1957

Shoghi Effendi
Original English

1957


— 544 —

JANUARY 4, 1957

REGRET LOSS DEVOTED STEADFAST SELF SACRIFICING[pg 410]   HANDMAID FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH HER PIONEER SERVICES UNFORGETTABLE REWARD GREAT ABHÁ KINGDOM ASSURE RELATIVES FERVENT PRAYERS SOUL ADVISE HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERINGS IN REMEMBRANCE DEDICATED LABOURS USE PART TEXT THIS MESSAGE INSCRIPTION TOMBSTONE.

SHOGHI’

Message for the passing of Mrs. Gowhar Ḥakímian


— 545 —

January 11, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of December 21st has just come to hand, with report of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Djakarta, concerning the number of Bahá’ís in Mentawai. The beloved Guardian has received a report from some source, that there are some 900 Bahá’ís in the[pg 411]  Mentawai Islands, rather than the 305 shown in your report, and the 300 to 350 mentioned in the statement of the Djakarta Assembly.

Would it be possible for you to secure a report directly from the pioneers in Mentawai, so we may be sure of just exactly how many Bahá’ís there are.


— 546 —

January 18, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of January 2nd was duly received, and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian.

He fully approves of the dates you have set for the annual conventions to be held in New Delhi, Karachi, and Djakarta; and the assignment made of delegates.

He feels it important that a representative of the National Assembly be present at the Djakarta Convention. He feels it would not be proper for this Convention to be held without a representative of the National Assembly being present. The Guardian feels your Assembly has handled the preliminary arrangements for these important and historic Conventions well. He hopes the Hand of Divine Guidance will be with you and your representatives at the Convention.


— 547 —

January 19, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Will you please refer to your letter of October 23rd, File No. 1746/77, with particular reference to the pioneering work of Dr. Khoshbin and his family, in Amontai, Ceram Island.

The Guardian feels it is most important the teaching work in the areas mentioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, be carried forward with intensive activity. Therefore, he wishes you to keep in close touch with Dr. Khoshbin, encouraging him to carry on with his teaching work and not to become discouraged.

It has been over 40 years since the Master wrote the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and only now has this centre mentioned by him,[pg 412]  been settled. Surely, the Master will watch over his devoted servant who is labouring so diligently in this centre, and guide and protect him, as well as to confirm his work.

Please again give Dr. Khoshbin the Guardian’s deep love and appreciation of his consecrated services, and those of his family. The Guardian will pray for him, and for the success of his work…


— 548 —

January 19, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of January 3rd was duly received and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian.

He was very happy to receive these reports, which indicate that the work of translating is actively in hand. He feels this is a very important aspect of our teaching work, as it is impossible, or at least, most difficult to teach natives, without some of the literature being translated into their languages. Thus, he hopes you will follow up the matter quite actively.

He is praying for the success of the efforts of Miss Franker to enter Nicobar Island. She is a devoted and consecrated soul notwithstanding she has been a Bahá’í only a short time. He hopes she will be successful, and thus win this difficult goal for the Faith, and she become one of the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Guardian will pray fervently for the success of the effort of Mr. Murday to enter the Chagos Archipelago. This would be another distinct victory for the Faith, and the Guardian hopes it may be accomplished soon. The Guardian sends the members of the Assembly his affectionate greetings.


— 549 —

January 26, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning the wonderful news that he has received of the fact that there are now ten Bahá’ís in Sikkim.

The pioneers there have been very successful and have been able[pg 413]  to win souls to the Cause of God. This is a distinct victory for the Faith, and all are to be congratulated. The Guardian wishes them to know how much he values their services.

