Battle of Armageddon

We are on the eve of the Battle of Armageddon referred to in the sixteenth chapter of Revelation. The time is two years hence, when only a spark will set aflame the whole of Europe.

The social unrest in all countries, the growing religious skepticism antecedent to the millennium, and already here, will set aflame the whole of Europe as is prophesied in the Book of Daniel and in the Book (Revelation) of John.

By 1917 kingdoms will fall and cataclysms will rock the earth. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, California, 1912; reported by Mrs. Corinne True in The North Shore Review, September 26, 1914, Chicago, U.S.A.; included in ‘Baha’u’llah and the New Era’, by John Esselmont)

The “object of life to a Baha'i is to promote the oneness of mankind”

The object of life to a Baha'i is to promote the oneness of mankind; Our aim is to produce a world civilization which in turn will react on the character of the individual.

- Shoghi Effendi (Remarks by Shoghi Effendi, recorded by Ruhiyyih Khanum, ‘The Priceless Pearl’)

Ruhiyyih Khanum:

I remember in the  course of a conversation Shoghi Effendi had with a former teacher  of his at the American University in Beirut, how beautifully he  answered this man's question as to what was the purpose of life to a Bahá'í. The Guardian answered that the object of life to a Bahá'í was to promote the oneness of mankind. He then went on to point out that Bahá'u'lláh had appeared at a time when His Message could and should be directed to the whole world and not merely to individuals; that salvation today was through world salvation, world change, world reform of society and that the world civilization resulting from this would in turn reflect upon the individuals composing it and lead to their redemption and reformation.

Over and over Shoghi Effendi made it clear in his writings and talks that the two processes must go on together -- reform of society, reform of personal character. There was never any doubt that individual regeneration, as he wrote to a non-Bahá'í in 1926, was the "sure and enduring foundation on which a reconstructed society" would develop and prosper. But how could one create a pattern for future  society, even a tiny embryo of the future World Commonwealth of Bahá'u'lláh, if all around its fringes it was still interwoven with the fabric of that society which was dying out, must die out, to make way for the new?   

- Ruhiyyih Khanum  (‘The Guardian of the Baha'i Faith’)  

Heroic spirit

You cannot be a hero without action. This is the touchstone. Not movement, coming and going, but in the evidences of your character. Jacky [Marion Jack] is a heroine because of her conduct, the heroic spirit reveals itself in her. Martha [Martha Root] had the heroic action. She went 'til she dropped. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (Remarks by Shoghi Effendi, recorded by Ruhiyyih Khanum, ‘The Priceless Pearl’)

What qualities must one gain through tests to be considered a “chosen one” or “first fruit”?

In this day everyone must be tested, as the time of the ''chosen ones" to prove their worth is indeed very short. The day of attainment is drawing to a close for them. The "first fruits" must be ripened in spirit, mellowed in love, and consumed by their self-sacrifice and severance. None other are acceptable as first fruits, and all who fail to attain to the standard through the tests, are relegated to the "many who are called." 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu'l-Baha in answer to questions asked by Dr. Edward C. Getsinger during a few brief meetings at Haifa, January 26 to February 5, 1915, and recorded by Dr. Getsinger at the time; Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 6, June 24, 1915)

What to do when: “one is in the right in a case in dispute, and his minority prevents him from establishing this rightful matter”

Blessed are they who are the means of making unity among the friends, and pity on those who in the right or wrong are the cause of discord. For instance: When one is in the right in a case in dispute, and his minority prevents him from establishing this rightful matter, instead of agitating the subject, if he will humbly submit to sacrifice his position for the sake of unity and peace, God will accept that sacrifice and ere long the rightful matter will be established without any farther dispute, by the Divine assistance; whereas without such sacrifice and submissiveness great harm might ensue. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of Abdu'l-Baha in answer to questions asked by Dr. Edward C. Getsinger during a few brief meetings at Haifa, January 26 to February 5, 1915, and recorded by Dr. Getsinger at the time; Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 6, June 24, 1915)

The worst enemies of the Cause

The worst enemies of the Cause are in the Cause and mention the Name of God. We need not fear the enemies on the outside for such can be easily dealt with. But the enemies who call themselves friends and who persistently violate every fundamental law of love and unity, are difficult to be dealt with in this day, for the mercy of God is still great. But ere long this merciful door will be closed and such enemies will be attacked with a madness. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of Abdu'l-Baha in answer to questions asked by Dr. Edward C. Getsinger during a few brief meetings at Haifa, January 26 to February 5, 1915, and recorded by Dr. Getsinger at the time; Star of the West, vol. 6, no. 6, June 24, 1915)

