In 1919, when Margaret Randall, who came to be known as Bahiyyih, was but…
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When in Bahá'í history
Haifa (today: Haifa, Israel)
In 1919, when Margaret Randall, who came to be known as Bahiyyih, was but thirteen years of age, she went to Haifa with her parents and others to see ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahiyyih has recounted some of her experiences: 'One night we were sitting at the table with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He always placed me on His left. He smiled at me and said, "Your name is Bahiyyih. Bahiyyih means light, but unless you have something within you, something back of it, there is no light." And I realized the challenge He gave me just then.
Source: Honnold, Annamarie, Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 60
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: glow).
Discuss this story
For adults
- Where do justice and patience meet in this story?
- What does the setting of this account contribute to its meaning?
- 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
- Sit quietly for a moment after reading. What does this story stir in you?
- If you could bring one quality from this story into your next conversation, what would it be?
- What single image from this story will stay with you?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "In 1919, when Margaret Randall, who came to be known as Bahiyyih, was but…" drawn from?
Where does this story take place?
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. *bahaistories.com archive*. https://bahaistories.com/subject/glow
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