Volume 051: Akka 1290 A.H. (1873–1874) (5 of 5)

BH04524: Your letter was honored before the Most Great Countenance…

In the Name of the One Friend

Your letter was honored before the Most Great Countenance and attained the presence of divine favor through the glance of the Lord of Power. God forgives what you desired from Him—rejoice and be among the thankful ones.

These are days when the ocean of generosity is surging, the heaven of bounty is exalted, and the winds of grace are blowing. How blessed is the soul that has become perfumed by the fragrances of the days of God, and has become detached and free from the worlds.

As for what you desired regarding service to your Lord, We beseech God to assist you in all conditions and make you among those who have become renowned for serving His Cause among the worlds.

Regarding what you desired about the trace of My pen that was sent to you—We have made it this station: that you should acknowledge what God has acknowledged and what the tongue of revelation has confirmed from this remote place.

And regarding what you mentioned about meeting—it is indeed difficult and arduous because the Beloved is in the hands of the oppressors. Do not grieve at this, put your trust in God. He will ordain for you from His grace what He desires. He is the Guardian of those who turn to Him.

Then mention Me to your mother and give her the glad tidings of this wondrous remembrance. Say: Blessed art thou for God has provided thee with one who remembers his Lord and has turned to Him when most of creation turned away. This is from My favor upon you and upon her. He is verily the Forgiving, the Generous.

Then convey My greetings to your wife and your son that they may rejoice in what the tongue of revelation has spoken in their remembrance, and that the Countenance of the Ancient of Days has turned toward them from this noble horizon.

BH04789: The Most Great, the Most Ancient, the Most Glorious!

The Most Great, the Most Ancient, the Most Glorious!

The Dove hath cooed and the birds have warbled this Name whereby the faces of the wicked were darkened and the faces of the near ones were illumined when the Hour arrived and the All-Knowing appeared. Intoxication seized the dwellers of earth save those who held fast to this firm Cord. Say: This is a Day wherein no one’s faith profiteth him except through this Great Announcement which hath been mentioned in the Tablets of God, the King, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. The All-Merciful hath testified at the heart of creation that there is none other God but Me, the One, the Exalted, the Single, the Mighty, the Impregnable.

Among the people are those who have turned to God and those who have turned away from this manifest grace. Say: O people, the world and all that is therein shall pass away. Fear God and follow not every remote learned one. This is a Day wherein the Dawning-Place of knowledge hath appeared, did ye but know. Remember when We sent Our messengers—the people opposed them and clung to what they possessed of idle fancies and images. Say: This is a Day the like of which the eye of creation hath not seen. Abandon what ye possess and turn unto God, the Lord of all worlds. Beware lest vain imaginings prevent you from the Lord of all beings. Cast the idols behind you, turning unto God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

Thus have We adorned thee with the ornament of revelation and given thee glad-tidings through this Tablet from whose horizon hath shone the sun of thy Lord’s utterance, the All-Sufficing, the Everlasting, the Mighty, the Peerless. Verily Glory be upon the people of Glory who have attained unto this Cause which was the hope of the sincere ones.

BH04637: O ye two luminous lights, he who was named…

O ye two luminous lights, he who was named before the Most Great Horizon as Samandar, and Nabil-i-Qabli-ʿAli—may the glory of God and His effulgences rest upon them both. Let them observe with radiant gaze:

In the name of God, the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Glorious. Verily my heart hath moved me to make mention of the two hearts and to turn toward the two qiblihs, though they—may the glory and praise of their Lord rest upon them—are but one heart and one qiblih, as this servant, who is in need of the mercy of his Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, doth testify.

As Jinab-i-Amin—may the glory of God and His outpourings rest upon him—was about to depart, I felt obliged to make mention of these beloved ones, although a detailed letter was previously sent to your honor. Yet heartfelt love and original affection moved this servant once again to make mention of that beloved one. We beseech God to aid you in His service and love, and to manifest through you that which shall endure in remembrance as long as God, the King, the Mighty, the Wise, endureth, and to make you dawning-places of certitude throughout all possibility and manifestations of steadfastness throughout all lands. Verily He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

We hope that both of your honors will not withhold from this servant the fragrances of your mention. God willing, may you ever gladden the servant with the fragrances of mention. Convey infinite greetings and utter nothingness to all the friends of God, male and female, young and old. The glory be upon you both.

The servant 15 Jamadi’l-Avval 1290

BH05147: This is a fire We have kindled…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Inaccessible, the Most Great

This is a fire We have kindled with the hand of power and sent unto Faran, that through it the people of the All-Merciful might be set ablaze. Blessed is he who heareth from its sighing that there is no God but Me, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Say: Verily He is the Sovereign of existence and the Ultimate Goal. Should He so desire, He could subdue all created things with but a single letter from His Book. Thus doth the Lord of all beings decree. Blessed are they who are endowed with insight, for then, turning their gaze, they behold all things astir from the breezes of reunion in His days. Joy be to them that turn unto Him!

O people! The Most Great Ocean hath surged in the midmost heart of the world, and each wave thereof proclaimeth that there is no God but I, the Almighty, the Glorious, the All-Merciful. Bear thou witness unto that whereunto God hath testified in every atom—that this is verily the Sealed Book and the Beauty of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, Who was hidden within the pavilion of glory and grandeur until the appointed time, whereupon He appeared with a sovereignty that encompassed all men. Blessed art thou for having turned toward Him Who was wronged whilst in the hands of the wicked. Thy letter hath come, been opened and read, and We have sent down for thee these verses whereby the mountains have taken flight. Thus hath the Bird of the Divine Throne warbled upon the branch of faithfulness with verses through which the breeze of God hath wafted over all who are in earth and heaven. Give thanks, for We found thy letter sanctified from mention of aught else but Me and adorned with My Name, which God hath made the Sovereign of all names.

BH05830: The ear of Divine favor hath heard…

In His Name, Who standeth over all things!

The ear of Divine favor hath heard that which thou didst cry out to God, the Lord of the worlds, and that wherewith thou didst praise thy Lord. Thus must it be with one who hath turned to the All-Knowing, the One. He answereth thee through His grace from this glorious station, and remembereth thee with that which thou didst remember. He is verily the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.

And as for what thou didst mention regarding thy powerlessness and nothingness before His countenance—this indeed is true recognition. Be grateful and say: “Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of them that remember!” Blessed art thou, inasmuch as the Most Great Ocean hath sprinkled upon thee while He was in the hands of the oppressors. Know thou that His remembrance of thee is better than all that hath been created on earth—to this doth every discerning mystic bear witness. Give thanks unto God for having adorned thee with the ornament of His remembrance and for having made thee among them that have turned unto Him.

Grieve not over the world and its afflictions. Soon shall ye behold yourselves in manifest glory, if ye remain steadfast in the love of God and His Cause. By God! Whoso attaineth unto this station, verily the denizens of the Supreme Concourse and then the dwellers of Paradise shall make mention of him, and thy Lord is, of a truth, knowing and witnessing of what I say.

Glory be upon the people of Baha who have cast away the world and held fast unto this glory which hath appeared in the temple of man. Blessed be the All-Merciful Who hath manifested it in truth through a sovereignty that hath conquered the worlds.

BH05875: The Most Holy, Most Impregnable, Most Great

The Most Holy, Most Impregnable, Most Great

A Book from Us to him who hath gained access to the Most Great Sea when it appeared amongst the nations with waves that none denied except those who disbelieved in God from time immemorial.

We summoned the servants unto God, the Lord of creation, whereupon the wolves of the earth gathered against Us until they imprisoned Us in this spot. All that is on earth was created for Our names, yet We were debarred therefrom, such that We had no place wherein to store what We possessed of the Books of God, the All-Governing, the Mighty, the Bestower.

The Trusted One came to the Most Great Prison and desired to build a house or purchase land wherein might dwell he who had no shelter in the land. How many an evening did he pass in one abode, only to be driven forth by the hosts of the wicked at daybreak. He was in the hands of the evil ones most of the time, as doth the Lord of all men testify. At one time imprisoned, at another captive, then exiled, then in chains and fetters.

We beseech God to make firm His loved ones in His Cause and to open hearts through this Name which He hath made the key to the treasuries of mysteries, and We beseech Him to grant thee success in that which thou art engaged and to strengthen thee in such wise that the machinations of every ignorant oppressor shall not sadden thee.

BH06157: A remembrance from Us unto him who has drunk…

In the Name of Him Who has power over all things!

A remembrance from Us unto him who has drunk the choice wine of tribulation from the cup of decree in the path of God, the Lord of all names, that he may rejoice in that which has been sent down unto him from the heaven of God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Verily, those whom adversities have overtaken in the path of God—this is of His grace upon them. He, verily, is the All-Bountiful, the Forgiving, the Generous. Beware lest the waters of hardship and tribulation extinguish the fire of thy love. Place thy trust in God, thy Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Soon shall they who have wronged be made to drink from the cup from which they made My loved ones drink. Thy Lord, verily, is the Just, the All-Wise.

There has befallen Us that which is greater than what hath befallen you, and We make mention of you through Our grace in this mighty Prison. This sufficeth you, by the Lord of all worlds. This enricheth you, by the Possessor of the heavens and earths. This shall endure for you in the kingdom of your Lord, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

Read ye the verses of the All-Merciful with spirit and joy. They draw you unto a station wherein you will not be saddened by what hath befallen you at the hands of the oppressors. He, verily, praiseth him who showeth patience under His decree and beareth in His path that which His near ones among His chosen ones and His sincere ones among His loved ones have borne. He, verily, is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

BH06441: In His Name, the One with power over all…

In His Name, the One with power over all who are in the worlds! O ʿAli-Qabl-i-Akbar! Hearken unto the Call which hath been raised in truth from the Dayspring of Divine decree, that it may bring thee to the Most Great Scene, the station wherein the Lord of mankind proclaimeth: “There is none other God but Me, the Forgiving, the Bountiful.”

Thy letter hath been honored when it came before the Throne and the Sea of Vision turned towards it. This is of His grace unto thee, that thou mayest be of the thankful.

Grieve not because of poverty, for verily thou art rich, by thy Lord, the Lord of all worlds. He who hath recognized this Cause is among the most wealthy of creation and the most honored of servants before God, the Mighty, the Great.

Various letters have come before Us; We have hastened first to answer thine. This sufficeth thee, if thou be of them that understand. He loveth him who hath sought Him and him who hath turned towards Him. His is a station at the Throne, and he is of them that have attained.

Be content with what God hath ordained for thee—this is the best counsel from One Who is All-Knowing, All-Wise. Occupy thyself with thy craft; He will assist thee as He pleaseth. There is none other God but He, the Powerful, the Mighty.

May the glory rest upon thee and upon thy brother and upon those who are with thee, from One Who is Mighty, Praiseworthy.

BH06641: The Sun of Truth and Exposition hath dawned, inasmuch…

In the Name of Him Who is the Everlasting, the Eternal, the Ever-Abiding

The Sun of Truth and Exposition hath dawned, inasmuch as Man hath appeared from the horizon of Purpose and Power. Whoso desireth to behold the Essence of Eternity—lo, it hath appeared through this Name which God hath made the Dawning-Place of Inspiration. Say: This is He through Whom the seas have branched forth, the fruits have appeared, and the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken: “The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the One, the Chosen!”

O peoples of the earth! Make not yourselves the playthings of the ignorant, and cast not the Cause of God behind your backs. Fear God, and follow not every disbelieving deceiver. Cast away what the people possess and hold fast to the hem of the favors of your Lord, the All-Merciful, through Whom existence was illumined. The All-Bountiful calleth you unto His all-encompassing grace. Turn ye unto Him, O ye who are endued with insight!

Draw nigh with your hearts unto the court of the Beloved. This is better for you than the kingdoms of earth and heaven. Say: Beware lest ye dispute concerning the signs of God. Hold fast unto them and shun those who have denied God, the Lord of all men. Thus hath the Sun of Revelation shone forth from the horizon of utterance. Blessed is he who hath heard and said: “Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of all mankind!”

BH06939: In the Name of God, the Single, the One…

In the Name of God, the Single, the One, the Alone! Verily, He Who is mentioned mentions thee in this perspicuous Tablet, and the Desired One calls thee from this mighty Prison, and the Worshipped One summons thee in truth and remembers thee with such melody whereby the realm of possibility hath soared with longing for its Lord, the All-Merciful, and the hearts of the Concourse on high were attracted.

Grieve not at what thou hast witnessed in My path. We were witness to what befell you in this Cause whereby hearts were filled with the fear of God, thy Lord and the Lord of the worlds. Be patient in God, then seek victory through God. Verily, He aids whom He willeth through a power from His presence and a sovereignty from His side. He is, verily, the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

They who cast aside justice and embraced tyranny have lost—they are among the perishing ones. Blessed is he who hath attained unto that which most of creation hath not attained—verily he is of the sincere ones. The All-Merciful remembers him in the highest paradise. This is the most great bounty and the lofty station.

Verily the glory be upon thee and upon whosoever hath turned to the Countenance, detached from all that is in the heavens and the earth.

BH07825: The Most Holy, Most Impregnable, Most Great

The Most Holy, Most Impregnable, Most Great

A Book sent down in truth, by which the lights of the sun of the remembrance of My Name, the Most Merciful, have shone forth, and which hath turned unto God, the Mighty, the Generous, that it may rejoice in My remembrance of it and may stand with such steadfastness in the Cause of its Lord that the doings of the wayward shall not cause it to waver.

O My handmaiden!

Hold fast to the cord of the favors of thy Lord and turn at all times to the horizon of the Cause of thy Lord, the Mighty, the All-Wise. Verily, He maketh mention of His servants who make mention of Him throughout all regions, and of His handmaidens who have arisen to remember Him amidst the worlds. Act thou according to that which thou hast been commanded in the Tablets. Verily thy Lord is the Ordainer, the All-Wise.

Be thou thankful that thou hast been mentioned before the Throne and that this gracious Tablet hath been sent down unto thee, from which everyone possessed of the sense of smell can detect the fragrance of the All-Merciful. Thus hath testified He Who is the Goal of all who know.

When thou hast found and recognized this, say: Praise be unto Thee, O Thou in Whose grasp is the kingdom of names, and thanksgiving be unto Thee, O Thou Who hast remembered me while I was in a remote prison.

BH08312: At all times doth the All-Merciful call out: “Unto…

He is the Ever-Abiding, the Everlasting, the Eternal.

At all times doth the All-Merciful call out:

“Unto Me, unto Me, O My servants! Unto Me, unto Me, O My handmaidens!”

Blessed is the one who hath heard His call and was of those who advanced. Whoso hath acknowledged His oneness in this Revelation is assuredly among the most exalted of servants in a preserved tablet. They who have deprived themselves of this most great favor are truly counted among the dead.

Blessed art thou, O My handmaiden, for having attained unto the recognition of God and turned toward Him while every remote idolater turned away. It behooveth thee to remain steadfast in such wise that the affairs of the heedless shall not perturb thee. Follow what We have enjoined upon thee in the Tablets, then turn away from those who follow the dictates of their own selves—these are assuredly among the most lost.

Hold fast to the hem of thy Lord’s grace. Verily His mercy hath preceded all created things and His grace hath encompassed the worlds. Thus have We sent down the verses and dispatched them unto thee. He is verily the Forgiving, the Bountiful.

BH09457: The Most Great, the Most Holy

The Most Great, the Most Holy

We have desired to make mention of one of Our maidservants who has believed in God, the Sovereign, the Mighty, the All-Praised, and to give her once again to drink of the Living Waters. Verily We are powerful over all things. O My handmaiden! Rejoice thou in My remembrance, then remember thy Lord at morn and eventide. Let not the tribulations of the world cause thee grief. Behold what hath befallen thy Lord, the Creator of the heavens, through that which the hands of the oppressors have wrought. Drink thou at all times from the Salsabil of divine knowledge from the chalices of the bounties of thy Lord, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. We make mention of all who have turned unto God and remember their Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful. Thus have the verses been sent down as a token of Our grace upon thee, that thou mayest be of those who are thankful, in a perspicuous Tablet.

BH01411: My spirit be a sacrifice unto thee! This evanescent…

He is God, exalted be His station, to Him belong greatness and majesty

My spirit be a sacrifice unto thee! This evanescent servant hath been honored by thy letter, which was a cup of longing for the lovers, and I drank from it as the sincere ones drink the water of life in the days of our Lord, the Most Merciful. We beseech God to grant every mouth a portion thereof, and every heart a share of this Euphrates which was mingled with the tears of the Beloved—nay rather, it was pure with what flowed from the heart that was a fountainhead of God’s love and favor, and a treasury of God’s remembrance and grace. When I read and perused it, I took it and ascended until I attained the presence of the Throne and presented that wherewith thou didst call upon God, the Lord of the worlds. When it was concluded, the hand of grace and favor was extended, and took it, and the most luminous gaze perused what was inscribed therein of His mighty and impregnable remembrance. Then there shone forth from the Dayspring of grace that which I am unable to mention. He is, verily, the All-Knowing, the All-Encompassing.

Then the tongue of grandeur and majesty spoke:

“O thou who propagatest My Cause and standeth firm upon My path! Hearken unto My call, for it quickeneth bodies and gladdeneth the hearts of the sincere ones. We praise God for having aided thee to make mention of that which the ear of grace hath heard and which hath been accepted before the Dawning-Place of the verses of thy Lord, the Ancient of Days. By My life! This sufficeth thee, and none knoweth this station save him who hath attained unto this noble seat. Read thou what We sent before, then ponder upon it. It shall open unto thy heart the gates of knowledge and understanding, even as it opened them before. He is, verily, the Almighty, the All-Powerful. Thou art in the letter Ha, and the Beloved remembereth thee in His manifest prison. Upon thee be the glory of God, His praise, and the praise of all who have laid hold on this firm cord. Say: Praise be unto Thee, O Thou Whose mercy hath preceded all created things!”

After this evanescent servant was blessed with the perusal of your letter and the petitions were presented before the Throne, the response was revealed from the Dayspring of grace and sent forth. Furthermore, two boxes of tea arrived. He said the tea was very fine, but suited for princes rather than for prisoners and the poor. Its fragrance was excellent, but as it contained white buds, its color was very light. Prison tea should be closer to commercial grade, meaning that a small measure should color multiple cups. This year God hath engaged somewhat in trade, for His glory and honor among the people, yet due to the sincerity of the sender, the lightness of its color added to its excellence, as it was special and is consumed in His presence. All this is from His grace upon His loved ones. He is, verily, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.

Likewise, that which was sent by those two honored souls, upon whom be the Glory of the Most Merciful, had been written about before its arrival, and likewise the response to two letters from the Afnan, upon whom be the Glory of God and His grandeur, which they had sent from the Land of Ya in the name of His Holiness the Name of God M.H., upon him be every most glorious glory. This servant presented the response which was sent. Let your honor forward it. Similarly, a brief petition was submitted to the Name of God. We beseech God to ensure its delivery. He is, verily, the Preserver, the Trustworthy.

Furthermore, a packet arrived from His Holiness the Name of God, together with items sent by Aqa Mirza [Ali-Naqi], upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah].

Moreover, concerning what you had written about the Persian friends, four Tablets were revealed two years ago in response to their petitions and those of others from the Dawning-Place of God’s Command. The original exists, but a copy was sent. Should they approach it with pure hearts and eyes of fairness, they will derive from it the hidden springs contained in all the books. We hope that, God willing, these decisive words will have their effect. Were all people to contemplate these four Tablets alone, it would suffice all who dwell on earth, for they have been revealed in such wise that their like, like the existence of Truth itself, is impossible. We beseech God to assist all to recognize Him. He is, verily, the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Convey my sincere greetings and glorification to the friends in that land. Glory be upon your honor and upon those who attend your service.

The servant 66 [of God], 28 Sha’ban 1290

BH01755: Fix thy heart upon the Most Great Purpose…

Fix thy heart upon the Most Great Purpose, for verily it is the Lote Tree beyond which there is no passing, which speaketh in the kingdom of creation: ʿThere is none other God but Me, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.’

When the letter Ba joined with Ha and they were mingled, all things were transformed therefrom, by thy Lord, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Hold fast unto the Divine Primal Point, and all else is but zero, even though thou seest it existing on earth. Thy Lord, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise….

BH00197: May my soul be a sacrifice unto Thee, O…

Section 1: “May my soul be a sacrifice unto Thee…”

In the Name of God, the Most Inaccessible, the Most Holy, the Most Glorious!

May my soul be a sacrifice unto Thee, O thou who hast arisen to aid the Cause of God! May my spirit be offered up for thee, through whom the horizons have been perfumed and from whom the sweet savors of the remembrance of our All-Knowing Lord have been wafted! How can an ant describe this station unto which the birds of divine knowledge cannot soar, and to which the minds of the wise cannot ascend, save whom God, the Lord of all worlds, willeth? Were I to attempt to describe that which thy tongue hath uttered in praise of God, both remembrance and pens would be exhausted, yet this blessed remembrance would not end. When I beheld my powerlessness to offer fitting praise of this station, I sought God’s help and beseeched Him to reward thee as befitteth His all-encompassing grace.

Again, may my spirit, my being, and my essence be sacrificed for thee! The servant hath been honored by the letters which proceeded from thy presence—first that which issued from the land of Ta, then what followed twice from the land of Ta, then two twin letters arrived, one from the land of Kaf dated the 13th of Jamadiyu’l-Avval, and the other from the land of Sad dated the 14th of Jamadiyu’th-Thani, and in the second was a small letter adorned with thy handwriting dated the 22nd of Jamadiyu’th-Thani.

Praise be to God for these successive, continuous, and uninterrupted bounties which bore thy boundless favors. This evanescent servant was blessed to receive these, and prior to these mentioned letters, was honored by two blessed autographs before arriving in the land of Ta, which were written en route. Responses to some were submitted and sent through Jinab-i-Amin, upon him be the Glory of God. Likewise from the direction of the land of Ha, I beseech and hope from God, exalted be His glory, that what was submitted may attain the honor of His presence. All were presented to the Most Holy Court at the beloved times. Again a mighty Tablet hath descended from the heaven of favor and the original revelation is being sent. Similarly, regarding the names mentioned in thy letters, those that were in the Book of Ta have been revealed and sent with Amin, and the rest shall be sent, God willing and with His aid.

Concerning what thou didst write about the blessed verse of inheritance,

“Blessed art thou for having comprehended that which was revealed from God”

- since Jinab-i-Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin, upon him be the Glory of God, the Lord of all worlds, had inquired about inheritance, by command that which was revealed in the Kitab-i-Aqdas regarding this matter was written specifically for him and sent. Similarly, he had inquired about the law of marriage, and what was revealed regarding this was also written and sent by command. All these passages are revealed in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, and that mighty Book was sent specifically to thee. God willing, thou hast by now been blessed to see it.

Regarding thy remark that the meaning of the Book of Ta and Kha and Za et cetera was not clear, He said: “This station is ʿWe have recorded all things in a Book.”’ Thus it endeth.

Each portion mentioned in the Book equals nine, and from each number sixty is intended, which in total equals the name Muqit, and likewise it descends by sixties until it reaches the station of Jim, and those two stations which are Ba and Alif have not been mentioned, that our Lord may decree concerning them as He pleaseth. From each of these in this Dispensation one and a half portions were deducted and added to the offspring, who receive the portion of two Ta’s. God willing, they shall become aware of the mysteries of that Most Holy, Most Exalted Book at the time of attainment of His presence.

Furthermore, it is submitted that despite the greatest prohibition, travelers from all directions arrive at the Most Great Prison without permission, and they know the beloved of the people of this land and to what degree they persist in opposition, denial and corruption. In any case, each day new conversations are heard. It is strange how the loved ones consent to commit that which causeth harm to the Root of the Tree. And all expect to remain. In brief, now in every village of the surrounding villages numerous souls reside and the corruptors have found means to say whatsoever they wish. From the very gathering and excessive coming and going, the government itself hath been disrupted. We beseech God to bring forth good through this. In no year has there been such gathering in this land. Another group must be appointed to arise to serve the travelers.

Moreover, your honor knoweth what transpireth, despite the lack of outward means and the wickedness of the people of this city and the arrival of newcomers. Although all have understood that the harm of these matters returneth to the Root of the Tree, yet they remain heedless and unaware. We beseech God to aid them to do what He loveth and is pleased with.

Another matter: the neighboring Khajih, whenever present before the Throne, asketh about your honor’s condition and speaketh well of you, and whenever your letter arrived they were truly delighted. God willing, your honor will mention them in future letters so it may be conveyed to them. Although this servant hath somewhat conveyed your honor’s affection to them, since there was no explicit mention of them in your honor’s letter, out of fear of speaking falsely, a satisfactory explanation was not given to them.

Furthermore, regarding Aqa Muhammad Sadiq from the people of K, they wrote a letter to this servant about the Huquq, as your honor yourself noted on its back. It was presented to the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence. According to the command, one portion thereof should be given to the deserving ones in that city, and two portions should be sent to Zaynu’l-Muqarribin, for the people of that land are very deserving.

Although these small amounts do not suffice for that land, they are somewhat useful. Regarding what was written about Jinab-i-Nabil (upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah]) from the people of Qa’in, it is very good that they should proceed to the land of Ha. We beseech God to aid him to help his Lord through what He hath commanded in the Tablets.

Regarding what was written about Jinab-i-Hasan-i-Qabli-ʿAli Khan, their petition was presented to the Most Holy Presence. A special exalted Tablet was revealed and will be sent later.

Concerning Aqa Ghulam-ʿAli, son of Jinab-i-Dhabih, upon them both be Baha’u’llah, it was submitted and according to His command that he should remain engaged in his trade there, as this is closer to godliness before God. Praise be to God, divine favors have been and will continue to be bestowed upon the relatives of Jinab-i-Dhabih. Wherever they may be, they are under the shadow of Truth. The gaze of favor is directed towards His loved ones. Travel to this land is in no wise permitted. We beseech God to grant them the sweetness of following His command. By My life, it is sweeter than all sugar, honey, candy and whatsoever is above them. Verily, He is the All-Wise Ruler.

Regarding Aqa Muhammad-Hasan, about whom you had written that you would bring along, it was submitted. He said:

“There is no objection to what thou hast intended. We love to approve what thou hast approved, as a favor from thy Lord, Who, were He to be described by generosity, His Essence would be ashamed to be attributed thereto, and were He to be characterized by grace, He would be embarrassed to be mentioned in His presence. Verily thy Lord is far exalted above what hath been mentioned or will be mentioned. He is indeed independent of all names. There is no God but Him, the Eternal Unseen.”

At the time of writing this petition, the Ancient Beauty, exalted be His grandeur, said:

“Write in My name M.H.: Those souls who, during their travels and journeys through the cities of God, have shown love to that person, even if less than the eye of a needle, We have honored them with a special favor and have sent down that which will bring joy to their eyes.”

Concerning what you had written about the believers in the land of Ta, then in Q.M., then in K., then in S., about their love for God, their being set ablaze with the fire of His love, and their being attracted by the signs of His grace, and then what you mentioned about all the villages—all was presented before the Divine Throne. Regarding each one, countless favors have dawned and are shining from the horizon of grace, which neither the pens of all worlds could enumerate, nor the tablets of the heavens and earth could contain.

Furthermore, regarding what you had written about Jinab-i-Haji Mirza Kamali’d-Din and Aqa Mahmud and Haji Mirza ʿAli-Qabl-i-Akbar, upon them be Baha’u’llah and His favors, through the companionship of Jinab-i-Amin, upon him be Baha’u’llah, a most holy and exalted Tablet was revealed from the heaven of eternal favor specifically for Aqa Mahmud, upon him be Baha’u’llah, from which shone forth the evidences of grace, bounty, generosity and favor. This servant was astonished at the time of its revelation that despite what had been reported about them, how they were honored with this most holy and exalted Tablet. Now from your letter what was hidden has been revealed and what was concealed has become manifest. I swear by the Most Great Name, this servant was so overjoyed that nothing greater could be imagined, for I had been very concerned about their matter, as there had previously been perfect love between this evanescent servant and them. We praise God, we thank God, and we glorify God for having caused him to attain that which the near ones have attained. And from that blessed Tablet, this servant became certain that in these days the fragrance of their love would waft. Praise be to God that through His favor we have attained unto this.

Concerning the mystic da’ira you mentioned, the written text has been sent to your presence. As far as possible, it should be written with musk and saffron. This servant has also added some red ink for its color and permanence. Whosoever wishes to bear this great gift must, after ablutions, sit in a private place turning towards the Point of God, and then with complete humility and supplication recite the Verse of Power revealed in the first line, then the Names of God revealed in the second line, and then read the prayer revealed in the center of the form. Then it should be folded, and while folding it, one should repeat nineteen times—or according to the number of the Greatest Name (9) which is closer—these luminous words:

“He is the Protector, the Helper, the Assister, the One Whose help is sought.”

Then keep it folded and do not reopen it. If it must be opened for copying, this same procedure must be repeated. Its offering at the Divine Threshold is one mithqal of gold, however a lesser amount has been permitted for the honored Aqa Siyyid Husayn-ʿAli. Your honor is surely aware that the intention is that a gift be made in this station, and its benefit returns to the bearer and giver himself. He is, verily, the Ordainer, the All-Wise. However, great care must be taken that it is written correctly and in accordance with the original.

Section 2: “Regarding what you wrote about Nabil…”

Regarding what you wrote about Nabil of the land of Kaf mentioning this lowly one, and that the beloved one had recorded his words—his mention was presented at the Divine Threshold and the Sun of favor has risen from the horizon of grace. We beseech God to assist him in all conditions as He assisted him before, and to cause his remembrance to endure in His Book, and his spirit and soul in His Kingdom and Dominion. He is verily the Protector of whoever turns to Him and the Master of whoever faces His luminous direction. Please convey on behalf of this evanescent non-existent one profound and exalted greetings to him. I presented his greetings specifically before the presence of the Branches of God, and all return greetings.

Likewise, regarding Nabil, formerly Mihdi, entitled Kh A N from Alif whom you mentioned—he was specifically remembered in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence. Perfect grace was manifested regarding him and an exalted Tablet was specifically revealed for him which will be sent, God willing. Please convey greetings to him on behalf of this evanescent one.

Another submission: This servant has sent the reply to the letter of one of the steadfast women of the land of K which that beloved one had sent. May it come before your most pure and luminous gaze and then be forwarded. As for the matter of the wife of the honored brother Haji M J, as commanded, they should act according to what is best for the aforementioned Haji. Your honor will observe the letter and become informed.

Among other news is that Haji Mirza ʿAli-Akbar and another person have arrived in Haifa. The aforementioned Mirza had previously written that their stay in that land was not possible and had requested permission to come to Mosul. After arriving in Mosul, all the mighty and protective Tablets which Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin had mentioned proved ineffective, and now they have arrived in Haifa. Similarly, before them, Shaykh Muhammad, along with another person from the Jewish community who had turned towards the All-Merciful, arrived. Muhammad Mustafa gave them some of the wealth they had so they could go to Tripoli and engage in work, as the aforementioned Shaykh’s stay in Iraq was not possible due to conflicts between him and his father. Thus Muhammad Mustafa sent them to these parts. However, a malicious Persian joined them and showed them kindness until one night, finding the opportunity, he took everything they had including their books and left. The aforementioned person arrived at the Most Holy Court stripped of all possessions—they had even taken his coat. News has arrived that several others are also on their way. What more can this servant say about the arrivals to this land?

Another other noteworthy events is that in these days the former chief [ra’is] who was in this city has, praise be to God, attained to the ornament of faith and has openly arisen to mention the Truth and His loved ones. After some time, they summoned him and another person arrived, and according to some of the corrupt ones, now no fragrance of love can be detected from him; rather, the opposite, such that on the last day of the month of fasting, they returned the seven who had left the prison and were residing in the finest quarters where the chief officers stayed, back to prison. Let us see what will become manifest later. He is indeed the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. And he intended to attain the Most Holy Court, but permission has not been granted thus far. In any case, this land is like a chameleon—each day it appears in different colors, but all people weave their own imaginings while what our Powerful Lord has willed remains firm, enduring, permanent, penetrating, and dominant over all who are in the kingdom.

And regarding what was written about the blessed leaf, her eminence Ta, upon her be the glory of God and the glory of those in the kingdom of creation, it was submitted, and her petition was also presented before the Throne. This is what was revealed in response to it from God, her Lord and the Lord of all the worlds:

“O My Name! We have understood what thou didst mention in the leaf which called upon its Lord and attained that which was the purpose of its creation and its stages. Blessed is she, inasmuch as her letter hath been presented and she hath been mentioned before the Throne. This, verily, is the most excellent of her deeds in her days. Thy Lord is, in truth, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. We had mentioned her before and adorned her head with the crown of thy Lord’s favor, and We sent unto her through the Trusted One that which rejoiceth her heart and the hearts of them that are nigh. We make mention of her at this time in this manifest Prison, and We glorify her in this station and bid her to be patient in what she desireth. Thy Lord is, in truth, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. The means and wisdom with which We have been commanded do not require her departure from her homeland. We beseech God to pour forth upon her patience from His presence. He, verily, is the All-Powerful, the Almighty. Thou wert present before the Throne and hast known the Prison and what is uttered therein at all times.”

This servant submitteth that following the presentation of the petition of that Leaf of the Divine Lote-Tree, upon her be the Glory of God, the Sun of favors rose from the horizon of grace. Although previously a Most Holy Tablet had been specifically revealed and sent for that leaf, these wondrous and exalted verses were again revealed from the heaven of bounty. It is most clear and evident that God’s favor hath been bestowed upon her. However, this land is witnessed in a different state each day and hath not yet become settled according to what was revealed in the Tablets. It hath been difficult and most difficult from every direction—from the opposition of the opposers, the wickedness of the enemies, and the agitation of the people of this region from every sect and tribe. No place of residence can be found. The finest house in Acre is the one which hath now become the seat of the Throne. Your honor hath observed that eighteen souls, young and old, are present in the Most Holy Court. The upper floor of the building hath four small rooms. Thus it is evident how difficult the situation is.

Jinab-i-Amin, upon him be the Glory of God, during his presence, having resided in this land for some time, became aware of the confined space. Therefore, he strove earnestly to acquire some land and build a house. No land came into their possession until a plot was found near the house. After investigation, it became known that its owner desired to exact the price of all of Acre for that plot of land. The Most Great Branch, may my spirit be a sacrifice unto the dust of His most pure footsteps, hath taken residence in what is considered the changing room of a bath house. Would that the difficulty were limited to this matter alone. He is, verily, the All-Numbering, the All-Knowing.

Regarding the envelope sent on the 9th of Shawwal, God willing it has by now arrived and they have been blessed to visit the Most Exalted, Most Holy Tablet, as it was sent by two routes.

At every moment, my spirit be a sacrifice for thee, my Beloved, my Lord and my Master, I conveyed thy praise, glory and exaltation in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Court before the holy faces of the Branches of the Divine Lote Tree, the people of the pavilion of divine infallibility, and the blessed Afnan. Especially the shining lights of the horizon of the Throne, each with a pure and exalted tongue, conveyed holy exaltation transcending the realms of mention and utterance. Likewise, I conveyed thy beloved exaltation to each of the circling loved ones, and all, one by one, express utter evanescence, complete nothingness, and most wondrous, most holy, most exalted, most sublime exaltation to thy presence. Verily the Most Glorious Glory and the Exaltation which hath dawned and shone forth from the Dayspring of Grandeur be upon thee, O thou who hast arisen with thy whole being to serve God and to aid His Cause, the unassailable, the firm, the mighty, the inaccessible.

The servant of God, 11th of Shawwal 1290

A further matter: At the time of the return of his honor Aqa Siyyid Yahya, upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah], he was asked to convey to his honor Ismu’llah Ha, upon him be the glory of his Lord, that a piece of felt between one and two layers, neither too thin nor too thick, matching the head size that the aforementioned gentleman had measured, should be completed and sent with whoever was traveling. It is not known what happened to this.

My spirit and being be a sacrifice for thee. The two petitions that were submitted to the blessed presence of the Two Most Exalted, Most Holy, Most Supreme Greater Branches were presented. The gracious reply was written and sent. Their letters should reach his honor Aqa Siyyid Yahya. The envelope of the Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet, along with the mystic circle and two blessed autographs of the Two Greater Branches, and two petitions from this servant to the two most exalted names, Afnan 66 [Allah] and Ismu’llah Ha, and a letter in reply to the letter of the assured ones of the land of Kaf, and the letter from the ladies of the household which they wrote to his honor Aqa Siyyid Yahya, all were sent in one envelope to thy presence. My spirit be thy sacrifice.

Again regarding the inscription of the mystic da’ira, it is submitted that if it is written with good rosewater and red ink it would be most beloved before God, for after its completion this servant presented it at the Court of the Throne. The main purpose is that it should be written with something fragrant, and now at the Divine Throne the fragrance of good rosewater is more beloved than musk and other scents.

BH01800: This is revealed from the heaven of the will…

This is revealed from the heaven of the will of the utterance of our Lord, the Most Merciful. His word, exalted be His majesty:

O Fath-i-A’zam! Hearken unto the call of the Lord of Eternity. Thou didst call upon Him with the tongue of love and affection, and He hath answered thee with these verses, for which all existence would sacrifice itself. Thou didst call Him with attraction and longing, and He calleth thee through His grace that hath encompassed all created things.

Thy letter hath come before the Countenance and was read by the tongue of Our servant who is present before the throne of thy Lord, the Almighty, the Unconstrained. From each word thereof We discovered the fragrance of thy sincerity towards God and thy steadfastness in His firm and wise Cause. We have sent down Tablets unto thee and dispatched them through the Trustworthy One. Be grateful for what hath been sent down unto thee of the enduring bounty which shall never cease. We beseech God to assist thee under all conditions, and those who have arisen to help this Wronged One among the servants. From this station We send Our greetings unto thy face and the faces of those around thee who have turned towards the Countenance, detached from all else save Him.

The supplication of that honored one reached the throne, and these exalted verses were revealed from the heaven of grace:

In the name of our Lord, the Most Impregnable, the Most Holy, the Most Exalted, the Most High.

Praise be to God Who hath manifested the Hidden Point beneath the veil of Oneness through His Name that speaketh in the Divine Lote-Tree. Verily, there is none other God but Him, the Exalted, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Trustworthy. Praise be to God Who hath quickened all created things through what hath sprinkled upon them from the ocean of His Name, the All-Encompassing over all beings. Then did the people of the graves arise, turning towards the Manifestation, while the people of darkness perished by turning towards gloom. Those who attained unto arising are among the most exalted of creation—through them have the faces of the days been illumined and the horizon of utterance hath shone forth. Then He chose from among these whom He willed and established him to aid His Cause in the kingdom of creation, and caused him to speak His praise in such wise that neither the conditions of the servants nor the deeds of those in the land could prevent him.

Exalted, exalted be His dominion! Exalted, exalted be His power! Exalted, exalted be His favors whereby He hath delivered His loved ones from the oceans of idle fancies and drawn them nigh unto the horizon of revelation—a station whereof the pens are powerless to make mention. Verily He is the Almighty over whatsoever He willeth. There is none other God but Him, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

My spirit be a sacrifice for thy steadfastness. Praise be to God, this evanescent servant hath been honored by His mention of that honored one. I beseech God to make this bounty everlasting, that we may ever be blessed with the like thereof. Verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer. Regarding what was written about the new joy and gladness, we praise God for this. God willing, it hath been and shall be blessed. This matter was most acceptable before the Throne, and when the honored Amin, upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah], was departing, mention was made of it in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet which was revealed from the heaven of favor specifically for the master with the name 66 [of God] Ha’, upon him be all His most glorious Baha. I beseech the True One, exalted be His might and glory, to make this joy blessed and permanent. Verily He is the Giver, the All-Bountiful, the Mighty, the Generous.

This servant requests that you convey profound and exalted greetings from this evanescent one to all the loved ones of God in that land. The friends who are present also convey their sincere greetings and most wondrous, most exalted, most glorious salutations to your honor. The Most Great Branch and the Greater Branch, may our spirits be sacrificed for them both, remember your honor with most wondrous mentions and greet you with salutations sanctified above the realm of mention and description. And the glory be upon you and those around you.

The servant

11 Shawwal 1290

BH02031: Praise be to God Who has adorned the Book…

In His Name, the Most Holy, the Most Mighty, the Most Great, the Most Exalted

Praise be to God Who has adorned the Book of Existence with His Hidden, Treasured, and Protected Name, which has appeared as His Most Glorious Name in the Kingdom of Creation, and through it revealed the Primal, Invisible, and First Point, and through it detailed Books which the minds of the wise and those in the Kingdom of Names cannot comprehend. At this station, creation began with the Will which appeared and shone forth in creation through the very essence of creation. Exalted, exalted is His glory above being clouded by the understanding of those in earth and heaven! Then exalted, exalted is His holy court above being comprehended by the hearts of those endowed with insight! Can the evanescent one mention that which the very essence of eternity would be ashamed to claim? Can the non-existent soar in this atmosphere when even the known has fallen with clipped wings in this space? If I mention Him as the Known, this is but an attribute for His servants, and if I describe Him as the Self-Subsisting, this is but a mention from His creation.

Exalted, exalted is He above being mentioned by any name or described by anything besides Him, above what the tongue mentions in praise and description. My limbs trembled, my pillars shook, and my joints quaked at the mention of this station wherein the reins of pens were not loosened and the points of words were not sharpened. Therefore I conclude and say: There is no God but You, the Hidden, the Inaccessible, the Single One Who cannot be described by what has been or will be said, and You are the Self-Sufficient, the Most High.

My spirit and soul be a sacrifice for You! The fire of longing in this evanescent servant is ablaze and the heat of the thirst of separation is burning. This thirst can only be quenched by the water of reunion and this heat can only be cooled by the Kawthar of meeting. And since outwardly this door has been closed through the oppression of the oppressors, remembrance and utterance have been given the power to compensate for this station. This servant has been deprived even of that. From the day they attained the Most Great Honor and were blessed to reach the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court in the Abode of Peace until now, mention of His Holiness has been in the heart of this lowly, evanescent one. Praise be to God that through divine favors and infinite heavenly grace they preceded in the Most Great and Decisive Cause, for at the first manifestation of effulgences they attained the station of nearness and were blessed with meeting. Verily He ordains for His Afnan what He desires and decrees what He wishes. There is no God but He, the All-Knowing, the Wise, the Powerful, the Mighty.

The Most Glorious Glory be upon Your Holiness and upon those who bow before you for the sake of their Lord.

The servant of God 11 Shawwal 1290

The two boxes of new tea and last year’s shipment arrived intact. Since the two sons of Jenab-i-Za, upon them both be the Glory of God, had previously requested that this servant submit this matter, therefore it was submitted and praise be to God it was accepted in the Most Holy Court. We praise Him in all conditions. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH03535: A missive from Us to him who hath attained…

He is the One Who prevaileth over all who are in earth and heaven!

A missive from Us to him who hath attained the lights of the Countenance and voiced the praise of his Lord amidst the servants, that the call of the All-Merciful may draw him to a station wherein he proclaimeth the Most Great Steadfastness among the people and guideth the heedless to the path of God, the Almighty, the Glorious, the All-Bestowing.

We have aforetime revealed unto thee that whereby the fragrance of God was wafted throughout creation, and this is yet another time. Verily thy Lord is the Mighty, the All-Knowing. Arise amidst the people with this Most Great Remembrance. Say: O people! By God, the Promised One hath appeared when the appointed time was come. How long will ye follow the dawning-places of idle fancies and pursue the daysprings of vain imaginings? Rend ye asunder the greatest veil in the name of the Lord of Destiny, then draw nigh unto this Sea which God hath made the source of all seas.

We make complaint unto thee concerning the manifestations of learning, for they have forbidden the servants from the Lord of creation, though they were created for this Remembrance whereby all remembrances have shone forth. Beseech thou God that He may cleanse the earth of these people, even as He hath cleansed most regions of their presence.

Say: O concourse of divines! Ye shall not henceforth behold yourselves possessed of any power, inasmuch as We have seized it from you and destined it for such as have believed in God, the One, the Almighty, the Glorious, the Unconstrained. Thus hath the Command come to pass and judgment been decreed from God, the Lord of the Day of Reckoning.

Know thou that We have counseled the servants in most Tablets with wisdom and utterance, lest there appear in the land that which would agitate the hearts of the loved ones. Make mention of thy Lord with wisdom amongst the people, then follow what thou hast been commanded in the Book of thy Lord, the Lord of all men. Glory be upon thee and upon those who have quaffed the wine of life in My days, and have soared on the wings of longing in My atmosphere, and have detached themselves from all else but Me, and have been attracted by the shrill voice of My Pen, and the rustling of the winds of My loving-kindness, and the murmuring of the waters of My bounty. These, verily, are the stars in the heaven of My remembrance amongst the horizons.

BH03732: Absolute Being cries out in utter nothingness, saying: At…

In the Name of the Beloved of the Worlds!

Absolute Being cries out in utter nothingness, saying: At two times is the clamor and cry of the people of contingent existence raised up—once at the beginning, that is, at the first creation, and again at the return. Observe how when the Sun of Truth dawned from the horizon of the Divine Command in the name of Muhammad (may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake), the people of the world rose up in opposition and raised their cry. Likewise at the time of return, when the Manifestation of the Divine Lordship appeared in the garment of servitude. Although the beginning is and ever shall be identical with the return. Blessed are they who beheld the seal in the mirror of the beginning, and likewise the beauty of the beginning in the mirror of the seal.

In any case, in whatever manner and condition the Source of the Command has risen from the horizon of the world, the people have occupied themselves with rejection and opposition, and have not been content with God’s good-pleasure, save whom thy Lord willed. When the law of prayer was revealed in the time of the Messenger, the idolaters would prevent their ears from hearing the call to prayer and would count hearing it as evil. But after the divine power had encompassed all, most became aware and turned toward the horizon of certitude and held fast to the revealed divine ordinances. And when the reality of prayer and the hidden mystery appeared in the King of Days, again the cawing of the ravens was raised up.

In no age have the people been content with that which God has willed, nor will they be, except for sanctified souls and illumined hearts. Therefore you must be thankful at all times, for you have drunk from the living waters of the peerless Kawthar and have turned toward the sanctuary of oneness. This is the most great bounty and the supreme grace. Ask God that you may remain steadfast in His love and firm in His Cause.

The Glory be upon you.

BH03649: The Most Great, Most Holy, Most Ancient. A remembrance…

The Most Great, Most Holy, Most Ancient. A remembrance from Us to him who has turned to the Ultimate Goal and attained the Supreme Horizon on a day wherein the Herald called out from every direction:

“The Prison belongeth unto God, the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the Most Great,”

that the magnet of remembrance and utterance might draw him to a station wherein he seeth naught save God and His Will, the All-Subduing, dominant over the worlds. This is the most exalted station, yet most of the people are heedless.

O Muhammad! Blessed art thou for having attained, visited, beheld and heard that which the Dawning-Place of verses hath spoken from His noble presence. Glorify thy Lord with praise at all times and be thou of them that remember. Praise be to God that through the grace of the All-Merciful thou hast attained unto the water of life, entered the Most Great Scene and been illumined by the lights of the countenance of the Lord of Destiny. His is the praise in all conditions.

The most meritorious of all deeds in the sight of the Self-Sufficient, the Most High, hath been and shall ever be the teaching of His Cause, albeit with wisdom as hath been revealed in the Tablets. By My life! It is the lamp of deeds and their garment and their crown. Whoso attaineth unto it hath attained unto all good from the presence of a Self-Sufficient, All-Praised One. God willing, your honor must engage in this matter with perfect wisdom.

Although, in accordance with your request, permission was granted for you to direct yourself once again to the Prison, yet if you were to transform this traversing of a long distance into teaching the divine Word, it would be more excellent and more beloved, for praise be to God, you have attained His presence and drunk from the wine of reunion. This is what the All-Merciful hath testified. Know thou its worth and be of the thankful.

Whatever Tablets you had requested have been revealed and sent, and later too, should there be need and should they desire it, God willing and should He desire it, they shall be sent. We beseech God to assist you through His sovereignty and to ordain for you what He loveth and what pleaseth Him. And upon thee be glory.

BH03914: In the Name of the Desire of all worlds!…

In the Name of the Desire of all worlds! The Call of the All-Merciful is raised, yet most of the servants are deprived of hearing it. The Countenance of the Ancient One has dawned from the Orient of the world, yet most people’s eyes are veiled and prevented from beholding it. The most pure Wine flows and is visible at the Greatest Scene, yet all are forbidden from drinking thereof save whom thy Lord willeth, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

The cause of the servants’ veiling from the Lord of Creation has been and will be the vain imaginings of the idolatrous souls and the idle fancies of heedless hearts. The Sun of certitude is shining, yet most are occupied with suppositions. The Sun of knowledge has risen, yet most remain cloistered in their own imaginings.

Reflect upon the appearance of the Manifestations of Divine Unity—in every age and era when those Suns of the horizons of inner meanings rose and appeared by God’s command, most people arose in denial and attempted to cut down the divine Trees and Lotuses. This has been His way in past ages. Verily thy Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Aware.

How excellent is the state of one who today sees with his own eyes and hears the Call of Truth with his own ears, and purifies and sanctifies his heart—which is the dawning-place of divine revelations—from people’s vain imaginings and what is with them, that he may become worthy and deserving of this Most Great Bounty and Supreme Grace. Blessed is he who drinks the wine of recognition from his Lord’s utterance—We testify that he is among the successful ones. Whoever acts upon what has been mentioned will assuredly attain to recognition of the Intended One and will turn toward the Friend.

Verily thou, give thanks to thy Lord for having been mentioned before the Prisoner and for His sending thee this Clear Tablet. We beseech God to assist thee in what He loves and is pleased with, and to aid thee in service to His Cause. Verily He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

BH04501: The Most Exalted Pen proclaims: We have fulfilled what…

In the name of the Best-Beloved of the worlds

The Most Exalted Pen proclaims: We have fulfilled what We promised. The Tablets which you had requested specifically for receptive souls have been sent down from the heaven of the All-Merciful’s will and have been dispatched. Although revealed concisely, yet to those endowed with vision and understanding, each word thereof is a manifest book in demonstrating God’s Cause, His power and His sovereignty.

Beseech God that through these rains of mercy from the heaven of His Cause He may purify the soil of hearts and minds and adorn them with the flowers of true knowledge and the plants of certitude, for barren soil hath had and shall have no share of this divine bounty. You must, God willing, become the cup-bearer of this most pure wine, that perchance the dead may be stirred by the sweet fragrances of the days of the All-Merciful and turn towards the sanctuary of the Ancient Beauty.

In any case, the decisive command of God is that the sincere ones should in this day engage in teaching the Cause of the Lord of all worlds. This is the meaning of assistance that hath been revealed in the Tablets of God, and whatsoever people imagine besides this hath been and shall remain beneath this station.

For every matter there is an appointed time in the Book of God. He verily doeth whatsoever He willeth by His own Self. He is indeed independent of conflict and contention and of that which troubleth the hearts of those who have turned towards Him. Soon shall all servants behold the standards of His glory and might raised upon the most lofty and noble banners. Thy Lord is, in truth, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

BH04949: Praise be to God that through divine bounty…

In the Name of the Beloved of the Worlds!

Praise be to God that through divine bounty in these spiritual days thou hast succeeded in serving the friends of God, which is accounted as service unto Him. By God! If thou knowest this, it sufficeth thee. God hath made this a treasure for thee in the treasuries of His power and the repositories of His protection. Verily nothing escapeth His knowledge and He is the Rewarder of the doers of good. His honor Safi and Rida, upon them be the Glory of God, have mentioned thy services. Therefore from the Most Holy Court this Holy Tablet hath been revealed so thou mayest know that thy services are accepted before the Throne and recorded in God’s Tablet. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to enable thee to act as thou hast acted. God will, outwardly and inwardly, bestow the reward of thy services. Be grateful for what He hath assisted thee to achieve in a Cause that was accepted before the Throne and for which this mighty Tablet was revealed unto thee. Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds.

And regarding the mentioned souls—His honor Haji Muhammad, Aqa Mirza Ali and Aqa Habibullah—thou hadst written that they intended to come to these parts. This was presented before the Presence. Convey greetings to them. It is not and was not advisable to come to this region and its surroundings, for numerous conflicting rumors have arisen among the people and soon their fruits will become manifest. Blessed are they who are patient and attentive.

BH05316: God willing, may you ever be and continue…

He is God, exalted be His station, to Whom belong grandeur and majesty!

God willing, may you ever be and continue to be the recipient of the successive, continuous favors of the Self-Sufficient, the Exalted One.

After Jinab-i-ʿAyn turned towards the Most Great Scene, verily he attained that which he attained. I swear by the Most Great Name, were it not for the consideration of the consummate wisdom revealed in the Books, they would have openly dwelt in the presence of the All-Merciful. However, the All-Wise has decreed and continues to decree whatsoever He desires. He, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Be not grieved by the vicissitudes of the days. The vapors arising from the associators have veiled the rays of the Sun of Eternity and have come between It and His loved ones. Soon will they vanish through the sovereignty of thy Lord. He, verily, is the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

God willing, occupy yourself with the propagation of the Cause of the Lord of the Day of Judgment with clear certitude. This is what will profit you and become a treasure for you, and I bear witness to this, and no testimony in the heavens and earth can equal this testimony. You are mentioned most often in the presence of the All-Merciful and are singled out for His favors. This suffices you, by the Lord of all worlds.

Convey greetings from this Prisoner to all the friends and say: Today is the day to hearken, that ye may hear the Word of Truth, and it is the day of utterance, that ye may occupy yourselves with His praise. Verily, glory be upon you and upon those with you.

BH05647: In the Name of the One True Friend! Praise…

In the Name of the One True Friend! Praise be to God that through divine grace thou hast been made to inhale the fragrant flowers of the true garden of God. Through the power of the Most Great Name thou must needs manifest supreme steadfastness amidst all peoples.

Today all dwell in one place: whosoever hath ascended unto the heaven of recognition and hath known the Dawning-Place of the Cause of the All-Merciful is reckoned before the Truth as one of the people of truth and is witnessed as such. And whosoever is debarred therefrom is accounted among the people of loss.

Divine power hath encompassed all mankind, though this encompassing is now veiled by reason of the veils of the people. Ere long shall the Hand of Power rend asunder these veils and shrouds, and the faces of His loved ones shall shine forth like brilliant stars throughout all regions, and their station shall become evident and manifest unto all the peoples of the world.

Now that in these days of the All-Merciful ye have attained unto the waters of life, ye must strive that all may partake of this most pure wine and turn with heart and soul toward the court of the All-Merciful.

We beseech God to aid thee to serve Him and to make thee one who remembereth Him through His remembrance and who speaketh forth His Name and acteth according to that which He loveth and is pleased with. He, verily, is the Goal in the beginning and in the end.

BH06203: The Sun of the Word hath dawned…

In the name of the Beloved of the world

The Sun of the Word hath dawned from the horizon of the All-Merciful Will with wondrous and sublime lights. Some of the servants have been illumined by these lights and drawn nigh, while others remain distant and deprived. How excellent is the state of that soul whom wealth hath not prevented from recognizing his ultimate end, and whom the imaginings of men have not debarred from knowing the Lord of all beings. Such a one is numbered among those who drink of the most pure wine in the most great prospect. Upon him be the glory of God and the glory of all who are in the heavens and earth.

Thou must, God willing, become so enkindled with the fire of divine love that its effects will be manifest throughout all contingent being, and lethargy and coldness shall never seize thee. Many are the servants who saw yet failed to recognize, and many who, though unseeing, recognized and turned with heart and soul toward the All-Merciful. The reins of command are in His mighty grasp. He bestoweth upon whomsoever He willeth. Verily He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

We beseech God to make thee among those who abide beneath the shade of His mercy and drink from the cup that shall never run dry, and to ordain for thee whatsoever good He hath willed.

BH06059: In the Name of God, the Most Holy…

In the Name of God, the Most Holy, the Most Exalted, the Most Great! O Kazim! Hearken to the call of the Quickener of the world from the direction of His Most Great Prison. Verily, there is none other God but Him, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

We have mentioned thee before, and at this hour as well, as a token of favor from God, the Mighty, the Beloved. They who have attained unto the days of God and have quaffed the choice wine of acceptance—these are indeed an honored people. The denizens of the Supreme Paradise make mention of them, and the Tongue of God from His exalted station pronounces their greatness.

We give the world to drink of the wine of remembrance, both secretly and openly. Blessed is he who has turned and attained unto this sealed nectar. Say: O servants of the All-Merciful! Remember within yourselves, then make mention of your Lord Who has come from the heaven of the unseen with a manifest proof.

Blessed is thy brother who was martyred in the path of God. Thus does My Most Exalted Pen address him from this Most Luminous Spot: Upon thee be the fragrances of the All-Merciful and His remembrance. I testify that thou didst drink the living waters from the hand of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, the All-Merciful, and didst attain His presence in the highest paradise. Thy Lord is, verily, the Mighty, the Forgiving. The glory be upon thee and upon those who have attained unto this inaccessible Remembrance.

BH06555: The Cupbearer of the Wine of everlasting life…

In the Name of the peerless Lord

The Cupbearer of the Wine of everlasting life is the Lord of Names. Blessed is the soul that hath quaffed the most pure Wine in the days of the Sovereign of Destiny, and hath attained unto the ocean of the knowledge of the Lord of Religions.

Today is the day of teaching, and all are commanded to it, that the sincere ones may attain unto the station that hath been revealed in the Book of God:

“Whoso quickeneth a soul is as though he had quickened all mankind.”

The life that is mentioned in God’s Book is the life of hearts and minds through the recognition of the Beloved. If anyone faileth to attain unto this station, he is accounted among the dead. Therefore must the friends of God strive mightily, night and day, that perchance they may guide those who have gone astray unto the straight path, and give the thirsty to drink of this living water. Whosoever attaineth unto this station is accounted among the gems of existence in the sight of God.

Be not grieved at the taunts of the enemies and the power of the hateful ones. Soon shall the former be turned into praise and glory, and the latter into weakness and extinction. Blessed are ye, O My loved ones! A goodly end awaiteth you.

BH07201: The divine fragrance hath been wafted throughout the world…

In His Name, the Self-Subsisting Over All Names!

The divine fragrance hath been wafted throughout the world, and the Ancient Source hath appeared with clear proof and evidence. Among the people are those who, upon hearing the Call from the direction of transcendent glory, have turned toward God, the Lord of Names, while others have turned away and followed every repudiating infidel.

Say: O people! By God, that which ye possess will profit you not this Day. Turn ye with humility and contrition unto the Dayspring of grace. On this Day none shall find refuge, nor shall any soul find rest save in that Spot which hath been mentioned in the Scriptures and Tablets.

Well is it with thee for having desired what the Lord of the world desired, and for having recognized that which every wrongdoing deceiver failed to recognize. Render thanks unto God for having attained unto the Most Great Ocean when the nations turned away therefrom, save those whom thy Lord, the Possessor of all Religions, willed.

Hold thou fast unto the cord of steadfastness amidst all creatures, then make mention of the Lord of all mankind throughout the nights and days. Thus have We adorned the horizon of the Revelation with the lights of wisdom and utterance, as a grace from God, the Lord of all men.

BH07609: The Friend says: The divine fire is ablaze…

In the Name of the Beloved of the Worlds

The Friend says: The divine fire is ablaze and the celestial Tree is speaking from the most exalted spot, yet there is no ear to hear the sweet melody of the All-Merciful and no heart to attain recognition of the revelation of the All-Glorious. Most people cling to their own vain imaginings and remain heedless of the Sovereign of verses. They have preferred conjecture to true knowledge and have contented themselves with doubt instead of certitude. But ere long they shall find themselves in loss and shall witness their deeds rendered null. The truly learned one today is he who has attained the Most Great Favor, for the purpose of creation has been the knowledge of God. Whosoever remains veiled therefrom is accounted among the lost in the presence of the All-Merciful. Blessed art thou for having heard the call of the Most Exalted Pen and attained unto the recognition of thy Friend. Know thou the worth of this most great bounty and occupy thyself with the remembrance of the Beloved of all worlds with heart and tongue.

BH07618: A mention from Us unto him who desireth…

He is the Ever-Abiding, the Eternal

A mention from Us unto him who desireth to take unto the Lord of the Throne a way, that the fragrances of remembrance may draw him to the station of steadfastness and certitude and bring him to a seat illumined with the lights of the Throne. We have recognized thy turning unto God and have made known unto thee this One Who is known, from Whom most of mankind remain veiled. We have sent down unto thee this Tablet that thou mayest find from it the fragrance of the Spirit and remain steadfast in the Cause. How many a servant hath lamented in separation, yet when the fragrance of reunion wafted, turned away and was deprived of the truth. Blessed art thou for having turned unto the Countenance and drunk the choice wine of knowledge in days that were inscribed in the Tablets. Remember thy Lord with wisdom and utterance, that perchance they who slumber on the couch of heedlessness and idle fancies may be awakened. Thus hath the matter been decreed. The glory be upon thee and upon those who have turned unto a Cause that was hidden from the eyes of the deniers.

BH08442: The Dawning-Place of divine revelation, appearing in human temple…

In the Name of the one true God!

