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Baha'i Children class Free Ruhi Book 3

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH WAS AT ALL TIMES AND UNDER ALL CONDITIONS VICTORIOUS, ACHIEVING GODS HOLY PURPOSE GRADE 4 LESSON 11 RUHI BOOK 3

Introducing The Principal Theme

It is hoped that, in this lesson, you will get a further glimpse of Bahá’u’lláh’s grandeur and majesty and gain an understanding that He was at all times and under all conditions victorious, achieving God’s Holy Purpose.

Let us review the following ideas:

We have already learned that Bahá’u’lláh’s life on this earth was filled with suffering. What were some of the afflictions and ordeals that He endured?

  1. In His homeland, Persia, He was imprisoned, put in chains, and stripped of His worldly possessions.
  2. He was then exiled four times. To where was He banished the last time, and what were the conditions like there?

Yet we also saw that, despite the efforts exerted by His enemies to still His Voice and destroy His Faith, Bahá’u’lláh continued to proclaim His Cause, to high and low alike, and He called upon the kings and rulers of the earth to uphold the principle of justice and to work for the welfare of the people of the world.

How did the kings and rulers respond to His summons?”

You will remember that, when imprisoned and in chains in the Síyáh-Chál, Bahá’u’lláh heard these words on every side:

‘Verily, We shall render Thee victorious by Thyself and by Thy Pen.’

Years later He arrived in ‘Akká, outwardly a prisoner and an exile. But you know that what He saw in the spiritual world was different. He said that He was welcomed with banners of light and that the Voice of the Spirit cried out, saying: ‘Soon will all that dwell on earth be enlisted under these banners.’

God promised  Bahá’u’lláh that He would be made victorious.

Today you are going to see that soon in ‘Akká, as in other places, the hearts of the people were transformed by the loving words of Bahá’u’lláh, and the wish of His beloved son, Mírzá Mihdí, was fulfilled. His followers were able to attain His presence, and His Cause became stronger and spread wider each day. Though outwardly Bahá’u’lláh remained a prisoner, He continued to gain more and more ascendance over the powers of the earth. Every time His enemies had devised a new way to silence Him, His fame and following grew. The rulers of Persia and the Ottoman Empire were too blinded by ambition and greed to understand that they were powerless to inflict harm on His Cause.

In the passage you will memorize in this lesson, Bahá’u’lláh assures us that the Cause of God has the power to withstand all opposition. Think of all the forces that rose up against Bahá’u’lláh, and yet He was unshaken. Little did the rulers of the time realize that history would prove the Prisoner of ‘Akká to be the King of Glory.

GRADE 4 HEADING PRAYER
MEMORIZATION AID FOR PRAYERS

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Quote Grade 4 Ruhi book 3

Though the forces of the nations be arrayed against Him, though the kings of the earth be leagued to undermine His Cause, the power of His might shall  stand unshaken.

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
MEANING OF SOME OF THE WORDS IN THE QUOTE

Use this to write all the words you don’t know but want to remember!

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Song Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3
Story grade 4 ruhi book 3
Historical episodes

This lesson is about the period of Bahá’u’lláh’s life spent in ‘Akká and its vicinity after being released from imprisonment in the barracks. 

You know that Bahá’u’lláh’s suffering in the fortress-town of ‘Akká was so immense that He designated it the “Most Great Prison”.

Confined to the army barracks by order of the Sulṭán, He and the small band of exiles that accompanied Him were subjected to the severest hardship. The loss of His beloved son Mírzá Mihdí, the Purest Branch, was a source of unspeakable sorrow. But four months later, He and His companions were asked to leave the army barracks to make way for troops. They were moved from house to house, staying only a few months in each and kept watch over by guards.

Bahá’u’lláh and His family finally settled in what is now known as the House of ‘Abbúd.

They remained there for several years, and it was in that house that He revealed His Most Holy Book, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, which you will learn more about in a later class period.

Gradually the restrictions on them were relaxed, as the inhabitants of the city began to recognize their innocence and to admire and revere Bahá’u’lláh. An increasing number of pilgrims from Persia were able to attain His presence during this period, and thus the wish of the Purest Branch that the gates of the city would be opened wide to his Father’s followers was fulfilled.

Although Bahá’u’lláh and the believers enjoyed much freedom in ‘Akká, He remained confined within the city walls, for the order of the Sulṭán was still in force. But this situation was not to last. People of influence and authority eventually grew friendly towards the Faith and came to respect Bahá’u’lláh.

There was even a governor of ‘Akká who seemed to have caught a glimpse of His station. He was so deeply moved by Bahá’u’lláh’s majesty that he begged Him to be given the privilege of serving Him in some way. Bahá’u’lláh refused, not wanting anything for Himself, but instead suggested that he restore a disused water canal for the city.

The water in ‘Akká was terribly foul, and the canal, once fixed, allowed the people of the city to have fresh water.

One day, Bahá’u’lláh mentioned that He had not seen greenery for nine years. The country, He commented, was the world of the soul and the city the world of the body. When ‘Abdu’l- Bahá heard these words, He realized that the time had come for His Father to go to the countryside and enjoy the beauty of nature.

