Connected for Life

Connected for Life

Do you find yourself pulling away from others, especially if you've experienced a crisis or deep disappointment?  Maybe the most difficult thing we can do is to be with people when we don't feel like being around anybody.  We need other people and we'll never thrive as human beings in isolation.

One woman likes to say, "Laugh and the world laughs with you.  Cry and you cry with your girlfriends."  The presumption is that men are not empathetic, and there is probably some truth there.

But I meet with a small group of men that challenge that assertion.  We meet for one reason only - to support each other in our life journeys.  We ask embarrassing questions like, "How is it with your soul?"  And, "How are you REALLY doing?"  We try to answer honestly and to share what is good in our lives, but also relate what is not going well.  Where possible, we try to admit our failings in a situation as well as what we think we may be doing right.  We use each other for a reality check, for support and, of course, for friendship.

It's the only group in my life where I can be totally honest and know that they will accept me anyway.  We meet only to listen to each other, support one another and, if need be, to occasionally challenge one another.  The point is - we need each other.

A man who lost his wife to cancer found himself wanting to be alone.  In time he dropped out of his worshiping community and curtailed all of the activities he and his wife had shared for so many years.  He increasingly kept to himself.  He quit socializing at work and returned straight home to an empty house.  He turned down invitations from friends and co-workers.  His leisure time was now spent watching television or working in his shop in the basement.

His contact with people dwindled until friends became alarmed that he might live out his life as a recluse.  One came by to visit and to invite him over for supper the next evening.  The two old friends sat in comfortable chairs by a warm fireplace.  The visitor extended the dinner invitation and encouraged him to come.  "You may need to allow others to share your pain."

The man responded that he figured he was better off without being around other people.  After all, others only seemed to remind him of all he had lost.  "And besides," he said, "it's just too difficult to get out anymore."

They sat in silence for a while, watching the wood burn in the fireplace.  Then the visitor did an unusual thing.  He took tongs from a rack by the fireplace, reached into the fire, pulled out a flaming ember and laid it down by itself on the hearth.  "That's you," he said.

The men sat in silence watching the red-hot ember.  It slowly lost its glow.  Neither man looked away as the once-hot coal gradually transformed into a crusty, black lump.  After some moments, the widower turned to his companion and said, "I get the message, my friend.  I'll be over tomorrow evening."

We cannot survive in any healthy way by ourselves.  The leaf needs the branch.  The branch needs the trunk.  The trunk needs the roots. And the roots need the rest of the tree. We are connected.  And in that connection we find life and vitality.

                           ~ Steve Goodier

The Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

On 28th November, at 1 am, Baha’is around the world commemorate the moment that ‘Abdu’l-Baha passed away in 1921. It was a fairly unexpected event, though ‘Abdu’l-Baha had made some comments in the preceding month to the affect that He had completed His work and was ready leave this life. ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s last hours on Earth are described in God Passes By as follows:

“Till the very last day of His earthly life ‘Abdu’l-Bahá continued to shower that same love upon high and low alike, to extend that same assistance to the poor and the down-trodden, and to carry out those same duties in the service of His Father’s Faith, as had been His wont from the days of His boyhood. On the Friday before His passing, despite great fatigue, He attended the noonday prayer at the mosque, and distributed afterwards alms, as was His custom, among the poor; dictated some Tablets — the last ones He revealed — ; blessed the marriage of a trusted servant, which He had insisted should take place that day; attended the usual meeting of the friends in His home; felt feverish the next day, and being unable to leave the house on the following Sunday, sent all the believers to the Tomb of the Báb to attend a feast which a Parsi pilgrim was offering on the occasion of the anniversary of the Declaration of the Covenant; received with His unfailing courtesy and kindness that same afternoon, and despite growing weariness, the Mufti of Haifa, the Mayor and the Head of the Police; and inquired that night – the last of His life – before He retired after the health of every member of His household, of the pilgrims and of the friends in Haifa.

“At 1:15 A.M. He arose, and, walking to a table in His room, drank some water, and returned to bed. Later on, He asked one of His two daughters who had remained awake to care for Him, to lift up the net curtains, complaining that He had difficulty in breathing. Some rose-water was brought to Him, of which He drank, after which He again lay down, and when offered food, distinctly remarked: “You wish Me to take some food, and I am going?” A minute later His spirit had winged its flight to its eternal abode, to be gathered, at long last, to the glory of His beloved Father, and taste the joy of everlasting reunion with Him.”

(Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 311)

As the news spread, cablegrams were sent from around the world expressing sympathy, devotion, praise and anguish to ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s family and followers. Sir Winston Churchill , for example, cabled the High Commissioner for Palestine instructing him to “convey to the Bahá’í Community, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government, their sympathy and condolence.”

The funeral took place on the morning of 29th November and had no less then ten thousand participants from every class, religion and race in the country. Below is Shoghi Effendi’s description of the procession and burial:

“The coffin containing the remains of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was borne to its last resting-place on the shoulders of His loved ones. The cortege which preceded it was led by the City Constabulary Force, acting as a Guard of Honor, behind which followed in order the Boy Scouts of the Muslim and Christian communities holding aloft their banners, a company of Muslim choristers chanting their verses from the Qur’án, the chiefs of the Muslim community headed by the Mufti, and a number of Christian priests, Latin, Greek and Anglican. Behind the coffin walked the members of His family, the British High Commissioner, Sir Herbert Samuel, the Governor of Jerusalem, Sir Ronald Storrs, the Governor of Phoenicia, Sir Stewart Symes, officials of the government, consuls of various countries resident in Haifa, notables of Palestine, Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Druze, Egyptians, Greeks, Turks, Arabs, Kurds, Europeans and Americans, men, women and children. The long train of mourners, amid the sobs and moans of many a grief-stricken heart, wended its slow way up the slopes of Mt. Carmel to the Mausoleum of the Báb.

