Still weak from a nervous fever that had left Him unable to speak or write, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá picks up His pen in Alexandria to answer a friend’s letter, apologizing for the delay. His years in Egypt, after decades of confinement in ‘Akká, appear in just such glimpses: a change of air sought for health, the climates of Port Said and Ismailia tried and found wanting, strength returning in Ramleh, visitors received, a hostile newspaper answered by a friendly one, plans adjusted when a reception turned unwelcome, and always the absent friends remembered day and night. Jesus drawing His apostles aside to rest because the coming and going left no time even to eat [1] names the same bodily cost of service. What these letters show is that resolve and acknowledged frailty can share one life, and that keeping in touch, adjusting plans and welcoming others are forms of service as real as any public address. The path leads on into ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s own narrative and autobiographical accounts, where the journeys of His later years take their place in the larger story.
O loving friend! Thy last letter was received in Alexandria. Notwithstanding extreme weakness and convalescence, the reply is now being written, that the past may in some wise be made good. On this journey the occupation by day and night was such that absolutely no time remained for writing; hence this shortcoming occurred. Now, though I am still in a state of convalescence, since a brief opportunity is at hand, I have set myself to the writing of this answer.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Jul-25, to Aqa Muhammad Mihdi Akhavan Safa -- AB00393)
02
This letter is now being written from Alexandria, because that nervous condition which you know about has intensified in these days to such an extent that I was unable to speak or write. And since it was observed that the climate of Akka and Haifa was not agreeable in any way, so that I would not be prevented from service at the Holy Threshold and would be able to speak and write, I therefore came to these parts for a time. Praise be to God, by the favors of the Blessed Beauty, the change of climate has proven very beneficial.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Oct-24, to Ibn-i-Abhar -- AB11639)
03
Due to the unsuitable climate and nervous fever each day, this earthly frame could not endure and reached the utmost weakness and decline. Therefore from arrival in Port Said until now health has been completely impaired and strength gone. However for several days in Ramleh some strength has been gained and writing is possible, so I have begun writing.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Jun-28, to Abu'l-Hasan-i-Ardikani (Haji Amin) -- AB03330)
04
You became ill in Port Said. They praised Ismailia but the climate there did not agree either. I arrived in Alexandria in extreme weakness and exhaustion. It has been more than three weeks that I am in Ramla.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Aug-26, to Hippolyte Dreyfus-Barney -- AB04373)
05
During this time he was often ill, but the intensity of weakness and strength of illness did not hold him back from crying, lamenting and shouting until he reached Alexandria. For some days he endured with difficulty.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Nov-14 or <, to Aqa Muhammad Husayn Amu Zaynal et al -- AB01137)
06
When I reached Egypt, weakness, frailty, exhaustion and nervous fever took complete hold. Therefore, several days passed in silence. As soon as the illness subsided slightly and minimal strength was gained, I took to writing, and I write this letter to that pure spirit so that all may know that today teaching is aided and successful, and anything less than that is the cause of darkness and lethargy and stagnation forever.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Sep-26, to Ali-Akbar Rawhani Muhibulsultan -- AB01149)
07
I am in Port Said. Notwithstanding the weakness of the body, the fatigue of the journey and the infirmity of the nervous fever, I am busy in writing (i.e., correspondence) as much as possible and am associating with the pilgrims of the Blessed Temple (i.e., the tomb of the Blessed Perfection).
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Jul-16, to Mirza Ali Akbar Rafsanjani -- AB04010)
08
The purpose of the journey to Alexandria is solely for a change of air, since the promotion of Baha'u'llah's teachings in these regions is entirely forbidden according to Baha'u'llah's explicit text, for they have the Qur'an in hand and the conduct and behavior of the divines therein is clear and explicit - they must act accordingly.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Talk given during first visit to Egypt, ca. 1910-1911, 1910-1911 -- AB11806)
09
In recent days, I have made a plan to visit Egypt, if this be God's will.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to the Greatest Holy Leaf Bahiyyih Khanum -- AB10256)
10
The invisible hand has opened the doors, and wisdom requires that Abdul-Baha hasten to the country of Egypt; for he is infinitely ashamed and chagrined that he has not yet been assisted in servitude.
