Daily Frameworks for 01 October 2024

Fidál, 06 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 181 B.E.

Teaching the Cause

Quotes for Reflection:

Time and again have We admonished Our beloved ones to avoid, nay to flee from, anything whatsoever from which the odor of mischief can be detected. The world is in great turmoil, and the minds of its people are in a state of utter confusion. We entreat the Almighty that He may graciously illuminate them with the glory of His Justice, and enable them to discover that which will be profitable unto them at all times and under all conditions. He, verily is the All-Possessing, the Most High. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

So great and transcendental is this principle of Divine justice, a principle that must be regarded as the crowning distinction of all Local and National Assemblies, in their capacity as forerunners of the Universal House of Justice, that Bahá’u’lláh Himself subordinates His personal inclination and wish to the all-compelling force of its demands and implications.
…“The world,” He again has written, “is in great turmoil, and the minds of its people are in a state of utter confusion. We entreat the Almighty that He may graciously illuminate them with the glory of His Justice, and enable them to discover that which will be profitable unto them at all times and under all conditions.” And again, “There can be no doubt whatever that if the daystar of justice, which the clouds of tyranny have obscured, were to shed its light upon men, the face of the earth would be completely transformed.” — Shoghi Effendi ²

The world is in great turmoil and its problems seem to become daily more acute. We should therefore not sit idle; otherwise we would be failing in carrying out our sacred duty. Bahá’u’lláh has not given us His teachings to treasure them and hide them for our personal delight and pleasure. He gave them to us that we may pass them from mouth to mouth until all the world becomes familiar with them and enjoys their blessings and uplifting influence. — Shoghi Effendi ³

The world is in great turmoil, and what is most pathetic is that it has learned to keep away from God, Who alone can save it and alleviate its sufferings. It is our duty, we who have been trusted with the task of applying the divine remedy given by Bahá’u’lláh, to concentrate our attention upon the consummation of this task, and not rest until the peace foretold by the Prophets of God is permanently established…. — Shoghi Effendi ⁴

In an increasingly interconnected world, more light is being cast on the social conditions of every people, giving greater visibility to their circumstances. While there are developments that give hope, there is much that should weigh heavy on the conscience of the human race. Inequity, discrimination, and exploitation blight the life of humanity, seemingly immune to the treatments applied by political schemes of every hue. The economic impact of these afflictions has resulted in the prolonged suffering of so many, as well as in deep-seated, structural defects in society. No one whose heart has been attracted to the teachings of the Blessed Beauty can remain unmoved by these consequences. “The world is in great turmoil,” Bahá’u’lláh observes in the Lawḥ-i-Dunyá, “and the minds of its people are in a state of utter confusion. We entreat the Almighty that He may graciously illuminate them with the glory of His Justice, and enable them to discover that which will be profitable unto them at all times and under all conditions.” As the Bahá’í community strives to contribute at the level of thought and action to the betterment of the world, the adverse conditions experienced by many populations will more and more demand its attention. — Universal House of Justice ⁵

Question for Consideration

How can the quotes above serve as a constant reminder of one’s duty to share with others the divine wisdom contained in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation despite the world’s turmoil? ⁶

Gemini Response:

The provided quotes emphasize the critical importance of sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s message in a world beset by turmoil and confusion. Here’s how these quotes can serve as a constant reminder of one’s duty to teach the Faith:

The World’s Need

• Understanding the Turmoil: Recognizing the turmoil and confusion in the world can motivate individuals to share the Bahá’í message as a potential solution.
• Divine Remedy: Viewing the Bahá’í teachings as a divine remedy for the world’s problems can create a sense of urgency and responsibility.
  

Personal Obligation

• Divine Command: Bahá’u’lláh’s command to teach the Faith is a clear obligation for all believers.
• Spiritual Responsibility: Recognizing the spiritual responsibility to share the message can inspire individuals to take action.
  

Hope and Inspiration

• Light in Darkness: The Bahá’í message can offer hope and inspiration in a troubled world.
• Positive Change: Sharing the message can contribute to positive change and the betterment of humanity.
  

Service to Humanity

• Divine Service: Teaching the Faith can be seen as a form of divine service, contributing to the well-being of others.
• Social Impact: The Bahá’í message has the potential to transform society and create a more just and peaceful world.
  

