Categories
Uncategorized

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH REVEALED THE WORD OF GOD FOR OVER FORTY YEARS

Grade 4 Lesson 12

Welcome Grade 4 Rughi Book 3

Introducing The Principal Theme

In this lesson, we will see what bounty it is that for some forty years, Bahá’u’lláh revealed the Word of God. To begin, let us review some of the ideas discussed in Lesson 11:

Q. Do you remember what happened after Bahá’u’lláh and His family spent two years in ‘Akká?

Q. What was the name of the house where He and the family were transferred?

Q. How had the conditions of His imprisonment gradually changed in those years?

The people of ‘Akká and the local authorities had gradually come to realize they had been told lies about Bahá’u’lláh and grew to admire and respect Him. Later, through the efforts of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who was by then a young man and so dedicated to His Father, Bahá’u’lláh moved to a place called Mazra‘ih outside the city walls.

Q. Why did He finally consent to leave, and where did He spend the final years of His earthly life?

Today Mazra‘ih and Bahjí are the most beautiful places, surrounded by gardens, and Bahá’ís from all over the world visit them every year, as well as the Shrine of the Báb, which was built on the very spot that Bahá’u’lláh pointed out during His visit to Haifa.”

Of course, you already know that, from the time Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned in the Síyáh-Chál until the end of His life in Bahjí, He continued to reveal Divine guidance. We know, too, that, it is by studying the Utterances of God’s Manifestations in every age that humanity understands His Will for us.

In this new Age, Bahá’u’lláh revealed the Word of God for nearly forty years. The Word of God is like the rays of the sun. Just as all created things require the rays of the sun in order to grow and develop, the human soul needs the Word of God so that it may grow and draw closer to Him.

‘The Word of God’, Bahá’u’lláh tells us, ‘is the king of words and its pervasive influence is incalculable.’

It trains and educates us. It has a special power that no other words could possibly have. It is creative. It has the power to transform us. It has the power to create in us courage, understanding, intelligence, and love.

The Word of God has the power to make of this world a new world, a world in which human beings will learn to live together in unity and harmony.”

The Word of God is an expression of His love for us. How fortunate are we to be aware of the appearance of God’s Supreme Manifestation!

In the passage you will start to memorize today, we are reminded that Bahá’u’lláh has unlocked the doors of the knowledge of God and brought forth His laws, and the passage will help you to remember as you grow that, when we follow the teachings of God and obey His laws and commandments, we find true joy. His laws are the light that guides us throughout our lives. They are the standard by which we can measure the purity of our words and deeds. They are a fortress that protects us from things that are not pleasing to God, like discord, dishonesty, and disunity.

Prayer Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3
MEMORIZATION AID FOR PRAYERS

Download the memorization aid for all prayers here

Quote Grade 4 Ruhi book 3

“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.”

Bahá’u’lláh The Kitáb-i-Aqdas

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

USE EMAIL, SNAIL MAIL, OR HAND-DELIVER IT!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Song Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3
  • Song Who Is the Prophet of God for Today: By Saul Accouche
  • Yes I Believe You: By Nicolas Tchamegni

These two are just suggestions from the Ruhi.org song page. Feel free to use any of these wonderful songs. HERE

STORY 1

In this historical episode, we will read a few accounts that provide an indication of the greatness of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation. 

Bahá’u’lláh was the Chosen Mouthpiece of God in this Day. Through Him flowed God’s knowledge and wisdom to humanity. What it was like during those moments when the Divine verses were being revealed by Him is difficult for us to imagine. We know from the accounts of all those who had the inestimable bounty of being in Bahá’u’lláh’s presence at such times that the forces at work were so strong that the very atmosphere and surroundings seemed to change. Ḥájí Mírzá Ḥaydar-‘Alí, who was granted this great bounty in ‘Akká, has left us one such account. He recalls the moment that he passed beyond the curtain and entered the room where Bahá’u’lláh, seated on His couch with great authority, was revealing the verses of God. The words were streaming forth from His lips like an uninterrupted rain. It seemed to Ḥájí Mírzá Ḥaydar-‘Alí that the door, the walls, the carpet, the ceiling, the floor and the air were all perfumed and illumined.

