How to conduct Baha’i meetings

Then one of the friends comes in and asks how the Baha’is must conduct their meetings in London.

The Master’s answer: “When the believers gather together their sole object must be the commemoration of God. When all the friends are present, one in the most clear and effective voice, may read a prayer or commune. Then for 5 or ten minutes do most quiet communing with the source of life, and thinking how they should be better and act nobly; then one who knows how to speak may rise and deliver an address either on the proofs and evidences of the Cause, the hardships and tribulations of Baha’u’llah, the exposition of the Baha’i principles, quoting from the Tablets of the Blessed Perfection to the Kings and rulers etc, etc. When this is over, one or the same person may read another among the supplications, thus bringing the meeting to a close. Then they may either talk with each other in groups or may return to their homes or they may serve refreshments.

The questioner asked about music. ‘Abdu’l-Baha said: "As regards to music, they may act as they are pleased. If they like to have it, all right; if not, again it is all right." 

(Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, 1913, recorded by Ahmad Sohrab, in ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Edinburgh – Sohrab’s Diary Letters’)

“Until love appears among men, there can be no full happiness and peace.”

Love is the brightness of the beauty of God. If there be no love, this is the animal's kingdom, for the distinguishing feature of man's world is love. Until love appears among men, there can be no full happiness and peace. Notice how, when a person sits with a friend, his heart leaps, how happy he becomes, but when he sits with an enemy, what a punishment! We must therefore foster brotherhood and universal love.  

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, London, 1912, recorded by Mirza Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Sampler from Mahmud’s Diary’, by Marzieh Gail, ‘The Baha’i World vol. 13)

One’s capacity

All men are not of the same capacity. To serve to full capacity is meritorious with God. God judges men by how they use their capacity. 

(Words of Shoghi Effendi reported by Ramona Brown during her pilgrimage in 1954; ‘Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Baha: Recollections of the Early Days of the Baha’is of California’)

Those who heard about the Faith and those who didn’t

It is not enough to be good and kind and to lead a religious life today; it does not count for much unless one accepts the Manifestation of God, if one has heard of Him; it is almost wasted. One must accept the Manifestation in His day. If one has not heard of Bahá'u'lláh, they are not to be blame; the blame lies with the Bahá'ís. If the Bahá'ís fail to teach the Faith, the people who do not hear of the Faith are not to blame. The blame lies with the Bahá'ís. 

(Words of Shoghi Effendi reported by Ramona Brown during her pilgrimage in 1954; ‘Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Baha: Recollections of the Early Days of the Baha’is of California’)

Baha’is must be distinguished

Bahá'ís must have a new way of life. They need to be different from other people. They must be distinguished. The more distinguished, the more they will attract people. The greater the distinction, the greater the attraction. 

(Words of Shoghi Effendi reported by Ramona Brown during her pilgrimage in 1954; ‘Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Baha: Recollections of the Early Days of the Baha’is of California’)

Union of husband and wife in the next world

Replying to another questioner, 'Abdu'l-Baha said that when two people, husband and wife for instance, have been completely united in this life their souls being as one soul, then after one of them has passed away, this union of heart and soul would remain unbroken. 

(Notes of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s explanations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

Condition of souls in the next world

Mrs. S. asked some questions with reference to the conditions of existence in the next world, and the life after death; she said that having recently lost a very near relative, she had given much thought to this subject. Many thought that re-union with those we had loved, and who had passed on to the future life, would only take place after a long period of time had elapsed. She wished to know whether one would be re-united with those who had gone before immediately after death.

'Abdu'l-Bahá answered that this would depend upon the respective stations of the two. If both had the same degree of development, they would be re-united immediately after death.

The questioner then said, how could this state of development be acquired?

'Abdu'l-Bahá replied, by unceasing effort, striving to do right, and to attain spiritual qualities.

The questioner remarked that many differing opinions were held as to the conditions of the future life. Some thought that all would have exactly the same perfections and virtues; that all would be equal and alike.

Dialogue between man and the Prophets

Always, man has confronted the Prophets with this: 'We were enjoying ourselves, and living according to our own opinions and desires. We ate; we slept; we sang; we danced. We had no fear of God, no hope of Heaven; we liked what we were doing, we had our own way. And then you came. You took away our pleasures. You told us now of the wrath of God, again of the fear of punishment and the hope of reward. You upset our good way of life.'

The Prophets of God have always replied: 'You were content to stay in the animal world, We wanted to make you human beings. You were dark, We wanted you illumined; you were dead, We wanted you alive. You were earthly, We wanted you heavenly.'  

