Volume 057: Akka 1295 A.H. (1878) (1 of 3)

BH01161: Sanctified and holy has been and shall ever be…

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

Sanctified and holy has been and shall ever be the Sovereign Who illumined the horizon of the world with the lights of the Most Great Luminary and adorned all things with the ornament of His names. He is the true Sovereign Whose Word has dominated all things and Whose Will encompasses the heavens and earth. By His soul-stirring call He manifested absolute nothingness in the garment of being, and through the revelations of the Most Exalted Pen He adorned the kingdom of creation. He is the Quickener of the world, the Illuminator of the world, the Renewer of the world, and the Speaker of the world. Every exalted one has been and shall be lowly before the manifestations of His exaltation, and every lofty one has been and shall be abased before the evidences of His transcendence.

The tongue, which is the seat of His mention, is His creation, and by the Word of that Sovereign of the unseen and the seen have all things come from utter nothingness into the realm of being. And the heart, which is the dwelling-place of His knowledge, has come into existence through His Will. Glorified is the Creator above the mention of the created, and glorified is the Lord above the mention of all created things, and glorified is the Beloved above the descriptions of hearts.

All the mystics, divines, chosen ones and holy ones are powerless and incapable of comprehending a single word of the Most Exalted Word which has been revealed through the Will of the Sovereign of Names from the Most Exalted Pen—how much less can they comprehend the Manifestation of the Word, the Sovereign of the Word, the Source of the Word, the Promoter of the Word, the Quickener of the Word, and the Mover of the Word. This blessed Word, in one station, is known and mentioned by all names and attributes, and when it appeared, it bowed down and prostrated itself and spoke, saying:

“Praise be unto Thee, O Thou Who hast revealed Thy countenance from the horizon of the heaven of Thy Will! I testify that Thou art the Almighty, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting.”

All the signs of the Hour and the Resurrection are manifested through Him and established in Him. He is the Breath of God through Whose wafting and fragrances prepared souls have awakened from the sleep of heedlessness and perceived the Day of God. He is the Water of Life through Whose bounty dead bodies have attained unto eternal life.

Should this evanescent servant attempt to expound this station, he would surely find himself powerless; nay, he would behold all existence bewildered in this most exalted station. And were a drop from the ocean of the knowledge of this station to be granted, in view of the supreme wisdom that has been revealed from the Most Exalted Pen and which all have been commanded to observe, there would be no power to make mention thereof save by the command of Him Who is with Him. Verily, He is the Commander, the All-Knowing, the All-Compelling, the Almighty, the Most Powerful, the All-Informed.

How excellent is the state of the soul that hath inhaled the fragrance of the days of God and stood firm and steadfast in His love. This station is indeed most great, and its greatness is such that the Pen of the world is powerless and incapable of describing it, for this is the Day concerning which all divine Books bear witness and of which all the Prophets have given tidings. By God, the Truth! This is a Day wherein souls have trembled and eyes have been blinded, a Day wherein God hath come in the shadows of light, a Day wherein mankind hath stood before God, the Lord of the visible and the invisible. Blessed is he who hath attained, and woe unto the heedless. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

Glorified art Thou, O my God, Lord of the Kingdom and the angelic realm, Creator of the celestial dominion! Thou knowest that this humble one desired that his call be honored by the hearing of my beloved among Thy chosen ones, whom Thou hast chosen for Thy love, established for Thy service, created to hearken unto Thy call, aided to turn toward the horizon of Thy grace, honored with the living waters from the cup of Thy bounty, and made to recognize Thy Day which most of Thy creation hath neglected. Then Thou didst cause him to utter the testimony which Thou hast placed above the kingdom of utterance and of which the understanding of Thy creatures fell short. All this is from Thy grace, Thy generosity, Thy bounty and Thy benevolence. I thank Thee for this through the perpetuity of Thy names and attributes and through the permanence of Thy Most Exalted Word amongst Thy creation. I beseech Thee to protect him in all conditions through Thy power and sovereignty. Verily, Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

My heart, my joy and my soul be a sacrifice for your love! The servant hath attained to hearing the melodies of the nightingales of your praise upon the branches of the Lote-Tree of utterance, and hath been honored by that which flowed from your pen whereby your mention appeared and the sun of your love shone forth from the horizon of certitude. We beseech God to grant me success in hearkening unto your sweetest mention at all times. Verily, He is the Powerful, the All-Bountiful, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

If you inquire about the conditions of this land, praise be to God, all are safe and speaking in remembrance of God. However, due to the war that has occurred, the people of these regions are in distress and afflicted with utmost hardship. All ears are heedless of the call of the muezzin, and hearts are empty of the knowledge and love of Truth. In brief, a great calamity hath encompassed the people. This is what the All-Merciful promised in the Tablets.

To his honor Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’l-Hamid, upon him be the Glory of God, I convey most sublime, most impregnable, most exalted greetings. God willing, may he ever remain and continue to be enkindled with the fire of the love of God and speaking in His remembrance. The circumambulators of the Throne all convey their pure devotion to his honor.

In the month of Muharram 1295

BH01094: Praise sanctified beyond the bounds of time and space…

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

Praise sanctified beyond the bounds of time and space, and hallowed above mention of possibility and impossibility, befits that Beloved One Who, through a single call issued from the Source of His Will, adorned all contingent beings with a new creation. Through that call, the voices of all things were raised up, all bore witness to the oneness of His holy Being and became vocal in His remembrance. How lofty is that call, and how short do fall the minds of all created things from recognizing it! By it the mountains passed away as the passing of clouds, the Balance was set up, the Bridge was laid down, and there appeared the Day wherein all people stood before the Lord of all things. By it the Leaf spoke forth, the Rock cried out, the Divine Lote-Tree called aloud, and the Dove of Oneness cooed “The Kingdom is God’s this Day, the Lord of what was and what shall be!”

Thereafter, it is submitted that two letters from you arrived, and due to wisdom and certain matters their reply was delayed. The One True God bears witness that you have been and will continue to be remembered at all times. Your letter was presented before His Presence, and thus did the Tongue of the Beloved speak:

“Blessed art thou for having attained unto recognition and for turning towards the Desired One, and for arising to serve His firm and wise Cause. He will assist thee as He assisted thee before, and will ordain for thee that which shall gladden the hearts of those who have turned towards Him. Grieve not over anything, for He will extend His bounty unto thee as He willeth. He, verily, is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.”

God willing, may you be occupied at all times with the mention and praise of the Beloved of all creation. Regarding what you wrote about Jinab-i-ʿAyn Ba, it is known that you have been and continue to be engaged, to the extent possible, in serving the Cause and assisting the loved ones of God. We beseech God to send down for you that which shall gladden the hearts of your loved ones and grieve the hearts of your enemies. He, verily, is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

As for what you mentioned about the person from India, his circumstances were and are known. Yet how strange that after all that was sent down to him from the heaven of favor, and despite being explicitly commanded to proceed to the house of [initial], he nevertheless delayed and was fearful. It was entirely clear and evident that had even an atom’s weight of harm been destined to befall him, such a decree would never have appeared from the horizon of the Cause. As was witnessed, glory be to God, the power of Truth is visible from the horizon of will at all times, yet most are heedless of perceiving it. The wine of vain imaginings hath so seized the people that they cannot distinguish truth from falsehood nor darkness from light, save whom God willeth, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

Convey My greetings to all the loved ones in that land. God willing, may they all at all times drink from the everlasting fountain of divine knowledge and remain oriented toward the horizon of His Cause. We beseech God to aid them in that whereby their mention shall endure through the perpetuity of His names and attributes. For this world is transient, especially in these days when all atoms cry out:

“O ye who have eyes, see! O ye who have ears, hear! O ye who possess hearts and minds, understand!”

How many souls in every moment have returned and are returning to dust. Strive ye to achieve such deeds as will cause the persistence of souls and the perpetuation of their mention, for today the mention of every soul in the Book is reckoned among the people of eternity. Blessed are they who possess understanding. These are the days of the manifestation of that which was in the Tablets, and the Suriy-i-Ra’is is witness and testimony thereto. God, the Exalted, the Great, hath spoken the truth. We have believed in Him and His Book which distinguisheth between truth and falsehood, light and darkness. And peace and blessings be upon His Beloved, through whom the Night Journey was adorned and every noble station was honored. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

Convey My greetings to Mulla ʿAli-Akbar, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory. This servant has observed what was mentioned in the letter of Haji Siyyid Javad, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory. Praise be to God that they have been aided to follow God’s command, for all are enjoined to engage in craft, trade and agriculture. However, they must act according to what hath been revealed in the Book—that is, they should send something to their families and inform them. These deeds which all are commanded to perform in God’s Book have been and shall ever be the cause of glory and the source of blessing and the manifestation of bounty. God willing, may the True One, exalted be His glory, bestow blessing upon their craft and agriculture. Praise be to God, their mention hath been made in the Most Holy Court.

Likewise, I remember Aqa ʿAli-Muhammad. God willing, may he be occupied with the remembrance of the Self-Sufficient, the Most High in all conditions. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to aid him in that which He loveth and is pleased with. Once this servant was present before His countenance, and the Tongue of Grandeur addressed him specifically, saying that if he would act upon what was mentioned, he would surely attain infinite divine favors. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to aid him in this. Verily, He is the Powerful, the Mighty. Glory be upon thee and upon those who have heard and responded and attained unto clear certitude. Praise be to God, the Master of the Day of Judgment.

22 Muharram 1295

BH00988: I testify that there is none other God beside…

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

I testify that there is none other God beside Him. He has ever been and will forever be. He spoke when He ascended the throne, and through Him the sincere ones proclaimed that there is none other God beside Him, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Then He spoke another word, whereupon the earth and heaven were shaken. Among them were those who, having heard His sweet call, arose from the slumber of vain fancy and, detached from all created things, turned toward the Supreme Horizon. And among them were those who heard the Call yet turned away and joined with the dead, as though they had never found the fragrance of the Beloved nor were stirred by the breeze that wafted from the direction of the throne of their Lord, the All-Merciful.

Alas for those who witnessed yet denied, who heard yet remained heedless. By God! They are among the basest of creatures. They have deprived themselves of the water of everlasting life, their ears of the call of the All-Merciful, and their eyes of that which hath shone forth from the horizon of possibility. Praise be to God Who hath made known to us that which appeared in those days and informed us of that which was hidden in His knowledge, from which no thing whatsoever can escape. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to protect us by His sovereignty and to ordain for us that which is best for us. Verily, He is the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

My spirit be a sacrifice unto your remembrance. This evanescent one hath been blessed by your mention, which was illumined by the lights of this Day and perfumed with the love of God. When I received, opened, read and became acquainted with it, I presented its contents before the Throne, and there appeared from the Beloved that which I am powerless to describe. All things bear witness to His favors unto you and His attention toward you. We beseech Him to send down for you that which will exalt the Cause of God and gladden the hearts of them that are endowed with understanding.

As to what you wrote concerning the sending of Tablets, it is evident that your honor has ever been and will continue to be confirmed in service to the Cause. And regarding what you wrote about the Holy House, it was presented in the Most Holy Court. He spoke, and His Word is the Truth: We have sent down all matters with wisdom, and We have taken their covenant from those who have turned to the Most Exalted Horizon and believed in God, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing. O My Afnan! Hold fast unto them in all conditions. This is that which the All-Merciful hath permitted as a grace from His presence. He, verily, is the Ever-Bestowing, the Ancient.

Any matter which today causeth the people to shun, or which giveth rise to clamor among the multitude, or causes agitation of hearts and perturbation of souls—to engage in such is not permissible. All must abide in the calmness of God and His dignity, serene and assured. I swear by the Subduer of the world that whosoever today ariseth to serve the Cause, though it be less than an atom, and acteth according to that which God hath revealed in the Book, shall assuredly be rewarded for it in this world and in all the worlds of God.

The balance of justice hath ever had and shall have two scales: the reward of the righteous and the retribution of the wrongdoers. This is the true polity whereon depend the order of the world, its stability, and the tranquility of the servants. However, today the Eye of Bounty regardeth the beginning, for the All-Loving, the Munificent Truth hath manifested Himself. By My life! The Pen is powerless to describe a single day of this time. Whoso becometh aware of the mysteries of the Books which We have sent down aforetime unto Our Messengers would be astounded and would cry out:

“This is the Day whose light illumineth the Concourse on High and the faces of those near unto God!”

Were it not for His grace and other wisdoms, verily those souls who have caused the least harm and injury to the loved ones of God would have been cast into the lowest depths of hell, and the earth would not have borne them for a moment. This applieth to the weak, heedless, and ignorant souls. As for those who arose in utter opposition and who stood against the Dawning-Places of God’s love and the Daysprings of His remembrance in this Most Great Revelation with rejection and protest, they have been and shall be seized by the hand of power. Verily, thy Lord is the Avenger, the Mighty Wielder of Authority.

From this most exalted station, We make mention of the Most Exalted Leaf and send Our blessings upon her countenance and upon the countenances of those who have believed in God, the Almighty, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. Know thou that thou hast been beneath the shadow of thy Lord and under the gaze of thy Master, the Mighty, the Well-Beloved. Rejoice thou in what hath been ordained for thee in the Most Glorious Kingdom and in what hath flowed in thy praise from the Most Exalted Pen, through which every hidden matter hath been revealed. Look thou in all circumstances unto wisdom. This is what God hath sent down in His preserved Tablet.

Verily, the people are intoxicated with the wine of their own desires to such an extent that they know not what they utter. They speak as their desires command them and purchase with their souls and their wealth the wrath of God, yet today they comprehend not. Grieve thou not over anything. By My life! Thou art within the precincts of My mercy, the pavilion of My protection, and the tabernacle of My exalted glory.

O My Afnan! Whoso speaketh against you shall soon find himself in manifest loss. Erelong shall the tongues of all created things speak forth your praise and your nearness unto God, the Lord of the worlds. We counsel you to preserve that whereunto ye have attained, that there may appear from you that which shall attract the hearts and tranquilize the souls of those who have recognized God. O My Afnan! Behold, then remember what befell My house in Iraq, when people entered it without My permission. Verily, thy Lord is the Oppressed One, despite His sovereignty, and the Ruled One, though His Pen commandeth all who are in the heavens and on earth.

