At one meeting, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked Emmeline Pankhurst, the suffragist: Give me…
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When in Bahá'í history
At one meeting, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked Emmeline Pankhurst, the suffragist: Give me your reasons for believing that women today should have the vote?
Answer: I believe that humanity is a divine humanity and that it must rise higher and higher; but he cannot soar with only one wing.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá expressed his pleasure at the answer, and, smiling, replied: But what will you do when one wing is stronger than the other?
Answer: then we must strengthen the weaker wing.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá smiled and asked: What would you say if I prove to you that women is the stronger wing?
The answer came in the same bright vein: You will earn my eternal gratitude!
Source: Earl Redman, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Their Midst, p. 30-31
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: equality).
Discuss this story
For adults
- Where do you see devotion appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?
- How does this story illustrate the practice of devotion?
- Read the closing lines once more. What single phrase stays with you?
For teens
- If you were in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's place, what might you have done?
- What does this story teach about devotion?
Reflection
- What in this account feels timely? What feels timeless?
- How does devotion show up in your life right now — and where is it being asked of you?
- Is there someone in your life who would be helped by hearing this story?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "At one meeting, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked Emmeline Pankhurst, the suffragist: Give me…" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Cite this story
Various. *bahaistories.com archive*. https://bahaistories.com/subject/equality
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