tons, was cleared and the day the first of stones so carefully and in due time all stone transported to the cut in Italy, was to be laid, drew close. On storage space to await the day it can be March 14, 1949, one week before the forti- placed in its position to form the arcade eth anniversary of the placing by 'Abdu'l- about the Shrine of the Bbb. Bahb of the Bfib's blessed remains in the How everyone is looking forward to the sarcophagus presented by the Burmese day when the first stone will be laid on the BahL'is for this purpose-the first threshold foundation! Then day by day this great and stone weighing half a ton, was set in its beautiful structure will take form. The exact place upon the foundation. The beau- polished rose granite bases will be put into tiful arcade for the Shrine of the B6b on position, the twenty-four polished, rose Mt. Carmel, conceived by Mr. William S. granite columns and eight pilasters will be Maxwell, was really taking form. Dreams stood proudly erect ready to receive their were taking on reality. intricately carved Chiampo stone capitals, The setting of the one hundred and forty the beautifully designed curved corners will threshold stones proceeded swiftly and the rise stone upon stone, the twenty-eight base stones for three of the comers were put graceful arches will rest secure on the capi- in position. At this point there was an inter- tals, the delicately carved star panels inset ruption due to the long drought in Italy and at last the cornices put into place. Thus which cut the use of electric power to three will be completed the first step in the con- days a week. This delayed the arrival of struction of the glorious rose and gold edi- stone we needed to continue. How we would fice which will forever guard and protect the have liked to have sent some of our excess Shrine of the Bib on Mt. Carmel. rain to Italy! Still, this interrupti0.n was not While this letter is mostly a recital of la- without its benefit, for it did give time to de- COMPLETION O F SEPULCHER O F T H E BAB 249 vise a special gantry to be used to lift the progress of the work at the Shrine of the huge Rose Baveno pilasters and columns Bib on Mt. Carmel. A goodly amount of into place, and other pieces of stone work progress has taken place since the last re- ranging up to a ton or more. port, in fact, the arcade has been over half With the arrival of the needed pieces of completed, but not without difficulties. stone the work was resumed with-renewed The continued drought in Italy still de- vigor and with lightened hearts. It is pro- layed stone shipments, as mentioned in the gressing swiftly and in a most encouraging last report. This made the planning of con- manner. The three corners upon which work struction progress difficult. Plans would be is being done have taken on a strength and made for ihearrival of a shipment and then promise of beauty difficult to picture, with it would be delayed. This was annoying but the erection of the two great, square Rose when a lighter load of sixty-one cases of Baveno pilasters with which each finely pro- stone sank in the harbor one stormy night portioned corner is bound. To see one of we felt we had a real burden on our shoul- these solid pieces of granite some fifteen feet ders. However, like all burdens and tests we long rise into position is a sight never to be found it not as severe as we thought and forgotten. It is raised slowly and with infi- that it did add to our experience. It was not nite care until it is above its base and then, long before a diver had salvaged the cases with much measuring, lowered into the posi- from the bottom of the harbor and not a tion it will hold for ages. Six of these fine stone had been damaged. We had a further monoliths have been put into position and experience of a like nature when a case was the stone work of Chiampo granite forming dropped into the water when it slipped from these corners is over half way to the top of the sling while unloading. We also had the the pilasters. This includes some of the very experience of a ship catching afire while she fine carved work of the curved section of was unloading, and it was necessary to flood the corners. Even in the present construction her to put out the fire. We were very wor- stage of these corners, they bring exclama- ried about this as can be imagined, but we tions of delight from those who view them. found that not a single one of our precious Who can say how the first sight of the com- cases had been harmed in the slightest. With pleted arcade will ravish the hearts of all the vicissitudes many of our shipments have who behold it? passed through it is miraculous that no dam- Sitting within sight of the Shrine of the age was done to a single stone which would Bhb, as this report is being written, makes it have called for a long delay in the work difficult to keep thoughts within due bounds while it was being recut. of a true report. Knowing that on the mor- While these difficulties were heartrending, row a start is to be made in preparation for still the work on the arcade went steadily on. raising twelve of the graceful Rose Bavena The three magnificent curved corners took columns tends to distracting thoughts of the on more height and grandeur. Twelve of the future. Aye, that future! Those twelve great huge Rose Baveno granite columns were set columns, and the twelve to follow, each with upon their bases, each with its beautifully its carved capital, the graceful arches, the carved Chiarnpo granite capital. A momen- walls with the inset star panels, then the tous occasion truly! Then followed the balustrade and over all the great dome! placing of the finely cut graceful arches, That is what a Bahl'i would envisage if sit- seven on the east side and seven on the ting here. That is what a Bahi'i would en- north. This led to the building up of the visage upon seeing just one stone set in place walls to the height of the architrave, includ- and to be able to touch it. Further, a BahL'i ing the star panels and half star panels, those would sense something of the great import gems which relieve the austerity of the walls of what our beloved Guardian is creating on and balance the fine, ornate, curved corners. the side of Mt. Carmel for the future of the With the completion to the architrave of the world. How the Bahl'is would strive and beautiful corners at the southeast, northeast pray for the completion of the glorious cov- and northwest and the walls to the east and ering for the Shrine of the Bib if they but north, the summer came to a close and plans knew something of this! for the winter work were made. One of the first steps in this work is al- Our beloved Guardian has asked that a ready nearing completion, the excavation of third report be made to the friends on the the mountain on the west and south sides 250 T H E BAHA'I WORLD of the Shrine. This has meant the removal of space might be pled, the real need is the of many, many hundreds of cubic yards of abilities of a poet or a great artist to picture rock and earth and the building of a retain- what is now being created in Italy. ing wall which on the south side will reach The expressions of admiration made by a height of nearly ten meters. The earth and the many many visitors to our beautiful rock excavated will be used to extend the BahL'i Gardens on the work already done terrace upon which the Shrine stands, to the on the arcade, when they get a partial view east or the right as you stand facing the sea of it from the unrestricted part of the Gar- and the city of 'Akkh. dens, are heartwarming, and one wonders to As soon as the wall is completed, work what length they will go when the arcade is will start on the southwest curved corner, finished and open to the public. What will the setting of its two great pilasters and the they feel and think when they see the deli- placing of the twelve remaining columns cate rose of the tall columns, the light cream with their capitals. Then the arches and the of the impressive and strong corners and wall stones of the west and south sides. As walls and last, but not least, the crown of this work progresses the concrete ceilings glory, the parapet, with its green panels (the will be poured, and the stones of the archi- green emblematic of the Bgb's lineage) and trave and cornices set in place. Then will the gold of the Greatest Names and the rays come the momentous setting up of the para- to add the final touch of color and balance pet, which is to be such a fitting crown for to it all? To this beautiful harmony of color this splendid and glorious arcade the labors will be added the superb carving, so exqui- of our beloved Guardian are bringing into site in design, and the proportions which being about our holy Shrine of the BAb on convey such a feeling of strength and age- Mt. Carmel. less endurance. Do you doubt but what it In mid-summer, in anticipation of this last will leave a vision in their hearts that will momentous part of the work, our Guardian last throughout a lifetime? instructed Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, as his rep- Please do not ask what it will mean to a resentative in Italy, to negotiate a fourth Bah&'imaking a pilgrimage to this holy spot. contract with Guido M. Fabbricotti, Succes- My prayer is that you all may have this sors, of Carrara, Italy, for the fabrication of privilege and bounty, God willing. this intricate stone work. On September 7, 1949, the contract was signed and calls for With the passing of an unusually severe close to two hundred tons of fine carving winter (1949-1950), and one of many and and delicate mosaic work. Mr. W. S. Max- diverse labors, despite the adverse weather, well has created a masterpiece of beauty and the construction plans for the winter were design. There will be thirty-two Chiampo more than fulfilled and the completion of stone posts with carved caps. There will be this glorious and sacred arcade enveloping twenty-seven large panels carved in low re- the Shrine of the Bhb is rapidly approach- lief with a background of variegated blue- ing. green opaque glass mosaic. These panels will At the beginning of the winter, construc- be in single slabs and weigh nearly a ton tion on the west and south sides of the ar- each. There will be a special central panel cade began in earnest. The southwest curved for the fro.nt faqade of the arcade, with a corner with its huge rose granite pilasters large star with radiating gold rays, and there rapidly took shape. Twelve great rose col- will be the Greatest Name done in metal umns and their capitals were put in place. and gilded superimposed upon the green While this work was going on, the wall of marble star. This panel will be complete the mountain on the south side of the Shrine with the intricately designed 'B's' to the right was strengthened and the terrace upon and the left of the circle of green marble en- which the Shrine of the Bgb stands was ex- closing the star and the golden rays. The tended to the east. This extension required 'B's' will be in low relief and the back- the building of a high retaining wall and was ground mosaic. The four curved corners will a major engineering undertaking in itself, have beautifully designed ornamentation in but under the guidance of our Guardian it which there will be a large oval of green went forward at amazing speed and is now marble and again the Greatest Name will be a flourishing garden. superimposed upon each oval. This is a very With these activities at their height the inadequate description, and while the lack first shipment of the parapet stones arrived. COMPLETION O F SEPULCHER O F T H E BAB Included in this shipment were the first of report but you may all be assured that con- the twenty-seven mosaic panels which with struction of the arcade about the Shrine of their artistry and beauty of design conceived the BBb is nearing its conclusion. A great by Mr. Maxwell will so enhance the majesty step forward will have been taken when the of the glorious crown now being placed last stone has been laid. A breath-taking edi- upon the towering walls of the arcade which fice of beauty will stand in a garden of great is to protect the holy Shrine of the BBb for splendor, which our beloved Guardian has all posterity. Our impatience to open one of already created, for all the world to be these cases of panels knew no bounds. drawn to in admiration, and all BahVis in When, at last, one of the panels had been reverence and devotion. carefully exposed it is nee.dless to say our Haifa, Israel admiration also knew no bounds. The bowl May 30, 1950 of our expectations overflowed. The crafts- manship of the Italian artisans in stone and At three-thirty o'clock in the afternoon on mosaic work was beyond compare and Mr. May 29, 1950, the last stone was placed in Maxwell's design and plan had become a position in the huge corner panel at the noble fruit. As Mr. Maxwell is extremely southeast corner of the arcade about the reticent in speaking of his work and is not Shrine of the BBb on Mt. Carmel. It was given to a display of his emotions one will only a small stone, being about a foot long never know the extreme pleasure it must and ten inches in width, triangular in shape, have been for him to stand before this but how filled with import the setting of it beautiful creation and know that he had in- was! The placing of this small stone brought spired it. to a close the first stage in the construction With these wonderful panels on hand the of one of the most magnificent and im- workmen went forward with added zest to portant edifices in the world of today and prepare for the setting of them. Soon the the long long tomorrow of the future. day came when the first panel on the east You know something of the extraordinary side of the arcade was brought carefully into conditions existing at the World Center place and raised into position. At the end of when our beloved Guardian sent Mr. Max- the second day the other six panels were well to Italy to arrange for the nearly eight placed with the small pillars standing be- hundred tons of stone to be used in com- tween. Not long after, the cover stones and pleting the arcade. You know something of the finials of the pillars were added thus the many difficulties that have been en- completing the east side of the arcade. countered and overcome, that are so remi- Now the staging needed for all this con- niscent of every great forward step taken in struction could be removed and the full the advancement of our beloved Faith. An beauty of these labors stood revealed: The attempt has been made in reports to picture delicate rose of the huge columns and the something of the splendor and beauty of the pilasters, the graceful arches, the light cream edifice conceived by Mr. Maxwell and of the wall stones and then the wondrous brought into reality through storm and stress and glorious crown of glory, the balustrade under the sure guidance of the Guardian, up with its panels of carved Chiampo granite to and including the large mosaic panels of with a background of light green, glass mo- the balustrade. You must be anxious to saic with a few flecks of red and a narrow know something of the great and tall corner green border of Ugo Vert granite, with sub- panels and the jewel of splendor the magnifi- dued touch of color so masterfully added to cent central panel, a gem of great price set bring out the full beauty, dignity and glory in the diadem of our arcade. of this magnificent edifice. And how sym- Those towers of massive strength, the bolic of the BBb's martyrdom are those concave curved corners are most fittingly panels-those gems set in the crown of crowned by curved panels rising nearly nine gloriousness, the balustrade! The white Chi- feet in height, and tapering to a point. The amp0 stone denoting the pure light of His central stone, weighing over a ton and a Message, the green symbolical of His lineage half, has a large oval of Ugo Vert marble and the red flecks the drops of blood of His set into it upon which is mounted the Great- Martyrdom. As one stands before this est Name in the calligraphy used on BahVi beauty one's heart is near to bursting. ring stones, done with a special gold-fired There is little more to be added to this bronze. This green oval is wreathed in a sim- 252 T H E BAHA'I WORLD ple floral design. The upper portion of the background of bright gold mosaic; all being panel tapers to a point with finely carved enclosed in a narrow band of dark green wings diminishing in size to make a fitting Ugo Vert marble. The cover stones for this frame for the carving over the oval that glorious panel are harmoniously carved to adds so much to the strength, dignity and make a perfect setting for this truly inspiring harmony of these four immense corner masterpiece. This central panel is truly a panels. The dignity and majesty of these masterpiece, and perhaps something more, curved corner panels are enhanced by the for as one views it there is a glow and radi- simplicity of the square panels with their ance about the nine-pointed star that does cover stones of quiet leaf-fluting which flank not come from just the white stone and gold the curved sect'lons. These square panels mosaic. There is a golden aura that is a sign have their centers cut back in two steps and a promise of the Golden Age our be- taking away any feeling of weight, and this loved Faith is to bring to the world. inset carving is so finely proportioned in size The real evidence of the greatness of this and depth that these panels become the per- step initiated by, inspired by and which has fect union between the beautiful mosaic been completed under the guidance of our panels of the sides and the imposing curved beloved Guardian, now stands in all its panels at each corner. majesty and glory in the Bahi'i Gardens, The central panel, set in the balustrade of also created by our Guardian, on the side of the north f a ~ a d ewhich faces 'AkkB and Mt. Carmel, the most holy mountain-the overlooks Mt. Carmel Avenue, is a true arcade about the Shrine of the Bib. It is the crown jewel. Its center is a great five-foot initial stage in the erection of the glorious circle resting between two quarter panels edifice which is always to guard and protect each having carved upon them an exqui- the sacred building 'Abdu'l-BahB caused to sitely designed floral "B" with backgrounds be reared under terrible adversity, on the of light green mosaic. The great circle has spot designated by Bahi'u'llih as the final a huge nine pointed star of dark green mar- resting place for the Sacred Remains of the ble set in it upon which is mounted the Bib and within which He, 'Abdu'l-BahB, Greatest Name done in gold-fired bronze placed those Sacred Remains with His own and in the Persian calligraphy so familiar to loving hands. It is to be remembered that all Bahi'is. From the nine-pointed star radi- this inspiring edifice will ever stand as a ate carved rays of Chiampo stone having a shining light for all the world to glory in. VII T H E INAUGURATION O F T H E W O R L D B A H A ' ~ CRUSADE 1. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE GUARDIAN H A I L , (with) feelings (of) humble BahQ'i Community (in the) five continents, thankfulness (and) unbounded joy, opening may each (and) all, through their victorious (of the) Holy Year com~nemorating(the) consummation, add distinct fresh luster (to centenary (of the) rise (of the) Orb (of) the) world-wide festivities constituting (the) BahQ'u'llih's most sublime Revelation mark- collective tribute paid (by the) followers (of ing (the) consummatio~l(of the) six thou- the) Most Great Name (to the) memory sand year cycle ushered in (by) Adam, glo- (of the) august Founder (of) their Faith in rified (by) all past prophets (and) sealed honor (of the) centenary (of the) birth (of) (with the) blood (of the) Author (of the) His Mission (and the) eternal glory (of) Bibi Dispensation. Evoke (on this) auspi- His embryonic, majestically unfolding cious occasion (the) glorious memory (and) World Order. acclaim (the) immortal exploits (of the) Feel hour propitious (to) proclaim (to the) Dawn-Breakers (of the) Apostolic Age (of entire BahQ'i world (the) projected launch- the) BahL'i Dispensation (in the) cradle (of ing (on the) occasion (of the) convocation the) Faith (and the) mighty feats (of the) (of the) approaching Intercontinental Con- champion builders (of) its rising World ferences (on the) four continents (of the) Order (in the) Western Hemisphere as well globe (the) fate-laden, soul-stirring, decade- as (the) multitude (of) valo~ousachieve- long, world-embracing Spiritual Crusade ments (of the) past (and) present genera- involving (the) simultaneous initiation (of) tions (of) their brethren (in the) European, twelve national Ten Year Plans (and the) Asiatic, African (and) Australian conti- concerted participation (of) all National nents, whose combined accomplishments Spiritual Assemblies (of the) Bahi'i world during (the) one hundred (and) nine years aiming (at the) immediate extension (of) (of) its existence contributed (to the) sur- Bahi'u'llih's spiritual dominion as well vival (of) God's struggling Faith, (the) as (the) eventual establishment (of the) reinforcement (of) its infant strength, (the) structure (of) His administrative order safeguarding (of the) unity (of) its sup- (in) all remaining Sovereign States, Prin- porters, (the) preservation (of the) integ- cipal Dependencies comprising Principali- rity (of) its teachings, (the) enrichment (of ties, Sultanates, Emirates, S_haykJhdoms, the) lives (of) its followers, (the) rise (of Protectorates, Trust Territories, (and) the) institutions (of) its administrative Crown Colonies scattered (over the) sur- order, (the) fashioning (of the) agencies face (of the) entire planet. (The) entire for (the) systematic diffusion (of) its light body (of the) avowed supporters (of) (and the) broadening (and the) consolida- BahQ'u'llih's all-conquering Faith (are) now tion (of) its foundations. Moved (to) ex- summoned (to) achieve (in a) single dec- press (the) confident hope as (the) cen- ade feats eclipsing (in) totality (the) tenary celebrations now commencing, attain achievements which (in the) course (of (their) climax during (the) approaching the) eleven preceding decades illuminated Widvin period, (that the) plans formulated (the) annals (of) BahQ'i pioneering. (by the) valiant members (of the) World (The) fourfold objectives (of the) forth- 25 3 254 T H E BAHA'I WORLD coming Crusade, marking (the) third (and) erection (of the) first dependency (of the) last phase (of the) initial epoch (of the) Ma&riqu'l-Adhkir (in) Wilmette. (The) evolution (of) 'Abdu'l-BahB's Divine Plan development (of the) functions (of the) (are) destined (to) culmiilate (in the) institution (of the) Hands (of the) Cause. world-wide festivities commemorating (the) (The) establishment (of a) BahB'i Court fast-approaching Most Great Jubilee. First, (in the) Holy Land, preliminary (to the) development (of the) institutions (at the) emergence (of the) Universal House (of) World Center (of the) Faith (in the) Holy Justice. Land. Second, consolidation, through care- Codification (of the) laws (and) ordi- fully devised measures (on the) home front nances (of the) Kitib-i-Aqdas, Mother (of the) twelve territories destined (to) Book (of the) BahL'i Revelation. Establish- serve (as) administrative bases (for the) ment (of) six national BahB'i Courts (in the) operations (of the) twelve National Plans. chief cities (of the) Islamic East, Tihrin, Third, consolidation (of) all territories al- Cairo, Baghdid, New Delhi, Karichi, Kibul. ready opened (to the) Faith. Fourth, (the) ~xtension(of) international BahB'i endow- opening (of the) remaining chief virgin ments (in the) Holy Land, (on the) plain territories (on the) planet through specific (of) 'Akki (and the) slopes (of) Mt. allotments (to) each National Assembly Carmel. Construction (of) international functioning (in the) BahL'i world. BahP'i Archives (in the) neighborhood (of (The) projected historic, spiritual ven- the) Bib's Sepulcher. Construction (of a) ture, at once arduous, audacious, challeng- tomb (for the) wife (of the) Bib (in) ing, unprecedented (in) scope (and) char- SJhirBz. Identification (of the) resting places acter (in the) entire field (of) Bahi'i his- (of the) father (of) Bahi'u'llih (and the) tory, soon to be set (in) motion, involves mother (and) cousin (of the) Bib (for) (the) adoption (of) preliminary measures reburial (in the) Bahi'i cemetery (in the) (to the) construction (of) Bahi'u'llih's vicinity (of the) Most Great House. Ac- Sepulcher (in the) Holy Land. quisition (of the) Garden (of) Ridvin (in) Doubling (the) number (of) countries BaghdLd, site (of the) Siyih-chi1 (in) within (the) pale (of the) Faith through Tihyin, (site of the) martyrdom (of the) planting its banner (in the) remaining Sov- Bib (in) Tabl-iz, (and of) His incarceration ereign States (of the) planet as well as (the) (in) Chihriq. remaining virgin Territories mentioned (in) More than quadruple (the) number (of) 'Abdu'l-BahB's Tablets (of the) Divine National Spiritual Assemblies, twenty-one Plan, involving (the) opening (of) forty- (on the) American, thirteen (on the) Euro- one countries (on the) Asiatic, thirty-three pean, ten (on the) Asiatic, three (on the) (on the) African, thirty (on the) European, African (and) one (on the) Australian con- twenty-seven (on the) ~ m e r i c a ncontinents. tinents. Multiply sevenfold national Ha- Over twofold increase (in the) number (of) ~iratu'l-Quds, their establishment (in the) languages into which Bah6'i literature (is) capital cities (of the) chief Sovereign States translated, printed or (in) process (of) (and) chief cities (of the) principal De- translation-forty (in) Asia, thirty-one (in) pendencies (of the) planet, twenty-one (in) Africa, ten each (in) Europe (and) Amer- America, fifteen (in) Europe, nine (in) ica, to be allocated (to the) American, Asia, three (in) Africa, one (in) New Zea- British, Indian (and) Australian BahB'i land. Framing national Bahi'i constitutions, communities, including for (the) most part establishment national Bahi'i endowments those into which Gospels (have been) al- (in) same capitals and cities (of) same ready translated. Doubling (the) number States (and) Dependencies. (of) Mas_hquYl-Adhkirs, through (the) More than quintuple (the) number (of) initiation (of the) construction (of) one incorporated National Assemblies, twenty- (on the) Asiatic (and the) other (on the) one (in) America, thirteen (in) Europe, European continent. (The) acquisition (of twelve (in) Asia, three (in) Africa, one (in) the) site (of the) future Ma&riquYl-Awir Australasia. (The) establishment (of) six (on) Mt. Carmel. (The) purchase (of the) national Bahi'i Publishing Trusts, two (in) land (for) eleven future Temples, three (on America, two (in) Asia, one (in) Africa, the) American, three (on the) African, two one (in) Europe. (on the) Asiatic, two (on the) European, (The) participation (of the) women (of) one (on the) Australian continents. (The) Persia (in the) membership (of) national I N A U G U R A T I O N O F WORLD BAHA'f CRUSADE 255 (and) local Assemblies. Establishment (of) Supreme Commander. (The) Lord (of) seven Israel branches (of) National Spir- Hosts, (the) King of Kings, (has) pledged itual Assemblies, two (in) Europe, two (in) unfailing aid (to) every crusader battling Asia, one each (in) America, Africa (and) (for) His Cause. Invisible battalions (are) Australia. (The) establishment (of a) na- mustered, rank upon rank, ready (to) pour tional Bahb'i printing press (in) TihrBn. forth reinforcements from on high. BahC- Reinforcement (of the) ties binding (the) u'll6h's army (of) light (is) standing (on Bahi'i World Community (to the) United the) threshold (of the) Holy Year. Let Nations. Inclusion, circumstances permit- them, as they enter it, vow (with) one voice, ting, (of) eleven Republics comprised within one heart, one soul, never (to) turn back Union (of) Soviet Social Republics and (in the) entire course (of the) fateful dec- two European Soviet-controlled States ade ahead until each (and) every one will within (the) orbit (of the) Admin- have contributed (his) share (in) laying on istrative Order (of the) Faith. Convocation (a) world-wide scale an unassailable admin- World Bahi'i Congress vicinity Garden (of) istrative foundation for BahC'uYll6h'sChrist- RidvLn, Baghd&d, third holiest city Bahi'i promised Kingdom on earth, swelling world, (on The) occasion (of the) world- thereby (the) chorus (of) universal jubila- wide celebrations (of the) Most Great Ju- tion wherein earth (and) heaven will join as bilee, commemorating (the) Centenary (of prophesied (by) Daniel, echoed (by) the) Ascension (of) BahC'u'lliih (to the) 'Abdu'l-Bah6; "on that day will (the) faith- Throne (of) His Sovereignty. ful rejoice with exceeding gladness." Current Bahi'i history must henceforth, Call upon fifteen Hands (from) five con- as second decade (of) second Bahl'i cen- tinents, by virtue (of) their supreme func- tury opens, move rapidly (and) majestically tion as chosen instruments (for the) propa- as (it has) never moved before since (the) gation (of the) Faith, (to) inaugurate his- inception (of the) Faith over (a) century toric mission through (the) appointment, ago. Earthly symbols (of) Bah6'uYll&h'sun- during Ridvsn 1954, (of) five auxiliary earthly Sovereignty must needs, ere (the) boards (one) each continent, (of) nine decade separating (the) two memorable Ju- members each, who will, as their adjuncts, bilees draws (to a) close, be raised as far or deputies, and working (in) conjunction north as Franklin beyond (the) Arctic Cir- (with the) various National Assemblies cle (and) as far south as (the) FaIkland Is- functioning (on) each continent, assist, lands, marking (the) southern extremity (of through periodic systematic visits (to) the) western hemisphere, amidst (the) re- mote, lonely, inhospitable islands (of the) Bahi'i centers, (in the) efficient, prompt archipelagos (of the) South Pacific, (the) execution (of the) twelve projected Na- Indian (and) Atlantic oceans, (the) moun- tional Plans. Moreover request communities tain fastnesses (of) Tibet, (the) jungles (of) observing Bahi'i Holy Days, solar calendar, Africa, (the) deserts (of) Arabia, (the) celebrate (with) befitting solemnity (the) steppes (of) Russia, (the) Indian Reserva- approaching anniversary (of) Bahi'u'llAh's tions (of) North America, (the) wastelands Birthday, falling (in the) middle (of the) (of) Siberia (and) Mongolia, amongst (the) two month period during which, a hundred Eskimos (of) Greenland (and) Alaska, (the) years ago, (the) Author (of the) Faith re- Negroes (of) Africa, Buddhist strongholds ceived (the) first intimation (of) His glori- (in the) heart (of) Asia, (amongst) Lapps ous Mission. (of) Finland, (the) Polynesians (of the) Advise American Bahi'i community com- South Sea Islands, Negritos (of the) Archi- memorate occasion (by) special gathering pelagos (of the) South Pacific Ocean. (in the) Temple (in) Wilmette (and) urge (The) broad outlines (of the) world- attendance (of) as many believers (as) pos- encircling plan (were) divinely revealed. Its sible (and) invite Hands (of the) Cause course (was) chartered (by) 'Abdu'l-Bahi's (in) United States (and) Canada (to) par- infallible Pen. Its shining goals (have been) ticipate as my representatives. set. (The) requisite administrative machin- SHOGHI ery (has been) created. Signal (has been) Haifa, Israel given by (the) Author (of the) Plan, (its) October 8, 1952 256 T H E BAHA'I WORLD 2. T E N - Y E A R I N T E R N A T I O N A L B A H A ' I TEACHING AND CONSOLIDATION PLAN 1953-1963 1. Adoption of preliminary measures for the construction of BahL'u'llLh's Sepulcher in the Holy Land. 2. Doubling the number of countries within the pale of the Faith, involving the open- ing of: 41 countries in the Asiatic Continent 33 countries in the African Continent 30 countries in the European Continent 27 countries in the American Continent 3. Over twofold increase in the number of languages into which BahL'i literature has been translated and printed, or is in process of translation: 40 in Asia 3 1 in Africa 10 in Europe 10 in America allocated to American, British, Indian, and Australian Bah2i Communities. 4. Doubling the number of Ma&riquYl-Adhkirsthrough the initiation of construction of: 1 in the Asiatic Continent 1 in the European Continent 5. Acquisition of a site for the future Ma&riqu'l-AdJhk6r on Mt. Carmel. 6. Erection of the first dependency of the Ma&riquYl-Adhkir in Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. 7. Purchase of land for eleven future Temples: 3 in the American Continent 3 in the African Conti.nent 2 in the Asiatic Continent 2 in the European Continent 1 in the Australian Continent 8. Development of the functions of the institution of the Hands of the Cause. 9. ~stablishmentof a BahL'i Court in the Holy Land, as a preliminary to the emer- gence of the Universal House of Justice. 10. Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitib-i-Aqdas, the Mother Book of the BahL'i Revelation. 11. Establishment of six National Bah2i Courts in the chief cities of the Islamic East: Tihr Ln Cairo Baghdid New Delhi Karichi Kibul 12. Extension of the International BahL'i Endowments in the Holy Land, in the plain of 'Akki and on the slopes of Mt. Carmel. 13. Construction of the International Bahi'i Archives in the neighborhood of the B6b7s Sepulcher. INAUGURATION OF WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 257 14. Construction of the tomb of the Wife of the BBb in KhirBz. 15. Identification of the resting-places of the Father of BahL'u'llbh, and of the Mother and of the Cousin of the Bbb, and their reburial in the BahB'i cemetery in the vicinity of the Most Great House. 16. Acquisition of the Garden of Ridvbn in Baghd6d, and of the site of the SiyGh-C_h&l in TihrBn, of the Martyrdom of the Bbb 5 Tabriz, and of His incarceration in Chihriq. 17. More than quadruple the number of the National Spiritual Assemblies: 21 in the American Continent 13 in the European Continent 10 in the Asiatic Continent 3 in the African Continent 1 in the Australian Continent 18. Multiply sevenfold the number of the National Haziratu'l-Quds and their establish- ment in the capital cities of the chief Sovereign States and in the chief cities of the principal Dependencies of the planet: 21 in America 15 in Europe 9 in Asia 3 in Africa 1 in New Zealand 19. Framing of national BahB'i constitutions and the establishment of national BahB'i endowments in the capitals and cities of the same States and Dependencies. 20. More than quintuple the number of incorporated National Spiritual Assemblies: 21 in America 13 in Europe 12 in Asia 3 in Africa 1 in Australia 21. Establishment of six national BahL'i Publishing Trusts: 2 in America 2 in Asia 1 in Africa 1 in Europe 22. Participation by the women of Persia in the membership of National and Local Assemblies. 23. Establishment of seven Israel branches of National Spiritual Assemblies: 2 Europe 2 Asia 1 America 1 Africa 1 Australia 24. Establishment of a National BahL'i printing press in TihrGn. 25. Reinforcement of the ties binding the Bahb'i World Community to the United Na- tions. 26. Inclusion, circuinstances permitting, of eleven republics comprised within the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and of two European Soviet-controlled States within the orbit of the Administrative Order of the Faith. 27. Convocation of a World Bahb'i Congress in the vicinity of the Garden of Ridvbn, Baghclbd, the third holiest city in the BahB'i world, on the occasioil of the world- wid; celebrations of the Most Great Jubilee, commemorating the Centenary of the Ascension of Bahgu'llBh to the throne of His sovereignty. 258 THE BAHA'I WORLD 1. Afghhnisthn 56. Japan 2. ~ l g k a 57. Java 3. Andorra 58. Juan Fernandez 4. Argentina 59. Korea 5. Austria-Hungary 60. Lesser Antilles 6. Bahama Islands 61. Liechtenstein 7. Balearic Islands 62. Low Archipelago 8. Belgium 63. Loyalty Islands 9. Belize (or British Hon duras) 64. Luxembourg 10. Bermuda 65. Madagascar 11. Bismarck Archipelago 66. Madeira Islands 12. Bolivia 67. Malta 13. Borneo 68. Marquesas 14. Brazil 69. Marshall Islands 15. British Guiana 70. Mauritius 16. British Isles 7 1. Melanesia 17. Bulgaria 72. Mexico 18. Canary Islands 73. Micronesia 19. Cape Verde Islands 74. Moluccas 20. Caroline Islands 75. Monaco 21. Celebes 76. Montenegro 22. Ceram 77. New Caledonia 23. Ceylon 78. New Guinea 24. Chile 79. New Hebrides 25. China 80. New Zealand 26. Colombia 81. Nicaragua 27. Corsica 82. Norway 28. Costa Rica 83. Orkney Islands 29. Crete 84. Panama 30. Cuba 85. Paraguay 3 1. Denmark 86. Peru 32. Dutch Guiana 87. Philippine Islands 33. Ecuador 88. Polynesia 34. Falkland Islands 89. Portugal 35. Faroe Islands 90. Puerto Rico 36. Fiji Islands 91. Rhunion Island 37. France 92. Rumania 38. French Guiana 93. Russia (Asia) 39. French Indo-China 94. Russia (Europe) 40. Friendly Islands 95. Saint Helena 4 1. Galapagos Islands 96. Salvador 42. Germany 97. Samoa Islands 43. Gilbert Islands 98. San Marino 44. Greater Antilles 99. Santo Domingo 45. Greece 100. Sardinia 46. Guatemala 101. Serbia 47. Haiti 102. Shetland Islailds 48. Hawaiian Islands 103. Siam 49. Hebrides 104. Sicily 50. Holland 105. Society Islands 51. Honduras 106. Solomon Islands 52. Iceland 107. South Africa 53. India 108. Spain 54. Italy 109. Straits Settlements 55. Jamaica 110. Sumatra INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 259 11 1. Sweden 1 16. Trinidad 112. Switzerland 1 17. Uruguay 1 13. Tasmania 1 18. Venezuela 114. T i o r 119. Watling Island 115. Tobago 120. Zanzibar LIST OF TERRITORIES ALPHABETICAL TO BE OPENEDTO THE FAITH, 1953-1963 Showing Allocation to National Spiritual Assemblies Admiralty Is. (As.) (Aus.) French Cameroons (Af.) (In.) Albania (E) (Ger.) French Equatorial Africa (Af .) (Eg.) Aleutian Is. (Am.) (U.S.A.) French Guiana (Am.) (S.Am.) Andaman Is. (As.) (In.) French Somaliland (Af.) (U.S.A.) Andorra (E) (U.S.A.) French Togoland (Af.) (U.S.A.) Anticosti I. (Am.) (Can.) French West Africa (Af.) (Eg.) Ashanti Protectorate (Af.) (Per.) Frisian Is. (E) (Ger.) Azores (E) (U.S.A.) Galapagos Is. (Am.) (S.Am.) Bahama Is. (Am.) (C.Am.) Gambia (Af.) (In.) Balearic Is. (E) (U.S.A.) Gilbert and Ellice Is. (As.) (C.Am.) Baranof I. (Am.) (Can.) Goa (As.) (In.) Basutoland (Af.) (Per.) Grand Manan I. (Am.) (Can.) Bechuanaland (Af.) (Per.) Greece (E) (Ger.) Bhutan (As.) (In.) British Cameroons (Af.) (Br.) Hadhramaut (As.) (Ir.) British Guiana (Am.) (S.Am.) Hainan I. (As.) (U.S.A.) British Honduras (Am.) (C.Am.) Hebrides Is. (E) (Br.) British Togoland (Af.) (Br.) Brunei (As.) (Per.) Italian Somaliland (Af.) (Per.) Canary Is. (Af.) (U.S.A.) Juan Fernandez Is. (Am.) (S.Am.) Cape Breton I. (Am.) (Can.) Cape Verde Is. (Af.) (U.S.A.) Karikal (As.) (In.) Caroline Is. (As.) (U.S.A.) Kazakhstan (As.) (U.S.A.) Chagos Archipelago (As.) (Per.) Keewatin (Am.) (Can.) Channel Is. (E) (Br.) Key West (Am.) (U.S.A.) Chilo6 I. (Am.) (U.S.A.) Kirgizia (As.) (Per.) Cocos Is. (As.) (Aus.) Kodiak I. (Am.) (U.S.A.) Comoro Is. (Af.) (In.) Kuria-Muria Is. (As.) (Ir. ) Cook Is. (As.) (S.Am.) Crete (E) (Ger.) Labrador (Am.) (Can.) Cyprus (E) (Br.) Latvia (E) (Ger.) Leeward Is. (Am.) (S.Am.) Daman (As.) (In.) Liechtenstein (E) (1t.Sw.) Diu I. (As.) (In.) Lithuania (E) (Ger.) Dutch Guiana (Am.) (S.Am.) Lofoten Is. (E) (U.S.A.) Dutch New Guinea (As.) (U.S.A.) Loyalty Is. (As.) (Aus.) Dutch West Indies (Am.) (C.Am.) Macao I. (As.) (U.S.A.) Estonia (E) (Ger.) Madeira (Af.) (Br.) Magdalen Is. (Am.) (Can.) Falkland Is. (Am.) (U.S.A.) Mah6 (As.) (In.) Faroe Is. (E) (Br.) Malta (E) (Br.) Finno-Karelia (E) (Ger.) Margarita I. (Am.) (C.Am.) Franklin (Am.) (Can.) Mariana Is. (As.) (In.) 260 T H E BAHA'I WORLD Marquesas Is. (As.) (Can.) San Marino (E) (1t.Sw.) Marshall Is. (As.) (C.Am.) Sardinia (E) (1t.Sw.) Mauritius (Af.) (U.S.A.) Seychelles (Af. ) (Ir.) Mentawai Is. (As.) (Aus.) Shetland Is. (E) (Br.) Miquelon I. and St Pierre I. (Am.) (Can.) Sicily (E) (It.Sw.1 Moldavia ( E ) (Ger.) Sikkim (As.) (In.) Monaco (E) (1t.Sw.) Society Is. (As.) (Aus.) Mongolia (As.) (Per.) Socotra I. (Af.) (In.) Morocco (1nt.Zone) (Af.) (Eg.) Solomon Is. (As.) (Per.) South Rhodesia (Af.) (Per.) New Hebrides Is. (As.) (Aus.) South West Africa (Af.) (Br.) Nicobar Is. (As.) (In.) Spanish Guinea (Af.) (U.S.A.) Northern Territories Protectorate (Gold Spanish Morocco (Af.) (Eg.) Coast) (Af.) (U.S.A.) Spanish Sahara (Af.) (Eg.) Spitzbergen ( E ) (U.S.A.) Orkney Is. (E) (Br.) St. Helena (Af.) (U.S.A.) St. Thomas I. (Af.) (U.S.A.) Pondicherry (As.) (In.) Swaziland (Af.) (Per.) Portuguese Guinea (Af.) (U.S.A.) Portuguese Timor (As.) (Aus.) Tadzhikistan (As.) (Per.) Tibet (As.) (U.S.A.) Queen Charlotte Is. (Am.) (Can.) Tonga Is. (As.) (U.S.A.) Tuamotu Archipelago (As.) (C.Am. ) RCunion I. (Af.) (U.S.A.) Rhodes (E) (1t.Sw.) Ukraine ( E ) (U.S.A.) Rio de Oro (Af.) (Eg.) Uzbekistan (As.) (Per.) Ruanda-Urundi (Af .) (In.) Rumania (E) (Ger.) White Russia (E) (Ger.) Windward Is. (Am.) (S.Am.) Sakhalin I. (As.) (U.S.A.) Samoa Is. (As.) (Can.) Yukon (Am.) (Can.) 