Volume 066: Akka 1299 A.H. (1881–1882), Part I (5 of 6)
BH02078: Praise be to God alone, and blessings upon Him…
Praise be to God alone, and blessings upon Him after Whom there shall be no Prophet. Praise be to God! The Light of Batha attracted many souls to the Name of God, glorified be His majesty, and enabled them to make pilgrimage to the House. The lovers from all regions, intoxicated by the blessed words “And a proclamation from God and His Messenger to all people on the day of the Greater Pilgrimage”, turned with their whole being toward the direction of the Beloved. They attained the circumambulation of the House, visitation of the Stone, the running between Safa and Marwa, and the rites which whisper in the pure ear “Forget not the people of God.” Praise be to Him, again praise be to Him, to the number of leaves and grains of sand, and to a number which cannot be counted by those who count.
My spirit be a sacrifice for your honor. This evanescent servant attained the honor of seeing your noble handwriting, and whatever was written therein was presented before the Countenance. They said:
“Today the manifest religion has been weakened by the assault of the ungodly and the heedlessness of its people. It is incumbent upon steadfast, firm, well-grounded and content souls who are detached from all save God and are gazing toward and turned to the Most Exalted Horizon to supplicate God, glorified be His majesty, at all times for the protection of the manifest religion and to beseech the elevation of its station. Verily He originates and causes return, and He is the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.”
Regarding what was written about Darvish Muhammad, permission has been granted. God willing, they may enter and after staying a few days return. And regarding what you wrote about the Prisoner (upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah]), God willing may they be confirmed. Regarding what was written that they recite the Qur’an, I beseech God, glorified be His majesty, that all on earth may attain this most great bounty. Regarding what you wrote about Sa’id (upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah]) and the request for a name for the newborn—may God bless—he has been named by the Beloved as Amanu’llah. Further, the two packets sent have arrived. God willing, it is hoped that an answer will be written later.
O beloved of my heart! Work is abundant and time is short. The Command is in the hand of God, the Mighty, the Beautiful. Convey greetings and salutations to the beloved friend Nasir (upon him be 9 [Baha] the Most Merciful). God willing may he be confirmed and assisted. Today which is Thursday morning that honored one Aqa Muhammad-Ibrahim (upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah]) was present before the Countenance especially mentioning Nasir. Happy is he!
O apple of my heart’s eye! Convey greetings and salutations to Husayn Effendi (upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah]) and those with him. This servant intended to go to Arab Iraq, that is, to submit a petition in eloquent language to that Beloved. At one point it was observed that he had emerged from Persian Iraq. The Command belongs to God, the Ancient. This too was due to lack of time and extreme haste. If the petition submitted to that honored one, the name of whose bounty is upon him from all the Most Glorious Splendor, is observed, it will become clear to what degree work is pressing and how little time there is. Again the Command belongs to God, the One, the Unconstrained.
The servant. 16 Safar 1299.
BH01748: Praise be to God Who hath raised His House…
He is God, exalted and mighty is He
Praise be to God Who hath raised His House to such a station that the Concourse on High and the denizens of the Kingdom of Names have circumambulated it, and hath made it the point of adoration for the world and the sanctuary round which the peoples circle. Glorified is He Who hath, through the Word of His command, so attracted His servants that they hastened from every region, district and land, and neither the yellow wind nor crimson death prevented them from reaching the Most Great House of God. These are servants who have remained faithful to God’s Covenant and His Testament, and have acted in accordance with what was enjoined upon them in His Book. And I pray and send greetings upon the Sovereign of existence and Lord of all that is seen, through Whom the horizon of the world was illumined and knowledge and wisdom were made manifest, and upon His family and companions who moved not except by His command and His will, and spoke not until after His leave.
And furthermore, for some time this evanescent servant hath desired to make mention of you and send an expression of sincere regard, even if by pen, since no other messenger is now available. Therefore he hath troubled you with these few words. God willing, may you be ever speaking in remembrance of God and standing firm in your love for the Prophets, the chosen ones, and the pure ones. This evanescent servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, to assist you and make you a recipient of His outpourings and blessings. Verily He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth.
His honor Aqa Muhammad-ʿAli always maketh mention of you. A few days ago what you had sent for the blessed garment arrived. Surely his honor himself will write the details to you. They have also written a letter to this evanescent one from the Green Land. God willing, a response will be sent next time for you to deliver. The purpose of what hath been and is mentioned is that through the key of utterance the doors of hearts may be unlocked and the life-giving breeze may waft from the direction of God’s loving-kindness, exalted be His glory, that hearts and spirits may be refreshed by that sweet spiritual breath. God, exalted be His glory, hath made the pen a translator in such wise that it may express and convey the love that dwelleth in the hearts and souls of the friends.
In truth it is a great sign, if properly considered. The connection of the world dependeth upon it. It is the harbinger, the herald, the interpreter, and the one who maketh known. If they deny it not, it may be said that he who possesseth hearing perceiveth its lamentation and cry. It is the cup-bearer of the wine of love and the manifestation of affection and fellowship. The divine Books have appeared through it and their mysteries are inscribed by it. Exalted is He Who hath favored it with that which the writer and His creation are powerless to describe, and taught it and made known to it what He desired. Verily He is the One Who is sought in the beginning and in the end. There is none other God but Him, the Lord of all creation.
Praise be to God that mention of you hath been and is before the Friend, and this sufficeth you. And the Lord of humanity, the Lord of the throne and earth, and the Lord of the hereafter and this world requesteth that you convey greetings and praise from this evanescent one to the friends—may the Glory of God rest upon them. God willing, may they at all times drink from the fountain of remembrance and receive their portion from the ocean of utterance. This is that which profiteth and forsaketh not its companion. That which cometh after is different, and tomorrow is another day. The Friend saith:
Dead are they in this gathering on the path of the Friend, O Messiah of the age, breathe forth then a warming breath!
Peace, praise and glory be upon you and upon those whom this world hath not prevented from the remembrance of God, the Lord of the worlds.
BH06509: Praise be to the Sovereign All-Powerful Who is worthy…
He is God, exalted be His glory, the Most Great.
Praise be to the Sovereign All-Powerful Who is worthy and deserving, for in all His laws and commandments the purpose hath been the elevation of souls and their attainment unto their ultimate goal. Through His Most Exalted Word He hath adorned all things from sheer nothingness with the ornament of existence, and through another word He hath so attracted the hearts and minds of those who are ready that through the flame of their ardent longing the very essence of the lovers hath been set ablaze. Exalted, exalted is He Who hath manifested what He desired! Then He made it appear so that the station of nearness might become manifest and elevated, and His grace might be known and evident to all the peoples of the world. He bestowed thirst that the blessing of water might be made apparent. He granted illness that He might draw His loved ones unto Himself and they might know the value of health. He caused need that existence might be weighed in the balance of wisdom. In all conditions the friends of God are engaged in praise and thanksgiving and glorification, despite those who have turned away and objected without any proof or Book….
BH00140: Lawh-i-Maqsud
Section 1: “A praise which is exalted above every mention…”
He is God, exalted is He, the Lord of Majesty and Power
A praise which is exalted above every mention or description beseemeth the Adored One, the Possessor of all things visible and invisible, Who hath enabled the Primal Point to reveal countless Books and Epistles and Who, through the potency of His sublime Word, hath called into being the entire creation, whether of the former or more recent generations. Moreover He hath in every age and cycle, in conformity with His transcendent wisdom, sent forth a divine Messenger to revive the dispirited and despondent souls with the living waters of His utterance, One Who is indeed the Expounder, the true Interpreter, inasmuch as man is unable to comprehend that which hath streamed forth from the Pen of Glory and is recorded in His heavenly Books. Men at all times and under all conditions stand in need of one to exhort them, guide them and to instruct and teach them. Therefore He hath sent forth His Messengers, His Prophets and chosen ones that they might acquaint the people with the divine purpose underlying the revelation of Books and the raising up of Messengers, and that every- one may become aware of the trust of God which is latent in the reality of every soul.
Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom. If any man were to meditate on that which the Scriptures, sent down from the heaven of God’s holy Will, have revealed, he would readily recognize that their purpose is that all men shall be regarded as one soul, so that the seal bearing the words The Kingdom shall be God’s’ may be stamped on every heart, and the light of Divine bounty, of grace, and mercy may envelop all mankind.
The One true God, exalted be His glory, hath wished nothing for Himself. The allegiance of mankind profiteth Him not, neither doth its perversity harm Him. The Bird of the Realm of Utterance voiceth continually this call: All things have I willed for thee, and thee, too, for thine own sake’. If the learned and worldly-wise men of this age were to allow mankind to inhale the fragrance of fellowship and love, every understanding heart would apprehend the meaning of true liberty, and discover the secret of undisturbed peace and absolute composure. Were the earth to attain this station and be illumined with its light it could then be truly said of it: ʿThou shall see in it no hollows or rising hills.’
Blessing and peace be upon Him through Whose advent Batha is wreathed in smiles, and the sweet savours of Whose raiment have shed fragrance upon all mankind—He Who came to protect men from that which would harm them in the world below. Exalted, immensely exalted is His station above the glorification of all beings and sanctified from the praise of the entire creation. Through His advent the tabernacle of stability and order was raised throughout the world and the ensign of knowledge hoisted among the nations. May blessings rest also upon His kindred and His companions through whom the standard of the unity of God and His singleness was uplifted and the banners of celestial triumph were unfurled. Through them the religion of God was firmly established among His creatures and His Name magnified amidst His servants. I entreat Him—exalted is He—to shield His Faith from the mischief of His enemies who tore away the veils, rent them asunder and finally caused the banner of Islam to be reversed amongst all peoples.
Thy letter from which the fragrance of reunion was inhaled hath been received. Praised be God that following the firm decree of separation, the breeze of nearness and communion hath been stirred and the soil of the hearts is refreshed with the waters of joy and gladness. We offer thanksgiving unto God in all circumstances and cherish the hope that He—exalted be His glory—may through His gracious providence guide all who dwell on earth towards that which is acceptable and pleasing unto Him.
Behold the disturbances which, for many a long year, have afflicted the earth, and the perturbation that hath seized its peoples. It hath either been ravaged by war, or tormented by sudden and unforeseen calamities. Though the world is encompassed with misery and distress, yet no man hath paused to reflect what the cause or source of that may be. Whenever the True Counsellor uttered a word in admonishment, lo, they all denounced Him as a mover of mischief and rejected His claim. How bewildering, how confusing is such behaviour! No two men can be found who may be said to be outwardly and inwardly united. The evidences of discord and malice are apparent everywhere, though all were made for harmony and union.
The Great Being saith: O well-beloved ones! The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. We cherish the hope that the light of justice may shine upon the world and sanctify it from tyranny. If the rulers and kings of the earth, the symbols of the power of God, exalted be His glory, arise and resolve to dedicate themselves to whatever will promote the highest interests of the whole of humanity, the reign of justice will assuredly be established amongst the children of men, and the effulgence of its light will envelop the whole earth. The Great Being saith: The structure of world stability and order hath been reared upon, and will continue to be sustained by, the twin pillars of reward and punishment.
