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London: A compilation of extracts
from Bahá'í literature
Compiled by the Bahá'í Council for England
CONTENTS
Introduction
I From the Writings of Bahá'ú'lláh II From the Writings of
'Abdu'l-Bahá III From the Talks of 'Abdu'l-Bahá IV From the
Writings of Shoghi Effendi V From Letters Written by and on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi VI From Letters Written by and on
behalf of the Universal House of Justice VII References to
London in other Bahá'í Literature
INTRODUCTION
London enjoys a unique status in the annals of Bahá'í
history. In this new dispensation, perhaps no other city in
the world, outside of the Haifa-'Akká area, has been so
singularly blessed.
Bahá'u'lláh Himself addressed Queen Victoria, resident in
London, 'capital city of the largest and most cosmopolitan
empire the world has ever known'1 and praised British action
in ending the slave trade and entrusting government to
elected representatives of the people. Bahá'u'lláh also
addressed a Tablet to the Times of London, in His esteem the
'dawning place of news'2 and the most influential and
respected newspaper of His day. In it, He drew attention to
the terrible plight of the so-called 'Seven Martyrs of Yazd'
and called upon all newspapers to investigate the truth and
vindicate it.
'Abdu'l-Bahá blessed London with His own footsteps on two
occasions, remarking often on the fairness and steadfastness
of its people and its great spiritual light. The importance
of those visits, He said, would be remembered in the future
in all ages and in all lands. The holding of the First
Universal Races Congress in London in 1911 would forever
redound to the glory of England.
Shoghi Effendi's relationship with the city was even more
intimate. His wife, Rúhíyyih Rabbaní, noted how he had
become very familiar with it while a student at Oxford and
how many associations London had for him from those days. It
was in London that he received the devastating news of the
passing of his beloved grandfather. As Guardian of the
Bahá'í Faith, Shoghi Effendi attached great hope to the
activities of the friends in the city. And it was in London
that his life came to its untimely conclusion, his sacred
remains now sanctifying its earth. Surrounding his elegant
monument are now arrayed memorials to so many devoted
believers - Hand of the Cause of God Hasan Balyúzí, Knights
of Bahá'u'lláh, distinguished teachers, administrators and
servants of the Faith, adding ever more spiritual potency to
this sacred spot. In 1978, the Universal House of Justice
hailed the first ever visit of a reigning monarch to the
Guardian's Resting Place as an occasion for great rejoicing.
London was also the triumphant meeting place for what the
Universal House of Justice called at the time the 'greatest
gathering of Bahá'ís ever held in one place'3, the First
Bahá'í World Congress, summoning to the historic Royal
Albert Hall the outpourings of the Abhá Kingdom. It was also
at this time that the newly-elected Universal House of
Justice met at the National Bahá'í Centre, 27 Rutland Gate,
to consider essential matters concerning its establishment
and functioning. In the 1980s, extensive refurbishment was
carried out at 27 Rutland Gate, at the request of the
Universal House of Justice to make it a befitting setting
for the reception of dignitaries, guests and the media.
London's historic and spiritual significance is unique. This
compilation of extracts is designed to give inspiration,
vision and encouragement to all its readers, particularly
those resident in London itself. May London, once renowned
throughout the world for its advanced material civilisation,
now lead the way through its spiritual civilisation.
THE BAHÁ'Í COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
1 Century of Light, Bahá'í World Centre, 2001, p.20 2 See
The Bahá'í World Volume XVIII, Bahá'í World Centre, 1986,
pp.975-979 3 Universal House of Justice, Message to National
Conventions, 7 May 1963 I. From the Writings of Bahá'ú'lláh
O Queen in London! Incline thine ear unto the voice of thy
Lord, the Lord of all mankind, calling from the Divine Lote-
Tree: Verily, no God is there but Me, the Almighty, the All-
Wise! Cast away all that is on earth, and attire the head of
thy kingdom with the crown of the remembrance of thy Lord,
the All-Glorious. He, in truth, hath come unto the world in
His most great glory, and all that hath been mentioned in
the Gospel hath been fulfilled... Lay aside thy desire, and
set then thine heart towards thy Lord, the Ancient of Days.
We make mention of thee for the sake of God, and desire that
thy name may be exalted through thy remembrance of God, the
Creator of earth and heaven. He, verily, is witness unto
that which I say. We have been informed that thou hast
forbidden the trading in slaves, both men and women. This,
verily, is what God hath enjoined in this wondrous
Revelation. God hath, truly, destined a reward for thee,
because of this. He, verily, will pay the doer of good his
due recompense, wert thou to follow what hath been sent unto
thee by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. As to
him who turneth aside, and swelleth with pride, after that
the clear tokens have come unto him, from the Revealer of
signs, his work shall God bring to naught. He, in truth,
hath power over all things. Man's actions are acceptable
after his having recognized (the Manifestation). He that
turneth aside from the True One is indeed the most veiled
amongst His creatures. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who
is the Almighty, the Most Powerful. We have also heard that
thou hast entrusted the reins of counsel into the hands of
the representatives of the people. Thou, indeed, hast done
well, for thereby the foundations of the edifice of thine
affairs will be strengthened, and the hearts of all that are
beneath thy shadow, whether high or low, will be
tranquillized. It behooveth them, however, to be trustworthy
among His servants, and to regard themselves as the
representatives of all that dwell on earth. This is what
counselleth them, in this Tablet, He Who is the Ruler, the
All-Wise...
