Tacoma Baha’i

Image courtesy of NASA and available at Visible Earth http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/

“Consider the harmful effects of discord and dissension in a family; then reflect upon the favours and blessings which descend upon that family when unity exists among its various members. What incalculable benefits and blessings would descend upon the great human family if unity and brotherhood were established! In this century when the  beneficent results of unity and the ill effects of discord are so clearly apparent, the means for the attainment and accomplishment of human fellowship have appeared in the world. His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh has proclaimed and provided the way by which hostility and dissension may be removed from the human world. He has left no ground or possibility for strife and disagreement. First He has proclaimed the oneness of mankind and specialized religious teachings for existing human conditions.”

 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

How can we succeed in accomplishing a better world except by a thoughtful appreciation of our relationship with God?  The following prayer from Bahá’u’lláh helps us to meditate upon the importance for us of our spiritual nature.

“O Thou Whose face is the object of the adoration of all that yearn after Thee, Whose presence is the hope of such as are wholly devoted to Thy will, Whose nearness is the desire of all that have drawn nigh unto Thy court, Whose countenance is the companion of those who have recognized Thy truth, Whose name is the mover of the souls that long to behold Thy face, Whose voice is the true life of Thy lovers, the words of Whose mouth are as the waters of life unto all who are in heaven and on earth!

“I beseech Thee, by the wrong Thou hast suffered and the ills inflicted upon Thee by the hosts of wrongful doers, to send down upon me from the clouds of Thy mercy that which will purify me of all that is not of Thee, that I may be worthy to praise Thee and fit to love Thee.

“Withhold not from me, O my Lord, the things Thou didst ordain for such of Thy handmaidens as circle around Thee, and on whom are poured continually the splendors of the sun of Thy beauty and the beams of the brightness of Thy face. Thou art He Who from everlasting hath succored whosoever hath sought Thee, and bountifully favored him who hath asked Thee.

“No God is there beside Thee, the Mighty, the Ever-Abiding, the All-Bounteous, the Most Generous.”

 Bahá’u’lláh, from Prayers and Meditations

The reflection of the sunlight on the snow adds a brilliance to the day.  ‘Abdu’l-Bahá shares with us a comparison of the physical winter and the coming springtime to spiritual winter and the coming of the renewal of God’s Word.

“The Sun of Reality is one Sun but it has different dawning-places, just as the phenomenal sun is one although it appears at various points of the horizon. During the time of spring the luminary of the physical world rises far to the north of the equinoctial; in summer it dawns midway and in winter it appears in the most southerly point of its zodiacal journey. These day springs or dawning-points differ widely but the sun is ever the same sun whether it be the phenomenal or spiritual luminary. Souls who focus their vision upon the Sun of Reality will be the recipients of light no matter from what point it rises, but those who are fettered by adoration of the dawning-point are deprived when it appears in a different station upon the spiritual horizon.

Furthermore, just as the solar cycle has its four seasons the cycle of the Sun of Reality has its distinct and successive periods. Each brings its vernal season or springtime. When the Sun of Reality returns to quicken the world of mankind a divine bounty descends from the heaven of generosity. The realm of thoughts and ideals is set in motion and blessed with new life. Minds are developed, hopes brighten, aspirations become spiritual, the virtues of the human world appear with freshened power of growth and the image and likeness of God become visible in man. It is the springtime of the inner world. After the spring, summer comes with its fullness and fruitage spiritual; autumn follows with its withering winds which chill the soul; the Sun seems to be going away until at last the mantle of winter overspreads and only faint traces of the effulgence of that divine Sun remain. Just as the surface of the material world becomes dark and dreary, the soil dormant, the trees naked and bare and no beauty or freshness remain to cheer the darkness and desolation, so the winter of the spiritual cycle witnesses  the death and disappearance of divine growth and extinction of the light and love of God. But again the cycle begins and a new springtime appears. In it the former springtime has returned, the world is resuscitated, illumined and attains spirituality; religion is renewed and reorganized, hearts are turned to God, the summons of God is heard and life is again bestowed upon man. For a long time the religious world had been weakened and materialism had advanced; the spiritual forces of life were waning, moralities were becoming degraded, composure and peace had vanished from souls and satanic qualities were dominating hearts; strife and hatred overshadowed humanity, bloodshed and violence prevailed. God was neglected; the Sun of Reality seemed to have gone completely; deprivation of the bounties of heaven was a fact; and so the season of winter fell upon mankind. But in the generosity of God a new springtime dawned, the lights of God shone forth, the effulgent Sun of Reality returned and became manifest, the realm of thoughts and kingdom of hearts became exhilarated, a new spirit of life breathed into the body of the world and continuous advancement became apparent.”

