A century after his ascension, his exemplary life continues to inspire millions of souls across the globe, including here in Humboldt County. Who was ʻAbdu’l-Bahá?
ʻAbdu’l-Bahá, one of the brightest lights on this earth, was born in Persia in 1844. Though his given name was ‘Abbás, he preferred the title ʻAbdu’l-Bahá (Servant of Glory). It symbolized his devotion to his Father, Bahá’u’lláh (Glory of God), the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Bringing a new understanding to the concept of religion, the Bahá’í Faith operates like none before it. Its chief aim is the unity of humankind, based on peace and justice, informed by the recognition of our inherent oneness.
From childhood, ʻAbdu’l-Bahá’s life was filled with hardships. Along with his family, he suffered injustices at the hands of religious and governmental authorities; they were stripped of possessions, experienced exile, hunger, and imprisonment that spanned over half a century. Despite such adversities, ʻAbdu’l-Bahá maintained his nobility, joy, and radiance. He lived a life of service, focusing on bettering the lives of others. “Service to humanity is service to God,” he explained. He gave away his belongings to those in need, tended to the sick, and fed those who were hungry.
Nearly 20 years after the passing of his Father, ʻAbdu’l-Bahá was finally freed, along with other religious and political prisoners of the Ottoman Empire. When asked about his newly gained freedom, he stated, “Freedom is not a matter of place. It is a condition. I was thankful for the prison...for those days were passed in the path of service...”
He took the bounty of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings to Africa, Europe, and North America. Wherever he visited, he uplifted people’s hearts and minds, encouraged all to turn to God, and inspired them to engage in the betterment of the world. In 1912, ʻAbdu’l-Bahá traveled across North America, gaining the admiration of those he met with his extraordinary knowledge and perceptions.
The San Francisco Examiner asked ʻAbdu’l-Bahá about his intentions for his visit. His answer was clear: “I have come to America to promote the ideal of Universal Peace and the solidarity of the human race. I have not come for pleasure or as a tourist.” He spoke wherever he was asked: at synagogues, churches, universities, and private homes. His remarks challenged segregation, religious intolerance, and advocated for the equality of men and women, race unity, and social justice.
Today, in the spirit of his visit to California, Bahá’ís from Crescent City to San Diego are working to build new communities cast in ʻAbdu’l-Bahá’s powerful vision of justice. Over the coming months, the Humboldt Bahá’ís invite you to join in reflection, discussion, and action on the life, words, and deeds of a man who brought his Father’s promised message of peace to the world.
For reflection: there was a locally hosted screening of a new film, Exemplar, held on November 27th. You may watch this uplifting documentary honoring the life of ʻAbdu’l-Bahá here.
For discussion: the next 12 months of Spirit Talk—open and elevated local conversations on transforming the world around us—will center on the core spiritual principles that ʻAbdu’l-Bahá spoke on. Spirit Talk is held on the second Saturday of every month at 7 PM.
For action: the Bahá’ís invite you to join them in passing out a hot meal to the homeless on December 4th, at 2:30 PM. Meet at Madaket Plaza at the foot of C Street. Be prepared to walk.
The Humboldt Bahá’í community looks forward to expanding opportunities for dialogue and service, together with you for the betterment of both the spiritual and material well-being of all.
ʻAbdu’l-Bahá, one of the brightest lights on this earth, was born in Persia in 1844. Though his given name was ‘Abbás, he preferred the title ʻAbdu’l-Bahá (Servant of Glory). It symbolized his devotion to his Father, Bahá’u’lláh (Glory of God), the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Bringing a new understanding to the concept of religion, the Bahá’í Faith operates like none before it. Its chief aim is the unity of humankind, based on peace and justice, informed by the recognition of our inherent oneness.
From childhood, ʻAbdu’l-Bahá’s life was filled with hardships. Along with his family, he suffered injustices at the hands of religious and governmental authorities; they were stripped of possessions, experienced exile, hunger, and imprisonment that spanned over half a century. Despite such adversities, ʻAbdu’l-Bahá maintained his nobility, joy, and radiance. He lived a life of service, focusing on bettering the lives of others. “Service to humanity is service to God,” he explained. He gave away his belongings to those in need, tended to the sick, and fed those who were hungry.
