Introducing The Principal Theme
The purpose of this lesson is to enhance the children’s understanding that Bahá’u’lláh calls upon us, one and all, to arise in this great Day of God and to work for the progress of the Cause and the realization of His vision for humanity. To begin, you may wish to remind them that Bahá’u’lláh has come to unite humanity into one common family, and now is the time for people everywhere to put aside their differences and work together to build a peaceful and just world. “Everyone wants to live in a world where people love and trust one another,” you could go on, “where children are educated, where the good things of life are shared among all.” “But,” you could ask, “how will this great transformation in the world come about? Effort is needed, is it not?”
You could then introduce the theme of the lesson: “Today you are going to memorize a passage in which Bahá’u’lláh tells us that we live at a time beyond compare. Do you know what the word ‘matchless’ means? If something is matchless, it means that nothing can equal it. Bahá’u’lláh makes clear that no other time in history can match this Day. So, what does He ask of all of us who have the bounty to be alive in this special time, this time for which humanity has long waited? If this Day is matchless, like no other in the past, what do you think is required of each one of us? We should arise and, with words and actions worthy of this matchless Day, work for the betterment of the world.”
It is suggested that you continue the discussion along these lines: “Humanity now has before it the greatest challenge—to build a new world. We should not miss the opportunity we have been given to participate in this mighty task. Do you remember the words that Bahá’u’lláh heard all around Him when, imprisoned and in chains in the Síyáh-Chál, He was filled with God’s Revelation? He was assured that He would be made victorious and that God would bring forth those who would aid Him in victory. ‘Erelong will God raise up the treasures of the earth,’ were the words, ‘men who will aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy Name.’ We should do our best to be worthy of so great an honor, to be counted among those who work for the progress of the Cause of God.”
Later I am going to tell you some stories about four outstanding believers who lived in the time of Bahá’u’lláh. As you listen to their stories, think about all the beautiful qualities that adorned their souls. Think about how they relied upon God and labored out of their love for His beauty.
MEMORIZATION AID FOR 3 PRAYERS HERE
PRAYER 1
“I implore Thee, O my God and my Master, by Thy word through which they who have believed in Thy unity have soared up into the atmosphere of Thy knowledge, and they who are devoted to Thee have ascended into the heaven of Thy oneness, to inspire Thy loved ones with that which will assure their hearts in Thy Cause. Endue them with such steadfastness that nothing whatsoever will hinder them from turning towards Thee.” PRAYER 2 “O my Lord and my Hope! Help Thou Thy loved ones to be steadfast in Thy mighty Covenant, to remain faithful to Thy manifest Cause, and to carry out the commandments Thou didst set down for them in Thy Book of Splendors; that they may become banners of guidance and lamps of the Company above, wellsprings of Thine infinite wisdom, and stars that lead aright, as they shine down from the supernal sky. Verily, art Thou the Invincible, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.”
PRAYER 3 “O my Lord! O my Lord! This is a lamp lighted by the fire of Thy love and ablaze with the flame which is ignited in the tree of Thy mercy. O my Lord! Increase his enkindlement, heat and flame, with the fire which is kindled in the Sinai of Thy Manifestation. Verily, Thou art the Confirmer, the Assister, the Powerful, the Generous, the Loving.”
As mentioned above, in this quotation, Bahá’u’lláh tells us that we live in a time like no other. In our words and through our deeds, we should prove ourselves worthy of so great an honor.
Say: O men! This is a matchless Day. Matchless must, likewise, be the tongue that celebrateth the praise of the Desire of all nations, and matchless the deed that aspireth to be acceptable in His sight
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
Meaning Of Words In Quote
Write any words you don’t know and look them up. Use this PDF
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Historical Episodes
The historical episode in this lesson is made up of four separate accounts, or vignettes, each related to the life and service of one of the believers appointed to the rank of Hand of the Cause of God by Bahá’u’lláh. The order of the vignettes is random, and you should decide how you will narrate them to your students in the two or so class periods that you dedicate to this lesson.
