Shoghi Effendi had a very special genetic lineage. He was related to both Baha’u’llah (through his mother) and the Bab (through his father). These are the “twin holy trees“, and the “twin surging seas“. Shoghi was “unique” which literally means to be one of a kind. His International Baha’i Council was to be his lineal descendant which he referred to as an embryo. “Lineal” means to be in a direct line of descent; the thing which is to come directly after.
Guardians after Shoghi had no such lineage. They are the executive head of the body of the UHJ and have one vote. Shoghi Effendi, however, was the sole authority of the Baha’i Faith. This is one of the most important understandings of Abdu’l-Baha’s Will explained by Dr. Jensen.
From the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha:
“…that primal branch of the Divine and Sacred Lote-Tree, grown out, blest, tender, verdant and flourishing from the Twin Holy Trees; the most wondrous, unique and priceless pearl that doth gleam from out the Twin surging seas”
“it is incumbent upon the Aghsán (Branches), the Afnán (Twigs) of the Sacred Lote-Tree, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God and the loved ones of the Abhá Beauty to turn unto Shoghi Effendi—the youthful branch branched from the two hallowed and sacred Lote-Trees and the fruit grown from the union of the two offshoots of the Tree of Holiness,—as he is the sign of God, the chosen branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, he unto whom all the Aghsán, the Afnán, the Hands of the Cause of God and His loved ones must turn. He is the Interpreter of the Word of God and after him will succeed the first-born of his lineal descendents.” *I added bold and italics.
Dr. Jensen’s 3rd Epistle to Pepe explains the differences between Aghsán and Afnán.
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