June 29. On this date in 1941, Shoghi Effendi wrote "Let them dedicate themselves—young and old, men and women alike—and go forth and settle in new districts, travel, and teach in spite of lack of experience, and be assured that Bahá'u'lláh has promised to aid all those who arise in His Name. His strength will sustain them; their own weakness is unimportant.

June 29. On this date in 1941, Shoghi Effendi wrote "Let them dedicate themselves—young and old, men and women alike—and go forth and settle in new districts, travel, and teach in spite of lack of experience, and be assured that Bahá'u'lláh has promised to aid all those who arise in His Name. His strength will sustain them; their own weakness is unimportant.

Smallness of numbers, lack of skilled teachers, and modesty of means should not discourage or deter them. They must remember the glorious history of the Cause, which ... was established by dedicated souls who, for the most part, were neither rich, famous, nor well educated, but whose devotion, zeal and self-sacrifice overcame every obstacle and won miraculous victories for the Faith of God. Such spiritual victories can now be won for India and Burma by the friends. Let them dedicate themselves—young and old, men and women alike—and go forth and settle in new districts, travel, and teach in spite of lack of experience, and be assured that Bahá'u'lláh has promised to aid all those who arise in His Name. His strength will sustain them; their own weakness is unimportant.
(From a letter dated 29 June 1941 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma)

March 13. On this date in 1945, Siyyid Mustafá Rumi, posthumously named a Hand of the Cause of God by Shoghi Effendi, was killed by a mob in a village in the Kungyangon district of Burma.

March 13. On this date in 1945, Siyyid Mustafá Rumi, posthumously named a Hand of the Cause of God by Shoghi Effendi, was killed by a mob in a village in the Kungyangon district of Burma.

Siyyid Mustafá Rumi was born in Baghdad, but his family moved to Madras, India while he was a child. He first encountered the Baha'i Faith in 1876 through Jamal Effendi, and became a Baha'i in Calcutta late in 1877. In May 1878, he traveled to Burma with Jamal Effendi.

In the late 1800's the Burmese Baha'i community constructed a sarcophagus for the Báb, and in 1899 Siyyid Mustafa brought it to the Holy Land where he presented it to 'Abdu'l-Baha. The remains of the Báb were placed in the sarcophagus in 1909. He traveled to the Dutch East Indies with Jamal Effendi in the 1880's, and the two converted the King and Queen of Boné in Celebes on the journey. He was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma in the late 1930's. Siyyid Mustafa was invited to live in the village of Daidanaw by the headman of the village, who had learnt about the Faith from two Baha'is who had vouched for him in a legal dispute. He converted approximately 800 residents of Daidanaw to the Baha'i Faith and established a school there. In his later years he translated the Kitab-i-Iqan, The Hidden Words and Some Answered Questions into Burmese, and the Maoala-i-Sayyah into Urdu.

In 1945 a mob of 3000 nationalists attacked foreigners in Daidanaw, destroying many Baha'i properties and murdering eleven Baha'is including Siyyid Mustafa.

On July 14, 1945 Shoghi Effendi posthumously named him a Hand of the Cause sending the following cablegram:

“Hearts griefstricken passing Supreme Concourse distinguished pioneer Faith Baha’u’llah, dearly beloved staunch high minded noble soul Siyyid Mustafa. Long record his superb services (in) both teaching (and) administrative fields shed lustre on both heroic and formative ages (of) Baha’i Dispensation. His magnificent achievements fully entitle him join ranks (of the) Hands of (the) Cause (of) Baha’u’llah. His resting place should be regarded foremost shrine (in the) community of Burmese believers Advise holding (of) memorial gatherings throughout India (to) his imperishable memory. Urge Indian (and) Burmese Baba’is participate construction (of his) tomb. Cabling three hundred pounds (as) my personal contribution (for) so praiseworthy (a) purpose.”

March 10. On this date in 1951, a letter from Shoghi Effendi to the NSA of India, Pakistan, and Burma said "In connection with your question regarding the case of Mr. Mrs. ... and their daughter, the Guardian considers that your Assembly did quite right to deprive all three of their voting rights. Their conduct in carrying out a Moslem marriage in the circumstances set forth by you in your letter, and contrary to Bahá'í law, are most reprehensible, to say the least, and if such actions are not strongly censured by the Bahá'ís, other friends may be encouraged in moments of weakness, to err."

