I am the son of Mohammed Ali,
son of Baha’u’llah. I was born in Kasr-el-Mazra’a, Acre District,
Palestine, 1878 A.D. and grow to maturity under the shadow of the Great
Baha’u’llah.
Needless to speak of my
connection with the Baha’i faith, as I am born and bred in it. Although I am
molded with the teachings, and firmly believe that the Baha’i Principles are
the most essential for practice in these trying days, but I am open for
conviction otherwise. I am explaining this so my readers would not think that I
am following the Baha’i Faith blindly or on account of my birth.
In 1889 while I was at the age
of eleven, I was commanded by Baha’u’llah to accompany my father on his journey
to Egypt and India. Haji Khavar joined us also as attendant. We embarked on a
steamer from Haifa, Palestine to Port Said, Egypt. Upon entering the steamer
that evening I was greatly amazed by the electric lights, as that was my first
view of the same. The short voyage was not a pleasant one for me, as I was sea
sick most of the way.
At our arrival to Port-Said we
were received by a Baha’i delegation from Egypt headed by Agha Mirza Agha
Afnan, and after the completion of custom House formalities, we were ushered to
the house of the aforesaid Afnan, where we were entertained royally by our host
during our sojourn there, which lasted twenty one days. Faithful Bahais arrived
daily from all over Egypt to receive counsel and advise from my beloved father,
and I as a boy used to enjoy their conversation and extreme politeness,
immensely.
For the enlightenment of the
young readers I must illustrate that from my childhood I was reared with grown
people and I had a very limited number of selected boys of my age to play with,
therefore it was natural for me to associate with young and old, especially as
in those days most of the followers were former theologians, soufis,
scientists, and philosophers.
From Port-Said we boarded an
Italian steamer, passing thru the Suez Canal and from there to Aden Yaman,
where our steamer docked the entire day. We landed for a few hours and enjoyed
a cup of coffee and some dates.
On the twelfth day we reached
our destination Bombay, India. Upon landing in Bombay I had another surprise,
observing the nudity of the natives. This seems natural nowadays.
At our arrival to Bombay we
were received by Haji Sayed Mirza Afnan, his brother Haji Sayyed Mohammed Afnan
and others, amongst them Sayed Hadi Afnan (who later married the eldest
daughter of my uncle Abdul Baha, and (so he is the father of Shoghi Effendi).
We stayed at the abode of Haji Sayyed Mirza Afnan, which was located at Byculla
Bombay.
After a few weeks we secured a
nice little bungalow house surrounded (with) by a flower garden near the
Mahalakshmi Railway Station. At that time the horse race track was in that
section. We spent over a year in the city of Bombay, occasionally traveling to
the nearby country sides as Pune and Kandala etc. My beloved father was
occupied receiving visitors and arranging the printing of several books of the
teachings of Baha’u’llah. I was studying French under a private teacher, as at
that time the French language was the most popular in our country, which then
was called Syria, under the Ottoman Rule. I was greatly impressed by the
natives of India, their sincerity, simpleness, humbleness and kindness.
On our return to Acre Palestine
we stopped at Cairo Egypt. We were the guests of Haji Mirza Hassan Shirazi, Better
known as Khorasani. I had the opportunity to see the points of interest in
Cairo also. After a few days we arrived at home and again I was privileged to
be with my mighty Grand-father Baha’u’llah after the elapse of fifteen months.
During our preparation to leave
Bombay the aforesaid Sayed Hadi Afnan begged my father for permission to join
us, so we had an extra companion on our return voyage from Bombay to Egypt. On
the steamer Haji Khavar prepared our meals and the said Sayed Hadi Afnan took
care of several large flat baskets, each containing three ports of different
flowers and young trees that my father brought with him from India. Indeed it
was through his energetic care of watering them regularly and removing them
from place to place when needed that they reached their destination safely.
Two years after our return from
India the ascension of Baha’u’llah took place. The events which happened after
His ascension are recorded briefly in my father’s Autobiography, and I refer my
good readers to them.