Send forth the words of thy Lord unto Mine Afnan in the land of Shin that they may rejoice in God’s bounty and act in accordance with that which hath been made easy and simple for them. We have revealed in the Tablets the preservation of Mine Afnan and We do preserve them in truth, despite those who have disbelieved in God, the Lord of all worlds. Nevertheless, We bid them to act with wisdom, lest there should arise that which would cause the barking of the ungodly to be raised. Whatsoever hath been and is revealed from the Supreme Pen hath been and is for the good of all. The Sun of Truth hath been the Divine Word, and the education of all is dependent upon it. God willing, may all act with joy and fragrance in accordance with that which hath flowed from the Pen of the Most Merciful. All the pilgrims present their pure devotion, utter effacement, complete nothingness, and most exalted greetings in service to that Holy Being.

In Safar 1295.

BH01033: The heart of this servant present was gladdened…

He is God—exalted be His station of grandeur and power!

The heart of this servant present was gladdened by the sight of your letter, rejoiced at your mention, and was expanded by your love. O our Lord, the All-Merciful, the All-Forgiving, the Most Generous! It ascended unto God and was presented before His countenance. This is what was revealed from His presence—verily He is the All-Wise Ruler. His word, exalted be His glory:

“O Abdullah! Hearken unto the call of the Lord of Names, Who speaks throughout creation. Verily, there is none other God but Him, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. We make mention of God in this station with such remembrance as hath enraptured all created things and struck down every rejected idolater. At the time when We were turning toward the Most Exalted Station and speaking in praise of His Own Self, which holds dominion over all who are in the heavens and on earth, that which thou didst send was presented before the Throne. The face of the Wronged One turned toward thee from this forbidden station, and revealed unto thee this Tablet, from which the fragrance of the Beloved hath been wafted and every scroll that was folded without God’s leave, the Mighty, the Loving, hath been spread out. Give thanks that thy letter attained the presence of thy Lord, and be thou of such manner as befitteth this beloved mention. Convey Our greetings to Our loved ones there and give them glad tidings of their exalted station.”

This lowly one submits that after your letter was read in the presence of His countenance and all was presented, these sublime verses were revealed from the Dayspring of favors. God willing, they will attain unto them and not be disheartened by the delay in response. If Shaykh S has arrived in that land, he has surely mentioned the details. In any case, sending letters was outwardly contrary to wisdom, as these regions were in turmoil due to the ongoing conflict, and the hand of investigation and inquiry was extended in every matter. Verily our Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Details about this land have been submitted to His Holiness Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin (may every most glorious splendor rest upon him); they will be informed thereof. And if the Shaykh has arrived in that land, he has surely presented some details of the early events that transpired in this land to the friends, so there is no need for further elaboration. I beseech and implore God, exalted and mighty be He, to ever assist you and aid you in all conditions.

Concerning what thou didst mention regarding Jinab Aqa Muhammad-ʿAli, the servant: this was laid before the Presence of the Beloved of all worlds. He affirmed: He hath spoken the truth. Yet all affairs have taken place, and do take place, in accordance with wisdom and sound expediency. It behoveth the loved ones of God—above all those souls who have attained His presence and have been honoured to serve His Cause—to be well-pleased with the will of God, and to render thanks.

Consider now how great were the afflictions and trials that befell those who, without leave, set out and directed their steps. In the earliest years, most gave little heed to the prohibition revealed from the heaven of His will, and from every quarter they hastened; yet, through the precedence of mercy, the utmost favour was, outwardly, shown unto them, and, in the tongue of compassion, whatsoever should be spoken concerning obedience to the command of God was spoken. Some hearkened with perfect submission and contentment, and returned; others, however, through their vain imaginings, opened the door of interpretation. They are truly lost who interpret the Book of God without His leave.

At length there was revealed unto Jinab Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin—upon him be the Glory of God—a passage explicit and unambiguous concerning the tribulation of those who turn thither without permission, and the lack of divine good-pleasure therein. Blessed are they who laid hold upon the cord of patience and clung to the hem of tranquillity. Say unto him, from the tongue of Truth: Render thanks unto the Best-Beloved of the worlds that thou hast been admitted to His presence and hast been privileged to serve Him. Now beseech the Lord—glorified and exalted be He—to confirm thee in such deeds as are pleasing unto Him. Thy remembrance hath been, and continueth to be, before the Throne; and, God willing, that which accordeth with wisdom shall be done, and shall continue to be done. Glory be upon thee, upon him, and upon all who have been quickened by the remembrance of God, the Lord of all worlds.

As to what thou didst write, in the second letter, concerning Mahall al-Barakah: it was likewise submitted, and was accepted. He said: God willing, in every time and season, a new thought, drawn from the well-springs of counsel, should appear—counsel directed unto the well-being, the joy, and the ease of mankind.

In all moments must one’s regard be turned toward the whole of creation. That is to say: those who have turned unto God and bear relation to the Truth must set their gaze upon the welfare of all the peoples of the earth. For in this world there have arisen but a handful of rulers—mere heaps of bones—each contemplating his own selfish desires, each considering only his private advantage, heedless, and ever heedless, of the ruin and destruction of the peoples. Even so, after the revelation of that which the All-Merciful sent down in the Lawh-i-Ra’is, each government cried aloud:

“We have no concern with killing, pillage, slaughter, and burning—nor have we ever had—so long as no harm toucheth the interests of our dominion.”

Thus did they set the two contending powers one against the other; and how many souls, men and women, children, cities and villages, were utterly swept away and brought to naught! Had the other kings restrained them, and regarded the good of all, these things would not have come to pass—save that which had been decreed as inevitable in the Book of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

God willing, Mahall al-Barakah shall remain, between the Houses of Treasury, radiant and illumined, and shall become a dawning-place of trustworthiness, integrity, and good—if the friends act according to that which hath flowed from the Pen of the Most High. Then shall all blessings and bounties surely be directed unto them. Verily He is the Most Bountiful, the Bestower, the Generous.

Furthermore, several words of the revealed text were written with changes, for wisdom’s sake, and perhaps later the original revelation will reach thee. The loved ones in the Prison City send their greetings to thee and all the friends of God who dwell in that land. The glory be upon thee and thy family.

The servant, on the 19th of Safar 1295

BH00209: Praise be to God Who, when seated upon…

Section 1: “Praise be to God Who, when seated upon…”

He is God, exalted be His station, the Greatness and the Power!

Praise be to God Who, when seated upon the Throne of Manifestation, proclaimed: “There is none other God but Me, the Guardian, the Self-Subsisting”; and upon the Throne of Concealment: “There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Well-Beloved.” When established upon the Seat of Grandeur, He uttered that which caused the sincere ones to soar in the atmosphere of divine knowledge and the near ones to ascend unto the heaven of certitude. Then He spoke another word whereat all who are in earth and heaven were shaken, save those whom God honored and drew unto the Most Exalted Horizon. We testify that there is none other God but Him. He hath ever been sanctified beyond the mention of all created things and exalted above whatsoever the possessors of understanding have uttered.

Glory be unto Him! How great is His dominion, how perfect His proof, how manifest His signs, and how evident His testimonies! When He appeared from the horizon of His Most Great Name, the peoples differed by reason of their following the imaginings of those who preceded them. Woe unto them for having cast behind them His Most Exalted Pen and followed the bidding of the workers of iniquity who denied the Lord of the Beginning and the End. Praise be to God Who caused the Pen to speak and taught man what he knew not. Verily He is the One Who ruleth as He pleaseth. At times He withholdeth, and at times He causeth to flow. There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

The servant hath attained unto your letter which testified to your turning toward the Most Exalted Horizon and your acknowledgment of that which God, the Lord of the Beginning and the End, hath acknowledged. When I read it, I found from it the fragrance of the garment of your love for God, the Creator of earth and heaven. Through it my eyes were cheered, my heart was gladdened, my inner being was delighted, and my breast was dilated. We beseech God to assist me and grant me this blessing which strengtheneth both body and spirit. Verily He is the Answerer, the All-Loving. My spirit be a sacrifice for your remembrance.

After the first letter dated the 20th of Dhi’l-Qa’dih was presented before the Face and submitted, no response was manifested from the horizon of utterance. Then your second letter dated the first of Dhi’l-Hijjih became a source of boundless joy and was likewise presented before the Face, but no response appeared from the horizon of divine will. Then the third letter dated the 27th of Muharram arrived, and likewise. It was later understood that these delays were due to certain wisdom, as these regions have not been free from disturbances owing to the rebellion and transgression of those who have risen against Islam. We beseech God to aid the true religion and cause it to prevail over all religions. Verily He is the Mighty, the Bestower.

In any case, days passed and nights elapsed until one day, the fifteenth of Sha’ban, I was commanded to present myself, and the Beloved ordered me to read your letters once again, and He, may our spirits be a sacrifice for Him, answered one request after another.

O Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin! What thou didst send of the letters hath been received in the Prison, and We have heard what thou didst express in thy petitions. Let nothing grieve thee in the Cause of God. We conduct affairs with wisdom lest that occur which would sadden hearts. By My life! Thou art mentioned in the Prison. Blessed art thou and blessed are those with thee who have followed that which they were commanded by God, the Lord of the worlds. The rosewater which ʿAli-Qabli-Akbar and the son of the martyr who served the Wronged One in the Land of Mystery sent hath been presented before the Face, and likewise other items arrived. We beseech God to assist all in that which He loveth and is pleased with.

As to what thou didst mention concerning Muhammad-Hasan of Ya, blessed is he in his sojourn there. There is no objection to his engaging in some occupation and returning to his home. Convey My greetings to him and give him the glad tidings of My remembrance of him, that he may be among those who rejoice. Say unto him: Thou hast turned, thou hast drawn nigh, and thou hast attained. Give thanks unto God for this great bounty. None should journey to this land, for it is unsettled. We see what others see not. We desire naught but good for the loved ones of God, and they must hold fast unto what is befitting in all conditions. This is what the Wronged One hath chosen for the loved ones of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

As to what thou didst mention concerning Javad son of Murad, We have accepted his turning and drawing nigh. Give him glad tidings from Me, that he may rejoice in what the tongue of the Wronged One hath spoken in this remote prison. Blessed is he who hath held fast today unto the ordinances and commandments of God and hath acted according to what is commanded in His wise Book. Say: O My loved ones! Hold fast unto the cord of God’s loving-kindness and cling to the hem of His all-encompassing grace. It behooveth you to act in such wise as would sanctify the Cause among the servants. By the life of God! This is manifest good.

Concerning the two handmaidens from N and J, We beseech God to forgive them and purify them from all that beseemeth them not. Give them the glad tidings that they have been remembered in the prison. Blessed is the soul that hath been mentioned before the Wronged One, and the heart that hath attained His love, the Mighty, the Wondrous.

As for him whom thou didst forget to mention and acknowledged this in thy later letter, by My life, thine acknowledgment of forgetfulness in this station is the very essence of remembrance. Be thou grateful and among the thankful ones.

Know thou that the Supreme Pen maketh mention of the Name of God, the Most Truthful, who turned toward the Most Glorious Horizon in the Prison Land by leave of his Lord. He hath another station, when he turned toward Iraq and attained what the near ones attained. He is verily the star that shone forth from the horizon of heaven. This is truly a noble station. Blessed is he who visited him in the Land of Ha, as pronounced by the Pen of his Lord, the Mighty, the Wise.

The first light that shone from the horizon of eternity and the first fragrance that wafted from the garment of the mercy of the Lord of Names be upon thee, O thou servant who gazeth toward the Supreme Horizon. I testify that thou didst hear the Call and answer thy Ancient Lord, and didst turn toward the Countenance when the servants turned away from it, and didst acknowledge the Day that was mentioned in the Book. Blessed art thou, and again blessed art thou, and blessed is he who turneth unto thee and visiteth thy luminous resting-place. I testify that thou didst drink the Choice Wine sealed from the hands of the bounty of thy Lord, the Self-Subsisting, Who speaketh the truth: There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Powerful, the All-Knowing. We have mentioned him in other stations. He is verily the Faithful, the All-Knowing. Here endeth the passage.

As to what thou didst write concerning Mulla Ali-Akbar, it was submitted. God willing, may he be occupied at all times with the mention of the Beloved of the worlds, and in whatever land he dwelleth, may he be enabled to serve the Cause with wisdom.

And in thy second letter was mentioned Mulla Muhammad-ʿAli of Dahaj. It is strange that the one mentioned hath not arisen to settle his debt which was guaranteed by thee, despite countless emphases on such matters. We beseech God to enable us to do what profiteth us. Trustworthiness, religious devotion, and truthfulness are deeds whose benefit returneth first to the person himself and then to others. However, it is strongly suspected that he hath not had the means to pay it.

Concerning what you wrote about the Surahs and Tablets of the Land of Mystery, desist in this matter for now. And concerning what you wrote about the books of one Muhammad from the people of S who was with Aqa Muhammad-Hasan, it was mentioned and They said let them remain with you. And concerning what you wrote about Aqa Rajab-ʿAli—may the 966 [Baha’u’llah] be upon him—and what he left behind, these matters must be handled according to divine laws. All those funds do not reach his spouse as given in N and J. Although such funds are not worthy of mention, yet since one must act according to divine laws, it is mentioned. The inheritance must be distributed according to the laws. Now you may use those funds in your possession and offer tea to the friends of that land for the sake of that departed believer and his departed believing wife. God willing, both are immersed in the ocean of divine forgiveness.

