The Art of Invitation

If the Bahá’í Faith does not grow, there is no hope for us and no hope for humanity. When we look around us at the suffering and injustice in the world, it is clear that the world needs the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh. His Revelation is for everyone. He tells us that "This Day a door is open wider than both heaven and earth.' [1]

As Bahá’ís, it is our privilege to invite our friends, family and colleagues to pass through this door and help us to create a new world order. However, inviting people to join us requires both courage and imagination. "…Bahá’ís are striving to expand their social circles and ultimately their friendships, as friendship is the surest foundation for touching the hearts." [2]

Inviting someone to investigate the Bahá’í Faith is, in some ways, like inviting someone to a meal. Before we even ask them, preparation is needed. We would probably weigh up whether this person is likely to accept or not. We wouldn't make judgements about whether or not they like food (since everyone needs to eat), but we might make sure that we had a rapport and a level of friendship with them. In the same way, we can prepare to invite someone to investigate the Faith by systematically praying that they will be open to our invitation, and by forming a genuine friendship with that person.

When planning what to cook for our guest we would naturally find out what they like to eat. Are they vegetarian? Do they have any food allergies? In the same way, when we invite someone to partake of Bahá’u’lláh’s message, we can find out what their concerns and needs are, and then prepare ourselves to address these. "Having an outward looking orientation also suggests that it is important for Bahá'ís to understand more deeply the forces operating on the world stage, and the solutions offered by the revelation of Bahá'u'lláh." [3]

Once the guests arrive, we will show them hospitality and try and make them feel comfortable and relaxed. In the same way, we should be non-judgmental and accepting of those who are attracted to the Faith, no matter how different they may be from us. "No-one learns or responds at the same rate but the path to Him is wide enough to accommodate one and all regardless of their pace…Adopting an attitude of openness and inclusion will help diminish the sharp line that believers have sometimes tended to draw between themselves and the public at large." [4]

Some guests may eat a hearty meal. Others may just pick at the food and eat very little. However, we can let them know that the door is always open and they will always get a seat at our table! For "Bahá'u'lláh has not given us His Teachings to treasure them and hide them for our personal delight and pleasure. He has given them to us that we may pass them from mouth to mouth, until all the world becomes familiar with them, and enjoys their blessings and uplifting influence." [5]

Parvin Morrissey
Auxiliary Board member for protection

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