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BAHÁ’U’LLÁH HAS THE POWER TO TRANSFORM SOULS

Ruhi Bk Grade 4 Lesson 13

Welcome Grade 4 Rughi Book 3

Introducing The Principal Theme

We will try to understand Bahá’u’lláh’s station by looking at His power to transform souls.

First, let us begin by reviewing what we learned in the preceding set.

In the past few classes, we have been learning about the period of Bahá’u’lláh’s life in ‘Akká and then later in Bahjí. We saw how He proclaimed His Message to the kings and rulers of the world and called upon them to recognize His station, to embrace His teachings, and to uphold justice.

But did they do so?

The leaders at the time, like many even today, were too proud to listen to God’s Manifestation, and injustice has continued to rule the world. We know, however, that nothing could silence Bahá’u’lláh or stop the progress of His Cause. For some forty years He revealed the Word of God, and His Revelation is His most precious gift to humanity. We are able to find joy when we follow His teachings and obey His laws and commandments.

The theme of the lesson: We are told by Bahá’u’lláh that God created us out of His love for us. If we were to be deprived of God’s love, even for a moment, we would perish and be no more. It is because of His love that the sun shines, that the plants grow, that animals give birth to their offspring, and that human beings receive blessings with every breath. Our love for each other, the kindness we give and receive, the tenderness we feel in our heart for so many people, is all but a reflection of God’s love for His creatures.

And Who today manifests to the utmost perfection God’s love for humanity?

This love is manifested by Bahá’u’lláh, and His love has the power to transform us.

We have used the word ‘transform’ in our classes before.

What does it mean?

The word ‘transform’ means to change from one condition to another.

Here is an example:

A caterpillar wraps itself in a cocoon and later emerges as a beautiful butterfly. The caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly.

Or think of the land during a period of drought when water is scarce. It is hard and dry. But then the rains come and transform the barren ground into green fields.

Likewise, Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings have the power to transform our souls. Through prayer, the study of His Writings and constant effort, we can fill our hearts with His love; we become lovers of humanity, dedicated to the betterment of the world.

Today you are going to memorize a quotation in which Bahá’u’lláh tells us that, if He so wishes, He could change an atom into a sun and a drop into an ocean.

Does everyone know how small an ‘atom’ is?

Can we see an atom with our eyes?

How does an atom compare to the sun?

How does a drop compare to an ocean?

Now, imagine how the Word of God can change each one of us.

We are weak; He can make us strong. We are timid; He can give us courage. When you think of Bahá’u’lláh, then, remember always His immense love for you. Regard Him as a most loving Father, Whose teachings and counsels will guide you and make firm your steps. Become dependent on His love. Let His love give you courage, so you will grow and, like a seed that is transformed into a tree, become that which God has created all of us to be!

Prayer Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3
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.”

“… if it were His wish He could cause a mere atom to be transformed into a sun and a single drop into an ocean.”

Tablets 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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Song Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3

There are countless stories in the history of the Faith that illustrate the power of Bahá’u’lláh to transform souls. There are two such stories today for you. The first is about the outstanding believer, Nabíl-i-Akbar, and the second is about a prominent man in the city of ‘Akká who lived there at the time of Bahá’u’lláh’s exile.

We know that every day around the world, more and more people come to know about Bahá’u’lláh and His teachings. As the fire of His love is kindled in their hearts and His words fill their souls, they are able to gradually cast away the habits of an old world and to acquire the qualities of a people worthy of the task to which humankind is being called today: to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

During Bahá’u’lláh’s lifetime, those whose spiritual eyes were open had a special privilege. As they entered into His Divine presence, they caught a glimpse of such tenderness and love, combined with such grandeur and majesty, that their souls were transformed. They became new creations.

Story 1

Nabíl-i-Akbar was a great scholar who possessed a vast knowledge of many fields. Few could match him in his eloquence. It is said that he once spoke to a group of academics in a far-off city who had not been told his identity. His listeners were lost in admiration. “Who could be so knowledgeable and present such illuminating explanations?” they wondered. “This is indeed a most exceptional man.” The only one who could possibly rival him, they all agreed, was the famous Nabíl-i-Akbar. Such was the widespread recognition of his intellectual accomplishments.

