Bahá'í

Welcome to the website of the Bahá'í Community of Klang. Straddled in the south-west coast of the peninsular of Malaysia, Klang is a city located 15 kilometres from Port Klang (formerly known as Port Swettenham), and 25 kilometres from the Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Port Klang is strategically situated along the Straits of Malacca.

The Klang Bahá'í Community comes under the guidance of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Klang. The other townships that come under its purview are Kapar, Meru and Port Klang (Pelabuhan Klang). The Spiritual Assembly of Klang itself comes under the guidance of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Malaysia.

 Introduction
 The Bahá’í Faith traces its origins to Persia, the part of the nation that is now known as Iran, in 1844. Centuries earlier, Persia was considered as 'the queen among nations'. The result of which gave great kings, statesmen, prophets and poets, philosophers and artists.

However, by the 18th and 19th century, Persia had sunk into deplorable degradation. Her government machinery was engulfed in corruption, financial mismanagement. Some of her rulers were ineffective whereas others were tyrannical. Her citizens had become ignorant and superstitious. It's social as well as the religious affairs, were in a state of hopeless decadence. Persia, the cradle of the world's civilization, was engulfed in moral decadence, endemic corruption, bigotry and fanaticism.

In the midst of this quagmire, a silver lining in the dark clouds, a beacon of light, made its appearance that a bearer of Divine Salvation, was to save Persia, and the whole of humanity. They were awaiting the Promised One, who will bring about renewed faith in religion and in God.

Religious History
Whenever the spiritual life of men had degenerated and their morality corrupted, the Prophet makes His appearance. As messengers of God, these Prophets, alone against the world, proclaim the Words for the education of mankind.

Referred to as Progressive Revelation, every few centuries, the great Divine Revealers - Abraham, Krishna, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Christ, Muhammad - come to illumine and guide their souls. Their primary purpose; to establish peace and justice on earth, bring into one family all races, religions, nations and tribes, that 'there may be one fold and one shepherd'.

The 19th century was considered 'the dawn after darkness'. The Prophets, are Manifestations of God, are illuminators of mankind, just like the sun illuminates the earth. They speak not from Themselves, but as Mouthpieces of God - utterances that come from the Supreme Creator.

As Mouthpieces of God, these Holy words transform the hearts of men, bring about new thoughts, new civilization; a Divine Springtime. Their mission was, and will never be, easy. And as their followers increase in number, so do Their adversaries. In spite of the fierce opposition faced, They eventually succeed in changing the hearts and minds of men. The Words uttered by Them, are for the needs and requirements for that age - yet mankind is oblivious.

These prevailing conditions had set the stage for the appearance of the Promised One, who will bring renewed faith in religion. This coming, as expected by many great religious scholars, is imminent.

The Báb - The Herald of the Faith [20 October, 1819 - 9 July, 1850]

The Báb, meaning the Gate, proclaimed His mission on 23 May, 1844. Born in Shiraz, Mirza Ali-Muhamad, assumed the title of the Báb. Although the Bábi religion is an independent religion, he prepared the believers for the advent of Promised One of All Ages.

Although a youth, the Báb displayed signs of unusual knowledge, in spite of His minimal exposure to formal education. A testament that His knowledge is from God.

Resting place of the Bab
Shrine of the Bab

The Ministry of the Báb, though a short one covering a period of only 6 years, was swift and at intensity, unparallel in the history of religions. A period that witnessed cruelty, persecution, betrayal and inhumane treatment of its adherents. Acts perpetrated by the influential clergy of that time. Despite all attempts to suppress the growth of this religion, it only fired the Believers enthusiasm. However, the Bab was finally martyred in July 9, 1850 by a firing squad in the public square of Tabriz.

This was followed by a genocide that saw death of 20,000 believers throughout the length and breadth of Persia. These barbarous acts did not go unnoticed. They were recorded in journals and diaries by prominent Western diplomats and travelers. The Báb's mission paved the way for the Promised One of All Ages.

