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[Page 37]
Haifa Pilgrim Home
Soon after the entombment of the remains of the Báb, one of the believers from ‘Ishqábád, M1’rza]a‘far Rahmani, begged ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to allow him to build a Pilgrim House in the precincts of the Shrine for the convenience of visiting pilgrims. The request was granted, and this believer personally supervised the
construction work, and paid for all expenses.
During the ministry of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, many meetings were held in His Presence with the pilgrims and members of the local community. Later, when Shoghi Effendi became Guardian, he too met the assembled friends and talked to them in this Pilgrim House before leading them in prayer when visiting the
Shrines of the Báb and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
“The view from the Pilgrim Home is very attractive, especially as it faces the Blessed Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh. In the future the distance between ‘Akká and Haifa will be built up, and the two cities will join and clasp hands, becoming the two terminal sections of one mighty metropolis. As I look now over this scene, I see so clearly that it will become one of the first emporiums of the world. This great semicircular bay will be transformed into the finest harbour, wherein the ships of all nations will seek shelter and refuge. The great vessels of all peoples will
come to this port, bringing on their decks thousands and thousands of men and women from every part of “the globe. The mountain and the
plain will be dotted with the most modern buildings and palaces. Industries will be established and various institutions of philanthropic nature will be founded. The flowers of civilization and culture from all nations will be brought here to blend their fragrances together and blaze the way for the brotherhood of man. Wonderful gardens, orchards, groves and parks will be laid out on all sides. At night the great city will be lighted by electricity. The entire harbour from ‘Akká to Haifa will be one path ofillumination. Powerful searchlights will be placed on both sides of Mount Carmel to guide the steamers. Mount Carmel itself, from top to bottom, will be submerged in a sea of lights. A person standing on the summit of Mount Carmel, and the passengers of the steamers coming to it, will look upon
the most sublime and majestic spectacle of the whole world.
“From every part of the mountain the symphony of ‘Ya Baha’u’l—Abhál’ will be raised, and before the daybreak soul—entrancing music accompanied by melodious voices will be uplifted towards the throne of the Almighty.” 6° (Quotation attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá')
