‘Abdu’l-Bahá: A Life of Service
‘Abdu’l-Bahá lived from May 23, 1844–November 28, 1921.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá holds a special place in the history of the Bahá’í Faith. Born as ‘Abbás Effendi, he was Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, and he led the Bahá’í Faith after his father’s passing. He chose for himself the title “‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” which means “Servant of Bahá.” Through his example, he elevated service to the highest station of nobility. He said, “No name, no title, no commendation have I, nor will I ever have, except ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This is my longing. This is my greatest yearning. This is my eternal life. This is my everlasting glory.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá dedicated his life to serving his father’s Faith and spreading its teachings of unity and justice. His wisdom and dedication offer a perfect example of how to live according to Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings. He was a champion of race unity. At a time when racism and prejudice were rampant, He treated all people with love, dignity, and respect. His love for all of humanity shone so brightly that its radiance continues to inspire hearts today.
Here’s a collection of Brilliant Star stories and activities to help you share the love of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with your friends, family, and community this year.
All are available as printable PDFs, and some are also in a website version.
Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Timeline PDF
Learn about the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, who led the Bahá’í Faith after his Father’s passing.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Joyful Service PDF | web version
As a prisoner in ‘Akká, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá devoted himself to serving and uplifting others.
Painting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá PDF | web version
Juliet Thompson, an American Bahá’í and artist, undertook the incredible task of painting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Knighting of Sir ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Abbás PDF | web version
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s heroic service saved many from going hungry.
A Memorable Meal with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá PDF | web version
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s treatment of and respect for Louis Gregory modeled racial equality for everyone present.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: It Is the Time for Love PDF | web version
After Bahá’u’lláh’s passing, His son led the Bahá’í community with love and service.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Kindness in New York PDF | web version
‘Abdu’l-Bahá shares a sweet visit and challenges racial prejudices in New York.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá directs the early Bahá’ís to lead the fight for race amity.
This color portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was taken in Paris, France in 1911, when he was embarking on his journey to the West.
The Great Voyage: His Journey to the West
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Great Voyage: Timeline
Following decades of exile and imprisonment, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá embarked on an epic journey to Europe, Canada, and the United States.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Great Voyage: The Titanic
‘Abdu’l-Bahá was inspired to take a different ship to North America.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Great Voyage: Unity Feast
‘Abdu’l-Bahá hosted a joyful feast, uniting the hearts of his friends.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Great Voyage: Canada
Visit the Maxwell home in Canada, which became a Bahá’í shrine.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Great Voyage: Last Glimpse
Hundreds of friends gathered to see ‘Abdu’l-Bahá one last time as his journey to North America ended.
Some of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Family Members
A story and word search about how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá helped his father.
Bahíyyih Khánum, the Greatest Holy Leaf PDF | web version
Meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s beloved sister and “outstanding heroine” of the Bahá’í Faith.
Munírih Khanum PDF | web version
She was happily married to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for nearly 50 years.
Shoghi Effendi PDF | web version
Learn about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s grandson and Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith.
Nobility of Navváb PDF | web version
The noble and devoted wife of Bahá’u’lláh and mother of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
A glimpse of Bahá’u’lláh’s faithful family.
Stories of People Who Met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
John Bosch: A Heart that Speaks PDF | web version
‘Abdu’l-Bahá encouraged him to let his heart say what his voice could not.
Lua Getsinger PDF | web version
She shared Bahá’í teachings throughout the world with eloquence and love.
Kanichi Yamamoto PDF | web version
The first Japanese Bahá’í, Kanichi Yamamoto arranged for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to speak to a Japanese audience in America.
Robert Turner PDF | web version
Meet the first African American Bahá’í, known for his steadfastness.
Dr. Zia Mabsoot Bagdadi PDF | web version
His happiness lived in his service to others.
Agnes Parsons PDF | web version
‘Abdu’l-Bahá encouraged her to become a champion of race unity.
Louis Gregory PDF | web service
With a heart of gold, he worked for race unity.
Roy Wilhelm PDF | web version
‘Abdu’l-Bahá called him “a true Bahá’i.”
He took a dangerous journey to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Thornton Chase PDF | web version
‘Abdu’l-Bahá encouraged friends to visit the grave of the first American Bahá’í every year.
He was the first man from England to become a Bahá’í.
Meet the Mother of Canada’s Bahá’í Community.
William Sutherland Maxwell PDF | web version
Meet the designer of the Shrine of the Báb.
Meeting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá changed his life.
From a young age, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá recognized his father's station. At around 24 (above) he assisted the Bahá’ís during exile in what is now Turkey.
Activities
Cherish the spirit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with blooming branches, cards full of hearts, a community guessing game, and delicious apple cookies.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Love for the Poor
In the coins, find clues about how to care for others.
Dive into a quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to learn how prayer can help consultation flow.
Invite friends to help remember ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with heart-shaped decorations, painted stones, a paper airplane game, and delicious baked apples.
Fill in the letters to discover topics of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talks in North America.
Try this prayer when you face tough questions.
Explore the vocabulary of a prayer that begins “O Lord! Make us useful ...”
Match words with meanings in an encouraging Bahá’í quote.
Photos © Bahá’í International Community
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