General Index

Messages from the Universal House of Justice– 1986–2001, The Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age. A reference such as 97.2 is message 97, paragraph 2. It links where the library holds the message, and is plain where it does not. See also the Index of Names.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

A

‘Abdu’l-Bahá
- acceptance of, 355.5
- acquisition of apartment used in France, 237, 249.4
- as authorized interpreter, 17.1–2, 22.11, 52.2, 52.3, 52.6, 131.9, 145.13, 201.9a, 215.7, 255.10a, 283.3
- as Center of the Covenant, 107.6, 129.20, 131.9–10, 144.2–4, 145.13, 145.20
- construction of Shrine of The Báb, 36.2, 36.4a, 91.2, 129.13, 176.6
- Covenant-breakers in family of, 255.5a–6
- as Exemplar, 60.6, 145.13, 199.2, 209.3, 225.2
- on inheritance, 229.12–22
- in Kitáb-i-‘Ahd, 177.4
- NSAs established by, 52.3
- relations with Israel, 23.2
- on Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, 201.9–10
Aboriginal peoples. See Indigenous peoples
Action, 331.2, 348.8
- collective, 200.7, 216.37, 356.35a
- lines of, 213.7, 221.4, 222.15, 263.10, 331.17, 348.15, 348.17, 348.18
Adamic Cycle, 22.10, 131.4
Administrative Center, Bahá’í. See Bahá’í World Center (BWC)
Administrative Order, Bahá’í, 337
- acceptance of, 32.3–3a
- authority of, 215.5, 337.5
- channels for criticism in, 60.32–36, 145.3
- as child of Covenant, 144.4, 145.3
- collaboration in, 249.2
- development of, 18.10, 18.12, 151.6, 183.18, 201.28, 216.35, 255.11, 348.2, 356.9
- emergence from obscurity, 354.2
- establishment of, 60.54, 176.4–5, 220.1
- expansion and consolidation through, 90.2, 129.16–17
- features of, 60.17, 60.22, 102.18, 111.51, 183.13, 250.3–4
- individual believers and, 67
- Nineteen Day Feast and, 69.7–8
- processes of, 60.6–10, 60.24
- Shoghi Effendi’s development of, 111.55–57, 111.59
- World Order based on, 90.17, 90.20, 96.12, 201.13, 201.18–21a, 201.28, 250.3, 356.9
Administrative rights, deprivation of, 122.5–6, 122.12–20, 247.7–9, 250.18c, 257.7
Adultery, 205.3a
Advocates for African Food Security, 147.2
Afghanistan, teaching work in, 223.7
Africa
- acceptance of Bahá’í Faith in, 162.6
- alcohol consumption by Bahá’ís in, 247.3–13
- Auxiliary Boards, 2.3
- Bahá’í communities in, 22.4–6, 116.2, 222.2–3
- Bahá’í radio station in, 23.8i
- Continental Board of Counselors, 54.2, 54.3, 77.1, 97.2a, 156.1, 180.1–2, 207.1a, 274.1, 344.1a
- entry by troops in, 181.9
- European pioneers in, 221.3
- Four Year Plan goals, 222.1, 222.10–15
- LSAs in, 222.5
- NSAs in, 191.1, 222.5
- Riḍván Message for 1996, 222, 247.1
- Six Year Plan pioneer goals, 71.3
- social and economic development projects, 216.9
- teaching work in, 247.2
- Three Year Plan pioneer goals, 161.5–8
- tribal conflicts in, 222.7–8
- U.S. Bahá’ís of African descent traveling to, 220.9, 331.8
- use of the arts in, 331.10
- women in, 116, 147.2
Africa Project (1951–53), 222.3
Age of maturity, Bahá’í, 273
Age of Transition, 90.14, 108.2
Aghsán, 177.3–5
AIDS, statement on, 199
‘Akká (Israel), 176.8
Alaska, Bahá’í community of, 220.11
Albania
- establishment of LSAs in, 98.1
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 121.1a, 129.18
Alcohol, prohibition against drinking, 206.4, 247.3–13
American Bahá’í Community, 60.3–4, 60.44, 220.9, 220.14, 331.8, 331.9
Americas
- Auxiliary Boards, 2.3
- Continental Board of Counselors, 54.3, 54.4, 97.2b, 156.1, 207.1b, 274.1, 344.1b
- Six Year Plan pioneer goals, 71.3
- Three Year Plan pioneer goals, 161.5–8
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bahá’í community of, 218.7
Angola, National Spiritual Assembly of, 22.9, 121.1a, 129.18, 216.7
Antipodes, Bahá’í community of, 224.2–3
Apartheid, 6, 108.8
Arc/Ark. See Mount Carmel Projects
Archives. See Historical documents; International Archives Building
Arc Projects Fund
- contributions to, 36.5, 176.2, 181.3, 216.3, 240.2–4, 248.16, 249.6
- needs of, 20.5, 64.10, 66.1, 83.5, 98.2, 120.5, 160.1, 171.6–7, 204, 213.31, 303.2
- progress reports, 105.2, 189, 193.1–2, 200.9
Arctic regions, 220.16, 221.6
Arctic Teaching Conference (1996), 238
Area Growth Programs, 313.6, 331.23
Armaments, reduction of, 356.10b, 356.11, 356.12a, 356.13a
Armenia, National Spiritual Assembly of, 191.1, 200.10
Arts, the, 299.10
- in Bahá’í Centers, 246
- compilation on, 282
- in expansion and consolidation, 216.31, 331.10
- at Nineteen Day Feasts, 222.13
- as worship, 60.24
- youth involvement in, 331.27
“Arts and Nature” Program (London), 58, 64.3
Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 129.28
- time of day to commemorate, 125.2
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, 144.2
- Centenary of, 22.10, 64.9, 90.8–9, 90.11–12, 107.2, 107.4, 108.11c–11d, 129.2, 129.19, 131, 151.1
- time of day to commemorate, 125.2
ASEAN Youth Conference (Thailand)
- messages to, 208, 346
Asia
- Auxiliary Boards, 2.3
- Continental Board of Counselors, 2.2, 54.2–4, 97.2c, 115.1, 156.1, 207.1c, 274.1, 344.1c
- Hands of the Cause visiting, 90.3
- NSAs in, 173.2, 191.1
- Six Year Plan pioneer goals, 71.3
- Three Year Plan pioneer goals, 161.5–8
Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace, 108.9
Asian International Bahá’í Youth Conference (Pakistan), message to, 338
Ásíyíh Khánum. See Navváb
Assistants to Auxiliary Board members. See Auxiliary Boards
Associations of Bahá’í Studies, 331.13
Australasia
- Auxiliary Boards, 2.3
- Continental Board of Counselors, 54.3, 207.1d, 274.1, 290, 293, 344.1d
- Four Year Plan goals, 224.10
- Six Year Plan pioneer goals, 71.3
- Three Year Plan pioneer goals, 161.6–8
Australia
- Bahá’í courses in schools, 299.9
- Continental Board of Counselors, 97.2d
- Four Year Plan goals, 224.11
- pilgrims from, 164.5
- Riḍván Message for 1996, 224
Austria
- Four Year Plan goals, 236
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 269.3
Authority
- in Bahá’í community, 60.33–34, 183.31, 183.36–38
- expression of, 183.42–44
- skepticism regarding, 60.22
Auxiliary Boards, 64.7, 108.10
- appointment of, 2.1, 121.1
- conferences, 299.11
- at Continental Boards of Counselors’ conference (2001), 331.29, 344.5, 350.3, 351.2, 357.2
- Continental Pioneering Committees and, 88.7
- education of children and, 313.7
- expansion of, 2.2–4, 108.10, 212.6e
- financial support for, 213.31
- Five Year Plan involvement, 344.4
- Four Year Plan activities, 265.3
- functions of, 207.3, 213.25, 272.1, 337.14, 350.5
- individuals’ relationship with, 60.33, 181.2, 348.8–10
- intensive programs of growth and, 348.15
- local communities’ relationship with, 213.30
- LSAs’ collaboration with, 181.2, 183.15–20, 183.22–23, 212.6b, 212.6d, 213.22–25, 249.2, 331.6
- maturation of, 129.12, 200.4
- members not eligible for RBCs, 250.12f
- message to, 350.4–9
- Nineteen Day Feast promotion, 73.1–3
- NSAs’ collaboration with, 102.7, 181.2, 213.10, 249.2
- RBCs’ relationship with, 250.27a, 344.4
- training institute assistance, 213.18, 213.19, 216.6, 216.28, 270.5, 310.6–8
Azerbaijan, National Spiritual Assembly of, 123.1c, 129.18

