Early 1900's: A Persian Caravansary

A Caravansary or “Hotel” on the road to Shiraz, Persia

Inside its walls is an immense court yard where travelers are herded indiscriminately with their camels and other beasts of burden. These “hotels” are designed to give the caravans a resting place at night protected from marauders. 

(National Geographic 1921)

1946: First Baha'i Latin-American Conference, Panama

The first Latin-American Conference was held in Panama, 1946. Baha'i representatives were present from the United States, Nicaragua, Chile, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, the Canal Zone and Panama. (The Baha'i World 1944-1946)

1976: Baha’is in the Province of Khurasan, Iran, “won (a) unique distinction”

15 October 1976

To the friends gathered at the International Teaching Conference in Nairobi, Kenya

REJOICE SHARE WITH FRIENDS AT NAIROBI CONFERENCE JOYOUS TIDINGS RECEIVED FROM CRADLE FAITH FRIENDS PROVINCE KHURASAN WHERE MIGHTY EVENTS TOOK PLACE EARLY YEARS HEROIC AGE HAVE WON UNIQUE DISTINCTION. EVERY LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY EVEN EVERY GROUP THAT PROVINCE HAS FORMULATED ITS LOCAL GOALS AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL BELIEVER HAS ADOPTED PERSONAL TEACHING GOALS. OBJECTIVE ENVISAGED FIVE YEAR PLAN BRILLIANTLY OUTSTRIPPED. FERVENTLY PRAYING SHRINES SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES GROUPS INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS EVERY LAND WILL BE INSPIRED FOLLOW THIS EXAMPLE.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963 to 1986)

1888 & 1921: Views of Shiraz and the Qur'an Gate

The capital of the Province of Fars is situated in a fertile plain at an elevation of a mile above sea level. A mud wall four miles in circumference surrounds the town, which has a population of 60,000. 

(National Geographic, 1921)

Qur'an Gate 1888 (Encyclopedia Iranica)

March 26, 1916: 'Abdu'l-Baha revealed the first Tablet of the Divine Plan

It was revealed by 'Abdu'l-Baha on Sunday morning, March 26th 1916, in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's room at the house in Bahji, addressed to the Bahá'ís of nine North-Eastern States of the United States: Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. 

- Hand of the Cause Balyuzi  (‘Abdu'l-Baha - The Centre of the Covenant’) 

An example of psychological pressure, machination and scheming by the Ottoman authorities against Baha’u’llah

The State officials, considering the secret progress of the Extended Cord have, from every direction, incited and aided Mine adversaries. In the Great City (Constantinople) they have roused a considerable number of people to oppose this Wronged One. Things have come to such a pass that the officials in that city have acted in a manner which hath brought shame to both the government and the people. A distinguished siyyid, whose well-known integrity, acceptable conduct, and commercial reputation, were recognized by the majority of fair-minded men, and who was regarded by all as a highly honored merchant, once visited Beirut. In view of his friendship for this Wronged One they telegraphed the Persian Dragoman informing him that this siyyid, assisted by his servant, had stolen a sum of money and other things and gone to Akká. Their design in this matter was to dishonor this Wronged One. And yet, far be it from the people of this country to allow themselves to be deflected, by these unseemly tales, from the straight path of uprightness and truth. Briefly, they have assaulted Me from every side, and are reinforcing Mine adversaries. 

- Baha’u’llah  (‘Epistle to the Son of the Wolf’)

Two Hands of the Cause of God of black ancestry -- appointed by Shoghi Effendi

• Louis Gregory of the United States, appointed posthumously in August 1951, and
• Enoch Olinga of Uganda, appointed in October 1957.

(Explanatory footnote to a message from the Universal House of Justice dated 26 September 1976; ‘Messages of the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986)

circa 1925: Avenue in Haifa, Palestine, leading to Mount Carmel

Avenue in Haifa, Palestine, leading to Mount Carmel. The Shrine of the Bab and 'Abdu'l-Baha is seen halfway up the mountain.

Shoghi Effendi raised up four National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa

• Central and East Africa,
• North East Africa,
• North West Africa, and
• South and West Africa

(Explanatory footnote to a message from the Universal House of Justice dated 26 September 1976; ‘Messages of the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986)

An example of calumnies, defamations, and lies being spread against Baha’u’llah in Constantinople and their impact on some of His followers

