Letters to Louise R. Waite
Exported from Holy-Writings.com on 2026-06-19 - 1 clipping

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.
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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)