Editing Shoghi Effendi (section)

==Translations and writings==
{{See also|Baháʼí literature#Shoghi Effendi|l1=Shoghi Effendi's writings}}
[[File:Handwriting of Shoghi Effendi 1919-1.jpg|thumb|One of Shoghi Effendi's earliest letters as Abdu'l-Bahá's [[amanuensis]], 1919]]
Shoghi Effendi  wrote extensively in English and Persian, and as Guardian of the Baháʼí Faith ʻAbdu'l-Bahá had assigned to him the responsibility of interpreting the word of God, with the authority to impart the meaning and implications of the words of both Baháʼu'lláh and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. Since Shoghi Effendi’s interpretations are regarded as being authoritative and irrevocable, his writings are regarded as being a primary element in forming modern Baháʼí belief. He was also instrumental in translating many of [[Baháʼu'lláh|Baháʼu'lláh's]] writings, including the ''[[Hidden Words]]'' in 1929, the ''[[Kitáb-i-Íqán]]'' in 1931, ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Baháʼu'lláh|Gleanings]]'' in 1935 and ''[[Epistle to the Son of the Wolf]]'' in 1941.{{sfn|Smith|2000}} He also translated such historical texts as ''[[The Dawn-Breakers]]''.{{sfn|Smith|2000}} His significance is not just that of a translator, but also that of the designated and authoritative interpreter of the Baháʼí writings. His translations, therefore, are a guideline for all future translations of the Baháʼí writings.{{sfn|Smith|2000}}

The vast majority of his writings were in the style of letters to Baháʼís from all parts of the globe. These letters, of which 17,500 have been collected thus far,{{sfn|Smith|2000}} are believed to number a total of 34,000 unique works.{{sfn|Stockman|2013|pp=3}} They ranged from routine correspondence regarding the affairs of Baháʼís around the world to lengthy letters to the Baháʼís of the world addressing specific themes. Some of his longer letters and collections of letters include ''World Order of Baháʼu'lláh'', ''[[Advent of Divine Justice]]'', and ''[[Promised Day is Come]]''.{{sfn|Smith|2000}}

Other letters included statements on Baháʼí beliefs, history, morality, principles, administration and law. He also wrote obituaries of some distinguished Baháʼís. Many of his letters to individuals and assemblies have been compiled into several books which stand out as significant sources of literature for Baháʼís around the world.{{sfn|Smith|2000}} The only actual book he ever wrote was ''[[God Passes By]]'' in 1944 to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the religion. The book, which is in English, is an interpretive history of the first century of the Bábí and Baháʼí Faiths. A shorter Persian language version was also written.{{sfn|Smith|2000}}