The Secret of Divine Civilization by Abdu'l-Bahá

The Secret of Divine Civilization by Abdu

As is clear to the discerning, the writer has for this reason felt it necessary to put down, for the sake of God alone and as a tribute to this high endeavor, a brief statement on certain urgent questions. He has spontaneously extended assistance to his subjects, displaying energy and fair-mindedness, hoping that by the light of justice he might make Írán the envy of East and West, and set that fine fervor which characterized the first great epochs of Persia to flowing again through the veins of her people.

His Majesty the Sháh has, at the present time, resolved to bring about the advancement of the Persian people, their welfare and security and the prosperity of their country. “We will surely show them Our signs in the world and within themselves.” Qur’án 41:53. Supreme happiness is man’s, and he beholds the signs of God in the world and in the human soul, if he urges on the steed of high endeavor in the arena of civilization and justice. How excellent, how honorable is man if he arises to fulfill his responsibilities how wretched and contemptible, if he shuts his eyes to the welfare of society and wastes his precious life in pursuing his own selfish interests and personal advantages. We should continually be establishing new bases for human happiness and creating and promoting new instrumentalities toward this end. Senses and faculties have been bestowed upon us, to be devoted to the service of the general good so that we, distinguished above all other forms of life for perceptiveness and reason, should labor at all times and along all lines, whether the occasion be great or small, ordinary or extraordinary, until all mankind are safely gathered into the impregnable stronghold of knowledge. He has given us ears, that we may hear and profit by the wisdom of scholars and philosophers and arise to promote and practice it. How long shall we drift on the wings of passion and vain desire how long shall we spend our days like barbarians in the depths of ignorance and abomination? God has given us eyes, that we may look about us at the world, and lay hold of whatsoever will further civilization and the arts of living.

The Secret of Divine Civilization by Abdu'l-Bahá