‘Abdu'l-Baha leaving Pilgrim House in Haifa

“Healing comes from God”

Healing comes from God. If the heavenly benediction be upon us while we are being healed, then only can we be truly healed. All depends upon God. Medicine is merely an outward form or means by which we obtain heavenly healing; without the Heavenly Benediction it is worth nothing. If man looks at the nature of the world around him, he will see that all created beings are dependent upon something, i.e., man is dependent for his life upon the air which he breathes, likewise the animals which are upon the earth, and each created being is dependent for its life upon some material circumstances. Man, therefore, and all creatures are prisoners of nature. The sun must follow his law, the earth must follow his law of motion, the sea also hers. But, by the spiritual power of God, which, through His Bounty, He has bestowed upon men alone, man is enabled to defy the laws of nature in many and wonderful ways, i.e., it is the law of nature that man should walk upon the earth, but he defies this law, for he sojourns upon the water and also flies, like the bird, through the air.

Through the wonderful spiritual power which God gives to man, man is enabled to reach the Kingdom of Heaven; but behold! man is not grateful and is careless of the great mercy which God has shown him. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 19, 1911, Paris, France; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 16, 31 December 1911)

Passages from the Baha’i scriptures inscribed over the nine entrances of the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette, Illinois, USA

• 
  The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.
• The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me.
• My love is My stronghold; he that entereth therein is safe and secure.
• Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner.
• Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent.
• I have made death a messenger of joy to thee; wherefore dost thou grieve.
• Make mention of Me on My earth, that in My heaven, I may remember thee.
• Rich ones on earth! The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My trust.
• The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His glory!

(‘The Baha’i Faith 1844-1963, Statistical and Comparative’; compiled by the Hands of the Cause Residing in the Holy Land)

General condition of the people of our generation

…these days when all have turned away from Thy beauty, have disputed with Thee, and turned away disdainfully from Him Who is the Revealer of Thy Cause.

- Baha’u’llah (‘Prayers and Meditations by Baha’u’llah’)

Prayer for believers facing persecution - The only prayer by the Guardian currently available in English

He is God

O mighty Lord! Thou seest what hath befallen Thy helpless lovers in this darkest of long nights; Thou knowest how, in all these years of separation from Thy Beauty, the confidants of Thy mysteries have ever been acquainted with burning grief.

O Powerful Master! Suffer not Thy wayfarers to be abased and brought low; succour this handful of feeble creatures with the potency of Thy might. Exalt Thy loved ones before the assemblage of man, and grant them strength. Allow those broken-winged beings to raise their heads and glory in the fulfilment of their hopes, that we in these brief days of life may gaze with our physical eyes on the elevation and exaltation of Thy Faith, and soar up to Thee with gladdened souls and blissful hearts.

Thou knowest that, since Thy ascension, we seek no name or fame, that in this swiftly passing world we wish henceforth no joy, no delight and no good fortune.

Then keep Thy word, and exhilarate once more the lives of these, Thy sick at heart. Bring light to our expectant eyes, balm to our stricken breasts. Lead Thou the caravans of the city of Thy love swiftly to their intended goal. Draw those who sorrow after Thee into the high court of reunion with Thee. For in this world below we ask for nothing but the triumph of Thy Cause. And within the precincts of Thy boundless mercy we hope for nothing but Thy presence.

Thou art the Witness, the Haven, the Refuge; Thou art He who rendereth victorious this band of the innocent.

- Shoghi Effendi  (From ‘Fire and Light: Excerpts from the Bahá'í Sacred Writings by Báb, The, Bahá'u'lláh, Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi’ Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice; The Baha’i World 1979-1983)

1910: Believers assembled at the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel

The person marked x at the center of the group is the aged Afnan who supervised the building of Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in Ishkabad, Russia. As soon as it was finished he was called to Acca by 'Abdu'l-Baha to remain the balance of his days.

“Love”

Know thou of a certainty that Love is the secret of God's holy Dispensation, the manifestation of the All-Merciful, the fountain of spiritual outpourings. Love is heaven's kindly light, the Holy Spirit's eternal breath that vivifieth the human soul. Love is the cause of God's revelation unto man, the vital bond inherent, in accordance with the divine creation, in the realities of things. Love is the one means that ensureth true felicity both in this world and the next. Love is the light that guideth in darkness, the living link that uniteth God with man, that assureth the progress of every illumined soul. Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the divers elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the spheres in the celestial realms. Love revealeth with unfailing and limitless power the mysteries latent in the universe. Love is the spirit of life unto the adorned body of mankind, the establisher of true civilization in this mortal world, and the shedder of imperishable glory upon every high-aiming race and nation. 