Concerning Aqa Muhammad-Baqir, this is what the Beloved uttered: God willing, may all the loved ones of God be illumined by the lights of His countenance. O Baqir! Give thanks to God that thou wert mentioned before His presence and didst turn to God, the Lord of the worlds. Grieve not over remoteness, for nearness is in His hand—He ordaineth for whomsoever He willeth among His servants. He is the Ordainer, the Wise. The earth hath not found rest. Verily thy Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Be patient and say:

Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having given me to drink from the Kawthar of Thy knowledge and enabled me to attain unto Thy mention and praise. I beseech Thee to ordain for me what Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones and trustees, and that which shall profit me in every world of Thy worlds. O Lord! Deprive me not of the outpourings of the rain of Thy mercy, and drive me not from Thy door which Thou hast opened unto all in Thy heaven and on Thine earth. O Lord! Ordain for me a seat of truth near unto Thy mercy and a station of security beneath the shadow of Thy sovereignty and dominion. Verily Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

God willing, the friends of God must engage in service to the Cause, and service to the Cause means acting according to what hath been and shall be revealed in God’s Book. Today, goodly character, pleasing deeds, and teaching God’s Cause with wisdom are essential. O Baqir! God is the All-Seeing, the All-Hearing, and witnesseth all deeds and words. We beseech God to aid thee and all His friends to perform such deeds as shall cause the exaltation of His Cause. He is verily the Powerful, the Mighty. The glory be upon thee and upon those who have attained the recognition of God, the King, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

And concerning what thou didst mention about his brother Ramadan-ʿAli, We beseech God to forgive him through His grace, to immerse him in the ocean of His bounty, and to ordain for him that which shall profit him in the Hereafter and in this world. He is verily the Bestower, the Generous. O friends! Be content and thankful with what God hath commanded, for creatures have not been and are not aware of their own affairs and their outcome. God knoweth and He is the All-Knowing, the Wise. With utmost joy and fragrance, occupy yourselves with promoting the Cause of God and act according to what is in the Book. The promotion and service of every soul hath been and shall be according to their capacity. For example, if today someone offers a cup of water to one of God’s friends, they have succeeded in serving the Cause according to their capacity and to the measure of their deed. Strive that no matter escape you that would cause eternal regret and endless remorse.

Section 2: “And concerning what thou hast mentioned about Muhammad-Qabli-Ali…”

And concerning what thou hast mentioned about Muhammad-Qabli-Ali, We bid him as We have bidden Our servants before, and counsel him to fear God, to remember Him, and to act according to what the All-Merciful hath revealed in His mighty and unerring Book. O Muhammad-Qabli-Ali! He Who loveth God hath mentioned thee in His Book, and We make mention of thee with that which will gladden thy heart. Give thanks unto God, the Single, the All-Powerful, the Mighty, the All-Knowing. Hold fast unto the Sure Handle and cling to the hem of God, the Lord of all worlds. Say: Praise be unto Thee, O my God, for having caused me to turn towards Thy most exalted horizon and to set my face toward Thee after all things have perished. I beseech Thee by the sovereignty of Names and by the power wherewith Thou didst create earth and heaven, that Thou leave me not to myself, but cause me to be moved by Thy will. Verily, Thou art the All-Powerful, the Most Exalted, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

And concerning what thou hast mentioned about Mihman, blessed is she for having attained unto this wondrous name, and blessed is she for having shown steadfastness in the Cause of God, the Master of the Day of Judgment. In the path of God she hath borne hardships and hath, to the extent possible, been engaged in service to the Cause. God willing, she was and ever shall be adorned with the ornament of divine love and embellished with the greatest steadfastness. Her mention hath been and will continue to be before the Wronged One. We beseech God to aid her and those who are with her in that which He loveth and is pleased with.

Furthermore, the sublime Tablet which thou didst receive from Mulla Muhammad-ʿAli and dispatch as commanded hath arrived.

Regarding the Book of Prayers thou didst write about, it shall certainly be corrected. The friends may inquire about any passage that cometh to thy notice.

Concerning the books of Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’llah, upon him be 966 [Baha’u’llah], let them send the corrected copy of the Book of Verses, and likewise the Book of Prayers after correction. A Persian copy hath also been started here.

As for what thou didst write about Haji Ghulam and Haji ʿAbdu’llah, their mention was submitted before His presence. A kind word concerning them was uttered from the Source of utterance. Return to Iran would be preferable. God willing, wherever they may be, may they be engaged in remembrance of the Beloved of the worlds with the utmost joy and delight.

Furthermore, most people are deprived of the chosen ones of God and are engaged in the utmost deceit, trickery and guile. Among them is Husayn, known as Sukhtih, who hath made plans to travel to and from Cyprus, and surely cometh and goeth by that route. The friends of God must avoid him, for often they become the cause of discord among the friends. One named Taqi came to this land and later was dismissed and departed. Afterwards it became known that in Aleppo the aforementioned Sukhtih had deceived him and taken him to Cyprus. We beseech God to open the eyes of those who walk in the wilderness of fancy and error. By the life of God! They are in manifest remoteness and grievous sin.

Furthermore, convey greetings from this evanescent one to the friends in that land, and mention to Ismu’llah Safi, upon him be the Glory of God, that his letter was received, causing the utmost joy and gladness. God willing, may you be occupied with the remembrance of God in all conditions. This servant hath never forgotten that person in special occasions, and regarding the matter thou didst mention, God willing, it hath by now arrived.

In relating recent news, they have taken possession of the Land of Mystery and its surroundings. All that the All-Merciful had revealed in the Tablets has come to pass. Surely the Tablet to Ra’is is before His blessed eyes. In any case, in those regions, blood was shed beneath every tree, and the cries and lamentations of the servants, of widows and others, rose up from the hills and mountains, cities and villages. Verily the Pen is powerless to describe what transpired therein. The Tablet to Ra’is indeed informed us of what would occur there. After news of the Bishop’s arrival in Adrianople, a prayer was revealed from the Most Holy Court, and He commanded the friends to recite it, saying “This, despite My knowledge that successors are like their predecessors.” This is what was revealed from the Most Exalted Pen:

He is the One Who has power over whatsoever He willeth, in His Name, the All-Subduing over all names.

O My God, the All-Merciful and the All-Powerful over creation! I beseech Thee by Thy Self to protect the Sultan. Then I beseech Thee not to regard him and the transgressions of his predecessors in sovereignty, but rather to behold the ocean of Thy bounty, the heaven of Thy grace, and the sun of Thy favors. O Lord! Ward off from him the hands of evil with the Hand which Thou hast made to be above the hands of all Thy creatures. Verily, Thou art the All-Powerful, the Most Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

From these blessed words it can be understood that relief will come to the Sultan, but this will be after great losses that have occurred and will occur. Furthermore, regarding that which was forbidden from the Most Holy Court, and which was repeatedly and successively forbidden to the people through healing utterances, manifest verses and clear words—as that honored one can testify—most did not succeed in hearkening to the divine call and were not adorned with the ornament of acceptance and deeds, until a word was revealed to his honor from the Source of Command. It appears its purport was that since they did not heed the divine command, they would be prevented in other ways. God, the Exalted, the Great, has spoken truth. In any case, more than one hundred and fifty souls are now residing in this land and were in the utmost joy and comfort, but now ease has been transformed into hardship.

Among the matters that have occurred in this land is that Jinab-i-Ha has incurred debts exceeding two thousand tumans—two thousand tumans belonging to the merchant partner, and a considerable sum from the poor merchant himself. It is evident that this amount was given with trust in God. The aforementioned personage has thoughtlessly taken on this burden. I have briefly mentioned this; if I were to detail the debts and recent occurrences of this city, you would surely become saddened. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Concealer, the All-Wise. Your honor is not aware of what people are now saying and what is befalling the Cause. Jinab-i-Salman has become aware of some details, that is, before the spread of news about the aforementioned person who was in this land.

In any case, from outward appearances this land has become very constricted, as wheat has risen from eight tumans per kharvar to twelve tumans, and likewise other items. We beseech God to assist His servants to hearken unto His Cause and to trust in Him, to deliver us from the promptings of self and passion, and to enable us to achieve that which will profit us in the Hereafter and in this world. Verily He is the Ruler over whatsoever He willeth. I swear by the Most Great Name, had they hearkened to that which was sent down from the heaven of bounty, all would have attained perfect outward and inward blessings. Now the debts of Aqa ʿAbdu’l-Ahad and other debts have reached four thousand tumans.

This is a brief account of the situation in this land. For some time now nothing has been received from the government for the friends, and we praise God for this, although it was not worthy, and the government itself is now in great difficulties.

Another matter: For some time after the arrival of your honor’s letter and its presentation before the Most Holy Court, no response appeared from the horizon of the Cause, as was mentioned. After some time, the command was issued to present your honor’s letter at the Most Holy Court. After a second presentation, an answer was revealed, but then for several months it was not sent due to wisdom’s requirements, just as specifically for certain souls who were in that land at that time and whom your honor mentioned, divine verses were revealed from the horizon of grace, but there was such delay that some of those souls arrived at the Prison City without permission. These delays were due to the requirements of wisdom and expediency. A letter also arrived from Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Muhammad. Its answer has been delayed until now. This ephemeral one conveys greetings to him. May God willing, he be assisted and confirmed in all conditions. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to open unto him the gates of joy and gladness, blessing and bounty, and expansion.

Another matter: It was previously written that fifty tumans would be sent to that land. They have written that it was given to Haji Ahmad to deliver upon his return from Mecca. They should write the details of this.

Regarding the mother of Aqa Muhammad Hasan, the situation of this land has been repeatedly explained. It is not at all advisable for her to come to this land, now or ever. Let her occupy herself with some matter there until later what is required becomes clear. Whatever is necessary will be done later, if God should will it.

Convey greetings and praise to the gentlemen and friends of that land, contingent upon that Holiness’s favor. The circumambulators and dwellers of the Most Holy Land, especially in service to that Holiness and all the loved ones, offer infinite greetings. Glory be upon Your Holiness and upon them.

The servant, on 19 Safar 1295.

The Branches of the Blessed Tree—may my spirit and all that my Lord hath bestowed upon me be a sacrifice for their glory—convey most mighty, most impregnable, most holy greetings to that Holiness and all the inhabitants of that land. The people of the pavilion of divine infallibility have especially commanded at this time that I should convey greetings on their behalf to that honor, and to the honor of the Name of God, the Chosen One, and to the honored guest.

BH01347: All praise be to God, Who warbleth the melody…

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

All praise be to God, Who warbleth the melody of utterance, Who standeth alone in His bounty, and Who hath chosen man from among all created things to sing His praise. He it is by Whose command the Supreme Pen was moved to write, whereupon all the denizens of the kingdom of creation were thunderstruck by its shrill cry, save those whom God preserved through His sovereignty and delivered through His power. He it is through Whom the sincere ones hastened to the Kawthar of meeting, while the idolaters remained in their lowly station; through Whom the bird of mystical understanding soared in the atmosphere of certitude, and the hearts of the people of Paradise were attracted. Exalted be the All-Merciful Who hath taught me that He cannot be described by my mention nor characterized by the traces of my pen.

Rather, all that proceedeth from me is but heedlessness upon heedlessness, and sin upon sin. Yet despite my knowledge, conviction and certitude of this, I bear witness that through His remembrance the heavens and earth were perfumed, and through His praise the fragrance of love was diffused throughout the kingdoms of command and creation. Exalted, exalted be His measure! Exalted, exalted be His power! Exalted, exalted be His sovereignty! Exalted, exalted be His might! Exalted, exalted be His glory! Exalted, exalted be His command! Exalted, exalted be His remembrance! Exalted, exalted be His praise!

I testify that He hath not been described by any description, though His attributes have been inscribed by the Pen of Creation upon the tablets of all created things. And I testify that He hath not been mentioned, though His mention hath been raised up from all things between earth and heaven. How can the pen of ignorance describe that Knowledge at Whose manifestation all seas of knowledge were obliterated, and before Whose exaltation the exaltation of every existing and known thing hath prostrated itself? I seek His forgiveness at all times and in all conditions for what I have said and say, for what hath occurred to my mind, for what my tongue hath uttered, and for what my limbs have committed. He is verily the Forgiver, the Kind, the Generous.

Thereafter, thy letter was heard with loving-kindness and affection, and since it bore witness to and was indicative of praise for the Beloved of the seen and unseen, it brought the utmost joy. God willing, thou shalt ever be occupied with the remembrance of God and renowned throughout the earth for thy love of God. After the letter was read, at a certain time it was presented in detail at the Most Holy Court, whereupon He spoke—and His word is the truth:

“O Hasan! We make mention of thee when thou wert in the Land of Mystery, circling round the will of thy Lord and acting in accordance with that which thou wert commanded by God, the Lord of the worlds. Thou art he who attained unto the presence of thy Lord and quaffed the choice wine from the hands of the bounty of thy Ancient Lord. Rejoice thou in this Most Great Remembrance, and proclaim on My behalf unto those who are with thee, and give them the glad tidings of that grace to which every tongue hath testified and which every discerning mystic hath mentioned. That which thou didst send aforetime hath been presented before the Throne, as well as in these days. Verily thy Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. He shall assist thee under all conditions and hath recorded thy name with the Supreme Pen as among those who circled round about Him and arose to serve Him. He is verily the All-Bountiful, the Bestower, the Generous.”

Concerning Ustad Husayn you wrote that he has intended, with the permission of the Beloved of the world, to turn towards the Most Holy Court. This much is submitted: the trials in this land have exceeded all bounds and all the loved ones of God have been afflicted with the utmost hardship. Therefore the friends must occupy themselves with service to the Cause. If in these divine days a cherished deed becomes manifest from any soul, the decree of attainment unto His presence will be issued from the Supreme Pen for him. This servant repeatedly heard these words from the tongue of Grandeur. God willing, may he be successful in serving the Cause. This servant mentioned him in the presence of His Countenance. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to aid us and him to serve Him, to obey Him, and to do that which will exalt His wise and irrevocable Cause.

Concerning Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Habibullah that you wrote about, it was submitted in the Most Holy Court. He expressed favor, and we beseech God to aid him as He aided him before. In truth, that family has rendered many services, especially Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Sadiq and his other brother who was occupied in service in Iraq. He said that souls who have attained to this station must walk among people with the utmost sanctity and detachment so that their station may be made manifest in both the Supreme Kingdom and in the world of creation. Convey greetings to all the friends on behalf of this evanescent one.

Concerning Jinab-i-Ustad Ali-Akbar they wrote, God willing may he ever be and continue to be gladdened by divine favors and occupied with His mention and praise. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to answer my prayer on their behalf and their prayers on my behalf. Verily He is the Protector of the lowly, and praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.