'Division of Activities According to Continents ASIA: 41 Territories I. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY O F THE BAHB'iS OF INDIA, P ~ I S T A NAND , BURMA 1. Andaman Is. 7. MahC 2. Bhutan 8. Mariana Is. 3. Daman 9. Nicobar Is. 4. Diu 10. Pondicherry 5. Goa 11. Sikkim 6. Karikal 11. NATIONALSPIRITUALASSEMBLYOF THE B A ~ OF ~ sTHE UNITEDSTATESOF AMERICA 1. Caroline Is. 5. Macao I. 2. Dutch New Guinea 6. Sakhalin I. 3. Hainan I. 7. Tibet 4. Kazakhstan 8. Tonga Is. INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 261 111. NATIONAL SPIRITUALASSEMBLY OF THE B A ~ I OF s PERSIA 1. Brunei 5. Solomon Is. 2. Chagos Archipelago 6. Tadzhikistan 3. Kirgizia 7. Uzbekistan 4. Mongolia IV. NATIONALSPIRITUALASSEMBLY OF THE B A H ~ O~FS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 1. Admiralty Is. 5. New Hebrides Is. 2. COCOS Is. 6. Portuguese Timor 3. Loyalty Is. 7. Society Is. 4. Mentawai Is. V. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL O F THE B A H ~OF ASSEMBLY ~ SCENTRAL AMERICA 1. Gilbert and Ellice Is. 2. Marshall Is. 3. Tuamotu Archipelago VI. NATIONAL SPIRITUALASSEMBLY OF THE B A H ~OF ~S'IRAQ 1. Hadhramaut 2. Kuria-Muria Is. VII. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE B A H ~OF ASSEMBLY ~ SCANADA 1. Marquesas Is. 2. Samoa Is. VIII. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE B A H ~OF ASSEMBLY ~SSOUTHAMERICA 1. Cook Is. AFRICA: 33 Territories I. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE B ~ d i O ASSEMBLY s F UNITEDSTATES OF AMERICA 1. Canary Is. 7. Portuguese Guinea 2. Cape Verde Is. 8. Rbunion I. 3. French Somaliland 9. Spanish Guinea 4. French Togoland 10. St. Helena 5. Mauritius 11. St. Thomas L 6. Northern Territories Protectorate 11. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE B A H ~O~ FSPERSIA 1. Ashanti Protectorate 4. Italian Somaliland 2. Basutoland 5. South Rhodesia 3. Bechuanaland 6. Swaziland 111. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE B A H ~OF ASSEMBLY ~ SEGYPTAND S~DAN 1. French Equatorial Africa 4. Rio de Oro 2. French West Africa 5. Spanish Morocco 3. Morocco (Int. Zone) 6. Spanish Sahara IV. NATIONAL SPIRITUALASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'~sOF INDIA, PAKISTAN,AND BURMA 1. Comoro Is. 4. Ruanda-Urundi 2. French Cameroons 5. Socotra I. 3. Gambia 262 T H E BAHA'I W O R L D V. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ~ s BRITISHISLES OF THE B A H ~ 'OF 1. British Cameroons 3. Madeira 2. British Togoland 4. South West Africa VI. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ~ S'IRAQ O F THE B A H ~OF 1. Seychelles EUROPE: 30 Territories I. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'ISO F GERMANY AND AUSTRIA 1. Albania 7. Latvia 2. Crete 8. Lithuania 3. Estonia 9. Moldavia 4. Finno-Karelia 10. Rumania 5. Frisian Is. 11. White Russia 6. Greece 11. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE BAHA'is O F THE BRITISHISLES ASSEMBLY 1. Channel Is. 5. Malta 2. Cyprus 6. Orkney Is. 3. Faroe Is. 7. Shetland Is. 4. Hebrides Is. 111. NATIONAL SPIRITUALASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'iS OF THE UNITEDSTATESO F AMERICA 1. Andorra 4. Lofoten Is. 2. Azores 5. Spitzbergen 3. Balearic Is. 6. Ukraine IV. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL OF THE BAHA'~s ASSEMBLY OF ITALYAND SWITZERLAND 1. Liechtenstein 4. San Marino 2. Monaco 5. Sardinia 3. Rhodes 6. Sicily AMERICA: 27 Territories I. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY O F THE BAHA'~s OF CANADA 1. Anticosti I. 7. Labrador 2. Baranof I. 8. Magdalen Is. 3. Cape Breton I. 9. Miquelon I , and St. Pierre I. 4. Franklin 10. Queen Charlotte Is. 5. Grand Manan I. 11. Yukon 6. Keewatin 11. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'ISOF SOUTHAMERICA 1. British Guiana 5. Galapagos Is. 2. Chi106 I. 6. Juan Fernandez Is. 3. Dutch Guiana 7. Leeward Is. 4. French Guiana 8. Windward Is. 111. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE B A H ~OF ~ SUNITEDSTATESOF AMERICA 1. Aleutian Is. 3. Key West 2. Falkland Is. 4. Kodiak I. IV. NATIONAL SPIRITUALASSEMBLY O F THE B A H ~O~F SCENTRAL AMERICA 1. Bahama Is. 3. Dutch West Indies 2. British Honduras 4. Margarita I. INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 263 TERRITORIES TO THE FAITH, TO BE OPENED 1953-1963 Division of Activities According to National Spiritual Assemblies I. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: 29 Territories in 4 Continents 1. AFRICA ( 1) Canary Is. (7) Portuguese Guinea (2) Cape Verde Is. (8) Rtunion I. (3) French Somaliland (9) Spanish Guinea (4) French Togoland .(lo) St. Helena (5) Mauritius (1 1) St. Thomas I. (6) Northern Territories Protectorate 2. ASIA ( 1) Caroline Is. (5) Macao I. (2) Dutch New Guinea (6) Sakhalin I. (3) Hainan I. (7) Tibet (4) Kazakhstan (8) Tonga Is. 3. EUROPE (1) Andorra (4) Lofoten Is. (2) Azores (5) Spitzbergen (3) Balearic Is. (6) Ukraine 4. AMERICA (1) Aleutian Is. (3) Key West (2) Falkland Is. (4) Kodiak I. 11. INDIA, PAKISTAN, AND BURMA: 16 Territories in 2 Continents 1. ASIA (1) Andaman Is. (7) Mah6 (2) Bhutan (8) Mariana Is. (3) Daman (9) Nicobar Is. (4) Diu I. ( 10) Pondicherry (5) Goa (11) Sikkim (G) Karikal 2. AFRICA (1) Comoro Is. (4) Rumda-Urundi (2) French Cameroons (5) Socotra I. (3) Gambia 111. PERSIA: 13 Territories in 2 Continents 1. ASIA (1) Brunei (5) Solomon Is. (2) Chagos Archipelago (6) Tadzhikistan (3) Kirgizia (7) Uzbekistan (4) Mongolia 2. AFRICA (1) Ashanti Protectorate (4) Italian Somaliland (2) Basutoland (5) South Rhodesia (3) Bechuanaland (6) Swaziland 264 T H E BAHA'I WORLD IV. CANADA: 13 Territories in 2 Continents 1. AMERICA (1) Anticosti I. (7) Labrador (2) Baranof I. (8) Magdalen Is. (3) Cape Breton I. (9) Miquelon I. and St. Pierre 1. (4) Franklin (10) Queen Charlotte Is. (5) Grand Manan I. (11) Yukon (6) Keewatin 2. ASIA (1) Marquesas Is. (2) Samoa Is. V. BRITISH ISLES: 11 Territories in 2 Continents 1. EUROPE (1) Channel Is. (5) Malta (2) Cyprus (6) Orkney Is. (3) Faroe Is. (7) Shetland Is. (4) Hebrides Is. 2. AFRICA ( 1) British Cameroons (3) Madeira (2) British Togoland (4) South West Africa VI. GERMANY AND AUSTRIA: 11 Territories in 1 Continent 1. EUROPE (1) Albania (7) Latvia (2) Crete (8) Lithuania (3) Estonia (9) Moldavia (4) Finno-Karelia (10) Rumania (5) Frisian Is. ( 11) White Russia (6) Greece VII. SOUTH AMERICA: 9 Territories in 2 Continents 1. AMERICA (1) British Guiana (5) Galapagos Is. (2) Chi106 I. (6) Juan Fernandez Is. (3) Dutch Guiana (7) Leeward Is. (4) French Guiana (8) Windward Is. 2. ASIA (1 ) Cook Is. VIII. CENTRAL AMERICA: 7 Territories in 2 Continents 1. AMERICA (1) Bahama Is. ( 3 ) Dutch West Indies (2) British Honduras (4) Margarita I. 2. ASIA (1) Gilbert and Ellice Is. (2) Marshall Is. (3) Tuamotu Archipelago INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 265 IX. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: 7 Territories in 1 Continent 1. ASU (1) Admiralty Is. ( 5 ) New Hebrides Is. (2) cocos Is. (6) Portuguese Timor (3) Loyalty Is. (7) Society Is. (4) Mentawai Is. X. EGYPT AND SODAN: 6 Territories in 1 Continent 1. AFRICA ( 1) French Equatorial Africa (2) French West Africa ( 3 ) Morocco (International Zone) (4) Rio de Oro (5) Spanish Morocco (6) Spanish Sahara XI. ITALY AND SWITZERLAND: 6 Territories in 1 Continent 1. EUROPE ( 1) Liechtenstein (4) San Marino (2) Monaco (5) Sardinia (3) Rhodes (6) Sicily XII. 'IRAQ: 3 Territories in 2 Continents 1. ASIA (1 ) Hadhramaut (2) Kuria-Muria Is. 2. AFRICA (1 ) Seychelles Is. ALPHABETICAL LIST OF LANGUAGES INTO WHICHB A HLITERATURE ~ ~ IS TO BE TRANSLATED,1953-1963 Abor Miri (borders of Tibet and Cherokee (Carolina, U.S.A.) N.E. Assam) Chuana (Bechuanaland) Accra or Ga (Gold Coast) Chungchia (S.W. China) Afrikaans (S. Africa) Estonian (Estonia) Aguaruna (Peru) Flemish (Belgium) Aladian (Ivory Coast) Georgian (Caucasus) Aneityum (New Hebrides) Gio (Liberia) Annamese (Indo-China) Gu (French W. Africa) Arawak (Guiana) Houailou (Wailu) (New Caledonia) Ashanti (W. Africa) Iroquois (Ontario) Balochi (Baluchistan) Javanese (Java) Banu (French Equat. Africa) Jieng or Dinka (S6dkn) Basque (Pyrenees) Jolof or Wolof (Gambia) Bemba or Wendea (N. Rhodesia) Kado (China) Bentuni (New Guinea) Kaili (Celebes) Binandere (Papua) Kopu (S.W. China) Blackfoot (Canada) Krongo (SGdiin) Bua (Belgian Congo) Kroo (Liberia) Cheremiss (Kazan, Russia) Kuanyama (S.W. Africa) 266 T H E BAHA'I WORLD Kusaie (Caroline Is.) Piedmontese (Piedmont, Italy) Lapp (Norway) Popo (Togoland) Lengua (Paraguay) Romani, German (Gipsies S. Germany) Lepcha or Rong (Sikkim) Romansch (Grisons, Switzerland) Lifu (Loyalty Is.) Ronga (Mozambique) Luimbi (Angola) Samoan (Samoan Is.) Malagasy (Madagascar) Sena (Lower Zambezi) Maltese (Malta) Shilha (Morocco) Manchu (Manchuria) Shona (S. Rhodesia) Manipuri (Manipur) Sobo (Nigeria) Manus Island (Admiralty Is.) Suto (Basutoland) Marquesas (Marquesas Is.) Th6 (Indo-China) Mataco (Argentina) Tibetan (Tibet) Maya (Yucatan) Tongan (Tonga Is.) Mentawai (Mentawai Is.) Vogul (W. Siberia) Mexican (Mexico) Wongo (Belgian Congo) Mongolian (Mongolia) Xosa or Kafir (S. Africa) Mordoff (Central Russia) Yahgan (S. Chile) Mwala (Solomon Is.) Yalunka (Sierra Leone) Na-Hsi (Yunnan, S. China) Yao (Nyasaland) Nicobarese (Nicobar Is.) Yiddish (Israel) Niue (Cook Is.) Ziryen (Russian S.F.S.R.) Perm (Perm, Russia) Zulu (Zululand) Petats (Solomon Is.) ASIA: 40 1. Abor Miri 15. Kusaie 29. Ossete 2. Aneityum 16. Lepcha 30. Ostiak 3. Annamese 17. Lifu 31. Pali 4. Balochi 18. Manchu 32. Panjabi 5. Bentuni 19. Manipuri 33. Pashto 6. Binandere 20. Manus Island 34. Perm 7. Cheremiss 21. Marquesas 35. Petats 8. Chungchia 22. Mentawai 36. Samoan 9. Georgian 23. Mongolian 37. Th6 10. Houailou 24. Mordoff 38. Tibetan 11. Javanese 25. Mwala 39. Tonga 12. Kado 26. Na-Hsi 40. Vogul 13. Kaili 27. Nicobarese 14. Kopu 28. Niue EUROPE: 10 1. Basque 5. Maltese 8. Romansch 2. Estonian 6. Piedmontese 9. Yiddish 3. Flemish 7. Romani 10. Ziryen 4. Lapp AFRICA: 3 1 1. Accra 6. Bemba 11. Jieng 2. Afrikaans 7. Bua 12. Jolof 3. Aladian 8. Chuana 13. Kuanyama 4. Ashanti 9. Gio 14. Krongo 5. Banu 10. Gu 15. Kroo INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 267 16. Liumbi 22. Seila 27. Wongo 17. Malagasy 23. Shilha 28. Xosa 18. Nubian 24. Shona 29. Yalunka 19. Pedi 25. Sob0 30. Yao 20. Pop0 26. Suto 31. Zulu 21. Ronga AMERICA: 10 1. Aguaruna 5. Iroquois 8. Maya 2. Arawak 6. Lengua 9. Mexican 3. Blackfoot 7. Mataco 10. Yahgan 4. Cherokee 1. Preliminary steps for the construction of the Sepulcher of BahPu'llah. 2. Purchase of Land for the Temple on Mt. Carmel. 3. Establishment of an International BahPi Court. 4. Construction of the International BahPi Archives. 5. Extension of international Bah2i endowments. 6. Development of the functions of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause. 7. Codification of the Laws of the KitLb-i-Aqdas. 8. Reinforcement of ties binding the World BahPi Community to the United Nations. 9. Convocation of a World BahPi Congress in the vicinity of the Garden of Ridvan, City of Baghdad, on the occasion of the world-wide celebration of the Most Great Jubilee commemorating the centenary of the formal assumption by Bahb'u'llGh of His Prophetic Office. 10. Establishment of Israel Branches of seven National Spiritual Assemblies. TERRITORIES ALREADYOPENEDTO THE FAITH,ALLOCATED TO B A I PNATIONAL ~~ SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIESFOR CONSOLIDATION 1953-1963 I. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: 23 Territories 1. EUROPE 1. Belgium 7. Luxembourg 2. Denmark 8. Norway 3. Finland 9. Portugal 4. France 10. Spain 5. Holland 11. Sweden 6. Italy 12. Switzerland 2. A s i ~ 1. China 4. Korea 2. Formosa 5. Manchuria 3. Japan 6. Philippine Is. 3. AMERICA 1. Alaska 3. Puerto Rico 2. Hawaiian Is. 4. AFRICA 1. Liberia 2. South Africa 268 THE BAHA'I WORLD 11. PERSIA: 14 Territories 1. ASIA 1. Aden Protectorate 7. Hash (Ahsa) 2. Ad_hirbhyjhn 8. Hijhz 3. Afghhnisthn 9. Saudi-Arabia 4. Armenia 10. Turkey 5. Bahrayn Is. 11. Turkmenistan 6. Georgia 12. Yemen 2. AFRICA 1. North Rhodesia 2. Nyasaland 111. INDIA, PAKISTAN, AND BURMA: 14 Territories 1. ASIA 1. BalG&isthn 7. Malaya 2. Borneo 8. Nepal 3. Burma 9. Phkisthn 4. Ceylon 10. Sarawak 5. Indo-China 11. Siam 6. Indonesia 2. AFRICA 1. Madagascar 3. Zanzibar 2. Mozambique IV. CENTRAL AMERICA : 13 Territories AMERICA 1. Bermuda 8. Honduras 2. Costa Rica 9. Jamaica 3. Cuba 10. Martinique I. 4. Dominican Republic 11. Mexico 5. El Salvador 12. Nicaragua 6. Guatemala 13. Panama 7. Haiti V. BRITISH ISLES: 11 Territories 1. AFRICA 1. Angola 6. Sierra Leone 2. Belgian Congo 7. Tanganyika 3. Gold Coast 8. Uganda 4. Kenya 9. Zululandi 5. Nigeria 2. EUROPE 1. Eire 3. ASIA 1. EIong Kong I N A U G U R A T I O N O F W O R L D BAHA'I C R U S A D E 269 VI. SOUTH AMERICA: 10 Territories AMERICA 1. Argentina 6. Ecuador 2. Bolivia 7. Paraguay 3. Brazil 8. Peru 4. Chile 9. Uruguay 5. Colombia 10. Venezuela VII. EGYPT AND SUDAN: 8 Territories AFRICA 1. Abyssinia 5. Morocco (French) 2. Algeria 6. Somaliland 3. Eritrea 7. Sildtin 4. Libya 8. Tunisia VIII. GERMANY AND AUSTRIA: 7 Territories 1. EUROPE 1. Austria 5. Poland 2. Bulgaria 6. Russian S.F.S.R. 3. Czechoslovakia 7. Yugoslavia 4. Hungary IX. 'IRAQ: 7 Territories 1. ASIA 1. Jordan 5. Syria 2. Koweit 6. Trucial sheiks 3. Lebanon 7. 'Umrn&n 4. Qatar X. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: 6 Territories 1. ASIA 1. Bismarck Archipelago 3. New Caledonia 2. Fiji 4. New Guinea (Australia) 2. AUSTRALASIA 1. New Zealand 2. Tasmania XI. CANADA: 4 Territories 1. AMERICA 1. Greenland 2. Mackenzie 3. Newfoundland 2. EUROPE 1. Iceland XII. ITALY AND SWITZERLAND: 1 Territory 1. EUROPE 1. Corsica 270 T H E BAHA'I WORLD Allocation According to National Spiritual Assemblies 1. UNlTED STATES OF AMERICA: 23 12 in Europe, 6 in Asia, 3 in the Americas, 2 in Africa 2. PERSIA: 14 12 in Asia, 2 in Africa 3. INDIA, PAKISTAN, AND BURMA: 14 11 in Asia, 3 in Africa 4. CENTRAL AMERICA: 13 13 in the Americas 5. BRITISH ISLES: 11 9 in Africa, 1 in Europe, 1 in Asia 6. SOUTH AMERICA: 10 10 in the Americas 7. EGYPT AND SODAN: 8 8 in Africa 8. GERMANY AND AUSTRIA: 7 7 in Europe 9. 'IRAQ: 7 7 in Asia 10. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: 6 4 in Asia, 2 in Australasia 11. CANADA: 4 3 in the Americas, 1 in Europe 12. ITALY AND SWITZERLAND: 1 1 in Europe 1. Sydney, Australia 7. Rome, Italy 2. Toronto, Canada 8. Johannesburg, South Africa 3. Panama City, Central America 9. Santiago, South America 4. Cairo, Egypt 10. Stockholm, Sweden 5. New Delhi, India 11. Kampala, Uganda 6. Baghdkd, - 'Ir6q 1. TihrAn, Persia 2. Frankfurt, Germany 1. Afghinistln 5 . Belgium 9. Ceylon 2. ~ l G k a 6. Bolivia 10. Chile 3. Argentina 7. Brazil 11. Colombia 4. Austria 8. Burma 12. Costa Rica I N A U G U R A T I O N O F W O R L D B A H A ' ~C R U S A D E 271 13. Cuba 23. Honduras 33. Paraguay 14. Denmark 24. Italy 34. Peru 15. Dominican Republic 25. Japan 35. Portugal 16. Ecuador 26. Luxembourg 36. Spain 17. El Salvador 27. Mexico 37. Sweden 18. Finland 28. New Zealand 38. Switzerland 19. France 29. Nicaragua 39. Ttu-key 20. Guatemala 30. Norway 40. Uruguay 21. Haiti 31. Pikistin 41. Venezuela 22. Holland 32. Panama 1. Arabia (Bahrayn) 2. Central and East Africa (Kampala) 3. Near East (Beirut) 4. North West Africa (Tunis) 5. South East Asia (Jakarta) 6. South Pacific Islands (Suva) 7. South and West Africa (Johannesburg) NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES TO BE ESTABLISHED 1953-1963 Division According to Continents AFRICAN CONTINENT: 3 Assemblies 1. Central and East Africa (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of the British Isles 2. North West Africa (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of Egypt and S6din 3. South and West Africa (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of the United States AMERICAS: 21 Assemblies National Assemblies to be formed by the N.S.A. of the United States: 1. Alaska 12. Guatemala 2. Argentina 13. Haiti 3. Bolivia 14. Honduras 4. Brazil 15. Mexico 5. Chile 16. Nicaragua 6. Colombia 17. Panama 7. Costa Rica 18. Paraguay 8. Cuba 19. Peru 9. Dominican Republic 20. Uruguay 10. Ecuador 2 1. Venezuela 11. El Salvador ASIATIC CONTINENT: 10 Assemblies 1. AfghLnistin To be formed by the N.S.A. of Persia 2. ~ u r m a To be formed by the N.S.A. of India, PLkistin, and Burma 3. Ceylon To be formed by the N.S.A. of India, Pikistin, and Burma 4. Japan To be formed by the N.S.A. of the United States 272 T H E BAHA'I WORLD 5. Pikistin To be formed by the N.S.A. of India, Pikistin, and Burma 6. Turkey To be formed by the N.S.A. of Persia 7. Arabia (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of Persia 8. Near East (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of 'Iriq 9. South East Asia (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of India, Pikisth, and Burma 10. South Pacific Is. (Regional) To be formed by the N.S.A. of the United States AUSTRALASIA: 1 Assembly 1. New Zealand ..................... To be formed by the N.S.A. of Australia and New Zealand EUROPEAN CONTINENT: 13 Assemblies 1. Austria ......................... To be formed by the N.S.A. of Germany and Austria To be formed by the N.S.A. of the United States: 2. Belgium 6. Holland 10. Portugal 3. Denmark 7. Italy 11. Spain 4. Finland 8. Luxembourg 12. Sweden 5. France 9. Norway 13. Switzerland ALPHABETICAL LIST OF BA&I NATIONALSPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES TO BE INCORPORATED 1953-1963 I. REGIONAL NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES 1. N.S.A. of Arabia 5. N.S.A. of South East Asia 2. N.S.A. of Central and East Africa 6. N.S.A. of the South Pacific Islands 3. N.S.A. of the Near East 7. N.S.A. of South and West Africa 4. N.S.A. of North West Africa 11. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES 8. N.S.A. of Afghinistin 30. N.S.A. of Honduras 9. N.S.A. of ~ l G k a 3 1. N.S.A. of 'Iriq 10. N.S.A. of Argentina 32. N.S.A. of Italy 11. N.S.A. of Austria 33. N.S.A. of Japan 12. N.S.A. of Belgium 34. N.S.A. of Luxembourg 13. N.S.A. of Bolivia 35. N.S.A. of Mexico 14. N.S.A. of Brazil 36. N.S.A. of New Zealand 15. N.S.A. of Burma 37. N.S.A. of Nicaragua 16. N.S.A. of Ceylon 38. N.S.A. of Norway 17. N.S.A. of Chile 39. N.S.A. of Pikistin 18. N.S.A. of Colombia 40. N.S.A. of Panama 19. N.S.A. of Costa Rica 41. N.S.A. of Paraguay 20. N.S.A. of Cuba 42. N.S.A. of Persia 21. N.S.A. of Denmark 43. N.S.A. of Peru 22. N.S.A. of Dominican Republic 44. N.S.A. of Portugal 23. N.S.A. of Ecuador 45. N.S.A. of Spain 24. N.S.A. of El Salvador 46. N.S.A. of Sweden 25. N.S.A. of Finland 47. N.S.A. of Switzerland 26. N.S.A. of France 48. N.S.A. of Turkey 27. N.S.A. of Guatemala 49. N.S.A. of Uruguay 28. N.S.A. of Haiti 50. N.S.A. of Venezuela 29. N.S.A. of Holland INAUGURATION O F WORLD BAHA'I CRUSADE 273 I. REGIONAL NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES 1. N.S.A. of Arabia 5. N.S.A. of South East Asia 2. N.S.A. of Central and East Africa 6. N.S.A. of the South Pacific Islands 3. N.S.A. of the Near East 7. N.S.A. of South and West Africa 4. N.S.A. of North West Africa IS. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES. 8. N.S.A. of AfghAnistAn 30. N.S.A. of Guatemala 9. N.S.A. of ~ l a T k a 3 1. N.S.A. of Haiti 10. N.S.A. of Argentina 32. N.S.A. of Holland 11. N.S.A. of Austria 33. N.S.A. of Honduras 12. N.S.A. of Belgium 34. N.S.A. of Italy 13. N.S.A. of Bolivia 35. N.S.A. of Japan 14. N.S.A. of Brazil 36. N.S.A. of Luxembourg 15. N.S.A. of the British Isles 37. N.S.A. of Mexico 16. N.S.A. of Burma 38. N.S.A. of New Zealand 17. N.S.A. of Canada 39. N.S.A. of Nicaragua 18. N.S.A. of Ceylon 40. N.S.A. of Norway 19. N.S.A. of Chile 41. N.S.A. of PAkistAn 20. N.S.A. of Colombia 42. N.S.A. of Panama 21. N.S.A. of Costa Rica 43. N.S.A. of Paraguay 22. N.S.A. of Cuba 44. N.S.A. of Peru 23. N.S.A. of Denmark 45. N.S.A. of Portugal 24. N.S.A. of Dominican Republic 46. N.S.A. of Spain 25. N.S.A. of Ecuador 47. N.S.A. of Sweden 26. N.S.A. of El Salvador 48. N.S.A. of Switzerland 27. N.S.A. of Finland 49. N.S.A. of Turkey 28. N.S.A. of France 50. N.S.A. of Uruguay 29. N.S.A. of Germany 51. N.S.A. of Venezuela 1. Anchorage * 18. Jakarta 34. Paris 2. Asuncidn "19. Johannesburg 35. Port-au-Prince 3. Auckland 20. KAbul 36. Quito "4. B6rayn *21. Kampala 37. Rangoon "5. Beirut 22. KarA&i 38. Rio de Janeiro 6. Bern 23. La Paz 39. Rome 7. Bogota 24. Lima 40. San Jose 8. Brussels 25. Lisbon 41. San Salvador 9. Buenos Aires 26. London 42. Santiago 10. Caracas 27. Luxembourg 43. Stockholm 11. Ciudad Trujillo 28. Madrid *44. Suva 12. Colombo 29. Managua 45. Tegucigalpa 13. Copenhagen 30. Mexico City 46. The Hague 14. Guatemala 3 1. Montevideo 47. Tokyo 15. Havana 32. Oslo *48. Tunis 16. Helsingfors 33. Panama City 49. Vienna 17. Istanbul * Belong to Regional National Assemblies 274 THE BAHA'I WORLD 1. Baghdbd ('Iriq) 3. Kbbul (Afghlnistbn) 5. New Delhi (India) 2. CaiFo (Egypt) 4. Karbc_hi ( ~ z k i s t i n ) 6. Tihrbn (Persia) 1. National Spiritual Assembly of Australia 2. National Spiritual Assembly of British Isles 3. National Spiritual Assembly of Canada 4. National Spiritual Assembly of Egypt and Shdbn 5. National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria 6. National Spiritual Assembly of 'Iriq 7. National Spiritual Assembly of Persia 1. Cairo, Egypt 4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2. Frankfurt, Germany 5. Tihrbn, Persia 3. New Delhi, India 6. Wilmette, Illinois '$1. Armenia 6. Kazakhstan N' 2. Ad_hirbiyjln 7. Kirgizia 3. Estonia 8. Latvia 4. Finno-karelia 9. Lithuania "5. Georgia 10. Moldavia * 11. Russian Soviet Federal Socialist Republics (1) Bashkiria (7) Marii (2) Buryat Mongolia (8) Mordovia (3) Chuvashi (9) N. Ossetia (4) Daghestan ( 10j Tatarstan (5) Karbardinia ( 1 1) Udmurt (6) Komi (12) Yakutia 12. Tadzhikistan 15. Uzbekistan '$13. Turkmenistan 16. White Russia (Byelorussia) 14. Ukraine ;"lready opened to the Faith. 1. Albania 3. Rumania 2. Mongolia 4. Sakhalin I. 1. Germany 2. Persia 3. United States of America PART TWO THE WORLD ORDER OF 1. PRESENT DAY ADMINISTRATION O F T H E BAHA'I F A I T H THE FORMATION OF AN ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY I N accepting the message of BahL'u711&h, Prophets according to the separateness of every BahPi has opened his mind and heart their bodies, their countries and their times. to the dominion of certain fundamental The BahL'i, morever, recognizes that the truths. These truths he recognizes as divine realm of truth is inexhaustible, the creator in origin, beyond human capacity to pro- of truth God Himself. Hence the BahL'i can duce. In the realm of spirit he attests that identify truth as the eternal flow of life itself these truths are revealed evidences of a in a channel that deepens and broadens as higher reality than man. They are to the man's capacity for truth enlarges from age soul what natural law is to physical body of to age. For him, that definition of truth animal or plant. Therefore the believer to- which regards truth as tiny fragments of ex- day, as in the Dispensation of Christ or perience, to be taken up and laid down, as a Moses, enters into the condition of faith as shopper handling gems on a counter, to buy a status of relationship to God and not of if one gem happens to please or seems be- satisfaction to his own limited human and coming-such a dcfinition measures man's personal will or awareness. His faith exists own knowledge, or interest, or loyalty, but as his participation in a heavenly world. It truth is a living unity which no man can is the essence of his responsibility and not a condition. It is the sun in the heavens of temporary compromise effected between his spiritual reality, while self-will denies its conscience or reason and the meaning of dominion because self-will is the shadow of truth, society, virtue, or life. a cloud. The BahL'i accepts a quality of existence, There are times for the revelation of a a level of being which has been created larger area of the indivisible truth to man- above the control of his own active power. kind. The Manifestation of God signalizes Because on that plane the truth exists that the times and He is the revelation. When mankind is one, part of his acceptance of He appears on earth He moves and speaks the message of Bah6'u'llBh is capacity to see with the power of all truth, known and un- that truth as existing, as a heavenly reality known, revealed in the past, revealed in to be confirmed on earth. Because likewise Him, or to be revealed in the future. That on that higher level the inmost being of realm of heavenly reality is brought again in Moses, Christ, Muhammad, the BBb, and its power and universality to knock at the Bah6'u'llBh is one being, part of the be- closed door of human experience, a divine liever's acceptance of the BahB'i message is guest whose entrance will bless the house- capacity to realize the eternal continuance hold eternally, or a divine punishment when of that oneness, so that thereafter never will debarred and forbidden and condemned. he again think of those holy and majestic BahP'uYllih reveals that area of divine 280 T H E BAHA'I WORLD truth which underlies all human association. in that He addressed these particular words He enlarges man's capacity to receive truth to our deepest inner understanding. Their in the realm of experience where all men import is not confined to any subjective have condemned themselves to social chaos realm. The motive and the realization He by ignorance of truth and readiness to sub- invokes has become the whole truth of soci- stitute the implacable will of races, classes, ology in this era. nations and creeds for the pure spiritual Or, as we find its expression in another radiance beneficently shining for all. Spirit- passage: "All men have been created to ual reality today has become the principle carry forward an ever-advancing civiliza- of human unity, the law for the nations, the tion" And the truth reappears in still an- devotion to mankind on which the future other form: "How vast is the tabernacle of civilization can alone repose. As long as the Cause of God! It hath overshadowed all men cling to truth as definition, past experi- the peoples and kindreds of the earth, and ence, aspects of self-will, so long must this will, erelong, gather together the whole of dire period of chaos continue when the sep- mankind beneath its shelter." arate fragments of humanity employ life not The encompassing reach of the Cause of to unite but to struggle and destroy. God in each cycle means the particular as- In the world of time, BahL'u'll6h has pect of experience for which men are held created capacity for union and world civil- responsible. Not until our day could there ization. His Dispensation is historically new be the creation of the principle of moral and unique. In the spiritual world it is noth- cause and effect in terms of mankind itself, ing else than the ancient and timeless reality in terms of the unifiable world. of Moses, Jesus and Muhammad disclosed The mission of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, following to the race in a stage of added growth and Bahi'u'll6h's ascension in 1892, was to raise development so that men can take a larger up a community of believers through whom measure of that which always existed. collectively He might demonstrate the op- Like the man of faith in former ages, the eration of the law of unity. 'Abdu'l-Bahb's BahB'i has been given sacred truths to cher- mission became fulfilled historically in the ish in his heart as lamps for darkness and experience of the Bahi'is of North America. medicines for healing, convictions of im- In them He developed the administrative mortality and evidences of divine love. But order, the organic society, which exemplifies in addition to these gifts, the Bahb'i has that the pattern of justice and order Bahi'u'llLh bestowal which only the Promised One of had creatively ordained. By His wisdom, all ages could bring: nearness to a process His tenderness, His justice and His complete of creation which opens a door of entrance consecration to Bahi'u'll6h, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 into a world of purified and regenerated hu- conveyed to this body of Bahi'is a sense of man relations. The final element in his rec- partnership in the process of divine crea- ognition of the message of Bah6'uYllih is tion: that it is for men to re-create, as civili- that Bah2uYll6hcame to found a civilization zation, a human and earthly replica of the of unity, progress and peace. heavenly order existing in the divine will. "0 Children of Men! Know ye not why The Bahi'i administrative order has been We created you all from the same dust? described by the Guardian of the Faith as That no one should exalt himself over the the pattern of the world order to be gradu- other. Ponder at all times how ye were ally attained as the Faith spreads throughout created. Since We have created you all from all countries. Its authority is BahL'u'llih, its one same substance it is incumbent on you sources the teachings He revealed in writ- to be even as one soul, to walk with the same ing, with the interpretation and amplifica- feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in tion made by 'Abdu'l-Bah6. the same land, that from your inmost being, The first conveyance of authority by by your deeds and actions, the signs of one- Bahb'u'llih was to His eldest son. By this ness and the essence of detachment may be conveyance the integrity of the teachings made manifest. Such is My counsel to you, was safeguarded, and the power of action 0 concourse of light! Heed ye this counsel implicit in all true faith directed into chan- that ye may obtain the fruit of holiness nels of unity for the development of the from the tree of wondrous glory." Cause in its universal aspects. No prior Thus He describes the law of survival Dispensation has ever raised up an instru- revealed for the world today, mystical only ment like 'Abdu'l-BahB through whom the T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 28 1 National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of the United States of America, elected April, 1953. Left to right: H. B. Kavelin, Mrs. Mamie L. Seto, W. Kenneth Christian, Miss Elsie Austin, Paul E. Haney, Miss Edna M. True, Horace Holley, Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Matthew Bullock. spirit and purpose of the Founder could ciated the administrative institutions of the continue to flow out in its wholeness and Faith with His trusted and cherished meth- purity until His purpose had been achieved. ods of service, so that the contact between The faith of the Bahi'i thus remains un- their society and their religion has remained tainted by those elements of self-will which continuous and unimpaired. in previous ages have translated revealed The second conveyance of authority made truth into creeds, rites and institutions of by Bahi'u'lldh was to the institution He human origin and limited aim. Those who termed "House of Justicem:-"The Lord enter the Bahi'i community subdue them- hath ordained that in every city a House of selves and their personal interests to its sov- Justice be established wherein shall gather ereign standard, for they are unable to alter counsellors to the number of Bahd [i.e., nine] the Cause of Bahi'uYll&hand exploit its . . . It behooveth them to be the trusted teachings or its community for their own ones of the Merciful among men and to re- advantage. gard themselves as the guardians appointed 'Abdu'l-Bahi's l i e exemplified the work- of God for all that dwell on earth. It is in- ing of the one spirit and the one truth sus- cumbent upon them to take counsel together taining the body of believers throughout the and to have regard for the interests of the world. He was the light connecting the sun servants of God, for His sake, even as they of truth with the earth, the radiance en- regard their own interests, and to choose abling all Bahi'is to realize that truth pene- . ." that which is meet and seemly. . "Those trates human affairs, illumines human prob- souls who arise to serve the Cause sincerely lems, transcends conventional barriers, to please God will be inspired by the divine, changes the climate of life from cold to invisible inspirations. It is incumbent upon warm. He infused Himself so completely . all [i.e., all believers] to obey. . . Ad- into the hearts of the BahB'is that they asso- ministrative affairs are all in charge of the T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D House of Justice; but acts of worship must to turn unto Shoghi Effendi-the youthful be observed according as they are revealed branch branched from the two hallowed in the Book." and sacred Lote-Trees [i.e., descended from The House of Justice is limited in its both the Bkb and BahL'u'llBh] . . . as he is legislative capacity to matters not covered the sign of God, the chosen branch, the by the teachings of BahL'u'llBh Himself:- guardian of the Cause of God . . unto . "It is incumbent upon the Trustees of the . whom . . His loved ones must turn. He House of Justice to take counsel together is the expounder of the words of God and regarding such laws as have not been ex- after him will succeed the first-born of his pressly revealed in the Book." A high aim lineal descendants. is defined for this central administrative "The sacred and youthful branch, the organ of the Faith:-"The men of the guardian of the Cause of God, as well as the House of Justice of God must, night and Universal House of Justice, to be universally day, gaze toward that which hath been re- elected and established, are both under the vealed from the horizon of the Supreme Pen care and protection of the AbhB Beauty. for the training of the servants, for the up- . . . Whatsoever they decide is of God. building of countries, for the protection of . . . The mighty stronghold shall remain men and for the preservation of human impregnable and safe through obedience to honor." him who is the guardian of the Cause of In creating this institution for His com- . God. . . No doubt every vainglorious one munity, Bahb'u'llBh made it clear that His that purposeth dissension and discord will Dispensation rests upon continuity of divine not openly declare his evil purposes, nay purpose, and associates human beings di- rather, even as impure gold would he seize rectly with the operation of His law. The upon divers measures and various pretexts House of Justice, an elective body, trans- that he may separate the gathering of the forms society into an organism reflecting people of BahB." spiritual life. By the just direction of affairs "Wherefore, 0 my loving friends! Con- this Faith replaces the institution of the pro- sort with all the peoples, kindreds and re- fessional clergy developed in all previous ligions of the world with the utmost truth- Dispensations. fulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness, By 1921, when 'Abdu'l-Bah5 laid down good-will and friendliness; that all the world His earthly mission, the American BahL'i of being may be filled with the holy ecstasy community had been extended to scores of . of the grace of Bah& . ." cities and acquired power to undertake tasks "0 ye beloved of the Lord! Strive with of considerable magnitude, but the adminis- all your heart to shield the Cause of God trative order remained incomplete. His Will from the onslaught of the insincere, for I and Testament inaugurated a new era in the souls such as these cause the straight to be- Faith, a further conveyance of authority come crooked and all benevolent efforts to and a clear exposition of the nature of the produce contrary results. . . . To none is elective institutions which the BahL'is were given the right to put forth his own opinion called upon to form. In Shoghi Effendi, His or express his particular convictions. All grandson, 'Abdu'l-Bah5 established the must seek guidance and turn unto the Cen- function of Guardianship with sole power to ter of the Cause and the House of interpret the teachings and with authority to Justice. . . ." carry out the provisions of the Will. The In each country where BahL'is exist, they Guardianship connects the spiritual and participate in the world unity of their Faith social realms of the Faith in that, in addi- through the office of the Guardian at this tion to the office of interpreter, he is con- time, and they maintain local and national stituted the presiding officer of the inter- BahB'i institutions for conducting their own national House of Justice when elected; and activities. the Guardianship is made to descend from In each local civil community, whether generation to generation through the male city, township or county, the Bahb'is an- line. nually elect nine members to their local From the Will these excerpts are cited: Spiritual Assembly. In America the Bahi'is "After the passing away of this wronged of each State join in election of delegates one, it is incumbent upon . . . the loved by proportionate representation and these ones of the 'AbhB Beauty [i.e., BahC'u'llBh] delegates, to the full number of one hundred THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 283 National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of Persia, elected April, 1951. and seventy-one, constitute the Annual Con- dowed the part with the quality of the whole. vention which elects the members of the To receive, we give. In comparison to this National Spiritual Assembly. These national divine creation, the traditional claims of in- bodies, in turn, will join in the election of dividual conscience, of personal judgment, an international Assembly, or House of Jus- of private freedom, seem nothing more than tice, when the world BahB'i community is empty assertions advanced in opposition to sufficiently developed. the divine will. It cannot be sufficiently em- The inter-relationship of all these admin- phasized that the BahB'i's relationship to this istrative bodies provides the world spirit of new spiritual society is an expression of the Faith with the agencies required for the faith, and faith alone raises personality out maintenance of a constitutional society bal- of the pit of self-will and moral isolation ancing the rights of the individual with the into which so much of the world has fallen. paramount principle of unity preserving the There can be no organic society, in fact, whole structure of the Cause. The BahB'i as without social truth and social law embrac- an individual accepts guidance for his con- ing the individual members and evoking a duct and doctrinal beliefs, for not otherwise loyalty both voluntary and complete. The can he contribute his share to the general political and economic groups which the in- unity which is God's supreme blessing to dividual enters with reservations are not the world today. This general unity is the true societies but temporary combinations believer's moral environment, his social uni- of restless personalities, met in a truce which verse, his psychic health and his goal of can not endure. Bahi'u'll&h has for ever effort transcending any personal aim. In solved the artificial dilemma which confuses the BahPi order, the individual is the mu- and betrays the ardent upholder of indi- sical note, but the teachings