After embracing the Faith of the Báb, Nabíl-i-Akbar became a highly respected figure among his fellow believers. It was six years after his acceptance of the new religion when, while in Baghdád, he visited Bahá’u’lláh. At that time, Bahá’u’lláh had not yet openly declared His Mission, and the Bábís were not aware of His station. Nabíl-i-Akbar was received warmly at Bahá’u’lláh’s house and was invited to stay in one of the rooms set aside for guests.

Soon after his arrival, he observed a learned and highly dignified Bábí throw himself at the feet of Bahá’u’lláh. This act of extreme reverence, although sincere, did not please Bahá’u’lláh, Who asked him to rise immediately. Nabíl-i-Akbar felt Bahá’u’lláh certainly deserved respect, but he could not understand why such a prominent Bábí would worship Him so. He decided to watch Bahá’u’lláh carefully to find out whether He was endowed with special power. But he saw only humility and servitude in Bahá’u’lláh, and the more he observed Him the more convinced he became of his own intellectual superiority. So he began to think that he himself was in every way greater than Bahá’u’lláh.

One afternoon, Bahá’u’lláh arranged a meeting in His house. Nabíl-i-Akbar occupied the seat of honor, while Bahá’u’lláh sat among the friends and served them tea with His own hands. During the meeting, someone asked a question. Nabíl-i-Akbar began to speak immediately, thinking that no one else would be able to answer the question well. All the friends were silent, except Bahá’u’lláh Who occasionally while agreeing with Nabíl-i- Akbar’s explanation, would make a few comments on the subject. As Nabíl-i-Akbar heard these comments, he gradually became silent and listened more and more carefully to Bahá’u’lláh’s words. He was awed by the depth of their meaning. He felt deeply ashamed that he was occupying the seat of honor. Once Bahá’u’lláh stopped talking, he got up and went outside the room, and there he hit his head against the wall three times, furious with himself for not having seen the real grandeur of Bahá’u’lláh.

Not long after, He attended another meeting at which Bahá’u’lláh was present. This time, as he listened to Him, he discovered His words to be as priceless gems compared to which all his past learning appeared worthless. He then wrote to Bahá’u’lláh and received a Tablet from Him, which assisted him in recognizing the full glory of Bahá’u’lláh’s station.

When his eyes were opened to the light of Divine guidance, Nabíl-i-Akbar became like a flame. He could rest no longer. He returned to Persia at Bahá’u’lláh’s instruction and began to teach the Faith. In his hometown, he led numerous souls to recognize their Lord. Even the prince of the city was captivated by his eloquence, knowledge and accomplishments. Again, he became known far and wide, but this time as a follower of Bahá’u’lláh. The enemies of the Faith grew envious. Their false accusations were brought to the attention of the king, whose anger terrified the prince. He began to attack Nabíl and turned the people of the city against him. But Nabíl could not be silenced. At last they drove him out of the city. He went to Ṭihrán. There, too, he was exposed to danger at all times. But he continued to spread the Faith and became a guiding lamp to many souls. He then left for ‘Ishqábád and Bukhárá where, teaching the Cause of God to his last breath, he died in 1892. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has written of him:

“It is true that in this swiftly passing world he was the target of countless woes; and yet, all those generations of powerful clerics, . . . all of them will disappear without a trace. They will leave no name behind them, no sign, no fruit. No word will be passed down from any of them; no man will tell of them again. But because he stood steadfast in this holy Faith, because he guided souls and served this Cause and spread its fame, that star, Nabíl, will shine forever from the horizon of abiding light.”

Nabíl-i-Akbar is one of the outstanding early believers of our Faith, and when you get older, you will probably learn more about his life and deeds. Here is another story about an individual transformed by Bahá’u’lláh.

Story 2

As mentioned in an earlier class, upon their arrival in ‘Akká, Bahá’u’lláh and His companions were publicly denounced by the enemies of the Faith. Believing these false accusations, many of the inhabitants of the city were extremely unhappy about their arrival. Among them was Shaykh Maḥmúd, a well-respected citizen who was outraged that the government had sent such people to his city and wanted to get rid of them. At one point, he even felt that he would be justified in killing Bahá’u’lláh.

