The Master Among the Children

A retelling based on Mahmúd's Diary: The Diary of Mírzá Maḥmúd-i-Zarqání.

Mírzá Maḥmúd-i-Zarqání kept a daily record of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's journey through America in 1912. Among the talks, interviews and receptions, his diary returns again and again to the Master's meetings with children.

In Washington, on the morning of 24 April, 'Abdu'l-Bahá went to a Bahá'í children's gathering. As He entered, the children sang to Him. Seeing them, He said, "Praise be to God. These children, like flowers, are in a state of utmost purity, freshness and delicacy!" He spoke, recited prayers for them, and then kissed and embraced each child and gave them some sweets. Mahmúd adds that the immensity of His love and affection for the children was clearly obvious.

In Chicago, on 5 May, many Bahá'ís brought their children to the salon of His hotel. He embraced and kissed each child and gave them flowers and sweets. He told them, "According to Christ you are the children of the Kingdom and according to Bahá'u'lláh, the candles of the world of man, for your hearts are in the utmost purity and your spirits are sanctified."

In Kenosha, Wisconsin, on 15 September, during a lunch the friends held for Him in their hall, the parents brought their children to be blessed. He took them onto His lap one by one and gave them flowers, fruit and sweets.

On 19 September, at the home of Dr Clement Woolson in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Master walked in the garden. Several children came up and politely asked Him about His country and the purpose of His visit. He spoke with them kindly. They followed Him, and when He reached the house they asked permission to come in. He gave each of them some coins. One tiny child, Mahmúd records, slipped off his father's lap, ran to the Master and said, "I love you first and then my father."

In San Francisco, on 11 October, at a children's meeting in the home of Mrs Goodall and Mrs Cooper, He said, "Praise be to God! What radiant children they are!" He praised their courtesy and upbringing, kissed them one by one, greeted each child in short English sentences, and gave each one flowers and sweets.

In New York, on 24 November, a group of children who had seen Him on their way from school, and had asked to meet Him, came to visit. He asked about their health and welfare, gave each of them candies and flowers, and sprinkled them with attar of rose. He encouraged them to acquire knowledge, good morals and sincerity, and told them, "Truly, the hearts of the children are very pure."

A retelling based on Mahmúd's Diary: The Diary of Mírzá Maḥmúd-i-Zarqání (entries for 24 April, 5 May, 15 and 19 September, 11 October and 24 November 1912). For the fuller account, see the original.

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