Racial Harmony and Justice in Wilmette: Celebrating the Life of Abdu'l-Bahá

100 Linden Avenue,Wilmette IL 60091

26 November, 2021

Description

A Celebration of the Life of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, 1844-1921: Laying the Foundation for Racial Harmony and Justice in Wilmette Please join us!Bahá’ís of Wilmette are preparing to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, on November 27, 2021. Before Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, died in 1892, He designated His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to become the interpreter of His teachings and leader of the Faith. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life of service and dedication to His Father’s teachings of loving-kindness and unity is an inspiration to the millions of people worldwide who are honoring Him now, 100 years after His death. Allowing for appropriate social distancing and mask-wearing, an in-person gathering will take place on the evening of November 26th in the lower level of the Bahá'í House of Worship at 100 Linden in Wilmette. The special occasion will be celebrated with music and a presentation on ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá’s historical connections to Wilmette and His message of Racial Harmony. A newly released short film will also be premiered. Who is Bahá’u’lláh? Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892), “The Glory of God,” is considered by millions around the world as the Divine Educator for this age. His coming was foretold by all of the world's religions. In His writings, Bahá'u'lláh outlines a framework for the development of a unified society that takes into account both the spiritual and material dimensions of human life. His teachings, centered around the recognition of the oneness of humanity, offer a compelling vision of a future world united in justice, peace, and prosperity. Who is ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá?In the early years of the 20th century, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—the eldest Son of Bahá’u’lláh—was the Bahá’í Faith’s leading exponent, renowned as a champion of social justice and an ambassador for international peace. Upholding unity as the fundamental principle of His teachings, Bahá’u’lláh established the necessary safeguard to ensure that His religion would never suffer the same fate as others that split into sects after the deaths of their Founders. In His Writings, He instructed all to turn to His eldest Son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, not only as the authorized interpreter of the Bahá’í Writings but also as the perfect exemplar of the Faith’s spirit and teachings. What did Bahá’u’lláh teach?One GodCalled by different names throughout the ages, the eternal God, the Creator of the universe, is limitless, all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving. God is one. The reality of God is beyond human understanding, though we may find expressions of God's attributes in every created thing. “The peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God.” --Bahá'u'lláh One Human FamilyBeyond all differences of culture, class or ethnicity, regardless of differences in customs, opinions or temperaments, every individual is a member of one gloriously diverse human family. Each unique soul has a role to play in carrying forward an ever-advancing material and spiritual civilization. “Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship…” --Bahá'u'lláh One Unfolding ReligionHumanity’s spiritual, intellectual and moral capacities have been cultivated by the successive Founders of the world’s religions--the Manifestations of God—among them Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, and most recently, the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh. Each religion originates from God and is suited to the age and place in which it is revealed. In essence, the religion of God is one and is progressively unfolding. “This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future.”--Bahá'u'lláh Principles of JusticeAnother of these spiritual principles is justice. Justice is necessary to bring about unity. A unity that is both diverse in its expression and all-encompassing in its scope. Unifying approaches are necessary to bring about justice. Justice is that faculty of each human soul that enables each person to distinguish truth from falsehood. As they reflect on the positive changes taking place in their own hearts and minds as well as the tangible results they see in their neighborhoods, they become eager to learn more and share what they are learning with others. This path is wide and welcoming for all to advance at their own pace, accompanying and encouraging each other, so that together we might move towards a more advanced society. OriginsThe Bahá’í Faith originated in Iran in the mid-19th century. In less than 200 years it has become a universal faith present in every country in the world with adherents from virtually every national, ethnic, religious and tribal background. A Movement of Personal and Social TransformationThe international Bahá’í community, numbering more than five million, is quite possibly the most diverse organized body of people on the planet. United by their belief in Bahá'u'lláh, and inspired by His teachings, members strive to live out the twofold moral purpose of transforming their own characters while simultaneously contributing to the advancement of society. Bahá’u’lláh taught that religion is a cohesive force in society and a system of knowledge that has, together with science, propelled the advancement of civilizations Sacred WritingsThe writings of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh are considered by Bahá’ís to have been revealed by God. As the creative Word of God, these sacred writings have the power to touch the deepest recesses of our hearts and transform us and the world around us. The Bahá’í writings address the needs of the age and offer inspiration for individuals working to better themselves and their communities. Bahá’u’lláh enjoined His followers to read daily from the Sacred Texts, “Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths.” Worship Bahá’ís consider work done in the spirit of service to humanity as the highest form of worship. Prayer, offered both in private and in the company of others, is regarded as essential spiritual nourishment, providing inspiration for positive personal and social change. Individuals pray daily and observe an annual period of fasting. The Bahá’í Faith has no clergy or sacraments, and has very simple practices for life transitions such as marriage and funerals. The Bahá’í Faith is based on the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The principle of the oneness of humankind is the pivot around which all the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh revolve. Bahá’u’lláh taught that humanity, after a long and turbulent adolescence, is at last reaching a stage of maturity in which a global and just society can finally be established. To this end, the Bahá’í Faith prescribes laws of personal morality and behavior, as well as social laws and principles, to establish the oneness of humanity.