| date |
event |
tags |
firsts |
| 1957 26 Dec |
The passing of Mirzā Asad-Allāh, known as Fāżel Māzandarāni (b. Bábol, Persia 1881).
He became a Bahá'í in Tehran in 1909. He travelled to Egypt in 1919-1911 where he met with 'Abdu'l-Bahá and was send to India and Burma to promote the Faith.
'Abdu'l-Bahá sent him to North America for the period 1920-1921. He arrived in North America with Manúchihr Khán in time to speak at the National Convention. His purpose was to assist and stimulate the Bahá'í communities. He departed for the Holy Land on the 9th of July, 1921. [AB443; SBR88]
Mírzá Asadu'lláh Fádil-i-Mázandarání visited North America again in 1923-1925 at the request of Shoghi Effendi. [Fádl Mázandarání, Mírzá Asadu'lláh by Moojan Momen]
See Jináb-i-Fádil Mazandarání in the United States by Fadl Mazandarani (published as Jinab-i-Fadil Mazandarani) compiled by Omeed Rameshni for transcripts of his talks.
In about 1924 Shoghi Effendi wrote to the Central Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Persia, asking them to gather materials towards the compilation of a general history of the Bahá'í faith. Initially this work was handed to a committee and Fāżel served as the liaison between this committee and the Assembly, of which he was himself a member at the time. However, after the committee failed to make significant progress, Fāżel took on the responsibility to compile this work himself. His work, Ẓohur-al-Ḥaqq (variously also called Tāriḵ-e Ẓohur-al-Ḥaqq and Ketāb-e Ẓohur-al-Ḥaqq) is said to be the most comprehensive history of the first century of the Bahá'í faith yet written. It records the full biographies of the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh, and ʿAbdu'l-Baháʾ, the Faith's leading disciples and learned members, poets, martyrs, and other prominent personalities. It covers the history of the persecutions of the Bahá'ís; discusses the internal crises of the faith and, more significantly, contains excerpts from the holy writings and includes documentation and a considerable number of pictures. It was compiled in nine volumes: volumes 1-3 completed in May of 1932, the fourth in February, 1936, and the final volume in 1943. For various reasons it has not been translated into English. [Ẓohur-al-Ḥaqq]
Other works of Fāżel include his dictionary of commonly used proper terms and titles in Bahá'í literature, Asrār al-āṯār, which was published in five volumes (1967-72) of more than 1,600 pages.
Fāżel's other major work, Amr wa ḵalq, contains hundreds of selections from the Bahá'í holy writings grouped under topics related to philosophical, theological, religious, and administrative matters. The work was published in Iran (1954-74) in four volumes.
The Collected Works of Asadu'llah Fadil Mazandarani.
Wikipedia page.
Note: There is some question about whether Shoghi Effendi considered him a Hand of the Cause. See letter addressed to Dr Peter Smith sent on behalf of the Universal House of Justice 11 August 1998 found on Baha'i Library Online. The message concludes by saying that the Universal House of Justice, in a memorandum dated 1 April 1979, has instructed that additional names should not be included in the list of the Hands of the Cause. The list of Hands of the Cause can be found at BW14p445-466. |
Mírzá Asadullah Fadil-i-Mazandarani; Amr va Khalq (compilation); In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Bahá'í studies; Bahá'í history; Zuhur al-Haqq (Zuhurul-Haqq); Translation; Babul (Barfurush), Iran; Iran; Tehran, Iran; India; Myanmar; USA |
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| 1957 25 Dec |
The Hands of the Cause announced the destruction of the long, two-storey house previously occupied by Covenant-breakers which was located near the garden wall of the Mansion of Bahá'u'lláh and of which Shoghi Effendi had acquired legal possession shortly before his passing. [MC11, 51]
The rubble was used to complete the terraces begun by Shoghi Effendi north of the mansion and forcompleting the northern gardens planned by him. iiiii
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Covenant-breakers; Bahji, Israel; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel |
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| 1957 2 Dec |
On the advice of their lawyer, Dr Abraham Weinshall, the Custodians ask each National and Regional Assembly to send a letter recognizing them as the supreme body in the Cause. [MC40–1] |
National Spiritual Assembly; Haifa, Israel |
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| 1957 2 Dec |
The titles to the Shrine of the Báb, the Mansion of Bahjí, and all other buildings and lands which the Covenant-Breakers had owned were transferred to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States. |
Covenant-breakers; Ownership; - Bahá'í World Centre; Mount Carmel MERGE; Haifa, Israel; Bahji, Israel |
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| 1957 Dec |
The first summer school in Malaysia was held at Malacca. |
First summer and winter schools; Summer schools; Malacca, Malaysia; Malaysia |
first summer school in Malaysia |
| 1957 Nov-1963 Apr |
Interregnum
Following the passing of Shoghi Effendi the international administration of the Faith was carried on by the Hands of the Cause of God with the complete agreement and loyalty of the National Spiritual Assemblies and the body of the believers. This was in accordance with the Guardian's designation of the Hands as the "Chief Stewards of Bahá'u'lláh's embryonic World Commonwealth." [Message of 9 March 1965]
The beginning of the six year ministry of the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land, or 'Custodians'. [BW16:90; WG45–6]
This period is known as the 'interregnum'. [BBD 120]
See BW14:467 for a summary of the work of the Hands of the Cause during this period.
