The Warmth of Community: Feast of Jamál in Dundee

The Feast of Jamál (Beauty) brought together friends from across the Tay Cluster last weekend, as Bahá'ís from Dundee, Perthshire and Fife gathered in the welcoming home of Malath and Mhairi. The gathering exemplified the very essence of beauty - not merely in its aesthetic sense, but in the profound spiritual beauty that emerges when hearts connect in fellowship and devotion.

A Devotional Atmosphere

The afternoon gathering began just after 3pm with music, setting a harmonious tone for the Feast. This was followed by prayers and readings from the Bahá'í Sacred Writings, creating an atmosphere of reverence and reflection.  The spiritual portion of the Feast offered that essential space where, as 'Abdu'l-Bahá describes, "hearts may commune together."

Consultation and Community News

The consultative portion of the Feast provided an opportunity to discuss several important matters. As requested by the Local Spiritual Assembly, attendees reflected on the recent Naw-Rúz celebration. The LSA also emphasized the importance of a collective teaching focus and providing ongoing support to friends of the Faith.

Those present shared their personal plans and teaching experiences, along with any challenges they were facing. It was agreed to continue this important conversation at the next Feast.

A selection from the Universal House of Justice's message "To the Bahá'ís of the World" about family was shared, establishing a new practice where short sections would be read at each Feast, with the host selecting the passage to be studied.

The community also consulted about the upcoming 9th and 12th Days of Riḍván celebrations.

Fellowship and Refreshments

The social portion of the Feast featured a delightful array of homemade treats, including cakes, savoury snacks, and fresh fruit. The room was filled with laughter and animated conversation as friends caught up with one another, strengthening those bonds of fellowship that are so vital to community life.

What made the evening particularly special was the presence of friends from neighbouring communities, expanding the circle of fellowship beyond Dundee. Two families from Perthshire and Fife enriched our gathering with their presence, embodying Bahá'u'lláh's vision of gradually expanding circles of unity.

A participant to the Feast remarked how welcoming the atmosphere was, noting the genuine warmth and inclusivity they experienced. This is precisely what we strive for - creating spaces where everyone feels valued and at home.

Open Invitation

The Nineteen Day Feast is one of the foundational institutions of Bahá'í community life, bringing together Bahá'ís every nineteen days for worship, consultation, and fellowship. While the administrative portion is reserved for Bahá'ís, friends of the Faith are often warmly welcomed to join the devotional and social aspects of these gatherings.

Our community in Dundee continues to grow and evolve, strengthened by each opportunity to come together in spiritual communion. We extend an open invitation to anyone interested in learning more about the Bahá'í Faith to join our various community activities, including devotional gatherings, study circles, and children's classes that are open to all.

For more information about upcoming events and activities, please contact the Dundee Bahá'í Community through this website or visit our regular Wednesday afternoon devotional gatherings.

"The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection towards them. These links have a deep influence on people and they will listen." – 'Abdu'l-Bahá