As you grow, you will learn the stories of many early believers, and their lives will be a source of inspiration to you and will sustain you in the field of service. Of these, there are four stories that you will hold especially dear in your hearts—the stories of the four believers who were appointed by Bahá’u’lláh to the rank of Hand of the Cause of God. Among their duties was to educate the believers and encourage them to serve. The accounts left of the service rendered by these four outstanding believers continue to uplift our souls today.
Vignette 1: Ḥájí Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar (Ḥájí Ákhund)
Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar was born in a village in the province of Khurásán, but he did not remain there long. He left his village while still a youth and traveled to a city nearby. There he entered school and received an education common for young men in those days. He studied diligently and learned well all the subjects of the time. He became knowledgeable in the Holy Book of Muḥammad, the Qur’án, and in its laws and teachings, and he attended gatherings and meetings where he was able to participate in discussions on profound spiritual matters.
To his surprise, however, the young Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar was not satisfied with these gatherings. The more he learned, the more perplexed he became. Why was there no joy in the meetings he attended? Why was there no glimmer of love? Instead, he found bickering and competing groups, each claiming that it possessed spiritual truth and each convinced that it understood the teachings of Muḥammad best.
Now, it seems that, at about the age of nineteen, Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar was given a copy of the Book of Certitude, the Kitáb-i-Íqán, to read. As mentioned in an earlier class, the Book of Certitude was revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdád and explains how God makes His Will known to humanity through His Manifestations. In it, Bahá’u’lláh establishes in clear terms the unity of the world’s great religions and shows how mistaken it is for their followers to quarrel among themselves. Bahá’u’lláh’s words were like a spark that ignited the fire of faith in Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar’s pure heart. He immediately recognized the truth. The fire of the love of God burned so fiercely in his heart that its heat could be felt by all those with whom he came into contact.
It will not surprise you to hear, then, that he was no longer welcome among his fellow religious students. They refused to accept God’s new Message; they rose up against Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar, forcing him to flee the city. He returned to his village and began to teach the Cause there. But he was attacked by those who opposed the Faith, and he eventually left his family and settled in the capital city, Ṭihrán.
In Ṭihrán, Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar continued fearlessly to teach the new Faith, and he soon became known as a Bahá’í, which could be dangerous at the time. People would point their fingers at him on the streets and in the marketplace, and his teaching efforts began to meet with opposition from the religious leaders. At the order of one of the highest leaders in the city, he was arrested and thrown into prison. Though he was released, he did not remain free for long. A few years later, he was arrested again. And then again a few years later, and then again, and again, and again. Of course, he had never done anything wrong. But, you see, whenever trouble broke out in the city, the enemies of the Faith would take the opportunity to have him jailed. It never failed, and Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar, upon receiving news of any uproar in the city, would put on his turban and cloak and sit waiting for the guards to carry him off to prison.
You should know that he was arrested at least six times and spent many years altogether bound in heavy chains in the most terrible conditions. But Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar was always composed and undisturbed. Such was his faith and love of God. Nothing could shake him. Nor could anything deter him from teaching the Cause and serving the growing Bahá’í community. For example, after he was released from his second imprisonment, do you think he thought of his own safety and comfort? No, almost immediately he set out on a trip to give encouragement to the believers in the north of the country. Bahá’u’lláh praised his work in a Tablet revealed after the journey, saying that, to unite souls and cause them to love one another, is a most meritorious service.
There is no doubt that Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar’s words and deeds were worthy of this Day of God. Of him, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes: “He was never vanquished. Whatever he had to say, he said. He was one of the Hands of the Cause of God, steadfast, unshakable, not to be moved.” “I loved him very much,” He continues, “for he was delightful to converse with, and as a companion second to none.”
