Shoghi Effendi; Era of Ruling

Shoghi Effendi entitled Shoghi Rabbani (1314 – 1377 A.H. / 1336 S.H.) was the oldest son of `Abdu’l-Bahá’s daughter. In `Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament, Shoghi Rabbani was appointed as `Abdu’l-Bahá’s successor.

Like previous cases, succession of Shoghi Effendi caused disputes and separation among Baha’is.

In fact `Abdu’l-Bahá revised what his father had appointed and set aside his brother Muhammad `Ali Effendi, who had to be the next Bahá’i leader, and founded line of guardians((Wilayah Amr-Allah (ولایة امرالله))), the first of whom was Shoghi and it should be continued in his male offspring afterwards((`Abdu’l-Bahá Will and Testament; page 11-16)). Shoghi reached leadership with the aid of his mother however, some groups did not accept him, such as: Abdu’l-Husain Ayati, Fazlollah Sobhi (Mohtadi) and Hassan Nikoo. Some of them doubted the validity of the will.

Some important activities

Shoghi, as was the case for his predecessors, slandered and reviled his opponents and they published books in response to him containing reports on their affiliation to Bahá’i and their observations. Some examples of these books are Kashfol-hial from Abdu’l-Husain Ayati, Sobhi’s memoirs and Nikoo philosophy.

Contrary to his ancestors, Shoghi had official studies at American University of Beirut and Oxford University. His studies at Oxford were unfinished due to `Abdu’l-Bahá’s death.

His fundamental role in Bahá’i history was developing its administrative and universal organizations. This process speeded up in Europe and United States in 1960s and the buildings of Bahá’i continental house of worships known as Mashreghol-azkar((مشرق الأذکار)) were built.

Shoghi Effendi

Creating the first UHJ

Bahá’i organization which was called by Shoghi Effendi ‘Administrative Orders of the Faith((Amr-Allah (امرالله)))’, is administered under the supervision of Bahá’is administrative and spiritual center located in Haifa, Israel. It is also known as The Universal House of Justice (UHJ).

Close relations with Israel

Israel government was established in the occupied Palestine during Shoghi’s life. Its establishment was opposed by all Islamic countries. Moreover Zionists behavior toward Muslims have hurt Muslims feelings and emotions. In contrast, Shoghi along with the letters showing his and Bahá’i approval of establishment of Israel government, visited Israel president after its establishment and “stated Bahá’is friendship toward Israel and their wishes and prays for the development and blessings of Israel”((Journal of the Akhbar Amri (اخبار امری), Tir 1333 S.H.)). He also announced the Bahá’is in his congratulatory message for Nowruz of 1329 S.H. that “the proof of God promise to Khalil’s son and Kalim’s heirs has appeared and the Israeli government has settled in the holy land.”

It was also mentioned in this message, the firm connection of Israel to the international center of Bahá’i community((Holy Letters; Shoghi Effendi, page 290)). There are reports on the various examples of Bahá’i leaders’ connections with the Israeli government, and their efforts to the recognition of Bahá’i by this government, published in the Bahá’is Akhbar Amri((اخبار امری)) journals and holy letters((Toghi-a’t Mobarakah (توقیعات مبارکه))) of Shoghi Effendi.

Books

Shoghi has written some books in Persian and English:

Kitab-i-Badi((Qarn Badi (قرن بدیع)))

It is originally in English in four volumes containing Báb and Bahá’s history until 100^th year of Báb claim, holy letters, and the collection of Shoghi’s manuscripts about different ceremonies in six volumes in Persian.

The Era of Bahá’is((Dor Bahá’i (دور بهایی)))

This book was written in English and is a review of Bahá’i history and its future prediction based on `Abdu’l-Bahá thoughts, and translation of Nabil Zarandi History in English (about this book, Mohit Tabatabaee, year 3, no. 9, page 706).