And in another connection He hath uttered the following in the eloquent tongue: Justice hath a mighty force at its command. It is none other than reward and punishment for the deeds of men. By the power of this force the tabernacle of order is established throughout the world, causing the wicked to restrain their natures for fear of punishment.
In another passage He hath written: Take heed, O concourse of the rulers of the world! There is no force on earth that can equal in its conquering power the force of justice and wisdom. I, verily, affirm that there is not, and hath never been, a host more mighty than that of justice and wisdom. Blessed is the king who marcheth with the ensign of wisdom unfurled before him, and the battalions of justice massed in his rear. He verily is the ornament that adorneth the brow of peace and the countenance of security. There can be no doubt whatever that if the day-star of justice, which the clouds of tyranny have obscured, were to shed its light upon men, the face of the earth would be completely transformed.
The Great Being, wishing to reveal the prerequisites of the peace and tranquillity of the world and the advancement of its peoples, hath written: The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and, participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means as will lay the foundations of the world’s Great Peace amongst men. Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should unitedly arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world will no longer require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of maintaining internal order within their territories. This will ensure the peace and composure of every people, government and nation. We fain would hope that the kings and rulers of the earth, the mirrors of the gracious and almighty name of God, may attain unto this station, and shield mankind from the onslaught of tyranny.
Likewise He saith: Among the things which are conducive to unity and concord and will cause the whole earth to be regarded as one country is that the divers languages be reduced to one language and in like manner the scripts used in the world be confined to a single script. It is incumbent upon all nations to appoint some men of understanding and erudition to convene a gathering and through joint consultation choose one language from among the varied existing languages, or create a new one, to be taught to the children in all the schools of the world.
The day is approaching when all the peoples of the world will have adopted one universal language and one common script. When this is achieved, to whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be as if he was entering his own home. These things are obligatory and absolutely essential. It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action.
In these days the tabernacle of justice hath fallen into the clutches of tyranny and oppression. Beseech ye the One true God—exalted be His glory—not to deprive mankind of the ocean of true understanding, for were men but to take heed they would readily appreciate that whatever hath streamed from and is set down by the Pen of Glory is even as the sun for the whole world and that therein lie the welfare, security and true interests of all men; otherwise the earth will be tormented by a fresh calamity every day and unprecedented commotions will break out. God grant that the people of the world may be graciously aided to preserve the light of His loving counsels within the globe of wisdom. We cherish the hope that everyone may be adorned with the vesture of true wisdom, the basis of the government of the world.
The Great Being saith: The heaven of statesmanship is made luminous and resplendent by the brightness of the light of these blessed words which hath dawned from the dayspring of the Will of God: It behoveth every ruler to weigh his own being every day in the balance of equity and justice and then to judge between men and counsel them to do that which would direct their steps unto the path of wisdom and understanding. This is the cornerstone of statesmanship and the essence thereof. From these words every enlightened man of wisdom will readily perceive that which will foster such aims as the welfare, security and protection of mankind and the safety of human lives. Were men of insight to quaff their fill from the ocean of inner meanings which lie enshrined in these words and become acquainted therewith, they would bear witness to the sublimity and the excellence of this utterance.
If this lowly one were to set forth that which he perceiveth, all would testify unto God’s consummate wisdom. The secrets of statesmanship and that of which the people are in need lie enfolded within these words. This lowly servant earnestly entreateth the One true God—exalted be His glory—to illumine the eyes of the people of the world with the splendour of the light of wisdom that they, one and all, may recognize that which is indispensable in this day.
That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.
Such exhortations to union and concord as are inscribed in the Books of the Prophets by the Pen of the Most High bear reference unto specific matters; not a union that would lead to disunity or a concord which would create discord. This is the station where measures are set unto everything, a station where every deserving soul shall be given his due. Well is it with them that appreciate the meaning and grasp the intent of these words, and woe betide the heedless. Unto this all the evidences of nature, in their very essences, bear ample testimony. Every discerning man of wisdom is well acquainted with that which We have mentioned, but not those who have strayed far from the living fountain of fairmindedness and are roving distraught in the wilderness of ignorance and blind fanaticism.
The Great Being saith: O ye children of men! The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it not to become a source of dissension and discord, of hate and enmity. This is the straight Path, the fixed and immovable foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this foundation, the changes and chances of the world can never impair its strength, nor will the revolution of countless centuries undermine its structure. Our hope is that the world’s religious leaders and the rulers thereof will unitedly arise for the reformation of this age and the rehabilitation of its fortunes. Let them, after meditating on its needs, take counsel together and, through anxious and full deliberation, administer to a diseased and sorely-afflicted world the remedy it requireth.
The Great Being saith: The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined with the two luminaries of consultation and compassion. Take ye counsel together in all matters, inasmuch as consultation is the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding.
At the outset of every endeavour, it is incumbent to look to the end of it. Of all the arts and sciences, set the children to studying those which will result in advantage to man, will ensure his progress and elevate his rank. Thus the noisome odours of lawlessness will be dispelled, and thus through the high endeavours of the nation’s leaders, all will live cradled, secure and in peace.
The Great Being saith: The learned of the day must direct the people to acquire those branches of knowledge which are of use, that both the learned themselves and the generality of mankind may derive benefits therefrom. Such academic pursuits as begin and end in words alone have never been and will never be of any worth. The majority of Persia’s learned doctors devote all their lives to the study of a philosophy the ultimate yield of which is nothing but words.
It is incumbent upon them who are in authority to exercise moderation in all things. Whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence. Consider for instance such things as liberty, civilization and the like. However much men of understanding may favourably regard them, they will, if carried to excess, exercise a pernicious influence upon men.
If this point were to be expounded an elaborate explanation would be required which, it is feared, might become tedious. It is the ardent hope of this lowly one that God—exalted be His glory—may grant all men that which is good. For he who is endowed therewith is the possessor of all things. The Great Being saith: The Tongue of Wisdom proclaimeth: He that hath Me not is bereft of all things. Turn ye away from all that is on earth and seek none else but Me. I am the Sun of Wisdom and the Ocean of Knowledge. I cheer the faint and revive the dead. I am the guiding Light that illumineth the way. I am the royal Falcon on the arm of the Almighty. I unfold the drooping wings of every broken bird and start it on its flight.
Section 2: “And likewise He saith: The heaven of true…”
And likewise He saith: The heaven of true understanding shineth resplendent with the light of two luminaries: tolerance and righteousness.
O my friend! Vast oceans lie enshrined within this brief saying. Blessed are they who appreciate its value, drink deep therefrom and grasp its meaning, and woe betide the heedless. This lowly one entreateth the people of the world to observe fairness, that their tender, their delicate and precious hearing which hath been created to hearken unto the words of wisdom may be freed from impediments and from such allusions, idle fancies or vain imaginings as ʿcannot fatten nor appease the hunger’, so that the true Counsellor may be graciously inclined to set forth that which is the source of blessing for mankind and of the highest good for all nations.
At present the light of reconciliation is dimmed in most countries and its radiance extinguished while the fire of strife and disorder hath been kindled and is blazing fiercely. Two great powers who regard themselves as the founders and leaders of civilization and the framers of constitutions have risen up against the followers of the Faith associated with Him Who conversed with God. Be ye warned, O men of understanding. It ill beseemeth the station of man to commit tyranny; rather it behoveth him to observe equity and be attired with the raiment of justice under all conditions. Beseech ye the One true God that He may, through the power of the hand of loving kindness and spiritual education, purge and purify certain souls from the defilement of evil passions and corrupt desires, that they may arise and unloose their tongues for the sake of God, that perchance the evidences of injustice may be blotted out and the splendour of the light of justice may shed its radiance upon the whole world. The people are ignorant, and they stand in need of those who will expound the truth.
The Great Being saith: The man of consummate learning and the sage endowed with penetrating wisdom are the two eyes to the body of mankind. God willing, the earth shall never be deprived of these two greatest gifts. That which hath been set forth and will be revealed in the future is but a token of this Servant’s ardent desire to dedicate Himself to the service of all the kindreds of the earth.
O my friend! In all circumstances one should seize upon every means which will promote security and tranquillity among the peoples of the world. The Great Being saith: In this glorious Day whatever will purge you from corruption and will lead you towards peace and composure, is indeed the Straight Path.
Please God, the peoples of the world may be led, as the result of the high endeavours exerted by their rulers and the wise and learned amongst men, to recognize their best interests. How long will humanity persist in its waywardness? How long will injustice continue? How long is chaos and confusion to reign amongst men? How long will discord agitate the face of society?
This humble servant is filled with wonder, inasmuch as all men are endowed with the capacity to see and hear, yet we find them deprived of the privilege of using these faculties. This servant hath been prompted to pen these lines by virtue of the tender love he cherisheth for thee. The winds of despair are, alas, blowing from every direction, and strife that divideth and afflicteth the human race is daily increasing. The signs of impending convulsions and chaos can now be discerned, inasmuch as the prevailing order appeareth to be lamentably defective. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, that He may graciously awaken the peoples of the earth, may grant that the end of their conduct may be profitable unto them, and aid them to accomplish that which beseemeth their station.
Were man to appreciate the greatness of his station and the loftiness of his destiny he would manifest naught save goodly character, pure deeds, and a seemly and praiseworthy conduct. If the learned and wise men of goodwill were to impart guidance unto the people, the whole earth would be regarded as one country. Verily this is the undoubted truth. This servant appealeth to every diligent and enterprising soul to exert his utmost endeavour and arise to rehabilitate the conditions in all regions and to quicken the dead with the living waters of wisdom and utterance, by virtue of the love he cherisheth for God, the One, the Peerless, the Almighty, the Beneficent.
No man of wisdom can demonstrate his knowledge save by means of words. This showeth the significance of the Word as is affirmed in all the Scriptures, whether of former times or more recently. For it is through its potency and animating spirit that the people of the world have attained so eminent a position. Moreover words and utterances should be both impressive and penetrating. However, no word will be infused with these two qualities unless it be uttered wholly for the sake of God and with due regard unto the exigencies of the occasion and the people.
The Great Being saith: Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets.
Every word is endowed with a spirit, therefore the speaker or expounder should carefully deliver his words at the appropriate time and place, for the impression which each word maketh is clearly evident and perceptible. The Great Being saith: One word may be likened unto fire, another unto light, and the influence which both exert is manifest in the world. Therefore an enlightened man of wisdom should primarily speak with words as mild as milk, that the children of men may be nurtured and edified thereby and may attain the ultimate goal of human existence which is the station of true understanding and nobility. And likewise He saith: One word is like unto springtime causing the tender saplings of the rose-garden of knowledge to become verdant and flourishing, while another word is even as a deadly poison. It behoveth a prudent man of wisdom to speak with utmost leniency and forbearance so the the sweetness of his words may induce everyone to attain that which befitteth man’s station.
