The Station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá within the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh with humanity

On November 27, humanity will mark the centenary anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Centre of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh. In His Will, Bahá’u’lláh appointed His oldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as the authorised interpreter of His teachings and Head of the Faith.

Throughout the east and west, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá became known as an ambassador of peace, an exemplary human being, and the leading exponent of a new Faith. He was renowned as a champion of social justice and an ambassador for international peace.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá devoted His ministry to promoting the ideals of peace and unity. He encouraged the establishment of local Bahá’í institutions, and guided nascent educational, social and economic initiatives. After His release from a lifetime of imprisonment at 64 years of age, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá set out on a series of journeys which took Him to Egypt, Europe and North America.

Throughout His life, He presented with brilliant simplicity, to high and low social classes alike, Bahá’u’lláh’s prescription for the spiritual and social renewal of society. In His Writings and during His travels, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tirelessly proclaimed certain vital truths to leaders of thought as well as to countless groups and individuals. Among these truths were: The independent search after truth, unfettered by superstition or tradition. The oneness of the entire human race, the pivotal principle and fundamental doctrine of the Faith. The basic unity of all religions. The condemnation of all forms of prejudice, whether religious, racial, class or national.

The harmony which must exist between religion and science. The equality of men and women, the two wings on which the bird of humankind is able to soar. The introduction of compulsory education. The adoption of a universal auxiliary language. The abolition of the extremes of wealth and poverty. The institution of a world tribunal for the adjudication of disputes between nations. The exaltation of work, performed in the spirit of service, to the rank of worship. The glorification of justice as the ruling principle in human society, and of religion as a bulwark for the protection of all people and nations.

The establishment of a permanent and universal peace as the supreme goal of all mankind. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 harmonised.

“When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended,” proclaims the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, “turn your faces towards Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.” And again, “When the Mystic Dove will have winged its flight from its Sanctuary of Praise and sought its far-off goal, its hidden habitation, refer ye whatsoever ye understand not in the Book to Him Who hath branched from this mighty Stock.”

https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/518656/bahai-faith-promotes-peace-and-unity-among-all/