The Priceless Pearl

by Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khanum

Genres: Baha I, Biography, Nonfiction, Religion

498 pages

First published December 1, 1969

Reviews

[Bahar Zarghani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book!
It was full of every sense and feeling. Shoghi Effendi was a great man in this world. His life and his properties can be our pattern in both Material and spiritual life.

[Tammy Rhoades-Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after a recent trip to Haifa. It is amazing how much Shoghi Effendi accomplished as Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, and how far the administrative order of the Cause has come in a short period of time. I loved reading about how he planned the gardens and went about purchasing materials and land, even laying out the design himself with string to show the gardeners exactly how he wanted it. They told me in Israel that the gardeners still maintain his very specific measurements. His unique position in religious history is fascinating, and learning of his personality through his wife was precious. I heard Ruhiyyah Khanum speak many times, most notably at the Baha'i World Congress in NYC in 1992, and simply love her way with words... So spiritual, so solid in her faith, so human and down to earth! Wonderful book!

[William Saeednia-Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating account of a unique individual by the person who knew him best - his wife.

Shoghi Effendi is described here in detail, his staggering determination his achievements, adventures (such as travelling the length of Africa during World War II) and his very human side such as his care for others, his love of nature and his frustrations when faced with his own human frailties.

To be frank, the scope and detail of this book, and the significance of the events it describes, is so great that no mere review of mine could do it justice.

I am so grateful that this book exists.

[Susan Foroughi ofner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was enthralled by this biography of Shoghi Effendi. Ruhiyyih Khanum gives an account of his tireless work as Guardian of the Bahai Faith. She describes his unique mind which was able to devise plans for the establishment of the worldwide administration of the Bahai Faith and his unique qualities which nurtured Baha’is in their understanding and service to the Faith. What the Guardian achieved between 1921 and 1957 is tremendous and after reading this biography I have a much better understanding of the development of the worldwide Bahai community. I am in awe.

[Esther Bradley-detally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this shortly after it was printed. The Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, Shoghi Effendi, was an indispensable and beloved figure and the grandson of Abdu'l-Baha, Son of Baha'u'llah, Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith. It is an incredible book, and all words, deeds, actions are inked into my heart eternally. It is an incredible read, and the Guardian was the priceless pearl of the Baha'i World.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing piece of work by Ruhiyyih Khanum about Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith and all the things he did to spread the Baha'i Faith around the world by guiding the Baha'is for 36 years of his life. His Herculean efforts helped make the Baha'i Faith known today as a World Religion recognized in every country of the world. I for one am eternally grateful for his life and what he did for the Faith.

[Caroline Gabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

i just finished this book two days ago, i am so glad i read it.

[Maeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much. It's the second time I've read it.