Will and Testament of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá

This document constitutes one of the central and defining pieces of Baháʼí primary source literature, and is considered to be intimately connected to Baháʼu'lláh's (ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's father) Most Holy Book.

In it he describes his circumstances, lays out his testimony, refers to the machinations of certain enemies, settles certain affairs of the Baháʼí Faith, and appoints his grandson Shoghi Effendi as his successor and the Guardian of the Cause of God.

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá notes the fundamental teachings of the Baháʼí Faith as love for all mankind.

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá establishes the institution of the Guardianship as a hereditary office and outlines its essential function as Interpreter of the Baháʼí writings.

[2] Ruth White led a campaign challenging the will for several years, mostly 1926–1929, hiring criminologist Charles Mitchell to analyze the Will.

[3] Baháʼí sources claim that this charge was denied by those who read Persian and were familiar with ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's writings, including some of Shoghi Effendi's opponents.