O friend of mine! The Word of God is the king of words and its pervasive influence is incalculable. It hath ever dominated and will continue to dominate the realm of being. The Great Being saith: The Word is the master key for the whole world, inasmuch as through its potency the doors of the hearts of men, which in reality are the doors of heaven, are unlocked. No sooner had but a glimmer of its effulgent splendour shone forth upon the mirror of love than the blessed word ʿI am the Best-Beloved’ was reflected therein. It is an ocean inexhaustible in riches, comprehending all things. Every thing which can be perceived is but an emanation therefrom. High, immeasurably high is this sublime station, in whose shadow moveth the essence of loftiness and splendour, wrapt in praise and adoration.
Methinks people’s sense of taste hath, alas, been sorely affected by the fever of negligence and folly, for they are found to be wholly unconscious and deprived of the sweetness of His utterance. How regrettable indeed that man should debar himself from the fruits of the tree of wisdom while his days and hours pass swiftly away. Please God, the hand of divine power may safeguard all mankind and direct their steps towards the horizon of true understanding.
Verily our Lord of Mercy is the Helper, the Knowing, the Wise.
I would like to add that thy second letter which had been sent from Jerusalem hath been received and that which thou hadst written and set forth therein was perused and read in His presence. He bade me write as follows:
O Maqsud! We have heard thy voice and perceived the sighing and lamentation thou didst raise in thy longing and eagerness. Praised be God! The sweet savours of love could be inhaled from every word thereof. Please God, this bounty may last for ever. The servant-in-attendance recited the verses thou hast composed. Thy name is often mentioned in the presence of this Wronged One and the glances of Our loving kindness and compassion are directed towards thee.
Great is the station of man. Great must also be his endeavours for the rehabilitation of the world and the well-being of nations. I beseech the One true God to graciously confirm thee in that which beseemeth man’s station.
Be thou guided by wisdom under all conditions, inasmuch as persons who harbour evil motives have been and are still diligently engaged in intriguing. Gracious God! Unto that immeasurably exalted Being Who seeketh naught but to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men, and to revive the world and ennoble its life, they have imputed such charges as the tongue and the pen are ashamed to recount.
We have remembered thee and make mention of thee now. We entreat Him—exalted is His glory—to protect thee with the hands of might and power and enable thee to recognize that which will serve thy best interests both in this world and in the next. He is the Lord of Mankind, the Possessor of the Throne on High and of the world below. No God is there besides Him, the Omnipotent, the Powerful. God grant that this Wronged One may observe fidelity. He hath not forgotten nor will He ever forget thee.
Thou hast mentioned thine intention to stay in Damascus until spring, then to proceed to Mosul, should the means be forthcoming. This lowly servant entreateth God—exalted is His glory—to provide such means as is deemed expedient, and to aid thee. He is Potent and Powerful.
Although all the inhabitants of this region have been treated with the utmost kindness, yet no evidence of fellowship can be discerned from them. Thou shouldst observe much tact and wisdom, for they seek at all times to cavil at and deny the Cause. May the One true God grant them equity.
Concerning thine own affairs, if thou wouldst content thyself with whatever might come to pass it would be praiseworthy. To engage in some profession is highly commendable, for when occupied with work one is less likely to dwell on the unpleasant aspects of life. God willing thou mayest experience joy and radiance, gladness and exultation in any city or land where thou mayest happen to sojourn. This lowly servant will never forget that distinguished and kind friend. He hath remembered and will continue to remember thee. The decree lieth with God, the Lord of all worlds. I fain would hope He may vouchsafe divine assistance and grant confirmation in that which is pleasing and acceptable unto Him.
Every word of thy poetry is indeed like unto a mirror in which the evidences of the devotion and love thou cherishest for God and His chosen ones are reflected. Well is it with thee who hast quaffed the choice wine of utterance and partaken of the soft flowing stream of true knowledge. Happy is he who hath drunk his fill and attained unto Him and woe betide the heedless. Its perusal hath truly proved highly impressive, for it was indicative of both the light of reunion and the fire of separation.
Far be it from us to despair at any time of the incalculable favours of God, for if it were His wish He could cause a mere atom to be transformed into a sun and a single drop into an ocean. He unlocketh thousands of doors, while man is incapable of conceiving even a single one.
So heedless is this servant that with words such as these he seeketh to vindicate the supreme power of God—exalted be His glory. I implore pardon of God, the Most Great, for these assertions and affirm that this servant at all times recognizeth his grievous trespasses and misdeeds. He entreateth remission of his sins from the ocean of the forgiveness of his Lord, the Most Exalted, and beggeth for that which will make him wholly devoted to God and enable him to utter His praise, turn himself toward Him and to put his whole trust in Him. Verily He is the Potent, the Forgiving, the Merciful. Praised be God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing.
This lowly one hath read the descriptions of the dialogue with the traveller which thou hast recounted in thy letter to my Lord, may my life be offered up for His sake. The explanations which were set forth awaken the people from the slumber of heedlessness. Indeed the actions of man himself breed a profusion of satanic power. For were men to abide by and observe the divine teachings, every trace of evil would be banished from the face of the earth. However, the widespread differences that exist among mankind and the prevalence of sedition, contention, conflict and the like are the primary factors which provoke the appearance of the satanic spirit. Yet the Holy Spirit hath ever shunned such matters. A world in which naught can be perceived save strife, quarrels and corruption is bound to become the seat of the throne, the very metropolis, of Satan.
How vast the number of the loved and chosen ones of God who have lamented and moaned by day and by night that haply a sweet and fragrant breeze might blow from the court of His good-pleasure and dispel altogether the loathsome and foul-smelling odours from the world. However, this ultimate goal could not be attained, and men were deprived thereof by virtue of their evil deeds, which brought upon them the retribution of God, in accordance with the basic principles of His divine rule. Ours is the duty to remain patient in these circumstances until relief be forthcoming from God, the Forgiving, the Bountiful.
Magnified be Thy Name, O Lord of all beings and Desire of all created things! I beseech Thee, by the Word which hath caused the Burning Bush to lift up its Voice and the Rock to cry out, whereby the well-favoured have hastened to attain the court of Thy presence and the pure in heart the dayspring of the light of Thy countenance, and by the sighing of Thy true lovers in their separation from Thy chosen ones and by the lamentation of them that long to behold Thy face before the dawning splendour of the light of Thy Revelation, to graciously enable Thy servants to recognize what Thou hast ordained for them by Thy bounty and Thy grace. Prescribe for them then through Thy Pen of Glory that which will direct their steps to the ocean of Thy generosity and will lead them unto the living waters of Thy heavenly reunion.
O Lord! Look not at the things they have wrought, rather look unto the loftiness of Thy celestial bounty which hath preceded all created things, visible and invisible. O Lord! Illumine their hearts with the effulgent light of Thy knowledge and brighten their eyes with the shining splendour of the day-star of Thy favours.
I entreat Thee, O Lord of Names and Creator of the heavens, by the blood spilt in Thy Path, and by the heads carried aloft on spears for the sake of Thy love, and by the souls that have melted in their separation from Thy loved ones, and by the hearts broken for the exaltation of Thy Word, to grant that the dwellers of Thy realm may unite together in their allegiance to Thine incomparable Word so that they may all acknowledge Thy unity and Thy oneness. There is no God but Thee, the Omnipotent, the Most Exalted, the Knowing, the Wise.
I fain would hope that He Who is the All-Sufficing, the Inaccessible, may heed the solicitation of this lowly servant, may attire the people of the world with the raiment of goodly deeds and purge them from evil inclinations. He is the Mighty, the Powerful, the All-Wise, the All-Perceiving. He heareth and seeth; He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.
BH04058: The Most Great Book declares: The world hath been…
In the Name of God, the All-Knowing
The Most Great Book declares: The world hath been and continues to be darkened by the breaths of the oppressors. The promised Truth is manifest and uttereth the most exalted call, yet all remain veiled and heedless save those souls whom the veils of idle fancies have not prevented from the dawnings of the lights of certitude. The source and origin of tyranny have been the divines. Through the sentences pronounced by these haughty and wayward souls the rulers of the earth have wrought that which ye have heard. The Jewish divines pronounced sentence for the crucifixion of the Spirit (Christ), and the divines of the idolaters, the Torah and the Gospel for the murder of the Lord of all beings in the land of Sad.
Consider how through the verdict of certain divines there befell the Twin Luminous Lights that which caused the Apostle to lament and the Chaste One to cry out. The reins of the heedless masses have been and are in the hands of the exponents of idle fancies and vain imaginings. These decree what they please. God, verily, is clear of them, and We, too, are clear of them, as are such as have testified unto that which the Pen of the Most High hath spoken in this glorious Station. Today steadfastness is accounted among the most meritorious of deeds. Hold ye fast unto it, O people of Baha, and be not of the heedless ones. Convey to the friends in that land the greetings of the Wronged One, and gladden them all with His remembrance, that haply they may attain unto and hold fast unto that which is everlasting and enduring.
Say: Verily He heareth what your tongues utter and seeth what ye do. The glory from Us be upon the friends of God and His loved ones who have cast the world behind their backs and held fast unto the Most Great Name, which proclaimeth: “There is none other God but Me, the All-Uttering, the All-Knowing.”
BH06009: He who is the Manifest, the All-Seeing, the All-Hearing
He who is the Manifest, the All-Seeing, the All-Hearing
The Day of God which was mentioned in the books, scriptures, psalms and tablets, and which was promised by the Supreme Pen, hath appeared with utmost brilliance, yet none hath recognized it save whom God hath willed. The Cause is mighty great. God willing, through the bounty of the True One, exalted be His glory, the people of that land shall not be deprived and shall receive their portion from the ocean of divine verses.
This is a provision that will forever accompany man—the passage of time will not alter it, nor will worldly events affect it. Blessed is he who hath gained in the days of God, and woe unto him who hath lost and was among the heedless. God willing, thou shalt ever be aflame with the fire of the love of God and illumined by the light of His knowledge. Verily, He is with those who love Him and whom He loveth—to this testifieth His perspicuous Book which is with Him.
We send from this spot Our greetings unto thee and unto those who have believed in that land, and We give them the glad-tidings of God’s mercy, His grace, His bounty and His favors. Verily, He is the Protector of those who do good. The Glory be upon thee and upon God’s sincere servants. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.
BH07791: He is the Speaker and I am the Hearer…
He is the Speaker and I am the Hearer. Say: O people! By God, the Torah hath testified to Him to Whom even the pebbles have borne witness, and the Gospel crieth out unto the Glorious Lord, and the Qur’an proclaimeth the advent of the All-Merciful, and the Bayan circleth round the Throne. Yet the people remain wrapped in a thick veil. Verily, they who have turned away have in truth turned away from God throughout all ages. To this testifieth he who hath been granted insight from his Lord, the Mighty, the Wise. We have manifested the Cause in such wise that the world hath acknowledged it, and whoso harboureth rancour from thy Lord is in manifest opposition. They make mention of God at morn and eventide, yet deny Him through Whom the fountains of wisdom have gushed forth amongst all creatures and the kingdom of names hath appeared to all who are in heaven and on earth. Say: Every name that hath turned away from God in this Revelation is assuredly among the perishing ones. We have sent down concerning every matter that which hath brought solace to the eyes of them that are nigh unto God. Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.
