Volume 066: Akka 1299 A.H. (1881–1882), Part I (6 of 6)

BH00062: Praise be unto the Beloved of all creation…

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

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

Praise be unto the Beloved of all creation and the Goal of the peoples of the world, Who hath strengthened His loved ones to assist His Cause and exalt His Word, and enabled them to execute His commandments and ordinances which are the source of the world’s order and the preservation of nations. They are the Hands of the Cause and the Letters of the Book. Through them power and dominion were made manifest and resplendent in the realm of earthly sovereignty. They are the stars in the heaven of Revelation and the standards of victory from God, the Lord of Resurrection. Through them the heaven hath rained, the sun hath shone forth, and the horizons have been illumined.

The letter of that noble soul was in truth a book that attracted the lovers of the Peerless Beauty, perfumed as it was with the mention of the Beloved of the world and illumined by the sun of His blessed Name. God knoweth that neither narcissus nor eglantine possesseth such fragrance, nor do ambergris and jasmine. Having inhaled its fragrance and learned of its contents, we turned toward the heaven of heavens and offered praise. Thus hath spoken the Tongue of Grandeur, glorified be His majesty:

O Asad! Upon thee be the Glory of God, the Single, the One! Praise be to God that thou art occupied with the mention of the Truth and art steadfast in service to His Cause.

Say: O men! This is a matchless Day. Matchless must, likewise, be the tongue that celebrateth the praise of the Desire of all nations, and matchless the deed that aspireth to be acceptable in His sight. The whole human race hath longed for this Day, that perchance it may fulfill that which well beseemeth its station, and is worthy of its destiny. Blessed is the man whom the affairs of the world have failed to deter from recognizing Him Who is the Lord of all things.

So blind hath become the human heart that neither the disruption of the city, nor the reduction of the mountain in dust, nor even the cleaving of the earth, can shake off its torpor. The allusions made in the Scriptures have been unfolded, and the signs recorded therein have been revealed, and the prophetic cry is continually being raised. And yet all, except such as God was pleased to guide, are bewildered in the drunkenness of their heedlessness!

Witness how the world is being afflicted with a fresh calamity every day. Its tribulation is continually deepening. From the moment the Súriy-i-Ra’ís (Tablet to Ra’ís) was revealed until the present day, neither hath the world been tranquillized, nor have the hearts of its peoples been at rest. At one time it hath been agitated by contentions and disputes, at another it hath been convulsed by wars, and fallen a victim to inveterate diseases. Its sickness is approaching the stage of utter hopelessness, inasmuch as the true Physician is debarred from administering the remedy, whilst unskilled practitioners are regarded with favor, and are accorded full freedom to act.

In these parts, in certain lands, signs of subsidence have appeared. Strange events have occurred and continue to occur, yet the heedless remain behind a manifest veil. Do they not reflect? Where is the Prime Minister of Iran, and his glory and wealth? Where is his power and might?

The dust of sedition hath clouded the hearts of men, and blinded their eyes. Erelong, they will perceive the consequences of what their hands have wrought in the Day of God. Thus warneth you He Who is the All-Informed, as bidden by One Who is the Most Powerful, the Almighty.

God willing, mayest thou ever be assisted in the mention of the Truth, the praise of the Truth, and service to the Cause of Truth, in such wise that its traces may become manifest from the horizons of the world and the horizons of the hearts of all peoples. Give the friends of God, exalted be His glory, to drink of the wine of immortality in the Most Great Name, and gladden all with the mention of God and His favor. Say: Strive that ye may attain unto a word from the Kingdom of utterance. End.

Praise be to God that the cup of reunion is at hand, arriving, as the Persians say, one after another. I beseech God that this cup may ever be in circulation, though it be mixed with the oppression of the Friend and renowned by the name of the Beloved. God willing, may this bounty never cease, nor may the hands of the aggressors alter it. May the servant drink thereof and hear “Well done!”

The two missives from your honor, dated the 9th and 24th of Dhi’l-Qa’dah, were like two brilliant suns illuminating this ephemeral heart. God willing, may such suns ever rise, dawn, shine and appear. This servant beseeches and hopes from God to be assisted in responding without delay, for from all directions there arrives that which renders one incapable of adequate reply. In all conditions, confirmation comes from God, exalted be His glory. He is verily the Confirmer, the Omnipotent.

Regarding what you wrote about his honor the Sahib, upon him be the Glory of God, the response was previously submitted in two letters. God willing, they will have arrived by now, and may you be assisted in that which will endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven. Praise be to God that your honor is in all conditions confirmed in wisdom. Concerning what you wrote about arriving in Qum and association with the friends of God, exalted be His glory, this detail was submitted. Thus spoke the Tongue of the Desired One, exalted be His glory:

“God willing, may they be ever engaged in serving the Cause and be assisted in guiding those who are heedless.”

Regarding what you wrote about his honor Aqa Muhammad Ibrahim and likewise the cotton-carders, upon them be the Glory of God, and their enthusiasm—God willing, may they ever remain occupied thus. Blessed are they and theirs is a goodly return.

Concerning what you wrote about how beneficial it would be if someone were to occasionally visit those regions—this is a statement with which every informed scholar and wise mystic would agree. Ever has it been heard from the Blessed Tongue that certain souls, adorned with good character and mindful of the requirements of the time and wisdom, should journey to those parts and bestow the water of life. The breezes of the utterance of the All-Merciful should ever be wafting. This matter is, by command, necessary and obligatory. Blessed are they that act.

Regarding what you wrote about his honor Na’ib ʿAli-Akbar Beg, upon him be the Glory of God—his honor Haji Mirza Abu’l-Hasan, upon him be the Glory of God, in two letters sent to this ephemeral one, mentioned him and wrote of his expressions of love, and likewise wrote in detail about a mount. In these matters, they have thus far shown the utmost consideration, and whatever has reached them from anyone has been conveyed to the Most Holy Court. This is what the servant testifies to according to his station and rank, and knowledge is with God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Concerning what was written in the other letter mentioning the beloved of God in Qum, upon them be the Glory of God, those very passages were submitted to the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court. Thus spoke the Tongue of Grandeur, exalted be His glory:

O Asad! Upon thee be My glory! The intoxication of heedlessness hath encompassed the world. A guide is needed. The true friends of God are like the gentle breezes of spring—in whatsoever land they pass, they render the trees of being verdant and cause them to yield wondrous and exalted fruits. Give thanks unto God, thy Lord and the Lord of all who dwell in the kingdom of creation and command, for having aided thee to serve His Cause and having acquainted thee with that which was hidden from the eyes of all save whom God willeth.

Convey my greetings to Ahmad, Ibrahim, and the carders, upon them be the Glory of God, and to the other friends in that land. God willing, may they attain such a station that the might and wrath of the oppressors shall not deter them from the Dayspring of Divine Unity. Say: O friends! This is the day of soaring, the day of mention and utterance. Ye must soar in the atmosphere of the love of the All-Merciful on the wings of certitude in the name of the True One. The breezes of mercy are wafting, and the cup of the choice wine is being offered by the hands of bounty before all faces. Drink ye thereof in the name of your Lord, the Possessor of the Seen and the Unseen.

Know ye the value of these days. Death is ordained for all; if it come in the path of God, it hath been and ever will be most beloved. The people of Baha must manifest themselves through goodly character and heavenly attributes, and must observe wisdom. In such case, whatsoever may befall them is, by the life of God, better than the life of the world. O friends! Let not the time slip away. With perfect dignity and composure, hold ye fast unto that which ye have been commanded in the Book. Verily, He heareth and seeth, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

And regarding what thou didst write about Aqa Muhammad-Ibrahim—upon him be the Glory of God—being aflame in that land, a Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet hath been sent down from the heaven of grace especially for him. God willing, may he attain unto it. His word, exalted be His majesty:

He is the Hearer, the Answerer

O Abraham! The Friend remembereth thee, who summoned all unto God, the Lord of all worlds. The Wronged One hath heard mention of thee and thy burning with the fire of the love of God, and remembereth thee in this luminous Tablet. We have entered into the Most Great Prison and have revealed that which God, the Mighty, the All-Wise, hath willed. Among the people are those who have cast away what they possessed and turned to the Supreme Horizon, believing in the One, the All-Informed, and drank the Kawthar of life from the hands of the bounty of their Lord, the All-Merciful. And among them are those who turned away and showed pride before God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Blessed is the eye that hath beheld the evidences of its Lord, and the ear that hath heard His most great verses, and the tongue that hath spoken His beautiful remembrance. Take hold of the Book with the strength bestowed by Us in such wise that neither the veils of the divines prevent thee nor the conditions of the oppressors frighten thee.

Say: O concourse of the earth! By God, the gate of heaven hath been opened and the Lord of Names hath come with mighty sovereignty, desiring to quicken the earth after its death. Fear God and be not of the heedless. By their tyranny the Concourse on High hath lamented and the eyes of them that are nigh have wept. Soon shall the world and all that the people possess perish, and there shall endure unto thee what hath been sent down in this noble station. We make mention of Our loved ones there who have held fast unto that which they were commanded in the Book by the Ordainer, the All-Wise. Say: Should anyone come unto you with other than what God hath desired, leave him to himself, placing your trust in God, the Almighty, the All-Powerful. O My loved ones! We make mention of you for the sake of God, that your names may thereby endure in His preserved Tablet. Thus hath the tongue of the Wronged One spoken while in the midst of the opposition. Rejoice in the days of your Lord! By God, the ocean of bounty hath surged and the horizon of Revelation hath been illumined by the sun of My holy, mighty and wondrous remembrance.

God willing, may they attain unto the visitation of this most mighty, most holy Tablet, be illumined by its light and enkindled by its heat, in such wise that its effects become manifest in the Concourse on High, let alone among the people of the earth. However, in all circumstances ye must observe wisdom, lest the croaking be raised and the divine wine remain concealed. Specifically for Aqa Siyyid Ahmad and the cotton-carders, upon them be the glory of God, exalted Tablets have previously been revealed. God willing, may they attain unto them and drink from the ocean of the utterance of the All-Merciful.

Regarding what was written about visiting the land of Jasb and meeting the loved ones of God, this evanescent servant wrote a letter in reply to the missive of Mulla Ghulam-Rida, and in that letter a most mighty, most holy Tablet was revealed from the heaven of favor specifically for him, and likewise for each of the souls mentioned in his letter a blessed Tablet was revealed. Exalted, exalted is the bounty of our Beloved, and the loving-kindness of our Goal, and His mercy that hath preceded all who exist. For each of the friends whose name was mentioned in His presence, whether living or dead, there was revealed that which testifieth and proveth and beareth witness to His favor, loving-kindness and mercy.

God willing, may the people of Baha recognize their stations and preserve them. How excellent is the deed of those who have acknowledged that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken! A hundred thousand blessings upon the soul that hath arisen to teach the Cause of God and upon those souls who were blessed to hear and who arose with perfect steadfastness and firmness in the Cause. The servant beseecheth his Lord to assist all in the world and to make known unto them what hath escaped them in these days the like of which the eyes have never seen.

And as for your attention to the land of Badqan and mention of Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Mahmud, upon him be the glory of God, and his being set ablaze with the fire of the love of God—mention of him was made in the letter of Jinab-i-Haji Mirza Abu’l-Hasan, upon him be the glory of God, and this servant submitted this matter. A most mighty and holy Tablet was revealed from the heaven of grace specifically for him and the beloved ones of that land, and was sent to the aforementioned one to deliver. That beloved one should give them the glad-tidings of the blessed Tablet so they may engage in serving the Cause with divine confirmations more than before. And specifically for Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Ibrahim from Qum, upon him be the glory of God, a most mighty and holy Tablet was also revealed and sent to Jinab-i-Haji Mirza Abu’l-Hasan to deliver, as they had made mention of the aforementioned one, and since that beloved one has also made mention, another most mighty and honored Tablet was once again revealed and details thereof were submitted.