“Close to the eastern entrance of the Shrine, the sacred casket was placed upon a plain table, and, in the presence of that vast concourse, nine speakers, who represented the Muslim, the Jewish and Christian Faiths, and who included the Mufti of Haifa, delivered their several funeral orations. These concluded, the High Commissioner drew close to the casket, and, with bowed head fronting the Shrine, paid his last homage of farewell to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: the other officials of the Government followed his example. The coffin was then removed to one of the chambers of the Shrine, and there lowered, sadly and reverently, to its last resting-place in a vault adjoining that in which were laid the remains of the Báb.”

(Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 313)

A fuller description of the funeral, including extracts from some of the speeches given there, can be found here. ‘Abdu’l-Baha spent every hour of his life in dedicated service to Baha’u'llah and the teachings of the Baha’i Faith. Even to the cruellest of His enemies he offered the hand of loving kindness. In the following notes, recorded from a talk in New York in 1912, ‘Abdu’l Baha makes his last farewell address to the Baha’is there and instructs them in how to live a Baha’i life:

“These are the days of my farewell to you, for I am sailing on the fifth of the month. Wherever I went in this country, I returned always to New York City. This is my fourth or fifth visit here, and now I am going away to the Orient. It will be difficult for me to visit this country again except it be the will of God. I must, therefore, give you my instructions and exhortations today, and these are none other than the teachings of Bahá’u'lláh.

“You must manifest complete love and affection toward all mankind. Do not exalt yourselves above others, but consider all as your equals, recognizing them as the servants of one God. Know that God is compassionate toward all; therefore, love all from the depths of your hearts, prefer all religionists before yourselves, be filled with love for every race, and be kind toward the people of all nationalities. Never speak disparagingly of others, but praise without distinction. Pollute not your tongues by speaking evil of another. Recognize your enemies as friends, and consider those who wish you evil as the wishers of good. You must not see evil as evil and then compromise with your opinion, for to treat in a smooth, kindly way one whom you consider evil or an enemy is hypocrisy, and this is not worthy or allowable. You must consider your enemies as your friends, look upon your evil-wishers as your well-wishers and treat them accordingly. Act in such a way that your heart may be free from hatred. Let not your heart be offended with anyone. If some one commits an error and wrong toward you, you must instantly forgive him. Do not complain of others. Refrain from reprimanding them, and if you wish

to give admonition or advice, let it be offered in such a way that it will not burden the bearer. Turn all your thoughts toward bringing joy to hearts. Beware! Beware! lest ye offend any heart. Assist the world of humanity as much as possible. Be the source of consolation to every sad one, assist every weak one, be helpful to every indigent one, care for every sick one, be the cause of glorification to every lowly one, and shelter those who are overshadowed by fear.

“In brief, let each one of you be as a lamp shining forth with the light of the virtues of the world of humanity. Be trustworthy, sincere, affectionate and replete with chastity. Be illumined, be spiritual, be divine, be glorious, be quickened of God, be a Bahá’í.”

(Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 452)

Tags: 'Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i related, holy day

The Day of The Covenant

November 26, 2006 in Baha'i related | 1 comment

The 26th November marks the Baha’i celebration of “The Day of the Covenant”. The Covenant is the uniting force of the Baha’i Faith, the agreement by which all Baha’is continue to receive divinely ordained guidance by turning to an appointed successor. When early Baha’is wanted to celebrate the birthday of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, which falls on the same day as the Declaration of the Bab (23rd May 1844), ‘Abdu’l-Baha said that it was not permissible to celebrate his birthday but that the followers may instead celebrate the Covenant of which he was appointed the centre by his father Baha’u'llah prior to Baha’u'llah’s passing.

The following text is extracted from this article about ‘Abdu’l-Baha:

The question of religious succession has been crucial to all faiths. Failure to resolve this question has inevitably led to acrimony and division. The ambiguity surrounding the true successors of Jesus and Muhammad, for example, led to differing interpretations of sacred scripture and deep discord within both Christianity and Islam. However, Bahá’u'lláh prevented schism and established an unassailable foundation for His Faith through the provision of His will and testament, entitled “The Book of My Covenant.” He wrote: “When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hast branched from this Ancient Root. The object of this sacred verse is none other except the Most Mighty Branch [`Abdu'l-Bahá].”

Bahá’u'lláh’s appointment of `Abdu’l-Bahá as His successor was the means for diffusing His message of hope and universal peace to all corners of the world, for realizing the essential unity of all peoples. In referring to `Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u'lláh wrote: “The glory of God rest upon Thee, and upon whosoever serveth Thee and circleth around Thee. Woe, great woe, betide him that opposeth and injureth Thee. Well is it with him that sweareth fealty to Thee.” `Abdu’l-Bahá was, in short, the Center of Bahá’u'lláh’s Covenant –the instrument for ensuring the unity of the Bahá’í community and preserving the integrity of Bahá’u'lláh’s teachings.

As the authorized interpreter of Bahá’u'lláh’s teachings, `Abdu’l-Bahá became the “living mouth of the Book, the expounder of the Word.” Without `Abdu’l-Bahá, the enormous creative power of Bahá’u'lláh’s revelation could not have been transmitted to humanity, nor its import fully comprehended. He elucidated the teachings of His Father’s Faith, amplified its doctrines, and delineated the central features of its administrative institutions. He was the unerring guide and architect of a rapidly expanding Bahá’í community. In addition, Bahá’u'lláh vested in `Abdu’l-Bahá “the virtues of perfection in personal and social behavior, that humanity may have an enduring model to emulate.” As the perfect Exemplar of Bahá’u'lláh’s teachings and the Pivot of His Covenant, `Abdu’l-Bahá became “the incorruptible medium for applying the Word to practical measures for the raising up of a new civilization.”

