Daily Frameworks for 25 March 2025

Fidál, 06 Bahá (Splendor), 182 B.E.

Walking Together on a Path of Service

Quotes for Reflection:

Thus should it be among the children of men! The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. If you meet those of different race and color from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness. Think of them as different colored roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Lyrics used in songs being performed in the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár need not be confined to the Writings; rather, what is required is that they be based upon Bahá’í or other sacred writings and contain Bahá’í themes. It should be noted that the standard for lyrics used in songs performed is somewhat different from the standard for Writings and prayers to be read or chanted in devotional programmes in Houses of Worship. There is therefore no objection to the use of songs based on the Writings and talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. — Universal House of Justice ²

..we feel that it will be helpful to you to know that songs whose words are the primary Writings of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh or ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are all quite fitting for the devotional portion of the Feast. Indeed, the Persian chants are such songs, out of a different tradition; they are a way of giving music to the holy Word, and each person who chants does it in a way which mirrors his feeling and expression of the Words he is uttering. As for songs whose words are poetic and the composition of persons other than the Figures of the Faith, these may be desirable but in their proper place….
Inasmuch as the spirit of our gatherings is so much affected by the tone and quality of our worship, of our feeling and appreciation of the Word of God for this day, we would hope that you would encourage the most beautiful possible expression of the human spirits in your communities, through music among other modes of feeling. — Universal House of Justice ³

Question for Consideration

Section 8 of Unit 3, “Promoting the Arts at the Grassroots,” in Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service asks that after reviewing the power of music as covered in Sections 5, 6, and 7, consider what kinds of music would be most appropriate for different events organized by the Bahá’í community? ⁴

Perplexity Pro Response ⁵

The materials provided highlight key principles regarding the use of music in Bahá’í gatherings, particularly in devotional programs, Feasts, and other community events. In Section 8 of Unit 3, Walking Together on a Path of Service, participants are invited to reflect on the role of music and its appropriateness for different occasions. Below is a synthesis of the guidance from the Universal House of Justice and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, alongside insights from Book 7:

Principles for Music Selection in Bahá’í Gatherings

Lyrics Based on Sacred Writings:

• Songs performed in the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (Bahá’í Houses of Worship) should be based on Bahá’í or other sacred writings and contain Bahá’í themes. This includes the Writings of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
• There is no objection to using songs inspired by talks or poetic compositions by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as long as they align with Bahá’í themes.
  

Devotional Standards:

• The standard for lyrics in songs performed during devotional programs is distinct from the standard for Writings and prayers that are read or chanted. Songs may include creative expressions based on sacred texts but should maintain reverence and dignity appropriate to the occasion.
  

Encouraging Diversity in Music:

• Music should reflect the diversity of humanity, blending different cultural traditions and artistic expressions to create harmony, much like a chord made of various notes.
• Communities are encouraged to explore music that reflects their cultural richness while fostering unity and beauty in their gatherings.
  

Persian Chants and Other Traditions:

• Persian chants exemplify a way of giving music to the holy Word, allowing individuals to express their feelings through unique musical interpretations.
• Other musical traditions can similarly enrich devotional gatherings when they are imbued with spiritual meaning.
  

Promoting Artistic Expression:

• The arts, including music, are vital for nurturing the human spirit and uplifting community life. Communities should strive for the most beautiful expression of human creativity in their gatherings.
  

Reflection Questions for Section 8

Participants in study circles can consider:

• What types of music would best suit devotional programs versus social events?
• How can music reflect both spiritual themes and cultural diversity?
• How can grassroots efforts promote artistic excellence while maintaining reverence?
  

Suggestions for Music at Different Events

• Devotional Gatherings: Use songs based directly on sacred texts or inspired by Bahá’í themes, ensuring they evoke a spirit of reverence.
• Feasts: Include songs that celebrate unity and joy while maintaining spiritual focus; this could include compositions inspired by sacred Writings or uplifting poetic works.
• Community Social Events: Incorporate diverse musical styles that reflect local cultures, promote joy, and foster fellowship among participants.
  

By thoughtfully selecting music based on these principles, Bahá’í communities can enhance their gatherings with beauty, unity, and spiritual upliftment.

Perplexity Pro Response — Deeper Dive

The Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the importance of music in spiritual gatherings, encouraging the use of songs based on sacred writings and Bahá’í themes while also embracing diverse cultural expressions to foster unity and uplift the human spirit.

Lyrics Based on Sacred Writings

Lyrics for songs performed in Bahá’í Houses of Worship, known as Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, need not be limited to direct quotations from the Writings but should be based on Bahá’í or other sacred texts and themes. This guidance from the Universal House of Justice allows for creative expression while maintaining spiritual focus. Songs inspired by the Writings and talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are also acceptable, providing flexibility in musical composition while preserving the essence of Bahá’í teachings.

Standards for Devotional Music

The Universal House of Justice clarifies that the standards for lyrics in songs performed differ from those for Writings and prayers read or chanted in devotional programs at Houses of Worship. This distinction allows for a broader range of musical expressions while maintaining spiritual integrity. For Bahá’í Feasts, songs using the primary Writings of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, or ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are considered particularly fitting for the devotional portion. Persian chants exemplify this tradition, offering a way to musically interpret the holy Word that reflects the chanter’s personal feeling and expression.

Diversity and Cultural Traditions in Music

Music in Bahá’í gatherings serves as a powerful metaphor for unity in diversity, reflecting the Faith’s vision of a harmonious global society. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá likens this diversity to different colored roses in humanity’s garden, encouraging believers to embrace and rejoice in cultural differences. This principle extends to musical expressions, where various traditions and styles can blend together like notes in a perfect chord, creating a rich tapestry of sound that celebrates the human family’s diversity while fostering a sense of oneness.

Artistic Expression in Bahá’í Gatherings

Bahá’í communities are encouraged to foster the “most beautiful possible expression of the human spirits” through music and other artistic forms. This guidance emphasizes the profound impact that the quality of worship and appreciation for the Word of God has on the spirit of gatherings. While maintaining reverence, communities are invited to explore creative ways to express devotion, allowing for a rich tapestry of artistic offerings that reflect local cultures and talents. The Universal House of Justice suggests that this approach can significantly enhance the spiritual atmosphere of Bahá’í events, nurturing a deep connection to the Faith’s teachings through diverse artistic mediums.

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• What are some examples of songs that fit the criteria for the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár?
• How do Persian chants differ from other types of devotional songs?
• What are the key elements that make a song suitable for a Bahá’í devotional programme?
• How can the Bahá’í community incorporate diverse musical styles into their devotional gatherings?
• What role does music play in fostering unity and harmony within the Bahá’í community?
• How does the Bahá’í faith incorporate artistic expression into its gatherings?
• What role does music play in Bahá’í devotional gatherings?
• How do Bahá’í communities use art to enhance their spiritual practices?
• What are some traditional Bahá’í artistic expressions used in gatherings?
• How do modern Bahá’í gatherings incorporate contemporary art forms?
  

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912. 11th British Ed. 1912. Reprint, London, England: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1972, 53. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/2#268841058. ↩
2. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. The Institution of the Mas͟hriqu’l-Ad͟hkár, 2017. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/institution-mashriqul-adhkar/12#019366522. ↩
3. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “The Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 1998. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/importance-art/7#335279074. ↩
4. 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, 141. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
5. Perplexity Pro. “Music in Bahá’í Worship.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. March 22, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/lyrics-used-in-songs-being-per-lyMusW1eS9SYX9pfhGPj0w. ↩