“To comprehend the society-building power possessed by the Faith, one need look no further than the achievements of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His ministry and the transformative effects of the guidance that flowed unceasingly from His pen.”

'Abdu'l-Baha leaving Hotel Ansonia, New York City, 1912

A year of preparation and reflection, as well as of great exertion, has concluded, distinguished by the efforts of the friends worldwide to mark the centenary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, including by sending representatives to participate in a special event honouring Him in the Holy Land. Through these efforts, the inspiration offered by the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has been felt by countless souls and not only Bahá’ís.

• His concern for every member of the human family,
• His teaching work,
• His promotion of undertakings for education and social well-being,
• His profound contributions to discourses in both the East and the West,
• His heartfelt encouragement of projects to construct Houses of Worship,
• His shaping of early forms of Bahá’í administration,
• His cultivation of varied aspects of community life—

all these complementary facets of His life were a reflection of His constant and complete dedication to serving God and serving humanity. Beyond being a towering figure of moral authority and surpassing spiritual insight, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was a pure channel through which the forces released by the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh could act upon the world. To comprehend the society-building power possessed by the Faith, one need look no further than the achievements of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His ministry and the transformative effects of the guidance that flowed unceasingly from His pen. So many of the marvellous advances made by the present-day Bahá’í community—which were surveyed in our message to you last Ridván—trace their origins to the actions, decisions, and directions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. 

- The Universal House of Justice (Ridvan 2022 message; 'Messages from the Universal House of Justice 2001-2022')