(From Tablet to Queen Victoria, published in The
Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh, pages 33-34)
The system of government which the British people have
adopted in London appeareth to be good, for it is adorned
with the light of both kingship and of the consultation of
the people.
(From Lawh-i-Dunyá, published in Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh,
page 93)
II. From the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
The believers in London are indeed steadfast and true, they
are resolute, they are constant in service; when put to the
test, they do not falter, nor doth their fire abate with the
passage of time; rather, they are Bahá'ís. They are of
heaven, they are filled with light, they are of God. Without
any doubt they will become the cause of raising high the
Word of God, and advancing the oneness of the world of man;
of promoting the teachings of God, and spreading far and
near the equality of every member of the human race. It is
easy to approach the Kingdom of Heaven, but hard to stand
firm and staunch within it, for the tests are rigorous, and
heavy to bear. But the English remain steadfast under all
conditions, neither at the first sign of trouble do their
footsteps slip. They are not changeable, playing fast and
loose with some project and soon giving it up. They do not,
for some trivial reason, fail in enthusiasm and zeal, their
interest gone. No, in all they do, they are stable, rock-
solid and staunch. Although ye dwell in western lands,
still, praise be to God, ye did hear His call from out the
east and, even as Moses, did warm your hands at the fire
kindled in the Asian Tree. Ye did find the true path, were
lit like unto lamps, and have come into the Kingdom of God.
And now have ye arisen, out of gratitude for these
blessings, and ye are asking God's help for all the peoples
of the earth, that their eyes as well may behold the
splendours of the Abhá Realm, and their hearts, even as
mirrors, reflect the bright rays of the Sun of Truth. It is
my hope that the breaths of the Holy Spirit will so be
breathed into your hearts that your tongues will disclose
the mysteries, and set forth and expound the inner meanings
of the Holy Books; that the friends will become physicians,
and will, through the potent medicine of the heavenly
Teachings, heal the long-standing diseases that afflict the
body of this world; that they will make the blind to see,
the deaf to hear, the dead to come alive; that they will
awaken those who are sound asleep. Rest ye assured that the
confirmations of the Holy Spirit will descend upon you, and
that the armies of the Abhá Kingdom will grant you the
victory.
(Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá, 219, pages
274-275)
The call to arbitration, to peace, to love and to loyalty is
the call of Bahá'u'lláh. His standard floats since fifty
years, summoning all of whatever race and creed...Where love
dwells, there is light! Where animosity dwells, there is
darkness!...This Congress is one of the greatest events. It
will be forever to the glory of England that it was
established at her capital. It is easy to accept a truth;
but it is difficult to be steadfast in it; for the tests are
many and heavy. It is well seen that the British are firm,
and are not lightly turned aside, being neither ready to
begin a matter for a little while nor prone to abandon it
for a little reason. Verily in every undertaking they show
firmness. O ye people! Cause this thing to be not a thing of
words but of deeds. Some congresses are held only to
increase differences. Let it not be so with you. Let your
effort be to find harmony. Let brotherhood be felt and seen
among you; and carry ye its quickening power throughout the
world. It is my prayer that the Congress will bear great
fruit.
(Letter to the First Universal Races Congress, Star of the
West, Volume 2 No.9, page 3)
London may become a mirror and thou its sun. It is not
strange from the favour and present of Bahá'u'lláh that He
may make Sitárih to be a bright moon so that the horizon of
London may be bright.
(Provisional translation of Tablet to 'Sitárih' (Star) Lady
Blomfield , 17 September 1912)
And with the aid and favour of Bahá'u'lláh thou mayest
upraise an illuminated torch in London, that it may be an
everlasting Light, causing the illumination of that Region.
(Provisional translation of Tablet to Lady Blomfield, 15
September 1913)
III. From the Talks of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
Praise be to God! the signs of friendship are appearing, and
as a proof of this I, today, coming from the East, have met
in this London of the West with extreme kindness, regard and
love, and I am deeply thankful and happy. I shall never
forget this time I am spending with you.
('Abdu'l-Bahá in London, page 38)
Praise be to God, that such a meeting of purity and
steadfastness is being held in London. The hearts of those
present are pure, and are turned towards the Kingdom of God.
I hope that all that is contained and established in the
Holy books of God may be realized in you.