The most difficult goals, and the most arduous duties win the greatest spiritual rewards. Thus, he hopes that the friends in Sikkim, who naturally are looking forward to their Spiritual Assembly this coming Riḍván, will realize how great would be their reward, if they were able now to reinforce the work in Tibet. There is only one pioneer there, and perhaps some of the new Bahá’ís could enter Tibet to assist in the work there. Great would be their reward if they could do should others be able to go to Nepal and Bhutan, that would be most helpful. In other words, the Guardian feels that more important than an Assembly in Sikkim, would be the reinforcing of the pioneers and teaching work, first in Tibet, and then in Bhutan and Nepal.

The Guardian will await word from you as to what you are able to accomplish in this matter.


— 550 —

January 27, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of December 31st, was duly received and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian.

The Guardian was very happy to learn of the establishment of the Faith in Namlea, Buru, Maluku, through the fine efforts of DR. G. Vossough. He will pray for the spiritual development of the new Bahá’í. He hopes he may be able to teach the local people, and thus himself become the means of giving eternal life to many.

So far as the Assembly in Amontai is concerned, he feels that it is necessary to follow the universal practice of constituting an Assembly within the municipal boundaries of a city, town or village, and not include Bahá’ís of other political divisions. Thus, the Bahá’ís of Barabai could hardly be members of the Assembly of Amontai. This practice should be followed, even if it means the dissolution of the Assembly of Amontai. The Guardian hopes the friends of both Amontai and Barabai will work very diligently, so each city may have its own Spiritual Assembly.


— 551 —

February 2, 1957

[To Mr. Habib Yaganegi][pg 414]

He considers that the most important thing, as he has often pointed out to the friends, is to maintain the Spiritual Assemblies already in existence throughout India, to create Spiritual Assemblies out of Groups, and to establish new Centres. He therefore does not feel that, if the Cause is precarious in Surat and this goal of the Assembly has not been successfully achieved, the Bahá’ís who are working there should leave and go elsewhere.

The principle he has laid down has invariably been that the friends must establish a Spiritual Assembly on a firm and enduring basis with a nucleus of about fifteen Bahá’í in the Community, so that the Assembly would be maintained, and then the other believers are free above the number fifteen to disperse and teach elsewhere; in fact, they should consider it their duty to do so. This instruction of our beloved Guardian applies to Surat as well as to other Centres.

As to your studies, he advises you to consider what would insure you the best employment possibilities in the widest range of places, whether it be craft or profession, and then to apply yourself to master this in order to prepare yourself for future service. He will pray for your success and for your family, as well as Mrs. Vakíl and daughters.


— 552 —

February 17, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

The beloved Guardian has directed me to write to your Assembly with regard to the Maldive Islands.

He attaches great importance to these Islands, and hopes they can be settled by one or more pioneers at an early date. The Light of Divine Guidance should shine in that area, and if one of the friends will arise to pioneer there, he is sure they will win many signal victories for the Cause of God.


— 553 —

February 23, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 415]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Have you had a recent report on the progress of the teaching work in Gambia, and do we have a pioneer there at this time? The work went forward very energetically when Mr. Roozbehyan was there, and he is hoping there will be no cessation in the able teaching work done thereto.


— 554 —

February 26, 1957

[The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning the burial ground, which the friends in Rangoon were intending to purchase.

He has gathered from your minutes, or reports, that your Assembly has told the Local Assembly in Rangoon not to purchase this parcel, because it forms no part of the Ten Year Crusade. This, of course, was in accord with the Guardian’s instructions to you, some time ago.

Now, however, the situation seems to have changed. The progress made in the achievement of the goals of the Crusade, permits supplementary victories, at this time. Therefore, he feels you may advise the Rangoon Assembly, it is now fitting that they conclude this transaction.

He is preparing a map of the supplementary achievements of the friends over and above the goals of the Crusade, and it is truly amazing what has been done. He would like to include the burial ground in Rangoon, and he hopes it can be acquired before Riḍván. He would like you or the Rangoon Assembly to cable as soon as the necessary papers are signed.


— 555 —

March 3, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 416]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of February 11th was duly received, and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian.

