Bahá’í Canada W i n t e r 2020 | D o m i n i o n 176 b . e . Vo l . 33 N o. 1

The bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb From the Writings before your eyes, as indeed inscribed in the presence of This is a letter from God, the Help in Peril, the Self- God in the Mother Book. God hath indeed made Me Subsisting, unto God, the Almighty, the Best-Beloved, blessed, wheresoever I may be, and hath enjoined upon to affirm that the Bayán and such as bear allegiance to Me to observe prayer and fortitude so long as I shall live it are but a present from me unto Thee and to express on earth amongst you. my undoubting faith that there is no God but Thee, that – The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 47. the kingdoms of Creation and Revelation are Thine, that no one can attain anything save by Thy power and that He Whom Thou hast raised up is but Thy servant In this mountain [Máku] I have remained alone, and and Thy Testimony. I, indeed, beg to address Him have come to such a pass that none of those gone before Me Whom God shall make manifest, by Thy leave in these have suffered what I have suffered, nor any transgressor words: “Shouldst Thou dismiss the entire company endured what I have endured! I render praise unto God of the followers of the Bayán in the Day of the Latter and yet again praise Him. I find Myself free from sorrow, Resurrection by a mere sign of Thy finger even while still inasmuch as I abide within the good-pleasure of My Lord a suckling babe, Thou wouldst indeed be praised in Thy and Master. Methinks I am in the all-highest Paradise, indication. rejoicing at My communion with God, the Most Great. – The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 7. Verily this is a bounty which God hath conferred upon Me; and He is the Lord of unbounded blessings. – The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 16. I am, I am, the promised One! I am the One whose name you have for a thousand years invoked, at whose mention you have risen, whose advent you have longed to witness, Behold how great is the Cause, and yet how the people and the hour of whose Revelation you have prayed God are wrapt in veils. I swear by the sanctified Essence of to hasten. Verily I say, it is incumbent upon the peoples God that every true praise and deed offered unto God of both the East and the West to obey My word and to is naught but praise and deed offered unto Him Whom pledge allegiance to My person. God shall make manifest. – The Báb, as quoted in The Dawn-Breakers, p. 315-16. Deceive not your own selves that you are being virtuous for the sake of God when you are not. For should ye truly The substance wherewith God hath created Me is do your works for God, ye would be performing them not the clay out of which others have been formed. He for Him Whom God shall make manifest and would be hath conferred upon Me that which the worldly-wise magnifying His Name. The dwellers of this mountain can never comprehend, nor the faithful discover … I am who are bereft of true understanding unceasingly utter one of the sustaining pillars of the Primal Word of God. the words, ‘No God is there but God’; but what benefit Whosoever hath recognized Me, hath known all that is doth it yield them? Ponder awhile that ye may not be true and right, and hath attained all that is good and shut out as by a veil from Him Who is the Dayspring of seemly… Revelation. – The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 11. - The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 86.

I am the Mystic Fane which the Hand of Omnipotence Purge your hearts of worldly desires, and let angelic hath reared. I am the Lamp which the Finger of God virtues be your adorning … The days when idle worship hath lit within its niche and caused to shine with was deemed sufficient are ended. The time is come when deathless splendor. I am the Flame of that supernal Light naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of that glowed upon Sinai in the gladsome Spot, and lay stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most concealed in the midst of the Burning Bush. High and be acceptable unto Him. ... Beseech the Lord – The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 74. your God to grant that no earthly entanglements, no worldly affections, no ephemeral pursuits, may tarnish the purity, or embitter the sweetness, of that grace which Do not say, “How can He speak of God while in truth flows through you. I am preparing you for the advent His age is no more than twenty-five?” Give ye ear unto of a mighty Day. Exert your utmost endeavour that, in Me. I swear by the Lord of the heavens and of the earth: the world to come, I, who am now instructing you, may, I am verily a servant of God. I have been made the Bearer before the mercy-seat of God, rejoice in your deeds and of irrefutable proofs from the presence of Him Who is glory in your achievements..” the long-expected Remnant of God. Here is My Book – The Báb, as quoted in The Dawn-Breakers, p. 93-4. Winter 2020 Contents February | Dominion 176 B.E. Vol. 33, No. 1 Published for the Bahá’ís of Canada Universal House of Justice 4 Following the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb Social media and non-involvement in politics National Spiritual Assembly 7 Message to the Bahá’ís of Canada About this Issue 9 From the History of the Faith 10 Khadíjih Bagum’s recognition of the station of the Báb A Twofold Mission: Some Distinctive Characteristics of the Person and Teachings of the Báb Feature 17 Glimpses from the bicentenary From Across Canada 22 Strengthening the institute process from one bicentenary to another Montreal exhibition commemorates bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb Dawn of the Light film sparks conversations “The spirit of the bicentenary moving on its own” On the cover A painting by Lorraine Celebrating the Birth of the Báb in schools Pritchard entitled Return to Green (2019). Photo: Guy L’Heureux Information 32

Bahá’í Canada (ISSN 1199-1682) is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada three to four times per year. 7200 Leslie Street, Thornhill ON L3T 6L8 phone: (905) 889-8168 fax: (905) 889-8184 e-mail: [email protected] Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Records Department 7200 Leslie St., Thornhill ON L3T 6L8 email: [email protected] Publications Mail Agreement 40050758 Universal House of Justice

Roof of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. Photo: Bahá’í International Community

Following the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb

came arenas for intensified activity of all kinds, as the From the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís knowledge of what the community could accomplish— witnessed at the last bicentenary—prompted a release of of the world, 8 November 2019. tremendous energy and enterprise, supported by a sound process of preparation and reflection. There are so many highlights to acknowledge. Celebrations within families Dearly loved Friends, and among families featured prominently; gatherings organized by youth for their peers were likewise a strength. Opportunities for animated retellings of the he measure of what you have achieved—not only lives of the Báb and His early disciples were eagerly seized. in the last few weeks, but during a two-year Festivities were given added depth through conversations Tperiod of remarkable advance now brought to a stunning on the needs of society, often begun by the parents of climax—compels us to address you who are the visible young children. The bicentenary elicited artistic works of hosts of a movement that has proved itself irrepressible. beauty and feeling, creative expressions of devotion too Far from being merely a memorable event, the celebration numerous and diverse to describe. And the way that each of the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb was the fruit avenue of activity became a natural invitation to engage of eight cycles of devoted effort, carried out in unity and with the institute was especially noticeable. We were with a sense of undaunted initiative. We rejoiced to see the much encouraged by the capacity shown to bring the friends so assured in their response to the call to service. broadest possible spectrum of people into the embrace Local communities, neighbourhoods, and villages be­ of the community’s activities. Surely, this illustrates how

4 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. moments sacred in human history and commemorated at text, further developing their moral and spiritual Holy Days have immense power to uplift individual souls qualities; how institute courses can yield much-needed and to weld a people together through shared experience. skills and capacities; how the path of service can widen What great promise for advances at the level of culture to accommodate large numbers; how real hope for the lies in the universal celebration of such Festivals in place betterment of society can be demonstrated in action; after place in the years to come! and how all of God’s peoples can be enabled to take The reality that there is abundant receptivity in the world inspiration from His new Revelation, and souls who at large is not in doubt. Progress depends on developing are receptive can be invited to identify with the Cause the capacity to extend the community-building process of the Abhá Beauty. In this continuing period of special further still. And so all eyes turn to the months ahead. potency, at an hour when the world seems powerless in The devotion to the Twin Divine Luminaries and to the face of overwhelming peril and souls have succumbed the well-being of humanity which inspired your noble to dismay and despair, Bahá’u’lláh has shown us another exertions thus far must sustain you in the coming six glimpse of what the community that bears His name cycles. We urge everyone who worked to bring about can accomplish through courage—even heroism—in the this success to hasten now and gather again to reflect discharge of its God-given mission. We will pray earnestly and to consult, and to determine how best to apply, in in the Holy Shrines for His unfailing confirmations to each unique setting, all that your experience has taught surround every child and every youth, every woman you: how an expanding nucleus of friends can cultivate and every man, every family and every community that a growing pattern of activity; how children can advance treasures His love in their hearts. to the next grade and junior youth to the succeeding – The Universal House of Justice

Social media and non-involvement in politics

much more fully in its message dated 2 March 2013 to From the Secretariat of the Universal House of the Bahá’ís of Iran, a message which many communities Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, have found it useful to revisit from time to time. We have been asked to convey to you some additional points on a 1 December 2019. closely related topic, and this letter may be shared with the friends in whatever manner you deem most appropriate. Dear Bahá’í Friends, One conspicuous symptom of society’s deepening malaise is the steady descent of public discourse into greater rancour and enmity, reflecting entrenched he troubling conditions facing the world’s peoples partisan points of view. A prevalent feature of such and the persistent problems caused by disunity contemporary discourse is how political disagreements Twithin and between nations have, as you know, been a rapidly degenerate into invective and ridicule. However, prominent theme in the messages of the Universal House what particularly differentiates the present age from of Justice. Bahá’ís, of course, are ever mindful of the those that preceded it is how so much of this discourse state of the world. Thewell-being of humanity and its occurs in full view of the world. Social media and related peace and tranquillity are the constant desire of all those communication tools tend to give the greatest exposure who have taken to heart Bahá’u’lláh’s exhortation to “be to all that is controversial, and the very same tools allow anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in”. individuals, in an instant, to disseminate more widely It is abundantly clear, moreover, that the longing of the whatever catches their attention and to register their believers to contribute to the betterment of the world and support or opposition to various sentiments, whether to participate constructively in the life of society is in no explicitly or tacitly. The unparalleled ease with which a way contradicted by their non-involvement in politics. While consciousness of the hardships afflicting so many person can join in such public debate and the nature of strengthens a commitment to fundamental social change, the technology make momentary lapses of judgement political activity by Bahá’ís would only dissipate the and incautious actions more likely and their residue more community’s energies and fail to bring about this change. enduring. It must arise from the spiritual transformation of society. This holds particular implications for Bahá’ís, who know These concepts were explored by the House of Justice well that the principles of their Faith require them to

