“Make me as dust in the pathway of Thy loved ones…”
~ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

‘Abdu’l-Bahá also said, as related by Badi Bushrui,:
“This is My Will [Testament] that I share with you, all: If something should happen to me and I should pass away, bury me under the sand between Haifa and ‘Akka for it is the pathway trodden by the loved ones and the pilgrims. No marker should be built; no stone [placed], no tree should be raised there, so that it may be traceless. Otherwise, my soul will be in distress. If I were hanged somewhere, I ought to be brought and buried at the same spot, so that I may be the pathway of the loved ones, if you were permitted, otherwise it is of no import.” Considering the essence of these words and referring to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s attributes, one is hesitant to design an imposing structure for His resting place. His wishes must be taken into consideration, but not to such a literal extent that His station is not revered and recognized. His resting place must stand apart from the Shrines of the Manifestations of God, and be new and unique, unlike any other building. It must be modest, yet beautiful and radiant. It should manifest ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s humility, wisdom, openness, acceptance and kindness to all people. Specifically, it should embody His love and appreciation of the beauty of gardens and nature. It should also reflect His progressive and forward-looking approach by being modern in its design.