Volume 068: Akka 1299 A.H. (1881–1882), Part III (3 of 4)

BH00492: I have been bidden to be brief…

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

I have been bidden to be brief in that which is sent unto the goodly ones from the presence of God, the Mighty, the Chosen; therefore it is made known: The letter of thy honor, which thou didst dispatch in the name of His Holiness Ismu’llah Mihdi (upon him be, from every glory, the glory of the Most Glorious), arrived at a time when he had turned his face toward the region of the Caucasus, for the purpose of meeting certain of the friends. Wherefore this lowly one, with his own permission and leave, opened thy letter, learned, as it was, the purport of that which was written therein, and thereafter turned unto the Most Holy, the Most Inaccessible Court and submitted the details before the Presence. He saith, exalted be He:

O beloved Muhammad-Karim! The grace of God, exalted be His glory, has been manifest towards you like unto the radiant rays of the divine Sun of this Day. You have ever been and continue to be beneath the gaze of His favor and mercy. And if at times matters arose that were outside the circle of His good-pleasure, they were veiled and adorned with the ornament of forgiveness. This was among His special favors towards you. Be thankful unto your Lord, the All-Forgiving, the Concealer of faults, the Compassionate, the Generous. Convey greetings to all from God and give them the glad-tidings of His grace, that perchance this greatest glad-tiding may become the cause of remembrance and the source of supreme joy. Say: This is a great Day. Strive that ye may be enabled to make good what hath escaped you.

A hundred thousand praises and thanks befit Him Who is the Ultimate Goal, from Whose blessed Pen flows the living waters of life. His loved ones are forever blessed with His remembrance, honored by His grace, gladdened by His bounty, sustained by His favors, and recipients of His mercy. From the horizon of each of His words shines forth the sun of generosity. God willing, you, this servant, and all the friends shall be enabled to render thanks for His infinite blessings.

Regarding the dream you wrote about, it was truly among truthful visions, as the fragrances of love were wafted from it. This indicates that through divine grace and infinite mercy, bounty and blessing shall be bestowed, and you shall fulfill the rights that were due upon your father’s property—may the glory and mercy of God rest upon him. It is most clear and evident that whatsoever hath been sent down from the heaven of God’s commandments, exalted be His glory, hath been intended for the benefit of His servants.

The question of Huquq is highly significant. It hath been and will always be conducive to divine increase, prosperity, dignity and honour. Though for thy departed and exalted father—who, by the testimony of the Most Exalted Pen, hath ascended unto the loftiest heights—an elevated station hath been and remaineth ordained, yet this ordinance shall add radiance unto the light of his station, and likewise unto the prosperity and bounty of his descendants, if the people would in truth become informed and cognizant of this station and arise to fulfill it as is meet and fitting.

And whereas it was mentioned that for some time this servant had not sent any missive, letter or communication to you, my excuse is as clear and luminous as the sun, and all the friends of God, His chosen ones and loved ones bear witness to the magnitude of this servant’s occupations. If in the course of a year or two I find the opportunity to express two words of sincere devotion to any one of the friends, it is as though I have accomplished a mighty task, for opportunity is like unto assurance. In these days a great fire has been kindled in the land of Egypt and many honorable souls have been afflicted with utter abasement. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth.

The friends of that land have turned their attention to this land and great losses have been sustained, but God is verily the Self-Sufficient, the Almighty. Although this servant has mentioned the excuse for not sending letters, nevertheless some time ago in the letter of the beloved of hearts, Ali-Qabli-Akbar, upon him be all the most glorious Glory, a detailed account was conveyed to you. God willing, it has been received and perused. Praise be to God, you and the friends have been and are mentioned in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, especially that household which is among those who have attained the choice wine of certitude in the days of the All-Merciful.

And concerning your request for permission to attain His presence, excellent is that which you have asked, for all have been created for this most mighty, most great, most exalted, most excellent Cause. This servant, in accordance with your wish, on one of the nights of the blessed month of Ramadan, made mention of it before the Throne of the All-Merciful, and this answer was revealed from the Dayspring of God’s Command:

“O servant present! Write to him who hath turned towards God—upon him be My Glory—that these regions are in turmoil. The fire which the deniers have kindled with their own hands and inflamed by their own deeds hath not yet been extinguished. The world is afflicted with the consequences of its actions, and none hath known or knoweth the cause and reason thereof. Under such circumstances, his movement and journey would not accord with the requirements of wisdom. He remembereth whomsoever He willeth by a command from His presence and recordeth for whomsoever He desireth the reward of attaining His presence. He, verily, is the Almighty, the All-Powerful.”

End.

As to what you wrote concerning His honour, the late and lamented, His Holiness Qa’ini, upon him be the Glory of God and His mercy, and your expression of sorrow—in truth there is no cause for sorrow, rather it is cause for gratitude, for he ascended in such a manner that all holy, firm and steadfast souls were filled with longing. In the days when the Ancient Beauty was residing in the mansion, the aforementioned departed one took flight to the Supreme Companion at the first light of dawn on the twentieth day of Rabi’u’l-Avval. That very night, the Most Great Branch—may my spirit, my being and my essence be sacrificed for the dust of His footsteps—visited his home and remained with him for some time.

This was one of the special bounties that was bestowed upon him. The next day when news reached the mansion, at that very moment the Most Great Branch and the other Branches—may my spirit and being be sacrificed for the dust of their footsteps—by command proceeded on foot to accompany the funeral procession. This evanescent servant also wished to accompany the Branches of God, but they said “The weather is cold and you are frail,” and repeatedly uttered these blessed words. Afterwards, this evanescent servant presented himself before the throne with tablet and pen, and at that moment there descended from the heaven of the Lord of all worlds’ bounty that which nothing in the world could equal, to such an extent that this servant became occupied with the word “Would that I…”

I swear by the bounty of God, exalted be His glory, that such grace and favor surrounded him that tongue, pen and man are incapable and powerless to describe it. How blessed and fortunate was he! The field of the pen has reached this point and can move no further. The command is in God’s hands, the Lord of all worlds.

And further, concerning what you wrote about Jinab-i-ʿAbdu’l-Ahad, you have surely heard the details of what transpired, but praise be to God, through the grace and mercy of God, exalted be His glory, his end was blessed, for he was adorned with the ornament of divine forgiveness and pardon. May the spirit of the world be sacrificed for His bounty! Excessive occupation with worldly affairs sometimes makes one heedless, but God’s grace is great. However enormous a sin may be, it can never equal the magnitude of God’s forgiveness. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to assist all to remain firm with the greatest steadfastness. He is the Sovereign who does what He wills and the King of the Kingdom of Names. He acts and commands, and He is the Powerful, the Commander, the All-Informed.

As to what you wrote regarding your intention to visit the Greatest Holy Leaf, the honored Sister—upon her be God’s grace, mercy and bounty—and that you would perform this blessed act as proxy for the Name of God, while he would visit the Most Great Scene and the Court of the Throne as your proxy, this servant has made the pilgrimage as their proxy to the Ultimate Goal, the Most Exalted End and the Supreme Summit. You too, God willing, will succeed in visiting the Greatest Holy Leaf—upon her be the Most Glorious of all Glory—as proxy for this servant and the Name of God.

And regarding what you wrote about visiting His Honor, the Luminous Name—upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God—God willing it will be sent later.

As to what you wrote concerning the departed and blessed Aqa Fathu’llah, who ascended to the Supreme Companion, an answer was previously revealed and sent. God willing, it has by now reached you. According to His command, his mother, upon her be the Glory of God, should be content and her portion should reach her, and the remainder should be handled according to the previous command. In these days, according to His command, Shaykh Abu’l-Qasim, upon him be the Glory of God, has turned towards that direction. A Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet was specifically revealed and sent to you. God willing, your eyes shall be illumined by its lights, your heart assured by its bounty, and the nostrils of your soul perfumed by its fragrance.

As to what you wrote regarding your departed and blessed father, upon him be the Glory of God and His mercy, that you had inferred from the utterances of the Goal of all the worlds that he was not pleased with you—mention of his goodness has always been made in the Most Holy Court, and in the Book of God he is recorded and inscribed among the firm ones and the forerunners. This evanescent servant has never heard from the tongue of the Lord of Eternity any word indicating his displeasure. God willing, he was and is pleased. What is incumbent upon you is to hold fast to the Book of God in your deeds—therein lies all good, and God suffices as a witness.

Convey greetings to the friends in that land who have drunk from the cup of certitude and have attained the station of assurance. The petition of this servant and his counsel to the friends is that they should appreciate the value of these remaining days and count time as precious. By Him at Whose command the Supreme Pen moves, a single moment of these days is more precious than all the mines of the earth and their jewels, and than all that the kings and others in the world possess. One must know the station of such times, epochs, days, hours and minutes, for there has never been and never will be anything comparable to what has been mentioned. God willing, may the True One, exalted be His glory, confirm us all that we may act in accordance with what is befitting and attain to what is acceptable. The command is in His grasp. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. He is the Powerful, the Mighty, the Omnipotent.

There is no news from the emigrant, upon him be the Glory of God. I send greetings to him. Blessed is he in that he turned and circumambulated the Most Great House of God and attained to what was inscribed in the Books of God, and likewise his brother who drank the choice wine from the hands of his Lord’s bounty, the Generous. The Glory be upon you, upon your mother, your son, those in your household, and upon those men and women who have turned to God, the One, the All-Informed.

The servant 27th of the blessed month of Ramadan 1299

BH07684: Glory be unto Thee, O Thou through Whose Name…

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

Glory be unto Thee, O Thou through Whose Name all created things were dissolved, by Whose command all contingent beings were subdued, and at the vibration of Whose Most Exalted Word all things were stirred! I beseech Thee by the glances of Thy favor and the warbling of the Dove of Thy Oneness to inscribe with the finger of Thy might upon the brow of Thy chosen ones that whereby Thy servants and creatures may recognize them. Thou seest, O my God, my Purpose and my Master, that Thy servants are occupied with their riches, heedless through their affairs, and prevented by their veils from recognizing Thy chosen ones who have arisen to serve Thy Cause, who have spoken that which the tongue of Thy grandeur hath spoken, and who have testified to that which Thy Most Exalted Pen hath testified in the earliest of Thy days.

I beseech Thee, O Lord, by the sovereignty of Thy Will and the penetrating influence of Thy Purpose, to ordain for the people of Thy realm that which Thou hast destined for them through Thy bounty and favors. Thou hast ever been, O my God, supreme over all who are in Thy earth and sanctified above all that are with Thy creation. There is none other God but Thee, the Compassionate, the Bestower, the Forgiving, the Generous.

BH01152: The Dove of Utterance hath cooed upon the twigs…

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

The Dove of Utterance hath cooed upon the twigs of mystic knowledge: The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the Lord of all worlds. This is a word uttered by the tongue of the Lord of Names after the passing away of all things. He, verily, is the Omnipotent, the Almighty. This is a day wherein the powers have risen against the Islamic Faith, whereby the foundations have been shaken and the people are in manifest loss. They have reaped what they have sown in their vain life, to which every discerning sage doth testify.

The world is encircled with calamities. Even if at times some good may be evident, it is inevitable that a great calamity followeth—and yet no one on earth hath perceived its origin. The Lord of the Messengers and the Seal of the Prophets—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake—hath said: “A time shall come when no one’s faith shall remain secure except for those who flee from peak to peak and from stone to stone.” Likewise, Isaiah the Prophet hath spoken concerning the severity of these days: “Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty.” This blessed verse he hath mentioned thrice, and this is the greatest proof and mightiest evidence of the severity of these days and the greatness of God’s Cause. In another passage he saith: “And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty.” And further he saith: “To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty.”

Were this evanescent one to undertake mentioning the references from divine books and scriptures that have been sent down from the Kingdom of Will upon the Prophets and chosen ones, it would surely result in a book larger than all existing books. In truth, these are momentous days, for the fire of sedition is ablaze in the world, and cities and lands are besieged under the might of great cannons and in upheaval. Such means have been assembled in the world that the mighty ones of the age do whatever they are capable of doing. The intoxication of pride in these fleeting days hath so seized them that they hear not the cry of the oppressed. They show no mercy to young or old. God shall requite them for what they do.

O brother! All these matters have come to pass according to the desert of people and the deeds they were engaged in beforehand. This evanescent servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, to bestow, through His grace and mercy, penetrating vision and attentive ears, that those on earth might become aware of what behooveth them and arise to redress what hath escaped them. Now that most are observed to be heedless and are seen to be sleeping—nay, dead—in the cradle of ignorance and unknowing, perchance Israfil, by the command of the Lord of Majesty, might render assistance, or the Holy Spirit might, out of pure grace, bestow an effusion.

However, praise be to God, through divine grace and favor these servants have grown accustomed to imprisonment and are grateful in all conditions. We beseech His aid that He may, in these fleeting days, preserve His servants from all that is repugnant to His good-pleasure. This is the hope of them that hope. Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.

Your letter was received. Praise be to God, it was adorned with the ornament of love and brought glad tidings of the well-being of the friends of God. After it was reviewed, it was presented at the Most Holy, Most Exalted Court, and loving-kindness was expressed for each one. God willing, may they be occupied with the remembrance of Truth in all conditions and be steadfast in His service.

All items sent were received in full. Praise be to God, you were confirmed in service to the Cause in days when all are heedless and veiled from it, save whom God willeth. All the deeds of the world’s peoples shall one day be brought to light. Consider what the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’an—blessed and exalted be His words:

“O my son! If it be but the weight of a mustard-seed and though it be in a rock, or in the heavens, or in the earth, God will bring it forth.”

Those who remained heedless of what profiteth them and occupied themselves with that which causeth the Concourse on High to lament have indeed suffered loss. Soon shall they behold the recompense of their deeds. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Just, the Wise.

To his parents, upon them be the Glory of God, I convey greetings and praise. Praise be to God, they have been and are confirmed. Likewise to those who have turned and attained, and other friends and relatives—all have been and remain in mind. The letter from Aqa Ali, upon him be the Glory of God, was received and a reply was sent. God willing, may he be confirmed in acting upon it.

