1943

1943

— 242 —

JANUARY 2, 1943

GREATLY CHEERED REMARKABLE EXPANSION TEACHING ACTIVITIES VALIANT PIONEERS URGE PERSEVERANCE CABLING THREE HUNDRED POUNDS FACILITATE BAHÁ’Í SETTLEMENT VIRGIN STATES. PRAYING MAGNIFICENT VICTORIES   RESOUNDING SUCCESS HISTORIC TASK.[pg 229]  

SHOGHI

— 243 —

JANUARY 13, 1943

INFORM ALL BELIEVERS COMPLETION EXTERIORS EDIFICE FIRST BAHÁ’Í HOUSE WORSHIP WESTERN WORLD INITIATED THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. ADVISE CABLE CONGRATULATIONS   BEHALF INDIAN BELIEVERS EXECUTORS HISTORIC ENTERPRISE RANKING AMONGST FOREMOST ACHIEVEMENTS   FIRST BAHÁ’Í CENTURY. URGE THROUGHOUT INDIA WIDEST PUBLICITY HISTORIC EVENT.

SHOGHI

— 244 —

JANUARY 13, 1943

COMPLETION TEMPLE BY AMERICAN BELIEVERS NECESSITATES[pg 230]    DIRECT ATTENTION ESTABLISHMENT ADMINISTRATIVE   CENTRE FOR FAITH IN INDIA. ENQUIRE WHETHER PURCHASE SUITABLE HOUSE IN DELHI AS TEMPORARY CENTRE   PENDING CONSTRUCTION SPECIAL EDIFICE IN FUTURE POSSIBLE. WIRE AFTER PROMPT CONSULTATION WITH MEMBERS   ASSEMBLY RESULT INQUIRIES REGARDING SITE PRICES. PRAYING ITS EARLY ESTABLISHMENT ERE CONCLUSION FIRST BAHÁ’Í CENTURY.

SHOGHI

— 245 —

January 14, 1943

[To the National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

In perusing the minutes of the meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly the Guardian noted that the book of Mr. Myron Phelps has been translated into Urdu. He has instructed me to write and tell you that he does not advise publishing this book in any language, as it is full of inaccuracies. In America they have also ceased to republish it or circulate it for the same reason.

He regrets very much that so much trouble has been taken in the matter already, only to prove fruitless in the end.

He would also like you to forward to him the copy of the book you have in English for his reference libraries here, as it is, in spite of its inaccuracies, of historic interest. Assuring you of his loving prayers on your behalf in the Holy Shrines.

— 246 —

January 28, 1943

[To N. R. Vakíl]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

I wish to acknowledge, on behalf of the beloved Guardian, the receipt of your letters dated July 3 1st, August 13th, and November the 15th, (Both written by your daughter on your behalf), October 30th, December 12th, August 21st (which was only received in[pg 231]  January!), and January 15th, 1943, all of which the Guardian has instructed me to answer on his behalf.

As he has often been in communication with you by cable he has delayed answering your letters owing to the extreme pressure of his work, which he has to attend to constantly.

He was very sorry to learn from your last letter that you are again confined to bed. Your services are so needed at present, and you must rest assured that he will ardently supplicate on your behalf in the Holy Shrines, that Bahá’u’lláh may shower his bounties upon you.

It is, however, very good training for your two daughters in the service of the Cause to now do all in their power to help you, and thus learn more efficiently the plans and administration of our beloved Faith.

Regarding the translation of “Badaie-ul-Assar”, by Mírzá Maḥmúd, into English; the Guardian feels that at present an English version of this book is not urgently required but that if Prof. Pritam Singh cares to translate it into Urdu it would be of great service to the Faith in India.

