[AUTHORIZED TRANSLATION FROM PERSIAN]

Naw-Rúz 2018

To the faithful followers of Bahá’u’lláh

    in the sacred land of Iran

We extend to you our heartfelt greetings on the joyous occasion of Naw-Rúz and the arrival of spring.  Most assuredly, you have partaken abundantly of the spiritual bounties of the blessed days of the Fast and are now celebrating the new year with your families, friends, and neighbours.  Yours is the honour of living in a country about which the beloved Guardian stated:  “The people of Bahá, whether inside or outside Iran, venerate the birthplace of the Blessed Beauty and sacrifice their own interests and comfort, nay their very lives and substance, for the revival, glory, progress, and furtherance of the true welfare of that land.”  This is why striving for the advancement of that revered country is particularly dear to you and to Bahá’ís the world over, and why—with complete confidence in the great and glorious future of Iran—you are ever ready to render sincere and valuable services in this path, labouring shoulder-to-shoulder with your well-intentioned and eager compatriots.

Dearly loved friends!  The Bahá’í world is still astir with the blessings of the bicentenary celebrations of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.  News of the progress of the spiritual enterprise of building dynamic and vibrant communities in collaboration with others continues to flow to the Holy Land from five continents.  Praised be God that, despite unrelenting persecutions, you too are contributing your valued share to the fulfilment of the lofty aims of the Ancient Beauty and the spiritual goals of this Most Great Cause.  Your purpose in life is to draw ever closer to God, and your thoughts are centred upon advancing the common weal.  You observe the chaos and the turbulence of the world and see in them the dawn of the unfoldment of a new Order in human society.  You give thanks to the Sacred Threshold for having been honoured with the bounty of service, and your joy is redoubled at the knowledge that this Day shall not be followed by night and this light shall never be extinguished.  During these joyful days, consort with your fellow citizens and inspire hope in the hearts of the despondent.  For our part, conscious of the impact of the spiritual forces released through your consecrated acts of sacrifice for the advancement of the Cause, we raise our hands in gratitude and offer prayers in the Holy Shrines for you and all the noble people of Iran.

[signed:  The Universal House of Justice]