Professor E.G. Browne’s view of the Advent of the Báb

From: Baha’i Points of Interest

"I am very anxious to get as accurate an account of all the details connected with the [faith of the Báb] as possible, for in my eyes the whole [story] seems one of the most interesting and important events that has occurred since the rise of Christianity -- and I feel it my duty, as well as my pleasure, to try as far as in me lies to bring the matter to the notice of my countrymen -- for suppose anyone could tell us more about the childhood and early life and appearance of Christ, for instance, how glad we should be to know it. Now it is impossible to find out much -- but in the case of the Báb it is possible -- So let us earn the thanks of posterity, and provide against that day now." 
(E.G. Browne of Cambridge University, quoted in The Chosen Highway)

November 26th – Day of the Covenant

From: Baha’i Historical Facts

The believers in the West, at the time of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, wanted to commemorate His birthday that took place on the same day that the Bab declared His Mission. ‘Abdu'l-Bahá, however, didn’t approve of this and told them that this day was not, under any circumstances, to be celebrated as His day of birth and that it should be exclusively associated with the Bab. But as the Bahá'ís begged for a day to be celebrated as His, He gave them November 26th, to be observed as the day of the appointment of the Centre of the Covenant. It was known as Jashn-i-A'zam (The Greatest Festival), because He was Ghusn-i-A'zam -- the Greatest Branch. In the West it is known as the Day of the Covenant. 
(Adapted from the book, The Centre of the Covenant by Hand of the Cause Balyuzi)

Early Christians – “their hearts were pure and attracted by the fires of the Divine Spirit…”

From: Christian Themes in Baha’i Literature

Jesus Christ gave His life upon the cross for the unity of mankind. Those who believed in Him likewise sacrificed life, honor, possessions, family, everything, that this human world might be released from the hell of discord, enmity and strife. His foundation was the oneness of humanity. Only a few were attracted to Him. They were not the kings and rulers of His time. They were not rich and important people. Some of them were catchers of fish. Most of them were ignorant men, not trained in the knowledge of this world. One of the greatest of them, Peter, could not remember the days of the week. All of them were men of the least consequence in the eyes of the world. But their hearts were pure and attracted by the fires of the Divine Spirit manifested in Christ. With this small army Christ conquered the world of the East and the West. Kings and nations rose against Him. Philosophers and the greatest men of learning assailed and blasphemed His Cause. All were defeated and overcome, their tongues silenced, their lamps extinguished, their hatred quenched; no trace of them now remains. They have become as nonexistent, while His Kingdom is triumphant and eternal. 
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace’)

We need material, human and spiritual education

From: Teachings of the Baha’i Faith

"The primary, the most urgent requirement is the promotion of education. It is inconceivable that any nation should achieve prosperity and success unless this paramount, this fundamental concern is carried forward. The principal reason for the decline and fall of peoples is ignorance."
(Abdu'l-Baha, ‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’) 

"… education is of three kinds: material, human and spiritual. Material education is concerned with the progress and development of the body, through gaining its sustenance, its material comfort and ease. This education is common to animals and man. Human education signifies civilization and progress -- that is to say, government, administration, charitable works, trades, arts and handicrafts, sciences, great inventions and discoveries and elaborate institutions, which are the activities essential to man as distinguished from the animal. Divine education is that of the Kingdom of God: it consists in acquiring divine perfections, and this is true education; for in this state man becomes the focus of divine blessings, the manifestation of the words, 'Let Us make man in Our image, and after Our likeness.'[Genesis. 1:26] This is the goal of the world of humanity." 
(‘Abdu'l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)

New York, 1912: Being alone with ‘Abdu’l-Baha -- by Howard Colby Ives

From: Vignettes about ‘Abdu’l-Baha

Before nine o'clock in the morning I was there, which meant; since I lived some distance from New York, an early start indeed. Already the large reception room was well filled. Evidently others also were conscious of a similar urge. I wondered if they too felt, as I, a burning in the breast. 

I remember as if it were yesterday the scene and my impressions. I did not want to talk to anyone. In fact I would not. I withdrew to the window overlooking Broadway and turned my back upon them all. Below me stretched the great city but I saw it not. What was it all about? Why was I here? What did I expect from the coming interview: indeed how did I know there was to be any interview at all? I had no appointment. Plainly all those other folk had come expecting to see and talk with Him. Why should I expect any attention from such an eminent personage? 