Although the Báb was a forerunner, similar to John the Baptist of Christianity, He was a Manifestation of God. He had founded a new independent religion, even though the religion lasted for a short time. The Báb admonished His followers that they must be distinguished by brotherly love and courtesy; the elevation of arts and craft and elementary education for all. In this new Dispensation, women are to be accorded more freedom. He tells them that the poor are to be cared for by a common treasury, but begging is prohibited. The follower's motive is pure love, without hope of reward or fear of punishment. Most importantly, as to the acceptance of the next Manifestation of God, the Báb said;

"Were I to be assured that in the day of His manifestation thou wilt deny Him, I would unhesitatingly disown thee... If, on the other hand, I be told that a Christian, who beareth no allegiance to My Faith, will believe in Him, the same will I regard as the apple of My eye".

In summary, the Báb's admonishment to His followers; to know and love God, to mirror forth His attributes and to prepare the way for His coming Manifestation.

Bahá'u'lláh - The Glory of God [12 November, 1817 - 29 May, 1892]

The Prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith is Bahá'u'lláh, was born to a noble family on 12 November, 1817, and was named Mirza Husayn-Ali. A native of Mazindaran, He was later surnamed Bahá'u'lláh, meaning the Glory of God.

Imprisonment and Exile
In 1852, Bahá'u'lláh, was wrongfully imprisoned and tortured in the vermin-infested prison- dungeon of Siyah-i-Chal or Black Pit of Tehran. It was a disused reservoir for one of the public baths beneath that city. The only exit is the very entrance the prisoners came in.

As Bahá'u'lláh described, "God alone knoweth what befell Us in the most foul-smelling and gloomy place." "No pen can depict that place, nor any tongue describe its loathsome smell."

After four months of captivity in this horrible place, He, together with His family and some believers, were exiled to Baghdad in 1863. Amidst the remarkable progress in the propagation of His teachings, Bahá'u'lláh faced opposition both from some of the estranged Followers as well as from the clergy. Nevertheless, His fame grew ever greater, and adherents from other Faiths from Judaism, Christianity, Zorostrianism and Islam, were attracted to Him. Even though a Prisoner in Baghdad, they were eager to hear His Message.

However, this only spurred further hostility and enmity from the Mullas. In addition, it was during this time that Bahá'u'lláh wrote books like the Hidden Words and the Kitab-i-Iqan (Book of Certitude).

Resting place of Bahá'u'lláh
Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh

Declaration in Ridvan
At the instigation of the clergy, and the authorities, Bahaullah was summoned to Constantinople. The time was ripe for Bahá'u'lláh to proclaim that He was the One Whose coming had been foretold by the Bab, the Promised One of all the Prophets. The Bab's promise that the Day of God had dawned.

Bahá'u'lláh declared His mission in 1863, this most significant event took place at the Garden of Ridvan (Garden of Paradise), near Baghdad, and this event is celebrated by the Bahá'is all over the world for a 12-day period (April 21 to May 2), and is called the King of Festivals. However, Bahá'u'lláh's stay in Baghdad lasted only several months when He was ordered by the Turkish Government, much to the consternation of His avowed Followers, to leave of Constantinople. On the day of His departure to Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) many dignitaries including, the Governor, were present for His farewell.

In August 1863, Bahá'u'lláh arrived at Constantinople. He and His entourage was deliriously accommodated in an overcrowded small house. After four months they were again told to move to Adrianople in December 1863. Although the journey to Adrianople, a city in the European province of Turkey now known as Edirne. This journey, although it lasted only a few days, was the most terrible they endowed. The sufferings endured were extreme where snow fell most of the time and they lacked proper clothing and food. When Bahá'u'lláh entered Adrianople, it was the first time a Messenger of God had set foot on the West - a significant event. Bahá'u'lláh had written;

"Say: In the East the light of His Revelation hath broken; in the West have appeared the signs of His dominion." - Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh

In August 1868, after four and a half years, again Bahá'u'lláh and some His exiles were banished to Akká(Acre). A penal colony of the Ottoman State, Akka is a dreaded prison city with the foulest of climates and prevalence of many diseases. Prisoners sent there are not expected to survive their terms. The exiles endured much sufferings and abuse, and were even being shunned by the local populace. These privations took its toll; some of the exiles had tragically succumbed to all these abuse. His imprisonment in Akká lasted more than two years.

