Moreover, the enemies and foes of ‘Abdu'l-Baha, never ceased
to plan and scheme to persecute and bring about his exile and banishment, and
to annihilate His Revelation. And these people had more general power than the
enemies of the former prophets.
One of the Divine Allegorical incidents was that
'Abdu'l-Baha was born in Teheran the same night upon which the Báb proclaimed
His Mission in Shiraz - that is, May 23rd, 1844. Baha'u'llah gave the name of
His father to 'Abdu'l-Baha. This name was Abbas but He always called Him Master
– “Aqa” - even when He was a little child.
The first few years of the life of 'Abdu'l-Baha were spent
amid the most tragic and dramatic events of the life of Baha'u'llah. He was the
center of the movement, every tragic event revolved around Him and His home was
the rendezvous of all the Baha'is. All the news and all that transpired in the
Cause was brought to Him. His home was well known as the headquarters of the
Movement and often groups of rowdies would throw stones and try to hurt the
inmates. When 'Abdu'l-Baha was a little child groups of urchins would surround
Him and try to stone Him. Even at the early age of eight or nine years
'Abdu'l-Baha had already witnessed the plotting of the enemies and had seen the
friends martyred and guillotined. Up to this age He had seen many headstones of
heroes and heroines who had gone to their death with radiant acquiescence.
Most of the time Baha’u’llah was absent from home traveling
in the interest of the Cause, and visiting the friends in prison. His property
was confiscated and both day and night His household was in danger, so there
was no opportunity for 'Abdu'l-Baha to go to school and learn the things which
other children have to learn.
