Compilation on Youth Study

Table of Contents

Three segments of each class p.
Subject Components of Youth Class (Detailed) p.

Youth class methods p.

Goals and expectations for each lesson and assignment p.
Evaluation p.

Homework p.

Required and Recommended Book and materials list p.

List of Books Writings encourage us to read p.

Three session cycle p.
Sample Timetable p.

Let some, at this very moment, gird up the loins of their endeavor, flee their native towns, cities, and states, forsake their country, and, "putting their whole trust in God as the best provision for their journey," set their faces, and direct their steps towards those distant climes, those virgin fields, those unsurrendered cities, and bend their energies to capture the citadels of men's hearts - hearts, which, as Baha'u'llah has written, "the hosts of Revelation and of utterance can subdue."
(Shoghi Effendi: The Advent of Divine Justice, Page: 59)

“Encourage ye the school children, from their earliest years, to deliver speeches of high quality, so that in their leisure time they will engage in giving cogent and effective talks, expressing themselves with clarity and eloquence.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 134)

“Verily, I implore God to gaze upon you with the eye of His mercy, to raise you through a godlike power, to move you by the breezes of His glory, to make you fluent in irrefutable and divine proofs and arguments, to sever you from the world and all therein, to purify and sanctify you from every material grade, and enable you to diffuse the bounties of the Divine Worlds.”
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 31)


E. Need to Make Time for Study in Free Time.

“Although the sole and fundamental purpose of all learning, and the toil and labour thereof, is attainment unto, and the recognition of, this station [of the Manifestation], yet they are all immersed in the pursuit of their material studies. They deny themselves every moment of leisure and utterly ignore Him, Who is the Essence of all learning, and the one Object of their quest!” (Bahá’u’lláh, The Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 145)

“It [a chaste and holy life] calls for the abandonment of a frivolous conduct, with its excessive attachment to trivial and often misdirected pleasures.” (Shoghi Effendi, Advent of Divine Justice, p. 25)

“I strongly urge you to devote, while you are pursuing your studies, as much time as you possibly can to a thorough study of the history and teachings of our beloved Cause. This is the prerequisite of a future successful career of service to the Bahá’í Faith in which I hope and pray you will distinguish yourself in the days to come.” (Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, p. 51)

“Regarding your question concerning your studies: as this is a purely personal matter that concerns your own future, the Guardian feels you should decide it yourself, in consultation with your parents. He urges you, however, to devote yourself as much as possible to studying and spreading the Bahá’í teachings, whatever your other occupations may be.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, p. 100)

“We should also not let our studies detain us from deepening our knowledge of the literature of the Cause.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, 71)
“Feel impelled appeal entire body American believers to henceforth regard Nabíl’s soul-stirring Narrative as essential adjunct to reconstructed Teaching program, as unchallengeable textbook in their Summer Schools, as source of inspiration in all literary and artistic pursuits, as an invaluable companion in times of leisure, as indispensable preliminary to future pilgrimage to Bahá’u’lláh’s native land, and as unfailing instrument to allay distress and resist attacks of critical, disillusioned humanity.” (Shoghi Effendi, cablegram dated June 21, 1932, Messages to America 1932-1946, p. 1)

“Frivolity palls and eventually leads to boredom and emptiness, but true happiness and joy and humor that are parts of a balanced life that includes serious thought, compassion and humble servitude to God are characteristics that enrich life and add to its radiance.” (Messages of the Universal House of Justice, p. 413)

“There is a desperate need for deepening the Bahá’ís themselves in their own faith. They do not study the teachings enough. They do not therefore either act as whole-heartedly as Bahá’ís as they should, or derive the spiritual strength from the Faith which studying, praying and meditating brings.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, 118)


F. Shouldn’t we be spending all our energy teaching and serving (and not
take time out to study to do this better)?

“It is better to have one Bahá’í who understands the Teachings and is wholeheartedly convinced of their truth, than a number of Bahá’ís who are not well aware of the Cause, and deep-rooted in the Covenant.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, pp. 116-117)

“One consecrated soul is preferable to a thousand other souls.” (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 81)

“Wherever the mention of Baha'u'llah rises up, that is the paradise of Abha. Wherever purified, severed and illumined souls are found, that is the paradise of Baha. Tihran is the paradise of Baha'u'llah, for souls are found there you cannot call human; they are angels. In reality, the Baha'i friends in that city are of the heavenly host. Whenever I think of them, I become happy.
The Blessed Perfection suffered innumerable ordeals and calamities, but during His lifetime He trained in all regions many souls who were peerless. The purpose of the appearance of the Manifestations of God is the training of the people. That is the only result of Their mission, the real outcome. The outcome of the whole life of Jesus was the training of eleven disciples and two women. Why did He suffer troubles, ordeals and calamities? For the training of these few followers. That was the result of His life. The product of the life of Christ was not the churches but the illumined souls of those who believed in Him. Afterward, they spread His teachings.
It is my hope that you all may become the product of the life of Baha'u'llah and the outcomes of His heavenly training. When the people ask you, "What has Baha'u'llah accomplished?" say to them, "He has created these; He has trained us."
(`Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 437)
“Just one mature soul, with spiritual understanding and a profound knowledge of the Faith, can set a whole country ablaze–so great is the power of the Cause to work through a pure and selfless channel."
      (From a letter dated November 6, 1949 to an individual believer)


G. Joy Acquired and Struggle Required in Study

“May your souls be illumined by the light of the Words of God, any may you become repositories of the mysteries of God, for no comfort is greater and no happiness is sweeter than spiritual comprehension of the divine teachings. If a man understands the real meaning of a poet’s verses such as those of Shakespeare, he is pleased and rejoiced. How much greater his joy and pleasure when he perceives the reality of the Holy Scriptures and becomes informed of the mysteries of the Kingdom!
“I pray that the divine blessings may descend upon you day by day, that your hearts may be opened to perceive the inner significances of the Word of God.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 460)

“Praise be to God that the spirit of the Holy Writings and Tablets which have been revealed in this wondrous Dispensation concerning matters of major or minor importance, whether essential or otherwise, related to the sciences and the arts, to natural philosophy, literature, politics or economics, have so permeated the world that since the inception of the world in the course of past Dispensations and bygone ages nothing like it has ever been seen or heard. Indeed if an avowed follower of Bahá’u’lláh were to immerse himself in, and fathom the depths of, the ocean of these heavenly teachings, and with utmost care and attention deduce from each of them the subtle mysteries and consummate wisdom that lie enshrined therein, such a person’s life, materially, intellectually and spiritually, will be safe from toil and trouble, and unaffected by setbacks and perils, or any sadness or despondency.” (Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, pp. 47-48)

As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated in a public talk (this cannot be wholly identified as authentic Text, however, because the original is missing), “Divine things are too deep to be expressed by common words. The heavenly teachings are expressed in parable in order to be understood and preserved for ages to come. When the spiritually minded dive deeply into the ocean of their meaning they bring to the surface the pearls of their inner significance. There is no greater pleasure than to study God’s word with a spiritual mind.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, p. 78)

“Shoghi Effendi hopes that you will exert all your effort to deepen your knowledge of the literature of the Movement, until you become fully acquainted with its spirit and tenets. Unless you do obtain such a firm hold you will never be able to teach others and render real service to the promulgation of the Faith. Of special importance is the Book of the Íqán which explains the attitude of the Cause towards the prophets of God and their mission in the history of society. Besides this there is Some Answered Questions of the Master and The Dawn-Breakers of Nabíl. Every Bahá’í should master these books and be able to explain their contents to others. Besides their importance, they are interesting and most absorbing.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Compilation of Compilations, vol. 1, p. 215)

Chapter 71 of Some Answered Questions, in mentioning that certain visions (or which seem to be visions) are “real” and “produce wonderful effects in the minds and thoughts of men, and cause their hearts to be attracted,” gives another rationale for the belief that the Holy Books are intentionally worded mysteriously, and not always clearly. This is further indication of God as the “Divine Charmer,” “the Best-Beloved”, (the latter two titles of God revealed after reference to man comprehending “the essence of these divine mysteries” and grasping “the purpose of God” in the Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 57) Who has not only provided these mysteries to test us for our own progress, but also that we may enjoy them, as the “waters of mercy.” (p. 57)

Though see Chapters 48, 51, 63, and 81 of Some Answered Questions for the need for struggle, exaltation, and suffering (in connection with our being forced to discover the divine mysteries, rather than them being automatically revealed clearly to us, except perhaps to greater degrees in successive Dispensations such as in this one in which the scroll has been “unsealed”).

