O incomparable Lord! These leaves are the signs of Thy love and these handmaidens are words full of meaning and loving kindness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Nanih Khanum (Ishqabad) et al -- AB03783)
Prayers for women: dignity, steadfastness, and a life of service
prayer for women
Editorial introduction
Leaves of a living tree, words full of meaning, rays and melodies, centres from which an endless light goes out: this is how Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá name the women for whom they pray. Often the prayer is placed in the woman’s own mouth, so that a handmaiden remembered from a distant prison learns to answer by remembering, praising and asking in turn. What she asks for is striking: to be a leaf no wind or tempest can bring down, to speak with eloquent utterance, to be held back by no veil of glory, and the good of this world and the next for herself and for every woman. Sorrow, hard journeys, hostile clergy and the ties of family all have their place, met with the plea for steadfastness and the hope of bringing happiness to everyone. Mary’s song in Luke, a handmaiden’s gratitude widening into mercy for the lowly and the hungry, keeps company with these petitions. The path runs on into prayers for particular people and for whole gatherings, and into the role and station of women themselves.
Selected passages
O Lord, Lord! These are handmaidens, devoted, attracted, and enkindled with the fire of Your love. Assist them with the angels of the Spirit and confirm them with the breaths of the Holy Spirit so they may produce effects through which light will shine throughout all ages and centuries.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mary Frances Roe -- AB01022)
In utmost rapture and attraction we are engaged in mentioning the friends and praying for the handmaidens of the Merciful, that the aid and bounty of the Most Great Oneness may place upon their heads a crown of the greatest gift, raise them up from among the women of the world, cause them to speak with most eloquent utterance and conclusive proof, and make them the cause of guidance for the women of the worlds.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Rabiih wife of Nazimul-Hukama -- AB05342)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Louise D Wright -- AB10492)
O my God! At this moment I call upon Thee, by the mysteries of the might of Thy Lordship and the signs of Thy holy Self-Subsistence, to make this handmaiden one of Thy maidservants, then choose her for Thy service, then send down upon her that which will comfort her eyes, give rest to her soul, tranquilize her spirit and gladden her being.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH11907)
Say: "My God, my God! I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance and the breezes of Thy Revelation and the potency of Thy Will and the all-encompassing nature of Thy Desire, to make me one of the leaves of Thy Tree which neither the winds of Thy earth nor the tempests of the idolaters among the people of Thy realm can cause to fall. Then ordain for me, O my God, that which Thou hast ordained for Thy handmaids who circle round Thy Will and act according to what Thou hast commanded them in Thy Book. There is no God but Thee, the Almighty, the Powerful, and worthy of answering prayer."
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-05 [1887-Jan], to Hajar wife of Ali Akbar -- BH04669)
The light of man is not this effulgent quality from the sun and moon, rather it is chastity and purity and guidance and truthfulness and spirituality and attraction and submissiveness and humility and lowliness and contrition and evanescence and annihilation and utterance and expression and the essence of exposition.
I hope that the handmaidens of God become centers of the emanation of this endless light.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Zahra -- AB07433)
O handmaidens attracted to the Abha Kingdom! It is night, and heart and soul are engaged in remembrance of the Lord with the utmost joy and delight. The letter of Jinab-i-Amin was chanted. He had greatly praised and extolled the handmaidens of the All-Merciful, saying that in the city of Tehran, they are, night and day, like a boundless ocean in surge and swell, and like the birds of the gardens, with throbbing hearts and fluent tongues, occupied in the mention of the Most Great Luminary, familiar with the fragrances of the love of the Ancient Beauty, accustomed to chanting verses, and engaged in the recitation of prayers with utmost joy and attraction. Each day they adorn a gathering and manifest ecstasy and rapture, and find repose beneath the blessed Tree. Their faces are illumined with the light of the love of God, and their hearts, through the flowers of the knowledge of God, are the envy of every rose garden and meadow. The thought of all is the mention of Truth, and the intention of all is service to the Manifest Beauty. This news had a tremendous effect and became the cause of joy to every sound heart, for praise be to God, these cherished handmaidens of God possess the utmost wisdom and discernment, and like the ocean of the love of God, they surge and raise waves, their cups overflow with the wine of recognition, and they diffuse the musk and ambergris of holiness.
O handmaidens of the Court of Unity! The light of truth in this mighty Dispensation has cast its rays upon all, making no distinction between male and female. Women have attained the station of men, and those who were secluded have hastened to the arena of knowledge. How many a pure leaf has opened her tongue in recognition of the Lord and astonished the most learned men! Therefore, in thankfulness for this abundant grace in the Cycle of the Manifestation of Him Who conversed on Sinai, arise, for this wondrous Cycle has placed a crown of sanctification and purification upon the head of women and ranked them among the heroes among men. Open your tongues in praise of that Kind Friend, and demonstrate the power of the confirmations of the Supreme Concourse, and sing with the most wonderful melodies in the meetings of remembrance, so that the world of existence may become the sign of the praiseworthy, and the surface of the earth may become the paradise above, and the world of nature may become the recipient of the mysteries of the Kingdom. The bounty of the Greatest Name and the favors of the Ancient Beauty are like the spring rain and the rays shining from the sun, encompassing all and dispelling sorrows - the outpouring of the Self-Subsisting Lord. And upon you be greetings and praise!
