# Letters to Louise R. Waite

*Exported from [Holy-Writings.com](https://www.holy-writings.com/) on 2026-06-19 — 1 clipping.*

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> Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Abdu'l-Bahá, Letters to Louise R. Waite, bahai-library.com.
> ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
> 
> Letters from The Master
> 
> to Shahnáz, The Royal Falcon (Louise R. Spencer Waite)
> 
> revealed circa 1902-1920
> 
> hand-typed 1978; copied to computer 1999
> 
> This is the Divine Love story of Shahnaz (Handmaiden of God, Louise R. Spencer Waite) and
> 'Abdu'l-Bahá (The Servant of the Glory, the Beloved Master).
> 
> These Tablets were hand copied by Doris Kirkam from Shahnaz many years ago and have been put
> into typed format by Star Saffa, who writes:
> 
> In retyping these Tablets I see them in a different light to when I originally copied them (134
> BE, 1978) from the hand written copies Doris Kirkam gave me that she had hand copied
> from Louise R. Spencer Waite (named 'Shahnaz' {Royal Falcon} by 'Abdu'l-Bahá). I was
> struck to see that many Tablets from America never reached the Master and that while he
> was happy to have Spiritual Assemblies composed of men, or women, or mixed for teaching
> the Faith he did not envision the possibility of Houses of Justice mentioned in the Aqdas
> until such time that the spiritual Teachings would take hold in the world. I now believe that
> it may be why he said 'it will be as clear as the noon day sun" why women would not be
> serving on the House - he thought it was impossible to bring the House into being according
> to a passage in one of his Tablets to Shahnaz. He may have known that the Guardian would
> die without naming another Guardian and therefore may have thought the House would not
> be elected. I think 'Abdu'l-Bahá's major aim was the promulgation of the teachings of amity,
> peace, and love into the hearts of the people of the world. It has been a bounty to reach back
> into time and I am grateful for the opportunity to type these Tablets, and of course grateful
> to the "players in the drama".
> 
> Star Saffa, 1 June 1999.
> MY FIRST TABLET, # 1
> 
> TO LOUISE SPENCER
> UPON HER BE BAHÁ-EL-ABHÁ!
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU LAMP IGNITED BY THE FIRE OF THE LOVE OF GOD!
> 
> I ask God to make thee a sign of love, standard of agreement, means of union and
> harmony, and spreader of peace among the people.
> 
> O Maid servant of God: Strive with all thy powers in diffusing the spirit of real union among
> the people. So that all who are on earth become one family, loving, united agreed, bound
> by the bonds of love and united with all harmony in all things and conditions. This is the
> greatest happiness of the human race in the world of possibilities and the cause of
> reaching unto the Supreme Kingdom, often ascending unto the world of God.
> 
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> ---- signed - 'Abdu'l-Bahá
> Through Dr. Fareed, Chicago, Illinois
> 
> #2
> 
> Receipt written by 'Abdu'l-Bahá with his own hand
> 
> HE IS GOD THE SUPREME
> 
> Amount of five dollars sent by the maid-servant of God Mrs. Louise Spencer. Upon her be
> BAHÁH El ABHÁ.
> 
> signed and sealed -
> 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> To: Mrs Louise Spencer, Chicago, Illinois
> 
> #3
> 
> To the maid-servant of God Louise R. Spencer
> upon her be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU WHO ART ATTRACTED BY THE FRAGRANCES OF GOD!
> 
> Verily I chanted thy poem. It's significance was beautiful, it's composition eloquent and it's
> words excellent. it was like the melody of the birds of holiness in the paradise of El ABHÁ.
> The breasts of the maid-servants of the Merciful were exhilarated by it's chanting. Blessed
> art thou for uttering forth such an excellent poem and brilliant pearl. Verily these verses
> shall be sung in the divine meetings and in the Assemblages of Spirituality in the course of
> ages and centuries to come for thou has uttered the praise of thy Lord - the Merciful the
> Clement. All poems shall be forgotten in the course of time save those that are
> extraordinary. Thy poems shall be chanted with melody and best voices in the center of
> Worship (Mashriqu'l Adhkar) forevermore.
> 
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> signed - 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Through Ameen Fareed, Chicago, Illinois 1902
> 
> #4
> 
> To the maid-servant of God Louise R. Spencer
> 
> O THOU WHO ART ATTRACTED BY THE FRAGRANCES OF GOD!
> 
> Verily I read thy (new) poem which contained new significance's and beautiful words. My
> heart was dilated by its eloquent sense - I prayed God to make thee utter more beautiful
> compositions than this. Thus thou mayest be the first to praise the Beauty of El ABHÁ and
> the first to utter His Name among the women. Chant the verses of Guidance among the
> people and commence the composition of melodies of great beauty and effect in
> glorification of the generous Lord.
> 
> We sent thy poems to all countries so that the friends of God may remember thee and pray
> for confirmation and aid in this great Cause in thy behalf.
> 
> O! Maid-servant of God! Warble as a bird in the garden of joy and pray to thy Lord so that
> the hearts may rejoice through the psalms of the descendants of David.
> 
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> signed --- 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Through Ameen Fareed, Chicago, Illinois 1902
> #5
> 
> WEDDING TABLET
> 
> To the Maid-servant of God Louise R. Waite
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> 
> HE IS GOD!
> 
> O, maid-servant of God: Thy letter reached me and I prayed God to bless thee by his
> heavenly blessing in thy marriage with Mr. Edgar Waite - and to confirm both of you with
> comfort and repose and the turning of your hearts to the Kingdom of God.
> 
> May His divine providence abide with you in all conditions and circumstances.
> 
> Upon ye be greetings and praise.
> Signed - 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Through Dr. Armeen Fareed, Chicago, Illinois April 1903
> 
> (Received the day after I married Mr. Waite (the first letter addressed to me in my new
> name).
> 
> #6
> 
> To the Maid-servant of God Louise R. Waite
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O! Thou bird of pleasing tones!
> 
> Thy little book of poems which are very sweet was received. It was a source of joy for it
> was a spiritual anthem and a melody of the love of God. Continue as long as thou canst
> this melody in the gatherings of the beloved of God. Thus may the minds find rest and
> become in tune with the love of God. When eloquence of expression, beauty of sense, and
> sweetness of composition unite with new melodies the effect is ever great, especially if it
> be the anthem of the verse of oneness and the songs of praise to the Lord of Glory.
> Endeavor your utmost to compose beautiful poems to be chanted with heavenly music.
> Thus may their beauty affect the minds and impress the hearts of those who listen.
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> Signed - 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Through Dr. Ameen Fareed, Chicago, Illinois 1904
> 
> #7
> 
> Through Dr. Fareed to Louise R. Waite, The Poetress
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU ELOQUENT AND EXPRESSIVE POETRESS!
> 
> How many poets have come into this world who have written elegies and eulogies in the
> utmost of eloquence and excellence, but because the meanings were the realities of the
> world of nature the effect was produced in the material world and the material world is
> limited hence the effects of those meanings are limited. But thou art composer of a poetry
> which touches the Divine Realities and Significance's, therefore, they are of the mysteries
> of the Kingdom and are unlimited. The poetry of the renounced is perused in the material
> meetings. therefore, as long as thou canst endeavor show forth new and fresh meanings
> from thy poetry and cause gladness mirth and longing to the spiritual ones.
> 
> Thou art permitted to come to Acca.
> Signed - 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Through Dr. Ameen Fareed, Haifa Syria July 1st 1909
> 
> #8
> 
> Received while visiting Mrs. True at Fruitpare, Michigan. Sailed for Acca October 11th with
> Dr. Moody, Sydney Sprague, Mrs. Cecelia Harrison. Upon my return to America this Tablet
> awaited my arrival as a welcome home. I had written to `Abdu'-BAHÁ after leaving Acca,
> while waiting in Port Said to sail to Naples.