“...it is essential to recall that, as we are told in the Writings, the comprehension of the Sacred Writings is not dependent upon scholarship or learning. This should encourage every believer, no matter what his attainments, to delve into the Revelation with determination and confidence....But in addition to needing the proper spirit, it requires concentration and meditation to unravel the proper spirit, it requires concentration and meditation to unravel the meanings which lie enshrined in the Revealed Word. Nowadays, however, the lives of most people are busy and crowded with distractions, so it requires great discipline to devote the time, attention and care necessary to study the Teachings in the way they deserve. Deepening is like a skill or art which must be acquired through effort. And, just as there are millions of Christians who would not trade the King James Version of the Holy Bible, once one has caught the flavor of the English translations done by Shoghi Effendi -- or done in the style he developed -- the beauty and power of expression become appealing and inspiring. Once comes to fall in love with that style.” (On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, in a letter dated 21 January 1993 to an individual believer)


2. NEED FOR TRAINING INSTITUTES/SPIRITUAL MEETINGS

“What the friends throughout the world are now being asked to do is to commit themselves, their material resources, their abilities and their time to the development of a network of training institutes on a scale never before attempted.” (Universal House of Justice, Four Year Plan, 3.29)

“The endeavor of individuals to conduct study classes in their homes, the sponsorship by the institutions of occasional courses of instruction, and the informal activities of the community, though important, are not adequate for the education and training of a rapidly expanding community. (Universal House of Justice, Four Year Plan, 3.27)

“It is therefore of paramount importance that systematic attention be given to devising methods for educating large numbers of believers in the fundamental verities of the Faith and for training and assisting them to serve the Cause as their God-given talents allow.” (Universal House of Justice, Four Year Plan, 3.27)


Need for Spiritual Meetings

“You have written concerning the spiritual meetings. The foundation of the spiritual meetings must be the teaching and delivering of the Cause of God. In these meetings the believers and maidservants of the Merciful must proclaim the proofs and arguments and explain the signs of the appearance of the Beauty of Abhá–May my life be a sacrifice to the beloved ones! Meanwhile they may read some Tablets and Communes, and at the end of the meetings, if they desire to sing with the utmost supplication and meekness, it is acceptable. But the fundamental principle of the establishment of spiritual meetings is for the sake of teaching and delivering the Truth so that those souls who are present may become informed of the Divine Evidences and Proofs.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast , p. 11)

“O Company of God! To each created thing, the Ancient Sovereignty hath portioned out its own perfection, its particular virtue and special excellence, so that each in its degree may become a symbol denoting the sublimity of the true Educator of humankind, and that each, even as a crystalline mirror, may tell of the grace and splendor of the Sun of Truth.

“And from amongst all creatures He hath singled out man, to grant him His most wondrous gift, and hath made him to attain the bounties of the Company on High. That most precious of gifts is attainment unto His unfailing guidance, that the inner reality of humankind should become as a niche to hold this lamp; and when the scattering splendors of this light do beat against the bright glass of the heart, the heart’s purity maketh the beams to blaze out even stronger than before, and to shine in glory on the minds and souls of men.

“The attainment of the most great guidance is dependent upon knowledge and wisdom, and on being informed as to the mysteries of the Holy Words. Wherefore must the loved ones of God, be they young or old, be they men or women, each one according to his capabilities, strive to acquire the various branches of knowledge, and to increase his understanding of the mysteries of the Holy Books, and his skill in marshaling the divine proofs and evidences.

“The eminent Sadru’s-Sudúr, who hath verily attained a most exalted station in the the Retreats of Bliss, inaugurated the teaching meeting. He was the first blessed soul to lay the foundation of this momentous institution. God be praised, during the course of his life he educated persons who today are strong and eloquent advocates of the Lord God, disciples who are indeed pure and spiritual descendants of him who was so close to the Holy Threshold. After his passing, certain blessed individuals took steps to perpetuate his teaching work, and when He learned of it, this Captive’s heart rejoiced.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Education in Compilation of Compilations, p. 252)

("Beginning in approximately 1904, a learned Iranian believer known as Sadru's-Sudúr
established the first teacher-training class for Bahá'í youth in Tehran with 'Abdu'l-Bahá's
encouragement. The classes met daily, and the graduates, who had been trained in the
beliefs of other religions as well as various aspects of the Bahá'í Faith, contributed greatly
to the expansion and consolidation of the Cause in their native land." (Century of
Light)

“O God, O Thou Who hast cast Thy splendor over the luminous realities of men, shedding upon them the resplendent lights of knowledge and guidance, and hast chosen them out of all created things for this supernal grace, and hast caused them to encompass all things, to understand their inmost essence, and to disclose their mysteries, bringing them forth out of darkness into the visible world! ‘He verily showeth His special mercy to whomsoever He will.’
“O Lord, help Thou Thy loved ones to acquire knowledge and the sciences and arts, and to unravel the secrets that are treasured up in the inmost reality of all created beings. Make them to hear the hidden truths that are written and embedded in the heart of all that is. Make them to be ensigns of guidance amongst all creatures, and piercing rays of the mind shedding forth their light in this, the ‘first life’. Make them to be leaders unto Thee, guides unto Thy path, runners urging men on to Thy Kingdom.

“Thou verily art the Powerful, the Protector, the Potent, the Defender, the Mighty, the Most Generous.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Education in Compilation of Compilations, pp. 251-252)


NOTE:

“Spiritual Meeting” May be Used to Refer to Assembly Meetings (see Bahá’í World Faith), or other Generic Meetings (though it also presaged the training institute)

"Concerning the members of this spiritual meeting, you suggested that they be selected from all the spiritual meetings of the other cities of America. I quite approve and am very much pleased with this plan. This will become the cause of harmony in the Word in all America. Therefore, ask every spiritual meeting in the other cities that they will each select one and send him, and from these selected ones and with those who are selected from the Chicago meeting, establish a new meeting for the provision of the needs of the Temple."
(`Abdu'l-Bahá, Baha'i World Faith, p. 417)

“It is God’s purpose that in the West union and harmony may day by day increase among the friends of God and the handmaids of the Merciful. Not until this is realized can any advance be achieved. And the greatest means for the union and harmony of all is the gathering of the friends in spiritual meetings. This matter is very important and is a magnet which will attract divine confirmations.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, new translation of Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 124-125, quoted in Peace: More than an End to War, p. 106)

“The Four Year Plan, which was a major advance on those that immediately preceded it, was designed to take advantage of the opportunities and insights thus offered. The goal of advancing the process of entry by troops became the single-minded aim of the enterprise. The lessons that had been learned during earlier Plans now placed the emphasis on developing the capacities of believers — wherever they might be — so that all could arise as confident protagonists of the Faith's mission. The instrument to accomplish this objective had been undergoing steady refinement during the earlier Plans and had demonstrated its efficacy.
As with most of the other methods and activities by which the Faith was advancing, this instrument had likewise been conceived decades earlier by the Master, who calls in the Tablets of the Divine Plan for deepened believers to "gather together the youths of the love of God in schools of instruction and teach them all the divine proofs and irrefragable arguments, explain and elucidate the history of the Cause, and interpret also the prophecies and proofs which are recorded and are extant in the divine books and epistles regarding the manifestation of the Promised One...."[126] Pioneering work and organized training of this nature had already been done in Iran, during the early years of the century, by the much-loved Sadru's-Sudúr.[127] As the years passed, winter and summer schools had multiplied, and successive Plans also encouraged experimentation in the development of Bahá'í institutes.


note 127
"Beginning in approximately 1904, a learned Iranian believer known as Sadru's-Sudúr established the first teacher-training class for Bahá'í youth in Tehran with 'Abdu'l-Bahá's encouragement. The classes met daily, and the graduates, who had been trained in the beliefs of other religions as well as various aspects of the Bahá'í Faith, contributed greatly to the expansion and consolidation of the Cause in their native land." (Century of Light)



3. WHAT IS TO BE COVERED IN INSTITUTE COURSES?

Quote 1:

“By ‘verities of the Faith’ he means the great teachings and fundamentals enshrined in our Bahá’í literature” (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, April 19, 1947)

Summary Outline:
1) the great teachings enshrined in our Bahá’í literature
2) the (great) fundamentals enshrined in our Bahá’í literature


Quote 2:
“The three fundamental verities animating and underlying the Bahá’í Faith--the Unity of God, the Unity of His Prophets, the Unity of mankind.” (Universal House of Justice, quoted in letter of National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States dated November 25, 1996.)