God willing that beloved one will deliver them. The aforementioned one has become the recipient of two Tablets. God willing these two Tablets will become two wings for his soaring in the atmosphere of the love of the All-Merciful.

Section 2: “And as for what you wrote regarding Naraq…”

And as for what you wrote regarding Naraq and the beloved ones of that land, it was submitted before His presence and mention of each of those souls issued from the blessed tongue, and He said:

“Praise be to God that Jinab-i-Asad, upon him be My glory, has succeeded in serving the Truth and in His mention and praise—a matter which today is most important and is considered by God as the mightiest pillar of teaching, and he is engaged in it with utmost joy and fragrance. Blessed is he and blessed is he who heareth from him what God hath revealed in the Book. The beloved ones of the land of N and R have been under the glances of favor. God willing they will be assisted to achieve that which beseemeth the Day of God and be confirmed in that which is the cause and means of the perpetuation of mention. The river floweth and the ocean is manifest. Blessed are they that attain.”

This evanescent servant conveyeth his greetings and praise to them. It is hoped from God’s profound grace, exalted be His glory, that He will confirm all to unity and harmony and to that which today is the cause of the exaltation of God’s Cause.

And as for what you wrote that at the time of writing, Jinab-i-Aqa Mir from Fath-Abad, upon him be the glory of God, also requested that mention be made of him—this matter was submitted. This is what the tongue of the Beloved uttered in reply, exalted be His grandeur:

“O Mir! God willing may the lights of the Day of Manifestation illumine you at all times and keep you occupied with the mention of the Peerless Friend. Observe the people—a world wherein all acknowledge and confess their mortality, yet they have taken it as their object of worship and have remained deprived and forbidden from the true Object of Worship and the lights of the spiritual Sun. O Mir! Hearken unto the call of this Prisoner. Verily He will assist thee and draw thee nigh unto God, the One, the All-Informed. Mention of steadfast souls hath flowed and been revealed from the Supreme Pen. God willing may they hold fast unto what God hath willed and be detached and free from aught else. I convey greetings to all the friends of that land and other regions, and counsel them to that which is the cause of the loftiness and elevation of man’s station. Blessed are they that act and woe unto the heedless. The glory shining forth from the horizon of thy Lord the All-Merciful’s will be upon thee and upon them and upon every patient and grateful one. Praise be to God, the Kind, the Forgiving.”

They had written making mention of the honored Haji Muhammad-Rida (upon him be the glory of God) from the land of Ṣad. His name was laid before Him from Whose knowledge nothing whatsoever is hidden; and these exalted words, sent down from the heaven of the Will of Him Who is the Revealer of verses, were revealed in particular for him. God willing, he shall attain thereunto, and shall drink deep of its oceans of meaning— a draught whose effect shall remain abiding and enduring in the realm. His word is this:

He is the Witness, the Hearer, the All-Knowing, the All-Aware.

O Muhammad-Rida! Praise be to the Beloved of the world Who hath aided thee through the grace of His Most Great Name and guided thee unto that whereof most of the peoples of the earth remain heedless and veiled. The path of God is clear, His verses are revealed, and His evidences are manifest; yet all are heedless save whom God willeth. Know thou the value of these days and occupy thyself with the remembrance and praise of God, exalted be His glory. The might of the tyrants, the dominion of the Pharaohs, the power of the Chosroes, and the wealth of the Caesars—all were witnessed to be fleeting and non-existent, and that which is visible today will likewise return to nothingness. It behooveth man to cling unto that which is everlasting and enduring. Give thanks unto thy Lord for having caused thee to recognize the Dawning-Place of His Revelation, the Dayspring of His signs, and the Manifestation of His Self, and for having sent down unto thee that which all the kingdoms of the earth cannot equal. Verily thy Lord is the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. Then beseech Him to aid thee in that which is meet for His days. Verily He is the All-Hearing, the Answering. Praise be to God, the Lord of this wondrous Day.

We earnestly hope that at all times thou wilt derive from the divine utterances that which conduceth to life and permanence. Verily, this servant loveth to make mention of him who hath turned unto God, attained unto His recognition, submitted to His sovereignty, and voiced His praise. As to what thou didst write about visiting on behalf of that loved one: for two hours on Tuesday night, the 25th of Rabi’u’l-Avval, I sought the presence of the Lord of all beings, and after attaining His presence and receiving permission, the visitation and circumambulation were performed and, praise be to God, were graced with acceptance. May it be well with thee!

Regarding thy mention of the Land of Kaf and the Navvab—upon him be the glory of God—and Haji Siyyid Muhammad and Aqa Siyyid Nasru’llah and Aqa Siyyid Hashim—upon them be the glory of God—these have attained unto the hearing of the Lord of Names, and the sun of grace hath shone and beamed forth upon each one. Some time ago this servant wrote and sent a detailed letter to the Navvab, and likewise a most holy and exalted Tablet was sent specifically for him, and similarly, exalted and glorious Tablets were sent specifically for Haji Siyyid Muhammad and the other friends through Shaykh S—upon him be the glory of God. This evanescent servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, to aid them all in such wise that the transient things of this fleeting world may not withhold them from the Lord of Names, that they may be enabled to achieve that which is befitting and be confirmed in that which is adorned with the ornament of immortality. Similarly, that other letter from that loved one, dated the 27th of Dhi’l-Hijjih, was in truth a healing remedy for this ailing servant, for it was adorned and perfumed with the fragrance of that loved one’s sincerity, for the sake of God, the Single, the Mighty, the Loving.

Regarding the mention of returning to the land of Qamsar and also meeting with Haji Siyyid Ibrahim, upon him be the Glory of God—mention of him was made in the Most Holy Presence and a special Tablet was revealed for him from the heaven of bounty. Likewise for my letter to Aqa Mir Abdul-Rahim, upon him be the Glory of God, and specifically for them in my letter a Most Holy Tablet was revealed. Similarly, for each of the individuals mentioned in their letter, wondrous, exalted and impregnable Tablets have dawned from the horizon of the heaven of grace. God willing, they will attain unto them. And likewise specifically for Mulla Ghulam-Rida, upon him be the Glory of God, from the land of Jasb, and the souls mentioned in his letter which he had written to this servant, and also specifically for Shaykh Hasan, upon him be the Glory of God, and the souls mentioned in his letter.

Praise be to God, regarding all the names mentioned in the packets of that beloved one, the manifestation of bounty and supreme favor from the Dawning-Place of the mercy of the Lord of Names is evident and clear. That beloved one should observe them and after making copies should send the originals to Haji Siyyid Ibrahim, upon him be the Glory of God, and he after reviewing should deliver them to their owners, namely the souls mentioned.

And regarding what was written about the Huquq, the sale of properties is not permitted according to the Command. Those souls upon whom Huquq has become incumbent should, if they are able, be blessed to pay it. They said: We have left the properties to those souls themselves—they may dispose of them as they wish. The benefit of good deeds returns to the souls performing them, especially for one who is enabled to pay the Huququ’llah. This is a matter that must be carried out with utmost honor. Whosoever turns towards it and pays it with complete willingness and contentment, the Trustees should accept it from him, otherwise He verily is independent of all worlds.

This supreme word has issued from the Most Exalted Pen specifically for Abu’l-Hasan Ardikani: Forsake the entire world but forsake not an atom’s weight of the honor of God’s Cause. Blessed are those souls who have truly arisen today to render service and have been enabled to do what is befitting.

With regard to what was written concerning teachers of the Cause, this found acceptance in the Most Holy Court. In truth, every soul who arises to serve this most great and momentous Cause must be adorned with all virtues, both outward and inward, and must have sufficient means. In whatever land he enters, the fragrance of detachment must waft from him. Indeed, that beloved one has expressed a most pleasing statement on this matter. God willing, that beloved one shall be assisted and confirmed in all conditions to undertake whatsoever will exalt God’s Cause. They stated that the provisions for teachers are of two kinds, both of which are necessary: First, reliance upon God, and second, they should be given a portion of what is collected from the Huququ’llah. End.

In previous years, sufficient guidance regarding the qualifications of teachers has been revealed from the Supreme Pen. Truly this is a most mighty matter. Blessed is he who attains unto it, for he is among those who have aided God, his Lord, to the utmost possible degree. God willing, the wealthy souls shall be enabled to pay the Huququ’llah so that these matters may be carried out in the utmost spirit and joy throughout the earth. Had they known, they would have spent their very souls and all they possess in the path of God. Furthermore, that beloved one is himself authorized to receive the Huququ’llah. Praise be to God, that honorable one has received the effulgences of the Sun of Providence. His is the praise in all conditions, and He is the Kind, the Generous.

That beloved one’s arrangement regarding the Huququ’llah was indeed sound and firm. However, since this matter depends on the actions of many souls in cities and villages, it will inevitably become widely known, and its spread will cause commotion among the heedless and ignorant. Therefore, one must act according to what God has commanded. Regarding the two units of Huquq that were mentioned, by command they should be used by Haji Siyyid Ibrahim himself according to the number of the Greatest Name, to be spent during the festivals or given to the poor—both are acceptable in the sight of God. The remainder goes to that beloved one or to Haji Mirza Abu’l-Hasan, upon him be 95 [Baha’u’llah].

As for the mention of Aqa Muhammad Hashim and three others who attained to the wine of faith, this was presented before His presence. This is what was revealed in response from the Kingdom of God, the Lord of the Final End. Exalted be His glory:

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

O Hashim! He who has arisen to serve Me and dedicated his affairs to the triumph of My Cause has mentioned thee. We make mention of thee as a token of Our grace, for We are truly the All-Bountiful, the Generous. Blessed is the house wherein My remembrance is raised, and blessed is the servant who has been adorned with the ornament of My love, the Mighty, the Wondrous. Give thanks to God for having enabled thee to recognize Him and guided thee to His straight path. It behooveth thee to thank God at all times. Verily thy Lord is the Hearing, the Answering.

We make mention of Muhammad, who has turned toward the Supreme Horizon and attained to this Cause, from which all on earth have turned aside save whom God has willed, the Lord of all worlds. O Muhammad! Hearken unto the call from the precincts of the Prison and say: Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having made me know Thee and given me to drink from the Kawthar of utterance from the hands of bounty. I testify that Thy grace has preceded the world. There is no God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

We make mention of the handmaiden of God who has turned unto Him and desired to drink from the Kawthar of utterance in the days of her Lord, the Most Merciful. Blessed is every handmaiden who has attained unto this noble station. We make mention of another handmaiden and give her glad tidings of My grace and bounty, and We command her and My handmaidens to be steadfast in the Cause and to act in accordance with that which befitteth the days of God, the Single, the One, the All-Informed.

The petition of Aqa Muhammad Hashim was presented before His presence. The Tongue of Favor spoke these blessed words:

“We beseech God, exalted be He, to ordain for her that which shall profit her in the hereafter and in this world. Verily He knoweth what is with Him, and He is the Witness, the Hearer, the All-Knowing.”

And regarding what was written that Aqa Muhammad Hashim desired his household in (city of) S to attain unto the Name [of God] and become a place of passage for the loved ones of God, this was presented. Thus spoke the Tongue of our Purpose and the Purpose of all who are in the heavens and earth, exalted be His glory:

“O Asad! Upon thee be My glory! We have accepted what thou hast written. Give glad tidings from Me to him who is named Muhammad-i-Hashim, that he may thank God, his Lord, for this great bounty.”