B

Báb, The
- acceptance of, 355.4–5
- declaration of, 144.4
- dream of, 140.5c
- transfer and interment of remains, 21.19, 36.2, 91.2, 176.6
Backbiting, 206.5
Bahá’í administration, 102
- acceptance of, 355.5
- establishment of, 102.4
- features of, 60.20, 81.2, 183.21, 331.6
- growth of, 129.12, 230.4
- role in society, 55.10, 90.19, 183.33
- unity in, 52.2, 183.32–32a
- in the West, 164.3
Bahá’í Administration (Shoghi Effendi), 111.54
Bahá’í Chair for World Peace (University of Maryland), 85, 90.5, 216.14
Bahá’í community, 99.6
- authority in, 111.54–56, 183.31
- culture of, 331.2
- diversity in, 55.3–6, 90.16–17, 99.4–4a, 202.60
- emergence from obscurity, 21.33, 181.3
- example of, 14.3, 55.11, 56.5a, 149.18, 181.8, 220.6–7, 338.3–4
- government relations, 60.4
- growth of, 2.3–4, 36.6, 151.6, 157.5, 172.1–3, 181.2, 256.2, 295.4, 356.9
- homosexuality in, 205
- individual’s relationship to, 337.4
- ITC responsibilities for, 272.7d–7e
- maturation of, 21.7, 60.43–47, 90.16, 99.6, 102.3–4, 120.3, 129.4–13, 200.4, 258.1, 313.7, 331.5
- misfunctioning in, 337.13
- mission of, 64.12
- rights and freedoms in, 60
- strengthening, 60.33, 151.8, 213.23, 227.6–8, 313.3–4
- unity of, 6.3, 183.32–35, 212.5, 295.4
Bahá’í Cycle, 129.2, 131.4, 255.11a
Bahá’í Faith
- acceptance of, 21.14, 109.3, 111.22, 145.12, 162.6–7, 201.27, 355.4–6, 355.8
- courses on in school systems, 348.6
- example of, 202.1
- growth of, 8.7, 22.9, 29.4, 36.6, 38.2, 48.2, 48.4, 129.5, 131.11, 146.2, 223.5–6, 258.1
- Israel’s recognition of, 23
- leadership in, 255
- power of, 4.3, 56.5, 60.4, 60.20
- proclamation of, 18.5, 18.12, 83.6, 96.5a, 129.6, 129.8–9, 130, 216.10, 216.33, 220.1, 331.9, 331.18
- purpose of, 64.11, 99.4a, 176.4, 183.5, 183.32
- receptivity to, 120.2, 162.6–8a, 172.1–2, 181.6, 183.5, 217.6–7, 218.3, 218.8, 223.1, 223.5, 233.5, 348.2
- as State Religion, 18.8a, 201.17a, 201.21a–22
- study of, 157.7, 169.2–4, 187, 215.3, 296.1
- union of all peoples in, 96.3a, 176.3, 183.5, 183.29–35, 200.3
- unity of, 52.2, 60.6, 60.34, 60.36, 145.14
- as world religion, 111.74, 131.16, 314
Bahá’í Institute of Higher Education (BIHE), 287.3, 289.1–3, 297.2, 299.8
Bahá’í International Community (BIC)
- “Arts and Nature” cosponsorship, 58, 64.3
- defense of Iranian Bahá’ís, 22.5, 331.15
- environmental work, 42.1, 129.9, 151.3, 188.3
- external affairs work, 8, 76.4, 108.9, 151.11
- financial support for, 240.5
- Four Year Plan activities, 331.19
- Jerusalem office, 23.8b
- Lesser Peace and, 357.4
- millennial activities, 342.1, 342.6, 342.9
- NSAs’ collaboration with, 8.4–6, 48.5, 61.1, 129.9
- representative’s visit to Pacific Islands, 279
- Three Year Plan activities, 216.13
- UN’s relationship with, 8.2, 18.5, 61.1, 64.3, 147.2, 263.8
- Web site, 249.4
Bahá’í International Fund
- contributions to, 240, 249.6
- needs of, 22.12, 120.5–7, 213.31–33, 303
- support for training institutes, 231.3, 270.1a, 310.3
Bahá’í International Women’s Conference (Nigeria), message to, 116
Bahá’í life
- characteristics of, 90.19, 183.33, 218.10, 236.3
- living, 48.10, 183.10, 225.6, 248.6a
Bahá’í principles. See Bahá’í Teachings
Bahá’í Publishers’ Conference (London), message to, 40
Bahá’í Scriptures
- electronic versions of, 184
- illuminate all knowledge, 169.2–4, 209.3
- preservation of, 166, 302.5–6
- prophets in, 7.5
- standard of presentation for, 281
- study of, 64.11, 157.7, 181.4, 217.8, 248.5, 248.15, 283.7, 306, 338.2
Bahá’í State, 201.7–7c, 201.14a, 201.15a, 201.17a, 201.21a–22
Bahá’í Teachings
- acceptance of, 109.5, 355.4
- application of, 60.1, 96.8, 109.2, 200.1–3, 201.20–20a
- for conflict resolution, 202
- moral and ethical, 56.3–5a, 124, 149.13, 205.13, 205.14, 206
- obedience to, 18.5, 138.9
- study of, 169.5–8, 169.10–11b, 181.5, 187, 206.3, 331.2
Bahá’í World, The (series), reformatting of, 170
“Bahá’í World, The” (Web site), 331.18
Bahá’í World Center (BWC)
- correspondence from, 312
- dangers to, 103.3
- establishment of, 2.5, 176.5, 176.7–8, 176.10
- financial support of, 240.6
- historical documents at, 302, 305.4, 305.11
- Ḥuqúqu’lláh’s importance for, 21.4, 345.3
- Israel’s recognition of, 23
- RBCs’ communication with, 250.25–25d
- Research Department, 36.4c, 192.2, 192.7
- Twelve Month Plan, 357.5
- youth service at, 129.11
Bahá’í World Commonwealth, 99.4b–4c, 176.8, 201.17a, 201.22, 201.26a, 296.7, 356.19a
Bahá’í world community
- development of, 22.12, 32.2–6, 54.5, 123.5, 212.2
- governance in, 111.20, 275.1
- maturation of, 22.3, 146.1, 216.8, 216.18
- recognition of, 8.6, 23.2, 48.2, 111.36
- unity of, 6.3, 27.2, 202.3, 216.3
Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS, Web site), 357.4
Bahá’u’lláh
- acceptance of, 32.2–4, 96.11, 99.5, 109, 149.18, 151.8, 355.4–5
- emblazoning the Name of, 90.11, 107.8–9, 108.11e, 129.26–27, 144.6–7, 151.1
- family of, 7.9, 36.2, 176.6, 177.3–5, 255.5a–6
- infallibility of, 12.2–9
- influence of, 99.8a, 131.12–14
- love for, 162.7
- on Mt. Carmel, 36.1, 91.2
- Proclamation to kings and rulers, 60.12, 129.6
- purpose of, 29.2, 129.24, 144.2, 145.13, 145.15–16, 356.19a
- station of, 129.25–26, 131.4–5, 140, 149.18, 355.4
- sufferings of, 131.6–7
Bahá’u’lláh (Office of Public Information), 107.8–9, 108.11e
Bahíyyih Khánum (Greatest Holy Leaf), 7.9
- monument to, 36.2, 176.6
Bahjí, new visitors center at, 331.7
Bangladesh
- Bahá’í community of, 218.5
- message to first Bahá’í National Congress in, 143
Beards, laws regarding length of, 165.4a
Behavior, Bahá’í standards of, 206.3–5
Belarus, National Spiritual Assembly of, 191.1, 200.10
Bible, 7.5, 281.4
Bolivia
- indigenous teaching conference in, 308
- social and economic development in, 331.14
Bophuthatswana. See South Africa, National Spiritual Assembly of
Bosnia, teaching work in, 236.4
Brazil
- Bahá’í courses in schools, 299.9
- International Exposition on Education for Peace, 108.9
- seventy-fifth anniversary of Bahá’í Faith in, 233, 249.4
British Isles. See United Kingdom
Budapest (Hungary), BIC office in, 64.2
Buddha, 7.5
Bulgaria
- LSAs established in, 98.1
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 121.1a, 129.18
Burundi, National Spiritual Assembly of, 216.34
Businesses, private, 167, 245

C

Cambodia
- Bahá’í community of, 219.6, 219.7
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 173.2, 181.11
- teaching work in, 216.7
Cameroon, social and economic development projects, 331.14
Canada
- Bahá’í community of, 183.11, 220.12, 339.1–2
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 8.6
- pioneers from, 331.8
Candor, 183.40–42
Capacity building, 331.14, 331.17
Caribbean, the
- European pioneers in, 221.3
- 1996 Riḍván Message for, 217
Caucasus, Four Year Plan in, 223.4–5
Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. See Bahá’í Faith
Cause of God. See Bahá’í Faith
Censorship, 72.2, 118.6
Center for the Study of the Texts (building), 36.4c
- commencement of, 83.4, 129.13, 151.11, 174
- progress reports, 108.11b, 113.2, 114.3–4, 114.7, 160.1, 193.2, 216.2, 249.5, 299.3
Center for the Study of the Texts (institution), 357.10
Center of the Covenant. See ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Central Asia
- Four Year Plan in, 223.4–9
- NSA’s inaugural convention, 129.18
- Regional Spiritual Assembly of, 123.1a, 173.2, 181.11
- Riḍván Message for 1996, 223
Centralization, 183.26, 183.46–48, 250.1, 250.4–5, 250.6e
Century of Light (UHJ), 354, 357.3
Chad, training institute in, 299.5
Chair for Bahá’í Studies (Hebrew University of Jerusalem), 294
Chair for Bahá’í Studies (University of Indore), 90.5
Charities, 35.4–5, 177.2–3, 177.5
Chastity, 205.13
- compilation on, 56
Children
- behavior of, 149.14–15, 273.1
- education of, 200.4, 217.5, 218.12, 223.7, 224.6, 248.11–15, 313.7
- equality of men and women and, 7.2, 7.8, 7.11
- prevention of violence against, 149
- registration of in Iran, 325
- spiritual education of, 28, 149.19–19a, 219.4, 299.7, 331.24–28, 338.5, 348.5–6, 357.3
- women as primary educators of, 116.1
Children’s classes
- as Four Year Plan goal, 348.17
- importance of, 213.23, 222.13, 348.6
- LSAs and, 73.1a, 234.5, 295.3
- in Mongolia, 219.8
- training teachers for, 216.6, 313.7, 331.25, 348.7, 357.3–4
- youth as teachers of, 213.33, 218.12
China
- Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum in, 90.3
- International Book Fair, 23.8g
- pilgrims from, 164.5
- proclamation of Bahá’í Faith in, 23.8h
Chinese believers, 219.4, 219.10
Christ, 140.2, 140.5c, 201.2a
- infallibility of, 12.6a
Christianity, 201.21a
- celebrating holy days of, 10
- Scriptures of, 7.5, 281.4
Ciskei. See South Africa, National Spiritual Assembly of
City of the Covenant. See New York City, as City of the Covenant
Civil disorder, Bahá’ís’ noninvolvement in, 6.9
Civilization. See World civilization
Clergy, abolition of, 215.4, 225.4, 337.6
Clothing, laws regarding, 165.4a
Clug (Romania), election of LSA in, 90.2
Clusters, 348.11
Collective security, 108.3, 356.13a, 356.27–27a, 356.37a
Commission on Human Rights (UN), efforts for Bahá’ís in Iran, 22.5, 90.6
Committee on the Status of Women (UN), 147.2
Communal Harmony Group (India), 331.10
Communications. See Internet, the; Media
Communism, collapse of, 129.5, 129.11, 129.14
Compilations
- on the arts, 282
- on Bahá’í elections, 81
- on Bahá’í scholarship, 195
- on chaste and holy life, 56
- on conservation, 76
- on Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, 45
- on crisis and victory, 38
- on entry by troops, 172, 181.9, 200.4
- on fasting, 336
- on Ḥuqúqu’lláh, 13.4, 324.4
- on internal opposition, 296
- on Nineteen Day Feast, 70.5
- on obligatory prayer, 336
- on teaching people of capacity, 94
- on trustworthiness, 14
- on use of media, 130
- on women, 7.8, 307.3–4
Conference on Environment and Development (Rio de Janeiro), 194.1
Conflict resolution, 60.31, 96.7, 108.3, 202
Congo Republic
- media campaign in, 331.9
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 121.1a, 129.18
Conservation, 42, 96.9, 188.1–3, 216.14
- compilation on, 76
Consolidation, 57.1, 103.3, 151.3, 191.4, 212.6c, 216.9
Consultation, Bahá’í
- in Bahá’í administration, 67.3–7, 90.19
- in marriage, 149.6, 149.9
- principle of, 6.8, 55.10, 60.27–31, 60.41, 96.7
- via the Internet, 203.3–5, 203.7
Continental Bahá’í Funds, 54.4
- support for training institutes, 231.3–4, 270.1a–5, 310.3, 310.4, 310.8
Continental Boards of Counselors, 349
- accomplishments of, 64.7, 90.4, 97.6
- appointment of, 2, 54.1–3, 77, 97, 115, 156, 175, 180, 207, 274, 293, 344
- conferences, 23.8a, 97.7, 100.2, 101.1, 207.4, 216.6, 299.2, 299.11, 331.6, 331.29, 344.5, 351
- Continental Pioneering Committees and, 88.6–8, 88.10, 343.4
- Five Year Plan activities, 344.4, 357.2
- Four Year Plan activities, 210, 212, 213.2–34, 265.1–3
- functions of, 103.3, 157.6, 183.14–17, 200.4, 212.6a, 213.9–12, 215.7, 272.1, 272.3–6, 337.14
- increase in number of, 2.4, 207.1
- ITC’s relationship with, 272.7a–7b
- local communities’ relationship with, 60.33, 102.7, 181.2, 213.30
- LSAs’ collaboration with, 249.2
- maturation of, 129.12, 200.4
- messages to, 103.2, 209, 265, 348, 350
- NSAs’ collaboration with, 23.8c, 103.2–3, 138.3–4, 151.11, 157.4–5, 157.8, 183.12–25, 212.6b, 213.6–7, 213.24, 249.2, 313.6, 331.6
- pioneers’ relationship to, 243
- rank of, 183.21
- RBCs’ relationship with, 250.6c, 250.20, 250.22, 250.27–27a, 299.6, 344.4
- Spiritual Assemblies’ collaboration with, 102.7, 181.2, 344.4
- training institute assistance, 212.6c, 213.18, 216.27, 310.4, 310.6, 310.8, 331.4
- women on, 52.8
Continental Pioneer Committees, 88, 157.9, 243.3, 272, 343
Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (UN), 307.9
Conventions, Bahá’í
- international, 121c, 129.17, 249.7, 265.2, 299.2
- national, 30, 81.3, 183.40–41, 185, 196.2, 196.5, 300, 301
Conversions. See Mass conversions
Convocation of world leaders, 18.2, 18.12, 31.1–2, 31.4, 200.2, 356.11–13a
Cook Islands, visit of prime minister to BWC, 4, 158
Corruption, 60.22, 145.10, 149.16, 205.6
Covenant-breakers, 251.7, 255.4–8, 272.3, 272.7c, 355.12–13
Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, 60.54
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as Center of, 107.6, 129.20, 131.9–10, 144.2–4, 145.13, 145.20
- Centenary of inception of, 22.10, 45.2, 48.7, 90.10–12, 107.2, 107.5–6, 108.11c, 108.11e, 144.1–2, 145, 151.1
- compilation on, 45
- divine guidance from, 215.5
- firmness in, 109.4, 151.9, 201.27, 220.4, 355.5
- Ḥuqúqu’lláh’s importance to, 21.5, 345.4, 345.7
- power of, 48.12, 146.3, 201.9–10
- proclamation of, 146.1
- study of, 107.5–6, 138.7, 225.7
- unifying force of, 52.2, 60.6, 60.36, 145.14
Crisis and victory, 18.7, 36.6, 151.13, 296.11
- compilation on, 38
Criticism, 60.32–36, 183.46
Croatia. See Slovenia and Croatia, Regional Spiritual Assembly of
Czech and Slovak Republics, Regional Spiritual Assembly of, 258.4, 258.6
Czechoslovakia
- establishment of LSAs in, 98.1
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 105.1, 108.5, 108.6
Czech Republic, National Spiritual Assembly of, 258.6, 269.3

