Module #8
Teaching the Faith, Pioneering

Say: If it be Our pleasure We shall render the Cause victorious through the power of a single word from Our presence. He is in truth the Omnipotent, the All-Compelling. Should it be God's intention, there would appear out of the forests of celestial might the lion of indomitable strength whose roaring is like unto the peals of thunder reverberating in the mountains. However, since Our loving providence surpasseth all things, We have ordained that complete victory should be achieved through speech and utterance, that Our servants throughout the earth may thereby become the recipients of divine good. This is but a token of God's bounty vouchsafed unto them. Verily thy Lord is the All-Sufficing, the Most Exalted…

The sanctified souls should ponder and meditate in their hearts regarding the methods of teaching. From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman. So potent is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for vacillation. I swear by My life! This Revelation is endowed with such a power that it will act as the lodestone for all nations and kindreds of the earth. Should one pause to meditate attentively he would recognize that no place is there, nor can there be, for anyone to flee to.”
{Bahá’u’lláh , Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet to Siyyid Mihdiy-i-Dahaji}

OBJECTIVES :

	1)	What are the qualities of a Bahá’í teacher? 

	2)	What are the obligations of the individual, the community and the institutions towards teaching ? What are the roles of children and youth?

	3)	What is an individual, community or institutional teaching plan?

	4)	What are some teaching methods ? {street teaching, use of the arts, firesides, bonds of friendship, teaching institutes, Ruhi Method...}

	5)	What is expansion and consolidation, enrollment and deepening? 

	6)	What is “Entry by Troops”?

	7)	Why are we instructed to pioneer? 
 
	8)	What is the great silent teacher? (Mashriqu’l-Adhkár)

DEFINITIONS: (Basic Bahá’í Dictionary, Editor Wendi Momen, George Ronald Press 1989)

Consolidation: 
The process of community growth including increasing understanding of the teachings; abiding by the precepts; taking on the responsibility of teaching others and administration.

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Declaration: 
The statement of belief made by one who wishes to become a Bahá’í, including acceptance of the stations of Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God for this day, of the Báb as His Forerunner and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Centre of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant and Perfect Exemplar of His Faith, as well as acceptance of all that they have revealed.

“The prime motive should always be the response of man to God's Message, and the recognition of His Messenger. Those who declare themselves as Bahá'ís should become enchanted with the beauty of the teachings, and touched by the love of Bahá'u'lláh. The declarants need not know all the proofs, history, laws, and principles of the Faith, but in the process of declaring themselves they must, in addition to catching the spark of faith, become basically informed about the Central Figures of the Faith, as well as the existence of laws they must follow and an administration they must obey.”
{Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance, p. 32 }

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Deepening: 
The study of the Bahá’í Faith in all its aspects.

Shoghi Effendi has stated, in a letter written on his behalf: “To deepen in the Cause means to read the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form.” {Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance, p. 88-89 }In addition to the thorough study of the history, literature and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, to deepen in the Faith also means to “assimilate its laws and principles, ponder its admonitions, tenets and purposes, commit to memory certain of its exhortations and prayers, master the essentials of its administration, and keep. abreast of its current affairs and latest developments.”
{Shoghi Effendi, Deepening Compilation, p. 20 }

In 1967 the Universal House of Justice, in its Ridván message, wrote a lengthy description of the nature of deepening and the imperative need for the Bahá’ís to deepen in the Cause: “A detailed and exact knowledge of the present structure of Bahá’í administration, or of the bylaws of national and local spiritual assemblies, or of the many and varied applications of Bahá’í law under the diverse conditions prevailing around the world, while valuable in itself, cannot be regarded as the sort of knowledge primarily intended by deepening. Rather it is suggested a clearer apprehension of the purpose of God for man, and particularly His immediate purpose as revealed and directed by Bahá’u’lláh, a purpose as far removed from current concepts of human well-being and happiness as is possible . . . this is the theme we must pursue in our efforts to deepen in the Cause. What is Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose for the human race? For what ends did He submit to the appalling cruelties and indignities heaped upon Him? What does he mean by "a new race of men"? What are the profound changes He will bring about? The answers are to be found in the Sacred Writings of our Faith and in their interpretation by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and our beloved Guardian. Let the friends immerse themselves in this ocean, let them organize regular study classes for its constant consideration, and, as reinforcement to their effort, let them remember conscientiously the requirements of daily prayer and reading of the Word of God enjoined upon all Bahá’ís by Bahá’u’lláh.” 
{Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance, p. 114 }

