MONTH OF POWER (QUDRAT)

Baha’is honor the Month of Power (Qudrat) from November 4 until November 22. The word Power appears in many if not most of the Bahá'í Prayers, and as a result, Power may sort of roll off the tongue in a manner of familiarity so frequently that we may not fully comprehend its magnitude. I suggest that the following short quote from ‘Abdu’l-Baha be studied deliberately, and each of the words contained therein be meditated upon carefully. I believe that the full impact of those words contains much more than first meets the eye.

“… the appearance of Bahá'u'lláh was like a new springtime which appeared with holy breezes, with the hosts of everlasting life, and with heavenly power. It established the Throne of the Divine Kingdom in the center of the world and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, revived souls and established a new cycle.”

-- `Abdu'l-Bahá, “Some Answered Questions“ p. 166

The thing that grabbed me about that statement was the fact that past tense was used descriptively and emphatically. Past tense, as in its already happened. The Throne of the Divine Kingdom has already been established in the center of the world. Additionally, it says the power of the Holy Spirit has (already) revived souls and established a new cycle. It has already been accomplished. It would seem that thought alone merits some meditation. As Baha'is we understand it has all happened embryonically, and that the embryo contains from the first all perfections, all the powers.

Yet, humans are unaware that a new cycle has established the Throne of the Divine Kingdom in the center of the world. The center of the world is no doubt a metaphor for something else. Could it be the hearts of men? We all live our lives with a blind eye to the rampant injustice boiling in the world with its increasing bloodshed, famine, and warfare. Humans killing other humans by unspeakable means deters not many from their own brand of worldly pleasure and ease. All the while the greedy become bored with their largess and demand more and more of more of more, not realizing that the solace they seek is not clothed in materialism, but may be found within their own hearts should they but ponder and meditate with an eye towards Gods Divine Kingdom. For, apparently, upon the release of that power, God granted all human hearts thereafter the capability to receive and fulfill the promise of the Kingdom.

Why do we not accept that most glorious measure of God's love? Do humans not ever consider that the power contained in the destructive forces they wield might be offset by a power ever more grand than any of their own; a heavenly power spoken of by `Abdu'l-Bahá? Do we not realize that the same power we see in the material world may have been intended for good rather than evil, and that its misapplication has led to a world of troubles? Power is only available at God’s biding, and once released into the world the core of it may be used in any manner that the free will of humans dictate. Do we not realize that a mere change of heart will open the floodgates of the goodness of that power? Its been ninety-nine years since `Abdu'l-Bahá uttered the good news, which actually answers the desires voiced again and again by countless souls. Yet we continue to ignore that good news because it is couched in unfamiliar garb.

“GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! The doors of the Kingdom of God are open!

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! Armies of Angels are descending from Heaven!

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! The Sun of Truth is rising!

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! Heavenly food is being sent from above!

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! The Trumpet is sounding!

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! The Banner of the Great Peace is floating far and wide!

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! The Light of the Lamp of the Oneness of Humanity is shining bright!

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! The fire of the Love of God is blazing!

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! The Holy Spirit is being outpoured!

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! For Everlasting Life is here!

O Ye that sleep, Awake!

O ye heedless ones, Learn wisdom!

O Blind, receive your sight!

O Deaf, Hear!

O Dumb, Speak!

O Dead, Arise!

Be Happy!

Be Happy!

Be full of Joy!”

Message to the London Bahá'ís for the Day of the Covenant, November 26th, 1911

--`Abdu'l-Bahá in London, p. 126

“… the appearance of Bahá'u'lláh was like a new springtime which appeared with holy breezes, with the hosts of everlasting life, and with heavenly power. It established the Throne of the Divine Kingdom in the center of the world and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, revived souls and established a new cycle.”

It cannot be emphasized enough that the events most human lips voice a yearning for have already happened. How much longer must it be until they slow the tempo of their lives, meditate in the quest of hidden spiritual meanings contained in the message of God for this day, and begin to align their composure within the mysteries of God’s love for them through the acceptance of His power within the boundaries of His terms for this new day?

Hand of the Cause of God

David Maxwell