Prophet Muhammad, Qur’an, and the Imams

While walking with us in the gardens of the Shrine during our second meeting with him, Shoghi Effendi spoke of the Prophet Muhammad, Whose station was lofty and great, as the recipient of a Divine Revelation. He returned to this theme on a later occasion, saying that the believers should be aware, and acknowledge that Islam is the origin of the Baha'i Faith, that the Qur'an is the Word of God, and that the Imams are infallible. Their station was very sacred and exalted, particularly that of Imam Husayn. As to the traditions of Islam, those that are quoted in the writings are authentic. He stressed that Baha'is of Christian background should accept these principles concerning Islam, just as those of Jewish or Zoroastrian background should accept Christ as the Word of God and His utterances in the New Testament as authentic. The Guardian also wished the friends to realize that each Manifestation can abrogate the laws of previous Manifestations when they no longer meet the needs of the time. 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

Prejudice

Take prejudice, how it grows. First a few people say something disparaging about a person, and, generally there is a fragment of truth in what they say. The story grows, is spread, the circle widens, discussions are indulged in, inharmony results, schism takes place, what a waste of precious time that could and should be used for constructive work! 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Marie A. Watson during her pilgrimage in 1921, published in ‘My Pilgrimage to the Holy Land’)

Bounty of God

See the sea! So is the bounty of God today flowing like the waves of this sea. We must try to appreciate His Goodness, His Power and Glory. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Marie A. Watson during her pilgrimage in 1921, published in ‘My Pilgrimage to the Holy Land’)

The Guardian worked twenty hours a day and slept only four hours

One day he [Shoghi Effendi] told us, "I work twenty hours a day and sleep only four hours." 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

The French orientalist Monsieur Nicolas

The Guardian told us about Monsieur Nicolas, the French orientalist, who greatly admired the Bab but imagined that the Baha'is undervalued His station. Hearing that Monsieur Nicolas was very disturbed about this, the Guardian sent him a copy of" The Dawn-Breakers." Monsieur Nicolas expressed his gratitude and his admiration of the book. 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

Three important qualifications of a Baha’i pioneer

He [Shoghi Effendi] described three important qualifications of a pioneer: to arise transported by divine love; to trust wholly in the Blessed Beauty; and to demonstrate absolute perseverance… Perseverance, he told us, in itself is the remover of all obstacles. 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

Nabil’s narrative: The Dawn-Breakers

The Guardian told us that Nabil's Narrative is absolutely correct and authentic. Baha'i historians should verify their accounts with this book. 
- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; published in ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

World Order of Baha’u’llah is the flowering stage of the Kingdom of God

When the Kingdom of God has flowered, it will be the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, and we will have its fairest fruits, World Civilization when the next prophet appears (in the 500,000 year cycle). 

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

The greatest Baha’i writers in the West & East

The Guardian said that Dr. Esselmont and Townshend were the greatest Bahá'í writers in the west – that, Abu’l-Fadhl was the greatest Bahá'í writer in the East. 

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

Receiving God’s confirmation

…the more they [believers] are united the more they will receive God's confirmation. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha quoted by Roy Wilhem in his account of his pilgrimage in 1907, published in “Knock and It Shall Be Opened Unto You”)

Love

The Cause of God is like a tree — its fruit is love. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha quoted by Roy Wilhelm in his account of his pilgrimage in 1907, published in “Knock and It Shall Be Opened Unto You”)

Baha’u’llah’s reference to “this Youth”

Asked about Bahá'u'lláh referring to Himself as This Youth, and its meaning, the Guardian said Bahá'u'lláh was only 27 years old when He espoused the Babi Cause, and 35 years of age at the time of His first declaration (of being "Him Whom God shall make Manifest”). Afterward there was a difference of opinion as to whether he said it expressed youth and vitality or eternal youth. 

- Clara Edge  (Notes of her pilgrimage to Haifa, May 16-25, 1954)

Books: ‘Christ and Baha’u’llah’, and ‘Baha’u’llah and the New Era’

 He [Shoghi Effendi] thought that Townshend's book 'Christ and Bahá'u'lláh' exceeded Dr. Esselmont's book in greatness. We must use Dr. Townshend's book because it portrays the Kingdom of God on Earth. 