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, London, 1912, recorded by Mirza Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Sampler from Mahmud’s Diary’, by Marzieh Gail, ‘The Baha’i World vol. 13)

To ride in “the Ship of God”

One must ride in the Ship of God; for this life is a stormy sea, and all the people on earth - that is, over two billion souls - will drown in it before a hundred years have passed. All, except those who ride in the Ship of God. Those will be saved. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Celtic as he left America, recorded by Mirza Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Sampler from Mahmud’s Diary’, by Marzieh Gail, ‘The Baha’i World vol. 13)

The Clay Bird

In the Koran are many things referring to Christ not mentioned in the Gospel. For instance: it is said that Christ took a bit of clay and shaped it into the form of a bird. Then He blew upon it, and it flew away.

The interpretation of this is that the bird symbolizes an earthly man, who received spiritual education through the Christ. The story says: ‘He blew upon it, and it flew away.' This means that the man received the Breath of Life Eternal, and through this enlightenment, soared into the Heaven of Knowledge. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Mary Lucas, ‘A Brief Account of my visit to Akka’, 1905)

'Abdu'l-Baha's absolute naturalness -- an utter absence of any desire or effort to impress one with his greatness

Every morning it is the custom of the household to meet in the large sitting room, where tea is served, and the little children of the family come and chant for the Master while he drinks his tea. At this first meeting, at seven o'clock in the morning, how inexpressibly I was impressed by the absolute poise of the Master; his absolute naturalness; absolute freedom. There was an utter absence of any desire or effort to impress one with his greatness, which is majestic in its simplicity. 

(Mary Lucas, ‘A Brief Account of my visit to Akka’, 1905)

Teaching the Cause is the most important work: “this is not to be brought under special rules… they should teach in any way possible"

The essential thing now is teaching. This gathering of the convention is for this object, also to arrange for the building of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, or for choosing people to go out as teachers. These are the objects. In Persia there are no conventions. There is a Spiritual Assembly in each city, and all are engaged in teaching.

People should be engaged in teaching the Cause. Teaching should make one full of joy and happiness, it will attract one, it will bring spiritual susceptibilities, it gives extreme happiness and joyfulness. One's own self becomes enriched thereby.

Teaching the cause is the most important work in which anyone can engage, for in any other work there will not be such results as in this. Give great importance to work of importance, and this is not to be brought under special rules. It can't be, they should teach in any way possible. This will bring happiness, it also brings one nearer the kingdom of Abha, it will be the cause of joy and happiness and refreshes one. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Agnes Parsons during lunch at Pilgrim’s House in Haifa, January 2, 1920)

Whatever the world of humanity is in need of is to be found in the Teachings of Baha’u’llah

Among the proofs are the teachings of the Blessed Perfection. Such teachings as have not been given since the beginning of the world, and these teachings refer to all mankind and the highest degree of advice is at hand. Advice in the utmost of eloquence and rhetoric; morals in the highest degree of perfection; politics in the highest degree of perfection; laws in the utmost of firmness; public management in the utmost of regulation. Whatever the world of humanity is in need of is to be found here. All the religions of the world see the utmost perfection of man in these. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Agnes Parsons during her pilgrimage on January 10, 1920, Bahji, ‘Akka)

What would happen if we live and act according to the teachings of Baha'u’llah for one year

Now is the time for us to work. I swear by the Blessed Beauty, that if we live and act according to the teachings of Baha'u’llah for one year, all the doors will be opened before us, and the world will become a wonderful world. Until now we have been greatly oppressed. Suppose you have a bird in this room with all the doors and windows closed, the bird cannot fly. The Baha’i Cause has been like that bird, but now is the time for our freedom. The restrictions are removed. Now we must make an effort, and the Cause will make wonderful progress. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Agnes Parsons during her pilgrimage on January 8, 1920. Mrs. Parsons noted that the Master’s words were written down from memory the following morning, and not taken down verbatim at the time.) 

Acquiring land for the Shrine of the Báb

The beloved Guardian told the pilgrims that, upon hearing of Baha'u'llah's instructions to 'Abdu'l-Baha to acquire the site on Mount Carmel for the resting-place of the Báb, the Covenant-breakers attempted to win the glory. Mirza Badi'u'llah started negotiations and worked hard to buy that land. He had intended to acquire the land and report the good news to Baha'u'llah. But he did not succeed. Baha'u'llah told him, "This is none of your business, it is for Aqá (the Master) to accomplish." 

