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Feast of Masa'il - Questions Devotional Program This blog post is a collection of inspiring Bahá’í Writings thoughtfully gathered for use in a Feast program. The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His Glory, and this cannot be attained save through the knowledge of His Divine Manifestation. -Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh He who is the Eternal Truth hath, from the Day Spring of Glory, directed His eyes towards the people of Bahá, and is addressing them in these words: "Address yourselves to the promotion of the well-being and tranquillity of the children of men. Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the earth, that haply the dissensions that divide it may, through the power of the Most Great Name, be blotted out from its face, and all mankind become the upholders of one Order, and the inhabitants of one City. Illumine and hallow your hearts; let them not be profaned by the thorns of hate or the thistles of malice. Ye dwell in one world, and have been created through the operation of one Will. Blessed is he who mingleth with all men in a spirit of utmost kindliness and love. -Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abhá Paradise, so that these children, fostered by grace in the way of salvation, growing like pearls of divine bounty in the shell of education , will one day bejewel the crown of abiding glory. It is, however, very difficult to undertake this service, even harder to succeed in it. -Selections From the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom. If any man were to meditate on that which the Scriptures, sent down from the heaven of God's holy Will, have revealed, he would readily recognize that their purpose is that all men shall be regarded as one soul, so that the seal bearing the words "The Kingdom shall be God's" may be stamped on every heart, and the light of Divine bounty, of grace, and mercy may envelop all mankind. The one true God, exalted be His glory, hath wished nothing for Himself. The allegiance of mankind profiteth Him not, neither doth its perversity harm Him. The Bird of the Realm of Utterance voiceth continually this call: "All things have I willed for thee, and thee, too, for thine own sake." If the learned and worldly-wise men of this age were to allow mankind to inhale the fragrance of fellowship and love, every understanding heart would apprehend the meaning of true liberty, and discover the secret of undisturbed peace and absolute composure. Were the earth to attain this station and be illumined with its light it could then be truly said of it: "Thou shall see in it no hollows or rising hills." -Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, IV The pathway of life is the road which leads to divine knowledge and attainment. Without training and guidance the soul could never progress beyond the conditions of its lower nature, which is ignorant and defective. -‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace O Thou kind Lord! Thou hast created all humanity from the same stock. Thou hast decreed that all shall belong to the same household. In Thy Holy Presence they are all Thy servants, and all mankind are sheltered beneath Thy Tabernacle; all have gathered together at Thy Table of Bounty; all are illumined through the light of Thy Providence. O God! Thou art kind to all, Thou hast provided for all, dost shelter all, conferrest life upon all. Thou hast endowed each and all with talents and facul

