Ayyám-i-Há and Naw-Rúz
4 February 2022
19 Sulṭán 178 B.E.
Contents:
– Ayyám-i-Há and Naw-Rúz
– Office of Public Affairs: New podcast explores relationship between religion and media
– Democratic Republic of the Congo: Superstructure of temple nears completion
– Bahá’í World Publication: New article highlights efforts for racial justice in US
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All believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved Friends,
The National Spiritual Assembly sends its warmest love to all the followers of the Greatest Name in these islands. As we approach the Fast, that special 19-day period of prayer and spiritual rejuvenation, we first have the bounty of celebrating the days of Ayyám-i-Há—a time for the practice of such spiritual qualities as generosity, friendship, and hospitality, and for reaching out to those who are isolated, in ill health or in need, within our communities and beyond.
It behoveth the people of Baha, throughout these days, to provide good cheer for themselves, their kindred and, beyond them, the poor and needy, and with joy and exultation to hail and glorify their Lord, to sing His praise and magnify His Name; and when they end—these days of giving that precede the season of restraint—let them enter upon the Fast.
Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas
As we prepare for the month of the Fast, here are some resources that may be of assistance:
- Fasting article on Bahai.org: https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/life-spirit/devotion/fasting
- The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting.
A compilation containing translations of Writings by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/importance-obligatory-prayer-fasting/ - Sunrise and sunset times for where you live can be found at: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/
During the days of the Fast, our thoughts will also turn to planning for the upcoming festival of Naw-Rúz, a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends, and loved ones to celebrate the New Year. Coming as it does so soon after the events to mark the Centenary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, you are encouraged to find creative ways to celebrate this Holy Day and engage with newfound friends and contacts with activities this Naw-Rúz.
Praised be Thou, O my God, that Thou hast ordained Naw-Rúz as a festival unto those who have observed the fast for love of Thee and abstained from all that is abhorrent unto Thee. Grant, O my Lord, that the fire of Thy love and the heat produced by the fast enjoined by Thee may inflame them in Thy Cause, and make them to be occupied with Thy praise and with remembrance of Thee.
Bahá’u’lláh, Days of Remembrance
Ayyám-i-Há runs from 25 February to 1 March. The Fast begins at sunset on 1 March and ends at sunset on 20 March 2022. Naw-Rúz is on 21 March 2022 and is a Holy Day where work is suspended and you are encouraged to make arrangements to take this time off from work or school. A very happy Ayyám-i-Há to you all!
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary
Office of Public Affairs: New podcast explores relationship between religion and media
A new podcast series, In Good Faith, exploring the relationship between religion and the media has been launched by the Office of Public Affairs.
The podcast is part of the Office’s long-standing efforts to contribute to the discourse on the role of media in society. In recent years, the Office has brought together journalists, representatives of civil society, and leaders of faith communities to ask searching questions, such as how the media shapes public dialogue. Read more, here >
