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

BH00065: The denizens of the Kingdom bear witness…

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!

The denizens of the Kingdom bear witness that the Lord of the Celestial Dominion hath come with such sovereignty that before it nothing that is seen or witnessed can stand. He, verily, is the One Who was recorded in the Books of God, our Purpose and the Purpose of all who dwell on earth and in heaven. Yet when He came, all in the realm of creation turned away, save those who hearkened unto the Call and, forsaking all earthly things, turned unto the Most Exalted Horizon. These are they who are of the Ark mentioned by the Tongue of Unity in the Qayyumu’l-Asma. He it is Who gave glad tidings unto all of It and of those who would sail therein.

Blessed are they who hastened after they heard, who responded after they recognized, and who found after they turned unto Him. These are God’s chosen ones on earth and His pure ones throughout the lands. All things bear witness unto them even as the Tongue of Grandeur hath borne witness unto them. These are honored servants, these are sincere servants. These are they whom neither the howling of the wolf deterred from God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, nor did the hissing serpent that glides frighten them from that which they purposed in the path of God, the Lord of existence.

Glory be unto Thee, O God of the world! Thou seest and knowest that this servant desired to make mention of one of Thy chosen ones who arose to serve Thy Cause and to aid that which Thou didst purpose in Thy dominion, though I know that my mention befitteth him not—how much less Thy sovereignty and majesty! I testify, O my God, that by Thy leave he turned unto all horizons and by Thy will he faced all directions, until there appeared from him that which Thy knowledge had anticipated. O Lord! I beseech Thee by the power which none save Thyself hath comprehended, to aid him in that which he hath purposed in Thy days for the exaltation of Thy Word. Assist him with the hosts of wisdom and utterance, then protect him from those who have violated Thy Covenant, turned away from Thy Beauty, and denied Thy proof and Thy evidence. Thou art He, O my God, through Whom power and its dominion, might and its sovereignty were manifested. Thou rulest through Thy sovereignty as Thou pleasest, and Thou art the Ruler, the Commander, the Powerful, the Mighty.

O beloved of my heart and he who is mentioned in my soul! By God’s life, the wine of thy remembrance hath intoxicated me, which the chosen ones of the verdant land and those around it caused me to hear. Among that which they say is that thou didst, with thy finger in the land of Qaf and Vav, loose the bonds when a wolf from among the wolves who denied the beginning and the return rose up against thee, when the All-Giving appeared riding upon the clouds. Blessed is he who arose to aid you, assist you, and protect you from the evil of the essence of wickedness. He hath attained unto that which none hath comprehended save God, my Purpose and thy Purpose and the Purpose of all who are in the heavens and earths.

However, this servant is ashamed to have exceeded the bounds of moderation. The exalted and all-knowing Truth beareth witness that thou hast ever been in my heart and before my sight. After reading thy numerous letters, on the wings of love, affection, longing and yearning, I turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon, and after gaining permission and attaining the presence before His countenance, this was submitted. This is what the Tongue hath uttered in the Kingdom of Utterance. His word, mighty is His utterance and exalted His sovereignty:

In My Name, the Stranger in the world and the Wronged One among the peoples

O Haydar-ʿAli! Make wide the skirt of thy search and spread it out, for the Most Great Ocean hath willed to bestow upon thee from the billows of His bounty the pearls of knowledge and wisdom. Gather them together in His Name and present them unto the peoples of the world, that those endued with vision may thereby be distinguished from others. Thus hath the Most Great Announcement informed thee from this hallowed, glorious and exalted Station. That which befell thee in the path of God hath attained unto the ears of the Lord of Names, and verily He was with thee, He witnessed and beheld, and He is the All-Seeing, the All-Informed. Blessed is he who aided thee, and happy is he who succored thee, and joy be to him who testified to that which thou didst utter for the sake of God, the Goal of them that know.

In every age and cycle there hath befallen the loved ones of God that which caused every seeing eye to weep and every person of fairness to lament. The primary cause and origin of tyranny and oppression hath been the ignorant ones of the earth who counted themselves learned and leaders and guides of the servants. They are honored in the name of God, glory be to Him, while they cling to every means toward His abasement. O Haydar! I desire their life, they desire My death. Their heedlessness hath reached such a state that they remain unaware of and veiled from the presence of Him Whom they have worshipped for years, Whose mention they have uttered, and by Whose Name they have been known. By the life of God! They are in manifest error. Their glory hath been removed. Thus hath My Most Exalted Pen decreed, before and after, and I am, verily, the Ordainer, the All-Wise.

They have turned aside from the Book of God and have clung to and acted upon the dictates of their desires, even though in every moment a herald from all directions proclaimeth in most eloquent words and announceth of death and evanescence. I swear by the Most Great Ocean that surgeth in this Prison—were they to become aware, even to the extent of a needle’s eye, of the recompense of their deeds, they would destroy themselves with their own hands.

Say: Glory be to Thee, O Thou by Whose Name the near ones and the sincere ones have sacrificed their souls to manifest Thy Cause and exalt Thy Word! I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy utterance and the pearls of Thy knowledge to ordain from Thy Most Exalted Pen, for him who hath aided Me, that which beseemeth Thy grace and bounty and befitteth Thy generosity and gifts. Thou knowest, O my God, my Goal, my Creator, my Provider, and my Helper, how the oppressors among Thy servants and the rebellious among Thy creatures have risen against me—they who have broken Thy Covenant and Testament, denied Thy Self, and disputed Thy signs. O Lord! Seize them through Thy power, might, strength and sovereignty.

Then open before the face of him who aided Thy servant the gate of Thy grace and bounty, and grant him the choice wine of Thy Revelation and the Kawthar of Thy inspiration, that he may be so transported as to see in existence naught save the manifestations of Thy sovereignty and the evidences of Thy grandeur. O Lord! Aid them that have aided Thee, through whom Thou hast raised the standards of Thy unity and elevated the banners of Thy remembrance and praise. Then bring low Thine enemies who have warred against Thy friends throughout the ages and cycles. There is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the Glorious, the Unconstrained.

Praise be to God! Ye are adorned with the lights of the Sun of meanings and are sustained by the fruits of the Tree of grace. I beseech God, glorified be His majesty, that no ungodly hands shall touch that cherished fruit, and that He will protect it from the tempests of the malevolent ones. Verily, He is powerful over all things. There is no God but Him, the Triumphant, the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

From the day when the letter of that beloved one reached Hadrat-i-Ism-i-Jud, upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God, and was presented in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Court, wondrous and sublime Tablets were revealed from the heaven of the favor of the King of Oneness specifically for each of the friends of the land of M, upon them be the Glory of God. However, due to the upheavals, conflicts, and wars that arose in various regions, there was delay in their dispatch. For long periods, the people of these parts were in utmost fear and disturbance, that what was revealed aforetime from God, our Creator and Fashioner, might be made manifest.

Now for some time the dust of self and passion has settled, and the people of these lands have become tranquil and at rest. Glory be to God! One is astonished to observe that most people cling to that which leads to error and misguidance, while remaining heedless of the Straight Path and the Ark of Salvation, nay, turning away from the Truth, glorified be His majesty. I beseech and implore Him not to deprive His servants of His boundless grace, and to give all to drink from the ocean of awareness. He is the Generous, He is the Merciful, and He is the Powerful.

Concerning what you wrote about his honor Aqa Siyyid Nasru’llah, upon him be the Glory of God, it was presented in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Court, and these manifest verses were revealed from the heaven of Will specifically for him. His words, exalted be His majesty:

In My Name, through which the Tree cried out on the Mount

Praised be He Who hath appeared and revealed the Most Great Ocean, and brought forth from it the pearls of knowledge and wisdom before the faces of all who dwell in the realm of possibility. Among the people are those who have recognized and testified, those who have witnessed yet hesitated, and those who have turned away and denied the bounty of God, the Lord of all worlds. This is the Day wherein the divine bounty hath appeared, the heavenly table hath been sent down, the proof hath been perfected, and that which was recorded in the Books of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed, hath come to pass. By God’s life! The earth doth speak, the mountains do pass away, the clouds pour down rain, and the Tongue of Grandeur proclaimeth:

“There is none other God but Me, the Subduer of Names and the All-Powerful over all things. Within My grasp is the dominion of all who are in the heavens and on the earth.”

O Nasrullah! Rejoice that My Most Exalted Pen hath moved to make mention of thee in this Prison, which God hath made the seat of His mighty throne. We have desired the life of the world and the salvation of all therein, yet they have pronounced judgment against My Self without any proof from God, the Possessor of this wondrous Day. Blessed is the one with vision who hath beheld the lights of My countenance, the one with hearing who hath heard My call, the strong one who hath taken hold of My Book, and the helper who hath arisen to serve My Cause, the Mighty, the Impregnable.

