'Alí Akbar Rafí'í Rafsanjání
From Bahaikipedia
'Alí Akbar Rafí'í Rafsanjání (1882 - June 27, 1965) was a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh, named for pioneering to Morocco, International Zone.
Mr. Rafí'í was born in 1882 in Kirmán, a small town in the southeastern providence of Iran. He embraced the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh at the age of thirty and became one of its courageous, kind and generous servants. He was always ready to assist anyone in need and was constant in his support of Bahá'í funds. When difficulties arose for the Bahá'ís in the backward and fanatical community of Rafsanján, as they often did, he was a staunch, fearless and effective defender of the Cause.
After years of continuous and devoted service, he received permission in 1952 to make his pilgrimage with his family. The following year he attended all four-Inter-Continental Conferences including that held in New Delhi from where, in response to the call for pioneers to open unsettled territories, he went immediately to Tangier, Morocco, a goal of the Ten Year Crusade. For this action his name was recorded as one of the [[Knights of Bahá'u'lláh]. He arrived at his goal in October 1953 and established himself in the International Zone. When problems were encountered in obtaining residence permits, he promptly secured the services of two lawyers and after two months of persistent effort he succeeded in dissipating all misunderstanding on the part of the officials regarding the intentions of the Bahá'ís, following which the necessary visas were granted for himself and other pioneers.
He participated in the formation of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Tangier. Later he moved successively to Rabat to complete the Assembly, and to Larache to open that goal area and assist in the formation of its Assembly. He remained there in spit of his delicate health and the inclement climate and was widely known for his hospitality, outstanding kindness and his simple and cordial manners. When persecution of the Bahá'ís broke out in Naḍor he was advised to settle in a larger city.
He moved first to Rabat and then to Meknes. His ardent desire to be of service led him to establish residence not in the city but in the suburbs of Meknes in order to attempt to establish a new centre. he did there on June 27, 1965, leaving behind children and grandchildren who continue to follow his example of consecrated service.
It is impossible to correctly appraise the contribution of an individual to the success of a collective endeavour. Nevertheless, all who had the privilege of knowing Mr. Rafí'í are unanimous in their belief that his exemplary spiritual and material contributions had great impact in the achievements of Bahá'í communities in North West Africa.
[edit] References
- The Universal House of Justice [1974]. The Bahá'í World - An International Record Vol XIV 1963-1968. Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England: Broadwater Press Limited.
