Bahaipedia:Reference desk/Archive 3

Population numbers

Are the population numbers correct? It seem to have extra digits to make the numbers in millions, instead of thousands.

Number of Bahá'ís by country - Bahaipediahttps://bahaipedia.org › ...
Country	Bahá’í estimate	RI	ARDA	ADH	Other	Population (est)
Afghanistan			15,333	23,075	400	31,500,000
Albania	14,024	5,604	7,047	5,711		3,600,000
Algeria		3,147	3,304	2,806		33,000,000

Hi, the column titled Population (est) represents the country's total population, not the Baha'i population. This is probably confusing. I've changed the title of that column; hopefully that makes it a little clearer. Dragfyre (talk) 05:39, 20 September 2021 (PDT)

Blanca Mejia page

Hello, dear friends. It has been determined that Blanca Mejia was actually born in 1897. Source: Mr. Eddy Kuhl, cultural historian (Nicaragua) and Blanca's great-niece Mireya Armijo Mejia de Wharton in 2014 in an interview with her by me while doing research on Blanca's life. Thank you! When I asked why she would have said she was born in 1911, the answer from the local Baha'is who knew her was "because women always want to say they are younger than they are." :-)

Anne King Sadeghpour former corresponding secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Nicaragua

Also, Blanca was born in Jinotega - not Leon. Her father was from Somoto and her mother was Jinotegan. She did die in Leon, and that is where she is buried, at the Guadalupe Cemetery.

Thank you!

Thank you. I have updated the page. Is there anything published with the correct date? A book or online article? Also, do you know if the day of birth is correct, December 3? David (talk) 12:44, 4 October 2021 (PDT)

where can I find the list of pilgrim notes

... from the early days in Acca or Haifa to the time of the Passing of Shoghi Effendi ...I would like to view these168.167.80.66 09:22, 10 October 2021 (PDT) notes in full text...thank you

dbtodd

I'm not sure if such a list has been organised that way, but I did ask a friend and they pointed me to https://bahai-library.com/Pilgrims hope that helps! David (talk) 17:13, 11 October 2021 (PDT)

Bahai Calendar

Why did the twin holy days change dates in the Gregorian calendar?

Hi, this page has an explanation: https://www.bahai.ca/holy-days/

Note: The Bahá’í holy days are set and move according to a solar calendar commencing with the Spring Equinox. However the holy days marking the birth of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh are set and move according to a lunar calculation.

You can see also: Twin Holy Birthdays David (talk) 17:54, 7 November 2021 (PST)

Changing the Baha'i Scouting Logo

The Baha'i Scouting Logo file says it cannot be replaced. We would like to use the new Unity of Humanity award as our new logo since we have BSA and GSUSA members on the committee and the current logo does not represent GSUSA.

How do we go about changing this? Thanks Aileen Poehls

Hi Aileen, thank you for your contributions so far. We had to disable the feature to upload new versions because it was being used for vandalism here at one point, but you can upload a new file. David (talk) 14:04, 18 November 2021 (PST)

Tablets of the Divine Plans

Is there an article regarding the people and their identities, who responded positively to the demand of Abdu’l-Bahá (Tablets of the Divine Plans )for pioneering in US. and Canada or through the Planet?

We don't have an article like that. There is Knights of Bahá’u’lláh for those who pioneered in response to the Ten Year Crusade. David (talk) 05:32, 9 December 2021 (PST)

I remember some interest around the centenary of the 1919 meeting but never saw particular scholarship appear. I think inn addition to the Star of the West, plus references in some Hand biographies, maybe newspaper, might gather enough materials. Smkolins (talk) 05:36, 9 December 2021 (PST)

It might be difficult to collect all of the pioneers into one article, as there have been many, many pioneers around the world over the decades. IMO the best way to go might be to include the names of pioneers in articles about individual countries, where these names are known. For example, the article on Andorra could have a section listing the names of pioneers to Andorra. Before doing that, of course, it would be important to expand and develop the article so that it gives a good idea of the history of the Baha'i Faith in the country. Dragfyre (talk) 17:51, 9 December 2021 (PST)

Heaven

My son recently asked me why Bahaullah went to the third Heaven and Christ went to the seventh Heaven when they were both a manesfestation of God?