We have ordained victory through wisdom and utterance, and through deeds and character from which the near ones perceive the fragrance of My sanctity and My justice, whereby the Path hath been established and the Balance set up. Thus hath the tongue of revelation spoken, yet most of mankind remain heedless. Blessed is he who hath taken the reins of his desires and acknowledged that which his Lord hath testified—he is among those who are brought near in a clear Book.

When thou findest the fragrance of My utterance and attainest unto My Book, arise and say:

“Unto Thee be praise, O Lord of Names, and unto Thee be glory, O Thou Who art wronged and estranged!”

Thus have We lit the lamp of prosperity with the fire of wisdom and utterance. Blessed is he who hath attained, and woe unto those who turn away.

Glory be upon thee and upon those who have cast away what the people possess, hoping for that which is with their Lord, the Generous Giver.

And this is what hath been sent down to the handmaiden of God from the heaven of the tender mercy of our Lord, the Possessor of sovereignty and the Kingdom. His utterance, exalted be His majesty and glory, is this:

In the Name of the Peerless Beloved

O handmaiden of God! If thou wert to become all ears, by God’s life, it would be befitting, for the Speaker of Sinai hath willed to converse with thee. Be attentive and ponder well, for thou hearest from the Lord of Names the call “O My handmaiden!” How many souls in past ages and centuries gave up their lives hoping for this call, yet attained it not. Have those who today have attained unto the Divine Word recognized the station thereof, or are they heedless of it? Verily thy Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

That mystery which was hidden in all the divine Books and mentioned in the hearts of the Prophets and holy ones hath become manifest and evident and witnessed. Where are the eyes worthy of this Day, or the ears capable of this call? Ask of God that He may awaken the heedless and the slumbering with this sweet call. He is the Hearer, the Answerer.

If thou hast received thy portion from the fragrance of the All-Merciful’s utterance, be thou steadfast in His remembrance and act according to that which beseemeth Him. We make mention of thy mother and thy daughter and give them the glad-tidings of God’s grace and mercy, that they may rejoice and be among the thankful ones in the Book of God, the Exalted, the Great. Glory be upon thee and upon them from the presence of an ancient Commander. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

God bears witness that His bounty towards that beloved one was manifest to such a degree that had he asked for a hundred or more, these would surely have descended in this blessed night from the heaven of His Will. Exalted be this supreme favor and this bounty which none can reckon save our Lord, the All-Knowing Reckoner. In these days, that beloved one has been mentioned repeatedly and brought to the attention of the Most Holy and Exalted Presence. The Ismu’llah M.H., may the Most Glorious Beauty of God rest upon him, has made mention of that beloved one in several of his writings, and likewise has ʿAli-Qabil-i-Akbar, may the Most Glorious Beauty of God rest upon him, written to this evanescent servant about your service, dedication and what befell you. Similarly from the direction of Kha and the verdant land and elsewhere. God willing, may these loving fragrances ever waft and these breezes of affection continue to blow at all times, delighting the sincere ones. In truth, this is a mention infused with love. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, and hope that He will illumine His loved ones with the light of love and unity, nay rather all the peoples of the world. Verily, He has power over all things.

Last week, twenty wondrous and exalted Tablets, specifically revealed for the friends in Shahrud, were sent down from the heaven of bounty and forwarded to Aqa Mirza Ahmad, may the Glory of God rest upon him, as per your indication in the letter written to this servant. This servant also wrote and sent two letters to him and to Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’llah, may the Glory of God rest upon him. God willing, may they be illumined and gladdened by the lights of these revealed Tablets and be sustained by the Kawthar of bounty.

Section 2: “As for what you mentioned regarding wisdom…”

As for what you mentioned regarding wisdom and expressing concern about its absence, praise be to God, whatever has transpired has caused the exaltation of the Cause, and the Tongue of Grandeur has, in several instances, made mention in the sweetest terms of your honor and what was manifested. That beloved one should thank the Purpose of all the worlds with a hundred thousand tongues, for He has confirmed you in serving His Cause in such wise that most have testified to it. Blessed are you, and would that I were with you!

If the Tablets for the land of Mim arrive and they turn again towards that land, it would be pleasing, or if they could be entrusted to a reliable friend to deliver to Mulla ʿAli-Jan, may the Glory of God rest upon him, who may then distribute them to their owners as he sees fit. These Tablets of bounty have been ready for some time, but their dispatch was delayed due to the upheavals in various regions. The living have their portion and the dead theirs—for the former, joy and gladness and treasure, and for the latter, mercy and bounty and forgiveness from God, the Lord of the worlds.

Once, as the Ancient Beauty was walking, mention was made of Mulla ʿAli-Jan, may Glory rest upon him, and several others from His blessed tongue, and after a few moments He uttered these exalted words—exalted be His grandeur:

“O servant in attendance! The fragrance of the love of God is inhaled from those regions. Pray for those souls mentioned and for the friends of those parts, and beseech God, exalted be His glory, for success and confirmation. Blessed are they and theirs is a goodly return.”

Your attention to the regions you mentioned, especially the land of Kaf and Ra, is pleasing, for certain ignorant ones in that land spoke according to their desires and were unaware. Whichever direction they may turn is pleasing, for praise be to God, they are assisted and confirmed and adorned with the ornament of wisdom.

Concerning that beloved one, Muhammad Khan—upon him be the glory of the All-Merciful—thou hast written. He is indeed of those who, as it were, came into the world enkindled. Praise be to God, by the light of his countenance and the warmth of his love he shineth forth and is illumined. A tablet specially intended for him was dispatched, according to the number of seven. God willing, he shall attain through the breezes of the divine Bayan unto everlasting life.

That which hath been revealed before is this: And from water have We made all things living. The intent of “water,” in its primal reality, hath ever been the water of the Bayan of the All-Merciful. Blessed is he who attaineth thereunto, and woe betide the froward! His mention, and what was set forth, was presented before the Most Sacred Presence. This is that which the tongue of majesty hath uttered—exalted be His Word, glorified His glory.

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

O Muhammad, upon thee be My Glory! Thy mention hath been made at the Most Exalted Horizon; thou hast not been forgotten, nor shalt thou ever be. Wheresoever thou art, He is with thee. We make mention of thy turning unto Us, thy devotion, thy presence, thy steadfastness, and thy service in this glorious and exalted station. It behooveth thee to make mention of My countenance, My acceptance, My favor, the effulgences of the Sun of My grace, the manifestations of My generosity, and the tokens of My mercy and loving-kindness which have preceded all created things.

Ask thou the Self-Sufficing Lord on behalf of the aforementioned person that he may not be deprived of the Water of Life, and that he may not be barred from the outpourings of the True Ever-Flowing Fountain on this wondrous Day. Today, all things hear with attentive ears this blessed word:

“O concourse of men! Seize ye the opportunity in these days of the Dawning-Place of your Lord’s command, the All-Merciful. By God! This is a Day the like of which the sun hath never risen upon.”

By the Life of God! What hath flowed from the Pen of Bounty specifically for him in this leaf is, before God, better and more beloved than all his good works, both past and future. I beseech God, thy Lord and the Lord of all that is seen and unseen, to aid him in that which shall cause his mention to endure throughout the eternity of His Most Beautiful Names. Verily, He is powerful over all things and worthy to answer.

It would be most regrettable if these times, a single moment of which excelleth ages and centuries, should pass fruitlessly and slip away. By the Sun of Justice which shineth from the horizon of this prison due to the oppression of the transgressors, should any soul become aware, even slightly, of the station of these days, or catch a fragrance from the garment of this Revelation, he would turn with heart and soul toward the Most Exalted Horizon and act as befitteth. This is a word that hath descended from the heaven of divine loving-kindness. Blessed is he who hath attained, and woe unto every heedless impostor.

It is Our hope that, through the fragrances of the divine bounty, they may attain unto everlasting life. O beloved one! The occupations of this world are a barrier that interposeth, a veil that hindereth from the Truth. We entreat that, by the hand of power, the veils of obstruction may be lifted and rent asunder, that all who dwell upon earth may behold the effulgent rays of the Sun of Manifestation, and may attain unto that which is the ultimate goal.

And as to that beloved one’s decision that Khan—upon him be the glory of God—should devote three years in the regions to the service of the Cause: this matter hath assuredly been and remaineth most acceptable, for all were created to serve. Blessed is the soul that attaineth unto such a station! From the Lord—exalted be His glory—I entreat that in all circumstances He may aid him.