D

Day of the Covenant, messages for, 121, 145
Decentralization, 183.26, 183.46–48, 250.1, 250.4–5, 250.6e
Declarations of faith, acceptance of, 78.3–5
Deepening, 18.5, 162.7–9, 213.14, 219.7, 221.8, 222.12
Deforestation, halting, 188.1–3
Democracy, Bahá’í administration as, 337
Deputization
- by Iranian Bahá’ís, 248.9a–10
- for training institute teachers, 231.3–4, 270, 310
Devotional meetings, 216.26, 315.7, 348.17
Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, 131.4
Disunity, 29.3, 145.9, 203.4
Diversity, 55.3–6, 90.16–17, 99.4–4a, 202.6c
Divine Plan, 201.11a, 216.39, 217.8, 263.10
- unfoldment of, 22.11, 129.17, 223.1, 263.10

E

Earrings, laws regarding wearing of, 165.1, 165.4
Earth Summit (Rio de Janeiro), 194.2
East, the
- laws binding in, 164.3–4
- origins of all religions in, 7.3–4
Eastern Bloc countries
- Bahá’í Faith in, 129.5, 162.6
- first new LSA in, 90.2
- pioneer goals, 24, 71.1, 71.8, 84.3
- teaching work in, 23.8h, 120.2, 216.7
- youth activities in, 129.11
Eastern Europe
- establishment of LSAs in, 90.2, 98.1
- teaching work in, 61.1
Economic and Social Council (United Nations), BIC’s consultative status with, 8.2
Economic problems, 129.14
- spiritual solutions to, 21.5, 21.9, 21.15, 345.4
Ecuador, social and economic development in, 331.14
Education
- in Africa, 222.9
- of children, 200.4, 217.5, 218.12, 223.7, 224.6, 248.11–15, 313.7
- discipline within, 149.14–15
- human rights, 253.1, 331.17
- importance of, 141.3c, 205.6–6a
- for peace, 85, 90.5, 108.9
- spiritual, 28, 149.19–19a, 219.4, 299.7, 331.24–28, 338.5, 348.5–6, 357.3
- of youth, 141.3a, 357.3
Egypt, Bahá’í community in, 222.3
Elections, Bahá’í, 102, 196, 232, 337.7–9
- compilation on, 81
- minority preference in tie votes, 6.3–4
- voting age, 78.2
Emergence from obscurity, 2.3–4, 38.3–4, 44.5, 60.42–47, 85.3, 108.9, 176.9, 212.7, 223.1, 354.2
- external affairs work and, 8.1, 29.8, 46.2, 90.19, 331.6
- Iranian persecutions and, 176.9, 216.40
- in Six Year Plan, 22.1, 22.4–6
Encouragement, 183.46–48
Endowments, disposition of, 177.2–3, 177.5
England. See United Kingdom
Enrollments
- high levels of, 64.1, 90.2, 90.15, 331.3
- increasing, 18.4, 22.9, 57, 213.15, 219.9, 222.12
- procedures for, 78.1–4
- Six Year Plan, 129.5
Entry by troops
- acceleration of, 57.1, 64.11, 90.15, 90.18, 248.10
- in Africa, 181.9, 222.10–12
- in Central Asia, 223.5–7
- compilation on, 172, 181.9, 200.4
- in Europe, 221.7
- evidences of, 36.6, 48.3, 64.1
- in North America, 220.15–16
- training institutes’ role in, 331.3, 331.5–6, 348.5
- youth involvement in, 338.2
Entry by troops, advancing process of
- in Asia, 219.2, 223.1
- in Four Year Plan, 212.4, 212.7, 213.4, 216.17–29, 217.2, 218.1, 236, 249.8, 263.1, 348.3, 357.7
- in India, 218.3, 218.14
- at local level, 213.22
- in Pacific Region, 224.3
- systematic, 263.10
- training institutes and, 220.2–3, 236.2
Environment, the, 82.2, 96.9, 129.14, 188.1–3, 194.2
- compilation on, 76
Equality of women and men
- in Africa, 116, 222.9
- Bahá’í principle of, 7, 149.7, 187.6, 218.11, 337.16
- differentiation of functions, 7.9, 307.9
- as prerequisite for peace, 110.1
Era of Fulfillment, 22.10
Eritrea, National Spiritual Assembly of, 191.1, 200.10
Ethiopia, social and economic development projects, 331.14
Europe
- Auxiliary Boards, 2.2, 2.3
- Bahá’í Faith in, 162.7, 299.10
- Continental Board of Counselors, 2.2, 54.2, 54.3, 97.2e, 207.1e, 344.1e
- external affairs work in, 48.5
- Four Year Plan pioneer goals, 221.4–10
- Hands of the Cause visiting, 90.3
- National Spiritual Assemblies (NSAs), 191.1
- Regional Spiritual Assemblies, 173.2
- Riḍván Message for 1996, 221
- Six Year Plan pioneer goals, 71.3
- Ten Year World Crusade in, 221.1
- Three Year Plan pioneer goals, 161.5–7
- youth conferences of 1994, 182
European Bahá’í Youth Council, 75, 129.11, 221.3, 252, 291
European Union (EU)
- resolutions on Bahá’ís in Iran, 288.6
Expansion and consolidation
- acceleration of, 48.3, 71.4, 90.4, 213.16–17, 216.18–19, 216.27, 217.4–8, 219.3
- of Administrative Order, 129.16–17
- in Africa, 222.10–13
- in Cambodia, 219.7
- in Central Asia, 223.5–7
- Four Year Plan, 331.8
- ITC’s responsibilities for, 272.7e
- large-scale, 218.1, 218.5, 263.11
- local plans of, 108.10, 213.19, 213.22–24
- sustaining, 90.16, 213.31, 263.11, 348.2
- systematic, 313.6, 313.7, 348.13
- Three Year Plan activities, 216.4–8
- training institutes and, 223.7, 299.6
- use of arts for, 216.31
- youth involvement in, 218.12, 252.2
External affairs work
- advancement of, 8, 147.3, 200.4
- consultations on, 61
- Four Year Plan activities, 216.33, 222.13, 299.8–9, 313.4, 331.6, 331.15–18, 348.2
- Six Year Plan activities, 48.4–5, 129.6–10
- Three Year Plan activities, 216.4, 216.11–14
- Twelve Month Plan activities, 357.4

F

Families, 60.48
- Covenant-breakers in, 255.5–8
- preservation of, 222.8
- prevention of violence in, 149
- spiritual enrichment of, 219.7
- teaching Bahá’í Faith to, 218.11
Fasting, 21.14
- compilation on, 336
- laws regarding, 315.3–5, 324.3, 324.6, 352.1
Finland
- Bahá’í courses in schools, 299.9
- peace conference in, 31.1
Five Year Plan (2001–2006), 313.5–6, 344.4, 348, 357.2, 357.7–11
Forests, preservation of, 188.1–3
Formative Age
- Centenary of inception, 357.7
- duration of, 356.20–20a
- Fifth Epoch, 351.4–5, 357.2, 357.9
- Fourth Epoch, 21.32, 22.1, 23.8, 108.9, 129.4, 157.5, 183.18, 210.3, 345.6
- unfolding of, 216.35, 331.5, 331.22
Fourth International Dialogue on the Transition to Global Society (Maryland), 216.14
Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing), 147.2, 194.1, 216.13
Four Year Plan (1996–2000), 216.16–42, 248.2–3
- accomplishments of, 234.3, 249.1–7, 258, 263.1–6, 299.1–11, 313.2–4, 331.1–22, 344.4, 348.1–2, 348.4, 357.3
- Continental Boards of Counselors’ involvement in, 212, 265
- financial needs, 213.31–32
- goals of, 213.33, 217.2–8, 218.9–15, 221.7, 236.2, 248.10, 263.12–13, 331.5
- individual’s role in, 216.21–22, 263.12–16
- ITC involvement in, 272.5–6
- national plans for, 213.5–7, 213.13–25
- preparations for, 210.1, 213
France, acquisition of apartment used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 237, 249.4
Freedom(s)
- academic, 296.8
- authority as aspect of, 60.34
- of expression, 60.1, 60.24–27, 60.31–36, 60.45, 60.48–52, 72.2, 72.4, 118.4–5, 183.42, 201.27
- individual, 60, 102.15, 201.22–25
- of religion, 111.3–4a, 111.37–38, 111.68
- of religious association, 111.4b, 111.37–47, 111.75–76
- true, 60.53–56, 109.3
Free will, 60.5, 60.20, 60.49, 145.12
French Canadian believers, 220.16
French Polynesia, teaching work in, 224.12
Fundamentalism, religious, 26.9, 129.14, 202.4, 263.9
Fund-raising activities, acceptable, 35.4–5
Funds, Bahá’í, 35, 120, 151.12, 163, 171, 213.32, 216.3, 222.12

G

Gabriel (angel), 140.5b, 140.5c
Genocide Convention (U.S.), 44.7
Georgia, National Spiritual Assembly of, 191.1, 200.10
Germany
- government recognition of Bahá’í community, 108.5, 111
- interfaith activities in, 331.20
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 102.6, 111.10, 111.17
Germany and Austria, National Spiritual Assembly of, 221.1
Ghana, use of the arts in, 331.10
Girls
- education of, 222.9
- equality of women and men and, 7.2, 7.11
God
- involvement in history, 60.10
- knowledge of, 12.11a, 21.14, 145.15, 205.7
- love for, 205.7
- Manifestations’ relationship with, 109.4, 140, 203.5a
- mankind’s relationship with, 108.2, 145.16, 263.5, 296.6, 345.4
- obedience to, 205.7
- purpose of, 64.11, 108.2, 145.7, 176.10
- sovereignty of, 60.5, 145.12
Godlessness, 90.14, 99.2a, 183.27, 331.24
Golden Age of Bahá’í Faith, 55.4, 108.2, 216.38, 248.2, 331.22
Government(s)
- Bahá’í concepts of, 29.8, 201.26
- existing systems of, 60.10
- influencing, 44, 201.7
- loyalty and obedience to, 79.2, 122.7
- NSAs’ relations with, 79, 120
- opposition to, 60.22
- UHJ relations with, 4.1, 23.8f, 44.3–4, 200.8
Greatest Holy Leaf. See Bahíyyih Khánum
Greatest Name, 131.4, 229.6a–7a
- laws regarding recitation of, 315.3, 315.6
Greenland
- Bahá’í community of, 220.13
- European pioneers in, 221.3
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 121.1a, 129.18
Growth. See Bahá’í community, growth of; Bahá’í Faith, growth of; Expansion and consolidation; Intensive programs of growth
Guardians
- as authorized interpreters, 17.3, 192.4–5, 215.7, 251.4–5, 251.9, 283.3
- functions of, 255.8
- infallibility of, 192.4–5
Guardianship
- references in Kitáb-i-Aqdas, 177
- restricted to men, 7.9
- succession issues, 255.1–10
Guinea, National Spiritual Assembly of, 22.9
Guinea-Bissau, National Spiritual Assembly of, 22.9, 64.5
Guyana
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 79.1–2
- social and economic development projects, 331.14
- teaching work in, 129.5