The International Bahá'í Council continued to perform its duties at the World Centre under the direction of the Custodians. The appointed Council was replaced by an elected Council at Ridván of 1961. All National Assemblies and Regional National Assemblies participated in the election by postal ballot. [BBD118]
See alsoThe Ministry of the Custodians 1957-1963: An Account of the Stewardship of the Hands of the Cause. |
- Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Custodians; Interregnum (1957-1963); Ministry of The Custodians (book); International Bahá'í Council; Universal House of Justice; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; Appointed arm; Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Covenant; Haifa, Israel; - Bahá'í World Centre |
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| 1957 25 Nov |
A proclamation was issued stating that Shoghi Effendi left no heir and made no appointment of another Guardian. [BW13:341–5; MC25–30]
See LOG310 for an explanation of the various meanings of the word 'Guardianship'.
See CB388–9 for a discussion of the continuation of the institution of the Guardianship. |
Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; Shoghi Effendi, Life of; Covenant; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Guardianship; Custodians; Appointed arm; Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Haifa, Israel; - Bahá'í World Centre |
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| 1957 25 Nov |
Nine Hands were chosen to serve as Custodians of the Faith residing in the Holy Land. [BBD57; BW13:342; DH215]
The Hands residing in the Holy Land were established as a legal body under the title 'The Custodians of the Bahá'í World Faith'.
The Hands chosen as first Custodians are Rúhíyyih Khánum, Mason Remey, Amelia Collins, Leroy Ioas, Hasan Balyuzi, 'Alí Akbar Furútan, Jalál Kházeh, Paul Haney and Adelbert Mühlschlegel. [BW13:345–6; MC40–1] |
Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; - Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; - Hands of the Cause, Institution; Custodians; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Charles Mason Remey; Amelia Collins; Leroy Ioas; Hasan Balyuzi; `Alí-Akbar Furútan; Jalal Khazeh; Paul Haney; Adelbert Muhlschlegel; Appointed arm; Haifa, Israel; - Bahá'í World Centre |
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| 1957 19 Nov |
Nine Hands of the Cause were chosen by Rúhíyyih Khánum to examine Shoghi Effendi's apartment. [BW 13:341]
They were the five members of the International Bahá'í Council (Rúhíyyih Khánum, Mason Remey, Amelia Collins, Ugo Giachery and Leroy Ioas), an Afnán (Hasan Balyuzi), a representative of the Hands of the Western Hemisphere (Horace Holley), a representative of the Hands of the African continent (Músá Banání) and the Trustee of the Huqúqu'lláh ('Alí Muhammad Varqá). [BW13:341]
After seeing that the seals were intact, the Hands examined the contents of Shoghi Effendi's safe and desk. [BW13:341]
The nine Hands signed a document testifying that no Will or Testament of any nature executed by Shoghi Effendi had been found. This was reported to the entire body of Hands assembled in the Mansion of Bahjí. [BW13:341]
See CB378–9 for an explanation of why Shoghi Effendi left no Will. |
Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; - Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; International Bahá'í Council; Charles Mason Remey; Amelia Collins; Ugo Giachery; Leroy Ioas; Hasan Balyuzi; Horace Holley; Musa Banani; Varqá, `Alí-Muhammad; Haifa, Israel; Bahji, Israel |
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| 1957 18–25 Nov |
The first conclave of the Hands of the Cause of God convened at Bahjí. Twenty-three Hands were present. [BBRSM128; DH215; MoC8–11, 25-51; TG158]
This was the first meeting of the Hands of the Cause as a group.