Vignette 2: Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad (Ibn-i-Aṣdaq)
To learn the story of the life of Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad, you should first know something about his father. He was a devoted and faithful follower of the Báb and one of the three believers who were severely tortured for the first time in the history of the Faith in Persia. You remember that, when Quddús first began teaching the new Message in Shíráz, he and his two companions were punished in public, for all to see, and then thrown out of the city. One of these companions was the father of Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad. Those who witnessed that grievous scene were amazed at how calm and serene he was. No amount of physical harm could touch his faith, and he continued to teach the new Message with joy and fervor wherever he went. Eventually, he joined Mullá Ḥusayn on his way to the Shrine of Shaykh Ṭabarsí, where, as you know, the small band of followers of the Báb came under attack by a most treacherous enemy. The father of Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad was one of the few who survived that terrible ordeal. He was given over to be executed in his home province, but his captors were so charmed by his calm and wisdom, they could not do so.
Now, some years later, when Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad was a young boy, his father decided to travel to Baghdád to attain the presence of Bahá’u’lláh. Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad had the great honor of accompanying him, and he and his father were granted several interviews with Bahá’u’lláh. Can you imagine what a bounty it was for him to come face to face with God’s Manifestation at such a tender age? Bahá’u’lláh further blessed him by revealing a prayer in which He beseeches God, that he may grow into a devoted servant of His Cause and raise aloft the standard of victory in His Name.
After fourteen heavenly months in Baghdád, Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad and his father returned to their home in Persia. But, once again, his father became the target of the enemies of the Faith. At the order of the governor, he was arrested and taken in chains under guard to the capital, Ṭihrán. He was forced to bring his young son with him. The intention was to execute them, but they were imprisoned in the Síyáh-Chál instead, in that very dungeon where Bahá’u’lláh received the first stirrings of God’s Revelation. For more than two years, father and son remained chained together in that dark and icy-cold place. At one point, Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad, still quite young, became seriously ill from the wretched conditions, and a doctor was permitted to attend to his health. No Muslim doctor was willing to treat him, so a doctor of the Jewish Faith was found. For several months he took care of Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad and began to learn about the Cause. Even after the young boy had recovered, the doctor continued to visit the prison and spend hours discussing the Faith with his father, and he soon accepted the truth of God’s new Revelation.
When father and son were eventually released from the Síyáh-Chál, they made their way back to their home province. As he continued to grow, it became clear that Mírzá ‘Alí- Muḥammad had many of the same praiseworthy qualities of his father, whom he would often accompany on his travels throughout Persia to find receptive souls and teach the Faith. By the time he was a young married man, he had become utterly devoted to the Cause of God and filled with a spirit of service, just as Bahá’u’lláh had foreshadowed in the prayer revealed on his behalf so many years earlier. He wrote to Bahá’u’lláh expressing his desire to give himself over entirely to the Cause, and in a tablet addressed to him in response, Bahá’u’lláh confirmed that service to the Cause of God is the greatest of all deeds and that those who are firm in the Faith should be engaged in teaching with the utmost wisdom. So this is what Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad did for the rest of his life.
In the beginning, he traveled extensively throughout the length and breadth of Persia. He went from town to town, city to city, teaching with the full ardor of his faith. In Ṭihrán he helped to organize the first teacher-training institute for Bahá’í women. Eventually, his travels took him to other countries in service to the Cause. He visited India and Burma, ‘Ishqábád, and even Europe, where, together with another believer, he presented a Tablet addressed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to an important organization dedicated to peace. Mírzá ‘Alí- Muḥammad himself wrote many papers in defense of the Faith, and he helped establish the first Spiritual Assembly of Ṭihrán, on which he, as well as the other three Hands of the Cause of God, served as members.
Vignette 3: Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí (Ibn-i-Abhar)
After Bahá’u’lláh declared His Mission in the Garden of Riḍván outside Baghdád, news of that momentous event began to reach the followers of the Báb back in Persia. The father of Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí had already recognized Bahá’u’lláh’s station when his son came to him in confusion and asked whether Bahá’u’lláh was the One promised by the Báb. Was He the One they had awaited, “Him Whom God shall make Manifest”? At the advice of his father, Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí began to study the Most Holy Book of the Báb, the Bayan, to try to find the truth for himself. In that book, he found the answer to his questions, and he joyfully embraced the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
Sadly, a few years later, his father died by poison, and all of his possessions were taken away through the schemings of his enemies. Around that time, Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí sent a letter to Bahá’u’lláh, asking what was the most meritorious service he could render to the Faith. In a Tablet addressed to him in response, Bahá’u’lláh urged him to arise and teach. Because there was so much opposition to him in his hometown, he left for another city. There, he brought many new souls into the Cause and encouraged his fellow believers to teach. Such was his success that the religious leaders soon rose against him. He was arrested and spent fourteen months in prison in dire hardship.