H

Hair, laws regarding length of, 165.1, 165.3
Hands of the Cause of God
- appointment of, 111.55
- custodianship of, 144.5–6
- functions of, 90.3, 183.15, 215.7, 350.5
- residing in Holy Land, 36.4b
- women as, 52.8
Harmony, communal, 202.6–7, 331.10
Hawaii, Four Year Plan in, 224.11
Heroic Age, 181.9
Hindus, conflicts with Muslims, 202.1, 202.4
Hispanic believers, 220.16
Historical documents
- in Bahá’í community, 305.12–14
- at BWC, 302, 305.4, 305.11
- prepublication review of, 305.15, 305.18
- publication of, 305.7, 305.9–18
- translations into English, 305.7
Holy Days, Bahá’í, 10.2b–4, 125
Holy Spirit, 140.3, 140.5a–5b, 151.2, 183.45, 206.1b, 248.5, 283.8a
Holy Year (1992–93), 64.8, 90.7, 107, 129.2–4, 129.15–27, 145.19
- accomplishments of, 151.1–5, 216.1
Homefront pioneers, 24.3, 343.2, 348.12, 357.8
Homosexuality, 124, 205
Hong Kong
- Bahá’í community of, 219.10
- Office of Public Information in, 64.2
House of ‘Abdu’llah Páshá, restoration of, 92.1
Houses of Justice, 201.7a, 201.13a
Houses of Worship. See Mashriqu’l-Adhkár(s)
Humanity. See Mankind
Human resources, development of, 151.9, 181.5, 218.13, 263.11, 265.4
- in Four Year Plan, 313.3, 331.14, 331.17
- in Six Year Plan, 138.2, 151.7
- in Three Year Plan, 200.6
Human rights, 29.8, 194.1, 253.1, 331.17
Hungary
- establishment of LSAs in, 98.1
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 121.1a, 129.18, 269.3
Ḥuqúqu’lláh
- amount directed to work on Terraces, 98.2
- compilation on, 13.4, 324.4
- computation and payment of, 21.5, 21.10, 21.12, 345.4, 345.9, 345.11
- conference on (1987), 13
- Deputies and Representatives of, 62.2
- development of, 21.12–33
- provision for in wills, 229.9–10
- as Right of God, 21.5, 163.3, 345.3, 345.4
- World Order of Bahá’u’lláh and, 21.4, 345.3–4
Hypocrisy, 206

I

Immorality, 124.2a, 205.3, 205.4a, 205.16–17
Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting, The, 336
Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith, The, 282
Incest, 149.16
Independent investigation of truth, 109.2–4, 169.5a, 263.8
India
- absorption of Sikkim into NSA, 129.17
- Bahá’í community of, 218.2–4, 219.4
- interfaith activities in, 314, 331.20
- Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in, 22.8, 23.8h, 64.3, 129.6, 331.9
- Riḍván Message for 1996, 218
- Supreme Court ruling re: Bahá’í Faith, 202
- youth conference in, 347
Indigenous believers, 216.7, 217.3, 219.4, 222.12, 224.4, 308
Indigenous peoples
- conservation and, 42.1
- plight of, 29
- rights of, 46, 55.7–9
- service to, 295
- teaching work among, 25.2, 55, 217.3, 221.6, 238.1
Individual, the
- rights and freedoms of, 60, 102.15, 201.22–25
- self-worth of, 6.5, 205.6–7
- transformation of, 138.9, 183.32a, 227.5–7, 331.3
- two duties of, 355.3
Individual believers, 151.13
- American, 183.3–11
- Auxiliary Boards’ relationship with, 181.2, 348.8–10
- community’s relationship to, 337.4
- development of, 18.5, 212.4, 212.7, 213.4, 215.7, 216.17–22, 230
- enhancing faith of, 13.2, 138.2, 151.7, 151.8, 200.6, 212.5
- in Five Year Plan, 348.3
- in Four Year Plan, 222.11, 234.3, 234.6, 248.3
- importance of Ḥuqúqu’lláh for, 21.5
- institutions’ relationship with, 60.5, 60.18, 96.5, 157.5, 207.3, 220.7, 337.13
- interpretations by, 12.3, 12.10, 17, 283.7
- LSAs’ relationship with, 60.19–20, 200.7, 222.11
- Nineteen Day Feast and, 69.10
- responsibilities of, 21.14, 67
- Spiritual Assemblies’ relationship with, 25.3, 183.35–48, 206.2–4
- teaching by, 22.5, 89.1, 90.12, 200.11–12, 212.5–6, 216.20, 220.8, 225, 310.4, 310.5, 313.3, 348.8–10
- translations of Bahá’í Scriptures, 192.3, 302.6–7, 304.3–5, 305.2–3, 305.7
- true, 60.30
Individual initiative
- fostering, 102.15, 181.4, 183.36–37, 183.46–47, 216.22, 224.3
- stifling, 183.26
- systematic, 263.10, 263.12–16, 384.8–10
- in teaching, 313.2–3
Indonesia
- Four Year Plan in, 224.9
- restoration of NSA, 332, 357.6
Infallibility, 12
Inheritance
- Bahá’í laws on, 229.2–3a, 229.4, 229.9, 307.9
- quotes from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá regarding, 229.12–22
Institute for Higher Bahá’í Studies, 297.2–3
Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (India), 357.4
Institutions, 60.22, 145.6, 145.9–11
Institutions, Bahá’í
- application of Bahá’í Law, 149.18
- appointed, 183.13, 251.11, 337.14
- authority of, 32.3–3a, 183.36–38
- collaboration among, 263.12
- elected, 183.13, 183.36, 330.2–2a
- establishment of, 90.14, 176.4–5, 176.8–9
- in Five Year Plan, 348.3
- in Four Year Plan, 222.11, 234.3
- functioning of, 131.11, 138.2, 200.6–8, 201.26–26a
- individuals’ relationship with, 96.5, 60.5, 60.18, 157.5, 207.3, 220.7, 337.13
- maturation of, 18.4, 18.7–8, 22.1–2, 29.6, 212.4–5, 212.7, 213.4, 216.17–19, 230, 337.4
- qualities for service on, 232.3–4, 232.6
- responsibilities of, 141.3c, 141.4, 141.7
- role in society, 90.19–20, 96.8, 201.7
- safeguards for, 60.22
- teaching role, 225.7
- women’s participation in, 52.4a, 52.7, 52.8, 307.6–7
Integration and disintegration, processes of, 129.14, 145.4–6, 145.8, 151.3, 183.8, 200.3, 216.36, 263.4–5, 263.8–9, 331.21
Intensive programs of growth, 348.11–19, 357.8
Inter-Assembly Collaboration Projects, 71.1, 138.6
International Archives Building, 36.2, 176.7
International Archives Building, extension to
- commencement of, 83.4, 108.11b
- construction of, 36.4d, 174
- progress reports, 113.2, 114.3–4, 129.13, 151.11, 216.2, 299.3
International Bahá’í Library, 36.4e, 129.13
International Book Fair (China), 23.8g
International Conference on Population and Development (Cairo), 194.1
International Deputization Fund, 89.1
- access to, 88.2, 88.6, 88.8
- contributions to, 89.4, 89.6
- oversight of, 89.5, 272.2f, 343.3
- support for training institute teachers, 310.4
International development. See Social and economic development projects
International Exposition on Education for Peace (Brazil), 108.9
International Literacy Year (UN, 1990), 68.6
International Teaching Center (building), 36.4b, 129.13, 151.11
- inauguration of, 331.29, 344.5, 350
- progress reports, 193.2, 216.2, 249.5, 299.3
International Teaching Center (ITC, institution), 64.7
- appointment of members, 51, 54.4, 154, 267, 329
- Continental Boards of Counselors’ relationship with, 90.4, 272.7a–7b
- Continental Pioneering Committees and, 88.6, 89.5, 272.7f, 343.3
- Four Year Plan activities, 299.2
- functions of, 36.4b, 157.3–9, 216.32, 272
- influences of, 200.4
- maturation of, 129.12
- meetings of, 53
- Three Year Plan activities, 216.6
- training institute assistance, 331.4
- twenty-fifth anniversary of, 272.1, 275
- UHJ consultations with, 157, 181.2
- women on, 52.8
Internet, the
- Bahá’í sites on, 249.4, 331.18, 357.4
- opposition to Bahá’í Faith on, 296.2–3
- postings on, 203
Interpretations of Bahá’í Scriptures
- authoritative, 251.3, 251.4–5, 251.9
- individual, 12.3, 12.10, 17, 283.7
Iran
- desecration of Bahá’í cemeteries in, 133
- education in, 68.4
- registration of Bahá’í marriages in, 325
- registration of Bahá’í properties in, 21.24
Iranian Bahá’ís
- arrests of, 39, 41, 284.2, 287.3, 287.5
- community of, 52.7
- confiscation of properties of, 139, 155, 284.3, 287.4, 341.3
- under death sentences, 135, 239, 280.7, 285, 286, 321, 341.2
- defense of, 90.6, 216.33, 268.6, 288.6, 299.8, 331.15–16
- deputization by, 248.9a–10
- executions of, 3, 16, 19, 37, 59, 127, 128, 133.4, 276, 280.1–6, 286.2, 288.4, 299.8, 321.2
- fortitude of, 48.4
- government program against, 287.5–5e
- imprisoned, 136, 137, 268, 278, 288, 289, 297
- laws binding on, 164.5–6
- living outside Iran, 220.10, 248.6–6a, 248.9, 248.10, 248.13, 248.15–16
- martyrdoms of, 1, 254, 277, 299.10, 311
- message to (1997), 248
- murders of, 5, 9, 134, 179
- persecution of, 22.5, 23.8c, 48.6, 60.43, 60.45, 118.4, 129.6, 145.14, 223.3, 224.1, 248.4–5, 248.7, 248.9, 280, 284
- as pilgrims, 164.4
- pioneering activities, 164.5
- prayers for, 47
- release of prisoners, 64.4, 90.6, 284.1, 334
- sacrifices of, 38.3, 202.3, 216.39–40
- service by, 248.16
- youth, 248.7–8
‘Ishqábád (Russia)
- Bahá’í community of, 99.2–2a
- restoration of LSA in, 64.2, 65, 90.2
Islám, 10.2a, 281.4, 283.6a
Island nations. See Pacific Islands
Israel, Government of, BWC recognized by, 23
Issues Related to the Study of the Bahá’í Faith (UHJ), 296
Italy, Four Year Plan in, 221.6
Italy and Switzerland, National Spiritual Assembly of, 221.1

J

Japan
- Bahá’í studies conference in, 331.13
- Four Year Plan in, 224.7
Jesus. See Christ
Jordan, interfaith activities in, 331.20
Judaism, celebrating holy days of, 10.2a
Junior youth, Bahá’í, 313.7, 331.25, 331.27, 338.5, 348.7, 357.3
Justice, 29.6, 102.13, 122.3, 183.44

K

Kazakhstan, National Spiritual Assembly of, 173.2, 181.11
Kingdom of God, establishment of on earth, 22.12, 140.8, 145.14, 201.19, 201.21a
Kitáb-i-‘Ahd, The (Bahá’u’lláh, Book of the Covenant), 111.54, 144.2, 145.13, 355.5
Kitáb-i-Aqdas, The (Bahá’u’lláh, Book of Laws), 111.54, 145.13, 201.21a
- applicability of laws in, 153, 168.3, 216.32, 315, 352.3
- Arabic edition, 211, 216.15, 331.11
- Bahá’u’lláh’s descriptions of, 150.2, 150.6
- English translation, 48.7, 64.9, 102.3, 108.11a, 129.21, 131.8, 138.8, 150, 151.4, 151.8, 281.5
- references to Guardianship in, 177
- revelation of, 150.3, 176.5
- Shoghi Effendi’s descriptions of, 150.1, 150.2, 150.3
- study of, 181.4
Kitáb-i-Íqán, The (Book of Certitude), 192.2–2a
Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, 131.1, 131.16
- Iranian Bahá’ís among, 248.16
- Roll of Honor, 90.9, 108.11d, 129.19, 131.17, 151.2
- for Sakhalin Island, 90.2, 129.5
Knowledge, acquisition of, 215.2–3, 215.6, 215.7
Korea, Four Year Plan in, 224.7
Kuwait, safety of Bahá’ís in, 106
Kyrgyzstan, National Spiritual Assembly of, 173.2, 181.11

