June 1977: Centenary of the termination of Bahá’u’lláh’s confinement in ‘Akka

Hands of the Cause, the members of the Universal House of Justice and Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre, photographed at the House of ’Abbúd in ‘Akká where they gathered on 11 June 1977 to commemorate the centenary of the termination of Bahá'u'lláh's confinement in the prison city. Amatul-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum is seen seated in the centre of the first row. (The Baha’i World 1976-1979)

In the early afternoon of Saturday, 11 June 1977 the pilgrims and the friends serving at the World Centre made their way to Mazra’ih to visit the Mansion which ’Abdu’l-Bahá had rented a century ago for the use of Bahá’u’lláh, His first residence after leaving the prison-city of ’Akká. While there, each was privileged to visit and offer prayers in the very room occupied by the Blessed Beauty; later they repaired to the gardens at Bahjí.

Meanwhile the Hands of the Cause present in the Holy Land, the members of the Universal House of Justice and the Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre were paying their respects to the memory of Bahá’u’lláh at the House of ’Abbúd in ’Akká and at the Garden of Ridván. The rooms Bahá’u’lláh had occupied were visited and prayers of thanksgiving for His release from confinement were offered in these Holy Places. They then journeyed north to Mazra'ih for prayers at that Holy Spot, and afterwards joined the other friends in the Haram-i- Aqdas at Bahjí for the formal programme of the commemoration of this great event in the history of the Heroic Age of the Cause.

Prayers were recited; 'Abdu'l-Bahá's account of the end of Bahá'u'lláh's confinement and Shoghi Effendi's narrative from God Passes By were read; and finally, just as the sun was casting its last light over the Mediterranean, the friends made their way in the utmost reverence to the Most Holy Shrine for the chanting of the Tablet of Visitation. (The Baha’i World 1976-1979)

The “first” events that took place in Baghdad while Bahá’u’lláh was there

And finally, before the gaze of the diversified communities that dwelt within its gates,

• the first phase in the gradual unfoldment of a newborn Revelation was ushered in,
• the first effusions from the inspired pen of its Author were recorded,
• the first principles of His slowly crystallizing doctrine were formulated,
• the first implications of His august station were apprehended,
• the first attacks aiming at the disruption of His Faith from within were launched,
• the first victories over its internal enemies were registered, and
• the first pilgrimages to the Door of His Presence were undertaken.

- Shoghi Effendi  (‘God Passes By’)