“The only difference existing between men in God's sight is in the degree of service.”

In the eyes of God all races, tribes, sects and classes are equal. He sees no difference in them. The only difference existing between men in God's sight is in the degree of service. The lovers of humanity, these are the superior beings, of whatever race, creed or color. There are some who shine as lamps and there are others who rise like stars in the sky of humanity. In short, the only difference existing between men is this, there are earthly men and heavenly men. God does not ask if a man comes from the East or West, from the North or South. 

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

“God has created all creatures in couples.”

God has created all creatures in couples. In the vegetable, animal and human kingdom, all are of two sexes, and there is absolute equality between them. In the vegetable world there are male plants and female plants. Both have equal rights, there is no difference between them. Each possess an equal share of the beauty of their species. In the animal world all are male or female. Each have equal rights and there is no difference between them, they each share the advantages of their kind. In all these realms of nature the sexes have equal rights; but when we come to the world of humanity we see a difference. This difference is caused by education. 

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

“the most brilliant jewel in the diadem which crowns man's heavenly attributes”

Trustworthiness is the most brilliant jewel in the diadem which crowns man's heavenly attributes. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of Abdul-Baha, from the Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, December 9, 1912; Star of the West, vol. 8, no. 2, April 9, 1917)

“Man's speech is the revealer of his heart.”

Man's speech is the revealer of his heart. In whatever world the heart travels, man's conversation will revolve around that center. From his words you can understand in what world he is traveling, whether he is looking upward toward the realm of light or downward to the nether world, whether he is mindful or unaware, whether he is awake or asleep, whether he is alive or dead. For this reason his holiness Ali says: "Man is hidden behind his tongue. Out of the abundance of his heart does man speak."

There are persons with whom you associate and converse whose utterances are life-imparting, joy-giving. The withered and faded are refreshed, the joyless become happy, the extinct become enkindled and the lifeless are quickened with the breaths of the Holy Spirit. The one drowned in the sea of hesitation and doubt is saved by the life-boat of certainty and assurance; the one attached to this material world becomes severed and the one steeped in blameworthy deeds is adorned with praiseworthy attributes. On the other hand there are some persons whose very respiration extinguishes the light of faith; whose conversation weakens firmness and steadfastness in the Cause of God; whose company diverts one's attention from the kingdom of Abha.

“Take an interest in everyone and find out how you can help them, so that all may see that your love is truly universal.”

I wish you to study the works of the Blessed Beauty and to live according to His teaching. The basis of the teaching of Baha’u’llah is as follows: Bear in your heart great love to all races on earth, to the end that unity may be established between them. Take an interest in everyone and find out how you can help them, so that all may see that your love is truly universal. Do the Will of God, do not only speak about it; the elect of God do this. People do much speaking to advance their own glory and to make themselves appear superior to their neighbors. But if you do the Will of God and do not blazon it abroad, then you will change the whole world. They who do most speak least.

Man must ever be thinking of drawing nearer to God… 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 17, 1911, Paris, France; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 16, 31 December 1911) 

“waves of the mind”

While looking from the window ‘Abdu’l-Baha said: 

"We hear the murmur of the sea always continuing. It never ceases. Were it to cease the world would be dead, stagnant, lifeless. But the waves of the mind of man are far greater than those of the sea. They also are ceaseless. They never stop for one instant. This movement is good. If these waves of the mind are few the man is dull and quiet. What pearls and jewels are contained in the depths of the sea! But the pearls and jewels hidden in the mind of man are the knowledge, virtues, capabilities, etc. These pearls can grow and increase in luster forever but the pearls of the sea remain always the same. These waves from our minds go forth and create movement and thought in other minds. From one strong thought of love what great results may be produced." 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of Abdul-Baha; from notes of Miss Rosenberg, London, England; taken at Acca, January, 1909; Star of the West, vol. 8, no. 2, April 9, 1917)

“The holy, divine Manifestations are all heavenly artists.”

To an artist, 'Abdu'l-Baha said:

"Can you paint upon the page of the world the ideal pictures of the Supreme Concourse? The pictures which are in the ideal world are eternal. I desire you to become such an artist. Man can paint those ideal pictures upon the tablet of existence with the brush of deeds.

"The holy, divine Manifestations are all heavenly artists. Upon the canvas of creation, with the brush of their deeds and lives and actions they paint immortal pictures which cannot be found in any art museum of Europe or America. But you find the masterpieces of these spiritual artists in the hearts." 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of Abdul-Baha; Star of the West, vol. 5, no. 10)

Man’s intelligence and reliance on God

God has endowed man with intelligence so that he may use his intelligence. Therefore he must supply himself with all that science can offer. He must be most deliberate and most careful. He must ever be thorough in his undertakings. He must build a thing well. Build the best ship that his ingenuity can lead him to and employ the most skilled captain, but with all that, let him rely upon God. Let him consider God as the one keeper. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of Abdul-Baha; Star of the West; Vol. 3, No. 3, p. 16)

‘Abdu’l-Baha had predicted world war

One of those present inquired about the possibility of a world war. In response, the Master said:

“In America, I stated that the Balkan War' was the beginning of the world war to which you refer.” 