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 5 refrain from involvement in political controversies and more scrupulously, their communication carried out conflicts of all kinds. “Speak thou no word of politics” via social media. These precepts include the prohibition was the counsel of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to one believer, adding, on backbiting, the counsel to see the world with their “Except to speak well of them, make thou no mention of own eyes and not through the eyes of others, the need to the earth’s kings, and the worldly governments thereof.” uphold the oneness of humanity and avoid a mind-set of Shoghi Effendi warned against allowing our vision of the “us” and “them”, and the principles of consultation and Cause to be clouded “by the stain and dust of worldly the necessary decorum associated with it. happenings, which, no matter how glittering and far- The friends will occasionally come across instances when reaching in their immediate effects, are but the fleeting their fellow believers have made comments or circulated shadows of an imperfect world”. While the importance the comments of others in ways that seem unwise, of keeping at a distance from all politically divisive issues or imprudent, when judged against the standards set is well known to the friends, their engagement with out in the Bahá’í Writings. It would be wrong, when pressing social issues, motivated by a commendable and encountering postings of this kind, to conclude that such sincere wish to be of service to those around them, can behaviour must therefore be unobjectionable, condoned, present them with difficult situations. An unexpected or even encouraged. Not infrequently, Bahá’í institutions development can turn an uncontroversial issue into one have had to counsel individuals about their actions online, that divides people along partisan lines, and some of the although wherever possible they do so with discretion, same unhealthy modes of expression that are common out of respect for the dignity of the persons in question. to the political sphere can transfer into other areas of discourse. One example among many areas Especially in the uninhibited in which the considerations set realm of social media, wrongs— out above are relevant is the both real and imagined—are discussion on social media of quickly magnified, and a variety The followers of the matters pertaining to Iran. As of feelings are easily stirred: will be readily appreciated, this is righteous indignation perhaps, or Blessed Beauty must an area of particular sensitivity, a desire to promote one’s point of and therefore the friends need view, or an eagerness to be seen be conscious and to be especially on their guard. as the source of new information. Rash statements made online Much that is taken to be harmless, conscientious users could endanger the believers in or even well-intentioned, is, on that land or unwittingly provide closer examination, serving to of any technology they the enemies of the Cause with deepen social divides, fuel dif­ the means to misrepresent the ferences between opposing groups, decide to utilize and Bahá’ís. Observing strict caution and perpetuate disagreements, in this respect is essential for the driv­ing away possibilities for con­ must apply insight and protection of the sorely tried sensus and the search for solutions. community in Iran. If one person’s contribution seems spiritual discipline. In this connection, the House of provocative or objectionable, re­ Justice has asked us to convey an act­ing to it may have the effect additional point to the Persian of unwittingly strengthening and believers who reside outside increasing the exposure of the the Cradle of the Faith. It is original sentiment, and exacer­bating matters. The fol­ understandable that these friends feel a strong personal low­ers of the Blessed Beauty must be conscious and concern for the well-being of their fellow Bahá’ís in conscientious users of any technology they decide to Iran and for the future of that sacred land. Nevertheless, utilize and must apply insight and spiritual discipline. they are urged to bear in mind that, regardless of their They should look to the lofty standards of the Cause to land of origin, their primary obligation ought to be to guide them at all times in the way they express themselves. the progress of the Faith in the land in which they now Bahá’u’lláh states: dwell. Indeed, over the course of the Faith’s history, the Every word is endowed with a spirit, therefore the contributions made by Persian Bahá’ís to the teaching speaker or expounder should carefully deliver his words work on every continent are too many to recount, and at the appropriate time and place, for the impression the House of Justice rejoices when these friends direct which each word maketh is clearly evident and their efforts towards advancing the Five Year Plan in the perceptible. The Great Being saith: One word may be places where they reside. This must be their chief object; likened unto fire, another unto light, and the influence striving for such a goal is what will bring joy to their spiritual brothers and sisters in Iran and properly honour which both exert is manifest in the world. the sacrifices being made by those steadfast servants. It will be apparent that the precepts the friends observe in the course of their general interactions with those With loving Bahá’í greetings, around them must also characterize, sometimes even Department of the Secretariat

6 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. National Spiritual Assembly

Message to the Bahá’ís of Canada

have asked? “The movement of your clusters to the farthest From the National Spiritual Assembly to the Bahá’ís frontiers of learning will usher in the time anticipated by Shoghi Effendi at the start of your collective exertions, of Canada, 31 January 2020. when the communities you build will directly combat and eventually eradicate the forces of corruption, of moral laxity, and of ingrained prejudice eating away at Dear Bahá’í Friends, the vitals of society.”2 Even a brief glance at the bicentenary celebrations across ollowing the celebration of the bicentenary of the the country makes it abundantly clear: the narrative of Birth of the Báb, the Universal House of Justice this land begun by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is unfolding before our Fwrote: “The measure ofwhat you have achieved—not eyes. Over 30,000 souls commemorated the bicentenary only in the last few weeks, but during a two-year period of the birth of the Báb, in some 1200 celebrations small of remarkable advance now brought to a stunning and large, intimate and grand. Of even greater significance climax—compels us to address you who are the visible was that these celebrations were not isolated events: hosts of a movement that has proved itself irrepressible.”1 they were intimately knit into a pattern of community- As the National Spiritual Assembly and the Counsellors building activity that has moved clusters at every stage of gratefully reflected on Canada’s part inthose worldwide development along a path towards the “farthest frontiers achievements, we saw a community that has not only of learning”. Over the last year in North America, flung open its doors to the diverse peoples of this nation, the number of core activities rose by close to 50%, inviting them to the threshold of oneness, but which representing thousands of new spaces where deep and is itself being molded and shaped by the processes of meaningful conversation is forging bonds of friendship growth gaining momentum. that are manifest in service. The total number of such The story that is unfolding has in many ways been penned activities in North America has grown to at least 15,000 by none other than ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Whose visit to North devotional gatherings, study circles, junior youth groups America and subsequent Tablets of the Divine Plan and children’s classes, with 3,400 of these in Canada: a united the peoples of this continent in a common vision. rise of 600 in this country within just six months. Of This vision extended beyond the small band of believers Canada’s 141 clusters, 119 have established a programme who welcomed Him, to embrace the diverse peoples of of growth, with 59 of those having moved past the second the continent whose destiny He declared glorious. On milestone to become intensive programmes of growth. Of 26 March 2016, the anniversary date of the first of these those 59, 14 clusters have more than 100 core activities Tablets and a few short weeks before the launch of the and are working with larger numbers, with Surrey-Delta- current Five Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice White Rock the most recent cluster to pass that threshold. wrote to “the chosen recipients of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets This surge in purposeful and systematic activity has of the Divine Plan, the Bahá’ís of the United States and created the perfect conditions for the movement of all the Bahá’ís of Canada”: Canada’s clusters along the continuum of growth. This surge, sacred in its nature, has drawn tens of thousands You have already accomplished that which is worthy of souls closer to their Creator and ignited in their hearts of the gratitude and admiration of the entire Bahá’í a longing for transformation, for service. It has created a world, but your mission is far from complete. After collective movement among youth and children, among a century of resolute action, you should, more than families, among neighbours and neighbourhoods, that is ever before, be able to discern the straight path traced indeed irrepressible. by heavenly inspiration across the many stages of the Divine Plan since its systematic execution began in In the final months of the Plan, we have no doubt that 1937, and thus grasp the full implications of the latest Canada’s goal of establishing an intensive programme of stage about to open. growth in 119 clusters will be won. Tens of those clusters will be working with the larger numbers that begin to The letter continued that the “tasks confronting you affect the culture, the very spirit of a place. are not identical with those of an earlier age” and noted that the worldwide spread of the Faith had been largely It was to this end that the National Assembly wrote to accomplished. With our sister communities around the the friends in April 2018, with two calls to service: to a world, we stood “ready to face the sterner challenges that new intensity on the part of all the friends, and to the lie ahead”. What would be a sterner challenge than the youth and young adults a special call to set aside time for 2 26 March 2016, The Universal House of Justice to the chosen recipients of diffusion of the Faith around the entire planet, we might ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets of the Divine Plan, the Bahá’ís of the United States and 1 8 November 2019, The Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world. the Bahá’ís of Canada.

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 7 periods of service in their own clusters or as pioneers to and how did you connect the celebration to an ongoing another. In the remaining months of the Five Year Plan, conversation? How were the youngest ones involved, each hour of which continues to be endowed with special and how have you continued to engage entire families? potency, with spiritual powers we can but barely imagine, • “And the way that each avenue of activity became a the National Assembly once more raises this call. In these natural invitation to engage with the institute was days when the peril of the world cannot be denied, may especially noticeable.” What did you see in this regard? the Canadian community embark on this final stretch What are the next steps? clear-sighted, focussed, confident, assured, each soul with • In the Tablets of the Divine Plan, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke a plan in hand to use the precious gift of time—daily of some of the conditions that foster growth: firmness moments, weekends, school breaks, summer vacations— in the Covenant, fellowship, love, unity and a focus on according to their circumstances and opportunities. teaching. What is being learned about supporting and These opportunities will vary from community to assisting each other on this path? community, from home to home. Yet, the House of • As the institute process is offered for all ages, and Justice speaks of how everywhere, in every circumstance, participants number in the hundreds, the need for an expanding nucleus can engage a growing number of facilities and staff for programs asserts itself. At last people in a deepening conversation about the application year’s National Convention, inspired by the con­ of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation. sultation of the delegates, the National Assembly in­ creased the total expenditure budget to $10.2 million, Before long, there forms a nucleus of friends in a to meet the needs of the hour. How can the goal of cluster who are working and consulting together universal participation in generating these resources be and arranging activities. For the process of growth advanced? to advance further, the number of people sharing • Finally, the special role of the young in this movement this commitment must rise, and their capacity for has been embraced by the entire community. What undertaking systematic action within the framework concrete measures can be taken to further support the of the Plan must correspondingly increase. And similar youth in their sacred work of carrying the Revelation of to the development of a living organism, growth can Bahá’u’lláh to the children of Canada, to junior youth, occur quickly when the right conditions are in place. to their youthful peers and to their siblings, parents Foremost among these conditions is an institute process and grandparents? gaining in strength, given its centrality to fostering the A mighty task awaits, calling for prayerful, inspired and movement of populations.3 systematic action on the part of individuals, communities and institutions alike. This next stage builds not only on As the friends work together to create spaces in which such such recent achievements as we have seen surrounding discussions are nurtured and structured, the number of the bicentenary celebrations, but on a legacy that ‘Abdu’l- those interacting with the Revelation and reconnecting Bahá so powerfully described in the Tablets of the Divine with their Creator rises. To build capacity to create Plan. It continues a movement that began with His travels such spiritually-charged environments and to channel to North America and the movement of His pen in the the longing to serve that is ignited therein, are among Tablets. A small number of heroes and heroines who the aims of the training institute. In turn, the institute loved Him arose to bring His vision to life, a band whose strengthens as we learn to invite many more to participate numbers have now risen to hundreds of thousands. as protagonists, as builders of communities. In this way, a “broader cross section of the population is being engaged At the beginning of the Plan, the House of Justice wrote to in conversations, and activities are being opened up to the Bahá’ís of the United States and the Bahá’ís of Canada, whole groups at once— bands of friends and neighbours, a joyful and sobering call: troops of youth, entire families—enabling them to realize 4 This is a time for jubilation. Take pride in the sacrifices how society around them can be refashioned.” and victories of so many devoted souls who arose in Among those reading this message will be the friends response to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s call. With the same spirit gathered at Canada’s unit conventions. We raise these of renunciation shown by your predecessors, cast away questions for your consideration and that of the delegates the idle fancies and distractions of a world that has lost to the National Convention that you will be electing. its way that you may consecrate yourselves in the next • In their letter dated 8 November 2019, the Uni­ five years to the priceless opportunities and inescapable obligations of the latest stage of a spiritual enterprise on versal House of Justice spoke of the bicentenary: 5 “Celebrations within families and among families which the fate of humanity ultimately depends. featured prominently; gatherings organized by youth In the fleeting months that remain, your consecrated for their peers were likewise a strength.” “Festivities efforts are in our ardent, loving prayers. were given added depth through conversations on the needs of society, often begun by the parents of young With loving Bahá’í greetings, children.” What was your experience of this strength, – National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada 3 29 December 2015, The Universal House of Justice to the Conference of the 5 26 March 2016, The Universal House of Justice to the chosen recipients of Continental Boards of Counsellors. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets of the Divine Plan, the Bahá’ís of the United States and 4 Ibid. the Bahá’ís of Canada.

