BH00020: Tafsir-i-Hurufat-i-Muqatta’ih (Commentary on the Disconnected Letters) = Lawh-i-Ayat-i-Nur (Tablet of the Verse of Light)

Section 1: “Praise be to God Who created the letters…”

In the name of God, the Most Glorious, the Most Glorious

Praise be to God Who created the letters in the realms of the cloud of unknowing behind the pavilions of holiness in the highest horizon, then gave them to drink from the chalices of eternity according to what was ordained in the Tablets of Destiny, that through them might be quickened the hearts of those near unto God in the heaven of fulfillment. Then He clothed them in garments of black, as was ordained by His eternal decree in the treasury of destiny upon the crimson domes, and as it was foreordained in knowledge that the water of life should be concealed in the darkness of the realms of names at the Lote-Tree of the Uttermost End. Then He caused them to descend to the kingdom of creation in the atmosphere of destiny.

Thereupon the Voice called out from the Most Exalted Sanctuary, addressing the Primal Pen:

“O Pen! Write upon the luminous white tablet from the mysteries of eternity!”

Then the Pen was struck unconscious from yearning at this call for seventy thousand years by the reckoning of those who count. When it recovered as the decree of destiny returned to it once again, it wept for seventy thousand years with crimson tears. Then it stood before God in a time not preceded by the decree of primordiality in the beginning, nor followed by the decree of finality in the end. When it was consumed by the fire of separation as the sweetest call was cut off from it, there appeared in its tears the color of black in the heaven of faithfulness, and a drop of these black tears fell upon the tablet.

Then appeared the Point in the realm of beginning, and this Point was adorned with the ornament of primordiality upon the mirrors of letters in the essences of names. Then the Alif received it before all letters in the atoms of things, and this divine Point was detailed in the form of this eternal Alif as the breezes of the All-Merciful wafted upon it from the source of divine unity. Then the face of divine oneness was unveiled from behind the green veils, and the temple of the Point appeared in the form of the Alif, and it stood upright upon the tablet, standing by the command of God, the Most High, the Most Exalted, in the world of attributes and names. This is the station wherein the essence of the divine Will donned the garment of names and was adorned with the robe of attributes in the city of grandeur.

When this upright Alif became established upon the luminous tablet, it manifested with another wondrous manifestation. Then appeared the disconnected letters at the beginning of the Manifestations to indicate the worlds of divine unity and command in the cities of creation. Then from these letters which appeared and shone forth from the Alif of primordiality at the beginning of the Manifestations emerged the worlds of limitation and multiplicity. When they were detailed and separated and disconnected, then gathered and combined and mixed and joined, there appeared the comprehensive words and compound letters in the worlds of creation in the temples of names and attributes. Then was completed the creation of the worlds of dominion and the ornament of destiny in the manifestations of beings, that all might testify with the tongue of their essence that He is the Everlasting, the Eternal, the Creator, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Sovereign, and that Ali before Muhammad is the Manifestation of the Divine Essence and the Manifestation of Attributes, from whom began all contingent things and to whom return all created things.

He it is who manifested from His bountiful Self the Spirit of the All-Merciful, through which He created the realities of substances and capacities in the world of possibility, and the manifestations of beings in the worlds of existence, and the mirrors reflecting Him, and the letters speaking from Him—the first creation of God and the beginning of manifestations and the return of the servants on the Day of Assembly. This is how God distinguished them above all other creation in the world of pre-existence. Through them have the lights dawned forth, the moons appeared, the suns been illumined, and the stars unveiled their splendor. All of them speak of Him and bear testimony unto Him, in such wise that no distinction existeth between Him and them, save that they were created by His command, raised up through His will, and gathered together by His power.

By them are the ages made to revolve and the cycles to roll, and the trees of unity to be planted, and the fruits of oneness to appear, and the rains of detachment to descend, until the Point returneth to its original station after its revolution around itself and its attainment to its destined place. Then doth the end return unto the beginning, and at that time the call of the First echoes forth from the Tree of the Uttermost End, at the dawning of the Sun once again.

This is what the Dove warbleth in the pole of eternity on this Night of Unity wherein burneth the fire of Oneness from the Sinai Tree in the shadow of the Most Ancient Name and the Eternal Mystery, Who was named the Ever-Living in the Qayyumu’l-Asma, that all manifestations in the innermost heart may testify to that which is hidden, that verily He is the Mighty, the Powerful, the All-Compelling, the Beneficent.

This is a Book from the Letter B before H to those who have believed in God and have attained unto the lights of guidance, that it may bring them to the pavilions of holiness and draw them nigh unto the seat which none of those who denied God have reached—to this do testify the Temples of Names in the cities of attributes, and beyond them the holy angels bear witness.

Say: Verily in the song of the Dove upon the branches, and the melodies of the leaves of Paradise, and the surging of the sea of Oneness, and the rising of the clouds of wisdom, and the descent of the rains, and the flowing of rivers from rocks, and the establishment of the Temple of Eternity upon the throne of lights, are signs for those who, with the eye of God, observe the realities of things. Therefore ponder, O concourse of loved ones, upon the creation of the heavens and earth, then upon your own selves, if ye be among those who are guided by the lights of guidance in the days of the Countenance.

Verily there hath appeared before Us a letter from him who is denoted by the letter Qaf, who hath journeyed of his own accord and migrated unto God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, who hath attained unto the holy precincts and entered the Egypt of certitude, at a station wherein the Fire of God blazeth forth behind the veils of light, and wherein the Lamp of Unity is enkindled within a lantern of concealed glory. Thus have they who have forsaken their homes for the love of God outstripped those who have not drawn nigh unto the sacred shore in that City round which circle they who are near unto God. He hath asked in his letter concerning mysteries which none in all creation hath ever surpassed, whose veil hath been lifted from no face among all beings, and which the mystics have failed to comprehend. Hearken then unto that which the Herald of the Spirit calleth out unto thee from this blessed Spot beyond the crimson sea, in the surging ocean of fire.

Know thou that that which thou hast asked concerning the Verse of Light that was revealed aforetime unto Muhammad, the Apostle of God—the learned are powerless to fathom it. Were all the pens in God’s knowledge and all the oceans in His power to become ink, and were the fingers of might to inscribe that which hath been and shall be, yet would the meanings of but a single letter revealed by the tongue of glory in this blessed and revealed verse remain unexhausted. Nevertheless, I shall cause to trickle down upon thee a drop from the ocean of knowledge and wisdom, that thou mayest be of them that hasten unto the fields of knowledge and drink from the chalices of grace proffered by immortal youths upon eternal thrones.