- ‘Abdu'l-Baha  ('Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha')

“the unity of all mankind can in this day be achieved”

In this day ... means of communication have multiplied, and the five continents of the earth have virtually merged into one. And for everyone it is now easy to travel to any land, to associate and exchange views with its peoples, and to become familiar, through publications, with the conditions, the religious beliefs and the thoughts of all men. In like manner all the members of the human family, whether peoples or governments, cities or villages, have become increasingly interdependent. For none is self-sufficiency any longer possible, inasmuch as political ties unite all peoples and nations, and the bonds of trade and industry, of agriculture and education, are being strengthened every day. Hence the unity of all mankind can in this day be achieved. Verily this is none other but one of the wonders of this wondrous age, this glorious century. Of this past ages have been deprived, for this century – the century of light – hath been endowed with unique and unprecedented glory, power and illumination. Hence the miraculous unfolding of a fresh marvel every day. Eventually it will be seen how bright its candles will burn in the assemblage of man. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. III, Cultural Diversity in the Age of Maturity)

Story for Children: Waiting for the Master

One day, behind the hot stone walls of the prison city of 'Akká, Bahá'u'lláh said, "I have not gazed on verdure for nine years." It had been nine years since He had rested His eyes on green and growing things. 'Abdu'l-Baha knew how much His Father longed for the countryside. He was determined to gain for Him His heart's desire.

First, it seemed impossible to get permission for a prisoner to leave the city. However, Bahá'u'lláh had lived among the inhabitants of 'Akká for nine years. He had already won them over with His love and good will. Even the governor, longed to see Bahá'u'lláh happy and comfortable. Eventually, he said that Baha'u'liah was free to pass beyond the prison walls whenever He wished. He could find a home in the countryside nearby.

The best wishes of the people of' Aká were in hand. 'Abdu'l-Bahá set to work immediately to find a suitable place. First. He was able to arrange for the Blessed Beauty to live at Mazra'ih, a lovely home surrounded by vegetable gardens and orange groves. But by 1879, two years later, that beautiful house was no longer big enough. Bahá'u'lláh’s family was large, and there were many pilgrims. 'Abdu'l-Bahá set out to find a bigger home. He discovered Bahjí, the beautiful palace that Bahá'u'lláh called the Lofty Mansion. At Bahjí, Bahá'u'lláh met with the believers and revealed His Writings. ‘Abdu'l-Bahá continued to live in 'Akktá. There He met with the many city officials and countless other people. He made sure that no one interfered with His Father's Revelation. No one was allowed to disrupt His peace and comfort. 'Abdu'l-Bahá was ever His Father's Shield. Bahá'u'lláh often said,"It is the Master who is able to endure all of these demands and still see to the comfort of the believers." 

Effie Baker – the first Australian woman to become a Baha’i; one of Australia’s foremost woman photographers; her photographs were chosen by the Guardian for inclusion in Nabil’s narrative, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’

Effie Baker, a Melbourne Baha'i who traveled through Australia and New Zealand in 1924 with Martha Root.

A message from the Guardian to the N.S.A. of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New-Zealand dated 3 January 1936 states:

“Miss Effie Baker is leaving for Australia with the consent and full approval of the Guardian. As you know for over ten years she has been devotedly working for the Cause in Haifa, as keeper of the Western Pilgrim House and also as the custodian of the International Bahá’í Archives. During this long period of service she has accomplished much for our beloved Cause, and she is now in need of some rest after so many years of strenuous labours.” (From a message written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; ‘Messages to Australia and New Zealand’)

First Letter of the Living is given the assignment to bring the Message of the Báb to Bahá'u'lláh

Once eighteen believers had recognized the Báb, each independently of the others, the Báb called them the ‘Letters of the Living’, and one by one sent them “with steadfast feet and sanctified hearts” on perilous specific tasks to proclaim the new Message.

To Mulla Husayn, His first Letter of the Living, the Báb pointed to the north, saying:

“Grieve not that you have not been chosen to accompany Me on My pilgrimage to Hijaz. I shall instead direct your steps to that city [Tihran] which enshrines a Mystery of such transcendent holiness as neither Hijaz [a region in Saudi Arabia containing the holy cities of Mecca and Medina] nor Shiraz can hope to rival… Visit, on your way, Isfahan, Kashan, Tihran and Khurasan… The hosts of the invisible Kingdom, be assured, will sustain and reinforce your efforts. The essence of power is now dwelling in you, and the company of His chosen angels revolves around you. His almighty arms will surround you, and His unfailing Spirit will ever continue to guide your steps…” (Nabil, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)

Of his mission to Tihran, the Báb presented an exciting prospect, saying: “A secret lies hidden in that city. When made manifest, it shall turn the earth into paradise. My hope is that you may partake of its grace and recognize its splendor.” (Nabil, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)

(Adapted from ‘Robe of Light, vol. 1’, by David Ruhe)

“no more than a faint reflection, a mere emblem” of God’s "Reality" within Baha’u’llah was allowed to be revealed to humanity

O My Well-Beloved! Thou hast breathed Thy Breath into Me, and divorced Me from Mine own Self. Thou didst, subsequently, decree that no more than a faint reflection, a mere emblem of Thy Reality within Me be left among the perverse and envious. Behold, how, deluded by this emblem, they have risen against Me, and heaped upon Me their denials! Uncover Thy Self, therefore, O My Best-Beloved, and deliver Me from My plight.

