Volume 056: Akka 1294 A.H. (1877) (2 of 3)

BH10382: Thy letter was present before the Throne and attained…

In the Name of the Beloved of the world

Thy letter was present before the Throne and attained the notice of the Lord of Names. As a bounty, We adorned its beginning with divine, sublime and wondrous verses, that thou mayest know with certainty that He remembers whoso remembereth Him, and turneth unto whoso turneth unto Him, and directeth His attention unto whoso hath set his face toward His shining horizon.

Convey My greetings to all the friends in that land. Today all must fix their gaze upon the divine ordinances and act in accordance with whatsoever hath been revealed in the Most Holy Book. This will profit you in all the worlds of your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

BH10567: Praise be to the Best-Beloved of the worlds…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great!

Praise be to the Best-Beloved of the worlds, that ye have attained unto His recognition and turned towards the horizon of His Cause. Know ye the value of this bounty and be ye engaged at all times in His mention and praise.

Your call was heard purely through His grace, and an answer was revealed from the horizon of the Prison, that ye might inhale from its words the fragrance of the divine Raiment and remain steadfast in His Cause. He, verily, is the Counselor, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

BH10790: O maid-servant of God! May you act, at all…

In the name of the kind Friend!

O maid-servant of God! May you act, at all times, according to that which hath been commanded from the presence of the Most Merciful, and remain turned toward the horizon of His grace.

Seek steadfastness from God, for verily the satans lie in ambush for the servants with utmost craftiness and ever have done so.

Say: O my God! Protect me beneath the shadow of Thy supreme loving-kindness. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH10785: We have heard your call, and the Ancient Countenance…

In the Name of God, the Most Holy, the Most Great!

We have heard your call, and the Ancient Countenance has been and will continue to be turned from the Most Great Prison toward His loved ones. We beseech God to enable all to act according to His love and good-pleasure.

Give thanks unto thy Lord for having remembered thee as a bounty from Him. Verily, He is the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

BH10860: The Supreme Pen hath repeatedly and successively remembered ʿAli-i-Marfu’…

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

The Supreme Pen hath repeatedly and successively remembered ʿAli-i-Marfu’. Blessed is he in that he hath heard and turned unto God, and hath attained and rendered thanks unto his Lord, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. In all conditions fix your gaze upon the Self-Sufficing Lord and hold fast unto the cord of His grace and cling to the hem of His bounty. Verily He is the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth. There is none other God but Him, the Most Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH10996: Today the friends of God must act in accordance…

In the Name of the One God!

Today the friends of God must act in accordance with that which hath been sent down from the heaven of His everlasting Command. Blessed is he who hath attained unto that which he hath been commanded in the Mighty Book. We have heard thy call, and have adorned the head of thy letter with these sublime words: Be thou thankful unto thy Lord, the Bestower, the Bountiful.

BH11131: The Ancient Countenance from the Most Great Prison hath…

In the Name of the one God

The Ancient Countenance from the Most Great Prison hath turned and continueth to turn toward His loved ones. Blessed is he who hath arisen to serve the Cause and hath done that which he was bidden in the Book of God, the Lord of the worlds. We have heard thy call and have answered thee with this Tablet that thou mayest give thanks unto thy Lord, the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous.

BH11083: Well is it with thee, for thy letter hath…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great!

Well is it with thee, for thy letter hath attained unto the presence of the Throne, as the Wronged One walketh and uttereth the verses of God, the Lord of all worlds. We make mention of thee as a token of Our grace, that thou mayest give thanks unto thy Lord, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. Wert thou to know, thou wouldst soar upon the wings of longing by virtue of thy having been mentioned by this wondrous Pen.

BH10998: The Most Exalted Pen proclaims: There is none other…

He is the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious

The Most Exalted Pen proclaims: There is none other God but Me, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. Bear thou witness to that which God hath testified in this blessed Tablet. Blessed art thou for having been remembered in the Most Great Prison by this Beloved Pen. The glory rest upon thee and upon whosoever hath heard the call and responded to his Lord, the Mighty, the All-Loving.

BH11373: Among other things, let them consider the blessed Surih…

Among other things, let them consider the blessed Surih of the Temple, some portions of which were sent from the Land of Mystery to Iraq, while other parts were dispatched after arrival in the Most Great Prison…

BH00316: Lawh-i-Jawhar-i-Hamd I

Section 1: “The essence of praise and the pure crystal…”

He is the Most Great Name, the All-Evident, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed!

The essence of praise and the pure crystal of glorification beseemeth the hallowed court of that Beloved One Who hath ever been sanctified beyond the loftiest description of all created things and Who shall forever remain exalted above the most sublime mention of all beings. His sanctified Being transcendeth the understanding of the wise, the comprehension of the learned, and whatsoever the people of utterance speak. He hath been from all eternity a hidden Mystery and a treasured Secret. None hath known Him, and no soul hath fathomed His reality. Thus hath it been aforetime, and thus shall it be evermore. There is none other God but He, Who speaketh from the blessed Tree upon the elevated Mount in the holy and single Spot: “Verily, I am God; there is none other God but Me.”

Though the tongues of creation have, from time immemorial, spoken His praise and uttered His glorious mention, We testify that He hath never been described, mentioned, or praised. For whatsoever can be conceived or contemplated in creation hath been and shall ever be His handiwork. Exalted, immeasurably exalted, is He above being described by aught else, and sanctified, immeasurably sanctified, is He above being praised by other than Himself or being mentioned by any save Him. And when that Ancient Ocean desired to be known, He created the heavens and the earth through the blessed and primal Word which shone forth from the dayspring of the Will of the Lord of Oneness. This Word hath in one place been referred to as “Be and it is,” yet in the sight of them that have quaffed from the Kawthar of utterance and sought the Yemen of knowledge, that Word hath been and shall ever be the Manifestation itself.

He, in His own Essence, is sanctified above manifestation, appearance, ascent, descent, mention, utterance, knowledge, witnessing and vision. No vision can encompass Him, but He encompasseth all vision, and He is the Subtle, the All-Informed. And if it be said that the Will is itself the Manifestation and that a word hath appeared from it, this is the truth in which there is no doubt.

Blessed are they who have purified their ears from the sayings of the peoples of the world, for unpurified ears were not and will never be worthy of hearkening unto the Word of God. As is evident, He Who conversed with God calleth out in the Most Great Name amongst the nations with the most exalted call, yet souls remain veiled from Him and deprived of the sweetness of divine utterance. They have ears but hear not therewith, and hearts but understand not therewith.

This blessed Primal Word hath been designated by all the goodly names. He is the Straight Path and the Mighty News. He is the Dawning-Place of God’s Cause and the Dayspring of His divine revelation. He is the Sure Handle and the Supreme Horizon. He is the Manifestation of God amidst all else beside Him.

All that which creation hath heard and become enabled to know and comprehend hath been taken from that Source of divine wisdom and that Dayspring of celestial knowledge. For had that Primal Manifestation and that all-embracing Divine Word not spoken concerning the oneness of the Ancient Being and the Most Great Sea and His knowledge, none would have attained unto the recognition of that sanctified Being Who is the Cause and Purpose of creation. He is the Most Great Gate and the Most Straight Path, the Primal Point and the Most Exalted Word, the Divine Lote-Tree and the Ultimate End. Were it not for Him, no one would have known God and none would have become aware of Him. All the knowledge of those who know, the understanding of the sincere ones, the remembrances of those near unto God, and the descriptions of those who describe, return unto this station.

For the recognition of His Self is the recognition of God, His commandments are God’s commandments, His utterance is God’s utterance, and His word is the Word of God. Whoso turneth away from Him hath turned away from God, and whoso turneth unto Him hath turned unto God. No one’s knowledge and deeds are accepted save through His love and good-pleasure, His command and will. He is the Manifestation of ʿHe doeth whatsoever He willeth’ in the kingdom of creation, and He is the fulfillment of that which the All-Merciful hath sent down in the Qur’an:

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

By God the Truth! The morn hath truly dawned and the night hath departed, and this is God’s remembrance unto mankind. This is the day wherein sight is dazzled and the moon is eclipsed, and man hath no refuge or rest save for him who hath laid hold on God’s cord, the Lord of Destiny. This is the day whereon the Spirit and the angels stand arrayed; none shall speak save him whom the All-Merciful permitteth. This is the day whereon the unbeliever shall say “Would that I were dust!”

This Most Great, Most Exalted Manifestation and Most Sublime, Most Glorious Appearance hath appeared in every age and epoch under a different name. He is the Sun of Truth which shineth forth from the horizon of grace. Through His appearance the Hidden Treasure is revealed, meaning His manifestation is itself the manifestation of God amongst His servants. For were He not to appear, that Hidden Treasure would remain concealed forever and none would inhale the fragrance of His knowledge or attain unto the oneness of His sacred Being. Through Him doth He try all the peoples of the earth. His word, exalted is He:

“Do men think when they say ʿWe believe’ they shall be left unchallenged?”

He is the true Balance between creation, and by Him are all the peoples of the earth brought to account. He is the Eye of God and the Ear of God and the Tongue of God and the Manifestation of God.

Whenever the fragrance of God perfumed the world and the breeze of God wafted and the Sun of Truth dawned from the horizon of grace, all people rose up in rejection and protest, and with the utmost effort and striving attempted to extinguish the light of God, as is recorded in the books and as most have witnessed, except for those souls who shut their eyes to all else but God and turned to the Kawthar of the knowledge of the All-Merciful. These indeed are honored servants, these indeed are sincere servants, these indeed are humble servants who speak not until He hath spoken and who act by His command. The rejecters and protesters each cling to the cord of their vain imaginings and turn away from the Sovereign of the throne of “He doeth whatsoever He willeth.” Some are deprived of the Most Great Announcement through mention of prophethood, some remain barred from the dominion of God through mention of successorship, and some are veiled from the Dawning Place of God’s Cause through mention of divinity.

As can be observed, the followers of the Torah and Gospel and some of the peoples who possess a Book remain far from the river of life and the outpourings of the All-Merciful through mention of prophethood and divinity and what they possess. “Thinkest thou that most of them hear or understand? They are but as the cattle—nay, more misguided still.”[Q25:44] Most wondrous of all is he who said that He Who appeared had claimed divinity for Himself and thereby disbelieved in God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Say: O thou that art dumb, hast thou not heard the call of God from the upraised Tree upon the luminous spot that there is no God but Him? Reflect and be not of those who hear but understand not. Say: All names are but creation in His kingdom and He is sanctified above them, would ye but perceive. All names are within His mighty grasp and all things were created by His command. Blessed is he who reflects upon the handiwork of God and witnesses what His Essence hath witnessed unto His Essence—that there is no God but Him, the Powerful, the Exalted, the Mighty, the Loving.

O people! Ponder the words of God, then judge with fairness concerning Him Who hath appeared with the truth and Who calleth the sovereign and the subject unto God, the Lord of what was and what shall be. Cast aside what ye possess of images and likenesses and suspicions and idle fancies, and turn with your hearts to the Truth, the Knower of all that is hidden. By God! Neither your ornaments, nor the knowledge of your learned ones, nor the wisdom of your mystics shall profit you. Cast aside what ye possess and take what hath been given you from before God, the Possessor of the Unseen and the Seen. Unto him who heareth, it shall be to his benefit, and unto him who heareth not, it shall be to his detriment. He is indeed self-sufficient from all eternity. To this testify all atoms, would ye but hear. Whoso is for God, God shall be for him, and whoso turneth away shall have no portion of this sealed nectar.

Section 2: “Although the blessed Sermon of Tanjih, which has…”

Although the blessed Sermon of Tanjih, which has dawned from the horizon of the heaven of absolute guardianship, was expounded in the most wondrous Persian tongue—since from the Persian utterances which, by divine permission, have flowed from the Pen of Truth, the meaning of the aforementioned sermon can be largely understood—blessed are they who gaze with penetrating eyes upon the revealed words and reflect thereon. Assuredly will the virgin mysteries of divine knowledge, secluded in the mansions of the comprehensive words of the Lord, be reflected in the mirrors of their hearts, and they shall attain unto that which is intended. Blessed are they who behold, blessed are they who perceive, and happy are they who attain!

The intention of His Holiness (may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake) in mentioning the sermon was this blessed word wherein He says:

“Expect ye the Speaker of Moses to appear from the Tree upon the Mount.”

This word is as the pivot around which revolve the millstones of wisdom and utterance. Through this word He gave glad tidings of the Manifestation of God to all the peoples of the world. Should anyone deny this station, he hath denied the Truth itself. In those days He spoke inwardly, and now He speaketh outwardly. Yet weak eyes afflicted with the ophthalmia of vain imaginings perceive it not, and ears that hear not are not blessed with hearkening to the words of the Lord of all beings.

Today the Speaker of Moses hath appeared and proclaimeth “Verily I am God,” and regarding this station He said to Kumayl ibn Ziyad an-Nakha’i: “Extinguish the lamp, for the morn hath dawned”—meaning, extinguish the lamp of doubt and questioning, for verily the dawn of truth hath appeared. It is clear and evident that after the rising of the Sun of Truth, to question concerning It would be vain, like one who, after the appearance of the sun, should ask “Where is the sun?” and “Where can it be found?” This station appeareth and shall appear after the dissolution of vain imaginings and the rending of the veils. This is the station wherein He saith: “His proof is His signs, and His being is His revelation.” This is the station of “He is He” that is mentioned in the noble tradition. This utterance is confirmed by the word of God, exalted be His glory, which saith: “Say: ʿGod!’ then leave them to their vain discourse.”

Should anyone reflect purely for the sake of God upon that which hath been mentioned, and look with the eye of fairness, he will become detached from the world and all that dwell therein, and will turn with his whole being to the lights of the divine countenance. The verses of the Qur’an and the traditions handed down concerning the mention of this station are numerous. For the sake of brevity, we have confined ourselves to this much. Verily, He guideth whom He willeth unto the straight path.

His word, exalted is He:

“God is He Who raised the heavens without pillars that ye can see; then He established Himself upon the throne of authority, and subjected the sun and the moon; each one runneth unto an appointed term; He ordereth all things. He showeth His signs distinctly, that ye may be assured of the meeting with your Lord.”

There hath been and there is no doubt that the Ancient Essence, with Its attribute of absolute invisibility, hath been and ever shall be sanctified from manifestation and appearance, and none shall attain unto It save during the days of the appearance of the Divine Manifestations and the Fountainhead of heavenly knowledge. Whosoever hath attained unto Him hath attained unto the meeting with God. And today, when the Sun of Truth is at its zenith and the river of reunion is flowing and surging forth, most are seen to be deprived thereof, wandering thirsty and bewildered in the wilderness of error.

