Another friend asked, "In the Tablets it is stated that
we must be severed and detached. In another place it is stated that we must
learn a trade or profession. Do not these two statements contradict each
other?"
‘Abdu'l-Bahá replied, "In the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh, it
is incumbent upon every soul to acquire a trade and an occupation. For example,
I know how to weave or make a mat, and you know some other trade. This, in
itself is an act of worship, provided that it is conducted on the basis of
utmost honesty and faithfulness.
“And this is the cause of prosperity. Yet, in spite of being
so occupied, if the heart is not chained and tied to this world, and is not
troubled by current events, neither hindered by wealth from rendering service
to mankind, nor grieved because of poverty, - then this is human perfection.
Otherwise in a state of poverty, to manifest generosity and in a state of
weakness to claim justice - this can easily be said, but it is not a proof of
man's attainments and alertness."
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá (From an article written by
Dr. Z. Baghdadi entitled "`Abdu'l-Bahá in America", published in
"Star of the West", Vol. 19, No. 7, p. 219; The Compilation of
Compilations, Vol. I, The Arts and Crafts)