O Beloved of My heart! If separation from the Beauty of the All-Glorious hath affected him, so too his separation hath affected this servant. Praise be to God, in all conditions the prayer is this:

“Lord, pour out upon him patience, and number him among the helpers.”

As to the mention of Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Hashim—upon him be the glory of God—of the people of S, who hath directed his gaze towards Khan in his service: this was presented before the Most Exalted, the Most Sacred Court. And this wondrous, exalted Tablet hath been sent down from the heaven of the mercy of the All-Merciful concerning him. Exalted is His Word, glorified His glory!

In My Name, the All-Compassionate, the All-Bountiful

Glory be to Him Who hath appeared and revealed whatsoever He hath willed. He, verily, is the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. O Hashim! Mention of thee was made in the presence of the Wronged One, and there was sent down for thee that which hath caused the dwellers of the graves to arise in these days of God, the Lord of all worlds. Blessed art thou and blessed are they who have arisen to serve the Cause and have aided the friends of God, the Lord of this wondrous Day. Give thanks unto God for having enabled thee to recognize the Dawning-Place of His Revelation and for having sent down for thee that which rejoiceth the hearts of the sincere ones. If thou attainest unto My Book and findest the fragrance of Mine verses, say: O my God and my Hope! I beseech Thee by the pearls of the ocean of Thy knowledge and the mysteries of Thy Book, to make me in all conditions steadfast in Thy love, turned toward Thy horizon, and speaking Thy praise. Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Conquering, the All-Powerful.

Concerning the mention made of Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Muhammad Sahhaf—upon him be the glory of God—it is this: Praise be to God, he hath been, and remaineth, through the grace of the Almighty, favored and aided. Oft-repeatedly hath his name flowed from the Pen of the Most High; and on this day, which is Monday, the twentieth of the month of Rabi’u’l-Avval, he hath set his face towards the Most Exalted Summit and the Ultimate Goal. His petition hath been presented before the Sacred Presence. This is that which hath been sent down for him from the Lord, the Cleaver of the dawn, the Sender of the winds—exalted be His Word, glorified His glory, and abounding His grace:

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

Say: Glory be to Thee, O Thou at Whose glances the hearts of them that are nigh unto Thee have melted, through the heat of Whose love the hearts of the sincere ones have been set ablaze, by the lights of Whose countenance the hearts of the yearning ones have been attracted, and at the movement of Whose locks the foundations of the lovers have been shaken! I beseech Thee, O Light of hearts and Fire of breasts, by the Crimson Ark and the Word whereby Thou hast subdued earth and heaven, to strengthen me in that which causeth the dwellers of Sinai to inhale the fragrance of Thy good-pleasure and the believers to sense the sweet savors of Thy garment. O Lord! Thou seest me detached from the world and turning unto Thee, O Lord of eternity. Wouldst Thou disappoint, O my Beloved, one who awaiteth the wonders of Thy bounty and grace? Wouldst Thou withhold, O my Heart’s Desire, one who hath clung to the hem of the robe of Thy generosity and favors?

O Lord! I am the weak one who hath sought the stronghold of Thy power, the wronged one who hath hastened to the banner of Thy justice, and the despairing one who hath held fast unto the cord of hope, anticipating the wonders of Thy mercy. O Lord! I am he who was asleep until awakened by the breezes of Thy days, who was seated until raised up by the fragrances of Thy verses, and who was heedless until made aware of the Daysprings of Thy love. I beseech Thee by the Most Great Name whereby the world was illumined, to honor me with Thy presence or to ordain for me, from Thy Most Exalted Pen, the reward of one who hath soared in Thy atmosphere by Thy leave and hath drunk the choice wine of Thy reunion through the hands of Thy bounty.

O Lord! I beseech Thee to make me, in all conditions, submissive to Thy Command, humble before Thy Judgment, turning toward Thy horizon and speaking Thy praise. O my Beloved and Beloved of the world! I wish to be as a leaf moved by the winds of Thy Will as Thou pleasest. O Lord! This is my soul and my spirit and whatsoever Thou hast given me. I have presented them before Thy face and committed them into Thy hands. Do with them as Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Omnipotent, the Exalted, the Mighty, the Unconstrained.

The bestowals of grace and stations of bounty are manifest and evident. What more can this helpless writer say or explain? To him who desires to behold the ocean and its waves, say: Behold, it is before thine eyes. In this case, there has never been and is not now any need for an intermediary. His is the command; He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth.

As to what was written concerning His honor ʿAli-Muhammad, upon him be 966 [Baha’u’llah], it was presented before the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence. The Tongue of Grandeur spoke these sublime words, His glory be exalted:

In My Name, the All-Hearing, the Answering

O Ali-Muhammad! Thou art My servant, and thy Lord calleth thee with the sweetest utterance in the kingdom of divine knowledge. He is verily the All-Bountiful, the Generous. O Ali-Muhammad! Thou art My servant, and thy Lord remembereth thee at this hour with a remembrance that hath perfumed all creation. He is verily the Compassionate, the Merciful.

O Ali-Muhammad! Thou art My servant. The Wronged One hath turned toward thee from the direction of the Prison, that thou mayest become aware of thy Lord’s grace, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. O Ali-Muhammad! Thou art My servant. The Lord of Names hath turned toward thee. Rejoice and be thou of the thankful. O Ali-Muhammad! Thou art My servant, and the Beloved speaketh before thy face. Thy Lord is verily the All-Hearing, the Answering. O Ali-Muhammad! Thou art My servant, and the Lord remembereth thee from the Most Exalted Summit with a remembrance through which every sincere seeker findeth the fragrance of the garment of thy Lord’s mercy, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. O Ali-Muhammad! Thou art My servant, and the Lord of the world remembereth thee in the Most Great Prison. Give thanks and say: Praise be to Thee, O Thou the Goal of the Messengers. O Ali-Muhammad! Thou art My servant, and thy Lord remindeth thee of the days when thou didst stand before the Gate and didst hear His mighty and wondrous call. O My servant! We have heard thy call and have answered thee with that which causeth every tongue to speak, every sorrowful one to rejoice, every stranger to seek the supreme homeland, and every person of understanding to thank his Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

We make mention of Our servant Javad that he may hear what We have caused thee to hear and thank God for this great bounty.

O Javad! The Lord of Creation hath turned toward thee from the Prison and remembereth thee with that whereby thy name shall endure in the Book of the world. He Who hath with Him the clear Book beareth witness to this.

O ʿAbdu’l-Husayn! Thou art he who attained My remembrance aforetime, and We have sent down for thee that which spoke of My loving-kindness and My mercy that have preceded all who are in the heavens and the earth. Give thanks unto God for this most great bounty, then remember Him with a goodly remembrance. The glory be upon you and upon the sister and upon your family and upon those who have testified to that which God hath testified that there is no God but Him, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

In truth, O beloved of my heart, mention of the loving-kindness of the Beloved of the worlds is beyond pen and tongue. Man is bewildered at the dawning-places of heedlessness, the rising-points of ignorance, and the manifestations of idle fancy. To what do they cling and from what do they turn away in heedlessness? Would that they might become aware of even less than can be numbered of the outpourings of these bountiful days.

O Lord! Leave them not to themselves. Assist them through Thy generosity and bounty, then guide them to Thy straight path. Thou art verily the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. O my God! Unveil for them as Thou hast unveiled for us. Thou art verily the One with power over whatsoever Thou willest, and Thou art the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous.

Section 3: “Now may His honor ʿAli-Muhammad, upon him be…”

Now may His honor ʿAli-Muhammad, upon him be the glory of God, remain smiling and joyous throughout his life at this most exalted remembrance and greatest bounty.

In the matter of conversations and certain passages, as well as mention of the unity, attraction and steadfastness of the loved ones of God, this brought true joy. If one reflects upon what has transpired and observes with penetrating vision, one’s soul will voice praise and thanksgiving, and utter “blessed be the people of Baha!” How many souls, with utmost longing and eagerness, advanced toward the place of sacrifice.

At one time these exalted words flowed from the tongue of the Lord of Names—glorified be His majesty: “Were ye to count the martyrs of God, ye could not number them.” Some were so attracted and enkindled by the Word of God that they sacrificed their lives by their own hands at the threshold of the Beloved of the worlds. Among them was the honored Dhabih of Baghdad—upon him be all the most glorious Glory—and likewise the one who in the Land of Mystery cut his own throat, and further Jinab-i-Aba-Basir and Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Ashraf—upon them both be the Most Glorious Glory of God. After beholding the Divine Tablet, they emerged from their homes and openly and clearly proclaimed the Cause of God until they attained the most great martyrdom.

