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EXTRACTS FROM
THE UTTERANCES OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
(1)
 
 
Today the world of humanity is in need of international unity and conciliation. To establish these great fundamental principles a propelling power is needed. It is self-evident that the unity of the human world and the Most Great Peace cannot be accomplished through material means. They cannot be established through political power, for the political interests of nations are various and the policies of peoples are divergent and conflicting. They cannot be founded through racial or patriotic power, for these are human powers, selfish and weak. The very nature of racial differences and patriotic prejudices prevents the realization of this unity and agreement. Therefore, it is evidenced that the promotion of the oneness of the kingdom of humanity, which is the essence of the teachings of all the Manifestations of God, is impossible except through the divine power and breaths of the Holy Spirit. Other powers are too weak and are incapable of accomplishing this.
(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, pp. 11-12)
 
 
We will pray that the ensign of international peace may be uplifted and that the oneness of the world of humanity may be realized and accomplished. All this is made possible and practicable through your efforts. May this American democracy be the first nation to establish the foundation of international agreement. May it be the first nation to proclaim the universality of mankind. May it be the first to upraise the standard of the Most Great Peace, and through this nation of democracy may these philanthropic intentions be spread broadcast throughout the world. Truly, this is a great and revered nation. Here liberty has reached it highest degree. The intentions of its people are most praiseworthy. They are, indeed, worthy of being the first to build the Tabernacle of the Most Great Peace and proclaim the oneness of mankind. I will supplicate God for assistance and confirmation in your behalf.
(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, pp. 36-37)
 
 
Today the greatest need of the world of humanity is discontinuance of the existing misunderstandings among nations. This can be accomplished through the unity of language. Unless the unity of languages is realized, the Most Great Peace and the oneness of the human world cannot be effectively organized and established because the function of language is to portray the mysteries and secrets of human hearts. The heart is like a box, and language the key. Only by using the key can we open the box and observe the gems it contains. Therefore, the question of an auxiliary international language has the utmost importance … It is my hope that it may be perfected through the bounties of God and that intelligent men may be selected from the various countries of the world to organize an international congress whose chief aim will be the promotion of this universal medium of speech.
(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, pp. 60-61)
 
 
…because I find this American nation so capable of achievement and this government the fairest of western governments, its institutions superior to others, my wish and hope is that the banner of international reconciliation may first be raised on this continent and the standard of the Most Great Peace be unfurled here. May the American people and their government unite in their efforts in order that this light may dawn from this point and spread to all regions, for this is one of the greatest bestowals of God. In order that America may avail herself of this opportunity, I beg that you strive and pray with heart and soul, devoting all your energies to this end: that the banner of international peace may be upraised here and that this democracy may be the cause of the cessation of warfare in all other countries.
(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, pp. 83-84)
 
 
In past ages humanity has been defective and inefficient because it has been incomplete. War and its ravages have blighted the world; the education of women will be a mighty step towards its abolition and ending, for she will use her whole influence against war. Woman rears the child and educates youth to maturity. She will refuse to give her sons for sacrifice upon the field of battle. In truth, she will be the greatest factor in establishing universal peace and international arbitration. Assuredly, woman will abolish warfare among mankind.
(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, p. 108)
 
 
All of us know that international peace is good, that it is conducive to human welfare and the glory of man, but volition and action are necessary before it can be established. Action is essential. Inasmuch as this century is a century of light, capacity for action is assured to mankind. Necessarily the divine principles will be spread among men until the time of action arrives. Surely this has been so, and truly the time and conditions are ripe for action now.
(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, p. 121)
 
 
This has come to pass. The powers of earth cannot withstand the privileges and bestowals which God has ordained for this great and glorious century. It is a need and exigency of the time … Let this century be the sun of previous centuries, the effulgences of which shall last forever, so that in times to come they shall glorify the twentieth century, saying the twentieth century was the century of lights, the twentieth century was the century of life, the twentieth century was the century of international peace, the twentieth century was the century of divine bestowals, and the twentieth century has left traces which shall last forever.
(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, pp. 125-126)
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Front page · Copyright · Contents
Extracts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh · 2 · 3 
Extracts from the Utterances of Bahá’u’lláh
Extracts from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá · 2 · 3 
Extracts from the Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá · 2 · 3 · 4 
Extracts from the Writings of Shoghi Effendi · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 
Extracts from Letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi · 2 
Extracts from Letters of the Universal House of Justice
Extracts from Letters written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice
Bibliography