8 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. About this issue

oon after the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb, the the institute process from one bicentenary to another” Universal House of Justice addressed the Bahá’ís of chronicles how, through nurturing a steady stream of Sthe world as “visible hosts of a movement that has proved youth through the institute process, new friends took itself irrepressible. Far from being merely a memorable an active role in celebrating the bicentenary in their event,” it continued, “the celebration of the bicentenary neighbourhood. of the Birth of the Báb was the fruit of eight cycles of This was also demonstrated in the article “The spirit of devoted effort, carried out in unity and with a senseof 1 the bicentenary moving on its own,” as Chayan Dehghan, undaunted initiative.” a young homefront pioneer, relates how a celebration at In this issue, we are delighted to share several stories of a Native Friendship Centre in Fort Erie, Ont. took the celebrations across the country, and the strides forward form of a traditional Haudenosaunee Social. they represent as our community approaches the final Many creative expressions also paid homage to the Báb. year of the current Five Year Plan. We also took this Among them, a series of paintings from Montreal artist opportunity to call to mind the life and Mission of the Lorraine Pritchard explores themes in the Writings of the Báb, “the Primal Point” and “King of the Messengers.” Báb. One of these paintings, entitled Return to Green is An excerpt from the book Leaves of the Twin Holy Trees, featured on the cover of this issue. We also included a by Baharieh Rouhani Ma‘ani, provides insight into the short article about the public exhibition of these paintings Báb’s station through an account of His wife, Khadíjih at the Beaux-arts des Ameriques Gallery in Montreal. Bagum, who found Him in the condition of divine More than 10,000 people viewed at least a portion of the Revelation and perceived a “dazzling light emanating film Dawn of the Light at celebrations across the country, from His Being.” including over 3,500 friends of the Faith. The article, The article “A Twofold Mission: Some Distinctive “Dawn of the Light film sparks conversations” explores Characteristics of the Person and Teachings of the Báb,” how this film touched the hearts and minds of viewers, in by Elham Afnan and originally published on the Bahá’í some cases prompting them to enter the institute process. World website, serves to increase understanding of the The contributions of children, who are connected to many Báb’s human and divine stations as well as the prominent peers, was also noteworthy. The article “Celebrating the themes of His Writings. Birth of the Báb in schools” provides five examples of how The feature piece of the issue, “Glimpses from the parents, children and teachers celebrated the bicentenary bicentenary,” is a selection of photos that, while by no in that environment. These examples remind us of the means can represent the countless celebrations that took many opportunities to engage others in conversation on place across the country, serves to communicate the “themes of spiritual import.” joy and diversity of these occasions. In November, we And in the time since the bicentenary, it seems the published a larger collection of bicentenary photos on “tempo of teaching” has been steadily increasing. “Exert bahaicanada.bahai.ca, which readers are invited to view your utmost endeavour,” the Báb declared to the Letters if they have not already. of the Living upon sending them on their missions, “that, Since the last bicentenary, there seems to be a growing in the world to come, I, who am now instructing you, coherence between Holy Day celebrations and the may, before the mercy-seat of God, rejoice in your deeds community-building process. The article, “Strengthening and glory in your achievements...”2

1 From the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the World, 8 November 2 Nabíl-i-A’zam, The Dawn-Breakers: Nabil’s Narrative of the Early Days of the 2019. Bahá’í Revelation, pp. 93-4.

Submitting stories to Bahá’í Canada The Bahá’í Canada magazine and website are spaces where we can continue to gain insight into the profound communication taking place between diverse individuals, communities and institutions. We invite people from across the country – from large cities to small towns – to submit stories and reflections about the efforts being made to translate the Writings of the Faith into action, the insights these actions are generating and the myriad questions that are arising. Send news, photos, insights, reflections and more to [email protected].

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 9 From the history of the Faith

The room in the House of the Báb where the Báb declared His Mission in Shíráz, Iran, before its destruction in 1979. Photo: Bahá’í International Community

Khadíjih Bagum’s recognition of the station of the Báb

The following excerpt from Leaves of the Twin Divine Trees relays what Khadíjih Bagum, the wife of the Báb, experienced on the night He declared His Mission to Mullá Husayn.

bout a year after Ahmad’s1 The wife of the Báb. . . perceived at husband’s extraordinary spiritual birth and death, on the the earliest dawn of His Revelation endowments. However, she was nightA of 22 May 1844, Siyyid ‘Alí- unaware of the claim He was to the glory and uniqueness of His Muhammad declared to Mullá Mission and felt from the very make and the nature of His mission Husayn in the upper chamber of beginning the intensity of its force. until she experienced something His house in Shíráz that He was the unique which confirmed her belief promised Qá’im. Khadíjih Bagum’s Through her close association with in Him. Furúgh Arbáb in Akhtaran- response to the Báb’s claim is the Báb and her observation of every i-Tábán has given an account of what recorded in The Dawn Breakers: aspect of His life, Khadíjih Bagum, Khadíjih Bagum experienced on the long before His declaration to night the Báb declared His mission 1 The Báb’s son who passed away in infancy. Mullá Husayn, had discovered her to Mullá Husayn. The source of her

10 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. account is the historical manuscript caused her anxiety to vanish, and of Háji Mírzá Habíbu’lláh Afnán, a confirmed her in what she had great nephew of Khadíjih Bagum. The wife of seen. He spoke with words such Here is the English translation of the as these: ‘Know thou that the pertinent parts of the account: the Báb. . . Almighty God is manifested in The sun was setting. . . when Me. I am the One whose advent the Countenance of the Peerless perceived at the the people of Islam have expected Beloved illumined His home with for over a thousand years. God the light of His effulgent Face. earliest dawn of has created Me for a great Cause, According to the usual custom, tea and you witnessed the divine was served in the chamber of His His Revelation revelation. Although I had not mother and the dinner table was wished that you see Me in that set. That night His blessed Person the glory and state, yet God had so willed that there may not be any place in your was not hungry but accompanied 2 others and had a little food, then uniqueness of heart for doubt and hesitation.’ He went to bed. A similar account with slight His Mission and variations is found in H.M. Balyuzi’s Around midnight His wife 3 noticed His absence. She became felt from the very Khadíjih Bagum. worried and searched the court­ Just as Khadíjih, the wife of the yard of the House and the room beginning the Prophet Muhammad, witnessed of His mother, but did not find the first emanations of the Spirit of Him anywhere. As she was not intensity of its Truth manifesting in her exalted yet aware of His inner heart’s husband and became the first to secret, her anxiety heightened force. perceive the divinity of the mission with the passing of every second. with which He had been entrusted, She involuntarily climbed up the so it was nearly 13 centuries later is the wisdom in your revealing staircase [leading to the second when a descendant of hers, also to me that effulgent Sun? Is He floor] and, lo and behold, she saw named Khadíjih, became the first to my Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad? Will the upper chamber of the House recognize the Sun of Reality shining I henceforth be able to live with immersed in light. What was the through the person of Siyyid ‘Ali- that luminous Sun? Nay, nay, the source of all this light, and where Muhammad, a lineal descendant of rays of this Resplendent Sun will had the lamps come from, she Prophet Muhammad and His wife consume me, and will reduce me asked herself. But this was not Khadíjih. Khadíjih Bagum was the to ashes. I possess not the power tangible light; it was divine light, recipient of this tremendous bounty to withstand it.’ and she did not see it with her without preparation and expectation, outward eyes but with her inner Her thoughts were all night for despite her awareness that her sight. She proceeded towards the revolving around this episode husband was above other men in guest room. There she saw that until she heard the voice of the stature and spiritual endowments, world-illuminating Sun and light- mu’adhdhin from the adjacent she never imagined that her intimate shedding Moon standing in the mosque. At that time that and loving companion would be the middle of the room with His Immaculate Being descended promised Qá’im. The discovery was hands raised heavenward. While the steps. His esteemed wife, no doubt an overwhelming and awe- her eyes were fixed upon the who had beheld the majesty and inspiring experience. greatness of her glorious husband, dazzling light emanating from Bahá’u’lláh’s words in the Tablet was trembling as she thought of His Being, a feeling of awe and revealed in Khadíjih Bagum’s hon­ meeting Him face to face, and fright came over her. She wanted our after her death confirm that tried to conceal herself. When to return but was unable to move. ‘before the creation of the world of the breakfast table was spread Her awe grew to such intensity being’, she had ‘found the fragrance and she went, according to the that she felt stupefied. At this of the garment of the Merciful’.4 point His Blessed Person relieved usual practice, to the room of His her of her bewilderment. By mother, she was still trembling, – Baharieh Rouhani Ma‘ani, Leaves utter­ing the words ‘go back’ He and would not lift her head. The of the Twin Divine Trees, pp. 33-5. gave her new life and revived her Exalted Being poured tea and Printed with permission from faculties. She returned to bed but offered it to her. He enquired, George Ronald, publisher. could not sleep. She communed ‘What is the matter with you?’ She with the Almighty saying ‘O my replied, ‘What was the condition I saw you in?’ The Tongue of 2 Arbáb, Akhtaran-i-Tábán, vol.1, pp.9-11. God, what power and grandeur! 3 Balyuzi, Khadíjih Bagum, pp. 10-14. What greatness and glory! What Grandeur uttered such words that 4 Balyuzi, Khadíjih Bagum, p.14.

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 11 A Twofold Mission: Some Distinctive Characteristics of the Person and Teachings of the Báb

The following article by Elham Afnan, originally published on The Bahá’í World website, explores the circumstances around the appearance of the Báb and the significance of His Mission.

Detail of the design of the arches of the Shrine of the Báb. Photo: Bahá’í International Community

wo hundred years ago, a Child was born Whose created by His command, and move and have their life and work were to revolutionize human history. being through His law. He is the Revealer of the THis name was Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad, and He would divine mysteries, and the Expounder of the hidden and come to be known to history as the Báb. The setting of ancient wisdom.2 His birth was a modest house in Shíráz, a city in southern Nineteenth-century Persia, once the cradle of a great Iran known for its renowned poets and its gardens of civilization, was steeped in ignorance and corruption, unsurpassed beauty. As the bicentenary of His birth is the lives of its masses marked by disillusionment and being celebrated by the members of a world community hopelessness. Nor was the world at large faring much in neighborhoods and villages across the planet, it is better, subject to the blights of war, imperialism, and timely to recall the circumstances surrounding His slavery, and suffering the oppression of prejudice, growing appearance and to reflect on the significance of His materialism, and loss of faith. Into this darkness came mission. Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, the blazing figure of the Báb, shedding light upon the Himself born two years earlier, lauded the Báb as “Mine 1 world and guiding a lost humanity in a new direction. own previous Manifestation” and paid tribute to Him in Eulogizing the night on which the Báb was born, these words: Bahá’u’lláh writes: No understanding can grasp the nature of His Blessed art thou, O night! For through thee was born Revelation, nor can any knowledge comprehend the the Day of God, a Day which We have ordained to be full measure of His Faith ….All else save Him are the lamp of salvation unto the denizens of the cities 1 See Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, no. CXV; Days of Remembrance, no. 37, par. 1. 2 The Kitáb-i-Íqán, page 243.