In retrospect, it became clear that Bahá’u'lláh had carefully prepared `Abdu’l-Bahá to succeed Him. He was born on May 23, 1844, the very night that the Báb had declared the beginning of a new religious cycle in history. As a child, He suffered along with His Father during the persecutions against the Bábis. `Abdu’l-Bahá was eight years old when Bahá’u'lláh was first imprisoned for His role as a leading exponent and defender of the Bábi Faith. He accompanied Bahá’u'lláh throughout His long exile from Persia to the capital of the Ottoman empire, and ultimately, to Palestine. As He grew older, `Abdu’l-Bahá became His Father’s closest companion and emerged as His deputy, shield, and principal representative to the political and religious leaders of the day. `Abdu’l-Bahá’s extraordinary demonstration of leadership, knowledge, and service brought great prestige to the exiled Bahá’í community. He assumed His role as the Head of the Bahá’í Faith following Bahá’u'lláh’s passing in May 1892.

In 1911, after more than four decades of imprisonment and suffering, `Abdu’l-Bahá journeyed to the West and presented with brilliant simplicity, to high and low alike, Bahá’u'lláh’s prescription for the moral and spiritual renewal of society. This “Call of God,” `Abdu’l-Bahá stated, “…breathed a new life into the body of mankind, and infused a new spirit into the whole creation. It is for this reason that the world hath been moved to its depths, and the hearts and consciences of men been quickened. Erelong the evidences of this regeneration will be revealed, and the fast asleep will be awakened.”

Among the vital truths that `Abdu’l-Bahá tirelessly proclaimed to leaders of thought as well as countless groups and masses at large were: “The independent search after truth, unfettered by superstition or tradition; the oneness of the entire human race, the pivotal principle and fundamental doctrine of the Faith; the basic unity of all religions; the condemnation of all forms of prejudice, whether religious, racial, class or national; the harmony which must exist between religion and science; the equality of men and women, the two wings on which the bird of humankind is able to soar; the introduction of compulsory education; the adoption of a universal auxiliary language; the abolition of the extremes of wealth and poverty; the institution of a world tribunal for the adjudication of disputes between nations; the exaltation of work, performed in the spirit of service, to the rank of worship; the glorification of justice as the ruling principle in human society, and of religion as a bulwark for the protection of all peoples and nations; and the establishment of a permanent and universal peace as the supreme goal of all mankind.”

He affirmed time and again that He was a “herald of peace and reconciliation,”“an advocate of the oneness of humanity,” and an agent calling humanity to the“Kingdom of God.” Despite the receptivity and acclaim given Him, `Abdu’l-Bahá made clear the Source of His thought and His true station. In a letter to His followers in America He wrote:

“My name is `Abdu’l-Bahá [literally, Servant of Baha]. My qualification is `Abdu’l-Bahá. My reality is `Abdu’l-Bahá. My praise is `Abdu’l-Bahá. Thraldom to the Blessed Perfection [Bahá'u'lláh] is my glorious and refulgent diadem, and servitude to all the human race my perpetual religion… No name, no title, no mention, no commendation have I, nor will ever have, except `Abdu’l-Bahá. This is my longing. This is my greatest yearning. This is my eternal life. This is my everlasting glory.”

Network aims to make pilgrimage a greener experience

Network aims to make pilgrimage a greener experience
http://news.bahai.org/story/868


ASSISI, Italy, 24 November 2011 (BWNS) – An estimated 100 million people make some kind of pilgrimage every year, some for a few hours, others for days or months.

To address the environmental impact of these journeys – and to assist the world's holy places to become as environmentally sustainable as possible – a new network has been launched which brings together pilgrim sites from 10 faith traditions.

They range from the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, and the Armenian Orthodox holy city of Etchmiadzin, to Jerusalem – a major pilgrimage destination for the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths.

The Baha'i World Centre – and the city of Haifa, Israel, where it is located – have also become founding members of the Green Pilgrimage Network. Last year alone, the Baha'i holy places attracted around 750,000 pilgrims and visitors.

"The Green Pilgrimage Network will ask the faithful to live, during the most intense of religious experiences, in a faith-consistent way," said Martin Palmer, Secretary-General of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), which has established the Network in association with WWF.

"To travel to a holy place in such a way as to treat the whole world as sacred is to be a true pilgrim," said Mr. Palmer.

The Network was launched in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent at the Sacred Land celebration, held in Assisi from 31 October to 2 November. The event also marked 25 years of religious action on the environment since the first Assisi gathering in 1986 when faith leaders were invited to consider how their beliefs, practices and teachings could help protect the environment.

This year, some 90 delegates from around the world – representing all the major faiths – took part in a two-day conference which examined the way forward for religion and environmentalism, and the Green Pilgrimage Network.

The Baha'i International Community was represented at the event by Jalal Hatami, its Deputy Secretary-General.

"The Baha'i World Centre is discussing with the authorities in Haifa how to make the city more ecological," said Mr. Hatami. "This includes promoting the use of public transport among all citizens and greener practices in the hospitality sector, improving the management of energy and water, and encouraging more recycling and waste reduction."

Mr. Hatami described hearing about the various initiatives already under way in various holy cities as "very inspiring."

"It demonstrated that the faith communities have much to say about the environment and can really make an impact if they work towards common goals," he said.

Lotus temple embodies "message for the world of today"

Lotus temple embodies "message for the world of today"
http://news.bahai.org/story/865


NEW DELHI, India, 14 November 2011 (BWNS) – On the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Baha'i House of Worship here, Delhi's Chief Minister has praised the impact the temple has made on Indian society, and beyond.

"This is a very iconic building of India. There's nothing like this anywhere else," Sheila Dikshit told the crowd attending the temple's silver jubilee festivities. "It is thanks to this temple that Delhi has also found a way to reach the hearts of millions of people all over the world."

The Chief Minister's remarks came as she paid a special visit on the final morning of a weekend-long celebratory program, at which more than 5,000 visitors from throughout the sub-continent – as well as almost 60 other countries – gathered at the temple's grounds.

