…to improve the characters of men; to extend the scope of
knowledge; to abolish ignorance and prejudice; to strengthen the foundations of
true religion in all hearts; to encourage self-reliance and discourage false
imitation; ... to uphold truthfulness, audacity, frankness, and courage; to
promote craftsmanship and agriculture; ... to educate, on a compulsory basis,
children of both sexes; to insist on integrity in business transactions; to lay
stress on the observance of honesty and piety; ... to acquire mastery and skill
in the modern sciences and arts; to promote the interests of the public; ... to
obey outwardly and inwardly and with true loyalty the regulations enacted by
state and government; ... to honour, to extol and to follow the example of
those who have distinguished themselves in science and learning. ... to help
the needy from every creed or sect, and to collaborate with the people of the
country in all welfare services.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Excerpts from some Tablets,
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’)