Hello, Katsabrat. Bahá’u’lláh would use terminology familiar to His audience, it is in that connection you will see references to a 'fourth heaven'[1] or a 'seventh sphere', but otherwise they hold no special meaning for Bahá’ís. For example in the Kitáb-i-Íqán, referring to Christ:

They at last heaped on His blessed Person such woes that He took His flight unto the fourth Heaven.[2]

This page describes the seven heavens according to Islam, but says Jesus occupies the second heaven. I'm not sure how someone of Shi‘ih background during the time of Bahá’u’lláh would have understood that passage. However, instead of confirming descriptions of different levels of heaven in the way it has been understood in Islam, Bahá’u’lláh instead says in the Íqán:

On the contrary, by the term “earth” is meant the earth of understanding and knowledge, and by “heavens” the heavens of divine Revelation.[3]

In this connection, there is a 'heaven' of divine revelation corresponding to Jesus, Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá’u’lláh would be the latest. You are correct that we believe these are all Manifestations of God, occupying the same station, however the intensity of their light (as determined by our capacity) differed:

It is clear and evident, therefore, that any apparent variation in the intensity of their light is not inherent in the light itself, but should rather be attributed to the varying receptivity of an ever-changing world. Every Prophet Whom the Almighty and Peerless Creator hath purposed to send to the peoples of the earth hath been entrusted with a Message, and charged to act in a manner that would best meet the requirements of the age in which He appeared.[4]

It would seem that if someone were to say one Messenger went to this heaven, and one to another it would be in an attempt to rank them, but they are all in fact equal. I would recommend asking your son for the source of his understanding so you can study these topics together and better understand what he meant. David (talk) 23:28, 27 December 2021 (PST)

The five year plan and now the nine year plan

Why did the five year plan become the nine year plan?

The House of Justice sets the length of the plans based on its goals for the the worldwide community. Some of the articles on this are not very well developed, but this page on the Divine Plan links to each plan individually and the years it covered, with some brief descriptions and those pages might give you a better idea. David (talk) 23:32, 27 December 2021 (PST)

Many of the Bahaipedia pages for various national Baha'i communities do not list an email address or a website. Can this be fixed?

Many of the Bahaipedia pages for various national Baha'i communities do not list an email address or a website. Can this be fixed?

Hello! That would be great, but the regular contributors here are all occupied with the own work. With the resources we have, if you or someone interested does not add them it won't happen. David (talk) 18:00, 10 January 2022 (PST)

Nearness to God

How can we order 2 copies of Nearness to God and the price please?

Hi. I didn't see it for sale anywhere unfortunately. A damaged and expensive copy is listed on eBay right now here. Maybe just keep checking back on eBay from time to time. David (talk) 23:59, 26 January 2022 (PST)

voting

If a person just became a bahai and doesnot know any other bahai how can he vote for a assembly or degelgates?

That would be difficult. Is it likely someone would declare and then be asked to vote before having had a chance to meet anyone in their local community? Maybe in that case they would abstain if they felt like they couldn't fulfil the obligation. But one purpose of joining the monthly feasts and other activities would be to get acquainted with all the other members in a community, so such a situation should be resolved fairly quickly. David (talk) 07:53, 10 February 2022 (PST)

local spiritual assembly

role of officers —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 209.115.231.17 (talk • contribs) .

Can you please elaborate? David (talk) 10:56, 26 April 2022 (PDT)

Knights of Baha'u'llah scroll

Is there any information on why it took so long to place the scroll at the doorway of Baha'u'llah's shrine, as anticipated by Shoghi Effendi at the start of the 10 year crusade? Perhaps it's because the last territory wasn't settled until 1990? OR was there a plan to wait until that holy year? Or... On that vein, I also wondered if there are any territories that weren't listed by Shoghi Effendi and still are not settled?

Allah'u'abha

Allah'u'abha Hope you are all well, my friend on wathsap came to Baku for business reasons and request to meet a Baha'i friend in Baku. He is from Pakistan and very nice person.Any possiblity to contact him on his WhatsApp number .......His name is Mr Adnan and searching about Baha'i faith. Ya Baha'u'llah Farhad Todiee ...... From Australia÷

Hi, I don't have any way to contact the Baha'is there, but can he use this website? http://www.bahai.az/ David (talk) 14:19, 1 May 2022 (PDT)

Gifts and Talents

I have written a book and is in the hands of publishers to be published soon. In the book I have referred to the following from Baha'u'llah. I came across this piece of writing couple of years ago and I liked it so much that I am quoting it in my book.

“You have something you are good at, and you are gifted in that way. If you do not know your talents and your gifts, you go in different directions endlessly in your life.” - Baha'u'llah

No after two years I am, and the publishers also interested to know the source. I know it is from Baha'u'llah. Can you confirm that it is Baha'u'llah. I got it from Bahai writings and I am sure it is.

