Whosoever claims that ‘Abdu’l-Baha has given to him a tablet or sent a cablegram he must prove it (by showing it). Do not accept the saying of anyone on mere statement. He must bring forth the unmistakable and valid evidence, signed by my own written signature and not the signature on a cablegram which cannot be substantiated.
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(From a Tablet to an American Bahai, translated on March 4,
1913; Star of the West, vol. 6, no.12, October 16, 1915)
Today firmness in the Covenant is the means of the promotion of the Word of God and conducive to the effect of the word of man. Any explanation which does not accord with the Covenant will have no effect whatever. Therefore, whosoever heralds the Covenant of God, unquestionably he is confirmed. This has been tried a thousand times: Any soul who violates the Covenant and Testament in the least degree, immediately he is cut off; even in this material world he will become afflicted with remorse and regret.
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(From a Tablet to Mrs. Harriet Cline, Los Angeles, Calif.,
translated on March 29, 1913; Star of the West, vol. 6, no.12, October 16,
1915)
Convey my longing greeting to all the believers of God throughout all the cities of America and announce to them on my behalf that if any person from amongst the Persian believers who may be well known as to his character, whether man or woman—although he may be my own son or daughter—comes to America and has not a new permission for his going to America written with my own handwriting and signed with my own signature, you must not give him any attention at all. Whosoever speaks with him is a violator of the Covenant! This question is most important. Undoubtedly you must show the utmost caution. There are some wolves in sheep's clothes who may claim to be shepherds. Whosoever from amongst the Persian believers arrives in America although he may be related to me, — that is, —even if he be my son-in-law or she be my daughter, first ask of him the letter giving him a new permission to come again to America. If he shows you any such letter, be most careful and attentive that it is my writing and my signature, that they may not be counterfeits. Then you cable to me and inquire about him. When the answer is received by you that it is correct then you meet him, otherwise do not associate with him. Announce the contents of this letter to all the believers and the maid-servants of the Merciful throughout America.
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(From a Tablet to Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, translated on March
25, 1913;
[1] The original of this tablet is in Abdu’l-Baha's own
handwriting; Star of the West, vol. 6, no.12, October 16, 1915)
I am servant of Baha! His holiness Baha'u'llah is unique and peerless. All must turn to Baha'u'llah. This is the religion of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Firmness in the Covenant means love and obedience to the command of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Announce this.
(Signed) Abbas.
(Cablegram from Paris, February 14, 1913, to Parsons-Remey,
Washington; Star of the West, vol. 6, no.12, October 16, 1915)
We have reached Paris. Greetings to all. Any Persian, be he my own son or daughter, if he comes to America without having a new permission written in my own handwriting or signature, do not meet him at all. Inform all cities.
(Signed) Abbas
(Cablegram received February 3, 1913, from Paris to
Wilhelmite, New York; Star of the West, vol. 6, no.12, October 16, 1915)
Awaken the friends, for ere long a test shall come. Perchance some persons, outwardly firm and inwardly wavering, shall come to those parts in order to weaken the faith of the friends in the Covenant of God. Let them be awake! Let them be mindful! As long as they see a trace of violation of the Covenant, they must hold aloof from the violator. Day and night let them strive so that the lights of the Kingdom of Abha may encircle the globe, and the darkness of error may be entirely dispelled.
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(From a Tablet to Charles Mason Remey, Washington, D. C.,
translated on December 29, 1912; Star of the West, vol. 6, no.12, October 16,
1915)
Receive no Persian, even my family, without autographic permission. Communicate to all friends.
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha
(Cable from London to Wilhelmite, New York, received
December 30, 1912; Star of the West, vol. 6, no.12, October 16, 1915)
O ye beloved of God! Highway robbers are many and hypocrites are innumerable. The wolves clothe themselves with the shepherd's garment and thieves show themselves in the form of watchmen. Hereafter, if any Persian or Oriental come to those parts, even though he be from the very city of Akka, if ye find he does not possess a letter written by the hand and sealed by the seal of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, you must decidedly avoid him.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet to the Baha’is in America; Star of the West, vol. 6, no.12, October 16, 1915)
The maid-servant of God, Lua, was a long time occupied in India in spreading the fragrances of the love of God. She is now ready to return to the regions of America. Show her every consideration. She is firm in the Covenant of love. In reality she worked vigorously during her sojourn in India, and she is worthy of love.
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas (Translated on August 27, 1915)
(Star of the West, vol. 6, no.12, October 16, 1915)
About fifty years ago, His Holiness proclaimed certain teachings, and chanted the song of Universal Peace. In numerous tablets and epistles he foretold in the most clear language the present cataclysm: [WWI] stating that the world of humanity was facing the most portentous danger, and that the coming of universal war was unfortunately inevitable; for the combustible material stored in the infernal arsenals of Europe would some day explode through contact with a single spark. Amongst other things he foresaw that the Balkans would become a volcano, and the map of Europe would be changed. For these and similar reasons Baha'u'llah invited the kings and rulers of the world to lay down their arms and proclaim an era of universal peace.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 6, no.11, September 27, 1915)
Upon thee be Baha'u'l-Abha!
He is God!
O ye denizens of the Kingdom!
Your letter was received and caused joy and gladness, for it was an evidence of firmness and steadfastness. Praise be to God, ye have an assembly in the utmost joy and fragrance; the candle thereof being the blessings of His Holiness Baha'u'llah, the spirit of that meeting is the confirmations of the supreme kingdom, and the sustenance of that gathering is celestial benediction. I hope that the life of that assembly shall be the breaths of the holy spirit, and in accordance with the heavenly teachings ye become regiments of universal peace, breaking asunder the armies of war and strife through the power and teachings of His Holiness Baha'u'llah, and thus raise the standard of unity, of friendship and of love in the world of humanity.
The Americans are distinguished from the Europeans in this noble ideal, viz.: universal peace, and it is proper that they glory before all nations. His honor Mr. William Jennings Bryan, the Secretary of State of the United States of America, especially, has in reality stood by the promulgation of universal peace with the utmost effort; and because in this matter he is striving exactly in accordance with the teachings of His Holiness Baha'u'llah, he is self-sacrificing. My hope is that he will become a candle of the Convention for Universal Peace and shine forth like unto the morning star from the horizon of the oneness of the world of humanity.
It may come to pass that some corrupted souls shall come to America working to bring about the wavering of your hearts; but ye must be firm like unto a mountain in faith and the Covenant, and be not shaken by the blowing of contrary winds.
Upon ye be Baha’u’l-Abha!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 6, no.11, September 27, 1915)
He is God!
O thou illustrious soul! O thou the great pillar of the palace of universal peace!
It is some time since I intended to correspond with thee, but there was no intermediary between us. Now that his excellency, Mr. Topakyan, has made this possible through his kindly suggestion, I write thee this epistle; for truly I say thou art the lover of humanity and one of the founders of universal peace.
Today the most great service to the kingdom of God is the promotion of the principle of the unification of mankind and the establishment of universal peace. A number of souls who were doctrinaires and unpractical thinkers worked for the realization of this most exalted aim and good cause, but they were doomed to failure, save that lofty personage who has been and is still promoting the matter of international arbitration and general conciliation through deeds, words, self-sacrifice and the generous donation of wealth and property.
Rest thou assured that through the confirmations of the holy spirit thou wilt become confirmed and assisted in the accomplishment of this most resplendent service, and in this mortal world thou shalt lay the foundation of an immortal, everlasting edifice, and in the end thou wilt sit upon the throne of incorruptible glory in the kingdom of God.
