Jamál, 17 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 180 B.E.
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned and subjected to severe persecutions. Finally, He was exiled from Persia to Mesopotamia; from Baghdád He was sent to Constantinople and Adrianople and from thence to the prison of ‘Akká in Syria. Through all these ordeals He strove day and night to proclaim the oneness of humanity and promulgate the message of universal peace. From the prison of ‘Akká He addressed the kings and rulers of the earth in lengthy letters, summoning them to international agreement and explicitly stating that the standard of the Most Great Peace would surely be upraised in the world. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
Why did Bahá’u’lláh accept to be made a prisoner? 2
Google Bard Response:
The reasons why Bahá’u’lláh accepted imprisonment and exile are complex and open to interpretation. Here are some critical perspectives:
- Divine Will and Sacrifice: Bahá’ís believe that Bahá’u’lláh, as a Manifestation of God, willingly endured suffering per God’s divine plan. This perspective sees His imprisonment as a sacrifice for the spiritual progress of humanity. By sharing humanity’s suffering, He demonstrated empathy and love, setting an example of perseverance and resilience.
- Testing and Strengthening Faith: Persecution and hardship are tests that strengthen faith and purify character. By remaining steadfast in His convictions despite immense challenges, Bahá’u’lláh exemplified unwavering faith and commitment to His mission.
- Symbolic Death and Rebirth: Some interpretations draw parallels with religious narratives of sacrifice and resurrection. Just as seeds need darkness to germinate and grow, Bahá’u’lláh’s “death” through imprisonment can be seen as a symbolic prelude to the “rebirth” of a new world order based on His teachings.
- Witnessing and Exposing Injustice: By enduring unjust treatment, Bahá’u’lláh served as a witness to the oppressive nature of the existing power structures. His imprisonment drew attention to their flaws and became a potent symbol of the need for justice and reform.
- Opportunity for Teaching and Spreading the Message: Though confined, Bahá’u’lláh continued to teach and spread His message with even greater determination. His written works, including letters to world leaders, reached diverse audiences despite His imprisonment, contributing to the growth of the Baha’i Faith.
- Setting an Example of Forgiveness and Non-Violence: Despite suffering persecution, Bahá’u’lláh advocated for forgiveness, love, and non-violence. By refusing to retaliate or succumb to hatred, He embodied His teachings and offered a powerful alternative to the cycle of violence.
It’s important to remember that these interpretations are not mutually exclusive. The reasons for Bahá’u’lláh’s acceptance of imprisonment can be multifaceted and vary depending on individual understanding and spiritual orientation.
Ultimately, Bahá’u’lláh’s experiences offer a powerful message of sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to transforming the world for the better. He inspires individuals and communities to strive for unity, peace, and justice in the face of adversity.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 125. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/9#745297824. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 47. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 