Why He Did Not Sail on the Titanic

A number of people suggested that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sail to England and cross the Atlantic to America aboard the brand-new ship Titanic instead of the much older, slower Cedric.

1 / 4

Later in America, when He was asked why He didn't, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, after a long pause, during which He looked reflectively out of the window, 'I was asked to sail upon the Titanic, but my heart did not prompt me to do so.' Some months later a lady who had survived the Titanic disaster came to see Him. 'I am told,' she said, 'that you advised not to travel by that ship.' The Master replied in the affirmative.

2 / 4

When she asked, 'Did you know that this would happen?' He answered, 'God inspires man's heart.'

3 / 4

*Sources: Earl Redman, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Their Midst, p. 52; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 12, p. 210; Mahmúd's Diary, 22 August 1912.*

4 / 4