Requisites of teaching the Cause - advice from Baha’u’llah

A pleasing, kindly disposition and a display of tolerance towards the people are requisites of teaching the Cause. Whatever a person says, hollow and product of vain imaginings and a parrot-like repetition of somebody else's views though it be, one ought to let it pass. One should not engage in disputation leading to and ending with obstinate refusal and hostility, because the other person would consider himself worsted and defeated. Consequently further veils intervene between him and the Cause, and he becomes more negligent of it. One ought to say: right, admitted, but look at the matter in this other way, and judge for yourself whether it is true or false; of course it should be said with courtesy, with kindliness, with consideration. Then the other person will listen, will not seek to answer back and to marshal proofs in repudiation. He will agree, because he comes to realize that the purpose has not been to engage in verbal battle and to gain mastery over him. He sees that the purpose has been to impart the word of truth, to show humanity, to bring forth heavenly qualities. His eyes and his ears are opened, his heart responds, his true nature unfolds, and by the grace of God, he becomes a new creation ... The Most Great Branch gives a willing ear to any manner of senseless talk, to such an extent that the other person says to himself: He is trying to learn from me. Then, gradually, by such means as the other person cannot perceive, He gives him insight and understanding. 

- Baha’u’llah  (Words of Baha’u’llah recorded by Haji Mirza Haydar-Ali, quoted by Hand of the Cause Balyuzi in ‘’Abdu’l-Baha - The Center of the Covenant of Baha’u’llah’)

How to recognize those in real authority

The ones in real authority are known by their humility and self-sacrifice and show no attitude of superiority over the friends…

Let the servant be known by his deeds, by his life!

To be approved of God alone should be one's aim.

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, recorded by Dr. Edward C. Getsinger and cited in Star of the West, vol. 6; no.6, June 24, 1915)

Proper attitude to have towards those serving on higher Baha’i administrative positions

When God calls a soul to a high station, it is because that soul has capacity for that station as a gift of God; and because that soul has supplicated to be taken into His service. No envies, jealousies, calumnies, slanders, plots, nor schemes, will ever move God to remove a soul from its intended place, for by the grace of God, such actions on the part of the people are the test of the servant, testing his strength, forbearance, endurance and sincerity under adversity. At the same time those who show forth envies, jealousies, etc., toward a servant, are depriving themselves of their own stations, and not another of his, for they prove by their own acts that they are not only unworthy of being called to any station awaiting them, but also prove that they cannot withstand the very first test - that of rejoicing over the success of their neighbour, at which God rejoices. Only by such a sincere joy can the gift of God descend upon a pure heart.

Envy closes the door of Bounty, and jealousy prevents one from ever attaining to the Kingdom of Abha.

No! Before God! No one can deprive another of his rightful station, that can only be lost be one's unwillingness to do the will of God, or by seeking to use the Cause of God for one's own gratification or ambition.

No one save a severed soul or a sincere heart finds response from God. By assisting in the success of another servant in the Cause does one in reality lay the foundation for one's own success and aspirations.

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, recorded by Dr. Edward C. Getsinger and cited in Star of the West, vol. 6; no.6, June 24, 1915)

Holding the letter of the law vs. following the spirit through the heart

Holding to the letter of the law is many times an indication of a desire for leadership. One who assumes to be the enforcer of the law shows an intellectual understanding of the Cause, but that spiritual guidance in them is not yet established.

The alphabet of things is for children, that they may in time use their reasoning powers. 'Following the spirit' is a guidance by and through the heart, the prompter of the spirit. The Pharisees were extremely orthodox, holding strictly to the law. They were the cause of the condemnation and ultimate crucifixion of Jesus… 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, recorded by Dr. Edward C. Getsinger and cited in Star of the West, vol. 6; no.6, June 24, 1915)

Not to place any obstacle before a soul searching for Truth

No obstacle should be placed before any soul which might prevent it from finding the truth. Baha'u'llah revealed His directions, teachings, and laws, so that souls might know God, and not that any utterance might become an obstacle in their way. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, recorded by Dr. Edward C. Getsinger and cited in Star of the West, vol. 6; no.6, June 24, 1915)

The “worker in the cause of God is like a gardener”

One day we spoke of an active worker in this Cause, and 'Abdu'l-Baha said:   

"In this Cause, he who is active and who makes an effort will always meet with success. In worldly matters how often we see a man work hard for a lifetime and never achieve success. But the worker in the cause of God is like a gardener. The more attention he gives his garden, the more fruit will reward his efforts, or, like the traveler who has a great goal before him, no matter how hard the road, if he only keep on walking and is not turned aside by discouragements, he is sure, eventually, to reach his goal." 

-' Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Helen Goodall and Ella Goodall Cooper during their pilgrimage in 1908; ‘Daily Lessons Received at Akka January 1908’)  

Stations of believers in the next world

Question: Will the stations of the believers continue to be different hereafter? 

'Abdu'l-Baha answered:

 "Yes, it will be necessarily so, for the Kingdom requires it. 

"The King appoints one to be his prime minister, another to be his greatest general, another a soldier, and so on from the highest to the lowest. If all were generals or all were soldiers, there would be no kingdom. 

"God created the mineral, the vegetable, the animal, and man. Had He created only man there would be no world."

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Helen Goodall and Ella Goodall Cooper during their pilgrimage in 1908; ‘Daily Lessons Received at Akka January 1908’)

The “language of the Kingdom is one. It is the language of the hearts.”

…if there is a universal language, how excellent it would be. We could talk with each other. How excellent it would be. Compare this with all the world, the greatest means for love is a universal language. It creates love amongst mankind. For the language of the Kingdom is one. It is the language of the hearts. Hearts create amity with each other. In the same way that the language of the Kingdom is one, so also should the human tongues be one. Then it will be perfect, Hidden and Manifest, inner and outer, will become one.   

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, recorded by Harry Randall during his pilgrimage, 17 November 1919; ‘William Henry Randall, a Disciple of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’, by Bahiyyih Randall-Wincler) 

Under what circumstances kneeling and bowing are allowed

When ‘Abdu’l-Baha was leaving [the Shrine of the Báb], his honor Ibn-i-Asdaq, one of the famous teachers in Persia fell on his knees at ‘Abdu’l-Baha's feet. ‘Abdu’l- Baha said: ''According to the blessed command, it is not permitted to fall on the knees and bow down except before the blessed home and the tombs of Baha'u'llah and the Báb. Beware of deviating from the divine commands." 

(Recorded by Dr. Zia Baghdadi, December 6, 1913; ‘Star of the West, vol. 9, no. 2, April 9, 1918)

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s health and happiness

My health and happiness are in this, when I see the friends of God engaged in spreading the divine fragrances, arising to serve the Cause of God, forgetting every thought save that of teaching, casting into the corner of forgetfulness every matter but that of unity and harmony. Consider in every age what confirmation and assistance were received by those souls who devoted their time to serving the Cause and spreading the divine fragrances. On the contrary, those who were absorbed by personal interests or political affairs degraded not only themselves but their associates. Thus, in this day, the friends of God should see that all glory lies in teaching the Cause of God and that every happiness is found in the shadow of the Word of God. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha after His return to the Holy Land from America, recorded by Dr. Zia Baghdadi, December 9, 1913; ‘Star of the West, vol. 9, no. 2, April 9, 1918)

Significance of "mystery" referred to in Tablets

Question: What is the significance of "mystery" referred to in the blessed tablets? 

‘Abdu’l-Baha's answer: Mystery signifies the subjects and questions which are far beyond the minds and comprehensions of the people. When a perfect personage unveils and expounds them, fair souls comprehend them. Therefore the reality of the Manifestation of Christ was, in the cycle of Moses, a mystery of Divine Mysteries, which afterward became revealed in the Manifestation of Christ.  

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a table talk in Akka in 1907; notes taken by Corinne True; ‘Notes Taken at Acca’, booklet published by Baha’i Publishing Society, Chicago 1907) 

Offering thanks to Baha’u’llah

On April 23, 1912, 'Abdu'l-Baha spoke at Howard University, and from there He went to the home of Mirza Ali Kuli Khan for luncheon. Here He said:

"Thanks must be offered to Baha'u'llah because it is His confirmations that stir the souls. It is the blessings of the Abha Beauty that change the hearts. It is the reinforcement of the Kingdom of Abha that makes the mosquito an eagle, the ant a Solomon, the degraded, the center of honor." 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, April 23, 1912, Washington DC, reported by Dr. Zia Bagdadi, ‘Abdu’l-Baha in America’, Star of the West, vol. 19, no. 2, May 1928)

The three processes in the teaching work

There are three processes in teaching: the first is to attract the people; the second is to convert the people; and the third is to become consecrated. There must be attraction, conversion, and consecration. 

