Mahmúd's Diary

The translation of the famous account of 'Abdu'l-Bah 's journey across America.

In the spring of 1912 'Abdu'l-Bah set off from Alexandria on His historic journey to America. Among his small entourage was M rz Mahm d-i-Zarq n , who became, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, 'the chronicler of His travels'.

M rz Mahm d went everywhere with 'Abdu'l-Bah , making extensive notes not only of the Master's many public talks and conversations with individuals but also of the new sights and experiences they found in America as well as the daily routines of eating, writing letters and travelling.

Mahm d remarks on the novelty of the New York skyscrapers, electric lights and American foods and customs for 'Abdu'l-Bah 's party as well as the picturesque spectacle provided to the Americans by His entourage in their 'ab s and Persian hats.

The result was a unique diary 'regarded as a reliable account of 'Abdu'l-Bah 's travels in the West and an authentic record of His utterances, whether in the form of formal talks, table talks or random oral statements.

M rz Mahm d was a careful and faithful chronicler and engaged in assembling and publishing his work with the permission of the beloved Master . . .' (The Universal House of Justice).

The translations of the talks of 'Abdu'l-Bah and His words found in the present volume were read and revised at the Bah ' World Centre.