Values in Harmony - University of St Andrews

GLOSSARYAbdu’l-Bahá (1844 - 1921) The name by which Abbas Effendi the son of Bahá’u’lláh andHis appointed successor, is commonly known. ”Abdu’l-Bahá” means “Servant of Bahá”.. Hewas the Head of the Bahá’í Faith, the authorized interpreter of Baha’u’llah’s Writings, and theperfect exemplar of what a Bahá’í should be.The Báb (1819 - 1850) Translates as, “the Gate.” The title of Hájí Siyyid Mírzá Alí MuhammadShirazi, the Prophet-Founder of the Bábí Faith and “Herald” of the Bahá’í Faith. His briefministry ended with His public execution on July 9, 1850 in Tabríz, Persia.Bahá’u’lláh (1817 - 1892) Translates as, “the Glory of God.” The title of Mírzá Husayn Alí Nuri,The Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. He spent His 40-year ministry in prison and in exile.In spite of great hardships and the opposition of the most powerful leader, He succeeded inspreading His message of unity and peace, dictating 100 volumes (which form the core of theBahá’í Holy Writings), and proclaiming to the world’s leaders calling them to reconcile theirdiiferences and establish true justice in the world.Bahá’í Noun and adjective, A follower of Bahá’u’lláh. Anything closely associated with theFaith of Baha’u’llah.Guardian The title of a post held by head of the Bahá’í Faith Shoghi Effendi (1896 - 1957)grandson of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The Guardian was given the sole authority to interpret the HolyWritings.Greatest Name (also “Most Great Name”) Short for “The Greatest Name of God” said to be amystery that would be revealed in the days of fulfillment of prophecy. Bahá’ís believe this nameto be “Alláh-u-Abhá” (“God, the All-Glorious”) . The title of Bahá’u’lláh, and various forms of itreflect the importance of this name. The most common are “Alláh-u-Abhá” and “Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá” (“O Glory of the All-Glorious”). There are also several calligraphic expressionsof the Greatest Name.Local and National Spiritual Assemblies The annually elected bodies of nine adult Bahá’ísthat administer the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith at the local or national level.Manifestation of God A term used by Bahais to refer to divine the Messengers sent by Godto reveal His teachings to humanity.Progressive Revelation The Bahá’í belief that God has sent successive manifestations whobring new revelations in order to advance, renew and educate humanity.Regional Council The Universal House of Justice created Regional Councils beginning in1998 as an intermediate level of administration. In Scotland the Bahá’í Council is the highestauthority under the National Spiritual Assembly of the UK.Universal Auxillary Language Use of a language universally understood and additional tothe native tongue, to enable better understanding and the promotion of unity among peoples.Universal House of Justice The elected supreme governing body of the Bahá’í Faith.CONTACTSwww.bahaullah.comwww.bahai.orgtel: 0800-0381844.20