Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas

1 Thy last letter was received and its contents brought joy. Thank thou God, for thou art engaged in serving the Word of God and spending thy time with the friends of God. If thou somewhat regard thy father and mother, too, so that they may be somewhat pleased, this will be the cause of pleasing me. Father and mother are worthy of esteem and it is necessary (to secure their good pleasure); but this on condition that they may not prevent one from nearness to the Threshold of the Almighty and may not withhold one from walking in the path of the Kingdom. Nay, rather they (parents) should encourage and inspire one (to walk in God’s path). 464

As to living (or conduct) in accord with the Book of Akdas: We have spoken of this to his honor Mr. ….…., for there is freedom in those lands and there are no obstacles.

Likewise, the Ishrakat, Tarazat, and Tajalliat 2 must be translated and published (and spread) among the friends.

But, whatever writings and articles which the believers may write for the spread of the Cause of God, these they must necessarily send to the Holy Land, in order to be corrected and rectified (or approved of) and then to be returned to them and then published. Before their being corrected here and before securing permission from here, their publication is by no means allowable.

As to the obligatory prayer (to be said three times a day): Each one must say his prayer alone by himself, and this is not conditional on a private place; that is, both at home and in the worshipping-place, which is a gathering-place, it is allowable for one to say his prayer; but each person must say his prayer by himself (i.e., not in company with others who might recite the same words and continue the same postures together at the same time). But if they chant supplications (communes, etc.) together (and in company), in a good and effective voice, that is very good.