1956

1956

— 510 —

January 27, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 393]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your loving letter of December 23rd, No. 3 199/77, was presented to the beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to respond to it on his behalf. There are no restrictions of age for service on any administrative institution of the Faith, except that no one may be elected until he is 21 years of age. Thus it would be improper to set an age limit of 70 years for any service. If a person is physically unable to serve, that is something different — and instructions might be issued in such cases, that the person is not eligible for election. However, no general rule can be made or promulgated — each situation must be handled by the National Assembly on its merits.

— 511 —

January 28, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly[pg 394]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your loving letter of December 23rd, File 3 190/77, was presented to the beloved Guardian, and he asked me to respond to it as follows: The Guardian approves of both your plans to intercede on behalf of our dear Persian Friends. He feels it would be desirable for you to contact the S̱háh of Írán, if possible, during his visit to India; likewise, he feels it also desirable that you wait upon the President and Prime Minister, and seek their aid on behalf of the persecuted innocent Bahá’ís of Persia. Either or both of your plans are approved, dependent on what you are able to work out.

The Guardian will pray for the success of your efforts. He hopes the Friends may be completely emancipated; that the Faith will be officially recognized, and that all Bahá’í Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds will soon be returned to the Bahá’ís.

— 512 —

JANUARY 29, 1956

ASSURE ATTENDANTS PAKISTAN CONFERENCE ARDENT   PRAYERS GREAT VICTORIES UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS.

SHOGHI

— 513 —

January 31, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your loving letter of December 20th was presented to our beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to respond on his behalf.

It is permissible for Local Assemblies to correspond freely with other Local Assemblies concerning items of mutual interest, such as teaching, publicity, etc. In fact, correspondence may be of assistance, if it is of an encouraging nature. Of course, it is not permissible for local Assemblies to correspond about matters of national import, as these should be handled by the National Assembly…

— 514 —

February 3, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 395]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of January 10th, File 3460/77, was presented to the beloved guardian.

He called attention to the fact that parts of the Christian Bible have been translated into Abor Miri. In a publication which they issued, they show the languages into which the Bible, or parts of it, have been translated and the first language named is Abor Miri. They give an example of the writing in each instance.

In view of this you may wish to have this matter studied further, particularly by Mr. Mihaeloff, who can contact the Bible Institute in London, who have issued this book. It is entitled, “The Gospel in Many Tongues,” and is published by the British and Foreign Bible Society, Care The Bible House, 146 Queen Victoria St., London, E.G. 4…

— 515 —

March 10, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The beloved Guardian has been reviewing the progress of the teaching work particularly in the goal areas of the Ten Year Crusade.

Tremendous progress has been achieved. If the few remaining virgin goals of the Ten Year Crusade could be promptly settled and those which were settled and again became virgin areas, could again be settled, it would be a great victory at this time.

The virgin areas coming under the jurisdiction of the Indian National Spiritual Assembly are Chagos Archipelago, and Nicobar Island. Cocos has again become virgin, and he hopes you will be able to send another pioneer into that area. Likewise he feels it important that Andaman be reinforced.

— 516 —

April 1, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 396]

Dear Bahá’í Co workers,

Your loving letter of March 20th, file No. 4507/77, attaching lists of certain properties purchased during the Ten Year Crusade, has come duly to hand. The information sent is greatly appreciated, and enabled me to give the Guardian, briefed data concerning these important matters.

The Guardian is anxious to have full information concerning our properties, and therefore, when sending the information asked for in my letter of March 25th, if you will add data concerning dates of purchase, or gift, and the land areas of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, it will be deeply appreciated.

— 517 —

April 9, 1956

[To an individual Bahá’í]

Teaching Moslems the Faith requires to a great degree a knowledge of the Qur’án, so that you can bring them proofs from their own texts. If you have not mastered this yet, he suggests that you do so with the help of some of the Bahá’ís from the Islámic background.

In this way you will attract the well-educated Moslems, and they will be deeply appreciative that an American should know so much about their religion.

— 518 —

APRIL 24, 1956

ASSURE FRIENDS INDIA PAKISTAN BURMA LOVING APPRECIATION    REMEMBRANCE SHRINES REJOICE EVIDENCES   PROGRESS URGE REDOUBLE EFFORTS.

