‎"Naturally there will be periods of distress and difficulty, and even severe tests; but if the person turns firmly towards the Divine Manifestation, studies carefully His spiritual teachings and receives the blessings of the Holy Spirit, he will find that in reality these tests and difficulties have been the gifts of God to enable him to grow and develop. Thus you might look upon your own difficulties in the path of service. They are the means of your spirit growing and developing. You will suddenly find that you have conquered many of the problems which upset you, and then you will wonder why they should have troubled you at all." - Shoghi Effendi, Living the Life, pp. 35-36.

"I beg Thee to forgive me, O my Lord, for every mention but the mention of Thee, and for every praise but the praise of Thee, and for every delight but delight in Thy nearness, and for every pleasure but the pleasure of communion with Thee, and for every joy but the joy of Thy love and of Thy good-pleasure, and for all things pertaining unto me which bear no relationship unto Thee, O Thou Who art the Lord of lords, He Who provideth the means and unlocketh the doors." - The Báb

‎"... Life in this world is a succession of tests and achievements, of falling short and of making new spiritual advances. Sometimes the course may seem very hard, but one can witness, again and again, that the soul who steadfastly obeys the law of Baha'u'llah, however hard it may seem, grows spiritually, while the one who compromises with the law for the sake of his own apparent happiness is seen to have been following a chimera: he does not attain the happiness he sought, he retards his spiritual advance and often brings new problems upon himself." -- From a letter dated 6 February 1973 written by the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, published in "Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1968-1973, p. 106

‎"I say unto you that any one who will rise up in the Cause of God at this time shall be filled with the spirit of God, and that He will send His hosts from heaven to help you, and that nothing shall be impossible to you if you have faith. And now I give you a commandment which shall be for a Covenant between you and me: that ye have faith; that you faith be steadfast as a rock that no storms can move, that nothing can disturb, and that it endure through all things even to the end; even should ye hear that your Lord has been crucified, be not shaken in your faith; for I am with you always, whether living or dead; I am with you to the end. As ye have faith so shall your powers and blessings be. This is the standard—this is the standard—this is the standard." - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Scriptures, p. 503-504

‎"O ye that stand fast in the Covenant! When the hour cometh that this wronged and broken winged bird will have taken its flight unto the Celestial Concourse, when it will have hastened to the Realm of the Unseen, and its mortal frame will have either been lost or hidden neath the dust, it is incumbent upon the Afnan that are steadfast in the Covenant of God and have branched from the Tree of Holiness, the Hands of the Cause of God (the glory of the Lord rest upon them), and all the friends and loved ones, one and all, to bestir themselves and arise with heart and soul and in one accord to diffuse the sweet savors of God, to teach His Cause and to promote His Faith. It behooveth them not to rest for a moment, neither to seek repose. They must disperse themselves in every land, pass by every clime, and travel throughout all regions. Bestirred, without rest, and steadfast to the end, they must raise in every land the triumphal cry of Ya-Baha'u'l-Abha, must achieve renown in the world wherever they go, must burn brightly even as a candle in every meeting, and must kindle the flame of Divine Love in every assembly; that the Light of Truth may rise resplendent in the midmost heart of the world, that throughout the East and throughout the West a vast concourse may gather under the shadow of the Word of God, that the sweet savors of Holiness may be diffused, that faces may shine radiantly, hearts be filled with the Divine Spirit and souls be made heavenly. In these days the most important of all things is the guidance of the nations and the peoples of the world. Teaching the Cause is of utmost importance, for it is the head corner-stone of the foundation itself. This wronged servant has spent his days and nights in promoting the Cause, and urging the peoples to service. He rested not a moment, till the fame of the Cause of God was noised abroad in the world, and the Celestial Strains from the Abha Kingdom roused the East and the West. The beloved of God must also follow the same example. This is the secret of faithfulness, this is the requirement of servitude to the Threshold of Baha."
We need but glance at the Words of Baha'u'llah and the Epistles of Abdu'l-Baha to realize the great privilege of teaching the Cause, its vital necessity, its supreme urgency, and its wide-reaching effects. These are the very words of Abdu'l-Baha: -
"In these days, the Holy Ones of the Realm of Glory, dwelling in the all-highest Paradise, yearn to return unto this world, and be of some service to the Cause of Baha'u'llah and prove their servitude to the Threshold of Abha beauty."
What a wondrous vision these words unfold to our eyes! How great our privilege to labor in this Day in the Divine Vineyard! Is it not incumbent upon us to arise and teach His Cause with such an ardor which no worldly adversity can quell, nor any measure of success can satiate?
(Shoghi Effendi: Baha'i Administration, Pages: 36-37)

Although you seem to feel that your prayers have not so far been answered, and do no longer have any hope that your material conditions will ameliorate, the Guardian wishes you nevertheless not to allow such disappointments to undermine your faith in the power of prayer, but rather to continue entreating the Almighty to enable you to discover the great wisdom which may be hidden behind all these sufferings. For are not our sufferings often blessings in disguise, through which God wishes to test the sincerity and depth of our faith, and thereby make us firmer in His Cause?

...The true worshipper, while praying, should endeavour not so much to ask God to fulfil his wishes and desires, but rather to adjust these and make them conform to the Divine Will. Only through such an attitude can one derive that feeling of inner peace and contentment which the power of prayer alone can confer.

(From a letter dated 26 October 1938 to an individual believer; cited in The Compilation of Compilations vol II, pp. 239-240, #1768).

Abdu'l-Baha', was sad on one occasion because he had learned of an incident of backbiting among the friends and said:

"I don't know where the people have learned the art of backbiting?" 

A Baha'i believer answered, 'Beloved Master, from God himself.' 
The Master said, "How?"