I entered the country of Egypt, trusting in God, attracted to His Kingdom, enkindled with the fire of His love, hoping that I might arise to serve at the Threshold of Glory.
You have expressed joy and happiness because of the trip of 'Abdu'l-Baha from the center of prison (Acca) to the land of the divine Joseph (Egypt). There are divine wisdoms in this journey! I am hopeful that it will be productive of results.
Now - praise be to God! - some time is passed with the utmost of spirit and fragrance in this country, and we are occupied with the service of the Cause of God and servitude to the Holy Threshold.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Dec-05, to Members of assembies of Baha'is in America -- AB02630)
13
'Abdu'l-Baha traveled to the land of Joseph of Canaan and became renowned for servitude at the Holy Threshold. Although He is in danger from the attacks of factions and false rumors and newspaper calumnies, yet it is hoped that this journey will bear fruit and cause the fame and mention of the Cause of God to stir these regions.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911 ca., to Qaini, Muhammad Rida et al -- AB00564)
14
'Abdu'l-Baha then hastened from the prison land to Egypt with utmost authority. Praise be to God, through the assistance and favor of the Blessed Beauty, immediately upon arrival in Alexandria the Word of God was exalted and the melody of the Abha Kingdom was raised. All newspapers wrote numerous articles - some offering utmost praise, while others cried out that this person's arrival in this land would shake the foundations of religion and undermine traditional rules and customs, for He draws to Himself everyone He meets, and in every gathering He opens His mouth, causing deniers to believe.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Apr-28, to Baha'is of the United States -- AB00182)
15
'Abdu'l-Baha was in the land of Egypt and had absolutely no opportunity for writing or speech. The distractions were endless and the attacks of enemies beyond measure.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Jan-10, to Furugh Bassari -- AB04041)
16
Therefore, a journey was made to the wilderness of Egypt to spend this winter in that climate in Alexandria, New Cairo and Helwan, and to visit friends, acquaintances, fellow citizens and Iranian compatriots. Upon our arrival in Port Said, the compatriots expressed displeasure in the newspapers, whereas we had hoped for a good reception, for if we have not been a cause of honor to Iranians wherever we went, we have not been a cause of humiliation.
Now that we sensed strong displeasure, we therefore abandoned going to Alexandria and New Cairo so as not to cause displeasure to the compatriots.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910, to Mirza Abu'l-Fadl Gulpaygani -- AB02162)
17
The point is that the friends must maintain complete silence for some days, and if anyone asks, they should express complete ignorance, so that the murmuring and rumors may subside somewhat and I may be able to come to Egypt and meet with certain important persons, for wisdom now requires this.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911 ca., to Farajullah Zaki Al-Kurdi -- AB04029)
18
For nearly one month 'Abdul-Baha remained in Port Said and the friends of God came from Cairo, in turn, to visit him. One day he called me to accompany him when taking a walk in the streets of the city.
… The day that he left for Alexandria he did not mention the matter to anyone; nor did this servant know the time of his departure.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mirza Asadullah Qumi, spoken around Sept. 1910 -- ABU1904)
19
O servant of the Most Glorious Beauty!
