In His Will, Baha’u’llah instructed all to turn to His eldest Son, Abdu’l-Baha, not only as the authorized interpreter of the Baha’i Writings but also as the perfect exemplar of the Baha’i Faith’s spirit and teachings. Every year Baha’is celebrate Abdu’l-Baha as the Centre of Baha’u’llah Covenant.
Abdu’l-Baha as a young man (Photo: Baha’i Media Bank)
Baha’is around the world celebrate what is known as The Day of the Covenant on 4 Qawl, according to the Baha’i calendar.
The other Holy Days, commemorating days of historical significance in the Baha’i Faith, are fairly easy to understand. We celebrate anniversaries of the birth and declaration of both The Bab and Baha’u’llah. We commemorate the martyrdom of the Bab and the ascension of Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha. We also celebrate Naw Ruz to mark the beginning of the Baha’i New Year.
But what exactly is the Day of the Covenant?
Simply put, The Day of the Covenant is a commemoration of Baha’u’llah’s appointment of His eldest son, Abdu’l-Baha as His successor. Abdu’l-Baha played a crucial role in guiding the early Baha’i community and ensuring that the followers of the Baha’i Faith remained united, rather than fragmenting into different sects.
Why 4 Qawl, rather than on a date such as the birth of Abdu’l-Baha (8 Azamat)?
Abdu’l-Baha: Servant of Baha
Interestingly enough, Abdu’l-Baha was born on May 23, 1844 – a day of great significance to Baha’is. This was the very same day that the Bab declared His mission to Mulla Husayn, thus ushering in a new era in the history of humanity.
Although there were Baha’is who wished to commemorate Abdu’l-Baha’s birthday, He stressed that 8 Azamat was a day to commemorate the Declaration of the Bab – and not His own birth. This was typical of Abdu’l-Baha, who lived a life of complete humility and utmost devotion.
After all, the very title “Abdu’l-Baha”, which He had chosen for Himself, simply means “Servant of Baha”. Abdu’l-Baha had said:
My name is Abdu’l-Baha, my identity is Abdu’l-Baha, my qualification is Abdu’l-Baha, my reality is Abdu’l-Baha, my praise is Abdu’l-Baha. Thraldom to the Blessed Perfection [Baha’u’llah] is my glorious and refulgent diadem; and servitude to all the human race is my perpetual religion.
Tablets of Abdu’l-Baha
Although Abdu’l-Baha was insistent that 8 Azamat not be celebrated as His birthday, the early Baha’is longed for there to be a day dedicated to Abdu’l-Baha, and the Day of the Covenant was established as such a day.
I find the close proximity of the two Holy Days relating to Abdu’l-Baha – the Day of the Covenant, tomorrow, and the Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha on 6 Qawl – makes this week a time to reflect on the life of Abdu’l-Baha. However, it is also – in equal measure – a time to reflect on what it means to be a follower of Baha’u’llah and to be of service to His Cause.
I find it really interesting (and not at all surprising, in light of the numerous stories I have heard demonstrating Abdu’l-Baha’s humility) that the day which Abdu’l-Baha established – supposedly in acquiescence to the pleas of the Baha’is looking for a day to honour Him -was not actually meant to bring glory to Himself, which is probably exactly what the Baha’is wanting to celebrate His birthday were looking to do!
Instead, the Day of the Covenant turns the attention of the Baha’is once again to the Revelation of Baha’u’llah and service to the Faith and Cause of Baha’u’llah.
Abdu’l-Baha truly was the tireless “Servant of Baha”.
The Covenant
Abdu’l-Baha is the Centre of the Covenant, to whom the followers of Baha’u’llah were to turn to after Baha’u’llah’s passing. The Covenant is a fascinating and deeply important concept that I think that we, as Baha’is, need to continually strive to better understand.
What is the Covenant? There have been volumes of books and compilations published on the topic, but this quote from the House of Justice sums it up beautifully:
A Covenant in the religious sense is a binding agreement between God and man, whereby God requires of man certain behaviour in return for which He guarantees certain blessings, or whereby He gives man certain bounties in return for which He takes from those who accept them an undertaking to behave in a certain way. There is, for example, the Greater Covenant which every Manifestation of God makes with His followers, promising that in the fulness of time a new Manifestation will be sent, and taking from them the undertaking to accept Him when this occurs. There is also the Lesser Covenant that a Manifestation of God makes with His followers that they will accept His appointed successor after Him. If they do so, the Faith can remain united and pure. If not, the Faith becomes divided and its force spent. It is a Covenant of this kind that Baha’u’llah made with His followers regarding Abdu’l-Baha and that Abdu’l-Baha perpetuated through the Administrative Order…
From a letter written by The Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, 23 March 1975
The Covenant represents a promise from God to humanity that we will never be left alone and without guidance. Throughout the history of mankind, God has guided humanity by sending them Manifestations to reveal great spiritual truths. In this Dispensation, we are also protected by the irrefutable covenant which Baha’u’llah established by directly appointing Abdu’l-Baha as His successor to guide the community of early believers.