Section 3: “Blessed are they who have recognized the station…”

Blessed are they who have recognized the station of this divine Day and have attained unto the outpourings of the All-Bountiful Lord. All the Prophets and Messengers beseeched God, exalted be His glory, for the attainment of this Day, and this matter is recorded and inscribed in all divine Books and Scriptures. Nevertheless, none attained save the people of the Crimson Ark, mention of which was revealed by the Supreme Pen in the Qayyumu’l-Asma’. God willing, through the confirmations of the Desired One, those souls who have not been contaminated by rancor and hatred will perceive the fragrances of revelation and attain unto that which is intended. Convey My greetings to My loved ones in the cities and regions, and give them glad tidings of God’s grace, His bounty and His mercy that have encompassed the kingdom of earth and heaven.

O beloved of My heart! Those souls from whom emanate and diffuse the fragrances of the love of the Beloved of the worlds truly have no equal or likeness, and never will. This evanescent servant has always cherished and continues to cherish their mention, to such an extent that were all days and nights to be spent in their remembrance, it would still appear less than an atom. This evanescent servant beseeches God, exalted be His glory, to ordain for them stations that have no equal. Verily, He is the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful.

And regarding the mention [you made] of Muhammad Husayn, son of the honored Aqa Muhammad Baqir, upon them both be the glory of God, this matter was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court. His word, exalted and mighty is He: He is the Witness, the Speaker, the All-Knowing.

O Muhammad-Qabli-Husayn! This is the day of acceptance, of turning to God, of mention and praise and service. God willing, may you be fresh and verdant through the spring breezes of the Divine Springtime and be vocal in praising the Best Beloved of the worlds. I swear by the Sun of the horizon of Revelation that one mention today is more glorious in the sight of God than the mention of a multitude occurring in other days. Hold fast to the cord of thy Lord’s bounty and place thy trust in Him. Verily He aideth whomsoever He willeth through a command from His presence, and He is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. Beseech God, exalted be His glory, to protect thee and the people of that land from the croaking of the croakers and the clamor of the false ones and the deceivers. Verily He is the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. We, from this spot, send Our greetings upon thee and upon My loved ones who responded when they heard My mighty, wondrous call.

Praise be to God that whosoever was mentioned by the pen of that Best Beloved attained the grace of God, exalted be His glory. God willing, may you recognize the value of this most glorious, most exalted station and preserve it in the name of the Best Beloved of creation. Most matters today are hidden. Would that I could find the fragrance of permission and mention to the friends of God what hath been ordained for them by God, our Lord and your Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and the earth.

Concerning what was written about Haji Mirza Haydar-ʿAli, upon him be Baha’u’llah, that through consultation it was decided that he should remain in the land of K and travel periodically to its surroundings to remind people of the Divine Cause—this matter was accepted before the Divine Presence. God willing, may he succeed in this most great service and act according to what God desires. In all circumstances, he must observe wisdom. Although praise be to God his services are clear as the sun and have no need of mention by this servant, this statement is made in view of the emphasis of the Ancient Beauty. One day this exalted word was revealed from the blessed tongue: It is contrary to wisdom for those who migrate for God’s sake, specifically traveling to cities and regions to teach the Cause, to stay openly in the home of a well-known believer.

From this utterance of the Best Beloved of creation, the importance of wisdom becomes evident and clear. They also said that such persons should be allocated from the Huququ’llah according to their needs. And that he has now turned toward Mazandaran—this too is acceptable in the sight of God. God willing, may souls be specially raised up for this great service and turn toward cities and regions with perfect detachment, piety and fear of God, that perchance the decayed bones might be quickened by the outpourings of the ocean of Divine utterance, until all may be adorned with the words “Verily we are God’s, and verily unto Him shall we return.”

The fourth letter of His Holiness, which was written on the 6th of Muharram 1299, brought both sorrow and joy—praise be to God in all conditions. After its reading and review, I proceeded to the Most Exalted Station and presented it all in the Supreme Presence before His countenance. His words, exalted be His majesty:

“O Asad! Upon thee be My Glory! The shrill voice of the Supreme Pen hath not ceased during the nights and days. God willing, may the people of the world attain unto the privilege of hearkening unto it. Today the Sun of Truth is observed at its zenith in all conditions. Eyes capable of beholding it are exceedingly rare. God willing, may your honor, through the collyrium of wisdom, remove the soreness from eyes, that they may not remain deprived in these days, which are the king of days. We repeatedly say: Convey greetings to the friends of God in every land thou meetest, on behalf of the Wronged One, that they may attain unto the divine fragrances of glorification and engage in that which exalteth the Cause.”

Repeatedly in this letter of His Holiness, mention was made of the Huquq. Regarding this matter, whatsoever was heard from the blessed tongue was presented. May He assist all to discharge it whenever capacity and strength become manifest. Blessed are they that act, and blessed are they that attain!

As for what thou didst write concerning thy brother, upon him be 966 [Baha’u’llah], and the degrees of his acceptance, sincerity, humility and submissiveness—this became the cause of renewed joy. In the divine Tablets, that which hath been revealed concerning him is that whose fruit hath appeared and shall continue to appear. And that which that beloved one wrote in this regard, this evanescent servant presented in detail one night in His presence. He smiled, and then uttered these blessed words—exalted be His grandeur:

“God willing, may he be confirmed by divine confirmations. We have revealed for him that which nothing can equal. We, from this station, glorify him and give him glad tidings of what God, the Lord of the worlds, hath desired for him. Verily all affairs are in the grip of His power. He doeth what He willeth by His sovereignty. There is no God but He, the Mighty, the Powerful.”

Praise be to God! The signs of grace, favor and mercy are manifest and evident concerning that honored one and his kindred. We beseech Him to confirm them in that which is lasting and enduring, and to ordain for them the good of this world and the next. Verily, He is the Powerful, the Wise. This evanescent one conveyeth greetings unto them. God willing, may they attain unto outward and inward good. They have not departed from this evanescent one’s sight, nor shall they ever.

And concerning what was written in another letter about serving some and declining honors for the sake of God’s Cause—this was presented in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence. These supreme words were uttered from the Dayspring of the Cause—exalted be He:

“Blessed is he and blessed is he who heareth his words. What they have written is correct and complete.”

As regards Mulla Ghulam-Rida, upon him be the Glory of God, from the people of Faran and the story of the horse which you wrote about—He said that his deed was for God’s sake and surely its non-acceptance would have caused sadness. We make mention of him at this time, in this hour, on this night, in this prison, and in this station which tongues are powerless to describe and pens fail to praise. We give him glad tidings of the acceptance of what he did in My path, and We remember him as We remembered him before—and verily I am the All-Remembering, the All-Knowing. May God willing, that beloved one attains to whatsoever is beloved at the Divine Threshold and acts in accordance with that which brings glory to the Cause.

Regarding what you wrote about intending to visit the lands of A, R, S, NJ and surroundings—all these matters were presented. This is what the Tongue of Grandeur spoke: God willing, may they pass like the morning breeze over the divine regions and remind all, that perchance the trees in the spiritual garden may become adorned with wondrous and exalted fruits, namely, goodly and pleasing deeds.

This evanescent one submits that the people of Kha, namely Aqa Khudadad and Aqa Azizu’llah, upon them be the Glory of God, and other friends of God have made mention of you, just as you yourself have taken precedence in this regard and wrote in detail previously about mentioning the friends in the land of Kha. In these days some have requested that you journey to that direction, especially Aqa Azizu’llah. God willing, through divine confirmations, may you visit all the aforementioned lands and remind everyone.

This evanescent one’s other submission to the beloved Mulla ʿAli-Akbar, upon him be the Glory of God, the Lord of Power—my expression of sincerity, self-effacement and nothingness depends on that beloved one’s favor. His letter, praise be to God, was the cause of joy and delight. Likewise, the letter he had written to Aqa Husayn, upon him be the Glory of God, was presented at the Most Holy Court. The utmost favor was shown and in truth it became the cause of remembrance for some. The word of truth is ever effective. Similarly, they had also sent a letter to Ism-i-Jud, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God—that too was presented at the Most Holy Court. This servant delayed sending a response this time, being assured that you were in the land of Ta. God willing, it is hoped that this evanescent one will be enabled to submit a response next time.

The petition of Aqa Mirza Sadiq, son of Aqa Mirza Mahmud, upon them both be the Glory of God, attained the Most Holy Court and was presented before the Throne. This is what was sent down from the Kingdom of Utterance of our Lord, the Most Merciful. His exalted Word:

He is the One Who speaks from His Most Glorious Horizon

O Sadiq! Your letter has arrived and We have heard your call and perceived the fragrance of your love. Blessed be your father and mother, and blessed is he whom God has granted righteous offspring who utters praise of the Beloved and arises to serve His wise and irrevocable Cause. Rejoice that We have answered you with that which will draw you closer to God, the Lord of all worlds. We previously mentioned your father and his sister in verses that nothing can equal. Verily your Lord is the All-Speaking, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. We sent it with Salman who traveled through the lands with the tablets of his Lord, the Mighty, the Powerful. Glory be upon you and upon him who wrote your letter (Kamal’d-Din) and upon whosoever has turned to the Most Sublime Horizon, the Station wherein the Tongue of Grandeur proclaims: “The Kingdom belongs to God, the Possessor of this wondrous Day.”

We make mention of him who was named Nasru’llah, who remembered Me, and I am the All-Remembering, the All-Knowing. Say: Beware lest the affairs of the world prevent you from the Ancient Lord. Abandon them and take what you have been commanded by the Mighty, the Wise. We have heard your call, answered you and turned toward you from this distant station. Glory be upon you and upon those whose names you mentioned in the letter of him who was named Sadiq, who turned his face toward his Lord, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Rejoice, O My loved ones! He has come with the ocean of grace and forgiven those who sought forgiveness. He is verily the Forgiver, the Bountiful, the Kind, the Generous.

God willing, may the souls mentioned attain unto these wondrous verses. Praise be to God that their mention was raised to the station whereto nothing can be compared, and for each one the Sun of the bounty of God, exalted be His glory, has dawned.

This evanescent one further submits that the beloved of the heart, the son of His Name “The Most Truthful,” upon them both be the glory and favor of God, sent two letters to this servant. The response to the first letter was submitted, and it was intended to be sent this time. Then the second letter arrived. This evanescent servant wished to submit its response as well and send them together. The second letter arrived when the post was about to depart and there was no time. The expression of evanescence and nothingness in service to [them] depends on the mercy of that Beloved. God willing, may they be as lightning, moving and luminous in service to the Beloved of the worlds, and like arteries pulsating in the body of the world. The command belongs to God, the Mighty, the Most Generous.

Another letter arrived and brought sadness, for God is witness that when I am occupied with mention of the gentlemen, meaning those souls who are steadfast in the Cause of God, the warmth of love takes hold of my being. It is submitted with utmost eagerness, ardor and fondness, and near the end, grief takes hold. This servant beseeches God for joy, relief and delight for your honor and for those who have attained to serving the Cause in the days of God, the Lord of the worlds. The request is that in every land you enter, convey this evanescent one’s greetings and praise to the friends of God. God willing, may all be assisted to achieve perfect unity and harmony, which is truly the greatest elixir for the copper-like bodies of the world. Glory be upon your honor and upon the loved ones and friends of God in all regions. He is verily the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

4 Rabi’u’th-Thani 1299

BH00220: Praise be befitting and worthy of that Imperishable Beloved…

Section 1: “Praise be befitting and worthy of that Imperishable…”

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

Praise be befitting and worthy of that Imperishable Beloved Who, from time immemorial and unto eternity, through the breezes of the Most Exalted Pen, hath guided the people of the Kingdom to the ocean of knowledge and taught them that which beseemeth the station of man. Blessed are they who have attained unto the melody of the Most Exalted Pen and been illumined by the lights of the Most Glorious Horizon.

This is the Day wherein Sinai crieth out “The Manifestation hath appeared!” and the Mount exclaimeth “The Lord of Names hath come!” All things are ablaze with the fire of Divine love, yet the heedless souls remain veiled and deprived of the mysteries of this Day. All previous Books have spoken of this Day, as the All-Merciful hath foretold in the Qur’an: “The Day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of the worlds.” Likewise, the Point of the Bayan declareth: “He is the One Who proclaimeth in every state: ʿVerily, I am God, there is none other God but Me, the Lord of all things, and all else beside Me is My creation. O My creation, worship ye Me!”’

In all the Books this Day hath been attributed to God, exalted be His glory. Nevertheless, some of the heedless ones, misled by their leader, have denied these stations and risen in opposition and protest. God hath forewarned of them in His Book, saying:

“Yet are they in doubt as to the meeting with their Lord.”

By the effulgences of the Sun of Truth! The leader whom they have followed is unworthy of mention, and the heedless souls neither knew him, nor do they know him, nor do they desire to know him. For when the Word of Truth is uttered, they put their fingers in their ears, even as did the people of old. They speak but comprehend not, and imagine themselves to be guided. Nay, by the Lord of earth and heaven! They are servants who perceive not. They have taken one who brayeth as their lord besides God. Thus have their evil souls seduced them.

One is astonished! Are the people deprived of sight, or are their ears forbidden to hear? How is it that they have forsaken the sweet and life-giving ocean, yet strive with utmost diligence in pursuit of a putrid drop?

Glory be unto Thee, O Thou Who causeth the rivers to flow, Who splitteth the dawn, and sendeth forth the winds! I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy utterance, and the heaven of Thy knowledge, and by the Light that hath shone forth from the Most Exalted Horizon by Thy command and will, to rend asunder, with the finger of Thy power, the veils of Thy creation and the coverings of Thy creatures. Then send down upon them, O my God, from the clouds of Thy mercy, that which will purify them from the mention of any one save Thee, that they may turn with their hearts to the horizon whence the lights of the Sun of Thy countenance have shone forth, and may hear with their ears that which the Sadratu’l-Muntaha proclaimeth among Thy creatures.

O Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy most great signs, and by the mercy that hath preceded all created things, to protect Thy loved ones from the oppressors among Thy creatures who have adorned their heads with turbans and have arisen to extinguish the fire of Thy Tree and quench the light of Thy Cause. O Lord! Thou art the Generous, possessed of great bounty. I beseech Thee to make known unto them that which Thou hast intended for them through Thy generosity and favor. Then cause Thy loved ones to drink from the chalice of steadfastness in such wise that nothing in the world shall prevent them from Thy Most Great Name, which proclaimeth amongst the nations that there is none other God but He, the Manifest, the All-Seeing, the Witness, the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

And then your letter arrived, and since it was adorned with the mention of the Peerless Friend, it brought the utmost joy and delight. God willing, may you be forever illumined by the effulgent rays of the Sun of inner meanings and drink of the sealed wine in the name of the True One, exalted be His glory. When knowledge was gained of your intention to visit the Abode of the Beloved of the worlds, after attaining presence and receiving permission, the entire letter was presented before the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence. This is what the Tongue of the All-Merciful uttered in the Kingdom of Utterance—His word, exalted be His grandeur:

He is the All-Witnessing, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing

O Ghulam-i-Qabil-i-Rida! Your letter hath arrived and from it We have inhaled the fragrance of thy submissiveness and humility before God, and thy turning toward the Most Exalted Horizon in days wherein the learned and mystics have turned away, save those whom God, the Lord of all beings and the Lord of the throne and earth, hath willed. Thus hath the matter been decreed from God, the Lord of lords.

We have heard that which thou didst call unto God and have answered thee through this Tablet, whose fragrance shall never cease to persist through the eternity of His Most Beautiful Names and His Most Exalted Attributes. To this beareth witness the Mother Book which is with Him. Blessed is he who cometh unto you and heareth the call of the Wronged One, Who hath summoned all unto God, the Lord of all men, and blessed is he who hath heard His call and recognized His station and acknowledged that which the Speaker of Sinai hath uttered from this Spot which God hath made the point of adoration for the Concourse on High and the dwellers of Paradise at eventide and at dawn. By the life of God, O servant! The sincere ones inhale from thy Lord’s Book the fragrance of inner meanings and utterance, and the people of Baha that which cannot be mentioned in words. Remember My loved ones in that land on My behalf and give them the glad tidings of the Sun of My loving-kindness which hath illumined the horizons.

Say: The Wronged One remembereth you for the sake of God and teacheth you that which will draw you nigh unto the Most Exalted Station, and We counsel you and those who have believed to show forth the Greater Steadfastness in this Cause, through which, when it was revealed, the earth shone with its light and the nightingale warbled upon the branches. Dominion belongeth unto God, the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the All-Bountiful. Thus hath the horizon of the heaven of utterance become luminous and the sun of proof hath shone forth. Blessed is he who hath heard and seen, and woe unto every heedless doubter.

O Ghulam-i-Rida! Praise be to God that thou hast attained unto the verses of God which were revealed in most eloquent Arabic. Now hearken unto the sweetest Persian, that perchance through the breezes of utterance thou mayest guide the lost unto the straight path and give the thirsty to drink from the Kawthar of inner meanings. Today the Sun of grace is risen and the ocean of loving-kindness is surging, yet most are found heedless and veiled. Some are deprived of the divine elixir because of a croaking, and others are barred from the Most Exalted Pen’s shrill voice and the rustling of the Lote-Tree beyond which there is no passing by the call of the lowliest of servants.

Say: O ye dead ones! The Water of Life hath appeared—hasten ye and count this time as precious. In this springtime of inner meanings, deprive not yourselves of God’s grace and loving-kindness. Today the Book of the Exalted Ones is manifest, and likewise the Book of the Wicked ones is evident. The Tablets of Light have risen, and likewise the pages of fire are spread abroad. They must become so intoxicated with the Kawthar of the All-Merciful’s utterance that they would regard all else as non-existent and null. Today is the day of steadfastness, and today is the day of service and the manifestation of man’s station.

Convey My greetings to the friends in that land on behalf of the Wronged One and gladden them with that which hath been revealed from the Most Exalted Pen. Say: O friends! The world hath never had, nor will it ever have, any loyalty. The tongue of the world at all times announceth its own evanescence and proclaimeth, saying: “O people of the earth! Where are the bygone centuries and ages past? Where is the might of the Pharaohs, the glory of the Khosroes, and the ranks of the tyrants? Where are their armies and their standards, their treasures and their banners? Take ye warning and be not of the heedless ones!” One call of the world was Mirza Husayn Khan, the Iranian Minister, which all heard and became aware of his passing.

I remind you, O My loved ones, of that which the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’an: “All that is thereon is passing away, and there endureth the face of thy Lord, the All-Glorious, the Most Bountiful.” That Day is this Day, for the lights of His countenance have dawned from the horizon of manifestation, resplendent and evident, and all that is on earth shall be subject to annihilation, save those souls who, after the extinction of all things, have uttered the blessed words “I believe in Thee, O Lord of Names.” Today the Hand of the Self-Subsisting proffereth the sealed wine, and the white hand bestoweth the water of immortality. Take ye thereof in His name and drink ye in remembrance of Him. Well is it with you, and again, well is it with you.

The aforementioned minister, Mirza Husayn Khan, in these latter years committed no act that would cause grief; rather, he dealt kindly with the loved ones in general. Therefore none should speak of him save with good words. The hearts of the loved ones must remain sanctified from the world’s vexations. God willing, while time remaineth, the friends must acquire eternal stations, that their mention may endure in the Book of God. The Command is in His grasp—He withholdeth and He giveth, and He is the All-Bountiful, the Munificent, the Generous.

We make mention of him who is named Aqa Mir, that he may rejoice in the remembrance of the Wronged One and be of them that render thanks. O Mir! Hearken unto the call from the precincts of the Prison. He remembereth thee with that which will draw thee nigh unto God, the Most High, the Most Great. Say: Praise be unto Thee, O my God, for having made known unto me the Dayspring of Thy Cause and the Dawning-Place of Thy verses, and for having guided me to Thy straight path. Glory be upon thee, upon thy wife and her mother, and upon those women who have believed in God, the One, the All-Informed.

We make mention of him who was named Siyyid before Mihdi and give him glad tidings of the verses of God, the Lord of the worlds. Rejoice thou in the remembrance of the Wronged One of thee, and glorify thy Lord, the Possessor of this wondrous Day. This is the Day whereof the Apostle of God gave tidings in the Qur’an, and whose mention was revealed in the Torah and the Gospel. Beware lest anything withhold thee from this Cause, at whose appearance the foundations were shaken, the mountains were crushed, and the hearts of the heedless were agitated. Blessed art thou, and thy wife, and those whom the veils of glory hindered not from God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

O Most Exalted Pen! Make mention of him who was named Siyyid Ali, that he may hear thy scratching and take unto God a way. O Ali! Give thanks unto God, thy Lord, for having aided thee in this Cause and enabled thee to hear His most sweet call when it was raised betwixt earth and heaven. He is, verily, the Mighty, the All-Bestowing. Cast aside the world and whatsoever is with the peoples, and hold fast unto that which thou hast been commanded by God, the Lord of all mankind. The glory and splendor from Us be upon thee, upon thy wife, and upon every discerning believer.

We make mention in this station of him who was named Hasan before ʿAli, and We counsel him to remain steadfast in this Cause whereby necks have been laid low. Take thou the chalice of certitude in the name of thy Lord, the All-Merciful. Verily it will draw thee nigh unto the most exalted station. Thus hath the tongue of the Wronged One spoken, while imprisoned in the hands of those who have cast behind their backs that which the All-Bestowing hath revealed in the Book. Glorify on My behalf the countenance of her who hath believed in her Lord and responded when she heard the call from God, the Revealer of verses.

Section 2: “O Pen! Make mention of him who hath…”

O Pen! Make mention of him who hath been named Zaynu’l-ʿAbidin, that the verses of his Lord may draw him to a station wherein the affairs of earth and the promptings of them that dwell thereon shall not withhold him from God, the Mighty, the Glorious, the All-Knowing. Take thou the chalice of immortality in the name of the Lord of Names, then drink therefrom through this remembrance whereby the gates have been opened. Forget not God’s covenant and His testament. Act in accordance with that which thou hast been commanded in the Books and Tablets. This is a day wherein every speaker hath spoken, every witness hath testified, every hearer hath heard, and whatsoever was hidden in the treasuries of thy Lord’s knowledge, the Lord of the Final End, hath been made manifest. Hold fast unto the cord of godliness, then make mention of thy Lord at morn and eventide. Glory be upon the people of Baha and upon those who have believed in God, the One, the Chosen One.

We make mention of him who hath been named Siyyid Ali, that he may praise his Lord on this Day whereon the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken: “The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the One, the Single, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.” O Ali! Turn thy heart toward the Supreme Horizon, the station wherein the Lote-Tree of the Uttermost End proclaimeth: “Grandeur belongeth unto God, the Lord of the worlds.” O ʿAli! The Wronged One calleth, and with Him all things call out in this darksome night, summoning thee unto God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Be thou steadfast in the Cause and say: “O God of Names, Who gazeth from the Most Glorious Horizon! I beseech Thee by the fragrances of Thy garment and the rustling of the breezes of Thy Paradise to aid me in all conditions to remain steadfast in Thy love. O Lord! Thou art the Generous One, and within Thy grasp lieth the kingdom of the heavens and of the earth. There is none other God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Merciful.” Convey My greetings unto her who hath heard and responded to her Lord, the Speaking, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

O Abu’l-Qasim! Bear thou witness unto that whereunto God hath testified before the creation of the heavens and the earth: that there is none other God but Him, and that He Who hath come upon the clouds is indeed He Who was mentioned in My Books, inscribed by My Pen, and concealed in the treasure of My Will, which hath encompassed all things great and small. Blessed art thou for having turned unto God when every heedless and remote one turned away from Him, and every learned one of dubious mind pronounced judgment against Him. Beware lest the affairs of earth withhold thee from the Lord of Heaven. Cast aside what the peoples possess and take what thou hast been given from the presence of the Ancient King. This shall profit thee in every world of the worlds of thy Lord, the Almighty, the Powerful. Thus hath spoken the Tongue of the All-Merciful in the Kingdom of Utterance. Blessed is he who hath heard and said:

“Praise be unto Thee, O Glory of all who are in the heavens and on earth!”