There lived a prominent man in ‘Akká in those days who owned a lovely place in the country called Mazra‘ih. Unfortunately the man was not friendly to the Faith. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá went to his home and asked to rent Mazra‘ih from him. Surprisingly, the owner agreed. ‘Abdu’l- Bahá acquired the place at a low rent, repaired it, and beautified the garden.

He then went to the presence of Bahá’u’lláh and informed Him that Mazra‘ih was ready for Him and that there was a carriage waiting for Him outside. But Bahá’u’lláh refused to go, saying that He was still a prisoner. There was a highly respected religious leader in ‘Akká who loved Bahá’u’lláh and was greatly favored by Him. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explained the situation to the man and asked him to go to the presence of Bahá’u’lláh, fall on his knees, take hold of Bahá’u’lláh’s hands and not let go until He promised to leave the city.

The man did exactly as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had asked him to do. But Bahá’u’lláh refused again, repeating that He was a prisoner. “God forbid! Who has the power to make You a prisoner?” insisted the man.

“You have kept Yourself in prison. It was Your Own Will to be imprisoned . . .”

He begged Bahá’u’lláh to leave the walls of the prison-city and go to Mazra‘ih. “It is beautiful and verdant,” he told Him. “The trees are lovely, and the oranges like balls of fire!” For a whole hour the man pleaded until finally his patience and persistence were rewarded, and Bahá’u’lláh agreed to move to Mazra‘ih.

The next day, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá brought the carriage and drove Bahá’u’lláh to His new residence. While everyone knew that Bahá’u’lláh was still a prisoner by the order of the Sulṭán, no one dared raise any objections. He was, in reality, as loved and respected as a king.

Two years after Bahá’u’lláh went to live in Mazra‘ih, a beautiful mansion not too far distant fell vacant. It had been built as a country home for a wealthy man and his family. The mansion was on a property called Bahjí, which means “delight”.

When an epidemic broke out in the area, killing many, people panicked and abandoned their homes. ‘Abdu’l- Bahá was thus able to rent Bahjí for His Father, and in the tranquility of its surroundings, Bahá’u’lláh would pass the remaining thirteen years of His life on this earth.

He was now held in esteem and veneration by people of all backgrounds, and the prestige of the community of His followers was well established. Leaders and local officials would often request the honor of attaining His presence.

And although His Faith had not yet spread to the Western world, there were some who were aware of the Prisoner of ‘Akká and the great influence He had on all those with whom He came into contact. One of these was Edward Granville Browne, a well-known British scholar, whom you will learn about in another class.

During this period of His life, Bahá’u’lláh visited the nearby town of Haifa three times. The third visit was the longest. He remained there for three months. It was while in Haifa, over the course of the visit, that news reached Bahá’u’lláh of the martyrdom of seven believers in the city of Yazd in Persia. All seven had been put to death in a single day, one after another, in the most cruel and barbarous ways, in front of the jeering and enthusiastic crowds.

Then the governor of the city called a holiday; shops were closed and the city lit into the night for the festivities. You see, Náṣiri’d-Dín Sháh, the king of Persia, never gave up his efforts to destroy the Faith in the land of its birth. Whenever it suited his own despotic purpose, his government and the religious leaders would tell lies and falsehoods about the Faith, so that people would feel hatred towards the followers of Bahá’u’lláh and would attack and harm them.

Many were called to the field of martyrdom. So deep was Bahá’u’lláh’s sorrow at learning the circumstances of the deaths of the seven believers in Yazd that, for nine days, no divine verses flowed from His pen, and no one was admitted into His presence. On the ninth day, He summoned the believers and foretold of the king’s doom.

Before long, Bahá’u’lláh said, Persia would be released from the king’s tyrannical reign. And, indeed, some years later, the night before the celebration of the anniversary of his rise to the throne, he was shot and killed by one of his own people, and his sons soon lost the throne and their family name faded into history.

What you should also know is that it was during that same visit to Haifa, while standing on the slopes of Mount Carmel, that Bahá’u’lláh pointed out to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá the spot where the Shrine of the Báb was to be built. Later, of course, in the vicinity of the Holy Shrine of the Báb, the Seat of the Universal House of Justice was established. Today the twin cities of Haifa and ‘Akká have become the administrative and spiritual world center of the Bahá’í Faith, which has spread to countries throughout the globe.

Bahá’u’lláh raised the banner of universal peace and revealed the Word of God to humanity. Although the powers of the earth combined their forces against Him, He was victorious over them as God had promised Him when under chains in the Síyáh-Chál. During His own lifetime, His Message revived the hearts of thousands of people, and today His Cause continues its onward march.

The forces of the entire world are not capable of preventing it from achieving its ultimate goal, which is to unify humankind in one universal Cause and in one common Faith.

