April 30

O ye maid-servants of the Merciful! Leaves of the Tree of Life!

Thank ye the Lord, for He hath removed the covering from off your insight, illuminated your eyes by witnessing the Sun of Truth, purified your souls, and hath quickened your hearts through the holy fragrances which are being diffused from the garden of the kingdom of His Great Glory!

O ye maid-servants of the Merciful! It is incumbent upon you to soar up with wings of joy and happiness unto the apex of exultation and gladness; for He hath assigned unto you the greatest guidance in the Day of Resurrection, and hath crowned you with the diadem of glory and divine honor among the women of the whole world, and hath chosen you above the queens of the world for His great bounty. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

April 29

Make firm your feet in the Cause of God; dilate your breasts by the glad-tidings of God and turn to the kingdom of God with pure hearts, sanctified souls, cheerful spirits, brightened eyes and illumined faces. Verily, I say unto you then (when ye become so) the angels of holiness will welcome you by the glad-tidings of God, the Mighty, the Powerful. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

April 28

…Religion must be the cause of amity, the cause of unification and the nearness of God to man. If Religion be the cause of animosity and warfare, then surely non religion is better than religion, and an irreligious man is better than one who is religious. Nay, on the contrary Religion must be the cause of love, a bond to unify all humanity, a message from God. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (From a talk, June 9, 1912’ Baptist Temple, Philadelphia; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 7, July 13, 1914)

April 27

Be not grieved and afflicted for this calamity which hath befallen thee; nay, rather, rejoice that God hath favored (thy babe) with His heavenly gifts. Truly, I say unto thee, wert thou informed of that felicity which thy babe hath attained in the worlds of God, thy breast would be dilated and thy soul would be purified. Truly, I say unto thee, thy child will be fostered from the breast of the gift of God in the Exalted Kingdom and will be nursed in the bosom of mercy in the Supreme World of God. Therefore, be filled with delight, for the favor of thy Lord is very great! 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

April 26

Know that the return of Christ for a second time doth not mean what the people believe, but, rather, signifieth the One promised to come after Him. He shall come with the Kingdom of God and His power which hath surrounded the world. This power (or reign) is in the world of hearts and spirits and not in that of matter (or bodies). For the material world is not comparable to a single wing of a fly, or rather less in the sight of thy Lord, wert thou of those who know! Verily Christ came with His Kingdom from the beginning which hath no beginning and will come with His Kingdom to the eternity of eternities, inasmuch as in this sense Christ is an expression of the divine reality, the simple essence and heavenly entity which hath no beginning or ending. It hath appearance, arising and manifestation and setting in each of the cycles. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

April 25

Verily I read thy excellent letter which contained thy praises of the Supreme Lord. Verily I supplicate God to confirm thee in that which He desireth, to protect thee from conceit and self-exaltation and from selfish concerns, to make thee devoted unto Him and resigned unto Him and to be the means of promoting the divine love amongst the dearly beloved of God. And I beseech Him to preserve thee from the confirmed tests and great trials which break backs and perish souls and to make thee a sign of submissiveness and a standard of meekness, lowliness and humility before the Kingdom of the Mighty and Omnipotent God. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

April 24

…let us… exert ourselves for the attainment of spiritual advantages, for this is the only way of true progress, that which cometh from God and is alone Godly. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, November 2, 1911, ‘Paris Talks’)

April 23

When the Lord Christ came He spread the light of the Holy Spirit on all around Him, and His disciples and all who received His illumination became enlightened, spiritual beings.

It was to manifest this light that Bahá’u’lláh was born, and came into the world. He taught Eternal Truth to men, and shed the rays of Divine Light in all lands.

Alas! behold how man disregards this Light. He still goes on his way of darkness, and disunity, and quarrels and fierce war are still rife.

He uses material progress to gratify his lust for war, and he makes destructive implements and appliances to destroy his brother man. 
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a talk, November 2, 1911, ‘Paris Talks’)

April 22

The second teaching of Baha’u’llah concerns the unity of mankind. All mankind is one family and all are the servants of God. God has created all; all are the children of God; God provides for all; God rears and nurtures all; God is kind to all. Why should we be unkind? This is the policy of God, the lights of which have shown up the whole world; His sun is shining upon all; His clouds send down rain upon all; His breezes refresh all. Therefore, it becomes evident that humankind without exception is sheltered beneath His protection. At most some are imperfect, they must be perfected; some are ignorant, they must be taught; some are ill, they must be treated; some are asleep, they must be awakened. The child must not be oppressed because he is a child, he must be educated; the patient must not be neglected because he is sick, nay rather one must entertain compassion for him, he must be healed. This makes it evident that the animosity which exists between the religious systems must be dispelled, and conditions of love and amity be entertained by them all. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (From a talk, June 9, 1912’ Baptist Temple, Philadelphia; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 7, July 13, 1914)

April 21

The…pathway…of religion…is the pathway of the Divine realm. It involves the acquisition of praiseworthy attributes in the world of humanity, heavenly radiance and commendable actions. This pathway is conducive to the progress and upliftment of the world. It is the source of the illumination of the world of humanity; the cause of human training and ethical improvement. It is the magnet which attracts the love of God, because of the knowledge of God it bestows. This is the foundation of the Holy Manifestations of God, for they are in reality the foundation of the Divine Religion of Oneness. There is no change or transformation in this pathway. It is the cause of human betterment, the acquisition of heavenly virtues, and illumination of human kind. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (From a talk, June 9, 1912’ Baptist Temple, Philadelphia; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 7, July 13, 1914)

April 20

Glad tidings, glad tidings, that the Sun of Truth has shed its radiance!