(Related by Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem in ‘Carmel: The Mountain of God and the Tablet of Carmel’ published in ‘Zikrullah Khadem, The Itinerant Hand of the Cause of God’, by Javidukht Khadem)

How to become a true servant

Someone in the audience asked, `What shall I do to become a true servant?' ‘Abdu’l-Baha replied:

Act in accordance with the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Do not only read His teachings but put into practice in your lives the Hidden Words and the other holy writings. Whatever I say is not even a drop from the ocean of the Supreme Pen and the treasure-filled sea of the bounty and favor of the Abhá Beauty. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, 24 September 1912, Denver, USA; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

‘Abdu’l-Baha knew some English

We met the Ladies of the Holy Household assembled in the Tea Room, and with them two widows of martyrs to the Cause of Baha'u'llah. Greetings and messages of love from the friends at home were given with joy; then we heard a firm, quick step approaching the Tea-Room. No need to tell us who! Instantly all arose, and there in the open doorway we first beheld ‘Abdu’l-Baha, smiling a Heavenly welcome. Entering, he gave to each of us a hearty grasp of his hand, saying in English "Good Morning!" with a motion of his hand inviting all to be seated; inquiring as to our health; had we enjoyed restful sleep, expressing the hope that our journey may have been made with comfort. ‘Abdu’l-Baha then, turning to Miss Alma Knobloch, asked: "How are the German Believers?" She replied: "They are united and harmonious and are very firm." ‘Abdu’l-Baha then said: "Many great souls will arise in Germany to spread the Teachings to a great extent. I have sent Tablets to the Believers and the Assembly, and also to you. I have prayed for them. In the time to come you will be very happy to think of them. It will give you great joy and pleasure." Turning to Mrs. Ida Finch, he asked: "How are the Believers in Seattle?" Mrs. Finch replied: "They are very faithful. Some of us are united, but not all." ‘Abdu’l-Baha said: "I hope when you return to America you will carry to them the power of uniting all." He then inquired of Miss Fanny Knobloch the condition of the Washington Believers. "They are well and they love each other very dearly," was her reply. After this, messages sent by the various Friends were given, and many precious messages for them received in return. 

(Ida A. Finch, Fanny Alma Knobloch, and Alma S. Knobloch, Akka, November 1908; ‘Flowers Culled from the Rose Garden of Acca’)

Some of the Prophets who either lived on Mount Carmel or spent some time there…

Many Israelitish prophets either lived here or passed a portion of their lives or sojourned for a while or spent the last days of their existence on this mountain... Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, David, Solomon, Moses, Isaiah, Zechariah and, last of all, Christ. Elijah lived on Mount Carmel. ... His Holiness Christ came to this holy mountain many times. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to some pilgrims in 1914; quoted by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, in “Mount Carmel, the Vineyard of God,’ Star of the West, vol. 14, no. 5, August 1923; quoted by Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem in ‘Carmel: The Mountain of God and the Tablet of Carmel’ published in ‘Zikrullah Khadem, The Itinerant Hand of the Cause of God’, by Javidukht Khadem) 

The historical significance of Mount Carmel

"This mountain [Carmel] is where Israel's prophets passed their nights in prayer. Every step of it has been blessed by the footsteps of the prophets... This land will be the envy of the world, the center of arts and sciences. 'Akka and Haifa will be connected and all the vacant lands will be cultivated. All these caves that you see have been the abode of the prophets, step by step. [1] Every atom of this soil is holy. All the prophets, while praying, longed to reach this day and give the glad tidings of the coming of the Lord. They prophesied that the Lord of Hosts would come and the tent of the Lord would be pitched on Mount Carmel... in all these mountains and caves the prophets of God prayed at night, shed tears, and longed to be with us in these days of the Blessed Beauty. Since I am a prisoner and cannot move, you make a pilgrimage on My behalf. My utmost desire is to go and visit in freedom, but I cannot. You go on behalf of 'Abdu'l-Baha and make a pilgrimage to all of the Holy Places... and beseech God's bouncy. I cannot go. I am a prisoner. I am re-incarcerated, and I have no permission to go out. The government prohibits me." 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to some pilgrims around the end of 1907; from ‘Memoirs of Dr. Habib Mu’ayyad’, pp. 19, 21, 22, 53; quoted by Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem in ‘Carmel: The Mountain of God and the Tablet of Carmel’ published in ‘Zikrullah Khadem, The Itinerant Hand of the Cause of God’, by Javidukht Khadem)

[1] Including the Lower Cave of Elijah, known also as Maqam-i-Khidr, blessed by the footsteps of Baha'u'llah for three days (according to Memoirs of Dr. Mu'ayyad, 2:258) and of 'Abdu'l-Baha for about two months (according to an unpublished manuscript). See also David S. Ruhe, ‘Door of Hope: A Century of the Baha', Faith in the Holy Land", pp. 186-88)

Seeing ‘Abdu’l-Baha eating 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?