The Baha'i answered, 'Adam ate one apple only in his whole life and God mentioned it to everyone in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, and in the Qur'an........'

(From A Seminar conducted by the Hand of the Cause of God A. Q. Faizí in Hawaii in 1967).

‎"While a man is happy he may forget his God; but when grief comes and sorrows overwhelm him, then 51 will he remember his Father who is in Heaven, and who is able to deliver him from his humiliations.
Men who suffer not, attain no perfection. The plant most pruned by the gardeners is that one which, when the summer comes, will have the most beautiful blossoms and the most abundant fruit.
The labourer cuts up the earth with his plough, and from that earth comes the rich and plentiful harvest. The more a man is chastened, the greater is the harvest of spiritual virtues shown forth by him. A soldier is no good General until he has been in the front of the fiercest battle and has received the deepest wounds.
The prayer of the prophets of God has always been, and still is: Oh God, I long to lay down my life in the path to Thee! I desire to shed my blood for Thee, and to make the supreme sacrifice." - Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p.50

‎"Так, отец и мать переживают величайшие волнения и испытывают множество трудностей при воспитании детей; и зачастую, когда дети достигают возраста зрелости, их родители уходят в мир иной. Редко бывает, чтобы отец и мать были вознаграждены за их заботы и труды, которые они претерпели из-за своих детей в этом мире. Потому дети, в благодарность за сии заботы и труды, должны проявлять сострадание и милосердие и молить о прощении и отпущении грехов для своих родителей. Так вы должны, в благодарность за любовь и доброту, проявленную к вам вашим отцом, подавать бедным за него, с величайшим смирением и скромностью молить о прощении и отпущении грехов и просить о милости свыше.
(Абдул-Баха. "Ответы на некоторые вопросы". 62)

‎"Conditions in the world today place an added burden on the shoulders of everyone, the Bahá'ís included, and the Guardian has the greatest sympathy for their difficulties. However he feels that each Bahá'í, no matter how tired and over-worked he may be or how preoccupied with cares of every day life should constantly bear in mind the great blessings God has bestowed upon him by enabling him to accept His Cause in this day. Everything else is transient; our difficulties will pass away, and our lives too eventually, but this eternal gift of Faith in Bahá'u'lláh will never pass away and will be the source of our everlasting happiness." - From a letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Englewood, N.J. Community, dated May 3, 1943

2. О СЫН ДУХА! Любимейшая из вещей в Моих глазах — справедливость; не отвращайся от неё, если стремишься ко Мне, и не пренебрегай ею, дабы Я мог доверять тебе. С помощью нее узришь своими очами, а не очами других, познаешь своим разумением, а не разумением ближнего. Обдумай сие в сердце своём — что подобает тебе. Воистину, справедливость — Мой дар тебе и знак нежной заботы Моей. Помести же ее пред своими очами.                                                                                                  Бахаулла

Украсьте уста ваши, о люди, правдивостью, а души -узором честности. Бойтесь, о люди, обойтись с кем-нибудь вероломно. Будьте доверенными Бога среди творений Его и олицетворениями Его щедрости среди народа Его. Те же, что следуют страстям своим и порочным наклонностям, заблуждаются и расточают втуне труды свои. Воистину, они среди погибших. Приложите усилия, о люди, дабы взор ваш был устремлен к милости Божией, сердца ваши настроены на дивное поминание Его, души всегда опирались на Его милосердие и щедрость, и ступали вы по стезе Его благоволения. Таковы советы, кои Я завещаю вам. О, если бы вы последовали советам Моим.
                                                                Бахаулла

Бахаулла

Молитвы и размышления XLI

Твоё единство, о мой Боже, непостижимо ни для кого, кроме тех, что признали Того, Кто есть Проявление Твоей единственности и Рассвет Твоей целостности. Всякий, кто назначает Ему соперника, назначает соперника Тебе, и всякий, кто придумывает равного Ему, придумывает равного Тебе. Нет, нет, никто во всём творении не способен противостоять Тебе! Ты всегда был недосягаемо вознесён над любыми сравнениями и любым сходством. Единство Твоё было доказано чрез единство Того, Кто есть Место Восхода Твоего Откровения. Всякий отрицающий сие отрицает единство Твоё, прекословит Тебе во владычестве Твоём, соперничает с Тобой в Твоём царствии и отвергает Твои заповеди.

Помоги слугам Твоим, о мой Господи, распознать Твоё единство и провозгласить Твою неделимость, дабы все люди могли собраться вместе вкруг того, чего желаешь Ты в сей день, когда Солнце Твоей сущности воссияло на небосклоне Твоей воли и Луна Твоей собственной личности взошла от Зари Твоего повеления. Ты есть Тот, о мой Господи, Кто не упускает ничего, и Кому никто не в силах воспрепятствовать. Ты поступаешь, как угодно Тебе, силою владычества Твоего, осеняющего миры.

Хорошо ведомо Тебе, о мой Боже и мой Наивозлюбленный, что нет ничего, что могло бы утолить жажду моего разделения с Тобой, кроме вод Твоего присутствия, и что волнения сердца моего утихнут лишь благодаря живому роднику моего воссоединения с Тобой. Посему ниспошли мне, о мой Господи, с небес Твоей щедрости то, что привлечёт меня к чаше Твоих даров, и сподобь меня испить отборного и запечатанного Вина, Чья печать сломана во имя Твоё, и от коего разносятся сладкие благоухания Твоих дней. Ты, воистину, Всещедрый, Тот, Чья благодать безгранична.

