Volume 060: Akka 1297 A.H. (1880), Part I (7 of 8)

BH00054: In the Name of our Lord, the Most Holy…

Section 1: “In the Name of our Lord, the Most…”

In the Name of our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Manifest, the Most High, the Most Glorious

Praise be to God Who hath revealed the Face after the passing away of all things, and hath stirred the Kingdom of Names through the movement of His Most Exalted Pen, and hath spoken that whereby the essence of evanescence hath been invested with the robe of everlasting existence. Glorified be He Whom the hearts of the possessors of understanding cannot comprehend, nor can that which ascendeth from the realm of creation reach unto Him. He it is Who hath quickened the bones through the breezes of His Most Sublime Word, whereby was raised the pavilion of ʿHe doeth whatsoever He willeth.’ Verily, He is the Lord of the throne and of the earth, the Sovereign of the Hereafter and of the former times.

Blessed is the one who hath hearkened unto His sweetest call, and blessed the strong one whom the veils of names have not weakened. Exalted is our Lord above the mention of every mentioner and the description of every describer. All things have testified to His loftiness and power, His sublimity and grandeur. The comprehension of the mystics cannot grasp Him, nor can the knowledge of the learned know Him. He hath created all things by His command and sovereignty, and hath ordained for every matter an appointed time in His Book. Verily, He is the Single One, the One, the Self-Subsisting, before Whom all necks have bowed in humility. There is none other God but He, the Mighty, the Bestower.

I pray, glorify, magnify and offer salutations upon those whom the wine of mystic knowledge hath intoxicated in the days of the All-Merciful, in such wise that they have spoken with wisdom and utterance amongst the concourse of creation. These are servants whom heedlessness hath not overtaken and whose necks have not bent with drowsiness. They have arisen to serve the Lord of mankind in such manner as hath bewildered the minds of the wise and the hearts of the eloquent. The servant beseecheth his Lord through the tongues of all created things that He may gather him beneath their shadow and grant him a station in their proximity. Verily, He is the All-Powerful, from Whose knowledge nothing escapeth, and from Whose will nothing in creation, past or future, can hinder Him. He, verily, is the Single, the Most High, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

My spirit be a sacrifice for your mention. Your letter hath reached me and caused me to hear the warbling of the bird of divine knowledge, and guided me to the pathway of my Sovereign and your Sovereign and the Sovereign of all in creation. By the life of the Beloved! Such longing hath seized me as cannot be contained in pages. To this doth testify the Lord of the Covenant, through Whom the horizons have been illumined. Then did the magnet of Glory attract me and bring me into the precincts of holiness, nearness and beauty. When I appeared before the Face, I presented what was in the letter concerning your submissiveness, humility and supplication unto God, the Lord of the beginning and the end. When this was completed, the Tongue of Grandeur spoke in reply, saying—and His sweetest utterance is this:

O Jamal! Were one to observe carefully, We have concealed and dispatched volumes of utterance in but a single word. Now consider how many verses have been revealed and sent in your name. Reflect, that thou mayest recognize God’s grace and bounty, God’s mercy and generosity. Every fair-minded one hath testified and doth testify to the greatness of the ocean of divine grace, and in all conditions the glance of favor and the eye of loving-kindness have been directed and turned toward you. Be assured of what thy Lord, the All-Knowing, imparteth unto thee. Today you must be focused on matters that cause the exaltation of God’s Cause. Naught is seen today save the sovereignty and authority of God. Verily, We have sent unto thee the Sealed Wine, the Water of Life, and the Salsabil of divine knowledge. To this thy Lord, the All-Merciful, doth testify from this glorious horizon.

You wrote that you had met with S from the people of S and intended to invite him again. It is known that His Holiness has always dealt with the servants of God with the utmost kindness, love and compassion. God willing, may the breezes of these days take hold of that person and enable him to achieve supreme steadfastness and service to the twin Luminous Lights. This matter was presented at the Most Holy Court and was accepted. He said:

“Let him associate with the servants with spirit and fragrance and guide them to the path of God, the Powerful, the Most High, the Great.”

Regarding what you wrote about turning toward the land of S, He said these days it is not advisable, for “the wolf howls and the frog croaks. Be patient until the fragrance of acceptance and assurance wafts from there.”

Now that three hours have passed on Sunday the 27th of Dhi’l-Qa’dah, this evanescent servant has been blessed with another letter from His Holiness, and the breezes of His favors have taken hold of and surrounded this servant. I beseech and hope from God, exalted be His glory, that He may ever keep that Beloved one warbling, explaining and speaking in the gardens of utterance. In all cases this servant is ashamed and abashed before the divine friends and hopes for forgiveness.

You had written appointing this servant as your representative for visiting the Ancient Beauty at the appointed time. When I attained the Most Holy Court and was honored with circumambulation and visitation on your behalf, the Tongue of Grandeur spoke saying:

“O My Name ʿBeauty’! The servant in attendance has visited on your behalf and We have accepted it as a favor from Us that you may rejoice and be thankful.”

Then on your behalf I also attained the blessing of visiting the Branches of God and those who circle round.

You wrote that on behalf of this evanescent servant along with the divine friends Aqa Muhammad-Taqi and Aqa Shir-ʿAli, upon them be the Glory of God, you attained the visitation of the Most Great Holy Leaf, His sister—may my spirit and the spirits of all the worlds be a sacrifice for her holy resting place. This was the perfection of kindness regarding this evanescent one. Mention of the two souls who were honored to serve His Holiness was made at the Most Holy Court. The Sun of favor has dawned in relation to each one. God willing, may they attain supreme steadfastness and remain protected from the fetid winds of the souls of the ungodly. O beloved of my heart, observe what a day this is, while people are content with falsehood in their discourse and have turned away from the Lord of Causes and Sovereign of nations. Such is the station of imaginary temples. Fie upon them and their fidelity! They have broken God’s Covenant and His pact and have disputed His verses after their revelation. I testify that they are among the most lost in the Clear Book.

Regarding what you wrote about the holy tomb and its state of disrepair, this was presented and He said:

“This is God’s way with His loved ones from before. Blessed is he who repairs and raises it. However, wisdom must be observed in all conditions. O Beauty, wisdom appears like the morning star from the horizon of the divine Book’s heaven. Its observance is necessary and obligatory for all.”

You testified with all your limbs and members that all glory, bounty, rest and joy lie in His shadow and in His love, and praise be to God that I have attained to both. After presenting this passage, He said: “He hath spoken the truth,” and God willing these words shall ever flow from his pen and tongue in such wise that no trace of vexation or sorrow shall follow. O Beauty! Rejoice in My remembrance of thee and My favors unto thee. Let nothing sadden thee in God, the Lord of the worlds.

Concerning the funds you wrote about, stating that you had delivered them as instructed to the specified individuals and had sent the receipts—the receipts arrived, and this servant praises the Beloved of the world for having aided you to serve the Cause. Verily, He is the Helper of those who act.

Regarding what you wrote about H.S. (upon him be the Glory of God)—in truth this servant has been remiss in serving him, but it was due to Mulla Muhammad-ʿAli, as I thought he would return and I would send the reply to his letter with him. In any case, this matter was delayed until these days when the aforementioned one decided to depart, and this servant wrote a detailed letter to him and likewise several separate Tablets were prepared that should reach him. God willing they will arrive. If you meet him, express on behalf of this non-existent one, this absolute void, mention of evanescence and nothingness.

Regarding what you wrote about the friends in the land of Kh., stating that you had sent a copy of the Blessed Tablet and that you constantly make mention of divine favors concerning them—this matter is most pleasing. In these days two petitions arrived from them, and the reply to one was bestowed and sent, and other petitions have also arrived. God willing, may they ever be blessed with the grace of the All-Merciful. Once the Ancient Tongue spoke these blessed words:

“O servant in attendance! Write to His Beauty that in all conditions thou shouldst gaze toward the horizon of unity in such wise that differences move thee not. Unity is the greatest foundation for the edifices of the City of Knowledge. Look not at the people and their deeds and what they speak and utter. Behold what hath shone forth from the horizon of thy Lord’s utterance and take hold of it through My Name, the Strong, the Self-Subsisting. If abasement befall thee in this path, it is the very essence of glory. Be wholly for God, then rejoice in His bounty unto thee and be of the thankful ones. And if someone behaves contrary to divine laws and ordinances, remind him with utmost love in such manner that it causes him no embarrassment. If he accepts, he hath attained unto counsel, and if not, then ask God to guide him to His straight path.”

When this utterance was heard from the Dawning-Place of the All-Merciful’s revelation, in truth the attraction of divine favor so seized this servant that the pen confesses its inability to describe it. God willing may all servants attain unto the sweetness of the All-Merciful’s utterance. By the life of the Intended One! Should they attain unto the sweetness of but one word, they would not exchange the Sun of Truth for all that exists in creation and all that is mentioned therein, and all would proceed toward the ultimate goal.

Regarding what you wrote about the sanctuary of the Name of God—upon him be all the Most Glorious Glory of God—it was submitted and He said: “Yes, what was done was for God.” From time to time, with wisdom, inquire about their circumstances. These matters are most beloved, provided they are carried out with wisdom, for if the hosts of the Wolf and the parties of the serpent, and some from within and without become aware, it will not be free from harm. Take wisdom as a command from the presence of One Who is All-Knowing.

Regarding what you wrote about Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Muhammad-Rida and Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Abu-Talib—upon them be the Glory of God—two Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablets were revealed from the heaven of the Divine Will and sent with Ibn-i-Asdaq—upon him be the Glory of God. After this detail was submitted before the Throne, He said: The gaze of favor is upon them. God willing, they must arise to serve the Cause with such enthusiasm that its effect shall remain permanent and enduring. Convey My glory, O Jamal, to them both on My behalf, and remind them of My remembrance, My favor, My grace, and My mercy which have encompassed both the sovereign and the subject. Verily We have remembered them and turned toward them from this Forbidden Place, and We counsel them to show forth the greatest steadfastness in the Cause of God, the Lord of all beings, in such wise that neither the knowledge of the knowers, nor the wisdom of the wise, nor the learning of the learned, nor the hosts and multitudes shall prevent them.

God willing, may they guide mankind and summon the people to the truth. May they protect weak hearts and minds from the doubts and imaginings of the deluded ones, through the Name of God. Verily, We send Our glory from this Station and convey Our greetings upon them and upon those who have turned with illumined hearts therein unto God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Praise be to God, the Mighty, the Loving.

Another submission is that His Honor Aqa Mirza Haydar-ʿAli, upon him be the Glory of God, wrote a letter to this servant requesting some wondrous and exalted Tablets for certain people of Dawlatabad and those regions. After presenting this to the Most Holy Court, that very night blessed Tablets descended from the heaven of the Lord’s Will. Some were written by the Greater Branch—may my spirit, my being, and my essence be sacrificed for the dust of His most pure footsteps—and some were written by this servant as commanded, since in this year when the Branch of God would sometimes honor different regions with His presence, this servant would copy some Tablets from the revealed text and send them as commanded.

In any case, the Tablets for the aforementioned Mirza will be sent either this time or next. However, He stated that all people have not known and do not know the value of the divine Tablet and are incapable of comprehending its outer meaning, let alone its inner meaning. And verses, proofs and Tablets have been revealed, made manifest and sent to such a degree that counting them would be most difficult. Now some Arabic and Persian Tablets that transcend suppositions and imaginings should be collected. Among them, the servant in attendance’s letters that are adorned with the ornament of the All-Merciful’s utterance are very useful, as divine verses and utterances of every kind have been revealed in them. These should be collected and given, as circumstances warrant, to several souls who possess the power of utterance and are adorned with pleasing character and lofty attributes, that they may turn to different regions, perchance to guide people to the supreme horizon and give them to drink of the water of immortality.

Today teachers are needed and expounders are necessary. Every soul should have the verses of the All-Merciful before his eyes in every station and convey them in their proper place. Thus doth the Truth teach you and I am the All-Knowing.

Regarding what you wrote about the ascension of Fathu’llah, utterances were revealed and made manifest from the heaven of grace. And since his brother had been waiting a long time and had sent several letters to this evanescent servant with no opportunity for reply, therefore this time a letter was written to him mentioning the elevated one. Blessed is he and blessed is he who attains to the mention of God in His days.

Furthermore, in these days a letter arrived from Hadba and among it was seen the petition that Manakji Sahib had submitted to the Most Holy Court. This letter had remained en route and in Hadba for some time. After presenting it to the Most Holy Court, He commanded to write to Jamal to mention to them:

Section 2: “The letter of that friend arrived. We beseech…”

The letter of that friend arrived. We beseech the Lord of the world to gladden and refresh him with the remembrance of the Friend and to bestow upon him from His bounties that which is befitting. His mention has been in the gathering of friends and with the help of the Peerless Friend it shall continue to be. Convey Our greetings and salutations.

O beloved of my heart! At most times this servant hears the lamentation of his own heart, for he observes that the lights of the Sun of Truth have encompassed the world, and yet the people remain heedless and veiled. What do the people of the Furqan possess, and what have the people of the Bayan, and to what do other peoples cling, and by what proof do they hold fast? All that hath come to pass in the world, both general and specific, hath been explicitly revealed in the divine Books in but a few years, one after another, as that being and every fair-minded soul would testify. The Surih of Ra’is by itself, and the Tablet of the Temple, and other Tablets are extant and available.

Blessed is he who, being endowed with insight, acknowledgeth what he hath heard and seen. After mention was made of the sovereign of Paris and the chief of that great city, some were bewildered, and even certain of the loved ones would say to this servant how it could be that the emperor of the world would be abased and find himself humiliated and defeated, when all the kings moved and acted by his command and will. Apart from these things, behold the other afflictions that have overtaken the world. Nevertheless, the people of the Bayan, through mere fabrications, have deprived themselves of the ocean of fairness and knowledge. By the life of God! They are indeed in manifest loss.

