Volume 060: Akka 1297 A.H. (1880), Part I (1 of 8)

BH00216: Praise be to Him Who is sanctified above…

Section 1: “Praise be to Him Who is sanctified above…”

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

Praise be to Him Who is sanctified above the limitations of all created things, the Revealer of verses, Who through the sweetness of His call has drawn all creation to His most exalted horizon, such that some became intoxicated from the cup of the remembrance of their Beloved and turned to the place of sacrifice, while others adorned themselves, and yet others, enkindled with the fire of longing and desire, gave up their lives in the wilderness. Glory be to God! All that hath been mentioned is but the effect of a call that was raised from the Most Exalted Pen by the permission of the Lord of Names. Yet who hath the power to soar in His atmosphere or to voice His praise? I testify that whatsoever hath appeared in creation was created by His command and was brought into being by His will. Glorified be He Who hath made abasement a glory for His loved ones and tribulation a healing for His chosen ones, who utter no word before He hath spoken and who act according to His commandment.

The Jews came, raised the standard of rebellion, and in concert with their divines arose to oppose and protest against the Spirit (Jesus). That which they regarded as the cause of the abasement of the people of God, and acted upon accordingly, became the very source of glory, and that which they counted as the means of extinction became the pathway to everlasting life. Thus it was observed that afterwards the kings of the earth gloried and continue to glory in His name. The people of illusion came and opened their tongues in derision against the Lord of Reality and of the Hijaz, and with the utmost effort strived to extinguish the light. However, God—exalted be His glory—made that which was meant for extinction into the cause of illumination, and through the very means of debasement made manifest the way of exaltation.

Likewise in this Most Mighty, Most Exalted, Most Holy, and Most Glorious Cause, it can be seen that ere long these same souls who today mock or persecute shall arise to serve and voice His praise. Of this there is no doubt, and the Lord of all kingdoms shall assuredly… This servant’s pen is truly incapable and wanting in providing a detailed account of this station. Neither is there opportunity to witness it, nor is there any end to the mention of this station. Glorified be our Lord, the Most Exalted!

May my soul be a sacrifice for your praise. At a time when this evanescent servant was engaged in writing, your letter adorned both home and gathering, and upon beholding it, the sound of the waves of your love reached both the outer and inner ear and was seen by both the outer and inner eye. Blessed is your pen in that it moves in remembrance of our Beloved and the Beloved of all who are in the heavens and earth, and blessed is your face in that it has turned toward the face of our Goal and the Goal of all who are in the kingdom of command and creation. After perusal, it was presented before the Most Exalted Face. His words were:

“O My physician! Treat My people with My Blessed, Mighty, and Wondrous Name. Remind them of My days and what befell Me from the hosts of the heedless. Thou wert created for the remembrance of God and His service. Hold fast unto it, for through it thy station will be made manifest and thy rank will be elevated. Thus doth the All-Informed apprise thee and the Bearer of Glad-Tidings give thee tidings. Turn not thy attention to the people and their clamor. By My life! God shall soon return them and their utterances to dust with manifest loss. O physician, soon these existing and visible souls and what they have spoken shall be seen as extinct and non-existent. Place thy trust in God and hold fast to the cord of wisdom. Thus doth the Wronged One command thee from the precincts of His mighty prison.

“Be vigilant in all conditions and trust no one, especially those who associate with rulers and government officials, for such souls are unaware of the reality of this Cause and are veiled from it by their own imaginings. You yourself bear witness that were they to become aware of the truth, they would arise in unity and engage in educating the world. I wonder: Have they recognized and denied, or have they been prevented by their desires in following every distant crier? O physician! By the Most Great Name, if they were to attain but a drop from this ocean—that is, if they were to comprehend even as much as a needle’s eye of God’s purpose—they would surely lament and bewail what they have lost in this blessed Day. Say: Believe not every speaker, nor follow every crier. Say: It behooveth you to ponder what ye hear. By God’s life! I desire at every moment to speak to the number of all atoms. Would that the world might know and understand!”

Concerning what you wrote about how after the arrival of some of the heedless and ignorant ones, they arose due to the instigation of certain individuals and girded themselves to harm you—such things have ever befallen and will continue to befall God’s chosen ones. However, despite their wishes, God shall turn all this into glory, honor and lasting remembrance for you throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven. He is verily the Powerful, the Mighty. We beseech God to protect you and to maintain you at all times in that which pleases Him. Praise be to God that your wisdom prevailed and the words “they turn back upon their heels” became manifest.

And concerning what you wrote about Sassoon, upon him be 966 [Baha’u’llah], praise be to God that through the power of God’s Ancient Name he has broken the chains of blind imitation and has drunk from the wine of unity. I bear witness as God has borne witness that there is no God but Him, and that Muhammad is His Servant and His Messenger, His Manifestation and His Appearance, and that He is the Source of His Most Beautiful Names and His Most Exalted Attributes, and through Him God adorned the Night Journey and opened the gates of knowledge to the face of all in creation.

As to what you wrote concerning how the Jewish people cried out at the top of their voices “Sasson ibn Rajwan, Hairim, Hairim”—blessed is he in having been made the target of such rejection and abuse. This is the same cry they uttered when they gathered against the Spirit [Christ]. Verily, We say: How pleasant and wholesome for him! And blessed are they who have tasted the food of tribulation in the path of the Lord of Names. By the truth itself, they are the triumphant ones, they are the knowing ones, they are the near ones, they are the sincere ones. One must beseech the True One at all times, by night and by day, to keep him steadfast that he may be enabled to preserve what has been bestowed. This is a word that, like the morning star, has dawned and risen from the horizon of the heaven of divine wisdom. Blessed are they who understand. Praise be to God that through your wisdom the fire of hatred has been quenched and the tongues of the heedless silenced. We beseech the Truth, exalted and mighty is He, to ever assist you in that which will cause the exaltation of His Cause. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

As to what you wrote about how that noble personage asked how it was possible for the claimant to make such claims—he was indeed pure in nature and showed love at the time when the Sun of the horizons rose from the horizon of Iraq. One day the Beloved of the world, accompanied by some companions, went to visit Salman Pak. On the return journey, Mulla Shaykh-Ali, who was among the learned and resided in Kazimayn (upon them be greetings and peace), was present and conversing with Him. The aforementioned Mulla Shaykh-Ali mentioned that the son of the late and forgiven Khan, namely Mirza Muhammad-Ali Khan, had seen a dream, and he related that dream, saying that they were very sorrowful. At this point He said:

“Go and give him glad tidings. Soon his affairs will be set in order and he will attain to what he desires.”

And He expressed satisfaction with him, that is, with the aforementioned Khan. When this servant heard these words, he became very happy, for his late father in his lifetime never uttered a word that would cause sorrow. And he [Mulla Shaykh-Ali], as commanded, went and delivered what he was instructed to convey, for on another day he came and mentioned that he had attained the presence of the Khan and related the matter. Now the Khan himself must guard against whisperings so that the fruits of those glad tidings may be fully manifested.

As for Mirza Husayn-i-Qumi, you know that he had absolutely no knowledge of this Cause, and whenever adversity occurred, he was the first to deny it, and when conditions became secure, he would count himself among the first to believe. We seek refuge in God! Again we seek refuge in God! He it was who spat upon the face of Quddus in the land of Taff with manifest cruelty. Such transgressions appeared from him that the pen is ashamed to mention them. Later he would express repentance in the blessed presence. The details about him are known and need not be mentioned. He speaks whatever his own desires command him. That statement which Khan related to you was among his fabrications.

By God, besides Whom there is no other God, he had no knowledge of any matter, nor does he now. Sometimes he would attain the blessed presence and would come to this servant, while the essence of the matter remained hidden from him, for they would always say to him that two faults were observed in him, both of them grave: first, that he had no control over his tongue, and second, that he had no control over his feet—he would go wherever he pleased and speak whatever he wished. His conduct, deeds and words are clear and need not be mentioned.

As for that statement: First, the Manifestation has ever been and will ever be speaking that which He is commanded. In that station, neither a claimant nor one who summons others is to be seen. These two terms were among those commonly used in the school, while the Truth is sanctified, holy and exalted above them. By ʿschool’ is meant that which is the source of satanic whisperings—its teacher is fancy and its students are idle imaginings. If one were to contemplate, truly without the taint of ulterior motives, upon that which has been revealed, he would understand who the Source of the Cause was and who the Manifestation of Revelation was. They would always say that the divine Source of the Cause had concealed Himself in the garments of names, that the Dayspring of Justice might be preserved from the evil of tyranny. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. Verily He is the Powerful, the Trustworthy, the Mighty, the All-Willing.

Section 2: “From the late Mu’tamidu’d-Dawlih, that is, Mirza ʿAbdu’l-Wahhab…”

From the late Mu’tamidu’d-Dawlih, that is, Mirza ʿAbdu’l-Wahhab, who was among the mystics, certain verses were heard, including this couplet which he composed:

“I am enchanted by Thee, not by that countenance and tress / Where there is Paradise, there is neither morning nor evening.”

Verily the Most Holy Court is sanctified from these mentions and from the vain imaginings of creation. And this saying of Husayn-i-Qumi is not correct according to any standard, for it often happens that one who summons is a pretender. However, if the one who summons was the Truth, meaning that he was calling people to the innermost essence which none knoweth save Him, this is correct; and if he was a claimant, meaning one claiming the station of Manifestation, this too is complete. In any case, the ignorance of that worthless Siyyid has reached such a degree that one is left bewildered—he perceives not what he says nor understands what he utters, as every discerning and fair-minded person will testify.

Apart from these matters, this servant was in Iraq. By God, the All-Powerful, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting—that person whom the Siyyid mentions was incapable of speech in the presence of His countenance. At first, this servant was also unaware until it was observed that in His presence he was like any ordinary person. This servant kept this matter concealed in accordance with the blessed word mentioned before, as He would always say that the Source of the Cause kept Himself veiled in the garments of names. In any case, outwardly this servant observed this matter and a hundred thousand times uttered “God, the Most High, the Most Great, speaketh the truth.” We beseech God to assist people to illuminate the darkness of suppositions and imaginings with the light of certitude. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

Another submission is that some time ago this servant sent a detailed letter to your honour which was forwarded to Mosul to Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’llah to deliver to you. No reply has been received. God willing, it has now arrived.

Regarding what you wrote about the deeds of certain ones, you are right. In truth, some of the friends have not preserved the sanctity of the Cause and have caused people of every description to arise in rejection and protest. Yes, during the days of Ridvan, it was revealed from the heaven of divine Will that the pen is lifted, but They have said that there must not be transgression beyond the bounds of propriety and what reason abhors. This is God’s firm decree. Blessed are they who act accordingly. We hope that henceforth they will perceive from the fragrances of the Cause that which conduces to glory, exaltation and the station of true humanity.

When this ephemeral one reached this point in this letter, your other missive opened the gates of joy and became the source of delight and gladness. After perusing it, it was submitted to the Most Holy Court. He smiled greatly at its contents and showed His favor. The next morning, the Most Great Branch—may my spirit and being be sacrificed for the dust of His footsteps—appeared before His presence, and this servant, as commanded, presented your esteemed letter to Him. Again mention was made of you. Praise be to God that you have been and continue to be the recipient of this great favor. I beseech God that He may never, from time immemorial to eternity, withhold this distinction from you. Verily, He is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

That which you wrote regarding the reason for departure from Hadba and its details was indeed most graceful. Well done to that pen which became the cause of joy to the Beloved of the world!

As to what you wrote concerning Muhammad Surur Effendi, it was submitted. He said:

“We have mentioned him before and We beseech the Most High to assist him upon His straight path and to ordain for him that which shall benefit him in all the worlds of His worlds. Verily, He is the Hearing, the Answering. O physician! Due to the actions of some in the past, most people have entertained unseemly doubts about God’s most exalted, most impenetrable, most holy Cause. Some have imagined that, God forbid, God forbid, the chosen ones and the near ones are not acceptable. However, God shall establish the truth through His words. Verily, He is the Powerful, the Mighty. Soon there shall be made manifest to all the world that which they are now heedless of and veiled from due to the whisperings of the satans of the earth. Remind the people with wisdom and utterance that there may appear to them that which the All-Merciful hath sent down unto the Prophets and Messengers.”

From this evanescent one, convey greetings and glorification to them and say: Well done to thy hand and arm! Praise be to God, thou hast attained unto the sealed wine, which hath been the love of God and His Prophets. Thou art he who hath broken the bounds of the Jews and believed in God, the Mighty, the Loving. Blessed art thou in that thou hast been named after the Lord of the worlds Who shattered the idols through the power of His Lord, the Almighty.

As to what you wrote concerning Aqa Mirza Musa, upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah], it was submitted to the Most Holy Court. He said: “O physician! He hath suffered much in the Cause of God and hath endured unseemly words until he drank the choice wine of God’s love from the hand of grace and attained unto a station wherein his mention in the Supreme Concourse was more renowned than his mention on earth. This lofty, most exalted station and this glorious, most sublime place he nearly forgot entirely due to a minor outward change. I swear by the Sun of the horizon of eternity that all the world in comparison to an atom of that favor hath been and shall be as nothing, for the world and all that is therein shall perish at a word, while that which hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen shall endure as long as the kingdom of earth and heaven endure. By My life! It grieveth Me to see him extinguished after his enkindlement, and distant after having drawn nigh unto the Most Great Ocean.