L

Landegg Academy (Switzerland), 331.14
Laos, Bahá’í community of, 219.7
Lapland Bahá’í Center, 238.1
Latin America
- 1996 Riḍván Message for, 217
- teaching work in, 80, 220.16
Latin American Youth Congress (Chile), message to, 256
Latvia
- message to first national convention, 300
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 299.11, 300.1
Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, 48.7, 216.15
- application of worldwide, 13.2, 21.11, 63, 108.12, 121.1b, 129.23, 138.7, 153.1, 181.4, 324.4, 345.4–5, 345.10, 352.1
- codification of, 13.3, 21, 324.4, 345
- education regarding, 62
- fundamentals of, 21.6, 22.6
- obedience to, 21.5, 21.8, 21.32, 345.7–8
Laws, Bahá’í, 111.54–59, 206.4, 247.3–13
- acceptance of, 109, 201.22
- application of, 149.18, 164, 324
- diversity honored in, 55.3a
- as foundation of World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, 60.54, 102.18, 176.5, 201.21
- importance of, 109.5, 111.77, 111.80, 131.8, 145.17–18
- of inheritance, 229.2–3a, 229.4, 229.9, 307.9
- obedience to, 151.8, 181.4, 206.3–5
- progressive application of, 52.7, 122.17, 307.4
- tribal practices conflicting with, 55.6
- violations of, 122, 205.16–17, 247.7–9, 250.18c, 257.7, 355.8, 355.11
Laws, civil/criminal, violations of, 122.7–8
Leaders of thought, teaching, 85.3, 129.6
League of Nations, 356.25–29, 356.34a
Learned, institution of, 251.11, 337.14
Learning, promotion of, 215.6, 331.2, 348.8
Lesser Peace
- advancement toward, 2.5, 90.20, 129.14, 200.3, 263.5, 263.8, 356.36a–37, 357.4
- establishment of, 31.2–4, 64.6, 90.14, 120.4, 151.11, 200.8, 216.38
- promotion of, 18, 44.3b
- timing of, 356
- unity of nations and, 200.3, 356.6, 356.10–38a
Liberia
- media campaign in, 331.9
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 129.17, 258.5, 263.3
- teaching work in, 216.7
- use of the arts in, 331.10
Light and Fire (opera/ballet), 299.10
Light of Unity Project (Africa), 331.10
Literacy, promotion of, 64.9, 68, 216.10, 219.4, 222.9
Literature, Bahá’í, 40.1, 216.6, 222.12
Literature Subvention Fund, 157.8
Lithuania
- message to first national convention, 301
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 299.11, 301.1
Local Bahá’í communities
- development of, 212.4–7, 213.22–25, 216.25–26, 217.5
- in Four Year Plan, 213.4, 216.17–19, 234.3–6
- LSAs’ relationship with, 218.10, 222.11
- NSAs’ relationship with, 102.7–8, 213.30
Local Bahá’í Funds
- support for training institutes, 231.3, 270.1a, 310.3, 310.4, 310.8
Local Houses of Justice, 18.7–8, 52.3, 52.4a, 296.7
Local Spiritual Assemblies (LSAs)
- appealing decisions of, 257.2–7
- attendance of members, 330.7–8a
- authority of, 25, 257
- Auxiliary Boards’ collaboration with, 181.2, 183.15–20, 183.22–23, 212.6b, 212.6d, 213.22–25, 249.2, 331.6
- By-Laws, 78.2, 102.15, 111.56
- children’s education and, 348.7
- committees of, 250.4
- communities’ relationship with, 222.11
- dissolution of, 111.19, 335.3
- election of, 60.19–20, 111.13–15, 111.21, 111.22, 111.25, 111.61, 111.76, 212.6d, 213.23, 257.2
- enrollment procedures, 78.5
- establishment of, 18.4, 111.55, 120.2
- external affairs work, 129.6, 129.9
- formation on First Day of Riḍván only, 213.26–29, 263.2, 331.12
- functioning of, 151.7, 181.7, 213.22–25
- incorporated, 111.10, 111.53, 111.56, 111.58, 111.75
- individual’s relationship with, 60.19–20, 200.7, 222.11
- as Local Houses of Justice, 18.7–8
- maturation of, 2.5, 64.6–7, 129.12, 212.6d, 216.23–24, 224.3, 295.3, 348.2
- membership on, 111.13–14, 330.4, 330.6, 330.8a–9
- Nineteen Day Feast and, 69.5, 69.7–8, 73.1–1b
- NSAs’ relationship with, 335.2
- prepublication review by, 259.2a, 259.4
- private business ventures and, 167
- RBCs’ relationship with, 250.6a, 250.6b, 250.12a–12b, 250.17, 250.18c, 299.6, 335.2–3
- role in society, 55.10, 90.19–20, 234.5–6
- simultaneous service on NSA and LSA, 330.4–6
- simultaneous service on RBC and LSA, 330.4, 330.6
- Six Year Plan goals, 22.2
- teaching work, 181.6, 348.17
- training institutes and, 213.19, 216.28, 234, 310.5
- women on, 52.7
Lotus Temple. See Mashriqu’l-Adhkár(s), in India
Love, 60.34, 183.32–35

M

Macau
- Bahá’í community of, 219.10
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 22.9, 64.5, 90.3
Macedonia
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 298, 299.11
- teaching work in, 236.4
Major Plan of God, 64.6, 129.5, 145.8, 183.8, 331.21, 348.21
Malaysia
- Bahá’í community of, 219.4
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 258.2, 258.3
- social and economic development projects, 331.14
Manifestations of God
- acceptance of, 12.11–12, 60.5, 145.12, 355.3
- appearance of, 7.3–7
- God’s relationship with, 109.4, 140, 203.5a
- infallibility of, 12
- interrelationships of, 140.2–3a, 140.7
- nature and station of, 7.9, 140
- obedience to, 60.5, 145.12, 203.5, 355.3
Mankind
- distortions of, 205.14
- duties of, 6.5, 21.14, 60.16
- as first loyalty of Bahá’ís, 171.4
- future of, 194.1
- God’s purpose for, 60.16, 108.2, 263.5
- God’s relationship with, 145.16, 296.6, 345.4
- maturation of, 60.21, 60.29–30, 60.37, 205.6–7, 227.5, 255.11a
- reform of, 183.32a
- unification of, 29.3–5b, 60.36, 60.41, 144.2, 176.3, 200.3, 201.27, 331.19, 339.3a, 354.2
Marriage
- consultation in, 149.6, 149.7, 149.9
- between “eastern” and “western” Bahá’ís, 164.5
- interracial, 6.3
- laws regarding, 205.13, 324.6
- opposition to, 60.22
- place of sex within, 149.13
- prevention of violence within, 149.10–11, 149.13
- registration of in Iran, 325
- relationship of spouses in next world, 7.10a
Marshall Islands
- Bahá’ís operating schools in, 181.6
- visit of president to BWC, 158
Martyrs. See Iranian Bahá’ís, martyrdoms of
Mashriqu’l-Adhkár(s), 296.7, 315.7
- in Chile, 357.9
- in India, 22.8, 23.8h, 64.3, 129.6, 331.9
- of ‘Ishqábád (Russia), 99.2
- in Uganda, 222.3
Mass conversions, 48.3, 83.6, 90.15, 331.5
Mass media. See Internet, the; Media
Materialism, 29.5a, 205.8, 227.2–3, 296.6, 331.24
Maturity, 60.21
- age of in Bahá’í Faith, 273
- of mankind, 60.10, 60.21, 60.29–30, 60.37, 227.5, 255.11a
- as prerequisite for unity, 169.11b, 263.4–5
- spiritual, 345.6
Media
- Bahá’í Faith covered in, 129.6, 129.8
- Holy Year publicity, 107.7–9
- proclamation use of, 130, 331.9, 331.18
- relations with BWC, 200.8
- during Three Year Plan, 216.10–11
Melanesia, Four Year Plan in, 224.10
Membership, Bahá’í
- requirements for, 32, 149.18, 255.7, 355.5
- voluntary nature of, 111.22, 296.8
- voting, 78
- withdrawal from, 109.2, 201.22, 355
Men
- membership of UHJ restricted to, 7.9, 52, 187.6, 228.4, 296.7, 337.16
- responsibility for advancement of women, 307.3, 307.5
Messengers of God. See Manifestations of God
Middle East
- dangerous conditions in, 103, 103.2, 105.2, 108.2
- documents on history of, 205.12–13, 305.13
Millennial activities, 292.3, 342, 356.38, 357.4
Millennium Forum (UN), 331.19, 342.2–4, 342.9
Millennium Summit (UN), 331.19, 342.1, 342.4, 342.7
Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders (UN), 340, 342.5–6
Minorities
- oppression of, 29.6, 55.8
- preference given to in tie votes, 6.3–4
- rights of, 201.22–25
- teaching work among, 221.6
Minor Plan of God, 263.5–7
Mírzá Mihdi (The Purest Branch), monument to, 36.2, 176.6
Mírzá Muḥammad-‘Alí, 177.4
- descendants of, 255.5a–6
Mírzá Yaḥyá, descendants of, 255.5a–6
Moderation, 60.13, 60.17, 60.24, 60.56, 163.2, 183.42
Moldova, National Spiritual Assembly of, 214.1b, 216.34
Mongolia
- Bahá’í community of, 219.8
- establishment of LSAs in, 98.1
- first native believer in, 90.3
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 173.2, 181.11
- study circles in, 331.3
Morality
- Bahá’í standard of, 56.3–5a
- decline of, 56.2, 56.5, 149.5, 151.8, 183.3, 183.27, 263.9
- sexual, 149.13, 205.13, 206.5
Moscow (Russia), 99
Moses, 140.5c, 140.6a
Most Exalted Leaf. See Navváb (Ásíyíh Khánum, Most Exalted Leaf)
Most Great Covenant, 356.13a
Most Great Justice, 257.3
Most Great Name. See Greatest Name
Most Great Peace
- Bahá’u’lláh as author of, 131.4, 257.3
- establishment of, 18.11a, 18.12, 31.3a–4, 48.6, 216.39, 331.22, 356.8, 356.21a
- goal of, 60.31, 201.13, 263.6
- prerequisites for, 356.9, 356.19a
- WWI signalizes dawn of, 356.5
Most Holy Book. See Kitáb-i-Aqdas, The
Mount Carmel, 176.11
Mount Carmel Projects
- commencement of, 64.6–7, 66, 120.4, 151.11
- completion of, 90.14, 216.35, 216.38, 356.23–23b, 357.11
- dedicatory events, 299.11
- development of, 23.8j, 23.9, 36
- Four Year Plan goals, 216.32, 348.2
- Office of Project Manager, 64.10
- progress reports, 83, 90.7, 105.2, 113, 114, 129.13, 148, 160, 193, 198, 200.8–9, 216.2, 249.5, 263.3, 299.3, 331.7
- significance of, 90.20, 176, 181.3
Muḥammad, 140.2, 140.5c, 163.3, 201.2a
- infallibility of, 12.6a
Muslims
- conflicts with Hindus, 202.1, 202.4
- teaching Bahá’í Faith to, 222.12
Myanmar, Bahá’í community of, 219.5

