Be As I Am

`ABDU’L-BAHÁ

A deepening material especially for the Fast

 BE AS I AM
A Deepening material

A simple guide for the facilitator

There are 19 sections in total in this deepening material.

You may print the specific topics at a time, for your
sessions.

It is also recommended that the session should be conducted

within half an hour to maintain the spirit and excitement.

Read the quotations provided and initiate discussion based

on the suggested questions attached or create questions
that are relevant to address the topic of discussion.

For each topic, it is also suggested that a short story of

`Abdu’l-Bahá is shared by the facilitator, or any others
who have been chosen prior to the session.

For each of the topics a quotation is given to be

memorized. It is suggested that the facilitator, get the
participants to repeat the quotation of the previous topic
they studied by heart.

As much as we spend our time to study the material, it is

our ardent desire to see the friends inspired with the
spirit of the Faith and enkindle their hearts to take on a
path of service in their respective neighborhood and
cluster.
Topic 1 - `Abdu’l-Bahá

1. “Now surely, if ever, is the time for us, the choosen ones of Bahá’u’lláh and the bearers of His
Message to the world, to endeavor by day and night, to deepen, first and foremost, the Spirit of
His Cause in our own individual lives, and then labor, and labor incessantly to exemplify in all
our dealings with our fellowmen that noble Spirit of which His beloved Son `Abdu’l-Bahá has
been all the days of His life a true and unique exponent.”
- Shoghi Effendi, Bahá‟í Administration, pg. 35

2. “We can prove ourselves worthy of our Cause only if in our individual conduct and corporate life
we sedulously imitate the example of our beloved Master, whom the terrors of tyranny, the storms
of incessant abuse, the oppressiveness of humiliation, never caused to deviate a hair’s breadth
from the revealed Law of Bahá’u’lláh. Such is the path of servitude, such is the way of holiness
He choose to tread to the very end of His life. Nothing short of the strictest adherence to His
glorious examples can safely steer our course amidst the pitfalls of this perilous age, and lead us
to fulfill our high destiny.”
- Shoghi Effendi, Bahá‟í Administration, pg. 132

Questions for discussion

1. In what ways is an individual to identify himself with `Abdu‟l-Bahá?

2. Is a comprehensive knowledge of `Abdu‟l-Bahá (i.e. history of His life) necessary to help one to
identify himself with `Abdu‟l-Bahá?

3. What are the steps that one can take to identify himself with `Abdu‟l-Bahá?

Let’s bring to memory

“NOTHING SHORT OF THE STRICTEST ADHERENCE TO HIS

GLORIOUS EXAMPLES CAN SAFELY STEER OUR COURSE
AMID THE PITFALLS OF THIS PERILOUS AGE, AND LEAD US
TO FULFILL OUR HIGH DESTINY.”

SHOGHI EFFENDI
Topic 2 - Truthfulness

1. “Truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of the world of humanity. Without truthfulness,
progress and success in all the worlds of God are impossible for a soul. When this holy attribute
is established in man, all the divine qualities will also become realized.”

`Abdu‟l-Bahá, Bahá‟í World Faith, pg. 384

2. “Truthfulness and good-will have at all times, marked their relations with all men. Their outward
conduct is but a reflection of their inward life, and their inward life a mirror of their outward
conduct.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Gleanings, pg. 271

3. “Beautify your tongues, O people, with truthfulness, and adorn your souls with the ornament of
honesty. Beware, O people, that ye deal not treacherously with anyone.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Gleanings, pg. 305

Questions for discussion

1. How does the acquisition of the virtue of truthfulness make it possible for the acquisition of the
other virtues?

2. How does truthfulness help to eliminate double standards?

Let’s bring to Memory

“WITHOUT TRUTHFULNESS, PROGRESS AND SUCCESS IN ALL

THE WORLDS OF GOD ARE IMPOSSIBLE FOR A SOUL.”

`ABDU‟L-BAHÁ
Topic 3 - Trustworthiness

1. “O people of Baha! Trustworthiness is the best garment for your temples and the most splendid
crown for your heads. Adhere thereto by the command of the omnipotent Commander.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Bahá‟í World Faith, pg.169-170

2. “Trustworthiness is the greatest door to the tranquility of mankind… The stability of every affair
always depends on it, and the world of honor, glory and affluence are illumined by its light.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Bahá‟í World Faith, pg. 169

Questions for discussion

1. How does trustworthiness ensure the unity and growth of the Faith?

2. (a) How does trustworthiness develop the qualities of loyalty in one‟s:

i. Character?
ii. Family?
iii. Community?

