(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lawh-i-Ayat (Tablet of the Signs), 1893 ca. -- AB00444)
Praise and encouragement
praise and encouragement
Editorial introduction
To praise is to notice a gift for what it is and to say so. Bahá’u’lláh roots that act in a Creator whose mercy outruns every tongue that tries to describe it, and whose remembrance falls on a tired heart like rain on a garden. From that first thankfulness the eye turns outward. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá names a particular service, answers a letter delayed by travel, delights in a child’s first page of writing, a village school, a craftsman’s honest work. His encouragement is specific and seldom unconditional: improve the skill, act with humility, weigh the means at hand, care for the person beside you. Such praise is tested against character and deeds, and it learns to sit with grief without hurrying it. The path runs on into gratitude, into the consolation offered to the bereaved and persecuted, and into the call to action that turns appreciation into effort. Paul’s plea that the Thessalonians build one another up while testing everything [1] poses the same question: how does a community encourage without ceasing to discern?
Selected passages
The Lord of all worlds is sanctified beyond praise, eulogy and comprehension of the dwellers of the mortal realm. In truth, until now He hath been neither known nor described. The attributes of all beings, from the most exalted to the lowliest, ultimately refer to those steadfast, firm, upright, content and well-pleasing souls.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-09-19 [1887-Jun-11], to Karbalai Hasan et al -- BH09698)
Praise, eternal and sanctified above all likeness and comparison, befitteth the Lord of existence Who hath caused all things in the world to appear like the letters of a book in their standing, sitting, prostration, bowing, submission and humility. All things have appeared from a single word, yet how vastly different are their effects, fruits, colors, tastes, motions and stillness.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-08-22 [1882-Jul-9], to Haji Muhammad Sadiq Ahmaduf et al -- BH00389)
Praise be sanctified above tablet and ink unto the Educator of countless worlds, Who is worthy and deserving, Who created creation and manifested all necessary means through His mighty strength and perfect power. He bestowed sight that His signs might be beheld, hearing that His utterance might be heard, tongue that it might move in His praise, heart that it might be illumined with the lights of His knowledge, hands that they might grasp His Book, and feet that they might stand firm in His Cause. His is the grace and the bestowal, His the greatness and the praise, His the favor and the glory.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-11-02 [1887-Jul-23], to Shaykh Muhammad Ali (Nabil son of Nabil) -- BH01045)
(Bahá’u’lláh, Tarazat (Ornaments), 1305-12 [1888-Aug] -- BH00308)
Praise befitteth the Lord of existence and the Sovereign of the seen and unseen, Who, through a single effulgence from the Day-Star of His Name, the Self-Subsisting, hath made manifest the mysteries of the blessed words "And when the trumpet is blown a second time, at once they will be standing and looking on." Great indeed is this Day, and greater still are its requirements.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Nasrullah Baqiruf -- BH00767)
All praise and gratitude belong to the True One, glorified be His majesty, Who created hearts and guided them to one another. He is the Almighty Who bestows eternal glory upon dust and places the crown of wealth upon the head of the poor.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-06-10 [1886-Mar-16], to Ali Akbar Yazdi -- BH01046)
Praise, sanctified from all beginning and end, befitteth and beseemeth the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court of that Eternal Being, Who, through the effulgent rays of the Sun of Yathrib and Batha, hath adorned the people of the mortal realm -- who were deprived of knowledge and learning -- with the ornament of wisdom, utterance, knowledge and understanding.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1305-12-22 [1888-Aug-30], to Mirza Siyyid Muhammad Afnan (Aqa Mirza Aqa) -- BH00836)
Praise be to God Who has made His remembrance and glorification the food of His loved ones, and His love and good-pleasure their paradise.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1301-05-11 [1884-Mar-9], to Muhammad Mustafa Baghdadi -- BH02431)
Praise be to God, and peace and blessings be upon the Prophets and Messengers, whom God made the manifestations of His Self, the dawning-places of His revelation, the recipients of His knowledge, the treasuries of the pearls of His recognition, and the repositories of His precious trusts; and upon their friends, their loved ones, and their children. Then effulgent, radiant, resplendent and brilliant blessings be upon their Lord, their Source, their Seal, their First and their Last, and upon His children and companions who forsook the world for the Cause of God, the Lord of all worlds.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1301-01-15 [1883-Nov-16], to Muhammad Javad Qazvini -- BH00993)
Praise, sanctified above the mysteries of the pen and the eloquence of the tongue, befitteth the Lord of all mankind, whose mercy and grace have reached such heights that the tongues of them that are nigh unto Him are powerless and fall short of their mention.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-04-25 [1887-Jan-21], to Aqa Muhammad Kazim et al -- BH00521)
Praise befitteth and is meet for the Lord of existence Who, through His pure bounty, hath made manifest the world of being through the Word of His command, and hath ordained such means as lead to fellowship, unity, comfort and concord, that all may attain true repose in the cradle of security and peace, and become occupied in and give voice to divine praise. Great is His favor and His bestowals are beyond measure and reckoning.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307-11-18 [1890-Jul-6], to Ali Afnan -- BH00805)
All praise befitteth the Sovereign of the realm of the Kingdom, Who fulfilled His promise and illumined the world and its peoples with the light of His Most Great Name through the appearance of Him Who was promised. The tongues of all created things bear witness to His grace, His bounty, His might, His grandeur, and His glory. Glory, peace and radiance be upon His loved ones, whom God hath adorned with the ornament of chastity and trustworthiness, and made them the manifestations of His most beautiful names in His dominion.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-11 [1889-Jun], to Muhammad Rahim Attar et al -- BH00895)
Praise be to God Who hath sent down the laws and made them a stronghold for His servants and a cause for the preservation of His creation.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1301-02-05 [1883-Dec-6], to Abu'l-Hasan-i-Ardikani (Haji Amin) -- BH00866)
Through the grace and bounty of the compassionate Lord and the generous Master, He gave shelter to this scattered gathering beneath the shadow of His providence and caused them to dwell in the impregnable fortress of His bounty. From one hand He gave them to drink of the sweet and pleasant water of the immortal cup, and from the other hand of that resplendent Beauty He made them taste of the choicest honey. And this bounty was through pure grace, not justice--it was a gift, not deserved--it was generosity, not merit. His is the praise and His is the thanks for this mighty and tremendous favour.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB09489)
(Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book), 1290-05-15 [1873-Jul-11] -- BH00001)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Muhammad Khan Sarhang Ardalbashi Nuri -- AB08916)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-16, to Elsbeth Renwanz -- AB10952)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Relatives of Aqa Abdu'llah et al -- AB03231)
All regions have been illumined by the Day-Star of the World, blessed are those who have attained. The call hath been raised from the sacred lote-tree on Mount Sinai, blessed are those who harken. All regions have been perfumed by the fragrances of holiness diffused from the hallowed and snow-white Spot, blessed are those who inhale.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1899-Mar-17 -- AB07768)
O loved ones of God! Praise God that you have entered beneath the shade of the banner raised by the Lord of Hosts and have grasped the glad tidings of His Holiness David.
This honor and station is cause for pride, and this success and prosperity shine bright and luminous like a lamp and light.
Thanks be to God who has bestowed such bounty and freely given such favors.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Jun-11, to Bulbul Ishraqiyan , Aqa Jan Bazzaz et al -- AB06020)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1893 ca., to Mashhadi Yusuf Milani -- AB06639)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897 ca., to Muhammad Husayn (Pilgrim) -- AB04582)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1892-Dec-23, to Mashhadi Muhammad Quli -- AB11905)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Jun-17, to Words spoken into a phonograph -- AB03597)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1293-05 [1876-May], to Nabil qabl Baqir -- BH05154)
(Bahá’u’lláh, Commemoration of the anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab, ca. 1289-1290?, to Ismiu'l-Ha (one of the Nurayn-i-Nayyirayn) -- BH01928)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Baha'is of Paris -- AB05512)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1309-09-17 [1892-Apr-15], to Haji Siyyid Javad Yazdi -- BH11837)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Oct-09, to Baha'is of Paris et al -- AB07011)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-03 [1874-Apr], to Ibn Asdaq (Hand of the Cause) et al -- BH02443)
O 'Ali! Thou art not heartless, for the heart is a dwelling-place of the Friend and is with Him. And thou art not poor, for through thy love for the Manifest Beauty thou art accounted among the most wealthy of His servants. Thou hast never been and art not a stranger, rather thou art near.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Ali -- BH04826)
O steadfast and sincere servant of the All-Glorious Beauty! If you but knew how cherished you are at the threshold of the Covenant, you would surely spread your wings in utmost joy and take flight, breaking forth in song and melody, engaging in intimate communion and supplication, and causing the cry of "Blessed am I, then blessed am I!" to reach the ears of all humanity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mulla Abdu'l-Ghani Ardakani -- AB10401)
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Siyyid Mihdiy-i-Dahaji, 1290 ? [1873-1874], to Siyyid Mihdi Dahaji -- BH00587)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-01-08 [1881-Nov-30], to Mirza Siyyid Muhammad Afnan (Aqa Mirza Aqa) -- BH03796)
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Mirza Abdur-Rahim -- BH06547)
After this matter was presented before the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, these sublime words issued forth from the Dawning-Place of Divine inspiration - exalted be His blessed words: The Tongue of Glory in the prison of Akka beareth witness to the oneness of God, exalted be His glory, and that He hath no peer or likeness, and testifieth that Jinab-i-Javad, upon him be the Glory of God, together with the papers present in that house, hath arisen to serve from the beginning and hath not, according to his capacity, fallen short in rendering service and showing hospitality for the sake of God. He hath ever been and is mentioned in Our presence.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1302-06-01 [1885-Mar-18], to Shaykh Kazim Samandar et al -- BH00419)
Say to the believers: If you find seekers at the Gate, deny them not and give them glad tidings of the Cause and patience, for morning has truly dawned brilliantly around the sun.
