Significant Writings: the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ʻAbdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, in Chronological Order

"At the time of the appearance of Him Whom God will make manifest the most distinguished among the learned and the lowliest of men shall both be judged alike. How often the most insignificant of men have acknowledged the truth, while the most learned have remained wrapt in veils." – the Bab

The Báb

1. The "Qayyúmu'l-Asmá" (1844-1863): the Báb's first major work, written before His declaration that he was a messenger from God. It teaches about the nature of God, the purpose of creation, and the advent of a new messenger from God.

2. The "Bayán" (1848-1850): the Báb's most important work, revealed after declaring His mission. It contains the laws and teachings of the Bábi religion, including the importance of prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage, and the need for social and moral reform.

3. The "Seven Letters" (1848-1850): seven letters that the Báb addressed to the rulers and religious leaders of His time, calling upon them to recognize His mission and to work towards the unity and well-being of humanity.

4. The "Kitáb-i-Asmá'" (1850s): written while the Báb was in prison, contains teachings on the spiritual journey and the development of the soul.

5. The "Tafsír-i-Hurúfát-i-Muqatta'ih" (1850s): a commentary that the Báb wrote on the letters of the Arabic alphabet, which contains esoteric teachings on the nature of God and the spiritual journey.

"Be fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech. Be unjust to no man, and show all meekness to all men. Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed, an upholder and defender of the victim of oppression." – Baha’u’llah

Baha’u’llah

1. The "Kitáb-i-Íqán" (1861): explains the spiritual teachings of the Baha'i Faith and their relationship to the teachings of other religions. It emphasizes the unity of God, the oneness of humanity, and the spiritual progress of the soul.

2. The "Hidden Words" (1857-1863): a collection of 153 short and profound moral and spiritual aphorisms that offer guidance on various aspects of spiritual life, such as detachment, humility, and love. It has been translated into many languages and is one of Baha'u'llah's most popular works.

3. The "Seven Valleys" (1860s): This mystical work describes the seven inner truths of the spiritual journey towards God, from the valley of search to the valley of unity.

4. The "Epistle to the Son of the Wolf" (1891): Baha'u'llah's final major work, written in response to a Muslim cleric who had persecuted Baha'is. It provides guidance on various aspects of spiritual and social life, such as the importance of justice and the need for unity among all peoples.

There are imperfections in every human being, and you will always become unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But if you look toward God, you will love them and be kind to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and complete mercy. – ʻAbdu'l-Bahá

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá

1. "Some Answered Questions" (1908): a collection of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's answers to questions on various topics, such as the nature of God, the purpose of life, and the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. It provides a clear and accessible introduction to the Baha'i teachings.

2. "The Secret of Divine Civilization" (1875): ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's commentary on the social and economic conditions in Persia and the need for reform. It emphasizes the importance of education, the equality of men and women, and the need for justice and unity.

3. "Tablets of the Divine Plan" (1916 –1917): This is a series of letters written by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá to the Bahá’í s of North America, calling upon them to spread the Bahá’í teachings throughout the world. It emphasizes the importance of unity, service, and teaching.

4. "Selections from the Writings of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá" (1902-1918): This book is a collection of excerpts from ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's writings and speeches on various topics, such as the spiritual principles of the Bahá’í Faith, the importance of unity and service, and the need for social justice.

5. "Promulgation of Universal Peace" (1912 –1913): This is a collection of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's speeches during His travels in Europe and North America, calling upon people of all religions and backgrounds to work towards world peace. It emphasizes the importance of love, justice, and unity among all peoples.

The more we search for ourselves, the less likely we are to find ourselves; and the more we search for God, and to serve our fellow-men, the more profoundly will we become acquainted with ourselves, and the more inwardly assured. This is one of the great spiritual laws of life. – Shoghi Effendi

Shoghi Effendi

1. "The World Order of Baha'u'llah" (1931): This seminal work outlines Baha'u'llah's vision for a world united in peace and justice, and the principles and institutions that can help achieve it. It is considered a foundational text for understanding the Baha'i approach to social transformation.

2. "The Advent of Divine Justice" (1939): This letter, addressed to the Bahá’í s of the United States and Canada, is a call to action for Bahá’í s to overcome racial prejudice and other forms of social and moral decay, and to actively work for the betterment of society. It is seen as a key document in the history of the Baha'i community's engagement with issues of social justice.

3. "God Passes By" (1944): This book is a comprehensive history of the Bahá’í Faith from its origins in 19th-century Iran to the mid-20th century. It provides a detailed account of the lives and teachings of the central figures of the Baha'i Faith and their impact on the world.

4. "Messages to the Baha'i World" (1939-1957): This collection of letters, written by Shoghi Effendi to the global Baha'i community over the course of his guardianship, addresses a wide range of topics, including the Baha'i teachings, the challenges facing the community, and the progress made in the spread of the Faith around the world. These letters are a vital source of guidance and inspiration for Baha'is today.

5. "The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah" (1948): This work provides an overview of the structure and organization of the Baha'i Faith, including the roles of the central institutions and the relationship between the Guardian and the Universal House of Justice. It is an important text for understanding the Baha'i administrative system.