March 10. On this date in 1951, a letter from Shoghi Effendi to the NSA of India, Pakistan, and Burma said "In connection with your question regarding the case of Mr. Mrs. ... and their daughter, the Guardian considers that your Assembly did quite right to deprive all three of their voting rights. Their conduct in carrying out a Moslem marriage in the circumstances set forth by you in your letter, and contrary to Bahá'í law, are most reprehensible, to say the least, and if such actions are not strongly censured by the Bahá'ís, other friends may be encouraged in moments of weakness, to err."

191. Parents' Voting Rights Can Be Suspended if Consent is Given Contrary to Bahá'í Law
"In connection with your question regarding the case of Mr. Mrs. ... and their daughter, the Guardian considers that your Assembly did quite right to deprive all three of their voting rights. Their conduct in carrying out a Moslem marriage in the circumstances set forth by you in your letter, and contrary to Bahá'í law, are most reprehensible, to say the least, and if such actions are not strongly censured by the Bahá'ís, other friends may be encouraged in moments of weakness, to err."
(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma, March 10, 1951)

February 7. On this date in 1910, Charles Mason Remey wrote Corinne True a letter stating "Since being here in Rangoon we have scarcely had time in which to sleep, so numerous have been our callers, the Truth seekers."

February 7. On this date in 1910, Charles Mason Remey wrote Corinne True a letter stating "Since being here in Rangoon we have scarcely had time in which to sleep, so numerous have been our callers, the Truth seekers."

From Star of the West, Volume 1, published March 21, 1910...

A letter was received March 9th by Mrs. Corinne True of Chicago, from Mr. C. M. Remey, dated Rangoon, Burmah, February 7, 1910, in which he said: "Since being here in Rangoon we have scarcely had time in which to sleep, so numerous have been our callers, the Truth seekers." Also he said if they had no delays they would probably be in Port Said, Egypt, April 1st, and from there go to Acca.

February 4. On this date in 1910, during his trip around the world with Howard C. Struven, Charles Mason Remey addressed a letter to the Bahá'í Assembly of Washington, DC from Rangoon, Burma, which was later published in the "Star of the West" magazine.

February 4. On this date in 1910, during his trip around the world with Howard C. Struven, Charles Mason Remey addressed a letter to the Bahá'í Assembly of Washington, DC from Rangoon, Burma, which was later published in the Star of the West magazine.

Charles Mason Remey and Howard C. Struven were the first Bahá'ís to make a complete circuit of the world. Mason Remey would later become a Hand of the Cause of God, the president of the International Bahá'í Council, and after Shoghi Effendi's death, a claimant to the office of Guardian.

LETTER FROM MR. REMEY
RANGOON, BURMAH, FEBRUARY 4, 1910.
To the Bahai Assembly of
Washington, D. C., U. S. A.
DEAR BAHAI FRIENDS: — Since writing you last from Honolulu, our Bahai brother, Howard Struven, and I, have attained to this point on our line of travel, having visited Japan, and some of the Chinese ports, as well as Singapore, on our way here to Rangoon.
We arrived here about ten days ago; the intervening time has sped past very quickly. Being quartered in the Mashrak-el-Azkar, we are receiving believers and truth-seekers from a very early to a very late hour. Many are coming to inquire about the Teachings, Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, Moslems, Buddhists and Brahmans or Hindoos. We find that the general knowledge which we had of these latter-mentioned religions is very scanty, so we have been studying and preparing ourselves to meet the questions of the people of these divers creeds. This to the Bahai is not so difficult a task as one might at first imagine, as in their purity each of these religions of the world was of divine origin, so now that the Bahais have the spiritual understanding or key to all religions, they are all explained from one spiritual standpoint. The one spiritual explanation satisfies the seeking soul from whatever religion he may come. Thus do we see the power and the spiritual potency of the Truth.
In Japan we spent six days with Prof. M. Barakatullah in Tokyo, where he had gathered quite a group of truth-seekers from both the foreigners living in Tokyo as well as from the Japanese people. Enclosed I send you a copy of a notice in Japanese which was circulated, inviting people to a large Bahai Meeting held in the Y. M. C. A. Auditorium in Tokyo. We had a well-attended meeting, which immediately placed us in touch with a great many people. Other meetings were held and we met many personally, so that the time in Tokyo passed rapidly. After visiting Yokahoma, Kobe, Kyoto and Nagasaki, we passed over into China, where in Shanghai we met with a most devoted Bahai brother from Persia who lives there, Mirza Abdul Badhi — Mirza Ahmad knows him. Though our visit in Shanghai was not long, we met several people who were deeply in sympathy with our work. We could have remained there indefinitely and had plenty of work to do in the Cause, but we felt that we should be pressing on here where the call is more urgent, and besides we wish to complete our tour of India before the excessive heat sets in, for during the cool weather now on we have the best opportunity to meet people.
Of the work here in Burmah I will write later on in a general letter. Now I will make a brief mention of the work in Japan. There the field is ready, and what is most encouraging is that the thinkers and leaders of Japan realize this. Many are looking about for a religion suited to the needs of the Japanese people. Now is, I feel, the time for the Bahais to direct their energies toward Japan.
American Bahais are needed in Japan. If all of the people will carry this in their minds, someone may hear and respond to this call from the far East. Teachers are needed also in China, particularly in Shanghai, for there the Cause is somewhat known, and a good beginning could easily be accomplished.
In these Eastern countries there are excellent business opportunities open to young men. Several energetic young Bahai brothers from America could do a great work in Japan, China or here, and at the same time be establishing themselves and doing well in business.
I trust the time may soon come when Bahai workers from the West may come to these fields, for their services are needed.
Please extend our Bahai greeting from both to all. The friends here join us.
Yours in His Holy Cause,
Charles Mason Remey