Summary Outline:
1) Unity of God
2) Unity of His Prophets
3) Unity of mankind

“The Supreme Body cautions that there is no absolute list of fundamental verities and the friends should not make an issue of this matter by attempting to codify them.” (National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, November 25, 1996.)

4. WHAT SUBJECTS ARE TO BE TAUGHT IN INSTITUTES

Quote 1:
“The subjects taught usually consist of Bahá’í History, Laws and Teachings, and the Administrative Order.” (From “Suggestions on Operation of Teaching Institutes”, enclosure in a letter dated December 24, 1964 from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Guatemala: Centers of Bahá’í Learning, p. 19)
Summary Outline:
1) Bahá’í History
2) Laws and Teachings
3) The Administrative Order

"Likewise the public meetings in which one day during the week the believers gather to be engaged in the commemoration of God, to read Communes and deliver effective speeches is acceptable and beloved."
(`Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 411)

(In a letter giving suggested goals for Local Spiritual Assemblies, the following is mentioned in a letter from the Universal House of Justice:)
“9. Can regular meetings for the benefit of the local friends be held? If so, how often and when?...’Abdu’l-Bahá exhorts the friends to hold such meetings as a “constant” activity, and praises weekly meetings. He repeatedly counsels the believers to read and recite the Holy Word in such meetings and deliver speeches on the teachings, the proofs and the history of the Faith.” (Universal House of Justice, letter dated December 24, 1975 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

"Beginning in approximately 1904, a learned Iranian believer known as Sadru's-Sudúr established the first teacher-training class for Bahá'í youth in Tehran with 'Abdu'l-Bahá's encouragement. The classes met daily, and the graduates, who had been trained in the beliefs of other religions as well as various aspects of the Bahá'í Faith, contributed greatly to the expansion and consolidation of the Cause in their native land." (Century of Light)


7. SPECIFIC FOCUS IN STUDY CLASSES

A. Study classes to cover proofs, history, prophecies

“Amongst other things is the holding of meetings for teaching so that blessed souls and the old ones from amongst the believers may gather together the youths of the love of God in schools of instruction and
1) “teach them all the divine proofs and irrefragable arguments,
2) “explain and elucidate the history of the Cause,
3) ”and interpret also the prophecies and proofs which are recorded
and are extant in the divine Books and Epistles regarding the
manifestation of the Promised One,
“so that the young ones may go in perfect knowledge in all these degrees.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, no. 8:15, p. 54, Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 10)


B. Study classes with focus of teaching to include proofs regarding
Bahá’u’lláh’s appearance, reading of Tablets and Communes, and to
begin with prayers and singing and may conclude with singing

“You have written concerning the spiritual meetings. The foundation of the spiritual meetings must be the teaching and delivering of the Cause of God. In these meetings the believers and maidservants of the Merciful must proclaim the proofs and arguments and explain the signs of the appearance of the Beauty of Abhá–May my life be a sacrifice to the beloved ones! Meanwhile they may read some Tablets and Communes, and at the end of the meetings, if they desire to sing with the utmost supplication and meekness, it is acceptable. But the fundamental principle of the establishment of spiritual meetings is for the sake of teaching and delivering the Truth so that those souls who are present may become informed of the Divine Evidences and Proofs.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast , p. 11)

"Likewise the public meetings in which one day during the week the believers gather to be engaged in the commemoration of God, to read Communes and deliver effective speeches is acceptable and beloved."
(`Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 411)

C. Study classes to memorize incidents in Dawn-Breakers to use them in
teaching (in demonstrating the Faith’s motivating spirit)

“Shoghi Effendi would advise the friends in Rostock to hold regular study classes and read that book with great care, committing its salient facts to memory, so that while teaching the Cause, they may be able to show the motivating spirit of the Faith by referring to some incidents of those early days.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Divine Guidance, vol. ii, p. 24)


D. Meetings to utter Word, set forth proofs and recount tribulations of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá recounts some of the latter in Tablets in
Bahá’í World Faith; the Guardian discusses some of these in God Passes
By)

“Verily, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá inhaleth the fragrance of the love of God from every meeting place where the Word of God is uttered, and proofs and arguments set forth, that shed their rays across the world; and where they recount the tribulations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the evil hands of those who have violated the Covenant of God.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá'í Meetings, p. 8)


E. Study classes are fully approved and the Íqán, “Some Answered
Questions” and “The Dawn-Breakers” are to be mastered and read over
and over again.

“He fully approves the idea of holding study classes, for the deeper the friends go in their understanding of the teaching the more firm and steadfast they will become and the more unwavering in their support of the institutions of the Faith. Books such as the Íqán, “Some Answered Questions” and “The Dawn-Breakers” should be mastered by every Bahá’í. They should read these books over and over again. The first two books will reveal to them the significance of this divine revelation as well as the unity of all the Prophets of old. The last book will show how the Faith was ushered into the world and how its early adherents heroically faced martyrdom and suffering in their desire to establish the Cause throughout the world. Knowing the life of those heroes will create in us the urge to follow their footsteps and achieve the same.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, 76-77)


F. Study of Holy Scriptures

“I have been informed that the purpose of your class meeting is to study the significances and mysteries of the Holy Scriptures and understand the meaning of the divine Testaments. It is a cause of great happiness to me that you are turning unto the Kingdom of God, that you desire to approach the presence of God and to become informed of the realities and precepts of God. It is my hope that you may put forth your most earnest endeavor to accomplish this end, that you may investigate and study the Holy Scriptures word by word so that you may attain knowledge of the mysteries hidden therein. Be not satisfied with words, but seek to understand the spiritual meanings hidden in the heart of the words.” (Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 458-459, quoted in Pearls of Wisdom, pp. 40-41)


G. Special Focus for Women believers (see also section 2.E. on proofs)

Quote 1 on meetings of women believers:

(As boys and girls are to have the same curriculum, is this an extra emphasis for women or for those who had already congregated to focus on the education of children?)

“O handmaids of the beauty of Abhá! Your letter hath come, and its perusal brought great joy. Praised be God, the women believers have organized meetings where they
1. “will learn how to teach the Faith,
2. “will spread the sweet savors of the Teachings and
3. “(will) make plans for training the children.”
A. “This gathering must be completely spiritual.
1. “That is, the discussion must be confined to marshaling clear and
conclusive proofs that the Sun of Truth hath indeed arisen.
B. “And further, those present should concern themselves
1. “with every means of training the girl children;
2. “with teaching
a. “the various branches of knowledge,
b. “good behavior,
c. “a proper way of life,
d. “the cultivation of a good character,
e. “chastity and constancy,
f. “perseverance,
g. “strength,
h. “determination,
i. “firmness of purpose;
3. “with
a. “household management,
b. “the education of children, and
c. “whatever especially applieth to the needs of girls–
“to the end that these girls, reared in the stronghold of all perfections,
and with the protection of a goodly character, will, when they themselves
become mothers, bring up their children from earliest infancy to have a
good character and conduct themselves well.”

C. “Let them also study
1. “whatever will nurture
a. “the health of the body and
b. “its physical soundness, and
2. “how to guard their children from disease.”
“When matters are thus well arranged, every child will become a peerless
plant in the gardens of the Abhá Paradise.”

(Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 130-131, no. 94.1-94.4)
Quote 2 on meetings of women believers:

“O handmaids of the Lord! The spiritual assemblage that ye established in that illumined city is most propitious. Ye have made great strides; ye have surpassed the others, have arisen to serve the Holy Threshold, and have won heavenly bestowals.

