Number 9: - “symbolic of the perfection of the Bahá'í Revelation”

The number nine, which in itself is the number of perfection, is considered by the Bahá'ís as sacred because it is symbolic of the perfection of the Bahá'í Revelation, which constitutes the ninth in the line of existing religions, the latest and fullest Revelation which mankind has ever known. The eighth is the Religion of the Báb, and the remaining seven are: Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the religion of the Sabaeans. These religions are not the only true religions that have appeared in the world, but are the only ones which are still existing. There have always been divine prophets and messengers, to many of whom the Qur'án refers. But the only ones existing are those mentioned above. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, dated 28 July 1936; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Extracts from the Baha’i)

Spiritual qualities of a believer when engaged in teaching the Cause of God

The teacher, when teaching, must be himself fully enkindled, so that his utterance, like unto a flame of fire, may exert influence and consume the veil of self and passion. He must also be utterly humble and lowly so that others may be edified, and be totally self-effaced and evanescent so that he may teach with the melody of the Concourse on high—otherwise his teaching will have no effect. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha')

Walking “mystical path with practical feet”

…the goals before you, are not impossible of attainment, however far they may seem to be now. They will be reached, not by the efforts of the Baha’is alone, but by those efforts reinforced by the all-conquering power of God. It was said of ’Abdu’l-Baha that He walked the mystical path with practical feet; this is what the European Baha’is must do now. Upheld by prayer, confident in the irresistible power of the Will of God, the friends, exerting every effort in the path of service, must become willing instruments of the Almighty, channels for the divine power which is shepherding mankind into one fold.

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message to the Followers of Baha’u’llah gathered in Conference in Langenhain, Germany, 24 October 1978; Baha’i Journal UK, vol. 7, no. 2, May 1990)

Baha’is to “salvage their marriage for the sake of God”

He has been very sorry to hear that your marriage seems to have failed utterly. I need not tell you as a Bahá'í that every effort should be made by any Bahá'í to salvage their marriage for the sake of God, rather than for their own sake. In the case of pioneers, it is even more important, because they are before the public eye. However, in such matters it is neither befitting nor right that the Guardian should bring pressure on individuals. He can only appeal to you and... to try again; but if you cannot rise to this test, that is naturally a personal matter." 

 - Shoghi Effendi  (From letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, January 13, 1956; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

The Báb’s parting words to the Letters of the Living as He entrusted to each a specific task

He [the Báb] enjoined them [Letters of the Living] to observe the utmost caution and moderation in their behavior, unveiled the loftiness of their rank, and stressed the magnitude of their responsibilities. He recalled the words addressed by Jesus to His disciples, and emphasized the superlative greatness of the New Day. He warned them lest by turning back they forfeit the Kingdom of God, and assured them that if they did God’s bidding, God would make them His heirs and spiritual leaders among men. He hinted at the secret, and announced the approach, of a still mightier Day, and bade them prepare themselves for its advent. He called to remembrance the triumph of Abraham over Nimrod, of Moses over Pharaoh, of Jesus over the Jewish people, and of Muhammad over the tribes of Arabia, and asserted the inevitability and ultimate ascendancy of His own Revelation. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (‘God Passes By)

Mulla Husayn witnessed the Báb revealing a Tablet

He [the Báb] then proceeded to say: “Now is the time to reveal the commentary on the Súrih of Joseph". He took up His pen and with incredible rapidity revealed the entire Súrih of Mulk, the first chapter of His commentary on the Súrih of Joseph. The overpowering effect of the manner in which He wrote was heightened by the gentle intonation of His voice which accompanied His writing. Not for one moment did He interrupt the flow of the verses which streamed from His pen. Not once did He pause till the Súrih of Mulk was finished. I sat enraptured by the magic of His voice and the sweeping force of His revelation.

- Mulla Husayn  (Quoted by Nabil in ‘The Dawn-Breakers’; translated and edited by Shoghi Effendi)

The Báb’s qualities

His [the Báb’s] qualities were so rare in their nobility and beauty, His personality so gentle and yet so forceful, and His natural charm was combined with so much tact and judgment, that after His Declaration He quickly became in Persia a widely popular figure. He would win over almost all with whom He was brought into personal contact, often converting His gaolers to His Faith and turning the ill-disposed into admiring friends. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (‘Introduction to ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)

Marion Jack - "a shining example to pioneers of present and future generations" [*]

…every Baha'i and most particularly those who have left their homes and gone to serve in foreign fields, should know of, and turn their gaze to Marion Jack. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the European Teaching Committee, May 24, 1954; Baha’i Canada, vol. 2, no. 5, October 1979)

[*] From a cablegram from Shoghi Effendi upon the death of Marion Jack; Baha’i Canada, vol. 2, no. 5, October 1979

