Attributes of God: Overview

The following materials provide an opportunity to explore the Attributes of God as revealed in the Writings of Baha’u’llah. Each section includes 38 verses for each of the 19 months of the Baha’i calendar; these can be used for daily devotionals or as Feast readings. The introduction describes how the materials were developed. Additionally, a companion volume of short verses that children can memorize and a compilation of 19 verses that refer directly to Bah’u’llh are provided.

(Note: All of the files are in PDF format which requires Adobe Acrobat reader; go to the Adobe Acrobat Website to download the reader if you have not already installed it on your browser. A zipped file that includes all sections in Word 97 format is also available.)

Month/Attribute		Definition*
Splendor	Baha	1. Great light or luster; brilliance. 2. Magnificent appearance or display. 3. Great fame; glory.
Glory	Jalal	1. Great honor, praise, or distinction accorded by common consent; renown. 2. Something conferring honor or renown. 3. A highly praiseworthy asset. 4. Adoration, praise, and thanksgiving offered in worship. 5. Majestic beauty and splendor.
Beauty	Jamal	1. A delightful quality associated with harmony of form or color, excellence of craftsmanship, truthfulness, originality, or another property.
Grandeur	‘Azamat	1. The quality or condition of being grand; magnificence. 2. Nobility or greatness of character.
Light	Nur	1. Physics. a. Electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength in the range from about 4,000 (violet) to about 7,700 (red) angstroms and may be perceived by the normal unaided human eye. 2. A source of light, especially a lamp, a lantern, or an electric lighting fixture. 3. Daylight; dawn; daybreak. 4. Spiritual awareness; illumination. Verb 1. To set on fire; ignite or kindle. 2. To cause to give out light; make luminous. Adjective 1. Color; having a greater rather than lesser degree of lightness.
Mercy	Rahmat	1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency. 2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving.
Words	Kalimat	1. A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes. 2. Something said; an utterance, a remark, or a comment. 3. Computer Science. A set of bits constituting the smallest unit of addressable memory. 4. An assurance or a promise; sworn intention.
Perfection	Kamal	1. The quality or condition of being perfect. 2. The act or process of perfecting. 3. A person or thing considered to be perfect. 4. An instance of excellence.
Names	Asma’	1. A word or words by which an entity is designated and distinguished from others. 2. A word or group of words used to describe or evaluate, often disparagingly. 3. a. General reputation. b. A distinguished reputation; renown.
Might	‘Izzat	1. The power, force, or influence held by a person or group. 2. Physical strength. 3. Strength or ability to do something.
Will	Mashiyyat	1. The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action; volition. 2. Diligent purposefulness; determination: a candidate with the will to win. 3. Self-control; self-discipline. 4. A desire, purpose, or determination, especially of one in authority. Verb 1. To decide on; choose. 2. To yearn for; desire.
Knowledge	‘Ilm	1. The state or fact of knowing. 2. Familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through experience or study. 3. The sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned. 4. Learning; erudition. 5. Specific information about something.
Power	Qudrat	1. The ability or capacity to perform or act effectively. 2. A specific capacity, faculty, or aptitude. 3. Strength or force exerted or capable of being exerted; might. 4. The ability or official capacity to exercise control; authority. 5. A person, group, or nation having great influence or control over others.
Speech	Qawl	1. a. The faculty or act of speaking. b. The faculty or act of expressing or describing thoughts, feelings, or perceptions by the articulation of words. 2. Something spoken; an utterance. 3. Vocal communication; conversation. 4. A talk or public address. 5. One's habitual manner or style of speaking.
Questions	Masa’il	1. a. An expression of inquiry that invites or calls for a reply. b. An interrogative sentence, phrase, or gesture. 2. A subject or point open to controversy; an issue. 3. A difficult matter; a problem. 4. A point or subject under discussion or consideration. 5. Uncertainty; doubt. Verb 1. To put a question to. 2. To examine (a witness, for example) by questioning; interrogate. 3. To express doubt about; dispute. 4. To analyze; examine.
Honor	Sharaf	1. High respect, as that shown for special merit; esteem. 2. a. Good name; reputation. b. A source or cause of credit. 3. a. Glory or recognition; distinction. b. A mark, token, or gesture of respect or distinction. Verb 1. a. To hold in respect; esteem. b. To show respect for. 2. To confer distinction on.
Sovereignty	Sultan	1. Supremacy of authority or rule as exercised by a sovereign or sovereign state. 2. Royal rank, authority, or power. 3. Complete independence and self-government. 4. A territory existing as an independent state.
Dominion	Mulk	1. Control or the exercise of control; sovereignty. 2. A territory or sphere of influence or control; a realm.
Intercalary Days	Ayyam-i-ha	Four days (five in a leap year) that are "in between" the 18th and 19th months; these are designated as festive times of gift-giving and doing good deeds.
Loftiness	‘Ala	1. Of imposing height. 2. Elevated in character.