SHOGHI

— 519 —

April 27, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of April 16th was duly received and presented to the beloved Guardian.[pg 397]

He was very sad indeed to learn that two of the Bahá’ís of Daidanaw were brutally murdered by insurgents.

He asks that you assure the relatives of the deceased of his prayers for the progress of the souls of these dear ones in the realms beyond. He hopes the relatives will arise with greater vigour and strength in serving the Cause, to offset the great loss which has been suffered by the friends in Daidanaw through their death; and in this way they will help the spiritual progress of these two souls in the Abhá Kingdom.

The Guardian assures all the friends of Daidanaw of his prayers in their behalf.

— 520 —

April 27, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of April 14th was duly received and its contents — were presented to the beloved Guardian.

He has instructed me to write you that he sees no objection to Mr. Yaganegi postponing his plans to pioneer in either the Pacific Ocean area or some strategic point in Africa, inasmuch as he understands he is vitally needed to carry on the work actively in Poona and the surrounding areas. You may therefore inform Mr. Yaganegi that a delay in his plans to pioneer meets with the Guardian’s approval.

The Guardian hopes however that your Assembly will make every effort to have a capable Bahá’í move to Poona, so that it will in turn release Mr. Yaganegi.

The Guardian wishes to assure Mr. Yaganegi of his prayers in his behalf.

— 521 —

April 27, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of April 16th, with regard to the action of two delegates in circularizing the other delegates before the Convention with regard to Convention discussion matters, is at hand.

This matter was presented to the beloved Guardian. His feeling[pg 398]  is that this is a matter which should be handled by your Assembly in accordance with the administrative teachings involved.

It should be pointed out to the delegates that the function of consultation of the delegates takes place only when they are in session at the Annual Convention. They do not have any consultative status prior to the Convention or after the Convention. In other words, they are elected to serve as electors of the new National Assembly during the Convention, and to consult on all matters properly coming before the Convention during the Convention period, not before and not after.

So far as an individual member of the National Spiritual Assembly giving authority to the National Spiritual Assembly clerk to impart information during the Secretary’s absence, this is a matter which the Guardian feels the Assembly can very easily act on, in order to establish a definite procedure.

The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends you his loving greetings.

— 522 —

APRIL 28, 1956

ASSURE DELEGATES FERVENT PRAYERS GREAT VICTORIES THIRD PHASE CRUSADE URGE INTENSIFICATION EFFORTS REDEDICATION TASKS UTMOST PERSEVERANCE.

SHOGHI

— 523 —

May 6, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Guardian has been greatly pleased with the results of the expansion of the Faith in the new centres during the past year, and the establishment of new Assemblies. He urges the National Assemblies to concentrate on this type of teaching work, and particularly on the home front. The Ten Year Crusade is making most remarkable progress in all fields except the teaching on the home front. If the Bahá’ís remaining “at home” would arise with the same spirit of devotion and fervour as animates the pioneers, there is no question of the[pg 399]  remarkable results that would be achieved.

The Guardian is praying fervently for the Assemblies, National and Local, the Groups and the individuals, that they may be guided and confirmed in their work and the blessing of the Holy Spirit be with them at all times.

— 524 —

MAY 16, 1956

ASSURE COLOMBO ASSEMBLY LOVING APPRECIATION.

SHOGHI

— 525 —

May 17, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your loving letter of May 3rd, was presented to the beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to respond on his behalf.

The procedure you have followed in connection with the election of officers of the new National Assembly is approved.

This means that Mr. Bakhtiari has been elected President, and Mr. Khodadad Ḥakímian, Treasurer. Inasmuch as a majority of the nine members did not vote for either the Secretary or Vice President, elections will have to be held for those officers; and that should be done at an early meeting, and all nine members should be encouraged to be present. In the meantime it is proper for Mr. ‘Abbás ‘Alí Butt to serve as Secretary Pro — Tem, as voted by the majority present at the first meeting of the Assembly. It is clear the absent members cannot hold up the work of the Assembly, and what the majority have done, who were present at a meeting, becomes the action of the entire Assembly. The only exception to this rule, is with the election of Officers of the Assembly, who must receive a majority of the full nine votes.

