Volume 070: Akka 1300 A.H. (1882–1883), Part I (1 of 5)

BH00252: God knoweth that sighs are well nigh ascending…

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!

God knoweth that sighs are well nigh ascending and tears are falling in separation from you. The servant beareth witness that separation hath weakened him and parting hath enfeebled him. At times he reflecteth upon your presence and nearness, and at others upon your utterances and your steadfastness, which hath no equal, likeness, or parallel in all the world. The servant beseecheth the Lord of Eternity and the Sovereign of nations to unite us through His grace, to draw us near unto Him in all conditions, to shelter us in the precincts of His mercy, to bestow His favors upon us as He did at first, and to vouchsafe unto us the chalices of reunion and the cups of meeting. Verily, He is the Omnipotent over whatsoever He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of all things. There is none other God but He, the Almighty, the Powerful.

Praise be to God Who hath revealed the Mystery and the Mystery of the Mystery, and the Mystery enshrouded in Mystery, and the Mystery veiled in Mystery, whereby the Great Terror appeared among mankind and that which He desired was made manifest in less than the twinkling of an eye. He is indeed the Sovereign Whom neither the doings of the heedless nor the doubts of the mystics can frustrate. He speaketh as He spoke before creation: verily there is none other God but He, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Blessings, peace, glory and splendor be upon the Daysprings of His Cause, the Manifestations of His Self, the Dawning-places of His wisdom, the Repositories of His knowledge, and the Recipients of His Revelation, whom neither the tempests of the divines prevented from turning unto Him, nor the storms of princes from facing toward His direction. They cast aside all else but Him and hastened in His Name to the Most Sublime Horizon, drank the choice wine of understanding from the hands of the favors of their Lord, the All-Merciful, and aided the Cause of God with their wealth and their souls, and upon those who arose to serve them, attained their presence, drank the Kawthar of their utterance, soared in the atmosphere of their love, and testified to that which their tongues had testified. I bear witness that they are honored servants who speak not until He hath spoken, and who do His bidding.

And now, O beloved of my heart, desire of my being, one who is mentioned in my heart and present before mine eyes—may my soul be a sacrifice for thy steadfastness and thy uprising! I know not whether the people recognize thee, whether they hear what thou speakest concerning the Cause of God, whether they perceive from thee the fragrance of love and affection, or whether they treat thee as they treated the Lord of the worlds. By the life of the Desired One! Were the veil to be lifted, they would circle round thee, would humble themselves in thy presence, would arise to serve thee and would carry out whatsoever they were commanded by thee. The servant beseecheth God, his Lord and the Lord of all things visible and invisible, to make known unto mankind that from which they are veiled and to guide them to that which they have neglected. Verily, He is the Compassionate, the Generous. There is none other God but He, the Omnipotent, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

The springtime of divine knowledge and fragrant flowers and colorful blossoms are present, yet the power of smell and perception is absent. It seemeth as though the means of knowledge, perception, reason and thought have wholly disappeared and become non-existent. Yet again, perchance the grace of God, exalted be His glory, may encompass all and, through His bounty, bring to life the dead of the earth. God willing, your efforts and influence shall cause wondrous and novel fruits to appear from the trees of being. In all circumstances and whatever may transpire, hope hath ever prevailed and still prevaileth over despair. There is hope that the glance of His loving-kindness may be directed toward the heedless. Verily, He hath power over all things and is unto His servants All-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

The blessed letter of that Exalted One, written on the twelfth day of the honored month of Shawwal, bestowed infinite joy. God knoweth that rivers of delight flowed from it and the fragrance of the spirit wafted therefrom. It was read repeatedly, and after transcending the realm of ecstasy, rapture and joy, it was presented at the Most Exalted Threshold. These are the words spoken by the Beloved, mighty is His glory:

O My Name! Upon thee be My glory, My loving-kindness and My mercy which hath preceded all created things, and My grace that hath encompassed all who are in the heavens and on earth. We have made mention of thee in such wise that the fragrance of My loving-kindness hath been diffused throughout My lands amongst My servants. Thy Lord is, in truth, the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing. He loveth to make mention of thee in that which will solace thine eyes and gladden thy heart. Thy Lord is, verily, the Compassionate, the Bountiful. Associate with the people in such wise that the cawing of those who have denied God, the Lord of all worlds, may not be raised. They make mention of God by night and by day even as their forebears did before them, yet when He appeared they turned away from Him and committed that which caused the eyes of those near unto God to weep.

O My Name! Do they treat thee according to their idle fancies or according to what beseemeth thy relationship to God, the One, the All-Informed? We have enjoined upon men goodly conduct and that which hath been sent down in the Book of God, the Mighty, the Great. Ask thou God to aid them in this and to ordain for them through His Most Exalted Pen that which shall protect them from the hosts of the oppressors. Say: O concourse of the heedless! Come ye, that I may cause you to hear the Call that hath been raised betwixt earth and heaven, and show you the Dayspring of your Lord’s Cause, the Almighty, the All-Powerful. Say: Beware lest ye deprive yourselves of the Most Great Ocean. Cast away your vain imaginings and take hold of that which hath been sent down from the presence of One Who is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

O My Name! Consider how the people cling to a letter while remaining deprived of the Mother Book. In some Tablets this passage was revealed:

“He hath come with what is with God, His testimony and His proof. Fear God and be not of the heedless.”

Nevertheless, they have forsaken the ocean and occupy themselves with a drop. Would that even this drop were pure! One is greatly astonished at the heedlessness of the people and at what hath appeared.

God willing, may the servants who are adorned with the ornament of divine love manifest perfect unity and harmony, for if they attain unto this station, its effects will swiftly appear throughout all regions. By the life of God! Should a soul conduct himself with utmost humility in His path, he will assuredly attain, both outwardly and inwardly, the highest station. O My Name! With the utmost lowliness and supplication, beseech the Self-Sufficient Lord that He may not deprive His loved ones of the light of unity, nor withhold from them that which lieth with Him. All have been created for unity and harmony. Glory be to God! Despite the divine counsels in the Holy Books and Tablets, some remain heedless and veiled.

This heedlessness hath prevented the flow of bounties and blessings. Convey greetings to all the friends on behalf of the Wronged One, and with perfect kindliness impart unto them the utterance of the All-Merciful, that perchance the tree of “yea” may grow from their hearts and that which is intended may be made manifest. Verily, He speaketh the truth. Blessed are they that hear! Blessed are they that act! May the splendor that shineth from the horizon of My loving-kindness, the mercy that descendeth from the heaven of My tenderness, and the clouds of My generosity be upon thee, upon them, and upon every steadfast soul that hath turned unto Me.

Through divine grace, it is hoped that the heedless souls may attain, through your attention, that which beseemeth this blessed Day. And regarding what you wrote about arriving in Tiflis, it caused boundless joy, for praise be to God, it brought glad tidings of good health. And you mentioned Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Ali and his brother Jinab-i-Aqa Ali-Akbar, upon them be the glory of God. Praise be to God, they have attained the grace of the True One, exalted be His glory, and are confirmed in a matter from which all on earth are heedless and veiled, save whom God willeth. The grace of the True One, exalted be His glory, is evident and manifest toward Jinab-i-Haji AH, upon him be the glory of God and His grace, and his sons and those with him. God willing, may they ever be engaged in remembrance and arise to serve, and may God make what hath proceeded from them a treasure for them in heaven. And you mentioned two believers from Saysan (ʿAli and Muhammad). God willing, may they be confirmed in what God hath revealed in the Book. Coming to this land would be unwise, especially at this time when various winds are blowing. Mention of them was made in the Most Holy Court. His word, exalted be His majesty:

“The glance of favor hath been directed toward the people of Saysan. They must at all times be occupied with the remembrance of the Beloved of the worlds. If they themselves cannot undertake teaching, they should appoint helpers. Thus hath God ordained aforetime and at this hour. We give glad tidings to him who was named ʿAli and him who was named Muhammad of God’s grace and mercy. Blessed is he who hath turned to the Countenance, and woe unto the heedless.Today, whosoever has attained recognition and stands firm in the Cause—even if wisdom requires their physical absence—verily the reward of attaining His presence shall flow from the Most Exalted Pen concerning them. Whatever hardships they have borne in the path of Truth have not been, and shall never be, in vain. The reward of all is recorded in God’s Book. I swear by the Ocean of Utterance that for every deed there is an effect and likewise a fruit, which shall surely become manifest in the world at its appointed time. We, from this station, send Our greetings upon them and upon My loved ones in that place who have forsaken the world, clinging fast to the Most Great Name—at Whose appearance all things proclaimed: Verily, there is no God but Him, the One, the Single, the All-Informed.”

Section 2: “This servant offers greetings to each one…”

This servant offers greetings to each one and seeks divine confirmation for all. Regarding your mention of Haji Muhammad Husayn, God willing, may he drink from the wine of steadfastness and attain that which most of mankind is deprived of. Mention of him was also made in the Most Holy and Exalted Presence. Thus spoke the Tongue of Grandeur:

“O My Name! Upon thee be My glory and loving-kindness. The whole world was brought into being for this Day, yet they remain heedless of it; they were created for this cup, yet they remain deprived of it. Those who truly attain on this day are counted among the gems of existence. We, from this station, send Our greetings to Muhammad-Husayn, that he may rejoice and be among the thankful ones.”

Ask thou of God, exalted be His glory, to reveal the fruits of His remembrance, that all may turn with their whole being to the horizon of the All-Merciful. If thou seest him, give him My glad-tidings and remind him of that which hath been revealed in My perspicuous Book. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

You mentioned the Afnan and his companions—upon them be the Most Glorious Glory of God. Outwardly, no news has reached us except the initial report that they had departed from the Land of Kha, though news continues to arrive from the Land of Ha. Praise be to God, they are safe. In truth, Haji Siyyid Muhammad, one of the Afnan—upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God—stands firm and is occupied in service. Though all are, praise be to God, confirmed and assisted, he shows no delay in completing his services. What you had requested by command was sent some time ago and has arrived. God, exalted be He, has confirmed him; his deed was accepted in the Most Holy and Exalted Presence. How excellent and pleasing it is for him! News of the Afnan has also arrived from Hong Kong. Praise be to God, he is safe and occupied with the mention of God.

Regarding what you wrote about the trust of Aqa ʿAli Milani—upon him be the glory of God—it was a silk handkerchief specifically bestowed upon him. Praise be to God, some in those regions are enkindled. If someone knowledgeable in certain matters and familiar with the Turkish language were to proceed to those parts, it would be most beloved. However, such a person must be calm and wise, and must know with certainty that God’s Cause in this Most Great Manifestation has been characterized by kindness toward the servants, and the decree of wisdom has been revealed and sent down from the Most Exalted Pen in most Tablets. The purpose is that if a worthy person is found and proceeds to those regions, it would be acceptable in the sight of God.

Concerning what was written about Haji Mirza Jabbar, it was presented before Him, and this is what the Tongue of Grandeur spoke:

“Should God will, He shall guide him to His straight path and acquaint him with that from which most of the servants are veiled, and direct him to what He desires. Verily, He is the Mighty, the Bestower. At all times He calls all who dwell in the realm of possibility unto Him. Blessed is he who hears and responds, and woe unto every heedless doubter.”

God willing, the lights of that honored one’s sincerity will shine upon him and cause him to attain unto that which God loves.

As for what was mentioned in the petition sent to His Holiness the Branch concerning Mirza Muhammad-Ali Khan—would that you had associated with him repeatedly, for certain doubts had been instilled in him by Mirza Husayn-i-Qumi in Iraq. The details of the Khan’s situation are as follows: After the passing of his late father, a group desired to attain the presence [of Baha’u’llah], including the brother of the late Sipahsalar. The Ancient Beauty, solely to meet with those souls and to show kindness to Mirza Muhammad-Ali Khan, went very early in the morning and attended the memorial gathering. The aforementioned Khan showed the utmost humility, submissiveness and gratitude. Some time later, when the Ancient Beauty had gone [to Salman], Mulla Shaykh-Ali, who lived in Kazimayn and who had been very close friends with the father of the aforementioned Khan, made mention of Mirza Muhammad-Ali Khan, who had apparently had a dream in those days.

The mentioned Shaykh presented this before Him, and the Ancient Beauty showed favor and commanded the Shaykh to go specifically to the Khan and convey His greetings, giving him the glad tidings that, God willing, his affairs would unfold according to his desire. Similar instructions were also given to Mirza Husayn-i-Qumi, but that ignorant one apparently spoke in the name of Mirza Yahya, for in those days whenever the Ancient Beauty would speak, some would suppose He was speaking on Mirza Yahya’s behalf—whereas His Holiness knows that the words and deeds of that person were non-existent and null in the Most Holy Court. The aforementioned Khan had merely heard a name without substance, while remaining unaware and veiled from the essence of the divine Cause and wisdom.

In any case, from the Khan’s statements made to the honored physician (upon him be the Glory of God) in Iraq, it became apparent that the Qumi individual had attributed those glad tidings to Mirza Yahya. Had there been association and had he become aware of the true matter, it would have been most praiseworthy, for in those days it was observed that he was a youth of good nature who had attained unto love, and his late father was not without love either. Should the opportunity for a meeting arise, it would be most welcome, that perchance he might remember and fear God, and become acquainted with what was recorded in the books of old.

The petition from the person from Shirvan arrived, was presented, and a response will be sent.

