Volume 072: Akka 1300 A.H. (1882–1883), Part III (2 of 4)

BH00550: Praise be to God, Who hath adorned the preamble…

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

Praise be to God, Who hath adorned the preamble of the Book of Revelation with the letter Ha’ following the letter Ba’, through which the Trumpet was blown and all who are in the heavens and earth were thunderstruck, and through which the path of grace was raised up and the balance of justice established, and through which the limbs of all names trembled and the foundations of those who denied God, Creator of heaven, were shaken, and through which the tribes lamented and the widows cried out, and through which the banner “Verily He is God” was raised throughout all regions of existence and the standards “Truth hath come, the Knower of the unseen” were unfurled. Glorified be He Who hath appeared and made manifest through the Most Exalted Word that which all in the kingdom of creation are powerless to describe.

The glory shining forth from the horizon of our Lord, the All-Merciful’s will, be upon those who have cast away vain imaginings, shattered the idols, and hastened with their hearts to the horizon whence the Sun of certitude hath dawned forth and the Kingdom of utterance appeared and the Nightingale warbled upon the branches. The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the One, the Single, the Mighty, the Bestower.

Glorified art Thou, O Light of hearts and Fire of souls! I beseech Thee by Thy Beloved Name, through which the blood of lovers was shed in separation and livers were melted by the fire of longing, to assist Thy chosen ones to stand firm in Thy Cause in such wise that love of life shall not prevent them from drawing nigh unto Thee, O Lord of attributes and Revealer of verses. Then send down upon them, O my God, from the heaven of Thy grace that which befitteth Thy generosity and bounty, that they may abandon all they possess and arise to that which beseemeth their station. O Lord! Thou art the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing, the All-Hearing, the All-Perceiving.

Thou dost witness, see and know what hath befallen Thy trusted servants at the hands of Thy wicked enemies. O Lord! This evanescent servant hath mentioned one of Thy loved ones out of love for Thy Beauty and longing for Thy Cause. I beseech Thee to assist him in Thy remembrance and praise, then inscribe him with the Most Exalted Pen in the Crimson Tablet, and ordain for him that which shall profit him in this world and the next. O Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy clear signs, Thy Revelation and Thy power to aid him to stand firm in Thy love. Verily Thou art the Almighty over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the Wise.

Thereafter, thy letter reached Me and the breezes of thy love wafted over Me. When I read and found its purpose, I ascended to the Most Exalted Summit until I attained the presence of the Lord of all beings, and I stood before the Throne, still and silent, observing. Then the Tongue of Grandeur spoke and said: “What is this in thy right hand?” I opened it and presented what was therein. When it was completed and ended, He, exalted be His glory, said: “He is the All-Seeing, the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”

This is Our mention unto one whose book hath attained unto the hearing of the Lord of Names in this station which hath been named the Luminous Spot, and at other times the Heaven of this Heaven, and by the Most Beautiful Names of God. Verily thy Lord is the All-Compassionate, the All-Bountiful. We have heard thy call and have answered thee that thou mayest render thanks and arise to serve the Cause on this Day whereon the clamor hath been raised from all sides and the Tongue of the Chosen One hath spoken: The Kingdom is God’s, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Soar upon the wings of certitude in the atmosphere of the love of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, that thou mayest hear the warbling of the Bird of Utterance.

By the life of God! It will attract thee to a station which the pens of the world are powerless to praise and the tongues of them that remember are incapable of describing. Blessed is the soul that hath not been hindered from the Truth by the conditions of creation and hath rent asunder the veils through His Name, the Powerful, the Mighty. This is a Day wherein the gate of heaven hath been opened and the Lord of Names hath spoken: Come ye and draw nigh, O people of creation! By God! The Hidden One hath appeared and that which was treasured up and promised in the Books of God, the Lord of all worlds, hath been revealed.

We counsel the chosen ones of God and His loved ones with that whereby His Cause may be exalted and His virtues manifested among His servants. Verily thy Lord is the Counselor, the All-Seeing. Convey My greetings unto the faces of those whom the conditions of the world have not prevented from the Creator of heaven and who have spoken what they heard from the Truth and acted upon that which they were bidden in His perspicuous Book. How many a servant hath turned to the Most Exalted Horizon and testified to that whereunto God testified before the creation of the heavens and earth, and how many a servant hath turned away by following the dawning-places of idle fancies who cast the Book of God behind their backs and held fast unto that which they possessed. He, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. And how many a servant hath turned toward and then away, and how many a servant hath stood with such steadfastness as caused the mountains to be scattered and every mighty idol to fall. Thus have We mentioned thee and sent down for thee the verses that thou mayest arise to serve the Cause and be of them that are thankful.

