Daily Frameworks for 10 February 2025

Kamál, 05 Mulk (Dominion), 181 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection:

The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good; and whoso is deprived thereof hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed. It behooveth everyone who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

If, however, thou art sailing upon the sea of creation, know thou that the First Remembrance, which is the Primal Will of God, may be likened unto the sun. God hath created Him through the potency of His might, and He hath, from the beginning that hath no beginning, caused Him to be manifested in every Dispensation through the compelling power of His behest, and God will, to the end that knoweth no end, continue to manifest Him according to the good-pleasure of His invincible Purpose. — The Báb ²

From the record of its tumultuous history, almost every page of which portrays a fresh crisis, is laden with the description of a new calamity, recounts the tale of a base betrayal, and is stained with the account of unspeakable atrocities, there emerges, clear and incontrovertible, the supreme truth that with every fresh outbreak of hostility to the Faith, whether from within or from without, a corresponding measure of outpouring grace, sustaining its defenders and confounding its adversaries, has been providentially released, communicating a fresh impulse to the onward march of the Faith, while this impetus, in its turn, would, through its manifestations, provoke fresh hostility in quarters heretofore unaware of its challenging implications—this increased hostility being accompanied by a still more arresting revelation of Divine Power and a more abundant effusion of celestial grace, which, by enabling the upholders of that Faith to register still more brilliant victories, would thereby generate issues of still more vital import and raise up still more formidable enemies against a Cause that cannot but in the end resolve those issues and crush the resistance of those enemies, through a still more glorious unfoldment of its inherent power. — Shoghi Effendi ³

Shoghi Effendi perceived in the organic life of the Cause a dialectic of victory and crisis. The unprecedented triumphs, generated by the adamantine steadfastness of the Iranian friends, will inevitably provoke opposition to test and increase our strength. Let every Bahá’í in the world be assured that whatever may befall this growing Faith of God is but incontrovertible evidence of the loving care with which the King of Glory and His martyred Herald, through the incomparable Center of His Covenant and our beloved Guardian, are preparing His humble followers for ultimate and magnificent triumph. Our loving prayers are with you all. — Universal House of Justice ⁴

Developments of the kind described will come as no surprise to friends who are familiar with the Guardian’s description of the successive waves of “crisis” and “victory” that have marked the history of the Faith ever since its inception. It is precisely this cyclical process, Shoghi Effendi says, that has propelled the steady unfoldment of Bahá’u’lláh’s intent, testing our commitment to His Teachings, purifying His community, and releasing a greater measure of the capacities latent in His Revelation. That resistance to Bahá’u’lláh should now be emerging in yet a new guise is itself a tribute to the gathering strength of the Cause, offering the friends everywhere new opportunities for the deepening of their faith and the energizing of their work. — Universal House of Justice ⁵

In preparing to take a group through the second and third units of Book 4, The Twin Manifestations, then, the tutor should give careful thought to the spiritual themes addressed. Among these are, for example, that every divine Luminary is made manifest in the world of humanity not at His own choosing but by the Will of God and is endowed by Him with innate knowledge; that the first to recognize His Station are called upon to perform deeds of great heroism, deeds which bear witness to the transforming power of His Faith; that He accept to endure a life of suffering in order to guide humanity to the truth and make God’s Will and purpose known to His creation; and that no force on earth, however powerful, can succeed in diminishing His influence or prevent Him from achieving the Mission with which He has been entrusted. In this connection, one important concept treated in the third unit is that of crisis and victory. An understanding of this concept—that every crisis in the Cause of God serves to release a fresh measure of its inherent power—is essential for all those treading the path of service, not only that they may appreciate the history of the Faith but also that they may contribute to its steady unfoldment in their neighborhoods and villages, a process which invariably passes through a series of crises and victories. — Ruhi Institute Staff ⁶

Question for Consideration

Given the quotes above, including those from Book 4, The Twin Manifestations, how can Study Circle tutors help participants acquire a deeper understanding of the dynamics of crisis and victory, especially as they apply in their neighborhoods and communities? ⁷

Perplexity Pro Response ⁸

The concept of crisis and victory, central to Bahá’í teachings, offers a framework for understanding the cyclical nature of spiritual and social progress in community-building efforts. This dynamic process, rooted in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and elucidated by subsequent Bahá’í leaders, provides insights for Study Circle tutors to help participants navigate challenges and recognize opportunities for growth in their local communities.

