Shoghi Effendi stated that the first duty, and the focus of sustained efforts, of every faithful follower of the Baha'i Faith is to strive to acquire a more adequate understanding of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah. Although a full comprehension of such a Revelation is beyond the limits of our understanding, a clearer understanding of its basic truths will empower us to derive fresh inspiration and to gain further spiritual nourishment, which in turn will support and maintain our services to the Cause (Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 100). Shoghi Effendi wrote "The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah" in 1934 in the form of a letter addressed to the Baha'is of the West to assist them to fulfil the obligation of deepening their understanding. The letter was published together with a selection of his other letters in 1938 in the book entitled The World Order of Baha'u'llah. "The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah" provides an accurate and clear description of the fundamental verities of the Baha'i Faith concerning the station of its Central Figures as well as the twin crowning institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice. Grasping and upholding these verities will enrich the spiritual life of the individual. This tutorial is designed to assist you in studying and assimilating the content of "The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah." It is called a tutorial to emphasize the concept underlying its development. In a tutorial, a tutor facilitates learning for an individual or a small group. This book has been designed and developed to simulate, as much as possible, the tutor-tutored relationship in a self-paced personal study. The tutorial identifies the main themes covered in Shoghi Effendi's letter and splits related paragraphs into chapters. Hence, the 130 paragraphs of "The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah" are apportioned for study across 27 chapters. The size and complexity of each chapter reflects the content and intricacy of the issues addressed in the paragraphs included therein. The title chosen for each chapter reflects the main theme covered in the paragraphs. In addition, two extra chapters address those questions that arose following the sudden passing of Shoghi Effendi and the lack of any lineal descendant to succeed him as the next Guardian. The first chapter explores the possible reasons that Shoghi Effendi did not leave a will nor appoint a successor. The second chapter examines the defection of Charles Mason Remey after the passing of Shoghi Effendi, and his unsubstantiated claim to the Guardianship.

"The harmony of religious belief with reason is a new vista which Baha'u'llah has opened for the soul of man." 'Abdu'l-Baha Six thought-provoking essays cutting through the 'jargon jungle' that permeates and distorts the current stand-off between those who believe in a God or Creator and those who reject such beliefs, in particular the increasingly popular 'New Atheists'. The book addresses the mental struggle of many sincere seekers who are trying to rationalize their convictions in this scientific age, and highlights the urgent need for dialogue between religion and science. The author draws on the writings of the Baha'i Faith, and particularly of 'Abdu'l-Baha, who in many of his writings and public speeches elaborated on the Baha'i principle of harmony between religion and science and the necessity of investigating reality with an open mind.

In Quotations for Making a Better World with the Baha'i Faith, author Nathan Thomas has compiled a collection of passages from the Baha'i Holy Writings and other sources to help introduce this new religion to the world as a message of hope for humanity. The book is a companion to Making a Better World with the Baha'i Faith, How Baha'is are transforming our world into a more unified, prosperous, and spiritual home for all mankind, written by the same author. Through the use of quotations from the Central Figures of the Baha'i Faith, which include the Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha, along with quotations from the Guardian and the Universal House of Justice and its agencies, Quotations for Making a Better World with the Baha'i Faith explores the goals of the worldwide Baha'i community in the world, the organization that Baha'is are building to achieve those goals, and the spirit that Baha'is are infused with to ensure that the change extends to all people regardless of religion. In the process, this book helps people get a more comprehensive solution to the needs of the age that we live in, and offers a new hope for a better future for all mankind.

Every Foreign Land takes you along on an exciting journey of spiritual exploration and adventure as the author bicycles across North America followed by 17 years in Ecuador as a pioneer-teacher of the Baha'i Faith. Stories, often humorous and thought-provoking, written in a flowing, easy style, will transport you as he travels to the Baha'i World Centre and throughout Ecuador. READERS' COMMENTS: ..". couldn't put it down " ..". read it in one night " ..". very inspiring story " ..". easy to read style... good stories to share ... it's really taking me down my own memory lane..." ..". found your story highly enjoyable as well as informative and inspiring..."

The Baha'i community is composed of people from all backgrounds and life circumstances - educated and uneducated, professional and non-professional, healthy and unwell, mentally sound and mentally ill; moral, obedient and edified. Some have lost every material thing they have ever owned; some have every material thing they need. All are called to a higher purpose than their own individual development: to achieve oneness and unity within this diverse community. Phyllis K. Peterson uses true stories to explain how the Baha'i community is learning to develop true intimacy and unity through devotional meetings, reflection meetings and home visits and how it is learning to integrate not only the races but those who are outcast because of mental illness or physical disability."

