I still don’t quite feel that the quote is quite elucidating the theme of the post, but that’s just me. The concern that I have is that the quote, in this context, seems, on the surface, to speak so directly to the situation (ie: don’t speak out about this, don’t use words), that it seems as if it overshadows the greater, more important point: we must use wisdom in our utterance. And as you rightly pointed out in both the original post and your response, the complicated situation in Iran would make this wisdom even more necessary, indeed vital.

I really don’t want to debate you about the topic, but I just wanted to share my thoughts on the matter. I am perfectly comfortable if you don’t agree with me, and I surely don’t take offense.

I used the quote because it spoke to me about what our purpose is as Baha’is. There are many quotes in the Writings, of course, and this one stood out to me as a reminder of what I SHOULD be doing to help change the world, and what actions I need to take and what being a Baha’i means. Note that the quote says: “rescue the oppressed, bring hope to the hopeless”. How we do this depends on the situation.

Of course words can lead to action. I’m not disputing that. But the wrong words can also cause great harm, and using wisdom is extremely important, especially when lives and safety are on the line.

We in the USA tend see the situation in Iran as a mere free speech/democracy issue. We are so accustomed to our “rights”, and perhaps forget that other countries operate differently. Getting embroiled in what is such a complicated and unclear situation is NOT helpful. We understand so little of the politics there…suddenly everyone is an “expert” on the situation in Iran.

As I pointed out in my post, the situation in Iran DOES get over-simplified, and it is all quite a muddled mess right now.

I am not seeking to tell anyone else what to do. I am merely putting forth what I have chosen to do as an individual. I hope that I have clarified it to your satisfaction.

Similar in theme to:

“The essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of deeds; he whose words exceed his deeds, know verily his death is better than his life.” – Baha’u'llah, Tablets Revealed After Kitab’i-Aqdas

“Let deeds, not words be your adorning” – Baha’u'llah, Hidden Words

From my understanding, Abdu’l-Baha’s quote doesn’t speak to recent guidance to avoid online communication regarding the Iranian election and subsequent fallout.

Indeed, words can BE action, and indeed they often are. When the Baha’is are asked to inform contacts and government representative about specific or systemic persecution of our Baha’i brethren in Iran, are we not using words? But aren’t those words designed specifically to yield action?

The protests and online communication that we are being cautioned against participating in are, likewise, based upon words. However, these too are designed to effect action. It is my understanding that the NSA is opposed to these uses of words for their political implications, which is understandable.

I just felt the need to speak up about the quote, which I felt was being used slightly out of context, resulting in a somewhat overly-simplified view of the situation. Sorry for the novel! Love.