Concerning his recent cable to the National Spiritual Assembly: The Guardian feels that, if feasible, it is highly desirable and necessary that the rapidly growing and strengthening Indian Bahá’í Community should have a proper administrative Headquarters, situated in the capital, Delhi, and suitable for the next few years at least. He wishes the National Spiritual Assembly to find a building or house which will suit their requirements in every way, and inform him at once of the price required. He considers that it is premature at present to think of purchasing a site for a future Bahá’í Temple. The thing for the friends to concentrate on at present is the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

He has been greatly encouraged of late to witness the marked increase of activity shown by the Bahá’í Communities everywhere in India. They are demonstrating their right to a place in the foremost ranks of the Bahá’í World, and he is very pleased with them, and eager that they should forge ahead in every field of Bahá’í life.

He assures you he will pray for all of those dear teachers and pioneers whom you mention in your letter of December 12th, as well as for the success of your daughters’ studies and you and Mrs. Vakíl.[pg 232]

May the Almighty graciously assist the Indian believers to establish, ere the close of the first Bahá’í century, their administrative headquarters in the capital city of India, and thus befittingly crown their meritorious teaching activities.

Shoghi

— 247 —

FEBRUARY 27, 1943

URGE EXPEDITE CHOICE SUITABLE BUILDING. WIRE FULLY RESULTS INQUIRIES TO SAVE TIME.

SHOGHI

248

MARCH 1, 1943

ASSURE BAHÁ’Í YOUTH SPECIAL PRAYERS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS JOINT EFFORTS DELIBERATIONS.

SHOGHI

— 249 —

MARCH 2, 1943

WIRE PRICES DEMANDED PURCHASE SUITABLE BUILDING.

SHOGHI

— 250 —

MARCH 12, 1943

OWING EXORBITANT PRICE ADVISE RENT SUITABLE HOUSE.

SHOGHI

— 251 —

APRIL 21, 1943

DESIRE ADDRESS PLEA REPRESENTATIVES INDIAN BELIEVERS   ASSEMBLED CONVENTION LAST YEAR FIRST BAHÁ’Í CENTURY DELIBERATE NECESSARY MEASURES PROMPT ESTABLISHMENT MUCH NEEDED BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS CAPITAL CITY INDIA. CABLING ONE THOUSAND POUNDS CONTRIBUTION FUND DEDICATED MERITORIOUS PURPOSE. ADVISE CONSIDER WAYS MEANS ENSURE BEFITTING CELEBRATION MAY 1944 CENTENARY FAITH AND PUBLICATION SURVEY HISTORY FAITH SINCE INCEPTION INDIA. URGE UNRELAXING VIGILANCE REDOUBLED EFFORTS ENSURE SUCCESS SIX YEAR PLAN. PRAYING[pg 233]   ALMIGHTY’S BLESSINGS GUIDANCE MIGHTY UNDERTAKINGS.    HEROIC SELF SACRIFICE IMPERATIVE.

SHOGHI

— 252 —

MAY 1, 1943

REJOICE MULTIPLICATION CENTRES URGE ENSURE UNITY HARMONY BELIEVERS INDISPENSABLE CONDITION FURTHER   PROGRESS FAITH. ADVISE RENEWED EFFORTS EARLY ESTABLISHMENT BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS.

SHOGHI

— 253 —

May 4, 1943

[To The Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly of Poona]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Guardian has instructed me to answer your letter dated April 6th, 1943, and also to enclose the two receipts for the loving contributions you forwarded to him.  

He is very pleased with the progress the believers of India have made in the past year, and he hopes that, during this last year of the First Bahá’í Century, they will achieve many victories in the teaching field, and also establish their national Bahá’í administrative Headquarters in Delhi.

His constant prayer is that the friends will exert ever-greater efforts for the spread of the Faith in that country, and that the greatest unity and love will prevail amongst them, as without these characteristics they cannot hope to attract souls to the Cause.

He will pray for all of you and for the progress of the Faith in Poona.

May the Beloved protect, guide, and sustain you and enable you to promote efficiently the best interests of the Faith and its institutions.

