Can someone tell me the word in Farsi or Arabic that has been translated into the English of the following quotations as "savage"? Also, how also might the word be translated? When was the quotation about indigenous peoples translated, and by whom, Shoghi Effendi? Here is the indigenous quotation: "Attach great importance to the indigenous population of America. For these souls may be likened unto the ancient inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, who, prior to the Mission of Muhammad, were like unto savages. When the light of Muhammad shone forth in their midst, however, they became so radiant as to illumine the world. Likewise, these Indians, should they be educated and guided, there can be no doubt that they will become so illumined as to enlighten the whole world." (Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan, 32) Thank you, Susan Dr. Susan Berry Brill de Ramirez, Professor of English Department of English, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625 U.S.A. (309) 677-3888, fax: (309) 677-2460, email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-----Original Message-----
From: Mark A. Foster [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wed 8/18/2004 9:23 PM
To: Baha'i Studies
Cc:
Subject: Re: Reflection
Hi, folks,
'Abdu'l-Baha frequently used the literary device of mubalaghah (hyperbole). I
know one person, an African American, who left the Baha'i Faith due to a lack of
knowledge of this convention:
"... man, if he is left without education, becomes bestial, and, moreover, if
left under the rule of nature, becomes lower than an animal, whereas if he is educated
he becomes an angel. For the greater number of animals do not devour their own kind,
but men, in the Sudan, in the central regions of Africa, kill and eat each other."
-- `Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p.7
"A man who has not had a spiritual education is a brute. Like the savages of
Africa, whose actions, habits and morals are purely sensual, they act according to the
demands of nature to such a degree that they rend and eat one another."
-- `Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p.119
"The leaders of this religion [Protestant Christianity] are still making every
effort to promote it, and today on the East Coast of Africa, ostensibly to emancipate
the Sudanese and various Negro peoples, they have established schools and colleges and
are training and civilizing completely savage African tribes, while their true and
primary purpose is to convert some of the Muslim Negro tribes to Protestantism."
-- `Abdu'l-Baha, Secret of Divine Civilization, pp.42-43
Here is Shoghi Effendi *not* using mubalaghah:
"It shows that a spiritual receptivity, a purity of heart and uprightness of
character exists potentially amongst many of the peoples of the Pacific Isles to an
extent equal to that of the tribesmen of Africa. It is indeed an encouraging and
awe-inspiring sight to witness the spread of our beloved Faith amongst those whom
civilised nations misguidedly term 'savages', 'primitive peoples' and uncivilised
nations.'"
From a letter dated July 11, 1956, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi and
cited: Unfolding Destiny, p.365
In my view, the same figure of speech, mubalaghah, is used by `Abdu'l-Baha
when referring to the past accomplishments of Persians.
Mark A. Foster * http://markfoster.net
"Sacred cows make the best hamburger"
-- Mark Twain and Abbie Hoffman
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