All the leaders and statesmen of Europe are thinking on the plane of war and the annihilation of the mansion of humanity, but thou art thinking on the plane of peace and love and the strengthening and reinforcement of the basis of the superstructure of the human world. They are the heralds of death, thou art the harbinger of life. The foundations of their palaces are unstable and wavering and the turrets of their mansions are tottering and crumbling, but the basis of thy structure is firm and unmovable.
Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God
O thou who art rejoiced by the Divine Glad-tidings!
Verily I have received thy last letter, and thanked God that thou didst reach Paris protected and guarded by Him. Thank thou God that He assisted thee to behold the brilliant faces of the believers of God, and favored thee to meet them in American countries; for verily, beholding those shining countenances is a divine gift. By it, the hearts are dilated, the souls are rejoiced, and the spirits are attracted toward the Supreme Concourse.
Do not lament over the departure of my dearly-beloved Breakwell. For verily, he has ascended to the luminous Rose-Garden in the Abha Kingdom, near the mercy of his Lord, the Almighty, and is crying out with the loudest voice, "O that my people knew how my Lord hath forgiven me, and made me one of those who have attained to the meeting of God!"
O Breakwell! my beloved! Where is thy beautiful countenance, and where is thy eloquent tongue? Where is thy radiant brow, and where is thy brilliant face?
O Breakwell! my beloved! Where is thy enkindlement with the fire of the Love of God, and where is thy attraction to the Fragrances of God? Where is thy utterance for the glorification of God, and where is thy rising in the service of God?
O my dear! O Breakwell! Where are thy bright eyes, and where are thy smiling lips? Where are thy gentle cheeks, and where is thy graceful stature?
O my dear! O Breakwell! Verily thou hast abandoned this transitory world, and soared upward to the Kingdom, hast attained to the Grace of the Invisible Realm, and sacrificed thyself to the Threshold of the Lord of Might!
O my adored one! O Breakwell! Verily thou hast left behind this physical lamp, this human glass, these earthly elements, and this worldly enjoyment.
O my adored one! Breakwell! Then thou hast ignited a light in the Glass of the Supreme Concourse, hast entered in the Paradise of Abha; art protected under the shade of the Blessed Tree, and hast attained to the meeting (of the True One) in the abode of Paradise.
Upon him be Baha’u’llah!
He is God
O thou who art attracted to the Truth!
Many of the philosophers of the world and the great men of different nations wished to attain the Truth, but they were deprived. Then praise thou God that thou hast reached to the essence of the Truth and thou hast heard the proclamation of the Kingdom and the teachings of the Lord of Hosts. Through this great favor thou hast prospered and become victorious.
I pray, on thy behalf, that thou mayest become the proclaimer of God in that city, that thou mayest awake the sleepers and warn the negligent; that thou mayest become lighted like a torch and bestow the light of guidance.
Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 19, March 2, 1915)
The future of California, whether in regard to its material affairs or its spiritual affairs, is very important. It is my hope that the people of California may become the sons and daughters of the Kingdom and be the means of promoting the religion of God.
Regarding the Exposition of 1915 which will be inaugurated in San Francisco, America, undoubtedly from now on the Bahais must arrange and prepare ways and means so that a great number of them may be present on that occasion.
- ‘Abdu’l-Bah (From a Tablet dated 12 July 1911)
The believers of God from now on must think about going to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition (in San Francisco). Everyone goes to the Exposition either for amusement or recreation, or in hope of obtaining commercial benefits. But you, who are the believers of God, enter the Exposition with the desire to summon the people to the divine Kingdom and hoping to receive the breaths of the Holy Spirit.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet dated 14 April 1914)
As regards the second trip of Abdul-Baha to America, if the believers of God be enkindled and attracted to a superlative degree, perchance this object will again be obtained. Capacity and capability are the magnetic power.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet dated 12 March 1913)
(‘Star of the West’, vol. 5, no. 17, January 19, 1915)
Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God!
O ye who are firm in the Covenant!
Your letter was received. Praise be to God, that with the utmost firmness you have arisen in the service of the Kingdom, so that you may organize a Congress for universal peace during the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Summon the people to the Kingdom of God and promote the teachings of His Holiness Baha’u’llah. Rest ye assured that the Divine Confirmations will be conducive to joy and fragrance and most great results will be the outcome of this service.
Rest ye confident in the assistance of God.
Upon ye be Baha’u’l-Abha!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(‘Star of the West’, vol. 5, no. 17, January 19, 1915)
Today, if the soul—who is attracted with the Love of God and burning with the flame of enthusiasm—shall unloose his tongue and deliver his speech in the utmost state of attraction, it will undoubtedly produce the most wonderful effect upon the hearts. With a resonant voice, he must cry out:
O people! O people! The Sun of Reality has dawned
from the horizon of the world, casting Effulgence upon the
East and the West …
O thou world of humanity! Awake! Awake!
O thou negligent of the Kingdom of God! Revive!
Revive!
O thou prisoner of nature! Liberate thyself! Liberate
thyself!
O thou afflicted with antiquated dogmas! Get clear of
superannuated imaginations! Free thyself of this inertia!
O thou deprived of heavenly bestowals! Acquire a share!
Acquire a share!
O thou heedless of the Divine World! Be informed!
Be informed!
Cry at the top of your voices similar utterances in those meetings before the concourse of humanity. The effect of your words will be conditioned upon the degree of your attraction and exultation. Then you will observe what an effect this will have.
He is God!
O thou beloved daughter!
Thy letter was received and I have written for thy sake this Message. This article, in answer to thy question, is very important. Display ye the utmost effort in its publication.
After the declaration of the constitutional regime in Turkey in 1908, by the members of the Committee of the Union and Progress, this prisoner of forty years, travelled and journeyed for three years—from 1910 to 1913—throughout the countries of Europe and the vast continent of America. Notwithstanding advancement in age with its natural consequences, with a resonant voice I delivered detailed addresses before large conventions and in historical churches. I enumerated all those principles contained in the Tablets and Teachings of Baha’u’llah concerning War and Peace.
About fifty years ago, His Holiness Baha’u’llah proclaimed certain Teachings and raised the Song of Universal Peace. In numerous Tablets and sundry Epistles He foretold, in the most explicit language, the present cataclysmal events; stating that the world of humanity was facing the most portentious danger and asserting categorically that the realization of Universal War was unfortunately inevitable and unavoidable. For these combustible materials which were stored in the infernal arsenals of Europe would explode by contact with one spark. Among other things, "the Balkans will become a volcano and the map of Europe will be changed." For these and similar reasons He (Baha’u’llah) invited the world of humanity to Universal Peace. He wrote a number of Epistles to the kings and rulers and in those epistles He explained the destructive evils of war and dwelt on the solid benefits and nobler influences of Universal Peace. War saps the foundation of humanity; killing is an unpardonable crime against God, for man is an edifice built by the Hand of the Almighty. Peace is life incarnate; war is death personified. Peace is the divine spirit; war is satanic suggestion. Peace is the light of the world; war is stygian darkness and cimmerian gloom. All the great prophets, ancient philosophers and heavenly Books have been the harbingers of Peace and monitors against war and discord. This is the Divine foundation; this is the Celestial outpouring; this is the basis of all religions of God.