BH07726: In the Name of the Bayan! The Day…
In the Name of the Bayan! The Day of God hath come and the Calamity hath appeared at the Gate, and sovereignty belongeth unto God, the Lord of Lords. They that have turned away and objected—these are the companions of the Fire, as recorded in the Books and Tablets. The countenance of the world hath smiled at the appearance of the Most Great Name, yet the people remain in heedlessness and error. Among them are those who cling to vain imaginings, and those who circle round the fly, and those who say “He is mentioned in the Bayan.” Say: There is nothing fresh or withered but is recorded in a Book. By God! The Bayan hath been honored by My Name, and the horizon of the world hath been illumined by the Light that shineth from this Station. Every seeing one hath won the lights of the Countenance, and every hearing one this Call that hath been raised from God, the Lord of all beings. Say: O people! Arise from the slumber of passion and turn unto the Most Exalted Horizon—this is better for you, if ye be of the people of the Path. We have remembered thee that thou mayest thank God, thy Lord, the Cleaver of the Dawn.
BH07466: Praise be to God that through the grace…
He is the Truth, there is no God but Him.
Praise be to God that through the grace of the True One, exalted be His glory, thou hast attained. Today it is incumbent upon all to beseech God, exalted be His glory, that perchance He may grant strength to the followers of His manifest Religion and protect them from the evil of the deniers and the turning away of those who have turned aside.
Say: Glory be unto Thee, O God of Names and Creator of heaven! I beseech Thee by the Word through which Thou didst create all contingent beings and brought forth all existing things, to assist me to be steadfast in Thy love. O my Lord! Thou seest me turning unto Thee and directing my face toward the horizon of Thy grace. Take hold of my hand through Thy power and might. O my Lord! I am the weak one who hath clung to the cord of Thy strength; preserve me through Thy bounty and sovereignty from whatsoever is unworthy of Thy presence. Then grant me, from the hands of Thy bestowal, the Kawthar of Thy good-pleasure. Verily Thou art the One with power over whatsoever Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Generous.
BH07575: Blessed is He Who hath come with mighty sovereignty…
He is the One Who stands supreme over His Cause
Blessed is He Who hath come with mighty sovereignty, whereby the back of infidelity was broken and living waters gushed forth. He is the One through Whom the seas appeared and the rivers flowed and every lofty mountain was made manifest. There hath not been a day except that the verses of God, the Lord of the worlds, were sent down therein. How many months did We withhold the Pen, yet the tongue was speaking the verses of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. And how many days was I silent while the Pen moved between the fingers of thy Lord, the Omnipotent. And in all conditions there was sent down from Our presence that which brought joy to the Concourse on High and caused every distant idolator to lament. Verily the seeing one beholdeth what hath appeared in creation and the hearing one heareth My call, the Mighty, the Wondrous. We have turned from Our most exalted horizon toward those who have sought the ultimate goal, and We have mentioned them as a favor from Us, and I am verily the All-Bountiful, the Ancient of Days.
BH08344: My Most Exalted Pen hath testified that there…
He is the Manifest, the Speaker, the Witnessed One.
My Most Exalted Pen hath testified that there is none other God but Him, and the Tongue hath testified in its Most Glorious Station that the Promise hath been fulfilled and the Promised One hath come with manifest sovereignty. All things have testified to that which the Lord of Names hath testified, yet most of the people remain heedless. They hear the verses and deny them, and they behold the lights of the Countenance yet conceal them, having followed every doubting learned one. How many learned ones have veiled themselves, and how many ignorant ones have turned to God, the Lord of all worlds! Say: Glory be to Thee, O Thou through Whom the Dove of the Cause hath warbled upon the branches, and through Whose Name the religions have been raised up! I beseech Thee to make me steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the doubts of the learned nor the allusions of the mystics shall keep me back. Verily, Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Bountiful.
BH09010: A book sent down in truth, giving glad tidings…
In His Name that hath dominion over all names
A book sent down in truth, giving glad tidings to all of a Book that speaks in the world and calls the peoples to God, the All-Possessing, the Self-Subsisting. We have observed your turning to Us and We have turned to you from this Station wherefrom the Tongue of Grandeur proclaims: “There is none other God but Me, the Mighty, the Loving.” Be thankful unto God that thou hast been mentioned by My Most Exalted Pen in this praiseworthy station. The clamor has been raised and the Tablets of Fire have appeared—this is what We had formerly announced to all, as attested by honored servants. Cast aside vain imaginings to their people, then turn with the name of thy Lord, the Possessor of existence, to the horizon of certitude. Thus has the Tongue spoken in the Kingdom of utterance. Blessed is he who has heard, and woe unto every heedless and veiled one.
BH09554: The Tongue of Grandeur speaketh, yet the people hear…
He is the One Who ariseth through My Name, the All-Powerful
The Tongue of Grandeur speaketh, yet the people hear not. Verily the Spirit giveth glad tidings to the servants, yet the people turn not unto it. They have taken their idols and cast aside the Truth. The Knower of the unseen remindeth them through the Book of God, yet they perceive not. My Most Exalted Pen maketh them aware, yet they turn away from it. We have sent down verses in such measure that every learned enumerator hath failed to reckon them. Every day We have called them unto God, and every night We have revealed unto them that which hath caused the hearts of the mystics to soar. We behold those who follow vain imaginings and those who have drawn nigh unto God, the Peerless, the All-Informed. Each faction rejoiceth in that which it possesseth, yet God is the All-Seeing, the All-Hearing, the Ordainer, the All-Wise. Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.
BH09527: This is a Book which the All-Merciful hath sent…
He is the One dawning from the horizon of utterance.
This is a Book which the All-Merciful hath sent down for all who are in the realm of possibility, that it may draw them to a station where they hear in the rustling of its trees what the Son of Imran heard on the Mount of Knowledge. Verily, those who have heard the Call and responded—upon them shall the denizens of the Most Exalted Paradise send their blessings at eventide and at dawn. Beware lest the veils of names withhold you from their Owner and their Sovereign. Leave behind what ye possess and take what hath been given you from God, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful. Hearken unto My call: verily the Wronged One remembereth thee from the precincts of the Prison and summoneth thee to the Dayspring of verses. Hold fast to the cord of steadfastness, then drink the choice wine of inner meanings in the name of thy Lord, the Master of all beings.
BH00750: Praise be to God alone, and peace and blessings…
He is God, exalted be His Station, His Grandeur and His Power
Praise be to God alone, and peace and blessings be upon Him through Whom was the beginning and in Whom was the end, Who was the Manifestation of these words “He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden,” and upon His family and companions through whom was revealed the Path of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, and through whom the tongue of the All-Merciful uttered the words “Verily we are God’s and to Him shall we return.”
To continue: the letter of that spiritual beloved has arrived, indicating several matters which that honored one had in mind. When these were presented before His Holiness [the Master]—may the souls of all in the invisible and visible worlds be sacrificed for His sake—He commanded: Write to him: “O Ghulam! Some of what thou hast said is correct and some incorrect. We do not accept all of it. The praiseworthy attributes, praise be to God, have been and are manifold. Hearken, that We may tell thee: Thou didst hear the call of the Herald, and didst turn toward the Friend’s sanctuary, and wert favored with an answer, and didst circumambulate, and wert honored with the remembrance of the Friend. Yes, man is prone to forgetfulness and error, but every dust is and shall be cleansed by the water of sanctification, and every transgression has been and shall be effaced by the water of forgiveness, for God, exalted be His glory, is the All-Bountiful, the All-Merciful, the All-Kind, the All-Forgiving, the All-Seeing, the Answerer of Prayer.
God willing, from the boundless ocean of His generosity, He hath forgiven and will forgive thee and the friends. He is the All-Bountiful One before Whose generosity all the world and its treasures are mere nothingness and utter void. In any case, We have recorded as good deeds the two equal shortcomings which thou hadst written of. And as for morals, We beseech Him to adorn them with a spirit gentle, pure, holy, God-fearing and radiant. Verily He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of the heavens and the earth. Say:
“Glory be unto Thee, O my God and the God of all things, my Sovereign and the Sovereign of all who are in the kingdom of names! I beseech Thee by the Name through which Thou didst change fire into light, and prison into paradise, and sorrow into joy, and grief into delight, and darkness into light, that Thou mayest ordain for me by Thy Most Exalted Pen that which will adorn me with the ornament of Thy will, O Lord of all names! Thou art He Who created me and sustained me and nurtured me by the hands of Thy tender mercy until I grew up in Thy kingdom and Thou didst cause me to know Thy straight path and Thy mighty and great highway. I beseech Thee, O my Lord, my Creator and my Provider, that Thou deprive me not of that which Thou lovest, nor withhold from me that which Thou hast chosen. Make me, then, in all conditions, content with Thy good-pleasure and clinging to the cord of Thy loving care. O Lord! I am the poor one, the lowly, the wretched, the abject, and Thou art the All-Sufficient, the All-Conquering, the All-Powerful, the Almighty, the All-Potent.” End.
Mention of the group was made, and favor was manifest towards each one. God willing, may all be joyous and cognizant of the worth of their day and station. On behalf of this evanescent one, convey mention and greetings to each one. God willing, may they attain to God’s grace, God’s mercy, God’s good-pleasure and God’s favor.
Praise be to God, your letter brought a smile to the Beloved’s face and was the cause of joy. As commanded, say to Jinab-i-Aqa Lutfu’llah, upon him be the Glory of God:
“Dear father, he attained to God’s favor and at the time of his ascension and advancement, God’s grace encompassed him. By My life, verily he is in the highest companionship and beholds at every moment the favor of God, the Lord of the worlds.”
God, exalted be His glory, is great and generous—the world displays His bounty and the seas are a sign of His grace. We beseech Him to forgive you and remit your sins and adorn you with the ornament of His mercy which has preceded existence in both the unseen and visible realms. Be not grieved—this is the time for joy. Hold fast to the cord of His favor, be confident in His grace and stand firm in His love. These three became four—mention was multiplied but sanctified beyond number. Be grateful and among those who render thanks.
Praise befitteth and is worthy of the King of all worshipped beings Who, through a single revelation of the word “I am the Lord,” made countless servants to appear. He bestowed favor, He created, He granted knowledge, He conferred understanding, and adorned all with the crown of wisdom that they might know Him and attain to His purpose. Blessed is the seeing, hearing one who saw and heard, and woe to the blind and deaf who were deprived and excluded. And blessings and peace be upon His chosen one and the best of His creation, the beginning of His Cause and the seal of His utterance, through whose Book books were ended and through whose presence messengers were concluded, and upon his family and companions whom God made lamps of guidance among creation and suns of justice in the kingdom—they through whom trembling seized the inhabitants of the realms of unbelief and earthquakes the people of misbelief and remoteness.
