Abdu’l-Bahá’s grandson Shoghi Effendi passed away at the age of 60 in London after being the Guardian of Bahá’í Faith for 36 years (1921-1957). Shoghi Effendi was related to the Báb through his father, Mírzá Hádí Shírází, and to Bahá’u’lláh through his mother, Diyá’íyyih Khánum, the eldest daughter of `Abdu’l-Bahá. He was instrumental in transforming the Bahá’í Faith into a global religion. The internationally renowned Shrine of the Báb and the International Bahá’í Archives were completed during his tenure.
As the appointed successor in Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament– “the Sign of God, the chosen branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God”–Shoghi was the first and last person to officiate as Guardian of Bahá’í Faith. He had the authority to appoint a male descendants of Bahá’u’lláh as his successor but Shoghi Effendi died without making an appointment.
Shoghi Effendi’s death came unexpectedly in London, on 4 November 1957 when he caught Asian flu while travelling to Britain. He was buried at the New Southgate cemetery. Shoghi Effendi’s resting place at New Southgate Cemetery, in north London is a special place of prayer for the Bahá’ís from all over the world.