> 
> To the maid-servant of God Louise R. Waite
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU DAUGHTER OF THE KINGDOM
> Thy letter was received. Although the dove and nightingale, both of them are two sweet
> singing birds, yet in the East, especially in Persia, they call the nightingale a sweet singing
> bird and in natural singing they prefer it to all the other birds.
> 
> I call thee a Sweet-Singing-Bird o that in the Rose Garden of Significance's thou mayest
> raise the harmony and melody of Truth. That the birds of the Kingdom nay soar upward
> and become the means of kindness and union between different communities and nations.
> The attraction that thou has in thy heart is through the power of the Magnet of the Love of
> God. That is thou has become the wooer of the Heavenly Beloved One and surrendered
> thy heart to the Beauty of ABHÁ.
> 
> Praise be to God that thou art delivered from attachment to this terrestrial world and
> attached thy spirit to the Realm of the Kingdom.
> 
> Exercise the utmost kindness on my behalf towards Mr. Windhurst.
> 
> I ask God that the choral club may become assisted to the guidance of the people, the love
> of humankind and the attraction of the hearts.
> 
> O maid servant of God - by expression of dove and nightingale the same meaning is
> intended because both of them are endowed with sweet melody an song.
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed -- 'Abdu'l-Bahá' Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
> Washington DC, November 18th 1909
> 
> Benediction
> 
> Of my "Benediction" 'Abdu'l-Bahá wrote this Tablet which came with the last Tablet to me.
> 
> To the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Chicago
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> The songs and anthem that Louise R. Waite raised in the Assembly of the unity of the
> Bahá'ís reached to the ears of the people of the Kingdom, it bestowed joy and fragrance to
> the spiritual ones.
> 
> I ask God that this song may be sung eternally and this anthem and melody become
> everlasting.
> 
> Upon ye be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed - 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab,
> Washington D.C. 1909
> 
> #9
> 
> To the maid-servant of God Louise R. Waite
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU DAUGHTER OF THE KINGDOM!
> 
> Thy letter was considered on account of the lack of time a brief answer is given.
> 
> The Spiritual Assemblies which are organized for the sake of teaching the Truth whether
> Assemblies for men, Assemblies for women or mixed Assemblies are all accepted and are
> conducive to the spreading of the Fragrance of God. This is essential. Likewise the public
> meetings in which one day during the week the believers gather to be engaged in the
> commemoration of God, to read communes, and deliver effective speeches is acceptable
> and beloved. But now it is utterly impossible to establish the House of Justice which is
> mentioned in the Book of Aqdas. Nay rather it is impracticable and not to be thought of.
> That is for the time when the Cause is proclaimed and the commands of God have
> become effective. Therefore, now is not the time for the House of Justice which must be
> established by general election. It's mention is not permissible and its realization
> impossible. Endeavor ye as much as possible that differences may not arise in the affairs.
> Let not every insignificant matter become the cause of disagreement. If such conditions
> exists the end will be complete dispersion.
> 
> The believers and the maid servants of the Merciful must all consider how to produce
> harmony, so that the unity of the human world may be realized - not that every wholly
> unimportant subject become conducive to differences of opinion. It is my hope that the
> friends and maid servants of America become united on all subjects and not disagree at
> all. If they agree upon a subject even though it be wrong it is better than to disagree and
> be in the right, for this difference will produce demolition of the Divine foundation. Though
> one of the parties may be in the right and they disagree that will be the cause of a
> thousand wrongs, but if they agree and both parties are in the wrong - as it is unity - the
> truth will be revealed and wrong made right.
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Translated by Mirza Sohrab,
> Washington D.C. April 20th 1910
> 
> Received on the first day of the Temple Unity Convention on April 22nd 1910
> 
> # 10
> 
> This Tablet refers to my Temple song = 9 addressed in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's handwriting
> 
> To the maid servant of God Louise R. Waite
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'O'LLAH
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O! THOU BELOVED MAID SERVANT OF GOD!
> 
> The poetry which thou has composed has been perused. In it was concealed wonderful
> meanings and spiritual significance's. Thank thou God that thou art confirmed therein and
> penned such an anthem and composed such verses. I forwarded the poetry to Tayere
> Khanum in Teheran so that it may be chanted among believers.
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Sohrab,
> Washington D.C. May 1910
> 
> # 11
> 
> Completeness = 11
> 
> Tablet on Marriage
> 
> The first time 'Abdu'l-Bahá uses my new name he gave me.
> 
> To the maid servant of God Shahnaz (Louise R. Waite)
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'o'llah
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU BELOVED MAID SERVANT OF GOD!
> Thy letter was received and its contents became known. Among the majority of the people
> marriage consists of physical relationship and this union and relationship is temporary for
> at the end physical separation is destined and ordained. But marriage of the people of
> BAHÁ must consist of both physical and spiritual relationship for both of them are
> intoxicated with the wine of one cup, are attracted by one Peerless Countenance, are
> quickened with one life and are illumined with one Light. This spiritual relationship is an
> everlasting union. Likewise in the physical world they are bound together with strong and
> unbreakable ties. When relationship, union and concord exist between the two from a
> physical and spiritual standpoint - that is the real union, therefore, everlasting. But if the
> union is merely from the physical point of view unquestionably it is temporal and at the end
> separation is inevitable. Consequently when the people of BAHÁ desire to enter the sacred
> union of matrimony eternal connection, ideal relationship, spiritual and physical association
> of thoughts and conceptions of life must exist between them so that in all the grades of
> existence and in all the worlds of God this may continue forever and ever. For this is real
> union and is a splendor of the Light of the Love of God. Likewise if the souls become real
> believers they will find themselves ushered into this exalted state of relationship becoming
> the manifestation of love of the Merciful and exhilarated with the cup of the love of God.
> Undoubtedly that union and relationship is eternal.
> 
> The souls who sacrifice self become detached from the imperfections of the realm of man
> and free from the shackles of this world - assuredly the splendors of the rays of the Divine
> Union shall shine in their hearts and in the Eternal Paradise - they shall find ideal
> relationship and happiness.
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
> Washington D.C. October 17th 1910
> 
> # 12
> 
> O THOU LOVER OF THE BELOVED OF THE WORLD!
> 
> Thy new song (at Eventide) and thy notes were received. Praise thou God that thou art
> ever engaged and associated with praise and thanksgiving to the promised Beauty with
> the harp and violin. I am in Alexandria and I received joy through this song and it will be
> sent to Teheran. It happened that in these days the translation of your former song which
> was sent to Teheran was received. Your former song was translated into Persian verse by
> the maid servant of God Taere Khanum. It is one with great beauty and eloquence. The
> translation is enclosed herewith.
> 
> Consider and thank God that the power of BAHÁ'O'LLAH has so united and bound the
> East and West together that its Persian poetress translates the poems of the American
> composer. Be ye admonished O ye who possess eyes. Be ye awakened O ye who
> possess minds.
> 
> Upon ye be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> 
> This Tablet was received on Christmas Eve 1910 and was hung on the Christmas tree in
> my home decorated for the Bahá'í Sunday School children.
> 
> The poem of my Temple song in Persian by Taere Khanum is in the Chicago Archives.
> 
> A supplication was written by men and signed by all present at the Sunday School
> Christmas Tree party supplicating 'Abdu'l-Bahá to pray to God that the children might all
> become as lighted candles on the tree of Life and shed forth the Light of Love to all.
> 
> A Tablet received February 23rd contained an answer to this supplication - a "commune
> for the children".