At that moment I [Mahmud Zarqani] recalled that, when we were in America, Mirza Ahmad Sohrab told me that the Master had previously made this same remark when asked about the prospect of a world war.

(Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha en route to Liverpool, on board the Celtic, 13 December 1912; recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’, vol. 2: ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Europe 1912-1913)

The two kinds of material affairs

Material affairs are of two kinds. The first kind are those concerns which have no direct relation to life. They contribute toward luxury, effeminacy, indolence. Indulgence in these things makes one negligent of God and stifles all traces of spirituality. The other kind are those affairs which contribute toward the maintenance of livelihood, adding to the comfort, happiness and progress of the human family. Spiritual powers come always to the assistance of such affairs, —they increase the moral insight and responsibility of man and add to his awareness and mindfulness. 

-' Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of Abdu’l-Baha; from the Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, May 14, 1914; Star of the West, vol. 8, no. 2, April 9, 1917)

“Let those who meet you know without your saying so that you are a Baha’i.”

Let those who meet you know without your saying so that you are a Baha’i. You must manifest the most sincere love for all. Your hearts must burn with love for all. Let the people see that you are filled with universal love. If you meet a Persian, talk with him without ceremony, ask where he lives and try to help him. Likewise speak to all strangers who seem lonely and give them your willing service. Be loving to them, Turks, Arabs, Indians, Chinese, Americans, Japanese—all. If they are poor, help them with money; if they are sad, comfort them; if they are distraught, quiet them; till all the world shall see that you have in truth the universal love. It is all very well for you to say that you agree with all this, that it is good—but you must put it into practice. 

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

“Be kind to all strangers. Those who come from all parts of the world, make them feel at home.”

Be kind to all strangers. Those who come from all parts of the world, make them feel at home. Speak to those from Turkey, Japan, Persia, China, all countries, find out where they live, ask if you can be of service to them. The English are so polite and conventional that to Easterners they often seem cold. You must forget conventionality when you speak with them, they are not accustomed to these ways.

When you see a foreigner...you think you must be careful. Don't think of yourself…go out of your way to be kind to them—it will help them to become better. 

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

“London should be a place for a great proclamation of the Message”

Heaven has blessed this day. It was said that London should be a place for a great proclamation of the Message. I was tired when I boarded the steamer, but when I reached London and beheld the faces of the believers, my fatigue left me. Your great love refreshes me. I am very pleased with the English believers. 

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

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s comments about Greek Philosopher Galien(Galen) and his views about religion

Galien, a Greek Philosopher who died at the time when the Christian Religion was in its growth—and was not himself a Christian—wrote many books about material civilization and development. He states as his belief that Religion is the basis of all true civilization, that is to say that not only must the brain and gifts of a nation be educated, but also the moral character. The Christians, he points out, are an example to show the truth of this theory, for theirs was the basis upon which the largest and most prosperous civilization of the world had been founded and their morals were very high. They were taught not to fear death, and to love their neighbors as themselves and live only for the good of humanity, and only to think of doing good to mankind. If these principles had been carefully carried out by the followers of Jesus Christ, then there would be no need for the world to be reawakened. But winter fell upon the hearts of men, and God sent His prophets to shine upon them with the Spring of the Sun of righteousness that they may be again awakened and blossom forth and bear fruit. Because mankind has shut its ears to the Voice of God and has neglected His teachings, wars and tumults, unrest and misery have fallen upon them. Let us make every effort to reopen the hearts of men to the Will of God. I pray God to give you power to bring humanity beneath the rays of the Sun of Truth and Peace. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 20, 1911, Paris, France; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 16, 31 December 1911)

Condition of the soul before entering the body

Question: In what condition is the soul before entering the body?

Answer: In a state of potentiality, possessing no consciousness as we understand it. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 18, 1911, Paris, France; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 16, 31 December 1911)

Aims and ambitions of Bahá'ís

• Pity and good-will towards all mankind.
• The rendering of service to humanity.
• To guide and enlighten hearts.
• Each member must try to be kind to everyone and to show forth great affection towards every living soul.
• Humility towards God and constant prayer to Him so as to be enabled to grow daily "Nearer God".
• Always in every word and action to be faithful and sincere, so that each member may be known to the world as embodying the qualities of Sincerity, Faith, Kindness, Love, Generosity and Bravery.  That we may be detached from all that is not God, attracted by the Heavenly Breath, divine beings - so that the world may know that a Bahá'í is a perfect being.

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Words of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Paris, 6 November 1911; Discourses given by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London and Paris’; Star of the West, vol. 2, no. 19, March 2, 1912)