revealed by vidual freedom by His categorical statement BahB'u7116hare the symphony in which the that human freedom consists in obedience to note finds its real fulfillment; the person at- God's law. The freedom revolving around tains value by recognizing that truth tran- self-will He declares "must, in the end, lead scends his capacity and includes him in a to sedition, whose flames none can quench. relationship which 'Abdu'l-Bah6 said en- . . . Know ye that the embodiment of lib- 284 T H E BAHA'I WORLD National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of the British Isles, 1953. erty and its symbol is the animal. . . . True unites the thoughts and inspires the actions liberty consists in man's submission unto of all believers today. My commandments, little as ye know it." From these letters are selected a number The Guardian, applying the terms of the of passages presenting fundamental aspects Will and Testament to an evolving order, of the world order initiated by BahL'u'llLh. has given the present generation of BahL'is 1. On its nature and scope:- a thorough understanding of Bah6'i institu- "I cannot refrain from appealing to them tions and administrative principles. Rising who stand identified with the Faith to dis- to its vastly increased responsibility result- regard the prevailing notions and the fleet- ing from the loss of the beloved Master, ing fashions of the day, and to realize as 'Abdu'l-Bah6, the BahL'i community itself never before that the exploded theories and has intensified its efforts until in America the tottering institutions of present-day civ- alone the number of believers has been more ilization must needs appear in sharp contrast than quadrupled since 1921. It has been with those God-given institutions which are their destiny to perfect the local and na- destined to arise upon their ruin. . . . tional BahL'i institutions as models for the "For BahL'u'll6h . . . has not only im- believers in other lands. Within the scope of bued mankind with a new and regenerating a single lifetime, the American BahB'i com- Spirit. He has not merely enunciated cer- munity has developed from a small local tain universal principles, or propounded a group to a national unit of a world society, particular philosophy, however potent, passing through the successive stages by sound and universal these may be. In addi- which a civilization achieves its pristine pat- tion to these He, as well as 'Abdu'l-Bah6 tern and severs itself from the anarchy and after Him, has, unlike the Dispensations of confusion of the past. the past, clearly and specifically laid down In Shoghi Effendi's letters addressed to a set of Laws, established definite institu- this Bahi'i community, we have the state- tions, and provided for the essentials of a ment of the form of the administrative or- Divine Economy. These are destined to be der, its function and purpose, its scope and a pattern for future society, a supreme in- activity, as well as its significance, which strument for the establishment of the Most T H E W O R L D O R D ER O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 285 Great Peace, and the one agency for the lude: 'The world's equilibrium hath been unification of the world, and the proclama- upset through the vibrating influence of this tion of the reign of righteousness and justice most great, this new World Order. Man- upon the earth. . . . kind's ordered life hath been revolutionized "Unlike the Dispensation of Christ, un- through the agency o f this unique, this like the Dispensation of Muhammad, unlike wondrous System-the like of which mortal all the Dispensations of the past, the apos- eyes have never witnessed. . . .'" tles of Bahl'u'llih in every land, wherever 2. On its local and national institu- they labor and toil, have before them in tions:- clear, in unequivocal and emphatic lan- "A perusal of some of the words of Bahl'- guage, all the laws, the regulations, the prin- u'llkh and 'Abdu'l-Bahi on the duties and ciples, the institutions, the guidance, they re- functions of the Spiritual Assemblies in ev- quire for the prosecution and consummation ery land (later to be designated as the local of their task. . . . Therein lies the distin- Houses of Justice), emphatically reveals the guishing feature of the Bahl'i Revelation. sacredness of their nature, the wide scope of Therein lies the strength of the unity of the their activity, and the grave responsibility Faith, of the validity of a Revelation that which rests upon them. claims not to destroy or belittle previous "Addressing the members of the Spiritual Revelations, but to connect, unify, and ful- Assembly in Chicago, the Master reveals the fill them. . . . following:-'Whenever ye enter the council- "Feeble though our Faith may now ap- chamber, recite this prayer with a heart pear in the eyes of men, who either de- throbbing with the love of God and a nounce it as an offshoot of Islim, or con- tongue purified from all but His remem- temptuously ignore it as one more of those brance, that the All-powerful may graciously obscure sects that abound in the West, this aid you to achieve supreme victory:-'0 priceless gem of Divine Revelation, now still God, my God! We are servants of Thine in its embryonic state, shall evolve within that have turned with devotion to Thy Holy the shell of His law, and shall forge ahead, Face, that have detached ourselves from all undivided and unimpaired, till it embraces beside Thee in this glorious Day. We have the whole of mankind. Only those who have gathered in this spiritual assembly, united in already recognized the supreme station of our views and thoughts, with our purposes BahB'u'llBh, only those whose hearts have harmonized to exalt Thy Word amidst man- been touched by His love, and have become kind. 0 Lord, our God! Make us the signs familiar with the potency of His spirit, can of Thy Divine Guidance, the Standards of adequately appreciate the value of this Di- Thy exalted Faith amongst men, servants to vine Economy-His inestimable gift to Thy mighty Covenant. 0 Thou our Lord mankind. . . . Most High! Manifestations of Thy Divine "This Administrative Order . . . will, as Unity in Thine Abhi Kingdom, and re- its component parts, its organic institutions, splendent stars shining upon all regions. begin to function with efficiency and vigor, Lord! Aid us to become seas surging with assert its claim and demonstrate its capacity the billows of Thy wondrous Grace, streams to be regarded not only as the nucleus but flowing from Thy all-glorious Heights, the very pattern of the New World Order goodly fruits upon the Tree of Thy heavenly destined to embrace in the fullness of time Cause, trees waving through the breezes of the whole of mankind. . . . Thy Bounty in Thy celestial Vineyard. 0 "Alone of all the Revelations gone before God! Make our souls dependent upon the it this Faith has . . . succeeded in raising a Verses of Thy Divine Unity, our hearts structure which the bewildered followers of cheered with the outpourings of Thy Grace, bankrupt and broken creeds might well ap- that we may unite even as the waves of one proach and critically examine, and seek, ere sea and become merged together as the rays it is too late, the invulnerable security of its of Thine effulgent Light; that our thoughts, world-embracing shelter. . . . our views, our feelings may become as one "To what else if not to the power and reality, manifesting the spirit of union majesty which this Administrative Order- throughout the world. Thou art the Gra- the rudiments of the future all-enfolding cious, the Bountiful, the Bestower, the Al- Bahb'i Commonwealth-is destined to man- mighty, the Merciful, the Compassionate.' ifest, can these utterances of Bahl'u'lllh al- "In the Most Holy Book is revealed:- T H E BAHA'I WORLD National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of Germany and Austria for the Year 110 (1953-1954). 'The Lord hath ordained that in every city humility and lowliness amongst His loved a House of Justice be established wherein ones, patience and long-suffering in di£fi- shall gather counsellors to the number of culties and servitude to His exalted Thresh- Bah6, and should it exceed this number it old. Should they be graciously aided to ac- does not matter. It behooveth them to be quire these attributes, victory from the un- the trusted ones of the Merciful among men seen Kingdom of Bah6 shall be vouchsafed and to regard themselves as the guardians to them. In this day, assemblies of consulta- appointed of God for all that dwell on earth. tion are of the greatest importance and a It is incumbent upon them to take counsel vital necessity. Obedience unto them is es- together and to have regard for the interests sential and obligatory. The members thereof of the servants of God, for His sake, even must take counsel together in such wise that as they regard their own interests, and to no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may choose that which is meet and seemly. Thus arise. This can be attained when every mem- hath the Lord your God commanded you. ber expresseth with absolute freedom his Beware lest ye put away that which is own opinion and setteth forth his argument. clearly revealed in His Tablet. Fear God, 0 Should any one oppose, he must on no ac- ye that perceive.' count feel hurt for not until matters are "Furthermore, 'Abdu'l-Bahh reveals the fully discussed can the right way be re- following:-'It is incumbent upon every one vealed. The shining spark of truth cometh not to take any step without consulting the forth only after the clash of differing opin- Spiritual Assembly, and they must assuredly ions. If after discussion, a decision be car- obey with heart and soul its bidding and be ried unanimously, well and good; but if, the submissive unto it, that things may be Lord forbid, differences of opinion should properly ordered and well arranged. Other- arise, a majority of voices must prevail.' wise every person will act independently "Enumerating the obligations incumbent and after his own judgment, will follow his upon the members of consulting councils, own desire, and do harm to the Cause.' the Beloved reveals the following:-'The " 'The prime requisites for them that take first condition is absolute love and harmony counsel together are purity of motive, radi- amongst the members of the assembly. They ance of spirit, detachment from all else save must be wholly free from estrangement and God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances, must manifest in themselves the Unity of T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 287 National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Canada, 1953-1954. God, for they are the waves of one sea, the forced. In short, whatsoever thing is ar- drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, ranged in harmony and with love and purity the rays of one sun, the trees of one orchard, of motive, its result is light, and should the the flowers of one garden. Should harmony least trace of estrangement prevail the result of thought and absolute unity be non-exist- shall be darkness upon darkness. . . . If ent, that gathering shall be dispersed and this be so regarded, that assembly shall be that assembly be brought to naught. The of God, but otherwise it shall lead to cool- second condition:-They must when com- ness and alienation that proceed from the ing together turn their faces to the Kingdom Evil One. Discussions must all be c o d n e d on high and ask aid from the Realm of to spiritual matters that pertain to the train- Glory. They must then proceed with the ut- ing of souls, the instruction of children, the most devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and relief of the poor, the help of the feeble moderation to express their views. They throughout all classes in the world, kindness must in every matter search out the truth to all peoples, the diffusion of the fragrances and not insist upon their own opinion, for of God and the exaltation of His Holy stubbornness and persistence in one's views Word. Should they endeavor to fulfill these will lead ultimately to discord and wran- conditions the Grace of the Holy Spirit shall gling and the truth will remain hidden. The be vouchsafed unto them, and that assembly honored members must with all freedom ex- shall become the center of the Divine bless- press their own thoughts, and it is in no wise ings, the hosts of Divine confirmation shall permissible for one to belittle the thought of come to their aid, and they shall day by day another, nay, he must with moderation set receive a new effusion of Spirit.' forth the truth, and should differences of "So great is the importance and so su- opinion arise a majority of voices must pre- preme is the authority of these assemblies vail, and all must obey and submit to the that once 'Abdu'l-Bah5 after having Himself majority. It is again not permitted that any and in His own handwriting corrected the one of the honored members object to or translation made into Arabic of the Ishriiq5t censure, whether in or out of the meeting, (the Effulgences) by KheikJh Faraj, a Kur- any decision arrived at previously, though dish friend from Cairo, directed him in a that decision be not right, for such criticism Tablet to submit the above-named transla- would prevent any decision from being en- tion to the Spiritual Assembly of Cairo, that T H E BAHA'I WORLD National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Australia and New Zealand, Year 110 (1953-1954). he may seek from them before publication tains to the general interest of the Cause their approval and consent. These are His in that land, then it is incumbent upon the very words in that Tablet:-'His honor, Spiritual Assembly to submit it to the con- SJheM Faraju'llih, has here rendered into sideration and approval of the national body Arabic with greatest care the Ishriqit and representing all the various local assemblies. yet I have told him that he must submit his Not only with regard to publication, but version to the Spiritual Assembly of Egypt, all matters without any exception whatso- and I have conditioned its publication upon ever, regarding the interests of the Cause in the approval of the above-named Assembly. that locality, individually or collectively, This is so that things may be arranged in an should be referred exclusively to the Spirit- orderly manner, for should it not be so any ual Assembly in that locality, which shall one may translate a certain Tablet and print decide upon it, unless it be a matter of na- and circulate it on his own account. Even tional interest, in which case it shall be re- a non-believer might undertake such work, ferred to the national body. With this na- and thus cause confusion and disorder. If tional body also will rest the decision it be conditioned, however, upon the ap- whether a given question is of local or na- proval of the Spiritual Assembly, a transla- tional interest. (By national affairs is not tion prepared, printed and circulated by a meant matters that are political in their non-believer will have no recognition what- character, for the friends of God the world ever.' over are strictly forbidden to meddle with "This is indeed a clear indication of the political affairs in any way whatever, but Master's express desire that nothing what- rather things that affect the spiritual activ- ever should be given to the public by any ities of the body of the friends in that land.) individual among the friends, unless fully "Full harmony, however, as well as co- considered and approved by the Spiritual operation among the various local assem- Assembly in his locality; and if this (as is blies and the members themselves, and par- undoubtedly the case) is a matter that per- ticularly between each assembly and the na- T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH tional body, is of the utmost importance, bers of the International House of Justice, for upon it depends the unity of the Cause that Supreme Council that will guide, or- of God, the solidarity of the friends, the full, ganize and unify the affairs of the Move- speedy and efficient working of the spiritual ment throughout the world. activities of His loved ones. "It is expressly recorded in 'Abdu'l-BahA's "Large issues in such spiritual activities Writings that these National Assemblies that affect the Cause in general in that land, must be indirectly elected by the friends; such as the management of the Star of the that is, the friends in every country must West and any periodical which the National elect a certain number of delegates, who in Body may decide to be a BahA'i organ, the their turn will elect from among all the matter of publication, of reprinting BahB'i friends in that country the members of the literature and its distribution among the National Spiritual Assembly. In such coun- various assemblies, the means whereby the tries, therefore, as America, Great Britain teaching campaign may be stimulated and and Germany, a fixed number of secondary maintained, the work of the Ma&riqu'l- electors must first be decided upon. . . . Ad_hkAr, the racial question in relation to the The friends then in every locality where the C a ~ ~ sthe e , matter of receiving Orientals and number of adult declared believers exceeds association with them, the care and mainte- nine must directly elect its quota of sec- nance of the precious film exhibiting a phase ondary electors assigned to ^it in direct of the Master's sojourn in the United States proportion to its numerical strength. These of America as well as the original matrix secondary electors will then, either through and the records of His voice, and various correspondence, or preferably by gathering other national spiritual activities, far from together, and first deliberating upon the being under the exclusive jurisdiction of any affairs of the Cause throughout their coun- local assembly or group of friends, must try (as the delegates to the Convention), each be min~ltely and fully directed by a elect from among all the friends in that special board, elected by the National Body, country nine who will be the members of constituted as a committee thereof, responsi- the National Spiritual Assembly. ble to it and upon which the National Body "This National Spiritual Assembly, which, shall exercise constant and general supervi- pending the establishment of the Universal sion. . . . House of Justice, will have to be re-elected "Regarding the establishment of 'National once a year, obviously assumes grave re- Assemblies,' it is of vital importance that in sponsibilities, for it has to exercise full au- every country, where the conditions are fa- thority over all the local Assemblies in its vorable and the number of the friends has province, and will have to direct the activ- grown and reached a considerable size, such ities of the friends, guard vigilantly the as America, Great Britain and Germany, Cause of God, and control and supervise that a 'National Spiritual Assembly' be im- the affairs of the Movement in general. mediately established, representative of the "Vital issues, affecting the interests of the friends throughout that country. Cause in that country such as the matter of "Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, translation and publication, the Ma&riqu'l- unify and coordinate by frequent personal Ad_hklr, the Teaching Work, and other sim- consultations, the manifold activities of the ilar matters than stand distinct from strictly friends as well as the local Assemblies; and local affairs, must be under the full juris- by keeping in close and constant touch with diction of the National Assembly. the Holy Land, initiate measures, and direct "It will have to refer each of these ques- in general the affairs of the Cause in that tions, even as the local Assemblies, to a countrv. special Committee, to be elected by the "It serves also another purpose, no less members of the National Spiritual Assem- essential than the first, as in the course of bly, from among all the friends in that coun- time it shall evolve into the National House try, which will bear to it the same relation of Justice (referred to in 'Abdu'l-BahL's as the local committees bear to their re- Will as the 'secondary House of Justice'), spective local Assemblies. which according to the explicit text of the "With it, too, rests the decision whether Testament will have, in conjunction with a certain point at issue is strictly local in its the other National Assemblies throughout nature, and should be reserved for the con- the BahB'i world, to elect directly the mem- sideration and decision of the local Assem- 290 T H E BAHA'I WORLD bly, or whether it should fall under its own sembly, but should also fulfill the functions province and be regarded as a matter which of an enlightened, consultative and coopera- ought to receive its special attention. The tive body that will enrich the experience, National Spiritual Assembly will also decide enhance the prestige, support the authority, upon such matters which in its opinion and assist the deliberations of the National should be referred to the Holy Land for Spiritual Assembly. It is my firm conviction consultation and decision. that it is the bounden duty, in the interest of "With these Assemblies, local as well as the Cause we all love and serve, of the national, harmoniously, vigorously, and ef- members of the incoming National Assem- ficiently functioning throughout the Bahh'i bly, once elected by the delegates at Con- world, the only means for the establishment vention time, to seek and have the utmost of the Supreme House of Justice will have regard, individually as well as collectively, been secured. And when this Supreme Body for the advice, the considered opinion and will have been properly established, it will the true sentiments of the assembled dele- have to consider afresh the whole situation, gates. Banishing every vestige of secrecy, of and lay down the principle which shall di- undue reticence, of dictatorial aloofness, rect, so long as it deems advisable, the affairs from their midst, they should radiantly and of the Cause. . . . abundantly unfold to the eyes of the dele- "The need for the centralization of au- gates, by whom they are elected, their plans, thority in the National Spiritual Assembly, their hopes, and their cares. They should and the concentration of power in the vari- familiarize the delegates with the various ous local Assemblies, is made manifest when matters that will have to be considered in we reflect that the Cause of Bahh'u'llhh is the current year, and calmly and conscien- still in its age of tender growth and in a tiously study and weigh the opinions and stage of transition; when we remember that judgments of the delegates. The newly the full implications and the exact signifi- elected National Assembly, during the cance of the Master's world-wide instruc- few days when the Convention is in ses- tions, as laid down in His Will, are as yet sion and after the dispersal of the dele- not fully grasped, and the whole Movement gates, should seek ways and means to culti- has not sufficiently crystallized in the eyes vate understanding, facilitate and maintain of the world. the exchange of views, deepen confidence, "It is our primary task to keep the most and vindicate by every tangible evidence vigilant eye on the manner and character of their one desire to serve and advance the its growth, to combat effectively the forces common weal. Not infrequently, nay often- of separation and of sectarian tendencies, times, the most lowly, untutored and inex- lest the Spirit of the Cause be obscured, its perienced among the friends will, by the unity be threatened, its Teachings suffer cor- sheer inspiring force of selfless and ardent ruption; lest extreme orthodoxy on one devotion, contribute a distinct and memo- hand, and irresponsible freedom on the rable share to a highly involved discussion other, cause it to deviate from that Straight in any given Assembly. Great must be the Path which alone can lead it to suc- regard paid by those whom the delegates cess. . . . call upon to serve in high position to this "Hitherto the National Convention has all-important though inconspicuous manifes- been primarily called together for the con- tation of the revealing power of sincere and sideration of the various circumstances at- earnest devotion. tending the election of the National Spirit- "The National Spiritual Assembly, how- ual Assembly. I feel, however, that in view ever, in view of the unavoidable limitations of the expansion and the growing impor- imposed upon the convening of frequent and tance of the administrative sphere of the long-standing sessions of the Convention, Cause, the general sentiments and tenden- will have to retain in its hands the final de- cies prevailing among the friends, and the cision on all matters that affect the interests signs of increasing interdependence among of the Cause in America, such as the right to the National Spiritual Assemblies through- decide whether any local Assembly is func- out the world, the assembled accredited rep- tioning in accordance with the principles resentatives of the American believers laid down for the conduct and advancement should exercise not only the vital and re- of the Cause. It is my earnest prayer that sponsible right of electing the National As- they will utilize their highly responsible po- National Spiritual Assembly of the BahA'is of India, PAkisth and Burma, 1952-1953 and 1953-1954. sition, not only for the wise and efficient after mature deliberation, unanimity in vital conduct of the affairs of the Cause, but also decisions. Indeed, it has ever been the cher- for the extension and deepening of the spirit ished desire of our Master, 'Abdu'l-BahB, of cordiality and wholehearted and mutual that the friends in their councils, local as support in their cooperation with the body well as national, should by their candor, of their co-workers throughout the land. their honesty of purpose, their singleness of The seating of delegates to the Convention, mind, and the thoroughness of their discus- i.e., the right to decide upon the validity of sions, achieve unanimity in all things. the credentials of the delegates at a given Should this in certain cases prove impracti- Convention, is vested in the outgoing Na- cable the verdict of the majority should pre- tional Assembly, and the right to decide vail, to which decision the minority must who has the voting privilege is also ulti- under all circumstances, gladly, spontane- mately placed in the hands of the National ously and continually, submit. Spiritual Assembly, either when a local Spir- "Nothing short of the all-encompassing, itual Assembly is being for the first time all-pervading power of His Guidance and formed in a given locality, or when differ- LoGe can enable this newly-enfolded order ences arise between a new applicant and an to gather strength and flourish amid the already established local Assembly. While storm and stress of a turbulent age, and in the Convention is in session and the accred- the fullness of time vindicate its high claim ited delegates have already elected from to be universally recognized as the one among the believers throughout the country Haven of abiding felicity and peace." the members of the National Spiritual As- 3. On its international institutions:- sembly for the current year, it is of infinite "It should be stated, at the very outset, value and a supreme necessity that as. far as in clear and unambiguous language, that possible all matters requiring immediate de- these twin institutions of the Administrative cision should be fully and publicly consid- Order of Bah2u'lldh should be regarded as ered, and an endeavor be made to obtain divine in origin, essential in their functions 292 T H E BAHA'I WORLD National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of Egypt and S6d&n,1950-1951. and complementary in their aim and pur- extraordinary distinctions. Even the station pose. Their common, their fundamental ob- of prophethood hath been his birthright.' ject is to insure the continuity of that Without such an institution the integrity of divinely-appointed authority which flows the Faith would be imperiled, and the sta- from the Source of our Faith, to safeguard bility of the entire fabric would be gravely the unity of its followers and to maintain endangered. Its prestige would suffer, the the integrity and flexibility of its teachings. means required to enable it to take a long, Acting in conjunction with each other these an uninterrupted view over a series of gen- two inseparable institutions administer its erations would be completely lacking, and affairs, coordinate its activities, promote its the necessary guidance to define the sphere interests, execute its laws and defend its sub- of the legislative action of its elected repre- sidiary institutions. Severally, each operates sentatives would be totally withdrawn. within a clearly defined sphere of jurisdic- "Severed from the no less essential insti- tion; each is equipped with its own attendant tution of the Universal House of Justice this institutions-instruments designed for the same System of the Will of 'Abdu'l-Bahi effective discharge of its particular responsi- would be paralyzed in its action and would bilities and duties. Each exercises, within the be powerless to fill in those gaps which the limitations imposed upon it, its powers, its Author of the Kitlb-i-Aqdas has deliberately authority, its rights and prerogatives. These left in the body of His legislative and ad- are neither contradictory, nor detract in the ministrative ordinances. slightest degree from the position which " 'He is the Interpreter of the Word of each of these institutions occupies. Far from God,' 'Abdu'l-Bahl, referring to the func- being incompatible or mutually destructive, tions of the Guardian of the Faith, asserts, they supplement each other's authority and using in His Will the very term which He functions, and are permanently and funda- Himself had chosen when refuting the argu- mentally united in their aims. ment of the Covenant-breakers who had "Divorced from the institution of the challenged His right to interpret the utter- Guardianship the World Order of BahS'u'- ances of Bahii'u'lliih. 'After him,' He adds, lllh would be mutilated and permanently 'will succeed the first-born of his lineal de- deprived of that hereditary principle which, scendants.' 'The mighty stronghold,' He as 'Abdu'l-Bahi has written, has been in- further explains, 'shall remain impregnable variably upheld by the Law of God. 'In all and safe through obedience to him who is the Divine Dispensations,' He states, in a the Guardian of the Cause of God.' 'It is in- Tablet addressed to a follower of the Faith cumbent upon the members of the House of in Persia, 'the eldest son hath been given Justice, upon all the A g-h ~ l n the , Afnln, the T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH Hands of the Cause of God, to show their ment, but invests this body with the addi- obedience, submissiveness and subordina- tional right and power to abrogate, accord- tion unto the Guardian of the Cause of ing to the exigencies of time, its own enact- God.' ments, as well as those of a preceding House " 'It is incumbent upon the members of of Justice. 'Inasmuch as the House of Jus- the House of Justice,' BahL'u'llLh, on the tice,' is His explicit statement in His Will, other hand, declares in the Eighth Leaf of 'hath power to enact laws that are not ex- the Exalted Paradise, 'to take counsel to- pressly recorded in the Book and bear upon gether regarding those things which have daily transactions, so also it hath power to not outwardly been revealed in the Book, repeal the same . . . This it can do because and to enforce that which is agreeable to these laws form no part of the divine ex- them. God will verily inspire them with plicit text.' whatsoever He willeth, and He verily is the "Referring to both the Guardian and the Provider, the Omniscient.' 'Unto the Most Universal House of Justice we read these Holy Book' (the KitLb-i-Aqdas), 'Abdu'l- emphatic words: 'The sacred and youthful BahL states in His Will, 'every one must Branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, turn, and all that is not expressly recorded as well as the Universal House of Justice to therein must be referred to the Universal be universally elected and established, are House of Justice. That which this body, both under the care and protection of the whether unanin~ouslyor by a majority doth Abhk Beauty, under the shelter and un- carry, that is verily the truth and the pur- erring guidance of the Exalted One (the pose of God Himself. Whoso doth deviate BBb) (may my life be offered up for them therefrom is verily of them that love dis- both). Whatsoever they decide is of God.' cord, hath shown forth malice, and turned "From these statements it is made in- away from the Lord of the Covenant.' dubitably clear and evident that the Guard- "Not only does 'Abdu'l-BahL confirm in ian of the Faith has been made the Interpre- His Will BahL'u'llBh's above-quoted state- ter of the Word and that the Universal National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of 'IrLq, 1952-1954. 294 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D House of Justice has been invested with the neither rich nor poor, neither white nor function of legislating on matters not ex- colored. Its watchword is the unification of pressly revealed in the teachings. The in- the human race; its standard the 'Most Great terpretation of the Guardian, functioning Peace'; its consummation the advent of that within his own sphere, is as authoritative golden millennium-the Day when the king- and binding as the enactments of the Inter- doms of this world shall have become the national House of Justice, whose exclusive Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom of right and prerogative is to pronounce upon BahB'u'llBh." and deliver the final judgment on such laws Sixty years have passed since the Cause and ordinances as BahB'u'llhh has not ex- of BahB'u'llBh was first brought to North pressly revealed. Neither can, nor will ever, America. Three generations of believers infringe upon the sacred and prescribed do- have worked and sacrificed and prayed in main of the other. Neither will seek to cnr- order to produce a body of BahB'is large tail the specific and undoubted authority enough to demonstrate the principles here with which both have been divinely in- summarized in a few pages for the present- vested. . . . day student of these teachings. What 'Ab- "Let no one, while this System is still in du'l-Bahh employed as unifying element for its infancy, misconceive its character, be- the American community during a period little its significance or misrepresent its pur- before more than rudimentary local admin- pose. The bedrock on which this Adminis- istrative bodies could be established was the trative Order is founded is God's immutable construction of the House of Worship, the Purpose for mankind in this day. The MaGriqu'l-Aaikhr, in Wilmette. He in fact Source from which it derives its inspiration referred to the House of Worship as the is no less than BahL'u'llBh Himself. Its "inception of the Kingdom." Around its shield and defender are the embattled hosts construction devotedly gathered the Ameri- of the AbhL Kingdom. Its seed is the blood can friends. 'Abdu'l-Bahh approved their ac- of no less than twenty thousand martyrs who tion in setting up a religious corporation to have offered up their lives that it may be hold title to the property and provide a basis born and flourish. The axis round which its for collective action. In surveying those days institutions revolve are the authentic provi- from 1904 to 1921, one realizes how, in sioils of the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l- every stage of progress, the believers rushed BahP. Its guiding principles are the truths forward in devotion before they could per- which He Who is the unerring Interpreter ceive the full results of action or compre- of the teachings of our Faith has so clearly hend the full unfoldment of their beloved enunciated in His public addresses through- Master's intention. In their hearts they knew out the West. The laws that govern its op- that unity is the keynote of their Faith, and eration and limit its functions are those they were assured that the new power of which have been expressly ordained in the unity would augment until it encompassed Kitfib-i-Aqdas. The seat round which its the whole of mankind. But as to the nature spiritual, its humanitarian and administra- of world order, the foundation of universal tive activities will cluster are the Mahriqu'l- peace, the principles of the future economy, AdJhkBr and its Dependencies. The pillars while the clear picture eluded them, they that sustain its authority and buttress its went forward with enthusiasm to the Light. structure are the twin institutions of the In a continent consecrated to the pioneer, Guardianship and of the Universal House of Justice. The central, the underlying aim the early American BahL'is pioneered in the which animates it is the establishment of world of spirit, striving to participate in a the New World Order as adumbrated by work of supreme importance whose final re- BahL'u'llhh. The methods it employs, the sult was the laying of a foundation on which standard it inculcates, incline it to neither human society might raise a house of justice East nor West, neither Jew nor Gentile, and a mansion of peace. T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH APROCEDUREFORTHECONDUCTOF ALOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahQ'is of the Uv~itedStates and Canada must take counsel together in such wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may A PERUSAL of some of the words of arise. This can be attained when every mem- Bah6'u'll&h and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 on the duties ber expresseth with absolute freedom his and functions of the Spiritual Assemblies in own opinion and setteth forth his argument. every land (later to be designated as the Should any one oppose, he must on no ac- local Houses of Justice), emphatically re- count feel hurt for not until matters are veals the sacredness of their nature, the fully discussed call the right way be re- wide scope of their activity, and the grave vealed. The shining spark of truth cometh responsibility which rests upon them."- forth only after the clash of differing opin- S H ~ G HEFFENDI, I March 5, 1922. ions. If, after discussion, a decision be car- "The Lord hath ordained that in every ried unanimously, well and good; but if, the city a House of Justice be established Lord forbid, differences of opinion should wherein shall gather counselors to the num- arise, ,a majority of voices must pre- ber of Bah6. . . . It behooveth them to be vail. . . ." the trusted ones of the Merciful among men "The first condition1 is absolute love and and to regard themselves as the guardians harmony amongst the members of the As- appointed of God for all that dwell on earth. sembly. They must be wholly free from It is incumbent upon them to take counsel estrangement and must manifest in them- together and to have regard for the inter- selves the Unity of God, for they are the ests of the servants of God, for His sake, waves of one sea, the drops of one river, even as they regard their own interests, and the stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, to choose that which is meet and seemly. the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one Thus hath the Lord yo-ctr God commanded garden. Should harmony of thought and ab- you. Beware lest ye put away that which solute unity be non-existent, that gathering is clearly revealed in His Tablet. Fear God, shall be dispersed and that Assembly be 0 ye that perceive."