The people, failing to comprehend the meaning of the symbols and the truth of the Sacred Verses, thought them to be myths and unrealizable dreams. It is the duty of the friends who have been endowed by Bahá’u’lláh with the power of discernment to study these Sacred Books, ponder upon their passages and teach the disheartened people of the earth the treasures of knowledge they enclose.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 11 March 1923

— 92 —

If the younger Bahá’í generation, in whom Shoghi Effendi has great hopes, take the pain of studying the Cause deeply and thoroughly, read its history, find its underlying principles and become both well informed and energetic, they surely can achieve a great deal. It is upon their shoulders that the Master has laid the tremendous work of teaching. They are the ones to raise the call of the Kingdom and arouse the people from slumber.

If they fail the Cause is doomed to stagnation….

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 26 April 1923 to an individual believer

— 93 —

To deepen in the Cause means to read the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form. There are many who have some superficial idea of what the Cause stands for. They, therefore, present it together with all sorts of ideas that are their own. As the Cause is still in its early days we must be most careful lest we fall under this error and injure the Movement we so much adore.

There is no limit to the study of the Cause. The more we read the writings the more truths we can find in them and the more we will see that our previous notions were erroneous.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 25 August 1926

— 94 —

Shoghi Effendi is especially delighted to know that the younger group are studying the Will and Testament as this document is indispensable for a complete understanding of the spirit, of the mission and of the future state of the Bahá’í Cause. It would be well to have a competent friend explain to them some of the passages.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 28 February 1928

— 95 —

Shoghi Effendi is sure that the more you study the Cause and its teachings the more you will realize what a mission it has to give to this world at this time. Dr. Jowett of Balliol rightly said that this is the greatest light that has appeared in the world since Christianity, that the present generation is too near to it to appreciate its import, that only in the future its significance will become manifest.

I do not believe that even the Bahá’ís can conceive the wonderful and fundamental change the tenets of this Movement and the spirit of the teachings and the life of its Founders, are going to make in the heart and mind of this generation and the future ones….

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 17 December 1928

— 96 —

He sincerely hopes that your group will daily increase in number and gradually begin to radiate its light of guidance to the neighbouring regions.

Before that stage is reached, however, you should exert all your efforts upon deepening your knowledge of the teachings and literature of the Cause. The Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master are like vast seas, the deeper you go into them, the more priceless treasures you will find. And it is only after acquiring those treasures that we can hope to share them with others.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 4 March 1931 to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Columbus, Oh, U.S.A.

— 97 —

…Shoghi Effendi hopes that you will exert all your efforts first in deepening your own knowledge of the teachings and then strive to attract other people. You should form study classes and read the important books that have been published, especially the “Íqán”, which contains the basic tenets of the Faith.

The one who ponders over that book and grasps its full significance will obtain a clear insight into the old scriptures and appreciate the true Mission of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 27 March 1931 to the Local Spiritual Assembly of St. Louis, Mo, U.S.A.

— 98 —

Being a Bahá’í you are certainly aware of the fact that Bahá’u’lláh considered education as one of the most fundamental factors of a true civilization. This education, however, in order to be adequate and fruitful, should be comprehensive in nature and should take into consideration not only the physical and the intellectual side of man but also his spiritual and ethical aspects.

This should be the programme of the Bahá’í youth all over the world.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 9 July 1931

— 99 —

Concerning the course of study you may follow: Shoghi Effendi prefers you to find what subject you like most and for which you are best fitted especially after consulting with your Mother. The Cause is such that we can serve it no matter what our profession may be. The only necessity is that we be spiritually minded and not be guided by purely material considerations.

We should also not let our studies detain us from deepening our knowledge of the literature of the Cause.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 9 November 1931

— 100 —

Shoghi Effendi feels that the real purpose of these Summer Schools is to deepen the knowledge of the friends. Lectures are very essential for they give a wonderful picture of the subject-matter. But it is not sufficient to have a picture; the friends should deepen their knowledge and this can be achieved if together with the lectures there are study classes and seminar work carried on by the same lecturer.

The world is undoubtedly facing a great crisis and the social, economic and political conditions are becoming daily more complex. Should the friends desire to take the lead in reforming the world, they should start by educating themselves and understand what the troubles and problems really are which baffle the mind of man. It is in these Summer Schools that this training should be provided for the friends.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 27 January 1932

— 101 —

Besides this the friends should arrange proper study classes and deepen their knowledge of the teachings. It is only through such thorough understanding of the literature of the Cause that you can appreciate the real message that Bahá’u’lláh has brought to the world. Only then would you see how incomplete and futile is the work of the other societies and movements that at present exist in the world….

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 1 February 1932

— 102 —

Shoghi Effendi hopes that you will exert all your effort to deepen your knowledge of the literature of the Movement, until you become fully acquainted with its spirit and tenets. Unless you do obtain such a firm hold you will never be able to teach others and render real service to the promulgation of the Faith. Of special importance is the Book of the Íqán which explains the attitude of the Cause towards the prophets of God and their mission in the history of society.