Вся Вселенная свидетельствует о Твоей щедрости. Посему, по снисходительности Твоей, яви мне милосердие Твоё, обойдись великодушно со мной благодаря силе Твоего владычества и дозволь мне обретаться близ Тебя по нескончаемой благосклонности Твоей. Ты, воистину, Великий Даритель, Всемогущий, Вечно Прощающий, Наищедрый. 

Бахаулла

Молитвы и размышления XCIV

Жаждущие Тебя сердца, о мой Боже, сгорают в огне стремления к Тебе, и очи тех, что возлюбили Тебя, полнятся горькими слезами из-за сокрушительного удаления от Твоего двора, и стенания всех уповающих на Тебя возносятся повсеместно во владениях Твоих.

Ты Сам, о мой Боже, Своей владычной мощью защитил их от обеих крайностей. Когда бы не горение их душ и стенания их сердец, они бы утонули в своих слезах, а если бы не потоки их слёз, их бы сожгло пламя их сердец и жар их душ. Думается мне, что можно уподобить их ангелам, коих Ты создал из снега и огня. Ужели, несмотря на их неистовое стремление, Ты затворишь для них, о мой Боже, врата к Твоему присутствию, или прогонишь их, невзирая на их пыл и рвение, от дверей Твоего милосердия? Всякая надежда готова угаснуть в сердцах избранников Твоих, о мой Боже! Где же дуновения Твоей благодати? Со всех сторон они окружены врагами; где же знамёна Твоего триумфа, обещанные в Твоих Скрижалях?

Свидетелем мне — Твоя слава! На всякой заре возлюбившие Тебя просыпаются и видят пред собой чашу горестей, ибо уверовали они в Тебя и приняли Твои знáмения. Хотя я твёрдо верю, что Ты более исполнен сострадания к ним, чем они сами к себе, и признаю, что Ты обрушил на них сии муки единственно ради возглашения Дела Твоего и дабы они смогли вознестись на небеса Твоей вечности и в пределы Твоего двора, всё же прекрасно известна Тебе хрупкость некоторых из них и ведомо нетерпение их посреди выпавших им невзгод.

Я умоляю Тебя, о мой Боже,— помоги им силою Твоей укрепляющей благодати, дабы страдали они терпеливо в их любви к Тебе, и раскрой их глазам то, что Ты уготовил им в Скинии Твоей надёжнейшей защиты, дабы они могли поспешить навстречу тому, что предопределено для них на Твоём пути, и соперничали меж собою в погоне за несчастиями в их любви к Тебе. В противном же случае яви хоругви Твоего превосходства и даруй им победу над их соперниками, дабы Твоё владычество стало очевидно всем обитателям Твоего царства и сила Твоего могущества была обнаружена среди Твоих созданий. Властен Ты вершить, что пожелаешь. Нет Бога, кроме Тебя, Всезнающего, Всемудрого.

Даруй непреклонность, о мой Боже, уверовавшему в Тебя слуге Твоему, дабы он помог Твоему Делу, и убереги его от всех опасностей в твердыне Твоей заботы и защиты, как в сей жизни, так и в жизни грядущей. Ты, воистину, правишь, как угодно Тебе. Нет Бога, кроме Тебя, Вечно Прощающего, Наищедрого.

Concerning the phrase “Yá Ilaha‘l-Mustaghath”, this is an invocation revealed by the Bab. He prescribed it for recitation by His followers in times of trouble and difficulty. Shoghi Effendi has translated the word “Mustaghath” as “He who is invoked for help”.

With regard to the number of times these words are to be repeated, the repetition of this invocation is not definitely fixed, and there is a great deal of flexibility concerning the repetition of this and other prayers. While the invocation is prescribed in the Writings of the Báb to be repeated 2098 times during occasions of great need, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in one Tablet states that this verse is to be repeated 95 times and, in another Tablet, 81 times. Letters from the Guardian concerning this invocation , as well as other prayers, indicate that repetition is a matter of individual choice. In a postscript added in his own handwriting to a letter to an individual he stated: “There is no objection to saying “Yá Ilaha‘l-Mustaghath” any time you like and as often as you like.”
(Universal House of Justice, 25 Nov 1999)

The trials of man are of two kinds.
(a) The consequences of his own actions. If a man eats too much, he ruins his digestion; if he takes poison he becomes ill or dies. If a person gambles he will lose his money; if he drinks too much he will lose his equilibrium. All these sufferings are caused by the man himself, it is quite clear therefore that certain sorrows are the result of our own deeds.
(b) Other sufferings there are, which come upon the Faithful of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 49-50)

The trials of man are of two kinds.
(a) The consequences of his own actions. If a man eats too much, he ruins his digestion; if he takes poison he becomes ill or dies. If a person gambles he will lose his money; if he drinks too much he will lose his equilibrium. All these sufferings are caused by the man himself, it is quite clear therefore that certain sorrows are the result of our own deeds.
(b) Other sufferings there are, which come upon the Faithful of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 49-50)

‎"I pull the sails of the ship firmly and fasten the ropes tight. I locate my destination and then by the power of My will I hold the wheel and head out. No matter how strong the storm, no matter how dangerous the threat to the safety of the ship, I do not change course. I do not become agitated or disheartened; I persevere until I reach my goal. If I were to hesitate or change direction at the sight of every danger the Arc of the Cause of God would surely fail to reach its destination." -Abdu'l-Baha

‎"It is seemly that the servant should, after each prayer, supplicate God to bestow mercy and forgiveness upon his parents. Thereupon God's call will be raised: `Thousand upon thousand of what thou hast asked for thy parents shall be thy recompense!' Blessed is he who remembereth his parents when communing with God." - The Bab: Selections from the Bab, Page: 94