"I wish I could express in words my joy," Mrs. Dikshit told the celebration. "Your message is the message for the world of today. The Baha'i Faith is the faith that teaches us all are equal. It rises above any narrow consideration of humanity."

In its message to mark the occasion, the Universal House of Justice noted the temple's "power to harmonize the manifest diversity of its visitors, to awaken nobility in hearts, and to strengthen hope for peace."

"Under the shadow of this magnificent edifice, millions who seek God have found tranquillity and been uplifted by the songs of praise and exaltation that rise from its inner sanctum," wrote the Universal House of Justice.

Greetings were also received from the President of India, Mrs. Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, and former President, Dr. A.P.J. Kalam.

"The House of Worship with its beautiful environment transmits a message on how to celebrate the differences existing in the society," Dr. Kalam wrote. "This culture of celebrating the differences in the society is the greatest contribution made by  Baha'i Faith to humanity."

The Baha'i House of Worship, popularly referred to as the "Lotus Temple" – because of its award-winning design inspired by a lotus flower – is one of the most visited buildings in the world. Over the past quarter of a century, it has received an average of 4.3 million visitors every year – from all nations, religions and walks of life.

Open to all people, the purpose of Baha'i Houses of Worship is to provide a central gathering place for prayer and meditation as well as, in time, a range of facilities to serve the social and educational needs of the population.

The temple in New Delhi – observed the Universal House of Justice – "has not only given expression to humanity's deep-felt longing to worship God but also demonstrated its efficacy in translating and transfusing that worship into a dynamic and dispassionate service for the betterment of humankind."

The growing contribution made by the House of Worship to Indian society was noted by India's Minister for Tourism, Subodh Kant Sahai, who wrote how it "serves as a venue for non-denominational activities such as the spiritual and moral education for children and young people, as well as gatherings where adults systematically study spiritual principles and their application in daily life."

The message that "worship is not complete unless it is translated into service," was reiterated throughout the weekend's presentations, on such themes as communal harmony, social transformation, the education of children, and the empowerment of youth.

The contribution of young people was evident in the devotional programs, artistic presentations and talks, which included addresses by a number of individuals and representatives of organizations who received "Champions of Social Transformation" awards.


Temple's builders honored

Concluding her remarks, the Chief Minister of Delhi paid tribute to the House of Worship's architect, Fariborz Sahba of Canada – who was also in attendance – and those who maintain the temple today.

"Above all, I'd like to bow my head in front of those who keep this building looking as it did on the first day," said Mrs. Dikshit.

Six members of the building's original construction team were presented with a special commemorative gift. Among them was Anumolu Ramakrishna, former president and deputy managing director of Larsen & Toubro Ltd. – the engineering firm which built the temple.

"A construction project needs unity," said Mr. Ramakrishna. "Unless all work unitedly, it doesn't work."

"This temple could not be built today," he added, "That type of committed workman, that craftsmanship, is not there anymore. This building is a jewel."




To read the article online, see photographs and access links, go to:
http://news.bahai.org/story/865

For the Baha'i World News Service home page, go to:
http://news.bahai.org/


________________________________________________________

Haifa, Israel November 6, 1957

Haifa, Israel November 6, 1957

Ruhiyyih Khanum, telephoned me on the evening of November 4th, of the great calamity which had stricken the Bahá'í world, in the passing of our dearly beloved Guardian, in London, during the early morning hours of November 4th.

During our conversation it was decided I would remain in Haifa and take all precautions to protect the Holy Places, the Guardian's apartment, where all his records were kept, and the Faith from attack by the enemies of the Faith here.

The following actions were taken:

1. The Guardian's apartment and office had been locked, so no one could enter it during his absence. We assured ourselves that it was carefully locked, and barriers were placed in front of the door so no one could enter. We then locked and put iron bars across the door to the entrance of the living quarters. These iron bars were padlocked. All the keys to the apartment were then sealed in an envelope, which envelope was signed by Sylvia Ioas Jessie Revell, Ethel Revell and Leroy Ioas and placed in the safe of my office, in such a way that if the envelope was tampered with in any way, it would be seen immediately.

We then arranged for the Guardian's trusted servant to sleep outside the doors of the apartment and office; likewise another trusted servant to sleep at the foot of the steps, so no one could gain access to the area.

During the daytime, we maintained extra Bahá'ís in the building, so no access could be gained.

2. The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh was guarded night and day, and one of the Bahá'ís slept in the Shrine each night.

3. The same action was taken with regard to the Shrine of the Báb.

4. The same action was taken with regard to the Mansion at Bahji.

The sealing of the Guardian's apartment and office was done in the presence of the four members of the International Council here, who have signed this document, in attestation thereof.

Leroy C. Ioas

[Signed as follows]

Leroy Ioas

Sylvia Ioas

Ethel Revell

Jessie Revell

(Custodians, Ministry of the Custodians, p. 22)

