Reproduced from The Bahá’í World, Volume 15 (1968-1973) in commemoration of the 50 year anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Baghdad--the ’Abbasid capital--also served as a prison for Him and for His Father. and the desolate, the widow and the orphan? May the Lord inspire all thy household and thy kindred with patience in this grievous calamity, and immerse thee in the ocean of His grace and mercy! 'Abdu'l-Baha Baha'i academics Baha'i articles Baha'i content Baha'i papers Baha'i scholars Baha'i writers Centenary of the Passing of Abdu'l-Baha About the Author In her innermost heart, Sonjel is a stay-at-home parent and a bookworm with a maxed out library card but professionally she is a museologist with a background in English Literature. The casket being carried from the House of the Master. …the sun of knowledge has set; the moon of virtues has disappeared; the throne of glory has crumbled, and the mountain of kindness is levelled by the departure of this benevolent one from the mortal world to the immortal realm. A compilation on the last days of 'Abdu'l-Baha, his funeral, and tributes on his behalf. Alas! In His writings and public talks, and in His intimate conversations He could always convince the most learned and the most orthodox. The Year 2021 marks 100 years since the passing of The Master The coffin was then removed to one of the chambers of the Shrine, and there lowered, sadly and reverently, to its last resting-place in a vault adjoining that in which were laid the remains of the Báb.”2, The following are extracts from some of the speeches given on the occasion of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s funeral.3. In the Holy Land, Abdu’l-Baha’s unprecedented impact, and the outpouring of emotion that accompanied it, resulted in a funeral the likes of which no one had ever seen. In Europe, in America, in every country, people athirst for social justice and brotherhood also weep for Him. The remaining text of this article is taken from H. M. Balyuzi. So critical that the topic has been a major part of religion throughout history. Here is a translation of his speech: UpliftingWords.org is not an official Baha'i Website. Abdu’l-Baha. The long train of mourners, amid the sobs and moans of many a grief-stricken heart, wended its slow way up the slopes of Mt. Its virtues overcome prejudice and superstition … ‘Abbas has passed away in Haifa, in Palestine, in the Holy Land wherein prophets have always appeared. In the early years of the 20th century, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—the eldest Son of Bahá’u’lláh—was the Bahá’í Faith’s leading exponent, renowned as a champion of social justice and an ambassador for international peace. He suffered from despotism, fanaticism and intolerance. What am I to set forth the achievements of this leader of mankind? His interaction with a stream of pilgrims to the Holy Land provided another instrument for instructing and encouraging believers from around the world. Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá* marking the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1921 27 November 27 November Note: The Bahá’í holy days are set and move according to a … Hear me O people! He hath educated the souls of men, hath been benevolent unto them, hath led them to the Way of Truth. We are not the only ones who weep for Him, in Whom we take pride. this light shall shine with everlasting splendor. Then came the turn of the youth to pay homage and tribute. Thou art the all-wise, and all else beside thee are only learned. He satisfies our thirsty souls with teachings and principles that are the basis of all religion and morality. His correspondence guided global efforts to establish an organizational framework for the community. He hath educated the souls of men, hath been benevolent unto them, hath led them to the Way of Truth. followers of Baha’u’llah] to turn unto Shoghi Effendi… as he is the sign of God, the chosen branch, … ‘Abbas is not dead, neither hath the light of Baha been extinguished! He often made trips to the nearby city of Haifa, and was recognized by high and low as a leading citizen of the area. What eloquent lips are hushed! Thou hast been good to us, thou hast guided us, thou hast taught us, thou hast lived amongst us greatly, with the full meaning of greatness, thou hast made us proud of thy deeds and of thy words. What can the poets say in thy day? The story which follows was taken from H.M. Balyuzi’s book: Abdu’l-Bahá – The Centre of the Covenant, p. 451-460), except where otherwise noted. Suffice it to say, that he has left in every heart the most profound impression, on every tongue most wondrous praise. He verily, is the prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God. It is simply an individual initiative to share relevant content and resources for those interested in Baha'i related topics. - 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Unto Him Shall We Return, p. 99-100 Nevertheless, dealing with the loss and separation, however temporary it might be in the time frame of eternity, is critical. Be thou not hopeless under any circumstances, but rather be firm in thy hope. When Abdu’l-Baha passed away in 1921, His choice of successor was revealed, first to Shoghi Effendi, and then to the Baha’i world. Rest thou happily under the shadow of the mercy of the Lord thy God, and He verily, shall well reward thee. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá was later canonized as the last of three "central figures" of the religion, along with Baháʼu'lláh and the Báb, and his writings and authenticated talks are regarded as a source of Baháʼí sacred literature. I do not need to explain the sublimity of the great one whom we have lost or to enumerate his great qualities, for all of you who are just are witnesses and can testify to what has been given him of personal beauty, beauty of his character, greatness of his heart, vastness of the sea of his knowledge and generosity…I beg your pardon if I fail in doing my duty as far as faithfulness is concerned or if I am unable to pay the generous one who has departed what he deserves of the best and highest praise, because what my tongue utters has emanated from a tender memory and broken heart. Abdu’l-Baha remained nominally a prisoner under house arrest after his father Baha’u’llah’s passing in 1892, but for several years he enjoyed a relative degree of freedom in Akka. Look to your right, look to your left, look East and look West and behold, what glory and greatness have vanished! It accords with human character. Lament for yourselves, for yours is the loss, whilst he, your lost one, is but a revered Wayfarer, stepping from your mortal world into the everlasting Home. He speaks to our hearts, our consciences. We say farewell to the material body of our ‘Abbas, and his material body vanisheth from our gaze, but his reality, our spiritual ‘Abbas, will never leave our minds, our thoughts, our hearts, our tongues. A compilation on the last days of 'Abdu'l-Baha, his funeral, and tributes on his behalf. May the Lord inspire all thy household and thy kindred with patience in this grievous calamity, and immerse thee in the ocean of His grace and mercy! Silent short movie of 'Abdu'l-Baha in New York, 1912. Truly ye are bearing the mortal remains of this ever lamented one to his last resting place, yet know of a certainty that your ‘Abbas will live forever in spirit amongst you, through his deeds, his words, his virtues and all the essence of his life. The Passing of `Abdu'l-Bahá : 1 `Abdu'l-Bahá's manifold activities continued with little abatement despite increasing bodily weakness and weariness up till the last day or two of His life. In Europe, in America, in every country, people athirst for social justice and brotherhood also weep for Him. The views and information found on UpliftingWords.org are not necessarily the official views of the Baha'i Faith. Thou leader of men, generous and benevolent! It is observed on 6 Qawl (27 or 28 November). Could the life of Sir ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ’Abbas have been redeemed by the sacrifices of many a precious soul, they of a certainty would gladly have offered up their lives for his life. With ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension, and more particularly with the passing of His wellbeloved and illustrious sister the Most Exalted Leaf—the last survivor of a glorious and heroic age—there draws to a close the first and most moving chapter of Bahá’í history, marking the conclusion of the Primitive, the Apostolic Age of the Faith of Baha’u’llah. I do not need to explain the sublimity of the great one whom we have lost or to enumerate his great qualities, for all of you who are just are witnesses and can testify to what has been given him of personal beauty, beauty of his character, greatness of his heart, vastness of the sea of his knowledge and generosity…I beg your pardon if I fail in doing my duty as far as faithfulness is concerned or if I am unable to pay the generous one who has departed what he deserves of the best and highest praise, because what my tongue utters has emanated from a tender memory and broken heart. To whom shall the poor now look? To whom shall the poor now look? By nothing, under no conditions, be ye perturbed. Thou hast lived greatly and hast died greatly! Cannot we witness the manifestation of Divine Will to exalt the Holy Land that it become, once again, the cradle of noble and generous ideals? He was the eldest son and successor of Baha’u’llah, founder of the Bahá’í Faith. T he funeral of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “a funeral the like of which Palestine had never seen,” drew “no less than ten thousand people…representing every class, religion and race in that country.” “A great throng,” the British High Commissioner wrote, … The ancient glory of this land is restored. The Christian writer was followed by the Mufti of Haifa, Muhammad Murad: I do not wish to exaggerate in my eulogy of this great one, for his ready and helping hand in the service of mankind and the beautiful and wondrous story of his life, spent in doing that which is right and good, none can deny, save him whose heart is blinded…. Abdu’l-Baha. It took place on Tuesday, November 29 th, 1921, just one day after his passing, on the slope of Mount Carmel. Who shall care for the hungry? Nay, nay! Could the life of Sir ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ’Abbas have been redeemed by the sacrifices of many a precious soul, they of a certainty would gladly have offered up their lives for his life. One like thee, who has all perfections, virtues and honors, is eternal…O ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, O son of Bahá’u’lláh! May my life be a sacrifice to one like thee. But O, thou whom we have lost! Whom are ye bewailing? 