In short, before all the meetings in the West I cried out: "O ye thinkers of the world! O ye philosophers of the Occident! O ye scholars and sages of the earth! A threatening black cloud overshadows, which ere long shall envelop the horizon of humanity; an impetuous tempest is ahead, which shall shatter to splinters the ships of the lives of mankind, and a turbulent, furious torrent shall soon drown the countries and nations of Europe. Awaken ye! Awaken ye! Become ye mindful! Become ye mindful! Thus in the spirit of co-operation we may all arise with the utmost magnanimity and through the Favor and Providence of God hold aloft the flag of the Oneness of Humanity, promote the essentials of Universal Peace and deliver the inhabitants of the world from this Most Great Danger!"
Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God!
O firm ones in the Covenant!
Your letter was received and its contents became known. A Tablet (lit. letter) was written to Teheran fifteen months ago and it was published and spread in all parts of Persia and now is in the hands of all (the friends). The exact text of that Tablet is this:
O servant of the Blessed Threshold!
Thou didst complain of the decline of trade. This year calamities, unfortunate decline and corruption have encompassed the world. Now the proof is apparent to all. ‘Abdu’l-Baha in churches (lit. synagogues) and meetings in many of the cities of Europe and America loudly proclaimed the Cause of His Holiness Baha’u’llah and called (people) to the Kingdom of Abha. And he (‘Abdu’l-Baha) brought forth luminous proofs and stated clear conclusions and manifest arguments. There remained no excuse for any soul whatsoever, because most of the talks were published in newspapers and spread in the world. Notwithstanding this, still the people are captives in the sleep of negligence and are prisoners of nature and inattentive to Reality. Still the people desire material luxury to such a degree that Sur-i-Israfil (i. e., the trumpet of summoning mankind to resurrection) does not awaken them. Of course this negligence, unthankfulness and unmindfulness are the causes of regret, distress, war and dispute and produce devastation and misfortune. If the people of the world do not turn to the Greatest Name, great misery will follow. But for the sake of the believers it is my hope that traces of the favors of God may be apparent and their affairs become exceptional.
Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
This (above) Tablet was written fifteen months ago and the distressed happenings of today were mentioned in it. Notwithstanding this we pray with the utmost supplication and lamentation at the Threshold of God that He may purify and free the horizon of the world of humanity from this dark cloud.
Upon ye be Baha’u’l-Abha!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(‘Star of the West’, vol. 5, no. 16, December 12, 1914)
Translated by Lotfullah S. Hakim, November 25, 1914, (Kowl 3rd, 70), London, England.
It is self-evident that humanity is at variance. Human tastes differ; thoughts, nativities, races and tongues are various. The need of a Collective Center, by which these differences may be counterbalanced and the people of the world be unified, is obvious. Consider how nothing but a spiritual power can bring about this unification; — for material conditions and mental aspects are so widely different that agreement and unity are impossible through outer means. But it is possible for all to become unified through One Spirit just as all may receive light from one sun… Today, His Holiness Baha’u’llah is the Collective Center of Unity for all humanity.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Star of the West’, vol. 5, no. 16, December 12, 1914)
The future of California, whether in regard to its material or its spiritual affairs, is very important. It is my hope that the people of California may become the sons and daughters of the Kingdom, and be the means of promoting the religion of God.
Regarding the Exposition of 1915 which will be inaugurated in San Francisco, America, undoubtedly from now on the Bahais must arrange and prepare ways and means so that a great number of them may be present on that occasion.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Star of the West’, vol. 5, no. 15, December 12, 1914)
Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!
East and West.
He is God
[prayer]
Glory be unto Thee, O God! for Thou hast opened the Doors of
the Kingdom of Grandeur and Majesty before the faces of Thy beloved ones;
overshadowed them with the wide-spreading Tree of Thy Mercifulness; stirred
them into cheerfulness by the Breezes of Acceptance from the Garden of Thy
Singleness and caused the downpour of pure Waters from the heaven of Thy
Generosity, through which Thou didst cleanse the hearts of Thy friends.
Thou didst resuscitate the spirit of those who have arisen in Thy service with the Breaths of the Holy Spirit and reinforced them with the angels of Thy Sanctification and the unseen Cohorts from the Supreme Concourse. Verily, this was no other but a reinforcement from Thee and a fresh Confirmation on Thy part in order that they might arise in the proclamation of Thy Word, the diffusion of Thy Fragrances, the perusal of Thy Verses, the promulgation of Thy Religion, the propagation of Thy Teachings, the universalization of Thy Grace and the strengthening of Thy Covenant. Verily, they have pitched on the apex of the world, the Tabernacle of Thy Oneness, whose cords are unbreakable, under whose shade nations and peoples shall dwell and which is glorified with the Bestowal of Thy Effulgence.
O Lord! We are weak, fortify us with Thy Power; we are prisoners, shine upon us the Light of Thy Freedom!
O God! This captive has no other protector save Thee; this afflicted one has no other guardian except Thee, and this weak soul has no other support beside Thee!
O Lord! O Lord! Grant endurance and fortitude to these broken wings and brace and steel the nerves of these suppliant birds;—so that they may soar towards the apex of prosperity, wing their way through the immensity of success to the highest station of worthiness, stretch forth their pinions to reach the loftiest point in Thy Abha Kingdom and the apogee of grandeur in Thy Supreme Concourse: thus their eyes may be brightened by beholding the lights and their ears be charmed by listening to the singing of the mysteries!
Upon her be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God
O thou maidservant of God! Thy letter was received. I am much occupied, therefore brevity is befitting. Be very grateful to Miss Alma Knobloch and Miss Anna Köstlin, for they became the cause of thy guidance.
Thy beloved mother ascended to the apex of the Kingdom. She is the associate and the companion of the spiritual ones. They witness this world and the inhabitants thereof, for the veil is rent asunder and the covering is taken away from before the insight. Beg of God for them the exaltation of spiritual degrees.
Praise be to God that, on the Day of the Declaration of His Holiness the Báb, you celebrated the Feast with the utmost beauty. The nineteen days' Feast has the utmost importance, that the beloved ones may gather in a meeting, be occupied with the utmost love and fellowship in mentioning the name of God, and speak about the glad tidings of God, deliver the proofs and evidences of the appearance of Baha’u’llah, mention the praiseworthy deeds and the sacrifices endured by the Believers of God in Persia, talk about the severance and the attraction of the martyrs and remember the co-operation and the mutual assistance of the friends. Therefore this nineteen days' Feast is most important.
The believers of God in Persia sacrifice their lives in the path of each other, the rich give to the poor, and the worthies protect and guard the weak ones.
Convey to all the friends the wonderful greeting of Abha.
Upon you be Baha’u’l-Abha!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)
Upon her be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God
O Almighty!
Endear thou this maidservant of Thy Threshold, Frau Ruoff, in the Kingdom of Thy Holiness, and submerge her in the Ocean of Sight. Overlook her shortcomings; confer upon her Thy Grace! Vouchsafe her Thy Purity in the Court of the Paradise of Abha! Bestow upon her Eternal Life and suffer her to become the manifestor of infinite bestowals in the meeting of transfiguration. Verily Thou art the Generous! The Pardoner and the Compassionate.
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)
Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God
O ye believers of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful!
From the Graces of His Holiness Baha’u’llah I beg for you firmness and steadfastness. Today whosoever is a herald of the Covenant is confirmed and assisted. In these days a number of souls, whose deeds are known in America as clear as the sun, have arisen in enmity against the Center of the Covenant. Their's is the vain imagination that they can extinguish the Light of the Candle of the Covenant. Vain indeed is their thought. The Candle of the Covenant is like unto the Morning Star which never sets.