N

National Bahá’í communities, 22.7, 28.1–2, 48.5
National Bahá’í Funds
- support for training institutes, 231.3, 270.1a, 310.3, 310.4, 310.8
National Houses of Justice, 18.7–8, 52.3, 52.4a, 201.22
Nationalism, 129.14, 356.24a, 356.26a
National Spiritual Assemblies (NSAs)
- Auxiliary Boards’ collaboration with, 213.10
- BIC’s collaboration with, 8.4–6, 61.1, 253
- burdens of, 200.5
- committees of, 183.19, 183.25, 250.4
- Continental Boards of Counselors’ collaboration with, 23.8e, 103.2–3, 151.11, 157.4–5, 183.12–25, 212.6b, 213.6–7, 213.24, 249.2, 313.6, 331.6
- Continental Pioneering Committees and, 88.3–4, 88.6–8, 88.10, 89.5, 343.4
- Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, 102.15, 111.56
- Deputies of Ḥuqúqu’lláh and, 62.2
- elections of, 102.5a, 102.8, 185.4–4a, 232.5, 337.15
- enrollment procedures, 78.5
- Executive Committees, 33
- external affairs work, 44.7–8, 48.4, 79, 90.19–20, 120.3, 129.6, 129.9, 331.17
- formation of, 102.4, 121.1a, 121.3, 123, 129.17, 173, 181.11, 191, 200.10, 214, 216.5, 216.34, 248.2, 258, 263.3, 299.11, 331.12
- formulation of goals for Six Year Plan, 22.2, 23.8e, 71.1
- Four Year Plan and, 234.3
- functions of, 102.8, 151.7, 183.45, 196.2, 196.4, 232.5
- handling violations of Bahá’í laws, 122.4–5, 122.19, 122.21
- incorporation of, 111.10, 111.56, 233
- interassembly projects, 22.9, 27.2, 48.5, 71.1, 138.6, 333
- local communities’ relationship with, 102.7–8, 213.30
- LSAs’ relationship with, 111.15, 111.17, 111.19, 111.21, 111.64, 111.76, 335.2
- maturation of, 2.5, 64.6–7, 129.12, 138.7, 216.23–24, 263.3, 265.2, 348.2
- membership on, 102.5–6, 102.12, 183.30, 232.5
- as National Houses of Justice, 18.7–8
- officers’ conduct, 102.12, 183.43
- pioneer placement by, 89.3, 243.2–4
- prepublication review by, 118.2, 118.7, 259.2a, 259.4–5, 305.7
- private business ventures and, 167, 245
- promotion of human rights, 29.8, 245
- RBCs’ relationship with, 250.2, 250.6a, 250.6d, 250.6e, 250.7, 250.14–25, 299.6, 335.2
- simultaneous service on NSA and LSA, 330.4–6
- simultaneous service on NSA and RBC, 250.11d
- social and economic development work, 129.10
- teaching work, 103.3, 181.6, 212.8
- training institutes and, 213.18, 213.21, 216.28, 231.1, 310.5
- unity within, 183.29–30
- women on, 52.7
National Teaching Committees, RBCs and, 250.28–31
Nations, unity of
- attainment of, 356.2–3, 356.7, 356.28
- growing consciousness of, 60.10, 356.33–38a
- Lesser Peace and, 200.3, 356.6, 356.10–38a
- Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, 108.13, 227.5a
- in trade and finance, 263.8, 331.21, 356.36a
Native American Indian Bahá’í Institute, 25.2
Native communities. See Indigenous peoples
Nature. See Conservation; Environment, the
Navváb (Ásíyíh Khánum, Most Exalted Leaf), 7.9
- monument of, 36.2, 176.6
Nepal, Bahá’í community of, 218.6
Network on Conservation and Religion, 42, 48.5, 58, 129.9
New South Wales (Australia), Bahá’í curriculum in schools, 64.3
New World Order. See World Order of Bahá’u’lláh
New Year (Gregorian), celebration of, 10.2b
New York City, as City of the Covenant, 90.10, 108.11e, 129.20, 144.3, 144.8, 145.20
New Zealand, Four Year Plan in, 224.11
Niger, National Spiritual Assembly of, 123.3, 129.18
Nigeria
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 214.1a
- women’s conference in, 116
Nineteen Day Feast, 60.33, 69, 70, 73, 213.23, 348.17
- new believers at, 78.4
- use of arts at, 222.13
Nine Year Plan (1964–73), 213.14
Nongovernmental organizations. See United Nations, nongovernmental organizations
Non-profit organizations, 167.2–3
North America
- external affairs work in, 48.5
- Riḍván Message for 1996, 220
Northeastern Asia
- Bahá’í community of, 224.2–3
- Four Year Plan in, 224.7

O

Obligatory prayer
- compilation on, 336
- laws regarding, 315.3–5, 324.3, 324.6, 352.1
Office for the Advancement of Women (BIC), 147, 216.9, 307.2, 307.5, 307.8
Office of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, establishment of, 121.1b
Office of Public Information (BIC), 8.3, 76.4, 216.33
- NSAs’ collaboration with, 8.4, 8.6, 253
Office of Social and Economic Development (BWC), 76.4, 216.33, 299.7, 331.14
Office of the Environment (BIC), 76.4, 90.5, 129.9
Old world order, breakdown of, 102.18, 108.2, 145.6, 145.16, 149.5
Oneness of mankind
- Bahá’í principle of, 6.2, 6.5, 46.4, 55.7, 99.4, 145.13
- Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh and, 46.2, 60.6, 109.4–5, 144.3
- importance of, 149.2, 183.32, 224.4
- realization of, 48.6, 202.6c, 356.19a
Open Letter Project (Albania), 181.6
Opposition
- external, 18.7, 38.4, 60.44–46, 118.4, 216.40, 218.6
- internal, 272.4, 296
Order and chaos, processes of. See Integration and disintegration, processes of
Organizations of civil society, 331.19

P

Pacific Islands
- Bahá’í communities in, 4.3, 158.1
- Four Year Plan in, 224.1–12
- Riḍván Message for 1996, 224
- teaching work in, 216.7, 221.6
- UN office in, 90.5
- visit by BIC representative, 279, 299.9
Pacific Women’s Conference, message to, 110
Pakistan, Four Year Plan in, 223.7
Panama, social and economic development projects, 331.14
Papua New Guinea
- Bahá’í studies conference in, 331.13
- Four Year Plan in, 224.10
- visit of prime minister to BWC, 158
Parents
- dealing with homosexuality, 124
- loss of rights as, 149.12, 149.17
- responsibilities of, 141.3b, 141.4, 141.8, 141.10, 149.17, 273.1, 273.3, 331.28
Parliament of the World’s Religions, The (Cape Town), 331.20
Payam-e-Doost (radio program), 331.18, 353
Peace
- Bahá’í community as example of, 14.3
- commemorative world events for, 340
- education for, 85, 90.5, 108.9
- establishment of, 8.6, 216.36–39, 331.21
- as goal of Bahá’í Faith, 183.5, 342.10
- movement toward, 31, 48.2, 216.33, 263.4–5, 279.2–3, 342.2
- prerequisites for, 6.2, 110.1, 151.4, 169.11a, 194.1
- prospects for, 342.2, 342.5
Peace Statement. See Promise of World Peace, The
People of capacity, teaching, 85.3, 90.18, 151.9, 181.5
- compilation on, 94
Philippine Islands, Four Year Plan in, 224.8
Pilgrimages/pilgrims, 21.20, 164.4
- cancelation of, 100.1
- increase in number of, 216.32, 299.4, 331.7, 357.10
- reception center, 299.4, 331.7, 357.5
Pioneers
- to Africa, 220.9, 331.8
- Continental Boards of Counselors’ relationship to, 243
- to Eastern Bloc countries, 24, 71.1, 71.8, 84.3
- European, 221.3, 221.6
- facilitating, 88.2–10
- Four Year Plan, 217.4, 218.14, 235.2–3, 331.8
- Iranian Bahá’í, 164.5
- ITC responsibilities for, 272.6, 272.7f
- murders of in South Africa, 179
- short-term, 22.9, 71.4–7, 88.8, 89.5
- Six Year Plan, 22.9, 24, 48.7, 71, 158
- Three Year Plan, 157.9, 159, 161, 181.10, 190.1, 216.5, 235.1, 243.2, 343.2, 343.5–6
- youth as, 129.11
Pluralism, religious, 202.4
Poland
- establishment of LSAs in, 98.1
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 121.1a, 129.18, 269.3
Politics, partisan, Bahá’ís’ noninvolvement in, 35.5, 44.1, 44.5, 46.2–3, 79.2, 96.8
- Bahá’í administration as alternative to, 29.6, 55.8, 96.10–12, 109.2, 201.18–19, 207.7–7c, 224.4
- promoting peace through, 18, 31.2
Portugal, Bahá’í courses in schools, 299.9
Poverty, elimination of extremes of wealth and, 21.5, 21.9, 21.15, 345.4
Prayer, 21.14, 183.10, 246.2
Prayer for the Dead, recitation of, 26, 168
Pregnancy, as result of rape, 149.12, 149.17
Prepublication review, 60.42–47, 72, 102.16–18, 118, 119, 259
- of historical documents, 305.9–18, 305.15
- of translations, 304.2–5, 305.3, 305.7
Press, the, 60.37–41
Priesthood, abolition of, 215.4, 225.4, 337.6
Promised Day of God, 145.19
Promise of World Peace, The
- distribution of, 21.6, 22.3, 23.8d, 23.8f, 31.5, 48.8, 129.6
- presentation to leaders, 18.6, 48.8
- responses to, 4.1, 85.1–2
Promoting Entry by Troops, 172, 181.9
Property, legal claims to, 29.7
Prophetic Era, 22.10
Prophets, 7.4–5, 7.8, 229.18
Prosperity of Humankind, The, 194, 216.13
Provincial Bahá’í Councils, 250.7
Publishing Trust(s), Bahá’í, 40.1

Q

Qur’án, 7.5, 281.4

R

Racism, 129.14
Radio stations, Bahá’í, 22.6, 23.8i, 331.14, 331.18, 353
Rape, 149.12–13, 149.17
Reflection meetings, 348.18
Regional Bahá’í Councils (RBCs), 250
- appointed, 250.13–13b
- Auxiliary Boards’ relationship with, 344.4
- characteristics of, 250.5–6e, 250.11–13
- Continental Boards of Counselors’ relationship with, 299.6, 344.4
- elected, 250.12–12g
- evolution of, 348.2
- formation of, 250.9–10, 326, 331.6
- functions of, 250.14–27a, 335
- funding, 250.22–24
- legal status, 250.26
- membership on, 250.12e, 330
- national committees and, 250.28–32
- simultaneous service on RBC and LSA, 330.4, 330.6
- Spiritual Assemblies’ relationship with, 299.6
- training institutes and, 250.30, 299.6
Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees, 250.1, 250.7
Religion(s), 201.3
- degraded by material wealth, 21.15
- disunity of, 145.9–10, 202.1, 202.4
- establishment of, 7.4, 7.6a
- fundamentalist, 26.9, 129.14, 202.4, 263.9
- interfaith activities, 216.14, 331.20
- multiplication of, 263.9
- non-Bahá’í, 201.3
- oneness of, 109.5
- opposition to, 60.22
- science in agreement with, 169.11b, 203.6
- state, 201.17a, 201.21a–22
- truths of, 109.4, 205.6
- unity of, 109.5, 202.4–5
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, 201.9–10
- Administrative Order and, 250.3, 337.3
- influences of, 60.53, 129.15, 145.7, 183.5, 216.35, 356.19a
- magnitude of, 55.2, 60.55, 131.4, 140.7, 146.2
- power of, 90.1, 108.4, 129.2, 149.18, 227.8
- purpose of, 22.10, 60.4, 60.10, 131.7–8, 131.13, 216.39, 227.5a, 355.6
- study of, 157.7, 169.2–4, 187, 215.3, 296.1
Revelation of God, 7.6a, 12.6a, 296.10
Riḍván, formation of LSAs on First Day of only, 213.26–29, 263.2, 331.12
Riḍván Messages
- for 1987, 22
- for 1988, 48
- for 1989, 64
- for 1990, 90
- for 1991, 108
- for 1992, 129
- for 1993, 151
- for 1994, 181
- for 1995, 200
- for 1996, 216
- for 1996 (Africa), 222
- for 1996 (Australia and Pacific Islands), 224
- for 1996 (Europe), 221
- for 1996 (India and neighboring countries), 218
- for 1996 (Latin America and Caribbean), 217
- for 1996 (North America), 220
- for 1996 (Southeast Asia), 219
- for 1996 (Western and Central Asia), 223
- for 1997, 249
- for 1998, 263
- for 1999, 299
- for 2001, 357
Right of God. See Ḥuqúqu’lláh
Rights
- within families, 149.3–3a
- of indigenous peoples, 46, 55.7–9
- individual, 60, 102.15, 201.22–25
- legal claims to, 29.7
Rise and fall, processes of. See Integration and disintegration, processes of
Romania
- establishment of LSAs in, 98.1
- government recognition of Bahá’í community, 108.5
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 104.1, 105.1, 108.5, 108.6, 269.3
Romany peoples, teaching work among, 221.6
Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Amatu’l-Bahá (Hand of the Cause of God)
- ‘Abdu’llah Páshá House furnished by, 92.1
- in Brazil, 233.1, 233.4, 249.4
- BWC activities, 91.1, 186.3, 216.15
- at Counselors’ meetings, 53.2, 212.2, 275.2
- environmental activities, 42.1, 58.2, 188.1, 216.14
- funeral service for, 317, 318
- meetings with Counselors, 53.2
- at NSA inaugural conventions, 90.3, 108.6, 129.18, 200.10, 216.34
- passing of, 316, 331.30
- Roll of Honor deposited by, 131.17
- in Russia, 181.10–11
- at second World Congress, 144.5
Russia
- Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum in, 181.10–11
- Bahá’í community of, 221.6
- Bahá’u’lláh’s relations with, 99.2
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 191.2, 221.3
- teaching work in, 221.6
Russia, Georgia and Armenia, Regional Spiritual Assembly of, 123.2, 191.2
Rwanda, National Spiritual Assembly of, 216.34, 249.7
Ryukyu Islands, teaching work in, 224.7

