Shoghi Effendi Rabbani (1897-1957)


Shoghi Effendi's grave in London
Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith, born on 1 March 1897 in 'Akká, the son of Diyá'íyyih Khánum, the eldest daughter of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and Mírzá Hádí Shirázi, a relative of the Báb. He was educated at the American University of Beirut and Balliol College, Oxford.

While at Oxford, Shoghi Effendi was informed of the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and hurried back to Haifa, where he learned that he had been appointed Guardian of the Cause of God. 'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will and Testament appointed His grandson, Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith and interpreter of its teachings. During these thirty-six years the Guardian translated many of the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá into English, expounded their meanings, encouraged the establishment of local and national Bahá'í institutions, and guided a series of plans aimed at diffusing Bahá'í ideals throughout the world.

In the Holy Land, the Guardian's enduring memorial is the magnificent setting he created for the World Center of the Bahá'í Faith. The completion of the Shrine of the Báb was his work as was the construction of the International Bahá'í Archives building. It was also Shoghi Effendi who designed and laid out the beautiful gardens at Bahjí and on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Shoghi Effendi passed away on 5 November 1957 while in London and is buried in the New Southgate Cemetery there.

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