European Parliament urges the unconditional release of Baha’i prisoner of conscience Mahvash Sabet April 8, 2025 , editor , Leave a comment Source: bic During the European Parliament plenary debate on the resolution, Member of the European Parliament Helmut Brandst?tter highlights Mahvash Sabet’s case Brussels—4 April 2025—The European Parliament has passed an urgency resolution on Iran, expressing its concern about the worsening human rights situation in the country. The resolution specifically calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Mahvash Sabet. This is the third urgency resolution of the European Parliament in five months condemning the escalating persecution of Baha’is in Iran, who have long faced systemic oppression. An urgency resolution is the mechanism used by the European Parliament to note and condemn pressing cases of human rights violations around the world. The resolution highlights Mahvash Sabet’s case as particularly urgent, raising the alarm about her persecution and imprisonment. Mrs. Sabet, now aged 72, was a member of the former “Yaran”, or “Friends” of Iran, an informal group that tended to basic pastoral needs of the Baha’is in Iran. She has spent over 13 years in prison solely for her belief in the Baha’i faith. In December 2024, after years of medical neglect and harsh prison conditions, she underwent open-heart surgery. Despite her deteriorating health, she now faces the harrowing prospect of being forced back into prison to serve the remainder of her unjust 10-year sentence. Since then, her condition has significantly worsened, with multiple medical reports warning that continued imprisonment could cause irreversible harm. During the European Parliament plenary debate on the resolution, Member of the European Parliament Helmut Brandst?tter from Austria highlighted Mahvash Sabet’s case in particular, stating: “Iran is an incredibly beautiful and wonderful country, with a wonderful population and a very interesting history… But I also want to talk about someone else: Mahvash Sabet. She is an author, 70 years old, who has already been imprisoned several times. Now, at the age of 70, she has once again been sentenced—this time to 10 years in prison, which is essentially a death sentence. Why? Simply because she is a Baha’i.” Mr. Brandst?tter then read from Mrs. Sabet’s poetry, written from behind bars: “In prison, you are turned into a number changed by this cage into a cipher believing things that were not, are not true, confessing to things you could not, did not do.“ Both in 2015, during her first imprisonment, and then subsequently during her second imprisonment in 2023, Members of the European Parliament, including the then-Chair of the Delegation for Relations with Iran to the European Parliament, Ms. Cornelia Ernst, raised concerns about the unjust imprisonment of Mrs. Sabet. Ms. Ernst called her “a symbol of courage for all Iranian women, not only in Iran, but worldwide.” The Baha’is in Iran have long faced arbitrary imprisonment, physical abuse, and the denial of basic rights. The European Parliament’s urgency resolution underscores its commitment to ending the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of Baha’is and the systematic denial of their fundamental human rights. “Mahvash Sabet’s plight and repeated incarceration is emblematic of the plight of the more than 50 other innocent imprisoned Baha’is in Iran. Her particular case has long been a concern for the European Parliament, dating back to her first imprisonment in 2007. It is truly heartening to see the Parliament’s continuing support a decade later, which now, in light of her age and condition, has led the Parliament to ask for her immediate release in an urgency resolution,” said Rachel Bayani, Representative of the Baha’i International Community to the European institutions in Brussels. “Mahvash is more than a symbol of the longstanding persecution of the Baha’is in Iran—her unwavering resilience and grace in the face of adversity have made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for both women and men across Iran”. More on

Regional Australia has welcomed Iranian Bahá’ís with open arms. Back home, we’d be persecuted This article is more than 4 months old Dellaram Vreeland The community-building activities my family and I participate in every week are a core part of our faith. In Iran, it would see us arrested It’s a Saturday morning in Ballarat, 100km west of Melbourne. A group of about 60 people are gathering at a local primary school, enjoying a potluck breakfast spread of eggs, bacon, bread, cereals and freshly cooked dishes served up by local teenagers. They’re all ages, from all cultures and faith backgrounds. Soon, they’ll break off into a series of activities aimed at promoting unity and encouraging them to give back to their neighbourhood – through raising funds for the local soup kitchen, planting trees at a nearby farm, teaching children music or working at a community garden. It’s a humble yet profound process that has been unfolding in Ballarat for decades, spearheaded by the local Bahá’ís but open to all. I’m one of the facilitators, and even though I’m a Bahá’í, the majority of those who take part are not. The Bahá’í faith is an independent religion aimed at building prosperous communities through the unifying message of its founder, Bahá?u’lláh. The faith originated in what was then the Persian empire, or modern-day Iran, in the mid-19th century. Some Bahá’ís, myself included, are Iranian or of Iranian descent – a natural byproduct of a faith which originated in Iran. During and after the 1979 Islamic revolution, Australia accepted many Iranian Bahá’í refugees, including my parents, who fled to escape religious persecution – my mother’s family to Spain and my father’s to Bangladesh before they secured visas to Australia. So while the faith is one of the most widespread religions in the world, with more than five million adherents, the Iranian Bahá’í diaspora have also settled widely. Including in Australia. From Ballarat to Townsville, Coonamble to Bendigo, Broken Hill to Coffs Harbour, rural and regional towns around our country are among the hundreds of communities home to Iranian Bahá’ís working alongside Bahá’ís and their friends of all backgrounds to build vibrant communities founded on the faith’s message of unity. But here’s the thing: if we were in Iran, where the Bahá’ís are the largest non-Muslim religious minority, we would be persecuted for promoting such a message. We would have our properties burned to the ground. We would be denied access to an education and have our businesses closed. We would have our cemeteries desecrated. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/24/regional-australia-has-welcomed-iranian-bahais-with-open-arms-back-home-wed-be-presecuted

In the ages to come, though the Cause of God may rise and grow a hundredfold and the shade of the Sadratu’l-Muntahá shelter all mankind, yet this present century shall stand unrivalled, for it hath witnessed the breaking of that Morn and the rising of that Sun. This century is, verily, the source of His Light and the dayspring of His Revelation. Future ages and generations shall behold the diffusion of its radiance and the manifestations of its signs. Wherefore, exert yourselves, haply ye may obtain your full share and portion of His bestowals. ‘Abdu’l?Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l?Bahá. Available from www.bahai.org/r/222190029 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

Mortal charm shall fade away, roses shall give way to thorns, and beauty and youth shall live their day and be no more. But that which eternally endureth is the Beauty of the True One, for its splendor perisheth not and its glory lasteth forever; its charm is all-powerful and its attraction infinite. Well is it then with that countenance that reflecteth the splendor of the Light of the Beloved One! The Lord be praised, thou hast been illumined with this Light, hast acquired the pearl of true knowledge, and hast spoken the Word of Truth. ‘Abdu’l?Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l?Bahá. Available from www.bahai.org/r/256948997 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

I HAVE risen this morning by Thy grace, O my God, and left my home trusting wholly in Thee, and committing myself to Thy care. Send down, then, upon me, out of the heaven of Thy mercy, a blessing from Thy side, and enable me to return home in safety even as Thou didst enable me to set out under Thy protection with my thoughts fixed steadfastly upon Thee. There is none other God but Thee, the One, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Bahá’u’lláh, Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh. Available from www.bahai.org/r/410069057 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

In this episode, we hear how a growing number of young people in the Canary Islands are striving for coherence in many aspects of their lives... ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Thursday, April 3, 2025 IN CONVERSATION Podcast explores youth efforts in the Canary Islands to live a coherent life BAH?’? WORLD CENTRE — The latest podcast episode of the Bahá?í World News Service explores how a growing number of young people in the Canary Islands are learning to live a more coherent life centered on service to their society through their participation in Bahá’í moral and spiritual educational programs. Orlando Ravelo Hernández, member of the Board of Counsellors in Europe, and Alejandro Sarmiento González, member of the Auxiliary Board in the Canary Islands, discuss how these educational programs are fostering a new understanding of the period of youth in communities throughout that region of Spain, one that contrasts sharply with prevailing societal narratives. Mr. Sarmiento González observes: “In many parts of society, youth are portrayed as facing insurmountable challenges. On the other hand, ... we are seeing a completely different picture. ... The community really trusts them and believes in them. This is a spiritual condition for progress.” A distinctive capacity being cultivated among young people participating in Bahá?í moral educational programs is the ability to thoughtfully examine their own lives and the social forces acting on them. This reflection enables them to learn to better maintain coherence across different settings—whether at home, in school, or in leisure activities—without fragmenting their identities or compromising their values. The effort for greater coherence in their lives has led these youth to take creative approaches, including reimagining competitive activities. Some began exploring how sports like football could be played with a focus on unity rather than competition. “It was a crazy idea,” says Mr. Ravelo Hernández, explaining how young people were asking: “How are we going to play football without competition? How is it possible to collaborate?” Yet the impact of these efforts soon reached well beyond the sports field. What started with four friends seeking a different approach to football grew to over 30 young players in just a month, bringing together families and even expanding to include fundraising matches for local causes. “When you put coherence, service, relationships and values at the center, suddenly our true nature comes to life,” Mr. Ravelo Hernández explains. “We are made to be united, to share, to have reciprocity, to hear each other.” The podcast episode, which explores several other examples of social change among youth in the Canary Islands, is part of the “In Conversation” series exploring Bahá?í efforts worldwide to contribute to social progress, from the grassroots to the international level. To read the story online or view more images, visit news.bahai.org. Share this story Related Articles IN CONVERSATION? Youth explore Bahá’í Houses of Worship and social progress GERMANY??? Youth explore friendship and online interactions through film ???“PRACTITIONERS OF PEACE”?? Ontario youth conference strengthens movement for social progress Follow BWNS for regular updates Dear reader, you are receiving this email because you subscribed to the Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS) at news.bahai.org/subscribe/. Copyright 2023 by the Bahá’í World News Service. Stories and photographs produced by the Baha’i World News Service may be freely reprinted, re-emailed, re-posted, and otherwise reproduced as long as they are attributed to BWNS. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 155 Haifa 3100101 Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy

With all his heart should the seeker avoid fellowship with evildoers, and pray for the remission of their sins. He should forgive the sinful, and never despise his low estate, for none knoweth what his own end shall be. How often hath a sinner, at the hour of death, attained to the essence of faith, and, quaffing the immortal draft, hath taken his flight unto the celestial Concourse. And how often hath a devout believer, at the hour of his soul’s ascension, been so changed as to fall into the nethermost fire. Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness. Bahá’u’lláh, The Kitáb-i-?qán. Available from www.bahai.org/r/022951666 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

O friends! Help ye the one true God, exalted be His glory, by your goodly deeds, by such conduct and character as shall be acceptable in His sight. He that seeketh to be a helper of God in this Day, let him close his eyes to whatever he may possess, and open them to the things of God. Let him cease to occupy himself with that which profiteth him, and concern himself with that which shall exalt the all-compelling name of the Almighty. He should cleanse his heart from all evil passions and corrupt desires, for the fear of God is the weapon that can render him victorious, the primary instrument whereby he can achieve his purpose. The fear of God is the shield that defendeth His Cause, the buckler that enableth His people to attain to victory. It is a standard that no man can abase, a force that no power can rival. By its aid, and by the leave of Him Who is the Lord of Hosts, they that have drawn nigh unto God have been able to subdue and conquer the citadels of the hearts of men. Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Available from www.bahai.org/r/963942411 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

Spiritual foundations are essential to social cohesion, emphasized the Bahá'í International Community at the UN Commission for Social Development. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Tuesday, April 1, 2025 UN COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT BIC highlights spiritual foundations necessary for social prosperity BIC NEW YORK —A society’s social bonds and spiritual foundations are as vital to its true prosperity as economic growth, emphasized the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) in its contributions to the 63rd session of the UN Commission for Social Development at the United Nations headquarters. “The deteriorating state of the world today has deepened the gap between extreme wealth and poverty, has left growing numbers without a livelihood that can allow them to live a dignified existence and contribute to the upliftment of their societies, and has fueled greater degrees of mistrust and conflict,” said Cecilia Schirmeister, a member of the 11-person BIC delegation to the Commission. “Yet the moment is one not only of tremendous crisis, but also of significant opportunity as humanity increasingly recognizes its interdependence,” Ms. Schirmeister continued. At this session of the Commission, discussions focused on “strengthening solidarity, social inclusion, and social cohesion” as part of advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The forum brought together representatives of governments, UN agencies, and civil society organizations. The perspectives shared by BIC representatives throughout the forum were grounded in principles also articulated in its statement to the Commission, which examines how the roots of numerous global challenges lie in how human beings view, value, respond to, and relate to one another; central to this understanding is the recognition of humanity’s shared identity and essential oneness. To explore how these principles have found expression in practice, the BIC hosted a side event in which two of its delegates shared experiences from community-building endeavors. Neda Badiee Soto, a BIC delegate from the Canary Islands, described community-building processes based on Bahá’í principles that have engaged thousands of participants across several neighborhoods since 2006. “The community-building efforts in the Canary Islands promote training and consultation where people’s skills and talents are developed and placed at the service of the community,” she explained. Ms. Badiee Soto drew parallels between family dynamics and societal harmony, noting that communities, like families, require more than material resources to thrive—they need respect, patience, mutual support, and love as spiritual foundations for unity. This understanding has enabled diverse populations in neighborhoods to work together across cultural, generational, and socioeconomic divides, growing from a handful of participants thirteen years ago to a network of over 2,000 people actively engaged in collective action across the Canary Islands. Zéphyrin Maniratanga, Ambassador of Burundi to the UN, reinforced this perspective in his remarks at the BIC-hosted side event, stating that “social cohesion… is not merely an economic objective, but a moral and human imperative. ... Economic growth alone is not enough to create a just and equitable society.” Reflecting on the forum, Ms. Schirmeister emphasized the essential foundations of genuine social cohesion. “Social cohesion begins with strengthening bonds of unity and trust among diverse populations. “It is about finding points of consensus based on shared values and learning to relate to people of different perspectives and backgrounds.” Ms. Schirmeister noted that in communities where spiritual principles are cultivated, new patterns of interaction emerge, including greater collaboration between youth and older generations, more pronounced expressions of gender equality, and an enhanced capacity for constructive dialogue and consultation. To read the story online or view more images, visit news.bahai.org. Sh