('Abdu'l-Bahá in London, page 44)
Heaven has blessed this day. It was said that London should
be a place for a great proclamation of the Faith. I was
tired when I went on board the steamer, but when I reached
London and beheld the faces of the friends my fatigue left
me. Your great love refreshes me. I am very pleased with the
English friends.
('Abdu'l-Bahá in London, page 53)
These meetings here in London are good, the knowledge and
the intention are good, but how can there be a result
without action?
('Abdu'l-Bahá in London, page 54)
It makes me happy to see all the believers in London. You
are all, of every race and creed, members of one family. The
teaching of Bahá'u'lláh constrains you to realize your
brotherhood to one another.
('Abdu'l-Bahá in London, page 66)
I have enjoyed London very much and the bright faces of the
friends have delighted my heart. I was drawn here by their
unity and love. In the world of existence there is no more
powerful magnet than the magnet of love. These few days will
pass away, but their import shall be remembered by God's
friends in all ages and in all lands.
('Abdu'l-Bahá in London, page 79)
Every man walking in the street is free as if he were in his
own kingdom. There is a great spiritual light in London .
The effort made for justice is real and in this country the
law is the same for the poor as for the rich.
('Abdu'l-Bahá in London, page 110)
IV. From the Writings of Shoghi Effendi
In London Mrs. Thornburgh-Cropper, as a consequence of the
creative influences released by that never-to-be-forgotten
pilgrimage (the first visit of western believers to meet
'Abdu'l-Bahá in 'Akká, 1898-1899), was able to initiate
activities which, stimulated and expanded through the
efforts of the first English believers, and particularly of
Ethel J. Rosenberg, converted in 1899, enabled them to
erect, in later years, the structure of their administrative
institutions in the British Isles. (God Passes By, page 260)
Whilst ('Abdu'l-Bahá) sojourned in England the house placed
at His disposal in Cadogan Gardens became a veritable mecca
to all sorts and conditions of men, thronging to visit the
Prisoner of Akká Who had chosen their great city as the
first scene of His labors in the West. "O, these pilgrims,
these guests, these visitors!" thus bears witness His
devoted hostess (Lady Blomfield) during the time He spent in
London, "Remembering those days, our ears are filled with
the sound of their footsteps --as they came from every
country in the world. Every day, all day long, a constant
stream, an interminable procession! Ministers and
missionaries, oriental scholars and occult students,
practical men of affairs and mystics, Anglicans, Catholics,
and Non-conformists, Theosophists and Hindus, Christian
Scientists and doctors of medicine, Muslims, Buddhists and
Zoroastrians. There also called: politicians, Salvation Army
soldiers, and other workers for human good, women
suffragists, journalists, writers, poets and healers,
dressmakers and great ladies, artists and artisans, poor
workless people and prosperous merchants, members of the
dramatic and musical world, these all came; and none were
too lowly, nor too great, to receive the sympathetic
consideration of this holy Messenger, Who was ever giving
His life for others' good." `Abdu'l-Bahá's first public
appearance before a western audience significantly enough
took place in a Christian house of worship, when, on
September 10, 1911, He addressed an overflowing congregation
from the pulpit of the City Temple. Introduced by the
Pastor, the Reverend R. J. Campbell, He, in simple and
moving language, and with vibrant voice, proclaimed the
unity of God, affirmed the fundamental oneness of religion,
and announced that the hour of the unity of the sons of men,
of all races, religions and classes had struck. On another
occasion, on September 17, at the request of the Venerable
Archdeacon Wilberforce, He addressed the congregation of St.
John the Divine, at Westminster, after evening service,
choosing as His theme the transcendental greatness of the
Godhead, as affirmed and elucidated by Bahá'u'lláh in the
Kitáb-i-Iqán. "The Archdeacon," wrote a contemporary of that
event, "had the Bishop's chair placed for his Guest on the
chancel steps, and, standing beside Him, read the
translation of `Abdu'l-Bahá's address himself. The
congregation was profoundly moved, and, following the
Archdeacon's example, knelt to receive the blessing of the
Servant of God--Who stood with extended arms--His wonderful
voice rising and falling in the silence with the power of
His invocation." At the invitation of the Lord Mayor of
London He breakfasted with him at the Mansion House;
addressed the Theosophical Society at their headquarters, at
the express request of their President, and also a Meeting
of the Higher Thought center in London; was invited by a
deputation from the Bramo-Somaj Society to deliver a lecture
under their auspices; visited and delivered an address on
world unity at the Mosque at Woking, at the invitation of
the Muslim Community of Great Britain, and was entertained
by Persian princes, noblemen, ex-ministers and members of
the Persian Legation in London. He stayed as a guest in Dr.