As these regions are in turmoil these days, therefore travel to this direction is not advisable. Convey greetings on my behalf and say: “Patience is the key to relief.” God willing, after tranquility and assurance return to these parts, you shall attain. The Glory be upon you and upon those with you and upon those who have arisen and said: “God is our Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and earths.”

The servant 2nd of the honored month of Shawwal 1299

This servant wrote and sent a letter in response to the missive of my master and beloved, the Name of God M.H., upon him be all 9 [Baha], His Most Glorious Glory. Please deliver it.

BH01178: The servant testifies that there is no God but…

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

The servant testifies that there is no God but Him, acknowledging His power and oneness, and confessing His sovereignty and singleness. He hath ever been sanctified beyond my comprehension and the comprehension of all created things, and beyond what my tongue and the tongues of all contingent beings can express. Whoso testifieth to the sanctity of His Being above all likeness and comparison, and confesseth his powerlessness to know Him, is among the believers in His Book and the near ones among His servants. Exalted is this most glorious station and this most high rank.

Blessings and peace be upon Him through Whom the carpet of beginning was spread out and the decree of ending was made manifest, through Whom the Sun of knowledge dawned and the horizon of certitude was illumined, through Whom the idols wailed and the false deities were struck down, and through Whom all graven images were shattered. And upon His family and companions who heard the call from the Tongue of Grandeur and Glory, who responded and arose to serve the Cause in the realm of creation, and through whom the standards of unity and the banners of divine oneness were raised. These are the servants whom God hath described, both before and after, in His Books, His Scriptures, His Psalms and His Tablets. Blessed is he who followeth in their footsteps, and woe unto the heedless.

My spirit be a sacrifice for your honor. Your letter dated the 22nd of blessed Ramadan, numbered 2, brought the utmost joy and gladness. It was as the supreme antidote for the poison of separation and remoteness, and as the water of life for those thirsting in the desert of love and faithfulness. After its perusal and review, I turned toward the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence and presented a detailed account. He said:

“God willing, the fire of separation shall be transformed for them through the blessed word ʿcoolness and safety’, and the fire of the Divine Lote-Tree shall so possess them that every still thing shall be moved, every extinguished thing shall be ignited, and every solid thing shall melt and flow. Verily, He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth, and He is the Remembering, the Compassionate, the Generous.”

At times when the location was the palace and you were observed from afar, and likewise in the prison when standing before the gate, your state remains the same, observed by the Eye that slumbereth not. We send greetings and glorification upon you and upon those who hold fast to the Sure Handle and cling to the hem of God’s grace, the Lord of all worlds.

Indeed, if correspondence is not entirely illumined by the light of reunion, at least half of it, as they say, is illumined, for it is observed that it soothes the grieving heart and removes the sorrow of separation. The servant praises and thanks his Lord for enabling him to behold your traces and for assisting him to present this response. Verily, He is the Compassionate, the Generous, in both beginning and return. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Bestower.

Regarding what you wrote about a previous envelope numbered 1 that you sent via Ottoman post, it has not yet arrived. Despite searching and inquiry, nothing has come of it. It remains delayed, but perhaps God will cause it to appear later. Verily, He has power over all things.

I am aware of your attention and of the day of that eminence’s departure from Beirut. God willing, wherever they arrive, may the guardians of that place give voice and utterance to the blessed word “My Lord, cause me to land at a blessed landing-place.” I beseech the Most High to place divine grace before you, the hosts of protection behind you, the banner of guidance to your right, the seas of utterance to your left, the sun of bounty above you, and the carpet of certitude beneath your feet, and may all good things encompass you. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Forgiving, the Generous, the Compassionate, the Mighty, the Loving.

As to what you wrote concerning the Tree, in truth during the time of journey and mental turmoil and affairs, that eminence’s attention is not on these matters. This is but from the perfection of grace and love, unless God, exalted be His glory, bestows a bounty and delivers this evanescent one somewhat from embarrassment. Praise be to God that mention of that true Beloved has been and continues to be especially before the Most Holy Court and in the presence of the Branches of the Blessed Tree and the people of the pavilion of virtue and chastity.

O my Lord and my Beloved! In these days sorrow hath encompassed all, for the Cause of God and the Faith of God have been weakened. The enemies lie in ambush from every direction while this small band is without helper or assistant. What can I say about what has befallen Islam? The divine religion and divine cause that were the reason and means of unity and concord have now become the source of discord. In any case, now this evanescent one and that beloved and all the loved ones of God must beseech God, exalted be His glory, with utmost humility and supplication for victory and relief, for until the time of hardship and difficulty for God’s servants is not followed by ease and comfort… The Command is in His hands—He doeth and judgeth as He pleaseth, and He is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

May the glory shining from the horizon of our Lord the All-Merciful’s grace be upon your eminence and upon those with you and upon those who love you and who hearken to your words for God and in God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH00124: Beloved of my heart and soul, may Ibn Ism’ullah…

Section 1: “Beloved of my heart and soul, may Ibn…”

Beloved of my heart and soul, may Ibn Ism’ullah al-Asdaq, upon them both be all His most glorious glory, observe:

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

Unto God, the Lord of all beings, do I bewail my grief and sorrow. Affairs have been overturned, countries have been thrown into turmoil, and Islam has been weakened therein. Enemies have surrounded it, and it stands besieged. It behooveth that party, therefore, to supplicate God morning and evening, and to beseech Him to assist all Muslims in that which He loveth and is pleased with, to raise them up through His command and sovereignty, to make known to them that which will exalt their stations, to transform their abasement into glory, their poverty into wealth, their ruin into prosperity, their agitation into tranquility, and their fear into peace and security. Verily, He is the All-Merciful; there is none other God but Him, the Compassionate, the Generous.

O beloved of my heart! The fire of heedlessness hath encompassed the world, and whatsoever God, exalted be His glory, had formerly announced in the Books and Scriptures hath all become manifest and evident. The calamities and tribulations of the earth have become like ordinary food—every day they arrive. On one side calamities, on another side unjust wars, oppressive artillery, and rebellious, tyrannical rifles have encompassed the world and its people, yet none hath discovered the cause and reason thereof. In brief, the religion of God is seen like a spiritual bird beneath the talons of pharaohs, or beneath the claws of beasts. Alexandria, which was adorned with all the ornaments of the world, was seen naked and bare within mere hours—nay rather, ruined and desolate.

There is no power nor strength except in God. The recompense of deeds hath become embodied and assumed various forms. They flee, but there is no refuge; they cry for help, but it is not the time for help; they run, but there is no escape. May God, exalted be His glory, grant the grace that man might at least know and become aware from what cause these things have been generated and from what deed they have appeared. Alas, alas! Verily, deeds have blocked the gate of knowledge. Abominable deeds have barred the path of understanding and prevented man from awareness. It is hoped that after this earthquake may come tranquility, and after this agitation of the earth may come peace. In these days this exalted word was heard from the tongue of the Lord of Names—exalted be His utterance:

“O servant who art present! In these days the earth, time, and heaven—each one expresseth its tidings with two tongues.”

End quote.

For the people of these parts, comfort and ease are non-existent. The matter hath reached such a pass that the sending of post and letters hath become difficult, nay, most difficult. And now it is intended that this letter be taken to Haifa. God alone knoweth in what manner and when it shall arrive. Since a response to the letter of that spiritual beloved was necessary, therefore this servant writeth briefly and hopeth it will arrive. The letter of that beloved one, dated the twenty-sixth of Jamadiyu’th-Thani, arrived previously. It was as though it were a dove from the city of faithfulness that arrived bearing letters of love, affection, longing, and yearning. Its song brought joy and its cooing increased ardor. It is hoped that God, exalted be His glory, will gather the wanderers of the realm of unity beneath the canopies of His grace. Verily, He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

As to what you wrote concerning the dispatch of Aqa Siyyid Sadiq and his brother, upon them be the glory of God and His loving-kindness, this was most welcome and praiseworthy indeed. Today is the day of pure deeds and service to the Cause, that perchance the lights of goodly character may encompass the world and the hosts of righteous acts may capture heedless hearts and draw them to the direction of awareness. All that you wrote regarding these matters was presented. He said: “Praise be to God that they have been assisted to serve and educate the servants. God willing, may all attain to that which is intended, namely that all should move for the sake of God and not make the divine religion a cause of rancor and hatred. They should meet all with the utmost kindliness, forbearance and love, and present the Word. If it is accepted and the radiance of the All-Merciful is observed in their countenance, let them be thankful to God the Exalted. Otherwise, they should leave such a one to himself, without allowing him to perceive any lack of love.

Pure, assured, content and well-pleasing souls are loved and cherished by every person for their praiseworthy attributes and spiritual qualities. However, heedless souls must be loved for the sake of God, that perchance they may not regard the Source of mercy and grace as a cause of opposition, and that the earth may find some measure of peace. We testify that there is no God but Him, acknowledging that which the Supreme Pen hath spoken in the beginning of days. And we testify that thou hast turned, hast seen and heard and triumphed, and hast arisen to serve the people of the world, by the command of God, the Lord of ancient days. Blessed art thou, and thy family, and those who are with thee. And we send greetings and glorification upon the loved ones of God in thy region and in all lands, and We give them glad tidings of God’s remembrance and mercy, and We counsel them to be steadfast, trustworthy, truthful and faithful, and to observe that which God hath revealed in the Book.”

As to the mention that was made of Aqa Ghulam-ʿAli of K., upon him be the glory of God, and his praiseworthy character—this is indeed as that beloved one hath written, for repeated mention of him was heard from the Kingdom of utterance. God willing, may he be confirmed and, through the elixir of sincerity, transmute the copper of existence into pure gold, and clothe earthly temples with new garments through the rain-showers of knowledge of the Lord of Days. This is not difficult for God.

And as to what you wrote mentioning the feast and the migration of some for the sake of God, this was presented before His presence. He said:

“Praise be to God that through the favors of the True One, exalted be His glory, souls have appeared in the land of Kha who are worthy of divine mention and the refinement of souls. The honored teacher has ever been and continues to be remembered before the Wronged One. A detailed Tablet was specifically revealed for him, but its dispatch has been delayed until now. Should God will it, He will send it. Verily He is the Helper, the All-Wise. And peace be upon him on the day he heard and acknowledged, and the day he spoke among the servants, and the day he returns to God, the Lord of the worlds.”

As regards what you wrote concerning the ascension of the Leaf, upon her be the Glory of God and His mercy and grace, together with her testamentary dispositions—these were presented before His presence, and He said: “O thou who art enkindled with the fire of My love! Upon thee be My Glory. Hearken unto My call. Verily He hath mentioned thee in this night time and again, and this is yet another time, that thou mayest give thanks unto God, the Lord of the worlds.

And concerning what thou hast mentioned about the Leaf who hath returned to the Divine Lote-Tree, with her Lord, the Most Glorious—We testify that she heard and attained, acknowledged and drank the choice wine of reunion, and ascended unto the Self-Sufficing, the Most High. Thus doth My Pen and My Tongue bear witness unto her in this mighty station. I testify that she believed in her Lord when most of the servants denied Him, and turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon when mankind turned away. Blessed is she and blessed is he who remembereth her with what the Tongue of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, hath remembered her. O My Leaf! The Wronged One loveth to make mention of thy father who, when he heard the glad-tidings of attaining Our presence, cast the world behind him, turning with his face—which God had honored from turning to aught else—toward the Most Great Prison.

We have mentioned him in numerous Tablets and in the Crimson Book which none hath discovered save the One, the All-Informed. Through his arising to serve the Cause, steadfastness was manifested in the lands, and through his turning toward the prison precincts, the hearts of those who have attained were turned. The radiant light shining from the horizon of the brow be upon him and upon thee and upon those who have testified to that whereunto God testified before the creation of the heavens and earth—that there is none other God but Him, the Compassionate, the Generous.”

His approval was bestowed upon her testamentary dispositions, and they were honored with His signature. He commanded that they be carried out exactly as she had wished. Her testament bears witness to her station with God. Whatever needs to be done in that land, do it, and whatever is rightful will assuredly be done.

This evanescent servant beseeches God, exalted be His glory, to assist all the handmaidens to remember what they have seen and heard from that Leaf, and to strive to attain unto that which God loveth and is pleased with—this is the source and beginning of all good. According to His command, it would be most fitting and appropriate to deal amicably with her spouse. Should he, of his own accord, choose to carry out the testament, this would be well-pleasing in the sight of God. Verily, He commandeth His servants with that which profiteth them in every world of His worlds.

Concerning what you wrote about the settlement of the survivors in the land of Kha and Ta, this was presented, and this is what was revealed in reply:

“O thou who standest firm in My service and gazest upon My face!”

You yourself should sometimes be settled and sometimes traveling—this is what the Unconstrained One hath chosen for you. As for the survivors who have dwelt for years in the land of Kha, it is best that they remain settled there as before. Should wisdom at any time require movement, there is no objection. These lands are now in turmoil and commotion, and the surroundings are greatly disturbed. We beseech God to protect them from the evil of cannons and rifles, and from those whom the world hath deluded with a delusion beyond the power of pens to describe.

Concerning the dispatch of petitions from the friends about which you wrote, according to His command if they present their petitions with utmost brevity their dispatch is permissible, for they will both attain the blessing and bring joy to your honor. In all matters, according to His command, wisdom must be observed and all friends must hold fast unto it. The matter of teaching, which is among the most momentous of all matters, has in God’s Book been made contingent upon wisdom. He says: “With wisdom and utterance.” First wisdom, then utterance. Exalted is He Who hath desired for us in all matters what is good from His presence and taught us that whereby the Cause is uplifted without raising the clamor of every heedless doubter.

Once these supreme blessed words were heard from the Tongue of Grandeur. He said: “Man can refresh the dispirited with the waters of grace and quicken the dead with the living waters without uttering what would be objectionable in the estimation of men.” And He said: “Blessed is he who giveth the people to drink from the sea of the utterance of the All-Merciful without speaking a word that would cause rejection and objection.” Indeed, forbearance is most beloved. Any soul who shows the slightest acceptance will later comprehend most matters himself, but if at first a word is expressed that is beyond his capacity, he will not bear it and will arise in opposition.