Today the Essence of bounty calleth aloud unto all beings with the most exalted call and guideth creation unto the Truth. In such wise, a hundred thousand such as this evanescent one are powerless and incapable of mentioning, expressing, and manifesting the bounty of God, exalted be His glory. What can a drop perceive of the waves of the Most Great Sea, and what can it express? By the Sun of Truth, all who are in earth and heaven have been and are powerless. The Seal of the Prophets and Messengers—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake—hath confessed His bewilderment. What then can this servant say and what can he manifest? I seek His forgiveness, I seek His forgiveness, I repent and I repent. Verily He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Bountiful, the All-Pardoning, the All-Merciful.

Regarding what you wrote about Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Rida, nephew of the late and exalted Haji Dhabih, upon both of them be the Glory of God, that his circumstances had not yet been presented at the Most Holy Court—this servant, about a year ago, was present one day at the Most Holy Court when mention of him was made in a letter from one of the friends. He showed favor and established his relationship to one who believed not in Him Who believed and was martyred in His path. He said that God willing, he would be confirmed in preserving this station. Likewise, in a letter which this servant submitted to the beloved Varqa, upon him be the Glory of God and His favor, a Tablet was specifically revealed from the heaven of grace for the aforementioned one, and mention of him whom God had related to Him was detailed from the Supreme Pen.

God willing, they will be assisted in preserving the favors of God, exalted be His glory. Today it is incumbent upon everyone to hold fast to that which causes the steadfastness and exaltation of God’s Cause. Whatever they have done in the path of God is remembered before God and they have surely attained and will attain its recompense. Today is such a day that if someone takes a single step for God’s sake, its effects will be reflected in the mirror of knowledge which exists within all creation. How then could pure deeds, goodly words and praiseworthy conduct manifested by someone in God’s path remain without effect? Glory be unto Him, glory be unto Him, above what they describe and exalt above what they mention!

And regarding what you wrote about being in service to the exalted Dhabih, upon him be the Glory of God, hoping to attain His presence—this matter was presented at the Most Holy Court. This is what the All-Giving revealed in response, blessed and exalted be His words:

Today the sun of grace is shining and the ocean of favor is surging. The Truth, exalted be His glory, openly and manifestly hearkens to the call of His loved ones and bestows His response. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, the Generous. The whole world was created for the meeting with God, and all divine Books bear witness to this truth. Nevertheless, in the days of His manifestation all were heedless and turned away, save whom God willed. Today, those who have drunk from the wine of utterance and are gazing toward the horizon of the All-Merciful are mentioned before God as the gems of existence. They must know the value of this most great bounty and supreme gift, and cling to those means which cause and promote the exaltation of the Cause, that perchance the people of the world may not remain deprived of the Most Great Ocean and may attain their ultimate goal.

Their names have been inscribed by the Supreme Pen in the Crimson Book, and He shall write for whomever desired the reward of meeting Him. Verily He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth. He counsels all to be steadfast and faithful to this Cause whereby the limbs of all names have trembled. Thus has the decree been sent down from the heaven of the Divine Will in this mighty Prison. Prayers, peace and glory be upon those whom vain imaginings have not kept back from God, the Lord of all worlds. And praise be to God, the Mighty, the Wise.

O friend! By God, the Guardian, the Self-Subsisting! The people are heedless and deprived of awareness. Night and day, without cessation, there hath been sent down from the heaven of the All-Merciful’s Will that which the world of creation is powerless to comprehend or reckon. Nevertheless, the opposers have uttered what they have uttered, even though, by His very Self, the Truth, none other than this servant hath been or is aware. In any case, with a hundred thousand lamentations, entreaties and supplications, I beseech the friends of God that they all strive to reform the world, that perchance the vain imaginings of the past may not hereafter emerge and deprive the people of the Dayspring of certitude. Let them arise for God’s sake and speak for God’s sake. Verily, He is the Protector of those who do good and the Lord of those who act.