Letters to Kings and other sovereigns
These severe restrictions were attempts to extinguish Bahá'u'lláh's influence. However, although subjected to all these hardships, Bahá'u'lláh sees no bounds from writing to leaders, when He was in Adrianople and continued to do so later, in spite of the appalling conditions in the prison city, Akká. During this time Bahá'u'lláh wrote to Sultan of Turkey, Shah of Persia, the Pope, many crowned heads of Europe, rulers and Presidents of America. Others were, Napoleon III, Pope Pius IX and Wilhelm I.

In His communication, Bahá'u'lláh warned them of the judgment of God as a result of their negligence and misrule; He admonished them, whilst referring to them as trustees of God, the practice of good governance of their respective territories and their subjects, and serve the process of unification of mankind. Many, however, did not heed to His call which landed in their downfall or positions.

Restrictions on Bahá'u'lláh gradually reduced, and He loves the countryside, stating, "The country is the world of souls, the city is the world of bodies". Realizing this, and after overcoming obstacles, Abdu'l-Bahá was able to acquire a mansion that was unoccupied by its owner in Mazra’ih. However, considering Himself still a prisoner, after much persuasion Bahá'u'lláh finally consented to moving to a mansion in Mazra’ih. Interestingly, the order restricting Him had loosened over time due to the changing, uncertain political climate.

Bahá'u'lláh's Last Days
Later Bahá'u'lláh moved to a mansion in Bahjí, where He spent most of His time writing Tablets till His last days. Although His residence in the mansion was relatively a luxury, He and family lived modestly. In addition, Bahá'u'lláh would spend many nights, at times weeks, sleeping in a hut in the gardens. Bahá'u'lláh spent most of His time in prayer and meditation, writing Sacred Books and Tablets, and the spiritual education of the Believers. After an attack of fever, Bahá'u'lláh ascended peacefully on 29 May 1892 at the age of 75.

Bahá'u'lláh's Mission
 Bahá'u'lláh left a legacy for the salvation of mankind. The most notable being the Kitab-i-Aqdas (the Most Holy Book) is also known as the Book of Laws, Bahaullah states: - "Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power."

The significance of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, as Its purpose is "To build anew the whole world", and is the Charter of the future world civilization that Bahá'u'lláh has come to raise up. The foundation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas was based on the past religions, in the words of Bahá'u'lláh, "This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future."

Bahá'u'lláh's Mission should best be summarised in the Parable of the Vineyard (Refer to the Holy Bible - Luke, 20:9 & Matthew, 21:31):
"In the parable of the Vineyard, when the Father, the Lord of the Vineyard, comes to destroy the wicked husbandmen, He does not destroy the vineyard (the world) also, but lets it out to other husbandmen, who will render Him the fruits in their season." (Dr. J.E. Esslemont, Baha'u'llah and the New Era)

Abdu'l-Bahá - The Centre of the Covenant [23 May, 1844 - 28 November, 1921]

Bahá'u'lláh appointed His eldest son, Abbas Effendi, as His successor. Abbas Effendi, is widely known as Abdu'l-Bahá, meaning the Servant of Bahá.

Abdu'l-Bahá is not only the lawful successor, but the authorised Interpreter of the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. He had since childhood had been closely associated with His Father in sharing Bahá'u'lláh's exile and incarceration. Abdu'l-Bahá was born on 23 May 1844, the very night the Bab declared His mission in Tehran.

When Abdu'l-Bahá was 9 years of age, He witnessed Bahá'u'lláh, to Whom He was devotedly attached, come out for His daily exercise during His imprisonment in the dreaded Siyah-i-Chal. Abdu'l-Bahá witnessed the terrible appearance of Bahá'u'lláh caused by the heavy steel collar on His neck and the uninhabitable conditions. This left an indelible impression on the young mind of Abdu'l-Bahá.

Abdu'l-Bahá-The Master, the Mystery of God
Abdu'l Bahá-the Centre of the Covenant

Youth
Abdu'l-Bahá is also known as 'The Mystery of God', and being the closest companion to Bahá'u'lláh, He would entertain visitors and enquirers before admitting them to Bahá'u'lláh's presence. Abdu'l-Bahá neither attended school nor had any formal education. His only teacher was His Father, Bahá'u'lláh. After Bahá'u'lláh's Declaration in Ridvan, Abdu'l-Bahá's devotion to Bahá'u'lláh was even greater, relieving Him of all the domestic cares and responsibilities, ensuring His family is comfortable.

