Volume 056: Akka 1294 A.H. (1877) (1 of 3)

BH00292: Praise be to God Who is one in His…

Section 1: “Praise be to God Who is one…”

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Most Great, the Most Glorious!

Praise be to God Who is one in His unity and single in His singleness. He hath manifested the Word from the horizon of the heaven of Will—nay, it is the very Will itself and its essence—and through it He created volition in the world of sovereignty. Exalted be the Lord of creation, through Whom the Bayan was sent down, the Kingdom of Knowledge was adorned, and the Nightingale of Utterance warbled upon the branches. Verily, there is none other God but Him, the One, the Powerful, the Single, the Self-Subsisting, the Most High, the All-Wise.

This evanescent one submits to your eminence that two letters from you were received, and the utmost joy and delight were obtained from learning of your well-being. If there has been delay in reply, it is hoped you will forgive, as for nearly three months, nay more, the verses of God have not descended from the heaven of the Lord’s Will. The Most Exalted Pen has been silent and the ocean of utterance still, and this servant, like one bewildered and astonished, has been lost in thought and, from excess of grief, has been unable to pen a single word—until these days when the gates of divine bounty were opened and the heaven of grace was adorned with the stars of utterance, and the rain of mercy once again poured forth from the clouds of generosity. This servant has therefore ventured to make up for what was lost through this petition, and hopes for forgiveness from you as well.

You had asked about the news from Istanbul—it is in such a state of disorder and upheaval that this servant and others like him are unable to properly describe it. All that was revealed from the heaven of God’s Will concerning the chief, princes and deputies in the blessed Surih of Ra’is, the Most Holy Book, and other Tablets has now emerged from the realm of the unseen into the arena of manifestation. Yet despite these Tablets being in many hands, the people remain heedless and unmindful. Justice is rare indeed. I swear by the Sun of Truth that everything that has appeared in the world was clearly foretold in the revealed Tablets, yet none of the heedless ones turned to the horizon of the mercy of the Lord of the Worlds.

There is a story from before that is fitting to mention here: When the Manifestation was in the Land of Mystery, known as Adrianople, a special Tablet was revealed from the Supreme Pen addressed to the sovereign of Paris. In that Tablet proper etiquette was observed, and it was then sent to one of his ministers who had expressed loyalty. After some time, a petition arrived from that minister at the Most Holy Court stating that they had taken the blessed Tablet to the Foreign Minister and delivered it to the Emperor, but no response was received from him. Thereafter, another Tablet which forms part of the blessed Surih of Haykal was revealed from the heaven of God’s Will, wherein news was given of his abasement, the loss of his entire kingdom, the ruin of that land, turmoil and revolution, and what you have heard.

After the revelation of these blessed verses, most were observed to be in utmost bewilderment and astonishment. Indeed, someone mentioned to this servant that the sovereign of Paris was the foremost person in the world, that he ruled over all the earth, held the reins of all kings in his hands, and controlled the management of all the world’s affairs—how could such a person be overcome or brought low? Even some of the loved ones were perplexed, for in no way could human minds comprehend it and were incapable of imagining it, until there came to pass exactly what was revealed in the divine verses. Though it is likely that your honor has observed this in Iran, it is mentioned again that it may bring joy and delight to pure hearts. His exalted Word:

“O King! We have heard the words thou didst utter concerning the decision with regard to war, in answer to the question of the Russian sovereign. Thy Lord, verily, knoweth, is informed of all. Thou didst say: ʿI lay sleeping upon my couch, when the cry of the oppressed, who were drowned in the Black Sea, wakened me.’ This is what we heard thee say, and, verily, thy Lord is witness unto what I say. We testify that that which wakened thee was not their cry but the promptings of thine own passions, for We tested thee, and found thee to be afar. Arise, and pronounce betwixt men with justice, and be thou of the well-informed. Give ear unto the Voice, and turn thy sight unto the horizon wherein it appeareth. We wish not to address thee words of condemnation, out of regard for the dignity We conferred upon thee in this mortal life. We have chosen courtesy, and made it the true mark of such as are nigh unto Him. Courtesy is, in truth, a raiment which fitteth all men, whether young or old. Well is it with him that adorneth his temple therewith, and woe unto him who is deprived of this great bounty. Hadst thou been sincere in thy words, thou wouldst not have cast behind thy back the Book of God, when it was sent unto thee by Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Wise. We have proved thee through it, and found thee other than that which thou didst profess. Arise, and make amends for that which escaped thee. Erelong the world and all that thou possessest will perish, and the kingdom will remain unto God, thy Lord and the Lord of thy fathers of old. It behooveth thee not to conduct thine affairs according to the dictates of thy desires. Fear the sighs of the Wrong One, and shield Him from the darts of such as act unjustly. Because of what thou hast done, thy kingdom shall be thrown into confusion, and the empire shall depart from thy hands, as a punishment for that which thou hast wrought. Then wilt thou know how thou hast plainly erred. Commotions shall seize all the people in that land, unless thou arisest to help this Cause, and followest Him Who is the Spirit of God in this straight Path. Hath thy pomp made thee proud? By My life! It shall not endure; nay, it shall soon pass away, unless thou holdest fast to this firm Cord. We see abasement hastening after thee, whilst thou art of those who slumber.”

These verses were shared with certain Christians before the events occurred and were translated into French and sent. Nevertheless, none responded. If any soul were to observe with an eye of justice, he would instantly proclaim “I believe in God, the Lord of all worlds.” However, eyes are afflicted with the soreness of vain imaginings and ears are blocked with the cotton of ignorance and unawareness. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to raise up in the assemblage of the world one possessed of true hearing and sight, that he may acquaint all with that which befitteth them and that which they have missed.

In these days, the affairs of Constantinople and its surroundings are proceeding as was revealed in the divine Tablets, including what was revealed in the Suriy-i-Ra’is, which was revealed at the time of departure from the Land of Mystery [Adrianople], apparently between friend and foe, and which this servant wrote down. He saith:

“O Chief! Hear thou the Voice of God, the Sovereign, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. He, verily, calleth between earth and heaven, and summoneth all men to the scene of transcendent glory. Neither thy growling, nor the barking of those around thee, nor the combined forces of the world can withhold Him… O Chief! Thou hast committed that which hath caused Muhammad, the Apostle of God, to lament in the most sublime Paradise. The world hath made thee so vain that thou hast turned away from the Face through whose brightness the Concourse on high hath been illumined. Soon thou shalt find thyself in manifest loss! Thou didst conspire with the Persian Ambassador to harm Me, notwithstanding that I had come unto you from the Source of majesty and grandeur with a Revelation that hath solaced the eyes of the favored ones of God. By God! This is the Day whereon the Fire speaketh through all things: ʿThe Beloved of the worlds is arrived!’ And before all things there standeth Moses, hearkening to the Word of thy Lord, the Almighty, the All-Knowing. Were We to divest Ourselves of the mortal raiment which We have worn in consideration of your weakness, all that are in the heavens and on earth would offer up their souls for My sake. To this thy Lord Himself doth testify. None, however, can perceive it save those who have detached themselves from all things for love of God, the Almighty, the All-Powerful. Hast thou imagined thou couldst quench the fire which God hath kindled in the horizons? Nay, by Him Who is the Eternal Truth! Rather, by that which thou hast done its flames were fueled, and its blaze shall soon encompass the earth and whatsoever dwelleth therein. Thus hath the decree been issued, and none can withstand the command of those in the heavens and on earth. Soon will the land of Baghdad be changed, and that which is outside it, and it shall pass out of the hands of the King, and commotions shall appear, and the voice of lamentation shall be raised, and corruption shall become manifest on all sides, and affairs shall be disrupted by reason of that which hath befallen these captives at the hands of the hosts of oppression. The established order shall be changed, and conditions shall wax so grievous that the very sands on the desolate hills will moan, and the trees on the mountain will weep, and blood will flow out of all things, and thou shalt behold the people in sore distress.”

Section 2: “From these resplendent verses it is clear what…”

From these resplendent verses it is clear what hath come to pass and what shall yet come to pass.

And similarly in the Most Holy Book was revealed:

“O Spot that art situate on the shores of the two seas! The throne of tyranny hath, verily, been established upon thee, and the flame of hatred hath been kindled within thee, in such wise that the Concourse on high and they who circle around the Exalted Throne have wailed and lamented. We behold in thee the foolish ruling over the wise, and darkness vaunting itself against the light. Thou art indeed filled with manifest pride. Hath thy outward splendor made thee vainglorious? By Him Who is the Lord of mankind! It shall soon perish, and thy daughters and thy widows and all the kindreds that dwell within thee shall lament. Thus informeth thee the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

Likewise in the Surih of Fu’ad, which was revealed at the beginning of arrival at the Most Great Prison, and in the Tablet revealed in Persian specifically for ʿAli Pasha, who was then the Grand Vizier, all future events were clearly revealed in these Tablets. Nevertheless, people remain heedless and veiled, save whom God willeth. Our Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Were this servant to mention the mysteries of what is to come from the divine utterances, an extensive book would need to be presented.

In any case, in these days every day a new opinion appears in the great city and fresh disagreements arise. Until now matters have not settled, and hereafter the affair is in His hands. Turmoil and divergent views have encompassed that land, and no peace is evident.

By now news of Sultan Murad and [the slain ones] has surely reached your honor, and now Sultan Abdul-Hamid sits upon the exalted Ottoman throne. Due to the severity of these times, the turmoil in the lands, and the clamor of the people, they have said that Sultan Murad’s mind has become disturbed. This servant, from what he has heard from the utterances of the Best-Beloved of the worlds, just as no glory shall remain with the people of ʿAyn and Lam though they cling to every means, so too shall personal independence be removed from Mim and Lam. Although we have not been and are not focused on these matters, whatever has flowed from the Supreme Pen shall surely come to pass, as indeed it has. It is most strange that people rejoice in outward positions and such things. In one instance it was revealed from the Supreme Pen that the time will be recognized as the manifestation of maturity and wisdom when independent personal sovereignty remains and no one accepts its burden to bear it. This is the purport of what flowed from the Supreme Pen. Were there to be found penetrating eyes, attentive ears, illumined hearts and pure souls, all would clearly behold the mysteries of what is to come in the divine Tablets.

As for what you asked about conditions in Iran, all the matters they were intent on implementing have been delayed, and they have also released Jinab-i-Aqa Jamal, upon him be the glory of God. At first they released him several times but he did not accept. Later at their insistence they brought him out of prison and released him, and he went to Burujird. However, news has recently arrived that he is in Hamadan and after Naw-Ruz intends to go again to the Land of Ta. We beseech God to assist all through His revealed wisdom, for the promotion and exaltation of the Word and the manifestation of the Cause have been and are dependent upon it. In any case, these regions are outwardly in turmoil, and the powers are creating much tumult and speaking of war, but perhaps, God willing, war will not break out. He setteth aright affairs as befitteth them and manifesteth whatsoever He willeth through His sovereignty. He, verily, is the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

And as for publishing the treatise you mentioned, the reward for you and those who initiated and caused it rests with God. God willing, all shall attain the fruits of their benevolent deeds. The leaf you sent was presented at the Most Holy Court, however on its first page “tasaluka ila maqam la tara” was seen while in the original manuscript it was “tawasuluka.” Exercise utmost care in correcting the treatise.

We beseech God to rend asunder, through His consummate wisdom and effective Will, the veils of vain imaginings of the people of those lands, that they may behold the Truth without veil or covering and attain true recognition. Many souls who claim recognition accept whatever is said, but without true consciousness. Their acceptance differs not from the rejection of others, for both speak without awareness. This servant’s statement requires investigation, but time and opportunity for its exposition are now lacking. Whenever God, exalted and glorified be He, wills, it shall, God willing, be explained. I beseech God not to deprive any from the outpourings of the Sea of Revelation which today surgeth between earth and heaven, nor withhold the effulgences of the Sun of grace. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, the Almighty, the Generous.

The two letters enclosed within your letter were presented at the Most Holy Court, and their answers have dawned from the horizon of grace and descended from the heaven of bounty. God willing, may they attain the seas deposited within the divine words and drink therefrom without delay or postponement. This servant is greatly astonished that in such days as these, the like of which the eye of creation hath not seen nor the ear of the world heard, most people remain heedless and silent behind their veils. He hath spoken, and His word is the truth:

“The eyes were created for this Greatest Vision, and the ears for this Utterance through which the Essence of Knowledge hath spoken—the Word belongeth unto God, the Almighty, the All-Encompassing, the Self-Subsisting.”

And if you inquire about the Land of the Prison, outwardly it remaineth as before, but inwardly, as the Truth hath spoken, it is turbulent. Each day groups arrive from various directions, with and without permission. We beseech God to assist them in that which beseemeth these days wherein the Tongue of Grandeur proclaimeth:

“The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the One, the Almighty, the Chosen One.”

Concerning what you mentioned about the stations of the heart, it was presented. He said that whatever was mentioned before regarding these stations was specific to those days. In these days all must gaze toward the Most Exalted Horizon and witness, without veil or covering, the effulgences of the lights of the Manifestation of God’s Cause. And He said:

“God willing, may you be assisted in serving the Cause. You are and will remain in Our thoughts.”

We beseech God not to withhold His favors in all conditions.

The Most Great Branch and the Most Mighty Branch—may my spirit be a sacrifice unto the sacred dust of their most glorious footsteps—mention that Most Exalted Being with most wondrous praise and most sublime glorification. Likewise, the denizens of the Tabernacle of Sinlessness and the Afnan of the Blessed Tree—may my spirit be sacrificed for them—as well as those who circle round and the pilgrims, all convey their glorification. And furthermore, may that Most Exalted Being not look upon the negligence of this servant, nor forbid this servant from written remembrances. Your honor is well aware of the details of the affairs and occupations of this servant, and there is no need to submit them again.

The preserves that his honor the Khan—upon him be the glory of God—had sent have arrived. They have taken great pains, but the true taste of the honey of divine knowledge that hath appeared from their pure nature hath sufficed and will continue to suffice. This is a honey that hath endured and will endure as long as the names of God endure. Blessed is the soul that hath attained unto it, and woe unto the heedless ones. And praise be to God, the Lord of all the worlds.

