ʻAlí-Muhammad Varqá facts for kids
ʻAlí-Muhammad Varqá (born 1911 – died September 22, 2007) was a very important leader in the Baháʼí Faith. He held a special role called a Hand of the Cause of God. This position is given to people who help spread and protect the Baháʼí religion around the world. Varqá was the last person to hold this special role, serving for 52 years.
Early Life and Family
ʻAlí-Muhammad Varqá was born in 1911 in Tehran, Iran. He came from a well-known Baháʼí family in Iran. His grandfather, also named Mírzá ʻAlí-Muhammad Varqá, was a very early and important follower of Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith. His father, Valíyu'lláh Varqá, was also a Hand of the Cause, just like ʻAlí-Muhammad would become.
Education and Career
Varqá moved to Paris, France, to study at the famous Sorbonne University. He earned a special degree called a doctorate in 1950. After finishing his studies, he went back to Iran. There, he taught at the University of Tehran and the University of Tabriz. While teaching, he also helped manage things for the Baháʼí community in Iran.
Serving the Baháʼí Faith
In 1955, after his father passed away, ʻAlí-Muhammad Varqá was chosen by Shoghi Effendi to become a Hand of the Cause. He served in this important role for 52 years until he died in 2007. He was the last person to hold this position.
As a Hand of the Cause, Varqá traveled to many different countries. He attended the very first national meetings for Baháʼís in places like Belgium and the Central African Republic. He also looked after a special fund called Huqúqu'lláh, which is a spiritual contribution from Baháʼís. His father had also held this important responsibility.
Later Years
In 1979, Varqá moved to Canada. Later, he moved to Haifa, Israel. This is where the Baháʼí World Centre, the spiritual and administrative center of the Baháʼí Faith, is located. He passed away in Haifa on September 22, 2007, and was buried in the Baháʼí cemetery there.