From the lessons in earlier grades, we already have a profound connection to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and this historical episode gives us an indication of how devoted He was to His beloved Father. You may wish to reflect for a moment on the station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the perfect Exemplar of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings. What insights does it reveal into the greatness of the Cause? What other spiritual insights do the historical episode offer, and how will you ensure the children glean such insights as you narrate the events to them?

For any of the figures we heard about, use the biography page to write down the information you would like to remember

Teachers Pay Teachers Free Biography page

DOWNLOAD MY STORY REPORT HERE

facts about Bahá'u'lláh Grade 4
  • Bahá’u’lláh spent twenty-four years in ‘Akká and its vicinity, from 1868 to 1892.
  • After nine years of confinement in ‘Akká, Bahá’u’lláh consented to leave its gates.
  • Bahá’u’lláh spent the last thirteen years of His life on this earth in Bahjí.
  • In one of His visits to Haifa, Bahá’u’lláh pointed out to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá the spot on which the Shrine of the Báb was to be built.
  • The twin cities of Haifa and ‘Akká are the administrative and spiritual world center of the Bahá’í Faith.
games/ drama grade 4 ruhi book 3

You are a fellow prisoner in  Most Great Prison and you have come to love and respect Baha’ullah. You just heard that the new water canal will be fixed and water will start to flow again into the city.

Act out this scene, how you are feeling before the news, and after the news.

You and a group of your friends want to do something to help improve the living conditions of everyone in this prison.

In your groups discuss what you may be able to do. Share your idea(s) with your class.

Can you think of how you can make your neighborhoods a better place to live?

crafts grade 4 ruhi book 3
BAHA’U’LLAH MISSED SEEING GREENERY.

DESIGN A GARDEN FOR SOMEONE WHO ALSO MISSES GREEN STUFF

THIS WEBSITE HAS SOME FREE PRINTABLES TO HELP IN PLANNING

CLICK HERE

MAKE SOME SEED MATS TO GIVE TO SOMEONE TO GROW

CHECK OUT HOW HERE AND HERE

MAKE GRASS SEED HEADS HERE
DRAW THE GARDENS IN HAIFA

There are so many images that this lesson offers as possible ideas for drawings.

One, for example, is the Mansion of Bahjí.

Another example, a picture of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice as a symbol of the triumph of Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause over the forces that rose up against Him. 

BRILLIANT STAR

CHANGE OF HEART

CHANGING ENEMIES INTO FRIENDS

DIVINE POETRY

WHAT A CHANGE

DAYSPRING MAGAZINE

WATER

REVIEW QUOTES GRADE 4
Categories
Baha'i Children class Free Ruhi Book 3

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH CALLED UPON THE RULERS OF THE WORLD TO UPHOLD JUSTICE GRADE 4 LESSON 10

BAHÁ'U'LLÁH CALLED UPON THE RULERS OF THE WORLD TO UPHOLD JUSTICE GRADE 4 LESSON 10 SET 3

WELCOME TO LESSON 10

Introducing The Principal Theme

This lesson will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the principle of justice, which Bahá’u’lláh called upon the rulers of the world to uphold. It will further our understanding that we must work to spread His teachings in order for justice to be established on earth.

Last time we saw that Bahá’u’lláh was finally exiled to the prison city of ‘Akká, where His sufferings increased greatly.

  • Do you remember what the conditions were like?
  • What sad event occurred in the army barracks where they were imprisoned?
  • Why did Bahá’u’lláh patiently accept His sufferings?

It was out of His love for humanity, was it not? He loved humanity and knew that the knowledge He brought from God would finally conquer ignorance. Not for an instant did He stop shedding the light of Divine guidance upon the world.

Today you will memorize a passage in which Bahá’u’lláh speaks to us about justice. He tells us that justice is a quality most loved by God. Without justice, we become blind to the truth and walk in the ways of error. Without justice, we become cruel. When the world is not ruled by justice, humanity lives a life of misery and immense suffering.

Bahá’u’lláh appeared at a time when the light of justice was fading from the world. Rulers kept their subjects in ignorance and used their positions to gather wealth and power for themselves. Bahá’u’lláh called on these rulers to dedicate themselves to the well-being of their people. Later I will share a very moving episode from the history of the Faith—how Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet addressed to one of these rulers, the king of Persia, came to be delivered to him. This episode revolves around the valiant figure of Badí‘, a seventeen-year-old youth. Alas, the rulers at the time did not respond to Bahá’u’lláh’s call and more than a century later, our world continues to be filled with injustices, and the suffering of humankind increases daily. But all of these afflictions will pass away as more and more people live according to Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings and as nations learn to live with one another in peace. The light of justice will shine brighter and brighter.”

TO SEE SOME OF THE LETTERS WRITTEN BY BAHÁ’U’LLÁH TO THE KINGS CLICK HERE

GRADE 4 PRAYER HEADING
MEMORIZATION AID FOR PRAYERS

Download the memorization aid for all prayers here

Quote Grade 4 Ruhi book 3

O Son of Spirit! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee.

Bahá’u’lláh
MEANING OF SOME OF THE WORDS IN THE QUOTE

Use this to write all the words you don’t know but want to remember!

