“it is wrong to judge others. The end of man is not known to us.”

All religions teach that men should love one another and that a man must look to his own faults before he condemns another; that he must not think himself superior to his fellows, for we know not in the end who will be judged best. How many men there have been who began a saintly career and finally fell to the greatest humiliation. Look at Judas Iscariot, how well he began and how sadly he failed in the end.

On the other hand, remember Paul the Apostle. He was an enemy of Christ, but he became the best of His servants. Therefore we must keep in mind that it is wrong to judge others. The end of man is not known to us. How can we think ourselves superior to anyone? We must, therefore, have no prejudices. We must never say: "I am a believer, he is an infidel; I am of the elect, he is an outcast." We can never tell the final judgment. We must not judge, we must give help to those who are not so blessed as we are. We must instruct the ignorant, we must tend the child and bring it to maturity. When we see a man in the depths, we must take him by the hand and lift him to our side. We must think of those who have fallen as our friends, not our enemies. 

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

“There are two classes of causes for illness: (a) Material, and (b) Spiritual.”

All healing is of God. There are two classes of causes for illness: (a) Material, and (b) Spiritual. If the sickness is of the body, a material remedy is needed; if of the soul, then a spiritual remedy. 

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

“Whatever good deeds man performs in this world have originally inculcated by the Prophets and Manifestations of God.”

Whatever good deeds man performs in this world have originally inculcated by the Prophets and Manifestations of God. Were it not for the Prophets' teachings, man would remain ignorant and heedless like unto the brute beasts… Material Philosophers say that they perform good deeds and therefore need no religion: not knowing that the very 'Good Deeds' they claim to perform have originally been taught by Divine Prophets. Hence true excellence consists in acknowledging the Manifestations of God and living up to their teachings. 

- '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’)

'Abdu'l-Baha's explanation of a verse in Bible: “To him that hath shall be given, and from him that hath not shall be taken away even that he hath.”

On Wednesday, June 13. 1906, while at luncheon, my wife asked 'Abdu'l-Baha concerning the interpretation of the following verse of the Gospel: "To him that hath shall be given, and from him that hath not shall be taken away even that he hath.” [Mt 13:12. 25:29; Mk 4:25; Lk 8:18. 19:26]

In answer 'Abdu'l-Baha said in part:

"This is the exposition of one of the great questions of Divine Wisdom which Christ has couched in this brief and simple utterance. The great question is this: In the world of existence, pause (or discontinuation of progress) marks the beginning of fall and decadence. For instance, as long as the bird soars or moves upward in the air. it is in progress. But no sooner it pauses than it begins to descend. Or, as long as a merchant lives on the interest or income produced by his capital his business is successful and in progress. But no sooner he begins to consume his capital than the beginning of his decadence is reached and he inclines toward bankruptcy. Hence it is customary amongst men of trade and business to say of one who draws on his capital for self-sustenance. 'It is all over with him.' Now by the word of Christ. To him that hath shall be given,' is meant briefly: To him that hath the capital of Truth and Faith shell be given an increase of such when he employs this capital by living up to the requirements of Faith, and by communicating them to others in word and deed. Thus he who is endowed with any degree of capacity and ability must constantly exert himself in order to increase them, or he will see the beginning of failure and decadence. For this pause is like unto consuming ones capital, or allowing his capacity to decrease and thus fulfilling in himself the verdict. 'And from him that hath not shall be taken away even that he hath."'

- '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 Power of the Holy Spirit and the Prophets of God

In the teachings of Baha’u’llah it is written: "Whatever progress is made by man, he always needs the Power of the Holy Spirit, for the power of man is limited and the Divine Power is without limit."

In history we have seen that all truly great men who have helped on the progress of humanity have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. Often these men were, at first, insignificant.

The Prophets of God have not all come out of learned schools of philosophy, they were mostly men of simple origin, lacking the knowledge of reading and writing. The power by which they were raised above men, and by which they became teachers of the Truth, was the Power of the Holy Spirit. Their influence on humanity, by virtue of this power, was great and penetrating.

