The Gift of a Motor-Car

Throughout His journey through the West, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá steadfastly refused to accept money or expensive gifts from anyone, though He greatly enjoyed small gifts such as a box of bon-bons, fruit or flowers.

1 / 2

In this scene, reenacted time after time on His travels, Lady Blomfield writes of one attempt to give money to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “One day in my presence a lady said to Him: ‘I have here a cheque from a friend, who begs its acceptance to buy a good motor-car for your work in England and Europe.’” The Master replied: “I accept with grateful thanks the gift of your friend.” He took the cheque into both His hands, as though blessing it, and said “I return it to be used for gifts to the poor.”

2 / 2