The Baha'i Writings state that "the education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts of humankind." Filled with fun, hands-on, kid-tested learning activities, this theme book is the fifth in a series of easy-to-use teacher's guides designed for Baha'i children's classes. Inside you will find a treasure trove of ideas for Baha'i summer and winter schools, Holy Day programs, academic classrooms, home schoolers and weekend retreats. The book has four sections: * The Power of Unity * Unity in Diversity * The Colors We Are * Overcoming Prejudice The index at the back of the book makes it easy to find exactly what you need. Choose from stories, songs, crafts, outdoor games, puzzles, memory quotes, felt lessons, demonstrations, student worksheets, discussion starters, poetry, role plays, a mini opera and much more.

This book is a collection of talks by the great Baha'i teacher and philosopher Dr. 'A. M. Davudi on selected philosophical topics. A member of the Iranian National Spiritual Assembly during the Iranian revolution, Dr. Davudi was abducted by unknown assailants while strolling in a park in Tehran in 1979 and was never heard from again. The original Persian edition of this work consists of 19 talks. The current English version contains 13 of the topics of specific interest to the Western readers. This volume also includes the translation of another of his talks that is not part of this work but is critically important in the current political climate -- a speech on the subject of the non-political nature of the Baha'i Faith and the non-involvement of the believers in partisan politics seemed to me to be of special significance. These are verbal presentations which have been transcribed and now translated into English.

In Making a Better World with the Baha'i Faith, How Baha'is are transforming our world into a more unified, prosperous, and spiritual home for all mankind, author Nathan Thomas explores how people find a global community implementing a comprehensive solution for humanity's troubles in our age within the Baha'i Faith. The book first looks at the ultimate aims and aspirations of the Baha'i Faith for building a new world civilization from the ground up. Set for us by the hand of the founder of the Baha'i Faith in the late 1800's, Baha'u'llah gave the world a compelling list of aspirational goals to achieve that would transform our world. From the elimination of prejudice and religious fanaticism, to the alleviation of extremes of poverty, to universal education and equality of people of all races, to world peace through collective security; the Baha'i community has some ambitious plans to change our world. It also explores the organized aspect of this new world faith. In order to achieve these goals, the Baha'i Faith has mobilized a global community unlike anything ever seen before in the history of religion or government. With both an elected and appointed component, this grassroots-based organization brings out the best in humanity while nullifying its weaknesses through tools such as consultation, universal participation, empowerment of youth, and an unbreakable foundation laid for us by the Founder of this faith Himself in the form of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah. Lastly, the book covers the infusion of spirituality that powers this new world faith. Inspiring this organization and feeding the hearts of the community in order to achieve its goals is a renewed spirit for all humanity. This new spirit inspires people to strive to live a moral life, share the message of love and hope with all mankind, and cultivate a new culture of trustworthiness between people of all backgrounds. With the help of illustrative stories, quotations from the Baha'i Holy Writings, and a brisk and conversational style, Making a Better World with the Baha'i Faith can help people realize the amazing potential of this new world faith to really make a lasting difference in the world.

In Quotations for Many Paths to the Baha'i Faith, author Nathan Thomas has compiled a collection of passages from the Baha'i Holy Writings and other sources to help introduce this new religion. The Baha'i Faith offers the world a message of fulfillment for all faith experiences, and these quotations explore the details of that process. This book is a companion to Many Paths to the Baha'i Faith, How People of Different Faith Experiences Discover Fulfillment in the Baha'i Faith, written by the same author. Through the use of quotations from the Central Figures of the Baha'i Faith, which include the Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha, along with quotations from the Guardian and the Universal House of Justice and its agencies, Quotations for Many Paths to the Baha'i Faith explores what people find in common, what they are attracted by, and what challenges they have to overcome when they explore the Baha'i Faith. In the process, the book presents an introduction to how Baha'is are using the tools provided in their faith to unify with all mankind in making this world a better place for all people.

