Istiqlál, 01 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 183 B.E.
Quotes for Reflection
O Thou peerless and loving Lord! Though capacity and worthiness are lacking, and it is infinitely hard to withstand tribulations, yet worthiness and capacity are gifts vouchsafed by Thee. O Lord! Give us capacity and make us worthy, that we may evince the most great steadfastness, renounce this world and all its people, kindle the fire of Thy love, and even as candles, burn bright with a consuming flame and shed abroad our radiance.
O Lord of the Kingdom! Deliver us from this world of vain illusions, and lead us unto the realm of the infinite. Suffer us to be wholly freed from this nether life, and cause us to be blessed with the bountiful gifts of the Kingdom. Release us from this world of nothingness that beareth the semblance of reality, and confer upon us life everlasting. Bestow on us joy and delight, and favour us with gladness and contentment. Comfort our hearts, and grant peace and tranquillity to our souls, so that upon ascending unto Thy Kingdom we may attain Thy presence and may rejoice in the realms above. Thou art the Giver, the Bestower, the Almighty! — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá [1]
Question for Consideration
How is the world an illusion? [2] [3]
Gemini Notebook Response:
In Bahá’í writings, the description of the material world as an “illusion” or “shadow” is a central spiritual concept. Rather than teaching that the physical universe is pure non-existence or a complete figment of perception, the writings explain the illusory nature of the world through several distinct spiritual and philosophical perspectives:
The Physical World as a Shadow of the Kingdom
According to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the spiritual realm (the Kingdom of God) is the real, permanent world, while this physical world is merely its outward shadow or outer picture. [4] [5] [6] [7]
- Physical bodies are composed of elements held together temporarily, subject to constant change, decay, and disintegration (death). [8] [9] [10]
- In contrast, the human soul is an indivisible spiritual reality that does not suffer decomposition and endures eternally. [10] [11] True life is therefore the life of the spirit, whereas mere physical existence is temporary and passing. [12] [13]
Be the Voice of…
Therefore, all souls should consider it incumbent upon them to investigate reality. Reality is one; and when found, it will unify all mankind. Reality is the love of God. Reality is the knowledge of God. Reality is justice. Reality is the oneness or solidarity of mankind. Reality is international peace. Reality is the knowledge of verities. Reality unifies humanity. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. [14]
Footnotes
[1] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. ADDITIONAL PRAYERS REVEALED BY ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/874596006
[2] Gemini Notebook. “World as Shadow: The Physical World as a Shadow of the Kingdom.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. October 13, 2026. The World as an Illusion
[3] Transformative Leadership Education Staff. “Unite, Decide, Thrive: Using Consultation to Improve Decisions” (Free Online Course). Transformative Leadership Education. https://tinyurl.com/courseconsultation
[4] Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/534931300
[5] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. SELECTIONS FROM THE WRITINGS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/895544601
[6] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/273211626
[7] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/043258320
[8] Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/353319169
[9] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. PARIS TALKS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/695035380
[10] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/066994489
[11] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. PARIS TALKS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/397365080
[12] Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/584271865
[13] Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/019748387
[14] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. Bahá’í Reference Library. https://www.bahai.org/r/628985716