12 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. of names, the chalice of victory erous towards His family and asso- unto the champions of the arenas ciates. His tenderness and consider- of eternity, and the dawning-place ation for His mother and His wife of joy and exultation unto all are poignant. A letter He wrote to creation.3 His wife, Khadíjih Bagum, reflects His deep affection for her: Human and Divine My sweet love, may God preserve Stations thee. God is my witness that since The Manifestations of God have two the time of separation sorrow has been so intense that it cannot be stations. The first is Their human 11 station, the station of individual described. characteristics and temporal limita­ At the same time, He addressed the tions; they love, suffer, and die, as people of the world and the rulers of do all human beings. The second His day with power and authority. is their divine station, one in which Summoned to an examination of they manifest the majesty and power His claim before the assembled of God, in which their voice is the dignitaries of the land, the Báb, voice of God Himself. The Báb, having seated Himself in the place while sharing this dual station with of honor that had been reserved all the Prophets of the past, was for the heir to the throne, gave His unique in having a “twofold mission, “celebrated answer” to the question A robe worn by the Báb. put to Him by that assembly, as the Bearer of a wholly independent Photo: Bahá’í International Community Revelation and the Herald of One “Whom do you claim to be?”12: 4 still greater than His own.” His life I am, I am, I am the Promised and Writings are thus marked by a hours,” limited only by the capacity One! I am the One Whose name unique richness arising out of this of His amanuensis to set down His 7 you have for a thousand years twofold mission, which, in the words words. The power of His Writings, invoked, at Whose mention you of Shoghi Effendi, “constitutes the coupled with the meagerness of His have risen, Whose advent you most distinctive feature of the Bahá’í schooling, is, as He Himself attests, 5 have longed to witness, and the Dispensation” —the appearance of proof of His innate knowledge and hour of Whose Revelation you two Manifestations of God in close divine mission: have prayed God to hasten. Verily, succession. God beareth Me witness, I was I say, it is incumbent upon the The complementary nature of the not a man of learning, for I was peoples of both the East and the human and the divine stations trained as a merchant. In the year West to obey My word, and to is clearly visible in the person of sixty8 God graciously infused my pledge allegiance to My person.13 the Báb. He was a merchant by soul with the conclusive evidences He fearlessly proclaimed His mission profession; He did not belong to and weighty knowledge which in countless Tablets revealed by His any of the ecclesiastical orders of characterize Him Who is the pen, among them these words with His time and had not acquired the Testimony of God—may peace be which He addressed Muh. ammad learning current among them. His upon Him—until finally in that Sháh, the reigning monarch of only schooling was what He received year I proclaimed God’s hidden Persia, from His prison cell in the as a child in a traditional primary Cause and unveiled its well- fortress of Máh-kú: school, where children were taught to guarded Pillar, in such wise that read the Qur’án and little else.6 Yet, no one could refute it.9 I am the Primal Point from which in the course of six short years, from have been generated all created The Revealer of these words, “the things. I am the Countenance of the time He announced His mission gentle, the youthful and irresistible in 1844 until His martyrdom in God Whose splendour can never person of the Báb” was “matchless be obscured, the Light of God 1850, voluminous writings, revealed in His meekness, imperturbable in with unimaginable rapidity, flowed Whose radiance can never fade. His serenity, magnetic in His ut- Whoso recognizeth Me, assurance from His pen. He states that He terance.”10 He exemplified honesty revealed “no less than a thousand and all good are in store for him and fair-mindedness in His business .…14 verses within the space of five dealings and was gracious and gen- 11 H.M. Balyuzi, Khadíjih Bagum: The Wife 7 Selections from the Writings of the Báb, page of the Báb (Oxford: George Ronald, 1981), 3 Days of Remembrance, no. 40, paragraph 2. 82. page 36. 4 God Passes By, page 27. 8 1260 A.H. (1844 A.D.). 12 The Dawn-Breakers, page 315. 5 World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, page 123. 9 See Selections from the Writings of the Báb, 13 God Passes By, page 21. 6 H.M. Balyuzi, The Báb: The Herald of the Day page 12. 14 Selections from the Writings of the Báb, of Days, pages 33–40. 10 God Passes By, page xiv. page 12.

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 13 The Writings of the Báb the Faith of the Báb and that of Bahá’u’lláh. The Báb affirms that the verses revealed by a Manifestation of God The Purpose of Laws are the greatest proof of His mission. His own vast Writings, comprising The laws of the Báb are a distinctive over two thousand Tablets, epistles, feature of His Dispensation. They prayers, and philosophical treatises,15 were designed “to abolish at a stroke were conclusive and sufficient the privileges and ceremonials, testimony of His truth for thousands the ordinances and institutions” who came into contact with them. of the past, and to bridge “the gap While His Writings are complex, between an obsolete system and the unconventional, and at times institutions of a world-encompassing esoteric, they are also possessed of Order destined to supersede it.”23 a power that penetrates the hearts. The laws in the Báb’s early works They restructured the thoughts of were closely linked to the laws of their readers, so that they could Islam. They constituted at times a break free from the chains of obsolete restatement and at times a restriction beliefs and inherited customs. on some Islamic laws, thus beginning the process of gradually refashion­ There is remarkable order and meth­ An illuminated tablet of the Báb. ing them. With the independence od in the Writings of the Báb. He Photo: Bahá’í International Community of the new Faith established, the Himself classified them in terms of laws revealed in His later works, five modes of revelation: divine vers­­ The Writings of the Báb range particularly the Persian Bayán, had a es, prayers, commentaries, rational from brief personal letters written different aim.24 They were presented discourse—written in Arabic—and to members of His family to the as a more definite break from the the Persian mode, which in turn Kitáb-i-Asmá’, a book of more than past, but their ultimate purpose was contains each of the other four. three thousand pages, in which He to pave the way for the future: the Within them, there is a complex discusses the names and attributes Báb was preparing His followers for but coherent system of symbols of God and how all of reality can be the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. (including the symbolism of letters spiritualized through the recognition and numbers), extensive quotations of the Source of divine revelation.19 Thus, the fundamental purpose from and allusions to the Qur’án and His works seek to “reconcile the life of the Bayan is twofold. The first Islamic traditions, and references of the individual soul to the process is to explain that the recognition to concepts from Shaykhí16 dis­ of history, by asserting the potential of God and of the shared truth of course. The Báb’s works are, more­ and ultimate meaningfulness of all divine religions can be achieved only over, linguistically inno­vative, dis­- created things, from the highest to through the recognition of His ting­uished by departures from the lowest.”20 Messenger in every age and by grammatical conventions and neo­ ad­herence to His laws and In the “first, greatest and mightiest”21 logisms.17 They attempt, as one writer ordinances: “True knowledge, there­- of His books, the Qayyúmu’l- puts it, to “mine words for more fore, is the knowledge of God, Asmá’, a commentary on the Súrih than the meaning which is bound and this is none other than the of Joseph, the Báb goes beyond to them by usage and etymology.”18 recognition of His Manifestation merely commenting on the Súrih The complexity of the ideas and their in each Dispensation.”25 The second of the Qur’án, but finds in the philosophical and mystical depth, purpose is to herald the coming figure of Joseph the archetype of together with the uniqueness of of Bahá’u’lláh, the Promised One His—and eventually Bahá’u’lláh’s— their language, make the Báb’s texts designated by the Báb as Him suffering and ultimate triumph. The difficult to understand but “also Whom God shall make manifest, story of Joseph thus becomes a link account for their richness, beauty, about whom He writes: “The Bayán binding the Dispensations of the and fascination.” is, from beginning to end, the Manifestations of God through­ 15 Selections from the Writings of the Báb repository of all of His attributes, (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 2006), out history. Similarly, the Persian pages 96–97. and the treasury of both His fire Bayán, “the Mother-Book of the 26 16 The Shaykhí school, founded by Shaykh and His light.” The laws of the Bábí Dispensation,”22 is not only the Ahmad-i-Ahsa’i, emerged in 19th century 23 God Passes By, p 59. Iran as a movement within Shi’ah Islam. repository of the laws ordained by 24 See Muhammad Afnán & William S. 17 See Nader Saiedi, Gate of the Heart . Hatcher, “Western Islamic Scholarship (Waterloo: Wilfrid Laurier, 2008), page 26. the Báb, but also the link between and Bahá’í Origins,” Religion 15:1 (1985), 29- 18 Todd Lawson, “The Dangers of Reading: 19 Nader Saiedi, Gate of the Heart, page 36. 51. Inlibration, Communion and Transference 20 Todd Lawson, “The Dangers of Reading”, 25 Selections from the Writings of the Báb, in the Qur’án Commentary of the Báb,” in page 198. Scripture and Revelation, edited by Moojan page 89. Momen (Oxford: George Ronald, 1997), 21 God Passes By, page 6. 26 Selections from the Writings of the Báb, page 197. 22 God Passes By, page 324. page 101.

14 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. The prison of Máh-kú. Photo: Bahá’í International Community

Bayán are formulated to promote the law of H. uqúqu’lláh, and the The implementation of the calendar and clarify this twofold purpose. Badí‘ calendar.27 initiated by the Báb marks, therefore, For example, the law enjoining the a “historic step in … the unfoldment A calendar brought by a Manifesta­ 29 believers to repeat ninety-five times tion of God is more than a practical of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order,” that each day the name of God, the tool; it gives meaning to the passage same Order which the Báb extolled All-Glorious (Alláh’u’Abhá)—a law of time and the movement of history. in the Bayán when He wrote, “Well later confirmed by Bahá’u’lláh—was In its letter announcing the common is it with him who fixeth his gaze meant to enable the one reciting it to upon the Order of Bahá’u’lláh and implementation of the Badí calendar 30 attain to divine guidance so that he throughout the Bahá’í world, the rendereth thanks unto his Lord!” would recognize the Promised One Universal House of Justice writes: when He appeared. Striving for Perfection The adoption of a new calendar in The Báb made the implementation each dispensation is a symbol of The Báb exhorted His followers to of His laws subject to the sanction the power of Divine Revelation to display the highest degree of purity of Him Whom God shall make reshape human perception of ma­ and refinement, both outwardly manifest, while at the same time terial, social, and spiritual reality. and inwardly, so that they would making it clear that His advent Through it, sacred moments are be worthy of receiving Him Whom was near at hand. In other words, distinguished, humanity’s place in God shall make manifest when the laws of the Báb created a bridge time and space reimagined, and He appeared. The promotion of between the religious dispensations the rhythm of life recast.28 excellence is a salient and recurring of the past and that of Bahá’u’lláh. 27 A calendar consisting of nineteen theme in His Writings. In the Among the laws of the Bahá’í Faith months of nineteen days each, the years 29 Letter dated 10 July 2014 to the Bahá’ís of that are based on the teachings of organized into cycles of nineteen years the World. and periods of 361 years. 30 The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh: Selected the Báb are those of pilgrimage, 28 Letter dated 10 July 2014 to the Bahá’ís of Letters (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, marriage, burial, and inheritance, the World. 1991, 2009 printing), p. 147.

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 15 Persian Bayán, He defines the most He was the personification. ‘Abdu’l- O Thou Remnant of God! I have perfect state of each thing as its Bahá has said of the Báb: sacrificed myself wholly for Thee; I paradise and writes: This illustrious Being arose with have accepted curses for Thy sake, He hath ordained for each thing such power as to shake the found­ and have yearned for naught but that they who possess power over it ations of the religious laws, martyrdom in the path of Thy should raise it to its highest station customs, manners, morals, and love. Sufficient witness unto me is God, the Exalted, the Protector, of perfection, so that it may not be habits of Persia, and instituted 39 deprived of its own Paradise.31 a new law, faith, and religion. the Ancient of Days. Although the Báb was condemned Though the eminent men of The expression of Bahá’u’lláh’s to a life of exile and imprisonment, the State, the majority of the praise for the Báb is equally moving. yet, in the midst of His sufferings, people, and the leaders of religion In the Kitáb-i-Íqán, writing about His life was characterized by the arose one and all to destroy His own tribulations and sufferings, highest degree of refinement and and annihilate Him, He single- Bahá’u’lláh proclaims: virtue and by His love of beauty32, handedly withstood them and Amidst them all, We stand, life in which is evident in His exquisite set all of Persia in motion. How hand, wholly resigned to His will; handwriting. One example of His numerous the divines, the leaders, that perchance, through God’s calligraphy is a beautiful scroll on and the inhabitants of that land loving-kindness and His grace, which were inscribed, in the form who with perfect joy and gladness this revealed and manifest Letter40 of a pentacle, no less than three offered up their lives in His may lay down His life as a sacrifice hundred and sixty derivatives of the path and hastened to the field of in the path of the Primal Point,41 word Bahá.33 martyrdom! The government, the the most exalted Word.42 nation, the clergy, and prominent The prison of Máh-kú, the first leaders sought to extinguish His In the Revelation of the Báb— of two prison fortresses where He light, but to no avail. At last His marked by a profound recasting of spent His last years, was “a dungeon moon rose, His star shone forth, the purpose of religion, by devotion on a mountain top,” “so remote, His foundation was secured, and to perfection and excellence, and so inhospitable and dangerously His horizon was flooded with by utter self-sacrifice—one finds situated a corner of the territory light. He trained a large multitude the “seed, endowed by the Hand 34 of the Sháh,” in which His through divine education and of Omnipotence with such vast companions were “two men and four exerted a marvellous influence potentialities” that was destined to 35 dogs.” In His presence “there [was] upon the thoughts, customs, germinate in the form of the “still 36 43 not at night even a lighted lamp!” morals, and manners of the more compelling Revelation” of And yet, in such a place, the Báb’s Persians.38 Bahá’u’lláh. The Twin Holy Days qualities of rare nobility and beauty, marking the birth of the Báb and His gentle yet forceful personality, Him Whom God shall the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, falling and His natural charm, combined on successive days according to with infinite tact and judgment, make manifest the lunar calendar and “accounted won over “almost all with whom He Through His unique combination of as one in the sight of God,” are was brought into personal contact, kindness, heroism, and majesty, the fitting occasions to reflect on the often converting His gaolers to His Báb inspired the selfless allegiance distinctive characteristics of the life Faith and turning the ill-disposed and wholehearted devotion of thou­ and teachings of the Báb and on into admiring friends.”37 sands of followers. Owing to His their relationship to the message of The life and character of the Báb influence, these men and women Bahá’u’lláh. until the last moments of His life not only broke with centuries-old – Elham Afnan, reflected the perfect Light of Which traditions but also laid down their originally published in The Baháí lives to help usher in the new age World online, October 2019. the Báb had come to inaugurate. 31 Authorized translation of an excerpt from Copyright © Bahá’í International the Persian Bayán. Yet, the Object of this matchless Community 32 For more on this theme, see Moojan adoration directed His own devotion Momen, “Perfection and Refinement: Towards an Aesthetics of the Báb,” in and allegiance towards Bahá’u’lláh, Lights of ‘Irfán: Studies in the Principal Whose advent He had come to Bahá’í Beliefs, Book Twelve (Darmstadt: ‘Asr-i- Jadíd Publisher, 2010), pages herald. In the Qayyúmu’l-Asmá, the 221–243. Báb addresses Bahá’u’lláh in these 39 Selections from the Writings of the Báb, 33 God Passes By, page 69. words: page 59. 34 The Dawn-Breakers, page 245. 40 Bahá’u’lláh. 35 Ibid, page 248. 41 The Báb. 36 Selections from the Writings of the Báb, 42 The Kitáb-i-Íqán: The Book of Certitude page 87. 38 Some Answered Questions, Part 1: On the (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 2003, 37 The Dawn-Breakers, “Introduction”, page Influence of the Prophets in the Evolution 2008 printing), page 252. xxxiii. of Humanity: 8. The Báb. 43 God Passes By, page 54.