The Glory shining from the horizon of thy Lord’s will, the Lord of all mankind, be upon thee and upon every leaf who hath believed in God, the One, the Single, the All-Knowing.

O Javad! The Lord of creation maketh mention of thee from the prison quarter and calleth thee unto God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. Rejoice thou in this Most Great Remembrance. By God! All the treasures of earth cannot equal it. Praise thy Lord, the Knower of the unseen and the seen. A letter from thy brother hath been received wherein My loved ones were mentioned. We have made mention of each one of them in such wise that its fragrance shall never cease to perfume the world. To this beareth witness the Ancient King Who hath come from the heaven of revelation with a perspicuous Book. Give thanks unto God for this supreme bounty, then make mention of Him at eventide and at dawn. Glory be upon thy brother and upon thee and upon thy wife. Convey My greetings unto her and give her the glad tidings of that which hath been revealed for her from the Most Exalted Pen in this glorious Script.

O ʿAli-Akbar! The Wronged One makes mention of thee from the Most Great Prison, with that which will draw thee closer to God, the Mighty, the Loving. Beware lest what the people possess prevent thee from that which the Lord of Destiny possesses. Leave behind what the people have and take what God, the Lord of what was and what shall be, hath given thee. We counsel thee and My loved ones to remain steadfast in this Cause whereby the tribes of the earth have lamented and every lofty mountain been leveled. Hold fast unto the Sure Handle and cling to the hem of thy Lord, the Master of the Promised Day. Give glad tidings from Me to her who hath turned towards God, the Mighty, the Beloved.

O My Pen! We hear thy scratching by night and by day in remembrance of God and His loved ones. Blessed art thou and blessed is he who hath attained unto thy adorning and heard thy scratching. He is indeed among those who are brought near in a clear Book. It is as though thou hast drunk from the Kawthar of life and been seized by the rapture of thy Lord’s verses, such that the affairs of the world cannot prevent thee from the remembrance of the Lord of Eternity. Thou speakest at all times and callest out to all in the realm of possibility, giving them glad tidings of that which hath appeared and shone forth from the horizon of God’s will, the Lord of the worlds. Blessed art thou, O Pen, and joy be unto thee. I testify that thou hast not fallen short in that which thou wert commanded. It hath been proven with clear evidence that neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. We behold thee adorned with the ornament of wakefulness in such wise that thy scratching hath never ceased from the ears of those who are nigh. We see thee standing in service to thy Lord and speaking His beauteous praise.

Make mention of him who was named Khalil and give him glad tidings of the verses of the Glorious One which have been sent down from the heaven of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, the All-Forgiving, the Generous. Beware lest sorrows keep thee back from thy Lord, the All-Merciful. Leave the transgressors behind thee and cling to the hem of thy Lord’s grace, the Merciful. From His prison He hath called all unto God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Among the people are those who have turned towards Him and those who have turned away. Verily thy Lord is independent of all worlds. Thus hath the Tongue spoken with most exalted utterance. Glory be unto him who hath heard, and woe unto the heedless.

O Pen! Make mention of him who was named Muhammad-Taqi that he may hear thy call in this Cause whereby souls have lamented and feet have slipped. By God! That which was recorded in the Books of God, the Lord of Lords, hath been made manifest. He is the One to Whom the Concourse on High and the denizens of Paradise, and those who circle round the Throne at eventide and at dawn, have borne witness. At His appearance the idol hath wailed, the foundations have quaked, and the graven images have been thunderstruck. Give thanks unto God for having remembered thee from this most exalted station with verses at whose revelation the pens have bowed down in submission. We send Our greetings upon thy face and upon My loved ones in thy region, and upon those who have, with the arm of certitude, shattered the idols of vain imaginings.

O Muhammad-Rida! My Most Exalted Pen hath turned towards thee and giveth thee and My loved ones glad tidings of that which hath been ordained for you in the kingdom of thy Lord, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. Be thou as a bird soaring in My atmosphere, speaking My praise, turning towards My horizon, and acting in accordance with that which thou hast been commanded in the Book. Thus speaketh the Wronged One when sorrows have encompassed Him from every direction. Cast aside vain fancy through the name of thy Lord, the Self-Subsisting, and take the choice wine that hath been sealed with this remembrance before which all remembrances have prostrated themselves. The world and its ornaments and bounties shall pass away, and there shall endure for My loved ones that which hath been sent down from the presence of a Mighty, Powerful, Munificent Lord.

Turn, O My Pen, towards My handmaiden who hath been named Fatimih in the Kingdom of Names, and give her the glad tidings of My mercy and loving-kindness which have preceded all created things. Blessed art thou and blessed is every handmaiden who hath turned towards and responded to the Lord of the Unseen and the Seen. How many a learned one hath been debarred from the Known One, while thou hast turned towards Him and drunk His choice sealed wine from the hand of His bounty.

And We make mention in this place of My servants whose names have not been mentioned. Verily their Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Forgiving, the Bountiful. We counsel you to manifest trustworthiness and fidelity, and whatsoever will exalt the Cause of God, the Lord of all worlds. O people of Baha! By God, this is your Day, did ye but know it. Beware lest the oppressor’s might deter you from this momentous News. Rend asunder the veils of idle fancy in the name of your Lord, the Lord of all men, and glorify His praise at all times. The splendor shining forth from the horizon of My loving-kindness be upon you and upon My handmaidens who have turned unto God and have hearkened to the voice of God, the Speaking, the Almighty, the Mighty, the Faithful. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

For each of the souls mentioned in your letter, wondrous and exalted divine verses have been revealed. God willing, may they recognize the value of this matchless blessing and arise with perfect steadfastness to serve the Cause. Today, whosoever speaks and acts with goodly words, righteous deeds, and praiseworthy character is and shall be a helper of God’s Cause. May you be assisted to achieve that which befits this wondrous Day. All the names submitted before the Divine Presence, both living and deceased, have attained infinite divine favors, for all souls adorned with the ornament of recognition are alive and enduring in the presence of the Truth. Strive that perchance you may heal a sick one in the name of God, or guide a wanderer to the straight path. This station is most exalted and lofty. Should anyone be prevented by worldly obstacles, it would be better to appoint a deputy who might give life to one who is dead in the name of God, or guide a wanderer to his true homeland.

By God’s life! The Word of Truth is living and animate, penetrating, flowing, pervading and ever-moving. Well is it with them that perceive. I beseech God to cleanse all eyes from the ophthalmia of self and desire, that they may witness that which is hidden from the eyes of the heedless. This evanescent servant conveys greetings and salutations to all the friends, and beseeches them: while time has not passed away, strive that you may attain to that for which you were created. The glory, the mercy and the glory be upon you, O people of Baha, and upon them who gaze toward the Most Sublime Horizon and drink from Its luminous Kawthar. And praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

The servant 4 Rabi’u’th-Thani 1299

BH00273: Praise be to God Who is single in majesty…

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

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

Praise be to God Who is single in majesty, unique in grandeur, sanctified above all that creation uttereth, and holy beyond the conditions of all created things—He Who hath spoken His most exalted Word, whereby the banner of Divine Unity was raised to the loftiest station in the kingdom of creation, and the standard of “He doeth whatsoever He willeth” was unfurled on the right hand of the most luminous Spot. Exalted is the Lord of Names, through Whom the stream of mercy flowed and the ocean of bounty surged, through Whom the Hidden Secret and the Treasured Mystery were revealed, through Whom the Lote Tree of the Extremity spoke forth in the Most Exalted Paradise, and the Call was raised between earth and heaven.

Exalted is the Manifestation of this Day, which was heralded by the Tongue of Grandeur in ancient times in His words “Lead forth the people from darkness into light and announce to them the days of God,” and in His other words “The Kingdom on that day shall be God’s,” and again “The day when thy Lord shall come, or some of the signs of thy Lord,” and yet again “And thy Lord shall come and the angels rank on rank.” Praise be to God Who sent down the heavenly table and perfected His favor, Who manifested in His Day what He had revealed to His Prophets and Messengers, through whom the proof was completed for all creation and the lights of manifestation shone forth throughout all lands, through whom hearts and souls were attracted, and through whom was revealed what God had purposed throughout all ages and centuries.

Glorified art Thou, O God of existence, Who hast appeared through Thy Name, the All-Loving, in this Promised Day! Thou seest Thy servants and Thy creation, who have turned away from the Dawning-Place of Thy Cause, the Manifestation of Thy Revelation, and the Dayspring of Thy inspiration, after Thou didst command them in Thy Scrolls, Thy Scriptures, and Thy Tablets to turn unto Thee, to arise to serve Thee, and to draw nigh unto the ocean of Thy knowledge. And when the Dawn of Manifestation appeared and the Speaker on Sinai spoke forth, they turned away from Thee, broke Thy Covenant, and rose in opposition, to such extent that those who reclined upon the cushions of glory by Thy Name pronounced judgment against Thee.

I beseech Thee by the revelations of the lights of Thy countenance after the extinction of all things, and by the manifestations of Thy power in the kingdom of creation, to aid Thy servants to recognize Him Whose advent and mention every Book hath proclaimed. O Lord! Rend asunder the greatest veil from before the faces of humanity with Thy finger, O Lord of destiny, that they may behold Thee with Thine own eye. Thou art He Who hath said—and Thy word is the truth—“Whosoever desireth to know Me must look with Mine eye, for without this he shall never know Me.” O Lord! I beseech Thee by the Name through which Thou didst subdue the world, to assist Thy loved ones to such steadfastness that the books of the world shall not prevent them from turning to Thy most exalted horizon, and to grant them the Kawthar of assurance through the hands of bounty, O Lord of the Beginning and the End! There is no God but Thee, the Omnipotent, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

And further: this servant attained to what thou didst send unto him. When he was attracted by what thy heart’s tongue had uttered in remembrance and praise of God, he turned toward the Dayspring of the Most Great Sign, the Station which God hath sanctified from all attributes and names. When he was present before the Gate which was opened unto all who are in earth and heaven, he submitted, after obtaining permission, what was in thy letter. Thereupon the Ancient King turned toward me and spoke that which caused the ocean of knowledge to surge before the faces of the nations. His word, exalted be His majesty:

He is the Manifest, the Speaking, the Trustworthy

O Abdu’r-Rahim! The All-Merciful remembers thee from the precincts of His Most Great Prison. Verily thy Lord is the All-Forgiving, the Most Generous. We have heard thy call and have answered thee with verses whereby the horizon of the heaven of utterance hath shone forth and the Dove of the Cause hath warbled upon the branches. The Promise hath appeared and the Promised One hath come with a sovereignty before which all who are in the heavens and on earth are powerless to resist. Be thou steadfast in the service of the Cause and eloquent in the praise of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, with wisdom and utterance. Thus wert thou commanded before and in this hour. Cast behind thee the mention of the world and hold fast unto My Name, the Self-Subsisting, through which was revealed that which was sent down in the Books of God, the Lord of all worlds.