The Guardian hopes at the next meeting which should be held soon, the two remaining officers will be properly elected.

He sends you his loving greetings.

— 526 —

June 10, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 400]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Referring to your letter of May 22nd, File No. 24 1/77, attaching letter from the Jakarta Assembly, with regard to publicity for the forthcoming Teaching Conference of the Southeast Asian communities.

Attached is copy of letter written to the Assembly under the instructions of our beloved Guardian, which I hope clarifies the matter.

There is one comment of importance, aside from the general subject of publicity for the Conference, and that is publicity generally. The Guardian feels your Assembly must exercise the utmost discretion in sending out publicity releases, to whom they are sent, outside India. Naturally when such releases are received, the local group or Assembly feels they should make some effort to publicize the event. Your Assembly must determine the strength of the Faith, the public reactions, and then the advisability of sending the release, or call for participation in the event, if it might prove difficult for the Faith. After all, in the virgin areas, what we are seeking is not publicity, nor public events, but the teaching of seeking souls. Generally this can best be done without publicity, but with direct close contact and association.

— 527 —

June 11, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friend,

The Guardian wishes the record of the countries participating in the South East (Asia) Teaching Conference to be shown as follows, and all statements and invitations should be so shown:

Thailand Vietnam Laos Cambodia Indonesia-Sumatra Java Borneo[pg 401]    Celebes Molucco Bali Malaya Sarawak Philippine Islands Portuguese Timor Mentawei Brunei Andaman Nicobar Cocos

Your latest invitation does not include Borneo.

Thus there are fourteen different geographic areas to be included in the important Gathering.

— 528 —

July 27, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of July 21st has come duly to hand and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian.

He is happy that the matter of Assembly Officers has been settled. He hopes the Assembly will now concentrate all its energies on the teaching work, particularly on the home front. This does not mean in any way that the Assembly should not continuously aid the pioneers who are doing such heroic and noble work for the Faith. It means that the friends on the “Home Front” should redouble their efforts, so the Faith may be spread far and wide in the areas under the jurisdiction of your Assembly. We need now more Assemblies, more Groups, more Isolated Centres and above all, more Bahá’ís.

The Guardian assures your Assembly of his prayers in your behalf, both individually and collectively. He sends you his loving greetings.

— 529 —

August 10, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 402]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your loving letters of April 16th and July 24th, were duly received, dealing with the property left to the beloved Guardian, by the late revered Hand of the Cause, S. Muṣṭafá Roumie, which is now in litigation in Mandalay.

I have had our attorneys here, prepare a Power of Attorney for the Guardian’s signature, and as soon as he has signed it, I will send it on to you. This should be accomplished within the next week or ten days, so the Power of Attorney should reach you before the end of the month.

— 530 —

August 25, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of July 31st with the letter from the Rangoon Assembly, telling of the fatal attack against our dear brother Ko Saeed, the Secretary of the Assembly in Daidanaw [was received].

The Guardian was greatly distressed and saddened over this latest murderous attack against the dear friends in Daidanaw, resulting in the death of the honoured and distinguished Ko Saeed, its Secretary.

The Guardian is praying fervently for the progress of the soul of our dear departed brother in the Abhá Kingdom. He prays for the loving wife, for her consolation, and spiritual happiness. She must be assured he is in the Abhá Kingdom, in the presence of the Beloved Master, enjoying the fruits of his sufferings in this world.

May the Blessings of God and His Confirmations be upon him, and upon her.

The Guardian is likewise praying for all the friends in Daidanaw. They must be steadfast, and rely on the guidance and love of God.

— 531 —

August 25, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 403]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of July 24th, File 821/77, enclosing copy of a codification of the Bahá’í Laws of Personal Status, was presented to the beloved Guardian.

The Guardian has directed me to advise your Assembly, that he does not feel the time is ripe for submission of our Laws of Personal Status to the Parliament. He feels no action in this regard should be taken at this time.

