It is even possible that the condition of those who have
died in sin and unbelief may become changed—that is to say, they may become the
object of pardon through the bounty of God, not through His justice—for bounty
is giving without desert, and justice is giving what is deserved. As we have
power to pray for these souls here, so likewise we shall possess the same power
in the other world, which is the Kingdom of God. Are not all the people in that
world the creatures of God? Therefore, in that world also they can make
progress. As here they can receive light by their supplications, there also
they can plead for forgiveness and receive light through entreaties and
supplications. Thus as souls in this world, through the help of the
supplications, the entreaties and the prayers of the holy ones, can acquire
development, so is it the same after death. Through their own prayers and
supplications they can also progress, more especially when they are the object
of the intercession of the Holy Manifestations. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, table talks in
Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’)