And Jinab-i-Najaf-Quli-ʿAli—upon him be the Glory of God and His mercy—when they had surrounded him, cried out at the top of his voice saying “We have found the Pearl and the Price of Blood!” And in the land of Ta, Jinab-i-Mustafa—upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God—and likewise other souls sacrificed their lives with such steadfastness that all were astounded. And Jinab-i-Aba-Badi’—upon him be the Glory of God and His might—who in the land of Kha, when they demanded he deny the Faith and utter but one word, refused and took and drank the cup of supreme martyrdom in the name of the Lord of all beings. Blessed is he!

Such events occurred in every land, and these souls willingly gave up their lives in the path of the Peerless Beloved. Should this servant wish to fully recount this station, he would need to occupy himself with writing numerous pages. But time is like the phoenix, and opportunity as rare as the philosopher’s stone. In the early days of imprisonment, He commanded that the enkindlement of devoted souls should be somewhat tempered, as it was observed that all desired martyrdom, and numerous petitions had arrived from the friends, all seeking martyrdom from God—exalted be His Glory.

After the appearance of these events and these petitions, the Lord of Names uttered these exalted words—mighty be His Glory:

“We command all to wisdom and utterance, and to preserve their lives, a command from Us, and We are the Commanding One, the All-Wise.”

After the martyrdom of Badi’, He strictly forbade all from such acts in the Book, and the decree of wisdom descended from the heaven of will in such measure that all are incapable and fall short of reckoning it. Glorified be He Who has appeared and manifested what He willed! However, this Most Great, Most Exalted Cause has not been and is not dependent upon such matters. By the life of God, it is greater than what they have known and understood, were they to perceive it. Praise be to God, the Lord of what was and what shall be!

And regarding the mention that was made of Jinab-i-Ibn-i-Ismu’llah-i-Asdaq—upon them both be the most glorious Glory—news of them has arrived in these days from the land of B-SH. Praise be to God, they were in good health, enkindled with the fire of the love of God and speaking His praise, and from that land they intended to travel to other lands.

The servant beseeches his Lord to protect him from the oppression of every oppressor and the hatred of every enemy, and to assist him in serving His most mighty, most great, most firm and impregnable Cause.

In regard to what was written concerning the handmaiden of God, the wife of the late Haji Mirza Hasan, upon them both be the Glory of God, who has sought permission for pilgrimage, this matter was presented before the Divine Presence and was honored with this response, exalted be His grandeur:

“O Haydar Ali! Upon you be My glory, My mercy and My loving-kindness. Gladden My handmaiden, upon her be My glory, with the mention of the Beloved of the worlds. We have glorified her before and We glorify her at this moment. She heard and responded and turned towards God when all on earth turned away, save whom God wished. Your Lord is the All-Knowing. Give her My glad-tidings and remind her of what hath been sent down from the Kingdom of My Will, that she may rejoice in My great bounty.”

This year some of the friends, both men and women, have, with permission, turned towards the Praised Spot, but have not yet attained the honor of meeting. They are dwelling and traveling in cities and lands and paths. Should God will it, all shall attain to that which the Divine Purpose hath desired. The Command is in His hands. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He desireth.

O Haydar Ali! Upon you be My glory. The path is long and the hardship great. Beseech God that the Supreme Pen may record for that accepted and successful handmaiden the reward of attainment. Verily, He is powerful over all things. The Glory be upon you and upon her and upon those who love you in this straight Path. Convey to all the friends in that land the glorification from God and keep them enkindled with the fire of divine love. This day is and hath ever been the Mother of Days. All must hold fast, with perfect wisdom and utterance, to that which will exalt the Cause of the All-Merciful. Thus hath the All-Wise ordained in the Scriptures and Tablets.

Regarding the mention made of Jinab-i-Abu’l-Hasan and Jinab-i-Aqa Ali and Aqa Ahmad from Qa’in, upon them be the Glory of God, praise be to God that these mentioned names have attained the honor of being heard by the Lord of Names. Blessed are they and joy be unto them. This is what was revealed for Jinab-i-Abu’l-Hasan, blessed and exalted be His words:

In My Name which shineth forth from the horizon of justice

O Abu’l-Hasan! The Lord of the hidden and the manifest remembereth thee and commandeth thee to that which will profit thee in all the worlds of thy Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Hold fast unto goodly deeds and unto that which will exalt the Cause of God, the Lord of all worlds. Rejoice in My remembrance of thee, then give thanks unto thy Lord, the Rememberer, the Mighty, the Great.

The letter of one who loveth Me came before My face, and therein was thy mention. We have remembered thee with that which causeth the breeze of loving-kindness to waft over all created things. Verily thy Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Bestower, the Generous. We make mention of Our loved ones in Qaf and Alif and give them the glad-tidings of My remembrance of them and My turning towards them from this distant Prison. They have borne in the path of God that which none bore before them. To this doth testify the Pen of God, the Most High, in this perspicuous Tablet. God shall soon reward those who were patient in His days and shall make manifest their stations in such wise that the tongues of the world shall speak forth: “Blessed be God, the Most Generous of the generous ones!”

We make mention of thy father, who was named Ahmad, and bid him to observe that which hath been revealed in the Book and to manifest beauteous patience. O Ahmad! Hearken unto the call of Him Who hath been wronged. He remembereth thee and informeth thee of that which hath come to pass in the Prison Land by the command of the Mighty, the Powerful. He who circled round the Throne of the Lord of Names hath ascended unto the Most Exalted Companion. Thus hath appeared the decree of destiny from the One Who ordaineth from ancient times. We have revealed for him that which shall endure throughout the eternity of My Most Beautiful Names. Thus doth the perspicuous Book apprise thee from His presence.

O Ahmad! By the life of God, all the treasures of the world cannot equal a single letter of that which hath been revealed for him. To this beareth witness the Ancient of Days from this exalted station. We console thee and those who are related unto him by God’s decree, as a mercy from Our presence, for verily I am the Forgiving, the Merciful. The glory of God rest upon him and upon thee and upon thy son, from God, the Mighty, the Most Praised. And this is what was revealed for his honor ʿAli:

In My Name that appeareth from the horizon of the prison

O ʿAli! The True One, exalted be His glory, hath ever fixed His gaze of loving-kindness upon His loved ones on earth. For each one hath been sent down from the heaven of the Divine Will that which no treasures, mines, traces or fruits can equal. We beseech the True One to aid all to preserve this most exalted station and supreme gift. Praise be to God! The rain of grace hath poured upon the people of Qaf and Alif. Its effects shall surely become manifest. Blessed are they who have quaffed the sealed wine and are steadfast in the Cause of God. They are My loved ones on earth and My chosen ones in the lands. Upon them be My glory, My loving-kindness and My mercy which hath preceded existence.

We console all who have believed in God in thy land, for surely the believers and the sincere in that land have been touched by grief in this new calamity. Now must they, through the grace of God, exalted be His glory, drink from the chalice of joy. I swear by the Sun of the horizon of unity, a station hath been conferred upon him which, were less than a needle’s eye thereof to be unveiled, all would be struck unconscious with joy. Exalted is this most great favor, and exalted is that noble station! Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

And this is what was revealed for his honor Ahmad, exalted be His glory:

In My Name, the Most Holy, the Most Impregnable, the Most Exalted

A mention from Our presence unto him who hath attained unto the recognition of My days, when the divines and doctors of the earth turned away from Me, save those who quaffed the choice wine of the Bayan from the hand of My bounty. And I am the Mighty, the All-Bestowing. O Ahmad! We have heard thy mention and have turned toward thee from this spot which God hath made the Dawning-Place of His mighty signs and the Source of His commandments and ordinances. Rejoice thou in My mention of thee, then give thanks unto thy Lord, the Lord of all return, Who hath graciously aided thee and guided thee unto the straight path. Be thou steadfast in the Cause of thy Lord in such wise that neither the conditions of men shall cause thee to slip nor the veils of idle fancies prevent thee.

We love to make mention in every Tablet of him who was named Nabil-i-ʿAli, who cast away the world in his longing to attain the presence of the Ancient of Days and who clung in all conditions to the hem of the robe of his Lord, the Revealer of verses. He hath ascended in spirit and fragrance, and there hath been revealed for him that whereby the Concourse on High perceived the sweet savors of the garment of mercy of their Lord, the Lord of all mankind. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My grace and the light gleaming from the direction of My mercy be upon him and upon thee and upon every patient believer.

