Trust all to God. The
lights of God are resplendent. The blessed Epistles are spreading. The blessed
teachings are promulgated throughout the East and West. Soon you will see that
the heavenly Words have established the oneness of the world of humanity. The
banner of the Most Great Peace has been unfurled, and the great community is
appearing.
July 30
It is easy to accept the Kingdom, but it is difficult to
endure therein for the tests are hard and heavy. On all occasions the English
are firm and are not turned aside, being neither prone to begin a matter for a
little while nor ready to abandon it for a little reason through failing in
zeal. Verily in every undertaking they show firmness.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a
Tablet to the Baha’is of England, Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 5, June 5, 1911)
July 29
Science may be likened to a mirror wherein the images of the
mysteries of outer phenomena are reflected. It brings forth and exhibits to us
in the arena of knowledge all the product of the past. It links together past
and present. The philosophical conclusions of bygone centuries, the teachings
of the Prophets and wisdom of former sages are crystallized and reproduced in
the scientific advancement of today. Science is the discoverer of the past.
From its premises of past and present we deduce conclusions as to the future. Science
is the governor of nature and its mysteries, the one agency by which man
explores the institutions of material creation.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk at
Columbia University,
New York, 19 April 1912; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’)
July 28
…the Blessed Perfection bore all these ordeals and
calamities in order that our hearts might become enkindled and radiant, our
spirits be glorified, our faults become virtues, our ignorance be transformed
into knowledge; in order that we might attain the real fruits of humanity and
acquire heavenly graces; in order that, although pilgrims upon earth, we should
travel the road of the heavenly Kingdom, and, although needy and poor, we might
receive the treasures of eternal life. For this has He borne these difficulties
and sorrows.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, New York, 18 April 1912; ‘The
Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His
Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’)
July 27
Ours should be the prayer
that His [God’s] blessings may be vouchsafed in still greater abundance, and
ours to hold fast to such means as shall ensure a fuller outpouring of His
grace and a greater measure of His divine assistance.
One of the greatest of these
means is the spirit of true fellowship and loving communion amongst the
friends. Remember the saying: ‘Of all pilgrimages the greatest is to relieve
the sorrow-laden heart.’
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of
‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
July 26
As to the Nineteen Day Feast, it rejoiceth mind and heart.
If this feast be held in the proper fashion, the friends will, once in nineteen
days, find themselves spiritually restored, and endued with a power that is not
of this world.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
July 25
Assuredly
the blessed souls who direct their entire attention to the Lord of Hosts, who
are severed from the nether world and submerged in the outpourings of the Realm
of Might, if they travel in various parts of America, associating with all and
visiting the assemblies while surging with the love of God, they will certainly
be the cause of the unity of the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful.
This is indeed most beloved and acceptable, productive of great results and
conducive of great good.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet to the believers in
Philadelphia; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 5, June 5, 1911)
July 24
The
chanting of the verses, whether done individually or collectively, is the cause
of manifesting the effect of the Word of God in the hearts, and the means of
igniting the fire of the love of God in the breasts. But it is as thou hast
written that the condition required is, the hearts must become like pure and
polished mirrors, and the spirits attain perfect joy and happiness by the
divine glad-tidings.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet to the believers in
Philadelphia; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 5, June 5, 1911)
July 23
O ye
friends and maid-servants of the Merciful! It is easy to advance toward the
Kingdom, but it is difficult to remain firm and steadfast. Therefore endeavour
ye as much ye can to make your faith firm like unto a well-rooted tree and
produce blossoms and fruits. Neither be ye agitated on account of the blowing
winds of tests and trials. The firmer the roots of the tree the greater its
blossoms and fruits. Because the
apostles of Christ remained firm and steadfast they became assisted in the most
great services and the confirmations of the Holy Spirit descended upon them
uninterruptedly. If ye seek the illumination of the Kingdom ye must arise with
infinite resolution. Be ye not discouraged or lukewarm on account of troubles
and vicissitudes. Show ye an effort so that that region may be illumined, the
Kingdom of God may raise its tents and the breaths of the Holy Spirit may
quicken the souls.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet to the believers in
Philadelphia; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 5, June 5, 1911)
July 22
Today the
most beloved and acceptable deed before His Highness, Bahá'u'lláh, is the union
of the friends and the concord of men, and the most unacceptable is difference
and disharmony.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 5,
June 5, 1911)
July 21
When the
deposed Sultán of the Ottoman Empire, 'Abdu'l-Hamíd, arose in tyranny and
oppression, 'Abdu'l-Bahá was incarcerated in the prison of 'Akká and was
surrounded with the utmost surveillance of police, detectives and men of the
Secret Service. The door of communication was entirely closed and the means of
correspondence was prevented. If any soul approached the house he was searched;
nay, rather, threatened with dire persecution. The affairs reached to such a