Upon his release, he traveled throughout Persia and then made his way to the Holy Land, where he attained his heart’s desire and entered the presence of Bahá’u’lláh. Not long after, Bahá’u’lláh revealed a Tablet in his honor reminding him of the bounties showered upon him while in the Holy Land and directing him to pass through cities like a breeze spreading the divine fragrances. And so Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí decided to settle in the capital, Ṭihrán, from where he could do exactly as Bahá’u’lláh had instructed: to spread out far and wide and teach the Faith and extend loving care to the believers.
Now, you remember that, whenever trouble broke out in the city, the authorities would take the opportunity to falsely accuse the Bahá’ís and arrest them. Mírzá Muḥammad- Taqí was not an exception. He spent four years in chains in a dungeon in Ṭihrán. During that time he was subjected to such ill-treatment and torture that it would sadden your heart too much to hear about it. But you should know that Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí remained dignified and composed at all times. He even managed to send short notes out on small pieces of paper to his fellow Bahá’ís, assuring them that they need not worry about him: whatever pain was inflicted upon him, his soul was joyful and untouched.
It was while he was in prison in Ṭihrán that Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí made a vow to himself to devote his whole life to the service of the Cause. Nothing would be allowed to distract him. To his surprise, however, upon his release from prison, it was suggested to him that he should marry. At first, he refused the suggestion. He feared that, if married, he would break the vow he had made. But ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wisely helped him to understand that marriage would not prevent him from fulfilling his pledge to devote his life to the Cause. And who do you think he married? Do you remember Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar who was himself arrested six times? He had a lovely daughter named Munírih Khánum. And, after their marriage, not only did Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí continue to travel in service to the Cause, including to India, but he and his wife served together on the first Bahá’í committee for the advancement of women. Later, with his encouragement, his wife founded the first Bahá’í school for girls in Ṭihrán. They both lived a life entirely devoted to the Cause and to the realization of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for humanity.
Vignette 4: Ḥájí Mírzá Ḥasan-i-Adíb
Like other boys born into families of high-ranking clergymen, Mírzá Ḥasan-i-Adíb had received a good religious education. He grew into a distinguished and learned man, well known, even among the royalty of Persia, for his writing talents. He contributed to various important books. For a time, Mírzá Ḥasan was also a teacher at the first school for boys in Persia that gave instruction not only in religion but also in subjects like science, history, and math. It was attended by princes and the sons of influential people.
Now, around the time Mírzá Ḥasan was forty years of age, one of his friends encouraged him to study the Bahá’í Writings, and so he began to do so. It seems that God had been preparing his heart all along to receive the divine Message. He soon met Nabíl-i-Akbar, that dedicated teacher of the Cause. You remember his story from another class. He, too, was regarded highly learned but, upon entering the presence of Bahá’u’lláh, had recognized his utter ignorance before God’s Manifestation. Well, after spending some time in conversation with Nabíl-i-Akbar, Mírzá Ḥasan quickly embraced the Cause and began to dedicate his energies to its promotion.
At the time, there was still much prejudice against the Bahá’ís. So when it became known that Mírzá Ḥasan was a Bahá’í, he was immediately expelled from his job. But now, of course, he could use his many talents to the benefit of the Cause, and among his writings are the most beautiful poems proclaiming the dawn of a new Day of God. Perhaps, in the future, you will have a chance to read some of his poems, and you will feel in their verses the intensity of his faith and the ardor of his love for Bahá’u’lláh.
One of the great achievements of the early Bahá’ís of Persia under the guidance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was the founding of the Tarbíyat School in Ṭihrán. Mírzá Ḥasan played a significant part in creating that highly valued institution, which was considered for years the foremost school in the country.