Shaykh Maḥmúd had forgotten about a vision he had been told as a ten-year-old boy by an elderly friend of his father. According to the vision, someday, the Promised One of All Ages would arrive in ‘Akká. He would speak Persian and would live in a room at the top of a long flight of stairs. The old man had counseled the boy to remain vigilant so that he would recognize the Promised One. But these words had faded from his mind as he grew up.

One day Shaykh Maḥmúd hid a weapon under his coat and went to the army barracks where Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned. He told the guards that he wanted to see Bahá’u’lláh and, because he was a well-respected citizen, they granted him permission to enter. However, when the guards announced the visitor to Bahá’u’lláh, He said, “Tell him to cast away the weapon and then he may come in.” Upon hearing this from the guards, Shaykh Maḥmúd became so confused that he left and went home.

After a while, he returned to the army barracks, still determined to kill Bahá’u’lláh. He was a strong man and decided to use his bare hands. Again he went to the guards and requested permission to enter. But this time, when they told Bahá’u’lláh that Shaykh Maḥmúd wanted to see him, He said, “Tell him to purify his heart first and then he may come in.” This left him even more surprised than the previous time, and he went off in a state of confusion.

Later he had a dream in which his father and his friend, the old man, reminded him to be attentive, otherwise he would be deprived of recognizing the Promised One. The dream had a striking effect on him. He returned to the army barracks and asked to speak to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. As he listened to the Master’s words, his hatred was washed away. Now he could be accepted into the presence of Bahá’u’lláh. With reverence, he entered into His presence and allowed his heart to be filled with His love.

The two stories in this episode offer us some insight into the process of individual transformation.

Let Us Reflect

For example, we come to understand that both Nabíl-i-Akbar and Shaykh Maḥmúd had to give up certain habits and ways of thinking in order to recognize Bahá’u’lláh’s wisdom and knowledge and be filled with the love of God.

Are there other similar insights they could gain from these stories?

