The people of Bahá, under the jurisdiction of whatsoever
state or government they may be residing, should conduct themselves with
honesty and sincerity, trustworthiness and rectitude. ... They are neither thirsty for prominence, nor
acquisitive of power; they are neither adepts at dissimulation and hypocrisy,
nor are they seekers after wealth and influence; they neither crave for the
pomp and circumstance of high office, nor do they lust after the glory of
titles and ranks. They are averse to
affectation and ostentation, and shrink from the use of coercive force; they
have closed their eyes to all but God, and set their hearts on the firm and
incontrovertible promises of their Lord ...
Oblivious to themselves, they have occupied their energies in working
towards the good of society ... While
vigilantly refusing to accept political posts, they should wholeheartedly
welcome the chance to assume administrative positions; for the primary purpose
of the people of Baha is to advance the interests and promote the welfare of
the nation ... Such is the method of the
Baha'is; such is the conduct of all spiritually illuminated souls; and aught
else is manifest error."
- Shoghi Effendi (Translation of an excerpt quoted
in an open letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Iran
about the Banning of the Baha'i Administration; included in Messages from the
Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)