The gifts to the International Fund by the various friends, Groups, and Assemblies were deeply appreciated by the beloved Guardian. Receipts are enclosed, which please send to each one, with the Guardian’s deep appreciation.

He sends to each, his loving greetings.


— 556 —

March 6, 1957

[To Nicobar Island]

Dear Bahá’í Co-worker,

The beloved Guardian has been very pleased with the teaching work which has been done in the Virgin Areas of the Ten Year Crusade.

Indeed, all the pioneers have rendered historic and heart stirring service to the Cause of God. Now, the banner of the Faith is firmly established over the entire face of the Globe. Blessed and happy is everyone who has been able to join in this, the Greatest Spiritual Crusade of all times.

The Guardian wishes to have a full record of the number of Bahá’ís in each of the settled areas of the Crusade, and therefore would greatly appreciate your cabling him, the evening of April 1st, 1957, the number of adult Bahá’ís in your country or Island, or group of Islands. He wishes this figure to represent the number of Bahá’ís, (both pioneers and native believers), as of April 1st, 1957, or as close to that date as is possible.


— 557 —

March 10, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

The Guardian wishes an up to date record of the number of Bahá’ís in the goal countries of the Ten Year Crusade, as of April 1,[pg 417]

I do not have the name of the proper person in Gambia, and therefore, ask if you will send the attached letter to him.

In this connection, is there a pioneer there now, and if not, what is the hope of one being established, if your Assembly feels there is such a need.

Likewise, the Guardian hopes the Faith is progressing firmly as it has had such a strong beginning.


— 558 —

March 14, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

The beloved Guardian has been greatly impressed by the large number of conferences held during the past year, for teaching purposes. My records are incomplete concerning one held in Pakistan.

Can you cable me immediately on receipt of this letter if a conference was held in Pakistan, the dates, and the place.

P.S. Also a Teaching Conference reported to be held for Indochina, at Siam. Was this held, and if so, please cable the dates and place.


— 559 —

March 17, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your letter of March 7th, No. 3427/77, has been duly received, and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian.

The Guardian is quite distressed to receive this disquieting news concerning the Faith in Gambia. He hopes Mr. Roozbehyan will be able to get there promptly so activities may be carried forward without interruption. Likewise, he hopes the pioneer you are sending in will be able to arrive shortly.

In your letter, you mention you have received some alarming[pg 418]  news from the National Spiritual Assembly of Northwest Africa, but you do not say what the alarming news is. Can you let me know by return mail.

P.S. Please bear in mind the Guardian is very anxious for news of the activities in Gambia, and therefore, it is hoped you will keep me fully and currently advised.


— 560 —

MARCH 21, 1957

REJOICE NEWS FRIENDS INDIA PAKISTAN BURMA CEYLON   SOUTHEAST ASIA LOVINGLY REMEMBERED SHRINES PRAYING    SUCCESS PLAN.

SHOGHI


— 561 —

April, 1957

[To The National Bahá’í Convention, Pakistan]

My heart is filled with joy and gratitude on the occasion of the convocation of the first historic Convention of the Bahá’ís of Pakistan culminating in the emergence of an independent National Spiritual Assembly in one of the leading Islámic countries of the world and the stronghold of one of the most determined and powerful adversaries of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

I feel impelled, at this hour when the Bahá’í World Spiritual Crusade is entering the second year of the third phase in its progressive unfoldment, to pay a warm tribute to the assistance extended by the Indian believers to their sister Community since the establishment of the State of Pakistan, and feel confident that, in the years immediately ahead, they will continue, in spite of the barriers now separating them, to aid, in every possible way, in the extension and consolidation of the enterprises which this newly emerged institution, designed to serve as yet another pillar of the future Universal House of Justice, will initiate and conduct.