SEND A POSTCARD

SEND TO A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOUR USING EMAIL, SNAIL MAIL, OR HAND-DELIVER IT!

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Song Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3
Story grade 4 ruhi book 3

Historical Episodes

The historical episode in this lesson revolves around the valiant figure of Badí‘, the seventeen-year-old youth who was the bearer of Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the king of Persia.  First, we will look at the circumstances leading up to Badí‘’s arrival in ‘Akká and then share the remainder of his soul-stirring story.

From our earlier classes you know that, even though Bahá’u’lláh was exiled and imprisoned and subjected to terrible trials and ordeals, He never stopped proclaiming His Cause and guiding humankind. Remember that His station as a Manifestation of God was revealed to Him in the Síyáh-Chál in Ṭihrán. Although He did not inform anyone of what had occurred, the birth of His Revelation, like the dawn, stirred receptive souls, who were gradually awakened to His light. Then in the Garden of Riḍván, He declared His Mission to a small number of those who had gathered to bid Him farewell, and soon they began to share His Message with others who were ready to hear it.

Finally, the time came for the universal proclamation of His Mission. Beginning in Constantinople, but especially in Adrianople and later in ‘Akká, Bahá’u’lláh addressed Tablets to the kings and rulers of the world and proclaimed His Message far and wide. In these Tablets He called upon the rulers of both the East and the West to uphold justice and work towards the establishment of the unity of humankind.

One of these Tablets was addressed to the king of Persia, Náṣiri’d-Dín Sháh, a most unjust man and a tyrannical enemy of the Cause. Delivering the Tablet to that cruel ruler was a very dangerous task. The journey was long, and much wisdom was needed to protect the Tablet from the enemies of the Faith who, if they had ever come to know of it, would have prevented it from reaching its destination. And the one who carried it had to be endowed with supreme faith and courage to face the wrath of the tyrant who received it.

There was a youth growing up in Persia by the name of Áqá Buzurg, who would later be given the title Badí‘ by Bahá’u’lláh. The father of Badí‘ was an outstanding believer. Yet, Badí‘ was unruly and took little interest in the Faith. All this changed when Nabíl, the great historian and teacher of the Faith, reached the gates of his city during his travels. While visiting Badí‘’s father, Nabíl learned of his deep sadness at witnessing his son’s behavior and decided to see if he could help by guiding Badí‘ to recognize Bahá’u’lláh. To his delight, he found the youth to possess a pure heart and a receptive soul. He set out, one evening, to explain to Badí‘ certain spiritual truths and share with him Divine verses. As he heard the holy verses, Badí‘ wept, and that night he was transformed.

Now, Badí‘’s love for Bahá’u’lláh grew so much that he soon set out alone on foot to meet Him. He went first to Baghdád, where he stayed for a while, preparing himself for the next stage of his journey. During that time, he served a group of devoted believers, delivering drinking water to their homes. His heart, of course, was being drawn to the prison-city of ‘Akká, and he resumed his travels.

After a long and difficult journey over deserts and mountains, Badí‘ finally arrived at the gates of ‘Akká. He was still dressed as a simple water carrier, so he had no trouble slipping by the guards. But, once inside the prison-fortress, he did not know how to contact his fellow believers. If he had asked some stranger where to find the Bahá’ís, he could have been betrayed and thrown out of the city. So he decided to go to a mosque in order to pray. Towards the evening, a group of Persians entered the mosque for prayer, and Badí‘ was delighted to recognize ‘Abdu’l-Bahá among them. He quickly wrote a note and slipped it to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. That same evening, arrangements were made for him to enter into the presence of Bahá’u’lláh. Badí‘ had the bounty of having two such meetings, during which, Bahá’u’lláh Himself has said, he was created anew with the Hands of power and sent out as a ball of fire.

Bahá’u’lláh had actually revealed the Tablet to the king of Persia some years before. He had waited, however, for the one who was destined to be its bearer. There were many Bahá’ís who longed to be that messenger, but to none had the honor been granted. When Badí‘ heard from Bahá’u’lláh that such a Tablet existed, he asked to be allowed to present it to the king. His offer was accepted by Bahá’u’lláh, and Badí‘ was directed to leave ‘Akká and go to Haifa, where he should wait for instructions. In Haifa, he received a letter from Bahá’u’lláh in which he was told to “go with speed to the abode of the King” and deliver the Tablet to him. He was to detach himself from all things and to “adorn his heart with the decoration of strength and composure”. Such should be his spirit of renunciation that if the king decreed his death, he would not be troubled and would praise God for having offered him the cup of martyrdom. But if the king let him go, he should also praise God and be content with His good pleasure, even though he had desired to give his life in His path.

And so Badí‘ began the arduous journey back to Persia. It took him a few months to reach its borders. One of the believers who was in Badí‘’s company for part of the journey has left the following description of that radiant youth: “He was full of joy, laughter, gratitude, and forbearance. And I only knew that he had been in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh and was now returning to his home in Khurásán. Time and again I observed that having walked a little more or less than one hundred paces, he would leave the road and, turning to face ‘Akká, would prostrate himself and could be heard to say: ‘O God, that which you have bestowed upon me through Your bounty, do not take back through Your justice; rather grant me strength to safeguard it.’

