Category: Abdu’l-Baha

The Two Kinds of Fast According to ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá

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There are two kinds of fast: material and spiritual. The material fast consists in abstaining from food and drink, that is, refraining from satisfying the physical appetites. But the true and spiritual fast is for man to forsake covetous desires, heedlessness, and evil and animalistic attributes. The material fast is therefore a symbol of that spiritual fast. It is like saying: “O Divine Providence! As I am abstaining from bodily desires and from all occupation with food and drink, even so purify and sanctify my heart from the love of anyone save Thyself, and shield and protect my soul from corrupt inclinations and satanic qualities, that my spirit may commune with the breaths of holiness and fast from the mention of all else besides Thee.”

‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, Twelve Table Talks Given by ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá in ‘Akká.

2021: Centenary Anniversary of the Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

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This year in late November 2021, humanity will mark the centenary anniversary of the Passing of the ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the Center of the Covenant of Baha’u’llah. It was 100 years ago on November 28, 1921 that in His home in Haifa the Master left this mortal world and that His blessed remains were laid to rest on the slopes of Mount Carmel, within the Shrine of the Beloved Bab. ‘Abdu’l-Baha was unique in the annals of religious history, He was the Master, the Mystery of God, the exemplary advocate for universal peace, the perfect Example of how to live our life.

His presence among the habitants of Haifa and Akka was so transformative, his contributions to the welfare of people was so valuable, His love and attention to the well-being of all was so remarkable that over ten thousand mourners from diverse religious and ethnic communities – Arabs, Jews, Christians, Druzes, Turks, Persians, Armenians, and Americans attended his funeral. Haifa had never seen such an outpouring of love and affection toward anyone.

At His Passing and as bidden by ‘Abdu’l-Baha Himself, the Baha’i world turned to Shoghi Effendi for guidance and authority. Shoghi Effendi was appointed by the Master to be the Guardian of the Faith.