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With the same conviction as that with which they have proclaimed the unity of mankind and the changing of our conditions on earth, so do Baha'is know that this world is only transitory, a preparation for the next world. 'Abdul-Baha draws the analogy with one's life before birth: "In the beginning of his human life man was embryonic in the world of the matrix. There he received capacity and endowment for the reality of human existence. The forces and powers necessary for the world were bestowed upon him in that limited condition. In this world he needed eyes: he received them potentially in the other. He needed ears; he obtained them there in readiness and preparation for his new existence. The powers requisite in this world were conferred upon him in the world of the matrix, so that when he entered this realm of real existence he not only possessed all necessary functions and powers but found provision for his material sustenance awaiting him.
(36:3)
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