Verily, all the devoted ones, the believers and the sincere ones throughout all lands should be offered condolences, for a mighty pillar hath vanished from sight. However, such grace hath been vouchsafed unto them that this servant can testify that an atom thereof is sweeter, more pleasing, more excellent and more precious than the life of the world. In truth, this evanescent one hath repeatedly uttered “Would that I had been with him!” beseeching and supplicating God, exalted be His glory, that He may confirm all and deprive none from the ocean of His good-pleasure. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

As for the sublime Tablets which were requested for some who dwell in various regions, these shall be sent, God willing. However, had ye given precedence to the people of M, it would have appeared closer to piety, for the newly-planted, wondrous saplings are and have been awaiting water. The attention of the beloved one, His Holiness the Name of God M, may the most glorious of all glory rest upon him, to those regions is most beloved and acceptable before the Throne. God willing, may all who are on earth not be deprived of this all-embracing, pre-existing mercy. From these servants: supplication and humility; and from God, exalted be His glory: acceptance and bestowal. There is no God but He, the Mighty, the Generous.

These are days wherein the Most Great Word, like a true magnet, will reveal all that is hidden in the realities of men and concealed in their hearts. How many possessors of asceticism, piety and fear of God who, on the Day of Resurrection, manifested naught but vain desire. This is the Day whereon the secrets are tried and that which is in the hearts is uncovered. Reflect upon His Holiness Sh.J., may the glory of God rest upon him, how the divine Word revealed, like the rays of the sun without veil or covering, the victory that was hidden within him and concealed from him and all eyes. Blessed is He Who attracted whom He willed through His Most Exalted Word.

Now their station is ordained with God and their mention is recorded with the Truth, to such extent that it hath repeatedly flowed from the Supreme Pen in these pages that their intention was beloved, their deed acceptable, and their triumph welcome. Assuredly the effulgences of the sun of divine favor will become manifest and evident to all the worlds. How many souls who claimed knowledge were accounted among the most ignorant before God. Well is it with him who hath quaffed the sealed wine and aided the Cause of God, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting.

Of the sent pieces, one should reach the son of his honor Aqa Mirza Husayn, may the glory of God rest upon him. The Greater Branch, may my spirit, my being, and my essence be sacrificed for the dust of His footsteps, hath specifically bestowed it upon him, and his name is inscribed on the back of that same piece.

May the glory that shineth from the horizon of the favor of our Beloved and your Beloved, our Goal and your Goal, be upon you and upon those who have turned with radiant faces unto God in this wondrous Day. Praise be to God, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

BH02213: Glorified be He Who hath sent down the Book…

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

Glorified be He Who hath sent down the Book for the manifestation of love among His servants and hath desired to remove disputation and corruption from among the parties, and hath moved His Most Exalted Pen in such wise as to make manifest the station of love and establish the decree of unity throughout all lands. Glory and radiance be upon those who have arisen to serve Him and to aid His Cause through wisdom and utterance.

And now, this servant submitteth that the letter of his honor ʿIsmu’llah M.H., may the Most Glorious of all Glory rest upon him, as well as the letter of the beloved Mirza H.Y., may the Glory of God and His favors be upon him, illumined these eyes and adorned this heart with the ornament of awareness. Mention was made repeatedly of your honor in both. Praise be to God that that beloved one is confirmed in that which is acceptable before God. I beseech Him, exalted be He, to grant your honor such confirmation as no hindrance can arrest and no troubles of the days can sadden.

Likewise the letter of the spiritual friend Aqa Khudadad, may the Glory and Grace of God be upon him, which was adorned with your honor’s handwriting, was also vouchsafed the honor of arrival. Praise be to God, joy after joy, bounty after bounty, and feast after feast have arrived and continue to arrive. However, this servant is much ashamed before Mirza, as it is absolutely certain that for one year or more nothing has been submitted to his honor. Yet the sublime Truth is witness and testimony that they are present and exist in the heart and before the eyes. Whenever the Ancient Beauty, exalted be His glory, would pass by Tell Fakhkhar, mention of them was and is like salt in the food during excursions and walks and other meals partaken of in the Most Holy Court. Praise be to God they have ever been and are blessed.

As for Aqa Khudadad, may the Glory of God be upon him, whose mention hath repeatedly been revealed from the Supreme Pen this year—blessed is he and joy be unto him. I beseech the True One, exalted be His glory, to confirm this servant in mentioning, praising and serving His friends.

Another submission is that some time ago a detailed petition was sent to your honor’s presence, and after sending it was noticed that two Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablets remained and were not sent. They are now being sent. God willing, may the eyes of the recipients of the Tablets be illumined by their light and may they receive their portion from the fragrance of the divine verses.

This servant conveyeth glory and salutations to the honored ones and friends of Truth, and beseecheth all that in times of gathering and mention of the Truth, exalted be His glory, they forget him not. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Generous Giver. May the Glory that shineth manifest from the horizon of our Lord’s loving-kindness be upon your honor and upon those with you and upon every one firm, steadfast and upright. Praise be to God, the Most Exalted, the Most Great.

The servant 29 Rabi’u’l-Avval 1300

BH02327: Praise be to the Sovereign Omnipotent Who has offered…

He is God, exalted be His station, the Greatness and the Glory

Praise be to the Sovereign Omnipotent Who has offered His bounty to all peoples on earth from diverse parties, and likewise His Trust. As to the first, all the peoples of the earth accepted it, but as to the second, none bore it except man. Blessed be the All-Merciful Who created him and made him the recipient of His Trust and the manifestations of His power and the expressions of His might. And prayers and peace be upon Him through whom creation began, who was adorned with the ornament of the Seal, and upon His family and companions through whom the veils were rent, the idols were struck down, faces were humbled and eyes were fixed in awe—those servants whom God created for the exaltation of His Cause and the spread of His laws among His creatures.

Some time ago your letter was received, but this servant did not find the opportunity to offer a reply. Time is like red sulfur, and God, exalted be His glory, bears witness to what has been submitted. Regarding what you wrote about the arrival of the beloved ones, his eminence Aqa Siyyid Yahya and his eminence Mirza, upon them be the glory of God—praise be to God they proceeded by permission to the first destination.

This much is submitted to your honor: divine favor has been and continues to be with you. He has said: “Be thou assured and be of those who are thankful.”

And what his eminence the beloved Aqa Siyyid ʿAli, upon him be the glory of God and His favor, has stated is correct and complete, for consultation on matters has been delegated to those of highest rank. However, if there is suitable accommodation and means in Port Said, we can send his eminence Aqa Siyyid Taqi, upon him be the glory of God, to you as well so that you may be together. The prohibition regarding Port Said was in consideration of your being alone, lest you become disheartened. Otherwise it is quite clear and evident that you are joyful and act according to whatever is commanded. Now too, as commanded, consult—if it is deemed advisable we will send his eminence Aqa Siyyid Taqi to you to be a companion to your honor and an assistant in your work, or you may proceed to Alexandria. Both options are adorned with the ornament of permission and good-pleasure. Blessed art thou, for thou hast drunk from the cup of contentment and by the testimony of the Beloved they are pleased with you. In these matters too, whatever emerges from consultation is most preferable. Peace be upon thee and mercy be upon thee and upon every steadfast and assured one. And praise be to God, the Most High, the Most Great.

The servant On the night of 29 Rabi’u’l-Avval 1300

BH02590: The lights of the Manifestation have encompassed the world…

He is the One dawning from the horizon of justice!

The lights of the Manifestation have encompassed the world, and the Speaker of Sinai calleth aloud, summoning all creation to the Most Exalted Horizon. Yet most of the people of earth remain heedless and veiled, for they have all clung to the sources of fancy and delusion. Consider what befell in former ages the Daysprings of Divine Unity and the Manifestations of God’s Cause. The divines of that age were the cause and reason, and by the decree of these vain imaginings there occurred what caused all things to weep and lament. In this day, the world is redolent with the fragrances of the robe of the Revelation of the Ancient King, the heaven of proof surgeth upon the ocean of utterance, the Sun of Revelation shineth forth from the midmost heaven, and the rustle of the Most Exalted Pen is raised at every instant. And yet, they have gathered together, and established themselves upon their seats, and have spoken that which would put an animal to shame, how much more man himself! Were they to become aware of one of their acts, and perceive the mischief it hath wrought, they would, with their own hands, dispatch themselves to their final abode.

O people of Baha! The tyranny of this heedless and oppressive band hath prevented the rays of the Sun of Justice from shining forth. The Truth, exalted be His glory, hath come for the salvation and life of all, yet this group hath risen to slay Him, banish Him, and harm Him. However they shall gain nothing. Not an atom’s weight of deeds shall remain concealed on God’s Day, nor ever shall. Consider what the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’an:

“O my son! If there be (aught) the weight of a mustard-seed and it were (hidden) in a rock, or (anywhere) in the heavens or on earth, God will bring it forth.”