degree that, not being satisfied with these restrictions, the Sultán sent an
oppressive investigating Commission, so that with all kinds of wiles,
simulations, slander and fabrication of false stories they might fasten some
guilt upon 'Abdu'l-Bahá in order that he might crucify Him, or cast Him into
the sea, or banish Him into the heart of the distant and unknown Sahara of
Feyzan [Africa]. That oppressive investigating Commission exercised its rights
with tyranny and passed the sentence that 'Abdu'l-Bahá merited all kinds of
persecution. Finally they decided to send Him to Feyzan, and when they cabled
this decision to the palace of 'Abdu'l-Hamíd, an answer was received that the
matter of Feyzan was approved by the Imperial Order. Then that unjust
investigating Commission returned to Constantinople. They were in the midst of
the sea when the cannon of God boomed forth before the palace of 'Abdu'l-Hamíd,
a charge of dynamite was exploded, a number of people were killed,
'Abdu'l-Hamíd fled into the interior of his residence, difficulties and trials
surrounded him, and incidents and events developed rapidly. Therefore he did
not find the opportunity to oppress 'Abdu'l-Bahá; public revolution was
started, which ended in his deposition, and the Hand of Divine Power released
the neck of 'Abdu'l-Bahá from the chains of the prison of Joseph and the
fetters and manacles were placed around the unblessed neck of 'Abdu'l-Hamíd. Be
ye admonished, O ye people of insight!
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of
the West, vol. 2, no. 4, May 17, 1911)
July 20
What a firm foundation of excellent character was laid down
in those days [during Emperor Constantine’s reign], thanks to the training of
holy souls who arose to promote the teachings of the Gospel. How many primary
schools, colleges, hospitals, were established, and institutions where
fatherless and indigent children received their education. How many were the
individuals who sacrificed their own personal advantages and “out of desire to
please the Lord” [From Qur’án 4:114; 2:207] devoted the days of their lives to
teaching the masses.
When, however, the time approached for the effulgent beauty of Muhammad to dawn upon the world, the control of
Christian affairs passed into the hands of ignorant priests. Those heavenly
breezes, soft-flowing from the regions of Divine grace, died away, and the laws
of the great Evangel, the rock-foundation on which the civilization of the
world was based, turned barren of results, this out of misuse and because of
the conduct of persons who, seemingly fair, were yet inwardly foul.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’)
July 19
Your public announcement was carefully considered, and in
some places slight corrections were made, and it was returned to you. This
announcement should be given forth with wisdom, and not in haste, for it would
be a cause of stirring up. When ye find a soul manifesting a demand for Truth,
then ye may give this to him, that he may be informed of the rudiments of the
Cause.
But my name should be confined to Abdul-Baha in all
writings. This is the collective name which will gather all the people, and it
is the strong fortress and protection of the Cause of God. The beloved ones
must limit themselves to this. However, ye may mention me as the Light of the
Love of God, the Flame of the Guidance of God and the Banner of Peace and
Harmony. I trust in God that ye may ever be confirmed through the Holy Spirit.
July 18
Among the proofs and arguments for the existence of God is
the fact that man has not created himself, but rather that his creator and
fashioner is another than he. And it is certain and indisputable that the
creator of man is not like man himself, because a powerless being cannot create
another being, and an active creator must possess all perfections to produce
his handiwork.
Is it possible for the handiwork to be perfect and the
craftsman imperfect? Is it possible for a painting to be a masterpiece and the
painter to be deficient in his craft, notwithstanding that he is its creator?
No: The painting cannot be like the painter, for otherwise it would have
painted itself. And no matter how perfect the painting may be, in comparison
with the painter it is utterly deficient.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks in Akka,
authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised
translation by the Baha’i World Centre)
July 17
One demonstration of the excellent character of the
Christians in those days was their dedication to charity and good works, and
the fact that they founded hospitals and philanthropic institutions. For
example, the first person to establish public clinics throughout the Roman
Empire where the poor, the injured and the helpless received medical care, was
the Emperor Constantine. This great king was the first Roman ruler to champion
the Cause of Christ. He spared no efforts, dedicating his life to the promotion
of the principles of the Gospel, and he solidly established the Roman
government, which in reality had been nothing but a system of unrelieved
oppression, on moderation and justice. His blessed name shines out across the
dawn of history like the morning star, and his rank and fame among the world’s
noblest and most highly civilized is still on the tongues of Christians of all
denominations.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’)
July 16
My health and happiness are in this, when I see the friends
of God engaged in spreading the divine fragrances, arising to serve the Cause
of God, forgetting every thought save that of teaching, casting into the corner
of forgetfulness every matter but that of unity and harmony. Consider in every
age what confirmation and assistance were received by those souls who devoted
their time to serving the Cause and spreading the divine fragrances. On the
contrary, those who were absorbed by personal interests or political affairs
degraded not only themselves but their associates. Thus, in this day, the
friends of God should see that all glory lies in teaching the Cause of God and
that every happiness is found in the shadow of the Word of God.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Words of
‘Abdu’l-Baha after His return to the Holy Land from America, recorded by Dr.
