Initial investigations indicate fire at Shrine construction site an accident

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT

14 April 2022

Transmitted to all National Spiritual Assemblies

“Dear Bahá’í Friends, Further to the message of the Universal House of Justice dated 8 April 2022 concerning the fire at the construction site of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, we have been asked to share with you the following update. The distress with which the friends around the world received the news of the fire testifies to the depth of their love for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and their longing for the completion of His Shrine. The House of Justice has been greatly moved by the outpouring of heartfelt love, the effusive expressions of support, and the untempered resilience and determination that are evident in the messages from individuals and institutions alike. Although investigations are yet to conclude, initial information suggests that the fire was the result of an unfortunate accident. Intensified by prevailing windy conditions, the fire led to loss of building material, destruction of the temporary formwork and scaffolding, and damage to portions of certain walls. Fortunately, the completed concrete structures remain intact, and the project is covered by insurance.

“Despite this disruption and loss of several months of work, the project team has already taken steps to move the project forward. It has the full confidence of the House of Justice. As the damage to the sections most affected by the fire is considered and addressed, the focus of the construction will shift to completing work on other aspects of the project, including the north plaza. The construction of a visitors’ centre and other related facilities is also to commence shortly. In addition, the cutting and shaping of the marble cladding for the trellis in Italy and the manufacturing of the glazed glass in Portugal continue unabated.

“While no specific completion date for the project has been set by the House of Justice, it shares the eager anticipation of the believers worldwide of the completion of the edifice and its surroundings and, ultimately, the transfer of the sacred remains of the beloved Master to their final resting place.

“With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat”

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On 8 April 2022:

A message on behalf of the Universal House of Justice was conveyed to all National Spiritual Assemblies:

“A major fire broke out earlier today at the construction site of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The fire has now been extinguished and no one has been injured. The Holy Site of the Riḍván Garden has not been affected.

“Time will be required to assess the extent of the damage that has been caused and the remedial work needed. More information will be provided in this regard when it becomes available.

“While this is a considerable setback for the project, the steps required to recover from it and for the construction to resume will begin as expeditiously as possible.”

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The National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand conveyed the news to all local communities on 9 April and shared with the friends the response of loving support that the National Assembly had sent to the House of Justice on behalf of all the friends in Aotearoa that same day:

Beloved Supreme Institution

We are distressed to learn of the fire at the construction site for the Shrine of 'Abdu'l-Bahá that has set back the work on this beautiful memorial that had been progressing so well. We will be immediately alerting the friends around the country so that prayers may be offered for a speedy recovery from it and for the construction to resume as soon as possible. 

Thank you for sharing this news. Although it is indeed saddening, we have trust in God's unfailing Mercy and in the Supreme Institution's guiding hand, and can readily foresee that from this setback there will arise fresh strength and a renewal of energies and commitment by those serving this project and by friends around the world contributing funds for its completion.

With loving thoughts and prayers,

National Spiritual Assembly