Soon shall they receive the recompense of their deeds.

Praise be to the Goal of all worlds that thou hast attained unto that which was recorded by the Pen of God in all the Books, and whereof the Concourse of Prophets and Messengers gave glad-tidings. Stand thou firm in thy Lord’s Cause, and speak forth His remembrance with the wisdom We have sent down in the Psalms and Tablets. The Glory be upon thee and upon those who have attained unto this most exalted Station and have been given to drink by their Lord from this Kawthar, from whose flow is heard: “There is no God but He, the Mighty, the All-Bestowing.” Moreover, the Glory be upon him who guided thee to the Straight Path, and praise be to God, the Lord of the beginning and the end.

BH02912: O Abu’l-Ma’ali! Spread wide the hem of thy seeking…

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

O Abu’l-Ma’ali! Spread wide the hem of thy seeking, for the Ocean of Inner Meanings desires to cast upon thee the pearls of knowledge and wisdom, that thou mayest display them before all faces and eyes, that perchance the people of creation may become aware of that which hath shone forth from the Most Exalted Horizon and turn unto God, the Lord of Lords. Say: Beware lest ye deprive yourselves of the Euphrates of your Lord’s utterance, the All-Merciful. Abandon all that exists in contingent being, turning unto the Mighty, the All-Bestowing.

Thy letter was present and the servant who standeth before the Wronged One submitted it while He was walking in the most exalted place. We heard what thy tongue of sincerity uttered and answered thee with verses that illumined the horizons.

We witnessed the turning of those who have turned to the Countenance and heard their yearning in this Cause whereby the idols were struck down—they who adorned their temples with the ornament of knowledge and pronounced judgment against the Dayspring of Revelation with an injustice whereat the clouds cried out. They hasten to the congregational mosques for My remembrance, yet when I manifested My Self they denied it. What aileth these people that they hear not the Word and understand not the Tradition nor the Book? They make mention of God with their tongues while denying Him by Whom the Trump was blown and the mountains were moved. Say: O heedless ones! Whether ye acknowledge or deny, verily He hath appeared with the truth and decreeth what He willeth through His sovereignty, despite you and those who dispute the verses.

Blessed art thou for having turned, heard, and arisen to serve the Cause on a day wherein feet have slipped. We counsel thee in all circumstances with that whereby the Cause of the All-Merciful may be exalted. Arise with wisdom and utterance lest the clamor be raised of those who have turned away from God and followed vain imaginings and idle fancies. Rejoice in thy Lord’s mention.

We have sent down for thee and for those whose names thou didst mention Tablets that cry out with the most exalted call between earth and heaven. The door of grace hath been opened and God hath come riding upon the clouds. This is a day wherein smoke hath encompassed the inhabitants of earth save those who have cast away desire and turned to the Most Exalted Horizon. They are among the people of Baha in the Scriptures and Tablets.

Thus hath the ocean of utterance surged and the horizon of knowledge shone with the luminary of thy Lord’s mention, the Sovereign of all religions. Glory be upon thee and upon those who have taken the choice wine of understanding and drunk thereof with power and sovereignty.

BH03126: The verses have been sent down and the evidences…

He is the Hearer, the Answerer

The verses have been sent down and the evidences have appeared and the Lord of Names hath come with the standards of the Cause, yet most of the people understand not. He hath testified of His Own Self by His Own Self and hath spoken with His Own Tongue that there is no God but Me, the All-Protecting, the Self-Subsisting. By the life of God! That which had never appeared in the world hath appeared, and the divine fragrance hath wafted, and the breeze hath blown, and the Ark hath sailed, yet most of the people perceive not. They have become heedless of God’s Cause and have broken His Covenant. Thus have their souls enticed them, and they understand not.

Blessed art thou, O Ali, for having turned unto Him and heard and believed and arisen to serve the Cause in days wherein the edifice of misbelief was shaken and the hearts of those who stood upon hypocrisy were perturbed and turned away from God, the Mighty, the Loving. We have remembered thee with a remembrance that will not be affected by extinction. The kingdom of earth and heaven bear witness to this for thee.

O shepherd of God’s flock! Guard them from the wolves of the earth by My Name, the All-Protecting over the seen and unseen. Take hold of the reins of the Cause by My Most Great Name and say: O concourse of divines! Fear God and bar not those who were created by God’s binding Word, by which the books of the world were detailed, if ye but knew. Beware lest the conditions of learning withhold you from the Known One. Cast away what ye possess and take what ye are commanded by the Truth, the Knower of the unseen.

O thou who gazeth toward My horizon and turneth unto My countenance! Give glad tidings to My loved ones who have been intoxicated by the wine of My loving-kindness and attracted by the fragrance of My robe and made to speak by the breath of My utterance and who have recognized through the tongue of My grace My manifest and extended path. We, from this station, glorify their faces and counsel them to fear God, exalted be His glory, and to that whereby this Cause shall be exalted, through which the Most Great Joy hath appeared and all things have proclaimed: The kingdom belongeth to God, the Possessor of existence. Thus hath the river of knowledge flowed from the Pen of thy Lord, the All-Merciful. Drink thereof in My Name and say: Praise be unto Thee, O Thou Who hast remembered me in Thy praised station. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon those who have heard the call of God which was raised from the precincts of His forbidden prison.

BH05228: O Muhammad-Qabli-Husayn! The Wronged One makes mention of thee…

In the Name of Him Who warbles upon the branches!

O Muhammad-Qabli-Husayn! The Wronged One makes mention of thee from the prison precincts and summons thee to God, the Lord of the worlds. He hath appeared with the truth and hath manifested whatsoever He desired, and hath called all to the supreme horizon. Among the people are those who have disbelieved in God, the Lord of all being, and turned away from the Most Great Sign, and among them are those who have turned towards it and hastened and said:

“Here am I, O Lord of Names! I testify that Thou wert hidden in God’s knowledge and inscribed in His perspicuous Book.”

Blessed is he who hath sought the ultimate goal and the supreme summit. Woe unto every heedless and remote one! Blessed art thou for having turned towards Him when every learned doubter turned away. Take hold of God’s Tablet with the power that is from Him, then read it amidst the myriads of the denizens of the highest Paradise. Thus doth command thee He from Whom is a preserved Tablet. We counsel thee and those who have believed to observe wisdom and that whereby the Cause of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, may be uplifted. From this spot We send Our greetings to My friends and loved ones who have cast aside all else but Me and have arisen to serve My wondrous Cause. Say: O peoples of the earth! By God, the Most Great Book hath appeared and calleth all unto His luminous horizon. Beware lest the things of this world hold you back from the Lord of all being. Cast aside what ye possess and take what is with God, the Almighty, the Powerful. The glory be upon thee and upon those who have cast aside vain imaginings and been illumined with the lights of certitude.

BH05816: In My Name, Who Warbleth upon the Branches

In My Name, Who Warbleth upon the Branches

The heavens have been cleft asunder, the earth hath been rent, and the mountains have crumbled, yet the people remain in heedlessness and schism. All things circle round the Prison, while the Concourse on High circle round the Throne at eventide and at dawn. O People of the Book! This is the Day of Return, and the Truth calleth out with its loudest voice, summoning all to the straight path. O people of the earth! Fear God and follow not the desires of those whom wealth hath prevented from attaining their ultimate goal. Cast away what ye possess and take hold of that which God, the Lord of lords, hath commanded you. Beware lest the veils of the divines shut you out from the Most Exalted Horizon.

Leave them behind you, turning unto the horizon from which hath shone forth that which was recorded in the Books of God, the Mighty, the All-Bestowing. Thy name hath attained the honor of being heard by the Wronged One in the Most Great Prison. We have made mention of thee in such wise as no earthly treasures or heavenly riches can equal. Be thou thankful for His having enabled thee to recognize the Ocean of His utterance and the Sun of His bounty, and for having acquainted thee with Him Who was mentioned in the Scriptures and Tablets. Glory and praise be upon the people of the Crimson Ark, mention of which was revealed in the Qayyumu’l-Asma’ before God, the One, the Chosen One. And upon thee and upon thy works among those who have laid hold of the Book of God with the strength that proceedeth from God, the Revealer of verses.

