Winter Holiday Series: Day of the Covenant

Left: The only US Bahá’í house of worship, in Illinois. Right: `Abdu’l-Bahá, the oldest son of the founder of the Bahá’í faith.

The Day of the Covenant is a holiday in the Bahá’í Faith. It’s a day to commemorate the nomination of `Abdu’l-Bahá to the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. It is celebrated every year on November 26.

`Abdu’l-Bahá was the oldest son of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’u’lláh. Originally, he refused to allow anyone to celebrate his birth, but finally agreed that followers may celebrate it on November 26, if they wished. He was reluctant because he dedicated his life to serving his father and wanted all the recognition to go to him. In fact, “`Abdu’l-Bahá” translates to “Servant of Bahá.”

The day not only celebrates `Abdu’l-Bahá’s life, but it also focuses on the greater meaning of the establishment of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’u’lláh promised that in exchange for their duty, he would institute the Kingdom of God on Earth, in addition to appointing his son `Abdu’l-Bahá as the one his followers would look to for guidance in the event of his death.

`Abdu’l-Bahá is known for promoting peace and justice, as well as spreading the Bahá’í Faith.

Bahá’ís celebrate this day by praying to `Abdu’l-Bahá in thanks to his service and legacy, and reflecting on their faith.

Resources

• Day of the Covenant on Wikipedia
• What Bahá’ís Celebrate on the Day of the Covenant

photo: Lorenia