And concerning what you wrote about whether, if one of the friends wishes to send a letter to those parts other than the Divine Tablets and other than those of the Branches of God—may my spirit and being be sacrificed for the dust of their footsteps—and this servant, it should be reviewed and then dispatched: indeed this point is most beloved, for at present in this land there are about two hundred of the divine friends, and just as they differ in character and conduct, they certainly differ likewise in expression. However, this is a matter that cannot be mentioned to all, for some may become distressed. Therefore the divine friends in whatever land they may be, if they receive a letter or missive, they should examine it. If it conflicts with divine ordinances and heavenly utterances according to outward appearance, they should not accept it and should inquire of the source. If it attains the honor of approval it is acceptable, otherwise rejected. The purpose is that no difference should occur in any matter.

Concerning M.S., upon him be [Baha’u’llah’s glory]—9 66, as they had written, in response to that loved one’s request, from the heaven of divine favor a Most Holy, Most Exalted, Most Wondrous Tablet was revealed specifically for them and sent. And since they had asked to be assisted in a matter that would become the cause of everlasting, eternal remembrance, they were commanded to appoint a representative for the construction of an exalted, lofty House. This is a matter that will endure and persist throughout the continuance of the Most Beautiful Names, and its fruits are greater, more glorious and more excellent than a hundred thousand children. However, after their second letter stating that they themselves wished to pay the Huququ’llah, after this matter was presented, He said that if the Huquq is paid and this edifice is raised therefrom, it would be nearer and more excellent in the sight of God and would be adorned with the ornament of acceptance.

In this case, absolute freedom is attained. Verily, He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He desireth, and He is the Commander, the Doer, the Unconstrained. In truth this is a great bounty towards them. They should occupy themselves day and night with praise and thanksgiving to God, and should act upon what has been commanded with the utmost joy and fragrance, submission and contentment. Blessed be he!

And concerning what you wrote about the honored mother and daughter of Ismu’llah, upon them be Baha’u’llah’s glory, it was presented before His presence. This is what was revealed for them from the Kingdom of the favor of our Lord, the Compassionate, the Generous. His word, exalted be His majesty:

He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed

O My leaves and she who is related to My Name! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One, against Whom the divines of the earth pronounced judgment even as they pronounced judgment in former times against My Name, Who strove in My path until He was martyred in the land of Taff, yearning to attain My presence, the Mighty, the Wondrous. We console thee and My handmaidens concerning that which hath befallen you in the days of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. We have mentioned her with a mention to which nothing on earth can compare. Be thou thankful unto thy Lord, the Forgiving, the Merciful. We made mention of thee before as a token of Our grace, and at this time in My Most Great Prison.

Grieve not over anything that shall pass away. Soon shall perish that wherewith the people are occupied, and there shall endure that which hath been revealed for thee by His Mighty, Firm Pen. O My leaf and daughter of My Name, Who hath circumambulated My Throne with manifest light! We shall be with you in all conditions, and We see those who dwell in the house and hear what they utter, and I am the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. The glory and the peace be upon your men and your women, and upon the first among you who, through his acceptance, caused the Concourse on High to bear witness on a day wherein the divines trembled with fear of the Command. Thus hath My Most Exalted Pen testified in this sublime station.

Section 2: “For the people of H and M, wondrous…”

For the people of H and M, wondrous and exalted Tablets were also revealed and sent. God willing, they have by now arrived. And the Tablets that were requested for Sh.H. will be sent by His exalted grace. This evanescent servant conveys greetings and salutations to all those whose names were mentioned and those that remained unmentioned, and hopes that all will act as befitteth the days of God and will hold fast in all conditions to that which hath been revealed in the Book, so that from the trees of existence wondrous and exalted traces and delicate, ripe fruits may appear in the assemblage of the world with such freshness and grace as will attract all, whether by choice or without choice.

When mention was made of Mirza Habibullah, Aqa Mirza Haydar-Ali, Shaykh Muhammad and Azizu’llah, upon them be the Glory of God, they attained the honor of being heard in His presence. Although in these days, in accordance with wisdom, silence in these lands is preferable to speech and stillness is more beloved than motion, nevertheless the tongue of bounty speaks these sublime words, His exalted Word:

O Habib! God willing, mayest thou be the recipient of divine favors. Before and after thou art mentioned in the presence of His countenance. This has been and is one of God’s greatest bounties. Strive at all times and under all conditions to gaze toward the Most Exalted Horizon and to speak in praise of God, exalted be His glory. Should all the powers of the world attempt to assess the value of but a moment of these days, they would find themselves utterly powerless. By God’s life! It has been and continues to be lofty in worth and sublime in station.

And We make mention of him who is named Haydar before ʿAli and give him the glad-tidings of My mercy, My favor, and My grace, and I am the Compassionate, the Generous. We have made mention of him in a manner that nothing can equal it, and I am the True, the Faithful Informer.

And We make mention of him who is named Muhammad, who was mentioned before God, the Most High, the Most Great. Say: O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy fragrances which were wafted in the Hijaz and by the lights of Thy countenance which illumined Batha, to protect Thy religion from the wicked ones who have encompassed Thy cities and Thy lands, O Lord of Names and Creator of heaven. Then grant me the wine of steadfastness in this Cause whereby feet have slipped. There is no God but Thee, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

O ʿAziz! Upon thee be My Glory! Some time ago a Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet was revealed and sent especially for thee. Praise be to God that thou hast attained the wine of bounty, drunk from the Kawthar of acceptance, been sustained by the Tasnim of grace, and reached the everlasting feast. Strive that these lofty, transcendent stations may remain preserved. The Glory from Us be upon thee and upon My loved ones in those regions whom God hath purified from the defilement of idle fancies, drawn nigh unto Himself and caused them to know His straight Path. Praise be to God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

The second letter from that beloved one, dated the 22nd of Rajab, was as a balm for the lamp of the heart, or as a light joined to another light. In brief, it illumined all limbs with the light of joy. Prior to these two letters, when outwardly no news had arrived from that beloved one, this matter became a cause of sorrow. At times this evanescent servant would chant the words “O lost one, where shall I seek thee?” in his inmost heart. However, that which was heard from the tongue of utterance of the All-Merciful was the cause of tranquility and assurance. Praise be to God that afterwards glad-tidings upon glad-tidings arrived, namely two letters were received. In any case, this poor and helpless one implores the Ancient Almighty that He may assist that beloved one with His special confirmations and protect him with the hosts of the seen and unseen from the harm of enemies. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Protector, the Powerful, the Mighty, the All-Wise.

After reading and becoming informed, I proceeded to the Most Exalted Goal and presented it before His countenance. He said:

“O servant in attendance! Praise be to God, the son of My Name, upon him be My glory, has been confirmed and will attain to that which hath been revealed specially for him from the Supreme Pen.”

And He said that in the days when they were standing at the Gate, listening, and present before the Face, gazing, and had attained the waters of reunion, they requested a brief visitation tablet for the Crimson Leaf from the heaven of the bounty of the Lord of existence, and We promised this most great favor. Therefore at this time there descends from the heaven of Will that of which every letter testifies to the grace, kindness and mercy of God, exalted be His glory:

“O Crimson Leaf and Most Glorious Sign! I bear witness that through thee the fire of love and affection was kindled in the hearts of the servants. Thou art she who chanted at all times the praise of God, the Lord of all beings. Thou art she who heard the Call in the beginning of days, and the attraction of the utterance of the All-Merciful seized thee in such wise that thy heart was melted and thy very being was set ablaze. Through thee appeared the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree and the cry of the Kingdom was raised amongst creation. I testify that thou didst rend asunder the veils through the name of thy Lord, the Lord of the Final End, and hastened with thy heart to the Most Exalted Horizon, and turned toward the Face in such wise that neither the doubts of the learned, nor the imaginings of the mystics, nor the power of rulers prevented thee.

I bear witness that thou didst lament in separation as one bereaved, and didst forsake all that was in the world, holding fast to the Most Firm Handle. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of thy Lord’s loving-kindness be upon thee, and upon thy beginning and thine end, and upon those who loved thee and remembered thy days and what befell thee in the path of thy Lord.

Blessed is the handmaiden who drew nigh unto thee and found solace with thee in thy days, and woe unto him who wronged thee and uttered concerning thee that which caused the Concourse on High and the dwellers of Paradise to wail at eventide and at dawn. Glory be unto Thee, O my God! I beseech Thee by this celestial note and this heavenly cry and this sign of oneness that Thou forgive whosoever turned toward her purely for Thy sake, and absolve his greatest transgressions and mightiest sins. Then forgive his father and mother and all who sought her and visited her shrine. Verily Thou art the Powerful One Whom nothing can frustrate and no affair can hinder. Thou doest what Thou willest and ordainest what Thou pleasest. Verily Thou art the Compassionate, the Mighty, the All-Wise.”

O Son of My Name! Whosoever desires to visit the honored sister and the Crimson Leaf and the family of God from among the household, whose adornment is the good-pleasure of God, may visit with that which hath been revealed by the Most Holy Pen from God, the Lord of all creation. This is yet another gift from Us unto thee. Be thou grateful and numbered with them that render thanks. End.

This blessed passage was suddenly revealed from the heaven of God’s Will when the second letter of that one was presented. They said to the Son of My Name, upon him be My glory: We promised that a brief visitation prayer would be revealed and sent for the Crimson Leaf, as that which was previously revealed from the Supreme Pen is somewhat difficult for the generality of people to read. Now We have willed to fulfill Our promise and bestow that which was requested. Verily, He is the Near, the Answering One.

This is a bounty from Him unto you. It is hoped that His grace, mercy and favor may repeatedly overtake that beloved one in full manifestation. Verily, He is the Protector of whosoever turns unto Him, and the Companion of whosoever calls upon Him, in his journey and his resting-place.

And concerning what was mentioned in another letter about the enkindlement, unity and steadfastness of the people of that land—this is indeed the greatest cause for the dawning of the light of joy and gladness. In truth, this matter is the foundation of the world. The repose, tranquility, blessing and prosperity of the world depend upon this matter. Blessed and exalted be His Word:

“Through the light of unity hath the world been illumined, and through the warmth of accord have the horizons been set ablaze.”

God willing, may the temples of the people of Baha never be deprived in any state of this adorning, which is counted as the first adorning.

Regarding what was written about permission being granted from the land of Ta through the honored Thamarih, upon her be the glory of God, for the mother of your honored wife, upon them both be the glory of God, to proceed to the Most Holy Court—this servant has no information about this matter and has not heard of it. Although the True One, exalted be His glory, has ever cast the gaze of His loving-kindness upon His Most Truthful Name and you and those related to him, as the divine Tablets testify and bear witness to this fact, yet these regions are all in turmoil and upheaval. Naval vessels and great cannons surround the area. Alexandria was laid waste in ten hours, and the helpless people were scattered to all regions. The owls of the world’s ruins oppress the white falcons, and the demons of the age lie in wait to ambush the angels of the realm of inner meanings. May God protect us and you from the evil of the oppressors.

A group of the loved ones of God who were occupied in that land left behind whatever possessions they had, and, detached from perishable ornaments, turned toward the Court of Unity, and now they wander about. In such circumstances it is evident that movement is not permitted. Each day news arrives that one group rises against another. From some directions news has arrived that certain souls who had permission in previous years have intended to come this year, apparently unaware of the conditions in these parts and what has transpired. In any case, this evanescent servant beseeches the True One, exalted be His glory, not to withhold the gaze of His loving-kindness from the people of the world. For years the earth has been observed in turmoil. Each day a new calamity appears and at every moment an uproar is raised. Yet the people have not become aware and will not become aware except through the compelling, all-encompassing, penetrating and effective Command from God, the Lord of all worlds.

Concerning your mention of Aqa Mirza Haydar-ʿAli, upon him be the Glory of God, and the people of the Green City—mention of them has been and continues to be made, praise be to God, in the Most Holy Court. Regarding the Tablets they had requested for Mazindaran, some have been revealed, but sending them in these days has become very difficult, as most affairs in this land and its surroundings are in turmoil due to Europe’s uprising against Islam. The poor and helpless—it is time for prayer. Prayer is from us, acceptance from God. Verily, He has power over whatsoever He willeth.

Similarly, a letter arrived from Aqa ʿAbdu’l-Husayn from the Green City, mentioning Aqa Muhammad-Kazim and his relatives and other friends, upon them be the Glory of God. For each one was revealed that which the world and all within it cannot equal, and it was sent. God willing, they will attain unto it.

Likewise, these past two days a letter also arrived from Aqa Muhammad-Kazim, upon him be the Glory of God, which also contained names of souls who had turned towards God. However, since wondrous and exalted verses had been revealed from the heaven of bounty for most of them a few days prior, they again stated it was not necessary. As commanded, that beloved one should write the details to Aqa Muhammad-Kazim, upon him be the Glory of God, and he should give the glad tidings of the all-encompassing bounty, pre-existing mercy, and wondrous and exalted grace to the friends of that land, so that upon all their foreheads may be inscribed from the seal of utterance “The Kingdom is God’s”, and from their faces may appear the radiance of glory.

Praise be to God, they are engaged in service to the Cause and in mention of God, exalted be His glory. God has favored some above others and aided all to turn to Him. Verily, He is the Single One, the All-Informed. Soon will appear in the world the signs and fruits of the trees planted by the hands of power. The divine promises will certainly be fulfilled in the world of dominion. The glory from God, the Compassionate, the Generous, be upon them.

Concerning what they wrote about intending to travel to certain places—God willing, it is blessed, and surely God, exalted be His glory, will make its fruits manifest. Verily, He will aid you through His grace. He is the All-Bountiful, the Helper, the Generous.