Your letter dated the fifth of Sha'ban of this year, which you had written to Aqa Siyyid Asadu'llah, was reviewed. For several days I have been staying in Ramleh of Alexandria, and day and night I am occupied with thoughts of the divine friends. Henceforth send letters directly to Port Said in care of Jenab-i-Aqa Ahmad Yazdi - wherever we may be, he will forward them.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Jul-10, to Mirza Aqa Bashir Ilahi (Bashirus-Sultan) -- AB04683)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
20
Written in Alexandria. Until now it was delayed in sending due to the press of occupations.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Aug-06, to Muhajir Isfahani Sarraf, Mirza Ali Khan -- AB05859)
21
Written in Alexandria. In London there is absolutely no time to write due to the crowds.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Aug ca., to Haji Shaykh Ali et al -- AB04753)
22
Now I am headed to Alexandria and, God willing, will make up for what was missed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Dec-03 ca., to Siyyid Asadullah Qumi -- AB07061)
23
'Abdu'l-Baha has arrived from the city of 'Akka to the region of Egypt and is occupied day and night in remembrance of the friends and companions.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Oct-29, to Rafsanjani, Aqa Mirza Habibullah et al -- AB11665)
24
O honored lady!
Praise be to God, by His grace we arrived safe and sound in Port Said, and we are constantly thinking of you and seeking divine assistance and confirmation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Jun-21, to Laura Dreyfus-Barney -- AB06731)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
25
He passed through Egypt and spent several days in fellowship and association with Abdul-Baha, spending day and night in the utmost joy and delight.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Feb-03, to Qazvini, Ahmad Nabilzadih et al -- AB01822)
26
Because first you were with me in Alexandria, then you departed to visit the Holy Tomb of Baha'u'llah and now we are gathered in Port Said.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Zoroastrian pilgrims, spoken on 1913-Nov-15 -- ABU0469)
27
When I went to Egypt Ahmad Zakki Pasha requested me to take my photograph but I did not accept.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to M. R. Shirazi, spoken on 1914-Apr-07 -- ABU1784)
28
When I was in Alexandria, Ahmad Ariss, the Minister of [one word cut off] of the Khedivial Court called upon me and proposed to me that he would like to arrange a meeting between his Highness the Khedive and myself.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1914-Nov-13 -- ABU0265)
29
Most confidential. Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Taqi, perhaps I will find an opportunity and come to Egypt for a few days. Therefore, you should remain there until I come. If no change occurs, I will come.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Sep ca., to Siyyid Taqi Manshadi -- AB11228)
30
O beloved friends of Abdul-Baha! After traversing stages in Europe and crossing the sea, Abdul-Baha returned to Egypt...
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Feb-13, to Baha'is of Khuy -- AB10664)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
31
God willing, after teaching in these regions I will return to Alexandria and meet with the friends. If we remain alive we will mend the garment that has been torn by separation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913 ca., to Haji Muhammad Ismayn Yazdi -- AB06405)
32
Now for some time I am passing days in the region of Egypt, and my hope is such that the divine friends in these days will raise an enthusiasm and fervor greater than before, loose their tongues to teach the heedless, create another excitement and throw the city into commotion.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Feb ca., to Baha'is of Baku -- AB02132)
33
And now do you think I will remain in Port Said! Far from it! As soon as I have arranged the affairs of the Cause I will commence travelling again so that I may diffuse the Fragrance of the Kingdom of Abha. One must arise to spread the word of God with a supernatural force and energy. I shall not rest one second as long as life lasts in this body.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on final evening of Western trip on board the Himalaya on 1913-Jun-16 -- ABU0944)
34
The purpose of the journey to Egypt was that perhaps through the escort of divine grace, success in service would be attained. Yet this verse of poetry is still on the tongue: "No worthy service came forth from my hand." Perhaps in the future some feeble movement will occur....
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911 ca., to Mirza Abdu'l-Baha -- AB07998)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
35
O true friend! Now 'Abdu'l-Baha is in the city of Alexandria, occupied with thoughts of the friends, and night and day, in utmost lowliness and supplication, begs for confirmation and success from the threshold of the Lord of the Kingdom - that the friends may become united and agreed with one another, establishing oneness in this mortal world in such wise that every stranger may become a friend, every distant one draw near, and every outsider become an intimate.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Feb-12, to Ahmad Ali Khan -- AB04886)