O Lord! Whether traveling or at home, and in my occupation or in my work, I place my whole trust in Thee. Grant me then Thy sufficing help so as to make me independent of all things, O Thou Who art unsurpassed in Thy mercy! Bestow upon me my portion, O Lord, as Thou pleasest, and cause me to be satisfied with whatsoever Thou hast ordained for me. Thine is the absolute authority to command. The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb. Available from www.bahai.org/r/710611493 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

O army of God! Beware lest ye harm any soul, or make any heart to sorrow; lest ye wound any man with your words, be he known to you or a stranger, be he friend or foe. Pray ye for all; ask ye that all be blessed, all be forgiven. Beware, beware, lest any of you seek vengeance, even against one who is thirsting for your blood. Beware, beware, lest ye offend the feelings of another, even though he be an evildoer, and he wish you ill. Look ye not upon the creatures, turn ye to their Creator. See ye not the never-yielding people, see but the Lord of Hosts. Gaze ye not down upon the dust, gaze upward at the shining sun, which hath caused every patch of darksome earth to glow with light. ‘Abdu’l?Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l?Bahá. Available from www.bahai.org/r/379795275 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

Bahá’í marriage is the commitment of the two parties one to the other, and their mutual attachment of mind and heart. Each must, however, exercise the utmost care to become thoroughly acquainted with the character of the other, that the binding covenant between them may be a tie that will endure forever. Their purpose must be this: to become loving companions and comrades and at one with each other for time and eternity.… The true marriage of Bahá’ís is this, that husband and wife should be united both physically and spiritually, that they may ever improve the spiritual life of each other, and may enjoy everlasting unity throughout all the worlds of God. This is Bahá’í marriage. ‘Abdu’l?Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l?Bahá. Available from www.bahai.org/r/203225772 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

Is it possible for one member of a family to be subjected to the utmost misery and to abject poverty and for the rest of the family to be comfortable? It is impossible unless those members of the family be senseless, atrophied, inhospitable, unkind. Then they would say, “Though these members do belong to our family, let them alone. Let us look after ourselves. Let them die. So long as I am comfortable, I am honored, I am happy—this, my brother—let him die. If he be in misery, let him remain in misery, so long as I am comfortable. If he is hungry, let him remain so; I am satisfied. If he is without clothes, so long as I am clothed, let him remain as he is. If he is shelterless, homeless, so long as I have a home, let him remain in the wilderness.” ‘Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace. Available from www.bahai.org/r/607645632 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

Say: This is the sealed and mystic Scroll, the repository of God’s irrevocable Decree, bearing the words which the Finger of Holiness hath traced, that lay wrapt within the veil of impenetrable mystery, and hath now been sent down as a token of the grace of Him Who is the Almighty, the Ancient of Days. In it have We decreed the destinies of all the dwellers of the earth and the denizens of heaven, and written down the knowledge of all things from first to last. Nothing whatsoever can escape or frustrate Him, whether created in the past or to be created in the future, could ye but perceive it. Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Available from https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/GWB/gwb-129.html#pg281 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

I BEG Thy forgiveness, O my God, and implore pardon after the manner Thou wishest Thy servants to direct themselves to Thee. I beg of Thee to wash away our sins as befitteth Thy Lordship, and to forgive me, my parents, and those who in Thy estimation have entered the abode of Thy love in a manner which is worthy of Thy transcendent sovereignty and well beseemeth the glory of Thy celestial power. O my God! Thou hast inspired my soul to offer its supplication to Thee, and but for Thee, I would not call upon Thee. Lauded and glorified art Thou; I yield Thee praise inasmuch as Thou didst reveal Thyself unto me, and I beg Thee to forgive me, since I have fallen short in my duty to know Thee and have failed to walk in the path of Thy love. The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb. Available from https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/tb/SWB/swb-191.html ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

