Issues of Society

Titanic Disaster

Source: The Promulgation of Universal Peace
Talk at Home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Parsons, Washington, D.C.
23 April 1912

In the spring of 1912, news of the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage dominated the headlines. It was the largest ship in its day.‘Abdu’l-Baha, was planning a teaching tour in North America, and some Baha’is suggested that He travel aboard Titanic. But ‘Abdu’l-Baha chose instead to journey aboard the SS Cedric saying, “No, we will go direct, trusting in the assistance and protection of the Blessed Beauty.” ‘Abdu’l-Baha arrived in New York on April 11, the day after the Titanic left England. Days later the Titanic had tragically sunk taking about 1,500 lives.

‘Abdu’l-Baha addressing the calamity stated, “… [it’s] a terrible event has happened in the world, an event saddening to every heart and grieving every spirit. … many of our fellow human beings were drowned, a number of beautiful souls passed beyond this earthly life.” 

‘Abdu’l-Baha then added,  “… I am very sad indeed. But when I consider this calamity in another aspect, I am consoled by the realization that the worlds of God are infinite; that though they were deprived of this existence, they have other opportunities in the life beyond, even as Christ has said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” They were called away from the temporary and transferred to the eternal; they abandoned this material existence and entered the portals of the spiritual world. Foregoing the pleasures and comforts of the earthly, they now partake of a joy and happiness far more abiding and real, for they have hastened to the Kingdom of God. The mercy of God is infinite, and it is our duty to remember these departed souls in our prayers and supplications that they may draw nearer and nearer to the Source itself.

… At first it is very difficult to welcome death, but after attaining its new condition the soul is grateful, for it has been released from the bondage of the limited to enjoy the liberties of the unlimited. It has been freed from a world of sorrow, grief and trials to live in a world of unending bliss and joy. The phenomenal and physical have been abandoned in order that it may attain the opportunities of the ideal and spiritual. Therefore, the souls of those who have passed away from earth and completed their span of mortal pilgrimage in the Titanic disaster have hastened to a world superior to this….These are the only considerations which can comfort and console those whom they have left behind.

… Let no one imagine that these words imply that man should not be thorough and careful in his undertakings. God has endowed man with intelligence so that he may safeguard and protect himself. Therefore, he must provide and surround himself with all that scientific skill can produce. He must be deliberate, thoughtful and thorough in his purposes, build the best ship and provide the most experienced captain; yet, withal, let him rely upon God and consider God as the one Keeper. If God protects, nothing can imperil man’s safety; and if it be not His will to safeguard, no amount of preparation and precaution will avail.”