‎"Chaos and confusion are daily increasing in the world. They will attain such intensity as to render the frame of mankind unable to bear them. Then will men be awakened and become aware that religion is the impregnable stronghold and the manifest light of the world, and its laws, exhortations and teachings the source of life on earth." - From a Tablet - translated from the Persian.`Abdu'l-Baha: Peace, Page: 165

‎"When love is realized and the ideal spiritual bonds unite the hearts of men, the whole human race will be uplifted, the world will continually grow more spiritual and radiant and the happiness and tranquillity of mankind be immeasurably increased." - Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace p. 470

‎"To have faith, to become humble and to raise one’s voice in prayer and glorification of God are not sufficient prerequisites for drawing on the power of Bahá’u’lláh. There is yet another vital condition which the individual must fulfil, namely, to arise to serve the Cause. If he does not act, the channels of grace will remain closed and no amount of devotion to Bahá’u’lláh or humility before Him can release the powers from on high. The very act of arising is, in itself, bound to attract the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh. In many of His Tablets Bahá’u’lláh has assured His followers that if they arise with faith and devotion to promote His Cause, the unseen hosts of His confirmations will descend upon them and make them victorious." - Adib Taherzadeh, The Child of the Covenant, p. 158

‎"Have patience—wait, but do not sit idle; work while you are waiting; smile while you are wearied with monotony; be firm while everything around you is being shaken; be joyous while the ugly face of despair grins at you; speak aloud while the malevolent forces of the nether world try to crush your mind; be valiant and courageous while men all around you are cringing with fear and cowardice." ~ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Every soul who travels through the cities, villages and hamlets of these states and is engaged in the diffusion of the fragrances of God, should peruse this commune every morning:

O my God! O my God! Thou seest me in my lowliness and weakness, occupied with the greatest undertaking, determined to raise Thy word among the masses and to spread Thy teachings among Thy peoples. How can I succeed unless Thou assist me with the breath of the Holy Spirit, help me to triumph by the hosts of Thy glorious kingdom, and shower upon me Thy confirmations, which alone can change a gnat into an eagle, a drop of water into rivers and seas, and an atom into lights and suns? O my Lord! Assist me with Thy triumphant and effective might, so that my tongue may utter Thy praises and attributes among all people and my soul overflow with the wine of Thy love and knowledge.
Thou art the Omnipotent and the Doer of whatsoever Thou willest.

(Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 72)

‎"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 evil-doer, 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-Baha

God chooses for His favors whomsoever He willeth. He is the Merciful, the Generous!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá v1, p. 83)

‎"Therefore strive that the greatest cleanliness and sanctity, which is the great desire of 'Abdu'l-Baha, should be resplendent among the Baha'is, and that the companions of God should surpass the rest of mankind in all conditions and perfections; that they may be physically and morally superior to others; that through cleanliness and purity, refinement and health, they may be the chief of wise men, and that by their affranchisement, their prudence, and the control of their desires, they may be the princes of the pure, the free and the wise." - Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 336

‎"In short, the foundation of the Kingdom of God is based upon harmony and love, oneness, relationship and union, not upon differences, especially between husband and wife. If one of these two becomes the cause of divorce, that one will unquestionably fall into great difficulties, will become the victim of formidable calamities and experience deep remorse." From a Tablet translated from the Persian

‎"O God, for the sake of Thy love, will I leave everything and wander in the deserts and over the mountains, calling out the appearance of Thy kingdom and proclaiming into every ear the tidings of Thy call.
O God! I am prepared to meet all calamities in Thy way and desire every trouble for Thy sake with all my heart and soul, but keep me, O God, in Thy hour of test. Thou knowest that I have left every thought and occupation save Thy mention and praise and that I ask nothing save a strengthening power, which shall enable me to devote my life, my mind, my heart, my soul, and my spirit unto Thee, O God.
O Lord of the worlds! To teach is to learn, to learn is to work, to work is to serve, to serve is to love, to love is to sacrifice, to sacrifice is to die, to die is to live, to live is to strive, to strive is to rise above all earthly limitations and enter the eternal realms."
Attributed to Abdu'l-Baha

‎"Joy gives us wings! In times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener, and our understanding less clouded. We seem better able to cope with the world and to find our sphere of usefulness. But when sadness visits us we become weak, our strength leaves us, our comprehension is dim and our intelligence veiled. The actualities of life seem to elude our grasp, the eyes of our spirits fail to discover the sacred mysteries, and we become even as dead beings."

You must not be sad. This affliction will make you spiritually stronger. Do not be sad. Cheer up! Praise be to God, you are dear to Me, I will tell you a story: 'A certain ruler wished to appoint one of his subjects to a high office: so, in order to train him, the ruler cast him into prison and caused him to suffer much. The man was surprised at this, for he expected great favours. The ruler had him taken from prison and beaten with sticks. This greatly astonished the man, for he thought the ruler loved him. After this he was hanged on the gallows until he was nearly dead. After he recovered he asked the ruler, 'If you love me, why did you do these things?' The ruler replied: 'I wish to make you prime minister. By having gone through these ordeals you are better fitted for that office. I wish you to know how it is yourself. When you are obliged to punish, you will know how it feels to endure these things. I love you so I wish you to become perfect.'

Even so with you. After this ordeal you will reach maturity. God sometimes causes us to suffer much and to have many misfortunes that we may become strong in His Cause. You will soon recover and be spiritually stronger than ever before. You will work for God and carry the Message to many of your people.

(Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on October 10, 1912 to Mr. Tinsley who was recovering from an accident in San Francisco, California: Star of the West, Vol. IV, No. 12, p. 205; cited in Lights of

‎"Armed with the power of Thy name nothing can ever hurt me, and with Thy love in my heart all the world’s afflictions can in no wise alarm me." ~ Bahá’u’lláh

‎"Be not the slave of your moods, but their master. But if you are so angry, so depressed and so sore that your spirit cannot find deliverance and peace even in prayer, then quickly go and give some pleasure to someone lowly or sorrowful, or to a guilty or innocent sufferer! Sacrifice yourself, your talent, your time, your rest to another, to one who has to bear a heavier load than you -- and your unhappy mood will dissolve into a blessed, contented submission to God." -Abdul'-Baha

‎"As for you, O ye lovers of God, make firm your steps in His Cause, with such resolve that ye shall not be shaken though the direst of calamities assail the world. By nothing, under no conditions, be ye perturbed. Be ye anchored fast as the high mountains, be stars that dawn over the horizon of life, be bright lamps in the gatherings of unity, be souls humble and lowly in the presence of the friends, be innocent in heart. Be ye symbols of guidance and lights of godliness, severed from the world, clinging to the handhold that is sure and strong, spreading abroad the spirit of life, riding the Ark of salvation. Be ye daysprings of generosity, dawning-points of the mysteries of existence, sites where inspiration alighteth, rising-places of splendours, souls that are sustained by the Holy Spirit, enamoured of the Lord, detached from all save Him, holy above the characteristics of humankind, clothed in the attributes of the angels of heaven, that ye may win for yourselves the highest bestowal of all, in this new time, this wondrous age." Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, no. 199, p. 253, (Book 6 p. 73)

‎"Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for themselves. You will never become angry or impatient if you love them for the sake of God. Humanity is not perfect. There are imperfections in every human being, and you will always become unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But if you look toward God, you will love them and be kind to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and complete mercy. Therefore, do not look at the shortcomings of anybody; see with the sight of forgiveness. The imperfect eye beholds imperfections. The eye that covers faults looks toward the Creator of souls..."
~ Bahá’í Sacred Writings, Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 92

‎"… often our severest tests come from each other. Certainly the believers should try to avert such things, and if they happen, remedy them through love."
(Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance, p. 113)

Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum in one of her memories says that she was once in a fireside with a group of Persian and British pioneers. One of the seekers was a black man who was sitting there and was listening carefully.
Suddenly the door opened and the daughter of one of the English pioneers came in with her milk bottle in hand and looked at the audience and went directly to the black man and made it to his laps and managed to sit there, she smiled at him, and kissed him, and started to drink her milk from the bottle.
One of the Persian ladies tried to reach the baby to grab her from the man's laps, but Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, told her in Persian, "let her be, she is teaching the Faith in her own way."
After the meeting, the man approached the Khánum and told her that he would like to be like her and go wherever she went to teach the Faith. Khánum looked at him and asked if he was a Baha'i? And he said yes, he was. Rúhíyyih Khánum was astonished and asked, "Since when? How and why?"
He said that, "Since an hour ago when that little girl went to me, kissed me, and sat on my laps and slept there with great calm. Since that moment I thought to myself that she had a different and brilliant education where there was no hint of racism. Her parents must have had no prejudice in educating her like that, and then I said this is the Faith I must grasp."
"That is why I am a Baha'i now."

‎"It is highly important for man to raise a family. So long as he is young, because of youthful self-complacency, he does not realize its significance, but this will be a source of regret when he grows old…. In this glorious Cause the life of a married couple should resemble the life of the angels in heaven—a life full of joy and spiritual delight, a life of unity and concord, a friendship both mental and physical. The home should be orderly and well-organized. Their ideas and thoughts should be like the rays of the sun of truth and the radiance of the brilliant stars in the heavens. Even as two birds they should warble melodies upon the branches of the tree of fellowship and harmony.
They should always be elated with joy and gladness and be a source of happiness to the hearts of others. They should set an example to their fellow-men, manifest a true and sincere love towards each other and educate their children in such a manner as to blazon the fame and glory of their family."
(From the Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá translated from the Persian)

‎"Grieve not at the divine trials. Be not troubled because of hardships and ordeals; turn unto God, bowing in humbleness and praying to Him, while bearing every ordeal, contented under all conditions and thankful in every difficulty. Verily thy Lord loveth His maidservants who are patient, believing and firm. He draws them nigh unto Him through these ordeals and trials."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá v1, p. 50)

“Every Baha’i, no matter how poor, must realize what a grave responsibility he has to shoulder…. and should have confidence that his spiritual progress as a believer in the World Order of Baha’u’llah will largely depend upon the measure in which he proves, in deed, his readiness to support materially the Divine institutions of his Faith” - Shoghi Effendi

‎"The more difficulties one sees in the world the more perfect one becomes. The more you plough and dig the ground the more fertile it becomes. The more you cut the branches of a tree the higher and stronger it grows. The more you put the gold in the fire the purer it becomes. The more you sharpen the steel by grinding the better it cuts. Therefore, the more sorrows one sees the more perfect one becomes. That is why, in all times, the Prophets of God have had tribulations and difficulties to withstand. The more often the captain of a ship is in the tempest and difficult sailing the greater his knowledge becomes. Therefore I am happy that you have had great tribulations and difficulties. For this I am very happy -- that you have had many sorrows. Strange it is that I love you and still I am happy that you have sorrows." Abdu'l-Baha, Star of the West, vol. 14, no. 2, p. 41. Taken from http://info.bahai.org/article-1-3-4-7.html

“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 involvement 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…” - Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 118

“A couple should study each other’s character and spend time getting to know each other before they decide to marry, and when they do marry it should be with the intention of establishing an eternal bond.” - Lights of Guidance, p. 380