Baha’u'llah’s Visitation Tablet for Imam Husayn

Baha’u'llah’s Visitation Tablet for Imam Husayn Posted: 12 Jan 2009 02:01 PM CST By Dr. Khazeh Fananapazir Editor’s Note: Iran Press Watch is pleased to bring to the attention of its readers the following magnificent Visitation Tablet by Baha’u’llah for the Prince of Martyrs, Imam Husayn, the anniversary of whose martyrdom is presently being observed by all Shi’ih Muslims on the tenth of this month of Muharram. Our readers are warmly invited to enjoy this translation which is a work in progress (also known as a “provisional translation” in Baha’i scholarly studies), and to share their reflections in the comments section. In a number of his writings, Baha’u’llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith, identifies himself as the spiritual return of Imam Husayn and likens his own sufferings at the hands of the ungodly with the sufferings which His Holiness Imam Husayn suffered. Baha’u’llah’s own given name, Husayn-’Ali, was understood by him as a token of this relationship. Introduction Throughout their prophetic careers, both the Bab and Baha’u’llah have written a number of Tablets of Visitation for the Imams and their followers, including such Tablets for Imam ‘Ali, for all of the Imams collectively and for a number of other individuals who exemplified the same sacrificial qualities. Foremost among them is the Tablet of Visitation for the third of the Shi’ih Imams, the youngest son of Ali and Fatimah, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, which is offered below in translation. It is believed that this Visitation Tablet was composed by Baha’u’llah in ‘Akka, Palestine, between June 27 and early August 1891. There is a striking significance to this inasmuch as in Islam, Imam Husayn is regarded as one who stood against all forms of oppression and persecution, just as Baha’u’llah had done throughout his life. In this sense, this Tablet forms a colophon on Baha’u’llah’s own ministry, and could also help make explicit the parallel between the sufferings of the Imam and those experienced by Baha’u’llah himself and his martyred followers. Translation of Baha’u’llah’s Tablet for Imam Husayn This is a Tablet of Visitation revealed from the Supreme Horizon by My All-Glorious Pen in honor of His Holiness, the Prince of Martyrs, Husayn, the son of ‘Ali, may the spirit of all else but Him be a sacrifice unto Him! He is the Comforter, the Consoler, the Lord of Utterance, the All-Knowing! God testifieth that there is no God but Him! He that hath appeared is the One promised in all the Books and sacred Scrolls, the One remembered in the hearts of all those near unto God and the sincere ones. Through Him, the Tree of utterance hath raised its call in the kingdom of divine recognition, saying: O Concourse of all Faiths! I swear by the All Merciful! The days of sorrow have come upon Us, inasmuch as in these days there hath befallen the Dawning-place of God’s proof and the Dayspring of His evidence that which hath caused the lamentations of those resident beneath the canopy of glory in the all highest paradise to be raised. It hath caused wailing in the tabernacle of grace in the supreme heaven. God testifieth that there is no God but He, and He that hath appeared is the Preserved Treasure, the hidden mystery through whom all the secrets of what hath been and what will be are divulged. This is the Day whereon the verse revealed in the past hath found its consummation and fulfillment in the verse, “The Day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of the Throne above the exalted Seat.” This is the day whereon the banners of idle fancy and vain imaginings have been subverted and the command, “We are from God and unto Him shall we return” hath gone forth. This is the Day whereon the “Great Announcement” which all the Prophets and Messengers had heralded hath appeared. In this Day, those near unto God have hastened to the sealed choice wine and have drunk of it in the name of God, the Omnipotent, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsistent. On this Day too, the cry of weeping and tears is raised from every side and the tongue of utterance speaketh: Sorrow belongeth to the Friends of God and His chosen ones; tribulation befitteth the lovers of God and His trusted ones; sadness and affliction becometh the Manifestations of God, the Possessor of all things, whether of the past or the future. O denizens of the city of names and O countenances residing in the chambers of the all-highest paradise! O companions of faithfulness in the kingdom of eternity! Change ye your glad white and red garments unto black clothes of mourning, for the supreme calamity and the greatest loss hath come to pass, because of which the Messenger of God hath wailed and lamented and the heart of Fatimih hath melted. Thereupon, the dwellers of the Abha Tabernacle and those sailing upon the Crimson Ark, seated upon seats of love and loyalty, wept with a great weeping. Ah! Ah! How I lament My sorrows caused by an injustice that hath set afire the realities of all beings; how I grieve over that which hath befallen the Sovereign of the Visible and the Invisible at the hands of those who have violated God’s Covenant and Testament and have denied His proof, repudiated His grace and disputed with His signs! Ah! Ah! May the spirits of the Concourse on High be a sacrifice unto the calamity Thou didst bear, O Thou who art the Son of the Sadratu‘l-Muntaha1 and the Mystery enshrined in the Most Exalted Word! O would that the command of Creation and Its Return had not been made manifest, for thus eyes would not have witnessed Thy Body prostrate and wounded upon the dust! Because of Thy calamity, the ocean of utterance is prevented from billowing forth its waves of wisdom and knowledge and the breezes of God have been stilled. Because of Thy sorrow, all traces of joy have vanished, the fruits of the tree have fallen down, the wailing of the righteous hath risen to high heaven, and the tears of the pious have flowed in profusion. Ah! Ah! O Prince of Martyrs and their Sovereign, their Glory and their Well beloved! I testify that through Thee the daystar of detachment hath shone forth over the firmament of creation, and through Thee the temples of the near ones were adorned with the ornament of righteousness. Through Thee the light of divine recognition hath shone forth in the world of creation. Were it not for Thee, the command to knit and join together the letter “B” and the letter “E” would not have gone forth2 and the sealed “choice wine” would not have been unsealed. But for Thee the Dove of divine testimony would not have warbled its melodies upon the branches of the tree of utterance, and but for Thee the Tongue of Grandeur would not have spoken amongst the peoples of all Faiths. Because of Thy sorrow there hath appeared separation between the two letters “Ha” and “Waw”,3 and the wailing of the believers in Divine Unity was raised in all lands. Because of Thy misfortune the Supreme Pen was prevented from raising Its shrill voice, the ocean of bounty stilled its waves, the breezes of grace have ceased wafting, the rivers of paradise have ceased flowing and the daystar of justice was impeded from casting its rays. I testify that Thou art the Sign of the All Merciful in the world of being; Thou art the Manifestation of proof and testimony amongst all religions. Through Thee God hath fulfilled His promise and hath revealed His sovereignty. Through Thee the mystery of divine knowledge hath been divulged and the luminary of certitude hath shone forth above the horizon of evidence. Through Thee the dominion of God and His cause, His mysteries and His wisdom have all been made evident. But for Thee the well-preserved Treasure could not have been disclosed and the irrevocable decree would not have effected. But for Thee the divine summons would not have been raised from the Sublime Horizon, and the pearls of wisdom and utterance would not have been revealed from the treasury of the Abha Pen. Because of Thy affliction the joy of paradise hath been altered and the cry of the denizens of the Kingdom of Names hath been raised. Thou art He who, by Thy turning unto God, hath caused the faces of all men to be directed towards God, the Lord of All Being, and the Sacred Tree hath spoken, “The Kingdom belongeth to God, the Lord of both the visible and invisible.” All things were as one in both their external and internal reality, but when they heard of Thy tribulation they became fragmented, separated, and then appeared in different appearances, colors, and hues. May all existent beings be a sacrifice unto Thy Being, O Thou the Dawning-Place of the Revelation of God and the Day-spring of His Most Great Sign! May all souls be a sacrifice to Thy afflictions and calamity, O Thou who hath manifested the Unseen in the kingdom of creation! I bear witness that through Thee the dispensation of sacrifice was established in all the worlds of God, and in Thy separation the hearts of the true lovers melted. I bear witness that light in its quintessence poured lamentation over Thy afflictions, and the Sacred Mount was sore vexed at that which befell Thee at the hands of Thy enemies. But for Thee the