Sydney Sprague was on pilgrimage in Haifa in September 1910

Sydney Sprague was on pilgrimage in Haifa in September 1910. One afternoon, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, visited with Mr. Sprague in the other pilgrims. Everything seemed normal. But that evening, as usual, the believers gathered before the house of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to receive the blessing, which every day is ours, of being in his presence, but we waited in vain, for one of the sons-in-law came and told us that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had taken the Khedivial steamer to Port Said.

1 / 4

Sprague wrote from Haifa: I have a very big piece of news to tell you. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has left this Holy Spot for the first time in forty-two years, and has gone to Egypt . . . Everyone was astounded to hear of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's departure, for no one knew until the very last minute that he had any idea of leaving . . .

2 / 4

After 42 years in this cage, the Divine Bird has spread His wings and in perfect freedom flown away. When asked about his abrupt departure, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's attendant, Siyyid Asadu’llah-i-Qumi, wrote: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did not inform anyone that he was going to leave Haifa. The day he left he visited the holy tomb of the Báb on Mt Carmel and when he came down from the mountain of the Lord, he went direct to the steamer.

3 / 4

This was the first anyone knew about the matter.

4 / 4