And now, they had written that his honor Aqa Muhammad-Rida, upon him be 95 [Baha’u’llah], is engaged in a trade in the Land of Ta. This matter is adorned with the ornament of divine acceptance, for all are commanded in this day to pursue a craft, profession or trade, and the work of craftsmen is accounted as worship in God’s Book. Well is it with them and pleasant it is unto them. And God willing, may his honor Mirza Jahangir be assisted in the mention of Truth and the service of Truth. Mention was made of them before the Most Holy Court, and this servant’s hope is that from the friends of God in this springtime of Revelation there may appear such a matter as shall endure throughout the eternity of His Most Beautiful Names. This is not difficult for God. I convey greetings and salutations to those two honored friends and commit them to God, exalted be His glory. May the Glory that is manifest, resplendent, dawning and evident be upon you and upon those who have turned unto His straight Path.

BH00878: A mention from Us to him who turned…

He is the Speaker in the Kingdom of Utterance!

A mention from Us to him who turned to the Most Sublime Horizon and attained the Living Waters in the days of his Lord, the Most Merciful, and spoke that which the Dove of the Cause cooed upon the branches. Verily, there is no God but Him, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. God testifieth that there is no God but Him, and He Who hath appeared with the truth is indeed the Hidden Secret and the Treasured Mystery, and He is the One promised in God’s Books of old. Blessed be the people who understand.

We have appeared and made manifest the Cause. Among the people are those who denied, those who turned away, those who disbelieved, those who pronounced judgment against the Lord of the seen and unseen, and those who shattered the idols of vain imaginings in the name of the Lord of all mankind in days wherein the Ancient Beauty was established upon the Most Great Throne and the tongue of grandeur proclaimed:

“There is no God but Me, the Truth, the Knower of the unseen.”

They who have attained the recognition of God are indeed the denizens of the most exalted Paradise in the Preserved Tablet. We bear witness that thou hast turned, recognized, and spoken that which the Tongue hath spoken in the Kingdom of Utterance, and hast answered thy Lord when the Call was raised between earth and heaven. Verily, nothing whatsoever escapeth thy Lord’s knowledge. He witnesseth and seeth, and He is the Mighty, the Loving. Take thou the chalice of eternity in the name of the Lord of Names, then drink therefrom in spite of them that deny the signs of God.

O Jalil! The Desired One of the world remembereth thee from the Most Great Prison and giveth thee glad tidings of that which hath been ordained for thee by God, the Lord of what was and what shall be. Blessed is the one with vision who hath beheld the Most Great Sign, and the one with hearing who hath heard when the Call was raised in the Kingdom of Creation, and the one with a heart who hath turned to the Praiseworthy Station. Remember My loved ones on My behalf and give them the glad tidings of My mercy and My favor which have preceded existence. Rejoice thou in that We have remembered thee before, and now once again, as a token of grace from Us.

Verily thy Lord is the Omnipotent over whatsoever He willeth. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Beloved. Thy letter was presented and the servant in attendance hath laid it before Us. We have answered thee with this inscribed Tablet, which, when it descended from the heaven of the Cause, the other Tablets prostrated themselves before it. Thus did My Pen speak when the Wronged One was in this forbidden place. We send Our greetings upon thee and upon those who have taken hold of the Book of God with strength from Him and have drunk the sealed wine in His Name, the Self-Subsisting.

O Jalil! God willing, thou shalt attain to the most great steadfastness and service to the Cause of the Lord of creation. These are the days that have been mentioned and recorded in all books, scriptures and tablets. The whole world hath been created for this Day, yet all are veiled from it save whom thy Lord willeth. Today, any good deed that appeareth from anyone, purely for the sake of God, shall endure for as long as the kingdom and the heavenly dominion shall endure. Convey My greetings to the friends in that land and gladden them all with the bounty of God, exalted be His glory. Thy letter was presented and the fragrance of steadfastness was wafted from it. This station is most great—preserve it in the name of God.

When thou didst inquire about divination (jafr), in truth this is not and hath never been the day for questions, even as the Primal Point, Who gave the people glad tidings of the Lord of the Beginning and the End, forbade all from asking questions in this Most Great Revelation. Some time ago this Most Great Verse was revealed from the Supreme Pen: “This is not the Day of questions. It behooveth every soul, when he heareth the Call from the Kingdom of Creation, to arise and say: ʿHere am I, here am I, O God of Names! Here am I, here am I, O Creator of Heaven!”’ For these fleeting days were not and are not worthy of such things. The souls that are serene, content and well-pleasing should regard time as precious and act in accordance with that which is befitting this Day. That which is visible shall ere long be rolled up like a scroll. Most grievous would it be should man occupy himself with aught else but Him on the Day of God. We have ordained for thee that which will dilate the breasts, gladden the hearts and bring delight to the eyes.

