…the bounty of true joy, a spiritual condition that belongs
to those who, irrespective of their material and social circumstances, strive
to draw ever nearer to God and to understand and promote His Word; who are
concerned with the prosperity of all people; who tread selflessly the path of
justice and equity; and who allow no impediment, not even oppression or
imprisonment, to deprive them of this inner joy. It is this state of true joy
that stirs the heart, makes the spirit soar, increases human powers,
strengthens the mind, creates hope, and kindles the flame of longing to take
purposeful action for the common good. So it is that, for Bahá’ís, bringing joy
to the hearts is among the most praiseworthy of deeds. In the words of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “As much as ye can, bring joy and happiness to the hearts and
seek felicity for all humankind.”
- The Universal House of Justice (from a
message dated Naw-Ruz 2015 to the Baha’is of Iran)
