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Mysterious Forces of Civilization

Mysterious Forces of Civilization

Written by: Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abbás
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 Delve into the profound insights of Mysterious Forces of Civilization (Persian Risálih-i-Madaníyyih), a thought-provoking work penned before 1875 by ‘Abbás Effendí, known as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844-1921). This significant text, originally lithographed in Bombay in 1882 and later printed in Cairo in 1911, reflects the visionary ideas of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the eldest son and appointed successor of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Initially published anonymously, the first English translation, crafted by Johanna Dawud, reached audiences in London in 1910 and Chicago in 1918, bearing the title ‘Mysterious Forces of Civilization’ attributed to an Eminent Bahai Philosopher. This audiobook draws from the 1918 edition and also highlights a subsequent translation by Marzieh Gail in 1957, which was re-titled “The Secret of Divine Civilization.” The work is a compelling exploration of the challenges facing Persia (Iran) at the time, addressing crucial debates on modernization, the acceptance of Western technology, and the cultural choices that shape a nation’s future.Copyright Politics, Philosophy, Religion Science Social Sciences Spirituality World
Episodes
  • 008 - Section 07

    008 - Section 07
    Feb 9 2026
    Delve into the profound insights of Mysterious Forces of Civilization (Persian Risálih-i-Madaníyyih), a thought-provoking work penned before 1875 by ‘Abbás Effendí, known as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844-1921). This significant text, originally lithographed in Bombay in 1882 and later printed in Cairo in 1911, reflects the visionary ideas of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the eldest son and appointed successor of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Initially published anonymously, the first English translation, crafted by Johanna Dawud, reached audiences in London in 1910 and Chicago in 1918, bearing the title ‘Mysterious Forces of Civilization’ attributed to an Eminent Bahai Philosopher. This audiobook draws from the 1918 edition and also highlights a subsequent translation by Marzieh Gail in 1957, which was re-titled “The Secret of Divine Civilization.” The work is a compelling exploration of the challenges facing Persia (Iran) at the time, addressing crucial debates on modernization, the acceptance of Western technology, and the cultural choices that shape a nation’s future.
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • 007 - Section 06

    007 - Section 06
    Feb 9 2026
    Delve into the profound insights of Mysterious Forces of Civilization (Persian Risálih-i-Madaníyyih), a thought-provoking work penned before 1875 by ‘Abbás Effendí, known as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844-1921). This significant text, originally lithographed in Bombay in 1882 and later printed in Cairo in 1911, reflects the visionary ideas of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the eldest son and appointed successor of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Initially published anonymously, the first English translation, crafted by Johanna Dawud, reached audiences in London in 1910 and Chicago in 1918, bearing the title ‘Mysterious Forces of Civilization’ attributed to an Eminent Bahai Philosopher. This audiobook draws from the 1918 edition and also highlights a subsequent translation by Marzieh Gail in 1957, which was re-titled “The Secret of Divine Civilization.” The work is a compelling exploration of the challenges facing Persia (Iran) at the time, addressing crucial debates on modernization, the acceptance of Western technology, and the cultural choices that shape a nation’s future.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • 006 - Section 05

    006 - Section 05
    Feb 9 2026
    Delve into the profound insights of Mysterious Forces of Civilization (Persian Risálih-i-Madaníyyih), a thought-provoking work penned before 1875 by ‘Abbás Effendí, known as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844-1921). This significant text, originally lithographed in Bombay in 1882 and later printed in Cairo in 1911, reflects the visionary ideas of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the eldest son and appointed successor of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Initially published anonymously, the first English translation, crafted by Johanna Dawud, reached audiences in London in 1910 and Chicago in 1918, bearing the title ‘Mysterious Forces of Civilization’ attributed to an Eminent Bahai Philosopher. This audiobook draws from the 1918 edition and also highlights a subsequent translation by Marzieh Gail in 1957, which was re-titled “The Secret of Divine Civilization.” The work is a compelling exploration of the challenges facing Persia (Iran) at the time, addressing crucial debates on modernization, the acceptance of Western technology, and the cultural choices that shape a nation’s future.
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
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