As to the question of annihilation and destruction of the
Spirits [1]: Mr. Phelps hath not fully understood the matter or else the
translator hath made some mistake. It was not intended to convey the idea that
the unbelieving souls are absolutely annihilated. Nay, rather, it was meant
that the existence of the evil spirits in comparison to the existence of the
sanctified souls was like unto annihilation. As you clearly behold, the
existence of mineral in comparison with the existence of man is like unto
non-being. When the body of man is destroyed and disintegrated, it returneth to
the mineral.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1’)
[1] Referring to passage in “The Life
and Teachings of Abbas Effendi” (Abdul-Baha) by Myron T. Phelps, published by
G. P. Putnam’s Sons, New York