Besides this there is “Some Answered Questions” of the Master and “The Dawn-Breakers” of Nabil. Every Bahá’í should master these books and be able to explain their contents to others. Besides their importance, they are interesting and most absorbing.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 9 February 1932

— 103 —

Surely the ideal way of teaching is to prove our points by constant reference to the actual words of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master. This will save the Cause from being misinterpreted by individuals. It is what these divine Lights say that is truth and therefore they should be the authorities of our statements. This, however, does not mean that our freedom of expression is limited.

We can always find new ways of approach to that truth or explain how they influence our life and condition. The more deep our studies the more we can understand the significance of the teachings.

In the Cause we cannot divorce the letter from the spirit of the words. As Bahá’u’lláh says we should take the outward significance and superimpose upon it the inner. Either without the other is wrong and defective.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 16 February 1932

— 104 —

Another essential thing is that those who do embrace the Faith should be constantly urged to study the literature of the Cause. It is not sufficient that our numbers should increase, we want people whose faith stands on a rock and no trial can move. We want people who will in turn arise and carry the Message to other people and guide other souls.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 13 April 1932 to a Local Spiritual Assembly and an individual believer

— 105 —

Shoghi Effendi undertook the translation of “The Dawn-Breakers” only after being convinced that its publication will arouse the friends to greater self-sacrifice and a more determined way of teaching. Otherwise he would not have devoted so much time to it.

Reading about the life and activities of those heroic souls is bound to influence our mode of living and the importance we attach to our services in the Cause. Shoghi Effendi therefore hopes that the friends will read, nay rather study that book, and encourage their young people to do that as well....

It is also very important to hold study classes and go deep in the teachings. A great harm is done by starting to teach without being firmly grounded in the literature. “Little knowledge is dangerous” fully applies to the teaching work. The friends should read the writings and be able to quote from the Tablets when discussing subjects pertaining to the Faith.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 9 May 1932

— 106 —

He fully approves the idea of holding study classes, for the deeper the friends go in their understanding of their teachings the more firm and steadfast they will become and the more unwavering in their support of the institutions of the Faith. Books such as the “Íqán”, “Some Answered Questions” and “The Dawn-Breakers” should be mastered by every Bahá’í.

They should read these books over and over again. The first two books will reveal to them the significance of this divine revelation as well as the unity of all the Prophets of old. The last book will show you how the Faith was ushered into the world and how its early adherents heroically faced martyrdom and suffering in their desire to establish the Cause throughout the world.

Knowing the life of those heroes will create in us the urge to follow their footsteps and achieve the same.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 9 June 1932

— 107 —

He sincerely hopes that every one of those individuals who expressed his desire to join the Movement will gradually become so confirmed that no amount of trials and tribulations will deter him from sharing in the work of spreading the Faith throughout the world.

Before undertaking such a task, however, it is necessary that they should deepen their knowledge of the teachings. They should learn to study the words for themselves and both grasp their significance and also become imbued with their spirit. The hope of Shoghi Effendi is not only to increase the number of the friends but also to have truer and more understanding Bahá’ís.

The task of the teachers is to produce such efficient servants for our beloved Faith.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 18 October 1932

— 108 —

The Master used to attach much importance to the learning by heart of Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb. During His days it was a usual work of the children of the household to learn Tablets by heart; now, however, those children are grown up and do not have time for such a thing. But the practice is most useful to implant the ideas and spirit those words contain into the mind of the children.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 19 October 1932 to the Local Spiritual Assembly
of West England and the Teaching Committee of New Jersey, U.S.A.

— 109 —

Books such as the “Íqán”, “Some Answered Questions”, the “Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh”, Nabíl’s Narrative and Dr. Esslemont’s book should be read and read over again by every soul who desires to serve the Movement or considers himself an active member of the group.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 9 November 1932

— 110 —

Definite courses should be given along the different phases of the Bahá’í Faith and in a manner that will stimulate the students to proceed in their studies privately once they return home, for the period of a few days is not sufficient to learn everything. They have to be taught the habit of studying the Cause constantly, for the more we read the Words the more will the truth they contain be revealed to us.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 24 November 1932

— 111 —

It is, however, very important that these newcomers should study the teachings and become thoroughly familiar with them, otherwise their faith will be established upon shifting sand and could be easily demolished. The words of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master, however, have a creative power and are sure to awaken in the reader the undying fire of the love of God.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 17 February 1933

— 112 —

He does not ask us to follow Him blindly; as He says in one of His Tablets, God had endowed man with a mind to operate as a torchlight and guide him to truth. Read His words, consider His teachings, and measure their value in the light of contemporary problems and the truth will surely be revealed to you….

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 26 February 1933 to an individual believer, ‘Bahá’í News’ 80, January 1934, p. 5

— 113 —

Shoghi Effendi found great pleasure and spiritual upliftment while working on the translation of Nabíl’s Narrative. The life of those who figure in it is so stirring that everyone who reads those accounts is bound to be affected and impelled to follow their footsteps of sacrifice in the path of the Faith. The Guardian believes, therefore, that it should be studied by the friends, especially the youth who need some inspiration to carry them through these troubled days.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 11 March 1933

— 114 —

The second point which the Guardian wishes you to stress and to keep always in mind is the necessity for every loyal and active member of your committee to fully concentrate on the thorough study and understanding of the spiritual and administrative principles of the Faith, as a necessary step for active and fruitful teaching. You should first equip yourselves with the necessary amount of knowledge about the Cause and then, and only then, try to teach….

