April 23. On this date in 1941, Shoghi Effendi wrote a letter to Jináb-i-Áqá Mírzá Bádí'u'lláh Khán of Abadih answering four questions: (1) re "Crimson Scroll"; (2) re the "Sacred Night"; (3) re the "Tablet of the Bell"; and (4) using the Kitab-i-Aqdas for bibliomancy.

 

April 23. On this date in 1941, Shoghi Effendi wrote a letter to Jináb-i-Áqá Mírzá Bádí'u'lláh Khán of Abadih answering four questions: (1) re "Crimson Scroll"; (2) re the "Sacred Night"; (3) re the "Tablet of the Bell"; and (4) using the Kitab-i-Aqdas for bibliomancy.

The paragraph regarding using the Kitab-i-Aqdas for bibliomancy has also been translated as follows...

In your last question, concerning cases when those needed for consultation are not available and a person is uncertain on the course to be followed in an important matter, you ask whether it is permissible for him to resort to the practice of "istikhárih" (iv) using the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. The Guardian has stated that in such cases what is necessary and essential is for the person to turn his heart wholly to God and to beseech aid from the Source of Grace and inspiration and nothing else. If it is possible to postpone the decision it would be preferable and more proper to do so, until the means for consultation are made available.

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 23 April 1941 to an individual believer — translated from the Persian)

(iv) This is a process of divination, such as is done through bibliomancy, when a Holy Book is opened at random and guidance is sought for one's problem by reading passages of the Book on the opened page.