(b) How does trustworthiness develop the quality of integrity in one‟s:

i. Character?
i. Family?
ii. Community?

3. (a) How can trustworthiness be acquired by demonstrating reliability in:

i. Financial matters?
ii. Honoring agreements, contracts and promises?

(b) How can trustworthiness be acquired by demonstrating punctuality?

Let’s bring to Memory

“TRUSTWORTHINESS IS THE GREATEST DOOR TO THE

SECURITY AND TRANQUILLITY OF MANKIND. THE STABILITY
OF EVERY AFFAIR ALWAYS DEPENDS ON IT!”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 4 - Reverence

1. “The first word which the Abha Pen hath revealed and inscribed on the first leaf of Paradise is
this: “Verily I say: The fear of God hath ever been a sure defense and a safe stronghold for all
the people of the world.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Epistle, Pg. 27

2. “….that which guards men both outwardly and inwardly from base deeds is the fear of God.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Bahá‟í World Faith, pg. 179

Questions for discussion

1. How does the fear of God develop the attitude of reverence?

2. Why and how has modern man lost the quality of reverence?

3. How can we strengthen our institutions and safeguard our spiritual lives through reverence
for such institutions?

Let’s bring to Memory

“….THAT WHICH PREVENTS AND GUARDS MEN BOTH

OUTWARDLY AND INWARDLY FROM BASE DEEDS IS THE
FEAR OF GOD.”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 5 - Courtesy

1. “We verily, have choosen courtesy, and made it the true mark of such as are nigh unto Him.
Courtesy is, in truth, a raiment which fitteth all men, whether young or old. Well is it with
him that adorneth his temple therewith, and woe unto him who is deprived of this great
bounty.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Epistle, pg. 50

2. “O people of God! I exhort you to courtesy. Courtesy is, in the primary station, the Lord of
all virtues. Blessed is he who is illumined with the light of courtesy, and is adorned with the
mantle of uprightness! He who is endowed with courtesy is endowed with great station. It is
hoped that this oppressed One, and all, will attain to it, adhere to it, hold untoi it, and
observe it. This is the irrefutable command which hath flowed from the Pen of the Greatest
Name.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Bahá‟í World Faith, pg.175

Questions for discussion

1. How is courtesy reflected in the manner in which one carries out actions?

2. How does the expression of courtesy help in:

a. Drawing out the best in other?

b. A group to become spiritualized and unified?

Let’s bring to Memory

“COURTESY IS, IN THE PRIMARY STATION, THE LORD OF ALL

VIRTUES….. HE WHO IS ENDOWED WITH COURTESY IS
ENDOWED WITH A GREAT STATION.”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 6 - Cleanliness
While `Abdu‟l-Bahá was walking in the rose-garden He passed by Haji Mullah Abou Taleb, the very old
man with stooped shoulders and long beard. He looked at him, then at others, and smiled. “Haji Mullah
Abou Taleb is My friend,” He said. “He looked just as old forty years ago when he came to this blessed
spot for the first time. Now he has come never to leave. Are you well and happy? How can you descend
and ascend the mountain every day?”

Then He came very near him and looked at his thin and probably soiled overcoat. “Hast thou not received
thy new overcoat? I have brought one for thee. I will send it up for thee. Man must keep his clothes
always clean and spotless.” He answered: “I am not particular about my outward clothes, but the robe of
the virtue of God is necessary for us.” Immediately `Abdu‟l-Bahá‟s face lighted up: “Thou are right, the
believers of God must ever strive to clothe their spiritual bodies with the garment of the virtue of God, the
robe of the fear of God and the vesture of the love of God. These robes will never become threadbare.
They will never be out of fashion. Their market values do not fluctuate. They are always negotiable and
ever on demand. They are the means of the adornment of the temple of man and woman. But the outward
raiment must be also clean and immaculate, so that the outer may be a faint expression of the inner.
Cleanliness is one of the fundamental laws of this religion.”
Star of the West, Vol. VII, no. 17, pg 168-169

1. “Be thou the essence of cleanliness among mankind…… under all circumstances conform
yourselves to refined manner…. Let no trace of uncleanliness appear on your clothes….. Immerse
yourselves in pure water; a water which hath been used is not allowable…. Verily We have
desired to see in you the manifestations of Paradise on earth, so that there may be diffused from
you that whereat the hearts of the favored ones shall rejoice.”
Bahá‟u‟lláh, Epistle, pg. 131