BH02508: Praise be to God Who is one in His…

He is God, exalted be His station, the Most Great, the Most Glorious

Praise be to God Who is one in His Essence with His Essence, Who is sanctified in His Self by His Self, Who is holy in His Being for His Being, and Who testifieth that there is none other God but Him. Eyes apprehend Him not, but He apprehendeth all eyes, and He is the All-Subtle, the All-Informed.

This servant hath received your honored letter and perceived from it the fragrance of the garment of love in this Dawn wherein the Lord of all beings speaketh and calleth all to the path of guidance. He is, verily, the Ruler in the beginning and in the return. Concerning what you mentioned about the city—that its essence was taken and its accidents were left, the former in the highest horizon and the latter in the blazing fire—verily those who turned away, fabricated lies and committed oppression shall reap what they have sown, even as their forefathers reaped, a promise from God, the One, the Single, the All-Wise, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. We beseech God to assist His loved ones there, for they are brilliant, radiant stars when darkness hath encompassed most of creation.

They have their work and others have theirs—the former endureth while the latter perisheth. Blessed is he whom the transient preventeth not from the countenance of the Eternal. We hope that you will convey greetings from this servant to all of them. As for what they mentioned in the news to your honor, remind them of the Tablet of Ra’is, the Most Holy Book, the Tablet of Fu’ad and other Tablets, that what they asked about may become clear to them. He is, verily, the True Informer, the All-Knowing.

Regarding what you wrote about abstention and determining the day of Ridvan: The previous day, which was Wednesday the 7th of Rabi’u’l-Avval, was the Festival, and thirty-two days after the Festival is the first of Ridvan. For example, Wednesday 7th Rabi’u’l-Avval is the Festival of fasting, and Saturday 9th Rabi’u’th-Thani in the afternoon is the first of Ridvan. It is reiterated that the beginning of abstention corresponds to the day that your honor wrote about, and the previous day which was Wednesday was the Festival, and thirty-two days after the Festival, which is the first day of the month of Baha—the first of the thirty-two—the thirty-second day in the afternoon is the first of the Festival of Ridvan. I long and hope to attain your presence at that time. The sun of permission hath also shone forth that, should they deem it advisable, they may proceed with their families to the Most Holy Court. The choice resteth with your honor. Upon you be all His most glorious glory.

The servant, Thursday, 8 Rabi’u’l-Avval 1294

BH01320: Praise be to God Who uttered a Word…

He is God, exalted be His station, the Grandeur and the Glory!

Praise be to God Who uttered a Word, and lo, it appeared in one station in human form. Blessed be the All-Merciful Who caused it to speak in the realm of possibility concerning the mysteries of what is and what shall be. And in another station it appeared in the form of images, and when He breathed into it, all who are in the heavens and earth were thunderstruck, save those who held fast to God, our Lord, the Mighty, the Bestower. And in yet another station it flowed as though it were the water of life. Blessed is he who drew nigh and attained, for he is indeed among the people of the Crimson Ark before God, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Help in Peril.

My spirit be a sacrifice for your love! The servant has been blessed with the fragrance of your noble letter, through which shone forth the horizon of love and fellowship and by which was illumined the dawning-place of affection and unity. By God! Yea, by God! The heart took wing and the breast was dilated thereby. We beseech God, our Lord and the Lord of all that is seen and unseen, to grant us at all times that which shall be the cause of the greatest joy in the most luminous horizon. He, verily, is the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the Wise.

As for what you mentioned regarding the conditions: as for the first, it was yours before and shall be yours hereafter through God’s grace and favor. And what you mentioned regarding the second is undoubtedly true, for the matter of rights is mighty in God’s sight.

The humble one submits that if it is possible for you to turn with joy and fragrance to the Most Holy Court during Ridvan, this would be most beloved, provided it causes no disruption to the shop’s affairs and operations, nor any disturbance to the minds of the owners of goods. In any case, whenever leisure permits, do turn [to the Court].

As for your request for permission for the mentioned souls to attain through your letter—the sun of permission has dawned. Give them the glad tidings of this manifest grace. And concerning what you mentioned about Jasim al-Fatla and his son—this was presented before the Countenance, and He spoke, and His word is the truth:

O Jasim! Grieve not over anything. Trust in God, the Powerful, the Single, the All-Informed. This is a Day wherein the sea of joy has surged by reason of the advent of Him Who is more compassionate than any tender father, precious son, noble brother, faithful friend, and trusted companion. Verily thy son is in the highest paradise—these are the glad tidings which the Pen of God, the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the Wise, giveth thee. Rejoice thou in the days of God and say:

O my God! I beseech Thee by the Name through which the Kingdom of utterance was revealed and the fragrance of the All-Merciful was wafted, to make me content with Thy decree, smiling in Thy days, and jubilant through Thy remembrance and Thy favors. Thou art, verily, the Powerful over what Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

The letter from him who is named Muhammad-Ali has arrived and was presented before the Throne. This is what hath been sent down in response:

“O Muhammad-Ali! We have aided thee aforetime and caused thee to recognize this Horizon whereunto none have turned save they who have quaffed the Kawthar of life from the hands of the favors of their Lord, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. We taught thee My remembrance and praise, and loosened thy tongue to make mention of this Remembrance through which the limbs of them that have disbelieved in God, the Lord of all worlds, have quaked. We shall be with thee under all conditions and shall aid thee as a token of Our grace. Be thou assured and numbered among the thankful. Blessed art thou for having been faithful to My Covenant, cast away vain imaginings, and embraced this Cause whereby the horizon of certitude hath shone forth by the command of the One Who is the Powerful, the Ancient of Days. Convey My greetings unto thyself and unto those who have turned to God, the Mighty, the All-Praised. The glory be upon you, O My loved ones! We counsel you to remain steadfast in the Great Cause of God, the Lord of all names. Hold fast unto it through this Most Great Name.”

As for what ye mentioned concerning Ibn-i-Badi’, upon him be the glory of God, he hath been named ʿInayatu’llah. Thus hath it been sent down from the heaven of the favor of our Lord, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.

The blessed Branches—my spirit be a sacrifice for the dust of their footsteps—and then the people of the pavilion of grandeur send their most glorious and resplendent greetings unto your honor and the people of the household.

The servant 22 Rabi’u’l-Avval 1294

May I be thy sacrifice! Last week on post day thy letter did not reach this servant; it arrived two days later, hence the delay in reply. In any case, I hope to be forgiven.

Then, may my spirit be thy sacrifice! After completing this petition, I was honored to receive another letter from thee regarding the names mentioned in thy previous letter. Permission hath been granted from the Dawning-Place of favor concerning them and presented. And concerning Haji Qasim, whatever thy honor deemeth advisable hath been and is acceptable and approved. Whomsoever thy honor deemeth advisable, grant them permission.

BH02002: Pure praise and the essence of glorification befit…

He is God—exalted be His glory, majesty and power!

Pure praise and the essence of glorification befit the sacred and holy court of the Intended One, Who created all existence with a single word and distinguished man through insight and knowledge above all else. He is the divine seal in the scroll of the world, He is the Most Great and Glorious Talisman, the honored Essence. And the intent of this insight is not the outward sight which other than man also possesses, rather it is that insight which has dawned from the shining lights of the Sun of the word “He comprehendeth all vision.” How lofty is the station of man if he attains to its conditions and becomes aware of its degrees!

There has never been any doubt that all creation was brought into being for the knowledge of the True One. This has been the ultimate purpose behind the creation of the world of being. Today, whosoever attains to this most exalted station and supreme summit is accounted as human in the sight of the All-Merciful; otherwise, he is reckoned among the heedless masses.

Praise be to the Beloved of the worlds that your honor gazes toward the highest horizon and has drunk from the Most Glorious Kawthar. I beseech God, exalted and mighty be He, to grant your honor a portion of the outpourings of the ocean of bounty at all times. Verily, He is the Hearer, the Answerer.

Thereafter, it is submitted to His Excellency that this evanescent servant was blessed to read your esteemed letter, and as it was adorned with mention of the Beloved of the worlds, it brought boundless joy and delight. God willing, may this fragrance ever waft and this mention remain eternal and enduring. After this servant became apprised of the contents of your noble letter, I turned to the Most Exalted Station and read it at the Most Glorious Spot. At that very moment, an exalted Tablet specifically for your honor was revealed from the heaven of grace and sent forth. Although in these days, due to the lack of capacity of the time and season, the worth and station of this bounty is not apparent, yet I swear by the Sun of the horizon of unity that a time shall come when its glory and station will become evident in the assemblage of the world like the sun—God forgive me for this comparison—a hundred thousand such suns prostrate themselves in that station in utter humility and submission. The Pen has confessed its inability to describe that mighty station.

God willing, through divine confirmations and heavenly favors, may you be the cup-bearer of the sealed wine and occupied with the mention of God, exalted be His glory. The mention of His Excellency Nawwab Muhammad Azim ud-Din Khal, upon him be the glory of God, shone forth from the horizon of your noble letter, and this servant attained unto it. In the Most Holy Court, mention was made of his honor and the noble ladies referred to. He showed loving-kindness and favor toward all. Were its radiance to shine upon contingent being, the very name of extinction would be erased therefrom. This servant was and is not capable of describing its details. I hope that his honor may ever be ablaze with the fire of divine love and speaking forth the wondrous praise of God.

BH00373: All praise be to God Who hath opened…

Section 1: “All praise be to God Who hath opened…”

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious

All praise be to God Who hath opened the gate of utterance through the Name whereby all creation was shaken, and Who hath adorned the temple of him whom He desired, at times with His name “the Bearer of the Message” and at other times with the name “the Friend.” Verily, He is the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth. There is none other God but Him, the Exalted above all understanding. Praise be to God Who hath manifested the Book of Dawn in an age wherein the Lord of Names turned towards the most exalted station of Zawra, then seated Himself upon the throne. Thereupon all things spoke, the Dove cooed, the birds of immortality sang, and the nightingales of the supreme Paradise trilled. The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the Creator of heaven. I testify that the Pen is powerless to attain to the description of that Day whereon the fragrance of the All-Merciful was wafted amidst all created things.

And further: the crown of love hath been adorned with the diadem of your letter, the neck of affection hath been bedecked with the pearls of your praise, the eye of yearning with the collyrium of your remembrance, and the locks of the longing one with the fragrance of your utterance. I beseech the Exalted One to ordain for your honor that which befitteth the heaven of His grace, the ocean of His generosity, and the sun of His favors. Verily, He is the Single One, the Bestower, the Ordainer, the Mighty, the Helper. My spirit be a sacrifice for your love.

Although this servant is abashed for not having sent a reply to your distinguished letter, yet considering that several successive months passed without any word being revealed from the heaven of divine Will until these special days when certain Afnans—upon them be the glory of the All-Merciful—received and were sent some Tablets, therefore this servant, in utter bewilderment, did not impose upon your honor. Otherwise, God the One beareth witness that both heart and tongue are at all times adorned with the love and mention of your honor. We beseech God, exalted be He, to delight our eyes by beholding your letter and to honor our ears by hearkening to your words. Verily, He is the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

Thereafter, following the perusal of the letter, having turned towards the Most Holy Court, all that flowed from your honored pen of bounty was presented. His word, exalted be His grandeur:

“O thou who bearest My Message and who uttereth My remembrance and praise! For some time the Supreme Pen hath been silent and the rain from the clouds of bounty hath been stayed, for as thou observest, attentive ears are lacking and prepared lands are not to be seen. Although the Sun of Truth is shining with perfect radiance and brilliance, most people are veiled from it by vain imaginings and false traditions. Strange it is that they have not yet understood the Day of God, for had they done so, they would not have occupied themselves with the mention of aught else. He saith: The Kingdom on that Day shall be God’s,’ and likewise He saith: And thy Lord shall come with angels rank on rank.’ Yet all remain heedless and deprived of this sealed wine. Say: This is a Day wherein none shall be mentioned save God alone. Blessed is he who hath dawned from the horizon of certitude and hath attained unto the presence of God, the Self-Subsisting. One should not be saddened by these matters, for the hand of God is above all human hands. Nothing can frustrate Him, nor can any matter harm Him. Verily, He is the Commander, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

End.

As regards the Siyyid of Qum concerning whom you had written, there are many details about him and in truth this servant is ashamed to mention them. However, some will be mentioned so that his condition may not remain hidden from some. He it was who spat on the face of Quddus in the presence of the ungodly in the land of Tabarsi, and who struck the face of the Great One [Baha’u’llah], reviled Him, and professed unbelief, saying what he said—all to preserve his own wicked self for a few days. In Iraq and some other lands he is known as Shemr of Qum. In the days when the Sun of Truth was dawning from the horizon of Iraq, this person often associated with this servant and would present himself in the Most Holy Court, asking whether God, exalted be His glory and might, would forgive his transgressions.

He was told: “Guard yourself henceforth.” Several times this servant was present when the Ancient Beauty would say to him that two major flaws were observed in him: First, that the control of his tongue was not in his grasp—it would speak according to its desires as it pleased; and second, that his feet would move in the wilderness of error as they willed. Observe his lack of recognition—it is as though he had never seen a word of the Bayan nor attained to a drop from its ocean of meanings.

Thus did the Primal Point—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him—say to one of the Letters of the Living, after sufficient and healing explanations, these exalted words: “All this is so that on the Day of Manifestation thou mayest not remain veiled by names, but rather look to that by which the names of all things, even the mention of the Prophet, are established, for that is created by what God reveals.”[BB00551] And likewise He says, exalted be His mention: “I have written a gem regarding His mention, which is that He shall not be known through My allusion nor by what is mentioned in the Bayan. Yea, by His glory, that word is greater in God’s sight than the worship of all on earth, for the essence of all worship leads to that.”[BB00078] He continues, exalted and glorified be He: “For He is too glorious and exalted to be known through any but Himself or to be referred to by the allusion of His creatures.

I am the first servant to believe in Him and His verses, and I have taken from the virginal gardens of His knowledge the gardens of His words. Yea, by His glory, He is the Truth, there is no God but Him, all stand by His command.” And furthermore He says: “And await Him Whom God shall make manifest, for you were not created except to meet Him, and He it is Who creates all things by His command. Beware, beware on the day of His manifestation lest thou be veiled by the Vahid of the Bayan, for that Vahid is but a creation before Him, and beware, beware lest thou be veiled by the words revealed in the Bayan, for they are but His own words in the temple of His previous manifestation.”[BB00078]

That Supreme Being observes how exalted is the Cause and its loftiness, while at what level do people comprehend it. He reveals all the Names, and likewise admonishes that ye be not deprived of the mention of the Prophet from the Ancient Beauty. Nevertheless, ye have hearkened to what that heedless one hath said. Should anyone observe these words with the eye of fairness, he would attain unto the lights of the Cause, but the veils of passion have prevented the people from recognizing the Countenance of the Divine Unity.

Section 2: “Most strange it is that despite such emphatic…”

Most strange it is that despite such emphatic statements and utterances of the Exalted Lord, how the people remain in the corners of ignorance and unawareness. He saith: “Be not veiled from the Bayan and what hath been revealed therein from the Divine Lote Tree.” Yet they cling to fabricated traditions and speak that which their desires command them. They have completely forgotten the explicit statements of the Point of the Bayan—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him—and they quote from this one and that one, saying that His Holiness stated He had not lived in the time of Shaykh Ahmad and had not smoked the water-pipe. It is not known about whom this tradition is and for what purpose. Observe the ignorance of these people—how they hesitate about One Who declares “I am sanctified above any reference to Me, recognition of Me, or mention of Me,” while they cling to one whom they have not seen and have not known. Would that these conditions they mention regarding their imaginary successor were true. I swear by the Sun of the heaven of inner meanings that that person insisted greatly on smoking the water-pipe, to such an extent that one of the members of the household once forbade him from it.

Alas, what can this servant say! Would that the person who suggested to His Holiness that it would be good to meet the claimants to the Cause had himself acted upon this. For this servant wrote him a letter in the Land of Mystery and strongly urged him to come and meet that imagined person, that perchance he might rend asunder the veils and attain to the lights of the dawning Sun. After some time it was heard that he had gone to the Land of Ha. Such souls have never been and will never be freed from their vain imaginings, even though they have witnessed that what they possessed was naught but falsehood and calumny.

Consider the Shi’ih sect, who counted themselves the most learned, most rightful, most knowledgeable and most pious of all sects, yet after the dawning of the Sun of Revelation it became clear they were the most ignorant of people. Even the Sunnis gained enough understanding from books and traditions to know that the Qa’im—may our souls be sacrificed for Him—would be born, while that sect, despite their extraordinary claims to knowledge, failed to grasp this matter despite its obviousness. The truth of the matter is exactly what shone forth from the horizon of His Holiness’s utterance in reply to that heedless one. Had he truly possessed understanding, he would have instantly acknowledged and repented, for this matter is clear and established among the people of the Bayan—that the traditions of Husayn ibn Ruh and his like caused people to remain veiled from the exalted Truth and to arise with utmost tyranny to extinguish the divine light.

Indeed, you have spoken a word which, should any hearing ear hearken to it, would cause them to turn without hesitation toward the Cause. However, not every soul has been or will be worthy of this choice wine. Those who drink of this Kawthar of recognition are of another essence and another realm. Most of the corruption in this Cause appeared through Siyyid Muhammad Isfahani, who called himself Quddus, though he had absolutely no knowledge of the essence of the Cause, and likewise the aforementioned Siyyid. In short, a few deceitful, heedless, ignorant souls have afflicted people with vain imaginings greater than previous ones, and strange it is that they have still not recognized the Day of God. I testify that they are in grievous doubt and schism.

The greatness of recognizing the Day of God can be understood from this blessed verse which states:

“God is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see; then He established Himself on the throne and made subject the sun and the moon; each one runs its course for a term appointed; He regulates all affairs, explaining the signs in detail, that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.”

Very rarely are souls seen who manifest from the horizon of certitude and attain to this station, and whoever attains it erases from the tablet of their knowledge all mention of leadership, nobility, guardianship, successorship, and all above or below these. This station is not and has never been for any ignorant and heedless one. This is the sealed nectar that was hidden in the treasure of the Furqan, and this is the concealed mystery whose fragrance wafted from previous holy books. Blessed is he who found and knew. I testify that he is among the assured ones who have attained, and besides him there is no mention nor portion in the Book of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

And if you wish to know the conditions in these regions, it is exactly as your honor had written in your previous letter. All that was revealed in the blessed Surih of Ra’is and the Most Holy Book is being witnessed day by day. But where are the penetrating eyes and the attentive ears? We beseech God to grant the people fairness and not deprive them of the ocean of His abundant grace.

Regarding the Afnan who ascended unto God, a special Tablet of Visitation was revealed by the Supreme Pen. Though brief, by God’s life, it contains mention of what was and what will be. Likewise, several Tablets were revealed specifically for his relatives. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to grant patience to all and adorn them with the raiment of tranquility and contentment. Your honor may convey these as you deem appropriate.

Convey greetings, glorification, and this servant’s mention of nothingness to His Honor Afnan Aqa Aqa Siyyid M, upon him be all the Most Glorious Glory. This depends on your honor’s kindness. All those circling round, from the people of the pavilion of infallibility, remember your honor with the most wondrous, most impregnable, most glorious mention and most exalted, most supreme glorification. Likewise, all the loved ones in the prison city, one and all, express their pure devotion to your honor. His Honor the Name of God M.H., upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, sends sanctified glorification beyond description and expression. And finally, upon you be every mention, every praise, every loftiness and every glory.

The servant, 19 Rabi’u’th-Thani 1294

Another submission: this servant has written three copies of the revealed Tablet of Visitation specifically for the Afnan, upon them be all the Most Glorious Glory. Your honor will send them. Two Tablets were also revealed from the heaven of grace specifically for Nawwab Ala’u’d-Din Khan and Nawwab Ali Asghar Khan, which were sent along with two letters that this ephemeral one wrote. Likewise, a Tablet was revealed specifically for Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’l-Hamid, upon him be 966 [Baha’u’llah]. One Tablet of Visitation with two Tablets should be sent to China, and two Tablets of Visitation and two Tablets should be sent to the land of Ya and the land of Shin. All these matters depend on your honor’s kindness.

The Two Most Exalted Branches, may my spirit be a sacrifice unto the dust of their mighty footsteps, glorify your honor with glorification sanctified from the worlds of creation.

BH01203: Praise be to God Who hath made known unto…

He is God—exalted be His glory, His grandeur and His majesty!

Praise be to God Who hath made known unto us His straight path and His mighty command, and taught us the testimony whereby the Sun of unity hath shone forth and the decree of oneness been established. This indeed is the testimony uttered by the Tongue of Grandeur before the creation of the heavens and earth, and before the appearance of promise and threat: that there is none other God but Him. He hath ever been sanctified beyond mention and utterance, and exalted above whatsoever hath appeared in the realm of possibility. He hath manifested Himself and revealed His sovereignty, whereupon the Nightingale of Eternity warbled upon the branches and the Bird of Remembrance sang in the Kingdom of utterance. By God! The promise hath come to pass, and that which was hidden and treasured hath been revealed—that whereby all that was and will be hath been confounded. Praise be to God Who hath caused the branches upon the Tree of Proof to speak forth in praise of His Self and in glorification of His Essence, and hath sent down for them that which brings solace to their eyes.

My spirit be a sacrifice unto your presence! The servant hath been honoured to receive your noble letter time and again, and found in every letter thereof that which brought joy to my breast, gladdened my heart, and increased my attachment and sincerity. We beseech God, exalted be He, to honor me at all times with that which diffuses the fragrance of your love, O Thou Who art our Beloved and the Beloved of all the worlds!

I submit that your letters have arrived continuously and successively, and I have been blessed to read them. After their arrival, they were presented with other petitions to the Most Holy Court and were submitted into His presence. Then the Tongue of Grandeur spoke, saying—and His Word is the truth:

“He hath spoken that which befitteth the days of his Lord, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. We made mention of him before, and before that before, with praise whose fragrance hath been wafted to all regions and shall endure as long as God, the King, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, endureth. And We make mention of him at this hour that it may be a treasure for him and an honor for those who have believed in God, the Almighty, the Powerful. As for what he sought of forgiveness from the ocean of his Lord’s generosity, verily He hath responded as a bounty from His presence. He is, in truth, the All-Forgiving, the Most Generous. O My Afnan! We have answered thy prayer before thy request. Be thou assured through the grace of thy Lord, the Bestower, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

Beyond these clear verses, the Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet was also revealed from the heaven of will and was sent forth. Likewise, the petition that was submitted in the tongue of Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’l-Hamid (upon him be the Glory of God) was presented, and exalted verses were revealed from the heaven of divine favors and were sent forth. God willing, they will be honored to receive it. Another reason for the delay in submitting my petitions was that several months passed during which no verses were revealed from the heaven of divine favor, and this servant was greatly perplexed. When I observed that the Supreme Pen had paused, I did not dare to submit a petition. I hope for your forgiveness.

In these days, from the heaven of divine will, exalted Tablets have been revealed, the first of which was a mention revealed concerning the Father of the Community who ascended unto God. God willing, you will be honored to peruse it. Though revealed briefly, verily it is the speech of all things, the expounder of utterance, and the manifestation of proof to all in the realm of possibility. Exalted is the All-Merciful Who doeth what He willeth and decreeth what He pleaseth. Furthermore, if this servant were to attempt to describe the manifestations of the favors and bounties of the Ancient Beauty towards your honor, these petitions would surely never end. This servant hopes that there will appear from your honor that which you have expressed in your supplications, and may all your deeds be such as will cause God’s Cause to spread throughout all lands and His mention among all servants.

Moreover, all that was sent to the Most Holy Court—the silk chest, the preserves sent before and after, likewise the tea sent before and after, the cinnamon, the vessels, the broadcloth, and the flower seeds—all were received. In brief, everything mentioned in the blessed letters, both earlier and later, has all arrived. The last four boxes of tea arrived on the day of the New Fast, and were specially prepared in the blessed presence and found acceptable. The flower seeds were planted in a small plot in the name of the True Planter, but in truth, the spiritual seeds of flowers and fragrant herbs were your honor’s supplications that were presented in the Most Holy Court, and assuredly their blossoms will appear and their fragrance will be inhaled by those possessed of true spiritual sense. We beseech God to inspire your honor at all times with that which brings joy to the hearts of those near unto Him. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

To Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’l-Hamid, upon him be the Glory of God, convey the Most Glorious greeting. All the inhabitants of the Prison Land, one and all, offer their utter effacement and nothingness, and greetings too sacred to be mentioned or expressed, to your honor. Upon you be the Glory of God and the glory of those in the heavens, then the glory of all worlds. At all times, sovereignty belongs to God, the Master of the Day of Judgment. The Branches of the Divine Lote-Tree—may my spirit and the spirits of all the worlds be sacrificed for them—convey the essence of praise and glorification to your honor.

The servant 19 Rabi’u’th-Thani 1294

BH10991: All praise be to God Who hath spoken…

All praise be to God Who hath spoken that wherewith He gladdened the servants in the Qur’an…

On the twenty-fourth day of the month of Jamadi’ul-Avval 1294, the Ancient Beauty left the Most Great Prison. First, the Ridvan Garden became the dawning-place of the All-Merciful, and afterward the renowned palace of these lands [the mansion of Mazra’ih]…

BH00946: My spirit and my very being be a sacrifice…

He is God, exalted be His station, the All-Glorious, the All-Powerful.

My spirit and my very being be a sacrifice unto Thee. Praise be to the Beloved of the worlds that His Holiness arrived at the designated place in perfect health and with the utmost joy and delight. Well said indeed:

“A moon took flight from this city and went to another city, such that from its rising and setting two cities were turned upside down.”

For the friends in this land were in separation and the friends in that land attained reunion. Every time has its portion and every land has had and will have its share. In all conditions I beseech and hope for His endless favors, that He may gladden and illumine the horizons of the hearts of the beloved ones through His presence.

In any case, His letter which was written to this servant was presented to His blessed presence in the mansion. He smiled at its Turkish verses and said that God willing, they should be occupied with the mention of Truth and the promotion of His Cause in all languages and in all directions.

Regarding what you wrote about his honor, the Name of God 66, upon him be all His most glorious Beauty, you should likewise convey on behalf of this servant utmost humility, submission, glorification, praise and infinite thanksgiving. A few days ago he specially attained the presence and whatever needed to be done was done on his behalf, and this servant himself has submitted a detailed petition to him which God willing will be sent. Another letter from him addressed to His Holiness arrived after the departure of that Beloved One. Since this servant had permission from His Holiness, it was opened and read. It contained nothing new.

According to His command, all letters that arrive for His Holiness should be answered and sent, and even to those from whom letters are not received, they should write, for news from this land is the cause and means of growth for the divine saplings. However, beseech God to protect those saplings from the poisonous winds.

And regarding what was written about his honor Anis, upon him be the Glory of God 69, truly all hearts were gladdened—that is, all souls who are now circling around were moved to praise and thank God with the utmost joy and delight. Although such matters are not and have never been novel for the friends of Truth—they have ever been oppressed—this servant, though confident of his protection, safety and release from prison, nevertheless upon receiving your glad tidings, my spirit nearly took flight from joy at what I heard.

They said: O Anis! By My life, what befell thee God hath made a source of honor, nobility and glory for thee. Be thou thankful to God for this. Verily He is the Deliverer, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Those who judged thee shall soon find themselves in manifest loss. By My life, they followed their passions and are moved by every wind, having neglected what they were commanded in the Books of God, the Manifest, the All-Informed. They wronged thee even as they wronged thy Lord before thee. Lo, they are among the perishing ones. Be thou assured and certain that His mention of thee is the most great victory and shall endure as long as the names of thy Lord, the Forgiving, the Generous.

The glory be upon thee and upon him who was patient in God, the Lord of the worlds. End.

Convey greetings and praise to all the friends in that land who are occupied with the remembrance of God for God’s sake and are detached from all else. This servant submits to the spiritual beloved, his honor Aqa Siyyid Yahya, upon him be Baha’u’llah, that if this servant’s letters are delayed or if inner sincerity is not outwardly expressed, let them not think that this servant has forgotten. Most times have been spent remembering that honored one, both outwardly and inwardly. God willing, may you remain radiant and luminous like the morning star in the heaven of truth from the horizon of divine love, and be at rest under His protecting shade.

To his honor Haji Husayn, upon him be Baha’u’llah, this evanescent servant expresses sincere devotion and most wondrous praise. God willing, his reply will be sent. Praise be to God Who enabled him to remember Him and serve His Cause. He is verily the Mighty, the Powerful.

What else can I say regarding Haji Muhammad Isma’il, upon him be Baha’u’llah, as I feel boundless embarrassment. He has been and will continue to be mentioned in the holy presence, and since his efforts have been borne for God’s sake, they have not and will not be forgotten. We beseech God to assist him and grant him what he loves and is pleased with.

As for the matter of the shawls that they had written about, that honored one did not write details about how they should be sent. Keeping them here is not advisable as they might be lost. That beloved one should write where and how they should be sent. These days his honor Ha, upon him be Baha’u’llah, has sought to buy them, but his honor Amin is not agreeable. The matter is now pending. If they are given to them, that beloved one will be informed, but in any case that honored one should write details about how they should be sent, as they might not pass with his honor Ha. In any case, as commanded, whatever you deem advisable in these matters should be carried out. However it turns out is fine. God willing, may they ever be joyous and at rest under the shade of divine favor, mercy, compassion, grace, gifts and kindness. Upon you be all the glory that has shone forth and appeared from the horizon of God, the Mighty, the Beloved. This servant, on behalf of all the friends in this land, expresses to that honored one limitless devotion, self-effacement and praise.

Another submission regarding the dye that his honor Haji Siyyid Javad, upon him be Baha’u’llah, had written about: since his honor Haji Mulla ʿAli, upon him be Baha’u’llah, knows good dye, therefore one pound should be obtained and sent. So far no news has been received. And further, that beloved one should obtain and send 4 containers of two pounds of Egyptian red sugar.

The servant 12 Shawwal 1294

BH00862: From time immemorial unto everlasting ages, the essence…

He is God, exalted be His glory and magnificent His bounty

From time immemorial unto everlasting ages, the essence of praise and the substance of glorification befit that Eternal Lord Who hath illumined the mirrors of the hearts of them that are sincere and devoted with the effulgent rays of the Most Exalted Word. He is sanctified above all mention and utterance, and exalted above the comprehension of all created things. Every praise and glorification that proceedeth from the pen or tongue of the people of the age is bounded by the limitations of contingent being. Exalted, immeasurably exalted, is He above being described by the mention of His creatures or the praise of His servants. Verily, the mention of the world is not worthy of Him, yet since it is by His command, it is acceptable unto Him. Otherwise, how can a drop describe the Ancient Ocean? How can an atom describe the World-illumining Sun?

When the Ocean of God’s Primal Will turned towards creation and its adornment, and the refinement of souls and their preparation, He ordained the Supreme Pen as His first interpreter and commanded it to promulgate His laws and ordinances. These laws and ordinances have had and shall have no purpose except the preservation of souls, their comfort, education and advancement to the heights of certitude, which are the cause and reason for the prosperity of the world, its security and the perpetuation of existence. This is so that the human soul, which is reckoned among the gems of the divine mine, may be adorned with goodly attributes sent down from the heaven of God’s Will.

Among these commandments hath been and shall be the decree of detachment from all else but Him, for detachment among virtues is as the sun among the stars. It is the true educator and the cause of the training of the peoples of the world. It is the source of sanctification and the dawning-place of purification. Should a soul attain unto this station, his influence pervadeth the world, and the penetration of his remembrance is swifter than lightning through all things, and more potent than the spirit’s influence in the body.

For me to describe this ocean would be like a feeble sparrow attempting to describe the Divine Kingdom. Exalted, immensely exalted, is His mention above my tongue, His knowledge above my comprehension, and His praise above my pen and utterance. Yet despite the ignorance and unworthiness which this servant doth confess, I testify with absolute certainty that should a single wave arise from this ocean, or should a breeze waft from this paradise, it would perfume the world and endow all who turn unto Him with everlasting life.

It is the cause of the turning of heedless souls, the renewal of ancient creatures, and the enkindling of extinguished hearts. It is the reason for the arising of the seated ones, the cry of the silent ones, and the hastening of those who tarry.

I beseech the True One, exalted be His glory, with a hundred thousand tongues, that He deprive not the hearts of His loved ones and chosen ones from the radiance of this Sun, and that He may bestow upon all the sweetness of this station. Verily, He is the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the Most High, the Most Great.

This lowly one submits to your eminence that this servant was blessed with your handwriting, which caused joy and happiness and was the cause of delight and gladness. I beseech God to assist you in His service, His remembrance and His praise as He loves and is pleased with.

In these days His Honor Haji Mirza Muhammad Husayn Tabib, upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah], arrived from Tehran. Praise be to God, the loved ones of God and the drinkers of the wine of inner meanings have been engaged in the remembrance and praise of the True One, exalted be His glory, and they are adorned with the ornament of well-being.

According to what he mentioned and also the petitions that were with him which had been submitted to the Most Holy Court, they expressed satisfaction with the source of outward authority, namely His Majesty the Sultan, and likewise with his son who is known as the Na’ibu’s-Saltanih. Outwardly, after the release of the prisoners, the Na’ibu’s-Saltanih summoned some of them several times and conversed with them, treating them with the utmost kindness and affection, to such an extent that when a person from the Land of Ta [Tehran] spoke unfittingly about the friends, he was ordered to be banished. That person went and took refuge in the house of Siyyid Sadiq. Later the friends themselves interceded for him and he was released. The aforementioned person desired to examine some of the revealed Books.

When these matters were mentioned both verbally and in writing, this servant submitted them, but “excellent is what was said: even if all created things become unbelievers…” etc., for what appears from the actions and utterances of the Desired One, may the spirit of all in the world be sacrificed for Him, is other than these matters and is sanctified above comprehension and minds.

Even though in these days He has come forth from the Most Great Prison with the utmost power and first adorned the garden with the ornament of the Greatest View, and then proceeded to a mansion which is more elevated than all the mansions of these lands and is renowned in these realms, nevertheless one day He uttered a word which this servant himself heard, and that word indicated and proved that He preferred the Most Great Prison. In this case, what station do the world’s acceptance or rejection have?

If certain evident and manifest matters which are hidden from most were to be submitted, all who are on earth would be astounded. Glory be to Him Who made me know and prevented me. The sea of outward knowledge is visible while people cling to the cord of ignorance, and the sun of grace is shining while most turn away from it. I know not whether they are confused or they are dead.

And if you wish for news of the Land of Purpose [Akka], it is as before, except that strife and contention have caused upheaval and disorder. Some roads have been closed and foods which people need have reached high prices to such an extent that the scent of famine can be perceived. However, in the presence of the True One, exalted be His glory, the friends have had and have no fear of this matter. Although the people of the city have deserved every kind of affliction, His grace has preceded their deeds, their actions, their existence and their being. Verily He is the One Whose tongue has spoken in the kingdom of His utterance: “Verily I am the Forgiving, the Merciful.”

The items that were sent arrived, but your honor has taken much trouble in sending them. What is intended and desired has been the turning of one’s being to God and the recognition of that which benefits them, and no jewel has been or will be more excellent and lofty than a heart turned toward God. If you take one gem like this gem from its mine, it would be better than all the jewels of the world.

After the submission of petitions at the Most Holy Court, perfect grace became manifest from the horizon of bounty, and then He said:

“God willing, they must, in the Name of God, rend asunder the veils and barriers of the people, that all may behold the Sun of Divine Utterance from the horizon of proof, and become illumined by its rays. And may the illusory human imaginings of the divines, which are in truth the very essence of veils and the reality of barriers, be effaced and vanish, and the effulgences of the Sun of Certitude be witnessed.”

End.

Dhi’l-Qa’dih 1294.

BH00538: Praise be to God Who hath revealed Himself through…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious!

Praise be to God Who hath revealed Himself through the light of the gleaming rays dawning from the horizon of utterance upon the Supreme Pen. Then did the Book of Names appear and cry out with the most exalted call between earth and heaven, bearing witness to that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath witnessed in the heaven of eternity—that verily there is none other God but Him, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Thereupon did the realm of divinity quake and proclaim: “By God the Truth! The gate of meeting hath been opened, and the Beloved hath appeared in His most glorious beauty!” And the realm of might did cry: “Exalted, exalted be He Who hath illumined the horizon of manifestation, through Whom the preserved scroll hath been unrolled and the hidden secret revealed! Blessed are ye, O people of eternity, and happy are ye, O people of creation! Draw nigh through His Most Glorious Name and drink deep of that which giveth life to the spirit throughout the eternity of God, the Creator of heaven.”

And the Kingdom was stirred and all within it, then called out with sweetest melody:

“O dwellers of the cities of names and the kingdom of eternity! This is the Day wherein the eyes of the Prophets have been gladdened and the life of the chosen ones made sweet. The tongue hath spoken at the appearance of utterance from the horizon of the words of the Lord of Religions. Blessed are ye, for ye have attained unto the Day promised by the All-Merciful in the books of all religions. This is the Day of God’s manifestation without veil or concealment, the Day of God’s appearance—verily He hath come upon the clouds!”

Thus hath the servant of the Ancient Beauty spoken through the wafting breaths of revelation from the paradise of our Lord’s will, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Praise be to God Who hath created pure, subtle, everlasting and eternal spirits from the breezes that have blown from the right hand of His Will, and made them ready for His days and enabled them to attain His presence when the lights of His countenance shone forth. He hath made their spiritual sustenance the hearkening to His utterance, their bodily growth the reading of His verses, and their hearts’ delight the stirring of the winds of His grace.

Exalted, exalted be He Who created us through His name! Exalted, exalted be He Who manifested us through His sovereignty! Exalted, exalted be He Who caused us to attain unto His power and grandeur! Exalted, exalted be He Who made us speak through His bounty and utterance! By God’s life! Every exalted one hath prostrated at His mention, and the name “exalted” hath been thunderstruck by His sovereignty, and its essence hath bowed down at the manifestation of His grandeur. Can mention attain unto Him? Nay, by the Lord of might! Can He be known through the movement of the Pen? Nay, by the Lord of eternity! Can He be bounded by the limitations of understanding? Glory be to Him, glory be to Him, above such utterance!

That station whose very air proclaimeth “There is none other God but Him” and whose very dust crieth out “There is none other God but Him”—how can understanding ever hope to soar into the atmosphere of praise of Him Who created it through a single letter from the kingdom of His utterance? Far be it, far be it, exalted be it, exalted be it above every utterance, above every mention, above every praise! The ocean of utterance hath been stirred by His utterance, and the spheres have paused to hearken to His call.

We beseech Him by His sovereignty, His power and His might, to give us to drink, at every moment, from the Kawthar of His knowledge which floweth from the heaven of His bounty, to preserve us beneath His shadow, and to make us steadfast in His Cause. Verily He is the Powerful over whatsoever He willeth. There is none other God but Him, the Most Exalted, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Inaccessible.

O beloved of my heart! I was resting in my place, contemplating the manifestations of my Lord and marveling at the ways of His sovereignty, when one of the loved ones brought your letter. I took it and opened it, and from it wafted the fragrance of your love, your sincerity, and your turning to God, the Lord of the worlds. After perusing its contents, I turned toward the Throne and presented what was therein before His presence. Then the Tongue of Grandeur spoke, saying:

“Blessed is he for having recognized the Day of God, for having been stirred by the breezes of Revelation, and for having turned to the Supreme Horizon when the people of creation turned away from it. He hath with God, the Lord of Names, a station which no heart can comprehend, nor mind encompass, nor soul enumerate, nor pen record, nor page contain. How can that which is non-existent describe what it heard from His tongue, when the Kingdom of Utterance is set in motion by but a single letter of His words? I seek forgiveness from Him for all that I have mentioned and written, and for all that I shall mention and write, for this is the Day whereon the ocean of forgiveness hath surged, the heaven of bounty hath been upraised, and the sun of generosity hath shone forth. Blessed are the people who have attained unto this Most Great Bounty and who have taken refuge beneath His most pure hem. We beseech God to assist all to do that which He loveth and pleaseth.”

My soul be a sacrifice for your love! The distinguished letter adorned by your exalted pen refreshed the tree of existence like the morning breeze and vernal winds. In truth, this evanescent one is incapable and unable to make mention of it. All of it was presented in the Most Holy Court, and supreme favor shone forth from the horizon of His will. Praise be to God that you have arisen to serve the Cause in that land and are speaking in divine praise and glorification.

I beseech the True One, exalted be His glory, to assist you at all times with His special confirmations. I swear by the Beloved of the world that if the heedless, ignorant people were to become aware of even less than a needle’s eye of the conditions of this Day, of what hath appeared therein, and of the surging of the ocean of inner meanings that lies before all eyes, they would all cry out in wilderness and prairie, saying: “Verily, He is the One manifest from the Supreme Horizon!” A wondrous talisman hath appeared in the world—before everyone’s eyes the ocean surgeth and the sun shineth forth, yet none perceiveth it. From all directions the Herald proclaimeth: “This is the sealed wine—take it and drink!”

Nevertheless, hearts remain unaware and ears unconscious, as if the power of sight hath been withheld from eyes and the faculty of hearing forbidden to ears. By God! These conditions proceed from naught but their own deeds. However, one must petition and beseech the True One, exalted be His glory, and those who are today mentioned by His Name and who repose beneath the Tree must arise with their whole being, with all their limbs, heart and tongue, to serve the Cause and, united and in harmony, occupy themselves with the remembrance and praise of God. But this must be done with wisdom, for today in God’s sight the observance of wisdom taketh precedence over all deeds. All must hold fast unto it, lest there occur that which would extinguish the divine fire and cause hearts to be troubled. Verily, He is the Compassionate, the Generous.

Concerning what you wrote about the letter Shin, upon him be what is upon him, and his return to the lowest depths of Sin—this was presented before His presence. He said that all shall return to their places. Verily, He is the Avenger, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

As regards M.Sh., his honor Aqa Siyyid Isma’il Azghandi arrived in the Most Great Prison and presented certain petitions on his behalf to the Most Holy Court. It was stated that he had been the cause of grievous errors, errors that were without parallel or precedent. Nevertheless, in view of the pre-existence of divine mercy and the all-encompassing nature of heavenly grace, if he should wholly turn unto God, there is hope of forgiveness for him. A special prayer was revealed from the Supreme Pen and it was commanded that he should recite it. Should he act in accordance with that which hath shone forth from the horizon of the Command of the Ancient King, the breezes of bounty and generosity will take hold of him. He, verily, is the Reformer of all things and the Forgiver of sins. There is none other God but He, the Forgiving, the Generous.

