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Featured in: The Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha

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The Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha

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Abdu’l-Baha was the eldest son of Baha’u’llah who referred to Him as “the Mystery of God” and “a shelter for all mankind”, however Abdu’l-Baha preferred to be called “Abdu’l-Baha” which means “the Servant of Baha” in reference to His servitude to Baha’u’llah. When Abdu’l-Baha passed away on 28 November 1921, He was eulogized as One who led humanity to the “Way of Truth,” as a “pillar of peace” and the embodiment of “glory and greatness.”

33 Baha’i Blog YouTube Videos Relating to Abdu’l-Baha

November 16, 2021, in Articles > History & Tributes, by

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This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Passing of Abdu’l-Baha and the Universal House of Justice has said that it will be a time for “profound reflection on the life of Abdu’l-Baha and the strength of the Covenant of which He was the Centre.”

We’ve shared a diversity of content relating to Abdu’l-Baha on Baha’i Blog’s Youtube channel over the years, ranging from podcast interviews and talks, to animations and short films. While not every resource dedicated to Abdu’l-Baha on our YouTube channel is a video per se (some are only audio), we’ve nevertheless compiled them into this list. We hope you find these resources useful and inspiring as we prepare to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s passing.

So here are 33 videos you’ll find on Baha’i Blog’s YouTube channel relating to Abdu’l-Baha:

— SHORT FILMS & VIDEOS —

01. ABDU’L-BAHA – Servant of Glory

ABDU’L-BAHA – Servant of Glory is a special Baha’i Blog video made in honor of Abdu’l-Baha, the eldest son of Baha’u’llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith. As this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Passing of Abdu’l-Baha, we wanted to create something special to honor this special year, a year which the Universal House of Justice wrote: “will undoubtedly prompt individuals and communities alike to contemplate the significance of that infinitely poignant moment when He Who was the Mystery of God departed from this world.”


02. Through Their Eyes – Meeting Abdu’l-Baha

“Through Their Eyes” is a short animation that brings to life how Abdu’l-Baha touched the lives of certain notable individuals. We get a glimpse of what the Lebanese poet, writer, and artist Khalil Gibran said about Abdu’l-Baha after they met in New York, how the Japanese poet Yone Nogushi described Abdu’l-Baha’s teachings, and also how Abdu’l-Baha’s unbounded love influenced Lady Blomfield, a humanitarian and child rights activist from Great Britain.


03. Abdu’l-Baha in Boston – A Sightseeing Tour with Saphira

Join Saphira as she takes us on a sightseeing tour around Boston, USA, where she shares the locations Abdu’l-Baha visited during His time in Boston.


04. Abdu’l-Baha – Walking the Chosen Highway

This video, created and produced by filmmaker Flavio Azm Rassekh, is called Abdu’l-Baha – Walking the Chosen Highway. It features historical photographs of Abdu’l-Baha, as well as contemporary photographs of Baha’i community building activities from all over the world.


— MUSIC —

05. Abdu’l-Baha – Music Inspired by the Heroes Teaching Conference

‘Music inspired by the Heroes Teaching Conference’ is a collection of songs inspired by and recorded in light of ‘The Heroes Teaching Conference’ (6-7 April, 2019). The conference was an historic gathering of over 1,000 Baha’i and like-minded friends from all over Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales, Australia. This song is by Denzil, Ephrim and Steve Aumua.


06. Abdu’l-Baha – Denzil Aumua (5 Year Plan Festival, Brisbane, Australia)

In May 2021, Baha’is and like-minded friends from across Brisbane Bayside, Australia, gathered together to take part in a Festival to Celebrate the Five Year Plan. It was an opportunity to wholeheartedly celebrate the achievements of the cluster over the past five years, and to form a unified vision of the One-Year Plan ahead – a year that is described by the Universal House of Justice as one “for profound reflection on the life of Abdu’l-Baha and the strength of the Covenant of which He was the Centre.” Songs and stories about Abdu’l-Baha were performed throughout to inspire us to walk in His footsteps, and we are excited to now share this collection of songs for us all to be able to revisit this year and beyond. This song is called ‘Abdu’l-Baha’ by Denzil Aumua.


07. “Abdu’l-Baha” by Dominique, Solomzi, Semere & Rosemary

In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in Mahikeng, South Africa with Dominique, Solomzi, Semere and Rosemary singing “Abdu’l-Baha”, a cover of the song originally by Steve, Denzil & Ephrim Aumua from the Heroes Teaching Conference in Brisbane, Australia.


08. “Abdu’l-Baha” by Dominique Sylvester

In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in Johannesburg, South Africa with Dominique Sylvester who sings “Abdu’l-Baha” based on a tablet by Abdu’l-Baha.


09. “My Name is Abdu’l-Baha” by the South African Baha’i Choir

In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in Mahikeng, South Africa with the South African Baha’i Choir singing “My Name is Abdu’l-Baha”, a cover of the Baha’i Blog Studio Sessions song called “Abdu’l-Baha” by Dominique Sylvester.


