‘Abdu’l-Bahá Centenary Update 2
17 July 2021
7 Kalimát 178 B.E.
The Universal House of Justice has described the One Year Plan as a “year for profound reflection on the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the strength of the Covenant of which He was the Centre…” Here is another selection of news and resources to inspire and assist the friends in their ‘profound reflection’ and acts of service in His honour.
Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Reliance on God
In preparation for the Centenary of the Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, children around the United Kingdom are sharing stories about His life and character as the Perfect Exemplar. The first story was filmed at Titanic Belfast, on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the RMS Titanic was built. The video is available, here >. You are encouraged to share these videos with friends and neighbours, on social media and use them in gatherings, children’s classes, junior youth groups and in other settings.
Reports are beginning to come in of teaching and service activities the friends are undertaking to honour the Master in this special year:
Spiritual conversations in Scotland
On 4 July, more than 120 friends from Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland joined together in a teaching conference, studying Unit 2 of Ruhi Book 2 which helps in developing the capacity to introduce spiritual principles into a conversation. In the afternoon, all took steps in their localities – through home visits, walks, reaching out to new friends as well as praying for others in their own efforts. The spirit in the evening reflection was vibrant and inspirational. It gave hope that small steps can bring confirmations and that collective action can be tremendously powerful.
- Friends in Glasgow visited a mother and her child to share quotations on marriage and family life. Several children from the neighbourhood found out they were visiting and joined them.
- In Moniaive, there was a garden meet up with a family that have previously been involved with community building efforts in the locality. “It was wonderful to reconnect and to share conversations about education and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” they reported.
- In Glen Kindie, a believer in their late 70s went for a walk up a steep mountain, talking about the spiritual education of children with a friend who was a junior school teacher.
- In Dundee, there was a Family Festival in a neighbourhood park. All ages were attracted to the art activity, and opportunities arose to converse with parents, junior youth and children.
- In Fyvie, visits were made to some friends and a quote, which had been made into a nice bookmark, was shared with them. “The conversations were very relaxed and informal,” they reported, “and we spent quite some time talking about the progress of the soul, how we can be of service to our family and community, and the need for selfless motives.”
Contributions to the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Since the construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was first announced in the Universal House of Justice’s Riḍván message of 2019, contributions towards its construction made by individuals in the UK through the National Fund have totaled £2,841,187. Additional donations have been sent from the National Fund on behalf of the UK community of £200,000. This, along with gift aid, all adds up to contributions of £3,320,498. The National Assembly has committed itself to donating £100,000 each year for the next two years.
Books to aid ‘profound reflection’
A wide range of books covering the life of the Master is available for every age of reader. Check the Bahá’í Books UK website for books about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His Writings and Talks, or order some titles directly from George Ronald Publisher.
New Web resources
In 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ traveled throughout North America, presenting a new vision of human nature and social unity. The 239 Days in America website reconstructs His journey moment by moment.
Support and resources for centenary activities
The National Spiritual Assembly has shared an initial list of resources that are available, or are being produced, to assist the friends in their commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in this special year. These include two films forthcoming from the Bahá’í World Centre, Teaching Conferences, the study of institute courses and special literature.