As to what you wrote concerning Hadi, these are tidings that have previously issued forth from the ocean of divine knowledge. As hath been stated, the cawing of the crows—meaning the false claimants—shall appear in most lands. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to adorn His loved ones with the robe of steadfastness, which is the most glorious garment and most excellent ornament in the sight of God, and that they may become so firm that they may regard the consensus of the peoples of the world, the cawing of all nations, the claims of the claimants, and the clamor of the falsifiers as mere nothingness. He, verily, is powerful and mighty over all things.

Furthermore, the rosewater of his honor Haji arrived. God willing, may they ever be perfumed by the roses growing in the gardens of divine knowledge, and may they partake of the true elixir which is, in truth, the most pure Kawthar, mentioned in one place as the sealed wine, and in other places by different names. The other three bottles were truly outstanding. Upon him and upon their sender be the glory of God and His mercy.

Another matter: all the petitions sent with Shaykh and Haji Ahmad arrived and attained the Most Holy Court. Replies to all have been revealed, and most of the main points of those petitions have been honored with the response of the Lord of Lords, that this might serve as a testimony for those souls, did they but know and preserve it, that they might remain steadfast. Convey greetings to all from this evanescent one.

Another glad tiding is that in these days a special Tablet was revealed from the heaven of the Divine Will and given to Shaykh Salman to deliver to your honor, along with four [unnamed Tablets] which your honor may give to whomever you deem appropriate, as well as one Tablet addressed to the handmaiden of God, and two Most Holy, Most Exalted, Most Pure Tablets specifically for their honors and [the gentlemen], upon them be the glory of God, which were sent by post. God willing, they will attain unto them. Although this year Shaykh was much delayed due to the discord, upheaval, and turmoil in these parts and could not find opportunity to return, God willing he will depart in these two or three days.

The conveyance of this servant’s greetings to his honor Rafi’ [Badi’], upon him be 9 66 [the glory of God], is entrusted to your honor’s grace, and there is also a Tablet specifically revealed for him from the heaven of favor which is with Shaykh. God willing, he will attain unto it. Glory be upon you, O Afnan of God, then His grandeur, His majesty, His might and His exaltation, [as] the heavens and earth have been illumined by the light of our Lord, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

The servant, 20 Dhi’l-Qa’dih 1294

BH00632: In the name of our Lord, the Most Holy…

In the name of our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Inaccessible, the Most Mighty, the Most High, the All-Glorious.

O thou who art turning unto the Most Glorious Horizon, who art known before the Throne by the praise of God, the Lord of Names, who soarest in the atmosphere of love and faithfulness, who dwellest upon the branch of praise in the Kingdom of creation, and who warblest the remembrance of God on a day wherein the foundations of those endued with understanding have trembled! Again I renew My words and say: O thou who art imprisoned in the path of God, the Creator of heaven, and who art expelled from cities and homes because thou hast believed in God, the Lord of the Throne and of the dust! O thou who art expectant and vigilant! O thou who art firm and articulate!

I testify that thou hast spoken and uttered the truth, and thou hast been wronged by the ignorant ones who claim knowledge and wisdom without clear proof or evidence. Soon shall they behold themselves beneath the earth even as they now see themselves above it. My Lord, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed, beareth witness to this. By God’s life! The servant is bewildered concerning the people, and strange it is that one who seeth himself as but a leaf among leaves, appearing on the branch one moment and falling the next, should nevertheless be seized with such pride as to deny God, His sovereignty, His Manifestation and His signs. We beseech God in all conditions to assist His servants and not to render them deprived of this Most Great Ocean or heedless of this noble station.

Thereafter, this servant attained unto thy letter. Praise be to God Who hath preserved thee and delivered thee from the wrongdoing people, and fulfilled what He promised thee in His firm and mighty Book. The oppressor hath been and shall continue to be the ignorant divines. Soon shall they find themselves in evident torment.

And whereas you had written that some had desired to meet with His Holiness, and His Holiness, in view of not having permission, had not granted this—this evanescent servant bears witness that His Holiness has always been commanded in these matters. That honored one was created for the service of God’s Cause and was made to speak specifically in His praise. However, He has made these matters contingent upon wisdom, and this has been and will continue to be due to previous mercy and comprehensive grace, lest any matter arise that might cause fear in weak hearts. The strong have ever gazed and will ever gaze toward the highest horizon. The manifestations of might, expressions of supremacy, and appearances of retribution have not and will not prevent those blessed, tranquil, content and approved souls. However, in consideration of the ocean of divine bounty and the heaven of divine generosity, He has commanded the people to wisdom so that no harm might befall anyone. May my spirit and your spirit and the spirits of all in the realms of creation be a sacrifice for His bounty.

After the arrival of that letter, this servant attained the Most Holy Presence and submitted the details, that is, presented that very letter in its entirety before the Throne. He said: “O My Name Jamal! If a person be in the East while you are in the West, and if that person desires to attain unto the knowledge of God, it is incumbent upon you, if you are able, to journey to that land and bestow upon that person, according to their capacity and receptivity, the life-giving waters.

O Jamal! If you were to reflect upon the verses sent down from the heaven of grace, you would testify that whatsoever the Truth, exalted and glorified be He, has commanded and continues to command has been and will be for the good of His servants. You must certainly teach the Cause and occupy yourself with service. Do not deprive the seekers of the ocean of guidance, but give according to measure. The best fruit attributed to the Tree of the Bayan is this blessed word: bestow the seeds of wisdom in good soil according to measure. God willing, you will ignite all through the heat of the fire of God’s Word and summon them to the Most Holy Court. The Supreme Pen has given countless counsels before and continues to do so now. O Jamal! Associate with all the people of the earth with paternal affection, and likewise nurture all from the breast of wisdom. In no circumstance remove your eyes from wisdom, for it has been and will continue to be the cause of the exaltation of the Cause, the source of tranquility amidst agitation, strength for hearts, and assurance for souls.

O My Name! Be confident in My grace and favor. You have been mentioned in the presence of the Wronged One. He verily has aided you, nurtured you, protected you, and delivered you. Give thanks to God for this bounty which has sprung forth from the ocean of generosity and grace. He is verily the Teacher, the Manifest, the All-Wise, the All-Informed. Remember when you stood before the Throne and witnessed with your own eyes the favor of your Lord, and heard His sweetest call and wondrous mention. You have a station with your Lord—be thankful and among those who rejoice.”

Furthermore, if you wish for news of this land, the Ancient Beauty has left the Most Great Prison and established His throne in the garden, and afterward in the mansion known to a hundred thousand tongues and a hundred thousand centuries. This evanescent servant offers thanks and praise, for his prayer was answered and his deed was not lost, although it is observed that the Ancient Beauty Himself prefers the prison more. This is a matter that no one knows except Him, and verily He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

And as to what you wrote concerning consultation, He said that this matter has always been and will always be beloved, but in matters that accord with wisdom. The purpose of mentioning this is that the fundamental divine law should be known, otherwise these matters are clear and need not be mentioned. All that has befallen you in the path of God is remembered before God, and none has the right to object to what you have done, for the entire matter is in the hand of God, your Lord, the Mighty, the Wise.

And regarding what you wrote about turning towards this land with permission, He said you have already attained this blessing three times and it was accepted before God. Further journeys to this land are not permitted, for it is in turmoil, and the hidden turmoil which has been revealed in most tablets remains concealed. This is a land whose surface appears calm while its interior is turbulent. You must be content and grateful with what has been and is commanded, for therein lies the wisdom. End.

This servant begs that you not forget this one and always remember him with goodly mention. Convey greetings to all the loved ones of God who are honored to be in your presence. And concerning what you wrote about Javad, upon him be the Glory of God, it was presented at the Most Holy Court. He said that he spoke truthfully, and indeed his presence in that land was with effect and fruit. I beseech God to strengthen him in all conditions. We testify that he has arisen to serve the Cause of his Lord, the Mighty, the Wise. Wherever he may be, he is under the gaze of divine favor. The Glory be upon him, his wife, his son, and those who are with him. And further, regarding what you mentioned about Aqa Siyyid J, upon him be the Glory of God, this too was presented. He said special favors have been bestowed upon him. We beseech God to assist him and grant him what is best for him. Verily, He is the Mighty, the Generous.

BH00408: Praise be unto Him Who is sanctified above all…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Mighty, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious!

Praise be unto Him Who is sanctified above all mention and thought, the Ever-Living Lord of all, Who hath illumined the horizon of proof on the Day of Resurrection with the Sun of utterance, and Who hath, through the breaths of His Most Exalted Word, conferred new life upon all within creation. He hath adorned the heavens of wisdom and inner meaning with the stars of the utterances of them who are nigh unto Him and sincere in their love. He is the One Incomparable in power, the One Peerless Expounder, the One Unique Proclaimer. From the Primal Point He hath caused countless books to appear, and through His perfect might hath made a single word the cause of life and death, and the manifestation of all that is recorded and concealed. Nevertheless, how can this unworthy servant be fitted to plumb the depths of this ocean, or to tread upon this carpet, or to tarry in this station? Glory be unto Him, glory be unto Him, above all that hath been or shall be presented or mentioned! I seek His forgiveness for my praise and glorification of Him, and for all that my heart hath comprehended or my soul hath known.

By Thy life, O Beloved of my heart! Whensoever I consider my existence, my rising up and my sitting down, my movement and my stillness, my sleep and my wakefulness, my attention and my thoughts and my mention, I am abashed and ashamed, and I say with my inner and outer tongue: I seek Thy forgiveness, I seek Thy forgiveness, O God of the worlds, and I turn in repentance unto Thee, O Thou Goal of them that know Thee!

I had intended in my own mind to compose an oration, that I might adorn the opening of this petition with praise and glorification of the Lord of Unity. Suddenly I became aware that a grave matter had arisen, namely, my attention to my own mention, my self, and my existence. I seek God’s forgiveness for this and turn unto Him in repentance.

Glory be unto Thee, O God of existence and Lord of the seen and unseen! Thou beholdest me powerless before the surging oceans of Thy knowledge and the billowing seas of Thy grace, abject before the manifestations of Thy might and majesty, impotent before the evidences of Thy strength and power, incapable of soaring in the atmosphere of Thy remembrance, and heedless of understanding that which Thou hast sent down in Thy scrolls and books. How can the blind behold the lightning flashes of the Sun of Thy manifestation? How can the deaf hear the melodies of the Dove of Thy oneness? How can the dumb speak when Thy verses descend from the heaven of Thy Will? By Thy glory!

The signs of Thy power have so encompassed me that I am powerless to do aught, and I behold my essence and being unable even to mention inability, let alone aught else. Yet since Thou hast made the mention of Thyself the sustenance of my soul, Thy praise and prayers unto Thee the nourishment of my spirit, and the elixir of Thy utterance the cause of my survival, therefore do I remember Thee through what Thou hast taught me and made known unto me. I beseech Thee, O Creator of the heavens and Lord of all names, to assist me to serve Thy chosen ones and Thy loved ones, unto whom Thy countenance hath turned from the horizon of Thy grace. Thou art He Who hath ever been powerful over Thy Cause and dominant over all that dwell in Thy heaven and earth.

O my Lord! Thou seest me, despite my powerlessness, poverty, and the extinction of my being, desiring to make mention of him whom Thou hast made a teacher in Thy Book and immortalized in the paradise of Thy remembrance, and whom Thou hast named ʿthe Friend’ in Thy Tablets—Tablets of which a single letter cannot be equaled by all that exist in the kingdom of creation. O my Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy hidden knowledge and Thy treasured, concealed secrets to grant me success in mentioning him in the court of Thy glory and in loving him throughout the endurance of Thy kingdom and Thy dominion. Verily, Thou art the Answerer of whosoever calleth upon Thee and the Helper of whosoever imploreth Thee. There is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

My being is a sacrifice to Thy remembrance, and my soul a ransom for Thy Cause. Time and again hath this evanescent one been blessed with the traces of Thy pen. God knoweth that the spheres of my love have been set in motion by their fragrance, and the cities of my affection have been perfumed by their sweet savors. From each letter have I drunk the Kawthar of meeting Thee and the choice wine of attaining Thy presence. I beseech God to perpetuate this bounty which is far beyond my station and rank. He, verily, is the Answerer, the Mighty, the Best-Beloved.

This evanescent servant hath repeatedly been blessed with the receipt of your esteemed letter. Regarding what you wrote about having sent the revealed Tablets, it is evident that your honor hath ever been and continue to be occupied with service to the Cause of God. O beloved of my heart! The heedlessness and lack of capacity of the servants hath reached such a degree that for some time the ocean of utterance hath been stilled, and only occasionally do its drops appear. In one of the Tablets revealed to one of the friends in the land of Shin, He saith words to this effect: The face of the world is turning toward irreligiosity, and this condition shall persist thus for some time, increasing day by day until its appointed time which hath been set down in the Book of God. And when that time is fulfilled, the Cause of God shall be raised up despite the opposition of the servants. Thus hath it been decreed aforetime by the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

It is evident that were people ready, the clouds of mercy would not be withheld, the sun of bounty would not remain concealed, and the ocean of inner meanings would not be stilled. Yes, the people are ignorant and heedless of that which today shineth forth from the horizon of God’s will. I swear by the Sun of the horizon of Revelation that were they to become aware of but a drop from the waves of the Most Great Ocean, they would become detached from all that they possess. The veils of selfish desires have become so thick and dense that their rending is most difficult save by the finger of the power of our Lord, the Mighty, the Powerful.

Regarding what you wrote about the condition of the friends being good, provided their pettiness allows it—at this they smiled greatly. Thus did the Tongue of Grandeur speak: O Khalil! If souls who have accepted the Faith were to act upon the divine counsels and revealed deeds, surely all creation would cry out in the wilderness of detachment, after hearing the call, “Here am I, O my God, here am I!” Man becomes proud through his garment and transgresses through his pettiness, save whom God willeth. Were words moderate and matched by deeds, they would surely become the cause of the salvation of the world and the preservation of nations. In one instance the Supreme Pen hath revealed that utterance should be adorned with the nature of mother’s milk and fatherly affection, that the children of the world might thereby be educated and reach maturity. Should one speaking go beyond the comprehension of the hearer, he hath departed from justice. I beseech the True One to make all accepting souls aware of the degrees of wisdom revealed in the Book. He, verily, is the Ordainer, the All-Wise.

O thou who art a herald! I have left the Most Great Prison, and We have made the Ridvan Our throne’s seat, then this lofty mansion [Mazra’ih]. God hath fulfilled what He revealed on His first arrival in the land of the Prison, and kept His promise in the Book. He, verily, is the Fulfiller, the All-Informed. The land hath been honored by the advent of the Most Great Sea—exalted be God, the King, the Mighty, the All-Knowing. We love to make mention of thee after We had restrained the Pen from remembrance and utterance. Thus doth the All-Merciful give thee glad tidings that thou mayest be of those who rejoice.

Grieve not at anything, for He is with thee. Soon shall pass away that wherein the heedless take delight. The leaf springeth from the tree and cleaveth unto it, moveth upon it and smileth at its rustling, drawing hearts by its ways—all this thou beholdest in the morning, yet in the evening thou seest it fallen, yellowed, upon the ground. Thy Lord, verily, is the All-Explaining, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. By thy life! That wherein the most exalted servants rejoice was as naught to those who have turned towards the Countenance, for they see nothing but they perceive its passing away and God’s decree standing over it. Thy Lord, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Rejoice thou in My remembrance, My manifestation, My effulgence, My call, My favors and My bounties which have encompassed the worlds. Thy letter hath come before Us. We have seen it, read it, and made mention of thee in this Perspicuous Tablet. We have found from it the fragrance of thy sincerity, thy longing, and thy turning toward God, the Goal of all seekers. By God’s life! He hath ordained for thee that which shall gladden the eyes of the sincere ones.

Concerning the Siyyid—upon him be what is upon him—they had written; from His Holiness’s first writing the nature of it became clear. Such heedless souls assuredly were not and are not capable of movement in the arena of His Holiness’s utterance. How blessed is the word that His Holiness spoke:

“Leave them in their vain discourse, nay rather in their playground sporting.”

The people have been and remain greatly veiled, have not become aware of the ascents of witness, and have not attained to the ladder of knowledge. They have not yet comprehended a drop from the divine utterances. The very claim of the Bab’s station by His Holiness—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him—was indicative of and manifested the condition of the people. In one instance He even denied Himself the station of specific Babhood, for all were lost in the valley of conjecture and fancy, unable to comprehend the effulgences of the Sun of Certainty, save whom God willeth.

In every utterance that appeared from the Dayspring of the All-Merciful’s will, most were concerning the mention of certain souls of the past, and had the people been capable, naught but mention of the Sun of Truth and the Spiritual Heaven would have flowed from His Holiness’s tongue and pen, as can be understood from certain blessed verses. Yea, meat is harmful to the suckling. Glory be to Him Who giveth to everything its due right. A word concerning Husayn ibn Ruh appeared from the horizon of His Holiness’s Pen: “Blessed art thou, then joy be to thee, through the everlasting names and attributes of God, in that ye have known him from before.” Between these people and these souls, one must at all times hold fast to “Not all that is known should be uttered.” Praise be to the Goal of all worlds Who raised the banner of “the Day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of the worlds” and caused “the Kingdom on that Day shall be God’s” to appear from the Dayspring of creation. He, verily, is the Powerful, the Transcendent, the Mighty, the Wise.

As regards the matter of the esteemed Sarkar Khan, they had sent certain items which arrived in this land with great difficulty, for at the customs house in Alexandria they opened the items and valued them according to their own discretion, collecting substantial duties. Likewise at the customs house in Haifa they opened them again, saying the declaration did not match these goods, whereupon they collected duties once more from his honor M.H., upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah’s] Most Glorious Beauty. Furthermore, after arrival here some items did not match the inventory, and besides this, in this place only carnelian rings are used. What more can this servant say? I beseech God to assist all to that which He loves and is pleased with.

And regarding what was written about them, it was conveyed. These words issued forth from the Source of Utterance—exalted be His glory: “Those souls who turn toward different regions must act according to what hath been revealed in the Book, be detached from all who dwell on earth, and in each of their members, organs, limbs, veins, features and strands of hair perceive a heart, and that heart must be turned toward God. At no time should they let go of wisdom, for verily it is the mightiest foundation from God, the Lord of the worlds.” However, whatsoever your honor hath done was truly the essence of wisdom and is acceptable before God, and this servant sayeth: “O my God! Make his affairs prosper.”

Concerning his honor Aqa Mirza ʿAli-Naqi, upon him be the Glory of God and His mercy, about whom you had written—the aforementioned soul hath ascended unto God. Since in his final days he attained the honor of the presence, the word of forgiveness was revealed concerning him from the Dayspring of the Cause. Those who circle round the Throne, one and all, convey their most hallowed greetings to your honor.

The servant 22 Dhi’l-Qa’dih 1294

This servant hath written a letter to them which your honor may peruse. The two Most Great Branches—may my spirit and all God hath given me be a sacrifice for Their majesty—and the Afnans of the Blessed Tree offer their most sublime and impregnable greetings to your honor.

May I be a sacrifice for you—the letter from his honor the Afnan of China, upon him be every most glorious glory, arrived with the items. God willing, in the next post a petition will be submitted to their presence.

BH01831: Praise be to God Who caused the Mount…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Most Great, the Most High!

Praise be to God Who caused the Mount to speak forth that there is none other God but Him, the God of Moses and Aaron, and caused the solid rock in the hand of His Beloved to speak forth that there is none other God but Him, the God of all worlds, and caused the mountains to speak forth His mighty remembrance and the seas His surging, prevailing, swift Name, and the trees that there is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Wondrous. He it is Who gave the world the glad-tidings of the Day wherein the sun shall rise from its setting, and the mountains shall pass away with passing upon passing, and every soul shall be weighed with weighing upon weighing, wherein feet shall slip and mankind be confounded and the hearts of the possessors of understanding be thunderstruck and the limbs of all servants tremble, that His supreme sovereignty might be made manifest therein, even as He informed His servants in the Book that erreth not nor forgetteth. The Kingdom on that Day shall be God’s—my spirit be a sacrifice for your remembrance.

The servant hath been honored by that which hath trickled from the cloud of your ink, and joy and gladness have seized him in such wise as no mention can contain. He, verily, is the All-Knowing, the Unconstrained. As to what ye mentioned regarding the City and what Shaykh Muhammad and he who is imprisoned—upon them both be the glory of God—have composed in verse, what they composed and wrote hath been read before the Countenance and there hath shone forth from the horizon of grace that which the Pen is powerless to describe. We beseech God to assist them both to remember and praise Him, and to spread abroad from them that which shall perfume the horizons. He, verily, is the Lord of the Day of Mutual Disillusion.

After hearkening to this remembrance and utterance, the Tongue of the Beloved spoke and said:

“O Mustafa! Befitting on this day for all the loved ones of God in that land is the mighty veil and beautiful patience. Should any of the people of Zawra’ learn or discover that My letter or word hath come unto it, they would make of it a cause of corruption, and perchance what appeareth therefrom would return to the root of the Tree. It behooveth every soul to preserve it and arise to serve it and conceal it from every objector and violator of the Covenant.”

As for what thou mentioned regarding the name of Sasun—upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah]—verily he is remembered before the Countenance, and it behooveth Moses to speak truthfully at first saying “I have nothing and what is in my hand belongeth to none other than myself.” By these words he shall deliver himself from all afflictions and turn unto the Mighty, the Beloved.

As for what Fayzullah Bey wrote to his father, it hath been presented before the Countenance. He—may my spirit be sacrificed for Him—said:

“This is contrary to what God hath revealed in the Book. It behooveth everyone who hath turned to the Supreme Horizon and attained the Most Pure Sealed Choice Wine to hold fast unto wisdom and speak that whereby servants draw nigh, not that whereby they fall thunderstruck upon the dust. Blessed is he who was prevented from sending his letter to his father, and blessed is he who held fast unto wisdom and acted according to what was commanded from before God, the Lord of the worlds. We have mentioned Fayzullah—We beseech God to assist him and grant him that which shall profit him. He, verily, is the Powerful, the Wise.”

It is submitted that in all circumstances the concealment of the Cause is necessary, for if the people of Iraq become aware in any way that news from the Most Holy Court reaches anywhere, they will surely complain to the great city and this will become a cause of corruption. Your honor should write in such a way that the friends in that land should understand as though no news reaches from the Most Holy Court. In any case, the concealment of this matter is necessary.

May the Glory be upon your honor and the people of the household and upon the loved ones of God in that place.

The servant 22 Dhi’l-Qa’dih 1294

BH01378: Praise be to God Who hath spoken and caused…

He is God, exalted be His glory! Majesty and grandeur belong unto Him.

Praise be to God Who hath spoken and caused all things to speak in praise of Him Who was wronged throughout all regions. He, verily, is the Single One, the One, the Unique, the Self-Subsisting, Whom none of His servants can comprehend and none of His creatures can describe. He, verily, is sanctified above all mention. My spirit be a sacrifice for the fragrances of Thy love.

I have been honored by the first ornament of your letter, which was adorned with praise of God, the Sovereign of all peoples and the Manifestor of causes. Joy seized me in such wise that tongues are powerless to describe. For this we praise our Lord, the All-Merciful, Who created us by a word from His presence, made us among His loved ones, caused us to speak His praise, taught us the path of His guidance, and instructed us in that which profiteth us in all His worlds. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the All-Praised.

It is submitted that regarding what you wrote about Sasoon, upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah], this servant was likewise perplexed as to what thought prompted this mention. The Holy Land is much disturbed these days, as Jinab-i-Ism-i-Ha has incurred a debt of one thousand liras and has nothing to show for it, and this sum belongs to the poor Khawaja and his partner. In such circumstances, it is evident what has happened and what will happen. We beseech God to assist us in that which will exalt His mention among His creation and His Cause among His servants. Indeed, this matter has been and continues to be a source of great humiliation, although it remains concealed for now. But after people become aware of it, it is unknown what will transpire. He, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

A letter was observed from the honored Surur, Aqa Mirza Muhammad-ʿAli, upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah], which he had written to Aqa Muhammad-Rida, mentioning his hardships. Since all these matters have been endured for God’s sake, God willing, they are sweeter than honey to his taste. This servant was present before the Face when instructions were given to send a telegram for them to come by steamer on Friday. Had they departed, it would have been most excellent, as the steamer arrived in Haifa in perfect comfort. However, according to their letter, the telegram arrived late and they were not properly informed that the steamer would arrive in Haifa. In any case, all that has occurred is for the best.

The conveying of greetings from this servant to him and his son, upon them both be the glory of the All-Merciful, depends upon your grace. Furthermore, it was repeatedly heard from the blessed Tongue that you should be informed to strive as much as possible to keep matters concealed, meaning it is preferable that the friends in Iraq know as little as possible about the affairs of the Prison. For if it becomes known among people that news of the Holy Land reaches those dwelling in Iraq, it has been and will be harmful. Let them consider this matter in whatever way is wise. The glory be upon you and those with you, and upon the two who arrived unto you, and upon the loved ones of God in those parts.

The servant 11 Dhi’l-Hijjih 1294

Then, may my spirit be sacrificed for you. Your second letter, from which wafted the fragrance of inner meanings, this evanescent servant was blessed to receive. Praise be to God for having opened the gates of the heaven of His bounty with the water of His Cause and made His chosen loved ones the bearers of this resplendent Kawthar.

The matters written were observed. Regarding His Holiness Mirza, his deliverance remains in that same word which shone forth from the Dayspring of utterance. Regarding His Holiness Amin Effendi, upon him be 9 [Baha], the Most Glorious, praise be to God that most often his mention has been made in the Most Great Scene and the face of favor has been turned toward him. Regarding what was written about His Excellency the aforementioned Pasha, may God assist him, no news has been received from him for some time, therefore sending a letter was not permitted. In any case, divine favor has been and is with him, and its effects, whenever they appear, will be manifested in the visible world. What is incumbent upon him is to hold fast to wisdom and also to visit His Excellency the Pasha. His affairs will proceed in a manner that will gladden his inner heart and rejoice his soul. Convey to him the most wondrous, most impregnable, most holy greetings from this evanescent one. Glory be upon him from his Lord, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

BH04865: O My loved ones! Hearken unto My call…

He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth!

In His Name, the All-Encompassing, the Ruler of all worlds!

O My loved ones! Hearken unto My call and arise to aid My Cause and exalt My Word, through which the hearts of the mystics have been set ablaze and the backs of the idolaters have been broken. Grieve not at anything. Remember your Lord, the All-Merciful, in such wise that the limbs of those who have disbelieved in God, the Lord of all worlds, may quake with fear.

Hold fast to the cord of wisdom in all conditions. We have, indeed, enjoined this upon all in Our mighty and wondrous Book. Beware lest the affairs of the world hold you back or the clamor of the nations veil you. Draw nigh unto God, then aid His mighty and impregnable Cause. We were walking in the mansion which God hath made the Most Great Scene on this Day that was promised in the Tablets of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. We have turned toward thee from this Spot and revealed unto thee that which hath caused the hearts of the mystics to soar. Beware, beware lest the hosts of the world frighten thee or the whisperings of Satan hold thee back. Cling to the hem of thy Lord’s favors and say: O God of existence and Lord of the seen and unseen! Thou beholdest the Best Beloved of the world among the peoples and hearest the cry of His heart and the sighing of His soul at what hath befallen Him from those who claimed to know Him and to follow His Cause.

O my Lord! Thou art the All-Hearing and Thou art He from Whose knowledge nothing escapeth. I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst subdue the cities of knowledge and didst reveal the treasures of the seen and unseen, that Thou protect me and make me detached from those who have disbelieved in Thy Great Name.

BH04892: Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One. He…

He is the Most High, the All-Powerful, the Most Holy, the Most Mighty, the Most Glorious

Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One. He calleth thee from this exalted Station, and His hair and His limbs and His members all testify that there is none other God but Him, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. Bear thou witness even as God hath borne witness, then know that this is the Day of God whereof the Tongue of God, the Sovereign, the Mighty, the Beloved, hath spoken.

He hath said, and His Word is the truth: “On the day when thy Lord cometh, or certain of the signs of thy Lord,” and in another place: “The Kingdom on that Day shall be God’s,” and in yet another place: “The Day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of the worlds.” All this hath the All-Merciful revealed in the Qur’an. And now the Ancient Lord speaketh the truth, and the Sovereign of the Kingdom proclaimeth in the kingdom of creation, through His Most Glorious Name, that there is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Loving.

Bear thou witness even as God hath borne witness, and say: O my Lord! Praise be to Thee for having caused me to draw nigh unto the shore of the ocean of Thy bounty and to turn toward the lights of Thy countenance, after most of Thy creatures turned away therefrom. I beseech Thee, O my Lord, by Thy Name through which Thou didst subdue the world, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in Thy love in such wise that neither the tyranny of the Pharaohs among Thy creatures nor the clamor of such as have disbelieved in Thy signs and Thy testimony shall deter me. I implore Thee by the power that hath encompassed all created things and by the Will that hath prevailed over all contingent beings to assist me to make mention of Thee and to serve Thy Cause. Thou, verily, art powerful to do as Thou pleasest. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting.

BH05764: Glorified is He Who hath sent down the Book…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious

Glorified is He Who hath sent down the Book in truth and made it the supreme Balance between the nations and the Most Great Sign unto all mankind. Blessed is he who hath clung unto it, and woe unto the heedless ones.

The darkness of vain imaginings hath encompassed most of the peoples. Blessed is he who hath been illumined by this Light through which the world hath been enlightened and the Most Great Name hath proclaimed: “There is none other God but Me, the Mighty, the All-Praised.”

Arise to make mention of God and to praise Him, then render thanks unto Him for having been mentioned by My Most Exalted Pen, through which God hath quickened every mouldering bone. Hold fast unto the Sure Handle and cling to the hem of the bounty of thy Lord, the All-Bountiful.

We have made mention of thee as a token of Our grace, that thou mayest remember the Wronged One Who hath been made a captive in the hands of the oppressors. Seize thou these days and glorify thy Lord with praise at morn and eventide.

Soon shall all that is on earth perish, and sovereignty and might shall endure unto God and His chosen ones who have believed in God in this Revelation whereby the Trumpet hath been sounded and the mountains have passed away, and trembling hath seized all who are in the heavens and on earth, save those whom thy Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful, hath willed.

Glory be upon thee and upon those who have turned towards the Countenance in the days of thy Lord, the Self-Subsisting, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH05714: Blessed is He Who hath shone forth…

He is the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise

Blessed is He Who hath shone forth from the horizon of Revelation with a sovereignty that the powers of the world have failed to withstand. He speaketh amongst the nations: verily there is none other God but Him, the Guardian, the Self-Subsisting.

Say: He, verily, is the One Who speaketh the truth and commandeth the people to that which profiteth them in this world and the next, yet most of the people know not. He hath commanded all to observe piety and that which will lead them to the ultimate goal, but they have turned away and objected, having followed every heedless and rejected one.

We show them the Most Great Vision, yet they turn away from it, and We give them glad tidings of the Day they were promised in the Qur’an, yet they pay no heed. Say: This is the Day of which the Qur’an did aforetime give tidings through His words “On that Day shall sovereignty belong to God, the Mighty, the Well-Beloved.” Say: This is the Day whereon mankind hath risen before God, the Lord of all that was and shall be. Verily those whom We behold in doubt are in a torment that shall not be turned back.

Hold fast unto this Most Great Tablet, then recite it unto those who have turned to the horizon of Revelation and have faced the Countenance after the passing away of all things. They, verily, are the people of Baha amidst earth and heaven, upon whom the angels near unto God do send their blessings. Glory be upon thee and upon him who hath arisen to serve the Cause on this promised Day.

BH06060: O Muhammad! Hearken to the call of the Single…

He is the Speaker after the silence of the world

O Muhammad! Hearken to the call of the Single, the One! He called thee aforetime with a call whereby the believers took flight, the ungodly were thunderstruck, and the sincere hastened to the dawning-place of thy Lord’s Most Exalted Beauty, and then the near ones to a station wherefrom all mention and names were cut off. Thus doth the Pen speak in this Most Great Station which God hath sanctified from all that the possessors of understanding conceive, for it hath been illumined by the lights of thy Lord’s countenance, perfumed with the fragrances of revelation, and adorned with the ornament of thy Lord’s throne, the Mighty, the Wise.

We give thee glad tidings of thy Lord’s favors, that thou mayest be of the thankful. Thy letter hath been read before the throne, and God hath forgiven those whose names thou didst mention. Verily thy Lord is the Forgiving, the Generous.

Blessed art thou and thy brother and those who are with you, and those who have ascended in the love of God, the Lord of the worlds. The fragrances of thy Lord’s revelation have encompassed them and the mercy of thy Ancient Master hath embraced them. Thus have We mentioned thee as a bounty from Our presence, that thou mayest give thanks and be of the steadfast.

By the life of God! My Cause is great, great indeed. Soon shall there be manifested that which the Most Exalted Pen hath stirred in this noble station. The glory be upon you from the presence of One powerful.

BH06741: Your letter has attained unto the Most Great Horizon…

In the Name of God, the Powerful

Your letter has attained unto the Most Great Horizon and been honored with the gaze of the Lord of Destiny, and from it were inhaled the sweet fragrances of love. Yea, today the friends of God who have forsaken all who are in creation for His path and held fast to the cord of His love must diffuse the fragrance of faith to such a degree that all the world may perceive it, nay rather that the inhabitants of the graves may attain through that musk-laden breeze to life everlasting.

Say: O loved ones of God! Today is the day of burning ardor, today is the day of turning to God, today is the day of mention and praise, today is the day of supreme gladness and greatest joy. All must, in perfect unity, sanctity and detachment, occupy themselves with the remembrance of God, and manifest such warmth in the love of God that the cold-hearted of the world may be set ablaze. This is not difficult for God to accomplish.

Strive ye to serve the Cause with the wisdom that hath been revealed in the Tablets. By the life of God! This is a Day that hath no peer or likeness. Act ye therein according to that which We have revealed in the perspicuous Book. Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.

BH06914: Today the friends of God must be engaged…

In the name of the one God.

Today the friends of God must be engaged in teaching the Cause of God with perfect wisdom. If a soul remains deprived of this most great bounty and supreme gift in this day, they will not succeed in making up for it, except for whom thy Lord willeth. The Supreme Pen hath at all times counseled His loved ones to praiseworthy character and goodly deeds, and hath informed all of the Most Holy Book which hath been sent down from the sacred Kingdom. Blessed is he who holdeth fast unto it and woe unto those who remain veiled from it. That soul must at all times exert their utmost endeavor, according to their capacity, in the exaltation of the Word of God. The world and whatsoever is witnessed therein hath been and will be evanescent. That which endureth and lasteth is a deed which appeareth from a soul in the path of God. Beseech ye God that He may enable all the friends and loved ones to accomplish that which is His good-pleasure. And God speaketh the truth and guideth to the way.

BH07234: This is a Book which We have sent down…

He is the All-Powerful, the Most Exalted, the Mighty, the Great

This is a Book which We have sent down in truth unto him who hath inhaled the fragrance of the Beloved as it wafted between the heavens and the earth, that it might draw him unto a station wherein neither the opposition of the world nor the conditions of the heedless can hold him back.

We have remembered those who have turned towards the Most Exalted Horizon, and have sent down for them that whereby their mention shall endure in the Kingdom of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

We have commanded the people to observe wisdom and utterance, and that which profiteth mankind, yet the people remain behind an obvious veil. By God! Had they known, they would have hastened with their own eyes, but they have been veiled by that which they followed of their own desires in this Blessed and Wondrous Day. Soon shall they find themselves in manifest grief and great loss.

Blessed art thou for having turned unto the Desired One and believed in God when every stubborn doubter turned away from Him. Pay no heed to the people and their deeds. Place thy trust in all things in God, the Lord of the worlds. Thus have We remembered thee and sent down for thee that which gladdeneth thy heart, that thou mayest be of the thankful ones.

BH07277: Your letter attained to the lights of the Throne…

In the Name of God, the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing!

Your letter attained to the lights of the Throne and in the Most Great Prison was honored to come before the gaze of the Ancient King. God willing, may you be occupied at all times with the remembrance of the Beloved of all creation.

That which is necessary today has been and will be to act according to the divine ordinances. One must summon the people to the highest horizon with the utmost wisdom and to act according to what hath been sent down in the Book.

Give thanks unto God for that the countenance of the Ancient One hath turned toward thee from this forbidden place. It behooveth everyone to remember that which We have revealed in the Tablets and to hold fast unto the cord of steadfastness on this Day wherein the All-Merciful hath come with manifest sovereignty.

Verily the sincere ones are certain of the meeting with their Lord while the idolaters are in grievous doubt. Remember what We have revealed in the Qur’an and in other Books. Verily thy Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed Teacher.

Grieve thou not over anything. Put thy trust in Him, then remember Him. Verily He will aid thee to remember Him. Thy Lord is verily the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

Thus have We adorned thy letter with the Most Wondrous, Most Sweet remembrance that thou mayest be among the thankful ones.

BH07134: God beareth witness that there is none other God…

He is the Ever-Abiding, the Everlasting, the Life-Giving, the Mighty, the All-Wise

God beareth witness that there is none other God but Him, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. God beareth witness that there is none other God but Me, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. The Bayan was sent down to manifest My station and establish My Cause, yet the people understand not. They have clung to their desires and held fast to the hem of tyranny. We testify that they know not. The proof of God hath appeared, yet they see not. The horizon of power hath been illumined through this Most Great Name, yet the people perceive not. Say: Ponder, O people, on the Revelation of God and His sovereignty and His greatness and His power. Then judge with fairness and be not of those who have disbelieved in God, the Mighty, the Beloved. Rejoice in what hath been sent down unto thee in this Tablet, then recite it at all times. By My life, through it thou shalt find the fragrance of the Garment wafting from this exalted Station. Glory be upon thee and upon whoso holdeth fast to the laws and cleaveth to the hem of God, the Lord of what was and what shall be.

BH07200: The divine fragrances of the All-Merciful have wafted through…

He is the All-Powerful, the Most Exalted, the Mighty, the Beloved!

The divine fragrances of the All-Merciful have wafted through all creation, and those who are sincere are in manifest ecstasy. The fragrance of the garment hath been diffused, yet the people remain in heedlessness and mighty veils.

Blessed is he who hath cast aside what the people possess and taken what hath been sent down from God, the Lord of all worlds. We make mention of him who hath turned towards the Most Exalted Horizon, and give him the glad-tidings of a noble station—that which in the Qur’an was named the Praised Station, and in another place the Remote Mosque. He, verily, is the All-Knowing Interpreter.

Give thanks unto God for having turned unto the Desired One and recognized that which most of the servants have failed to recognize. This, verily, is a great bounty. Grieve not over this world. Rather, rejoice in this Tablet through which the breeze of God hath wafted over the world and illumined the faces of those who have turned towards Him.

We give glad-tidings to those who have believed in God when there came to them the Manifestation of His Essence, Who proclaimeth: “Verily, there is no God but Me, the Forgiving, the Generous.” Say: Hold fast unto steadfastness, for the wolf howleth and the people are in manifest doubt.

BH07571: What you have submitted hath been mentioned. All…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great

What you have submitted hath been mentioned. All the details and whatsoever hath befallen you have been and are witnessed before the Throne. Verily thy Lord is the Truth, the Knower of things unseen. The Most Exalted Pen hath, for some years, turned towards that person. This is the most great bounty. It behooveth whosoever hath attained thereunto to thank God, his Lord, as long as the kingdom and the realm of heaven endureth. Every matter hath been and will be perishable save the mention that hath flowed from the Pen of the Most Great Name. This will endure as long as God’s names and attributes endure. Be not grieved at what hath befallen thee in the path of God, thy Lord and the Lord of the heavens and earths. It behooveth one like thee to thank Him in hardship and tribulation. By My life! Soon shall all things pass away, and the sincere ones shall find themselves in an exalted station. We beseech God to assist thee to remember Him with wisdom and utterance, and to confirm thee in that which hath been sent down in a perspicuous Book.

BH07762: What thou hast written in praise of God…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great!

What thou hast written in praise of God, the Lord of the seen and the unseen, the Lord of the throne and the dust, and the Master of the hereafter and of the first life, hath been read before the Throne. Blessed is the tongue that hath spoken His praise, and the face that hath turned toward the horizon of His Cause, and the hand that hath taken hold of His perspicuous Book.

We counsel thee and those who have believed to show forth supreme steadfastness. Observe that which My Most Exalted Pen hath enjoined upon you, and be not of the heedless ones.

Blessed art thou for having heard the call of thy Lord and responded to thy Ancient Master. Render thanks unto God for having aided thee to acknowledge this Cause, from which every stubborn oppressor hath turned away. Hold fast unto the cord of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, and take firm hold of His pure and resplendent hem.

Act according to what thou hast been commanded in the Book; verily it shall profit thee in both this world and the next. Thy Lord, verily, is the All-Informed, the All-Knowing.

Glory be upon thee and upon him who hath attained unto this mighty Remembrance.

BH08219: My remembrance be upon My maidservant who believed…

He is the Most Great, the Most Holy, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious

My remembrance be upon My maidservant who believed in God when she heard His sweetest call, who turned to Him and attained to His wise remembrance. We perceive from you the fragrance of your love for your Lord, the Forgiving, the Generous. Give thanks, inasmuch as thou hast been mentioned before the Throne time and again. He verily remembereth whomsoever turneth unto God. He is indeed the One Who informeth, the All-Knowing. We have witnessed thy face turn toward the Most Exalted Horizon when the earth shone with the light of thy Lord, the Protector, the Holy, the Mighty, the Inaccessible. Blessed art thou for having remained steadfast in thy love for thy Lord, and for having occupied thyself with His remembrance, His praise and His service. He is verily the All-Seeing, the All-Informed. We behold thee and hear from thee that wherewith thou dost praise thy Lord. We give thee glad tidings of the bounty of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Beauteous. The glory of God rest upon thee and upon those who are with thee, from God, the Lord of all worlds.