Until now, in all circumstances, consideration hath been shown to him, for the right of faithfulness is beloved to Us. Therefore no word save that which is good hath been uttered concerning him, and We have commanded all the companions that if aught appeareth from him that is good, they should mention it, and if, God forbid, otherwise, they should remain silent. Perchance through the breaths of these words he may awaken and attain unto the words I have repented unto Thee and turned my face toward Thy court.’ Say: Dost thou deny thyself everlasting stations for the sake of these fleeting days? Where are they who ruled over most of the earth aforetime? Hearken unto the voice of the faithful counselor and act upon this blessed word which declareth: Say: God! Then leave them to their vain disputes.’ God willing, may he turn wholly unto the supreme horizon and arise to make good what hath been lost. Say: Know thou the value of thy station and let it not slip from thy grasp. That which thou now beholdest shall soon be hidden. Hold fast unto that which shall endure for thee as long as God’s most beautiful names endure. Thus doth the Wronged One counsel thee out of His love. Verily thy Lord is the Witness, the All-Informed.”

Concerning what you wrote about Abdullah, upon him be 966 [Baha’u’llah], it was submitted and He said:

“O Abdullah! Blessed art thou for having won the grace of God, the Lord of the worlds. Blessed art thou for having cast aside vain imaginings and taken hold of that which thou wast commanded in the Book from God, the Exalted, the Great. Say: Glory be to Thee, O my God, the God of all who are in the heavens and earth, my Master and the Master of all who are in the kingdoms of Command and Creation! I beseech Thee by the Name through which the gate of understanding was opened to all contingent beings, to make me one of those who have detached themselves from all else save Thee and have acknowledged Thy unity and oneness. O Lord! Thou seest me turning unto Thee, relying upon Thee, and beseeching Thy ancient bounty and all-encompassing grace. Wouldst Thou, O my God, disappoint one who has raised his hands of hope toward the heaven of Thy generosity? Would one who has sought the fountain of Thy nearness, O my Beloved, be kept distant? I beseech Thee by the Most Great Name, by which the limbs of the nations have trembled, to make me one of those whom neither the might of the world nor the oppression of the heedless has frightened from Thy Cause, O Master of eternity! Then ordain for me what Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones who hastened to the place of sacrifice in Thy love. Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

That special Tablets were not sent to the aforementioned souls, upon them be the Glory of God, this has been and will be due to wisdom. You know that people are heedless. If special Tablets were sent to one or two of the friends, it would surely become widely known, and this would be contrary to wisdom. For people have not yet understood that the purpose of this Cause is to exalt the primary Cause and to establish that which the Messenger (peace be upon Him) brought. They have suspected corruption and continue to do so, mistaking pure good for evil. Had they become somewhat aware of the purpose, they would now see the banner of Islam at the highest station and would surely have been preserved from this great humiliation that occurred in the recent war. But what was decreed has been decreed, and the Command is in the hand of God, the Master of the Throne and earth.

My request of you is to convey this servant’s greetings and sincere regard to all the friends of God. God willing, may all be seen as links in a chain and manifest the utmost wisdom and steadfastness, lest something occur that might cause some weak souls to waver. You too must observe wisdom with the utmost determination and act accordingly.

In Muharram 1297

BH01065: Praise be to God Who hath raised up His…

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

Praise be to God Who hath raised up His Cause and manifested His sovereignty in such wise that neither the doubts of the skeptics, nor the utterances of the ungodly, nor the pronouncements of those who have denied the Day of Judgment could hinder it. Verily, He is the Single, the One, the All-Powerful, Who hath ever been supreme over all who are in the heavens and the earth, and exalted above the comprehension of those who dwell in the kingdoms of creation and command. He ordaineth what He willeth and decreeth as He pleaseth. Verily, He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

May my spirit be a sacrifice for your steadfastness. When this evanescent servant was lying upon his bed, one of the chosen ones named Siyyid Javad entered bearing your letter. When I sensed the fragrance of your sincerity to God, our Lord and your Lord, I sat upright and was blessed with its contents. When I read and understood it, it was presented before His face, and when what your heart had uttered in love of God, the Lord of the worlds, was presented, then the Kingdom of Utterance spoke and said:

“Blessed art thou, O Muhammad, and joy be unto thee, O Mustafa! Thou art he who hath been confirmed in the love of God, the Lord of Names, and hath called the people to His supreme horizon, and hast remained steadfast in His Cause in such wise that neither the whisperings of the servants nor the doubts of those who disbelieved in God, the Lord of the Day of Judgment, caused thee to slip. Blessed are the people of Iraq who were stirred by the breezes of revelation in the days when the Sun of the horizons shone forth from the horizons of the land. Blessed be their faces, for they have turned toward My horizon, and their ears, for they have been blessed to hearken unto My call.”

The Wronged One remembereth them and beseecheth God to aid them to remember and praise Him with wisdom and utterance, and to strengthen them to act according to what they have been commanded in His mighty Book. We make mention of the imprisoned one who hath attained the recognition of God and hath drunk the choice wine of love from the hands of His bounty. He is, in truth, the One Who confirmeth and seeth. From this most exalted station We send Our greetings upon them and upon those who have attained what they have attained, and We remember them with a goodly remembrance.

O thou who gazest upon the Face! Thou hast known what thou didst mention concerning Ibrahim and his companion in the land of Sad. We were in the land of Sad and did not witness what was witnessed. Know thou this and be of them that understand. We beseech God to aid those who have believed with sincere truthfulness and to make them standards of truthfulness and steadfastness among all people. He, verily, is the Almighty, the Powerful.

It behooveth thee to conceal the Cause of the Wronged One from those who are submerged in the sea of passion, to such an extent that they have denied the Furqan and the verses of the All-Merciful. We have forbidden mention and utterance in those regions and their surroundings. Conceal thou and be of them that conceal, for We have found the people bereft of fairness, as every discerning one doth witness. Beware, beware lest thou reveal the Cause to blind eyes or speak to deaf ears. The people are asleep; when they die they shall awaken. Thus doth the Wronged One inform thee, and He is, verily, the Truthful, the Trustworthy.

It behooveth no one to draw nigh unto him who hath denied the Prophets and Messengers and hath acknowledged what he possesseth of the promptings of Satan, nor to hear his words. Say: Keep away, O servants of the All-Merciful, and be ye manifestly on your guard. Their deeds testify to what is within them, and their words reveal them. By the life of God! Their conduct maketh manifest what is in their hearts. God is clear of these people, as doth testify what the All-Merciful hath sent down in the Furqan and unto the Prophets and Messengers.

Conceal what We have imparted unto thee concerning Ibrahim lest he become aware of what We have made known to thee. Hold fast unto wisdom in all circumstances lest a disturbance arise therein. We beseech God, exalted be He, to protect you from the scheming of every schemer and the falsehood of every liar. He, verily, hath power over whatsoever He willeth. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Wise.

Moreover, We counsel you to maintain the greatest concealment concerning him and concerning all who claim to believe, unless they come to thee with a clear proof. Believe not every speaker. Preserve the pearls of knowledge in the name of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, from every distant betrayer. Peace and glory be upon thee and upon all who have believed in God, the One, the All-Informed.

O beloved of my heart! Most astonishing of all is those who deny God and His verses. Yet this is not the first instance of opposition, nor the first denial, nor the first discord, nor the first hypocrisy, nor the first rejection, nor the first turning away, nor the first objection. Servants before have uttered what these utter now, and they shall speak even more grievously hereafter. But God will manifest His Cause as He has manifested it before, despite them. He is, verily, the Mighty, the Powerful.

I marvel at him whom thou hast taken as a companion. I beseech the Almighty to make him steadfast in His Cause and purify him from the deeds of the idolaters. A tablet hath been sent to him in response, as wisdom requireth, that he might be among the tranquil ones. It behooveth you to be forbearing with him until God delivereth you from his company. This servant imploreth God to protect His servant Ibrahim. I observe that he consorteth with every corrupt one and associateth with every transgressor, and verily he is more harmful than poison. His own tongue would bear witness to this, were he to be among the fair-minded ones. You must conceal all that is mentioned in this letter, lest there arise the clamor of the heedless ones who have cast the ordinances of God behind their backs and followed every accursed satan.

As to the dervish, this servant hath presented his petition before the Throne, and he hath been granted pardon, should he be among the steadfast and firm ones. Give him the glad tidings of this bounty that he may rejoice and be among the thankful ones. This servant beseecheth his Lord to preserve him from the promptings of desire and enable him to be obedient and perform pure deeds. Verily, He is the Forgiving, the Bountiful. This evanescent servant conveyeth his greetings unto him and unto Ibrahim and unto the loved ones in that place, and I beseech God, the Lord of the worlds, to grant them success. Praise be to God, the Goal of the mystics.

The servant 16 Rabi’u’l-Avval 1297

BH01452: This evanescent servant testifies that there is none other…

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

This evanescent servant testifies that there is none other God but Him. He was forever hidden and concealed in the treasury of the Unseen until the appointed time came, when He appeared from the horizon of creation with grandeur and glory. Then the trumpet was blown, the graves arose, the herald called out, the spirit was breathed, and the world was adorned with the ornament of knowledge. Exalted is the All-Merciful Who manifested Himself amidst all created things, Who speaks in the kingdom of utterance, and Whose Most Exalted Pen moves at every moment—the Pen through which He has detailed every matter with truth, revealed every mystery with justice, explained every wisdom with grace, and established every decree in His mighty Book. Glory be to the All-Bountiful Who made Himself known to us, taught us His Cause, and guided us to His straight path.

O beloved of my heart! The fragrant breezes of your love—for our Beloved, your Beloved, and the Beloved of all worlds—have stirred me, and the winds of your utterance have moved me, through which your acceptance, sincerity, steadfastness, love, affection, and arising in the Cause of God, the Beloved of all worlds, have become manifest. When your mention took hold of me, I ascended to a station that cannot be indicated by my indication, nor comprehended by my comprehension, nor known by my descriptions, nor expressed by my pen and ink. When I attained His presence, the Lord of all worlds and the Master of eternity asked me what was in my hand. Then, with permission, I opened it and presented what the nightingales of your love had sung upon the branches of the Lote-Tree of sincerity.

When it was concluded, the Tongue of Grandeur spoke that which I am unable to mention, until He said:

“O servant present before Me! Convey My glorification to those who have attained to My recognition and My presence, who have immersed themselves in the ocean of My proof, who soar in the atmosphere of My love, who drink the choice wine of My remembrance and praise, who have turned toward My face, and who stand before My gate. Say: Blessed art thou, O Varqa, for My verses have attracted thee, caused thee to speak in My days, and drawn thee to My dwelling place, until thou didst stand before My throne, hear My call, and attain to the hearing of My utterance. Know thou with certainty that We have mentioned thee and do mention thee as a favor from Us. Verily, thy Lord is the Forgiving, the Bountiful. Be thou assured by thy Lord’s grace, then make mention of Him with wisdom and utterance. He will assist thee at all times. To this bear witness the dwellers of My realms, the guardians of My mysteries, the recipients of My revelation, the dawning-places of My attributes, and this mighty and wondrous Tongue. Make mention from Me to thy brother who attained in My days and circumambulated My mighty throne, and to those who have turned to the Supreme Horizon and held fast to the Most Great Name, whereby the limbs of all names have trembled, and give them the glad-tidings of My gracious remembrance.”

In brief, it is submitted that the travelers, upon them be the Glory of God, were present before the throne at the castle where the Greatest Scene is situated, when suddenly the Ancient Beauty gave permission for their return, and they were set to depart the next day. Therefore, this servant had no time or opportunity to express in detail the degrees of sincerity and love. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, that the opportunity may be granted hereafter. In any case, after learning of the travelers’ departure, these few words were submitted in brief so that they might rejoice in the divine favors and infinite bounties. The Tablets they had requested were sent, numbering five, corresponding to the blessed letter “Ha”. As commanded, they should be distributed by lot—that is, after ablutions, place them under a cloth, then draw one Tablet in each person’s name and give them to whomever they were intended for. Since the mention of names is not permitted in these days, the names were not written at the top of the Tablets.

Another submission: Convey this evanescent servant’s glorification to his honor, my brother, upon him be the Glory of God and His praise, and mention that what was promised was fulfilled, but did not reach you—God willing, it will reach you. There is no opportunity now to mention details. And another submission: Convey to all the friends in that land, on behalf of this evanescent servant, remembrance, praise, and the Most Wondrous, Most Exalted, Most Holy, Most Glorious glorification. Glory and praise be upon you and upon God’s loved ones there.

The servant, 15 Rabi’u’l-Avval 1297

BH00125: Praise be to God Who opened the gate…

Section 1: “Praise be to God Who opened the gate…”

He is God, exalted be His glory, His is the grandeur and majesty

Praise be to God Who opened the gate of revelation with the key of His Most Mighty, Most Holy, Most Glorious Name and summoned all through His sweetest call to the supreme horizon! Thereupon the sincere were attracted, the believers drew near, the near ones took flight, the seekers sought, and those who turned did turn. The wine of the utterance of the All-Merciful so intoxicated all contingent beings that every extinguished one was set aflame, every frozen one was melted, every sleeper was awakened, every fallen one arose, and every seated one hastened forth, as though every atom among the atoms of creation turned towards the Dawning-Place of verses and the Day-Spring of clear signs.