> 
> # 13
> 
> Through Shahnaz Khanum upon her be BAHÁ'O'LLAH El ABHÁ
> 
> Children's Commune
> 
> O MY God! O My God! Thou seest these children, branches of the Tree of Life, birds of the
> Garden of Safety, pearls of the shells of the ocean of Thy mercy and roses of the rose
> garden of Thy Guidance.
> 
> O Lord! Verily we glory in Thy praise, we are sanctified in Thee, and supplicate to the
> Kingdom of Thy mercifulness to make us candles of guidance, stars of the horizon of Thy
> Eternal Majesty among the creatures and teach us from Thy Knowledge O Glory of the
> Most Glorious.
> 
> YA-BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ!
> 
> Verily I shall send thy beautiful and new hymn to Persia so that they may translate and
> sing it in the Assemblies.
> Concerning the event of the gathering where four of the violet and four of the colored
> people with the utmost love and harmony sang the hymn with the utmost joy and fragrance
> - indeed this is one of the great signs of God because it hath gathered hearts which were
> scattered and filled with hatred, souls which were opposing one another, disputing and
> repelling with enmity and made them as one soul singing the astonishing melodies of
> harmony in different tones.
> 
> Upon thee be Bahá'u'lláh-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Zia M. Bagdadi
> Chicago, Illinois February 23rd 1911
> 
> #14
> 
> Through Zia Effendi to Shahnaz Khanum
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'O'LLAH-EL-ABHÁ
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O thou nightingale of astonishing tones soaring those rose gardens! Verily I have chanted
> the verses of thy praise and holiness to God. I have prayed to God to make thee a
> nightingale of astonishing melodies on the twigs with different tones.
> 
> It is incumbent upon thee to be enkindled with fire of the love of God, attracted to the
> fragrance of the rose garden of the Gift of God, and swinging by a breeze which hath
> wafted from the blowing point of guidance in the garden of the Providence of God.
> 
> # 15
> 
> Through Dr. Fareed to:
> 
> The maid servant of God: Shahnaz
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'-El-ABHÁ
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O Shahnaz
> Thy letter was received. Correspond always with the maid servant of God, Taere so that it
> may prove to be the cause of the attraction of the life and hearts of both of you. Whenever
> America attains the capacity for my Presence you may rest assured and know that I will
> come. A few days ago a letter was written to you and sent.
> 
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Dr. Fareed
> Chicago, Illinois February 26th 1911
> 
> This Tablet contained a Tablet through me for Mrs. Emma Holmes
> 
> Mrs. Holmes’ Tablet:
> 
> Through the maid servant of God Shahnaz to the maid servant of God Emma Holmes:
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> Upon here be Bahá'u'lláh-El-ABHÁ
> 
> O THOU SWEET SONGED BIRD!
> 
> Sing and play in the meeting of the friends and the maid servants of the Merciful. Engage
> thyself in the praise and glorification of the Lord of the Kingdom. Sing a song which shall
> set aflame the world and render melodies which are effective in the hearts. I hope that to
> sing such a song will cause life and revive the hearts.
> 
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Dr. Fareed
> Chicago, Illinois February 26th 1911
> 
> # 16
> 
> Tablet to the Women's Board in answer to my supplication as Corresponding Secretary
> through Zia Bagdadi
> 
> Mrs. Ida Bush, Mrs. M. Grayson, Mrs. Fannie Leach, Mrs Elizabeth Greenleaf, Mrs. Grace
> Foster, Mrs. Christine Loeding, Miss Laura Jones, and Mrs. Mary Lesch
> 
> Shahnaz Khanum (Mrs. L.R. Waite)
> O YE BELIEVERS WHO ARE ATTRACTED TO THE CENTER OF LIGHTS
> 
> Verily there have been various Assemblies in America which were organized many times
> and out of these but a few remained firm. Supplicate to the Divine Majesty for the
> establishment of every Assembly which hath turned its face towards God, left the scattered
> desires, abandoned the self, firm in the Cause of God, as solid mountains which are not
> agitated by the winds and violent storms.
> 
> Then O ye maid servants of the Merciful, it is incumbent upon ye to be firm, sincere, highly
> energetic and in great unity, severed from all save God, effaced and annihilated in the love
> of God, sacrificing yourselves under all conditions and circumstance, and glorious so that
> you may be filled with the love of El BAHÁ and that in ye nothing remains except the
> abundance of El BAHÁ. Should ye arise for these great gifts ye may rest assured that the
> confirmation of the Holy Spirit will follow ye in every moment and instant.
> 
> Upon ye be El-BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Chicago, Illinois February 9th 1911
> Translated by Zia M. Bagdadi
> 
> # 17 (a)
> 
> Through Mirza Ahmad to Louise R. Waite
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU MAID SERVANT OF GOD!
> 
> Thy letter was received. Praise be to God that Julia and her respected husband entered
> unto the religion of God - and before her husband heard the Greatest Name - he saw the
> Blessed Name in the realm of Vision in violet light.
> 
> God willing this experience will become the cause of the awakening of the members of the
> Masonic Order. If thou knowest of the Lodge of that Order of Masons tell to those who are
> in America this experience for those numbers and their equivalent number 19 will become
> the cause of their awakening. As the numbers of the Masonic Order have not the
> fanaticism of ignorant ones they have the capacity to advance toward the Kingdom of God.
> Unquestionably exert yourselves in teaching them the Truth. Thou has written that after thy
> return from Acca thou didst become the object of persecution and derision of the ignorant
> ones.
> When thou were in Acca I told thee clearly of this fact. It is assured that you shall
> experience trials for the sake of My Lord. You shall hear derision and mocking and shall
> behold persecution and oppression. This has happened in every age. During the days of
> His Highness Christ the Jews persecuted and oppressed the apostles and heaped upon
> them continually with scorn. But they overcame and withstood all the rest through firmness
> and steadfastness. In the same manner you shall at last gain victory and become
> triumphant in such wise that all will arise in praise of you and will give you the utmost
> glorification and commendation. During the Day of His Manifestation, His Holiness, the
> Glorious Christ was called Beelzebub (that is Satan); consider now, His praise and His
> glorification is spread all over the world.
> 
> The postal card that thou hast circulated was perused. I hope that it may create an
> influence and effect among the Masons. Associate thou with the International Peace
> Society and convey to its members the greetings of His Highness Bahá'u'lláh.
> 
> Correspond thou continually with Taere Khanum and other maid servants of the Merciful in
> Persia. God willing I shall write a Tablet in regard to the unity of the women of the East and
> the West through Mrs. Brittingham.
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
> Washington D.C. May 18th 1911
> 
> # 17 (b)
> 
> Message received for me in a Tablet to Miss Fannie Knoblach from 'Abdu'l-Bahá June
> 23rd 1911
> 
> "Convey the wonderful ABHÁ greetings to.......and Mrs. Waite and tell her that the tune for
> the Dawning rays of Truth has come. These are the Days of the Spring and the time of joy
> and happiness, rejoicing and delight. Day and night the doors of the Kingdom are open
> and the confirmations of the Lord of Hosts are uninterrupted and unending."
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
> June 9th 1911
> # 18
> 
> Through Zia M. Bagdadi
> 
> To Shahnaz Khanum
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'U'LLÁH-El-ABHÁ
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU REVERED MAID SERVANT OF GOD!
> 
> Verily thy letter which tells of the gathering of the Woman's Assembly with the utmost love
> and unity on the blessed New Year was received and I have perused the card which is
> decorated with violets and on which the Name is written. I became very happy thereby.
> Convey to the maid servant of God, Mrs. Emma Holmes, my greetings. O maid servant of
> God verily I continue to remember you and I do not forget you.
