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Naw-Ruz

  • Naw-Ruz marks the end of the 19-day Baha’i Fast, which is a period of reflection and profound spiritual reinvigoration, and the beginning of the Baha'i new year. Naw-Ruz is a celebration of a “spiritual springtime” that symbolizes both individual renewal and mankind’s revitalization.
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Day of the Covenant

in Explore > Calendar

In His Will, Baha’u’llah instructed all to turn to His eldest Son, Abdu’l-Baha, not only as the authorized interpreter of the Baha’i Writings but also as the perfect exemplar of the Baha’i Faith’s spirit and teachings. Every year Baha’is celebrate Abdu’l-Baha as the Centre of Baha’u’llah Covenant.

The Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha

in Explore > Calendar

Abdu’l-Baha was the eldest son of Baha’u’llah who referred to Him as “the Mystery of God” and “a shelter for all mankind”, however Abdu’l-Baha preferred to be called “Abdu’l-Baha” which means “the Servant of Baha” in reference to His servitude to Baha’u’llah. When Abdu’l-Baha passed away on 28 November 1921, He was eulogized as One who led humanity to the “Way of Truth,” as a “pillar of peace” and the embodiment of “glory and greatness.”

12 Wonderful Resources about the Life of Abdu’l-Baha

November 29, 2015, in Articles > History & Tributes, by

Over the last several days, Baha’is around the world have observed two Baha’i holy days related to Abdu’l-Baha, the eldest son of Baha’u’llah who led the Baha’i community after Baha’u’llah’s passing. Abdu’l-Baha is often referred to by Baha’is as ‘the Master’, but the title “Abdu’l-Baha” is Arabic for “Servant of Baha”, and He is considered the perfect example of how to live according to the Baha’i Teachings.

The first of the two recent Baha’i holy days is known as ‘The Day of the Covenant‘, observed on 4 Qawl according to the Baha’i calendar. It signifies the establishment of Baha’u’llah’s Covenant with humanity. The second holy day was two days later on 6 Qawl, and is known as ‘The Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha’, commemorating the passing of Abdu’l-Baha.

So in honor of Abdu’l-Baha, and in the interest of helping us learn more about His wonderful personage, I thought it would be useful to list a small selection of resources which may assist us in learning more about His fascinating life. (Please note that this list does not include the Writings or talks of Abdu’l-Baha, of which there are many, but rather aims to look at the personage and life of Abdu’l-Baha).

1. Website: Abdu’l-Baha on Bahai.org

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Bahai.org is the official website of the Baha’i International Community, and it has a wonderful section about Abdu’l-Baha under the “What Baha’is Believe” menu option. This wonderful collection of articles and photos explores the life and work of Abdu’l-Baha, the development of the Baha’i community during His lifetime, and His historic travels to the West. There is also a selection of His major Writings, articles, commentaries and resource materials offering a deeper understanding of Abdu’l-Baha and His ministry.

Learn more about Abdu’l-Baha by going to the site here: bahai.org/abdul-baha

2. Audio Talk: Recreating Ourselves in the Image of the Master by Tom Price

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In this series of six great talks delivered at the 2012 Tennessee Baha’i School, in the Unites States, Baha’i music composer Tom Price shares six of Abdu’l-Baha’s attributes and looks at how we can learn from them and adopt them into our own lives. An inspiring and wonderful way to learn more about Abdu’l-Baha, and it’s also one of the most popular posts ever published on Baha’i Blog.

Listen to the talks here: Recreating Ourselves in the Image of the Master

3. Audio Talk: Following the Example of Abdu’l-Baha by Tom Price

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Following the Example of Abdu’l-Baha is another talk about Abdu’l-Baha given by Tom Price in 2013 at the Silverwater Baha’i Centre in Sydney, Australia. In this 1hr 45min talk, Tom Price looks at the life and attributes of Abdu’l-Baha, and how He set the example for all of us.