Regarding the mention of visitation at the end of the letter—on Thursday, the third of the month of Shawwal, which is the last day of the blessed feast of Ramadan, after the verses were written, that which is the purpose of all worlds was performed in your presence by proxy. Now all created things should say “Well done and congratulations!” We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to ever aid this servant and that beloved one in that which is pleasing to Him and befitting of His days. Blessed art thou, and blessed are they who have held fast to the Book of God and acted according to what they were commanded by the All-Knowing Ordainer.

The Glory shining from the horizon of the Supreme Pen be upon you and upon those who have renounced the world, turning to God, the Lord of eternity, He at Whose appearance all things proclaimed “The Kingdom belongeth to God, the Mighty, the Wise.” Praise be to God, the Powerful, the Almighty.

The servant, 3rd of the honored month of Shawwal 1299

The reply for the husband of the Leaf, the Sister, upon her be the Glory of God, and Jinab-i-Tabib will be sent later.

BH01082: Praise, sanctified above all expressions and meanings, befitteth…

Praise, sanctified above all expressions and meanings, befitteth the Most Holy, Most Exalted, Most Sublime Court of Him Who is the Beloved, Who, with one word, seized hold of the world of being and, with another, adorned all things with the ornament of existence. Verily, He is God, the Single, the One, the Alone, the Self-Subsisting. Neither the conditions of the world nor the doubts of men can frustrate Him. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. He is the Mighty, the All-Praised.

To continue: thy letter, which was adorned with the handwriting of him who circulateth throughout the land by God’s command, truly brought joy and increased gladness. We beseech God, the Powerful, the Ancient, to transform this gladness into a carpet whereon all His loved ones and chosen ones may gather in perfect fellowship, unity, love and harmony, that all may raise one call and move with one motion, and that this servant may be engaged in serving them all.

After becoming apprised of the contents of the letter, I turned towards the Beloved of the worlds and the Goal of them that have recognized Him. When I entered His presence and laid the matter before Him, thereupon the Tongue of the All-Merciful spoke in the Kingdom of Utterance, and His exalted Word was this:

“O Muhammad-Hasan! We called thee after We created thee, made thee known after We manifested thee, and aided thee until thou didst attain to a station which God hath made the point round which circle the Concourse on High and all who dwell in the Kingdom of Names. Then did We cause thee to hear My Most Exalted Word and showed thee the lights of My countenance after the extinction of all things, and gave thee to drink of the Kawthar of life from the hand of My bounty. Give thanks unto God for this favor wherewith nothing that hearts and minds can comprehend can compare.”

Reflect upon God’s grace and His bounty, that thou mayest become aware of the lights of the Sun of grace and the ocean of His bounty. By My life! If thou wert to become aware, thou wouldst continue to cry out “Thine is the praise, O God of the worlds!” until the time of thine ascension. This utterance was in thy letter which the servant in attendance laid before Him—thy words: “Since the time I was dismissed from the honor of attaining Thy presence, no token of bounty hath been shown to this evanescent one.” To speak thus in the face of the ocean of God’s bounty was not and is not permissible. Even if thou wert to praise the Beloved of all creation with a hundred thousand tongues, it would still be little and insignificant compared to this supreme bounty and magnificent gift.

The whole world was brought from the concealment of nothingness into being for this Day. How many divines, mystics and saints beseeched God, the Exalted, for the privilege of attaining unto this Day, yet when it appeared and shone forth, all remained veiled. But thou, through God’s grace, bounty, mercy, generosity and favor, wert aided and didst attain thereunto. Thus doth My Most Exalted Pen testify, and thus doth the Tongue of Grandeur speak in its mighty prison.

From this station We send Our greetings to the faces of My loved ones in that place, who have drunk the choice wine of My love, who have spoken My praise, who have conveyed My Cause, who have arisen to serve Me and to serve My loved ones, who have cast aside all else but Me and have taken fast hold of that which they were commanded in My perspicuous Book.

We make mention of thy wife, who believed in her Lord after she heard His mighty and wondrous call, and We make mention of My handmaidens who have rejoiced in My Day, who have heard My remembrance and have turned towards My luminous horizon.

And concerning what you wrote about the handmaiden of God, the mother of Bahiyyih Sultan, upon her be the Glory of God, mentioning her hardship, this matter was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence. The Tongue of Grandeur spoke this most exalted word: “Upon thee, O My handmaiden, upon thee, O My handmaiden, be patience and forbearance in whatsoever hath befallen thee in the days of God, the All-Possessing, the Self-Subsisting. Put thy trust in Him under all conditions, and it behooveth thee to be content and well-pleasing in this Day wherein all things have proclaimed: ʿThe Kingdom belongeth unto God, the Almighty, the Glorious, the All-Loving.’ It behooveth thee to remember thy Lord with this remembrance which the Tongue of Eternity hath spoken at this moment:

“I beseech Thee, O my God, by the appearance of the Self-Subsisting after the Qaim, and by His signs, His evidences, His manifestations and His attributes, to ordain for me from Thy Most Exalted Pen that which will benefit me in every world of Thy worlds. O my Lord! I am a handmaiden among Thy handmaidens who hath turned unto the heaven of Thy bounty, the ocean of Thy generosity and the sun of Thy favor, and I know not what will benefit me in Thy sight. The knowledge of all things is in a Mighty Book. O my Lord! Ordain for this handmaiden of Thine that which will cause her to be joyous under all conditions. Verily, Thou art the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. There is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the Powerful.”

Praise be to God that you have been blessed repeatedly with the choice wine of divine utterance. This is that same sustenance which hath been recorded in the divine Scriptures and Books, both of the past and of the present. Glorified and exalted is He above my mention, my description, my praise and the praise of all who are in the heavens and the earth. How can the understanding and minds of the servants comprehend this most great favor? We are all powerless and wanting, and He is the Strong, the Mighty. And furthermore, whatever you had expressed of the degrees of powerlessness, nothingness, evanescence, remembrance and praise regarding the most mighty, most pure Branches of the Divine Lott Tree—may my spirit, my being and my essence be a sacrifice for the dust of their footsteps—this servant presented it with the utmost humility and submissiveness on your behalf. They showed favor and likewise offered greetings. The Glory be upon thee and upon those who have attained unto the mention of God, the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

The servant 12 Shawwal 1299

BH01574: The essence of praise and glorification befitteth that Intended…

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

The essence of praise and glorification befitteth that Intended One Who illumined the world through the effulgences of the Sun of Truth and adorned the realm of possibility with the ornament of knowledge from the ocean of awareness. Exalted be His greatness, glorified His power, magnificent His beneficence, and supreme His grandeur! He is the Powerful One Who through a single exalted Word brought forth the kingdom of earth and heaven, created man and guided him to the supreme horizon, and adorned sheer nothingness with the ornament of being and pure non-existence with the crown of existence. He is the Omnipotent One Whom neither the thunder of cannons can prevent from what He hath willed, nor the clash of swords deter from His pervading and mighty Will. He doeth what He pleaseth and ordaineth what He willeth. He is the Strong, the Dominant, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

Thereafter, your letter addressed to this evanescent servant opened the gate of reunion and bestowed the fragrance of attainment. After its perusal it was presented before His presence, whereupon He said: O thou who soarest in the atmosphere of love and gazest toward the horizon of grace! In this day it is incumbent upon all to seek protection from God, exalted be His glory, for His loved ones and chosen ones, inasmuch as commotions and upheavals have encompassed all. Each day a fresh calamity descendeth upon the world and a new sedition ariseth, yet none hath discovered the cause and reason thereof. The religion of God is seen to be weak while His enemies are strong. The deeds of men have become embodied in diverse manifestations—at times affliction, at times tribulation, and likewise in different forms of weapons, guns, swords and spears.

Beseech ye God to awaken the heedless and rouse the slumbering, that perchance they may discover the cause and reason, for when any illness is diagnosed its cure becometh easy. Say: Glory be unto Thee, O Thou Who hast subdued the world through one of Thy names! I beseech Thee by the blood of Thy loved ones which was shed in Thy path to protect Thy loved ones from the oppression of Thine enemies who have risen in an enmity the like of which the eye of creation hath not beheld.

I beseech Thee, O Lord of eternity and Sovereign of nations, by the Most Great Name, to send down from the heaven of Thy bounty that which will aid them in Thy remembrance and praise and in that which Thou hast revealed in Thy Book. Thou art He, O my God, to Whose power all created things have testified and before the manifestations of Whose might all possible things have bowed down in submission. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the One, the Single, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

As to the mention made of certain souls, God willing, through His grace they shall act in accordance with what He loveth and is pleased with, and be engaged in His remembrance and praise. Convey greetings from this evanescent one to all and say: The world at all times proclaimeth its own evanescence and extinction, but only the hearing ears hearken. Blessed is the soul whose outward adornment preventeth him not from the Dawning-Place of the Light of Oneness nor depriveth him of the outpourings of the True Bestower. The atoms of dust cry out at all times saying: O children of Adam! Time passeth like lightning. Ye were not created for the world, rather it was created for you. Know ye your worth and act as beseemeth a human being. God willing, may all be assisted to do that which will profit them in all the worlds of their Lord, the Forgiving, the Generous.

As to the mention made of Darvish Husayn who desired to come and sought permission—in these days these regions are somewhat disturbed, therefore we beseech God to grant him the reward of pilgrimage. Verily, He hath power over all things. Under all conditions this evanescent one is occupied in prayer for God’s friends. Prayer is from the servant and its acceptance from God, the One, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting.

In all matters be ye mindful of wisdom, for the people are ignorant and veiled from the Cause. Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God, and His blessings.

BH03992: This is what the Tongue of Utterance hath spoken…

This is what the Tongue of Utterance hath spoken in the Kingdom of divine knowledge:

God willing, through the heavenly grace and the outpourings of the true Bestower, may ye be made to attain. O My Name! The heedlessness of men hath reached such a point that they have clung unto a mere drop and passed by the Euphrates of the All-Merciful’s bounty. They are shut out from a single line of the Mother Book, and deprived of a single atom of the effulgence of the lights of the Sun of Truth. What hath befallen the understanding of men, and whither hath their fairness fled? Were they all to deny, it would matter little; but that they should cleave to the pond and object to the Most Great Sea—this is a station for lamentation, wailing, and yearning.

God willing, may thou, in all conditions, be confirmed to aid His Cause and be enabled to reform mankind, that all may be adorned with spiritual virtues and well-pleasing deeds. The fragrance of righteous acts and praiseworthy conduct is a mighty host.

O My Name! The religion of God, in view of the ascendancy of oppression, appeareth feeble, and is now held beneath the talons of foes. Beseech ye the Truth to bestow deliverance, to preserve His Faith, and to cause the lights of the Sun of justice to overcome the darkness of tyranny and to illumine the horizons. Illumine the friends in every land with the lights of the remembrance of the Most Great Name, and, on behalf of the Wronged One, convey greetings of magnification. Say: Strive ye, that ye may lay up the precious and priceless gems in the treasure-house of the wise and trusted One. Today this is possible; hereafter, impossible. The Cause is God’s, the Lord of the beginning and the end.

The Fire of the Lote-Tree burneth with such a blaze, and the Light of the Countenance shineth forth with such splendor and radiance, and yet all are quenched—save whomsoever thy Lord willeth. But to the blind, darkness and light are one and the same. Where are the piercing eyes, and where the attentive ears?

From the All-Merciful I beseech that He may fulfil that which He hath promised in the Qur’an, and may make the earth the place where the blessed verse is manifest: “Thou shalt see therein no crookedness, neither any unevenness.” And from Our presence be glory upon thee, and upon them that have cast aside the darkness of vain imaginings, clinging fast unto the lights of certitude. Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.

BH04871: This is what has been uttered by the Kingdom…

This is what has been uttered by the Kingdom of Utterance: O My Name! We make mention of one of Our Afnan who was named Ja’far. We testify that he turned to the Most Great Prospect and believed in God, the Lord of Destiny, in days wherein every swift one halted, every near one became remote, every learned one denied, and every mystic retreated. The Most Exalted Pen hath testified that he attained the Kawthar of life when the horizon of utterance was illumined by the Sun of proof, and he bore witness to that which the All-Merciful had testified before the mention of contingent being, that there is none other God but Him, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

O thou who hast turned thy face toward Mine, who hast soared in Mine atmosphere, and who hast voiced My remembrance! I testify that thou didst attain the ornament of acceptance before thy ascension and at the time of thy ascension the Concourse on High and those who dwell in the Kingdom of Names welcomed thee, and the mercy and loving-kindness of God were with thee. Thou art he at whose calamity the near ones lamented and grief overtook those servants who circled round the Throne. The glory, and the peace, and the mercy that hath descended from the heaven of thy Lord’s loving-kindness be upon thee, O thou who didst hold fast to the cord of God and didst cling to the hem of His generosity.

Thou art he who recognized the Path and the Balance when most of the servants were heedless of them both. By My life! Were I to make mention of what thou didst manifest in thy love for God, the people would fall unconscious. He Who possesseth the Mother Book doth testify to this. Blessed is he who loved thee, and made mention of thee, and voiced thy praise, and visited thee in the manner in which the Tongue of the Wronged One hath visited thee in His mighty prison. Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH01277: Praise be to God Who was in the heights…

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

Praise be to God Who was in the heights of glory, grandeur and majesty, and will be as He has been throughout all eternity. He cannot be described in words nor characterized by the standards of men, and He is the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. O beloved of my heart! Such hath befallen the Faith of God as caused the dwellers of the highest Paradise and the inhabitants of the most exalted Heaven to lament. The enemies have surrounded from all directions and sought to extinguish the Light that hath shone forth from the horizon of Batha. The servant beseecheth his Lord to protect His loved ones and chosen ones, and honor them with His presence on a Day wherein faces have turned black and eyes have stared in terror.

In Persian I state: Alexandria, which was in truth the crown of Islamic cities and was like a bride among countries and lands, was seen stripped of the garments of security and tranquility and the ornaments of glory and prosperity by the might of English artillery. In ten hours its heights were brought low. The natives were in utmost weakness while the foreigners were exceedingly strong and triumphant. Power and dominion belong to God, the One, the All-Informed. These are the remaining manifestations of what God hath revealed in the Book. Blessed are they that understand and attain.

In these days a detailed letter was written in response to that spiritual beloved’s missive, but since postal matters are disrupted, its dispatch was delayed and this brief note is submitted instead. It is hoped that the other letter will be sent later. Since foreign powers have attacked Egypt, this land is not free from turmoil either. The friends of God who were in Alexandria have all returned to this land, and whatever they possessed was plundered along with people’s properties. When calamity becomes universal it becomes bearable. Alexandria and all therein is ruined, burnt and pillaged, but God’s grace protected His friends. We praise Him in all conditions. A detailed letter was sent previously but no news of its receipt has come. God willing, it will have reached and been seen by now.

Concerning [M.S.]—upon him be the Glory of God—about whom you wrote, previously a Most Great, Most Holy Tablet was revealed specifically for him and sent forth. In the detailed letter which this servant wrote to that loved one, details were mentioned, and now those details are being presented again. In all conditions, I beseech and hope from God—exalted be His glory—that He will protect that loved one and assist [M.S.]—upon him be the Glory of God—in that which is the cause and means of eternal life. Verily He has power over all things and is worthy to answer prayers. Mention of him has been made repeatedly in the Most Holy Court, and since he had requested to be assisted in a matter that would be the cause and means of eternal and everlasting remembrance, it was commanded that he appoint a deputy for the construction of a lofty, exalted House.

This matter is one that will endure and remain as long as the Most Beautiful Names endure, and its fruits are greater, mightier and more excellent than a hundred thousand children. However, after that loved one’s second letter wherein he had written of his desire to pay the Huququ’llah, after this matter was presented, He said that if the Huquq is paid and this edifice is raised therefrom, it would be nearer and more excellent in the sight of God and would be adorned with the ornament of acceptance. In this case, absolute freedom is attained. Verily, He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth, and He is the Commander, the Doer, the Unconstrained.

Indeed this is a great bounty concerning him. He should occupy himself with praise and thanksgiving to God at all times, and act with utmost joy and fragrance and submission and contentment according to what has been commanded. Blessed is he!

The responses to both letters from that loved one were all written in the detailed letter, and likewise the response to that loved one’s previous letter containing various matters was written and sent. God willing, that has arrived and this too shall arrive thereafter. Every hardship is adorned with the garment of ease when He so wisheth and willeth. Mention was also made in detail of those related to that loved one. The request is that you convey greetings from this evanescent servant to all relatives, friends and chosen ones. It is hoped that all will attain to the grace, mercy and loving-kindness of God—exalted be His glory. The Glory be upon your honor and upon those with you and upon those who have attained to the recognition of God, the Lord of the worlds.

The servant, 19th of Shawwal the honored 1299

BH00169: The tongue of the days speaketh this most exalted…

Section 1: “The tongue of the days speaketh this most…”

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

The tongue of the days speaketh this most exalted word:

O God of the world and Goal of the nations! I beseech Thee by the Most Great Name to protect Thy party from all parties and Thy religion from all religions. O Lord! The banners of affliction have encompassed Yathrib and Batha. I beseech Thee to forgive their transgressions which have led them to the scourges of Thy wrath and Thy chastisement. O Lord! Thou seest me standing before Thee, hoping for the wonders of Thy grace and favors. Make known unto them, O my God, that of which they were heedless, and teach them that which Thou hast commanded in Thy firm Book. Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty, the Dominant, the Glorious, the Bestower.

O Beloved of my heart! The thunderbolt of the disobedience of the servants hath seized them, and heinous deeds have appeared in various forms of cannon, rifle, sword and the like. Implore forgiveness from God, glorified be His majesty, that perchance the Kawthar of His Most Forgiving Name may efface the darkness of existence and the effulgences of the sun of the heaven of His grace may illumine the darkened and heedless hearts. Verily, He guideth whom He willeth to His straight path.

Alexandria hath returned to non-existence. In but a few hours its wealth, ornaments, glory and exaltation were seized. In place of the nightingale, the owl hath made its dwelling, and in the station of the thrush, the crow. The people of that land are in trembling and agitation, such that the security of the people hath been entirely removed and the bird of trustworthiness hath hidden its head beneath its wing. Letters cannot be sent for their condition is unknown. These few words are submitted in brevity, and it is hoped they may be considered. The friends of that land, namely As, have returned to this land and are dwelling in the shadow. All that they and others possessed was plundered and looted. This is truly a station of thanksgiving, for praise be to God, though their hands are empty, their hearts are treasuries of the pearls of love and are filled with the lights of reliance. They are joyous to such a degree that this servant is truly unable to describe it. God will soon compensate them with better than what they previously possessed. Verily, He hath power over what He willeth.

Your letter dated the third of Jamadiyu’th-Thani, which you sent in the name of Hadrat-i-Ism-i-Jud, upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God, reached this evanescent one. God willing, may you ever partake of the fruits of the tree of love of the Beloved Eternal One, and may this servant say: “May it be wholesome and pleasant.” God is witness that this servant derives a world of joy and delight from your letters. How excellent is that fragrance that wafteth from its words and utterances! After perusal, each was presented before His face. The ocean of bounty is surely surging. Not only this servant, but all who are in the world are powerless and unable to express that which hath appeared and been manifested.

As to what you wrote concerning Ibn-i-Abhar, upon him be the Glory of God, God willing, may he be enkindled at all times with the fire of the Divine Lote-Tree, and be struck with awe by the grandeur of the Word, and after pure and absolute sobriety, may he utter the blessed words “I have arisen to serve Thy Cause, O Thou the Desire of the worlds.” This servant has beseeched and continues to beseech from God, exalted be His glory, loftiness, elevation and steadfastness for him, for the Cause is most mighty and the people are most heedless and veiled. Shaykh Abu’l-Qasim, upon him be the Glory of God, is departing in these days and the reply to his petitions, which he had submitted on behalf of many of the friends, has been granted. God willing, they will attain unto it. As he was the bearer of the petitions, he became the bearer of their reply.

As to what you wrote concerning the journey of my brother, upon him be the Glory of God, praise be to God, he has reached his intended destination and is holding fast to the cord of wisdom. Blessed is he! Happy is he! Felicitous is he! Peace be upon him! Mercy be upon him!

You had mentioned Aqa Muhammad-Javad, upon him be the Glory of God. In truth, he is among those from whom the sweet fragrance of steadfastness has been inhaled and perceived, and it is hoped that he will receive complete recompense from God, exalted be His glory, for this attribute. Words similar to these were heard from the tongue of the Beloved. God willing, may he ever be adorned with this most mighty and most holy ornament and in all conditions be fixed upon the horizon of God’s will, detached from all else. Although he has been and is adorned with this ornament, convey this evanescent one’s greetings to him.

Among other matters, you had mentioned the departed and elevated Hadrat-i-Qa’ini, upon him be the Glory of God and His mercy. O what longing! With all my soul and spirit I beseech the All-Merciful to grant that which was bestowed upon him. As these details have been submitted specifically to certain friends, brevity is observed here. He has attained to a mention which, were it to be cast upon the earth, it would arise; upon bones, they would move and speak; and upon the dead, they would speak by God’s leave, the Mighty, the Loving.

Regarding what they wrote about the funds for the honourable Sadat, upon them be the Glory of God, news arrived from the land of Ya and Ha and they sent it. Praise be to God, it was honoured by acceptance. Blessed are they! In these days when Jinab-i-Nazir, upon him be the Glory of God, was departing, that which was and shall be peerless was sent specially for each one. God willing, may they attain unto it. This evanescent servant beseeches God to aid them in that which is the cause and means of eternal bounty. Verily God, our Lord and the Lord of the heavens and earth, He is the Helper, the Bestower, the Mighty, the Generous. Greetings and salutations are extended to them.

Regarding what was mentioned in the previous letter about Master Ali-Akbar (Haddad), upon him be the Glory of God—verily he has attained to the mention of God before, during, and after what transpired. Time and again his name has flowed from the Supreme Pen. God willing, may he attain to that which God loves. Not an atom of what has befallen him in the path of God shall be lost. Tribulations in the path of God are like unto a tree—wondrous and lofty fruits have appeared and shall continue to appear therefrom. Repeatedly have such utterances been heard from the Tongue of Him Who reveals the verses. In a letter which this servant wrote to Jinab-i-Mirza Abu’l-Fadl, upon him be the Glory of God, the Tongue of the All-Merciful mentioned the aforementioned one, namely Master Ali-Akbar, in two places—O what utterances that all the books of the world cannot equal! However, due to the disorder and turmoil in these parts, the letter of the aforementioned Mirza was not sent. God willing it shall be sent and you will observe it. And on this night, which is the twentieth night of the honored month of Shawwal, these exalted words dawned from the horizon of the heaven of will. His word, exalted be His majesty:

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

O Ali-Akbar! The Supreme Pen beareth witness to what hath befallen thee in the path of God, the Lord of all beings, the Lord of the last and the first. Ere long shall the sincere ones behold that which hath been ordained for them from God, the Most High, the Most Great.

These exalted words were sent in a special tablet in the Most Holy Handwriting. God willing, may he attain unto it and likewise unto all that hath been revealed specifically for him. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Forgiving, the Compassionate. All the details concerning him and what befell him are witnessed in the Divine Presence and are mentioned time and again. And specifically for Karbila’i Abbas, upon him be the Glory of God, there appeared from the Source of the Cause that which shall ever remain eternal and enduring in the assemblage of the world:

In My Name, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing

O Abbas! That which hath befallen thee is the greatest proof and the mightiest evidence of thy recognition, faith and certitude. Reflect upon Moses and His companions—what befell them, from whom it came, and thereafter consider Jesus and His loved ones. By God’s life! They witnessed that which none before had witnessed, and in God’s path they heard that which no soul had heard. Observe the Lord of Batha (Muhammad), may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him, and His companions—there befell them that which caused the dwellers of the pavilions of the Kingdom to lament. Then reflect upon the Herald (the Bab). The source of all these tribulations in former ages were the ignorant ones who were known as the learned.

Know thou the value of these tribulations and preserve them in the name of God. The treasures of the world have not and never shall equal them. If thou wert to reflect but briefly upon the heedlessness of the turban-wearers, thou wouldst attain unto the greatest joy. Night and day they perform ablutions, purify themselves, and turn to the mosques for mention, praise, glorification and prayer, yet they remain heedless and veiled from Him through Whose word all these matters have appeared. They speak the truth yet recognize it not, and with utmost tyranny they attack Him. Say:

O my God! The essence of praise and the source of glorification have been and are dedicated to Thy peerless Being. O my Lord and my Goal! With what tongue can I recount Thy boundless favors? That which the divines, mystics and philosophers are deprived of today, Thou hast graciously bestowed upon me. I beseech the ocean of Thy generosity to preserve that which Thou hast granted. The command is in Thy hands and Thou art the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. Praise be to Thee, O Goal of the mystics!

What else can this evanescent servant say? Every letter of expression testifies at the highest pitch to the loftiness and elevation of the friends of God, and likewise to the grace and loving-kindness of God, exalted be His glory. Beseech ye God to guide the heedless to the direction of awareness, that they may realize that those souls whom they formerly reviled, rejected and cursed due to their abominable deeds are now themselves more wretched and rebellious than those souls were. In brief, their abominable deeds have become thick veils and have prevented their eyes from beholding the lights. This servant is perplexed as to what to say. His is to say: We are God’s and unto Him shall we return.

Likewise, all other souls who, both before and after, suffered tribulation and adversity in that land for the Cause of God and were cast into prison, all attained unto God’s grace. Blessed are they and theirs shall be a goodly retreat.

As to the mention made of his honor Andalib, upon him be the Glory of God, and the friends of those regions, all were presented before His countenance. Praise be to God, they have drunk from the Living Waters and are gazing toward the Most Exalted Horizon. The petitions of some which were presented to the Most Holy Court through his honor Nazir, upon him be the Glory of God, have all received answers which have been revealed and manifested from the Dayspring of Grace and have been sent. And especially for his honor the beloved Andalib, upon him be the Glory of God and His favors, numerous Tablets have been revealed. God willing, he will attain unto them. The bearer of the petitions himself became the bearer of their answers. Convey on my behalf greetings to his honor ʿA. God is my witness that they have never been and are never absent from sight.

As to the mention made of his honor Aqa Siyyid Abu’l-Ma’ali, upon him be the Glory of God, his petition arrived previously and the Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet, from whose horizon shone forth the Sun of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of all worlds, was revealed and sent. God willing, he will attain unto it. Under all conditions they must hold fast to the cord of wisdom. If a land is cultivated and achieves capacity, planting therein becomes necessary, and this is among those deeds which have been and are great in the sight of God. Otherwise, no. O my beloved! The cawing of the ignorant has prevented the people from the choice wine of the utterance of the Lord of Names.

Fie upon the heedless one whose efforts in this vain life have gone astray. Soon will he behold the punishment above him and beneath him, to his right and to his left, before him and behind him. That beloved one too must, in accordance with the command, not let go of wisdom. In sending correspondence to various regions they should be considerate and hold fast unto it only to the extent necessary, for atheistic and hostile people are seeking pretexts. It is not and has not been permissible to send correspondence to his honor the brother, upon him be the Glory of God, who resides in the Great City, except to the extent necessary, and even then in a manner not contrary to that of the general public. This matter is in consideration of the wishes of the wealthy who have referred to them, and anything beyond this would be contrary to wisdom.

Section 2: “In your mention of Jinab-i-Haji Baba, Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad…”

In your mention of Jinab-i-Haji Baba, Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Ibrahim, and Jinab-i-Mashhadi Husayn (all of them), may the glory of God be upon them—their mention has been made before the Divine Presence and their deeds are accepted. This servant has sent a special leaf for each one of them, and the intention was to mention them. Convey greetings and salutations to Jinab-i-Haji Baba and them.

Regarding your mention of the honored Aqa Abdu’s-Samad, may the glory of God and His mercy be upon him—concerning his mention, that which was revealed from the heaven of grace shall endure with its fragrances throughout the kingdoms of earth and heaven. Praise be to God that these beloved ones have ever been the cause of supreme bounty for the servants and the source of greatest good for all in the land. His Tablet was given to Jinab-i-Aqa Ali (may the glory of God be upon him) who resides in the vicinity, that he may forward it.

And regarding your mention of the honored and blessed Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Javad, may the glory of God and His favor be upon him—in those same days his mention was repeatedly heard from the Tongue of Grandeur, though its text has not yet been sent anywhere. It is hoped that it will be sent to you later. How could the Supreme Pen pause in his mention, when he was among the souls assured, steadfast, content, firm and upright? And these very words were heard from the Divine Tongue:

“A hundred thousand blessings upon him, for at his mention the fountain of mercy flows and spreads.”

And regarding what you wrote about the honored Jinab-i-ʿAbdu’l-Hamid Khan, may God’s mercy and favor be upon him—a special Tablet was revealed from the heaven of grace for his wife, may the glory of God be upon her, and in that Tablet mention was made of the honored Khan. Praise be to the Goal of the worlds that He has not deprived His loved ones of the adorning grace, for verily whatsoever flows today from the Supreme Pen concerning any soul shall remain and endure, and all the treasures and hidden wealth of the world cannot equal it. In truth, whoever is today adorned with the crown of His good-pleasure, their death shall be the cause of eternal life. Blessed are they that attain!

And again at this moment these exalted words have been revealed from the heaven of grace especially for his wife, that it may be the cause of fresh joy and new gladness from God. His blessed and exalted Word:

In the Name of the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing

O handmaid of God! Thy call was heard in the Most Great Prison. All praise be to God that thou hast been confirmed and hast turned thy face to the most exalted horizon in the days of the Lord of Names. Preserve this great station through the blessed Name of God, exalted be His glory. Strive to drink from the wine of steadfastness. Whosoever attaineth unto it hath attained unto all good things and is recorded by the Supreme Pen in the Crimson Book. Be thou vocal in the mention of God, occupied with His remembrance, and joyous in His love. He is the All-Sufficient, the All-Healing, the Companion, the Helper. Be not grieved at what hath befallen thee, for the ocean of joy surgeth before all eyes. Blessed are such servants and handmaidens as have attained unto the mention of God and are adorned with His knowledge. The Glory be upon thee and upon My handmaidens in that place who have believed in God, the One, the All-Informed.

As to their turning towards this direction, it is not permitted, for conditions are unsettled, as was explained before. Regarding the properties, permission for their use hath been granted to them, but their sale is not permitted, as their existence is outwardly necessary for that honored lady. Let her use them with the utmost joy and fragrance and be occupied with the mention of the Beloved of all creation. All matters should be conducted with wisdom. Should any claimant appear, they should act in such a way as not to cause commotion. Praise be to God, they have attained unto the imperishable dominion which is the knowledge of God, exalted be His glory.

As for the mention of certain beloved ones at the close of that Beloved’s epistle, it was presented before the Countenance, and the mention of each one flowed from the Pen of bounty—my spirit be a sacrifice unto His favor! This is that which was revealed for His Honor:

In His name Who shineth forth from the horizon of omnipotence!

Verily, the Countenance hath turned from the direction of the prison toward him who hath believed in God, the One, the All-Knowing, and We enjoin him to uprightness and to that whereby the Cause of God, the Lord of all the worlds, may be exalted. Rejoice thou in My remembrance of thee, and say:

“Praise be unto Thee, O Thou in Whose grasp is the Kingdom of the realms of the heavens and the earth!”

And this is that which was revealed for His Honor Karbala’i Ahmad:

He is the Crier between earth and heaven!

O Ahmad! The Dawning-Place of Praise and the Day-Spring of Revelation remembereth thee with verses whose number none in the world can reckon. The Ancient King beareth witness to this truth in this station which hath been named by all the Names in the Crimson Book, whereof none hath been apprised save the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Couldst thou but taste the sweetness of My utterance and the honey of My call, thou wouldst lament over that which hath befallen Me at the hands of the hosts of the heedless. Hold fast unto wisdom and place thy trust in God, the Mighty, the Wise.

And this is that which was revealed for His Honor Muhammad-Ibrahim (Buyini):

He is the Compassionate, the Generous!

O Ibrahim! Take thou the nectar of eternity from the hand of the bounty of thy Lord, the Most Glorious, then drink of it—at one time in My name, and at another in My wondrous remembrance. Verily, the Wronged One hath remembered thee with that which nothing among created things can equal, and He enjoineth thee from His Most Glorious Horizon to observe the Most Great Uprightness and that which beseemeth this Day which hath been illumined by the lights of the Countenance of thy Lord, the Omnipotent, the Almighty. Grieve not over anything. Rejoice thou in that thou hast been mentioned by My Most Exalted Pen, and say:

“Praise be unto Thee, O Thou Who art wronged by all the horizons, O Lord of them that yearn after Thee, and Desire of such as have recognized Thee!”

And this is that which was revealed for His Honor Karbala’i ʿAli:

He is the Witness, the All-Hearing!

The Lord of the world mentions you from the Most Great Prison. Be grateful to God for this supreme bounty. Blessed is he who has drunk from the Kawthar of My love and has tasted the sweetness of My utterance whereby the ocean of divine knowledge has surged amongst mankind, yet most of the people are among those who turn away. They have cast behind their backs the principles of God and have taken their own limitations, and verily they are among the distracted ones. Be steadfast in the Cause and firm in the love of your Lord in such wise that neither the intimations of the people nor the doubts of those who have denied God, the Lord of all worlds, will cause you to slip.

Praise be to God that through that Beloved One they have partaken of the ocean of the utterance of the Most Merciful. This mighty bounty, inasmuch as it descends and flows like torrential rain at all times, its station remains hidden. Yet a day shall come when each letter thereof will be seen to be more precious than all that exists and is treasured on earth. This evanescent servant offers his utter nothingness to each of the friends of God. It is hoped that through the grace of God, exalted be His glory, all will arise to that which befits the stations of man. God willing, may all be illumined with the light of unity and enkindled with the fire of the love of God, exalted be His glory.

Convey greetings to Aqa ʿAbdu’l-Baqi, who was among the emigrants, may the glory of God rest upon him. God willing, may he be turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon and act according to that which God loves.

Previously, a promise of a Tablet was made to Kadkhuda, may the glory of God rest upon him, and repeatedly have Tablets been revealed in his name from the heaven of grace, as numerous petitions had previously been received from him. God willing, may he be enabled to achieve that which is bound to the Divine Will.

A Tablet was specifically revealed for Aqa Fayd’u’llah, may the glory of God rest upon him, that his heart might find peace and that he might be among the steadfast ones. At one time He said: “O servant in attendance! From the Kingdom of bounty, without interruption, the rain of mercy descends, yet Fayd says ʿIs there more?”’

God willing, may all become worthy recipients of divine mercy. From the beginning of the world until now such bounty has not been made manifest. Unless perchance some, through divine wrath, are prevented by their selfish desires, like the heedless hosts and the idle party who have intended to veil the effulgences of the Sun of Truth by that which they possess. Were the scattered utterances of the Most Merciful, which He spoke while walking or in the presence of some of the loved ones, to be collected, they would equal all the books now existing among the parties on earth, nay exceed them, were they to be just. How much more that which was recorded in His presence! For eleven years, from the ninth to the eightieth year, that which descended from the heaven of the Divine Will was not recorded, and that which was recorded was, by His command, effaced in the Tigris. O Beloved One! By the life of God, the people are in great darkness. Consider what they deny and what they affirm. Fie upon them!

Furthermore, the portrait of Himmat ʿAli Khan and his son and those who were with them, may the glory of God rest upon them, attained the Most Holy Court, and one Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet was specifically revealed from the heaven of will for the Khan and was written in the Most Glorious handwriting and sent. Wherever they may reside, deliver it to them. Verily, He doeth what He willeth by His command, and He is the Compassionate, the Generous.

One Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet was also specifically sent for Aqa Muhammad-Javad, may the glory of God rest upon him.

Another submission of this lowly one is that convey greetings to Mulla Abdul-Razzaq, upon him be the Glory of God. God is witness and testifier that he has been and continues to be mentioned at the Divine Throne, and this servant has ever made mention of him and continues to do so. God willing, there shall be sent again to his service that from which the fragrance of sincerity may be inhaled. How could he and his august father, upon him be the Glory of God, ever fade from view? At all times the sweet savors of that exalted one’s love wafted by. God willing, may his son, upon him be the Glory of God, ever remain seated and at rest upon the throne of the mention and praise of God, exalted be His glory, and of supreme steadfastness.

O beloved of my heart! We must beseech God to illumine the light of the steadfastness of the people of God, that the croaking of frogs may neither hold them back nor veil them, for according to the utterance of the All-Merciful, the cawing must needs appear in all regions. Although, by God’s grace and favor, the people of Baha are standing firm in such wise that they behold all else but God as non-existent and null. Well is it with them! Convey greetings to the friends in that land who have drunk from the Kawthar of contentment and who are gazing toward the supreme horizon. Make mention of the glad-tidings of the favors of the Goal of all the worlds, that all may arise with utmost joy to serve His Cause. Verily, He guides whom He willeth unto His straight path. And praise be to God, the Most High, the Most Great. The glory shining forth from the horizon of the will of our Beloved and our Goal be upon you and upon those with you and upon every steadfast and firm servant.

BH00167: O beloved of my heart and the one remembered…

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

O beloved of my heart and the one remembered in my soul! Long has my heedlessness, intoxication and slumber persisted. In all conditions I acknowledge and confess my inadequacy and negligence, and this confession in itself is worthy of the descent of forgiveness and grace. At all times this evanescent servant has been and remains wanting, yet his acknowledgment and confession elevates him to the exalted station of pardon. For ages and centuries, this servant has been deprived of mentioning that which he has desired. The Beloved is aware of how many communications arrive from all directions, all of which must be answered, and likewise during the days and nights he must be occupied before the throne in recording that which descendeth from the heaven of revelation. This is why it was previously submitted that opportunity is as rare as the phoenix, yet this servant has wished and wishes to find some means of attachment and to importune that Beloved One.

The noble letter which was a true messenger brought spiritual tidings. Praise be to God, it opened the gate of joy and adorned the heart with the lights of gladness. A hundred thousand thanks to the Beloved of the worlds that He granted knowledge of your excellent health and well-being. May this bounty, God willing, know no end and may this grace have no termination. After perusal and reading, proceeding to the Most Glorious Station and the Supreme Horizon, all of it was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court. This is what was sent down from God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. His word, exalted be His majesty:

He is the Witness, the All-Hearing

O thou who art mentioned before the Divine Throne! We have heard thy call, and Our servant present hath made mention of that which beareth witness to thy devotion, acceptance, steadfastness, firmness and love. God willing, thou shalt be assisted in that which will cause the exaltation and promotion of the Cause of God. One word may cause hearts to freeze, while another may set them ablaze. I swear by the Sun of the horizon of utterance that were but a single line of the Hidden Book to be made manifest in truth, all would forsake the world and turn unto the Most Great Ocean. The face of the world is now turned toward irreligiousness, the details of which were previously revealed in a Tablet from the heaven of God’s Will.

Blessed are they that attain! In these days when the leader of vain imaginings hath appeared with utmost might and the hosts of idle fancies have encompassed all directions, and weakness and lassitude have permeated the pillars of being, thou must set the world ablaze through the power of the Most Great Name. Despite all that hath been mentioned, change and transformation, giving and withholding, have ever been within the grasp of God’s power. Blessed is the soul that ariseth today with wisdom and guideth the world through the fire of the Divine Word. Every word that is uttered for God’s sake is like unto a tree—its leaves and fruits will assuredly appear in the world. This is the truth in which there is no doubt.

O thou who gazest upon His countenance! Were the veiled souls of the world to adorn themselves with the robe of fairness and ponder upon that which hath been manifested in this Most Great Revelation, all would attain unto that from which they are now deprived. Heedlessness hath encompassed the world. Consider the great metropolis and what hath befallen it, yet they remain unaware. They have strayed from the Truth, wherefore God caused their hearts to stray and sent down upon them a thunderbolt from heaven, yet they understand not. All regions are in turmoil and upheaval. That which skilled builders could not construct in successive years hath been destroyed in a single hour. For years the fire of sedition hath been ablaze while the light of rest and tranquility remaineth veiled and concealed, yet its cause remaineth hidden from sight.

Beseech ye God that He may assist those souls who have drunk from the Kawthar of divine love to perform good deeds and display praiseworthy conduct. These deeds and conduct are as hosts for the triumph of His Cause. Blessed is he who understandeth and acteth accordingly. O thou who hast attained My presence and standeth before the gate of My grandeur! Were the friends of God to act in accordance with that which hath been revealed from the Supreme Pen in this Revelation, the Cause of God would be witnessed in the utmost exaltation. In certain cities and villages there are some who are attributed to God and have attained His love, yet they neglect that which they are bidden to observe and act upon that which hath been forbidden. Verily, He heareth and seeth and concealeth, and He is the Concealer, the Compassionate, the Generous. Every deed hath its effect and every word its fruit. God willing, may His friends who are steadfast in His Cause and are mentioned as among His chosen ones exert their utmost endeavor that perchance the temples of those who have turned toward Him may be adorned with the new and blessed garments of piety.

Say: By God’s life! The earth proclaimeth its tidings. Blessed are they who understand. Should thou at times journey to certain lands for the sake of serving the Cause and remind the people of that which hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen, it would be well-pleasing. This is the day of deeds and service. This Wronged One hath not withheld the Pen from movement in all conditions, whether in joy or sorrow, ease or hardship, and hath caused to flow from it, like unto the waters of paradise, that which is the cause of exaltation, elevation and salvation of the peoples of the world. Verily, He guideth whom He willeth unto His straight path and remembereth whom He pleaseth with that whose fragrance shall never be cut off throughout the eternity of names. He, verily, is the Mighty, the Powerful, the All-Wise.

The Most Great Glad-Tidings are that after the presentation of that beloved one’s petitions before His presence, the door of bounty was opened to such a degree and the tongue of loving-kindness spoke in such wise that this servant is truly incapable and powerless to express it, and words are utterly inadequate to bear the weight of these sublime and exalted divine meanings. Praise be to the Desired One of the worlds that His glance of favor hath ever been directed toward that beloved one. God willing, may they ever speak that which is conducive to unity and concord.

In these days mention of that honored one hath repeatedly flowed from the Most Exalted Pen. Two Most Holy and Most Exalted Tablets were briefly revealed and sent in that beloved one’s name, and in this detailed letter, mention of that beloved one hath repeatedly descended from the heaven of the All-Merciful’s grace. God willing, may that beloved one’s appetite be complete, that they may drink successively and partake continuously of the grace of inner meanings, the repast of utterance, the choice wine of bounty, and the Kawthar of exposition in the name of the Peerless Friend, while this servant repeatedly and continuously uttereth “May it be wholesome and pleasant.”

Concerning what was written about sustenance, in truth for that beloved one it is the verses that have flowed from the Most Exalted Pen. Your honor hath indeed spoken the pure truth. Yea, by God, this is the true sustenance, the spiritual repast, and the essence of the supreme remedy for the nations. After this matter was presented in the Most Holy Court, He smiled and said:

“God willing, it shall not cease and shall descend like the spring rains. Verily, We have sent down for him that which shall testify for him among the world before all peoples.”

Regarding what you wrote about movement and the remaining matters—upon her be the Glory of God—those souls who are among the loved ones of God must be vigilant and carry out whatever lies within their power. Beyond this, God, exalted be His glory, hath been and ever shall be the Guardian, Helper and Protector.

And concerning what you had written about the honored beloved, Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Javad, upon him be the Glory of God, who has truly been and continues to be unique in charitable works and services to the Cause, and likewise his family members who have undertaken to care for the affairs of the maidservants—all these details were presented before the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence. This is what the Tongue of the All-Merciful spoke in the Kingdom of Utterance, His word, exalted be His glory:

“Jinab-i-Javad, upon him be the Glory of God and His mercy, has from the beginning of the Cause until now stood firm in service to the Cause, and is adorned with the most glorious and most gracious ornament of steadfastness, such that outward tribulations could not prevent him from the Dawning-Place of the Light of Oneness, nor could earthly relations hold him back from the true, pure, firm and spiritual relationship. He clung to the relationship with God, detached from all else. This station is most great, and its reward is likewise most great. God willing, may he ever be illumined with the light of the Most Great Steadfastness and remain firm and steadfast in the Cause. His reward is with God, the Generous, the Compassionate, the Bountiful.

“Likewise his family members, who have ever been mentioned in the Most Holy Presence and honored with the ornament of favor—may they, God willing, at all times be focused on that which God loves, as they have been, and cling to the hem of His grace in such wise that the entire world would be powerless to separate them. This is a lofty station, the most exalted, the mighty, the impregnable. Assuredly, whatever proceeds from them in the path of Truth, glorified be His majesty, they have not and will not neglect. God speaks the truth and He is the Guide to the straight path.” End quote.

One Most Holy and Most Exalted Tablet has been revealed for them from the heaven of will, and likewise another Tablet was sent some time ago. God willing, may they attain to both. The request is that you convey greetings from this evanescent servant to them and those with them. It is hoped that God, glorified be His majesty, will one day grant the meeting—a sweetness with which neither this world nor the next can compare is when true friends dwell and rest beneath the Lote Tree and are engaged in remembrance and utterance of the Peerless Beloved. May Jinab-i-Aqa Ahmad, upon him be the Glory of God, attain the good of this world and the next and be honored with the ornament of favor.

Let another submission be that the servants who were mentioned in your letter were all presented before Him Who converseth upon the Mount, and each attained to that which the earthly realm cannot compare with. After showing kindness, favor, compassion and mercy, He said: “God willing, may they not be deprived of the outpourings of the True Bestower in this divine Day, and may the love of worldly things not prevent them from attaining unto the Lord of Names.

This is the Day which all those near unto God have yearned and hoped to attain. The divine Books bear witness to this most perfect and complete bounty, and have given tidings thereof in most eloquent terms. Say: O friends! Strive to attain eternal stations. The lamp of being is surrounded by diverse winds, and the divine sustenance, which is as oil, if cut off, will instantly be extinguished. We beseech God that earthly conditions not deprive them of everlasting favors. All people, learned and ignorant, have awaited this Day, yet when the dawn of the divine Day broke, all were found veiled save a few letters of the Countenance of God, the Self-Subsisting. All veils and preventive coverings have been the divines of the age.

Reflect upon what they did in former centuries and what they brought about. Blessed is he who cast them behind his back, turning unto the Supreme Horizon. Although these souls are known for their learning, they have been and are the most ignorant among the earth’s inhabitants. The true scholar is as the eye to the body of the world. Today the fragrances of the garment are diffused, He Who converseth upon the Mount speaketh from the most exalted station, the Sea of Life is surging, and the breezes of grace are passing. Blessed is the soul that hath become aware and attained unto the Purpose. O thou who gazest toward My horizon! Mention what We have imparted unto thee for My loved ones and give them the glad-tidings of My mercy which hath preceded all existence.

Praise be unto God, the Lord of the seen and unseen.” A glorious Tablet hath been revealed from the heaven of favor specifically for the honored lady, upon her be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah], wherein mention was made of the late Karbila’i Ahmad, upon him be God’s mercy and favor. God willing, may they be blessed by divine favor in all worlds.

Regarding what was mentioned about Sultan-Abad and turning toward that land, it is most beloved. In those regions such attention is necessary. Movement and stillness that appear for the sake of God are sources of divine traces. Every word spoken for God’s sake is like a tree whose fruits are countless. The Command is in God’s hand, the Lord of all beings. Kerman and its surroundings which were mentioned are also beloved. God willing, may they enlighten the heedless people with perfect wisdom and flowing, pleasing, and graceful utterances so all may attain to what is intended. The land of Y and Sh is as that beloved one wrote—turning thereto is not advisable given what was mentioned.

Section 2: “Regarding what was written about Aqa Mirza Muhammad…”

Regarding what was written about Aqa Mirza Muhammad, upon him be the glory of God, son of him who ascended unto God—some time ago a most mighty and holy Tablet was revealed specifically for him containing exalted mention of the departed J.B., upon him be the glory and mercy of God, and was sent. However, Mirza Bahar was not mentioned in the Most Holy Court and nothing was expressed about him, otherwise that beloved one knows that the requirements of grace have never been neglected and the rays of the Sun of Bounty have ever been manifest and evident. If favor is shown before expression, it may cause some misunderstandings. This evanescent servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, to grant him success and aid. Verily, He hath power over all things.

As to what you wrote concerning Sheikh Muhammad, upon him be 66 [Baha’u’llah], mention of him has reached from the land of H and M and above it, and the favor of the True One, exalted be His glory, has been with him. In response to petitions from H and M, mention of him has flowed from the Supreme Pen. God willing, may he be blessed by divine grace and confirmed in what is befitting.

Mention was made of Aqa Khudadad and Aqa Shahvirdi and other chosen ones and friends of God, upon them be the glory of God. This was presented at the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence. This is what was sent down from the Kingdom of Utterance in reply, His Word, exalted be His glory and mighty His power:

In My Name, through which the Tree called out among the worlds!

O Khudadad! We have mentioned thee before, and before before, and We mention thee at this time from this Most Exalted Station which God has made the point of circumambulation of Paradise and the dawning-places of the Names. Verily thy Lord is the All-Merciful, the Generous. We have sent down upon the world that which has moved every motionless thing and has caused every bone to quiver. But those who have taken the reins of the people are in schism and hypocrisy and in evident doubt. The valleys have flowed and hearts have melted, yet the people are in mighty delusion. The rock has cried out and all things have been attracted, yet the divines are in strange sleep. By the life of God! They are the ignorant ones. Through them the Concourse on High laments, and the Dawning-Places of Revelation in the ancient centuries. Lo! They are among the wrongdoers. Therefore, rejoice in My mention and My mercy and My grace, and be of those who are steadfast.

In My Name, the Speaker between earth and heaven!

O Shahvirdi! The Wronged One of the world has turned toward thee from the direction of the Most Great Prison and makes mention of thee. Consider this station a precious gift and guard it as thy life. Praise be to God, thou hast been mentioned by the Supreme Pen among the sons of the Friend [Abraham] and the heirs of Him Who conversed with God [Moses]. That which the All-Merciful revealed in the Qur’an speaks in His exalted Word:

“And We desired to show favor unto those who were oppressed in the earth, and to make them leaders and to make them inheritors.”

And this is what was revealed for Mulla Ali, upon him be the glory of God:

In My Name, through which the ocean of divine knowledge has surged!

O Ali! Praise be to God that thou wast awakened by the breezes of dawn that wafted in the beginning of the Revelation and didst attain unto the Purpose. How many propped-up pieces of wood there were who, in their own estimation, were awaiting the divine days, yet when the Sun of Revelation shone forth and the One manifest as the Sinai appeared, it was seen that they were and are fit only for the fire. Therefore they were consumed and perished in the fire of their desires. Hence He says that the dried tree is fit for fire. O Ali! God willing, thou shalt attain to such a station that the conditions and affairs of the world shall not prevent thee from helping the Cause. Be thou one who remembers My Name, who holds fast to My cord, and who stands firm in service to My mighty Cause.

In these days mighty and wondrous Tablets have been revealed specifically for him who bears the name of God the Most Truthful, upon him be all My most glorious glory, in reply to his petitions. However, in view of wisdom, their dispatch has been delayed and, as commanded, this servant present has written and sent a brief note. God willing, may he act as befits. Blessed is he and blessed is his father, to whom the Supreme Pen has testified as all atoms testify. Glory be upon thee and upon every insightful believer.

That which was revealed for Mirza Husayn, upon him be the glory of God:

In My Name, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing!

Verily the Wronged One wishes to make mention of him whose name hath been honoured by the presence of the Most Sublime Vision—the station wherein all things proclaim that there is none other God but He, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful. This is a mention which, were it to be cast upon the dust, would cause to arise therefrom the dawning-places of attraction and rapture, and the manifestations of knowledge, through the eternal duration of the names of God, the Lord of the final end.

O Husayn! Rejoice in that thou hast been mentioned before the Throne and this Tablet hath been revealed for thee. Thy letter was received before and after, and was read by the servant who was present, and We have answered thee through the grace of God, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. Thou wert mentioned before the Face and stood at the door. We, from this station, send Our greetings unto thee and unto those who have cast behind them all who are on earth, turning with spirit and fragrance to the Most Exalted Horizon.

That which was revealed for his honor Siyyid Qabla-ʿAli, upon him be the Glory of God:

In My Name, the One Dawning from the horizon of the heaven of the Kingdom:

O Siyyid Qabla-ʿAli! We have witnessed thy turning and thy devotion. We have turned unto thee and made mention of thee with that which causeth the sincere ones to inhale the fragrance of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. We have mentioned thee before and at this time as a token of grace from God, the Lord of existence. When the Sun of inner meanings dawned from the horizon of thy Lord’s will, words were struck unconscious, and when they recovered they said: “We turn repentant unto Thee, O Lord of the Kingdom!” Take hold of God’s Tablet with strength from Him and be steadfast in the service of His Cause. Thus doth the Wronged One counsel thee from His praiseworthy station.

That which was revealed for his honor Mirza Muhammad-Baqir, upon him be the Glory of God:

In My Name, the All-Remembering, the All-Knowing:

Our countenance hath turned unto thee time and again, and We have mentioned thee once briefly and another time in a clear tablet. Thou hast attained unto the Goal when every remote scholar turned away from Him. Thou didst discover the fragrance of the garment in the days of thy Lord, the Most Merciful. To this beareth witness He Who speaketh in every condition that there is none other God but He, the Single, the All-Informed. Thou hast recognized that which the peoples have been veiled from, save whom God hath willed, the Lord of all worlds. Hold fast to the hem of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, detached from all who are in the heavens and the earth. Thus have We set forth the verses and sent them unto thee that thou mayest find from them the fragrance of My favor which hath preceded all things. Verily thy Lord is the Expositor, the All-Wise. O Baqir! Rejoice in that thou hast been mentioned by the tongue of thy Lord, the Most Glorious. Verily He witnesseth and seeth, and He is the Almighty, the Most High, the Most Great.

That which was revealed for his honor Ghulam-Qabla-Husayn, upon him be the Glory of God:

In My Name, the One Sanctified above all names:

O Ghulam-Qabla-Husayn! Thy name hath been presented before the Face, and We have adorned its temple with the ornament of utterance, that thou mayest thank thy Lord, the Most Merciful, and be of those who are firmly established. Thou art he who hath attained unto God’s verses before and in this time wherein the Temple of the Cause hath been established upon His mighty throne. Grieve not at anything, but trust in all matters in God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Strive that there may appear from thee that which shall endure through the duration of My most beautiful names. Verily thy Lord is the Remembrancer, the All-Wise. Blessed is the strong one who hath arisen to serve the Cause, and the weak one who hath said, “Praise be to Thee, O God of the worlds!” We have created souls in diverse stages and have made clear unto them what We desired in the earth and have guided them unto My straight path. Blessed is he who hath not been hindered by the greatest veil and hath answered his Ancient Lord.

Praise be to God that the souls mentioned have attained complete and perfect bounties. Verily our Lord is the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful. In truth, the Pen is not still—from every direction the ocean of bounty is surging and the sun of grace is shining forth. The wonder is that lifeless souls have not yet attained unto life and have not become aware of this Cause of such magnitude. One is astonished at what the divines of the earth are seeking and from what they turn away. Is it that due to the abundance of bounties they have become worthless in the sight of the ignorant masses, or have their deeds become embodied and deprived those ungodly souls of awareness? Have the hearing and sight of all been seized? In any case, this servant is bewildered and astounded. In one instance He says this is the Day of vision, for the lights of His countenance are manifest and evident from the Most Great Horizon, and it is the Day of hearing, for the Call of God is raised. By what excuse do the heedless souls justify themselves before the Countenance of the world, and to what pretext do they cling? We are God’s and to Him shall we return.