The Dawning-Place of divine revelation, appearing in human temple, calleth aloud and bestoweth the water of life. Blessed is he who, through the outpourings of God, hath attained unto life everlasting, and deprived is he who hath been forbidden this eternal, spiritual Kawthar. Not every ear is worthy of this call, and not every cup is fit to receive this holy wine. Pure and illumined hearts have been and shall ever be the chalices of this eternal and everlasting wine.

Give praise unto the Best-Beloved of the worlds, that thou hast attained unto the water of life and, through the grace of the Most Great Name, hast turned toward the divine Sanctuary. Beseech the True One, exalted be His glory, that thou mayest be steadfast with supreme steadfastness and be adorned with the ornament of praise and glorification in the celestial kingdom of creation.

Verily He is the Ruler over whatsoever He willeth. He giveth unto whomsoever He pleaseth that which He desireth. He, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH08113: O handmaiden of God! We have sent a drop…

In the Name of the One Friend!

O handmaiden of God! We have sent a drop from the outpourings of the mercy of the All-Merciful, which flows from the fountainhead of the Divine Pen, that through the grace of the Most Great Name thou mayest attain unto drinking thereof and remain steadfast upon His path.

Today is the dawning-point of days and the beginning of times, and likewise praiseworthy deeds which proceed from souls that are well-pleasing and accepted shall be the beginning of deeds, inasmuch as that deed hath taken place in the Days of God and appeared in its proper place. Therefore it hath been and shall be superior to all deeds.

Today is the day of mention and praise, but wisdom requireth that it be manifested in its proper time. Praise be to the Ancient Lord that thou hast received a portion of the outpourings of His mercy and attained unto the Tablet of God. Blessed are the women who give thanks, then blessed are the men who give thanks.

BH08193: The Most Great, Most Holy

The Most Great, Most Holy.

A mention from Us to one who has turned to God, the Lord of the worlds, that the sweetness of the Merciful’s utterance may draw him to a station from which the hands of the ungodly are cut off.

O servant! Thy name hath been mentioned before the Throne and this perspicuous Tablet hath been revealed for thee. Ask thou God to grant thee that which is therein and to assist thee in that which He loveth and approveth. This verily is a great bounty.

Make mention of the Lord of Names amidst the concourse of creation and hold fast with supreme steadfastness to this Wise Cause. Beware lest the vain imaginings of souls disturb thee. Cling to the hem of thy Lord’s mercy, the Forgiving, the Bountiful.

Praise God for having enabled thee to turn toward Him and for having shown thee this straight and manifest path. Verily He seeth whosoever turneth toward Him and heareth the call of them that remember Him. Follow that which thou hast been commanded in the Book from the presence of One mighty and all-knowing.

BH01468: I have drunk from the Kawthar of Life…

He is God, exalted be His station, the Greatness and the Grandeur

I have drunk from the Kawthar of Life from cups passed round by the attraction of utterance. Blessed is he who gave me to drink! It was as though these cups were circling round the love of God, and in their nature was the nature of iron. When I saw them soaring in the atmosphere of remembrance and utterance without any intention of their own, it was as if they were drawn by the magnet of our Lord’s will, the Bestower, the Generous. Were we to expound to your holiness what this evanescent servant drank from each of these cups, this page and others would not suffice, for they spoke of the love of our Glorious and Most Glorious Lord, pointed to the Dawning Place of Manifestation and Names, and bore the water of recognition of the Lord of all worlds.

Exalted is our Eternal Lord Who made it sanctified above allusions and above what is mentioned in creation of natures and elements. Blessed is he who honored me with these cups and gave me to drink from them what delighted my thoughts and brought joy to my heart and soul. We beseech God to make the cupbearer of these cups the magnet of utterance in the contingent world, that the hearts of the followers of religions might be drawn to it. Verily, there is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Helper.

May my spirit be a sacrifice for your attraction! The blessed letter of your holiness was a delight to eyes and heart, and from the cups of remembrance inscribed therein was drunk the wine of love, fellowship, mercy and unity. How excellent is the bestower and the giver! In truth, the sweet fragrance of divine love was wafting from all its letters and words, refreshing heart and soul. After its perusal, on the blessed night of the eleventh of the month of Pilgrimage, it was presented in its entirety in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence. This is what was revealed in reply:

O Nabil! Blessed art thou for having turned to the One to Whom the world hath turned. This is indeed a manifest bounty. We have heard what befell thee and what thou didst speak when thou didst encounter the letter Ha of the abyss in the land of Qaf with the proof of thy Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. By My life! We desired thee as thou didst desire Us, and We desire thee as thou dost desire, and We love thy presence in the precincts of the Throne and thy nearness to the courtyard of this exalted Gate. Grieve not over anything that hath befallen thee. Verily, thou art with Us and thy affairs return unto Us. He verily improveth through His sovereignty what He willeth, the sovereignty that prevaileth over the worlds.

That which hath befallen your honor hath been mentioned before the Throne. The heedless souls have acted and will continue to act according to their own inclinations. Your honor should not be grieved by any matter. And concerning what you wrote about proceeding to the land of Ha, this too is most beloved and acceptable, for it behooveth one such as your honor to arise with utmost power and might to serve the Cause. The foundation of all matters has been and shall ever be the teaching of the Cause. In any case, proceed in whatever way you deem advisable. You are permitted in all circumstances to proceed to the Most Holy Court and other lands. The reason We have not summoned you now is due to the cold weather. And God speaketh the truth and guideth to the Way.

May I be thy sacrifice! Regarding what you wrote about the Tablets arriving in the company of the beloved one, His Holiness the Name of God, upon him be the Most Glorious of all Glory, and likewise Mulla Muhammad-ʿAli—other Tablets have also been revealed specifically for your honor which have not yet arrived, including one great Tablet in the revealed script and numerous exalted Tablets sent in the company of His Holiness the Trustee, upon him be the Glory of God, the True King, the Manifest. And another Tablet as well. Praise be to God, your honor has always been and will continue to be mentioned before the Throne. Furthermore, be not grieved in any way about those left behind.

News about your beloved one will be sent from the direction of Ha. God willing, all have been and will continue to be under the protection and shelter of the Self-Sufficient, the Exalted. The Most Mighty Branch and the Greater Branch—may my spirit be sacrificed for the dust of their most pure footsteps—especially convey magnificent, exalted greetings to that beloved one. Likewise, those who circle round the Throne are all engaged in remembering your honor and are occupied in expressing pure sincerity. We praise God for this mighty bounty. May the Most Glorious Glory, the Most Splendid Light, and the Light that hath shone forth from the horizon of grandeur be upon your honor and upon those who love you.

The servant 11 Dhi’l-Hajjih 1290

BH04734: May my spirit be a sacrifice unto thee! This…

May my spirit be a sacrifice unto thee! This evanescent servant hath been honored to receive thy noble letter…

And as to what you had mentioned concerning Mirza Maqsud, whose name you had set down, it was submitted in His presence. He said: “Adorn thou his book; it standeth before the Throne, and the eye of My favour is turned toward it.” These words are inscribed in his book: “Without choice I consorted with the rabbis; I read what was to be read, and I saw what was to be seen, and I heard what was to be heard.”

From these words it was clearly gathered that he hath not attained unto the true discernment of these days, and hath remained far from the mystery of the divine Word and its manifestation, and from its wisdom, its effect, and its all-encompassing power. Certain vain imaginings have appeared unto him; for with the rabbis in this Day there is naught to be seen, nor aught to be heard, nor any word worth the uttering.

He who hath not found being from the Bestower of being, How can he ever become a bestower of being?

Certain of the rabbis from the lands of Europe, being present in the City, and finding no inclination for an interview, turned their faces toward the Most Mighty Branch. After converse with them it became evident that these hapless individuals have been, and still are, afflicted with a hundred thousand tribulations, inward and outward. Yet this much came to pass: whatsoever they heard they acknowledged—so much so that they caused it to be printed in the newspapers of London and Prussia. Convey, however, unto that person but these two words:

“We beseech God that He may show thee that which thou hast not seen—wherefor the eyes of the knowers were created—and that He may cause thee to hear that which thou hast not heard—wherefor the ears of all who are in the heavens and on the earth were fashioned.”

Say unto them: We did not affirm thy word; rather do thou beseech the True One that thou mayest behold that which is to be beheld, and hear that which is to be heard. Verily He is the Bountiful, the Generous.

Such people neither seek nor have sought the Truth; rather are they eager and hopeful for that which profiteth them outwardly. We beseech God to adorn all with the ornament of His Name, through which the heavens and the earth have been illumined…

BH10404: And if thou seest the letter Ha, say: Fie…

…And if thou seest the letter Ha, say: Fie upon thee and upon what thou hast wrought in the days of God! By God! These are the days promised you in the Tablets and in the Scriptures of the Prophets and Messengers. Were it not for Him, Muhammad the Apostle of God would not have been sent… Fear God, O thou who associateth partners with God, who turneth away from His beauty and denieth His signs! Hast thou taken Baal as thy lord instead of God?…