Listen to this talk here: Following the Example of Abdu’l-Baha

4. Book: Abdu’l-Baha: The Centre of the Covenant of Baha’u’llah

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Written by eminent Baha’i scholar and historian Hasan M. Balyuzi, this book was the first comprehensive biography of this magnetic figure and perfect exemplar of Baha’i life. Through many stories and vignettes, as well as a history of Abdu’l-Baha’s life, this book perhaps presents the most comprehensive biography of Abdu’l-Baha available.

You can purchase a copy of this book from your local Baha’i distributor, or here on Amazon.

5. Video: Luminous Journey: A Documentary about Abdu’l-Baha in America

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America was alive with the promise of great change in 1912 when Abdu’l-Baha traveled across the U.S. and into Canada to bring a message of universal peace, the unity of the East and West, racial harmony, gender equality, and a visionary view of America’s future, captivating all strata of American society. What was it like to meet Him? What implications do His journey and the talks He gave have for us today? Luminous Journey is a documentary which celebrates Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to North America, and offers insights and reflection upon a His journey destined to change the consciousness of a nation and the world.

You can purchase a copy of Luminous Journey from your local Baha’i distributor or here on 9StarMedia.com

6. Website: 239 Days in America – A Social Media Documentary

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239 Days In America is a social media documentary which followed Abdu’l-Baha’s 1912 journey across North America in real time, exactly 100 years later: April 11 to December 5, 2012. The website essentially reconstructs this little-known period in history hour-by-hour, for the entire 239 days of Abdu’l Baha’s travels in America. It describes how Abdu’l-Baha reached across political, religious, racial, class and gender divisions within American society with a bold vision of unity.

Learn more about Abdu’l-Baha by going to the site here: 239 Days in America.

7. Book: Memories of Nine Years in Akka

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This book is the translation of the memoirs of Dr.Yunis Afrukhtih, who served Abdu’l-Baha in Akka as His trusted secretary, translator, envoy and physician from 1900 to 1909. His accounts of some of the most significant events of the period, his graphic and stirring pen-portraits of Abdu’l-Baha, and the description of his own emotions – all expressed in a lively and at times mischievous language of humour and wit – make this volume uniquely memorable. Translated from the original Persian titled Khatirat-i-Nuh-Saliy-i-Akka by Riaz Masrour, this important historical record was originally published in Persian in 1952 on the instructions of Shoghi Effendi, and has been described as pre-eminent among those works dealing with the history of Covenant-breaking. At the same time it chronicles Abdu’l-Baha’s daily life in Akka, and the lives of the little band of devoted believers whose chief joy in life was to be of service to Him. It also describes the pilgrimages to Akka of many eminent early Western Baha’is including Thomas Breakwell, Hippolyte Dreyfus, Lua Getsinger and Laura Barney, the compiler of Some Answered Questions.

You can purchase a copy of this book from your local Baha’i distributor, or here on Amazon.

8. Website: Articles about Abdu’l-Baha on BahaiTeachings.org

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BahaiTeachings.org is a non-official Baha’i-inspired site which publishes on a wide variety of topics relating to the teachings of the Baha’i Faith in order to help deepen our understanding of the Baha’i teachings and how they apply to contemporary challenges.

The site has a wonderful array of articles relating to Abdu’l-Baha and I highly recommend it.

Learn more about Abdu’l-Baha by going to the site here: Articles about Abdu’l-Baha on BahaiTeachings.org

9. Audio Book: Encounters with Abdu’l-Baha

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This audio book is a collection of heart-warming stories of the impact Abdu’l-Baha had on individuals who encountered Him — some real people, others imagined — read by an international cast of voice actors. The two-CD set features stories by or about Juliet Thompson, John Good, Louis Gregory and Louisa Mathew, Howard Colby Ives, Fred Mortensen, and various fictional characters, plus it also includes original music by Lisa Haese Smith.

You can purchase Encounters with Abdu’l-Baha from your local Baha’i distributor or here on 9StarMedia.com

10. Music Video: The Photograph by Sonbol Taefi (ft. Grant Hindin-Miller, Elika Mahony, Luke Slott)

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Produced by Baha’i singer and songwriter Sonbol Taefi, and featuring the voices of Grant Hindin-Miller, Sonbol Taefi, Elika Mahony and Luke Slott, The Photograph is a song dedicated to the Centenary of Abdu’l Baha’s travels to the West and it celebrates Abdu’l-Baha’s life. It was produced as a result of the collaboration of five artists living in different parts of the world.