A. “Now with all spiritual zeal must ye:
1. ”gather in that enlightened assemblage and recite the Holy Writings
2. “and engage in remembering the Lord.
B. “Set ye forth His arguments and proofs.
C. “Work ye for the guidance of the women in that land,
“teach the young girls and the children, so that the mothers may
a. “educate their little ones from their earliest days,
b. “thoroughly train them,
c. “rear them to have a goodly character and good morals,
d. “guide them to all the virtues of humankind,
e. “prevent the development of any behavior that would be
worthy of blame, and
f. “foster them in the embrace of Bahá’í education.

A. “Thus shall these tender infants
1. “be nurtured at the breast of the knowledge of God and His love.
B. “Thus shall they
2. “grow and flourish, and
3. “be taught
a. “righteousness and the dignity of humankind,
b. “resolution and the will to strive and to endure.
C. “Thus shall they learn
4. “perseverance in all things,
5. “the will to advance,
6. “high-mindedness and high resolve,
7. “chastity and purity of life.
D. “Thus shall they be enabled to
8. “carry to a successful conclusion whatsoever they undertake.”
(Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 131-132, no. 95.1)


Quote 3 on the importance of the spiritual education of girls:

“Certainly, the women teachers from Europe give instruction in language and scripts, and housekeeping, and embroidery and sewing; but their pupils’ character is completely altered, to such a point that the girls no longer care for their mothers, their disposition is spoiled, they misbehave, they become self-satisfied and proud.”
“Rather, girls ought to be trained in such a manner that from day to day they will become more self-effacing, more humble, and will defer to and obey their parents and forebears, and be a comfort and a solace to all.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Education, p. 47)

"The House of Justice regards the need to educate and guide women in their primary responsibility as mothers as an excellent opportunity for organizing women's activities. Your efforts should focus on helping them in their function as educators of the rising generation. Women should also be encouraged to attract their husbands and male members of their families to the Faith so that the Baha'i community will be representative of the society of which it forms a part. Gradually the spirit of unity and fellowship, as set forth in our teachings, will be reflected in the life of Baha'i families."
(????, Lights of Guidance, p. 617)

8. WHAT METHODS ARE TO BE USED?

A. Overview of Methods

Quote 1 (pray, read, speak):
“Thou hast written concerning the meetings and gathering places of the believers of God. Such assemblies and gatherings will greatly aid the promotion of the Word and all the audience, whether friends or not, will become affected. But when the friends have the intention of entering into these meetings they must disengage the heart from all other reflections, ask the Inexhaustible Divine Confirmation, and with the utmost devotion and humility set their feet in the gathering place. Let them not introduce any topic in the meeting except the mentioning of the True One, neither must they confuse that merciful assembly with complex outside questions. They must...either commune or supplicate and pray to God, either read Tablets or give out advices and exhortations.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast , p. 11)

"Likewise the public meetings in which one day during the week the believers gather to be engaged in the commemoration of God, to read Communes and deliver effective speeches is acceptable and beloved."
(`Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 411)

(see also sections I.9.A,B and pp. 91-92)


E. Homework

“Definite courses should be given along the different phases of the Bahá’í Faith and in a manner that will stimulate the students to proceed in their studies privately once they return home, for the period of a few days is not sufficient to learn everything. They have to be taught the habit of studying the Cause constantly, for the more we read the Words the more will the truth they contain be revealed to us.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, p. 79)

“Although still young in age, you should endeavor from now, through close association with your fellow-believers, and through your faithful application, and through your faithful application to your Bahá’í studies, to prepare yourself for that day when you will be called upon, as a grown-up and responsible member of the Community, to take full part in the activities of the Cause, and thus prove yourself worthy of being a member of this world-wide Fellowship created by Bahá’u’lláh.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, p. 95)

See also section “E. Need to Make Time for Study in Free Time.”

"Likewise the public meetings in which one day during the week the believers gather to be engaged in the commemoration of God, to read Communes and deliver effective speeches is acceptable and beloved."
(`Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 411)

B. Speeches in public (as well as Feast)

“We had heard through various channels the wonderful way your children had grown to speak about the Cause in public. Shoghi Effendi’s hope is that they will...become able and devoted speakers on the Cause and subjects akin to it. To do this properly they will need a firm foundation of scientific and literary training which fortunately they are obtaining. It is just as important for the Bahá’í young boys and girls to become properly educated in colleges of high standing as it is to be spiritually developed. The mental as well as the spiritual side of the youth has to be developed before he can serve the Cause efficiently.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Bahá’í Education, pp. 59)

“As to the Nineteen Day festivity, it is of the utmost importance that the friends should gather at a meeting where, in complete attunement and love, they should engage in the remembrance of God and His praise, and converse as to the glad tidings of God, and proofs of the Advent of Baha'u'llah, and should recount the high deeds and sacrifices of the lovers of God in Persia, and tell of the martyrs' detachment from the world, and their ecstasy, and of how the believers there stood by one another and gave up everything they had.
The Nineteen Day festivity is, therefore, of very great importance.”
(From a Tablet to an individual believer - translated from the
Persian)
(`Abdu'l-Baha, The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 428)

“Even though the observance of the Feast requires strict adherence to the threefold aspects in the sequence in which they have been defined, there is much room for variety in the total experience. For example...’Abdu’l-Bahá recommends that eloquent, uplifting talks be given...” (On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, August 27, 1989 quoted in Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities, pp. 9.16-9.17)

I. Adopt, adapt, or create Materials for expansion

II. Proofs and Proofs in Study Classes

PROOFS AND PROOFS IN STUDY CLASSES (SUMMARIES)

1. PROOFS ARE IMPORTANT TO STUDY (p. )
2. STUDY KITÁB-I-ÍQÁN AND SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS (p. )
3. WHAT IS COVERED IN THE ÍQÁN AND SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS
(p. )
4. ASPECTS OF KITÁB-I-ÍQÁN AND SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS TO
STUDY (p. )

5. COVER PROOFS IN MEETING (p. )
6. USE KITÁB-I-ÍQÁN AND SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS IN MEETINGS
(p. )
7. FIND SEEKERS INTERESTED IN AND ARRANGE MEETINGS ABOUT
THE PROOFS AND PROPHETS (p. )
8. FURTHER ACTIVITIES WITH THE PROOFS (p. )
9. USE EXAMPLE AND METHODS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ IN TALKS (p. )


PROOFS AND PROOFS IN STUDY CLASSES (DETAILED SUMMARIES)

1. PROOFS ARE IMPORTANT TO STUDY
A. Memorize logical points and proofs of Holy Books establishing
Bahá’u’lláh as fulfillment of Promises
1. “evidences that the Most Great Name hath dawned”
2. Proofs and evidences which establish the fact that
Bahá’u’lláh is the fulfillment of the Promises of the Holy
Book
B. Memorize proofs which are collected
C. Most vital aspect spiritual Crusade in South duty enlighten re:
relationship of Faith with Dispensations preceding it
D. Instruction in Proofs - Nothing more important
E. Special Emphasis on Proofs for Bahá’í women (the “leaves”) and
why
2. STUDY KITÁB-I-ÍQÁN AND SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS
3. WHAT IS COVERED IN THE ÍQÁN AND SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS
4. USE ÍQÁN TO TEACH

5. COVER PROOFS IN MEETING
6. USE KITÁB-I-ÍQÁN AND SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS IN STUDY
MEETINGS
7. FIND SEEKERS INTERESTED IN AND ARRANGE MEETINGS ABOUT
THE PROOFS AND PROPHETS
A. Meet people interested in lives and history of past prophets
1. Recommended Teaching audience include those interested
in lives and history of past prophets (as covered in the Íqán
or Some Answered Questions)
B. Give Firesides (as these meetings can prepare them for this)
1. Recommended Content of Firesides covered in study of Íqán
(though give Íqán after Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era when
giving out literature as the latter is more of an overview of
the teachings)
a. Share literature of The Kitáb-i-Íqán after Bahá’u’lláh
and the New Era
2. Method of teaching praised which covers proofs (as in the Íqán)

8. FURTHER ACTIVITIES WITH THE PROOFS
A. Collect proofs
B. Study the Bible, Qur’án, and other Holy Books (and proofs for the
religionists following these Holy Books) (in meetings also)
C. Hold courses on Islám (especially regarding the early history of the
Faith, but also to show its progression over Christianity, its bringing
about the (good) fruits of modern Western civilization and
indirectly bringing about the Reformation, etc.

