Shoghi Effendi; Era of Ruling

Shoghi Effendi entitled Shoghi Rabbani (1314 – 1377 A.H. / 1336 S.H.) was the oldest son of Abdu’l-Baha’s daughter. In Abdu’l-Baha’s Will and Testament, Shoghi Rabbani was appointed as Abdu’l-Baha’s successor.

Like previous cases, succession of Shoghi Effendi caused disputes and separation among Baha’is.

In fact Abdu’l-Baha revised what his father had appointed and set aside his brother Muhammad Ali Effendi, who had to be the next Baha’i leader, and founded line of guardians¹, the first of whom was Shoghi and it should be continued in his male offspring afterwards. Shoghi reached leadership with the aid of his mother however, some groups did not accept him, such as: Abdu’l-Husain Ayati, Fazlollah Sobhi (Mohtadi) and Hassan Nikoo. Some of them doubted the validity of the will.

Some important activities:

Shoghi, as was the case for his predecessors, slandered and reviled his opponents and they published books in response to him containing reports on their affiliation to Baha’i and their observations. Some examples of these books are Kashfol-hial from Abdu’l-Husain Ayati, Sobhi’s memoirs and Nikoo philosophy.

Contrary to his ancestors, Shoghi had official studies at American University of Beirut and Oxford. His studies at Oxford were unfinished due to Abdu’l-Baha’s death.

His fundamental role in Baha’i history was developing its administrative and universal organizations. This process speeded up in Europe and United States in 1960s and the buildings of Baha’i continental house of worships known as Mashreghol-azkar were built.

Creating the first UHJ

Baha’i organization which was called by Shoghi Effendi ‘Administrative Orders of the Faith’, is administered under the supervision of Baha’is administrative and spiritual center located in Haifa. It is also known as The Universal House of Justice (UHJ).

Close relations with Israel

Israel government was established in the occupied Palestine during Shoghi’s life. Its establishment was opposed by all Islamic countries. Moreover Zionists behavior toward Muslims have hurt Muslims feelings and emotions. In contrast, Shoghi along with the letters showing his and Baha’is approval of establishment of Israel government, visited Israel president after its establishment and “stated Baha’is friendship toward Israel and their wishes and prays for the development and blessings of Israel”. He also announced the Baha’is in his congratulatory message for Nowruz of 1329 S.H. that “the proof of God promise to Khalil’s son and Kalim’s heirs has appeared and the Israeli government has settled in the holy land.”

It was also mentioned in this message, the firm connection of Israel to the international center of Baha’i community^. There are reports on the various examples of Baha’i leaders’ connections with the Israel government, and their efforts to the recognition of Baha’i by this government, published in the Baha’is Akhbar Amri journals and holy letters of Shoghi Effendi.

Books

Shoghi has written some books in Persian and English:

Kitab-i-Badi

It is originally in English in four volumes containing Bab and Baha’s history until 100^thyear of Bab claim, holy letters, and the collection of Shoghi’s manuscripts about different ceremonies in six volumes in Persian.

The Era of Baha’is

This book was written in English and is a review of Baha’i history and its future prediction based on Abdu’l-Baha thoughts, and translation of Nabil Zarandi History in English (about this book, Mohit Tabatabaee, year 3, no. 9, page 706).

His succession

Based on Abdu’l-Baha’s crystal clear explanation in his Will and Testament, after him, 24 of his male children, generation after generation, with the title of the guardian, should have undertaken Baha’i’s leadership and every one of them should have determined his successor “in order not to have conflict after his ascent (his death)” (Abdu’l-Baha, Mofavezat, page 45-46). However the first one of this succession, Shoghi Effendi, was infertile and obviously after his death, in 1337 S.H., another period of split and confusion appeared among Baha’is.

However, at last Shoghi Effendi’s wife, Rúhíyyih Maxwell with a group of 27 people chosen by Shoghi Effendi who were known as hands of the cause, obtained most of Baha’is consent and rejected their opponents and founded House of Justice in 1342 S.H./1964. They, together with the chosen people by House of Justice, known as Continental Board of Counsellors, are responsible for the leadership of Baha’is. Based on Baha’is statistics, their population is currently estimated to be 5-7 million.

Remey’s branch formed along the Haifan branch

Another branch which formed along with Rúhíyyih Maxwell’s leadership, was Remey’s. Since the permanent leader of House of Justice according to Abdu’l-Baha’s foresight has to be a guardian, and the House of Justice does not have the authority to lead without a guardian, Charles Mason Remey claimed to be the successor of Shoghi as the new guardian.

He presented some proofs of his succession and mentioned Shoghi’s murder plot and the elimination of Shoghi’s will.

Remey found followers among Baha’is and established another group called Baha’i Orthodox. Nowadays this group are scattered in different parts of America, India, Australia and some other countries.

Another group of Baha’is followed a young Baha’i from Khorasan called Jamshid Maani. He called himself Sam’allah, his followers are scattered in Indonesia, India, Pakistan and America.

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