December 27. On this date in 1941, Shoghi Effendi wrote the NSA of India and Burma giving reasons as to why the Kitab-i-Aqdas is not circulated amongst all the Bahá'ís or translated into their native languages.

December 27. On this date in 1941, Shoghi Effendi wrote the NSA of India and Burma giving reasons as to why the Kitab-i-Aqdas is not circulated amongst all the Bahá'ís or translated into their native languages.


27 Reasons for Delay in Translating and Publishing the Kitab-i-Aqdas 6 DECEMBER 1965

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27 Reasons for Delay in Translating and Publishing the Kitab-i-Aqdas 6 DECEMBER 1965

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States

Dear Bahá'í Friends,

We have received a number of inquiries as to the translation and publication of the Kitab-i-Aqdas from friends who are unable to read it in its original form. We feel the following extract from a letter written on behalf of the beloved Guardian by his secretary dated December 27, 1941, addressed to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma clarifies this question:

The reason it [the Kitab-i-Aqdas] is not circulated amongst all the

27.1a Bahá'ís is, first, because the Cause is not yet ready or sufficiently matured to put all the provisions of the Aqdas into effect and, second, because it is a book which requires to be supplemented by detailed explanations and to be translated into other languages by a competent body of experts.

27.2 The provisions of the Aqdas are gradually, according to the progress of the Cause, being put into effect already, both in the East and the West

As is well known, the beloved Guardian has already given in God Passes By, pp. 24-15, a summary of the contents of this Most Holy Book, and included the codification of all the laws of the Kitab-i-Aqdas as one of the objectives of the Ten Year Crusade. It is the intention of the Universal House of Justice to achieve this objective by publishing a synopsis and codification of these laws during the current Nine Year Plan. Much of the Kitab-i-Aqdas has already been translated by the beloved

27.3 Guardian and has been given to the friends in the West, although not designated, in every case, as coming from the Most Holy Book., We give you below a list of such references for your guidance:

Gleanings from the Writings Sections XXXVII, LVI, LXX, of Bahá'u'lláh =I, XCVIII, CV, CIV, CLIX, and CLXV The Promised Day Is Come pp. 26 (1st para.), 36-37 (until the end Of 2nd para.), 40 (2nd para.), and 84-85 (until the end of 1st para.)

27-I. In 1973, the last year of the Nine Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice published A Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab-i-Aqdas. The volume includes all of the extracts in the list of references that follows. The Bahá'í World Center published a copiously annotated English translation of the Kitab-i-Aqdas and related texts in 1992.