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

The “tremendous effect” of Mashriqu’l-Adhkar “upon civilization”

When the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, with its accessories, is established in the world, aside from its religious or spiritual influence, it will have a tremendous effect upon civilization. Aside from the religionists, who will feel its influence, materialists will not be exempt therefrom. Moreover, it contains divine wisdoms, spiritual effects upon the intellects and thoughts. Subsequent to its erection these will become evident. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to Mr. and Mrs. Haney; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 10, September 8, 1914)

The “mystery” of Mashriqu’l-Adhkar “is great and cannot be unveiled as yet”

The most important thing in this day is the speedy erection of the edifice. Its mystery is great and cannot be unveiled as yet. In the future it will be made plain. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Reported words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to Percy Woodcock while in Ramleh, Egypt; Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 7, July 13, 1915)

Baha’i community

He [Shoghi Effendi] explained that official members of the Baha'i community are those who confess their belief in the Bab, the Abha Beauty, and 'Abdu'l-Baha and are proud to be known as Baha'is. However, everyone should be accorded absolute freedom to choose whether to join the Baha'i community or not. However since Baha'is should not participate in politics even in their conversations, it is very important not to accept into the Faith under any circumstances those who do participate in politics. This is very important. 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of pilgrimage in 1941; ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

Temple site on Mount Carmel

One morning Leroy Ioas drove us to see the Temple site which is situated on the very top of Mt. Carmel about two miles from the Shrine of the Báb. The site is shaped like a peninsula overlooking water on three sides. The Guardian said the Shrine of the Báb is the heart of Carmel and the Temple will be the head. The Guardian said Bahá'u'lláh stood on this site and revealed the Tablet of Carmel, with such loud ringing tones that the nuns in the Carmelite nunnery situated further below could hear Him. This site is also near the cave of Elijah. 

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

No Christian Civilization

The Guardian stressed many times that there has not been a Christian Civilization for centuries - only a materialistic civilization. 

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

May Maxwell’s health

He [‘Abdu’l-Baha] inquired after her [Mrs. Maxwell] health, and when I said that she seemed better than ever since she had become a eliever, 'Abdu'l-Bahá said:

"Some years ago when Mrs. Maxwell came to Akka, she was very weak and seriously ill, - so much so that no one could believe she would ever get well. But God healed her." 

- ‘Ali Kuli Khan (‘1906 Pilgrim Notes of Ali Kuli Khan’)

“Mashriqu'l-Adhkar is a material thing that will have great effect upon the spirits of the people.”

To have it built is most important. Some material things have spiritual effect, and the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar is a material thing that will have great effect upon the spirits of the people. Not only does the building of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar have an effect upon those who build it, but upon the whole world." "In the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, services will be held every morning and the words of Baha’u’llah only are to be read. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to Helen Goodall and Ella Cooper; Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 7, July 13, 1915)

Mashriqu’l-Adhkar” is the spiritual foundation”

…its [Mashriqu’l-Adhkar] building is the most important of all things. This is the spiritual foundation, for that reason it is the most important of all foundations; from that spiritual foundation will come forth all manner of advancement and progress in the world of humanity. Therefore, how great is its importance.

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to Mason Remey during ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s first European trip; Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 7, July 13, 1915)

An indication of the greatness of this Dispensation

In this Dispensation, he [the Guardian] also told us, "Holy Book" is changed to "Most Holy Book," and "Holy Spirit" to "Most Holy Spirit." Therefore the "Greatest Name," the "Most Great Peace," and the "Most Great Dispensation." 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1941; ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

Sisters of Baha’u’llah

One evening I asked the Guardian about the reference in the Gleanings to the sister of Bahá'u'lláh. He replied that some of the half-sisters of Bahá'u'lláh were loyal to Him and some disloyal. She was a loyal sister. 

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

House of Justice

The beloved Guardian said, Assemblies and all other Baha'i institutions should demonstrate justice and equity in all matters, since justice is the foundation of society. The Blessed Beauty ordained the "House of Justice" and not the "House of Forgiveness" or the "House of Grace." The foundation of the world and the realization of the Most Great Peace are dependent upon justice. Without justice there will be no peace, and disorder and confusion will prevail. 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of pilgrimage in 1941; ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

Women of Iran

The Guardian spoke of the women of Iran, who had recently been given relative freedom, the chador [veil] having been abandoned by government order. He wished that "the Baha'i women would take advantage of their freedom and prepare to teach and also engage in various Baha'i activities. Before long their Western brothers and sisters would visit Iran in troops; they must be welcomed and given hospitality, and the Baha'i women of Iran must share equally in their services." He urged us to emphasize that they should follow the examples of Martha Root, May Maxwell, Keith Ransom-Kehler, and others like them. He testified to the fact that Mrs. Ransom-Kehler had sacrificed herself for the Baha'is of Iran. 