9. USE EXAMPLE AND METHODS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ IN TALKS

(`Abdu'l-Baha: Some Answered Questions, Page: 36)

“If thou wishest the divine knowledge and recognition, purify thy heart from all beside God, be wholly attracted to the ideal, beloved One; search for and choose Him and apply thyself to rational and authoritative arguments. For arguments are a guide to the path and by this the heart will be turned unto the Sun of Truth. And when the heart is turned unto the Sun, then the eye will be opened and will recognize the Sun through the Sun itself. Then (man) will be in no need of arguments (or proofs), for the sun is altogether independent, and absolute independence is in need of nothing, and proofs are one of the things (of which absolute independence has no need). Be not like Thomas; be thou like Peter.” (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 168, quoted in Divine Art of Living, pp. 51-52)

E. Special Emphasis on Proofs for Bahá’í women (the “leaves”) and why:

“O ye handmaidens who are attracted to the divine fragrances!... Confirmations from the kingdom of God will assuredly be received, enabling some radiant leaves to appear resplendent in the assemblage of this world with clear proofs and convincing reasons, which will adorn the cause of womanhood. They will prove that in this cycle women are equal to men, nay in certain respects they will excel. Ponder ye: in this wonderful Cause numerous were the men who scaled the heights of knowledge; they had a brilliant utterance, a convincing proof, an eloquent tongue and magnificent speech, but the blessed leaf, Jináb-i-Táhirih, because she was a woman, emerged with immense splendour and dumbfounded all the people. If she were a man, this would not have been so at all. Therefore, ye should know that the greatness of the Cause hath penetrated the nerves and veins of the world in such wise that if one of the leaves is attracted and gains mastery in demonstrating reasons and proofs and in uttering convincing evidences, she will shine resplendently. O radiant leaves, I swear by the Beauty of the Desired One and the Mystery of Existence that if ye work actively in this realm, the outpourings of the Blessed Beauty will reflect as the sun in the mirrors of the hearts. Your progress will astonish all.”
“The attracted leaves should not, when associating with each other, talk merely about the temperature of the weather, the coldness of the water, the beauty of the flowers and gardens, the freshness of the grass and the flowing water. They should rather restrict their discussions to glorification and praise and the uttering of proofs and reasons, to quoting verses and traditions and putting forth clear testimonies, so that all the homes of the loved ones will be converted into gathering places for lessons on teaching the Cause.”
“If ye do so, in a short while the outpourings of the Kingdom will be so manifested that each one of the handmaidens of the Merciful will become a perspicuous book revealing the mysteries of the Lord of Mercy. Upon you be the glory of glories.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Women compilation, pp. 48-49)

“I swear by that Peerless Beauty, Who is in the Unseen Kingdom, that when the leaves loose their tongues in praise and glorification of the All-Loving Lord, and in teaching the Cause of the Kind Lord, the concourse of the Kingdom and the inmates of the Unseen Realms will give ear, and cry out with exclamations of extreme joy and jubilation.” The Compilation of Compilations, vol. 2, p. 398 (quoted on p. 201 Teaching, the Crown of Immortal Glory)

“O ye pure and esteemed leaves who are nigh to the Court of Glory! Blessed, blessed are ye for ye have arranged spiritual meetings and engaged in propounding divine proofs and evidences. Ye are intent on vindicating truth in support of the manifest Light of the Cause, through conclusive arguments and proofs based on the sacred scriptures of the past. This is a very noble aim, and this cherished hope a cause of the illumination of all peoples and nations.
“From the beginning of existence until the present day, in any of the past cycles and dispensations, no assemblies for women have ever been established and classes for the purpose of spreading the teachings were never held by them. This is one of the characteristics of this glorious Dispensations and this great century. Ye should, most certainly, strive to perfect this assemblage and increase your knowledge of the realities of heavenly mysteries, so that, God willing, in a short time, women will become the same as men; they will take a leading position amongst the learned, will each have a fluent tongue and eloquent speech, and shine like unto lamps of guidance throughout the world. In some respects, women have astonishing capacities; they hasten in their attraction to God, and are intense in their fiery ardour for Him. In brief, spend your nights and days in the study of the holy Utterances and in acquiring perfections. Occupy yourselves always in discussing these matters. When ye meet each other, convey the glad-tidings and impart hope to one another because of the confirmations and bounties of the Ancient and Ever-Living Lord. Let each set forth proofs and evidences, and talk about the mysteries of the Kingdom, so that the true and divine Spirit may permeate the body of the contingent world and the secrets of all things, whether of the past or of the future, may become openly manifest and resplendent.”
“O loved handmaidens of God! Consider not your present merits and capacities, rather fix your gaze on the favours and confirmations of the Blessed Beauty, because His everlasting grace will make of the insignificant plant a blessed tree, will turn the mirage into cool water and wine; will cause the forsaken atom to become the very essence of being, the puny one erudite in the school of knowledge. It enableth a thorny bush to give forth blossoms, and the dark earth to produce fragrant and rich hyacinths. It will transmute the stone into a ruby of great price, and fill the sea shells with brilliant pearls. It will assist a fledgling school child to become a learned teacher and enable a frail embryo to reveal the reality of the verse: “Hallowed be the Lord, the Most Excellent of all creators.” {Qur’án 23:14} Verily, my Lord is powerful over things.”
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Women compilation, pp. 49-50)

to the "leaves":

"Verily, I implore God to gaze upon you with the eye of His mercy, to raise you through a godlike power, to move you by the breezes of His glory, to make you fluent in irrefutable and divine proofs and arguments, to sever you from the world and all therein, to purify and sanctify you from every material grade, and enable you to diffuse the bounties of the Divine Worlds." (Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha Abbas, 31)

“'Abdu'l-Bahá's supreme joy is in observing that a number of leaves from among the handmaidens of the Blessed Beauty have been educated, that they are the essence of detachment, and are well-informed of the mysteries of the world of being; that they raise such a call in their glorification and praise of the Greatest Name as to cause the inmates of the Fanes of the Kingdom to become attracted and overjoyed, and that they recite prayers in prose and poetry, and melodiously chant the divine verses. I cherish the hope that thou wilt be one of them, wilt cast forth pearls, wilt be constantly engaged in singing His praise and wilt intone celestial strains in glorification of His attributes....” (From a Tablet - translated from the Persian, Women Compilation #40)


F. Influence of Holy Spirit on Giving Proofs

to the "leaves": "Verily, I implore God to gaze upon you with the eye of His mercy, to raise you through a godlike power, to move you by the breezes of His glory, to make you fluent in irrefutable and divine proofs and arguments, to sever you from the world and all therein, to purify and sanctify you from every material grade, and enable you to diffuse the bounties of the Divine Worlds." (Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha Abbas, 31)

"I now assure thee, O servant of God, that, if thy mind become empty and pure from every mention and thought and thy heart attracted wholly to the Kingdom of God, forgetting all else besides God and coming into communion with the Spirit of God, then the Holy Spirit will assist thee with a power which will enable thee to penetrate all things, and a Dazzling Spark which enlightens all sides; a Brilliant Flame in the zenith of the heavens, will teach thee that which thou dost not know of the facts of the universe and of the divine doctrine. Verily, I say unto thee, every soul that ariseth today to guide others to the path of safety and infuse into them the Spirit of Life, the Holy Spirit will inspire that soul with evidences, proofs and facts, and the lights will shine upon it from the Kingdom of God. Do not forget what I have conveyed unto thee from the breath of the Spirit. Verily it is the shining morn and the rosy dawn which will impart unto thee the lights, reveal the mysteries and make thee competent in science, and through it the pictures of the Supreme World will be printed in thy heart and the facts of the secrets of the Kingdom of God will shine before thee." ('Abdu'l-Bahá????, Bahá'í World Faith, p. 369)


2. STUDY KITÁB-I-ÍQÁN AND SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS

A. Importance of the Íqán

“...it is the most fundamental book on the Bahá’í Revelation.” (From a postscript in the hand of Shoghi Effendi on a letter written on his behalf to an individual believer, 25 August 1932)

