their own. This principle should be
closely adhered to, otherwise it will lead to confusion and overlapping."

141: NINE (NUMBER)

"The number nine, which in itself is the number of perfection, is
considered by the Baha'is as sacred, because it is symbolic of the
perfection of the Baha'i Revelation which constitutes the ninth in the
line of existing religions, the latest and fullest Revelation which
mankind has ever known. The eighth is the religion of the Bab and the
remaining seven are: Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, and the religion of the Sabaeans. These religions are
not the only true religions that have appeared in the world but are the
only ones still existing. There have always been Divine Prophets and
Messengers, to many of whom the Qur'an refers. But the only ones existing
are those mentioned above."

"The Guardian feels that with intellectuals and students of religion the
question of exactly which are the nine existing religions is
controversial, and it would be better to avoid it. He does not want the
friends to be rigid in these matters, but use their judgment and tact,
sometimes one statement is exactly the right thing for one type of mind
and the wrong thing for another.

"Strictly speaking the 5-pointed star is the symbol of our Faith, as used
by the Bab and explained by Him. But the Guardian does not feel it is wise
or necessary to complicate our explanations of the Temple by adding this."

"Nine is the highest digit, hence symbolizes comprehensiveness,
culminations; also, the reason it is used in the Temple's form is because
9 has exact numerical value of 'Baha (in the numerology connected with the
Arabic alphabet) and 'Baha is the name of the Revealer of our Faith,
Baha'u'llah. The 9-pointed star is not a part of the teachings of our
Faith, but only used as an emblem representing '9'. In telling people of
the

9: RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD, THAT IS 'EXISTING RELIGIONS, WE SHOULD NOT

give this as the reason the Temple has nine sides. This may have been an
idea of the architect, and a very pleasing idea, which can be mentioned in
passing, but the Temple has 9 sides because of the association of 9 with
perfection, unity and 'Baha."

142: ORIENTALS

"As regards those Persian or Oriental non-believers who become genuinely
interested in the Cause in America, they can be admitted to study classes,
but every care should be taken by the As