No affair in the world succeeds without sacrifice. Up to now
twenty thousand persons have been sacrificed for this Cause. The Bahá'ís have
accepted every affliction and persecution. For forty years I was in a prison
for promulgating universal peace and the oneness of humanity. Because these
teachings were contrary to the interests and the despotism of the Sháh of
Persia and the Sultán of Turkey, they arose in opposition and oppression. With
all their power they girded their loins to uproot and efface the Cause of God.
But the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh was victorious and the fame of His Revelation
spread worldwide. Every opponent was overthrown and humiliated because this
Cause was supported by the All-Powerful and because His teachings answer the
need of the age to promote human happiness and provide supreme guidance.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, December 1, New York, recorded by Mahmud
Zarqani; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