“unique repository of inestimable treasures...of unsurpassed preeminence among the doctrinal...writings of the Author of the Bahá’í Dispensation” (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, pp. 138, 139)

“Foremost among the priceless treasures cast forth from the billowing ocean of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation ranks the Kitáb-i-Íqán (Book of Certitude)...” (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, pp. 138-139)

“The Íqán has been described by Bahá’u’lláh in one of His Tablets at the World Centre as the ‘Siyyid-i-Kutúb’ - the Lord of Books.” (Hooper Dunbar, A Companion to the Study of the Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 3)

“A model of Persian prose, of a style at once original, chaste and vigorous, and remarkably lucid, both cogent in argument and matchless in its irresistible eloquence, this Book, setting forth in outline the Grand Redemptive Scheme of God, occupies a position unequalled by any work in the entire range of Bahá’í literature, except the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh’s Most Holy Book. Revealed on the eve of the declaration of His Mission, it proffered to mankind the ‘Choice Sealed Wine’, whose seal is of ‘musk’, and broke the ‘seals’ of the ‘Book’ referred to by Daniel, and disclosed the meaning of the ‘words’ destined to remain ‘closed up’ till the ‘time of the end’.” (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, pp. 138-139)

“...this [the Íqán] is a very important and fundamental book...” (Shoghi Effendi, The Light of Divine Guidance, vol. ii, pp. 121-122)

“The Íqán is the most important book written on the spiritual significance of the Cause. I do not believe any person can consider himself well versed in the teachings unless he has studied it thoroughly.” (Shoghi Effendi, The Light of Divine Guidance, vol. i., p. 37)


B. Íqán and works of Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl to be read

“Thou didst ask as to acquiring knowledge: read thou the Books and Tablets of God, and the articles written to demonstrate the truth of this Faith. Included among them are the “Íqán”, which hath been translated into English, the works of Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl, and those of some others among the believers. In the days to come a great number of holy Tablets and other sacred writings will be translated, and thou shouldst read these as well. Likewise, ask thou of God that the magnet of His love should draw unto thee the knowledge of Him. Once a soul becometh holy in all things, purified, sanctified, the gates of the knowledge of God will open wide before his eyes.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Pearls of Wisdom, pp. 32-33)

“It was not possible to make the subject completely plain to the rabbi last night, as he was very much pressed for time, but today the opportunity was sufficient for a reconsideration of the statements in detail. I wish you to understand them thoroughly and memorize them in order that you may discourse with the Jews and thus, perchance, become instrumental in leading them aright.”
(`Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 411)

(See The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 411-415 and also pp.
402-410 for these elements to memorize (e.g., that Jesus spread the
Torah, lack of harm to a nation’s people in praising even an atheist
from their country, let alone a Manifestation of God, etc.))


b. Teach Christians about Islám

(See also section 8.B. and 8.C.)

"The friends should uphold Islám as a revealed Religion in teaching the Cause but need not make, at present, any particular attempt to teach it solely and directly to non-Baha'is at this time.

"The mission of the American Baha'is is, no doubt, to eventually establish the truth of Islam in the West.”
(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Lights of Guidance, p. 497)

(The Kitáb-i-Íqán indicates Muhammad was the Return of Christ – see p. 26 for example, though it is not in the same glory as Bahá’u’lláh (especially as Bahá’u’lláh as the Return of Christ in the Glory of the Father will become more complete as more of the world comes to recognize Him–see a letter on behalf of the Guardian, quoted in Lights of Guidance, p. 493)

"The mission of the American Baha'is is, no doubt, to eventually establish the truth of Islam in the West.”
(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Lights of Guidance, p. 497)

“Child education is a matter of the utmost importance. The infant, while yet a suckling, must receive Baha'i training, and the loving spirit of Christ and Baha'u'llah must be breathed into him, that he may be reared in accord with the verities of the Gospel and the Most Holy Book. (`Abdu'l-Baha, Education, p. 266)

“I, therefore, beseech Thee by Him and by Them Who are the Day-Springs of Thy Divinity, and the Manifestations of Thy Lordship, and the Treasuries of Thy Revelation, and the Depositories of Thine inspiration, to enable us to serve and obey Him, and to empower us to become the helpers of His Cause and the dispersers of His adversaries.” (Baha'u'llah, Prayers and Meditations, p. 86)

"The truth is that Western historians have for many centuries distorted the facts to suit their religious and ancestral prejudices. The Baha'is should try to study history anew, and to base all their investigations first and foremost on the written Scriptures of Islam and Christianity."
(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Lights of Guidance, p. 497)

"The truth is that Western historians have for many centuries distorted the facts to suit their religious and ancestral prejudices. The Baha'is should try to study history anew, and to base all their investigations first and foremost on the written Scriptures of Islam and Christianity."
(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Lights of Guidance, p. 497)

"Although," Abdu'l-Baha, in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, has written, "in most of the states and cities of the United States, praise be to God, His fragrances are diffused, and souls unnumbered are turning their faces and advancing toward the Kingdom of God, yet in some of the states the Standard of Unity is not yet upraised as it should be, nor are the mysteries of the Holy Books, such as the Bible, the Gospel, and the Qur'an, unraveled. Through the concerted efforts of all the friends the Standard of Unity must needs be unfurled in those states, and the Divine teachings promoted, so that these states may also receive their portion of the heavenly bestowals and a share of the Most Great Guidance."
(Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 57-58)

C. Hold courses on Islám (especially regarding the early history of the Faith,
but also to show its progression over Christianity, its bringing about the
(good) fruits of modern Western civilization and indirectly bringing
about the Reformation, etc.

“As regards the courses, he would advise you to continue laying emphasis on the history and teachings of Islám, and in particular on the Islamic origins of the Faith.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Centers of Bahá’í Learning, pp. 13-14)

“With regard to the school’s program for the next summer; the Guardian would certainly advise, and even urge the friends to make a thorough study of the Qur’án, as the knowledge of this Sacred Scripture is absolutely indispensable for every believer who wishes to adequately understand, and intelligently read the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Although there are very few persons among our Western Bahá’ís who are capable of handling such a course in a scholarly way yet, the mere lack of such competent teachers should encourage and stimulate the believers to get better acquainted with the Sacred Scriptures of Islám. In this way, there will gradually appear some distinguished Bahá’ís who will be so well versed in the teachings of Islám as to be able to guide the believers in their study of that religion.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, 90-91)

“As regards the study courses for the next year’s session; the Guardian wishes you to cover the same subjects, namely the Administrative Order and Islám, but feels that these should be studied through more detailed and concentrated examination of all their aspects. An effort should be done to raise the standard of studies, so as to provide the Bahá’í student with a thorough knowledge of the Cause that would enable him to expound it befittingly to the educated public.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Centers of Bahá’í Learning, p. 9)

“...through the organization of courses on the teachings and history of Islám ...these schools, open to Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike, have set so noble an example as to inspire other Bahá’í communities...to undertake the initial measures designed to enable them to build along the same lines institutions that bid fair to evolve into the Bahá’í universities of the future.” (Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Centers of Bahá’í Learning, p. 12)

As to the fruits of Western Civilization brought about by Islám, see Secret of Divine Civilization (as well as another book perhaps which is apparently referred to in The Secret of Divine Civilization, The History of the Intellectual Development of Europe by John William Draper) and a letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi quoted in Lights of Guidance, pp. 496-497)

The above quotations refer to the advance of Islám over Christianity. Another quotation elaborates on a specific element to include in study in summer schools (or presumably any Centers of Bahá’í Learning) regarding Islám (though it cannot be considered as verifiably authentic since it is from a pilgrim’s note) (namely that whereas Christianity did not only not prohibit polygamy (which Islám indirectly did) but actually its priests added their own corrupt invention of celibacy over marriage (as the Qur’án itself confirms):

“Jesus abrogated two laws of Moses, Sabbath and prohibited divorce. The Master explains - Tablet to Miss Rosenberg - that monogamy was not taught by Jesus. The Gospel prohibits divorce but says nothing about monogamy. The Fathers of the Church made it a law, but Christ never did. There was polygamy in His days, and it was not prohibited among the early Christians. Then they not only established monogamy, but said that celibacy should be the rule. When Jesus had not even enjoined monogamy, and had tolerated polygamy, the Church Fathers went so far as to establish celibacy.