My God, my God! These are handmaidens who have been attracted to the Kingdom of Beauty and have been set ablaze by the fire kindled in the Tree of Sinai, who have detached themselves from all else save Thee in this Most Great, Most Exalted Age, and who have engaged in Thy remembrance before all and have not faltered in Thy praise in the supreme gatherings. O Lord! Make them leaves of the Tree of the All-Merciful, fruits of the Tree of Oneness, flowers of the Garden of Unity, and waves of the Seas of the Self-Subsisting, and make them words of Thy Manifest Book and verses of Thy mighty Kingdom. Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Merciful.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-Jun-18, to Baha'is of Tihran -- AB12640)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909 or <, to Marjorie Fint -- AB10685)
This is one of Thy handmaidens, a ray from Thy rays, and a melody from Thy melodies, who was born in Thy days and appeared at the time of the exaltation of the manifestation of Thy supreme sovereignty upon the banners of Thy guidance and the rising of Thy Most Splendid Light in the heaven of Thine eternity. Therefore, O my God, protect her through Thy power, then give her to drink from the cups of Thy loving-kindness, and honor her dwelling place through Thy might, that she may perceive the lights of Thy Beauty from the temples of Thy Glory and be illumined by the dawning splendors of the manifestations of Thy grace in the heaven of Thy holy presence.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH10332)
Therefore, entreat God to become the sign of greatness and the dawning place of supreme bounty.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Daughter of Siyyid Husayn (Simnan) -- AB05336)
O thou pure leaf! Raise thy hands in supplication to the threshold of Oneness and begin thy humble entreaty, saying: "O Thou Self-Sufficient One! Accept this insignificant handmaiden at Thy blessed Threshold, and enable these broken wings to soar in the holy atmosphere of Thy bounty. Guide this poor one to the treasury of wealth, and lead this lowly one to the court of Thy glory."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Bibi Sahib -- AB10142)
Most men on earth are deprived of the city of inner meanings, but thou, praise be to God, hast attained thereunto. Know thou the value of this most great bounty and mighty gift, and say: "My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having guided me unto Thy path and illumined my heart with the light of Thy knowledge and sent down upon me the rain of Thy mercy. I beseech Thee by Thy light whereby earth and heaven were illumined, and by Thy fire whose call was raised from the Tree of Faithfulness, to enable me in all conditions to remember Thee and praise Thee and to hold fast to the cord of Thy bounty.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-10 [1889-May], to Wife of Mirza Hadi Naqqash-Bashi et al -- BH03962)
My God, my God, my Lord and my Support! Thou seest one of Thy handmaidens who hath turned toward the horizon of Thy Revelation, after most of the men of Thy earth turned away.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889] -- BH08652)
My God, my God! This is a fragrance from the fragrances of the garden of inner meanings that has turned to Thee on a day wherein the divines of Thy age and the clergy of Thy lands have turned away. I beseech Thee by Thy Beauty that hath appeared amongst Thy creatures, and by the power of Thy Pen and the penetrating influence of Thy Cause, to ordain for her through the pen of Thy bounty that which will draw her nigh unto Thee.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Khadijih Sultan Afnan wife of Mirza Aqa Afnan -- BH08651)
This is one of Thy handmaidens who hath held fast to the cord of Thy loving-kindness and responded when Thy call was raised between Thy heaven and Thy earth, and turned toward Thy horizon when the divines of Thy lands and the theologians of Thy countries turned away from it. I beseech Thee, by the rain-showers of the heaven of Thy mercy and by the outpourings of Thy days, to aid her to remain steadfast in Thy love and to ordain for her that which shall bring comfort to her eyes and tranquility to her heart.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Nargis Khatun Dhabih -- BH10293)
O ye pure handmaidens of the Blessed Beauty! Praised and glorified be God that ye have attained the stations of nearness to the All-Glorious, while many ascetics and devotees, who take no account of the time of the day, consecrate themselves to the Adored One in the mosques and monasteries with heads constantly bowed in worship, and numerous holy women and nuns seclude themselves by renouncing the world and live in a state of continual fasting, have not.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Baha'is of Baku -- AB06165)
Glory be unto Thee, O my God! I beseech Thee by Thyself and by Thy signs which have set the world ablaze, and by Thy Cause whereby Thou hast subdued the nations, that Thou make me to be among those women whom the veils of glory have not withheld, nor the veils of them that are gone astray, and who have shone forth from the horizons of the heaven of detachment with the lights of Thy Most Great Name.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-12-10 [1889-Aug-7], to Varaqih Sardar -- BH04603)
This is My sister who hath believed in the Manifestations of Thy unity appearing in the garments of Thy eternity and recognized the Dawning-places of Thy constancy in the holy temples of Thy sovereignty. She hath ascended to the station that is detached from all save Thee and hath returned from Thee toward Thee.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Iziyyih -- BH07724)
This is a handmaiden who hath believed in Thee and in Thy signs, who hath entered upon the couch of holiness at the dawning-place of Thy Beauty and the dayspring of union with Thee, who hath reclined upon the throne of the divine Essence on the carpet of Thy glory and meeting with Thee, and who hath attained to the pure essence of grace when Thou didst choose her for Thyself, and hath been joined to the very essence of mercy when Thou didst select her for Thy love.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH05440)
This is one of Thy handmaidens who hath believed in Thy most wondrous signs in the mystery of Thy most exalted Name, in the garment of the Muhammadan Revelation and the ornament of pre-existence in the temple of eternity.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Bibi wife of Ismullah-i-Asdaq -- BH07722)
O Lord! She hath turned toward Thee, and hath acknowledged Thy unity and confessed Thy singleness, and hath called upon Thee in her privacy and openly, and her call hath ascended to the heaven of Thy oneness and the dawning-place of Thy dominion and command. O Lord! Make her not deprived of that which Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen handmaidens, and keep her not far from the sanctuary of Thy nearness and good-pleasure.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Wife of Ismullah Jamal -- BH03357)
O Thou Who art my Desire in the divine realm of existence! This is Thy handmaiden, who hath been enkindled with the fire of Thy love, attracted by the holy fragrances of Thy sanctity, and hath turned her face toward the Kingdom of Thy mercy and toward the court of Thy oneness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mardiyyih wife of Mir Muhammad Bayk -- AB11726)
My God, my God! This is a handmaiden among Thy handmaidens and a leaf among Thy leaves who hath inhaled the fragrance of Thy Revelation and hath testified to that which the Tongue of Thy Grandeur hath testified, that verily Thou art God, and there is none other God but Thee.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH08650)
Be thou assured, O My leaf, and say:
O my God, my Lord, my Master and my King! I testify that Thou hast manifested Thyself and sent down Thy verses and Thy proof and revealed that which was hidden in Thy Books and Thy Scriptures and displayed Thy power in such wise that necks have bowed before it.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1297-04-28 [1880-Apr-9] -- BH05199)
O My handmaiden! Hearken unto the call of God. Verily it hath been raised in truth, but most of the people are heedless.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH09346)
O My handmaiden and My leaf! Hearken unto My call from the direction of My prison.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-12 [1886-Aug] -- BH06809)
O my handmaid and my leaf! We have heard thy call and have made mention of thee from the Most Great Prison. We beseech God to confirm thee in steadfastness and to aid thee in that which befitteth His Day.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307-07-27 [1890-Mar-19], to Farrukh wife of Mulla Ahmad Ali Nayrizi -- BH04378)
O handmaiden of God! The Lord of Names remembers thee from this remote station. Rejoice thou in this bounty whereby have been gladdened the eyes of My handmaidens who have turned with their hearts to the Most Exalted Horizon and have spoken My beautiful praise.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-11 [1889-Jun], to Aqa Baygum -- BH09006)
O My leaf, O My handmaiden, O My spiritual one! He hath made mention of thee, before and after, with that which its fragrance shall never be cut off, and hath revealed for thee that whose decree shall never change.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Bibi Rawhani -- BH09171)
When thou hast attained unto My verses and heard My call, say:
My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having remembered me in the prison and for having sent down for this Thy handmaiden that which shall endure in her name among Thy handmaidens.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Wife of who has attained -- BH05760)
Say: My God, my God! I render thanks unto Thee for having remembered Thy handmaiden in the Most Great Prison and for having revealed for her that which no mention among mentions can equal. I beseech Thee, O my Lord, by the effulgences of the lights of the Sun of Thy Revelation, to aid Thy male and female servants in that which Thou lovest and art pleased with.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-03 [1888-Nov], to Farrukh wife of Jinab-i-Muhammad Daribaghi -- BH08661)
O My Leaf! O My handmaiden! Say: Praise be to Thee for having given me to drink, from the hand of Thy bounty, the wine of Thy knowledge, and for having guided me to Thy path, and shown me Thy signs, and sent down upon me from the heaven of Thy generosity the tokens of Thy greatness.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Wife of Haji Abul-Qasim -- BH05626)
When thou hast attained unto His utterance and found the fragrance of His garment, say: "My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having guided Thy handmaidens to Thy straight path, when most of Thy servants and creatures turned away from it. … O my Lord! Ordain for her that which will abide with her in every world of Thy worlds.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH10045)
O maidservants of the Most Glorious Beauty! The handmaidens of that Kind Friend are precious, and today in the holy court the pure ones speak in praise of the handmaidens of the Blessed Beauty, such that even those secluded behind the veil of glory feel envy and admiration, and from joy and delight they exclaim "blessed are they and glad tidings be unto them!"
Like grateful birds in the holy gardens, open your tongues in praise of the Forgiving Lord and speak and sing: "O Pure One! O Kind Lord! Thanks be unto Thee that Thou hast made these maidservants precious and placed the crown of bounty upon these lowly ones' heads. Thou didst open the door of forgiveness, show Thy face, and capture our hearts. O Loving Lord! We cannot praise Thee enough and fall short in our worship. We are helpless and insignificant, lacking and without discernment. Yet we seek Thy face, hasten toward Thee, and speak Thy praise. We are captives in the chains of Thy love and aided by the Prince of the realm of bounty. Thanks be unto Thee that Thou hast poured honey and sugar into our mouths and made these maidservants successful. Praise be unto Thee, thanks be unto Thee, grace be unto Thee, and bounty is from Thee. Verily Thou art the Powerful, the Kind, the Compassionate."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Baha'is of Ishqabad -- AB04253)
O Baha'u'llah! Thanks be to Thee that these handmaidens are attracted to Thee and are turned toward Thy Kingdom. They have no purpose save Thy good pleasure and seek no station except service to Thy Cause.
O Baha'u'llah! Confirm these cherished handmaidens and make these earthly daughters celestial.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB06667)
My God, my God! We are handmaidens whom the sweet savors of Thy holiness have attracted from the Blessed Spot. Illumine our insight with the lights of Thy guidance shining from the horizon of truth, quicken us through the outpourings of Thy Holy Spirit descending from the heaven of divine mercy, and awaken us by the breezes of Thy love at the dawning of the sun of divine unity. O Lord! Enable us to attain the essence of sanctification from every attribute save the virtues Thou hast specially ordained for the holy realities of the most exalted Kingdom. Refresh our hearts with the continuous effusions from Thy Most Glorious Kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Lua Getsinger -- AB07778)
O God! Draw these handmaidens near in Thy sacred court and grant these leaves a dwelling in Thy Most Great Tree. Guide these birds to Thy garden of unity and cause these attracted ones to burn in the fire of Thy brilliant manifestations. Make them senseless from the cup of certitude and intoxicated from the wine of explanation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Sister of Muhammad Karim Attar -- AB07199)
O my God! These are the five leaves from the tree of Thy mercy and the five handmaidens at the sacred threshold of Thy oneness.
… Verily, Thou art the Chooser!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1901 ca., to Five American Ladies -- AB07859)
O Lord! O All-Bountiful! These handmaidens of the All-Merciful have set their hearts upon Thee and have freed themselves from all else but Thee. … Make these handmaidens independent of all save Thee, and cause these maidservants to become denizens of the Most Glorious Kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Baha'is of Saysan et al -- AB12812)
We supplicate upon the dust of lowliness and implore in the court of poverty and evanescence: "O Lord! Assist us through Thy all-encompassing power to serve at the gate of Thy oneness. Verily Thou art the Generous, the Merciful."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1894-Jan-12, to Mother of Ibrahim et al -- AB03090)
I continually offer prayers at the divine threshold and express my utter helplessness and need, that successive confirmations may reach you and the lights of divine assistance may shine forth from the horizon of the unseen.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903-Mar-17, to Rubabih wife of Javad Sabbagh et al -- AB04254)
O believing ladies! With all humility and contrition, I supplicate to the Kingdom of the Mighty, the All-Compelling, with lowered wing, beseeching success and prosperity for you. Verily, my Lord is kind to you, forgiving toward you, and His is the choice - He chooseth whomsoever He willeth among the women for His sacred and exalted Threshold. And He hath power over all things.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914 ca., to Liqaiyyih et al -- AB10176)
We make mention of the handmaidens of God in that place and beseech God to ordain for them what He hath ordained for the devoted ones. Verily, He hath power over all things.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889], to Jalil et al -- BH01474)
Beseech God that all handmaidens may attain unto what God has willed and act according to that which is beloved.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1293-05 [1876-May], to Bintan -- BH10215)
Ask thou God, glorified be His majesty, Who speaketh at this moment, to assist the handmaidens of that land to do what He loveth and pleaseth, and to draw them to the realm of sanctity and detachment.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-06-03 [1881-May-3], to Masumih wife of Samandar, mother of Tarazullah -- BH07334)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH10231)
O my God, my God! Aid this maid-servant of Thine to exalt Thy Word among the maid-servants, and cause her to speak Thy praise amongst all people.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Bibi Rawhani (Bushruyih) -- AB03560)
O Thou kind God, suffer this maidservant of the threshold to become heavenly, angelic, merciful and celestial. Confer Thy providence upon her, reveal to her Thy mercy, Thy clemency, and aid her in the service of the Kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Jul-04, to Marie L Hopper -- AB09373)
Say: Glory be to Thee, O my God! I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance, and by the leaves which are stirred by the winds of Thy will and purpose, and by the burning hearts of Thy lovers, and by the detachment of Thy sincere ones and they that love Thee in Thy days, to aid this handmaid of Thine in that which Thou lovest and art pleased with. Then manifest through her, by Thy bounty and generosity, that which shall endure as long as Thy Cause endureth amongst Thy creatures and the manifestations of the Sun of Thy Will in Thy lands.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-11 [1889-Jun], to wife of Aqa Siyyid Abu-Talib -- BH05201)
I beseech Thee by Thy Most Glorious Name, through whose grief the dwellers of Thy most exalted Paradise did lament, to cause Thy handmaidens to drink from the Salsabil of Thy remembrance and the Kawthar of Thy love. Then make them, O my God, bearers of glad tidings in Thy days, celebrators of Thy praise, preserved from all that Thy good-pleasure abhorreth, circumambulating around Thy Will, and turned toward the Dawning-Place of Thy Purpose and the Dayspring of Thy Decree.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Khatun -- BH10591)
O Thou my exalted Shelter! This is a maidservant who hath supplicated at Thy door, who hath beseeched Thee, who hath been attracted by the sweet savors of Thy love, and who hath been set ablaze with the fire of Thy affection. O Lord! Dilate her breast through the light of Thy knowledge and cause her to speak Thy praise amidst Thy handmaidens.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1893-Nov-01, to Nayrizi, Farrukh wife of Mulla Ahmad Ali -- AB11258)
O Lord! This is a leaf stirred by the winds of Thy Will and moved by the breezes of Thy bounty. O Lord! Make her verdant and fresh through the outpourings of the clouds of Thy grace, and cause her to speak Thy praise among Thy handmaidens. Adorn her head with the crown of attraction in the gatherings of intimacy through Thy remembrance and praise, and illuminate her face with the lights of detachment among the leaves who are gladdened by Thy grace and favor.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Bibi Rawhani -- AB02982)
O Lord! This is a fruit grown from the tree of Thy mercy. Protect her from severe winds and guard her from mighty tempests. O Lord! Illumine her face in Thy Kingdom and expand her breast through the light of Thy knowledge. Make her tongue speak Thy remembrance and gladden her spirit through Thy fragrances. Brighten her eyes through beholding Thy beauty and let her hear the melodies of the birds of Thy sanctity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Zahra Khanum (Thamarih) -- AB04341)
O my God! This is a verdant leaf in the gardens of divine knowledge. Pour forth upon her from the clouds of Thy mercy the rain of grace and bounty, that she may be refreshed by the waters of existence among the people of prostration, O Thou Who art the Lord of bounty and favor, and that she may be stirred by the breezes of the spirit and fragrance in the garden of contentment.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1893-Nov-01, to Wife of Haji Mirza Husayn -- AB10816)
Glorified art Thou, O my God! Thou seest how one of Thy leaves hath clung to the Tree of Thy Lordship, hath voiced Thy praise, and turned unto Thee when she heard Thy call.
… Then ordain for her in the Supreme Tablet that which shall gladden her eyes and rejoice her heart.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-09 [1874-Oct], to wife of Jinab-i-Hi Sin -- BH06578)
O Lord! This leaf is stirred by the breezes of Thy love upon the tree of Thy knowledge. O Lord! Make her verdant and fresh through the outpouring of the clouds of Thy bounty. Verily, Thou art the All-Merciful.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Helen Hillyer Brown -- AB11363)
This is a leaf from among the leaves of the Tree of Thy Paradise, stirred by the breezes of the spirit of Thy love and moved by the attractions of Thy passion and yearning. She hath turned toward the sanctuary of Thy divine unity, hoping from Thy boundless mercies and infinite compassions that Thou wilt cause her to enter the garden of Thy sanctification and the retreats of Thy holy oneness.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Hamidih -- BH10827)
This is a leaf who hath sought Thy face, who hath been moved by the breezes of Thy grace, who hath been seized with passionate love for Thee, who hath answered Thy call and turned toward Thy countenance. … Then grant her what Thou hast ordained in the heaven of Thy grace for the choicest of Thy handmaidens.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH10282)
O my God, my Lord, and my Support! Thou seest a handmaiden from among the leaves of the Tree of Thy Revelation, who hath believed in Thee and in Thy signs and in what Thou hast sent down in Thy Books.
… O my Lord! Thou seest one of Thy handmaidens who hath turned toward the cloud of Thy mercy that it may rain upon her the showers of Thy grace.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-08 [1881-Jun], to akh Jinab-i-Haji Mulla 'Ali -- BH08844)
O God my God! Thou seest one of Thy leaves who hath turned toward the Tree of Thy Cause and hath drawn nigh unto Thy most exalted horizon - the Station from which the Luminary of Thy Manifestation hath shed its radiance, O Thou Lord of Names and Creator of the heavens!
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-09-19 [1886-Jun-21], to Liqaiyyih Asdaq Mudabbir -- BH04952)
O my Lord! This is one of Thy handmaidens and a leaf from the leaves of Thy Divine Lote-Tree, and she seeketh Thy all-encompassing grace which hath surrounded the dwellers of Thy earth and heaven.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to mother of Aqa Muhammad Isma'il -- BH06589)
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Havva -- BH08852)
O my Lord! This is a leaf from among the leaves of Thy Lote-Tree and a handmaiden from among Thy handmaidens, whom Thou hast related unto Thyself as a bounty from Thee. O my Lord! Protect her, then, within the fortress of Thy protection, and grant her that which Thou hast ordained for Thy leaves from Thy Most Exalted Pen.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300 ? [1882-1883], to Ladies from the Afnan Family -- BH10297)
O my Lord and my Trust! This is a handmaiden from among Thy handmaidens who hath sought shelter beneath the shade of the Tree of Thy mercy, who hath turned toward the Kingdom of Thy oneness, who hath spoken the word of Thy unity, and who hath acknowledged the beauty of Thy singleness. O Lord! Perpetuate upon her Thy bounty, extend over her Thy protection, and cause her to dwell within the ark of Thy salvation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1893-Nov-01, to Mother of Mulla Ahmad Ali -- AB11074)
This is one of Thy handmaidens who hath turned toward the Kaaba of divine knowledge in Thy days and hath sought what lieth with Thee of the wonders of Thy favors. O Lord! Protect her within the tabernacle of Thy Cause from that which Thy good-pleasure abhorreth, then give her to drink of the Kawthar of everlasting life through the hands of Thy bounties, and ordain for her that which shall profit her in every world of Thy worlds.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to sister of Jinab-i-Nazir -- BH04230)
O my Lord! I beseech Thee by the pavilion of Thy glory and the tabernacles of Thy grandeur to protect this Thy handmaiden through the hosts of Thine invisible realm, and to open before her face the door of Thy grace, the door of Thy mercy, and the door of Thy bounty.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Liqaiyyih Asdaq Mudabbir -- BH05777)
O my Lord! This is a handmaiden who hath believed in the Manifestation of Thy Self, who hath detached herself from all else save Thee, and who hath turned toward the countenance of Thy mercy, beseeching Thy protection in the shelter of Thy bounty and Thy safeguarding.
O my Lord! Guard her with the eye of Thy care and behold her with the glance of Thy merciful Presence.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Sister of Inayatullah -- AB10505)
O my Lord and my Hope! Perfume the nostrils of this Thy maidservant with the holy fragrances of Thy forgiveness, illuminate her countenance with the lights of Thy bounty, cause her to enter the paradise of Thy mercy, shelter her in the precincts of Thy Kingdom, and honor her dwelling place through Thy grace and favor.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1894 ca., to Aqa Muhammad Sad Mim -- AB04073)
Therefore, O Kind Friend, make this maidservant radiant in Thy Kingdom of mercy and grant this handmaiden a dwelling and refuge in the proximity of Thy bounty. Make her the envy of those who dwell behind the veils in the pavilion of glory and the object of jealousy of the ladies in the tabernacles of sovereignty.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Shirin Khadimih -- AB05110)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Sakinih Sultan (Sister of Mirza Hasan Sadiquf) -- AB00559)
O God! Endear this distinguished and loving maid servant of God in Thy Kingdom, bless the members of her household and encircle her respectful husband with the Glances of Thy Mercifulness!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Apr-06, to Annemarie Schweizer -- AB12780)
O assured and confident leaf! In truth, you are present at all times in the blessed spot in the gathering of the handmaidens of the All-Merciful, and you are manifest and apparent in the assembly of the leaves of paradise, for your remembrance is their companion and your mention is their intimate friend.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Sister-in-law of Ibn-i-Asdaq -- AB06981)
O my Lord and my Hope! This is a handmaiden who hath believed in Thee and in Thy signs, who hath been afflicted with the hardships of journeying in Thy path, who hath yearned to draw nigh unto Thy mercy, and who hath longed to behold the beauty of Thy oneness. O Lord! Give her to drink, through Thy bounty and favor, from the wine of Thy tender mercies.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1893-Nov-01, to Mother-in-law of Haji Mirza Husayn -- AB11048)
O my Lord! Thou seest one of Thy leaves who hath sought the tree of Thy utterance and hath left her homeland out of longing to attain Thy presence. The hands of Thy might and the hosts of Thy invisible realm did aid her until she arrived at Thy Most Great Prison and attained Thy presence and heard Thy verses and beheld Thy horizon. O my Lord! Assist her through Thy sovereignty and aid her through Thy bounty and bestowal.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1308 [1890-1891], to mother of Ali Afnan -- BH04749)
This is a leaf from among Thy leaves who hath clung to the Tree of Thy grace and hath departed from her homeland, turning toward the most exalted homeland - the station from whose horizon shone forth the lights of the countenance of her Most Glorious Lord. She hath entered the gate of Thy mercy and heard Thy call and witnessed that for which most of Thy creatures died in their yearning. I beseech Thee to make her articulate in Thy remembrance and praise, and turning toward Thy horizon and Thy station.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300 ? [1882-1883], to mother of Ali Afnan -- BH10290)
This is one of Thy handmaidens who hath turned unto Thee, acknowledged Thy oneness and confessed Thy singleness, and whom sorrows have overtaken in Thy path.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Wife of Afnan who ascended -- BH05075)
O my God! This is a handmaiden who hath believed in the beauty of Thy oneness, who hath testified to Thy words, who hath held fast to the cord of Thy bounty, and who hath endured afflictions in Thy path.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897 or <, to Mother of Jalal (Sayyah) -- AB10331)
O God! This is Your handmaiden who has believed in the Dawning Place of the Sun of Your Singleness and the Rising Point of the Luminary of Your Oneness, who has witnessed Your signs and verified Your words and submitted to Your sovereignty and was stirred by Your fragrances and spoke Your praise among Your handmaidens and was related to one of Your trusted ones who endured every calamity in Your path and was patient through every affliction in Your way and tasted every bitterness in seeking Your good-pleasure and drank the bitter draught of every tribulation in Your decree.
… O Lord! Aid her in that which You love and are pleased with, and strengthen her with mighty power to remain firm in Your Covenant and Testament, steadfast in her love for Your Word, holding fast to Your sure handle.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1894-Aug-01, to Wife of Ali Qabl-i-Akbar Shahmirzadi -- AB05490)
I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst adorn the frontispiece of the Book of Creation, to make such of Thy handmaidens as have been touched by tribulations in Thy path to be numbered among the denizens of the Most Glorious Paradise. Then send down upon them at all times that which will preserve them from turning to any one except Thee.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH10275)
I beseech Thee, O my God, by the Word wherein Thou hast treasured the pearls of Thy knowledge, and by the Sea that hath surged in Thy name in Thy days, to ordain for Thy handmaidens that which shall preserve them from drawing nigh unto any except Thee. O Lord! I implore Thee by Thy Self to shield them from every sorrow and grief and from whatsoever may hold them back from Thy most exalted horizon.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-06-03 [1881-May-3], to Nargis Khatun Dhabih -- BH09728)
One of Thy handmaidens hath believed in Thee in this Revelation through which Thou hast manifested Thyself unto the people of Thy kingdom with Thy most beautiful names and most exalted attributes. … Protect her from the assaults of the evil ones who call the people unto other than Thee. Comfort her eyes, O my God, by gazing upon the horizon of Thy favors.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH09865)
O God! Protect Thy leaves from the transgressors amidst Thy handmaids who have turned away from Thy Beauty, giving allegiance to those who have refuted Thee and Thy Signs.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-09 [1874-Oct], to Sister -- BH04427)
O my God! O my God! Aid this handmaiden of Thine to be sincere in Thy religion, and ordain for her deliverance from the evil of Thine enemies. Protect her in the sanctuary of Thy protection and Thy love, keep her away from that which Thou abhorrest and which is contrary to Thy good-pleasure, and sanctify her from following the desires.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Bibi Fatimih -- AB12745)
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290? -- BH09399)
Therefore I beseech Thee to forgive and conceal my state in every condition, and to look upon Thy pure and sanctified handmaiden who is submissive to Thy Name, humble before Thy gate, speaking Thy praise, supplicating unto Thee, and beseeching Thy kingdom, with the glances of the eyes of Thy mercy and the gaze of Thy divine oneness. Aid her to that which Thou lovest and approvest in Thy earthly and heavenly dominions.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Wife of Ali Qabl-i-Akbar Shahmirzadi -- AB04173)
Thus have We commanded thee on this night, as a remembrance from One Who is mighty and wise. And the Spirit be upon thee and upon such handmaidens as God hath purified from the deeds of the ungodly.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH08055)
O my Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy light through which the valley flowed and earth and heaven were illumined, to preserve this handmaiden of Thine from vain imaginings and idle fancies. O Lord! Cause her to turn unto Thee and to gaze toward Thy horizon. Ordain for her that which will assist her to remain steadfast in Thy Cause, then grant her what Thou hast ordained for Thy leaves who have believed in Thee and in Thy signs
in days when all on earth turned away from Thee save those whom the hand of Thy power did rescue.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299 ? [1881-1882] -- BH06189)
I beseech Thee by the Most Great Name through which the ocean of Thy bounty and mercy surged and the fragrance of Thy garment was wafted among Thy creation, to ordain for me that which Thou hast ordained for Thy handmaidens who have detached themselves from all else but Thee in Thy days and have turned to the horizon of Thy Revelation in such wise that neither the allusions of Thy servants nor the clamor of the people of Thy realm could hinder them.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-05 [1881-Mar], to Wife of Ismi-al-Ha -- BH07799)
Glorified art Thou, O my God! Aid Thy handmaidens to be steadfast in Thy Cause, to turn their faces toward Thy countenance, and to gaze upon the horizon of Thy favors.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Zivar Sultan Afnan -- BH09850)
I beseech Thee by the Word through which the sincere hastened to the place of sacrifice in Thy days, and by the mysteries of Thy Book and the pearls of the ocean of Thy knowledge, to assist her to remember Thee and praise Thee and to stand firm in Thy Cause. Then ordain for her what Thou hast ordained for Thy handmaidens who circle round the throne of Thy grandeur.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH09863)
O my God, my God! This is a leaf among Thy leaves whom the wine of Thy bounty hath so inebriated that she hath believed in Thee and in Thy signs and hath turned toward Thy horizon. O Lord! Ordain for her that which will confirm her in steadfastness in Thy Cause and in Thy love.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304 ? [1886-1887], to Zahra Baygum Sister-In-Law of the Bab -- BH06028)
O My handmaiden! Hearken unto the Call from the precincts of the Prison, from the glowing, luminous Fire.
I beseech Thee by Him and by Him Whom Thou hast willed, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Wife of Ismullah Jamal -- BH06767)
O my Lord! Thou seest that the Dawning-Place of Thy signs in this Prison maketh mention of one of Thy handmaidens, and this is due solely to her having turned toward the direction of Thy bestowals. O my Lord! Aid her to stand firm in the Most Great Steadfastness.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to wife of Aqa Siyyid Husayn -- BH07676)
Remember thou and say: O God of existence and Source of generosity! I beseech Thee by the Name through which every hidden thing was revealed and every concealed thing was manifested, to aid me and Thy handmaidens to be steadfast in Thy Cause.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1296 ? [1878-1879], to sister of one who has attained -- BH07902)
Rejoice thou in My Tablet and My traces, and say: O God of Heaven! I beseech Thee and implore of Thee but one request, and it is that Thou make me steadfast in Thy Cause and Thy love, for I have recognized through Thy grace that Thy Cause is mighty, mighty indeed. I ask Thee to assist me and enable me to do that which Thou lovest and art pleased with.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Amatullah Khanum -- BH07086)
We beseech God to assist His handmaidens to preserve that which He hath bestowed upon them.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-05 [1887-Jan], to Thamarih -- BH08030)
O Lord! I am Thy handmaiden and the daughter of Thy handmaiden. I have turned to Thee and have held fast to the cord of Thy bounty. Ordain for me that whereby faith may be preserved, for verily Thou art the All-Merciful.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1296 ? [1878-1879], to Mother-In-Law of Jinab-i-Jim -- BH10373)
I pray God to make thee a maid-servant whose garment shall be faithfulness and the crown of her head the love of El-Baha.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909 or < -- AB04597)
O Lord! This is Thy handmaiden who hath believed in Thee and in Thy signs, who hath been assured of Thy proof and Thy Covenant, who hath accepted Thy words, who hath circled round the Spot round which circle the Concourse on High, and who hath turned toward the Kingdom of Abha.
O Lord! Enable her to act according to Thy good-pleasure, gaze upon her with the glance of mercy, cause her to speak Thy praise, and preserve her within the shelter of Thy protection and care.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Gul-Surkh Khanum Imami Azami (Faizih) -- AB05498)
I beseech Thee by Thy Prophets and Holy Ones, Who have rendered aid unto Thy Cause by Their substance and by Their own persons, and I entreat Thee by the ocean of Thy knowledge and the heaven of Thy grandeur, to ordain for Thy handmaiden that she observe what Thou hast sent down in Thy book. Illumine her heart with the light of Thy knowledge, O my God, and write down for her such as Thou hast ordained for the maidens of Thy highest paradise.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-11-07 [1882-Sep-20] -- BH08635)
We beseech God to ordain for them the reward of attaining His presence, to adorn them with the Greatest Infallibility, and to aid them to observe that which He hath revealed in His Perspicuous Book.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-02-12 [1888-Oct-18], to Shawkat sister of Muhammad Baqir Nabil -- BH06005)
O Lord! This is one of Thy handmaidens who hath turned unto Thee when she heard Thy call. Write down for her what Thou hast written for Thy handmaidens who have circumambulated the throne of Thy grandeur, and who have attained unto Thy presence, and who have acknowledged that which Thy Most Exalted Pen hath acknowledged in the kingdom of creation, and who have acted according to what they were commanded in the Book of Names.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290? -- BH09083)
O my Lord! Ordain for me what Thou hast ordained for Thy handmaidens who have believed in Thee and in Thy laws, who have circled round Thy will and Thy purpose.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-05 [1887-Jan], to Ukht-i-Muhajirih -- BH07739)
Then ordain for me that which Thou hast ordained for those devoted women who, upon hearing the call, responded "Here am I, O Lord of the Kingdom of Names!" and "Here am I, O Thou in Whose grasp lieth the reins of all on earth and in heaven!"
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Bilqis Dal' Mirza Siyyid Mahdi -- BH06224)
Say: O my God, my Lord, and my Desire! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which were opened the doors of hearts to the recognition of the Manifestation of Thy Self, the Dawning-Place of Thy verses, and the Dayspring of Thy Revelation, that Thou make me among those handmaidens who have believed in Thee and attained unto Thy presence and stood before the effulgences of the lights of Thy beauty and heard Thy most sweet call when Thou wert speaking forth Thy verses in the kingdom of creation.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Wife of Amin -- BH07407)
O my Lord! I am a handmaiden among Thy handmaidens who hath turned unto Thee and faced the Source of Thy Cause and the Repository of Thy knowledge. I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the horizons were illumined and the lands were enlightened to ordain for me that which Thou hast ordained for Thy handmaidens who have heard Thy call and were present before the throne of Thy grandeur and attained unto Thy presence after Thou didst manifest the Manifestation of Thyself through Thy sovereignty and Thy power.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290? -- BH09382)
O my Lord! I am a handmaiden who hath turned toward the heaven of Thy bounty and the horizon of Thy Manifestation. I beseech Thee by Thy Most Exalted Pen to ordain for me that which Thou hast ordained for Thy handmaidens who have believed in Thee and in Thy signs and who have circled round Thy throne.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1296 ? [1878-1879], to Amatullah Khanum -- BH10427)
Say:
My God, my God! Thou seest Thy handmaiden who hath turned unto Thee and directed herself toward the horizon of Thy Manifestation. I beseech Thee not to disappoint her of that which Thou hast ordained for Thy handmaidens who circle round Thy most great throne at morn and eventide.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Wife of Mirza Haji Aqa -- BH06341)
O my Lord! Thou seest Thy handmaiden turning unto Thee, holding fast to the cord of Thy bounty, and clinging to the hem of the robe of Thy grace and generosity. I beseech Thee by the hidden gifts of Thy bounty and the manifest tokens of Thy grace, that Thou disappoint me not of that which Thou hast ordained for Thy handmaidens who have turned toward Thy most exalted horizon and hearkened unto Thy most sweet call.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-07-12 [1882-May-30], to mother of Abdul-Javad Khurasani -- BH06193)
O my Lord! Disappoint me not of that which Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones, and withhold not from me that which Thou hast desired for Thy handmaidens who have voiced Thy mention and praise and who have circled round Thy mighty throne.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-07-14 [1881-Jun-12], to wife of Jinab-i-Hi Sin -- BH05121)
O my Lord! Deprive not Thy handmaiden of the ocean of Thy bounty and drive her not from the door of Thy grace. O my Lord! Thou seest that she hath turned unto the Kaaba of Thy knowledge and asked for the wonders of Thy gifts. I beseech Thee to ordain for her from Thy Most Exalted Pen that which beseemeth Thy sovereignty.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-09 [1882-Jul], to Amatullah Khanum -- BH08472)
O my God, my God! Withhold not this handmaiden from the heaven of Thy bounty and deprive her not of the ocean of Thy generosity. Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-03 [1888-Nov], to Salmih Sultan -- BH09170)
O One God! Drive not Thy handmaiden from the Kingdom of nearness. Thou art the Lord of bounty and the Sovereign of the Kingdom of names.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889], to Fatimih -- BH05329)
Behold, O my God, Thy handmaid who hath turned toward the horizon whence hath shone the Sun of Thy favors, and who hath desired to circumambulate the Kaaba of Thy manifestation. O Lord! Deprive her not, through Thy bounty, and disappoint not her hopes, through Thy grace. Ordain for her, O Thou Who art the Ruler of all names, from the Supreme Pen that which will gladden her heart.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1296 ? [1878-1879], to Umm-i-Haram (mother of Gawhar Khanum) -- BH08275)
O my God! This is one of Thy handmaidens who hath turned unto Thee, believed in Thy signs, and sought Thy presence and meeting with Thee. Write down for her, O my God, that which she desireth in Thy path.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH09920)
This is one of Thy handmaidens - enable her to attain unto that which Thou hast ordained for her in Thy days.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to mother of Siyyid Murtida -- BH06571)
O Lord! Have mercy upon every maidservant who hath turned unto Thee, heard Thy call, and responded to the Manifestation of Thy Self. Then write down for her what Thou hast written for Thy chosen ones and Thy loved ones.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to mother of Mihdi wife of martyr -- BH08239)
O Lord! The hearts of Thy handmaidens are set ablaze in Thy days. I beseech Thee to honor them with Thy presence or to ordain for them the reward of attaining unto Thee.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-09 [1881-Jul], to Khadijih, sister of Tabib -- BH09522)
O my Lord! On this blessed day, deprive not Thy handmaidens, and from the Supreme Pen record the reward of attainment unto Thy presence for all.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-06-03 [1881-May-3], to mother of Jalal the pilgrim -- BH05327)
O Lord! Ordain for Thy Leaves that which will exalt them through Thy name amongst Thy handmaidens. Then write down for them the reward of attaining Thy presence and standing before Thy face.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889], to Tuba Afnan -- BH07472)
I beseech Thee by the leaves of the Tree of Thy Oneness, and the fruits of the Tree of Thy Singleness, and the Manifestations of the glory of Thy Transcendent Unity, and the Daysprings of Thy holy Unity, to send down upon her who hath believed in Thee and in Thy signs every good thing which Thou hast ordained for Thy sanctified handmaidens in the most exalted chambers.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Gawhar Khanum -- BH09846)
I beseech Thee by the Revealer of verses and the Manifestor of clear signs, Who soared in the atmosphere through Thy name and walked upon the sea through Thy power and might, to ordain from the Supreme Pen for Thy handmaidens that which will draw them nigh unto the shore of the sea of Thy oneness and grant them what Thou hast destined for Thy trusted ones and chosen ones.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-09 [1881-Jul], to Karbala'i Ghulam-Rida -- BH10298)
We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to ordain for His turned-towards handmaidens that which He hath ordained for His handmaidens who circle round the Throne by night and by day, and to decree for thee from His Most Exalted Pen the good of this world and of the world to come.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-04-25 [1887-Jan-21], to Wife of Ali (daughter of Samad) -- BH06325)
We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to ordain for you what He has ordained for the leaves who circle round the Will of God, the Lord of the worlds, and to open before your face the gates of grace and bounty.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890] -- BH09095)
I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou hast subdued all things and whatsoever hath been created between earth and heaven, to send down upon this handmaiden of Thine from the kingdom of Thy power that which beseemeth Thy bounty and Thy grace.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH10584)
My God, my God! I beseech Thee by Thy greatest signs and by the breaths of Thy days, O Thou Owner of Names, to ordain through Thy pervading power for Thy handmaiden that which will profit her and draw her near unto Thee. Verily Thou art the One with power over whatsoever Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303 ? [1885-1886], to Amatullah Khanum -- BH09715)
O my God! Thou seest Thy maidservant who is believing in Thee and in Thy signs, and who is supplicating at the gate of Thy oneness. Ordain for her every good through Thy grace and generosity. Verily, Thou art the Bestower, the All-Bountiful.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1899-Mar-04, to Ella G Cooper -- AB11324)
Do with this handmaiden of Thine as beseemeth Thy generosity and grace. Verily Thou are the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of the worlds!
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303 ? [1885-1886], to mother of Ibn Abhar -- BH03628)
She may say: "My God, my God! I have turned to Thee and have placed my trust in Thee. I beseech Thee by Thy Prophets and Thy chosen ones who soared in the atmosphere of Thy nearness and gave up their spirits in Thy path, to ordain for this Thy maidservant that which shall profit her in all the worlds of Thy worlds. Thou knowest what is in her heart and what profiteth her and what she possesseth. She knoweth not what is with Thee and what profiteth her. Thou art the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful. O my Lord! Aid her and ordain for her the good of the hereafter and of this world. Thou art the All-Knowing, the All-Wise."
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304-11-26 [1887-Aug-16], to Haji Mirza Muhammad Attar father of Karim Attar -- BH04349)
O Lord! I am Thy handmaiden and the daughter of Thy handmaiden. I beseech Thee by the lamp of Thy Cause and the ark of Thy power to aid me in that which will exalt me through Thy name. Then ordain for me, O my God, the good of this world and the world to come.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889] -- BH04878)
Say:
Glory be unto Thee, O my God and my Beloved! I beseech Thee by Thy Most Great Bounty, and by Thy Most Great Name, the Most Glorious, and by the power of Thy Most Exalted Word, to ordain for this handmaiden of Thine the good of this world and of the world to come.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889], to sister of Aqa Khan -- BH08990)
O my God and my Lord! By Your Command that has encompassed all created things, and by Your Name through which You have subdued all contingent beings, I beseech You to ordain for this leaf of Yours the best of both worlds.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Wife of Afnan who ascended -- BH09620)
O Lord! Look with the glance of Thy mercy upon this handmaiden who hath stood before the door of Thy grace and clung to the cord of Thy bounty. Then ordain for her that which is best for her, and grant her the privilege of serving the Dayspring of Thy Cause in the worlds which Thou hast ordained.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1292-06-19 [1875-Jul-23], to wife of the martyred Uncle -- BH08435)
Remember thou thy Lord throughout all days and say: "I have turned unto Thee, O Lord of the mystics! I beseech Thee to number me among those who circle round Thy throne, then ordain for me that which shall profit me in this world and the next.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1292-06-19 [1875-Jul-23], to Maryam Sultan Afnan Alai -- BH09485)
All grace, O Thou Beloved of the world, and all bounty and generosity, O Possessor of nations, are Thine for having called me to the heaven of Thy recognition and the ocean of Thy reunion. … I beseech Thee by Thy name through which Thou hast conquered all the dwellers of earth and heaven, to ordain for me and for Thy handmaids that which will draw them close to Thee in every world of Thy worlds. Write down, then, for me and for them, from Thy Supreme Pen, that which will be of benefit to me and to them in this world and the next.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Sister -- BH09182)
O my Lord! I am Thy handmaiden and the daughter of Thy handmaiden. Ordain for me from the heaven of Thy bounty and the ocean of Thy generosity that which shall solace mine eyes and the eyes of Thy handmaidens. Then send down upon us from the heaven of Thy grace a mercy from Thy presence.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307-01-23 [1889-Sep-19], to Mulla Nad Ali -- BH04062)
I beseech Thee by Thy Light that shineth from the Supreme Horizon, and by Him through Whom all things have proclaimed, that Thou assist Thy handmaidens to remember Thee and praise Thee and to stand firm in Thy Cause. Then inscribe for them through Thy Most Exalted Pen the good of the world to come and of this world.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-12 [1886-Aug], to Khadijih Khanum et al -- BH05775)
Say: O my God, my God! I beseech Thee by Thy sanctification of Thine Essence from all similitudes and Thy protection of Thy Self from all likenesses, to assist Thy handmaidens in Thy remembrance and praise, and ordain for them that which will draw them nigh unto the shore of the ocean of Thy sanctification and the depths of Thy bounty and generosity.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-02-12 [1888-Oct-18], to Sitarih -- BH08510)
O my Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy power which hath subdued all created things, and by Thy mercy which hath preceded all contingent beings, to assist Thy leaves and handmaidens to remember and praise Thee.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889], to Varaqih who has attained -- BH08890)
I beseech Thee by Thy Cause which hath encompassed all things in existence, and by the Call which hath been raised by Thy command, O Lord of names and attributes, to assist Thy handmaiden who hath turned toward the horizon of Thy Revelation to make mention of Thee and to praise Thee amongst Thy handmaidens. Then open before her face the gate of Thy bounty.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH08821)
Become a sign of remembrance, and occupy thyself night and day with humble devotions and supplications. Show forth utter neediness and helplessness, and become an intimate companion in prayer.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mardiyyih wife of Mir Muhammad Bayk -- AB09175)
(Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book), 1290-05-15 [1873-Jul-11] -- BH00001)
O handmaidens of the All-Merciful! Raise your hands in supplication to the court of the Self-Sufficient Lord, saying: "O peerless Lord! Thou art holy and sanctified. Thou art compassionate and kind. Thou art the Succourer and the Helper. Grant these helpless ones a shelter beneath Thy protection, and in the stronghold of Thy safeguarding and care, preserve these lowly ones from the evil of the people of hypocrisy. Verily, Thou art the Preserver, the Almighty, the Powerful, the All-Potent."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Attar, Shams-i-Jahan et al -- AB09158)
Say: My God, my God! I am Thy handmaiden and the daughter of Thy handmaiden.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Wife of Ali Qabl-i-Akbar Shahmirzadi -- BH03770)
O Lord! I am Thy handmaiden and the daughter of Thy handmaiden. I have turned to Thee, hoping for the wonders of Thy generosity and bounty.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-09-15 [1889-May-15], to Amatullah Khanum -- BH05433)
Say: My God, my God! I am a handmaiden among Thy handmaidens and a leaf among Thy leaves. I have turned with my heart unto Thee and raised the hands of hope toward the heaven of Thy grace and bounty.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-06-24 [1886-Mar-30], to Badayyih wife of Khi Alif -- BH05879)
O Lord! This is a leaf from the leaves of the trees in the garden of Thy Cause and a handmaiden among Thy handmaidens who hath turned unto Thee, directed herself toward the court of Thy bounty and gifts, gazed upon the effulgences of the light of Thy countenance, and drawn nigh unto the sanctuary of Thy glorious oneness and the dawning-place of the manifestations of Thy singleness.