During the years spent in Adrianople, Abdu'l-Bahá endeared humbly to everyone. Teaching and proclaming the Faith to everyone, He was generally known as the 'Master'. In Akka, when nearly everyone was ill with contagious diseases, like typhoid, malaria and dysentery, Abdu'l-Bahá nursed these patients, till He was overcome with exhaustion. Later He too had succumbed to dysentery. For His sacrificial deeds, He earned the love and respect of everyone, including the Governor.

Marriage
 Abdu'l-Bahá married Munirih Khanum and together they bore four daughters. Besides a happy and harmonious marriage, their children survived the rigours of their long imprisonment.

Centre of the Covenant
 He referred Abdu'l-Bahá, as 'The Center of My Covenant','The Most Great Branch', 'The Branch from the Ancient Root'. Bahá'u'lláh had explicitly expressed in His Will and Testament, that all should turn to Him and to obey Him.

Upon the passing away of Bahá'u'lláh, Abdu'l-Bahá assumed the position as the Head of the Cause and authoritative Interpreter of the teachings. However, some of His relatives and others resented and bitterly opposed this appointment. But their efforts were futile.

Abdu'l-Bahá is 'The Centre of the Covenant'; He is both the Centre towards which all must turn and the Pivot round which the Covenant itself revolves. Turning towards the Covenant, is as though turning towards a light.

The Covenant
 Throughout the world, the Bahá'í Community is taking shape, and had been continuous ever since, as a result of the system of laws and institutions revealed by Bahá'u'lláh. The heart of this system is the Covenant. Abdu'l-Bahá said; "So firm and mighty is this Covenant that from the beginning of time until the present day no religious Dispensation hath produced its like. .. It is indubitably clear, that the pivot of the oneness of mankind is nothing else but the power of the Covenant."

What is a covenant?
The Covenant is an agreement, a contract, between God, His Manifestations and mankind. This Covenant protects the Faith, unites the Bahá'í, thus preventing the Cause from falling into shism and factions. It spells out explicitly the successor and interpreter of His Teachings. In the Bahá'í Dispensation, obedience to the Covenant means following the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh.

Power of the Covenant
 The Power of the Covenant gave birth to the Bahá'í Adminitrative Order. It overcame every obstacle, inspired Bahá'ís, confounded the enemies of the Cause and moved the hearts of the Bahá'ís to make sacrificial efforts for the sake of God. It is imperative, then, that Bahá'í are expected to be obedient and steadfast in the Covenant. The Covenant is the greatest force for unity in this modern world; whoever is firm in it and obedient is blessed. And whoever disobeys it is spiritually dead.

Covenants of the Manifestations of God with Men
 Essentially there are two kinds of Covenant. First is regarding the next Manifestation of God or Prophet. The second touches on the Prophets successor.

Bahá'u'lláh mentions the coming of the next Manifestation of God in the Kitab-i-Aqdas(Book of Laws), as testament of progressive revelation.
"The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh will last until the coming of the next Manifestation of God, Whose advent will not take place before at least "a full thousand years" will have elapsed." - The Kitab-i-Aqdas)

Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will and Testament had appointed Shoghi Effendi, his grandson, as His successor upon His passing away. He further stresses the infallibility and the unerring guidance of their respective successors.

After the passing on Bahá'u'lláh, the Founder of the Faith, and Abdu'l-Bahá, the Centre of the Covenant, Bahá'ís are obligated to accord the same obedience to the twin successors, Shoghi Effendi - the Guardian, and the Universal House of Justice.

Only when the individual Bahá'ís become subservient to the Covenant, will there be unity. And this unity is contagious- the only means to unite mankind, and only power of the Covenant can weld diverse groups into a harmonious whole.

In essence, to be firm and obedient in the Covenant, a Bahá'í should overcome one's own wishes and erroneous opinions and direct their energies to fulfilling the Divine commandments expressed by Bahá'u'lláh, Abdu'l-Bahá, and followed by the instructions from the Guardian and the infallible Divine Institutions ordained by Them.

