Photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The only photo of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá taken in colour.

Several photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá exist with the vast majority being taken during his visits to the West in his later life. Only one color photograph was taken of him, although some black and white photographs have been colorized. A letter written on Shoghi Effendi's behalf notes that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá selected a photograph of himself taken in Paris as the best of him.

Usage

Bahá'ís commonly display one somewhere in their home, and Shoghi Effendi stated that there was no objection to the practice in a letter written on his behalf, and in another letter on his behalf conveyed that a photograph was preferable to a painting, particularly the Paris photograph. A letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi states that there is to be no official distinction between photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, so the choice of which photograph to display is ultimately left entirely to the individual.

A photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is sometimes included in a photograph of a Bahá'í group, such as an Assembly, and Bahá'ís are instructed that the photograph should be in a dignified position, not on the ground, or held above the groups heads.

A letter written on Shoghi Effendi's behalf states that he had no objection to the circulation of a ‘Abdu’l-Bahás photograph, but suggests that the Paris photograph be used. The Universal House of Justice has stated that it is not appropriate for a photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to be used as the outside cover of a book.

History

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1868.

Few photographs exist of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá over most of his life. Exceptions are a passport photograph which was taken of him in August 1868 shortly before the Holy Family was exiled to Akká and a photo of Him with His brother, Mirzá Mihdi was also taken around this time.

When He visited Europe, 'Abdu'l-Bahá quickly found that photographers were taking impromptu shots of Him on the pavement, and had professional photo shoots organized.

Further Reading

• Bahai9