“O Thou kind Lord! These lovely children are the handiwork of the fingers of Thy might and the wondrous signs of Thy greatness. O God! Protect these children, graciously assist them to be educated and enable them to render service to the world of humanity. O God! These children are pearls, cause them to be nurtured within the shell of Thy loving-kindness. Thou art the Bountiful, the All-Loving." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 

“Often a night I do not sleep and the thoughts of this world weigh heavily on my mind. I toss uneasily in my bed. Then in the darkness of the night I get up and pray – converse with God. It is most sweet and uplifting.” - Abdu'l-Baha

‎"When the friends realize that the hosts of the Kingdom are waiting to rush forth and assist them, that others from their own ranks have arisen and have been successful, that everyone can find some effective method of teaching according to his own particular capacities and talents, they will then no doubt arise with greater confidence to take the first step, and this, we know, will be aided and guided from on high, for the very act of striving to respond to God's call will bring in its wake countless divine blessings." - Compilations, The Individual and Teaching - Raising the Divine Call, p. viii

‎"There is a difference between character and faith; it is often hard to accept this fact and put up with it, but the fact that a person may believe in and love the Cause – even being ready to die for it—and yet not have a good personal character or posses traits at variance with the teachings. We try to change, to let the Power of God help recreate us make us true Bahá’ís in deed as well as in belief. But the process is slow, sometimes it never happened the individual does not try hard enough. But these cause us suffering and are a test to us in our fellow-believers, most especially if we love him and have been their teacher!" - Universal House of Justice, Lights of Guidance, p. 75

“O loved ones of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá! Man’s life has its springtime and is endowed with marvelous glory. The period of youth is characterized by strength and vigor and stands out as the choicest time in human life. Therefore you should strive day and night so that endowed with heavenly strength, inspired with brilliant motives and aided by His celestial power and heavenly grace and confirmation, you may become the ornaments of the world of humanity, and preeminent among those who are initiated into true learning and the love of God. You must be distinguished amidst men by your sanctity and detachment, loftiness of purpose, magnanimity, determination, noble mindedness, tenacity, the elevation of your aims and your spiritual qualities; that you may become the means of exaltation and glory for the Cause of God and the dawning places of His heavenly bestowals; that you may conduct yourselves in conformity with the counsels and exhortations of the Blessed Beauty — may my life be offered up for His loved ones — and by reflecting Bahá’í qualities and attributes, you may stand out distinguished from others. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá eagerly anticipates that each one of you may become even as a fearless lion moving in the pastures of human perfection and a musk-laden breeze wafting over the meads of virtue.” - Abdu'l-Baha

‎"Why should thou be sad and heartbroken? This separation is temporal; this remoteness and sorrow is counted only by days. Thou shalt find him in the Kingdom of God and thou wilt attain to the everlasting union. Physical companionship is ephemeral, but heavenly association is eternal. Whenever thou rememberest the eternal and never ending union, thou wilt be comforted and blissful." -Abdu'l-Baha

‎"It is not sufficient to pray diligently for guidance, but this prayer must be followed by meditation as to the best methods of action and then action itself. Even if the action should not immediately produce results, or perhaps not be entirely correct, that does not make so much difference, because prayers can only be answered through action and if someone’s action is wrong, God can use that method of showing the pathway which is right." - Shoghi Effendi, Guidelines for Teaching, p. 325

‎"All the meetings must be for teaching the Cause and spreading the message, and suffering the souls to enter into the Kingdom of Baha'u'llah.

Look at me.

All my thoughts are centered around the proclamation of the Kingdom.

I have a lamp in my hand searching through the lands and seas to find
souls who can become heralds of the Cause.

Day and night I am engaged in this work.

Any other deliberations in the meetings are futile and fruitless.

Convey the message!

Attract the hearts!

Sow the seeds!

Teach the Cause to those who do not know.

I enter all meetings, all churches, so that the Cause may be spread.

When the most important work is before our sight, we must let go the
important one.

If the meetings or Spiritual Assembly has any other occupation, the
time is spent in futility.

All the deliberations, all consultation, all the talks and addresses
must revolve around one focal center and that is: Teach the Cause!

Teach!

Teach!

Convey the message!

Awaken the souls!

Now is the time of laying the foundation.

Now we must gather brick, stone, wood, iron and other building materials!

This is not the time of decoration.

We must strive day and night and think and work.

What can I say that may become effective?

What can I do that may bring results?

What can I write that may bring forth fruits?

Nothing else will be useful today.

The interests of such a glorious Cause will not advance without
undivided attention.

While we are carrying this load we cannot carry any other load!"

- Abdu'l-Baha

‎"Anybody can be happy in the state of comfort, ease, health, success, pleasure and joy; but if one will be happy and contented in the time of trouble, hardship and prevailing disease, it is the proof of nobility..." - Abdu'l-Baha

‘Abdu’l-Bahá loved laughter and His laughter was often a source of solace … He said that … It is good to laugh. Laughter is spiritual relaxation. When they were in prison, He said, and under the utmost deprivation and difficulties, each of them at the close of the day would relate the most ludicrous event which had happened. Sometimes it was difficult to find one but always they would laugh until the tears would run down their cheeks. Happiness, He said, is never dependent upon material surroundings, otherwise, how sad those years would have been. As it was they were always in the utmost state of joy and happiness … “My home is the home of laughter and mirth”, He declared and indeed it was so. He delighted in gathering together people of various races, colours, nations, and religions in unity and cordial friendship … As He said on another occasion, “My home is the home of peace. My home is the home of joy and delight. My home is the home of laughter and exultation. Whoever enters through the portals of this home must go out with gladsome heart.”

‎"For a man who has love, effort is a rest. He will travel any distance to visit his friends." - Discourse by 'Abdu'l-Bahá given at the Unity Meeting of Misses Jack and Herrick. September 22nd, 1911.