So I was somewhat withdrawn from the others when my attention was attracted by a rustling throughout the room. A door was opening far across from me and a group was emerging and 'Abdu'l-Baha appeared saying farewell. None had any eyes save for Him. Again I had the impression of a unique dignity and courtesy and love. The morning sunlight flooded the room to center on His robe. His fez was slightly tilted and as I gazed, His hand, with a gesture, evidently characteristic, raised and, touching, restored it to its proper place. His eyes met mine as my fascinated glance was on Him. He smiled and, with a gesture which no word but "lordly" can describe, He beckoned me. Startled gives no hint of my sensations. Something incredible had happened. Why to me, a stranger unknown, unheard of, should He raise that friendly hand? I glanced around. Surely it was to someone else that gesture was addressed, those eyes were smiling! But there was no one near and again I looked and again He beckoned and such understanding love enveloped me that even at that distance and with a heart still cold a thrill ran through me as if a breeze from a divine morning hadtouched my brow! 

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Mustafa Baghdadi -- father of Zia Baghdadi

From: We are Baha’is

Mustafa Baghdadi lived for many years In Beirut, Syria. He was one of the earliest followers of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. He provided countless services for the Faith. Throughout his life he was firm and full of zeal. His house was at the disposal of all pilgrims and his services to them were invaluable. Many of the American friends, passing through Beirut to visit ‘Abdul-Bahá in Akka and Haifa, bear testimony to the nobility of his spirit and the strength of his character. All loved and revered him and looked up to him as one of the spiritual souls of the earlier days. His winsome manner and gentleness of heart attracted all those who came in contact with him and carried away the sweet fragrance of his life. He had three sons, Hussein Ighbal, Ali Ehsan and Zia Baghdadi, who studied sciences and were active servants in the Cause. Zia Baghadi was loved and respected by all the American friends for his earnestness and enthusiasm. He studied medicine in the US and assisted with the Persian section of the Star of the West magazine. 
(Adapted from the Stat of the West, vol. 1, no. 17, Jan. 19, 1911)

O ye Spiritual Friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha!

From: Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Star of the West

O ye Spiritual Friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha!

He is God!

How long are ye silent and speechless! Although ye are speaking, yet in this age the speech of the believers of God must be the soul entrancing melody of the Kingdom of ABHA and the harmony of the Supreme Concourse! Therefore 'Abdu'l-Baha is not satisfied with a meek voice and depressing lamentation! He seeks the passionate tumult and joyous clamor and he roars and cries at the top of his voice so that the realities of things may stir into movement and action and the Beloved of Bounty unveil her Countenance in the world of creation! Those friends must, like unto the stars in heaven, shine and gleam in the horizon of Truth with the Light of Guidance so that the realities of the existent beings and the spirit of humankind may find joy and happiness! 

Upon ye be greeting and praise!  

(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas 

(Star of the West, vol. 1. No. 5, June5, 1910)

Vastness of next world compared to this world

From: Human Soul and Its Eternal Journey

The world beyond is as different from this world as this world is different from that of the child while still in the womb of its mother. 
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah)

'Abdu'l-Baha walking near the Holy Tomb

From: ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the Holy Land

‘Abdu’l-Baha walking near the Holy Tomb, midsummer 1919

How to become a “divine physician”

From: Counsels and Explanations by ‘Abdu’l-Baha – Daily Readings

If in this day a soul shall act according to the precepts and the counsels of God, he will serve as a divine physician to mankind, and like the trump of Israfil,[1] he will call the dead of this contingent world to life; for the confirmations of the Abha Realm are never interrupted, and such a virtuous soul hath, to befriend him, the unfailing help of the Company on high. Thus shall a sorry gnat become an eagle in the fulness of his strength, and a feeble sparrow change to a royal falcon in the heights of ancient glory. 
(‘Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha)

[1] Believed to be the angel appointed to sound the trumpet on the Day of Resurrection to raise the dead at the bidding of the Lord.

October 1933: Keith Ransom-Kehler dies in Isfahan, Iran

From: Baha’i Calendar – this month in history

Keith Ransom-Kehler died on 23^rd October 1933. (Baha’i News, November 1933) Born in 1876, Keith became aBaha’i in 1921, and after the death of her second husband in 1923 became increasingly active as a Baha’i speaker and teacher. In 1929 she travelled to the Caribbean, and in 1930 began an extensive world tourto promote the Faith. Shoghi invited her to Haifa in 1932, and gave her a special mission to go to Iran on behalf of the American National Spiritual Assembly to petition the shah to ease or lift the restrictions onthe Baha'is. She stayed in Iran for over a year, but her efforts were unavailing. Exhausted and in poor health she eventually succumbed to smallpox, and was buried in Isfahan, Iran, near to the graves of theKing and Beloved martyrs. Shoghi Effendi named her posthumously as a Hand of the Cause, and as thefirst American to have the spiritual station of a martyr. 
(Adapted from A Concise Encyclopedia of the Baha’i Faith) 

