Pupil of the Eye Characteristics

"Thou art like unto the pupil of the eye which is dark in colour, yet it is the fount of light
and the revealer of the contingent world."

`Abdu'l-Bahá

O thou who art pure in heart, sanctified in spirit, peerless in character, beauteous in face! Thy photograph hath been received revealing thy physical frame in the utmost grace and the best appearance. Thou art dark in countenance and bright in character. Thou art like unto the pupil of the eye which is dark in colour, yet it is the fount of light and the revealer of the contingent world.
      I have not forgotten nor will I forget thee. I beseech God that He may graciously make thee the sign of His bounty amidst mankind, illumine thy face with the light of such blessings as are vouchsafed by the merciful Lord, single thee out for His love in this age which is distinguished among all the past ages and centuries.

Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá

`God maketh no distinction between the white and the black. If the hearts are pure both are acceptable unto Him. God is no respecter of persons on account of either color or race. All colors are acceptable unto Him, be they white, black or yellow. Inasmuch as all were created in the image of God, we must bring ourselves to realize that all embody divine possibilities.' `In the estimation of God, all men are equal. There is no distinction or preference for any soul, in the realm of His justice and equity.' `God did not make these divisions; these divisions have had their origin in man himself. Therefore, as they are against the plan and purpose of God they are false and imaginary.'

`Abdu'l-Bahá, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 31

The qualities of heart so richly possessed by the Negro are much needed in the world today-their great capacity for faith, their loyalty and devotion to their religion when once they believe, their purity of heart, God has richly endowed them, and their contribution to the Cause is much needed, especially as there is a lack of Negro Bahá'í teachers who can go out to their own people along with their white brothers and sisters, and convince them of the active universality of our Faith. He will especially pray that you may confirm souls of capacity in this field.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance

… They are a deeply spiritual people with a great capacity for faith, and possess both patience and loyalty. ..

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 3/17/43 to individual believers

O thou who hast an illumined heart! Thou art even as the pupil of the eye, the very wellspring of the light, for God's love hath cast its rays upon thine inmost being and thou hast turned thy face toward the Kingdom of thy Lord.

`Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 113