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The Challenging Requirements pp. 16-17 of the Present Hour 2 (until the end of 1st para.) Bahá'í Administration p. 21 (1st para.) The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh P. 134 (2nd para.) The Bahá'í Community (1963 edition) P. 4 (2nd & 3rd paras) Star of the West, Vol. XIV Pp. 112-14

27.4 The two reasons given by the Guardian in the extract of the letter quoted above need further amplification:

27.4a I. As regards the first reason, regarding the timeliness of putting into effect all the provisions of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, it must be borne in mind that the beloved Guardian further stated:

... the Laws revealed by Bahá'u'lláh in the Aqdas are, whenever practicable and not in direct conflict with the Civil Law of the land, absolutely binding on every believer or Bahá'í institution whether in the East or in the West. Certain laws, such as fasting, obligatory prayers, the consent of the parents before marriage, avoidance of alcoholic drinks, monogamy, should be regarded by all believers as universally and vitally applicable at the present time. Others have been formulated in anticipation of a state of society destined to emerge from the chaotic conditions that prevail today. When the Aqdas is published this matter will be further explained and elucidated. What has not been formulated in the Aqdas, in addition to matters of detail and of secondary importance arising out of the application of the Laws already formulated by Bahá'u'lláh, will have to be enacted by the Universal House of Justice.... (Bahá'í News, October 1935)

The Guardian has further written:

It should be noted in this connection that this Administrative Order is fundamentally different from anything that any Prophet has previously established, inasmuch as Bahá'u'lláh has Himself revealed its principles, established its institutions, appointed the person to interpret His Word and conferred the necessary authority on the body designed to supplement and apply His legislative ordinances. Therein lies the secret of its strength, its fundamental distinction, and the guarantee against disintegration and schism. . . . (The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 145)

27-2. This message of Shoghi Effendi was later published in CF, pp. 4-38; the passage from the Kit6b-i-Aqdas appears on pp. 18-19 (see also PB, p. 63).

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2. As to the second reason given by the beloved Guardian in the extract referred to above, it must be noted that the supplementary material to go with the publication of the laws of the Kitab-i-Aqdas may well include the following items, all of which require careful research and translation:

a. The Annex to the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Questions and Answers. (God Passes By, p. 219)

b. Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh in "elaboration and elucidation of some of the laws He [Bahá'u'lláh] had already laid down." (God Passes By, p. 216)

c. Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh establishing 'subsidiary ordinances designed to supplement the provisions of His Most Holy Book." (God Passes By, p. 216)

d. The Letters and Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi in interpretation of the laws and ordinances of the Kitab-i-Aqdas.

e. Other explanations and footnotes that may be required in elucidation of the provisions of that Book.

We hope the foregoing will clarify the matter for the friends 27.5

With loving Bahá'í greetings, THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

October 26. On this date in 1932, Shoghi Effendi wrote Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí expressing his happiness "regarding the translation of Dr. Esslemont’s book into Burmese."

October 26. On this date in 1932, Shoghi Effendi wrote Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí expressing his happiness "regarding the translation of Dr. Esslemont’s book into Burmese."

To Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí

October 26, 1932

Dear Bahá’í brother,

Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated October 10th 1932 regarding the translation of Dr. Esslemont’s book into Burmese.

He was very glad to learn that the work is progressing gradually and surely, and that already a considerable amount of pages have been translated. He hopes that until the expiration of the time appointed the work will be completed. It is however very necessary that the reviewing committee go over the book very carefully, because a newcomer is generally not familiar with Bahá’í terminology or method of expression.

The Guardian hopes that the financial part of the work will also be solved. Such matters have never blocked the way of the friends or even retarded their progress. Let us have faith in God’s mighty hand and He will surely help us. Please convey Shoghi Effendi’s greetings to all the friends. He sincerely hopes that they will always be guided in their work of serving the Cause and that they will succeed to attract many souls into a full acceptance of Bahá’u’lláh and His divine message.

Assuring you of Shoghi Effendi’s prayers and best wishes.

Dear and valued brother:

Your welcome letter imparted joy and abiding consolation to my heavy-laden heart. I so deeply appreciate your inspiring efforts, as well as the diligent and self-sacrificing endeavours of your devoted co-workers Mandalay, Rangoon and Kunjangoon. I wish to associate myself with their high efforts and am enclosing the sum of £9 in order to assist and hasten the completion of the translation of the book into Burmese. Sixteen printed translations have been already gathered together and placed in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí close to His Sacred Shrine, and the book is now being translated into sixteen additional languages including the Burmese. Persevere in your efforts, never feel disheartened and rest assured and confident. Your true brother,

Shoghi

John Esslemont's book Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era remains an important text that has been used in Bahá'í missionary activity. However, from its initial publication to later editions, Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era has been significantly edited, with references to Avarih removed in subsequent editions published after Avarih's apostasy from the Bahá'í Faith.

 

Other significant edits include...