When Moses had fulfilled His term in the Midian of creation, He returned with His family and entered the wilderness of Sinai in the holy valley, on the right side of the spot of Paradise, upon the shore of eternity. Then did He hear the Call from the Supreme Horizon, from the divine sanctuary: “O Moses! Behold what thou seest. Verily, I am God, thy Lord and the Lord of thy forefathers, Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob.” Thereupon did Moses cover His face in fear of God, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Self-Subsisting. Again was He called, at the shore of the Sea of Grandeur in the crimson dome: “O Moses, lift up thy head!” And when He lifted it, He beheld a Fire burning and shining from the Ultimate Tree in the verdant valley.

Thus was He guided by the supreme guidance from the Fire kindled in the Tree of eternity. Then did He cast off the sandals of desire and detach Himself from the kingdom of the first and the last. All this did God ordain for Him, as ye read in the Tablets. Thereby was His Cause exalted and His mention elevated, and He was among those who turned toward the paths of justice by the lights of the Fire. This is what was decreed for Moses, son of ʿImran, in the dome of the pomegranate, did ye but know. Thus did Paran of love witness, at the surging forth of the Fire in the Horeb of holiness and the Sinai of nearness, if ye behold with the eye of God in the scrolls of justice.

When the veils of Oneness were rent asunder and the lights of Unity shone forth in the Muhammadan Beauty, the Fire of the divine Essence was kindled within Himself, by Himself, for Himself, and the Fire of the Tree was ignited in His breast. Then did the ardor of love and the raptures of longing seize Him from every direction, and He heard God’s call from the Tree of Man in His inmost heart, that “Verily Thou art God, the Sovereign, the Protector, the Mighty, the Holy.” This is what was decreed in the wilderness of the Spirit for Muhammad at a station unto which the hearts of those who existed aforetime could not draw nigh. And thus do We mention unto thee of the mysteries of knowledge and the gems of wisdom, that perchance the people may kindle and be set ablaze by the fire of God in the Tree of Remembrance.

When Muhammad, the Apostle of God, desired to make mention of this most exalted station, that He might acquaint them with the mysteries of Divine Unity in the Tree of His own Self and convey to them His independence from the Fire that appeared unto Moses in the Sinai of Command, God revealed unto Him this luminous verse, that it might serve as a proof unto those who were given the Torah and as guidance unto those who were guided by the lights of guidance in the Muhammadan Tree. And God commanded Moses to give glad tidings unto the people of this Sinai in this Ahmadic Spot, as attesteth that which was sent down in the Book: “We sent Moses with Our signs, saying: ʿLead thy people from darkness unto light and remind them of the days of God.”’ This is what was inscribed in the Tablets, did ye but know. How then can one who giveth glad tidings of His days attain unto His station, could ye but perceive!

Know thou that when Moses beheld the Fire of the Tree on the right side of the Valley, He was guided thereby and became of those who, by God’s leave, entered the blessed spot. But Muhammad, ere He had perceived or been touched by any fire, was made by God a light unto all who are in the heavens and on earth, and through this light He guided whomsoever He pleased among His creatures. This is what hath been inscribed in the Book, and ye read it in the Qur’an. Know then that the station of the Niche mentioned in this verse referreth to His Self, the Lamp to His illumined Heart, and the Glass to His holy Temple wherein glowed and shone forth the Lamp of Divine Unity, and through which the Light was kindled, whereby were illumined all who are in the heavens and on earth. Thus do We make mention unto you, that ye may be illumined by this Light in the days of the Spirit.

After this Light had shone forth in the Lamp of the Muhammadan Reality and was kindled in the Niche of the Ahmadic Being, and the creation of Divine Unity was perfected in His ancient Temple, God commanded Him to remind the people of His meeting in the other Resurrection and to give them glad tidings of a holy and praiseworthy station in the place where the Concourse on High and the souls of them who are nigh unto God shall be gathered together, where the clouds of grace shall be lifted up and the believers shall then rejoice in the gladness of God. This is what was promised in the preserved Tablets of glory in His words, exalted be His sovereignty:

“On the day when thy Lord shall come, or some of the signs of thy Lord.”

This is what was promised unto all who are in the heavens and on earth, that all might testify within themselves that this is indeed the Truth, there is none other God but Him, and that He is in truth the All-Knowing, the Knower of things unseen.

Know thou then the station of Him Who came in the shirt of ʿAli upon clouds of light, He of Whose meeting Muhammad, the Apostle of God, gave glad tidings for the day wherein the sincere ones shall rejoice. Then know that after He came unto them with clear signs, what the calumniators said and what they did unto Him, whereat the Pen is ashamed to recount, and God beareth witness unto this, though ye witness it not. They rejected Him and denied Him, and some among them said: “He hath forged a lie against God,” or “He seeketh to bewitch the people.” Thereby were they veiled from the meeting with God, and they answered Him not in His Cause, nor did they turn unto the Face unto which turn the near ones. O people of the Bayan! Give thanks unto God for what He hath bestowed upon you through His grace, in that He hath made you to know His Self and honored you with His presence.

Section 2: “He hath honored you with His presence…”

He hath honored you with His presence and raised you up with the truth and hath sent down unto you that which maketh you independent of those who have disbelieved and associated partners with God, after all had awaited His days and all had been promised thereof. Thus know thou what We have imparted unto thee in truth and have honored thee with grace, wherein We have sheltered thee on the shore of knowledge and taught thee the ways of understanding and drawn thee nigh unto the fire whereby were set ablaze the hearts of them that have believed and do at all times put their trust in God their Lord. Then know thou that the purpose of the verse was none other than what We have taught thee in truth, yet none knoweth it save they who have been patient in God, and none comprehendeth it save the sincere ones. This is of the grace that no one of old hath preceded nor shall any of the last ones surpass.

But thou, O questioning seeker, in these days wherein the sun of loving-kindness hath dawned from the dayspring of oneness and the lamp of divine identity hath shone forth from the niche of eternity, shalt not witness this verse except in the temple which God hath concealed behind the pavilions of glory in the precincts of the nearness of the Beloved. Dost thou not witness how God hath lit it for Himself with His own fire in the niche of eternity and preserved it with the lamp of power between earth and heaven lest the breezes of misbelief blow upon it? And the light thereof hath appeared from behind seventy thousand veils to the extent of a needle’s eye, and the glass vessels of the existence of all created things have been illumined thereby, such that they all speak of God their Creator in that this divine fire hath been manifested unto them.

This is what We impart unto thee from the wonders of hidden knowledge that thou mayest give thanks unto God thy Lord at all times, and all the believers likewise, and that thou mayest be well-pleased with thyself in that He hath turned thee toward a shore whereupon no foot of any created thing hath trod save those who are at all times consumed with the fire of love, and none shall draw nigh unto it save they who have detached themselves from all who dwell in the dominions of command and creation and who tread the paths of submission by God’s leave.

