''God Passes By'', written by

Shoghi Effendi Shoghí Effendi (; 1 March 1897 – 4 November 1957) was the grandson and successor of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, appointed to the role of Guardian of the Baháʼí Faith from 1921 until his death in 1957. He created a series of teaching plans that over ...

, head of the

Baháʼí Faith The Baháʼí Faith is a religion founded in the 19th century that teaches the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. Established by Baháʼu'lláh in the 19th century, it initially developed in Iran and parts of the ...

in the first half of the 20th century, is a book which provides a historical summary of the first century of the Baháʼí Faith, from 1844 to 1944. While historical episodes are recounted in some detail, "God Passes By" is particularly notable for the significance Shoghi Effendi assigns to events in the history of the Baháʼí Faith, and the interpretation he gives to various episodes.

''God Passes By'' is organized into four periods representing different periods in the history of the Bábí and Baháʼí Faiths.

The Ministry of the Báb (1844-1853)

This section of the book recounts the life of the

Báb The Báb (b. ʿAlí Muḥammad; 20 October 1819 – 9 July 1850), was the messianic founder of Bábism, and one of the central figures of the Baháʼí Faith. He was a merchant from Shiraz in Qajar Iran who, in 1844 at the age of 25, claimed ...

, details his most significant and outstanding religious writings, describes the rise and development of the Babi Faith, and the turbulence and persecution which the followers of that faith experienced.

The Ministry of Baháʼu'lláh (1853-1892)

This section of the book describes the major episodes in the life of

Baháʼu'lláh Baháʼu'lláh (born Ḥusayn-ʻAlí; 12 November 1817 – 29 May 1892) was the founder of the Baháʼí Faith. He was born to an aristocratic family in Qajar Iran, Persia, and was exiled due to his adherence to the messianic Bábism, Bábí ...

, details his most significant religious writings, recounts both the external persecution of the Baha'is by the Ottoman and Persian governments and the internal crisis within the Baha'i community precipitated by the rebellion of Mirza Yahya against Baha'u'llah's authority, and ends with the death of Baha'u'llah in Akka.

The Ministry of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1892-1921)

This section of the book describes the major episodes in the life of

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (; Persian: ‎, 23 May 1844 – 28 November 1921), born ʻAbbás ( fa, عباس), was the eldest son of Baháʼu'lláh and served as head of the Baháʼí Faith from 1892 until 1921. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá was later canonized as the ...

, details the nature of and challenges to Baha'u'llah's Covenant with his followers regarding succession of leadership within the Baha'i Faith, recounts the continued persecutions of Baha'is in various parts of the world, describes the travels of ʻAbdu'l-Baha throughout the West, and ends with the death of ʻAbdu'l-Baha.

The Inception of the Formative Age of the Baháʼí Faith (1921-1944)

This section of the book describes the 23 years of Baha'i history following the death of ʻAbdu'l-Baha, with particular emphasis on the provisions and implications of his last Will and Testament, the development of the Baha'i Administrative Order, and the expansion and multiplication of Baha'i communities throughout the world.

References

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External links

Compendium on God Passes By
Works by Shoghi Effendi