> 
> Upon you be El-BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Zia M. Bagdadi
> Chicago, Illinois July 12th 1911
> 
> Received by me in London, England on the first day of the Races Congress, July 26th
> 1911 Addressed "Upon her be BAHÁ'O'LLAH-El-ABHÁ (written by 'Abdu'l-Bahá himself)
> 
> # 19
> 
> Through Ahmad Sohrab
> 
> To Shahnaz Khanum (Louise R. Waite)
> 
> O THOU SWEET SINGING MAID SERVANT OF THE ROSE GARDEN OF THE LOVE OF
> GOD!
> 
> Although you took the trouble and hastened to London yet alas our meeting was not
> brought about. But as you returned with the hope of being engaged in service in Chicago
> this was identical with a meeting. Spend thy life as much as thou canst in the path of the
> Beauty of ABHÁ. With the sweet melody sing the divine words so that the hearts may
> become attracted, the souls assured, and the spirits attached to the Heavenly Beloved.
> This is equal to a meeting. The flower that the President of the Congress gave to you and
> which you sent to me was received and inhaled. It contained a sweet fragrance.
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
> Washington D.C. February 24th 1912
> 
> The flower here mentioned was a violet annunciation Lily (a bunch of them was on the
> platform at the Races Congress, London, July 1911). The one given to me I sent by Mr.
> Sidney Sprague to 'Abdu'l-Bahá. In the same mail with the last Tablet the following one
> was received on "music".
> 
> # 20
> 
> Through Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
> 
> To Shahnaz Khanum (Louise R. Waite)
> 
> O THOU SWEET SINGING BIRD OF THE BEAUTY OF ABHÁ!
> 
> This wonderful age has rent asunder the veils of superstition and has condemned the
> prejudices of the people of the East. Among some of the Nations of the Orient music and
> harmony was not approved, but the Manifested Light (Bahá'u'lláh) in this glorious period
> has revealed in the Holy Tablets that singing and music are the spiritual food of the hearts
> and souls. In this dispensation music is one of the arts that is highly approved and is
> considered to be the cause of the exaltation of sad and despondent hearts. Therefore, O
> Shahnaz, set to music the verses and the Divine Words so that they may be sung with soul
> stirring melody in Assemblies and gatherings; and that the hearts of the listeners may
> become free from the bond of sorrow and sadness and the soul and spirit may rise toward
> the Kingdom of ABHÁ in supplication and prayer.
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
> Washington D.C. February 24th 1912
> # 21
> 
> Through Zia Bagdadi
> 
> Tablet written on the back of my poem "ANTHEM OF ALL NATIONS" and returned to me
> by 'Abdu'l-Bahá. it is in His own handwriting.
> 
> O Shahnaz Thank thou God for inspiring thee with these verses in which thou art urging for
> Peace, quietness, unity, and affiliation.
> 
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> 
> # 22
> 
> Prayer revealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá for Shahnaz Khanum to be said night and morning.
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'U'LLÁH-El-ABHÁ
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O Thou Kind Lord I am glorified for having heard the call of the Kingdom and having
> attained to the goal of my desire. I partook of a share and a portion of Thy inexhaustible
> bounties and in the Day of the Covenant have I composed hymns in Thy commemoration
> and received the name Shahnaz. O Thou Kind Lord Grant me a shelter in Thy Kingdom so
> that night and day I may be engaged in mentioning Thy Name and occupied in Thy
> glorification and praise. Bestow upon me at every moment a new Spirit so that with every
> breath I may receive a new gift, be accepted at the Divine Threshold and be well known at
> the court of the Almighty. Verily thou art the Giver and the Generous, the Kind.
> 
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Ahmad Sohrab
> Walden, Mass. August 23rd 1912
> 
> # 23
> 
> At the Plaza Hotel, November 4th 1912 on a copy of the song of Thanksgiving 'Abdu'l-
> Bahá wrote "O God suffer this beloved maid servant to be a speaker of the servitude of
> 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
> The name ('Abdu'l-Bahá) he wrote in English for the first time. Thus, "'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas"
> had always before been signed with his seal but it was stolen from him.
> 
> # 24
> 
> Paris France
> 
> To the maid servants of God
> 
> Shahnaz Khanum, Mrs. Ida Slater, Mrs. Winnie Lanyon
> 
> Chicago, Illinois
> 
> Upon them be BAHÁ'U'LLÁH-El-ABHÁ
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O YE DAUGHTERS OF THE KINGDOM!
> 
> There is very little time. All the letters from the East and the West which have come have
> remained unanswered but I write this answer to your letters. Undoubtedly whenever two or
> three souls gather together in the name of His Holiness, Bahá'o'llah, and are firm in the
> Covenant these souls will become confirmed and be conducive in leading others toward
> the Most Great Guidance.
> 
> Shahnaz then will become Shahnaz (Royal Falcon). Hunt continuously the realities and
> significances and sing such a melody as to cause reverberation throughout the pillars of
> the city. Praise be God that you are holding together meetings. I hope day by day the
> confirmations will be increased. May you advance more completely and be submerged in
> the sea of the favor of the Almighty whenever you come together in your meetings and
> read this supplication:
> 
> O Thou Heavenly Bahá! We are weak and Thou art powerful. We are poor and Thou art
> the treasury of Wealth. Confirm us, bestow eternal joy to heart and soul. Keep us far away
> from the people of discord. Breathe in us a new Spirit, confer upon us Divine strength.
> Render asunder the veils of superstition an cause the shining of the rays of mysteries.
> Verily Thou art the kind and Thou art the powerful.
> 
> I have given the name of "Gahar" (pearl) to Mrs. Ida Slater and (illumined) to Mrs. Winnie
> Lanyon.
> 
> Upon ye be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by M. Ahmad Sohrab
> Paris, France February 25, 1913
> 
> # 25
> 
> TABLET ON THE SONG OF THE COVENANT
> 
> To the maid servant of God Shahnaz
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'O'LLAH-El-ABHÁ
> 
> O THOU WHO ART REJOICING WITH THE GLAD TIDINGS OF GOD
> 
> Verily the song of the Covenant of most eloquent phrase and of most wonderful melody
> was received and the maid servants of the Merciful are singing it in the Great
> Assemblages and are rejoicing in its harmonies. Blessed and blessed art thou.
> 
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi
> Chicago, Illinois July 19 1913
> This Tablet was written with His own Blessed Hand
> 
> # 26
> 
> To the Maid Servant of God
> 
> Shahnaz Khanum (Louise R. Waite)
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU SWEET SINGING BIRD!
> 
> Thy letter was received. Thou hast asked concerning the notes which thou has written.
> These notes are the cause of the encouragement of the believers of God in the
> construction of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar therefore, the more they are published and
> circulated the better it is. I have not time to write more than this. Convey spiritual greetings
> to all the friends and the maid servants of the Merciful. Correspond continually with the
> favored maid servants of God - Lady Bloomfield and Miss Rosenberg.
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
> Ramleh, Egypt July 27, 1913
> 
> # 27
> 
> To the Beloved maid servant of God
> 
> Shahnaz Khanum
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'U'LLÁH-El-ABHÁ
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU SWEET SIGNING BIRD SHAHNAZ OF THE BAHÁ'ÍS
> 
> the fragrant flower that thou hast sent from the land of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar is at this very
> moment in my hand and I am inhaling its sweet perfume.
> 
> If on Sundays you got to the grounds of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar and raise the melody of the
> Kingdom of God for those who are present it is very acceptable. But you must speak to
> them with infinite kindness that it may exist such a love in your midst that it will influence
> them. Then they will see with their own eyes that you are distinguished from the rest of
> mankind, that you are overflowing with ecstasy and acclamation and filled with attraction
> and joy especially thy self because thou has the harp and lyre and art efficient in music.
