Mural paintings on the walls of the Mansion of Bahji

Mural paintings on the walls of the Mansion of Bahji where Baha'u'llah spent the last years of His life. (The Baha'i World 1936-1938)

Message from ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the whole of humanity – request from a Chicago newspaper editor

From there He went to Dr. Milburn's home where a number of people met Him. Among them was an editor who asked that a message from the Master be given through his journal to the whole of humanity. The Master's message was this:

Praise be to God that the centuries of darkness have passed and the age of enlightenment has arrived!

Praise be to God that all traces of superstition and imitation have vanished and the minds and thoughts of men have broadened, inventions have gained new life, the arts and sciences have been revived, new plans have been evolved, discoveries have increased, all things have been revitalized, the rulings that regulate the world have been renewed! Thus it was necessary that the laws of God also be changed and the reality of divine religions be renewed, for divine teachings had been forgotten and there was nothing left but dogmatic imitation. The foundation of the divine religions is one and that is the truth which generates love and affection and is the cause of the unity of mankind. But imitations vary and they are the cause of disagreements and are the destroyers of spiritual foundations.

There are 75 times more cells in the human body than stars in the Milky Way galaxy

The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy 100,000–120,000 light-years in diameter containing 200–400 billion stars. The human body … consists of an estimated 20 to 30 trillion cells. This means there are approximately 75 times more cells in a human body than stars in the Milky Way galaxy. (Adapted from Wikipedia Encyclopedia and Encarta Encyclopedia) It reminds one of an Islamic tradition from Imam ‘Ali, quoted by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in ‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’: "Dost thou think thyself only a puny form, when the universe is folded up within thee?"

“Be at peace and make peace with all.”

Among those visiting `Abdu'l-Bahá for the first time was a man from Russia. When he was admitted into the Master's room he began to complain about Russia. The Master said to him:

"Do not speak ill of Russia. Render good to friend and foe alike. Say that you are one with all. Be a true well-wisher of people. Give up your evil thoughts and pray for all. Be at peace and make peace with all. Do not express hatred or resentment toward anyone. Be a proclaimer of peace and say, `Now I feel no enmity toward anyone.' Praise all and be mindful of the story of Christ. When everyone expressed disgust on seeing the body of a dead dog, Christ said, `What white teeth it has!'"

The visitor was so overwhelmed that he cried out, `Today I have found the way to salvation and safety.' The Master replied, `If you follow these teachings you will see things greater than this.' (Mahmud’s Diary, November 1, 1912, Chicago)

The “wisdom of trials” and the “cause of ordeals” – ‘Abdu’l-Baha explains

Consequently the Most Great Wisdom has ordained that the fire of tests shall rage and the rushing torrent of ordeals sweep tumultuously from the Mountain of Revelation, so that the untruthful may become distinguished from the truthful, the unrighteous be known from the righteous, the worshipper of self become separated from the worshipper of God, the good fruit be set apart from the evil fruit, the signs of light become manifest and the gloom of darkness be dispelled, the nightingale of trustworthiness sing the melody of love and the raven of oppression croak the discordant notes of error; the fertile soil become green and verdant and the barren ground produce its thorns and thistles; the attracted ones to the Breath of ABHA become firm and the follower of passion and desire turn away. This is the wisdom of trials and this is the cause of ordeals. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 1. No. 3, April 28, 1910)

1936: General view of the Resting-Place of Bahiyyih Khanum, the Greatest Holy Leaf,

General view of the Resting-Place of Bahiyyih Khanum, the Greatest Holy Leaf, as it appeared in 1936. (The Baha'i World, 1934-1936)

The recipient of the book 'Fara'id' by Mirza Abu'l-Fadl

The Shaykhu'l-Islam of Tiflis, Caucasus, in reply to whose attacks on the Cause Mirza Abu'l-Fadl addressed his well-known book entitled 'Fara'id'. (The Baha'i World 1936-1938)

Portion of a Tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the Baha’is of Seattle, USA