A few years before my journey
to India, Sayed Assadullah of Ghom was appointed as tutor for my brother Mirza
Amin Ullah who is four years my junior and myself. Although he was a companion
more than a teacher yet he served us faithfully to the best of his ability
until a few months after the ascension of Baha’u’llah when he had to leave us
and return to his native land Iran to become a Baha’i missionary. The following
years I had several private teachers, and occasionally I took English lessons
also.
During my young days I was very
fond of horseback riding and hunting. In those days the means of transportation
were confined to horses, mules, donkeys or camels, as modern vehicles were not
in existence in the Orient, therefore we all grow learning horse riding. Also
hunting was the only sport available as we had no golf or tennis grounds,
cinemas or theaters.
After reaching the age of
maturity I became engaged to my cousin Ruha Khanum one of the twin daughters of
my uncle Abdul Baha. We were extremely in love with each other,
but on account of the
sudden dissension between our fathers and our due respect for them, we were
obliged to give up each other, so my first and childhood love affair, met with
disappointment. This incident in my life seems a fiction nowadays, as the
modern young people will not sacrifice their life long happiness for the sake
of their parents. After this separation I was depressed and broken hearted but
I tried my utmost and keep it to myself.
Thus years passed by as such
until during 1904 I received an invitation from relatives and friends in the
United States of America to visit the World’s Fair of St Louis Mo. U.S.A. I was
greatly encouraged by this invitation for the following reasons:- First to
forget my grief and sorrow, and second to see the new world and to study the
Western civilization.
With the permission of my
father and my grandmother the widow of Baha’u’llah I left Palestine for Egypt
and from there boarded a steamer for Marseilles, France, arriving (at) in Paris
July 12th of the same year. On July 14th the people of
France celebrated their Independence day. It was a great experience for me to
go from Acre, Palestine to Paris and to attend such a jubilant Celebration. The
following day I secured a passage with the American line on the Steamship ‘New
York’ arriving at the Port of New York the last week of July.
After two days rest in the
great city of New York I went to St. Louis Mo. I spent the summer months there,
observing the wonders of the Exposition, which were a great schooling for me.
During the same summer I made a visit to the Bahai friends in Chicago Ill. and
Kenosha Wis. accompanied by Dr Ibrahim
Khayru’llah. Notices of my arrival to the
United States appeared in numerous daily Newspapers and Magazines. The first
two winters and summers I spent in St. Augustine Fla. and Atlantic city N.J.
While I was in New York I visited the Syrian Coloney in Brooklyn. During my
stay there I had the pleasure of the visit of Mr. Howard McNutt, and on my
return visit to him I met Mrs. McNutt also. We had a sociable visit, but later
on I was informed that the aforesaid Mr. McNutt was reprimanded by the Baha’i
higher authorities for his association with me.
During my residence in the
United State I served the Baha’i cause to the best of my ability in my spare
time earning my livelihood through commerce. I have had several opportunities
to commercialize our teachings but I refrained to do so, as I believe truth
should be given gratis. For several years I edited and published The Baha’i
Quarterly at my own expense and distributed the same absolutely free of charge.
I traveled extensively in the
United States, crossing the continent from Florida to Oregon, Maineto
California. I have visited the most prominent Winter and Summer resorts. I have
met people from all walks of life, the elites of Fifth Avenue now Park Avenue,
to the humbles of the Bouwerie, the snobs of New England to the sociables of
new Orleans. I have conversed with Philosophers, Scientists, Politicians,
Communists, Theologians, Theosophists, Christian Scientists, and Spiritualists
and found some good in all of them, by discarding personal prejudice and
revering their view points.
While
in Southern California I married a charming American young-Lady of English
stock, whose maiden name was Brewster, a descendant of Wm. Brewster who came to
America with the Ship ‘Mayflower’. I regret that my second venture in love was
unsuccessful also, as I have lost her. Ever since I hesitated in making the third
attempt and I presume that I shall leave this world without an issue.
During
the winter of 1910-1911 I was visited by Mrs. L. Getsinger and Dr. Ameen
Fareed,While they were touring the states as Baha’i Missionaries. The object of
their visit was my guidance to the path which both of them believed then to be
the right one. However they were unsuccessful in their mission.