The birth of so weighty an institution, in a land which as the years go by will be called upon to play a vital role in the shaping of the destinies of a turbulent continent, must be signalized by the formula non of a subsidiary Six Year Plan whose primary objective must be a[pg 419]  rapid and unprecedented increase in the number of believers of Muslim extraction, designed to reinforce the defences of the Administrative Order of the Faith now being erected in that land against the inevitable onslaught of the forces of Muslim orthodoxy that will sooner or later be leagued against it. Such a plan must, moreover, aim at the conversion of the members of the various Minorities residing within that State; at the steady multiplication of Bahá’í isolated centres, groups and Local Spiritual Assemblies; at securing ultimately the recognition by the State of the independent religious status of the Bahá’í Faith; at the incorporation of the newly formed National Spiritual Assembly as well as all firmly established Local Spiritual Assemblies; at the initiation of a National Bahá’í Fund; at the translation and publication of Bahá’í literature into languages supplementing those listed in the Ten Year Plan; at the establishment of Bahá’í burial grounds; at reinforcing the work already undertaken in both Afg̱hánistán and Baluchistan and now being initiated in Tibet; and, above all, at the purchase of a site for the first Mas̱hriqu’l-Aḏhkár of Pakistan.

May the members of this Community upon whom the splendour of the light of the Faith of God cast its illumination so long ago, on whose shoulders so grave and sacred a responsibility now rests, arise with inflexible resolve, and unquenchable enthusiasm, to carry out their formidable task, and enrich, to an unprecedented degree, the record of their past services to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and the rising institutions of His embryonic World Order.

Shoghi


— 562 —

APRIL 16, 1957

ASSURE COLOMBO ASSEMBLY LOVING APPRECIATION.

SHOGHI


— 563 —

APRIL 17, 1957

GUARDIAN ADVISES ASSEMBLIES MUST BE ACCORDANCE   CIVIC LIMITS EVEN IF RESULTS DISSOLVED ASSEMBLIES.


— 564 —

April 18, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 420]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Referring to your letter of March 28th, with regard to our dear friend Mr. F. Roozbehyan, returning to Gambia. The Guardian was very sorry to learn of the illness of Mr. Roozbehyan, and hopes he will soon recover. The Guardian will pray for him, and for his good health.

The Guardian hopes he will be able some day, in the not too far distant future, to return to Gambia. His presence there is important.

Will you please write to Mr. Roozbehyan and give him this information, along with the loving greetings of the beloved Guardian.

Please ask Mr. Roozbehyan to write me when he feels he can go to Gambia, so I may inform the Guardian.


— 565 —

APRIL 21, 1957

NEW ERA SCHOOL CARE RABBANIAN NEW DELHI ASSURE PRAYERS SUCCESS.

SHOGHI


— 566 —

APRIL 21, 1957

FRIENDS INDIA PAKISTAN BURMA SOUTHEAST ASIA LOVINGLY   REMEMBERED SHRINES URGE CONCENTRATION INCREASE BELIEVERS MULTIPLICATION CENTRES PRAYING SUCCESS.

SHOGHI


— 567 —

APRIL 21, 1957

RABBANIAN COLOMBO LOVING REMEMBRANCE SHRINES.

SHOGHI


— 568 —

APRIL 26, 1957

ASSURE NEWLY ELECTED ASSEMBLY FERVENT PRAYERS VIGOROUS   PROMOTION INTERESTS FAITH ATTAINMENT GOALS PLAN.

SHOGHI


— 569 —

May 25, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 421]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of May 10th, file 56/91, has been received and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian.

The Guardian was very happy indeed to learn that Mr. Murday has secured employment with the company operating in Chagos Archipelago.

This is a historic action on the part of our dear friend. It makes him one of the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, and certainly will bring upon him Divine Blessings and Confirmations.

The Guardian asks that you give to him the assurance of the Guardian’s prayers in his behalf. The Guardian feels your Assembly should keep actively in touch with Mr. Murday and assist him to the extent possible. He should not leave the Chagos Archipelago for financial reasons … The Guardian will await actual word of his arrival and settlement in Peres and how his work develops at that point.