Then did the Lord of Names desire to test His servants and commanded His Most Exalted Pen to speak that which would raise the standards of tribulation amidst the concourse of creation. When it spoke and the standards were raised, conditions were transformed, foundations were shaken, bodies trembled, hearts were struck with fear, souls quaked, feet stumbled, and mankind was divided: Among them were those who turned to these standards, embraced them, kissed them, and hastened to the place of sacrifice in the path of God, Creator of heaven; and among them were those whose faces reddened with the fire of God’s love and who sacrificed themselves and their possessions in His path in such wise as to astonish the Concourse on High; and among them were those who hastened forth and those who hesitated and those who turned away and those who retreated and those who regretted their acceptance and those who were seized with such perturbation as to oppose the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. Thus was the matter decreed from before God, the Lord of the beginning and the end.

O my beloved Abu’l-Hasan! This blessed word was repeatedly heard from the Most Holy and Exalted Tongue, saying: “Verily, this Cause is mighty, mighty indeed!” By the Sun of the horizon of certitude, the greatness of God’s Cause and the stations of steadfast souls cannot be reckoned by the pen nor encompassed by the tongue. The greatness of this Day and this Cause was revealed and recorded aforetime in the divine Books. Most people today are heedless, occupied with these perishable things whose transience they witness with both their outer and inner eyes, while remaining oblivious and bewildered regarding the immortal Kingdom.

In the Book of Joel it is recorded: “For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; who can abide it?” And likewise it states: “The Lord shall roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake.” Jerusalem is Akka, the Holy Land and its environs, and Zion is a place in these lands, as well as a place in Jerusalem. From this valley the divine Call has been raised, and the throne of divine Justice has been established in this land. Blessed are they whom the diverse colors of the world have not caused to deviate from the straight path.

Would that one of these souls who today consider themselves learned and who have arisen to oppose the Truth would come to their senses and become awakened by the Word of God, and would reflect: For what reason was Noah’s lamentation? Why did his people reject him? What was the meaning of Hud’s abasement? Why was Salih’s she-camel hamstrung and he himself banished? Why did Jesus, son of Mary, ascend to the fourth heaven, and at whose hands did He suffer tribulations? Why did the Sun of Batha [Muhammad] turn towards Yathrib? For what purpose did Ja’far-i-Tayyar and his companions go to the Negus? The wine of vain desire hath so seized these heedless ones that they have not been able to reflect for a moment. They ride the steed of self and gallop in the arena of ignorance. Soon shall they lament and cry out “Would that we were but dust!”

Man is astonished at what these people cling to and to whom they adhere. If they deny this Manifestation, its revealed verses, its demonstrations of power, and its resplendent and manifest evidences, to what cause are they turning and to which religion do they adhere? Fie upon them and those who follow them! Observe how in all the Books the mention of the Day of Manifestation is clearly recorded; nevertheless, they have done what no people have ever done. In the Revelation of John it is recorded:

“And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband… And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it.”

And Jerusalem is now become the place of the Divine Throne.

It seems as though the sense of taste hath been lost in the world and the faculty of understanding vanished, for most of the servants have not found the sweetness of the utterance of the All-Merciful and have failed to comprehend that which hath appeared from the Kingdom of power. They are engaged in cawing while veiled from the Luminary of the horizons. We beseech God that those souls who have drunk from the water of life and attained unto the sealed wine may hold fast unto the Book of God and His verses—that is, let them contemplate and reflect, and quicken the dead of the earth through the breaths of wisdom and utterance. Know ye with certitude that those souls who are this day adorned with the ornament of love and are mentioned by the name of God, exalted be His glory, if they arise to serve the Cause—that is, if they engage in teaching the divine Cause with the utmost wisdom, speaking for God’s sake and making mention of Him for His sake—they will assuredly transform the world of brass into a world of gold.

Blessed are they who have recognized this day and acted according to its requirements. The evanescence of the world is clear and evident, and the Tree of Revelation hath appeared at the supreme station of Sinai, speaking forth; yet none are aware save whom God willeth, our Lord and the Lord of all things and the Lord of all worlds. We beseech God to assist His servants to recognize what is intended and draw them nigh unto Him. Verily He is the Mighty over whatsoever He willeth, and He is the Helper, the All-Knowing.

To continue: thy letter dated the 15th of Shavval was received. Praise be to God, it became a source of joy and gladness, for it was adorned with the remembrance of God and embellished with His praise. God willing, mayest thou ever drink from the Kawthar of divine mercy and be assisted in His service. The loving-kindness of the Beloved hath encompassed thee and will continue to do so. Concerning what thou didst mention about the Afnan, Aqa Abu’l-Hasan, upon him be all Glory of Glories, having summoned thee—this was presented at the Holy Threshold. This is what the All-Merciful hath revealed from the Kingdom of Utterance:

“O Abu’l-Hasan! We have heard thy call and what thou didst write to the servant who standeth before the Throne. We answered thee before, and in this noble station We say: Rejoice in My remembrance and give thanks unto God for having assisted thee and made thee among the successful ones. Thou hast attained the presence of thy Lord and heard His mighty and wondrous call. The deeds of no doer in the path of God have been or ever shall be lost. All matters are clear and evident before God. Verily He is the Truth, the Knower of the unseen. Be thou assured of thy Lord’s favor and hold fast unto the cord of steadfastness in this mighty Cause. Act according to what the Afnan of the Sacred Tree hath written. When thou seest My Afnan, convey to him My glorification, and give him the glad-tidings of My remembrance, My loving-kindness and My manifest grace. The Sacred Tree gazeth upon its Afnans. He hath created them, provided for them, exalted them, caused them to know Him, and hath written down for them from His Most Exalted Pen that which none knoweth save His Self, the One Who dominateth the worlds.”

Regarding what thou didst write about Jinab-i-ʿAyn-Ba’, upon him be the Glory of God—he hath ever been mentioned at the Most Great Scene and hath been and will continue to be the recipient of divine bounties. The purport of this matter hath been revealed in one of the Tablets: “Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.” We beseech God to assist all and enable them to make mention of Him and praise Him. Verily He is the Mighty, the Powerful.

Concerning what thou didst write about Jalil, it was presented. These are His mighty words:

“Today the gate of grace is open. How excellent is the state of one who hath rent asunder the veils and attained to the recognition of the Dawning-Place of Divine Revelation. The true seekers have not been and shall never be deprived of their Goal. God willing, may they be gladdened through His grace and remain fixed upon His horizon. Verily He heareth and seeth, and He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

Concerning what you wrote about Haji Aqa Baba, it was presented before the Most Sublime Vision. He said:

“O Abu’l-Hasan! We have heard what thou didst mention regarding him. We beseech God to enable him and all who are on earth to drink from this Ocean which surgeth before their faces. Verily thy Lord is the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate. We make mention of him whom thou didst mention. Give him the glad-tidings of this remembrance from thy Lord, the All-Wise. Blessed is the soul that hath awakened in the days of its Lord, and the face that hath reddened from His love, and the hand that hath attained unto the taking of His Book. Thus hath the Pen spoken from this exalted station. By the life of God! What hath been created on earth cannot be compared with My remembrance, yet most of the people are heedless. We make mention of H and S who hath believed in God, the Lord of the worlds. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to give him and those who have believed to drink that which will purify them from all else save Him and draw them nigh unto Him. He is the Single One, the All-Informed. We perceive the fragrance of My love from there. Nothing escapeth His knowledge. He is the Truth, the Knower of the unseen. Convey My greetings unto My loved ones who have attained unto My recognition and clung to the hem of My bounty. They are assuredly among the most exalted of creation before the Truth, the Self-Subsisting, the All-Compelling.”

Concerning what you wrote about Malik-Husayn, He showed favor, saying that God willing, his pilgrimage is accepted before the Throne. Whosoever turneth to God with sincere intention shall never be disappointed or deprived. The prohibition that was revealed was due to God’s all-encompassing wisdom, as hath been revealed in certain Tablets. Blessed be they who attain! I beseech God, exalted and glorified be He, to assist him and make him steadfast in His love.

Regarding what you wrote about marriage, permission hath been granted. God willing, it is blessed, but is contingent upon the consent of both parties, as revealed in the Most Holy Book.

Concerning what you wrote about the beloved R and J, upon whom be all the most glorious Glory of God, praise be to God, they have attained unto God’s special favors. Indeed, it is exactly as you have written, nay even greater. Some time ago, this servant wrote briefly to them and by command sent the Tablet of Proof that they might recite it and share it with upright and receptive souls, that perchance the peoples of the world might attain unto new life through the breaths of the verses of the All-Merciful. If you meet them, convey my greetings. God willing, may they drink and give to drink from the choice wine of the Recognition of the All-Merciful at all times. We beseech God to assist the souls in that land to hearken unto that which they mention concerning the Cause of God.

Concerning what you wrote about Haji Mulla Kazim, it was submitted, and this is what the All-Giving revealed in response:

“O Abu’l-Hasan! The horizons have been filled with the signs of thy Lord, the Master of the Day of Meeting. We sent him a Tablet before and revealed therein that which brought delight to the eyes of the Concourse on High and those who circle round the Throne at eventide and at dawn. We beseech God, exalted be He, to aid him in serving His Cause—verily He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth—and to give him to drink that which will draw him unto Him. Verily thy Lord is the Mighty, the All-Bountiful. He who hath attained unto His forgiveness and drunk the Kawthar of His knowledge is assuredly among those who are brought near, as recorded in the Books and Tablets.”

God willing, may the people of that land attain unto the hearing of the Tablet of Proof and the previously revealed Tablets. By the life of God! If today any soul should read one of the divine Tablets with a sanctified tongue and pure heart, and turn towards it, he will surely attain unto the Kawthar of steadfastness and will speak in praise of the Desired One. Blessed are they who act! Blessed are they who hear! Joy be to them who attain!

Concerning what you wrote about Ahmad (upon him be the Glory of God) from M., it was submitted, and this is what the Tongue of Grandeur spoke:

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

This is a Book from Us to him who hath turned his face toward My countenance and dwelt beneath the tabernacles of My mercy, that he may give thanks unto his Lord, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful. O Ahmad! We behold the servants playing like children on the shores of the sea of heedlessness and forgetfulness. By My life! They gather only pebbles. Thus doth the Revealer of verses inform thee from this station which God hath made the most exalted of stations. Rejoice thou in My remembrance and in that which We have formerly revealed unto thee. Verily thy Lord is the Mighty, the All-Knowing. Thy letter hath come before the Wronged One, and the servant who was present read it, and We have mentioned thee with a mention that hath caused the pens to be attracted.

Convey My greetings to the faces of those who have believed in God in thy land and give them glad tidings of the favor of their Lord, Who dissolveth illusions. Say: Be not grieved at anything, put your trust in God, then remember Him at all times. Thus hath the Most Exalted Pen spoken by the command of God, the Lord of all mankind. The Glory be upon thee and upon thy sons and upon those who have attained unto the mention of their Lord, the Lord of the beginning and the end.

Regarding what you mentioned about the sons of the beloved Mahbubi (upon him be nine [Glory] most glorious), it was presented before the Throne. He showed His favor, and God willing, may they all attain unto that which befitteth them. I beseech the True One to adorn them with such an ornament as shall cause the slumbering ones of the earth to awaken.

Section 2: “Concerning what you wrote about Muhammad Big, expressions…”

Concerning what you wrote about Muhammad Big, expressions of loving-kindness have been shown to him from the Dawning-Place of the Cause, both before and after. He should offer thanks to God with a hundred thousand tongues at all times, for He has enabled him to serve some of His loved ones, and exalted Tablets were specifically revealed and sent to him in previous years, with which he was favored. If you meet him, convey on behalf of this evanescent one a wondrous and glorious greeting—but such a greeting that would cause hearts and minds to soar in the atmosphere of the love of our Lord, the Mighty, the Beloved. And mention was made of Muhammad Husayn, Turab Big, Aqa Ghulam Husayn and Shahir in the presence of His glory. He said:

“Verily We make mention of those who have remembered Us and turned to Our Most Exalted Horizon and have attained unto Our choicest Wine, whose seal We have broken through Our Most Exalted, Most Glorious Name. Thus hath the Truth spoken in the Kingdom of Utterance that His servants may rejoice thereby. He is, verily, the Forgiving, the Bountiful. Say: Verily He heareth every call and seeth every deed and beholdeth every aspiration. He is, in truth, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.”

All the loved ones of God are mentioned at the Throne. How could it be that one should make mention of God, or succeed in performing a good deed, and yet be deprived of the grace of God? The names of those souls who have turned to Him and remained steadfast are recorded by the Most Exalted Pen in the Crimson Book. All the friends must strive to attain to this station. Verily He seeth and knoweth; He is the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

Concerning what you wrote about the sons of Aqa Siyyid Husayn, who hath ascended unto God, it was presented before His Most Holy Presence. This is what the Beloved hath revealed from the Kingdom of Utterance:

“O Abu’l-Hasan! We made mention of Husayn before, and We mention him in this station that his rank may be made manifest. Thy Lord is, verily, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. He hath ascended unto the All-Merciful with joy and delight and dwelleth in the proximity of his Lord’s loving-kindness, the Mighty, the All-Knowing. Make mention on My behalf of his son and his daughter, then his daughter who hath believed in God, the Lord of all worlds, then his wife who hath migrated in the path of God. We counsel them to be patient and to show forth fortitude in what hath befallen them in the days of their Lord, the Almighty, the Powerful. Say: Be not grieved at anything. That wherein princes rejoice and every heedless doubter prideth himself shall soon pass away. They see themselves in a station while you are in the most exalted station. He Who speaketh in the world among the peoples beareth witness to this. There is none other God but Me, the One, the All-Informed.”

