Editor’s Note: Last month, Iran Press Watch published a prayer by Baha’u’llah, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith, for the protection and release of Baha’i prisoners at http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/01/prayer-for-prisoners/. With the impending trial of the Friends in Iran on the heart of countless concerned citizens from around the world, today IPW is pleased to share a provisional translation of a prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Baha’ for the protection of Baha’i prisoners. This particular prayer was written in October 1921 and may be one of the last prayers revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha’, the Son of Baha’u’llah and His chosen Successor.
He is the All-Glorious!
O God, my God! Verily, Thou seest Thy servants acting with sincerity toward the whole of mankind, even the ill-disposed enemy. They are serving the entire human race with pure hearts and sanctified breasts and are exposed to grave danger. Darts are aimed at them, arrows directed towards them. Spears are pointed at them, swords drawn against them.
O Lord! They are victims of tyranny, at the mercy of the enemy. They are prisoners in the hands of blood-thirsty wolves and ravenous dogs from amongst the wicked. They have no refuge, no haven save the stronghold of Thine all-encompassing protection. Shelter them, O my Lord, with the eye of Thy loving-kindness neath the shadow of Thy shield and protection and guard them in the shelter of Thy care from the wicked-doers among Thy people. O Lord! They have no helper except Thee, no protector besides Thee.
Ordain, O my Lord, all manner of affliction for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Make me a target for the darts of men and protect Thy faithful servants from the wickedness of the ignoble. Grant that I may offer up my life for the whole body of Thy lovers so that my heart may find rest, my soul may be quieted, and my eyes may be solaced in the arena of supreme martyrdom. Verily, Thou art the All-Powerful, the Almighty, the Most Exalted.
O ye beloved of the Lord! Be calm and composed.
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’
Source: http://reference.bahai.org/fa/t/ab/MMA/mma-388.html#pg385
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