Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is a day commemorating the death of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the eldest son and successor of Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Baha’i faith.

The typical observance consists of devotional readings and is held at 1:00 AM, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away about 1:00 AM on 28 November, 1921.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh who referred to Him as “the Mystery of God” and “a shelter for all mankind”, however ‘Abdu’l-Bahá preferred to be called “Abdu’l-Baha” which means “the Servant of Bahá” about His servitude to Bahá’u’lláh. When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away on 28 November 1921, He was eulogized as One who led humanity to the “Way of Truth,” as a “pillar of peace” and the embodiment of “glory and greatness.”

Bahá’u’lláh, in a prayer revealed in ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá’s honour, supplicates:

“Thou knowest, O my God, that I desire for Him naught except that which Thou didst desire, and have chosen Him for no purpose save that which Thou hadst intended for Him. Render Him victorious, therefore, through Thy hosts of earth and heaven…”