Deepening forms the basis for individual steadfastness and faith, for teaching through both word and deed and for the establishment and functioning of the institutions of the administrative order.

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Enrollment: 
The administrative process following your declaration in the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

Bahá'í membership. carries with it the right to attend Nineteen Day Feasts, to vote and to be voted for in Bahá'í elections, to participate in activities reserved for enrolled members in good standing, to contribute to the Fund, to receive publications intended for Bahá'ís only, to be appointed to service by the institutions of the Faith, to be married in the Faith, and to enjoy the blessings of Bahá'í law.

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Expansion: 
Growth and development of the Faith due to new believers.

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Fireside: 
A meeting held in one's home for the purpose of teaching the Bahá’í Faith.

According to Shoghi Effendi, “The principle of the fireside meeting, which was established in order to permit and encourage the individual to teach in his own home, has been proven the most effective instrument for spreading the Faith.” {Shoghi Effendi in Gift Compilation, p. 30 }“…The most effective method of teaching is the Fireside group, where new people can be shown Bahá’í hospitality, and ask all the questions which bother them. They can feel there the true Bahá’í spirit…” {Shoghi Effendi in Gift Compilation, p. 33 }Bahá’ís are encouraged to hold a fireside once every nineteen days.

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Knights of Bahá’u’lláh: 
Title initially given by Shoghi Effendi to those Bahá’ís who arose to open new territories to the Faith during the first year of the Ten Year Crusade and subsequently applied to those who first reached those still-unopened territories at a later date: “I hail with feelings of joy and wonder the superb feats of the heroic company of the Knights of the Lord of Hosts in pursuance of their sublime mission for the spiritual conquest of the planet.” {Shoghi Effendi in Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 60 }“The Concourse on High will continue to applaud the highly meritorious services rendered by future volunteers arising to reinforce the historic work so nobly initiated by the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh in the far-flung, newly opened territories.” {Shoghi Effendi in Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 69 }Shoghi Effendi kept a Roll of Honour of all the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh. A few more Knights of Bahá’u’lláh remain to be named, as there are a few territories not yet open to the Faith.

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Martyrdom :
The giving up of one's life for the Cause of God.

In one of His Tablets Bahá’u’lláh explains that “martyrdom is not confined to the shedding of blood,” that it is possible to live and still be counted as a martyr in the sight of God. 
{Taherzadeh Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh Vol 4, pp. 302-3}

After the martyrdom of Badi, Bahá’u’lláh advised the believers not to volunteer to give their lives: as Adib Taherzadeh notes, “martyrdom in the path of God is undoubtedly the greatest bounty provided it takes place through circumstances beyond one's control.” {Taherzadeh Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh Vol. 4, p. 305 }Bahá’u’lláh has further ordained that teaching the Cause is as meritorious as dying for the Cause.

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Mashriqu’l-Adhkár
“O Concourse of creation! O people! Construct edifices in the most beautiful fashion possible, in every city, in every land, in the name of the Lord of Religions. Adorn them with that which beseemeth them. Then commemorate the Lord, the Merciful, the Clement, in spirit and fragrance.

