Centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s Passing: Solemn Event Sparks Profound Reflection on Exemplary Life

In the early hours of Saturday, 27 November, attendees of the centenary gathering assembled in the courtyard of the Haifa Pilgrim House in a solemn and reverent atmosphere to mark the ascension of Abdu’l-Baha.

The program, held just steps away from the Shrine of the Bab where Abdu’l-Baha’s earthly remains were interred upon his passing, stimulated deep reflection among participants on Abdu’l-Baha’s exemplary life of service to humanity.

A tribute written by the Universal House of Justice for the occasion was read by one of its members. The tribute states, in part: “No clearer demonstration could be imagined of how he embodied the forces of unity than the sight of his funeral, at which a vast crowd of mourners from every creed in this land came together to grieve their common loss.”

The tribute continues: “The universality of his love produced a community that, even at that time, could justly claim to be a cross-section of society. His love revived, nurtured, inspired; it banished estrangement and welcomed all to the banquet table of the Lord.” Visit news.bahai.org to view a gallery of images of the evening’s program.