(Please visit Baha’i Heroes and Heroines for a brief description of her life)

Quiz 9

From: Baha’i Knowledge Hunt

• What name did Baha’u’llah assume when He retired to the mountainous region of Sulaymaniyyih near Baghdad?    Answer

• While in the Black Pit dungeon Baha’u’llah gave something of His own to a Babi believer who was going to be executed. What was it?    Answer 

• Which part of Persia (Iran) did Baha’u’llah’s family come from – North, South, East, West?    Answer 

• This spiritual autobiography book called Portals to Freedom was written by this believer who met ‘Abdu’l-Baha in New York in 1912.    Answer 

• While still a child, what was the event at His older brother’s wedding that had a profound effect on Baha’u’llah?    Answer 

• Can you mention the name of the most learned Jewish divine who pronounced death sentence against Jesus?    Answer 

• How old was Shoghi Effendi when he became the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith?    Answer

Teaching the Cause

From: Vision and Insight – daily gems

... become ye sanctified above and purified from this world and the inhabitants thereof; suffer your intention to become for the good of all; cut your attachment to the earth and like unto the essence of the spirit become ye light and delicate. Then with a firm resolution, a pure heart, a rejoiced spirit, and an eloquent tongue, engage your time in the promulgation of the divine principles... 
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá,  ‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)

The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice - a talk by Ali Nakhjavani

From: Baha’i Talks, Messages and Articles

(Transcript of a talk as part of six talks given during a week-long course in February of 2004 on the “World Order of Baha'u'llah”. The event was sponsored by the NSA of Italy. The notes also include questions raised by the participants and Mr. Nakhjavani’s answers. This text, excluding the quotations section, was published in 2005 under the title "Towards World Order". A chapter on “The Covenant” was added in the 2007 edition.)

On October 18th 1927, referring to the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly, Shoghi Effendi wrote the following addressing that National Assembly: "You can but faintly imagine how comforting a stimulant and how helpful a guide its publication and circulation will be to those patient and toiling workers in Eastern lands... You can hardly realise how substantially it would contribute to pave the way for the elaboration of the beginnings of the constitution of the worldwide Bahá'í Community that will form the permanent basis upon which the blest and sanctified edifice of the first International House of Justice will securely rest and flourish."- (BA p.143). In a letter referring to the same subject, addressed to the Bahá'ís in Iran, Shoghi Effendi referred to the need for the Persian National Assembly to have its own constitution, and pointed out that the constitution of National Assemblies is the Greater Law of God's Holy Faith, while the constitution of the Universal House of Justice is its Most Great Law. In 1934, when he wrote his "Dispensation", Shoghi Effendi once again referred to the future constitution of the Supreme Body of the Faith.

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circa 1909: A group of Baha'is in Washington, D.C., USA

From: Worldwide Community of Baha’u’llah

Holding the Greatest Name is Mason Remey. Directly in front of him, seated behind the table is Lua Getsinger with a scarf over her hair. Seated behind the table on the far right is Joseph Hannen. Left of him is his mother-in-law, Amelia Knobloch. The young man seated on the floor in front of the table is Ahmad Sohrab.

Paragraph 1.6 of the Surih of Temple

From: Reflecting on Baha’i Writings – The Summons of the Lord of Hosts

"While engulfed in tribulations I heard a most wondrous, a most sweet voice, calling above My head. Turning My face, I beheld a Maiden -- the embodiment of the remembrance of the name of My Lord -- suspended in the air before Me. So rejoiced was she in her very soul that her countenance shone with the ornament of the good pleasure of God, and her cheeks glowed with the brightness of the All-Merciful. Betwixt earth and heaven she was raising a call which captivated the hearts and minds of men. She was imparting to both My inward and outer being tidings which rejoiced My soul, and the souls of God's honoured servants."

Comments:

The Guardian explains in God Passes By that in some other Tablets the reference to “Maiden” is a representation of the “Most Great Spirit” in Baha’u’llah’s Dispensation and that It was represented as the “Sacred Fire, the Burning Bush, the Dove and the Angel Gabriel” in “the Zoroastrian, the Mosaic, the Christian, and Muhammadan Dispensations.”

Laura Dreyfus-Barney (1879-1974)

From: Baha’i Biographical Notes

She was a prominent American Baha’i who accepted the Faith in Paris around 1900. She made a number of extended visits to ‘Akka, asking questions of ‘Abdu'l-Baha, the answers to which she later compiled as ‘Some Answered Questions’. She was twice decorated by the French government for her services to humanity. 