16 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. feature

Glimpses from the bicentenary

Here we offer a small selection of photographs from celebrations across Canada, noting the victories they represent and the demonstrated capacity to “bring the broadest possible spectrum of people into the embrace of the community’s activities.” 1 1 From the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world, 8 November 2019.

Top: Quilts on display in St. John’s N.L. Photo: Jeff and Lisa-Jo van den Scott Bottom: A children’s class bicentenary celebration in Kelowna, B.C. bahaicanada.bahai.ca 17 18 Bahá’í Canada WinterWinter 20202020 || DominionDominion 176176 B.E.B.E. Top: A painting by Ruth Perry, from Fort McMurray, Alta.; Children’s class participants in Toronto, Ont. work on a poster; Friends carry out a home visit in Vancouver, B.C.

Middle: A children’s class in Bramp­ton, Ont. serve grandparents tea for the bicentenary; Friends carry out an artistic activity in Danville, Que.; Youth work on a gardening project in Winnipeg, Man.

Bottom: Artists in Quebec perform music from their album titled “Celebration”; A musical perfor­mance at an arts festival in Charlottetown, P.E.I.; Friends in Saskatoon, Sask. plan for the bicentenary; A Chinese dance is performed at a celebration in Coquitlam, B.C.

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 19 20 Bahá’í Canada WinterWinter 20202020 || DominionDominion 176176 B.E.B.E. Top: Children perform a ribbon dance at a neighbourhood celebration in Toronto, Ont.; A painting workshop was part of a celebration in Halifax, N.S.; A group of young families in Ottawa, Ont.; A play depicting events during the lifetime of the Báb was performed in Calgary, Alta.

Middle: Friends in Winnipeg. Man. gather to consult about bicentenary preparations; A celebration in Gwillimbury, Ont. at the historic Sharon Temple; Friends enjoy music at a celebration in Montreal, Que.

Bottom: A celebration in Yellowknife, N.W.T.; Friends at a celebration in Whitehorse, Yukon; A flute performance at a celebration in Waterloo, Ont.; Children contribute to a celebration in Vancouver, B.C.

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 21 FROM ACROSS CANADA In 2017, a few days before the bi­centenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the team serving in the neighbourhood, including ani­ mators, children’s class teachers and tutors, set two goals. One was to have at least 10 celebrations hosted by youth from the population. The other was to grow from the 10 or so activities at that time to 100 core activities by the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb. When only four youth came to the gathering at which the team had hoped to help them plan their celebrations for the bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, and only one sat through the study of the House of Justice’s message for the occasion, they knew that they wouldn’t be able to achieve that first goal. Although several local celebrations did occur, none were hosted by youth from the local population. It was one of those moments of crisis that hinted at the A bicentenary celebration in the Greenboro-Heatherington need to focus more on strengthening neighbourhood. the institute process. During the eight cycles – or two years – between the bicentenaries, there were a few key developments in Greenboro-Heatherington. In 2018, the team, encouraged by Strengthening the the National Spiritual Assembly, identified the need for a community institute process from one property. In June, just in time for summer activities, the Greenboro Neighbourhood Centre – located bicentenary to another in a local strip mall – was opened.1 This provided a material foundation for further growth. The team also started meeting more regularly, often In Greenboro-Heatherington, significant effort toward strengthening daily, either in a home or at the new neighbourhood centre, to pray, the institute process over the last two years led to unprecedented consult and plan. participation in celebrating the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb. That summer, they discovered a particularly receptive block within the neighbourhood of Greenboro- Heatherington called Ledbury. Two reenboro-Heatherington is a date back to 2009, when recept­ junior youth groups and a children’s Gneighbourhood located in ivity to the junior youth spirit­ual class formed almost immediately south east Ottawa, Ont. The area is empowerment program was dis­ there. They also started developing populated by many young families covered. The work further intens­ relationships with local institutions. who live in a mix of single-family ified when several friends homefront The Boys and Girls Club in the area dwellings, townhouses and low-rise pioneered to the neigh­bour­hood to allowed the team to use their space, where several junior youth groups apartment buildings. Efforts to join the small team there, including 1 See the article “The development of community ad­vance the community-building an Auxiliary Board Member and his properties” in the Winter 2019 issue for more pro­cess in Greenboro-Heatherington family, as well as two youth. information.

22 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. now meet. A close relationship was soon increased to 36, however this In Delhi, they set ambitious goals also formed with the community was still not even halfway to their regarding how many youth will enter centre in Ledbury, opening that goal of 100 before the bicentenary. the institute process yearly, which space to a few more junior youth They soon realized that they could are then broken down into weekly groups, where the staff also help to not continue in the same way. plans. In Greenboro-Heatherington, advertise the program. the team realized that they cannot In its 29 December 2015 message the In spring 2019, insights from be content with their current intake House of Justice wrote, “[S]imilar to and should set goals not only based the representatives from Toronto the development of a living organism, and Vancouver who travelled to on their capacity but also on how growth can occur quickly when quickly they wish to become a Sydney, Australia, to learn about the right conditions are in place. working with large numbers led to relevant contributor against the 2 Foremost among these conditions forces of disintegration. When they an advance in the team’s thinking. is an institute process gaining in Additionally, a few members of returned home from Delhi, the team strength.” The team members who the team serving in Greenboro- began to implement these lessons in travelled to Delhi experienced this Heatherington travelled to New their own neighbourhood, primarily firsthand. There, youth who enter Delhi, India, to learn about some of through increasing the regularity of the systems and modes of operation the institute are assisted to progress institute campaigns and by making a that have led to large-scale growth through the sequence of courses, concerted effort to invite new friends there. A key learning from these are accompanied in the field by into the process. experiences was the importance of someone more experienced than It took about four weeks of full-time nurturing a steady stream of youth themselves, and, as their experience effort by a team of five friends, with through the institute process. They grows, soon begin to accompany a few others joining some evenings, also learned that when focusing on others. Often, they quickly become to mobilize the first cohort of 17 capacity-building, things can move tutors. As friends enter the institute youth into a Book 1 campaign. This quickly. process and accompany others, was the first sleep-away campaign “generations” of resources emerge. As the bicentenary of the Birth of the that they had organized, which Báb approached, there were 20 core The House of Justice describes this took place in the village of Lanark, activities in the neighbourhood. This process so clearly, and in Greenboro- Ont. about an hour’s drive from the 2 See the article “Stories from Sydney” in the Heatherington, glimmerings of this neighbourhood. The team felt that Summer 2019 issue for more information. were discernable. going away from the neighbour­

Many celebrations in the neighbourhood focused on unity, inspired by the quote from Bahá’u’lláh, “Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.”

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 23 hood would remove distractions, immerse the youth in an uplifting environment and help them to complete the courses. Conversations with the families of the youth were vital to the success of the campaign, especially as the youth would be staying away from home, and the team spent a lot of time conversing with parents and answering their questions. They described where the youth would be going, what they would be doing (and eating) every day and studied the first section of Book 1 so that parents had an idea of what their children would be learning. During the camp the tutors made sure to connect concepts from the institute courses with the youths’ motivation to act. They consciously A youth with the leaf he created for a bicentenary art activity. helped participants to reflect on their twofold moral purpose – to activities taking place in Greenboro- and children’s classes but are engag­ take charge of their own spiritual Heatherington. ing their families and neighbours in and intellectual growth as well as It was under these circumstances devotional gatherings. Many of these contribute to the transformation that the neighbourhood entered the devotional gatherings are carried out of society – and made plans to potent bicentenary period. With a as home visits with the purpose of return home and start junior youth sizeable cohort of youth now moving sharing prayers with families and groups and children’s classes. Over through the institute and holding neighbours. the course of eight days, the youth activities, it was easier to help them The youth gather and reflect together completed their study of Book 1 and plan their own celebrations, which each week and accompany each went on to study parts of Books 3 they held with the participants other in the field of service. Many and 5. Within the camp, bonds of of their junior youth groups and of the activities are fledgling, but the friendship were formed, and a strong children’s classes. The team didn’t youth are committed. During the sense of purpose was developed. set a goal this time, but at least 10 time leading up to the bicentenary After this first campaign it became such celebrations were led by youth of the Birth of the Báb, Greenboro- easier to register a new cohort of from the population. Heatherington surpassed 100 core youth, as the first group returned With respect to the second goal activities. They now have 9 children’s ready to engage their friends in the of 100 core activities before the classes, 26 junior youth groups, community-building process. On bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb, 13 study circles and 53 devotional returning home, the youth entered a the team knew it would be a tough gatherings. strong pattern of action right away. one when there were just over 30 This includes four generations: They joined the neighbourhood core activities in the neighbourhood youth who accompany others to team in their daily meetings, which at the beginning of June 2019, which start core activities who in turn were animated by prayers and the meant that they had five months to ac­company others. As one team singing of songs from the camp. All grow three times as much as they had mem­ber commented, “There is have stayed in the process; all are in the first half of the current Five so much more still to do in terms holding core activities. Year Plan. But considerable work had of consolidation and a scheme of The second campaign, at the same been done toward strengthening the support and coordination, but we location, had 27 participants institute process – a key condition of have truly rejoiced during this period (including 14 from the first camp; growth. of the bicentenary and are in awe of the rest were mostly friends they The group of youth that participated the power of the institute process.” had invited) and lasted seven days. in the summer institute campaigns – From notes and conversations Those who have been in the institute contributed to a significant increase with a team member process for only two months are now in the number of core activities in accompanying others. By the end Greenboro-Heatherington. They are of the summer there were 84 core not only holding junior youth groups

24 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. Montreal exhibition commemorates bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb

A series of artworks explores the themes and aesthetic of the Writings of the Báb.

n her latest exhibition, Montreal artist Lorraine Pritchard was inspired by the bicentenary of the IBirth of the Báb. Pritchard’s exhibit showed at the Beaux-arts des Ameriques (BADA) Gallery in Montreal from October 17 to November 16, 2019. “I was always very inspired by [the Báb’s early Writings], the way that the calligraphy was placed on the page, the expression in the line. I work a lot with lines, movement and rhythm. None of these things I wanted to copy or illustrate, but they were a point of departure for this project,” says Pritchard. Pritchard also uses the concept of “circumambulation,” a pattern of re­flect­ive walking around a sacred place. Pilgrims who approach the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa, Israel, will often circumambulate the Shrine before crossing the threshold into the interior to offer their prayers and supplications.

