Shoghi Effendi’s desire to write even at a very young age
Baha'i Stories Blog · 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
In his recollections of those early years one of the Bahá'ís
has written that one day Shoghi Effendi entered the Master's room, took up His
pen and tried to write. 'Abdu'l-Bahá drew him to His side, tapped him gently on
the shoulder and said "Now is not the time to write, now is the time to
play, you will write a lot in the future." Nevertheless the desire of the
child to learn led to the formation of classes in the Master's household for
the children, taught by an old Persian believer. I know that at one time in his
childhood, most likely while he was still living in 'Akká, Shoghi Effendi and
other grandchildren were taught by an Italian, who acted as governess or
teacher; a grey-haired elderly lady, she came to call shortly after I was married.
(Ruhiyyih Khanum, 'The Priceless Pearl')
Source: Baha'i Stories Blog (https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2012/12/shoghi-effendis-desire-to-write-even-at.html).
Discuss this story
For adults
- Where do devotion and patience meet in this story?
- How does this story illustrate the practice of devotion?
- What stands out about 'Abdu'l-Bahá's response in this account?
For teens
- What is one quality you'd want to carry forward from this account?
- Which line in this story surprised you the most?
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 "Shoghi Effendi’s desire to write even at a very young age" 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. *Baha'i Stories Blog*. https://bahaistories.blogspot.com/2012/12/shoghi-effendis-desire-to-write-even-at.html
Record yourself reading this story
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