Christ’s Essential Teaching

Abdu’l-Bahá, born Abbas Effendi in May 1844, was an influential religious figure known for his leadership in the Baha’i Faith following the death of his father, Baha'u'llah, the faith's founder, in 1892. His birthplace was Tehran, Iran, a significant location in the history of the Baha'i Faith. Growing up, he witnessed his father's exile due to religious persecution, an experience that deeply impacted his later work and teachings. As the eldest son, he was intimately involved in his father's mission, gaining a profound understanding of the Baha'i teachings. His early life was marked by turmoil and displacement, enduring exiles to Baghdad, Constantinople, Adrianople, and finally to Acre, in the Ottoman Empire. These experiences of adversity and displacement shaped his compassionate worldview.

Upon his father's passing, Abdu'l-Bahá became the appointed leader of the Baha'i community. He played a crucial role in interpreting Baha'u'llah's teachings and ensuring their dissemination. His leadership period was characterized by a significant expansion of the Baha'i Faith, both in the Middle East and internationally. He was known for his charismatic personality, deep spiritual insight, and commitment to the principles of peace, unity, and equality. Abdu'l-Bahá's efforts to spread the Baha'i teachings took a monumental turn when he embarked on a series of travels to the West, visiting Europe and North America between 1911 and 1913. These journeys were pivotal in bringing the Baha'i message to a broader audience, emphasizing the faith's core principles of unity, equality, and world peace.

Abdu’l-Bahá passed away in Haifa, in present-day Israel, on November 28, 1921. His death marked the end of an era for the Baha'i community but left a lasting legacy through his writings, discourses, and the example he set through his life. He was widely recognized for his humanitarian work, his commitment to social justice, and his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue. His teachings and actions continue to inspire Baha'is around the world, serving as a guiding light for the principles of service, unity, and peace central to the Baha'i Faith. His writings and talks, many of which have been preserved, offer a profound insight into the spiritual and practical aspects of the Baha'i teachings and remain a key part of Baha'i literature.