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

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facts about Bahá'u'lláh Grade 4
  1. Bahá’u’lláh was born some two hundred years ago, on 12 November 1817, in Ṭihrán, the capital of Persia.
  2. Bahá’u’lláh’s given name was Mírzá Ḥusayn-‘Alí.The name of Bahá’u’lláh’s father was Mírzá 
  3. Buzurg, and His mother was named Khadíjih Khánum.
  4. Bahá’u’lláh’s ancestors came from the district of Núr in the province of Mázindarán.
  5.  From an early age, Bahá’u’lláh showed signs of greatness.
  6.  Bahá’u’lláh did not attend school and only received some instruction at home.
  7.  As a young man, Bahá’u’lláh chose to devote His energies to the care of the poor and the defense of the weak.
  8.  At the age of eighteen, Bahá’u’lláh married Ásíyih Khánum.
  9. Bahá’u’lláh was twenty-seven years old when, on 23 May 1844, the Báb declared His Mission.
  10. Mullá Ḥusayn was the bearer of the Message of the Báb sent to Bahá’u’lláh in Ṭihrán.
  11. Upon receiving the scroll of the Báb’s Writings, Bahá’u’lláh testified to the truth of His Revelation.
  12. The province of Mázindarán, and the district of Núr in particular, became the first in all of Persia to embrace the Message of the Báb.
  13. The independence of the Faith of the Báb from Islám was declared at the Conference of Badasht.
  14. The Conference of Badasht took place in the summer of 1848, while the Báb Himself was imprisoned in a remote part of Persia.
  15. Bahá’u’lláh steered the course of events at the Conference of Badasht.
  16. At the Conference of Badasht, Ṭáhirih was given her title by Bahá’u’lláh, which means “the Pure One”, and Quddús was given his, which means “Holy”.
  17. It was after the Conference of Badasht that Bahá’u’lláh came to be known by His title.
  18. The term “síyáh-chál” means the “black pit”
  19. The Síyáh-Chál was an underground prison in Ṭihrán. 
  20. Bahá’u’lláh was taken to the Síyáh-Chál in the summer of 1852.
  21. Bahá’u’lláh was kept in the Síyáh-Chál for four months.
  22. While imprisoned in the Síyáh-Chál, Bahá’u’lláh received the first stirrings of God’s Revelation in His soul
  23. Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned in the Síyáh-Chál for four months.
  24.  Bahá’u’lláh was exiled from Persia in 1853.
  25.  Bahá’u’lláh’s very difficult journey from Persia to Baghdád began on 12 January 1853 and took about three months.
  26.  Bahá’u’lláh left Baghdád for Kurdistán in April 1854.
  27.  Bahá’u’lláh spent a total of two years in Sulaymáníyyih.
  28. Bahá’u’lláh returned to Baghdád from the region of Kurdistán in April 1856.
  29.  During the two years of Bahá’u’lláh’s absence from Baghdád, the fortunes of the Bábís had gone from bad to worse.
  30.  During Bahá’u’lláh’s stay in Baghdád, the Bábí community was revived through His love and wisdom and the power of His words.
  31. Bahá’u’lláh was exiled to Constantinople, after staying in Baghdád for ten years.
  32. The Book of Certitude, or Kitáb-i-Íqán, was revealed in Baghdád.
  33.  The Book of Certitude was revealed in 1862 in answer to some questions posed to Bahá’u’lláh by the Báb’s uncle. 
  34. The Book of Certitude was revealed in two days and two nights.
  35. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh were revealed in Baghdád.
  36. Before departing for Constantinople, Bahá’u’lláh spent twelve days in the Garden of Riḍván.
  37. The Garden of Riḍván was located outside the city of Baghdád.
  38. In the Garden of Riḍván, Bahá’u’lláh declared His Mission.
  39. The twelve-day period in April is celebrated by Bahá’ís every year as the Festival of Riḍván.
  40. The Festival of Riḍván is the holiest and most significant Bahá’í festival.
  41. Bahá’u’lláh and His family arrived in Constantinople on 16 August 1863.
  42. Bahá’u’lláh remained in Constantinople for about four months.
  43. From Constantinople, Bahá’u’lláh was exiled to Adrianople.
  44. Bahá’u’lláh and His family arrived in Adrianople on 12 December 1863.
  45. Bahá’u’lláh stayed in Adrianople for just over four and a half years.
  46. Bahá’u’lláh and His family were exiled from Adrianople to ‘Akká in 1868.
  47. In ‘Akká, Bahá’u’lláh and His companions were imprisoned in an army barracks.
  48. The phrase the “Most Great Prison” refers to ‘Akká.
  49. Mírzá Mihdí was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s younger brother.
  50. Mírzá Mihdí was known as the Purest Branch.
  51. The Purest Branch was twenty-two years old when he died.
  52. Bahá’u’lláh began the universal proclamation of His Mission in Constantinople.
  53. During His exiles to Constantinople and Adrianople and later in ‘Akká, Bahá’u’lláh addressed Tablets to the kings and rulers of the world.
  54. Bahá’u’lláh called on the kings and rulers of the world to uphold justice. 
  55. The title Badí‘ means “wonderful”.
  56. Badí‘ delivered Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the king of Persia in the summer of 1869.
  57. Badí‘ was seventeen years old when he delivered Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the king of Persia.
  58. Badí‘ was called the “Pride of Martyrs” by Bahá’u’lláh.
  59. Bahá’u’lláh spent twenty-four years in ‘Akká and its vicinity, from 1868 to 1892.
  60. After nine years of confinement in ‘Akká, Bahá’u’lláh consented to leave its gates.
  61. Bahá’u’lláh spent the last thirteen years of His life on this earth in Bahjí.
  62. 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.
  63. The twin cities of Haifa and ‘Akká are the administrative and spiritual world center of the Bahá’í Faith.
  64. Bahá’u’lláh revealed the Word of God for nearly forty years.
  65. Bahá’u’lláh has left humanity volumes and volumes of Divine guidance that will enable it to build a glorious new world.
  66. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas was revealed around 1873 in the House of ‘Abbúd in ‘Akká.
  67. 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.
  68. Bahá’u’lláh has referred to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas as the “source of true felicity”, the “Straight Path”, and the “quickener of mankind”.
  69. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is also known as the “Most Holy Book”.
games/ drama grade 4 ruhi book 3