Teach your children what hath been revealed through the Supreme Pen. Instruct them in what hath descended from the Heaven of greatness and power. Let them memorize the Tablets of the Merciful and chant them with melodious voices in galleries built in the Temple of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. The prayers of the Lord should be chanted in a manner to attract the hearts and souls. Blessed is he who listeneth unto the River of Life.” 
{Bahá'u'lláh, quoted in Bahá'í Year Book, 1925-1926, p. 59}

“… Of all the institutions that stand associated with His Holy Name, surely none save the institution of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár can most adequately provide the essentials of Bahá'í worship. and service, both so vital to the regeneration of the world. Therein lies the secret of the loftiness, of the potency, of the unique position of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár as one of the outstanding institutions conceived by Bahá'u'lláh.”
{Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í Administration, p. 186}

“The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is one of the most vital institutions in the world, and it hath many subsidiary branches. Although it is a House of Worship, it is also connected with a hospital, a drug dispensary, a traveler's hospice, a school for orphans, and a university for advanced studies. Every Mashriqu'l-Adhkár is connected with these five things. My hope is that the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár will now be established in America, and that gradually the hospital, the school, the university, the dispensary and the hospice, all functioning according to the most efficient and orderly procedures, will follow. Make these matters known to the beloved of the Lord, so that they will understand how very great is the importance of this 'Dawning-Point of the Remembrance of God.' The Temple is not only a place for worship; rather, in every respect it is complete and whole.”
{'Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, pp. 99-100}

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Pilgrimage: 
A journey made to a shrine or holy place.

In the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh ordains pilgrimage for Bahá’ís to the Most Great House in Baghdad and to the House of the Báb in Shíráz. After the passing of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá added to these the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahji. For Bahá’ís, pilgrimage to these three places is, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has stated, “obligatory if one can afford it and is able to do so, and if no obstacle stands in one’s way.” 
{Bahá’u’lláh, Synopsis of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 61 }

In a Tablet to a believer ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote concerning pilgrimages: “You have asked about visiting holy places and the observance of marked reverence toward these resplendent spots. Holy places are undoubtedly centres of the outpouring of Divine grace, because on entering the illumined sites associated with martyrs and holy souls, and by observing reverence, both physical and spiritual, one's heart is moved with great tenderness. But there is no obligation for everyone to visit such places, other than the three, namely: the Most Holy Shrine, the Blessed House in Baghdad and the venerated House of the Bab in Shiraz. To visit these is obligatory if one can afford it and is able to do so, and if no obstacle stands in one's way . . . These three Holy Places are consecrated to pilgrimage. But as to the other resting places of martyrs and holy souls, it is pleasing and acceptable in the sight of God if a person desires to draw nigh unto Him by visiting them; this, however, is not a binding obligation.” {Bahá’u’lláh, Synopsis of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 61}Under present circumstances, Bahá’ís are able to make pilgrimage only to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. The only person to have performed completely the obligation of Bahá’í pilgrimage to all the designated places in accordance with all of the instructions pertaining thereto was Nabil-i-A'zam.

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Pioneer: 
“Any believer who arises and leaves his home to journey to another country for the purpose of teaching the Cause is a pioneer.” {Lights of Guidance, no. 1191} “The duties of teaching and pioneering are enjoined upon all believers…Any Bahá’í who spreads the Message of Bahá’u’lláh is a teacher, any Bahá’í who moves to another area to spread the Faith is a pioneer. No special training is required for a pioneer.” {Lights of Guidance, no. 1194}

“O friends! Be not careless of the virtues with which ye have been endowed, neither be neglectful of your high destiny. Suffer not your labors to be wasted through the vain imaginations which certain hearts have devised. Ye are the stars of the heaven of understanding, the breeze that stirreth at the break of day, the soft-flowing waters upon which must depend the very life of all men, the letters inscribed upon His sacred scroll. With the utmost unity, and in a spirit of perfect fellowship, exert yourselves, that ye may be enabled to achieve that which beseemeth this Day of God. Verily I say, strife and dissension, and whatsoever the mind of man abhorreth are entirely unworthy of his station. Center your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead…”
{Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, pp. 196-197 }

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Proclamation: 
Term used to describe the initial presentation of the Bahá’í teachings to those unfamiliar with them. Proclamation activities may include the holding of public meetings, advertising, participation in fetes and parades, mounting exhibitions, donating Bahá’í books to libraries, and presenting Bahá’í literature to dignitaries, often at special dinners. The intention of proclamation is to introduce the Bahá’í Faith to new people, after which it is left to those individuals who are interested to seek further information from the Bahá’ís.