We have thus sufficed with what We have interpreted for thee regarding this holy verse and have been brief in explaining its meanings, for We have interpreted it aforetime in diverse expressions and allusions that would confound the minds of the mystics. Be thou content with what hath been sent down unto thee on this blessed night which God hath made one of those nights wherein every firm decree was ordained by the presence of the Mighty, the Self-Subsisting. And if thou be not content with what the Pen of Power hath inscribed on these luminous tablets, then return unto what was traced aforetime by the finger of manifest glory, for in the Lote-Tree of utterances hath been kindled the fire of unity and none shall derive light therefrom save the believers, and upon its branches are doves all created from the fire of the divine Essence and none shall hear their melodies save them that are detached. By God! If thou wouldst sharpen thy vision, thou wouldst know all sciences from what hath been inscribed in these tablets and become independent of aught else, and this is a known truth.

As to what you have asked about the disconnected letters in the Sacred Scriptures and Holy Books, know that each of these letters contains signs for those who understand, and within them are symbols, allusions, meanings and indications that none can comprehend except those who walk in the path of God’s good-pleasure and who sail upon the ocean of knowledge. Their mysteries have ever remained treasured in the vaults of infallibility, sealed with the seal of power, and veiled by the veil of glory. But now its seal is loosened according to your station and capacity, and according to what people are able to understand, so that those who have been guided by God may testify that all this was created in the Temple of Him Who speaks the truth, around Whom circle all the sublime letters and comprehensive words, could ye but understand.

Know that these letters, in one station, indicate the eternal essences, the divine realities, and the primal manifestations of the Divine Identity, even as you read in the Qur’an—exalted be His light—at the beginning of the Book:

“Alif. Lam. Mim. This is the Book; there is no doubt in it, a guidance to the God-fearing.”

In this station, God named His Beloved with these extended, disconnected letters, that those who soar in the atmosphere of the spirit on the wings of detachment might attain certitude.

O Muhammad! This is from the Book—the book of thine own self, and this is from the Preserved Tablet which none can comprehend save God alone, and from it all books are differentiated, would ye but be certain. This is from the Book wherein is detailed the knowledge of what was and what will be, by which the guided ones are guided. All that was revealed in the Books and Scriptures of old is but a letter from that Book, and none knows this save those who ascend to the atmosphere of nearness on the Buraq of glory.

All this is mentioned in the station of description; otherwise this Essential Book hath a station beyond all that can be mentioned or described by any describer. All that was and will be is created by His command “Be!” and it is. Therefore, know the Book of Muhammad’s Self wherein all mysteries are inscribed by the Pen of God, the Self-Subsisting, that thou mayest testify that there is no God but Him, the Sovereign, the Supreme, the Mighty, the Beloved.

Thus it was revealed aforetime: “Read the book of thine own self.” This is the Book which sufficeth those who believe and conveyeth them to the shore of a treasured Name. In another station, it referreth to the Book which was revealed unto him in truth, which God made as a criterion between those who believe and those who disbelieve and deal unjustly with their Lord.

In yet another station, know that when God named His Beloved with the compound letters and comprehensive words—even as ye speak His names as Muhammad, Ahmad, and Mahmud in the Kingdom of Names—He likewise named him with extended letters and disconnected characters, that all who possess divine understanding might know that all the most glorious letters and most beautiful names were created for him, for naught appeareth from the Beloved except that He intended it for His Beloved—and this is His Beloved, could ye but perceive with the eye of the spirit. This confirmeth the word uttered by the Eternal Dove:

“By whatever name ye call upon Him, His are the most beautiful names”

- this was revealed aforetime, and ye read it in His days, and now most people still read it.

Know then that God hath created through these extended and detached letters in the name of His Beloved the extended essences and the exalted, subtle simplicities, even as ye behold in the mirrors reflecting the Muhammadan Sun. Likewise hath He created from the compound words in His name the limited forms composed of unitary elements, each according to their ranks receiving impressions from this Sun. Therefore ponder the creation of the heavens and earth that thou mayest recognize how every name existeth under the shadow of His Name and every attribute under the shadow of His Attribute, and be assured that all things lie within His mighty grasp. He createth from the letters of His Name, that ye may be among those who discern with the eye of God the manifestations of His handiwork.

And in another station, the Alif signifieth the Absolute Divinity, and the Lam the Absolute Sovereignty which returneth unto His Own Self, established by His word “Verily your guardian is God alone”—this being of God’s guardianship, the Mighty, the Praised. And the Mim signifieth the Essence of Muhammad and the Beauty of Ahmad. God addressed Him with these letters that all may be convinced that whatsoever is expressed in words, mentioned by created tongues, or perceived in the contingent realm, all appeareth in the garment of Muhammad.

Thus doth the Dove sing unto you from every station the songs of the Spirit, that perchance ye may hearken unto that which is revealed unto you. By God! Were I to expound these three stations contained in these three letters, tablets would not suffice nor ink be adequate, yet We abbreviate each station, if ye be of them that understand. For the reins of the Pen are not in My grasp, out of fear of those who have disbelieved and associated partners with God, and in whose breasts lurketh rancor against this Youth Who dwelleth in Iraq, Who summoneth all unto the Meeting-place, and Who hath dawned from the horizon of unity with a brilliance that hath encompassed all regions.

Thus do We mention unto you some of the mysteries of the Cause, that perchance ye may become aware. Otherwise, by Him Who holdeth Husayn’s soul in His hand, were it not for the thoughts of the hypocrites, I would mention in this Tablet that which would sever you from all who are in the heavens and earth, and bring you to a station that no ear hath heard nor eye perceived. This outpouring grace shall never cease, even were it to flow from the beginning that hath no beginning unto the end that none shall see, for the source of this divine spring and this ocean of unity is none other than the reality of the Lord’s grace and the essence of eternal knowledge.

How then could these sweet flowing waters ever be exhausted? Nay, by my Lord, they shall neither fail nor perish—to this testifieth that which We have demonstrated, and beyond this the dwellers of the Supreme Concourse bear witness. Can God’s grace ever end or His outpourings ever cease? Nay, by the Lord of the heavens and earth! Rather His mercy hath preceded all things and His grace encompassed all existence.

Say: O people, this is of His grace which descendeth upon you from the clouds of knowledge as rains of wisdom, bestowing upon all contingent things that which shall admit them to the holy paradise and clothe them in the garment of immortality, if ye but reflect upon the mysteries of this grace. Say: O people, how can ye remain sleeping upon your couches, not arising from the seats of heedlessness after the Sun of Love hath risen and all decayed bodies are stirred by its heat, while ye remain like frozen mountains, not melting at the radiance of this Fire, though all who dwell in the precincts of eternity are set ablaze thereby? Say: O people, if ye hear not from this servant who is assured of God, then learn from the stages of love how this lamp is enkindled and consumeth itself with the fire of its own being at every moment. Then hearken ye to the wondrous remembrances in its burning, for it calleth upon God in its inmost soul with the tongue deposited therein, saying:

“O my God and my Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy Lamp which Thou hast sanctified above all other lamps, that Thou raise me up in the presence of the lovers, in that station wherein is mentioned the name of God, the Mighty, the Supreme, the Promised One Who cometh with the truth upon clouds of fire, circled round by the angels of His Cause. Then shall the clouds of holiness be lifted up and the Dove shall warble in such wise as to draw unto it the hearts of them that are nigh unto God.”