For a personal account of the Conclave by Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem. see ZK119.
For the nature of the six Conclaves see MoC9–10, 12.
For picture see MoCiv. |
Bahji, Israel; - Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hands of the Cause, Conclaves; Zikrullah Khadem; Akka, Israel; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel |
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| 1957 18 Nov |
The Hands of the Cause conducted a memorial meeting for Shoghi Effendi in the Haram-i-Aqdas. [BW13:341; MoC35] |
- Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Haram-i-Aqdas; Bahji, Israel; Akka, Israel |
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| 1957 15 Nov |
Hands of the Cause Rúhíyyih Khánum, Mason Remey, Amelia Collins and Leroy Ioas, accompanied by Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery, entered the apartment of Shoghi Effendi and sealed with tape and wax the safe where his important documents were kept as well as the drawers to his desk. [BW13:341]
The keys to the safe were placed in an envelope, which was sealed and signed by the five Hands and then placed in the safe of Leroy Ioas. BW13:341] |
Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; - Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Charles Mason Remey; Amelia Collins; Leroy Ioas; Ugo Giachery; Haifa, Israel |
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| 1957 10 Nov |
The Hands of the Cause met in London. [TG157]
See SDSC191-195 and SDSC430 note 8 for excerpts from the transcript of the talk recorded in shorthand by Rose M Wade and given by Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum to the gathered Hands and other friends. |
Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; - Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; London, England; United Kingdom |
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| 1957 9 Nov |
The funeral of Shoghi Effendi took place in the Great Northern Cemetery, London. [BW13:222; PP448]
See BW13:222 for details of the funeral service.
See BW13:222–5 and PP449–50 for a description of the funeral.
For an a account of the funeral see AY314-319.
The Resting Place is located at 51°37'21.85"N, 0°8'35.41" W. |
Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; London, England; United Kingdom |
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| 1957 4 Nov |
Passing of Shoghi Effendi
Shoghi Effendi passed away in London of coronary thrombosis after a bout of Asian influenza. [CB377; PP446 BW13:207-225]
- The 1957 influenza pandemic (the "Asian flu") was a category 2 flu pandemic outbreak of avian influenza that originated in China in early 1956 lasting until 1958. It originated from a mutation in wild ducks combining with a pre-existing human strain. A vaccine for H2N2 was introduced in 1957, and the pandemic slowed down. There was a second wave in 1958, and H2N2 went on to become part of the regular wave of seasonal flu. Estimates of worldwide deaths vary widely depending on the source, ranging from 1 million to 4 million, with WHO settling on "about two million". [Sino Biological website]
He was in London to purchase some furniture to complete the interior of the International Archives Building at the time of his passing. [PP445]
For a tribute to Shoghi Effendi written by Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum see BW13:58–226.]
In it she lists four major aspects of his life: (Copied and arranged in point form here.)
