THE FUNDAMENTAL AIM
'Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'í World Faith, (1943) · Read original
Studio narration for this story is coming — it’ll be generated by the cloud-TTS pipeline (voice: auto-selected from the source author).
When in Bahá'í history
The aim of the appearance of the Blessed Perfection—may my life be a sacrifice for His beloved ones!—was the unity and agreement of all the people of the world. Therefore, my utmost desire, firstly, is the accord and union and love of the believers and after that of all the people of the world. Now, if unity and agreement is not established among the believers, I will become heartbroken and the afflictions will leave a greater imprint upon me. But if the fragrance of love and unity among the believers is wafted to my nostrils, every trial will become a mercy, every unhappiness a joy, every difficulty an expansion, every misery a treasure and every hardship a felicity.
Source: 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'í World Faith (1943). Public domain text from Project Gutenberg eBook #19239.
Discuss this story
For adults
- Where do faith and joy meet in this story?
- How does this story illustrate the practice of faith?
- Read the closing lines once more. What single phrase stays with you?
For teens
- Who is someone you know who lives out faith the way this story describes?
- If you were going to tell a friend this story in two sentences, what would you say?
Reflection
- How does faith 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?
- Sit quietly for a moment after reading. What does this story stir in you?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "THE FUNDAMENTAL AIM" drawn from?
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. (1943). *Bahá'í World Faith*. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/19239/pg19239-images.html
Record yourself reading this story
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