`Abdu’l-Bahá is the Son of Bahá’u’lláh. As His Successor, He interpreted the teachings of His Father’s Faith, amplified its teachings, and outlined the central features of its administrative institutions. He was the unerring guide and architect of a rapidly expanding Bahá’í community. In addition, `Abdu’l-Bahá exemplified such perfection in His personal and social conduct, that humanity was given an enduring model to emulate.
Many were drawn to His magnetism, great wisdom and penetrating insights. `Abdu’l-Bahá affirmed time and again that He was a “herald of peace and reconciliation”, “an advocate of the oneness of humanity”, and an agent calling humanity to the “Kingdom of God”.
FAQ:
Is there a cost to attend?
Admission is free.
Are there minimum age requirements to enter the event?
All ages are welcome to attend! There will be activities for all ages, but children should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Where can I park?
There is sufficient parking in and around the Bahá’í Center for those events which are not on Zoom.
centenary@scottsdalebahai.org
Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá in 1921
On November 28th 1921, `Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith (Bahá’u’lláh) and His Successor, passed from this mortal world. His life was one of selfless service, true fellowship and loving-kindness and the sharing of boundless wisdom throughout His travels in the East and the West of the globe.
The funeral of `Abdu’l-Bahá, “a funeral the like of which Palestine had never seen,” drew “no less than ten thousand people…representing every class, religion and race in that country.” The British High Commissioner wrote: “A great throng had gathered together, sorrowing for His death, but rejoicing also for His life.” The Governor of Jerusalem at the time also wrote in describing the funeral: “I have never known a more united expression of regret and respect…”
At His funeral, a celebrated Christian writer spoke:
I weep for the world, in that my Lord hath died; others there are who, like unto me, weep the death of their Lord…O bitter is the anguish caused by this heartrending calamity! It is not only our country’s loss but a world affliction…He hath lived for well-nigh eighty years the life of the Messengers and Apostles of God. He hath educated the souls of men, hath been benevolent unto them, hath led them to the Way of Truth. Thus he raised his people to the pinnacle of glory, and great shall be his reward from God, the reward of the righteous! Hear me O people! ‘Abbas is not dead, neither hath the light of Baha been extinguished! Nay, nay! this light shall shine with everlasting splendor. The Lamp of Baha, ‘Abbas, hath lived a goodly life, hath manifested in himself the true life of the Spirit. And now he is gathered to glory, a pure angel, richly robed in benevolent deeds, noble in his precious virtues.
Fellow Christians! Truly ye are bearing the mortal remains of this ever lamented one to his last resting place, yet know of a certainty that your ‘Abbas will live forever in spirit amongst you, through his deeds, his words, his virtues and all the essence of his life. We say farewell to the material body of our ‘Abbas, and his material body vanisheth from our gaze, but his reality, our spiritual ‘Abbas, will never leave our minds, our thoughts, our hearts, our tongues.
– Ibrahim Nassar, Christian writer
A leading figure of the Jewish population of Haifa, spoke in French on the occasion. Here is a translation of his speech at the funeral:
It is indeed strange that in an age of gross materialism and lack of faith a great philosopher such as He whom we mourn–`Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abbas–should appear. He speaks to our hearts, our consciences. He satisfies our thirsty souls with teachings and principles that are the basis of all religion and morality. In His writings and public talks, and in His intimate conversations He could always convince the most learned and the most orthodox. His life was the living example of self-sacrifice, of preferring the good of others to one’s own.
The philosophy of `Abdu’l-Bahá is simple and plain, yet sublime. It accords with human character. Its virtues overcome prejudice and superstition … ‘Abbas has passed away in Haifa, in Palestine, in the Holy Land wherein prophets have always appeared. The ancient glory of this land is restored. We are not the only ones who weep for Him, in Whom we take pride. In Europe, in America, in every country, people athirst for social justice and brotherhood also weep for Him.
– Salomon Bouzaglo, Jewish leader
November 2021 is the 100th year anniversary of His passing. The Bahá’í Community invites all to join with it in commemorating the life of this Brilliant Personage, Perfect Exemplar of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings and Promulgator of Peace and Brotherhood for all.