He Who directs the world with His finger hath been imprisoned by the heedless in the Most Great Stronghold. Among the people are those who have said that He hath fabricated a lie against God. Say: Bring forth what ye possess, if ye be of the truthful. Say: By God! The proof circleth round the All-Merciful and the evidence standeth before the Throne, were ye but to perceive it. The vain life hath deluded them from turning to the gathering-place of the Concourse on High—the Station wherein the Tongue of the Wronged One speaketh and calleth all unto God, the Peerless, the All-Informed. Say: O concourse of men! Fear God and follow not your idle fancies. By God! He Who was promised in the Books of God and mentioned in the hearts of the Messengers hath come.

Cast aside tyranny, then look with the eye of fairness at that which hath been sent down from God, the Ancient Revealer. Beware lest the conditions of names prevent you from the Creator of heaven. Cast away what ye possess and take what ye have been commanded by One All-Powerful, Ancient.

This is the Day wherein the Bridge hath been laid, the Balance set up, and all tribes seized with trembling, save whom God hath delivered by a sovereignty from Him. Verily, He is the Omnipotent over what He willeth and within His grasp is the dominion of the kingdom of the heavens and earth. This is the Day wherein every tongue hath spoken, every seated one hath arisen, every sightless one hath seen, and every lifeless bone hath stirred. Say: Know ye the value of these days wherein that which lay hidden in God’s knowledge, the Mighty, the Praised, hath been manifested. Preserve ye your stations through this Name whereby the earth hath been shaken, the mountains moved, the heaven cleft asunder, and the hearts of the deniers thrown into turmoil. The glory be upon thee and upon thy children and thy wife and upon them that are with thee among the loved ones of God, the One, the Peerless, the Mighty, the Beautiful.

From the divine verses His grace and bounty are manifest and evident. God grant that the True One, exalted be His glory, may assist His servants to discover the fragrance of His robe and attain unto the breezes of His verses. I swear by the murmuring of the Kawthar of inner meanings that if those on earth would, with even less than that, gaze with the eye of fairness upon what hath been manifested and ponder what hath been revealed, all would turn toward the supreme horizon and would utter the blessed words “I turn unto Thee, O God of Names!”

However, the conditions of earth and its colors have rendered people heedless and preoccupied. From the beginning of creation until now, such a Cause hath never appeared. All events of the world that have since occurred or will occur have flowed with utmost clarity from the Supreme Pen and been recorded in the Tablets, and most of the servants have seen and heard them. Nevertheless, they remain veiled and heedless.

Glory be to God! Man is bewildered, and this servant, like one distracted and astonished, observes the world. The party that counted themselves the most mighty, exalted, learned and ancient of the world, and who day and night made mention of the Qa’im, ultimately all issued the death sentence against that Luminary of the heaven of inner meaning and martyred that Essence of being with the worst torment. The curse of God be upon the wrongdoers! Even more veiled than that party of deniers are the people of the Bayan who follow exactly in the footsteps of those souls. They have not reflected, even less than that, what fruit was gained by that group. By the life of the Beloved! These souls are observed to be more veiled than those souls, nay more veiled than all the peoples of the world.

The King of existence, concerning Whom the Point of the Bayan, may the souls of all else be sacrificed for His sake, hath said “Be not veiled from Him by what is in the Bayan, and be not deprived of Him by its letters”—they have arisen in opposition to such an extent that pen and tongue are powerless to describe it, even though they were never and are not now aware of the origins of this Cause. May God grant sight and bestow fairness. Verses are flowing and being revealed like torrential rain, and evidences are manifest and dawning from all horizons. Nevertheless, they have said that which the people of the Torah and other religions have not said. Fie upon them and upon those who have led them astray and misguided them from the straight path of God, the manifest, the evident, the straight. Praise be to God, the Most High, the Most Great.

Regarding the mention of certain souls in your letter, those names were presented at the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court, and the sun of grace dawned specifically for each one. God willing, may they be illumined by the lights of the suns of utterance of the Beloved of all creation, and arise with complete steadfastness to serve the Cause. His mighty utterance states:

He is the Most Manifest, the Most Glorious

O Muhammad-Qabli! The Wronged One hath turned toward thee from the direction of the Prison and calleth thee to God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. He hath mentioned thy mention in this station and hath revealed for thee that which attracteth the hearts and minds. Take the verses of thy Lord with strength from Him, then make mention of Him by His command. He is the Commander, the Kind. Be thou observant of His supreme horizon and act according to what thou hast been commanded in the Book. He is the Truth, the Knower of the unseen. Blessed is the servant who hath acknowledged what the Tongue of Grandeur hath uttered, and woe unto every heedless one who is veiled. The glory be upon thee and upon those who are with thee from God, the Lord of what was and what shall be.

Section 2: “That which was revealed for the handmaiden…”

That which was revealed for the handmaiden of God, Sahib:

In the Name of the One God

O my handmaiden! Hearken in the Persian tongue to the Word of God, that perchance through the grace of the Most Great Name thou mayest attain to such a station wherein no doubt or uncertainty can find entrance. The whole world hath been created for this wondrous Day. Blessed is the soul that hath recognized this Day and hath arisen to render that which beseemeth it. While time remaineth, strive thou that haply thou mayest be enriched through the outpourings of the true Bestower and shine forth even as the morning star. We convey Our greetings to all the handmaidens in that land and bid them observe that which God loveth. Blessed is the handmaiden who hath heard, turned unto Him, and attained unto that which God, the Lord of all worlds, hath desired.

That which was revealed for Siyyid Sadiq, upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah]. He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

O Siyyid Sadiq! Fix thy gaze upon this blessed Word which is even as a spirit unto all books:

“The beginning of all things is My knowledge, and the end thereof is steadfastness in My love.”

God willing, through the grace of the Self-Subsisting Name thou shalt quaff the sealed wine and arise with complete steadfastness to serve the Cause of the Lord of all beings. This is the Sun of Days and its Lord. Beseech God that thou mayest be aided to accomplish that which shall endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven. Verily He speaketh the truth and guideth to the Way. Sovereignty belongeth unto God, the Mighty, the Beautiful. The glory be upon thee, upon thy wife, and upon every handmaiden who hath believed in God, the Lord of all worlds.

That which was revealed for Nasru’llah, upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah]. He is the True Witness.

O Nasru’llah! The people of Baha must ever ascend the heights of knowledge, seeking the Most Exalted Horizon. Today all things cry out and summon the people to the straight path of God. Blessed is he who hath truly heard; woe unto the heedless! God willing, thou shalt ever be illumined by the lights of the manifestation of the Self-Sufficient, the Most High, and remain firm and steadfast in His Cause. This is the most great bounty and the most exalted station. Be thou grateful and numbered with the thankful ones.

That which was revealed for Ahmad, upon him be the glory of God.

In the Name of the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

O Ahmad! The Point of the Bayan hath declared: “He is the One Who speaketh in every condition, saying: ʿVerily, I am God, there is none other God but Me, the Lord of all things, and all besides Me are My creation. O My creation! Worship ye Me.”’ Nevertheless, they remain veiled. The people of the Bayan have objected to the mention of Divinity. By the Sun of the horizon of inner meanings, they are regarded by God as more base than the followers of the Qur’an and the previous religions. Guard thyself in the name of Truth from the breath of the ungodly. He is verily the Counselor, the All-Knowing. Praise be to God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

That which was revealed for Ustad Ibrahim K.J., upon him be the glory of God.

In the Name of the Most Ancient, the Most Great

O Abraham! In the days when the fragrance of the garment of Revelation was wafted from Zawra, We informed all of the appearance of the croakers and the Book of Sijjin and the tablets of fire. Likewise in the Land of Mystery and the Most Great Prison. Blessed are they who hearkened unto the Word of Truth and acted upon it. This is the Day of vision, inasmuch as the Most Great Spectacle hath appeared. By the life of God! Ears were created for this Day, for the Most Sweet Call is raised from the supreme horizon. Take hold of the Truth, detached from all else. Although these wondrous and exalted verses from the Kingdom of Divine utterance were revealed specifically for the mentioned names, yet their purpose embraceth all the souls of the world—that is, those possessed of hearing and sight. Blessed is he who hath found and recognized, and hath attained unto that which the Tongue hath uttered in the Kingdom of utterance, and hath testified to that which God testified before the creation of the heavens and earth. He is, verily, the Single One, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

That which was revealed for His Honour ʿAli-Akbar, upon him be the glory of God:

He Who is seated upon the Throne of Revelation

O ʿAli-Akbar! Hearken unto that which the Wronged One mentioneth unto thee from this Spot which hath been illumined by the lights of the Countenance, and which God hath made the Dawning-place of His verses, the Dayspring of His revelation and the Recipients of His knowledge, the Mighty, the Wondrous. This is the Day wherein the sincere ones have hastened unto the Euphrates of the mercy of their Lord, the Generous, and the near ones have spoken that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken. Blessed is the speaker who hath acknowledged that which the Tongue of the All-Merciful hath uttered in the Kingdom of utterance, and woe unto every proud and suspicious one. This is the Day wherein the Mount calleth aloud, and the Tree of Revelation calleth out, yet the people are in manifest remoteness. When thou perceivest the fragrance of My loving-kindness from the garment of My utterance, render thanks and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Thou in Whose grasp are the reins of all who are on earth, and glory be unto Thee, O Thou Who art the Goal of them that know. Thus hath the Ark of Knowledge sailed upon the sea of wisdom. Blessed is he who hath recognized and is of them that render thanks.

The splendours of the Sun of bounty have encompassed all the mentioned names. God willing, may they recognize this most great station and preserve it, and may they be seen to be firm, steadfast and upright in the conclusive verses of the Manifestation of clear proofs. The evil ones have been and are lying in wait. The Command is in His hand—He doeth and decreeth as He pleaseth, and He is the Commander Whom the conditions of creation have not hindered. He hath appeared and made manifest what He willed through His sovereignty that overshadoweth all in the heavens and earth. Strange it is that some of the veiled ones have passed by the ocean of utterance and have lent their ears to the vain imaginings of every croaker.

Fie upon them and upon those who have led them astray and kept them back from the straight path of God. Some time ago this exalted Word was revealed from the Divine Kingdom of knowledge—exalted be His utterance: Fix your gaze upon this Word which shineth as the sun from the heaven of the Divine Tablet: “Return ye to the traces, O people of insight!” Let your honour, and likewise this servant and all the friends, beseech God, glorified be His majesty, that perchance the lights of the sun of justice may not remain concealed behind the clouds of oppression, and the shrill voice of the Supreme Pen may not be confused with croaking and cawing. Glorified be He Who hath unveiled unto us and unto you, and concealed from them.

Three glorious Tablets specifically intended for your children have been revealed and dispatched. May they attain unto them. All the names mentioned in your letter have been honored with mention by the Supreme Pen, and those unnamed souls who are adorned with divine love have likewise been recorded by the Supreme Pen. All servants and handmaidens must occupy themselves with the remembrance of the Goal of all the worlds with perfect steadfastness and love, and act in accordance with what befits these days. God willing, may all be aided to perform goodly deeds. In numerous instances this blessed word was heard: The Truth, exalted be His glory, hath come for the reformation of the world. God willing, may all arise to aid the Cause through goodly character, pure words, and pleasing deeds. Corruption hath never been and shall never be the way of God and His loved ones. He desireth naught but the salvation of all who are in the world. To this testifieth every fair-minded and discerning one.

