The Junayn Garden
This post is also available to download as a pdf file (Brief Introduction to the Junayn Garden).
The Junayn garden is not part of the regular pilgrimage but one is free to visit this place during its opening hours. It is located close to the Mansion of Mazra’ih and Bahá’u’lláh used to occasionally visit this garden.
View from the outside. The two windows seen on each side of the corner wall, are the windows of the room Bahá’u’lláh used to occupy when in Junayn Garden.
In a letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated 12th of May 2008, it says:
“Work has also been completed on the restoration of the Junayn Gardens, a small farmhouse and orchard north of Bahji visited occasionally by Bahá’u’lláh, which was subsequently donated to the Faith.”
Husayn-i-Áshchí’ writes the following in his memoirs; “The Blessed Beauty used to spend much of His time in the countryside… From the mansion of Bahjí He often went to the Mansion of Mazra’ih, to the garden of Junaynih and the Garden of Ridván” (Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Vol. 4, page 244)
Notable Bahá’ís at Junayn Garden
Among the notable Bahá’ís who attained the presence of the Blessed Beauty in the Junayn Garden are;
Tarazullah Samandari, Nabil-i-Azam, Jinab-i-Andalib, Mirza Muhammad, Ali-i-Salmani and Mishkin Qalam.
E.G. Brown was also in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh in the Junayn Garden (occurred some time during his five day visit to Bahjí from April 15th to April 20th in1890).
The gardener of Junayn Garden (also sometimes known as Bagh-i-Jamal) was Áqá Muḥammad-Ibráhím (he was also the gardener of Bahjí).
Recollections of Mírzá Habíbu’lláh Afnán
Mírzá Habíbu’lláh Afnán writes in his memoirs (Khátirát-i-Hayát) on the occasion of him being in the presence of the Blessed Beauty at the Junayn Garden.
One evening, Abu-Hurayrih announced that the Beloved of the world had decided to visit the Garden of Junaynih on the following morning and had asked all pilgrims and resident believers to accompany Him. I speak the truth when I say, the joy of knowing that we would be in the presence the Blessed Beauty for several hours the next day kept me awake that night until morning. At times, I was rapt in supplication and prayer, and at other moments filled with euphoria and excitement. The night passed in this way and, at early dawn, I faced His blessed chamber offering prayers of thanksgiving and praise. Before sunrise, we all gathered by the gate of the Mansion. An hour later, Bahá’u’lláh came downstairs. A white donkey was brought for Him to ride on it. This donkey was a gift of the late Áqá Ghulam-`Alíy-i-Kashi and Áqá Muhammad-Hashim-i-Káshí. The rest of the friends followed Him on foot towards Junaynih. Hájí Khavar, a resident of the Holy Land for many years and a fairly tall man, held an umbrella over the head of Bahá’u’lláh to protect Him from the sun. The air was extremely fresh and invigorating. We sensed that, from the pleasant air of `Akká, the spirit of the poet of Shiraz had soared with the verse:
The morning breeze is fragrant as ambergris today,
As my beloved moves towards the meadow.
Eventually, we reached the Garden, which had been prepared by attendants and believers. They had assembled all the items necessary for receiving the Blessed Perfection and the other friends. The Garden paths were very charming and attractive. The trees, grass, flowers and orchard danced with joy in the breeze, while the sweet-singing birds were crying out in ecstasy and merriment, all praising the grace and blessing of the presence of their Beloved. On that day, the Countenance of the Blessed Perfection radiated with the greatest joy and He paid tribute to and commended each of the friends. In such an atmosphere, lunch was served.
After lunch, all the believers were present at yet another spiritual gathering in Bahá’u’lláhs presence. It was then that `Abdu’l-Bahá arrived from the city [of `Akká] and the Ancient Beauty commanded us: “The Master is coming. Hasten to welcome Him.” I should note that a similar event occurred on several other occasions. I will describe the details at a later stage. It was evident that, from that time, the Blessed Perfection was planting in the spirit and hearts of the friends seeds of humility, submissiveness, mindfulness of the Covenant and faithfulness towards Him Whom God hath purposed [`Abdu’l-Bahá]. He would always teach the believers about the exalted station and hidden reality of the beloved Master.
And so we went out to welcome `Abdu’l-Bahá and, in His company, once again attained the presence of Bahá’u’lláh. With extreme humility and attention, `Abdu’l-Bahá sat in His presence and gave permission for the pilgrims to sit as well. Then, the Tongue of Purity spoke words with this meaning: “The garden was not pleasant enough this morning. But now, with the arrival of the Master, it has become most pleasant.” Then, turning towards `Abdu’l-Bahá, He observed, “It would have been exceedingly good if you had come this morning.” `Abdu’l-Bahá replied, “The Mutasarrif Pasha and some other of the city’s inhabitants sent word that they were coming. On Your behalf, I had to receive them and offer them hospitality.”
The Blessed Perfection smiled and said, “The Master is Our shield and the shield of everyone else. All live at ease, all know utmost comfort and tranquility. Associating with men such as these is very, very difficult. It is the Master who stands up to everything and supplies the means for the well-being and peace of all the friends. May God preserve Him from the evil of the envious and inimical.
In short, on that day, the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh towards all [of us] were extremely generous. About an hour before sunset, the Sovereign of the world decided to return to the Mansion and, as in the morning, we all walked back. At the gate, we were dismissed from His presence.
Inner courtyard of Junayn. The door to the right is where the visitors can enter. To the left of the entrance room, there are two more rooms and finally the third room from the right side, is the room used by the Blessed Beauty.
Recollections of Tarazullah Samandari
Mr. Samandari gives his recollections of the occasion when he attained the presence of Bahá’u’lláh in Junaynih Garden (translated by Mirzieh Gail)
“… Toward morning [of Naw Ruz] we were told that Bahá’u’lláh would be visiting junaynih that day, and that He had summoned all the settlers and pilgrims to that spot. They provided us with conveyances and brought us there. It is quite a long way from Haifa to Junaynih, and in those days people went by carriage. Junaynih is near the Mansion of Mazra’ih; not far from there, in fact, quite near.
We came to Junaynih, where we found Bahá’u’lláh. So there, too, I entered His presence. About thirty of us, perhaps, were guests at luncheon; among the poets were, it seems to me, Jinab-i Andalib, Ustad Muhammad-Ali [Salmani] was there and Nabil-i Azam. The last-named and Andalib sang verses that day, from an ode. Lunch had been made ready for us.
They had prepared a lamb for our luncheon; cooked it in the stove; and brought it on a large tray, which they placed on the table in Bahá’u’lláh room. I was at that moment standing near Him, with my arms folded across my chest. He touched the lamb with His finger and said, “Take it away”.
They took it out to the outer room where they had laid the luncheon cloth on the floor. We had bread too, with the lamb. We all ate luncheon there. Following the meal, it seems to me there was also a revelation of verses. I listened a little from outside the door; I heard a little. Then, that afternoon, Bahá’u’lláh was to return to the mansion of Bahjí. There was a white donkey which, I know, Haji Ghulam-Ali Kashani had brought to Bahá’u’lláh at that time. The Blessed Beauty mounted, and a servant held an umbrella over Him, for a light rain was falling. I also accompanied Him. On His right hand [side], the servant held up the umbrella, while I was on His left. And thus we came from Junaynih to the Mansion of Bahjí.
Reflections on the Bahai Writings 