10. “Follow in the Footsteps” by Camila & Friends

In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in Seattle, USA with Camila and Friends singing “Follow in the Footsteps” based on the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha.


11. “Apple of Mine Eye” by James & Kyan

In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in London, in the United Kingdom with James Mohajer and Kyan who sing “Apple of Mine Eye” from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, in which He pays tribute to Abdu’l-Baha.


— AUDIO ARTICLES & READINGS —

12. Audio Reading: Letter from the Universal House of Justice on the Occasion of the Day of the Covenant

Baha’i Blog is happy to provide an audio reading of a message from the Universal House of Justice on the occasion of the Day of the Covenant. Special thanks to Paul Vreeland for reading this message for us.


13. The Beauty of Abdu’l-Baha [Audio Article]

Baha’i Blog is delighted to share an audio recording of one of our articles titled ‘The Beauty of Abdu’l-Baha’. It was written and read by Sonjel Vreeland.


14. Reflections on the Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha [Audio Article]

Baha’i Blog is delighted to share an audio recording of one of our articles titled ‘Reflections on the Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha’. It was written and read by Sonjel Vreeland.


15. Abdu’l-Baha: Unique [Audio Article]

This is an audio reading of Baha’i Blog’s article ‘Abdu’l-Baha: Unique’, written and read by Avrel Seale.


16. When I Meet Abdu’l-Baha [Audio Article]

Baha’i Blog is delighted to share an audio recording of one of our articles titled ‘When I Meet Abdu’l-Baha’. It was written and read by Avrel Seale.


17. The Apostle of Peace [Audio Article]

Baha’i Blog is delighted to share an audio recording of one of our articles titled ‘The Apostle of Peace’ written and read by Michael Day.


18. My Name Is John Good, Servant of the Servant

This is an audio drama based on a one-person play called “My Name is John Good, Servant of the Servant” written by John Chesley, performed by Fred Turley and produced and directed by Leslie Hennen of Halifax, Canada in 1998. The play tells us about transformation of John Good, a former convict who lived on the streets of the Bowery in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. This is also a story about the high station accorded to the poor in all of the religions of God and the tribute paid to the patrons of the Bowery Mission by Abdu’l-Baha during His visit to North America in 1912.


— BAHA’I BLOGCAST WITH RAINN WILSON – SPECIAL EPISODES IN HONOR OF ABDU’L-BAHA —

19. Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep 69: Rob Weinberg (In Honor of Abdu’l-Baha)

In this special episode in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Passing of Abdu’l-Baha, Rainn Wilson is joined by Baha’i author, Rob Weinberg from the UK. Rob talks about the remarkable life of Abdu’l-Baha and why he feels Abdu’l-Baha was an ambassador to humanity. They talk about Abdu’l-Baha’s time in Egypt, Baghdad, France, and the example He gave us. Rob tells us about his own Baha’i journey, his time in the Holy Land, and the need to focus locally, and look at how we can follow the example of Abdu’l-Baha.


20. Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep 65: Angelina Diliberto Allen (In Honor of Abdu’l-Baha)

In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu’l-Baha, Rainn Wilson is joined by Baha’i author, Angelina Diliberto Allen. Angelina shares how her family became Baha’is, some pioneering experiences, and how being in a chewing-gum commercial helped her and her twin sister go on pilgrimage. Rainn and Angelina talk about what the House of Justice calls “this infinitely poignant moment”, and Angelina tells us some fascinating stories about the six Western Baha’is who were in the Holy Land at the time of Abdu’l-Baha’s passing.


21. Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep: 63: Anne & Tim Perry (In Honor of Abdu’l-Baha)

In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu’l-Baha, Rainn Wilson is joined by Anne and Tim Perry, the couple behind the fabulous documentary about Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to North America called ‘Luminous Journey’. They share how they became Baha’is, what inspired them to make the documentary, and offer stories about the making of the film, and of Abdu’l-Baha.


22. Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep 68: Kathryn Hogenson (In Honor of Abdu’l-Baha)

In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu’l-Baha, Rainn Wilson is joined by Kathryn Hogenson, an author and an attorney. She tells us how she became a Baha’i and about Ruhiyyih Khanum and her time at the Baha’i World Centre. She also talks about the first Western Baha’i pilgrims to the Holy Land, and she shares unknown stories of Abdu’l-Baha and the Bahai’s of that time.


23. Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep 62: Shahin Sobhani (In Honor of Abdu’l-Baha)

In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu’l-Baha, Rainn Wilson is joined by his good friend Shahin Sobhani, who among many other things, was the creator of 239days.com, a site dedicated to the time Abdu’l-Baha spent in North America. Shahin tells us about his childhood and his Baha’i ancestors, and shares stories about Abdu’l-Baha, whom Baha’u’llah called “The Mystery of God.”