When he reached the capital, Ṭihrán, Badí‘ did not seek out his fellow believers. He spent three days and nights in a state of prayer and fasting. On the fourth day, after waiting patiently on a small hill near the royal summer camp, he was at last spotted by the king and brought before him. Badí‘ approached him calmly and addressed him respectfully: “O King! I have come to thee from Sheba with a weighty message.” Thus the Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh was delivered to the king of Persia.

What followed next is too cruel to recount. So savage were the indignities heaped upon Badí‘ at the king’s order that it would bring tears to your eyes if you were to hear them. What is important for you to know is that Badí‘ stood firm as he faced the wrath of the tyrannical king, the embodiment of injustice. He never lost his calm and composure. He gladly sacrificed his life in the path of his Beloved and was called the “Pride of Martyrs” by Bahá’u’lláh.

An Example of Baha’u’llah’s Letter

VISIT HERE FOR AN EXAMPLE

For any of the figures we heard about, use the biography page to write down the information you would like to remember

Teachers Pay Teachers Free Biography page

DOWNLOAD MY STORY REPORT HERE

facts about Bahá'u'lláh Grade 4
  1. Bahá’u’lláh began the universal proclamation of His Mission in Constantinople.
  2. During His exiles to Constantinople and Adrianople and later in ‘Akká, Bahá’u’lláh addressed Tablets to the kings and rulers of the world.
  3. Bahá’u’lláh called on the kings and rulers of the world to uphold justice.
  4. The title Badí‘ means “wonderful”
  5. Badí‘ delivered Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the king of Persia in the summer of 1869.
  6. Badí‘ was seventeen years old when he delivered Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the king of Persia.
  7. Badí‘ was called the “Pride of Martyrs” by Bahá’u’lláh.

DOWNLOAD FACT CARDS PART 1 HERE

DOWNLOAD FACT CARDS PART 2 HERE

games/ drama grade 4 ruhi book 3
Let us look at a section of one of the stories from todays lesson: 

…And so Badí‘ began the arduous journey back to Persia. It took him a few months to reach its borders. One of the believers who was in Badí‘’s company for part of the journey has left the following description of that radiant youth:

“He was full of joy, laughter, gratitude and forbearance. And I only knew that he had been in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh and was now returning to his home in Khurásán. Time and again I observed that, having walked a little more or less than one hundred paces, he would leave the road and, turning to face ‘Akká, would prostrate himself and could be heard to say: ‘O God, that which you have bestowed upon me through Your bounty, do not take back through Your justice; rather grant me strength to safeguard it.’

Thinking about the attitude that Bádi had come up with a situation where you have to face a bully like the Shah and how you would act. You can do this alone, in pairs or as a group.

G4 CRAFTS
CREATIVE WRITING/ DRAWING EXERCISE

1. Choose one of the letters that BÁHA’U’LLÁH wrote to a ruler. Write or draw what comes to mind when you read it.

Some letters can be seen  HERE

2. Is there something in your neighborhood, town, or city that you would like to change? Write or draw it.

Badi

Read a bit more about Badi and then write or draw what comes to mind.

One possibility would be to draw a picture of Badí‘ sitting on the hilltop with Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet in hand, waiting to be spotted by the king. Or go further, and draw of the sequence of events that took Badí‘ from Persia to Baghdád, to ‘Akká, and back to Persia. You could draw a rudimentary map of his route and a small image at each point to remind us of what occurred, for example, a teardrop for Persia, a water bucket for Baghdád, a gate for ‘Akká, and a Tablet for Persia for his return there.

READ MORE HERE

Decorate the Word JUSTICE like the word FAITH above.

Here is a printable.

BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE 
  1. HEART OF JUSTICE
  2. LETTERS OF LIGHT
  3. LETTERS TO WORLD LEADERS
  4. QUIZ: RACE TO JUSTICE
  5. HEROES OF THE HEART
  6. ABDU’L-BAHA GREAT VOYAGE
  7. STAND FOR JUSTICE
  8. LEMONADE STAND FOR JUSTICE
  9. SHINING LAMP BADI
  10. CHAMPION OF JUSTICE
  11. SHINING LAMP MARTHA ROOT
  12. SEEING WITH YOUR OWN EYES
DAYSPRING MAGAZINE
  1. JUSTICE
  2. KINGS AND QUEENS
REVIEW QUOTES GRADE 4
REVIEW QUOTE LESSON 10 GRADE 4https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CGVRNED1b75QvU3Ke8l8aIMmhyXk0MHE/view?usp=share_link
Categories
Baha'i Free Ruhi Book 3