S

Sabah, National Spiritual Assembly of, 258.2, 263.3, 299.2
Sacred Writings. See Bahá’í Scriptures
Sakhalin Island, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh for, 90.2, 129.5
Sami people, teaching work among, 221.6, 238.1
Sanctity and Nature of Bahá’í Elections, The, 81
São Tomé and Príncipe, National Spiritual Assembly of, 214.1a, 216.34
Sarawak, National Spiritual Assembly of, 258.3, 263.3, 299.2
Schism, Covenant as guarantee against, 52.2, 60.6, 145.14
Scholars/scholarship, Bahá’í, 36.4c, 169, 215, 331.13
- compilation on, 195
- promotion of, 18.5, 251.10, 272.4, 357.10
Science
- advances in, 263.4
- religion in agreement with, 169.11b, 203.6
Scriptures. See Bahá’í Scriptures; Bible; Qur’án
Seat of Universal House of Justice, 23.9, 36.2, 36.6, 176.8
Secularism, 183.27–28, 202.4
Self, the. See Individual, the
Self-expression. See Freedom(s), of expression
Separation of church and state, 201, 296.7
Service, commitment to, 183.33–34
Seven Year Plan (1937–44), fiftieth anniversary of, 22.11
Seven Year Plan (1979–86), 22.12, 23.8c, 36.2
Sex, proper use of, 149.13, 205.13
Sexual abuse, prevention of, 149.1, 149.5–6
Seychelles, visit to BWC by president of, 186
Shoghi Effendi
- appointment as Guardian, 144.5, 177.3, 255.8–8a
- as authorized interpreter, 17.1–2, 52.2, 52.6, 111.54, 118.3–3a, 192.4–5, 255.10a, 283.3
- Auxiliary Boards instituted by, 350.4
- completion of International Archives Building, 176.7
- completion of Shrine of the Báb, 16.6, 36.2, 91.2, 176.7
- Covenant-breakers in family of, 255.4–8
- design of Arc, 36.2, 36.4a
- global vision of, 129.16
- involvement with Bahá’í World series, 170.3
- lack of successor to, 255.1–10
- passing of, 144.5
- purchase of property near grave of, 50
- relations with Israel, 23.3
- translation of Bahá’í Scriptures by, 192.2–2a, 192.4–5
- writings on Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, 201.9–10
Shrine of the Báb, 36.2, 91.2, 176.7, 331.9
Siberia, 181.6, 220.11
Sicily, National Spiritual Assembly of, 191.1, 200.10
Sierra Leone, teaching work in, 216.7
Singapore, Bahá’í community of, 219.9
Six Year Plan (1986–92)
- accomplishments of, 64.2–7, 108.5–11, 129.4–13, 170.2
- goals of, 13.1, 21.1, 22.1–2, 27, 40.1, 62.1, 64.8–13, 90.14, 105.1, 138.2–3, 138.5–6, 150.3, 213.7
- themes of, 22.10, 45.3
Slovakia, National Spiritual Assembly of, 258.4, 263.3, 269, 299.2
Slovenia and Croatia, Regional Spiritual Assembly of, 173.2, 181.11
Social and economic development projects, 14.3, 85, 295.4
- in Cambodia, 219.7
- Four Year Plan activities, 216.33, 222.13, 331.6, 331.14
- funding for, 120.2
- in India, 218.13
- intensive programs of growth and, 348.17
- non-profit organizations for, 167.2–3
- Six Year Plan activities, 22.6
- statement on, 194
- Three Year Plan activities, 216.4, 216.9–10
- training institutes and, 299.7, 348.2
- women’s involvement in, 116.1, 129.10
- youth’s involvement in, 129.11
Social and Economic Development Unit (BIC), 8.3
Social problems, 151.5, 200.1–3, 200.11, 299.12, 356.35a, 356.36a
- Bahá’í solutions to, 29.5–5b, 46.2, 55.8, 76.2, 90.19, 96, 99.7, 109.2, 129.6, 149.19–19a, 176.3, 295.2–3
Society
- degeneration of, 60.22, 183.3–10, 183.44, 205.8, 205.17, 216.37–41, 227.2–4, 299.12
- evolution of, 201.11
- individual’s relation to, 60.49–52
- reform of, 183.32–32a, 227.5–7
Sodomy, 205.3, 205.3a
Sons, first-born, 229.18–22
Soul, the, 68.2, 129.24, 162.7, 205.6
- reality of, 7.7, 99.6, 140.2, 205.6
Soul mates, 7.10–10a
South Africa
- Bahá’í community in, 6.4–5, 222.3, 299.9
- murders of pioneers in, 179
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 108.8, 191.3, 200.10
- statement on apartheid, 6
Southeast Asia
- Four Year Plan in, 224.11
- Riḍván Message for 1996, 219
- youth in, 208, 346
Soviet Union
- ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan in, 90.3
- Bahá’í Faith in, 23.8h, 61.1, 65.1, 129.5
- collapse of, 129.5, 129.11, 129.14
- establishment of LSAs in, 90.2, 98.1, 108.5
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 104.1, 105.1, 108.5, 108.6
- pioneer goals, 24
- youth activities in, 129.11
Speech, characteristics of, 60.37
Spiritual Assemblies
- appealing decisions of, 102.15
- Auxiliary Boards’ relationship with, 344.4
- consultation on, 60.28–29, 60.32–36
- Continental Boards of Counselors’ relationship with, 344.4
- decisions about membership status, 355.7–8
- duties of, 60.32
- external affairs work, 96.8
- fostering proper functioning of, 151.9–10, 200.5, 212.5, 222.11
- fostering unity in the community, 183.32–35, 337.12–12a
- handling violations of Bahá’í laws, 122, 205.16–17
- incorporated, 111.65–67
- individuals’ relationship with, 25.3, 183.35–48, 206.2–4
- maturation of, 102.13, 201.17a, 216.24
- membership on, 67.3–7, 78.2
- obedience to, 60.32, 60.33, 67.3, 225.7
- problems involving members of, 102.14
- responsibilities of, 313.7, 337.7–7a
- South African, 6.4
- spouses serving on, 102.13
- training, 6.5
Spiritual axis, 213.11, 224.2, 242
Spiritual growth, 225.2, 225.6, 227.5, 263.8–9
Sri Lanka, Bahá’í community of, 218.7
State Bahá’í Councils, 250.1, 250.7
State Religion, Bahá’í Faith as, 18.8a, 201.17a, 201.21a–22
Study circles, 331.3, 348.5, 348.17
Suffering, Bahá’í attitude toward, 122.18, 129.15, 176.2, 181.8, 187.4, 190.2, 199.2, 223.1, 227.7
Summit on the Alliance between Religion and Conservation (England), 216.14
Switzerland, social and economic development in, 331.14
Synopsis and Codification of the Laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, 150.3
Systematization, 263.10–12, 331.5, 348.1, 357.7
- for human resource development, 313.3
- in teaching, 313.6–7, 348.8, 348.11–19
- training institutes and, 328, 331.2–4
System of Bahá’u’lláh, 108.2, 145.19, 250.3