Say: O people, hear My words, then recognize the worth of these days, hold fast unto the lustrous and hidden Thread, turn not unto the world and its ornaments, neither let adversity grieve you, nor let those who have disbelieved and associated partners with God, the Mighty, the Beloved, cause you to waver. Be ye of the choicest of creation who are deterred by no hindrance, veiled by no reproach, prevented by no rejection, even should all who are on earth rise up against them, if ye but know. These are they who turn not unto any face nor care for aught in the kingdom, and should they pass by cities of gold, they pass them by as lightning, paying no heed thereto, swimming in the depths of detachment. These are they who, when the verses of their Lord are recited unto them, feel in their hearts the fire of divine unity and their very frames tremble with longing, then fall prostrate upon their faces before God, the Sovereign, the Supreme, the Most Holy.

All this is of the nature of them that are detached. We have cast it unto you in truth that ye might hasten with your own eyes unto the shore of grace. Know thou that in another station God intended by these letters the infinite mysteries, among which is an allusion to the duration of the concealment of the Beauty behind the pavilions of glory, even as ye witness in the traditions of the Imams of the Qur’an. After the passing of Alif Lam Mim Sad’ and Alif Lam Mim Ra’, the Mahdi shall arise. Thus should ye recognize these mysteries in all the letters until such time as the lights shall dawn from a holy and beloved dayspring.

Section 3: “O people of the Bayan! All this pertaineth…”

Say: O people of the Bayan! All this pertaineth to the stages of creation and origination, and the manifestations of existence and invention—witness ye this! Otherwise, in that station wherein God hath made them the seat of His holy revelations, they neither point to aught, nor tell of aught, nor indicate aught, and all stand in the holy precincts. Say: O people of the Qur’an! The letters have ascended to their places and the words to their stations, yet until now ye perceive it not. Have ye not heard the day when the Caller shall call out? Have ye not heard the Cry of Truth? How is it that ye remain until now dead within the veils of your own selves? Arise from the couches of heedlessness, then from ignorance and hatred, then hasten unto the remembrance of God—this is better for you if ye desire to return unto the homelands of nearness. Do ye not reflect upon the generations of the past and what befell them when they opposed the Messengers of God and turned away from His signs, though God sent not any Messenger except that He sent down with him a proof that would confound the most eloquent.

And with Him was revealed such proof as would confound the most eloquent, and every Messenger gave tidings of the Messenger Who would come after Him, and all were promised His coming. Consider, then, those who were given the Torah: before Moses was raised up among them, they were given glad tidings from God, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting, of the Prophet Who would come thereafter. But when Moses came to them with the rod of command and the Paran of love, they turned away from Him and said: “This is naught but a crazed sorcerer.” They denied Him and disputed with Him and contended against Him until, after a number of years had passed, God raised Him up by His command and brought Him to the station ordained for Him, wherein He established His authority and proved His proof and cut off the root of those who disbelieved and associated partners with God and who transgressed without right. Even as ye today invoke blessings upon Moses and those who believed, and curse Pharaoh and his hosts. Thus do We recount unto you true tales, that ye may call to mind in the days of God.

Then Moses gave tidings to the people of Him Who would come after Him. But when Jesus came to them with manifest holy proofs, they waxed proud against Him and said: “Thou art not He, and art but a man bewitched.” And likewise did Jesus give them tidings of the Prophet Who would come after Him with glorious intimations. But when Muhammad, the Apostle of God, came unto them, they turned aside from Him and denied Him and said: “This is naught but a man who hath forged a lie against God, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting.” Then, when He was raised unto God, they gathered round His Cause, as thou seest today, and all weep and lament over what befell Him, and curse those who wronged Him.

And at the time of His ascension to the most exalted Companion and His rising unto the supreme horizons, He promised the people of Him Who would come after Him, and the entire Qur’an beareth witness to this. And when the matter was accomplished and the time had elapsed, ʿAli came before Muhammad with clear signs and dazzling proofs and decisive evidences and manifest testimonies. Yet all grew proud against God in His Cause, though they had all been promised His meeting, as attesteth all that hath been inscribed in the Preserved Tablet, even as ye read in the Book that when God sealed Prophethood with His Beloved, He gave glad tidings to His servants of His meeting, and this was decreed with certainty.

But when God came in the shadows of clouds and the trumpet blast of the Cause was sounded and the heaven was cleft asunder and the mountains were crushed, they all drew back upon their heels. They await His meeting even as the Jews and Christians await what they were promised of old, and from that day until this hour they all wait. How many Messengers did God truthfully send after Moses until this time, yet the Jews perceived it not, saying each year, “He will come in another year.” Know thou thereby their measure and the measure of those who dwell in the shadow of their own selves.

Behold, then, these idolaters in what they did of old and what they do today. Thus have We detailed unto you every tiding in detail and cast upon you what befell God’s Messengers, that ye might become acquainted with the mysteries of the Cause and be of those who today have entered beneath the shadow of the Divine Countenance. And God hath raised them to a station wherein He made Himself known to them, after they had all turned away from Him. And now We return to Our previous theme and clothe the temple of words in a new raiment of meanings, wondrously woven, that thou mayest be certain that the reins of the Cause are in the grasp of One mighty and awesome.

We clothe anew the forms of words with the raiment of meaning, woven with fresh and wondrous threads, that thou mayest be assured that the reins of all affairs are held within the grasp of the Mighty, the Dreaded One, Who turneth them as He pleaseth. And when His command cometh to all who are in the kingdom, then are they all among those who are turned about. Know thou that were I to expound the meanings hidden within the Alif which hath been sent down at the beginning of the Book, and the pearls of knowledge concealed therein, verily all who are in the heavens and on earth would swoon away, save them who swim and dive and gather in the presence of the Countenance in the vast ocean of power.

Then would the dogs of the earth assemble against Me, seizing Me with the claws of hatred, denying the grace which hath descended from clouds raised up in the name of God—grace whereby is quenched the thirst of those who, in the Paran of separation, are consumed by fire and some do perish, in such wise that were the spirit of life to be breathed into them, they would not be quickened. And a few among them do drink from these living waters flowing in the darkness of those words, and they praise God their Creator for that which hath shone upon them from the dawning-place of Iraq—the Light of the Horizons—after the spirits had swooned and then recovered.