T. K. Cheyne's home in Oxford, and He delivered an address
to "a large and deeply interested audience," highly academic
in character, gathered at Manchester College in that city,
and presided over by Dr. Estlin Carpenter. He also spoke
from the pulpit of a Congregational Church in the East End
of London, in response to the request of its Pastor;
addressed gatherings in Caxton Hall and Westminster Hall,
the latter under the chairmanship of Sir Thomas Berkeley,
and witnessed a performance of "Eager Heart," a Christmas
mystery play at the Church House, Westminster, the first
dramatic performance He had ever beheld, and which in its
graphic depiction of the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ
moved Him to tears. In the Hall of the Passmore Edwards'
Settlement, in Tavistock Place, he spoke to an audience of
about four hundred and sixty representative people, presided
over by Prof. Michael Sadler, called on a number of working
women of that Settlement, who were on holiday at Vanners',
in Byfleet, some twenty miles out of London, and paid a
second visit there, meeting on that occasion people of every
condition who had specially gathered to see Him, among whom
were "the clergy of several denominations, a headmaster of a
boys' public school, a member of Parliament, a doctor, a
famous political writer, the vice-chancellor of a
university, several journalists, a well-known poet, and a
magistrate from London." "He will long be remembered," wrote
a chronicler of His visit to England, describing that
occasion, "as He sat in the bow window in the afternoon
sunshine, His arm round a very ragged but very happy little
boy who had come to ask `Abdu'l-Bahá for sixpence for his
money box and for his invalid mother, whilst round Him in
the room were gathered men and women discussing Education,
Socialism, the first Reform Bill, and the relation of
submarines and wireless telegraphy to the new era on which
man is entering." Among those who called on Him during the
memorable days He spent in England and Scotland were the
Reverend Archdeacon Wilberforce, the Reverend R. J.
Campbell, the Reverend Rhonddha Williams, the Reverend
Roland Corbet, Lord Lamington, Sir Richard and Lady Stapley,
Sir Michael Sadler, the Jalálu'd-Dawlih, son of the Zillu's-
Sultan, Sir Ameer Ali, the late Maharaja of Jalawar, who
paid Him many visits and gave an elaborate dinner and
reception in His honor, the Maharaja of Rajputana, the Ranee
of Sarawak, Princess Karadja, Baroness Barnekov, Lady Wemyss
and her sister, Lady Glencomer, Lady Agnew, Miss Constance
Maud, Prof. E. G. Browne, Prof. Patrick Geddes, Mr. Albert
Dawson, editor of the Christian Commonwealth, Mr. David
Graham Pole, Mrs. Annie Besant, Mrs. Pankhurst, and Mr.
Stead, who had long and earnest conversations with Him.
"Very numerous," His hostess, describing the impression
produced on those who were accorded by Him the privilege of
a private audience, has written, "were these applicants for
so unique an experience, how unique only those knew when in
the presence of the Master, and we could partly divine, as
we saw the look on their faces as they emerged--a look as
though blended of awe, of marveling, and of a certain calm
joy. Sometimes we were conscious of reluctance in them to
come forth into the outer world, as though they would hold
fast to their beatitude, lest the return of things of earth
should wrest it from them." "A profound impression," the
aforementioned chronicler has recorded, summing up the
results produced by that memorable visit, "remained in the
minds and memories of all sorts and conditions of men and
women.... Very greatly was `Abdu'l-Bahá's sojourn in London
appreciated; very greatly His departure regretted. He left
behind Him many, many friends. His love had kindled love.
His heart had opened to the West, and the Western heart had
closed around this patriarchal presence from the East. His
words had in them something that appealed not only to their
immediate hearers, but to men and women generally." ...A
survey, however inadequate of the varied and immense
activities of `Abdu'l-Bahá in His tour of Europe and America
cannot leave without mention some of the strange incidents
that would often accompany personal contact with Him; ...the
transformation effected in the life of the son of a country
rector in England, who, in his misery and poverty, had
resolved, whilst walking along the banks of the Thames, to
put an end to his existence, and who, at the sight of
`Abdu'l-Bahá's photograph displayed in a shop window, had
inquired about Him, hurried to His residence, and been so
revived by His words of cheer and comfort as to abandon all
thought of self-destruction; the decision of the editor of a
journal printed in Japan to break his journey to Tokyo at
Constantinople, and travel to London for "the joy of
spending one evening in His presence"; the touching scene
when `Abdu'l-Bahá, receiving from the hands of a Persian
friend, recently arrived in London from Ishqábád, a cotton
handkerchief containing a piece of dry black bread and a
shrivelled apple--the offering of a poor Bahá'í workman in
that city -opened it before His assembled guests, and,
leaving His luncheon untouched, broke pieces off that bread,
and partaking Himself of it shared it with those who were
present - these are but a few of a host of incidents that
shed a revealing light on some personal aspects of His
memorable journeys. Nor can certain scenes revolving around
that majestic and patriarchal Figure, as He moved through
the cities of Europe and America, be ever effaced from
memory. The remarkable interview at which `Abdu'l-Bahá,
while placing lovingly His hand on the head of Archdeacon
Wilberforce,answered his many questions, whilst that
distinguished churchman sat on a low chair by His side; the
still more remarkable scene when that same Archdeacon, after
having knelt with his entire congregation to receive His
benediction at St. John's the Divine, passed down the aisle
to the vestry hand in hand with his Guest, whilst a hymn was
being sung by the entire assembly standing; ...the
characteristic gesture of a Zoroastrian physician who,
arriving in breathless haste on the morning of `Abdu'l-
Bahá's departure from London to bid Him farewell, anointed
with fragrant oil first His head and His breast, and then,
touching the hands of all present, placed round His neck and
shoulders a garland of rosebuds and lilies; ...the
unsolicited mark of respect shown Him by distinguished
society women in London, who would spontaneously curtsy when
ushered into His presence; ...Who knows what thoughts
flooded the heart of `Abdu'l-Bahá as He found Himself the
central figure of such memorable scenes as these? Who knows
what thoughts were uppermost in His mind as He sat at
breakfast beside the Lord Mayor of London...Who knows what
memories stirred within Him as...He watched from Serpentine
Bridge in London the pearly chain of lights beneath the
trees stretching as far as the eye could see?