The bounty and power of God is limitless for each human soul

From: Christian Themes in Baha’i Literature

A friend asked 'Abdu'l-Bahá how far the individual could attain to that Christ consciousness in himself of which St. Paul speaks as our hope of Glory.

'Abdu'l-Bahá turned with a look of great joy and said with an impressive gesture: 

"The bounty and power of God is limitless for each human soul. Consider what was the quickening power of the Christ when He was on earth. Look at His disciples! They were poor and uncultured men. Out of the rough fisherman He made the great Peter, and out of the poor village girl of Magdala He made one who is a power in all the world today. Many queens have reigned who are remembered by their dates in history, and nothing more is known of them. But Mary the Magdalene is greater than them all. It was she whose love strengthened the disciples when their faith was failing. What she did for the world cannot be measured. See what a divine power was enkindled in her by the power of God!" 
(Abdu'l-Baha, from a talk, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in London’)

Covenant

From: Baha’i Glossary

A pact that involves obligations by both parties. According to Baha’u’llah, God has always guided and instructed humanity through a succession of Divine Messengers, Whom humanity has the obligation to accept and obey. This is called the Greater Covenant. The Lesser Covenant is that made between a Messenger and His followers. A reference to the provisions made in the Baha’i writings concerning the succession of authority in the Baha’i Faith after the passing of Baha’u’llah and the structure of the Baha’i Administrative Order. Baha’u’llah’s Covenant with His followers designates ‘Abdu'l-Baha as the perfect exemplar, and the Center of the Covenant and confers upon him the authority to interpret Baha’u’llah’s writings. The Covenant also formally established the institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice as the twin successors of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu'l-Baha.

Man “is at the last degree of darkness, and at the beginning of light…”

From: Daily Spiritual Food for Thought

Man is in the highest degree of materiality, and at the beginning of spirituality -- that is to say, he is the end of imperfection and the beginning of perfection. He is at the last degree of darkness, and at the beginning of light; that is why it has been said that the condition of man is the end of the night and the beginning of day, meaning that he is the sum of all the degrees of imperfection, and that he possesses the degrees of perfection. He has the animal side as well as the angelic side, and the aim of an educator is to so train human souls that their angelic aspect may overcome their animal side....
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)

Baha’u’llah, as a youth, surprised a well known religious learned with His insight …

From: Baha’i Stories

As he grew into a young man, Baha'u'llah exhibited great sagacity and insight. The following story is told by ‘Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'u'llah's son. One day while still a youth, Baha'u'llah went to visit Shaykh Muhammad Taqi Mujtahid Nuri, one of the great clerics of Iran at this time who was known as ‘Allamih (the very learned) Nuri, at his home in the village of Yalrtud, near Takur. ‘Allhmih had around him a group of his senior students whom he was teaching. He asked four of them, who had almost completed their studies and were about to receive their certificates, about an Islamic Tradition that says that Fatimih, the daughter of Muhammad, was the best of the women in the world except for the one to whom Mary gave birth. ‘Allamih asked these four what this Tradition meant, since Mary had no daughter. Each gave an explanation that did not satisfy their teacher. Then Baha'u'llah suggested that this Tradition was merely emphasizing the high station of Fatirnih by saying that only an imaginary person could be likened to her. The teacher was silent, but when Baha'u'llah had left he upbraided his pupils saying that he had expected more from them than this: that a mere youth would explain what they who wore a turban and the garb of the learned and had almost completed their studies had failed to discern. 
(Moojan Momen , ‘Baha’u’llah, A Short Biography’)

Teaching the Cause

From: Vision and Insight – daily gems

Consort with all men, O people of Bahá, in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship. If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye possess a jewel, of which others are deprived, share it with them in a language of utmost kindliness and good-will. 
(Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh)

Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha

From: Introduction to Baha’i Books

…the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, that Charter of Bahá'u'lláh's New World Order, the offspring resulting from the mystic intercourse between Him Who is the Source of the Law of God and the mind of the One Who is the vehicle and interpreter of that Law. 
(Shoghi Effendi, ‘God Passes By’)

The Charter which called into being, outlined the features and set in motion the processes of, this Administrative Order is none other than the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, His greatest legacy to posterity, the brightest emanation of His mind and the mightiest instrument forged to insure the continuity of the three ages which constitute the component parts of His Father's Dispensation.
(Shoghi Effendi, ‘God Passes By’)

