Persian Translation of Arabic verses

Letter #1: sent to an individual on Feb. 1 2018; published in Lights of Irfan vol. 19

Letter #2: sent to an individual on April 9 2018; not published

(original sent as PDF, copied-and-pasted here without inclusion of personal content)

9 April 2018
Transmitted by email

Dear Bahá’í Friend,

The Universal House of Justice has received your email letter of 23 September 2015 expressing your concern that lack of translations of Arabic Bahá'í Writings into Persian may be preventing Iranians who are not proficient in Arabic from understanding the Arabic Writings, such as the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. We have been instructed to write to you as follows. The delay in our reply is very much regretted.

Your seeking the advice of the House of Justice is warmly acknowledged. As you know, the Arabic Bahá'í Writings are not translated into the Persian language based on guidance of the beloved Guardian. There are no authorized Persian translations of any of the Arabic Writings, including the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and the obligatory prayers, and publication of any Persian translation of the full text of an Arabic Sacred Text is not permitted. Latitude has been given, however, to using a personal translation or a gist of a passage in Persian for the purpose of enhancing understanding of the Writings, and these may be shared for this purpose with a few others—for instance, in the context of a study group. Moreover, the House of Justice has previously indicated that adding diacriticals to the Arabic words and explaining the meaning of difficult words are also acceptable means of assisting the friends to gain a better understanding of the Writings in Arabic.

Your concern about the ability of Iranians to study the Bahá'í Writings is appreciated. The House of Justice has indicated that care should be taken that limitations in understanding the Arabic Writings of the Twin Manifestations of God do not become an obstacle to reaching the masses of Persian-speaking peoples, who appear to be among the most receptive populations at present. It is hoped that the measures outlined above will prove to be adequate.

Be assured of the prayers of the House of Justice in the Holy Shrines that your services to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh may be blessed and confirmed.

With loving Bahá'í greetings,
Department of the Secretariat