…that primal branch of the Divine and Sacred Lote-Tree, grown out, blest, tender, verdant and flourishing from the Twin Holy Trees; the most wondrous, unique and priceless pearl that doth gleam from out the Twin surging seas…
Shoghi Effendi - The Guardian of The Faith
To ensure the fulfillment of His mission of achieving the unity of the human race and safeguarding the unity of the Bahá'í community, Bahá'u'lláh appointed His eldest son, ʿAbdu'l-Bahá, as the Center of the Covenant. He also ordained the establishment of The Universal House of Justice. ʿAbdu'l-Bahá, in turn, laid the foundational principles for the functioning of the Universal House of Justice and, in His Will, directed the Bahá'ís to turn to Shoghi Effendi after His passing, appointing him as the Guardian of the Cause of God. Bahá'u'lláh entrusted both the Universal House of Justice and the Guardian with the responsibility of applying the principles of the Bahá'í Faith, spreading its teachings, safeguarding its institutions, and preparing it to meet the evolving needs of an ever-advancing civilization.
In His Will and Testament, recorded in His own handwriting, ʿAbdu'l-Bahá appointed His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, to oversee the affairs of the worldwide Bahá'í community as the interpreter and expounder of the Bahá'í Writings and its Teachings. With exceptional wisdom, foresight, and immense devotion, Shoghi Effendi dedicated his life to systematically guide the global development of the Bahá'í community, deepening its principles and strengthening its unity. Shoghi Effendi left a rich legacy of writings and translated several volumes of Bahá'í texts into English, characterized by precision and eloquence. Through thousands of letters, he offered profound insights into the spiritual dimension of civilization and the dynamics of social transformation, unveiling a bright vision for humanity's future.
Shoghi Effendi passed away on November 4, 1957. Shortly thereafter, the Universal House of Justice—an institution ordained by Bahá'u'lláh in the *Kitáb-i-Aqdas*, the Book of Laws—was established. This body assumed the responsibility of administering the affairs of the Bahá'í community, overseeing its global activities, and providing guidance on both its spiritual and administrative matters.
Glimpses of the achievements of Shoghi Effendi
The film: 'Glimpses of a Hundred Years of Endeavour' offers insights into the achievements of Shoghi Effendi and a century of tireless effort and learning within a flourishing and growing Bahá'í community. It highlights the journey that has led to the current efforts of the Bahá'í community in contributing to the emergence of a world founded on the principle of the oneness of mankind.