Concerning what you wrote about Mirza [S] Kh-A, it was presented. He said:

“God willing, may he drink at all times from the Kawthar of utterance through the grace of the All-Merciful and keep his gaze fixed upon the Most Exalted Horizon. The days have no constancy. The changes and transformations of the world are like a tongue giving news to its people of the passing away and extinction of all that exists therein. Therefore, those possessed of vision, whose eyes are illumined with the light of divine knowledge, turn to that which endureth and is befitting. Blessed is he who knoweth the value of these days and ariseth to do what is meet and seemly. He is indeed among those possessed of vision in the Most Great Scene and among those endued with understanding in the concourse of creation. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to aid him and enable him to do what He loveth and is pleased with. Make mention on My behalf of ʿAli-Qabli-Muhammad whom thou didst mention in the letter thou didst send to the servant who is present before the Wronged One, that My remembrance may draw him to the Kingdom of Utterance and strengthen him in this Cause wherein the feet of those who followed vain imaginings have slipped.”

As thou didst mention Haji Muhammad-Ali and his son Aqa Abdu’l-Husayn, as well as Aqa Mirza Muhammad-Husayn who had conveyed their greetings to this servant, mention was made of them all in the Most Holy Court, and the Sun of loving-kindness hath shone upon each one. God willing, may they ever be engaged in the praise and glorification of the Revealer of verses, and strive with wisdom and utterance to quicken souls. Thus far was the reply to thy previous letter dated […] 152. As for thy second letter dated the 25th of Muharram 1297, it was received and thy love for the Beloved of the world was evident and manifest. Blessed art thou for God hath enabled thee to recognize Him, to utter His praise, and to turn unto Him. This evanescent servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, to aid thee to remain steadfast in His Cause and to manifest through thee that which would cause His remembrance.

Concerning what thou didst write about thy business affairs—grieve not for what hath passed, nor rejoice in what is to come. These are words uttered by the Revealer of verses. God hath ever been and will ever be the All-Possessing. In this land there are nearly one hundred and fifty souls, and there are five cities. The subsistence allowance from the government hath not been received, and four places have been specifically designated for travelers in these days. Though prices and costs have reached their highest point, yet by God’s grace and bounty all are comfortable and at ease. Verily He is the Ruler over whatsoever He willeth, and He is indeed the All-Bountiful, the Munificent. Place thy trust in all circumstances in the Self-Subsisting.

Verily He giveth and withholdeth, and He is indeed the Bestower, the Withholder, the Bountiful, the Generous. Yet praise be to God that thy past and future services to the Cause have been and shall be accepted. The servant doth praise God for having perceived from thee the fragrance of truthfulness and trustworthiness. This is the most excellent of all stations, even as in this past year the Tablet of Trustworthiness, the Tablet of Truthfulness, the Tablet of Faithfulness, the Tablet of Detachment, and the Tablet of the Balance were revealed from the heaven of divine Will. Blessed is he who hath read them and acted upon what hath been commanded by the Ordainer, the All-Wise.

As for thy expression of embarrassment before A.B., may the glory of God rest upon him, from the beginning of the Cause until now he hath served to the extent of his capacity and shown love to the friends of God. We beseech God to strengthen him, and God willing, he hath been and will continue to be assisted. Mention was made of him in the Most Holy Court. And concerning what thou didst write about A.B. Naw, may the glory of God rest upon him, his love and sincerity are evident before the Divine Throne. Convey my greetings unto him, and a Tablet specifically for him was sent with Varqa, may the glory of God rest upon him. God willing, may he attain unto it. I beseech God to assist him, to strengthen him, and to ordain for him that which beseemeth His generosity. Verily He is the Mighty, the Generous.

During the writing of this letter, this evanescent servant was summoned into His presence, whereupon the Ancient Tongue spoke these blessed words:

“O Abu’l-Hasan! Blessed art thou for having fulfilled My covenant and My testament, for having held fast to the cord of My love, and for having attained unto My presence, wherewith the Books of God, both past and future, have been adorned. Be thou thankful and say: ʿPraise be unto Thee, O Thou the Goal of the world’s desire!’ Let all thy deeds be for God, thy Lord. Act thou for God, speak thou for God, and move thou for God, the Lord of the visible and the invisible, the Lord of all who are in the heavens and on earth.”

In all matters, it is essential to regard the servants of God with an eye to His previous grace and mercy. Therefore, one must be mindful in all deeds, lest any action cause grief to anyone, especially the friends of God, upon whom the eye of His loving-kindness is fixed and toward whom the drops of the ocean of His generosity are directed. Whatsoever is thought to prevent the general welfare of people is not and never shall be permissible.

“O Abu’l-Hasan! Follow thy Lord. Verily, He is the Forgiving, the Kind, the Loving, the Generous, the All-Bountiful, the All-Merciful, the Compassionate.”

The hoarding of certain commodities that constitute the sustenance of the general populace is not and has never been permissible. Though thy actions were performed for the sake of God, as thou hadst no such intention, yet in view of God’s decisive command revealed in His infinite verses, the withholding of certain grains is not permissible. Therefore, thou must ever be mindful of God’s commandments and prohibitions.

O Abu’l-Hasan! People are heedless of God’s mercy and loving-kindness, and have imagined that the appearance of the Manifestation of His Cause and the Dawning-Place of His Revelation would cause harm to His servants. Thus have they denied the divine bounty and closed the doors of His outpourings upon their own faces. Thus doth inform thee He Who possesseth the knowledge of all things in a clear Book.

In brief, the withholding of sustenance from animals is not permissible, let alone from human beings. Glory be unto him who followeth the All-Merciful.

O My beloved! Observe the divine grace and mercy, that He hath never been pleased with harm to any of His servants. Although thy deed was clearly and manifestly done for God’s sake, yet observe how the rain of grace and bounty hath poured down from the heaven of mercy and the clouds of generosity. In one instance, the Supreme Pen hath revealed these exalted words: “The true Sun is the Word of God. This is the Sun by which the education of the world dependeth, and by whose lights the hearts of the sincere ones and those who are near unto God are illumined. It behooveth thee and Me and all peoples of the world to say: ʿPraise be unto Thee, O Thou Who art a mercy unto all worlds!”’

Regarding what thou didst write about Aqa ʿAbdu’s-Samad and his deeds, mention of him hath been made before, and holy and sublime verses concerning him have been revealed from the Supreme Pen and sent forth. Well is it with him in that he hath been mentioned by the Pen of his Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Concerning what you wrote about the honored Habib, his eminence Varqa, upon him be the Glory of God—this brought joy and gladness. God willing, may he ever be assisted and arise to serve the Cause. In truth, when returning from this land, he was aflame with the fire of divine love. We beseech the Most High to grant him success in all conditions and aid him in His service. Verily He is the Powerful, the Mighty. A few days ago a brief letter was sent to him along with wondrous and sublime Tablets which he had requested for some of the friends.

Whenever you meet Shatir Rida, upon him be the Glory of God, convey greetings on behalf of this servant and mention him. I assure you with certainty that God, exalted be His glory, has not forgotten and will never forget His loved ones. It behooveth every soul to thank Him at all times.

Concerning what you wrote at the end of your letter, “if He would but once say ʿMy servant’…”—praise be to God, these words have been heard repeatedly from the blessed tongue, just as in that same letter they mentioned you in numerous places. How many kings, princes, ministers, divines and mystics departed this transient world longing to hear the divine Word, while you have repeatedly attained this blessing in both absence and presence. What hand or tongue could ever render due thanks for this?

Your services at the Most Holy Court are evident and manifest. No matter has been nor will be obscured. Verily your Lord sees and hears. He is indeed the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Be assured of His grace.

And concerning what you wrote again in your second letter about His Holiness the Afnan, the honored A. and H.A., upon him be all the Most Glorious Glory—by command: act according to what they have written. Henceforth be not grieved, for you have drunk from the ocean of meeting time and again, and received your portion, and God willing shall receive your portion hereafter, for you have attained permanent permission. By your life, this is a mighty station!

Furthermore, you wrote about the beloved and honored Nabil, upon him be all the Most Glorious Glory. Some time ago a Most Holy and Most Exalted Tablet was specifically revealed and sent to him from the heaven of will. He has always been mentioned at the Most Holy Court. Convey greetings on behalf of this evanescent servant to him and say: O beloved of my heart! While time remains, and life remains, and opportunity remains, and strength remains, and tongue remains, and the age remains—all must strive with utmost wisdom to mention and praise the Truth and teach His Cause. Especially ones like his honor. We beseech God to ever assist him, grant him success, sustain him, and aid him in speech and utterance.

You mentioned the esteemed Mirza Ja’far, brother of the late [Habib]. God willing, may he attain the adorning grace of spiritual recognition and fix his gaze upon the horizon of His Cause. Today, and for all time, that which takes precedence over all else is the love of God. Blessed is he who attains unto that which God hath desired. I beseech His exalted Self to assist him in this, for verily He is the All-Bountiful, the Loving.

Your honor should be exceedingly joyful and manifest boundless delight at all times, for you were engaged in service for several years and attained His presence. The remembrance of your services has not been, nor ever shall be, effaced. Be assured of God’s grace and generosity. Whatsoever hath streamed from the Most Exalted Pen was intended to inform your honor of various matters; otherwise, the Tongue of Grandeur hath testified that you have done nothing for yourself—all that you have done was for the sake of God. This servant yearns for such a station. Although the stations of the loved ones are now veiled, they shall assuredly be made manifest.

Convey my greetings to the honored Amin, upon him be the glory of God, and tell him that I beseech God to keep him steadfast in that which He loveth and approveth. May you ever be adorned with the robe He hath graciously bestowed. Furthermore, write of your circumstances each day. Glory be upon you and upon him and upon whosoever hath voiced the praise of God and hath arisen to serve Him, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

Moreover, I have conveyed your expressions of praise, glory, and self-effacement to the Divine Branches—may my spirit and being be offered up for the dust of their most honored footsteps. They remember you with greetings and praise, and likewise do all who circle round the Sacred Precincts send their greetings.

The servant, 28 Rabi’u’l-Avval 1297

BH07128: Glory be unto Thee, O Thou in Whose hand…

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

Glory be unto Thee, O Thou in Whose hand is the dominion of all things and in Whose grasp is the kingdom of names! I beseech Thee by Thy Most Exalted Word to aid Thy servants to turn unto the ocean of Thy good-pleasure. Then grant them the sweetness of Thy commandments and Thy laws. Know thou with certainty that Thou dost not command anyone save that which benefits him in all the worlds of Thy creation. O my Lord! Make known unto us Thy wisdom which Thou hast concealed in Thy verses and sent down in Thy Book. Then ordain for Thy loved ones that which will bring solace to their eyes and tranquility to their souls. Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent over whatsoever Thou willest, and through Thy Name every wise decree hath been made manifest….

BH00077: O beloved of my heart and the one remembered…

Section 1: “O beloved of my heart and the one…”

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

O beloved of my heart and the one remembered in my soul! A single drop from the cloud of the mercy of the Lord of Lords hath been sent down and floweth, and in every place a decree therefrom is made manifest. In the sea of the hearts of the people of understanding, the pearls of the knowledge of the Beloved of all creation have become existent, yet in hardened hearts and darkened lands, naught else appeareth. Glory be to God! This evanescent servant observeth that in the days of God, each and every thing hath been and shall be a balance. The blessed word that hath shone forth from the dawning-place of the mouth of the All-Merciful hath been God’s balance, whereby all things have been measured. Likewise, should one observe with the eye of insight the deeds and actions that have appeared from the Source of the Cause, one would witness in every day, nay in every moment, the balance of Truth, the proof of Truth, the power of Truth, and the might of Truth, and would be bewildered by that which appeareth from the Truth.

How strange that eyes which behold the rays of the sun remain unaware! The Most Great Ocean is manifest and visible before all faces, yet they remain bereft of it and continue to thirst. The fire hath been kindled, yet they see it not. The Divine Lote Tree hath spoken, yet they hear not. The Cry hath been raised, yet they remain asleep. The horizon of the Cause hath been illumined, yet they turn not toward it. The Self-Subsisting hath arisen, yet they perceive it not. The tongue of utterance warbleth at every ear, proclaiming “Verily, I am your Most Glorious Lord,” yet all remain heedless save whom God willeth, our Lord, the Self-Subsisting, the Protecting. Their desires have prevented them from the bounty of God and His generosity, and from the mercy of God and His loving-kindness. This servant interpreteth these desires as referring to those divines who have gone astray and led others astray, who have become corrupt and corrupted others in the Cause of God, the Lord of all worlds.