7 Persian (Haparsim) Street, Haifa, Tuesday, November 29, 1921. The news of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing on November 28, 1921, inspired an unprecedented event of unity among the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Druze communities of Haifa. It accords with human character. Shed no tears for the one that hath departed to the world of Eternity, but weep over the passing of Virtue and Wisdom, of Knowledge and Generosity. When He passed away at the age of 77 on 28 November 1921, His funeral was attend… His life was the living example of self-sacrifice, of preferring the good of others to one’s own. He satisfies our thirsty souls with teachings and principles that are the basis of all religion and morality. Thou hast been good to us, thou hast guided us, thou hast taught us, thou hast lived amongst us greatly, with the full meaning of greatness, thou hast made us proud of thy deeds and of thy words. Woe unto the poor, for lo! The covenant of love and devotion will remain forever between us. The Lamp of Baha, ‘Abbas, hath lived a goodly life, hath manifested in himself the true life of the Spirit. “The coffin containing the remains of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was borne to its last resting-place on the shoulders of His loved ones…. After the passing away of this wronged one, it is incumbent upon the Aghsan (Branches) [i.e. ‘Abbas is not dead, neither hath the light of Baha been extinguished! The funeral of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “a funeral the like of which Palestine had never seen,” drew “no less than ten thousand people…representing every class, religion and race in that country.” “A great throng,” the British High Commissioner wrote, “had gathered together, sorrowing for His death, but rejoicing also for His life.” The Governor of Jerusalem at the time also wrote in describing the funeral: “I have never known a more united expression of regret and respect than was called forth by the utter simplicity of the ceremony.”, “The coffin containing the remains of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was borne to its last resting-place on the shoulders of His loved ones…. Cannot we witness the manifestation of Divine Will to exalt the Holy Land that it become, once again, the cradle of noble and generous ideals? He was a loving father not only to the community of Bahá’ís in Haifa, but to a burgeoning international movement. What can the poets say in thy day? The first speaker was Yúsuf al-Khatib, a well-known Muslim orator: O concourse of Arabians and Persians! His life was the living example of self-sacrifice, of preferring the good of others to one’s own. It is not only our country’s loss but a world affliction…He hath lived for well-nigh eighty years the life of the Messengers and Apostles of God. What am I to set forth the achievements of this leader of mankind? Another distinguished Muslim, ‘Abdu’llah Mukhlish, followed the Mufti of Haifa: …the sun of knowledge has set; the moon of virtues has disappeared; the throne of glory has crumbled, and the mountain of kindness is levelled by the departure of this benevolent one from the mortal world to the immortal realm. The long train of mourners, amid the sobs and moans of many a grief-stricken heart, wended its slow way up the slopes of Mt. Wadi’ Bustani, a young Christian, had a poem to offer. Caption: The funeral procession leaving ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s home, No. The historic Mission with which His Father had, twenty-nine years previously, invested Him had been gloriously consummated. The land that received Mohammed; the land the dust of which is blessing and wealth…We shall be sustained by this Tomb and the One it contains. They are too glorious to be praised, too many to recount. Message upon the Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha – By Mohammad Ali Bahai Mohammad Ali Bahai in 1920 This circular letter by Mohammed Ali Bahai was written soon after the death of his elder half-brother Abbas Effendi in 1921 and was intended to be read by all Baha’is. Indeed, they are wounds and not words; they are tears and not phrases…’ This calamity has made all previous calamities to be forgotten. and the desolate, the widow and the orphan? And now he is gathered to glory, a pure angel, richly robed in benevolent deeds, noble in his precious virtues. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s great work was now ended. But Fate hath otherwise ordained. Its virtues overcome prejudice and superstition … ‘Abbas has passed away in Haifa, in Palestine, in the Holy Land wherein prophets have always appeared. The next speaker was Ibrahim Nassar, a celebrated Christian writer: I weep for the world, in that my Lord hath died; others there are who, like unto me, weep the death of their Lord…O bitter is the anguish caused by this heartrending calamity! In the souls and in the minds thou art immortal. Lament for yourselves, for yours is the loss, whilst he, your lost one, is but a revered Wayfarer, stepping from your mortal world into the everlasting Home. The Centenary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá – The Utterance Project On Saturday, 27 November 2021, millions of Bahá’ís in communities all across the world will commemorate the hundredth anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing. Here are some lines from it: In the souls and in the minds thou art immortal. The covenant of love and devotion will remain forever between us. The long train of mourners, amid the sobs and moans of many a grief-stricken heart, wended its slow way up the slopes of. The news of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing on November 28, 1921, inspired an unprecedented event of unity among the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Druze communities of Haifa. Thou art the all-wise, and all else beside thee are only learned. He, Who has left such a glorious heritage, is not dead. Every destiny is predetermined and none can change the Divine Decree. Know thou that God is with thee under all conditions, and that He guardeth thee from the changes and chances of this world. He, Who has left such a glorious heritage, is not dead. We are not the only ones who weep for Him, in Whom we take pride. Endure and be patient; for no man, be he of the East or of the West, can ever comfort you, nay he himself is even in greater need of consolation. Stories and messages of Triumph during COVID-19. 309. 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