BH08317: The vibration of the Word of God hath so…

He is the Expositor, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Great!

The vibration of the Word of God hath so seized all things that the leaves on the trees have been set in motion, yet the people understand not. We have adorned the heaven of utterance with the stars of Our Lord’s will, the Mighty, the Wise. Among the people are those who walk in perplexity and grief, and among them are those whom joy hath so seized that they have detached themselves from all things seen and unseen. They walk upon the earth with the dignity and tranquility of God, such that the hosts of those who have denied God, the Lord of the seen and unseen, cannot hinder them. Thy mention hath been made before the Wronged One while He was in this forbidden place, and He hath revealed for thee that whereby thy remembrance shall endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven. Be thou steadfast in the Cause, for the clamorer raiseth his clamor throughout the land. This is what We had previously informed the servants. Verily thy Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

BH08073: We sent forth ʿAli in truth to bring glad…

He is the Rememberer, the Manifest, the Speaker, the Trustworthy!

We sent forth ʿAli in truth to bring glad tidings to mankind of this Most Great Revelation, by which all who are in the heavens and on earth were thunderstruck, save whom thy Lord did choose, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. The pillars of the divines were shaken by this Youth, and the limbs of the peoples trembled at this Great Name.

He spoke, while seated upon the Throne:

“There is no God but Me, the Most High, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.”

Blessed art thou for having drunk the choice wine of everlasting life from the hands of the bounty of thy Lord, the Most Glorious, and for having heard this most sweet call which hath been raised from this Prison, which God hath made the Supreme Horizon amidst mankind and the Seat of the Throne, despite those who knew God’s bounty then denied it by following every remote divine.

Give thanks unto God for having been mentioned at the Most Sublime Horizon, this noble station.

BH08128: O ʿAli! The Pen of God hath made mention…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great

O ʿAli! The Pen of God hath made mention of thee in recent years. God willing, thou must succeed in accomplishing such a deed as will cause thy remembrance to endure in the divine Kingdom. Fear not, neither be thou grieved by anyone. Act with wisdom, for verily He will protect thee in truth. Thy Lord is, in truth, the All-Protecting, the Almighty.

In this Day, should any soul manifest a deed purely for the sake of God, it is better than the deeds of a thousand years. Thus doth the All-Merciful teach thee that thou mayest be among them that know.

The drops from the ocean of forgiveness have ever been and shall continue to be directed towards the friends. However, all must fix their gaze upon the divine commandments and act in accordance with that which they have been bidden. Thus doth the Most Great Announcement inform you. Verily, He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Grieve not at separation, for He ordaineth for whomsoever He willeth the reward of attaining His presence. Verily thy Lord is the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

BH08118: O Husayn! We heard thy call and thy petition…

In the name of the one God!

O Husayn! We heard thy call and thy petition was read before the Throne. God willing, through the outpourings of the clouds of divine favor and the drops from the ocean of heavenly bounty, thou shalt remain steadfast in the Cause of God.

For every precious and valuable thing has its thieves lying in wait. The love of God is more desirable and valuable than all the jewels of the earth, such that all the pearls of the world’s seas and precious stones and mines, both known and unknown, cannot and will never compare with it.

This unique gem, which is the love of God, must be preserved from thieves and traitors through His Most Great Name. For in most lands, clamor has been raised and the croaking of the ravens has become manifest and evident. God willing, may all be preserved from the craft and deception of the satans of the earth.

BH08333: Your letter hath come before Our face, and We…

He is the Most Great, the Most Glorious!

Your letter hath come before Our face, and We have answered you with that whereby your remembrance shall endure throughout the eternity of God, the Lord of the worlds. Blessed are ye for having turned towards the Most Glorious Horizon and believed in God, the Single One, the All-Informed. We have read the letter and have sent down these verses which are incomparable with whatsoever existeth in the heavens and earths. Ye must at all times render thanks unto the Best-Beloved of the worlds, that He hath enabled you to turn towards Him and aided you to mention and praise Him. How many souls are today veiled from the Truth and deprived of this most exalted station! Praise be to God that ye have attained thereunto and have drunk from the sealed wine. At all times beseech ye God for steadfastness. Verily He ordaineth for you whatsoever ye have desired from Him and guardeth you from those who have denied God, the Mighty, the Wise.

BH08133: O handmaidens of God! Mention of you hath been…

In the Name of the Lord of all worlds!

O handmaidens of God! Mention of you hath been made before the Throne and this Tablet hath been revealed in response. May ye be occupied at all times with the remembrance of the Beloved of all worlds. The call of those men and women who have turned unto Him hath been and continues to be heard. Not an atom escapeth His knowledge—verily He is the All-Knowing, the All-Encompassing. And this very Tablet beareth witness that the grace of God hath encompassed and will continue to encompass His loved ones. Blessed are ye both, for ye have attained unto that which most men have failed to attain. How many were the souls who claimed knowledge of God yet remained deprived of this exalted and glorious Cause. Well is it with you both and with whosoever hath attained unto this Cause, before which all who are in the heavens and on earth have bowed down in submission. Be not grieved at anything, for that which shall profit you hath been ordained for you. Verily, He is the Ordainer, the All-Wise.

BH08789: A mention from Us to him who desires…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious

A mention from Us to him who desires to drink the living waters from the hands of his Lord’s bounty, the All-Merciful, and to be numbered among those who have attained. We have heard mention of thy remembrance and thy turning unto Him, and have sent down for thee the verses and dispatched them unto thee, that thou mayest be of the thankful. Be thou grateful to God for having aided thee to recognize Him and to hear His most sweet call when He appeared between earth and heaven and spoke forth the Most Exalted Word, that men might become among those who are endowed with true understanding. Among the people are those who heard but answered not, and among them are those who hastened unto the Dawning-Place of Revelation with manifest humility. Blessed art thou for having turned thy face unto thy Lord after the turning away of all who are on earth, save those whom God did rescue through His grace from His presence. He, verily, is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous.

BH09039: Consider the grace and favor of God, and reflect…

In the Name of the One Friend!

Consider the grace and favor of God, and reflect upon it, that perchance thou mayest become aware of a drop from the ocean of generosity. Despite having bestowed sublime and wondrous Tablets, He hath once again adorned the beginning of thy letter with the crown of a new mention. Be thou grateful and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Beloved of them that know! Be not grieved by the events that have transpired, for they flow according to what hath been ordained in the Book. They who are today turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon and have attained the recognition of the Lord of Names are accounted before God as the most wealthy among His servants. Hold fast unto the cord of kinship with God, and cleave unto Him and seek His mediation. In childhood this verse was heard:

“When I have Thee I have all; naught else do I need.”

BH08898: The pens of earth are powerless to describe divine…

In the Name of the One Forgiving God!

The pens of earth are powerless to describe divine forgiveness, and the tongues of the peoples of the world have been and will forever be unable to recount His all-encompassing grace. The glances of His favors have been directed toward His loved ones. Be assured of the grace of your Ancient Lord.

The names of all were mentioned in the Most Great Scene, and for each one the Sun of Favors has dawned from the horizon of divine providence. All must be thankful for this supreme grace and infinite bounty. The breezes of forgiveness have wafted upon you from the paradise of the mercy of your Lord, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate.

However, all must observe the divine ordinances. By My life! They will benefit you and will bring you to a station that cannot be described in words. Glory be upon you and upon those who have believed in God, the Mighty, the Helper.

BH09220: Hearken unto the Call. By God, this…

He is the Most High, the All-Powerful, the Most Glorious

Hearken unto the Call. By God, this is a Call through which the atoms of dust were stirred by reason of the fragrant breaths of the revelation of thy Lord, the Most High, the Great. When the Tongue of Revelation speaketh, all things speak therewith and proclaim that there is none other God but Him, the Speaker, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Give thanks unto God for having turned toward thee the countenance of the Ancient One from this noble horizon. Hold thou fast unto the sure handle and put thy trust in God, the Lord of all worlds. Verily He remembereth whoso hath turned unto Him and feedeth whoso hath set his face toward His luminous horizon. By God, the heavenly table hath been sent down, yet most of the people are heedless. Take it in the name of thy Lord and say: Praise be unto Thee, O God of all who are in the heavens and on earth.

BH09412: The Pen testifies that there is none other God…

He is the Mighty, the Wondrous!

The Pen testifies that there is none other God but Me, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. The Tongue testifies that there is none other God but Me, the Mighty, the Beloved. God bears witness to that which My Tongue has testified, that there is none other God but Me, the Mighty, the Invincible.

O My handmaiden! Hearken unto My call from the horizon of My loving-kindness—verily it guides thee to My straight path. By My life! Whoso attains to hearing My call with true hearing, the hosts of the world shall not prevent him, nor shall the might of the oppressors frighten him.

Thus has the Pen spoken while the Ancient Beauty was reclining in this exalted castle. The glory be upon thee and upon every handmaiden who has heard, turned unto, and answered her Lord, the Mighty, the Bountiful.

BH09414: God testifieth that there is none other God but…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great!

God testifieth that there is none other God but He, the Sovereign, the Self-Subsisting. His is the power and grandeur, and His is the bounty and the Word whereby all who are in the heavens and on earth were thunderstruck, save those whom the hand of His grace, the Mighty, the Powerful, did rescue.

We have remembered every servant who hath turned towards My supreme horizon and every handmaiden who hath won mention of the name of her Lord, the Mighty, the Wise. Be thou thankful and praise thy Lord for having been remembered before the Wronged One whilst He was in this glorious station.

My mercy hath preceded all created things and My grace hath encompassed the worlds. Place thy trust in God in all matters. Verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer.

Glory be upon those handmaidens who have heard and turned towards God, the Mighty, the Praised.

BH09315: Know thou with certainty that God, exalted and glorified…

In the Name of the Beloved of the World!

Know thou with certainty that God, exalted and glorified be He, hath singled out receptive souls for His wondrous favor, and the fruits of their acceptance will soon be made manifest in the earth. Place thy trust in Him in all matters. Verily He ordaineth for His loved ones that which profiteth them. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.

In this Day steadfastness is greatly beloved, as is acting in accordance with what We have revealed in the Book. Blessed art thou for having praised the Wronged One, against Whom heedless servants have risen up. We ordain for whosoever hath turned purely for the sake of God that which shall cause his mention to endure throughout the Kingdom of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

The glory be upon thee and upon whosoever uttereth mention of My Name, the Exile, the Unique One. And praise be to God, the Mighty, the All-Praised.

BH09623: O mother of ʿAli! We have mentioned thee time…

He is the All-Powerful, the Most Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed

O mother of ʿAli! We have mentioned thee time after time, and this is yet another time, that thou mayest give thanks unto thy Lord, the Holy, the Mighty, the Loving. Be thou thankful that God hath aided thee in a Cause which He hath placed above the hearts of the idolaters. When We were seated upon the throne and speaking forth the verses of His own Self, at that time did My Glorious and Wondrous Pen turn towards thee and thy children, and We made mention of thee in this Tablet whereby the Concourse on High were gladdened and all things were moved with joy through this Wise Remembrance. The glory be upon thee and upon them and upon those who have attained, and stood firm, and drunk, and heard, and responded on this Day which was promised in the Books of Heaven and inscribed in My Preserved Tablet.

BH09998: From the Most Great Prison the glance…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious

From the Most Great Prison the glance of the favor of the Lord of Eternity hath been and will continue to be directed towards His loved ones. O Ali, the Most Exalted Pen counseleth thee and the other souls who have turned towards Him to be steadfast and to engage in that which will, in this Day, cause the exaltation of the Word of God. If those who claim to love God had acted in accordance with that which hath been revealed from the Most Exalted Pen, assuredly most of the peoples of the earth would have turned towards the Most Glorious Horizon. Blessed is he who hath arisen to act in such wise that the fragrance of sanctity hath been wafted therefrom throughout the world. We testify that he is among the faithful and the sincere ones.

BH10002: The Wronged One of the horizons declares: Your call…

He is the All-Knowing, the All-Speaking

The Wronged One of the horizons declares: Your call was heard and your letter was seen. God willing, may you attain to the lofty station of steadfastness, for false claimants have appeared and will appear in certain lands. Today two matters are most great before the Divine Throne: steadfastness and acting according to what the All-Merciful has revealed in the Book. God willing, may all attain to these two and shine forth bright and luminous from the horizon of steadfastness like the morning star. We convey greetings to all the handmaidens of God and counsel them with what has been mentioned, that perchance in the days of God they may act according to His Command and attain to His good-pleasure.

BH10391: The Divine Call is raised in all times…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great

The Divine Call is raised in all times, and the Supreme Pen speaks in every moment. This Pen has been and will ever be the Will of God, exalted and glorified be He, and it declares: O ye who have turned towards God! Today is the day of certitude and deeds, not the day of conjecture and doubt. The friends of God must act upon the commandments revealed in the Book of God with perfect steadfastness and assurance. Glory be unto him who follows that which the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Tablets. Thus hath the Tongue spoken in the Kingdom of Utterance that ye may be among those who act.

BH10201: O maidservant of God! Your letter was received before…

In the Name of the One Friend!

O maidservant of God! Your letter was received before the Wronged One. God willing, through divine grace and the All-Merciful’s bounty, mayest thou be forever and always oriented toward the horizon of grace and dwelling beneath the shade of the Divine Lote Tree. The eye of God’s loving-kindness is turned toward His loved ones, and He counseleth all to such deeds, actions and utterances as will cause the exaltation of God’s Cause, and whose very performance will testify to their sanctity and detachment from whatsoever is contrary to the Book of God. Ask thy Lord to aid all to achieve that which He loveth and approveth.

BH10233: We gave the glad tidings of this blessed Day…

In the Name of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Powerful!

We gave the glad tidings of this blessed Day to all men aforetime, yet when it dawned from the horizon of God’s Will, most of the servants were found heedless and turned away. Blessed is the soul that hath recognized and inhaled the fragrant breathings of the days of its Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

God willing, the reward of attaining His presence shall be recorded in the Book for His loved ones—that is, for those souls who with perfect steadfastness have turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon.

Grieve not at the distance, for between Us stand heedless servants. Ask God to remove the veil. Verily, He is the Almighty, the Powerful, the All-Wise.