Safar 1295

BH01484: The essence of praise, assuming the form of servants…

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

The essence of praise, assuming the form of servants, calleth out in the wilderness of longing: “O God of the unseen and the seen, and Educator of existence! I beseech Thee by Thy Name that standeth over all things, and is the Ever-Living over all names, and speaketh in the heaven of beginning, and appeareth in the kingdom of creation, and shineth from the horizon of eternity, and is supreme over all who are in earth and heaven, that Thou protect Thy Afnan who have arisen to serve Thee, and have acknowledged Thy oneness, and confessed Thy singleness, and have submitted to the manifestations of Thy Cause, and have hastened to the horizon of Thy knowledge, and have turned to Thy countenance, and have cried out in the desert of Thy sovereignty: ʿThou, verily Thou, O Lord of the worlds! Thou, verily Thou, O God of the mystics! Thou, verily Thou, O Goal of all who seek! Thou, verily Thou, O Thou by Whose Name the heavens and earths were established!’

Even as the call of Thy chosen ones hath been raised in this wilderness which hath been illumined by the sun of Thy remembrance and hath gleamed with the light of Thy countenance. Those whom Thou didst send to herald Thy Manifestation have spoken and cried out, saying: ʿHere am I, here am I, O God of the world! Here am I, here am I, O Light of eternity and Sovereign of nations!’ We praise Thee for having fulfilled what Thou didst reveal in Thy Tablets and adorned therewith the pages of Thy glory. Thou art He Who hath ever been powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing. My spirit be a sacrifice for the essence of Thy love!”

The handwritten missive of his honor Aqa Siyyid Mirza—upon him be all the most glorious Glory—was received, and they had enclosed your honor’s letter within it. Its contents were submitted to the Most Holy Court. An answer hath been revealed from the heaven of divine Will to both him and you. His mighty and glorious Word:

“O My Afnan! Thy call hath attained to the hearing of thy Lord, and thy letter hath been honored in the Most Great Scene, this Castle which God hath made the seat of His mighty Throne. This is a place where the sea is seen on its right, and the mountain and land on its left, and before it are gardens wherein are trees bearing citrus fruits blazing like spheres of fire, and flowers like the stars of heaven. Thus doth the Most Exalted Pen make mention that thou mayest be of those who rejoice.

What thou didst send to My Afnan in the land of Ha hath been presented before the Face, and the servant in attendance before the Throne hath read it. We have revealed these verses unto thee as a favor from Our presence. Rejoice thou and be of the thankful. We have mentioned thee and do mention thee in truth. Be thou assured of thy Lord’s favor. He will assist thee in that which shall profit thee in the Hereafter and in this world. There is no God but He, the Powerful, the Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

We have commanded you to observe wisdom. Blessed is he who holdeth fast unto it and acteth according to what hath been ordained by One Who is All-Knowing. O My Afnan! Grieve not over anything. He is with thee and knoweth thy condition and will send down for thee that which shall gladden thy heart. He, verily, is the True One, the Faithful.

By thy life! Were the kingdom receptive, We would have manifested that which would cause kings to arise at the door like fearful, penitent servants. Convey My greetings to the Most Exalted Leaf and say: Rejoice! He is with thee under all conditions. Thy Lord, verily, is the Near, the Hearing One. Dwell thou in a house that doth not compromise your station. By My life! The people are in manifest error. Be patient until the time cometh unto thee. Thus doth the Most Exalted Pen counsel thee from this exalted station. Glory be upon you and upon those who have believed, and upon those women who have believed in the Single One, the All-Informed.”

God willing, after perusing this you shall attain infinite joy. If today the dwelling of the Most Pure Consort—upon Her be all glory and exaltation—in the true house would cause clamor among the servants and become the cause of rancor and hatred, residence therein is not permitted, according to the wisdom which God hath revealed in the Book, until God bringeth about His appointed time. In any case, observance of wisdom is necessary and obligatory, and if in these days, due to wisdom and expediency, the residence of the Consort and Afnan in that house is not feasible, its door must remain closed and no one is permitted to dwell therein. Glory be upon you in the beginning and the end.

The servant 19 Safar 1295

BH00619: Praise be to God Who hath revealed Himself unto…

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

Praise be to God Who hath revealed Himself unto all created things through that Name whereby the Concourse on High rejoiced, the hearts of the Manifestations of Names took flight, and through which the lovers uttered “My spirit be a sacrifice unto Thee,” and the Dove of Holiness warbled upon the Divine Lote-Tree. The Kingdom and the Realm of Might, then the realms of divine power and sovereignty, then all the kingdoms of creation be a sacrifice unto Thy Name, O King of Names! Then the Tongue of Grandeur spoke between the heavens: “By God, the Truth! That which hath come is that by which all atoms were attracted, and verily He is the One Who was forever hidden, none being aware of Him save His Own Self, the One Who dominates all who are in the heavens and the earth.”

Praise be to God Who hath made tribulation the key to His exalted Paradise, whereby those who followed their desires fled while the people of Baha drew nigh, those who cast away this world and took hold of that which would profit them in the Hereafter and in this life. Exalted be our Lord, the All-Bountiful, and exalted be His all-pervading grace, and exalted be that whereby He is remembered, described, and praised. Verily, He is the Single One Who was sanctified above all others, and the Expositor Who was elevated above all utterance. We testify that the Kingdom of Utterance circles round Him and prostrates itself at His call and submits at the appearance of His proof. We testify that there is no God but Him, the Almighty, the Most High, the Most Great.

My soul be a sacrifice for Thy love! Two letters which had shone forth from the horizon of your love brought joy to this evanescent one’s heart. However, as they conveyed news of the tribulations that had befallen you, and the successive afflictions and cascading calamities, such grief overcame me that its description is impossible for this helpless pen, nay, for the pen of any lover to convey. We beseech God to grant you success and to assist you in all conditions, and to ordain for you that which is best for you. Verily, He is the Almighty, the All-Powerful. Although mention of your tribulations caused countless sorrows, yet, as it hath been said:

Every calamity in Thy good-pleasure is joy, And every sorrow in Thy love is gladness, Every tribulation in Thy love is comfort, And every hardship in Thy days is ease.

Every poison in aid of Thy Cause is healing balm, and every bitterness in service to Thee is surpassing honey. By God! Not an atom of what hath befallen that honored one hath been, or shall ever be, effaced from the page of creation. Blessed art thou for having drunk the cup of tribulation in love of thy Lord, the Lord of all names. God willing, through divine bounties thou shalt soon become the dayspring of the mention of all creation and the source of universal affairs. Verily He is the One Who ordaineth what He pleaseth for whomsoever He willeth. He, verily, is the Single One, the All-Informed. This servant hath felt the utmost regret, for he was not able to respond to that honored one.

This was not due to any neglect or lassitude on the part of this servant, but rather owing to the absence of messengers. In these days, as the beloved and most cherished ones, his honor Aqa Mirza Haydar-ʿAli and his honor Aqa Mirza Muhammad-Husayn, upon them be the Most Glorious Beauty of God, were preparing to depart, this petition was boldly presented. God willing, in all conditions ye shall occupy yourselves with wisdom and utterance in making mention of the Goal of the world’s peoples, that perchance the heedless, lifeless souls may turn unto the water of life.

Here is another account concerning events in this land—strange and wondrous happenings have occurred there which will surely reach your blessed hearing. In all Tablets, Scriptures, Books and Holy Writings, all the friends have been commanded to manifest religiosity, trustworthiness, truthfulness, high endeavor, justice and fairness—as all the divine friends can bear witness to what has been stated. Nevertheless, certain matters have transpired which this servant is ashamed to mention—the luminous hem has been sullied. Although the resolution of these matters depends upon a Word from God, this servant’s sorrow stems from the fact that such souls should appear with perfect trustworthiness, religiosity and truthfulness among the people, so that all may be illumined by the rays of the suns of detachment. For those souls who are truly gazing toward the Most Exalted Horizon today and have reached the supreme heights are the dawning-places of goodly attributes, the rising-points of pure deeds, and the sources of actions that are pleasing and acceptable. We beseech God to aid us in what He loves and is pleased with.

Every morning and evening, night and day, the Supreme Pen, with perfect kindness, mercy, compassion and bounty, summons these servants to that which is best for them. Nevertheless, most remain heedless and occupied with their own desires. In any case, these matters too are among the conditions of imprisonment. For once this servant heard from the Most Holy Tongue saying that although God, exalted be His glory and greatness, transformed the prison land and opened its gate, yet at times certain events occur therein so that the mention of prison and its signs may not be erased. Verily in this are signs for those who understand. I testify that all that was uttered by the Tongue of Grandeur appears in truth and none can gainsend it.

In the days when the Surih of Ra’is was revealed, mention was made of the Sublime State and what it did and what would befall it. Many were bewildered as to how this would come to pass. God, the Most High, the Most Great, spoke truth. Now in these days one should recite that blessed Surih to gain insight into the power and greatness of God’s Cause, and all will testify that verily He is the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed, the Wise.

Likewise with the Tablet of Paris—no one could conceive how such a momentous matter would come to pass. Indeed, someone mentioned to this servant that it was inconceivable that someone like Napoleon would be deposed or come to an end. But days had not passed before the Sun of God’s Word shone forth and all that was revealed in the verses appeared word for word, letter for letter, and all witnessed it. Nevertheless, most again appear heedless and sleeping—nay, dead. And this servant is in all conditions forbidden from mentioning certain hidden matters. Were He to command me to reveal them, all would surely testify that there is no God but Him, the Powerful, the Most High, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

Another submission: Although this servant delayed sending petitions due to the absence of couriers, it has also been some time since news has come from you, even though letters now arrive directly by post from all parts of Iran. God willing, contrary to before, both this servant shall cause trouble and you shall be the cause of joy.

Another supplication is that you should convey greetings on behalf of this ephemeral one to the loved ones of God—those souls who have drunk from the ocean of love and are gazing toward and turned to the horizon of grace—and make mention that today is the day of the remembrance of God, and today is the day of service and assistance. Time must not be lost, and the purpose of service and assistance is the mention of Truth through wisdom and utterance, that perchance the scattered letters of the world may be gathered together in the temple of a single word, and that word may become the cause of the completion and adornment of the Book of Creation.

Say: O leaves of the Divine Lote-Tree! The ear is attentive that it may hear, from the blowing of the winds of the divine days, the sound of your movement and vibration. And let it not be imagined that by movement and vibration is meant conflict, corruption and contention. Nay, by His very Self, the Truth! This Revelation is different from other revelations, and these days are different from other days. God willing, the mature, holy, and steadfast souls should appear in such wise that all the world may partake of the sweet fountains of their love and affection. And since these fountains flow in the name of Truth, from their murmur should be heard the soul-entrancing call “Verily, He is the Beloved of all worlds.” We beseech God that He may confirm today those who drink the choice wine of understanding, that they may invite all people to the Truth and not become the cause of division and discord, and that they may act according to that which hath been revealed in the Most Holy Book from the Supreme Pen. May they pass beyond self-seeing, which is in truth the source of nothingness and duality, and occupy themselves with the mention of Him Who alone exists, so that the ungodly may find no opportunity for aversion and objection.

O my masters! Today discord hath been and will be the cause of harm to the Cause of God. Set aside your selves and take hold of God alone. Thus doth your Best-Beloved, the Most Glorious, command you. To this testifieth this servant and those who have acknowledged and recognized that He is God, the Powerful, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

Furthermore, all the pilgrims and assembled souls who have come from various directions are all occupied with your mention. In truth, they convey greetings from the depths of their hearts. Verily, He is the All-Witnessing, the All-Knowing. Glory and majesty be upon your honor and upon those with you and those who have attained and become assured of the meeting with their Lord, the Mighty, [the Impregnable]. The servant. On the 19th of Jamadiyu’l-Avval.

BH00302: Exalted is this Day wherein the horizon of utterance…

Section 1: “Exalted is this Day wherein the horizon…”

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

Exalted is this Day wherein the horizon of utterance hath been illumined, wherein the All-Merciful hath established Himself upon the throne of grandeur and bounty, and hath spoken throughout all creation that whereby the sincere ones were attracted, the believers soared, and those near unto God did speak, saying: “There is none other God but Him.” He hath ever been sanctified above all similitudes, and will ever be even as He hath always been. There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Most High.

This is the Day wherein the Most Great Name hath appeared and the world hath been illumined thereby. Blessed is he who hath turned unto Him and hath drunk the cup of tribulations in His path and of sorrows in His love. He is indeed among those who have attained unto His knowledge and soared in the atmosphere of His nearness. The Concourse on High shall pray for him, and the Kingdom of Names shall seek blessings through him. Joy upon joy unto him who hath been clothed with the garment of tribulation in the path of God, the Lord of all names. Blessed, then blessed is he who hath been seized, prevented, imprisoned and tried in the love of God, the Creator of earth and heaven.

By the life of God! The essences of existence address him from the lofty chambers of words, and the realities of names remember him in the palaces of remembrance and attributes. God knoweth that all things praise him, and through him do the servants draw nigh unto God, the Revealer of verses. Would that this servant could have been with the loved ones of God when they entered into prison and tasted the cup of tribulation through that which the hands of the people of discord had wrought. God shall soon seize them with a mighty retribution from His presence, and shall adorn the temples of His loved ones with an ornament that shall not fade, and a glory that shall not perish, and a beauty that no veil of creation can conceal, and a light that the darkness of those who have turned away from the Most Sublime Horizon cannot obscure. Thus doth God reward the sincere ones among His servants, the believers among His creation, and the faithful among His chosen ones. He, verily, is the One with power over whatsoever He pleaseth. There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Beloved.

O beloved of My heart! How can My feeble pen recount one who hath drunk the wine of revelation from the hand of the bounty of his Lord and hath borne hardships in His path? By Thy life! I acknowledge My powerlessness and inadequacy to properly praise that which thou hast attained in the love of God, thy Lord and My Lord and the Lord of all worlds. Yet I rejoice in making mention of thee, for thereby do I see myself ranked among those who make mention of God’s chosen ones and His loved ones, God’s friends and His faithful ones.