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Proselytizing: 
To make someone convert from one religion or belief to another.

Proselytizing , or trying to induce someone to become a believer is not permitted. Bahá’ís are enjoined to teach their Faith, but with “tolerance, love, kindliness, patience, a goodly character and holy deeds.” {‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Gift compilation, p. 13}“Do not argue with anyone.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes, “and be wary of disputation. Speak out the truth. If your hearer accepeth, the aim is achieved. If he is obdurate, you should leave him to himself and place your trust in God.” {‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Gift compilation, p. 14}

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Teaching: 
“One who is detached and sincerely searching for knowledge of God and His Manifestations.” {Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Iqán, p. 195 }

“Of all the gifts of God the greatest is the gift of Teaching. It draweth unto us the Grace of God, and is our first obligation. Of such a gift how can we deprive ourselves? Nay, our lives, our goods, our comforts, our rest, we offer them all as a sacrifice for the Abhá Beauty and teach the Cause of God.”
{'Abdu'l-Bahá, Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 25 }

“It is now imperative for every Bahá'í to set for himself individual teaching goals. The admonition of 'Abdu'l-Bahá to lead at least one new soul to the Faith each year and the exhortation of Shoghi Effendi to hold a Bahá'í fireside in one's home every Bahá'í month are examples of individual goals. Many have capacities to do even more, but this alone will assure final and complete victory for the Plan.”
{The Universal House of Justice, Messages from The Universal House of Justice, p. 35 }

“The purpose of teaching is not complete when a person declares that he has accepted Bahá'u'lláh as the Manifestation of God for this age; the purpose of teaching is to attract human beings to the divine Message and so imbue them with its spirit that they will dedicate themselves to its service, and this world will become another world and its people another people. Viewed in this light a declaration of faith is merely a milestone along the way—albeit a very important one. Teaching may also be likened to kindling a fire, the fire of faith, in the hearts of men. If a fire burns only so long as the match is held to it, it cannot be truly said to have been kindled; to be kindled it must continue to burn of its own accord. Thereafter more fuel can be added and the flame fanned, but even if left alone for a period, a truly kindled fire will not be extinguished by the first breath of wind.”
{The Universal House of Justice, May 25, 1975 to all National Spiritual Assemblies, quoted in an unpublished compilation prepared by the International Teaching Center }

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Teaching Institute:
“Your Institutes should not only be seats of Bahá’í learning but also centers from which mass teaching and consolidation work over a large area must be inspired and conducted. The Institute is not merely a building, nor solely a place where Bahá’í classes can be held for a few days. It should be the center of complex activities which systematically assisted your Assembly in the achievement of its goal in teaching and consolidation.”
{The Universal House of Justice, Lights of Guidance, #662, p. 247}

“The development of human resources for the expansion and the consolidation of the Faith cannot be left to chance, and must be taken into account in national plans everywhere. An approach to teaching institutes that is proving more successful is one that begins with a core group. of experienced Bahá’ís and an evolving program for the spiritual education of the friends. Buildings and paid staff may or may not be included at the beginning. What is important is that a group. of deepened Bahá’ís , guided by a small committee and served by a coordinator, takes on the task of bringing together the more interested and promising believers, either to a central place of in smaller groups in the villages and towns, and of gradually developing for them a systematic program of deepening. The purpose of this deepening is primarily to enable these believers to participate progressively in teaching the Faith to others, in deepening other believers, and also in serving in administrative capacities. While these programs may be simple at first, if the core group. perseveres and acts consistently, gradually different types of courses are developed to enable the friends to take on the many tasks that the rapid expansion of the Faith requires of them.” {The International Teaching Center, November 29, 1988}