In short, after a journey through Europe and a visit to the Holy Land, their honors, Mr. Remey and Mr. Latimer, are now returning to America. I send them. I am hopeful that from the Bestowals of His Holiness, Baha'u’llah, they may become confirmed and assisted in the diffusion of the Fragrances of God.
Upon ye be Baha’u’l-Abha!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 13, November 4, 1914)
He is God
O ye friends of the heart and soul of Abdu’l-Baha!
The violators of the Covenant have raised a new cry and have written to Europe "That Abdul-Baha has become exceedingly weak, that he is no longer able to perform any work, and that he is in great danger and before long he will say his farewell words. Now, this is our chance."
From this news suddenly through the blessing of the Blessed Perfection health was granted to me. Immediately I began to write Tablets so that the "Aiadi" [1] of the Cause of God would give the Glad-tidings to the friends that ‘Abdu’l-Baha is not weak. Through the help and assistance and the blessing and confirmation of the Blessed Beauty he is exceedingly healthy, and the proof of it is that day and night he is either writing or revealing (Tablets). Through my own will power all the symptoms disappeared. In short, now I am writing with exceeding joy and happiness.
The writings of Mirza Abu’l-Fadl—may my life be a sacrifice to him—I am sending to you in order that you will, all together, compile books from these writings and immediately print and circulate them.
I expect Divine confirmations for the "Aiadi" of the Cause of God. Upon them be the blessings of their benevolent Lord.
Upon ye be Baha’u’-Abha!
[1] “Aiadi" means "Hands" and refers to four
distinguished Baha’is in Teheran, Persia.
(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 12, October 16, 1914)
O thou respected truth seeker!
Thy letter was received. It reflected the sentiment of the oneness of the world of humanity. The flag that thou hast forwarded was in reality the foreshadowing symbol of Universal Peace. Today all the nations of the world are animated with a warlike spirit and all the governments of the world are filling their military storehouses, inventing infernal machines and perfecting their man-killing engines; so that their martial powers may preponderate each other; especially the Continent of Europe has become an arsenal of combustible materials. It needs only one tiny spark to set that hell into a world-wide explosion. It will be, then such a titanic conflagration that its lurid flames shall blazen all the horizons. Hence the 'Anthem of Universal Peace' has still no charm in their ears. Their universally-accepted political axioms are that the greatness and prosperity of a nation depends on her military and naval powers. The more elaborate these preparations, the better protected and secured the well-being and happiness of that government and nation. The kings and rulers of the world are not yet ready to acknowledge that Universal Peace is conducive to the life of the world of humanity. In a similar strain the nobles, the demagogues and those in authority find their glory and reputation in naval and military preparedness.
Consequently it is impossible that 'economic contentment' be realized by the people of the world save through the transforming Power of Faith. For Faith is the solver of every problem. Therefore you must strive to strengthen the foundation of the Religion of God. Through the Power of the Religion of God every difficulty will be disentangled. The Power of the Religion of God will humble the kings and set at naught the crooked motives of those who are in supreme authority. Then endeavor ye, that the Power of True Religion which breathes the Spirit of Life into the dead body of the world of humanity, may be promulgated. This is the antidote for the poisoned body of the world and a quick-healing remedy for the rancorous disease of man. For this reason diffuse thou as much as thou art able the sweet Fragrance of the Holy Spirit, teach the people the Divine advice and exhortations and spread far and wide the heavenly Teachings..."
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 12, October 16, 1914)
These dreadful events are as warnings on the part of God so that they may quicken the people and make them mindful. Like unto children, who are being rocked in a cradle, the harder they are rocked to be awakened, the deeper they fall into sleep… We shall wait and see what God hath decreed to be the outcome of this universal upheaval… Perchance, God willing, they may become mindful… In short, pray and supplicate at the Threshold of the Almighty in behalf of the heedless souls, for they know not what they are doing!
‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 12, October 16,
1914)
Upon her be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God
O thou beloved divine maid-servant!
The letter, dated May 26th of the present year, was received, but on account of the weakened condition of ‘Abdu’l-Baha the answer was delayed. Now, as through the help and favor of God, health is secured, I therefore write the answer, so that thou mayest perceive that thou art not forgotten. I ever remember thee and beg for thee from the Kingdom of Abha everlasting help and bounty.
I hope thou art of those who are firm in the Covenant and that thou wilt call the people unto the Testament. The Blessed Beauty has established this Covenant so that all (the Baha’is) may know that whatsoever things proceed from the Pen of the Covenant (‘Abdu’l-Baha) are based upon infinite wisdom. They should not hurry, for it (wisdom) will become apparent and evident later on.
‘Abdu’l-Baha has ever been a concealer of defects and still is a coverer of sins and will not attempt to publish the short-comings and the faults of any soul, but will rather keep them secret. Therefore, to some the situation seems ambiguous, for they are ignorant of the reality of the subject.
Should he (‘Abdu’l-Baha) not overlook them and explain all the events then there would remain no doubt as to ‘Abdu’l-Baha's extreme kindness. How patient and long suffering he (‘Abdu’l-Baha) is! If he ever utters a word or dictates something concerning a soul, it is a matter of warning which arises from kindness. It is an act of kindness on the part of a physician when he explains the disease of his patient, for his explanation secures the recovery.
I swear by the God beside Whom there is no other God, were any one to amputate any of my limbs, I would pardon him before he had committed the crime; but I can never say that an invalid is robust and healthy, for I wish his recovery, and this is extreme kindness not enmity.
Therefore, if the believers of God wish to be kind to a soul, they should desire his well-being and try to advise him, so that the kind physician may prescribe a remedy and thus secure his recovery.
Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 10, September 27, 1914)
Praise be to God: The United States has in reality made extraordinary progress; day by day they are advancing toward the ultimate goal. The material virtues of the people are many; now they must think of the ideal virtues, so that the highest of the perfections of humanity may illumine the regions of America. Among the highest virtues is universal peace, the oneness of humanity. The chief ailment of humanity today is international strife; this militates against the advancement of the material and ideal virtues.
The continent of America is isolated so far as other countries are concerned; the government is not thinking of making conquests, of enlarging the circle of colonization. They are not thinking to contend with other nations so far as financial, commercial and political supremacy is concerned. They are not the rival of any other nation. Their utmost desire is this: That the continent of America be protected.
They are engaged in the amelioration of internal conditions; they are not engaged in warfare with any nation. Therefore, they have the time and ability to raise the standard of universal peace and spread the doctrine of the oneness of God. May their influence spread and permeate to all parts of the world.
Other peoples of the world have to contend with international difficulties. First, the nations are rivals with each other so far as commercial advantages are concerned. Second, they are thinking of the national self-aggrandizement. Third, they are thinking of planting new colonies. Therefore, it is difficult for them to step into this field, to uphold international peace, because they are contending, warlike, victory-loving people. They cannot be instrumental in promulgating international peace.
Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God
O Thou Heavenly Father!
Thou hast the hosts of the Kingdom and the spiritual angels. We, indigent souls are broken-winged birds; yet we yearn to soar toward the immensity of the Kingdom. We are thirsty fish; we seek the Sea of the Water of Life. We are the butterflies of the nether world; we long for the Lamp of the Realm on High. We are in the utmost weakness and feebleness; yet we are fighting against the armies of the world.
