“the directors of companies and the owners of factories to allot a certain share, however small it may be, to their laborers”

He spoke much that day about the hardworking laborers and workers’ rights, about how hard they work and how desperate and needy their lives are:

“What hardship these coal miners have to suffer, how poor and needy they are! It is necessary for the directors of companies and the owners of factories to allot a certain share, however small it may be, to their laborers so that their condition may be improved and they may be deterred from striking.” 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric, March 28, 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

“The great causes of separation among the people”

The great causes of separation among the people are:

(a) Racial; (b) Political; (c) Religious; (d) Traditional; (e) Personal; (f) Commercial prejudices.

Baha’u’llah has abolished these. None can say that this is not good. Anyone who denies this is ignorant. God has created the world as one—the boundaries are marked out by man. God has not divided the lands. Each man has his house and meadow; horses and dogs do not divide the fields into shares. That is why Baha’u’llah says; “Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country, let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind.” All are one family, one race. All are human beings. Differences as to partition of lands should not be the cause of separation among the people. One of the great reasons of separation is color. Look how this prejudice has power in America, for instance. See how they hate one another! Think over this. Animals do not quarrel because of their color! Surely man should not, who is so much higher in creation. What ignorance exists. White doves do not quarrel with other doves that are blue, because of their color but white men fight with dark colored men. This racial prejudice is the worst of all.

All are one. In the Old Testament it says that God created man like unto His own image. In the Qur’an it says: “There is no difference in the creation of God!” Think well. God has created all, cares for all, and all are under His protection. The policy of God is better than our policy. We are not as wise as He. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Discourses given by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London and Paris’; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 19, March 2, 1912)

An example of persecution experienced by Peter and Paul

Concerning the fact that blows, suffering and tribulations and trials endured by true believers are conducive to the progress and advancement of the Cause of God. 'Abdu'l-Baha said in part:

"Paul and Peter, the Apostles, once went into one of the cities of the Greeks and engaged in teaching the Truth. In that city, there was a temple which bore the inscription, 'To the Name of the Unknown God.' Paul arose and, addressing himself to the multitude, said: 'We bring you tidings from the same "Unknown God.'" thus preaching to them the message of Christ. A great number of the Greeks became interested in the Cause. This aroused jealousy in the Jews who began to make trouble. The multitude, aroused by these seditions, attacked the Apostles and beat them until they fell unconscious. Then their bodies were dragged along the road and thrown outside the city. Paul and Peter continued in a death-like unconsciousness all night. Early in the morning. Paul, who was brought to himself, said to Peter: 'There is a fair today in a place in this neighborhood, at which many people will be present. Let us move along to preach the Gospel in that place.' Peter celled attention to their wounded and bruised bodies; and although at first too weak to move, they finally arose and betook themselves to the fair and preached. Briefly, these persecutions caused a further spread of the Cause of Christ, in that they caused them to be removed into a new place and preach to a new multitude." 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Ali Kuli Khan, 'Abdu'l-Baha's English-language secretary during 1899 to 1901; ‘Ali-Kuli Khan 1906 Pilgrim Notes’)

Idols and images by followers of Buddha and Krishna

What a great difference exists between men. One person degrades himself to such a degree that he idolizes and worships stones, lifeless images, motionless effigies, notwithstanding diat God has given him understanding and favored him with the honored robe of humanity! Another person reaches such a pinnacle of perfection that he becomes a sign of God and an educator of the world of humanity! Consider what a great distance there is between the one and the other. Although the object of both Buddha and Krishna was the one God and they proclaimed the unity of God, yet now their followers cling to and believe in idols and images. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric, March 27, 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

“Joy is the best cure for… illness”

Then turning to Haji Khurasani [who was just recovering from a long period of mental and physical indisposition] He said in part:

