The Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha - 33 Resources to Commemorate this Baha'i Holy Day
Updated: May 2, 2022
A growing list of resources and articles on Uplifting Words to help you prepare for this once in a lifetime Baha'i Holy Day commemoration - the Centenary of the Ascention of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
A devotional program to be used for the commemoration of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha Baha'i Holy Day. READ MORE >
In retrospect, it became clear that from the start Baha'u'llah had carefully prepared `Abdu'l-Baha to succeed Him. He was born on May 23, 1844, the very night of the Bab's declaration. As a child, He suffered along with His Father during the first round of persecutions against the Babis. READ MORE
The question of religious succession after a Messenger passes away has been crucial to all faiths.
Failure to resolve this issue has inevitably led to conflict and the division of a faith into sects. The ambiguity surrounding the leadership of Christianity and Islam after the passing of Christ and Muhammad, for example, created rifts within both faiths that have proven impossible to resolve and resulted in deep discord. READ MORE >
The unique station assigned to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by the Blessed Perfection is indicated in the following passage written by the latter:
“When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces towards Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.” - Baha'u'llah
The unique position of `Abdu'l-Bahá in both the Bahá'í Faith and in religious history are indicated in various works of Bahá'u'lláh. READ MORE >
The distinguished orientalist, the late Professor Edward G. Browne, of the University of Cambridge, visited `Abdu'l-Baha in the year 1890, and recorded his impressions. READ >
On the evening of 22 May 1844, a significant moment in human history occurred. In the city of Shiraz, Iran, the Báb declared the beginning of a new religious cycle for the world. READ MORE >
Story of how 'Abdu'l-Baha met His life-long companion and wife, Munirih Khanum. READ MORE >
Before His wedding day, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made the necessary arrangements for the few guests. His mother and sister made a delicate bridal dress of white batiste. A white head-dress adorned Munirih Khánum’s hair, worn, as usual, in two braids. READ MORE >
Shoghi Effendi recounts the struggles 'Abdu'l-Baha was forced to overcome during this tumultuous time in Baha'i history. READ MORE >
What is now known as the House of `Abbud in `Akka is in two parts: the eastern part, which was the house of `Udi Khammar and the western part, which was the house of `Abbud himself. READ MORE >
Barely five years after the passing of Bahá`u'lláh it became apparent that the portion of the House of `Abbud available for occupation was in adequate for His enlarged family. READ MORE >
Beautiful story and video of 'Abdu'l-Baha teaching the importance of moderation. READ AND WATCH >
During World War I when a blockade threatened the lives of many civilians in Haifa, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá saved them from starvation. ‘He personally organized extensive agricultural operations near Tiberias, thus securing a great supply of wheat’. READ MORE >
Story of 'Abdu'l-Baha's patience in pursuit of justice. READ MORE >
In 1908, as a result of the Young Turks Revolution, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who was then living in the penal colony of Akká, was freed. Several years later, at the age of 64, with little command of the English language and no formal education, he embarked on an extraordinary and arduous journey lasting three years through Egypt, Europe and North America – including Canada – to proclaim and elucidate His Father’s teachings. READ MORE >
After a period of rest, 'Abdu'l-Bahá decided to travel to the West to spread the message of Bahá'u'lláh. The Western Bahá'ís had been pleading with the Master to visit America. READ >
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who was eager to complete the construction of the Shrine of the Báb, felt He should personally supervise the erection of the building to expedite the work. READ MORE >
We have now come to realize that the Master, (i.e., ‘Abdu’l-Baha) knew the day and hour when, His mission on earth being finished, He would return to the shelter of heaven. He was, however, careful that His family should not have any premonition of the coming sorrow. It seemed as though their eyes were veiled by Him, with His ever-loving consideration for His dear ones, that they should not see the significance of certain dreams and other signs of the culminating event. This they now realize was His thought for them, in order that their strength be preserved to face the great ordeal when it should arrive, that they should not be devitalized by anguish of mind in its anticipation. READ MORE >
Early on Monday morning November 28th the news of this sudden calamity had spread over the city, causing an unprecedented stir and tumult, and filling all hearts with unutterable grief. READ MORE >
The news of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing on November 28, 1921, inspired an unprecedented event of unity among the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Druze communities of Haifa. READ >
The Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, like the Day of the Covenant (November 26), is a Baha'i holy day honoring ‘Abdu’l-Baha ́(1844–1921), who succeeded Baha'u’llah (1819–1892), prophet founder of the Baha'i Faith, and led the Baha'i community from 1892 to 1921. READ MORE >
In the 78th year of His age, in the early hours of the 28th of November, 1921, `Abdu'l-Baha, the appointed Head of the Baha'i Faith, passed away in His home in Haifa. His remains were laid to rest in the northern room of the Shrine of the Bab. READ MORE >
When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was in New York, He called to him an ardent Bahá’í and said “If you will come to Me at dawn tomorrow, I will teach you to pray.” READ MORE >
Quote by 'Abdu'l-Bahá on Love. READ MORE >
According to the words of the Old Testament God has said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." READ MORE >
Collection of news articles of the building of this Baha'i Holy Place. READ MORE >
Thanks to the magic of Google Maps, a map of the location of the site of the Shrine of `Abdu'l-Baha has been produced. READ MORE >
Is there a Shrine to 'Abdu'l-Baha in North America? READ MORE >
Browse through a growing collection of historical photos of 'Abdu'l-Baha. BROWSE >
On August 16, 1911, 'Abdu'l-Bahá set foot in Europe for the first time. The movie portrays key events of His first days in Europe, threading in His footsteps through places he visited. WATCH >
A beautiful collection of Baha'i holy writings and prayers by 'Abud'l-Baha, Mystery of God, put to music and shared through these videos. WATCH >
Luminous Journey: ‘ Abdul-Bahá in America, 1912 is a two and a half-hour documentary film shot in High Definition. Targeted for general audiences, this documentary brings to light a little-known chapter of American history destined to change the consciousness of a nation-and the world. WATCH >