Shoghi

— 254 —

May 5, 1943

[To Ṭáhirih and Sushila Vakíl][pg 234]

Dear Bahá’í Sisters,

The beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your two letters dated March 4th (from Ṭáhirih), and March 7th, (from Sushila). Early this morning he instructed me to reply to your letters and those of your dear father — but before I had a chance to do so the telegram arrived conveying the very sad news of his passing!

This grieved the Guardian very much as he loved and admired your father for his steadfast devotion to the Cause of God, his tireless services and wisdom and ability.

He wishes you both to convey to your dear mother his heartfelt sympathy on so great a loss, and he feels sure you will both do all in your power to lighten her sorrow.

For those who remain behind, death is a hard blow indeed, but for such a soul as your father it is only a step into a new and glorious life, a life of freedom to be near the Eternal Beloved and to serve the Cause of God in those realms of height he has passed to. Your father’s constant prayer was that you both should serve the Cause of God, and the Guardian is confident that you will carry out his wishes and thus bring joy to his spirit. He will surely be always watching over you now, closer even than he was in life, and seeking to guide and help you. You could find no better path in life than to follow in his footsteps and live up to his example.

The Guardian’s most ardent prayers will be offered for you and your mother in the Holy Shrines, as well as for the exaltation and joy of your father’s spirit in the world beyond. With most loving sympathy.

Dear co-workers:

I have just heard the very sad news of the passing of your dearly loved father. This is a great loss to the Bahá’í’ community in that land and indeed to the Bahá’í world. His exemplary devotion, his indefatigable efforts, his shining faith, his unswerving fidelity, his zeal, his magnificent achievements, in both the administrative and teaching spheres of Bahá’í activity have enriched the annals of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. I personably greatly loved and admired him. The Beloved, I assure you, was[pg 235]  pleased with him, and will now bless his soul in the Great Beyond. I will pray for him from the depths of my heart.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

— 255 —

MAY 5, 1943

SHARE FULLY POIGNANT GRIEF INDIAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY   PASSING ITS DISTINGUISHED CHAMPION FIRM PILLAR ABLE TEACHER ADMINISTRATOR BELOVED VAKÍL. CONCOURSE   ON HIGH ACCLAIM HIS PIONEER HISTORIC SERVICES.   ADVISE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS RECOGNITION TRIBUTE HIS HIGH STATION.

SHOGHI

— 256 —

MAY 6, 1943

[REGARDING THE PASSING CT MR. VAKÍL] BAKTIARI BUTT CORNER HOUSE PREEDY ROAD CAMP KARACHI

HEARTS SORROWFUL GRIEVOUS LOSS PASSING ABHÁ KINGDOM   OUTSTANDING INDEFATIGABLE EXEMPLARY MUCH LOVED SERVANT BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. REWARD HIS MANIFOLD LONG STANDING NOTABLE SERVICES ASSURED. EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY MY BEHALF HIS FAMILY ASSURE THEM FERVENT PRAYERS.

SHOGHI

— 257 —

MAY 8, 1943

ASSURE YOUTH CONFERENCE DELEGATES MEMBERS LOVING   REMEMBRANCE SHRINES. URGE CONTINUED ENDEAVOURS   SAFEGUARD CONSOLIDATE UNITY. EXERT IMMEDIATE EFFORTS WIDER DISPERSION TEACHING VIRGIN TERRITORIES ESTABLISH URGENTLY REQUIRED ADMINISTRATIVE   HEADQUARTERS MARKING CONSUMMATION RECENT NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS DEAR INDIAN BELIEVERS IN TEACHING FIELD. WIRE PERMANENT STREET ADDRESS FOR FUTURE USE.

SHOGHI

— 258 —

MAY 11, 1943

SEND IMMEDIATELY AIRMAIL COMPLETE LIST NAMES ALL[pg 236] LOCALITIES WHERE ONE OR MORE BELIEVERS RESIDE SPECIFYING THOSE POSSESSING SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES.

