Among the disturbing factors that have intensified the difficulties of the
present situation is the extraordinary judgment recently passed by the
Supreme Religious Court of Egypt, declaring the Baha'is of that land
adherents of a Faith heretical in character, and at variance with the
accepted doctrines of Islam, and hence utterly outside the sphere of its
jurisdiction. What exactly the implication of this verdict will be, the
effect its practical application will have on the relations of the Baha'is
with the followers of the Muslim Faith, what measure of publicity it will
receive, what impression it will create in Muslim lands and particularly
in hostile Persia, the future only can disclose. So far it has failed to
perturb public sentiment or give rise to any official or public
demonstration of a nature that would justify or necessitate any action on
the part of the American Baha'is, who are powerfully demonstrating today
their readiness to champion the cause of truth and justice. I will not
delay in informing you of the exact measures that I feel will be necessary
to take should the occasion arise in future. It is clear and evident that
Western influence, the loosening of the bonds of religion, and the
consequent waning vitality of the once powerful Muhammadan stronghold of
Egypt are in a great measure to account for the indifference and apathy
that now seem to characterize the attitude of the masses towards this
important and vital issue. This decision, however locally embarrassing, in
the present stage of our development, may be regarded as an initial step
taken by our very opponents in the path of the eventual universal
acceptance of the Baha'i Faith, as one of the independent recognized
religious systems of the world.