Secondary Retelling2 min●●○○○'Abdu'l-Bahá's ministry (1892–1921)

An example of the effect of Baha’u’llah’s Teachings on early believers

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When in Bahá'í history

1844'Abdu'l-Bahá (1892–1921)2026

An actual incident related by ‘Abdu’l-Baha:

A certain person violently molested and grievously injured a certain Bábí. The victim unclosed his hand in retaliation and arose to take vengeance, unsheathing his weapon against the aggressor. Becoming the object of censure and reprimand of this sect, however, he took refuge in flight.

When he reached Hamadán his character became known, and, as he was of the clerical class, the doctors vehemently pursued him, handed him over to the government, and ordered chastisement to be inflicted.

By chance there fell out from the fold of his collar a document written by Bahá’u’lláh, the subject of which was reproof of attempts at retaliation, censure and reprobation of the search after vengeance, and prohibition from following after lusts. Amongst other matters they found these expressions contained in it: “Verily God is quit of the seditious,” and likewise: “If ye be slain it is better for you than that ye should slay. And when ye are tormented have recourse to the controllers of affairs and the refuge of the people; and if ye be neglected then entrust your affairs to the Jealous Lord. This is the mark of the sincere, and the characteristic of the assured.”

When the governor became cognizant of this writing he addressed that person saying, “By the decree of that Chief whom you yourself obey correction is necessary and punishment and chastisement obligatory.”

“If,” replied that person, “you will carry out all His precepts I shall have the utmost pleasure in [submitting to] punishment and death.”

The governor smiled and let the man go.

(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘A Traveler’s Narrative’)

Source: Baha'i Stories Blog (https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2015/03/an-example-of-effect-of-bahaullahs.html).

Discuss this story

For adults

What stands out about Bahá'u'lláh's response in this account?
What might Bahá'u'lláh's example ask of us in our own circumstances?
Where do you see devotion appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?

For teens

If you were in Bahá'u'lláh's place, what might you have done?
What does this story teach about devotion?

Reflection

Is there someone in your life who would be helped by hearing this story?
Where in your own life are you being asked to practice devotion?
Take one line from this story and let it stay with you today.

Comprehension quiz

Which source is "An example of the effect of Baha’u’llah’s Teachings on early believers" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?

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Various. *Baha'i Stories Blog*. https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2015/03/an-example-of-effect-of-bahaullahs.html

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An example of the effect of Baha’u’llah’s Teachings on early believers

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