Glad tidings, glad tidings, that the heavenly light has encompassed all regions!

Glad tidings, glad tidings, that the gates of the Kingdom have been opened!

Glad tidings, glad tidings, that the melody of the Supreme Concourse has been raised.

Glad tidings, glad tidings, that the breaths of the Holy Spirit are giving life and the world of humanity is reborn 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

April 19

Man has consciousness and volition whereas nature is devoid; man is endowed with memory which nature lacks; man is endowed with the power of intelligence whereas nature is bereft; man is empowered with ideal attributes and virtues whereof nature is utterly deprived. Hence man is nobler than nature because of the ideal force latent and manifest in him.

How strange then it seems that man, notwithstanding his endowment with these ideal powers, will descend to a level beneath him and adore that which is very inferior to his station. God has created such a holy spirit within him that he is the most noble of all contingent beings. In ignoring these virtues, he becomes a captive of matter, considers matter as a god and denies that which lies beyond the natural plane. Is this virtue? This in its fullest truth is animalistic, for the animal realizes nothing but the natural. In fact, the animal is the greater philosopher because it is utterly ignorant of the Kingdom of God, possesses no spiritual susceptibilities and is uninformed of the Heavenly World. In short this is the pathway of nature. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (From a talk, June 9, 1912’ Baptist Temple, Philadelphia; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 7, July 13, 1914)

April 18

One of the strangest things witnessed is that the materialists are proud of their natural proclivities. They state, that which is sensible or tangible is worthy of credence, but that which is not within the realm of the sense perceptions is unreasonable. By their own statements they are captives of the senses. Of the spiritual world they are uninformed: of the Divine Kingdom they are unaware; of the Divine bestowal they are unconscious. If this be a virtue, the animal has attained to a superlative degree, for the animal is absolutely unaware of and not at all in touch with the spiritual realm. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (From a talk, June 9, 1912’ Baptist Temple, Philadelphia; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 7, July 13, 1914)

April 17

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, endeavor ye as much as 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.  

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 6, June 24, 1914)

April 16

It is nearly two years and a half that I have been a wanderer over mountains and deserts and a traveler over seas and lands. The journey was extended to many climes. The penetrative power of the Holy Cause has stirred the columns of the world. in many cities of America, the Divine Call was raised. Likewise, in the countries of Europe. In many churches, clubs, meetings and universities of America the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom of Abha were explained explicitly with a resonant voice, and no one arose in opposition. They listened most attentively and expressed their pleasure afterward. Ere long this Call shall yield the most glorious results and will fill the world with its fruits. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Extract from a Tablet to Persian Baha’is; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 6, June 24, 1914)

April 15

Awake, O people of the world, awake! Give heed, O peoples and nations, give heed! Destroy the root of conflict and strife; abandon imitations and prejudices which lead to cruelty, so that you may acknowledge the Truth and the light of the oneness of humanity may shine brilliant and manifest as the sun; the standard of universal peace be hoisted; perfect love and harmony may reign among the races, religions and nations; and the world of man may find peace and acquire a divine image and likeness. This is my message. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

April 14

The Mashriqu'l-Adhkár is circular in shape. It has nine paths, nine gardens, nine pools with fountains and nine gates. Each path will lead to a center such as an orphanage, a hospital, a school, a university and other buildings that are dependencies of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár. In the building there will be an organ, balconies and a rostrum especially for prayers and devotional programs but addresses may be given there as well. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, responding to a question, 3 November, 1912, Chicago, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

April 13

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; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 6, June 24, 1914)

April 12

Praise be to God that the centuries of darkness have passed and the age of enlightenment has arrived!