Sojourn (2019) by Lorraine Pritchard. “They look like a language, Courtesy of BADA Gallery. Photo: Guy L’Heureux but they are not, they are my way of drawing.”

“I have always done abstract pieces, but these were related to this particular theme and from these ideas I had. They look like a language, but they are not, they are my way of drawing,” adds Pritchard. Another theme of the Báb’s writings is the intimate relationship between intellect and spirit, an aspect that Pritchard’s work also evokes in those who view her work. “I always think that intellect and intuition are interconnected… we don’t fully know how they respond to each other but they work together.” Asked how the life of the Báb can speak to us today, Pritchard reflects that the heroism and drama of His life are hard to comprehend. “I get overwhelmed when I talk about the Báb… The dramatic story of His life and the sacrifices that were made, the revolutionary nature of it. But it can inspire us in the mystery of it all, the sacrifices Radiation Blue (2019) by Lorraine Pritchard. that were made and courage [His followers] had.” Courtesy of BADA Gallery. Photo: Guy L’Heureux A version of this article was originally published on the Canadian Bahá’í News Service website at news.bahai.ca.

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 25 Dawn of the Light film sparks conversations

Many Bahá’ís across Canada shared the filmDawn of the Light with their friends and family, often in the context of bicentenary celebrations. This opened the door for meaningful conversations.

A still from the film Dawn of the Light showing community-building activities in Vienna, Austria.

bout a month before the In Rimouski, Que., over forty is Bahá’u’lláh? Here, in one shot, is a bicentenary of the Birth people – most of whom were friends movie that answers their questions.” ofA the Báb, the Universal House of the Faith – gathered to celebrate The content of the film often of Justice released the film Dawn the bicentenary, some travelling prompted viewers to ask questions. of the Light, commissioned for the from remote regions more than In Charlottetown, P.E.I., Ann occasion. “The film follows the 250 kilometres away. As part of the personal search for truth and mean­ Boyles hosts study circles on Friday program, the film Dawn of the Light evenings, and typically three or four ing undertaken by eight people was screened in French. “People were from different parts of the world,”1 groups meet to advance through very enthusiastic about the content including the United States, Nepal, various books of the institute. One of the movie,” Francine Alary, who Chile, Northern Ireland, Tajikistan, evening before the bicentenary, the New Zealand, Austria and Zambia. helped organize the event, said. tutors were away attending a meet­ It can be viewed at bicentenary. After watching the film, the part­ ing, so, rather than cancel, plans bahai.org. The film is offered in icipants naturally split into smaller were made to screen the filmDawn English and French, as well as many groups to discuss its contents. “We of the Light. other languages. were surprised at how it really “I wasn’t sure how many would opened the door for discussions,” come, since most of the tutors were Ms. Alary continued, “Over the absent and it wasn’t a regular study 1 Bahá’í World News Service “’Dawn of the Light’: New bicentenary film explores search for truth years friends have been asking: evening,” Dr. Boyles shared, “but 17 and meaning.” 23 September 2019. What is the Bahá’í Faith? and Who youth and two adults showed up and

26 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. watched the movie very attentively.” showed a portion of the film Dawn prepared tea and food for us, and The film was particularly relatable of the Light. The team serving there we had a small and simple program to those relatively new to the used this opportunity to follow up including songs, prayer and a story community-building process. with a few families and ask if they of the life of Bahá’u’lláh,” Ms. would be interested in viewing the Mohebati shared. “It was wonderful to see two young entire film. women from Nepal so excited when In Victoria, B.C., the participants the segments from their country of a monthly devotional gathering, came onto the screen and a young including neighbours, coworkers man from an Arab country listening “This led to a and families connected to the attentively to the young man in the junior youth spiritual empowerment Austrian segment as he was speaking conversation program, watched the film. “This Arabic,” Dr. Boyles continued. After film clearly touches the heart,” Laylee the screening, this young man about how all the Rohani, who hosts the devotional, asked, “Why is unity so important said. “After the film one of our in your religion?” which prompted a Manifestations of friends shared his reflections with long discussion. tears in his eyes. He immediately God are connected spoke of how the message of the film Miles Thomsen became a Bahá’í resonated with him.” about five years ago and homefront through the Holy pioneered to the neighbourhood of “Another friend shared her story Dalhousie, in Winnipeg, Man., Spirit and how of having a Croatian mother and near where he grew up. As the they all had Serbian father,” Ms. Rohani con­ only Bahá’í in his family, he saw tinued, “As a result of these two the bicentenary of the Birth of the great influence groups fighting each other, her Báb as an opportunity to continue family was targeted in the war and sharing the Faith with his family on the masses eventually evacuated by the United members. Nations, ending up in Canada. She and experienced had never understood why she was During the bicentenary period, he made to feel that she had to pick hosted a gathering including his tribulations.” an identity of either being Croatian parents, all four of his grandparents or Serbian. The message of the and his sister to watch the film film and the message of the Báb Dawn of the Light. “The film really and Bahá’u’lláh was something she helps connects the dots for a lot of One family – a mother and her wholeheartedly agreed with.” themes and concepts that I’ve shared son – agreed to watch the film with some of the animators, including This opened the door for the hosts to piecemeal over time…and connects invite the participants to study Ruhi them to the community-building Tahireh Mohebati. “They came over on a rainy night, and after enjoying Book 1: Reflections on the Light of the activities we’ve been doing,” Mr. Spirit, “in the context of discussing Thomsen explained. soup and cake together, we watched the film in silence,” Ms. Mohebati the community-building activities As with others who saw it, the film shared. “In our conversations after­ that were shown in the film and encouraged his family members ward, the mother and son both what we can do as individuals in to ask questions about the Bahá’í noted how similar the Báb was to our own community,” Ms. Rohani Faith. They were interested to hear Christ. This led to a conversation shared. Some of these devotional more about his personal involvement about how all the Manifestations participants have already begun in the community as a homefront of God are connected through the their study of Book 1. pioneer and asked questions like: Holy Spirit and how they all had She shared that since the last What is a House of Worship? What great influence on the masses and bicentenary – that of the Birth of is the meaning of the nine-pointed experienced tribulations.” Bahá’u’lláh two years ago – she star? How long has the Bahá’í Faith All those present agreed that their learned that, “a smaller and more been in Winnipeg? Through this community requires the teachings intimate gathering lends itself to experience he realized that he can of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh in order an environment where a direct actively create opportunities for his to raise a new generation that is invitation and a willingness to accept family to learn about the Faith. more kind, just and united. The such an invitation is more natural,” In Peanut Plaza, a part of the mother said she felt greatly blessed as well as the value of working with Upper Don Mills neighbourhood to be connected to the community- a group of friends within “a smaller in Toronto, Ont., there was a large building process. They also agreed geographic area.” celebration about a week before to host their own celebration. the bicentenary during which they The following week, “The mother

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 27 “The spirit of the bicentenary moving on its own”

Chayan Dehghan, a young homefront pioneer, tells the story of how over 200 people celebrated the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre.

have always had a great deal of respect for Indigenous peoples Iand their culture. I started to attend weekly events at the Native Friendship Centre in Fort Erie, a town in the Niagara Region of Ontario, in 2017. Historically, the Bahá’í community has had a re­ lation­ship with the centre, renting the space for events and hosting a regular devotional there. However, everything had stopped for a period of about 15 years. I participated in drumming and singing sessions, socials and pow wows, and through these activities developed strong friendships with many families, youth and junior youth. This summer, I pioneered to the neighbourhood where most of these families reside. Over time, I introduced the Bahá’í Faith and the institute process. A junior youth group soon formed, and a group of youth rallied around it to assist, including a few Bahá’í youth who live in the community. The 29 December 2015 message of Kevin Locke gives a hoop dance demonstration at a bicentenary the Universal House of Justice to celebration in Niagara, Ont. Photo: Ron Lynch the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors was my ways, reinforce the endeavours was going to be in the area and driving force and manual as a under way.” had offered to do workshops and pioneer, particularly the following The truth of this passage was performances while here. passage: demonstrated in organizing our I also explained that the end of “In its early stages, the systematic celebration for the bicentenary of the October marked a very special effort to reach out to a population Birth of the Báb. At the end of the holiday for Bahá’ís: the Birth of the and foster its participation in summer, I consulted with my friend, Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, both Divine the process of capacity building Edgar, who is the cultural resource accelerates markedly when members coordinator of the friendship centre, Teachers Who brought teachings of that population are themselves in about the possibility of hosting from the Creator, like the Peace- the vanguard of such an effort. These a celebration there. I shared the Maker, the Manifestation of God individuals will have special insight exciting news that Kevin Locke, a for the Haudenosaunee peoples. Put into those forces and structures in Bahá’í and celebrated Lakota hoop in this context, the value and import­ their societies that can, in various dancer, flute player, and storyteller, ance of the Holy Day was felt.

28 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. I suggested we celebrate this special building in the community and all created noble and were meant to occasion with Kevin by organizing a many volunteered to help with set­ soar like eagles but need to do this Haudenosaunee social, a gathering ting up, cooking and cleaning. In the together in unity. He emphasized where the friends sing and dance the days leading up to the celebration, that universal participation is essent­ traditional dances of the Longhouse. I could feel a sudden shift which I ial because even if one person, or one Edgar became very excited at this can’t describe in any other terms people, is left out, it will result in the idea. I even heard him describing than the spirit of the bicentenary fall or decline of all. He also spoke it to some of the other staff, saying, moving on its own. of the period in which we live: The Divine Springtime. “It’s the birth of their Peace-Maker, Several days before the celebration, so it’s pretty important.” And so, the one of my friends, a talented digital Those who volunteered and per­ planning began! artist who had created a poster for formed were gifted braids of Originally, the social was scheduled the social which featured a nine- sweetgrass and tobacco ties; after for Sunday October 27th. However, pointed star, said “I’m so curious. this, the opening dance of the social Edgar pointed out that Sunday I really want to know more about began. Never had I seen so many was the day the Buffalo Bills play the Bahá’í Faith.” He asked if one friends for the opening dance at the football, and many people, being can be a Christian and a Bahá’í. I centre. The line came all the way fans of the team, would want to explained that in one sense this is around to form a second layer in the stay home to watch the game. He possible, and our conversation led to circle. The rest of the evening was suggested that if we wanted a lot of the topic of progressive revelation. spent dancing and singing and was friends to come to the celebration, it We spoke about how being a Bahá’í filled with joy and ecstasy. The last would be best to have it on another does not negate one’s identity, but dance of the night was the women’s day. rather strengthens it. I used Kevin shuffle dance to honour the women for all the strength they bring to the The next date we chose, Saturday Locke and the late Doris McLean community. After that, the same October 26th, was also logistically as examples of individuals whose Elder who opened the gathering challenging as, unknown to us at the Indigenous identities were deepened closed with the Thanks­giving time, the centre had already been further because of Bahá’u’lláh’s address to make sure we all left with booked by another organization. teachings and who spent their lives our minds as one. Additionally, another staff member advocating for Indigenous culture. wanted to host a social around the On the day of the celebration, The following day, after dropping off same time and was requesting to Edgar and I lit sage so that we could Kevin at the airport, I went back to combine socials rather than plan a smudge and start off in that good the centre to see if they still needed separate occasion. way. He walked around the room help with cleaning up and to give gifts to those who had left early the After consulting about the import­ with a smudge stick and I had the honour of going around and offering night before. I kept hearing from ance of unity, we decided that different staff that the spirit of the smudge with his eagle feather to all having two separate socials so close gathering and the sheer number of the friends who were getting ready together might lead to gossip in the people was so profoundly beautiful. for the participants to arrive. Then community. It seemed that from One of the women who everyone the approximately 200 attendees whatever direction we looked at it, looks at as an aunty told me that began to enter, all bringing food we had to change the date and she had come out of the kitchen with them for the potluck feast. It accommodate the other staff mem­ during the social thinking, “This is was a very large turnout for a social at ber’s request to combine socials. it! This is what I want to see in this the centre. We opened first with the And so, we decided to move the community!” She said “We have to Thanksgiving address – an acknowl­ social to Wednesday October 30th. do this again. I wish we could do It wasn’t until later that I realized edgement of all the things we are this every month.” that this was the actual day of thankful for in creation, recited in a the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh! Another Haudenosaunee language. Truly, the bicentenary has caused confirmation came when the Reg­ a stirring in the spirit of this After dinner, which included community and I hope its influence ional Bahá’í Council of Ontario traditional Indigenous cuisine, agreed to support in terms of funds. continues. Now I think the key will Kevin Locke shared songs on his be in focusing all our energies on Those at the friendship centre were flute and performed a hoop dance profoundly touched by this. the junior youth and how, through demonstration for us. Some of us, them, we can continue to strengthen In addition to Kevin Locke’s per­ including friends from Six Nations, the community. form­ance, we also asked friends from had the honour of singing and the Oneida Nation of the Thames drumming for him while he danced. – Chayan Dehghan to sing during the social dancing. After his dance, Kevin spoke about A women’s drumming group also the fundamental concept of the agreed to perform. Excitement was oneness of humanity, how we were