 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in  Bahá’í World Faith p. 256

Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned in the Ottoman Empire town of Akká in 1868. The Commander of the Guard was Colonel Ahmad Jarráh, who became a follower of Bahá’u’lláh. Here is that story, courtesy of The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 3, pp. 68-69, by Adib Taherzadeh (also the source of the photograph) :

“Another person, a resident of ‘Akká who independently recognized the station of Bahá’u’lláh was Ahmad-i-Jarráh, an officer in the Turkish Army. He witnessed the majesty of  Bahá’u’lláh in the barracks, but it was some years later that his heart was touched, when Bahá’u’lláh (Who was then residing in the house of ‘Abbúd) was taken to the Governor’s house and kept in custody for about three days. As we shall see later, this humiliating treatment resulted from the murder of three Azalis in ‘Akká. Ahmad-i-Jarráh was one of the officers present in the case and it was then that the majesty and glory of Bahá’u’lláh made a deep impression upon his soul. The mighty and powerful words He uttered on that occasion enabled Jarrah to realize that the Prisoner in his custody was not an ordinary man but One endowed with divine authority. After reading some of the Writings and becoming fully conscious of the station of Bahá’u’lláh, he entered the rank of the believers.”

“Amín Effendi, a brother of Jarráh and the head of the municipality of ‘Akká, also recognized the truth of the Faith and became a believer. An interesting incident happened which confirmed their faith. One day, Amín and Ahmad sought permission to attain the presence of Bahá’u’lláh. Permission was granted and they came. They wanted particularly to complain and seek advice about a certain superior officer by the name of Áqásí who was a bitter enemy of theirs. Before they were able to utter a word, Bahá’u’lláh turned to them and said, ‘Praise be to God who has rescued you from the evil doings of Áqásí!’ The two brothers were surprised to hear this. Only two days later, the officer was dismissed by the order of the Sultán. A third brother of Ahmad was Khálid. He was a physician, attained the presence of Bahá’u’lláh, and was attracted to Him and to His Cause. He showed much love to the believers and attended them when they were sick.”

Most members of the Jarráh family remain devout Muslims. A few have become steadfast and loyal followers of Bahá’u’lláh. Shown on the right of this 1984 photograph, wearing a suit, is Saleh Jarráh, a descendant of one of the brothers of Ahmad. He provided valuable services to Shoghi Effendi during the Guardian’s lifetime, and in the years following his passing, he served as the attendant of Shoghi Effendi’s grave in London. Also shown in the photograph are Dr. Peter Khan (left, wearing jacket) and Mr. Hasan Sabri (arms folded, to the right of the photo of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá). This photograph was taken during a tour of Akká by about 25 staff members at the Bahá’í World Center. One of the places visited was the Mosque of al-Jazzár, the principle mosque of the city. As the staff members approached the main entrance to the mosque, they stopped for an elderly man sitting by the entrance. He was the gate keeper. Non-muslims must pay a small admission fee to enter the grounds of the mosque. He and Saleh exchanged greetings in Arabic as two old friends who had not met in some time. Out of respect to Saleh and as a courtesy to him, the gatekeeper allowed the entire group to enter without having to pay the entrance fee.

A Thank You note from Saleh Jarráh to the Webmaster for photographs sent to Mr. Jarráh in London.