-BA~U'LL~H. brought to naught. The second condition: "It is incumbent upon every one not to They must when coming together turn their take any step without consulting the Spirit- faces to the Kingdom on High and ask aid ual Assembly, and they must assuredly obey from the Realm of Glory. They must then with heart and soul its bidding and be sub- proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, missive unto it, that things may be properly dignity, care and moderation to express ordered and well arranged. Otherwise every their views. Thev must in everv matter person will act independently and after his search out the truth and not insist upon own judgment, will follow his own desire, their own opinion, for stubbornness and and do harm to the Cause. persistence in one's views will lead ulti- "The prime requisites for them that take mately to discord and wrangling and the counsel together are purity of motive, radi- truth will remain hidden. The honored ance of spirit, detachment from all else save members must with all freedom express God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances, their own thoughts, and it is in no wise per- humility and lowliiless amongst His loved missible for one to belittle the thought of ones, patience and long-suffering in difficul- another, nay, he must with moderation set ties and servitude to His exalted Threshold. forth the truth, and should differences of Should they be graciously aided to a c q ~ ~ i r e opinion arise a majority of voices must pre- these attrib~~tes, victory from the unseen vail, and all must obey and submit to the Kingdom of Bahi shall be vouchsafed to majority. It is again not permitted that any them. In this day, Assemblies of consulta- one of the honored members object to or tion are of the greatest importance and a censure, whether in or out of the meeting, vital necessity. Obedience unto them is es- any decision arrived at previously, though sential and obligatory. The members thereof that decision be not right, for such criticism T H E BAHA'I WORLD would prevent any decision from being en- spired, that one and all should submit to its forced. In short, whatsoever thing is ar- decision unreservedly and with cheerful- ranged in harmony and with love and purity ~ ~ S S . " ~ H O G H EFFENDI, I February 23, of motive, its result is light, and should the 1924. least trace of estrangement prevail the result shall be darkness upon darkness. . . . If this be so regarded, that Assembly shall be of God, but otherwise it shall lead to cool- ness and alienation that proceed from the The various functions of the local Spirit- Evil One. Discussions must all be confined ual Assembly, and its nature as a consti- to spiritual matters that pertain to the train- tutional body, are duly set forth in Article ing of souls, the instruction of children, the VII of the By-Laws of the National Spirit- relief of the poor, the help of the feeble ual Assembly, and are more definitely de- throughout all classes in the world, kindness fined in the By-Laws of a local Spiritual to all peoples, the dBusion of the fragrances Assembly approved by the National Spirit- of God and the exaltation of His Holy ual Assembly and recommended by the Word. Should they endeavor to fullill these Guardian. Each local Spiritual Assembly, conditions the grace of the Holy Spirit shall and all members of the local Bahi'i com- be vouchsafed unto them, and that Assem- munity, shall be guided and controlled by bly shall become the center of the Divine the provisions of those By-Laws. blessings, the hosts of Divine confirmation shall come to their aid, and they shall day by day receive a new effusion of Spirit."- 'ABDU'L-BA~. "The importance, nay the absolute neces- sity of these local Assemblies is manifest In addition to its observance of the gen- when we realize that in the days to come eral functions vested in the institution of a they will evolve into the local House of Jus- Spiritual Assembly, each Spiritual Assembly tice, and at present provide the firm founda- has need of a procedure for the conduct of tion on which the structure of the Master's its meetings. The following items represent Will is to be reared in the future." the outline of the parliamentary rules of "In order to avoid division and disruption, procedure which the National Spiritual As- that the Cause may not fall a prey to con- sembly has adopted and recommends to flicting interpretations, and lose thereby its each and every local Spiritual Assembly purity and pristine vigor, that its affairs may throughout the United States. be conducted with efficiency and prompt- C~llingof Meetings ness, it is necessary that every one [that is, every member of the Bahti'i community] A meeting of the Spiritual Assembly is should conscientiously take an active part valid only when it has been duly called, that in the election of these Assemblies, abide by is, when each and every member has been their decision, enforce their decree, and co- informed of the time and place. The gen- operate with them wholeheartedly in their eral practice is for the Assembly to decide task of stimulating the growth of the Move- upon some regular time and place for its ment throughout all regions. The members meetings throughout the Bah2i year, and of these Assemblies, on their part, must dis- this decision when recorded in the minutes regard utterly their own likes and dislikes, is sufficient notice to the members. When their personal interests and inclinations, and the regular schedule cannot be followed, or concentrate their minds upon those meas- the need arises for a special meeting, the ures that will conduce to the welfare and secretary, on request by the chairman or happiness of the Bahki community and pro- any three members of the Spiritual Assem- mote the common weal."-SHOGHI EF- bly, should send due notice to all the mem- FENDI, March 12, 1923. bers. "Let us recall His explicit and often- Order of Business repeated assurances that every Assembly elected in that rarefied atmosphere of self- Roll call by the Secretary (or Recording lessness and detachment is, in truth, ap- Secretary). pointed of God, that its verdict is truly in- Prayer. T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 297 Reading and approval of Minutes of pre- Discussion of any matter before the As- vious meetings. sembly may be terminated by a motion duly Report of Secretary (or Corresponding made, seconded and voted calling upon the Secretary), including presentation of chairman to put the matter to a vote or to letters received by the Assembly since proceed to the next matter on the agenda. its last meeting, and of any and all The purpose of this procedure is to prevent recommendations duly adopted by the any member or members from prolonging community at the last Nineteen Day the discussion beyond the point at which Feast. full opportunity has been given all members Report of Treasurer. to express their views. Report of Committees. When the Assembly has taken action Unfinished business. upon any matter, the action is binding upon New business, including conferences with all members, whether present or absent members of the community and with from the meeting at which the action was applicants for enrollment as members taken. Individual views and opinions must of the community. be subordinated to the will of the Assembly Closing Prayer. when a decision has been made. A Spiritual Assembly is an administrative unit, as it is a Conduct of Business spiritual unit, and therefore no distinction between "majority" and "minority" groups A Spiritual Assembly, in maintaining its or factions can be recognized. Each member threefold function of a body given (within must give undivided loyalty to the insti- the limits of its jurisdiction) an executive, tution to which he or she has been elected. a legislative and a judicial capacity, is Any action taken by the Assembly can be charged with responsibility for initiating ac- reconsidered at a later meeting, on motion tion and making decisions. Its meetings, duly made, seconded and carried. This re- therefore, revolve around various definite consideration, according to the result of the matters which require deliberation and col- consultation, may lead to a revision or the lective decision, and it is incumbent upon annulment of the prior action. If a majority the members, one and all, lo address them- is unwilling to reconsider the prior action, selves to the subject under discussion and further discussion of the matter by any not engage in general speeches of an irrele- member is improper. vant character. The Assembly has a responsibility in fill- Every subject or problem before an As- ing a vacancy caused by the inability of any sembly is most efficientlyhandled when the member to attend the meetiugs. "It is only following process is observed: first, ascer- too obvious that unless a member can at- tainment and agreement upon the facts; tend regularly the meetings of his local As- second, agreement upon the spiritual or ad- sembly, it would be impossible for him to ministrative Teachings which the question discharge the duties incumbent upon him, involves; third, full and frank discussion of and to fuliill his responsibilities as a repre- the matter, leading up to the offering of a sentative of the community. Membership in resolution; and fourth, voting upon the reso- a local Spiritual Assembly carries with it, in- lution. deed, the obligation and capacity to remain A resolution, or motion, is not subject to in close touch with local BahPi activities, discussion or vote until duly made and sec- and ability to attend regularly the sessions onded. It is preferable to have each resolu- of the Assembly.''-S~o~~~ EFFENDI,Janu- tion clear and complete in itself, but when ary 27, 1935. an amendment is duly made and seconded, The Spiritual Assembly, as a permanent the chairman shall call for a vote on the amendment first and then on the original body, is responsible for maintaining all its motion. An amendment must be relevant to, records, including Minutes of meetings, cor- and not contravene, the subject matter of respondence and financial records, through- the motion. out its existence as a BahL'i institution. Each The chairman, or other presiding officer, officer, therefore, on completing his or her has the same power and responsibility for term of office, shall turn over to-the Assem- discussion and voting upon motions as other bly all records pertaining to the business of members of the Assembly. the Assembly. 29 8 T H E BAHA'I WORLD 111. CONSULTATION WITH THE September 8 November 4 January 19 COMMUNITY September 27 November 23 February 7 October 16 December 12 March 2 A . The institution of the Nineteen Day December 3 1 Feast provides the recognized and regular occasion for general consultation on the The Spiritual Assembly is responsible for part of the community, and for consultalion the holding of the Nineteen Day Feast. If between the Spiritual Assembly and the the BahL'i calendar for some adequate rea- members of the community. The conduct of son cannot be observed, the Assembly may the period of consultation at Nineteen Day arrange to hold a Feast at the nearest pos- Feasts is a vital function of each Spiritual sible date. Assembly. Only members of the BahL'i community, From Words of 'Abdu'l-BahL, "The Nine- and visiting BahL'is from other communi- teen Day Feast was inaugurated by the BLb ties, may attend these meetings, but young and ratified by BahL'u'llLh, in His Holy people of less than twenty-one years of age, Book, the Aqdas, so that people may gather who have studied the Teachings and de- together and outwardly show fellowship and clared their intention of joining the com- love, that the Divine mysteries may be dis- munity on reaching the age of twenty-one, closed. The object is concord, that through may also attend. this fellowship hearts may become perfectly Regular attendance at the Nineteen Day united, and reciprocity and mutual helpful- Feast is incumbent upon every BahL'i, ill- ness be established. Because the members of ness or absence from the city being the only the world of humanity are unable to exist justification for absence. Believers are ex- without being banded together, cooperation pected to arrange their personal affairs so and helpf~~lness are the basis of human so- as to enable them to observe the BahL'i ciety. Without the realization of these two calendar. great principles no great movement is pressed forward." London, England, De- Order of Business for the cember 29, 1912. (Quoted in Bah& News, Consultation Period No. 33.) The Nineteen Day Feast has been de- The chairman or other appointed repre- scribed by the Guardian as the foundation sentative of the Spiritual Assembly presides of the World Order of BahL'u'llLh. It is to during the period of consultation. be conducted according to the following The Spiritual Assembly reports to the program: The first part, entirely spiritual in community whatever communications have character, is devoted to readings from Ba- been received from the Guardian and the h8'i Sacred Writings; the second part con- National Spiritual Assembly, and provides sists of general consultation on the affairs of opportunity for general discussion. the Cause. The third part is the material The Assembly likewise reports its own feast and social meeting of all the believers, activities and plans, including committee ap- and should maintain the spiritual nature of pointments that may have been made since the Feast. the last Feast, the financial report, arrange- BahL'is should regard this Feast as the ments made for public meetings, and in gen- very heart of their spiritual activity, their eral shares with the community all matters participation in the mystery of the Holy that concern the Faith. These reports are to Utterance, their steadfast unity one with an- be followed by general consultation. other in a universality raised high above the A matter of vital importance at this meet- limitations of race, class, nationality, sect, ing is consideration of national and inter- and personality, and their privilege of con- national BahL'i affairs, to strengthen the tributing to the power of the Cause in the capacity of the community to cooperate in realm of collective action. promotion of the larger BahL'i interests and to deepen the understanding of all believers Calendar of the Nineteen Day Feast concerning the relation of the local com- m q i t y to the BahL'i World Community. March 21 May 17 July 13 Individual BahL'is are to find in the Nine- April 9 June 5 August 1 teen Day Feast the channel through which April 28 June 24 August 20 to make suggestions and recommendations T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH to the National Sairitual Assemblv. These presentation of annual reports, tellers' report recommendatioils are offered first to the lo- of the election, approval of the tellers' re- cal community, and when adopted by the port. community come before the local Assem- bly, which then may ill its discretion for- C. In addition to these occasions for gen- ward the recommendation to the National eral consultation, the Spiritual Assembly is Spiritual Assembly accompanied by its own to give consultation to individual believers considered view. whenever requested. Provision is to be made for reports from During such consultation with individual committees, with discussion of each report. believers, the Assembly should observe the Finally, the meeting is to be open for sug- following principles: the impartiality of each gestions and recomn~endations from indi- of its members with respect to all matters vidual believers on any matter affecting the under discussion; the freedom of the indi- Cause. vidual BahL'i to express his views, feelings The local Bahi'i community may adopt and recommeildations on any matter affect- by majority vote ally resalution which it ing the interests of the Cause; the confiden- wishes collectively to record as its advice tial character of this consultation, and the and recommendation to the Spiritual As- principle that the Spiritual Assembly does sembly. not adopt any resolution or make any final Upon each member of the community decision, ~ ~ n t the i l party or parties have lies the obligatioil to make his or her utmost withdrawn from the meeting. contribution to the consultation, the ideal Appeals from decisions of a local Spiritual being a gathering of Bah6'is inspired with Assembly are provided for in the By-Laws one spirit and concentrating upon the one and the procedure fully described in a state- aim to further the interests of the Faith. ment published in Bahci'i News, February, The Secretary of the Assembly records 1933. each resolution adopted by the community, When confronted with evidences of as well as the various suggestions advanced unhappiness, whether directed against the during the meetings, in order to report these Assembly or against members of the com- to the Spiritual Assembly for its considera- munity, the Spiritual Assembly should real- tion. Whatever action the Assembly takes ize that its relationship to the believers is not is to be reported at a later Nineteen Day merely that of a formal constitutional body Feast. but also that of a spiritual institution called Matters of a personal nature should be upon to manifest the attributes of courtesy, brought before the Spiritual Assembly and patience and loving insight. Many condi- not to the community at the Nineteen Day tions are not to be remedied by the exercise Feast. Concerning the attitude with which of power and authority but rather by a sym- believers should come to these Feasts, the pathetic understanding of the sources of the Master has said, "You must free yourselves difficulty in the hearts of the friends. As from everything that is in your hearts, be- 'Abdu'l-BahL has explained, some of the fore you enter." (Bahci'i News Letter of the people are children and must be trained, N. S. A. of Germany and Austria, Decem- some are ignorant and must be educated, ber, 1934.) some are sick and must be healed. Where, however, the problem is not of this order B. The Annual Meeting on April 21, but represents flagrant disobedience and dis- called for the election of the Spiritual As- loyalty to the Cause itself, in that case the sembly, provides the occasioll for the pres- Assembly should coilsult with the National entation of annual reports by the Assembly Spiritual Assembly concerning the necessity and by all its Committees. for disciplinary action. The chairman of the outgoing Assembly Members of the Bahi'i community, for presides at this meeting. their part, should do their utmost by prayer The order of business includes: Reading and meditation to remain always in a posi- of the call of the meeting, reading of ap- tive and joyous spiritual condition, bearing propriate Bahb'i passages bearing up011 the in mind the Tablets which call upon BahL'is subject of the election, appointment of tell- to serve the world of humanity and not ers, distribution of ballots, prayers for the waste their precious energies in negative spiritual guidance of the voters, the election, complaints. 300 T H E BAHA'I: W O R L D IV. B A HANNIVERSARIES, ~ ~ FESTIVALS AND Ascension of BahL'u'llsih, May 29, 1892. DAYSOF FASTING Martyrdom of the Bib, July 9, 1850. Birth of the Bib, October 20, 1819. The Spiritual Assembly, among its vari- Birth of BahL'u'llsih, November 12, 1817. ous duties and responsibilities, will provide Day of the Covenant, November 26. for the general observance by the local com- Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bah$ November munity of the following Holy Days: 28, 1921. Period of the Fast, nineteen days begin- Feast of RidvAn (Declaration of Bah2- ning March 2. u'llAh) April 21-May 2, 1863. Feast of Naw-Rfiz (BahB'i New Year), Declaration of the BAb, May 23, 1844. March 21. THE INSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY T H E sacred Writings of the Bah(.i Faith all the local Assemblies in its province, and create organic institutions having a member- will have to direct the activities of the ship elected by the BahL'i community. friends, guard vigilantly the Cause of God, BahL'u'llih called these institutions into and control and supervise the affairs of the being; their establishment, definition, train- [Faith] in general. ing and development came later, in the min- "Vital issues, affecting the interests of the istry of 'Abdu'l-BahA and in that of the Cause in that country . . . that stand dis- Guardian appointed in 'Abdu'l-BahL's Testa- tinct from strictly local affairs, must be ment. under the full jurisdiction of the National Since the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bah5 in 1921, Assembly. It will have to refer each of these the formation of local Spiritual Assemblies questions . . . to a special Committee, to has multiplied in East and West, and the be elected by the members of the National institution of the National Spiritual Assem- Spiritual Assembly, from among all the bly has become k m l y established. Concern- friends in that country . . . ing this national administrative body Shoghi "With it, too, rests the decision whether a Effendi has provided clear information and certain point at issue is strictly local in its direction. Its purpose, its power, its responsi- . nature . . or whether it should fall under bility and its functions and duties are defi- its own province and be regarded as a mat- nitely prescribed. ter which ought to receive its special atten- "Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, tion."l unify and coordinate by frequent personal "The need for the centralization of au- consultations the manifold activities of the thority in the National Spiritual Assembly, friends [believers] as well as the local As- and the concentration of power in the vari- semblies; and by keeping in close and con- ous local Assemblies, is . . . manifest."' stant touch with the Holy Land [BahL'i "The authority of the National Spiritual As- World Center], initiate measures, and direct sembly is undivided and unchallengeable in in general the affairs of the Cause in that all matters pertaining to the administration country. of the Faith [throughout its co~ntry]."~ "It serves also another purpose, no less The individual BahL'i has spiritual citizen- essential than the first . . . in conjunction ship in a world community of believers act- with the other National Assemblies through- ing through local, national and international out the BahL'i world, to elect directly the bodies. There is no division of interest or members of the International House of Jus- conflict of authority among these institu- tice, that Supreme Council that will guide, tions, for ever since the ascension of Baht?- organize and unify the affairs of the [Faith] 1 Bahd'i Adminisfration (1945 edition), pp. 39-40. throughout the world. 2 Ibid., p. 42. ". . . it has to exercise full authority over 3 Bahri'S Procedure (1942), p. 63. T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 301 First National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of Central America, Mexico and the Antilles, elected April, 1951. Seated, left to right: Dr. David Escalante (San Salvador), James V. Facey (Colon), Miss Elena Marsella (Ciudad Trujillo) , Artemus Lamb (San Josh). Standing, left to right: Mrs. Louise Caswell (Tegucigalpa), Zenayda Jurado C. (Mexico City), Mrs. Cora H. Oliver (Colon), Sra. Raquel J. Fran~oisde Constante (Panama City), Natalia A. ChBvez (Tegucigalpa). u'llBh in 1892 His Faith has uninterruptedly During the ministry of 'Abdu'l-BahB, after possessed an infallible Interpreter, a spiritual He had approved the petition submitted to Head, in the person of 'Abdu'l-BahB until Him by the American Bahb'is expressing 1921, and in the Guardianship after that their desire to construct a House of Wor- date. The action of a BahL'i administrative ship, these Bahi'is formed a national body body, therefore, while rationally determined known as BahVi Temple Unity, incorpo- by constitutional principles, operates in a rated for the purpose of gathering funds and spiritual realm revealed by the Manifesta- coordinating plans to erect the Temple in tion of God and maintained free from politi- Wilmette. That body, though national in cal pressure and the influence of material- scope and elected by delegates representing ism. Apart from the appointed Interpreter, the various local Bahi'i communities, was no Bahi'i has individual authority. Decisions not a National Spiritual Assembly. It is in- are confined to the sphere of action and are teresting to note that in BahL'i Temple Unity made by a body of nine persons. the American BahL'is established a body re- The advice and direction clarifying the flecting their own national historical experi- nature and operation of a National Spiritual ence. The local communities preceded the Assembly have been compiled by the Amer- national body in time and each exercised an ican BahL'is from letters written them by independent -authority in the conduct of its Shoghi EffendL4 own affairs. When their representatives agreed to form a national BahL'i body with 4 Bahd'r' Admiizistmtion; Declaration of Trust and By- Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahs'is full jurisdiction over Temple matters, they of the United States. transferred to it powers which vested final 302 T H E BAHA'I WORLD First National Spiritual Assembly of the BahL'is of South America, elected April, 1951. Front row, left to right: Edmund J. Miessler (Sao P a d o ) , Mrs. Margot Worley (Bahia) , Miss Eve Nicklin (Lima), Manuel Vera (Lima). Rear, left to right: Dr. Alejandro Reid (Punta Arenas), Mrs. Gayle Woolson (Bogotk), EstBban Canales L. (Asuncion), Srta. Mercedes Sanchez (Lima), Rangvald Taetz (Montevideo). decision not in its directors but in the An- Within its own realm the National Spirit- nual Convention. The vital distinction be- ual Assembly is an institution created by the tween Temple Unity and the National Spir- Teachings of the Faith independent of the itual Assembly when later established lay in Bahi'is who elect its members and of the this field of ultimate authority. The National Bahi'is composing its membership. In no Spiritual Assembly possessed original au- way does this institution reflect either the thority, powers and functions of its own. It political or the ecclesiastical influences of its came into existence through election of its environment, whether in America, Europe nine members at a National Convention but or the East. This fact has paramount im- constituted a continuing authority derived portance. On the one hand it reveals the from the Bahi'i Teachings and not con- existence of an organic religious society; on ferred by any action of the believers, the other hand it demonstrates the freedom whether as local communities or as dele- of this new community from the legalisms gates. This authority emerged supreme in re- and devices acting within every human insti- lation to BahL'i matters within the national tution. community but subject to the higher author- While the transition from BahL'i Temple ity of the Guardian and also of the future Unity to National Spiritual Assembly in International House of Justice. North America emphasizes certain princi- THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 303 First Italo-Swiss BahB'i National Spiritual Assembly, 1953-1954. Seated, left to right: Prof. Mario Fiormtini, Mrs. Anna Kunz, Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, Miss Elsa Steinmetz, Mrs. Stella Lonzar. Standing, left to right: Mrs. Anne Lynch, Friedrich Schar, Mrs. Marion Little, Prof. Alessandro Bausani. ples inherent in BahL'i institutions, the for- for the election of the delegate or delegates mation of a National Spiritual Assembly in assigned to each. The elected delegates were a new area represents more profoundly the provided with ballots and a copy of the Con- creation of a new type of society. Every na- vention agenda. The agenda, meanwhile, tional BahB'i community has gone through had been prepared in the light of the general some evolution reflecting its historical back- nature of a Bahi'i National Convention and ground before its National Spiritual Assem- with respect to the particular conditions of bly was established. the Bahi'i community. In Central and South America, the pre- The National Spiritual Assembly of the liminary teaching work and formation of BahB'is of the United States selected from its local communities was conducted by a com- own membership two persons to attend each mittee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Convention, one to open the meeting as tem- the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, porary chairman, the other to call the roll, and when the Bahi'is of Canada formed and both to supervise the election of perma- their own National Assembly, by a commit- nent convention officers from the member- tee appointed and sustained from the United ship of the delegates present. With that elec- States. The process of establishing new Na- tion the Convention proceeded as an inde- tional Assemblies in those areas involved a pendent body, but acting under friendly su- number of steps. pervision, to fulfill its own special functions: The membership list of qualified adult consultation on current BahB'i matters, and BahUs was carefully prepared. The number election of the members of the first National of delegates to be elected to each of the first Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahi'is of Cen- Annual Conventions under the principle of tral and South America. The nine persons proportionate representation was deter- receiving the highest number of votes on the mined. The Convention date and site were first ballot, in accordance with the principle chosen. A call was issued to the participating of plurality, were declared and certified to local communities through their Assemblies be Assembly members. 304 THE BAHA'I WORLD After the Conventions the newly elected the basis of the model approved by the bodies entered upon their duties in consulta- Guardian of the Bahi'i Faith. All the Na- tion with the representatives from the tional Spiritual Assemblies collectively, United States, who had prepared a list of under the title of The B a h a International actions to be taken annually by a national Community, constitute an international non- Bahb'i body. governmental organization whose delegates Such an occasion as the birth of a national are accredited by United Nations for at- Bahl'i institution is cherished in the memory tendance and participation in its regional of all present. Among the significant events conferences. are the receipt of a message from the Guard- Through the institution of the National ian of .the Faith and greetings from all other Spiritual Assembly, BahL'is are enabled to National Spiritual Assemblies. Nine Assem- carry out plans of considerable magnitude, blies existed at the time the two bodies were collaborate with BahL'is of all other lands established in Latin A m e r i ~ a . ~ in matters of international interest, maintain The functions of a National Spiritual As- common standards of administrative princi- sembly are manifold: the publication of ple, and take advantage, in the appointment BahL'i literature; national teaching plans; of committees, of particular talents and apti- supervision of local communities; encour- tudes possessed by individual believers. The agement and direction of all the BahPis in National Spiritual Assembly stands as one their service to the Faith; and representation of the pillars supporting the BahL'i world of the BahL'is in relation to the civil au- thorities. Each national body prepares and community. Participation in national Bah6'i adopts its own constitution, formulated on activities serves to insulate the individual BahCi from infection by the psychic ills 5 These National Spiritual Assemblies were, in the order of their establishment, India and Burma (1923), which afflict modern society as result of its Germany and Austria (1923), British Isles (1923), lack of faith and spiritual direction. Within Egypt (1924), United States (1925), 'Iriq (1931), Per- the shelter of this emerging order the storms sia (1934), Australia and New Zealand (1934), and Canada (1948). (See God Passes By, p. 333.) of partisanship cannot engulf the soul. APROCEDUREFORTHECONDUCTOFTHEANNUAL BAM'f CONVENTION the present material has been prepared to meet the need indicated by that recommen- A SUMMARY of the constitutional basis of the Convention has been made by the Na- dation. tional Spiritual Assembly and approved by Order of Business the Guardian . .. Prayer and devotional readings, provided by the outgoing National Spiritual Assem- bly. Opening of the Convention by Presiding The National Spiritual Assembly deter- Officer of the National Spiritual Assembly. mines the date, duration and place of the Roll call of delegates by the Secretary of Annual Convention and provides for such the National Spiritual Assembly. meetings in connection with the Convention Election by secret ballot of Convention as it may feel are desirable. Chairman and Secretary. The Convention Officers are to be elected by the assembled delegates from among the entire number of delegates who are present at the Convention. The Twenty-sixth Annual Convention [of Annual Report of National Spiritual As- the BahL'is of the United States and Can- sembly. ada], held in 1934, voted a recommendation Annual Financial Report of National calling upon the National Spiritual Assem- Spiritual Assembly. bly to supply a parliamentary procedure for Convention message to the Guardian of the conduct of the Annual Convention, and the Faith. T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 305 Annual Committee Reports: These are to suggestions of the assembled delegates; and be considered as part of the Report of the to contribute to the unity, in spirit and in National Spiritual Assembly. They are action, of the entire American Bahd'i com- whenever possible published in Bahsi'i News munity. in advance of the Convention date, for the The freedom of each and every delegate information of the delegates. to take part in discussion and to initiate mo- Subjects for Consultation. Any delegate tions is-untrammeled save as the undue acl may, before the Convention convenes, rec- tivity of one delegate might hamper the ommend to the National Assembly such rights of the other delegates. Any necessary topics as he deems of sufficient importance limitation to be placed upon individual dis- to be included in the Convention agenda; cussion shall be determined by the Chair- and the National Spiritual Assembly, from man in the absence of any specific motion the list of topics received from delegates, duly voted by the delegates themselves. and also suggested by its own knowledge It shall be the duty of the Chairman to and experience, is to prepare an agenda or encourage general consultation and make order of business as its recommendation to possible the active participation of the great- the Convention. est possible number of delegates. This agenda may include, as part of the The Chairman has the same power and National Assembly's Annual ,Report, the responsibility for discussion and voting upon presentation of special subjects by well qual- motions as other delegates. Members of the ified members, committee representatives or outgoing and incoming National Assembly non-Bah8'i experts whose exposition is nec- who are not delegates may participate in the essary or desirable for the information of the consultation but not vote. delegates. A resolution, or motion, is not subject to On motion duly made, seconded and discussion or vote until duly made and sec- voted, any such subject may be omitted, and onded. It is preferable to have each resolu- also on motion duly made, seconded and tion clear and complete in itself, but when an voted, any other subject may be proposed amendment is duly made and seconded, the for special consultation. Chairman shall call for a vote on the amend- Annual Election. The election of mem- ment first and then on the motion. An bers of the National Spiritual Assembly is to amendment must be relevant to, and not take place approximately midway during the contravene, the subject matter of the mo- Convention sessions, so as to enable the dele- tion. gates to consult with both the outgoing and The Chairman shall call for votes by oral incoming Assemblies, in accordance with expression of ayes and nays, but where the the Guardian's expressed desire. result of the vote is doubtful by a show of hands or a rising vote. A majority vote de- Conduct of Business termines. Every deliberative body, to fulfill its func- Discussion of any matter may be termi- tions, must conduct its deliberations in ac- nated by motion duly made, seconded and cordance with some established rules of voted, calling upon the Chairman to bring order. The parliamentary procedure here set the matter to an immediate vote or proceed forth for the Convention is based upon the to other business. procedure already adopted for meetings of The transactions of the Convention shall local Assemblies and communities. It ac- be recorded by the Secretary, and when cer- cordingly extends to sessions of the Annual tified by the Convention officers shall be Convention the same procedure under given to the National Spiritual Assembly. which the delegates, in their other BahPi activities, are accustomed to conduct discus- Annual Election sion and consultation. The electors in the Annual Election shall The purpose of consultation at the An- consist of those delegates included in the nual Convention is threefold: to arrive at Roll Call prepared by the National Spiritual full and complete knowledge of the current Assembly. conditions, problems and possibilities of the Ballots and tellers' report forms shall be Faith in America; to give to the incoming provided by the National Assembly. National Assembly the benefit of the col- The election shall be conducted by the lective wisdom, guidance and constructive Convention, but delegates unable to attend 306 THE BAHA'I WORLD the Convention shall have the right to vote 4. The ballots, together with the tellers' by mail. report, certified by all the tellers, are to be The Chairman shall appoint three tellers, given the National Spiritual Assembly for chosen from among the assembled delegates. preservation. The electoral method shall be as foliows: 1. The Convention Secretarv shall call IV. THE CONVENTION RECORD the roll of delegates, whereupon each dele- The permanent record of each successive gate, in turn, shall place his or her ballot in Annual Convention shall consist of the fol- a ballot box; and as the names are called lowing:-(1) Convention Call as issued by ballots received by mail shall be placed in the National Spiritual Assembly, including the ballot box by the Secretary of the Na- list of participating BahVi Communities; tional Assembly. (2) list of accredited delegates; (3) Annual 2. The ballot box shall then be handed to Reports of the National Spiritual Assembly the tellers, who shall retire from the Conven- and of its Committees; (4) Messages sent to tion Hall to determine the result of the elec- and received from the Guardian; (5) Reso- tion. lutions and other transactions of the assem- 3. The result of the election is to be re- bled delegates; (6) the result of the Annual ported by the tellers, and the tellers' report Election. is to be approved by the Convention. -NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY THE NON-POLITICAL CHARACTER OF THE BAHA'f FAITH T H E BahL'i principles clearly define and God, and the love of Him Who is the Mani- explain the non-political character of the festation of His Essence, and the observance Faith, and serve as a guide for conduct in of whatsoever He chooseth to prescribe unto the relations of BahVis with one another, you, did ye but know it. with their fellow men, and in their relations "Say: Let truthfulness and courtesy be with different departments of the civil gov- your adorning. Suffer not yourselves to be ernment. A brief summary of excerpts from deprived of the robe of forbearance and jus- the BahL'i Writings will show that non-par- tice, that the sweet savors of holiness may ticipation in political affairs is one of the be wafted from your hearts upon all created basic axioms of BahC'i action. things. Say: Beware, 0 people of BahL lest The keynote to this theme may be found ye walk in the ways of them whose words in the Writings of BahL'u'llfih. He has stated: differ from their deeds. Strive that ye may "That one is indeed a man who, today, be enabled to manifest to the peoples of the dedicateth himself to the service of the en- earth the signs of God, and to mirror forth tire human race. The Great Being saith: His commandments. Let your acts be a Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to pro- guide unto all mankind, for the professions mote the best interests of the peoples and of most men, be they high or low, differ kindreds of the earth. In another passage He from their conduct. It is through your deeds hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride that ye can distinguish yourselves from oth- himself who loveth his own country, but ers. Through them the brightness of your rather for him who loveth the whole world. light can be shed upon the whole The earth is but one country, and mankind . earth . ."2 its citizens."l "Sow not the seeds of discord among men, The aim of the Faith is to produce the and refrain from contending with your reality of virtue in souls and evolve institu- . neighbor . . Open, 0 people, the city of tions capable of dealing with social matters the human heart with the key of your ut- justly, in the light of the revealed truths. terance .. . This is entirely distinct from the province "That which beseemeth you is the love of filled by partisan civil institutions. 