CONTENTS Introduction
1
I: Testimonials
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II: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the time of Bahá’u’lláh (1844–1892)
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III: The Ministry of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1892–1921)
75
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IV: The Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1921)
187
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Biographical notes Bibliography References
227 249 254
‘abdu’l-bahá in the time of bahá’u’lláh
Írán
1844 – 1853 The birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation occurred at a time when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, though a mere child, was able to perceive intuitively the glorious Mission with which His Father was invested. It seems also providential that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was born on the same day that the Báb declared His Mission to Mullá Husayn. It is significant indeed that as the Declaration of the Bab, the Herald of Bahá’u’lláh, took place on that memorable evening, so did the birth of the Person who was destined to become the recipient of His great Revelation.1 "EJC 5BIFS[BEFI • That night of 22-23 May 1844 was doubly blessed, for far to the north of Teheran Mírzá Ḥusayn-‘Alí of Núr and his beloved wife Ásíyih Khánum were expecting a third child, their two first-born sons having perished as babes . . . So it was that God’s spiritual timing brought the lady Ásíyih’s delivery on that very evening of the declaration of a new Prophet. There was born a son who was healthy and whole and hope fulfilled, and he was named ‘Abbás, the lion.2 %BWJE 4 3VIF • It was told of him as a little boy that he once was sent out to inspect the shepherds who had charge of his father’s flocks among the Persian hills. When the review was completed he was told by his attendant it was customary to give each of the 59
ambassador to humanity
shepherds a present. He said he had nothing to give; but was told the men would expect something and something should be given them. The boy thereupon presented the shepherds with the flocks. His father hearing of this munificent gift was pleased at his son’s generosity but said ‘We shall have to watch ‘Abbás; for next he will give away himself.’3 (FPSHF 5PXOTIFOE • A"CEV M #BIÈ XBT FJHIU ZFBST PME XIFO #BIÈ V MMÈI XBT JNQSJTPOFE JO UIF OPUPSJPVT 4ÓZÈI $IÈM EVOHFPO PG ṬÓISÈO GPMMPXJOH B NJTHVJEFE VOTVDDFTTGVM BUUFNQU CZ UXP #ÈCÓT PO UIF MJGF PG UIF 4Iáh #BIÈ V MMÈI T IPNF XBT QJMMBHFE )JT QSPQFSUZ DPOíTDBUFE BOE PWFSOJHIU )JT GBNJMZ GBDFE QFSTFDVUJPO BOE QPWFSUZ We heard each day the cries of the mob as a new victim was tortured or executed, not knowing but that it might be my father. My mother went daily to the house her aunt for news of him and generally spent the entire day there, hoping that each hour would bring some tidings. These were long and weary days for my mother, young as she was and unaccustomed to sorrow. At first, on going to her aunt’s, my mother would take me with her; but one day, returning unusually late, we found ‘Abbás Effendi surrounded by a band of boys who had undertaken to personally molest him. He was standing in their midst as straight as an arrow – a little fellow, the youngest and smallest of the group – firmly but quietly DPNNBOEJOH them not to lay their hands upon him, which, strange to say, they seemed unable to do. After that my mother thought it unsafe to leave him at home, knowing his fearless disposition, and that when he went into the street, as he usually 60
‘abdu’l-bahá in the time of bahá’u’lláh
did to watch for her coming, eagerly expectant of news from his father for whom, even at that early age, he had a passionate attachment, he would be beset and tormented by the boys. So she took him with her, leaving me at home with my younger brother.4 Attributed to Bahíyyih KhÈOVN • ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, even in early childhood, shared in the woes of His family, upon whom the most terrible troubles descended. . . . ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, then only eight years old, was brokenhearted at the ruthless treatment of His adored Father. The child suffered agonies, as a description of the tortures was related in His hearing – the cruel scourging of the feet, the long miles Bahá’u’lláh had to walk afterwards, barefooted, heavy chains cutting into the delicate flesh, the loathsome prison; the excruciating anxiety lest His very life should be taken – made a load of suffering, piteous for so young and sensitive a child to endure.5 All the former luxury of the family was at an end, deserted as they were by relations and friends. Homeless, utterly impoverished, engulfed in trouble, and misery, suffering from sheer want and extraordinary privations – such were the conditions under which His childhood’s life was spent.6 "UUSJCVUFE UP .VOÓSJI KhÈOVN
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