‎"...Every day, in the morning when arising one should compare today with yesterday and see in what condition you are. If you see your belief is stronger and your heart more occupied with God and your love increased and your freedom from the world greater then thank God and ask for the increase of these qualities. You must begin to pray and repent for all that you have done which is wrong and you must implore and ask for help and assistance that you may become better than yesterday so that you may continue to make progress." - Abdu'l-Baha: Star of the West, Vol. VIII, No. 6, p. 68. Multiple Authors: Lights of Guidance, Page: 457

Prayers Answered Through Action:
"...It is not sufficient to pray diligently for guidance, but this prayer must be followed by meditation as to the best methods of action and then action itself. Even if the action should not immediately produce results, or perhaps not be entirely correct, that does not make so much difference, because prayers can only be answered through action and if someone's action is wrong, God can use that method of showing the pathway which is right." (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, August 22, 1957: The Individual and Teaching, A Compilation of the Universal House of Justice, 1977); (Multiple Authors: Lights of Guidance, Page: 462)

‎"Be thou not sad, neither be thou unhappy; although the divine tests are violent, yet are they conducive to the life of the soul and the heart. The more often the pure gold is thrown into the furnace of test, the greater will become its purity and brilliancy and it will acquire a new splendor and brightness." - Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v2, p. 302

‎"A humble man without learning, but filled with the Holy Spirit, is more powerful than the most noble-born profound scholar without that inspiration." - Paris Talks by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

‎"Chastity should be practiced by both sexes, not only because it is in self highly commendable ethically, but also due to its being the only way to a happy and successful marital life." - Shoghi Effendi, The Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith

‎"O my God, aid Thou Thy servant to raise up the Word, and to refute what is vain and false, to establish the truth, to spread the sacred verses abroad, reveal the splendours, and make the morning's light to dawn in the hearts of the righteous. Thou art verily the Generous, the Forgiving." `Abdu'l-Baha: Selections ... `Abdu'l-Baha, Page: 250

‎"We must not only be patient with others, infinitely patient!, but also with our own poor selves, remembering that even the Prophets of God sometimes got tired and cried out in despair!" - Shoghi Effendi: Unfolding Destiny, Page: 456

‎"If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face, and overlook the faults of one another for My name’s sake and as a token of your love for My manifest and resplendent Cause. We love to see you at all times consorting in amity and concord within the paradise of My good pleasure, and to inhale from your acts the fragrance of friendliness and unity, of loving-kindness and fellowship." - Baha’u’llah

‎"As to you: Your efforts must be lofty. Exert yourselves with heart and soul so that, perchance, through your efforts the light of universal peace may shine and this darkness of estrangement and enmity may be dispelled from amongst men, that all men may become as one family and consort together in love and kindness, that the East may assist the West and the West give help to the East, for all are the inhabitants of one planet, the people of one original native land and the flocks of one Shepherd." - Abdu'l-Baha

‎"I charge you all that each one of you concentrate all the thoughts of your heart on love and unity. When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love. Thoughts of war bring destruction to all harmony, well-being, restfulness and content. Thoughts of love are constructive of brotherhood, peace, friendship, and happiness." - `Abdu'l-Baha: Paris Talks, Page: 29

‎"O thou candle of the Love of God! I ask God to grant thee by His favor and grace that which is thy utmost desire; that the closed doors become opened, the uneven roads become even, thy face shine by the love of God, thy sight become brighter by witnessing the signs of God; that thou mayest attain spiritual joy, eternal happiness and heavenly life." ~ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

‎"If thy daily living become difficult, soon (God) thy Lord will bestow upon thee that which shall satisfy thee. Be patient in the time of affliction and trial, endure every difficulty and hardship with a dilated heart, attracted spirit and eloquent tongue in remembrance of the Merciful. Verily this is the life of satisfaction, the spiritual existence, heavenly repose, divine benediction and the celestial table! Soon thy Lord will extenuate thy straightened circumstances even in this world." - Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas, vol. 1, p. 98.

‎"Not all of us are capable of serving in the same way, but the one way every Baha'i can spread the Faith is by example. This moves the hearts of people far more deeply than words ever can. The love we show others, the hospitality and understanding, the willingness to help them, these are the very best advertisements of the Faith. They will want to hear about it when they see these things in our lives." - From a letter dated 14 October 1943 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer

When we feel tempted to grieve over the negligence of others we must learn to turn our thoughts instead towards God. There is a Persian saying which Bahá’u’lláh quotes to the effect that “should all the world turn infidel, not one speck of dust would soil the robe of Thy Grandeur”. We are not responsible for the negligence of others. That
is a matter between them and God, and God leaves them free to choose whether they will turn to Him and walk in His path, or wander in ways of their own choosing. There is only one life that each of us is responsible for, and that is our own, and that responsibility is quite enough to absorb all our attention and energy if we discharge it
properly. Is our own life perfect? Are we reflecting pure and unsullied the Divine Attributes? Have we got rid of the last trace of selfish and worldly desire? Have we complete knowledge of the Divine teachings and is our obedience to them flawless? If not then it is a waste of time for us to be fretting about the dust on other people’s
mirrors when we ought instead to be polishing and adjusting our own.
“Why hast thou overlooked thine own faults and art observing the defects of My servants?”
(29 April 1925 to an individual believer from a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

The Blessed Beauty often remarked: ‘There are four qualities which I love to see manifested in people: first, enthusiasm and courage; second, a face wreathed in smiles and a radiant countenance; third, that they see all things with their own eyes and not through the eyes of others; fourth, the ability to carry a task, once begun, through to its end.’ - Taken from the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as heard in His presence by Dr. Zia Baghdadi and noted in his unpublished memoirs

