A remarkable figure, unique in all religious history, Abdu’l-Baha’s name means “servant of Baha,” or “servant of the glory.” Abdu’l-Baha’s unprecedented role—as the Exemplar of the Baha’i teachings—makes him the role model for all Baha’is.
Abdu’l-Baha said this about his name and his unique spiritual station:
My name is Abdu’l-Baha. My qualification is Abdu’l-Baha. My reality is Abdu’l-Baha. My praise is Abdu’l-Baha. Thralldom to the Blessed Perfection [Baha’u’llah] is my glorious and refulgent diadem, and servitude to all the human race my perpetual religion … No name, no title, no mention, no commendation have I, nor will ever have, except Abdu’l-Baha. This is my longing. This is my greatest yearning. This is my eternal life. This is my everlasting glory.
Abdu’l-Baha, quoted by Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 139.
A youth from Lucknow sang this quote beautifully.