Thanks be to God, other conditions in this land are peaceful. All the friends, as before, are blessed with good health. The latest news is the ascension of the honored and deceased Darvish Sidq-ʿAli, upon him be the glory and mercy of God. Praise be to God that he ascended in utmost sanctity, detachment and love, and he is among those souls of whom the Supreme Pen has spoken with the utmost grace and favor in his mention. Would that I had been with him to attain a mighty triumph, a great bounty, and an exalted station. The pearls of that Beloved’s shell are, as commanded, being presented and are blessed with favor, compassion, mercy and grace. Verily He is the Compassionate, the Generous. Praise be to God, the Most High, the Most Great. The glory shining from the horizon of our Lord’s favor, the Creator of the heavens, be upon you and those with you and those who love you and hear your words concerning the Cause of God, the Lord of the worlds.

Praise be to God, after sealing the envelope another door opened and the blessed letter dated the 23rd of Dhi’l-Qa’dih, numbered 6, illumined the heart and bestowed true light upon the eyes. This bounty descended at a time when there was no opportunity to give thanks, as sending a petition would be delayed. Therefore it was read in great haste and afterwards the main points concerning true trustworthiness were presented before His presence. This is what the tongue of grace uttered:

“O My Name! Upon thee be My glory! Time and again mention of thee hath flowed from the Supreme Pen. All that thou didst send in the name of the servant in attendance before the Throne—this Wronged One testifies that he sent replies to all. God willing, mayest thou ever be blessed with His grace and mention and arise to serve Him. Time is most precious and honored, while the people of the earth are in utter heedlessness. God willing, those who have drunk from the Kawthar of certitude must, united and in harmony, hold fast to that which promotes the Cause of God. Should they attain this station, the Command will be effective, the decree all-encompassing, and the Word triumphant.

O My Name! Today all effort must be expended on uniting the loved ones, that perchance this mighty matter may proceed from potentiality to actuality and become the cause of the manifestation of God’s favor. Say: O friends! Fix your gaze upon the horizon of the All-Merciful and hold fast to His will. Today victory lies in unity and accord. By the life of God! The world of manifestation is veiled by lack of unity and the Cause is held back. O My Name! The Supreme Pen hath repeatedly conveyed this station and commanded His loved ones to it, but thus far no fruit thereof hath appeared. Perchance God will open their eyes and acquaint them with that which will draw them nigh unto Him. He is the Mighty, the Bestower. We send Our greetings upon thee and upon those who love thee and hear thy words purely for the sake of God, the Lord of lords.” End.

Thus far four letters from that Beloved One have arrived and detailed responses to each have been submitted and sent. How could there be any negligence in this matter? And this letter which has just arrived is the fifth letter sent from the land of Qaf with a number written on it. It appears number five has not yet arrived. God willing it will arrive. At present there is no more time for petitions. It is being entrusted to the true Trustee and I seek His aid in its expression. The glory shining from the horizon of grace be upon you and upon those with you and upon those who seek you and hold fast to what you possess. Praise be to God, my Beloved and your Beloved.

First of Muharram 1300

BH02696: He is the Remembering, the Hearing, the Responding One!…

He is the Remembering, the Hearing, the Responding One! Your letter has come before the Wronged One and the servant in attendance before His face read it. We have answered you with that from which those near to God perceive the fragrance of the utterance of the All-Merciful and through which the sincere are drawn to a station that tongues and pens are powerless to describe. We have heard what you testified to in the days of God and have accepted it as a grace from Us. Verily your Lord is the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful. Give thanks to God for this supreme bounty which has appeared from the Ancient King, then preserve it in the name of your Lord, the Mighty, the Chosen.

Say: O people of the earth! Fear God and follow not those whom veils have prevented from the Source of verses. Break the idols of fancy and imagination in the name of your Lord, the Possessor of all names. Cast aside the imaginings of the learned and [take…] the Possessor of Names. Thus has My Most Exalted Pen spoken in a station which God has made the Dawning-place of lights.

The Hidden Treasure has appeared and the Concealed Mystery been revealed. Then did the learned flee from the field, for vain imaginings deluded them such that they denied God, the Lord of the Final End. They behold the signs of God yet deny them—thus do their souls entice them.

When the Call was raised and the Cloud bore witness to the Lord of Lords, say: O people! This is the Day you were promised in the Books of God. He has appeared in truth, and in it the Balance has been set up, the Path made manifest, and the mountains passed away. Turn with illumined hearts to the Most Exalted Horizon. This is what you were commanded in the Scriptures and Tablets. Arise to serve the Cause in the name of your Lord, then speak His praise at all times. Soon shall the world and that which has deluded the princes of the earth pass away, while that which has been sent down from the Lord of Creation shall endure.

We make mention of him whose name was in your letter as a mercy and grace from Us, that you may give thanks to Him Who possesses the Mother Book.

O Muhammad-Baqir! Do you find for yourself an ear that might attain to true hearing when the Call was raised from the Dawning-place of Glory in a station which God has made a heaven for this heaven and a point of circumambulation for every seeing one who advances? O Baqir! Give thanks to God that you have been mentioned before the Wronged One when every associating doubter turned away.

Say: Praise be to You, O my God, for having strengthened me and made known to me that which the learned of the earth were heedless of—they who denied Your proof, disputed Your signs, associated partners with Your Self and broke Your Covenant. I beseech You to make me steadfast in this Cause whereby souls were troubled and feet did slip.

BH03580: O Muhammad! Remember when thou didst leave thy home…

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

O Muhammad! Remember when thou didst leave thy home in thy longing to attain the presence of God, the Lord of all worlds, and didst traverse land and sea until thou didst attain the presence of the Countenance and didst drink the Kawthar of reunion from the hand of thy Lord’s bounty, the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful. Thou art he who didst migrate and journey until thou didst enter and attain My presence, and didst hear and witness that which was foretold in the Books of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Blessed is the eye that hath beheld My most exalted horizon, and the ear that hath heard My most sweet call, and the heart that hath turned to My glorious and impregnable station. Hold fast to the cord of My wisdom and cling to the hem of My loving-kindness. Then speak forth My Name amongst My servants, that the fragrances of My utterance may draw them nigh and bring them close to the Most Great Ocean, each drop whereof proclaimeth: The Owner hath come, and sovereignty belongeth unto God, the Mighty, the Beautiful.

O Muhammad! We created the world for this Most Great Day, yet when it appeared, the divines of the earth denied it, and through their denial the people denied it also. To this testifieth every man of insight. Beseech God to rend asunder the greatest veil by the finger of power, might and sovereignty, and to guide all to that which He hath willed on this wondrous and glorious Day. Convey My greetings to those who have drunk the Choice Wine sealed with My Self-Subsisting Name in such wise that the intimations of the heedless failed to deter them. Say: By God! Thou hast attained unto that which cannot be equaled by all the treasures of the earth. Rejoice thou and be of those who render thanks.

Blessed art thou, O Muhammad, in that thou hast confined matters to the mention and praise of the Wronged One. This beseemeth him who hath adorned himself with the robe of justice and attained unto the recognition of God, the Mighty, the Beautiful. We counsel thee to observe wisdom in all matters, lest there arise that which would cause the clamor of the deniers to be raised. Thus have We adorned the heaven of the Tablet with the sun of My Word. Blessed is he who hath laid hold on My Name, and woe betide the deniers. The glory rest upon thee and upon him who hath cast away the idle fancies of the people, holding fast to the cord of certitude.

BH04027: I am the Hearer, the Answerer

I am the Hearer, the Answerer.

Glorified be He Who hath sent down the verses and manifested the evidences and called all unto His straight path. Among the people are those whom the wine of the sweetness of utterance hath so enraptured that they have cast away the world and turned unto the Most Great Name, and among them are those who have clung to their desires, turning away from God, the Lord of all men. Thus hath My Most Exalted Pen spoken in this glorious and gracious station.

Thy letter hath arrived and was presented by the servant who standeth before the Wronged One. Thereupon the Tongue of Grandeur spoke that which, were it to be cast upon the barren earth, would cause red roses to spring forth therefrom through the wafting of the breeze of God, the Lord of the worlds.

Blessed art thou for having cast away idle fancies and turned unto God when the learned and the mystics turned away from Him, save those whom God aided as a grace from Him—and He is the Mighty, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Blessed art thou and blessed is he who taught thee the commanding Word of God, acquainted thee with the Balance, guided thee to His path, and gave thee to drink of the Kawthar of knowledge in the name of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Great.

Take thou the chalice of eternity in the name of thy Lord, the Possessor of Names, then drink therefrom despite those who have turned away and disbelieved in God, the Lord of the Day of Judgment. Say: O concourse of the earth! By God, that which was recorded in the Books of God hath appeared, and He Who was promised by the tongue of the Messengers hath come. Cast away what ye possess, then turn ye unto the Most Sublime Horizon, the station wherein the Tongue of Grandeur proclaimeth: The Kingdom is God’s, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Praiseworthy. Thus hath the ocean of utterance surged and the fragrance of the garment of the All-Merciful been diffused. Blessed is he who hath seen and found, and woe unto the heedless.

Rejoice thou in that God hath forgiven thy father and ordained for thee what He desired as a grace from Him—and He is the Compassionate, the Generous.

BH04319: In the Name of Him Who is the Overseer…

In the Name of Him Who is the Overseer of all names! O thou who hast drunk the wine of divine knowledge! Be thou steadfast in the Cause of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, in such wise that the foundations of them that have disbelieved in God, the Lord of all worlds, may be shaken thereby.

Say: O people of the earth! Aid ye your Lord through wisdom and utterance. Thus hath the command been sent down from the Supreme Pen in His perspicuous Book. Leave the world behind through My Most Great Name and take up that whereby the Cause of God may be exalted amongst the nations. This is better for thee, and My sovereignty encompasses those in the heavens and on earth.

This is a Book that calleth out with the most exalted call between earth and heaven, and summoneth all unto the One, the All-Informed. This is a Day whose praise was uttered in God’s Books aforetime, and all were given glad-tidings of this Revelation, whereby, when it appeared, all things spoke forth, the Most Exalted Horizon was illumined, the Cry was raised between earth and heaven, the ocean of knowledge surged, and the fragrance of the Garment was diffused.

Take hold of the reins of humanity through My Name and remind them of that which hath been sent down in God’s Book, the Mighty, the All-Praised. Beware lest anything prevent thee from that which thou hast been commanded. Soon shall appear in the earth the recompense of those who have arisen to aid the Cause. Verily thy Lord is the Just, the All-Wise.

Give thou glad-tidings unto My loved ones on My behalf and remind them of My mercy and My loving-kindness, that the mention and utterance may draw them to the horizon that hath been illumined by the lights of the countenance of their Lord, the Manifest, the Speaking, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. Be thou enkindled with the fire of the love of God, that the servants may be enkindled thereby. Thus doth counsel thee He Who hath spoken in every matter, that there is none other God but I, the Commander, the Almighty, the Powerful.

Glory be upon thee and upon those who have drunk from the Kawthar of life through My Name, the Mighty, the Wondrous.

BH01713: O thou beloved of my heart, mentioned in my…

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

O thou beloved of my heart, mentioned in my soul, and standing before the gate of my Lord! There has come upon this servant that which has weakened, exhausted, burned and melted him. By the life of the Desired One, I found myself in an ocean of grief that had neither beginning nor end. The pillars of the earth trembled from the force of this calamity, by which sorrows seized all who turned to God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. I testify that my tongue is powerless to mention it and my pen is unable to express it. This servant beseeches his Lord to pour forth upon you patience from His presence and fortitude from His realm. Verily He is the Mighty, the Wise. I beseech Thee, O God of Names and Creator of Heaven, to send down upon Thy Afnans that which will preserve them from all else but Thee. Then pour forth upon them patience from Thy presence and assist them in all that befitteth Thy days. Verily Thou art the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Although all limbs and members are consumed by this most great calamity, yet as these are the days of manifestation, we must in all conditions hold fast to the cord of patience. That which appears from His presence is to be obeyed. May God, exalted be His glory, adorn all with the garment of patience. Verily He is powerful over all things. Glory be to God! Several months ago a Tablet was revealed from the heaven of the Divine Will specifically for the Most Exalted Leaf and the Greatest Holy Leaf and the Supreme Cry—upon her be from all glory its most glorious, from all exaltation its most exalted, and from all radiance its most radiant. This servant pondered on what was revealed but, due to its greatness and power, made no representation and remained silent from asking until recently when the command was issued that the Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet be written and sent.

Now after reviewing the petition sent, it becomes clear that in those same days when the petition was submitted, the answer was revealed from the heaven of grace. But O beloved of my heart, the passages of the petition melt the heart, for the utmost regret, sorrow, sighs and tears in separation from her are manifest and evident. Although this state is in one respect most beloved and that condition was witnessed in them and that station was manifest in them—this flame of separation is effective in the world and a mighty influence is apparent and evident from it, for it was for God and purely for His sake, sanctified from doubts and allusions. After the arrival of the letter, only enough time was available to be enabled to express these few words.

God willing, details will be submitted later. Until now, outwardly nothing has been submitted in the Most Holy Court. This servant too was for some days present in another place. Upon return he became occupied with submitting this reply. In any case, hope lies in forgiveness. To the honored ones in that land—upon them be from all glory its most glorious—convey greetings, glorification, glory and utter evanescence and nothingness. I beseech and implore God, exalted be His glory, to grant patience to all. Verily He is powerful over all things.

Another submission: The reply to Mulla Muhammad-Ali, upon him be the glory of God, which was previously to be sent, is now sent. One copy of it should reach his honor Afnan A.H., upon him be from all glory its most glorious, to give to Mulla Rajab-Ali, upon him be the glory of God. However, all possible effort in correcting it would be beloved. May the glory shining, manifest and rising from the horizon of grace be upon your honor and upon those with you and upon those who love you and upon every assured, steadfast one.