All-Merciful would not have revealed Himself in the Sinai of knowledge unto Moses, the son of Imran. I call on Thee and make mention of Thee, O Thou who art the manifestation of detachment in the world of creation. O Thou the secret of revelation in God’s dominions! Through Thee the portals of God’s generosity were opened, and because of Thee the light of eternity shone upon all men. I testify that when Thy hands were raised in prayer and hope the hands of all humanity were raised thereby unto God, the Revealer of verses. I testify, moreover, that when Thou didst fix Thy gaze on the Abha horizon, in consequence all beings turned unto God, the Expounder of testimonies. Thou art the Point4 through Whom all knowledge of the past and future was divulged and expanded. Thou art the Mine from which all the jewels of science and art were discovered. By reason of Thy calamity the Pen of destiny stopped in its traces and the tears of the sanctified ones gushed forth. Ah! Ah! Because of Thy sorrow, the pillars of this world were shaken and the order of existence itself would have well nigh returned to nothingness! Thou art He through Whose behest every ocean was made to billow forth, every good fragrance was wafted abroad, every wise decree was enacted, the commandments of the Book were established amongst diverse peoples, and the life-giving water of divine mercy was made to issue forth on the Day of Return. I have turned to Thee, O essence of both the Torah and the Evangel, O Thou source of the Writ of God, the Almighty, the Most Beauteous. Through Thee the city of self-renunciation was built up, and the banner of righteousness was raised upon the world’s highest spots. Were it not for Thee the fragrance of divine recognition and knowledge would have vanished from this earth, and the breath of the All Merciful would have ceased altogether. Through Thy power the might, the sovereignty and the omnipotence of God was established, and because of Thee the ocean of divine bounty was made to billow forth, and the King of Revelation established Himself on the throne of being. I bear witness that through Thee the veils of glory were uplifted and the limbs of the people of error quaked, the traces of vain imaginings disappeared, and the fruits of the tree of idle fancy were cast down. Through Thy most pure blood shed in His path the city of true lovers was adorned, and in Thy sorrow darkness enveloped light in all environs. For love of Thee the true lovers hastened to the arena of sacrifice and eager companions hastened to attain the source of the light of divine reunion. O Thou quintessence of being, O Thou possessor of the seen and unseen! I know not which one of thy trials I should narrate amongst mankind. Thou art the descending place of all the knowledge of God, the dayspring of His most mighty signs, the daystar of the remembrance of God, and the source of His commands. O Thou Supreme Pen! Say: The first light that hath dawned and shone and the first fragrance that has been wafted from eternity rest upon Thee, O Thou Who art the rustling of the Sadrah of divine utterance, O Thou the Tree of certitude planted in the paradise of knowledge. Through Thee, the daystar of God’s manifestation shone forth, the Speaker of Sinai5 hath spoken, and the divine behest of forgiveness and generosity hath been enforced amongst men. I bear witness, moreover, that Thou wert the way of God and His balance, the dayspring of His verses, the reflection of His sovereignty, and the repository of His binding commandments and all pervasive injunctions. Verily, Thou art the City of love and the lovers are but its hosts and citizens; Thou art the Ark of God and the sincere ones are its companions and wayfarers. By virtue of Thy utterance the sea of divine knowledge billowed forth, O Thou who art the quintessence of knowledge. Through Thee the daystar of certitude shone above the horizon of testimony. It was due to Thy clarion call, raised in the arena of martyrdom and struggle, that the cry of the embodiments of beauty were raised in the Paradise created by God, the Rich, the Most Exalted. Because of Thy appearance the banner of righteousness and piety was raised and the traces of rebellion and wickedness were obliterated. I testify, moreover, that Thou art the Treasury of the pearls of the knowledge of God and the Repository of the gems of His utterance and wisdom. Because of Thy calamity, the Point left its most sublime position, and sought for itself a station beneath the Letter Ba. Thou art truly that Most Great Tablet upon which is inscribed all the secrets of the past and of the future and all knowledge from all eternity to all eternity6. Thou art the Supreme Pen through Whose movement earth and heaven were made to move ,and through Thee all things have turned to the lights emanating from the Face of God, the Lord of the throne above and of earth below. Ah! Ah! By virtue of Thy tragedy lamentations, mourning, and weeping were raised in the All-Highest Paradise, and the Maids of heaven, the sacred houris sought their abiding place on dust itself! Great is the blessedness of that servant who weepeth in Thy afflictions, and blessed is the handmaiden of God who cries with tears for Thy tribulations. Also, blessed are those eyes from which tears are shed in Thy Cause. Hallowed is the earth bearing the inestimable honor of Thy remains! Moreover, most blessed is the spot wherein Thy most pure body was laid to rest. All praise and sanctity is Thine, O my God, the Lord of Revelation, O Thou Who hast cast Thy effulgent rays on Mount Sinai! I adjure Thee by this Light Which hath shone forth above the firmament of detachment and renunciation, and by Which the principle of sole reliance upon God and acquiescence unto His Will was established. Again, I adjure Thee by those bodies slain in Thy path! I beseech Thee by those hearts which have melted in Thy love, and by all the sacred blood shed upon the earth of resignation, to forgive all those who have turned their faces unto this Supreme Station, this summit of exaltation, and that further, O my God, Thou mayest ordain for them that which will ensure that the fragrance of their acceptance and sincerity will never cease being wafted upon the divine cities of remembrance and praise. Thou seest, O my Lord, that they are attracted by the breezes of Thy revelation and that they are severed from all else but Thee in Thy days. I beseech Thee to cause them to drink from the hand of generosity the river of everlasting life. I beg of Thee to write down for them by Thy pen of grace and loving-kindness the reward of such as have attained unto Thy presence. I beseech Thee, moreover, O Lord of all names, by Thy cause through which Thou hast subdued the kingdoms of earth and heaven, and by Thy sweet call which hath enthralled the denizens of Thy dominion, that Thou mayest aid all to attain that which Thou desirest and wishest, and that our stations may thereby be exalted in the precincts of Thy glory and the canopy of nearness unto Thee. O Lord, we are Thy servants who have fixed our gaze unto the effulgences of the lights of the Orb of Thy revelation, which hath shone above the firmament of Thy generosity. We beseech Thee by the waves of the sea of Thy holy utterance amongst Thy people that Thou mayest assist us to perform those deeds which have been commanded by Thee in Thy perspicuous book. Thou art He who of those who show mercy art the most Merciful, and Thou art the Desire of all who are in heaven and on earth. I implore Thee further, O our Lord God, by Thy power that hath encompassed all created things, and by Thy omnipotence that has embraced all beings, that Thou mayest illumine the throne of tyranny with the light of the daystar of Thy justice and that Thou mayest replace the seat of oppression and injustice with the throne of equity and fairness by Thy might and by Thy sovereignty. Verily, Thou art powerful to do what Thou wishest. There is no other God but Thee, the Almighty, the Omnipotent! [This Tablet is filled with allusions and allegorical expressions, the discussion of which is beyond our scope. A very few notes are included here to give some idea of a few of the weightier allusions. The interested reader is referred to the following site which offers an annotated translation of this Tablet with many more of the allusions explained: http://bahai-library.com/provisionals/ziyarat.imam.husayn.kf.html.] Footnotes: 1 The “Lote-tree of the horizon”, which signifies the Manifestation of God Who is the Intermediary between the earthly and divine realms. 2 In several places in the Qur’an (e.g. 2:117) it is written that when He desires to create, God says “be”, and it is. 3 The Arabic word for “He” (huwa) in Islam is often used to designate God in His role as the Unknowable One. 4 The Point (nuqta) is one of the titles of the Bab, and refers to the way in which the Arabic letter “ba” is written, with a point below it. Ba is the first letter of the Qur’an, as well as the first letter of the name of Baha’u’llah. 5 The Speaker of Sinai is He Who spoke to Moses through the burning bush. 6 This refers to the Preserved Tablet, which in Islamic thought is supposed to be the repository of all knowledge and record of all events.