Our part in the Covenant, as individual believers, is to follow the teachings of God as made known to us through His Manifestations. However, this isn’t simply about reading the Writings and obeying the laws, but also about acting in unity and serving steadfastly – as a community – to serve humanity and to realize the vision for a new, peaceful and unified civilization that is found in the Baha’i Writings.
And this is precisely what Abdu’l-Baha did.
Throughout His life, he made sacrifice after sacrifice in service to the Faith – out of obedience to the revealed Teachings and love for all humanity.
The Day of the Covenant – as a commemoration of the appointment of Abdu’l-Baha as successor to Baha’u’llah – does not just call to my mind the numerous stories I have heard about Abdu’l-Baha’s amazing life and selfless service, but inspires me to reflect on what it means to be a follower of Baha’u’llah and what it means to be steadfast in my faith and devoted to serving the Cause.
Happy Day of the Covenant, everybody! We’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections on this Holy Day in the comments below!
In her professional life, Preethi has dabbled in various combinations of education, community development and law. At heart, though, she's an overgrown child who thinks the world is one giant playground. She's currently on a quest to make learning come alive for young people and to bring the world's stories and cultures to them, with educational resources from One Story Learning.
Thanks so much for your Baha’i Blog and informative explanation of the Day of the Covenant. I am writing an article for our local newspaper about our local celebration of this Holy Day and your article is providing me with helpful information for my article. Please keep me posted about future blogs on the Baha’i Faith. Thanks!
Thanks Marie, glad you’re finding Baha’i Blog useful! We currently post twice a week so a great way to be notified of our posts is to sign up to our mailing list. Thanks again for your support and we’ll be posting a new article about the Day of The Covenant again this year too.
Hi, Marie. I remember you from Pennsylvania. Where are you now? It is fitting that you would be writing an article for the nespaper about the local community celebration! I have fond memories of our Baha’i conversations and fellowship. I Thank God for your channel of spirituality and education and active service. Kathy Sands [email protected]
It’s a very curious thing that the Day of the Covenant occurs so close to the American Thanksgiving holiday! Surely, we should be especially thankful that we have the Center of the Covenant in the Baha’i Faith. Due to his efforts, the Baha’i Faith has unparalleled unity in the face of constant opposition. We should remember to thank the Creator for giving us such a gift.
Another interesting thing I had found (I don’t want to be quoted and I can’t find the ref right now) was that the date of the Day of the Covenant is approximately the furthest date away from.from the Declaration of the Bab. 🙂
Enjoyed this article – thank you. But I still don’t know why the Day of the Covenant was set on November 25th? Does anyone know? If it marks the appointment of Abdu’l Baha as Centre of the Covenant, does the date relate back to when the Kitab-i-Ahd (the Book of the Covenant) was revealed?
Hi Sarah! Thanks for your comment! It’s my understanding that with the worldwide adoption of the Badi calendar, the Day of the Covenant won’t always be celebrated on November 25th (if you’re curious to know more about the Badi calendar, we wrote about it here: http://bahaiblog.net/2014/07/bahai-badi-calendar-overview/). From what little I know, Abdu’l-Baha’s birthday is the same day as the Declaration of the Bab and Abdu’l-Baha wanted that day to be focused exclusively on the Bab. In reply to the requests of the American friends who wanted a day to celebrate Him, Abdu’l-Baha designated the Day of the Covenant to fall approximately 180 days after the Ascension of Baha’u’llah (pretty much as far away from the date of that solemn commemoration as possible). In an act that speaks to me so much of Abdu’l-Baha’s humility and selflessness, He gave the Baha’i community a day that celebrates the Covenant, not just Himself, at a time of year that pays as respectful a distance as possible from the Ascension of Baha’u’llah. Sadly, that is all I know about why the date was chosen but perhaps another reader will know more! Thanks again for your question!
Hi Sonjel, I really appreciate your reply. So it looks as if the date is fixed by being 6 months away ( as far as possible) from the Ascension of Baha’u’llah. So interesting. Many thanks.
I thank the house of the justice and would like to say them that I have gone of course always the way from Abdu’l-Baha with big friends. With a lot of love to the faith. However, I would not want that you pray for me. I have become a very happy Baha’i. Till this day Baha’u’llah has helped more very much. He will help me Baha’u’llah also furthermore. I think to you if you do not pray for me!
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I am impressed with the clarity you explain The Day of the Covenant.
Well done!
Jean (November 11, 2011 at 2:52 AM)
Thank you for the kind words of support, Jean! Much appreciated.
Preethi (November 11, 2011 at 10:43 PM)
Great post Preethi, as Jean mention I’m impressed how you explain The Day of the Conventant.