BH06162: A remembrance from Us unto him who hath inhaled…

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

A remembrance from Us unto him who hath inhaled the fragrance of the Garment and hath turned unto the Countenance when the horizon of the world was illumined by this Most Great Light, and I am the All-Seeing, the All-Informed. O concourse of the earth! The Day of Hearkening hath come, for the Lord of Names calleth aloud between earth and heaven and summoneth all unto that which they were promised by One All-Knowing, All-Wise. Say: The Promised One is He Who speaketh at this moment in this perspicuous Tablet, and this is the Day of vision and of meeting, for the Most Great Scene hath been illumined by the lights of the countenance of the Lord of Destiny, through Whom the verses were sent down and the evidences appeared and whatsoever was hidden in My all-encompassing knowledge.

We summoned the servants unto the Lord of Creation but they turned away in such wise as caused the dwellers of earth and every discerning person to lament. Blessed art thou and those whom the intimations of men have not held back from the Truth—they arose and uttered that which the All-Merciful revealed in His mighty Book. Thus hath the Dove of Eternity warbled that thou mayest thank thy Lord, the Munificent, the Generous. The glory be upon the people of Baha who have attained unto the days of God and held fast unto His firm cord. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH06747: He is the One calling between earth and heaven!…

He is the One calling between earth and heaven! By the life of God! Every soul who today has drunk from the sealed wine in the name of the Self-Subsisting, is mentioned before God as among the most exalted of beings.

O friends! The station of the sincere ones, the believers, and those drawn nigh is very great. This is the Day concerning which He says:

“The Day when thy Lord shall come, or some of the signs of thy Lord.”

Blessed is the soul that has turned to the Truth and recognized Him in His new attire. Great is this Day and great is this Cause. Blessed be they who possess understanding!

Hold fast to the cord of His grace and cling to His blessed hem, and say: I have cast aside all else but Thee and have turned to Thee. Wilt Thou disappoint me from the ocean of Thy mercy and the sun of Thy grace? Or wilt Thou make me one of those through whom Thy signs were spread abroad and Thy evidences appeared, and who drank the choice wine of Thy revelation from the hands of Thy bounty?

Nay, by Thy might, O Lord of Names and Creator of heaven! Verily this servant was certain of Thy grace and mercy, and knows with the knowledge of certainty that Thou wilt not disappoint him from what Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones. There is no God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Generous, the Giving, the Bountiful.

BH06805: O My handmaiden! The entire world cannot equal one…

In the Name of the Hearer, the Answerer!

O My handmaiden! The entire world cannot equal one drop of blood that is shed in the path of God, exalted be His glory. Blessed art thou and blessed is thy son and Abu Basir, for they were both martyred in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds. Through this supreme bounty the eyes of the friends have been illumined while the eyes of the enemies of God remain sightless. True vision has belonged and will belong to the people of the Most Great Scene; all others, even if possessing a hundred thousand eyes, shall be raised up blind and so recorded in God’s Book. Another affliction hath befallen thee in My days. We console and comfort thee with this mighty remembrance. By the life of God! She ascended and soared unto the Supreme Companion, attaining that which tongues and pens are powerless to describe. In all conditions fix thy gaze upon God and place thy trust in Him. Verily He will be with thee in all circumstances, and He is the Mighty, the Bestower. Glory be upon thee and upon the handmaidens who are with thee, who have believed in God, the One, the Mighty, the Self-Subsisting.

BH06661: The atoms have borne witness to Him Who hath…

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

The atoms have borne witness to Him Who hath come with the banners of verses, while the people remain in heedlessness and hypocrisy, save those whom God hath protected as a token of His grace—and He is the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.

Glory be unto Thee, O Light of hearts and Manifest One through Thy beloved Name! I beseech Thee by Thy Most Great Book, which none among the nations hath comprehended, to illumine the hearts of Thy loved ones with the light of Thy knowledge. Then send down upon them that which will enable them to achieve that whereby their remembrance shall endure through the perpetuity of Thy names and attributes. O Lord! Thou seest him who hath turned unto Thee, who hath voiced Thy praise and clung to the hem of Thy grace. I beseech Thee to ordain for him the good of all Thy worlds and to immortalize his mention in Thy Book. Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the Exalted, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. There is no God but Thee, the Mighty, the Beloved.

BH07079: A mention from the Wronged One to him who…

He is the Manifest, the Speaking One, the All-Knowing

A mention from the Wronged One to him who has drunk the Kawthar of utterance from the hands of his Lord’s bounty, the All-Merciful, and was among the successful ones. He heard the Call and answered his Lord, and attained to the Day wherein every heedless and remote one turned away. Blessed is he who has turned to the Countenance and advanced toward the Most Exalted Horizon when he heard the Call of his Lord, the Most Glorious, at whose raising all things proclaimed:

“The Promised One has come, and that which was recorded in the Books of God, the Lord of the worlds, has appeared.”

Say: By God! The appointed time has come, and the Revealer of verses walks in the Most Great Prison and speaks that whereby the limbs of the world have quaked, except for those who cast away idle fancies and took hold of the Book of Certitude from the presence of One knowing and wise. Thus did the Tongue of Grandeur speak when He was in this mighty stronghold. Arise to serve the Cause in such wise that neither the might of the world nor the doubts of the nations shall dismay thee. Thus does My Most Exalted Pen speak as a bounty from His presence. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Generous.

BH07198: The Most Great Vision hath appeared, and the Lord…

In His Name, Who is the All-Seeing, the All-Hearing

The Most Great Vision hath appeared, and the Lord of Destiny speaketh therein that there is none other God but Him, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. All things have perceived the fragrance of the utterance of the Lord of Names, yet most of the people comprehend not. They have cast the Book of God behind their backs, having followed the book of their own selves—nay, they perceive it not. That which was promised unto the servants hath come to pass. Well is it with the one possessed of such strength that he hath turned toward the Most Sublime Horizon in such wise that the hosts could not weaken him. Say: By God! This is a Book from which the followers of true knowledge, who have borne witness to that which God hath testified—that there is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Loving—perceive the fragrance of the All-Merciful.

Thus have We sent down the verses from the heaven of utterance and dispatched them unto thee, that thou mayest thank the Truth, the Knower of things unseen. From this station do We send Our greetings upon the faces of My loved ones who have fulfilled My Covenant and My Testament, and who have clung to the hem of My sacred and beloved robe. Grieve not for what hath befallen thee in My path. He will surely reward thee through His grace, for He is the All-Bountiful, the Mighty, the All-Forgiving.

BH07227: He is the One dawning, manifest, shining forth…

He is the One dawning, manifest, shining forth from the horizon of grace. The Supreme Pen makes mention of the friends of God and gives them glad tidings of the ocean of mercy and the sun of bounty. Blessed is the soul that heard and turned with utmost joy and fragrance to the lights of His countenance.

All were waiting, yet when the Sun of Revelation shone forth from the horizon of the world, they arose in opposition. Whenever the Daysprings of the Cause and the Manifestations of the Divine Self appeared in the earth, the divines of that age became the greatest veil and prevented the people from turning and drawing near, except for the learned one who took and drank the most pure wine in the name of the Lord of Power.

He is as the vision for the world. Blessed are the souls who obeyed him and became mindful through his remembrance.

O friends! Beseech ye God that He not deprive all from the rain-showers of the clouds of His heaven of bounty. Verily He is the Powerful, the Hearer, the Answerer.

BH07310: O Abu-Talib! Fix thy gaze upon this blessed word…

In the name of the one true God

O Abu-Talib! Fix thy gaze upon this blessed word which is as a crown for the head of mystical understanding: “Set aside what thou desirest and take what thy Lord desireth.” Blessed is the soul that hath attained unto this most exalted word. Today the friends of God who have quaffed from the Kawthar of inner meanings must fix their gaze upon the Will of God and cling to His Purpose. This is the station of true evanescence and spiritual oneness.

Today the ocean of bounty surgeth before the faces of all peoples. How excellent is the state of those souls whom neither the intimations of the divines nor the doubts of the theologians have prevented.

O friends! Hearken unto the call of the All-Merciful and arise to serve His Cause. Be not grieved by worldly conditions. Soon all that is visible shall return to nothingness, while that which hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen shall endure and remain established. Thus hath the Tongue of Grandeur spoken in His Most Great Prison.

Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Glory be upon every steadfast one who hath arisen to serve the Cause, and upon thy son, and upon every one who hath turned and is firm.

BH07324: O Asadu’llah! Praise be to the Goal of all…

In the Name of Him Who is the Guardian over all names!