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, August 1933 to the Bahá’í
Youth Committee of the United States and Canada, ‘Bahá’í World’, Vol. 5 1932-1934, p. 372

— 115 —

Your thorough and continued study of the Teachings, as expressed by your readiness to be in close and constant touch with all Bahá’í publications, is, indeed, remarkable, for besides deepening your knowledge of the basic tenets of the Faith and of keeping you in close contact with its administrative developments it gives you an opportunity to prepare yourself for the teaching of the Cause.

To study and to teach, these are the twofold and sacred obligations of every responsible and active follower of the Faith.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 13 August 1933

— 116 —

In these gloomy days, when the world is caught into the whirlpool of agnosticism and of materialism, the Guardian is eagerly looking to such devoted and ardent believers like you, to arise and proclaim the Holy Word of God which is humanity’s unique and most effective ark of salvation. Nothing short of that can save our civilization from falling into chaos and anarchy.

It is, therefore, the sacred responsibility of every loyal follower of the Faith to fully realize the tremendous task he is called upon to fulfil, and to seek all those measures which can enable him to contribute his share, however modest, to the progress of the Cause. And it is evident that such a goal cannot be attained unless we are adequately imbued with the spirit and informed of the basic tenets and teachings of the Faith.

The Guardian would, therefore, strongly urge you to get increasingly familiar with the literature of the Cause, to study and investigate all its aspects, whether spiritual, social or administrative, so that you may, in a not distant future, be able to rank among the distinguished and outstanding teachers and exponents of the Movement.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 10 September 1933

— 117 —

His brotherly advice to you, and to all loyal and ardent young believers like you, is that you should deepen your knowledge of the history and of the tenets of the Faith, not merely by means of careful and thorough study, but also through active, whole-hearted and continued participation in all the activities, whether administrative or otherwise, of your community.

The Bahá’í community life provides you with an indispensable laboratory, where you can translate into living and constructive action the principles which you imbibe from the Teachings. By becoming a real part of that living organism you can catch the real spirit which runs throughout the Bahá’í Teachings.

To study the principles, and to try to live according to them, are, therefore, the two essential mediums through which you can ensure the development and progress of your inner spiritual life and of your outer existence as well. May Bahá’u’lláh enable you to attain this high station, and may He keep the torch of faith forever burning in your heart!

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 2 November 1933

— 118 —

These sources of disagreement and of difference are all due to the lack of thorough understanding, on the part of many of the believers, of the basic laws and principles of Bahá’í Administration. Despite our Guardian’s repeated and emphatic instructions and recommendations that the friends should deepen their knowledge, through both study and practice, of all the administrative teachings of the Faith, yet, some have, for some reason or another, neglected to do so.

The result has been that they are working in the dark, not knowing where to look for guidance in all such matters.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 11 November 1933

— 119 —

The Guardian … was gratified to learn of the progress of your academic studies, and of your future plans for the study and the teaching of the Cause. The spirit which is moving and sustaining you in the service of the Faith is, indeed, remarkable, and through it you will undoubtedly be moved to render great and imperishable services to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

The university training which you are receiving at present will be of immense help to you in your efforts to present the Message in intellectual circles. In these days when people are so sceptical about religion and look with so much contempt towards religious organizations and movements, there seems to be more need than ever for our young Bahá’ís to be well equipped intellectually, so that they may be in a position to present the Message in a befitting way, and in a manner that would convince every unbiased observer of the effectiveness and power of the Teachings.

In view of that Shoghi Effendi would urge you to persevere in your studies, and trusts that as a result you will be greatly assisted in your teaching activities….

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 5 May 1934

— 120 —

The Guardian would strongly urge each and every member of the National Spiritual Assembly to carefully peruse, and to quietly ponder upon the outer meaning and upon the inner spirit as well, of all his communications on the subject of the origin, nature and present-day functioning of the administrative order of the Faith.

A compilation of these letters has been lately published in the States under the title “Bahá’í Administration”, and a complete knowledge of that book seems to be quite essential to the right handling of the administrative problems facing your National Spiritual Assembly at present….

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 9 May 1934

— 121 —

Shoghi Effendi was also pleased to learn of the response which his last general communication addressed to the friends in the West has awakened in your community. It is his hope that the Urbana believers will, through their careful and continued study of this important communication, acquire a new vision of the Cause, and will be stimulated to redouble their efforts for the expansion and consolidation of their work for the Faith.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 11 May 1934

— 122 —

Shoghi Effendi wishes me also to express his deep-felt appreciation of your intention to study the Qur’án. The knowledge of this revealed holy Book is, indeed, indispensable to every Bahá’í who wishes to adequately understand the writings of Bahá’u’lláh. And in view of that the Guardian has been invariably encouraging the friends to make as thorough a study of this Book as possible, particularly in their Summer Schools.