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Event
Mobarek Anderson Headstone Dedication Tour
Mobarek Anderson had the distinct honor of being named by 'Abdu'l-Baha.
Abdul-Baha (ab dool ba há), n., 1844-1921, the eldest son of Bahaullah, prophet and founder of the Bahai Faith, and its leader after the passing of his father in 1892. Baháís see Abdul-Bahá, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, as "the stainless Mirror" of Baháulláhs light, "the perfect Exemplar of His teachings, the unerring Interpreter of His Word, the embodiment of every Baháí ideal, the incarnation of every Baháí virtue." Abdul-Bahá is "the 'Mystery of God'an expression by which Baháulláh Himself has chosen to designate Him, and which . . . indicates how in the person of Abdul-Bahá the incompatible characteristics of a human nature and superhuman knowledge and perfection have been blended and are completely harmonized."
During His sojourn in the United States in 1912, Abdul-Bahá constantly emphasized in public addresses, private conversations, and written communications the importance of eradicating the racism deeply ingrained in American society. "God maketh no distinction between the white and the black," Abdul-Bahá told a gathering in New York City. "God is no respecter of persons on account of either color or race. All colors are acceptable to Him, be they white, black, or yellow. Inasmuch as all were created in the image of God, we must bring ourselves to realize that all embody divine possibilities."
Appreciating these limitations on the part of His hearers, 'Abdu'l-Bahá did not hesitate to introduce into His relations with Western believers actions that summoned them to a level of consciousness far above mere social liberalism and tolerance. One example that must stand for a range of such interventions was His gentle but dramatic act in encouraging the marriage of Louis Gregory and Louise Mathew the one black, the other white. The initiative set a standard for the American Bahá'í community as to the real meaning of racial integration, however timid and slow its members were in responding to the core implications of the challenge.
Another was the naming of Mobarek Anderson, the daughter of Alan Arthur Anderson and Jeannette Hill in April 1912 at the Parsons residence, Jeannette explains: Everyone there was gathered in the sun parlor which was beautifully decorated with an abundance of plants, caged birds, and elaborate furnishings. A number of the areas wealthiest people were present. A hush fell over the room as Abdul-Baha entered, dressed in a flowing garment, sandals and a white turban on his head. All those present stood and broke into song. As Joy to the World, the Lord has Come filled the room, I wondered how he would know which baby would be named as there were a number of children seeking his blessing. When all was quiet, Abdul-Baha walked toward me, took my tiny daughter in his arms, cuddling her close. He kissed her, blessed her, and named her in his native tongue.
To fully appreciate who 'Abdu'l-Baha selected to name, and how she came to be there in his presence this bus tour will take you through the life of the Anderson family from liberation from enslavement to encountering the Baha'i Faith, and finally to Mobarek's naming by 'Abdu'l-Baha. The tour will conclude with a dedication of a headstone on Mobarek's grave providing an eternal place of reflection upon her life and the blessings the world will have achieved when they regard Americans of African Descent as Pupils of the Eye, as 'Abdu'l-Baha had written to Mobarek's father:
"O thou who hast an illumined heart! Thou art even as the pupil of the eye, the very wellspring of the light, for Gods love hath cast its rays upon thine inmost being and thou hast turned thy face toward the Kingdom of thy Lord.
Intense is the hatred, in America, between black and white, but my hope is that the power of the Kingdom will bind these two in friendship, and serve them as a healing balm.
Let them look not upon a mans colour but upon his heart. If the heart be filled with light, that man is nigh unto the threshold of his Lord; but if not, that man is careless of his Lord, be he white or be he black."
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LocationSandy Springs Friend's Meeting House - Parking Lot - To Board the Tour Bus (View)
17715 Meeting house Road sandy spring MD 20860
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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Contact
Accessibility
Must have the capacity to walk 1 mile of relatively flat ground over 8 hours.
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