You can watch the music video and purchase the audio track here on 9StarMedia.com.

11. Book: Vignettes from the Life of Abdu’l-Baha

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In this wonderful read collected and edited by Annamarie Honnold, you’ll find a unique collection of stories, sayings and comments, providing special insight into the life, character and station of Abdu’l-Baha. The book is divided into three main parts: His Pure Heart; His Kindly Heart, and His Radiant Heart, and it also includes a selection of rare and well-loved photographs of Abdu’l-Baha.

You can purchase a copy of this book from your local Baha’i distributor, or here on Amazon.

12. Website: Articles about Abdu’l-Baha on BahaiBlog.net

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Here on Baha’i Blog we have a number of articles relating to Abdu’l-Baha, and there are even a couple of quizzes in there as well.

In case this is your first encounter with Baha’i Blog, we’re an individual initiative which aims to provide the Baha’i world and their friends with a variety of content ranging from news and personal opinion, to resources like talks and music and videos.

Learn more about Abdu’l-Baha by going to the site here: Articles about Abdu’l-Baha on BahaiBlog.net

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list, and I hope it contributes to your study and deepening of the Baha’i Faith and the life of Abdu’l-Baha.

Posted by

Naysan Naraqi

Naysan is passionate about using the arts and media to explore the teachings of the Baha’i Faith. Back in 2011, Naysan started up the Baha’i Blog project, channeling his experiences in both media and technology companies to help create a hub for Baha’i-inspired content online.
Naysan Naraqi

Discussion 5 Comments

You may consider adding this reference to your discussion about the Life of ‘Abd’ul-Baha: http://www.wlupress.wlu.ca/Catalog/hoonaard.shtml
It is, I believe, the only fully-researched history of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s stay in Canada.
Thanks for doing all this work.

Will C. van den Hoonaard

Will C. van den Hoonaard (November 11, 2015 at 1:56 AM)

The Wilmette Institute course on the Secret of Divine Civilization, written by Abdu’l-Baha at a time of intense change in Persian begins December 1. We will learn about how, when and why this treatise was written at the direction of Baha’u’llah, what it says about Persian and Islamic history, and the directions that Abdu’l-Baha gives for creating a just government and servant leaders. Come join the learning and discussion with faculty Necati Alkan. http://www.cvent.com/events/secret-of-divine-civilization/event-summary-1e5c5ec0397b41088105a419264d7a52.aspx

Candace Hill

Candace Hill (November 11, 2015 at 5:38 PM)

Good work again Naysan and thank you. It’s possible to enjoy Baha’i Blog either briefly or in depth. Either way, the quality of Baha’i Blog is superb. I wonder if there might be a way to encourage people to make comments.

Also, my wife and I have devotionals every night. One of the things we are doing for this devotional is to read the new edition of Some Answered Questions. While one of us reads the new addition, the other follows along with the old edition. That way we can better see what new insights the new translation gives us by the changes. So far, the general meaning is the same, but the terms in the new edition are more modern: less 19th century.

Richard Young

Richard Young (November 11, 2015 at 7:46 PM)

Thank you Naysan and others for these valuable resources. Despite the posting in 2015, here we are on the eve of 2020 and I look forward to exploring these resources to support my interfaith women’s I facilitate in Hong Kong called Spiritual Literacy Group “SLG”. Our next subject is the life and teachings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. We will read Wisdom of the Master (1997)and sections from Portals to Freedom by Howard Colby Ives, two books you might wish to add to your rescource list. Thank you again!

Kate Weisman

Kate Weisman (December 12, 2019 at 1:13 PM)

Awesome! That’s so great to hear! And thanks so much for sharing these two resources and appreciate your kind words of encouragement! All the best with your initiatives!

Naysan Naraqi

Naysan Naraqi (December 12, 2019 at 10:08 PM)

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