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I just thought of something I hadn't before, and while it is hypothetical I'm
fascinated to know the answer. Again the passage:
O ye beloved of the Lord! It is incumbent upon the Guardian of the Cause of God
to appoint in his own life-time him that shall become his successor, that
differences may not arise after his passing. He that is appointed must manifest
in himself detachment from all worldly things, must be the essence of purity,
must show in himself the fear of God, knowledge, wisdom and learning. Thus,
should the first-born of the Guardian of the Cause of God not manifest in
himself the truth of the words: -- "The child is the secret essence of its
sire," that is, should he not inherit of the spiritual within him (the Guardian
of the Cause of God) and his glorious lineage not be matched with a goodly
character, then must he, (the Guardian of the Cause of God) choose another
branch to succeed him.
(Abdu'l-Baha, The Will and Testament, p. 12)
What would have happened if the Guardian had a son and at the time he died the
son was an infant or a child? If an infant certainly they wouldn't meet the
requirements mentioned - at that time at least. However, I don't think you
could really say they hadn't inherited the spiritual and didn't have a goodly
character. They might grow up and meet the requirements. A child could meet
the requirements, however. Shoghi Effendi was bright as a youngster. But an
8-year-old, say, as Guardian? Could Shoghi Effendi have stipulated that the
person assumes the role of Guardian only once old enough?
Regards,
David
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