Perhaps the most important change in Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era was made on page 212 of the 1923 edition. Recorded as a Bahá'í prophecy (59) concerning the "Coming of the Kingdom of God," Esslemont cited Abdu'l-Bahá's interpretation of the last two verses of the Book of Daniel from the Bible. He stated that the 1335 days spoken of by Daniel represented 1335 solar years from Muhammad's flight to Medina in 622 A.D., which would equal 1957 A.D.. When asked "'What shall we see at the end of the 1335 days?'," Abdu'l-Bahá's reply was: "'Universal Peace will be firmly established, a Universal language promoted. Misunderstandings will pass away. The Bahá'í Cause will be promulgated in all parts and the oneness of mankind established. It will be most glorious!'" (60) In editions published after his death, Esslemont's words have been changed to say that Abdu'l-Bahá "reckoned the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy from the date of the beginning of the Muhammadan era " (61) and one of Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablets is quoted on the same subject in which he writes, "'For according to this calculation a century will have elapsed from the dawn of the Sun of Truth....'" Esslemont appears to conclude that Abdu'l-Bahá was referring to the year 1963 and the one hundredth anniversary of Bahá'u'lláh's public claim to be a Manifestation of God. (62) These words, however, were never written by the author, but were added posthumously. And, it should be noted that the phrase "'the dawn of the Sun of Truth'" is not a reference to a particular year, in this case 1863, but to a period of years when the Bab and his followers were preparing the way for the Manifestation of Bahá'u'lláh. Hence, they are commonly referred to as the "Dawn-Breakers." (63) Further, in another quotation which originally appeared on the same page, but was also removed from later editions, Abdu'l-Bahá plainly stated, "' This is the Century of the Sun of Truth. This is the Century of the establishment of the Kingdom of God upon the earth.'" (64) Esslemont recorded Abdu'l-Bahá as declaring explicitly that the prophecy was to be computed from the Hijra or 622 A.D. and that specific conditions would exist in the world upon it's fulfillment in 1957. When it became apparent that this Bahá'í prophecy would not be fulfilled, it was replaced with the ambiguous material which has remained in the text to the present. This is evident from the fact that, although Esslemont's other eyewitness accounts were removed in the 1937 revision, the record of Abdu'l-Bahá's prophecy was left intact by the American National Spiritual Assembly and Shoghi Effendi. It was not changed until after 1957. (65) Also, Abdu'l-Bahá's conviction that all of these events would take place in this century have been expressed in other writings and it is evident that Shoghi Effendi shared his optimism as well. (66)

March 13. On this date in 1945, Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí, posthumously named a Hand of the Cause of God by Shoghi Effendi, was killed by a mob in a village in the Kungyangon district of Burma.

 

March 13. On this date in 1945, Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí, posthumously named a Hand of the Cause of God by Shoghi Effendi, was killed by a mob in a village in the Kungyangon district of Burma.

Siyyid Mustafa was born in Baghdad, but his family moved to Madras, India while he was a child. He first encountered the Baha'i Faith in 1876 through Jamal Effendi, and became a Baha'i in Calcutta late in 1877. In May, 1878 he traveled to Burma with Jamal Effendi.

In the late 1800's the Burmese Baha'i community constructed a sarcophagus for the Báb, and in 1899 Siyyid Mustafa brought it to the Holy Land where he presented it to 'Abdu'l-Baha. The remains of the Báb were placed in the sarcophagus in 1909. He traveled to the Dutch East Indies with Jamal Effendi in the 1880's, and the two converted the King and Queen of Boné in Celebes on the journey. He was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma in the late 1930's. Siyyid Mustafa was invited to live in the village of Daidanaw by the headman of the village, who had learnt about the Faith from two Baha'is who had vouched for him in a legal dispute. He converted approximately 800 residents of Daidanaw to the Baha'i Faith and established a school there. In his later years he translated the Kitab-i-Iqan, The Hidden Words and Some Answered Questions into Burmese, and the Maoala-i-Sayyah into Urdu.

In 1945 a mob of 3000 nationalists attacked foreigners in Daidanaw, destroying many Baha'i properties and murdering eleven Baha'is including Siyyid Mustafa.