2. “Cleanliness and sanctity in all conditions are characteristics of pure beings and necessities of
free souls. The first perfection consists in cleanliness and sanctity and in purity from every
defect.”
`Abdu‟l-Bahá, Bahá‟í World Faith, pg. 333-334

Questions for discussion

1. What is the relationship of cleanliness to the spiritual growth of an individual?

2. How can one make a significant contribution to the quality of Bahá‟í community life by making
his appearance (i.e. cleanliness) reflect divine attributes?

Let’s bring to Memory

“BE THOU THE ESSENCE OF CLEANLINESS AMONG MANKIND
…..UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES CONFORM YOURSELVES TO
REFINED MANNER….”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 7 - Decency and Modesty

Bahá‟u‟lláh wrote: “Ye are My treasury, for in you I have treasured the pearls of My mysteries and the
gems of My knowledge” and again “Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then
unto that for which thou wast created.”

1. “O ye My loved ones! Suffer not the hem of My sacred vesture be smirched and mired with the
things of this world, and follow not the promptings of your evil and corrupt desires.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Gleanings, pg. 200

2. “……..They whose hearts are turned towards Him Who is the object of the adoration of the entire
creation must need, in this Day, pass beyond and be sanctified from all created things, visible and
invisible.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Gleanings, pg. 210

3. “Say: It behoveth every one that holdeth fast to the hem of Our Robe to be untainted by anything
from which the Concourse on high may be averse.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Gleanings, pg. 307

Questions for discussion

1. What do we understand by „prompting of your corrupt and evil desires‟? What are the „things‟ of
the world?

2. Does modesty and decency help one to become selfless?

3. How can modesty and decency be expressed in:

i. One‟s choice of clothes?

ii. The amusement one seeks?

iii. The sense of humor one develops?

Let’s bring to Memory

“NOBLE HAVE I CREATED THEE, YET THOU HAST ABASED

THYSELF. RISE THEN UNTO THAT FOR WHICH THOU WAST
CREATED.”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 8 – Patience
There was a Christian merchant in Akka who, like many of his fellow-citizens, help the Bahá‟ís in scant
respect. It happened that he came upon a load of charcoal which some of the Bahá‟ís had been permitted
to buy outside Akka. (Inside the town they were denied such purchases.) The merchant, noticing that the
fuel was a fine grade, took it for his own use. For him Bahá‟ís were beyond the pale, and so their goods
could be impounded. When `Abdu‟l-Bahá heard of the incident, He went to the place where the merchant
transacted his business to ask for the return of the charcoal. There were many people about in the office,
bent on their trade, and they took no notice of `Abdu‟l-Bahá. He sat and waited. Three hours passed
before the merchant turned to Him and said: „Are you one of the prisoners of this town?‟ `Abdu‟l-Bahá
said He was, and the merchant then inquired: „What was the crime for which you were imprisoned?‟
`Abdu‟l-Bahá replied: „The same crime for which Christ was indicted.‟ The merchant was taken aback.
He was a Christian, and here was a man speaking of similarity between His action and the action of
Christ. „What could you know of Christ?‟ was his retort. `Abdu‟l-Bahá calmly proceeded to tell him. The
arrogance of the merchant was confronted by the patience of `Abdu‟l-Bahá. When `Abdu‟l-Bahá rose to
go, the merchant also rose and walked with Him into the street, betokening his respect for this Man – one
of the detested prisoners. From then on, he was a friend, even more a supporter.

H.M. Balyuzi, `Abdu‟l-Bahá, pg. 32-33

1. “O SON OF MAN
For everything there is a sign. The sign of love is fortitude under my decree and patience under
my trials.”
Bahá‟u‟lláh, Hidden Words, pg. 15

2. “He will, certainly, repay all them that endure with patience and put their confidence in Him.”
Bahá‟u‟lláh, Bahá‟í World Faith, pg. 47

3. “Be patient in the time of affliction and trial, endure every difficulty and hardship with a dilated
heart, attracted spirit and eloquent tongue in remembrance of the Merciful.”
`Abdu‟l-Bahá, Bahá‟í World Faith, pg. 375