Glory be to God! They have not reflected, even for a moment, upon the oppression of the Prophets—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Them—to understand what was the cause and reason for the people’s opposition, objection, vituperation and denial of those holy Lights. They slay Husayn and then weep for him; they deny God yet enter the houses of worship in His name. By Thy life, O thou who art enkindled with the fire of the love of God! I am amazed, and all things are amazed, at what these people have committed in the days of God, the Lord of all names and the Sovereign of both the beginning and the end. The example of this evanescent servant is like that of a fish swimming in the sea of love for God’s chosen ones, ever crying out “Is there more?”

For whenever I desire to send a petition to that Beloved and attempt to be brief, I find it impossible, for the tongue of love whispers in the ear of the pen “Hasten! Hasten!” and says “Beware lest thou pause!” Indeed, the attraction of love hath ever had and shall have such effects as cannot be described by the pen. I beseech Him, exalted be He, every morning and evening, nay in every day and every hour and every minute, to assist thy honor in His remembrance and praise and in serving His Cause among His servants with wisdom, with wisdom, and to make thee drink that which will cause to flow from thy tongue that which will attract the hearts of others. Verily, He is the Powerful over whatsoever He willeth. Verily, He is the Mighty, the All-Wise.

O my Beloved! Have not these utterances and writings, these proclamations and summons, been made manifest as they ought? Or hath the realm of perception, by its vain fancies, been denied the leave to behold them? Nay—by God!—the ears have not been, nor are they, worthy of attentive hearing: the ear that is intent upon the recital of unworthy remembrances is thereby deprived, through sheer incapacity, of listening unto that Speech which is manifest for God. With the utmost lowliness and supplication, I implore and beseech the All-Possessing One that He may awaken those who slumber, raise up those who remain in their graves, and cause them to speak forth His praise and glorification. Verily, He is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

After perusing thy noble letter number 10 which thou hadst sent to him who beareth the name of Jud, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious, it was brought to the Most Great Presence and presented before His Countenance. He said:

“Praise be to God, they have been and are successful. From the beginning of the Cause until now, they have spoken in praise of the Wronged One of the horizons and have arisen to serve Him. The sweet-scents of His love are wafting, and the degrees of their sincerity are evident. God willing, they shall ever be adorned with the raiment of His special favors. The Supreme Pen hath testified to his acceptance, his turning to God, his presence, his attentiveness, his remembrance and his praise. Verily, nothing whatsoever escapeth His knowledge. He, verily, is the All-Wise, the All-Informed. We send Our greetings upon him and his brother and those who have attained unto the recognition of God, the Lord of all worlds.”

O Muhammad-Qabli-ʿAli! Thou didst hear My call when thou wert present in My Most Great Prison. Thou didst witness and observe that from which most of the servants were debarred. Thy Lord, verily, is the All-Reckoning, the All-Knowing. The glory be upon you and upon your family and those who are with you, from the presence of the All-Bountiful, the Ancient of Days.

We make mention of Javad, from whom We have perceived the fragrance of steadfastness in this Cause whereby feet have slipped, that he may rejoice in My remembrance and speak forth My praise amongst the servants. O Javad! The Lord of creation maketh mention of thee at this time wherein He walketh and speaketh. Verily, there is none other God but He, the Mighty, the All-Bestowing. Be thou steadfast, vigilant, speaking forth remembrance at eventide and at dawn. O Javad! By God’s life! Were people to become aware, as they ought to be, of the ocean of divine mercy and the sea of the compassion of the Eternal Sovereign, they would arise as befitteth this Day and would speak forth as beseemeth this Day.

By My life! Were they to become aware of even less than a hair’s breadth of the outpourings from the clouds of divine favors, they would turn towards the Most Great Scene and circle round about it. They have not been, nor are they now, aware of the purpose of God and that which is concealed within the treasury of His grace and knowledge. God willing, may the awareness of His chosen ones deliver all from heedlessness and make them aware. Glorified and exalted is He above what they describe and what they say and what they know.

O Ahmad, rejoice in My glad-tidings! Verily thou art mentioned in My presence, at the seat of My throne. Convey My greetings to the handmaidens of God who have drunk from the Living Waters and who dwell in that house, and say: In days of joy, grief is not permitted. Praise be to God that ye are holding fast to the cord of God’s love and are clinging to the hem of His grace. By My life! Were that which hath been ordained for you in the Kingdom of God, your Lord, to be unveiled, ye would be seized with such joy as would transcend the power of the pens to describe. Today each soul can attain whatsoever it seeketh.

Observe outwardly how many souls have built mosques and churches and bridges that their good name might endure on earth and that they might receive their reward from God. Likewise souls who, with a hundred thousand hopes and wishes, supplications and entreaties, have begged the All-Bountiful for children that some trace of them might remain on earth—yet they know not whether that trace will be righteous or otherwise. But in these days if a soul attaineth unto the recognition of the Truth, uttereth His praise and is enabled to serve Him, his mention and praise will endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven. Blessed is the soul whose mention and praise hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen. That mention shall not be erased by the passage of ages and cycles, but shall ever remain fresh and verdant in the meadows of divine utterance.

Give the friends of that land to drink of the choice wine of remembrance, that the remembrance may gather them together unto a single mention, a single cause, and a single word. Thus hath spoken the Tongue of the Wronged One in His Most Great Prison.

This evanescent servant would humbly submit that the missives graciously despatched by that Well-Beloved have duly reached, including the sealed packet of His Holiness, the Beauty of the All-Glorious—may the souls of all else besides Him be a sacrifice unto His beauteousness—as well as other letters. Be assured, God willing, replies shall be sent to them all. And should there have been delay, or should there yet be, that Well-Beloved is well aware that from every direction epistles and letters are arriving, and this lowly servant must needs respond to each. The task is manifold and the time most short. From the All-Bounteous One do I implore His confirmations, that this feeble servant may acquit himself of this heavy burden.

The petition of Jinab-i-Himmat Ali Kh-a was presented in the Sacred Presence. This is that which the All-Merciful hath sent down in reply thereto:

He is the Expounder, the All-Knowing

O Himmat! God willing, through the loving care of the Beloved of the world, thou wilt stand steadfast in this Most Great Cause, and at all times drink deep from the Kawthar of the knowledge of the All-Merciful. O Himmat! The Cause is mighty indeed, as its grandeur is set forth and inscribed in the majority of the Heavenly Books. The friends of God must needs be united upon the blessed Word, and be occupied with His praise and glorification. Thy letter arrived and was laid before the Throne, and from it the sweet fragrances of love were inhaled.

As to thy desire to attain His presence in these days—inasmuch as the tumult of the peoples is great, this is not permissible. For it is recorded for him who turneth unto Him and attaineth the ocean of His meeting an abundant recompense. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, and My Self is the Protector over all the worlds. End.

And regarding that which thou hast written concerning Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Muhammad-i-Dar-Baghi—may the Spirit be upon him—the whole of his petition was presented before the Throne. When it reached that station, the Tongue of Grandeur uttered that which the pens of the world and the tongues of the nations are powerless to recount. Afterward, the Kingdom of the knowledge of God gave voice unto this declaration:

He is the All-Powerful over whatsoever He willeth

O Muhammad! Thou hast turned thy face unto My countenance from thy station, and the Wronged One hath turned toward thee from this glorious horizon. Know thou the value of this blessed word. I swear by the Sun of inner meanings, which hath no peer or likeness in all creation, and with which the precious jewels of the earth can neither compare nor equate! Thy petition was read before the Wronged One. Blessed art thou, for from thee hath wafted the fragrance of the love of God, and thou hast turned unto Him after the turning away of all on earth save whom God, thy Lord, the Mighty, the All-Knowing, hath willed. Blessed is the tongue that hath spoken My remembrance, the heart that hath won My love, the eye that hath turned toward My horizon, the pen that hath been honored to write My verses, and the foot that hath stood firm upon My straight path.

O My loved ones in that place! Hold fast to the cord of My love and cling to the hem of My providence which hath encompassed the worlds. Take the chalices of knowledge in My Name, then drink therefrom. Thus doth the Lord of Names command you while in His mighty prison.

O Muhammad! Convey My greetings unto the faces of those who have turned unto the One, the All-Informed. Likewise convey greetings unto the handmaidens of God. The maidservants of the Truth who have turned unto the Kaaba of Being and have attained to service have been and shall ever be mentioned before the Throne. The glory be upon thee and thy family from God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Know then, O Muhammad, that thy Lord loveth His loved ones and their presence before His throne, but the heedless have come between Him and them. Thus hath the matter been decreed, and command is in the hands of God, the Mighty, the Great. He writeth for whomsoever desireth the reward of meeting Him. Verily thy Lord is the Powerful, the Almighty. God hath forgiven thy father and thy mother. Rejoice in thy Lord’s bounty and be of the thankful ones. End.

It is entreated that on behalf of this evanescent servant you convey unto him a most exalted expression of homage. From God do I supplicate that He may, at all times, confirm him in His remembrance, His praise, and His service. Verily, He is the All-Succoring, the All-Bountiful.

Likewise, the petition of Jinab-i-Mashhadi Ali Akbar was, in its entirety, presented before the Throne. This is that which the Well-Beloved hath sent down in reply:

In the name of the Almighty, the Most Great

A Book hath been sent down by the Bestower unto him who hath acknowledged God, the Lord of Lords. O Ali Qabl Akbar! We, indeed, have heard thy cry, and what thou didst submit was presented before the Throne. We have answered thee with that wherewith the hearts of men are attracted. Thou hast attained unto My verses which We had already sent down unto thee, and now once more, as a bounty from thy Lord, the Elect. Grieve not over remoteness or separation, for God hath decreed for thee the recompense of His meeting, inasmuch as thou hast attained that which is inscribed in the Book.

Section 2: “Verily, We enjoin thee to steadfastness supreme…”

Verily, We enjoin thee to steadfastness supreme in this Cause before which all necks have bowed low. Great must be the striving, that the fragrance of unity may be diffused amongst the servants. Gird up the loins of endeavor, perchance in the days of the Manifestation there may proceed from thee a service that shall become the means of concord and union. O Ali Qabl Akbar! Consider this Day, which hath had, and shall ever have, neither peer nor likeness. The deeds of the loved ones in this blessed Day are accounted before God as the king of all deeds. God willing, ye may share in the breezes of these divine days and the outpourings of the Ocean of Mercy. Verily, He is the Bestower, the All-Bountiful. End.

Jinab-i-Hibatullah—His Word, exalted be His glory:

He is the Most Holy

That which thou didst submit in thy letter hath been read. He answereth thee with this clear remembrance: We make mention of those who have attained unto the mention of God, and We answer him who calleth upon Him. Verily, He is the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Give thanks unto God for that which thou didst set forth before the Countenance, and there hath been sent down for thee that whereby the breasts of the turners shall be dilated. End.

Jinab-i-Abd al-Baqi, and Abd al-Husayn, and Abd al-Ali—His Word, glorified be His majesty:

He is the All-Knowing Speaker

Blessed is the state of those souls who, in the days of the Most Merciful, have drunk from the Kawthar of divine knowledge and attained the fragrances of His raiment. Were all who dwell on earth to recognize that from which they are veiled this day, all would turn towards the supreme horizon and cling to the Most Great Name.

O Baqi! That which thou didst submit hath attained the hearing of the Best Beloved of the world, and from the tongue of the Lord of Eternity thou art mentioned in these resplendent words. Know thou the value of this bounty. By the life of God! Nothing in creation can compare with it. While time remaineth and breath endureth, occupy thyself with the remembrance of the Friend and hold fast unto His commandments. God willing, mayest thou ever be confirmed in the good-pleasure of the Friend, gaze toward the direction of the Friend, and stand firm in service to the Friend.

We counsel all the people of that land to show forth love and unity, that all may gather at the divine spring and uttereth the blessed Word. For if they be not mindful of this exalted and most high station, regret shall seize them, by the Lord of all worlds!

O Abdul-Husayn! Goodly is thy name and pleasing is thy mention, for both thy name and thy remembrance have attained the Sacred Court. The Supreme Pen at all times maketh mention of His loved ones and commandeth all to that which conduceth to glory, elevation and immortality. Blessed is the soul that hath acted and attained unto that which its Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, hath desired. We heard thy call and graciously answered thee. God willing, through the breezes of the utterance of the Most Merciful, mayest thou be steadfast in the Cause and act according to that which the Desired One hath willed.

O Abdul-Ali! Great and blessed is this Day. All who dwell on earth abide beneath the shadow of God’s grace, and divine mercy hath encompassed all. We have forbidden contention, objection, disputation, bloodshed, corruption and whatsoever harmeth the people of the world, that all may rejoice through divine bounty and turn toward the Most Great Ocean. Yet the corrupt ones see their own reflection in the mirrors of creation and imagine all to be like themselves. Vain are their words, their deeds and their imaginings. God willing, in this divine springtime mayest thou be adorned with the ornament of knowledge and act according to that which is beloved. All atoms magnify and make mention of those souls who strive for the unity and concord of the peoples of the world. Blessed are they and unto them a goodly return. End.