Thus mayest thou understand how the people are divided in their disagreements. For this did God aforetime reveal unto Muhammad, the Apostle of God: “Few of My servants are grateful.” Nevertheless, as I do not wish to disappoint him who hath detached himself from all else save God, who hath journeyed unto Him and emigrated for His sake, I shall therefore impart according to the capacity of the servants, what souls can bear and minds can comprehend, that it may be a remembrance and glad-tidings from this servant to those who hasten to the Abode of Peace and enter beneath the shade of the Tree of Union. Hearken then unto that which is revealed unto thee in this blessed spot from this eternal Tree, from which no one hath taken fire, and which none approacheth save those who circle round about it and offer up their souls in His path after His leave, and who do thereby give thanks.

Know thou that the Alif in one station pointeth to His Most Great Name—He is God; and the Lam to His hidden knowledge; and the Mim to His Name ʿthe Bestower’—that is, I am God, the All-Knowing, the Bestower. These names God hath specially chosen for Himself at the beginning of His Book, and thereby He hath intended what He hath intended, and none knoweth how He hath intended, for none precedeth Him in His knowledge, and we are all assured of this and do acknowledge it. Then in another station God, glorified be He, intended by the Alif the oneness of His Essence, and by the Lam the Guardianship of His Guardian—for Lam is the letter of Guardianship, would ye but know it—and by the Mim the Prophethood of His Beloved, for it is the letter of Prophethood, as appeareth in the first letter of His Messenger’s name, as ye yourselves witness.

And He hath placed the letter of Guardianship before the letter of Prophethood, that they who possess understanding might testify that this is a glad-tiding from God unto all who are in the heavens and on earth, that He Who cometh after Muhammad shall have, in His great name, the name of Guardianship preceding the name of Prophethood, even as ye recognize in Ali before Muhammad. This is confirmed by the second verse of the Furqan, as revealed in truth:

“This is the Book, there is no doubt in it, a guidance to the God-fearing who believe in the Unseen.”

And the Unseen in the time of Muhammad was none other than Ali before Nabil, would ye but believe in this Unseen. And concerning this Unseen did God take a covenant in the atom of the Furqan from all who dwell in the heavens and earth, yet most people comprehend it not. Know then how the Bird of the Divine Throne warbles, singing in the lofty pavilions of eternity, teaching you that whereby your minds may find tranquility, your souls find rest, your hearts be gladdened, and the sincere ones rejoice. Then recognize the greatness of this Cause, how God hath made mention of it in the beginning of His Book, His first utterance, and His first address to His Beloved. Yet these transgressors violated God’s Covenant, broke His Pledge, denied His proof, and, not content with this, perpetrated against Him that which exhausted the patience of the patient ones. Thus do We impart unto you the mysteries of the Cause, would that ye hear with sanctified ears.

By God! Were ye to ponder upon the letter Lam which hath descended between two letters, ye would attain unto all that ye desire. For the Lam in its form is three, even as those versed in calculation reckon in their computations, and by itself becomes three letters: Lam, Alif and Mim. Thus is gathered therein all that We are questioned about. For the Mim hath appeared from itself, and this indicateth its independence, were ye to soar in the atmosphere of detachment and the space of oneness. By this do those who seek proofs deduce that there is no God but He, Who was One in His Essence, One in His Attributes, One in His Name, and One in His Creation. Is there any god besides Him? Say: Glory be to God! There is no God but He, and we are all His servants, and all are bewildered in His handiwork. Thereby are the veils of misbelief burned away, the signs of limitation vanish, and the banners of the believers are raised.

Then ponder the Alif which God hath made the link between the Lam and the Mim—a mystery that cannot be grasped through perception nor understood through knowledge, even if all who are in the heavens were to contemplate it from all eternity. Thus are the doors of inner meanings sealed in this divine letter, while the doors of utterance are opened to the extent that ye are able to hear. Know then that if this divine Alif were to revolve around itself, two upright Alifs would appear, and when these are raised to the tens, the number twenty appears. Thus is manifested the Kaf of the Command, through which were created the temples of unity, the manifestations of uniqueness, and the dawning-places of detachment—this being before its conjunction with the pillar of Nun, were ye to know. And after its conjunction were created the signs in the worlds of limitation and the royal tokens in the realms of composition. Thus do those endowed with knowledge witness the mysteries of wisdom in that which hath flowed from the Pen of manifest glory.

Then know that all letters and words return unto this divine Alif and this lordly figure, would ye but perceive with the eye of the heart. It is the manifestation of letters without any reference to itself, and thus hath knowledge descended from His presence with truth, could ye but understand. Otherwise, ask God, thy Lord, to teach thee through His knowledge and impart to thee that which would make thee independent of those who are not guided by God’s signs, who walk in the depths of darkness encompassed by waves of fire from all directions, being drowned therein yet perceiving it not.

Then behold the mysteries deposited in this Alif, how in all letters the effulgences of this Alif can be seen. For example, witness in this Alif the letter Ba’ in its submission to its Creator, as though it were prostrating itself fully upon the dust in humility before God, as ye can observe in its form. Then it appeared in the form of Dal, bowing before God, the Supreme, the Beloved. And when it prostrated itself before God, it manifested as the letter Sad, from which flowed the waters whereby God quickened all who are in the heavens and earth in the stages of creation, were ye to perceive the traces of creation. Similarly, know all the letters, for they all appeared in different forms through the revelations of this Alif that shone upon them, even as ye observe in the letters of the alphabet. And when God desired to manifest the revelations of this Alif, He caused His likeness to shine upon them, whereupon they all appeared as they were in the garments of these letters. And were they to free themselves from these limited signs, they would all be raised up in the form of this Alif and in its likeness.

And if thou desirest to witness the revelation of this upright Alif in the letters in its form and stature, that thou mayest be assured within thyself that it standeth above all things, then observe the numerical figures as ye witness in mathematical calculations. For example, if ye immerse this Alif in the seas of tens, the Alif appears in its form with the addition of a point, manifesting as Ya, for its number is ten, as ye count in arithmetic. Likewise, if ye raise it to the heaven of hundreds, the letter Alif appears exactly the same but with the addition of two points, and ye then behold the letter Qaf. Similarly it ascendeth until it reacheth the end of numbers, whereupon the letter Alif appeareth in the fourth rank with additional points, manifesting the number one thousand, whereby ye witness the letter Ghayn. Therefore witness how the signs of divine unity flow through the dominion of letters, that ye may thereby witness in the horizons of contingent beings and the realm of the intelligible that there is no God but Him, and unto Him do all return.