You have undoubtedly heard the details of what transpired in Adrianople, when Siyyid Muhammad, being confident that the Ancient Beauty would not confront one such as Yahya, told Mir Muhammad—who was one of the simple-minded followers—and likewise to some of the Persians of that land, that on the morrow so-and-so would come forth. If they spoke the truth, let them also come forth and meet at the Sultan Selim Mosque, that truth might be distinguished from falsehood. The next day, Mir Muhammad—upon him be the glory of God—came and conveyed this message to the Most Holy Court. At that moment, the Ancient Beauty arose and went forth from the gate of the private quarters, revealing divine verses in the most exalted voice as He proceeded, until He arrived at the mosque. Some Persians were present, listening in utter amazement, with tears streaming down their faces. He told Mir Muhammad: “Go and tell them to appear.” After some time he returned and reported that the Chief of Liars had asked to be excused. The Ancient Beauty granted a further two days’ respite. This incident occurred in the presence of seventy believers and others.

Nevertheless, after arrival in the Most Great Prison, one day a well-known person came into the presence of the Most Great Branch—may my spirit, my being, and my essence be sacrificed for the dust of His most mighty footsteps—and reported that Siyyid Muhammad and Aqa Jan were claiming that in Adrianople it had been arranged for the Ancient Beauty to meet with him in one assembly for discourse, but while Mirza Yahya came, the Ancient Beauty did not appear, and this became evident to all the divines, notables and the governor. The Branch of God presented this before the Divine Throne, saying: “Such astonishment seized me that I was rendered incapable of response.” Now observe how they have recounted and distorted such a clear and evident matter. They have attributed to themselves all the characteristics of the Ancient Beauty, and ascribed their own misdeeds to the Manifestation of sanctity and holiness. Throughout the years of their stay in Adrianople, they were occupied day and night with such activities. Thus whatever was manifested from the Greater Branch in His childhood, Siyyid Muhammad-i-Isfahani would attribute to Ahmad, son of Yahya, and mention it in his name. The curse of God be upon the liars and the slanderers!

In the beginning when the Ancient Beauty disassociated from him, the matter concerned that faithless one’s violation of the sanctity of the Primal Point’s—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him—household. After some time, when this proved unacceptable to the heedless ones, he gave it to another vile person. By God, besides Whom there is no other God, this servant is ashamed of his deeds and actions. And you yourself know that no one besides this servant is aware, as I was with him. God suffices as witness to what I say. He committed acts that neither tongue can utter nor pen can record. You have surely heard some of them. He imagines he is following the laws of the Primal Point. Ask him by what religious decree he has taken these multiple wives in various cities. It behooveth us to cease mention of such as these and to speak of that which befitteth the days of God, the Lord of all worlds.

The One God is witness that this servant never intended and does not intend to make such mentions, and for several years his mention was completely set aside. However, in these days, as he has become occupied with various calumnies, therefore these few matters, which in truth are but a drop from the ocean of his deeds, were submitted for God’s sake so that the friends of God might be informed. You who are aware of much, God willing, should ensure all the friends become informed lest they be deprived of the lights of the Sun of Revelation due to the darkness of false souls. Although powerful souls who have drunk from the Most Great Ocean see the world as non-existent, how much more so these thorns and thistles of the sea and lumps of clay of the land. He has said the guardians of the Divine City must be vigilant and aware. Thus did the Tongue of Grandeur speak aforetime—verily He is the All-Informing, the All-Knowing:

And as to what thou didst write concerning Mulla ʿAli-Jan—upon him be the glory of Baha’u’llah—the letter which he had addressed to this servant was laid before the Most Holy Presence, whereupon verses of God were revealed. These this servant recorded in his reply and dispatched, that the aforesaid might be caused to receive them.

And as to what thou didst write concerning Aqa Siyyid Muhammad, this is what hath been revealed for him:

He is the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

We make mention of him who desireth to draw nigh unto a Station wherein the Call hath been raised that there is none other God but Him, the One, the Single, the All-Informed—so that the summons of the All-Merciful may draw him unto the horizon of recognition, and acquaint him with this proof which hath shone forth, even as the sun, from the horizon of the heaven of the will of his Lord, the All-Knowing. By My life! wert thou to hearken unto My call, it would draw thee unto a station which no tongue can describe, and before which every swift writer and every discerning mind must confess its powerlessness. Let not the doings of men affright thee, nor suffer them to withhold thee from God, the Lord of the worlds. Cast away what thou possessest, and take hold of that which is with God. Thus doth the Wronged One command thee from One Who is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Then know thou that Satan crieth out in the Name of the All-Merciful. Shun him, and be thou far removed. Verily he whispereth in the breasts of men; he is indeed that Khannas who hath hindered the people from the path of God, the Most High, the Most Great. Blessed is the discerning one whom the veil hath not kept back; blessed the steadfast one whose people have not caused him to slip from this way; and blessed the strong one whom the hosts of the heedless have not enfeebled. There shall come unto you a book, and it is assuredly the Book of the Sijjin, preserved in a guarded Tablet.

Say: O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name whereby Thou didst protect Thine Prophets and Thy chosen ones, and didst make known unto them Thy path, to preserve me from the guile of those who have disbelieved in Thee and in Thy signs. Thou art, verily, the Potent over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Strong, the Almighty.

And concerning Aqa Siyyid Aqa Buzurg, this blessed Tablet hath been revealed:

He is the Dayspring shining forth from the horizon of utterance.

God willing, thou shalt receive thy share of the fragrant breaths of the Days of God, and shalt partake of the ocean of the mercy of the All-Merciful. This is the Day which hath been mentioned and recorded in all the Books and Scriptures and Tablets of God, time without beginning and time without end—before and before before, and after and after after. This is the Day of beholding, for the Dayspring of Divine Revelation and the Dawning-Place of the Lordly Cause proclaimeth: “Look thou, that thou mayest see Me.” And this is the Day of hearing, for from every direction the cry of Him Who revealeth the verses is raised on high. The Mother-Book hath been sent down, and men are busy with idle play; the Revealer of the verses hath appeared, and the servants are occupied with vain diversion. Lift up thy head and gaze toward the Most Exalted Horizon, that thou mayest behold the splendours of the Sun of Truth. Strive that this perishing world may not keep thee from the everlasting station.

Speech is compounded of words; yet this sanctified utterance is above words, for it hath issued from the source of innate and Divine knowledge. Ponder, that thou mayest discover what hath remained concealed from thee. By My life! This is the Day, not of mere reflection, but of endeavour. Men are heedless: they have forsaken the Most Great Ocean and have turned unto a mirage; they have taken darkness for light, and have accounted the ignorant learned. Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One, that thou mayest be numbered among the blessed, and be inscribed in the Book of God. Say: O my God! I beseech Thee that Thou suffer me not to be withheld from the ocean of Thy recognition, the sun of Thy providence, and the heaven of Thy bounty. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

And concerning Aqa Siyyid Aqa-Jan, this Most Holy Tablet was revealed:

He is the Mighty, the All-Praised!

This is a remembrance unto him who hath turned toward the ocean of My utterance and desired to drink therefrom in My Name, the Forgiving, the Generous. O servant! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One. He remembereth thee from the precincts of His Most Great Prison and summoneth thee unto God, the Mighty, the Wise. Abandon the world and all that is therein, and hold fast unto the cord of the loving-kindness of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, the Compassionate.

Beware lest thou be saddened by the intimations of those who have disbelieved in God, disputed His signs, turned away from His sovereignty, and clung to the images and idols they possess. Their divines have withheld them from the Known One Who hath come in His name, the Self-Subsisting, with an authority before which every discerning one hath bowed down. They have turned away from certitude by following vain imaginings. Thus doth the Book Gracious recount unto thee. Say:

Glorified art Thou, O God of existence! I testify that Thou hast manifested the Manifestation of Thyself, the Dawning-Place of Thy Revelation, and the Dayspring of Thy signs, and through Him Thou hast guided Thy servants to the ocean of Thy knowledge. Among them are those who turned away, those who turned toward Thee, and those who pronounced sentence to shed the blood of Thy chosen ones and loved ones. O Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou hast illumined hearts with the lights of Thy knowledge, to ordain from Thy Most Exalted Pen for the people of Baha that which shall sanctify them from all else but Thee, draw them nigh unto Thee, and strengthen them in such wise that they may behold Thy signs as they are in themselves, not as they desire to see them. O Lord! I am the poor one who hath turned toward the horizon of Thy riches. I beseech Thee to assist me in that which beseemeth Thy days. Then ordain for me the good of this world and the world to come. Verily, Thou art the Lord of all beings and the Sovereign of both the beginning and the end. There is no God but Thee, the Mighty, the Wise.

And concerning the people of Bahnimir and one of the handmaidens of God who was mentioned in his letter, these wondrous and sublime verses were revealed:

He is the Expositor, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed

Glorified be He Who hath appeared with the truth and manifested what He desired through His command “Be, and it is!” He is, verily, the One through Whom the Balance was revealed and the Tongue spoke. There is none other God but Him, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. He hath arisen in His name, the Self-Subsisting, among the servants and hath spoken that which caused agitation among the dwellers of the cities of names, save whom God, the Lord of existence, hath willed. O people of Bahnimir! The All-Informed calleth you and mentioneth you in connection with how the breath of the All-Merciful hath wafted over all possibility, and praiseth those who have sacrificed their souls in the path of God, the Lord of the unseen and the seen.

Blessed is the blood that was shed in the path of God and blessed is the body that bore hardships in His love. Thus hath the Tongue of Revelation mentioned those servants who hastened to the field of sacrifice in such wise as to astonish all hearts. We magnify every living one who hath turned to the Most Exalted Horizon and pray for every martyr who hath laid down his life in His manifest and evident path. We make mention of Our maidservant who hath attained unto My days and turned unto God, the Lord of what was and what shall be. Rejoice thou in My mention of thee. We have made mention of thee out of Our grace, and of Our loved ones in that place. Blessed art thou and they, and those who have attained unto the recognition of God, the Mighty, the Loving.

As for the names mentioned in your letters, whether of the living or the dead, divine Tablets have been revealed specifically for each one. Verily, mention is an adornment for the servants in their lives and an ocean of forgiveness after their death. According to instructions, this servant wrote and sent the revealed Tablets, as the Most Great Branch was not present. It would be preferable if a clear copy were written and sent with the Tablets, as some may not be able to read them properly.

Furthermore, your latest letter dated the 18th of Ramadan arrived. It dispelled sorrow, destroyed grief, eliminated sadness, and what it conveyed is clear and evident, requiring no elaboration. After it was presented before the Most Holy Presence, He said:

“O Jamal, thou didst make a covenant that henceforth naught but words of contentment and signs of joy and gladness would reach the Most Holy Court from thee. God willing, through the favors of the Beloved of the world, thou wilt remain faithful to this covenant. Although the Supreme Pen hath testified concerning thee that thou hast been faithful to God’s Covenant and hast arisen to serve His Cause, yet this first matter hath been mentioned in several letters thou hast sent to this servant in attendance. God willing, it must be fulfilled. Drink, in My Name, from the ocean of My joy and gladness and say: Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.”

Section 3: “O Jamal! We have heard thy call…”

O Jamal! We have heard thy call in thy latest letter which thou didst send to Our servant, and We have answered thee in the morning and in the evening and at noontide, that thou mayest give thanks unto thy Lord, the Compassionate, the Bountiful. And concerning what thou didst mention in thy Persian supplication:

“O God! Thou Thyself art witness that whenever I hear Thy lamentations in the Tablets bewailing the differences among Thy servants, I am so overwhelmed that I am nearly driven to flee to the mountains, beating my head, and to hide my face in shame, never to show it again”

- and this continues until where thou sayest that from the verses of a Tablet revealed to one of the loved ones, thou hadst understood that complaints about thee had been made at the Most Holy Court. This servant declareth that no such matter hath ever been mentioned in the revealed Tablets. God Himself is witness that thou hast been regarded with favor and hast been the object of grace.

And after this matter was presented at the Most Holy Court, He stated: “Much favor hath been shown to thee. Know thou the value of thy Lord’s grace and be of the thankful ones. Were this the time of the Herald’s Manifestation, many villages would have been bestowed upon thee. Know thou this much: that one who hath been blessed by God’s grace and whom He hath named with the Name of God—that is, who hath been honored with the address”O My Name”—verily if such a one should, for the sake of God and His Cause and the exaltation of His Word, humble himself before the lowliest soul, no harm shall come to him; nay rather, it shall cause his glory and exaltation. Thus doth thy Lord remind thee. He, verily, is the Forgiving, the Merciful. Enter thou the vast expanse of hope and step into the arena of detachment. Verily, He will not suffer to be lost the reward of thine actions and what thou hast wrought in His path. He hath, indeed, exalted thee through His grace, and He is the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

Regarding what thou didst write about the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar and the Blessed Spot, it was submitted, and He said:

“The matter of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar hath been revealed in the Most Holy Book, but today all matters are contingent upon wisdom. In any land where it is deemed advisable and not contrary to wisdom, there is no objection. This is what God ordained aforetime and at this moment. Today, the observation of wisdom is necessary and obligatory for everyone.”

And concerning thy request for forgiveness for thy relatives, this is what the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken:

“O Jamal! We have forgiven them and absolved them of their misdeeds, and illumined them with the light of Our countenance in the Supreme Horizon, that thou mayest thank thy Lord, the Lord of all beings, Who hath answered thee in that which thou didst beseech Him and hath given thee to drink from the ocean of reunion. Verily, He is the All-Bountiful, the Generous.”

The souls mentioned have all attained unto divine mercy and been adorned with the robe of forgiveness. Blessed is every servant and maidservant who hath been remembered by God after their ascension unto Him.

Concerning what thou didst write about Haji Sadiq from the people of Kha, it was presented at the Most Holy Court, and He said: “We send Our greetings to him and command him to observe what hath been revealed in the Book of God, the Lord of the worlds. Blessed is he for having recognized and attained unto this Cause, whereby the mountains have trembled and all who are in earth and heaven were thunderstruck, save whom God willed, the Strong, the Mighty.

Say: O Sadiq! Be steadfast in the Cause of thy Lord. Verily, this Cause is mighty, mighty indeed. And when a cawing one cometh unto you with a book, know ye that it is assuredly the book of the wicked ones, recorded in a clear tablet. O people of freedom! Hold fast unto the cord of God and cast behind you every suspicious clamourer.” O My loved ones of the letter Kha! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One. He maketh mention of you from this exalted Station and counseleth you concerning the Book of God which hath been sent down from the heaven of the will of your All-Knowing, All-Informed Lord. Take ye hold of the Book of Certitude and cast behind you the vain imaginings of those who have disbelieved in God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

O Jamal! We have made mention of those from among the people of Kha whose names were recorded in thy book. Give them the glad-tidings of this great bounty. God willing, all must arise with supreme steadfastness to promote the Cause of the Lord of Names and remain so firm in the Cause that all the peoples of the world shall be powerless to hinder them. Say: Beware lest the buzzing of the fly debar you from God, the Lord of all men. The evil ones of the earth seek to lead the servants astray in the name of truth. Guard yourselves through the name of your Lord, the Strong, the Mighty.