To Abdul-Samad, upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah]. This is what the Single, the One, hath revealed in reply:

In the Name of God, the All-Knowing

O Abdul-Samad! Thy petition was presented before the Wronged One and the glances of His loving-kindness were directed toward it. Praise be to God, thou hast drunk from the Kawthar of divine knowledge and partaken of the choice wine of certitude. That which, after recognition, is of supreme importance hath been and ever shall be steadfastness in the Cause of God. God willing, through His grace and bounty, thou shalt possess this quality until the time of ascension. The ocean of steadfastness hath ever possessed and shall possess unlimited pearls. Blessed are they that attain! Blessed are they that act! Blessed are they that know! Grieve thou not over anything. In all matters place thy trust in God, the Single, the All-Informed. Say:

O my God, God of the hosts, Master of the unseen and the seen! I beseech Thee by the Name through which earthquakes have seized all the tribes of the earth, and the heavens were cleft asunder, and the idols lamented, to aid me in that which befitteth Thy days. O my Lord! Thou art He Whose mercy hath preceded all things and Whose grace hath encompassed all. Thou seest me, O my God, standing before Thy gate, hoping for what lieth with Thee of the wonders of Thy bounty. I call upon Thee, and I invoke Thee by Thy Name, the Bestower, the Forgiving, the Munificent, the Answerer.

The glory be upon thee and upon thy wife who hath turned unto Him, attained His presence, and called upon her Lord, the Mighty, the Inaccessible. Convey unto her My greetings and gladden her with the mention of My remembrance and loving-kindness. Verily thy Lord is the All-Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

O Samandar! Hearken unto the call of the Lord of Destiny. He remembereth thee from His Most Great Scene in this Prison which God hath transformed into the Most Pure Palace, despite those who imprisoned Him and denied Him. Verily thy Lord is the Almighty, the All-Powerful. He who ordered My imprisonment now crieth out and lamenteth in torment, while thy Bestowing Lord is in this noble station. Give thanks unto God for what He hath revealed unto thee and unto those whose names thou didst mention and whose petitions thou didst forward—that whereby the hearts of the servants have been attracted. Verily thy Lord is the All-Explaining, the All-Informed. We recite the verses while the servant in attendance before the Throne writeth them with a speed that none else can match. Verily thy Lord is the Helper, the Mighty, the Beautiful. Convey My greetings unto the faces of My loved ones who have cast aside all else but Me, soared in My atmosphere, and spoken My praise amongst My servants. Give them the glad-tidings of My loving-kindness, My grace, My mercy and My generosity that have encompassed the worlds.

His Holiness Muhammad-Husayn—may His sovereignty be exalted:

In the Name of the Friend

O Husayn! Thy petition was presented before the Face and was observed. God willing, thou hast ever been and wilt ever be blessed with the loving-kindness of the Beloved of the worlds and remain turned toward His direction. How excellent is the state of one who hath turned unto Him, how beloved the tongue that hath spoken His praise, how noble the pen that hath been aided to write His verses, and how luminous the heart that hath been illumined with the light of His knowledge. Say:

O my God, my Aim, my Sovereign, my Lord! I beseech Thee to aid me in Thy love and Thy good-pleasure in such wise that I shall move only by Thy leave and speak only what Thou hast revealed in Thy Book through the Pen of Thy Command. O Lord! I am the poor one who hath turned toward the gate of Thy grace. I beseech Thee not to deprive me of Thy bounty and generosity. Verily Thou art the Mighty, the All-Bestowing.

O Muhammad-i-Sadiq! Hearken unto My call from the direction of My mighty Throne. He remembereth thee and those who have turned unto Him with clear certitude. Today all friends must fix their gaze upon steadfastness and hold fast unto Him, for the manifestations of negation are many and lie in wait at all times. Most of the people of the earth play as children play. Thus doth the All-Informed make mention. Verily He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. At all times occupy yourselves with the remembrance of the All-Merciful and hold fast to the cord of His love.

O servant of God! Your call has attained the presence of the Goal of all the world, and that which you submitted was presented by this servant before His Presence. God willing, may all the friends attain unto acting in accordance with that which the All-Bestowing One hath revealed in His perspicuous Book. In the previous year, the Tablet of Detachment, the Book of Truth, the Tablet of the Balance, and the Tablet of Trustworthiness were sent down from the heaven of will. Blessed are they who have beheld them and succeeded in acting upon them. Each of the friends who have drunk from the wine of the love of the All-Merciful must ever be occupied with that which will cause unity and fellowship among the peoples of the earth. Unite, O My servants, in My Cause, then drink the Kawthar of My utterance from the ocean of My grace. Thus doth God command you, before and after. He, verily, is the Mighty, the Wise.

As for what you wrote concerning Haji Baba, it was presented before the Throne. He said: God willing, through divine grace, may they act in accordance with that which is commanded in the Book. O Samandar! Say: The world and all its ornaments and bounties, its kings and subjects and paupers, shall pass away, and there shall endure that which hath been ordained for God’s chosen ones and His loved ones. Thus doth the Tongue of Grandeur speak—blessed be they that hear! Let them be occupied, trusting in God. Verily, He ordaineth for whomsoever He willeth the good of this world and the next. He, verily, is the Powerful, the Mighty. Were souls to become aware of the eternal realm, they would assuredly not be saddened during these two days, or two hours, or two minutes of this world. It behooveth everyone in these days to say:

O God of all beings! I testify with my outer and inner tongue that what is with Thee is better for me than all that is witnessed and seen in the kingdom of creation.

Convey to him greetings from the Tongue of Truth and say: Be not distressed. Act according to that which thou hast been commanded and be of the thankful ones.

As for the letter of Aqa Mulla Ibrahim to this evanescent servant, if God should will and desire, an answer shall be sent.

And concerning what you wrote about Aqa Hasan Kh., it was presented in the Most Great Scene. He said: O Hasan! Give thanks unto God for having attained unto His mention aforetime and in this hour when the Sun of Utterance hath shone forth from the horizon of this exalted prison. The entire world hath departed and shall depart, for God, exalted be His glory, hath made the world like unto a bridge that all may cross over it and attain unto their goal, that is, that they may dwell in the praiseworthy station. The world was not and will never be an abode of permanence. Beseech God, exalted be His glory, to aid His loved ones that they may ascend at the time of their passing with sanctified and detached hearts. Whosoever attaineth unto this station, his ascension was and shall be a source of joy. However, this ocean is the portion of those who are near and sincere. O Hasan! Grieve not for thy brother. Verily, he hath attained unto the ornament of forgiveness and dwelleth nigh unto the mercy of thy Lord, the Generous. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

In another letter from your honor, a packet from His Holiness Ismu’llah, upon him be all glory and splendor, was received. Letters from him have arrived through other channels as well, but this evanescent servant, due to numerous occupations and other obstacles, has not yet succeeded in submitting a response. God willing, I hope to be able to take the liberty of submitting a response in these days.

O beloved of my heart! Consider how letters arrive from all directions, and this servant’s responses, when submitted, are detailed—some submissions exceeding one volume. Therefore, if this servant were to respond to each believer’s letter every time, these lifetimes would certainly not suffice. Beyond these considerations, there is the writing of verses which this servant is engaged in day and night. Glory be to Him Who strengthened me for this momentous cause, and glory be to Him Who enabled me to accomplish what I never imagined I could achieve. Glorified is He beyond what I or others describe, beyond what I or others mention, and beyond what the tongues of the world express.

Regarding what you wrote about those mentioned individuals going to Jaffa, and that His Honor Jud, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, had spoken these words about having excessive love for him, etc., and that beloved one had written at the end that in truth and fairness, he had maintained and continues to maintain the utmost steadfastness and vigilance in the Cause to the extent of his capacity and strength, and was never concerned with such matters, etc. O my beloved! You spoke truly in mentioning he who arose to serve God and remembered Him for successive years, and for whom the Supreme Pen revealed that which brought joy to hearts and delight to eyes. By God’s life! A fire was ignited in his heart that consumed all else besides God, our Lord, the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. O beloved of my heart! The fire that is ignited by the love of God has consumed and will consume the mention of anyone besides the Friend. Blessed is he, again blessed is he.

Section 3: “After this explanation was submitted, He said: “He…”

After this explanation was submitted, He said: “He has done what was befitting in the days of his Lord, the Manifest, the Speaking, the All-Knowing.” And He said: “Today the relationship with God is established. Blessed is the soul that holds fast to it, for it is among the most exalted of creation in a clear Book.” As commanded, His Honor Ismu’l-Jud, upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God, sent his letter to Jaffa. No mention of anything unfavorable has thus far descended from the heaven of will regarding this matter, and He has shown and continues to show favor.

Regarding your mention of His Honor Aqa Siyyid (J) and His Honor ʿAndalib, upon them both be the glory of God, and other friends, responses to their submissions have been revealed and will be sent. May they hold fast to the cord of teaching, but with the wisdom that the All-Wise has decreed in the Book. I beseech our Lord, the Most Merciful, to assist them and strengthen them in such remembrance that will cause all faces to turn toward the Mighty, the Beloved.

O Samandar! Thou hast attained unto God’s mention after having recognized Him and hast drunk the living waters from the hands of thy Lord, the Most Merciful. Thou art he who attained the presence of the Countenance and stood before the Door and wast honored with that which is inscribed in the Books of God, the Lord of all worlds. We make mention of those who have believed in thy region and give them glad tidings of that which is ordained for them in the Kingdom of their Lord, the Mighty, the Generous. We counsel them to fear God, for through it His Cause, the mighty, the wondrous, is uplifted. Say: Hold fast unto that which exalteth My Cause and manifesteth My sovereignty amongst My servants. Thus doth command you He from Whom is a preserving Tablet. Verily, those who turn away this Day are in heedlessness, in loss, in hypocrisy, in remoteness, and in evident doubt. The world hath been confounded by the deeds of those peoples who have forsaken My path and followed the ways of Satan.

O My Most Exalted Pen! Make mention once again of him who is named Muhammad-ʿAli, who hath attained unto My mention and praise, who hath turned towards My face and hath written down that which was sent down from My heaven, that he may rejoice in the bounty of his Lord, the Generous. He hath turned toward the Most Sublime Horizon and hath attained the Most Glorious Vision—the station round which circle the Concourse on High and the near-stationed angels. Thus hath surged the ocean of My loving-kindness and wafted the fragrance of My mercy, yet most of the people are heedless.

O Samandar! We love to make mention of My loved ones in Alif and Shin, that they may give thanks unto God, the Lord of the seen and the unseen, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. O My loved ones in those regions! By the True One, the Ancient Beauty hath turned towards you from this glorious, exalted Station, which hath been named by all names in the Book of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Hold fast unto that which shall profit you in the Hereafter and in this world. Thus doth your Lord, the Faithful Counselor, admonish you. Beware lest the affairs of earth shut you out from the Creator of heaven, Who hath come with mighty sovereignty. This is the Day whereon the heaven hath been cleft asunder, the earth hath been rent, and all who dwell in the kingdoms of creation and command have been thunderstruck, save him whom the hand of God’s power hath protected, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

O My loved ones! Blessed are ye for having turned towards My Most Sublime Horizon, cast away all else beside Me, and taken that which hath been sent down from My glorious, exalted Kingdom. Know ye the value of these days and act according to that which ye have been commanded in the Book of God. By My life! It shall profit you in all the worlds of your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

God willing, gaze ye with utmost joy and fragrance toward the horizon of the All-Merciful. I swear by the Sun of the heaven of utterance that whosoever hath turned toward it hath found himself free and sanctified from the world’s defilements. In all conditions ye must be mindful of that which exalteth the Cause of God, and today’s deeds must be such that every soul may inhale from them the sweet savors of holiness and detachment. Ye must strive with the utmost dedication to ponder and act upon that which hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen. He hath verily guided you to the straight path and manifested unto you that which ye were promised in the Book. Blessed are ye and blessed is he who was martyred in My path in the Prison of Ta. We testify that he was with Me and circled round My throne at eventide and at dawn. We send Our greetings upon him, upon you, upon his son, and upon those who have attained unto the knowledge of God in the final end.

O My Pen! Make mention of My loved ones in Kaf and Lam (Kaladarih), that they may praise God, the Lord of all beings. Give thanks unto God for having aided you to turn towards this Ocean, from whose waves can be heard: ʿThere is none other God but Me, the Mighty, the Bountiful.’ I created creation for My knowledge—among them are those who turned away and those who turned towards Me. And he who turned towards Me is assuredly of the people of Paradise in the Sacred Scriptures and Tablets. Rejoice in My days and hold fast unto that wherefrom appear the pearls of detachment amidst the concourse of religions. Reflect upon God’s mercy and His grace. He maketh mention of you from this station and magnifieth His favor upon your faces. He, verily, is the Mighty, the All-Bestowing.

The Sun of Revelation is shining and the Ocean of Utterance is surging. Blessed is the soul that hath not deprived itself and hath attained unto the boundless effusions of God in this wondrous springtime. O friends! The Tongue of the All-Merciful saith: Let not this opportunity slip from your grasp and count these moments as precious. Thus doth command you the Lord of the Day of Reckoning.

May His Holiness Haji Aqa Baba be blessed with divine favors, occupied with the mention of the Friend, and acting as behooveth him. The Glory be upon him and upon them and upon the handmaidens of God in that place, and upon whosoever hath heard and answered his Lord, the Speaker, the All-Knowing.

O Samandar! We have indeed found the fragrance of the mention of al-Javad who hath succeeded in teaching the Cause of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Powerful. Upon him be My glorification and My sweet-scented breeze and My fragrance which hath perfumed the world from My luminous robe. We have mentioned him and do mention him as a favor from Us. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. His mention and praise have attained unto the honor of being heard in this Station which hath been named the Supreme Horizon in the Book of Names, and the Uttermost End in the Green Isle, and the Heaven of heavens by the Most Exalted Pen, and the Most Great Prison in the kingdom of creation. Verily his Lord, the All-Merciful, is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. By My life! Nothing whatsoever escapeth His knowledge. He heareth and seeth, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. Though tribulations and sorrows may afflict him on earth, God will soon manifest what He desireth. He, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. My Glory be upon him and upon those who hearken unto his word concerning the Cause of God, the True King, the Manifest.

We make mention of the Nightingale who hath arisen to remember Me and hath voiced My praise amongst My servants. We testify that he hath attained unto the recognition of the All-Merciful in this Day wherein faces have been darkened and feet have slipped. O thou who art mentioned before the Countenance! All things have been set aflame by the warbling of the Dove of the Cause in the kingdom of creation, yet the people are in heedlessness and behind a veil. The wine of idle fancy hath so intoxicated them that they have been kept back from the Lord of Names Who was promised unto them in all the Books, Scriptures, Psalms, and in every Tablet. They have taken that which perisheth and cast away that which would endure for them in the kingdom of their Lord, the Mighty, the Bestower.

O Nightingale! Sing in My Name upon the branches of the Lote-Trees of the world, that haply there may be drawn unto it the peoples who have turned away from the Most Great Ocean and have turned unto every ignorant reprobate. The Tongue of the Ancient of Days hath spoken that which made the rocks cry out and the mountains to melt, yet the people are in strange doubt. They behold the proof of God, yet deny it. Thus doth the Mother Book recount unto thee from His presence. Leave the mention of them that have turned away, then make mention on My behalf of My servants who have hastened unto the ocean of My loving-kindness, who have turned towards the kingdom of My grace, who have drunk the wine of steadfastness from the hands of My favors, and who have heard from thee My mention and My verses, that they may rejoice in My days. Verily thy Lord is the Bestower, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

It is submitted that some time ago, magnificent and exalted Tablets descended from the heaven of divine will specifically for Jinab-i-ʿAndalib and Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid J., upon them be Baha’u’llah’s glory, and likewise responses to petitions from those parts and other Tablets. However, until now they have not been sent due to wisdom. Thereafter, the command is in His hand—He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He desireth. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

Specifically regarding the mention of Jinab-i-N.S. and his two sons, upon them be Baha’u’llah’s glory, it was uttered from the blessed tongue. God willing, may all the friends ever be and continue to be honored with the mention of the Beloved of the worlds. I swear by the Beauty of the Friend that neither the dominion of command and creation nor the kingdom of the heavens and earth can compare with His mention. Soon God will reveal what was hidden in this Day and show them His grace, His sovereignty, His power, His might, and the station of His loved ones. Verily He is the Protector over all things. There is no God but Him, the Single, the Mighty, the All-Knowing. Though mention of my glory befitteth you not, yet I follow my Lord and the Lord of the worlds, my God and the God of all peoples, and I say: Glory and praise and honor be upon you both and upon his eminence Javad who attained that which most of the servants were deprived of, and upon those who have attained unto the recognition of God, the Lord of creation.

The special submission is that His Holiness the Most Great Branch and His Holiness the Most Mighty Branch—may my spirit and being be a sacrifice unto the dust of their most pure footsteps—conveyed wondrous mention and sublime glorification to that beloved one and Jinab-i-Akhavi and Jinab-i-Javad. Likewise all those circumambulating send expressions of sincerity, glorification and glory to those beloved ones.

The reply to the honored master Aqa Mirza Muhammad T., upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, has been written and will be sent in the next post.

The servant, 11 Rabi’u’th-Thani 1297

One most holy, most exalted Tablet specifically for Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Javad, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, was revealed from the heaven of grace and was sent, and likewise this servant wrote and sent a letter in reply to Jinab-i-Mulla ʿAbdu’r-Razzaq, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory—may that beloved one deliver them.

Regarding the Most Great Festival, what that beloved one has written is correct, there is no doubt in it. The first day of Naw-Ruz is counted as thirty-two and the afternoon of the thirty-second day is the beginning of the Festival when the Ancient Beauty, exalted be His glory, entered the Ridvan. And that the afternoon of the first day and the following day are counted as one day is because engagement [in work] is not permitted therein, and there is another wisdom in it, but in counting the twelve days they are counted as two days.

And regarding the Huququ’llah, its minimum amount is one unit, meaning if any person possesses nineteen mithqals of gold or items reaching this value, after deducting the year’s expenses, Huquq becomes applicable to it and its payment becomes obligatory.

As to the meaning of wisdom, it signifieth wisdom in dealing with people. The people of Baha must conduct themselves with the utmost wisdom. Thus should anyone disclose to weak souls at this time the law of fasting, which is among the most weighty of divine ordinances in the Book, he hath strayed from wisdom. In all matters must they proceed in this wise. Such divine ordinances as would cause no disturbance or commotion to implement at this time must be observed. The disclosure of matters that would cause people to be alarmed is assuredly not permissible in the eyes of the wise. What need is there for one who is fasting to make it known?

His honor Aqa Siyyid Javad—upon him be the glory of God—who formerly dwelt in the Land of Taff, made certain inquiries from the Land of Kha, and a detailed response was sent. Among these was that in the Most Holy Book the shaving of the head had been forbidden, and now in these lands some of the companions had acted upon this law and had thereby become known to all. Was this action in conformity with wisdom or contrary to it? From the Source of Command this blessed word was revealed: whatsoever would cause commotion among the servants is not permitted at this time, until the Cause be made manifest.

BH01349: Praise be to God Who spoke the Most Exalted…

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

Praise be to God Who spoke the Most Exalted Word in the Kingdom of Creation. When His sweetest call was raised, all in the Kingdom of Names were drawn to it. Then did all faces from every direction turn toward Him. Thereupon He spoke another word whereby He tested all, for He is verily the One with power over whatsoever He willeth. At that moment every doubter retreated, every hesitant one drew back, and every proud one turned away. Verily, He is the One Who tested the Names through tribulation. When the heaven came with smoke, all in the realm of possibility turned away save those who were embraced by God’s favors—the King, the Mighty, the Great.

This evanescent one makes known that the exalted letter arrived and bestowed infinite joy. At dawn on the Day of the Fast it was presented in its entirety before the Lord of all beings, and an answer descended from the heaven of our Lord, the All-Merciful. He spoke, and His Word is the Truth:

God willing, may you be blessed with divine favors, be turned toward His direction, and speak His praise. However, with wisdom convey My greetings to the friends in that land and say: The praise of God is like the Water of Life for the people of possibility. All must attain unto new, eternal life through this Kawthar of the All-Merciful which flows from the fountainhead of the Pen of the Beloved of all creation, so that the names of all may shine like brilliant stars in the heaven of God’s Kingdom and endure through the perpetuity of names. O friends! The clouds of generosity are not always lifted up, nor is the ocean of bounty always surging. Know ye the value of these divine days and be steadfast in His Cause. Know ye also the worth of your stations, for most of the divines, rulers and philosophers did not attain to this exalted, most high station and its recognition, nor did they taste the choice wine of the Word. You have been quickened by the fragrance of God’s Word and the choice wine of the Eternal Beloved. You have recognized the Sun of Truth and comprehended the days of the Beloved Lord. Know ye the value of these bounties and at all times speak His praise.

And concerning your mention of Mirza Sami’ Khan and Muhammad-ʿAli Khan, it was presented in the Most Holy Court. He said: “O Sami’, today one must turn with complete devotion and see oneself sanctified and purified from all save God. I swear by the Sovereign of Names that if the people of the world were to find the sweetness of but one word from the words and one verse from the verses that have been and are being sent down from the heaven of Will, all would turn to the Water of Life. Look not at the people—ponder the conflicts of every age and cycle. Consider what befell Noah, Hud, Salih, Zachariah and his son, the Spirit (Jesus), and the Seal of the Prophets (Muhammad)—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him—who brought it about and for what purpose. By My life, this blessed word suffices all who are on earth, were they to reflect and ponder in the garden of fairness. Strive to become today the possessor of a word that shall not perish, and that word is contentment, which flows from the Supreme Pen. Glory be upon him who hath cast away the world and turned wholly unto the Ancient of Days and the Sovereign of Nations.

O My servant, O Razzaq, rejoice in this word, for they have said before ʿif thou sayest once “My servant”’ and so forth, and now thou hast attained unto it and unto its recognition.

Convey My greetings to Muhammad-ʿAli Khan. He and Sami’ should read what hath flowed from the Most Pure Ink by My Most Exalted Command.” “Glory be unto Thee, O God, O Thou in Whose hand is the kingdom of names and in Whose grasp is the dominion of eternity. I beseech Thee to make us among those who have been drawn by Thy verses and have detached themselves from all else but Thee and have taken complete refuge at Thy threshold and sought full protection in Thy Beauty. O Lord! We have sought the ocean of Thy grace and the heaven of Thy bounty and the depths of Thy favor. I beseech Thee not to withhold from us that which Thou hast ordained in Thy days. O Lord! Ordain for us what Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones, then grant us the Kawthar of steadfastness in this Cause wherein the feet of Thy creatures have slipped and the hearts of those in Thy realms were shaken, save those who dwelt beneath the canopies of Thy mercy. Verily Thou art He Who hath been powerful and will continue to be as Thou hast been from time immemorial. There is no God but Thee, the Self-Sufficient, the Most Exalted.”

Another entreaty is that you convey greetings from this evanescent servant to all the friends.

11 Rabi’u’th-Thani 1297

BH00741: Praise be to God Who hath appeared and made…

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

Praise be to God Who hath appeared and made manifest that which was hidden throughout all eternity, and Who hath spoken in praise of His own Self, whereupon the sincere ones were drawn unto the court of nearness, sanctity and beauty, and the Baha’is unto a station whereof the pens are powerless to make mention and which no utterance can describe. Exalted is He Who hath subdued all things through the movement of His Most Exalted Pen and established the Cause upon foundations that cannot be shaken by the winds of discord from those who have denied God, the Lord of the future and the past. The glory shining forth from the horizon of the bounty of our Most Glorious Lord be upon the Afnans of the Divine Lote-Tree who have quaffed the choice wine from the hand of the bounty of their Lord, the Lord of all names, and upon those who have cast away their idle fancies and held fast unto the Sure Handle which hath appeared between earth and heaven through a mighty will that was not hindered by the power of the wretched ones who turned away from the Kingdom of immortality and set their faces toward that which perisheth.

We beseech God, our Lord and the Lord of all that hath been created between earth and heaven, to aid all to recognize Him and to turn unto that which shall profit them in the worlds of their Lord, the Most High, the Most Glorious.

May my spirit be a sacrifice for the fragrant breaths of your pen! By the life of God, this servant has found in your utterance that which brings solace to the eye of every mystic, raises up every seated one, gives voice to every tongue-tied one, brings hearing to every deaf one, and draws nigh every far and near one, for it has wafted from the garden of God’s Name and His love, God’s remembrance and His affection, God’s praise and His grandeur. Glorious be His mention, He has said in one place:

“Blessed is the pen that moves in remembrance and praise of Me, blessed the eye that has turned to the Dawning-Place of My grace and the Dayspring of My lights, blessed the tongue that has testified to that which My tongue has testified, blessed the heart that has won My love, blessed the hand that has taken the Book of My commandments and ordinances, blessed the feet that have passed beyond this world and stood firm upon My path, and blessed the soul that has drunk the Kawthar of steadfastness in My Cause.”

Thus has My tongue spoken in the kingdom of My utterance, that every heart may rejoice on this glorious and wondrous Day.

In truth, this evanescent servant has derived the utmost joy, delight and gladness from your noble letter, for every word thereof indicated your contentment, your submission, and your recognition. How beautiful is this word that has flowed from your pen where you wrote:

“whatsoever has been and shall be decreed and ordained and executed and shall be executed is best for His loved ones and chosen ones, better than the kingdom of the heavens and earth, for He knoweth them better than they know themselves. Would that the world might know what lieth concealed behind the veils of the Manifestation, and that the peoples might discover that which is hidden and treasured…”

After these words were presented before the Most Holy Court, the Tongue of Grandeur spoke these blessed words:

“O servant! If people were to observe and act upon that which hath been recorded in these few lines from the pen of the Afnan, upon him be My glory, all would find themselves independent of all else save God and would recline upon the couches of joy, expansiveness and tranquility. O servant! If a soul were to reflect even slightly and hold fast with perfect steadfastness to the handle of the Cause, he would surely know that no station would pass him by, and he would attain unto such bounties as the understanding of those possessed of understanding cannot ascend to, and the recognition of the mystics would find itself powerless before it. And after attaining this most exalted station, the sorrows and troubles of the world would no longer grieve him. Blessed be the Afnan who hath spoken that from which the fragrance of divine knowledge hath been wafted among all created things. By My life! He hath spoken as befitteth him. We make mention of him, and have mentioned him before, time and again, as though he were standing before the gate morning and evening.”