The servant 17 Muharram al-Haram 1300

BH00202: After completing my previous petition in response to your…

Section 1: “After completing my previous petition in response…”

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

After completing my previous petition in response to your letters, there was some delay in sending it. Another letter dated the 25th of Dhi’l-Qa’dah emerged from the horizon of love and utterance. Praise be to God, this fresh bounty arrived and became the cause of boundless joy. After reading and reviewing it, it was presented before the Most High. This is what the Tongue of the Intended One spoke in reply:

O Zayn! Praise be to God, you have attained unto countless bounties and have been enabled to recognize the Treasury that had forever been hidden from minds and eyes. In these days a letter arrived from the Overseer (Nazir), expressing the desire to visit the Land of Ha [Haifa] and also the intention to print the Kitab-i-Iqan. In view of this undertaking, your presence was requested, but this matter was not accepted. They themselves should obtain a correct copy and proceed with what they have intended. Great care must be taken in the correction. If a book of verses is published, it is beloved before God, provided it does not cause mischief and commotion. In all cases, the command is in His hands. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He desireth. End.

A letter was written to this servant from the honored Physician and the honored Overseer, upon them be the glory of God, and it was presented in the Most Holy Court. He said:

“Praise be to God, they have always been thinking of promoting the Cause of God. May the True One, glorified be His majesty, confirm them and enable them to achieve that which is adorned with the ornament of immortality.”

He showed great kindness. God willing, this servant will also respond to their letter. Although a few days ago a letter was sent to the beloved Physician, upon him be the glory of God, God willing it will arrive. In any case, this evanescent servant begs confirmation for them. Today all must be vigilant and act in ways that exalt the Cause of God. Divine verses have encompassed all regions, are found with every soul, and are visible in every house. Now we beseech Him to enable and confirm His servants in what is befitting. Verily, He has power over all things.

And regarding what you wrote about the honored wife of the departed and elevated Aqa Siyyid Abu-Talib, upon him be the glory and mercy of God, who had sent some passages from the tongue of the deceased to be presented in the Most Holy Court—these were presented and attained the honor of being heard. And this utterance shone forth from the Dawning-Place of the Beloved of all possibilities:

“O Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin! The first matter of the deceased was this statement: ʿMy God, Thou art my witness that I am ashamed for not having been able to render a service worthy of this blessed Day.’ Excellent indeed was what he spoke in the station of humility, submission and supplication. And We say in this regard that he indeed acted as was befitting. He was among those who attained recognition, drank from the cup of certitude, and adorned his temple with the ornament of steadfastness in the Cause of God, the Lord of the worlds. We beseech the Most High to accept what he did in His path and to remember him with a remembrance that neither extinction nor forgetfulness can encompass. Verily, He is the Powerful, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.”

O my God! Thou art my witness that I was helpless. I beseech Thee by Thy grace and bounty to forgive me and to overlook the transgressions of this sinner. Though we are the transgressors, Thou art the Ocean of Mercy.

O Zein! We have heard his call and what he uttered. Verily he was mindful, holding fast unto God and clinging to His robe. We beseech the Most High to forgive him, to purify him, to cause him to enter the most exalted station and draw him nigh unto Him in all His worlds. Verily, He is the Hearing, the Answering.

I testify that he turned to the Most Sublime Horizon and believed in God, the Lord of all beings. He heard the derision of the enemies and that which caused the hearts of the pure ones to burn—those who broke God’s Covenant and His Testament by following the sources of conjecture and the manifestations of idle fancies.

O Abu-Talib! Blessed art thou and joy be unto thee for having fulfilled thy covenant and pledge. I testify that thou didst achieve the greatest steadfastness in the Cause of thy Lord, the Lord of all beings, and didst drink of His sealed wine sealed with His Self-Subsisting Name. Thou didst arise to serve the Cause in such wise that neither the affairs of men nor the doubts of the divines who wandered in the wilderness of error and transgression could deter thee. Thou art he who witnessed hardships and calamities and accepted abasement for the glory of God’s Cause, thy Lord, and wast content with what befell thee for the exaltation of His Cause and the elevation of His Word.

Blessed is he who remembereth thee with goodness and testifieth to that which the Wronged One hath testified in this station. O seeker! The Wronged One remembereth thee and remembereth thy tribulations in the Cause of God, thy Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and the earth. He recounteth thy virtues and what thou hast accomplished in thy days. Can treasures compare with what hath flowed from His Most Exalted Pen? Nay, by the Lord of Names! Thus hath grace appeared from the All-Bountiful.

The Tongue of Grandeur beareth witness to thy being wronged, to thy turning unto Him, thy humility, thy submissiveness, thy remembrance and thy praise in days wherein the standards of oppression were raised in most lands.

O God of the world and Goal of the nations! I beseech Thee by the waves of the ocean of Thy Most Great Name and the effulgences of the lights of Thy countenance, O Lord of eternity, to protect Thy loved ones and chosen ones from the oppression of the aggressive ones among Thy servants. Then forgive them through Thy generosity and favors, and grant them the blessing of meeting Thee in each of Thy worlds. Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent over what Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Generous.

O My Name! Upon thee be My Glory! Convey the call of the Wronged One to his remaining kindred and console them on My behalf. They have always been and continue to be in My sight. Let Ismi-Jamal, upon him be My Glory, also write something and send it, expressing satisfaction. The end is in God’s hands, the Lord of the worlds. We send Our greetings from this station to them and console them. Verily, He is the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Regarding what was written about the Huquq, it has been pardoned. The tongue of the Beloved uttereth this blessed word: Had people not withheld the Huququ’llah and had they paid or would pay it, God would have bestowed bounty upon them. We beseech God to grant them abundance. Say: Be not grieved. By the life of God! One moment for that departed soul is now better than all the joy, delight and comfort of this world. The ear of the world is not worthy of hearing this mention, for limited minds are unable and incapable of comprehending this lofty station. Knowledge is with God, the Wise, the All-Informed.

As for what you mentioned concerning the son of Ismu’llah-i-Asdaq the Most Holy—upon them both be all His most glorious Glory—I laid it before His Presence. He said—and His sweetest utterance is:

“O Zayn! The servant in attendance here laid before Me that which the son of My Asdaq—upon them both be My Glory and My mercy—spoke. In these days a letter arrived from him too. Praise be to God, he dwells beneath the shade of the Tree of Providence and is engaged in service to the Cause. God willing, may he be confirmed in that which will cause the fragrance of eternity to waft from him. Convey My greetings and salutations to him. Verily We make mention of him as We have mentioned him before, and We give him the glad tidings of My tender care, My mercy, My providence and My grace which have encompassed all existence.”

End quote.

This servant also conveys greetings and salutations to them. Some time ago a detailed letter was sent to them. God willing it has arrived. And mention was made of the women—that is, the household of Ismu’llah-i-Asdaq, upon him and upon them be the Glory of God and His mercy. Regarding each one, manifest tokens of providence were evident and clear. Some time ago, especially for the exalted Leaf—upon her be the Glory of God—a wondrous and sublime mention was revealed and sent. Likewise mention was made of their household members who are present. Praise be to God, all are objects of His providential regard.

And as for the mention they had made of the son of Ali-Nur—upon him be the Glory of God—and the matters they had written concerning Deputy Ali-Akbar—upon him be the Glory of God—all was laid before Him. This is what was revealed in response:

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

O ʿAli-Akbar! We have heard thy call and what thou didst desire from God, the Lord of the worlds, is clear and evident. Hearken unto the call of this Wronged One and in all matters speak this word and place thy trust in Him:

“O my God and my Master! I beseech Thee by Thyself and by Thy light shining forth from the horizon of Thy grace, to ordain for me what Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones and to decree for me through Thy bounty that which will profit me in Thy worlds. O Lord! I know not what profiteth or harmeth me. Thou knowest better than I know my own self and what is with me and what hath occurred and will occur in my heart. I beseech Thee to send down upon me that which will profit me in the Hereafter and in this world and will draw me nigh unto Thee, O Thou Who art the Lord of Names and Creator of heaven.”

O ʿAli! In all matters place thy trust in God and with utmost contentment commit thy affairs to Him. He was and is the Trustworthy One, and will assuredly manifest whatever is best. Despair not of the spirit of God and His mercy, and trust in Him in all conditions. That which was true wisdom hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen. Now if thou dost submit and attain unto this station, it is acceptable and beloved; otherwise, seek whatsoever thou desirest. The command is in His grasp. He doeth and judgeth and commandeth as He pleaseth, and He is the Ordainer, the All-Wise. End quote.

Regarding the matter of Mirza Abu’l-Fadl—upon him be the Glory of God—whatever they have written, these matters depend upon consultation. Whatever emerges from consultation, act accordingly.

Mention of ʿAli-Nur and his relatives was made from the Tongue of Providence. God willing, may all attain unto that which God loveth.

The mention of Haji Muhammad-Hashim who attained the presence, and his son—upon them both be the Glory of God—was laid before the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence. He said: God willing, may they dwell beneath the pavilions of grandeur and rest in the shade of the Tree of Grace. End quote.

The mention of the family of the King of Martyrs and those related to him, nay all those who love him—may my spirit be a sacrifice for them—has been and continues to be within the pavilion of mercy. Blessed are they and blessed is he who mentions the two shining Lights who attained all bounty and all good from God, the Bestower, the Generous.

Likewise, Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Husayn and his father and those with them—upon them be the Glory of God—have attained to the mention of the Desired One and been adorned with the ornament of His favor. This servant beseeches God, exalted be His glory, not to deprive any of the friends of this most exalted, most holy ornament, and to confirm in its preservation those upon whom it has been bestowed. Verily He has power over all things, is worthy to answer prayers, and praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Section 2: “And concerning the mention of Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Baqir…”

And concerning the mention of Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Baqir—upon him be the Glory of God—and the ascension of his departed mother, and likewise the mention of the ascension of the departed and blessed Jinab-i-Haji Mirza Kamalu’d-Din—upon him be the Glory of God, the True King, the Manifest—all were presented before the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence. He said: “O Zayn, upon thee be My peace and My glory! We have previously mentioned Jinab-i-Kamal’d-Din and offered condolences to his family, and commanded them to patience and resignation, which are among the attributes of the sincere ones. Blessed is he! He believed in God and turned to Him and drank from the hand of His bounty that which was denied to all on earth save whom God willed, the Lord of the worlds. He never hesitated in mentioning God and praising Him. We beseech God to forgive him and remit his trespasses and cause him to enter within the precincts of His mercy. We make mention of his sons and his wife and those with them, both female and male, and We ask for them the good of the hereafter and of this world, and steadfastness in the Cause of God. By My life! This is the crown of all deeds in the sight of the Self-Sufficient, the Most High.

“We make mention in this station of him who traveled and migrated until he arrived and attained Our presence and heard the call of the Wronged One in His mighty, impregnable station. O thou who hast journeyed unto Us! Hearken unto My call. We make mention of thee and counsel thee with that whereby the Cause of thy Lord may be exalted, and with the wisdom which God hath made the foundation of all deeds. Verily He is the Mighty, the Powerful. Forget not what We have commanded thee. We beseech God to assist thee in what He loveth and approveth, to grant thee the good of the hereafter and of this world, and to ordain for thee and thy descendants, through His Most Exalted Pen, that which shall never perish. Verily thy Lord is the Compassionate, the Generous.

“We make mention of Muhammad-Baqir and give him the glad tidings of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of the worlds. Verily He heareth the call of those who commune with Him and seeth the deeds of those who have turned toward Him with illumined hearts. He is indeed the Hearer, the Answerer.

“We make mention of the handmaiden who hath ascended to the Supreme Companion. Blessed is she! She attained unto My mention before her ascension and after it. We beseech God to draw her nigh unto Him and to cause her to enter the lofty chambers in the Most Exalted Paradise. How excellent is that mighty, wondrous station!

“We make mention of My loved ones in that place who have held fast to that which they were commanded. He is indeed the All-Witnessing, the All-Informed.

“We make mention of the sons of Khalil and counsel them to perform pure deeds and that which befitteth their stations, and that whereby the fragrance of their love and knowledge may be diffused amongst the small and the great. And We make mention of the handmaidens who have believed in God, the Single One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

The individual mentioned by Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’llah was mentioned in the Most Holy and Exalted Presence. He said:

“The grace of God hath turned and continueth to turn towards him. God willing, may he be occupied at all times with the remembrance of God and remain steadfast in service to His Cause. Blessed is the eye that gazeth upon His grace and the ear that is turned to His call.”

This evanescent servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, that He may aid the honored friend Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’llah to achieve unity and concord among the friends of God in that land. This matter is of utmost importance and acceptable in the sight of God. He that causeth healing and fellowship among hearts in this day is mentioned as among those near to God. Blessed is the soul that hath attained, and the servant whom God hath aided in this.

Jinab-i-Haji Ghulam-ʿAli and those with him have returned, and the funds that were written of have arrived. The names of the souls were mentioned in His presence. He said:

“O Zayn! All that they have sent, whether from those associated with him or others, was presented and accepted. It behooveth them to thank God Who created them, provided for them, reared them, aided them to recognize Him, and gave them to drink of the Kawthar of His utterance. We verily send Our greetings to them from this Spot and give them glad tidings of what hath been ordained for them. We beseech God to draw them near in all conditions, to aid them to be steadfast, and to ordain for them what He hath ordained for His chosen ones among His near servants and handmaidens. Verily He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth. There is no God but Him, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

Praise be to God that mention was made of each one and the glance of grace was directed towards them. Should one offer thanks for a hundred thousand years, one could not adequately express gratitude for a single word that hath appeared from the Dawning-Place of grace. The name of each one was honored. That Beloved One gave all of them the glad tidings of His supreme grace, that all might attain to the greatest joy and occupy themselves with praise and gratitude to God. The other trusts that were with him also arrived.

