Introduction by Joshua Hall

The following supplication was revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His sojourn in America. In it, He beseeches God to aid the aforesaid nation, and, indeed, all just and equitable sovereignties.

From a literary perspective, it is an exemplary piece of Saj’, or rhyming Arabic prose, and is characteristic of His writings, displaying His vast breadth of vocabulary in the Arabic language as well as His command of beautiful and moving expression.

I would like to thank Adib Masumian for his valuable suggestions with regard to this provisional translation.

A article on this prayer by Christopher Buck can be found at the following link: http://bahaiteachings.org/bahai-prayer-america

View interlinear file with the original Arabic

Prayer for America

Provisional Translation

He is God

O my God, O Thou Who confirmest every just and equitable sovereignty in ever-abiding majesty, everlasting might, eternal continuance, inviolable stability, steadfastness and glory! By the bountiful effusion of Thy providential care, confirm every government that deals justly with its peoples, every sovereignty neath whose ensigns Thou shelterest the impoverished and the powerless.

I beseech Thee by the outpourings of Thy holiness and the showers of Thy munificence, to aid this equitable government, which hath outstretched its pavilions over far-reaching and diverse states, and hath made justice its testimony in its civilized and splendid domains.

O God, aid Thou its armies and legions; make its word persuasive; strengthen its defenses; safeguard its honor; reveal its prestige; spread abroad its influence; and raise aloft its flag, by Thy might which conquereth all things and Thy power which is effulgent in the realm of creation. Thou confirmest whomsoever Thou willest. Thou art verily the Omnipotent, the Almighty.