Secondary Retelling1 min●●○○○'Abdu'l-Bahá's ministry (1892–1921)

An example of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s very generous nature when He was seven years old

Baha'i Stories for Children · Read original

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When in Bahá'í history

1844'Abdu'l-Bahá (1892–1921)2026

One lovely day ‘Abdu’l-Baha was enjoying riding His pony over the green fields and up the mountainside. He was on His way to visit some shepherds in the hills. The shepherds lived in a village owned by His Father, Baha'u'llah. All the houses, the fields and the sheep belonged to Baha'u'llah too. The farmers grew the corn and looked after the animals and Baha'u'llah gave them money and food and medicine when they were ill. They all loved Him very much.

‘Abdu’l-Baha was only seven years old and so a servant was looking after Him on His long ride to the hills. They soon saw the shepherds with the sheep and the servant told ‘Abdu’l-Baha that when the owner, or his son, came to visit the shepherds he should thank them for looking after the sheep by giving them a present.

‘Abdu’l-Baha thought hard. He had no money or food to give them. Then He had a lovely idea and smiled at the shepherds. "I'll give to each shepherd all the sheep in his flock," he said.

The shepherds were very surprised at such a generous gift. Later, when Baha'u'llah heard what His Son had done He was very pleased and said that one day ‘Abdu’l-Baha would give Himself away as well.

(Adapted from ‘Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’, by Jacqueline Mehrabi)

Source: Baha'i Stories for Children (https://bahaistoriesforchildren.blogspot.com/2015/04/an-example-of-abdul-bahas-very-generous.html).

Discuss this story

For adults

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

For teens

If you were in this person's place, what might you have done?
What does this story teach about generosity?

For children

How do you think the people in this story felt at the end?
What did this person do that was kind?

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 ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s very generous nature when He was seven years old" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which virtue does this story most clearly illustrate?

Cite this story

Various. *Baha'i Stories for Children*. https://bahaistoriesforchildren.blogspot.com/2015/04/an-example-of-abdul-bahas-very-generous.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 ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s very generous nature when He was seven years old

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