Zia Baghdadi, December 9, 1913; ‘Star of the West, vol. 9, no. 2, April 9,
1918)
July 15
God sends Prophets for the
education of the people and the progress of mankind. Each such Manifestation of
God has raised humanity. They serve the whole world by the bounty of God. The
sure proof that they are the Manifestations of God is in the education and
progress of the people. The Jews were in the lowest condition of ignorance, and
captives under Pharaoh when Moses appeared and raised them to a high state of
civilization. Thus was the reign of Solomon brought about and science and art
were made known to mankind. Even Greek philosophers became students of
Solomon’s teaching. Thus was Moses proved to be a Prophet.
After the lapse of time the
Israelites deteriorated, and became subject to the Romans and the Greeks. Then
the brilliant Star of Jesus rose from the horizon upon the Israelites,
brightening the world, until all sects and creeds and nations were taught the
beauty of unity. There cannot be any better proof than this that Jesus was the
Word of God.
So it was with the Arabian
nations who, being uncivilized, were oppressed by the Persian and Greek governments.
When the Light of Muhammad shone forth all Arabia was brightened. These oppressed
and degraded peoples became enlightened and cultured; so much so, indeed, that
other nations imbibed Arabian civilization from Arabia. This was the proof of
Muhammad’s divine
mission.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a message to 'The Christian Commonwealth', September
29, 1911; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)
July 14
Man must take flight from the cage of
the body and become pure spirit, for the body is a cage which causes
difficulties for man and makes him the captive of nature and involves him in
all types of misfortunes. But when a person discards all his physical habits,
he is freed from all fetters. As physical powers attract the world of nature,
so spiritual powers must break these chains. This condition is not realized by
thought alone. The powers of nature are ever alert to allure man. The eye is
fascinated by beautiful scenery; the ear is entranced by music; the heart is
attracted by delights and human passions. A man may be rich but still he wants
more because he is attracted by the world of nature; he has means of livelihood
yet he desires more. Therefore, the spiritual powers must dominate so that he
may be freed from these fetters and attain salvation. Man is like a bird in a
cage. A bird cannot attain freedom merely by knowing that in the free world
there are pure breezes, spacious skies, beautiful gardens, pleasant parks and
fountains; rather, the bird must find a power to break the cage and soar into
the wide firmament.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (From a conversation, 25 September 1912, Denver,
Colorado, USA, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
July 13
Nature is that condition or reality which outwardly is the
source of the life and death, or, in other words, of the composition and
decomposition, of all things.
This nature is subject to a sound organization, to
inviolable laws, to a perfect order, and to a consummate design, from which it
never departs. To such an extent is this true that were you to gaze with the
eye of insight and discernment, you would observe that all things—from the
smallest invisible atom to the largest globes in the world of existence, such
as the sun or the other great stars and luminous bodies—are most perfectly
organized, be it with regard to their order, their composition, their outward
form, or their motion, and that all are subject to one universal law from which
they never depart.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks in Akka, authenticated by
‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the
Baha’i World Center)
July 12
Among the greatest of all great services is the education of
children, and promotion of the various sciences, crafts and arts. Praised be
God, ye are now exerting strenuous efforts toward this end. The more ye
persevere in this most important task, the more will ye witness the
confirmations of God, to such a degree that ye yourselves will be astonished.
- ’Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i
Education)
July 11
Every proof and prophecy, every manner of evidence, whether
based on reason or on the text of the scriptures and traditions, are to be
regarded as centered in the persons of Bahá'u'lláh and the Báb. In them is to
be found their complete fulfillment.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Quoted by Shoghi Effendi in a letter dated February 8, 1934; ‘The World Order of Baha’u’llah)
July 10
…one of the greatest and most fundamental principles of the
Cause of God is to shun and avoid entirely the Covenant-breakers, for they will
utterly destroy the Cause of God, exterminate His Law and render of no account
all efforts exerted in the past. O friends! It behoveth you to call to mind
with tenderness the trials of His Holiness, the Exalted One and show your
fidelity to the Ever-Blest Beauty. The utmost endeavor must be exerted lest all
these woes, trials and afflictions, all this pure and sacred blood that hath
been shed so profusely in the Path of God, may prove to be in vain.