— 532 —

August 27, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í friend and Co-worker,

Referring to our previous correspondence with regard to the land left to the beloved Guardian, by the late revered Hand of the Cause, S. Muṣṭafá Roumie: The Beloved Guardian has directed me to advise you there will be a little delay before he can sign and send on to you, the Power of Attorney. He will send it, but it may take a couple of months. He has advised that you and the other friends handle the matter as best as possible, until the Power of Attorney arrives.

— 533 —

September 11, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your loving letter of August 20th, giving the good news that Mr. K. D. Chaudhuri, of Delhi, has settled as a pioneer in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, was presented to the beloved Guardian.

He was very happy indeed at this further victory in the important South East Asian field of teaching activity. He directs that you assure Mr. Chaudhuri of his prayers in his behalf; that every obstacle may be removed from his path, and he be able to win many souls to the Cause of God. The Guardian appreciates very much indeed his[pg 404]  sacrificial service, which the Master on High watches with close and loving interest.

— 534 —

September 11, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your loving letter of August 14th, came duly to hand, and was referred to the beloved Guardian for his advice.

The Guardian was very happy to note the intensive manner in which your Assembly is taking hold of the very important matter of increasing the number of Bahá’ís, Isolated Centers, Groups, and particularly Assemblies in the territories under your jurisdiction, particularly those where National Assemblies are to be elected.

He feels every effort should be made to bring as many Groups up to Assembly status during this critical year as possible. The Assemblies formed at Riḍván 1957, cannot take part in the election of the National Assemblies elected during that same Riḍván period, but they do make a much stronger base on which the National Assembly can be formed. In other words, answering directly your question, the Guardian advises the practice prevalent now throughout the world, that a local Assembly may not participate in the election of a National Assembly, until a year after its coming into being, must continue, and be applicable in the areas referred to by you.

The Guardian assures you, each and every one, of his prayers in your behalf, so that you may gain many victories for the Faith, during this most important year of the Crusade.

— 535 —

October 26, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of August 24th, has just come to hand, with the photostatic copies of the registration Certificate of the Spiritual Assembly of Rampur.

This has given the Guardian much happiness, indicating another step in the onward march of the Faith. He is having it framed, and placed in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh.[pg 405]

The Guardian remembers all of you in his prayers, that you will be guided and confirmed in your work for the Cause of God. May you win many most important and unexpected victories, in the course of this great Crusade.

— 536 —

November 12, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of October 23rd, No. 1746/77, was presented to the beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.

The Guardian wishes you to assure Dr. Khoshbin and his family, of the Guardian’s deep appreciation of their pioneering in Ceram Island; thus bringing the light of the Faith to one of the territories mentioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Tablets of the Divine Plan. He is sure they will be richly rewarded by the Beloved Master, for this noble and sacrificial activity. The Guardian assures him of his prayers in his behalf.

The Guardian is hopeful Mr. Sheriar Nooreyazdan will reach Nicobar Island, one of the goat Islands of the Ten Year Crusade. He will pray for the success of his mission. He will appreciate immediate advice of Mr. Nooreyazdan’s arrival in the Nicobar Islands.

He likewise will pray for the success of the efforts of the Mauritian Bahá’ís to get to Chagos. It will be a great victory for the Faith, and for these new-devoted Bahá’ís of Mauritius.

— 537 —

November 12, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of October 26th was received and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian.

He is well pleased with the progress which has been made by your Assembly in connection with the translation and publication[pg 406]  work of the new languages of the Ten Year Crusade.

With regard to the translations into the languages of the countries of the Russian Zones — the Guardian feels you should under no circumstances contact Universities in Russia. He feels this might create great difficulty for the Faith, particularly during these troublesome times.

If there are Universities in India, or Great Britain where the translations can be made, there is no objection to utilizing such sources, but no University or institution in Russia. Perhaps the British National Spiritual Assembly can be helpful — or the Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly, as there are many Russian refugees in Switzerland. The Guardian sends you his loving greetings.

— 538 —

November 16, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

The Guardian has been hoping it might be possible to conclude the settlement of the virgin countries and Islands of the Ten Year Crusade, before the end of the present Bahá’í year.

