[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 379]
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
Your letter of December 19th has been received, and its contents were presented to the beloved Guardian.
As his cables point out, the Guardian attaches the utmost importance to the projects of purchasing Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Jakarta and Colombo; and he sincerely hopes your Assembly will be able to win these victories by Riḍván,
The Cause is moving ahead on all fronts, which indicates that divine confirmations are descending on those who arise to serve and work for the goals of the Crusade. Thus he feels sure if your Assembly redouble their efforts in this connection, they will be able to achieve great victories.
EAGERLY AWAITING CONCLUSION PURCHASE COLOMBO JAKARTA CONSTRUCTION RANGOON HAZIRAS CABLE NEWS CONCERNED DELAY.
SHOGHI
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
Your loving letter of January 22nd, was presented to the beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to answer on his behalf. [pg 380]
The Guardian feels it would be unwise at this time to attempt to secure legal recognition for the Faith in Ruanda-Urundi or the Belgian Congo. He feels the friends should intensify their teaching efforts along the lines they have, employed thus far, and which have produced such fine results.
In a letter received today from Mr. and Mrs. Collison, they point out that they have found there is no objection on the part of the Authorities in Ruanda-Urundi to the Faith, and therefore, they would now seem to feel that legal recognition is not necessary.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Brothers and Sisters,
The beloved Guardian has directed me to inform you that he has just received cable advice from the American National Assembly that the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds has been purchased, in Suva, Fiji Islands. This is another victory for the Faith, which has given the Guardian great pleasure.
I have presented to him the information contained in your letter of February 4th and the attached copies of correspondence with regard to the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for Jakarta and Colombo. He is very anxious that these two projects be concluded at an early date and he hopes your strenuous handling with the Spiritual Assembly of Jakarta, and Mr. Amreliwala’s visit to Colombo, will bring about the desired results and achieve these most important goals.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 381]
Dear Bahá’í Co workers,
The beloved Guardian would appreciate your advising, just as quickly as possible, what the present status is of the translation of Bahá’í literature into the following languages, which be understood your Assembly had undertaken quite some time ago.
Shahs, Karin, Kachin, Malay
If this work is not well underway, the Guardian would urge you to arrange for suitable translation into these languages, and their publication.
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings.
[To Mr. K.H. Irani]
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
The beloved Guardian was more than delighted when I gave him the information contained in your recent letters, telling of the very rapid expansion of the Faith in Zanzibar, at the present time.
The Guardian asks that you convey to each of the new Bahá’ís his loving greetings, and express to them a warm welcome into the Bahá’í Faith. He sincerely hopes each and every one of them will be guided and confirmed in their service. They should of course continue their studies of the divine teachings, so that they may be able to share them effectively with others.
There is one thought which I might share with you; and that is that every individual should be encouraged to very carefully study the teachings before they become Bahá’ís, so that they may not only understand the teachings but their implications, and come to the point where they wish to become active supporters of the Cause of God.
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 382]
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
I cabled you on February 14th as follows:
“GUARDIAN APPROVES HAZIRA DJAKARTA EVEN THOUGH TENANT CANNOT MOVE NOW ALSO FIFTY THOUSAND RUPEES SUFFICIENT COLOMBO URGES PROMPT CONCLUSION BOTH PURCHASES.”
The Guardian agrees with you that the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at Jakarta should be purchased, even if the tenant in the building will not release it at the present time. The important thing is that we procure the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at once.
The Guardian likewise approves your thought that no more than 50,000 rupees should be spent for the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Colombo.
The question of these Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds has run along for sometime. The Guardian is very anxious indeed that this land be purchased at the earliest possible date. He feels that the Cause will be hurt if the transactions are not concluded promptly.
He asks that your Assembly treat this as a special item of great importance. Please cable as soon as either transaction is concluded.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
Your letter of February 17th, attaching copies of the pamphlet “Bahá’í Faith, A Faith For Unity,” printed in the Indonesian language, was duly received and presented to the beloved Guardian.
He is greatly delighted with this pamphlet, and expresses to you and the members of the Assembly his deep appreciation of their loving services in connection with the translation and publication of Bahá’í literature.