Further, some time ago your letter arrived and became the cause of countless sorrows. Details were submitted and He said:
O Rida! Has your ear not attained to the blessed word “Give glad tidings to the patient ones”? Have you not found and perceived the sweetness of patience and forbearance in the path of the Peerless Friend? He says “and the patient in adversity and affliction and in time of conflict.” Hear the call of the Wronged One and be content with what He has ordained and give thanks for His consummate wisdom. None is aware—oftentimes from pain He brings forth a hundred thousand comforts, and from illness He produces health. Have you not seen how He transformed the prison into paradise? Have you not heard how He made poison sweeter and more pleasant than honey? Were it not that heedlessness encompassed some who are unaware of the ocean of knowledge and were occupied with their own doings, you would now behold all these regions illumined and honored with the light of glory, wealth, riches, comfort and grandeur. What was destined has come to pass, and command belongeth unto God, the Lord of all names. End.
Praise be unto God! Such bounty hath been observed and is being observed that it needeth not mention by this servant. If thou wert thirsty, thou hast attained unto the water of utterance; if thou wert hungry, thou hast gained access to the heavenly table; and if thou wert seeking, thou hast heard the call of the Sought One. God willing, thou shalt at all times gain access to the Kawthar of utterance and the table of the All-Merciful, and be freed and delivered from aught else but the Truth. The Glory be upon thee and upon Inayatu’llah and his mother and his sister, and upon all who seek to tread the Path. Praise be to God, the Mighty, the Beautiful!
This evanescent one’s petition to your honour is this: that his honour Aqa ʿAli-Akbar, upon him be the glory of God, the Lord of Power, is present in that land. God willing, in whatsoever place or station he may be, may he be adorned with the ornament of health, certitude and tranquility. Convey my greetings to him and say that in these days, praise be to God, news of the well-being of the friends in your lands hath been received. All are joyous and occupied with the remembrance of God. Beseech God, exalted be His glory, that He may grant success unto all the peoples of the earth and bestow upon them a portion from the ocean of His generosity. In these days, observe justice like unto a sparrow and tyranny like unto a falcon. What power hath the sparrow to spread its wings and soar in his presence, let alone to learn and to teach? The Command is in the hand of God, the Lord of all worlds. Praise be to God, the Master of the Day of Judgment.
The letters arrived tonight, and in haste, in the first chamber of the building, they live. What the hand of destiny shall bring forth tomorrow, God alone knoweth. However, this much we submit: that it was accepted before His presence. Blessed art thou, and he, and I.
BH00090: Praise be unto Him Who hath illumined the world…
Section 1: “In the Name of our Lord, the Most…”
In the Name of our Lord, the Most Great, the Most Holy, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious
Praise be unto Him Who hath illumined the world with the lights of His Most Great Name, that He might make known unto the peoples that which draweth them nigh unto Him through His grace. Blessed is the eye that hath beheld the lights, the ear that hath heard the mysteries, the face that hath turned towards Him, the heart that hath accepted Him, the tongue that hath spoken, the hand that hath grasped, and the foot that hath arisen to serve the Cause on this Day wherein every hidden thing hath been revealed, every treasured thing brought forth, every realm thrown into commotion, and every mighty foundation made to tremble. Glory and praise be upon those who have not broken the Covenant and who have traversed the horizons out of love for God, the Lord of the worlds. These are servants who have aided the Cause of God, who have spoken His praise and who have spread His firm and mighty Cause.
And further: it is submitted that thy letters dated the first of Dhi’l-Qa’dah, the fifth of Muharram, and the eighth of Muharram all arrived in one envelope. As they all testified to thy humility, submissiveness, steadfastness and service in the path of God, they brought the utmost joy and gladness. God willing, mayest thou ever remain occupied with the mention and praise of the Truth and steadfast in service. After being apprised of their contents, they were presented before the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, and after permission was granted, the details were submitted. His word, exalted be His grandeur:
He is the Dawning-Place from the horizon of utterance
O Abu’l-Hasan! Thy petitions have attained the honor of being heard. God willing, mayest thou ever remain steadfast, firm and upright. The Supreme Pen beareth witness to thy acceptance, recognition, obedience and service, and this testimony sufficeth. Be thou thankful unto thy Lord, the All-Seeing, the All-Informed. O Abu’l-Hasan! The face of the world is changing. For the sake of the religion of God, hardly anything remaineth among the people. They worship the idols of vain imaginings and are heedless of the Truth, exalted be His glory. Whosoever in this day hath attained unto recognition and steadfastness is reckoned among the people of truth and is mentioned by the Concourse on High; all others are as non-existent and as naught. Each day strange and wondrous tribulations appear, yet none taketh notice. In truth, divine wrath hath encompassed all. We beseech the True One to assist all and make them aware.
We make mention of My loved ones in that place who have clung to the hem of thy Lord’s mercy, the All-Bountiful. Say: O people of Baha! Strive ye and hold fast unto that which is befitting this Day. Guide the people through deeds and conduct, and give them to drink of the water of true knowledge. In the watches of the night and throughout the day, the Supreme Pen is occupied with the mention of souls who have accepted the Faith. The comprehension of this station is hidden, for were the loved ones of God to catch its fragrance and become aware of its loftiness and sublimity, they would all assuredly arise to do that which God loveth. From this station We send Our glorification upon their faces and We bid them to that which will exalt the Cause of God, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting. We make mention of My handmaidens who have attained unto My sealed wine. Upon them, both men and women, be the glory of God, the Lord of what was and what shall be. Convey My glorification to the handmaidens of God who are related to thee, give them the glad-tidings of the favors of God, exalted be His glory, and make them joyous.
Praise be to God! Through the grace of the True One, Who hath no peer or equal, thou art blessed. Thou didst mention those friends of God who, praise be to God, are illumined by the rays of the Sun of Truth and are steadfast and firm in the Divine Cause. This brought boundless joy, and when it was presented before the Ancient Beauty, He was seen to smile. In truth, if at all times they hold fast to unity and harmony, assuredly the light of concord will illumine the horizons and the flame of unity will ignite the hearts. Praise be to God, the river of mercy flows from the right hand of the Throne. God willing, the trees of existence have attained and will attain their portion. This is that water of which He saith, “And from water We made all things living.” A hundred thousand thanks that thy letter brought that which caused joy, gladness and delight. Some time ago, a detailed letter was written and sent to thee and also to Aqa Muhammad-Hasan, upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah], who was bearing the blessed Tablets. God willing, it hath arrived and its lights have encompassed all hearts.
As to thy mention that Ibn-i-Ismu’llah-i-Asdaq, Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah, and Aqa Mirza Haydar-ʿAli, upon them be the Glory of God, are engaged in serving the Cause and specifically intend to travel to various regions for teaching—when this was presented, He said: “Excellent is what they have done.” May God, exalted be His glory, through His wondrous grace and bounty, make people ready to hearken unto the blessed Word, that they may hear from them and turn to the highest horizon. The Command is in His hands; He guideth whom He willeth through His grace, and He is the Mighty, the Powerful.
Regarding thy mention of Aqa Mirza Husayn from the people of Ta and Fa, upon him be the Glory of God, God willing, may he be assisted and enkindled. The servant beseecheth his Lord to strengthen him to remain steadfast in what he was, and to grant him in every moment the Kawthar of His bounty that he may drink thereof and be in such wise that neither the ranks of words nor their ornamentations prevent him from God, the One, the Single, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.
Concerning Haji Mirza Zaynu’l-ʿAbidin B. R., upon him be the Glory of God, thou didst write that he watcheth over the affairs of the friends. Excellent is what he hath done in the path of God. God willing, may he be assisted and confirmed. If thou shouldst meet him later, convey greetings to him on behalf of this evanescent one.
Regarding what thou didst write about the Huququ’llah, the firm divine ordinance hath been revealed in the Book, and this matter dependeth upon the acceptance of the souls themselves, for God, exalted be His glory, looking to His previous mercy, hath informed all of what hath been prescribed in the Book. Blessed are they that act! Demanding it is not and hath never been beloved. Every matter should be accomplished with the utmost spirit and fragrance. From whomsoever accepteth with complete contentment and payeth it, accept it; otherwise, verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is independent of all worlds. Today one must hold fast to that which causeth the exaltation, elevation and glory of the Cause. Thus hath spoken the True One, the Knower of things unseen, aforetime, and the servant heard it with his own ear. O my beloved! If people were to perceive the sweetness of the divine commandments and their fruits, surely all would act upon them with the utmost eagerness and yearning. We beseech God to assist all to do what He loveth and is pleased with. Verily, He is the Helper, the Confirmer, the All-Wise.
Concerning what you mentioned about Aqa ʿAbdu’l-Karim, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, his sincerity and devotion were presented before the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence. These decisive verses were revealed from the heaven of will—His word, exalted be His grandeur:
He is the Expositor, the All-Knowing
Glorified be He Who hath appeared and hath manifested that which was recorded in the books of old by the Most Exalted Pen. He, verily, is the Powerful, the Mighty. We have mentioned those who have sought the ultimate goal and the highest summit, and We mention them as a token of Our grace. To this testifieth every fair-minded and perceiving one. O ʿAbdu’l-Karim! Abu’l-Hasan hath mentioned thee in his letter. We have revealed for thee this wondrous Tablet. Blessed is the face that hath turned and the heart that hath advanced toward God, the Lord of the worlds. Be steadfast in the Path, firm in the Cause, and speak in praise of thy gracious Lord. Verily, He heareth the call and answereth, and He is the All-Bountiful, the All-Forgiving, the Merciful. Ask thou God to assist thee to remain steadfast in this mighty Cause and to aid thee to act in accordance with what He hath revealed in His wise Book—the Book at whose revelation the clouds have passed away, the breezes of revelation have wafted, the Bridge hath been set up, the Balance hath been established, and the nightingale hath warbled upon the branches. Dominion belongeth unto God, the Mighty, the Praised One.
God willing, may they attain unto this Most Holy and Most Exalted Tablet and become fragrant with the sweet savors of its verses. Blessed is he who perceiveth the fragrance of his Lord’s verses and is among the steadfast ones.
And concerning what you mentioned about Aqa ʿAli-Akbar Bey, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, it was presented before the Most Holy, Most Glorious, and Most Exalted Presence. This is what the Tongue of Unity hath spoken—His word, exalted be His grandeur: God willing, may they be blessed with divine favors. They have been mentioned before and after. Praise be to God, they have attained unto the mention of the Beloved of the worlds, and this is among God’s greatest bounties. We, from this station, glorify him and give him glad tidings of mercy from God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
The honored Haji Siyyid ʿAli-Akbar, upon him be the glory of God and His favor, was mentioned in the Most Holy Presence, and what was given to them was mentioned, and praise be to God, it was accepted. Likewise regarding the mount that you have repeatedly written about, and that Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory, has also mentioned—it was written to them that you have explained the details. According to the command, whatever the friends of God give as a gift to be presented to the Presence, their wishes must be carried out so that the hearts of those who have turned to God and the minds of the sincere ones may not be clouded with grief. And whatever is given as Huquq, permission is granted for it to be sold. They commanded: Write to Abu’l-Hasan—in all matters, keep your gaze fixed on that which will exalt the Cause of God. This is the counsel of the Wronged One.
