There is nothing in the Writings that would lead us to the
conclusion that what Shoghi Effendi says about himself concerning statements on
subjects not directly related to the Faith also applies to ‘Abdu’l Bahá.
Instead we have assertions which indicate that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s position in the
Faith is one for which we find “no parallel” in past Dispensations. For
example, Bahá’u’lláh, in addition to His reference to the Center of His
Covenant as the “Mystery of God,” states that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá should be regarded as
God’s “exalted Handiwork” and “a Word which God hath adorned with the ornament
of His Own Self, and made it sovereign over the earth and all that there is
therein.” And from Shoghi Effendi we have the incontrovertible statement that
the Guardian of the Faith while “overshadowed” by the “protection” of
Bahá’u’lláh and of the Báb, “remains essentially human,” whereas in respect of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá Shoghi Effendi categorically states that “in the person of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá the incompatible characteristics of a human nature and superhuman
knowledge and perfection have been blended and are completely harmonized.”
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 3 June 1982, written on
behalf of the Universal House)