"Joy is the best cure for your illness. Joy is better than a hundred thousand medicines for a sick person. If there is a sick person and one wishes to cure him. let one cause joy and happiness in his heart." 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Ali Kuli Khan, 'Abdu'l-Baha's English-language secretary during 1899 to 1901; ‘Ali-Kuli Khan 1906 Pilgrim Notes’)

“The world is like a tree… and man is like the fruit of that tree”

The world is like a tree; the mineral kingdom is like the root; the animal kingdom is like the blossoms; and man is like the fruit of that tree. The tree is but for its fruit. If the gardener did not expect fruit he would never plant the trees. In the same way everything is for man… What is the sum-total and upshot of farming, plowing and sowing the seeds and irrigating? Is there any other thought back of all these labors save the gathering of crops? If the sheaves are only green and verdant but having no grains of wheat or barley the result is not achieved. The aim has not been the verdancy of the field but the richness of the harvest. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, compilation by DR. Zia Baghdadi; Star of the West, vol. 19, no.2, May 1928)

Reincarnation

[A visiting] American then asked about reincarnation.

‘Abdu’l-Baha answered:

“It is not as people have understood. What is intended is the return of pre-existent attributes and perfections in new forms. Moreover, in all realms of existence the spirits are in a state of development; for instance, the mineral spirit ascends and progresses to the vegetable kingdom, and the vegetable spirit to the animal kingdom, and the animal spirit to the human kingdom. In like manner, the human spirit ascends into the divine worlds and the exalted realms. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric, March 27, 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

“the material and intrinsic development of man are conditional upon amity and love”

‘Abdu’l-Baha spoke these words to a number of Jewish, Zoroastrian, Christian and Muslim Baha’is seated around His table and while serving them all:

"Among the human race, the bonds of and means for love are numerous, for man cannot live without it; nay, rather, human life is dependent upon friendship and affection. Both the material and intrinsic development of man are conditional upon amity and love, and the greatest honor and pleasure in the human world is love; but the ways and means are different. Sometimes the cause of love is simply relationship and kinship; and sometimes it is a racial bond, patriotism, political affairs, etc. But, through all these various bonds and means it is impossible to obtain a real and pure love; it is rather superficial and temporary. Such love may easily be changed into enmity and rancor, for it is affected by the slightest manifestation of hostility; whereas a true and ideal love is faith and assurance. Those who believe in God and are confident in His Word shall enter the Kingdom, and the essential oneness appears among them to such an extent that all become the drops of one ocean, the rays of one sun, the fishes of one sea, the trees of one garden, the birds of one orchard, the candles of one assembly and the stars of the same heaven. Such love is real; there is no interruption for this connection, nor any separation for this union; this foundation shall never be destroyed, for it is eternal; hence it is established that the love which exists among the beloved of God is everlasting, for it is a Divine bounty, a Godly appearance, a melody of the Kingdom and a heavenly cohesion.

The rise of the Sun of Truth from the East and the spread of civilization and education from the West

The Sun of Truth arises in the Orient and shines from the East to the West. Then civilization and education appear in the Occident and spread from West to East; but the Light of the Kingdom shines from East to West. This is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the spring time of heaven, when the heavenly civilization is being bestowed upon the people. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, 22 September 1911; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 12, 16 October, 1911)

The heavenly teachings of [“all the Manifestations of God”] “are composed of two kinds of commandments”

[A visiting] American asked whether the Bahá’í Faith accepted the Bible.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied:

“This Cause acknowledges the truth of all the Books and all the Manifestations of God. The heavenly teachings are composed of two kinds of commandments. One kind is concerned with spiritual verities, with the perfections and virtues of the world of humanity. These commandments never change or alter. Each of the Books and the Prophets was the promulgator of these principles upon which all the religions are based, hence the foundation of all the divine religions is one. The second category of commandments is concerned with material principles and social issues. These are altered according to the exigencies of the age. For example, at the time of Christ the social laws of the Torah were changed.” 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric, March 27, 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

To become “a wayfarer in the realms of the spirit”

An American came to see the Master in the late afternoon and spoke to Him about his travels around the world.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá told him:

“You have traveled in this world; I hope you will now traverse the world of the Kingdom and become a wayfarer in the realms of the spirit.” 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha aboard the Cedric, March 27, 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

Mashriqu’l-Adhkar; Believers aiding and supporting educational, charitable and other philanthropic institutions

Regarding the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, ‘Abdu’l-Baha said:

Its building is the most important of all things. This is the spiritual foundation. For that reason it is the most important of all foundations. From that Spiritual Foundation will come forth all manner of advancement and progress in the world of humanity. Therefore, how great is its importance.

