A Life of Service — Following the Example of Abdu'l-Bahá:

Who was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?

‘Abdu’l-Bahá was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, who was the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’u’lláh passed on authority to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who was the perfect example of how a Bahá’í should behave. Bahá’ís try to follow the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who was utterly selfless. He had the responsibility of leading the Bahá’í Faith and of guiding the Bahá’ís, but he still spent much of his time caring for the poor and the sick. He chose the name ‘Abdu’l-Bahá because it means “Servant of Bahá” and this was his whole aim – to serve his Father by serving the cause of God and all of humanity.

How do we serve?

Bahá’ís believe that we are in this life to learn, to become better people, to acquire virtues, so that we are ready for life in the next world, which is entirely spiritual. One way of learning is by serving others. If we live our lives in a spirit of service we will not only make other people happy, we will be happy ourselves.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said:

“Happy the soul that shall forget his own good, and, like the chosen ones of God, vie with his fellows in service to the good of all.”

We all have gifts, skills and talents. These have been given to us by God so that we may use them in this world. We can share our gifts with others as we go through life together. Everyone has something to offer.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said:

“Senses and faculties have been bestowed upon us, to be devoted to the service of the general good.”

Firstly we need to use our talents to make a living. But we should also see this as an opportunity for service:

“Everyone should have some trade, or art or profession, be he rich or poor, and with this he must serve humanity.”

If we approach our work with an attitude of service, we are more likely to appreciate its value and to gain satisfaction from it.

In addition, every small act in our daily life, even a welcoming smile, can be an act of service:

“Let each one of God’s loved ones centre his attention on this: to be the Lord’s mercy to man; to be the Lord’s grace. Let him do some good to every person whose path he crosseth, and be of some benefit to him…”

Our object should be to improve the lives of all around us, both in spiritual and practical ways:

“Your utmost desire must be to confer happiness upon each other. Each one must be the servant of the others, thoughtful of their comfort and welfare.”

If we arise to serve, God will guide and help us:

“God is the helper of those souls whose aim is to serve humanity and whose efforts and endeavours are devoted to the good and betterment of all mankind.”

We should serve everyone

Our view should not be limited. We should think of all humanity, not just the people we know:

“Think ye at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race.”

“Let all your striving be for this, to become the source of life and immortality, and peace and comfort and joy, to every human soul, whether one known to you or a stranger…”

In this age it has become obvious that we are all part of one world and that our actions can affect people living far away from us. We all depend on one another for survival and for well-being.

Concerns over climate change and disease have made this very clear. We can each play our part in improving life for everyone:

“Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”

Our whole lives should be seen as an act of service, a way of making the world a better place:

“…dedicate the precious days of your lives to the betterment of the world…”

“Consecrate and devote yourselves to the betterment and service of all the human race.”

Service is worshipping God

All action should be guided by spiritual values:

“Order your lives in accordance with the first principle of the divine teaching, which is love. Service to humanity is service to God.”

If we do our best to serve and advance, this is a spiritual act. It is a kind of prayer in itself:

“All effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer.”

“Strive that your actions day by day may be beautiful prayers.”

Community action

As mentioned previously, service starts with our simple everyday actions. But it becomes more powerful if we work together side by side. Bahá’í communities have a range of basic activities to improve life for everyone.

Firstly, to improve our spiritual life – for this is the foundation of a happy and fruitful life – Bahá’ís gather together with their friends to say prayers. From this spiritual life the desire to serve grows stronger.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: “Turn all your thoughts toward bringing joy to hearts.”

One avenue of service is to help teach young children to develop qualities such as generosity, honesty and kindness. Another is to help pre-teens and young teenagers to discover their identity and inner strengths. These children and junior youth then naturally wish to serve their communities. It may be collecting for a food bank, clearing up a canal or visiting the elderly, whatever need they see in their local area. Adults are of course involved in service projects too. The object is always to serve the community. Bahá’ís also support projects initiated by local people in other parts of the world, such as community banking or schools.

A prayer for service

“O Lord! Make us useful in this world; free us from the condition of self and desire.

O Lord! …cause us to be loving toward all Thy children. Confirm us in service to the world of humanity so that we may become the servants of Thy servants, that we may love all Thy creatures and become compassionate to all Thy people.”

The text of all these leaflets remains the copyright of Warwick Bahá'í Bookshop. The Bookshop is happy for people to download individual copies for their own purposes. Printed copies can be purchased from the Warwick Bookshop. Individuals or communities wishing to translate or print these leaflets in other countries please contact the Bookshop for permission.