Section 4: “When this Alif witnessed itself in the first…”

When this Alif witnessed itself in the first and last of the letters, it testified within itself through the tongue of its innermost essence that He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden, and all thereby unite in their Creator and prostrate themselves before Him. In that station, all letters are true of this Alif, and likewise the revelation of this Alif by itself is true of all letters, were ye to ponder in the paradise of divine unity. And at the moment it is an Alif, the letter Ba is true of it, and likewise ye may witness the reverse. Then know the points that are added to it in all its stations and ranks—this indicates the signs that encompass it in the descent of its revelations, that people might reckon them according to their capacity and ability. Otherwise, were it to remain in its station without donning the garment of limitations, the hearts of those possessed of insight could not comprehend it, nor could the wise understand it.

Therefore witness the revelation of this Alif within thyself, for thou art one who heareth and likewise seeth, and when thou hearest and seest, thou speakest what thou willest, such that no matter preventeth thee from another matter, nor deed from another deed, even as ye all witness this within yourselves.

Similarly, observe in the names that when the name “the All-Hearing” is true of you, likewise the name “the All-Seeing” is true of you, and likewise other names, were you to observe with clear sight within yourselves. All these are attributes that all people to this day refer to their Creator unknowingly. Therefore witness within yourself that all this is created in His dominion and He bestows it upon whomsoever He willeth among His servants. Verily there is no God but Him. He cannot be comprehended by all that you comprehend, nor known by what you know. Rather, He created these stations in the souls of His servants that all might be guided thereby to the truth that He created the names yet is sanctified above them, and established the attributes yet is exalted beyond them. There is no originator except Him—His is the Command and the Creation, and all create by His command. Say then: Exalted be God, the Sovereign, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting! Exalted be God, the Powerful, the Creator, the Mighty, the Glorious, the Beloved!

O people of the Bayan! Strive with your spirits and souls to enter into this station. Be not among those of whom no name among names is true, nor are they characterized by these attributes. Be not among those who have eyes but see not therewith, who have ears but hear not therewith, who have hearts yet understand not. Then witness within yourself that you move and stand and sleep and walk by a single thing, and this is a known truth. Yet from you appear names and attributes, as you all observe and acknowledge within yourselves. These different names and numerous attributes appear through the differences ordained in your souls and created in your bodies, that you might ascend to the heights of knowledge within yourselves.

For example, that by which you act is one, though you may call it by all names or make mention of it. In its essence it is abstracted from all that you speak of or indicate within yourselves. However, through its orientation to the place of hearing and its means, there appears an effect and attribute and name that appears not from anything else. Likewise through orientation to the place of sight and the means ordained therein, there appears another effect and attribute. This you find within yourselves. Similarly with the tongue—when oriented toward it, speech appears as you speak. This is from its orientation to the outward means in the human temple. Likewise observe the inward with the inner sight.

For example, its connection to the heart and liver and spleen and head and other parts—through the differences of these stations appear different names, even as you name them the deed and the soul and the heart. Therefore know the manifestation of this Alif within yourself—how though it is one, God hath made appear from it different names and diverse effects, that you might thereby attain unto the places of knowledge and witness that difference appears through difference of place and means, else the Manifester is one and the manifestation is one. All this is within yourselves—do you not see? That you might be certain that there is no God but Him who hath fashioned creation comprehensive of all His names and attributes, if you squander not the wonders of creation within yourselves.

Behold in yourselves the wondrous tokens of His handiwork, and waste them not. All this was created in His dominion and appears in the realm of creation. O people of the Bayan! Transgress not your bounds. Fear God, and attribute not to yourselves that which hath not been ordained for you, nor exalt yourselves beyond your station. We have explained unto you that whereat the hearts of the mystics, the wise, and the learned were perplexed, through these allusive words, that ye may comprehend what lies therein and that all who dwell in the heavens and on earth may drink from this spring according to their capacity, rank and power. Know then this spiritual Alif, this divine ornament, this straight thread of oneness, how it hath arisen by itself and for itself before all who dwell in the heavens and on earth. At times it raiseth its head toward heaven, whereupon it attracteth the hearts of the Concourse on High; at other times it turneth toward earth, whereupon the bodies of them that are nigh unto God arise from the graves of mortality. Thus do We reveal unto you that which hath been inscribed by the Finger of Power upon the preserved tablets of holiness.

Know thou that this firm and steadfast Alif hath its likeness in all the worlds, and all draw sustenance from the cord of its grace. All that thou beholdest in all creation—be it steadfastness, uprightness, stability, strength or power—know thou that all this hath appeared through the uprightness of this divine Alif, and all abide beneath its shadow and are made upright through its uprightness. By God! The Word hath reached such a station that the signs of knowledge and the evidences of wisdom are cut off therefrom. Give thanks unto God, your Lord, in your days, and be ye of those who have turned away from all on earth and have turned their faces toward the Beauty of Divine Unity in its luminous vesture behind the veils.

They drink the wine of inner meanings and the water of life from the hands of the Spirit, and at all times do they render thanks. Should all beauties present themselves before them and reveal themselves in all their ornaments and jewels, they would pay no heed. Even were they to approach them with bracelets of gold and robes of glory made of silk and brocade, seeking to take one of them or enter into the heart of any one of them—by God! they would neither succeed nor would they turn toward them, though they adorn themselves with all possible ornaments and apply all manner of kohl to their eyes. And were anyone to present them with all the gold and silver on earth and all the treasures of the kingdom, they would pay no heed nor turn toward him.

These are the friends of God, on whom there is no fear, neither shall they grieve. They fear no one, even should all who are in the heavens and on earth rise up against them, nor are they dismayed, for their hearts, souls and minds are filled with the wine of God’s mercy and love. There remaineth no space in their hearts for the love of aught else to enter. Thus do We acquaint you with the sincere ones, that perchance ye may recognize them and follow their example, in such wise that neither the tempests of earthly dominion may move you nor the storms of time cause your feet to slip, and that ye may be of those who are firm in their love for God.

Then know that this Alif contains mysteries from all branches of knowledge, as God has bestowed upon it from the wonders of His grace, and in it is ordained the knowledge of what was and what will be. For example, if you were to extract the letters contained within the mysteries of this Alif, as We have previously imparted to you, from its four stations, and write their pronunciations, and thereafter divide them into four divisions, and apply to each division what it requires of ascent, descent, elevation and equivalence, there would be revealed to you mysteries at which minds would be bewildered, and you would discover what you have heard of the comprehensive Jafr, and arrive at the source of all knowledge.

Would that We could find someone as We desire, that We might impart to him what God has taught Us of His grace, but since We have not found such a one, We have imparted to you according to a determined measure, and We have sufficed with that lest every rejected tyrant should discover it.

