Bahiyyih Khanum, the
daughter of Baha’u’llah, recalled many years later that during their time in
Baghdad ‘Abdu’l-Baha “was accustomed to frequent the mosques and have
discussions with the religious doctors and learned men. They were astonished at
his knowledge and insights, and he came to be known as the youthful sage. They
would ask him, ‘Who is your teacher -- where do you learn the things which you
say?’ His reply was that his father had taught him. Although he had never been
a day in school, he was as proficient in all that was taught as well-educated
young men, which was the cause of much remark among those who knew him. In
appearance my brother was at this time a remarkably fine-looking youth. He was
noted as one of the handsomest men in Baghdad.”
(Adapted from ‘Life and
Teachings of Abbas Effendi’ by Myron H. Phelps)