Therefore, O Lord of Hosts! confirm us so that the army of Light may become victorious and the legions of the darkness be defeated. Assist us in the service of the Kingdom and acquaint us with the Divine Mysteries. Rejoice us with the glad-tidings of the everlasting sovereignty and bestow upon us a portion and a share of the Life Eternal. Suffer the tongues to be unloosed and grant sight to the eyes; so that we may behold the world of the Kingdom and may praise with an eloquent speech Thy Beauty and Thy Perfection.
Verily, Thou art the Bestower and the Kind!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 11, September 27, 1914, 1914)
Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God
O thou spiritual Ameen!
In all the world of creation all the existent beings are in the utmost connection. Through this connection, mutual helpfulness and co-operation is realized. This mutual helpfulness and co-operation is the origin of the conservation of the forces of life. If for one instant this mutual helpfulness and co-operation were cut off from the sources and realities of things, all the existent beings and things would be thrown into confusion and chaos, and be reduced to nothingness and annihilation.
For instance: From the breath of the animals a watery element, called hydrogen and carbon is exhaled, and this is the life principle of the vegetable kingdom. From the vegetable kingdom and the trees, a fiery element, called oxygen, is emitted and this becomes the cause of the maintenance of the life of the animal kingdom. In such a manner, mutual helpfulness and co-operation is realized continually between all the existent beings.
Likewise, the greatest inter-relation and communication exists between the sons of men, without which peace, life and existence is entirely impossible. For a soul independent of all the other souls and without receiving assistance from other sources cannot live for the twinkling of an eye; nay, rather, he will become non-existent and reduced to nothingness; especially among the believers of God between whom material and spiritual communication is developed up to the highest point of perfection.
It is this real communication, the essential necessity and requirement of which is: mutual helpfulness, co-operation and confirmation. Without the complete establishment of this divine principle in the hearts of the friends of God, nothing can be accomplished, for they are the hyacinths of one garden; the waves of one sea, the stars of one heaven and the rays of one sun. From every standpoint, the essential unity, the luminous unity, the religious unity and the material unity are founded and organized between them.
Upon him be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God
O thou propagator of the Religion of God!
A few days ago an epistle was written thee. Although I have not much time, yet I immediately give an answer to thy letter (written to Mirza Ahmad Sohrab) so that thou mayst know how my heart is attached to thee. Truly I say in the Cause of God thou art sincere. Thou hast no other object save the good-pleasure of the Lord, and hast consecrated all thy time to the service of the Kingdom of God. On this account I have the utmost love for thee.
Praise be to God, that the problem of meetings is solved, and there is no more any cause for dispute. Now the believers must engage their time in teaching the Cause of God, and in the meeting no discussion should be carried on save the Cause of God. The members of the Baha’i Assemblies must be infinitely kind towards each other and all their deliberations must be concerning the Kingdom of Abha. Promiscuous discussion must be discountenanced, for these things will become the means of the lukewarmness and apathy of those who are present. The Candles of all the meetings must be the mention of God, the propagation of the Cause of God, the exposition of divine proofs and the elucidation of the principles of His Holiness Baha’u’llah. When this condition is obtained, the meeting will become heavenly, celestial, godlike, illumined and the means of the guidance of the erring ones. It will yield most great results.
O thou servant of His Holiness Baha’u’llah! Inform all the believers that perhaps a number of calumnious articles will be sent to those parts by the people of doubts. The aim of such articles is to cause the wavering of the friends in The Covenant and the Testament. Therefore, they should not take notice of these articles, nay, rather, return them to the senders, accompanied with concise, full and sweeping answers—that we are firm in The Covenant and the servants of the Blessed Perfection. We do not give ear to such hearsays and incoherent statements. We have turned our faces to the Center of the Covenant in accord with the incontrovertible Commands of Baha’u’llah, the Text of the Book of Aqdas and the Text of the Tablet of the Covenant. We have nothing to do with the people of doubts.
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 9, August 20, 1914)
Upon her be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Thy letter was received. According to the clear text of the Book of Akdas and the explicit contents of the Book of the Covenant, ‘Abdu’l-Baha is the Interpreter of all the Works and Books of the Blessed Perfection, and not only of the Book of Aqdas. This question is clear and evident to those who are informed of the Writings and Tablets (of Baha’u’llah). Were this not the case, everyone would have given an interpretation according to his own inclination and considered his interpretation preferable to the interpretation of others—this would naturally lead to great differences. If someone interprets one verse of the Verses of God, and his interpretation is not approved by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, it is not authoritative.
Now is not the time for interpretation. This is the time of teaching. All the believers must unloose the tongue of teaching the Cause of God. For teaching is the cause of the guidance of all the inhabitants of the earth; teaching is the means of the illumination of mankind; teaching is conducive to the enlightenment of the world of humanity; teaching is promotive of the confirmations of the Breaths of the Holy Spirit. This is the most great affair!
But if a soul on reading one of the blessed verses utters an explanation which does not harm the Cause, do not oppose him; for his talk is based upon explanation (elucidation) and not on interpretation.
Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 9, August 20, 1914)
O thou who art firm in The Covenant! … According to the clear text of the Book of Akdas and the explicit contents of the Book of The Covenant, ‘Abdu’l-Baha is the Interpreter of all the Works and Books of the Blessed Perfection [Baha’u’llah] and not only of the Book of Akdas. This question is clear and evident to those who are informed of the Writings and Tablets (of Baha’u’llah). Were this not the case every one would have given an interpretation according to his own inclination, and considering his own interpretation preferable to the interpretation of others which naturally lead to great differences."
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 9, August 20, 1914)
When you enter a public meeting deliver this Message from Abdu'l-Baha:
O ye friends of God!
All the people of the world today are workmen of destruction or ruin. Everyone as though with an axe is striking at the root of the foundation of humanity. They hold in their hands great implements of warfare and destruction. Among the greatest is the axe of religious prejudices or sectarian bias, as well as that of racial bias; another implement of destruction is the axe of patriotic bias; another is the axe of political warfare; another implement of ruin is the persistent accumulation of commercial benefit or profit; another, the love of conquest of new domains, as is also the enmity, hatred and bigotry among the nations and tribes. These souls are entirely inadvertent to the relations of the Kingdom of God, deprived of the relations of unity, and despaired of the life eternal. Although outwardly they may be extremely civilized, nevertheless they live in darkness.
Now, God has chosen you from among mankind, and has guided you to the Kingdom, has enlightened your hearts with the love of God, so that you may be the cause of guidance to these people, in order that you may become a cause of guidance to the world of humanity. He has appointed you as the builders of the edifice of true manhood. Consider with what a power of morals you must arise in order to withstand all vicissitudes. All these people, all these promoters as workers of warfare and ruin are spreading the deeds of hatred among nations. Now, consider with what a peace and concord you must go forth in order that you may be capable of overcoming the antagonistic forces.
O ye heavenly ones!
Organize ye spiritual assemblies. Lay ye the foundation of union and concord in this world. Destroy ye the fabric of strife and war from the face of the earth. Construct ye the temple of harmony and agreement. Enkindle ye the light of the realm of the oneness of humanity.
Open ye your eyes. Gaze and behold ye the Other World. The Kingdom of Peace, Salvation, Uprightness and Reconciliation is founded in the Invisible World, and it will by degrees become manifest and apparent through the power of the Word of God.
I supplicate God that ye may become the army of that Kingdom, in order that, by the power of the Most Great Name, the friends of God may conquer the world through love, friendship and the strength of the Kingdom of Peace, the human race may become compassionate, and bloodshed and carnage be completely effaced from the universe.