O beloved of my heart! This servant is at every moment immersed in the ocean of wonderment, for he observes that the lights of the Manifestation have encompassed the world and the effulgences of the Sun of Truth have taken hold of the entire earth; nevertheless, all are either asleep on the couch of heedlessness or wandering in the desert of ignorance, save whom my Lord willeth. A hundred thousand regrets that souls are deprived of the ocean of joy! I beseech Him, exalted be His dominion, to adorn all the peoples of the world with the garments of forgiveness and grant them all awareness of that which He hath revealed in the Book as it ought to be, for if they become aware, by God besides Whom there is none other God, they would pass beyond themselves and the world and would arise as beseemeth this Day.

He is the One Who moves in the world!

O My Afnan! The servant in attendance has read that wherewith thou didst commune with thy wronged, exiled Lord, Who summoneth all unto God, the Lord of the worlds. We have heard that which thy tongue hath uttered and that which thy pen hath set in motion, and We have witnessed the turning of thy heart and thine eye and ear unto Him, unto His beauty and His call raised at all times. By Him Who hath made the Most Great Prison the seat of His throne! Were the world to discover but a drop from the ocean of My grace, they would surely cast aside all else and take to My straight path.

O Afnan! Although all people at all times witness the passing away of the earth and whatsoever is therein, yet they cleave unto it and turn away from the immortal Kingdom. How many are the houses from which joyous melodies were raised at night, yet in the morning lamentations and wailing were heard therefrom. How many occasions of joy and pleasure and delight were in an instant transformed into mourning, and how many ornaments and bounties from which their possessor was deprived. And all people, heedless though they be, have witnessed and continue to witness all these things, yet they remain veiled, heedless and turned aside. The sweet ocean is manifest and surging before their eyes, yet all are occupied with the bitter, briny pool.

Praise be to God! The evidences of the warmth of divine love are manifest and unmistakable from thy tongue, thy heart, and every member of thy frame. By the life of the Best-Beloved, this station is not to be weighed against a hundred thousand worlds. Were the vastness of the creation sufficient to contain it, the fruits of these deeds would assuredly be made apparent. God grant that, now and evermore, ye may be favoured with the special and particular bounties of the Lord, may be occupied and rejoiced in His remembrance. Blessed are the souls that have quaffed of the Kawthar of utterance and have fixed their gaze upon the Horizon of the All-Merciful. Convey to all my greetings and magnify them, and gladden their hearts with the remembrance of the True One.

And as to what thou hast written concerning thy dejection: it is my hope that the breaths of the utterance of our Lord, the All-Merciful—sent down in a special measure for thee—may banish this heaviness, may dispel thy sorrow, and may adorn thee with the raiment of joy. According to the decree of God, it behoveth thee to engage in commerce; and God willing, the means thereof shall be provided, and that which hath been revealed by the Pen of the Most High in former Tablets shall be made manifest. Verily, He is the All-Informed, the All-Wise Announcer. The glory of God be upon thee, and upon all those who have acted according to that which they were commanded in the Book of God, the Lord of all worlds.

And furthermore: the sum of fourteen guineas hath been received, through the instrumentality of our honoured and esteemed Aqa Ismu’llah Mim Hi, upon him be the glory of God, the Most Glorious.

The servant, on the fourteenth day of Rabi’u’th-Thani, in the year 1297.

The two Most Great Branches—may my soul, and the souls of all the worlds, be offered up for the dust of their feet—remember thee with the most wondrous and most exalted mention, and magnify thee with the most holy and most glorious blessing.

BH00442: Praise be to God Who summoned His Afnan…

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

Praise be to God Who summoned His Afnan to the Divine Lote-Tree, to the Supreme Horizon, to the Ultimate Goal, and to the Most Glorious Vista, and permitted them to turn towards the ocean of His oneness and the depths of the sea of His unity, and aided them according to His will until He brought them into His presence and caused them to hear His sweetest call, and manifested Himself to them through His most beautiful names. Exalted is He Who made them know Him and drew them unto Him. They are those who, when they heard, responded, and drank the wine of reunion from the hand of the bounty of their Lord, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. The Supreme Pen hath testified to their love, their orientation, their presence, and their arrival at the Most Great Scene, the Station wherein the Lord of Destiny proclaimeth that there is none other God but He, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Glory be unto Thee, O God of the Afnan and Lord of all existence! I beseech Thee by Thy Name, the All-Merciful, to assist them at all times in Thy remembrance and praise, and in arising to serve Thee with wisdom and utterance. O Lord! Thou beholdest them turning toward the horizon of Thy grace, gazing upon the lights of Thy countenance, and clinging to the hem of Thy bounty. They traversed land and sea until they entered the Luminous Spot, the place which Thou didst make the circling-point of Thy loved ones, Thy chosen ones, and the Concourse on high. I beseech Thee to ordain for them that whereby their spirits, bodies, forms, names, and remembrances shall endure throughout the dominion of the kingdom and the realm. Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the Transcendent, the Single, the All-Informed.

Praise be to God Who invited the Afnan of the Tree and blessed them with the water of reunion. They turned and were blessed with divine bounties, and through God’s grace a special place opposite the mansion was designated for them. This evanescent servant beseeches and hopes that the Supreme Pen will bestow upon all Afnan the reward of nearness and meeting. Verily, He is the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

May my spirit be a sacrifice for your steadfastness! The heart of this evanescent one has melted upon seeing how the servants have deprived themselves of the outpourings of the Most Great Sea, and their heedlessness has reached such a point that they have cast aside the Intended One and followed every heedless and rejected one. All atoms cry out, yet ears are deprived of hearing them, save those whom God willeth. They reflect not upon the vicissitudes and conflicts of the world. At every moment it demonstrates and speaks of its own transience, yet people remain heedless of hearing and seeing it through what their hands have wrought aforetime. They see that they depart and return not, yet they neither understand nor perceive.

At every moment they witness members of their own kind returning to dust with complete regret and remorse, yet they remain veiled, proud, and heedless. Verily, this servant, with his tongue and the tongues of the Afnan of the Tree, calls upon God to assist the servants to turn unto Him and to prosper them in that which He loves and is pleased with. Verily, He is the Lord of the Hereafter and of the former life, and in His grasp is the Kingdom of creation. There is none other God but He, the Forgiving, the Generous.

After praise and laudation this evanescent servant presents that the handwriting of your eminence that was recorded on 10 of S adorned anew the evidences of sincerity. Praise and gratitude be unto Him that time and again this servant becomes enkindled with the fire of love for your eminence and achieves the traces of his pen. O beloved of my heart! When I read what was presented before His countenance, the fire was ignited in my innermost being and the heat of longing seized me in such wise that it moved me instantly. Then I took the letter and ascended with it to the Most Exalted Horizon until I attained the presence and presented what was in it. Then the Tongue of Grandeur spoke that which attracted the hearts of those near and the Messengers.

He, exalted be His glory, said:

“O My Afnan! Upon thee be My glory! We have heard thy call and thy lamentation and thy cry in the love of God, the Lord of the Throne and earth, and the Master of the hereafter and the former times. We answer thee with that which God hath made the spirit of life for the Concourse on High and the choice sealed wine for the people of Baha. Verily thy Lord is the Hearing, the Responding. Rejoice in that the fragrance of longing and yearning hath been wafted from thy words. The call of the All-Merciful attracted thee and caused thee to speak that which beseemeth thee on this Day which God hath made its light from the lights of His Face, the Mighty, the Wondrous. Say: Praise be unto Thee, O Thou Who by Thy will made the Tree to speak unto the Interlocutor, and caused the Night Journey to attain unto the Beloved, and honored the heaven with the Spirit, in that Thou hast caused my call to achieve Thy hearing, and my face to be turned to Thy face, and my heart to be a treasury of Thy love, and my eye to observe the wonders of Thy grace, and my tongue to make mention and speak Thy praise. I beseech Thee to assist me at all times in Thy service and to strengthen me in that whereby Thy Cause may be exalted amongst Thy servants and my mention among the Concourse on High through Thy bounty and favor. Verily Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest and in Thy grasp are the reins of all things. There is none other God but Thee, the Omnipotent, the Almighty.”

God willing, be occupied at all times with the remembrance of the Beloved. Every remembrance that appeareth from the seat of certitude is as light for the world and as spirit for the bodies of nations. Blessed art thou and My Afnan who have believed in My verses and My sovereignty and My power and My might, and who have drunk the choice wine of My love and have attained unto My presence and appeared before My face and heard My call, and those who have acted according to that which they were commanded in My Book which We sent down from the kingdom of My utterance and the heaven of My bounty. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

Regarding what you wrote about reading and reciting the Tablet of Burhan and sending it according to the command to Rajab, upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah], all was presented before His presence. He said:

“It behooveth him to praise God for having established him in the service of His firm and wise Cause.”

This evanescent servant beseeches God to strengthen that honored one at all times to accomplish that which He hath strengthened him to do. And concerning what you wrote about his honor S, we beseech God to make him aware and entirely focused, in such wise that perishable things shall not prevent him from attaining the immortal Kingdom. It is submitted that a few days ago the response to the queries of his honor Aqay-i-Afnan A and H—upon him be all glory—was revealed from the Dawning-Place of Revelation and was sent by command to your honor to be forwarded after perusal.

That which is beloved before the Divine Presence today, and incumbent upon the Afnans of the Sacred Tree, is to show consideration to the people of the Twin Luminous Lights. If that matter which his honor Aqay-i-Afnan wrote concerning the payment of debts is carried out, thereafter it would be pleasing to the Afnans to execute general charitable works. This servant submitted this matter because whatever transpires in these days will serve and continue to serve as an example to all, and furthermore, in future ages when people become aware of it they will surely follow this example, and this has been and will be the cause of the expansion of hearts and the comfort of devoted souls. Now if anything is needed for the two sons of the Twin Luminous Lights and their families, it will be sent from this source, but the payment of debts takes precedence in all conditions. What was heard from the Tongue of Grandeur is this: that the honored Afnans should execute whatever they deem advisable in this matter after examining what is recorded in the ledger.

And concerning what you wrote that if the means for paying the debts of the King of Martyrs were to be arranged all at once and hastily it would be unwise—this was submitted before the Divine Presence and He said:

“Yes, what he hath spoken is true. In all matters they must be mindful of wisdom.”

And regarding what you wrote about something being written to his honor S that would give him assurance about what your honor had written to him—God willing this will be done according to your honor’s instruction, but the debts must be determined. By command: mere verbal claims regarding debts are not sufficient—the ledger must be consulted and whatever is recorded therein must be paid. The enemies have accomplished their purpose; they have no further use for the ledger. His honor S should either personally or through someone appointed by him tell that one who hath associated partners with God that people are claiming debts from the martyred wronged one, and the truth or falsehood of these claims is not known—give us the ledger so that after examining it the debts may be paid. The purpose is that your honor should become informed of matters and after being informed should act according to what you have intended and what is beloved before the Divine Presence.

And concerning what was written about the funds, the noble letter arrived and was submitted. He commanded that either a property be built from it or land be purchased so that enduring traces may remain for the senders. Previously these details were commanded to be written and sent to his honor Name of God M—upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God—and then your honor’s letter arrived stating that one portion had been sent and the other portion would be sent the following week, and news of the first portion has also arrived from the land of S, and there is also some land, that is a village, at auction though its matter has not yet been concluded.

And another matter is that, in accordance with wisdom, the Afnan (upon them be all His Most Glorious Glory) were granted leave early. From the day of arrival to the day of departure completed one vahid. They stayed two days in the prison-land and the rest in this land which is now the seat of the Throne. Another matter is that your second prayer mentioned in another leaf was presented before His presence. This is what the All-Bestowing revealed in response:

“O My Afnan! Once again have I heard thy mention and praise, and once again have I witnessed thy turning to God, the Goal of all the worlds. Thou hast called upon thy Lord in His tongue and with what He hath revealed from His Kingdom. Blessed is the tongue that hath spoken His praise and the pen that hath flowed with His beauteous praise. He hath indeed ordained for thee what thou didst desire and hath aided thee in His service. He, verily, is the Generous Bestower.”

Regarding what you wrote about turning towards the Most Holy Land, it was presented. He said that in all circumstances they must be mindful of wisdom. This year a number of Afnan (upon them be the Glory of God) have turned towards it. If they were to turn towards it next year, it might prove contrary to revealed wisdom. By My life, O My Afnan! There hath been written for you from the Supreme Pen the reward of meeting Me and attaining My presence. Thy Lord is, verily, the Truthful, the Informer, the All-Knowing. From the Supreme Pen hath flowed concerning the Afnan that which no one hath known or will ever know. Praise be to God, ye have drunk from the wine of faith, recognition and certitude, and have attained to His mention, praise and service to His Cause.

All good is for him who hath drunk the wine of recognition and hath attained the supreme steadfastness in this mighty Cause. In this case, ye have reached the ocean of reunion and drunk from the Kawthar of His presence. The Cause is in His mighty grasp. How many souls who are near are counted among the remote, and how many who are separated are in very reunion. Therefore, if it be deemed contrary to wisdom, movement is not permitted. Praise the Beloved of the world Who aided thee to turn towards Him, to mention and praise Him. In His grasp are the reins of all affairs. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. He is, verily, the Almighty, the Powerful.

15 Rabi’u’l-Thani 1297