1 Gleanings from the Writings o f Bahd'u'lldh, p. 250. 2 Ibid., pp. 303-305. THE WORLD ORDE 'Abdu'l-Bahi counseled the BahB'is from and authority; or in their affiliations with the early beginnings of the American BahB'i kindred societies and organizations, it is, I community not to discuss political affair^:^ am firmly convinced, their first and sacred ". . . All conferences (i.e., all consulta- obligation to abstain from any word or deed tion and discussion) must be regarding the that might be construed as a violation of this matters of benefit, both as a whole and indi- vital principle. Theirs is the duty to demon- vidually, such as the guarding of all in all strate, on one hand, their unqualified loyalty cases, their protection and preservation, the and obedience to whatever is the considered improvement of character, the training of judgment of their respective governments. children, etc. "Let them refrain from associating them- "If any person wishes to speak of govern- selves, whether by word or by deed, with ment affairs, or to interfere with the order the political pursuits of their respective na- of government, the others must not combine tions, with the policies of their governments with him because the Cause of God is with- and the schemes and programs of parties drawn entirely from political affairs; the and factions. In such controversies they political realm pertains only to the Rulers should assign no blame, take no side, further of those matters; it has nothing to do with no design, and identify themselves with no the souls who are exerting their utmost system hrejudicial to -the best interests of energy to harmonizing affairs, helping char- that world-wide Fellowship which it is their acter and inciting (the people) to strive for aim to guard and foster. Let them beware perfections. Therefore no soul is allowed to lest they allow themselves to become the interfere with (political) matters, but only tools of unscrupulous politicians, or to be in that which is commanded." entrapped by the treacherous devices of the With the development of a world-wide ad- plotters and the perfidious among their ministrative structure within the Bah2i countrymen. Let them so shape their lives Faith, institutions have been set up in na- and regulate their conduct that no charge of tional and local areas which assure the unity secrecy, of fraud, of bribery or of intimida- and integrity of the Faith. In unfolding these tion may, however ill-founded, be brought administrative institutions Shoghi Effendi against them. Let them rise above all partic- has reiterated the importance of the non- ularism and partisanship, above the vain dis- political character of the BahL'i teachings in putes, the petty calculations, the transient a letter written March 21, 1932, to the passions that agitate the face, and engage the BahL'is of the United States and Canada:4 attention, of a changing world. It is their "I feel it, therefore, incumbent upon me duty to strive to distinguish, as clearly as to stress, now that the time is ripe, the im- they possibly can, and if needed with the aid portance of an instruction which, at the of their elected representatives, such posts present stage of the evolution of our Faith, and functions as are either diplomatic or should be increasingly emphasized, irrespec- political from those that are purely admin- tive of its application to the East or to the istrative in character, and which under no West. And this principle is no other than circumstances are affected by the changes that which involves the non-participation by and chances that political activities and the adherents of the Faith of BahB'u'llih, party government, in every land, must nec- whether in their individual capacities or col- essarily involve. Let them affirm their un- lectively as local or national Assemblies, in yielding determination to stand, firmly and any form of activity that might be inter- unreservedly, for the way of BahB'u'llAh, to preted, either directly or indirectly, as an in- avoid the entanglements and bickerings in- terference in the political affairs of any par- separable from the pursuits of the politician, ticular government. Whether it be in the and to become worthy agencies of that Di- publications which they initiate and super- vine Polity which incarnates God's immuta- vise; or in their official and public delibera- ble Purpose for all men. tions; or in the posts they occupy and the "It shoud be made unmistakably clear services they render; or in the communica- that such an attitude implies neither the tions they address to their fellow-disciples; slightest indifference to the cause and inter- or in their dealings with men of eminence ests of their own country, nor involves any insubordination on their part to the author- 3 Bahd'l' World Faith, p. 407. ity of recognized and established govern- 4 World Order of Bahd'u'lMh, pp. 64-67. ments. Nor does it constitute a repudiation 308 THE BAHA 'f W O R L D of their sacred obligation to promote, in the munities to avoid any action that might, by most effective manner, the best interests of arousing the suspicion or exciting the antag- their government and people. It indicates the onism of any one government, involve their desire cherished by every true and loyal fol- brethren in fresh persecutions or complicate lower of BahL'u'llLh to serve, in an unselfish, the nature of their task. How else, might I unostentatious and patriotic fashion, the ask, could such a far-flung Faith, which highest interests of thk country to which he transcends political and social boundaries, belongs, and in a way that would entail no which includes within its pale so great a departure from the high standards of in- variety of races and nations, which will have tegrity and truthfulness associated with the to rely increasingly, as it forges ahead, on teachings of his Faith. the good-will and support of the diversified "As the number of the BahL'i communi- and contending governments of the earth- ties in various parts of the world multiplies how else could such a Faith succeed in pre- and their as a social force, becomes serving its unity, in safeguarding its interests, increasingly apparent, they will no doubt and in ensuring the steady and peaceful de- find themselves increasingly subjected to the velopment of its institutions? pressure which men of authority and influ- "Such an attitude, however, is not dictated ence, in the political domain, will exercise in by considerations of selfish expediency, but the hope of obtaining the support they re- is actuated, first and foremost, by the broad quire for the advancement of their aims. principle that the followers of BahL'u'llLh These communities will, moreover, feel a will, under no circumstances, suffer them- growing need of the good-will and the as- selves to be involved, whether as individuals sistance of their respective governments in or in their collective capacities, in matters their efforts to widen the scope, and to con- that would entail the slightest departure solidate the foundations, of the institutions from the fundamental verities and ideals of committed to their charge. Let them beware their Faith. Neither the charges which the lest, in their eagerness to further the aims of uninformed and the malicious may be led to their beloved Cause, they should be led un- bring against them, nor the allurements of wittingly to bargain with their Faith, to com- honors and rewards, will ever induce them promise with their essential principles, or to to surrender their trust or to deviate from sacrifice, in return for any material advan- their path. Let their words proclaim, and tage which their institutions may derive, the their conduct testify, that they who follow integrity of their spiritual ideals. Let them BahL'u'llbh, in whatever land they reside, proclaim that in whatever country they re- are actuated by no selfish ambition, that they side, and however advanced their institu- neither thirst for power, nor mind any wave tions, or profound their desire to enforce the of unpopularity, of distrust or criticism, laws, and apply the principles, enunciated by which a strict adherence to their standards BahVu'llLh, they will, unhesitatingly, subor- might provoke." dinate the operation of such laws and the And again: "The BahL'i Faith as it forges application of such principles to the require- ahead throughout the western world and ments and legal enactments of their respec- particularly in lands where the political ma- tive governments. Theirs is not the purpose, chinery is corrupt and political passions and while endeavoring to conduct and perfect prejudices are dominant among the masses, the administrative affairs of their Faith, to should increasingly assert and demonstrate violate, under any circumstances, the provi- the fact that it is non-political in character, sions of their country's constitution, much that it stands above party, that it is neither less to allow the machinery of their admin- apathetic to national interests nor opposed istration to supersede the government of to any party or faction, and that it seeks their respective countries. through administrative channels, rather than "It should also be borne in mind that the through diplomatic and political posts to es- very extension of the activities in which we tablish, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the are engaged, and the variety of the commu- capacity, the sane patriotism, the integrity nities which labor under divers forms of and highmindedness of its avowed adher- government, so essentially different in their ents. This is the general and vital principle; standards, policies, and methods, make it it is for the National representatives to ap- absolutely essential for all those who are the ply it with fidelity and ~ i g o r . " ~ declared members of any one of these com- 5 Bahri'i News, December, 1932. THE WORLD ORDE These instructions raised the question merits of the individual, rather than because whether BahL'is should vote in any public he belongs to one party or another. The election. A Tablet revealed by 'Abdu'l-BahB matter must be made perfectly clear to the to Mr. Thornton Chase was sent to the individuals, who will be left free to exercise Guardian, and the following reply was re- their discretion and judgment. But if a ceived, dated January 26, 1933 :6 certain person does enter into party politics "The Guardian fully recognizes the au- and labors for the ascendancy of one party thenticity and controlling influence of this over another, and continues to do it against instruction from 'Abdu'l-BahL upon the the expressed appeals, and warnings of the question. He, however, feels under the re- Assembly, then the Assembly has the riaht sponsibility of stating that the attitude taken to refuse him the right to vote in ~ a l k ' i by the Master (that is, that American citi- elections." zens are in duty bound to vote in public elections) implies certain reservations. He, That this principle, as do all Bahi'i prin- therefore, lays it upon the individual con- ciples, has world-wide application is made science to see that in following the Master's clear by Shoghi Effendi in a letter dated instructions no Bahi'i vote for an officer nor March 11, 1936:S Bahi'i participation in the affairs of the "The Faith of BahB'u'llBh has assimilated, Republic shall involve acceptance by that by virtue of its creative, its regulative and individual of a program or policy that con- ennobling energies, the varied races, nation- travenes any vital principle, spiritual or alities, creeds and classes that have sought social, of the Faith." The Guardian added its shadow, and have pledged unswerving to this letter the following postscript: "I feel fealty to its cause. It has changed the hearts it incumbent upon me to clarify the above of its adherents, burned away their preju- statement, written in my behalf, by stating dices, stilled their passions, exalted their con- that no vote cast, or office undertaken, by ceptions, ennobled their motives, coordi- a Bahi'i should necessarily constitute ac- nated their efforts, and transformed their ceptance, by the voter or office holder, of outlook. While preserving their patriotism the entire program of any political party. No and safeguarding their lesser loyalties, it has Bahi'i can be regarded as either a Republi- made them lovers of mankind, and the de- can or Democrat, as such. He is, above all termined upholders of its best and truest in- else, the supporter of the principles enunci- terests. While maintaining intact their belief ated by BahB'u'llLh, with which, I am firmly in the Divine origin of their respective reli- convinced, the program of no political party gions, it has enabled them to visualize the is completely harmonious." underlying purpose of these religions, to dis- In a letter dated March 16, 1933, the cover their merits, to recognize their se- Guardian sent these further detail^:^ quence, their interdependence, their whole- "As regards the non-political character of ness and unity, and to acknowledge the bond the Bahk'i Faith, Shoghi Effendi feels that that vitally links them to itself. This uni- there is no contradiction whatsoever be- versal, this transcending love which the fol- tween the Tablet (to Thornton Chase, re- lowers of the Bahi'i Faith feel for their fel- ferred to above) and the reservations to low-men, of whatever race, creed, class or which he has referred. The Master surely nation, is neither mysterious nor can it be never desired the friends to use their influ- said to have been artificially stimulated. It is ence towards the realization and promotion both spontaneous and genuine. They whose of policies contrary to any of the principles hearts are warmed by the energizing influ- of the Faith. The friends may vote, if they ence of God's creative love cherish His can do it, without identifying themselves creatures for His sake, and recognize in with one party or another. To enter the every human face a sign of His reflected arena of party politics is surely detrimental glory. to the best interests of the Faith and will "Of such men and women it may be truly harm the Cause. It remains for the indi- said that to them 'every foreign land is a viduals to so use their right to vote as to fatherland, and every fatherland a foreign keep aloof from party politics, and always land.' For their citizenship, it must be re- bear in mind that they are voting on the membered, is in the Kingdom of Bah2u'- Ilgh. Though willing to share to the utmost 6 Ibid., April, 1933. 7 Zbid., January, 1934. 8 World Order o f Bahi'u'llih, pp. 197-198. Delegates to the Eighteenth Annual Convention of the Bahfis of Persia, held at the Haziratu'l-Quds, Tihrgn, T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 311 the temporal benefits and the fleeting joys in principle to that which the Austrian which this earthly life can confer, though BahL'i belongs to. Where would be the unity eager to participate in whatever activity that of the Faith then? These two spiritual broth- conduces to the richness, the happiness and ers would be working against each other be- peace of that life, they can, at no time, for- cause of their political affiliations (as the get that it constitutes no more than a tran- Christians of Europe have been doing in so sient, a very brief stage of their existence, many fratricidal wars). The best way for a that they who live it are but pilgrims and Bahi'i to serve his country and the world is wayfarers whose goal is the Celestial City, to work for the establishment of Bah6'u'- and whose home the Country of never-fail- 116h's World Order, which will gradually ing joy and brightness. unite all men and do away with divisive po- "Though loyal to their respective govern- litical systems and religious creeds. . . ." ments, though profoundly interested in any- In the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l- thing that affects their security and welfare, Bah6 the BahL'is are instructed to "obey and though anxious to share in whatever pro- be the well-wishers of the governments of motes their b'est interests, the Faith with the land, regard disloyalty unto a just king which the followers of BahL'u'116h stand as disloyalty to God Himself and wishing identified is one which they firmly believe evil to the government a transgression of the God has raised high above the storms, the Cause of God."lo In explanation of this divisions, and controversies of the political statement the Guardian wrote, in a letter arena. Their Faith they conceive to be essen- dated July 3, 1948:11 tially non-political, supra-national in charac- "Regarding your question about politics ter, rigidly non-partisan, and entirely disso- and the Master's Will; the attitude of the ciated from nationalistic ambitions, pur- BahL'is must be twofold, complete obedi- suits, and purposes. Such a Faith knows no ence to the government of the country they division of class or of party. It subordinates, reside in, and no interference whatsoever in without hesitation or equivocation, every political matters or questions. What the particularistic interest, be it personal, re- Master's statement really means is obedience gional, or national to the paramount inter- to a duly constituted government, whatever ests of humanity, firmly convinced that in a that government may be in form. We are world of inter-dependent peoples and na- not the ones, as individual BahB'is, to judge tions the advantage of the part is best to be our government as just or unjust-for each reached by the advantage of the whole, and believer would be sure to hold a different that no abiding benefit can be conferred viewpoint, and within our own BahB'i fold a upon the component parts if the general in- hotbed of dissension would spring up and terests of the entity itself are ignored or destroy our unity. We must build up our neglected." Bahh'i system, and leave the faulty systems The unity of BahL'i action throughout the of the world to go their way. We cannot world is further emphasized in a letter from change them through becoming involved in Shoghi Effendi to the BahL'is of Vienna, them; on the contrary, they will destroy us." written in 1947 through his secretary, in which he said in part: Another application of this principle con- "We Bahgis are one the world over; we cerns the right, propriety or usefulness of are seeking to build up a new world order, exerting BahL'i influence for the enactment divine in origin. How can we do this if every of legislative measures reflecting more or BahL'i is a member of a different political less the purpose of some BahL'i principle or party-some of them diametrically opposite teaching. For example, should a BahL'i com- to each other? Where is our unity then? We munity, local or national, lend the name of would be divided because of politics, against the BahL'i Faith to support legislation which ourselves and this is the opposite of our pur- seeks to abolish race and religious discrim- pose. Obviously if one BahL'i in Austria is ination in matters of industrial employment, given freedom to choose a political party or intervene when measures concerning mil- and join it, however good its aims may be, itary training of youth are before a legisla- another BahB'i in Japan or America, or In- ture? dia, has the right to do the same thing and The National Spiritual Assembly of the he might belong to a party the very opposite 10 Bahh'i Administration (1945 e d . ) , p. 4, 9 Bahb'i News, April, 1949. 11 Bahd'i News, January, 1949. THE B A H A ' I W O R L D BahPis of the United States has statedlz sion of the Movement, and the suspension that, "as a general policy subject to the of which does not constit~~te in itself a de- Guardian's specsc direction in special cases, parture from the principle of loyalty to their BahPis and their administrative institutions Faith, the considered judgment and authori- should not feel obligated to adopt a 'Bahi'i' tative decrees issued by their responsible attitude or course of action on matters of rulers must, if they be faithful to Bah2uY- civil legislation. Our teachings and basic 1lAh's and 'Abdu'l-BahL's express injunc- principles speak for themselves. These we tions, be thoroughly respected and loyally can always declare and set forth with all obeyed. In matters, however, that vitally af- possible energy whenever occasions arise. fect the integrity and honor of the Faith of But a truth which is sundered from its sus- Ba'ni'u'llAh, and are tantamount to a recan- taining spiritual Source, lifted out of its tation of their faith and repudiation of their organic relationship to the Bahi'i commu- innermost belief, they [the BahL'is] are con- nity, broken off from the other truths, and vinced, and are unhesitatingly prepared to made subject to the storm and stress of vindicate by their life-blood the sincerity of secular controversy, is no longer a truth with their conviction, that no power on earth, which we can usef~~lly have concern. It has neither the arts of the most insidious adver- become an enactment to be carried out by sary nor the bloody weapons of the most institutions and groups committed to other tyrannical oppressor, can ever succeed in enactments, other aims and purposes and extorting from them a word or deed that methods not in conformity with the 'Divine might tend to stifle the voice of their con- Polity' entrusted to those alone who give science or tarnish the purity of their faith." full loyalty to BahPu'llAh. Far better for "Small wonder if by the Pen of BahL'u'- us to strive to mirror forth radiantly the llAh these pregnant words, written in antici- individual and community virtues of a new pation of the present state of mankind, era than to hope others than believers will should have been revealed: 'It is not for him achieve the holy mission of the Faith. We to pride himself who loveth his ywn coun- Bahi'is have in reality accepted a world or- try, but rather for him who loveth the whole der and not merely a new decalogue of world. The earth is but one country, and truths or commands. On the other hand, mankind its citizens.' And again, 'That one obedience to civil government is an obliga- indeed is a man who today dedicateth him- tion laid by BahL'u'llAh upon every Bahi'i." self to the service of the entire human race.' 'Through the power released by these ex- Shoghi Effendil3 points out, as a guiding alted words,' He explains, 'He hath lent a principle of Bahfi'i conduct, that "in connec- fresh impulse, and set a new direction, to tion with their administrative activities, no the birds of men's hearts, and hath oblit- matter how grievously interference with erated every trace of restriction and limita- them might aBect the course of the exten- tion from G o 8 s Holy Book.' "I4 World, 12 Bahri'i vol. 10, p. 278. 13 Bahd'I Administration (1945 ed.), p. 162. 14 World Order of Bahri'u'Ildh, p. 198. LOYALTY TO GOVERNMENT Statement Prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Buh2is of the United States o f America W H E N a great social crisis sweeps government where any of this community through a civilization, moral values become reside, they must behave toward that gov- impaired. In the crisis of our own time, ernment with faithfulness, trustfulness, and members of the BahL'i Faith go on record truthfulness." as firmly upholding the principle of loyalty Loyalty to government, in the BahB'i to government. view, is an essential spiritual and social prin- More than eighty years ago BahL'u'llAh, ciple. "We must obey and be the well-wish- the founder of the Bahi'i Faith, set forth ers of the government of the land. . "The ." this cardinal principle: "In every country or essence of the BahPi spirit is that in order T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 313 to establish a better social order and eco- emblems of His generosity amidst His peo- nomic condition, there must be allegiance to ple." the laws and principles of government." Without integrity of character in its citi- This allegiance is part of the strong em- zens and without loyalty to government, a phasis on integrity of character found in the nation will find itself torn asunder and un- Bahb'i teaching. "Let integrity and upright- able to function as an organic society. Not ness distinguish all thine acts." "Beautify only do the Bahb'i teachings obligate mem- your tongues, 0 people, with truthfulness, bers to be loyal to their government-they and adorn your souls with the ornament of honesty. Beware, 0 people, that ye deal not also specifically forbid them from taking any treacherously with any one. Be ye the trus- part in subversive political and social move- tees of God amongst His creatures, and the ments. CONCERNING MEMBERSHIP IN NON-BAHA'I RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS* T H E instruction written by Shoghi Effendi lying the new instruction, and our capacity concerning membership in non-BahL'i reli- to perceive that the position which the gious organizations, published in the July, Guardian wishes us to take in regard to 1935, number of Bah& News, has brought church membership is a necessary and inevi- forth some interesting and important com- table result of the steady development of munications from local Spiritual Assemblies the World Order of BahL'uyllLh. and also from individual believers, t o all of This essential principle is made clear which the National Spiritual Assembly has when we turn to Shoghi Effendi's further given careful and sympathetic attention. reference to the subject as published in The National Assembly itself, on receiv- Bah& News for October, 1935-words ing that instruction, made it the subject of written by the Guardian's own hand. extensive consultation, feeling exceedingly In the light of these words, it seems fully responsible for its own understanding of the evident that the way to approach this in- Guardian's words and anxious to contribute struction is in realizing the Faith of Bah6'- to the understanding of the friends. u'llLh as an ever-growing organism des- In October, 1935, the Assembly sent in tined to become something new and greater reply to some of these communications a than any of the revealed religions of the general letter embodying its thoughts on the past. Whereas former Faiths inspired hearts subject, and a copy of that letter was for- and illumined souls, they eventuated in for- warded to Shoghi Effendi for his approval mal religions with an ecclesiastical organi- and comment. His references to its con- zation, creeds, rituals and churches, while tents, made in letters addressed to the Na- the Faith of BahL'u'ULh, likewise renewing tional Spiritual Assembly on November 29 man's spiritual life, will gradually produce and December 11, 1935, are appended to the institutions of an ordered society, ful- this statement. filling not merely the function of the Now that Shoghi Effendi's approval has churches of the past but also the function been received, the National Assembly feels of the civil state. By this manifestation of it desirable to publish, for the information the Divine Will in a higher degree than in of all the American believers, the substance former ages, humanity will emerge from of the October letter. that immature civilization in which church While so fundamental an instruction is and state are separate and competitive in- bound to raise different questions corre- stitutions, and partake of a true civilization sponding to the digerent conditions existing in which spiritual and social principles are throughout the BahL'i community, the most at last reconciled as two aspects of one and important consideration is our collective the same Truth. need to grasp the essential principle under- N o BahL'i can read the successive World * A statement prepared by the National Spiritual As- Order letters sent us by Shoghi Effendi with- sembly of the BahC'is of the United States. out perceiving that the Guardian, for many 3 14 THE BAHA'f WORLD years, has been preparing us to understand BahVi Commonwealth, all the rights, the and appreciate this fundamental purpose duties, and responsibilities incumbent upon and mission of the Revelation of BahL'uYllih. the world's future super-state." Even when the Master ascended, we were This passage stands as the keystone in the for the most part still considering the noble structure which Shoghi Effendi has BahVi Faith as though it were only the raised in his function as interpreter of the "return of Christ" and failing to perceive Teachings of BahB'u'llAh. The Master de- the entirely new and larger elements latent veloped the Cause to the point where this in the Teachings of Bahi'u'llih. social Teaching, always existent in the Tab- Thus, in the very first of the World Or- lets of BahL'u'llih, could be explained to the der letters, written February 27th, 1929, believers and given its due significance as Shoghi Effendi said: "Who, I may ask, when the fulfillment of Bahi'i evolution. As the viewing the international character of the Guardian expressed it: "That Divine Civili- Cause, its far-flung ramifications, the in- zation, the establishment of which is the creasing complexity of its affairs, the di- primary mission of the BahL'i Faith." versity of its adherents, and the state of (World Order of Bahd'u'llcih, pp. 3-4.) confusion that assails on every side the in- For us these words mean that a Bahi'i is fant Faith of God, can for a moment ques- not merely a member of a revealed Religion, tion the necessity of some sort of admin- he is also a citizen in a World Order even istrative machinery that will insure, amid though that Order today is still in its in- the storm and stress of a struggling civili- fancy and still obscured by the shadows zation, the unity of the Faith, the preserva- thrown by the institutions, habits and atti- tion of its identity, and the protection of its tudes derived from the past. But since the interests?" aim and end has been made known, our Although for five years the Guardian had devotion and loyalty must surely express been setting forth the principles of BahVi itself, not in clinging to views and thoughts Administration in frequent letters, in 1927 emanating from the past, but in pressing he apparently felt it necessary to overcome forward in response to the needs of the new some doubts here and there as to the validity creation. of the institutions the Master bequeathed to That true devotion, which consists in the BahL'is in His Will and Testament. The conscious knowledge of the "primary mis- series of World Order letters, however, goes sion," and unified action to assist in bring- far beyond the point of defending and ex- ing about its complete triumph, recognizes plaining their validity as an essential ele- that a BahL'i today must have singleness of ment in the Faith of BahL'u'llih-the mind as of aim, without the division arising Guardian vastly extended the horizon of our when we stand with one foot in the Cause understanding by making it clear that the and one foot in the world, attempting to Administrative Order, in its full develop- reconcile diverse elements which the Mani- ment, is to be the social structure of the festation of God Himself has declared to future civilization. be irreconcilable. Thus, in that same letter quoted above, The principle underlying the Guardian's he wrote: "Not only will the present-day instruction about membership in non-BahL'i Spiritual Assemblies be styled differently in religious bodies has already been empha- future, but will be enabled also to add to sized by Shoghi Effendi in another connec- their present functions those powers, duties, tion-the instruction about the non-political and prerogatives necessitated by the recog- character of the Faith which he incorporated nition of the Faith of BahL'u'116h, not in his letter entitled "The Golden Age of the merely as one of the recognized religious Cause of BahL'u'llAh." For example: "I feel systems of the world, but as the State Re- it, therefore, incumbent upon me to stress, ligion of an independent and Sovereign now that the time is ripe, the importance of Power. And as the Bahi'i Faith permeates an instruction which, at the present stage the masses of the peoples of East and West, of the evolution of our Faith, should be and its truth is embraced by the majority increasingly emphasized, irrespective of its of the peoples of a number of the Sovereign application to the East or to the West. And States of the world, will the Universal House this principle is no other than that which in- of Justice attain the plenitude of its power, volves the non-participation by the adherents and exercise, as the supreme organ of the of the Faith of BahL'u'llih, whether in their T H E W O R L D O R D E IR O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 315 individual capacities or collectively as local made such an open and sharp dissociation or national Assemblies, in any form of activ- between it and other religious organizations, ity that might be interpreted, either directly and particularly the Muslim Faith, not only or indirectly, as an interference in the politi- inadvisable but practically impossible to cal affairs of any particular government." establish. But since His passing events Again, when the question was raised as to throughout the Bahi'i world, and particu- membership in certain non-Bahi'i organiza- larly in Egypt where the Muslim religious tions not directly religious or political in courts have formally testified to the inde- character, the Guardian replied: "Regarding pendent character of the Faith, have de- association with the World Fellowship of veloped to a point that has made such an Faiths and kindred Societies, Shoghi Effendi assertion of the independence of the Cause wishes to reaffirm and elucidate the general not only highly desirable but absolutely principle that Bahi'i elected representatives essential." as well as individuals should refrain from To turn now to the Guardian's words any act or word that would imply a depar- published in October Bah& News: "The ture from the principles, whether spiritual, separation that has set in between the in- social or administrative, established by stitutions of the Bahl'i Faith and the Islamic BahB'u'llih. Formal affiliation with and ac- ecclesiastical organizations that oppose it ceptance of membership in organizations . . . imposes upon every loyal upholder of whose programs or policies are not wholly the Cause the obligation refraining from reconcilable with the Teachings is of course any word or action that might prejudice out of the question." (Bahri'i News, August, the position which our enemies have . . . 