Spotless Surroundings

Annamarie Honnold writes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s cleanliness:

1 / 3

The Master considered cleanliness of vital importance. He was indeed ‘the essence of cleanliness’ even as Bahá’u’lláh had taught His followers. Florence Khánum bore witness to this, for she found Him “dazzlingly, spotlessly … shining, from snowy turban-cloth, to white, snowy hair falling upon His shoulders, to white snowy beard and long snowy garment …. Although it was high noon, in summer … His attire was crisp and fresh-looking, as though He had not been visiting the sick, and in prison, and toiling for mankind since early morning. Often a deliciously fresh rose was tucked in His belt.”

2 / 3

Not only His person but also His immediate surroundings needed to be spotless. Once when He had guests—whom He would always honour—He asked that the chimney of a lamp be replaced as it was not sufficiently polished.

3 / 3