A.B … 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 some pilgrims)

Eating meat is permissible in the religion of God

… in the religion of God eating meat is permissible. Man can live without meat. To kill an animal and eat his flesh seems to be cruelty, but today it is almost impossible for the people not to eat the flesh of animals. It is difficult to tell people not to eat pork, mutton, beef, fish. Supposing that they do not eat these, what are they going to do about drinking water: for in this glass there are thousands of living animalcule which cannot be seen under the microscope, swimming in the water. They are dancing in the air that man breathes… They enter the body of man and die. This cheese is full of them. If you put it under the microscope you will see them moving. When you consider this with a broader view, you see it is not possible not 'to eat animals. Why is it permissible?

We must observe that these animals which are in the cheese represent animal life without intelligence, but you are eating them. This transfers them from the animal kingdom to the human kingdom. They were without intelligence and now they find intelligence; they were knowledge zand now they attain knowledge. Their sensibilities were primitive now they become developed, they receive a portion in thinking and reasoning. Then these animals which you are eating evolve from a low stage to a higher stage of existence. Therefore it is permissible to eat animals. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 29, 1920, recorded by Mrs. H.E. Hoagg)

Question: What will be the food of the future?

Answer: "Fruit and grains. The time will come when meat will no longer be eaten. Medical science is only in its infancy, yet it has shown that our natural diet is that which grows out of the ground. The people will gradually develop up to the condition of this natural food." 

' Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Julia M. Grundy. "Ten Days in the Light of 'Akká"; The Compilation of Compilations vol. I)

Steadfastness = faith, knowledge, obedience

In the spring of 1920 Emogene Hoagg, an early American believer, sailed for Haifa to report to her beloved ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. One day He called her to Him and asked her to tell Him about the Faith in America. After recounting some of her experiences and observations she asked Him why there was not more unity among the American Bahá’ís. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá laid His hand on a book beside Him, and said, 

"In this book is a story of a man who went to a doctor for treatment. He told the doctor his symptoms. First, he told him of the pains in his head, and of his not being able to sleep. To which the doctor replied, 'That is due to old age.'

Then, the man told him that he had a great deal of pain in his stomach, and couldn't digest his food. The doctor replied, 'This is also due to old age.'

'Oh, but my arms and legs and back pain me constantly,' said the man testily. And the doctor said, 'This, too, is old age.'

Then the man grew very angry, and asked how it was possible that a doctor, who had studied for years to learn how to cure people of their ills, had nothing more to say to a patient than that his illness is due to old age. And the doctor replied, 'Your anger, too, is due to old age.' "

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, rising, replied to Emogene's question as to the cause of the lack of unity in America, "The condition in America is due to lack of steadfastness." And He strode out of the room.

When relating this story, Emogene added, "Steadfastness means faith, knowledge, obedience." 

(Emogen Hoagg, quoted by Amine De Mille, Baha’i News October, 1973)

The Tablet of Visitation for the Báb and Baha’u’llah

The Visitation Tablet for the Tombs of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh is in three parts: first part was revealed by Bahá'u'lláh to a believer who could not make the Pilgrimage. A few days after the Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh The Master asked Nabil to arrange selections to be chanted in the Tomb of Bahá'u'lláh. Of the Tablet of Visitation the first part is not addressed to God but to Bahá'u'lláh Himself. The second part is a prayer revealed by Bahá'u'lláh addressing God and the remaining paragraphs refer again to Bahá'u'lláh and not to God directly. It has been used ever since as the Visitation Tablet. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (Comments by Shoghi Effendi, recorded by Mary Maxwell [Ruhiyyih Khanum] during pilgrimage with May Maxwell, 1937; “Haifa Notes”)

Question: Why did God allow evil to exist in the world?

