Kitsap County, across the continent, and around the world,
are commemorating the 100th anniversary of
the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on November 27, 2021.
26 July 1912
Who is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was the son of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’i Faith, and is designated as the Perfect Exemplar of the Bahá’í Faith’s spirit and teachings, a role that is unique in religious history. A champion of social justice and an ambassador for international peace, He devoted His life to furthering His Father’s cause and to promoting its ideals.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá was highly respected throughout the world and during his lifetime was loved by leaders of all faiths from many countries. More than 10,000 people attended his funeral and people of diverse backgrounds and nationalities eulogized his life of sacrifice and service.
Before Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, died in 1892, He designated His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to become the interpreter of His teachings and leader of the Faith. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life of service and dedication to His Father’s teachings of loving kindness and unity, is an inspiration to the millions of people worldwide who are honoring Him now, 100 years after His death.
Who is Bahá’u’lláh? Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892), “The Glory of God,” is considered by millions around the world as the Divine Educator for this age. His coming was foretold by all of the world’s religions. In His writings, Bahá’u’lláh outlines a framework for the development of a unified society which takes into account both the spiritual and material dimensions of human life. His teachings, centered around the recognition of the oneness of humanity, offer a compelling vision of a future world united in justice, peace, and prosperity.
What did Bahá’u’lláh teach?
One God Called by different names throughout the ages, the eternal God, the Creator of the universe, is limitless, all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving. God is one. The reality of God is beyond human understanding, though we may find expressions of God’s attributes in every created thing. “The peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God.” ~Bahá’u’lláh
One Human Family Beyond all differences of culture, class, or ethnicity, regardless of differences in customs, opinions or temperaments, every individual is a member of one gloriously diverse human family. Each unique soul has a role to play in carrying forward an ever-advancing material and spiritual civilization. “Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship…” ~Bahá’u’lláh
One Unfolding Religion Humanity’s spiritual, intellectual, and moral capacities have been cultivated by the successive Founders of the world’s religions–the Manifestations of God—among them Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, and most recently, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Each religion originates from God and is suited to the age and place in which it is revealed. In essence, the religion of God is one and is progressively unfolding. “This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future.” ~Bahá’u’lláh
A Movement of Personal and Social Transformation The international Bahá’í community, numbering in the millions, is quite possibly the most diverse organized body of people on the planet. United by their belief in Bahá’u’lláh, and inspired by His teachings, members strive to live out the twofold moral purpose of transforming their own characters while simultaneously contributing to the advancement of society. Bahá’u’lláh taught that religion is a cohesive force in society and a system of knowledge that has, together with science, propelled the advancement of civilizations.
The Bahá’i communities of
Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, North Kitsap, Port Madison,
Port Orchard, and South Kitsap…
…host “fireside” talks, devotionals, and films
about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá‘u‘lláh, and the Bahá’i Faith.
For more information, contact the Kitsap Bahá’is at 360-362-5499
or use the “Contact Us” form.
More information is available at www.bahai.us and www.bahai.org.
