A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
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A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
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The Guardian of the Cause of God |
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‘Abdu’l-Bahá appointed His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi,
to the responsible position of “Guardian of the Cause”
(Valiyy-i-Amru’lláh). Shoghi Effendi is the eldest son of
Diya’íyyih Khánum, the eldest daughter of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. His
father, Mírzá Hádí, is a relative of the Báb (although not a
direct descendant, as the Báb’s only child died in infancy).
Shoghi Effendi was twenty-five years of age, and was studying at
Balliol College, Oxford, at the time of his grandfather’s passing.
The announcement of his appointment is made in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s
Will as follows:—
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O my loving friends! After the passing away of this
wronged one, it is incumbent upon the Aghsán
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(Branches), the Afnán (Twigs) of the Sacred Lote-Tree,
the Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God and the loved
ones of the Abhá Beauty to turn unto Shoghi Effendi—the youthful branch branched from the two hallowed and
sacred Lote-Trees and the fruit grown from the union of
the two offshoots of the Tree of Holiness,—as he is the
sign of God, the chosen branch, the Guardian of the
Cause of God, he unto whom all the Aghsán, the Afnán,
the Hands of the Cause of God and His loved ones must
turn. He is the expounder of the words of God and after
him will succeed the first-born of his lineal descendants.
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The sacred and youthful branch, the Guardian of the
Cause of God as well as the Universal House of Justice,
to be universally elected and established, are both under
the care and protection of the Abhá Beauty, under the
shelter and unerring guidance of His Holiness, the Exalted
One (may my life be offered up for them both).
Whatsoever they decide is of God. … O ye beloved of the Lord! It is incumbent upon the Guardian of the Cause of God to appoint in his own lifetime him that shall become his successor, that differences may not arise after his passing. He that is appointed must manifest in himself detachment from all worldly things, must be the essence of purity, must show in himself the fear of God, knowledge, wisdom and learning. Thus, should the first-born of the Guardian of the Cause of God not manifest in himself the truth of the words:—“The child is the secret essence of its sire,” that is, should he not inherit of the spiritual within him (the Guardian of the Cause of God) and his glorious lineage not be matched with a goodly character, then must he (the Guardian of the Cause of God) choose another branch to succeed him. The Hands of the Cause of God must elect from their own number nine persons that shall at all times be occupied in the important services of the work of the Guardian of the Cause of God. The election of these nine must be carried either unanimously or by majority from the company of the Hands of the Cause of God and these, whether 263 unanimously or by a majority vote, must give their assent to the choice of the one whom the Guardian of the Cause of God hath chosen as his successor. This assent must be given in such wise as the assenting and dissenting voices may not be distinguished (i.e., secret ballot). |
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