Therefore the aforementioned mount should reach the Most Holy Presence, and care should be taken that it not become impaired on the journey, as has happened before. On behalf of this evanescent one, convey greetings to the honorable Bey and other friends of God. God willing, may all remain firm as mountains, ablaze like fire, and luminous like light. Verily, bounty is in His hand—He giveth and withholdeth, and He is the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.
As for what you wrote in your second letter, numbered 4 and dated the fifth of Muharram, concerning the details of the properties in the land of Kha, the decree regarding this had already been issued through divine grace, stating that gifts should be presented to the Most Holy Court, and whatever is in the name of Huquq, the honored Afnan—upon him be all the most glorious Baha—and your honor may arrange as deemed appropriate. Praise be to God, your gaze has been and continues to be fixed upon the Supreme Horizon, and you have attained unto the word of contentment, which is the greatest of all great matters. Under all conditions, God willing, you have been and are seeking the exaltation of the Cause. Thus has spoken the Desired One, before and after. Verily, He is the Speaker, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.
Regarding what you wrote about the friends of God, that in every place and dwelling they have shown and continue to show you the utmost consideration—this detail was presented at the Most Holy Court, and each of these mentioned souls has been illumined by the lights of the Sun of Truth, and mention of them all has flowed from the tongue of Truth, exalted be His glory. Blessed are they, and theirs is a goodly return, and theirs is a goodly station, and theirs is the best in the Hereafter and in this world.
Concerning what you wrote about Muhammad-Qabli-Husayn, upon him be the Glory of God, praise be to God that he has been successful in serving the Cause. Previously, wondrous and exalted Tablets were revealed and sent specifically for him and his namesake, Ibn-i-Lat, whom you had mentioned. Likewise, this servant, according to his capacity and lowliness, sent him a letter. Additionally, divine, impregnable, and holy Tablets were sent specifically for some of the friends of Truth in their land. I beseech and hope from God, exalted be His glory, that He will assist them to preserve what has been bestowed upon them, that the conditions of creation will not render them idle, and that the coldness of the heedless souls will not cause them to become dispirited. That they appointed him as representative was acceptable, but in all cases they must observe the exaltation of the Cause. Demanding is not and has never been permissible. If any soul turns with the utmost spirit, fragrance and contentment to pay the Huquq, it should be accepted; otherwise, verily God is the Self-Sufficient, the Praiseworthy.
Section 2: “Consider what the All-Merciful has revealed…”
Consider what the All-Merciful has revealed in the Qur’an. His exalted Word states: “And among them he who wrongs his own soul, and among them he who follows a middle course, and among them he who outstrips others through good deeds.” Whatever good becomes manifest, its benefit returns to the souls of those who act. Had they known, they would have hastened to good deeds. They have said: “Forsake the entire world, but forsake not even an atom of the exaltation of God’s Cause.” This is the divine counsel that has been inscribed by the Supreme Pen in the crimson scroll. Blessed are they who act accordingly.
Ask God to assist souls to do what befits the Day of God, that they may act with perfect contentment in accordance with what they have been commanded in God’s Book. And regarding your mention of those souls who have been successful in paying the Huquq, this is from God’s bounty to them and His favor upon them. Mention of each of them was presented at the Most Holy Court, and bounty was manifested and evident in relation to each one.
Concerning your mention of the honored Ali-Qabli-Akbar, upon him be the glory of God, the Lord of destiny; the honored Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah, upon him be the glory of God; the honored Mahbubi, son of Ismu’llah-i-Asdaq, upon them both be all His most glorious glory; and the honored Aqa Mirza Haydar-ʿAli, upon him be the glory and favor of God—that they are all engaged in serving the Cause—this was presented. The sun of loving-kindness has ever been and continues to be shining upon them from the heaven of grace. Their letters have also been received. God willing, this servant shall succeed in responding to them, for now occupations have increased to such a degree that free time has become like the legendary phoenix—spoken of but non-existent. May God, exalted be His glory, assist them and protect them from the burning fire of the heedless unbelievers. Verily, He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth. There is no God but Him, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.
Regarding what you wrote about the honored Aqa Shaykh Sadiq, upon him be the glory of God, God willing may he be assisted in serving the Cause. Convey greetings from this servant to him and say: God willing, may you be successful in serving the Cause. Let not time slip away—this is the time for service, that is, teaching God’s Cause with the wisdom which the All-Bestowing One hath revealed in the Book. God willing, may they succeed in that which shall endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven. Some time ago, a most mighty and holy Tablet was revealed specifically for him, and this servant, as commanded, made a copy from the original. Now it is being sent—deliver it to him. God willing, may they be gladdened by the fragrances of the verses and adorn the people with the ornament of life through the living waters. Convey greetings from this servant to the honored Mulla Husayn and say: Today is the day of steadfastness and the day of teaching. God willing, may they be assisted in that which He loveth and is pleased with.
Concerning your mention of the Land of Alif, those related to the honored Fath-i-A’zam, upon him be all the most glorious glory, have been and continue to be remembered before the Throne, and God’s favor has been and continues to be directed towards them. This servant beseeches and hopes that God will assist them in preserving their stations. And regarding your mention of the honored Aqa Mirza Faraju’llah, this was presented before the Most Holy Court. This most mighty and exalted Tablet was revealed for him:
In the Name of the Forgiving, the Merciful
This is a Book sent down by the Wronged One while imprisoned in the hands of the heedless. Verily He came for the reformation of the world, yet the people opposed and objected until there befell Him that which caused the dwellers of the highest Paradise to lament. Thus did the Pen speak by the command of One Who is All-Knowing, All-Informed. Give thanks unto God for having enabled thee to acknowledge that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken in the world. He is verily the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. We counsel thee and those who have believed to that whereby the Cause of God shall be uplifted amongst His creation. He is verily the Counselor, the Trustworthy. And We remember My loved ones there who were not held back by the intimations of the divines from this Great Announcement. When a crier crieth from among the criers, leave him behind you, turning unto God, the Lord of the worlds. Thus hath the Tongue spoken in the kingdom of utterance. Blessed is he who hath heard, and woe unto the heedless. O people of Baha! Upon you be the glory of God and upon those who have drunk the choice sealed wine from the cups of the words of their Lord, the Forgiving, the Merciful.
And this is what was revealed for the honored Mulla Rida ʿAbabaf in Zavarih:
He is the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious
O loved ones of the All-Merciful in Za and Vav! Hearken to the call of the Wronged One. He summons you to God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, and gives you glad tidings of that which hath been ordained for you from the Supreme Pen, and reminds you of that which will assist you in this Cause from God, the Lord of what was and what shall be. Blessed is the ear that hath attained unto the call of God, and the heart that hath turned to the praiseworthy station. Grieve not over the world and its hardships. By the life of God! The greatest joy hath been ordained for you, did ye but know it. The Day of Resurrection hath come, yet the people remain seated. The Day of Glory hath appeared, yet the people turn away from it.
O people of Baha! Ye were all created for goodly deeds, spiritual qualities, and the betterment of the world. God willing, through the grace of God, exalted be His glory, ye shall act in accordance with that which is befitting and meet in this day. Know ye your worth and preserve your stations through the name of the peerless Beloved. This blessed day hath no likeness or equal. God willing, may ye be assisted to perform such deeds as shall endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven.
Behold ye and remember when the Sacrifice proceeded to the place of offering and gave up his spirit by his own hand in the path of God, the Lord of Names. By the life of God! The Concourse on High welcomed him, and the tribes of the near ones descend upon his resting place at eventide and dawn. The glory shining from the horizon of eternity be upon him and upon those whom the affairs of names prevented not from the Creator of heaven, who cast away the world and held fast to the Most Great Name, which proclaimeth that there is none other God but He, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.
O Rida! We have heard thy call and answered thee, and have witnessed thy turning and have turned unto thee from this noble station. Say: Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having enabled me to turn unto Thee. I beseech Thee to make me steadfast in Thy Cause in all conditions. O Lord! Ordain for me what Thou hast ordained for Thy loved ones, and decree for me that which shall profit me in the world to come and in this world. Verily Thou art the Lord of all beings. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the All-Praised.
Praised be God that the souls mentioned in your letter have attained to matchless grace. God willing, may they drink from the hidden seas within the words of the Revealer of verses—such a draught that the affairs of the world shall not prevent them from the Lord of Eternity. May they ever be enkindled with the fire of love and illumined by the light of knowledge. The Command is in the hands of God, the Powerful, the Almighty.
As for what you wrote concerning Haji ʿAli-Akbar, there hath been revealed from the Kingdom of Utterance, specially for him and the other friends, that which cannot be equaled by heaven and earth. His word, exalted be His majesty:
He is the Witness, the Hearer, the All-Knowing
O Most Exalted Pen! Thou hast mentioned My loved ones in Za and Vav, and now mention them once again. Verily, Thy grace encompasseth all created things, and Thou art the Generous, the Bountiful. Beware lest the affairs of the world stay thee. Move like lightning, nay with greater speed, by the leave of God, the Lord of all worlds. Blessed art thou, O Pen! I testify that thou hast not fallen short in any matter, having been remembering at all times. Thou hast been in constant motion, commemorating God and His loved ones at all times. The river of wisdom and utterance hath flowed from thee, and thy fragrance hath wafted between the heavens and the earth. Thou hast been with Me at all times and hast attained the presence in all conditions, and thou art the one who hath won My beautiful praise.
Say: O My loved ones! Rejoice in My remembrance, then remember the Wronged One Who hath been imprisoned in the land of exile through what the hands of the heedless have wrought. O ʿAli-Akbar! The Wronged One maketh mention of thee inasmuch as thou hast turned to God and held fast to His firm cord. Be steadfast in the Cause. Beware lest the clamor of the doubtful ones deter thee. Thus hath the Most Exalted Pen spoken as a token of His grace, and He is the Forgiving, the Bountiful.
As for your mention of Aqa Siyyid Yusuf from the land of Husayn-Abad, upon him be the Glory of God, and his son Aqa Siyyid Husayn, it was presented before the Most Holy Court, and this blessed Tablet was revealed from the heaven of favor especially for them. His word, exalted be His majesty:
He is the Most Great, the Most Ancient, the Most Glorious
O Yusuf! The whole world hath awaited this Day, occupied with its remembrance throughout the nights and days. This is the Day that hath been recorded by the Most Exalted Pen as the Day of God in all divine Books, Tablets and Scriptures. Yet when the splendors of the dawn of God’s Day appeared, all became heedless and arose in opposition and objection. The party that considered itself the best of all parties and would speak of hastening the advent of the Qa’im, ultimately pronounced the verdict for His death. O Yusuf! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One and wholly purify and sanctify thine ears from former vain imaginings, that thou mayest attain to hearing the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree and comprehend the cooing of the Dove of Eternity.
Great is the Day and great is the Cause. Strive, while time remaineth, to attain unto that which is everlasting and eternal. Blessed art thou and thy son who is named Husayn. We, from this station, send Our glorification upon thee and him, and We give you both glad tidings of My wondrous Tablet. The Glory be upon you both and upon those who have quaffed the choice wine of revelation from the hands of the bounty of their Lord, the Munificent, the Generous. We beseech for you both supreme steadfastness in this Cause, which when it appeared, every mighty pillar was shaken. End.
O My loved one! The verses, proofs, manifestations and signs have, by God besides Whom there is none other God, appeared in such wise that all tongues and pens are powerless to describe and express them. Now must ye supplicate with utmost humility and devotion to the Self-Sufficing Lord that He may not deprive the people, and that the crowing of the crows and the clamor of the deniers may not become a barrier. And as for the mention made of Aqa Siyyid Radi from Fath-Abad, it was presented before the most mighty and exalted Court, and this blessed Tablet was revealed especially for him. God willing, may he attain his goal and not remain deprived of the Kawthar of utterance.
He is the Expositor, the All-Knowing.
Today every soul must ponder what hath been revealed and search with their own intellect and understanding, lest they be deprived of the effulgent rays of the Sun of Truth. The Truth hath ever been and shall forever remain distinct from aught else. The opposition of the opposers and denial of the deniers hath never mattered and never shall, for in every age and cycle when the Luminary of Truth appeared, the divines, mystics and princes rose up in opposition and exerted their utmost to extinguish the divine light. Consider the advent of Christ—what the Jewish divines inflicted upon Him was greater than what any had suffered before. Likewise observe what the idolatrous priests and those learned in the Gospel wreaked upon the Seal of the Prophets.
I swear by the Sun of Truth that what was visited upon Him caused the Concourse on High to raise their lamentations. In light of this, the discerning soul should not cling to people’s opposition and objections, thereby depriving themselves of the Truth. O Rady, God willing thou shalt observe with thine own eyes and ponder with utmost fairness upon what hath been manifested, that perchance the hand of bounty may take hold of thee, deliver thee from the depths of doubt and fancy, and guide thee to the dawn of certitude. Verily He guideth whom He willeth unto His straight path. All praise be to God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing. End.
Section 3: “And likewise thy other letter dated the eighth…”
And likewise thy other letter dated the eighth of Muharram arrived like a rose. In truth, as it was adorned with the mention of God and His praise, the musk-like fragrance of inner meanings wafted from it. It was a flower that reminded the lovers of the springtime days of divine knowledge. God willing, may thou ever be occupied with the mention of Truth and attain His bounty.
Regarding the mention of Aqa Muhammad Ibrahim in the land of Qaf and Mim, the beloved Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah, upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah], had mentioned him. A Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet was specifically revealed and sent to him. God willing, may he drink cup after cup of recognition from the divine Tablet and strive to adorn the dead world with the ornament of life through the outpourings of the ocean of inner meanings. This is not difficult for God.
The mention of the honored cotton-carders, upon them be the Glory of God, has been made repeatedly. Praise be to God, they are recipients of the bounties of the All-Bountiful Lord. Their mention hath been and is before the Most Holy Court. And regarding what thou wrote about the funds that the aforementioned ones gave to the honored mother of the sanctuary, upon her be the Glory of God and His bounty, before and after—well done to them, then again well done to them. They themselves wrote the details from the land of K. If thou meetest the brothers, namely the honored cotton-carders, upon them be the Glory of God, convey greetings on behalf of this evanescent one.
And regarding what thou mentioned about Jasb and the loved ones of God in that land, it was presented at the Most Holy, Most Exalted Court. These sublime utterances were revealed from the Dayspring of the bounty of the Lord of Names and Attributes. God willing, may they drink from the Kawthar of utterance and attain new life. He saith, exalted be His glory:
He is the Expositor in the Kingdom of Utterance
O loved ones of God in Jasb! Hearken unto what the Wronged One remindeth you from the direction of the Prison, and calleth you unto God, the Peerless, the All-Informed. Beware lest the conditions of creation hold you back from the Truth. Leave what the people possess and take what ye have been commanded by God, the Lord of the worlds. Say:
Glorified art Thou, O God of Names, Creator of the heavens, Who art manifest in the kingdom of creation and Who gazest from the Most Exalted Horizon. We beseech Thee by the fire of the Sacred Tree, and the light of Oneness, and by the murmur of the water of life in the Most Exalted Paradise, and the rustling of the breezes of reunion in the Supreme Paradise, that Thou write down for us that which will draw us nigh unto Thee in all conditions. O Lord! Thou seest the dead hastening toward the ocean of life and the sinners turning unto Thee, O Forgiver of sins. We beseech Thee, O Lord of existence, by Thy Name, the Manifest, the Witnessed, and by the cry of the lovers in their separation from Thee, and the lamentation of the yearning ones in their remoteness from Thee, and by the breasts that have welcomed arrows in Thy love, that Thou assist us in serving Thee and in promoting Thy Cause, and enable us to achieve this matter whereby the feet of the learned and the mystics have slipped in Thy kingdom.
O Lord! We are servants who have turned toward the horizon of Thy grace. We beseech Thee not to deprive us of what lieth with Thee, then clothe us in the garments of bounty by the hands of Thy mercy. O Lord! Thou art the Generous, possessed of great bounty. Write down for us from Thy Most Exalted Pen the good of the hereafter and of this world. Verily, Thou art the Lord of all beings. There is none other God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Merciful.
The names of the loved ones of that land which that honored one had written were individually presented before the Most Holy Court, and this Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet, together with special prayers for all, hath been revealed. God willing, they will attain unto the reading thereof. The honored Beloved, Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah, upon him be the Glory of God, hath also mentioned them. Perhaps separate tablets will also be sent for each one. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Bestower, the Munificent, the Giver, the Generous. On behalf of this ephemeral one, convey greetings to each one and say that, God willing, ye should be so steadfast in the Cause that when any barker entereth that land, he shall return therefrom disappointed and in loss, like frightened asses fleeing from a lion. Today is the day when the gems of human existence should appear in the realm through the polish of divine favor. Effort is needed. Blessed is the one who hath arisen with power to assist the Cause of his Lord with wisdom and utterance. He is indeed of the people of this noble station.
And regarding the mention that was made of Badiqan and the loved ones of the All-Merciful in that land, it was presented before the Throne, and this Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet was revealed specifically for the honored Aqa Mirza Mahmud, upon him be the Glory of God, and the friends of that land. God willing, may they attain unto and drink from the Kawthar of divine utterance. His word, exalted be His majesty:
He is the All-Witnessing, the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing
A Book sent down by the Wronged One from this praiseworthy station to him who was named Mahmud, that he may rejoice and be among the thankful ones. O Mahmud! We heard thy call before and answered thee out of Our grace. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Ancient of Days. Blessed art thou for having turned to the Most Sublime Horizon when all people turned away from it save whom God, the Lord of the worlds, did please. How many a servant awaited My days, how many a learned one searched for My station, and how many a mystic lamented My separation. Yet when I manifested Myself, they turned away from Me and denied My signs, until they pronounced judgment against Me with manifest injustice.
O Mahmud! Take the Book with the strength granted by Us and grieve not because of those who cast the verses of God behind their backs, following vain imaginings and idle fancies. Arise to serve the Cause, then make mention of the Wronged One amidst myriads of those near unto God. From this glorious station, We send Our greetings upon thee and upon those who have attained unto this mighty Cause. Give them the glad tidings of God’s loving-kindness and His mercy, and remind them of this Cause whereby the feet of the mystics have slipped. The glory shining forth from the horizon of eternity be upon thee and upon them from God, the One, the All-Informed.
O Mahmud! Hearken in the Persian tongue. Strive that perchance thou mayest revive the dispirited and withered ones, and lead those who thirst in the wilderness of error to the Salsabil of guidance. Today the sun of bounty is shining and the heaven of generosity is upraised. Blessed is the soul that hath recognized and attained. Woe unto the heedless ones! Under all conditions, occupy thyself with teaching the Cause in wisdom and utterance, in the name of the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. Verily, He is with His servants who teach. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.
O My loved one! The words of God, exalted be His glory, are bestowed and granted as a cup-bearer of the Kawthar of life. Blessed are they who drink! The person of insight beholdeth in the hand of each one a cup of living water. He taketh it and drinketh in the name of the Friend, despite every deceitful opponent.
Thou didst mention the land of K and likewise the meeting with the honored and beloved Haji Mirza Juni, upon him be the glory of God. Mention of him hath been and will continue to be made in the Most Holy Court. He is among the early souls. This evanescent servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, to ever assist him in that which is befitting. After the arrival of thy letter, a detailed account was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court. This is what was revealed for him from the Kingdom of our Lord, the Most High, the Most Great. His word, exalted be His glory:
He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing
O Letter Jim! Hearken unto what the Word of God uttereth from the Prison. He hath remembered thee before, through which the fragrance of the All-Merciful was wafted throughout all possibility, and remembereth thee at this hour, and giveth thee glad tidings of that which hath been ordained for thee by the Supreme Pen in the Crimson Book. Preserve this station through the name of thy Lord, the Powerful, the Mighty. Behold the world and its conditions, its changes, its passing, and its extinction, and cleave unto that whereby thy remembrance shall be exalted throughout the endurance of names and thy deeds shall remain throughout ages which none save God, the Lord of all worlds, hath knowledge of. Rejoice thou in this Most Great Remembrance, then recite it. Verily it shall draw thee to a station wherein thou shalt hear naught save the rushing of the winds of My loving-kindness, and the flowing of the Kawthar of Mine utterance, and the cooing of the Dove of My grace, the All-Encompassing over all who are in the heavens and the earth. Thus hath the Tongue spoken in the Kingdom of utterance that thou mayest hear and be of the thankful ones.
Remember My loved ones in whom thou findest the radiance of Baha, and give them glad tidings of the favors of their Lord, the Mighty, the Generous. Say: By God! This is the Day of remembrance and utterance. Arise with spirit and joy to proclaim this momentous News. Say: Beware lest earthly affairs prevent you from the Lord of Heaven. Leave the people of idle fancies to their vain imaginings and take the Choice Wine sealed with My Self-Subsisting Name. This is what ye have been commanded in the Book of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. That which ye behold today shall perish, but there shall remain for you what hath been sent down from the Pen of your Lord, the All-Informed. Thus have We adorned the heaven of the Tablet with the sun of the remembrance of My Name, the Mighty, the Wondrous. Glory be upon thee and upon them and upon those women who have believed in God, the Single, the One, the Wise.
From the fragrances of the verses of the Desired One of the world, the station of grace and favor regarding them is evident and known. It hath not needed and doth not need mention by this evanescent one. If thou shouldst meet with them again, convey greetings from this servant. God, exalted be His glory, is witness and knoweth that they have not departed and will not depart from the sight of this evanescent one, and God sufficeth as a witness.
