The lamp of the Covenant is the light of the world, and the
words traced by the Pen of the Most High a limitless ocean.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Quoted by Shoghi Effendi in ‘God Passes By’)
May 31
The lamp of the Covenant is the light of the world, and the
words traced by the Pen of the Most High a limitless ocean. 
May 30
Know thou that the ‘Sure Handle’ mentioned from the
foundation of the world in the Books, the Tablets and the Scriptures of old is
naught else but the Covenant and the Testament.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Quoted by Shoghi
Effendi in ‘God Passes By’)
May 29
It is indubitably clear that the pivot of the oneness of
mankind is nothing else but the power of the Covenant.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Quoted by
Shoghi Effendi in ‘God Passes By’)
May 28
So firm and mighty is this Covenant that from the beginning
of time until the present day no religious Dispensation hath produced its like.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Quoted by Shoghi Effendi in ‘God Passes By’)
May 27
His Holiness Baha’u’llah nearly fifty years ago warned the
nations against the occurrence of this "Most Great Danger." Although
the evils of war were evident and manifest to the sages and scholars, they are
now made clear and plain to all the people. No sane person can at this time
deny the fact that war is the most dreadful calamity in the world of humanity,
that war destroys the divine foundation, that war is the cause of eternal
death, that war is conducive to the destruction of populous, progressive
cities, that war is the world consuming fire, and that war is the most ruinous
catastrophe and the most deplorable adversity.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a
Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no.
16, December 31, 1914)
May 26
…the centre of the Sun of Truth is in the supernal world—the
Kingdom of God. Those souls who are pure and unsullied, upon the dissolution of
their elemental frames, hasten away to the world of God, and that world is
within this world. The people of this world, however, are unaware of that
world, and are even as the mineral and the vegetable that know nothing of the
world of the animal and the world of man.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the
Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
May 25
…in the other world the human reality doth not assume a
physical form, rather doth it take on a heavenly form, made up of elements of
that heavenly realm.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of
‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
May 24
In brief, that blessed Soul [the Báb] offered His very life
in the pathway of Bahá’u’lláh, even as it is recorded in historical writings
and records. In His first Book, the Best of Stories, He says, “O Remnant of
God! I am wholly sacrificed to Thee; I am content with curses in Thy path; I
crave nought but to be slain in Thy love; and God, the Supreme, sufficeth as an
eternal protection.”
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 23 May 1912, Cambridge,
Massachusetts; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’)
May 23
…what is meant in the prophecies by the “Lord of Hosts,” the
“Promised Christ” is the Blessed Perfection (Baha’u’llah) and His Highness the
Supreme (the Báb). The faith of everyone must resolve around this palpable and evident
text.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 2)
May 22
The Báb was subjected to bitter persecution in Shíráz, where
He first proclaimed His mission and message. A period of famine afflicted that
region, and the Báb journeyed to Iṣfáhán. There the learned men rose against
Him in great hostility. He was arrested and sent to Tabríz. From thence He was
transferred to Mákú and finally imprisoned in the strong castle of Chihríq.
Afterward He was martyred in Tabríz.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 23 May 1912,
Cambridge, Massachusetts; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered
by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’)
May 21
Regarding the birth of this servant, which also happened on
that day, [23 May 1844] this a proof of the favors and bounties of God toward
this servant. However, this Blessed Day must be known as the Day of the
Declaration of His Highness the Supreme (BAB) and the beginning of the
effulgence of the Sun of Reality. You must on this account be engaged in
rejoicing, happiness and gladness. This is the truth! Beware! Beware! that you
avoid that which is mentioned; otherwise, it will cause the utmost grief to the
heart of Abdul-Baha.
