Ridván
National Spiritual Assembly
nsa@bahai.org.uk
18 April 2015
10 Jalál 172 B.E.
To all believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved Friend,
The twelve-day festival of Riḍván will soon commence, celebrating the historic moment in 1863 when Bahá’u’lláh declared Himself as the Promised One of all ages, and we extend our love and affectionate greetings to our dear brothers and sisters in the UK at this special time.
Acclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh Himself as the “Most Great Festival”, the “King of Festivals”, the “Festival of God”, and characterised as the Day whereon “all created things were immersed in the sea of purification”, Riḍván is undoubtedly a time of tremendous joy and significance for the community. Elections for Local and National Spiritual Assemblies will be held; all will eagerly turn to the guidance conveyed by the Universal House of Justice in its Riḍván message; and through Bahá’u’lláh’s consummate wisdom, we are given the bounty of three Holy Days—the first, ninth and twelfth days of the Riḍván period—on which we have the opportunity to consecrate ourselves to the praise of our Creator and to celebrate together with exultant happiness.
The National Assembly is sure that the devoted, creative efforts of the friends to befittingly commemorate the Riḍván Festival will be a rich source of blessings for the community, and we warmly encourage all to consider how best to give expression to the spirit of this unique period.
In case it may be of assistance, please note that brief statements on each of the Holy Days are available from the UK Bahá’í Downloads website (resources.bahai.org.uk/study-guides). These may help in introducing the Holy Days to friends and family.
Our love is ever with you, and we beseech the Blessed Perfection to shower His bestowals and tender mercies on you all during this sacred festival of Riḍván.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
National Spiritual Assembly
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary