On Saturday, Baha’is and their friends in Wrangell will commemorate with millions in communities across the world, the 100th anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, prophet-founder of the Bahá’i faith. He is regarded as the Perfect Exemplar and living embodiment of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, which impressed upon society that religion is a cause for well-being through balanced spiritual and material advancement. He announced that the long-awaited time for humanity to unite had arrived.
As a 9-year-old child, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá underwent religious persecution alongside His Father and was exiled with His family from their native Iran to Baghdad, from there to Turkey and then to the Ottoman prison city of Akka. During their imprisonment, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá cared for His family and followers and looked after the poor and needy that they met at every leg of their banishment.
Bahá’u’lláh directed His followers to turn to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá after His passing in 1892, thus preserving His Covenant in establishing harmony and unity among the worldwide Baha’i community as an abiding model for all to explore.
In 1908, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s imprisonment and exile was ended by events associated with the Young Turk Revolution. At age 68, he undertook a historic journey to Egypt, Europe and North America, where he spent 239 days traveling from coast to coast. His over 400 public talks conveyed the essential message of Baha’u’llah — the oneness of religion and mankind — relating it to the pressing needs of humanity, the cause of peace, the equality of women and men, education for all, racial justice, social reform, and the role of religion in society.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passed away in Haifa, Israel, on Nov. 28, 1921. More than 10,000 mourners from all religious backgrounds attended his funeral service where nine religious and civic authorities gave tender eulogies for the loss of their friend and confidant.
A film titled “Exemplar” has been produced about the Person of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The Wrangell Baha’i community invites everyone to view the 55-minute film on their own at a time convenient for them. It is available at https://www.bahai.org/exemplar/. A Zoom session, open to all, will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday to reflect and share experiences of the film. Contact Kay Larson, 907-209-9117, or email kay.larson@gmail.com for the link to participate in the Zoom gathering.
Wrangell Baha’i community
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