T

Tablet of Carmel (Bahá’u’lláh), 36.1, 129.13, 176.5–7
Tablets of the Divine Plan (‘Abdu’l-Bahá), 18.3, 176.5, 183.10, 183.11, 220.1, 220.4, 220.8, 220.13, 220.16–17, 248.2
Tablet to Bahá’ís of New York City (‘Abdu’l-Bahá), 144.8
Taiwan, Bahá’í community of, 219.10
Tajikistan
- martyrdom of Iranian Bahá’í in, 311
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 173.2, 181.11
Task Force of Literacy (UNESCO), 90.5
Teaching
- acceleration of, 108.10, 190.2, 200.3–4, 213.4, 213.33
- achievements in, 64.1, 151.3, 221.8, 263.12
- confidence in, 172.4, 222.12, 263.2
- constancy in, 22.9, 64.11, 64.13, 212.5
- expansion of, 48.3, 64.9, 90.2, 151.6, 181.2, 216.38, 221.9, 331.3
- funds for, 120.5
- importance of, 36.6, 48.8–11, 54.5, 57.1, 218.14
- by individual believers, 89.1, 90.12, 200.11–12, 212.5–6, 216.20, 220.8, 225, 310.4, 310.5, 313.3, 348.8–10
- institutions’ role in, 103.3, 141.7, 225.7
- objectives of, 90.14, 90.16
- passion for, 217.8
- sacred duty of, 141.2, 200.7, 225.1–6a, 248.9, 263.14–15, 310.4, 310.5, 348.10
- systematization of, 313.6–7, 348.8, 348.11–19
- Three Year Plan activities, 216.5
- in U.S., 183.1–11
- wisdom in, 162
- by youth, 129.11, 141.2, 200.4, 209.3
Teaching projects, Three Year Plan, 213.4, 216.5
Technology, 129.14, 263.4
Temples. See Mashriqu’l-Adhkár(s)
Ten Year World Crusade, 129.19, 144.5–6, 218.3, 221.1, 222.3, 248.16
Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb
- commencement of work on, 91, 92.2, 129.13
- completion of, 48.7, 90.14, 151.11, 198
- design for, 23.9, 36.4a, 64.2
- opening of, 357.11
- progress reports, 98.2, 108.11b, 113.1–2, 114.2, 114.5–6, 160.1, 193.2, 200.9, 216.2, 249.5, 299.3
- property acquisitions for, 244
- significance of, 36.6, 176.8–9
Testament, writing of, 229.2, 229.6–7a
Tests, 183.10, 216.39, 216.41, 356.21a, 356.22a
- for Iranian Bahá’ís, 248.7–8, 248.17
Thailand, Bahá’í community of, 219.6
Theocracy, Bahá’í, 201.2–2a, 337.6–7
Three Year Plan (1993–96)
- accomplishments of, 181.1–11, 200.4–10, 216.1–15, 240.3, 248.2
- in Bangladesh, 218.5
- goals of, 121.1c, 138, 151.5–13, 157.4, 190, 200.6, 213.7
- in U.S., 183.18
Training, 151.9, 213.16, 222.12, 265.4, 348.8
Training institutes, 213.15–21, 216.27–30, 216.38, 217.4, 263.2, 266, 299.5–7
- Auxiliary Boards’ involvement in, 212.6c, 213.18, 213.19, 216.28, 270.5, 310.6–7, 310.8
- Continental Boards of Counselors’ involvement in, 212.6c, 213.18, 216.27, 310.4, 310.6, 331.4
- deputizing teachers for, 231.3–4, 270, 310
- entry by troops through, 220.2–3, 236.2, 331.3, 348.5
- establishment of, 249.3, 263.11, 331.6
- expansion and consolidation through, 223.7, 299.6
- in Five Year Plan, 348.4–7
- in Four Year Plan, 218.9–10, 221.8, 224.3, 234.4, 265.4, 308.1, 313.2, 357.3
- funding, 213.21, 231, 310
- importance of, 219.3, 222.14
- intensive programs of growth and, 348.15
- LSAs and, 213.19, 216.28, 234, 310.5
- RBCs and, 250.30, 299.6
- social and economic development projects through, 299.7, 348.2
- Spiritual Assemblies’ involvement in, 216.28
- training of children’s class teachers, 216.6, 313.7, 331.25, 348.7, 357.3–4
- Twelve Month Plan goals, 313.6, 331.22
- use of radio, 331.14
- youth involvement in, 256.3, 338.2, 347.2
“Training Institutes and Systematic Growth” (ITC), 328
Transformation
- collective, 331.3
- individual, 138.9, 183.32a, 331.3
- moral, 56.5–5a, 339.5
- personal, 48.10, 68.1, 90.12
- as purpose of Bahá’í Faith, 64.11
- spiritual, 29.5b, 96.4, 96.5a, 96.11, 149.18, 151.8, 221.8
Transkei. See South Africa, National Spiritual Assembly of
Translations of Bahá’í Scriptures, 192, 331.7
- authorized, 304.2, 305.7
- into English, 192.2–3, 281.5–6, 299.4, 304, 305, 357.10
- by individuals, 192.3, 302.6–7, 304.3–5, 305.2–3, 305.7
- prepublication review, 304.2–5, 305.3, 305.7
- provisional, 304.3–5, 305.3, 305.7, 305.17
- by Shoghi Effendi, 192.2–2a, 192.4–5
Traveling teachers
- Continental Boards of Counselors’ relationship to, 243
- in Eastern Bloc countries, 84.3
- in Europe, 221.6
- Four Year Plan, 217.4, 218.14, 235.2–3, 331.8
- ITC responsibilities for, 272.6, 272.7f
- Six Year Plan, 48.7, 71.2–5
- Three Year Plan, 159, 161, 181.10, 190.1, 216.5, 235.1, 343.2, 343.5–6
- youth as, 129.11
Trustee of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, 13.2, 21.12, 21.17–32, 121.1b, 345.11
Trustees of the Continental Fund, 54.4
Trustworthiness, compilation on, 14
Truth, 109.3–4, 122.9–9a, 169.8, 263.8, 302.8
Tubingen (Germany), Local Spiritual Assembly of
- constitutional appeal made by, 111.11–12, 111.36, 111.50
- incorporation of, 111.62–71
Tunisia, Bahá’í community in, 222.3
Turkey
- Bahá’í community in, 221.1
- Continental Board of Counselors, 2.2
- earthquake in, 309
Turkmenistan, National Spiritual Assembly of, 173.2, 181.11
“Turning Point for All Nations” (BIC), 216.13
Tuvalu, Bahá’í Faith in, 108.9
Twelve Month Plan (2000–2001), 313.5–8, 331.22–30, 338.5, 348.6, 357.3–6
Twentieth century, 299.12, 356.24–32
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s praise of, 210.1, 216.35, 263.16, 292.1
- commemorating end of, 292, 331.9, 331.22
- UHJ statements on, 354, 357.3
- unity of nations established during, 356.7, 356.14–17a
Twin processes. See Integration and disintegration, processes of
Two Year Plan for Eastern Europe and Asia (1990–92), 84, 90.2, 98.1, 121.1a, 129.5

U

Uganda, Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in, 222.3
Ukraine
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 214.1c, 269.3
- teaching work in, 221.6
Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, Regional Spiritual Assembly of, 123.1a, 129.18
Ukraine and Moldova, Regional Spiritual Assembly of, 191.2, 214.1b–1c
‘Ulamá, abolition of, 215.4
United Kingdom
- Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 40.1
- interfaith activities in, 331.20
- National Spiritual Assembly of, 221.1
United Nations (UN), 356.29–31a, 356.34a–36a
- Bahá’í association with, 8.2, 18.5, 61.1, 64.3, 147.2, 263.8
- Fiftieth Anniversary, 216.13, 216.37, 356.35a
- International Literacy Year (1990), 68.6
- millennial activities, 292.3, 342, 356.38
- nongovernmental organizations, 48.4, 64.4, 68.5, 120.3, 129.8, 129.10, 147.2, 194.1, 216.11, 216.33, 357.4
- resolutions on Bahá’ís in Iran, 268.6, 288.6, 299.8
United Nations Children’s Fund, BIC’s consultative status with, 8.2
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio de Janeiro), 151.3
United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), 129.10, 331.17
- BIC’s collaboration with, 147.2
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 216.14
United Nations Office (BIC), 76.4, 216.33, 253
U.S. House of Representatives, efforts for Bahá’ís in Iran, 90.6
United States, National Spiritual Assembly of
- BIC’s collaboration with, 8.6
- Continental Boards of Counselors and, 183.12–25
- functioning of, 183.26–48
- Genocide Convention and, 44.7
- membership on, 102.6
- teaching work, 183.1–11
- UHJ response to concerns of, 183
United States and Canada, National Spiritual Assembly of
- Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, 111.56
Unity
- in diversity, 55.4, 90.16, 99.4–4a
- Divine, 203.5
- economic, 356.31a
- as foundation of peace, 169.11a, 194.1
- movement toward, 263.4–5
- political, 18.12, 200.3, 356.6, 356.19b
Unity College (Ethiopia), 299.7, 331.14
Universal Court of Arbitration, 201.16a, 283.4–4a
Universal House of Justice (UHJ)
- appealing decisions to, 122.19
- authority of, 111.10, 251, 255.10a
- Constitution of, 102.15
- Continental Boards of Counselors appointed by, 183.15
- elections, 20, 49, 52.3–3b, 54.1, 152, 264, 327, 337.15
- elucidations of Bahá’í Scriptures by, 192.5–7, 201.16a, 251.5, 283.2–6a
- establishment of World Order, 18.11a, 255.10a
- functions of, 177.5, 201.11b, 302.2
- infallibility of, 192.7, 228.2a–3
- ITC’s consultations with, 157, 181.2
- legislation by, 192.6, 201.13a, 283.3–3a, 283.5, 283.8a
- membership restricted to men, 7.9, 52, 187.6, 228.4, 296.7, 337.16
- promotion of Lesser Peace, 44.3b
- relations with government(s), 23.4a, 23.4b, 44.3–4
- role of, 228, 283
- supervision of LSAs, 111.64
- world leaders consulting with, 4.1, 23.8f, 44.3–4
Universidad Núr (Bolivia), 197, 331.14
USSR. See Eastern Bloc countries; Russia; Soviet Union
Uzbekistan, National Spiritual Assembly of, 173.2, 181.11

V

Victory. See Crisis and victory
Vietnam
- Bahá’í community of, 219.7
- Collis Featherstone’s visit to, 90.3
Violence, 149, 183.3
Virtues, 145.7, 339.3a
Voices of Bahá Choir, 299.10
Voting. See Administrative rights, deprivation of; Conventions, Bahá’í; Elections, Bahá’í

W

Wealth, elimination of extremes of poverty and, 21.5, 21.9, 21.15, 345.4
West, the
- laws binding in, 164
- seventy-fifth anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to, 22.11
Western Asia
- Four Year Plan in, 223.4–9
- Riḍván Message for 1996, 223
West Leeward Islands, National Spiritual Assembly of, 105.1, 108.5, 108.6
“Who is Writing the Future?” (BIC), 292.2, 292.5, 331.18
Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 111.54, 144.5, 176.5, 183.15, 283.3–3a, 355.5
- Shoghi Effendi’s appointment as Guardian, 144.5, 177.3, 255.8–8a
Will of God, 60.5, 60.15, 60.18, 64.11, 145.12, 203.5a
Wills, Bahá’í, 229, 307.9
Women
- advancement of, 129.10, 218.11, 219.4, 223.7, 224.5, 307, 331.17
- in Africa, 116, 147.2
- compilation on, 7.8, 307.3–4
- participation in Bahá’í community, 52.4a, 52.7, 52.8, 213.23, 307.5–7
- prevention of violence against, 149
- prophethood and, 7.8
Word of God, 17.2–3, 60.6, 68.1–3, 172.4, 205.7
World Bank, interfaith activities, 331.20
World civilization, 144.4, 145.7, 203.6, 227.5
World Conference on Education for All (UN), 90.5
World Conference on Human Rights (Vienna), 194.1
World Conference on Religion and Peace, 129.9
World Congress, first, 144.6
World Congress, second, 107.6, 129.20, 138.8, 145.20
- message to, 144
- plans for, 48.7, 64.9, 90.10
- publicity for, 107.2, 107.5, 108.11e, 130.1
- success of, 146, 151.1, 151.2
World Faiths Development Dialogue, 331.20
World Forestry Charter Gathering, 90.5
- message to, 82, 188
World government, 18.3, 31.5, 216.37, 356.7, 356.29a–30a
World Health Organization (WHO), BIC relations with, 64.3
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, 60.24, 129.2, 145.13
- Administrative Order as basis of, 201.13, 201.18–21a, 201.28, 250.3, 356.9
- birth of, 8.1–2, 68.2, 108.2, 108.4
- establishment of, 29.4–5b, 108.2, 145.16, 201.18–18b, 356.20a
- Golden Age of, 55.4
- Ḥuqúqu’lláh’s importance to, 21.4–5, 345.3–4
- influence of, 183.7, 227.5, 355.6
- Nineteen Day Feast and, 69.2, 69.6, 69.11
- purpose of, 96.5a, 96.12, 129.15–16, 176.10
- as solution to world problems, 109.2, 176.3
- study of, 29.6, 85.3, 201.12–13
- as theocracy, 337.6–7
- UHJ’s role in establishing, 255.10a
- unfoldment of, 48.2–4, 145.16, 176.4–5, 201.11, 212.7, 356.4, 356.34a–38a
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, The (Shoghi Effendi), 111.54
World Summit for Social Development (Copenhagen), 194.1, 200.2–3, 216.13
World War I, 356.24a, 356.32
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), 42.1, 58, 64.3, 76.4, 129.9
World Wide Web. See Internet, the
Worship, 44.3c, 60.24, 315.4, 315.7

Y

Youth, Bahá’í
- as children’s class teachers, 213.23, 218.12
- dance workshops, 299.10
- expansion and consolidation activities, 216.8, 222.13
- in Iran, 289.2–4
- martyrdoms of, 1.2, 5, 208.1b
- messages to, 182, 208, 256, 338, 339, 346, 347
- as role models, 338.5
- service by, 22.7, 22.9, 141, 208.1b, 218.12, 235.1
- Six Year Plan activities, 129.11
- spiritual education of, 299.7
- teaching work of, 200.4, 209.3
- training institute involvement, 248.7–8, 256.3, 338.2, 347.2
- as traveling teachers, 331.8
Youth Conference (Vancouver), 339
Youth Forum (Canada), message to, 226
Youth year of service, 129.11, 141.1–2, 141.6, 182.6
Yugoslavia
- establishment of LSAs in, 98.1
- teaching work in, 236.4

Z

Zaire, National Spiritual Assembly of, reformation of, 22.9
Zoroaster, visions of, 140.5c