Earlier in the article I explained that Baha’u'llah Himself (not Abdul-Baha as you write above) designated His house in Baghdad and that of the Bab in Shiraz in the Aqdas.

Later Abdul-Baha, in a Tablet to an individual, mentions in passing the ‘Most Holy Shrine’ which is a reference to Bahji, the resting place of Baha’u'llah. We know almost nothing about this Tablet but not for want of trying.

This is something that has been asked of the BWC/Research Department multiple times and they have not provided clarification by presenting the original tablet, its original language, any context or historical date related to it. Therefore it is nearly impossible to delve into this topic any more without their cooperation and assistance.

The Research Department acts as a gatekeeper in such matters and no amount of prodding will make them budge when they don’t want to.

“After the passing of Baha’u’llah, Abdu’l-Baha designated the Shrine of Baha’u’llah at Bahji as a place of pilgrimage. In a Tablet, He indicates that the “Most Holy Shrine, the Blessed House in Baghdad and the venerated House of the Bab in Shiraz” are “consecrated to pilgrimage”, and that it is “obligatory” to visit these places “if one can afford it and is able to do so, and if no obstacle stands in one’s way”. No rites have been prescribed for pilgrimage to the Most Holy Shrine.”

But earlier in your article you explain that Abdul-Baha only designated the Shrine of Baha’u'llah at Bahji as a place of visitation. Where is this information originally sourced from as I can’t seem to find it? 
And secondly how is it differentiated in its original context from a place of pilgrimage in Abdul-Baha’s wording as opposed to a place of visitation.  Please forgive me if you’ve already explained, as I experience difficulties reading.

According to Wikipedia, Ziyarat may not even actually be an authentic Muslim practice, but an innovation.

What a person interprets based on what I write is their own doing. I would thank you to not put words in my mouth however.

The letter I wrote simply asked for clarification on this matter.

I can say that at present the official record is that Abdu’l-Baha designated Baha’u'llah’s final restingplace as a location of pilgrimage. The thing which has “evolved” is the journey to Haifa as a place to ‘spike your tent’, as it were, and visit all the historic locations visited by Baha’u'llah in his exile to Palestine.

And anyway, his burial place IS the Qiblih. One might interpret based on Baquias rant that visiting the qiblih is spiritually insignificant.

Also, Baquia, I wonder if you’d be so kind as to share with us the letters you wrote the UHJ?

The responsibility then to show that it is a fact that Abdu’l-Baha in no way does designate the Shrine of Baha’u'llah as a pilgrimage rests on your shoulders.

I do enjoy this game, but it keeps me from more important things…like music.