Baháʼí News – Construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a pivotal figure in the Baháʼí Faith, continues to achieve significant milestones within a project that embodies a unique spiritual and architectural landmark. Located in the Holy Land, this ambitious edifice visually manifests the call for unity and harmony that the Baháʼí Faith has consistently championed. The project recently saw notable progress with the commencement of marble installation in the central plaza, a crucial step marking the building’s approach to its final form and highlighting the meticulous attention to detail dedicated to this sacred edifice.
Advanced Stages and a Return to Roots
Work is steadily progressing across various sections of the Shrine site. Efforts haven’t been limited to the main structure; they’ve extended to encompass its natural surroundings and supporting facilities. Among the most prominent achievements is the completion of the historic path leading to the Riḍván Garden, an ancient route that has existed since ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s time. This path, now fully renovated, has been reopened to visitors and pilgrims, offering them an opportunity for contemplation and to walk in ancient historical footsteps.
In parallel, landscaping work is underway in several areas around the Shrine, aiming to create a serene and inspiring natural environment that complements the building’s architectural beauty. Additionally, the ‘Akká Visitors’ Centre is nearing completion, a vital facility that will provide services to the millions expected to visit the Shrine from across the globe.
Perseverance Beyond Challenges: A Project Manager’s Testimony
In an interview with the Baháʼí World News Service, Khosrow Rezai, the project manager, offered a profound perspective on the construction journey. Rezai explained, “The construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has been steadily in progress since its inception. We have faced many challenges, some due to world conditions… but the work has never stopped. We have been working day in and day out over the past six years.”
This statement reflects the project’s resilience and its ability to adapt to unexpected obstacles, whether logistical or global. Rezai further elaborated on how the team overcame these challenges: “When there was a shortage of workers, we focused resources on one area to advance, then moved attention to other parts… We found opportunities to be creative and to make sure that the work never stopped.” This approach highlights wisdom in resource management and an unwavering commitment to achieving the desired goal, even under the most difficult circumstances.
Unity in Diversity: A Team Embodying the Shrine’s Vision
Perhaps one of the most inspiring aspects of the Shrine’s construction project is the spirit of its diverse team. Rezai explained that the progress made was due to the efforts of individuals from different backgrounds and faiths—including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Druze—who have worked together harmoniously under one roof.
This diversity and harmony reflect the core of the Baháʼí message of humanity’s unity. Rezai stated, “All have come under the same roof, working harmoniously and creating an environment that not only empowers themselves in their relationships, but it has created a unified vision, which is the Shrine itself.” This testimony exemplifies how the construction process itself has become a living illustration of the principles the Shrine represents, where individuals from various cultures and beliefs come together to achieve a common goal that serves all humanity.
History of the Shrine’s Construction: From Inception to Completion
The decision to build a separate Shrine for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was not an impulsive one but rather the culmination of historical and spiritual developments. Following ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing in 1921, his remains were temporarily interred in a room within the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa. As decades passed, the need for an independent Shrine befitting his spiritual stature as the Center of Baháʼu’lláh’s Covenant and the Perfect Exemplar of His teachings grew increasingly apparent.
The decision to construct the Shrine was formally announced by the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing body of the Baháʼí Faith, in 2019. The distinguished architect Hossein Amanat, known for designing several global Baháʼí buildings, undertook the task of designing this edifice. Groundbreaking began in the same year (2019) on a parcel of land adjacent to the historic Riḍván Garden, situated between Acre and Haifa. Since then, construction has proceeded steadily, defying various global conditions, transforming the architectural vision into a physical reality destined to become a focal point of pilgrimage and contemplation for Baháʼís worldwide.
Who is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?
‘Abdu’l-Bahá (original name: `Abbás Effendi) was born in 1844 in Tehran, Iran. He was the eldest son of Baháʼu’lláh, the Founder of the Baháʼí Faith. In the Baháʼí Faith, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is known as the “Centre of the Covenant” and the “Perfect Exemplar,” as Baháʼu’lláh appointed him as His successor and the authoritative interpreter of His teachings, by virtue of His “Book of My Covenant” (Kitáb-i-‘Ahdí).
‘Abdu’l-Bahá dedicated his life to serving and spreading his father’s principles. He endured long years of imprisonment and exile with his family, starting from Iran and extending to Acre (Akka) in Ottoman Palestine. After his release from imprisonment in 1908, he embarked on extensive journeys to Europe and North America, delivering lectures in churches, universities, and societies, promoting Baháʼí principles such as:
- The Oneness of God.
- The Oneness of Religions.
- The Oneness of Humanity.
- Equality between men and women.
- Economic and social justice.
- Universal education.
- World peace through a global government.
His life was a living example of what Baháʼu’lláh advocated, embodying humility, love, service, and commitment to the principles of human unity. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away in Haifa in 1921, and his new Shrine is a testament to his life and spiritual legacy that continues to inspire millions worldwide…..More
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Article Writer
Nour Al-Bayan
Journalist and Translator
ABN Bahá’í News (Bahá’í News Foundation)
Contact: nour@abnnews.net
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Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Baháʼí Faith, Construction, Holy Land, Riḍván Garden, Khosrow Rezai, Unity of Religions, Universal House of Justice, Hossein Amanat, Baháʼu’lláh, Centre of the Covenant, Acre, Haifa, Diversity and Harmony, Construction Progress, Spiritual Landmark, World Peace.
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