lah hath said," writes 'Abdu'l-Baha, "that the various
races of humankind lend a composite harmony and beauty of color to the
whole. Let all associate, therefore, in this great human garden even as
flowers grow and blend together side by side without discord or
disagreement between them." "Baha'u'llah," 'Abdu'l-Baha moreover has said,
"once compared the colored people to the black pupil of the eye surrounded
by the white. In this black pupil is seen the reflection of that which is
before it, and through it the light of the spirit shineth forth."

"God," 'Abdu'l-Baha Himself declares, "maketh no distinction between the
white and the black. If the hearts are pure both are acceptable unto Him.
God is no respecter of persons on account of either color or race. All
colors are acceptable unto Him, be they white, black, or yellow. Inasmuch
as all were created in the image of God, we must bring ourselves to
realize that all embody divine possibilities." "In the estimation of God,"
He states, "all men are equal. There is no distinction or preference for
any soul, in the realm of His justice and equity." "God did not make these
divisions," He affirms; "these divisions have had their origin in man
himself. Therefore, as they are against the plan and purpose of God they
are false and imaginary." "In the estimation of God," He again affirms,
"there is no distinction of color; all are one in the color and beauty of
servitude to Him. Color is not important; the heart is all-important. It
mattereth not what the exterior may be if the heart is pure and white
within. God doth not behold differences of hue and complexion. He looketh
at the hearts. He whose morals and virtues are praiseworthy is preferred
in the presence of God; he who is devoted to the Kingdom is most beloved.
In the realm of genesis and creation the question of color is of least
importance." "Throughout the animal kingdom," He explains, "we do not find
the creatures separated because of color. They recognize unity of species
and oneness of kind. If we do not find color distinction drawn in a
kingdom of lower intelligence and reason, how can it be justified among
human beings, especially when we know that all have come from the same
source and belong to the same household? In origin and intention of
creation mankind is one. Distinctions of race and color have arisen
afterward." "Man is endowed with superior reasoning power and the faculty
of perception"; He further explains