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

One of Baha’u’llah’s granddaughters remembers His loving nature…

Baha'i Stories for Children · Read original

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When in Bahá'í history

1844'Abdu'l-Bahá (1892–1921)2026

Even though Baha'u'llah and His Family lived as prisoners, He tried in every way to make them happy.

When Tuba Khanum was a child, she and her sisters had a difficult time. The only time they had with their loving and wonderful Father, Abdul-Baha, was at tea early in the morning. He was always so busy taking care of the hundreds of people who came to Him for help. But at tea He would chant prayers and tell them wonderful stories of the Lord Christ and His Mother, of Muhammad, of Moses and the other Prophets. They loved Him very much.

Later when they attended school from seven in the morning until five in the afternoon, they had a little reading and writing but no play time and only a little to eat at noon. Mostly they listened to someone reading but who never explained anything.

When the children needed someone to listen to their troubles and difficulties they always went to their grandfather, Baha'u'llah. He took an interest in everything about them. Tuba says in her letters; "We children looked upon Baha'u'llah as another loving Father. . . He used to send to Beirut every year to buy stuff for our clothes. Baha'u'llah would then call for us to choose which we liked best for our frocks. . . He was always punctual, and loved daintiness and order. . . and liked to see everybody well-groomed and as neatly dressed as possible." You can imagine that this was not easy, as prisoners cannot go wherever and whenever they wish.

Tuba tells us that "above all things, cleanliness was desirable to Him. 'Why not put on your prettiest frocks?' He would say to us.

"All our holidays, all our treats and our happiness came from Him in those days; when boxes of sweets were brought to Him, He would set some aside for us. . . 'Let the dear children come in and have some dessert,' He often said, when we were being sent off to bed—My Father and mother not wishing that we should disturb Him—but He always welcomed us with loving words. How we adored Him!

"'Now children, tomorrow you shall come with Me for a picnic to the Ridvan,' He would say, and our night was so full of joy we could hardly sleep."

(Adapted from the ‘Chosen Highway’ by Lady Blomfield, Child’s Way magazine, March-April 1971)

Source: Baha'i Stories for Children (https://bahaistoriesforchildren.blogspot.com/2020/02/one-of-bahaullahs-granddaughters.html).

Discuss this story

For adults

Where do joy and love meet in this story?
What does the setting of this account contribute to its meaning?
What stands out about Lady Blomfield's response in this account?

For teens

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

For children

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

Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment after reading. What does this story stir in you?
Take one line from this story and let it stay with you today.
What single image from this story will stay with you?

Comprehension quiz

Which source is "One of Baha’u’llah’s granddaughters remembers His loving nature…" 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

Various. *Baha'i Stories for Children*. https://bahaistoriesforchildren.blogspot.com/2020/02/one-of-bahaullahs-granddaughters.html

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This story shares quotes with 74 other stories

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Also in
- A pilgrim reports in 1920 how busy ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was replying to numerous letters from around the world— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- An example of how man is unable to prevent God from executing His will— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- An example of love and compassion shown by Munirih Khanum (‘Abdu’l-Baha’s wife)— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- Bahá’u’lláh’s departure for the Garden of Ridván— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- Baha’u’llah visits Mulla Husayn and his companions at Fort Tabarsi— Various, Baha'i Stories Blog
- …and 69 more

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One of Baha’u’llah’s granddaughters remembers His loving nature…

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