Bahá'u'lláh has urged marriage upon all people as the
natural and rightful way of life. He has also, however, placed strong emphasis
on its spiritual nature, which, while in no way precluding a normal physical
life, is the most essential aspect of marriage. That two people should live
their lives in love and harmony is of far greater importance than that they should
be consumed with passion for each other. The one is a great rock of strength on
which to lean in time of need; the other a purely temporary thing which may at
any time die out.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 20 January
1943, to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Family
Life)