During
1912 while my uncle Abdul Baha was visiting the United States by the authority
of my father I humbly wrote him a letter and asked him for a conference to
settle the existing differences in our cause. I hereby reproduce the copy of
the same;
To His Excellency Abbas Effendi Abdul
Baha.
Dear
sir:
Inasmuch
as your views and doctrines in our religion are radically different from those
of my father, your younger brother, Mohammed Ali Effendi who was chosen in the
‘Book of My Covenant’ the last Will of Baha’u’llah, to occupy after you the
same position you occupy now:
And
inasmuch as this difference between both of you spreads among the followers of
Baha’u’llah and divided them into two parties; one following you and believing
in your personal teachings, and the other party which joined your brother
believing in the teachings of Baha’u’llah only and considering them final as he
declared:
And,
inasmuch as we were all commanded in the ‘Most Sacred Book’ Kitáb-i-Aqdas, to
bring our differences to the utterance of Baha’u’llah, which sufficed the
world, whereby they should be settled:
And,
inasmuch as our duty is to establish peace at home, among ourselves first,
before we preach others to do so:
I
hereby beg your Excellency to appoint a conference of peace and spirituality to
hold its meetings at the city of Chicago, or some other place, at a certain
time, in otder to discuss with the language of love and kindness the
differences between the said two parties and settle them in accord with the
utterances of Baha’u’llah and His Commandments.
If
it please you, said conference would be composed of your Excellency with some
learned ones of your followers, myself and Dr. I.G. Khayru’llah,
who introduced Baha’ism into America and Christendom with a few of our party.
My
father Ghusni Akbar, authorized me to state, that he will accept and sanction
whatever your Excellency would establish with me and with his representative
Dr. I.G. Khayru’llah.
The
official language of said conference shall be the U.S.Language, a neutral
interpreter should be hired to translate from the Arabic language all that you
would like to say and in the meantime to translate to you all the discussions
of the conference. Also to ask the Associated Press to send a reporter to write
the minutes of the conference; and to invite three American savants to attend
the meetings and acts witnesses and judges.
I
suggest the questions and discussions to be the following;
First:
Why your Excellency concealed a part of the ‘Book of My Covenant,’ the will of
Baha’u’llah? That will was entrusted to you that you might give all of it to the
followers of Baha’u’llah.
Second:
Ghusni Akbar was chosen to occupy after you the same position you occupy, and
your Excellency claimed that he was cut off and fell. How is it possible that
he fell from the said position before having had a chance to occupy it?
Third:
What grounds have you to claim that you are the Center of the Covenant? God
only is the center of the Covenant.
Forth:
Why do you claim to be the Interpreter of the Utterances of Baha’u’llah? He
declared in the Book of Wisdom that there is no Interpreter to them save
Himself.
Fifth:
How could it be that you are the manifestation of servitude and Baha’u’llah
declared it to Himself only? Also He taught there are no manifestations after
Him until one thousand years passed from His appearance.
Sixth:
Why do you claim the great Infallibility calling your letters sacred tablets
and revelations? Baha’u’llah said; ‘Whosoever claimeth a mission before the
completion of one thousand years from His Manifestation is a lying impostor.
Seventh:
Why do you teach that this greatest Manifestation has three chiefs, the Bab,
Baha’u’llah and yourself? Baha’u’llah said: “There is no one else beside him in
the Kingdom.” Likewise the Bible taught that at the latter days we shall have
one shepherd, only one chief and not three. Also Baha’u’llah said: “ He hath no
agent, no successor, and no son.”
Eighth:
Why do you claim and in the same breath deny that which you claim?
Ninth:
Why do you teach and spread the teachings of Baha’u’llah as you were commanded
to do, instead of spreading your own?
I
close this open letter, appealing to your Excellency by justice, love and unity
to grant my request.