Some among the people who have not drunk from the Kawthar of divine knowledge and remain heedless of the ocean of inner meanings have interpreted the divine presence mentioned in the blessed verse as meaning His revelation on the Day of Resurrection. But the discerning sage perceives that what they have said is mere fancy, for they have neither understood the Resurrection nor grasped its meaning. The Resurrection is the arising of the Manifestation of God Himself to establish His Cause. He is the Self-Subsisting, the All-Compelling, the Guardian over all that is in the heavens and on earth.

O people of the earth! In truth I say, this Day has no equal nor likeness. This is the Day of pure deeds, the Day of revelation and divine presence. Strive that ye may receive a portion of God’s infinite bounties, and be not among those of whom He says: “They behold the grace of God, yet they deny it.” Know ye this much: that the Hidden Mystery has not been, nor will be, revealed save through the Manifestation of His Cause. For were it not for the Divine Manifestations and the Daysprings of His Revelation giving tidings of the treasured Mystery, no one would ever be aware of it. To this testifies every mystic who has ascended the steps of justice to the kingdom of utterance.

It is most evident that this Wronged One in prison has had and has no desire of His own, but speaks by God’s Will and moves by His Purpose. He summons all to truth and, despite countless afflictions, grievous calamities, the oppression of the oppressors, and the chains of the captors, has not been and will not be hindered. Through God’s grace, He continually guides the people of creation to the Most Exalted Horizon. All that has been mentioned and continues to be mentioned is according to the capacity of the people, else the ocean of utterance has […] which none has comprehended save God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Were worthy souls to be found, a drop from that ocean would be bestowed.

Now it remains concealed and treasured in the divine repository of knowledge and veiled in the heaven of God’s Will. O servants! Hearken unto the counsel of the faithful counselor and in these fleeting days acquire eternal blessings. The world is and has ever been transient. Set not your hearts upon it, and deprive not yourselves of that which is with God because of it. Be not among those of whom He says: “When they see a sign they turn away and say: ʿThis is continuous sorcery.”’ And likewise He says: “Thou seest the people therein prostrate, as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees.”

I conclude with that to which God Himself has testified: There is no God but Him, and He Who has appeared speaks by My command and calls the people purely for My sake, and strengthens them through My Name and reminds them through My remembrance. He has borne hardships in My path and accepted imprisonment for the exaltation of My Cause. Whosoever turns to Him has turned to My Face, and whosoever has heard from Him has heard from Me, and whosoever attains His presence has attained My presence, and whosoever acknowledges Him has acknowledged My sovereignty, and whosoever has seen Him has seen Me, and whosoever denies Him has denied Me, and whosoever turns away from Him has turned away from Me and disbelieved in My proof and disputed My signs and warred against My sovereignty and denied My favor and associated partners with My Self, the All-Compelling over the worlds. Glory be unto those who have turned to the Countenance and have testified to that which God has testified. These are the lamps of guidance among creation. Upon them pray the Concourse on High and the people of this exalted and glorious station. Praise be to God, the Lord of the visible and invisible, and the Lord of all the worlds.

BH00230: The Command belongeth unto God Who stayed His Most…

Section 1: “The Command belongeth unto God Who stayed His…”

He is the Speaker in the Kingdom of Remembrance and Utterance!

The Command belongeth unto God Who stayed His Most Exalted Pen for certain known months due to the darkening of the horizon of trustworthiness by that which the hands of creation had wrought. When the time was fulfilled and the appointed hour came, He moved it with the fingers of power that it might course through the realms of remembrance and utterance and race in the field of knowledge and wisdom. Blessed be the All-Merciful Who both restraineth and releaseth; when He restraineth it the Concourse on High lamenteth, and when He releaseth it all who dwell in the kingdoms of eternity are stirred, the branches of the Lote-Tree beyond which there is no passing sway, and the boughs of the trees in the cities of names stretch forth.

Verily it is the Horseman of Remembrance Whom neither the cawing of the wicked nor the braying of the evil ones can hinder. He gallops and courses, calling out in the most exalted voice between earth and heaven, for God hath made Him a spirit unto the Concourse on High and a light unto the kingdom of creation. He is indeed the Ornament whereby the world hath been adorned and the fragrance of the garment hath been diffused amongst the peoples. I beseech the Lord of Eternity to acquaint His servants with the excellence of this Day for which no likeness hath been ordained in creation and no peer in invention.

I glorify and pray for those who have turned their faces unto God, the Creator of heaven, whose hearts have faced the Most Exalted Horizon, whose tongues have spoken in remembrance of God, the Sovereign of Names, and whose breasts have been dilated by the breezes of this Day which God hath made the Dawning-Place of His Name whereby the back of idols was broken and the pillars of vain imaginings were made to tremble. There is no God but He, the Powerful, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

And further: this servant hath attained unto your letter and found therein that which made me joyous, for it was adorned with the remembrance of God and His praise, and embellished with that which beseemeth you in His days. When the fragrance of love seized me from the waftings of your ink, I ascended and appeared before God, the Lord of creation, and presented what was therein. Then the Tongue of Grandeur spoke, glorified be His majesty:

“O Asad! We were walking in the House when the servant in attendance before the Throne appeared with thy letter and presented it before the Face. When it was complete We sent down the answer from the heaven of Will and Power that thou mightest be thankful and be of them that attain. My Most Exalted Pen beareth witness that thou didst turn, didst hear, wast present, didst recognize, didst see, and didst attain unto the presence of God, and He is the Witness. Behold then remember when We caused thee to hear My call, showed thee My countenance, and made thee witness My beauty, and I am the Beautiful One. Do the affairs of the world grieve thee after thou hast reached the shore of the ocean of joy while I am the Sorrowful One? Thou art he who hath drunk the choice wine of reunion from the hand of thy Lord’s bounty and hast attained unto the most great gladness. Thy Lord is indeed the Great One. Give thanks unto God for having aided thee and granted thee His presence. He is indeed the One promised in the books of old. Thy Lord is verily the All-Knowing. Be thou a servant unto the Cause of thy Lord. By the life of God, this is better for thee than all that is on earth. Thus doth My Pen teach thee and I am the All-Informed. He hath ordained for thee through His grace that which will gladden thy heart. Thy Lord is verily the All-Bountiful.”

Your words have been heard, and all that flowed from the Pen in praise of the Lord of Names was observed. God willing, ye shall speak forth the mention of Truth with consummate wisdom and utterance in all conditions, and be occupied in His service. Praise be to God, through the wondrous favors of God thou hast attained the Most Holy Court, and the Supreme Pen hath voiced such loving-kindness as shall endure throughout the kingdoms of earth and heaven. Keep it ever before thine eyes and preserve it as thou wouldst thy very life. At this hour service to the Cause is most essential and is the most excellent of all deeds. God willing, thou hast been and shalt continue to be assisted therein. Verily He seeth and heareth, and He is the Manifest Truth.

As to what thou didst write concerning His honor Mirza Ali-Akbar, upon him be the Glory of God, after his circumstances were presented, the Sun of loving-kindness rose above the horizon of grace. He—exalted be His glory—saith: O Ali! Blessed art thou in that thou hast heard the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree and the flowing of the Water of Life in the Kingdom of Creation. Hold fast unto the Sure Handle and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of Names, for having made me to know Thee and to hear Thy voice, and for honoring me with Thy recognition after most of Thy creatures remained heedless thereof. I beseech Thee, O King of Kings and Ruler of the realms above, to make me attracted to Thy verses, detached from all else but Thee, and celebrating Thy praise amidst Thy servants with that wisdom which Thou hast commanded me in Thy Book. Verily Thou art the Almighty over whatsoever Thou willest through Thy name, the All-Powerful.

Render thanks unto God that thou hast been mentioned in the Most Great Prison, and thy Lord, the Ancient One, Who proclaimeth with the most exalted Voice, hath made mention of thee, saying: There is none other God but Him, the Speaker, and I am the All-Hearing.

And the names of the friends that were mentioned in thy letter were presented one by one, and He showed loving-kindness toward them all. His word, exalted be His majesty: O Asad! The One, the Single, mentioneth thee with verses from which fountains of wisdom have gushed forth among all creatures, that thou mayest rejoice and thank thy All-Knowing Lord. O ʿAli-Qabli-Naqi! Thou hast been mentioned before the Throne and this is yet another time. Say: O Lord of Names! Praise be unto Thee for having made me to know Thee, honored me and mentioned me. I beseech Thee to make me steadfast in Thy love in such wise that the allusions of those who have disbelieved in Thee shall not cause me to slip when Thou didst come unto them from the heaven of Command with manifest sovereignty.

O Muhammad! Hearken unto that which the Wronged One calleth unto thee, making mention of thee from this noble station. Give thanks for having drunk from the Kawthar of utterance while most of those on earth turned away therefrom. Say: O my God, the All-Merciful! I beseech Thee to assist me in that which will exalt Thy mention and cause my mention to endure throughout the kingdom of Thy mighty dominion.

O My Name beginning with J! The face of thy Lord hath turned toward thee from this spot which God hath adorned with the ornament of His Most Great Name, whereby the nations were shaken except such as thy Lord, the Almighty, willed. Be thou firm, then steadfast, in such wise that every weak one may gain strength thereby, every remote one draw nigh, every sorrowful one be gladdened, and every doubtful soul attain certitude. We have mentioned thee time and again that thou mayest arise to serve the Cause and make mention of thy Praiseworthy Lord.

O Abu-Turab! The All-Bountiful maketh mention of thee. By God! How sweet is your mention and your call, and how glorious is your Lord’s hearing of you! Be ye thankful unto God for having made you to be among those who have attained.

O Hasan! We make mention of thee out of Our grace. Hearken and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of Names, for having honored me, aided me, and bestowed upon me that which most of Thy creatures have neglected. Verily Thou art the Forgiving, the Merciful.

We make mention of him who hath been named Ayyub, that he may rejoice and be of them that render thanks. Thou art he that hath turned and drawn nigh and attained. To this My swift-moving Pen beareth witness. Remember when thou wert in the presence of the Throne and didst hear the call of the Wronged One, and wert of them that attained.

O My Most Exalted Pen! Make mention of him who hath been named Muhammad, who hath turned toward My Most Glorious Horizon and desired to drink the choice wine of immortality from the hand of the bounty of his Lord, the Gracious. By the life of God! Shouldst thou drink thereof in My Name, thou wouldst find the sweetness of all blessings and be seized with such intoxication from the wine of divine knowledge that thou wouldst abandon all who dwell on earth and make mention of thy Lord in such wise as to attract every heedless and remote one. We counsel thee to manifest the greater steadfastness, for the Cause is mighty, mighty indeed. Rejoice in that the Wronged One maketh mention of thee from the Most Great Prison and turneth toward thee from this remote spot.

O Yusuf! Hearken unto that which thy Lord, the Most Glorious, calleth unto thee from the Most Exalted Horizon, that His call may bring thee to such a station that thou shalt abandon all humanity and behold thyself in manifest joy. Blessed art thou for having heard and turned and made mention of thy Lord when every doubting opposer turned away. Hold fast to the cord of thy Lord’s bounty and say: I beseech Thee by Thy Self to make me steadfast in Thy Cause, seeking refuge in Thy presence and clinging to the hem of Thy luminous robe. Thus have We made mention of thee that thou mayest become aware of the favors of thy Lord and be of them that are firmly established.

We make mention at this hour of him who hath been named ʿAbdu’l-Husayn, that the rapture of the breezes of revelation may seize him on this Day whereon the Ancient King hath been established upon the Most Great Throne and proclaimeth: There is none other God but Me, the Wondrous. All the treasures of earth cannot equal that wherewith thou hast been mentioned before the Face. To this beareth witness My Most Exalted Pen and that which hath been sent down in My Preserved Tablet. Make mention of thy Lord at all times and say:

O God of all existence! I beseech Thee by Thy Name, the All-Subduing Lord of Names, to make me steadfast in Thy religion, firm in Thy love, and speaking in Thy beauteous praise. I testify that through Thee the ocean of knowledge hath surged and the fragrance of the garment hath wafted among all religions, and that Thou art He through Whose Name the heaven of utterance hath been raised up and through Whose remembrance the books of the All-Merciful have been honored. There is none other God but Thee, the Most High.

The All-Praised maketh mention of His beloved servant, that all who possess the sense of smell may perceive the fragrance of the bounties of their Gracious Lord. O beloved! We make mention of thee from the precincts of this Prison. Verily thy Lord is the Merciful. Hearken unto the verses of thy Lord and take them with the power bestowed by God and say:

Section 2: “Praise be unto Thee, O God…”

Praise be unto Thee, O God of the worlds! I beseech Thee by Thy power and Thy sovereignty and Thy majesty and Thy glory to make me one of those who have cast away the world through Thy Name, O Lord of the Ancient Days! Verily Thou art the Omnipotent over whatsoever Thou willest. Thou takest and Thou givest, and Thou art, verily, the Most Exalted, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

As to what thou didst write concerning Aqa Muhammad Big, He saith—and His Word is the truth—in these days, due to differences and upheavals and the fires of war, turning toward the Prison is not permitted. Say: O friends of the Friend! He commandeth that today all the loved ones should fix their gaze upon the horizon of unity and soar in the atmosphere of remembrance and utterance. That is, they should, in perfect unity and harmony, occupy themselves with teaching the Cause with wisdom. This hath been and shall ever be the greatest of rewards in the sight of God. Verily, He inscribeth the recompense of attainment for whomsoever He willeth. He is, in truth, the Omnipotent, the All-Powerful.

And likewise regarding Aqa Ali-Askar about whom you wrote, it was specifically mentioned before Him, and He said:

“May God reward him with the most excellent of rewards and ordain for him that which shall profit him in the world to come and in this world. Verily He is the Lord of the Throne on high and of earth below. There is none other God but Him, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”

Concerning the prisoners whom you mentioned, it was presented before His countenance and He said:

“They must not grieve over what hath befallen them in the love of God and His Cause. That which hath come upon them hath come upon Us. Thy Lord is verily the All-Informed, the All-Knowing. They who have been imprisoned in the path of God—God will assuredly assist them through His grace and will make their remembrance to endure forever in His Mighty Book. Thus have We made mention of them in the Book of him who was named ʿAli-Akbar, who attained the presence of God, the Lord of all worlds. Say: Rejoice in God’s remembrance of you. Verily, He loveth those who have borne tribulations in His path. He is, in truth, the Mighty, the Generous.”

