Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá Date: November 28, 2009
Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá is a religious observance for the followers of Bahá’í.
On November 28, followers of the Bahá’í Faith worldwide commemorate the passing of `Abdu’l-Bahá in his house in Haifa in 1921. He was the eldest son and successor of Baha’u'llah, founder of the Bahá’í Faith. His funeral was attended by more than 10,000 mourners, representing every one of the diverse religions and ethnic communities in the Holy Land. His remains were laid to rest in a vault next to the vault of the Bab on Mount Carmel.
History of Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá
`Abdu’l-Bahá was born on May 23, 1844 in Tehran, Iran. His father was imprisoned when he was 8 years old, and it had a deep impact on his childhood. His family was left in poverty and persecuted in the streets. Little `Abdu’l-Bahá, after the release of his father from prison, had to follow him into exile in Baghdad. `Abdu’l-Bahá learned the teachings of his father and witnessed firsthand the persecutions of his message and the birth of the Bahá’í Faith. After his father, Bahá’u'lláh, died on May 29, 1892, the Will and Testament of his father named `Abdu’l-Bahá as Centre of the Covenant, the father being the legitimate successor and interpreter of Bahá’u'lláh’s writings. Also in the Will and Testament `Abdu’l-Bahá’s half-brother, Muhammad `Alí was placed as subordinate to the elder brother. Muhammad `Alí became jealous of his half-brother and went on with many efforts to undermine the half-brother’s authority. `Abdu’l-Bahá remained faithful to his father’s teachings, and during his life the Bahá’í Faith saw great expansion worldwide. His final years were spent in Palestine where he was officially recognized by the British Mandate of Palestine for his humanitarian efforts during World War I and awarded a knighthood. `Abdu’l-Bahá died in his home in Haifa, aged 77, in 1921.
Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá Traditions, Customs and Activities
The Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá is one of only two days that work is suspended for the Bahá’í followers. The other is the Anniversary of the Birth of `Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahá’ís are advised that there must be a celebration on this day, if possible to be organized to occur at 1:00 AM, coinciding with the hour that `Abdu’l-Bahá died. Since there are no prescribed ceremonies or religious practices it is usually celebrated in a gathering with prayers, music, and devotional readings with solemnity and reverence for the memory of `Abdu’l-Bahá.
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