(From God Passes By, pages 283-293)
V. From Letters Written by and on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi
The letters I have recently received from the friends in
London and Manchester have been to me a source of great hope
and encouragement, and have served to strengthen the ties
that bind me to my dearly-beloved friends in that great
country. (17 February 1923, Unfolding Destiny, page 13)
Shoghi Effendi attaches great hopes to the activities of the
friends in London, and may they some day by realised.
(18 January 1924, Unfolding Destiny, page 23)
Shoghi Effendi has gladly received the names of the elected
body for the London Assembly and he wishes them all success
from the bottom of his heart. That they may all help to
vindicate still more strongly the great claim of our dear
Cause in England, that they may succeed to increase daily
the numbers of earnest Bahá'í workers and that they may
mirror forth the great spirit of our beloved Master, is the
fondest hope and the fervent prayer of our dear Guardian.
(11 April 1926, Unfolding Destiny, page 48)
I realise the special and peculiar difficulties that prevail
in London and the nature of the obstacles with which they
are confronted. I feel however that an earnest effort should
be made to overcome them and that the members must arrange
their affairs in such a way as to ensure their prompt
attendance at 9 meetings which are held in the course of the
year. This surely is not an insurmountable obstacle.
(20 May 1926, Unfolding Destiny, page 54)
He will pray for you and for the other members of the London
Group that through your combined efforts an unprecedented
progress be made there and numerous persons attracted to the
precepts of the Cause. (23 October 1926, Unfolding Destiny,
page 59)
Now that the London centre has been transferred to a better
locality we hope it will attract more attention and add to
the number of attendants at the meetings. We should however,
bear in mind that no matter how important the hall may be -
the talks given and the unity manifested are of far greater
significance. Shoghi Effendi has a special affection for the
English friends, for he has been in their midst and knows
most of them personally. He therefore wishes and prays
fervently that their number may increase, and that they may
render distinguished services to the Cause. Please assure
them all of his prayers and extend to them his loving
greetings.
(circa January 1930, Unfolding Destiny, page 88)
Aside from the fact that London is the heart of the British
Empire, and as such commands an importance which few other
centres in the world can equal and should consequently be
raised to the status of one of the leading outposts of the
Faith, it should be stated that now that the Administrative
Order has at last been firmly established and is being
increasingly consolidated in that centre, it is the supreme
obligation of all the believers, both in Great Britain and
other European countries, to assist by every means in
hastening this internal development and growth. And it is
quite evident that the formation of a Publishing Company
along the lines suggested by the British N.S.A. is the
greatest asset to such a development and expansion of the
Cause in London and throughout England as a whole.
(24 February 1937, Unfolding Destiny, page 114)
Renewing to you and your dear fellow-members and to all the
friends in London, the assurances of his prayers for your
welfare and protection in these perilous days, and with his
warmest greetings to you all....
(29 December 1939, Unfolding Destiny, page 135)
He is happy to see that, in spite of the great physical and
nervous strain which the believers of England are at present
being subjected to -especially in centres like London - they
yet persevere with the work of the Cause and the attraction
of new souls. The Guardian does not feel that the friends
should for a moment feel discouraged if they do not succeed
in having large meetings or the public do not regularly
attend, this is easily understandable in view of the severe
ordeal which their present sufferings subject them to.
However, the importance of broadcasting the seeds of the
Cause far and wide can never be sufficiently stressed. It is
the right and privilege of organised humanity to hear of the
Faith and the Plan of Bahá'u'lláh in these days, and in this
holy duty to their fellow men the Bahá'ís must not fail
whatever may be the sadness of their personal plight, for
they alone can truly see the future in the tragic present,
and possess hope and strength to go on with the spiritual
battle for the victory of the New Day.
(20 August 1941, Unfolding Destiny, page 148)
Now that the British Isles have a respite from intense
aerial warfare, no doubt the friends, especially in London
and other cities, find themselves more refreshed and
consequently better able to carry on the work of the Cause.