1933.) of their own accord proclaimed and estab- Thus, not once b ~ repeatedly ~ t the Guard- lished. This historic development, the begin- ian has upheld the vital hrincipie underlying nings of which could neither be recognized every type of relationship between Bahi'is nor even anticipated in the years immedi- and other organizations, namely, that the ately preceding 'Abdu'l-BahB's passing, Cause of Bahb'u'llih is an ever-growing may be said to have signalized the Forma- organism, and as we begin to realize its tive Period of our Faith and to have paved universality our responsibility is definitely the way for the consolidation of its adminis- established to cherish and defend that uni- trative-order. . . . Though our Cause unre- versality from all compromise, all admixture servedly recognizes the Divine origin of all with worldly elements, whether emanating the religions that preceded it and upholds from our own habits rooted in the past or the spiritual truths which lie at their very from the deliberate attacks imposed by ene- core and are common to them all, its in- mies from without. stitutions, whether administrative, religious It will be noted that in the instruction or humanitarian, must, if their distinctive published in July, 1935, B a h Z News, the character is to be maintained and recog- Guardian made it clear that the principle nized, be increasingly divorced from the involved is not new and unexpected, but outworn creeds, the meaningless ceremo- rather an application of an established prin- nials and man-made institutions with which ciple to a new condition. "Concerning mem- these religions are at present identified. Our bership in non-Bahb'i religious associations, adversaries in the East have initiated the the Guardian wishes to re-emphasize the struggle. Our future opponents in the West general principle already laid down in his will, in their turn, arise and carry it a stage communications to your Assembly and also further. Ours is the duty, in anticipation to the individual believers that no Bahb'i of this inevitable contest, to uphold un- who wishes to be a whole-hearted and sin- equivocally and with undivided loyalty the cere upholder of the distinguishing princi- integrity of our Faith and demonstrate the ples of the Cause can accept full member- distinguishing features of its divinely ap- ship in any non-BahL'i ecclesiastical organi- vointed institutions." zation. . . . For it is only too obvious that Nothing could be clearer or more em- in most of its fundamental assumptions the phatic. These words, asserting again the Cause of Bahii'u'llCih is completely at vari- essential universality of the Cause, likewise ance with outworn creeds, ceremonies and repeat and renew the warning that the or- institutions. . . . During the days of the ganized religions', even in America, will be- Master the Cause was still in a stage that come bitterly hostile to the Faith of BahB'- T H E BAHA'I WORLD u'llih, denounce and oppose it, and seek its for such believers to repudiate their former destruction in vain effort to maintain their allegiances and friendships, they should tly own "outworn creeds" and material power. to gradually persuade them of the wisdom Informed of this inevitable development, and necessity of such an action, and instead can a BahL'i any longer desire to retain a of thrusting upon them a new principle, to connection which, however liberal and make them accept it inwardly, and out of pleasing it now seems, is a connection with pure conviction and desire. Too severe and a potential foe of the Cause of God? The immediate action in such cases is not only Guardian's instruction signifies that the time fruitless but actually harmful. It alienates has come when all American believers must people instead of winning them to the become fully conscious of the implications Cause. of such connections, and carry out their loy- 'The other point concerns the advisabil- alty to its logical conclusion. ity of contributing to a church. In this case Shoghi Effendi's latest words are not also the friends must realize that contribu- merely an approval of the foregoing state- tions to a church, especially when not reg- ment, but a most helpful elucidation of ~ ~ l ado r , not necessarily entail &iliation. The some of the problems which arise when the believers can make such offerings, occasion- friends turn to their local Assemblies for ally, and provided they are certain that specific advice under various special cir- while doing so they are not connected as cumstances. members of any church. There should be no "The explanatory statement in connec- confusion between the terms afliliation and tion with membership in non-Bahi'i re- association. While affiliation with ecclesi- ligious organizations is admirably conceived, astical organizations is not permissible, asso- convincing and in full conformity with the ciation with them should not only be tol- principles underlying and implied in the erated but even encouraged. There is no unfolding world order of BahL'u'llih." better way to demonstrate the universality (November 29, 1933.) of the Cause than this. Bahi'uyll&h,indeed, "The Guardian has carefully read the urges His followers to consort with all re- copy of the statement you had recently pre- ligions and nations with utmost friendliness pared concerning non-membership in non- and love. This constitutes the very spirit of Bahi'i religious organizations, and is pleased His message to mankind." (December 11, to realize that your comments and explana- 1935.) tions are in full conformity with his views The National Spiritual Assembly trusts on the subject. He hopes that your letter that the subject will receive the attention will serve to clarify this issue in the minds of local Assemblies and communities, and of all the believers, and to further convince that in the light of the foregoing explana- them of its vital character and importance tions the friends will find unity and agree- in the present stage of the evolution of the ment in applying the instruction to what- Cause. - - - - ever situations may arise. In teaching new ". . . In this case,l as also in that of suf- believers let us lay a proper foundation so fering believers, the Assemblies, whether local or national, should act tactfully, pa- that their obedience will be voluntary and tiently and in a friendly and kindly spirit. assured from the beginning of their enroll- Knowing how painful and dangerous it is ment as BahBis. In our attitude toward the older believers who are affected bv the in- 1 A special case involving an aged BahL'i, afflicted struction let us act with the patience and with illness, for whom severance of church relations might have been too great a shock. kindliness the Guardian has urged. THE B A HVIEW ~ ~ OF PACIFISM "With reference to the absolute pacifists or conscientious objectors to war: thkir atti- I N a letter published in Bah& News, tude, judged from the B a h s standpoint, is January, 1938, Shoghi Effendi, the Guard- quite anti-social and due to its exaltation of ian of the BahBi Faith wrote through his the individual conscience leads inevitably to secretary: disorder and chaos in society. Extreme paci- fists are thus very close to anarchists, in the government. Thus Bah6'is do not, on the sense that both of these groups lay an un- grounds of religious conviction, seek to due emphasis on the rights and merits of abandon their obligation as citizens in time the individual. The BahB'f conception of of war or national emergency. Neither do social life is essentially based on the sub- they attempt to avoid the dangers and hard- ordination of the individual will to that of ships which are inevitable in time of war, society. It neither suppresses the individual and to which all citizens of military age are nor does it exalt him to the point of making liable. him an anti-social creature, a menace to Thus Bahj'is who are citizens of the society. As in everything, it follows the United States are able to reconcile their 'golden mean.' The only way society can fundamental spiritual convictions and their function is for the minority to follow the civil obligations as citizens by applying for will of the majority. noncombatant service under the existing "The other main objection t o the con- Selective Service law and regulations. scientious objectors is that their method of The members of the BahB'i Faith make establishing peace is too negative. Non- no reservations in claiming that they are cooperation is too passive a philosophy to fully obedient to all provisions of the laws become an effective way for social recon- of their country, including the constitutional struction. Their refusal to bear arms can right of the Federal government to raise never establish peace. There should fist be armies and conscript citizens for military a spiritual revitalization which nothing, ex- service. cept the Cause of God, can effectively bring Although it is necessary for BahB'is to be toevery man's heart." classiiied as ''conscientious objectors" to combatant military service in order to ob- tain a noncombatant status under the Se- lective Service regulations, they are not "conscientious objectors" in the sense of a ( A Public Statement issued by the National refusal to obey the laws of their country or Spiritual Assembly of the B a h a s of the to perform noncombatant military duties as United States) members of the armed forces. Their status is rather that of "conscientious co-opera- In view of the increasing importance of tors" with the military authorities of their a clear understanding of the details of the country, since they serve as members of the Bah4i position on military service, the Na- armed forces in the Medical Corps, or in tional Bah4i Assembly presents the follow- any capacity in which they may legally ing statement of general principles for the maintain a noncombatant status, regardless information and guidance of the members of the effect which this may have upon their of the BahB'i Community in the United personal safety, their convenience, the type States and others who may have an interest of activity they must discharge, or the rank in the BahB'i viewpoint. to which they may be assigned. The Bah4i teachings require that fol- lowers of the Faith o%ey the laws of the SUMMARY .OF THE GUARDIAN'S INSTRUC- government under which they live, and this TIONS ON THE OBLIGATIONOF BA- requirement includes the obligation for mil- HA'IS IN CONNECTION WITH itary service which rests upon all citizens. MILITARYSERVICE However, Bah6'is are also required to apply for noncombatant service whenever the During World War I1 the Bahii'i position opportunity to do so is legally provided by on military training and service, and the their government on the basis of religious obligation of individual BahVis to apply for training and belief. and maintain a noncombatant status when While the religious convictions of Ba- this is possible under the laws of their coun- hL'is require them to seek whatever exemp- try, were outlined specifically in a series of tion from combatant duty may be granted instructions and bulletins issued by the Na- by their government on the grounds of re- tional Assembly. ligious belief, they definitely are not paci- Since 1945, two items on this subject have fists in the sense of refusal to cooperate been published in Bahli'i News; one in the with and obey the laws of an established October, 1946 issue (pp. 9-10), and the 318 T H E BAHA'I WORLD other in the September, 1948 issue (p. 6). forces where they would be subject to or- Both of these articles quoted the Guard- ders to engage in the taking of human life. ian's instruction contained in a letter to the It is only through the Selective Service National Assembly dated July 20, 1946, machinery of classification and induction written in reply to a question as to whether that a noncombatant status can be secured the existence of the United Nations in its and maintained. present form should change the attitude of The N.S.A. statement in the September, Bahi'is toward military duties which might 1948 issue of Bahd'i News called attention require the taking of human life. The to passage of the Selective Service Act of Guardian's answer to this question is again 1948, and to the fact that Section 6 (j) of quoted below: this Act provides an exemption from com- "As there is neither an International Po- batant service and training for those citizens lice Force nor any immediate prospect of who are opposed to such service by reason one coming into being, the Bahi'is should of religious training or belief. This provi- continue to apply, under all circumstances, sion is similar to the one in Section 5 (g) for exemption from any military duties that of the Selective Service Act of 1940, which necessitate the taking of life. There is no was the legal basis for application for ex- justification for any change of attitude on emption from combatant duty during the our part at the present time." last war by BahL'is subject to the draft. These words indicate that the Guardian It is the firm spiritual obligation of Ba- still feels that a Bahi'i cannot voluntarily hi'is residing in the United States who must enter any form of combatant military duty, fill out a Selective Service Questionnaire, to and must seek exemption from such service indicate on this form (Series XIV) in the if this is possible under the laws of his coun- space provided that they are opposed to try. combatant military service and to claim the The instruction given in the July 20, 1946 exemption povided under the Selective letter was confirmed recently in a cable Service ~ c ont the grounds of religious received from the Guardian by the National training and belief. They should also request Assembly on January 17, 1951. a copy of the special form (SS Form No. The Guardian, in these and earlier com- munications, has made it clear that it is 150) provided for those claiming such ex- obligatory, and not an optional matter, for emption, and then fil! this out in accordance all Bahi'is to apply for and maintain a non- with instructions contained in a special combatant status if this is possible under the bulletin "Bahi'is and the Selective Draft," law. When such a law exists, as is the case which may be obtained from the National in the United States, Bahi'is cannot volun- Assembly or from Local Assembly Secre- tarily enlist in any branch of the armed taries. INTERPRETATION OF THE WILL AND TESTAMENT O F 'ABDU'L-BAHA W E L L is it with him who h e t h his gaze wondrous System-the like of which mortal upon the Order of BahL'u'llAh and ren- eyes have never w i t n e s s e d . - B ~ H ~ I J ' ~ ~ ; ~ . ~ dereth thanks unto his Lord! For He as- suredly will be made manifest. God hath It is incumbent upon the AghsAn, the indeed irrevocably ordained it in the Bay6n. AfnAn and My kindred to turn, one and all, -THE BLB? their faces towards the Most Mighty Branch. Consider that which We have re- The world's equilibrium hath been upset vealed in Our Most Holy Book: 'When the through the vibrating influence of this most ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the great, this new World Order. Mankind's Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your ordered life hath been revolutionized faces toward Him Whom God hath pur- through the agency of this unique, this posed. Who hath branched from this An- 1 World Order of Bahd'u'lldh, pp. 146-147. 2 Ibid., p. 146. T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 319 cient Root." The object of this sacred verse the Originator and the Interpreter of the is none except the Most Mighty Branch Law of God-the Will and Testament of ('Abdu'l-Bahi) . Thus have We graciously 'Abdu'l-Bahi can no more be divorced from revealed unto you Our potent Will, and I Him Who supplied the original and motiva- am verily the Gracious, the All-Powerful. ting impulse than from the One Who ulti- -BAH~u'LLAH.~ mately conceived it. BahB'u'llih's inscruta- ble purpose, we must ever bear in mind, has There hath branched from the Sadratu'l- been so thoroughly infused into the conduct Muntahi this sacred and glorious Being, this of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and their motives have Branch of Holiness; well is it with him that been so closely welded together, that the hath sought His shelter and abideth beneath mere attempt to dissociate the teachings of His shadow. Verily the Limb of the Law of the former from any system which the ideal God hath sprung forth from this Root Exemplar of those same teachings has es- which God hath firmly implanted in the tablished would amount to a repudiation of Ground of His Will, and Whose Branch one of the most sacred and basic truths of hath been so uplifted as to encompass the the Faith.--S~oGH1EFFENDI.^ whole of creation.-B~&u'LLi~.~ For BahL'u'llih, we should readily recog- In accordance with the explicit text of the nize, has not only imbued mankind with a Kitib-i-Aqdas, Bahi'u'llih hath made the new and regenerating Spirit. He has not Center of the Covenant the Interpreter of merely enunciated certain universal princi- His Word-a Covenant so firm and mighty ples, or propounded a particular philosophy, that from the beginning of time until the however potent, sound and ~miversalthese present day no religious Dispensation hath may be. In addition to these He, as well as produced its ~~~~.-'ABDu'L-BAHA." 'Abdu'l-Bahh after Him, has, unlike the Dispensations of the past, clearly and spe- 'Abdu'l-Bah6, Who incarnates an institu- cifically laid down a set of Laws, estab- tion for which we can find no parallel what- lished definite institutions, and provided for soever in any of the world's recognized reli- the essentials of a Divine Economy. These gious systems, may be said to have closed are destined to be a pattern for future the Age to which He Himself belonged and society, a supreme instrument for the es- opened the one in which we are now labor- tablishment of the Most Great Peace, and ing. His Will and Testament should thus be the one agency for the unification of the regarded as the perpetual, the indissoluble world, and the proclamation of the reign of link which the mind of Him Who is the righteousness and justice upon the earth.- Mystery of God has conceived in order to SHOGHIEFFENDI.^ insure the continuity of the three ages that constitute the component parts of the . . . the Spirit breathed by BahL'u'll6h BahL'i Dispensation. . . . upon the world . . . can never permeate The creative energies released by the Law and exercise an abiding influence upon man- of BahL'u'llih, permeating and evolving kind unless and untrl it incarnates itself in within the mind of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, have, by a visible Order, which would bear His their very impact and close interaction, Name, wholly identify itself with His princi- given birth to an Instrument which may be ples, and function in conformity with His viewed as the Charter of the New World Laws . . . PHOGHI EFFENDI.^ Order which is at once the glory and the promise of this most great Dispensation. The Administrative Order, which ever The Will may thus be acclaimed as the since 'Abdu'l-BahPs ascension has evolved inevitable offspring resulting from that and is taking shape under our very eyes in mystic intercourse between Him Who com- no fewer than forty countriesg of the world, municated the generating influence of His may be considered as the framework of the divine Purpose and the One Who was its Will itself, the inviolable stronghold wherein vehicle and chosen recipient. Being the 6 Ibid., pp. 143-144. Child of the Covenant-the Heir of both 7 Ibid., p. 19. 8 Ibid., p. 19. 3 Ibld., p. 134. 9 By 1950 this figure had reached over one hundred; 4Ibid.. D. 135. by 1954, over two hundred. This excerpt is from World Order of Bahd'u'Ndh, p. 144. 320 T H E BAHA'f WORLD this new-born child is being nurtured and discloses the full station of the Author of developed. This Administrative Order, as it the Bah4i Revelation; asserts that "all expands and consolidates itself, will no others are servants unto Him and do His doubt manifest the potentialities and reveal bidding"; stresses the importance of the the full implications of this momentous Kitlb-i-Aqdas; establishes the institution of Document-this most remarkable expres- the Guardianship as a hereditary office and sion of the Will of One of the most remark- outlines its essential functions; provides the able Figures of the Dispensation of Bah2- measures for the election of the Interna- u'llgh. It will, as its component parts, its tional House of Justice, defines its scope and organic institutions, begin to function with sets forth its relationship to that Institution; efficiency and vigor, assert its claim and prescribes the obligations, and emphasizes demonstrate its capacity to be regarded not the responsibilities, of the Hands of the only as the nucleus but the very pattern of Cause of God; and extolls the virtues of the the New World Order destined to embrace indestructible Covenant established by in the fullness of time the whole of man- Bahi'u'llfih. That Document, furthermore, kind.-S~o~m EFFENDI. lauds the courage and constancy of the sup- porters of Bahk'u'lllh's Covenant; expatiates . . . The Charter which called into on the sufferings endured by its appointed being, outlined the features and set in mo- Center; recalls the infamous conduct of tion the processes of, this Administrative Mirzfi Yahyk and his failure to heed the Order is none other than the Will and Testa- warnings of the B5b; exposes, in a series of ment of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, His greatest legacy to indictments, the perfidy and rebellion of posterity, the brightest emanation of His Mirzl Muhammad-'Ali, and the complicity mind and the mightiest instrument forged of his son ShuG&'u'llfih and of his brother to insure the continuity of the three ages Mirzg Badi'u'llAh; reaffirms their excom- which constitute the component parts of His munication, and predicts the frustration of Father's Dispensation.-SHOGHI EFFENDI?^ all their hopes; summons the Afnln (the Bgb's kindred), the Hands of the Cause and It was 'Abdu'l-Bahl Who, through the the entire company of the followers of provisions of His weighty Will and Testa- Bahi'u'llgh to arise unitedly to propagate ment, has forged the vital link which must His Faith, to disperse far and wide, to labor for ever connect the age that has just ex- tirelessly and to follow the heroic example pired with the one we now live in-the of the Apostles of Jesus Christ; warns them Transitional and Formative period of the against the dangers of association with the Faith-a stage that must in the fullness of Covenant-breakers, and bids them shield the time reach its blossom and yield its fruit in Cause from the assaults of the insincere and the exploits and triumphs that are to herald the hypocrite; and counsels them to demon- the Golden Age of the Revelation of BahP- strate by their conduct the universality of u'll6h.-S~o~m EFFENDI?^ the Faith they have espoused, and vindicate its high principles. In that same Document The Document establishing that Order, its Author reveals the significance and pur- the Charter of a future world civilization, pose of the Huqfiqu'lllh (Right of God), which may be regarded in some of its fea- already instituted in the Kitgb-i-Aqdas; en- tures as supplementary to no less weighty a joins submission and fidelity towards all Book than the Kitlb-i-Aqdas; signed and monarchs who are just; expresses His long- sealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi; entirely written ing for martyrdom, and voices His prayers with His own hand; its first section com- for the repentance as well as the forgiveness posed during one of the darkest periods of of His enemies.--SHOGHI EFFENDI?^ His incarceration in the prison-fortress of 'Akk6, proclaims, categorically and un- . . . We stand indeed too close to so monumental a document to claim for our- equivocally, the fundamental beliefs of the followers of the Faith of Bahi'u'lllh; re- selves a complete understanding of all its implications, or to presume to have grasped veals, in unmistakable language, the two- fold character of the Mission of the Bgb; the manifold mysteries it undoubtedly con- tains. Only future generations can compre- 10 God Passes By, p. 325. 11 World Order of Bahrf'u'lldh,p. 98. 12 God Passes By, p. 328. T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 321 hend the value and the significance at- the institution of the House of Justice and tached to this Divine Masterpiece, which the of the Guardianship . . . To them alone hand of the Master-builder of the world has will be revealed the suitability of the institu- designed for the unification and the triumph tions initiated by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 to the char- of the world-wide Faith of BahPuYll6h.Only acter of the future society which is to those who come after us will be in a posi- emerge out of the chaos and confusion of tion to realize the value of the surprisingly the present age . . . SHOGHI EFFENDI.'^ strong emphasis that has been placed on 13 World Order of Bahci'u'Ndh, p. 8. EXCERPTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI 1 HAVE been acquainted by the perusal of the sions of these sacred documents will reveal close relationship that exids between your latest communications with the nature of the doubts that have been publicly ex- them, as well as the identity of purpose and pressed, by one who is wholly misinformed method which they inculcate. Far from re- as to the true precepts of the Cause, regard- garding their specitic provisions as incom- ing the validity of institutions that stand patible and contradictory in spirit, every inextricably interwoven with the Faith of fair-minded inquirer will readily admit that BahL'u'll6h. Not that I for a moment view they are not only complementary, but that such faint misgivings in the light of an open they mutually confirm one another, and are challenge to the structure that embodies the inseparable parts of one complete unit. A Faith, nor is it because I question in the least comparison of their contents with the rest the unyielding tenacity of the faith of the of Bahb'i Sacred Writings will similarly es- American believers, if I venture to dwell tablish the conformity of whatever they upon what seems to me appropriate observa- contain with the spirit as well as the letter tions at the present stage of the evolution of of the authenticated writings and sayings of our beloved Cause. I am indeed inclined to BahL'uYll6hand 'Abdu'l-Bah6. In fact, he welcome these expressed apprehensions in- who reads the Aqdas with care and diligence asmuch as they afford me an opportunity to will not h d it hard to discover that the familiarize the elected representatives of the Most Holy Book [Aqdas] itself anticipates believers with the origin and character of in a number of passages the institutions the institutions which stand at the very basis which 'Abdu'l-Bah6 ordains in His Will. By of the world order ushered in by BahL'u'll6h. leaving certain matters unspecified and un- We should feel truly thankful for such futile regulated in His Book of Laws [Aqdas], attempts to undermine our beloved Faith- BahL'u'llBh seems to have deliberately left attempts that protrude their ugly face from a gap in the general scheme of Bahi'i Dis- time to time, seem for a while able to create pensation, which the unequivocal provisions a breach in the ranks of the faithful, recede of the Master's Will has filled. To attempt finally into the obscurity of oblivion, and to divorce the one from the other, to in- are thought of no more. Such incidents we sinuate that the Teachings of BahL'u'llBh should regard as the interpositions of Provi- have not been upheld, in their entirety and dence, designed to fortify our faith, to clar- with absolute integrity, by what 'Abdu'l- ify our vision, and to deepen our under- BahB has revealed in his Will, is an unpar- standing of the essentials of His Divine donable affront to the unswerving fidelity Revelation. that has characterized the life and labors of It would, however, be helpful and instruc- our beloved Master. tive to bear in mind certain basic principles I will not attempt in the least to assert or with reference to the Will and Testament of demonstrate the authenticity of the Will and 'Abdu'l-Bahb, which, together with the Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahri, for that in itself Kita'b-i-Aqdas, constitutes the chief deposi- would betray an apprehension on my part as tory wherein are enshrined those priceless to the unanimous confidence of the believers elements of that Divine Civilization, the es- in the genuineness of the last written wishes tablishment of which is the primary mission of our departed Master. I will only confine of the BahVi Faith. A study of the provi- my observations to those issues which may T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 323 assist them to appreciate the essential unity would be tantamount to a mutilation of the that underlies the spiritual. the humani- body of the Cause, a separation that can tarian, and the administrative principles only result in the disintegration of its com- enunciated by the Author and the Inter- ponent parts, and the extinction of the Faith preter of the BahB'i Faith. itself. I am at a loss to explain that strange men- tality that inclines to uphold as the sole cri- terion on the truth of the Bahb'i Teachings what is admittedly only at1 obscure and un- It should be carefully borne in mind that authenticated translation of an oral state- the local as well as the International Houses ment made by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, in defiance and of Justice have been expressly enjoined by total disregard of the available text of all of the Kita'b-i-Aqdas; that the institution of His universally recognized writings. I truly the National Spiritual Assembly, as an inter- deplore the unfortunate distortions that have mediary body, and referred to in the Mas- resulted in days past from the incapacity of ter's Will as the "Secondary House of Jus- the interpreter to grasp the meaning of tice," has the express sanction of 'Abdu'l- 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and from his incompetence to BahL; and that the method to be pursued for render adequately such truths as have been the election of the International and Na- revealed to him by the Master's statements. tional Houses of Justice has been set forth Much of the confusion that has obscmed by Him in His Will, as well as in a number the understanding of the believers should be of His Tablets. Moreover, the institutions of attributed to this double error involved in the local and national Funds, that are now the inexact rendering of an only partially the necessary adjuncts to all Local and Na- understood statement. Not infrequently has tional Spiritual Assemblies, have not only the interpreter even failed to convey the been established by 'Abdu'l-Bahk in the exact purport of the inq~~irer's specific ques- Tablets He revealed to the Bahb'is of the tions, and, by his deficiency of understand- Orient, but their importance and necessity ing and expression in conveying the answer have been repeatedly emphasized by Him in of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, has been responsible for re- His utterances and writings. The concentra- ports wholly at variance with the true spirit tion of authority in the hands of the elected and purpose of the Cause. It was chiefly in representatives of the believers; the neces- view of this misleading nature of the reports sity of the submission of every adherent of of the informal conversations of 'Abdu'l- the Faith to the considered judgment of Bahi with visiting pilgrims, that I have in- Bahb'i Assemblies; His preference for una- sistently urged the believers of the West to nimity in decision; the decisive character of regard such statements as merely personal the majority vote; and even the desirability impressions of the sayings of their Master, for the exercise of close supervision over all and to quote and consider as authentic only Bahb'i publications, have been sedulously such translations as are based upon the au- instilled by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, as evidenced by thenticated text of His recorded utterances His authenticated and widely-scattered Tab- in the original tongue. lets. To accept His broad and humanitarian It should be remembered by every fol- Teachings on one hand, and to reject and lower of the Cause that the system of Bahi'i dismiss with neglectful indifference His administration is not an innovation imposed more challenging and distinguishing pre- arbitrarily upon the BahL'is of the world cepts, would be an act of manifest disloyalty since the Master's passing, but derives its to that which He has cherished most in His authority from the Will and Testament of life. ' Abdu'l-Baha', is specifically prescribed in That the Spiritual Assemblies of today unnumbered Tablets, and rests in some of will be replaced in time by the Houses of its essential features upon the explicit pro- Justice, and are to all intents and purposes visions of the Kita'b-i-Aqdas. It thus unifies identical and not separate bodies, is abun- and correlates the principles separately laid dantly confirmed by 'Abciu'l-Bahi Himself. down by BahP~~'ll& and 'Abdu'l-BahL, and He has in fact in a Tablet addressed to the is indissolubly bound with the essential veri- members of the first Chicago Spiritual As- ties of the Faith. To dissociate the admirlis- sembly, the first elected BahPi body insti- tsative principles of the Cause from the tuted in the United States, referred to them purely spiritual and humanitarian teachings as the members of the "House of Justice" 3 24 T H E BAHA'f WORLD for that city, and has thus with His own pen International House of Justice will have established beyond any d0ub.t the identity of been removed. For upon the National the present BahB'i Spiritual Assemblies with Houses of Justice of the East and West de- the Houses of Justice refzrred to by Bah6'- volves the task, in conformity with the ex- u'llih. For reasons which are not difficult plicit provisions of the Will, of electing di- to discover, it has been found advisable to rectly the members of the International bestow upon the elected representatives of House of Justice. Not until they are them- BahL'i communities throughout the world selves fully representative of the rank and the temporary appellation of Spiritual As- file of the believers in their respective coun- semblies, a term which, as the position and tries, not until they have acquired the weight aims of the BahL'i Faith are better under- and the experience that will enable them to stood and more fully recognized, will gradu- f~~nction vigorously in the organic life of the ally be superseded by the permanent and Cause, can they approach their sacred task, more appropriate designation of House of and provide the spiritual basis for the con- Justice. Not only will the present-day Spirit- stitution of so august a body in the BahL'i ual Assemblies be styled differently in the world. future, but will be enabled also to add to their present functions those powers, duties, and prerogatives necessitated by the recog- nition of the Faith of BahL'u'llih, not It must be also clearly understood by ev- merely as one of the recognized religious ery believer that the institution of Guardian- systems of the world, but as the State Re- ship does not under any circumstances ab- ligion of an independent and Sovereign rogate, or even in the slightest degree de- Power. And as the BahL'i Faith permeates tract from, the powers granted to the Uni- the masses of the peoples of East and West, versal House of Justice by BahL'u'llih in and its truth is embraced by the majority of the Kita'b-i-Aqdas, and repeatedly and sol- the peoples of a number of the Sovereign emnly confirmed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi in His States of the world, will the Universal Will. It does not constitute in any manner a House of Justice attain the plenitude of its contradiction to the Will and Writings of power, and exercise, as the supreme organ BahL'u'llih, nor does it nullify any of His of the BahL'i Commonwealth, all the rights, revealed instructions. It enhances the pres- the duties, and responsibilities incumbent tige of that exalted assembly, stabilizes its upon the world's future superstate. supreme position, safeguards its unity, as- It must be pointed out, however, in this sures the continuity of its labors, without connection that, contrary to what has been presuming in the slightest to infringe upon confidently asserted, the establishment of the inviolability of its clearly defined sphere the Supreme House of Justice is in no way of jurisdiction. We stand indeed too close to dependent upon the adoption of the BahQ'i so monumental a document to claim for Faith by the mass of the peoples of the ourselves a complete understanding of all its world, nor does it presuppose its acceptance implications, or to presume to have grasped by the majority of the inhabitants of any the manifold mysteries it undoubtedly con- one country. In fact, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, Himself, tains. Only future generations can compre- in one of His earliest Tablets, contemplated hend the value and the significance attached the possibility of the formation of the Uni- to this Divine Masterpiece, which the hand versal House of Justice in His own lifetime, of the Master-builder of the world has de- and but for the unfavorable circumstances signed for the unification and the triumph prevailing under the Turkish r&gime,would of the world-wide Faith of Bah6'u'lliih. Only have, in all probability, taken the prelimi- those who come after us will be in a position nary steps for its establishment. It will be to realize the value of the surprisingly evident, therefore, that given favorable cir- strong emphasis that has been placed on the cumstances, under which the BahB'is of Per- institution of the House of Justice and of sia and of the adjoining countries under So- the Guardianship. They only will appreciate viet Rule may be enabled to elect their na- the significance of the vigorous language tional representatives, in accordance with employed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi with reference to the guiding principles laid down in 'Abdu'l- the band of Covenant-breakers that has op- Bah6's writings, the only remaining obstacle posed Him in Elis days. To them alone will in the way of the d e k i t e formation of the be revealed the suitability of the institutions T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 325 BahB'is attending the National Convention of the Bahgis of Germany and Austria, held in the newly erected Ha~iratu'l-Quds,Frankfurt-am-Main, April, 1951. initiated by 'Abdu'l-BahL to the character of fairs, the diversity of its adherents, and the the future society which is to emerge out of state of confusion that assails on every side the chaos and confusion of the present the infant Faith of God, can for a moment . age. . . question the necessity of some sort of ad- ministrative machinerv that will insure, amid the storm and stress of a struggling civilization, the unity of the Faith, the pres- ervation of its identity, and the protection And now, it behooves us to reflect on the of its interests? To repudiate the validity of animating purpose and the primary func- the assemblies of the elected ministers of the tions of these divinely-established instit~l- Faith of Bahk'u'llhh would be to reject these tions, the sacred character and the universal countless Tablets of Bahb'u'llhh and 'Ab- efficacy of which can be demonstrated only du'l-Bahh, wherein they have extolled their by the spirit they diffuse and the work they privileges and duties, emphasized the glory actually achieve. I need not dwell upon of their mission, revealed the immensity of what I have already reiterated and empha- their task, and warned them of the attacks sized that the administration of the Cause is they must needs expect from the unwisdom to be conceived as an instrument and not a of friends, as well as from the malice of substitute for the Faith of Bahb'uYll&h,that their enemies. It is surely for those to whose it should be regarded as a channel through hands so priceless a heritage has been com- which His promised blessings may flow, that mitted to prayerfully watch lest the tool it should guard against such rigidity as should supersede the Faith itself, lest undue would clog and fetter the liberating forces concern for the minute details arising from . released by His Revelation. . . Who, I the administration of the Cause obscure the may ask, when viewing the international vision of its promoters, lest partiality, am- character of the Cause, its far-flung ramifi- bition, and worldliness tend in the course of cations, the increasing complexity of its af- time to becloud the radiance, stain the 326 T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D purity, and impair the effectiveness of the the rudimentary institutions of its future Ad- Faith of Bahii'u'llLh.' ministrative Order. In Russia He had raised its first House of Worship, whilst on the slopes of Mt. Carmel He had reared a be- fitting mausoleum for its Herald, and de- posited His remains therein with His Own With the passing of 'Abdu'l-BahL the first hands. Through His visits to several cities century of the Bah6'i era, whose inception in Europe and the North American conti- had synchronized with His birth, had run nent He had broadcast Bah6'u'llLh's Mes- more than three quarters of its course. Sev- sage to the peoples of the West, and height- enty-seven years previously the light of the ened the prestige of the Cause of God to a Faith proclaimed by the Bhb had arisen degree it had never previously experienced. above the horizon of ShhirLz and flashed And lastly, in the evening of His life, He across the firmament of Persia, dispelling the had through the revelation of the Tablets of age-long gloom which had enveloped its the Divine Plan issued His mandate to the people. A blood bath of unusual ferocity, in community which He Himself had raised which government, clergy and people, heed- up, trained and nurtured, a Plan that must less of the significance of that light and in the years to come enable its members to blind to its splendor, had jointly partici- diffuse the light, and erect the administra- pated, had all but extinguished the radiance tive fabric, of the Faith throughout the five of its glory in the land of its birth. BahC'- continents of the globe. u'llLh had at the darkest hour in the for- The moment had now arrived for that un- tunes of that Faith been summoned, while dying, that world-vitalizing Spirit that was Himself a prisoner in TihrLn, to reinvigorate born in ShhirLz, that had been rekindled in its life, and been commissioned to fulfill its TihrLn, that had been fanned into flame in ultimate purpose. In BaghdLd, upon the Baghddd and Adrianople, that had been car- termination of the ten-yeaidelay interposed riedto the West, and was now illuminating between the first intimation of that Mission the fringes of five continents, to incarnate it- and its Declaration, He had revealed the self in institutions designed to canalize its Mystery enshrined in the BLb's embryonic outspreading energies and stimuIate its Faith, and disclosed the fruit which it had . growth. . . yielded. In Adrianople Bah6'u'llLh's Mes- sage, the promise of the BLbi as well as of The Administrative Order which this his- all previous Dispensations, had been pro- toric Document has established, it should claimed to mankind, and its challenge be noted, is, by virtue of its origin and char- voiced to the rulers of the earth in both the acter, unique in the annals of the world's East and the West. Behind the walls of the religious systems. No Prophet before Bah6'- prison-fortress of 'Akkb the Bearer of God's u'llLh, it can be confidently asserted, not newborn Revelation had ordained the laws even Muhammad Whose Book clearly lays and formulated the principles that were to down the laws and ordinances of the Islamic constitute the warp and woof of His World Dispensation, has established, authoritatively Order. He had, moreover, prior to His as- and in writing, anything comparable to the cension, instituted the Covenant that was to Administrative Order which the authorized guide and assist in the laying of its founda- Interpreter of BahL'u'llLh's teachings has tions and to safeguard the unity of its build- instituted, an Order which, by virtue of the ers. Armed with that peerless and potent In- administrative principles which its Author strument, 'Abdu'l-Bah6, His eldest Son and has formulated, the institutions He has es- Center of His Covenant, had erected the tablished, and the right of interpretation standard of His Father's Faith in the North with which He has invested its Guardian, American continent, and established an im- must and will, in a manner unparalleled in pregnable basis for its institutions in West- any previous religion, safeguard from ern Europe, in the Far East and in Austra- schism the Faith from which it has sprung. lia. He had, in His works, Tablets and ad- Nor is the principle governing its operation dresses, elucidated its principles, interpreted similar to that which underlies any system, its laws, amplified its doctrine, and erected whether theocratic or otherwise, which the 1 From Woflil Order of Bnhb'dlldh, pp. 3-10. (This minds of men have devised for the govern- communication was dated February 27, 3929.) ment of human institutions. Neither in the- THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 3 27 ory nor in practice can the Administrative soring, failed utterly in its purpose. The Order of the Faith of BahB'u'llBh be said agitation provoked by a deluded woman to conform to any type of democratic gov- who strove diligently both in the United ernment, to any system of autocracy, to any States and in England to demonstrate the purely aristocratic order, or to any of the unautheilticity of the Charter responsible various theocracies, whether Jewish, Chris- for its creation, and even to induce the civil tian or Islamic which mankind has wit- authorities of Palestine to take legal action nessed in the past. It incorporates within in the matter-a request which to her great its structure certain elements which are to chagrin was curtly refused-as well as the be found in each of the three recognized defection of one of the earliest pioneers and forms of secular government, is devoid of founders of the Faith in Germanv. whom i' the defects which each of them inherently that same woman had so tragically misled, possesses, and blends the salutary truths produced no effect whatsoever. The volumes which each undoubtedly contains without which a shameless apostate composed and vitiating in any way the integrity of the disseminated, during that same period in Divine verities on which it is essentially Persia, in his brazen efforts not only to dis- founded. The hereditary authority which rupt that Order but to undermine the very the Guardian of the Administrative Order Faith which had conceived it, proved simi- is called upon to exercise, and the right of larly abortive. The schemes devised by the the interpretation of the Holy Writ solely remnants of the Covenant-breakers, who conferred upon him; the powers and pre- immediately the aims and purposes of 'Ab- rogatives of the Universal House of Justice, du'l-Bahi's Will became known arose, possessing the exclusive right to legislate on headed by Mirzi Badi'u'llih, to wrest the matters not explicitly revealed in the Most custodianship of the holiest shrine in the Holy Book; the ordinance exempting its Bahgi world from its appointed Guardian, members from any responsibility to those likewise came to naught and brought further whom they represent, and from the obliga- discredit upon them. The subsequent attacks tion to conform to their views, convictions launched by certain exponents of Christian or sentiments; the specific provisions requir- orthodoxy, in both Christian and non-Chris- ing the free and democratic election by the tian lands, with the object of subverting the mass of the faithful of the Body that con- foundations, and distorting the features, of stitutes the sole legislative organ in the this same Order were powerless to sap the world-wide Bahi'i community-these are loyalty of its upholders or to deflect them among the features which combine to set from their high purpose. Not even the in- apart the Order identified with the Revela- famous and insidious machinations of a for- tion of Bahi'u'llBh from any of the existing mer secretary of 'Abdu'l-Bah5, who, un- systems of human government. taught by the retribution that befell Bahb'- Nor have the enemies who, at the hour u'll6h's amanuensis, as well as by the fate of the inception of this Administrative Or- that overtook several other secretaries and der, and in the course of its twenty-three interpreters of His Master, in both the East year existence, both in the East and-in the and the West, has arisen, and is still exerting West, from within and from without, mis- himself, to pervert the purpose and nullify represented its character, or derided and vil- the essential provisions of the immortal ified it, or striven to arrest its march, or Document from which that Order derives contrived to create a breach in the ranks of its authority, have been able to stay even its supporters, succeeded in achieving their momentarily the march of its institutions malevolent purpose. The strenuous exertions along the course set for it by its Author, or of an ambitious Armenian, who, in the to create anything that might, however re- course of the first years of its establish- motely, resemble a breach in the ranks of ment in Egypt, endeavored to supplant it by its assured, its wide-awake and stalwart the "Scientific Society" which in his short- supporters.' sightedness he had conceived and was spon- 2 From God Passes By, pp. 323-324 and 326-328. 