Questions for discussion

1. Of the following behaviors, which are the manifestations of impatience?

i. Ill-humor ii. Sarcasm iii. Fault finding iv. Grudges

2. What are the ways through which patience could be cultivated and manifested?

Let’s bring to Memory

“THE SIGN OF LOVE IS FORTITUDE UNDER MY DECREE AND
PATIENCE UNDER MY TRIALS.”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 9 – Moderation

1. “Whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence.
Consider for instance such things as liberty, civilization and the like. However much men of
understanding may favorably regard them, they will, if carried to excess, exercise a pernicious
influence upon men.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Gleanings, pg. 215

2. “Fear ye God, and take heed not to outstrip the bounds of moderation, and be numbered among
the extravagant.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Gleanings, pg. 249

Questions for discussion

1. How can the Institutions help to guide us to live in moderation?

2. Moderate living requires control. How does one strive for obedience to the law and principles of
the Faith and develop this control and self discipline within us to live in moderation?

3. Moderation also applies to financial matters. How can we practise economy in our daily lives as
Bahá‟ís?

Let’s bring to Memory

“WHATSOEVER PASSETH BEYOND THE LIMITS OF

MODERATION WILL CEASE TO EXERT A BENEFICIAL
INFLEUNCE. FEAR YE GOD, AND TAKE HEED NOT TO
OUTSTRIP THE BOUNDS OF MODERATION, AND BE
NUMBERED AMONG THE EXTRAVAGANT.”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 10 – Gratitude

1. “Be thou happy and well pleased and arise to offer thanks to God, in order that thanksgiving may
conduce to the increase of bounty.”

`Abdu‟l-Bahá, Tablet of `Abdu‟l-Bahá, pg. 482

2. “These favours have we bestowed upon thee as a bounty on Our part and a mercy from Our
presence, that thou mayest be of those who are grateful.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Bahá‟í Prayers, pg. 132

Questions for discussion

1. How does the expression of gratitude to other help to foster unity?

2. How does gratitude help one to acquire spiritual qualities and attributes?

3. How could one develop the attitude of gratefulness (to God) in the midst of tests and trials?

Let’s bring to Memory

“BE THOU HAPPY AND WELL PLEASED AND ARISE TO OFFER

THANKS TO GOD, IN ORDER THAT THANKSGIVING MAY
CONDUCE TO THE INCREASE OF BOUNTY.”

`ABDU‟L-BAHÁ
Topic 11 – Dress

1. “The very members of your body must bear witness to the loftiness of your purpose, the integrity
of your life, the reality of your faith, and the exalted character of your devotion.”

The Báb, The Dawn-Breakers, pg. 92

2. “…Let no trace of uncleanliness appear on your clothes …..Verily We have desired to see in you
the manifestations of Paradise on earth, so that there may be diffused from you that whereat the
hearts of the favoured ones shall rejoice.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh and the New Era, pg. 103

Questions for discussion

1. How do posture, bearing and dress convey one‟s inner feelings?

2. What is the role of moderation as pertaining to dress?

3. What is the criterion by which one ascertains whether one is dressing according to Bahá‟í
standards?

Let’s bring to Memory

“…..LET NO TRACE OF UNCLEANLINESS APPEAR ON YOUR

CLOTHES…… WE HAVE DESIRED TO SEE IN YOU THE
MANIFESTATIONS OF PARADISE ON EARTH….”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 12 – Amusement and Recreation

1. “For the mind to manifest itself, the human body must be whole; and a sound mind cannot be but
in a sound body.”

`Abdu‟l-Bahá, Bahá‟í World Faith, pg. 337

2. “Should a man wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels, or
partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to
intervene between him and God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the
heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, quoted in Advent of Divine Justice, pg. 28

Questions for discussion

1. What is the criterion by which we should make the choice of amusement and recreations?

2. Of the present day amusements and recreations what are:

a. Reflecting the values of a collapsing civilization?

b. In line with Bahá‟í standards?

Let’s bring to Memory

“FOR THE MIND TO MANIFEST ITSELF, THE HUMAN BODY

MUST BE WHOLE; AND A SOUND MIND CANNOT BE BUT IN A
SOUND BODY.”

