‘Abdu’l-Bahá knew how to give -- not just what He no longer wanted or needed
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When in Bahá'í history
Montreal (today: Montreal, Canada)
‘Abdu’l-Bahá knew how to give -- not just what He no longer wanted or needed. Once in Montreal when 'He prepared to return to the Maxwells' home for a meeting, the friends asked if they could call a carriage for Him. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá took the streetcar, saying, "Oh, it matters little. It saves expenses. There is a difference of one dollar in the fare." When He arrived at the Maxwells', He gave one pound to each of the servants.' After spending two nights at the estate of Phoebe Hearst, He gathered the servants together and thanked them -- each received ten dollars.
Source: Honnold, Annamarie, Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 82
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: generosity).
Discuss this story
For adults
- Where do you see generosity appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?
- How does this story illustrate the practice of generosity?
- Read the closing lines once more. What single phrase stays with you?
For teens
- How could the spirit of generosity show up in your week?
- What does this story say about how to face hard moments?
Reflection
- What in this account feels timely? What feels timeless?
- If you could bring one quality from this story into your next conversation, what would it be?
- Is there someone in your life who would be helped by hearing this story?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "‘Abdu’l-Bahá knew how to give -- not just what He no longer wanted or needed" drawn from?
Where does this story take place?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Which virtue does this story most clearly illustrate?
Cite this story
Various. *bahaistories.com archive*. https://bahaistories.com/subject/generosity
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