Conclusion
The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh gave forth Abdu'l-Bahá, the Centre of the Covenant, succeeded by the Guardian of the Cause of God, Shoghi Effendi. After the passing away of the Guardian, there running of the affairs of the Faith were no more in the hands of any individuals. The guidance and leadership now rests on a council of elected members, which form the Universal House of Justice.

"Today no power can conserve the oneness of the Bahá'í world save the Covenant of God; otherwise differences like unto a most great tempest will encompass the Bahá'í world. It is evident that the axis of the oneness of the world of humanity is the power of the Covenant and nothing else." - Abdu'l-Baha
The Perfect Exemplar
 It is not uncommon to observe a potrait of a photograph of Abdu'l-Bahá in almost every home of Bahais. This should not to be misconstrued as worship, as the worship of personages is prohibited in the Bahá'í Faith.

The act of displaying the potraits is a reminder to the Bahá'ís that Abdu'l-Bahá is the Centre of the Covenant and the Perfect Exemplar. While the station of Abdu'l-Bahá is unique, He is neither Prophet nor a mortal human being - He is a role model for the Bahá'ís. His exemplary life is to be emulated by Bahá'ís the world over.

Abdu'l-Bahá - 'The Mystery of God'- is endowed with superhuman knowledge, and to be regarded as the stainless mirror reflecting His light. His words, His actions, His judgments and His interpretations are infallibly right.

Although Abdu'l-Bahá had no direct communication with God, His every Act reflected the Light of God and His every word bore witness to His superhuman knowledge.

The Master, yet another title for Abdu'l-Bahá, was constantly preoccupied with work for others. Rising early in the morning and set forth to fulfill His labours of love. Always performing His compassionate acts of love and charity, spending all His life ministering to concerns of the needy.

Some anecdotes of His Abdu'l-Bahá's exemplary life
 It is customary of Abdu'l-Bahá to distribute alms to the poor, every Friday morning, from His scanty store, the little He has to offer. The people ranged from the destitute, the crippled, the poor, the blind, the beggars to the very aged, their hands outstretched, seeking His assistance.

Abdu'l-Bahá's wants are few, having two simple meals a day and His wardrobe consists of a few inexpensive garments. He would not live in life of luxury when there are others in want. He had great love for children, for flowers and for the beauties of nature.

Abdu'l-Bahá gave freely of what He had - love, time, care and concern, food and money, clothing and flowers, a bed, a rug! His motto: frugality for Himself, generousity for others. He had deep sympathy and understanding for human condition, generally His natural desire is to help as much as possible.

In Akká, He would continually giving away His bed to those who need it, whilst He slept on the floor or on the roof, wrapped only in a blanket. He received a bed from some kind friend, only after His predicament was discovered. Even at His earthly hours, Abdu'l-Bahá was feverish and He did not have a night robe for changing because He had given away!

Already has a child, Abdu'l-Bahá had demonstrated His generousity when He gave away all the sheep that belonged to His Father (Bahá'u'lláh) as a gift! Bahá'u'lláh, on hearing this, laughed and commented, "We will have to protect Abdu'l-Bahá from Himself some day He will give himself away!"

In the home of Bahá'u'lláh there was a beautiful rug, that He used to sit on, which caught the attention of a poor Arab who exclaimed, "Oh how wonderful it must be to have such a splendid rug to sit upon!". On hearing this Abdu'l-Bahá said, "If you like the rug, take it."

In London, a cheque was offered to Abdu'l-Bahá for the purchase of a motor-car so as to ease His transportation needs in England and Europe. As humbly as He received it , He returned it, to be used as gifts to the poor. Similar stories of this nature were aplenty; refusing any money or gifts that were offered to Him, instead diverted to be put to good use for the welfare of the poor.