`ABDU‟L-BAHÁ
Topic 13 – Hospitality
Soon after Khan (her husband, Ali-Kuli Khan) appeared and said…. “Over two hundred guests are
expected for the Feast, and the Master has been at work since dawn.” I exclaimed, “The Master working
on His birthday?” “Oh! You should have seen Him! ... They tell me He has been kneading, with His own
hands, dough for the ovens. He has been in gay spirit, inspiring, uplifting, cheering all His helpers.” The
picture I had envisioned, of `Abdu‟l-Bahá reclining … all the morning, while we paid Him homage,
vanished in my astonishment! Later, Khan returned radiant and enthusiastic to our room … He said that
„Abdu‟l-Bahá assisted in passing the platters ... the rice … the lamb … the fruits of the region … Moving
among His two hundred guests, He spoke to them as He served them, such Divine words of love and
spiritual import.”

Florence Breed Khan, quoted in Marzieh Gail,

The Sheltering Branch, pg. 69-70

1. “My home is the home of peace. My home is the home of joy and delight. My home is the home of
laughter and exultation. Whosoever enters through the portals of this home must go out with
gladsome heart. This is the home of light; whosoever enters here must be illumined.”

„Abdu‟l-Bahá (from the diary of Ahmad Shorab,

Quoted in Star of the West, Vol. 9, No. 3, pg. 40

Questions for discussion

1. Hospitality involves the expression of many spiritual qualities, therefore, how can a host make
spiritual as well as material preparations to receive a guest?

2. Apart from individual expression of hospitality, how can hospitality be expressed in the collective
life of the Bahá‟í community?

3. At a fireside, does genuine hospitality create more lasting effect than discussion about Faith?

4. In what ways should Bahá‟í expression of hospitality excel the present standards of hospitality?

Let’s bring to Memory

“DO NOT BE CONTENT WITH SHOWING FRIENDSHIP IN

WORDS ALONE, LET YOUR HEART BURN WITH LOVING-
KINDNESS FOR ALL WHO MAY CROSS YOUR PATH.”

`ABDU‟L-BAHÁ
Topic 14 – Speech

1. “The function of language is to portray the mysteries and secrets of the human hearts. The heart
is like a box and language is the key.”
„Abdu‟l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace. Pg. 57

2. “O people of Baha! Subdue the citadels of men’s hearts with the swords of wisdom and of
utterance. They that disputes, as prompted by their desire, are indeed wrapped in a palpable veil.

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Epistle, pg. 55

3. “A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the
words with meaning, it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Gleanings, pg. 289

Questions for discussion

1. How could Bahá‟ís uphold a high standard of excellence is speech?

2. How could speech act as a channel through which the other attributes of God, such as kindness,
honesty, justice and discretion be manifested?

3. How could one refrain from the abuses of speech, such as idle talk, cursing and backbiting?

4. How could Bahá‟ís help to stop the decline in deterioration of language spoken by the general
public today?

Let’s bring to Memory

“A KINDLY TONGUE IS THE LODESTONE OF THE HEARTS OF

MEN. IT IS THE BREAD OF THE SPIRIT, IT CLOTHETH THE
WORDS WITH MEANING, IT IS THE FOUNTAIN OF THE LIGHT
OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING.”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 15 – Artistic Pursuits

1. “…The acquisition of science and the perfection of art is considered as acts of worship. If a man
engages with all his power, in acquisition of a science or in the perfection of an art, it is as if he
has been worshipping God in the churches and temples…. What bounty greater than this that
science could be considered as an act of worship and act as service to the Kingdom of God.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Bahá‟í World Faith, pg. 377-378

2. “In the Bahá’í Cause arts, sciences and all crafts are (counted as) worship… Briefly, all efforts
and exertions put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the
highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to
minister to the needs of the people.”

„Abdu‟l-Bahá, Paris Talks, pg. 176-177

Questions for discussion

1. Apart from being a means of occupation and financial sustenance, what is the other
purpose of art?

2. In what ways can art reflect the attributes of God?

3. How does moderation in artistic pursuits reflect one‟s chastity and purity?

Let’s bring to Memory

“THE ACQUISTION OF SCIENCE AND THE PERFECTION OF

ARTS IS CONSIDERED AS ACTS OF WORSHIP.”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 16 – Work and Education

1. “It is made incumbent on every one of you to enable in some one occupation, such as art, trades,
and the like….. waste not your time in idleness and indolence, and occupy yourselves with that
which will profit yourselves and others beside yourself.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Bahá‟í World Faith, pg. 195

2. “…..it is incumbent on every one to engage in crafts and professions, for therein lies the secret of
wealth, O men of understanding! For results depend upon means, and the grace of God shall be
all-sufficient unto you. Trees that yield no fruit have been and will ever be for the fire.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, The Hidden Words, pg. 50-51

3. “The source of learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His Glory, and this cannot be
attained save through the knowledge of His Divine Manifestation.”