As for the mention that was made of Jinab-i-Haji Muhammad-Baqir, upon him be the Glory of God, it was presented in the Most Holy and Exalted Presence. This is what the Kingdom of Utterance did speak:

In the name of the one true God

O thou who hast turned unto Us! We have heard thy call and have turned toward thee from the direction of the luminous Spot. God willing, thou shalt attain unto that which God loveth and unto deeds from which the fragrance of sincerity shall be wafted throughout the kingdoms of earth and heaven. And God willing, thou shouldst hold fast unto the Book of God and act according to that which hath been revealed therein, for if the loved ones of God who are scattered throughout the lands were to act upon that which hath been sent down from the heaven of the Divine Will as a token of His grace, the light of His Cause would encompass the world.

Grieve not for what hath befallen thee in the path of God. The cause of every affliction hath not been and is not heedlessness. Tribulation is for those who love Him, and this hath been mentioned before. Reflect upon what hath been revealed in the Hidden Words which have descended from the heaven of the Divine Will. He saith: “O Son of Man! My calamity is My providence, outwardly it is fire and vengeance, but inwardly it is light and mercy,” and so forth. And He saith: “For everything there is a sign. The sign of love is fortitude under My decree and patience under My trials.” If in certain instances heedlessness hath occurred, verily He hath forgiven what is past. God willing, arise henceforth to make good what hath escaped you.

The world is not worthy of mention, and its evanescence is witnessed at every moment. Arise to serve the Cause of God with wisdom and utterance. Turn unto Him and place thy trust in Him. Verily He will protect thee and assist thee and make known unto thee what thou desirest, and ordain for thee that which will bring solace to thine eyes and gladden thy heart. Hold fast unto the Most Great Handle and unto that which beseemeth these days. He Who remembereth thee at this moment hath passed successive years during which He found no place of safety for Himself, and in all conditions stood firm among the enemies, summoning all to the Supreme Horizon. There hath befallen Us in the path of God that which hath caused all things to lament.

No deed is ever lost in the sight of God, nor shall it ever be. Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One and arise to that which beseemeth thee. Every deed that appeareth for the sake of God—its recompense is preserved in the treasury of the All-Knowing, the Trustworthy. Say: O my God! I beseech Thee by the Name through which Thou hast subdued the kingdom of earth and heaven, and by the ocean of Thy bounty and the river of Thy mercy, to aid me in Thy remembrance and praise and in the service of Thy Cause. O my Lord! I have fled from myself and from all else unto Thee. Write down for me, therefore, that which Thou hast written down for Thy loved ones.

Then preserve me beneath the shade of the Tree of Thy providence and enable me to act in accordance with that which Thou hast taught me of its excellence, station and benefit. Thou art the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth, and in Thy grasp are the reins of all names. There is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

O Zein! Ask God for assistance on behalf of His servants. Verily He concealeth and loveth not that one should speak or reveal or disclose. Thy Lord is verily the Concealer, the Forgiving, the Merciful. In any case, convey what hath been revealed unto the aforementioned person. God willing, he shall be enabled to do that which is meet and seemly. Verily He speaketh the truth and guideth mankind unto His straight path. Praise be to God, the Mighty, the Wise.

The petitions of Haji Ghulam-ʿAli were received, but for reasons of wisdom no reply was given. He also made entreaties on behalf of certain souls; these too were postponed for reasons of wisdom. Let your honor mention that the aforementioned Haji hath made mention of all and delivered the petitions, and all have attained unto that which is beloved, inasmuch as mention was made of each one before the Presence and they have been illumined by the lights of His grace. This sufficeth all, would they but know it. Praise be to God, the Lord of what was and what shall be.

Mention hath been made of His Honour Darvish Khavar, upon him be the Glory of God. Well done for what he hath accomplished in the path of God. Of that which he brought, three tumans should be given to His Honour Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’llah and two tumans to His Honour Aqa Mirza Muhammad, upon them be the Glory of God, and concerning the other five tumans, they commanded that a feast be held on behalf of the Wronged One.

According to His command, the book that was carried by His Honour Nazir, upon him be the Glory of God, should be arranged by your honour, and one volume thereof should be sent specifically to His Honour Aqa Shahvirdi, upon him be the Glory of God. And regarding the copies about which instructions were previously given, these should be carried out. Care should be taken in its dictation, for due to the scribe’s preoccupation, errors are possible.

Concerning what you wrote about the arrival of His Honour Nazir, upon him be God’s loving-kindness, and the execution of that with which he was charged, it was presented. They said: “Blessed are they, happy are they, and may it be wholesome unto them.” If the friends were to discover and become cognizant of the station of this blessed word “happy” which hath issued from the blessed lips, they would be blessed with boundless joy.

This evanescent servant conveyeth greetings and glorification to all, and from every gathering requesteth mention.

Peace and the glory shining forth from the horizon of God’s loving-kindness be upon your honour and upon them and upon those who are with you and who love you and upon every steadfast servant.

The servant 18 Muharram 1300

BH04861: He was named Jamal in the Book of Names…

…He was named Jamal in the Book of Names and Ismu’llah in the Crimson Scroll. Thus was the matter decreed by One Who is All-Knowing, All-Informed….

Concerning thy mention of proceeding to Diyar-Bakr, there is no objection, but in all circumstances He hath commanded that silence be maintained, lest there appear that which would disturb the people or raise a clamor. Teaching in these lands and their surroundings hath been strictly forbidden in the Book, and those lands are also considered as surroundings….

O Baba Husayn! Hearken unto that which the Wronged One calleth thee…

O Shir-Ali! Praise be to God that thou hast attained unto wondrous and sublime Tablets….

BH00063: By thy life, O Thou Who art the Beloved…

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

By thy life, O Thou Who art the Beloved of my being and art mentioned in my heart! Were the essence of thanksgiving to appear with a hundred thousand tongues, and were the temple of praise from time immemorial unto time immemorial to voice forth praise and glorification of the Truth—exalted be His glory—it would fail to requite a single one of His bestowals. One of His bestowals—exalted and glorified be He—is that He hath adorned the hearts of His friends and chosen ones with the ornament of love. Should one endowed with insight contemplate its outward aspect and reflect thereon, he would find himself in a boundless ocean of wonderment, and should he ponder its inward reality, he would be moved to proclaim that its station is beyond description. Exalted be His favors that have encompassed all who are in the heavens and on earth, and magnified be His mercy through which existence hath appeared and the Tree hath spoken forth on Sinai.

According to a well-known tradition, He hath declared love to be the cause and reason for creation. Man standeth bewildered before this Most Great Ocean and its waves. Praised be God that the ocean of inner meanings hath become manifest and visible, and its waves are that which proceedeth from the Mouth of the Divine Will—namely the Most Exalted Word and the Letters that have appeared in the Kingdom of Creation. These exalted letters are accounted as waves of the ocean and as hosts of God, for by these hosts hath He taken possession of the world and made it subservient. Exalted be His power and glorified be His dominion. There is no God but Him. Unto Him be the magnification, the blessings, the salutations, and the radiant light shining forth from the horizon of the heaven of the grace of our Lord and the Lord of all men, upon those who have arisen to serve the Cause and have aided it with wisdom and with utterance. Upon them do the dwellers of Paradise invoke blessings, and beyond them the Tongue of the All-Merciful, from the Pole of the All-Glorious Garden.

My soul be a sacrifice for your service, your devotion, and your steadfastness! The letter of Your Excellency was in truth as a heavenly paradise, for it was adorned with the anemones of realities, the litanies of meanings, and the blossoms of exposition. Even as the present elements of existence, it was both befitting and intelligible; it perfumed the nostrils with a fresh fragrance and bestowed upon them their due portion, abundant and sufficient. Blessed is that gift, and blessed that sweet savor! Blessed the Pen that moved, the Tablet that bore, the ink that flowed, and the fingers that became the dawning-place of love and affection, the source of bounty and rectitude.

After reflection, remembrance, reading, and perusal, it was directed towards its intended goal, and was presented before the Most Exalted, the Most Sacred Court of the Lord of the unseen and the seen. This is what the Tongue of Grandeur hath uttered—exalted and most sweet is His word:

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

O My Name! Upon thee be My glory, My grace, and My mercy. The Pen of the Most High hath borne witness to thy rising up in My service and thy striving for the exaltation of My Cause and My Word. Out of love for the people of the world thou hast embraced exile, and hast traversed the lands to guide the nations. Blessed is he who hath inhaled the fragrance of the Bayan and hath turned unto it with soul and with sweet savors; and woe unto every heedless one who hath held back, every sleeper who hath been withheld, every wanderer whose striving hath been spent upon a vain life. Thus hath the Tongue of Grandeur spoken in His praiseworthy station.

O My Name! Look, then remember, when thou didst stand before the Wronged One, and He Who spake with thee was the Speaker of the Mount, Who came with the signs of the Manifestation, in such wise as had been inscribed in the Books of God, the Mighty, the Self-Subsisting. Say: By God! All meanings did bow in adoration when the Bayan shone forth from the tongue of your Lord, the All-Merciful. This doth bear witness, whosoever hath spoken and whosoever speaketh, that in every station: “There is no God but Me, the Almighty, the All-Loving.”

O Mihdi! We have made mention of thee in such wise that nothing can equal it, and We make mention of thee through that which will regenerate the world through the bounty of the Lord of eternity. Be thou thankful and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Sovereign of the seen and the unseen! Convey unto the people that which We have commanded thee and remind them of that which hath been sent down from God, the Lord of what was and what shall be. Take thou a cup from the Kawthar of utterance and sprinkle thereof upon the dead, in the name of Him Who revealeth the verses, Who hath turned towards thee from this forbidden spot. Say: Fear ye God, O peoples of the earth, and follow not the desires of such as have denied the proof and turned away from the All-Merciful when He came with sovereignty that transcended all who are adorned with the ornament of being. Say: If ye would judge fairly concerning that which hath been sent down from the heaven of the All-Merciful’s will, then speak ye with pure truthfulness. This will deliver you and guide you to His extended path.

Cast away what ye possess and take what hath been given you from God, the Lord of Lords. Beware lest the doubts of the divines hold you back from Him Who is the Lord of all names. Rend asunder with the finger of certitude the veils of idle fancy, clinging to the hem of the robe of your Lord’s loving-kindness, the All-Forgiving, the All-Affectionate. O peoples of the earth! Purify your ears from that which ye have heard from the ignorant ones and your hearts from the insinuations of such as have disbelieved in God in this Revelation. We have sent down the verses and manifested the proofs in such wise that none will deny them save every stubborn opponent. This is the news whereof God’s Books have given glad tidings aforetime, and after them the Prophets and Messengers have borne witness. O heedless ones! Open your eyes: verily the Sun hath risen from the horizon of the heaven of grace and the Ocean of Life hath surged within all possibilities. Come ye, come ye, and follow not every ignorant outcast. The lips of being have smiled at this Revelation, as attesteth every fair-minded one who hath attained pure truthfulness in the days of God, the Mighty, the Best-Beloved.

O My Name! The servant in attendance has come with thy letter and presented that which thy tongue, both outward and inward, hath uttered in praise of God, Lord of all worlds. From every word We perceived the fragrance of thy submissiveness, humility and supplication before God, the Possessor of this wondrous Day. We have adorned thy head with the crown of My remembrance and thy temple with the robe of My loving-kindness. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous.

O My Name! Remind My loved ones and My friends in My behalf with a remembrance that will generate love and unity in such wise that they will renounce all they possess, clinging to that which hath come to them from the True One, the Knower of things unseen.

O My Name! Convey to all the greetings from the True One and strive that the fire of true love may be kindled amongst them. Say: Let not the fruits of the tree of unity slip from your grasp. Were ye to become aware, ye would seek it with your very souls. The steadfast souls of earlier times must show forth the utmost love and kindness to others, and others must hearken unto them and arise for the love of God, that the diverse peoples of the world may inhale the fragrance of unity. By My life, O My Name! This hath been and is the foundation of the Cause and the source of divine wisdom. They must arise with such love as to cause faces to turn and hearts to be attracted.

All matters are witnessed before God. How many souls there are who outwardly show acceptance yet manifest neither fruit nor trace, nevertheless they become the recipients of favor. The breezes of grace guided some of these souls and enabled them to attain their heart’s desire. The mercy of God, exalted be His glory, hath taken precedence; the grace of His near ones must likewise take precedence. Blessed are they who have shown humility for God’s sake. We testify that whoso showeth humility toward My loved ones hath shown humility before My own Self and hath visited My glorious Kingdom. In this matter, which is the most ancient and greatest of all matters, exert vigorous efforts that perchance all horizons may be illumined with the light of unity. Verily He is thy Helper and thy Supporter, and He is the Almighty, the Powerful. That which ye have carried out in this journey hath been adorned with the ornament of acceptance. The glory from Us be upon thee and upon them that are with thee and love thee and hearken unto thy word, from God, the Forgiving, the Generous.

O beloved of my heart! When the ocean of grace surgeth, what can a mere drop accomplish? Whatever may be offered is meaningless and whatever may be said is unworthy. I beseech the Exalted True One, glorified be His grandeur, to make that beloved one the dawning-place of enduring traces. Verily He hath power over all things.

As to the mention made of Muhammad Rasul, upon him be the Glory of God (966), and likewise the arrangement made with the beloved Andalib, upon him be the Glory of God and His loving-kindness, all were presented at the Most Holy Court, together with their letter written to that presence. The Sun of grace shone forth and was evident in relation to them. May they ever be the recipients of grace and steadfast in service. O My Name! The honored Andalib, upon him be My glory, is mentioned in the presence of the Wronged One. I testify that he hath turned unto God and attained the recognition of God, the Lord of all worlds, and hath arisen to serve Him amongst His servants. And I am the All-Seeing Witness.

