Letter of 25 September 1934

Shoghi 25 September 1934 Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel,

I am directed by the Guardian to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated August 29th, and to express his appreciation of your highly-valued efforts for the translation of the "&Kitab-i-'Ahd" into German. He hopes that copies of this precious tablet will soon be made available to all the friends, and that through its study their +P62 knowledge of the Teachings will be deepened, and their zeal for their spread stimulated and sustained.

The term "&afnan" means literally small branch, and refers to the relatives of the &Bab, both men and women. As the &Bab's only son died while in infancy, the former had no direct descendants. The "&afnan" are, therefore, all indirectly related to the &Bab.

As to "&aghsan", it also means branch. But it is a bigger branch than "&afnan". It refers to &Baha'u'llah's descendants.

The "&Kitab-i-'Ahd" is, as you know, &Baha'u'llah's "Book of Covenant". It is entirely written in His own handwriting. And in the light of the objections raised by some of the believers concerning the Will and Testament of &Abdu'l-Baha, it is highly significant to note that this Book of Covenant of &Baha'u'llah bears neither signature, nor seal, nor any date. It was shown to the believers, and was read in their presence nine days after &Baha'u'llah's ascension. The manuscript was in the possession of &Abdu'l-Baha all through His ministry, and after His passing it was found enclosed in His own will. These two precious documents, namely the book of Covenant of &Baha'u'llah and the Will and Testament of &Abdu'l-Baha have both been carefully preserved and are now in the possession of the Guardian....

[From the Guardian:] Dear and valued co-worker:

I greatly value these fresh evidences of your continued, your intelligent and most helpful labours for a better understanding and a wider diffusion of the essentials and fundamentals of our beloved Faith.

You are indeed a pillar of the Administrative Order, which, despite the storms and tests of recent years, is rearing its head in the heart of your beloved and promising country. +P63 Persevere, be happy and confident. I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart.

Your true and grateful brother,