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True Seeker: 
“One who is detached and sincerely searching for knowledge of God and His Manifestations.” {Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Iqán, p. 195}

Bahá’u’lláh in the Kitab-i-Iqán outlines the conditions one must fulfil to be a true seeker: “…he must, before all else, cleanse and purify his heart…from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the allusion of the embodiments of satanic fancy. He must purge his breast…of every defilement, and sanctify his soul from all that pertaineth to water and clay, from all shadowy and ephemeral attachments. He must so cleanse his heart that no remnant of either love or hate may linger therein, lest that love blindly incline him to error, or that hate repel him away from the truth…That seeker must at all times put his trust in God, must renounce the peoples of the earth, detach himself from the world of dust, and cleave unto Him who is the Lord of Lords. He must never seek to exalt himself above any one, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vainglory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence, and refrain from idle talk…That seeker should also regard backbiting as grievous error, and keep. himself aloof from its dominion…He should be content with little, and freed from all inordinate desire. He should treasure the companionship. of those that have renounced the world, and regard avoidance of boastful and worldly people a precious benefit. At the dawn of every day he should commune with God…He should succour the dispossessed. He should show kindness to animals, how much more unto his fellow-man…He should not hesitate to offer up. his life for his Beloved, nor allow the censure of the people to turn him away from the Truth. He should not wish for others that which he cloth not wish for himself, nor promise that which he cloth not fulfill. With all his heart should the seeker avoid evil doers, 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.” 
{Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Iqán ,  pp. 193-4}

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Youth Year of Service: 
 “Bahá'í youth should be encouraged to think of their studies and of their training for a trade or profession as part of their service to the Cause of God and in the context of a Lifetime that will be devoted to advancing the interests of the Faith. At the same time, during their years of study, youth are often able to offer specific periods of weeks or months, or even of a year or more, during which they can devote themselves to travel teaching or to serving the Bahá'í community in other ways, such as conducting children's classes in remote villages. They should be encouraged to offer such service, which will in itself be admirable experience for the future…”
{Universal House of Justice, Naw-Rúz 1974, Lights of Guidance, pp. 631-632 }

QUOTES:

“Say: To assist Me is to teach My Cause. This is a theme with which whole Tablets are laden. This is the changeless commandment of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Comprehend this, O ye men of insight.” 
{Bahá'u'lláh,  Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 196}

"Should any one among you be incapable of grasping a certain truth, or be striving to comprehend it, show forth, when conversing with him, a spirit of extreme kindliness and good-will. Help. him to see and recognize the truth, without esteeming yourself to be, in the least, superior to him, or to be possessed of greater endowments.” 
{Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 8}

"To teach the Cause of God, to proclaim its truths, to defend its interests, to demonstrate, by words as well as by deeds, its indispensability, its potency, and universality, should at no time be regarded as the exclusive concern or sole privilege of Bahá'í administrative institutions, be they Assemblies, or committees. All must participate, however humble their origin, however limited their experience, however restricted their means, however deficient their education, however pressing their cares and preoccupations, however unfavorable the environment in which they live.” 
{Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 45}

RECOMMENDED READINGS :

	Bahá'í Education - compilation
	The Bahá'í Community - compilation
	Bahá'í Youth: A Compilation
	Centers of Bahá'í Learning - compilation
	Challenge: Messages to Bahá'í Youth - compilation
	The Individual and Teaching
	The Importance of Deepening our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith
	Lights of Guidance
	Living the Life - compilation 
Developing Distinct Bahá’í Communities - by the USA National Spiritual Assembly	
	Brilliant Star Magazine