Journey of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablet to the Hague

In December 1919 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote HisLetter to the Central Organisation for a Durable Peace. In this comprehensive letter He offered the Bahá’í vision on achieving and preserving universal peace. Since the secretary’s office of this peace organisation was located in The Hague, the Netherlands, this letter became known as the Tablet to The Hague. Instead of the word ‘letter’, Bahá’ís often prefer the word ‘tablet’ to emphasise the authority and durability of the text by referring to a flat stone with inscriptions. The two Persian couriers who delivered the letter to the Netherlands used the name Tablet of Peace (Lawh-i-Sulh).

Ten years ago (2009) Mr. ‘Alí Nakhjavání, former member of the Universal House of Justice, suggested that the circumstances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablet to The Hagueshould be investigated and recorded. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Netherlands thereupon requested Dr. Jelle de Vries, author of the book The Babi Question You Mentioned … The origins of the Bahá’í Community in the Netherlands, 1844-1962, to prepare a detailed chronology of the events related to the delivery of the tablet.

Now, at the occasion of the 100th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s letter, and because of its connection with the Netherlands, its enduring importance and international character, this Dutch website has launched a special page for international visitors. We hope that you will enjoy this photo chronology, and that it will give you context when studying the actual content of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s letter.