The purpose of teaching the Faith

Teaching the Faith embraces many diverse activities, all of which are vital to success, and each of which reinforce the other. Time and again the beloved Guardian emphasized that expansion and consolidation are twin and inseparable aspects to teaching that must proceed simultaneously yet one still hears believers discussing the virtues of one as against the other. The purpose of teaching is not complete when a person declares that he has accepted Bahá'u'lláh as the Manifestation of God for this age; the purpose of teaching is to attract human beings to the Divine Message and so imbue them with its spirit that they will dedicate themselves to its service, and this world will become another world and its people another people. Viewed in this light a declaration of Faith is merely a milestone along the way -- albeit a very important one. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies, May 25, 1975; Compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

A "best teacher" and an "exemplary believer"

A "best teacher" and an "exemplary believer" is ultimately neither more nor less than an ordinary Bahá'í who has consecrated himself to the work of the Faith, deepened his knowledge and understanding of its Teachings, placed his confidence in Bahá'u'lláh, and arisen to serve Him to the best of his ability. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 21 September 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Living the Life)

Nurturing “the roots which sustain the spiritual life of the community and ensure its sound development”

As the processes impelling a rapidly evolving Order on the highroad of its destiny multiply and gather momentum, attention should be increasingly directed to the vital need of ensuring, by every means possible, the deepening of the faith, the understanding and the spiritual life of the individuals who, as the privileged members of this community, are called upon to participate in this glorious unfoldment and are lending their assistance to this historic evolution.

• A profound study of the Faith which they have espoused, its history, its spiritual as well as administrative principles;
• a thorough understanding of the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh and of the Will of `Abdu'l-Bahá;
• a deeper realization of the implication of the claims advanced by the Founders of the Faith;
• strict adherence to the laws and principles which They have established;
• a greater dedication to the fundamentals and verities enshrined in Their teachings

- these constitute, I feel convinced, the urgent need of the members of this rapidly expanding community. For upon this spiritual foundation must depend the solidity of the institutions which they are now so painstakingly erecting. Every outward thrust into new fields, every multiplication of Bahá'í institutions, must be paralleled by a deeper thrust of the roots which sustain the spiritual life of the community and ensure its sound development. From this vital, this ever-present need attention must, at no time, be diverted; nor must it be, under any circumstances, neglected, or subordinated to the less vital and urgent task of ensuring the outer expansion of Bahá'í administrative institutions. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 30 December 1948 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith)

Devotional portion of 19 Day Feast

During the devotional part of the Nineteen Day Feast any part of the writings of the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh and the Master can be read, also from the Bible and Qur'an, as these are all sacred scriptures. This part of the meeting need not be confined to prayers, though prayers can and should be read during it. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 18 October 1948 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Nineteen Day Feast)

Teaching the Faith is like “kindling a fire, the fire of faith, in the hearts of men”

Teaching [the Faith] may also be likened to kindling a fire, the fire of faith, in the hearts of men. If a fire burns only so long as the match is held to it, it cannot truly be said to have been kindled; to be kindled it must continue to burn of its own accord. Thereafter more fuel can be added and the flame can be fanned, but even if left alone for a period, a truly kindled fire will not be extinguished by the first breath of wind. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies, May 25, 1975; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Reasons and benefits of teaching the Cause of God…

When the friends do not endeavour to spread the message, they fail to remember God befittingly, and will not witness the tokens of assistance and confirmation from the Abhá Kingdom nor comprehend the divine mysteries. However, when the tongue of the teacher is engaged in teaching, he will naturally himself be stimulated, will become a magnet attracting the divine aid and bounty of the Kingdom, and will be like unto the bird at the hour of dawn, which itself becometh exhilarated by its own singing, its warbling and its melody. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

Material and divine civilization

… material civilization resembles a glass of the utmost transparency and purity but divine civilization is like a shining lamp. When these two combine, the utmost perfection will be realized. The light of the oneness of humanity, of universal peace, of equality of human rights and of divine morals will emanate from this country to all the regions of the world and will illumine them all …

Provided they behave moderately, the more people advance in the material realm, the more their capacity for attaining spirituality is augmented. The sounder the body, the greater is the resplendency and manifestation of the spirit. Truly, what impedes spirituality are the dogmas and imitations that are contrary to true science and a sound mind. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, New York, June 4, 1912, Mahmud’s Diary)

The “way of the saints, the emblem of those who believe in the unity of God, and the raiment of the people of Bahá”

Bend thou with tenderness over the servitors of the All-Merciful, that thou mayest hoist the sail of love upon the ark of peace that moveth across the seas of life. Let nothing grieve thee, and be thou angered at none. It behoveth thee to be content with the Will of God, and a true and loving and trusted friend to all the peoples of the earth, without any exceptions whatever. This is the quality of the sincere, the way of the saints, the emblem of those who believe in the unity of God, and the raiment of the people of Bahá. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  ('Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha')