Study Guide: Riḍván 2026 Message

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To the Bahá'ís of the World Dearly loved Friends,

Now begins the second, greater phase of the Nine Year Plan. We see the global Bahá'í community advancing in unison, justly confident in the course it has set. Its clarity and conviction are unmistakable. Undaunted by the world's swelling turmoil, it is focused on its sacred mission. We rejoice in particular to see newly confirmed believers eagerly taking their place in the field of service and action alongside those long confirmed in the Faith. Third milestone clusters are proving to be fertile ground for rich experience to be harvested and propagated. And we have been pleased to see the friends everywhere reflecting on the message we addressed to the Counsellors who assembled here in December and drawing on its contents as they plan and act.

"Sacred Mission" ▼

December 2025:

"They are not swept off course by the world's unabating distractions. Steady do they go, patient and perseverant, pledged to long-term endeavour. And in the company of many others, they are building havens of peace."

Riḍván 2024:

"This demands from every conscientious soul a response. We are all too aware that the community of the Greatest Name cannot expect to be unaffected by the travails of society. Yet, though it is affected by these travails, it is not confused by them; it is saddened by humanity's sufferings, but not paralysed by them. Heartfelt concern must prompt sustained effort to build communities that offer hope in place of despair, unity in place of conflict."

Riḍván 2024:

"Shoghi Effendi described clearly how a process of 'progressive deterioration in human affairs' is occurring in parallel with another process, a process of integration, through which the 'Ark of human salvation', society's 'ultimate haven', is being built up."

Riḍván 2025:

"Against the gloom of a stormy sky, how bright the light that gleams from your devoted efforts! Even as the tempest rages in the world, the havens that will shelter humanity are being built in countries, regions, and clusters."

Naw-Rúz 2024:

"At a time when the world is in turmoil and its order shaken… the global Bahá'í community… has once again committed itself to discharge its spiritual and social mission and to propagate a culture of peace and unity…"

Reflection Questions ▼

What does it look like for us to remain "undaunted by the world's swelling turmoil"?
How can we stay focused on our "sacred mission" in the midst of competing demands?

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This purposeful spirit has been especially evident in the institutional meetings that have been convened around the world. Again and again, the accounts of these gatherings have reported the same phenomenon: a profound, insightful conversation based on direct experience of building vibrant communities rather than on assumptions or theory. This conversation is animated by the ongoing process of learning in each place. It is imbued with a deeper recognition of the significance of the Bahá'í community's endeavours and the implications they hold for a troubled world in desperate need of direction. A sense of responsibility and resolve is widely felt, and there is an acute awareness of the scale of the task at hand. Often, this conversation opens up an additional, complementary perspective which recognizes the efforts of communities and individuals not simply as the pursuit of programmes and projects, but as the cultivation of a way of life patterned on the divine teachings—a shaping of actions, interactions, and aspirations.

"This purposeful spirit" ▼

Riḍván 2023:

"Your strong sense of purpose is plain to see. Expansion and consolidation, social action, and participation in the discourses of society proceed apace, and the natural coherence of these undertakings at the level of the cluster is becoming ever more visible. Nowhere is this clearer than in places where growing numbers are becoming engaged in a range of endeavours, each one a means to release the society-building power of the Faith."

"A profound, insightful conversation" ▼

December 2025:

"This process is characterized by a free-flowing, uninterrupted exchange of insights, experience, and ideas among the friends at the grassroots. But it does not end there—it continues to unfold at the regional and national levels and beyond, and learning at each level is fostered by the dynamic discussions that take place in spaces created for reflection on action. These discussions draw on lessons arising from the efforts of the global Bahá'í community within the Plan's framework as well as conclusions derived from the analysis of patterns emerging locally."

December 2025:

"…the friends in such locations are increasingly occupied with cultivating spaces in which people consult and share knowledge, derived from both science and religion, and find ways to apply that knowledge to family development, education, economic activity, public health, and other fundamental processes of community life…"

"The significance of the Bahá'í community's endeavours" ▼

December 2021:

"How immensely blessed are those souls who, alive to the greatness of this Day and the significance of their actions, strive for the emergence of a society shaped by the divine teachings."

Riḍván 2024:

"Against the gloom of a stormy sky, how bright the light that gleams from your devoted efforts! Even as the tempest rages in the world, the havens that will shelter humanity are being built…"

"Not simply as the pursuit of programmes and projects" ▼

Riḍván 2023:

"And so the company of the faithful enter the second year of the Plan with a fresh perspective and a profound insight into the significance of what they seek to achieve. How different actions look when viewed in light of the society-building power they release! This expansive prospect allows a sustained activity to be seen as much more than an isolated act of service or just a data point. In place after place, the initiatives being pursued reveal a population learning how to take increasing responsibility for navigating the path of its own development."

Reflection Questions ▼

Where have we seen a "purposeful spirit" in our own spaces of consultation, and what helps it grow stronger?
How can we ensure our conversations are "based on direct experience" rather than "assumptions or theory"? What would it look like for our conversation to be "animated by the ongoing process of learning" in our locality?
How is our understanding deepening around "the significance of the Bahá'í community's endeavours" and "the implications they hold" for a world "in desperate need of direction"?
How can we shift from seeing our efforts as "programmes and projects" to embracing them as "the cultivation of a way of life… a shaping of actions, interactions, and aspirations"?

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This same earnest conversation, reflecting a commitment to learning, is being advanced across the community from the national and regional levels all the way to the village and neighbourhood, and in a variety of settings, including meetings arranged by the institutions as well as other spaces that are emerging. It will surely be a feature of National Conventions too. We look forward to seeing patterns of individual and collective action being strengthened and expanded as this conversation unfolds. As always, it is a conversation which should be extended to ever-widening circles of friends, neighbours, and other like-minded souls who identify with efforts to bring about spiritual and material progress founded on the oneness of humankind. The spaces being created for broadening this conversation—whether they are spontaneous or planned long in advance—are an indication of a deepening involvement with society, and we hope they will become more and more common.

"Ever-widening circles" ▼

December 2021:

"It is evident that the pattern of activity unfolding at the grassroots opens up a variety of settings in which receptive souls—sometimes whole families or peer groups—can take part in meaningful conversations…"

Riḍván 2024:

"Extend then to everyone the hand of friendship, of common endeavour, of shared service, of collective learning, and advance as one."

"Spontaneous or planned spaces" ▼

December 2025:

"In the natural environment, combinations and connections create vibrancy and new life; likewise, a flourishing process of learning arises from countless formal and informal interactions and their emergent properties. This process is characterized by a free-flowing, uninterrupted exchange of insights, experience, and ideas among the friends at the grassroots. But it does not end there—it continues to unfold at the regional and national levels and beyond, and learning at each level is fostered by the dynamic discussions that take place in spaces created for reflection on action."

December 2021:

"Souls who have been given the blessing of faith have a natural wish to share this gift through conversations with relatives, friends, classmates, co-workers, and those previously unmet, seeking in every place and at every moment a hearing ear."

Riḍván 2023:

"Bringing together so many people in one place created the conditions for a transformative conversation about spiritual and social progress, one that is unfolding the world over. The special contribution that such gatherings—at once open, uplifting, and purposeful—can make to an expanding pattern of community development in a cluster is a valuable lesson…"

Reflection Questions ▼

How can we help "this same earnest conversation" move from national/regional levels "all the way to the village and neighbourhood" in our context?
As we consult, what "patterns of individual and collective action" do we most need "strengthened and expanded" right now?
Who are the "ever-widening circles of friends, neighbours, and other like-minded souls" around us, and what would it take for us to truly extend the conversation to them?
Where can we open or participate in spaces "spontaneous or planned long in advance" that show a "deepening involvement with society"?

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Many in the wider society who encounter the grassroots activity of Bahá'ís are struck by its distinctive characteristics: it springs from a sincere concern for the well-being of all, it is oriented towards unity and service, and it follows clear principles yet does not presume to have an immediate answer to every problem. In a spirit of common endeavour, Bahá'ís seek to collaborate with others and to learn together; and in the relationships they form with those who occupy positions of authority and responsibility in society, they are earnest and clear-sighted. They pursue social change without political ambition or self-interest, and they recognize that, as the prominence of the Faith rises, it becomes important to ensure that its true character and aims are well understood. In many places, the growing depth of the community's interactions with society means, inevitably, that there are new situations to navigate and new questions to answer, and this is compelling the community to further develop its own capabilities.

"Have an immediate answer to every problem" ▼

December 2021:

"They share their beliefs liberally with others, remaining respectful of the freedom of conscience of every soul, and they never impose their own standards on anyone. And while they would not pretend to have discovered all the answers, they are clear about what they have learned and what they still need to learn."

December 2025:

"They recognize the value of knowledge in propelling progress, are committed to its generation, and share it freely and humbly. Learning is a habit of mind for them, an orientation in all they do."

"Positions of authority and responsibility in society" ▼

December 2021:

"Opportunities are sought out to share the perspectives of the Faith with community leaders and figures in authority, and spaces are created in which representatives of various groups and interests can be assisted to reach a common point of view through consultation."

December 2021:

"Local Spiritual Assemblies strengthen their relationships with authorities and local leaders, even entering into formal collaborations, and growing attention is given to the multiplying initiatives of social action arising from groups of junior youth, youth, women, families, or others who are responding to the needs around them."

December 2025:

"Such efforts are broadening the support given to institute activities by the wider society, including by public institutions and agencies as well as traditional leaders. Indeed, in clusters where the Bahá'í community's endeavours have achieved a significant level of visibility and respect, it is not unusual for figures in authority in local government, public services, and civil society to reach out for insight and collaboration."

Riḍván 2023:

"In places, civic leaders and individuals with responsibility for children's education or social development at the local level are not just turning to the Bahá'ís for perspectives, but are seeking to collaborate in the search for practical solutions."

"Social change without political ambition or self-interest" ▼

December 2021:

"They are loyal citizens who eschew partisanship and the contest for worldly power. Instead, they are focused on transcending differences, harmonizing perspectives, and promoting the use of consultation for making decisions…"

December 2025:

"The believers and the Local Spiritual Assemblies that represent them are open to working alongside the institutions of society and welcome such contact, while remaining vigilant to avoid becoming entangled in politics. At times, we have seen how the friends' relationship with the organs of local government expands beyond collaboration to embrace a sense of shared mission, focused on the advancement of society—a people moving as one."

Reflection Questions ▼

How do we ensure we "follow clear principles" while also remembering we "do not presume to have an immediate answer to every problem"?
Do we see interactions with those in "positions of authority and responsibility in society"?
How can we pursue social change "without political ambition or self-interest" while also helping ensure the Faith's "true character and aims are well understood"?

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As we explained in our message to the recent Counsellors' Conference, a significant development over the last four years has been the emergence of the community as a more conspicuous protagonist of the Plan, organizing itself in order to meet particular needs and advance particular fields of endeavour, to provide mutual support through collaborative arrangements, and to learn to be increasingly effective within an evolving framework for action. A striking example of this is groups of youth, working together in a locality and encouraging the participation of their peers. Naturally, their efforts benefit tremendously from the loving encouragement and guidance of the institutions, but the youth have also shown their ability to take initiative and identify fruitful avenues of service. All too often, their endeavours are occurring against a backdrop of conflict and disorder, economic inequity, and deep social divisions. We recognize the challenges the youth face in such conditions, and we commend them for resisting the impulse to criticize and condemn, finding instead constructive ways to steer around these imposing obstacles and work towards ultimately overcoming them.

"Groups of youth working together" ▼

December 2025:

"Often, these advances are relying on the service rendered by a growing cohort of youth. The institute's efforts are gradually being complemented by additional educational endeavours for the development of a population, such as programmes utilizing Bahá'í-inspired materials, as well as courses available in the wider society, or even, in some places, a community school. In our 30 December 2021 message, we expressed the hope that attention would be given to helping young people access educational opportunities, and we have been pleased to see this need being met in a variety of ways, including after-school tutoring and assistance for youth wishing to enter higher education. As a broad educational path begins to take shape, a community feels a greater responsibility to stimulate and encourage each of its members, especially the young, to advance along it in pursuit of spiritual and intellectual growth."

Riḍván 2023:

"Amid all we have described, the actions of the youth shine resplendent. Far from being mere passive absorbers of influence—whether the influence be benign or otherwise—they have proven themselves bold and discerning protagonists of the Plan. Where a community has seen them in this light and created conditions for their progress, the youth have more than justified the confidence shown in them. They are teaching the Faith to their friends and making service the foundation of more meaningful friendships. Frequently, such service takes the form of educating those younger than themselves—offering them not only moral and spiritual education, but often assistance with their schooling too. Charged with a sacred responsibility to strengthen the institute process, Bahá'í youth are fulfilling our cherished hopes."

Riḍván 2024:

"We are conscious of how much vibrancy and strength is generated in any society by its youth being awakened to the vision of Bahá'u'lláh and becoming protagonists of the Plan. And so, with what immense kindliness, courage, and complete reliance on God must Bahá'í youth resolve to reach out to their peers and bring them into this work! All must surge, but the youth must soar."

Naw-Rúz 2022:

"At a time when, more than ever before, materialism is inducing souls, whether in societies of the East or the West, to be occupied with the pursuit of beguiling and ephemeral aims and desires, the dazzling lustre shed by the Bahá'í youth in recent years is a reflection of this statement of the Blessed Beauty: 'Blessed is he who in the prime of his youth and the heyday of his life will arise to serve the Cause of the Lord.'"

Reflection Questions ▼

How can youth better "work together in a locality" and "encourage the participation of their peers"?
How can youth identify "fruitful avenues of service" in their school, neighborhood, or friend group?
What are some real situations of "conflict and disorder, economic inequity, and deep social divisions" that youth are navigating as they serve?
When youth face these challenges, how can they resist "the impulse to criticize and condemn"?
What are some real examples where youth have chosen "constructive ways to steer around these… obstacles" instead of reacting negatively?

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Beloved friends, however turbulent the times, we urge you not to be apprehensive or disheartened. 'Abdu'l-Bahá counsels us all to rely on the bounties of God, and so to be "ever hopeful", to be "firm" in our hope, and to be "the cause of hope to the despairing soul". When the world's horizons darken, hope becomes a scarce and precious resource—but one with which the community of the Greatest Name has been richly blessed because of its conviction about the future of humanity and because of what it has learned from its own experience. Multitudes yearn for the hope you can bring to their hearts.

Be "ever hopeful" ▼

Naw-Rúz 2024:

"Although many souls are immersed in the sea of hopelessness and despair, there are also many people of goodwill who are earnestly and sincerely searching for a remedy and striving for a solution… They have gained valuable experience from their historic as well as recent endeavours in assisting the process of development and transformation and are ready and eager to share with everyone the practical approaches and lessons they have learned."

Naw-Rúz 2025:

"At this time, faithful friends, when the earth is caught in the grip of chaos, confusion, and instability, and its political, economic, and social order is ever more volatile and out of control; when the peoples of the world are seized by various ordeals and hardships and are struggling against incurable ills; when despair and hopelessness and a lack of confidence about the future and the erosion of the bonds of trust have led to a widespread crisis, particularly among many young people in the world—at this time, the people of Bahá across the globe, though themselves exposed to some of the same ordeals and hardships, are laying, with determination and firm resolve, the basis of a new society. They direct their efforts and endeavours towards releasing in ever-greater measures the mighty society-building power that exists in the inmost reality of the Faith; they pursue the glorious process of learning in which all the peoples and nations of the world have a share; and they are ready to collaborate with everyone and encourage them to participate in this process and assist it."

Reflection Questions ▼

Where do we personally or collectively feel "apprehensive or disheartened," and what helps us respond differently?
What would it mean for us to be "the cause of hope to the despairing soul" in our conversations and actions?
Since hope is "scarce and precious" when "the world's horizons darken," how can we protect, replenish, and share hope in our community life?
Who are the "multitudes" near us who "yearn for the hope" we can bring, and how do we actually reach them?

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For a golden example of a community that has long sheltered the flame of hope, we look to the wronged yet ever-patient, ever-steadfast, ever-resilient followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the Cradle of His Faith. See how disciplined they have remained, how committed to principle over decades of unrelenting oppression—and how resolved they have been to learn from the advances made by their fellow believers in other lands, how determined to serve and console their fellow citizens in their own land. To so many of their compatriots they have been, and continue to be, a beacon of hope, a fount of compassion and insight, and trusted companions on the path of service. In recent weeks and months, these friends whom we cherish so dearly have been a constant presence in our thoughts and the repeated subject of our prayers, as we are sure they have been of yours, asking the Ever-Loving Lord to hold them in the embrace of His tender care.

Reflection Questions ▼

Who are described as "a golden example of a community that has long sheltered the flame of hope"?
What are the spiritual qualities used to describe them?
What have they been to their compatriots?

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Your own endeavours to advance the Cause of God are no less the focus of the supplications we offer at the Sacred Threshold—especially now, at the commencement of the new phase in the Nine Year Plan. As often as we repair to the Holy Shrines, we implore divine aid and assistance for your efforts, and beseech fortitude and strength for you in your labours. May you be swift to act and eager to learn, and may all the blessings of the celestial kingdom be yours.

[signed: The Universal House of Justice]