All countries, in the estimation of the one true God, are
but one country, and all cities and villages are on an equal footing... Through
faith and certitude, and the precedence achieved by one over another, however,
the dweller conferreth honor upon the dwelling, some of the countries achieve
distinction, and attain a preeminent position. For instance, notwithstanding
that some of the countries of Europe and of America are distinguished by, and
surpass other countries in, the salubrity of their climate, the wholesomeness
of their water, and the charm of their mountains, plains and prairies, yet
Palestine became the glory of all nations inasmuch as all the holy and Divine
Manifestations, from the time of Abraham until the appearance of the Seal of
the Prophets (Muhammad), have lived in, or migrated to, or traveled through,
that country. Likewise, Mecca and Medina have achieved illimitable glory, as
the light of Prophethood shone forth therein. For this reason Palestine and Ḥijáz have been distinguished from all other countries.”
“Likewise,” is His remarkable disclosure, “the continent of America is, in the
eyes of the one true God, the land wherein the splendors of His light shall be
revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled, the home of the
righteous, and the gathering-place of the free.
(’Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Shoghi
Effendi in a letter dated June 5, 1947, ‘Citadel of Faith’)