Previously, whatsoever was asked from the Dayspring of Divine Knowledge received detailed answers which were revealed and dispatched. In these days We desire to speak on every matter even as the Divine Lote-Tree hath spoken. Beseech ye the True One, exalted be His glory, to aid you in that which beseemeth the Day of God.

Were the friends of God to recognize their station in this Day, they would perish from joy and gladness. Give thanks to the Desired One of all worlds that He hath mentioned thee in the Most Great Prison. One word from Him is more exalted than all things. Were people to become aware of its station, they would assuredly sacrifice their lives to attain it. At all times, with the utmost joy and radiance, strive ye to offer the Living Waters to those who thirst in the valley of mystic knowledge in the name of the True One. This service hath no peer or likeness.

Today the comprehensive book of divination is that Most Exalted Word which hath flowed and will continue to flow from the Supreme Pen. From it can be derived all that lieth concealed within the tabernacle of God’s knowledge. Should anyone reflect upon the verses and that which hath been sent down from the heaven of God’s Will, he would testify to that which My Pen hath testified at this moment. The divine worlds have been and shall forever be without end. The deeds of the Prophets and Messengers bear witness to this clear pronouncement. Reflect, that thou mayest know that thy Lord is verily the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Today no matter among matters and no thing among things can compare with a single mention proceeding from a sincere rememberer. Today man is able to deposit precious pearls in the treasuries of the Trustworthy, the All-Wise. Today is the day of planting, today is the day of fruit, and today is the day of grace and bounty. Beseech ye the True One, exalted be His glory, that He deprive not all from the ocean of inner meanings. Verily He is the Bestower, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Glorified art Thou, O Thou Who hast, through the light of Thy countenance, illumined all regions and before the manifestations of Whose power all created things have bowed down in submission. I beseech Thee by the Dawning-Place of Thy signs and the Dayspring of Thy clear tokens, Who calleth out with the most exalted call in the Most Great Prison and summoneth the nations unto Thee, that Thou mayest ordain through Thy Most Exalted Pen for Thy chosen ones, Thy loved ones, and Thy friends that which shall shield them from the evil of Thine enemies and draw them nigh unto Thee. Verily, Thou art He Who doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. O my Lord! Aid Thy servants to stand firm in Thy Cause, to arise to serve Thee, and to place their trust in Thee under all conditions. I beseech Thee by Thy glory and the lights of Thy throne to assist Thy loved ones in Thy lands and Thy chosen ones in Thy realms. Thou art He Whom nothing can frustrate and no affair can hinder. There is no God but Thou, the Everlasting, the All-Sufficient, the All-Powerful, the Mighty, the All-Wise.

BH00908: Praise be to God Who hath adorned the world…

He is God—exalted be His station of grandeur and power!

Praise be to God Who hath adorned the world with the lights of His firm Command and hath manifested what He desired for the advancement of the peoples, and hath bidden them to bow down in humility before those who were drawn to the Manifestations of eternity, through whom was raised the standard that there is none other God but Him. Exalted, exalted be His station, and exalted, exalted be His might and grandeur! He is the One Who hath embellished the brocade of existence with the mention of the Seal, through Whom was revealed that which was hidden in His knowledge and inscribed in His Book and remembered in the hearts of those near unto God and the minds of the sincere ones. Prayers and peace be upon Him and His family and His companions whom God made the stars of the heaven of His grace and the ships of bounty, and through them He revealed what He desired, though the idolaters detest it.

O beloved of my heart! Your letter hath brought me joy and your words have stirred me for they wafted the fragrance of the love of our Beloved and your Beloved, our Goal and your Goal. The servant beseecheth his Lord in all conditions to strengthen you and assist you to mention and praise Him in the Kingdom of Creation. O thou who art remembered in the heart of this servant! The station of Islam hath declined, religion hath weakened, and the banners have been reversed. We must supplicate God at all times, at eventide and dawn, that He may assist His loved ones and servants and raise up one who shall arise to redress what hath been lost. Your honor hath heard what the strong hath wrought upon the weak, and what hath befallen God’s cities and lands from cannons and rifles. We beseech God to adorn the world with the ornament of justice that perchance the fire of hatred may be stilled. Verily, He is the Ruler over what He willeth. There is none other God but Him, the Hearer, the Answerer.