Again in England, a village not far from London, Abdu'l-Bahá was greatly distressed by the poverty evident in this wealthy country. While walking in the village, dressed in His usual Persian attire - white turban and long Persian coat, curious children were naturally attracted to Him. After being carried and hugged, each had a shilling placed in their tiny hands. Word spread of this "holy man from the East". Soon poor people thronged to visit the generous stranger from the Orient. This embarrassed the hosts that compelled them to bar any more visitors whose aim was to receive money rather than to seek His blessings. They commented indignantly, "He comes to us accepting nothing, and giving to our people all the time! It must not go on!" However, this did not prevent Abdu'l-Bahá from entertaining any "unbidden guests". The guests guiltily realised they would never try to manage Abdu'l-Bahá.

Abdu'l-Bahá's kind heart went out to those who are ill, just to alleviate their pain or discomfort. He would pay a doctor a regular salary for the care of those needing medical care as there was no hospital nearby. Notwithstanding the fact the hired doctor was instructed not to reveal Who paid for the service.

Shunned by others, a poor and crippled old woman was cared for by another woman, under the instructions of Abdu'l-Bahá. He ensured she was cared for by giving away His own bedding to her till she died, even paying for the funeral expenses.

Yet in another case, a man ill with tuberculosis, was avoided by friends and family members. On hearing this, the Master, went daily to tender to the sick man, until his death.

Sir Abdu'l-Bahá Abbás, K.B.E.
 In early 1912, Abdu'l-Bahá organized extensive agricultural operations that averted famine for the residents of Haifa, Palestine, during the dark days of 1917-1918. Food that was stored in safe places, rationed and distributed to people of all nationalities and religious beliefs. For this unselfish act, after World War I ended, the British were quick to recognise His painstaking accomplishments, honouring the title Sir Abdu'l-Bahá Abbás - a title which He almost never used.

Abdu'l-Bahá's Travels to the West
After 40 years of incarceration, and nearly 70 years of age, Abdu'l-Bahá was set to sail to Europe and America. He arrived in London in 1911, then later to Paris. In 1912, He journeyed to the United States of America and Canada. On His return journey, He again visited England, with a brief stop in Stuttgart, Germany.

Abdu'l-Bahá proclaimed Bahá'u'lláh's message in churches and charitable shelters, synagogues and universities. The audience ranged from scholars, journalists, writers, artists, poor, artistes, prosperous merchants, members of the clergy, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists. His journey to the West has special significance, as Abdu'l-Bahá says:
“From the beginning of time until the present day, the light of Divine Revelation hath risen in the East and shed its radiance upon the West. The illumination thus shed hath, however, acquired in the West an extraordinary brilliancy. Consider the Faith proclaimed by Jesus. Though it first appeared in the East, yet not until its light had been shed upon the West did the full measure of its potentialities become manifest.”

The Passing of Abdu'l-Bahá
 Even towards His last days on this earthly life, Abdu'l-Bahá continued His selfless service, to the poor and unfortunate, and showered His love upon all. On November 28, 1921, at 1 am the Master passed away peacefully.

At His funeral, 10,000 people attended; unprecedented in Palestine. People from every class, religion and race, paid their last respects. For a week afterwards, the poor were fed daily in His memory.

Abdu'l-Bahá, the Master, the Mystery of God, the Perfect Exemplar - lives in the memory of those touched by His simplicity, His humility, His kindness. Abdu'l-Bahá will be remembered as the One who 'trod the mystic way with practical feet', and to the Arabs, 'the Lord of Generousity'.

Abdu'l-Bahá was the living proof, that Bahais can, amid the whirl and rush of modern life and amid the self-love and struggle for material prosperity, to live the life of devotion of God and to the service of mankind .. as demanded by the Prophets of God.

Shoghi Effendi - The Guardian of the Cause [1 March, 1897 - 4 November, 1957]

Shoghi Effendi was only a 25-year old student in Balliol College, Oxford, when he received the distressing news that Abdu'l-Bahá had passed away. He was Abdu'l-Bahá's eldest grandson. On his return to Haifa, Palestine, he was astounded to find out he is appointed Guardian of the Cause according to Abdu'l-Bahá's Will.

The primary task that lay ahead for the Guardian was to establish the Administrative Order. Furthermore, the additional task of translating the volumes of Holy Writings into English, making it accessible to the multitude, is daunting.