He knows your Assembly has been doing all possible to send pioneers into these remaining Islands, but asks that you make another determined effort, so the great goals may be achieved. The two Islands remaining unsettled in your area of jurisdiction, are:

Chagos Nicobar

There is a young lady in the United States who is making every effort to enter Nicobar, Miss Jean Franker. The Guardian suggests you correspond with the American National Spiritual Assembly, so you may assist her in every way.

— 539 —

November 16, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assemblies Of Australia And New Zealand, India, Pakistan and Burma]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you jointly with regard to the status of the translation and publication of the following[pg 407]  languages, assigned jointly to your Assemblies under the Ten Year Crusade.

These languages are:

Abar Miri Bentuni Binandere Hovilou Kado Kopu Manas Island Manchu Mongolian Na-Hsi   Vogul

The Guardian is hopeful this phase of the Ten Year Crusade can be promptly concluded, and is therefore urging that you take in hand the translation and publication of literature into these languages at an early date.

— 540 —

November 24, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of September 26th was duly received, and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian. He has directed me to reply on his behalf.

The number of delegates to the Annual Conventions, to be held under your jurisdiction this coming Riḍván, are as follows:

Pakistan 38 delegates, based on Spiritual assemblies.

South East Asia 38 delegates, based on Spiritual Assemblies.

India and Burma 95 delegates, based on Spiritual Assemblies.

The dates for these Conventions may be fixed by your Assembly, so as large a number may be present, as possible, and specially those who will attend all three Conventions. It is necessary of course, that the Conventions be held during the Riḍván period.

So far as South East Asia is concerned, the territories making up this new Assembly, are those participating in the Regional conference. It is noted in the list you sent the Guardian, you do not show any Assemblies in the Philippine Islands. This is in error, as there is at least one, and possibly two. If you do not have full information, the American National Spiritual Assembly may be able to assist. You should be sure, of course, that all Assemblies, existing on April 21, 1956, are invited to send their delegates.[pg 408]

The Guardian sends you his loving greetings. He assures you of his prayers in your behalf.

— 541 —

December 5, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Please refer to previous correspondence concerning the land left to the Beloved Guardian, by the late revered Hand of the Cause, S. Muṣṭafá Roumie.

I attach hereto Power of Attorney signed by the beloved Guardian appointing ‘Abbás ‘Alí Butt as his attorney, in order to handle this important matter for him.

You will note this Power of Attorney has been properly legalized before a Notary Public, for documents to be sent abroad, the Ministry of Justice in Jerusalem, and by the British Consulate, which represents Indian affairs in this country for legalization purposes.

I trust everything is now in order, so the land can be cleared, and titles properly settled.

— 542 —

December 21, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of November 30th, File No. 2223/77, was duly received, and its contents submitted to the beloved Guardian.

He feels there is no harm in the changes made in the Local Bylaws and Constitution by the Jakarta Assembly. It is, of course, the policy that the Local Assemblies follow the Memorandum of Association adopted by the New York Spiritual Assembly, but if changes of a minor nature, to accord with local law is necessary, there is no objection. On the other hand, if changes, which affect the nature of the Association, or the teachings of the Faith are involved, no such changes should be considered without the Guardian’s approval.[pg 409]

— 543 —

December 27, 1956

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning the progress of the Ten Year Crusade, so far as the virgin areas are concerned.

He is quite distressed that some of the hard won goals have become virgin again. He requests that your Assembly study the matter carefully, to see if you cannot send pioneers into these areas that have fallen back. He is thinking particularly of Nepal, Bhutan, and Goa. Also, he is very anxious indeed that some assistance be given our lone pioneer in Tibet. That noble sour is holding the difficult post without, any aid, and the Guardian hopes you will be able to send a pioneer into that land to cooperate in establishing the Faith. He assures you of his prayers in your behalf so you may quickly regain the lost ground in these virgin areas, and go forward to new victories.

The fact of the matter is, in some countries, they have been able to add new areas to the Crusade. In other words, they have established the Faith in areas, where the Faith has not existed, and which were not included in the Crusade.

In other areas, many other victories have been won, not contemplated in the Crusade. The Guardian has set up a new map showing the supplementary goals won, so far, outside the Crusade goals. It would be wonderful if India could add some objectives to this supplementary map.