On July 14, 1945 Shoghi Effendi posthumously named him a Hand of the Cause sending the following cablegram:

“Hearts griefstricken passing Supreme Concourse distinguished pioneer Faith Baha’u’llah, dearly beloved staunch high minded noble soul Siyyid Mustafa. Long record his superb services (in) both teaching (and) administrative fields shed lustre on both heroic and formative ages (of) Baha’i Dispensation. His magnificent achievements fully entitle him join ranks (of the) Hands of (the) Cause (of) Baha’u’llah. His resting place should be regarded foremost shrine (in the) community of Burmese believers Advise holding (of) memorial gatherings throughout India (to) his imperishable memory. Urge Indian (and) Burmese Baba’is participate construction (of his) tomb. Cabling three hundred pounds (as) my personal contribution (for) so praiseworthy (a) purpose.”

March 10. On this date in 1951, a letter from Shoghi Effendi to the NSA of India, Pakistan, and Burma said "In connection with your question regarding the case of Mr. Mrs. ... and their daughter, the Guardian considers that your Assembly did quite right to deprive all three of their voting rights. Their conduct in carrying out a Moslem marriage in the circumstances set forth by you in your letter, and contrary to Bahá'í law, are most reprehensible, to say the least, and if such actions are not strongly censured by the Bahá'ís, other friends may be encouraged in moments of weakness, to err."

March 10. On this date in 1951, a letter from Shoghi Effendi to the NSA of India, Pakistan, and Burma said "In connection with your question regarding the case of Mr. Mrs. ... and their daughter, the Guardian considers that your Assembly did quite right to deprive all three of their voting rights. Their conduct in carrying out a Moslem marriage in the circumstances set forth by you in your letter, and contrary to Bahá'í law, are most reprehensible, to say the least, and if such actions are not strongly censured by the Bahá'ís, other friends may be encouraged in moments of weakness, to err."

191. Parents' Voting Rights Can Be Suspended if Consent is Given Contrary to Bahá'í Law
"In connection with your question regarding the case of Mr. Mrs. ... and their daughter, the Guardian considers that your Assembly did quite right to deprive all three of their voting rights. Their conduct in carrying out a Moslem marriage in the circumstances set forth by you in your letter, and contrary to Bahá'í law, are most reprehensible, to say the least, and if such actions are not strongly censured by the Bahá'ís, other friends may be encouraged in moments of weakness, to err."
(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma, March 10, 1951)

February 7. On this date in 1910, Charles Mason Remey wrote Corinne True a letter stating "Since being here in Rangoon we have scarcely had time in which to sleep, so numerous have been our callers, the Truth seekers."

February 7. On this date in 1910, Charles Mason Remey wrote Corinne True a letter stating "Since being here in Rangoon we have scarcely had time in which to sleep, so numerous have been our callers, the Truth seekers."

From Star of the West, Volume 1, published March 21, 1910...

A letter was received March 9th by Mrs. Corinne True of Chicago, from Mr. C. M. Remey, dated Rangoon, Burmah, February 7, 1910, in which he said: "Since being here in Rangoon we have scarcely had time in which to sleep, so numerous have been our callers, the Truth seekers." Also he said if they had no delays they would probably be in Port Said, Egypt, April 1st, and from there go to Acca.

February 4. On this date in 1910, during his trip around the world with Howard C. Struven, Charles Mason Remey addressed a letter to the Bahá'í Assembly of Washington, DC from Rangoon, Burma, which was later published in the "Star of the West" magazine.

February 4. On this date in 1910, during his trip around the world with Howard C. Struven, Charles Mason Remey addressed a letter to the Bahá'í Assembly of Washington, DC from Rangoon, Burma, which was later published in the Star of the West magazine.

Charles Mason Remey and Howard C. Struven were the first Bahá'ís to make a complete circuit of the world. Mason Remey would later become a Hand of the Cause of God, the president of the International Bahá'í Council, and after Shoghi Effendi's death, a claimant to the office of Guardian.

