"Aid me to do
what Thou desirest, and to fulfill what Thou pleasest." -
Bahá'u'lláh |
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The Rabbanis
The Rabbani
Charitable Trust created by the Rabbanis is a fitting legacy for their
spiritual work. Dr. Mahmoud Rabbani, a Pharmacist by profession, and his
wife Mrs. Eshraghieh Rabbani, a businesswoman, were both born in Iran and
were third generation Bahá’ís.
Dr. Rabbani was born in Yazd on July 6, 1913. When he had completed
college and earned his doctorate in Pharmacy, he distinguished himself by
establishing his own pharmacy and laboratory. Subsequently, he was
credited with the development of five kinds of medications, all of which
were awarded patents.
This fine man had a reputation for his kindness, gentleness, wisdom,
generosity and keen sense of justice. The Bahá’í Faith was foremost in his
life, and he served it with great sincerity and dedication.
Mrs. Eshraghieh Eghrari Rabbani was born June 23, 1919 in Teheran. An
astute businesswoman, she was known for her thrift, boundless energy,
intellect and sensitivity. She shunned comfort and idleness in favor of
hard work and achievement. It was her habit to praise and encourage, to
pray for the endeavors of her fellow believers and to immerse herself in
the scriptures of her beloved faith.
In 1953, she married Dr. Rabbani, a man whom she greatly admired. Their
devotion to the Bahá’í Faith took them to many interesting cities and
countries for the purpose of sharing their beliefs and teachings with
others. They served as elected members of Bahá’í Spiritual Assemblies in
Europe and North America.
In 1957, Dr. and Mrs. Rabbani journeyed as Bahá’í pioneers to England
where for 10 years they spread the message of their faith. Then in 1967
they moved to Central Florida to extend their pioneering efforts.
They attended Bahá’í school sessions in Scotland, England and Florida and
the dedication of Bahá’í Houses of Worship in Panama and India, and
actively participated in Bahá’í international conferences in Europe, the
United States and Canada.
In addition to travel with her husband, Mrs. Rabbani went on two
pilgrimages herself to Bahá’í holy places at the World Center of the Faith
in Israel. While returning from her last pilgrimage in 1990, she visited a
Bahá’í school in Switzerland where she made a sizeable contribution toward
Bahá’í scholarships.
Having no children of their own and earnestly desiring to see the
teachings of their faith be perpetuated by promoting unity and alleviating
suffering, the Rabbanis established the Eshraghieh and Mahmoud Rabbani
Charitable Trust. Mrs. Rabbani was instrumental in its establishment and
in laying a firm foundation for its development following the passing of
her husband.
Dr. Rabbani died in Orlando, Florida on January 31, 1989. The Trust became
effective two years later upon the death of Mrs. Rabbani. She passed away
on January 25, 1991 in Winter Park, Florida and left behind an instrument
for the benefit of humanity.
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