GRADE 4 SET 3 RUHI BOOK 3

THIS SET OF LESSONS CONSISTS OF 4 LESSONS

LESSON 9 HE ENDURED ORDEALS AND HARDSHIP FOR THE SAKE OF HUMANITY GRADE 4 SET3
BAHÁ’U’LLÁH ENDURED ORDEALS AND HARDSHIPS FOR THE SAKE OF HUMANITY G4 L9 SET 3
BAHÁ'U'LLÁH CALLED UPON THE RULERS OF THE WORLD TO UPHOLD JUSTICE GRADE 4 LESSON 10 SET 3
BAHÁ’U’LLÁH CALLED UPON THE RULERS OF THE WORLD TO UPHOLD JUSTICE GRADE 4 LESSON 10
BAHÁ'U'LLÁH  WAS AT ALL TIMES AND UNDER ALL CONDITIONS VICTORIOUS, ACHIEVING GODS HOLY PURPOSE
Baha’u’llah was at all times and under all conditions victorious, Achieving Gods Holy Purpose
BAHÁ'U'LLÁH  REVEALED THE WORD OF GOD FOR OVER FORTY YEARS
Grade 4 Lesson 12

PRAYERS: THERE ARE 3 PRAYERS TO MEMORIZE

  1. ENABLE ALL THE PEOPLES OF THE EARTH
  2. I ADJURE THEE BY THY MIGHT
  3. O MY GOD, THE GOD OF BOUNTY

QUOTES

LESSON 9: Upon our arrival, We were welcomed with banners of light, whereupon the Voice of the Spirit cried out saying: ‘Soon will all that dwell on earth be enlisted under these banners.” Baha’u’llah

LESSON 10: O Son of Spirit! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee.

LESSON 11: Though the forces of the nations be arrayed against Him, though the kings of the earth be leagued to undermine His Cause, the power of His might shall stand unshaken.

LESSON 12: Say: This is the Dayspring of Divine knowledge, if ye be of them that understand,   and the Dawning-place of God’s commandments, if ye be of those who comprehend

Categories
Baha'i Children class Free Ruhi Book 3

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH ENDURED ORDEALS AND HARDSHIPS FOR THE SAKE OF HUMANITY G4 L9 SET 3

LESSON 9 HE ENDURED ORDEALS AND HARDSHIP FOR THE SAKE OF HUMANITY GRADE 4 SET3

Welcome: Introducing The Principal Theme

This lesson revolves around Bahá’u’lláh’s fourth and final exile to the prison-city of ‘Akká, We will get a sense of the ordeals and hardships He endured there for the sake of humanity. Yet the purpose of the lesson is to help us understand that Bahá’u’lláh’s banishment to ‘Akká would become the means, as ordained by God, for the further promotion of His Cause. To prepare for the discussion, let us review what they learned in previous lessons, particularly in the last lesson.

Here are a few questions:

  1. Do you remember where Bahá’u’lláh was first exiled and what the Bábí community was like when He reached there?
  2. How did the community change during Bahá’u’lláh’s ten-year stay in Baghdád?
  3. What wonderful event occurred at the end of His stay?
  4. We know, of course, that Bahá’u’lláh was then exiled to Constantinople and eventually to Adrianople. Why did His enemies exile Him farther and farther away from His homeland?
  5. Did they succeed in achieving their purpose?”

Today you are going to learn about Bahá’u’lláh’s fourth and final banishment. It was to the prison-city of ‘Akká. Bahá’u’lláh referred to ‘Akká as the ‘most desolate of cities’ and the ‘Most Great Prison’, so immense were His sufferings there.

What does the word ‘desolate’ mean?

You know that all the Manifestations of God have suffered at the hands of leaders concerned only with their own wealth and power. They used their influence over the people who blindly followed them to convince them to rise up against God’s Manifestations. We have seen that Bahá’u’lláh, too, lived a life of suffering and affliction. In ‘Akká His sufferings grew even greater. But He accepted every affliction patiently because He was chosen by God and did only that which God commanded. He loved humanity and knew that the knowledge He brought from God would finally conquer ignorance.

When Bahá’u’lláh arrived in ‘Akká, He was outwardly a prisoner, forcibly sent there by two powerful kings. The people of the city had been told lies about Him, and they called out to Him with insults. But Bahá’u’lláh knew that soon the hearts of the people would change and that, from ‘Akká, His Cause would spread throughout the East and the West, to all parts of the world. Of course, He had foreseen His exile to ‘Akká years before His enemies had even decided to banish Him there. In a Tablet revealed much earlier, He refers to His arrival in that desolate spot, saying that He was welcomed with banners of light and received God’s assurance that soon all the peoples of the world would follow these banners.

You will memorize His words yourselves later in our class today. Imagine how beautiful the world will become when more and more people are enlisted under the banner of the Cause and following the light of God’s teachings.