AKKA

A Crusader Town Emerges Under An Old Israeli Port

by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Associated Press

This photo taken on Sunday June, 19, 2011, shows the old port city of Acre on the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. Off the track beaten by most Holy Land tourists lies one of the richest archaeological sites in a country full of them: Acre, where the busy alleys of an Ottoman-era town cover a uniquely intact Crusader city now being rediscovered.

Associated Press

This photo taken on Sunday June, 19, 2011, shows graffiti left by a medieval traveler in the old port city of Acre, on the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. Off the track beaten by most Holy Land tourists lies one of the richest archaeological sites in a country full of them: Acre, where the busy alleys of an Ottoman-era town cover a uniquely intact Crusader city now being rediscovered.

Associated Press

This photo taken on Sunday June, 19, 2011, shows the Ottoman-era inn known as Khan al-Umdan in the old port city of Acre, on the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. Off the track beaten by most Holy Land tourists lies one of the richest archaeological sites in a country full of them: Acre, where the busy alleys of an Ottoman-era town cover a uniquely intact Crusader city now being rediscovered.

Associated Press

This photo taken on Sunday June, 19, 2011, shows a tunnel built by knights of the Templar order under the old port city of Acre, on the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. Off the track beaten by most Holy Land tourists lies one of the richest archaeological sites in a country full of them: Acre, where the busy alleys of an Ottoman-era town cover a uniquely intact Crusader city now being rediscovered.

Associated Press

In this photo taken on Sunday June, 19, 2011, an Israeli Arab woman sits as she speaks on a phone while a family walks by in the old port city of Acre, on the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. Off the track beaten by most Holy Land tourists lies one of the richest archaeological sites in a country full of them: Acre, where the busy alleys of an Ottoman-era town cover a uniquely intact Crusader city now being rediscovered.

Associated Press

In this photo taken on Sunday June, 19, 2011, an Israeli Arab youth jumps off the 250-year-old seawall surrounding the old port of Acre, on the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. Off the track beaten by most Holy Land tourists lies one of the richest archaeological sites in a country full of them: Acre, where the busy alleys of an Ottoman-era town cover a uniquely intact Crusader city now being rediscovered.

Associated Press

In this photo taken on Sunday June, 19, 2011, Israeli Arab youths stand on the wall surrounding the old port city of Acre, on the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. Off the track beaten by most Holy Land tourists lies one of the richest archaeological sites in a country full of them: Acre, where the busy alleys of an Ottoman-era town cover a uniquely intact Crusader city now being rediscovered.