(The Báb, Qayyumu'l-Asma' (Commentary on the Surah of Joseph), 1260-05 [1844-May] -- BB00002)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1893 ca. -- AB01594)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1915 or <, to Baha'is of Johnstown, NY -- AB02813)
Blessed art thou, O maid-servant of God, for thou art attracted to the Word of God, and thy heart is illuminated with the lights of the guidance of God, and thy soul is cheered by the gentle breeze blowing from the direction of the favor of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1915 or <, to Addie Dealy -- AB02613)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Spiritual Assembly of Chicago, IL -- AB02454)
Blessed art thou for guiding certain souls unto the Kingdom of God and giving them to drink of the wine of the Love of God from the Chalice of His Guidance.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902-Oct-30, to Helen S Goodall -- AB03829)
O luminous and spiritually dear youth! Your letter arrived and its reading brought me such joy that I cannot describe, for it is evidence of your noble nature, strength of purpose, and sincerity of intention.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Dec-29, to Charles Mason Remey -- AB01701)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-24, to Albert B Vail -- AB00862)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB10201)
The services of that family from the beginning dawn of truth until this time are renowned throughout the world and witnessed by the spiritual ones. When a true lover's proof is in one's sleeve, no explanation is needed. Indeed, that family is deserving and worthy of every kind of bounty, and this recent service is added to those services.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-May-04, to Qazvini (Samandar), Shaykh Kazim et al -- AB01586)
In truth, you are steadfast with heart and soul, and serve the Cause with all your might. In seeking God's good pleasure, there remains no approach you have not taken, and in exalting the Word of God, no strategy you have not employed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jun-07, to Aqa Mirza Aqa Qaim Maqami -- AB04397)
However, people like you who are truly well-wishers of the government and nation, who strive for Iran's good name and are learned - such souls I count as my own kith and kin.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-May-06, to Bihruz Dhabihullah -- AB01068)
I can never forget the days I spent with thee in that distant land, wrapt in ineffable gladness and ceaseless joy. At no time had I encountered a man like unto thee, endued with such keen insight and deep thought, as to understand the true purport of an utterance, without straying from its inner meaning.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Oct-17, to Uthman Murtida -- AB00344)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-20, to Martha L Root -- AB00945)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Oct-29, to Nimatullah Falah -- AB00271)
O Parsi friends! The honorable Rustam Mihraban is indeed kind to the friends and thinks of their happiness. The proof of this is that when he attained the threshold of the All-Merciful, he remembered the friends and mentioned those who were absent, showed humility and supplication, and sought bounties and bestowals from the Kingdom of Mystery for the friends.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Aug-08, to Biman Surush et al -- AB02170)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali Akbar Nakhjavani -- AB11191)
O thou candle aflame with the fire of the love of God!
...During my stay in America I continually encouraged thee to advance in the Kingdom of God. I ever expect that with each passing day a new confirmation may descend upon thee, and that thou mayest become so illumined as to enlighten a vast multitude in that city.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Sep-27, to May Maxwell -- AB06806)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Feb-03, to Ditmars, Cora H et al -- AB04183)
Therefore, O spiritual friends and divine companions, this is the time of hope - be not hopeless. This is the season of expectation and the attainment of aspirations - be not despondent and distressed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Aqa Muhammad Karim -- AB06947)
O youth! This is the time for joy and vitality, not for thoughts of weakness and incapacity. Turn to the Abha Kingdom and seek boundless strength. I swear by the Sun of the Supreme Concourse that you will be confirmed with mighty power, regain your youth, forget weakness, and be filled with enthusiasm and fervor.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Abdu'l-Husayn Khan from Hamadan -- AB01332)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Shuaullah Alai -- AB10531)
How wonderful is the bestowal of the peerless Lord who made the forgotten ones renowned throughout the horizons, and made the recluses famous in every street and market, bestowed melody upon the resourceless ones, and drew those secluded in the corner of obscurity to the height of acceptance.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Farsi, Siyavash (Siyavash Sifidvash) et al -- AB07016)
He truly deserves to be the recipient of every favor and is worthy of service to the Blessed Beauty. In the future he will receive the utmost confirmation and will become the source of outstanding services.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken to Siyavash Sifidvash on board the SS Cedric at sea, 1912-Mar-24 -- ABU1975)
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! In truth, thou art deserving of every bounty and worthy of every consideration. Thy services in the Abha Kingdom are accepted, and thy zeal and capacity are proven and well-known.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Apr-14, to Haji Mirza Aqa -- AB10462)
That kind friend is ever in the thoughts of those who long for him, and this wanderer in the wilderness of the love of God is well-pleased and joyful with his conduct and behavior. In service to the manifest Light, thou hast shown no shortcoming from any direction, and hast expended praiseworthy efforts. Thou art mindful of guiding souls and strivest with all thy heart for the enlightenment of humanity, that thou mayest awaken one who sleepeth and make mindful one who is heedless, and beyond thy capacity thou engagest in diverse services. Assuredly thou shalt be confirmed and assisted.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Mar-15, to Nasrullah Baqiruf -- AB00358)
O noble descendant of that illustrious man! I have chanted the verses of thy submission and humility before God, and I beseech God to encompass thee with His favors in thy travels to various regions, for thou art permitted to do so. How wonderful it would be if thou wouldst drain the dregs of every cup in the path of God. I am well pleased with thee in all matters and conditions, and I pray for thy support as a bounty from God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Jun-09, to Aqa Abdu'l-Husayn son of Muhammad Taqi Isfahani -- AB01518)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Muhammad Baqir Hamadani -- AB06787)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Oct-13, to Iqrari, Shaban Ibn Ilyahu et al -- AB07401)
Blessed art thou for having served the Cause of God, being a pure youth, for having spread the fragrances of God while a faithful adult, and for having stood firm in the religion of God as an illustrious elder.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Apr-13, to Mirza Muhammad Hasan Adib -- AB06503)
O handmaid of Baha, the grandmother of Aqa Ahmad! Freedom and wisdom are not dependent on youth or old age. Therefore we beseech God that like tender saplings you may be fresh and verdant through the breezes of the All-Merciful.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Grandmother of Ahmad -- AB11369)
Say not "Khusraw" - rather say "a whole world of love and faithfulness, affection and purity." He is the embodiment of spirit and the personification of love. He is ever cheerful and smiling, full of joy and fragrance.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Feb-18, to Shirin Khusru (related to Mihraban Khusru) et al -- AB09402)
God has given you all the Blessings. You should be happy, thankful and hopeful of His benevolences.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Jun ca., to Mother of Carl Scheffler -- AB10047)
O noble son of that illustrious person! How blessed you are to have followed your distinguished father and learned the character and disposition of that leader of the righteous ones. You have kept his lamp burning.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Oct-29, to Inayatullah Suhrab -- AB12103)
There I found wonderful Baha'is. They were the embodiments of love and faith. They brought me health and joy. In many respects the German believers are unique and peerless. They are faithful, strong and firm. I loved them very much. Their attraction and the fire of their love are an example and their genuine spirit of hospitality and kindness is worthy of imitation. They are the brilliant stars in the heaven of Baha.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Bahji, 1914-Jan-03 -- ABU1637)
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Javad brother of Rahim -- BH02218)
Be not downcast, wither not, show no lassitude, display no shortcoming.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Mihdi Yazdi -- AB04868)
In every post mention the newly accepted souls, and this servant will also continuously encourage and urge in writing, for this is the way and this is the path, as this is confirmed.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Nayyir -- AB05329)
O thou who art attracted by the fragrances of God! Though there may be shortcomings in writing, yet the remembrance of that brilliant candle is hidden in my heart. The eye of hope is open and waiting for that lamp of the gathering of the love of God to shine forth in the assembly of the world with a world-illuminating ray and a radiance like the sun.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1894 ca., to Abdu'l-Husayn son in law of Vazir (Isfahan) -- AB05802)