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 29 Celebrating the Birth of the Báb in schools

The following narratives demonstrate the creative efforts of children, youth, parents and teachers to celebrate the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb in the context of schools.

team of animators in Sum­ merside,­ P.E.I. has been learnA­ing about collaborating with local institutions in their commun­ ity; one junior youth group takes place at a library and another at a church. A third group is offered through an intermediate school. The school group formed when some friends serving in the neighbour­- hood approached the principal and de­livered a presentation describing the purpose and vision of the junior Sixth-grade student Phoenix gives a presentation on the bicentenary of youth spiritual empowerment pro­ the Birth of the Báb to his class. gram. After receiving approval to start a group there, they were able to presentation about the bicentenary for all human beings and showed make school-wide announcements. of the Birth of the Báb to his his class acts of service that people The first junior youth to express class. Several weeks before, his around the world had carried out interest in forming a group also mother had asked his teacher if she to commemorate the bicentenary of invited their peers to join. could give a presentation to his class. the Birth of the Báb. The teacher initially declined but As the bicentenary approached, the The concept of service was further later said that Phoenix was welcome animators shared that this period to give the presentation himself. illustrated through a story from marked the appearance of the Báb, the junior youth text Walking the Who was a great Teacher, and Phoenix rose to the task. The night Straight Path, about a king who in­vit­ed the group to celebrate the before, he created a PowerPoint met an old man planting trees for occasion. They decided to host a presentation with the help of his the benefit of future generations. community dinner, to which they mother. In addition to introducing Afterward, Phoenix asked his class: would invite everyone they knew, the special period of the bicentenary, What are some things others have he wanted to engage his classmates in including their parents, teachers and done that we benefit from? and friends. The junior youth created a a discussion around the significance What are some things we could do program and planned the meal with of Holy Days. for others? the assistance of their animators. He first asked his classmates The class then discussed service Approximately 47 people from the what Holy Days they celebrate. community attended. Many parents Then he spoke about how these projects that they could do together, were able to see for the first time special days are often connected to including planting a vegetable gar­ what their children were learning Manifestations of God, Who appear den at their school, and decided to in the junior youth group. One from time to time to guide humanity follow up with some of these ideas. animator said that hosting the with spiritual teachings. Attending Anne, a high school teacher in Port event strengthened the relationship children’s classes for many years had Alberni, B.C., has been teaching between the parents and animators helped him to develop capacity to a social justice course to Grades 11 and as a result, the practice of home speak with ease about such concepts. and 12 students for several years. visiting parents has become much Phoenix’s class also discussed how The course explores various “strands” more natural. Holy Days present opportunities to of social justice, such as poverty, In Toronto, Ont., sixth-grade serve others. He described the role gender equality, Indigenous recon- student Phoenix gave a 45-minute of service in building a better society cil­iation and the environment.

30 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. She also added a religion strand, the neighbourhood, many of which They learned a melody for the which has allowed for discus­sions were hosted by young people in quotation “[S]trive that your around spiritual concepts. Class- the community. By doing this, actions day-by-day may be beautiful room discussions about the stu­ they were able to have meaningful prayers,” and another for “So dents’ spiritual and intellectual de­ conversations in intimate spaces powerful is the light of unity that it v­elop­ment are often “really open and invite more people to the large can illuminate the whole earth.” and honest,” Anne said, “and some­ collective celebration at the high These efforts soon developed into times tough.” Her students also school. two regular children’s classes at the carry out biweekly service pro­jects as At the larger celebration, participants school that follow the Ruhi Book 3 part of the course. of children’s classes and junior curriculum. These occur on a weekly Anne was able to align the religion youth groups shared presentations basis from 12 to 2 p.m., one for a strand of her two classes with the that showcased the arts, including Grade 3 class and one for a combined week of the bicentenary of the Birth Punjabi and Afrobeats dances. Grades 4 and 5 class. The teachers of the Báb. Each class held a small As Diwali, the festival of lights, love the material and appreciate it celebration together as a part of is celebrated by many in the when Sima brings guests to help their religion unit. This included an neighbourhood and fell within the her teach the classes because they introduction to the Bahá’í Faith by week of the bicentenary, one group like seeing other people serve young Anne, including segments of the spoke about how, through service, children. film Dawn of the Light and stories they can be a light in the world. A The children have recently been about the Life of the Báb, Anís and youth studying Ruhi Book 2 also learning about the Manifestations Tahirih. gave a short talk on the oneness of of God. Sima shared, “We’ve humanity. At the end of the religion strand, started teaching them about all the the students will take a test in religions. We started with Abraham, which they will apply the Teach­- Krishna and we’ll do Moses this ings of the Bahá’í Faith to world These efforts soon week.” During the week of the bicentenary, they also learned about issues like globalization. Anne hopes developed into two the Báb and carried out an artistic the spiritual advancement of her activity in which they made “mines” students continues to develop and regular children’s filled with gems, inspired by the that she can also create opportunities quotation “Regard man as a mine to introduce the institute process classes at the school rich in gems of inestimable value.” into the school environment. that follow the Ruhi Additionally, Sima invited several In the Springdale neighbourhood of teachers and staff members to her Brampton, Ont., a large gathering Book 3 curriculum. home for dawn prayers and two to celebrate the bicentenary of the individuals attended. Birth of the Báb took place at a The children’s classes have also local high school. Hosting the event “Many people were excited to share opened up other opportunities for at this venue, as it was familiar to with each other what they were service. For example, Sima’s husband the community, allowed for the learning in their respective activities,” made a friendship bench that has participation of many. Ms. Malungu commented. the quotation “Let your heart burn Through reading messages from Four years ago, Sima first began with loving kindness for all who the House of Justice, the team getting to know the teachers at her may cross your path” carved across broadened their vision of who son’s primary school in Toronto, the top. It is placed in a common could participate in the bicentenary Ont. She gradually introduced area in the school and when a child celebrations. They invited those who the concept of spiritual education feels sad, they can sit on it to invite had never attended neighbourhood into their conversations and noted conversation. activities before and those who that the public-school curriculum In another part of the school, a had been absent for a long time. does not often acknowledge the banner on the wall declares, “Ye are “Sometimes we get comfortable, spiritual nature of human beings. the fruits of one tree, and the leaves but it helped us see all the people we This resonated with several of the of one branch…” and at the front could reach out to,” said Martharoot teachers. desk in their main office, there are Malungu, who serves as a tutor in From there, Sima began visiting the two Bahá’í prayer books in different the neighbourhood. This became a classes and teaching the students languages. It seems that the Bahá’í conscious part of their thinking. songs that put the Writings of the Writings are now extending beyond A group of four to five team Bahá’í Faith to music. Sometimes the walls of the two classrooms into members attended each of the she enlisted the help of local artists the entire school. numerous smaller celebrations in to make music with the children.

bahaicanada.bahai.ca 31 Bahá’í literature in French

or many years, the National Spiritual Assembly the range of Bahá’í literature available to Francophone has actively supported the production of Bahá’í populations. Fliterature in French, as evidenced by the various Bahá’í As young Bahá’ís in Canada make career choices, they Canada publications made available for sale over the 1 are encouraged to consider the possibility of serving years. Canada, particularly Quebec, has been privileged the Faith in this way, confident that such a decision is not only to provide literature for its own Francophone completely in alignment with the aims of the Plan and populations but has also made a significant contribution is a valid option for anyone with the relevant skills to the dissemination of French Bahá’í literature around and interest. In addition, however, without necessarily the world. making it a career choice, the friends could also seek to Each of the publications produced requires a great deal perfect their French-language skills in order to be able to of work: writing, translating, editing and proofreading. offer services in this field. These tasks call for a certain level of expertise, as well Individuals who wish to explore their interest in this as time. In Canada and elsewhere, as the processes of service are warmly encouraged to contact le Comité growth gain momentum, a new challenge is before us: to bahá’í de littérature et de productions françaises at raise up human resources in this field, extending [email protected]. With loving Bahá’í greetings,

1 Literature from Bahá’í Canada Publications can be purchased at bookstore. Le Comité bahá’í de littérature et de productions bahai.ca. françaises

These books teach children the meaning and purpose of Ayyám-i-Há, fasting and Naw-Rúz, sharing the joy these celebrations bring all over the world. SDBC [email protected] 21.5 cm x 21.5 cm, 418 692-2402 40 pages Fully illustrated in colour 75 d’Auteuil Street $16 Québec QC Published in 2017 Author: Melissa López Charepoo G1R 4C3 An agency of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís Canada of the National Spiritual An agency Service de distribution bahá’í - Canada

