Abdu'l-Bahá
Abdu'l-Bahá: A Life of Servant Leadership
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Mírzá Muhammad ʻAlíy-i-Asghar Khán-i-Núrí was born in Tehran, Iran, on October 23, 1844. He is commonly known as Abdu'l-Bahá, a title that translates to "Servant of the Glory" and reflects his devotion to the Baha'i Faith.
Birth and Death Dates
October 23, 1844 – November 28, 1921
Abdu'l-Bahá's life spanned nearly eight decades, during which he traveled extensively, meeting with world leaders and promoting the teachings of the Baha'i Faith.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Iranian; Spiritual Leader, Philosopher, and Social Reformer
As a member of the Bahá'í community, Abdu'l-Bahá dedicated his life to spreading the message of unity, equality, and justice. He was a master orator and wrote extensively on topics such as spirituality, ethics, and social issues.
Early Life and Background
Abdu'l-Bahá was born into a noble family in Tehran. His early life was marked by tragedy when he lost his father at the age of five. The loss prompted him to seek spiritual guidance from Seyed Ali-Mirza, who introduced him to the teachings of the Báb, the founder of the Baha'i Faith.
Early Exile
In 1852, Abdu'l-Bahá's family was forced into exile due to their association with the Báb. This period of hardship and persecution shaped his perspective on social justice and compassion for others.
Major Accomplishments
Led the development of the Baha'i Faith in the Middle East
Traveled extensively throughout Europe and North America, promoting peace and unity
Founded the first Baha'i community in the United States, in Wilmette, Illinois
Authored numerous books on spirituality, ethics, and social issues
Notable Works or Actions
Abdu'l-Bahá's most notable work is his book "Some Answered Questions," which addresses topics such as the nature of God, the purpose of life, and the role of women in society. He also founded several schools, hospitals, and orphanages in Iran and the United States.
Impact and Legacy
Abdu'l-Bahá's impact on world history is profound. His message of unity and equality resonated with people from all walks of life. Today, the Baha'i community numbers over 5 million worldwide, with a presence in nearly every country.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Abdu'l-Bahá's wisdom and compassion continue to inspire generations. His emphasis on education, social justice, and the empowerment of women has made him a beloved figure around the world.
Quotes by Abdu'l-Bahá
Abdu'l-Bahá's insights on:
If religion becomes a cause of dislike, hatred and division it were better to be without it...
Let’s be wise as the silence, strong as the wind, useful as the light; let’s make of our lips a censer of the virtues.
Man is not intended to see through the eyes of another, hear through another’s ears nor comprehend with another’s brain. Each human creature has individual endowment, power and responsibility in the creative plan of God.
The spirit does not need a body, but the body needs spirit, or it cannot live. The soul can live without a body, but the body without a soul dies.
Every kind of knowledge, every science, is as a tree: if the fruit of it be the love of God, then is it a blessed tree, but if not, that tree is but dried-up wood, and shall only feed the fire.
Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the divers elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the spheres in the celestial realms.
Love gives life to the lifeless. Love lights a flame in the heart that is cold. Love brings hope to the hopeless and gladdens the hearts of the sorrowful. In the world of existence there is indeed no greater power than the power of love.
Love ye all religions and all races with a love that is true and sincere and show that love through deeds...