Act Out A Transformation

  1. A cocoon opens to a butterfly
  2. A seed becomes a plant
  3. Dry desert to a meadow
  4. A person with no Faith/Belief/Virtues/Hope to a person who has 

Can you think of any other transformations?

crafts grade 4 ruhi book 3

Filled Heart

We have to give up certain habits and ways of thinking in order to recognize Bahá’u’lláh’s wisdom and knowledge and be filled with the love of God.

Will do a craft like the card below with a heart or a mind that fills up with the love of God. Will post my template soon but the basic concept is the same as the card below.

TEMPLATE CARD HERE

From Brilliant Star

A Change of Heart 

Divine Potery

What A Change

Changing Enemies to Friends 

Download the memorization PDF (as seen above)

HERE

resource grade 4 ruhi book 3

Have a resource? Message me and I would love to add it here on the blog

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Baha'i Children class Free Kids Can Do Ruhi Book 3

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH SUFFERED FOR THE  SAKE OF HUMANITY G4 L5

Grade 4 Lesson 5 Ruhi Book 3

Welcome Grade 4 Rughi Book 3

Introducing The Principal Theme

Welcome to Lesson 5 Grade 4.

The purpose of this lesson is to help us realize that Baha’u’llah suffered for us and to give us a glimpse of the ordeals and hardship that He endured for the sake of humanity.  

All the Manifestations of God have suffered in the hands of leaders concerned only with their own wealth and power.  These self-seeking leaders used their influence over the ignorant people who blindly followed them to convince them to arise against God’s Manifestations. 

In the last class, we learned what happened after the pitiful attempt made by a small group of foolish Bábís on the life of the king. Even Bahá’u’lláh, Who was so loved and respected by everyone, did not escape the horrible persecution that followed. He was imprisoned in a dungeon called the Síyáh- Chál, and all His worldly possessions were taken away from Him and His family. But we also saw that in this terrible dark place, God chose to reveal to Bahá’u’lláh His Mission and that from the darkness of the Black Pit rose the Sun of Truth. You also memorized a quotation in which Bahá’u’lláh Himself tells us how He heard words all around Him assuring Him that He would be victorious.

Today we are going to learn about Bahá’u’lláh’s release from the Síyáh-Chál and what happened next. As you listen to the stories in this lesson, you should remember that Bahá’u’lláh had not yet openly declared His Mission, but the power of His Revelation was already being felt, and the government of Persia and the religious leaders had become fearful of Him. They decided to send Him into exile. They thought that they could silence Him in this way and keep others back from the radiance of His glory. So, Bahá’u’lláh and His family were forced to head for Baghdád in the middle of an, especially cold winter. Unfortunately, upon His arrival there, He found so much disunity among the followers of the Báb that soon He decided to leave Baghdád and withdraw to a remote region to commune with God.

You will see that, even in the remote mountainous region to which Bahá’u’lláh withdrew, the people came to recognize His greatness and majesty. Nothing could conceal the wisdom and power that emanated from Him. Today, you will begin to memorize a passage in which Bahá’u’lláh explains that as His hardships grew, and as more and more difficulties were heaped upon Him, His love for God increased. No earthly power could prevent Him from achieving His purpose.

Baha’u’llah lived a life of suffering and affliction.  He was imprisoned and exiled.  Lies were told about Him, His teachings ignored and rejected, and His loyal followers mercilessly persecuted.  He accepted these afflictions 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.  He showed loving-kindness to every human being, even to the worst of His enemies.  He accepted His sufferings patiently.  Not for an instant did He stop shedding God’s light upon the whole world.  For forty years, under the most difficult conditions, He gave guidance to humanity.

