Remembering ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with intention
In the last week of November, we look forward to two occasions that draw our minds and hearts toward the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This year, the Day of the Covenant falls on Tuesday 25 November, followed two days later by the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on Thursday 27 November.
Although neither is a non-work Holy Day, they each carry a special significance, and remind us to reflect on the One appointed as the Centre of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, and whose life stands as such a clear example of what it means to walk a path of service with humility and steadfastness.
Portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá taken in New York City, United States of Americal, December 1912. “Copyright © Bahá’í International Community”
Day of the Covenant
The Day of the Covenant is a special day in which we reflect on the unique role ‘Abdu’l-Bahá holds in the Bahá’í Faith as the Centre of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. It is a day that honours His station as the One appointed to safeguard the unity of the Faith and to guide the worldwide community after the Ascension of his beloved Father, Bahá’u’lláh.
“As to the most great characteristic of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, a specific teaching not given by any of the Prophets of the past: It is the ordination and appointment of the Centre of the Covenant. By this appointment and provision He has safeguarded and protected the religion of God against differences and schisms, making it impossible for anyone to create a new sect or faction of belief.”
“The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912”, pp. 455-56
Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
In the early morning hours of 28 November 1921, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s earthly life came to an end, and the news of His passing brought together thousands of people, of all faiths, ethnicities, and walks of life, who mourned a figure they regarded as a true friend of humanity. In commemorating His passing, we remember the extraordinary light He brought into the world and allow ourselves to feel renewed in following His example of service and love for all humanity.
The anniversary commemoration gathering in all communities is to be held at the hour of His actual passing, which in New Zealand daylight saving time on Thursday 27 November 2025 means that you will likely wish to offer the following Tablet of Visitation at 2:00 a.m. during this commemorative occasion.
Tablet of Visitation revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
(This prayer is read at His Shrine. It is also used in private prayer.)
Whoso reciteth this prayer with lowliness and fervor will bring gladness and joy to the heart of this Servant; it will be even as meeting Him face to face.
He is the All-Glorious!
O God, my God! Lowly and tearful, I raise my suppliant hands to Thee and cover my face in the dust of that Threshold of Thine, exalted above the knowledge of the learned, and the praise of all that glorify Thee. Graciously look upon Thy servant, humble and lowly at Thy door, with the glances of the eye of Thy mercy, and immerse him in the Ocean of Thine eternal grace.
Lord! He is a poor and lowly servant of Thine, enthralled and imploring Thee, captive in Thy hand, praying fervently to Thee, trusting in Thee, in tears before Thy face, calling to Thee and beseeching Thee, saying:
O Lord, my God! Give me Thy grace to serve Thy loved ones, strengthen me in my servitude to Thee, illumine my brow with the light of adoration in Thy court of holiness, and of prayer to Thy kingdom of grandeur. Help me to be selfless at the heavenly entrance of Thy gate, and aid me to be detached from all things within Thy holy precincts. Lord! Give me to drink from the chalice of selflessness; with its robe clothe me, and in its ocean immerse me. Make me as dust in the pathway of Thy loved ones, and grant that I may offer up my soul for the earth ennobled by the footsteps of Thy chosen ones in Thy path, O Lord of Glory in the Highest.
With this prayer doth Thy servant call Thee, at dawntide and in the night-season. Fulfill his heart’s desire, O Lord! Illumine his heart, gladden his bosom, kindle his light, that he may serve Thy Cause and Thy servants.
Thou art the Bestower, the Pitiful, the Most Bountiful, the Gracious, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
For a warm and personal glimpse into the life of the Master, you might like to read Memories of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá by Ali M. Yazdi, available on the Official Website of the Bahá’í Worldwide Community - The Bahá’í Faith.
It contains first-hand recollections of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s presence, service and love. This reading makes a lovely companion to our reflections on the Day of the Covenant and the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Read it here
Feature image: Colourised image of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Holy Land, c. 1920
Source: Bahá’í Media Bank “Copyright © Bahá’í International Community” - https://media.bahai.org/