At all times fix your gaze upon the horizon of the All-Merciful and drink from the living waters of inner meanings and utterance which flow from the Fountainhead of words. Blessed is the servant who hath attained unto this Day and hath quaffed the choice wine of steadfastness from the hand of the bounty of his Gracious Lord. The souls who have accepted the Faith must be vigilant and remain seated upon the throne of steadfastness. Observe what the All-Merciful hath revealed aforetime in the Qur’an: “The Day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of the worlds.” “Nay! Truly the record of the wicked is in Sijjin. And what shall teach thee what Sijjin is? It is a written record.

Woe on that day unto those who deny!” Consider and reflect that ye may drink from the ocean of meanings that lie hidden within this blessed verse and attain unto such a station wherein the books of the world shall not prevent you from the Mother Book, and the whisperings of the Evil One shall not keep you back from the Lord of mankind. How many are the evil ones who, through displays of piety and devotion, have led the servants astray and debarred them from the Lord of the Beginning and the End. Thus have We adorned the sea of knowledge with the ship of utterance. Blessed is every steadfast hearer.

This most holy, most exalted, most sanctified Tablet was revealed specifically for the people of Turbat and Furugh and their surroundings, whose names were recorded in your book, and likewise specifically for the people of Kha who have believed in God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. God willing, may all attain unto it and act according to it.

Concerning what you wrote about the Huququ’llah, He hath commanded that its payment is binding upon all. And regarding what you wrote that Haji Sadiq, upon him be the Glory of God, submitted the Huququ’llah from the properties themselves—in these days they wrote asking what should be done, whether to sell or to send the yearly proceeds—this matter was presented, and this is what was revealed in response:

“We have given permission to the aforementioned Haji to act according to whichever he chooseth. The purpose is that the deed be accomplished with joy and fragrance. Verily, He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. He shall not be asked of His doings and He is the Mighty, the Powerful.”

Concerning what you wrote mentioning Aqa Siyyid Muhammad and Aqa Muhammad-Quli, this was presented before the Most Holy Court. He said: God willing, may they be blessed with divine favors and be directed toward the horizon of their goal. Their purpose is known and evident, but the strangers have come between us and the faithful ones. Although patience in separation from the Beloved is most bitter, yet since it is by His command it is most dear. The Primal Point hath said that the whole world exists that men might attain unto the word of resignation from His presence. Now the Supreme Pen declareth:

O Muhammad! O thou who gazest toward My horizon! Be patient in thy separation from thy Lord and say: O my Lord! Ordain for me what Thou hast ordained for them that have turned unto Thee and have attained unto Thy presence. Verily, Thou art the Gracious, the Bountiful.

O Muhammad-Quli! Hearken unto My call and be of them that are thankful. Say: O my Lord! I have longed for the Kawthar of Thy presence and the ocean of Thy reunion. I beseech Thee by Thy grace not to disappoint me, and to ordain for me that which shall profit me in every world of Thy worlds. Verily, Thou art the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

As to what thou didst write concerning his honor Aqa Mirza Kazim, son of the martyr, upon him be the Glory of God, he and his family have been the recipients of Our favor, and this servant had previously sent a letter in response to his missive, adorned and embellished with divine verses. God’s favors toward him have shone forth like the manifest sun. God willing, may he be occupied at all times with the mention and praise of the Beloved of all horizons. We have assuredly made mention of him before, and before that, and We mention him now with fragrant joy that he may give thanks to his Lord, the All-Merciful, Who hath come with manifest sovereignty. Mention of him hath repeatedly flowed from the Supreme Pen. Give him the glad-tidings of this bounty and make mention of him with this wondrous remembrance. God willing, may he ever remain the recipient of this favor.

Another entreaty is that if you meet with Jinab-i-Ismu’llah-i-Jud, upon him be all the Glory of the All-Glorious, mention on behalf of this evanescent one the mention of extinction and nothingness, and say:

“O my Beloved! A mighty day and a mighty Cause have come. Can any eye be found in the world that, detached from all veils and clouds and from all conjectures and idle fancies and from all that hath been heard, can behold the signs of God in themselves, or any ear that can hearken unto the Call purely for the sake of God?”

The servants are small and the Cause is great, and sovereignty belongeth unto God, the Omnipotent, the Almighty.

What hath befallen these heedless people that they remain veiled and, through the buzzing of flies, are deprived of the Lord of all return? It behooveth every soul to regard the divine Cause as it is in itself, not as they desire it to be. In truth, the greatest terror hath encompassed mankind. Apart from all else, observe the people of the Bayan, what vain imaginings they have clung to, after what the Primal Point hath spoken concerning this Most Great, Most Exalted Manifestation:

“Beware, beware on the day of His manifestation lest thou be veiled by the Vahid of the Bayan, for that Vahid is but a creature before Him, and beware, beware lest thou be veiled by the words that were revealed in the Bayan, for they are but His own words in the temple of His previous manifestation.”

Nevertheless, what they have said and continue to say! They lay claim to the verses, which are but as dust itself. They are drowned in the suspicions of the People of the Furqan.

Say: O ye who are as paupers! For twelve hundred years the People of the Furqan were reared in these suspicions and idle fancies and counted themselves the most excellent of all peoples and the most virtuous of all that dwell on earth. Yet what excellence did they achieve and what station did they attain? Say: Shatter the idols of names through the name of your Lord, the Most Glorious. This is better for you, did ye but know it. Perchance they may rend asunder the veils and soar, unfettered and free, in this holy and spiritual atmosphere. By His very truth, they were afflicted with a hundred thousand ailments, yet were conscious of not even one. And now these people [the Babis] are following in those same footsteps and are warring against the Lord of all being with the weapons of falsehood and calumny. What use is it that people are unaware of the truth of the Cause? Every soul who was acquainted with all matters—how they denied Him night and day, and what calumnies they uttered against Him lest He become trusted and a source of confidence for the servants.

In any case, arise and speak, that perchance the lights of the Sun of Truth may encompass the world and the realm of fancy may be transformed from potentiality to actuality. We beseech God not to deprive any of His servants, whether of the East or of the West, of this mighty bounty and this great gift. He, verily, is the Hearer, the Answerer. Some time ago, a wondrous and glorious Tablet was revealed from the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence specifically for them and was sent. God willing, they have attained unto it. Likewise specifically for Jinab-i-Zayn, upon him be the Glory of God, the Lord of all beings. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to gather us in one place that I may mention to your honor what lay concealed behind the veil. He is our Protector in the beginning and in the end. There is none other God but He, the Mighty, the All-Bestowing.

Another entreaty is that thou shouldst convey on behalf of this evanescent one greetings to all the friends of God and say: The Day is come and mankind hath arisen unto the Lord of the worlds. This station requireth steadfastness. Blessed is he who hath taken its chalice and drunk therefrom in the name of his Lord, the All-Wise. God willing, may they attain such a station wherein neither the buzzing of the fly nor the croaking of the raven shall debar them from the Lord of Return. They must walk and speak with the utmost wisdom, and at times gather together with perfect wisdom and recite the verses of God in Persian and Arabic, and ponder upon them. By the life of the Beloved! The breezes of the verses will so attract them that they shall behold themselves as mountains firm in the Cause of God, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. Glory be upon thee and upon them and upon those who have testified to that which God testified before the creation of the heavens and the earth. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

Again I submit that thou didst write that in these days differences have, by God’s grace, been removed and unity hath been achieved. These words brought boundless joy. May it ever be thus! Signs of delight were evident and manifest in the Ancient Beauty regarding this matter. In truth, this mention from thee is a great glad-tiding for the servants. God willing, may all attain the exalted station of unity and concord. I have written this much and caused such trouble that I now find myself abashed and ashamed. This sin requireth great forgiveness. Verily He is the Pardoner, the Forgiving.

BH00483: Praise be to Him Who hath spoken after His…

In the Name of our Most Holy, Most Great, Most Ancient, Most Exalted, Most Glorious Lord

Praise be to Him Who hath spoken after His sanctification beyond utterance, and taught after His transcendence beyond expression. He is the One Who hath made the Most Exalted Pen the interpreter among all peoples, and through it revealed whatsoever He desired through His Name which He made the Sovereign of all names in the kingdom of creation. Glorified be He Who is singular in majesty and greatness and unique in might and power. His sovereignty hath encompassed the kingdom of earth and heaven, and His mercy hath preceded the realms of divine and earthly dominion. He is the One Who cannot be described by names nor mentioned by attributes. Every near one hath acknowledged his remoteness, every knower confessed his ignorance, and every wise one testified to his heedlessness. He hath subdued all things through the Word that hath shone forth and radiated from the horizon of His Will, and guided humanity unto His Path wherewith none have attained save honored servants. Praise be unto Him, for He is the Possessor of the seen and unseen.

Thereafter, this servant received thy letter which thou hadst previously sent. I took it, opened it, read it, and found therein the fragrance of thy love for our Lord, the Lord of the visible and invisible, the Lord of all humanity, and the Sovereign of the hereafter and the former times. When appropriate, it was presented before the Throne. His blessed and exalted Word:

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Teacher, the Revealer, the All-Seeing, the All-Hearing

O thou who art mentioned before the Countenance! Grieve not for what hath befallen thee. Greater trials than what have befallen the sincere and near servants of God have befallen thy Lord. By the life of Baha! He glorieth in tribulation in God’s path, the Lord of Names, yet people flee from it in evident fear. We have adorned the body with tribulation and embellished the spirit with a joy that no earthly joy can equal. Thus hath spoken He Who was sanctified above all that the worlds have comprehended. Hold fast to the cord of patience by the command of thy Chosen Lord and say:

O my God and Master of my destiny and Beloved of my heart! Thou seest what hath befallen me in Thy days and knowest my condition in Thy Cause. I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which rivers of Thy mercy flowed from rock, signs of Thy grandeur appeared from the seas, and manifestations of Thy power from the branches, to make me in all conditions steadfast in Thy Cause and holding fast to the cord of Thy love. I testify that this is the Day wherein the great terror hath appeared and every hidden matter hath been revealed. Forgive, O my God, every movement that hath appeared from me contrary to Thy will, then enable me to do what befitteth Thy days, then write down for me through Thy grace that which will preserve me from all else but Thee. O Lord! Make me among those who have fled from desire to the Ultimate Tree and who have detached themselves from all else through Thy Most Mighty, Most Holy, Most Glorious Name. Verily Thou art the Lord of the Throne and earth, and in Thy grasp is the kingdom of all things, and Thou art the All-Powerful.

Until now numerous letters have arrived from thee. Praise be to God, all indicated thy degrees of love, affection, sincerity and steadfastness in God’s Cause. Be not grieved by what hath befallen thee, for verily today whoever is adorned with the ornament of the love of God hath in truth attained unto all good. The entire world cannot equal a single word that issueth from the mouth of Divine Will concerning His loved ones, and these stations are today hidden from all eyes. For were they to be revealed and were the people of the world to discover the mystery of the Cause, surely none would hesitate, let alone deny and reject.

That which you mentioned concerning the non-receipt of a reply—God, exalted be His station and His grandeur, is witness and testament that this delay has not been and will never be due to any lack of love, but rather due to the multitude of occupations and correspondence of this evanescent servant. From all directions, like rain, petitions and letters arrive, and this servant is, most of the time, engaged before the Throne in writing that which descends from the heaven of our Lord the Most Merciful’s will. Whenever opportunity arises, he turns to the mention of the friends. None of you have been erased from heart and sight. Praise be to God, you are remembered before His presence and have attained His favors. However, strive to attain that which befits these days. All must today circle round the Most Great Ocean and speak with perfect unity. You and the friends of God should not be saddened by the delay in replies from this evanescent one, for all know and have known the reason for the delay.

Concerning what you wrote about the Most Great Holy Leaf, the honored sister—may our spirits be sacrificed for her sake—it was presented, and what you did was acceptable. We thank Him for His wondrous grace and favor.

Regarding what you wrote about your sister, it was presented before His presence. He said that since it was not in accordance with the Book’s decree, it became a cause of difficulty and tribulation. However, God willing, His grace will bestow reward for this difficulty and tribulation. “O My loved ones! Avoid that which ye have been forbidden in the Book and hold fast unto that which ye have been commanded. Verily your Lord, the Most Merciful, is the Helper, the All-Seeing.” You should not be distressed by what occurred, for it has been adorned with the ornament of forgiveness. Verily He is the Commander, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Concerning what you wrote about the daughter of Asdaq—upon him be 966 [Baha’u’llah]—and mentioned that she said these afflictions befalling you and your household are because her wishes are not being followed, these matters were presented before His presence. He said:

“O Karim! Verily My servant Asdaq has a great station with thy Lord. He is among those who attained recognition of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, in the beginning of the Cause. We have mentioned him in the Books and Psalms and remember him in My days. Thy Lord is verily the Kind, the Forgiving. Blessed is he who found companionship with him in his lifetime and visited him after his passing. My Most Exalted Pen testifies that he perceived My fragrance, hastened to My Cause in My direction, and arose to serve this Cause whereby every firm edifice was shaken. He presented himself before the Throne with a radiant countenance and would stand at the gate most days, hearing the call of God, the Lord of the exalted Throne. Glory be upon him and upon those who visit him, from God, the Lord of the seen and unseen.”

O Karim! What befell you was not because of what she mentioned. Verily thy Lord is the All-Knowing; with Him is the knowledge of all things in a glorious Book. Convey My greetings to her face and say:

“O My handmaiden! Walk in the footsteps of thy father. Thus doth My wise Pen counsel thee.”