— 570 —

MAY 25, 1957

FRIENDS INDIA BURMA CEYLON LOVINGLY REMEMBERED   SHRINES URGE REDOUBLE EFFORTS WIN MEMORABLE VICTORIES.

SHOGHI


— 571 —

June 19, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Co worker,

The Beloved Guardian has been greatly pleased with the reports he has received of the teaching work in the Seychelles Islands. It is evident that the success of the teaching work is bringing about opposition from the religious leaders. This being the case, he thinks it is important that Mr. Rahman remain in the Seychelles Islands as long as it is feasible for him to do so. The Guardian wishes your Assembly to take the matter in hand to assist him in every way possible. From all parts of the world, the reports are most encouraging as to the teaching work, particularly in the virgin areas. At the same time[pg 422]  we are now receiving reactions from religious leaders in various parts and in some areas their open opposition has been the means of the further spread of the Faith. Thus, the prophecies and predictions of the Master are coming true.

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


— 572 —

JULY 8, 1957

ASSURE BATES FRANKEL LOVING APPRECIATION CONTINUED    PRAYERS SUCCESS.

SHOGHI


— 573 —

June 29, 1957

Mr. Faridoon J. Yazamaidi, Secretary National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pakistan

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your letter of May 9th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The historic formation of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pakistan marks a great step forward, not only in the work in that country, but on the Asiatic continent. This is an old and tried Community, and he feels sure that, now that it has its independent National Body to guide its affairs, marked progress will be made in all fields of Bahá’í activity.

The most important work for the members of your Assembly to concentrate on is that of teaching. With the greatest love, unity and single-mindedness, you must devote time at all of your sessions to attaining the goals of the Ten Year Plan, and particularly, of your own Six Year Plan. The multiplication of Assemblies, groups and isolated centres should be considered as your all-important duty, and this of course depends entirely on the rate of increase of the Bahá’í Community.

The believers should be encouraged to teach individually; to hold classes in their homes; to teach in meetings under the auspices of the Local Assemblies, or sponsored by the local group; to travel from Centre to Centre, visiting the believers and stimulating the teaching work; and to create such a restless flow of spiritual energy in that country that its vibrations will be felt, and the hearts of the seekers quickened.[pg 423]

For many years the members of the Pakistan Bahá’í Community have rendered the Faith distinguished services in their capacity as members of the previous Regional Assembly for India, Pakistan and Burma, and as pioneers and teachers. He feels sure that this record will now be infinitely enriched by new services, and that this old and loyal Community will prove itself an example to the younger Asiatic Communities springing up towards the east.

The Guardian has outlined the points that should be taken into consideration in formulating your Six Year Plan, and it is not necessary to reiterate them here, as you have them in his Convention Message. However, he would urge you to consider, in addition to the urgent teaching work, the advisability of buying a Temple site in the outskirts of Karachi, of a maximum, (unless the land is very cheap), of say four acres, as one of the important objectives of your Plan, to be executed as soon as possible…

He also hopes there will not be undue delay in acquiring burial grounds for the believers, particularly in the more important centres.

You may be sure that in his prayers he will remember all the members of the Assembly, and particularly supplicate that they maybe guided, protected and blessed in their services to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

Dear and valued co-workers:

The formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pakistan is an event which I welcome with feelings of deep joy and satisfaction, and which marks the culmination of a process which was initiated almost a century ago, and which will be regarded by posterity as one of the most auspicious achievements enriching the record of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.

The task now facing the privileged elected representatives of a community destined to play a notable part in the advancement of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the vast Asiatic continent, and in a country whose citizens are called upon to shape, to a marked degree, the destinies of the immense Indian subcontinent, is enormous, sacred, arduous and high cy meritorious. The problems challenging the prosecutors of the new cy launched Six Year Plan are divers and numerous. Their responsibilities are heavy and inescapable. The powers and resources of their potential adversaries are formidable.