They should not lose any time in consolidating the teaching
work, reinforcing new centres, and enlarging their numbers.
(28 February 1942, Unfolding Destiny, page 150)
It is true the Bahá'ís should try and live a normal healthy
life. But we cannot for a moment overlook the abnormal state
of the world. If there had not been believers ready to give
their health, comfort, pleasure -everything, for the Cause
in these dark days, the work would not have gone on. What
are the sacrifices compared to keeping a beacon of the Light
of Bahá'u'lláh burning in dark London all these war years?
(17 October 1944, Unfolding Destiny, page 441)
A city like London needs a really impressive, central and
suitable room which will, on its own merits, create a
favourable impression, and he hopes the friends will bear
this in mind, and at the earliest possible date get quarters
that are not in a basement.
(3 March 1946, Unfolding Destiny, page 443)
He has been pleased over the progress made in the teaching
field abroad and at home; in the publication of Bahá'í
literature in African languages; and, above all, by the
purchase of the National Headquarters in London, and the
formal dedication of the building, recently held. He feels
sure that, now that the National Assembly has a befitting
seat for its national affairs - a building which at the same
time will solve the problem of the London Spiritual
Assembly, through giving them a meeting-place - the work in
both London and throughout the country will receive a new
impetus. With every important step forward there is a new
release of spiritual energy; and the founding of the
National Haziratu'l-Quds is certainly a most important
milestone in the progress of the Cause in the British Isles.
(5 August 1955, Unfolding Destiny, page 349)
VI: From Letters of the Universal House of Justice
The members of the Universal House of Justice, all being in
Haifa at the time of the election, were able to visit the
Holy Shrines of Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb and of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
where they prostrated themselves at the Sacred Thresholds
and humbly sought strength and assistance in the mighty task
before them. Later in London they have paid homage at the
resting-place of Shoghi Effendi, the blessed and sacred
bough of the Tree of Holiness.
(30 April 1963, Statement to the First Bahá'í World Congress)
The marvelous happenings which have transpired during and
immediately after the twelve days of Ridván attest the
greatness of the Cause of God, and fill every Bahá'í heart
to overflowing with joy and gratitude... The celebration of
the Most Great Jubilee in London must be described
elsewhere. Suffice it to say now that this greatest
gathering of Bahá'ís ever held in one place was permeated by
a spirit of such bliss as could only have come from the
outpourings of the Abhá Kingdom. The review of the progress
of the Cause, the presentation of believers from the new
races and countries of the world brought within the pale of
the Faith during the beloved Guardian's Ten Year Crusade,
the Knights of Bahá'u'lláh, those valiant souls who carried
the banner of Bahá'u'lláh to the unopened and often
inhospitable regions of the earth, the spontaneous outbursts
of singing of "Alláh-u-Abhá", the informal gatherings, the
constant greetings of Bahá'u'lláh's warriors known to each
other only by name and service, the youth gatherings, the
unprecedented publicity in the press, on radio and
television, the daily stream of visitors to the beloved
Guardian's resting place, the radiant faces and heightened
awareness of the true and real brotherhood of the human race
within the Kingdom of the Everlasting Father, are among the
outstanding events of this supreme occasion, the crowning
victory of the lifework of Shoghi Effendi...
(7 May 1963, Message to National Conventions)
This (27 Rutland Gate) is the national centre, the "home",
one might say, of the Bahá'ís of the British Isles, and the
love, warmth and atmosphere of spirituality and service that
must stream out from this centre are a vital part of the
life of that Community. It is the place to which Bahá'ís,
not only of the London area, but of the whole country,
should feel drawn when they are in the capital; it is the
place to which Bahá'í visitors from abroad will naturally
gravitate and where they should be able to make their first
loving contact with the British Bahá'ís; it is also the
centre to which non-Bahá'ís will undoubtedly direct their
steps and address their enquiries as the proclamation of the
Faith gains momentum. The position of London as the heart of
the British Commonwealth, and, above all, as the site of the
resting-place of Shoghi Effendi confers both a special
responsibility and special blessing upon the Hazíratu'l-Quds
in that city.
