Centenary of Abdul-Baha's Passing

Tomorrow (27 November 2021) marks the centenary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá - One of the Central Figures of the Baha’i Faith. He was the eldest Son of Baha’u’llah, the Prophet Founder of the Baha’i Faith. In the early years of 20th century, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was the Baha’i Faith’s leading exponent, renowned as a champion of social justice and an ambassador for international peace. Countless people and communities throughout the world are profoundly reflecting on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life of service to humanity as they prepare to commemorate the centenary of His passing.

Whether in His writings or in His life of selfless and sacrificial service to humankind, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá remained a tireless advocate and a peerless example of the spiritual qualities and attributes that would extinguish prejudice and establish a firm basis for universal peace.

He set out on a series of journeys which took Him to Egypt, Europe and North America. Throughout His life, He presented with brilliant simplicity, to high and low alike, Bahá’u’lláh’s prescription for the spiritual and social renewal of society.

During His travels, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tirelessly proclaimed certain vital truths to leaders of thought as well as to countless groups and individuals. Among these truths were: “The independent search after truth, unfettered by superstition or tradition; the oneness of the entire human race, the pivotal principle and fundamental doctrine of the Faith; the basic unity of all religions; the condemnation of all forms of prejudice, whether religious, racial, class or national; the harmony which must exist between religion and science; the equality of men and women, the two wings on which the bird of humankind is able to soar; the introduction of compulsory education; the adoption of a universal auxiliary language; the abolition of the extremes of wealth and poverty; the institution of a world tribunal for the adjudication of disputes between nations; the exaltation of work, performed in the spirit of service, to the rank of worship; the glorification of justice as the ruling principle in human society, and of religion as a bulwark for the protection of all peoples and nations; and the establishment of a permanent and universal peace as the supreme goal of all mankind.”

On the occasion of the centenary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and in line with His vision of peace and unity, the worldwide Bahá’í community, exert efforts to demonstrate that human diversity should be not only tolerated, but rather celebrated. In nature, a garden full of diverse colours, shapes, and fragrances has an uplifting spirit, where diversity enhances the attraction of each component. Similarly, the garden of human community can, and should, see diversity as a source of enhancement of the strength, beauty and attraction of individual members, cultures, and talents. Such is the reality of our spiritual essence, and so should we endeavour to unlock our individual and collective potential.

Abdu’l-Bahá said, “When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love. Thoughts of war bring destruction to all harmony, well-being, restfulness and content. ... Thoughts of love are constructive of brotherhood, peace, friendship, and happiness.”