'Abdu'l-Baha on Fate, Disasters and Accidents: The Sinking of the Titanic

Why does God allow disasters to happen? ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in a talk given on the 23 April 1912 addresses the question of fate, accidents and disasters through the the sinking of the Titanic. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá , the son of Baha'u'llah, Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith, was encouraged by friends and followers to travel on the Maiden Voyage of the Titanic from Southampton, England, to New York City on the 10th of April 1912. Friends had sent thousands of dollars urging ʻAbdu'l-Bahá to leave the Cedric in Italy and travel to England to sail on the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. Instead He returned the money for charity and continued the voyage on the Cedric. However, He was naturally deeply saddened by the loss of lives on the Titanic and addressed these words of consolation and insight into the nature of disasters to those gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Parsons​ in Washington DC some days later:
"Today I have been speaking from dawn until now, yet because of love, fellowship and desire to be with you, I have come here to speak again briefly. Within the last few days a terrible event has happened in the world, an event saddening to every heart and grieving every spirit. I refer to the Titanic disaster, in which many of our fellow human beings were drowned, a number of beautiful souls passed beyond this earthly life. Although such an event is indeed regrettable, we must realize that everything which happens is due to some wisdom and that nothing happens without a reason. Therein is a mystery; but whatever the reason and mystery, it was a very sad occurrence, one which brought tears to many eyes and distress to many souls. I was greatly affected by this disaster. Some of those who were lost voyaged on the Cedric with us as far as Naples and afterward sailed upon the other ship. When I think of them, 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.”' ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Promulgation of Universal Peace. Notes by Joseph H. Hannen.
#titanic
Read by: Nahal Mavaddat
Music: Gentle Piano Olexandr Music - No copyright music olexandrignato...
Video: Licenced images from istock, pond5, shutterstock and vecteezy www.vecteezy.c...

[@1SpiritualTruth]

Thank you Nahal! May humanity see the wisdom captured in this inspiring film.

[@oliver9937]

Very powerful

[@oceanofmywords-bahaimedita3382]

Thank you so much!

[@mamitbelay6210]

It's very beautiful . I will use it in #devotional. ❤

[@oceanofmywords-bahaimedita3382]

Thank you ❤

[@didierc.7519]

That’s a great video! I love it. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@oceanofmywords-bahaimedita3382]

Thank you!

[@mamitbelay6210]

It's also #timely with all kind of #earthquake and #flooding # natural disaster happening its a comfort to hear this. ❤

[@SufyMusic]

This I really unique and it does sound good

[@oceanofmywords-bahaimedita3382]

Thank you! ❤

[@foad-n4m]

beautifully recited

[@oceanofmywords-bahaimedita3382]

thank you so much! 🙏❤️

[@paulrhys9978]

Very beautiful and moving! Fascinating to see the historic footage.

[@oceanofmywords-bahaimedita3382]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@nasimmavaddat4545]

Deep and thought-provoking words, beautiful reading ❤❤❤

[@oceanofmywords-bahaimedita3382]

Thank you ❤️

[@joeb5507]

❤