As to what was arranged concerning the Huquq, it hath been accepted and is well-pleasing before the Throne. We testify that thy deed was purely for My sake and in quest of My good-pleasure. Upon thee be My glory. We have instructed the servant in attendance to transcribe and send it forth. We likewise make mention of the Siyyids. They are servants who have believed in God and turned toward Him. We have mentioned them in various Tablets as a token of Our grace. Glorified be He Who hath aided them and enabled them to do that which He loveth and approveth. By My life! The whole world hath not and cannot equal these words. We likewise make mention of Muhammad the Messenger and give him the glad-tidings of divine favors. God willing, may all abide protected and joyous beneath the shade of the Tree of Providence.

O My Name! We make mention in this place of him who hath been named Qasim and give him the glad-tidings of My acceptance, My attention toward him, and My approval of what he hath wrought in the path of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. O My Name! Remind him of that which hath been sent down from the heaven of My Will as a mercy from Me, for I am the Compassionate, the Mighty, the Kind.

We make mention of My loved ones in Ra and Shin and their surroundings, that they may be assured by the grace of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. We make mention of the Nightingale once again that he may rejoice and be among the thankful. We have mentioned him in such wise as hath made the lips of understanding smile. Exalted be the All-Merciful Who hath guided him to His straight path and caused him to speak His praise and glorification among the servants. He is verily the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

O My loved ones in that place! Know ye his station, then thank Him Who hath sent down unto you that whereby your mention shall endure throughout the duration of My most excellent names. We counsel you with that whereby the Cause of God, the True King, the Manifest, shall be exalted. Take hold of the Book of God with the power granted by Us and fear not the hosts of the oppressors. Woe unto the world that hath denied the right of God and His Cause, and turned away from Him Who created it by a word from Him. He is assuredly among the most lost. Blessed are ye for having cast him and his like behind your backs, turning unto the Most Sublime Horizon on a Day proclaimed in the Books of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

Hold fast unto the cord of unity and cleave unto that whereby the Cause of God, your Beloved and the Beloved of them that know, may be exalted. He verily seeth you and heareth what your tongues utter. Your Lord, the All-Merciful, is in truth the All-Witnessing, the All-Hearing. Grieve not at what the idolaters say. Behold and then recall what they uttered when Muhammad the Messenger of God appeared, and before Him the Spirit, and before Him the Interlocutor. Shame upon a world that hath gone astray and led the servants astray. We testify that by its tyranny the dwellers of the Most Exalted Paradise have lamented, as have the inhabitants of the pavilions of Glory and Grandeur, and the people of the tabernacle of [Infallibility] in a noble station.

The Glory be upon you and upon your children and your families from the presence of One Mighty, Beauteous. God hath forgiven you and your fathers and your mothers as a favor from Him. Be grateful therefore and say:

“Praise be unto Thee, O Thou the Goal of them that are nigh!”

End.

Glory be to God! One deed was performed, and as it was for God’s sake, its fragrance encompassed the world. For at this moment, which is eight o’clock on Monday the twenty-second of Muharram, the Ancient Beauty hath, with utmost grace, mentioned all collectively and then individually, and adorned all with the robe of forgiveness. Exalted, exalted be this most great favor, and exalted be this mighty generosity! O beloved of my heart! In truth the favor is of such magnitude that all tongues are powerless and fall short of its mention. To this testifieth every atom, every thing, every sign, and every fair-minded and perceiving one.

In the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence was mentioned Aqa Mirza Muhammad Darbaghi, upon him be the Glory of God and His favors, and this is what was revealed in response from the Lord of the Final End—exalted be His greatness:

In His Name, the Hearer, the Answerer

O Muhammad! Ismi Mihdi in his letter sent to this Servant mentioned thee, and likewise made mention of the friends in that land. God willing, mayest thou ever be blessed with divine favors and remain turned toward the highest horizon, for should man show the slightest negligence, the smoke of the imaginings of the veiled ones will deprive him. Praise be to God that thou didst hear the divine call and didst turn toward His horizon. Preserve this mighty station through the power of the Most Great Name. Mention of smoke hath been revealed in one of the Tablets. God willing, may all be preserved from it. Verily He speaketh the truth and guideth the way, and He is the Speaker, the Helper, the Mighty, the Beautiful.

Section 2: “This is the Day which all the Messengers…”

This is the Day which all the Messengers and Books have heralded. Nevertheless, most of the divines of the earth remain veiled and heedless thereof, and have become the cause of the heedlessness of the servants. They are the greatest veil and the thick coverings. Blessed is the soul whom the veils of these heedless ones have not prevented from the Dawning-Place of the Light of Oneness. O Muhammad! Give thanks to the Goal of all the worlds Who assisted thee in a Cause from which most of them that are on earth are veiled. God willing, mayest thou be aided to achieve the most great steadfastness and that from which the fragrance of eternity can be inhaled. The Glory be upon thee and upon those with thee.

And regarding the mention made of Mirza Tahmasb-Quli Beg, upon him be the Glory of God, it was presented in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence, and these decisive verses were revealed from the heaven of the Will of the Creator of existence, specifically for him—exalted and mighty be His utterance:

Ardabil, Jinab-i-Tahmasb-Quli Beg, upon him be the Glory of God

In His Name, the One Who ruleth over all names

The servant in attendance read thy letter before the Wronged One and was favored with His hearing. From its words and phrases wafted the fragrance of love. God willing, thou shalt ever drink from the cup of the eternal Beloved’s grace and remain focused on the horizon of His Cause. O thou who art enkindled with the fire of separation and hast turned to God, the Lord of the Day of Judgment! Grieve not over anything. Trust in all matters in thy Lord. Verily He is the Companion of the companionless, the Helper of the helpless, the Supporter of whosoever arises to mention and praise Him, the Confirmer of whosoever turns to Him, and the Answerer of whosoever calls upon Him. Blessed is the face that hath turned unto His Face, and the ear that hath been honored by His sweetest call as it was raised between earth and heaven.

We counsel thee to be steadfast in the Cause, to manifest spiritual qualities and praiseworthy deeds, and to speak goodly words. By My life, whoso acteth in accordance with what hath been ordained by God is assuredly among those who are nigh unto Him in a perspicuous Book. Praise be to God that on this blessed day thou hast inhaled the fragrance of His garment and turned toward His straight path. This is a great bounty and a mighty blessing. By the life of God, the precious jewels of earth and the treasures of kings cannot compare with it. Know thou its station, then give thanks unto thy Lord, the Generous One.

The Truth, exalted be His glory, hath been and will ever be with His loved ones. Verily He is the Near One, the Watchful. O Tahmasb! Give thanks to the Lord of eternity Who hath blessed thee and engaged Himself with thy mention in this Most Great Prison. That which this Wronged One hath ever desired is the salvation of all. God willing, mayest thou speak the praise of the Beloved of all worlds with the utmost joy and delight, and hold fast unto the will of God. Thus hath the Pen spoken while the Lord of eternity was in the Most Great Prison, that thou mayest be among the steadfast ones.

In these days this region is somewhat disturbed; therefore it is not permissible to turn towards this direction. The Wronged One beseecheth God to ordain for thee the reward of attaining His presence and to decree for thee the good of this world and the world to come. Verily He is powerful over all things. The splendor shining from the horizon of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon those who have clung to the hem of their Lord’s mercy, the Forgiving, the Generous.

God willing, may they be illumined by the effulgent lights of the Sun of utterance and meaning that hath shone forth from the Supreme Pen’s horizon, and drink from the chalices of success wherein it lieth concealed. Verily He is the Bestower, the Munificent, the Compassionate, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Regarding what was written about the honored Nabil, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious, that he intendeth to travel to various regions—God willing, may this intention pass from potentiality to actuality. He hath had this intention for some time, but it hath not yet emerged from the realm of the unseen into the world of manifestation. The servant beseecheth his Lord to assist him in that which He loveth and is pleased with, and to quicken the dead with the water of His utterance, and every decomposed bone. It is hoped that the winds of will shall move him. Some time ago a detailed, extensive letter was submitted and sent to his presence. God willing, it hath arrived by now. He wrote a letter to this servant in these days, but since no word of the previous one had arrived, there was a delay in sending a second reply. God willing, may he ever dwell with the utmost joy and delight beneath the shade of the Beloved of the worlds’ loving-kindness.

Regarding what thou didst write about Murad Khan, it was presented before the presence of the Ancient Beauty, and this most holy, most exalted Tablet was revealed especially for him. His exalted Word:

Qaf. His honor Allah-Murad Khan

In His Name, the Hearer, the Answerer

Verily We have heard thy call and thy turning unto Us, and We have remembered thee with that which its fragrance will never pass away, through the everlastingness of God’s Most Beautiful Names. Be thou thankful for this and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Thou the Goal of the worlds! I testify that Thou hast called all unto God and hast borne in His path that which caused the Faithful Spirit to lament. I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy bounty and the sun of Thy grace to strengthen me to remain steadfast in Thy Cause. Verily Thou art the Powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

O Murad! Rejoice in that the Desire of the world hath remembered thee. Nothing that thou witnesseth and beholdeth can equal this, as testified by His Clear Book. Blessed art thou for having rent asunder the veils and turned unto the All-Informed One. How many a learned one hath been hindered, how many a knower hath denied, and how many a servant hath turned and rent the veil through My Most Great Name. Glory be upon thee and upon every steadfast and faithful one who hath turned unto Him.

As commanded, if he is aflame with the fire of love, let it be bestowed. They said: O My Name! Whosoever is mentioned in the Most Holy Court hath attained unto divine favor. This is My practice which hath been established from the beginning of My Revelation, as attested by those in My presence who record that which descendeth from the heaven of My grandeur, and beyond them, verily Thou art the Witness, the All-Seeing. For these are days of grace, therefore it hath been and continues to be bestowed. Otherwise, in truth, were the stations and ranks of the servants to be observed, little worthiness would be found. But God, thy Lord, is the All-Bountiful, the Generous, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Regarding what was mentioned about gatherings and meetings of the friends, and likewise their feasts in the path of God, these details were presented before the Countenance. This is what the Tongue of Grandeur spoke, exalted be His utterance: Blessed are they who have found companionship with My Name and have honored His dwelling place. God willing, may that gathering not be scattered by various corrupting winds, and may the dawning-places of vain imaginings not prevent them from the lights of certitude. May their unity increase at all times until all are illumined together by the lights of the Divine Word and become the cause and means of enlightening the world. We mention them all and give them glad tidings of what hath been ordained for them.

Verily, We from this station send Our glorification upon them and give them the glad tidings of God’s grace, bounty and mercy. For whatsoever they have done hath been adorned with the ornament of acceptance. How excellent is this most exalted station! God willing, may they remain firm and steadfast on this path and consult regarding the promotion of God’s Cause and its teaching, and act according to what is most beloved and excellent. The world is evanescent and whatsoever is witnessed therein shall return to nothingness—this is a truth to which minds, souls and tongues have borne and continue to bear witness. Therefore must the friends of God, exalted be His glory, turn to that which shall cause the salvation of the servants.

Whatever is manifested today for the love of God—its recompense is preserved and treasured in the divine treasuries. Verily, He doth not suffer the reward of the doers to be lost. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

This evanescent servant conveys greetings to all the friends of God. All the souls in that land who have attained unto the wine of divine knowledge are mentioned in God’s presence. Their names, one by one, have descended from the Kingdom of grace, especially those souls who, for the love of God, have performed that which was heard to be accepted from the Tongue of Unity. This evanescent servant hopes that all may act unitedly and in harmony according to what is befitting this Day—namely, that they may turn their attention to the reformation of souls. The Command is in God’s hands, the Lord of the worlds.

Concerning what you wrote about Mashhadi Ali-Akbar and Aqa Siyyid Isma’il—upon them be Baha’u’llah’s glory—being present from the land of K along with several others, and that Mashhadi Ali-Akbar and Jinab-i-Sabbagh specifically requested that mention of them be made before the Most Holy Court—all these matters were laid before the Divine Throne. Thus spoke the Tongue of Grandeur:

“O My Name! We have turned toward them from this Most Exalted Station and have remembered them in such wise that were it to be cast upon the solid rock, the water of life would flow therefrom. Give them glad tidings from Me and remind them of that which hath been sent down from the heaven of My mercy. Verily thy Lord is the All-Remembering, the Compassionate, the All-Knowing. We counsel them to show forth supreme steadfastness in this Cause, such that no idle fancies shall hold them back from the Lord of all beings. Blessed be their faces, their ears, their eyes and their hands—they who have witnessed, heard, turned toward and taken hold of the Book of God, the Mighty, the Wise. Ask God, thy Lord, to protect them and to send down for them that which will draw them nigh unto Him in all conditions. He, verily, is the Powerful, the Mighty. The Glory be upon thee and upon them and upon those who have arisen to serve God, the Mighty, the Beautiful.”

This lowly one conveys greetings and salutations to each one, and beseeches God, exalted be His glory, to aid all to achieve that which leads to remembrance, awakening and salvation. Indeed, wonder upon wonder it is, for the Divine Call hath left its mark upon the solid rock, yet no trace thereof appeareth in the hearts of the heedless. The Command is in His hands; He doeth and decreeth as He willeth and as He pleaseth. He is the Powerful, the Wise.