Overcoming Challenges

• Perseverance: The quotes emphasize the importance of perseverance and determination when facing challenges.
• Divine Guidance: Trusting in divine guidance can provide sufficient strength and courage to overcome obstacles.
  

By reflecting on these quotes and understanding the situation’s urgency, individuals can be inspired to share Bahá’u’lláh’s message with others and contribute to the betterment of the world.

ChatGPT Response:

The quotes above highlight several key themes that can inspire believers to rise to their duty of sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings amid the current challenges facing humanity. They serve as a reminder of our sacred responsibility, and their repeated emphasis on the turmoil and confusion in the world is contrasted with the hope that divine guidance offers. Here’s how they can guide and encourage one’s efforts to share this sacred wisdom:

Clarity Amid Confusion

Bahá’u’lláh and Shoghi Effendi repeatedly speak of the world’s “great turmoil” and “utter confusion” in these passages. This is a poignant reminder that the state of the world, marked by injustice and disarray, is not something unexpected but has been foreseen. Therefore, rather than being overwhelmed or paralyzed by these circumstances, believers are urged to focus on the light of divine guidance, which serves as a source of clarity and purpose. The admonition to flee from “anything whatsoever from which the odor of mischief can be detected” encourages purity of motive and action, preparing one to share the message in a spirit of sincerity.

Justice as a Guiding Principle

The quotes emphasize that justice is a transformative force that can yield genuine change. The believers are called to apply Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of justice at the institutional level and through personal interactions. As the world’s need for justice becomes more pressing, Bahá’ís are reminded that they possess a divine standard that can illuminate paths toward social transformation. This understanding instills confidence in the teachings’ ability to address the world’s needs.

The Role of Divine Guidance

In a world that seems to have “learned to keep away from God,” there is a sense of urgency to rekindle a relationship with the Divine. Sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings is not merely about addressing intellectual or social issues; it is about reconnecting people to a source of healing and purpose that transcends material solutions. As the Universal House of Justice points out, the world’s condition “weighs heavy on the conscience of the human race,” and believers must see themselves as instruments through which divine wisdom can alleviate this suffering.

Hope for Transformation

The consistent reference to justice as a light that can “shed its light upon men” and “completely transform” the face of the earth is a powerful promise that should sustain believers in their efforts. Sharing the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is not an exercise in wishful thinking but is anchored in the firm belief that these teachings can—and will—bring about profound transformation if applied.

Acting Despite the World’s Condition

Shoghi Effendi’s exhortation that “we should therefore not sit idle” underscores the need for action. It reminds us that passivity in the face of such immense global challenges is tantamount to shirking one’s duty. The teachings should be passed “from mouth to mouth until all the world becomes familiar with them,” highlighting the need for persistent and determined effort, irrespective of whether immediate results are visible.

Offering a Divine Remedy

Shoghi Effendi’s quote about applying “the divine remedy given by Bahá’u’lláh” presents the teachings as far more than mere philosophy, but a potent medicine for society’s ills. Believers are entrusted with applying this remedy, implying that they must deepen their understanding of the teachings and be able to translate these spiritual principles into practical solutions that meet the needs of others.

Attention to the Conditions of the World

The final quote from the Universal House of Justice emphasizes that the adverse conditions experienced by many populations will more and more demand the Bahá’í community’s attention. The call to attend to these conditions is an invitation to serve with compassion and dedication, offering the wisdom of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings in ways that address the material and spiritual dimensions of people’s lives.

Practical Application

These quotes can serve as an ongoing source of inspiration and reflection. Believers might revisit them regularly, reflect on their implications, and identify practical ways to integrate this guidance into their interactions. This could involve direct engagement with others to share the teachings, participating in social action, or working within local communities to build environments that reflect Bahá’í principles. In this way, these words act as a compass, guiding believers in their response to the turmoil around them with steadfastness and confidence in the transformative power of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.