Nearly 20 years after the passing of his Father, ʻAbdu’l-Bahá was finally freed, along with other religious and political prisoners of the Ottoman Empire. When asked about his newly gained freedom, he stated, “Freedom is not a matter of place. It is a condition. I was thankful for the prison...for those days were passed in the path of service...”
He took the bounty of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings to Africa, Europe, and North America. Wherever he visited, he uplifted people’s hearts and minds, encouraged all to turn to God, and inspired them to engage in the betterment of the world. In 1912, ʻAbdu’l-Bahá traveled across North America, gaining the admiration of those he met with his extraordinary knowledge and perceptions.
The San Francisco Examiner asked ʻAbdu’l-Bahá about his intentions for his visit. His answer was clear: “I have come to America to promote the ideal of Universal Peace and the solidarity of the human race. I have not come for pleasure or as a tourist.” He spoke wherever he was asked: at synagogues, churches, universities, and private homes. His remarks challenged segregation, religious intolerance, and advocated for the equality of men and women, race unity, and social justice.
Today, in the spirit of his visit to California, Bahá’ís from Crescent City to San Diego are working to build new communities cast in ʻAbdu’l-Bahá’s powerful vision of justice. Over the coming months, the Humboldt Bahá’ís invite you to join in reflection, discussion, and action on the life, words, and deeds of a man who brought his Father’s promised message of peace to the world.
For reflection: there was a locally hosted screening of a new film, Exemplar, held on November 27th. You may watch this uplifting documentary honoring the life of ʻAbdu’l-Bahá here.
For discussion: the next 12 months of Spirit Talk—open and elevated local conversations on transforming the world around us—will center on the core spiritual principles that ʻAbdu’l-Bahá spoke on. Spirit Talk is held on the second Saturday of every month at 7 PM.
For action: the Bahá’ís invite you to join them in passing out a hot meal to the homeless on December 4th, at 2:30 PM. Meet at Madaket Plaza at the foot of C Street. Be prepared to walk.
The Humboldt Bahá’í community looks forward to expanding opportunities for dialogue and service, together with you for the betterment of both the spiritual and material well-being of all.
Ten thousand mourners from numerous religious backgrounds attend the funeral of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Haifa, November 29, 1921
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“Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path."
The Bahá’í Writings speak of the twofold moral purpose that every person has in their life: to better themselves, and to better the society around them. Because of this, the Baha’i approach to social transformation differs from most contemporary approaches, focusing less on material resources and more on the core of social change - the people. Our community is one of learning and action, free from any sense of superiority or claim to exclusive understanding of truth. We strive to cultivate hope for the future of humanity, to foster purposeful effort, and to celebrate the endeavours of all those in the world who work to promote unity and alleviate human suffering. Together we are striving to build a community that demonstrates practical solutions to the challenges of modern society.
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Throughout history, God has sent to humanity a series of divine Educators—known as Manifestations of God—whose teachings have provided the basis for the advancement of civilization. These Manifestations have included Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad. Bahá’u’lláh, the latest of these Messengers, explained that the religions of the world come from the same Divine Source and are in essence successive chapters of one religion from God. Bahá'ís believe the crucial need facing humanity is to find a unifying vision of the future of society and of the nature and purpose of life. Such a vision unfolds in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh.
Bahá’í beliefs address such essential themes as:
- the oneness of God and religion
- the oneness of humanity
- freedom from prejudice
- the inherent nobility of the human being
- the fundamental equality of the sexes
- the progressive revelation of religious truth
- the development of spiritual qualities
- the integration of worship and service
- the harmony between religion and science
- the centrality of justice to all human endeavors
- the importance of education
The Humboldt Bahá’í community is learning how to put these beliefs into action. You are welcome to join us in this adventure – through study, through working with children and youth, through prayers – and walk with all along a path of service.
To gain a fuller appreciation of Bahá’í beliefs you may wish to visit the link below:
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All of the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith revolve around one central principle: that all of humanity was created as a single unit, like a family. Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, infused this principle into all of the spiritual concepts and social activities of the Faith.
The oneness of humanity sounds simple, but has profound implications when we explore the countless dimensions and layers of oneness. |
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