Some Ans. Questions 2014
by
'Abdu'l-Bahá
Page 00 of  84

Since its release, Some Answered Questions has been an authoritative repository of 'Abdu'l-Baha's profound insight and an indispensable component of every Baha'í library. Shoghi Effendi observed that the book expounds the basic beliefs of the Cause in a simple and clear language and regarded its content as essential for grasping the significance and implications of the Baha'í Revelation. In Some Answered Questions, he wrote, one "will find the clue to all the perplexing questions that agitate the mind of man in his search after true knowledge. The more this Book is read with care and patience, the greater are its revelations, and the more complete the understanding of its inner truth and significance." It is hoped that the new translation will assist future generations to access this inexhaustible mine "of knowledge regarding basic spiritual, ethical, and social problems" (00:11)

"I have given to you my tired moments," were the words of 'Abdu'l-Baha as He rose from table after answering one of my questions. As it was on this day, so it continued; between the hours of work, His fatigue would find relief in renewed activity; occasionally He was able to speak at length; but often, even though the subject might require more time, He would be called away after a few moments; again, days and even weeks would pass, in which He had no opportunity of instructing me. But I could well be patient, for I had always before me the greater lesson- the lesson of His personal life (0:1)

During my several visits to 'Akka, these answers were written down in Persian while 'Abdu'l-Baha spoke, not with a view to publication, but simply that I might have them for future study. At first they had to be adapted to the verbal translation of the interpreter; and later, when I had acquired a slight knowledge of Persian, to my limited vocabulary. This accounts for repetition of figures and phrases, for no one has a more extensive command of felicitous expressions than 'Abdu'l-Baha. In these lessons He is the teacher adapting Himself to His pupil, and not the orator or poet (0:2)

This book presents only certain aspects of the Baha'í Faith, which is universal in its message and has for each questioner the answer suited to his special development and needs (0:3)

In my case the teachings were made simple, to correspond to my rudimentary knowledge, and are therefore in no way complete and exhaustive, as the Table of Contents may suggest- the Table of Contents having been added merely to indicate the subjects treated of. But I believe that what has been so valuable to me may be of use to others, since all men, notwithstanding their differences, are united in their search for reality; and I have therefore asked 'Abdu'l-Baha's permission to publish these talks (0:4)

Originally they were not given in any special order, but have now been roughly classified for the convenience of the reader. The Persian text has been closely followed, at times even to the detriment of the English, a few alterations being made in the translation merely where the literal rendering seemed too involved and obscure; and the interpolated words, required to make the meaning clearer, have not been indicated in any way in order to avoid the too frequent interruption of the thought by technical or explanatory signs. Also many of the Persian and Arabic names have been written in their simplest form without strictly adhering to a scientific system which would be confusing to the average reader.

Laura Clifford Barney (0:5)

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