Then know that these disconnected letters in one station are the symbol between the lover and the beloved, and none comprehends this save those whose hearts God has made treasuries of His knowledge and repositories of His wisdom, and this is what has preceded in God’s knowledge, the Supreme, the Beloved.

Then know that this Alif in one station points to the white earth and the hidden pearly light, if you wish to perceive the mysteries of the craft of nature. And this earth’s origin and existence is from water, if you would but understand, and it solidifies in water—glorified be God its Creator and exalted be He above what you describe. And when this pearly water solidifies in this fiery water and takes heat from this golden fiery water, there are gathered in it the three: the spirit, the soul and the body—and this is what no one’s knowledge has preceded, and all are bewildered therein. When this earth, formed from water, solidifies in this red water, then extract it, and when you extract it you will find on its surface the dust of fire, that is, it blackens, but do not grieve, for if it blackens there is no harm in it, for God will transform this darkness into light such that it will ignite and shine by the leave of God, the Supreme, the Praiseworthy.

And this is the holy fruit that has appeared from the tree that grew in the heaven of spheres and the earth of intellects, and this is the philosophers’ stone and their silver, and the thirsty earth and their mercury, and all that they name it. And when you extract it from the divine mine, impose upon it from the spirit that was of it and in its kinship, for the body accepts no spirit other than its own, if you would preserve what We impart to you. And days will not pass except that it will whiten by God’s leave, so strive in its purification such that no darkness containing corruption remains in it, to the utmost of your ability to strive. Then after that, dry it with a proper fire and impose upon it from this spirit once again, then kindle upon it the reed fire until there rises above this water a hidden red oil. By God, this is from the philosophers’ gold about which souls have wandered and the minds of the wise have been bewildered, and until now none has attained it except servants whom the ornaments of the world do not distract from the remembrance of God, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting.

This is the soul and blood and the red resin, whereby decaying bodies are brought to life when this spirit is breathed into them. Therefore, O ye people of the Art, seek after it! But attend to the fire, and apply it not in such measure as would harm it, for fire both corrupts and perfects, were ye but to perceive it. This is of fire and gold and soul and sulfurous water and divine water and aerial water, and unto it are attributed all names and qualities in its gradations and stations, according to what appeareth therein of colors and effects. Thus do We instruct you that all may be assured that this unlettered Youth of Iraq possesseth sciences that the ancients never attained and that the moderns shall never comprehend, that perchance they may awaken to their condition and cease to imagine what they now imagine.

When, O My brother, this luminous child and this spiritual infant appeareth unto thee upon the surface of the water, remove it little by little until thy purpose be accomplished. By God! If the heat of fire should strike it then, it would dazzle the eyes. Exalted be the Maker, the Creator, the Powerful, the Director, the Mighty, the Dreaded! This is of the essence and reality of the spirit, and though it be attributed to aught else, such attribution is but metaphorical. By it are lifeless bodies quickened, rising from their graves, and in the land of divine direction are they gathered. Thus is revealed to thee the resurrection of bodies, that thou mayest be assured of the gathering of spirits into bodies on the day when the trumpet shall be sounded, when the garment of creation shall be renewed, when all shall be brought before the holy presence according to their deeds, when they shall be rewarded for their actions in this vain life, and when all that they were promised shall be fulfilled.

Section 5: “Then shall the melodies of the Divine Dove…”

Then shall the melodies of the Divine Dove be renewed, all in the heavens and earth shall be transformed, the earth of knowledge shall be spread out, the cock of oneness shall crow, and the believers shall mount the steed of light. Were We to mention all that shall appear on that Day, the Tablets could not contain it and souls would be sorely troubled. We therefore conceal its mention and return to what We mentioned before, that the grace of God may precede those who enter into the garment of existence.

Then know thou that if thou weddest this oil which We have cast upon thee in truth with this earth, thou shalt attain what thou seekest more swiftly than the twinkling of an eye, if ye be of them who succeed in this work. Therefore know gold and silver, then sun and moon, then white and red resin, that ye may understand. Hence they have said that the work consisteth only of the two great luminaries, as ye witness in the books of the people. Likewise know what they mean when they say “our gold is not the gold of the common people,” and similarly regarding silver, if ye comprehend. This gold is called two-winged, and it is a bird flying in all bodies, and all names are attributed to it. For example, it is called water due to its flowing and running, fire due to its inherent heat, earth due to its inner dryness, and air due to what is gathered within it. All this is witnessed by those who ponder the mysteries of nature and are of those who, through their detachment from all save God and their turning unto Him, attain to that most exalted station.

Know then that this radiant, fiery oil is the Crown of Crowns, the Divine Crown, and the Crown of Victory, for by it all bodies are transformed—that is, by it all bodies are cured of corrupting viscous moistures and dark, harmful drynesses. By it all that is created on earth is healed of every disease. Verily it is the Active Essence by which the world subsists, and it is the heat without which there would be no motion—and motion is the action that proceeds from it. Similarly, know with complete certainty that all knowledge comes from heat, if you would but ponder the essences of created knowledge.

Verily it is the Man of Valor, the Young Male, the Eastern Mercury, and the Spirit which, were it to be breathed upon the decayed bones, would by God’s leave bring them to life and raise them up—the Sovereign, the Mighty, the Self-Subsisting.

Know then that the Spirit is naught but the water frozen upon the face of the white earth, and this is from the Command that appears from it suddenly like swift revelation. God has made it victorious over all things, for this is that which, before all things, took shelter in the shadow of God’s Name, the Victorious, the Powerful. You shall witness the signs of power from it if you attain unto this station.

This white earth is the stone from which rivers burst forth. It is unique in its genus, and likewise its operation is singular, if you would but witness in this One the fourfold multiplicities. Its likeness is the Alif which We mentioned—this Alif is one in itself and is not a number, yet numbers are counted from it and multiplicities are derived from it. Yet in the multiplicities of the worlds of numbers, you behold the countenance of the One.

This stone contains the union of three genera, as you would witness with your own eyes if you would ponder it with divine knowledge. Verily it tells of the Night of Power, for within it is ordained a hidden knowledge which God has concealed from the hearts of His servants, just as He has concealed the Night of Power from those who look not upon the realities of things with divine vision.

We have likened it to the Night because after the first operation, blackness and darkness appear in it, and these are from the darknesses in which the Water of Life was ordained. This is a truth of which you have not heard before. Therefore, O people of the Bayan, hearken! Then ponder what was revealed aforetime in the Furqan concerning the three darknesses, that your eyes might be consoled thereby and you might attain the ultimate goal for which people have striven.

Know thou, O servant, that when the Khidr of Glory reached the Dawning-Place of Eternity at the spring of this water, he paid no heed to it and drank not thereof, for the Spirit had transformed him from himself toward the right hand of the Beloved’s might. For this Youth desired not to preserve himself in the kingdom, but rather sacrificed his spirit and all he possessed for all who are in the heavens and the earth. This he chose for himself out of love for God, the Sovereign, the Supreme, the Mighty, the Praised.

