May 2026 - Bahai Readings

14 Jamál / Beauty 183 B.E. (Mon 11 May 2026)
by Writings from the Baha'i Faith May 11, 2026

May 11, 2026

Consider the flowers of a garden: though differing in kind, color, form and shape, yet, inasmuch as they are refreshed by the waters of one spring, revived by the breath of one wind, invigorated by the rays of one sun, this diversity increaseth their charm, and addeth unto their beauty. Thus when that unifying force, the penetrating influence of the Word of God, taketh effect, the difference of customs, manners, habits, ideas, opinions and dispositions embellisheth the world of humanity. This diversity, this difference is like the naturally created dissimilarity and variety of the limbs and organs of the human body, for each one contributeth to the beauty, efficiency and perfection of the whole. When these different limbs and organs come under the influence of man’s sovereign soul, and the soul’s power pervadeth the limbs and members, veins and arteries of the body, then difference reinforceth harmony, diversity strengtheneth love, and multiplicity is the greatest factor for coordination. ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá. Available from www.bahai.org/r/826972278

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13 Jamál / Beauty 183 B.E. (Sun 10 May 2026)
by Writings from the Baha'i Faith May 10, 2026

May 10, 2026

Ye are the pearls of the Sea of Oneness! Consider ye the pearl: Its purity and fineness are qualities inherent in itself. Were one to wrap it in the finest silks, they would but hide from view its delicacy and lustre. Its beauty is within itself. Strive, then, to acquire this beauty, and grieve not at lacking this world’s material benefits. Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í Sacred Writings. Available from www.bahai.org/r/994000541

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12 Jamál / Beauty 183 B.E. (Sat 09 May 2026)
by Writings from the Baha'i Faith May 9, 2026

May 9, 2026

O thou twig of the Sacred Lote-Tree! The Dispensations of the past manifested either the splendour of the divine Beauty or the radiance of the divine Glory; either the dawning rays of “Verily Thou art of a noble nature” or the bright light of “God, verily, is wholly quit of the unbelievers”;79 <https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/light-of-the-w…> either the effulgence of the manifest Sun or the gleam of the unsheathed sword. But in this great Cycle and blessed Age, despite the lack of an all-subduing power or earthly dominion, despite the absence of unsheathed swords or flashing spears, Glory and Beauty have joined together and shone forth in a single luminous Countenance. Though the Ancient Beauty—may my life be offered up for His loved ones—was held alone and forsaken in the clutches of His enemies, though He was kept in chains and threatened by the sword, though He was banished to lands in Asia and Europe and finally exiled to the Most Great Prison, He ultimately rose in the utmost glory and beauty above the horizon of ancient might, manifest and radiant, resplendent and luminous, shedding light upon the world. All necks were laid low before Him, and all heads bowed down to Him; all faces turned humbly towards Him, and all voices were hushed in His presence. ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, Light of the World. Available from www.bahai.org/r/385228453

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11 Jamál / Beauty 183 B.E. (Fri 08 May 2026)
by Writings from the Baha'i Faith May 8, 2026

May 8, 2026

Let God’s beloved, each and every one, be the essence of purity, the very life of holiness, so that in every country they may become famed for their sanctity, independence of spirit, and meekness. Let them be cheered by draughts from the eternal cup of love for God, and make merry as they drink from the wine-vaults of Heaven. Let them behold the Blessed Beauty, and feel the flame and rapture of that meeting, and be struck dumb with awe and wonder. This is the station of the sincere; this is the way of the loyal; this is the brightness that shineth on the faces of those nigh unto God. ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá. Available from www.bahai.org/r/643377894

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10 Jamál / Beauty 183 B.E. (Thurs 07 May 2026)
by Writings from the Baha'i Faith May 7, 2026