God willing, His infinite bounties shall encompass their condition.

As for what you wrote concerning Manakji Sahib, his petition arrived from the Land of Sad, but it is not permissible for anyone to know who the sender was. It arrived quickly, and the answer was revealed from the heaven of God’s will in those same days, but its dispatch was delayed due to wisdom. Likewise regarding the petitions of this servant which had been presented to some of the friends. When the petition of the Sahib was presented before the Throne, His Holiness the Most Great Branch—may my spirit be a sacrifice for the dust of His footsteps—was present, and He was commanded to write the answer to the petition. He wrote the response, but it was not sent because in those days some Christians had risen against the Muslims and were engaged in creating mischief with the utmost craftiness and deceit, and letters were being examined by the government lest correspondence from the mischief-makers be sent abroad. For this reason and others the letter was not sent, until this time when the Sun of Permission rose and shone forth from the horizon of grace, and his answer was dispatched. God willing, may they attain unto its meanings.

O true brother and sincere friend! Beseech ye the one true God, exalted be His glory, that souls may hearken with attentive ears, and with enlightened hearts and sanctified spirits regard the divine utterances. His honor hath inquired about certain matters, among them the differences between religions. This is a subject which, were it to be revealed in detail, would surely cause upheaval among some, for most people have not drunk from the stream of the Bayan and comprehend not the meanings of what hath been sent down from the presence of the All-Merciful, nor are they aware. Most of the servants are perplexed by the differences between religions, whereas these differences have been and shall continue to be the cause of the education of souls and their advancement. For divine laws are revealed according to the requirements of the time, age and epoch. Consider, for example, the differences between hours, and observe the variations between seasons. If a person of insight reflects even briefly, he will assuredly know that these differences have been and continue to be the cause of the unity of the servants and the preservation of all who dwell in the lands.

It was formerly said: “Travel is a portion of hell.” Now if it be said: “Travel is a portion of paradise,” there would be no harm in this, for the means have changed, as can be observed today when a traveler sits in utmost comfort in a carriage and proceeds whithersoever he willeth. A person of insight perceiveth no contradiction between these two statements. Likewise, His honor hath mentioned religious beliefs and inquired which is preferred today. Though this question was not answered explicitly, implicitly all answers were sent down from the heaven of the All-Merciful’s will. God willing, may they comprehend their realities and become aware of the meanings enshrined within the chambers of words. That which is best and most acceptable today is that which is in truth the educator of the world, the illuminator of the world, and the quickener of the world.

The utterances of truth have been such that were any fair-minded person to consider this very Tablet, he would testify that it is the sovereign of utterance and the king of books, comprehending all meanings. The answers to all these questions which he hath asked have already been sent down. God knoweth that nothing remaineth that hath not been revealed in the Book. All matters and affairs have been sent down from the heaven of will—that which sufficeth all and leadeth them to perfect tranquility.

We beseech God to assist the people to comprehend that which is intended. Convey My greetings to His honor and mention that God willing, he should become illumined with the lights of divine love and attain His good-pleasure. When they attained the honor of presence in Iraq, God willing, may they be blessed with its trace and fruit. Verily He is the Manifestor of whatsoever He willeth through His sovereignty, and He is indeed the All-Powerful Manifestor.

This servant sent a copy of the Blessed Tablet revealed in honor of the Sahib, written in clear script, so that any of the friends who wish to make a copy may do so, allowing the original to remain preserved and reach its owner. While writing this petition, this thought occurred: let the friends in that land strive diligently so that the Sahib may become aware of the essential matter—namely, that the purpose of God, exalted be His glory, was not and is not conflict and strife, and God forbid, reprehensible acts and rejected deeds, the shedding of blood, plunder and seizure of people’s property. If they truly become aware of these matters and grasp the intent of what was revealed in the Book, they might then convey certain words to some souls that would bring assurance, and the noble ones and princes would comprehend this station and know that Truth is sanctified and exalted above all deficiencies.

This Cause is as evident and clear as the sun, its path manifest and its way straight. If they would ponder this comprehensive word that has flowed from the dawning-place of the Divine Pen, they would testify to the loftiness of God’s Cause and its exaltation. He, exalted be His glory, has said:

“Glory is not his who loves his country, but glory is his who loves the world.”

How far between the people and what they say, and the station of God’s Cause, the All-Protecting, the Self-Subsisting! God willing, you should remind the servants with utmost gentleness and wisdom, and exert the utmost effort and striving to unite the loved ones in that land. God knows this is what brings joy to all things. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, has counseled His loved ones in most tablets regarding love and unity, for through these the banners of victory are raised and the horizon of the Cause becomes luminous.

After your petitions were presented at the Most Holy Court and what the All-Merciful revealed in response, this servant was again summoned and He said:

“O servant present! Write to the loved ones that the Supreme Pen has never paid attention to the mention of the elixir and the knowledge thereof, nor will it ever do so. Some souls asked questions about certain statements of philosophers and others. It was observed that if an answer were not revealed, it might cause delusions. Therefore it was revealed from the Dawning-Place of Divine knowledge, and We forbade all from engaging in it. Blessed is he who has heard God’s command and restrained himself from passion. By the Sun of the horizon of knowledge! Today the greatest elixir and the essence of the world is the Word of God. Say: O friends, cast this greatest elixir upon the existence of nations in the name of the Lord of Eternity, that they might be transformed and attain to the station of the knowledge of God.”

And in this regard, brilliant, illuminating, and manifest utterances have flowed from the Supreme Pen and were sent to all regions before and after. Blessed is he who has heard the command of God, the All-Protecting, the Self-Subsisting.

O Asad! Blessed are they who gather together for the love of God and His Cause, and who reflect and meditate upon the affairs of His loved ones. Give them the glad-tidings from Me of My loving-kindness, My bounty and My mercy which have preceded all things. That which thou didst mention regarding the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar was accepted before the Throne, and likewise what thou didst mention concerning the blessed spot. Verily, We make mention of those who have gathered and who gather together to serve God, that they may rejoice and be numbered among the thankful. Upon them be My glory, My remembrance and My praise. Verily thy Lord is the Mighty, the Wise. God hath forgiven those for whom thou didst seek forgiveness. By My life! At this moment when these words have issued forth from the mouth of the Will of thy Lord, the ocean of forgiveness hath surged and the fragrance of the garment of thy Lord, the Merciful, hath been diffused. Verily, He is the All-Bountiful, the Generous.

I beseech thee to convey to the loved ones in that land, who have drunk from the Kawthar of divine love and are adorned with the luminous robe of steadfastness, sublime greetings on behalf of this evanescent servant, and make mention to each one of this servant’s utter nothingness and evanescence. God, exalted be His glory, is witness that this evanescent servant is occupied most times with their remembrance. Verily, He is the All-Informed, the All-Knowing. The Glory be upon thee and upon them and upon those who have remained faithful to God’s Covenant and His Testament, and who have stood firm in the Cause on this Most Great, Most Mighty Day. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH00906: Praise be to God Who hath sent down…

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

Praise be to God Who hath sent down the verses and manifested the evidences and illumined the world through His Name, the One that dominateth all names and attributes. Exalted is He Who hath, with the hand of grace, proffered the Kawthar of life and summoned unto it the peoples of creation. He, verily, is the Truth Who spoke before creation itself: “There is none other God but Him, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.” And praise be to God through Whom the horizon of utterance was illumined and the nightingale of divine knowledge warbled upon the branch of exposition: “There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Beloved.” Exalted is He Who hath caused all things to speak His praise and remembrance, and taught His sincere ones the ways of His favours and His near ones the paths of His knowledge.

Glorified, glorified be this Day wherein the Greatest Veil was rent asunder by the Most Great Finger, and the banner “The Kingdom is God’s, the Mighty, the Loving” was raised aloft. Praise be to God Who hath sent down the everlasting feast from the heaven of His bounty, illumined the horizon of proof with His evidences, and adorned the heaven of His Cause with the manifestations of His signs. Exalted, exalted be His all-encompassing grace; exalted, exalted be His mercy that hath preceded existence and His loving-kindness that hath embraced all the worlds.

The servant hath indeed perceived the fragrance of the garment from your letter, which spoke what God had spoken and testified to that which the Beloved had testified. This is a Day wherein mankind hath stood before the countenance of their Lord, the Mighty, the Wise. When I perceived its sweet-scented breeze and read its words and recognized what was therein, I was present before the Throne at a certain hour, and all that was contained therein was presented before His Face. Thereupon the Tongue of Grandeur spoke, saying: “Blessed are My Afnan who have held fast to the cord of My loving-kindness, clung to the hem of My bounty, immersed themselves in the ocean of My remembrance, adorned themselves with the robe of steadfastness in My Cause, attained the choice wine of My utterance, hastened in the arenas of My gifts, and spoke that which My chosen ones spoke in the wilderness of My reunion: ʿHere am I, O my God, here am I, O my Beloved!”’ Thus doth the Supreme Pen make mention in this Most Exalted Station, wherein all things therein testify that there is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Wise.

My spirit be a sacrifice for your remembrance! Praise be to God, this evanescent servant hath been bountifully blessed with the rains of your love, affection and kindness with utmost joy, delight, gladness and elation. God willing, may these winds be ever-blowing and these rains ever-falling.

Concerning what was written about the prisoners in the land of Ta, his eminence Haji Mirza Muhammad Husayn, the physician—upon him be the glory of God—who was one of them, attained the Most Holy Presence, and according to what he related, the son of His Majesty the Sovereign, the Heir to the Throne, showed the utmost kindness and care towards those souls, such that all the loved ones expressed their satisfaction. However, the friends of God who are truly immersed in the ocean of divine love and who observe the world with spiritual vision are certainly neither mindful of these matters nor have they ever been. They have had and have no desire save God’s good-pleasure. Soon these few days shall pass and they shall enter the eternal Kingdom. Assuredly, imprisonment in God’s path is sweeter than the favours of the people of the world. What bounty is greater than being oppressed, and what station more glorious than utter evanescence? In the presence of the radiant lights of His Revelation, every hardship and tribulation in His path hath been and shall ever be beloved. May God assist all to achieve that which is pleasing unto Him. This is the ultimate hope of those who hope and the ultimate aim of those who seek.

Another supplication of this evanescent servant to your honor is that if you write to the Afnans—upon them be all the most glorious Glory—kindly convey on behalf of this servant to each one of them expressions of utter effacement and complete nothingness. This is the utmost bounty from your honor. And another petition is that the Branches of the Blessed Tree—may my spirit and being be sacrificed for the dust of their feet—and likewise the Afnans of the Divine Lote-Tree, all offer the Most Glorious Greatest Greeting to your honor. And regarding what you had written about Khan and the items he sent, it was submitted to the Most Holy Court, and likewise the letter they had written to this servant.

A Tablet was revealed from the heaven of Divine Will in response to a petition from one of the deputies there and was sent, and likewise a Tablet specifically for Aqa Mirza Husayn who is with them. God willing, along with this servant’s letter, through your honor’s kindness it will reach them. As for the details of their items, they were mentioned in the petition submitted to the honored Teacher—upon him be all the most glorious Glory—and likewise a brief mention appears in Khan’s own letter which will come to your honor’s notice. The Glory be upon you, then Grandeur, Might and Majesty be upon you.

The servant, in the year 1294.

Another submission is that his honor Haji Mirza Muhammad Taqi—upon him be all the most glorious Glory—wrote a letter to this servant and sent some funds as your honor has written, and they appointed this servant as agent to take whatever is deemed advisable and present it at the Most Holy Court. Therefore this servant obtained some wheat specifically for the Household and pilgrim house. If your honor can send the funds in cash to pay for that wheat it would be preferable, otherwise whatever your honor deems advisable may be done, since in these days all items have increased in price due to the war—for example wheat has reached eight tumans per Persian kharvar and increases daily—and likewise regarding the other funds that were mentioned.

Another submission is that several letters were written in response to the blessed letters of the friends of God—upon them be the Glory of God—and were sent; the sooner they arrive the better.

May my spirit be sacrificed for you—this matter had been overlooked and since its submission was necessary it is hereby submitted: The vases that were sent last were very well received. They said although the Most Great Prison was not and is not a place for using such items, yet since their craftsmanship was refined and perfect, We accepted them, and these bear no resemblance whatsoever to the previous vases. End quote. And they were not given to the intended person for whom these items had been specifically requested. And in truth, since this was glad tidings, it was therefore submitted.

The servant.

BH00923: The Supreme Pen hath trembled by reason of this…

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

The Supreme Pen hath trembled by reason of this most grievous calamity which hath saddened the Wronged One whilst in this remote spot. By God! Through it were all created things disturbed, and the Divine Lote-Tree did cry out from the all-glorious horizon:

“Grief be to God, the Sovereign Lord, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise!”

O Pen of the Most Ancient Being! Make mention of him who turned towards the Most Great Prison, who circled round the Throne, and who sacrificed himself for God, the Lord of all worlds. He is now in the All-Glorious Horizon and the Supreme Companion, and was named Mihdi in the kingdom of creation—he who heard the Call when it was raised betwixt earth and heaven, who turned unto the Countenance, and who took hold of the Book with the power of God, the Sovereign Lord, the Mighty, the All-Praised.

He ascended unto God as a stranger and was buried in His vicinity, whereupon the Ocean of Pre-existence shed upon him that which the creatures are powerless to describe. To this beareth witness the Tongue of God, the Sovereign Lord, the Mighty, the Wondrous. He quaffed the choice wine of life when it was unsealed by the hand of his Lord, the All-Merciful, and turned unto the Self-Subsisting when mankind was in great turmoil. He adorned himself with the raiment of certitude when people were in manifest doubt, and attained unto the Day of God, witnessed the Resurrection and its mysteries, and heard the call of the Wronged One from the horizon of His name, the Self-Subsisting. There is none other God but He, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

We bear witness that he stood firm in the Cause when earthquakes seized all the tribes of the earth, and he witnessed, acknowledged, confessed and was assured of the Word whereby the backs of those who disbelieved in God, the Lord of all worlds, were broken. By God! He bore a Word which the dwellers of the heavens and earth were powerless to bear, save whom God willeth—the Lord of the seen and the unseen, and the Lord of this noble station.