Answer: A satisfactory explanation has never, and can never be given. Surely God could have created some other scheme that would have allowed less evil. His motives, the way He works, are beyond us. It would cease to be a Revelation if Americans could resolve all these mysteries - it would be a product of the American mind. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (Comments by Shoghi Effendi, recorded by Mary Maxwell [Ruhiyyih Khanum] during pilgrimage with May Maxwell, 1937; “Haifa Notes”)

To abstain from meat and be content with vegetables

If one should wholly abstain from meat and be contented with vegetables, it would be much better. And how difficult it is for a man to kill an animal and to prepare the food for himself. But as it is already killed and we find it in the market we buy it. As it is now killed, it is better to take and eat it than to leave it to become out of use. But it is very hard for a soul to take a lamb and kill it and to make of it a certain dish for a meal. If the people could bear it, the prophets would prohibit the eating of flesh. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 1909, Akka, recorded by Miss Wilson of Boston, Mass., Miss Engelhorn of Portland, Ore., Miss Stewart of Philadephia, Pa, and Mrs. Brittingham of Brooklyn, NY)

An example of the existence of a spiritual link between the Guardian and the invisible world of God

One evening, as I entered the dining-room, the Guardian was already seated at his place at the table, his face shining with an inner jubilation which he could neither control nor conceal. At his side, upon the table, stood a small bundle, an object wrapped in a coloured silk handkerchief, typical of the East and of Iran in particular. As soon as we were all seated and attentive, even before dinner was served, he said that a pilgrim had that day arrived from Tihrán, bringing with him one of the most precious documents to be placed in the archives. He untied the handkerchief and with great reverence lifted out a manuscript in book form, and, placing it in a position that everyone could see, added that it contained two original Tablets in the handwriting of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. One was the Íqán and the other was a Tablet the name of which I do not now remember.

These manuscripts, Shoghi Effendi stated, were transcribed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in His beautiful calligraphy, when He was about eighteen years old, and bore some additions in the Hand of Bahá'u'lláh, insertions which He had written on the margins of many pages in reviewing the manuscripts. Shoghi Effendi had never before seen the original of the Íqán and was deeply astonished to discover that the phrase he had chosen from this book and placed on the title page of his translation of Nabíl's Narrative, The Dawn-Breakers, was an after-reflection of Bahá'u'lláh's, written by Himself, on the margin of one page. The phrase in question is the one starting: 'I stand, life in hand, ready; that perchance...'

If this Cause had appeared in Europe or America…

In the afternoon we were all invited to the Master's house for tea. We waited a few moments downstairs, and as soon as we heard his footsteps everybody arose. He sat on a chair in front of the window and spoke feelingly.

He ['Abdu'l-Baha] stated that the majority of the inhabitants of Persia are yet asleep, although God has demonstrated His Cause to them in so many ways. . . If this Cause had appeared in Europe or America, those regions would by this time have become illumined and countless souls awakened. So many were martyred in Persia, so much blood has been spilt! If one of these events had transpired in another country, the effect would have been marvelous! Nevertheless there were many people in Persia who became illumined and celestial, and cried out in order to awaken their fellow men!. . . An infinite number of these believers of God have been examples of severance, incarnations of devotion, and flaming candles; they have embodied in the world of humanity the Teachings of God, and have become demonstrations, showing how man could be pure, sanctified, attracted, enkindled and honest! The evidences of God they wrote with their own blood upon the earth. 

(Ahmad Sohrab, July 1, 1913 entry in Sohrab’s diary, Port Said, Egypt: ’Abdu’l-Baha in Egypt’)

Speaking in Aramaic Christ didn’t say while He was on the cross: 'O God; O God why hast Thou forsaken me?'

Upon my arrival in 'Akka my mind was filled with pain caused by the vivid description I had heard in Paris of another terrible martyrdom of Baha'is that had occurred in Persia. These martyrdoms continued from the period, of the Báb's Declaration until the advent of the present Shah of Persia, who put an end to all religious persecutions. The description of these particular atrocities was so detailed that finally I could bear no more and cried out my protest, exclaiming "but don't you realize that the martyrs are in a state of bliss from the moment the torture begins, and feel none of the pain inflicted upon them?"

Where upon the assembled company tuned upon me in deep disgust, and reproached me severely saying: "How dare you say such things! You are taking away all the glory of martyrdom!"

I remained abashed but not convinced, and felt that I must ask 'Abdu'l-Baha for the settlement of this disturbing question, but I never asked it. The first morning that He came into my little room He did not sit down, but walked back and forth in the narrow space and presently remarked, while I listened with awe: