BH02753: Praise be to God! Today the garden of inner…

Section 1: “Praise be to God! Today the garden…”

In the Name of our Most Holy, Most Great, Most Exalted, Most Glorious Lord.

Praise be to God! Today the garden of inner meanings hath appeared, adorned with the flowers of divine knowledge and wisdom. The Kawthar of utterance and the living waters of Tasnim flow therein. How blessed is the state of one who hath found the way thereto, and how deprived is he who hath gained no portion thereof. Its fragrant breeze giveth life to the soul and gladdeneth the spirit. Without words it imparteth subtle and delicate mysteries; without treasure or ornament it bestoweth eternal wealth. With the finger of power it rendeth asunder the veil of bewilderment and causeth the sun of truth to shine forth from the horizon of grace. How blessed are they that attain! How blessed are they that know! How great the regret of the heedless and the rejectors!

Its key hath ever been and will continue to be the love of God, which is the praise and glorification of the Goal of all creation, expressed in sweet and engaging words. How blessed is such a day, how blessed such an hour, and how blessed such a moment when the exalted letter, which is as a key and from which emanateth the fragrance of the love of the Beloved of the world, arriveth continuously! In truth, it is this that refresheth the heart with new joy and causeth the fire of longing and yearning to burn more intensely.

God is my witness that at all times, despairing of creation, finding solace in thoughts of Thee, and placing my trust and reliance in God, suddenly the door was opened and hope was fulfilled. The carpet of sorrow was rolled up and the carpet of joy was spread forth. Before that, each day the pen would write of the pain of separation, and ink would record mention of the days of communion and unity. At times the nature yearned for the art of the nightingale, and at others beheld itself like the salamander in the fire.

Brevity is more beloved than prolixity, for it neither prevents you from the mention and praise of the Beloved of the worlds, nor obscures the matter which is explained and clear to that Eminence. We have passed over lengthy discourse; in brief, without you no complete joy was attained, and your absence deprived the gatherings of their supreme adorning. As the servant was seated, suddenly from the horizon of the house your letter appeared like the morning star. After taking, reading and perusing it, it attained the honor of being heard before the face of the Lord of Names, exalted be His majesty and His favors.

He is the One Who gazeth from His most exalted horizon

O My Name! Time and again have We made mention of thee. Thou hast quaffed the cup of everlasting life from the hands of the Best-Beloved of all creation. Thy mention endureth forever and thy tribulations are witnessed before the Throne. Through thy steadfastness the horizon of constancy hath been illumined and made radiant. Blessed art thou, and blessed is he who loveth thee, maketh mention of thee, and hearkeneth unto thy words concerning the Cause of God, the Lord of all worlds.

Should you for a time turn your attention to your homeland and its environs from the land of Ya, Alif and Ra, this would be well-pleasing in the sight of God, for perchance some wayward soul might find guidance and recognize the Purpose. However, in all conditions you must fix your gaze upon the horizon of wisdom. Whatsoever is contrary to this is neither permitted nor befitting. Thus doth the Wronged One command thee and make mention of thee from this exalted station.

Convey My greetings to the friends of God. Say: Beware, beware lest the clamor of the ungodly keep you back from God, the Lord of all worlds. These people newly walk in the footsteps of the people of the Furqan. By the life of God, they have not understood the Day of God, for on that Day none is mentioned save God alone. All books are dependent upon His Word and acceptance, and all deeds are contingent upon His leave. Throughout ages and centuries they have nurtured people with vain imaginings. Yet that heedless group considered themselves superior to all others, unaware that they were and are the most abject of servants. With utmost tyranny they martyred Him Whose mention they prefaced with “may God hasten His relief.” The result was “may God hasten their descent into hell.” Say: O friends of Truth! By God’s life, these souls are heedless and unaware. Setting aside all else, what benefit did they derive from their past utterances that they should gain from future ones? Fie upon them and upon those who followed them without clear proof from God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

It is necessary to mention somewhat the calumnies of the Shi’ih sect and their falsehoods. O My Name! The Concourse on High lamenteth and the dwellers of the Most Exalted Paradise grieve, for having rent asunder the thick veils and mighty coverings, they have now returned to their first step. Weep, O people, weep! Justice hath become like the phoenix and truthfulness like equity—both unwitnessed. Yet thy Lord is the Powerful, the Mighty, the Omnipotent.

The people of Baha are deterred neither by the world nor by aught therein. His Cause is more manifest than the sun, and His call is raised at all times. Blessed is he who hath cast away the world, turning unto God, the Lord of eternity, Who in the midst of tribulation proclaimed with the most exalted call and summoned all to His luminous horizon.

I know not why until now the people of the Bayan have not reflected upon the deeds and words of the previous sect. Those who considered themselves the best among mankind, namely the Shi’ih sect, committed that which caused all things to lament. Not one soul reflected upon what was the outcome of that sect and their deeds and words. By the life of our Purpose, it was all scattered dust! Now the ungodly among the people of the Bayan have established such an apparatus anew. These sightless ones have not reflected for a moment that from the beginning of the world until now, what Cause hath been greater than this Cause and what Revelation more manifest than this Revelation? Should any soul arise to deny it, to what would he then testify? Today none is mentioned save God. Blessed is the soul that hath inhaled the fragrance of this Day and recognized its Purpose. This servant beseeches the Eternal Truth to render ears worthy and eyes capable of hearkening to the Call and beholding the Supreme Horizon.

Concerning what was written about His Holiness the Afnan (upon him be all the most glorious Glory of God), that he sent a telegram—the purpose thereof was that dignitary’s journey to the direction of the Divine Purpose. However, the subsequent letter stated that His Holiness the Afnan (upon him be all the most glorious Glory of God) and the honored Amin (upon him be the Glory of God) had requested to proceed in those directions. After this matter was presented at the Most Holy Court, this supreme utterance shone forth from the highest horizon, He says, exalted and mighty is He:

“Now that these honored ones have made this request, the Afnan’s acceptance is beloved before the Divine Presence, and if he should travel for some days in the land of Ya and its surroundings, it would be beloved.” The people of that province and the relatives will surely attain fresh joy and new delight from meeting with that dignitary. And concerning what was written about how the friends of God in every land have all requested mention, this matter was honored to be heard. He said, exalted be His glory: “O My Name! Upon thee be My glory, My loving-kindness and My mercy. By My life! Whosoever has desired that his name be mentioned in the Most Holy Court, verily his mention is recorded and inscribed by the Supreme Pen. Give glad tidings from Me to all who have desired My loving-kindness and attention. Say: Verily He heareth and seeth, and He is the All-Hearing, the Answering. Give to each one the glad tidings of God’s loving-kindness and counsel them to steadfastness and that which exalteth the station of man. Blessed are they and theirs shall be a goodly return.” End.

And concerning what was written about three trustworthy souls who are among the poor and working class having given a portion for the Huququ’llah—though it is small, yet coming from its owners despite their poverty, it is most praiseworthy and beloved. These matters were presented in the presence of Him from Whose grasp nothing can escape. This is what caused the ocean of utterance to surge in the realm of possibility. He says, blessed and exalted is He:

He is the One Who speaketh in truth!

O servants of the All-Merciful! My Name hath mentioned you, and We have mentioned you in a Tablet that cannot be equaled by the tablets of the world nor by what the nations possess. Your Lord, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, beareth witness unto this. Ye have attained unto the recognition of the Wronged One, Whom the transgressors have made a prisoner because He summoned all unto God, the Lord of what was and what shall be. Bear ye witness as God hath borne witness before the creation of earth and heaven that there is no God but Me, the Truth, the Knower of the unseen. Whoso hath attained unto My recognition, he is indeed of the Supreme Concourse in the sight of God, the Fashioner of the heavens and the Lord of Names; and he who hath been prevented is accounted among the heedless in the Preserved Tablet.

God hath heard your call and witnessed your turning unto Him, and hath sent down for you that which shall be with you in every world of the worlds of your Lord, the Mighty, the Loving. Beware lest the clamor of the babblers prevent you from God, the Lord of the worlds. Preserve what ye have been given through this Name that dominateth over all who are in the heavens and the earth.

Praise be to God, they have attained unto the bounty of the True One, exalted be His glory, and what they have given hath been accepted, and a receipt shall be sent. If possible, it would be beloved if that sum could be delivered in the land of Kha to Mulla ʿAli Bajistani (upon him be the Glory of God), that he might use half himself and deliver the other half to Ibn-i-Shahid (upon him be the Glory of God).

In reference to thy mention of His Honor Aqa Mirza Muhammad Ja’far and His Honor Aqa Mirza Mihdi, upon them be the Glory of God, this was presented before the Divine Throne and attained the honor of being heard, and the petition of His Honor Aqa Mirza Muhammad Ja’far which he had written to thy presence was likewise presented before the Throne. Two most holy and most exalted Tablets were revealed from the heaven of divine will especially for them and were sent forth. God willing, they will attain unto them and drink from their ocean of inner meanings.

Similarly, mention was made of the devout, enkindled handmaidens—the honored aunt and her two daughters, upon them be the Glory of God and His favors—and it was written that they are counted among the first believers. After these matters were presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, these verses shone forth from the horizon of grace. He saith, exalted be His glory:

In My Name, the All-Remembering, the All-Seeing

O My Name! Upon thee be My glory and My mercy. By the life of God, thou hast spoken the truth. The aunt and Khadijih in the early days attained unto faith, drank from the Kawthar of love, and received a mighty portion from the Euphrates of certitude. The sweet fragrances of the love of the All-Merciful have ever wafted from them, and they have, to the extent possible, exerted mighty efforts in service to His Cause and His loved ones. In the path of God they heard and witnessed that which caused grief to the hearts of those near unto Him. Blessed are they! By My life, all that is on earth cannot equal what hath been ordained for them. Praise be to God that they attained unto acceptance, certitude, recognition and utterance of “yea.” The divine testimony concerning them sufficeth and endureth. Verily, He doth not suffer the reward of the doers of good, whether men or women, to be lost. Convey to them My glad-tidings and remind them on behalf of the Wronged One. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My utterance be upon them and upon their children who have acknowledged that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken: “Verily there is none other God but Me, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.”

Their mention hath ever been in the Most Holy Presence, and there hath been revealed for them that which shall endure as long as the names endure. The servant beseecheth God, his Lord, to grant them success, to strengthen them, and draw them nigh unto Him. Verily, He is powerful over whatsoever He willeth, and He is the Forgiving, the Generous.

Likewise, two Most Holy, Most Exalted, Most Glorious Tablets were revealed and sent especially for His Honor Aqa Muhammad-ʿAli and Aqa Muhammad-Husayn, upon them be the Glory of God. God willing, they will attain unto them. Some time ago their petitions attained the Most Holy Presence. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Succorer, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Regarding thy mention of His Honor Aqa Mirza Abdu’r-Rahim of Qamsar, upon him be the Glory of God, and likewise the amount of six (vav) for the Huquq which His Honor Aqa Zaynu’l-Abidin from Mazgan, upon him be the Glory of God, had sent through him—these matters were presented before His countenance. This is what was revealed for His Honor Mir, upon him be the Glory of God. He saith, exalted be His utterance:

I am the Expounder, the All-Wise

O Mir! Great is the Cause and great is the Day! Some followers of the Bayan have until now failed to comprehend the Day and cling to former vain imaginings. Say: O people! Today is God’s Day wherein none is mentioned but Him. If a soul should be confirmed in the worship of all who have gone before and shall come after, and in less than that moment turn his gaze to aught else, he hath not been nor ever shall be accounted among the people of unity, and all his deeds shall be as scattered dust. Have they not heard the words of the people of the Furqan, that is, the Shi’ih sect, and have they not weighed the imaginings of the past?

How then are they occupied in renewing suspicions and idle fancies? Nay, they are in manifest loss! Though all days of Manifestation are, in one sense, the Days of God, yet this Day was the object of the desire of all Prophets and Messengers. In all Books, Scriptures and Tablets it is adorned with the ornament of distinction. Say: Fear God, O people, and be not of them that join partners with Him! Be steadfast in the Cause, and voice the praise of thy Lord, and be firm in such wise that the edifices of doubts and idle fancies may tremble. Thus doth the Mother Book command thee.

Section 2: “We make mention of the friend who hath…”

We make mention of the friend who hath attained to the remembrance and utterance from the All-Merciful. We beseech God to aid him in that which will exalt His firm and wise Cause. Convey My greetings unto him and unto My loved ones there. We counsel them to manifest the utmost steadfastness and that which befitteth this glorious and wondrous Day. My Name, upon Him be My glory, hath made mention of thee. We make mention of thee through this manifest remembrance. Thou hast attained unto thy Lord’s remembrance time and again—this from His great bounty. The glory be upon you from God, the Lord of the worlds.

We make mention of Zaynu’l-ʿAbidin who hath acted according to what was commanded in the Book of God. Blessed is the servant who hath testified to that which the Desired One hath testified, and hath performed in His path that which hath caused his remembrance to be exalted among His sincere servants.

A hundred thousand thanks to the Desired One of the world! Whenever mention is made of one of His loved ones in His presence, it is adorned with the lights of His grace and embellished with the ornament of His favor. Particularly those souls whom that Excellency hath mentioned—each one hath attained unto wondrous, sublime, enduring and eternal verses. Blessed are they, and joy be unto them, and all good be unto them! This evanescent servant beseecheth all to remember him at the time of mention and praise, and to seek confirmation for him in the service of this mighty and great Cause.

Concerning what was written about spending an evening at the home of Aqa Siyyid Muhammad-Baqir, upon him be the glory of God, in the company of the friends of God, engaged in the remembrance of the Beloved of the worlds—this matter was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court. His Word, exalted be His glory:

In My Name, through which the sea hath surged and the fragrance hath wafted

Blessed is he whose tongue hath spoken in praise of his Lord, and he who hath inhaled the fragrance of His luminous garment, and he whose ear hath heard His sweetest call, and he whose eyes have beheld His glorious countenance. O Siyyid, O Muhammad-i-Qabl-i-Baqir! My Name, upon Him be My glory, hath made mention of thee. We make mention of thee that thou mayest give thanks unto thy Lord, the All-Forgiving, the Most Bountiful.

The greatest of all deeds in this day is steadfastness, for the people have been reared in the midst of vain imaginings. Blessed is he who hath cast aside the vain imaginings and utterances of the past and hath fixed his gaze upon the horizon of certitude alone. Those souls who are deprived of knowledge have clung to the words of the people of the Furqan and have arisen to lead others astray. This was the promise of God, exalted be His glory, and He hath given tidings in His Books of that which hath appeared and shall appear. Hold fast unto the cord of thy Lord’s loving-kindness and cleave unto His luminous hem.

Blessed is thy house wherein My remembrance hath been raised, and wherein My Name and My loved ones have been present. Remember them on My behalf, and convey My greetings unto them, and give them the glad-tidings of My loving-kindness and mercy. We beseech God to aid them to serve His Cause, to send down upon them blessings from His presence, and to give them to drink from the Kawthar of steadfastness by the hands of His bounty. Verily, He is the Mighty, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting.

As to what was written regarding the distress of the friends—the good of the world, the blessings of the world, and the power and might of the world, all are directed towards them and reckoned as theirs. How many companions in the time of the Seal of the Prophets, may all else but Him be sacrificed for His sake, had not even sustenance for the night, yet they held fast unto patience and were adorned with the ornament of resignation, until there was sent down unto them from the heaven of grace that which the reckoners were powerless to reckon. Soon they shall witness that which hath been revealed in the Book. The riches of the world and its good shall turn towards them from all directions. What is needed now is unity and harmony, wisdom and the teaching of the Cause in such wise as not to create commotion. This hath been and is incumbent upon the servants, and the rest is with God, exalted be His glory.

Despite the expenses of this land, of which thou art aware, if any portion of the Huquq reacheth Us or arriveth, it hath been and will be given. What Ismi hath written in this regard is correct; indeed, great breaches shall appear, as they already have. Concerning the beloved Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah, upon him be the glory of God and the trust of God, what was written hath caused boundless joy. Praise be to God, and thanksgiving and glory be unto Him, and His is the power and strength and bounty. However, according to the command, at present a small place must be designated without furnishings, otherwise it is in danger. Many wicked heedless ones are to be seen; should they become aware, they may perhaps arise to commit previous deeds. At the outset of any matter its end must be considered. The place must be taken in such wise as to leave no room for anyone to make claims.

And likewise it was written that one night they were honored to be in the house of Aqa Muhammad-ʿAli, upon him be the glory of God, together with the friends of God, upon them be the glory of God. This matter in its entirety was presented before the Presence. This is what was revealed in reply from our Lord, the Lord of the Final End. His word, exalted and mighty is He:

In My Name, Who heareth and seeth

O Muhammad-ʿAli! For successive years thou hast been blessed with the remembrance of the Lord of Names and Attributes. Thou hast drunk from the cup of reunion and partaken of the ocean of meeting. Thou hast heard that which was mentioned in the divine Books and witnessed that which was recorded therein. Blessed art thou and blessed is thy son who hath attained unto the tablets of his Lord, the All-Bountiful. Thy mention and that of thy sons hath been immortalized in God’s Book. We beseech God to aid thee in preserving that which He hath bestowed. We testify that thou didst migrate and attain Our presence, and didst hear and see. Rejoice thou in thy Lord’s loving-kindness and be of them that are steadfast.

We make mention of the Hakim, brother of the Hakim, who attained Our presence and discovered the fragrance of Our wondrous Revelation. O Aqa Khan! Hearken unto the call of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, from the Divine Lote-Tree upon this elevated Mount in the most noble of spots. Verily, there is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the All-Bestowing. Thy mention hath been made before the Wronged One, and there hath been revealed for thee a tablet from whose horizon hath shone the star of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, the Lord of all men. Blessed art thou for having turned unto the Dayspring of Revelation and heard the call of Him Who conversed on Sinai, Who was promised in the Books and Tablets. We beseech God to strengthen thee, prosper thee, and ordain for thee through His Most Exalted Pen the best of this world and the next. Verily, He is the Omnipotent over whatsoever He willeth, through His Name whereby He hath subdued all who are in earth and heaven. Soon shall all thou seest today perish, and there shall endure what hath been ordained by God, the Lord of Lords. We counsel thee to preserve what thou hast been given and to remain steadfast, which God hath made among the most excellent of deeds.

The waves of the ocean of bounty have encompassed all, and the lights of the Sun of loving-kindness have shone upon all. This servant beseecheth God that He may make all aware of what He desireth, for should they become aware, all would arise to serve His Cause. Praise be to God that both the aforementioned ones—namely Aqa Muhammad-Ali and Aqa Khan, upon them be the Glory of the All-Merciful—have drunk from the cup of meeting with their heart’s Desire and have attained unto that which was promised in the Books. I beseech God to strengthen them in steadfastness, which is mentioned as the most excellent of deeds, and service. I convey greetings and salutations to each, and likewise to the sons of Aqa Muhammad-Ali, upon them be the Glory of God—the eldest son and the others. Praise be to God, they are mentioned in His presence and have attained His loving-kindness. Praise be to Him in all conditions. I beseech and hope from God that He may open the door of bounty and extend the hand of giving. Verily, He hath power over all things.

As for what they wrote concerning their difficult circumstances, they were told to act in whatever way they deem advisable, whether through the Huquq or other means. They should certainly give attention to this matter. Since this is the divine will, relief shall surely come. In His grasp is the control of all affairs and He is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

Regarding what they wrote about the honorable Hudhud, upon her be the Glory of God, in these days news arrived of a sum of twenty tumans which has been ordered to be sent to her, with the remainder to be given to certain others. If further news arrives, it shall be transferred.

O My Name! Upon thee be My glory! Ha and Sin, upon him be My glory! From the beginning of the Cause he turned to the Most Exalted Horizon and in a few years was enabled to serve the Cause through mention and praise. We beseech God to strengthen him to preserve this station. He is the Powerful, the Mighty. God willing, may he be assisted to perform that which is regarded as the most excellent of all deeds in the sight of God, and which shall endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven. O My Name! Give him the glad tidings of a favor from which the sun of permission hath dawned from the horizon of his Lord’s gracious will. He may turn with such turning as causeth all created things to turn towards the precincts of nearness and meeting—the station wherein the Speaker of the Mount proclaimeth: The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the Lord of Lords.

Blessed is he, for he hath attained unto that which he sought. However, as bidden, he must observe wisdom and its requirements. If circumstances are favorable, well and good; if not, patience is preferable.

As to the mention thou hast made of the feast given by the honored mother of the family, upon her be the Glory of God, and likewise the mention of the minister and his son and their circumstances, upon them be God’s loving-kindness—this was presented in the Presence of Him Who was God and there was naught else besides Him. Thus did the Tongue of our Lord, the All-Merciful, speak in the Kingdom of Utterance: O My Name! We have previously made mention of Muhammad—a mention whose fragrance shall endure and persist. We beseech God to assist him to do that which beseemeth His days and enable him to act according to that which hath been revealed in the Book.

From this station We send Our greetings upon him, his brother and his son. Convey to all of them the Wronged One’s greetings, that the greeting may draw them to the most exalted station and bring them near unto God, the Lord of all mankind. The world is evanescent and its treasures will not endure. We beseech God to enable those who are related to attain unto true relationship and to guide them to the straight path. Praise be to God that they have been mentioned and their names have flowed from the Pen of Utterance. This is the true blessing and the heavenly food. Glory be upon them and upon those who have attained unto this manifest Day and this firm and mighty Cause.

This evanescent servant beseecheth the Eternal Truth not to deprive any of those who are related from the sealed wine.

Concerning the mention thou hast made of the evening of arrival and the presence of the friends and some of the loved ones, this exalted Word hath shone forth from the Most Exalted Horizon at this point: O God! Bestow Thy blessings and peace upon the host, the guests, and those who were present, visited, attained, served, made mention and heard the praise of God, the Self-Subsisting, the All-Compelling.

Praise be to God! These exalted words encompassed all—the host, the guests, those who were present, those who rendered service for the sake of God, and those who made their way through the snow—all attained and received their portion from the ocean of God’s mention. Happy are they! Especially for the honored mother of the family, upon her be the Glory of God, a Most Holy, Most Great Tablet was revealed, and likewise specifically for the leaf who is the sister of Aqa Mirza Mahmud, upon them both be the Glory of God, who made her way through snow and cold. Verily, He doth not suffer to be lost the reward of those men and women who do good.

And as to what ye wrote concerning Aqa Mir ʿAli-Naqi—may the glory of Baha rest upon him—and likewise the mention of the services he hath rendered unto the friends of God: this matter, after being laid before the Most Holy Presence, drew forth in reply these exalted words—His glory be magnified:

Section 3: “Today all the friends of God must reflect…”

He is the All-Witness, the All-Informed.

Today all the friends of God must reflect upon matters of the past and become aware of the unripe fruits of false trees, that perchance they may not fall prey to new delusions in the future. The Shi’ih sect was considered the most exalted of religions, yet it became manifest as the lowest and most abject of all parties. Some followers of the Bayan who are deprived of the rays of the Sun of Truth and barred from the ocean of knowledge walk in the footsteps of that people. The true Herald and genuine King—that blessed Being Whose mention the Shi’ih sect made for years during nights and days, eagerly awaiting His appearance and yearning for His presence—after His manifestation they all pronounced the verdict of His death and martyred Him with grievous torment.

That Holy One was martyred by the sword of that group’s falsehood. For one thousand two hundred years and more they busied themselves with arranging beliefs and mentioning the paths of faith and certitude. In the end neither did those beliefs bear fruit nor were those words seen to yield any result, for they were deprived of the straight path and walked the ways of idle fancies and vain imaginings. They arranged multiple partners for God, glorified be His grandeur, while considering themselves believers. The ultimate end of that rebellious sect was what you saw and heard. How many souls whom they considered misguided, including those of the Sunni sect, have now had the light of faith shine forth from their hearts such that they became accepted and attained His presence.

Reflect upon the children of Abraham and the heirs of Moses, how they became enkindled with the fire of the Cause. Observe, then mention what the All-Merciful revealed in the Qur’an, blessed and exalted be His words:

“And We desired to show favor unto those who were brought low in the land, and to make them leaders and to make them inheritors.”

Verily all grace is within His mighty grasp—He gives and withholds, and He is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous.

The Supreme Pen today counsels all to steadfastness, for the croakers have appeared with evident craftiness and have striven and continue to strive to lead people astray. It is reported they have gathered the writings of this Revelation. God is aware and knowing of all intentions. We counsel all to the Most Great Steadfastness in such wise that the hearts of those who have denied God, the Lord of all worlds, may be astonished thereby.

We make mention in this station of him whom We named Khalil (Friend) in the Book. O Khalil! Hearken unto the call from the Most Exalted Horizon. Verily thy Lord hath turned toward thee and made mention of thee in such wise that nothing possessed by all the parties can equal it. Glorify thy Lord’s praise and remind the people of this Cause whereby all things have proclaimed: “The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the Lord of Lords!” Protect My servants from the calumnies of the people of the Bayan who have denied the All-Merciful by following vain imaginings and idle fancies. They desire to spread corruption in the land after its reformation. They are assuredly among the transgressors in the Scriptures and Tablets. Be a shepherd to God’s flock and protect it from the wolves of the earth who have violated God’s Covenant and His Testament and have committed that which caused the dwellers of the Most Exalted Paradise and those who circle thy Lord’s throne at eventide and dawn to lament.

We make mention of Abdul-Rahim, who believed in God in the beginning and the end. We have mentioned him before and We mention him at this time with verses by which the mountains would take flight. Remind the servants of what befits the days of thy Lord, then protect them from those who have denied the Resurrection.

We make mention of Our loved ones and friends in that place and its surroundings, and give them glad tidings through the remembrance of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. O loved ones of the All-Merciful! We counsel you with that which will elevate your stations, and I am the True Counsellor, the All-Informed. Beware lest any matter prevent you from this Cause, or any remembrance veil you from this Great News. You are in your homes while the Most Exalted Pen makes mention of you in this firm and impregnable Prison. And We make mention of My handmaidens and give them glad tidings of My loving-kindness and My mercy, which have preceded all who are in the heavens and the earth.

O Ali [Naqi]! My Name, upon Him be My glory, hath made mention of thee. We have remembered thee in this Clear Tablet. Be thou thankful to God for this most great favor and say: “Praise be unto Thee, O Thou the Goal of the mystics!” Glory be upon Al-Khalil and upon thy father and upon thee and upon thy wife and upon My loved ones who have held fast to My firm cord. End.

His is the praise and the favor at all times and under all conditions. He hath adorned His friends and loved ones with the crowns of mention and utterance. The Word of God endureth and whatsoever is therein endureth. This evanescent servant conveyeth his greetings to all the friends and loved ones, and seeketh steadfastness for all. The honored beloved one, Aqa Mir Abdul-Rahim, upon him be the Glory of God, hath been twice mentioned by the Most Exalted Pen in this letter. Blessed is he and blessed is he who hath attained unto the cup of bounty and favors. At this hour, when four and a half hours had passed from Wednesday, the 17th day of Jamadi’u’th-Thani, there was, on behalf of that Beloved One, accomplished that which the Desire of the world approveth, and the word of acceptance was revealed. Well is it with you, and with this servant.

Another matter: in the radiant letter which they had addressed to the honored beloved Haji Siyyid Javad—may the glory of Baha and His loving-kindness rest upon him—they had made mention of Haji Abdu’l-Husayn, and of Aqa Abdu’l-Hamid and his son, and likewise of Aqa Muhammad Bik, and of other friends who, together with that honored one, were eleven souls.

These matters were laid before the Most Holy and Inaccessible Threshold. There were revealed and dispatched two wondrous and weighty Tablets for Haji Abdu’l-Husayn and Aqa Abdu’l-Hamid—may the glory of Baha rest upon them both—let them be delivered unto them. And for Bik and the others there flowed from the Tongue of Grandeur words such as no tongue can bear to recount or describe. Yet, inasmuch as this servant was eager to dispatch the packet without delay, he acted only according to the least that was needful. By command, convey unto them, on behalf of God, the Takbir, and gladden them through the boundless bounties of the Desire of the world. This servant, likewise, sendeth unto each greetings, praise, and magnification. They had also written that, at the time of penning that letter, they were honored with the presence—in the house of the two exalted brothers, Aqa Muhammad Hashim and Aqa Muhammad-Husayn—may the glory of Baha and His mercy rest upon them. They had further mentioned Aqa Muhammad, Aqa Nasru’llah, and Ustad ʿAli, their neighbor. This account was submitted at the Gate of the Possessor of all men.

This is what hath been sent down unto them from the heaven of the loving-kindness of our compassionate and generous Lord—His exalted utterance:

In My Name, He Who speaketh in the Kingdom of Utterance.

This is a Book sent down by the All-Merciful for those who have turned towards the Holy Court on a Day wherein every learned one was thunderstruck, every jurist was perturbed, and every wise one was shaken, save those whom God, the Lord of the worlds, willed otherwise.

O Hashim! My Name hath mentioned thee, and We make mention of thee. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. This is a Day wherein the Concourse on High circle round the Throne of thy Lord, the Master of humanity, yet those who claim adherence to the Bayan are among the heedless, clinging to the Calf and turning away from God, the Mighty, the Wise.

O Husayn! Hearken unto the call of Husayn. He makes mention of thee and counsels thee to show forth the Greater Steadfastness in this mighty Cause. Soon will a cawer come to you with the book of the iniquitous. He is indeed among those who deny God in His Book, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. He will call you to the Calf and seeks to extinguish the light of God through the whisperings of satans. Blessed are those who remained with Us until their spirits ascended unto God, the Mighty, the Beautiful. The glory from Us be upon them both, and upon you, and upon those who have drunk the wine of steadfastness from the hands of the bounty of their Lord, the Ever-Flowing, the Generous.

We make mention of Muhammad, whom My Name hath mentioned, and We give him glad tidings of My loving-kindness and My mercy which have preceded all things, and of My remembrance before which all remembrances bow down. O Nasrullah! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One, then be steadfast in the Cause in such wise that the cawing of every cawer who has disbelieved in God, the Lord of lords, will not cause thee to slip. Hold fast unto the Sure Handle and cling to the hem of thy Lord’s grace, the Master of creation.

We make mention of Ali, who was present before My Name, with a remembrance that shall never fade. O Ali! Rejoice in this Most Great Remembrance, then give thanks unto thy Lord, the Master of all men. We counsel you and My loved ones there to be steadfast in the Cause of your Lord, the Mighty, the All-Bestowing. Whoso makes mention of this Day besides Me is among the iniquitous in the Scriptures and Tablets. This is God’s Day, wherein none is mentioned save Him. To this testify those possessed of understanding, and behind them the Revealer of verses.

A hundred thousand thanks must be offered in every moment, but what benefit when man is not capable of such? We are weak, we are lowly, we are poor—how can we render thanks for these successive bounties and consecutive favors? His is the praise and the favor. All the souls mentioned by that eminent one’s pen have attained to that which hath no likeness or peer. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to assist His loved ones to be steadfast, that they may not be deprived of the purpose of the world through the utterances of the whisperers and the signs of the fault-finders.

And as for the mention made of his honor Aqa Mirza Mahmud, upon him be the glory of God, and likewise those souls who came with him from Badaghan, this matter was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court and attained the honor of being heard. His word, exalted be His glory:

In My Name, the One Who ruleth over all names

O Mahmud! Upon thee be My glory! Thou hast attained unto that which most of the peoples of the world, both past and present, have been deprived of despite their yearnings and aspirations. Thou hast attained unto a mention the like of which hath never been and shall never be. All divine Books bear witness unto this truth. We beseech God to set thee ablaze with the fire of His love—a fire that shall never be extinguished. O Mahmud! We counsel thee with that which will cause the exaltation of God’s Cause. Today, the people of the Crimson Ark must remain so steadfast that the barking ones, the atheists, and the ungodly among the people of the Bayan shall be rendered powerless to speak.

O Mahmud! For twelve hundred years the divines and pulpit-climbers led people astray, and the result of their deeds was that they pronounced their verdict against the Beloved of the world and martyred Him. And now again these same souls desire to promote their former vain imaginings. They have not reflected even briefly upon what became of that party which considered itself the most exalted of all parties. Take heed, O ye who possess insight! Blessed art thou and blessed is he who fulfilleth his covenant and breaketh not the testament of God, the Lord of the worlds.

Convey My greetings unto Muhammad-i-Sadiq and give him the glad-tidings of My remembrance of him from this exalted station, that his heart may be assured through the remembrance of God, the Most High, the Most Great. We make mention of him who is named Hasan and counsel him with that which We have counselled Our loved ones before, and I am the All-Knowing Counsellor. Be thou vocal in My praise, turn thy face toward My horizon, and stand firm in My Cause whereby the limbs of the ungodly have quaked. We make mention of him who was named Ghulam-ʿAli with a mention through which the sincere ones shall perceive the fragrance of their Lord’s loving kindness. Beware lest the people of the Bayan, who have denied God, the Lord of the Day of Judgment, keep thee back from the All-Merciful. O Mahmud! Remind My loved ones on My behalf, then recite unto them the verses of thy Lord, and I am the All-Commanding, the All-Wise. The Glory be upon thee and upon them and upon everyone who is steadfast, firm and upright.

Praise and thanksgiving be unto Him. He made mention of the souls referred to, with verses that cannot be matched by aught possessed by the peoples of the world. This lowly servant, likewise, conveyeth the Takbir unto Aqa Mirza Mahmud—may the glory of Baha rest upon him—and unto the others, and beseecheth of God, exalted be His glory, steadfastness for each one. Verily He is the Bountiful, the Most Generous.

And as to what ye wrote—that Aqa Muhammad-Taqi, son of Aqa Muhammad-Ibrahim Arab, and Aqa Muhammad-Ali, and Darab Bik—upon them be the glory of Baha—have arrived from Margh: this account was submitted before the Face of the Possessor of all being, and attained the honor of His attentive hearing. His glorious utterance:

In My Name, the All-Remembering, the All-Knowing.

O Muhammad-Taqi! Upon thy father and upon thee be My glory. He did speak My remembrance ere My Manifestation, and recognized Me before My Revelation. Verily he is of those who were mentioned in the Book of thy Lord, the All-Preserving, the Self-Subsisting.

This day We exhort all unto steadfastness in the Cause; for the wearers of turbans have arisen anew, and would bar the servants from the True One by the vain imaginings of the past. Blessed be thy brother who attained unto My presence and My service, and to circumambulation round about Me, and to hearkening unto My call, and to arising at My Gate, and to gazing upon My countenance—upon him be the glory of Baha, and the glory of His chosen ones and His well-favored, from the First that hath no beginning unto the Last whom hearts and minds can never compass.

Section 4: “And We make mention of Muhammad-ʿAli, before whom…”

And We make mention of Muhammad-ʿAli, before whom Muhammad—My Name—hath been mentioned in his Book, and We give him glad tidings of My mercy that hath preceded all that are in the heavens and on the earth, and of My grace that hath encompassed existence, both the unseen and the seen. Take thou the Book of God with strength from Him. Verily He shall aid thee, as a grace from His presence. He is potent to do whatsoever He willeth, by His word “Be!” and it is.

And this was revealed for Darab Beg, upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah].

He is the Most Exalted, the Most Great.

O Darab! Hearken unto what thy Lord, the All-Bountiful, calleth thee to in this final abode. He hath appeared and manifested what He desired, and He is the Almighty, the Unconstrained. O Darab! We counsel thee to remain steadfast in this Cause whereby feet have slipped. The clamor hath been raised and what lay hidden in hearts hath been revealed. Thy Lord is verily the Almighty, the All-Knowing. Be thou so firm in the Cause that neither the veils of men nor the pretensions of those who have disbelieved and turned away from the Most Sublime Vision shall hinder thee. Verily thy Lord is the Counselor, the All-Seeing. The Glory be upon thee and upon those whom the clamor of the divines hath not prevented from God, the Lord of lords.

Thus endeth what was revealed. There is no name but hath been honored with the verses of its Lord, and no servant but hath been sent down for him that which will draw him nigh unto God, his Lord. Happy and welcome be it to them. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, at all times, to grant steadfastness unto all, for the deceitful ones and the thieves lie in wait. God protect us and you, O ye who are brought near!

As for the mention of Aqa Muhammad-ʿAli Makhmalbaf, son of Aqa Hasan, and their sons and family, upon them be the glory of God, and likewise for the sake of God, they were guaranteed their special Tablet. This detail was presented in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence, and a wondrous and sublime Tablet was revealed from the heaven of the True Bestower’s bounty specifically for them and was sent. God willing, may they attain unto it and drink from the ocean of the All-Merciful’s utterance. Likewise, mention was made of Aqa Husayn Makhmalhaf, uncle of the aforementioned person, and that group, all of them, who were written to be nearly thirty souls—all were mentioned in the Divine Presence and attained unto God’s bounty. After the presentation of these exalted words, there was revealed from the heaven of grace—His word, exalted be His glory:

O My Name! Upon thee be My glory! Mention on behalf of the Wronged One all those people and give them glad-tidings of God’s grace, mercy and loving-kindness—namely those who have drunk from the living waters and attained unto new life. We beseech God to protect those souls from the evil of those who have turned away from the Bayan, and to keep them all firm and steadfast in His Cause. We beseech the Most High to ordain for them what He hath ordained for His chosen ones from His Most Exalted Pen, to grant them the best of what hath been revealed in His Book, and to draw them nigh unto Him in all conditions. Verily He is the Omnipotent over what He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of all who are in the heavens and on earth.

This servant conveyeth greetings to all and declareth that there have been and are cawers, deceivers and liars. Protect yourselves from the evil of the idolatrous souls through the Name of God, exalted be His glory. In previous Tablets all have been informed about the clamor of the cawers and the atheists. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Concerning the mention of Aqa Ramadan-Ali who hath ascended unto God and his brother Aqa Sha’ban-Ali, upon both of whom be the glory of God, and concerning the matter of the one tuman which was intended for a feast in honor of the beloved of the heart Haji Mirza Haydar-ʿAli and other souls, upon them be the glory of God—praise and thanksgiving be unto God that before the deed manifested itself, the intention of the deceased was accepted. This is what was revealed from the Kingdom of Utterance in this station. His word, exalted and mighty is He:

“O My Name! O thou who gazest upon My countenance! We have mentioned him who hath ascended unto God with a mention which God hath made for him as the table of inner meanings and the fruit of utterance, and through it He hath ordained for him what no eye hath seen nor ear heard. Give this glad tiding to his brother who was named Sha’ban before ʿAli that he may thank his Lord, the Forgiving, the Generous. O My Name! God’s favor concerning these two is clear and evident, for He aided them and caused them to attain His presence. He made them hear His call and revealed to them His beauty. Ask God that they may be aided to preserve this station.”

This servant will also, God willing, be enabled to carry out the feast which they had intended to hold. The servant testifieth that they both attained unto the grace of their Lord, the Most High, the Great.

And concerning what was written about being present in the house of Aqa Shukru’llah, son-in-law of Aqa Ghulam-ʿAli, upon him be the glory of God, and the mention made there of a group of men and women—this matter was presented at the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court. This is what was revealed from the heaven of the knowledge of our Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. His word, blessed and exalted is He:

O My loved ones! Hearken unto My call from the direction of My prison, then assist the Wronged One through goodly deeds, praiseworthy character, and wondrous, sublime steadfastness. He commandeth you what profiteth you, and He is the Truthful, the Trustworthy.

O Shukru’llah! My Name mentioned thee, so We make mention of thee as a grace from Us, and I am the All-Bountiful, the Generous. Hold fast unto the cord of steadfastness, turning away from those who have disbelieved in God, the Lord of the worlds. Glory be upon thee, upon thy wife and her mother, from One Who is All-Knowing, All-Informed.

O Ghulam-ʿAli! We have mentioned thee before with verses that nothing in creation can equal, thy Lord, the All-Knowing, beareth witness to this. Be thou steadfast in serving the Cause, speaking the praise of thy Lord, and gazing toward His luminous horizon. Thou hast attained unto the utterance of the All-Merciful time and again, to this My Most Exalted Pen beareth witness, and it is My Self, the One that encompasseth all who are in the heavens and on earth. We make mention of thy son Mihdi and give him glad tidings of My grace and bounty, and We counsel him with that which beseemeth My mighty, wondrous Cause.

O Mihdi! Upon thee and upon thy father be My Glory, My mercy and My grace that cannot be equalled by the riches of kings and monarchs.

O Shaykh Qabli-Hasan! Thou art among those who have attained unto My remembrance, both before and after, and unto My verses from which those near unto God inhale the fragrance of My wondrous raiment. We have heard thy mention from a Book bearing My Most Great Name, and We make mention of thee from this remote spot. Convey My greetings unto My loved ones. We counsel them to manifest supreme steadfastness in this mighty Cause. We make mention of Muhammad-Qabli-Tahir, that he may rejoice in the bounty of his Lord and be of them that render thanks. Blessed art thou and blessed are My friends who have quaffed the living waters of steadfastness from the hands of the bounty of their Lord, the Generous, the Benevolent. Blessed is thy father who attained unto the Ocean of Life when it surged forth from the presence of the All-Bountiful, the Compassionate, the Bestower, the Mighty, the Wise. Glory be upon thee and upon all who are with thee, both men and women, who have acknowledged that which God, the Lord of this wondrous Day, hath acknowledged.

This evanescent servant conveyeth greetings and salutations to Jinab-i-Aqa Ghulam-ʿAli, upon him be the Glory of God, and to the souls mentioned, and counseleth all to steadfastness, for the ungodly among the people of the Bayan, through the vain imaginings of the people of the Furqan, have striven and continue to strive with the utmost hypocrisy to lead astray the loved ones of the All-Merciful. Today steadfastness is accounted as the most great of all deeds in the presence of the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. Blessed is he who hath attained thereunto and quaffed its pure wine, and woe unto him who hath denied and forsaken it.

As to the mention made of Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-ʿAli, brother of Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Riday-i-Muhajir, upon them both be the Glory of God, and the supplication he sent to the Most Holy Court, this evanescent one presented these details and his supplication was, according to His command, honored to be heard in His presence. His word, exalted be His glory:

He is the Hearer from the Most Exalted Horizon

O Muhammad-ʿAli! My Name hath made mention of thee and hath received thy supplication and that wherewith thou didst call upon God, the Lord of the worlds. The servant in attendance before the Countenance read it. We heard and have responded through this perspicuous Tablet. Say:

Glorified art Thou, O my Lord, the Most Merciful! I beseech Thee by the waves of the ocean of Thy utterance, the manifestations of Thy Lordship, the revelations of Thy Divinity, and the mysteries that were hidden in Thy knowledge, to aid me in serving Thee and serving Thy loved ones, and to enable me to fulfill the rights Thou hast revealed in Thy Book. O Lord! I am he who hath turned unto Thy most exalted horizon and clung to the hem of Thy bounty, O Lord of all being and King of the kingdom of names. I beseech Thee not to disappoint me of what is with Thee nor to deny me that which Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones. I implore Thee, O God of names and Creator of heaven, to assist me to be steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the ornaments of the world nor the clamor of the wicked ones who have arisen to mislead Thy creatures in Thy days shall hinder me. Then ordain for me, O my Best-Beloved, the good of this world and the world to come. Verily, Thou art the Almighty to do what Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.

Praised and glorified be He! He hath revealed for him whom your presence hath mentioned that which no earthly thing can equal, to this our Lord, the Creator of heaven, beareth witness. During its revelation the tongue of grandeur spoke this exalted word, exalted be His utterance:

“O My Name! Souls have appeared with perfect love and ardor, and God Himself is witness and testifier—verily He heareth and seeth, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”

Ask ye of God that they may be assisted to perform such deeds as are recorded and inscribed in the divine Book by the Most Exalted Pen. O My Name! God willing, may all be enabled to discharge the rights. Although these rights pertain to the Right Itself, yet your honor knoweth how many souls are today engaged in service to the Cause in various regions, while their affairs are apparently hindered. Since matters ordained by God have been made dependent upon means, therefore the law of payment of rights hath been sent down from the heaven of the Divine Will, and the benefit of this deed returneth unto those who practice it.

This servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, beseeching Him to assist His loved ones to perform such deeds as shall endure and be preserved in His presence.

Concerning the mention which you made of Mirza Abbas, upon him be the glory of God, who is counted among this servant’s relatives, and likewise concerning his expressions of love and affection for this servant—although today all relationships are severed, all paths are forbidden, and all ways are blocked, yet since the mercy of the Desired One of all worlds hath taken precedence, therefore this weak ant entreateth God, exalted be His glory, and with utmost humility and supplication beseecheth that He may assist him, namely Aqa Mirza Abbas, to that which is befitting, and that He may mention him in the Book by the Most Exalted Pen as among the souls who are firm, steadfast and upright. Indeed, mention of him was made in the Most Holy Court and attained the honor of being heard. Blessed and exalted be His word:

He is the All-Witnessing, the All-Informed

O Abbas! Reflect upon the former centuries. Consider what hath come to pass in ages past, that thou mayest find the straight path and recognize the way of truth. Ponder upon “There came not unto them a Messenger but they did mock at him.” By My life! If those who hesitate, turn away and deny would reflect upon this one verse that hath been mentioned, all would turn unto the truth and would regard the opposition and objection of the divines of the earth as proof of the truth of Him Who calleth today. We beseech God that He may assist thee and not deprive thee from the lights of His countenance, that thou mayest attain unto that which all the Books and Messengers have testified to and for which they have sought His presence. O Abbas! Hearken unto My call. Say: God! Then leave them to their vain disputes. Turn with a luminous face toward the horizon of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

A hundred thousand thanks unto the true Object of worship and the true Bestower Who at every moment granteth that which tongues of the world are powerless and incapable to mention. We hope that he may attain unto the divine verses and drink from the ocean of the All-Merciful’s utterance and receive his portion from the fragrance of the words of Him Who revealeth the verses. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Hearer, the Answerer. This servant conveyeth greetings and glorification unto him, and at every moment seeketh divine confirmation for him and all his relatives. Verily He hath power over all things and is worthy to answer prayers.

Section 5: “Mention was made of Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Isma’il, upon…”

Mention was made of Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Isma’il, upon him be the Glory of God, and the Sun of Permission hath once again risen from the horizon of grace—blessed be he! Concerning the mention that was made of Jinab-i-Aqa ʿAli-Akbar, the harness maker, and Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Ibrahim, the handkerchief weaver, upon them be the Glory of God, that they are among the righteous ones, both pious and attentive to serving the loved ones—all these matters were presented at the Most Holy, Most Exalted Threshold. This is what was revealed in response from our Lord, the Mighty, the Bestower. He—exalted and glorified be He—speaketh the truth:

O My Name Mihdi! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness. This Wronged One arose to establish the Cause in days when darkness had encompassed the world. None dared breathe a word. The atheists and hypocrites lurked behind veils, fleeing from place to place to preserve their lives. After countless afflictions and the revelation of verses morning and evening, when the world became somewhat illumined by the lights of the Sun of Manifestation and a measure of tranquility was attained, they emerged from behind their veils and initiated a new game of religious pretense. Thou knowest well with what mercy the Supreme Pen hath been engaged night and day, and with what loving-kindness it hath been made manifest. Nevertheless, several souls from Kaf and Ra, who were and are unworthy of mention, have raised the standard of corruption and appeared with utmost deceit and guile. Some through the pulpit and others through letters and messages strive to lead the servants astray. May God destroy them!

The same apparatus of the people of the Furqan has emerged—that is, the vain imaginings of the Shi’ih faction. They utter that which was never and is not with God, exalted be His glory. A Manifestation which from the beginning until now has appeared with utmost power amidst enemies, has not concealed itself for a moment, and from which has been revealed and made manifest the equivalent of what was revealed by all the Prophets and Messengers, and all future events have been explicitly recorded in Tablets by the Supreme Pen—yet they have said that which was never said and which no idolator has ever uttered. Strange it is that some of the souls who had accepted the Faith have hesitated and some have turned away.

Glory be to God! They are occupied with the buzzing of a fly and are heedless of the Lord of Lords. Fie upon them and upon those who have denied God and His verses and have disputed His proof! In such circumstances the Supreme Pen has had and has no inclination to make mention in these days. In Iraq was seen in a vision that which would cause every person of insight and heart to weep and lament. If it be before thine eyes, thou wilt become aware of what has happened and what will come to pass. In any case, We beseech God to make those souls whom thou hast mentioned aware and to adorn them with the ornament of steadfastness.

O My Name! We make mention in this station of him whom thou didst mention and who was named Ali-Akbar, that he may hold fast to the cord of his Lord’s loving-kindness, the Lord of Power, and may testify to that which God hath testified, that there is none other God but Him, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. O Ali-before-Akbar! When thou dost inhale the sweet fragrances of thy Lord’s utterance, arise and say:

O my God, my Lord and my Goal! I beseech Thee by the horizon of Thy Manifestation, by the ocean of Thy knowledge and the sun of Thy Cause, to aid me to be steadfast in Thy love. O Lord! Thou seest how the embodiments of vain imaginings are calling Thy servants unto idols. I implore Thee to protect me and Thy servants from the evil of these ones, then banish them by Thy power, O Thou Who art the Possessor of Names and the Sovereign of earth and heaven. O Lord! I am the poor one who seeketh Thy grace, Thy mercy and Thy generosity. Disappoint me not, O my God, from that which Thou hast sent down in Thy Book of the wonders of Thy favors and bounties. Verily Thou art the Omnipotent over whatsoever Thou willest, and Thou art the Strong, the Mighty, the Powerful.

We make mention of him who is named Muhammad-Ibrahim and give him the glad-tidings of My mercy which hath preceded all who are in the heavens and the earth. O Ibrahim! The perishing ones have made claims of being, and the misguided ones have made claims of faith. Beseech God to protect thee. The Cause is most mighty. Reflect upon the leaders of the people, how they all issued decrees and martyred the Beloved of the world. Now they have appeared in the Bayan, having opened the gates of fancy and vain imaginings. We beseech God to protect thee and those who have believed from the evil of these ones, and to grant you the good of the hereafter and of this world, and to give you to drink from the Kawthar of steadfastness from the hands of grace and bounty. Verily He is the Omnipotent over what He willeth. There is none other God but He, the Counselor, the Commander, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

And concerning the mention of Aqa Siyyid Husayn-i-Sabbagh and Ustad Nasru’llah-i-Najjar, upon them be the glory of God, after being submitted before the Most Great Threshold, these supreme verses were revealed from the Source of Names. His word, exalted be His glory:

We are the Wronged One, the Stranger.

