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One of the great steps
towards universal peace would be the establishment of a universal language.
Bahá'u'lláh commands that the servants of humanity should
meet together, and either choose a language which now exists, or form
a new one. This was revealed in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas forty years ago.
It is there pointed out that the question of diversity of tongues is a
very difficult one. There are more than eight hundred languages in the
world, and no person could acquire them all.
The races of mankind
are not isolated as in former days. Now, in order to be in close relationship
with all countries it is necessary to be able to speak their tongues.
A universal language
would make intercourse possible with every nation. Thus it would be needful
to know two languages only, the mother tongue and the universal speech.
The latter would enable a man to communicate with any and every man in the world!
Entrance to the restored cell of Bahá'u'lláh. (2004)
A third language would
not be needed. To be able to talk with a member of any race and country
without requiring an interpreter, how helpful and restful to all!
Esperanto has been drawn
up with this end in view: it is a fine invention and a splendid piece
of work, but it needs perfecting. Esperanto as it stands is very difficult
for some people.
An international Congress
should be formed, consisting of delegates from every nation in the world,
Eastern as well as Western. This Congress should form a language that
could be acquired by all, and every country would thereby reap great benefit.
Until such a language
is in use, the world will continue to feel the vast need of this means
of intercourse. Difference of speech is one of the most fruitful causes
of dislike and distrust that exists between nations, which are kept apart
by their inability to understand each other's language more than by any
other reason.
If everybody could speak
one language, how much more easy would it be to serve humanity!
Therefore appreciate 'Esperanto', for it is the beginning of the
carrying out of one of the most important of the Laws of Bahá'u'lláh, and it must continue
to be improved and perfected.
('Abdu'l-Bahá:
Paris Talks, Pages: 155-157)
  
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Frequently mentioned in such reminiscences were the first Rwandan Bahá'í, the late Alphonse Semanyenzi, and a medical doctor, Dr. Ataollah Taaid, who came with his wife, Zahereh, to assist in the development of the Bahá'í community.
After becoming a Bahá'í, Mr. Semanyenzi worked at Dr. Taaid's clinic in Kigali. In 1972 he was elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Rwanda. He also served as an interpreter during the visits in 1972 and 1973 by Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani, a Hand of the Cause of God.
Mr. Semanyenzi's brother, Higiro Anastase, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Rwanda, told the participants about the time when the Taaid family first arrived in Rwanda in 1966.
Read the entire story.
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