This is the Day for pure deeds. How blessed is the state of one whose deeds and character become the cause of guidance for heedless souls.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1296-08 [1879-Jul], to Mashhadi Abul-Qasim -- BH10547)
In truth, the Naddafs have attained unto the fruit of existence. My Pen beareth witness to their detachment, My tongue to their acceptance, and My heart to their steadfastness in the Cause of God, the Self-Subsisting, the All-Compelling. They are among those souls who from the earliest days until now have been occupied with His praise and glorification and have been assisted in unity in His path, exalted be He. Today is the day of deeds and not of words, and their deeds are a truthful witness and faithful testimony to their love, detachment and service.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH11905)
O friends and maidservants of the Merciful! Your letter truly brought joy and happiness and became the cause of hope, for it showed your being affected by the counsels and exhortations of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Jun-17, to Baha'is of Boston, MA -- AB02798)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Khurshid -- BH04171)
O dear ones of 'Abdu'l-Baha! If you knew how much I long for the friends and how I am occupied day and night with your remembrance and thought, you would surely soar with joy. You are the friends of the Most Great Name and the helpers of 'Abdu'l-Baha. You are under the protection of the Ancient Beauty's favors and are the true, sincere servants of the Almighty. Blessed are you, then blessed are you!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912 or <, to Aqa Zaynu'l-Abidin (Pilgrim) -- AB00700)
Aid ye your Lord through goodly deeds and then through utterance. Thus have ye been commanded by the All-Merciful, Who hath knowledge of all things.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Aqa Husayn -- BH09338)
The Wronged One beareth witness to thy devotion, thy humility, thy submissiveness, thy steadfastness, and thy service to the Cause of God, the sovereign Truth, the manifest Justice. Thou hast performed for God's sake that which shall not perish through the duration of His kingdom and His dominion.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-12-26 [1887-Sep-15], to Haji Mirza Muhammad Ali Afnan -- BH02344)
O thou maid-servant of God!
I was informed of the contents of thy letter and rejoiced with the fragrances which are being diffused from the garden of its texts. It showed that thou art inebriated with the wine of the love of God and moved by the breezes of acceptance which are blowing from the point of the favor of God.
By my life, I was rejoiced at thy humility, submissiveness, lowliness and meekness in the Cause of God, inasmuch as rendering service to the maid-servants of God is a mighty crown, which all the greatest queens among women will glory to wear.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1901-Jul-12, to Fannie G Lesch -- AB05945)
Well-done, well-done! Bravo, bravo to you Ali! Glad-tidings to you and to me o ye my friend! How wonderful it is to be called by this title and how excellent an announcer you will be in the Day of Resurrection. May God abundantly reward you, manifold your blessing, illumine your brows; shine your eyes; enlighten your heart; refresh your soul; glorify your victory; perfume your nostrils; exalt your station.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mulla Ali -- AB05965)
I am well-pleased with thee, God is well-pleased with thee, and all the divine friends are content with thee and hopeful. Therefore, thou must show forth nobility and manifest such power and might that it may become clear and evident that thou art a near servant at the Court of Glory.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jun ca., to Aqa Asadullah son of Mulla Muhammad Rida -- AB08506)
O two pure leaves and two maidservants of the Ancient Beauty!
Ibn-i-Abhar, upon him be the Most Luminous Glory of God, offers the highest praise of you in his writings. One must render such service as to merit such praise.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Sister et al -- AB07411)
Some of the friends who are engaged in serving the Cause and are adorned with goodly deeds and praiseworthy character are in truth among the pillars and chosen ones of the earth.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300 ? [1882-1883], to Siyyid Muhammad Ali Shirazi -- BH03435)
A hundred thousand praises and thanks befit and beseem the loved ones and the chosen ones of the Friend, who are detached from themselves and from the world, alive and steadfast through the name of the Desired One. Through tongue and utterance, through pen and deeds and actions, they summon the servants to the Dawning-Place of Revelation and the Dayspring of Inspiration. They speak with their tongues and gesture with their hands, and through movements of brow and head they draw the heedless to the realm of awareness and bestow wakefulness upon them that slumber.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1302-06-29 [1885-Apr-15], to Mirza Siyyid Muhammad Afnan (Aqa Mirza Aqa) -- BH00451)
And thou - leave sovereignty behind thee, then stand firm in the Cause that thou mayest be praiseworthy in deed. Thus have We inspired thee and taught thee and sent thee what will comfort thine eyes and draw thee nigh unto a station which God hath preserved from the gaze of the idolaters.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Mahmud -- BH03464)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH04175)
As for your honor - if only all would arise like you in faithful service to the Most Glorious Beauty (may my spirit be sacrificed for His loved ones). Truly you are confirmed and successful.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ismullah et al -- AB03364)
Well done to thee for having chosen insight over blindness, for having witnessed the greatest signs of thy Lord, for having sought shelter in the shade of the Ultimate Tree, for having taken refuge in the most secure cave, for having attained the most abundant portion, for having won the highest cup, and for having drunk a brimming goblet overflowing with the wine of the love of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Aqa Mirza Ataullah Tabib Sirajul-Hukama -- AB01153)
(The Báb, Farewell address to the Letters of the Living, 1260-08 ca. -- BBU0001)
O beloved of God, His chosen ones, and those attracted by His fragrances! If you would reflect a little and ponder deeply on the reality of things, you would observe in what boundless ocean of grace and benevolence you are immersed, and in what paradise of Ridvan you abide eternally.
You wear upon your head a crown adorned with the jewels of the Abha Kingdom that reaches beyond the heights of the highest star, and you are clothed in a robe that surpasses the garments and attire of sovereignty.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Baha'is of Isfahan et al -- AB03284)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some Baha'is, spoken at 227 Riverside Drive on 1912-May-11 -- ABU0120)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to the Greatest Holy Leaf Bahiyyih Khanum -- AB02467)
The beloved letter arrived and gladdened the sorrowful heart with news of the health, wellbeing and steadfastness of the honored Afnan, upon him be the peace of the All-Merciful, and that blessed being. The One God is witness that mention of the friends and loved ones brings joy and delight.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307-01-15 [1889-Sep-11], to Abu'l-Hasan-i-Ardikani (Haji Amin) -- BH01016)
O My loved ones! We counsel you to fear God and to act according to what has been revealed in the Tablets. Be dawning-places of trustworthiness, truthfulness and faithfulness, and manifestations of mercy, loving-kindness and purity. Thus does He Who remembers you night and day command you.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1297-07-09 [1880-Jun-17], to Baha'is of Baghistan -- BH07237)
In the Name of the peerless Lord, the Supreme Pen commands all to attain the station of sanctification and detachment, and to pure deeds and praiseworthy conduct.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1293-05 [1876-May], to Qasim -- BH10635)
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290? -- BH01509)
Blessed are they who reflect and observe what hath come to pass in the past. For whosoever becometh aware shall attain unto the choice sealed wine through the blessing of the Name "the Self-Subsisting" and shall be adorned with the ornament of supreme steadfastness.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-06-10 [1886-Mar-16], to Shaykh Kazim Samandar et al -- BH00122)
Even so, a few days thereafter, another of the friends became acquainted with one of the highwaymen, and that same lying deceiver professed friendship and affection; and on that very first night he took all that the man possessed and fled. We implore the Truth, exalted be His glory, to confirm all in acting with wisdom, that all may proceed with clear-sightedness, and not repose confidence in a mere handful of sayings.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1295-10-12 [1878-Oct-9], to Haji Muhammad Ibrahim Afnan (Muballigh) -- BH04607)
A.
O servant of Truth! This account was from before, but now I am very pleased with the friends in Iraq and I beseech God that they become better and more pleasing. Then divine confirmation will arrive and success will be attained.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jun ca., to Muhammad Husayn Vakil -- AB01305)
Regarding the letters written in celebration of the festival, the intended meaning is Hafiz's verse:
"Do you know what the harp and lute are saying?
Drink wine in secret, for they issue decrees of heresy!"
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-May-17, to Haji Mirza Muhammad Yazdi Alaqihband -- AB01059)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1916 or <, to Baha'is of the West et al -- AB00644)
After this matter was presented before the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, these sublime words were revealed - exalted be His utterance: "Well done in what thou hast done, for
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-06-20 [1887-Mar-16], to Haji Mirza Haydar Ali Isfahani et al -- BH00027)
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Haji Kazim -- BH06563)
He [Shayku'r-Ra'is] is one of the noblest men of Persia. Learned and eloquent and as a former representative of the people in the Persian parliament he is made famous throughout Persia. He is a scion of nobility.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1914-Nov-23 -- ABU0908)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Jan-22, to Founders of Tarbiyat School in Mihdiabad - Yazd -- AB04334)
This is the day in which the diffusion of sciences, the training in arts, and the instruction of children - both boys and girls - are amongst the greatest and most fundamental principles of this radiant century and this glorious age. Whosoever taketh a step in such endeavor is indeed acceptable and favored by the Threshold of the Greatest Name, is accepted by and is the beloved of the hearts of the Concourse on High, and will be remembered and renowned by all peoples.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Feb-19, to Ayadi Zadih, Munirih et al -- AB02747)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911 ca., to Munavvar et al -- AB03327)
O ye true servants of the Lord of Hosts!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910 or <, to Kharrazi-Furush Family et al -- AB02884)
The souls who established this school, or were responsible for teaching, or supported it or served it - those souls made 'Abdu'l-Baha infinitely glad and grateful. I am pleased with them to such a degree that I cannot describe it.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Feb-19, to Muttahidih Trading Company -- AB03279)
There exists a great Confirmation in the School of Tarbiat which is founded by the friends. Although at this moment it is observed but by a few, yet it is assisted by the Almighty. If the believers of God display generosity, that school will progress day by day in all its grades. Encouragement and stimulus is necessary.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Jun or < -- AB11303)
O illumined youth! Regarding what you wrote about the annual examinations at the Tarbiyat School - truly the pillars of the school deserve utmost praise and glorification, for they are successful in service at the Sacred Threshold.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Dec-14, to Ali-Akbar Rawhani Muhibulsultan -- AB12003)
Continually do I remember the friends and as far as it is possible I am writing to them. Truly I say, Ashkabad is the city of Love. Each one of the friends of God is occupied with service and engaged in adoration. They are the friends and the companions of 'Abduil-Baha.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Sep-26, to Baha'is of Ishqabad -- AB01158)
Say: O teacher! Thou art the first teacher who hath attained His good-pleasure and whom God hath mentioned in His perspicuous Book. We testify that thou hast attained that which was sent down from My holy Kingdom in My Most Holy Book and hast acted according to what thou wast commanded by God, the Exalted, the Great. We have made these verses the recompense for what thou didst in His path and have sent them unto thee that thou mayest thank thy Lord, the Ruler, the All-Wise. Through them We have immortalized thy mention and made thee remembered in all the schools of the world.
(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Ism-i-Jud, 1303 ? [1885-1886], to Muhammad Javad Qazvini et al -- BH01117)
O you who are firm in the Covenant!
Regarding the education of children, you have exerted the utmost effort, and I have been and am most pleased with you.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Husayn Ruhi -- AB04715)
O children! A hundred glad tidings be unto you that under the shadow of the Beauty of Abha you are acquiring sciences and meanings in the school of the All-Merciful.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910 ca., to Shaykh Zainul-Abidin Teacher of School et al -- AB04066)
And 'Abdu'l-Baha becomes joyous, pleased and happy at mention of you and mention of their names. I swear by the Ancient Beauty that whenever I observe a child who is truly well-educated, my heart and soul rejoice.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Muhammad Ali Qaini -- AB02923)
In truth, from the standpoint of character he was the honey of the horizons - in utmost gentleness and sweetness, he never left me without cheerfulness. Moment by moment, by whatever means possible, he made his companion's disposition sweet as sugar, until wisdom required his return.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-May-24, to Muhammad Khan Dr Munajjim -- AB02727)
I hope that His Honour Farruju'llah Khan may become a true "relief" from the ignorance of the people of Iran, and the organizer of the primary school of the human world. I cherish the utmost satisfaction with him. May Jinab-i-Fazil-i-Shirazi, God willing, be assisted to attain to such melodies and songs as shall unveil the mysteries and be a token of the bounties of the All-Sufficing Lord. And Jinab-i-Mirza Yúsuf Khan is, in very truth, the Joseph of Egypt in the realm of servitude; wherefore he hath been confirmed in service to the world of humanity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Sep-09, to Dr Ataullah Bakhshayish -- AB01485)
The endeavor of Dr. Fath'u'llah Khan in establishing the boys' and girls' school is worthy of the confirmations of the All-Merciful, and the initiative and dedication of the teacher Aqa Siyyid Abu'l-Qasim deserves endless favors. And the teaching and training by the lamp of love, the maidservant of God Tal'at, is worthy of every praise.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Nov-09, to Ali Mumtazi -- AB01733)
Praise be to God that thou art serving the Lord of all beings in the Husayniyyih school, art detached from all else save God, art vigilant at dawn, and art engaged in supplication and imploring at the threshold of the Lord of the world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Nov-02, to Allah-Quli Subhani -- AB12078)
O daughter of the Kingdom!
The day we were your guests and you presented the Baha'i children with their radiant faces was truly a blessed day that will never be forgotten. They were all your children and dear to 'Abdu'l-Baha.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-May-06, to Anna Kostlin -- AB12581)
O thou tree of the orchard of His Holiness Moses! The honored Aqa Habibuillah has arrived at the Refulgent Land, attained unto the Sacred Threshold and partaken of the spiritual assemblage. Meeting him has brought utmost cheer and vitality. He has written a letter and therein has spoken glowingly and most appreciatively of your manifold kindness and benevolence in raising him. Indeed, I was deeply thrilled and happy that, praised unto God, thou showed him such favor and generosity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Dec-22, to Haji Musa Kalimi -- AB04028)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Feb-10, to Russell, Eva W et al -- AB06194)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Feb-20, to Mutlaq, Abdu'llah et al -- AB08705)
I too have fulfilled your request and acted according to your wish that, God willing, you will exert the utmost effort in acquiring sciences and arts so that you may become distinguished among students for intelligence, acumen, wisdom, understanding, knowledge and insight, and become deserving of the favors of the Self-Sufficient Lord.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Apr ca., to Mavaddat, Fadlullah son of Abdur-Rahim -- AB02950)
O nightingale of the garden of inner meanings! Among the signs of divine bounty in this Most Merciful Dispensation is that one like yourself, in the beginning of life, should compose such a book and establish such proofs and evidences. This is purely through the effects of bounty and the radiance of the grace of guidance from His Holiness the Most Merciful. Truly you are a melodious nightingale in the rose garden of utterance and a diligent pupil in the school of knowledge and understanding.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904 ca., to Mirza Habib (Student of Sadr) -- AB01172)
O young plants of the rose garden! I have learnt that in accordance with the testimony of Mirza Nabil you are acquiring the glorious skill of teaching. This testimony is proof enough for me. There remains no possibility of doubt, no room for error and so I am filled with joy and radiance each time I mention you.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904 ca., to Lisanud-Din son of Vaiz et al -- AB03209)
O dove of the garden of divine knowledge! Consider the grace and bounty of God, that He chose you from among the people of Israel and selected you from the lineage of His Holiness Khalil, so that in your childhood, with utmost freedom, you might study and learn in the school of divine knowledge and become educated in mystical understanding, and as a nightingale in the assembly of speech and utterance, you have composed such a treatise with perfect eloquence and rhetoric in proving the divine Cause, so that your praiseworthy traces may remain eternal and everlasting in the world, and in all centuries and ages the wise ones of the world may loose their tongues in praise and tribute to you. You have become renowned throughout the horizons and nurtured in the school of illumination.
The treatise that you submitted was reviewed. In truth it is a brilliant sign and an evident standard. If you look with the eye of reality, it is greater than the sovereignty of East and West, for the sovereignty of East and West does not endure or remain stable - rather it is a passing shadow and fearsome illusions. But this eternal crown and diadem of leadership will remain fixed and stable upon your brow in the everlasting world.
Therefore praise be to the pure Lord that He has again made Israel glorious, for He has gathered souls like you from Israel under the banner of the Covenant. So give thanks to God for this great bounty.
