Secondary Retelling3 min●●○○○'Abdu'l-Bahá's ministry (1892–1921)

An example of the commanding power of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

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When in Bahá'í history

1844'Abdu'l-Bahá (1892–1921)2026

'Akká (today: Acre, Israel)

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was about twenty-four years old, the most terrible crisis which Bahá'u'lláh and His family ever had to meet, developed in Adrianople, when once again they were on the eve of banishment. A banishment far more cruel than the three that had preceded it, for now this uniquely united family was to be torn asunder, Baha'u'llah sent to a distant city, a secret destination, His wife and children to another secret destination; forever parted, and forever lost, one to the other.

'Abdu’l-Bahá sought out the officials. Again and again He went to them. What He said has not been recorded--only that "He pleaded", "He persisted", and that the officials "seemed unable to put the measure into execution."

While this measure was pending, news of it reached the believers of Adrianople and they rushed in a body to the house of Baha'u'llah, frantic at the thought of separation from Him. In such a state of agitation and despair one old man seized a knife and crying, "If I must be separated from my Lord, I will go now and join my God," cut his throat.

A scene of wild confusion followed, during which a cordon of police surrounded the frenzied crowd and attempted brutally to control it.

It was then that 'Abdu’l-Bahá suddenly appeared in their midst. A lightning flash of power and a superhuman force was felt by all as they heard His "impassioned and vehement words", denouncing the cruelty of the police, demanding the presence of the governor.

In telling the story ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sister, Bahiyyih Khánum, told Juliet Thompson: "We had never before seen my brother angry."

So swift was the effect of this anger that the governor was at once sent for. He hurried to the scene and, witnessing it, said: "We cannot separate these people. It is impossible."

Thus it was that about seventy devotees were allowed to accompany their Divine Beloved, Baha’u’llah, to ‘Akka.

(Adapted from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Center of the Covenant’, by Juliet Thompson)

Source: Baha'i Stories Blog (https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2014/10/an-example-of-commanding-power-of-abdul.html).

Discuss this story

For adults

Where do you see unity appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?
How does this story complicate or deepen your understanding of stories?
Read the closing lines once more. What single phrase stays with you?

For teens

Who is someone you know who lives out unity the way this story describes?
If you were going to tell a friend this story in two sentences, what would you say?

Reflection

Read the passage a second time, slowly. What did you notice that you missed the first time?
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?

Comprehension quiz

Which source is "An example of the commanding power of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá" 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. *Baha'i Stories Blog*. https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2014/10/an-example-of-commanding-power-of-abdul.html

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This story shares quotes with 94 other stories

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Also in
- 1844: A lonely youth’s encounter with Bahá’u’lláh by a roadside in Mazindaran and his amazing recognition of His station— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- 1848: Baha’u’llah describes the consternation that seized the Bábís when Tahirih suddenly appeared unveiled at the conference of Badasht— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- 1851 Karbilá, Iraq: A disciple of the Báb becomes the first person to whom Baha'u'llah confided His Divine Mission – as was prophesied by the Báb in 1848— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- A believer’s eagerness to provide financial assistance to Baha’u’llah – but chose a wrong method— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- A funny incident while in the company of the Master— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- …and 89 more

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An example of the commanding power of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

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