An occasion when ‘Abdu’l-Baha ate meat

October 27, 1920, Pilgrims House - Luncheon

Mrs. C: We have always understood that ‘Abdu'l-Baha did not eat meat, but we see that He does. Is He not eating it to please us?

‘Abdu’l-Baha: Yes, I eat it in order that I may be your partner. In the same way, in the world of the Kingdom, I may be your partner, God willing, that on earth and in heaven we may be co-partners. You are always and everywhere with me.

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 27, 1920, recorded by a pilgrim)

New York 1912: Abdu'l-Baha with Edward and Carrie Kinney and their children

The Master gave His first talk in America at Kinney's residence on April 11, 1912

“think of the Bounty of God. This will always make you happy” – 'Abdu'l-Baha's advice

Two pilgrims were at the Master’s luncheon table one day in 1908. He asked them if they were glad to be in ‘Akka and if they were happy. They replied that they were very happy to be there with Him, but unhappy when they thought of their own faults. ‘Think not of yourselves,’ He said, ‘but think of the Bounty of God. This will always make you happy.’ Then with a smile He referred to an Arabic saying about the peacock, who ‘is contented because he never looks at his feet - which are very ugly - but always at his plumage which is very beautiful.’ 

- Goodall and Cooper  (‘Daily Lessons Received at Acca, January 1908’)

“…in the person of 'Abdu'l-Bahá the incompatible characteristics of a human nature and superhuman knowledge and perfection have been blended and are completely harmonized.”

He [‘Abdu’l-Baha] is, and should for all time be regarded, first and foremost, as

• the Center and Pivot of Bahá'u'lláh's peerless and all-enfolding Covenant,
• His most exalted handiwork,
• the stainless Mirror of His light,
• the perfect Exemplar of His teachings,
• the unerring Interpreter of His Word,
• the embodiment of every Bahá'í ideal,
• the incarnation of every Bahá'í virtue,
• the Most Mighty Branch sprung from the Ancient Root,
• the Limb of the Law of God,
• the Being "round Whom all names revolve,"
• the Mainspring of the Oneness of Humanity,
• the Ensign of the Most Great Peace,
• the Moon of the Central Orb of this most holy Dispensation –

styles and titles that are implicit and find their truest, their highest and fairest expression in the magic name 'Abdu'l-Bahá.

He is, above and beyond these appellations, the "Mystery of God" -- an expression by which Bahá'u'lláh Himself has chosen to designate Him, and which, while it does not by any means justify us to assign to Him the station of Prophethood, indicates how in the person of 'Abdu'l-Bahá the incompatible characteristics of a human nature and superhuman knowledge and perfection have been blended and are completely harmonized.

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter of 8 February 1934, published in "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh - Selected Letters")

An example of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s sense of humor

'Abdu'l-Baha spoke at length to the press representatives [in America], answering all their questions about peace, war, the rights of women, freedom of the press, education, true liberty and true religion.

'Abdu'l-Baha displayed wisdom, love and a sense of humour as He chatted with the press reporters in His stateroom. He recalled an incident from the previous winter when a young Christian was about to set off on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The pilgrim was worried, feeling that he did not have the right spirit and sense of reverence.

“The proper spirit in which to visit places hallowed by remembrances of Christ,” 'Abdu'l-Baha told His young visitor, “is one of constant communion with God. Love for God will be the telegraph wire, one end of which is in the Kingdom of the Spirit, and the other in your heart.”

‘I am afraid my telegraph wire is broken,' the would-be pilgrim complained.’

“Then,” said 'Abdu'l-Baha, laughing heartily, “I told him: ‘You will have to use wireless telegraphy.’”

- William Sears  (‘The Flame, the Story of Lua’, by William Sears & Robert Quigley)

Supplications may be addressed to ‘Abdu’l-Baha

With reference to the first of the two questions raised by the San Francisco Spiritual Assembly in connection with 'The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah,' he wishes me to explain that although 'Abdu'l-Baha's station is not that of a Manifestation of God, nevertheless supplications may be addressed to Him. It is essential, however, that every believer should realize that while doing so he is directing his thoughts towards the Master as an intermediary between him and the Manifestation, and not as the Source of Divine Revelation and Spiritual Guidance. Provided this distinction is clearly established there can be no harm or objection in addressing prayers to 'Abdu'l-Baha. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Baha’i News, January 1935)

How is one impressed by meeting ‘Abdu'l-Baha? – by Arthur Cuthbert *, London, 25 September, 1911

