Ayyám-i-Há, the Fast and Naw-Rúz
21 February 2018 16 Mulk 174 B.E.
To 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 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)
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 momentous occasion of the bicentenary of Bahá’u’lláh, we encourage you to find creative ways to celebrate this Holy Day and engage our new found friends and contacts with our 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 2018. Naw-Rúz is a Holy Day where work is suspended and we encourage you all 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