MiselD. (November 11, 2011 at 8:14 AM)
Thanks, MiselD! 🙂
Preethi (November 11, 2011 at 10:43 PM)
Thanks so much for your Baha’i Blog and informative explanation of the Day of the Covenant. I am writing an article for our local newspaper about our local celebration of this Holy Day and your article is providing me with helpful information for my article. Please keep me posted about future blogs on the Baha’i Faith. Thanks!
Marie L. Procter (November 11, 2012 at 10:49 PM)
Thanks Marie, glad you’re finding Baha’i Blog useful! We currently post twice a week so a great way to be notified of our posts is to sign up to our mailing list. Thanks again for your support and we’ll be posting a new article about the Day of The Covenant again this year too.
Naysan (November 11, 2012 at 11:02 PM)
Hi, Marie. I remember you from Pennsylvania. Where are you now? It is fitting that you would be writing an article for the nespaper about the local community celebration! I have fond memories of our Baha’i conversations and fellowship. I Thank God for your channel of spirituality and education and active service. Kathy Sands
[email protected]
KATHY M. SANDS (November 11, 2021 at 1:56 PM)
Just enjoyed reading the article after saying our prayers. Thanks again for all your hard work it is much appreciated.
Margaret and Don Love (November 11, 2012 at 5:18 PM)
Thanks so much for your support Margaret and Don, we’re happy to hear Baha’i Blog is helping out!
Naysan (November 11, 2012 at 3:15 AM)
It’s a very curious thing that the Day of the Covenant occurs so close to the American Thanksgiving holiday! Surely, we should be especially thankful that we have the Center of the Covenant in the Baha’i Faith. Due to his efforts, the Baha’i Faith has unparalleled unity in the face of constant opposition. We should remember to thank the Creator for giving us such a gift.
Richard Young (November 11, 2014 at 7:23 PM)
I love your article on the day of covenant
It was clear simple explanation of the covenant excellent for JY and young Baha’is
Thank you
Farah
Farah (November 11, 2014 at 11:19 PM)
Beautiful article. Thank you for explaining the Day of the Covenant. 🙂
Cynthia (November 11, 2014 at 11:35 AM)
Another interesting thing I had found (I don’t want to be quoted and I can’t find the ref right now) was that the date of the Day of the Covenant is approximately the furthest date away from.from the Declaration of the Bab. 🙂
reem (November 11, 2014 at 7:47 AM)
Enjoyed this article – thank you. But I still don’t know why the Day of the Covenant was set on November 25th? Does anyone know? If it marks the appointment of Abdu’l Baha as Centre of the Covenant, does the date relate back to when the Kitab-i-Ahd (the Book of the Covenant) was revealed?
Sarah (November 11, 2016 at 7:43 PM)
Hi Sarah! Thanks for your comment! It’s my understanding that with the worldwide adoption of the Badi calendar, the Day of the Covenant won’t always be celebrated on November 25th (if you’re curious to know more about the Badi calendar, we wrote about it here: http://bahaiblog.net/2014/07/bahai-badi-calendar-overview/). From what little I know, Abdu’l-Baha’s birthday is the same day as the Declaration of the Bab and Abdu’l-Baha wanted that day to be focused exclusively on the Bab. In reply to the requests of the American friends who wanted a day to celebrate Him, Abdu’l-Baha designated the Day of the Covenant to fall approximately 180 days after the Ascension of Baha’u’llah (pretty much as far away from the date of that solemn commemoration as possible). In an act that speaks to me so much of Abdu’l-Baha’s humility and selflessness, He gave the Baha’i community a day that celebrates the Covenant, not just Himself, at a time of year that pays as respectful a distance as possible from the Ascension of Baha’u’llah. Sadly, that is all I know about why the date was chosen but perhaps another reader will know more! Thanks again for your question!
Sonjel Vreeland (November 11, 2016 at 11:24 PM)
Hi Sonjel, I really appreciate your reply. So it looks as if the date is fixed by being 6 months away ( as far as possible) from the Ascension of Baha’u’llah. So interesting. Many thanks.
Sarah (November 11, 2016 at 5:13 PM)
Keep up the good work
saeed enayati (November 11, 2018 at 6:28 AM)
Keep up the good work
R.Gopal (November 11, 2018 at 2:16 AM)
Excellent!
R.Gopal (November 11, 2018 at 2:19 AM)
I thank the house of the justice and would like to say them that I have gone of course always the way from Abdu’l-Baha with big friends. With a lot of love to the faith. However, I would not want that you pray for me. I have become a very happy Baha’i. Till this day Baha’u’llah has helped more very much. He will help me Baha’u’llah also furthermore. I think to you if you do not pray for me!
Margrit Rita Hurni (November 11, 2018 at 5:27 PM)
Thank you verry so much dear Team Naysan !!!
Margrit Rita Hurni (November 11, 2019 at 10:09 AM)