MEMORIZATION AID FOR PRAYERS

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Quote Grade 4 Ruhi book 3
Quote Grade 4 Ruhi book 3

Upon our arrival, We were welcomed with banners of light, whereupon the Voice of the Spirit cried out saying: ‘Soon will all that dwell on earth be enlisted under these banners

Baha’u’llah

MEANING OF SOME OF THE WORDS IN THE QUOTE

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Song Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3

RUHI BOOK RESOURCE FOR SONGS

Listen To These Songs From The Ruhi Book Resource Site Here

  • The Shores of ‘Akká By  Leslie Garrett
  • We Are the People of Bahá By Donna Taylor
  • Who Is the Prophet of God for Today By Saul Accouche
Story grade 4 ruhi book 3

Historical Episodes

This historical episode describes events surrounding Bahá’u’lláh’s fourth and final exile, to the fortress town of ‘Akká. We will divide the episodes as follows: first, the journey to ‘Akká and the conditions of Bahá’u’lláh’s imprisonment there, and second, the tragic passing of His beloved son, Mírzá Mihdí.

We previously learned about Bahá’u’lláh’s exiles to Constantinople and Adrianople. With each exile, the corrupt leaders of Persia and the Ottoman Empire foolishly thought that they would succeed in putting an end to Bahá’u’lláh’s growing influence among the people. But you know, of course, that through the heroic efforts of dedicated believers like Aḥmad, the number of Bahá’u’lláh’s followers was steadily increasing. And so the authorities decided to exile Him once again, this time to the fortress of ‘Akká, a desolate prison city in which, they were sure, the new Faith would soon die.

Suddenly one morning, the house of Bahá’u’lláh in Adrianople was surrounded by soldiers, and everyone was told to prepare for immediate departure. For some time, no one knew what their destiny would be. The greatest fear of most was to be separated from their Beloved, for there were rumors that Bahá’u’lláh and His family would be exiled to one place and that the others would be forced to disperse.

On 12 August 1868, Bahá’u’lláh and the small group of exiles set out by land, under guard, for the port city of Gallipoli. For three nights, they remained in that city near the sea, still uncertain of what was to come. Then finally it became clear that Bahá’u’lláh was to be banished to ‘Akká, together with some seventy of His companions, including His beloved family.

Early in the morning, they were taken hurriedly to a steamer waiting in the harbor. They only had a few loaves of bread and a little cheese for the voyage ahead. The conditions were unspeakable, and they were all crowded together, with ten soldiers and two officers guarding them. Bahá’u’lláh had warned His companions of the dangers and trials that awaited them. “This journey will be unlike any of the previous journeys,” He told them. Sadly, one of their companions never reached their destination but died along the way. Then, after ten difficult and miserable days, in the sweltering summer heat, they finally approached the shores of the prison city of ‘Akká. Built as a fortress many years earlier, it was now used to confine the most unwanted prisoners. It was an unhealthy place to live; there was a saying at the time that, if a bird flew over ‘Akká, it would die, so polluted was the air.

Many of the townspeople had assembled to see the new arrivals disembark from their boat. They were yelling curses and abuse. You see, the inhabitants of ‘Akká were told that Bahá’u’lláh and His companions were enemies of God’s religion. The Sulṭán’s orders had been read out loud in a public place, and everyone understood that these Persians were condemned to life imprisonment and that it was strictly forbidden to associate with them.

Upon landing, the exiles were taken immediately to the army barracks. A section of the barracks was to be their prison. The first night, they were deprived of food and drink, and afterward they were each assigned three loaves of low-quality bread a day. Soon everyone, except for two, fell sick, and, shortly after, three of them died. The guards refused to bury the dead without receiving the money to cover the necessary expenses. A small carpet was sold, and the sum was given to the guards. Later it was learned that they had not kept their word and had buried the dead unwashed, unshrouded, and without coffins. They had in fact been given twice the amount required for the burial.

For the next two years, the conditions of imprisonment only slightly improved. Four of the prisoners were allowed to go out daily to buy food, but even they were heavily guarded. However, in spite of the order of the Sulṭán that no one should associate with Bahá’u’lláh and His family, a number of believers in Persia made the long journey to ‘Akká, often on foot, with the hope that they might be admitted into His presence. Upon arrival, these devoted souls, unable to approach Him, would stand at a distance facing His prison, content to catch even a glimpse of His figure through the bars of His window. A wave of His blessed Hand was sufficient reward for months of travel, and most would then turn homeward, thankful for the bounty they had received.

The most tragic event of this period was the sudden death of Bahá’u’lláh’s son Mírzá Mihdí, known as the Purest Branch, at the tender age of twenty-two. Mírzá Mihdí was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s younger brother. When his Father was first exiled from Persia, he was too small a child to make the difficult journey and had to be left behind with relatives. Eventually, he was reunited with his parents in Baghdád some years later and accompanied Bahá’u’lláh on the rest of His exiles. He had a beautiful character, and all his friends were attracted to his noble spirit. By the time he and his family reached ‘Akká, he served his Father as a scribe, writing and copying the Tablets He ceaselessly revealed.

Often, after transcribing Bahá’u’lláh’s words in the evening, Mírzá Mihdí would go to the roof of the prison to walk and pray. One evening, about two years after he and his family arrived in that forsaken place, he was pacing up and down the rooftop, deep in prayer, when he failed to notice the open skylight in front of him. He fell through it and landed on a wooden crate on the floor below that pierced his chest. Hearing the sound of his fall and the cries of the friends, Bahá’u’lláh rushed to His son’s side. Mírzá Mihdí explained to his Father that he had always counted his steps to the unguarded skylight so that he knew when to stop, but had become so engrossed in prayer that he had forgotten to do so. Bahá’u’lláh asked the Purest Branch what he wished. He replied, “I wish the people of Bahá to be able to attain Your presence.” “And so it shall be,” Bahá’u’lláh said; “God will grant your wish.”