SHOGHI

— 259 —

JUNE 3, 1943

EAGERLY AWAITING GLAD TIDINGS INAUGURATION ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS SOURCE FUTURE BLESSINGS ACTIVITIES INDIAN BELIEVERS.

SHOGHI

— 260 —

June 22, 1943

[To ‘Abbás ‘Alí Butt]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your letters dated February 11th, two of May 7th, and May 18th and 24th, have all been received, together with their enclosures, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.

He was very sad to hear of the passing of our dear and esteemed brother, Mr. Vakíl. His loss will be much felt by the Indian believers, and the many services he rendered the Cause will never be forgotten.

It is too bad that he was denied the burial he himself longed for, but no doubt his spirit is now rejoicing in the Abhá Kingdom after its long and faithful labours in this world.

Regarding the future residence of Mrs. Vakíl and her daughters: The Guardian already cabled advising that they take up their residence in Karachi. He leaves them entirely free of course, but he felt that would be a good place for them in every way. He wishes the National Spiritual Assembly to extend them every assistance and advice.

Regarding your question concerning the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly: There cannot be any permanently elected secretary who would year after year hold office, as this would be contrary to the principles of the administration; however, the Guardian feels that the National Spiritual Assembly should supply the secretary with a paid helper in order to enable him to carry on his duties properly and at the same time pursue his own profession, if that is necessary for him. In other words the Secretary of the National[pg 237]  Spiritual Assembly can have a full time secretary under him if the work requires it… The Guardian has notified the friends in other countries that, in view of the fact that this is the hundredth year of the Faith and we are going to celebrate our Centenary next May, Spiritual Assemblies may be constituted or elected anytime before next April, wherever there are 9 or more believers. He has done this in order to encourage the friends and stimulate the work everywhere. He would like you to impress this fact on the believers in India so that they may redouble their efforts and have a truly impressive number of Assemblies by next May.

He is sorry to hear that you have not as yet been able to find a suitable house for the National Administrative Headquarters. The establishment of this Headquarters will greatly enhance the prestige of the Indian Bahá’í community and stimulate the growth and work of the Cause. He hopes you will soon meet with success, and cable him the glad news he is eagerly waiting to receive.

Mr. Mani Mehta forwarded to the Guardian a copy of the National Spiritual Assembly’s decision informing him that he must either give up his connection with the War Comforts Fund or his Bahá’í administrative work. The Guardian feels that there is no objection to a Bahá’í undertaking work of a philanthropic or humanitarian nature and at the same time being on elected Bahá’í bodies or holding office in them. The War Comforts Fund is in no way contrary to our principles, and there can be no objection to Mr. Mehta’s work in this connection. He hopes that the National Spiritual Assembly will clarify this matter and remove any misunderstandings that have arisen.

The friends in India are, after years of labour and devotion, beginning to find their number greatly increased, their Assemblies multiplied; their Faith increasingly well known to the public; they are about to initiate their first National Headquarters, and in a few months will be celebrating the glorious occasion of the hundredth anniversary of their Faith, at such a critical time. They should, one and all, devote their energies to achieving their objectives and impressing upon the public the nobility and beauty of their teachings, divinely inspired, and of such vast import to the entire world, and cast aside, once for all, any differences of opinion or personal viewpoints or prejudices that may hinder the success of their plans and cast a blight on the wonderful achievements they have carried out and are about to crown with still greater victories.[pg 238]

The Guardian feels that the National Spiritual Assembly must from now on coordinate its plans and set in motion its preparations for the Centenary Celebration. The believers must hold gatherings for the Bahá’ís at exactly 2 hours and 11 minutes after sunset on May 22nd 1944, as this is the exact time when the Báb declared His Mission to Mullá Ḥusayn. They should also arrange to hold public gatherings on May 23rd and enlist the support of prominent friends of the Faith as speakers, together with Bahá’í speakers, on that occasion. They should, as far as possible, hold festive gatherings at this time, give banquets at which friends of the Cause and believers are present, obtain as much space in the press of India as possible, and in general devise ways and means of making this a glorious and memorable celebration. He would also like to have the National Spiritual Assembly publish, in conjunction with the Centenary, a pamphlet giving a brief outline of the Faith’s origin and teachings and major events in India, since its establishment there, and a detailed outline of the accomplishments of the Indian Bahá’í Community, its early history, its development, etc.