Your
Humble servant,
The
Grandson of Baha’u’llah,
Shua Ullah
I
forwarded the above mentioned letter to Abdul Baha to Chicago Ill. where he was
visiting but unfortunately I did not receive a reply. When I heard of Abdul
Baha’s arrival to California I addressed him the said letter again, this time
through the Press as an open letter, a copy of the same appeared in several
Newspapers throughout the United States.
A reporter from the Los Angeles
Examiner interviewed Abdul Baha and the following reply appeared in the said
Newspaper; October 20, 1912. “Would you listen to the talk of the drunkard in
the street?”
“Do you class your nephew as one no
better than a drunkard?” he was asked.
“Worse” he benignly replied.”
Indeed
I was very surprised by his unkind and ultimately statement, and to this day I
am in doubt of its authenticity.
During
1912 while my uncle Abdul Baha was in Chicago, Mr M.H.Dreyfus of Paris (France)
unexpectedly called on me with a fighting spirit; most of his conversation was
appertaining to the unfounded accusations towards my father regarding (to) the
petition to the Ottoman government and the arrival of the investigators etc. I
patiently listened to him until he was exhausted, then I said: “ All your
statements are hearsay and absolutely without foundation. I am ready to go with
you to Palestine for the sole purpose of investigation there in the governrate
or to go to Velayat at Berut, or to go to the headquarters of the Ottoman
Government in Constantinople if necessary, and if we find a petition presented
to the government by my father or any of his followers as you have stated, then
all what you said is correct, but I am positive that we will not find even a
complain whatsoever, from my father or any of his followers against His
Excellency Abdul Baha.”
The
said Mr. Dreyfus remained with me until late that evening and somehow he was
satisfied with my explanations as he left me.
One
year later on a Sunday afternoon I answered the door-bell and to my surprise I
saw Mr Dreyfus standing. After exchanging the greetings and resting I
discovered that he was in California with Mrs. Dreyfus the former Miss Laura
Clifford Barney of Washington D.C. and her mother, on their way to the Far
East. On this visit our conversations were more sociable and mostly
incidentals. He remained with me all afternoon returning to his hotel in Los
Angeles in the evening. Two days later I went to Los Angeles returning my
friends call, and I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Dreyfus and her mother.
During this meeting the existing dissension between my uncle and my father were
discussed but very mildly, and we arranged that they shall go to the Far East;
and the following winter during 1914 we shall all meet in Palestine and try to
bring unity among the two brothers and their followers, but I regret that the
following year the war was declared in Europe and we could not make our
pilgrimage as we planned.
During
1923 I made a visit to the Holy Land. This journey lasted six months; also I
visited Egypt. I regret that I found the true Baha’i spirit that was in
existence in the past had been diminished, and the off-springs of those noble
soles that sacrificed their lives for the spread of Truth were entangled in the
cobwebs of earthly possessions; eagerly seeking false leadership for the
accumulation of the riches; originating new names and tittles for the control
of leadership and the collection of dues which were provided for the widows and
orphans; their ears deaf to the words of God, and following the golden calf as
they did in the time of Moses; intoxicated by false promises and drowned in the
sea of superstition; their hearts filled with hatred towards those whose only
faults were the confession to the Oneness and Singleness of God.
During
my last sojourn in the City of New York, I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs.
Luis Styvesent Chanler and her coworker Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, while I was
attending a reception which was arranged by the natives of India, in honour of
the well known Moslem leader Moulana Shoukat Ali. I was invited by the
aforesaid lady to attend the meetings of the New History society. Complying
with her kind request I attended a few of the Baha’i gatherings, and I had the
pleasure of meeting the Hon. Luis StyvesentChanler also.
During
1933 I left New York for California again, and the mild climate of the Golden
State lured me to remain there.
In
the summer of 1936 I received news from home that my beloved father was ill and
demanded my presence, therefore I left California and made a pilgrimage to the
Holy Land.
I
hereby invite my readers to enjoy the minutes of that journey with me.