[Revealed in 1913]
He is God!
O thou esteemed and kind friend!
After journeying throughout the United States of America, and the great capitals and metropolis of Europe, I have returned to the East. With the results of this journey I am most pleased and well satisfied—because I met noble people and associated with worthy souls, who are in reality the cause of honour and glory to the world of humanity. They were learned and wise, well-informed of the realities of events and the well-wishers of the human world, especially the advocates of universal peace.
In these days the world of humanity is afflicted with a chronic disease. It is one of bloodshed, the destruction of the divine edifice, the demolition of cities and villages, the slaughter of the noble youths of the world of humanity, children becoming orphans and women homeless and shelterless. What calamity is greater than this? What crime is more heinous than this? What disease is more dangerous than this? What folly is more direful than this?
Consider that in former days there were only religious wars, but now there are racial and political wars fought at staggering expense and sacrifice. A thousand times alas for this ignorance, this bloodthirstiness and ferocity!
I became pleased with and grateful to the societies which are organized in the West for the promotion of universal peace, and with whose presidents, officers and members I frequently conversed. I hope that the sphere of the activities of these societies may become from day to day enlarged; so that the lights of the higher ideals may illumine all regions, the oneness of the world of humanity be proclaimed in the East and in the West, and the world of humanity may attain to composure and well-being. These revered souls who are the servants of the world of humanity and the promoters of the cause of universal peace shall ere long shine like brilliant stars from the horizon of mankind, flooding the regions with their glorious lights.
Upon them be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God!
O ye sons and daughters of the Kingdom!
… O ye friends and maid-servants of the Merciful! It is easy to advance toward the Kingdom, but it is difficult to remain firm and steadfast. Therefore, endeavor ye as much as ye can to make your faith firm like unto a well-rooted tree and produce blossoms and fruits. Neither be ye agitated on account of the blowing winds of tests and trials. The firmer the roots of the tree the greater its blossoms and fruits. Because the Apostles of Christ remained firm and steadfast they became assisted in the most great services and the confirmations of the Holy Spirit descended upon them uninterruptedly.
If ye seek the illumination of the Kingdom ye must arise with infinite resolution. Be ye not discouraged or lukewarm on account of troubles and vicissitudes. Show ye an effort so that that region may be illumined, the Kingdom of God may raise its tents and the breaths of the Holy Spirit may quicken the souls.
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 7, July 13, 1914)
It is nearly two years and a half that I have been a wanderer over mountains and deserts and a traveler over seas and lands. The journey was extended to many climes… The penetrative power of the Holy Cause has stirred the columns of the world. In many cities of America the Divine Call was raised. Likewise in the countries of Europe. in many churches, clubs, meetings and universities of America the Glad-Tidings of the Kingdom of Abha were explained explicitly with a resonant voice, and no one arose in opposition. They listened most attentively and expressed their pleasure afterward. Ere long this Call shall yield the most glorious results and will fill the world with its fruits.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 7, July 13, 1914)
O God! O God! I implore Thee with throbbing heart and streaming tears, to aid each one who endeavors for the erection of the House of the Lord (Mashriqu’l-Adhkar), the Building wherein Thy Name is mentioned every mom and eve. Send down Thy benediction on whomsoever endeavors for the uprising of this Edifice among the sects and religions. and confirm him in every good deed of mankind; open the doors of riches and wealth unto him and make him an inheritor of the treasures of the Kingdom which perish not; make him the sign of giving among the peoples and reinforce him by the sea of Thy generosity and bounty, which is surging with the waves of grace and favor. Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Merciful and the Bountiful.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 5, June 5, 1914)
He is God!
O thou herald of the Kingdom of God!
Thy detailed letter was received. Its contents indicated that thou didst travel in the cities of America and visited the friends of God until thou didst reach the general Convention held in Chicago for the building of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. In thy letter thou hast written in praise and commendation of the illumination of that Convention.
Truly, I say, the Convention of the Baha’i delegates in Chicago was a heavenly gathering and confirmed by Divine Assistance. The Splendor of the Kingdom of Abha shone forth and the soul-refreshing Breeze wafted from the direction of Providence. It was an Effulgence from the Rays of the Sun of Truth that the friends of God gathered in that illumined Assembly with the utmost love, unity and concord. The intentions of everyone were reinforced by Divine Confirmation, the aim of everyone was service in the Cause of God, servitude in the Threshold of the Almighty and the erection of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar.
The results of that Convention in the future will be far-reaching and most important, and evident signs shall become manifest. As it was the first general Baha’i Convention in America, it displayed wonderful influence. The gathering of that illumined Assembly in such a short space of time would have been impossible without the Power of the Divine Covenant and Testament. But The Covenant has such a great sway that it astonishes the minds. In every region the sign of the Power of the Covenant is apparent and manifest.
For instance: In Persia the fire of revolution blazed in such wise that all communities, government and nation became afflicted with the most severe trials; but the Power of the Covenant protected the Baha’i friends to such a degree that in this turbulent storm no dust fell upon them, except in one locality, which became the cause of the spreading of the Religion of God and the diffusion of the Word of God. Now all the parties in Persia are wondering how the people of Bahá were guarded and protected.
Praise be to God! that in Tehran, and all the provinces of Persia, the Call of God has been raised, the Ensign of the Covenant has been unfurled, the cry of "Ya-Baha’u’l-Abha!" has been heard and the melody of the Kingdom of Abha has been promulgated among the people of intelligence.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 4, May 14, 1914)
Upon Him be Baha’u’l-Abha!
He is God!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Thy letter was received and its contents perused with the utmost of attention.
Convey infinite love and kindness on my behalf to.... and say to him: Praise be to God that He hath chosen thee from amongst the ministers so that thou mayst hearken to the call of the Kingdom of God, listen to the heavenly Melody, behold the Light of Reality, act according to the advices of His Holiness the Christ, promulgate the principles of Baha’u’llah, become the cause of the illumination of the world of humanity and be ordained as the high priest of the Church of the Kingdom. All the ministers will be submerged under one of those periodic waves of the earth, leaving behind no name and no trace, but thou shalt unfurl the standard of spirituality in the heavenly universe of Heaven, extolling and magnifying the Lord of mankind with the music of the Kingdom. Thank thou God that thou hast attained to this most great Bestowal.
In short, O thou my Mr. Kinney, O thou my spiritual child! Whatever … deems advisable concur with him and put in practice, and occupy your time with the diffusion of the Fragrances of God. Announce the utmost kindness to thy respected wife and all the friends.
Up to the present time, as a result of this long journey to America, my constitution was in the utmost state of weakness and feebleness, consequently I could not carry the weight of correspondence. As at the present writing the condition of my nerves is better and materially improved, therefore I am writing thee this epistle.
Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas
(From a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no.
2, April 9, 1914)
In Ishqabad, the believers of God made the erection of the Temple conducive to affinity and unity, so that it really became the cause of oneness of the Word. Ye, also, make the erection of the Temple in America conducive to the unity and oneness of the believers—of the maid-servants and servants of the Merciful—so that, with one thought and one aim they engage themselves in the building of the Temple.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Extract from a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 2, April 9, 1914)
The everlasting glory of the friends, and the heavenly sublimity of the believers, is to teach the Cause of God, to spread the Fragrances of God, and to Promote the Word of God!