(1 December 1967 to the National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom)
WITH FEELINGS IMMENSE ELATION ANNOUNCE BAHA'I COMMUNITIES
ALL CONTINENTS JOYFUL NEWS FIRST VISIT BY BAHA'I REIGNING
MONARCH TO RESTING PLACE BELOVED SHOGHI EFFENDI WELL NIGH
NINETEEN YEARS FOLLOWING HIS PASSING. HIS HIGHNESS MALIETOA
TANUMAFILI II OF WESTERN SAMOA COURSE HIS RECENT VISIT
LONDON ATTAINED THIS INESTIMABLE BOUNTY. HIS HIGHNESS
ACCOMPANIED BY SMALL DELEGATION FRIENDS HEADED BY HAND CAUSE
GIACHERY INCLUDING HANDS CAUSE KHADEM VARQA AND FIVE MEMBERS
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY UNITED KINGDOM PROCEEDED CEMETERY
PARTICIPATED DEEPLY MOVING HIGHLY DIGNIFIED VISITATION
RESTING PLACE SIGN GOD ON EARTH WHOSE LIFELONG HEROIC
LABOURS ACHIEVED WORLDWIDE SPREAD GLORIOUS CAUSE
BAHA'U'LLAH. FOLLOWING PRAYERS DEVOTIONS AND EXPRESSIONS
APPRECIATION GRATITUDE BY HIS HIGHNESS HE MET WITH RADIANT
SPIRIT LARGE GATHERING BELIEVERS ASSEMBLED PRECINCTS GRAVE
TO WELCOME HIM AND TO WHOM HE CONVEYED GREETINGS HIS FELLOW
SAMOAN BAHA'IS AND HIS HOPE GROWTH FAITH FROM STRENGTH TO
STRENGTH ALL OVER WORLD. IN HOLY LAND SYNCHRONIZING WITH
THESE EVENTS HANDS CAUSE OTHER MEMBERS INTERNATIONAL
TEACHING CENTER JOINED MEMBERS HOUSE JUSTICE SPECIAL VISIT
BAHJI WHERE FERVENT PRAYERS WERE OFFERED SACRED THRESHOLD
MOST HOLY SHRINE IN THANKSGIVING HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT
DEVELOPMENT WHICH REPRESENTS PRELUDE TO FULFILLMENT LONG
CHERISHED DESIRE 'ABDU'L-BAHA AND SHOGHI EFFENDI WITNESS
PILGRIM KINGS PAY THEIR HUMBLE TRIBUTE AT HOLY SHRINES
FOUNDERS OUR FAITH IN SPIRITUAL HEART PLANET. FERVENTLY
PRAYING THIS JOYOUS NEWS WILL STRENGTHEN RESOLVE SUPPORTERS
MOST GREAT NAME EVERY LAND REDOUBLE THEIR EFFORTS TO FORGE
AHEAD HOWEVER ARDUOUS THE TASKS HOWEVER SEEMINGLY
INSURMOUNTABLE THE OBSTACLES UNTIL EVERY GOAL WORLDWIDE PLAN
IS SPEEDILY AND FULLY CONSUMMATED.
(5 October 1978, to all National Spiritual Assemblies)
The further development and beautification of the cemetery
area surrounding the resting place of the Guardian is of
vital concern to the Universal House of Justice and the
National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom. Until
recently, this process has been limited by the fact that the
Faith owned only a small part of the land there. However,
this area has been beautified and maintained in an admirable
manner as a result of the dedicated work of the believers
residing in London. More recently, through the diligent
endeavours of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
Kingdom, and the generous contributions of several
believers, it has been possible to acquire a much larger
section of the cemetery; as a result the way will be open in
the future to more extensively develop the environs of the
Guardian's grave, while ensuring that the graves of the
others buried there are treated with the appropriate
respect.
(29 March 1989 written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice to an individual)
VII. References to London in other Bahá'í Literature
'Abdu'l-Bahá's visits to London
No more brilliant a stage for the opening act of this great
drama could have been desired than London, capital city of
the largest and most cosmopolitan empire the world has ever
known. In the eyes of the little groups of believers who had
made the practical arrangements and who longed for the sight
of His face, the trip was a triumph far surpassing their
brightest hopes. (Century of Light, page 20)
Very greatly was 'Abdu'l-Bahá's sojourn in London
appreciated; very greatly his departure regretted. He left
behind him many, many friends. His love had kindled love.
His heart had opened to the West and the Western heart had
closed around this patriarchal presence from the East. (Eric
Hammond, 'Abdu'l-Bahá in London, page 13)
Shoghi Effendi and London
The Guardian was always keenly interested in political
matters, kept himself well-informed, and enjoyed such sights
as the House of Lords and the House of Commons present. I
remember that after our marriage, when we first went to
London together, he took me to the House of Commons and we
sat in the visitors' gallery during one of the sessions. If
this was a big experience for me - still so dazed and
overcome by the recent honour of being permitted to be so
near to the Sign of God on earth - one can imagine how much
it thrilled and impressed Shoghi Effendi as a young man. He
became very familiar with London during this period in
England and visited its famous sites. One more than one
occasion, when we went to such places together as
Westminster Abbey, St Paul's, the Tower of London, the
British Museum, the National Gallery, the Victoria and
Albert Museum, the City, Kew Gardens and so on, I realized
how many associations this famous city had left him from his
student days.
(Rúhíyyih Rabbaní, The Priceless Pearl, page 33)
The passing of Shoghi Effendi
A befitting and magnificent monument to the beloved
Guardian's precious memory has been raised up above the
sacred earth in London which enshrines his blessed remains,
a memorial to the erection of which the believers from every
corner of the earth had the privilege of contributing.