“Our
pilgrimage began from San Diego California, U.S.A. at 10 A.M. on Sunday,
October the 25th, 1936. We journeyed in two motors cars with our
luggage via the coast highway, arriving at the Terminal Island port of Los
Angeles at 1:30 in the afternoon. After placing our luggage in our staterooms
with the Panama Pacific Liner, S.S. Pennsylvania, a thirty three thousand-ton
steamer, we left the Terminal Island for Ocean Park, a suburb of Los Angeles,
and visited a delightful couple there, where we spent a few hours. Then we
motored to Hollywood to the abode of other beloved friends, a newly and happily
wedded couple, where we enjoyed their kind hospitality of a royal farewell
dinner. At ten o’clock in the evening we motored to the pier, some of the
friends joining to wish us farewell and unanimously desirous to accompany us on
our pilgrimage. Being late we insisted on their departure, so the friends left
us with the wonderful wish ‘Bon Voyage.’ No need to state our mutual feelings
when the parting time arrived, all I can say is: “May God bless them and keep
the safe for me.” We are at the deck of the liner watching the multitude of
humanity ebb and flow like the waves of the sea.
A
short time before the departing hour we suddenly become cognizant of the
presence of some other friends, who motored 150 miles to see us and faithfully
remained at the pier until our steamer sailed and we disappeared in the
darkness of the night.
Although
we are surrounded with joy being on the pilgrimage to the Holy Land, yet the
parting with our friends and beloved ones is trying, and, I must confess that
there is an emptiness in my heart while we are sailing and gradually the
illuminated lights of the great City are getting dimmer and dimmer.
The
last two days passed pleasantly in good weather and smooth sailing. To day we
are passing through the gulf streams of Lower California, it is a little rough
and unpleasant for these who are not good sailors. October the 29th,
we reached a sea port in Old Mexico, a quaint little place called Acapulco. The
liner anchored, and through the courtesy of the Panama-Pacific company we
landed and spent a few hours here. The town is unusual, the roads are rough,
narrow and uneven. The buildings are un-unified and the street venders are
visible everywhere. Women and children go around in their bare feet carrying
provisions on their heads to their homes. Senoritas of the better classes are
going to the market in pajamas. Men are enjoying their siesta on street benches
and on the sands of the sea shore. Everyone is carefree enjoying the tropical
climate. A town far behind the present progressive age. The only modern objects
we observed were American-made motor cars of the latest models, and the reason
for their popularity, as explained to us, is the existence of a fine paved
highway completed recently between here and Mexico City, the capital of the
Mexican Republic. Therefore many visitors motor to this place on week-ends.
There is a nice hotel and some cottages on the top of the hill for the
convenience of the tourists. Indeed, there is some contrast between this place
and California in architecture and customs, their life and habits are amusing,
although in a very humble circumstances, they are happy and contented. We
enjoyed a drink of fresh cocoa-nut juice which was served in its original
shell; the natives boasted graciously of this delightful drink. The scenery is
marvelous, the hills are covered with green vegetation. A thought sparked in my
mind ; how anxious an American real estate developer would be to hold and
operate such a land and what a sea-side resort this spot would make, if some
hotel association could secure and improve it.
Acapulco
was a great seaport and enjoyed commercial progress during the 16th,
17th and 18th, centuries, while Mexico was under the dominion
of Spain. Being the only Mexican sea port to the Philippines and Asia, the
Manila galleys anchored here bringing rich wares from Asia and in return
loading spices, rice, etc., from India; their cargo being carried on the back
of the caravan of burros to and from Vera Cruz, the Mexican sea port of the
Atlantic Ocean where the Spanish galleys carried them to the Fatherland.
Three
more days on the ocean, we passed the shores of Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
and Costa Rica. Tropical weather and pleasant sailing, lots of sports on deck,
congenial passengers, officers and crew very thoughtful, good service, fine
food and all on board happy.
