November, 2013

Arlington Baha’is to observe two significant Holy Days

How would you feel if you knew that the Creator has made a promise to never leave humanity alone and send Divine Educators to guide us, Baha’u’llah being the most current one? And what if He provided means to guarantee the unity of His followers — an eternal Covenant.

The Day of the Covenant is the day when Bahá’ís celebrate the appointment of `Abdu’l-Bahá as the Centre of Baha’u’llah’s Covenant.

Abdu’l-Baha, the Center of the Covenant of Baha’u’llah

Abdu’l-Baha, the Center of the Covenant of Baha’u’llah

To honor this unique Baha’i Holy Day, this Monday evening, Nov 25, a Baha’i family in Arlington will host a fireside discussion on the Covenant of Baha’u’llah. Please join us for what promises to be an informative and engaging evening.

Two days later, on Wednesday evening, Nov 27, another community member will host a commemoration of the Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha with a diverse program including devotions and the Arlington premiere of a historic documentary about the journey of the Son of Baha’u’llah to North America.

Please contact us if interested in joining us for either of these inspiring events.

Using the arts in celebrating the Birth of Baha’u’llah

As Baha’is around the world prepare to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, the Baha’is of Arlington County are getting ready for a celebration which will include a potluck dinner, live music, puppet theater, and a devotional program. The celebration will take place at 6 pm on Monday, November 11th, 2013  at the historic Carlin Hall at 5711 4th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204 and is open to all.

Arlington Baha'is use the arts to prepare for the celebration of the Birth of Baha'u'llah

Arlington Baha’is use the arts to prepare for the celebration of the Birth of Baha’u’llah

Using the arts in celebrating the Birth of Baha’u’llah

Baha’u’llah – a title that means The Glory of God – was born Mirza Husayn Ali in 1817 in Tehran, Persia.  His son, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, said:

“The Blessed Perfection, Bahá’u’lláh, belonged to the nobility of Persia.  From earliest childhood He was distinguished among His relatives and friends. They said, “This child has extraordinary power.” In wisdom, intelligence and as a source of new knowledge, He was advanced beyond His age and superior to His surroundings.  All who knew Him were astonished at His precocity.”
~‘Abdu’l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace

In one His tablets addressing the rulers of the world, Baha’u’llah recounts a story from His childhood in which seeing a puppet show of a grand display of the might and power of the ruling elite made Him reflect on the insignificance of earthly power and might.

Baha’u’llah eschewed a life of privilege, instead dedicating all His efforts to guiding humanity towards the establishment of a spiritual civilization and universal peace. In this — the goal of the Baha’i Faith — the arts have an essential and fascinating role to play. Bahá’ís believe the arts are not at the periphery of our existence but rather are at the very heart of it.

May we all, through community building and the use of the arts celebrate this Holy Day in exaltation!

“Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation.”
~ Bahá’u’lláh

Artful Expressions of Faith from Bahai.us on Vimeo.