Two classes of pilgrims – an explanation by ‘Abdu’l-Baha

The people who come here are divided into two classes. One comes here as dead and returns alive; ignorant and returns wise; withered and returns fresh and fragrant.

This class is likened to the man whose body is healthy and who comes out into the fresh country or the green and verdant prairie where he shall sense the life-giving breeze and healthful sunshine, and from whence he shall depart with great joy and vigor. Or, like a man who is hungry and goes to a well spread table and attains fullness therefrom. The other class resembles the man who is sick and incapable of enjoying the blessings and surroundings of the country, or of eating the wholesome foods. Now the food is rich and edible, but the man is sick and hence incapable of obtaining nourishment therefrom. Thus he goes back in the same condition as before.

Again, one is like the dry wood or oil which is ready for combustion or ignition; as soon as it contacts with fire, it is set aglow. Whereas, another class resembles a stone which may be placed for a thousand years in the fire and yet will not become ignited and shed a radiance.

Again, the sea has innumerable pearls in its depths. A good and trained diver will obtain therefrom abundant pearls, whereas one unacquainted with and incapable of this attainment can only obtain the shells. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to American Pilgrims Charles and Mariam Haney, Akka, February 1909; ‘A Heavenly Feast’)

To make heavenly crowns

Another Baha’i lady is presented. For the last 35 years she has been making hats to cover the heads of the poor. She desires to serve. She longs to do some actual service in the Cause. The Master smiles in her face. She is earnest. Then He slowly opens His heavenly treasury of wisdom:

For 35 years you have been making hats for the heads of the poor people. Now is the time to make heavenly crowns for them so that they may adorn their heads - such crowns whose brilliant jewels may scintillate throughout centuries and cycles. This crown is the guidance of God and the knowledge of the Kingdom of Abha! 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Ahmad Sohrab, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in Britain, 1913’)