However limited its numerical strength, however circumscribed its material resources, the community of the valiant upholders of the Faith of[pg 424]  Bahá’u’lláh in Pakistan must never falter or hesitate in the discharge of its pressing and weighty responsibilities. The Plan on which its members have so enthusiastically and determinedly embarked, at whatever cost, be energetically prosecuted and victoriously concluded.

The number of the Muslim adherents of the Faith must speedily multiply, in preparation for the assaults which its orthodox opponents are bound to launch in the days to come. Representatives of Minorities dwelling in that land must, simultaneously, be converted to the Faith, as an added bulwark to the rising strength of the Bahá’í administrative Order. The number. of centres, groups, and Local Assemblies must, likewise, steadily increase, in order to broaden and strengthen the foundations of this divinely conceived structure. Steps must, gradually, be taken to sect ire the recognition of the institutions of this divinely appointed Order by the civil authorities in that land, and of the independent character of the Faith now firmly established within its confines. The incorporation of the newly formed National Spiritual Assembly, as well as all firmly grounded Local Assemblies, mist, moreover, be carefully considered and energetically carried out. The translation and publication of Bahá’í literature in the languages listed in the Ten Ye r Plan, as well as its translation into supplementary languages, is yet another task which demands the utmost attention and continuous effort.

The establishment of Bahá’í’ burial grounds, the consolidation of the Faith in Baluchistan, its expansion in Afg̱hánistán, and Tibet and, last but not least, the selection and purchase of a site for the Mother Temple of Pakistan, must also receive the prompt consideration of the elected representatives of a community now standing on the threshold of a new and unique period of expansion, destined to permanently enrich the annals of be Faith in that land That the members of this community may befittingly acquit themselves of the responsibilities they have asst med, and contribute, thereby, a worthy share to the onward m ach of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the Asiatic continent, is my earnest prayer and most cherished desire.

Shoghi


— 574 —

September 4, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your loving letter of August 19th was duly received and presented[pg 425]  to the beloved Guardian.

He was distressed to learn that the very vital aspect of all our Bahá’í services, namely, the National Fund is not being sufficiently nor properly supported by the friends in India.

The life blood of the Faith is this National Fund and the friends must realize that if they do not support the Fund, then the numerous activities of the Faith in India and Burma will suffer, to say nothing of the problems that will develop for the numerous pioneering and virgin areas under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India and Burma. The Guardian asks that you make a special appeal to all of the Believers to consider this weighty matter very very carefully and then do their utmost to support the Fund. The friends in the large cities should particularly contribute to the Fund. Such cities as Bombay for instance where there is a large community and the friends in a position to contribute more freely than perhaps friends in other areas.

The Guardian asks that you present this matter appropriately to the friends in his behalf so that they may realize the very vital aspect of the national Fund in connection with all of the activities of the Faith; that the National Fund is actually the life blood of tile activities of the National Assembly and therefore the friends should support it generously.

This is the hour of dedication and sacrifice, and the Guardian sincerely hopes all of the friends will sacrifice to the utmost so that the Cause may go on unhindered and unimpeded, not only in India and Burma but in the areas which have come under the jurisdiction of your Assembly in connection with the great Ten Year Crusade.

The Guardian is praying for you and for all the friends of India. India has a great destiny in the Faith and he hopes that the friends will now arise in such a manner as to achieve the great goals ahead.


— 575 —

October 19, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of October 9th, file No. 1500/91, has been received, and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian.

The Guardian is distressed that Mr. Yazdani was unable to return to Goa where he did such fine and distinguished work for the Faith. He was very happy however, to learn that Mr. Shehryar Najmi, has[pg 426]  been able to proceed to Goa and better still to secure permanent residence there.

Will you please convey to Mr. Najmi on behalf of the Guardian, his loving appreciation of his devotion and service to the Faith. The Guardian hopes he will be able to win many souls to the Cause of God.