- ‘Abdu'l-Baha (Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha vol. 3)
May 20
As to the second question: the tests and trials of God take
place in this world, not in the world of the Kingdom.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
May 19
Love is light in whatsoever house it may shine and enmity is
darkness in whatsoever abode it dwell.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of
the West, vol. 11, no. 8, August 1, 1920)
May 18
Attach no importance to self-seeking, rejection, arrogance,
oppression and enmity. Heed them not. Deal in the contrary way. Be kind in
truth, not only in appearance and outwardly. Every soul of the friends of God
must concentrate his mind on this, that he may manifest the mercy of God and
the bounty of the Forgiving One. He must do good to every soul whom he
encounters, and render benefit to him, becoming the cause of improving the
morals and correcting the thoughts so that the light of guidance may shine
forth and the bounty of His Holiness the Merciful One may encompass.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 11, no. 8, August 1, 1920)
May 17
To the orphans be ye kind fathers, and to the unfortunate a
refuge and shelter. To the poor be a treasure of wealth, and to the sick a
remedy and healing. Be a helper of every oppressed one, the protector of every
destitute one, be ye ever mindful to serve any soul of mankind.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 11, no. 8, August 1, 1920)
May 16
Life in this mortal world will quickly come to an end, and
this earthly glory, wealth, comfort and happiness will soon vanish and be no
more. Summon ye the people to God and call the souls to the manners and conduct
of the Supreme Concourse.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol.
11, no. 8, August 1, 1920)
May 15
While travelling in Europe and America I met altruistic and
sanctified souls who were my confidants and associates concerning the question
of Universal Peace and who agreed with me and joined their voices with mine
regarding the principle of the Oneness of the World of Humanity; but alas, they
were very few! The leaders of public opinion and the great statesmen believed
that the massing of huge armies and the annual increase of military forces
insured peace and friendship among nations. At that time I explained that this
theory was based on a false conception; for it is an inevitable certainty that
these serried ranks and disciplined armies will be rushed one clay into the
heat of the battlefield and these inflammable materials will unquestionably be
exploded and the explosion will be through one tiny spark; then a world
conflagration will be witnessed, the lurid flames of which shall redden all the
horizons. Because the sphere of their thoughts was contracted and their
intellectual eyes blind they could not acknowledge the above explanation.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet (Star of
the West, vol. 5, no. 16, December 31, 1914)
May 14
…O ye friends of God! Appreciate the value of this precious
Revelation, move and act in accordance with it and walk in the straight path
and the right way. Show it to the people. Raise the melody of the Kingdom and
spread abroad the teachings and ordinances of the loving Lord so that the world
may become another world, the darkened earth may become illumined and the dead
body of the people may obtain new life. Every soul may seek everlasting life
through the breath of the Merciful.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of the
West, vol. 11, no. 8, August 1, 1920)
May 13
The herald of peace, reformation, love and reconciliation is
the Religion of the Blessed Beauty which has pitched its tent on the apex of
the world and proclaimed its summons to the people.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of the
West, vol. 11, no. 8, August 1, 1920)
May 12
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 11,
no. 8, August 1, 1920)
May 11
The Blessed Beauty [Baha’u’llah] said; “All are the fruits
of one tree and the leaves of one branch". He likened the world of
existence to one tree and all the souls to leaves, blossoms and fruits.
Therefore all the branches, leaves, blossoms and fruits must be in the utmost
of freshness, and the bringing about of this delicacy and sweetness depends
upon union and fellowship. Therefore they must assist each other with all their
power and seek everlasting life.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet, Star of the
West, vol. 11, no. 8, August 1, 1920)
May 10
War saps the foundation of humanity; killing is an
unpardonable crime against God, for man is an edifice built by the Hand of the
Almighty. Peace is life incarnate; war is death personified. Peace is the
divine spirit; war is satanic suggestion. Peace is the light of the world; war
is stygian darkness and cimmerian gloom. All the great prophets, ancient
philosophers and heavenly Books have been the harbingers of Peace and monitors
against war and discord. This is the Divine foundation; this is the Celestial
outpouring; this is the basis of all religions of God.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a
Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no.
16, December 31, 1914)
May 9
Search for truth. Seek the realities in all religions. Put
aside all superstitions. Many of us do not realize the Reality of all
Religions.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)
May 8
Knowledge is not enough; we hope by the Love of God we shall
put it into practice. A spiritual universal Force is needed for this. Meetings
are good for engendering spiritual force. To know that it is possible to reach
a state of perfection, is good; to march forward on the path is better. We know
that to help the poor and to be merciful is good and pleases God, but knowledge
alone does not feed the starving man, nor can the poor be warmed by knowledge
or words in the bitter winter; we must give the practical help of
Loving-kindness.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in
London’)
May 7
In short, before all the meetings in the West I cried out:
"O ye thinkers of the world! O ye philosophers of the
Occident! O ye scholars and sages of the earth! A threatening black cloud
overshadows, which ere long shall envelop the horizon of humanity; an impetuous
tempest is ahead, which shall shatter to splinters the ships of the lives of
mankind, and a turbulent, furious torrent shall soon drown the countries and
nations of Europe. Awaken ye! Awaken ye! Become ye mindful! Become ye mindful!