We have sanctified him, purified him, and cleansed him with the waters of the Kawthar of his Lord’s mercy, the All-Forgiving, the All-Generous. By the life of God! None among the people recognized him except whom God pleased. Thus doth the Tongue of Grandeur make clear as a token of His grace. He, verily, is the All-Bountiful, the Ancient of Days.

Soon shall the Beloved of the world present Himself before his resting-place, and with Him shall appear the Concourse on High and the denizens of Paradise—exalted, exalted be His most great favor; exalted, exalted be His all-pervading generosity. We visit him from this spot at this very moment and say:

Upon thee be the fragrances of thy Lord the All-Merciful’s utterance and the sweet-scented breezes of thy Lord the Mighty, the Peerless’s mercy. By the life of God, verily He was alive in the Kingdom of God—He heareth and seeth, yet most of the people are heedless. [By God!] He hath adorned himself with the garment of immortality. And he who lamenteth for him hath not discovered the hidden, concealed, and treasured mysteries. Soon shall he behold his most exalted station and cry out: “Blessed art thou, O thou who hast believed in Him through Whom the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken between earth and heaven, and the Spirit, the Faithful One, hath cried out: ʿPraise be to God, the One, the Almighty, the All-Powerful!”’ Whoso seeth him in his station is bewildered and thunderstruck by the effulgent rays of that luminous station.

By God! The people of Baha are not grieved by the assault of calamities nor by the hosts of the oppressors. They testify that death is truth and it draweth them nigh unto a station ordained for them by the Ordainer, the Ancient. Know ye, O people of Baha, that My grief is caused by the lamentation of My loved ones and the cry of My chosen ones; otherwise, by the life of God, We observe and rejoice in that the beloved hath ascended unto his Beloved, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Were the veil to be lifted, assuredly the hearts and souls would take flight unto the Supreme Companion. To this testifieth everyone who hath found the fragrance of the mysteries of his Lord, the Concealer, the Manifest, the Mighty, the Impregnable.

We have not mentioned him because of his relation to Us, but because of his turning unto the horizon of Revelation and his facing the Countenance after the passing away of all things. Blessed is he who draweth nigh unto his dust and standeth at his grave and uttereth that which the Lote-Tree of the End hath spoken at this moment wherein the Wronged One walketh and the tongue speaketh and the Pen moveth by His decisive, wise command. Blessed is he, and blessed is the handmaiden who hath shown patience and been content with what hath been ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Informed.

Verily the Tongue of the Ancient turneth toward the horizon of Thy grace and the heaven of Thy bounty and the ocean of Thy bestowal. Then remember his brother who was named ʿAli before Naqi, through that which floweth from the ocean of generosity, that the hearts of those whom sorrows have overtaken in this calamity may be gladdened—this calamity which hath caused the people of the pavilion of sinlessness to wail in this spot whereon the throne of God, the Lord of the worlds, hath been established. O My handmaidens! Be not grieved by the calamities of the world—they shall pass away and not endure. Rejoice in God’s decree, for verily He commandeth what is right and acteth accordingly, as a grace from His presence. He is, verily, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

We testify that he turned from the Land of Ha to the Ultimate Goal and the Most Glorious Horizon, and attained the presence of the Countenance, and heard the call of his Lord, the Most Exalted, with manifest joy. Blessed is he in that he acknowledged and confessed that which most of creation denied, and ascended unto God when the fragrance of his Lord’s love, the Bestower, the Mighty, the Dear, the All-Encompassing, was diffused from his heart. This journey, which he achieved in his final days, profiteth him. By the life of God, this is a deed that adorneth every glorious tablet. We have forgiven him and adorned him with the ornament of his Lord’s tender mercy, the Forgiving, the Merciful. Joy be unto him who remembereth him purely for the sake of God. He is of those who have attained unto the command of their Lord, the Commander, the Bestower, the Generous. We beseech God to assist the handmaiden and those with her, and to adorn her once again with the ornament of patience. Verily, He is the Ruler over whatsoever He willeth.

O Leaf! Grieve not. We counsel thee to manifest beautiful patience. By God! He who hath drunk of My sealed wine grieveth not for any calamities save what hath befallen the Beloved through that which the hands of the oppressors have wrought, and verily in the greatest grief He calleth out with the loudest cry between earth and heaven unto God, the Creator of all things, in such wise that neither the hosts of the earth in their ranks, nor the multitudes which cause the limbs of the mighty to quake, could hinder Him, and through which every powerful and great one hath appeared. Were We to complain of anything, We would complain of Our life amidst My servants, yet We rejoice in Our concealment and Our manifestation from Mine horizon, and My dawning in one of My worlds, and My establishment upon Mine inner throne.

Thus doth your Lord, the Ancient, the Everlasting, inform you. Then We make mention of the Leaf whose letter hath been presented before the Throne. Verily We make mention of her and her mother, even as We mentioned them in bygone years, as a grace from Our presence. He, verily, is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. We bear witness that they both have attained unto turning towards God and drawing nigh unto Him, the Beloved of those who know. O Ocean of Utterance! Be still in thy place, for the people would be thunderstruck by thy waves. Take heed lest thou sprinkle upon them beyond their capacity to understand, and be forbearing with them. Verily, Thou art the Clement, the All-Wise.

BH00966: In the Name of Our Lord, the Most Powerful…

In the Name of Our Lord, the Most Powerful, the Most High, the Most Holy, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious

All praise, sanctified from peer and likeness, befitteth the Eternal, the Ever-Abiding, the Beloved Who perisheth not, Who, through the sovereignty of His Will and the potency of His Purpose, hath made this mansion the Most Great Scene of Revelation and the Seat of His Throne, and Who, through the movement of the Most Exalted Pen, hath summoned all creation unto the most sublime horizon. He hath bestowed upon all the worlds a drop from the ocean of His knowledge; some turned towards Him while others turned away, forsaking eternal stations through their attachment to ephemeral things. At all times the cooing of the doves of remembrance and utterance is raised, yet most are deprived thereof. They have clung to conjectural divines and are thus barred from the ocean of certitude. Exalted, exalted be His dominion! Exalted, exalted be His proof! Exalted, exalted be His command! Exalted, exalted be His glory above description through letters and words, or attribution through that which the peoples of earth and heaven can comprehend!

The most perfect and complete antidote hath appeared through the blessing of the Most Great Name, yet most are afflicted with the diseases of ignorance and folly. The Water of Life surgeth before the faces of men, and the Sun of Grace shineth resplendent above their heads, yet all remain veiled save whom our Lord, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful, willeth. By God! Were the servants to attain unto a drop from the Most Great Ocean, surely a hundred thousand worlds and whatsoever hath been created therein would not withhold them from the Most Sublime Horizon.

This servant is feeble and the degrees of exposition are beyond reckoning, yet withal he is commanded to silence. The decree belongeth unto God, the One, the All-Powerful, the All-Compelling, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. I testify that there is none other God but Him. He hath ever been and shall ever be. None hath known Him save to the extent permitted. He is the Expositor, the Mighty, the All-Forgiving.

My spirit be a sacrifice for your acceptance, and my soul be a ransom for your steadfastness! The servant hath attained unto that from which wafted the sweet savours of the remembrance of the Beloved—your letter which testified to that whereunto God testified before the creation of the heavens and the earth, that there is none other God but Him. The sweetness of your mention seized me in such wise as can neither be described by the pen nor by the tongue, for it was adorned with the praise of God, the Lord of all worlds. When I succeeded in opening and reading it, I turned toward the Seat of the Throne and presented all that was therein before His Presence. Thereupon the Tongue of Grandeur—my spirit be a sacrifice for His utterance—spoke, and His sweetest of sayings was:

“O servant in attendance! He hath testified to that whereunto God hath testified, and hath recognized the Revelation of God and His sovereignty, after which most of the mystics and eloquent ones remained veiled therefrom, and hath known the Day wherein the Truth shall arise and speak amongst creation. Soon shall the world and all that is therein perish, and his testimony unto God, the Lord of the Mighty Throne, shall endure.” Here ended His words.

At this point such utterances were revealed as this servant was and ever shall be utterly powerless to recount them all. Such words shone forth from the Dawning-Place of utterance that were even a fraction less than a hair’s breadth of their light to be shed upon the earth, all would be freed and sanctified from their limited spans and would in all conditions turn unto the Ultimate Goal. This much glad-tidings do I give unto that honoured person, that his mention was accepted in the Most Holy Court.

You wrote that you occasionally associate with officials for the purpose of attending to outward affairs. This was presented before His presence, and He said:

“This matter is most praiseworthy. In the Kitab-i-Aqdas, all are permitted to associate with different groups, and association with rulers and officials is permissible for several beneficial purposes. Through such association, oftentimes an oppressed one may find deliverance, or a prisoner may be freed, and perchance words may be spoken that cause awakening. Association with such persons is a hundred thousand times preferable to association with the heedless divines and theologians. Nevertheless, association with the divines has also been permitted, that perchance someone may become mindful or gain fear of God. Even as the Most Great Branch—may our souls be a sacrifice for all else beside Him—associates daily with rulers, officials and divines, and continuously maintains relations with people of every kind. Beyond these considerations, all have been commanded to pursue a trade or profession, and this station necessitates association with various classes of people.”

Similarly, in another instance He said:

“Write to them that We have given you permission for association and the pursuit of your claims. The people of God must associate with all in the utmost spirit of joy and fragrance, that perchance those lost in the valley of error may attain the lights of guidance. Jesus, son of Mary, associated with tax collectors, and most people objected. He said: I have come to associate with sinners that they might become aware and turn from falsehood to truth. Association, kindliness and the like are among the attributes of wisdom which all are commanded to manifest. We beseech God to assist Me in loving you and mentioning you in the presence of God, the Powerful, the Supreme, the Mighty, the Great, and to protect the believers from the braying of every brayer, the croaking of every croaker, the barking of every denier, and the howling of every heedless one. Verily He is the Protector, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Invincible.”

In the years when the Throne was established in Arabic Iraq, at the end of those days when He intended to migrate, He warned the people in most Tablets about the birds of darkness and the clamor of the croakers. Likewise in the Land of Mystery, and also in the Most Great Prison, He specifically stated that the people must again be warned so they might be preserved from such souls. And now in some lands the barking of dogs is raised, and this servant is astonished how people remain veiled from the Supreme Horizon and are deprived of the truth by the words of those who cannot distinguish between right and left. Fie upon them and their understanding and what their hands have wrought! We take refuge with God from the evil of these heedless, deceitful croakers.

Under all conditions, praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds. And the glory be upon you and those with you and those who love you, from God, the Mighty, the Beautiful.

BH01206: Praise be to God Who hath spoken…

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

Praise be to God Who hath spoken of the oneness of His Being and caused all things to speak forth His remembrance and praise. Though He hath been described by every tongue, characterized by every utterance, and mentioned by every heart, we testify that He is the Hidden Mystery Who hath never been described throughout all eternity past nor shall ever be mentioned throughout all eternity to come. Exalted be His might and power, exalted be His station and knowledge. The Supreme Pen hath spoken forth in the kingdom of creation, whereupon the dwellers of the cities of names were thunderstruck—some were awakened by the breeze of revelation while others returned to the abyss of divine wrath. I pray and glorify those who have inhaled the fragrance of His days and have attained unto His good-pleasure. They are among the people of Baha. Upon them be the glory of God, the Lord of Names and Creator of earth and heaven.

Furthermore, your two missives, adorned with the mention of God, were the cause of the heart’s rejoicing. God willing, may you ever remain occupied with the remembrance of the Desired One of the world, and be mentioned in His presence. Regarding what you wrote about the souls in that land who have been set ablaze by the divine fire and have turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon—we beseech God to make them firm and steadfast, for steadfastness is among the most mighty of matters. It hath often been observed that certain souls have turned toward the Cause through one word, yet become veiled through another. Verily He guideth whom He willeth unto the straight path. God willing, your efforts have not been and shall not be in vain. Every soul must arise to serve the Cause for the sake of God and speak with wisdom for His sake. The effect thereof resteth with God, exalted be His glory. He giveth to whomsoever He willeth whatsoever He pleaseth, and ordaineth for whomsoever He desireth whatsoever He desireth.

The letter from Nawwab Muhammad ʿAzimu’d-Din Khan addressed to this evanescent servant was received. That same letter was presented in the Most Holy Court, and magnificent and wondrous Tablets were revealed and sent specifically for him and the souls mentioned therein. God willing, may they attain unto them and be enkindled by the divine fire. This evanescent servant hath also, according to his poverty and lowliness, addressed a letter to them. We beseech God to aid them, draw them nigh, and give them to drink of the sealed wine through His Name, the Mighty, the Manifest, the Hidden.

Every seed that is sown for the sake of God and falls upon good soil will assuredly, by God’s leave, the Revealer of verses, yield boundless good. We beseech God to make your endeavors and efforts yield universal fruits, that all may attain unto the Source and be illumined by the lights of His countenance.

If you inquire about conditions in this land, praise be to God, it is peaceful. In these days, a number of travelers have, in accordance with the command, set out for their homelands. This servant hath been occupied with writing day and night, and therefore had not the opportunity to send the great mystical circle that was requested. However, two small circles were written and sent. In any case, the shortcomings of this servant must be overlooked and forgiven. Several people have recently arrived at the Most Great Scene from Iran, but there was no news worthy of mention. However, divergent views have not yet attained unto the blessing of unity and concord. The princes are at variance and the divines are in open conflict. They have lost, those who have turned away from God and His authority and followed their own idle fancies and vain imaginings.

The honored Aqa Jamal, upon him be the glory of God, is in prison, and his petitions have repeatedly reached the Most Holy Court. God will soon deliver him through truth. He is verily the Mighty, the Powerful. According to reports, he is respected in prison. When his messenger came to the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence and requested Aqa Jamal’s release from prison, He said: “If he leaves, does he have a house to dwell in?” The messenger replied: “No.” He said: “Indeed, his place is in prison.” In truth, whatever occurs for the sake of God is beloved to the soul and the heart’s desire. What blessing is greater than tribulations that occur in the path of the Beloved? People are asleep; when they die they awaken. Which house hath not been seized by ruin? Which garden hath not lost its splendor to autumn winds? Blessed is the structure not followed by a destroyer. The house that is not seized by extinction and remains protected from the vicissitudes of time is a deed performed for God’s sake. We beseech God to aid us in that which He loveth and approveth.