In this connection it is necessary to mention the following occurrence, that haply men may take fast hold of the cord of justice and truthfulness. Hájí Shaykh Muhammad ‘Alí—upon him be the glory of God, the Ever-Abiding—was a merchant of high repute, well-known unto most of the inhabitants of the Great City (Constantinople). Not long ago, when the Persian Embassy in Constantinople was secretly engaged in stirring up mischief, it was noticed that this believing and sincere soul was greatly distressed. Finally, one night he threw himself into the sea, but was rescued by some passers-by who chanced to come upon him at that moment. His act was widely commented upon and given varied interpretations by different people. Following this, one night he repaired to a mosque, and, as reported by the guardian of that place, kept vigil the whole night, and was occupied until the morning in offering, ardently and with tearful eyes, his prayers and supplications. Upon hearing him suddenly cease his devotions, the guardian went to him, and found that he had already surrendered his soul. An empty bottle was found by his side, indicating that he had poisoned himself. Briefly, the guardian, while greatly astonished, broke the news to the people. It was found out that he had left two testaments. In the first he recognized and confessed the unity of God, that His Exalted Being had neither peer nor equal, and that His Essence was exalted above all praise, all glorification and description. He also testified to the Revelation of the Prophets and the holy ones, and recognized what had been written down in the Books of God, the Lord of all men. On another page, in which he had set down a prayer, he wrote these words in conclusion: “This servant and the loved ones of God are perplexed. On the one hand the Pen of the Most High hath forbidden all men to engage in sedition, contention or conflict, and on the other that same Pen hath sent down these most sublime words: ‘Should anyone, in the presence of the Manifestation, discover an evil intention on the part of any soul, he must not oppose him, but must leave him to God.’ Considering that on the one hand this binding command is clear and firmly established, and that on the other calumnies, beyond human strength to bear or endure, have been uttered, this servant hath chosen to commit this most grievous sin. I turn suppliantly unto the ocean of God’s bounty and the heaven of Divine mercy, and hope that He will blot out with the pen of His grace and bounteousness the misdeeds of this servant. Though my transgressions be manifold, and unnumbered my evildoings, yet do I cleave tenaciously to the cord of His bounty, and cling unto the hem of His generosity. God is witness, and they that are nigh unto His Threshold know full well, that this servant could not bear to hear the tales related by the perfidious. I, therefore, have committed this act. If He chastise me, He verily is to be praised for what He doeth; and if He forgive me, His behest shall be obeyed.” 

- Baha’u’llah  (‘Epistle to the Son of the Wolf’)

Hands of the Cause appointed by Shoghi Effendi while living in Africa

• Musa Banani (29 February 1952, Kampala, Uganda),
• William Sears (October 1957, South Africa) and
• John Robarts (October 1957, South Africa).

(Explanatory footnote to a message from the Universal House of Justice dated 26 September 1976; ‘Messages of the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986)

Shoghi Effendi traveled twice in Africa

• In circa September -- October 1929, and
•  in 1940 

(Explanatory footnote to a message from the Universal House of Justice dated 26 September 1976; ‘Messages of the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986)

1944: Countries open to the Faith in Africa

By 1944: Seven African countries were opened to the Faith:

• Abyssinia (Ethiopia),
• Belgian Congo,
• Egypt,
• South Africa,
• Southern Rhodesia,
• Sudan, and
• Tunisia.

(Explanatory footnote to a message from the Universal House of Justice dated 26 September 1976; ‘Messages of the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986)

'Abdu'l-Bahá visited Egypt three time

The Master visited Egypt first during circa August/September 1910 through 11 August 1911, then during circa December 1911 through 25 March 1912, and finally during 17 June 1913 to 2 December 1913. 

(Explanatory footnote to a message from the Universal House of Justice dated 26 September 1976; ‘Messages of the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986)

27 September 1967: Marking the centenary of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation of Suriy-i-Mulúk (Tablet to the Kings) in Adrianople

At the request of the Universal House of Justice, Hands of the Cause of God Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum, Ugo Giachery, Tarazu'llah Samandari, 'Ali-Akbar Furutan, Paul Haney, and Abu'l-Qasim Faizi visited the site of the House of Baha’u’llah in Adrianople on 27 September 1967 to mark Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation of His Tablet to the Kings (Suriy-i-Mulúk), referred to by Shoghi Effendi as "the most momentous Tablet revealed by Bahá'u'lláh". (God Passes By) 

(Adapted from the explanatory footnotes in ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’; see 17 March 1967 message) 

1967: World Centre of the Faith – Its needs, developments and undertakings pursued by the Universal House of Justice

Since the Universal House of Justice came into being in 1963, its primary concern at the World Centre of the Faith has been with the basic, minimum essentials of undertaking repairs to the Holy Places; establishing its administrative offices; reorganizing the accommodation of pilgrims; gathering its staff, developing a suitable housing programme for the Hands of the Cause and their families, the members of the House of Justice and their families, and all other believers serving at the World Centre; formulating plans for the expansion of the Gardens and taking the first steps in their initiation; collating the Sacred Texts and the letters of Shoghi Effendi and indexing them; and fostering relations with the Government of the State of Israel and with the United Nations.