(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’)

Divorce

The next question - Mrs. Sanderson's - was about divorce, if Bahá'u'lláh approved of it.

"Bahá'u'lláh - the Master smiled – “says that in this world there is nothing more absurd than divorce. If one has accepted another and is a good Bahá'í he never likes to believe in divorce. But if there be a case of difference between husband and wife, where it is entirely impossible to recreate their love, where it is not possible for them to live any longer with one another, then both should go to the [local] House of Justice [currently known as Spiritual Assemblies] and together, in perfect agreement, lay their case before it. And after this they should still wait a year, living apart but not permanently divorced, and their friends should give them good advice meanwhile. If, after one year, there is no possibility of becoming reunited, and no one is able to influence them, then this is the natural divorce.

"But between the real Bahá'ís there is no divorce. No one has ever heard of divorce between real Bahá'ís. The Bahá'í husband and wife will not allow affairs to reach such a condition." 

(Reported by Juliete Thompson, 1912, ‘The Diary of Juliet Thompson’)  

Future World

Every city, every town, and every village will have a [Bahá'í] Temple and a House of Justice in the future. 

(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’)

The three Charters in the Faith

(1) the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh, or the Divine Plan; (2) the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá with the plan for world administration; and (3) the Tablet of Carmel, the Charter for the development for the World Center of the Faith. 

(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’)

The Master with children

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)

How not to fear death

On the Celtic a woman came to 'Abdu'l-Baha and told Him that she was afraid of death. "Then," He said, "do something that will keep you from dying; that will instead, day by day make you more alive, and bring you everlasting life. According to the words of His Holiness Christ, those who enter the Kingdom of God will never die. Then enter the Divine Kingdom, and fear death no more." 

(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)

Pearl and ruby necklace

In the evening, 'Abdu'l-Baha addressed the white and colored believers and their friends at the home of Mrs. Dyer, a member of the colored race, and after the meeting He remarked:

"Before entering the meeting I did not feel as if I would like to speak. But as soon as I saw the unity and attraction of the colored and white believers, I became interested and anxious and with perfect sincere love I spoke. I have compared the harmony of the different colors to that of a pearl and ruby necklace." 

(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)

"O Baha'u'llah what hast Thou done?”

Later, while riding in a carriage on His way to the home of Mr. Alexander Graham Bell, the famous telephone inventor, 'Abdu'l-Baha very sweetly and softly chanted in Persian: "O Baha'u'llah what hast Thou done? O Baha'u'llah may my life be a sacrifice to Thee. Through what sufferings and hardships Thou hast passed Thy days. What calamities Thou didst endure. But in the end, what a formidable foundation Thou hast laid. What an evident banner Thou hast raised." 

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

Entering the Kingdom of God

A woman… called on the Master and had many questions about Christ within, visions, dreams, spiritual life and many other topics. Lovingly Our Beloved discarded her ideas and notions about these matters, telling her the realities of every question. "Today," he said, "the door of the Kingdom of God is open, you must enter therein." "Where is this Kingdom?" she hesitatingly asked. "It's the Celestial Kingdom of Abha," the Master answered her. "Oh! I don't see it! Is it impossible for me to enter therein?" "No! Turn your face to God; trust in him, submit all your thoughts and ideas to Him and he shall lead you to His eternal Kingdom!" "But, I have been doing this for two long years." ‘Abdu’l-Baha said: "Very good! I hope you shall attain therein". 

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

The vast range of Baha’u’llah’s Teachings

The greatness of the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh will be known when they are acted upon and practiced. Not one of a hundred has as yet come into force. All of your thoughts should be turned toward bringing these blessed teachings into practice. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha (From a conversation, September 4, 1912, Montreal, Canada, recorded by Mirza Mahmud’s Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

Telepathy or communication from mind to mind

Another person asked about telepathy or communication from mind to mind. ‘Abdu’l-Baha replied:

It is evident. If a lover holds the hand of a beloved, it is obvious what feelings ensue. They communicate face to face and speak heart to heart, as this light is communicating now with human eyes, the sun with the earth, the cloud with the land and the breeze with the tree. This process is found in all things. 

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