A Study of the “Secret of Divine Civilization”

 

Posting for unit 3 – by Iran Sohaili

 

 

... First of all, reading this book has opened so many doors to my mind, I am so amazed at the wide knowledge Abdu'l-Baha had about so many things about history not only just in Persia, but all over the world. We are talking about someone who spend most of his life in prison, had no schooling, he had no internet or computers to get his information's from, there were not so many books that are available to us to-day, yet he writes this amazing informative book that no one with to-day's technology could write such a book. There really are so many secrets in this little book that we don't realize, this book is the guide to all the leaders of the world, they should read it and follow it for a perfect government and perfect way of living in this troubled world of ours. Every page I read, there is something I want to say, well, since that is not possible, I have chosen a part that has touched me the most.

 

The point I like to make is from pages,52 to 59.

 

Here Abdu'-Baha is telling us that how as individuals any of us if rich or not, if educated or not, if we follow the right way and follow God's teaching, we can single hand achieve impossible and guide a whole nation to the right way. As he says on the page 52, Observe how one individual, and a man of desert, to outward seeming unknown and no station-because he showed forth one of the qualities of the pure heart, was able to deliver this proud sovereign and a great company of others from the dark night of unbelief and guide them into the morning of salvation....

 

On the other hand, he also tell us, how one person all by himself if he does not follow God's teachings, can cause so much damage. And I like the part that he is telling us that the appearance and dress, had nothing to do with knowledge, purity, devotion, discipline, independence. Here again he talks about the story that he had heard, how excellent this remark was, that it remained in his memory. ( Not Every cleric's turban is a proof of continence and knowledge; not every layman's hat a sign of ignorance and immortality. How many a hat has proudly raised the banner of knowledge, how many a turban pulled down the Law of God") This is so strong with so many meanings. If only we knew if we are wearing a hat or a turban and would act accordingly.

 

Last thing I like to say is, if it was not for this wonderful translator  Marzieh Gail and Ali-kuli Khan, we were not able to be able to have this wonderful book. I personally am so grateful to her, God

bless both their souls. The incredible thing is this that, she expresses everything so clear and so beautifully, that one really feels as though Abdu'l-Baha is dictating it to her, she must have taken such a lot of time and effort to be able to translate this book. being from Persian background, I know how difficult it is to try and find the right words at the right time. I have no doubt, she had guidance from high above.

 

I also like to thank you Sylvia for doing this course with us, we know how busy you are in your life, thanks again.

 

I like send my deepest Baha'i love to all my fellow students, Iran Sohaili, From Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

"Sohaili" <sohaili@netconnect.co.zw>