Why do we have a NDF (Nineteen Day Feast) every month? Is this really from the teachings of Baha'u'llah, or was it later introduced by the Administration to maintain control over the Baha'is, collect funds and just meet to submit to the orders of the administrative bodies? Just asking for your thoughts on this. Answer: Dear friend, Allah'u'Abha! Baha'u'llah does indeed speak about regular gathering, but His instruction is far simpler and far more spiritual than what exists today. In the Kitab-i-Aqdas, He writes: "Hospitality has been prescribed (as an obligation), once every month, even though it be with water only. God desired to bring hearts together even, if necessary, it be by the causes of heavens and earth." -Kitab-i-Aqdas This passage speaks of hospitality, not administration. It speaks of hearts coming together, not attendance being tracked. It speaks of simplicity, not structured agendas, reports, consultations, or announcements. ...
Email 1: I always was told that Shoghi Effendi was appointed by the Master as the “Guardian” of the Faith. But then I found out that the you guys, as in, the Free Baha’is reject this idea completely calling it bogus. I wanted to understand if you can explain what are your sources to show Shoghi Effendi was not chosen by Abdu’l Baha? Answer: Dear friend, Allah’u’Abha! This question touches the very heart of what differentiates the Free Baha’i understanding of the Faith from that of the mainstream, or Haifan, Baha’is. Although we have covered it in our magazine many times, and answer to that can also be found on various Free Baha’i blogs and infact other portals like a Quora or a Reddit too. Free Baha’is believe that Shoghi Effendi was never appointed as Guardian by Abdu’l Baha, and that the Will and Testament of Abdu’l Baha, which supposedly names him as such, was not an authentic document revealed or entirely written by the Master Himself. There are several reasons behind thi...