Ascension of Baha’u’llah – recounted by two believers

The ascension of Baha’u’llah took place in the Mansion of Bahji, and it caused indescribable consternation among His followers. Nabil-i-Az’am [the author of Dawn-Breakers], a true lover of the Blessed Beauty and one of His devoted Apostles, has left to posterity a moving description of this calamitous event. The following is a summary translation of his account:

As attested by the Most Great Branch,[‘Abdu’l-Baha] nine months before this most grievous event -- His ascension -- Bahá'u'lláh had voiced His desire to depart from this world. During these nine months, from the tone of His exhortations and remarks to those friends who attained His presence it became increasingly apparent that the end of His earthly life was approaching. He seemed to be arranging the affairs with a sense of urgency. But He never spoke openly about the approaching end of His life.

'Abdu'l-Baha arrives at Chicago Baha'i Convention!

'Abdu'l-Baha had been in America less than a month when He took one of most historic actions of His entire journey.

The site of the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, the 'holiest House of Worship ever to be raised in the Name of Baha’u’llah’, was barren land on that chill, windy May day when 'Abdu'l-Baha, with His own hands, laid the comer-stone of that prototype edifice that would sooner or later change the face of human society.

The Baha'is of America were gathered at a Convention in Chicago just preceding that great event. Lua was addressing an assembled crowd of over a thousand. She had just returned from a triumphant teaching tour in California.

Lua's visit to California had been successful beyond all expectation, yet Lua was never fully aware of the influence she had on others. Her heart was always anchored in her love for 'Abdu'l-Baha – results she left to God and to the future.

Her presence in San Francisco in 1911, just preceding 'Abdu'l-Baha's visit to America, had been of great importance to another Baha'i, John Hyde Dunn. He has often told how he sought Lua out on every occasion for a private interview. She gave him generously of her time. No doubt one of Lua's 'inner promptings' told her that this was one of 'Abdu'l-Baha’s 'lost jewels'. Hyde Dunn, with his wife, Clara, would in a few years sail away to the Antipodes and open up the entire continent of Australia to the Baha’i Faith.