I just came to Bahaipedia looking for it.

Please help me —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 121.44.65.88 (talk • contribs) .

Hello. I am not familiar with this quote, and based on the style of writing it seems like a provisional translation or perhaps a recorded saying, but it is unlikely you will find a match without doing a lot of searches for synonyms on for example bahai.org/library. Here are some quotes on education, but I didn't see a clear match to your quote: https://bahai9.com/wiki/Education or “Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit there from.” (Source) David (talk) 10:49, 13 May 2022 (PDT)

Agree with David. These authoritative quotes might interest, however, depending on your intent with the quote:

1. "The best of men are they that earn a livelihood by their calling..."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Hidden Words from the Persian, no. 82)

2. "The first Taráz and the first effulgence which hath dawned from the horizon of the Mother Book is that man should know his own self and recognize that which leadeth unto loftiness or lowliness, glory or abasement, wealth or poverty."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, pp. 34-35)

3. "Even as He hath revealed: "We will surely show them Our signs in the world and within themselves."1 Again He saith: "And also in your own selves: will ye not then behold the signs of God?"2 And yet again He revealeth: "And be ye not like those who forget God, and whom He hath therefore caused to forget their own selves."3 In this connection, He Who is the eternal King — may the souls of all that dwell within the mystic Tabernacle be a sacrifice unto Him — hath spoken: "He hath known God who hath known himself."

"I swear by God, O esteemed and honoured friend! Shouldst thou ponder these words in thine heart, thou wilt of a certainty find the doors of divine wisdom and infinite knowledge flung open before thy face."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, par. 107-108, pp. 101-102)

And if you were stressing the need to look at gifts/talents because one's own inclinations can be important in addition to the needs of the Cause, there is this from the House speaking of one's predilections:

"Regarding the need to acquire education and a profession, versus the call to arise and serve the Faith directly, there is no essential conflict between these two necessities of Bahá'í life, but the issues involved must be weighed carefully by the individual concerned in relation to his own personal circumstances. The considerations to be borne in mind by anyone contemplating pioneering for the Cause are the undoubted wisdom of obtaining qualifications which will enable him to be self-supporting wherever he may go, the general needs of the Cause, any specific very urgent needs, and his own predilections."

(On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, at https://bahai-library.com/uhj_balance_planning_pioneering#pioneering )

Virtual Cemeteries

Would it be poss to set up a directory of virtual cemeteries? There has already been a fair amount of work done on findagrave, but it doesn't allow sub-directories. Don59405 (talk) 17:46, 26 June 2022 (PDT) Don C

Can you explain more, what do you mean by sub-directories? What is a virtual cemetery? David (talk) 20:09, 26 June 2022 (PDT)

Name of Auxiliary Board 2022 for Baltimore MD USA

Auxiliary Board for Baltimor MD

No idea, sorry :( Someone from the area will have to pop in and reply here. Dragfyre (talk) 02:40, 10 July 2022 (PDT)

The Page on the Local Spiritual Assembly contains a serious error

It says: The LSA is elected annually, and elections occur in an atmosphere of prayer, with electioneering, nominations, campaigning,

it should be corrected to state "without" electioneering, etc

Thank you for the report. However, the full sentence is "The LSA is elected annually, and elections occur in an atmosphere of prayer, with electioneering, nominations, campaigning, and all discussion of persons being forbidden". Note that it concludes that phrase with "being forbidden" Brettz9 (talk) 15:31, 4 July 2022 (PDT)

Tashkent

I an an American Baha’i I will arrive in Tashkent 9/5/22 Would like to attend a Baha’i gathering during my 4 or 5 day stay The website is in Uzbek language Any suggestions I speak English Live in Santa MonicaCalornia State United States of America

Hi! My best guess at a next step would be to contact your National Spiritual Assembly (ie. of the USA), whom you could ask to put you in touch with the National Spiritual Assembly of Uzbekistan. As an added benefit, the NSA would also be able to advise you on the conditions of the Faith there, and arrange for a letter of introduction to share about your membership as an American Bahá'í (so that the community over there know that you're a Bahá'í in good standing). Dragfyre (talk) 02:39, 10 July 2022 (PDT)

Smoking

Do Bahais allow smoking?

See here for quotes related to this topic: https://bahai9.com/wiki/Tobacco David (talk) 14:57, 21 July 2022 (PDT)