The Day of the Covenant is the day when Baháʼís celebrate the appointment of ʻAbdu’l-Bahá as the Centre of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. It occurs yearly on the 4th day of Speech (Qawl) which coincides with either November 25 or 26 depending on when Naw Ruz falls on that year. As mentioned above, this year, Baháʼís observe the Day of the Covenant on 25th November 2024.
The Day of the Covenant: Honoring the Legacy of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
On 25th November 2024, the global Bahá’í Community will commemorate the Day of the Covenant, a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the life, teachings, and enduring influence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of the Bahá’í Covenant. This day serves as a profound reminder of the unity, love, and steadfastness embodied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who played a pivotal role in guiding the Bahá’í Faith and fostering harmony among its followers.
Born on 23rd May 1844 in Tehran, Persia, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. He was designated by Bahá’u’lláh as His successor and the Center of His Covenant—a position unique in religious history. In this role, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was entrusted with preserving the unity of the Bahá’í community, interpreting His Father’s teachings, and exemplifying the principles of the Faith.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life was marked by steadfast devotion to humanity, despite enduring decades of imprisonment and exile alongside Bahá’u’lláh. After Bahá’u’lláh’s passing in 1892, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá became the unifying force for the burgeoning Bahá’í community, guiding them with wisdom, compassion, and clarity.
The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh is a unique feature of the Bahá’í Faith, ensuring the unity and continuity of the Faith after Bahá’u’lláh’s passing. Unlike other religious traditions that often faced division following the death of their founders, the Bahá’í Covenant provided a clear framework to prevent schism.
In His Will and Testament, Bahá’u’lláh appointed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the sole interpreter of His writings and the leader of the Bahá’í community. This explicit designation safeguarded the unity of the Faith and established a model of leadership based on love, humility, and service.
The Day of the Covenant is observed annually to honor ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s vital role in upholding the Bahá’í Covenant. It is not considered a holy day of rest but a day of celebration and reflection. Bahá’ís gather in devotional meetings to read the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, reflect on His life, and recommit themselves to the principles of unity and service that He exemplified.
The choice of 25th November for this observance is significant. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, out of humility, requested that the Bahá’í community not celebrate His birthday (22nd May 1844) as it coincided with the Declaration of the Báb, another sacred event in the Bahá’í calendar. Instead, He designated the Day of the Covenant as an opportunity for His followers to express their love and gratitude.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s legacy is not only one of leadership but also of action. He traveled extensively, particularly in the West, to spread the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. His speeches and writings emphasized the unity of humanity, the elimination of prejudice, the equality of men and women, and the establishment of world peace.
In 1921, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away in Haifa, Israel, leaving a profound impact on all who had encountered Him. His Will and Testament further ensured the continuation of the Bahá’í Covenant by establishing the institution of the Guardianship and outlining the principles for the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing body of the Bahá’í Faith.
Devotional gatherings, artistic expressions, and community service projects will be held in various locations, fostering unity and celebrating the principles of love, justice, and peace that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá championed.
In a world often marked by division and strife, the Day of the Covenant serves as a beacon of hope, reminding humanity of the potential for unity and collective progress.
The Day of the Covenant is more than a commemoration; it is a call to action for Bahá’ís and all people to embody the teachings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in their daily lives. By drawing inspiration from His life and works, individuals can contribute to building a more just and harmonious world, fulfilling the vision of Bahá’u’lláh for the unity of humankind.
Compiled by
Jaya Raju Thota, Greater Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