Hear Me, ye mortal birds! In the Rose Garden of changeless splendor a Flower hath begun to bloom, compared to which every other flower is but a thorn, and before the brightness of Whose glory the very essence of beauty must pale and wither. Arise, therefore, and, with the whole enthusiasm of your hearts, with all the eagerness of your souls, the full fervor of your will, and the concentrated efforts of your entire being, strive to attain the paradise of His presence, and endeavor to inhale the fragrance of the incorruptible Flower, to breathe the sweet savors of holiness, and to obtain a portion of this perfume of celestial glory. Whoso followeth this counsel will break his chains asunder, will taste the abandonment of enraptured love, will attain unto his heart’s desire, and will surrender his soul into the hands of his Beloved. Bursting through his cage, he will, even as the bird of the spirit, wing his flight to his holy and everlasting nest.

 Bahá’u’lláh

Release yourselves, O nightingales of God, from the thorns and brambles of wretchedness and misery, and wing your flight to the rose-garden of unfading splendor. O My friends that dwell upon the dust! Haste forth unto your celestial habitation. Announce unto yourselves the joyful tidings: “He Who is the Best-Beloved is come! He hath crowned Himself with the glory of God’s Revelation, and hath unlocked to the face of men the doors of His ancient Paradise.” Let all eyes rejoice, and let every ear be gladdened, for now is the time to gaze on His beauty,  now is the fit time to hearken to His voice. Proclaim unto every longing lover: “Behold, your Well-Beloved hath come among men!” and to the messengers of the Monarch of love impart the tidings: “Lo, the Adored One hath appeared arrayed in the fullness of His glory!” O lovers of His beauty! Turn the anguish of your separation from Him into the joy of an everlasting reunion, and let the sweetness of His presence dissolve the bitterness of your remoteness from His court.

Bahá’u’lláh

Behold how the manifold grace of God, which is being showered from the clouds of Divine glory, hath, in this day, encompassed the world. For whereas in days past every lover besought and searched after his Beloved, it is the Beloved Himself Who now is calling His lovers and is inviting them to attain His presence. Take heed lest ye forfeit so precious a favor; beware lest ye belittle so remarkable a token of His grace. Abandon not the incorruptible benefits, and be not content with that which perisheth. Lift up the veil that obscureth your vision, and dispel the darkness with which it is enveloped, that ye may gaze on the naked beauty of the Beloved’s face, may behold that which no eye hath beheld, and hear that which no ear hath heard.

Bahá’u’lláh

It is Our wish and desire that every one of you may become a source of all goodness unto men, and an example of uprightness to mankind. Beware lest ye prefer yourselves above your neighbors. Fix your gaze upon Him Who is the Temple of God amongst men. He, in truth, hath offered up His life as a ransom for the redemption of the world. He, verily, is the All-Bountiful, the Gracious, the Most High. If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face, and overlook the faults of one another for My name’s sake and as a token of your love for My manifest and resplendent Cause. We love to see you at all times consorting in amity and concord within the paradise of My good-pleasure, and to inhale from your acts the fragrance of friendliness and unity, of loving-kindness and fellowship.  Thus counselleth you the All-Knowing, the Faithful. We shall always be with you; if We inhale the perfume of your fellowship, Our heart will assuredly rejoice, for naught else can satisfy Us. To this beareth witness every man of true understanding.

Bahá’u’lláh

The cabinet at the end of the balcony is said to contain hairs from the head of the Prophet Muhammad.

Quotes are from Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

Photos by the Webmaster

Limitless potential to serve the Cause of God dwells within each of us. Here is part of a letter that Bahá’u’lláh wrote to a believer in Him whose name was ‘Alí. Toward the end of the letter, ‘Alí is assured that the bounty of God is guaranteed to him – guaranteed! – because of the services that he has rendered:

“O ‘Alí! The bounty of Him Who is the Lord of all worlds hath been, and is still being, vouchsafed unto thee.”