Furthermore, convey greetings on behalf of this evanescent one to each of the friends of God, exalted be His glory. God willing, may they all soar in the atmosphere of inner meanings on the wings of steadfastness and attain unto that which God hath desired. His honor the beloved, upon him be the glory of God and His mercy, namely his honor Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah, upon him be God’s grace and glory, wrote in detail about the friends of that land and their being set ablaze with the fire of divine love. God willing, all have been and are confirmed. And in this time when each hath attained innumerable favors, this evanescent servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, to grant all a portion from His ocean of mercy and to deprive no one. Verily, He is the Hearer, the Answerer, the Watchful, the Near One. Glory be upon you and upon your children and those with you and upon those who have drunk from the Kawthar of divine knowledge and have attained unto God’s bounty, the Powerful, the Munificent, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

The servant 4 Rabi’u’th-Thani 1299

BH00557: The Kingdom of praise and the Dominion of glorification…

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

The Kingdom of praise and the Dominion of glorification beseemeth the sovereign Lord Who, neither by the might of the world nor by its pomp and power, was deterred from that which He purposed. Through one Word He gathered all together, and through another Word He distinguished truth from error. Through the blessed Word “I am the Beloved” He attracted the hearts and souls of them that are nigh unto Him and are sincere, in such wise that each one, detached from all else, turned unto the place of sacrifice. And through the Word “I am the Ever-Present” He preserved all, that they might drink from the ocean of reunion and attain unto the Kawthar of His presence. Exalted be His power and magnified His bounty! He is the Source and unto Him shall all return. The beginning of all things hath been from Him, and unto Him shall be the return of all. Well is it with them who, in this Day, are stirred by the breezes of God’s Will, glorified be His majesty, and who submerge their own will in the Will of God, exalted be His glory. This station is and shall ever be the most exalted of all stations.

Glorified art Thou, O Thou in Whose grasp is the Kingdom of utterance and in Whose right hand is the Empire of knowledge! I beseech Thee by the rustling of the breezes of Thy springtime of bounty, and by the murmuring of the waters whereby Thou didst bestow life upon the people of Thy dominion, to ordain from Thy Most Exalted Pen for the people of Baha that which shall gladden their eyes, rejoice their hearts, and tranquilize their souls. And protect them from the arrows of allusions and the darts of doubts. O Lord! Illumine their hearts with the lights of Thy knowledge, then dilate their breasts in Thy days. O Lord! Thou art He Whom nothing whatsoever frustrateth and no affair hindereth. Take Thou, through Thy grace, the hands of all created things, O Thou the Possessor of Names and Creator of heaven! There is none other God but Thee, the Omnipotent, the Mighty.

Thereafter, thy letter was received and at one time was presented before the Most Holy, Most Exalted, Most Glorious Presence. This is what the Tongue of our Lord, the Bestower, spoke in reply, exalted be His glory:

He is sanctified above the mention of what hath been and what shall be.

O Hasan! The mention of all the friends hath flowed from the Pen of the All-Merciful’s bounty, and all created things have testified and do testify to the grace, loving-kindness and mercy of God, exalted be His glory. He Who is the All-Knowing beareth witness that God’s grace and mercy have at all times encompassed His loved ones. Strive ye now to preserve your stations through the Name of the Lord of Names. Be ye enkindled with the fire of His love and illumined by the light of His countenance. This is the Day of service and steadfastness. Blessed is he who hath sought your presence and attained unto your company. Today and always, teaching the Cause hath been and shall be the paramount duty, that perchance steadfast souls may become the cause of strength and power to those who are weak.

Likewise, service to the Cause hath been and is service to the friends of God. It behoveth you to honor their dwelling. God willing, may the loved ones of God and His chosen ones speak for His sake, arise for His sake, and fix their gaze upon Him. By the fragrant breezes of the All-Merciful’s utterance! Were the station of but one steadfast and firm soul to be made manifest on earth, all would be thunderstruck by its greatness and the radiance of its effulgence, save whom God willeth. God willing, may ye spread the wings of detachment and soar in the atmosphere of inner meanings with the melody of the divine Bird.

Today, words that are as spirits for books have appeared from the Dayspring of God’s Will; yet all remain heedless save those souls who have turned with the eye of fairness and attained His presence. We send Our greetings upon thee and upon those with thee, and upon My loved ones in those regions who have observed the rights of God and His Cause, and acted according to that which was revealed in His perspicuous and decisive Book. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The tokens of God’s favor, exalted be His glory, are manifest and evident as the sun. Blessed are they who have not deprived themselves and have taken their portion from the ocean of utterance. Likewise, for each of the names mentioned in your letter, decisive verses of God have been revealed. God willing, may all drink from the ocean of knowledge and be illumined by the sun of wisdom. His word, exalted be His grandeur:

In His Name, the Manifest, the Hidden

O Muhammad-Qabli-Hasan! The Wronged One Who hath come from the heaven of command with the banners of verses remembereth thee, He Who hath called all to the Dayspring of Revelation Who hath appeared and manifested whatsoever He desired with power and sovereignty. Blessed is he who hath cast away idle fancy and followed that which was ordained by God, the Lord of the Throne on high and of the dust below. He is indeed of the people of Baha in the Scriptures and Tablets. How many who were standing have sat down in the fear of God, and how many who were seated have arisen in His Name, the Protector of all horizons. This is a Day whereon the breeze of God hath wafted and the fragrance of His mercy hath been diffused amongst the peoples. Beware lest the croaking deter thee from the divine nectar. Leave thou the former and take the latter, through this remembrance before which all necks have bowed in submission.

He is the One dawning from the horizon of Manifestation

O Muhammad-Qabli-ʿAli! The Countenance of the Ancient One hath turned toward thee from the precincts of His Most Great Prison and mentioneth thee in such wise as no mind hath comprehended nor eye hath witnessed. Hold fast unto the cord of God’s Cause and take His Book with the strength that proceedeth from Him. Beware lest the company of the malicious hinder thee from God, the Almighty, the All-Loving. We have sent down the verses and manifested the evidences, yet the people do not understand. They have cast the Book of God behind their backs, following every heedless and veiled one. We have at all times called all men unto God; among them are those who turned away from Us, and those who objected and pronounced judgment against Us with such injustice as caused the dwellers of the highest Paradise to lament, yet most of the people know not. We call them to the Water of Life, while they hasten toward extinction; We send down for them the heavenly table, while they turn to every dead thing. Thus have their souls enticed them, and they are numbered among the dead in the Book of God, the Subduer, the Self-Subsisting. Glory be upon thee, upon thy spouse, and upon all who have turned toward God, the Lord of existence.

He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing

O Abu-Talib! The Desired One hath come for the salvation of the world, yet the peoples have turned away and disbelieved in God, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. The Known One hath appeared, yet every learned one hath denied Him, violated God’s Covenant and His Testament, and cast aside His perspicuous Book. By God! The Recognized One hath come, yet every mystic hath turned away from Him, following vain imaginings and doubts like every immoral doubter. This is the Day wherein the Most Great Book speaketh and summoneth all unto God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. O people of Baha! Rejoice that the Lord of Names remembereth you with verses that surpass all that the kings and rulers possess. Cling to the hem of your Lord’s loving-kindness and hold fast to His firm cord.

He is the Helper, the All-Knowing

O Zaynu’l-ʿAbidin! We counsel thee and My loved ones with that whereby the Cause of God, the Lord of the worlds, may be exalted. We enjoin upon you trustworthiness, which God hath made the crown of all deeds. Verily, He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Through truthfulness shall your stations be made manifest among the peoples, as attested by Him Who possesseth a mighty Book. Blessed is he who hath cast away vain imaginings and attained unto that which was commanded by God, the One, the All-Seeing. O loved ones of the All-Merciful in all lands! Hearken unto the shrill voice of My Pen and that which My Tongue uttereth in My Kingdom. Verily, it will draw you nigh unto God, the Lord of this resplendent Day. Cast away what the people possess and take what is with God, thy Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

Mulla Rida of Qamsar

He is the Proclaimer between Earth and Heaven

O Rida! The Wronged One hath heard thy call and hath turned toward thee, mentioning thee with that which shall immortalize thy name as long as the kingdom of earth and heaven endure. Say: O peoples of the earth! Beware lest the breezes of chastisement prevent you from this sweet and flowing Water, this mighty and beloved Stream. Cast behind you the barkings of the dogs and take what ye are commanded by God, the Manifestation of what was and what shall be. O Rida! Convey to the people of Baha that which the Lord of Names hath uttered, that it may attract them to the praiseworthy station. We counsel them to manifest supreme steadfastness in this Cause, whereby the limbs of humanity have trembled, and We give them glad tidings of that which hath been ordained for them in My preserved Tablet. The Glory shining from the horizon of the will of the Creator of Heaven be upon thee and upon those whom the gestures of creation have not hindered from the Truth, who have cast aside what the people possess, hoping for that which is with their Lord, the Possessor of the Seen and Unseen.

He is the Expositor, the All-Wise

O Zaynu’l-Abidin! The Day of Judgment has come, yet the people have turned away from God, the True Sovereign, the Manifest, the Just. They have broken the Covenant and denied this Dawning Light—verily, they are among the lost in a mighty Book. We came for their salvation, yet they have pronounced judgment against Us with such tyranny as caused the sighs of the Prophets to ascend and the tears of those near unto God to fall. We make known to them that which profits them, yet they have risen to harm Us—to this testifies every discerning sage. Grieve not at anything, but put thy trust in God, the One, the All-Informed. Soon shall the world and all that is therein perish, and sovereignty shall remain with the Strong, the Mighty. Blessings be upon the people of Baha who have acted in accordance with that which they were bidden by the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days. We make mention of My maidservants who were not deterred by the clamor of the people—they heard and responded to the Lord of this mighty, exalted Cause. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The praise be to God that the friends of God have attained unto the sweet savors of the utterances of the All-Merciful. God willing, may they occupy themselves with the remembrance of God in perfect unity and harmony, and arise to that which will exalt His Cause. This evanescent servant conveys greetings and salutations to all, and gives them the glad-tidings of God’s grace, exalted be His glory. No bounty is greater than this bounty—this is the heavenly feast which is reserved for steadfast and upright souls. Blessed is he who has attained on this Day of God, and woe unto him who has turned away from Him. Glory be upon you and upon them and upon every sincere and faithful seeker. Praise be to God, the Lord of this mighty Day.

BH00920: Praise, sanctified above all change and extinction, eternally was…

He is God, exalted be His glory and power!

Praise, sanctified above all change and extinction, eternally was and ever shall be befitting and worthy of that Imperishable Being, that Self-Sufficient Most High, Who through the fragrance of the garment of His grace guided the people of the Kingdom of Creation to the Most Exalted Horizon, and by the shrill voice of His Pen drew the peoples of the world to the Kingdom of Eternity. He bestowed upon the atom the glory of the sun, and conferred upon the drop the effects of the ocean. By His Command-Word He subdued the world, and by a single letter from His Book He guided those endowed with understanding to the fountain of life. He is the Peerless Mighty One and the King Who doeth what He willeth. All the peoples of the world bear witness to His power. The might of oppressors, the tyranny of aggressors, the denial of deniers, and the turning away of the heedless did not and will never prevent Him from His purpose. His Will is operative and His Purpose all-pervasive. His blessed Name is the Most Great Healing Medicine for the health of the world, and His mention the companion of every stranger and wanderer. Exalted be His mercy and glorified be His grace. There is none other God but Him.

And peace and blessings be upon Him Who sat upon the Throne of the Seal, through Whom appeared the decree of the Beginning, whereby was broken the back of the wicked ones who worshipped idols and took them as lords besides God, the Lord of all mankind, and upon His family and companions who arose to serve His Cause and strove in God’s path to exalt His Word—they are honored servants who speak not until He hath spoken, and who act by His command.

Glory be unto Thee, O Thou through Whose Name the Tree spoke forth on the Mount of Recognition and the lights of the Sun of Thy countenance shone forth from the horizon of creation! I beseech Thee by the dawning-places of Thy Most Beautiful Names and the day-springs of Thy most exalted attributes, and by Thy Greatest Signs, to send down upon Thy servants that which will draw them to Thine All-Highest Horizon and bring them near unto Thee, O Lord of all beings and King of the throne on high and of earth below. O Lord! The souls have been enveloped by the veils of idle fancies and been prevented from turning to the horizon of certitude. I beseech Thee, O God of Names and Creator of heaven, by Thy Name the Self-Subsisting, to assist Thy loved ones to stand firm in Thy Cause and to write down for them from Thy Most Exalted Pen that which shall profit them in all the worlds of Thy worlds.