Moral and spiritual education can foster youth’s potential to contribute to social harmony, say representatives of the Bahá’í community... ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Wednesday, March 26, 2025 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Recognizing youth as protagonists of social change ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — The 2nd International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference held recently in Abu Dhabi explored the vital part that youth can play in building a more cohesive and peaceful society. “Increasingly it is youth who, less encumbered by outmoded ways of thinking, recognize that the human race is one and its populations are interdependent,” stated David Rutstein, Secretary-General of the Bahá’í International Community, in his address to a plenary session. The conference, sponsored by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates and the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, brought together over 3,000 academics, faith communities, policymakers, and representatives of civil society from 112 countries. Dr. Rutstein emphasized the spiritual principle of the oneness of humanity: “Humanity is one species comprised of people with an infinite diversity of physical traits who create and live in different societies and cultures, all of which occupy the same single beautiful planet. “A dispassionate assessment of current environmental, economic, and political realities demonstrates the intertwined facet of our existence, our essential human oneness and interdependence,” he continued. “The acceptance of this fact is a prerequisite for advancing a unified global community.” Dr. Rutstein observed that despite a disposition among youth to embrace oneness, “youth are still frequently regarded as threats or problems to be solved. Even well-intentioned institutional efforts designed to empower them often confine their engagement to specific issues rather than broader societal challenges.” He noted that “about 40% of the world’s population is under 24 years of age” and that “recognizing and releasing this potential can lead to new patterns of interaction between generations,” but “this requires profound rethinking of attitudes and assumptions about youth.” In his presentation, Dr. Rutstein shared how Bahá’í community-building initiatives around the world are translating this vision into reality: “The Bahá’í community has explored these questions through community-based initiatives in which training is crucial,” he explained. “These educational programs, open to all regardless of background, develop not only practical skills but also attitudes and convictions about the kind of individuals you can and wish to become—contributors to a peaceful and just world.” Roeia Thabet, a member of the Office of Public Affairs of the Bahá’ís of the United Arab Emirates who attended the gathering, explained in a conversation with the News Service how Bahá’í moral and spiritual educational programs provide environments where youth can channel their energy toward constructive change. “What distinguishes the time of youth from other stages of life is the courage, flexibility, and energy, along with the eagerness to create social change,” she said. “Young people possess an acute sense of justice and the motivation to be at the forefront of constructive initiatives.” Dr. Rutstein highlighted the transformation that takes root in youth as they reflect on and explore the application of spiritual principles with their peers. “When youth internalize the principle of oneness, they develop a longing to serve their society. “They become inspired to make a difference not only in their neighborhood but in the wider society, in ways that are truly impactful.” The full presentation of Dr. Rutstein can be viewed here. To read the story online or view more images, visit news.bahai.org. Share this story Related Articles UNITED ARAB EMIRATES? Youth cultivate community spirit in new garden UNITED ARAB EMIRATES?? Examining

O CHILDREN OF MEN! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest. Such is My counsel to you, O concourse of light! Heed ye this counsel that ye may obtain the fruit of holiness from the tree of wondrous glory. Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh. Available from https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/HW/hw-69.html ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

The essence of all that We have revealed for thee is Justice, is for man to free himself from idle fancy and imitation, discern with the eye of oneness His glorious handiwork, and look into all things with a searching eye. Thus have We instructed thee, manifested unto thee Words of Wisdom, that thou mayest be thankful unto the Lord, thy God, and glory therein amidst all peoples. Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Available from https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/TB/tb-11.html#pg157 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org

Praised be Thou, O Lord my God! Thou art He the excellence of Whose glory hath exalted them who are the sources of authority and honor, the potency of Whose might hath empowered them who are the fountain-heads of energy and strength, the dominion of Whose will hath elevated the Exponents of Thy Cause above all that are in heaven and on earth, and the life-giving effusions of Whose Pen have quickened the souls of the denizens of the kingdom of creation. I am he, O my Lord, who, wholly for Thy sake, hath turned his face unto Thee, and who, while acknowledging Thy power and Thy sovereignty, hath directed his steps towards Thy dearly-loved Sanctuary, and Thine adored and hallowed Court. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Prayers: A Selection of Prayers Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, The Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Available from http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/PM/pm-105.html#pg175 ------------------------------- The Daily Readings list homepage: http://bahai.email/lists/info/bahai-readings To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change address: bahai-readings-request@... For the Baha’i Reference Library visit: http://www.bahai.org/library For information about the Baha’i Faith visit: http://www.bahai.org