— TALKS & INTERVIEWS —

24. Abdu’l-Baha in Egypt – Baha’i Blog Interviews Payam Rowhani

In this Baha’i Blog interview, Naysan Naraqi speaks with Payam Rowhani, about Abdu’l-Baha’s time in Egypt. After being a prisoner and in exile for 58 years, when Abdu’l-Baha was finally released He traveled to Egypt, Europe, and North America to share the teachings of the Baha’i Faith. Many of us hear a lot about Abdu’l-Baha’s travels to Europe and North America, however what about His time in Egypt? Naysan chats with his dear friend and fellow community member, Payam Rowhani about Abdu’l-Baha’s time in Egypt.


25. Reflections on the Life of Abdu’l-Baha – Vahid Saberi (Shelter for All Mankind Conference)

In this online presentation, Dr. Vahid Saberi shares reflections on the Life of Abdu’l-Baha. This presentation was given online at the ‘Shelter for all Mankind Conference’, held across Queensland and Northern New South Wales, Australia, over the weekend of 11-12 of September, 2021. Held in honour of Abdu’l-Baha, the ‘Shelter for all Mankind Conference’ was aimed at helping its participants draw closer to the Beloved Master, to walk in His footsteps, and to consider the impact He had on those privileged to cross His path and the world at large. Participants were then encouraged to reflect on their own reality, and then draw up systematic plans of action relating to things like fostering the devotional character of their community, and opportunities to serve the neighbourhoods and communities we live in.


26. Recreating Ourselves in the Image of the Master – Tom Price (6 Talks)

Baha’i music composer Tom Price delivered six great talks, called “Recreating Ourselves in the Image of the Master”.

In these six wonderful talks by Tom Price given at the 2012 Tennessee Baha’i School, Tom shares six of Abdu’l-Baha’s attributes and looks at how we can learn from them and adopt them into our own lives.


27. “Following the Example of Abdu’l-Baha” – A Talk by Tom Price

In January 2013, Baha’i Blog sponsored our very first event at the Baha’i Centre in Sydney, Australia. It was a talk by Tom Price called ‘Following the Example of Abdu’l-Baha.’


28. Abdu’l-Baha and the West – A Talk by Dr Hossain Danesh

In this talk titled ‘Abdu’l-Baha and the West’, shared in Victoria, Canada on 26 April 2012, Dr. Hossain Danesh shares some personal reflections on commemorating the 100th anniversary of Abdu’l-Baha’s travels to the West.


29. A World Without War: Abdu’l-Baha & the Discourse for Global Peace – Janet Khan & Hoda Mahmoudi

This is an online interview with Dr. Janet Khan and Professor Hoda Mahmoudi about their new book ‘A World Without War: Abdu’l-Baha and the Discourse for Global Peace’. In this interview, Baha’i Blog’s Naysan Naraqi asks about the book and the many themes presented in the book which are still deeply relevant today.


30. Abdu’l-Baha the Exemplar – A Talk by Dr. Vahid Rafati

In this talk, given at the Grand Canyon Baha’i Conference (Phoenix, USA) in December, 2012, Dr. Vahid Rafati explores the life, achievements and works of Abdu’l-Baha.


31. The Journey West Podcast Series

The Journey West podcast celebrates the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s travels to Egypt, Europe and North America in 1911-1913. Each episode features a reading of one of Abdu’l-Baha’s talks, as well as dramatized stories and historical accounts. Each episode concludes with a discussion of the talk that was featured.


32. A Baha’i Blog Interview with the Team Behind The Journey West

In this Baha’i Blog interview, Sonjel Vreeland speaks with Dr. Toya Mary Okonkwo, Lorraine Sheldon and Ivan Mihoci, three of the creators behind The Journey West. The Journey West is a website and podcast series created to celebrate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s travels to Egypt, Europe and North America. As 2021 commemorates the centenary of His Passing, we thought it might be helpful to shine a spotlight on this incredible resource.


33. Baha’i Blog Interviews Elika Mahony

In this Baha’i Blog interview, Sonjel Vreeland speaks with singer-songwriter Elika Mahony. You may recognize Elika Mahony by her songs in diverse languages, such as “Waves of One Sea”, or from her albums dedicated to momentous occasions, such as The Exalted One and The Ancient Beauty which are dedicated to the bicentenary anniversaries of the Births of the Bab and Baha’u’llah respectively. Elika is a vocalist, composer, pianist, and artist and it was a pleasure to speak to her and hear about her album in honor of the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s passing, and on the power of music to unlock hearts.


That concludes our list of 33 resources relating to Abdu’l-Baha found on Baha’i Blog’s YouTube channel! We hope this list helps you commemorate the life of the Mystery of God!

Posted by

Naysan Naraqi

Naysan is passionate about using the arts and media to explore the teachings of the Baha’i Faith. Back in 2011, Naysan started up the Baha’i Blog project, channeling his experiences in both media and technology companies to help create a hub for Baha’i-inspired content online.
Naysan Naraqi

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