Would that a group of young saplings from the divine garden were present in that school, and day and night with the utmost joy and fragrance would receive proofs and arguments from that eminent leader, and each would write a treatise through clear inspiration in proving the Blessed Cause. Let the competitors strive for this.
My Lord, my hope, my shelter and my refuge! Assist this divine youth with the hosts of inspiration and cause him to praise You among the people, and make him Your brilliant sign and Your evident standard among the people until he speaks with the most wondrous utterance in gatherings of knowledge and wisdom and composes marvelous works containing proofs and arguments. And assist his noble teacher, the distinguished man, with the greatest gift in existence among the people of prostration, so that he may educate souls who are supplicating to You, beseeching before You, and trusting in You. Verily You are the Generous, You are the Merciful, and You are the Mighty, the Bestower.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904 ca., to Rahim son of Khalil Tabib Arjumand -- AB01320)
The letter was eloquent and articulate, therefore I became hopeful about you that when you reach maturity you will become a luminous, divine and merciful youth, pure and sanctified from the dirt of the natural world, receiving your portion and share from the purity and luminosity of the divine world, and becoming a cause of glory to the human world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Feb-01, to Viola S Kluge -- AB03726)
The senses of the people of Baha are assuredly perfumed through the pure fragrance exhaled from the Garden of thine heart. Verily, I read those beautiful words traced by thy pen and asked God to make thee a sign of the Signs of His Power amongst His girls, to cause thee to be an emblem of this great Century, to strengthen thee in speech and explanation, to make thee attain the visit of the Holy Threshold and to enable thy father and mother in whatever conduces to salvation and life until the eternity of the eternities and El-Baha be upon thee.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909 or <, to Margaret Harris -- AB08986)
O thou spiritual daughter! Thy letter was received. It contained wonderful significances. Praise be to God that during the age of childhood thou hast attained to the station of maturity. Although in appearance thou art a child yet in reality thou art precocious.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Aug-20 ca., to a ten-year-old girl -- AB07841)
O thou dear one! Blessed art thou, for thou hast entered into the bosom of the training of God and drunk the cup of knowledge while thou art young in age among girls.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903-Jun-06, to Mineola Barnitz -- AB08348)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904 ca. -- AB08929)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Mar-24, to Abdu'l-Husayn Fawzi (Majdud-Din) -- AB08287)
O fresh branch planted by the divine hand in the vineyard of God! I remember you night and day and do not forget your cheerful face and your heart that is gladdened by the glad-tidings of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Sigurd Russell -- AB05403)
O spiritual youth! May God strengthen and support thee in the tenderness of thy youth and the springtime of thy life, and illumine thy face with the light of advancement toward God and orientation to the Kingdom of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to George Loeding -- AB09655)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB10450)
O enlightened youth! Be thou spiritual and merciful! Be a merchant of the celestial Kingdom and select thy goods from the knowledge of God. Make this the basis of thy barter and present this merchandise in the market place of the jewellers of the Concourse on High. Then shalt thou see scintillating pearls! Then shalt thou see unique and brilliant gems!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Aqa Muhammad Tajir -- AB10478)
O Amanullah! Blessed art thou, and blessed is he who reared thee, and blessed is he whom God hath aided to show kindness unto thee.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-06-24 [1886-Mar-30], to Amanullah -- BH08501)
God be praised! How wonderful are these students! I am looking forward with great hope to their future! In reality they are beneath the shade of the Blessed Perfection and they are being animated with the spirit of the Holy Land. For this reason they are superior to many other students. Their mettle will become known in the future.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some students, spoken on 1914-Jul-15 -- ABU2061)
The Beirut students have conducted themselves most wonderfully in the College. Everyone praises their behaviour and studious habits, even the Protestants are pleased with them. The College Faculty gives the highest testimony to their moral and spiritual standard. I am also most pleased with them.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Jun-22 in Haifa -- ABU2730)
O thou whom God hath named and clothed with the mantle of trustworthiness and contentment! In thy letter thou didst greatly praise the friends in Persia, especially the youth who are members of the world community. It brought joy and fragrance that, praise be to God, such blessed souls have appeared among the ancient people of Iran, who have lit their faces like candles in the gathering of the world and have been raised up with heavenly character and conduct, conducting themselves in such a way that all peoples and nations testify to their purity and nobility.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Abu'l-Hasan-i-Ardikani (Haji Amin) -- AB12371)
These are blessed children. They are very illumined. In their faces the rays of the Love of God can be seen.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the children, spoken at Dodge home on 1912-Apr-16 -- ABU2725)
You are all my grandchildren.
I feel the utmost joy to be present here with you, especially to be surrounded with such radiant children. They are the very flowers of the Paradise of Abha.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some children spoken in Oct. 1912 -- ABU1008)
O thou handmaid of God who is near! These two sons are like two shining jewels that God hath given thee. Be thankful to God that others like these two also exist in the world.
After faith and certitude there is no greater gift than children who are perfect, wise and truthful. Praise be to God that He hath bestowed this upon thee, especially under the shadow of such a father who is the object of the glance of favor and the recipient of the gaze of divine mercy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Khamsi, Sakinih wife of Siyyid Nasrullah (Baqiruf) -- AB09062)
Praise be to God, Aqa Mirza Habibu'llah, in the utmost spirit and fragrance and faith and certitude and firmness in the Covenant, completed his studies in arts and sciences and surpassed all the other students at that school. He was always successful in serving the Holy Threshold within the school itself.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1915-May-14, to Kalimi, Khudabakhsh father of Habib Muayyid -- AB02509)
O divine scholar! I have reviewed the contents of your letter and have supplicated to the Lord of Lords to send down upon you abundant rain from the outpourings of God's Kingdom, evening and morning, and to make you a sign of guidance among the people.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jan-10, to Farajullah Zaki Al-Kurdi -- AB03835)
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Mother of Muhammad Taqi who attained -- BH04168)
From His Most Great Prison, the countenance of the Ancient of Days is turned towards thee, and He teacheth thee that which will draw thee nigh unto God, the Lord of mankind. Blessed is that teacher who shall arise to instruct the children, and to guide the people into the pathways of God, the Bestower, the Well-Beloved...
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Mulla Ali Bajistani et al -- BH02960)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1302-02-11 [1884-Nov-30], to Fatimih wife of Jinab-i-Varqa -- BH09210)
Therefore, O two dear handmaidens of God, raise up in women's gatherings a song of thanksgiving to the Abha Kingdom that He has made the abased ones mighty and bestowed infinite grace upon the helpless ones.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Apr-22, to Azra et al -- AB03153)
Value this greatest of bounties; strive with all your strength to surpass and excel in every field so that all will testify that women are equal to men and are capable of acquiring every perfection.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Apr-19, to Spiritual Assembly of Mandalay -- AB05762)
This subject is pregnant with far-reaching results and when it is directed in a benefitting manner, such women will be trained in that Assembly that the whole world will be astonished by their eloquent speeches and fluent utterances, and they will silence and discomfort the orators of the East and the West.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Aug or < -- AB09113)
O handmaiden of God! They have offered the utmost praise for your faith and certitude and enthusiasm and attraction. It became necessary, nay obligatory, that I write to you and encourage the increase of the magnet of divine confirmation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Wife of Muhammad Sadiq Khabbaz -- AB04572)
O handmaid of the Lord!
Praised be God, the Pure. He hast raised from the weak substance of the female sex some women imbued with such powerful and significant realities that men envy them and heroes strive in vain to emulate their example. In steadfastness, they were like the immovable mountain, and in firmness and perseverance they were the unshaken foundation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1895 ca., to Khadijih Sabbagh -- AB06037)
O handmaiden of God! Give thanks to the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting One, Who hath distinguished thee from among the women sheltered behind veils and crowned thy head with the radiant diadem of recognition. This crown of the love of God is a precious jewel enshrined within the treasury of His grace, shedding its light upon both East and West.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Uzra Khanum Diyaul-Hajiyyih -- AB08524)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jan-06, to Pocahontas Pope -- AB05052)
O Muhammad-i-Sadiq! Thy mention hath been made in the presence of the Wronged One, and the Most Exalted Pen hath, from the precincts of 'Akka, turned toward thee, declaring: Blessed is he who is engaged in a craft. … Blessed is he who heareth that which hath been sent down in truth, and joy be unto the craftsman who perfecteth his craft and dealeth equitably with all people.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300 ? [1882-1883], to Ustad Muhammad Sadiq Kafshduz -- BH10106)
Blessed is he who gazeth toward the Most Exalted Horizon and acteth according to the command of the Lord of Names, and blessed is he who in these divine days is engaged in a handicraft.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300 ? [1882-1883], to Aqa Husayn Grandson of Dakhil -- BH10133)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Aug-13, to Edwin Fisher -- AB09842)
O two longtime friends! Jinab-i-Amin opened his sweet tongue in praise of those two precious friends, saying that these two pure Persian souls are renowned among all the friends for their truthfulness and devotion to God, and are known for their uprightness and deserve the utmost love and are worthy of the highest respect and consideration.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Tirandaz, Shahriyar et al -- AB05671)
That honored person met and showed the utmost kindness. Therefore with complete joy fellowship is established. His work is my work and they have complete trust and confidence in you and are pleased.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ibtihajul-Mulk -- AB05396)
All souls, whether relatives or strangers, who have passed through Qazvin and met with you are all satisfied, grateful and pleased with you. For this reason 'Abdu'l-Baha envies your service and wishes for your success.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Nov-20, to Mirza Musa Hakimbashi -- AB01928)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-May-07, to Edwin Fisher -- AB11863)
Concerning what you wrote about the translation of the divine verses revealed in the Tablets to the Kings, after it was submitted to the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, these sublime words were uttered from the Tongue of Grandeur - thus speaks the Lord, exalted and sanctified be He: "Well done indeed! We beseech God to assist him in translating what was revealed to the kings. He is verily the Helper, the All-Knowing."
