“There are two different things which often the friends mix with the other. One is the commandment of Bahá’u’lláh and the other is encouragement. If we break His commandments, of course punishment will be the result; and the punishment is not the events which take place in life and we say that this is the punishment. These are very wrong conclusions and usually are made by the friends without having any authority in the Writings. Bahá’u’lláh ordains prayer, fasting etc. Now suppose a Bahá’í does not pray nor does he fast. We must not think a certain calamity will befall him. Suppose his house falls down. If someone says that this event took place in his life because he does not say his prayer, this is absolutely wrong. There is no relationship between the two. The punishment of the one who does not pray is his deprivation and loss of confidence and assurance. This is the result of such disobedience to this rule. Punishment is of the same nature as the act we do.”
— Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi, as quoted in The Unforgettable Hands of the Cause by Micheal Woodward