He has been greatly encouraged by the progress made by the Indian Bahá’í Community in recent years, and he longs to see them shine still brighter amidst its fellow communities the world over.

You may be sure that his loving prayers will be offered on your behalf and on behalf of other National Spiritual Assembly members, that you may speedily find a suitable Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, that the Cause may go on to still greater triumphs during this last year of the Century, and that the unity of the friends may be increased everywhere, as befits our Holy Faith.

Dear and valued co-workers:

The celebration of the Centenary of our glorious Faith by the friends in India should, under your direction, and with your encouragement and the assistance of individuals and Local Assemblies throughout India, constitute a befitting conclusion to the magnificent labours and accomplishments that have marked your stewardship in the service of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in recent years. A special fund should be initiated, a strong committee should be set up, the utmost care should he taken, the most diligent efforts should be exerted and every sacrifice should be made to ensure the unqualified success of this great undertaking. I will pray for your success from the depths of my heart. There is no time to lose. The[pg 239] Beloved will, no doubt, crown your exertions with signal victory if you arise and persevere.

Shoghi

— 261 —

JULY 8, 1943

URGE ATTENDANCE ALL MEMBERS JULY MEETING NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN DELHI INSTEAD KARACHI CONCENTRATE ATTENTION PURCHASE HEADQUARTERS. PRAYING SUCCESS.

SHOGHI

— 262 —

JULY 27, 1943

PRAYING SUCCESS CONCENTRATE PURCHASE BUILDING AND PROMOTION TEACHING ACTIVITIES.

SHOGHI

— 263 —

AUGUST 5, 1943

ADVISE UNDERTAKE PROMPT MEASURES TRANSLATION PUBLICATION ESSLEMONT’S BOOK INTO MARATHI TAMIL AND THREE OTHER LANGUAGES SELECTED BY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY. MULTIPLICATION ASSEMBLIES ESTABLISHMENT ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS MUST BE SPEEDILY SUPPLEMENTED   BY MEASURES AIMING MUCH NEEDED PUBLICITY.   PRAYING STILL GREATER VICTORIES. CABLING THREE HUNDRED POUNDS THIS MERITORIOUS PURPOSE.

SHOGHI

— 264 —

AUGUST 29, 1943

FOR UJJAIN BAHÁ’Í ASSEMBLY. VERY GRATEFUL GLORIOUS EVENT PRAYING FOR BLESSINGS AND GUIDANCE UJJAIN FRIENDS.

SHOGHI

— 265 —

OCTOBER 7, 1943

WIRE PRICE PURCHASED HAZIRA ALSO WHETHER ANY SURPLUS   FUNDS LEFT.

SHOGHI

— 266 —

OCTOBER 15, 1943

CABLING ONE THOUSAND POUNDS NUCLEUS FORMATION[pg 240]   SPECIAL FUND FOR TRANSLATION PRINTING WIDESPREAD DISSEMINATION BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE. AUSTRALIAN BELIEVERS ARISING ESTABLISH NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í HEADQUARTERS SYDNEY. ADVISE CABLE TOKEN CONTRIBUTION INDIAN BELIEVERS…

SHOGHI

— 267 —

October 26, 1943

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your letters dated June 11th, July 2nd and September 5th (2 under this date in one envelope), as well as the enclosures you forwarded have been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.

