The Day of the Covenant and the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
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To all believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved Friends,
In the Bahá’í month of Qawl – meaning ‘speech’ – the Bahá’í World commemorates two Holy Days associated with the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Monday 26 November is the Day of the Covenant, offering an opportunity to reflect upon the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s unique station as the Centre of that Covenant, authorised interpreter of Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings and perfect exemplar of His Teachings. Bahá’u’lláh writes of His wondrous son:
We have made thee a shelter for all mankind, a shield unto all who are in heaven and on earth, a stronghold for whosoever hath believed in God, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing. God grant that through Thee He may protect them, may enrich and sustain them, that He may inspire Thee with that which shall be a wellspring of wealth unto all created things, an ocean of bounty unto all men, and the dayspring of mercy unto all peoples.” (Cited by Shoghi Effendi in The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh)
The anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will be commemorated this year on Wednesday 28 November at 1 a.m. On this day in 1921, the Master left behind this earthly realm and winged His flight to the Abhá Kingdom. As we reflect upon the distinguishing aspects of His life, let us be inspired by his words:
No name, no title, no mention, no commendation hath he nor will ever have except ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This is my longing. This is my supreme apex. This is my greatest yearning. This is my eternal life. This is my everlasting glory! Express ye the same thing which is issued from my pen. This is the duty of all. Consequently the friends of God must assist and help ‘Abdul-Bahá in the adoration of the True One; in the servitude to the human race; in the well-being of the human world and in divine love and kindness. (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 430)
While there is no obligation to abstain from work on these Holy Days, you are encouraged to gather together to mark these days. Through prayer and reflection on these special occasions it is hoped that all can draw fresh understanding and inspiration from the power of the Covenant and the remarkable life and achievements of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Centre and protector of His Father’s Covenant.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Patrick O’Mara
Secretary
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