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1305-07-12 ? [1888-Mar-25], to Mirza Ali Muhammad Yazdi (Varqa) et al -- BH00028)
In the Haziratu'l-Quds certain souls arose to serve and endured hardship and difficulty, striving in the utmost joy and fragrance, while other souls had a spiritual attachment and with heart and soul yearned to sweep the dust and apply the plaster in that sacred place.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903-Mar-00 -- AB03042)
The point is that you should write your letter with perfect eloquence and fluency, and that is the language of love. O Lor, give thanks to God that you are pure and clean water. Without hesitation open your tongue, and glory be upon the people of glory.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Mirza Nabi Khan Khurramabadi (Tihran) -- AB01726)
O sweet-lipped one! Every lip that moves in praise and worship of the Lord of Creation - its words are like the divine water of life, all sweetness, and its mystery is the voice of the divine messenger.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1893 ca., to Nush (Bombay) et al -- AB03210)
Indeed it is the height of fluency.
When praises, laudations and attributes of the Luminary of the horizons are chanted with utmost eloquence in the spiritual gathering, the Concourse on High are moved to ecstasy and delight, and the denizens of the Most Glorious Kingdom engage in glorification and praise.
How blessed you are, therefore, to have become the cause of joy and bliss to the spiritual ones, and the source of ecstasy and delight to the divine ones.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Azizullah Misbah -- AB08542)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-May-14, to Edwin Fisher -- AB03123)
She has done dexterously, and her teacher has proved her skill. I pray for both of them, that in this noteworthy art may they become famous, that they may become accomplished masters in it, rare in quality.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Miss Ollie Gish, spoken at 1815 California Street on 1912-Oct-07 -- ABU1962)
For bounties from the Kingdom of God have been ordained for that family and household that cannot be imagined, since they burned away the veil of tests with a flame and ignited a face in the gathering of the Covenant. They chanted the verses of the Covenant in the assemblage of the women of the horizons with melody, song, harp and music.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Khadijih Sultan daughter of Ammih -- AB02341)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905 ca., to Fatimih -- AB06030)
O ye servants of the Most Glorious Beauty! Master Ali has sent a lengthy poem in verse and has eloquently given voice, turning to the praise of the Beloved of all horizons. Since this is praise of the Truth, it is acceptable at the Divine Threshold and worthy of commendation by the eloquent and learned ones.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Feb-26, to Fakhkhar, Ustad Ali et al -- AB10382)
His poetry and prose in mention of God, exalted be His glory, are blessed traces in the book of the world.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-09-28 [1887-Jun-20], to Shaykh Kazim Samandar -- BH01600)
O you who composes prose and poetry! May God bless you for extracting the most subtle meanings and arranging them into poems like precious pearls and prose like strands of luminous gems! Well done, well done to you, O spiritual teacher, for how the Spirit of the All-Merciful has confirmed you!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Apr-29, to Aqa Murtida Mullazadih Tabrizi -- AB07051)
O thou proficient poet! Thou hast cheered the heart of Fuzulî and freed the soul of Ruhi-yi Bagdadi.
In short, thou hast marvelled the minds of the Turkish poets, for they have imagined a mortal beloved and recited their beautiful odes.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Muhammad Usku'i -- AB11950)
O thou who art bewildered and impassioned by the Ancient Beauty! The sacrificial ghazal was studied carefully. Indeed it is eloquent, profound, original and delightful. Those who became attracted upon reading it and sought the path to the neighborhood of the Kind Beloved are justified.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Apr-08, to Ismat Khanum daughter of Isma'il Khan Mustufi -- AB03442)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali Akbar Nakhjavani -- AB03222)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Jan-28, to Laura Dreyfus-Barney -- AB01033)
O daughter of the Kingdom! The article which you wrote and which was published in the newspaper was noted. It has been circulated throughout the East, and just and enlightened souls among the scholars and learned ones of the East and the wise and great ones have highly praised you, and it has been promoted.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Feb-24, to E M Mrs Drower -- AB06744)
The address thou didst deliver at the King's Weigh House Church will have a far-reaching effect, and undoubtedly thou wilt speak at the next meeting with still greater eloquence and fluency.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Apr-21, to Sara Louisa Blomfield -- AB01006)
It is therefore better for thee to travel now around the world, if this is conveniently possible, and roar out the call of the Divine Kingdom. Thou shalt witness great results and extraordinary confirmations. Even as Baha'u'llah hath affirmed: "We behold you from Our realm of glory and shall aid whosoever will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of Our favoured angels."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jan-10, to Martha L Root -- AB00588)
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Mulla Muhammad Qa'ini (Nabil-i-Akbar) -- BH00889)
Blessed art thou for having opened the door of thy home unto the people to come and hear of the Kingdom.
The maid-servant of God remembered thee in her letter, mentioning thy great joy and progress in the Cause of thy Lord.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Dec-26, to Josephine Bail -- AB05435)
Such gatherings are very praiseworthy and acceptable, for all beget joy and fragrance, the hearts become illumined and the despondent souls become heavenly.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1916 or <, to Spiritual Assembly of Buffalo, NY -- AB09735)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904 ca., to Aqa Abdu'l-Karim et al -- AB06052)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB11292)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Rauscher's Hall in Washington, 1912-Nov-09 -- ABU0260)
O my Lord! O my Lord! These are the chosen ones whose faces are illumined with the light of guidance, who found the heavenly table pleasing to their tastes, who submitted willingly to every matter which happened in the land and sought help from the hosts of the Supreme Concourse. Their feet are indeed made firm, their banners hoisted, their deeds righteous and their actions just.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-Jun-13, to Akhavan Safa, Aqa Muhammad Mihdi et al -- AB00590)
O faithful friends of the Beauty of Abha! Four hundred blessed souls from among the friends in the West have jointly sent this letter, making a covenant of unity, brotherhood and oneness with each other, establishing the foundation of fellowship, and have sent it to 'Abdu'l-Baha seeking confirmation and prayers.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Baha'is of Iran et al -- AB01663)
But the Khan's cousin and relatives who are in America also have good intentions, and the friends of God must show them the utmost kindness because these souls are strangers, and strangers must be honored. … Human beings deserve respect, especially strangers. The divine friends must become the comfort of every stranger except the accursed one, and be the cause of joy to every sorrowful one, the shelter of every fearful one, and the consoler of every lonely one.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1916-Oct-25, to Baha'is of the United States -- AB06018)
Today every soul who deals with the people with the utmost humility and submission, is kind and showing love to them, is considering them the members and limbs of one temple, receiving the stranger as the friend, the remote one as the near one, and is occupied in their guidance, the power of the Word of God will make time as a conquering ---- and an angel with far-reaching voice.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Oct-11, to Mary J Revell -- AB06846)
O friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha! The honored Afnan of the Blessed Tree have loosed their tongues in praise of the Persian friends and ancient divine companions, saying that they truly desire truthfulness and friendship and peace and worship of truth. They are filled with the wine of the love of God and are diffusing the fragrances of divine knowledge. They cause no harm to any group in the world and are benevolent and well-behaved toward all peoples and nations.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Sep-15, to Khursand, Rustam et al -- AB02282)
When I read your blessed names, I was moved to joy and delight that praise be to God, the Persian friends are successful in friendship and truthfulness, and with heart and soul desire peace and reconciliation for all people. They have pure hearts and radiant souls.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Apr-23, to Nushiravan Mihraban et al -- AB04906)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906 ca., to Dr Pratt -- AB04356)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Mar-11, to Sara Louisa Blomfield -- AB02381)
You have taken up a good occupation which deserves praise, for helping the poor and orphans is service to the Kingdom of God and no righteous deed has been or is greater than this. … In any case, give thanks to God that you are successful in these services.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-23, to Victoria Bedikian -- AB03182)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Jun-14, to Spiritual Assembly of Husaynabad et al -- AB12079)
Today, 'Abdu'l-Baha's joy is in those matters that have connection with His Holiness the Exalted One and the Primal Point, may my spirit be sacrificed for Him, or have connection with the Sacred and Blessed Threshold of the Blessed Beauty, may my spirit be sacrificed for His servants. In any case, praise and thank God that you are blessed with such a bounty and confirmed in such a service.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Oct-04, to Afnan Alai, Habibullah et al -- AB05901)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Abu'l-Hasan-i-Ardikani (Haji Amin) -- AB11033)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Spiritual Assembly of Chicago, IL -- AB01720)
How pleased I was with the friends in California. They said: 'We do not want a Committee of Consultation lest we fall into the thought of leadership and superiority and become the cause of dissension. But, now, praise be to God, we are serving according to our capacity and have no thought or aim, except the spreading of the fragrances of God.'