“They all had been transformed,” he tells us, “each and every one, into ears and were filled with a spirit of joy and ecstasy.”

Every object in the room had become refreshed and was beating with new life. “To which worlds I was transported and in what state I was,” he says, “no one who has not experienced such as this can ever know.”

Another believer has left us an account that gives us a glimpse of the rapidity with which Bahá’u’lláh revealed the Word of God. This believer, who lived in ‘Akká for many years, recalls that while Mírzá Áqá Ján, Bahá’u’lláh’s secretary, was recording His words, the shrill sound of his pen could be heard from a distance of twenty paces. At the time, Persian and Arabic scripts, the languages of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, were written with a reed pen that produced a distinct sound as it moved on the paper.

The account goes on to explain that, in those days, all the letters which arrived for Bahá’u’lláh were passed to Mírzá Áqá Ján. He would bring these into the presence of Bahá’u’lláh and, after receiving permission, would read them aloud. Bahá’u’lláh would then direct him to take up his pen and record the Tablet which was revealed in reply.

Mírzá Áqá Ján had a large ink-pot the size of a small bowl. He also had available about ten to twelve pens and large sheets of paper in stacks. “Such was the speed with which he used to write the revealed Word”, the account continues, “that the ink of the first word was scarcely yet dry when the whole page was finished.” It looked as if someone had dipped a lock of hair in the ink and applied it over the whole page. Mírzá Áqá Ján, however, was able to read the words on the page, and he would later rewrite the pages in clear penmanship. If ever there were occasions when even he could not decipher the words, he would seek the help of Bahá’u’lláh.

And why do you think that Mírzá Áqá Ján always had ten to twelve pens with him? Well, another account explains that so fast did he write down the verses which flowed from Bahá’u’lláh that the pen would sometimes jump out of his hand. He would immediately take up another pen and continue. But, we are told, there were times when not even he could keep up and he found himself incapable of writing at the speed at which the verses were revealed by Bahá’u’lláh.

STORY 2

Bahá’u’lláh has revealed hundreds and hundreds of Books and Tablets which contain the guidance that will enable humanity to build a glorious new world and live in peace and unity for thousands of years to come. From the time He was imprisoned in the Síyáh-Chál until the end of His life in Bahjí, Divine verses continued to flow from Him.

You know, for example, that the ten years He spent in Baghdád were a period of extraordinary potency. Of that period, He Himself has said:

“We revealed, as a copious rain, by the aid of God and His Divine Grace and mercy, Our verses, and sent them to various parts of the world.”

As you learned in another class, among these verses were the Hidden Words and the Kitáb-i-Íqán, or Book of Certitude. Then, while in Constantinople, Adrianople, and later in ‘Akká, Bahá’u’lláh addressed Tablets to the kings and rulers of the world. These include, as you know, the king of Persia and the Sulṭán of the Ottoman Empire. The kings of France, Prussia, Austria, and Russia, and the queen of England also received Tablets, as did the rulers of the Americas.

It was in ‘Akká, in around 1873, while residing in the House of ‘Abbúd, that Bahá’u’lláh revealed His Most Holy Book, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Bahá’u’lláh has referred to this Book as the

“source of true felicity”, the “Straight Path”, and the “quickener of mankind”.

In it, He sets out the laws and commandments of this Dispensation that will enable humanity to live in accordance with the Will of God. When you get older you will learn about these laws in more detail. Throughout your life, as you follow His laws, you should always remember His Words:

“Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty.”

