For example, when of the Sufi leaders, named 'Ali _Sh_awkat Pa_sh_a, asked for an explanation of the phrase: "I was a Hidden Mystery," which occurs in a well-known Muhammadan tradition,( 21) Baha'u'llah turned to the "Mystery of God," Abbas, and asked Him to write the explanation.

The boy, who was then about fifteen or sixteen years of age, at once wrote an important epistle giving an exposition so illuminating as to astonish the Pa_sh_a.

This epistle is now widely spread among the Baha'is, and is well known to many outside the Baha'i faith.
About this time Abbas was a frequent visitor to the mosques, where He would discuss theological matters with the doctors and learned men.

He never attended any school or college, His only teacher being His father.
His favorite recreation was horseback riding, which He keenly enjoyed.
After Baha'u'llah's Declaration in the Garden outside Ba_gh_dad, 'Abdu'l-Baha's devotion to His father became greater than ever.

On the long journey to Constantinople He guarded Baha'u'llah night and day, riding by His wagon and watching near His tent.