The very events of the world and its changes are a tablet whereon its extinction hath been inscribed by a manifest pen. Blessed is he who hath cast it aside, blessed is he who hath forsaken it to serve God and manifest His decisive and wise Cause. The world is that which preventeth men from turning toward God, not what heedless servants have understood it to be. Thus hath it been sent down from the Pen of our Most Glorious Lord in a preserved tablet.

BH01275: Praise be to God Who hath caused all things…

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

Praise be to God Who hath caused all things to speak forth that there is none other God but Him. He hath ever been sanctified above all contingent things and exalted beyond all created beings. Through His all-conquering power He hath created whatsoever He hath willed, and through His pervading Will hath manifested that whereby His servants may ascend. He hath no likeness in creation nor any equal in invention. He doeth as He willeth. He is indeed the One, the Single, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

And now, the servant hath been honored with your letter which telleth of your ascent and progress, your acceptance and love, your affection and your humility and submissiveness before God, the Lord of what was and what shall be. We beseech the Exalted One to assist you in all conditions and cause you to speak that which shall benefit the servants through wisdom and utterance. He is verily the Mighty, the Bestower.

Your petition reached the Most Holy Court and was presented in its entirety. He said:

“We have heard your call time and again, and have answered you before and before that, and in this manifest hour. Give thanks unto God for having caused thee to recognize the Dawning-Place of His Cause, Who speaketh in His name amongst the worlds. Convey My greetings to My loved ones who have turned towards God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. We beseech God to assist them and grant them the wine of steadfastness. He is verily the Powerful, the Almighty. It behooveth you to remember God in the watches of the night and the ends of the day, at dawn and at eventide. God verily heareth and seeth. He is indeed the All-Encompassing, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”

Furthermore, He bade me convey to you that you should give the friends of God to drink of the Kawthar of tranquility and the Tasnim of patience and forbearance. Let them not be saddened by the lack of permission to come hither. He verily commandeth them that which profiteth them. Whosoever hath turned to the Most Exalted Horizon and accepted the Ultimate Truth is accounted among those souls whose mention hath been revealed in God’s Book, both past and future. Ye should, with utmost joy and gladness and complete steadfastness, occupy yourselves with the remembrance of God and service to His Cause. The affairs in these lands are not in order, and some measure of upheaval is apparent from external sources. All must today fix their gaze upon the horizon of God’s good-pleasure and soar in the atmosphere of wisdom. Praise be to God that the names of the loved ones of that land are mentioned in the Most Holy Court, and His favors are manifest towards each one. Likewise, the petitions of those souls were presented in their entirety before His presence. We beseech God, exalted be He, to aid us and them to that which He loveth and is pleased with.

O thou who hast turned towards God! Thy letter hath come before the Wronged One, and We have heard what thou didst mention therein. We beseech God to assist thee in all conditions and to enable thee to make mention of this beauteous Remembrance. We heard thy call aforetime and made mention of thee in such wise as to gladden the hearts of the sincere ones. Grieve thou not over anything, but put thy trust in God. Verily, He is with His believing servants. All that thou beholdest shall perish, but that which this exiled Prisoner hath uttered shall endure unto thee. Whatsoever proceedeth today from the Source of the Cause hath been and shall continue to be for the benefit of the loved ones of God.

All must be content and thankful with whatsoever the Beloved hath willed. All must be mindful of wisdom. No one should utter words that may cause clamor, perturbation and the turning away of souls, for most people are weak and are unaware of the cups of divine bounty and the lights of the celestial suns. The steadfast and mighty souls must, with the utmost wisdom and utterance, draw these weak ones to the immortal heaven. Whosoever today gazeth with complete certitude and assurance towards the horizon of the All-Merciful is accounted among those who have attained the court of nearness and reunion. All must attain the highest station of joy and delight through hearkening unto this goodly word.

And likewise was presented the petition of Karbala’i Muhammad. He said: We love him who loveth God and who hath testified to that which God hath testified concerning His Own Self by His Own Self, that there is none other God but Him, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. O Muhammad! Hold fast unto the Sure Handle and cleave unto the hem of the bounty of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Loving. Be thou content with what hath been ordained for thee. Verily, He knoweth what thou knowest not. He is the Truth, the Knower of the unseen. Grieve not over separation, for He recordeth for whomsoever He willeth the reward of one who hath drunk the Kawthar of reunion from the hand of the bounty of his Lord, the Mighty, the Beloved. It behoveth thee to rejoice in My remembrance of thee and to thank God, the Lord of what was and what shall be.

Mention was also made in the Most Holy Presence of Isma’il Aqa and Haji Ibrahim. God willing, may all be engaged in the remembrance of the true Friend in the utmost joy and gladness, and this servant, with faltering tongue, conveyeth greetings to all. The Glory be upon thee and upon them.

BH01602: Praise be to God Who hath manifested Himself through…

He is the Ever-Abiding, the Eternal, the All-Wise Teacher

Praise be to God Who hath manifested Himself through His Name, the Letter B, upon the sea of H, whereupon light appeared and spread across the face of the water. Verily He is the Point that cannot be described by the descriptions of the people of creation. Then that holy, primal, eternal Point manifested itself upon the Tablet. Then another point appeared, and verily it was the Primal Will, through which God created all that was and will be, and all that appeared before and will appear unto the end that hath no end. And verily He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth. His mysteries cannot be known, His signs cannot be comprehended, and His evidences cannot be described. He hath created the Supreme Pen and caused it to speak between earth and heaven. Blessed is he who is attracted by His most sweet call and hath turned toward the Lord of Names. Verily He is the Most Great Remembrance and the Ancient Sign, speaking from this most exalted and resplendent station, and this most luminous and most glorious spot, that there is no God but Him, the Powerful, the Exalted, the Mighty, the Great.

O ʿAli! We were in the bath when the servant arrived with thy letter and read it at the door. We found from it the fragrance of thy love, thy sincerity, thy submissiveness and thy humility before God, the Lord of the worlds. Blessed art thou in having attained the presence of God when He was in the land of K. By the life of God, this is indeed a manifest bounty. Thou wert present, heard, saw and drank the sealed wine from the hands of thy Lord’s bounty, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. Ask God to grant thee success and aid thee to serve this Wronged One, even as He aided thee before. Verily He is the Powerful, the Exalted, the Mighty, the Beloved.

When the Wronged One was in the bath, the servant arrived at the door with thy letter and presented all before His presence. O ʿAli! The gaze of favor hath been directed toward thee. Were it not for Him, that which appeared from thee would not have appeared. And regarding what thou didst write about the weakness of the servants and the heedlessness of the negligent souls toward the exalted Truth—the truth is with thee. Yea, the face of the world is turned toward irreligion. In all years, nay in all months, nay in all days, it is far from faith, knowledge and certitude, clinging to doubts and vain imaginings. And for a time it shall continue thus, even as its duration hath been revealed and recorded in God’s Book.

But be not grieved, for the effulgences of the Sun of Truth shall absorb the excessive moisture of nature and shall gather together the scattered letters. This matter is not particular to this age, but hath been thus from before, as a drop from the drops concealed in the ocean of divine knowledge hath been revealed in the holy Tablet of Wisdom. Blessed is he who hath beheld and read and said:

“Praise be to Thee, O Thou Who art the Explainer to the worlds!”

After the passing of the duration mentioned in the Book, suddenly shall the Cause of God be raised up and all souls shall turn toward it. Verily thy Lord is the True Informer, the Speaking One, the Truthful, the Trustworthy.

Thou must at all times be occupied with serving the Cause and summon the loved ones to the most great steadfastness, for barking and howling have been and are being raised from every quarter, as We informed thee when We were dawning from the horizon of Iraq and established upon the throne in the Land of Mystery and in this noble spot. In these days the Ancient Beauty hath gone forth from the Most Great Prison, and the place of His manifestation was first in the garden and then in the palace known in this land. And while walking, again the servant presented himself before His presence with pen and ink and made mention of thee. Therefore the Kingdom of Utterance spoke forth with these wondrous and sublime words: The Glory be upon thee and upon those who are with thee among them who have believed and turned their shining faces toward the Most Exalted Horizon, this station that is mighty, holy, powerful and wondrous.

BH01860: Praise be to God Who ordained imprisonment for Himself…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Grandeur and Power!

Praise be to God Who ordained imprisonment for Himself through a wisdom known to none save His Own Self, the One Who dominates earth and heaven. Then He opened its door with the key of His Most Great Name and went forth before all peoples until the Throne was established in this garden, for which God had ordained that which pens are powerless to describe. He, verily, is the Fulfiller of what He promised aforetime in His Tablets, and hath manifested that which lay concealed in God’s Books throughout the ages. He it is Who at one time spoke with the tongue of grandeur and glory, and at another time caused His Most Exalted Pen to speak, and there flowed from it that which caused hearts to be troubled and livers to be rent asunder. Blessed is he who is steadfast and firm, and who is radiant and joyous, who heard the call from the Most Exalted Kingdom and turned towards it in the name of his Lord, the Most Glorious, and who was so transported by the rapture of that call that the hosts of creation could not hold him back. Blessed is He Who stretched forth His hand from the bosom of power and delivered whomsoever He willed through His sovereign might which pervades the horizons.

And now, I have received your pen’s trace and heard what your letter expressed. God knows your words brought me joy, and I gave thanks to God for this, and turned to the Dawning-Place of the Countenance and presented what was therein. Then the Tongue of Grandeur spoke, saying—and His word is sanctified above the praise of all created things:

“We have mentioned him and do mention him as a bounty from God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, and We ordain what he desires. He, verily, is the Ordainer, the All-Wise. O My physician! Make mention of My station and My tribulation and what hath befallen Me at the hands of My servants. Thy Lord, verily, is the Instructor, the All-Informed.”

For numbered years the Ancient Beauty and Most Great Name dwelt in the prison-house, sometimes in the most dilapidated of dwellings and at times in a more habitable abode. Yet always we passed our days and nights in a single room, the door of which was usually locked, until the Ancient Beauty, through the blessing of the Most Great Name, opened the prison door, as We had previously announced in the blessed Tablets. After arriving at the garden and renowned mansion, which afforded some relief, news arrived from the prison-land that on several occasions the very prison itself had been dearer and more precious than what came after. Yes, the effulgences of the prison have been and will continue to be, even though We changed it for the utmost comfort and delight, and today people of insight behold it as a spacious, vast, wondrous and impregnable station.

Regarding what they wrote about the Place of Blessing, it was said that God willing their request would be carried out. O beloved of my heart! Truly those souls who have been the cause of this will surely attain their reward. I beseech God to assist all the friends in benevolent undertakings, so that from each and every one of the divine friends may appear a deed that will ensure the perpetuation of their remembrance and exalt the Cause of the Beloved One. Verily, He is the Answerer, the All-Bountiful.

In this land many different and contrary matters have appeared. In view of the gathering and heedlessness of some, from the beginning it was such that divine blessings rained down from the heaven of bounty at all times upon all, but later due to certain matters it was withheld, until we see what God wills and ordains thereafter. He, verily, is the Ordainer, the All-Knowing.

The request is that you convey wondrous greetings on behalf of this evanescent nothingness to all the friends.

BH02885: The Most Exalted Pen proclaims from the Most Glorious…

In the Name of the One God, the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing

The Most Exalted Pen proclaims from the Most Glorious Horizon: O people of Za! God willing, may you be blessed with the sweet fragrances of the favors of the Lord of Days, and at all times be engaged in the remembrance of the Beloved of all creation. The glance of mercy is at this moment directed towards you, that perchance you may count this most great bounty as a precious gift and arise to accomplish that which is befitting and worthy in this Day. We have mentioned you before, and this is yet another time, a grace from God, the Lord of the Beginning and the End. Strive that you may not be deprived of the outpourings of the clouds of divine mercy. Speak for the sake of God and fix your gaze upon God.

How many souls have this year returned to dust while veiled from their Purpose—they neither recognized the Truth nor even attempted to know Him. Woe unto them and unto those who clung to them, turning away from God, the Lord of all worlds. All the companions and loved ones of that land must hold fast with perfect certitude and assurance to the cord of the favor of the Beloved of the worlds, in such wise that all the world would be powerless to prevent them. Blessed are they that hold fast, and joy be to them that stand firm.

In all conditions you must be mindful of wisdom, for all creatures have been commanded to observe wisdom in the divine Tablets. Blessed is the soul that has believed and acted according to that which it was commanded by the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. O My loved ones! Hold fast to that which will exalt the Cause of God, then shun that which you have been forbidden in the Book of your Lord, the Evident, the All-Informed. Be not grieved at anything, for He is with you and ordains for you that which will profit you in this world and the next. He, verily, is the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

God willing, you must illumine hearts with the lights of divine remembrance and engage in teaching the Cause through word and deed. The world has never had, nor has it now, any constancy. Soon will this spread be rolled up by the hand of power, save the spread of deeds of souls who act for God’s sake and speak for God’s sake. By My life! Theirs shall be a goodly end.

Give thanks to God for having attained unto this Tablet and for the face of your Lord’s favor, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful, being turned towards you. And glory be upon you and upon whosoever has heard the call and responded to his Ancient Lord. And praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.

BH02999: Your letter sent from M has reached this servant…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Grandeur and Majesty

Your letter sent from M has reached this servant. When I broke its seal, the fragrance of your love for our Most Exalted Lord enveloped me. As I read it, I was consumed by the expressions of your eagerness, yearning and attraction to what was sent to you of the words of our Lord, the All-Possessing, the Self-Subsisting.

Weeping overtook me and I presented myself before the Throne, and appeared before His countenance. Then the Tongue of Grandeur and Majesty spoke in such manner that I was unable to record or write it, and remained powerless to set down what the Tongue of Power had uttered. I returned to my place and spent the night remembering and praising you, for I saw you that night sitting with me as we shared stories until morning.

I ascended to the Most Exalted Horizon and stood before the Throne. Then the Desired One addressed me and other verses were revealed with the speed of a torrent rushing down from mountains or lightning flashing from clouds—nay, even faster. I was unable to record them. By your life! The wine of verses so intoxicated me that my fingers were prevented from moving and my heart from comprehending what was revealed from the heaven of utterance of our All-Knowing, All-Informed Lord. It was as though I had become a piece of fire as I gazed toward the direction of the Throne like one overcome with bewilderment.