Bahá’u’lláh reminds ‘Alí what he needs to do to continue to be the recipient of this priceless bounty:

“Arm thyself with His strength and power, and arise to serve His Cause and to magnify His holy name.”

Our limitations are not obstacles to bringing the Word of Bahá’u’lláh  to others. ‘Alí was uneducated:

“Let not thine ignorance in human learning and thy inability to read or write grieve thine heart.”

The grace of God is the source of ‘Alí’s power and ability to serve:

“The doors of His manifold grace are within the mighty grasp of the power of the one true God. He hath opened, and will continue to open, them in the face of all them that serve Him.”

And here is, perhaps, the most remarkable part of these concluding words of Bahá’u’lláh’s letter. ‘Ali was apparently worried about his inability to serve Him because, although he was devoted and he tried, he was but a simple, uneducated man. Bahá’u’lláh wrote to him:

“I fain would hope that the breeze of Divine sweetness will, at all times,continue to be wafted from the meadow of thine heart upon the whole world, in such wise that its effects may be manifested in every land.”

Now that’s potential! ‘Ali’s services to God, continuing to do what he had been doing, can have beneficial effects that are spread throughout the world. And who is to say that they haven’t? ‘Alí brought Bahá’u’lláh’s Message to many people. Many of those people in their turn taught many others. Someone has told you about  Bahá’u’lláh. Maybe you should be saying, “Thank you, ‘Alí, for helping to bring me this glorious Message!”

And Bahá’u’lláh concludes His letter with this reminder:

“He it is that hath power over all things. He, verily, is the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious, the Almighty.”

Bahá’u’lláh shares many other thoughtful and inspiring ideas in this letter, or epistle. You may read the entire letter in Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pages 308 – 312.

“My Name is Abdu’l-Bahá. My Reality is Abdu’l-Bahá: and Service to all the human race is my perpetual Religion…. Abdu’l-Bahá is the Banner of the Most Great Peace …The Herald of the Kingdom is he, so that he may awaken the people of the East and the West. The Voice of Friendship, of Truth, and of Reconciliation is he, quickening all regions. No name, no title will he ever have, except Abdu’l-Bahá. This is my longing. This is my Supreme height. O ye friends of God! Abdu’l-Bahá is the manifestation of Service, and not Christ. The Servant of humanity is he, and not a chief. Summon ye the people to the station of Service of Abdu’l-Bahá and not his Christhood.”  ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (From ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, p. 109)  

‘Abdu’l-Bahá often reminded his audience and followers of Bahá’u’lláh that His life was wholly devoted to the service of Bahá’u’lláh, and that their attention and service should directed toward Bahá’u’lláh and not Himself. He identified Himself exclusively as the Servant of Bahá. When Bahá’ís, during His ministry (1892 – 1921) continued to ask Him to create a Holy Day so that they might honor Him, he refused. Instead, He established the Day of the Covenant and set it on November 26th. Here is a comment about this from the historian and Hand of the Cause, H.M. Balyuzi:  

” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá told the Bahá’ís that this day [the Declaration of the Báb, also ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s birthday] was not, under any circumstances, to be celebrated as His day of birth. It was the day of the Declaration of the Báb, exclusively associated with Him. But as the Bahá’ís begged for a day to be celebrated as His, He gave them November 26th, to be observed as the day of the appointment of the Centre of the Covenant. It was known as Jashn-i-A’zam (The Greatest Festival), because He was Ghusn-i-A’zam — the Greatest Branch. In the West it is known as the Day of the Covenant.”  (From H.M. Balyuzi, Abdu’l-Bahá – The Centre of the Covenant, p. 523)

The Covenant, and faithfulness to it, are of course essential for the mission of Bahá’u’lláh to succeed. The Faith must remain unified in order for its followers to accomplish their work. Following the passing of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as Bahá’u’lláh’s appointed successor, became the Center of that Covenant, the source of that essential unity.

Remarkably (and was it more than a coincidence?) the date of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s own ascension is two days later, at 1:00 a.m. on November 28th.

Photos by the Webmaster