Then I submit that after hearing the praise of your honor, the Beloved of the world, and recognizing what the dove of your pen warbled in remembrance of God, the Lord of Eternity, I found my house spacious, my heart expansive, my breast dilated, and my inner being soaring to the ultimate goal and Most Glorious Horizon. I presented what was in your letter, whereupon the face of the Beloved turned toward me and spoke that which attracted all hearts. Exalted, exalted is His utterance above His servants’ description of it! It was as though I saw the Kingdom of Utterance circling around that which proceeded from the tongue of His grandeur, and the essence of the unseen and the visible hastening at that which the mouth of His power pronounced.

He said, exalted be His glory: “O ʿAli-Akbar! We make mention of thee from the direction of My Most Great Horizon, that thou mayest hear My call and find thyself in great joy. By My life! I was with you when you entered the prison. Blessed are ye, then blessed are ye, for having borne tribulations in My path and afflictions for the exaltation of My Word and the advancement of My Cause. Thy Lord is indeed the All-Seeing. Blessed are they who have entered the fortress of My knowledge, soared in the atmosphere of My love, drunk the choice wine of My revelation, and been seized by the intoxication of the wine of My utterance to such extent that they have detached themselves from all else save Me, turned toward My face, advanced toward the horizon of My grace, held fast to the cord of My favor, and clung to the hem of My generosity.

These are they whose names the tongues of the world mention and before whose names all nations bow down. To this beareth witness the tongue of My grandeur, the kingdom of My utterance, and this Pen which raceth in the arena of knowledge—and I am the All-Informed. Verily, those who have attained imprisonment have attained mention by My Most Exalted Pen, and this is more precious than all that hath been created between earth and heaven. By the life of God! Nothing can equal it. Blessed, then blessed is he who hath been adorned with the ornament of steadfastness. He is among the most exalted of creation in the Book of God. Thy Lord is indeed the All-Knowing.

Convey My Glory upon their faces and say: Blessed be your faces for having turned toward the Face of God, and your hearts for having drawn nigh unto the Ultimate Goal, and your souls for having advanced toward the Most Exalted Horizon. Ye have drunk the cup of tribulations in My path; drink ye today from the hand of My bounty My Most Glorious Wine and My Purest Kawthar, that I may say: Pleasant and wholesome be it unto you in the Kingdom of Creation. Thus doth God make mention of you with the most excellent mention. He is indeed the All-Bountiful. Rejoice ye in My Name and drink ye in My remembrance. We have turned toward you and glorify your faces from this beautiful station.

We were saddened by your grief, and We rejoice at this time in that God mentioneth you by His own Self, as a recompense for what ye have wrought in His straight path. Were My loved ones to taste the sweetness of tribulations in My path, they would offer gifts in My name to Mine enemies as a reward for what they have done unto them, for through them they have attained this station wherein the Ancient Beauty maketh mention of them in this Great Prison. They have purchased for themselves a station in the Fire, while for you is a station at My Most Great Horizon. Exalted is He whom the harm of the world and the oppression of the nations harm not His loved ones. Glad tidings, then, to the soul that hath recognized that which My mighty tongue hath uttered.”

O joy of My heart! Behold the divine favors. I swear by the Sun of the horizon of utterance that were all the people of the realm of possibility to ponder these revealed verses and contemplate the tenderness, compassion and favor of God—exalted be His glory—all would assuredly turn to the ocean of generosity and fix their gaze upon the horizon of grace. What benefit is there when the intoxication of passion hath seized all who are in creation, save those preserved by the hand of the power of our Lord, the Mighty, the Powerful.

As to what was written concerning the Greatest Holy Leaf, the Holy Sister, upon her be all the most glorious glory of God, it was presented to the Most Holy Court. According to His command: whosoever wishes to pay the Huququ’llah, and from such payment some portion reaches her, it is acceptable before God to the extent of sufficiency and payment of debt. However, it is not permissible to demand the Huquq from anyone. Ask God to assist the loved ones in paying the Huququ’llah, for this matter has been and will continue to be the cause of the purification of wealth, its preservation, and divine bounties and blessings.

Regarding the mention of the names of the loved ones of God, namely those souls who entered prison for the love of God, the servant bears witness to what the All-Merciful has revealed concerning them, which suffices the world and causes the tongues of nations to speak their praise and glorification. At one time, mention of these souls was heard from the Tongue of Grandeur. He mentioned each one with supreme kindness and then said: Ask God that they may preserve this most exalted station and greatest bounty for the sake of His truth and love for Him, and that they may not be disturbed by the imaginings of the servants. They should, with the utmost effort and endeavor, keep their gaze fixed upon this most sublime and exalted station, and at all times be engaged in divine thanksgiving.

Concerning what was written about Jinab-i-Aqa Mir Abdul-Baqi and two others, upon them be the glory of God, it was presented to the Most Holy Court. He said: Blessed are they, and theirs is the most splendid station in the Book of their Lord, the Mighty, the Wise. We have adorned those who were touched by tribulation in the path of God, the Lord of Names, with that which shall eternalize their remembrance in the Kingdom of God, the Lord of the worlds. Say: Be patient as your Lord was patient, and verily He is with you and will aid you as He pleaseth. There is none other God but He, the Mighty, the Powerful. Upon them be the glory of God and His mercy. Thus doth the Beloved of the world remember you in this manifest Prison. It behooveth you today to ask your Lord, the All-Merciful, to treasure up what ye have wrought in His path and to preserve you in your present state. By My life! This is indeed the greatest favor, to which the Lord of Destiny beareth witness. Blessed is every hearing and seeing one.

Section 2: “In truth, after the details about the prisoners…”

In truth, after the details about the prisoners were presented before the Most Holy Court, perfect grace was manifested concerning them, as is evident from the revealed verses. Blessed are they, and God willing, they shall soon attain deliverance, though in reality they have already attained the greatest deliverance, having been imprisoned in the path of God.

According to His command, all the loved ones of God must conduct themselves with utmost calm and dignity, hold fast in all conditions to the cord of wisdom, and with the utmost joy and fragrance quicken the people of the world with the living waters. And He revealed in the verses sent down words to this effect: that if the loved ones were to taste the sweetness of tribulations in the path of God, they would surely offer gifts to those who enabled them to attain this supreme bounty. Now it is evident that the intention was to demonstrate the exalted nature of this station and the sublimity of this rank. Should anyone literally present gifts now, they would surely have departed from wisdom, as this would cause agitation, commotion and clamor.

Say: O friends! The Tongue of the All-Merciful commands you to hold fast to that which will cause joy, delight and tranquility among the servants. In most Tablets it hath been revealed that the children of the age must be nourished with milk that is mild and delicate until they attain maturity, for surely they cannot bear heavy food. He remindeth them of that which profiteth them, and He is the best of rememberers. And glory be upon you and upon those who have turned and have attained to the hearing of the verses of God, the Lord of all worlds.

O Ali! Once again My Most Exalted Pen speaketh and counseleth His loved ones to unity in the Cause of God. By My life! Through it are opened the gates of goodly things. Thy Lord is verily the All-Explaining, the All-Knowing. Blessed is he who setteth this Word before his eyes. We bear witness that he is of them that have attained.

Although divine favors have been manifested towards these souls in the revealed verses to such a degree that nothing higher can be imagined, after your visitation they too will testify to what was presented. Nevertheless, at the time of the revelation of verses, a word was heard from the Tongue of Grandeur indicating that Tablets would be specifically revealed for those souls, even if but a single verse. Blessed are they for having attained the grace of their Lord while most people are deprived of this most holy, most mighty, most great, most wondrous and most glorious bounty.

Say: Another entreaty is that unto all the friends—that is, those souls who are inebriated with the wine of divine remembrance and content in the remembrance of the Beloved—convey from this evanescent one a wondrous and sublime greeting, and say to them: This is the Day for which all the Prophets and Messengers have waited, and from the Truth, exalted and glorified be He, have sought to attain its presence and yearned for it. This is the Day wherein God hath come, this is the Day wherein the Furqan hath spoken: “The Kingdom on that Day shall be God’s.” This is that Day by whose mention all the sacred Books have been adorned. The loved ones of God must remain steadfast and firm in God’s Cause with perfect unity, oneness and singleness of purpose.

He hath said: Write to his honor ʿAli-Akbar, upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah], that today the souls who have accepted the Faith must be given to drink, cup after cup, from the chalice of recognition, and be nurtured by the wondrous and glorious heavenly food, that they may become steadfast and firm in the Cause of God to such degree that none among the peoples of the world would be able to alter or change them. The people are weak, and certain unprofitable and useless utterances of the people of the Furqan remain in their minds and hearts. Therefore they may give ear to certain vain imaginings. Say: The matter is not as such. Were that which is hidden from you to be unveiled, ye would abandon the world and whatsoever words and allusions are therein, and would hold fast unto the Word that hath encompassed the world. O friends! Purify and sanctify your hearts from vain imaginings and mention of the past, that ye may perchance become illumined with wondrous lights. Reflect and ponder upon that which they have said and that which hath come to pass. In this way ye shall become aware of the falsity of the narrators who arose in the first generation.

By God’s life! Then shall ye behold the sun of certitude rising from the horizons of your hearts and the moon of assurance shining from the heavens of your being, and ye shall find yourselves at a station that none other than you can attain, and ye shall see all others among the Concourse of the Bayan at the lowest of stations. Say: O My loved ones! Leave them to their vain imaginings and to that which their lying tongues utter. By God’s life! This is a Day wherein that which they possess is not mentioned. The Supreme Pen and the Tongue of God in the kingdom of creation bear witness to this. He, verily, is the Expositor, the All-Informed.

God willing, the loved ones of the Beloved of the worlds must reflect upon these passages and other passages that have streamed forth from the Pen of Revelation. In this way, they shall behold all souls—that is, those who have been deprived and forbidden from the true wine—as mere nothingness and utter non-existence. By the Beloved’s right! The hearing soul shall witness from the words of these ungodly, rebellious, false, and imaginary souls the power of Truth, how after the rending of imaginary veils they have again become afflicted with other vain imaginings. By the Most Great Name! They have not understood aught of the Day of God and have not drunk a drop from the divine ocean of utterance. Leave them to their vain discourse wherein they sport.

However, the loved ones must be trained until they regard a hundred thousand such imaginary souls as non-existent and evanescent. They have newly intended a new well and wish to proceed to Jabulqa. Say: Establish ye also a holy precinct and occasionally issue forth numerous epistles therefrom. Say: Well done to your understanding and perception, that ye have still not comprehended that which ye possessed, and that which you took pride in was not mentioned before God. A few arose and took the reins of the hapless people, and how many falsehoods and vain imaginings were spread by those souls who counted themselves as leaders of the people and chiefs of the earth. Were one to be fair, one would observe that these lying souls were the cause of the martyrdom of the Primal Point, may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him. Would that I were permitted by God to express and mention that which is hidden from them and from most people. The Command is in His hands; He commands and forbids, and He shall not be asked of His doings, and He is the Questioner, the Mighty, the Powerful.

Now observe that which was mentioned—all the people of the Bayan are aware of it, yet one cannot clearly mention this station, for they are seen to be disturbed and shaken. Now observe the power of vain imaginings, how it hath encompassed and seized these imaginary souls. Say: if ye were to busy yourselves with the construction of a cellar, it would be far better, for as someone hath said, what follows must conform to what precedes. There is no doubt that the imaginary conformeth with imagination through imagination. Woe unto them and unto those who follow them! The All-Merciful hath testified that this is a wondrous Cause which God hath made sanctified above similitudes and comparisons, and above before and after, and verily He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. Blessed are they who understand. In any case, that honored one must speak with the utmost wisdom, for there are certain statements which, though clear and manifest as the sun, would cause the hearts to be disturbed were one to utter them. The mysteries of inner meanings and utterance cannot be mentioned among the manifestations of the animal kingdom. God willing, whatever strength and power ye possess shall be expended in wisdom and utterance in service to the Cause of the All-Merciful.

BH02583: Praise be to God Who created the Point through…

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

Praise be to God Who created the Point through the Will which none has comprehended save God, the Lord of all creation. Then He turned toward it with the gaze of grandeur, whereupon it was differentiated and there appeared from it the Book of Names in the Kingdom of creation. Then He turned toward it with the sovereignty of power and might, whereupon the treasures of divine knowledge were revealed among the followers of all religions and the Kawthar of life flowed throughout all contingent being. Blessed, then blessed is he who turned, drew near, partook and drank in the name of our Lord, the All-Merciful. And when it stirred within itself, there appeared from nothingness the mysteries of existence, successively, continuously, and manifestly, through the appearance of what was intended by the Desired One, He Who oversees all that witnesses and is witnessed. Glorified be He Who gave speech to the tongueless, healed the sick, and made known to every hearing ear what He desired in His precious and mighty Day.

The glory which has shone forth from the horizon of grace and the praise which has dawned from the heaven of justice—and the first light whereby the niche of existence was illumined and the lamps of the unseen and the seen were lit—be upon His Afnans, His chosen ones, His loved ones and His friends. We beseech God to assist them, strengthen them and make them steadfast in their current state, for this is what will maintain their vibrancy upon the Divine Lote-Tree, their attachment to it, their clinging to its root, and their nearness to it in all conditions. Verily He is the Self-Sufficient, the Most High.

My soul be a sacrifice for the adornment of your love. This ancient one has been renewed through your beautiful remembrance, our mighty and majestic Lord, and this thirsty one has drunk from the Salsabil of your love, O God, the Beloved of all worlds. When you attained and recognized, it was presented before the Face, whereupon the tongue of the Beloved spoke what appeared from the horizon of bounty that which none in creation can adequately praise. He spoke, and His word is the truth:

“Blessed is he who has arisen to serve the Cause in such wise that neither what was created between earth [and heaven] moved him, nor what was uttered by the tongues of the wicked caused him to slip. Verily We love Our Afnan and make mention of them in a manner that will adorn them with My ornament. Verily He is the Forgiving, the Bestower, the Giver, the Mighty, the Generous.”

