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 this conviction – historical, spiritual, and textual.
First, we must remember that throughout His lifetime, Abdu’l Baha spoke consistently and clearly against the establishment of any kind of priesthood or hierarchical authority. In His talks, letters, and writings – whether in Some Answered Questions, The Secret of Divine Civilization, or during His travels in the West – He emphasized the equality of all believers and warned against anyone assuming leadership over others in spiritual matters. The idea of a “Guardian,” who alone would interpret the Word of God and govern the affairs of the Faith, completely contradicts this principle.
Second, there is no mention of Shoghi Effendi – either by name or by reference to his supposed future role – in any of the authenticated writings of Baha’u’llah or Abdu’l Baha that were made public during Their lifetimes. If Baha’u’llah, the Manifestation of God for this age, intended for hereditary succession or a line of Guardians, such a vital command would have been revealed clearly and unequivocally in His own writings. The absence of any such instruction speaks volumes.
Third, the so-called Will and Testament of Abdu’l Baha surfaced only after His passing in 1921, under circumstances that have never been fully clarified. There are multiple accounts of how the document was “discovered,” and questions remain about its authenticity. The language, tone, and even handwriting in sections of this Will are inconsistent with the known style of Abdu’l Baha’s writings. These inconsistencies have been discussed not only by Free Baha’is but also by notable early scholars such as Lady Ruth White, who publicly challenged the document’s legitimacy and even accused Shoghi Effendi of forgery, citing evidence through handwriting analysis.
Moreover, after assuming control, Shoghi Effendi centralized authority, introduced titles, and created an administrative system that effectively replaced the spiritual simplicity of the Cause with a bureaucratic hierarchy. This was completely against Baha’u’llah’s call for “independent investigation of truth” and His prohibition of clergy or intermediaries between the believer and God.
When viewed considering Baha’u’llah’s own teachings and Abdu’l Baha’s lifelong example of humility and service, the concept of Guardianship as established by Shoghi Effendi appears alien to the spirit of the Faith. The Free Baha’is therefore hold that the Will and Testament was not written by Abdu’l Baha entirely, but was fabricated after His death to justify a line of leadership that He never intended.
The truth, as we see it, is simple: Faith was never meant to be inherited, controlled, or institutionalized. It was meant to be lived, searched for, and expressed by each soul in the light of divine guidance. Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l Baha taught that the only “Guardian” of the Faith is the Word of God itself – unchanging, eternal, and accessible to all.
Hope that answers your question. Please get back in case of anything more.
With warm regards,
Team Free Baha'is
Reference: The Caravan, Volume 9, Edition 5
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