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Baha'is, spoken at True home on 1912-Nov-02 -- ABU1822)
The members of the Spiritual Meeting (the Board of Consultation) must endeavor, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to make the souls real Bahais. If they attain this glorious purpose, that country will be illumined and that land will become a veritable paradise, all nations will look to that assembly and from the explanation and exposition thereof receive realities and meanings.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jun-05, to Bernard Jacobsen -- AB00587)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897-Apr-12, to Baha'is of Khurasan -- AB05943)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Baha'is of Baku -- AB04390)
His honor Khan is truly self-sacrificing and though among the veteran friends, despite weakness they are youthful and vigorous, and strive with utmost effort in divine servitude.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Jun-12, to Spiritual Assembly of Kirmanshah et al -- AB03973)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or < -- AB02935)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablet of the Divine Plan (U.S. and Canada II), 1916-Apr-11, to Baha'is of the United States and Canada -- AB00049)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or < -- AB00413)
O Zoroastrian friends! Jinab-i-Jamshid has written a letter mentioning those spiritual friends who, praise be to God, possess hearts pure as mirrors and souls aflame with ardor, who turn their faces toward the Abha Kingdom, who engage in supplication and devotion to the highest horizon, who chant the verses of unity day and night, who occupy themselves at morn and eve with glorifying and praising the peerless and glorious Lord, who strive to spread the divine traces and hasten to give glad tidings to the sanctified souls of the human world. They are radiant lights and brilliant lamps.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904-Sep or <, to Hakim, Husayn (Muhammadabad) et al -- AB00144)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at the Kinney home in New York, 1912-Apr-11 -- ABU0970)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at MacNutt home in New York, 1912-Jun-16 -- ABU0259)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Parsons home in Washington, 1912-Apr-24 -- ABU0394)
O respected members of the Peace Society of New York! O divine society and heavenly hosts! Each time your lofty aims and the sublimity of your resolve come to mind, soul and conscience are moved to joy and delight, bringing gladness and hope that in this day when the intense darkness of war and bloodshed has encompassed Asia and Africa, and the inauspicious dust of hatred and enmity has darkened the horizons, praise be to God that your society has been illumined like candles and is shining like stars.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Jan-10, to Chairman of the Peace Society in New York et al -- AB03618)
Praise be to God that after the fire of oppression, the light of justice shone forth from the horizon of the glorious government's heaven.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Muhammad Baqir Hai -- BH02299)
Praise be to God, the first day of the feast has come to an end with the blessed, right and upright deeds of His Majesty Sultan Abdul-Hamid, may God, blessed and exalted be He, strengthen him.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Ismullah Jamal -- BH10867)
Such a benevolent person must be supported with heart and soul and served with dedication, for any shortcoming will cause the wrath of the Forgiving Lord.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904 ca., to Siyavash Farsi (Siyavash Sifidvash) -- AB03650)
O thou divine Mishkin!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mirza Husayn Mishkin Qalam -- AB11943)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ca. [1888-1889], to words to Nabil-i-A'zam -- BHU0040)
Yet there is hope in the aid and favor of the Glorious Lord, and the end shall be praiseworthy. The hut of sorrows shall one day become a rose garden - grieve not. You are rendering the utmost effort and sincerity in service to Iran and Iranians - have no further sorrow.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911, to Ali-Kuli Khan -- AB08292)
The world is a manifest Book which in every moment mentions and reveals its mysteries. Therefore its events do not hold back the people of insight and the companions of the Most Great Vision from what God hath willed.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1305 ? [1887-1888], to Abu'l-Hasan Afnan son of Abu'l-Qasim Afnan -- BH01765)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-03 [1874-Apr], to Anbar Khanum, mother of Ashraf the martyr -- BH03804)
Consider how a breeze hath wafted from the garden of his soul and heart, which hath made you heedful and aware, and caused you to become contemptuous and disgusted with self and desire.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mirza Masih (Remnant of Name Sake of Bahaullah) et al -- AB02119)
Praise be to God, you did not become weary, you did not grow faint, and you gave up your lawful wife.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-May-24, to Shaykh Habib Qumi -- AB01702)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Abdu'l-Baha -- BH11176)
Therefore we must remember these tribulations day and night, recall those afflictions, mention those favors, and in gratitude for those bounties hold fast to the Covenant and Testament, remain firm and steadfast, occupy ourselves with spreading the divine fragrances, strive to exalt His Cause, and endeavor to spread His virtuous character.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mulla Rida -- AB00545)
Praise and supplication is none other than love itself, which is the adornment and embellishment of human reality. And what bounty could be greater than that He led thee from the world of nothingness to the realm of existence, and enabled thee to attain the light of consciousness from the darkness of privation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-Dec-03, to Ibrahim (Mahmud) Shariatmadar (Lahijan) -- AB02964)
Praise be to God, the black cloud of war has dispersed and the dawn of universal peace has begun to shine brilliantly. The closed paths have reopened and weary hearts have found rest. Nostrils have become perfumed with sweet fragrances and eyes illumined by witnessing the signs.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Nov-14, to Haydar Ali Kamali Sarvistani -- AB01917)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-30, to Baha'is of Batum -- AB01143)
Now it is the will of the merciful Lord to transform that thousand-year abasement and humiliation into glory and nobility, and to compensate for what was lost. The glance of favor has encompassed all and grace and mercy have been perfected. That wandering people has become the object of divine compassion and the reality of heavenly bounty has taken form.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905 ca., to Nush (Bombay) et al -- AB00636)
These dear people are near to the threshold of the Lord and will progress day by day until they make up for the thousand years of humiliation and hardship. This is the great glad tidings that is given to you.
Therefore be very hopeful and happy and joyful, and convey my utmost love and kindness to the faithful sovereign.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Apr ca., to Surush Bahram Farsi -- AB05353)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1293? [1875-1876], to Muhammad-Ali -- BH05002)
Remember thy Lord in prosperity even as He remembereth thee in an adversity the like of which the eyes of mankind have never beheld.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH05370)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Dhabih Mirza -- BH01591)
Blessed is the soul that hath held fast unto the cord of patience and resignation in whatsoever hath befallen it in the path of God, the Lord of the mighty Throne.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Siyyid Nasrullah Baqiruf Sadat Khams -- BH01118)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Hallaj, Ustad Hasan et al -- AB00535)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902-Dec-07, to Marie L Botay -- AB03828)
How great is thy happiness that beneath these chains and fetters thou hast kept a bright face, a disposition cheerful as the meadows in spring and a joyful countenance blossoming like a flower garden.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ibn-i-Abhar -- AB04636)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ibn-i-Abhar -- AB08635)
O true teacher and sincere guide and noble pathfinder in the Cause of God! During your journey to Tehran you endured the utmost hardship and difficulty, and showed steadfastness and firmness when tested. … 'Abdu'l-Baha always keeps this service in mind, and whenever he recalls it, joy and delight appear, for praise be to God, the Blessed Beauty has such a servant who has no purpose save His good-pleasure and no desire except complete evanescence.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jan-08, to Muhammad Ali Qaini -- AB01725)
Thy services in the highway of the Kingdom are accepted, thy toleration of the troubles is known and manifest and thy eloquent speeches in the assemblies of believers are heard and appreciated.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-Feb-16, to Joseph H Hannen -- AB01661)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Aug-23, to Baha'is of Najafabad -- AB00615)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1894 ca., to Mulla Ali Akbar Shahmirzadi Ayadi -- AB01452)
The Glory of God rest upon you, inasmuch as ye hearkened, yet forbore; beheld, yet forewent; and witnessed that which none hath witnessed in the path of God, the All-Possessing, the All-Highest, the Ever Forgiving, the Most Bountiful.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1296-08 [1879-Jul], to followers of Baha'u'llah -- BH01705)
Praise be to God Who hath perfumed the world with the fragrances of His revelation and illumined the hearts of the sincere with the light of His knowledge. Blessings, peace, glory and splendor be upon His loved ones and chosen ones who have arisen to serve His Cause, whom neither the swords of His enemies nor the power of the wayward among His servants could deter. They have arisen with the power of detachment and aided God, the Lord of creation.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307-04-05 [1889-Nov-29], to Siyyid Mustafa Rumi et al -- BH00362)
Praised be the work of those who have arisen to serve the Cause in such wise that neither the clamor of the people deterred them nor the tyranny of those in the land frightened them....
