The childhood and youth of my brother [‘Abdu’l-Bahá]was, in fact, in all respects unusual
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When in Bahá'í history
The childhood and youth of my brother [‘Abdu’l-Bahá]was, in fact, in all respects unusual. He did not care for play or for amusement like other children. He would not go to school, nor would he apply himself to study. Horseback riding was the only diversion of which he was fond; in that he became proficient, being reputed to be a very skilful horseman.
Source: Lady Blomfield, The Chosen Highway
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: abdul-baha-childhood).
Discuss this story
For adults
- What stands out about Lady Blomfield's response in this account?
- What in your own life does this story bring to mind?
- Where do you see devotion appearing — visibly or quietly — in this passage?
For teens
- If you were going to tell a friend this story in two sentences, what would you say?
- If you were in Lady Blomfield's place, what might you have done?
Reflection
- What in this account feels timely? What feels timeless?
- If you could bring one quality from this story into your next conversation, what would it be?
- Is there someone in your life who would be helped by hearing this story?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "The childhood and youth of my brother [‘Abdu’l-Bahá]was, in fact, in all respects unusual" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Cite this story
Various. *bahaistories.com archive*. https://bahaistories.com/subject/abdul-baha-childhood
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