… a document which confirms, supplements, and correlates the provisions of the Aqdas -- 
(Shoghi Effendi, ‘The World Order of Baha'u'llah’)

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At the end of his retirement period the Guardian felt “spiritually and bodily … better equipped to shoulder the responsibilities of the Cause”

From: Insights from Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by Shoghi Effendi

Now that happily I feel myself restored to a position where I can take up with continuity and vigour the threads of my manifold duties, the bitterness of every disappointment felt, time and again, in the course of the past weary months at my feeling of unpreparedness, have been merged in the sweetness of the present hour, when I realise that spiritually and bodily I am better equipped to shoulder the responsibilities of the Cause. The thought, so often comforting and sustaining, that in the counsels of my British co-workers of that land, I shall find spontaneous and undiminished support as well as wise and experienced assistance, is surely one of those forces which will hearten me in the midst of my future labours for the Cause. 
(Shoghi Effendi, Excerpt from a letter dated 16 December 1922 to the Baha’is of Great Britain; The Unfolding Destiny of the British Baha'i Community) 

(To see the entire letter please visit Messages to the Baha’i World Community -- by Shoghi Effendi)

'Abdu'l-Baha - "Him Whom God Hath Purposed"

From: Portraits of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

'Abdu'l-Baha

17 December 1922: Message from Shoghi Effendi to Baha'is of Germany

From: Messages to the Baha’i World Community – by Shoghi Effendi

Blest and beloved ones of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá! [throughout Germany]

To have been unable, owing to sad circumstances over which I have had no control, to keep in close and constant touch with you, the beloved children of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, since His passing from this world, is to me a cause of sad surprise and deep and bitter regret. To say that ever since the Dawn of a New Day has broken upon me I have in the least felt reluctant or disinclined to enter into relationship with every one of you, or felt indifferent to a Cause which is so close and dear to your hearts, would indeed betray every sentiment of love and fellowship which animates every one of us in our servitude to His Holy Threshold. It was rather my utter exhaustion, my profound feelings of sorrow, the overwhelming sense of my own position and responsibilities and the extreme pressure of work that have caused me to maintain such a long silence and seem forgetful of those brave and valiant lovers of the Master in that land. 

Of the thoughts that sustained and comforted me during my hours of restful retirement was the realization, never dismissed from my mind, that in the German friends the Master will surely find loyal and grateful children who will repay the tender love and paternal care which He had for them with a devotion and service, so profound and lasting that will prove worthy of the many blessings that have been theirs in the past. 

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Prophets are Like Perfect Mirrors Reflecting the Perfections of God

From: Gems of Insight from ‘Abdu’l-Baha

… the perfect man, the Prophet, is one who is transfigured, one who has the purity and clearness of a perfect mirror -- one who reflects the Sun of Truth. Of such a one -- of such a Prophet and Messenger -- we can say that the Light of Divinity with the heavenly Perfections dwells in him.

If we claim that the sun is seen in the mirror, we do not mean that the sun itself has descended from the holy heights of his heaven and entered into the mirror! This is impossible. The Divine Nature is seen in the Manifestations and its Light and Splendor are visible in extreme glory. 
(Abdu'l-Baha, from a talk, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in London’)

Dr. Genevieve Lenore Coy (1886-1963) -- second director of the Tarbiyat School for girls in Tihran; "Fortitude, patience, detachment and integrity are the qualities that best describe the life and service of this devoted, highly competent and faithful maidservant of Baha’u’llah." (Borrah Kavelin)

From: Baha’i Heroes and Heroines

Dr. Genevieve Coy, for more than half a century, served the Baha’i Faith selflessly and unceasingly with distinction in a wide variety of roles, as pioneer, teacher, administrator and author. To have known Genevieve Coy was to have found a confidant and friend, and to have had one's horizon expanded beyond the limitations of self. She was keenly interested in the spiritual capacity within the individual, the creative energy with which the Teachings tell us all men arc endowed, and through her written articles and spoken discourses Dr. Coy endeavoured to bring others to this awareness of their latent capacities..

Before she came into contact with the Baha’i Faith in I911, Dr. Coy composed a poem, "Let Me Know Life", published in the early Baha’i magazine, Star of the West (Vol. XXI. No. 4, July 1930, p.101), of which the editors wrote: “It was as if she had previously reached out subconsciously for truth and had arrived at an attitude of mind and spirit which made the truth of the Baha'i Cause a complete fulfillment of her spiritual aspirations.” One felt that Genevieve Coy's Baha’i service was her grateful response to that fulfillment. 
(Star of the West, vol. XVII, No. 1, p. 55) (The Baha'i World 1963-1968, pp. 326-328)
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