> when the earthly music is joined with the heavenly music such happiness and acclamation
> becomes revealed in the hearts that the spirits will soar heavenward.
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
> Ramleh, Egypt September 1st 1913
> 
> # 28
> 
> Message sent through Ahmad Sohrab from 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Ramleh, Egypt - Sept. 25, 1913
> 
> My very dear Bahá'í spiritual sister,
> 
> The other day I received your kind letter of August 30th and I was going to write to you at
> the command of the Beloved - it came just at the right time. Before giving you His loving
> message I must assure you that the Beloved has great spiritual love for you. Let no one in
> any way suggest to your mind any other idea.
> 
> Now as regards the message of the Beloved. Lately a number of young Bahá'í students of
> the American College have come to visit the Beloved. Your Bahá'í poems and hymns
> having been translated into Persian and set to poetry by two most wonderful Bahá'í poets,
> are memorized by these students and sung in the chorus. They sang the hymn of
> "ALLAH'O'ABHÁ" before them. These poems are sung all over the Eastern Assemblies by
> men and women with joy and gladness. He said write to Shahnaz give her my wonderful
> Bahá'í greetings and write to her "see how your poems are read and chanted by the
> Eastern Nations with love and affection. Through the favors of Bahá'u'lláh your name is
> well know and these people although they have not seen you, they have grown to love
> you. This is the bestowal of the Blessed Perfection for which you must be very thankful."
> 
> All the students send you love and Bahá'í greetings and wish you long life and many
> blessings. May you write many more Bahá'í poems to cheer the hearts and inspire the
> souls with the Love of God and the love of humanity.
> 
> Your sincere brother in the Cause, Ahmad
> 
> From Ahmad's Diary - writing of these students he writes:
> 
> "Every one of them speaks English. They sing the Bahá'í songs and chant most beautifully
> the Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh. The Bahá'í songs and anthems of Mrs. Waite (Shahnaz) are
> translated in Persian and versified by two of our greatest poets in Tehran. These they sing
> with great feeling and emotion. All over the East the poems of our American nightingale, as
> the believers tenderly call Mrs. Waite, in their poetic language, are sung by the young men
> and women. She is loved and honored because she is the poetic voice of the West crying
> in the wilderness of cold skepticism and summoning all the members of humanity to peace
> and love. How happy she would be, how glorified she would become, how her eyes would
> be filled with tears of joy if she could listen for one moment to the melodious voices of
> these Eastern brothers singing her songs with live understanding and sympathy. Through
> this happiness she could soar to the heaven of divine nearness."
> 
> Message from 'Abdu'l-Bahá through Ahmad Sohrab:
> 
> I told the Master about your trip to Minneapolis. He was made very happy to hear from you
> and said "tell her that I will pray for her so that she may become more than ever assisted in
> the promotion of the Cause of God. This is the most important work. The angels of the
> Supreme Concourse shall assist her, the Powers of the Holy Spirit shall confirm her."
> Extract from letter from Mr. Getsinger:
> 
> We were three weeks in Haifa. The little children of the Holy family and of the believers
> have learned Mrs. Waite's songs translated into Persian. And in the evening when the
> believers gather their little ones sit down on the divan all anxious to be called upon in turn
> to sing these songs. Also the Bahá'í students of Beirut College have formed a glee club
> and there they sing her songs. The friends in Persia are learning this version of them.
> 
> # 29
> 
> Message through Dr. Zia Bagdadi contained in a Tablet received by him in April 1914
> 
> "convey my greetings to the maid servant of God Shahnaz (Mrs. Waite) and say 'Convey
> my greetings and longings to his honor the friendly Minister Mr. Jones in whose Church I
> gave a talk. Verily I still mention him and will never forget him.' Convey my greetings to
> Mrs. Bates in Minneapolis. Verily I pray God that she may obtain progress and assistance,
> may god make her husband firm and bless her son whose picture was sent to me through
> Shahnaz. As to the poem which the maid servant of God Shahnaz has composed it is in
> the utmost eloquence and beauty. Well done for this unique composition "poem on
> Mashriqu'l-Adhkar Grounds". 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> 
> # 30
> 
> To maid servant of God Shahnaz Khanum (L.R.W.)
> 
> Upon her be Bahá'u'lláh-El-ABHÁ HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU SWEET SINGING SHAHNAZ!
> 
> Thy letter and the Unity Magazine was received. Today the press of the world belonging to
> various Nations have taken the opportunity to publish the addresses of the believers of
> God and are printing them in their magazines. Consider the power of the Cause of God
> that the outsiders like unto the friends are engaged in the promotion of the Cause of God
> and are glorying in this distinction although they do not claim to be Bahá'ís.
> 
> The Dispensational Day of none of the Holy Manifestations of the Cause of God has been
> so powerful as the Day of Bahá'u'lláh. This is the distinguishing mark of His Holiness
> Bahá'u'lláh because the friend and stranger are engaged in the glorification of this Cause.
> And the believers and unbelievers are acknowledging the majesty and Grandeur of this
> Religion. This is indeed a bestowal on the part of my Lord.
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
> Home of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
> Mt. Carmel, Haifa Syria April 30th 1914
> 
> # 31
> 
> To the maid servant of God
> 
> Shahnaz Khanum
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'U'LLÁH-El-ABHÁ
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU SWEET VOICED SHAHNAZ
> 
> The melody which thou didst raise for the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar has reached the ears of
> 'Abdu'l-Bahá. It was a very sweet and heart touching melody because it contained the
> praise and glorification of his Holiness Bahá'u'lláh. Spend all thy time in the concentration
> of thought upon God. Compose and attune the Divine mysteries that thus the hearts may
> be quickened and result in the joy and happiness of the hearers/
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
> Haifa, Syria August 14th 1914
> 
> With this Tablet was enclosed one for Mrs. Drake and one for Viola Ivan in answer to
> supplications sent to `Abdul-Bahá through me.
> 
> Through maid servant of God Shahnaz Khanum
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'U'LLÁH-El-ABHÁ
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU BELOVED DIVINE MAID SERVANT
> Thy letter was received. Praise be to God that thou has been guided by the Light of the
> Great Guidance and all informed about the world of the Kingdom.
> 
> Thou must part take of a share in the Glad Tidings of the Prophets. Then render thanks
> unto God that thou has attained to this Great Bounty.
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated at Mr. Carmel
> Haifa, Syria August 14, 1914
> 
> Through Shahnaz Khanum
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'U'LLÁH-El-ABHÁ
> To the maid servant of God
> Viola Ivas
> Upon her be BAHÁ'U'LLÁH-El-ABHÁ
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU WHO ART LONGING FOR THE KINGDOM
> 
> Praise be to God that thou art illumined by the Light of Guidance and hast partaken of a
> share in the outpourings of the Divine Favors and directed thy face completely unto the
> Kingdom of ABHÁ. This thou wilt gain a part in the Breath of the Holy Spirit.
> 
> Upon thee be BAHÁ-El-ABHÁ
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated at Mt. Carmel
> Haifa, Syria August 14, 1014
> 
> From Ahmad’s Diary
> 
> Tiberias Sea of Galilee Syria
> 
> "It was in one of these mountains surrounding the sea that when Christ saw great
> multitudes of people following Him He went up in a mountain and delivered the wonderful
> Sermon of Beatitudes. Indeed this is a hallowed token in the glorious Land of Promise and
> Divine Performance. The peaceful scene of the opening career of the Redeemer, the
> cradle of the Teachings, the country of His Disciples, His chosen retreat when He hid
> Himself from His foes. The landscape is felt strongly by many travelers and is reflected in
> simple story of the Evangelists. We are carried back to the life on its shores by the parable
> of the net, by that of the lost sheep, by the image of the sheep-fold and the beautiful lilies.