Crisis and Victory Principle

The principle of crisis and victory, as articulated by Shoghi Effendi, describes a cyclical process where each challenge to the Bahá’í Faith releases a corresponding measure of divine grace and power [1]. This dynamic unfolds through:

• Outbreaks of hostility provoking fresh impulses for the Faith’s advancement
• Increased opposition leading to more profound revelations of divine power
• Crises serving as catalysts for purification and the release of latent capacities [5]
  

Understanding this concept is essential for believers engaged in community service, as it frames setbacks as opportunities for spiritual growth and the strengthening of the Cause [6]. The Universal House of Justice emphasizes that emerging resistance to Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings is itself evidence of the Faith’s growing influence, offering new avenues for deepening faith and energizing work in local communities [5].

Historical Narratives of Triumph

Historical accounts of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh’s lives, as detailed in Book 4 of the Ruhi Institute, provide powerful illustrations of how persecution and opposition ultimately amplified the reach of Their Messages [1]. The martyrdom of the Báb and the banishment of Bahá’u’lláh, for instance, rather than suppressing Their influence, led to the expansion and strengthening of the Faith. These narratives demonstrate how apparent setbacks became catalysts for spiritual victories, reinforcing the principle that every crisis in the Cause of God serves to release a fresh measure of its inherent power [2]. By studying these historical examples, participants can gain inspiration and insight into how contemporary challenges in their own communities might be transformed into opportunities for growth and service.

Community-Building Through Challenges

Applying the principle of crisis and victory to local contexts requires a shift in perspective, viewing challenges as opportunities for spiritual and social transformation. Participants can be encouraged to:

• Identify current neighborhood issues as potential catalysts for positive change
• Develop strategies to respond to setbacks with hope, creativity, and systematic action
• Frame teaching efforts, children’s classes, and community outreach as direct engagements with societal challenges
• Use consultation to innovate when faced with obstacles, rather than abandoning efforts
  

This approach aligns with Bahá’u’lláh’s teaching that recognition of His station and obedience to His laws are inseparable duties, essential for individual and collective progress [6]. By actively engaging in service and viewing difficulties through this transformative lens, community members contribute to the “steady unfoldment” of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision in their localities, understanding that each challenge encountered is a precursor to greater victories [2].

Role of Study Circle Tutors

Study Circle tutors play a crucial role in deepening participants’ understanding of the crisis and victory dynamics. They can facilitate reflective dialogues, encouraging participants to share personal experiences of overcoming challenges in their community-building efforts. By analyzing local examples, such as social divisions or apathy, tutors can guide discussions on how these crises can be addressed through systematic actions like home visits, devotional gatherings, or junior youth programs [2]. Additionally, tutors can employ creative methods such as dramatizations of historical episodes or visual metaphors depicting the cycle of crisis and victory, helping participants internalize the spiritual significance of this process [5].

Citations

[1] Book 4: The Twin Manifestations (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

[2] Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

[3] Book 6: Teaching the Cause (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

[4] Book 2: Arising to Serve (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

[5] Book 5: Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth – Ruhi Institute

[6] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (PDF) – Ruhi Institute

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can Study Circle tutors help participants understand the concept of crisis and victory in the context of the Bahá’í Faith?
• What practical exercises can tutors use to illustrate the dynamics of crisis and victory in the Bahá’í community?
• How can the theme of crisis and victory be applied to everyday challenges faced by Bahá’ís in their neighborhoods and communities?
• What role does the concept of enkindlement play in the context of teaching the Bahá’í Faith?
• How can tutors help participants recognize the interconnectedness between being and doing in the act of teaching the Bahá’í Faith?

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed February 8, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/5#495703799. ↩
2. The Báb. Selections from the Writings of the Báb. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1. ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1976, 125-126. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-bab/selections-writings-bab/5#155181607. ↩
3. Effendi, Shoghi. This Decisive Hour: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the North American Baháʾís, 1932-1946. Bahá’í Reference Library, 2002. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/decisive-hour/4#878915157. ↩
4. Universal House of Justice. “2 January 1986 – The Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed February 8, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19860102_001/1#217389584 ↩
5. Universal House of Justice. “7 April 1999 – To all National Spiritual Assemblies.” Bahá’í Reference Library, Accessed February 8, 2025. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19990407_001/1#967205229. ↩
6. Ruhi Institute. The Twin Manifestations. 2.1.21.PE December 2021. Vol. Book 4. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2021, vi. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TWM. ↩
7. Ruhi Institute. Walking Together on a Path of Service. 2.1.1.PE February 2024. Vol. Book 7. 14 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2024, 81-83. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
8. Perplexity Pro. “Understanding Crisis and Victory Dynamics.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. February 8, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-first-duty-prescribed-by-g-N0nFUHdgT4ykfAIvwwA6aA. ↩