To assist the Guardian, in the propagation and the protection of the Faith, the Hands of the Cause of God, tried and trusted individuals were appointed. This appointment which commenced during the Ministry of Bahá'u'lláh, was sanctioned and expanded during the ministry of Shoghi Effendi.

The Guardian envisioned to build Bahá'í Communities, through Bahá'í Institutions based on principles of the Kitab-i-Aqdas (Book of Laws), which will eventually set the pattern for the New World Order. This formation would take hundreds of years, but the initial growth will have to start now.

Station of the Guardian
 Shoghi Effendi was explicit in ascertaining his station, that being inferior to Bahá'u'lláh and Abdu'l-Bahá. The Guardian's role is to interpret and reveal the purport of the utterances of Bahá'u'lláh and Abdu'l-Bahá. During his ministry, the Bahá'í Faith had expanded to many localities and territories - Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa.

Shoghi Effendi-The Guardian
Shoghi Effendi-the Guardian of the Cause of God

In November, 1957, Shoghi Effendi passed away peacefully on a visit to London. Although, married to Amatu'l-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum, they did not bear any children. Ruhiyyih Khanum, born Mary Sutherland Maxwell, is a Canadian by birth. Thus, no more individuals to inherit and head the affairs of the Bahá'í Faith.

Resting Place of Shoghi Effendi
Shoghi Effendi's Resting Place in London, England

The Bahá'í Administrative Order

The Administrative Order is supported by two pillars, the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice. The Guardian is the Interpreter of the Holy Word and the Universal House of Justice legislates on matters not revealed in the Holy Writings.

The Administrative Order is concerned with the affairs of the World Bahá'í Community. Authority was vested in councils democratically elected by the whole Bahá'í Community, provisions were made to exclude the possibility of a clerical elite, and the principles of consultation and group decision making were established. In other words, the key ingredient is consultation.

The first election of the Universal House of Justice was held in 1963 - the centenary of the Declaration of Bahá'u'lláh. At present there are 9 members making up the Universal House of Justice.

The place where the Members of the Universal House of Justice meet. The Universal House of Justice is Divinely guided and is infallible
Seat of the Universal House of Justice

The Administrative Order is destined to evolve into the Bahá'í World Commonwealth both in theory and in practice. It is not only unique in the entire history of political institution, but can find no parallel in the annals of any of the world's recognised religious systems. It is divine in origin, free of any form of ecclesiasticism, neither priesthood nor rituals and is financially supported only by the Bahá'ís. With the absence of priesthood and rituals, the Bahá'í Faith relies on a pattern of local, national and international administration, created by Bahá'u'lláh. And the heart of this Administrative Order is the Covenant.

The Local and National Spiritual Assemblies
 In a locality where there are 9 or more adult Bahá'is of 21 years of age and above, a Local Spiritual Assembly of 9 members are elected annually on April 21.

The Bahá'i election is through a process of secret ballot, without any nominations or electioneering. The choice of candidates is carried out prayerfully. In the words of Shoghi Effendi:
"Hence it is incumbent upon the chosen delegates to consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience."

The National Spiritual Assembly are also elected annually by regionally elected delegates who come together in a annual national convention. The manner the election is conducted and the qualifications of the members are stated above. The members of the National Spiritual Assembly gather at an international convention every 5 years to elect the 9 members for the Universal House of Justice - the supreme institution of the Bahá'í Faith.

The World Wide Bahá'i Community
 The Bahá'is number over 5 million people in 155 countries and some 112 thousand localities. There are more than 20 thousand Local Spiritual Assemblies and over 170 National Spiritual Assemblies all over the world.

Nineteen Day Feasts
 Bahá'is gather every nineteen days in their respective communities for the Nineteen Day Feast. The Nineteen Day Feast is the heart of any local Bahá'i activity. The Feast is divided in three parts; devotional, administrative and social.

The devotional part consists of prayers and readings from the Holy Writings. Although Bahá'u'lláh states that prayers recited in privacy is more effective, communal worship has greater power. There are no congregational prayers, in the Bahá'i Faith, except the prayer for the dead.

The administrative part covers the reading of reports and messages from the Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly, Local Spiritual Assembly and Committees. This is followed by consultation - the underlying principle of the Bahá'i Administration - discussion in a proper spirit.