- Ali-Akbar Furutan  (Notes of pilgrimage in 1941; ‘Hand of the Cause of God Furutan’, by Iran Furutan Muhajir)

World civilization

One evening the Guardian mentioned that there had been 6,000 years of prophetic revelation to announce the coming of Bahá'u'lláh and to prepare the world for it - that there would be 500,000 years of revelation under His shadow. He stated that world civilization will not be inaugurated before another revelation or prophet appears. 

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

“True joy comes from the tranquility of heart, and this state comes from faith!”

Then He [‘Abdu’l-Baha] spoke at length of the "Composure of Heart," or "Tranquility of the Soul." "This", He said, "is a state of true faith which gives man such assurance and conviction of God's bounty, that all the trials and sufferings of this earth cannot affect him."

Speaking of true joy and happiness. He said in part: "If a man is not happy in his life, death is better than such a life. True joy comes from the tranquility of heart, and this state comes from faith! Praise be to God who gave us tranquility of heart! This is why we are always happy. I pray and supplicate to the Beauty of Abha to bless all the servants and maid-servants with true happiness resulting from the tranquility of heart." 

(Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Ali-Kuli Khan during his pilgrimage in 1906)

Interplanetary travels

One of the pilgrims asked the Guardian if he thought there would be interplanetary travel and he replied, "Yes, perhaps not the entire universe, but to the nearest planets." 

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

Why America is the cradle of the Administrative Order – and Persia the cradle of the Faith

The Guardian stated that the US was chosen the cradle of the World Order (Admin. Order) not because of its spiritual qualities but because of its corruption; the same as Persia was chosen for the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh because they, the Persians, were worse than the African savages - far more barbaric.

- Alice Dudley  (Notes of her pilgrimage during April 1957)

Marion Jack, Martha Root, Saintliness

Marion Jack is a great soul, a pride of the pioneers in the East and West; an example to all pioneers; she has preserved long and hard'. The Master called her "General Jack”. - She has the spirit of Martha Root -- a combination of heroism and saintliness. Some are either heroic or saintly. Persians aren’t all saints. They are pious but not all saintly. Martha Root combined three qualities: martyrdom, heroism, and saintliness – a unique distinction. Saintliness is very rare -- it comes from purity of motive. 

(Notes of the words of Shoghi Effendi, recorded by Ben Lavy during his pilgrimage in 1953)

Humanity’s suffering is inevitable

Suffering for mankind is inevitable. Man suffers - - he is cleansed. It is a cleansing force. 

(Notes of the words of Shoghi Effendi, recorded by Ben Lavy during his pilgrimage in 1953)

Mankind’s stage of maturity

Mankind is now approaching the stage of maturity. Maturity means, responsibility, and all men are responsible to God for their acts on earth. Great responsibility - both as individuals and as leaders of men. 

(Notes of the words of Shoghi Effendi, recorded by Ben Lavy during his pilgrimage in 1953)

Canada’s Temple ground

He [the Guardian] reminded me that Canada does not yet have its Temple grounds. I relayed to him a remark of one of the friends. This friend wondered if the Divine Hand of Providence were preventing us from finding Temple grounds because possibly we were ignoring ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s statement as quoted by Mrs. Maxwell that the Temple would be built on the slopes of Mt. Royal.

He said that ‘Abdu’l-Baha was not necessarily referring to the National Temple of Canada. He directed that if it becomes clearly impossible to find Temple grounds in Toronto, the NSA should seek property in Ottawa – not Montreal.

One evening he told us that he had just received good news. Italy had purchased its Temple land. He then said, with a smile as he turned to me, “Italy is off my list – only Canada remains on my list – my black one. I have two lists, a black one and a white one’” 

- Allan Raynor  (Notes of his pilgrimage in 1956)