> These flowers more glorious than Solomon's purple still abound and now He has come
> back again to people once more to these shores with sacred teachings and spiritual
> healings. As I write it here so that you may sing it in memory of the spiritual days that I
> shall live near the Master, and probably our dear Mrs. Waite will compose a new song with
> a new message.
> 
> "Each gentle dove and sighing bough that makes the eve so
> blessed; to one has something from Divine bow. It brings
> me back to Galilee. O Galilee! Sweet Galilee! Where Jesus
> loved so much to be. O Galilee! Sweet Galilee come thy song
> again to me."
> 
> # 32
> 
> O THOU SWEET SINGING BIRD!
> 
> Thy letter was received. From its contents it became evident that thou has moved from
> Chicago to Los Angeles. Praise be to God that thou art engaged and confirmed in the
> services of the Kingdom of God. With a sweet melody thou art imparting joy and
> exhilaration to the souls and in the meetings. Stir and move the audiences through the
> heavenly call.
> 
> Arise thou and offer due thanks for this bounty because thou art assisted in such a great
> Cause. The results of thy services thou shalt find in the Divine World, the limitless
> Universe of the True One. Their fruits will likewise become apparent ere long in this world.
> 
> I praised the article that thou has written concerning the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. Thou has
> taken much trouble in the correspondence of numbers. The digit 9 is the perfect number
> and other higher numbers are the repetition of 1 to 9. For example 10 is the repetition of
> number 1. 20 is the repetition of number 2. 100 is the repetition of number 10. 1000 is the
> repetition of 100 ad infinitum. Consequently the most perfect and the greatest digit is
> number 9. Extract as far as thou canst the hidden significance from number 5 and 9. thy
> reasoning and thy power of thought are very penetrating.
> 
> Thy poem "Sons of God" that thou hast forwarded was in reality very wonderful, sweet,
> eloquent, fluent and its meanings all thrilling. Strive thou in the composition of such pieces
> so that at all times the pure river of poesy may flow from they tongue. The maid servant of
> God was ascended to the Divine Kingdom: Taere wrote a matchless translation of their
> poems. She always translated them into Persian poetry which made them very beautiful.
> Keep the letters that the has with thyself for many letters mailed from America do not reach
> us. Praise be to God that the meetings in Los Angeles are in the utmost state of unity and
> concord. This news brought to us great happiness. Convey on my behalf to each and all of
> the believers my loving greetings and kindness.
> 
> Thou has written about Ella Wheeler Wilcox. The respected lady has infinite capability.
> She is like a lamp filled with oil which no sooner comes in contact with fire that it is aglow.
> 
> Now it is thus hoped that she may become enkindled with the Fire of the Love of God and
> her Torch become so luminous as to illumine all directions. A letter is written her name.
> Deliver it to her.
> 
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> 
> # 33
> 
> Haifa Palestine
> 
> December 30th 1918
> 
> To the maid servant of God Shahnaz Khanum, Los Angeles, California
> 
> Upon her be BAHÁ'U'LLÁH-El-Abhá
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU REVERED MAID SERVANT OF GOD!
> 
> Thy letter from Los Angeles was received. Than Divine Providence that thou has been
> assisted in service and has been the cause of the promotion of the Oneness of humanity.
> 
> Not until the darkness of differences among men is dissipated will the Pavilion of unity cast
> its shadow over all regions; otherwise rest and comfort, peace and reconciliation are
> unachievable. This illumined age requires and necessitates its fulfillment. Every century
> has its ideal which in accordance with that century is confirmed in this illumined era. That
> which is confirmed is the Oneness of humanity. Every soul who serves this Oneness will
> undoubtedly be assisted. I hope that in the Assemblies thou mayest sing praises with
> sweet melodies and thus become the cause of joy and gladness to all. Convey on my
> behalf greetings and respect to thy revered husband.
> Upon thee be El-Bahá-El-Abhá
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Shoghi Rabbani in Haifa, Dec. 30th 1918
> 
> # 34
> 
> To the maid servant of God Louise R. Waite, Los Angeles, California
> 
> Upon her be Bahá'u'lláh-El-Abhá
> 
> O THOU DEAR MAID SERVANT OF BAHÁ'U'LLÁH!
> 
> The letter thou has written to his honor Mr. Tudor Pole was perused. It is just what thou
> has written, namely that the question of supreme importance center around promulgation
> of the Divine Teachings. This is conducive to amity among all denominations and races
> that dwell on the earth, it links together the East and the West, bands closely together the
> North and the South pillars of the pavilion of the Oneness of the world of humanity, lays
> the foundation of universal peace, emancipates mankind from the gloom of the world of
> nature, and elevates it to the illumination of the Kingdom, secures freedom for all the
> hearts, and gladdens the souls with the glad tidings of God.
> 
> As to the question of reincarnation of which thou has inquired it is better for thee to refer to
> the Book of Certitude (Ighan) revealed through the Supreme pen where the question is
> fully treated. This is the explicit text of the Divine Utterance and therein thou shall find that
> it has been manifestly declared that by "return" is meant the "return of human perfection's
> and Divine Illumination". The Book of Ighan has been translated and possesses the
> decisive verdict. Consider and peruse it with the utmost carefulness.
> 
> Concerning childish activities of some which you have written about. Praise be to God thou
> has been able to fulfill admirably thy mission. Thou hast armed with the power of the
> Covenant resisted and surmounted these unwise and foolish attempts. Thou has protected
> the Cause of God and has striven to expose and reveal the Truth to the people of that
> region. These people are like unto children at every hour they exhibit a fresh and puerile
> attempt, but all that is likened to a ripple on the surface of the water. Ere long thou shall
> consider that no sign and no trace shall remain there from.
> 
> The ocean of the Covenant shall send forth a wave that shall disperse and throw out these
> foams. Consider thou at the time of Christ and think how many childish attempts have
> been made by different persons. What claims they have advanced and what a multitude
> have they gathered around themselves?
> 
> Even Arius attracted to himself a million and a half followers and strove and endeavored to
> sow the seeds of sedition in the Cause of Christ, but eventually the sea of Christ surged
> and cast out all the gathering parts and nothing was left behind save ever lasting
> valediction.
> 
> My friend engage in the promulgation of the Divine Teachings that ye may serve in a
> distinguished manner the Oneness of the world of humanity, may be the means of the
> propagation of Universal Peace, that the world of mankind nay reflect like unto a mirror the
> Divine Kingdom and that the light of the realm on High may shine in the nether world.
> 
> Convey on my behalf to all the friends and particularly to thy respected husband, Mr.
> Waite, the utmost love and kindness.
> 
> Upon thee be Bahá'u'lláh-El-Abhá
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Shoghi Rabbani
> Haifa, Palestine (home of 'Abdu'l-Bahá) March 15, 1919
> 
> An answer to their supplications which I sent with one from myself January 2nd 1919
> 
> # 35
> 
> To maid servant of God Shahnaz Waite, Los Angeles
> 
> Upon her be the Glory of God the Most Glorious
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O! DEAR DAUGHTER
> 
> Thy letter was received. It's contents were understood. Thy aim is very high and thy
> intention superb. The President of the Republic had beneficial purposes but time and
> situation did not comply. All the 14 points which were contained in the President's
> proclamation were revealed years ago in the blessed Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh. Of them one
> is the universal peace but His most high Bahá'u'lláh clearly says that the Assembly of
> Universal Peace must be composed of members from all Nations and Governments, even
> from the small States.
> 
> Had it been done in this way difficulties would not have arisen. At any rate we pray for the
> President and supplicate comfort and ease for him so that he may perhaps perceive Divine
> breathings, may in the latter days of his life attain a new life, attach his heart to the
> Kingdom of God and be freed from the painful thoughts of this world.
