The Universal House of Justice
Department of the Secretariat
26 January 2000
To all National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
Further to its message of 19 January 2000 concerning the
passing of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, the Universal House of Justice has
asked us to convey the following.
On the afternoon of 23 January, in a light rain, the blessed
remains of Rúhíyyih Khánum were laid to rest in Haifa, following a funeral
service at the House of the Master and graveside prayers attended by more than
1100 believers. The interment took place in a plot of land which had been
converted into a garden by Shoghi Effendi, directly across the street from the
Master’s House. The participants came from near and far, and included 24
Continental Counselors, representatives of 76 National Spiritual Assemblies,
and pilgrims, as well as members of the institutions and volunteers serving at
the Bahá’í World Centre. Among them, too, were senior officials from the
Canadian and United States embassies, representatives of the Israeli
government, the mayors of ‘Akká and Haifa, and other prominent Israeli
citizens. 
The House of Justice is deeply gratified that such a wide
representation of believers was able to come to the Holy Land on very short
notice to pay final respects on behalf of all the friends throughout the world
who could not be present. Moreover, it warmly appreciates the various
expressions of sympathy and love received at the World Center through many
messages and gifts of flowers. It is also pleased that news of Rúhíyyih
Khánum’s passing and funeral has been given coverage by the world press and
electronic media.
Enclosed for your interest is a copy of the printed program
of the funeral service.
Without doubt, the memory of a life so inestimably precious,
so extraordinarily dynamic as that of Amatu’l-Bahá will infuse the Bahá’í
institutions and individual friends everywhere with renewed resolve and
redoubled energy.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Department of the Secretariat