LETTER FROM MR. REMEY
RANGOON, BURMAH, FEBRUARY 4, 1910.
To the Bahai Assembly of
Washington, D. C., U. S. A.
DEAR BAHAI FRIENDS: — Since writing you last from Honolulu, our Bahai brother, Howard Struven, and I, have attained to this point on our line of travel, having visited Japan, and some of the Chinese ports, as well as Singapore, on our way here to Rangoon.
We arrived here about ten days ago; the intervening time has sped past very quickly. Being quartered in the Mashrak-el-Azkar, we are receiving believers and truth-seekers from a very early to a very late hour. Many are coming to inquire about the Teachings, Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, Moslems, Buddhists and Brahmans or Hindoos. We find that the general knowledge which we had of these latter-mentioned religions is very scanty, so we have been studying and preparing ourselves to meet the questions of the people of these divers creeds. This to the Bahai is not so difficult a task as one might at first imagine, as in their purity each of these religions of the world was of divine origin, so now that the Bahais have the spiritual understanding or key to all religions, they are all explained from one spiritual standpoint. The one spiritual explanation satisfies the seeking soul from whatever religion he may come. Thus do we see the power and the spiritual potency of the Truth.
In Japan we spent six days with Prof. M. Barakatullah in Tokyo, where he had gathered quite a group of truth-seekers from both the foreigners living in Tokyo as well as from the Japanese people. Enclosed I send you a copy of a notice in Japanese which was circulated, inviting people to a large Bahai Meeting held in the Y. M. C. A. Auditorium in Tokyo. We had a well-attended meeting, which immediately placed us in touch with a great many people. Other meetings were held and we met many personally, so that the time in Tokyo passed rapidly. After visiting Yokahoma, Kobe, Kyoto and Nagasaki, we passed over into China, where in Shanghai we met with a most devoted Bahai brother from Persia who lives there, Mirza Abdul Badhi — Mirza Ahmad knows him. Though our visit in Shanghai was not long, we met several people who were deeply in sympathy with our work. We could have remained there indefinitely and had plenty of work to do in the Cause, but we felt that we should be pressing on here where the call is more urgent, and besides we wish to complete our tour of India before the excessive heat sets in, for during the cool weather now on we have the best opportunity to meet people.
Of the work here in Burmah I will write later on in a general letter. Now I will make a brief mention of the work in Japan. There the field is ready, and what is most encouraging is that the thinkers and leaders of Japan realize this. Many are looking about for a religion suited to the needs of the Japanese people. Now is, I feel, the time for the Bahais to direct their energies toward Japan.
American Bahais are needed in Japan. If all of the people will carry this in their minds, someone may hear and respond to this call from the far East. Teachers are needed also in China, particularly in Shanghai, for there the Cause is somewhat known, and a good beginning could easily be accomplished.
In these Eastern countries there are excellent business opportunities open to young men. Several energetic young Bahai brothers from America could do a great work in Japan, China or here, and at the same time be establishing themselves and doing well in business.
I trust the time may soon come when Bahai workers from the West may come to these fields, for their services are needed.
Please extend our Bahai greeting from both to all. The friends here join us.
Yours in His Holy Cause,
Charles Mason Remey

October 26. On this date in 1932, Shoghi Effendi wrote Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí expressing his happiness "regarding the translation of Dr. Esslemont’s book into Burmese."

October 26. On this date in 1932, Shoghi Effendi wrote Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí expressing his happiness "regarding the translation of Dr. Esslemont’s book into Burmese."

To Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí
October 26, 1932
Dear Bahá’í brother,
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated October 10th 1932 regarding the translation of Dr. Esslemont’s book into Burmese.
He was very glad to learn that the work is progressing gradually and surely, and that already a considerable amount of pages have been translated. He hopes that until the expiration of the time appointed the work will be completed. It is however very necessary that the reviewing committee go over the book very carefully, because a newcomer is generally not familiar with Bahá’í terminology or method of expression.
The Guardian hopes that the financial part of the work will also be solved. Such matters have never blocked the way of the friends or even retarded their progress. Let us have faith in God’s mighty hand and He will surely help us. Please convey Shoghi Effendi’s greetings to all the friends. He sincerely hopes that they will always be guided in their work of serving the Cause and that they will succeed to attract many souls into a full acceptance of Bahá’u’lláh and His divine message.
Assuring you of Shoghi Effendi’s prayers and best wishes.
Dear and valued brother:
Your welcome letter imparted joy and abiding consolation to my heavy-laden heart. I so deeply appreciate your inspiring efforts, as well as the diligent and self-sacrificing endeavours of your devoted co-workers Mandalay, Rangoon and Kunjangoon. I wish to associate myself with their high efforts and am enclosing the sum of £9 in order to assist and hasten the completion of the translation of the book into Burmese. Sixteen printed translations have been already gathered together and placed in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí close to His Sacred Shrine, and the book is now being translated into sixteen additional languages including the Burmese. Persevere in your efforts, never feel disheartened and rest assured and confident. Your true brother,
Shoghi