I hope you may become assisted and confirmed therein. Then you will become a member of the congregation of the elect and a light in the Divine Assemblage.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Extract from a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 2, April 9, 1914)
If a soul calls the people to the Kingdom of God according to the Teachings of Baha’u’llah, there will be many listeners.
First, one must teach by deeds; then speak the word! One must become thirsty; then the salubrious Water be offered. No matter how delicious the Water is, one who is not thirsty will not enjoy it. Therefore, make ye an effort, so that the people may become thirsty; then cause them to quaff from the Divine Chalice.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Extract from a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)
Consider how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá forgot all thoughts and mentions and turned his face towards the countries and empires, cities and villages, mountains and deserts of the West. Day and night he was engaged in teaching the Cause and conveying the Message. The principle upon which his trip [throughout Europe and America] was directed was this verse:
"O God! Make all my ideals and thoughts One Ideal and One Thought, and suffer me to attain to an eternal, unchangeable condition in Thy Service!"
He sought no rest, neither did he breathe one breath of comfort. Notwithstanding the weakness of constitution, the infirmity of the body and the nervous fever, every night I was in a city, and each day among a community. Although at times I could not speak one word before large audiences, I delivered lengthy addresses. Working in this manner shall bear fruit.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)
Through whichever country thou goest speak thou with moderation. Call the people to the oneness of the world of humanity; the dawn of the Sun of Reality from the horizon of Persia; the servitude of Abdul-Baha, and then explain the Centership of The Covenant—and no more… Speak in accordance with that which I used to speak in the meetings, i.e... speak with moderation.
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)
It is very acceptable and seasonable that thou hast taken this voyage. The Apostles of His Holiness Christ were always traveling and calling the people to the Kingdom of God. Consequently, walk thou in their footsteps. Travel thou to every country and under all circumstances raise the Call of the Kingdom of God. Mankind, like unto children, are satisfied with water and clay, and love to play with their play-things. Their ambitions are very inferior. Praise be to God! that thou hast a lofty ambition; therefore arise in calling the people to the Kingdom of God.
This Call shall fill the East and the West, and will continue throughout all ages and cycles. It is endless. That is why in this day, the wise and perceiving souls exalt the ideal and engage in heralding the Kingdom of God!
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)
Now you must engage in the service of the Cause of God with the utmost firmness, steadfastness and resolution, and expend day and night in the promotion of the Religion of God. Do not unloose your tongues save for conveying the Message! Do not behold save the Kingdom of Abha! Wish for no other companion save the True One. Do ye not desire other associate save turning thy face toward the Supreme Horizon. Do ye not search for any other delicacy save the Heavenly Food, and do ye not hope for any other sweetness save the love of the Beauty of Abha.
Praise be to God, that the Standard of Victory is unfurled over that region, and the fame of The Covenant has reached the ear of every wise and intelligent person.
Spiritual means are prepared. The Merciful Table is spread and the Banquet and the Feast of the Lord is inexhaustible. Now is the time of attraction and ecstasy! —so that region may become wholly illumined and that worthless dust be changed into fragrant musk.
I declare by the Blessed Perfection — May my life be a sacrifice to His believers —that if the believers arise to act according to the good-pleasure of the Blessed Perfection, the lights will be revealed, the mysteries discovered, the veils rent asunder, the darkness dispelled, the verses of unity chanted, and the melodies of the spiritual music of the Glorious Lord sung!
Show ye an effort! Work unceasingly! Labor diligently—so that the Everlasting Bounty be realized, Eternal Life be destined, and the nostrils be perfumed with the Holy Fragrances!
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)
Those who have passed on through death, have a sphere of their own. It is not removed from ours. Their work—the work of the Kingdom—is ours; but it is sanctified from what we call time and place. Those who have ascended have different attributes from those who are still on earth, yet, there is no real separation.
In prayer there is a mingling of station, a mingling of condition. Pray for them, as they pray for you! When you do not know it, and are in receptive attitude, they are able to make suggestions to you, if you are in difficulty. This sometimes happens in sleep. But there is no phenomenal intercourse! That which seems like phenomenal intercourse has another explanation.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 19, March 2, 1914)
O People! The Doors of the Kingdom are opened: The Sun of Truth is shining upon the world: the Fountains of Life are flowing; the Daysprings of Mercy have appeared; the Greatest and Most Glorious Light is now manifest to illuminate the hearts of men.
Wake up and hear the Voice of God calling from all parts of the Supreme World—"Come unto Me, O ye children of men; come unto Me, O ye who are thirsty, and drink from this sweet Water which is descending in torrents upon all parts of the globe."
These days are the days of faith and deeds—not the days of words and lip service: Let us arise from the sleep of negligence, and realize what a great feast is prepared for us; first eating thereof ourselves, then giving unto others who are thirsting for the Water of Knowledge, and hungering for the Bread of Life.
These Great Days are swiftly passing; and once gone they can never be recalled. So, while the Rays of the Sun of Truth are still shining and The Center of The Covenant of God is manifest, let us go forth to work.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 1, March 21, 1914)
Know thou that the building of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar is the greatest foundation in those regions. God said in the Qur’an: "Those who believe in God and the Last Day, shall build the Temples of God." It is incumbent upon thee, and upon all, to put forth the best efforts in these days, in building this glorious Temple: raising the tumult of commemoration therein, during the wing of the night, at dawn, and at eventide. It is incumbent upon ye (men and women) to be united in this Great Cause, so that ye may be confirmed by the Divine Bounty and Merciful Spirit; become increased with energy and power, gain a recompense and estimation. I implore God, and supplicate to Him to make your feet firm in the straight path and the upright Way.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet to Claudia Stuart Coles, received in September 1911; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 19, March 2, 1914)
Regarding the phrase “He is God!” written above the Tablets. By this Word is intended that no one hath any access to the Invisible Essence. The way is barred and the road is impassable. In this world all men must turn their faces toward “Him-whom-God-shall-Manifest.” He is the Dawning-place of Divinity and the Manifestation of Deity. He is the Ultimate Goal, the Adored One of all and the Worshipped One of all. Otherwise, whatever flashes through the mind is not that Essence of essences and Reality of realities; nay, rather it is pure imagination woven by man—consequently, it returns finally to the realm of suppositions and conjectures.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 18, February 7, 1914)
Know thou verily these Divine Teachings are heavenly and spiritual. They penetrate in the heart as the penetration of the heat of the sun, the outpouring of clouds and the blowing of vernal winds at morning-time upon the trees. When the lights (of these Teachings) arose, they became spread, just as the shining dawn spreads upon the horizons. These wonderful traces shall surely appear throughout all regions and their lights will shine forth during centuries and ages forevermore.
As to thy question: "Why pray? What is the wisdom thereof? For God has established everything and executes the affairs after the best order, and He ordains everything according to a becoming measure and puts things in their (proper) places with the greatest propriety and perfection—therefore, what is the wisdom in beseeching and supplicating and in stating one's wants and seeking help?"
Know thou, verily, it is becoming of a weak one to supplicate to the Strong One, and it behooveth a seeker of bounty to beseech the Glorious Bountiful One. When one supplicates to his Lord, turns unto Him and seeks Bounty from His Ocean, this supplication is by itself a light to his heart, an illumination to his sight, a life to his soul and an exaltation for his being.
Therefore, during thy supplication to God and thy reciting, "Thy Name is my healing"—consider how thine heart is cheered up, thy soul delighted by the spirit of the Love of God, and thy mind becomes attracted to the Kingdom of God! By these attractions, one's ability and capacity increase. When the vessel is widened the water increaseth, and when the thirst grows the bounty of the cloud becomes agreeable to the taste of man. This is the mystery of supplication and the wisdom of stating one's wants (i. e., praying).
