The people of Baha, under the jurisdiction of whatsoever
state or government they may be residing, should conduct themselves with
honesty and sincerity, trustworthiness and rectitude. They should concern themselves
with men's hearts, and hold themselves aloof from the fluctuations and
limitations of the contingent world. They are neither thirsty for prominence,
nor acquisitive of power; they are neither adepts at dissimulation and
hypocrisy, nor are they seekers after wealth and influence; they neither crave
for the pomp and circumstance of high office, nor do they lust after the glory
of titles and ranks. They are averse to affectation and ostentation, and shrink
from the use of coercive force; they have closed their eyes to all but God, and
set their hearts on the firm and incontrovertible promises of their Lord; they
have severed the bonds of earthly expectations and attachments, and connected
their lives to the One Peerless Beloved. Oblivious to themselves, they have
occupied their energies in working towards the good of society; and,
steadfastly adhering to the sound and wholesome principles of God's Faith, they
have turned their backs on the morbid imaginings, the incoherent theories, and
pernicious ideas of the victims of caprice and folly. While vigilantly refusing
to accept political posts, they should whole-heartedly welcome the chance to
assume administrative positions; for the primary purpose of the people of Baha
is to advance the interests and promote the welfare of the nation, not to
further the devious ends and designs of the profligate and shameless. Such is
the method of the Bahá'ís; such is the conduct of all spiritually illumined
souls; and aught else is manifest error.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a message dated February 1927 addressed to the
believers throughout the East - translated from the Persian; The Compilation of
Compilations, vol. I, Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá'í
Virtue)
