Service to Others

Work as Worship

Source: Paris Talks by ‘Abdu’l-Baha

‘Abdu’l-Baha answered questions from guests gathered at 97 Cadogan Gardens, including these:

Should Prayer take the form of action?

‘Abdu’l-Baha – Yes: In the Baha’i Cause arts, sciences and all crafts are (counted as) worship. The man who makes a piece of notepaper to the best of his ability, conscientiously, concentrating all his forces on perfecting it, is giving praise to God. Briefly, all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer. A physician ministering to the sick, gently, tenderly, free from prejudice and believing in the solidarity of the human race, he is giving praise.

What is the purpose of our lives?

‘Abdu’l-Baha – To acquire virtues….