There is a story about an early believer which helps us think about how impossible it is for any human being, even the most accomplished and learned, to write even a single word that matches the potency of the Word of God. Mírzá Abu’l-Faḍl was the head of an important religious school in Ṭihrán before embracing the Cause. He was considered a most scholarly and learned man. Some of the believers who were trying to open his eyes to the truth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation gave him a copy of the Kitáb-i-Íqán, the Book of Certitude. But upon reading it, he did not appreciate its depth and declared that he could write a far better book.

The following day a prominent woman went to him and asked him to write an important letter for her. She had been told that Mírzá Abu’l-Faḍl was an excellent writer. He agreed and took up his pen to begin but, to his surprise, discovered that he was unable to write even one sentence. Not knowing what to do, he started to scribble on the corner of the page, but still not a word would flow from his pen. Seeing this, the woman lost her patience and rose to go. On the way out, she mockingly said to him that if he had forgotten how to write a simple letter, he should have said so and not wasted her time. Mírzá Abu’l-Faḍl was extremely embarrassed. He suddenly remembered the comment that he had made the day before about the Book of Certitude and realized that his present state was the result of his arrogant belief that he could write a better book than Bahá’u’lláh. Mírzá Abu’l-Faḍl felt ashamed of his own pride. Never again did he deviate from the path of humility as he went on to become an outstanding scholar of the Faith.

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 revealed the Word of God for nearly forty years.
  2. Bahá’u’lláh has left humanity volumes and volumes of Divine guidance that will enable it to build a glorious new world.
  3. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas was revealed around 1873 in the House of ‘Abbúd in ‘Akká.
  4. In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh sets out the laws and commandments of this Dispensation that will enable humanity to live in accordance with the Will of God.
  5. Bahá’u’lláh has referred to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas as the “source of true felicity”, the “Straight Path”, and the “quickener of mankind”.
  6. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is also known as the “Most Holy Book”.
games/ drama grade 4 ruhi book 3

HOW FAST ARE YOU?

 Remember we read about how fast Báha’u’lláh revealed the tablets and prayers? 

Let us see how fast we can write what our partner has to say!

  1. You will need a passage from any book
  2. paper
  3. pens

In pairs, take turns reading a passage/prayer and the other person has to write and try to keep up. They CAN NOT ask the person to STOP or SLOW DOWN!

 In the end, compare what was written to what was read. What do you think? Was it easy to keep up?

crafts grade 4 ruhi book 3

MAKE A REED PEN 

Hey! We may not be able to use real REEDS but we can use other stuff we have in our homes to make pens like the one Bahá’BAHÁ’ ‘u’lláh used.

GO HERE TO TRY IT OUT!

MAKE PAPER

Want to recycle paper and old material? Try making your own handmade paper.

HERE

DECORATE CALLIGRAPHY

Be not forgetful of the law of God in whatever thou desirest to achieve, now or in the days to come. Say: Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds!

BAHA’U’LLAH

Download the memorization PDF (as seen above) HERE

resource grade 4 ruhi book 3

Have a resource you would like to add? Send me a note at [email protected]

Categories
Baha'i Children class

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH WAS AT ALL TIMES AND UNDER ALL CONDITIONS VICTORIOUS, ACHIEVING GODS HOLY PURPOSE

Welcome Grade 4 Rughi 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.

Prayer Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3

Prayer 1

“O Lord! Enable all the peoples of the earth to gain admittance into the Paradise of Thy Faith, so that no created being may remain beyond the bounds of Thy good- pleasure. From time immemorial Thou hast been potent to do what pleaseth Thee and transcendent above whatsoever Thou desirest.”

The Báb

Prayer 2

“I adjure Thee by Thy might, O my God! Let no harm beset me in times of tests, and in moments of heedlessness guide my steps aright through Thine inspiration. Thou art God, potent art Thou to do what Thou desirest. No one can withstand Thy Will or thwart Thy Purpose.”