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-08-11 [1882-Jun-28], to Mirza Asadullah et al -- BH03705)
O thou who hast turned unto My horizon and who hast held fast unto the cord of My loving-kindness! We beseech God to assist all His loved ones in that which hath dawned forth and shone resplendent from the horizons of the heavens of divine Tablets regarding the conditions of teachers. Praise be to God that in these days two deeds have become manifest from the loved ones of the lands of 'Ayn and Shin, and both have been crowned with acceptance and illumined with the light of His good-pleasure.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Zaynul-Muqarrabin -- BH11622)
O my friends! In the world of humanity there are few institutions as fruitful as the Gulistan Company. This zealous company strives to rescue the ascended souls and purified bodies from the clutches of crows and ravens and predatory birds. … But do not be sorrowful, do not be grieved. Through praiseworthy effort, this blessed matter will ultimately be achieved. Patience is necessary.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Feb-19, to Founders of Gulistan Company et al -- AB03821)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Asadullah Davudi Saidus-Sultan -- AB07944)
O Hands of the Cause of God! In truth, regarding what has transpired, no one was at fault and all acted with utmost sincerity, having no purpose except to sacrifice their lives in God's path.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Mirza Muhammad Hasan Adib -- AB03097)
Blessed are ye for as soon as you heard the call you responded with prayer, took sanctuary in the Most Peaceful Refuge, called upon your Supreme Lord, frequented the friends and hated not the enemies. You strengthened your loins in obedience to the Manifest Lord and rose to serve the Cause of God with hearts overflowing with joy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-May-30 -- AB00485)
Verily Thy servant 'Ali Khan was drawn to the beauty of the All-Merciful and was set ablaze with the fire of Thy love when he heard the proof and evidence, and he chanted the verses of Thy oneness among the people of distinction, and he supplicated to the Kingdom of Thy unity with humility and assurance. How many nights did he keep vigil while the stars watched and his eyes shed tears, communing with Thee with a heart overflowing with joy, calling upon Thee in the evening and at dawn, his cry ascending at daybreak to the Kingdom of Mysteries.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Sep-27, to Mirza Ali Khan Kushkaki Abadihi -- AB02468)
(The Báb, Words to Manuchihr Khan, 1263-01 ca. -- BBU0008)
All parties hold festivals of joy and arrange feasts of pleasure during times of comfort, security, peace and tranquility. They engage in celebrations and express happiness and delight. However, the Party of God opens the door of joy and gladness in times of upheaval and during moments of distress. They prepare the means of celebration and festivity, engage in wedding ceremonies, and adorn paradise.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-09 ca., to Daughter of martyr (Palestine) et al -- AB01091)
O My physician! We have loved thee and made mention of thee in divers Tablets. Verily thy Lord is with such of His servants as have turned unto Him and have detached themselves from all else. He is the Protector of them that have turned unto Him. Through thy gratitude to thy Lord the ocean of grace surgeth and mentioneth thee with this glorious mention. Grieve thou not over anything, but place thy trust in God, the Sovereign, the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the Most Great.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Tabib et al -- BH00795)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Mirza Muhammad Haraj -- BH07661)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH09874)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to son of Ismullah Jamal -- BH05543)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1308 ? [1890-1891], to Haji Mirza Asadullah et al -- BH09404)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Maryam Bakhshayish wife of Mirza Farajullah -- BH09162)
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290? -- BH09024)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Mirza Aqa Jan Khadimullah -- BH10588)
Therefore, O my God, honor him with that which befitteth Thy station and beseemeth Thy sovereignty. Then make him praised in deed even as Thou hast made him Ahmad in name.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Ahmad the emigrant -- BH10329)
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Ja'far -- BH11086)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897-Jul-09, to Ali-Akbar Rawhani Muhibulsultan -- AB03308)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Kashani, Inayatullah son of Aqa Muhammad Ali et al -- AB10502)
These are souls who have believed in their Lord, found peace in the bounty of their Creator, been content with the decree of their Fashioner, and have grown from the blessed Tree and holy Lote-Tree. They have grown tall, branched forth, put forth leaves, blossomed and borne fruit. Their fruit is everlasting, their root is firm, their fragrance wafting, fresh and verdant through Thy ancient bounties and the outpourings of the clouds of Thy all-encompassing favors.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Oct-01, to Afnan, Siyyid Husayn et al -- AB00678)
I praise thee O Thou Remover of Sorrows, Overlooker of faults, Rejoicer of hearts and the Illuminator of faces! Verily these are evidences of the Manifestation of Thy Singleness, beloved ones at the door of Thy Oneness, worthies amongst Thy people, noble ones amongst Thy creatures, and righteous ones in the Congregation of Thy servants. Verily Thou hast chosen them for the sake of Thy Love, elected them for Thy Knowledge, appointed them as the Custodians of Thy Mysteries and exalted them above all thy other servants under all circumstances and conditions!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or < -- AB01036)
O Lord! He spread the divine fragrances and chanted the clear verses and explained the conclusive proofs and conveyed the words to every soul who strove with true striving and desired guidance.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Apr-03, to Siyyid Hasan (related to Amu Ali Askar) et al -- AB04230)
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Mirza Muhammad Taqi Afnan -- BH07678)
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290? -- BH08242)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH09872)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH07782)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH09397)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290-05 [1873-Jun] -- BH05079)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Siyyid Jafar -- BH05405)
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Zahra -- BH06686)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH07688)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Mulla Muhammad -- BH07682)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH01974)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Ali Akbar from Ha Nun -- BH04743)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Mirza Muhammad Taqi -- BH05408)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Mirza Muhammad -- BH08848)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Sister of Husayn -- BH06429)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1305-10-24 [1888-Jul-4], to Ahmad Effendi -- BH11772)
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Rida -- BH03245)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH02872)
(Bahá’u’lláh, Prayer for the Ridvan festival -- BH04229)
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Fatimih Sultan Bagum -- BH08842)
(Bahá’u’lláh, Revealed for the Most Great Festival -- BH01673)
(Bahá’u’lláh, Prayer for Naw-Ruz, 1291 ? [1874-1875] -- BH02896)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1292-03 [1875-Apr], to Haji Siyyid Mirza -- BH03262)
(Bahá’u’lláh, Ziyarat-Namih (Tablet of Visitation) -- BH02307)
Continue exploring
For thought and discussion
Questions to carry forward
- What relationships do the readings establish between praising God, thanking others and recognizing human achievement? Compare the account of undeserved grace with passages on effort and service. How can gratitude and responsibility reinforce each other?
- What makes encouragement personal and credible? Compare letters that name a contribution, explain delayed correspondence, leave a choice to the recipient or revise an earlier criticism. How might these details change the way praise is received?
- How do the sources distinguish reputation, titles and eloquence from character and deeds? What tensions arise when reading historical racial or gender language beside affirmations of dignity and equality? How can those tensions be examined without altering the texts?
- What kinds of encouragement are offered to children, teachers, women, craftspeople and artists? Which passages connect praise with practical support, disciplined learning or ethical conduct, and which capacities do they leave room to develop?
- How do the letters and prayers respond to grief, incapacity and persecution? Compare acknowledgment of distress, the use of humor, petitions for relief and the instruction to preserve life. What would it mean to offer hope without minimizing loss?
- Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:11–25 with the readings on fellowship and service. How are encouragement, patient care and discernment related in each setting? Explore the six neighboring subjects: which connection changes your understanding of a particular passage?