He was very pleased to hear that the Convention was so well attended, and the believers enthusiastic and united. One of the most paramount needs of the Cause in India is that the friends should unite, should become really keenly conscious of the fact that they are one spiritual family, held together by bonds more sacred and eternal than those physical ties which make people of the same family. If the friends will forget all personal differences and open their hearts to a great love for each other for the sake of Bahá’u’lláh, they will find that their powers are vastly increased; they will attract the heart of the public, and will witness a rapid growth of the Holy Faith in India. The National Spiritual Assembly should do all in its power to foster unity among the believers, and to educate them in the administration, as this is the channel through which their community life must flow, and which, when properly understood and practised, will enable the work of the Cause to go ahead by leaps and bounds.

The excellent news you conveyed of the progress of the Faith in so many hitherto virgin territories of India, greatly rejoiced the Guardian’s heart, and he is proud to witness the manner in which the Indian believers are arising, teaching, and sacrificing for the Faith of God. The friends themselves must be astonished at the rapidity with which the devoted pioneers have succeeded in establishing new spiritual Assemblies; and he hopes that many more souls will, thrilled by these[pg 241]  achievements, follow in their footsteps, and thus ensure a truly glorious celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the Cause next May.

The eyes of the Bahá’í world are being increasingly attracted by the achievements of the Indian friends, and they have the opportunity of crowning their Centenary celebrations with a victory outstanding in the records of the Bahá’ís of the East. The Guardian hopes that in this connection many more Bahá’í young people will arise and serve.

They have the advantages of health and freedom from family responsibilities — which are not always enjoyed by older people, and they should cooperate to the full with more experienced believers in carrying on the pioneer work of the Cause.

He is most anxious that now that the National Administrative Headquarters of the Faith has been successfully established — a tremendous step forward for the Faith there — you should give special attention to getting out the Esslemont book in three additional languages as soon as possible.

The Guardian assures you and all the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of his most loving prayers for the success of your arduous labours. Also please convey to all the dear pioneers, and the new believers in virgin territories, his best wishes for the success of their devoted services to the beloved Cause.

Dear and valued co-workers:

The achievements of the Indian believers in recent months have been truly stupendous. The Six Year Plan has progressed magnificently; the dissemination of Bahá’í literature has been stimulated, the national administrative headquarters, to be henceforth designated as the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, has been established; a new spirit stirs in the hearts of the believers, teachers, pioneers s well as administrators; the evidences of a fast developing community life are evident everywhere. The impetus lent to these activities must be continually reinforced in these concluding months of the first Bahá’í century. The Indian believers have amply demonstrated the vitality of the faith they profess. They mist win fresh Laurels. They cannot rest on their oars. They must scale still loftier heights. They must persevere till the end. They must sacrifice to the utmost. They must unite as never before. They must prove themselves worthy of the task they have so nobly initiated and are now so energetically prosecuting. I will, with redoubled fervour, pray for its consummation. Rest assured.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi

— 268 —

NOVEMBER 11, 1943

ASSURE KAUSHAL LOVING SYMPATHY APPRECIATION HISTORIC[pg 242] PERFORMANCE BAHÁ’Í RITES. PRAYING SUCCESS SUMMER SCHOOL.

SHOGHI

— 269 —

DECEMBER 3, 1943

ASSURE BARODA ASSEMBLY LOVING PRAYERS EXPANSION ACTIVITIES. GREATLY PLEASED PURCHASE BOMBAY HAT IRA…

SHOGHI

— 270 —

DECEMBER 24, 1943

REJOICE REMARKABLE MULTIPLICATION BAHÁ’Í ASSEMBLIES   PRAYING STILL MORE NOTABLE VICTORIES LOVING APPRECIATION INVOKING BLESSINGS KOLHAPUR. ASSEMBLY.

SHOGHI

—271 —

DECEMBER 26, 1943

WIRE NAMES ALL INCORPORATED ASSEMBLIES IN INDIA AND BURMA.

SHOGHI