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Bahiyyih Khanum, compiled by the Research Department p69
The ascension of the Greatest Holy Leaf is, indeed, an irreparable loss to us all and will continue to be deeply felt for many, many long years. Her presence among us was such a source of blessings and inspiration! She was to every one of us not only a friend but a real mother, through whose maternal care and love we had learned to feel and experience that consuming love which is born of God and which alone can galvanize the souls of men.
Her departure from our midst, though cruel and heart-rending in its immediate results cannot but ultimately serve the very best interests of the Cause. For this invincible Faith of God has, ever since its inception in darkest Persia, grown and flourished amidst all sorts of tribulations and sufferings and has welcomed all these as providential forces destined to ensure its unity, promote its interests and consolidate its work.
Let us, therefore, not remain disconsolate and hopeless and withstand in a heroic way the shock occasioned by the passing of our beloved Khanum. Her ascension is a challenge to us all, a challenge to our faith, to our sincerity and to our love.
May her memory continue to strengthen and deepen our spiritual insight and enable us to render the Faith as many services as we can.
Postscript by Shoghi Effendi quoted in Bahiyyih Khanum, compiled by the Research Department p47
I greatly value your sympathy in my cruel, my irreparable loss. My only comfort is the assurance of her devoted lovers to remain firm and steadfast in the Cause and to strive to follow in her footsteps. The example of her life is our solace, our inspiration and strength. May the Beloved aid you to follow in her way, and to perpetuate her glorious memory.
[response to Younkers NY LSA condolences on passing of Bahiyyih Khanum 23 Aug 1932]
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