This collection (in Farsi and English) aims to introduce children to the concepts of a selection of prayers revealed by 'Abdu'l-Baha for children, using colorful illustrations. My hope and prayer is that with the assistance of the parents and educators, this humble attempt may help the children of the Kingdom to grow in spiritual understanding and wisdom. Dr. Shirin Rowhani

Of all the historical, religious and cultural events in the history of the United States, the arrival of 'Abdu'l-Bah in 1912 was the most important one of all. Many people-from all facets of society-had the honor to meet Him, attend His talks, benefit from His wisdom and witness His benevolence and humility. Their encounter with 'Abdu'l-Bah was life- altering: He touched the depths of their souls and awakened them spiritually. This re-telling of 'Abdu'l-Bah 's days in New York City is both inspiring and illuminating. It is intended to bring you closer to this unique figure in spiritual history, whose life will serve as a model of the true spiritual and ethical life for centuries to come.

his compilation features extracts that have been selected from a great variety of letters and messages which Shoghi Effendi wrote to various parts of the globe. The extracts highlight how his words empowered the Bah ' s to carry out and accomplish what was being asked of them with increased capacity, vision and enthusiasm. They also assist those who have not read Shoghi Effendi's writings at any great length to become more familiar with his writings and pen. The extracts illustrate how enlightening the words of Shoghi Effendi are in giving us a greater understanding of world events, clarifying the goal of humanity, the significance of the mission entrusted to the Bah ' s, the destiny of certain Bah ' communities and an increased awareness of the role each individual plays in bringing about what is destined for this age.

The Baha'i Writings state that "the education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts of humankind." Filled with fun, hands-on, kid-tested learning activities, this theme book is the first in a series of easy-to-use teacher's guides designed for Baha'i children's classes. Inside you will find a treasure trove of ideas for Baha'i summer and winter schools, Holy Day programs, academic classrooms, home schoolers and weekend retreats. The book has four sections: * The Kingdoms of Creation * God, the Creator * Prayer, Our Connection with God * What is a Human Being? The index at the back of the book makes it easy to find exactly what you need. Choose from readings and stories, demonstrations, crafts, songs, games, felt lessons, discussion starters, memory quotes, word puzzles, outdoor and movement activities, thinking and meditation exercises, a quiz show and more.

What is the Orthodox Baha'i Faith and how is it unique among other world religions? This brief, but informative guide, published by the National Baha'i Council of Orthodox Baha'is of the United States, provides inquirers with an introduction to the faith and it's major teachings.

A journey through the Book of Certitude The Kitab-i-Iqan is one of the most important Writings of Baha'u'llah, the Founder of the Baha'i Faith. Baha'u'llah revealed this book within the space of two days and two nights, in the last years of His stay in Baghdad (AH 1278-AD 1862). According to Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, The Kitab-i-Iqan sets "forth in outline the Grand Redemptive Scheme of God" and it "occupies a position unparalleled by any work in the entire range of the Baha'i literature, except The Kitab-i-Aqdas Baha'u'llah's Most Holy Book." This current book is a record of the journey that the author has taken through The Kitab-i-Iqan over a period of 12 years. It is not an interpretation or a critical analysis of the content of the book. Neither does it provide any personal opinion. It primarily guides reader through a systematic study of the Iqan while providing some background information on topics raised by Baha'u'llah in each paragraph. It is called a tutorial as it attempts to simulate, as much as possible, the tutor-tutored relationship in a self-paced personal study. All the references in the tutorial are sourced either from authoritative Baha'i materials or obtained from other reliable sources. The 290 paragraphs of The Kitab-i-Iqan are apportioned for study to 58 chapters. The size and complexity of each chapter reflects the content and intricacy of the issues addressed in the paragraphs included therein. Each chapter starts with an introduction that highlights the key ideas. Then in a coherent manner, background information on the terminologies, references and mystical concepts inherent in each paragraph is provided. The tutorial covers the 266 topics embedded in The Kitab-i-Iqan.

We live at a time when the foundations of belief and faith are shaken; when attachment to a materialistic way of life is almost universally prized and pursued; and when the anthems of compassion, care, and love are silenced by cries of self-interest, self-protection, and fear and hatred of 'others'. It is increasingly evident to those who are not seduced by the prevailing materialistic way of life, that materialism, like a cancerous malady, will eventually destroy the very civilization it has labored to create. Equally ominous is the rise of religious fundamentalism and militarism that has skewed the foundations of religion, misrepresented its fundamental objectives, and misapplied its considerable powers over the masses of humanity. It is evident that neither materialistic science nor unstudied religiosity will be able to correct the ills of an afflicted humanity. This book invites you to investigate issues of faith and reason, and material and spiritual from the unique perspectives of the unity-based teachings of the newest world religion-the Baha'i Faith-and consider its profound implications for your personal, family, and community life.