Associated Press

This photo taken on Sunday June, 19, 2011, shows workers in a section of the Crusader town underneath the old port city of Acre, on the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. Off the track beaten by most Holy Land tourists lies one of the richest archaeological sites in a country full of them: Acre, where the busy alleys of an Ottoman-era town cover a uniquely intact Crusader city now being rediscovered.

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ACRE, Israel June 22, 2011, 07:23 am ET

Off the track beaten by most Holy Land tourists lies one of the richest archaeological sites in a country full of them: the walled port of Acre, where the busy alleys of an Ottoman-era town cover a uniquely intact Crusader city now being rediscovered.

Preparing to open a new subterranean section to the public, workers cleaned stones this week in an arched passageway underground.

Etched in plaster on one wall was a coat of arms — graffiti left by a medieval traveler. Nearby was a main street of cobblestones and a row of shops that once sold clay figurines and ampules for holy water, popular souvenirs for pilgrims.

All were last used by residents in 1291, the year a Muslim army from Egypt defeated Acre's Christian garrison and leveled its remains.

The existing city, built by the Ottoman Turks around 1750, effectively preserved this earlier town, which had been hidden for centuries under the rubble.

"It's like Pompeii of Roman times — it's a complete city," said Eliezer Stern, the Israeli archaeologist in charge of Acre. He called the town "one of the most exciting sites in the world of archaeology."

The newly excavated area, part of a Crusader neighborhood, is set to open later this year.

Today, old Acre is a picturesque enclave jutting into the Mediterranean, home to 5,000 Arab citizens of Israel who live in dense warrens of homes that are themselves historic artifacts. Most residents are poor.

On a recent afternoon, a smattering of tourists walked through the old market, while at a sleepy fishing dock one boat's radio blared Katy Perry.

In 2001, Acre became Israel's first UNESCO World Heritage site. But whether because of its out-of-the-way location in the country's north or simply because it must compete with better-known sites like Jerusalem and the desert fortress of Masada, Acre has been overshadowed.

Jerusalem, for example, attracted an estimated 2.5 million foreign tourists last year, according to the Tourism Ministry. In contrast, during the same period, Acre's historic sites had 444,000 paying visitors — Israeli and foreign — according to the Acre Municipality. Old Acre has just one hotel with a total of 16 rooms.

Acre has existed for at least 4,500 years, but reached the height of its importance with the Crusader conquest in 1104.

Under Christian rule, the city became an unruly trading hub home to combative orders of soldier-monks, European factions that distrusted each other and sometimes fought in the streets, competing merchants from cities like Genoa, Venice and Pisa, and small populations of Jews and Muslims, all sharing an enclosed area that at its height was barely the size of two football fields.

A French bishop, Jacques de Vitry, reached Acre after a perilous sea journey in 1216. He was appalled.

"When I entered this horrible city and found it full of countless disgraceful acts and evil deeds, I was very confused in my mind," he wrote in a letter home.

Acre, he found, was "totally depraved." Murders took place constantly, the town was "filled with prostitutes," and residents — many of whom he believed to be outlaws who had fled their own lands — were "utterly devoted to pleasures of the flesh."

Acre was "like a monster or a beast having nine heads, each fighting the other," the bishop wrote.

Israeli excavations got under way in earnest in the 1990s, and some remnants of the city that de Vitry knew can already be visited. One is the fortress of the Hospitaller knights, with its pillared dining hall and storerooms, an orderly latrine and a dungeon whose stone walls still have holes for attaching shackles.

Also open is an underground passage constructed by the knights of the rival Templar order, leading from their own fortress to the port. Some used it on the day Acre fell to escape to Europe-bound vessels as their city, and the two-century-old Crusader kingdom, collapsed around them.

Underwater digs in Acre's harbor have revealed sunken fortifications and more than 20 lost ships. The most recent one to be found, armed with cannons and special shot used to shred enemy sails, dated to Napoleon Bonaparte's failed siege of the city in 1799.

Workers are now shoring up one of Acre's seawalls — which witnessed assaults by Napoleon, the Egyptian ruler Ibrahim Pasha, and a combined British, French and Austrian fleet — discovering, in the process, Napoleonic cannonballs and a Hellenistic pier more than two millennia old.

Acre, with its newer neighborhoods, has grown to a modern city of 56,000 people, two-thirds of them Jewish and the rest Arab. It has experienced occasional ethnic tension, as well as violence linked to poverty and the drug trade. But the streets feel safe, and residents are welcoming. The past, Acre's residents seem to recognize, is their city's primary resource.

"It's a whole ancient city underground," said Bassam Dabour, a storeowner in the Old City market. "It's beautiful — why not continue working?"

Because of Acre's importance and the complexity of conducting archaeological work in a living city, the government's Israel Antiquities Authority has made Acre something of a laboratory for conservation work. The authority recently turned an old Ottoman mansion into a conservation center for local and international students who included, this week, representatives from Britain, Russia, Poland, Puerto Rico and the U.S.

Shelley-Anne Peleg, who heads the center and serves as a liaison with local residents, said archaeologists have learned that Acre's history cannot be separated from the people who live there.

The Antiquities Authority runs programs seeking to educate residents, teaches municipal sanitation workers about the importance of preservation and works with women to revive local handicrafts.

There are signs that Acre's fortunes as a tourist destination might be about to change. In addition to the underground city, there are plans for a new museum, a youth hostel is about to open in the Old City, and an investor has received permission to turn a currently empty Turkish inn into a luxury hotel.

But efforts to increase tourism, Peleg said, must be done "in a way that doesn't take over the city and overpower the people who live here."

"When you look at the city, it's not just archaeology, and it's not just Ottoman buildings. One of our jobs is to look at the city from all directions, and there is heritage still alive in these alleys," she said.