Humility of a kind not yet known elsewhere was one of Shoghi
Effendi's many unique virtues, a humility which came from the conviction that
man's faculties are not self-created but are a precious trust from God, not to
be displayed or used overbearingly or with vanity. And yet he emanated true
pride and dignity, such a regal dignity that raised him far above any man I
have yet met or known.
When conversing with him, one could strongly sense this
feeling of humility, while his ample brow and penetrating eyes reflected an
inner light born of faith, courage and determination. One could feel an
awareness that was amazing and rendered one speechless.
Shoghi Effendi's selflessness was not only outstanding but
exemplary. He never placed his personal interests or desires ahead of his
functions as Guardian. Those who were near to him inevitably felt that his life
was something to be fully expended in the service of God and humanity, in a
dedication unlike that of any other human being. When close to him I always felt
the powerful process of his sublimation to the reality of the unseen world,
while his body was there, near to me, like a visible, finely-tuned musical
instrument whose melodies, imperceptible to the human ear, vibrated unseen
through the ether.
He was always ready to give comfort, verbally or in writing,
to encourage, to praise and to stimulate to such a degree that one felt the
urge to place at his disposal life, time and possessions within the range of
one's capacity and emotional exaltation. This was the essence of his detachment
from worldly things. The less he thought of himself, the higher he soared in
the sphere of spiritual authority and prestige. This was perhaps the secret of
his tremendous attraction and influence upon those who came close to him.
- Hand of the Cause Ugo
Giachery (‘Shoghi Effendi – Recollections’)
