[AUTHORIZED TRANSLATION FROM PERSIAN]

Naw-Rúz 2019

To the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in Iran

Springtime is here once again and the cycle of nature has taken another turn.  It is a new and wondrous season, whose essential qualities are the bright light of the sun and vernal showers and breezes, which enable the capacity latent in the earth to be released, the flowers to bloom, the birds to warble, the desert to become verdant, and a fresh spirit to be breathed into the contingent world.  This physical spring is reminiscent of the Mystic Spring that arrived once more with the rising of the Sun of Truth above the horizon of the sacred land of Iran, shedding illumination upon east and west.  The showers of mercy rained down, the heavenly breezes wafted, the hyacinths of inner meaning sprang forth, and the world of humanity was given life anew and freshness beyond measure.  Although this spiritual Springtide is still in the early stages of its effulgence, yet the initial signs of the influence, transformative power, and unifying force of the divine civilization that has been renewed in this wondrous cycle can already be glimpsed throughout the world, especially in those places where the spiritual enterprise has advanced in degrees of progress.

The year ahead of us is most auspicious and blessed, for it coincides with the Bicentenary of the Birth of that distinguished Son of Iran, the Primal Point, the Most Exalted Countenance, the Herald and Harbinger of this spiritual Springtime.  This occasion is a time of celebration for everyone throughout the world, but Iranians, who are honoured by being compatriots of the Twin Manifestations in this luminous age, have a special share in these festivities.  We greet each and every one of you and the other noble citizens of Iran, wish you joy on the occasion of Naw-Rúz, and offer heartfelt prayers in the Holy Shrines for your increasing success in the path of service to your country and countrymen and for the opening of the gate of justice and equity in that land.

[signed:  The Universal House of Justice]