Thereafter His writing was presented before His face. They said: God willing, may they be occupied at all times with the mention of God, exalted be His glory. Praise be to God, the fragrance of love emanateth from them. They have spent successive years in service until the light of gray hair hath appeared upon their countenance. God willing, may they be safe and protected and gladden the friends with greetings and salutations on our behalf.

As to what was written concerning the House and his honor Mirza regarding [Baha’u’llah]: their best course is to say what they had said at first and acknowledge that all these properties belong there. If from the beginning, during the upheavals in that land, they had spoken truthfully and stated that these properties were not theirs, none of these matters would have occurred and they would have found themselves at ease in every way. For His Holiness and they themselves know that in this place nothing even as fine as a hair has emerged or will emerge that deviates from justice and fairness, and their interests would certainly have been protected in any case. A hundred thousand regrets that one should be heedless of what benefits them and be unaware of their own harm and benefit. All their properties revert to this place according to valid deeds, but when the decree of imprisonment, trials and emigration came to pass, they did not release even one house.

Although in truth this matter arose from their fear, yet one of their station should not be so weakened by the clamor of the heedless that a house which was the dwelling place of the Desired One should come to such a pass that one of the friends must repeatedly purchase it to uphold the Cause. God is witness that I do not consider this fitting for his honor Mirza, for this shame and disgrace will endure until the Day of Resurrection. We hope that God willing, they themselves will arise to make amends for what has passed. A petition from them reached the Most Holy Court. God willing a reply will be sent later. Regarding them, from before, that is from the beginning of the upheavals in that land, the friends were written to not interfere in any way and to remain silent and say nothing discourteous. Convey my greetings to them.

As for what you wrote about purchasing the House, in light of what was previously submitted, they said how can we buy our own property again? For now we are content with imprisonment. But all bear witness that all those properties belong to this place, unless they wish to transgress justice and fairness and speak falsely. But afterwards some friends came to this servant [saying the House] should be saved from the hands of the heedless. Therefore as per the previous telegram this was expressed to that beloved one. And truly this servant pondered that if he takes action it is not permissible since it is clear and evident that the properties have no connection to his honor Mirza, and if no action is taken it is observed that House is afflicted and tormented by the heedless ones themselves.

And it is a pity that that House from which the mention of God, exalted be His glory, was raised night and day should now fall into ignorant hands. And this servant had no funds ready to send and did not wish to burden anyone. Therefore this servant wrote to his honor Afnan to purchase it in his own name at the price that beloved one had written. Later God willing when funds arrive this servant will deliver them to his honor Afnan. The Command is in God’s hands, the Lord of all worlds. We place our trust in Him in all matters. We beseech from His wondrous bounty that He protect us from errors and mistakes and assist us in what He has commanded in His wise Book. Praise be to God, the Most High, the Most Great.

I convey greetings and nothingness to all the friends in that land. May all be confirmed in that which God loves. Peace be upon you all, and the mercy of God and His blessings. Again I submit that if the friends in that land can acquire the House according to the wish of that Beloved One, it would be most excellent. In truth, it is mentioned and described as the King of deeds and the Sovereign of what is known. And according to that Beloved One’s words, to sacrifice this unworthy sum for the House is, outwardly, the highest of all deeds that has been or ever shall be, for its remembrance is enduring and everlasting, adorned with the ornament of immortality, and the sum will eventually reach them. So either the first option or this one, whichever is feasible, would be good—whether they acquire it from that land or the House. May all the friends of that land be assisted to achieve that from which the fragrance of sanctity, holiness and what is known wafts forth. Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God and His blessings.

BH01418: O people of Zirak! The glances of the favor…

In the name of the peerless Lord!

O people of Zirak! The glances of the favor of the Lord of Names have been directed towards you from the Mountain of Akka, and He maketh mention of you through verses whose fragrance hath perfumed the world. Blessed are they who today have inhaled this sweet fragrance and have turned towards the supreme horizon. The whole world hath been created for the Day of God, that all may partake of the outpourings of the True Bestower and receive their portion. Yet they are seen to be deprived, for their past disobedience hath debarred them from the most great bounty and the most luminous prospect. Among the people are those who have committed that which hath caused the denizens of the most exalted Paradise to lament, and among them are those who have hastened unto the Countenance and stood before the Door and testified to that which God had testified before the creation of the heavens: “Verily there is no God but Me, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

The divines of the earth, who are accounted as ignorant in the sight of God, are the greatest veil for mankind. Blessed is the one whom this veil hath not withheld, who through the power and ascendancy of the Most Great Name hath rent it asunder and turned towards the horizon of God’s Cause.