> For thy sake I was going to write a letter to him but time does not permit. He is at present
> submerged in sickness and politics. His mind is occupied, such letters have no effect on
> him.
> 
> As to the prisoners since they are in prison they have capacity for education. Therefore thy
> being in touch with them can bring them to a new consciousness. May it be that some
> souls among these prisoners may be reformed and become presentations of the Divine
> Bounties.
> 
> Upon thee be the Glory of the Most Glorious
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Azyullah Bahadur
> Haifa January 25, 1920
> Received in San Diego March 1920
> 
> With this Tablet was one enclosed for my San Quentin class in answer to a supplication
> signed by them and sent to the beloved by me.
> 
> O YE AFFECTED ONES!
> 
> Though imprisonment is calamitous and the cause of discomfort and every prisoner
> depressed and disappointed; yet his calamity may rise to remorse, free the breast for the
> understandable Kingdom of God.
> 
> If you obtain this freedom to such a degree as to forget the prison, that is to make your
> hearts occupied with God, act according to the Divine Teachings, meditate humbly day
> and night and supplicate to the Kingdom of God there will be no doubt that ye will be
> released from the gloomy conditions and enter the realm of Light.
> 
> Then imprisonment shall become freedom, the narrowness of the prison shall turn into
> hearts invigorating. Space and pains and sorrows shall be changed into boundless
> happiness.
> 
> Now my hope is such that ye may recognize the light of Truth in the darkness of prison,
> that ye may in that narrow confine search for the extensive space of the Kingdom, that ye
> may in that locality of affliction secure heavenly bounty and be directed by Divine
> Guidance so that ye may undergo a second birth and with the fire of the love of God, with
> water of Life, and with the Holy Ghost ye may be baptized. At that time ye shall realize that
> imprisonment was the essence of Divine Beauty, and affliction the cause of the comfort of
> heart and soul.
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas, Haifa
> Azyullah Bahadur
> 
> # 36
> 
> To the maid servant of God Shahnaz Waite, San Diego, California
> 
> Upon her be the Glory of God the most Glorious
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU WHO ART THE DAUGHTER OF THE KINGDOM
> 
> Thy letter has been received. Due to the scarcity of time I write in answer briefly. The body
> of man which has been formed gradually must similarly be decomposed gradually. this is
> according to the real material order and Divine Law. If it had been better for it to have been
> burned after death in its very creation it would have been so planned that the body would
> automatically become ignited after death, be consumed and turn into ashes. But the Divine
> Order formulated by the Heavenly Ordinance is that after death this body shall be
> transformed from one stage to another, different from the preceding one so that according
> to the relations which exist in the world it may gradually combine and mix with other
> elements thus going through various stages until it arrives in the vegetable kingdom. There
> turning into plants and flowers and developing into trees of the highest Paradise, becoming
> perfumed and attaining the beauty of color. Cremation suppresses it speedily from
> attainment to these transformations, the elements becoming so quickly decomposed that
> transformation to these various stages is checked.
> 
> Convey on my behalf my utmost love to thy honored husband. I am supplicating that he
> may day by day attain to spiritual development as regards the meeting which has been
> formed in that city. It is my hope that - that Assembly may become illumined and like unto
> a rose garden and it diffuse sweet fragrances.
> 
> Convey on my behalf respectful greetings to Miss Mary Fenn. In reality this dear maid
> servant of God has arisen in service deserving of the bestowal of the Divine Bounties. I
> should like to write a letter to the friends in San Diego but scarcity of opportunity - I suffice
> with a short supplication for them:
> 
> "O THOU THE LORD OF HOSTS!
> The city of San Diego was like a lifeless body. Now a Breath of the Spirit of Life has wafted
> over these regions; some souls have arisen from the graves of the world of nature, which
> is the eternal death! They have been revived through the Holy Ghost and they have started
> in servitude to Thy Threshold.
> 
> O thou affectionate Lord! Bestow upon these feather and wingless birds two heavenly
> wings and give unto them spiritual strength so that they may soar into limitless space and
> attain to the apex of the Kingdom of Abhá.
> 
> O Lord, strengthen these feeble seedlings so that each one may develop into a fruitful tree
> exhibiting the utmost freshness and liveliness. Assist them and make them victorious so
> that they may rout and vanquish the army of ignorance and misapprehension, while lifting
> up the Banner of Love and Guidance among the people, bestowing like unto the spring
> breeze freshness and life unto the tree of humanity (giving greenness and life) like unto the
> Spring shower to the meadows of that continent. Verily Thou art Able and Powerful, the
> Bestower and the Affectionate.
> 
> Upon thee be Bahá-El-Abhá
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Azyullah S. Bahadur
> Haifa, Palestine June 2nd 1920
> 
> # 37
> 
> LIBERTY BELL SONG
> 
> To the attracted maid servant of God Shahnaz Waite
> 
> Upon her be the Glory of the Most Glorious
> 
> HE IS GOD
> O THOU SWEET SINGING BIRD
> 
> The new song has been received. Verily, verily art thou raising sweet melodies in the Rose
> Garden of the love of God. The vibration of this melody will forever give pleasure to the
> ears of the children of the Kingdom.
> 
> Upon thee be the Glory of Abhá
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Azyullah S. Bahadur August 15 1920
> Haifa, Palestine
> # 38
> 
> Received on St. Valentines Day of February 14th 1921
> 
> To Mrs. Shahnaz Waite
> 
> Upon her be the Glory of God the most Glorious!
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU DEAR MAID SERVANT OF GOD!
> 
> Your letter has been forwarded. An answer is written to Mrs. Marcella Morgan. It is
> enclosed, forward it. Forward my greatest kindness to Mrs. Bartlett and say unto her "I
> pray to God thou mayest like unto the mountain be firm and steadfast in the Covenant and
> Testament. Mr. Waite has become enkindled too. Praise be unto God thou hast formed a
> Bahá'í Rose Garden. give the name "Nourieh" to Mrs. Morgan. >From the faces of the
> souls whose pictures thou has enclosed the light of the love of God is manifest and visible.
> Convey my greetings to all.
> 
> Unto thee be the Glory of Abhá
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Azizullah Bahadur
> Haifa December 20th 1920
> 
> The name NOURIEH means 'luminous'.
> 
> This the 38th Tablet is my last for He the Beloved of my heart and soul has ascended unto
> the Supreme Concourse November 28th 1921. Unto Him have all my songs been sung
> and all my poems been written. He, the nightingale of my soul, may His Spirit still inspire
> me and guide my steps until I too shall ascend and be with Him forever; for while I was in
> Acca He said to me as I sat closely by his side "Many have started out upon this journey
> and never arrived and many have arrived but have never attained the meeting, but you
> have attained and as you are with me today so shall you be throughout all the world of
> God." O glorious promise of immortal bliss. Shahnaz Waite
> 
> Heavenly Post Scripts
> 
> The three following Tablets were found among 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablets unmailed after his
> ascension. Two were written in 1904 and one while He was in America in 1912 at Dublin,
> N.H. They were sent to me by Shoghi Effendi and came like a Heavenly Benediction from
> His Spirit from the realms above.
> 
> # 39
> 
> To the maid servant of God Louise R. Waite
> Upon her be Bahá'u'lláh
> 
> He is God
> 
> O THOU WHO ART ATTRACTED TO GOD!
> 
> Thy eloquent and fluent poems were read. They were in the utmost sweetness. I beg God
> that thy poetic nature become abounding and exhaustless so that perched on the Tree of
> Knowledge, like unto a sweet singing bird of the Meadows, thou mayest break into the
> most wonderful and enchanting melodies.