P.S. The Guardian wishes your Assembly to thank on his behalf any of the Friends in Indo China who assisted in this work.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 383]
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
The contents of your letter of February 8th, file 2232/77 was presented to the beloved Guardian.
According to the Guardian’s record, Perm is a language which has been assigned to the Indian National Spiritual Assembly.
The Guardian feels it will be satisfactory for you to select one of the Perm dialects and translate the literature into that one dialect, rather than the two dialects.
He would appreciate information from your Assembly as to which dialect you finally choose.
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Co workers,
The contents of your letter of February 8th, file 223 1/77 with regard to the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, was presented to the beloved Guardian.
He feels it is proper for you to pursue this matter, in order to secure the return of the property to your Body. He feels it will be satisfactory to handle the matter in a legal way, if you find that necessary.
The Guardian will pray for the success of your efforts in this matter.
SUPPLICATING SHRINES SUCCESS FRIENDS INDIA PAKISTAN BURMA URGE REDOUBLE EFFORTS ATTAINMENT GOALS.
SHOGHI
BELOVED GUARDIAN DEEPLY APPRECIATIVE JOYOUS NAWRUZ GREETINGS. HE SENDS LOVING GREETINGS ASSURES PRAYERS. [pg 384]
BELOVED GUARDIAN ASSURES PIONEER UDAYNARAIN DEEP APPRECIATION FERVENT PRAYERS. THOUGH TASK DIFFICULT GUARDIAN URGES PERSEVERANCE. SENDS LOVING GREETINGS.
FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING BLESSINGS ASSEMBLIES URGE INDIVIDUALS REDEDICATE THEMSELVES CONCENTRATE ENERGIES ATTAINMENT GOALS PLAN.
SHOGHI
CABLE IMMEDIATELY NAMES NEW ASSEMBLIES INDIA PAKISTAN BURMA.
SHOGHI
URGE DELEGATES ROUSE ALL COMMUNITIES CONCENTRATE OBJECTIVES PLAN PARTICULARLY INTENSIFICATION TEACHING ACTIVITIES DISPERSAL MULTIPLICATION CENTRES ASSEMBLIES HOMEFRONT CONSOLIDATION CENTRES ALLOTTED NEWLY OPENED TERRITORIES. NEGLECT SACRED DUTIES HARMFUL INTERESTS FAITH IMMEDIATE SUSTAINED RESPONSE ESSENTIAL
SHOGHI
HEAVY VAST SACRED RESPONSIBILITIES RESTS NEW ASSEMBLY PRAYING BEFITTING DISCHARGE.
SHOGHI
[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 385]
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
Your loving letter of May 5th, has just been received, giving the wonderful news of the purchase of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Ceylon.
The Guardian had received this information by cable and was greatly delighted. The pictures indicate a very attractive building, and one which should be a great asset to the Cause.
The Guardian was likewise pleased to learn that the purchase of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Jakarta may be finalized at any time.
The Guardian greatly appreciates the services of the friends in Ceylon and Jakarta, as well as the members of the Indian National Assembly. These are two very important victories for the Faith, and he wishes you to know how much he appreciates their being accomplished.
I have submitted to the Guardian that part of your letter which deals with amendment to the bylaws for the purpose of publishing and publicity as a necessary preliminary action to the establishment of the Publishing Trust.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dearly Beloved Brother,
Your letter of May 12th came duly to hand, likewise your other communications which deal with the terrible persecutions of our Bahá’í co-workers in Persia.
The beloved Guardian is greatly distressed over this serious attack in the Cradle of the Faith.
You no doubt have received cables from the American National Spiritual Assembly of the plans which have been worked out for the friends to take in order to assist in overcoming the negative forces at work in Persia. Of course, all the friends are urged to pray continuously that the sufferings may be alleviated, the difficulties overcome, and out of the turmoil, new victories be won for the Faith.
This is the hour when the friends everywhere must redouble their efforts, because the minds of the people are now centred on these persecutions in Persia through the press and the radio notices of[pg 386] what has been done. If the Faith should spread rapidly in all countries, then the suffering of the Persian Bahá’ís at this time will not be in vain.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Co workers,
The report which you have sent of the activities during May in connection with the winning of the goals of the Ten Year Crusade is very deeply appreciated. In a very concise and brief manner you have given all the information concerning the progress of the Ten Year Crusade. The Guardian was very appreciative of the concise manner in which the information was presented to him.