Remembering the ordeals and hardships suffered by Baha’u’llah makes us firm in His love.  Our hearts will not waver in moments of difficulty.  We will learn to be as immovable as the mountain when ignorant people oppose the Faith.  We have to act the same way during our own tests.  Love is stronger than hate.

  • Who inflicts sufferings upon the Manifestations of God?
  • Why did Baha’u’llah patiently accept His sufferings?
  • For how long did Baha’u’llah give guidance to humanity and under what conditions?
  • What effect does remembering Baha’u’llah’s sufferings have on us?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THIS LESSON (for teachers to review)

Read this INFORMATION here

Prayer Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3
Grade 4 Prayer

Prayer 1

Set 2 Prayer 1

Prayer 2

Set 2 Prayer 2

Prayer 3

Set 2 Prayer 3
Download the memorization aid for all 3 prayers in set 2 from Here
Quote Grade 4 Ruhi book 3

As My tribulations multiplied, so did My love for God and for His Cause increase, in such wise that all that befell Me from the hosts of the wayward was powerless to deter Me from My purpose.

Bahá’u’lláh The Summons of the Lord of Hosts
Meaning Of Some Of The Words In The Quote

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Song Grade 4 Ruhi Book 3
The prince of peace
O Baha’u’llah
I Have Found Bahá’u’lláh
Bahá’u’lláh The Glory Of God
Story grade 4 ruhi book 3

This is the first of four historical episodes (lessons 5 to 8) leading to Bahá’u’lláh’s final exile to the prison city of ‘Akká. As we read these accounts we must keep in mind that Bahá’u’lláh willingly endured great suffering out of His limitless love for humanity and that the Cause of God can not be stopped by anyone.

You remember from our last class that Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned in the Síyáh-Chál for four months and that, in the icy cold depths of so horrible a place, as He lay chained to His companions, God made known to Him the greatness of His station. Yet Bahá’u’lláh told no one of what had occurred. He would wait until the exact moment appointed by God to proclaim His Mission.

During that period, the enemies of the Faith persecuted the Bábís mercilessly, committing acts of cruelty that are too horrible to describe. However, one story must be told, the story of the martyrdom of the valiant Ṭáhirih, the courageous champion of the equality of women and men. At the time she was being held captive in the home of a notable in Ṭihrán. One night, knowing that the order to end her life had been issued, she put on the most beautiful dress and anointed herself with perfume. She then sent for the wife of the notable and conveyed her last wishes to her. Afterward, she closed herself in her room and awaited, in prayer and meditation, the hour of her death.

Ṭáhirih was pacing the floor of her room, chanting words of both grief and triumph, when the guards arrived. They brought her to a garden that was outside the gates of the city. This was to be the site of her martyrdom. The headsmen were awaiting her, but when the time came for them to act, they wavered. They refused to end the life of one such as her. Instead, they managed to find a man so drunk that he did not know what he was doing. He was given a silk scarf that Ṭáhirih herself had brought, and with this scarf, he strangled that outstanding heroine of the Faith. Her lifeless body was then lowered into a well, which was filled with earth and stones, as she had desired.

Meanwhile, the enemies of the Faith were busy trying to obtain Bahá’u’lláh’s death sentence from the king, Náṣiri’d-Dín Shah. But it did not prove to be so easy for them to do so. Bahá’u’lláh came from a noble family and was loved by so many, high and low alike. Eventually, to achieve their purpose, they arranged for poison to be put into some of the food brought to Him. Of course, their plot failed. The poison was so strong that its effects were quickly noticed, and Bahá’u’lláh stopped eating the meal. In the end, the authorities had no other choice but to release Him from prison. The king, however, ordered that Bahá’u’lláh leave Persia and go into exile. He was given one month to depart.

Bahá’u’lláh was ill and exhausted from the terrible conditions of the Síyáh-Chál. The chain that had been placed around His neck during His imprisonment was so heavy that it had made deep wounds, and the poison had left Him in a weakened state. Still, in the middle of winter, on 12 January 1853, He and His family set out from their native land, never to return. You remember that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was about eight or nine, and His sister, Bahíyyih Khánum, was two years younger. They both gladly shared in their Father’s exile. Their youngest brother, however, was too small a child to undertake such a rigorous journey. He had to be left behind with some relatives until he was old enough to travel. Also with them on the journey was Áqáy-i-Kalím and another one of Bahá’u’lláh’s brothers. Together they headed for Baghdád, a city in the Ottoman Empire, escorted by two officials.