To see, hear, or meet Him can never, it seems to me, be a shock, a startling surprise, or an overwhelming impression. It is a perfectly natural and simple experience, and may even, at first seem rather disappointing; but ‘Abdu'l-Baha will ever grow upon you, even if the meeting is only once. Gradually, you will realize, more and more, what it is you have been in the presence of and made contact with. Not a personality, nor a dazzling individual, but so wonderful a state of perfect detachment and consecration have you encountered that it seems as if you are being lovingly addressed by the Holy Spirit Itself. It is a great lesson to us of a man's perfect attainment. We see before our eyes the attitude towards God each one of us ought to assume, so that each one in his place may be fully enabled to love all mankind abundantly, and act with the greatest wisdom, always shedding round him joy and happiness. 

(Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 12, October 16, 1911)

* He was one of the early British Bahá'ís, evidently saw Bahá'u'lláh from a distance as confirmed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in an unpublished tablet addressed to him. It appears that he saw Baha’u’llah while He was walking in the streets in the German colony at Haifa. (Moojan Momen, The Bábí  and Bahá'í Religions 1844-1944, p. 234)

The significance of Tablets and Addresses of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

Verily know that the Tablets (Book) of Abdul-Baha and his address are a hidden mystery and concealed fact. No one is informed of its greatness and importance at these times, but in the course of time and future centuries the signs thereof will be manifested, the lights thereof will dawn forth, the fragrances thereof will be diffused and the greatness, the importance thereof will be known. The truth I say unto thee, that each leaflet from Abdul-Baha will be a wide-spread book, nay, rather, a glistening gem on the Glorious Crown. Know thou its value and hold great its station. 

- ‘Abdu'l-Baha  ('Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha vol. 2')

Need to open our “spiritual perception, our inward sight” – ‘Abdu’l-Baha explains

Our spiritual perception, our inward sight must be opened so that we can see the signs and traces of God's spirit in everything. Everything can reflect to us the light of the spirit. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdul-Baha; extract from a talk given to Laura Barney; Star of the West, vol. 8, no. 4, May 17, 1917)

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

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

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

We should, therefore, reflect not only upon what the Master achieved and set in motion but also on the work that remains undone to which He has summoned us. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message to the Baha’is of the World. 29 August 2010)

The “perfect Exemplar” of Baha’u’llah’s Faith

He [‘Abdu’l-Baha] alone had been accorded the privilege of being called "the Master," an honor from which His Father had strictly excluded all His other sons. Upon Him that loving and unerring Father had chosen to confer the unique title of "Sirru'llah" (the Mystery of God), a designation so appropriate to One Who, though essentially human and holding a station radically and fundamentally different from that occupied by Bahá'u'lláh and His Forerunner, could still claim to be the perfect Exemplar of His Faith, to be endowed with super-human knowledge, and to be regarded as the stainless mirror reflecting His light.

-Shoghi Effendi  (God Passes By)

Tenderness and attention shown by ‘Abdu’l-Baha towards little children

Abdu'l-Baha at the MacNutt home New York June 18-1912

It is beautiful to see the Master with the little children and observe his consideration for their childish troubles. One morning his tiny grand-daughter, about two years old, was talking to the Master in the most serious way, telling him with expressive gesticulations her difficulty. Something had gone crosswise with her. The Master without a smile listened most attentively. This was a great lesson. When we consider what the Master has to bear — a man of ordinary strength could not endure it one hour — yet when a little child comes and confides in him her trouble, how tender, how loving he is! How forgetful of self!

Shall I ever forget the heavenly smile and love expressed in that beautiful face when this tiny maiden was chanting for him a Tablet! Every now and then she would forget a word, and he would gently chant it for her, while he drank his tea, seated in the corner of the divan. How the little children love him!

- Mary L. Lucas  (‘A Brief Account of My Visit to Acca’, published by Chicago Baha'i Publishing Society in 1905)

The Station of the Guardian compared to the exalted station of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

As I have already stated, in the course of my references to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s station, however great the gulf that separates Him from the Author of a Divine Revelation it can never measure with the distance that stands between Him Who is the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant and the Guardians who are its chosen ministers. There is a far, far greater distance separating the Guardian from the Center of the Covenant than there is between the Center of the Covenant and its Author.

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated February 8, 1934; ‘The World Order of Baha’u’llah’)

The household of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Akka – described by an American pilgrim

Monday afternoon, Ruha and Munavar Khanum [two of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s daughters) came to my room and told me the ladies of the household would call upon me after sunset. So the Greatest Holy Leaf (the Master’s sister) and the Holy Mother (the Master’s wife), Ruha and Munavar Khanum, came to my room. I gave them presents sent from America, and delivered to Ruha Khanum many supplications for the Master, from Americans.

