Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly
To all lovers of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh throughout Aotearoa New Zealand
Dearly loved friends,
As we celebrate, this week, the Births of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, in a two-day anniversary, let this 48-hour period from sunset on Thursday to sunset on Saturday befittingly mark the arrivals on this planet of the Herald of our Faith and “the One Whose teachings will usher in that long-promised time when all humanity will live side by side in peace and unity.” These Twin Holy Birthdays are accounted as one festival in the sight of God.
The friends everywhere will undoubtedly reach out to others through whatever means are available and appropriate, to demonstrate to them - their friends, family, colleagues and neighbours - the special nature of these days that commemorate the release of powerful spiritual forces into the world. It is a time when all around the world there is a collective offering of gratitude to these two precious Beings.
One of the ways to befittingly acknowledge Them is to properly observe the Holy Days by refraining from work.
"The beloved Guardian made it absolutely clear that the command to cease work during the nine Holy Days is a matter for conscientious obedience by every individual believer.”
"As you are well aware, not only should Bahá'ís refrain from work on the nine Holy Days, but the shops and establishments owned by Bahá'ís should also be closed on these Days.”
Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 299
“…in shops or stores owned by Bahá'ís, the fact that they may have non-Bahá'ís in employment does not exempt the Bahá'í owners from closing their businesses on Bahá'í Holy Days.”
Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated November 30, 1975, to an individual believer
“…children under fifteen should certainly observe the Bahá'í holy days, and not go to school, if this can be arranged on these nine days.”
Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated October 25, 1947, to a National Spiritual Assembly
We encourage you to reflect upon and share the message about Bahá’u’lláh that was provided to us all by the Universal House of Justice for the bicentenary of His Birth last year, along with a translation into Te Reo Maori of this special message. This stirring communication beautifully captures the purpose and significance of Bahá’u’lláh and His Revelation, and offers much food for thought.
Individuals will no doubt take initiative and reach out to those souls within whose hearts the seed of faith has already been sown, and utilise this Festival as an occasion to further nurture these seeds towards fruition.
The National Spiritual Assembly sends its loving greetings to one and all, at this special time of celebration and joy.
Warmest love,
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of New Zealand
Source of photo: arashphotography.com