To reach the city, they had to cross the huge, snow-covered mountains that separated the Ottoman Empire from Persia. It was a perilous journey, and the supplies they had for the trip were far from adequate. You can imagine how cold it was for the small band of travelers, who did not have sufficient clothing to protect them from the snow. With the help of only some mules, they slowly made their way along the high peaks of the mountains. Often they had no option but to camp for the night in the total wilderness. But God protected them, and through His unfailing assistance, they arrived safely in Baghdád three months later.

What Bahá’u’lláh saw in Baghdád saddened His heart. After the Báb and so many of the Bábís were martyred, His remaining followers had become confused and lost. They did not know where to turn or which direction to take. And unfortunately, some of them began to forget the high standards to which the Báb had called them. They quarreled and became very disunited people. The greatest cause of the difficulty was Bahá’u’lláh’s own half-brother Mírzá Yaḥyá, an ambitious and cowardly man. He had followed Bahá’u’lláh to Baghdád and soon became jealous of the influence Bahá’u’lláh had on everyone who came into contact with Him. Working with a partner more shameless than himself, Mírzá Yaḥyá tried to turn the believers against Bahá’u’lláh. The situation grew worse daily.

A year after their arrival in Baghdád, Bahá’u’lláh’s family woke one morning to find that He was gone. He had left the city without telling anyone where He was going or why. Seeing that Mírzá Yaḥyá was creating so much disunity, Bahá’u’lláh had chosen to retire to a region of Kurdistán, some distance to the north of Baghdád. His purpose in doing so, He Himself would later state, was to avoid becoming “the subject of discord” among the Báb’s followers or “the cause of sorrow to any heart”.

In that mountainous region, not far from a town called Sulaymáníyyih, Bahá’u’lláh lived alone. He was content with little food. At times He received some milk from the shepherds in the surrounding area and, occasionally, visited the town to obtain the minimum necessities of life. The conditions were extremely harsh, but He was happy to be in communion with God.

As you can well imagine, Bahá’u’lláh’s greatness could not be kept hidden from people’s eyes for long. One day, for example, He saw a young student sitting by the road crying. He asked the reason for this sadness and was told that the other boys at the school had each received from the teacher a sample of penmanship to practice their handwriting but that he did not have a copy. Bahá’u’lláh offered with tenderness and kindness to write a sample for him. When the young boy showed the sample to his teacher at school, everyone was astonished at the beauty and excellence of Bahá’u’lláh’s penmanship. They realized that someone special now lived among them. And the news of this spread throughout Sulaymáníyyih.

Gradually, more and more of the inhabitants of Sulaymáníyyih came to know of Bahá’u’lláh and to respect Him. Some of the wise leaders of the town sought His presence and requested that He explain to them difficult spiritual matters. Bahá’u’lláh’s words had on these people their usual effect. Many a heart was transformed by His love and many a mind was illumined by His knowledge. His fame began to spread to the neighboring areas. News of a man of extraordinary wisdom and eloquence living in Kurdistán finally reached Baghdád.

So it was that one day ‘ Abdu’l-Bahá, now twelve years old, and His dear uncle, Áqáy-i- Kalím, overheard two people speaking of this most extraordinary Man. They described Him as “The Nameless One,” Who had magnetized the countryside with His love. ‘Abdu’l- Bahá and His uncle realized immediately that this Personage could be none other than Bahá’u’lláh. Without delay, they sent a trusted believer to beg Him to return, and Bahá’u’lláh accepted their request. Two years had passed since He had left Baghdád to commune with God. And, as we will see in the next class, just as He had galvanized the inhabitants of Sulaymáníyyih, He would transform and uplift the followers of the Báb in Baghdád and beyond through the power of His love and wisdom. His full glory would be made manifest, and all of the desperate attempts of His enemies to prevent the progress of the Cause of God would prove utterly futile.