librairie.bahai.ca

32 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E. National Contact Information General Information National Spiritual Assembly Bahá’í books in English, Persian, Secretariat: [email protected] To purchase Chinese Spanish, Phone: 905-889-8168 Fax: 905-889-8184 or visit Or contact: Treasury: [email protected] University of Toronto Bahá’í Canada Committee: [email protected] Press Distribution National and Unit Conventions: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-565-9523 or 416-667-7791 Office of Public Affairs: [email protected] In the event that the title you are looking for is Records Department: [email protected] not available, contact the Bahá’í Distribution Service Contribute to the Funds of the Faith through the Treasurer of Email: [email protected] your Local Assembly, the Regional Bahá’í Council in your area, or online Phone: 1-800-465-3287 or 905-889-8168 at . You can also donate through the National To purchase Bahá’í books in French, contact Spiritual Assembly. In this case, kindly make your cheque payable to the Service de distribution bahá’í-Québec “Canadian Bahá’í Fund” and mail it to: (SDB-Q) The Treasury Department, Bahá’í National Centre, 75 d’auteuil Street, Québec, QC, G1R 4C3 7200 Leslie Street Thornhill, ON, L3T 6L8. Email: [email protected] The major Funds of the Faith to which one can make contributions are: Phone: 418-692-2402 Website: The Local Fund (only through a Local Spiritual Assembly or online) The National Fund The Wilmette House of Worship Fund To travel teach or pioneer within Canada or internationally, contact the Pioneer Desk at The Deputization Fund The Santiago House of Worship Fund or 905-889-8168. The Continental Fund The International Fund To change your address, please notify your The Community Properties Fund The World Centre Endowment Fund Local Spiritual Assembly, Regional Council or the Records Department of the National The Bahá’í Development Fund Spiritual Assembly, providing your name, old address, new address and your Bahá’í ID number to: Records Department, Regional Contact Information Bahá’í National Centre, Institute Boards Bahá’í Councils 7200 Leslie Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 6L8; Phone: 905-889-8168; Fax: 905-889-8184; British Columbia and the Yukon British Columbia Email: . 3823 Henning Dr. PO Box 2871 Vancouver Main To request international credentials from the Burnaby, B.C., V5C 6M2 Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X4 Bahá’í National Centre when planning to visit [email protected] [email protected] countries other than the United States, contact (604) 619-5859 (250) 507-2765 the Records Department: 7200 Leslie Street, Alberta Alberta Thornhill, ON, L3T 6L8; Phone 905-889-8168; Fax: 905-889-8184; [email protected] PO Box 892 Cochrane, AB, T4C 1A9 Email: . Saskatchewan and Manitoba [email protected] Pilgrimage requests (nine-day pilgrimage [email protected] (403) 669-2670 or three-day visit) are to be made directly to Saskatchewan and Manitoba the Bahá’í World Centre through the Bahá’í Ontario Pilgrimage Website 521 McMillan Ave [email protected] (647) 818-8576 Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0N4 or by post or fax: Office of Pilgrimage, [email protected] PO Box 155, 3100101, Haifa, Israel; Quebec Ontario Fax: 011-972-4-835-8507. [email protected] 211-6 Lansing Square (519) 820-9891 Getting married? A Bahá’í wedding cannot Toronto, ON, M2J 1T5 take place without the authorization of a Atlantic Provinces [email protected] Local Spiritual Assembly. Please contact, as [email protected] (647) 479-8650 early as possible, the Local Assembly in whose Quebec jurisdiction the wedding will take place. The 84 Ch Juniper Records Department at can Chelsea, QC, J9B 1T3 provide you with the necessary contact details. [email protected] Submit news, photos, etc. to Bahá’í Canada (819) 960-5470 through email or mail to 7200 Leslie St., Thornhill, ON, L3T 6L8. Atlantic Provinces Items submitted to Bahá’í Canada are 103 Harmony Road considered for publication online and in the South Tremont, NS, B0P 1R0 magazine. [email protected] (902) 844-2075 bahaicanada.bahai.ca 33 Members of the Board of Trustees

ای ھت ای ق ﷲ د ر دا

Bahram Gustaspi

ام 

John MacLeod

ن  د

The Right of God ~ H. uqúqu’lláhMembers of the Board of Trustees Bruce Moore – Treasurer ای ھت ای ق ﷲ د ر دا “H. uqúqu’lláh is indeed a great law. It is incumbent upon all to make this offering, because it is the of Trustees ای  Boardوس  theر of اMembers وق source of grace, abundance, and of all good. It is a bounty which shall remain with every soul in every ای ھت ای ., p.5ق God ﷲ of د ر  The Rightدا— world of the worlds of God, the All-Possessing, the All-Bountiful.” — Bahá’u’lláh, H. uqúqu’lláh Bahram Gustaspi Donna Seyed Mahmoud  Secretary ام H. UQÚQU’LLÁH PAYMENT INFORMATION  Members of the Board of Trustees د ا  Gustaspi     د:Members of the Board Bahramof  Trustees

ای ھت ای ق ﷲ د ر دا n response to guidance from the International Board ام of Trustees, the Board of Trustees of H. uqúqu’lláh in  ICanada has set up a centralized system of receipting and John MacLeod Dr. Faran Vafaie, Chair recording of payments at the Treasury Department of Dr. Faran Vafaie  Chair [email protected]ن  د the Bahá’í National Centre. Payments of the Right of (647) 975-7667 Bahram Gustaspi د ران MacLeod وJohn  رGod (H. uqúqu’lláh) are not processed through individual  Deputies or Representatives.  Members of the Board of Trusteesام  ن  دMr. Bruce Moore, Treasurer Payments should be sent directly to the H. uqúqu’lláh Bruce Moore – Treasurer ای ھت ای ق ﷲ د ر دا Treasury at the Bahá’í National Centre, 7200 Leslie (289) 660-3410 [email protected] of the Board of Trustees ای وس Membersر  ا وق Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 6L8. The H. uqúqu’lláh Treasury will issue one receipt, which will serve both as John MacLeod an acknowledgment receipt and as an official tax receipt. Bruce Moore – Treasurer ای ھت ای ق ﷲ د ر دا Mr. Bahram Gustaspi It is up to the individual to determine whether or not she/  Bahram Gustaspiن  د ای وس ر  ا وق [email protected] he wishes to use the receipt when filing her/his income tax (778) 688-1844 Donna Seyed Mahmoud  Secretary return. Cheques, bank drafts, bank and/or postal money ام  orders should be made payable to “Canadian Bahá’í Gustaspi د ا     Bahram  د   Fund” earmarked “H. uqúqu’lláh” or “Right of God.” Mrs.Bruce Donna Moore Seyed – Treasurer Mahmoud, Secretary Payments to the Right of God can also be made utilizing Donna Seyed Mahmoud  Secretary

ام [email protected]  the Online Contribution System. (403) 915-6446 John MacLeod ای وس ر  ا وق د ا      د The individual’s Bahá’í identification number must be   provided on all payments. Dr. Faran Vafaie  Chair ن  د Mr. John Bruce MacLeod ا هت ا ق ا در دا : Payments Members should of the not Board be ofmade Trustees: through a Local Spiritual  MacLeod ا دJohn هت رانا ق وا در دا : رMembers of the Board of Trustees:    ب دا  هتد  ا رد ق ا[email protected] در دا : Assembly.Dr.Members Denis Allardof the Board of Trustees: (506) 8579624 [email protected](450) 447-1832   Chairب د Vafaie دFaran رد .Dr. Denis Allard (506) 8579624 [email protected] Seyed Mahmoud  SecretaryDr ب د ان د ارد ، ا وق Dr.Mr. DenisBrian AllardEiriksson, Treasurer (506)(905) 85796248479680 [email protected]@rogers.com ن ب  ان دا ، ا وق InquiriesMr. Brian regarding Eiriksson, Treasurerthe law of the Right(905) 8479680of God [email protected]  ب ان  ا ، ا وق Ms.Mr. BrianNasrin Eiriksson, Neyestani Treasurer (250)(905) 47459908479680 [email protected]@shaw.ca Bruce   Moore – Treasurer د ا      د H. uqúqu’lláhMs. Nasrin) Neyestanishould be directed to (250)your 4745990 nearest [email protected] ) د ران داّ   و  د ،  رMs. NasrinDonna NeyestaniSeyed Mahmoud, Secretary (250)(403) 47459903179118 [email protected]@shaw.ca   دا ّ د ، RepresentativeMs. Donna Seyedor Deputee Mahmoud, Trustee. Secretary (403) 3179118 [email protected]   ب دا د ّ د ،اق  ن Dr.Ms. Abdu'lMissaghDonna Seyed Mahmoud, Ghadirian Secretary (514)(403) 73798793179118 [email protected]@gmail.com ای وس ر  ا ب د وقاق ن Dr. Abdu'lMissagh Ghadirian (514) 7379879 [email protected] ب د اق ن Dr. Abdu'lMissagh Ghadirian (514) 7379879 [email protected] Bruce Moore – Treasurer Vafaie  Chair اء Faran در .Drص ء دا" ق ا" اء  در ص ء دا" ق ا" اء  در ص ء دا" ق ا" اء  در ص ء دا" ق ا" ای وس ر  ا   وق راه هت  ا ا ق ا، هت ا ق ا در دا ء   را ا در و ،در دن Donna   Seyed Mahmoud  Secretaryراه هت  ا ا ق ا، هت ا ق ا در دا ء   را ا در و ،در دن  ر و  ار راه اهت  ق اا دد ر ا رانادارء ق  ا،و  د هت ر ا ّ ق داا در ار دا د ء ا .ا  ار  را ط ا ق در ا و،د در ّدنااد ر و ار ا ق ا در ادارء  د ّ  دا ار د ا .ا ار ط  ق ا دّ  ااد ر وو و  ار ن ا ا ق ق ا اد ر اا ادارء اه  . د و  ر ّدا   ًار د وق ا .ق ا ا  ار درس ط ز  ارلق ا دد : دّ  ااد د ا      د  و و  ن ا ق ا اا اه . و ر    ًوق ق ا  درس ز ارل دد : : و و  ن ا ق ا اا اه . و ر    ًوق ق ا  درس ز ارل دد : : و و  ن ا ق ا اا اه . و ر    ًوق ق ا  درس ز ارل دد : : Bahá’í National Centre Huqúqu’lláh Treasury, 7200 Leslie Street Thornhill ON L3T 6L8 Bahá’í Bahá’í National National Centre Centre H. uqúqu’lláhHuqúqu’lláh Treasury, Treasury, 72007200 Leslie StreetStreet Thornhill Thornhill ON ONL3T L3T 6L8 6L8 Donna Seyed Mahmoud  Secretary ا دار هت 6L8 ا L3T ق ONا رThornhill وStreet درLeslie  را  7200در  ل ,Treasury ر Huqúqu’lláh  ب Centreدد  Nationalا Bahá’í  ارل اه ا دار هت ا ق ا ر و در  را  در  ل ر   ب دد ا  ارل اه د ا      د  داا .دار  هت ن ا ق ق ا ا را از وا ر در ه در را زن در ء  اوراقل ر اد  . در ب رو دد  ،ا اء    ارل  اه دا  .ن ق ا ا از ا ر ه در زن ء اوراق  اد . در رو ، اء     Vafaie  Chair دا.Faranرت . Drن  – Huqúqu’lláhق ا Fund اBahá’í از ا رCanadian ه درذ دزن. ء رء اوراق     اد  در. ه در رو دا ،  دد. اء از      ان رت Canadian Bahá’í Fund – Huqúqu’lláh ذ د. رء     در ه دا  دد. از   ان رت دا ق ا ازFund  – HHuqúqu’lláh. uqúqu’lláh اCanadian" Bahá’íBahá’í ذ د. www.bahaifunds.ca" و رء اد از   ر  در اره  دا   ّدد.ا . از و    انا د ران و  دا رق ا از   اwww.bahaifunds.ca" " و  اد از ر ار ّ   ا. و  ا ق دا ا  ق ها از و ّ   ا "روّ  ارل د .www.bahaifunds.ca” www.bahaifunds.ca“ " و  اد از ر ار ّ   ا. و  ا  Faran Vafaie  Chairق ا Dr. ه و ّ   روّ  ارل د . . ق ات ا  ط ه و ق  اّ ، ه   رورا ّ  ء ارل درو . ا  و راه دررء ء ء  ق ا را ان از ات ط  ق ا، ه  را  ء رو ا  و راه دررء ء ء  ق ا را ان از د ران و  و ﺳﻭوﺍاﻻﺕت ور  ﻣﺭرﺑﻭوﻁط ﺑ 껪ن اﺣﻘﻭوﻕق ﷲ ق ﺭرﺍا ا ﺍاﺯز ﻣﻌﺎﻭوﻧ﫳ﻥندرا ﻭو د﫳ﺎ . ﻧﻣﺎ﫳ﻧﺩدﮔﺎﻥن ﺍاﻣ﫳ﻥن ﺣﻘﻭوﻕق ﷲ ﺩدﺭرﺧﻭوﺍاﺳﺕت ﮐﻧ﫳ﺩد و و  ن ا ق ا درا د . .

34 Bahá’í Canada Winter 2020 | Dominion 176 B.E.