The Báb

Prayer 3

“O my God, the God of bounty and mercy! Thou art that King by Whose commanding word the whole creation hath been called into being; and Thou art that All-Bountiful One the doings of Whose servants have never hindered Him from showing forth His grace, nor have they frustrated the revelations of His bounty. Suffer this servant, I beseech Thee, to attain unto that which is the cause of his salvation in every world of Thy worlds. Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the Most Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

Bahá’u’lláh

MEMORIZATION AID

DOWNLOAD THE MEMORIZATION AID FOR ALL PRAYERS IN THIS SET HERE

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!

SEND A POSTCARD

SEND TO A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOUR

USE EMAIL, SNAIL MAIL, OR HAND-DELIVER IT!

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

Song 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

BASED ON: BAHA’U’LLAH MISSED SEEING GREENERY.

1. DESIGN A GARDEN FOR SOMEONE WHO ALSO MISSES GREEN STUFF

THIS WEBSITE HAS SOME FREE PRINTABLES TO HELP WITH THE PLANNING

CLICK HERE

2. Plant bulbs and watch them grow or give them to a friend. Did you know that pilgrims took bulbs on the trip to Akka?

Among the villagers who had travelled on that pilgrimage were two who bore the same name, Muhammad. As there were no family surnames to distinguish them one from the other, the friends called them Muhammad the first and Muhammad the second. Together they suggested to their fellow Bahá’ís that nothing could be more befitting than flowers for such a Beloved. And what flower better than the fragrant narcissus, in Persia a symbol of purity and love, a symbol too of the coming of the spring and the joyful passing of life out from the darkness and cold of winter!

https://bahai-library.com/faizi_flowers_akka
3. Make Seed Paper
4. MAKE SOME SEED MATS TO GIVE TO SOMEONE TO GROW

CHECK OUT HOW HERE AND HERE

5. MAKE GRASS SEED HEADS

HERE

Walk Through Paper

In Burlington we just did a lot of seed bombs at the Ayyam-i-Ha party so for the lesson, I focused on an activity. (walking through paper)

Baha’u’llah spent so many years as a prisoner, it is what the world saw, but we know that at any time, He could have been free.

One account explains:

Soon the believers from Sayessan became familiar with the prevailing bitter conditions of confinement within the fortress of ‘Akká. Their hearts brimmed with sorrow for the Holy Ones, for they were surprised that such inadequate food was given the exiles, with no fresh vegetables. The bad-tasting water, the poor diet, the prevalence of epidemics of every kind, the barren city with scarcely a blade of grass inside its forbidding double walls, all evoked sadness and a deep rage. Worst of all, the Blessed Beauty with His great love of the open spaces, of the mountains and the gardens, of flowers and trees and all the beauty of the natural world had not been able to walk abroad for about nine long years. Therefore, one day when in His presence the pilgrims opened their hearts and entreated Him:

“Come to our village,” they proposed. “Here in ‘Akká it is warm and damp, and there are no trees.”

“We cannot,” replied the Beloved.

“We promise that the weather will be more agreeable, and we will do everything we can to make you more comfortable.”

“We cannot. We are imprisoned here.”

“Imprisoned?” they replied, with tears in their eyes. “Imprisoned! Who could ever do that to you? You are the King of this world.”

But the Blessed Beauty could not be released from bondage even by these boldest and most resolute of His followers, for God’s destiny had ordained His lifetime stay in the Holy Land, that place of fulfillment of prophecies for all mankind.

Print (or draw) an image of a prison on one side and on the other a beautiful garden and a view.

HERE IS MY VERSION

Remind the class that Baha’u’llah willingly spent many years as a prisoner, and just like this demonstration or walking through paper, Baha’u’llah could have at any time NOT a prisoner.

Have them try to walk through the paper.

Here is the video (below) on how to cut the paper so that we can easily walk through it.

Sometimes when things look impossible, it is not!

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 is 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

Suffer not yourselves to be shut out as by a veil from God after He hath revealed Himself.

Selections from the Writings of the Báb

DOWNLOAD THE MEMORIZATION AID

HERE