Through the boundless Favor, I hope that in Seattle by the endeavor of the beloved of God, certain souls may arise who may prove a radiant lamp to the world of humanity and merciful spirit to the phenomenal body; that they may be the cause of the purification of souls and the means of sanctification of hearts; that they may know this mortal world as fleeting shadow and call the rest and repose, the pleasure and blessing, the wealth and sovereignty of the earth, the waves of the sea of imagination; that they may arise in such wise to live by the Divine Teachings and Exhortations of the Blessed Beauty as to sparkle even like the morning star from the horizon of holiness. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, excerpt from a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 4, May 17, 1911)

The very moving visit of the Master to the resting place of Thornton Chase

After prayer and meditation, the beloved Master, accompanied by several of the friends, went to Mr. Chase's grave. The tram stopped near the cemetery, which is located a few miles from the city. The Master alighted and walked towards the grave with dignified solemnity and serenity. He went directly to the grave site without asking directions from anyone. He praised the site and the lushness of the trees and grass. He stood there for a few minutes leaning against a nearby tree. He then stood near the grave of that distinguished man and spread over it bouquets of flowers, adorning that sanctified soil with such love and affection that bystanders were astonished. Facing in the direction of the Holy Land, the Master chanted Bahá'u'lláh's Tablet of Visitation. All stood in solemn reverence behind Him. After chanting the Tablet of Visitation, He recited a prayer in Arabic for the forgiveness of the departed soul. He then gave a short account of this faithful believer's services, steadfastness and forbearance. Before He left, He placed His forehead on the grave and kissed it. Tears flowed from the eyes of the believers as they bowed before that sacred spot, each one longing to attain to that sublime and exalted station. The spot became an abode of lovers. (Mahmud’s Diary, October 19, 1912)

Speakers at the Baha'i Youth Symposium and Baha'i friends, March 22, 1936, Los Angeles, California

Speakers at the Baha'i Youth Symposium and Baha'i friends, March 22, 1936, Los Angeles, California, USA (The Baha'i World 1936-1938)

Prayer ‘Abdu’l-Baha chanted before lunch at the request of the friends

He then went to lunch. At the request of those present at the table the Master chanted the following prayer:

He is God! Thou seest us, O my God, gathered around this table, praising Thy bounty, with our gaze set upon Thy Kingdom. O Lord! Send down upon us Thy heavenly food and confer upon us Thy blessing. Thou art verily the Bestower, the Merciful, the Compassionate. (Mahmud’s Diary, October 14, 1912, Pleasanton, California)

Prophets of Israel: Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon

Among the Prophets was Abraham, who prohibited idolatry and was a herald of the oneness of God, consequently He was banished by the people from His native land.

Let us observe how religion became an impetus towards progress. Abraham founded a family which God did bless. Owing to its religious basis the Abrahamic house progressed. Through divine benediction, Prophets issued forth from His lineage. There appeared Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon. The Holy Land was ruled by them and a glorious civilization was established. All this was due to the religion which was founded. (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, excerpt from and a talk given at Temple Emmanu-El, San Francisco, California, October 12, 1912; Mahmud’s Diary)

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s conversation with the Mayor of Berkeley

October 7, 1912
San Francisco, California


Among those visiting the Master today was the Mayor of Berkeley. He questioned the Master about economic issues and received useful answers. In conclusion ‘Abdu'l-Bahá said:

We must strive until mankind achieves everlasting felicity. Laws are needed which can both preserve the ranks of individuals and secure peace and stability for them because society is like an army, which needs a general, captains, lieutenants and privates. Not all can be captains nor can all be soldiers. The grades of responsibility are essential and the differences of rank a necessity. Just as a family needs old and young, master and mistress, servants and attendants, likewise society needs organization and structure. However, all must be part of an order which will ensure that each lives in complete comfort within his own station. It should not be that the master lives in comfort while the servant is in pain; that is injustice. Similarly, it is impossible that all be either servants or masters; then there would be no order.