Concerning what you wrote about Jinab-i-Aqa Ahmad and the family of His Holiness the departed and accepted one, Jinab-i-Mirza of Qa’in, upon him be the glory of God and His bounty and mercy—supreme favors have been revealed from the Most Exalted Pen concerning them. That very day there was specifically revealed for them that which mortality shall not seize and immortality shall glory in relation to it. The grace of his Lord has encompassed him to the extent that in his Visitation Tablet was revealed: “The earth hath been adorned by thy frame” to the end of His mighty and glorious Word. All his relatives are mentioned in the presence of the Countenance. God willing, may they be confirmed and walk in the footsteps of His Holiness the departed and accepted one.

Furthermore, that beloved one’s supplication was presented before the Countenance of the Intended One. Such bounty was manifested that this servant is incapable of fully describing it. This exalted word is before me and I mention it, His glory be exalted:

Thy crying and lamentation in the love of God were heard. In the night We heard thy letter which thou hadst written to the servant in attendance, and at dawn We hearkened unto that wherewith thou didst call upon God. The servant in attendance made mention each time, and on the last occasion presented the Persian poem before the Countenance. The lamentation of thy heart had effect, and from the heart of the world emerged a breath more subtle than the essence of life. Ask thou of God that the people of the earth may become ready and its signs and fruits may appear manifest and evident. Reflect upon the utterances of the Beloved of all creation, and speak that which is the cause of enkindlement and the reason for attraction and the foundation of the life of the world. Thou wert with Me and didst witness the waves of the ocean of My utterance and the lights of the sun of My remembrance.

We make mention and the servant in attendance awaits another mention. God is Most Great! He hath reached in the station of seeking unto a point to which the Most Exalted Pen hath testified in the beginning of days, and all things are behind him. The glory from Us be upon thee and upon those who are with thee among His sincere servants. End quote.

How wonderful is this fragrance which hath been diffused from the garment of our Lord, the All-Merciful’s utterance! Blessed art thou and joy be unto thee in the permanence of the Kingdom and the Realm. Praise be to God, the One, the Single, the Mighty, the Loving.

The expression of sincerity, submissiveness, humility and utter evanescence of this servant in the presence of the friends of God who dwell in that land depends upon and is contingent upon that beloved one’s grace.

The glory that shineth resplendent from the horizon of our Lord the All-Merciful’s bounty be upon you and upon those who are with you and upon all who have turned to the Most Exalted Horizon in this mighty Day.

The servant, on the 27th of the month of Shavval in the year 1299

BH03000: Every possessor of tongue, eye and understanding has testified…

Every possessor of tongue, eye and understanding has testified to that which the Lord of Names has testified…

Although in this wondrous and novel day the mysteries of the Quran, its inner meanings and most hidden depths have been mentioned and recorded in most eloquent language, and the pearls of the ocean of knowledge of the Beloved of all possibility have become manifest and evident, yet they remain concealed from sight and vision. This is naught but the result of the oppression, transgressions and unworthy deeds of the heedless people.

The True One, exalted be His glory and all-embracing be His bounty, has with perfect clarity mentioned and given tidings of future events beforehand. Despite this, the people of these parts are so heedless and veiled that some count these servants among the dissidents. We seek refuge in God! They do not consider as being among the faithful one through whose will the religion and path of God have been uplift. Woe unto them! May they be banished! May they be filled with remorse! Evil is that which they have uttered, imagined and wrought. Soon shall they find themselves in a position from which even the denizens of the fire seek refuge with God, the Single, the All-Knowing, the All-Seeing.

Once the Ancient Beauty, exalted be His majesty, was walking and speaking to this servant:

The world is but a madhouse, and its keepers are mad: O wayfarer! Fear these raving ones!

Yet through the grace and favor of God and His complete power, there is hope that the imaginary veils shall be rent asunder by the hand of might and the Sun of Justice shall shine forth upon the world. Soon shall that which was revealed in God’s Book be manifest, letter by letter, as indeed much of it already has been….

As for what you mentioned regarding burial expenses, this matter in the Book of God pertains to the spouse if means allow, otherwise it falls to the wife’s own property….

BH02400: A mention from Us to him who was named…

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

A mention from Us to him who was named Muhammad-Sadiq, that he may rejoice in the remembrance of the All-Merciful after sorrows and remember his Lord, the Compassionate, the Generous. Rejoice in that the Sea of Life hath turned toward thee and from its waves is heard:

“There is none other God but Me, the True One, the One, the Mighty, the Wise.”

Verily the Sun from the horizon of this heaven calleth unto all created things, saying: “The Lord of Names hath come with manifest sovereignty.” We desire today to make mention of thy father who hath ascended unto the Divine Lote-Tree and taken shelter beneath the shadow of the grace of his Lord, the Forgiving, the Generous.

O ʿAbdu’s-Samad! Hearken unto that which the Most Exalted Pen maketh mention of thee in the blessed White Spot which God hath made the circling-place of the Concourse on High and the hosts of the favored angels. I bear witness that thou didst fulfill the Covenant of God and His Testament, and didst drink the choice wine of submission from the hand of His bounty. He, verily, doth not suffer to be lost the reward of the doers of good.

Thou art he who answered thy Lord when all on earth turned away from Him save those whom God willed, the Lord of all worlds. We preserved thee from the Most Great Terror and guided thee unto the Most Great Name, through Whose manifestation the heaven was cleft asunder, the earth was split, and every lofty and impregnable mountain was scattered to dust.

Thou art he who was blessed to transcribe the verses of thy Lord—a station which God chose before the appearance of the Pens among mankind. He, verily, is the Chosen One, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

I bear witness that thou wast adorned with the love of God in thy days, in thy rising up and sitting down, and at thy ascension to a station which the tongues of the world are powerless to describe, except for those who have spoken and do speak: “There is none other God but Me, the All-Uttering, the All-Seeing.”

Blessed is he who remembereth thee and recognizeth thy station in this noble station. O ʿAbdu’llah! We have mentioned thy father in such wise as to gladden the eyes of those near unto God, and We make mention of thy other brother who was named Isma’il, that he may be among those who arose and said:

“God is our Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and the earth.”

We console you through the fragrances of My utterance and the sweet-scented breezes of My verses, and comfort you through My grace and My mercy which have preceded all things great and small. Behold the mercy of God and its traces—verily it hath preceded and encompassed all, yet most of the people are heedless.

We bear witness that they were not awakened by the Cry, nor were they stirred by the breezes of Revelation, nor did they attain to the recognition of Him Whom they mentioned in their days and desired to meet at all times. Thus did the ocean of grace surge forth as a bounty from His presence, and He is the All-Bountiful, the Ancient of Days.

The Glory shining and gleaming from the horizon of the heaven of My loving-kindness be upon him who soared in My atmosphere and sought the Ultimate Goal in the precincts of My mercy, and upon you and upon every male and female believer in God, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the Beautiful.

BH02807: O my handmaid! The True One, exalted be His…

In the name of the one peerless God!

O my handmaid! The True One, exalted be His glory, declares: This is the Day of God, and the lights of His countenance are shining and manifest from the supreme horizon. Each one of the servants and handmaidens who has attained to that which God has willed is mentioned in His presence and their names are inscribed in the Crimson Book. How many handmaidens and princesses of the earth were expectant and seeking the manifestation of Truth, yet now all are veiled from Him and occupied with their own desires.

Praise be to God that thou hast attained to that which the men of the world are deprived of, save those whom the hand of divine power hath rescued and whom God hath guided to His holy, manifest and luminous path. Night and day thou shouldst be engaged in praising and thanking the Lord of all mankind, for the means of remembrance have been provided for thee through pure bounty.

Know thou the station of Him Whom thou hast attained to meet, and say: Praise be to Thee, O God of the worlds, for having enabled me to serve Him Who hath loved Thee and spoken Thy praise and summoned the servants to the horizon of Thy manifestation and arisen to serve Thy Cause. O my Lord! Aid me to remain steadfast in that which Thou lovest and art pleased with. Verily Thou art powerful to do what Thou willest and in Thy grasp are the reins of all things.

O my handmaid! We make mention at this moment of thy father who hath ascended unto God, the Lord of the worlds, that Our remembrance may be a treasure for him. Verily thy Lord is the All-Merciful, the Bountiful.

O Ahmad! We make mention of thee as a bounty from Us and give thee glad tidings of that which hath been ordained for thee from the presence of One mighty and powerful. Thou art he who turned and heard the call of thy Lord when the learned ones and princes of the earth turned away from Him, and answered thy Lord when His call was raised between earth and heaven. I bear witness that thou didst believe and drink the choice wine sealed with My self-subsisting Name, and didst attain to that which none among the servants attained save those whom God, the Lord of all beings and the Lord of the hereafter and the first, chose. By the life of God! The treasures and mines of earth cannot equal this remembrance. To this testifieth he who hath found the sweetness of the utterance of the All-Merciful in the contingent world, and behind him is a preserving tablet.

The Glory shining and manifest from the horizon of the heaven of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon those who have arisen to aid the Cause with wisdom and utterance from the presence of One mighty and wise.

BH02978: Glorified be He Who has appeared and manifested what…

He is the One dawning from the horizon of faithfulness.

Glorified be He Who has appeared and manifested what He willed through His command “Be!” and it is. Exalted be He Who has sent down and revealed that whereby God’s proof was perfected unto His servants. He verily is the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. He has spoken that wherewith the Point gave glad tidings: “Verily there is no God but Me, the Truth, the Knower of the unseen.”

Your letter has come before the Wronged One and the servant in attendance submitted it, and We have adorned it with the ornament of response. Verily your Lord is the Answerer, the Kind. We have mentioned you before and at this time as a grace from Us. He verily is the Mighty, the Loving. We have heard your call time after time and answered you in various Tablets. Be thankful and say: “Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of the seen and unseen!”

How many a servant saw the signs and turned away from them, and how many a servant was so attracted by the call that he cast away the world and turned to the Most Great Name. By God’s life, he is among the people of the highest paradise in a preserved tablet. We give glad tidings to those who have cast away vain imaginings and idle fancies and have turned with illumined hearts to the supreme horizon—the station round which circle honored servants.

Grieve not because of the world and its conditions. That which has been sent down from God, the Lord of existence, shall be made manifest. Be steadfast in service to the Cause, speaking in praise of God and acting according to what you have been commanded in His binding Book.

Convey My greetings to My loved ones who have taken the white cup in My Most Glorious Name and drunk therefrom My choice sealed wine. Say: This is the Day of remembrance and this is the Day of praise, did you but know it. Hold fast in all conditions to the cord of loving-kindness. He commands you to that which benefits you in all the worlds of His worlds. My hidden Book bears witness to this.

You have been under the glance of My loving-kindness and there befell you in My path that which caused the Concourse on High and the dwellers of Paradise to weep, but the people do not understand. Preserve your stations through this Name through which, when it appeared, every hidden matter was made manifest. Thus has the luminous leaf recounted from the effulgences of your Lord’s utterance, the Lord of Names. Be thankful with joy and gladness. The glory shining forth from the horizon of loving-kindness be upon you and upon those who have attained to the recognition of this mighty, forbidden Day.

BH04879: O my handmaiden and my leaf! Praise be…

In His Name, the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful!

O my handmaiden and my leaf! Praise be to God that thou hast been illumined by the lights of the Day of God, hast heard the call of Him Who is the Goal of all the world, and hast turned towards Him in days when men and women were veiled and heedless, save those whom God did will. Know thou with clear and manifest certitude that if in this Day but one word be revealed for a soul, that soul hath attained unto all good. The Word of God is better for thee than all that hath been created in earth and heaven. Time and again wert thou mentioned in the Holy Presence, and thou hast been honored with the remembrance of God, glorified be His majesty.

We make mention in this station of My servant who hath ascended to the Supreme Companion and who was named ʿAbdu’l-Hamid in the Kingdom of Names. O Hamid! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness and My mercy that hath preceded all who are in the heavens and on earth. I bear witness that thou didst hear My call and turn to My horizon and set thy face toward My luminous countenance. Thou art he who was mentioned before the Wronged One. Blessed art thou and blessed is he who hath mentioned thee with this mention whereby every bone was quickened and every one that sat did arise and every tongue that had grown silent did speak. Rejoice thou in that My Most Exalted Pen hath remembered thee before thy ascension and after it, and was with thee at the time of thy rising unto God, the Mighty, the All-Praised. The glory shining forth from the horizon of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon those who have attained unto the remembrance of God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH05290: Verily this Day proclaimeth and declareth: O people! He…

In His Name through Whom surgeth the ocean of divine knowledge!

Verily this Day proclaimeth and declareth: O people! He Who is the Manifestation of the Cause hath appeared, through Whom the trumpet hath been sounded, the Balance set up, the Bridge established, and that which was recorded in the Books of God, the Lord of all worlds, hath come to pass. This is the Day wherein the pebbles have testified to the Revealer of verses, and the sacred valley crieth out: “The Lord of Names hath come!”, and the Holy Land declareth: “The Interlocutor of the Mount hath appeared and uttereth in every state that there is none other God but He, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.” We have heard thy call and have answered thee, and have remembered thy mention through this perspicuous Tablet.

Arise amongst the servants with wisdom and utterance, and say: “O people! Be fair in what hath appeared and be not of the wrongdoers.” He around Whom circle the proofs and evidences hath come, as testified by the Tongue of Grandeur in the Most Great Prison. Hasten, and be not of them that tarry. We have rent asunder the veils, and this is Mine all-highest horizon—behold ye it and be not of the deniers. This is the Day wherein it behooveth every soul to remind the people of this Most Great Remembrance and give them to drink of the Water of Life that floweth from the right hand of My mighty Throne. Thus have We remembered thee and revealed unto thee that which shall solace the eyes of them that know. And praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.