328 THE BAHA'I WORLD THE STANDARD OFBAHA'f CHARACTER Excerpts from THE ADVENT O F DIVINE JUSTICE* D E A R L y - B E L o v E D friends! Great as is idolatry and immorality, which had for so my love and admiration for you, convinced long been the most distressing features of as I am of the paramount share which you the tribes of Arabia and brought such shame can, and will, undoubtedly have in both the upon them when Muhammad arose to pro- continental and international spheres of claim His Message in their midst; the inde- future BahL'i activity and service, I feel it scribable state of decadence, with its attend- nevertheless incumbent upon me to utter, at ant corruption, confusion, intolerance, and this juncture, a word of warning. The glow- oppression, in both the civil and religious ing tributes, so repeatedly and deservedly life of Persia, so graphically portrayed by paid to the capacity, the spirit, the conduct, the pen of a considerable number of schol- and the high rank, of the American believ- ars, diplomats, and travelers, at the hour of ers, both individually and as an organic com- the Revelation of Bah&'u'll6h-all demon- munity, must, under no circumstances, be strate this basic and inescapable fact. To confounded with the characteristics and na- contend that the innate worthiness, the high ture of the people from which God has moral standard, the political aptitude, and raised them up. A sharp distinction between social attainments of any race or nation is that community and that people must be the reason for the appearance in its midst of made, and resolutely and fearlessly upheld, any of these Divine Luminaries would be an if we wish to give due recognition to the absolute perversion of historical facts, and transmuting power of the Faith of Bahi'- would amount to a complete repudiation of u'llhh, in its impact on the lives and stand- the undoubted interpretation placed upon ards of those who have chosen to enlist un- them, so clearly and emphatically, by both der His banner. Otherwise, the supreme and Bahi'u'llBh and 'Abdu'l-BahB. distinguishing function of His Revelation, How great, then, must be the challenge which is none other than the calling into to those who, belonging to such races and being of a new race of men, will remain nations, and having responded to the call wholly unrecognized and completely ob- which these Prophets have raised, to unre- scured. servedly recognize and courageously testify to this indubitable truth, that not by reason of any racial superiority, political capacity, or spiritual virtue which a race or nation might possess, but rather as a direct conse- How often have the Prophets of God, not quence of its crying needs, its lamentable excepting BahL'u'llLh Himself, chosen to ap- degeneracy, and irremediable perversity, has pear, and deliver their Message in countries the Prophet of God chosen to appear in its and amidst peoples and races, at a time midst, and with it as a lever has lifted the when they were either fast declining, or had entire human race to a higher and nobler already touched the lowest depths of moral plane of life and conduct. For it is precisely and spiritual degradation. The appalling under such circumstances, and by such misery and wretchedness to which the Is- means that the Prophets have, from time raelites had sunk, under the debasing and immemorial, chosen and were able to dem- tyrannical rule of the Pharaohs, in the days onstrate their redemptive power to raise preceding their exodus from Egypt under the leadership of Moses; the decline that from the depths of abasement and of misery, had set in in the religious, the spiritual, the the people b f their own race and nation, cultural, and the moral life of the Jewish empowering them to transmit in turn to people, at the time of the appearance of other races and nations the saving grace and Jesus Christ; the barbarous cruelty, the gross the energizing influence of their Revelation. * Pages 13-28, I n the light of this fundamental principle T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 329 it should always be borne in mind, nor can Faith, imagine for a moment that for some it be sufficiently emphasized, that the pri- mysterious purpose or by any reason of in- mary reason why the Bib and BahC'uYllih herent excellence or special merit Bah6'u'- chose to appear in Persia, and to make it the llih has chosen to confer upon their country first repository of their Revelation, was be- and people so great and lasting a distinction. cause, of all the peoples and nations of the It is precisely by reason of the patent evils civilized world, that race and nation had, which, notwithstanding its other admittedly as so often depicted by 'Abdu'l-BahL, sunk great characteristics and achievements, an to such ignominious depths, and manifested excessive and binding materialism has un- so great a perversity, as to find no parallel fortunately engendered within it that the among its contemporaries. For no more Author of their Faith and the Center of His convincing proof could be adduced demon- Covenant have singled it out to become the strating the regenerating spirit animating the standard-bearer of the New World Order Revelations proclaimed by the Bib and envisaged in their writings. It is by such BahP'u'llih than their power to transform means as this that BahL'u711ihcan best dem- what can be truly regarded as one of the onstrate to a heedless generation His al- most backward, the most cowardly, and mighty power to raise up from the very perverse of peoples into a race of heroes, fit midst of a people, immersed in a sea of ma- to effect in turn a similar revolution in the terialism, a prey to one of the most virulent life of mankind. To have appeared among and long-standing forms of racial prejudice, a race or nation which by its intrinsic worth and notorious for its political corruption, and high attainments seemed to warrant the lawlessness and laxity in moral standards, inestimable privilege of being made the re- men and women who, as time goes by, will ceptacle of such a Revelation would in the increasingly exemplify those essential vir- eyes of an unbelieving world greatly reduce tues of self-renunciation, of moral rectitude, the efficacy of that Message, and detract of chastity, of indiscriminating fellowship, from the self-sufficiency of its omnipotent of holy discipline, and of spiritual insight power. The contrast so strikingly presented that will fit them for the preponderating in the pages of Nabil's Narrative between share they will have in calling into being the heroism that immortalized the life and that World Order and that World Civiliza- deeds of the Dawn-Breakers and the de- tion of which their country, no less than the generacy and cowardice of their defamers entire human race, stands ?n desperate need. and persecutors is in itself a most impressive Theirs will be the duty and privilege, in testimony to the truth of the Message of their capacity first as the establishers of one Him Who had instilled such a spirit into the of the most powerful pillars sustaining the breasts of His disciples. For any believer of edifice of the Universal House of Justice, that race to maintain that the excellence of and then as the champion-builders of that his country and the innate nobility of its New World Order of which that House is people were the fundamental reasons for its to be the nucleus and forerunner, to incul- being singled out as the primary receptacle cate, demonstrate, and apply those twin and of the Revelations of the Bgb and BahP'uY- sorely-needed principles of Divine justice lldh would be untenable in the face of the and order-principles to which the political overwhelming evidence afforded so con- corruption and the moral license, increas- vincingly by that Narrative. ingly staining the society to which they be- To a lesser degree this principle must of long, offer so sad and striking a contrast. necessity apply to the country which has Observations such as these, however dis- vindicated its right to be regarded as the tasteful and depressing they may be, should cradle of the World Order of BahP'ulll&h. not, in the least, blind us to those virtues So great a function, so noble a role, can be and qualities of high intelligence, of youth- regarded as no less inferior to the part fulness, of unbounded initiative, and enter- played by those immortal souls who, prise which the nation as a whole so con- through their sublime renunciation and un- spicuously displays, and which are being in- paralleled deeds, have been responsible for creasingly reflected by the community of the birth of the Faith itself. Let not, there- the believers within it. Upon these virtues fore, those who are to participate so pre- and qualities, no less than upon the elimina- dominantly in the birth of that world civili- tion of the evils referred to, must depend, to zation, which is the direct offspring of their a very great extent, the ability of that com- T H E B A H A. ' I W O R L D munity to lay a firm foundation for the ioning the outward instruments, and of per- country's future role in ushering in the fecting the administrative agencies, which Golden Age of the Cause of BahL'u'llih. they can utilize for the prosecution of their dual task under the Seven Year Plan; vital How STAGGERING THE RESPONSIBILITY and urgent as are the campaigns which they are initiating, the schemes and projects How great, therefore, how staggering the which they are devising, and the funds responsibility that must weigh upon the which they are raising, for the efficient con- present generation of the American believ- duct of both the Teaching 2nd Temple ers, at this early stage in their spiritual and work, the imponderable, the spiritual, fac- administrative evolution, to weed out, by tors, which are bound up with their own in- every means in their power, those faults, dividual and inner lives, and with which are habits, and tendencies which they have in- associated their human and social relation- herited from their own nation, and to culti- ships, are no less urgent and vital, and de- vate, patiently and prayerfully, those dis- mand constant scrutiny, continual self- tinctive qualities and characteristics that are examination and heart-searching on their so indispensable to their effective participa- part, lest their value be impaired or their tion in the great redemptive work of their vital necessity be obscured or forgotten. Faith. Incapable as yet, in view of the re- stricted size of their community and the limited influence it now wields, of produc- ing any marked effect on the great mass of Of these spiritual prerequisites of success, their countrymen, let them focus their at- which constitute the bedrock on which the tention, for the present, on their own selves, security of all teaching plans, Temple proj- their own individual needs, their own per- ects, and financial schemes, must ultimately sonal deficiencies and weaknesses, ever rest, the following stand out as preeminent mindful that every intensification of effort and vital, which the members of the Amer- on their part will better equip them for the ican BahL'i community will do well to pon- time when they will be called upon to eradi- der. Upon the extent to which these basic cate in their turn such evil tendencies from requirements are met, and the manner in the lives and the hearts of the entire body of which the American believers fulfill them in their fellow-citizens. Nor must they over- their individual lives, administrative activi- look the fact that the World Order, whose ties, and social relationships, must depend basis they, as the advance-guard of the the measure of the manifold blessings which future BahL'i generations of their country- the All-Bountiful Possessor can vouchsafe men, are now laboring to establish, can to them all. These requirements are none never be reared unless and until the general- other than a high sense of moral rectitude in ity of the people to which they belong has their social and administrative activities, ab- been already purged from the divers ills, solute chastity in their individual lives, and whether social or political, that now so complete freedom from prejudice in their severely afflict it. dealings with peoples of a different race, Surveying as a whole the most pressing class, creed, or color. needs of this community, attempting to esti- The first is specially, though not exclu- mate the more serious deficiencies by which sively, directed to their elected representa- it is being handicapped in the discharge of tives, whether local, regional, or national, its task, and ever bearing in mind the nature who, in their capacity as the custodians and of that still greater task with which it will be members of the nascent institutions of the forced to wrestle in the future, I feel it my Faith of BahL'u'llih, are shouldering the duty to lay special stress upon, and draw the chief responsibility in laying an unassailable special and urgent attention of the entire foundation for that Universal House of Jus- body of the American believers, be they tice which, as its title implies, is to be the young or old, white or colored, teachers or exponent and guardian of that Divine Jus- administrators, veterans or new-comers, to tice which can alone insure the security of, what I firmly believe are the essential re- and establish the reign of law and order in, quirements for the success of the tasks a strangely disordered world. The second is which are now claiming their undivided at- mainly and directly concerned with the tention. Great as is the importance of fash- Bah6'i youth, who can contribute so de- T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 33 1 cisively to the virility, the purity, and the cities of silver and gold, would not deign to driving force of the life of the BahL'i com- look upon them, and whose heart would re- munity, and upon whom must depend the main pure and undefiled from whatever future orientation of its destiny, and the things can be seen in this world, be they its complete unfoldment of the potentialities goods or its treasures. I swear by the Sun o f with which God has endowed it. The third Truth! The breath of such a man is en- should be the immediate, the universal, and dowed with potency, and his words with at- the chief concern of all and sundry mem- traction." "By Him Who shineth above the bers of the BahL'i community, of whatever Day-Spring of sanctity!" He, still more em- age, rank, experience, class, or color, as all, phatically, has revealed, "If the whole earth with n o exception, must face its challenging were to be converted into silver and gold, implications, and none can claim, however no man who can be said to have truly as- much he may have progressed along this cended into the heaven of faith and certi- line, to have completely discharged the stern tude would deign to regard it, mtlch less to responsibilities which it inculcates. seize and keep it. . . . They who dwell A rectitude of conduct, an abiding sense within the Tabernacle o f God, and are estab- of undeviating justice, unobscured by the lished upon the seats of everlasting glory, demoralizing influences which a corruption- will refuse, though they be dying of hunger, ridden political life so strikingly manifests; to stretch th.eir hands, and seize unlawfully a chaste, pure, and holy life, unsullied and the property o f their neighbor, however vile unclouded by the indecencies, the vices, the and worthless he may be. The purpose o f false standards, which an inherently defi- the one true God in manifesting Himself is cient moral code tolerates, perpetuates, and to summon all mankind to truthfulness and fosters; a fraternity freed from that cancer- sincerity, to piety and trustworthiness, to ous growth of racial prejudice, which is eat- resignatiosn and submissiveness to the will o f ing into the vitals of an already debilitated God, to forbearance and kindliness, t o up- society-these are the ideals which the rightness and wisdom. His object is to array American believers must, from now on, in- every man with the mantle of a saintly char- dividually and through concerted action, acter, and to adorn him with the ornament strive to promote, in both their private and of holy and goodly deeds." public lives, ideals which are the chief pro- "We have admonished all the loved ones pelling forces that can most effectively ac- of God," He insists, "to take heed lest the celerate the march of their institutions, hem of Our sacred vesture be smirched with plans, and enterprises, that can guard the the mire of unlawful deeds, or be stained honor and integrity of their Faith, and sub- with the dust of reprehensible conduct." due any obstacles that may confront it in "Cleave unto righteousness, 0 people o f the future. Bahci," H e thus exhorts them, "This, verily, This rectitude of conduct, with its impli- is the comnzandment which this wronged cations of justice, equity, truthfulness, hon- One hatlz given unto you, and the first esty, fair-mindedness, reliability, and trust- choice o f His unrestrained will fo'r every worthiness, must distinguish every phase of one of you." ' 2 good character," He ex- the life of the BahB'i community. "The plains, "is, verily, the best mantle for men companions of God," BahB'u'llBh Himself from God. With it He adorneth the temples has declared, "are, in this day, the lump that of His loved ones. By My life! The light o f must leaven the peoples of the world. They a good character surpasseth the light of the must show forth suclz trustworthiness, suclz sun and the radiance thereof." "One right- truthfulness and perseverance, such deeds eous act," He, again, has written, "is en- and character that all mankind may profit dowed with a potency that can so elevate by their example." "I swear by Him W h o is the dust as to cause it to pass beyond the the Most Great Ocean!" He again affirms, heaven of heavens. It can tear every bond "Within the very breath of such souls as are asunder, and hath the power to restore the pure and sanctified far-reaching potential- force that halh spent itself and vanished. ities are hidden. So great are these potential- . . . Be pure, 0 people of God, be pure; ities tlial. they exercise their influence upon be righteous, be righteous. . . . Say: 0 all created things." "He is the true servant people of God! That which can insure the of God," He, in another passage has written, victory o f Him W h o is the Eternal Truth, "who, in this day, were he to pass through His hosts and helpers on earth, hath been T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH set down in the sacred Books and Scrip- can distinguish yourselves from others. tures, and are as clear and manifest as the Through them the brightness of your light sun. These hosts are such righteous deeds, can be shed upon the whole earth. Happy is such conduct and character, as are accept- the man that heedeth M y counsel, and keep- able in His sight. Whoso ariseth, in this Day, eth the precepts prescribed by Him W h o is to aid Our Cause, and sum~nonethto his the All-Knowing, the All-Wise." assistance the hosts of a praiseworthy char- "0 army of God!" writes 'Abdu'l-Bahh, acter and upright conduct, the influence "Through the protection and help vouch- from such an action will, most certainly, be safed by the Blessed Beauty--may my life diffused throughout the whole world." "The be a sacrifice to His loved ones-ye must betterr~zent of the world," is yet another conduct yourselves in such a manner that statement, "can be accomplished through ye may stand out distinguished and brilliant pure and goodly deeds, through commend- as the sun among other souls. Should any able and seemly conduct." "Be fair to your- one of you enter a city, he should become a selves and to others," H e thus counseleth center of attraction by reason o f his sincer- them, "that the evidences of justice may be ity, his faithfulness and love, his honesty revealed through your deeds among Our and fidelity, his truthfulness and loving- faithful servants." kindness towards all the peoples of the "Equity," He also has written, "is the world, so that the people of that city may most fundamental among human virtues. cry out and say: 'This man is unquestionably The evaluation of all things must needs de- a BahBi, for his manners, his behavior, his pend upon it." And again, "Observe equity conduct, his morals, his nature, and disposi- in your judgment, ye men of understanding tion reflect the attributes of the BahBis.' heart! He that is unjust in his judgment is Not until ye attain this station can ye be destitute o f the characteristics that distin- said to have been faithful to the Covenant guish man's station." "Beautify your and Testament o f God." "The most vital tongues, 0 people," He further admonishes duty, in this day," He, moreover, has writ- them, "with truthfulness, and adorn your ten, "is to purify your characters, to correct souls with the ornament o f honesty. Be- your manners, hnd improve your conduct. ware, 0 people, that ye deal not treacher- The beloved of the Merciful must show ously with any one. Be ye the trustees of forth such character and conduct among God amongst His creatures, and the em- His creatures, that the fragrance of their blems o f His generosity amidst His people." holiness may be shed upon the whole world, "Let your eye be chaste," is yet another and may quicken the dead, inasmuch as the counsel, "your hand faithful, your tongue purpose of the Manifestation of God and truthful, and your heart enlightened." "Be the dawning of the limitless lights of the In- an ornament to the counlenance of truth," visible is to educate the souls o f men, and is yet another admonition, "a crown to the refine the character of every living man. brow o f fidelity, a pillar of the temple o f . . ." "Truthfulness," He asserts, "is the righteousness, a breath o f life to the body foundation o f all human virtues. Without o f mankind, an ensi'qn of the hosts of jus- truthfulness progress and success, in all the tice, a luminary above the horizon of vir- worlds o f God, are impossible for any soul. tue." "Let truthfulness and courtesy be your When this holy attribute is established in adorning," is still another admonition, "suf- man, all the divine qualities will also be ac- fer not yourselves to be deprived of the robe quired." o f forbearance and justice, that the sweet Such a rectitude of conduct must mani- savors o f holiness may be wafted from your fest itself, with ever-increasing potency, in hearts upon all created things. Say: Beware, every verdict which the elected representa- 0 people o f Bahii, lest ye walk in the ways tives of the BahL'i community, in whatever of them whose words differ from their capacity they may find themselves, may be deeds. Strive that ye may be enabled to called upon to pronounce. It must be con- manifest to the peoples o f the earth the stantly reflected in the business dealings of signs of God, and to mirror forth His com- all its members, in their domestic lives, in ma~zdments.Let your acts be a guide unto all manner of employment, and in any serv- all mankind, for the professions of most ice they may, in the future, render their men, be they high or low, differ from their government or people. It must be exempli- conduct. It is through your deeds that ye fied in the conduct of all BahL'i electors, 334 T H E BAHA'I WORLD when exercising their sacred rights and "Say," He again asserts, "He hath appeared functions. It must characterize the attitude with that Justice wherewith mankind hath of every loyal believer towards non-accept- been adorned, and yet the people are, for the ance of political posts, non-identification most part, asleep." "The light of men is Jus- with political parties, non-participation in tice," He moreover states, "Quench it not political controversies, and non-membership with the contrary winds of oppression and in political organizations and ecclesiastical tyranny. The purpose o f justice is the ap- institutions. It must reveal itself in the un- pearance of unity among men." " N o radi- compromising adherence of all, whether ance," He declares, "can-compare with that young or old, to the clearly enunciated and o f justice. The organization of the world and fundamental principles laid down by 'Ab- the tranquillity o f mankind depend upon it." du'l-Bahi in His addresses, and to the laws "0 people of God!" He exclaims, "That and ordinances revealed by BahL'u'llih in which traineth the world is Justice, for it is His Most Holy Book. It must be demon- upheld by two pillars, reward and punish- strated in the impartiality of every defender ment. These two pillars are the sources o f of the Faith against its enemies, in his fair- life to the world." "Justice and equity," is mindedness in recognizing any merits that yet another assertion, "are two guardians for enemy may possess, and in his honesty in the protection of man. They have appeared discharging any obligations he may have to- arrayed in their mighty and sacred names wards him. It must constitute the brightest to maintain the world iiz uprightness and ornament of the life, the pursuits, the exer- protect the nations." "Bestir yourselves, 0 tions, and the utterances of every Bahi'i people," is His emphatic warning, "in an- teacher, whether laboring at home or ticipation of the days of Divine jzistice, for abroad, whether in the front ranks of the the promised hour is now come. Beware lest teaching force, or occupying a less active ye fail to apprehend its import, and be ac- and responsible position. It must be made counted among the erring." the hall-mark of that numerically small, yet "The day is approaching," He similarly intensely dynamic and highly responsible has written, "when the faithful will behold body of the elected national representatives the day-star of justice shining in its full of every Bahi'i community, which consti- splendor from the day-spring of glory." tutes the sustaining pillar, and the sole in- "The shame I was made to bear," He sig- strument for the election, in every commu- nificantly remarks, "hath uncovered the nity, of that Universal House whose very glory with which the whole of creation had name and title, as ordained by Bahi'u'llih, been invested, and through the cruelties I symbolizes that rectitude of conduct which have endured, the day-star of justice hath is its highest mission to safeguard and en- manifested itself, and shed its splendor force. upon men." "The wwld," He again has writ- So great and transcendental is this prin- ten, "is in great turmoil, and the minds o f ciple of Divine justice, a principle that must its people are in a state of utter confusion. be regarded as the crowning distinction of W e entreat the Almighty that He may gra- all Local and National Assemblies, in their ciously illuminate them with the glory o f capacity as forerunners of the Universal His Justice, and enable them t o discover House of Justice, that BahL'u'llih Himself that which will be profitable unto them at all subordinates His personal inclination and times and under all conditions." And again, wish to the all-compelling force of its de- "There can be no doubt whatever that if the mands and implications. "God is M y wit- day-star o f justice, which the clouds of ness!" He thus explains, "were it not con- tyranny have obscured, were to shed its trary to the Law o f God, I would have light upon men, the face of the earth would kissed the hand o f M y would-be murderer, be completely transformed." and would cause him to inherit My earthly "God be praised!" 'Abdu'l-Bahi, in His goods. I am restrained, however, by the turn, exclaims, "The szln of justice hath binding Law laid down in the Book, and risen above the horizon o f Bahri'u'lliih. For am Myself bereft o f all worldly posses- in His Tablets the foz~ndationsof such a jus- sions." "Know thou, of a truth," He sig- tice have been laid as no mind hath, from nificantly affirms, "these great oppressions the beginning of creation, conceived." "The that have befallen the world are preparing canopy o f existence," He further explains, it for the advent o f the Most Great Justice." "resteth upon the pole o f justice, and not o f T H E W O R L D O R D ER O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 335 forgiveness, and the life of mankind de- tions of those whose enviable position is to pendeth on justice and not on forgiveness." propagate the Message, and to administer Small wonder, therefore, that the Author the affairs, of the Faith of Bahb'u'lliih. It of the Bahi'i Revelation should have chosen must be upheld, in all its integrity and im- to associate the name and title of that plications, in every phase of the life of those House, which is to be the crowning glory of who fill the ranks of that Faith, whether in His administrative institutions, not with for- their homes, their travels, their clubs, their giveness but with justice, to have made jus- societies, their entertainments, their schools, tice the only basis and the permanent foun- and their univewties. It must be accorded dation of His Most Great Peace, and to special consideration in the conduct of the have proclaimed it in His Hidden Words as social activities of every Bahi'i summer "the best beloved of all things" in His sight. school and any other occasions on which It is to the American believers, particularly, Bahi'i community life is organized and fos- that I feel urged to direct this fervent plea tered. It must be closely and continually to ponder in their hearts the implications of identified with the mission of the BahL'i this moral rectitude, and to uphold, with Youth, both as an element in the life of the heart and soul and uncompromisingly, both BahVi community, and as a factor in the individually and collectively, this sublime future progress and orientation of the youth standard-a standard of which justice is so of their own country. essential and potent an element. Such a chaste and holy life, with its im- As to a chaste and holy life it should be plications of modesty, purity, temperance, regarded as no less essential a factor that decency, and clean-mindedness, involves no must contribute its proper share to the less than the exercise of moderation in all strengthening and vitalization of the Bahi'i that pertains to dress, language, amuse- community, upon which must in turn de- ments, and all artistic and literary avoca- pend the success of any BahL'i plan or en- tions. It demands daily vigilance in the con- terprise. In these days when the forces of ir- trol of one's carnal desires and corrupt in- religion are weakening the moral fibre, and clinations. It calls for the abandonment of a undermining the foundations of individual frivolous conduct, with its excessive attach- morality, the obligation of chastity and holi- ment to trivial and often misdirected pleas- ness must claim an increasing share of the ures. It requires total abstinence from all al- attention of the American believers, both in coholic drikks, from opium, and from simi- their individual capacities and as the re- lar habit-forming drugs. It condemns the sponsible custodians of the interests of the prostitution of art and of literature, the Faith of Bahi'u'llgh. In the discharge of practices of nudism and of companionate such an obligation, to which the special cir- marriage, infidelity in marital relationships, cumstances resulting from an excessive and and all manner of promiscuity, of easy fa- enervating materialism now prevailing in miliarity, and of sexual vices. It can tolerate their country lend particular significance, no compromise with the theories, the stand- they must play a conspicuous and predomi- ards, the habits, and the excesses of a deca- nant role. All of them, be they men or dent age. Nay rather it seeks to demon- women, must, at this threatening hour when strate, through the dynamic force of its ex- the lights of religion are fading out, and its ample, the pernicious character of such the- restraints are one by one being abolished, ories, the falsity of such standards, the pause to examine themselves, scrutinize hollowness of such claims, the perversity of their conduct, and with characteristic reso- such habits, and the sacrilegious character lution arise to purge the life of their com- of such excesses. munity of every trace of moral laxity that "By the righteous~zess of God!" writes might stain the name, or impair the integ- Bahi'u'll&, "The world, its vanities and its rity, of so holy and precious a Faith. glory, and whatever delights it can offer, are A chaste and holy life must be made the all, in the sight o f God, as worthless as, nay controlling principle in the behavior and even more- contemptible than, dust and conduct of all Bahi'is, both in their social ashes. Would that the hearts of men could relations with the members of their own comprehend it. Wash yourselves thor- community, and in their contact with the oughly, 0 people of Baha', from the defile- world at large. It must adorn and reinforce ment of the world, and of all that pertaineth the ceaseless labors and meritorious exer- unto it. God Himself beareth Me witness! 