Say: O people, by God, this is a servant who desired naught for himself and sought help from none in the kingdom save God alone. To this the Tongue of Unity bears witness in the pavilion of the unseen mystery. Say: This is a lamp that hath needed no niche from anyone, nor is it affected by fire, nor doth it derive its light from aught except God, the Single, the Mighty, the Exalted, the Self-Subsisting. Then give thanks unto God, your Creator, for having revealed unto you the mysteries through this luminous and bounded Pen. Though it be bounded by its limitations, yet God hath caused to flow from it that which hath no limit or end. Therefore, behold in this limitation the mysteries of Divine Unity, and be ye witnesses thereof. This is from the knowledge wherewith God hath taught this Pen that all may be assured that the heavens of knowledge are folded up in His right hand and the earth of wisdom is created by His command, and all draw from the wonders of His knowledge.

Know thou that the first thing that came into being from the Ancient Originator in the worlds of creation was the four elements, which are fire, air, water and earth, as ye have heard before and now hear again. Then appeared the four natures, which are heat, moisture, cold and dryness, as ye reckon and know. When these combined and united, there appeared for each one two qualities: for fire, heat and dryness, and likewise for the remaining three. Know ye these principles, for by them God created all that is in the worlds of creation, both the celestial and terrestrial. Whatsoever hath balanced qualities endureth through time, as ye observe in the sun and moon, and that which hath unbalanced qualities perisheth ere long, as ye behold in the creation of the lower worlds.

Strive therefore to know the balanced things among minerals, for they are easier to work with if ye would succeed, since the process consisteth but of separation, purification and combination—this being the truth of which all the Prophets have spoken. When thou hast known the foundation of nature from the mine of divinity, take thereof according to thy need. Then distill it with the water of life which is of its nature and closest to it in affinity, until this foundation becometh pure white. Then subject it to water and place it in moisture until a prescribed amount of this foundation dissolves. When this earth dissolves with this spirit, thereafter place it in darkness until it mixes and becomes one thing. Then coagulate it over a gentle fire. If thou perform this twice or more—that is, the dissolving and coagulating—that is closer to the truth, if ye would do it.

If thou art unable, subject this water to this earth, then dissolve it until this water becomes pure white. Then impregnate this earth with this water until ye reach the goal ye desire. Then dissolve it after the impregnation, for the end of impregnation is the beginning of dissolution. Then after dissolution ye shall coagulate. Thus shall the work of the moon be completed for you, and ye shall behold the power of God with your own eyes if ye know what We have set forth in this Tablet. Then after this shall ye work, for knowledge cometh before action. Beware, then beware, O people of the Bayan, that ye undertake nothing before knowing all that We have taught you.

This is My counsel unto you—hear it if ye wish to traverse the paths of truth. Know then that the foundation can be likened to this water, for water is the origin of all works. From it comes the pure oil, and whosoever is anointed therewith shall never be burned. This is of the water whereby God revives the earth after its death and manifests the decree of resurrection. Among the Prophets and Sages, some were content with this water in their work and achieved through it their ultimate purpose. This is of the hidden and concealed knowledge, known only to those whose hearts God has tested with faith and whom He has taught the science of Mercury alone. This is a treasure that was sealed with God’s seal.

If you desire to work with the Sun in gold, return to this substance of pure oil which We taught you before and named it the People’s Gold and True Sulfur, though you may be bewildered in working with it. By God, We have mentioned all the works to you and have imparted what none before has succeeded in knowing, as you yourselves can testify if you but recognize it. We have mentioned to you in allusive references the natural measure—whosoever attains it has attained the ultimate purpose in this divine wisdom and heavenly gift, if you would but understand.

We now impart to you that which will make you independent of those who occupy themselves with this craft on earth. Know that when you have understood that the matter consists only of Mercury and Sulfur, and have recognized them in the Sun and Moon which are gold and silver, know then that salt is excellent in dissolving bodies such that you will find nothing better for gold, were you to examine all things. For in its very nature there is a complete affinity which cannot be fully described were you to write throughout your lives. If you find this salt in its mine and distill it and dissolve with it the calx from which it came and which gave it birth until it becomes one essence and a fixed oil, by God you will reach the pinnacle of knowledge and understanding, for in salts lie hidden the concealed secrets, like the infinite knowledge that resides in pure hearts—do you not see?

This is of the truth of certainty, without which all people wander in the valley of ignorance. Thus does the dove of knowledge warble upon the branches of wisdom with strains that draw the Beloved near. We content Ourselves with this, though We fear what We have disclosed to you of the matter through holy allusions. But none shall attain to this save through love of God and His chosen ones. This is what the Most Exalted Pen counsels you in these numbered Tablets.

But if you would hear Me, seek from God that which will make you independent of gold and silver. By God, this is the ultimate purpose, would you but hear it. For from gold and silver none grows rich; rather poverty increases, as you can observe. But through what We have called you to, you will become independent of all who are in the heavens and on earth, if you would but hold fast to the thread of this utterance.

Know then that this Alif which was revealed at the beginning of the Furqan, and which We have interpreted for you through allusions that confound minds, was created from the Alif that was revealed in the Bayan from God, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting. Nay, it becomes as nothing before it, would you but ponder its mysteries.

Verily We have interpreted it for thee through allusions at which minds are bewildered. That which was revealed in the Bayan through the letter Alif hath been created by God, the All-Powerful, the Most Exalted, the Self-Subsisting. Nay, it is as nothingness before Him, would ye but reflect upon its mysteries. And in one station it was His own Self and Essence, would ye but enter the pavilions of unity. Thus mayest thou know the station of the upright and steadfast Alif on the Day when the essences of knowledge shall be raised up at the promised holy Point, and He Whom God shall make manifest shall come upon the clouds of knowledge and power, with the angels of His Cause at His right hand.

Then shall all who dwell on earth be thunderstruck by the thunderbolt of that Day, and the pillars of all creation shall quake, and all shall be disturbed by the might of God’s Command. Blessed then are they who attain unto His presence and enter the holy garden before Him. At that time, when they decree a thing, they shall not say why or wherefore, but shall hasten to fulfill what they are bidden. They shall not fear the people of the Bayan, but shall rush like infants to the breast of God’s mercy. They shall not turn to anything, nor fear anyone, even if all who are in the Bayan or other religions should prevent them—they shall not be prevented nor turn aside.

They shall not open their eyes unto anyone, for they gaze only upon pure Beauty. We therefore beseech God to make us and you among those who circle round Him, who are present upon His carpet, and who bear witness before Him, for verily He is the Powerful, the Bestower, the Mighty, the Beloved.