‎"...you should not neglect your health, but consider it the means which enables you to serve. It -- the body -- is like a horse which carries the personality and spirit, and as such should be well cared for so it can do its work! You should certainly safeguard your nerves, and force yourself to take time, and not only for prayer and meditation, but for real rest and relaxation." - Shoghi Effendi, in a letter written on his behalf to an individual believer, Compitions, Lights of Guidance, p. 297

‎"... Beware lest ye offend any heart, lest ye speak against anyone in his absence, lest ye estrange yourselves from the servants of God. ...Direct your whole effort toward the happiness of those who are despondent, bestow food upon the hungry, cloth the needy, and glorify the humble. Be a helper to every helpless one." - Abdu'l-Baha

‎"Faith is the magnet which draws the confirmation of the Merciful One. Service is the magnet which attracts the heavenly strength. I hope thou wilt attain both." — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

‎"He unlocketh thousands of doors, while man is incapable of conceiving even a single one." — Baha’u’lláh

‎"Consider how the Bab endured difficulties and tribulations; how He gave His life in the Cause of God; how He was attracted to the love of the Blessed Beauty, Baha’u'llah; and how He announced the glad tidings of His manifestation. We must follow His heavenly example; we must be self-sacrificing and aglow with the fire of the love of God. We must partake of the bounty and grace of the Lord, for the Bab has admonished us to arise in service to the Cause of God, to be absolutely severed from all else save God during the day of the Blessed Perfection, Baha’u'llah, to be completely attracted by the love of Baha’u'llah, to love all humanity for His sake, to be lenient and merciful to all for Him and to upbuild the oneness of the world of humanity." ~ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

`Abdu'l-Baha: Baha'i Prayers

He is God! 
O Lord my God! O Thou Helper of the feeble, Succorer of the poor and Deliverer of the helpless who turn unto Thee. 
With utmost lowliness I raise my suppliant hands to Thy kingdom of beauty and fervently call upon Thee with my inner tongue, saying: O God, my God! Aid me to adore Thee, strengthen my loins to serve Thee; assist me by Thy grace in my servitude to Thee; suffer me to remain steadfast in my obedience to Thee; pour forth upon me the liberal effusions of Thy bounty, let the glances of the eye of Thy loving-kindness be directed towards me, and immerse me in the ocean of Thy forgiveness. Grant that I may be confirmed in my allegiance to Thy Faith, and bestow upon me a fuller measure of certitude and assurance, that I may wholly dispense with the world, may turn my face with entire devotion towards Thy face, be reinforced by the compelling power of proofs and testimonies, and, invested with majesty and power, may pass beyond every region of heaven and earth. Verily Thou art the Merciful, the All-Glorious, the Kind, the Compassionate. 
O Lord! These are the survivors of the martyrs, that company of blessed souls. They have sustained every tribulation and displayed patience in the face of grievous injustice. They have forsaken all comfort and prosperity, have willingly submitted to dire suffering and adversity in the path of Thy love, and are still held captive in the clutches of their enemies who continually torment them with sore torment, and oppress them because they walk steadfastly in Thy straight path. There is no one to help them, no one to befriend them. Apart from the ignoble and the wicked, there is no one to associate and consort with them. 
O Lord! These souls have tasted bitter agony in this earthly life and have, as a sign of their love for the shining beauty of Thy countenance and in their eagerness to attain Thy celestial kingdom, tolerated every gross indignity that the people of tyranny have inflicted upon them. 
O Lord! Fill their ears with the verses of divine assistance and of a speedy victory, and deliver them from the oppression of such as wield terrible might. Withhold the hands of the wicked and leave not these souls to be torn by the claws and teeth of fierce beasts, for they are captivated by their love for Thee, entrusted with the mysteries of Thy holiness, stand humbly at Thy door and have attained to Thine exalted precinct. 
O Lord! Graciously reinforce them with a new spirit; illumine their eyes by enabling them to behold Thy wondrous evidences in the gloom of night; destine for them all good that aboundeth in Thy Kingdom of eternal mysteries; make them as brilliant stars shining over all regions, luxuriant trees laden with fruit and branches moving in the breezes of dawn. 
Verily, Thou art the Bountiful, the Mighty, the Omnipotent, the Unconstrained. There is none other God but Thee, the God of love and tender mercy, the All-Glorious, the Ever-Forgiving. 
- Abdu'l-Baha (`Abdu'l-Baha: Baha'i Prayers (US edition), Pages: 265-267)

Verily the most necessary thing is contentment under all circumstances

‎"Verily the most necessary thing is contentment under all circumstances; by this one is preserved from morbid conditions and from lassitude. Yield not to grief and sorrow: they cause the greatest misery. Jealousy consumeth the body and anger doth burn the liver: avoid these two as you would a lion." - Baha'u'llah: Health and Healing, Page: 460

"Therefore I say that man must travel in the way of God. Day by day he must endeavor to become better, his belief must increase and become firmer, his good qualities and his turning to God must be greater, the fire of his love must flame more brightly; then day by day he will make progress, for to stop advancing is the means of going back. The bird when he flies soars ever higher and higher, for as soon as he stops flying he will come down. Every day, in the morning when arising you should compare today with yesterday and see in what condition you are. If you see your belief is stronger and your heart more occupied with God and your love increased and your freedom from the world greater then thank God and ask for the increase of these qualities. You must begin to pray and repent for all that you have done which is wrong and you must implore and ask for help and assistance that you may become better than yesterday so that you may continue to make progress." - ("Star of the West", vol. 8, no. 6 (24 June 1917), p. 68), (`Abdu'l-Baha: Excellence in All Things, Page: 376)