O Karim! The late Attar was among the early believers and attained the presence of God. The True One, glorified and mighty be He, has regarded and continues to regard his honor. Had what he intended been carried out, these vexations would not have occurred. Thus doth He inform thee, with Whom is the knowledge of what was and what will be. God willing, may you dwell with utmost joy and fragrance and complete love under the shadow of divine favor. Verily He heareth and seeth, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

The Ismu’l-Jamal, upon him be Baha’u’llah, had mentioned the exalted Fath’u’llah. By My life! We were with him when he was ascending the ladder of grace and soaring in the atmosphere of his Lord’s mercy, the Mighty, the Generous. We make mention of him in this station as a token of Our favor, that thou mayest be of the thankful. He ascended on the wings of love and certitude to the horizon of the All-Merciful and attained a station that brought joy to his eyes and to the eyes of all beholders. O Fath’u’llah! Thou art the one who was mentioned during thy life before the Throne, and after thy ascension My Most Exalted Pen, from which every wise command hath been detailed, maketh mention of thee. This is a mention that nothing can equal. Verily thy Lord is the Forgiving, the Generous. Thus have We adorned thy head with the crown of forgiveness from thy Lord, the All-Merciful. He mentioneth whomsoever He willeth through His command. He is verily the Rememberer, the All-Knowing.

Indeed, grief and sorrow encompassed Our heart at his ascension, but this is only in the outward sense, for inwardly he has been freed from the troubles of this mortal world and has attained unto divine mercy. Blessed is he and those like him. What bounty could be greater than that the Tongue of Grandeur should utter such exalted words concerning a soul? A hundred thousand blessings upon him who attained to this station.

Convey condolences on behalf of this evanescent servant to his brother, upon him be Baha’u’llah, and to his mother, upon her be Baha’u’llah, and console them. God willing, this servant and all the friends are content and thankful with whatsoever proceedeth from the Peerless Beloved. The Primal Point, may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake, hath said that the entire world exists so that a single soul might attain unto the word of contentment from His ocean of generosity.

Regarding what you wrote about the dream, it is among the disturbing dreams whose effect in the outer world is for gathering. According to His command, if one sees a disturbing dream and anxiety and grief arise therefrom, one should recite this blessed verse:

“O Thou through Whose name the ocean of joy surgeth and the fragrance of gladness is wafted! I beseech Thee to show me from the wonders of Thy grace that which shall gladden my eye and rejoice my heart. Thou art verily the Bestower, the Generous.”

And even for dreams that are not disturbing, it is beloved to recite it.

This servant beseeches God to protect you and your loved ones from the mischief of those who utter calumnies—this is among the greatest of prayers, by the Lord of the throne and earth! This servant was engaged in writing this letter when the call “Come thou!” was manifested from the Source of Grandeur, and after attaining His presence, He said: “O thou who art present! We desire to make mention of Our servant Rahim, who hath attained unto My days, My love and My knowledge. Blessed is he for having fulfilled his covenant and pledge, and for having drunk the choice wine of revelation from the cup of his Lord’s bountiful bestowal. O Rahim! God willing, mayest thou be blessed with His special favors.

The fragrance of thy love hath been inhaled from times past and present. God willing, mayest thou attain the protection of this Most Great Station, for verily the evil ones lie in wait—thus doth the Tongue of Revelation inform you. Stand firm in the remembrance of God and His service in such wise that neither the vain imaginings nor the doubts of those who have denied God, the Exalted, the Great, shall deter thee. Hold fast to the cord of His grace and cling to the hem of His bounty. The world hath ever been and shall ever be in transition. Grieve not over what hath passed thee by. Rather, rejoice in My beauteous remembrance and say: ʿPraise be unto Thee, O Thou Who hast remembered me in Thy prison and sent unto me that which hath brought joy to the eyes of them that know.’ Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.” End.

On behalf of this evanescent servant, convey sublime and glorious greetings unto him, and likewise unto all the friends in that land. The Glory be upon you and upon them and upon God’s assured, steadfast and firm servants.

The servant, 28 Dhi’l-Qa’dih 1297

BH01006: O My Name Jamal! God willing, mayest thou be…

In the name of the Ever-Enduring Speaker!

O My Name Jamal! God willing, mayest thou be illumined by the light of the Cause and enkindled by its fire, in such wise that the coldness of the world and its chilling trials may not withhold thee from the warmth of God’s love. We have designated thee for the reformation of the world and the healing of the hearts of the peoples. Thou shouldst close thine eyes to all the world and its peoples, and fix thy gaze upon that which hath been ordained by God, exalted be His glory, acting with consummate wisdom. Reflect upon God and His tribulations, and the acceptance and rejection of the people—what they have said and what they have done. Follow then the example of God, thy Lord and the Lord of all who dwell in the heavens and on earth.

Deal with the friends of God with utmost love and forbearance. This Most Great Revelation is the manifestation of God’s all-embracing mercy. By His very Self, the Truth! If all outward power—which in truth hath never had and will never have any station with God—were to be manifested, and an executioner were to stand before Us with evil intent, We would certainly not oppose him but would leave him to himself. Hearken with the ear of thy heart to the call of the All-Merciful, that thou mayest be freed from sorrows and grief, and in all conditions remain oriented toward the Supreme Horizon and engaged in service to the Cause.

Some time ago, the answer to thy letters which thou hadst sent to this servant was revealed from the Most Holy Court and dispatched. All the souls mentioned therein were honored with the Supreme Remembrance. Divine verses were specifically revealed and sent from the heaven of bounty for each one. If God willing, thine eyes shall be solaced by beholding them. From the Land of Kha certain petitions have arrived with complaints about thee. The acceptance and rejection of souls hath been and will ever be with God. Great care must be exercised in this matter. God willing, thou shalt be gladdened by that which hath flowed and continueth to flow from the Most Exalted Pen. From the divine traces a most sweet and beloved fragrance is perceived. By My life! Should any soul attain unto it, he would pass beyond himself and all who dwell in the realm of creation. This perishable earth and all that is therein and thereon is not worthy of attention. Hearken then with the ear of thy heart to the warbling of the Bird of Utterance in this holy and beloved atmosphere. It will give thee to drink that which shall make thee detached from all else besides Me. Verily thy Lord is the All-Remembering, the All-Knowing.

Should anyone commit an error, he should be reminded with the utmost joy and fragrance, and if he be not receptive to reminders, leave him to himself. Verily your Lord, the All-Merciful, is independent of him and of all who are in the heavens and on earth.

O Jamal! We have remembered thee with that which nothing on earth can equal. Hast thou forgotten the favors of thy Lord? Be thou grateful to thy Master, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. During the days of movement and travel, act with perfect wisdom.

That which thou didst dispatch from the Land of Kha was been forwarded to the Most Holy Presence. Likewise, from the Land of Ta, several years ago, mention was made of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar in a letter written by the honored Mirza Asadu’llah to this servant, and his honor was in agreement with him in this matter. The Blessed Spot had already been established in Mosul, and the Land of Kha had also expressed its desire. From the Most Holy Presence, the Dayspring of Permission hath shone forth that in certain lands, if they act with wisdom, there would be no objection and is none; however, in the Land of Ta, given the differences that have occurred, it is not permissible. Similarly in the Land of Ya and the Land of Shin. The details of these matters have been revealed in the Tablet addressed to the honored Ibn-i-Asdaq—may he be sanctified—and We have commanded that a copy thereof be transmitted. Thus hath the matter been decreed by Him Who is the Ordainer, the All-Knowing.

You must in all ordinances fix your gaze upon the Most Exalted Horizon and act in accordance with that which God hath ordained. At all times the Most Great Bounty hath flowed from the Pen of the Ancient of Days concerning you. Take what behooveth the days of thy Lord and abandon that which is unworthy of thee. Verily, thy Lord is the All-Wise Teacher. Fix your gaze solely upon the divine bounty. He verily will aid thee and command for thee that which shall profit thee in this world and the next. He is, in truth, the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful. If you truly occupy yourself with that which hath been sent down especially for you from the heaven of God’s Will, and ponder upon it, the intoxication of the divine Kawthar of utterance will so overtake you that you will regard the conditions of the earth and its events as non-existent and utterly forgotten. Occupy thyself most of the time with the recitation of those blessed verses, whereby thy heart and the heart of the world will be gladdened, and thine eyes and the eyes of the nations will be solaced. Thus hath My tongue spoken in this noble station.

We make mention in this station of the Afnan who have held fast to the Divine Lote-Tree and have responded to that which the Tongue of Grandeur uttered when He was established upon the throne of His Great Name. We extol their countenances and give them glad tidings of My gracious remembrance. The glory of God, the Lord of the worlds, be upon them.

And We make mention of Husayn, whom thou didst mention in thy letter, that he may give thanks and be of those who are steadfast. O Husayn! The Wronged One calleth thee and summoneth thee to the Most Great Steadfastness in this wise Remembrance. Should a crier come unto you, leave him behind you and put your trust in God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Rejoice thou in My remembrance of thee and glorify thy Lord, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

And We make mention of the loved ones of God in that place who have attained unto the lights of certitude. O My Name! The bounty of the True One hath ever encompassed all and continueth to do so, but it must needs be in measure. You must appear among the servants in such wise that all may inhale from you the sweet fragrance of love. Verily thy Lord, the All-Merciful, in His bounty regardeth thee and that which hath flowed from thy pen, and is amazed and saith: “We are God’s, and to Him shall we return.” Praise be to God, the Lord of what was and what shall be.

The glory shining from the horizon of eternity be upon thee and upon those with thee and upon those who hearken to thy words concerning this Great Cause whereby the Balance hath been established and the Bridge laid down, and all on earth were thunderstruck save those whom God, the Lord of the Day of Judgment, pleased to spare.

BH00842: Praise be to God Who hath manifested through His…

In the name of our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most High, the All-Glorious

Praise be to God Who hath manifested through His Most Glorious Name unto all who dwell on earth and in heaven. Thus hath the standard of “There is none other God but Him” been raised in the Kingdom of Creation, and that which the All-Merciful revealed in the Qur’an hath been fulfilled through His words: “On the day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of the worlds.”

Glorified be He Who hath appeared and manifested what He desired, and Who hath spoken and caused all things to speak His praise on the Day of Return. He is, verily, the Lord of creation and the Sovereign over all servants. He is the One by Whom the trumpet was sounded, and by Whom were thunderstruck the people of idle fancies who cast the Command of God behind their backs and followed the bidding of every ignorant one who turned away from God, the Mighty, the Bestower.

I pray and offer salutations upon those whom the affairs of creation did not withhold from the Truth, who turned away from vain imaginings and idle fancies, who advanced toward the horizon of certitude, and who arose to serve the Cause in such wise that through them the fragrance of His raiment was wafted throughout all creation. These are honored servants upon whom the Concourse on High and the dwellers of the Cities of Names do confer their blessings. We beseech God, the Lord of all mankind, to gather us beneath their shadow and honor us with their service and their remembrance. He, verily, is the Almighty, the Glorious, the All-Bountiful.

The petition of this evanescent one to your honor is this: Your revered letter dated the 5th of Dhi’l-Qa’dih arrived. God knoweth that it brought joy to mine eyes, gladness to my heart, and delight to my breast. In each of its words there seemed to be concealed an ocean of love and the wine of affection, inasmuch as it was adorned with the mention of the Beloved of the worlds. Blessed art thou and blessed am I.

After reading and learning of its contents, it happened that this evanescent servant was that very night present before His countenance, and all that you had written was presented. This is what shone forth from the horizon of utterance in reply:

“Thy letter hath come before Us, and We have heard from it thy call, thy remembrance, and thy praise, and have answered thee with that which the treasures of the earth cannot equal. He Who possesseth knowledge of the Book beareth witness to this. Blessed art thou for having left thy homeland out of love for God, the Knower of the seen and unseen. He shall surely reward thee with the most excellent of rewards through His grace, and He is the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.

Be thou a herald of His Name with wisdom and utterance, that perchance the people of the world may cast away what they possess and turn toward God, the Revealer of verses. Blessed art thou and blessed is he who hath heard thy words concerning this Cause whereby hearts have been perturbed and eyes have been transfixed.

God willing, with perfect joy and delight engage in the mention of the Beloved of the worlds. Guide those who are far removed unto the horizon of nearness, and lead those who thirst unto the Salsabil of divine knowledge. This is a day wherein whatsoever occurreth, the remembrance thereof shall endure and persist. Well is it with the soul that hath attained unto these days and recognized what hath been manifested therein of the signs of its Lord and the revelations of its Creator.

God willing, may you ever be the recipient of God’s favors and be gladdened by His remembrance. He is with thee under all conditions. He is, verily, the Near One, the Hearer, the Answerer.”

We make mention in this place of him who is named Mustafa, that he may give thanks unto his Lord, the Lord of the Throne and of the dust, and be of them that are steadfast.

O Mustafa! Hearken unto the call from the precincts of the Prison: There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the All-Knowing. Blessed art thou for having turned unto Him and attained unto that whereby thy remembrance shall endure throughout the eternity of thy Lord’s names, the Forgiving, the Bountiful.

Say: O my God and my Master! I beseech Thee by Thy Self to make me steadfast in Thy Cause. Thou, verily, art the Almighty, the Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Concerning what you wrote about Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Qasim Sahib, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, his petition was presented in the Most Holy Court and immediately a most mighty, most glorious, most holy Tablet was revealed specifically for him from the heaven of grace and was sent. God willing, he will attain to it. Convey greetings on behalf of this ephemeral one to him. God willing, may he be assisted to render such service whose effects shall remain permanent and enduring in the world.

And likewise to Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Mustafa, upon him be the Glory of God—praise be to God that he has attained the greatest bounty and has been honored with that which was intended. God willing, may he ever be occupied with that which befits these days.

As to what you wrote concerning Jinab-i-Hakim Khayru’d-Din, upon him be the Glory of God, it was presented. He said: Write:

“O Hakim! The disease of darkness has overtaken the people of the world and cast them all upon the bed of frustration. God willing, through the Supreme Remedy, which is the Name of the Ancient King, you shall heal them all and deliver them from this chronic malady. This is not difficult for God. I swear by the Sun of the horizon of Truth that if a soul should arise today for the sake of God to serve the Cause with wisdom and utterance, his soul will surely prove influential. Thus doth the Wronged One mention thee in this Great Prison. The Glory be upon thee and upon thy son and upon all who have turned to God, the Lord of the worlds.”

End quote.

