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82. Verily, it is enjoined upon you to offer a feast, once in every month Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi after Him have gradually unfolded the institutional significance of this injunction. Abdu'l-Baha emphasized the importance of the spiritual and devotional character of these gatherings. Shoghi Effendi, besides further elaborating the devotional and social aspects of the Feast, has developed the administrative element of such gatherings and, in systematically instituting the Feast, has provided for a period of consultation on the affairs of the Baha'i community, including the sharing of news and messages. (202:2) In answer to a question as to whether this injunction is obligatory, Baha'u'llah stated it was not (Q and A 48). Shoghi Effendi in a letter written on his behalf further comments: (202:3) Attendance at Nineteen Day Feasts is not obligatory (202:4) but very important, and every believer should consider it (202:5) a duty and privilege to be present on such occasions. (202:6) 83. If ye should hunt with beasts or birds of prey, invoke ye the Name of God when ye send them to pursue their quarry; for then whatever they catch shall be lawful unto you, even should ye find it to have died. |