Faith
'Abdu'l-Bahá, 'Abdu'l-Bahá in London, (1912) · Read original
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When in Bahá'í history
London (today: London, UK)
How can one increase in faith?
You must strive. A child does not know, in learning he obtains knowledge. search for Truth.
There are three kinds of Faith: first, that which is from tradition and birth. For example: a child is born of Muḥammadan parents, he is a Muḥammadan. This faith is weak traditional faith: second, that which comes from Knowledge, and is the faith of understanding. This is good, but there is a better, the faith of practice. This is real faith.
We hear there is an invention, we believe it is good; then we come and see it. We hear that there is wealth, we see it; we work hard for it, and become rich ourselves and so help others. We know and we see the Light, we go close to it, are warmed by it, and reflect its rays on others; this is real faith, and thus we receive power to become the eternal sons of God.
Source: 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 'Abdu'l-Bahá in London (1912). Public domain text from Project Gutenberg eBook #19250.
Discuss this story
For adults
- What stands out about 'Abdu'l-Bahá's response in this account?
- What in your own life does this story bring to mind?
- Where do you see faith appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?
For teens
- If you were in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's place, what might you have done?
- What does this story teach about faith?
Reflection
- If you could bring one quality from this story into your next conversation, what would it be?
- What single image from this story will stay with you?
- Where in your own life are you being asked to practice faith?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "Faith" 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
'Abdu'l-Bahá. (1912). *'Abdu'l-Bahá in London*. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/19250/pg19250-images.html
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