O Asadu’llah! Praise be to the Goal of all worlds Who aided thee to recognize Him in days when most of the divines and mystics of the earth are heedless and veiled. Know thou the value of this station and preserve it in the Name of the True One, exalted be His glory. All created things have been created for this Day and throughout ages and centuries were hopeful and expectant to attain the Divine Day. When the gate of heaven was opened and the Countenance of the Promised One appeared, all turned away. Such is the condition of the servants. God willing, may the friends of God who have drunk from the cup of recognition and have turned to the supreme horizon occupy themselves with utmost wisdom and utterance in mentioning the Beloved of the worlds. Verily He is with them, hearing and seeing, and He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

BH07755: The Cause has appeared and the verses have been…

He is the All-Knowing Witness.

The Cause has appeared and the verses have been sent down, and the Desired One has ascended the throne of His name, the All-Wise. The Day has come and He Who was promised speaks in the Most Great Prison while the peoples remain in evident veils. We have sent down the verses and manifested the signs.

Blessed is the eye that has seen and the ear that has heard the call of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. We have perceived from you the fragrance of turning to God, and We have mentioned you in this wondrous Tablet. Give thanks to God that you have been mentioned before the Wronged One, and there has been sent down for you that which has diffused the fragrance of the All-Merciful throughout creation. Verily your Lord is the All-Kind, the All-Generous. Beware lest human conditions prevent you from the Most Great Scene. Leave the people behind you, then turn with your heart to the Supreme Horizon, the place where the Tree calls out that there is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Praised. Glory be upon the people of Baha who have heard and responded to God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH07573: He is the Witnessing, the Witnessed One! By God!…

He is the Witnessing, the Witnessed One! By God! The Promised One hath come, Who was recorded in the Books of God, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. He hath come with a Cause before which all the hosts of the earth combined cannot stand, yet most people comprehend not.

We have made manifest the Path and guided all unto it. Among the people are those who have turned towards it and those who have turned away. Thus hath the matter been decreed from before God, the Lord of existence.

The letter of one of My loved ones hath arrived wherein thy name was mentioned. We have remembered thee with this beauteous remembrance. Blessed art thou for having heard the Call and turned towards the Supreme Horizon. Verily thy Lord is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

We counsel thee to remain steadfast in this great Cause, through which the feet of all humanity have slipped save those whom thy Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful, hath preserved. Give thanks unto God that the Countenance of the Ancient One hath turned toward thee from His Most Great Prison and spoken that which hath enraptured the hearts of those near unto God. Blessed is the ear that hath heard, and the eye that hath seen, and the hand that hath taken hold of the Book of God, the Mighty, the Great.

BH08027: Great indeed is this Day, for the Mighty Announcement…

In the Name of the peerless Lord!

Great indeed is this Day, for the Mighty Announcement hath been manifested therein, and whatsoever was mentioned and promised in the divine Books of the past and present hath become clear and evident. All the peoples of the world, throughout the nights and days, beseeched to attain the presence of the Day of God; yet when the Sun of Revelation shone forth and the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree was raised up, all arose in opposition save whom God, the Lord of the worlds, did will. While time remaineth and opportunity existeth, strive that perchance thou mayest attain to that which beseemeth the days of God. This is the counsel of the Wronged One unto the friends of God. Blessed is he who heareth and acteth, and woe unto the heedless. We counsel thee and thy brother to manifest the most great steadfastness in this mighty and exalted Cause.

BH08482: Hath the Book appeared in truth? Say: Yea…

In His Name Who shineth from the horizon of utterance!

Hath the Book appeared in truth? Say: Yea, by the Lord of the worlds! Hath the Call been raised through grace? Say: Yea, if thou be of them that know! Say: The appointed time hath passed and the Promise hath come, and the Promised One calleth from His glorious station. Yet the people remain in manifest remoteness. They behold the Kingdom and turn away from it, they hear the verses yet remain heedless thereof. Thus hath the Pen raised its shrill voice and the Tongue of Eternity spoken. Blessed is he who, having cast the world behind him, hath heard, and blessed is he who, having seen, hath turned toward the horizon of his Lord’s gracious favor. The glory shining from the horizon of eternity be upon them who have turned to the Lote-Tree beyond which there is no passing and have attained unto that which was promised them in the Book of God, the Mighty, the Wise. We have heard thy call and witnessed thy turning to Us. We make mention of thee as a bounty from Us, that thou mayest be of the thankful ones. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds!

BH08525: O Iman! We have mentioned thee before and sent…

He is the Most Holy, the Most Great

O Iman! We have mentioned thee before and sent unto thee that from which the sincere ones perceived the fragrance of the loving-kindness of their Lord, the Self-Subsisting. Praise be to God that thou hast attained unto the Day of God and turned unto the Most Exalted Horizon. The reward of this deed is now concealed. By the lights of the Divine Countenance! Soon will all the world pine for the station of one of the friends of God. Most of the people of the world are seen to be unconscious, in the stupor of heedlessness and pride. All the divine Books testify to this Revelation, yet the sightless ones of the world strive with utmost hatred and rancor to extinguish the light. Blessed is the strong one who hath cast the world behind him, turning unto God, the Lord of eternity, Who speaketh in the Most Great Prison:

“Verily, there is none other God but Me, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the Wise.”

BH11104: God the Most Glorious! The ocean of divine knowledge…

God the Most Glorious! The ocean of divine knowledge has surged when the fragrance of the All-Merciful was diffused. Enter, O people of Baha, into the Crimson Ark, then board it in My Name, the Most Exalted, the Most High. Blessed art thou for having attained unto the Kawthar of My utterance in My days and for having acknowledged that which My Tongue hath acknowledged in the kingdom of My wondrous expression.

BH01973: By God! The essence of utterance confesses its powerlessness…

He is God, exalted be His station in greatness and power!

By God! The essence of utterance confesses its powerlessness to mention our Chosen Lord. Neither hearts nor eyes can comprehend Him. We bear witness that there is no God but Him, acknowledging and confessing that which the Tongue of Eternity spoke before the creation of the world—that there is no God but Him, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. And peace, manifest from the Abode of Peace, and light, shining from the horizon of the heaven of the favor of the Lord of all beings, be upon His Prophets and His chosen ones, through whom were opened the gates of knowledge and understanding in the contingent world, and every heedless one turned toward the ocean of certitude; and upon Him by whom the Frequented Temple was adorned and the horizon of manifestation was illumined; and upon His family and companions, through whom every seated one arose, every foundation was strengthened, every mystery appeared, and every wise command was revealed.

The servant beseeches his Lord to assist all to achieve what He loves and is pleased with in this Day wherein the unity of religion has been scattered and the pillar of certitude has been shaken, inasmuch as the servants have violated God’s Covenant and His Testament, denied God’s favor and His Cause, and disputed His signs and His authority.

Glory be to Thee, O Thou at separation from Whom the eyes of them that are nigh unto Thee have wept and the hearts of the sincere ones have yearned! I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy bounty and the sun of Thy grace not to look upon them and what they have wrought in Thy land, but rather to the heaven of Thy generosity and the sun of Thy bestowal. O Lord! Aid Thy servants to act in accordance with what Thou hast revealed in Thy Book and with what will profit them in every world of Thy worlds. Verily, Thou art powerful over what Thou willest. Verily, Thou art the All-Bountiful, the Munificent, the Bestower, the All-Generous.

Thereafter, your letter has been received time after time. Until now, whatever has been seen has been answered despite lack of opportunity. Praise be to God, you have attained to His bounty and are occupied with His mention and praise. God willing, you shall remain steadfast in service under all conditions, in such wise that earthly concerns and their vicissitudes shall not prevent you nor hold you back from good deeds. Be thou in all circumstances turned toward the Most Sublime Horizon and placing thy trust in God, the Lord of all mankind. This evanescent servant beseeches the True One, exalted be His glory, to cause you to attain that from which the fragrance of eternity may be inhaled. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Powerful, the Almighty. He heareth the call of His servants, and He is the Hearing, the Answering.

One day they said that Abu’l-Hasan, upon him be His glory, should observe the good-pleasure of the Afnan. This is what We previously commanded him. End. Praise be to God, all that hath proceeded from you thus far hath been acceptable in the presence of the Countenance. All the parties of the world are seen today to be heedless, save whom God willeth. Blessed art thou, for thou hast drunk from the cup of bounty and attained unto the Goal. Well is it with thee and with everyone who hath attained that which is mentioned in His Mighty Book.

Convey greetings and felicitations to the honored gentlemen. God willing, may it be accepted. Convey greetings on behalf of this evanescent one to the loved ones of that land. God willing, may all act as befitteth and be occupied with and gladdened by the mention of the True One, exalted be His glory. Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God, and His blessings.

The servant, end of Rabi’u’l-Avval [1300]