Monday
November 2nd, we reached Panama and balboa. We took an interesting
sight-seeing tour, passing through a section of Balboa, the American spotless
town which is the seat of the Panama Canal Administration. Thence to Port
Amador, a United States Military Port at the entrance of the Canal, through
Balboa Heights and Ancon, residential quarters for Canal employees, the
American hospital grounds, BellaVista, the modern residential section of
Panama. The statute of Balboa, the discoverer of the Pacific Ocean.Club
Miramar, the race course, the golf club and the old Panama, the ruins of the
Cathedral and the site of the city which was destroyed by fire in the year
1671. Our guide suggested strolling in the shopping district of Panama City if
we desired and unfortunately we followed his advice. The narrow and winding
streets were full of shops of all sizes, owned and run mostly by the natives of
East India and China, overstocked with luxurious and inferior merchandise from
East India, Japan and China. All displaying the same line, hungry for business,
pulling the visitors into the shops and trying their utmost to part them from
their cash.
November
the 3rd, we passed through the great engineering enterprise, the
Panama Canal. It took eight hours to go through this wonderful monument
representing the mighty power of human mind which linked the great oceans
together, the Pacific and the Atlantic. Our steamer docked at Christabal, we
strolled for a while, the city is calm and quiet. Being the Panama Independence
Day, all the business concerns were closed, by mutual agreement, American
Independence Day and this day are observed by all in the Canal Zone.
Two
days at Caribbean Sea, pleasant weather, the passengers on the deck enjoying
sun baths and the tropical climate. The morning of November 6th
found us at the Island of Cuba and the historical city of Havana. Upon
disembarking we engaged the services of a guide and a motor car and proceeded
to the Plaza de Armes, the ancient Central Square. Here are the palaces of the
old Spanish Governor Generals, the little Temple (El Templete) marking the spot
where the first mass was said in Cuba, and the oldest fort in the Western
Hemisphere, La Fuerza. Nearby we saw the Cathedral, were rested the ashes of
Columbus from the year 1791 to 1898, when they were removed to Spain. The drive
continued to the President’s Palace, the tobacco factory-the home of the Havana
cigars, the Prado, world-famous Avenue with a fine view of Morro Castle from
its foot to the Malecon, a sea-side drive extending three miles in a beautiful
crescent shape beside the blue gulf of Mexico to Velado, a modern suburb of palatial
homes. En route we saw the bronze statue of Maceo, one of Cuba’s liberators,
and the tall twin shafts of the Main Memorial. Next we visited the University
Heights, and to our surprise, we learned that the University itself has been
closed by the order of the Government on account of Soviet propaganda amongst
the students. Thence we motored to the cemetery with its many beautiful
monuments, Camp Columbia, where the American Army spread its tents in the year
1898, the beautiful tropical gardens with their romantic atmosphere, the
country Club with velvety golf links, the yacht club with bathing beach, the
Casino with Monte Carlo reputation, then back to the business section of the
city. Here we dismissed our guide and car and strolled in the busy streets. We
found most of the shops displaying American-made merchandise. While wandering
in the picturesque streets near the water front we sought some information from
three different Cuban policemen, and to our surprise none of them understood
one word of the English language.
Two
more days on the ocean, we passed the coasts of Florida and Carolinas, the
weather is getting colder as we are approaching the Eastern Coast. November 9th,
we reached New York City, and after completing custom-house formalities, we motored
through the busy section of the great City, we motored through the busy section
of the great City, and passed the Hudson Tunnel to Jersey City Pier of the
American Export Lines. Placing our luggage with the representatives of the
Company, we returned to New York. While at the Custom house we met some dear
friends who extended to us the courtesy of using their car, and through their
kindness we motored in the Metropolitan City that afternoon and rested the
night at a hotel in the heart of the bright light section of Broadway. I regret
that the time allotted to us here is limited and we are unable to visit the
numerous friends who reside in this locality.
November
10th, at 4 p.m., we embarked on one of the Four Aces of the American
Export lines, S.S.Exochorda, and a while later we sailed. Five days passed on
the great Atlantic Ocean, on land is visible, occasionally we pass a steamer.
Nice weather, plenty of entertainment, sociable passengers fine food and all on
board are thankful.