Later on ‘Abdu’l-Baha said:

The believers have many duties to perform. They should associate themselves with and assist all good causes. Aiding and supporting educational, charitable and other philanthropic institutions should form a part of their work. They should serve and unite with all people in humanitarian works. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha reported by Charles Mason Remey when returned from London with a message from ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the friends in the West; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 11, 27 September 1911)

“The Great Light of the Spirit has ever arisen in the East, but it has shed forth its radiance into the West.”

The Great Light of the Spirit has ever arisen in the East, but it has shed forth its radiance into the West. And in the West has it found its greatest force of expansion.

The Christ rose like a star in the horizon of the East, but the Light of His influence has taken root more firmly in the West. This shows us how the people of the West are very faithful in their hearts and they do not easily forget. The West is like a good plant. When the rain falls gently upon it to give it nourishment and the sun shines upon it to give it warmth, then does it blossom forth and bear good fruit.

It is a long time since the Sun of Righteousness has shed its Radiance upon the West, for the Face of God has been hidden by the sin and forgetfulness of man; but now, thanks be to God! the Sun shines forth in all its glory and the breath of the Holy Spirit is watchful over the nations. Let us pray to God that the light and refreshment may awaken the people and give them new life, that they shall find a second life and there shall be a new creation. Humanity shall put on a new garment and the Mercy of God will be showered upon the people. My earnest desire is that you will work for this end, that you may be the cause of it. It is certain that the Flag of Divinity has been raised and the Sun of Righteousness of God appears upon the horizon. Be faithful and loving workers that you may be among the blest of God and receive the benefits of the Kingdom of Abha. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 23, 1911, Paris, France; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 16, 31 December 1911)

"Reality will always be victorious. No one can stand before the onward march of reality.”

[From an interview between a prominent rabbi and ‘Abdu’l-Baha, 1912, USA]

Rabbi: "Your address yesterday was excellent. I have had the pleasure of hearing you upon two other occasions, but your address of yesterday had an extraordinary universality. You have very clearly established the teachings of brotherhood but I am afraid that, although your principles are very lofty they will not be accepted by all the religionists and the workers for peace."

‘Abdu’l-Baha: "Reality will always be victorious. No one can stand before the onward march of reality. The phenomenal is always conquered by the eternal. All the contingent beings are defeated by the will of heaven. One small Arabian boy can lead two thousand camels in the Sahara. One intelligent Hindoo boy can conquer an elephant."

Rabbi: "It is true. In the Bible we have the statement that 'A little child shall lead them.'"

‘Abdu’l-Baha: "Truth will always be victorious; therefore it does not know defeat but the people of reality must exert great effort, and if the people of reality neglect to display this effort that is another matter. The people of reality must demonstrate their willingness in this direction. They must realize that the greatest reality of this age is the oneness of the human world. They must forget traditions and imitations of the past. For instance, if we look upon the Catholic religion we see that they believe that an important part is the transubstantiation; that is, the change of the bread and wine into the body of Christ. If we ponder a little we realize that this is a non-essential. It is imitation and the reverse of reality.

"Again, if we look at the Hindoos we see that they have made images and worship them as deities, and they have eight million such deities in their temples. It is evident that these are superstitions and imaginations. They worship the cow, the stone, the water and the forces of nature—all these are imitations of the past and they have no foundation whatever."

