December 1

He [1] should, moreover, help him [2] to understand, through proofs and evidences, that the institution of ijtihád, [3] the dominion of the ‘ulamá, the pleading of cases before the mujtahids, the attachment of the masses to them and their congregating behind them, and the rule of the religious leaders—all these will erelong be rolled up. The people will all adopt the disposition of the Europeans and become preoccupied with the comforts of this world. The foundation of religion will be entirely shaken and undermined—indeed, behold how weak and feeble it hath already become within this short period of time!

It is thus evident that religion and faith will soon be swept away and forgotten, even as it hath already happened in Europe, unless the hearts are vivified and the souls freed from the world through the breaths of the Holy Spirit and a new Dispensation is inaugurated. This matter is clear and manifest and requireth no further proof or evidence. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (From a Tablet; ‘Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks’; Online Baha’i Reference Library, Baha’i World Centre)

[1] A believer asked for by ‘Abdu’l-Baha

[2] Mullá Muhammad-Kázim, known as Ákhund-i-Khurásání (d. 1911), one of the “founders” of the Constitutional Revolution in Iran.

[3] The power of Shí‘ih divines to issue decrees and judgments on points of religious law upon using independent effort, reason, and the principles of jurisprudence.