> 
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Acca, September 1904
> 
> # 40
> 
> To the maid servant of God Louise R. Waite
> Upon her be Bahá'u'lláh
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU WHO ART ATTRACTED TO THE FRAGRANCES OF GOD!
> 
> Thy poems were in the utmost sweetness flowing from a nature imbued with the love of
> God. Let them be read and sung in the Assemblies. In praise and sanctification of the
> glorious Lord compose thou verses of Oneness and at every moment obtain new bounties.
> 
> O thou maid servant of God! The physical life is sustained by respiration, eating food, and
> drinking of water, but the Spiritual life consists of the mentioning of the True One, the love
> of God, the explanation of the Knowledge of God, and attraction to the Beauty of Abhá.
> This is ever lasting life, this is eternal spirituality and this is the Effulgence of His Highness
> the True One, in the hearts of humanity. I hope that thou mayest be forever stationed in
> this condition.
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá
> Acca September 1904
> 
> # 41
> 
> This Tablet was written when the Beloved of my heart was in America. The envelope is all
> worn out from being carried around.
> 
> To the maid servant of God
> 
> Shahnaz Khanum
> 
> Upon her be Bahá-El-Abhá
> 
> HE IS GOD
> 
> O THOU BELOVED MAID SERVANT
> 
> Thy letter was received. From its contents it became evident that thou art intending to
> come to Boston. God willing after thy arrival in Boston meeting will be obtained. Thou must
> come with the old song so that the melodies and harmonies may impart the utmost joy and
> fragrance.
> 
> Convey the most wonderful Abhá greetings to thy respected husband.
> 
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Dublin, N.H. 1912
> 
> These Tablets were brought to America by Roy Wilhelm and given to him while in Haifa by
> Shoghi Effendi and were translated by Ahmad Sohrab. Each was dated, signed and sealed
> by 'Abdu'l-Bahá ----- Shahnaz
> 
> First letter from Shoghi Effendi
> 
> A NEW CHAPTER - MY FIRST LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI THE GUARDIAN OF
> THE CAUSE OF BAH'U'LLAH
> 
> Haifa, Palestine
> January 6th 1924
> 
> In his own handwriting
> 
> My dearest spiritual sister,
> 
> Never doubt that the memory and the melody of Shahnaz and her devoted and untiring
> service to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh have grown divine in my mind. Your beautiful spirit,
> your boundless love and your unflinching candor are, I assure you, and inspiration to me in
> my work. In return I pray for you from the bottom of my heart that after a fruitful and faithful
> life of service to His Cause you may obtain the crown of everlasting glory from the hands
> of `Abdu'l-Abha in His Kingdom above.
> 
> I never forget you, Shoghi
> 
> Second letter from Shoghi Effendi
> 
> Haifa, Palestine December 2nd 1924
> 
> Shahnaz Waite, Hollywood, California
> 
> My precious co-worker
> 
> The verses you wrote eloquently testify to your unwavering faith, unbounded love and high
> resolve to labor unceasingly for His Great Cause. I pray for you that He may guide you,
> strengthen you, comfort you and relieve you and lead you to glorious victory.
> 
> I will never forget you, Shoghi
> 
> Received December 26th (day after Christmas)
> 
> Third letter from Shoghi Effendi
> 
> Haifa, Palestine, January 4th 1925
> 
> My dearest spiritual sister,
> 
> Your magnificent services past and present are unforgettable and have drawn you closer
> and closer to me, to the Beloved and His family. I assure you we all appreciate the spirit of
> earnest and unfailing endeavor which animates you in your glorious service to our Beloved
> Master.
> May your joint efforts with that precious and untiring fellow worker, Mrs. Victoria Bedikan,
> lend a fresh impetus to this mighty Cause. I will never fail to pray and pray earnestly for
> both of you.
> 
> Your true brother, Shoghi
> 
> Portions of the Tablet received by Henrietta Wagner with message to me.
> 
> Haifa, Syria October 24th 1916
> 
> O THOU DEAR SERVANT OF GOD!
> 
> The details and ideas that thou has written in thy letter was read. The news of the
> promotion of the Word of God in Los Angeles imparted infinite rejoicing - for in the course
> of the brief day I was there in that state. I scattered pure seed in rich and virgin grounds.
> Praise be to God that they are sprouting and day by day the beauty and greenness of the
> Divine Farm is growing and developing. There is no doubt that the blessings and heavenly
> "Benediction" shall encircle it and ere long innumerable souls shall allay their thirst from
> this pure mountain. Praise be to God that meetings are organized and the Holy Fragrances
> are being diffused.
> 
> Thou has written concerning love, marriage, and divorce. Love is the moving principle of all
> the phenomena. It is the first Divine Grace and its effects are apparent and manifest in all
> the degrees of existence. Marriage is the essential and the outward fruit of Love. It is the
> cause of affinity and communication between two souls. This affinity and love has an
> eternal foundation therefore divorce is abominable and detestable at the Threshold of the
> Almighty. For God has desired for man amity not hatred; He has desired for him unity and
> not separation. Not with standing this weighty consideration when no harmony and accord
> is obtained between two souls and they loathe and abhor each other's association and
> both sides feel continual torment and anguish, unquestionably separation from each other
> is better because both are suffering and union is impossible. But they must take hold of
> this last means when all other resources of reconciliation are exhausted. Perchance union
> may appear again and the two souls be united permanently and peacefully. When at last
> union becomes impossible of a realization and positively unattainable then divorce is
> permitted.
> 
> Convey on my behalf respectful greetings to the sweet singing bird of the Rose Garden of
> Wisdom Shahnaz Khanum. I always remember her and pray for her conformation and
> assistance.
> Upon thee be greetings and praise
> 
> Signed `Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> 
> Received in Los Angeles January 22nd 1917
> 
> EDGAR'S FIRST TABLET
> 
> To his honor Mr. Edgar Waite, Los Angeles
> Upon him be Bahá'u'lláh-El-Abhá
> 
> HE IS GOD
> O THOU WHO ART TURNING THY FACE TO THE KINGDOM
> 
> Thy respected wife has written a letter and praised thy character and thy conduct; thou has
> become lordly illumined, attracted to the Kingdom, hast secured a share and portion from
> the breaths of the Holy Spirit, has attained unto everlasting life and hast been gladdened
> and filled with joy. She has also sent the poem which she composed in praise of the
> Convention. Verily the verses were in the utmost eloquence and sweetness and were the
> cause of the gladness of their hearers. I hope that through the bounties of the Lord both of
> you may pass our days in the utmost joy and fragrance and become the cause of the
> promulgation of the Divine Teachings.
> 
> Convey on behalf of 'Abdu'l-Bahá to thy respected wife His wonderful Abhá greetings and
> say "The kindness, the training and the education extended to prisoners is an exceedingly
> important question, as thou has therefore exerted and effort along that line and has
> awakened some of them and hast been the cause of their turning their faces toward the
> Divine Kingdom. This praise worthy deed is highly acceptable. Persevere assuredly along
> that line.
> 
> Convey on my behalf to the two prisoners at San Quentin the utmost kindness and tell
> them that prison in the sight of wise souls is the school of training and development. Ye
> must strive with heart and soul that ye become famous in character and knowledge.
> 
> Signed 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas
> Translated by Shoghi Rabbani
> Haifa, Palestine July 18th 1919
> Message to Ahmad Sohrab
> 
> Message in a Tablet written to Ahmad Sohrab - June 24th 1920
> 
> "Praise be to God Shahnaz is full of song and melody like unto the flute player is singing
> the notes of the Divine Musician."
> 
> The End
>
> — *Letters to Louise R. Waite (Used by permission of the curator)*