The increased burden which these essential steps have imposed upon the International Fund we have endeavoured to keep at a minimum so that, in the early stages of the Plan, the maximum resources could be utilized in the teaching work throughout the world.

However, we must now embark upon certain major undertakings vital to the future progress of the Cause. Extensive beautification of the sacred endowments surrounding the Holy Shrines in Bahji and Haifa, as well as at the site of the future Mashriqu'l- Adhkar on Mount Carmel must be undertaken, both for its own sake and for the protection of these lands which are situated within the boundaries of rapidly expanding cities; the work of classifying and codifying the Holy Texts must be urgently prosecuted; the arrangements for pilgrimage may have to be greatly expanded to provide for the ever-increasing number of applications from East and West; the Intercontinental Conferences and the International Convention must be held and paid for; and the auxiliary institutions of the Universal House of Justice must begin to unfold so that the ever-growing and increasingly complex work of the World Centre of the Faith may continue to be efficiently discharged. Moreover, the vital assistance given by the International Fund to the work of the Hands of the Cause and National Spiritual Assemblies must be maintained.

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message dated 7 March 1967 addressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)

1966: Italy's National Spiritual Assembly is incorporated

22 December 1966

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

JOYFULLY ANNOUNCE INCORPORATION ITALIAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE PROCESS RECOGNITION FAITH HEART CHRISTENDOM.

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

('Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986')

The Old Western Pilgrim House on Haparsim Street, Haifa, Israel, circa 1925

1946: National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Germany is reinstituted

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Germany, reinstituted April 7, 1946 at Stuttgart (The Baha'i World 1944-1946)

1945: Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, is incorporated

Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, incorporated December 11, 1945 (The Baha'i World 1944-1946)

November 1999: Worldwide, nearly 100,000 Baha’is benefitted directly from institute training courses

Reports indicate that the number of believers benefiting directly from training courses has climbed to nearly 100,000. Without question, the capacity of the worldwide community to develop its human resources has been distinctly enhanced. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message dated 26 November 1999 addressed to the Baha’is of the World)

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Tablet to the First Universal Races Congress, held in London, England July 26-29, 1911

When travelling about the world we observe an air of prosperity in any country, we find it to be due to the existence of love and friendship among the people. If, on the contrary, all seems depressed and poverty-stricken, we may feel assured that this is the effect of animosity, and of the absence of union among the inhabitants.

Notwithstanding that such a state of things is obvious to the passing traveller, how often the people themselves continue in the sleep of negligence, or occupy themselves in disputes and differences, and are even ready to slaughter their fellow-men!

Consider thoughtfully the continual integration and disintegration of the phenomenal universe... Unification and constructive combination is the cause of Life. Disunion of particles brings about loss, weakness, dispersion, and decay.

Consider the varieties of flowers in a garden. They seem but to enhance the loveliness of each other. When differences of colour, ideas, and character are found in the human Kingdom, and come under the control of the power of Unity, they too show their essential beauty and perfection.

Rivalry between the different races of mankind was first caused by the struggle for existence among the wild animals. This struggle is no longer necessary: nay, rather interdependence and co-operation are seen to produce the highest welfare in nations. The struggle that now continues is caused by prejudice and bigotry.

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Tablet to the President of the First Universal Races Congress, held in London, England July 26-29, 1911

To the President, First Universal Races Congress.

My Dear Friend: Your letter of invitation has been received, and I am much obliged for it. It is my utmost desire to be present at such a gathering, for I am thoroughly confident that beneficial results shall surely follow these meetings, and that they will become the means of establishing friendship and love among the world's different races. Thus the basis of enmity may be destroyed and the tent of unity of the world of humanity be raised throughout all regions.

I regret much that circumstances may prevent me from attending, but I will endeavour as much as lies in my power to attend. Failing to do so, pray excuse me.

With a sincere heart I supplicate at the Divine Threshold that this congress may be successful in founding a noble institution which shall be permanent and everlasting; that it may ignite a candle from which a heavenly light shall beam, and plant a tree whose fruit may be friendship, love and unity between all the children of men, so that conflict and warfare may be abolished, and patriotic, racial, religious and political prejudices become unknown. Peace should replace strife, enmity be superseded by love, estrangement annihilated, and unity established. Then what has been spoken of in the heavenly books will become well rotted in the hearts of all, and the glad-tidings of the sacred writings be fulfilled. In conclusion I offer my utmost appreciation and respect to such a blessed congress.

(Signed) Abbas

(Star of the West,  vol. 2, no. 9, August 20, 1911)

1930: Tehran, Iran

A view of the city of Tehran in 1930 (Baha'i International Community's Media Bank)

1911: Baha'i Temple Unity Convention, Chicago, Illinois, USA