O Lord! Disappoint them not of what lies with Thee, and withhold not from them that which Thou hast ordained for such of Thy servants as are nigh unto Thee and such of Thy creatures as are sincere before Thee. O Lord! Thou seest them turning toward Thee, facing the lights of Thy countenance, and hastening toward the ocean of Thy bounty. Do Thou provide them, O my God, with the table Thou hast sent down from the heaven of Thy grace and the blessings Thou hast ordained in Thy Scrolls and Books and Tablets. There is no God but Thee, the Mighty, the Ever-Forgiving, the Merciful.

And further: your letter was received, and the fragrance of acceptance and love emanated from it. Praise be to God, they are blessed with divine favors and honored by His name. This evanescent servant beseeches the Self-Sufficient Lord in all conditions to rend asunder the veils of all parties with the finger of power, so that all may arise, with illumined vision, truthful tongues, attentive ears, pure hearts, and expanded breasts, to that which befits the station of man.

Man has been and continues to be among the greatest signs of God, and has come from the realm of non-existence into the court of existence for the knowledge and betterment of the world. Should the leaders of government and nation manifest spiritual virtues, goodly deeds, and kindly words, the lights of justice will encompass all the earth, and all will dwell in perfect tranquility within the pavilion of security and peace. The foundation of the security and welfare of nations rests upon two pillars: reward and punishment. Every sovereign must implement these two principles; indeed it is essential.

If man observes the divine verses with the eye of fairness and reflects, he will find each passage to be the dawning-place of laws. Reflect upon this blessed verse wherein He says: “Accept thou what is easy, and enjoin what is just, and turn away from the ignorant.” And likewise He says: “Be generous as God has been generous to thee.” All laws and principles that are the cause of the world’s order and the nations’ tranquility can be deduced and derived from these two blessed verses.

Most of the servants are seen to be heedless and veiled, and this servant, in view of the degrees of love and affection, is at all times engaged in prayer and clinging to the hem of divine generosity, that He might perchance not look upon the deeds of the servants, but rather, through His own bounty and grace, grant what has been beseeched. Verily He is the Forgiving, verily He is the Kind, verily He is the Generous, verily He is the Merciful. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Great.

And regarding the question about the blessed verse concerning the Trust—His exalted Word: “We offered the Trust”—a detailed response was bestowed, but sending it in an envelope was far from the requirements of wisdom, therefore it was not sent. God willing, in these days perhaps someone will journey in that direction and it will be sent with them. Now this servant has given the glad tidings of it and afterward you shall attain it.

You mentioned his honor Akhund Mulla Ahmad, upon him be the glory of God. God willing, may he be blessed in all conditions with the outpourings of the true Bestower and illumined by the lights of the Sun of inner meanings. The world has never had, nor has, any worth—soon it shall return to nothingness. I beseech and implore God to aid His loved ones in that which will cause their names and mention to endure. Verily He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth, and in His grasp is the Kingdom of Names. There is no God but Him, the Powerful, the Wise.

This evanescent servant sends greetings to his honor the aforementioned one. God willing, may he be assisted in the remembrance of God and in that which will exalt the station of man in the contingent world. Likewise convey greetings and praise from this servant to his honor Karbala’i Aqa Muhammad, upon him be the glory of God. I hope from God’s generosity, exalted be His glory, that He will protect him in all conditions through the hands of power and grant him that which befits His bounty. Verily He is the Generous, the Merciful.

Convey greetings and praise from this evanescent one to the other friends in that land. God willing, may all be aided and assisted in that which God loves and with which He is pleased. Peace and glory be upon you and upon those who have testified to that which God testified before the creation of the heavens and earth, that there is no God but Him, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. And peace and blessings be upon the Messengers, and praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH01407: O Thou Who by Thy mention hast drawn unto…

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

O Thou Who by Thy mention hast drawn unto Thee all names, and by Thy name hast subdued earth and heaven! I beseech Thee by the Crimson Scroll which hath been adorned by Thy Most Exalted Pen to assist Thy servants, Thy creation, Thy chosen ones and Thy loved ones to remain steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the horsemen in the arena of heedlessness and desire, nor the allusions of those who have turned away from Thee, O Lord of all creation, shall deter them. O Lord! Thou art He Whom the hosts of the world cannot frustrate, nor can the might of nations weaken. I beseech Thee to draw those who have turned towards Thee near unto the Dayspring of the lights of Thy countenance, and the believers unto the Dawning-Place of Thy signs. Then protect them, O my God, from the oppressors of Thy earth. Thou art He before Whose Name the kingdom of names hath bowed down and to Whose face the Concourse on High hath prostrated itself. Thou ordainest what Thou willest for whom Thou willest, and deniest what Thou willest to whom Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Single One, the All-Knowing.

Thereafter, thy letter was received. Praise be to God, it diminished grief and increased joy, for the fragrance of divine love was wafted from it. Today, every word that floweth from the pen of the friends in mention of God, exalted be His glory, is as a star in the heaven of existence. After reading and examining its contents, I approached the Most Exalted Station, and when I attained the presence, after permission was granted, I presented that which thy sincere tongue had uttered in the days of God, our Lord and your Lord, our Goal and your Goal, and the Goal of all who are in the heavens and the earth. This is what hath been sent down from the Kingdom of might and power from God, the Lord of the worlds. His word, exalted be His grandeur:

In My Name, the Wronged One, the Unique

O Ibrahim! Thou hast attained unto My mention and My favors aforetime, and We make mention of thee on this night with that which shall endure as long as the kingdom and the realm endure. Thou art he who hath testified to that which God hath testified and hast acknowledged that which hath been revealed from My Most Exalted Pen. Blessed is the one who hath arisen with strength to make mention of Me and hath spoken My praise. He is indeed of the people of My wondrous Kingdom. Read thou what We have revealed unto thee. It shall draw thee nigh unto a station that perisheth not. The Lord of the seen and the unseen beareth witness to this. We have heard thy call and have answered thee that thou mayest thank thy Lord, the Mighty, the Loving.

O Ibrahim! By night and by day the Divine Pen is in motion, its call is raised, and its horizon is luminous, yet the people of the earth are heedless and remote, save whom God willeth. All have been waiting by their own admission, and at all times they have been uttering “Hasten, O God,” yet when the veil was rent asunder and the gate of heaven was opened and the Promised One appeared, all arose in opposition save the quantity of the letters of the Countenance. They reflected not for a moment what was the cause and reason that all sought deliverance for that Being, may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake. By the life of God! The people are in manifest drunkenness and in strange slumber. Blessed art thou for having hearkened and answered thy Lord when He came with a wondrous Cause.

In all conditions, fix thy gaze upon the Truth and hold fast unto Him. Today it is incumbent upon all to engage in teaching the Cause with the utmost wisdom. The earth must first be made receptive through the power of utterance, and then the word must be delivered. Blessed art thou and blessed is he who hath guided thee to the straight path of God. He hath attained unto My presence, My favors, and My mercy which have preceded all who are in the heavens and the earth. From this station We send Our greetings upon him and upon thee and upon those who have cast away idle fancies on this glorious and wondrous Day.

God willing, may you ever drink from the cup of bounty and offer it to those who have turned to Him. This evanescent servant hath ever been occupied with the mention of God’s loved ones; they have not been and shall not be forgotten.

As for the mention made of his honor ʿAzizu’llah, upon him be the Glory of God, in these days they have sent a letter to his honor Marfu’ of Qa’in, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious. In response, a most holy, most exalted Tablet was revealed and sent. Indeed, they have clung to the service of the Cause. God willing, may their love grow warmer at all times in such wise that its traces shall remain lasting and enduring in the world. Praise be to God, they are adorned with the ornament of love for the Beloved of the worlds and are assisted in serving the Cause. The Glory that is manifest, evident, and shining from the horizon of the bounty of our Lord, the Most Merciful, be upon you and upon those whom God hath enabled to turn to His bright and luminous horizon.

BH06879: O Mir! May the lights of the Day…

In the Name of the Powerful, the Omnipotent.

O Mir! May the lights of the Day of Manifestation ever illumine thee, and mayest thou be occupied with the remembrance of the Peerless Friend. Observe among the people how they have taken as their object of worship that world whose evanescence all acknowledge and confess, and how they remain debarred and shut out from the true Object of worship and from the rays of the Spiritual Sun. O Mir! Hearken unto the call of this Captive. He, verily, will assist thee and draw thee nigh unto God, the Single, the All-Informed. The Supreme Pen hath recorded mention of steadfast souls. God willing, may they hold fast unto that which God hath willed and be freed and detached from all else. We send greetings to all the friends in that land and other regions, and We counsel them unto that which leadeth to the exaltation and elevation of the station of man. Well is it with them that act, and woe unto the heedless. May the glory shining from the horizon of the will of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, be upon thee and upon them and upon every patient and grateful soul. Praise be to God, the Kind, the Forgiving.

BH07696: The Most Great Name beareth witness before all nations…

In the Name of Him Who is the Most Holy, the Most Great

The Most Great Name beareth witness before all nations that there is none other God but Him, the Almighty, the All-Protecting, the All-Glorious, the Most Exalted. He hath in truth appeared and hath spoken forth that whereby the balance of justice hath been established between earth and heaven. He, verily, is the Almighty, the Unconstrained. He hath commanded all to observe that which will exalt the Cause of God above all else, yet the people have cast it behind their backs and have accepted instead that which every sinful doubter hath ordained. Blessed is he who hath hearkened unto the call of his Lord and responded to his Master when He came with the kingdom of signs. Rejoice thou in the remembrance of God and His loving-kindness, and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Sovereign of the world, Who hath appeared through Thy Most Great Name, for having remembered me in Thy prison and revealed unto me from Thy Most Exalted Pen that which befitteth Thy generosity and grace. I beseech Thee to assist me under all conditions to serve Thy Cause. Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the All-Knowing.

BH07521: In My Name, the Witnesser and the Witnessed

In My Name, the Witnesser and the Witnessed

We make mention of those who turned to God when the ocean of utterance appeared with manifest waves, and We guide them to the Ark which We have fashioned with the hands of Our power that dominates all who are in the heavens and on earth. Hold fast unto it, O people of Baha, and follow not every heedless and remote one.

By the life of God! A single word from this Tablet is worth more than all the treasures of the earth—to this testifieth every insightful sage. O thou who soarest in My atmosphere! Hearken unto My call from the precincts of My mighty prison. It will draw thee nigh unto God and guide thee to My straight path. Be thou grateful that the Countenance of the Ancient One hath turned toward thee and hath sent down for thee this noble Book. Should anyone come to you with tablets of fire, cast them behind you, turning instead to God, the One, the All-Informed. The glory be upon thee and upon thy father and thy mother and thy family, from God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

BH08002: The Hidden Name hath appeared from the Horizon…

In the Name of the One God!

The Hidden Name hath appeared from the Horizon of Revelation and is manifest, yet the heedless servants remain debarred and deprived of Him. Blessed is the eye that no veils of names nor clouds cast by the people of creation prevented from beholding the Most Exalted Horizon. By God’s life! Such a one is of the people of Baha who hath been inscribed by the Pen of the Ancient of Days in the Books of God. Well is it with him who hath attained unto this Day and hath done that which hath been commanded by God, the Lord of the worlds. We beseech God—exalted be His glory—to confirm all who have turned towards Him, that all may succeed in remembering Him, praising Him and serving His Cause. Verily, He is the Beneficent, the Generous. God willing, thou shalt take hold of the Book of God with the hand of might and drink from the choice wine of understanding that lieth concealed within its words. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.