Thus in the spirit of cooperation we may all arise with the utmost magnanimity
and through the Favor and Providence of God hold aloft the flag of the Oneness
of Humanity, promote the essentials of Universal Peace and deliver the
inhabitants of the world from this Most Great Danger!”
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a
Tablet, Star of the West, vol. 5, no.
16, December 31, 1914)
May 6
Praise be to God, there are today many societies and many
meetings held for Unity. Enmity is not so much the cause of separation as it
used to be; the cause of disunion now is mostly prejudice. For instance, years
ago when Europeans visited the East they were considered unclean and were
hated. Now it is different: when people of the West visit those in the East who
are followers of the New Light, they are received with love and courtesy.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk to an assembly of Theosophists in London, September
1911; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)
May 5
‘Abdu’l-Bahá holding a little child close to him said, the
true Bahá’í loves the children, because Jesus says they are of the Kingdom of
heaven. A simple pure heart is near to God; a child has no worldly ambitions.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Notes of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s discourse to an assembly of Theosophists in London,
September 1911; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)
May 4
About fifty years ago, His Holiness Baha’u’llah proclaimed
certain Teachings and raised the Song of Universal Peace. In numerous Tablets
and sundry Epistles He foretold, in the most explicit language, the present
cataclysmal events [WWI] stating that the world of humanity was facing the most
portentous danger and asserting categorically that the realization of Universal
War was unfortunately inevitable and unavoidable. For these combustible
materials which were stored in the infernal arsenals of Europe would explode by
contact with one spark.
Among other things, "the Balkans will become a volcano
and the map of Europe will be changed." For these and similar reasons He
(Baha’u’llah) invited the world of humanity to Universal Peace. He wrote a number
of Epistles to the kings and rulers and in those epistles He explained the
destructive evils of war and dwelt on the solid benefits and nobler influences
of Universal Peace.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 16, December
31, 1914)
May 3
After the declaration of the constitutional regime in Turkey
in 1908, by the members of the Committee of the Union and Progress, this
prisoner of forty years, travelled and journeyed for three years from 1910 to
1913 throughout the countries of Europe and the vast continent of America.
Notwithstanding advancement in age with its natural consequences, with a
resonant voice I delivered detailed addresses before large conventions and in
historical churches. I enumerated all those principles contained in the Tablets
and Teachings of Baha’u’llah concerning War and Peace.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a
Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 5, no.
16, December 31, 1914)
May 2
Praise be to God! How inscrutable are His ways! When His
Holiness the Báb - may my life be a ransom to Him! - was martyred, the enemies
vociferously cried out that this Cause was totally annihilated! Afterwards,
they witnessed the result contrary to their expectations; for with the
martyrdom of His Holiness the Báb, the Word of God was promulgated more widely.
Then, changing their front, they expected the departure of the Blessed Perfection,
dreaming vainly that after His ascension the Blessed Tree would be uprooted.
Praise be to God, that through the Bounty and Bestowal of the Blessed
Perfection they were stricken with self- condemnation and grief.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol.
5, no. 14, November 23, 1914)
May 1
Although to acquire the sciences and arts is the greatest
glory of mankind, this is so only on condition that man's river floweth into
the mighty Sea, and draweth from God's ancient source His inspiration. When this
cometh to pass, then every teacher is as a shoreless ocean, every pupil a
prodigal fountain of knowledge. If, then, the pursuit of knowledge leadeth to
the beauty of Him Who is the object of all knowledge, how excellent that goal;
but if not, a mere drop will perhaps shut a man off from flooding grace, for
with learning cometh arrogance and pride, and it bringeth on error and
indifference to God.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of
'Abdu'l-Bahá’)
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