Rabbi: "Do you then regard the transubstantiation as being on the same ground as the worshipping of idols?"

‘Abdu’l-Baha: "All these are imitations. They have no reality. As these are the opposite of realities, therefore they have no foundation. Everything that keeps man away from God, is an idol. Everything which detracts man's attention from God is an idol, no matter what it is." 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha; From an interview by a prominent rabbi, 1912, USA; ‘Star of the West, vol. 3, no. 6, June 24, 1912’)

“the happiness and the greatness of every country depend upon its hearing and becoming obedient to the call of God”

The flag of freedom, the banner of liberty is unfurled; but the prosperity and advancement of every city, the happiness and the greatness of every country depend upon its hearing and becoming obedient to the call of God. The light of reality must shine therein. Divine civilization needs to be founded. The radiance of the kingdom shall be diffused. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha; table talk, Cleveland, Ohio, 6 May 1912; ‘Star of the West, vol. 3, no. 6, June 24, 1912’)

“The American continent… will lead all other nations spiritually”

Truly the American continent has advanced very much and in the future will advance greatly. It will lead all other nations spiritually, for its illumination is far-reaching. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha; table talk, Cleveland, Ohio, 6 May 1912; ‘Star of the West, vol. 3, no. 6, June 24, 1912)

Hope for reward and fear of punishment

In life man should hope for reward and fear punishment. It is necessary that this hope and this fear should be considered by those in authority and those who have important posts in the government. If the officials are not guided by these sentiments, it is to be feared that they will not act as they ought to.

This hope and fear are like pillars that support the altitude of the world. There is no better prevention of tyranny than these two sentiments, hope and fear. In reactionary governments where fear does not exist, the administration is badly managed.

There are both political and spiritual consequences. A man who takes into consideration spiritual consequences is a perfect government official. If a man is guided by religious feeling and by the respect of the law, he will act in a perfect manner.

A minister of government, if he is guided by Divine faith, will always act for the good, above all if he knows that the consequences of his act are without limit. Such a man will detach himself from tyranny and will work for Justice.

If men believed that they will reap the consequences of their actions in the next world, they would never act contrary to Justice. You see then how important it is that a minister of state should be religious. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Discourses given by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London and Paris’; Star of the West, vol. 3, no. 2, April 9, 1912)

“Effort in itself is one of the noblest traits of human character.”

Man must be tireless in his effort. Once his effort is directed in the proper channel if he does not succeed today he will succeed tomorrow. Effort in itself is one of the noblest traits of human character. Devotion to one's calling, effort in its speedy execution, simplicity of spirit and steadfastness through all the ups and downs, these are the hallmarks of success. A person characterized with these attributes will gather the fruits of his labors and will win the happiness of the kingdom. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of Abdul-Baha, from the Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, July 8, 1914; Star of the West, vol. 8, no. 2, April 9, 1917)

“humility and meekness, gentleness and evanescence”

That which is conducive to the progress of souls, is humility and meekness, gentleness and evanescence. Every individual must suppose another to be the possessor of a gift of which he himself is deprived. This will cause everyone to be humble and meek before another. One must not think of becoming leader. If anyone imagines himself the possessor of this or that high quality, and of certain superior powers not possessed by others, this will fill him with pride and haughtiness. But when each one supposes the other to be the possessor of a high gift, and therefore humbles himself before him, by this means all men will become humble before one another and love for leadership will wholly vanish. This then will conduce to the progress of individuals and to the advancement of the Cause of God. But he who entertains the desire to live for leadership will in the end be deprived. He will never succeed to serve the Cause of God. For instance, everyone in Persia praises Haji Mirza Haydar Ali in writing to us. …The reason was that Haji was humble and meek before all. He has been highly successful in the service of the Cause, and all believers love him. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Quoted by Ali Kuli Khan, 'Abdu'l-Baha's English-language secretary during 1899 to 1901; ‘Ali-Kuli Khan 1906 Pilgrim Notes’)