Regarding what you wrote about the arrival of the beloved of hearts, Haji Mirza Haydar-ʿAli—upon him be the glory of God and His favors—mention of him was the cause of boundless joy, for according to reports he returned from the mouth of the serpent and, praise be to God, remained protected. Detailed accounts of his experiences have arrived from every quarter, and you too have written that all people have testified and continue to testify to the impotence of their divines and the shortcomings of their leaders. Nevertheless, they remain occupied with these glorious veils and mighty barriers, heedless of and veiled from the light of the Divine Dayspring.

The mention of Mirza, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, has been repeatedly presented at the Most Holy Court. At each time He made mention of him in such ways that this servant is powerless to recount. This time these supreme words were revealed from the Dayspring of Names, exalted be His glory and might:

“Verily the Wronged One grieved at his grief and mentioned what befell him in His path. Through him God perfected His proof against those who wronged him. Soon will He seize them through His power and exalt his mention throughout the world. He is verily the Mighty, the Triumphant, and the Dominant over all who are in the heavens and earths. We have sent down what befell him and adorned it with the ornament of My favor, and I am the Powerful, the Mighty. We send greetings and glorification unto him and We shall send him a tablet hereafter, when God willeth and desireth. He is verily the Just, the Wise. The Glory be upon him and upon those with him, and woe unto those who wronged him without any proof from God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.”

Praise be to God that through him the mention of God was raised in those regions, and each of the loved ones has written and sent accounts of the events that transpired. His is the pearl, his the deed, the mention and the praise, and what befell him. This lowly one was blessed to receive his letter some time ago and it was presented at the Most Holy Court. Exalted Tablets were revealed specifically for the people of Mim, however due to the upheavals in this land and its surroundings they were not sent. God willing, they shall be sent in these days.

And regarding the mention of Aqa Muhammad Javad, upon him be the Glory of God and His favors, and likewise the mention of Aqa Abdul-Baqi, upon him be the Glory of God, which you had written at the end of your letter—these were presented before the presence of the Lord of Manifestation. This is what God revealed in response, blessed and exalted be He:

“O Javad! Give thanks unto God for having attained, visited, reached, witnessed and arisen to serve the Cause when the people were in evident fear. There hath appeared from thee in steadfastness a station which We have mentioned in the Crimson Scroll by My Most Exalted Pen. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to confirm thee in this. He is verily the Powerful, the Witness, the All-Knowing. We have mentioned thee time and again in this Book. Thy Lord is verily the All-Bountiful, the Compassionate, the Generous. Be as thou wert before, firm and steadfast in such wise that the whispers of the heedless affect thee not. We have aided thee in My remembrance and service to My Cause. Know thou the station of this exalted station. Hold fast unto it in all conditions, detached from the world. Thus doth the Lord of Eternity command thee. He is verily the Ordainer, the Wise.

Section 3: “And We make mention of Abdul-Baqi who emigrated…”

“And We make mention of Abdul-Baqi who emigrated and attained the presence of God, the Lord of the worlds. Remember when thou wert in the presence and didst hear the call of the Wronged One while imprisoned in this mighty fortress. The Glory be upon thee and upon those who have clung to the hem of their Lord’s grace, the Mighty, the Great.”

O My Name Mihdi! We have adorned the friends of God with the ornament of remembrance, and at the time of revelation all were present before Us, and We bear witness and make mention that, by My life, this is a great station. And those loved ones who were absent from that land were also blessed with mention from the Supreme Pen, and the servant present attained visitation on your behalf and was adorned with the ornament of acceptance. Blessed art thou! The glory and praise be upon thee from Us and upon those who have cast aside what is with the people in hope of that which is with God, the Mighty, the Powerful.

God, exalted be His glory, made mention of that from which the fragrance of countless favors wafted. It is hoped that this letter, unlike previous submissions, will arrive quickly. Thus far, all of your letters that have been received have been answered. At this moment, when the utterance reached this point, the Most Great Branch—may my spirit, my being, and my essence be sacrificed for the dust of His footsteps—honored us with His presence and entrusted a sealed envelope to this evanescent one. Now I intend to open it and partake of the pearls of utterance concealed therein. Glory be to God! What a wonderful coincidence—before one feast was cleared away, another blessing descended. Blessed are we through the perpetuity of the Kingdom and the Realm of Might!

God willing, may this heavenly feast continue to rain down from the heaven of that Beloved One’s love. Your letter dated the fourteenth of Dhu’l-Hijjah, numbered eight, shone forth like the light of nearness and reunion. Praise be to God! After offering thanks and praise, reading and reviewing it, I turned toward the Court of the Lord of creation and presented all before the Holy Presence. This is what was revealed from the Kingdom of Utterance. His words, exalted be His glory, are these:

Praise be to God! The signs of joy and gladness are evident and manifest from the cities and villages through which they have passed. Deeds done for God have a mighty effect; if their manifestation is delayed, it is due to wisdom. In any case, their effect will surely appear from God. God willing, you will strive with the utmost effort to promote unity and concord in the land of Ta and other lands, that perchance the horizons of the world may be illumined with that which God desires. Convey My greetings to Ali-Akbar and Ibn-i-Abhar and the other friends on behalf of the Wronged One. Praise be to God, all are blessed with the mention of God, exalted be His glory.

God willing, may they be assisted to serve the Cause in such wise that no affair may prevent them from the straight path. Say: O friends of the Truth! Preserve your efforts and hold fast to that which promotes the Cause of God. If for a few days you forsake your desires in the path of the True Friend and cleave to that which is beloved in God’s sight, there is no harm in this. Indeed, this matter appears very easy in the path of the Peerless Friend. God willing, may you be mentioned in the Book of God as helper and supporter. Verily, He is with you and commands you to that which profits you. The glory be upon you and upon them.

This evanescent servant had written replies to the letters of the friends, upon them be the glory of God, but was not able to send them. God willing, they will be sent these days, and he offers greetings to each one. To Zein in the land of B.R., after offering greetings, I submit that he has always been and continues to be in our thoughts. The servant, God willing, is adorned with the seal of faithfulness. During his presence he was not forgotten, and God willing, will not be forgotten.

Concerning the arrival of Khan and Shaykh Abul-Qasim, upon them be the Glory of God, and likewise the arrival of the honored lady Aziyyih Khanum, praise be to God they have reached their homeland safely. All are remembered in the Most Holy Presence and are recipients of His favor. Khan and Shaykh, upon them be the Glory of God, have truly endured hardships. Their reward rests with and is preserved with God. If you meet them, convey greetings on behalf of this servant. Shaykh, upon him be the Glory of God, endured much hardship in tending the garden. Whenever this servant visits the small plot, he is reminded of him. It is hoped that the Hand of pre-existing Grace and Mercy will gather all beneath the shade of the Tree. The honored lady Aziyyih Khanum is remembered. This servant beseeches and implores God to assist that honored lady in that which is pleasing to the Friend. Praise be to God, she has attained the blessing of reunion and has drunk from the Kawthar of nearness. This station is most exalted. God willing, may she remain preserved through the Name of Truth.

Concerning Haji Muhajir, the honored Nabil the traveler, upon him be the Glory of God, and the other friends and sons of Khalil and heirs of Kalim in the land of Ha and Mim, upon them be the Glory of God—all that you mentioned was presented before His Presence, and all were blessed with the effulgent lights of the Sun of God’s favor, exalted be His glory. God willing, may they act according to what He loves and is pleased with. The mention of the sons of Khalil, upon them be the Glory of God, caused the Ancient Beauty, exalted be His glory, to smile. He said:

“Blessed is he who was taken in the way of My Cause, and he who spoke the truth in the gathering to exalt My Cause, and those who attained the choice wine of revelation from the hand of My bounty and aided the Cause of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

God willing, may they be illumined with the lights of steadfastness and speak in remembrance of Truth. The friends of that land, from before and after, have been and are recipients of divine favors. God willing, may they hold fast to wisdom and gaze toward the horizon of grace.

As for the mention of the honored photographer, it was most appropriate. All that his honor has accomplished in this journey has been accepted. In these days this servant is writing something to the land of Ra. Although after his honor’s signature there was and is no need for this servant’s receipt, nevertheless, in accordance with that beloved one’s request, the receipt is being sent to the honored Andalib, upon him be the Glory of God and His favor.

At the end of your letter was the writing of the honored, cherished, and kind friend Samandar, the steed of the arena of utterance, upon him be the Glory of the All-Merciful. Complete joy and boundless delight were attained. Praise be to God, they are steadfast in serving the Cause and speaking in remembrance of Truth. Night and day they are occupied with mention and utterance in the Cause of the Desired One of all worlds. Of this there is no doubt or uncertainty. Upon him be God’s peace, His glory, His favor, and His grace.

And concerning the mention of the honored Nabil Jalil, upon him be the Glory of God, the Mighty, the Beautiful—it increased the light of vision and bestowed fresh vitality to the realm of the heart. God willing, may he remain confirmed, successful, safe and preserved, dwelling and resting in peace beneath the shadow of the favor of the Desired One of the world. Letters constantly arrive from the land of Kha. They have written the latest news, namely the passing of the mentioned person and the acceptance of some. According to what was mentioned, the condition of all is good. God willing, may they increase each day in love, acceptance, humility and submissiveness.

Concerning what was written about Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Asadu’llah, upon him be the Glory of God, one of the Sadat of Khums, upon them be the Glory of God—mention of them was made in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence and they attained the favors of God, exalted be His glory. They were mentioned before as well, and the passage they requested will be sent, God willing.

As for the mention made of my master Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Muhammad Darbaghi, upon him be the Glory of God—praise be to God, they are aflame with the fire of divine love, a flame to which God, exalted be His glory, Himself bears witness. By His very truth, this suffices him. Verily He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. They sent a letter to this servant which spoke of overwhelming longing, rapturous love, attention, devotion and detachment. Blessed is he, again blessed is he. I beseech and implore God, exalted be His glory, to confirm him in all conditions. Verily there is no God but He, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.

Concerning the mention made of Jinab-i-Aqa Ali-Askar and Aqa Shir-ʿAli, upon them be the Glory of God, who came solely to meet His Holiness—this was presented and He said their deed is accepted before God. Blessed are they both. They have attained to attention and devotion. We have mentioned them before and after with decisive verses, and We have revealed therein what they did in the path of God, the Lord of the worlds. Convey My greetings to them and give them glad tidings of God’s favor, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. I beseech God to confirm them in that which will cause their mention and their deeds in His path to endure. Verily He is the Answerer of prayers.

Likewise mention was made of Jinab-i-Mulla Ali and Haji Baba and Aqa Qasim, upon them be the Glory of God. After being presented in the Most Holy Presence, they were honored with these exalted words—He says, exalted be His grandeur:

“O Ali! God willing, thou shalt hold fast to the cord of the Cause, detached from the world. Today whosoever attains to the Most Great Remembrance and drinks from the Kawthar of divine knowledge is reckoned among the people of Baha. Ages and centuries will not erase his mention. Know thou this and be of those who are steadfast. Then know the station of those with thee. Look not at that which is unseemly. Behold the horizon of My love and that which We have adorned with the ornament of Our favor. Verily thy Lord doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. Blessed art thou for having attained the mention of the Wronged One, Whom God hath made the Dawning-Place of life and the Point of Adoration of names and attributes. Verily He is the Compassionate, the Generous.”

And this is what was revealed for Jinab-i-Haji Baba and Aqa Qasim, upon them be the Glory of God:

“O My Name! We make mention of him who hath turned to My horizon, heard My call and stood before My gate. We give him glad tidings of God’s grace and mercy, and We beseech Him to confirm him in all conditions and draw him nigh unto Him. Verily He is the Almighty, the Unconstrained. And We make mention of Qasim who hath turned towards the Countenance. We mentioned him before as a bounty from Us. Verily He is the Mighty, the All-Bountiful. We send Our greetings from this station upon him and upon those who have believed in God, the Lord of Lords, at Whose appearance the limbs of names trembled, save whom God willed, the Supreme, the All-Compelling.”

Praise be to God, all have attained to the outpourings of the All-Bountiful Lord and been illumined by the lights of the Sun of favor. No name remaineth but it hath been mentioned by His Most Exalted Pen, and no deed but its reward hath been written in the Book of God, our Lord and your Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and earths. Repeatedly this evanescent one hath conveyed and continues to convey greetings and salutations to the friends.

The supplication of this evanescent one in the presence of that true spiritual beloved is that should you turn towards the Land of Sad and inhale its air which is mingled with the love of the Beloved of the worlds, you should, on behalf of this mere nothingness, visit the Twin Luminous Lights, upon them be the glory of God and the ocean of His bounty and the lights of His countenance. This is the ultimate desire. Verily your reward and recompense rest with God, our Lord and your Lord. At this time, after turning to the ultimate goal and attaining the presence before the Throne, He said: Write in My name to Mihdi and convey My greetings to the people of Sad, both the immigrants and the residents.

Gladden the household with divine favors. Give glad tidings of God’s grace and favor, exalted be His glory, to those related to the Twin Lights. The sister of the King of Martyrs, upon her be the glory of God, has thus far sent several petitions. Should you meet Sadiq, upon him be my glory, convey greetings to him from God. Say: Behold and then remember when God elevated the station of the Twin Lights in this world and the next. Be steadfast in this and keep your gaze fixed upon His horizon, and remain firm in service to His Cause. Verily He will be with you and will aid you in all conditions. He is indeed the Powerful, the Self-Sufficient, the Most Exalted. If the sister has any rights, they should be fulfilled.

O Sadiq, upon you be My glory! Hold fast to that which today is the cause of the exaltation of the Cause. Verily He ordains for you that whereby your station will be elevated among the people. Verily your Lord is the Mighty, the Powerful. Be vigilant in all aspects regarding the family of the King of Martyrs and conduct yourself with the utmost joy and fragrance in their presence. All should be pleased with you. Verily your Lord is the Counselor, the All-Knowing, and the Compassionate, the Generous. He commands you to that which benefits you in the next world and in this. He is indeed the Self-Sufficient, the All-Praised.

Convey greetings to Asad, upon him be My glory. God willing, may he remain firm in service to the Cause and be engaged in settling the affairs of the loved ones of God. End.

It is evident that this evanescent one also expects that you will, on his behalf, convey greetings and glory to the household, upon them be the Most Glorious Glory of God.

May the glory shining from the horizon of eternity be upon you and upon those with you and those who love you and hear your words, and upon all who are steadfast and upright. Praise be to God, the Mighty, the Exalted, the Powerful, the All-Wise.

BH00175: Praise be to the Sovereign of existence…

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

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

Praise be to the Sovereign of existence and the King of the seen and unseen, Who hath caused the pearls of divine knowledge to emerge from the shell of the ocean of utterance through His conquering might and penetrating Word, in such wise that every possessor of insight hath recognized Him and turned unto Him. Even children, by virtue of their attachment to it, have surpassed the learned men and nobles of the age in the degrees of remembrance and investigation. One drop from the Euphrates of His mercy hath intoxicated the world of acceptance and guided it to the pavilion of His presence, and one melody from the birds of His most exalted Paradise hath attracted the world of hearing and honored it with attainment unto the sanctuary of His holy presence.

Should all the tongues of the world engage in mentioning but one letter of the letters that compose a name among the names of the souls that have turned unto Him, they would, throughout the duration of the kingdom of earth and heaven, surely find themselves powerless to render due praise and befitting tribute. This is a station of such loftiness and sublimity as hath been ordained in the ranks of creation—how much less then can any render due praise and description of the Truth, exalted be His glory. Were it not for His leave, His grace and His bounty, who would be capable of mentioning Him, describing Him or praising Him? I seek forgiveness from God, the Almighty, for every mention and praise that beseemeth not His station and befitteth not His rank.

At all times doth this evanescent servant beseech the exalted Truth to illumine the eyes of the world with a light from the lights of His knowledge and to cause the ears of the peoples of the earth to be blessed with hearkening unto His call, that they may not be deprived of His favors nor be forbidden the outpourings of His days. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

And further: thy letter dated the fourth of Dhi’l-Qa’dah did spread the carpet of joy and increased the station of love. After perusing and reading the words which truly diffused the fragrance of love for the Beloved of the worlds, it ascended to the most exalted summit and its contents were presented before the presence of the Lord of Revelation. This is what the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken, exalted and glorified be His utterance:

In My Name, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed

O Muhammad-Qabli-Kazim! We bear witness that thou hast turned unto My horizon and hast attained unto that which most of My creatures who awaited My days, My revelation, My presence, My speech and My utterance were deprived of. Thus hath the matter been decreed, yet most people remain heedless. Night and day they are occupied with the remembrance of the Lord of all mankind, turning toward temples, mosques, sanctuaries and cloisters, yet remaining heedless and veiled from their Founder and Ordainer. Observe the ignorant divines who, while uttering “There is no God but God” with their lips, have in reality unsheathed the sword against the Truth. They have named delusion knowledge and taken vain desire for their god. They have lost the path yet consider themselves its guides.

They turn toward idols yet count themselves as walking toward God. By reason of the oppression of these heedless and false souls, the lamentation of the denizens of the most exalted Paradise and the cry of the inhabitants of the most sublime Heaven have been raised. They have demolished the very foundation of God’s Law, yet consider themselves its builders, and a company of the manifestations of fancy and imagination have followed them. By Him Who converseth from the most exalted Tree upon the summit! Were they to become aware of their deeds even to the extent of a needle’s eye, and cognizant of what hath been ordained for them, they would perish from fear.

Convey greetings from the Wronged One to all the friends in that land. From time immemorial each one hath been blessed with divine verses. In the nights and days, mornings and evenings, the Supreme Pen is in motion. God willing, may they ever regard this supreme bounty as great and act as befitteth the Days of God. Sweet fragrances waft from that direction. God willing, may they ever attain unto this station and daily increase their degrees of love, unity and concord. He who journeyed to Mim is indeed mentioned before Our face, inscribed in the Book, and standing before the Gate. O My loved ones! Upon you be My glory, My mercy, My providence and My grace which hath preceded all who are in the heavens and the earth.

For some time now until the present, as far as can be recalled, mention of you hath been made three times in the Most Holy Court and divine verses were revealed. Blessed are your ears for having heard and your tongues for having uttered the praise of God, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting.

Regarding what was written about his honor the beloved Haji Mirza Haydar-ʿAli, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious—truly he hath arisen to serve and hath borne numerous afflictions in the Cause of God. God, exalted be His glory, Himself beareth witness to this. God willing, in these days sublime and wondrous Tablets specifically for the people of Mim will be sent. For some time blessed Tablets have been revealed but, due to wisdom, were not dispatched. The servant beseecheth his Lord to aid him to make mention of Him, to praise Him, and to promote His mighty, most great, and glorious Cause.

What ye mentioned is not the first hardship that hath befallen His loved ones in the path of God. Now consider the conduct of the government officials and the ignorant divines who consider themselves the guardians of the Faith and who, without any right, sit upon the seat of judgment. This action of the government toward this Wronged One is better than the good deeds of that ignorant scholar who hath judged contrary to that which God hath willed. We beseech God not to deprive the aforementioned governor of the ocean of His bounty and to grant him the recompense of his deed. Blessed is the just ruler, and shame upon that wretched, disobedient, tyrannical one who attributeth himself to the glorious Law without any proof from God, the Lord of all names.

And concerning what was written about the honored Afnan—upon them be the most glorious of all glory—having hosted a feast, after it was mentioned in the Most Holy Court the Tongue of Grandeur spoke this most exalted word: Verily it was mentioned before Our face. We have veiled its mention lest every corrupt deceiver become aware of it. There is recorded for him from the Supreme Pen the good of this world and the next. Verily, He doth not suffer the reward of the doers of good to be lost. Blessed is the deed that appeared in the path of God and blessed is the doer from whom this mighty good appeared. Blessed are those who attended it and blessed is he who honored their arrival. The glances of providence have been directed toward him from this station and I am the All-Knowing Witness.

All the treasures of the world cannot compare with what hath been revealed concerning you. This is from God’s grace which He bestoweth upon whomsoever He willeth.

And regarding the mention you made of him who beareth the name of the Desired One, it was presented in the Most Holy Court. These verses were specifically revealed for him from the heaven of mercy. His word, exalted be His glory:

He is the Speaker, the All-Seeing

O thou who art mentioned before the Wronged One! Hearken unto what We recount unto thee. The idolaters expelled Us from the Land of Mystery and caused Us to enter this Prison with manifest tyranny. We entered and summoned all unto God, the Lord of the worlds. The Sun of the Cause hath shone forth from this supreme horizon by the command of God, the Lord of all beings. Among the people are those who saw and denied, those who witnessed and hastened, those who hesitated, and those who disbelieved in God, the Most High, the Most Great. We arose and called out to the servants with the most exalted call in such wise that neither the thundering of the enemies’ cannons nor the clashing of the swords of the idolaters deterred Us.

They reached such heights of oppression that the Concourse on High and the dwellers of the most exalted Paradise lamented, and to this testifieth He Who speaketh at all times that there is none other God but Him, the Almighty, the Powerful. The Wronged One hath witnessed in the path of God that which no eye hath seen. By the life of God! The Pen hath lamented within itself and the Tablet hath wept as weep those who are bereaved. Thus was the matter decreed when the Wronged One was in the hands of His enemies for numbered years. Thy Lord is, verily, the All-Informing, the True, the Faithful. We counsel thee to be steadfast in this Cause and give thee the glad-tidings of God’s tender mercy, the Compassionate, the Bountiful.

We would love to see every soul that hath turned towards My horizon, but the heedless have come between Us and them. Therefore, beseech God to decree for thee the reward of attainment unto His presence. Verily, thy Lord doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

This year, in addition to the prevention of the preventers and the heedlessness of the heedless, there have been upheavals in the land of Egypt and its surroundings, therefore attention to outward journeying is unwise. We beseech and hope from the Exalted Truth that He may bestow its reward. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

Regarding thy mention of Master Ibrahim who is engaged in carpentry work for the House—this was presented before His face and these manifest verses were specially revealed for him from the Will of the All-Merciful. His mighty and exalted Word:

In My Name, the Remembering and the Remembered

Praise be to God that thou hast been enabled to recognize the Truth, exalted be His glory, and on the Day of Resurrection thou hast turned toward the Dayspring of the Light of divine Manifestation. He made thee aware of a Cause of which most of the divines and mystics of the earth remain deprived, and likewise confirmed thee in the service of the House. It behooveth thee to thank God for this great bounty. How many souls have built mosques and edifices and the like in His name, yet remained deprived of His recognition on the day of His Manifestation, while thou hast attained unto His recognition in His days and art engaged in serving the place that beareth His name. Were the means available, We would have commanded that thou serve a sea of sherbet to the friends of God. Verily, He ordaineth as He pleaseth and forgiveth whom He willeth. He is the Almighty, the Powerful. Be thou engaged in the remembrance of the Beloved of the worlds with the utmost joy and delight. Verily, He will assist thee in all the worlds of His worlds.

All thy relatives and the friends in that land are remembered before Him, exalted be His glory. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, not to take away from us and all the friends this enduring blessing and not to withdraw this all-encompassing mercy, and to adorn the temples of His chosen ones with the ornament of acceptance. Verily, He is the Ordainer, the Powerful. The glory shining from the horizon of eternity be upon you and upon those with you and upon those who have attained unto the recognition of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Some time ago a letter was received from you mentioning Ibn-i-Shahid, Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Kazim, upon him be the Glory of God and His favors. His petitions were presented before the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, and this response has dawned and shone forth from the Dayspring of the Will of the Lord of all Return. His words, exalted be He, are: The favor of the Truth has been and continues to be with him. He has ever been mentioned in the Most Holy Court. O Muhammad-Qabli-Kazim! We have heard the call of the son of him who was martyred in My path. Give him the glad tidings from the Wronged One that We mentioned him before and sent him a Tablet that brings joy to the eyes of those near to God.

Regarding what was written about the House, We accepted it before for the mention of God, His praise, and the recitation of His verses. He is the Commander, the All-Wise. However, in all circumstances wisdom and the glory of the Cause must be observed. If the gathering of the loved ones of God in a place becomes continuous, it may cause commotion. Therefore, wisdom and the requirements of the time must be considered. Soon, that which today has attained to the name of Truth will have its mention spread abroad and will appear in its utmost glory. Verily, He has power over all things. The Glory from Us be upon him and upon those who have testified to that which God testified before the creation of the heavens and earths.

Section 2: “At this time they have also sent…”

At this time they have also sent a letter to this servant. God willing, I hope to be enabled in these few days to present a reply. Convey my greetings and glorification to the friends in the land of M-Sh. Although within the limits of strength, opportunity and time there has been no delay or neglect in presenting replies, nevertheless I confess to my shortcomings and seek forgiveness. In these days letters have arrived from them. I beseech God for assistance in replying. Verily He is the Powerful, the Helper, the Wise.

Your other letter dated the 9th of Dhi’l-Hijjih al-Haram arrived. Consider what the Jewish clergy, Christian clergy, and the clergy of the idolaters did and said when its ordinance was revealed from the heaven of divine favor. With all their power, might and utmost hatred and malice they arose to extinguish the Muhammadan Light (peace be upon him and his family) and mocked his fasting, prayer, pilgrimage and deeds. But God made His Cause victorious though the ungodly detested it. How many centuries and ages have passed since the revelation in the Qur’an of “Pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto God for mankind.” Every year hundreds of thousands of souls, without regard for afflictions and grave diseases like cholera and the like, turn to that Most Holy Place and act upon what they were commanded. The deniers and rejecters, through what they do and say, establish for themselves a designated place in the fire of divine wrath. If they were to become slightly aware, they would destroy themselves with their own hands. In any case, after examining its contents, it was taken and presented before the countenance of the Lord of all beings. This is what the Tongue of Grandeur uttered, His word, exalted be His majesty:

O Muhammad-Qabli-Kazim, upon him be My glory! Since the date of thy letter was adorned with the number of the Greatest Name (9), the effulgences of the Sun of inner meanings shone forth and appeared from the horizon of the Prison. And since it occurred in Dhi’l-Hajjih, the reward of pilgrimage hath been ordained and recorded by the Most Exalted Pen for thee. Therefore rejoice and be thou of the thankful ones. How many souls who, with utmost difficulty, journeyed from distant lands, yet their deeds were not accepted; while thou, in thine abode, through God’s grace, exalted be His glory, attained and achieved this station. Convey My greetings to the friends in that land on behalf of the Wronged One.

For each of the souls mentioned in thy letter which was adorned with the number 9, the reward of pilgrimage hath been ordained by the Most Exalted Pen. Verily thy Lord is the Forgiving, the Generous. The ocean of bounty is surging and the Sun of generosity is shining. Let them ponder upon the station and rank of the divine days mentioned in previous Books, that the greatness of this Revelation might become evident. Through one letter from thee bearing the date corresponding to the Greatest Name, and likewise through the mention of pilgrimage recorded aforetime in God’s Book, several souls attained unto a pilgrimage which is adorned with the ornament of divine acceptance. God is Most Great! This bounty surpasseth what the tongue can mention, what the pen can record, or what the imagination can grasp. Exalted, exalted is His bounty! Exalted, exalted is His generosity! Exalted, exalted is His grace and favor! True felicity hath been and ever shall be from God, exalted be His glory.

