Re: questions

Kimberley LeClair (leclak@nbnet.nb.ca)
Mon, Apr 10 1995 09:58:52 GMT

On 7 Apr 1995 09:50:43 -0400, bahai-faith@oneworld.wa.com writes:
>
>Hello Everyone,
>
>I have been interested in the Bahai Faith for about one year and
>have just started to read this group. I hope someone can answer a few
>questions for me. As a Christian I have always been told that Christ is
>forever. How does the Bahai Faith deal with this issue?
>
>If Bahaullah is the "return" where are the signs mentioned in the Bible?

>From what I see posted, I thing the above question has been answered.

>Recently a friend has been telling me about Abdulbaha. I'm not sure I
>understand his station as the perfect example of Bahai ideals in human
>form. Can someone explain this? I have a hard time thinking someone can be
>perfect.
>
>"RJ"

I will do my best to answer the above question about 'Abdu'l-Baha, once again
using my trusty "A Basic Baha'i Dictionary">.

'ABDU'L'BAHA: Eldest surviving son of Baha'u'llah and His designated
successor. Named Abbas after his grandfather, 'Abdu'l-Baha was known as
'Abbas Effendi outside the Baha'i community. Baha'u'llah also gave Him the
tiles Ghusn-iA'zam (the Most Great Branch), Sirru'llah (Mystery of God) and
Aqua (the Master). He chose the name 'Abdu'l-Bah (Servant of Baha) for
Himself after the passing of Baha'u'llah.
'Abdu'l-Baha was born in Tihran, Iran, on 23 May 1844. While still a
child, He recognized His Father's station even before it had been openly
revealed. He shared Baha'u'lllah's banishment and exile and often served as
His Father's deputy when dealing with officials and the public. Baha'u'llah
described the station of 'Abdu'l-Baha in the Suriy-iGhusn (Tablet of the
Branch). In the Kitab-i-Ahadi (Book of the Covenant), He named 'Abdu'l-Baha
as His successor and the authorized Interpreter of His Writings.
'[T]hough essentially human and holding a station radically and
fundamentally different from that occupied by Baha'u'llah and His Forerunner,
'Shoghi Effendi has explained, 'Abdu'l-Baha was 'the perfect Exemplar of His
Faith . . . endowed with superhuman knowledge, and to be regarded as the
stainless mirror reflecting His light.'[2] While not regarding 'Abdu'l-Baha
as a prophet, Baha'is show special respect to His unique station by
capitalizing pronouns referring to Him.

(p. 2, The Basic Baha'i Dictionary)

To understand 'Abdu'l-Baha's station: God is like the sun, a brillant light.
His light through the Holy spirit is reflected to the Manifestation(the
perfect mirror) In turn the light of the manifestation is reflected to
humanity. Our mirrors are somewhat dusty and we must work to polish off the
dust. 'Abdu'l-Baha is an example for Baha'is to follow. The Manifestation is
perfect; how can we be as perfect as a Manifestation of God? We cannot; how
merciful is God to give us an example such as 'Abdu'l Baha, God's Mystery!
(my understanding of 'Abdu'l-Baha)
The best way to understand the station of 'Abdu'l-Baha and know him(if we are
to follow his example, we should know him) is to read about him and what he
has written. Personally I really love the Paris Talks, 'Abdu'l-Baha in London
and The Promulgation of Universal Peace.

Take care, I hope this is of help

Kim LeClair