336 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D The things of the earth ill beseem you. Cast nor pause. Such a man is assuredly of Me. them away unto such as may desire them, From his garment the Concourse on high and fasten your eyes upon this most holy can inhale the fragrance o f sanctity. . . . and effulgent Vision." "0 ye M y loved And if he met the fairest and most comely ones!" He thus exhorts His followers, "Suf- of women, he would not feel his heart se- fer not the hem of M y sacred vesture to be duced by the least shadow of desire for her smirched and mired with the things o f this beauty. Such an one indeed is the creation o f world, and follow not the promptings o f spotless chastity. Thus instructeth you the your evil and corrupt desires." And again, Pen of the Ancient o f Days, as bidden by "0 ye the beloved of the one true God! Pass your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Bountiful." beyond the narrow retreats o f your evil and "They that follow their lusts and corrupt in- coirupt desires, and advance into the vast clinations," is yet another warning, "have immensity of the realm of God, and abide erred and dissipated their efforts. They in- ye in the meads of sanctity and of detach- deed are o f the lost." "It behooveth the peo- ment, that the fragrance of your deeds may ple of Bahd," He also has written, "to die to lead the whole o f mankind to the ocean o f the world and all that is therein, to be so God's unfading glory." "Diserzcumber your- detached from all earthly things that the in- selves," He thus commands them, "of all mates o f Paradise may inhale from their gar- attachment to this world and the vanities ment the sweet smelling savor of sanctity. thereof. Beware that ye approach them not, . . . They that have tarnished the fair name inasmuch as they prompt you to walk after o f the Cause of God by following the things your own lusts and covetous desires, and o f the flesh-these are in palpable error!" hinder you from entering the straight and "Purity and chastity," He particularly ad- glorious Path." "Eschew all manner o f monishes, "have been, and still are, the most wickedness," is His commandment, "for great ornaments for the handmaidens o f such things are forbidden unto you in the God. God is M y Witness! The brightness o f Book which none touch except such as God the light o f chastity sheddeth its illumination hath cleansed from every taint o f guilt, and upon the worlds of the spirit, and its fra- numbered among the purified." " A race of grance is wafted even unto the Most Exalted men," is His written promise, "incomparable Paradise." "God," He again affirms, "hath in character, shall be raised up which, with verily made chastity to be a crown for the the feet o f detachment, will tread under all heads of His handmaidens. Great is the who are in heaven and on earth, and will blessedness of that handmaiden that hath at- cast the sleeve o f holiness over all that hath tained unto this great station." "We, verily, been created from water and clay." "The have decreed in Our Book," is His assur- civilization," is His grave warning, '$0 often ance, "a goodly and bornntiful reward to vaunted by the learned exponents of arts whosoever will turn away from wickedness, and sciences, will, if allowed to overleap the and lead a chaste and godly life. He, in bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon truth, is the Great Giver, the All-Bountif~~l." . men. . . If carried to excess, civilization "We have sustained the weight of all calami- will prove as prolific a source of evil as it ties," He testifies, "to sanctify you from all had been of goodness when kept within the earthly corruption and ye are yet indifferent. restraints o f moderation." . . . W e , verily, behold your actions. I f W e "He hath chosen out of the whole world perceive from them the sweet smelling savor the hearts of His servants," He explains, of purity and holiness, W e will most cer- "and made them each a seat for the revela- tainly bless you. Then will the torzgues of the tion of His glory. Wherefore, sanctify them inmates o f Paradise utter your praise and from every defilement, that the things for magnify your names amidst them who have which they were created may be engraven drawn nigh unto God." upon them. This indeed is a token of God's "The drinking of wine," writes 'Abdu'l- bountiful favor." "Say," He proclaims, "He Bahii, "is, according to the text of the Most is not to be numbered with the people o f Holy Book, forbidden; for it is the cause o f Bahd who followeth his mundane desires, or chronic diseases, weakeneth the nerves, and fixeth his heart on things of the earth. He is consumeth the mind." "Drink ye, 0 hand- my true follower who, if he come to a valley maidens of God," Bahb'u'lliih Himself has of pure gold will pass straight through it affirmed, "the Mystic Wine from the cup o f aloof as a cloud, and will neither turn back, My words. Cast @way, then, from you that T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 337 which your minds abhor, for it hath been no circumstances, to deny any one the le- forbidden unto you in His Tablets and His gitimate right and privilege to derive the Scriptures. Beware lest ye barter away the fullest advantage and benefit from the mani- River that is life indeed for that which the fold joys, beauties, and pleasures with which souls of the pure-hearted detest. Become ye the world has been so plentifully enriched intoxicated with the wine o f the love o f God, by an All-Loving Creator. "Should a man," and not with that which deadeneth your BahL'u'llLh Himself reassures us, "wish to minds, 0 ye that adore Him! Verily, it hath adorn himself with the ornaments of the been forbidden unto every believer, whether earth, to wear its apparels, or partake of the man or woman. Thus hath the sun o f My benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to in- commandment shone forth above the hori- tervene between him and God, for God hath zon of M y utterance, that the handmaidens ordained every good thing, whether created who believe in Me may be illumined." in the heavens or in the earth, for such of It must be remembered, however, that the His servants as truly believe in Him. Eat ye, maintenance of such a high standard of 0 people, o f the good things which God moral conduct is not to be associated or con- hath allowed you, and deprive not your- fused with any form of asceticism, or of ex- selves from His wondrous bounties. Render cessive and bigoted puritanism. The stand- thanks and praise unto Him, and be of them ard inculcated by Bahii'u'llih, seelts, under that are truly thankful." IMPORTANT MESSAGES FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI 1950-1954 TO THE NATIONAL BA~li'fCONVENTION, doubly glorious, through association this his- U.S.A., 1950 toric victory, representing (an) increase (of) no less (than) twenty-two countries (in the) brief span (of) six years, since H A I L (the) valiant acts (during the) (the) Centennial (of the) Declaration (of) course (of the) last twelve month; (of) His Mission. members (of) firmly knit world embracing Number (of) centers (in) Australasia divinely propelled Bahi'i Community, sin- now exceeds sixty; Canadian Community gly, collectively, both sexes, all ages laboring nearing ninety centers already established; (in) near (and) distant fields, (in) Eastern Alaskan territory eleven centers; European (and) Western hemispheres, gathered goal countries thirty-five, number (of) (from) diverse classes, creeds (and) colors; newly declared believers almost doubled as administrators, in (the) respective home (during) course (of) past year. lands or (as) settlers (or) itinerant teachers BahL'i literature enriched (by) translation overseas; whether serving (in) private ca- (into) Welsh, Eskimo, Swahili, Hausa, pacity or (in) official association (with) au- Chinyanja, raising (the) total number (of) thorities. languages (to) sixty-three. Second half (of) opening decade (of) Languages (in) process (of) translation, second Bah2i century befittingly ushered in. eleven. Recent exploits (in) virgin territories (of) Official recognition, constituting (a) Western hemisphere, Arabian Peninsula, unique victory (in the) annals (of the) South and East Asia raised (to) one hun- Faith (in the) East, (and) West, extending dred (the) number (of) sovereign states (to) newly formed National Spiritual As- (and) dependencies, enrolled (under the) sembly (of the) Dominion (of) Canada, banner (of the) Faith. through granting act (of) Parliament, ena- Forthcoming celebrations, commemorat- bling (the) National elected representatives ing (the) Hundredth Anniversary (of the) (to) incorporate (as) religious organization. Martyrdom (of the) Herald (of the) Faith, Additional contract placed (for the) con- 338 THE BAHA'I WORLD Canadian National Bahb'i Convention, struction (of the) parapet, crowning (the) quintupled number (of) Assemblies (in the) Arcade (of the) Bib's Mausoleum (on) Mt. British Isles laid basis administrative struc- Carmel, raising (the) total tonnage ordered ture (of the) Faith (in the) capital (of) (to) almost eight hundred. Eire (and in the) chief cities (of) North (The) erection (of the) ornamental col- Ireland (and) Scotland. umns (of the) Temple interior commenced; Plan initiated Persian BahL'i Community ventilation (and) heating systems installed; consummated 31 Assemblies, 17 Groups, 11 number (of) visitors since (the) opening Isolated Centers formed beyond prescribed (of the) edifice (to the) public, over four objectives. hundred thousand. Recognition, long last, accorded (by) Six year plan (of the) British Bahi'i 'Iriqi authorities (to) all marriages solem- Community triumphantly concluded; almost nized (by) Bahi'i Assemblies (in) 'IrLq T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 339 Toronto, Ontario, Canada, April 29-30, 1953. through official registration (of the) mar- Eight islands (of) Hawaii granted author- riage certificate by court, first instance set- ity (to) recognize BahA'i marriages. ting (a) momentous precedent throughout Bah$i marriage contract legalized (by) (the) Muslim East, constituting (a) signifi- attorney general throughout (the) territory cant landmark (in the) process (of the) emancipation (of the) Oriental followers BahB'i Holy Days recognized (by) Edu- cational Department (of the) State (of) (of the) Faith (from the) fetters (of) re- Victoria, Australia. ligious orthodoxy. Second European Teaching Conference Certificate authorizing (the) celebratio11 convened (in the) capital city (of) Belgitrm, (of) Bahgi marriages issued (by the) Dis- trict of Columbia court. attended (by) hundred (and) . - . thirty repre- sentatives '(irbm) nineteen countries. 340 THE B A H A ' I W O R L D (The) historic first all-swiss BahL'i Con- tent pioneers, (the) emergency existing (in) ference (the) latest, most promising fruit Central (and) South America, thereby en- (of the) transatlantic enterprise initiated suring (the) glorious consummation (of (by the) American Bahti'i Community, held the) thirteen-year-old enterprise through (in the) Swiss capital, presaging (the) ac- (the) formation (of the) projected twin Na- quisition by (the) goal countries (of an) in- tional Assemblies (in) Latin America. dependent status within (the) family (of) -SHOGHI BahL'i national communities. April 25, 1950. (The) process (of) extension (of) BahL'i endowments accelerated through (the) do- nation (of) twenty acre property (near) Anchorage, Alaska; purchase (of) twenty- Dearly beloved co-workers: two acres (in) neighborhood (of) Auck- The first half of the two-year austerity land, site (of) projected New Zealand sum- period, inaugurated at so anxious an hour in mer school; grant (of) burial ground by the fortunes of the second Seven Year Plan, Egyptian authorities (to) Port Said BahL'i has been successfully traversed, and deserves Community. to be regarded as a memorable episode in Ties binding (the) BahS'i International the history of the Faith and the unfoldment Community (to the) United Nations rein- of the Plan in the North American conti- forced through participation (in) European nent. An effort, prodigious, nation-wide, sus- Regional Conference (of) nongovernmental tained, and reminiscent in its heroism and organizations (in) Geneva; (and in) Latin consecration, of the immortal exploits of the American Conferences (in) Chile, Uruguay; Dawn-breakers of the Apostolic Age of the (and in) similar conferences (in) Kansas BahB'i Dispensation, has been exerted by (and) Lake Success; (through) submission their spiritual descendents, in circumstances (in) response (to the) request (of the) which, though totally different in character, UNO Committee (of) statement (on the) are yet no less challenging and for a cause BahL'i concept (and) method (of) com- as meritorious-an efTort that has indeed munity worship, subsequently transmitted outshone the high endeavors that have dis- (to the) Secretariat responsible (for the) tinguished for so long the record of service planning (of) permanent headquarters (in associated with the American BahL'i Com- the) United Nations. munity. All of its members who have par- Last (but) not least, nay (the) crowning ticipated in this collective undertaking achievement (of the) year just concluded should be heartily congratulated, particu- (are the) stupendous exertions (of the) van- larly those who, by their acts of self-abnega- guard (of the) resistlessly advancing BahL'i tion, have emulated the example of the World Community resulting (in the) raising heroes of our Faith at the early dawn of its (of) half (a) million dollars, virtually at- history. The entire BahL'i world is stirred taining (the) objective set (for the) two- when contemplating the range of such an year drive (to) ensure (the) completion (of effort, the depth of consecration reached by the) interior ornamentation (of the) Mother those who have participated in it, the results Temple (of the) West (in) anticipation (of) it has achieved, the noble purpose it has its approaching jubilee. served. My heart overflows with gratitude First stage (of) austerity period resolutely for the repeated evidences of worthiness embarked upon, successfully traversed. demonstrated by this generous-hearted, val- Resolution no less grim, self-abnegation iant and dedicated Community which has, no less heroic, solidarity in sacrifice no less no matter how onerous the task, how chal- striking, must needs distinguish (the) final lenging the issue, how distracting the ex- phase (of the) stern struggle, still facing ternal circumstances with which it has been (the) dauntless highminded spartan-souled surrounded, never shirked its duty or hesi- American BahL'i Community, designed (to) tated for a moment. liquidate (the) deficit (in the) General The high water mark of so gigantic an Fund, marring (the) otherwise spotless rec- exertion, however, still remains to be ord (of) colIective achievement, as well as reached. The year now entered, ushered in (to) provide financial support imperatively and consecrated by the Centenary of the required (to) meet, through prompt des- tragic execution of the Martyr Prophet of patch (of) substantial number (of) compe- our Faith, and packed with poignant memo- T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 341 ries of the persecutions of Zanjgn which sponsibilities numerous and varied, as well stained its history a hundred years ago and as urgent and sacred, are crowding, in quick carried its fortunes to almost its lowest ebb, succession, upon a community youthful and and were a prelude to the most ghastly holo- valorous in spirit, rich in experience, trium- caust ever experienced by its followers, must phant in the past, sensible of its future obli- witness as it rolls forward to its close, a still gations, keenly aware of the sublimity of its more striking demonstration of the tenacity world mission, inflexibly resolved to follow of the members of this Community, a still with unfaltering steps the road of its destiny. nobler display of acts of self-sacrifice, a still The world situation is perilous and gloomy. more inspiring manifestation of solidarity, Rumblings from far and near bode evil for and evidences of a grimmer determination, the immediate fortunes of a sadly distracted of a greater courage and perseverance in re- society. The Second Seven Year Plan is now sponse to the triple call of this present hour. approaching its conclusion. The Centenary The vital needs of the most holy House of of the Martyrdom of the Bib with all its Worship reared in the service, and for the poignant memories is upon us. We are enter- glory of the Most Great Name, though vir- ing a period crowded with the centenaries of tually met, still require the last exertions to the direst calamities-massacres, sieges, cap- ensure its completion as the hour of its jubi- tivities, spoliations and tortures involving lee approaches. The Latin-American enter- thousands of heroes-men, women and chil- prise, initiated thirteen years ago, and mark- dren-the world's greatest Faith has ever ex- ing the initial collective undertaking perienced. Another Centenary commemo- launched by the American Bah2i Commun- rating an event as tragic and infinitely more ity beyond the confines of the Great Repub- glorious is fast approaching. Time is short. lic of the West, and under the mandate of Opportunities, though multiplying with 'Abdu'l-BahB's Divine Plan, still in a state of every passing hour, will not. recur, some for emergency and rapidly advancing towards another century, others never again. How- its initial fruition, demands unrelaxing vigi- ever severe the challenge, however multiple lance, and calls for still more strenuous exer- the tasks, however short the time, however tions and self-sacrifice on the part of those somber the world outlook, however limited who have so enthusiastically embarked upon the material resources of a hard-pressed it, who have so conscientiously and pains- adolescent community, the untapped sources takingly shepherded it along its destined of celestial strength from which it can draw course and throughout the early stages of its are measureless, in their potencies, and will unfoldment, and who are now, as a result of unhesitatingly pour forth their energizing in- their ceaseless exertions, witnessing the first fluences if the necessary daily effort be made efflorescence of their mammoth pioneer la- and the required sacrifices be willingly ac- bors. The construction of the Superstructure cepted. of the Holy Sepulcher of the Blessed BBb, Nor should it be forgotten that in the now, at this anxious and urgent hour, super- hour of adversity and in the very midst of imposed on the manifold responsibilities confusion, peril- and uncertainty, some of shouldered by members of the American the most superb exploits, noising abroad the BahL'i Community, affording them the first fame of this Community have been historic opportunity of directly sustaining, achieved. The construction of the super- through their contributions, the most sacred structure of the Ma&riqu'l-Ad_hk&r during enterprise ever undertaken in the history of one of the severest depressions experienced the Faith, the first and most holy edifice by the people of the U~litedStates in this reared at its World Center, and the initial in- century; the inauguration of the first Seven ternational institution heralding the estab- Year Plan on the eve of and during the lishment of the supreme legislative body at anxious years preceding the second world the World Administrative Center, requires conflagration; its vigorous prosecution dur- the immediate and sustained attention of the ing its darkest days and its triumph before members of a community whose destiny has its conclusion; the launching of the Euro- been linked, ever since its inception, with pean campaign on the morrow of the most the various stages marking the rise and con- devasting conflict that rocked the continent solidation of this divinely appointed, un- of Europe to its foundation-these stand speakably holy Enterprise. out as shining evidences of the unfailing pro- The hour is critical, laden with fate. Re- tection, guidance and sustaining power T H E W O R L D O R D ER O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 343 vouchsafed its members, so readily and so Naw-Rhz second Bahi'i century, desire abundantly, in the hour of their greatest share following triple announcement Bahi'i need and danger. world through National Assemblies East To consolidate the victories won, and re- (and) West. First: Safe arrival (in) Holy inforce the foundations of the unnumbered Land (in the) course (of the) last six institutions so diligently established, in the months successive consignments (of) stones North American continent; to rear the twin (for the) remaining fagades (of the) Octa- pillars of the Universal House of Justice in gon (and) Pinnacles, eighteen window Latin America, with their concomitant ad- frames belonging (to the) Drum, one hun- ministrative agencies functioning in no less dred tons (of) cement, thirty-five tons (of) than twenty Republics of Central and South timber, fifteen tons (of) steel, eight wrought America; to maintain in their present iron balustrades, stones (for the) lower sec- strength the strongholds of the Faith in the tion (of the) Drum as well as (the) comple- ten goal countries of Europe; to complete tion (of) construction (of the) Octagon the interior ornamentation of the first (and the) erection (of) fifteen feet Pinna- Ma&riqu'l-ALhkBr of the West, and its cles constituting, with (the) ornamental bal- Mother Temple, in preparation of its jubi- ustrades (the) central adornment (of the) lee; to assist in the erection of the super- Holy Edifice. (The) leaded glass required structure of a still holier edifice, envisaged (for) twenty-four windows (of the) Octa- by its Founder and established by the Center gon (and) eighteen lancet windows (of the) of His Covenant on God's holy mountain, at Drum, ordered. Investigations initiated (for the very heart and center of our beloved the) fabrication (of) gilded tiles, (the) final Faith, would indeed constitute, by virtue of material necessary (for the) construction their scope, origin and character, embracing (of the) Sepulcher. three continents and including within their Recall (with) feelings (of) humble range the world center of the Faith itself, a thankfulness (and) intense joy (the) series worthy, befitting fivefold offering placed on (of) historic landmarks (in the) progress the Altar of the Faith of BahB'u'llBh, on the (of the) sacred enterprise, associated, first, occasion of the centenary of the birth of His (with the) formal entombment, Naw-Rhz Mission by a community which, more than 1909, sixty lunar years after (the) BBb's any sister community, in East or West, has martyrdom, (of) His dust (in the) vault (of contributed, since the inception of the the) Shrine; second, (the) laying, forty Formative Age of His Faith to the enlarge- years later, Naw-RGz 1949, (of the) first ment of its limits, the rise and establishment threshold stones (of the) Arcade (of the) of its Administrative Order and the spread Sepulcher; third, (the) completion, two of its fame, glory and power. years later, Naw-R6z 1951, (of the) excava- That this community may, in the course tion (for) eight piers, designed to support of these three coming years, discharge its (the) Dome, followed (by the) placing, (a) fivefold task-now assuming, through the year later, (on the) eve (of) Naw-RGz stress of circumstances, still vaster propor- 1952, (of the) second crown (of the) same tions, and investing itself with still greater Edifice. (The) way (is) now prepared for blessedness and merit, than originally en- (the) erection of (the) Drum, including visaged-with a spirit outshining any hith- eighteen windows symbolizing (the) eight- erto shown in the course of its half-century een Letters of the Living, (the) appointed stewardship to the Faith of Bah6'u'llBh, is transmitters (of the) dawning Light (of my most fervent wish and the object of my the) Author (of the) BBbi Dispensation, as special and ardent prayers at this time when well as (the) rearing (of the) golden Dome, my heart and mind are fixed upon the suf- constituting (the) third (and) final unit (of ferings and passion of the B B ~on the occa- the) triple crown destined (to) irradiate its sion of the Centenary of His Martyrdom. splendor (in the) heart (of) God's Holy Your true brother Mountain. Moved (to) pay warm, loving July 5, 1950. SHOGHI tribute (to the) Shrine's immortal architect (and) Hand (of the) Cause, Sutherland Maxwell, (and the) services (of) Ugo Gia- chery, UNO Representative (of the) Inter- national BahVi community, recently ele- Occasion approaching celebration ninth vated (to the) rank (of) Hand (of the) 344 THE B A H A 'I W O R L D Cause, (and) newly-appointed member (of August (of the) same year (in the) capital the) International Bahb'i Council, (who is) city (of) Sweden. Anticipate entrusting (to ably discharging manifold responsibilities the) youngest among (the) twelve National connected (with the) mighty undertaking. Assemblies (of) the Bahb'i World (a) spe- Second announcement: (The) enlarge- cific plan enabling it, (in) conjunction (with ment (of the) International Bahb'i Council. its) sister National Spiritual Assemblies (of Present membership now comprises: Ama- the) Bahb'i World (to) promote (in the) tu'l-BahA RGhiyyih, chosen liaison between course (of the) ten years separating (the) me (and the) Council. Hands (of the) second from (the) Most Great Jubilee (the) Cause, Mason Remey, Amelia Collins, Ugo Global Crusade designed (to) hoist (the) Giachery, Leroy Ioas, President, Vice-presi- standard (of) Bahb'u'llLh (in the) remain- dent, member at large, Secretary-General, ing states, dependencies (and) islands (of respectively. Jessie Revell, Ethel Revell, Lot- the) whole planet. Invite (the) attendants fullah Hakim, Treasurer, Western (and) (to the) third Bahb'i Intercontinental Con- Eastern assistant Secretaries. ference (to) befittingly commemorate (the) Third announcement: Following upon undreamt-of climax (of the) brilliant vic- (the) missions entrusted (to the) Hands (of tories won (in the) course (of the) second the) Cause (in) connection (with the) es- Seven Year Plan, eclipsing (the) feats ac- tablishment (of) Haziratu'l-Quds (in the) complished (in the) Latin American field Dominion (of) Canada (and) Central Af- (in the) course (of the) first Seven Year rica, (have) instructed Ugo Giachery (to) Plan (and) presaging (the) tremendous tri- take (in) conjunction (with the) European umph to be won (in the) course (of the) Teaching Committee, immediate steps, after third Seven Yeas Plan (in the) African, Asi- (the) conclusion (of his) pilgrimage, aim- atic (and) Australian continents. ing (at the) formation, ere (the) termina- With throbbing heart call (to) mind (the) tion (of) (the) American Community's sec- solemn affirmations (andj glowing promises ond Seven Year Plan, (of the) first National recorded (in the) Tablets (of the) Divine Spiritual Assembly (of the) Bahgis (of) Plan envisioning (the) evidences (of the) Italy (and) Switzerland. Advise United everlasting dominion destined (to) signalize States National Assembly arrange, through (the) inauguration, (and) accompany (the) European Teaching Committee (the) elec- triumphal progress, (of the) mission (of tion (on the) occasion (of) Naw-RGz 1953 the) vanguard (of) BahL'u'll&h's crusaders (of) nineteen delegates by all local Assem- (and) champion builders (of) His world blies already established (in) both countries. order (in the) European, Asiatic, African Urge convocation RidvLn same year, (in (and) Australian continents (and the) is- the) city (of) Florence, (on the) occasion lands (of the) Pacific Ocean. Advise Euro- (of the) festivities (of the) Bahb'i Holy pean Teaching Committee (to) cable (the) Year, (of the) first Convention (for the) text (of the) third announcement (to the) express purpose (of) electing through (the) Assemblies (of the) capital cities (of) Italy delegates (the) projected National Assem- (and) Switzerland and urge on my behalf bly. Appeal (to the) American BahL'i com- (the) participation (of the) Swiss believers munity, particularly (the) Bahb'is residing (in the) first teaching conference (in) (in) Italy (and) Switzerland, (to) exert Rome (on the) eve (of) Naw-Rfiz this year (their) utmost (to) insure (in the) course (for) consultation (with their Italian collab- (of the) coming year (the) multiplication of orators (on the) prosecution (of the) soul- Spiritual Assemblies (in) both countries, uplifting fateful undertaking (in the) heart thereby broadening (the) basis (of the) (and) south (of the) European continent. projected pillar (of the) future Universal -SHOGHI House (of) Justice. Advise European March 8, 1952. Teaching Committee, upon consummation (of) the glorious enterprise (to) issue formal invitation (to) their spiritual off- spring, (the) newly-emerged National As- sembly, (to) participate, together (with its) Extend heartfelt greetings (to the) at- sister National Assemblies (of the) United tendants (at the) third European Teaching States, (the) British Isles, (and) Germany, Conference convened (in the) capital city (in the) Intercontinental Conference (in) (of) Denmark. (My) heart (is) uplifted T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 345 (in) thanksgiving (to the) Martyr Prophet ceeding (the) inauguration (of the) project, (of our) beloved Faith (on the) occasion let them, undaunted (by the) perils (of the) (of the) first historic assemblage on Scandi- progressively deteriorating international situ- navian soil, (on the) morrow (of the) cen- ation, pursue relentlessly (their) allotted tenary (of) His supreme sacrifice, represent- tasks through rapid increase (in) member- ing diverse Bah2i communities (of the) ship, effective promotion (of the) recently eastern and western hemispheres. (I) joy- initiated extension work, consolidation (of) fully acknowledge (the) first evidences (of all administrative agencies, energetic dissem- the) answer (to the) prayer (of the) Center ination (of) Bahi'i literature, closer col- (of the) Covenant voiced (in) His Tablet laboration (with) sister Communities (in over thirty years ago, supplicating (that) the) European continent, greater awareness holy souls be raised up (to) promulgate (of their) inescapable responsibilities, (the) Faith (in) northern lands. (I) recall deeper understanding (of the) verities (of) (with) feelings (of) profound emotion Bah6'uYll6h'sRevelation, (of) His Covenant, BahL'u'lliWs own anticipation (of the) es- World Order, (and) above all, through con- tablishment (of) His Cause (in) lands (of stant daily effort aiming (at the) enrich- the) extreme north (and) south through ment (of the) spiritual life (of the) indi- provision (in) His Most Holy Book (of the) vidual, constituting (the) sole foundation specific ruling related (to the) ordinance whereon (the) stability (of the) structure (of) obligatory prayers. ( I am) highly grati- (of) every Administrative edifice must de- fied (to) witness (the) far-reaching effect pend. (of the) magnificent response (by the) -SHOGHI American Bahi'i community (to the) mem- July 20, 1950. orable summons issued (by the) Herald (of the) Faith (in) His Qayyiunu'l-AsmB', call- To FOURTHEUROPEAN TEACHING CONFER- ing (the) peoples (of the) West (to) for- ENCE, SCHEVENINGEN, HOLLAND,AUGUST sake (their) homes (to) assure (the) tri- 3 1 TO SEPTEMBER 10, 1951 umph (of) God's Cause. (I) welcome ex- pansion (in) scope (of the) annual Confer- Acclaim joyous occasion (of the) convo- ence through inauguration (of the) Summer cation on Dutch soil (of the) historic Euro- School designed (to) prolong (the) sessions pean Teaching Conference, constituting yet (of the) Conference, (to) stimulate (the) another link (in the) chain (of) annual spirit (of) BahB'i fellowship, (to) deepen gatherings (of the) representatives (and) understanding (of the) fundamental spirit- followers (of the) Faith (of) Bahb'uYll6h ual (and) administrative principles (of the) (in the) ten European goal countries as well Faith, (to) fix (the) pattern (of) future in- as (in) BahB'i communities (of the) Eastern dependent national Summer Schools (in (and) Western hemispheres, stop. the) ten European goal countries. (I) ap- Heart dilated, spirit uplifted (by the) con- peal (to the) assembled representatives (of templation (of the) range (and) quality (of the) goal countries and through them (to the) service rendered; (by the) spirit dem- the) entire body (of) believers (in the) re- onstrated, (by the) degree (of) maturity at- spective homelands (to) rededicate them- tained (in the) diversified budding, virile selves (to the) urgent tasks ahead (in the) communities rightly regarded (as the) first course (of the) three coming years falling fruits (of the) operation (of) 'Abdu'l- between (the) historic Centenaries (of the) BahB's Divine Plan (on the) European con- B6b's martyrdom (and the) birth of Bah6'- tinent stop. u'Ll6h's prophetic mission. Mindful (of the) Welcome with feeling (of) particular struggles, sufferings (and) sacrifices (of gratification (the) participation (of the) the) heroes, saints, (and) martyrs (of the) newly enrolled Dutch, Danish (and) Portu- Faith (in the) opening phase (of the) Apos- guese believers (in the) enterprises initiated tolic Age (of the) BahB'i Dispensation; fully (by the) Indian, Canadian, British, Bahi'i aware (of the) circumstances attending communities (in) Indonesia, Greenland (the) launching (of the) transatlantic proj- (and) African continent, presaging under- ect amidst (the) confusion (and) prostra- takings destined (to) be systematically tion afflicting (the) war-torn continent; launched (by the) elected representatives heartened (by the) signal initial success (of the) newly emerged European commu- achieved (in the) years immediately suc- nities throughout the remaining countries 346 THE BAHA'I W O R L D (of) Europe and possibly, beyond its con- American continents awaits (the) rise (of fines, stop. the) establishment (of) similar institutions (The) concluding years (of the) second (on the) Furopean mainland, each depend- seven year plan must witness within each ing directly (on the) efforts now consciously (and) every goal country, notable multipli- exerted by (the) champion builders (of the) cation (of) centers, steady consolidation (of Administrative Order (of the) Faith (of) the) Assemblies, rapid increase (in the) Bahl'uYll6h (on the) European continent, number (of the) avowed supporters (of stop. the) Faith, (a) clearer vision (of the) May (the) Conference be aided through strenuous tasks ahead, deeper awareness (the) outpouring grace (of the) author (of (of) their significance, (a) -firmer resolve the) Revelation (to) hasten, through (the) (toward) their prosecution (and a) greater deliberations (and) consecration (of its) at- dedication (to) their purpose, stop. tendants, so blissful (a) consummation, Signal, wholly unexpected, manifold (to) lend unprecedented impetus (to the) achievements, illuminating (the) annals (of present evolution (of the) Administrative the) first five years (of the) operation (of Order and (to) accelerate (the) progress the) second seven year plan embolden me leading (to the) future emergence (of the) (to) confidently anticipate, upon (the) ter- World Order of BahB'u'lIQh. mination (of the) brief span (of the) re- -SHOGHI maining two years, (the) gradual formation (of) regional National Assemblies (as) pre- lude (to the) emergence (of a) separate Na- tional Assembly (in) each goal country as well as (the) launching (of) organized cam- Dear and valued co-workers: paigns, in collaboration (with the) parent The virtual termination of the interior community (of the) great republic of the ornamentation of the first Ma&riquYl- West (in) conjunction (with the) long A a k L r of the West; the forthcoming forma- standing, preeminent national community tion of the twin National Spiritual Assem- laboring (in the) heart (of the) European blies of Latin America, following upon the continent, aiming (at the) spiritual conquest establishment of a corresponding institution (of the) remaining sovereign states (of) in the Dominion of Canada; the full attain- Europe and, God willing, reaching beyond ment of the prescribed goals on the Euro- its borders as far as (the) heart (of the) pean continent in accordance with the pro- Asiatic continent, stop. visions of the second Seven Year Plan and Intesval separating us (from the) inaugu- the consolidation already achieved in the ration (of) yet another stage (in the) un- North American continent, do not, under foldment (of the) Divine Plan (is) swiftly any circumstances, imply that the vast re- diminishing, stop. sponsibilities, shouldered by a valiant, an (The) perils confronting (the) sorely alert and resolute community, have been tried continent (are) steadily mounting, fully and totally discharged, or that its mem- stop. bers can afford, as the plan draws to its con- (The) auspiciously inaugurated, mysteri- clusion, to sink into complacency or relax oudy unfolding, highly promising widely for one moment in their high endeavors. ramified crusade, embracing well nigh (a) The hour destined to mark the triumphant score of dependencies (on the) African con- conclusion of the second stage in their his- tinent presenting (to the) privileged prose- toric, divinely conferred world-encircling cutors (of the) Divine Plan (in the) Euro- mission has not yet struck. Rumblings, loud pean field (a) challenge at once severe, soul- and persistent, presaging a crisis of extreme severity in world affairs, confront them with stirring (and) inescapable, stop. a challenge which, in spite of what they have (The) future edifice (of the) Universal already accomplished, they cannot and must House of Justice, depending for its stability not either ignore or underrate. The rise of on (the) sustaining strength (of the) pillars the World Administrative Center of their erected (in the) diversified communities (of Faith, within the precincts and under the the) East (and) West, destined (to) derive shadow of its World Spiritual Center, a added power through (the) emergence (of process that has been kept in abeyance for the) three National Assemblies (on the) well nigh thirty years, whilst the machinery T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 347 Delegates to the National Convention of the BahL'is of Egypt and the Sfidin, 1950, attended for the first time by a delegate from the Sfidgn (seated at extreme right). of the national and local institutions of a sorbed in the various tasks it shoulders. In nascent Order was being erected and per- fact, as the Centenary of the birth of BahL'- fected, presents them with an opportunity u'llhh's prophetic Mission approaches, His which, as the champion-builders of that Or- American followers, not content with the der and the torch-bearers of an as yet un- successful conclusion, in their entirety, of born civilization, they must seize with alac- the tasks assigned to them, must aspire to rity, resolution and utter consecration. The celebrate befittingly this historic occasion, as initiation of momentous projects in other becomes the chosen recipients, and the priv- continents of the globe, and particularly in ileged trustees, of a divinely conceived Plan, Africa, as a result of the growing initiative through emblazoning with still more con- and the spirit of enterprise exhibited by their spicuous exploits, their record of steward- fellow-workers in East and West, cannot ship to a Faith whose Author has issued leave unmoved the vanguard of a host sum- such a ringing call to the rulers of the Amer- moned by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, its Divine Com- ican continent, and the Center of Whose mander, and in accordance with the provi- Covenant has entrusted the American BahCi sions of a God-given Charter, to play such Community with so glorious a mission. In- a preponderating role in the spiritual con- deed the present stage in the construction of quest of the entire planet. Above all, the the superstructure of so holy a shrine im- rapid prosecution of an enterprise tran- peratively demands a concentration of atten- scending any undertaking, whether national tion and resources commensurate with the or local, embarked upon by the followers of high position occupied by this community, the Faith of BahL'u'llhh, destined to attain with the freedom it enjoys and the material its consummation with the erection of the means at its disposal. The signing of two Dome of the Bhb's holy Sepulcher, imposes successive contracts, for the masonry of the an added obligation, owing to unforeseen octagon, the cylinder and the dome of the circumstances, on the already multitudinous ediice, necessitated by a sudden worsening duties assumed by a community wholly ab- of the international situation, which might 348 T H E BAHA'I WORLD cut off indefinitely the provision of the same No sacrifice can be deemed too great, no stones used for the erection of the Arcade expenditure of material resources, no degree and the Parapet of that Sepulcher, and of renunciation of worldly benefits, comfort amounting to no less than one hundred and and pleasures, can be regarded as excessive ninety thousand dollars; the subsidiary con- when we recall the precious blood that tracts for the provision of steel and cement flowed, the many lives