(Conclave Message 1958 from the Hands of the Cause to the
Bahá'ís of East and West)
The monument erected on the grave of the beloved Guardian
was completed just two days before the anniversary of his
passing; the gleaming pillar of pure white Carrara marble,
resting on a base of three steps and surmounted by a
Corinthian capital bearing a globe of the world, all of the
same stone, rose up against the grey autumn skies of London,
in its simplicity and beauty a befitting memorial to that
great being who himself created so much beauty on the slopes
of Mt.Carmel and around the Holiest Spot on this planet, the
Tomb of Bahá'u'lláh. Perched, as if about to take off in
flight, or just settling from the skies, a gilded bronze
eagle, the emblem of so many victories, crowns the monument.
A dignified white stone balustrade, surmounted at the four
corners by ornate stone urns, encloses the inner garden
where the grave lies; adjoining this sanctuary, and
constituting its approach, is a second larger garden
surrounded by a red brick wall; a red path stretches from
the two white steps leading down from the inner garden
straight to the beautiful gilded wrought iron gates at the
bottom of the second garden - which constitute the main
entrance to the Guardian's resting-place. On either side of
these gates two cypress trees, reminiscent of the hundreds
of cypress trees the Guardian himself planted in the Shrine
gardens at the World Centre of the Faith, stand guard. Two
lovely weeping holly trees, two white pedestals with white
Carrara marble vases planted with flowers, decorate the
grounds as one approaches, through this outer garden, that
sacred spot where the Beloved of our hearts is laid to rest.
(Ridván Message 1959 from the Hands of the Cause to Annual
Bahá'í Conventions)
It was in London, on November 1957 that the precious Sign of
God on earth, the Guardian of the Cause of God, took leave
of this earthly life. To the funeral came the Hands of the
Cause, National Spiritual Assembly members and believers
from every part of the world. It would be premature to
estimate the influence of this mysterious event on the souls
and fortunes of the British Bahá'í Community, but his
resting-place in London, since that day, has become a point
of pilgrimage for believers from many lands.
(From The Bahá'í World, Volume XIII, page 274)
The First Bahá'í World Congress, 1963
As we cast about for a befitting venue for this great
Congress planned by Shoghi Effendi, we found that the unique
and beautiful Royal Albert Hall, in the heart of London,
famous as a centre for concerts and conferences, which
accommodates about 7,000 people could be rented for our
great occasion. Bahá'ís from all over the world, including
Hands and administrators, Knights of Bahá'u'lláh and
pioneers, were present, and the audience was addressed by
members of the Institutions of both the Hands and the
Universal House of Justice.
(Rúhíyyih Khánum, The Ministry of the Custodians, page 21)
When the Most Great Jubilee, the Bahá'í World Congress, was
celebrated in London at Ridván 1963, nearly seven thousand
triumphant Bahá'ís, gathered from around the globe, were
privileged to greet face to face their historic first
Universal House of Justice, elected only a few days earlier
in the Holy Land. On this occasion the Bahá'ís paid homage
at the grave of their Guardian, and the newly-established
House of Justice expressed 'profound admiration for the
heroic work' of the Chief Stewards of the Faith who in the
final six years of the World Crusade had, in the shadow of
the Guardian, courageously led the Bahá'í world community to
complete victory.
(Eunice Braun, From Vision to Victory, page xii)
It was fitting that London was the place chosen for this
joyous Jubilee, after it became evident that it was
impossible to hold it in Baghdád. It was London that had
welcomed 'Abdu'l-Bahá a little over half a century ago, and
it was in London that, midway during the Crusade, Shoghi
Effendi, beloved Guardian of the Cause of God, had passed
away and been laid to rest there, a brief five and a half
years before... The happy jubilant Bahá'ís, many in native
costumes, thronged across Knightsbridge, halting the traffic
on this busy thoroughfare, crowding up the steps of the huge
hall, eager to witness the opening of the first Bahá'í World
Congress. The familiar surroundings of London seemed to be
of secondary importance as though, in this moment of
history, they fulfilled their purpose in serving as a
backdrop for the holding of the Most Great Jubilee of the
declaration of Bahá'u'lláh. Nothing in London, nothing in
the world, would be the same again. A new era was
inaugurated: here was tangible, visible evidence of it!
(Beatrice Ashton, The Most Great Jubilee, from The Bahá'í
World, Volume XIV, pages 57-59)
Immediately following the World Congress the Universal House
of Justice met for several days in the council room of the
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the British
Isles at 27 Rutland Gate, dealing with essential matters
concerning its establishment and initial functioning. At the
same time, the Hands of the Cause of God were meeting in
conclave in another room of the same Hazíratul-Quds,
preparing a first draft of the next teaching plan for
submission to the Universal House of Justice and arranging
the future disposition of their own work. (Geoffrey W.Marks,
Editor.
Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-
1986, page 7) |