Claude Response:

These powerful quotes from Bahá’u’lláh, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice can indeed serve as a constant reminder of one’s duty to share the divine wisdom of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, even in the face of global turmoil. Here’s how:

• Acknowledging the state of the world: All these quotes emphasize that “the world is in great turmoil.” This recognition can motivate Bahá’ís to action, as they understand the urgent need for spiritual solutions to the world’s problems.
• Divine illumination as the solution: The quotes consistently point to God’s justice and guidance as the remedy for the world’s confusion. This reminds believers that they possess knowledge of a powerful, divinely ordained solution.
• Personal responsibility: Shoghi Effendi clearly states, “We should therefore not sit idle; otherwise, we would be failing in carrying out our sacred duty.” This directly calls on Bahá’ís to take action and share the teachings.
• Purpose of the teachings: The quote “Bahá’u’lláh has not given us His teachings to treasure them and hide them for our personal delight and pleasure” reminds believers that these teachings are meant to be shared widely, not kept to oneself.
• Gradual, persistent effort: The phrase “pass them from mouth to mouth until all the world becomes familiar with them” suggests a systematic, person-to-person approach to sharing the teachings, emphasizing consistency and perseverance.
• Focus on the task: Shoghi Effendi urges Bahá’ís to “concentrate our attention upon the consummation of this task, and not rest until the peace foretold by the Prophets of God is permanently established.” This provides a clear, long-term goal to work towards.
• Compassion and awareness: The Universal House of Justice’s quote highlights the increasing visibility of social conditions worldwide. This can serve as a reminder to stay informed about global issues and approach them compassionately.
• Faith in the power of the teachings: The consistent theme that Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings can transform the world reinforces the importance and efficacy of sharing these teachings.
• Connecting personal action to global change: These quotes draw a direct line between individual efforts to share the teachings and large-scale social transformation, giving weight and significance to each person’s contributions.
• Maintaining hope: Despite acknowledging the world’s turmoil, these passages maintain a hopeful tone about the future, which can inspire believers to continue their efforts even in challenging times.
  

By reflecting on these quotes regularly, Bahá’ís can find renewed motivation and guidance in their efforts to share Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, seeing their actions as part of a larger, divinely guided plan to bring about global peace and unity.

Pi Response:

The collection of quotes provided above emphasizes the state of turmoil and confusion that characterizes the world today and sheds light on the responsibility of Bahá’ís to actively share Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation as a means of providing guidance, comfort, and a path toward transformation.

Here are several ways these quotes can serve as reminders of this duty:

• Recognizing the urgency: The common thread in these quotes is the observation that the world is in great turmoil. This urgency highlights the immediate need for action and the importance of not remaining idle or complacent.
• Understanding the transformative power of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings: The quotes from Bahá’u’lláh and Shoghi Effendi emphasize the potential of the principles and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith to alleviate human suffering, create a sense of purpose, and bring about a lasting transformation in the world.
• Emphasizing the responsibility of Bahá’ís: Bahá’ís have been entrusted with the task of sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and contributing to the betterment of the world. The quotes underline this responsibility and encourage Bahá’ís to fulfill their sacred duty with diligence and commitment.
• Promoting a sense of hope and purpose: The words of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice remind Bahá’ís that despite the challenges faced by humanity, they should remain hopeful and focused on their mission. The power of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings can provide guidance and foster unity, offering a beacon of hope in times of turmoil.
• Encouraging prayer and divine assistance: Bahá’u’lláh’s words remind Bahá’ís to pray for the illumination of all people with God’s justice. This encourages Bahá’ís to seek spiritual support as they share the teachings and promote justice and unity worldwide.
  

In essence, these quotes are powerful reminders of the importance of sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation in the face of a world in turmoil. They highlight the teachings’ transformative potential and the responsibility of Bahá’ís to contribute to the betterment of society through active engagement and dedicated service.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 94. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/3#566793046. ↩
2. Effendi, Shoghi. The Advent of Divine Justice. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1938. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/advent-divine-justice/3#990670022. ↩
3. Effendi, Shoghi. “To Mrs. Ivy Edwards, Secretary of the Eliot Spiritual Assembly, March 27, 1933.” Baha’i News, May 1933, 2. https://bahai.works/Bah%C3%A1%E2%80%99%C3%AD_News/Issue_73/Text#pg2 ↩
4. The Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Peace.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 1985. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/peace/7#604900713. ↩
5. Universal House of Justice. “1 March 2017 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20170301_001/1#044736645. ↩
6. Ruhi Institute. Teaching the Cause. 2.1.1.PE April 2023. Vol. Book 6. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2023, 6-7. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH.