Isfandíyár and the Knighthood

During World War I when a blockade threatened the lives of many civilians in Haifa, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá saved them from starvation. “He personally organized extensive agricultural operations near Tiberias, thus securing a great supply of wheat ….” Food was stored in underground pits and elsewhere. This He distributed to the inhabitants, regardless of religion or nationality. The food was systematically rationed. Having started His preparations as early as 1912, He averted tragedy in the dark days of 1917 and 1918.

At war’s end the British were quick to recognize His painstaking accomplishments. He was to be knighted on 27 April 1920, at the residence of the British Governor in Haifa at a ceremony held especially for Him. British and religious dignitaries came to honour Him on this auspicious occasion. His unselfish acts had won Him the love and respect of high and low alike. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá consented to accept the knighthood—but He was not impressed with worldly honour or ceremony. Even a formality must be simplified. An elegant car was sent to bring Him to the Governor’s residence, but the chauffeur did not find the Master at His home. People scurried in every direction to find Him. Suddenly, He appeared “… alone, walking His kingly walk, with that simplicity of greatness which always enfolded Him.”

Isfandíyár, His long-time faithful servant, stood near at hand. Many were the times when he had accompanied the Master on His labours of love. Now, suddenly, with this elegant car ready to convey his Master to the Governor, he felt sad and unneeded. Intuitively, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá must have sensed this—He gave him a sign. Isfandíyár dashed off—the horse was harnessed, the carriage brought to the lower gate and the Master was driven to a side entrance of the garden of the Governor. Isfandíyár was joyous—he was needed even yet. Quietly, without pomp, ‘Abbás Effendi arrived at the right time at the right place and did honour to those who would honour Him when He was made Sir ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abbás, KBE—a title which He almost never used.

Source: Annamarie Honnold, Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, no. 19, pp. 17–18.

Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: kindness).

Various. *bahaistories.com archive*. https://bahaistories.com/subject/kindness