23 September 2007
To the Bahá’ís of the World
In the early hours of last night, revered, greatly admired,
well-loved Hand of the Cause of God Dr. ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá departed this
earthly plane after a period of outstanding, consecrated service to the Blessed
Beauty that spanned many decades. With grieving hearts we bid farewell to the
last of that noble company, the Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh’s embryonic World
Commonwealth, into which he is now gathered in realms of deathless delight and
joy. The fervor of his love for the teaching work inspired countless believers
across the globe, whether at the events he attended as the representative of
the Guardian or of the Universal House of Justice, or in his extensive travels
to promote the goals of the Master’s Divine Plan. In such activities he
contributed mightily to the progress of the Ten Year Crusade and subsequent
global teaching plans. Until his final days, he was leonine in his
determination to protect the Faith. He wore with marked distinction the mantle
of Trustee of Huqúqu’lláh that fell to him from the shoulders of his
illustrious father, impressing a record of imperishable achievement on the
annals of the Formative Age—achievement which has set a pattern that secures
important features for the operation into the future of that divinely ordained
institution. Throughout the many years of his valiant endeavor to maintain the
integrity of the two offices of so high a rank to which he was simultaneously
elevated, his manner was imbued with a luminous gentleness, a genuine
kindliness and a natural dignity which combined to reflect the character of a
saintly personality. For these exemplary traits he will ever be remembered. Our
heartfelt sympathy reaches out to the members of his dear family in their sad loss,
which is shared by the entire Bahá’í community. With deeply held trust in the
bounties of the Gracious Lord, we pray at the Sacred Threshold for the progress
of his resplendent soul throughout the divine worlds.
We advise the friends in all lands to commemorate his
passing and request befitting memorial services in his honor at all Houses of
Worship.
The Universal House of Justice