The guiding principles of the Bahá'ís are: honesty, love,
charity and trustworthiness; the setting of the common good above private
interest; and the practice of godliness, virtue and moderation. Ultimately,
then, their preservation and happiness are assured. Whatever misfortunes they
may encounter, wrought by the wiles of the schemer and ill-wisher, shall all
pass away like waves, and hardship shall be succeeded by joy. The friends are
under the protection of the resistless power and inscrutable providence of God.
(Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated 18 December 1928 to the National Spiritual
Assembly of Iran – translated from the Persian; Compilations, The Compilation
of Compilations vol. I)