The mayor asked, `Will these things be realized soon?' The Master replied:

As these laws are in conformity with the demands of the time, they will unfailingly prevail, although they will be implemented gradually. Everything can be prevented or resisted except the demands of the time. The time is ripe for the governments to remedy these ills. Relief must be brought to the toiling masses. Otherwise, if these ills are allowed to become chronic, their cure will be difficult and they will precipitate a great revolution.

The Master then gave an account of the unity and self-sacrifice of the friends of the East and expounded on various aspects of the true economic laws, which He had written while in Dublin. The mayor was so impressed that he could not help expressing his sincere admiration. He then invited the Master to an important meeting to be held in the city that evening. Because this meeting had political aims as its objective, the Master tendered His apologies. (Mahmud's Diary)

List of the Báb’s Best-Known Works – identified by Shoghi Effendi in ‘The Dawn-Breakers’

1. The Persian Bayán
2. The Arabie Bayán
3. The Qayyúmu’l-Asmá
4. The Sahifatu’l-Haramayn
5. The Dalá’il-i-Sab‘ih
6. Commentary on the Súrih of Kawthar
7. Commentary on the Súrih of Va’l-‘Asr
8. The Kitáb-i-Asmá’
9. Sahifiy-i-Makhdhumíyyih
10. Sahifiy-i-Ja’faríyyih
11. Zíyárat-i-Sháh-’Abdu’l-’Azim

We can gain “an abundance of inspiration and manifold insights” by studying the “words uttered by 'Abdu'l-Baha during His travels, and the deeds He undertook with such consummate wisdom and love”

Over the next few years, Baha'is around the world will joyously call to mind the many episodes associated with 'Abdu'l-Baha's historic journey. But this anniversary is more than a time for commemoration. The words uttered by 'Abdu'l-Baha during His travels, and the deeds He undertook with such consummate wisdom and love, offer an abundance of inspiration and manifold insights from which the body of the believers can today draw, whether in their efforts

• to embrace receptive souls,
• to raise capacity for service,
• to build local communities,
• to strengthen institutions, or
• to exploit opportunities emerging to engage in social action and
• [to] contribute to public discourse.

We should, therefore, reflect not only upon what the Master achieved and set in motion but also on the work that remains undone to which He has summoned us. (The Universal House of Justice, message to the Baha’is of the World. 29 August 2010)

Ruins of the Bath visited by the Bab in Urumiyyih, Persia

Ruins of the Bath visited by the Bab in Urumiyyih, Persia (The Baha'i World 1934-1936)

1936: Members and delegates of the International Youth Group meet with Baha'is at Green Acre

Members and delegates of the International Youth Group which held a session in Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, USA, in order to meet with the Baha'is while on their tour of America during 1936. (The Baha'i World 1936-1938)

The station of the Letters of the Living – gleaned from the Writings by the Guardian

• The “first Letters generated from the Primal Point”;
• The “company of angels arrayed before God on the Day of His coming”;
• The “Repositories of His Mystery”;
• The “Springs that have welled out from the Source of His Revelation”;
• The first companions who, in the words of the Persian Bayán, “enjoy nearest access to God”;
• The “Luminaries that have, from everlasting, bowed down, and will everlastingly continue to bow down, before the Celestial Throne”;
• The “elders” mentioned in the Book of Revelation as “sitting before God on their seats,” “clothed in white raiment” and wearing on their heads “crowns of gold”. (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By)

“… personalities should not be made centers around which the community may revolve ” –- a “cardinal principle of Bahá'í Administration”

I fully approve and wholeheartedly and unreservedly uphold the principle to which you refer that personalities should not be made centers around which the community may revolve but that they should be subordinated under all conditions and however great their merits to the properly constituted Assemblies. You and your co-workers can never over-estimate or over-emphasize this cardinal principle of Bahá'í Administration. (Shoghi Effendi, April 11, 1933, ‘Messages to America’)