- ‘Abdu'l-Baha (‘Baha'i World Faith’)
July 9
Among the exiles, neighbors, and
prisoners there was… the eminent calligrapher, Mishkin-Qalam.
He wielded a musk-black pen, and his brows shone with faith. He was among the
most noted of mystics, and had a witty and subtle mind. The fame of this
spiritual wayfarer reached out to every land. He was the leading calligrapher
of Persia and well known to all the great; he enjoyed a special position among
the court ministers of Tihrán, and with them he was solidly established. He was
famed throughout Asia Minor; his pen was the wonder of all calligraphers, for
he was adept at every calligraphic style. He was besides, for human virtues, a
bright star.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Memorials of the Faithful’)
July 8
I respect all who work for the good of mankind, of whatever
religion they call themselves. You should learn to recognize truth from
whatever point in the horizon it is shining. People think religion is confined
in a temple to be worshipped at an altar. In reality it is an attitude to
divinity which is reflected through life."
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha quoted
by Lady Blomfield in an article entitled ‘Christianity in the Baha’i Message’,
Star of the West, vol. 17, no. 11, February, 1927)
July 7
The object of God's teaching to man is that man may know
himself in order to comprehend the greatness of God. The Word of God is for
agreement and concord… We do not consider anyone a stranger, for it is said by
Bahá'u'lláh 'Ye are all the rays of one sun; the fruits of one tree; and the
leaves of one branch.' We desire the true brotherhood of humanity. This shall
be so, and it has already begun. Praise to be God, the Helper, the Pardoner!
- ‘Abdu'l-Baha (From a talk, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in London’)
July 6
Christ announced, "That which is born of the flesh is
flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit," meaning that man
must be born again. As the babe is born into the light of this physical world,
so must the physical and intellectual man be born into the light of the world
of Divinity. In the matrix of the mother the unborn child was deprived and
unconscious of the world of material existence, but after its birth it beheld
the wonders and beauties of a new realm of life and being. In the world of the
matrix it was utterly ignorant and unable to conceive of these new conditions,
but after its transformation it discovers the radiant sun, trees, flowers and
an infinite range of blessings and bounties awaiting it. In the human plane and
kingdom man is a captive of nature and ignorant of the divine world until born
of the breaths of the Holy Spirit out of physical conditions of limitation and
deprivation. Then he beholds the reality of the spiritual realm and Kingdom,
realizes the narrow restrictions of the mere human world of existence and
becomes conscious of the unlimited and infinite glories of the world of God.
Therefore, no matter how man may advance upon the physical and intellectual
plane, he is ever in need of the boundless virtues of Divinity, the protection
of the Holy Spirit and the face of God.
- ‘Abdu'l-Baha (From a talk, ‘The
Promulgation of Universal Peace’)
July 5
Be ye assured with the greatest assurance that, verily, God
will help those who are firm in His Covenant in every matter, through His
confirmation and favor, the lights of which will shine forth unto the east of
the earth, as well as the west thereof. He will make them the signs of guidance
among the creation and as shining and glittering stars from all horizons.
Consequently, do ye beseech unto God and pray and supplicate
Him and ask Him for the greatest gift and eminent favor.
July 4
You have asked as to the feast in every Bahá’í month. This
feast is held to foster comradeship and love, to call God to mind and
supplicate Him with contrite hearts, and to encourage benevolent pursuits.
That is, the friends should there dwell upon God and glorify
Him, read the prayers and holy verses, and treat one another with the utmost
affection and love.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of
‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
July 3
Consider ye the past centuries, how a single one of the
beloved of God withstood all the people on the earth because of his firmness in
the love of God, and his entire turning of the heart toward the Kingdom of God
and with the cup of his heart overflowing with the wine of the knowledge of
God.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)
July 2
I hope and request, through the bounty of my Lord, that the
greatest assistance and the most eminent confirmation be granted unto you when
ye are firm and steadfast and withstand every difficulty which may befall you
in spreading the Cause of God in those regions.
By the life of God, all the confirmations of the Kingdom of
God will surround those whose hearts are firm, whose feet are steadfast and
whose souls are tranquilized in the Most Great Cause.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Tablets
of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)
July 1
Make your feet firm in the love of God, arise to carry on
the teachings of God, purify souls from desire and illumine faces with the
light of guidance; so that ye may obtain the might gift and the great mercy.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)
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