Exalted is our Self-Subsisting Lord Who has appeared with a sovereignty none has known save His own Self, the Mighty, the Beloved. Would that the people of the world could know what has appeared in creation, and would that the servants could recognize what I witnessed of the signs of my Lord, the All-Possessing, the Omnipotent over what was and what will be. It is submitted that the details were as described.

After that beloved one’s return from Egypt to Beirut, the Most Great Branch—may my spirit be a sacrifice for the dust of His most precious footsteps—summoned you by telegraph, but it did not reach you. Now time is short and there is no opportunity for more, otherwise my remembrance of you and description of my condition would never end. God willing, I must in the future attain to your wondrous mention. We beseech God to make you one who attracts hearts and minds, and who brings joy to souls and breasts. And glory be upon you.

BH03206: O Rafi’-i-Badi’, upon whom be the Glory of God!…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Manifest, the Incomparable

O Rafi’-i-Badi’, upon whom be the Glory of God! God, the Exalted One, declares: The dawn of meanings has risen and the horizon of knowledge is resplendent and brilliant with the rays of the Sun of utterance. At all times one must remind the people of the realm of possibility through the essence of utterance. I swear by the Sun of the horizon of grace that the drops of the ocean of utterance are more beneficial to the people of the earth than the effulgences of the sun and the spring rains. However, some utterances have caused and continue to cause the extinction of the fire of divine love, as has been heard and continues to be heard from some who have claimed knowledge and unity. We beseech God to cause people to attain unto hearing ears that they may distinguish the utterances of the Sun of Truth from all else and attain their purpose.

O Rafi’! God willing, may you be aided through divine bounties to utter words that will cause the enkindling of receptive souls and accepting hearts. God willing, may the Almighty and Exalted One grant unto those who expound a motherly nature and fatherly compassion, that the children of time may be educated and attain unto hearing and sight. You must arise, through God’s might and power, to serve the Cause with perfect steadfastness, for the cawing of the ravens and the clamor of the deluded ones have been and continue to be raised from every direction, as was revealed aforetime in the Tablets from the heaven of divine Will. Verily thy Lord is He Who overshadoweth all who are in earth and heaven, and He is verily the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Give thanks unto God for having been mentioned before the Throne, for He hath turned toward thee from this Spot and maketh mention of thee through that which is the spirit of life unto the body of creation. Thy Lord is verily the Clear One, the Generous. We have heard how thou hast praised the Wronged One in various writings. He is verily the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. We make mention of thee and respond to thee with that which shall cause thy mention to endure in the Kingdom of thy Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful. Glory be upon thee and upon him who hath heard and responded, then stood firm in this momentous, mighty Cause.

BH03511: Blessed art thou, O My leaf, and blessed art…

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

Blessed art thou, O My leaf, and blessed art thou in that thou hast attained unto My Beauty, and drunk of the Kawthar of My presence, and quaffed from the Tasnim of My reunion, and soared in the atmosphere of My love, and hearkened unto My melodies and My songs, and witnessed My establishment upon the throne of My utterance, and My speech amongst My servants, and My dawning in the kingdom of My Cause. Give thanks for that which thou hast attained from the ocean of My bounty and the heaven of My bestowal. Know thou that We have heard thy call and recognized the depth of thy love for thy Lord, and have answered thee with this utterance whereby the light of oneness hath shone forth and the horizon of grace hath illumined all created things, and the dove of remembrance hath warbled upon the branches of the divine Lote-Tree. Verily, there is none other God but Me, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Rejoice in what God hath ordained for thee in all His worlds. By the life of God! This is better than all that hath been created in the heavens and earth, yet most men understand not. Thou wert mentioned before the Throne, as attested by that which hath been sent down from the Supreme Pen and by that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken in its glorious station. Let not earthly affairs grieve thee. Rejoice in My remembrance of thee and My turning towards thee from this forbidden spot. Remember thy Lord, the Wronged One, Who throughout His days was in the hands of such as were heedless of the Witness and the Witnessed. Thus have We remembered thee while being outside the prison, through the sovereignty of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Glorious, the All-Loving.

The Glory rest upon thee and upon those handmaidens who have turned with their hearts to the Most Sublime Horizon and remained steadfast in the Cause in such wise that the croaking of every rejected liar hath failed to deter them. O My leaf! Convey My glorification to the faces of My handmaidens who have attained unto this promised Day and have witnessed that which We witnessed aforetime. Dominion on that Day belongeth unto God, the Possessor of the Unseen and the Seen.

BH03506: Say: Glory be to Thee, O Thou Who hast…

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

Say: Glory be to Thee, O Thou Who hast, through the movement of Thy most august pen, subdued the concourse of Thy creation, and manifested the pearls of the ocean of Thy wisdom through the words which Thy tongue hath spoken before all who are in heaven and on earth. I testify that Thy might hath encompassed the whole universe, and Thy mercy surpassed all created things. The powers of the earth have never prevailed against Thee, nor hath the tumult of the nations frustrated Thy purpose. Thou hast revealed in Thy realm whatsoever Thou hadst desired through the power of Thy sovereignty, and hast ordained all things according to the good pleasure of Thy will. From eternity Thou hast inhabited the loftiest heights of Thy dominion and of Thine unfettered sovereignty, and wilt unto eternity continue to abide in the inaccessible retreats of Thy majesty and glory.

I implore Thee, by Thy Name through which the fragrance of the raiment of Thy presence was wafted, and the gentle winds of Thy bountiful grace passed over all created things, to graciously assist me, at all times and under all conditions, to serve Thy Cause, and to enable me to remember Thee and to extol Thy virtues. Let, then, Thine almighty arms enfold me, O my God, and ordain for me what beseemeth Thy bounty in every world of Thy worlds.

Thou beholdest, O my Lord, how I have set myself towards the ocean of Thy grace and the adored sanctuary of Thy favors. Deny me not, I pray Thee, the drops which are sprinkled from the ocean of Thy gifts; neither do Thou withhold from me the outpourings of the clouds of Thy tender mercies. I am he, O my God, that hath clung to the resplendent hem of Thy robe, and taken hold on Thy strong cord that none can sever. I testify that Thou hast created me, and nourished me, and brought me up, and fed me, and sustained me, that I may recognize Him Who is the Day-Spring of Thy signs, and the Revealer of Thy clear tokens. I offer unto Thee, therefore, most high praise, O Lord my God, that Thou hast suffered me to attain unto this most sublime station and this most august seat. Thou, truly, art the Great Giver, the Almighty, the All-Bountiful, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous.

Illumine mine eyes, O my Lord, with the splendors of the horizon of Thy Revelation, and brighten my heart with the effulgence of the Day-Star of Thy knowledge and wisdom, that I may set myself wholly towards Thy face, and be rid of all attachment to any one except Thee, in such wise that the changes and chances of the world will be powerless to hinder me from recognizing Him Who is the Manifestation of Thine own Self, and the Revealer of Thy signs, and the Day-Spring of Thy Revelation, and the Repository of Thy Cause.

Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the Protector, the All-Glorious, the All-Wise.

BH04269: In the Name of the one God! Your letter…

In the Name of the one God! Your letter hath reached the Most Great Prison and appeared before Our presence, and that which was inscribed therein was heard. Blessed art thou for having attained unto the recognition of God and His service, and for having turned to the horizon of certitude while the people were in evident doubt.

At all times ye must remind the people of that city of the divine verses with perfect wisdom, that perchance the darkness of the vain imaginings of heedless souls may not prevent the friends from the splendors of the rays of the Sun of Truth. The wolf howleth and the dog barketh, while the Truth speaketh between earth and heaven that there is none other God but Me, the Self-Subsisting, the Eternal. Say: We have seized those who transgressed against Us, and We shall soon seize those who disbelieved and turned away from God, the Mighty, the Beloved.

Convey to all the friends in that land greetings from God, and counsel them all with consummate wisdom. Today they must conduct themselves with perfect unity, fellowship and wisdom, and in all circumstances speak in remembrance of the Beloved of all creation. Say: Be not grieved at anything, for verily your Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Restrainer, the Expander, the Ordainer, the Almighty, the Most Mighty, the All-Wise.

Blessed are ye, O my Afnan, for having heard and turned towards and recognized and remained steadfast in this Cause, whereby the limbs of the learned were made to quake and the pillars of the divines were shaken and every lofty mountain was scattered. He will assist you in that whereunto ye are engaged. He, verily, is the Mighty, the Generous. The glory be upon you and upon those with you and upon those who love you purely for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH04452: In the Name of God, He who is God…

In the Name of God, He who is God, exalted be His glory, the Greatness and the Power. My spirit be a sacrifice for you. Your blessed letter, adorned with the two wings of joy and gladness, arrived at this lowest station which is the abode of this ephemeral one, and from there ascended to the most exalted station, a station above which no height exists and which is sanctified from mention and description. After it was presented in the Most Holy Court, it was stated:

“In all conditions there has not been and will not be any loss for that honored one. When loss occurs, gain shall soon appear—thus has spoken the Tongue of Revelation in this forbidden station.”

God willing, may you be joyful in all conditions and occupied with the remembrance of the Truth. End.

And further, the letter of the honored Name of Ha, upon him be all the most glorious Glory, arrived and was presented. Perfect kindness was manifest and evident regarding him. This servant also wished to present a petition to his honor, but since for some time no Tablets have been sent from the Most Holy Court in any direction, and likewise divine verses have been suspended, meaning they are not being revealed outwardly, this servant has also delayed in sending petitions until such time as may be deemed appropriate.

And further, mention was made of the friends in your letter and was presented. Kindness was expressed toward all. This servant conveys greetings to all. This petition is presented very briefly because that honored one is coming, and since the decree of nearness is established, extensive submission would be presumptuous. The Glory be upon you.

BH04823: Multiple letters from you were presented at the Most…

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

Multiple letters from you were presented at the Most Holy Court and attained the lights of His presence. Praise be to God that you have attained the enduring heavenly bounty which is the recognition of the King of Oneness. In truth, this is the fruit of the tree of existence. God willing, may all the trees of human temples attain and be adorned with this true fruit.

However, today you must fix your gaze upon the Manifestation and what proceeds from Him, detached and freed from aught else. What you have expressed regarding the correspondence of numbers, letters and words was noted, but it would have been better if the time you spent on these matters had been spent on teaching the Cause of God with wisdom and utterance. At all times, beseech the Beloved of the worlds to assist you in serving His Cause. There has been and is no grace greater than this.

Whosoever today quickens the dead of contingent being with the outpourings of the ocean of divine knowledge is accounted before God among those who draw nigh and his name is inscribed in the Preserved Tablet. Blessed is he who attains to this exalted station.

God willing, you will present proofs for the servants through the divine verses and heavenly manifestations that have shone forth from the Dawning-Place of Revelation. Verily, He is with whosoever speaks in His Name and makes mention of Him among His creation. He is, in truth, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Give thanks unto God for having aided you to turn towards the Supreme Horizon and for having answered you through this wondrous Tablet.

BH04859: Every soul that in this Most Great Revelation hath…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great

Every soul that in this Most Great Revelation hath turned unto the Most Exalted Horizon and hath attained unto the splendors of the Sun of Truth—divine mercy shall encompass both that soul and its parents. This is the supreme bounty that hath been and shall continue to be specially designated for this Revelation. Be thou grateful therefore and be of them that remember.

And whatsoever virtuous deeds have been revealed in the Holy Tablets from the Divine Pen—the benefit thereof shall return both to the doer and to the one for whom it was done. By the life of God! Those souls who have ascended to the Supreme Companion with steadfastness—they witness and are aware. Were We to expound this station, the mountain would soar in its longing to attain the presence of the Causer of causes. Thy Lord is verily the Expounder, the All-Knowing.

The names of the souls mentioned are present before the Throne, and the splendors of the Sun of Divine Providence are directed toward all. Blessed are those souls who in His days took and drank the choice wine of divine love from the hand of favor. This is the most exalted station and the most glorious bounty.

However, all must beseech God—exalted and glorified be He—for steadfastness with perfect humility and supplication. The glory of God rest upon thee and upon them and upon thy wife, from God, thy Lord and the Lord of all that is seen and unseen and the Lord of all worlds.

We, from this station, send Our glorification upon the faces of those who have turned unto God and have acknowledged the permanence of His countenance after the passing of all things. Thy Lord is verily the Judge, the Speaker, the Hearer, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH05209: O Ha! Hearken to the call of the Wronged…

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

O Ha! Hearken to the call of the Wronged One. Verily, there is no God but Him, the Forgiving, the Generous. That which […] hath appeared and the matter hath been decreed from before God, the Lord of all worlds. The Wronged One hath emerged from the prison of Akka, whereupon the Kingdom of Names was stirred and every stone cried out:

“God hath fulfilled what He promised in the Book. He, verily, is the Expositor, the All-Informed.”

The garden hath been honored and all creation hath been perfumed by the fragrance that hath wafted from the garment of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

We have heard thy call and turned toward thee from this noble horizon. Blessed art thou and blessed is he who hath loved thee and hearkened to thy word concerning this firm and wise Cause. We bear witness that thou hast turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon and aided thy Lord, the Lord of Names, and remained steadfast in the Cause when the feet of the mystics slipped. We verily send Our greetings upon thee and upon thy family and those in thy household. By My life! We behold you in manifest sincerity. Ask thou God to enable them that have believed to attain unto that which He hath enabled thee to attain. Thy Lord is verily the Bestower, the Mighty, the Invincible.

Convey My greetings to My loved ones who have remained faithful to My Covenant and have taken hold of My laws with manifest authority. Upon thee and upon those with thee be the glory of God, the Lord of the heavens and of the earth. Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.

BH05198: O My handmaiden! O My handmaiden! Again I say…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great

O My handmaiden! O My handmaiden! Again I say, O My handmaiden! O My handmaiden! We love to address thee with this word, by the everlastingness of My Kingdom and My Dominion, and the permanence of My names and attributes.

Grieve not over anything or anyone. By the life of God, I am with thee, I am thy companion, thy protector and thy helper. I have mentioned thee before with that which hath perfumed the world, and I mention thee now with that which shall waft the fragrances of the Beloved until a day which none except God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed, can reckon.

The Supreme Pen calleth out at all times and giveth the glad-tidings of boundless favors to the friends. O My handmaiden! O My leaf! Rejoice thou in My mention of thee and My turning towards thee. This is a station that cannot be equaled by the heavens and earths.

Love for you and respect for you has been and is obligatory upon every soul, and if the present souls show negligence, assuredly souls shall appear from behind the pavilion of divine Will who shall act according to what hath been revealed from the Supreme Pen, detached from all idle fancies, for verily He knoweth best His servants and He is the Truth, the Knower of the unseen.