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

For any of the figures we heard about, use the biography page to write down the information you would like to remember.
Download:
Teachers Pay Teachers Free Biography Page
DOWNLOAD MY STORY REPORT HERE

PowerPoint here

facts about Bahá'u'lláh Grade 4

Facts

  1. Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned in the Síyáh-Chál for four months.
  2. Bahá’u’lláh was exiled from Persia in 1853.
  3. Bahá’u’lláh’s very difficult journey from Persia to Baghdád began on 12 January 1853 and took about three months.
  4. Bahá’u’lláh left Baghdád for Kurdistán in April 1854.
  5. Bahá’u’lláh spent a total of two years in Sulaymáníyyih.

Download here

games/ drama grade 4 ruhi book 3

Act Out The Following

A year after their arrival in Baghdád, Bahá’u’lláh’s family woke one morning to find that He was gone. He had left the city without telling anyone where He was going.

Act Out The Following

Remember that Manifestations of God are not portrayed

To reach the city, they had to cross the huge, snow-covered mountains that separated the Ottoman Empire from Persia. It was a perilous journey, and the supplies they had for the trip were far from adequate. You can imagine how cold it was for the small band of travelers, who did not have sufficient clothing to protect them from the snow. With the help of only some mules, they slowly made their way along the high peaks of the mountains. Often they had no option but to camp for the night in the total wilderness. But God protected them, and through His unfailing assistance, they arrived safely in Baghdád three months later.

crafts grade 4 ruhi book 3

Stop Motion Animation

We finally got to do the stop-motion animation. We used paper to make the mountains. The App Stop motion Studio to take photos and a tripod holds the phone steadily with help from mums in the back. Horses were used to show the journey and no one in the Holy Family was depicted.

To make a stop-motion animation, as mentioned, using an app for that purpose really helps. It did not take more than 10 min planning, and 15 mins taking photos to get ours done. There are many resources to help you through the process and I will link the simplest video below.

The props can be made from any material including clay, paper, lego, etc.

Draw

Draw the family of Bahá’u’lláh traveling across the mountains in the winter on their way to Baghdád.  Remember not to include any representation that could be mistaken for Bahá’u’lláh.

Calligraphy

Baha’ullah’s handwriting was beautiful! Many Persian calligraphy is done in the form of shapes. (G4L5 outline for calligraphy)

Choose a prayer or a quote to fill in one of the images of your choice, or choose an image to fill with writing/words.

CHAIN

Bahá’u’lláh was ill and exhausted from the terrible conditions of the Síyáh-Chál. The chain that had been placed around His neck during His imprisonment was so heavy that it had made deep wounds, and the poison had left Him in a weakened state:

Based on the paragraph above we are going to make a chain to symbolize Bahá’u’lláh love for us that he consented to be in chains. This is an easy craft. you will need strips of paper. Write inspiring quotes or just words like “love, service, prayer” etc. loop them together and hang in your room to remember that at all times and under all conditions, Bahá’u’lláh was victorious.

See an example of paper chains here

Footsteps

Make a rolling footstep craft.

  • Footstep to cut out
  • Straw
  • Q Tips
  • Strong Tape
  • empty tape roll
  • gule

Here is an easy image of a footprint to print and cut. You can use any that you find on places like Pixabay

The Holy Family

Download the activity to make the family tree for The Holy Family from delighted Hearts Here

“These Prophets and chosen Ones of God are the recipients and revealers of all the unchangeable attributes and names of God. They are the mirrors that truly and faithfully reflect the light of God.”

Bahá’u’lláh The Kitáb-i-Íqán
Download the memorization Aid: Review Quote Grade 4 Lesson 5
Review Quote G4 L5
resource grade 4 ruhi book 3

PowerPoint

Powerpoint for lesson 5

Brilliant Star Magazine

The Most Great Prison

Nobility of Navvab

United In Love And Respect

Seeing With Your Own Eyes

Bahiyyih Khánum

Dayspring Magazine

Download the magazine on Bahá’u’lláh here