To-day
is November 16th, and we are at the Azores Island, the vessel
anchored at Ponta Delgada, the first interlude of this voyage. Here history
goes back to the days of the Phoenicians and Moor rovers where later Portuguese
navigators laid the foundation for the Island’s Portuguese aristocracy, Ponta
Delgada, the harbor city of St. Michael, and the largest island of the group is
beautifully decorated with rich vegetation. From the bay the approach is an
exciting interoduction to the bewitching landscape that dots the shores of the
Mediterranean. In the foreground is an opertatic picture of homes of primrose,
yellow, pink and white walls resting in green valleys and perched on summits
that pierce the azure sky.
November
19th, we arrived at Gibraltar, the natural fortified rock which the
European dictators gaze at with envy and for its possession sigh in vain. The
steamer stopped sufficient time to disembark passengers and mail and we bid
farewell to the Atlantic Ocean, entering the picturesque Mediterranean. We
enjoyed the first day on this alluring sea immensely. November 21st,
we docked at the city of Marseilles, the ancient sea port of the French
Republic. We spent a very interesting day at this cosmopolitan and commercial
city. Occasionally we came in contact with the natives who are known for their
extreme politeness. Here we observed people of all walks of life rubbing elbows
with one another peacefully with the feeling of utter detachment from worry. We
motored in and around the city, visiting the Cathedral of La Majan Abby de ST.
Victor, City Hall, Longchamps Palace, the Prado and Notre Dame de La Gard. The
day was completed with the boat trip to the famous Chateau d’If, rendered
immortal by Dumas in his count of Monte Cristo.
November
the 22nd, we passed between the Islands of Corsica and Sardinia, and
on November the 23rd, we arrived at the famous city of Naples. There
can scarcely be a more interesting port in the world ; not only does it possess
romantic beauty in its incomparable bay with its waters of the deepest blue, the
stately Vesuvius, but it also has a stirring history which began with the Greek
settlers who founded the city and gave it its name, “Neopolis,” Our visit to
the beautiful national Museum explained the wonders we saw afterwards in the
great excavation of Pompeii. Crossing the Mediterranean we experienced only one
unpleasant night on account of disturbed weather; the rest of the voyage passed
delightfully.Fine weather, comfortable accommodations and excellent
food.Officers and crew extremely courteous and doing their utmost to please the
passengers. A floating first-class American hotel with all the home
conveniences one desires. Fine group of passengers amongst them His Excellency
the Belgain Minister of Iran (Persia) an Arabian Pasha and other notables.
On
November the 25th, we enjoyed the delicious farewell dinner,
especially the greeting extended to us by the Commander and the crew printed on
the last page of the menu touched the heart. Showing my appreciation, I reprint
here under the same:- “ Bidding farewell to our Mediterranean passengers. The
Commander, officers and crew bid adieu to their passengers, shipmates of the
voyage, and extend the heartiest of best wishes and
Godspreed.
S.S.Exochorda, Wenzel Habel, Commander. ”
After
a day at sea we approached the dean of seaports, Alexandria, the oldest harbor
in the world and the gateway to Egypt. On the island at bay stands the remnant
of the Phroah Lighthouse built in the third century. Passing its northern tips
we are reminded that it is an even 5000 miles to New York, yet we feel a
million miles away and are carried back to the Egyptian splendor. Three hours
by railroad from his historical port and we are at Cairo, which is called the
queen of the cities of the Islam, crossed by the silver ribbon of the Nile, the
eye is lost in the sea of its roofs, domes and minarets. In the modern quarter,
the streets are lined with trees and fine buildings, gardens and monuments
adorn the squares. In the medieval quarters of the Caliphs, we entered a city
of the Arabian nights, with narrow crooked alleys, bazaars, mosques and coffee
houses the secret looks of which tell how East is East and West is West. The
visit to the cities of the Pyramids, the Sphynx and the Temple of the Sphynx at
Giza added a valuable chapter to our book of thoughts. What a glorious heaven
this world will be when East and West will become united considering mankind
one kindred. The Great Master, Baha’u’llah said; “Ye all leaves of one tree and
the drops of one sea.”
Our
last night at sea passed with anxiety as we were approaching our goal. Sunday
morning, November 29th, we anchored at the ports of Jaffa and
Tel-Aviv, the latter being the largest modern city built by the children of
Israel since the world war. In a few hours we sailed for our destination,
arriving at the port of Haifa at 6 p.m. after thirty five days of travel by
water. We humbly thank the almighty for our safe arrival to the Holy Land,
where the Manifestations, Prophets and great Messengers appeared; where the
wise men saw the Star of Bethlehem, and where the Prince of Peace, the
Ever-lasting Father established His Kingdom. The Shrines of the Nations, the
fountain head of truth, the land of our dream and boyhood days.
The
steamer docked and at our landing I found myself in the arms of my two beloved
brothers surrounded with relatives and friends, by whom we have been entertained
ever since. Our pilgrimage was completed by a visit to the Sacred Shrine, where
we rendered our supplications, remembering our Western friends as well.
A
year later my beloved father passed away. The following is the announcement of
the departure made by the family to the friends throughout the world.
The
Members of the household of Baha’u’llah inform you with the deepest grief and
sorrow of the departure of their most beloved and revered Leader,
Ghusni
Akbar, the Mightiest Branch, Mohammed Ali Effendi.
Who
left this earthly world and departed to the Eternal Realm on the morning of
Friday December the Tenth 1937 at Haifa Palestine. The last services were held
on the following afternoon and the sacred remains were carried on hands from
the house to King’s Way, a distance of one Mile, where the remains were placed
on a vehicle and escorted with great honour to Acre, were again carried on
hands to the last resting place at Bahjí near the Sacred
Shrine.
The
procession was proceeded by an escort of unarmed Police Detachment with their
Officers, followed by the members of the household, Government officers,
Notables and Religious heads. Moslems, Jews, Christians, and Baha’is walked
silently side by side in reverence to that great personage who lived the life
of a Saint, and who was the most ardent lover of peace and harmony and a real
friend of humanity.
Memorial
services will be held at Haifa on Tuesday January the 18th 1938. We
humbly ask the friends throughout the world to join us in commemoration on that
or any other convenient day.
In
his memory we shall recite the following supplication revealed by the Supreme
Pen of Baha’u’llah for His departed Branch:-
THE
GREATEST, THE MOST GLORIOUS
“
O my God, Verily this is a branch who has branched from the firm and lofty tree
of Thy Singleness and Oneness. Thou seest him O God gazing unto Thee and
holding fast to the rope of Thy Bounty. Therefore keep him in the shadow of Thy
Mercy. Thou knoweth O my God, that I desire him, as Thou hast desired him.
Therefore assist him with the hosts of earth and heaven, and help O my God
whosoever helpeth him, chose whosoever choseth him and assist whosoever cometh
to him. Then forsake whosoever denieth him and desireth him not. O my Lord,
Thou seest that while inspired my pen moveththo my limbs tremble. I ask Thee by
my longing for Thy love and my anxiety to manifest Thy cause to ordain for him
and to those who love him, what Thou hast destined for Thy Messengers and the
faithful of Thy Divine Inspiration. Verily Thou Art God the All-Powerful.”
The
sad news was broadcasted by the Oriental Radio Stations also by the British
Broadcasting Corporation, London, England. Messages of condolence reached us
from all parts of the world.
Memorial
services were held at Haifa, which was well attended. Many Notables delivered
Memorial speeches and sermons. Amongst them the Moslem representative Abdullah
BeyMokhles. The Christian Leader Bishop Hajjar, who was his personal friend for
thirty five years, delivered the most impressive Sermon. His subject was
‘Virtue’. For nearly an hour he spoke on the ‘Excellence of Virtue’, ending
each paragraph with this remark “ The departed Soul was invested with all these
Virtues”. Wadi Effendi Boustani, the Arabian Philosopher Poet and prominent
Advocate, recited his Memorial Poetry.
Likewise
the well known Poet known as ‘Abu Salma’ this being his nom de plume.
Among
those who could not attend in person was Shaikh Ass’adesh-Shukeiry. A well
–known Moslem Religious Leader, who sent in his speech to be read at the
Memorial Day.
Courtesy
https://bahaiunitarian.wordpress.com
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