Convey on behalf of this Wronged One sublime greetings to the handmaidens of that land, and whatsoever hath been ordained in the heaven of favor shall surely come to pass. Glory be upon thee, then glory be upon thee and upon those who are with thee.

BH05313: May you, at all times, be blessed through…

In the Name of the One All-Knowing!

May you, at all times, be blessed through the favors of the Intended One of all worlds and be engaged in His remembrance, for whatsoever exists and is visible shall assuredly perish and vanish, except for those souls who have been adorned with the ornament of life through the divine call, who act for the sake of God and who fix their gaze upon His Cause. The deeds and actions of such souls have endured and shall endure for as long as the kingdom of earth and heaven endure.

Grieve not over this world. Rather, rejoice in what hath been ordained for thee by the Supreme Pen in a clear Book. Preserve it as thou wouldst preserve thine eyes. Thy Lord, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Praise be to God that thou hast been mentioned time after time, and again and again, from this luminous Horizon. By the life of God! This is a station that nothing on earth can equal. We beseech God to preserve it. He, verily, is the All-Bountiful, the Ancient of Days.

We implore God to assist thee in His remembrance and praise, and to enable thee to achieve that whereby thy remembrance, thy turning unto Him, thy devotion, thy sincerity and thy steadfastness in the Cause of God, the Lord of all worlds, shall endure.

Thy letter hath come before the Wronged One, and from it We have inhaled the fragrance of thy love. We have answered thee with this clear Tablet. Glory be upon thee and upon thy brothers and thy family and those who are with thee among such as have believed in God, the One, the Mighty, the Great.

BH05511: Your letter hath been adorned with the lights…

In the Name of the one true God!

Your letter hath been adorned with the lights of the Most Great Countenance. God willing, may you be blessed in all conditions with the favors of the Best-Beloved of the worlds.

Blessed are ye for having borne in the path of God that which none but you have borne, save those whose names have been inscribed in the Book of God, the Mighty, the Wise. Be not grieved by that which hath befallen you, for it hath befallen you in the path of God and for the exaltation of His Word. Today all must hold fast to the cord of steadfastness, and this matter is accounted among the most mighty of deeds before God.

Verily, We love every patient poor one, every generous rich one, every humble elder, and every modest ruler. By My life! I love the poor and am with them and hear their cry. He, verily, is the All-Accepting, the All-Hearing, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.

Today all are beheld on a single plane. Blessed is the soul that hath turned to God with perfect steadfastness and manifest certitude. Such a one is like the morning star among other stars. Poverty and wealth are not considered in this station. Blessed is the soul that hath believed and remained steadfast and held fast to that which was sent down in My Manifest Tablet.

The names of all these souls are present before the Throne. Glad tidings unto them for having attained unto the mention of their names! Give them the glad tidings of My remembrance of them. He, verily, is the Bearer of Glad-Tidings, the Mighty, the Wise.

BH05779: God testifieth that there is none other God but…

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

God testifieth that there is none other God but Him, the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth. He sendeth down by His sovereignty that which is the water of life unto all possibility and the sign of eternity amongst the nations and the dawning-place of names in the kingdom of creation. Blessed is he who hath heard and accepted and believed and remained steadfast in this Cause whereby the Most Great Trump hath been sounded and all who are in the heavens and earth were thunderstruck, save those whom thy Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful, hath willed.

In the Persian tongue, hearken unto the divine utterance. By the Sun of inner meanings, this utterance hath been and shall be the water of life for the sincere ones. Blessed is the soul that hath taken and drunk in His Name, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Thy call was heard and this wondrous and transcendent Tablet was revealed in reply, that it might testify that thou hast truly turned towards the Truth. Thy petition reached the Most Holy Court and attained the Most Great Presence, and thou wert adorned with the ornament of forgiveness. God willing, thou must strive that perchance thou mayest lead a dead one to the realm of life, or make fresh and verdant a withered one through the waters of divine knowledge. This is the counsel of the Most Glorious Countenance which hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen. Blessed are they that act.

BH06288: The Tongue of Grandeur in the Most Great Prison…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great

The Tongue of Grandeur in the Most Great Prison speaks these decisive words, that perchance the fragrance of divine utterances may enable all the peoples of the world to attain unto eternal life. Blessed is he who has sought the Beloved with his heart, and he who, athirst, has turned to the Kawthar of his Lord’s mercy, the Ever-Flowing, the Bestowing, the Mighty, and he who has hearkened to the call of the Desired One and has said: “Here am I, O Beloved of the worlds!”

Praise be to God that through God’s infinite bounty thou hast drunk from the Sealed Wine from which most of the people of the world are debarred. In the first station and primary rank, it was and ever shall be the wine of the love of God and the knowledge of Him. Praise be to God thou hast attained unto it. Strive thou that outward means may not prevent thee from this most exalted station and most sublime horizon.

I swear by the Sun of the horizon of Truth that all that exists in the world cannot equal a single word that flows today from the Most Exalted Pen. Thy letter was present before the Throne and the fragrance of love was inhaled from it. Hold thou fast unto the cord of thy Lord’s loving-kindness under all conditions. Verily He beholds whosoever turns unto Him and ordains for him what is best for him in this world and the next. Verily thy Lord is the All-Hearing, the Ordainer, the Mighty, the Generous.

BH06021: In the name of the peerless Lord! Praise be…

In the name of the peerless Lord! Praise be to God—the Sun of bounty is manifest, the Ocean of grace is evident, and the Heaven of providence is elevated. Nevertheless, most people are observed to be veiled and heedless. Indeed, not every ear is worthy to hearken to the divine call, and not every face has been or will be worthy to turn [towards Him], save souls that are assured, content, and well-pleasing. These souls have ever been and shall ever be recipients of divine favors and are mentioned in the presence of the Throne.

Verily, be not grieved by anything, trust in God, thy Lord, in all matters, then be assured through the grace of thy Master. He remembereth thee as He remembered thee before. Bear thou witness at all times to that which God hath testified—that there is none other God but Him, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

Praise be to God that thou hast inhaled the fragrance of the divine Shirt and turned towards the true Ka’bih. This is the King of deeds and the Sovereign of actions. Thou shouldst in all conditions be grateful to the exalted Truth that He adorned thee with the ornament of His love and caused thee to attain unto the horizon of His knowledge. And assuredly He will ordain whatsoever is required by wisdom and grace. Verily He is the Ordainer of all things and He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH06277: This is a Book from the Wronged One…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Most Great, the All-Powerful!

This is a Book from the Wronged One to him who has turned towards the Countenance when those who clung to vain imaginings turned away from it, cast the laws of God behind their backs, and were accounted among the lost.

We have broken the seal of the Choice Wine—among the people are those who turned towards it and drank, and those who turned away and showed pride before God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Verily, he who has attained to the recognition of the Dawning-Place of his Lord’s signs is among those who are nigh unto God in a clear Book. God has ordained for him and his like that which shall preserve their remembrance throughout the duration of His mighty and impregnable Kingdom.

We summoned the people unto God, the Lord of Names, and made known to them His most exalted horizon. They turned away from Us until they cast Us into this mighty and impregnable Prison. For this We give thanks unto God and make mention of Him in such wise that neither the hosts of the world nor the clamor of nations can prevent Us. Verily, He is the Ruler over whatsoever He willeth through His Name, the Dominant over all worlds.

Give thanks unto God for this Tablet from which thou dost inhale the fragrance of the garment of grace. Verily, He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous. Thus has the Dove of Utterance cooed upon the branches of the Tree of Divine Knowledge. Blessed is he who hath heard and is among those who have turned unto God.

BH06304: He is the Most Holy, the Most Great! This…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great! This is a mention from Us to him who hath turned toward the Supreme Horizon and believed in God, the Almighty, the Self-Subsisting. We make mention of him as We mentioned him before, that he may ascend by the steps of divine good-pleasure unto God, the Mighty, the Beloved. We have heard thy cry and have answered thee through this Tablet, well-preserved. Make mention of thy Ancient Lord through that which hath enabled thee to recognize His Self and hath acquainted thee with this praiseworthy station. All things have been sent down from My Most Exalted Pen. Blessed are the people who recognize.

This is the Day whereof We gave you tidings in the Qur’an through Our true utterance:

“The Kingdom on that Day shall be God’s, the Lord of what was and what shall be.”

Verily He speaketh naught except that which beseemeth these days. Thy Lord is, in truth, the All-Knowing, the Knower of the unseen. We have indeed detailed all things aforetime in Our Preserved Tablet. Blessed art thou for having been faithful to God’s Covenant on a Day wherein every heedless one remained veiled therefrom.

We have heard the cry of thy mother, thy sister and thy brother, and have made mention of them through this Pen whereby the sealed choice Wine was unsealed. Give them glad-tidings from Me and remind them of the loving-kindness of their Lord, the Mighty, the All-Loving. We pronounce Our glorification upon thee even as thou didst glorify Him Who stood before the Throne and writeth down the verses of God, the Almighty, the Self-Subsisting.

BH06654: Your book has arrived at a place whose mention…

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

Your book has arrived at a place whose mention is sanctified above all mention, whose description is sanctified above all description, whose outward appearance is sanctified above [veils], and all that is attributed to it is holy, pure, exalted and glorified. By the life of God! This is a station wherein neither before nor after is mentioned, and verily what was mentioned before has returned to before. I do not wish to interpret or mention it.

My Most Exalted Pen speaketh naught except that which hath been pronounced with truth between the heavens and the earth. This is a Day of which We informed you beforehand—the Day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of the worlds. In these days it behooveth us to mention naught save that which hath been revealed from His wondrous and mighty Pen.

O Haydar! Thou art among those who have attained the presence of their Lord. Remember when thou didst turn thy face in certain years unto God, the Lord of all worlds. We have made mention of thee in a Tablet which none hath comprehended save the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. [The Glory] be upon thee and upon him who hath mentioned God through thy tongue, and upon him who was named Yusuf by God, the Mighty, the Wise.

BH06659: The Wronged One hath heard thy testimony and beholdeth…

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

The Wronged One hath heard thy testimony and beholdeth thee in thy condition. He is, verily, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. Blessed art thou for having acknowledged God and His signs, and for having uttered that which God had testified before His creation. Verily, there is none other God but Him, the Protector, the Mighty, the All-Wise.

Say: O my God! I beseech Thee by the Name through which, when the veil was rent asunder, they that have recognized Thy unity soared in the atmosphere of Thy nearness, and the sincere hastened to the shores of the ocean of Thy bounty, to make me in all conditions to gaze toward the horizon of Thy Revelation and to speak Thy praise amidst Thy creatures in such wise that neither the opposition of the heedless nor the imaginings of the doubters may hold me back.

Then I beseech Thee, O my God, to grant me, through Thy grace and bounty, the Kawthar of steadfastness, that I may remain steadfast in Thy Cause and turn away from those who, following their idle fancies, claim that which Thou hast not permitted unto them, nay, hast forbidden them in Thy decisive and mighty Book.

Furthermore I beseech Thee, O my God, to protect me from the harm of the enemies of Thy Self and to grant me that which shall profit me in every world of Thy worlds. Thou art, verily, powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the All-Wise.

BH07331: O my God and my King!

O my God and my King!

This is a day wherein the vibration of Thy Most Glorious Name hath seized all who are in earth and heaven, and through it the veil was rent asunder and the pearls of Thy mysteries that were hidden within the shell of Thy protection and the sea of Thy knowledge were revealed.

I beseech Thee, O Light of hearts and Enchanter of breasts, to ordain for every soul that which befitteth Thy grandeur and Thy generosity and is worthy of Thy sovereignty and Thy bounty.

O Lord! Withhold not Thy chosen ones from drawing nigh unto the Dayspring of Thy Cause and the Dawning-Place of Thy laws. Then inscribe for them from the Most Exalted Pen that which will vouchsafe unto them Thy presence and the visitation of Thy Beauty.

O Lord! They are poor and Thou art in truth the All-Possessing; they are weak and Thou art in justice the All-Powerful; they are athirst in their separation and with Thee is the Kawthar of life, O Thou Who art the Lord of all existence.

Thou art He Who hath ever been exalted in grandeur and glory, and elevated in loftiness and majesty. Thou art, verily, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting.

BH06985: O Hasan! God willing, mayest thou be confirmed…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Exalted

O Hasan! God willing, mayest thou be confirmed by divine bestowals. Be not grieved at what hath befallen the friends of God through the tyranny of the people. Consider the Manifestations of God Who have appeared from the horizon of the divine Command in bygone ages, and Who manifested themselves in the arena of the world to guide these veiled people. All souls today curse and revile the oppressors of the past, while they themselves are engaged in acts even more grievous. Woe unto them and unto their deeds! Soon shall the Sun of Power shine forth from the horizon of God’s Will and illumine the whole world with the lights of justice. A hundred thousand worlds cannot compare with a single drop of the choice wine of divine love. Whosoever hath attained unto it hath not and will never pay heed to the world and all that dwell therein. Seize thou the days of thy Lord and be of them that remember Him. No harm hath ever befallen or shall ever befall the people of truth except that they shall surely receive its recompense from God.

BH07184: Your letter has come into the presence of your…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great!

Your letter has come into the presence of your Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed, and We have answered you as the Lord of Eternity emerged from the Most Great Prison and established His throne in an exalted place. Blessed art thou for having attained unto the praise and mention of God, and for having drunk from His utterance the Kawthar and Salsabil.

Beseech God to protect those who have turned towards the Most Exalted Horizon from those who speak according to their own desires—verily, they are among the abased ones. The crier has cried out, and will soon cry out in the cities of God, the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. This is what We foretold you before. Verily thy Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Encompassing.

Remind those who are heedless with wisdom and utterance, that they might forsake what they possess, turning unto God, the Lord of all worlds. Be thou steadfast in the Cause through God’s might and power. Verily, He is with His servants who are firm.

Thus have We adorned the horizon of thy letter with the sun of the mention of thy Lord’s name, the Mighty, the Great. Rejoice thou in this and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Thou Who art the Wronged One of the world, and thanksgiving be unto Thee, O Thou Who art the Lonely Stranger.