The Guardian assures each and every one of you of his prayers in your behalf. He sincerely hopes that all of the friends will treble their efforts so as to offset the apparent hart which has been done the Cause by the completely unwarranted persecutions in Persia. The Guardian feels sure that ultimately these persecutions will redound favourably to the Faith; and be the means of not only spreading but assisting the Faith in the establishment of the institutions of the Cause in Írán.
At this particular hour when our Persian brothers are suffering, it is for the rest of the world to arise and carry the torch of the Cause higher, winning new victories on all fronts.
Mr. A. C. Josh, Mr. Isphandiar Bakhtiari, Mr. S. Hishmatullah Koreshi
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
The beloved Guardian has received your letter of July 3rd, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was indeed happy to learn that you, together with Mr. Abdur Rahman Chowdhry, representing the Public Relations Committee of the Bahá’ís of All-Pakistan, are endeavouring to secure formal recognition for the Bahá’ís of Pakistan as a non Muslim Minority Community in that country.
He urges you to exercise the greatest wisdom in this undertaking[pg 387] and not to become discouraged, but to persevere until you have achieved your goal. This is a highly meritorious service you are rendering the Faith; and he assures you he will ardently supplicate that your efforts may be crowned with complete success.
He will also remember in his loving prayers the Bahá’ís of All-Pakistan.
May the Beloved bless your highly meritorious efforts, guide your steps, and graciously assist you to lend a tremendous impetus to the spread and consolidation of our glorious Faith. Your true brother,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
Your loving letter of August 24th has come duly to hand, telling of the outstanding work which your Assembly is doing in connection with the terrible persecutions of the Bahá’ís in Persia.
Needless to say, the Guardian has been extremely distressed during this entire period, and has done everything possible to alleviate their sufferings.
From word that we have received, it appears the appeals made by the followers over the world, and specially the appeals made by such countries as India, the United States, England etc. have had great effect in causing the Government of Persia to restrain the prejudiced, bigoted mullahs, and the fanatical people. Our appeal to the United Nations has had great effect.
So far we have not received reports of any serious difficulties during the month of Muharram; and now that the first 10 days have passed, it appears the friends in Persia may be spared from physical persecution.
We have received word however that instructions have been issued that all Government employees who are Bahá’ís should be dismissed; which of course will entail untold economic difficulty.
I am sure the Guardian will be greatly appreciative of the photograph of the Intercontinental Conference held in New Delhi, when it is received.
[To Mr. Khodadad H. Irani][pg 388]
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you in connexion with your loving letter of July 27th, telling of the difficulties being experienced by the friends in Zanzibar, and their determination to serve the Faith under all circumstances…
The Guardian assures each and every one of the friends of his prayers for their guidance and confirmation. He admires their devotion to the Faith, and greatly values their consecration to its divine principles.
The Guardian was happy to learn through a cable from the Indian National Spiritual Assembly that a pioneer had left for Pemba. He assures this dear friend of his prayers on his behalf.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
Your loving letter of September 15th, together with photographs of the Spiritual Assemblies at Jakarta and Kuching; Certificate of Registration of the Gwalior Assembly; and photos of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at Jakarta, has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The beloved Guardian was greatly pleased to receive these photographs and Certificate of Registration. It is his plan to have all of them framed, and placed in the Mansion at Bahjí.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
Your loving letter of September 16th was received and submitted to the beloved Guardian.[pg 389]
The beloved Guardian has indicated that we cannot compromise in any way in connection with political matters, and that it is impossible for a Bahá’í to be active in politics.
He therefore instructs that if does not give up all political activities of every type, he must be deprived of his voting rights entirely.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dearly beloved Co-workers,
Your loving letter of September 28th came duly to hand, and was submitted to our beloved Guardian.