Now look at the philosophers in comparison, men of great learning and abnormal intellect: Plato, Aristotle, Pliny and Socrates—their influence on the world of humanity was limited and restrained. Plato with all his wonderful knowledge and philosophy never moved a man to the extent that he would sacrifice his life for the teaching, while simple men filled with the Holy Spirit influenced humanity to such an extent that thousands would die to uphold their teaching.

Wealth: its pitfalls and challenges; how it should be viewed from a spiritual point of view

Wealth becomes the cause of heedlessmess to many souls with the exception of those who are believers in God and read the verses of God. For this reason his holiness Christ hath said: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." But blessed is the rich man whose wealth and opulence do not prevent him from turning his face toward God and whose heart is not attached to his possessions. Such a rich man is the light of the world.

Today Baron Rothschild came to Haifa. He is one of the wealthiest men of Europe. He is much interested in the Jewish colonization of Palestine and is devoting much of his time and attention to this problem. Now he has gone to Tiberias. He is busy all the time. He could not stay longer than one hour.

All the people are toiling and laboring to attain to the station of a rich man. Life to many rich men is nothing but a heavy burden. They are "wood carriers." Instead of a blessing wealth becomes a great calamity to them. The supervision of their colossal fortunes and their proper financial administration becomes the sole object of their lives. Day and night, asleep and awake, they think and work to make their piles larger and that of others smaller till finally they become more money machines devoid of any other feeling or of higher emotions, wild-eyed, always hungering for more. Greed and selfishness become the dominant influences of their lives. Grab, grab, grab; right and left they grab at everything. In the mad rush and struggle for more lucre, for more worldly goods they walk over the bodies of the toilers and the children. They become the embodiment of heartlessness and cruelty. Pride and haughtiness lord it over them and they become mere tools in the hands of sordid, fiendish passion. . . . Wealth has a tempting and drawing quality. It bewilders the sight of its charmed victims with showy appearances and draws them on and on to the edge of yawning chasms. It makes a person self-centered, self-occupied, forgetful of God and of holy things.

“Waste of time is not acceptable in the Cause of God.”

Question: "Does the Bahai prohibition of gambling and lotteries forbid games of every description?"

‘Abdu’l-Baha answered: "No, some games are innocent, and if pursued for pastime there is no harm. But there is danger that pastime may degenerate into waste of time. Waste of time is not acceptable in the Cause of God. But recreation which may improve the bodily powers, as exercise, is desirable." 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of Abdul-Baha: 'A Heavenly Vista'; Star of the West, vol. 8, no. 2, April 9, 1917)

What is an “idol”?

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’)

“Moses…achieved a work which no one else could do.”

Let us study the condition of the Jews for a moment. When they were in Egypt they were captives; they were poor; they were prisoners in the hand of Pharaoh; they were ignored; they were a dependent people, they were surrounded by all kinds of troubles and vicissitudes; the people looked down upon them; they were considered as outcasts.

Then Moses came. He gathered them together; inspired them with the power of unity; imparted to them new life; taught them the laws of God encouraging them in the morals and virtues of humanity; delivered them from the hand of Pharoah; freed them from the bondage of captivity; educated them, trained them and carried them away from the land of darkness into the holy of holies of light. Their power was increased; their majesty became refulgent; their fame was spread throughout the world, until they were enabled to found the Solomonic sovereignty. In philosophy and art they attained such heights that the philosophers of Greece and Rome travelled long distances to learn from them.

Now is it possible to say that to revere and respect these souls is equivalent to the worshipping of idols? We must respect Moses because he achieved a work which no one else could do. It is an evident fact that His Holiness Moses was a channel between God and man. No further proof is required for this. I do not attempt to prove the validity of Moses by pointing to his turning the rod into a serpent; instead I give evident proofs. 

- ‘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 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)