May 7, 2026

At first, the decree of the iniquitous sovereign was most harsh, placing Bahá’u’lláh in such strict captivity that even I would be denied access to His holy Presence. Nay more, the Ancient Beauty was to be confined alone and forsaken, and to remain under vigilant watch day and night. However, the conduct of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was such that the pavilion of the Blessed Beauty was finally pitched with utmost dominion and majesty upon Mount Carmel, and His blessed Being came to reside outside the citadel of ‘Akká, living with the utmost might and honour in the only mansion of that region, utterly detached from all others. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Light of the World. Available from www.bahai.org/r/153285135

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09 Jamál / Beauty 183 B.E. (Wed 06 May 2026)
by Writings from the Baha'i Faith May 6, 2026

May 6, 2026

Addressing the nations, the Ancient Beauty ordaineth that in every city in the world a house be raised in the name of justice wherein shall gather pure and steadfast souls to the number of the Most Great Name. These souls, as they come together, should regard themselves as entering into the presence of God, inasmuch as this binding command hath flowed from the Pen of Him Who is the Ancient of Days, and the glances of God are directed towards that assembly. Once in session, it behoveth them to converse, on behalf of God’s servants, upon the affairs and interests of all. They should, for instance, accord precedence to the teaching of the Cause, inasmuch as it is a matter of supreme importance, so that all people, even as a single soul, may enter within the Tabernacle of divine Unity, and all humanity may become even as a single body. In like manner, they should consider such matters as the refinement of manners, the preservation of human dignity, the development of cities, and the polity which God hath made a bulwark for His lands and a fortress for His people. Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í Sacred Writings. Available from www.bahai.org/r/396824293

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08 Jamál / Beauty 183 B.E. (Tues 05 May 2026)
by Writings from the Baha'i Faith May 6, 2026

May 6, 2026

O Friend! In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love, and from the nightingale of affection and desire loosen not thy hold. Treasure the companionship of the righteous and eschew all fellowship with the ungodly. Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh. Available from www.bahai.org/r/607855955

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07 Jamál / Beauty 183 B.E. (Mon 04 May 2026)
by Writings from the Baha'i Faith May 4, 2026

May 4, 2026

Therefore, this civilization and material progress should be combined with the Most Great Guidance so that this nether world may become the scene of the appearance of the bestowals of the Kingdom, and physical achievements may be conjoined with the effulgences of the Merciful. This in order that the beauty and perfection of the world of man may be unveiled and be manifested before all in the utmost grace and splendour. Thus everlasting glory and happiness shall be revealed. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá’í Sacred Writings. Available from www.bahai.org/r/389236804

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06 Jamál / Beauty 183 B.E. (Sun 03 May 2026)
by Writings from the Baha'i Faith May 4, 2026

May 4, 2026

O Friends! Abandon not the everlasting beauty for a beauty that must die, and set not your affections on this mortal world of dust…. Son of Earth! Wouldst thou have Me, seek none other than Me; and wouldst thou gaze upon My beauty, close thine eyes to the world and all that is therein; for My will and the will of another than Me, even as fire and water, cannot dwell together in one heart. Befriended Stranger! The candle of thine heart is lighted by the hand of My power, quench it not with the contrary winds of self and passion. The healer of all thine ills is remembrance of Me, forget it not. Make My love thy treasure and cherish it even as thy very sight and life. Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í Sacred Writings. Available from www.bahai.org/r/951324252

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05 Jamál / Beauty (Twelfth Day of Ridván) 183 B.E. (Sat 02 May 2026)
by Writings from the Baha'i Faith May 2, 2026

May 2, 2026

And when the appointed time of tarrying was fulfilled and the decree of departure was received, the Beauty of the All-Merciful arose and went out from the Riḍván Garden riding upon the finest stallion. Blessed, then, be the All-Glorious, Who appeared in the world of creation with a sovereignty that transcendeth the heavens and the earth! As He departed, a cry of sorrow ascended from the garden, and its trees, and leaves, and fruits, and walls, and air, and ground, and pavilion, while the dwellers of the deserts and the wilderness, and even the very dunes and the dust of the earth, rejoiced at His approach. Bahá’u’lláh, Days of Remembrance. Available from www.bahai.org/r/168152091

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