The beloved Guardian advises that the piece of land in Karachi which was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bakhtiari some years ago, can be considered as the endowment for Karachi. It is not necessary to buy an additional piece of land and the One Thousand Dollars already donated by Mrs. Collins will be utilized under the Guardian’s directions for some other purposes.
The beloved Guardian greatly values the manner in which the National Assembly is undertaking the activities of the Ten Year Crusade.
He sends you his loving greetings.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
Your loving letter of September 19th, File 2011/77 was presented to the beloved Guardian.
He greatly values the spirit of devotion of all the friends in India, Pakistan and Burma. The contributions which they have made for the Shrine of the Báb and for the International Fund are highly valued; and will be used for the development of the Faith here at the World Centre.
Under separate cover I am sending you receipts for these contributions, which the Guardian asks that you send to each one, with his appreciation.
TOUCHED MESSAGE ATTAINMENT GOALS PLAN SACRED[pg 390] IMMEDIATE TASK PRAYING SUCCESS.
SHOGHI
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dearly Beloved Friends,
The beloved Guardian has directed me to communicate with you to secure the latest word concerning incorporations of Spiritual Assemblies in India, Pakistan and Burma.
The Guardian notes that notwithstanding three years of the Ten Year Crusade have already passed, there have been no increases in the number of Assemblies incorporated in Pakistan; in India there has been only one new Assembly incorporated; and in Burma, none.
The Guardian sincerely hopes your Assembly will take this matter actively in hand; so that a great many more Assemblies will become incorporated in India, Pakistan and Burma before the coming Riḍván.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
The beloved Guardian has asked me to write you in connection with Bahá’í literature translated into the language “S̱háh.”
While this was one of the languages into which literature was to be translated, before the opening of the Crusade, he notes that nothing has yet been done in connection with the translation into that language.
Will you please advise me for the Guardian just what the status is, and if it is not possible to have a translation prepared now.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan, Burma and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand][pg 391]
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in connection with the translation of Bahá’í literature into new languages, as called for by the Ten Year Crusade.
A total of 40 languages was assigned to the Australian and Indian National Spiritual Assemblies. Of these, literature has been translated into 24, leaving 16 into which literature has not yet been translated.
The Guardian feels that a very fine record has been established in the translation of literature into the 24 languages, and that your Assemblies may well be proud of the work they have accomplished.
However he does feel it is of the utmost importance to complete this goal of the Ten Year Crusade just as quickly as possible; and he therefore would ask that your Assemblies undertake the translation of at least a small pamphlet into the remaining languages at the earliest possible date. He will appreciate your writing me for him just what the status is, and how soon you feel work can be started on these remaining languages.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you in connexion with the purchase of two endowments for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pakistan and Burma.
As you know, the Hand of the Cause, Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, has contributed One Thousand Dollars for the purchase of each of these endowments.
The Guardian feels that two small pieces of land, costing about One Thousand American Dollars each, is sufficient to accomplish these two goals of the Ten Year Crusade. He hopes therefore, your Assembly will proceed at once to purchase a small piece of land in Ceylon and also one in Burma.
[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 392]
The most important thing we know from the Teachings is to serve. In carrying out the Plans of God we are strengthened, blessed and purified; we attract the loving attention of Bahá’u’lláh; Our efforts are confirmed; and we are enabled through His power to achieve great victories for His Faith.
He urges you, one and all, as one soul in many bodies, to consecrate yourselves to fulfilling the objectives of the Ten Year Plan. He feels sure that when the proper unity and dedication prevail in the National Body, it will be sensed by the mass of the believers, and react upon their efforts. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, nothing is impossible if we have faith; and this must always be the standard for all the Bahá’ís. As we have faith, so are our powers and our blessings.
He assures you he will pray ardently in the Holy Shrines that your efforts may be blessed, and that God may protect you as you serve His Faith.
May the Almighty enable you to lend a fresh and unprecedented impetus to the onward march of the Faith, revive the spirit of the supporters, enlarge its limits, multiply its local institutions, consolidate its foundations, safeguard its rights, spread abroad its fame, and aid its followers to discharge befittingly their responsibilities, and concentrate on the attainment of the objectives of the Ten Year Plan, on which the immediate destiny of the entire community depends.
Your true brother,
Shoghi