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 18, February 7, 1914)
O thou, my spiritual philosopher!
Thy letter was received. In reality its contents were eloquent, for it was an evidence of thy literary fairness and of thy investigation of Reality… There were many Doctors amongst the Jews, but they were all earthly, but St. Paul became heavenly because he could fly upwards. In his own time no one duly recognized him; nay, rather, he spent his days amidst difficulties and contempt. Afterwards it became known that he was not an earthly bird, he was a celestial one; he was not a natural philosopher, but a divine philosopher.
It is likewise my hope that in the future the East and the West may become conscious that thou wert a divine philosopher and a herald to the Kingdom…
Thy respected wife in reality deserves the utmost consideration… Praise be to God that she is also thy co-worker and co-partner in the perfection of the Kingdom.
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas (Star of the West, vol. 4, no.17, January 19, 1914)
He is God!
O thou son of the Kingdom!
A copy of the book written by thee and forwarded to this spot was received. The friends are engaged in reading it. They praise and commend your book most highly and appreciatively, God willing, it will be translated and I will likewise read it. Thank thou God that thou art confirmed and assisted; thy aim is to render service to the Kinbdom of Abha, and thy object is the promotion of the Teachings of Baha’u’llah. Although the glory and greatness of this service is not known for the present, but in future ages it shall assume most great importance and will attract the attention of the most great scholars. Therefore, strive more and more as much as thou canst in this service, so that it may become the cause of thy everlasting glory and in the Kingdom of Abha thou mayst shine like unto a star.
Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas (Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 16, December 31, 1913)
Look thou with seeing eyes at the world about thee and at the inhabitants thereof. Upon the stage of this immense theatre, most spectacular plays are being enacted. On one side thereof thou wilt see the victorious and the vanquished legions of profit and loss. On the other side thou wilt observe the waves of the sea of folly rising and falling. Cries are being raised on every side and the agonies of revolution, revolt and unrest reach unto the ears of progressive men. There is a tremendous strike and clash between capital and labor, and the war between the aristocrats and democrats is carried on relentlessly with bow and arrow, sword and javelin. The phalanxes of a great army are drawn in battle array, each division taking its position. Armed troops and artillery are to be found in every part of the field. The flash of the swords of enmity blind the eyes from even the most remote distance, the lightning effect of breast-plate and lance and the sparkle of the bucklers of hatred light up the night and bewilder the sight. In short: strife, battle, slaughter and war are prepared in organized perfection.
On the other hand thou wilt hear that from every house strains of music are raised, and confusing melodies of harp, lyre, cymbal and flute are heard, and mad revellers are dancing to the tunes, while they are inebriated with the wine of vanishing pleasures. In one place thou wilt behold the wanton and soiled decorations, and in another the flimsy shows of the gilded class of creatures. On the one hand is to be seen the embellishment and luxury made possible through illicit wealth, and on the other hand, the ravishing of this mortal world of its beautiful appearance.
O ye children of the Kingdom! [1]
It is New Year; that is to say, the rounding of the cycle of the year. A year is the expression of a cycle (of the sun); but now is the beginning of a cycle of Reality, a New Cycle, a New Age, a New Century, a New Time and a New Year. Therefore, it is very blessed.
I wish this blessing to appear and become manifest in the faces and characteristics of the believers, so that they, too, may become a new people, and having found new life and been baptized with fire and spirit, may make the world a new world, to the end that the old earth may disappear and the new earth appear; old ideas depart and new thoughts come; old garments be cast aside and new garments put on; ancient politics whose foundation is war, be discarded and modem politics founded on peace, raise the standard of victory; the new star shine and gleam and the new sun illumine and radiate; new flowers bloom; the new spring become known; the new breeze blow; the new bounty descend; the New Tree give forth new fruit; the new voice become raised and this new sound reach the ears, that the new will follow the new, and all the old furnishings and adornments be cast aside and new decorations put in their places.
I desire for you all that you will have this great assistance and partake of this great bounty, and that in spirit and heart you will strive and endeavor until the world of war become the world of peace; the world of darkness the world of light; satanic conduct be turned into heavenly behavior; the ruined places become built up; the sword be turned into the olive branch; the flash of hatred become the flame of the love of God and the noise of the gun the voice of the Kingdom; the soldiers of death the soldiers of life; all the nations of the world one nation; all races as one race; all national anthems harmonized into one melody.
Then this material realm will be Paradise, the earth Heaven, and the world of satan become the world of angels.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha Abbas (Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 16, December 31, 1913)
[1] Revealed for the American Baha’is, who in 1906 had sent
a Naw-Ruz greeting to ‘Abdu’l-Baha
O People! The doors of the Kingdom are opened; the Sun of Truth is shining upon the world; the Fountains of Life are flowing; the Dayspring of Mercy hath appeared; the Greatest and Most Glorious Light is now manifest to illuminate the hearts of men.
Wake up and hear the Voice of God calling from all parts of the Supreme World: "Come unto Me, O ye children of men; come unto Me, O ye who are thirsty, and drink from this sweet Water which is descending in torrents upon all parts of the globe."
Now is the time! Now is the accepted time!
Look ye at the time of Christ:- had the people realized that the Holy Spirit of God was speaking to them through His Divine Mouth, they would not have waited three centuries before accepting Him.
And now is it meet for you that you are sleeping upon the beds of idleness and neglect, while the Father, whose coming Christ foretold, has come among us, and opened the Greatest Door of Bounteous Gifts and Divine Favors?
Let us not be like those in past centuries, who were deaf to His Call, and blind to His Beauty; but let us try and open our eyes, that we may see Him; and open our ears that we may hear Him; and cleanse our hearts that He may come and abide in our temples.
These days are the days of Faith and deeds-not the days of words and lip service: Let us arise from the sleep of negligence, and realize what a great feast is prepared for us; first eating thereof ourselves, then giving unto others who are thirsting for the Water of Knowledge, and hungering for the Bread of Life.
These Great Days ore swiftly passing; and once gone they can never be recalled. So while the Rays of the Sun of Truth are still shining and the Center of the Covenant of God is manifest, let us go forth to work.
‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 4, no.
15, December 12, 1913)
Know thou, verily I say unto thee that the conditions of this mortal world, even if it be the kingship of the whole expanse of this globe, is ephemeral. It is an illusion. It is ended in nothing; neither does it contain any results, nor, in the estimation of God, is it equal to the wing of a mosquito.
Where are the kings and the queens? Where are the palaces and their mistresses? Where are the imperial thrones and jewelled crowns? Where are the mighty rulers of Persia, Greece and Rome? Verily, their palaces are in ruin and desolation, their thrones destroyed, and their crowns thrown to the dust.
But the signs of anyone of the maid-servants of God who arose in the diffusion of the Fragrances of God, serving the Kingdom of God, summoning the people to the Word of God, are widely spread eternally and handed down through centuries and cycles; her dawn is ever luminous; her star always shining; her flag continually flying; her station divinely glorified; her crown scintillating; her message living; her fame immortal; her voice resonant, her spirit in the apex of the Kingdom and her effulgence in the horizon of the Realm of Might.
I beg of God to make thee one of these maid-servants.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, quoted in ‘Diary of Mirza
Ahmad Sohrab,’ July 24, 1913; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 15, December 12,
1913)