O Siyyid before Husayn! The Dawning-Place of revelation, the Dayspring of manifestation, the Source of the Cause and the Manifestation of the Divine Self hath appeared. Nevertheless, the ignorant and heedless people… while the pearls of the ocean of divine knowledge have filled the world, equivalent to all books before and after, nay more, have been sent down from the heaven of Will. Nevertheless, the idolaters strive and endeavor to reject it. One must take refuge in God, for again the turbaned ones have turned their thoughts to pulpit and prayer-niche, and have not ceased nor do they cease in leading people astray. Seek protection from God and ask for steadfastness, that ye may remain preserved from the evil of the atheistic, idolatrous souls. We counsel thee to pure deeds and to that which We have revealed in the Psalms and Tablets. Praise the Beloved of the world Who aided thee and made thee aware. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Generous. Say: Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

And this is what was revealed for Ustad Nasru’llah, upon him be [the glory of God]:

He is the Near One, the Answerer.

Glorified be He Who hath appeared and caused to appear that which lay hidden in knowledge and was inscribed in the Books of God, the Lord of the worlds. Verily He hath come with signs of signs, and hath arisen to champion the Cause in such wise that neither the doubts of the divines nor the power of the heedless could deter Him.

O Nasru’llah! God hath truly aided thee, inasmuch as thou wast confirmed in the recognition of the Dayspring of Revelation and the Dawning-Place of inspiration, at a time when all were seen to be heedless and veiled, save whomsoever God, the Lord of the worlds, hath willed. Know thou the worth of this station, and preserve it from the gainsayers among the people of the Bayan. By the life of God! they are in manifest ignorance. Implore thou steadfastness of God in such a manner that the idolaters may be powerless to utter a word. Thus doth He command thee through Him with Whom is the perspicuous Book. Ended.

And likewise, they had made mention of Aqa Rajab-ʿAli the velvet-weaver, and Aqa Husayn Zahir, and Aqa Mirza Muhammad the mirror-maker—upon them be the glory of Baha. This matter was laid before the Court of Oneness, and this is what was sent down unto them from the Kingdom of utterance of our Lord, the All-Merciful. He is the All-Preserving over whatsoever He willeth, and ordaineth as He pleaseth.

O My friends, upon you be My Glory! The Wronged One mentions you in His prison and gives you glad tidings of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of all beings. O Rajab, when My name was mentioned in your remembrance, We remembered you, and verily it is the Lamp of God that walks before your face in the realms of your Lord, the Mighty, the Bestower. This is a station which God has made contingent upon the Most Great Steadfastness. Blessed is he who attains unto it, and woe betide every heedless doubter. Hold fast unto the cord of the Cause and cling to the hem of the loving-kindness of your Lord, the Master of all necks.

O Husayn, the Wronged One remembers you when sorrows encompassed Him from those who disbelieved in God, the Lord of Religions. The people believed in the Pool but denied the Most Great Ocean. Thus did their souls entice them. They are assuredly among the companions of the fire. They claim to believe in God’s Messengers of old and in Him Who came with the truth, yet they denied their Messenger, their Manifestation, and their Helper. Verily your Lord is the Mighty, the All-Knowing. Guard yourself against those who believe according to their desires and disbelieve in God, the Lord of Lords.

O Muhammad, hearken unto that for which ears were created, then give thanks to your Lord, the Master of the Final Return. We have sent down the verses, and beyond them We have manifested the clear proofs, and beyond them We were visibly resplendent before the faces of the enemies in days wherein the limbs of the people of the Bayan trembled—they who have today emerged from behind the veil. Say: Fear God, O people! Shatter the idol of fancy, then turn with radiant faces toward the Supreme Horizon, the station wherein the Divine Lote-Tree calls out:

“The Kingdom belongs to God, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Chosen One!”

And likewise they had made mention of Aqa Muhammad-Taqi the dyer, and Aqa Muhammad-ʿAli the reciter of sacred dramas, from Qamsar—upon them be the glory of the All-Merciful. After this was laid before His presence, these verses were revealed from the Kingdom of divine knowledge—His glory be magnified:

O Muhammad-Taqi, sanctify your ears from hearkening to the call of the opposers and purify your tongue from the mention of the deniers. Eyes were created for the Greatest Vision and ears for hearkening to the call of the Lord of Destiny. O Dyer, God willing, you shall attain to the divine coloring and shall desire no other hue. In truth I say, thieves lie in ambush that they might find some weak one and seize upon him. Guard yourself in the name of Truth. This is the Wronged One’s counsel to you and the friends. We heard your mention and made mention of you. Give thanks to your Lord for this manifest bounty.

O Muhammad-ʿAli, all the Prophets and Messengers gave the people glad tidings of this Revelation and informed them of this Day. God has adorned His Books and His Scriptures with this Name through which, when it appeared, the idols fell and the traces of those who disbelieved in God, the Lord of the worlds, were effaced. Now certain wood-turners are sullying the wings of the faithful with the clay of idle fancies and preventing them from flight. Guard your wings from the clay of these people, then thank your Lord, the Generous. Verily He has aided you, caused you to know Him, made you to hear, and guided you to His Straight Path.

O My Name! Upon thee be My Glory and My loving-kindness! Convey My greetings to all the loved ones of God and give them glad tidings of the grace of God, exalted be His Glory. Counsel them in that which is the cause of deliverance and success. All the companions in that land have been and are oppressed, having borne tribulations in the path of God. The deeds of all are remembered with God and are recorded by the Most Exalted Pen in the Crimson Book. Not a soul’s reward, even to the extent of a mustard seed, has been or ever shall be lost. We beseech God to strengthen all to remain steadfast. Verily, He is powerful over all things. The Glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My mercy be upon thee and upon them and upon those whom the clamor hath not prevented from the Most Exalted Horizon, who have arisen and proclaimed: “God is our Lord and the Lord of the Mighty Throne.” Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

This servant conveyeth greetings and salutations to that honored one and to the friends of God who have quaffed from the sealed wine and who are holding fast unto the Self-Subsisting Lord. He declareth his own evanescence and nothingness, and beseecheth that honored one not to forget him and to pray to God for divine confirmation, that perchance he may not fall short in service and may attain unto God’s good-pleasure. May remembrance and praise and glory and light be upon your honor and upon those who are with you and upon those who love you and hearken to your words.

At this point, mention was made of the spiritual friends, his honor Shaykh Abu’l-Qasim and his honor Aqa Mirza Aqa, upon them be 96 [Baha’u’llah]. God knoweth that the mention of these two beloved ones that appeared in the blessed Writing was presented day and night, and their names flowed from the tongue of the Desired One. Blessed are they, and again blessed are they. This servant is certain they have not been forgotten for a moment, as if they were present before the servant. I beseech God, exalted be His Glory, to strengthen them in that which would delight their eyes and gladden their hearts and elevate their stations and manifest what He hath ordained for them. God willing, may they be assisted in that which is befitting and may they attain true unity and harmony. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Hearer, the Answerer, and He is the Near One, the Watchful.