25 March 1970
To all National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Baha'i friends,
In commemoration of the centenary of the martyrdom of the
Purest Branch, which falls on 23 June 1970, we call upon the Baha'is of the
world to unite in prayer for "the regeneration of the world and the
unification of its peoples."
During those days one hundred years ago Baha'u'llah was
enduring His imprisonment in the Barracks of 'Akka. Upon the tribulations which
weighed Him down was heaped the fatal accident which befell His young son, His
companion and amanuensis, Mirza Mihdi, the Purest Branch, whose dying
supplication to his Father was to accept his life "as a ransom for those
of His loved ones who yearned for, but were unable to attain, His
presence." In a Tablet revealed in that grievous hour Baha'u'llah sorrows
that "This is the day whereon he that was created of the light of Baha has
suffered martyrdom, at a time when he lay imprisoned at the hands of his
enemies." Yet He makes clear that the youth passing has a far profounder
meaning than His acceptance of the simple request, declaring that "Thou art,
verily, the trust of God and His treasure in this land. Erelong will God reveal
through thee that which He hath desired." In a prayer revealed for His son
He proclaims the purpose underlying the tragedy: "I have, O my Lord,
offered up that which Thou hast given Me, that Thy servants may be quickened,
and all that dwell on earth be united."
Thus upon a youth of consummate devotion who demonstrated such beauty of
spirit and total dedication was conferred a unique station in the Cause of God.
In your recalling the bereavement of Baha'u'llah upon the
loss of His loved son, and honouring a highly significant event in the Faith,
we leave it to the discretion of the Assemblies whether they choose to hold
special gatherings of prayer. In the Holy Land at the World Centre on Mount
Carmel there will be an observance at the grave of Mirza Mihdi, at which time
his pure example and sacrifice for all mankind will be remembered through the
words of his glorious Father.
With loving Baha'i greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)