Regarding what you wrote about Jinab-i-Imtiyaz Husayn Sahib, his details were presented. The Sun of Grace shone forth from the horizon of Will. He said: Write:

“O Husayn! God willing, may you at all times drink from the Kawthar of divine love and soar in the atmosphere of acceptance and affection. The world will soon return to nothingness, and that which remains permanent and enduring is the word of acceptance that appears from the Pen of the Manifestation of God’s Cause. God willing, with utmost endeavor may you speak in remembrance of the Peerless Friend and remain firm and steadfast in His Cause.”

End quote.

To each of these gentlemen, mention this servant’s evanescence and nothingness, which depends on their favors.

Concerning what you wrote about Jinab-i-Siyyid Ali Akbar, verily our Lord, the All-Merciful—He is the All-Knowing, the Witness, the All-Seeing, the All-Informed. Most people are heedless and unaware of God’s knowledge and all-encompassing power. We beseech God to grant him a hearing ear that he may hear and act upon the Most Sublime Words and Greatest Counsel that have flowed from the Supreme Pen.

As for recent news, one Shaykh Ubaydullah, a Kurdish man, has rebelled against the Ottoman government and raised the banner of opposition. Fifteen thousand people have gathered around him and he has plundered the Ottoman border regions. These days he has turned toward Iran and has pillaged Nab and Savujbulagh—that is, they have killed the men and taken the women and girls captive. Things have occurred that cannot be mentioned.

Today, which is the last day of the blessed Feast of Sacrifice, Jinab-i-Mulla Abu’l-Hasan-i-Ardikani, upon him be the Glory of God, has written these details to this ephemeral servant. In any case, according to reports, the people of Tabriz are also in utmost turmoil. What else will appear later, God knows best.

The Glory be upon your honor and upon those with you and those who love you and hear your words concerning the Cause of God, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

In the Pilgrimage season of the year 1297

BH01898: Praise be to God Who has appeared and caused…

In the Name of our Most Holy, Most Great, Most Exalted, Most Glorious Lord

Praise be to God Who has appeared and caused the Tablet and the Pen to appear, and taught man what he knew not. He is the One manifest among the nations and known by the Greatest Name. When He desires to subdue the world, He breathes into His Most Exalted Pen, whereupon the princes are thunderstruck and the poor, who were seized by the stupor of abasement in the kingdom of creation, awaken. At times He moves it and at times He withholds it, in accordance with His wisdom. He is verily the Ruler, the Seizer, the Giver, the Forgiving, the Generous. And I pray and send peace upon those who have attained His days, heard His call and arose to serve His Cause. They are servants whom the denizens of Paradise and the dwellers of the precincts of nearness serve. This servant beseeches his Lord to enable him to love them, befriend them and remember them. He is verily the Protector of the doers of good.

O my beloved! Your letter which you had sent several months ago reached this evanescent servant. It brought joy and gladness, and later at a suitable time it was presented before the Countenance of the Beloved. He said:

“God willing, through the key of the Most Great Remembrance the doors of the hearts of the servants will be opened, that all may behold and observe with the eye of heart and spirit the splendors of the Sun of meanings.”

O Ali-Qabli-Akbar! The servant came with your letter and presented it before the Wronged One. We found from it the fragrance of your love and the sweet-scents of your sincerity towards God, the Lord of the Throne and earth and the Master of all beings. We have remembered you with this Most Great Remembrance that you may be of the thankful ones. Say:

“Praise be to Thee, O Thou Who caused me to hear Thy call, showed me Thy beauty, cast upon me Thy love, acquainted me with Thy Balance and taught me Thy Straight Path! I beseech Thee to preserve me in all conditions within the precincts of Thy most great mercy, beneath the shade of the Lote-Tree beyond which there is no passing. Then cause me, O my God, to be content with Thy good-pleasure and to be annihilated in Thy Will and Purpose. O my Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy Branches to ordain for me […] in every world of Thy worlds. Verily Thou art the One with power over what Thou willest and in Thy grasp are the reins of all names. There is no God but Thee, the Strong, the Mighty.”

Another matter: regarding what you wrote about the blessed skullcap—truly it was a sign of favor towards you. Praise be to God, you attained with utmost joy and delight. Praise be to God, and the skullcap which you sent by post arrived and attained the most great honor. This is glad-tidings that brings joy to heart and soul and spirit. Blessed art thou for having attained the grace of thy Lord, and blessed are those who have attained the knowledge of God, the Lord of the worlds. And regarding your apology for the delay, He said:

“There is no harm. The purpose was to show favor, and praise be to God, you attained unto it.”

Glory be upon you and upon your wife who has believed and attained unto God, the Lord of the mighty Throne.

This evanescent servant is grateful and […] to God, exalted be His glory, that out of His supreme grace He adorned you with the ornament of His remembrance. Blessed art thou and the handmaiden of God who is with thee. This servant’s request is that you convey to all the friends the Most Great, Most Sublime, Most Holy greeting. Glory be upon you from God, the Mighty, the Wise.

Month of Hajj 1297

BH00079: Blessed art thou, O thou who hast heard…

Section 1: “Blessed art thou, O thou who hast heard…”

He is God, exalted be His majesty, His greatness and His power

Blessed art thou, O thou who hast heard the call of Truth, turned to the Truth, responded to the Truth, and drunk the choice sealed wine from the hand of the bounty of Truth, when thou didst speak the Truth, and bear burdens in the path of Truth, and show patience in Truth, and attain the presence of Truth when it was made manifest in Truth, and believe in Truth when most of creation turned away from it. My spirit be a sacrifice unto your remembrance! The breezes of the springtime of His mercy wafted again and again, yet this withered sapling did not stir nor become fresh. The proof is that it did not achieve the honor of submitting a response, though multiple letters arrived from His presence. In truth, each one was a source of victories and cause for the spirit’s joy, yet since there was delay in responding, it became a source of regret and sorrow. This petition is outwardly presented and continues to be presented, but in reality all affairs are suspended by the cord of God’s will. In this case, this servant is content and His Holiness is grateful, and this station is peace for all and all are at peace.

A letter arrived in these days from His presence which was written in response to Ibn-i-Asdaq (upon them both be the Glory of God). I swear by the Beauty of the Desired One of the worlds that such a fragrance emanated from it that all senses derived pleasure and strength from it. And this response was given at a time when he had written “Write to this evanescent servant what is the cause of the delay in our petitions.” Although they too were distressed that no word had reached them from the Desired One, yet blessed art thou in what thy pen hath uttered! By the life of the Beloved, thou hast spoken pure truth in God, the Lord of the worlds.

God willing, in these days the response to Ibn-i-Asdaq (upon them both be the Glory of God) and the response to his honor Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah (upon him be the Glory of God) and the response to the loved ones of the Land of Kha (upon them be the Glory of God) will descend from the heaven of grace and be sent. If all the world were to gather, they would not find a shore or boundary for this ocean of grace. No engineer has been or will be capable of measuring its width, length and depth. It is a surging, billowing sea that none has comprehended save God, the Single, the All-Informed.

The blessed letter dated the 14th of Rajab was the cause of boundless joy. God willing, this bounty shall remain lasting and enduring.

Regarding what you wrote about a letter arriving from his honor Haji Kazim—the letter was seen and its details were submitted to the Most Holy Court. He expressed His favor.

Concerning what was written about his honor Amin from the people of the right hand, this is what the Tongue of Grandeur spoke:

“O Amin! Thou hast seen in God what ought not to be seen, and heard in God what ought not to be heard. We thank God for having enabled thee to hear and see and bear burdens in the path of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. All this hath been recorded by the Supreme Pen in the Crimson Tablet, to which the Lord of creation in this exalted station doth testify. Soon shall that which is hidden from sight be revealed. Verily thy Lord is the Truth, the Knower of the unseen. We, from this station, send Our glorification upon thee and upon those who have believed in God in that place. Verily thy Lord is the Mighty, the Loving. Blessed is the servant who hath attained unto the Most Great Steadfastness in this Most Great Cause, and blessed is the house wherein the remembrance of the Lord of Eternity hath been raised, and blessed is every patient, grateful one.”

O Husayn! Your mention hath come before the Wronged One, and He maketh mention of thee that thou mayest rejoice and be among them that are steadfast in this Cause, through which every mountain hath been crushed, every camel hath moaned, every husband hath lamented, and every mighty edifice hath been shaken. Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One—verily He calleth thee from the precincts of the Prison and commandeth thee with that which beseemeth the days of thy Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful. God willing, mayest thou be blessed through divine grace and be occupied with the mention of the Truth. The call of the Lord of Lords is raised at all times, while the buzzing of flies is evident. God willing, may all servants be assisted and, with a mighty arm, shatter the idols of vain imaginings and attain unto their ultimate goal. O Husayn, give thanks unto God, thy Lord, in all conditions, then make mention of Him among His heedless servants. In all circumstances be mindful of wisdom, lest any matter arise that would cause the clamor of the deniers.

We likewise make mention of Ali ibn Sultan and his brother Mihdi and Muhammad who is imprisoned and Ali, and wondrous and exalted verses have been revealed. God willing, may they attain unto them. O ʿAli! Praise God for having aided thee to turn unto Him and granted thee the grace of attainment in the days of thy Lord, the Self-Sufficient, the Most Exalted. Act according to that which thou hast been commanded in the Book; this is better for thee and for those who have believed in God, the Lord of the final end. Hold fast unto that whereby the Cause of God is exalted. Thus doth the Lord of Names command thee from this Prison which God hath made the Dawning-place of His verses.

We make mention of Mihdi and counsel him with that which beseemeth man. Verily thy Lord is the Mighty, the All-Knowing. We make mention of him who hath believed in God and His signs and hath turned towards this Horizon from which the horizons have been illumined.

O Muhammad! Rejoice in that the One, the Single, Who hath spoken and speaketh at all times “The Kingdom is God’s, the Lord of the beginning and the end,” hath made mention of thee. Beware lest anything hold thee back in the path of God. Hold fast unto the cord of thy Lord’s grace and say: “Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of Lords, for having made me to know Thee and aided me to recognize this Cause whereby feet have slipped.”

O ʿAli! He Who is imprisoned in God’s path, through that which the hands of them that have disbelieved in God, the Lord of all mankind, have wrought, maketh mention of thee. Give thanks and say:

“Praise be unto Thee, O Thou Who hast mentioned me in the Most Great Prison, and thanksgiving be unto Thee, O Thou in Whose grasp is the kingdom of verses.”

It is requested that His Holiness write in response to Haji Kazem and give him glad-tidings that his letter was presented at the Most Holy Court, and exalted and wondrous verses were specifically revealed and sent for each of the names. God willing, may they not forget the divine counsels and act in accordance with what is befitting and proper, and remain occupied in the remembrance of God. Praise be to God, they have turned towards Him and attained His presence. I beseech God, exalted and mighty be He, that they may be aided to preserve what has been bestowed upon them. Convey greetings on my behalf to them as well. Mention was also made of Master Shahbaz in his letter. After it was presented, He spoke in Persian:

“O Shahbaz! The True One spoke sweetly in Persian saying: I came.’ Some denied outright, some hesitated, and others proclaimed these words: Welcome, welcome, O Thou our Purpose, O Thou our Beloved!’ Then We tested both the hesitant ones and those who had accepted through another matter. A complete transformation was witnessed. Strive that thou mayest be mentioned among the people of the right hand in the Perspicuous Book. The evil ones lie in wait, and the Cause is most mighty. Glory be to God, the Lord of the worlds.”

Regarding what you wrote about the sum that was bestowed and its distribution, this was presented. He said: “Excellent is what you have done in God’s Cause.” And specifically, mention was made from the Blessed Tongue of Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Taqi, as he had acted with kindness regarding the sister of Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Rida. Blessed be he and she.

As to what you wrote concerning Jinab-i-Haji Kamaluddin, upon him be the Glory of God, mention was made of him and his family in the Most Holy Court, and the Sun of loving-kindness shone forth from the horizon of grace. He said:

“O Zayn! Convey My glorification to the Kamal and give him the glad-tidings of My loving-kindness, My grace and My mercy which have preceded existence itself. Verily We have remembered him and those with him, and We shall continue to remember them as a token of My grace, for I am the Rememberer and the Remembered.”

O Zayn! Although his gift did not reach the Most Holy Court and was not seen, it was accepted. Pure deeds are acceptable. His petitions submitted to the Most Holy Court, as well as his letters sent to this servant, were all heard. God willing, may they ever partake of and attain the outpourings of the All-Bountiful One. We beseech God to strengthen him in His commandments and prohibitions, and in all that befits the days of his Lord. We convey greetings to all the souls who have turned towards Him from among the people of Nur and Ra, and We counsel them regarding that which hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen. Soon will the voice of the croaker be raised—a matter about which We informed and warned the servants in Iraq, the Land of Mystery, and in the Prison.

O concourse of divines! Should a clamourer come to you with a book, cast them both behind your backs and put your trust in God, the Single, the All-Informed. By God’s life! It is assuredly the book of the wicked ones. This is what the All-Merciful revealed in the Qur’an, saying:

“Nay! The book of the wicked is indeed in Sijjin. And what will make you know what Sijjin is? It is a written record. Woe on that day to the deniers!”

O Kamal! Give glad-tidings of divine favors to all the loved ones in the lands of Nun and Ra and the land of Kaf. All must remain steadfast in the Cause. In every age and dispensation when Satan led humanity astray, it was in the name of truth, for if falsehood were to appear as it truly is, no one would ever turn to it. It appears in the name of truth, making claims, and clinging to the utmost piety and godliness. Know this and be aware, and let not the autumn winds cause you to fall from the holy and lofty Tree. Hold fast unto it in the name of your Lord, the Almighty, the Powerful. All must attain such heights—which today represent the station of supreme steadfastness—that they would consider the tales and utterances of the people of the world as mere stories, nay, as absolute nothingness. Thus does your Lord command you, O Kamal, and counsel the servants of God who have held fast to the Sure Handle and clung to the hem of God, the Forgiving, the Generous. End.

Further mention of this servant’s greetings and his complete effacement is dependent upon your grace. Likewise from Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Baqir, upon him be the Glory of God, and his brother who attained in Zawra, both a petition and a letter addressed to this evanescent one were received. A Most Holy Tablet was revealed especially for them some time ago, but has not yet been sent. God willing, this servant hopes to find the opportunity to submit a response to them and to Aqa Kamal, upon him be the Glory of God. A letter also arrived these days from Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Haydar-ʿAli, upon him be the Glory of God, which he had sent from the land of H and M, mentioning Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Baqir, upon him be the Glory of God, as well as the philosophers, upon them be the Glory of God. God willing, a response will reach all, and all shall attain to that which God desires.

And as to thy mention of Aqa Muhammad-Sadiq—who is engaged in the land of H-M—it was submitted. This is what hath been revealed in reply:

“O Zayn! We have remembered him aforetime as a bounty from Our presence, and in this hour with a clear and manifest remembrance; and We remember him who was with him, that he may be of them that have attained. Verily he hath been kindled with the fire of love and attraction before thy Lord, the Knower of all things, and I am the All-Knowing. God willing, through the special bounties of God, they shall be steadfast upon the straight path of the Cause, in such wise that, were one to bring against them all the books of the world, they would cast them behind their backs and arise in this mighty Cause.

“O Muhammad-Qabl-Sadiq! Rejoice thou in that God hath forgiven thy mother and hath clothed her with the robe of pardon, as a grace from His presence. Verily thy Lord is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

“O Zayn! We make mention of him who was martyred in My path, when he drank the choice wine of My love, and soared in My air, and attained My meeting—the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

Section 2: “O Muhammad-Qabl-ʿAli! We remember thee on this night…”

“O Muhammad-Qabl-ʿAli! We remember thee on this night, and bear witness that thou hast drunk of the Kawthar of martyrdom in the path of thy Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. And We have sent unto thee angels from Our presence to visit thee, as a bounty from God, the Lord of the worlds. We likewise remember all who are related unto thee. Thus hath spoken the Tongue of Grandeur in this mighty prison.” End of quotation.

As to what was written, that Aqa Muhammad-Sadiq hath requested that mention be made also of Karbala’i Muhammad-Husayn: it was submitted in the Most Holy Presence. He said:

“God willing, he shall ever keep his gaze fixed upon the horizon of Our providence, and shall act as befitteth him. He hath indeed attained unto remembrance in the presence of his Lord, the All-Powerful, the Omnipotent.”

End of quotation.

And as to what thou didst write, that certain of the friends of God from the land of T have desired that their names be mentioned in the Most Holy Presence: it was submitted. Each hath attained unto the utterances revealed by Him Who sendeth down the verses. The replies to the letters of Mulla Ali-Akbar—upon him be the glory of Baha’u’llah—which he had addressed to this servant, were dispatched toward the end of the month of Dhi’l-Qa’dih. And the mention of this honoured soul, Ali-Nur—upon him be the glory of Baha’u’llah—who was called Hasan-Qabl-ʿAli, was likewise submitted. This is what the Tongue of the Desired One hath spoken concerning him:

“God willing, let them drink of the Kawthar of good-pleasure and the Tasnim of submission, and be aided in that whereunto they have been commanded in the Book.”

“O Zayn! Implore thou the True One to preserve His feeble servants.” In the Hidden Words this blessed sentence was formerly revealed: “O children of vain-glory! In the unseen ye shall be withheld from My love, and souls shall be troubled at My remembrance, for minds shall not endure Me, nor hearts contain Me. Blessed is he, and blessed his father, who hath been named with a wondrous Name in the sight of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Convey unto him glad tidings, and bring unto him the loving-kindness of the Wronged One.” End of quotation.

As for what thou didst write regarding Haji Khavar and the mention of Mulla Alijan, upon him be the Glory of God—a letter from Jinab-i-Ismu’llah Jamal, upon him be the Glory of God, was written to this evanescent servant, and likewise a letter from Mulla Alijan himself. The reply to them and to some questions they had asked was written as commanded and sent. The Sun of favor hath risen upon them and the people of Mazandaran. On behalf of this servant, convey greetings to Haji Khavar. It would be advisable for him to go to Jinab-i-Ismu’llah Jamal, upon him be the Glory of God, that he might perhaps become the bearer of this servant’s letter and the divine Tablets. Verily He speaketh the truth and guideth the way.

As regards what you had written concerning Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Baqir, upon him be the Glory of God, who had returned from the land of N and R to the land of H and M—glory be to God! Several times was mention made of him in your letter; in various instances was he mentioned with the praise of the Beloved of the worlds, and this evanescent servant mentioned him in this petition—once in relation to Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Sadiq, and likewise before and after in numerous places. This is naught but due to his steadfastness and arising to serve. This evanescent servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, that He may enable all to attain unto that which He loveth and is pleased with.

As for the request that mention be made in the Most Holy Presence of Aqa Muhammad-Hasan, Aqa Muhammad-ʿAli, Haji Muhammad-Ibrahim and Aqa Siyyid Ahmad, this was submitted, and this is what shone forth from the horizon of grace:

“O Most Exalted Pen! Make mention of My loved ones in the land of H and M, and acquaint them with that which the Tongue of Grace hath uttered in this noble station. Blessed are ye for having turned towards Him, hearkened and responded to your Lord, the Mighty, the All-Knowing. We enjoin upon you what is right and counsel you to manifest supreme steadfastness in this Cause whereby the hearts of them that are endued with understanding have been sorely stirred. We send Our greetings unto you from this station, that ye may give thanks unto your Lord, the One, the All-Informed.”

Concerning what you wrote about the funds of the land of Y and T and others, what transpired in this regard is that after the reply of T was sent to that land, they wrote to this servant from the lands of T and Q and T giving details about that land, and there were certain mentions in those letters. After these were submitted to the Most Holy Presence, He said that since the reply of T had been graciously sent, there was no need to make further mention of such matters. In response to these words, that which was revealed from the Source of Command was sent.

As for what you wrote concerning Mosul, He said it would have been better had they paid attention to the glad-tidings and “give thou good tidings to the patient ones” after the blessed words “We shall surely test you.” Although drought hath encompassed most lands this year, yet the spreading of such matters by the friends may become the cause of certain incidents. The mention and spreading of such matters should in all cases occur with permission. Verily He knoweth His servants better than they know themselves. He, verily, is the Single One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Later, when your letter arrived and the details you had written to Jinab-i-Aqa ʿAbdu’l-Husayn were noted, copies thereof were sent to certain places as commanded.

And concerning what you mentioned in your second letter dated the 21st of Sha’ban about Jinab-i-Nazir, upon him be the Glory of God—in these days a Tablet was specifically revealed and sent to him together with Mulla Muhammad-ʿAli-i-Dahaji. The glances of grace have ever been and continue to be directed towards him. God willing, may he continue to be assisted in making mention of God and offering praise unto Him. God the One is witness that he hath never been absent from this evanescent one’s thoughts.

Regarding what you wrote asking whether the wearing of rings as revealed in the Kitab-i-Aqdas is specific to adults or includes minors as well, He said it is specific to adults, and likewise the Prayer for the Dead—that too is specific to adults.

As to what you had written regarding whether it is permissible for a person outside the City of ʿAkka to fast or not, and whether vows and pledges to fast are binding or not—these matters were submitted to the Most Holy Presence. He said that the law of fasting remains as it was revealed, but if someone makes a vow to fast for God’s sake to fulfill needs or otherwise, there is and has been no objection. However, God, exalted be His glory, has preferred that vows and pledges be made for matters that benefit the servants of God.

And then the third star shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of your favors. When the servant was illumined by its light and radiance, he presented himself before the Throne and submitted its contents. Thus spoke the Tongue of Grandeur in the Kingdom of Utterance: “O Zayn! Thou hast been and art remembered before the Throne, and mention of everyone in thy letter hath attained to the mention of God. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Generous. God willing, be thou occupied with promoting the Cause at all times. Thou must manifest the utmost joy, for thou hast attained unto the word of contentment. We praise thee and say: ʿPraise be to Him Who speaketh.”’

Regarding what you wrote about the distribution of funds after the telegraphic news—this was accepted, and it should also reach those souls who left Hadba (Mosul) whose names you had mentioned in this letter.

As for the mention of Varqa, upon him be the Glory of God, who had written to you asking that his matter be submitted to the Most Holy Presence—it was submitted. The Sun of favor rose from the Dayspring of grace and these exalted words descended from the Source of verses. He, exalted be His grandeur, says:

“O Zayn! We have heard the call of Varqa and mentioned him before, and before before, and after, and at this moment when the Tongue of Grandeur speaks: ʿThe Kingdom belongeth to God, the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.’ Blessed is he for having arisen to serve his Lord and for reminding people of what they were commanded by the All-Informed Commander. A letter came from him containing the names of those who drank the wine of life in the name of the All-Merciful, and We mentioned each one of them with a mention that shall endure as long as names endure in the Kingdom of God, the Lord of the worlds. Give him the glad tidings of My mention, My favor, My mercy, and My grace, that he may rejoice and be among the thankful. Blessed is his father who attained unto that which cannot be mentioned in words. The Pen of the All-Merciful beareth witness to this in this noble station.”

And regarding your mention of Aqa Asadu’llah, this is what was revealed for him:

“O Asad! Praise the Lord of the unseen and the seen Who enabled thee to recognize this Most Great Cause, from which most nations remain veiled and heedless. Blessed art thou for having turned towards and believed in Him from Whom the servants have turned away. God willing, through divine favor thou must preserve this lofty station, for the evil ones with utmost cunning and schemes lie in wait for receptive souls. Thou wast mentioned in the book of one who loved Me; I mentioned thee as a favor from Me. Therefore praise God, thy Lord, for this manifest favor. The Glory be upon thee and upon him who was named Nasru’llah and Muhammad-Husayn and upon those who have believed in the One, the All-Informed. We counsel all to the most great steadfastness and to that which God hath revealed in the Book.”

With regard to Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Abu-Talib, upon him be the Glory of God, concerning what you wrote, this was submitted, and this is what the Tongue of the Desired One spoke:

“O Talib! We have remembered thee, strengthened thee, assisted thee, and forgiven thee as a bounty from Our presence and a mercy from Our court. Verily thy Lord is the Mighty, the All-Forgiving. Say: Glory be unto Thee, O my God! I have turned with my whole being unto Thee and have written upon myself to make my will subservient to Thy will and good-pleasure. I beseech Thee to ordain for me that which shall profit me in every world of Thy worlds. Verily Thou art the All-Powerful, the Most Exalted, the All-Knowing, the Most Generous.”

In these days this servant wrote a letter in response to his missive and sent it, and that letter was adorned with divine favors and verses. God willing, they will attain unto it.

Regarding what you wrote about Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Kazim, brother of Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Sadiq the emigrant, upon them both be the Glory of God, this was submitted. He said:

“Give him the glad tidings of his Lord’s mercy and his Master’s grace. God hath forgiven him, and We counsel him to show forth the greatest steadfastness in this Cause whereby the limbs of all names have trembled.”

God willing, may they gaze at all times toward the horizon of the All-Merciful, remain firm in His Cause, and act according to what hath been revealed in the Book. We, from this station, send Our greetings upon him and upon his brother Muhammad-Sadiq who emigrated in the path of God, the All-Protecting, the Self-Subsisting. Verily, he is among those who loved God in the earliest days. Blessed is he, and unto him be grace from the presence of One Forgiving, Generous.

Concerning what you wrote about Jinab-i-Makhdum-zadih, upon him be the Glory of God, and likewise Abdullah and Muhammad-ʿAli from the people of N and J, after submission these verses were revealed from the Kingdom of Grace:

He is the Most Ancient, the Most Great

O Rida! We have heard mention of thee from a letter sent by Zayn who hath attained the grace of his Lord, the All-Forgiving, and We have mentioned thee in truth that thou mayest thank thy Lord, the All-Protecting, the Self-Subsisting. Convey My greetings to the faces of My loved ones in that place who have drunk the wine of steadfastness in this firm and irrevocable Cause. Say: Should a crier come to you with a book, cast them both behind you, turning instead to the Mighty, the Loving; and should anyone come to you with news from Satan who crieth out in the name of the All-Merciful, leave him to himself, placing your trust in God, the Lord of existence.

O friends! Hear ye in the Persian tongue the utterance of the All-Merciful. Verily He remembereth you, and acquainteth you, and teacheth you as a token of His grace, and He is the Ancient Bestower. The Book of the wicked hath appeared—the Book whose mention was made in former scriptures and divine Tablets. Ye must at all times be mindful lest the promptings of Satan debar you from the Lord of the Day of Judgment. With the utmost deceit and guile do they appear, clinging to the cord of falsehood. Though in truth those who have drunk from the Most Great Ocean will not turn to a mere rivulet, and are so steadfast that the entire world cannot deter them. Blessed are they and happy are they! They are they whom God hath mentioned in His Books, His Scrolls, His Scriptures and His Tablets. Through them hath the horizon of steadfastness been illumined, and the Dove hath warbled upon the branches of the Tree of Oneness that there is none other God but Him, the One, the Single, the Manifest, the Speaking, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

Section 3: “O friends! Drink ye from the chalice…”

O friends! Drink ye from the chalice of certitude in the name of the All-Merciful. Ye are forever remembered in the presence of God. Know ye the worth of this supreme bounty and recognize the station of this blessed Day. By the life of God! The sun hath never risen upon its like or semblance. With utmost love, harmony and unity, arise for the Cause of the Lord of creation. Where are they who worshipped idols and cast aside the All-Merciful? And where are they who built palaces and gardens yet turned away from God, the Lord of the worlds? All that is witnessed today shall ere long return to nothingness and naught shall remain for anyone save that which hath been revealed by the Supreme Pen concerning him and recorded in God’s Book. Hold fast unto the Book of God, then act according to that which hath been sent down therein from One Who is All-Knowing, All-Informed.

Through the Supreme Grace, all the people of that land have been blessed with divine favors and their mention hath appeared from the Supreme Pen. How beloved it would be if the friends of God in that land would consider these exalted words in every city, nay in every week, nay rather every day, and recite them.

Concerning the question about this blessed verse—His words, exalted be His grandeur: “Recite ye the verses of God morning and evening”—the intention hath been and shall be all that hath been revealed from the Kingdom of Utterance. This is what the Desired One hath decreed. O Zayn! The greatest condition is the inclination and love of holy souls for the recitation of verses. If one verse, or even one word, be recited with spirit and joy, it is better than reading numerous books.

The fourth star hath shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of your favors. When I received it, I presented it before His presence. He, exalted be His grandeur, said: O servant present! That which hath been sent from the Kingdom of Divine Revelation to Jinab-i-Zayn, upon him be My glory, hath nearly equaled that which was sent down from the heaven of the Divine Will upon the Messengers. He must praise God and thank Him throughout the duration of the Kingdom and the heavenly Dominion.

Concerning what you wrote about Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Javad of Nur, it was submitted, and this is what God revealed in response:

“He attained the mention of God and His presence while in Baghdad. We heard his mention and his call, and the call of his brother, time and again, and We answered them and those who believed, in such wise that their names shall endure through the endurance of My Most Beautiful Names. Verily their Lord, the All-Merciful, is the All-Remembering, the All-Wise. Give them the glad-tidings of My favor, time and again. By My life, O Zayn, the rain of thy Lord’s mercy hath poured forth from the heaven of grace in such measure that those who count are powerless to reckon it. Blessed is he who hath attained unto these days and found their fragrance and arose to serve Him Who hath appeared therein, Who speaketh at all times: ʿThe Kingdom belongeth unto God, the Lord of all worlds.’ We, from this station, send Our greetings upon them both and upon the faces of My loved ones there, and We counsel them to be steadfast in this mighty Cause. Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

And concerning what you wrote about Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Sadiq of Hamadan having written that Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-ʿAli requests not to be forgotten when petitions are being made—when this was submitted, He smiled and said:

“We have mentioned them both, and all the companions of that land have been honored with the mention of the Lord of the Throne. It is for Us to mention them and guide them and ordain for them what befitteth the favor of their Lord and the grace of their Master, and it is for them to remain steadfast in this Cause whereby every idol hath wailed, every false god hath cried out, and every discerning believer hath attained.”

We praise God that the fifth star hath shone forth and appeared from the horizon of the heaven of your bounties. When I attained unto it, I turned my face to the face of the Beloved and submitted its contents before the Throne. Thereupon the Tongue of Grandeur spoke, and exalted be His glory:

“Blessed art thou for having entrusted thy affairs to God and relied upon Him in all matters. We have heard thy call and the yearning of thy heart in the love of God, the Mighty, the Loving. Blessed art thou for having heard and responded and remained faithful to God’s Covenant, the King of Kings. All this is from His grace upon thee. Verily He caused thee to hear and drew thee nigh and enabled thee to witness and know and aided thee and assisted thee in this blessed and ordained Cause.”

This evanescent one submits that the fifth letter, which was the last of your letters dated the fourth night of Shawwal, arrived and brought comfort and bestowed bounty, brought fruits of meaning and removed the weariness of existence, for it was blessed with two bounties: one was your mention, and the other the portrait of the blessed Person of the Name of God “H”—upon him be all the most glorious glory and all the most resplendent light. Would that I had been with him and attained what he attained! In truth, this regret has not left my heart and never will, and to make up for it is most difficult. We shall see what God, exalted and mighty be He, willeth and ordaineth. Verily He is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

Concerning what you wrote about the letters, praise be to God, the missives from Ibn-i-Ism’ullah’ul-Asdaq and Mirza Asadu’llah, upon them be the glory of God, arrived. Their letters from the land of Kha have also arrived. Praise be to God, they are successful in praising the Truth, mentioning the Truth, and serving the Truth. I beseech the Most High to assist them in that which will exalt His Cause among His servants and protect them from the evil of His enemies who have cast the Book behind their backs and taken vain imaginings as lords besides God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. God willing, in these days the responses to their letters and petitions which have been submitted to the Most Holy Court will be sent. Verily our Lord, the Most Merciful, is the Bestower, the Answerer.

And concerning what you wrote about Aqa Muhammad-Baqir, upon him be the glory of God, mentioning the matter of Aqa Mirza Ayyub and Hakim Aqajan, upon them be the glory of God, and the occurrence of a wondrous event, and the request that it be submitted to the Most Holy Court—it was submitted. He smiled and mentioned them all in words that this servant is unable to retain and convey. Then He said:

“Blessed are they, for they have done in the path of God what they were commanded in a Book that proclaims throughout the world that there is no God but Him, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. We make mention of them in this station that they may rejoice in the favors of their Lord, the Generous. O My loved ones in that land! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One, Who hath borne in God’s path what no one among His servants hath borne. He hath turned unto you and speaketh unto you that which was raised up on the Mount from the Tree: ʿVerily there is no God but Me, the Mighty, the Bestower. O Letter of Ba, rejoice in that thou hast been mentioned by My Most Exalted Pen time and again, then thank thy Lord, the Lord of the Final End.

And We make mention of Ayyub who traversed land and sea until he entered the prison and attained the presence of God, the Lord of Lords. O Pen! Make mention of him who was named Aqajan, who hath done in God’s path that which caused the Lord of Eternity to rejoice in the most exalted station. We give glad tidings to all of God’s grace and His mercy that hath preceded all existence. O concourse of the wise ones in that land! By the life of God, ye have attained unto that which nothing in creation can equal, as doth testify He Who is the Lord of Names. He is verily the Mighty, the All-Knowing. We counsel you to remain steadfast in the Greater Steadfastness. The world shall pass away, and sovereignty shall remain with God, the One, the Chosen.”’

It is submitted that some time ago a letter arrived from Mirza Haydar-ʿAli, upon him be the glory of God, and he had made mention of the friends of God, especially mentioning Aqa Yehuda and his young child. It was submitted to the Most Holy Court. Limitless favors were shown toward them. We beseech the True One to assist all to achieve that which He loves and is pleased with. And these wondrous and exalted verses were specifically revealed for the son. His word, exalted be His grandeur:

“O young in years, O great in station! Thou hast attained in thy youth to a station wherein the Lord of all beings maketh mention of thee. Blessed art thou, and blessed is he who hath heard thy prayers, and blessed is thy father who hath attained unto the recognition of God, the King, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.”

Say:

O my Lord, my Master, my God and my Creator! I beseech the ocean of Thy bounty to water this tender plant in the garden of Thy love with the living waters of immortality, and protect it from the autumn winds. Thou art the Powerful, Thou art the All-Knowing. O my God, I have turned to Thee, I make mention of Thee, and through the blessing of Thy Name I am detached from all else but Thee. O God, we gaze toward Thee and seek from Thee. Manifest through us that which is worthy of Thee and Thy days. Thou art the Bestower, the Bountiful.

God willing, may all be illumined and radiant from the Sun of favor that hath dawned from the horizon of grace. O beloved of my heart! Reflect upon the favors of the Beloved of the worlds. This servant beseecheth his Lord to enable all to recognize that from which they have been debarred and to aid them to recognize the Dawning-Place of His verses and the Source of His inspiration.

The mention of the honored guest, upon her be the Glory of God, was in that holy missive and was presented before the Throne. He said:

“God willing, may she abide beneath the shade of the One Friend, make mention of the One Friend, and be engaged in service to the One Friend.”

And the dwellers of the pavilion of sanctity and grandeur showed loving-kindness toward her.

Likewise, mention was made of the sister of Aqa Muhammad-Rida along with her verses. He said:

“My mercy precedeth My wrath. She is among the handmaidens who was made captive in God’s path and afflicted with the hardship of exile. With these two bounties she was and will be deserving of generosity and munificence. Verily, He is the Forgiving, the Generous.”

O Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin! We make mention of Our loved ones in that land who have cast away idle fancies and taken hold of that which they were commanded by God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Give them the glad-tidings of My remembrance of them and remind them of what hath been sent down from One Who is All-Knowing, All-Informed. We counsel them to act with rectitude and command them to that whereby the Cause of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy, may be exalted. O My loved ones! Preserve your stations through My Name, the Powerful, the Mighty. The call of the All-Merciful hath been raised, and behind it is the cry of Satan. Shun it and be of those who are steadfast. Blessed is he who hath attained to the knowledge of God and steadfastness in His Cause. He is among the most exalted of creation in the Preserved Tablet. Thus have We adorned the horizon of the world with the sun of knowledge and the Most Great Ocean with the Ark of the utterance of your Lord, the Strong, the Trustworthy. The Glory be upon thee and upon them and upon My loved ones who are not deterred in God’s path by the blame of the blamers. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

O Zayn! We bear witness that thou hast fulfilled thy covenant and hast mentioned in every one of thy letters Our Most Truthful Servant who hath attained to pure servitude unto God, the Lord of the worlds.

The hope of this evanescent servant is that you will remember each one of the respected gentlemen and friends of Truth who are in that land with the remembrance of this evanescent one’s nothingness and annihilation, and likewise the steadfast women who are there, including the honored guest and others, upon her and upon them be 95 [Baha’u’llah]. God willing, may all be mindful and remembered.

The Glory of God be upon your honor and upon those with you, female and male, young and old.

The servant, 16th of Dhi’l-Hijjih 1297

BH00963: Praise be to God Who hath caused us…

In the name of our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Mighty, the Most Great, the Most Glorious

Praise be to God Who hath caused us to hear the decisive utterance, revealed unto us the Book, made manifest unto us the mystery of the beginning and the end, and guided us to the straight path. I pray and offer salutations and glorification unto those who have cast away vain imaginings, taken hold of the divine ordinances, and arisen to aid the Cause of their Lord, the Master of all beings, Who hath appeared in these days. These are servants through whom the mystery of divine unity hath been revealed, the horizon of steadfastness hath shone forth, and the nightingale hath warbled upon the twigs of the Divine Lote-Tree. Verily, there is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Bestower.

Glorified art Thou, O Lord of Names, Creator of the heavens, Who hast appeared in the kingdom of creation and hast dawned from the Most Exalted Horizon! Thou knowest and seest that this servant findeth himself powerless to make mention of those who have turned towards Thee with radiant faces and have witnessed in Thy love that which hath caused the denizens of the Supreme Paradise and the dwellers of the Kingdom of Names to lament. I beseech Thee, O my God, to ordain for them every good thing recorded by the Pen in the Most Great Tablet. Then write for them that which will honor them with the supreme martyrdom before their spirits ascend unto Thee. Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent over what Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the Mighty, the Bestower.

And now, O beloved of my heart, I have attained to thy letter which thou didst send from Ha and Mim, wherein thou didst recall the days when thou wert in the Most Great Prison, thy presence before the Countenance, and thy hearkening to the call of our Beloved and thy Beloved and the Beloved of all who are in the heavens and the earth. After I read and understood its contents, I approached the Presence and presented that which was therein before the Throne. When this was completed, the Ancient Countenance turned toward me and said:

“O thou servant who art present! Take the Tablet and the Pen.”

When I took them, there were revealed from the heaven of His Will, for each of the names thou didst mention in thy letter, verses that cannot be equaled by the treasures of earth nor by the riches of heaven. Exalted is this great bounty, this supreme gift, and this greatest mercy! This servant beseecheth his Lord that He may enable him and thee to serve the Cause with spirit and fragrance at all times. Verily, He is the One, the Mighty, the Bestower.

It is submitted: after the arrival of thy blessed letter, and its presentation before the appointed Gate, wondrous and invincible verses were revealed for each of the aforesaid souls and were dispatched. They should be delivered in accordance with wisdom—that is, when signs of receptivity are perceived in the souls, even though it be but in some measure; and thereafter they may be given. We beseech the True One that He deprive not the peoples of the ocean of His bounty. Verily He is the munificent Bestower.

Two Tablets—of those specially addressed to the honoured Naddaf—upon them be [the glory of] Baha’u’llah—have been revealed. Send them without delay. And as to what thou didst write, that they have covenanted to live in utmost contentment and to forward the remainder to the Most Holy Presence: this matter was submitted. He said:

“Let them pursue the path of moderation; let them not lay hardships upon themselves. We love that they should dwell in a life well-pleased. And if they desire to send anything, let them convey it to the Mother of the Haram; it shall be accepted.”

From before also, whatsoever they have thus far given hath been presented by the Mother of the Haram. End of quotation.

And as to what they wrote concerning the loved ones of God in the land of H-M, it was submitted. In reply, His Holiness, the Name of God, Zayn al-Muqarrabin—upon him be the manifold glory of Baha—hath mentioned all, and, in accordance with command, will send [the Tablets] to that land. It is likewise possible that they may again attain unto wondrous and invincible Tablets. He hath made particular mention of that child: blessed is he, and blessed his father.

Another matter: some days ago this servant submitted a lengthy epistle to the presence of the Name of God, Jamal—upon him be the glory of Baha’u’llah—and likewise to the presence of Mulla Ali-Akbar—upon him be the glory of Baha’u’llah—and likewise to Aqa Siyyid Abu-Talib, and to Ibn Attar—upon them be the glory of Baha’u’llah. God willing, it hath reached them.

Another matter: for a long time the mention of Jenab Ḏhabih—upon him be the glory of Baha’u’llah—hath not been seen in the blessed letters of the loved ones of God. The request is that thou meet with him, and convey to him, from this lowly one, an acclamation wondrous and invincible. Say: Such is thy burning, thy longing, thy attraction and rapture, thy love and devotion, thy passion and ardour, thy bewilderment and thy consuming flame for God, the Lord of the worlds.

Though this servant is assured that all which hath been mentioned is indeed present within thee, yet, inasmuch as for many a day ear and eye have not been blessed to hear thy words and behold thy countenance, these lines have been set down.

Another submission is that according to the command, several souls who are adorned with the ornament of trustworthiness, religiosity, and contentment, and who possess eloquence and utterance, should turn to various regions and with perfect wisdom engage in teaching the Cause. Tablets have been revealed to such an extent that it is impossible to enumerate them. From the Persian and Arabic, whatever is suitable for these days should be gathered and the divine words should be imparted according to the requirements of the station and the souls. God willing, may the warmth of assured souls dispel the coldness and frigidity of heedless souls.

Another submission is that in these days this servant has written some of the blessed Tablets according to the command, as at certain times the Most Exalted Branch—may my spirit, my being, and my essence be sacrificed for the dust of His footsteps—was not present. We beseech and hope from God, exalted be His glory, that your honor be assisted in the mention of the Truth, the praise of the Truth, and the teaching of the Cause of Truth, so that through it every seated one may arise, every silent one may speak, every turning away one may accept, every blind one may see, every tongue-tied one may talk, every lame one may walk, every agitated one may be assured, every doubting one may become certain, and every wavering one may become steadfast. Verily, He is the Protector of whosoever turns to Him and the Answerer of every submissive, humble, and repentant petitioner.

All those circumambulating the Throne convey greetings to your honor, and likewise the Branches of the Divine Lote-Tree—may my spirit and the spirits of all the world be sacrificed for them—remember your honor with the most wondrous, most impregnable, and most glorious mention. Glory be upon you and upon those who are with you among the loved ones of God in that place.

The servant, 15 Dhi’l-Hijjih 1297

The number of revealed Tablets sent is twenty-one. God willing, may all attain unto them.

BH02053: This is a Book which the All-Merciful hath sent…

He is the Dawning from the Horizon of Revelation

This is a Book which the All-Merciful hath sent down to those who have turned unto Him in the land named Farahan, that they may rejoice in the remembrance of God, the Lord of the worlds. O My loved ones in that place! Hearken unto My call from the direction of My prison. He mentioneth you through that which God hath made as wings for those near unto Him, that they may soar in this holy atmosphere from whose birds’ wings can be heard the cry: “There is none other God but Me, the Forgiving, the Generous.”

The ocean of tribulation hath surged through that which the hands of the wretched ones have wrought—they who followed every ignorant impostor and turned away from the Creator of all things when He came with manifest sovereignty. We have seen in the path of God what no eye hath seen and heard what no ear of creation hath heard. To this testifieth He Who created all former and latter generations with a word from His presence. Blessed are ye for having cast away vain imaginings and taken hold of that which ye were commanded by God, the Mighty, the Wise.

Take hold of the Book of God with the power granted by Us, then act according to what hath been sent down therein from My Most Exalted Pen. Thus doth the Lord of Names command you as He walketh in this exalted Prison. Beware lest the whisperings of those who have disbelieved in God, the Lord of the Day of Judgment, hold you back. The evil ones lie in wait, clinging to every stratagem. Avoid them, O people of Baha, and put your trust in God, the One, the All-Informed.

The rivers have flowed, the winds have blown, the mountains have passed away, and the branches have been scattered, yet the people remain in strange slumber. The call hath been raised between earth and heaven and the world hath been illumined by the lights of the Revelation, yet the people remain in evident delusion. They have forsaken their God and taken Satan as their protector instead of God. Thus was it decreed aforetime and in this Revelation wherein all things have spoken when it appeared.

The Beloved of the world hath come and that which was recorded in the Scriptures of God, the Mighty, the Great, hath been manifested. This is the Day wherein the Kingdom of Utterance hath appeared and wherein the tongue of the All-Merciful speaketh that which hath caused the hearts of the sincere ones to soar. Hold fast, O My loved ones, to the cord of the mercy of your Lord, and cling to the hem of God’s grace, the Sovereign of this resplendent Day. Take the chalice of salvation in the name of the Cleaver of the Dawn, then drink therefrom with His remembrance whereby the believers have hastened to the Supreme Horizon and those near unto God to the Dawning-Place of Names. Thus doth the Creator of heaven remember you from this remote prison.

When ye find the fragrances of My utterance and drink the choice wine of My bounty, turn your faces toward My horizon and say:

O Thou Who art the Object of worship of the world and the Beloved of the nations! We beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst once appear in the form of the Balance in creation, and at another time in the temple of Revelation when the Lord of Resurrection appeared, and at another time in the image of “There is none other God but He,” and at another time in the form of “Verily I am God, there is none other God but Me, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise”—to assist us in that which Thou lovest and art pleased with, and to grant us the Kawthar of steadfastness wherewith Thou didst counsel Thy chosen servants in Thy Books and Scriptures. O Lord! We are Thy servants and the children of Thy servants. We have turned toward the heaven of Thy bounty and the ocean of Thy bestowals. We beseech Thee not to disappoint us from that which we desire from the wonders of Thy supreme mercy. Thou art verily the Almighty over what Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the All-Praised.

BH02153: The Day hath come wherein the sky bringeth forth…

In the name of the Desire of the world

The Day hath come wherein the sky bringeth forth manifest smoke, and the Day hath come wherein the mountains move as clouds move, and every mighty trustworthy one is shaken. O Husayn! Hearken unto the call of the wronged Husayn, Who from the direction of the Most Great Prison summoneth thee unto the Truth. Listen with the ear of thy soul to the call of the divine Summoner. If thou attainest unto it but once, it will draw thee to such a station that thou wilt find thyself detached from the world and all who dwell therein, and with loudest voice thou wilt engage in the praise of the Friend amidst the righteous ones.

This is the Revelation concerning which the Point of the Bayan hath said: “Beware, beware lest that which is in the Bayan prevent thee,” and in another place He saith: “Beware, beware lest thou be veiled by what hath been revealed in the Bayan.” This is the Day the attainment of which all the Prophets and Messengers beseeched of God and yearned after. Look thou into the books of old that thou mayest discover what hath been concealed from thee. I am unto thee a faithful counselor.

With the tongue of thy soul call out to the Beloved of all creation and say: O my God, and my Master, and my Friend, and the Beloved of my soul and my spirit! How can I ever render thanks unto Thee? I was submerged in the ocean of heedlessness and ignorance when the tongue of Thy grace called out to me and the hand of Thy bounty seized me. O my Lord! My heedlessness reached such a point that it deprived me of the sweet waters of certitude and guided me to the bitter waters of idle fancies. I became forgetful of Thy remembrance, yet Thou didst not forget me. I grew cold in my love for Thee, yet the fire of Thy loving-kindness remained ablaze. With what countenance shall I turn toward Thee, and with what tongue shall I call upon Thee? Shame and remorse have overtaken me and made me despair from every direction.

But O my Lord, my Goal and my Master! I have heard that Thou hast declared that if today anyone should but once sincerely say “Show me,” from the Kingdom of Utterance he would hear “Look and thou shalt see Me.” From this blessed and exalted word the station of this Day is clear and evident. Thou hast likewise declared that if from the beginning that hath no beginning someone had been deprived of all good deeds, today it would be possible to make up for them, inasmuch as the ocean of forgiveness hath appeared in the contingent world and the heaven of bounty is upraised. I beseech Thee by the sanctity of this blessed Day, which is the source and dawning-point of all days, to make me successful in that which pleaseth Thee and to adorn me with the ornament of Thy acceptance. O Lord! I am the poor one, and with Thee is the ocean of wealth. I am the ignorant one, and with Thee are the treasuries of knowledge and wisdom. I am the remote one, and verily Thou art the All-Powerful, the Most Exalted, the Near One.

If thou art successful in reciting that which hath been mentioned, assuredly thou shalt not be deprived of the outpourings of the Sun of inner meanings. This is the Sun of divine counsel that hath shone forth from the horizon of the Kingdom of Utterance. Blessed is he who hath heard and hath said: “Praise be unto Thee, O God of the worlds!”

BH02177: O Sulayman! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged…

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

O Sulayman! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One. He summoneth thee from the Most Great Prison, purely for the sake of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. He is the One Who hath summoned all unto God—among the people some have turned towards Him and others have turned away. Verily thy Lord is the Truth, the Knower of things unseen. The signs of every learned one have not hindered Him, nor hath the might of any heedless one weakened Him. He hath spoken and continueth to speak that which He hath been commanded by God, the Mighty, the Loving.

Reflect upon the people and their deeds. Say: Come ye! By what proof did ye believe in your Most Exalted Lord, and by what cause did ye turn away from this Revelation, at whose appearance the Supreme Pen proclaimed:

“The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the Sovereign of the seen and the unseen!”

Say: Have ye not witnessed God’s proof and His testimony? Have ye not heard His verses that have encompassed existence? Say: O people! Be fair for God’s sake and speak with pure truth—who is it that standeth amidst enemies proclaiming with the most exalted call between earth and heaven? And who is it that hath borne hardships in days when the limbs of the mighty trembled before the might of those who were heedless of God, the Sovereign of Kings?

O Sulayman! We speak in the Persian tongue so that every soul may find the purpose and perchance partake of a drop from the Kawthar of the All-Merciful’s utterance. I swear by God’s Balance set up amongst men that this Wronged One hath never had, nor shall ever have, any purpose of His own. He who recognizeth the evanescence of the world and all therein turneth not unto it, and he who witnesseth its changeability and transience reposeth not his trust in it. God is My witness that I speak for His sake alone, that in these divine days none may remain deprived.

Purify thine ear from the sayings of the people of earth that thou mayest attain to hearing the divine Word, and turn thine eye away from the varied colors of the world that thou mayest attain to the presence of the Eternal Lord. Accept not every speaker’s word and be not assured by every doer’s deed. Many a deed whose source is desire, and many a word whose purpose is to lead astray. God willing, thou shalt attain to true discernment, that thou mayest distinguish the sweetness of the Salsabil of utterance from aught else, and differentiate between the seeker of guidance and the croaker of passion.

We beseech God to aid all to perform pure and holy deeds and to manifest praiseworthy character. In every matter reflect and observe with fairness. Then shall appear unto thee what thy Lord, the Lord of the heavens and earth, hath purposed. To this testifieth every one who hath attained to My sealed wine on this blessed and manifest Day.

Arise in the name of Truth, rend asunder all veils and coverings, and say: O people! I have cast away what was with me and taken what I was commanded by One mighty and powerful. Assuredly this word shall prove effective and influential. Thus doth inform thee He with Whom is the Great Book. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH02296: O Ibrahim! Hearken unto the call of the Friend…

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

O Ibrahim! Hearken unto the call of the Friend who calleth thee from this Valley which hath been named the Noble in the Book of God, the Lord of all worlds. He maketh mention of thee as a token of His grace, that thou mayest arise to compensate for that which hath escaped thee in the days of God, the Mighty, the Wise. Reflect upon that which hath been revealed in truth, and say:

“I beseech Thee, O Creator of heaven and Possessor of all names, by Thy Name through which Thou hast subdued all things, to enable me to recognize that which hath remained hidden from the learned ones of the land and the mystics of Thy realm. O my Lord! I am he whom Thou didst cause to hear Thy most sweet call when it was raised from the direction of Thy most exalted horizon, yet the veils have prevented me from turning wholly unto Thee, and thereby have I been debarred from the Salsabil of Thy utterance and the Kawthar of Thy knowledge. My God, my God! Thy grace is my hope and Thy forgiveness my desire and aspiration. I beseech Thee by the Sun of Thy generosity and the Ocean of Thy bounty to aid me in that which Thou lovest and art pleased with. Verily Thou art the Almighty over whatsoever Thou willest, and in Thy grasp are the reins of all created things. There is none other God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Generous.”

O Ibrahim! If thou hadst but once called out, detached from all else, thou wouldst surely have heard the answer. Today the heaven of bounty is raised high and the pavilion of divine glory is pitched. Assuredly, should anyone turn to it as befitteth, he shall not be deprived. I counsel thee with that which God, exalted be His glory, hath counseled His servants in all Books: Cast aside all that preventeth thee from recognizing God and His Cause. O Ibrahim! Cast thyself down, then turn with thy heart to the horizon whereby the faces of the sincere were illumined. This is a Day whose station hath been mentioned and recorded in all Books. If anyone misseth aught therein, he shall never be able to compensate for it. Turn away from creation that thou mayest behold the countenance of thy Beloved after the passing away of all things. By God! The Cause is mighty, mighty indeed. And he who remembereth thee purely for God’s sake is indeed a sincere counselor.

Strive that the clay fragments of the world deprive thee not of the flowers of inner meanings. Strange it is that none hath become aware of the root of this Cause, and that which hath appeared among the people concerning this station hath been for a wisdom none knoweth save the All-Informed. Nevertheless most have remained veiled and heedless thereof.

Say: O servants! The darkness of your deeds hath encompassed the world. Strive that ye may attain unto the true light. Verily words cannot take the place of deeds. Hold fast unto goodly and pleasing actions, and purify yourselves from the defilement of divine prohibitions that ye may attain unto true rest. By My life! I speak not from mere desire. He who hath attained unto fairness in the kingdom of creation beareth witness unto this. And peace be upon him who followeth guidance and reflecteth upon matters and taketh hold of that which draweth him nigh unto the Straight Path.

BH02412: The Most Exalted Pen makes mention of His friends…

In the Name of the one true God!

The Most Exalted Pen makes mention of His friends with utmost loving-kindness and tenderness, and counsels them regarding that which today conduces to the exaltation and elevation of human station, that perchance the fragrance of unity may be diffused throughout the world and eliminate the odors of discord which are the cause and origin of corruption. He is the Powerful, He is the Mighty. Through a single word He brought the world from nothingness into being, and through another word, should He so will, He would cause it to return. He is the One to Whose power all created things have testified and before Whose grandeur all beings have bowed down in prostration.

God willing, may all the friends unite and agree upon the word of the All-Merciful, and strive day and night to manifest such deeds as would cause all who dwell on earth to turn towards the Faith. I swear by the peerless Pearl of the ocean of utterance that a righteous deed is, in itself, a teacher of God’s Cause. Exert yourselves to act in accordance with what hath been sent down from the Most Exalted Pen in the Book. Blessed is he who hath attained unto the utterance of the All-Merciful and acted according to what is commanded in the Great Book.

Regard this opportunity as precious and know ye the value of this divine Day. By the life of God! It hath had no like, nor will it ever have one. Let not might and power and wealth hold you back from the truth. Consider the generations of old and reflect upon what transpired in those days. Where is their might and their princes, where their power and dominion, where their hosts and their armies? God hath caused them to return to their graves and made them a lesson for His loved ones and chosen ones. He, verily, is the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Ere long all that is seen shall perish and vanish away. Hold fast unto that which shall endure for you throughout the sovereignty of earth and heaven. God willing, may ye be set ablaze by the fire of God’s love with such intensity that the seas of the world shall neither prevent nor extinguish it. He verily…

…the fragrance of His bounty after We had withheld it, in accordance with Our wisdom. Thy Lord, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Be not grieved by the diverse conditions of the world. By My life! Ere long all shall perish and return to dust. Hold fast unto that which shall endure for thee through His Name, the Ever-Abiding, the Eternal, the Mighty, the All-Wise. Soon shall the lights of the Cause encompass the world, though now faces are turned towards infidelity. Yet for this a time hath been fixed. When it is fulfilled, that which is recorded in God’s Books shall be purified, the Lord of all worlds.

Should thou meet someone and find them receptive, convey to them the greetings of this Wronged One. The glory be upon thee and upon thy son and thy family who have ascended unto God, and upon her who is with thee and upon the handmaidens who have believed in God, the Lord of all worlds.