The Explorer Who Asked Him to Speak

A retelling for children, based on Mahmúd's Diary (entries of 5 and 6 June 1912).

On the morning of June 5, 1912, 'Abdu'l-Bahá went to Brooklyn, in New York, for a special event. It was a party for children given by a group called the Unity Club. Many important people came too: leaders of the city and even leaders of the whole country. Every room was decorated with flowers of many different colors.

At the table sat a famous explorer, Admiral Robert E. Peary. Three years before, he had announced that he had reached the North Pole, at the very top of the world. He had met 'Abdu'l-Bahá once before, at a reception in Washington.

Admiral Peary told 'Abdu'l-Bahá about his journey. Then he said kind things about 'Abdu'l-Bahá: how fortunate he felt to meet Him, and how important His teachings were. And he asked 'Abdu'l-Bahá to make a short speech.

Mírzá Maḥmúd, who was traveling with 'Abdu'l-Bahá, wrote in his diary:

Although 'Abdu'l-Bahá had not planned to speak, He delivered a discourse on the perfection of creation, its present defects and the need for education...

That means He talked about how perfectly God made the world, about the things that are still wrong in it, and about how good education can help put them right. He also spoke about how important it is to educate children.

There were many speeches that morning. But Maḥmúd tells us that 'Abdu'l-Bahá's talk "created a great excitement, capturing everyone's attention." Before He left, He let a photograph be taken of Him with His companions.

The next morning a group of friends came to see 'Abdu'l-Bahá where He was staying. He spoke to them about the children's party, and about spiritual education and good character.

This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see "An Unplanned Talk in Brooklyn".

Maḥmúd-i-Zarqání, M.. (1998). *Mahmúd's Diary: The Diary of Mírzá Maḥmúd-i-Zarqání*. George Ronald.