… O Lord! Enable me to remember Thee and praise Thee among Thy handmaidens.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier -- BH05401)
O my God and my Beloved! I hear Thy call from the direction of the Prison, the place wherein the Throne of Thy grandeur and power hath been established. O Lord! Enable me to remember Thee in Thy days and praise Thee among Thy handmaidens.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Umm-i-Kulthum wife of Radiar-Ruh -- BH06272)
When thou hearest the rustling of the Tree of My utterance, say: "My God, my God! Thou seest a handmaiden from among Thy handmaidens and a leaf from among Thy leaves who hath turned toward the horizon of Thy manifestation, and hath heard Thy sweetest call, and hath witnessed Thy signs, O Lord of all beings!
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to sister of Jinab-i-Haji Ali -- BH07337)
O My handmaiden! Say: Glory be to Thee, O my God, O Thou by Whose name the gate of heaven was opened, and by the motion of Whose finger the veils of them that dwell on earth were rent asunder! I beseech Thee by the Most Exalted Horizon, the Station from which the Sun of Thy beauty hath shone forth, to strengthen me under all conditions to make mention of Thee and to praise Thee. O Lord! Thou seest Thy handmaiden turning unto Thee, gazing toward Thee, and seeking the ocean of Thy bounty and the sun of Thy grace. I beseech Thee not to disappoint her in that which she desireth from the wonders of Thy bounty and favor.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH10431)
O Lord! I am Thy handmaiden and the daughter of Thy handmaiden. I beseech Thee by Thy resplendent Light and Thy gleaming Name to ordain for me that which shall enable me to remember Thee, praise Thee and serve Thy Cause.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Zivar Sultan Afnan -- BH05240)
This is a Book from the Prisoner to the handmaidens of God that they may praise God every morning and evening, and may be steadfast in His Cause and His love.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to mother of Iman -- BH09063)
O leaf!
Hearken thou unto My call, then remember thy Lord in the evening and at dawn, for He loveth those who remember Him.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to wife of Haji Ali Askar Tabrizi -- BH06786)
And remembrance and mercy be upon thee and upon those handmaidens who glorify their Lord morning and evening.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Siyyidih Khanum -- BH06430)
And the Spirit be upon thee and upon those women who remember their Lord at all times and upon whom the angels brought nigh do pray.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Fatimih Sultan Bagum -- BH03229)
The Glory be upon thee and upon every maidservant who hath believed in God, and upon My maidservant who attained in Zawra and heard the call of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300-11 [1883-Sep], to Haji Aqa Kuchak -- BH06617)
This is a Book from Us to her who hath believed in her Lord, that the melodies of her Lord may attract her once again from this Most Exalted Scene, the Spot wherein have shone forth the lights of the countenance of our Most Glorious Lord. … And the Spirit and Glory be upon those handmaidens who have believed in God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Wife of Salman -- BH09058)
O My handmaiden! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness. … Blessed is the handmaiden who hath attained unto My days and hath drunk the choice wine of love from the cup of My bounty, and blessed is the leaf who hath held fast to the Lote-Tree of My Cause and clung to the hem of God, the Luminous.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Bibi -- BH05946)
O Lord my God! Thou seest that one of Thy maidservants hath turned unto the Dayspring of Thy Cause and the Dawning-Place of Thy loving-kindness, and hath acknowledged Thy unity and confessed Thy oneness. … Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the Most Great.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Shawkat sister of Muhammad Baqir Nabil -- BH08253)
Say: Glory be to Thee, O my God! I am one of Thy handmaidens who hath turned her face toward the court of Thy favors. … O Lord! Cast not Thy handmaiden away from the door of Thy bounty, and grant her that which shall cause her to endure through the endurance of Thy sovereignty.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Shams-i-Jahan Attar -- BH04641)
Remember thy Lord, O My handmaiden, with this remembrance that hath been remembered: "O my God and my Beloved! I am a handmaiden among Thy handmaidens who hath turned unto Thee and believed in Thee after the servants turned away from Thee. O Lord! Inscribe me, then, among the people of the pavilion of Thy glory and the tents of Thy grandeur. Then make me one of those who circle round the throne of Thy majesty and turn with their hearts toward the court of Thy good-pleasure.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Gulbaji wife of Jinab Amin -- BH07290)
And mercy be upon thee and upon those women who have turned their faces toward the countenance of God, the Most High, the Most Great.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH09757)
Glory be upon thee and upon her and upon those handmaidens who have believed in God, the Lord of all worlds.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300 ? [1882-1883], to Wife of Deceased -- BH04314)
The glory proceeding from Us rest upon thee and upon those women who have believed in God in their final abode.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-12-10 [1889-Aug-7], to Varaqih Nuriyyih -- BH07346)
And mercy be upon thee and upon all those women who have wholly turned unto God, the Powerful, the Supreme, the Mighty, the Most Generous.
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH10769)
Continue exploring
For thought and discussion
Questions to carry forward
- How do the images of leaves, words, rays, and melodies express the dignity and contribution of women?
- What relationship do these prayers establish between humility and the capacity to speak, know, act, and serve?
- How do personal petitions expand into concern for other women, families, and communities?
- What forms of strength are sought in prayers arising from sorrow, difficult journeys, or opposition?
- How does Mary’s song of praise invite comparison between personal gratitude and concern for those who are lowly or hungry?
- Which petitions might deepen your exploration of the neighboring subjects on devotion and women’s role and station?