“The Qur'an prohibited polygamy, but the commentators misinterpreted the text. The text says polygamy is conditioned upon Justice, in another passage Muhammad says Justice in these circumstances (i.e. polygamy) is impossible. So we see that Islam is a step in advance of Christianity. The mission of the Baha'is in proving Islam is a further step in Revelation than Christianity, must cite this evidence.

“These things should be taught in the summer schools in relation to comparative religion and Islam.

“We have to consider the Aqdas in the light of the authorized interpreter, the Master. Baha'u'llah in a passage says marriage with two wives is conditioned upon Justice. The Master says in a Tablet to Miss Rosenberg, that Justice is impossible, (to be just to two wives). It is just like the Qur'an. Both the Qur'an and the Baha'i teachings are a step further than the Gospels. The missionaries, the enemies of the Cause will quote the Aqdas and claim we do not advocate monogamy. Then we must quote the Master's Tablet. Baha'u'llah says in the Aqdas, "Refer ye to what is not in the Aqdas to the Most Great Branch;" and in the "Tablet of the Covenant, (Kitab-i-Ahd) He quotes this passage of His and says the Master is that Branch. The Church Fathers had no right to prohibit what Christ had not prohibited, and yet they went a step further and established celibacy.”

(See also Some Answered Questions in resolving the issue of polygamy as it pertains to Muhammad’s Holy Life (Chapter 7).)

As to the Reformation, see a letter on behalf of the Guardian, quoted in Lights of Guidance, p. 494.


9. USE EXAMPLE AND METHODS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ IN TALKS

“The Bahá’í youth must be taught how to teach the Cause of God. Their knowledge of the fundamentals of the Faith must be deepened and the standard of their education in science and literature enhanced. They must become thoroughly familiar with the language used and the example set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His public addresses throughout the West. They must also be acquainted with those essential prerequisites of teaching as recorded in the Holy Books and Tablets.” (Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, pp. 50-51)

“He would advise you among other books to study the Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as His method of approaching the mind of the public cannot be surpassed.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, p. 101)

See God Passes By, p. 282 and Bahá’í Administration, pp. 69-70 for Shoghi Effendi’s description of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s method of teaching.

III. History and History in Study Classes and Training Institutes

SUMMARY OF QUOTES ON HISTORY OF FAITH

1) NEED TO READ AND STUDY HISTORY OF FAITH TO BE INSPIRED AND
BECOME ABLE TO SERVE (WHILE PURSUING SCHOOL STUDIES) (p.
)

2) SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF HISTORY VITAL TO STUDY FOR GUIDANCE,
INSPIRATION, AND TO USHER IN BLISSFUL ERA (p. )
a. lives of the Founders of Cause
b. salient events Heroic and Formative Ages Faith
c. genesis, significance, workings, present status, achievements
embryonic World Order & Covenant
d. To know tribulations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at evil hands of Covenant
violators (and pray for Him)
e. To know and teach the high deeds, sacrifices, detachment, ecstasy,
and unity with each other, of the lovers of God/martyrs in Persia (at
Feast)
f. Study the history (God Passes By) to see how persistently the Faith
has been attacked by those in high positions


3) READ AND MASTER “DAWN-BREAKERS” & “GOD PASSES BY” (p. )

4) READ AND MASTER “DAWN-BREAKERS” & “GOD PASSES BY” TO
TEACH AND BE SUSTAINED IN LIFE AND ACTIVITIES (p. )

5) WHAT DAWN-BREAKERS SHOWS (p. )
a) how Faith was ushered into world
b) how early adherents heroically faced martyrdom and suffering to
establish Cause throughout world
c) spirit of true sacrifice (which we need in order to teach and
travel-teach with more dedication)

6) STUDY CLASSES TO INCLUDE HISTORY AND DAWN-BREAKERS (p. )

7) FURTHER PROJECTS USING DAWN-BREAKERS AND HISTORY (p. )

8) READ BOOK OF COVENANT, WILL AND TESTAMENT, AND
DISPENSATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH FOR APPRECIATION OF STATIONS
AND COVENANTS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ (p. )

VI. Secular Subjects of Study

I. IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCES AND CRAFTS (to teaching and service) (p.
102)
II. DON’T NEED TO FIND “TRUTH” ELSEWHERE (though it is reflected
elsewhere and one must observe its manifestations in the world to
understand as well as teach the Writings)


III. LEARN SCIENCE AND LITERATURE (on own) (p. 102)
IV. STUDY HISTORY (including religious), ECONOMICS, SOCIOLOGY, ETC.
(on own) (p. 102)
V. FIND HARMONY IN TRUE SCIENCE AND RELIGION (p. 103)
VI. STUDY LANGUAGES FOR TEACHING (AND UNDERSTANDING) FAITH
(AND TRANSLATING THE WRITINGS)
VII. (STUDY THE WRITINGS ON PROFESSIONS: AGRICULTURE,
ECONOMICS/BUSINESS, EDUCATION, MEDIA, GOVERNANCE, ETC.)

VII. DON’T LET MATERIAL STUDIES ECLIPSE SPIRITUAL STUDIES (p.
103)
VIII. GIVEN LIMITED TIME IN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL, DON’T GET INTO
SCIENTIFIC TANGENTS (p. 103)

“Therefore science, education and civilization are most important necessities for the full religious life.”
(Attributed to `Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 29)

“whatever science and reason cannot support must be rejected as imitation and not reality. Then differences of belief will disappear. All will become as one family, one people, and the same susceptibility to the divine bounty and education will be witnessed among mankind.”
(`Abdu'l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 176)

“On the shoulders of the youth today rests the future of the Faith. Therefore they should be well educated and trained not only in the Teachings of the Faith, but also in secular matters.”
(Shoghi Effendi: Youth, Page: 438)

While attributing a lesson of the Titanic disaster as overreliance of man on material means and failure to rely on God, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said:
"Let no one imagine that these words imply that man should not be thorough and careful in his undertakings. God has endowed man with intelligence so that he may safeguard and protect himself. Therefore, he must provide and surround himself with all that scientific skill can produce. He must be deliberate, thoughtful and thorough in his purposes, build the best ship and provide the most experienced captain; yet, withal, let him rely upon God and consider God as the one Keeper. If God protects, nothing can imperil man's safety; and if it be not His will to safeguard, no amount of preparation and precaution will avail."
(`Abdu'l-Baha: Promulgation of Universal Peace*, Page: 48)

"Let the loved ones of God, whether young or old, whether male or female, each according to his capabilities, bestir themselves and spare no efforts to acquire the various current branches of knowledge, both spiritual and secular, and of the arts. Whensoever they gather in their meetings let their conversation be confined to learned subjects and to information on the knowledge of the day.
If they do thus, they will flood the world with the Manifest Light, and change this dusty earth into gardens of the Realm of Glory."
(`Abdu'l-Baha, Education, p. 253)


II. DON’T NEED TO FIND “TRUTH” ELSEWHERE (though it is reflected
elsewhere and one must observe its manifestations in the world to
understand as well as teach the Writings)

“The friends need only read the Writings; the answers are all in them....” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, p. 53)

"...the solution given to the world's problems by Bahá'u'lláh is the only solution-being Divine in origin-and most desperately needed; therefore we, the few who have caught the vision, should not waste our energies beating up and down the paths pursued by humanity, and which are not solving its ghastly present-day problems. We should concentrate on the Cause, because it is what is needed to cure the world. This is a sound attitude, for if we don't devote ourselves to the Bahá'í work and teaching, who will?

"On the other hand there is a big difference between this and learning. If the Bahá'ís want to be really effective in teaching the Cause they need to be much better informed and able to discuss intelligently, intellectually, the present condition of the world and its problems. We need Bahá'í scholars, not only people far, far more deeply aware of what our teachings really are, but also well-read and well-educated people, capable of correlating our teachings to the current thoughts of the leaders of society.