BH07441: He is the One sanctified above mention of what…

He is the One sanctified above mention of what has been and what shall be. The Self-Subsisting testifies that He Who speaks in this prison is, verily, the One Who has power over whatsoever He willeth. By His Will hath He created the kingdom of creation and whatsoever hath been created in the heavens. He is, verily, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

The Most Exalted Horizon beareth witness that He is the Lord of Names, Who speaketh the truth that there is none other God but Him, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. The Book speaketh the truth and testifieth to that which the Ancient Beauty hath testified in the Most Great Prison and in this exalted station, that there is none other God but Him, Who hath power over all things. He doeth what He willeth through His sovereignty and ordaineth what He pleaseth.

Rejoice within thyself that the face of the Wronged One hath turned toward thee from this luminous horizon. He calleth unto all who are in creation and remindeth them with a reminder whereby the Concourse on High and they who circle round the mighty Throne have been entranced.

Let not the utterances of those who have disbelieved in God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed, grieve thee. Put thy trust in Him, then make mention of Him with a truthful and faithful tongue.

BH07820: A Book from Our presence to him who hath…

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

A Book from Our presence to him who hath attained unto God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Blessed art thou for having visited the House and the Lord of every exalted House. By My life! We perceive the fragrances of the Hijaz which are diffused from that praised Station. We call to mind the Day whereon the Sun of Batha rose above that conspicuous horizon, and the servants opposed Him through their idle fancies and vain imaginings.

Blessed art thou for having entered the Prison after thy return from the frequented House, and for having heard the call of the Wronged One and drunk the choice wine of reunion from the cup of thy Lord’s bounty, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Rejoice thou in what hath been mentioned by the Pen of the Imprisoned One, and put thy trust in God in all things.

From this Station We send Our greetings to those who have turned with illumined faces unto God, the Mighty, the Loving. May the glory rest upon them and upon thee and upon thy brother who hath attained unto the Manifest, the Hidden Name.

BH07624: A remembrance from Us to one who hath turned…

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

A remembrance from Us to one who hath turned his face toward his Lord and drawn nigh unto God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. O Most Exalted Pen! Make mention of them who have turned toward the Most Great Sea and drunk therefrom, through this Name whereby the Concourse on High and the Station […] have been blessed. We love to make mention of everyone who hath turned toward God, the Lord of the seen and unseen. The horizons have been filled with the signs of your Lord, the Mighty, the All-Bestowing, yet the people hear not. The Most Exalted Pen moveth morning and evening, yet the people know not. At all times doth the Tongue of Grandeur speak, yet all beings perceive not. They have taken the vain imagining and cast aside the Self-Subsisting. To this doth the Sovereign of Utterance bear witness in this Forbidden Station. Blessed is he who hath renounced the world, turning his face toward the Most Great Name, Who heareth and seeth in this Exalted Station.

BH08918: I began by God’s command and returned unto Him…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great

I began by God’s command and returned unto Him, and verily He doth at this moment call thee and make mention of thee in this manifest prison. Whosoever today hath turned unto the Most Glorious Horizon hath attained unto the knowledge of God and is accounted among those endowed with certitude in the perspicuous Book. Blessed is he who hath attained unto this most exalted, this glorious station. Hold fast unto the commandments of God, then act according to that which hath been sent down in the Book of God, the Lord of all worlds. Verily it shall profit thee in this world and in every world of the worlds of thy Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

BH08793: A remembrance from Us to him who hath believed…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great.

A remembrance from Us to him who hath believed in God, the One, the All-Informed.

Thou didst attain the presence in the Most Great Prison and didst hear the call of the Wronged One, at one time that there is none other God but Him, and at another that He is, verily, the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the Most Great.

We counsel thee to be steadfast. Hold thou fast unto it in the name of thy Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Thou wert in the presence of the Countenance for numbered months. Beware lest anything cause thee to forget that which thou didst hear and witness in this perspicuous Spot. Hold fast unto God in all conditions and put thy trust in Him. He is, verily, the Forgiving, the Bountiful.

We send from this Spot Our greetings upon thy mother and thy wife, then upon those who have believed in God, the Lord of the worlds. Give thanks unto God for having aided thee to attain His presence and to hear the wondrous remembrance of Him in this forbidden stronghold.

BH08797: A mention from Us to one who has drunk…

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

A mention from Us to one who has drunk the wine of reunion and turned to the horizon from which the world was illumined, and every thing proclaimed: “There is no God but Me, the All-Compelling, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.” Thy letter hath come before Us time and again, and on each occasion the servant in attendance before the Throne hath read it. Verily thy Lord is the All-Explaining, the All-Knowing. We have witnessed thy turning unto Us, and perceived the fragrance of thy love, and beheld thy humility and submissiveness before God, the Lord of all worlds. O Hasan! Blessed art thou, inasmuch as neither the vain imaginings of the divines nor the doubts of those who have turned away from God when He came unto them with a manifest sovereignty have prevented thee. O Hasan! Hearken thou unto the Call again and again from this most exalted Station and this most sublime Place: “Verily there is no God but Me, the Mighty, the Generous.”

BH09045: Your call was heard and the fire of your…

In the Name of the Beloved of the Worlds!

Your call was heard and the fire of your love in the path of God was witnessed. Praise be to God that you have attained to this station, which is the most exalted of stations. God willing, you will remain steadfast, for false claimants have appeared and will appear in most lands. This is what the Supreme Pen foretold aforetime. He, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Be thankful that the Wronged One heard your call and answered you in truth. He, verily, is the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.

We counsel you and those women who have believed in God to show forth the Most Great Steadfastness and to act in accordance with what We have sent down in the Most Holy Book. By the life of God! It is verily a perspicuous Book.

As for your desire to attain Our presence, this land and its surroundings are observed to be in turmoil and upheaval. Therefore, beseech God to ordain for you the reward of attaining His presence. Verily, thy Lord is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

BH09368: Glorified be He Who speaks the truth and commands…

He is the One Who speaks in His mighty and wondrous Kingdom

Glorified be He Who speaks the truth and commands the people to the Most Great Uprightness. By God’s life! My Cause is mighty, mighty indeed. Whoso attains unto it is of the Concourse on High and the companions of My Crimson Ark, by which the Books have been adorned. Yet the people are in evident doubt. The verses pass them by while they remain heedless thereof. Blessed is he who turns to God, detached from all that was and shall be.

O My loved ones! Drink ye from the Kawthar of steadfastness from the hand of the bounty of your Lord, the Mighty, the Beloved. We love those who have turned to the Countenance and We make mention of them in such wise as shall cause their remembrance to endure in a preserved Tablet.

BH09548: Thy letter reached the Divine Throne and was illumined…

In the Name of the All-Knowing God!

Thy letter reached the Divine Throne and was illumined by the lights of His countenance. In truth, every soul hath this day quaffed from the wine of the love of the Best-Beloved of the worlds. His breath hath been and shall ever be like the spring rain unto the peoples of the earth, nay rather, more beneficial still. Praise thou the Best-Beloved of the world that thou hast attained unto this most exalted station and turned thyself unto the Most Glorious Horizon, and art honored by this Most Great Remembrance which is the Water of Life for the peoples of the world. We beseech God to aid thee to serve His Cause and to ordain for thee the reward of those who have attained His presence in this Day which was promised to the servants in the Qur’an:

“The Day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of the worlds.”

BH09510: Say: Glory be to Thee, O Fashioner…

He is the Herald in the Kingdom of Utterance

Say: Glory be to Thee, O Fashioner of the heavens, and Sovereign over all names, and Almighty over all things! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the horizon of Revelation hath shone forth and that which was inscribed on an outstretched parchment hath appeared, to cause me to know the Dawning-Place of Thy verses and the Dayspring of Thy clear tokens. O my Lord! I am he who hath turned toward the ocean of Thy Most Great Name, by which most of the peoples have lamented. I beseech Thee not to withhold me from the heaven of Thy grace and the sun of Thy bounty and the ocean of Thy bestowals. Open Thou mine eyes to behold the lights of Thy countenance and mine ears to hearken unto the cooing of the Dove of Thy Cause. Then loose Thou my tongue to make mention of Thee and to praise Thee. O my Lord! I am the poor one, and Thou art the All-Powerful, the Self-Sufficient, the Bountiful, the Generous.

BH10027: Whosoever today hath drunk from the ocean of inner…

In the Name of the One God

Whosoever today hath drunk from the ocean of inner meanings, he hath been and shall be the recipient of all good. The souls who have accepted must hold fast to the divine Tablets and act according to whatsoever hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen in the Most Holy Book. This is a bounty whereunto nothing in the heavens and earth can be compared. Blessed are they that act! Blessed are they that comprehend! Blessed, and again blessed, are they who remain steadfast, whom neither the cawing of every cawer, nor the might of every oppressor, nor the injustice of every transgressor, nor the braying of any learned one who hath followed his idle fancies and turned away from God, the Lord of all worlds, can deter.

BH09986: This is a Book from Us to people who…

In His Name, the One Who rules over all names!

This is a Book from Us to people who understand. Verily it beareth witness to that which God did testify before the creation of all things—that there is none other God but Him, the Truth, the Knower of things unseen.

We have sent down the verses and manifested the signs, but most of the people know not. We beseech God to assist those who are heedless today and draw them nigh unto this forbidden station. Verily We, in the prison, summon all unto God—to this do honored servants bear witness.

When thou attainest unto this Tablet, render thanks unto thy Lord and say: Praise be unto Thee, O God of existence and Educator of the seen and the unseen!

BH09811: All have been created for the meeting with God…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great.

All have been created for the meeting with God, and all have been and are allotted this most exalted station. However, the veils of creation have become an obstacle between the Ever-Flowing Grace and His loved ones. Yet this matter pertains to the outward. Inwardly, whosoever today attains to the divine commandments and holds fast to the Most Holy Book which hath been sent down from the holy Kingdom is accounted before God as one of those who have attained His presence, for He will surely not deprive His servants from the ocean of grace when they seek it with longing. Verily, He is the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

BH09892: God testifieth that there is none other God but…

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

God testifieth that there is none other God but Him. He giveth life and causeth death, then giveth life again through His grace, as He pleaseth. He, verily, is the Almighty, the All-Powerful. He quickeneth whom He willeth with the waters of the Bayan, and giveth to drink whom He desireth from His luminous wine. Verily, there is none other God but Him. His is the creation and the command. He assisteth whom He willeth with authority from His presence. He, verily, is the Single, the One, the All-Informed. Hold ye fast, O people, unto the cord of unity, and be not of them that have joined partners with God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing. May the glory rest upon thee and upon them that have believed in God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH09830: A remembrance from Us to whoever hath heard…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great

A remembrance from Us to whoever hath heard and turned and attained unto the Sealed Wine. How many servants were kept back from the Most Great Sea through following those who disbelieved in God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting! And how many servants turned and drank the Water of Life from the hands of the bounty of their Lord, the Mighty, the Beloved! Say: O people, hearken unto the cooing of the Dove and what this Wronged One speaketh. He hath been imprisoned for the love of God and His Cause. Woe unto him who hath transgressed against Him on this manifest Day! The glory be upon the people of glory who have believed in God, the Lord of what was and what shall be.

BH10042: O God of Names and Creator of earth…

O God of Names and Creator of earth and heaven!

I beseech Thee by the hearts that have been set ablaze with the fire of Thy love, and by the breasts that have been dilated through Thy verses, and by the faces that have turned toward Thy face, and by the tongues that have responded to Thy sweetest call when it was raised betwixt earth and heaven, to ordain for me from the ocean of Thy bounty that which befitteth Thy generosity, then send down upon me from the heaven of Thy grace that which will make me steadfast in Thy Cause and regardful in all conditions of the horizon of Thy good-pleasure.

Verily, Thou art the Potent over whatsoever Thou willest, and verily, Thou art the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting.

BH09991: Your letter has been honored with the gaze…

In the Name of God, the All-Knowing!

Your letter has been honored with the gaze of the Lord of Eternity’s loving-kindness in the Most Great Prison. Be thou thankful unto thy Lord for this great bounty.

Blessed is the soul that hath this day acted in accordance with the divine ordinances and hath lived with utmost contentment in the Kingdom of Creation.

From thy letter were wafted the fragrances of submission and contentment; therefore from the Most Exalted Pen these radiant words have been revealed and made manifest, that thou mayest in all nights be occupied with the praise and glorification of the Sovereign of Days and the Lord of all mankind.

That which thou didst send hath been accepted. Be thou grateful to God for this. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, the All-Generous.

BH09979: The Book of God, in the likeness…

He is the Most Glorious, the Most Glorious

The Book of God, in the likeness of a human temple, crieth aloud in the Kingdom of utterance, and calleth upon its Lord, the All-Merciful, saying:

“O God of sovereignty and dominion, and Ruler over the realm of celestial might!”

I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which, when mentioned, the hearts of them that are possessed with longing are set ablaze and the souls of them that are nigh unto Thee hasten unto the ocean of Thy reunion and Thy presence on the Day of the Covenant, to aid Thy male and female servants to stand firm in Thy Cause, and to ordain for them that which befitteth the ocean of Thy bounty.

Verily, Thou art the Powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. Nothing in all creation can withhold Thee, and Thou art, in truth, the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous.

BH10019: The fragrances of thy love are diffused. God willing…

In the Name of the All-Loving God!

The fragrances of thy love are diffused. God willing, mayest thou be and continue to be the recipient of this divine bounty and heavenly gift.

We have heard thy call and read thy letter. Thereupon the Most Exalted Pen was moved to that which will gladden thy heart. This is indeed a great favor.

At all times thou shouldst be engaged in the remembrance of God with spirit and joy. Verily He aids whosoever turns towards Him, even as He aided thee to turn to His luminous horizon.

Be thou thankful to God for this, then beseech Him to protect thee and those who have believed from the cawing of every cawer and the oppression of every oppressor. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, the Protector, the Mighty, the All-Wise.

BH09993: Your letter has repeatedly arrived in the Most Great…

Introduction

In the Name of the One Friend!

Your letter has repeatedly arrived in the Most Great Prison and has been honored to attain the glance of the Beloved of the worlds. God willing, may you drink the wine of steadfastness from the hand of the favor of the Invisible and Manifest God at all times, and be engaged in His remembrance with utmost joy and delight.

A prayer

Glorified art Thou, O God of the world and Educator of the nations! I beseech Thee by Thy Name which Thou hast made sanctified above the mention of those who make mention and the knowledge of the knowers, that Thou protect me beneath the shadow of Thy greatest mercy and cause me in all conditions to be turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon. There is no God but Thee, the Most High, the Most Glorious, the Lord of the last and the first.