Bahá‟u‟lláh, Bahá‟í World Faith, Pg. 141

Questions for discussion

1. How does one cultivate the spirit of service in one‟s occupation?

2. At the present, how does one measure the degree to which one‟s occupation/career benefits
mankind?

3. Does one‟s academic education develop one‟s potentialities of service to mankind?

Let’s bring to Memory

“THE BEST OF MEN ARE THEY THAT EARN A LIVEHOOD BY

THEIR CALLING AND SPEND UPON THEMSELVES AND UPON
THEIR KINDRED FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, THE LORD OF ALL
WORLDS.”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 17 – Manners

1. “The most vital duty, in this day, is to purify your characters, to correct your manners, and
improve your conduct. The beloved of the Merciful must show forth such character and conduct
among His creatures, that the fragrance of their holiness may be shed upon the whole world, and
may quicken the dead, inasmuch as the purpose of the Manifestation of God and the dawning of
the limitless lights of the invisible is to educate the souls of men, and refine the character of every
living man…”

„Abdu‟l-Bahá, quoted in “The Advent of Divine Justice. Pg. 21-22

Questions for discussion

1. Can we determine a person‟s spirituality or nobility from a person behavior?

2. How can one determine what kind of behavior or manners is appropriate for a particular
situation?

Let’s bring to Memory

“THE MOST VITAL DUTY, IN THIS DAY, IS TO PURIFY YOUR

CHARACTER, TO CORRECT YOUR MANNERS, AND IMPROVE
YOUR CONDUCT.”

`ABDU‟L-BAHÁ
Topic 18 – Use of Resources

Every individual believer -- man, woman, youth and child -- is summoned to this field of action; for it is
on the initiative, the resolute will of the individual to teach and to serve, that the success of the entire
community depends.

(Compilations, Promoting Entry by Troops, p. 14)

What the friends throughout the world are now being asked to do is to commit themselves, their material
resources, their abilities and their time …………

(The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 153, 1996)

Questions for discussion

1. „Spending more time in the activities of a collapsing world order slows down one‟s spiritual
progress.‟ What are these „activities‟ associated with the old world order?

2. What are the ways through which one can divert one‟s time, talent and material goods to be used
for the best interest of the Cause?

Let’s bring to Memory

“CENTRE YOUR ENERGIES IN THE PROPAGATION OF THE

FAITH OF GOD.”

BAHÁ‟U‟LLÁH
Topic 19 – Stepping into the Realm of
Action

1. “Wherefore it is incumbent upon all Bahá’ís to ponder this very delicate and vital matter in their
hearts, that, unlike other religions, they may not content themselves with the noise, the clamor,
the hollowness of religious doctrine. Nay, rather they should exemplify in every aspect of the lives
those attributes and virtues that are born of God and should arise to distinguish themselves by
their goodly behavior. They should justify their claims to be Bahá’ís by deeds and not by name.
He is a true Bahá’í who strive by day and night to progress and advance along the path of human
endeavor, whose most cherished desire is so to live and act as to enrich and illuminate the world,
whose source of inspiration is the essence of Divine virtue, whose aim in life is so to conduct
himself as to be the cause of infinite progress. Only when he attains unto such perfect gifts can it
be said of him that he is a true Bahá’í.”

„Abdu‟l-Bahá, The Bahá‟í World, Pg. 12

2. Therefore strive that your actions day by day may be beautiful prayers. Turn towards God, and
seek always to do that which is right and noble. Enrich the poor, rise the fallen, confort the
sorrowful, bring healing to the sick, bring hope to the hopeless, shelter the destitute!

„Abdu‟l-Bahá, Paris Talks, Pg. 80-81

Questions for discussion

1. What is service referred to in the Bahá‟í teachings?

2. What can we expect when we step into the world of action?

3. What is important for Bahá‟ís to ponder as they strive to progress and advance along the path of
human endeavor?

Let’s bring to Memory

“THEREFORE STRIVE THAT YOUR ACTIONS DAY BY DAY

MAY BE BEAUTIFUL PRAYER. TURN TOWARDS GOD, AND
SEEK ALWAYS TO DO THAT WHICH IS RIGHT AND NOBLE.”

`ABDU‟L-BAHÁ