"We Bahá'ís should, in other words, arm our minds with knowledge in order to better demonstrate to, especially, the educated classes, the truths enshrined in our Faith. What the Guardian, however, does not advise the friends to do is to dissipate their time and energies in serving movements that are akin to our principles but not, we believe, capable of solving the present spiritual crisis the world finds itself in. We can co-operate with such movements and their promoters to good effect, while at the same time openly standing forth as Bahá'ís with a specific programme to offer society." (5 July 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)



III. LEARN SCIENCE AND LITERATURE (on own)

“The Bahá’í youth must be taught how to teach the Cause of God. Their knowledge of the fundamentals of the Faith must be deepened and the standard of their education in science and literature enhanced. They must become thoroughly familiar with the language used and the example set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His public addresses throughout the West. They must also be acquainted with those essential prerequisites of teaching as recorded in the Holy Books and Tablets.” (Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, pp. 50-51)

"Women must go on advancing; they must extend their knowledge of science, literature, history, for the perfection of humanity. Erelong they will receive their rights. ('Abdu'l-Bahá quoted in Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era, pp. 148-149)

"Acquire the Persian tongue, so as to learn of the meanings of the divine words and to know the divine mysteries, to develop an eloquent speech and to translate the blessed Tablets of Baha'u'llah. The Persian language shall become noteworthy in this cycle; nay, rather, the people shall study it in all the world." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá quoted in Lights of Guidance, p. 341)

“With regard to Arabic, in several Tablets Baha'u'llah praises the
vastness and eloquence of the Arabic language, but in none of His Writings does He state that His followers are required to learn that language. In a number of instances `Abdu'l-Baha and the Guardian have both encouraged the believers in the West to learn Persian. Similarly, `Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi on occasion encouraged believers in Europe and Asia to study English. And, as you are no doubt aware, the involvement of the friends in the study of Esperanto has also been deemed praiseworthy. However, the choice as to which language will ultimately be selected as the international auxiliary language has been left by Baha'u'llah, in His Book of Laws, to the leaders of the nations or possibly to the House of Justice to decide.” (On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, an email dated 10 February 1998 to an individual)

“Such testimonies bearing on this theme [inestimable wealth which Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá bequeathed to posterity (in the greatness of this Day)] are impregnated with such power and reveal such beauty as only those who are versed in the languages in which they were originally revealed can claim to have sufficiently appreciated.” (Shoghi Effendi, World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 103)

“Shoghi Effendi was very glad to hear that you are planning to study Persian very seriously. Should you do it you will obtain ample reward for your labours, for you will then be able to go straight to the writings themselves.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Light of Divine Guidance, p. 21)

“Every child without exception must from his earliest years make a thorough study of the art of reading and writing, and according to his own tastes and inclinations and the degree of his capacity and powers, devote extreme diligence to the acquisition of learning, beneficial arts and skills, various languages, speech and contemporary technology.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Bahá’í Education, pp. 58)

“And further, as well as in the ideals of character, instruction in such arts and sciences as are of benefit, and in foreign tongues.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Education, p. 42)

(Study language and culture of greatest needs for teaching. Insert re: Chinese language...????)

Regarding 'Abdu'l-Bahá praying to learn Arabic, see Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, p. ????


VII. (STUDY THE WRITINGS ON PROFESSIONS: AGRICULTURE,
ECONOMICS/BUSINESS, EDUCATION, MEDIA, GOVERNANCE, ETC.)

"When deciding what course of training to follow, youth can consider acquiring those skills and professions that will be of benefit in education, rural development, agriculture, economics, technology, health, radio and in many other areas of endeavour that are so urgently needed in the developing countries of the world. You can also devote time in the midst of your studies, or other activities, to travel teaching or service projects in the Third World."
(Universal House of Justice, Lights of Guidance, p. 636)

“Regarding your question about what courses would be most useful for you to study: He feels that both radio and journalistic work are fields in which the Baha'is could well learn to express themselves for the sake of helping their teaching work, and advises you, if you have the time, to study these subjects.”
(Shoghi Effendi: Writers and Writing, Page: 413)


VIII. DON’T LET MATERIAL STUDIES ECLIPSE SPIRITUAL STUDIES

“We should also not let our studies detain us from deepening our knowledge of the literature of the Cause.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, 71)

“He urges you, however, to devote yourself as much as possible to studying and spreading the Bahá’í teachings, whatever your other occupations may be.” (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Pearls of Wisdom, 100)


IX. GIVEN LIMITED TIME IN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL, DON’T GET INTO
SCIENTIFIC TANGENTS

“He feels...that some of the courses are not sufficiently Bahá’í in nature, but carry the student off into an unnecessary study of special techniques–history, psychology or whatever it may be, which however valuable these topics may be in training the human mind and fitting the individual for contact with others, are a waste of time, in view of the very limited period that most of the Bahá’ís spend at a Bahá’í summer school.
“The friends should concentrate on deepening their grasp of the Teachings, particularly on studying what has already been done, and what must be done to fulfil the goals....” (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, May 11, 1954, quoted in Lights of Guidance, vol. iii., no. 1900)

+ Works the Writings enjoin should be read over and over and mastered.
ra Works which are to be read (and applied)
ru Works which are to be read, understood, and communicated

Unmarked works are recommended to be read, particularly in connection
with those interested in the subject matter it covers
Parenthetical works are my own recommendation, though to my knowledge,
the Writings do not require the believers to read these.

Overview of Literature
+Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era (introduction-though may be surpassed
in future)

Proofs (see p. )
+Kitáb-i-Íqán
+Some Answered Questions
Book should be created to compile the proofs (might read existing
ones) for reference for those who ask for them
(ru) Works of Mírzá Abu'l-Fadl and other believers
(ru) Christ and Bahá'u'lláh
(ru) Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, Paris
Talks, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London–though original in Persian is not
obtainable)
(ru) Qur’án/Islám
(ru) Bible

Theology/Basic Teachings
+Gleanings (use for teaching) (see pp. )

History (see p. )
+Dawn-Breakers (use for comfort, teaching, arts, pilgrimage)
+God Passes By

(A Traveler’s Narrative)
(Memorials of the Faithful)
(Secret of Divine Civilization)
Martha Root's book on Táhirih in reference to Táhirih
(Promised Day is Come)

History of the Intellectual Development of Europe (re: Islám)
Cry from the Heart (martyrs in Írán)
To Move the World (Louis Gregory) (esp. re: race relations)


On Central Figures, Covenants, and Stations (see pp. )

(ru) “Book of My Covenant” (in Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh)
(ru) Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh (included in World Order of Bahá’u’lláh)
(ru) Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Morality/Character
+Hidden Words (recite in morning and evening, and apply) (see pp. )
(ru) Advent of Divine Justice (character education work for youth) (see
pp. )
inspire them to follow Bahá'í way of life
morality, chastity esp. for youth
foster obedience to laws as against alcohol & drugs
on prejudice
moral rectitude in conduct (esp. for representatives of Faith)
+ The Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh – Bishárát, Ishráqát, Tajallíyyát, Tarázát,
Kalimát & other important Tablets when they are published (Book
of the Covenant), presumably the Most Holy Tablet and Tablet of
Carmel, the Tablet of Wisdom, Tablet of the World? (see pp. )

Laws
(ra) Kitáb-i-Aqdas (see pp. )

For Pilgrimage
Dawn-Breakers, see pilgrimage reading sheet for others (see p. )

World Order and Economy
(ru) World Order of Bahá'u'lláh (includes Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh)
(Turning Point for all Nations)
(ru) Prosperity of Humankind
(ru) Who’s Writing the Future?
(Foundations of World Unity)
(Lights of Guidance, vol. iii. re: economic sections)

Spiritual Sustenance
(+)Prayers and Meditations (see pp. )
Listed as most important for development of youth
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to be read at meetings (Selections from the
Writings of ’Abdu’l-Bahá?)

Teaching Goals (and Methods) (pp. )

(ra)Tablets of the Divine Plan
(as noted by National Spiritual Assembly as relevant to the time, toward unlocking teaching potential)
supplemented by:
(ra) Advent of Divine Justice
(ra) Citadel of Faith (“America in Time of World Peril”, “Challenging Requirements of the
Present Hour”)
Tablets

There will of course be overlap between the above works and is not a wholly complete list. You may wish to add to this and inform us if you wish.