Monday night I spent with the ladies in the large sitting room. They asked me to sing for them, and I sang many things. They requested the hymn, “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” While I was in Egypt I learned from one of the Persian believers a Tablet in Arabic, and also learned to chant it. The members of the household were much pleased when I chanted it for them. This was Monday night, Jan. 30, 1905, my second and last night, I thought, in this sacred and spiritual atmosphere — as the Master had said I could come for two nights.

During my stay the Master was never present in the evening after dinner.

The household consists of the Master, the Greatest Holy Leaf, the Holy Mother, two married daughters, their husbands and children, Ruha and Munavar (the Master’s two youngest daughters), besides some little children who are orphans and have no one to take care of them, and women who are widows, their husbands having suffered martyrdom in the Path of God. These serve in some capacity in the household, and the sentiment of love and equality in every member of this home is a living example for the world. Everything is done in the spirit of love. These women whose husbands have been martyred who are now living under the Master’s roof, are very happy, as their beaming faces testify, for all their sorrow is forgotten in the Presence of this Great One. Through Him they are learning the reality of life.

- Mary L. Lucas  (‘A Brief Account of My Visit to Acca’, published by Chicago Baha'i Publishing Society in 1905)

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s objectives for going to North America

…he [‘Abdu’l-Baha] has returned to Egypt and hopes that during the next spring no obstacle may arise, so that with infinite joy and fragrance he may hasten to America

• to meet the friends,
• to unfurl the banner of rejoicing,
• to spread the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom of Abha,
• to illumine the meetings and gatherings with the Rays of the Sun of Truth,
• to perfume the nostrils with the Fragrances of Holiness,
• to impart gladness and delight to the hearts,
• to attract the souls to the Realms of Might,
• to grant the outpouring of the Holy Spirit so that in this nether world the congregation of the Righteous Ones may be firmly established.

Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The bounties of the Most Great Name are descending.

Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The Lights of the Kingdom of Abha are shining.

Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The Doors of Heaven are opened and the call of the Kingdom is raised.

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 16, December 31, 1911)

An example of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s packed daily schedule while in USA in 1912

An example of a day’s diverse activities is April 23, in Washington, D.C. ‘Abdu’l-Baha addressed a gathering of parents and children at Studio Hall concerning the education of children; attended a reception in His honor and addressed government officials and international representatives at the home of the socially prominent Parsons family; spoke on the “nature of life and death” in one of the ghetto areas of the city; and proceeded about 9:00 p.m. to address an audience of scientists and friends personally invited by Alexander Graham Bell to his home, where, after speaking and answering questions until midnight, ‘Abdu’l-Baha remained as a guest.

- Allan Ward  (‘Abdu’l-Baha: Speaking in America; World Order magazine, Winter, 1971-72)

Not to “overestimate” or “underestimate” the station of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

Exalted as is the rank of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and however profuse the praises with which in these sacred Books and Tablets Bahá'u'lláh has glorified His son, so unique a distinction must never be construed as conferring upon its recipient a station identical with, or equivalent to, that of His Father, the Manifestation Himself… Indeed, as I have already stated, those who overestimate 'Abdu'l-Bahá's station are just as reprehensible and have done just as much harm as those who underestimate it. And this for no other reason except that by insisting upon an altogether unwarranted inference from Bahá'u'lláh's writings they are inadvertently justifying and continuously furnishing the enemy with proofs for his false accusations and misleading statements. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (The World Order of Baha'u'llah)

The “’two wings’ of the soul” – ‘Abdu’l-Baha explains

Regarding the “two wings” of the soul: These signify wings of ascent. One is the wing of knowledge, the other of faith, as this is the means of the ascent of the human soul to the lofty station of divine perfections… 

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

The Master with children

‘Abdu’l-Bahá with a group of Bahá’ís at
Lincoln Park in Chicago, Illinois, 3 May 1912

On April 24, 1912, it was the privilege of the Baha'i children of Washington to have' Abdu'l-Baha at their meeting. He gave them the most helpful message, sweetened their little mouths with candy and blessed them with these words: "Praise be to God! These children are like a bouquet of roses in their utmost beauty, delicacy and sweetness." 

(Reported by Dr. Zia Bagdadi, ‘Abdu’l-Baha in America’, April 24, 1912, Washington DC, Star of the West, vol. 19, no. 2, May 1928)