The Afnan, upon them be all the most glorious splendor, and his honor Sh. and the others mentioned, upon them be 966 [Baha’u’llah], have all attained unto this great bounty and mighty favor. His is the grace under all conditions. There is no God but Him, the Omnipotent over what He willeth through His word “Be” and it is. The details about his honor Mirza H.Y., upon him be all the most glorious splendor, have been written from various quarters and submitted to the Most Holy Court.

At this point, there was revealed from the heaven of will unto the beloved of the heart, ʿAli-Qabli-Akbar, upon him be the glory of God, the Lord of power, that which will surely be mentioned to thee. Under all conditions We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to assist his honor the Mirza. Verily He hath power over all things. Regarding what thou didst write about his honor the secretary, upon him be the glory of God, and likewise concerning the sending of books—this matter was presented before the Divine Court. This is what the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken, exalted be His utterance:

In My Name, the Remembering, the All-Knowing

This is a mention from Us unto him who hath spoken the truth and turned towards God’s direction when the call was raised between earth and heaven, that he might rejoice and be among the thankful ones. O thou who gazest upon the Countenance! Hearken unto that which the Wronged One speaketh on this Day whereon the seal of the choice Wine hath been broken through My Name, the Self-Subsisting, and the Dove of Love hath warbled upon the branches: Verily there is no God but Him, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the Wise. This is a Day wherein all things have been attracted by this Name, which, when it appeared in the world, caused the limbs of the nations to quake, the pillars of the learned to tremble, and the divines to swoon away, save those whom God did wish, the Lord of the worlds. Blessed art thou for having turned towards My horizon and uttered My beautiful remembrance. Say:

Glorified art Thou, O Thou in Whose grasp are the reins of all things! I beseech Thee by Him Who conversed on Sinai and the Manifestation of Thy Revelation, Who speaks and calls aloud in the Most Great Prison, to assist me to remain steadfast in Thy Cause and to ordain for me through Thy Most Exalted Pen that which shall profit me in all the worlds of Thy worlds, O Lord of all names and Creator of the heavens! O my Lord! Thou seest me turning toward Thee, gazing upon Thy countenance, directing myself toward the ocean of Thy bounty, and clinging to the hem of Thy grace. I beseech Thee not to disappoint me of that which Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones who have cast away idle fancies and vain imaginings in Thy days and have turned with illumined hearts to the horizon of Thy Revelation, the Dawning-Place of Thy inspiration and the Dayspring of Thy signs. Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the Great.

O my Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy power which hath encompassed all created things, both seen and unseen, to forgive those who have turned toward Thee and have sought Thy grace and bounty. Aid them through Thy strength and preserve them from the ignorant among the divines who have cast Thy Book behind their backs and have violated Thy Covenant and Testament, and who have arisen to extinguish Thy light. Verily, Thou art powerful over all things. There is none other God but Thee, the Strong, the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the All-Praised.

Praise be to the Desired One of the worlds Who hath given unto those who have turned unto Him the cup of immortality and bestowed upon them eternal life. That which is revealed today from the Source of the Command and the Dayspring of grace shall endure as long as His earthly and heavenly kingdoms endure. His is the praise and glory under all conditions. God willing, this servant and His loved ones shall be enabled to serve this mighty Cause and conduct themselves with the utmost wisdom, for the satans lie in wait. Whatsoever is revealed from the Source of the Command must be carefully concealed lest any harm rebound upon the Divine Lote-Tree. Wisdom is greatly beloved, and in this most great Revelation, victory is dependent upon it. For should the opposers discover that the way is open and that divine ordinances are outwardly reaching His loved ones, they would assuredly arise to prevent it and might cause the flow of grace to be cut off. Whatever is mentioned is for the sake of the loved ones. Your honor should be vigilant in these matters lest that which would sadden the hearts of those who have turned to Him should come to pass.

And concerning what was mentioned about Haji ʿAbdu’l-Husayn, upon him be the Glory of God, after the presentation of these decisive words, this was revealed concerning him—His word, exalted and mighty is He: He is the All-Seeing, the All-Informed, the Near One.

O Abdu’l-Husayn! Praise be to the Ancient Lord who confirmed thee in a matter whereof most of the peoples of the earth are deprived. Reflect upon those ignorant souls who are known for their learning. Vain imaginings have deceived them to such extent that they have turned away from God, the Lord of all worlds. In mosques and gatherings they mention and glorify the name of God, yet remain heedless of Him. God is quit of them and their like. Whenever the Sun of loving-kindness shed its radiance, such souls became as clouds of darkness, depriving the people from the ocean of inner meanings, save those souls who burned away the veils of idle fancy with the fire of the love of the All-Merciful and turned toward the horizon of their Peerless Beloved’s good-pleasure. The chains of tyranny prevented them not from the Truth, nor did the fetters of oppression deprive them of His favors. They held fast to the cord of His bounty and clung to the hem of His generosity. These are they whose mention hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen in the Books of the past and future.

Convey My greetings to the friends of God and say: Verily, He is with you, hearing and seeing, and He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Nothing escapeth His knowledge, nor can the veils of the world or the ignorant ones among the peoples who adorn their heads with turbans while denying Him Whom they invoke by night and day, prevent Him. However, God hath removed glory from such people. Soon shall they find themselves in evident loss. All their deeds have been exposed and they shall find no escape this Day. Blessed art thou and blessed are My loved ones in those regions who have testified to that which God hath testified, that there is none other God but Him, the Almighty, the Powerful. Under all conditions, fix thy gaze upon wisdom, for in most of the Tablets this commandment hath been sent down from the heaven of the Divine Will. Hold thou fast unto it and be of them that are steadfast. The Glory be upon thee and upon those who are with thee and upon those who have attained unto this Wise Remembrance.

In conclusion, this lowly one conveyeth greetings and salutations to each one and beseecheth confirmation from God, exalted be His Glory. Verily, He hath power over all things. Great effort must be exerted to preserve the Cause and conceal that which hath been revealed, for the evil ones lie in wait to seize that which may harm the Seat of the Cause. Although its protection and dominion have been and are in the hand of power, yet these servants must submit with the utmost joy and radiance to whatsoever shineth forth from the Dayspring of His Cause and act accordingly. Command and judgment are in the hands of God, our Lord and the Lord of all who are in earth and heaven, and the Lord of the mighty throne.

The sending of books to the Most Holy Court was acceptable. Praise be to God that your honor was successful in this endeavor. However, emphasis on their preservation is necessary, nay obligatory, lest the divine Books should fall once again, or time and again, into the hands of the idolaters.

A few days ago his honor Aqa Mirza Ahmad, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, sent a letter to this lowly one mentioning a number of the friends of God. After it was presented before the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence, unique and glorious tablets were revealed specifically for each one, and specifically for that honored one and his honor Aqa Ghulam-Husayn, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, two most exalted tablets were revealed. God willing, may they drink from its life-giving waters and become illumined by the lights of its Sun of utterance. They have attained to that which was intended. Praise and favor be unto Him in all conditions. In those regions they must observe wisdom with great care. This is what We have been commanded by the Truth, the Knower of the unseen.

Convey greetings to all the friends of that land, young and old, male and female.

The Glory shining forth from the horizon of the grace of our Lord and the Lord of earth and heaven be upon you and upon those with you and upon every steadfast, firm, assured and upright one. And praise be to God, the Single, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

22 Muharram al-Haram 1300

BH09166: He is the Hearing, the Answering One! O Mihdi!…

He is the Hearing, the Answering One! O Mihdi! Upon thee be My Glory! The servant who is present hath presented thy letter and laid it before the Wronged One. We perceived from it the fragrance of thy turning unto the Most Exalted Horizon and thy orientation toward the Countenance after the passing away of all things. We heard the yearning of thy heart and the sighs of thy inner being for that which escaped thee in the days of God, the Lord of the Throne and the dust, and the Master of the last and the first. We have answered thee with this Tablet from whose horizon hath shone the sun of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, the Mighty, the All-Forgiving. Be thou assured through God’s grace and mercy, and hold fast unto wisdom and utterance and the teaching of His Cause, which is among the greatest of all deeds. The glory shining from the horizon of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon those who have cast away what the people possess, holding fast unto that which is with God, the Lord of Lords.

BH01253: After completing the response to your numerous letters, two…

He is God, exalted is He!

After completing the response to your numerous letters, two more communications dated the 29th of Sha’ban and 5th of Shawwal arrived, causing joy and gladness. Praise be to God that the fragrance of sincerity emanated from them. However, the response to the earlier letters was written five months ago, but its dispatch was delayed due to the turmoil in surrounding areas. Now that these two letters have arrived, the previous response has been connected and sent.

Regarding what you wrote about Aqa Muhammad Ibrahim of Manshad (upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory), and likewise your mention of the afflictions that befell him, all was presented before the Most Holy Court. This is what the Tongue of Grandeur spoke in response, blessed and exalted be His words:

That which befell the loved ones of Manshad is what befell the friends of God, exalted be His glory, in the first and last generations. There hath come upon them that which caused the Concourse on High to lament. Blessed are they! The Supreme Pen hath testified in their favor that which shall endure as long as the kingdom of earth and heaven endureth. Thus hath the decree been ordained from God, the Lord of the worlds. There hath befallen Us in the Land of Ta and other lands that which is greater than what hath befallen them in this straight Path. We give thanks unto God in all conditions. Soon shall all that is in the world perish, and the sincere ones shall behold what hath been ordained for them in the highest Paradise as a recompense for what they have wrought in this Momentous Announcement.

Sufficient unto them is the testimony of the Wronged One in the Most Great Prison, would that they knew. They should rejoice in what hath been sent down unto them from the Supreme Pen. Happy are they, and joy be unto them, for having drunk the cup of tribulation in the path of God, the Lord of Names, Who hath come with a perspicuous Book and hath adorned each one of them with the ornament of forgiveness. And by virtue of what hath befallen them, God hath forgiven their fathers and mothers. This is yet another bounty from the presence of One Who is Forgiving, Generous. O My loved ones! Grieve not over anything. By My life! There hath been ordained for you that which shall bring joy to every discerning one who hath knowledge. The glory be upon you, and upon those who are with you, and upon your children and your families who have attained unto the recognition of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

The mention of the divine friends from among the people of Manshad hath been revealed from the heaven of the Divine Will in numerous places. They have attained unto that which shall endure as long as the kingdoms of earth and heaven shall last. Blessed are they, and again blessed are they.

Regarding your mention of the vision of Aqa Muhammad Ibrahim (upon him be the Glory of God), it was presented before the Most Holy Court. This is what was revealed from the heaven of the bounty of our Lord, the All-Knowing: The world of dreams has been and continues to be one of the realms of existence. Its details and mention have been revealed from the Supreme Pen in numerous Tablets. However, this dream and others like it that may cause harm and commotion in their expression and execution—acting upon them is not permitted, and indeed even their expression is not permitted. O Ibrahim! Today fix thy gaze upon the horizon of wisdom. Whatever is contrary [to divine law], acting upon it is forbidden.

This is what the All-Wise hath decreed in His perspicuous Book. Dreams do not compare or equate with God’s explicit ordinances. Set aside the dream and take what the All-Bestowing hath revealed in the Book. We have commanded wisdom for all in the Books, Scriptures, Psalms and Tablets, and have forbidden that which is contrary. Take what ye have been commanded and set aside what ye have been forbidden by the One Who is All-Knowing, All-Informed. Praise the Intended One of the world that thou hast been blessed by His mention and confirmed in His knowledge. Strive that thou mayest be distinguished among humanity by spiritual qualities and goodly deeds. This is the counsel of the All-Knowing Counsellor unto thee and all the servants. Be thankful unto thy Lord for this great bounty.

As to thy request for forgiveness for thy departed father and others, it hath been granted. God hath forgiven them as a mercy and favor from His presence. He is verily the Forgiver, the Bountiful, the Generous. Regarding what thou didst write about blessing and abundance, be engaged with utmost joy and fragrance. The promise of blessing hath been sent down from the heaven of the Divine Will. God willing, it shall encompass all the friends. Verily our Lord, the Most Merciful, is the Munificent, the Giver, the Compassionate. The names of all those mentioned in thy letter were presented at the Most Holy Court and were adorned with the ornament of Divine mention. God willing, may all speak and act as befitting and hold fast unto that which they ought.

The relatives of the departed Aqa Siyyid Ja’far, upon him be the glory of God and His mercy, are remembered at the Divine Threshold. This is glad tidings from the servant unto them. I convey greetings and salutations to all. The glory that shineth and gleameth be upon thee and upon every steadfast and unwavering knight whom God hath described aforetime: “No fear shall be upon them, neither shall they grieve.” And praise be to God, the Possessor of all that was and that shall be. The servant. The first of Safar [1300].

BH08994: A Book sent down by the Creator…

…A Book sent down by the Creator of the heavens, wherein He guides His servants to His straight path. The hidden has been revealed and the treasured has appeared, yet most of the people remain heedless. They cling to their own selves, turning away from God, the Mighty, the Great. They have cast guidance behind their backs and followed their desires—they are indeed among the lowly ones.

O Ibrahim! Thou hast been mentioned before the Wronged One and hast attained unto this wondrous Book. Grieve not over the affairs of men. Hold fast unto that which will exalt this Great Announcement. We make mention of the loved ones of God who have clung to the hem of their Lord’s gracious robe. Thus hath the Tongue spoken in the Kingdom of Utterance. Blessed is he who hath heard and said: “Praise be unto Thee, O God of the worlds!”…