- "his translations of the Words of Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb, Àbdu'l-Bahá and Nabil's Narrative;
- his own writings such as the history of a century, published as God Passes By, as well as an uninterrupted stream of instructive communications from his pen which pointed out to the believer the significance, the time and the method of the building up of their administrative institutions;
- an unremitting programme to expand and consolidate the material assets of a world-wide Faith, which not only involved the completion, erection or beautification of the Bahá'í Holy Places at the World Centre but the construction of Houses of Worship and the acquisition of national and local headquarters and endowments in various countries throughout the East and the West;
- a masterly orientation of thought towards the concepts enshrined in the teachings of the Faith and the orderly classification of those teachings into what might well be described as a vast panoramic view of the meaning, implications, testing and purpose of the religion of Bahá'u'lláh, indeed of religious truth itself in its portrayal of man as the apogee of God's creation, evolving towards the consummation of his development-the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth." [PP226-227]
See also Rabbání, The Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith and The Priceless Pearl. |
Shoghi Effendi, Life of; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; Shoghi Effendi, Travels of; International Bahá'í Archives; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; - Basic timeline, Condensed; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; Appointed arm; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Covenant; Shoghi Effendi, Works of; London, England; United Kingdom |
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| 1957 Oct |
Shoghi Effendi announced the appointment of a second Auxiliary Board responsible for the protection of the Faith. [MBW127–128; PP442] |
Auxiliary board members and assistants; Assistants; Appointed arm; - Bahá'í World Centre |
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| 1957 Oct |
Shoghi Effendi called for the convocation of a series of Intercontinental Conferences to be held successively in Kampala, Uganda (Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Central and East Africa); Sydney, Australia (National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of Australia); Chicago, United States (National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States of America,; Frankfurt, Germany (National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Germany and: Austria); and Djakarta, Indonesia (Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of South-East Asia). [BW13:311–12; MBW125]
The five-fold purpose of the International Conferences was:
- offering
humble thanksgiving to the
Divine Author of our Faith, Who has
graciously enabled His followers,
during a period of deepening anxiety
and amidst the confusion and
uncertainties of a critical phase in
the fortunes of mankind,
- to prosecute
uninterruptedly the Ten-Year
Plan formulated for the execution of
the Grand Design conceived by 'Abdu'l-Bahá,
- of reviewing and celebrating
the series of signal victories
won so rapidly in the course of each
of the campaigns of this world-encircling
Crusade,
- of deliberating on
ways and means that will insure its
triumphant consummation,
- and of
lending simultaneously a powerful
impetus, the world over, to the vital
process of individual conversion -the
preeminent purpose underlying
the Plan in all its ramifications -
and to the construction and completion
of the three Mother Temples
to be built in the European, the
African, and Australian continents. [CBN No 94 Nov 1957 p1]
|
Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; - Conferences, Intercontinental; Ten Year Crusade; - Bahá'í World Centre; Kampala, Uganda; Uganda; Sydney, Australia; Australia; Chicago, IL; USA; Frankfurt, Germany; Germany; Jakarta, Indonesia; Indonesia |
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| 1957 Oct |
Shoghi Effendi designated the Hands of the Cause the 'Chief Stewards of Bahá'u'lláh's embryonic World commonwealth'. [MBW127] |
- Hands of the Cause; - Hands of the Cause, Institution; Shoghi Effendi, Life of; Appointed arm; Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Shoghi Effendi, Works of; - Bahá'í World Centre |
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| 1957 Oct |
From a message from the Guardian dated October 1957
Number of Bahá'í Centres from 2500 to 4500
Number of sovereign States and Dependencies: from 128 to 254
Number of National and Regional Spiritual Assemblies; from 12 to 26
Number of Local Spiritual Assemblies; more than 1,000
Number of islands open to the Faith: 70
The erection and completion of the International Bahá'í Archives Building at a cost of $250M
The enlargement of
the scope of Bahá'í international endowments
in the twin cities of 'Akka and Haifa at a present value of $5.5m
The Bahá'í holdings in Iran estimated at over 40m tumans
The acquisition of 48 National Haziratu'l-Quds at more than $500
The founding of Bahá'í national endowments in no less than 50 capitals and chief cities on all five continents, at a cost of at least $150,000
The initiation of the construction of the Mother Temples of both Africa and Australia
The purchase of 11 Temple sites for over $400,000
The incorporation of over 90 national and local Spiritual assemblies raising the global total to over 200
The translation of Bahá'í literature into 148 languages bringing the total to 237
|
Statistics; Endowments; - Bahá'í World Centre |
|
| 1957 Oct |
The third contingent of Hands of the Cause of God was appointed: Enoch Olinga, William Sears, John Robarts, Hasan Balyuzi, John Ferraby, Collis Featherstone, Rahmatu'lláh Muhájir and Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. [GBF111; MBW127; PP254, 442; SS47]
See TG160 for the story of how Enoch Olinga reacted to the news of being appointed a Hand of the Cause of God. |
- Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Appointments; Hands of the Cause, Contingents; Hands of the Cause, Third Contingent; Enoch Olinga; William Sears; John Robarts; Hasan Balyuzi; John Ferraby; Collis Featherstone; Rahmatullah Muhajir; Abu'l-Qasim Faizi; Haifa, Israel |
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Try also a shorter date like or 1957 or 195
try also the Chronology Canada — 1957-1 or 1957 or 195
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