Commemorating centenary of passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

On 27 November, the Tshwane Bahá’í Community and others throughout South Africa will be commemorating the centenary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the head of the Faith from 1892 until 1921.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá (the son of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’u’lláh) holds a special place in the history of the Faith. He was the interpreter of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Centre of His Covenant. His life and writings continue to inspire and set a direction for the worldwide Bahá’í community. He was an exemplar in service to humanity. He served others in every way he could find with great humility. Pouring forth kindness and compassion to everyone, he forgot himself, and thought only of others.

 In his will, Bahá’u’lláh had designated ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as his successor and head of the Bahá’í Faith – the first time in history that the founder of a world religion had named his successor in a written irrefutable text. This choice of a successor is a central provision of what is known as the “Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh”, enabling the global Bahá’í community to remain united for all time.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá devoted his life to furthering the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and to promoting the ideals of unity and peace for humanity. During his travels to America and Europe, he  spoke to large gatherings, challenging his audiences to accept the oneness of humanity and to work for it to become a reality.

In one of his talks in Paris on the theme of beauty and harmony in diversity, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states: “The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. If you meet those of different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness. Think of them as different coloured roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them”.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá is known as a champion of social justice and an ambassador for international peace. His extraordinary qualities of character, his knowledge, and his service to humanity offered a vivid demonstration of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings in action. Through his example, he elevated service to humanity to the highest station of nobility. He says:  the honour and distinction of the individual consist in this, that he among all the world’s multitudes should become a source of social good” and that “God is the helper of those souls whose aim is to serve humanity and whose efforts and endeavours are devoted to the good and betterment of all mankind”. He emphasizes that peace, justice and security will only be firmly established in the world when all people “become united and coordinated in service to the world of humanity”.

 For feedback please contact:  tshwane@bahai.org.za; or call 083 794 0819

Websites: www.bahai.org,  www.bahai.org.za