Thereupon a Voice replied: “I love, I dearly cherish this emblem. How can I consent that Mine eyes, alone, gaze upon this emblem, and that no heart except Mine heart recognize it? By My Beauty, which is the same as Thy Beauty! My wish is to hide Thee from Mine own eyes: how much more from the eyes of men!”

I was preparing to make reply, when lo, the Tablet was suddenly ended, leaving My theme unfinished, and the pearl of Mine utterance unstrung.

- Baha’u’llah  (‘Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah’)

1920: Baha'is of Germany celebrating Mashriqu'l-Adhkar Feast at Esslingen, Wurttemburg

The Guardian loved Africa

Africa, an untapped reservoir of spiritual potency and capacity, was the focal point of the beloved Guardian's Ten Year Crusade [1953-1963]. So important was its role in the development of the Plan and such joy did these victories bring to the heart of Shoghi Effendi during the latter years of his life, that Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum placed the continent of Africa in the most prominent position on the globe that surmounts the pillar above his grave. The significance of Africa in the history of the Baha'i Faith has thus been recorded for all time. 

- Violette Nakhjavani  (‘The Great African Safari’)

Baha’i Summer Schools Originated in America

The Bahá'í summer schools were originated in America to meet the requirements of the friends. They have been adopted by other Bahá'í Communities the world over, but there is no reason why they should be called "summer schools". There is nothing rigid about the term, it is purely descriptive. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 26 December 1941 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand; The Compilation of Compilations vol. 1)

"I am the lamp and the love of God is my light."

'Abdu'l-Baha at Lincoln Park in Chicago, 1912

I am the lamp and the love of God is my light. This light hath become reflected in the mirrors of hearts. Therefore turn thou unto thy heart, that is, when it is in the utmost freedom, and behold how the radiance of my love is manifest in that mirror, and thou art near unto me. Recite the Greatest Name at every morn, and turn thou unto the Kingdom of Abha, until thou mayest apprehend my mysteries.

-‘Abdu'l-Baha  (Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha vol. 3)

The “purpose” of the “devotional” portion of the Feast

The beloved Guardian described that portion of the Feast in which prayers and other passages of the Sacred Scriptures of the Faith are read as being “devotional” in character and stated that its purpose is to inspire a prayerful attitude and stimulate a spirit of reverence in the hearts of the friends. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated March 15, 2011 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

The dependence of human spirit on the divine Spirit

O maid-servant of God! The human spirit hath an impression and effect in the world, but the divine Spirit giveth life to the souls and conferreth eternal life upon those who are attracted to the fragrances of God. This is the Great Cause from the Kingdom of thy Lord.

Be attached to this New Spirit which hath effective power in the realities of things and creates new creatures. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’, vol. 1)

A Baha’i Teaching: One should observe “moderation” in “all matters”

In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil. 

- Baha'u'llah  (Tablets of Baha'u'llah revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas)

The story of how the Báb’s wife, Khadijih Bagum, became a believer

About a year after Ahmad's [the Báb’s son] birth and death, on the night of 22 May 1844, Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad declared to Mulla Husayn in the upper chamber of His house in Shiraz that He was the promised Qa’im. Khadijih Bagum's response to the Bab's claim is recorded in The Dawn-Breakers:

"The wife of the Báb . . . perceived at the earliest dawn of His Revelation the glory and uniqueness of His Mission and felt from the very beginning the intensity of its force." (Nabil, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’)

“Through her close association with the Báb and her observation of every aspect of His life, Khadijih Bagum, long before His declaration to Mulla Husayn, had discovered her husband's extraordinary spiritual endowments. However she was unaware of the claim He was to make and the nature of His mission until she experienced something unique which confirmed her belief in Him." (‘Leaves of the Twin Divine Trees’, by Baharieh Rouhani-Ma’ani)

“In His historical manuscript, her great nephew, Haji Mirza Habibu’llah Afnan has recorded the following account which was related by the wife of the Báb, Khadijih Bagum:

“’The sun was setting . . . when the Countenance of the Peerless Beloved illumined His home with the light of His effulgent Face. According to the usual custom, tea was served in the chamber of His mother and the dinner table was set. That night His blessed Person was not hungry but accompanied others and had a little food, then He went to bed.’