He will pray for him and for the success of his work.


— 576 —

October 20, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Referring further to your letter of September 27th, file No. 1379/91, with regard to the manner of procedure to be followed in securing permission to conduct Bahá’í marriages. The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you as follows: If the only way it can be accomplished (to have Bahá’í marriages legalized) is by a bill being presented to the Legislature permitting Bahá’í marriages, he has no objections to your doing this; however, and this is very important, if in order to submit a bill before the Legislature, it would be necessary for you to include the text of our Bahá’í laws with regard to Bahá’í marriage and divorce, he does not feel that this should be done.

In other words, in no circumstances would we agree to have the Bahá’í laws concerning personal status subject to review by any legal body and if that should be necessary in the Bill which you have to submit, then he feels you should defer the matter at this time.

You understand all that we require at the present time, is for the Government to legalize marriages performed by Bahá’í communities.

The question of divorce is something which you do not have to go into at this time.


— 577 —

OCTOBER 21, 1957

ASSURE PAKISTAN FRIENDS LOVING PRAYERS HEARTFELT APPRECIATION SERVICES.

SHOGHI


— 578 —

OCTOBER 21, 1957

APPRECIATE MESSAGE FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING BEHALF   FRIENDS INDIA BURMA CEYLON URGE INTENSIFY EFFORTS[pg 427]   ALL FIELD ACTIVITY.

SHOGHI


— 579 —

OCTOBER 28, 1957

ASSURE ATTENDANTS SUMMER SCHOOLS LOVING FERVENT   PRAYERS DEEPLY APPRECIATE EFFORTS.

SHOGHI


— 580 —

OCTOBER 28, 1957

CABLE PAKISTAN DEEPLY APPRECIATE SENTIMENTS.

SHOGHI


— 581 —

October 30, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of October 15th has been received together with the photograph of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Galle, Ceylon.

The beloved Guardian has asked me to thank you and to thank the Spiritual Assembly of Galle for their thoughtfulness in sending him this photograph, which he treasures very highly. It is his plan to have it framed and hung in The Mansion.


— 582 —

November 7, 1957

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your loving letter of October 7th was duly received and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian. He was very happy indeed to learn of the very active teaching programme which you have adopted for India and Burma during the forthcoming year. He sincerely hopes all of the Conferences will achieve great success and lay the foundation for a new teaching service throughout the areas concerned.

The secret of Divine success today is consecrated teaching service. The forces of the Holy Spirit are descending on those who arise[pg 428]  to teach at this time as never before and therefore he hopes all of the friends in India and Burma will arise with renewed vigour in order to carry forward the banner of the Faith. He will pray for you and for the success of your work.

P.S. This is one of the few letters I received instructions from the Guardian to write, shortly before his ascension.


— 583 —

November 8, 1957

[To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pakistan]

Dearly Beloved Friends,

The beloved Guardian has been deeply impressed with the manner in which your Assembly has undertaken its numerous activities and the actions you are taking to stimulate teaching work throughout Pakistan.

The Guardian has asked me to convey to you and to the relatives of our dearly departed Friends, Amir’ul Islám and Siyyid Houssein, his loving condolences over their untimely passing. They have served the Faith diligently and well and certainly are assured of the greatest possible Blessings in the Realms beyond. The Guardian himself will pray for the progress of their souls and for their happiness in the Abhá Kingdom.

The Guardian was impressed with your effort to secure a Bahá’í Burial Ground in Sukkur. He will pray for the success of this effort. He will also pray for the other efforts which you are carrying on with so much devotion.

The Guardian sincerely hopes you will make every effort to secure a suitable site for your future Temple as soon as possible. As you develop any progress along the line of securing the site for the Temple, will you please write to me for the Guardian.

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

P.S. This is one of the few letters I received instructions from the Guardian to write shortly before his Ascension.


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