The Secret of Divine Civilization

by Abdu'l-Bahá, Marzieh Gail (Translator)

The Secret of Divine Civilization is a thorough explanation of the view of the Baha'i Faith on the true nature of civilization. It contains an appealing and universal message inspiring world-mindedness and soliciting the highest human motives and attributes for the establishment of a spiritual society. Written by Abdu'l-Baha in the late nineteenth century as a letter to the rulers and people of Persia, it is still profoundly relevant today as a guide to creating a peaceful and productive world.

Genres: Baha I, Iran, Nonfiction, Religion, Sociology, Philosophy, Spirituality

116 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Abdu’l-Bahá was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Baha'i Faith.

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

How such a profound piece of sociological, technological, political, historical and deeply spiritual treatise was written by a 29 year old Persian exile in 1875 is a mystery to me. I am confounded yet again by the potency and timeless applicability of Abdu’l-Baha’s writings.

I could not recommend this book enough. It quite frankly tied together so many disparate threads of my understanding of True Religion into one cohesive whole. This work is the truest elucidation of what real material and spiritual prosperity looks like, what the role of religion in society really is (driving force of human happiness), and how we should behave as HUMAN beings.

“Happy the soul that shall forget his own good”

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is like a basic course in sociology and political science from a Baha'i point of view.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

To quote from the introduction, "'The Secret of Divine Civilization' is...submitted to the student of society as a treatise which fills the wide gap separating technical politics and technical economics from the very purpose of man's creation, the establishment of righteousness on earth." It is the most extraordinary work on the spiritual character of true civilization that I have ever read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most profound looks at government, leadership, and just society. AMAZING!

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about common sense. While the audience of the book are pre-1979 revolution Iranian people, the underlying arguments hold true to this date and apply to any nation in the world. This book is a guiding lamp of any thinker seeking to ask the right questions.

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Monotheistic propaganda with very loose historical arguments, but a few noteworthy good passages against eurocentrism and the achievements in the medieval era of the Islamic world especially in southern Spain. What was also interesting was the constant theme of societal decline and an inferiority complex towards Europe by Arab intellectuals such as the author

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with a group which helped with understanding the book.

[Margaret Tuomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book! It was written by Abdu'l-Baha in mid1800s on how to improve society. Excellent read.

[Vero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with such gems as " The principal reason for the decline and fall of peoples is ignorance," this short and sweet Baha'i book explores education, selflessness and the importance of honor. Though written in 1875, many of the lessons and quotes can be applied to modern civilization and the conditions of the world currently. A recommendation for Baha'is or anyone interested in the Baha'i Faith.

[Esther Bradley-detally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing; i took a course on this and other Writings of Abdu'l-Baha' this book Charter for world civilization, offered to the Iranian society, originally published without name of author.

[Brian Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, really amazing book

[Trish McLellan]

Interesting to read a book written in 1875 about the importance of education.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book talking about how leaders of the world should treat the people they govern so civilization will be better.