Eve Nicklin was among the first American Baha'i pioneers to South America. Armed with an unreserved love for humanity, for five decades she spread the all-embracing teachings ofthe Baha'iFaithwith unswerving dedication and zeal, settling in twelve cities within six South American countries. A gifted educator, Eve attracted people from all walks of life, from the university professor to the peasant and simple folk, whether a dignitary or a commoner, rich or poor, both the young and the old. Whenever someone was required to settle in the southernmost and freezing tip of the continent or in the very heart of the Andes - Eve was always the first to joyfully accept the call. Her life was characterised by a strong belief that the Baha'i teachings were the means to achieve world unity, universal peace and the brotherhood of all faiths.

The Baha'i Writings state that "the education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts of humankind." Filled with fun, hands-on, kid-tested learning activities, this theme book is the third in a series of easy-to-use teacher's guides designed for Baha'i children's classes. Inside you will find a treasure trove of ideas for Baha'i summer and winter schools, Holy Day programs, academic classrooms, home schoolers and weekend retreats. The book has four sections: * The Bab: His Birth, Early Life and Station * Declaration of the Bab * Martyrdom of the Bab * The Primal Point The index at the back of the book makes it easy to find exactly what you need. Choose from stories, songs, crafts, games, puzzles, memory quotes, felt lessons, demonstrations, map exercises, student worksheets, discussion starters, group research projects, a treasure hunt, a reader's theater and much more.

The Epistle to the Son of the Wolf is the last major work of Baha'u'llah, founder of the Baha'i Faith, before his death in 1892. It is a letter written to a Muslim cleric, a violent opponent of the Baha'is who, along with his father (called by Baha'u'llah "the wolf"), also a Muslim cleric, had put to death a number of Baha'is. In this work Baha'u'llah quotes extensively from his own previously revealed scriptures. This makes a large portion of the work a summary of excerpts on critical concepts expressed in previous works in a condensed form. Two brothers Muhammad-Husayn Nahri and Muhammad-Hasan Nahri came from an aristocratic and established mercantile family in Isfahan. The Imam-Jum'ih of the city owed the brothers money and - when the two asked for a payment - he devised a plan to rid his debt. After confronting Shaykh Muhammad-Baqir, another influential Muslim cleric of Isfahan; and Sultan-Mas'ud Mirza, the son of Nasiri'd-Din Shah of this issue, the three devised a plan to imprison the brothers on account of their Baha'i religion. The two brothers were subsequently arrested, paraded around Isfahan with crowds jeering abuse, and publicly executed in a humiliating manner. Baha'u'llah was heartbroken by the death of the brothers - he had met the two whilst a prisoner in Adrianople. He eulogized the two, naming them the King and Beloved of Martyrs, and the Twin Shining Lights. Baha'u'llah wrote the book in around 1891 to the son of the shaykh, named Aqa Najafi, whom he denounced as the wolf - hence the title Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. Aqa Najafi was also known for his persecution of the Baha'is. Baha'u'llah calls for him to repent for his and his father's wrongdoings and to investigate the faith.

This is a short introduction to the Baha'i religion. It includes short but profound texts by the founders of the religion, including the Bab, Baha'u'llh and Abdul Baha (also known as Abbas Effendi). It includes a longer text, The Seven Valleys an allegorical tale of the journey of the soul.

This Commentary by Joel B. Marangella sheds light on both the text and the tragic historic events surrounding this Sacred Document of the Baha'i Faith. The book recounts the intrigue that took place at the Baha'i World Center in 1957 that stifled the growth of this infant Faith, threatened to permanently diminish its prestige in the eyes of the world and destroyed the very safeguard built into the Faith that was to prevent it from falling into false leadership. Despite the darkness that has befallen this most recent revelation from God, this brilliant Commentary reveals the truth of what remains alive and well today, the true sign of God on earth who alone maintains the spirit and meaning of the Baha'i teachings. The Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha is the vital and eternal link between Baha'u'llah and the sacred Administrative Order that is the true channel of the spirit. This new book by Mr. Marangella clearly illuminates important passages within it that have been misunderstood, overlooked or intentionally distorted. The question may well be asked, what is so threatening about this book that millions of Baha'is around the world won't be allowed by their leadership to read it? Surely, all Baha'is must recognize the fundamental principle of Baha'u'llah, the Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith, to exercise their human right of an unfettered, independent investigation of truth. Mr. Marangella's book also includes the complete Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l- Baha, which can be read along with the Commentary, as well as a Summary of the Baha'i Faith by the author, recognized by Orthodox Baha'is as the third Guardian of Baha'i Faith. This Summary gives the uninitiated an authoritative treatise on the history and teachings of the Baha'i Faith.