God willing, they shall, through wisdom and utterance, quicken dead hearts, that the effect of their service may endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven. All that is visible shall, in the passing of today or tomorrow, perish and pass away. May God, exalted be His glory, assist steadfast souls and immortalize them through the mention of the Supreme Pen in the Paradise of Books. In the days when I was in their service, one day in the prayer hall of the mosque they said to this evanescent one:
“Today is not the day for flight, for the Pole of the world is still.”
And in truth it was a perfect word that appeared from the horizon of their utterance, for the Truth was concealed and none was aware of Him until this servant arrived in the Abode of Peace. After some time engaged in service, the veil was lifted and the reality of the Cause became clear. And for a time, though I was in His presence, I was utterly bewildered and amazed, for I observed that all were heedless. And after passing from extinction to consciousness, I remained silent and expectant until He appeared and manifested what He willed through His power, His might, and His sovereignty. But now I say to their presence: The Day hath come and the people perceive it not. Today is the day of flight, and today is the day of remembrance and utterance. One must soar with a hundred thousand wings and speak with a hundred thousand tongues in remembrance, praise, and teaching of the Cause. Yet wisdom is necessary in all stations, lest there arise that which would disturb minds and souls.
Section 4: “And regarding your mention once again of Jinab-i-Nabil-i-Qabla…”
And regarding your mention once again of Jinab-i-Nabil-i-Qabla Ha and Sin Nun and his namesake LT, upon them be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah], and likewise their degrees of yearning and eagerness and their arising to serve the Cause—this was presented. He said:
“May they attain, God willing, to a station worthy of this Most Holy and Most Exalted Day. The outward conditions of the world shall return to nothingness in less than a moment. The person of insight has been and shall be focused on that which endures. Blessed are they both and blessed is he who has turned to the horizon of God, the Lord of the worlds.”
This evanescent servant beseeches God to cause them to attain to that which leads to the exaltation and elevation of their station.
And regarding what you wrote about the family of the departed and ascended Aqa Muhammad Ja’far, upon them be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah]—severance of relations is not permitted, but if they proceed with the knowledge of Jinab-i-Haji Mirza Juni, upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah], there is no harm. This much I submit: mention of them has been and continues to be made at the Divine Threshold, and they are recipients of divine favors. What station is greater than this? By the Sun of the heaven of inner meanings, whosoever today attains to but one word from God, it suffices him, and that word shall be with him in all the worlds. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Forgiving, the Generous. Every heart that has turned to Him is mentioned before God, and every tongue that has voiced His praise has had its reward recorded by the Supreme Pen. Not an atom’s weight of the deeds of those who act shall be lost. Verily, He does not suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.
Give those honored ladies the glad tidings of divine favors, that they may occupy themselves with the praise of the Beloved of the worlds with their whole heart and tongue. How many souls who outwardly seem distant have had stations of nearness recorded for them by the Supreme Pen, and how many who are near are not mentioned among those who are nigh. This evanescent servant asks and hopes that God, exalted be His glory, will assist all to do what is beneficial and enable them to achieve that which leads to eternal life. Verily, He is the Protector of whoever loves Him, the Helper of whoever aids Him, the Hearer of whoever speaks His praise, and the Witness of whatever is done in His path. He is our Protector in this world and the next. There is no God but Him, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
And regarding what you wrote about the Leaf who is the daughter of the paternal aunt and her sister, upon them both be Baha’u’llah—they have always been confirmed and in truth from the beginning of the Cause until now have been occupied with the mention of God and service to God. This evanescent servant asks and hopes that God will assist them and all the Leaves, upon them be Baha’u’llah, to remain steadfast in His Cause. Verily, He answers the prayers of those who ask. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.
And regarding the passage you mentioned specifically for the days of Ridvan—God willing, it shall be acted upon. This matter was presented and was graced with permission. Blessed are they both. And regarding your renewed mention of the loved ones of the land of A and R, and likewise their gatherings and being set ablaze with the fire of divine love—all was presented in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence. This is what the tongue of the All-Merciful uttered in the Kingdom of Utterance—His word, magnificent is His sovereignty:
He is the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Glorious
O friends of God in Alif and Ra! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One. He remembereth you with that which is better than all that hath been created on earth. Verily, your Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Forgiving, the Generous. Ye have attained unto the recognition of God, the Dawning-Place of His Revelation, and the Source of His inspiration, and have drunk the choice wine sealed with His Name, the Mighty, the Wondrous.
O friends! Praise be to God that ye have been favored with His grace in days when hearts were trembling and foundations were shaken. Through the bounty of the Lord of Names, ye turned unto the Most Exalted Horizon and were adorned with the most glorious and resplendent ornament which is the knowledge of God, exalted be His glory. Blessed are ye and your dwellings wherein the mention of God hath been raised and over which the breezes of His grace, the Mighty, the Wondrous, have wafted.
Know ye the value of this exalted station and hold fast unto the cord of steadfastness, for the evil ones have been and are lying in wait. This is the Day in which the Divine Lote-Tree calleth aloud and guideth all to the most exalted Paradise. The ear is for this Day, for the call of God, exalted be His glory, is raised high and loud. And it is the Day of vision, for the lights of the Sun of Truth are manifest and brilliant from the horizon of Revelation.
O friends! Strive ye and call to mind the trials and tribulations which God Himself and His chosen ones have borne for your salvation. Many were the nights when the soul found no rest in the body and the eye knew no sleep. O friends! Ye have heard the taunts of the enemies in the path of God and have borne countless hardships and difficulties for His sake. Yet such stations have been inscribed for you by the Most Exalted Pen that all existence is as nothingness when compared with their mention. Today ye must preserve your stations through the Name of God, for there are many thieves who are utterly heedless of and veiled from the Truth. The Command is in God’s hands, the Lord of all worlds. The Glory shining from the horizon of eternity be upon you and upon those who have believed in God, the Peerless, the All-Informed.
And likewise, especially for Mirza R.F. and M.H., upon them be 966 [Baha’u’llah], wondrous and sublime Tablets have previously been revealed and sent. The relatives of His Holiness Fath-i-A’zam, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, have been and will continue to be mentioned. Blessed are they who recognize their station and act according to that which God loveth. It is hoped that these souls will all arise to teach the Cause. He will surely assist them as He assisted them before, and He is the Helper, the Mighty. If ye meet them, convey on behalf of this evanescent servant greetings and devotion to them and to all the friends in that land. Happy are they who have drunk the wine of recognition from the cups of the utterance of their Lord, the All-Merciful.
And concerning what you wrote about Ardakan, your honor should return once more to that land and give glad tidings of His grace and favor to the friends of God, and convey greetings from the True One to the steadfast, firm and resolute souls. As commanded, if you meet his honor Ra and Jim, upon them be the Glory of God, convey greetings and say: Ever remind the people of this blessed word which shines like the sun from the horizon of the divine Tablet: “Return to the Sacred Texts, O people of insight!” Today all must see with their own eyes and hear with their own ears. The ears of the world and the eyes of the nations will not suffice them.
They must stand firm in the Cause through the power of Truth. Today is the day of utterance—awaken the heedless people and guide them to the Most Exalted Horizon. Your mention has been and is before the Wronged One. God willing, may you be assisted to do what is befitting. Take hold of the reins of the people of that land lest they become heedless and slip from the path. The Supreme Pen has informed all of the appearance of deceivers and barkers, and whatever has been revealed from the Supreme Pen has come to pass and will come to pass. Say: Consider what the All-Merciful has revealed before. He has informed you of what has appeared and will appear.
With Him is the knowledge of the heavens and earth in a mighty Book. Say: Look not to creation and what lies therein, but look to the Truth and His manifestation and sovereignty. He suffices you, and He is the Powerful, the Guardian, the Mighty, the Wise.
Whatever reaches those parts, your honor should take note. Say: The world and all within it have no permanence. Strive that you may attain to the station which God, exalted be His glory, has ordained for His loved ones. The earth and all upon it shall perish, but that which has been sent down from God, the Lord of the worlds, shall endure. The Glory be upon you and upon those who have attained to what God, the Mighty, the Great, has desired.
If you meet them, convey this servant’s greetings and say that God willing, they should arise with complete dedication. Be not grieved by what has befallen your honor. Verily He does not allow the reward of the workers and doers of good to be lost. All matters are evident and manifest. God willing, may the sleeping ones arise at your mention and arise to serve the Cause, that is, succeed in teaching. This is the most important of all matters. Verily He assists whom He wishes by His command, and He is the Generous, the Powerful, the Mighty. Praise be to God, the Mighty, the Praised.
Deliver one Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet revealed in the form of a prayer specifically for Haji Malik Husayn, upon him be the Glory of God. God willing, may they drink the Kawthar of steadfastness from the divine chalices of utterance and attain to what God loves. This ephemeral one also sends greetings to them. As commanded, some should recite the prayer. Verily He will assist them and draw them near to God, the Mighty, the Beautiful.
Regarding the letters sent from the land of Kha that were mentioned again—whatever their owners have sent as gifts and intended to be sent to the Most Holy Court, send them; and whatever they send as Huquq, there is no objection to selling it.
And regarding the Mahall al-Barakat, whatever his honor Afnan, upon him be all the Most Glorious Glory, deems advisable is beloved. And this is a word that was heard before from the blessed tongue:
And this is the word that was formerly heard from the Blessed Tongue. And as to that which they had written–whether permission might be granted them to turn their attention to certain matters—this was submitted, and this is what the Tongue of Grandeur hath uttered. Exalted be His glory:
O Abu’l-Hasan! The Wronged One declares with the utmost joy and fragrance that if thou shouldst travel to certain lands, there is and hath been no harm in it. Under all conditions, keep thine eyes fixed upon the glory of the Cause and place thy trust in Him. When the soul becometh refined, that in itself is effective. Today thou must remind all the friends of God of pleasing conduct, goodly words and praiseworthy deeds, for the triumph of God’s Cause hath been and shall ever be through such means. Time and again thy call hath been honored to reach Our ears, and thy reply hath flowed without cease from the Most Exalted Pen. Be thou thankful and numbered among those who praise. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.
Master ʿAli-Akbar-i-Banna, upon him be the Glory of God (9 66), sent a letter to this servant some time ago, and likewise to Haji Siyyid Javad, upon him be the Glory of God (9 66). Both were presented at the Most Holy Court. Blessed is he in that he hath been mentioned before the Throne and there hath been revealed for him that which beareth witness to God’s grace, bounty, mercy and favors. God willing, henceforth a Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet shall be revealed and sent specifically for him. Convey greetings on behalf of this evanescent servant to him. May God grant that he be aided in all conditions to remember and praise the Best-Beloved of the worlds. The most important of all matters today hath been and is the teaching of God’s Cause. Blessed is the soul that hath attained unto this most holy and most exalted station. His mention hath been and is before this evanescent one. It is hoped that something may be written to serve him as well. The Command is in God’s hands. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. He is the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.
The Glory shining from the horizon of eternity be upon thee and upon him and upon every servant who hath rent asunder the veils of idle fancy through the name of his Lord, the Self-Subsisting, and hath witnessed what God, the Lord of the worlds, hath witnessed. Praise be to God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.