The social part provides an opportunity for members of the Community to meet each other and to take food together. Abdu'l-Bahá explains the significance of the Nineteen Day Feast;

"The Nineteen-Day Feast was inaugurated by the Báb and ratified by Bahá'u'lláh, in His Holy Book, the Aqdas, so that people may gather together and outwardly show fellowship and love, that the Divine mysteries may be disclosed. The object is concord, that through this fellowship hearts may become perfectly united, and reciprocity and mutual helpfulness be established. Because the members of the world of humanity are unable to exist without being banded together, co-operation and helpfulness is the basis of human society. Without the realization of these two great principles no great movement is pressed forward." - 'Abdu'l-Bahá.

Although not obligatory, regular attendance is the responsibility of the Believer and only Bahá’í can attend.
The months in the Bahá’í Calendar are as follows:
Arabic NameTranslationFirst Days
1st Bahá Splendor March 21
2nd Jalál Glory April 9
3rd Jamál Beauty April 28
4th ‘Azamat Grandeur May 17
5th Núr Light June 5
6th Rahmat Mercy June 24
7th Kalímát Words July 31
8th Kamál Perfection August 1
9th Asmá’ Names August 20
10th ‘Izzat Might September 8
11th Mashíyyat Will September 27
12th ‘Ilm Knowledge October 16
13th Qudrat Power November 4
14th Qawl Speech November 23
15th Masa’il Questions December 12
16th Sharaf Honor December 31
17th Sultán Sovereignty January 19
18th Mulk Dominion February 7
19th ‘Alá Loftiness March 2
In order to complete the 365-day cycle in the year, including adjustments for the leap years, there are the Intercalary Days Feb. 26 to March 1.

Power in unity

Bahá’í Holy Days, Anniversaries and Fasting
 Holy Days where work should be suspended.

    1. Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year) - March 21
    2. 1st Day of Ridván (Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh) - April 21
    3. 9th Day of Ridván - April 29
    4. 12th Day of Ridván - May 2
    5. Declaration of the Báb - May 23
    6. Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh - May 29
    7. Martyrdom of the Báb - July 9
    8. Birth of the Báb - October 20

Anniversaries that are observed but work is not suspended.
Day of the Covenant - November 26
Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá - November 28

Days of Fasting
 Period of the Fast is from sunrise to sunset, when abstention from all food and drink for 19 days beginning March 2-20.

Retrospect
 Bahá'u'lláh introduces the life and teachings of the prophetic figure whose growing influence in the world is the most remarkable development of contemporary history. The pivot of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings is the principle of the oneness of humanity. His challenge is that the human race has been called by God to undertake a transformation of its moral, social, and spiritual life. He has offered a system for a new world order based on that principle - a system that He claims holds the only hope for inducing a fundamental and lasting change in the condition of the world.
Judge for yourself: Is this the spiritual solution to the world's moral and social problems?

What is a Bahá’í?
 Besides being a follower of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states:
“To be a Bahá’í simply means to love all the world; to love humanity and try to serve it; to work for universal peace and universal brotherhood.”

With more than 5 million Bahá'ís worldwide, and increasing, the Bahá'ís adhere to the teachings of the Prophet Founder, Bahá'u'lláh. The Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh hinges on these three main principles;

Oneness of God
Oneness of Man
Oneness of Religion

Bahá'ís believe that the purpose of religion should bring about unity and accord for the ever-advancing human civilization. The some teachings of the Bahá'í Faith are as follows;

    * Elimination of prejudice of all kinds*
    * Universal auxiliary language*
    * Individual search after truth*
    * Equality of men and women*
    * Unversal education*
    * Harmony of science and religion*
    * Elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty*
    * World government*
    * Protection of cultural diversity*
    * Work is worship*

The Bahá'ís are a worldwide family whose ideals cut through the fabric of racialism, nationalism, capitalism and all forms of prejudices. The Klang Bahá'í Community welcomes you and we are more than pleased to accept any enquiries on this latest Divine Revelation. Please contact us at;

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Klang,
15, Lorong Selampit 18A,
Taman Desa Utama,
41200 Klang

Email to us at ...
klang@bci.org or lsaklang@gmail.com

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