Though by now the Bahá’ís in Persia were becoming more and more respected, there were still some opposed to the Faith. One of these was a particularly wicked clergyman in the province of Iṣfahán, who caused much trouble for the believers. He encouraged their harassment and ill-treatment. When Mírzá Ḥasan went to visit the friends there, the situation grew worse. There was a great upheaval in and around the city of Yazd, and
properties owned by Bahá’ís were looted and destroyed. Among those who were injured was the gentle and learned Mírzá Ḥasan. Guards were posted all over the city by the clergyman, who hoped to arrest Mírzá Ḥasan. He was able, however, to depart unnoticed and made his way further south. After traveling to India, he went to the Holy Land and then returned to Persia, where, his heart ablaze with the love of God, he continued to serve the Cause until the end of his life.
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
- Four outstanding believers in Persia were appointed to the rank of Hand of the Cause of God by Bahá’u’lláh.
- Ḥájí Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar, who is known as Ḥájí Ákhund, was one of the Hands of the Cause of God appointed by Bahá’u’lláh.
- Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad, also known as Ibn-i-Aṣdaq, which means “son of Aṣdaq”, was one of the Hands of the Cause of God appointed by Bahá’u’lláh.
- Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí, also known as Ibn-i-Abhar, which means “son of Abhar”, was one of the Hands of the Cause of God appointed by Bahá’u’lláh.
- Ḥájí Mírzá Ḥasan, surnamed Adíb, was one of the Hands of the Cause of God appointed by Bahá’u’lláh.
Now the heading says crafts but there are lots of activities based on the quote and Vignettes we read in this lesson.
Based on quote
Say: O men! This is a matchless Day. Matchless must, likewise, be the tongue that celebrateth the praise of the Desire of all nations, and matchless the deed that aspireth to be acceptable in His sight
Write a song/ poem/story celebrating This “Matchless Day”
Make a list of deeds you can do today/this week to spread the word to everyone about Baha’u’llahs’ message that we are one family
Based on Vignette 1
…But Mullá ‘Alí-Akbar was always composed and undisturbed. Such was his faith and love of God. Nothing could shake him.
How you can be more composed and undisturbed if confronted with danger or ridicule?
Based on Vignette 2
Bahá’u’lláh confirmed that service to the Cause of God is the greatest of all deeds and that those who are firm in the Faith should be engaged in teaching with the utmost wisdom. So this is what Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad did for the rest of his life.
Have you ever written a teaching plan?
- Where will you teach? In your school, or neighborhood?
- Who will you teach? write their name
- When do you pray for the people you want to teach? Morning, just before you go to see them?
- When will you visit and give some information about the faith? will this be verbal information, or written? Share a video?
Based on Vignette 3
… not only did Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí continue to travel in service to the Cause, including to India, but he and his wife served together on the first Bahá’í committee for the advancement of women. Later, with his encouragement, his wife founded the first Bahá’í school for girls in Ṭihrán. They both lived a life entirely devoted to the Cause and to the realization of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for humanity.
Is there a group/ organization you would like to form that advances any of the principles of the Faith? What would that look like? Is it a school like Mírzá Muḥammad-Taqí and his wife formed, or is it a not-for-profit organization?
Based On Vignette 4
At the time, there was still much prejudice against the Bahá’ís. So when it became known that Mírzá Ḥasan was a Bahá’í, he was immediately expelled from his job. But now, of course, he could use his many talents to the benefit of the Cause, and among his writings are the most beautiful poems proclaiming the dawn of a new Day of God. Perhaps, in the future, you will have a chance to read some of his poems, and you will feel in their verses the intensity of his faith and the ardor of his love for Bahá’u’lláh.
- Explore what your own talent is.
- How can you use this talent to benefit the Cause of God?
Say: O children of dust! He Who is the Spirit of Purity saith: In this glorious Day whatsoever can purge you from defilement and ensure your peace and tranquility, that indeed is the straight Path, the Path that leadeth unto Me
Baháʼu’lláh – The Tabernacle of Unity
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