Abdullahi was born to a well-established Somali family on March 19, 1931.
His father served as a member of the parliament in that country for many
years. Abdullahi had many siblings, some from a different mother. When
the light of the Cause of Baha'u'llah illumined the horizon of Somalia in
early 1950's, Abdullahi was the only one in his family drawn to it. He had
been working for Dr. Samandariʼs clinic in Somalia when he heard about
the Bahaʼi Faith. As soon as he heard about it, he immediately embraced
the truth of Baha'u'llah's Claim and committed himself to upholding His
teachings and spreading the fragrances of His Revelation. He was then
about 30 years old. The staunchness of his faith made him stand firm as a
mountain in face of opposition, he never wavered in the intensity of his love
for the Cause of Truth he had embraced. His knowledge of Arabic and
English were assets that helped him immerse himself in the depth of the
ocean of Baha'u'llah's Writings. He memorized many prayers and Tablets
in the original language and chanted them melodiously. Throughout his
Baha'i life, he never lost an opportunity to inform members of his family,
friends, acquaintances and strangers who met him of the coming of
Baha'u'llah and of His teachings to unite humanity.
Abdullahi was a librarian by profession and served as the Director of the
National Library in Mogadishu. His profession took him to some European
countries, to study newly-introduced techniques in library science. He was
in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1966, when he met Pooran Rowhani through
an introduction from Dr. Samandari and then married her. After a few
months, he returned to Mogadishu and together with Pooran established a
new home, which soon became a center for the gathering of the friends
and seekers of truth. A few years into the marriage they were blessed with
a daughter, named Mariam.
Abdullahi and his family lived in Mogadishu for many years. The need for
higher education forced Pooran and Mariam to come to the United States
in 1984. Abdullahi, however, remained in Somalia and steadfastly
continued his invaluable services to the people of that county. When
lawlessness became the order of the day, like many Somalis, Abdullahi left
his native country and joined his family in California about 1991. His gentle
disposition and genuine love for fellow human beings attracted everyone he
met and turned them into his friends, even the most disagreeable were
disarmed by his love.
When his wife passed away about ten months earlier, Abdullahi's health
condition deteriorated rapidly. He suffered a massive stroke and was
admitted to the hospital on January 4th. Two days later his illumined spirit
winged his way to the celestial realm. His absence is deeply felt by family,
friends and all those whose hearts have been touched by his love and the
grandeur of his loving spirit.
O thou handmaid aflame with the fire of God's love! Grieve thou not over the troubles and hardships of this nether world, nor be thou glad in times of ease and comfort, for both shall pass away. This present life is even as a swelling wave or a mirage, or drifting shadows... Abdu'l-Baha
O SON OF SPIRIT!
Burst thy cage asunder, and even as the phoenix of love soar into the firmament of holiness. Renounce thyself and, filled with the spirit of mercy, abide in the realm of celestial sanctity.
(Baha'u'llah, The Persian Hidden Words)
The honor with which the Hand of Mercy will invest the soul is such as no tongue can adequately reveal, nor any other earthly agency describe. Blessed is the soul which, at the hour of its separation from the body, is sanctified from the vain imaginings of the peoples of the world. Such a soul liveth and moveth in accordance with the Will of its Creator, and entereth the all-highest Paradise. The Maids of Heaven, inmates of the loftiest mansions, will circle around it, and the Prophets of God and His chosen ones will seek its companionship. With them that soul will freely converse, and will recount unto them that which it hath been made to endure in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds.
Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.1