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The Secret of Divine Civilization

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The Secret of Divine Civilization is the classic Baha'i religious text written by 'Abdu'l-Baha, literally "Servant of the Glory", the title accepted by the 'Abbas Effendi (1844-1921), the eldest son and appointed successor of Baha'u'llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha'i faith. Imprisoned since age nine, 'Abdu'l-Baha spent his life largely incarcerated or in exile with his father due to the will of the Ottoman Empire. Encapsulating a lifetime of devotion to Baha'u'llah's teachings, The Secret of Divine Civilization embodies the Baha'i Faith and its creeds that there is one God, one human race, and one evolving religion. Presented in an affordable and compact paperback size, The Secret of Divine Civilization is an absolute "must-read" for anyone seeking to learn more about the roots and core essence of the Baha'i Faith.

For anyone who ever wondered what the solutions would be for their countries problems. Even though it was written in the late 1800's, the issues talked about are as relevent, if not more so, today as they were then.

I actually used this book as a guide for an history essay I was writing on the reign of Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi, and it shed light on what has been and continues to be the cause of the misery of our country.

This book also serves as an inspiration for the people of Iran because 'Abdu'l-baha encourages His countrymen to strive with all their hearts to regain the glory days of Iran. And He tells us that it is definitely within our ability to make Iran as a resplendent sun shining in the world.

A great book to read and I would definitely recommend it to all Iranians. Especially the youth who will be called upon to administer their beloved nation in the future and who can be the ones to restore its fame in the world.

Written in 1875, "The Secret of Divine Civilization" is at first glance a treatise on the decline of the Persia in the 19th century; however upon closer examination, it is a rich evaluation of what consitutes a true civilization.

Abdu'l-Baha, the author, is the son of Baha'u'llah, the prophet-founder of the Baha'i Faith. Abdu'l-Baha was appointed by Baha'u'llah as the interpreter of the Baha'i writings and as the leader of the Baha'i community.

Similar to Plato's "Republic," Abdu'l-Baha examines what makes a just society and goes through a historic journey from the Israelites in Egypt to the 19th century. Abdu'l-Baha argues forcefully that religion should be a binding force for love and not of ignorant prejudice. This document seeks to reconcile the schism between religion and politics and offers a holistic alternative that is relevant today.

Choice quotes:
"...the happiness and greatness, the rank and station, the pleasure and peace, of an individual have never consisted in his personal wealth, but rather in his excellent character, his high resolve, the breadth of his learning, and his ability to solve difficult problems."

"...a thousand selfish purposes are concealed behind the supposedly religious eloquence of certain individuals."

"Knowledge, purity, devotion, discipline, independence, have nothing to do with outer appearance and dress."

"The spiritually learned are lamps of guidance among the nations, and stars of good fortune shining from the horizons of humankind."