From His Honor the Teacher, upon whom be all the Glory of God, the Most Glorious: Although outwardly I have not heard mention of them, which would be a source of joy and delight, in every state this servant is gladdened by their remembrance and adorned with their love. We beseech God to strengthen me in this, for verily He is the Helper, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

In Jumada II, 1295

BH01796: Praise be to God Who, when He desires…

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

Praise be to God Who, when He desires to open the First Treasury wherein were deposited the mysteries that were manifest from His Most Hidden Name, the Most Glorious, arises and speaks forth the Most Great Word. Then appears that which had not appeared in creation. Among the people are those who, having caught the fragrance, turn towards Him, detached from the world, and those who deny and disbelieve in God, the Most High, the Most Great. Exalted, exalted is He towards Whose atmosphere of love every sincere one soars, towards Whose ocean of beauty every seeker turns, towards Whose horizon of good-pleasure every searcher advances, and towards Whose Throne every humble one directs himself by His leave. Then exalted, exalted is He Whom all else fails to know and whose inadequacy to know His Essence all confess.

He is the One remembered Who is not remembered by any rememberer’s remembrance, the Beloved Who is not described by any lover’s description, the Adored One Who is not characterized by any adorer’s attribute. Were I to say that the Living Waters tell of His utterance, this would be manifest unbelief, and were I to say that light derives from the lights of His countenance, this would be denied by every knowing sage. The Tongue of Grandeur has testified to this, as has His Most Exalted Pen, at eventide and at dawn.

Furthermore, my spirit be a sacrifice for you, O beloved of my heart, mentioned by my pen, my heart and my tongue! I bear witness that I have suffered loss upon loss, and what loss can compare with the loss of the letter Ha as he claims, or the loss of any in creation? For I was lying upon my bed, afflicted with what had weakened me for numbered days. I knew not nor was I aware when the fragrances of your pen and the perfume of your love reached me. When I was granted healing, I heard and took and read and praised God, the Lord of the seen and unseen, and the Lord of all worlds. You know that I have loved to hear at all times your call and whatsoever proceeds from you in the love of God, our Lord and your Lord, our Master and the Master of all worlds. I beseech Him, exalted be He, to enable me to hearken unto your call, your mention, your description and your praise, O Beloved of the mystics! When I attained your most pure letter, I turned to the Most Great Scene and presented it before the Throne. He spoke, and His word is the truth:

“Blessed is he, then blessed is he, in that he has occupied himself with the remembrance of God in all conditions and has spoken His praise among the servants. My tongue bears witness to this, even as My mighty, exalted Pen bore witness before.”

And concerning what you mentioned about the people of Iraq, I presented both the verse sent by him and the prose that flowed from your pen in remembrance of God’s loved ones there. The Tongue of Grandeur spoke:

“We make mention of them, but it behooveth not that mention from this quarter be sent to them, for the people are in great waywardness. We act in accordance with wisdom.”

Thus hath it been sent down from One mighty, wise. Blessed is he who hath spoken the praise of God and composed in His remembrance that which gladdeneth the Concourse on High and those who circle round this exalted station. We have counseled them with wisdom. By My life! Whoso holdeth fast unto it, God will preserve him through a sovereignty from His presence. He is, verily, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

And concerning what you wrote about the dervish and what befell him, We beseech God to grant him double what was taken from him through deception and intrigue, and to adorn the servants with the raiment of justice and fairness. I hope that you will convey greetings from this evanescent one to him and to those whom you find upon a straight path. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The servant 1st of Rajab 1295

BH02193: The evanescent servant cries out before the face…

He is the One Who has power over whatsoever He willeth through His word “Be” and it is!

The evanescent servant cries out before the face of the world and mentions what his ear has been blessed to hear of what the Tongue of Grandeur and Glory has spoken. He said—and His word is the truth: By God! The horizon of trustworthiness has darkened, the countenance of friendship has changed, and the hem of faithfulness between earth and heaven has been sullied. That which is unworthy of God’s Cause, His days, His grandeur and His glory has appeared in this land which was named the Crimson Spot among the Concourse of Names and under this heaven from My Most Exalted Pen. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to set right what we have neglected regarding Him, to forgive what we have wrought in His presence, and to ordain for us justice and that whereby His Cause and sovereignty may be uplifted among His servants.

O beloved of my heart! Though sorrows have taken hold and the hearts of the pure ones in God’s lands and countries have been troubled by what has occurred in the prison land, yet we thank the Beloved that the world has been honored with the Most Great Joy, and verily He is the One seated upon the throne before the face of the nations. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Bestower.

This is a petition from the evanescent one to him who has dawned from the horizon of Sad for the love of God, our Lord and the Lord of the sincere ones, informing him of what the Ancient Beauty has commanded me in this station. He said—and His sweetest utterance is: O My Name Ha! No one should proceed to the land of Kha and inform its people of matters that have occurred in this White Land whose atoms proclaim that there is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Loving. According to the command, I am to inform your honor that no one should specifically proceed to the land of Kha regarding occurred matters. If anyone has proceeded or taken anything, let him send it to the direction of the Intended One and definitely return it to its owner, and likewise that person himself should abandon the journey and return. This is what the Beloved of the Worlds has decreed.

And whatever has been given in the lands of Ta and Kaf—if they have sent it, the matter is finished, otherwise let it remain with your honor and send the names of those souls to the Most Holy Court. Verily He is the Ruler over what He willeth. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Wise.

May my soul be a sacrifice for your love and a sacrifice for your steadfastness. Everything beareth witness that you have not fallen short in God’s Cause, His service, His remembrance, His praise, His assistance and the exaltation of His mighty Cause. Now there is no opportunity to submit more. God willing, in a few days this servant’s petition will reach your honor. I beseech and hope from the True One, glorified and mighty be He, that you may be blessed in all times with wondrous and sublime fragrances. Glory, nay all glory, be upon your honor and upon those who love you and upon those who have believed in God, the Single, the All-Informed.

On 10 Rajab 1295.

BH00396: Blessed is this day whereon God’s reed-pen hath moved…

Section 1: “Blessed is this day whereon God’s reed-pen hath…”

He is God, Exalted is He is Might and Power

Blessed is this day whereon God’s reed-pen hath moved within the field of remembrance and utterance, and His Most Exalted Pen in the arena of wisdom and exposition. Praise be unto Him, and the spirit of the Spirit unto His favors, for He hath caused us to hear that which the chosen ones and the saints died in their yearning to hear, and hath taught us that which none among the peoples of creation had known. Exalted, exalted be His grace through which existence hath been adorned with the raiment of attainment! Exalted, exalted be His generosity through which the sincere ones have been immersed in the ocean of meeting!

By God! The Pen confesseth its powerlessness and the tongue its extinction. There is none possessed of being save he hath confessed his limitation, nor any wielder of authority save in his bewilderment and inability to reach. Exalted, exalted be He Whom if thou describest, thou limitest, and if thou leavest undescribed, thou fallest short of that which thou art commanded. Therefore it behoveth us to hold fast unto that which we have been commanded in His perspicuous Book. He hath said—and His Word is the truth—“Remember Me” and in another place “Thank Me.” Were it not for the permission from the direction of His favor, who could soar in the atmosphere of His praise and who could draw nigh unto the ocean of His remembrance? Every atom testifieth that He is God, there is none other God but Him. He hath ever been sanctified above all things and will ever continue to be as He hath been. There is none other God but He, the Mighty, the Bestower.

And further: the servant was enraptured by your nightingale of utterance which called out upon the branches of love and affection, and attained unto hearing that which warbled with spirit and fragrance. God knoweth that whatsoever appeareth from you is indeed joy for the hearts and delight for the souls. When I attained and visited, I turned toward the Dayspring of Revelation and presented it before the Beloved. Then the tongue of grace spoke and uttered with justice:

“O My Name Zayn! Hearken unto the call from the direction of the Most Great Spirit. Verily, there is none other God but He, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Verily, those who desired grace and forgiveness from the heaven of the bounty of their Lord, the All-Forgiving, the All-Generous—say: We have heard your call and forgiven those who sought His forgiveness. Verily their Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Bestower, the Compassionate. Give glad-tidings unto Muhammad with the remembrance of his Lord, that he may praise through these verses which have been sent down from the heaven of the bounty of his Lord, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Say: O people! Hold fast unto that which ye have been commanded in the Book and adorn yourselves with the virtues which We have commanded all to observe in a clear Tablet. Verily, he who acteth in accordance with that which God hath commanded him is of the people of Baha—to this beareth witness the Concourse on High—and he who casteth it behind him is among the heedless.”

As for what thou didst mention concerning him who arrived from the people of Ha and Nun, We have accepted that which thou didst command him. Blessed art thou for having prevented him from turning toward this exalted station. O My Name Zayn! By God! We love Our loved ones—We hear and see their condition, to this all things bear witness, but the people are in a mighty veil. We have commanded them with that which profiteth them, and We write for whomsoever thy Lord desireth that which the treasuries of the heavens and earth cannot equal. The Most Exalted Pen hath not moved upon anything except there was good in it for the servants. Verily thy Lord is the Expositor, the All-Knowing.

As for what you mentioned concerning my name, the letter Ha, by My life, he hath accomplished that which hath amazed the Concourse on High. We have answered his request before his supplication and mention. Verily thy Lord is He Who ordaineth, the Most Exalted, the Mighty, the Beauteous. Thy Lord sayeth: excellent is what he hath written for thee, and excellent is what thou hast written for him. We have heard and We are among those who bear witness. We bid him observe the Greater Wisdom. The first thing enjoined upon him is to protect himself—to this every fair-minded and discerning one beareth witness. Give thanks unto God for having aided both thee and him, and granted you both that which hath been denied to all on earth save those whom the All-Knowing, the All-Wise hath willed.

Regarding what you wrote about the practice of seeking guidance, it is not within this servant’s purview. Ask Jinab-i-Aqa Jamal himself, upon him be the Glory of God. And what was sent from the books with the beloved Jinab-i-Tabib, upon him be all Glory most glorious, has arrived.

And concerning what was written about the guest, upon her be the Glory of God, I conveyed her greetings to the people of the pavilion of grandeur. God willing, may they always be engaged in mentioning the Beloved with utmost joy. Convey this servant’s greetings to Jinab-i-Safi and her, upon them both be the Glory of God. And what they have arranged regarding the funds has been accepted in His presence.

Regarding what you wrote about Aqa ʿAbdu’l-Ghaffar, it was submitted before His presence. He said:

“May he be blessed with God’s infinite bounties and remain firm in a cause from which many men have slipped. Today the wine of steadfastness is desired. Blessed are they who drink thereof, blessed are they who drink thereof!”

God willing, may all be engaged in service, remembrance, praise and attentiveness with pure hearts, radiant faces, expanded breasts, sanctified souls, humble temples, prostrate foreheads, remembering tongues, and attentive ears. Verily We have mentioned the Most Truthful One when thy letter was presented before the Wronged One in this exalted station.

Concerning what you wrote about the funds that Jinab-i-Ism-i-N and Jinab-i-Ism-i-ʿAyn, upon them be the Glory of God, have sent, and that you have used some for your debts and bestowed some upon others—this servant submitted this before His presence. He said:

“Excellent is what he hath done with it. We had given him permission for this beforehand. Verily We are the Ruler.”

Regarding the book, if a trustworthy, intelligent and experienced person is found, send it. And concerning what you wrote about the mentioned one, would that non-consultation had sufficed. Verily our Lord, the Most Merciful, is the Concealer, the Generous.

And concerning what you wrote about His Holiness Ism-i-Ha, upon him be all Glory most glorious, having sent a letter to the land of H.M. with the intention of opening a way for news from the Most Holy Land to arrive quickly—blessed is he and well is it with him. In truth, His Holiness has been and continues to be the guardian of all matters related to the Truth, and his is the excellence of both beginning and end.

As thou didst write regarding Muhammad-Baqir of the people of Nur, who with Asadu’llah had beseeched that their names be mentioned in the Most Holy Court—praise be to God, they attained to this most exalted and sublime station. At the first hour of this night, this evanescent one attained the Most Holy Presence and mentioned them. This is what the Tongue of Knowledge spoke in the Kingdom of Utterance:

“O Ornament of the Near Ones! The servant in attendance hath made mention of them both, and We have turned toward them from this Station and have sent down for them that which caused the light to shine forth and the fragrance of the Revelation to be diffused, that they may give thanks unto their Lord and be assured through the grace of God, the Mighty, the Beloved. Make mention of them on behalf of the Wronged One and give them the glad-tidings of the lights of the Sun of the bounty of their Lord, the Almighty, the Self-Subsisting. We beseech God to preserve them and aid them to serve His Cause and draw them nigh in all conditions unto His praiseworthy station. Verily We hear the call of him who hath sought his Lord and We answer him even as We answered the sincere ones before. Thy Lord is, in truth, the Mighty, the Loving.”

Section 2: “And regarding what thou didst write about Darvish…”

And regarding what thou didst write about Darvish Baqir who hath ascended unto God, and thy request for forgiveness—it was mentioned, and a wondrous and exalted bounty was directed towards him. Blessed is he! As for what he hath willed and what is known, carry it out according to the command. Blessed is he who assisteth the House of Blessing. We beseech God to grant him success and bestow upon him the good of this world and the next.

Likewise mention was made of Haji Ghulam-ʿAli. The Beloved saith:

“Blessed is he in that he heard the Call and entered not the Prison-land without permission from this Wronged One, the Peerless. We make mention of him and pronounce Our greetings upon his face from this distant Station.”

That which Our servant Rida composed after Nabil, and which his sister recited, hath been presented before the Throne. Verily We were listening. We love Our loved ones and make mention of them in truth. Thy Lord is verily the All-Gentle, the All-Forgiving, the Merciful. Then know thou that Our servant who was present made mention of him who was named Muhammad. We had previously mentioned him in such wise that his remembrance would endure throughout the kingdom. The Tablets of the All-Merciful and this exalted Book bear witness to this. Convey My greetings unto him and give him the glad-tidings of this beauteous mention.

As for what thou didst mention regarding Mahmud from the land of Ha and Mim, We have made mention of him as a bounty from Our presence. It behooveth him to place his trust in God in all matters and to hold fast unto the Sure Handle, lest the intimations of the opposers cause him to slip. Say: Blessed is he who hath on this day attained unto the living waters which God causeth to flow by the fingers of grace and bounty between the heavens and the earth. The world hath been illumined by the lights of His countenance, yet the people are sleeping.

And concerning him who desired to come to the Prison, then returned and died—O Zayn, observe and then remember when We sent down unto thee regarding that. Thy Lord is verily the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. We informed thee that the people heeded not God’s prohibition and command, and He would prevent them in another way. He is verily the Mighty, the Powerful. We have forgiven him as a bounty from Our presence. It behooveth thee to give thanks and say: “Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of the worlds!”

As for what remained of the inheritance, let the sugar and tea be used.

As for what you mentioned concerning Aqa Muhammad-Qasim and his father and brother, upon them be the glory of God, it was presented at the Most Holy Court. He said:

“Verily We have heard their call and continue to hear it, and We love them and make mention of them in Our Luminous Book. They must follow that which they have been commanded. He, verily, inscribeth for whomsoever desireth it the reward of attaining His presence, time and again. He is, in truth, the Mighty, the All-Bestowing. Say: Be not grieved at separation. By the life of God! We love Our loved ones and make mention of them as being near, though they be in a place far distant. Convey My greetings unto them and counsel them with wisdom and that which beseemeth it. By My life! Whoso hath attained unto it hath attained unto a mighty good.”

And as for what thou didst mention concerning Ali-Qabli-Akbar, We love to make mention of those whom thou hast mentioned in thy letter, even were they to number as many as the raindrops or the leaves on the trees. Thy Lord, verily, is the All-Explaining, the All-Knowing. We make mention at this hour of him who is named Ali-Qabli-Akbar, that he may rejoice with the Most Great Joy in the days of his Lord and be of them that have attained. Say: Blessed art thou for having refrained when thou didst hear the command of God. This, verily, is a manifest deed. We have accepted thy work and thy devotion, and make mention of thee on this night wherein the Ancient Beauty hath established Himself upon the Most Great Throne and revealeth verses in such wise that none can transcribe them save him who writeth by My leave, the Mighty, the Wondrous. Be thou steadfast in the Cause. Beware lest the affairs of the world veil thee or the intimations of the heedless sadden thee. Be thou as firm as the immovable mountain upon the earth. Thus doth command thee He Who maketh mention of thee at this hour.

The response to the petition of Aqa Muhammad-Ibrahim was sent. God willing, he will attain unto it.

Likewise, a Tablet hath been revealed from the heaven of the Divine Will specifically for the mother of Aqa Muhammad-Hasan and hath been sent. Read it unto her that she may perchance behold divine love and be not saddened by anything. By thy life, O Beloved of my heart! If a soul were to truly reflect upon this Tablet, he would witness God’s love for the weak and the widows.

As can be inferred from the blessed verses, while pilgrimage to the Most Holy Court is not permitted, they have the choice to either remain in that land or return to the Land of Ta.

Furthermore, the petitions from among the Jewish people reached the Most Holy Court, and in response to each one, exalted words were revealed from the heaven of God’s Will and sent forth. God willing, may they attain unto their meaning and act accordingly.

Regarding the inquiry about the day of Naw-Ruz and the first day of the Festival, thy reckoning was correct and in accordance with reality.

This servant beseecheth the favors of that Beloved One that thou mayest convey to all the friends in that land, both those who were previously captives of God and those who have arrived subsequently, one and all, the most wondrous, most holy, most exalted, supreme mention and the most elevated, most mighty, most glorious greetings from this evanescent one. All glory, all glory be upon thee and thy family.

The servant 19 Rajab 1295

One more submission: This servant hath written a letter to Nabil the traveler, that is, Haji Muhammad-Baqir. Please deliver it to him.

The page of verses was also sent.

BH01674: Praise be to God Who has established Himself upon…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Greatness and Power

Praise be to God Who has established Himself upon the throne once in the Ridvan, and again in the garden, and at times in the mansion which was the Greatest Scene by virtue of the One Who is the Lord of Power having turned towards it, and once He established Himself upon the seat of His Most Glorious Name amidst the Concourse on High, and at times upon the crimson spot which was designated in the Book of God as the heaven of this heaven. Exalted, exalted be His all-encompassing power, exalted, exalted be His pervading Will, and exalted be His dominion that exercises sovereignty over all things, and exalted be His Name, the All-Powerful over all names. I bear witness with my feeble tongue to that which the Supreme Pen has testified in the Kingdom of Utterance that there is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Gracious.

And furthermore, you had written that after the arrival of the blessed Tablets, gatherings were held for several days during the afternoon hours and the friends were engaged in the remembrance of God. These matters were presented in detail at the Most Holy Court. He said:

“Blessed are they who have fulfilled the Covenant of God and His Testament, and blessed are they who have taken the choice wine of utterance and drunk it in His Name, the All-Merciful. God willing, the beloved friends and seekers of the Ka’bah of the Intended One should at all times be enabled to partake of the Kawthar of divine knowledge and be confirmed in the remembrance of Truth which is, in reality, the water of life for the body of contingent beings. Verily, He is the Confirmer, the All-Wise.”

I beseech and implore God, exalted and mighty be He, to confirm you at every moment with a fresh confirmation so that you may entirely occupy yourself night and day in praise of the Beloved of the worlds.

Regarding what was mentioned about Safi, upon him be 966 [Baha’u’llah], his mention has always been and continues to be at the Most Holy Court. In truth, he attained the most exalted station, for he took and drank the most pure and luminous choice wine from the hand of the Sovereign of the unseen and the seen. The Truth Himself called him and he responded, and this is a station whose mention shall never be erased from the Tablet of Creation. Blessed is he, again blessed is he, and blessed is she who dwelt in the sanctuary of God for successive years and was named “Guest” by the All-Merciful. In any case, their mention has been and continues to be in the divine pavilion of infallibility and among the people of the divine sanctuary. A hundred thousand thanks that they have reached this degree and attained this station. Convey these details that were mentioned on behalf of this evanescent one to them.

And regarding what was written about the Blessed Place, it was presented. This is what the Beloved uttered:

“God willing, may the Truth, exalted be His glory, not withhold His blessing from it and may He enable the friends to preserve, support and serve it. Verily, He is the Ordainer, the All-Wise.”

And regarding the mention that was made of Master Husayn the Coppersmith, it was presented before His presence. He said:

“O Husayn! We have accepted thy turning if thou wilt be of the steadfast. He writes for whomsoever He willeth the reward of attaining His presence. Verily, He is the Powerful. Verily, He seeth and knoweth and He is the All-Informed. Verily, he who turneth toward God, verily he turneth toward Him and He commandeth him that which profiteth him and verily He is the All-Knowing. If thou wert to ponder and look with the eye of the heart upon what hath been revealed for thee, thou wouldst find therein that whereby thou wouldst soar in the atmosphere of thy Lord’s will, the Sanctified, the Powerful, the Speaker, the Transcendent, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.”

With expressions of praise, glory and splendor, I present my greetings to all the friends. Please convey mention of this evanescent one’s annihilation and sincerity to all. And further, this servant conveys on behalf of all the friends of this land greetings and praise to you and all the beloved ones. The glory of God and the praise of all atoms be upon you and your family.

The servant 19 Rajab 1295

BH00194: Exalted is He Who hath caused the Pen…

Section 1: “He is the Most Holy, the Most Great…”

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

Exalted is He Who hath caused the Pen to speak, taught the nations, and revealed what He desired of the mysteries of eternity, whereby the sincere ones rejoice and the steadfast ones soar. Exalted is He Who hath caused gladness through the Most Great Joy and hath turned with the most pure heart toward the Most Sublime Vision, the Station wherein the Lord of Destiny proclaimeth that there is none other God but Him, the Omnipotent, the Most Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Again, exalted, exalted is He Who hath opened the gates of heaven with the key of His Most Glorious Name and hath made known unto all that which shone forth and glittered, dawned and illumined, gleamed and radiated. He is verily the Hidden Mystery though He walketh among His servants, and He is verily the Treasured Secret even as He speaketh throughout His lands. He is the Speaker in His silence and the Silent One when He uttereth the Most Exalted Word amongst creation. Can fancy comprehend Him? Nay, by the Lord of all beings! Can hearts know Him? Nay, by the Sovereign of existence! Can tongues describe Him? Nay, by His Name, the All-Bountiful! When the Supreme Pen desireth to move in the arena of His praise, it is overwhelmed and bewildered, and when the Tablet desireth to bear His wondrous mention, it is transformed and convulsed.

Were it not for His confirmation, the Pen would swoon away for all eternity in both the kingdom of earth and heaven, and were it not for His sustaining power, hearts would be annihilated by the force of the call of the Lord of the realms of might. Exalted, exalted is He Who hath, through His grace, caused the springs of wisdom to gush forth amidst all creation. Blessed is he who hath attained to hearing its flow and hath drunk of its nectar. He is of those whose hearts have been illumined by the lights of the Countenance that hath shone forth from the horizon of eternity after the passing of all things. Exalted is this praiseworthy Station, this Most Great and blessed Spot.

I beseech Him, exalted be He, to make known unto all that which hath appeared in creation. He is verily the Lord of invention. There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

The servant hath attained unto the traces of your ink, which bore witness to your love and sincerity towards God, our Lord and the Lord of the worlds, our Creator and the Creator of all nations. After long periods of time, the bird of faithfulness brought glad tidings through your distinguished letter. I immediately took it, opened it, read it, and turned towards the Dawning-Place of Revelation, presenting its contents before His Presence. Thereupon the Tongue of Grandeur spoke—may my spirit and the spirit of all in the realm of earth and heaven be a sacrifice for His utterance—and His sweetest words were these:

O Samandar! This Wronged One hath heard thy call from this Most Great Prison, and remembereth thee with that which hath caused the fragrance of utterance to waft among all things possible, the perfume of the garment amidst the concourse of holiness, and the sweet-scents of revelation between the heavens and the earth. Blessed is he who hath found the fragrance of God in His days and hath spoken that which His Most Exalted Pen hath spoken. There is none other God but He, the Almighty, the All-Compelling, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Blessed art thou for having heard, having turned, having drawn nigh, having entered the precincts of the Throne, and having heard that which none have heard save whom thy Lord, the Almighty, hath willed. Make mention of the Wronged One amongst the servants. Say: By God! He hath desired naught for Himself. He hath chosen tribulation that ye might draw nigh unto the Most Sublime Horizon. All things bear witness to this, yet most of the people are heedless. We mentioned thee before, and this is yet another time, that thou mayest thank thy Lord, the Lord of all beings, and arise to celebrate His Most Glorious Name. He, verily, is the All-Knowing Teacher. Hold fast unto the cord of remembrance in the kingdom of creation and say: O peoples of earth and heaven! By God, that which was hidden from time immemorial hath appeared. Behold ye, that ye may know your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Rejoice thou in My remembrance of thee, then give thanks unto thy Lord, the All-Informed. We have heard that which thou didst call upon God in thy letter which thou didst send to the servant who standeth before the Throne. Thy Lord is, verily, the Faithful Witness.

O My Most Exalted Pen! Make mention of him who circumambulated around Thy Throne and was named Nabil-i-Ali, then bear witness that he circumambulated the Most Great Scene and heard the call of the Lord of Destiny from this exalted Prison. O Muhammad-Ali! Hearken unto the call of the Prisoner. He remembereth thee from this praiseworthy station at a time when sorrows have encompassed Him. Thy Lord is, verily, the All-Remembering, the All-Knowing. Grieve not at anything. Rejoice in My remembrance, My loving-kindness, My mercy, and My grace which have preceded all creation, for I am the Merciful.

We make mention of Our servant Al-Baqi, who hath believed in God, the Lord of the worlds. Say: Blessed art thou for having been faithful to God’s Covenant and His Testament, and for having believed in Him when every doubting misbeliever denied Him. Soar in the atmosphere of joy for the Lord of Revelation remembereth thee from the direction of His mighty Prison. By God’s life! The conditions of the world have not troubled Me, nor the ranks of the enemies, but sorrows have seized Me on account of that which the hands of those who have committed what was unseemly for the days of God have wrought. Thy Lord is, verily, the All-Knowing, the All-Seeing. Be thou assured of thy Lord’s grace. He heareth the call of whosoever calleth upon Him and turneth unto whosoever hath turned unto His luminous countenance. Give thanks unto God for having caused thee to hear His call and for having acquainted thee with that whereof most of the servants are heedless. Thy Lord is, verily, the Helper, the Succourer.

O My loved ones who have soared in the atmosphere of My love and quaffed the choice wine of My favor and turned their faces toward My countenance after the turning away of My creatures and My people! Give them glad-tidings from Me and proclaim unto their faces from thy Lord, the All-Wise. Say: O My loved ones! Be united in My Cause and gather around My Word. This is My counsel and My command, and among the wondrous expressions of My novel wisdom. Blessed is he who hath attained unto that which the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Book; he is of them that have attained unto all good in a mighty tablet.

Were ye to become aware of what befalleth Me of sorrows, ye would abandon the world entirely and would act in accordance with that which ye have been bidden by your Lord, the All-Bountiful.

We make mention of him who hath uttered praise of his Lord among others, and the All-Merciful hath testified that he is among them that have believed in God, the Single, the All-Informed. We have mentioned him once by his most noble name and at other times by another name. He, verily, is the Ruler over what He willeth. O Ashraf! The Most Exalted Pen giveth thee glad tidings of that which hath been ordained for thee in the Most Glorious Kingdom. Be steadfast and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of the mystics. We have made mention of thee and do mention thee as a favor from Us, and I am the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

O Husayn-i-Qaf! Hearken unto that which the Lord of the world calleth thee, while imprisoned in the prison of the nations who turned away when the Ocean of Meeting surged and who denied that which the All-Merciful had testified to in His wondrous Day. Be steadfast in this Most Great Cause and hold fast unto His [firm] cord. Reflect upon God’s grace and His favors. Verily, He maketh mention of His loved ones from this exalted station. Say: This is a station which hath been mentioned by the Most Beautiful Names in the Book of God, the Creator of heaven—at times named the Most Great Prison, at others the Most Exalted Station and the Supreme Paradise, and yet again the Heaven of this Heaven. Thy Lord, verily, is the Powerful over whatsoever He pleaseth. There is none other God but He, the Mighty, the Powerful.

Then We make mention of him who was named Muhammad-i-Baqir, that he may rejoice in the glad-tidings of his Lord and hold fast unto the cord of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. O Nabil-i-Baqir! Rejoice in that the Lord of creation maketh mention of thee from this station which hath been honored by God, the Lord of the seen and the unseen. We have called the servants unto the supreme horizon, yet they turned away from that which would profit them and turned unto that which every vain imaginer commanded them. Blessed art thou for having hearkened unto the verses of thy Lord and having received from the hand of bounty My choice sealed wine. Drink thereof once in My Name and again in remembrance of Me, the Mighty, the Beloved. Blessed art thou for having held fast unto the Book of God and dwelt beneath His extended shadow. Thus doth the Most Exalted Pen make mention of thee amidst the concourse of creation. By the life of God! Through it thy mention shall endure throughout the permanence of the Kingdom.

Make mention of him who was named Isma’il. Say: O Siyyid! Give thanks unto God that the Wronged One hath uttered thy name in this Prison which hath become renowned throughout the world and which God hath made the seat of His mighty throne. The Wronged One calleth thee unto God and counseleth thee to manifest supreme steadfastness. Follow thou and be of them that hold fast. Grieve not over anything. By the life of God! All that causeth the hearts of men to be troubled shall pass away. It behooveth everyone who hath turned unto the supreme horizon to rejoice in that which hath been ordained for him in a perspicuous Book. When thou hearest the crowing of the crow, be not disturbed. Put thy trust in the One, the All-Informed. Beware lest anything prevent thee from the remembrance of God and His praise. Thus doth My Most Exalted Pen counsel thee from this remote station.

We make mention of him who is named by Ha before Jim (Haji Aqa Baba), who turned towards the Dayspring of the Revelation of his Lord, the Mighty, the Bestower. He is among those who turned and drew nigh until he entered the seat of the Wronged One in this Prison, which God hath made the Dawning-place of sorrows. Remember when thou wert present before the Countenance and didst hear the call of the Wronged One and didst behold the Hidden Beauty Who shone forth from the horizon of the Vesture with a sovereignty before which necks have bowed low. We make mention of thee as a favor from Us, that thou mayest arise to serve thy Lord and speak forth His remembrance which hath encompassed all lands. Rejoice thou in My remembrance, then drink the Kawthar of My loving-kindness from the hand of My bounty. Thus doth the Lord of all beings command thee. Convey My greetings unto the faces of My servants in those parts who have cast aside all else but Me and have taken what came to them from the heaven of My grace and the horizon of My mercy and the Dayspring of My bounty which hath encompassed all regions.

We make mention of Javad (from Ishtihard) who was mentioned in thy letter. Give him the glad-tidings of My remembrance and My grace and My loving-kindness, and say: We made mention of thee before and this is yet another time. Thy Lord is verily the All-Remembering, the All-Knowing. Give thanks for having been remembered before the Wronged One, and for that which hath been sent down for thee that shall not perish, through the eternity of My Most Beautiful Names. Thy Lord is verily the All-Bountiful. Be thou of such character as befitteth the Cause of thy Lord. Thus doth the Prisoner command thee and counsel thee from this far-distant spot. Convey My greetings unto the faces of My loved ones in thy land and give them the glad-tidings of My manifest grace. Say: We hear and We see, and I am the Hearing, the Answering. Say: Act ye according to what ye have been commanded in the Book of God. Thus doth the Lord of Creation command you from this firm Stronghold.

Section 2: “And We make mention of him who…”

And We make mention of him who is named Muhammad (Ishtihard). By God! Were he to inhale the fragrance of My verses, he would soar in the atmosphere of longing and would summon the servants to the Covenant of their Lord, the All-Knowing. O Muhammad! Be thou steadfast in the Cause of God in such wise that all beings would bear witness thereto. Thy Lord commandeth thee with that which shall profit thee in the Hereafter and in this world. He is verily the All-Bountiful, the Ancient of Days.

Then hearken unto what the Lord of the worlds calleth out to thee and maketh mention of him who is named Hasan (Mashhadi) who drew nigh and turned towards the horizon of his Lord’s Cause, the Most Holy, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. O Hasan! We have heard thy call and have answered thee with that by which the Concourse on High and they that circle round the Throne of thy Lord, the Most Great, were attracted. Blessed art thou for having taken the choice wine of life in the name of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, and drunk thereof despite those who disbelieved when there came unto them the Dayspring of Revelation with manifest sovereignty. Guard thou this most exalted station as thou wouldst guard thine eyes.

Thy Lord is verily the Commander, the All-Knowing. We make mention of thee and all who have newly entered the City of Reunion, and We give them glad-tidings of this Day whereby the Scriptures of God, the Lord of all worlds, have been adorned. Blessed are they for having turned towards and drawn nigh until they entered the stronghold of divine knowledge in the days of their Lord, the All-Merciful. We say: Happy are they, and all things proclaim that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath uttered in this noble station. When ye have attained unto the sweet fragrances of God’s verses, arise and say:

Praise and thanksgiving be unto Thee, O Lord of existence and Sovereign of the seen and unseen! We beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the sincere ones hastened to the ocean of Thy reunion and the near ones to the seat of Thy nearness and Thy presence, to make us in all conditions be looking unto Thee and speaking Thy praise. Then write down for us, O Lord of Names, by Thy Most Exalted Pen, that which Thou hast written for Thy trusted ones and chosen ones who have drunk the Kawthar of Thy bounty and the choice wine of Thy bestowals. Thou art verily the Omnipotent over what Thou willest, and Thou art verily the Truth, the Bestower, the Forgiving, the Kind, the Generous.

Verily We make mention of Our servant Nasir, that he may rejoice in the verses of God, the Sovereign Lord, the All-Informed. O Nasir! Thy remembrance hath been mentioned before the Throne, and there hath been sent down for thee that which draweth the hearts of the sincere. Remember when thou didst turn thy face toward My countenance and didst traverse paths by land and sea until thou didst arrive at the Most Great Prison and enter beneath the canopy of My grandeur and the pavilion of My loving-kindness, and didst drink the choice wine of My verses, and didst hear My call, and didst recognize My Revelation and My sovereignty and My majesty. Thus doth God single out whom He willeth through His grace, and I am verily the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous.

Can this remembrance be equaled by what the kings possess? Nay, by the Lord of Lords! The Pen of God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing, beareth witness to this. Rejoice thou in My Most Great Remembrance and say: I have turned toward Thee, O Lord of all nations. I beseech Thee by Thy Self not to deny me the Kawthar of Thy bounty nor to withhold from me the fragrances of Thy days. I testify that this Day is Thy Day and this Revelation Thy Revelation, and that Thou art the Almighty, the Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

What else can this servant say or submit? Divine favors, like torrential rains, are flowing and streaming from the heaven of His Will in such wise that none hath ever been capable of describing them as they deserve. For every soul mentioned in thy letter, whether addressed to this servant or to Jud (upon him be 966 [Baha’u’llah]), wondrous and sublime verses have been sent down from the heaven of grace, as thou canst observe. All must reflect upon the tenderness, mercy and generosity of the True One—exalted be His remembrance, exalted be His Name, and exalted be His attributes—and with a hundred thousand tongues, hearts and souls thank the Beloved of the worlds. God willing, thou shouldst deliver or read to each person that which hath been specifically revealed for them. However, wisdom must be observed in all things, for if the divine verses were to be widely circulated among the people, it would surely give rise to hatred and opposition.

Regarding what thou didst mention about the trading goods, it was submitted before His presence and He commanded that, as before, they should continue trading with them and have permission to dispose of them. He hath said—sweet are His words:

“O Samandar! We have accepted what thou didst send and have returned it to thee that thou mayest profit thereby among the servants and follow what the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Book.”

O beloved of My heart! Thou and the trustworthy and sincere souls bear witness how much wealth was brought to this land and was refused, and after supplication and entreaty only what was necessary was accepted. Furthermore, after the revelation of the Book of God and the establishment of divine rights, He specifically commanded that none should demand the Huququ’llah. This depends on the good pleasure of the souls themselves—that is, the obedient, believing, devoted souls who pay the Huququ’llah with perfect submission and contentment. And now the situation has become such that He has specifically commanded that whoever has Huququ’llah with them should pay them. Thus it is evident what has transpired and what has become manifest.

Concerning what you wrote about the fixed contributions, all was presented before the Throne, and they will most assuredly dispatch them with utmost diligence to wherever they were sent. We beseech God to guide all to His straight path. O beloved of My soul! The Day of God hath appeared—this Day which hath been named by the tongue of all the Messengers as the Day of God. Nevertheless, these deluded people remain occupied with previous mention, heedless and deprived of the Truth, glorified and exalted be He. Beseech God to grant fairness and bestow sight. Say: On the Day of God none is mentioned save the Truth, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High, despite those who have clung to the imaginary Qa’im, the fabricated successorship, and the false caliphate. Woe unto them! Again woe unto them! Would that they were aware of matters. By the Truth itself, they walk in the darkness of idle fancies and comprehend not.

Furthermore, regarding the letter of His Excellency ʿAli-Qabli-Akbar, upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah], which was sent in the name of His Excellency Jud, upon him be Baha’u’llah—this servant was blessed to behold it, and truth was with His Excellency, for much time had passed and the sending of correspondence was neither expedient nor wise. However, a few days ago, a detailed petition that had been written some time ago was dispatched, as were other petitions to the honored and revered gentlemen, upon them be Baha’u’llah. This servant beseeches the Truth, glorified and exalted be He, to aid him at all times in mentioning the sincere ones and those near unto God. Verily, He is the Answerer, the Generous. The reply to the gentlemen’s letters has never been and will never be delayed, unless some impediment arises or some excuse presents itself.

And concerning what His Honor Mulla Ali-Akbar (upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah]) wrote about Siyyid Baqir Isfahani, who is the brother of Mirza Murtada entitled Sadru’l-Ulama—this deluded one has been trained by Siyyid Muhammad Isfahani. The trainer and the trained are both in the depths of hell. This person was in Karbila and is a most deluded man. He never had and does not have any understanding or awareness, and he was never and is not at all informed about this Cause. Whatever he says he has heard from that malicious one and deluded souls, and he speaks without comprehension. He had gone to the Holy Land to acquire religious knowledge hoping to become a mujtahid and plunder the people, but he did not succeed and returned. This is his story.

God willing, His Honor ʿAli-Qabli-Akbar (upon him from all glory its most glorious) must bring the dead to life through divine fragrances and bring the unconscious to awareness, and must at all times be engaged with utmost effort in teaching the Cause of the Creator of existence, and strengthen weak souls through the Ancient Name, that they may attain to such a station where they behold the light of certitude and assurance and attain recognition of the Day of God and what beseemeth it. For most people now know not what is happening. The people of the Bayan who have turned away from the Countenance of the All-Merciful are in truth observed to be like the people of the Furqan. Without any change or alteration they cling to matters that those false souls cling to. They know not what they say or to whom they turn.

Say: By the Sun of the horizon of inner meanings, this Day hath no likeness or comparison. The Ancient Beauty and the Most Great Name speaks that wherewith the Point of the Bayan gave glad tidings to all creation. To this testifieth every just and knowing one. Those who have turned away today have indeed denied God and His verses. To this testifieth all that was revealed in the Bayan, but the people are in evident veils. This is not a day for anyone to cling to a word or hold fast to a former mention. This is a wondrous Day, the Sun of wonders is risen, the Sea of wonders surgeth, and that which hath appeared therein cannot be compared with what appeared before. Were it otherwise, all that was foretold would be meaningless and vain.

Say: O heedless ones! Is it permitted that on the Day of God ye should occupy yourselves with mention of aught else but Him and cling to former traditions? Nay, by the Self of God Who dominateth all the worlds! This is a Day wherein all must turn to the Dawning-Place of Revelation and speak of what appeareth from His presence. Whoso acteth contrary to what God hath commanded, he is assuredly among the perishing ones. To this testifieth all things and behind them the Lord of Names Who speaketh between the heavens and earth.

I end these words at this point and say: Praise be unto Thee, O God of the worlds.

Another submission is that you should convey sublime and wondrous greetings from this servant to all the friends in that land and say: I hope, God willing, that you will drink from one sea and gather upon a single point. O friends! Today is the day of remembrance and praise, and today is the day of service and obedience. Strive to succeed in that which will cause the perpetuation of name and mention and spirit and soul. You made no mention of the son of Janab-i-Abhar, upon him and upon his father and mother be the Most Glorious Glory of God, and likewise of the relatives of Janab-i-Mulla Abdu’r-Rahim, upon him and them be the Glory of God, although mention was made of Janab-i-Mulla Abdu’r-Razzaq, upon him be the Glory of God, in the letter of Ism-i-Jud.

In any case, the purpose is that it be known and certain to the friends of God that they have been and are mentioned in the Most Holy Court. This is of His great bounty. What else can I say and in what tongue can I express it? Indeed, whatever I might say in mention of Janab-i-Nabil-i-Qabil-i-ʿAli, upon him be His most glorious splendor, would be insufficient. This is a station where both mention and its absence are bewildered. I beseech and hope from God, exalted and mighty be He, that He will, at all times, give him to drink of the sealed wine and waft unto him the fragrances of the stirred garment. Verily He is the Merciful Giver. Indeed the tongue falls short in mentioning the loved ones of God.

I remember all with utmost sincerity; none have been nor will be forgotten. The mention of submission of sincerity to the drinkers of the wine of divine knowledge depends on your attention, grace and bounty. The Glory be upon you and upon them and upon all who have attained unto the Straight Path of God. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.