Praise be to God that all traces of superstition and imitation have vanished and the minds and thoughts of men have broadened, inventions have gained new life, the arts and sciences have been revived, new plans have been evolved, discoveries have increased, all things have been revitalized, the rulings that regulate the world have been renewed! Thus it was necessary that the laws of God also be changed and the reality of divine religions be renewed, for divine teachings had been forgotten and there was nothing left but dogmatic imitation. The foundation of the divine religions is one and that is the truth which generates love and affection and is the cause of the unity of mankind. But imitations vary and they are the cause of disagreements and are the destroyers of spiritual foundations. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet, ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

April 11

How many of the Pharisees were waiting for the appearance of the Spirit (i.e., Jesus) then were veiled from it. But ye have taken away the veil and were guided unto the light, have given up imitating forefathers and directed your eyes to the Sun of Truth, which is shining in the Supreme Horizon. This is a favor to you on the part of your Lord, and a gift for you. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

April 10

Verily that Light shone forth from the horizon of the Manifestation, appeared upon the horizon of existence, and the darkness was changed into light; the Sun of Guidance dawned in the horizon of heaven, whereby the eyes which were looking unto the Kingdom of God were illuminated, the breasts which were filled with God’s love were dilated, and the heavenly spirits were attracted by the magnet of the Holy Spirit, so that the hearts became as pure mirrors reflecting the godlike appearances and manifesting the heavenly lights—except the eyes which were in the veil of imitation of the forefathers were hindered from or veiled from witnessing that brilliant and godlike illumination, and the people held to the superstitions of the Pharisees and neglected the mystery of God and the glad-tidings in the Holy Scriptures, which elucidated the appearance of the Lord of Hosts in the promised day. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

April 9

O thou who art attracted to the Beauty of the Deity! ... O thou maid-servant of God! Be tranquil and know, verily, that indeed, the Holy Ghost in this glorious age teacheth every soul that is sincerely faithful, firm and drawn to the Kingdom of the Great Lord. Verily, I address thee with a heart overflowing with the love of God. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

April 8

According to what I have heard, thou hast experienced a great financial loss. Do not feel sorry, for thou wilt be compensated. I hope that whatever thou hast lost will come back to thee. But this material loss is not a very grave one; it is for a time and shall pass away. Praise be to God! —that thou hast a share in the Kingdom of God and art receiving gifts from the treasury of the Holy Spirit. Do not feel sorry; do not brood over the loss; do not sit down depressed; do not be silent; but, on the contrary, day and night be engaged in the commemoration of thy Lord in the greatest joy and gladness. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

April 7

O thou who art attracted to the Holy Fragrances!

The light of truth hath made thine eyes to see, the voice of God hath made thine ears to hear and the lights emanating from the beauty of the Light of the World both made thine heart attracted and astonished. I hope that thou wilt cut thyself from all that is in this world; wilt sever thyself from all desires of this transitory world; wilt attach thy heart entirely to the light of truth and wilt, at all times, rise in the service of truth in the rose-garden of God. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1)

April 6

…be occupied always in mentioning the Lord and display effort to complete thy profession. Thou must endeavour greatly so that thou mayest become unique in thy profession and famous in those parts, because attaining perfection in one’s profession in this merciful period is considered to be worship of God. And whilst thou art occupied with thy profession, thou canst remember the True One. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

April 5

O thou servant of the One true God! In this universal dispensation man’s wondrous craftsmanship is reckoned as worship of the Resplendent Beauty. Consider what a bounty and blessing it is that craftsmanship is regarded as worship. In former times, it was believed that such skills were tantamount to ignorance, if not a misfortune, hindering man from drawing nigh unto God. Now consider how His infinite bestowals and abundant favours have changed hell-fire into blissful paradise, and a heap of dark dust into a luminous garden.

It behoveth the craftsmen of the world at each moment to offer a thousand tokens of gratitude at the Sacred Threshold, and to exert their highest endeavour and diligently pursue their professions so that their efforts may produce that which will manifest the greatest beauty and perfection before the eyes of all men. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

April 4

…in accordance with the divine teachings the acquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts are considered acts of worship. If a man engageth with all his power in the acquisition of a science or in the perfection of an art, it is as if he has been worshipping God in churches and temples. Thus as thou enterest a school of agriculture and strivest in the acquisition of that science thou art day and night engaged in acts of worship—acts that are accepted at the threshold of the Almighty. What bounty greater than this that science should be considered as an act of worship and art as service to the Kingdom of God. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

April 3

…the admission of children of non-Bahá’í parents to the school for Bahá’í children is permissible. And if, in this school, an outline of the fundamental principles underlying all religions be set forth for the information of the children, it can do no harm. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

April 2

Behold how the power of Bahá'u'lláh has connected the hearts and has joined the East and the West. When Dr. Moody first went to Tihrán she did not know the Persians and they, too, did not know her at all. But the moment they heard of her intended journey from America to Persia, hundreds prepared to receive her with utmost love. With great esteem they welcomed her in Tihrán. All the friends are now like brothers and sisters to her -- even more than that and kinder. She is well-known as a Bahá'í in Tihrán and is respected and loved within and without the community. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Chicago, November 2, 1912, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

April 1

The divine religions were revealed for love and amity and have brought about harmony among the different peoples and nations. But as time passed dogmas and imitations crept in and caused differences and enmity. Praise be to God that now the doors of the Kingdom are open, the sun of truth is resplendent and casting its rays upon all, the cloud of mercy is bestowing the utmost favors and the sea of bounty is surging. Know then the value of this bestowal and the worth of these days. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Chicago, November 2, 1912, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)