Within twenty-two hours of the fall, Mírzá Mihdí’s soul had winged its flight to the next world. Now the loss of a son He loved so much was added to Bahá’u’lláh’s many other sufferings. But of course, Bahá’u’lláh could see past all these sufferings and knew that His Cause would spread throughout the world and hundreds of thousands would begin to follow His teachings. Remember that, long before the Sulṭán gave the order to banish Bahá’u’lláh to ‘Akká, He described His arrival in the prison-city in this way:

“Upon Our arrival, We were welcomed with banners of light, whereupon the Voice of the Spirit cried out saying: ‘Soon will all that dwell on earth be enlisted under these banners.’”

Remembering the ordeals and hardships suffered by Bahá’u’lláh makes us firm in His love, and this is one of the insights we should glean from the above episode. What are some others?

For any of the figures we heard about, use the biography page to write down the information you would like to remember

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facts about Bahá'u'lláh Grade 4
  • Bahá’u’lláh and His family were exiled from Adrianople to ‘Akká in 1868.
  • In ‘Akká, Bahá’u’lláh and His companions were imprisoned in an army barracks.
  • The phrase the “Most Great Prison” refers to ‘Akká.
  • Mírzá Mihdí was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s younger brother.
  • Mírzá Mihdí was known as the Purest Branch.
  • The Purest Branch was twenty-two years old when he died.

Download the fact cards here

GAMES DRAMA GRADE 4

Act out the scene below as one of the pilgrims who have left Persia on the way to ‘Akka, or tell someone about this trip. Remember we do not portray the figure of Baha’u’llah.

However, in spite of the order of the Sulṭán that no one should associate with Bahá’u’lláh and His family, a number of believers in Persia made the long journey to ‘Akká, often on foot, with the hope that they might be admitted into His presence. Upon arrival, these devoted souls, unable to approach Him, would stand at a distance facing His prison, content to catch even a glimpse of His figure through the bars of His window. A wave of His blessed Hand was sufficient reward for months of travel, and most would then turn homeward, thankful for the bounty they had received.

G4 CRAFTS

Paper Circut That Lights Up

“…He was welcomed with banners of light and received God’s assurance that soon all the peoples of the world would follow these banners.”

Baha’u’llah has now reached the last location of his exiles. In this activity, we will “map” the various dates and places in a fun way. (It’s easier than it sounds!)

You will need:

  1. Copper conductive tape. I got mine from Amazon (graphite pencils, and tin foil can be used but are not reliable)
  2. light bulbs (diodes) again from Amazon or Christmas bulb replacements with the wires accessible. There are more expensive options and the one that is very reliable is CHIBITRONICS
  3. My template modified from CHIBITRONICS website for more lights on the switch
  4. 3-volt battery
  5. Tape

Once you have the copper tape on all the lines of the template

Use clear scotch tape to keep the battery in place.

Line up the light with the dot on the template and check that it lights up.

Adhere the light in place with tape. 

The grey circles on the opposite side need to be cut so that the light bulbs stick out. Add the labels.

Now when you slide your finger the light will come on and go off in progression from Tehran to Akka.

You can also just have a light at Akka and the quote regarding banners of light.

TIPS:

the tape can tear and then no electricity will pass through. You can “mend” with pieces of tape.

Lights can be a bit finicky and may need a helping hand to hold in place until secured by tape.

Place tape only on the “legs” of the light and the tape strip it sits on. try not to tape all the way over to the next strip as we found it did interfere with the flow.

don’t let the “legs” of the lights touch

TEMPLATE HERE
Here is an example of what a slider switch looks like in action. Our template looks different but the principle is the same.

Draw

1. Pictures of the barracks in ‘Akká where Bahá’u’lláh and His companions were imprisoned upon their arrival.

Do a drawing, and remember some of the events that occurred there.

2. Draw the scene of pilgrims crossing the desert to go to ‘Akká. Many times they carried tulip bulbs with them as they knew Baha’ullah missed seeing greenery.

Plant Tulips in memory of Bahá’u’lláh

DAYSPRING MAGAZINE AND BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE HAVE GREAT RESOURCES FOR THE LIFE OF BAHA’U’LLAH

BRILLIANT STAR:

Transforming Akka

The Most Great Prison

Nobility of Navváb

United in Love and Respect

Seeing with your own eyes

Shining Lamp

DAYSPRING

SPECIAL EDITION FOR BICENTENNARY

THE MOST GREAT BRANCH – A POEM

BAHA’U’LLAH

REVIEW QUOTES GRADE 4

The source of all good is trust in God, submission unto His command, and contentment with His holy will and pleasure.

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas

Review quote aid here