O friends! Know ye your station and recognize your worth. I swear by the Sun of proof which hath shone forth from the heaven of utterance that all things are turned towards you and are engaged in your remembrance. Soon shall every ear hear that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken. Verily your Lord, the All-Knowing, is the Explicator, the All-Informed.

Be not grieved at what hath befallen you in the path of the Desired One of the world. Death shall overtake all, and its agony shall encompass all. Blessed is the state of one who hath harmed no one and who endureth harm from these base people in God’s path, and who holdeth fast to the cord of patience and resignation.

O My loved ones! We left the mansion and with Us were certain souls, among them the Most Great Branch, and behind him the two Branches, and My brother, and My other nephew, and behind them Muhammad-Quli, and Abdul-Baha who attained the presence of God, the Almighty, the Self-Subsisting, and he who was named Hasan, then Mustafa whose father was martyred in the land of Ta, he being among those who showed forth great steadfastness in the Cause of God, the Lord of creation. And among those present was Abdul-Ghani, who had migrated from Hadba after the Sun of Permission had risen from the horizon of his Lord’s command, the Most Glorious. We entrusted to him the matter of food during this luminous journey. And Ja’far would carry God’s bounty from the city to the land, and from the land to the mansion, and thence to the mountain.

When We arrived and entered the tent of glory pitched upon the mountain, the servant who was present brought a letter from one of My loved ones who was named Hussein, and presented its contents before the Face. When it was completed, the ocean of the mercy of the All-Merciful surged, and there was revealed for him and for every name that was in his letter that which caused the river of life to flow upon all possibility. Exalted is He Who hath appeared through His Most Great Name and hath spoken among the nations that which was hidden in God’s knowledge and inscribed in His Books and Scriptures. He is verily the Explicator, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Thus have We recounted unto you what appeared on this mountain as a bounty from Us, and I am verily the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. Give thanks unto God for this supreme favor. He is with you under all conditions. He heareth and seeth, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

O friends! All that hath appeared in these days hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen that all may attain unto the sweetness of divine utterance and hold fast unto that which is the cause of the exaltation of the Cause. Strive that ye may attain unto that from which the fragrance of eternity can be inhaled. Let not what hath befallen you cause you grief. The whole world shall return to extinction, and that which hath endured and shall endure is a word that proceedeth from the Tongue of Grandeur concerning a soul. Verily it shall endure as long as the kingdom and the realm endure, and it shall be a brilliant lamp unto him in every world of the worlds of his Lord. Thus hath the Most Exalted Pen spoken as a command from Us, and I am verily the Forgiving, the Merciful.

The Glory be upon you and upon those who love you and upon those who have attained unto this wondrous Cause. And praise be to God, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.

BH01439: God beareth witness that there is none other God…

God beareth witness that there is none other God but Him. From everlasting He hath been the Deliverer of His servants and the Guide of His creatures, the Proclaimer of His Cause and the Revealer of His bounty. He is He Who hath appeared and made manifest whatsoever He willed, in such wise that neither the veils of the mighty nor the signs of princes have hindered Him. He hath sent forth the Messengers and revealed unto them that whereby the horizons have been illumined; through His remembrance the hearts of the sincere have been quickened, and the faces of them that know have been made radiant. By His Name hath every decree appeared, every lofty gate been opened, and every barren womb brought forth.

Glorified art Thou, O Lord of creation, Revealer of verses, and Manifestor of proofs! I beseech Thee by the mysteries of Thy supreme wisdom, by the hands of Thy Cause, and by the kingdom of creation, to send down, from the clouds of Thy bounty and the heaven of Thy generosity, upon Thy loved ones that which shall comfort their eyes and gladden their hearts. Then ordain for them, from the Pen of Thy decree, a blessing from Thy presence and a favour from Thy bounty. Verily, Thou art the Lord of the worlds and the Most Merciful of the merciful.

And now, O thou addressed! Inasmuch as the sapling of a new love hath been planted in the soil of the heart through meeting and reunion, it is hoped that the True One—glorified be His majesty—will cause it to yield wondrous fruits and mighty clusters. He is indeed powerful over His command. Praise be unto God: thy remembrance, in all joy and fragrance, hath not been severed from this servant; it remaineth, and shall remain.

Erewhile this most exalted word was heard. He said that joy and salvation lie in unity and concord. God willing, the fragrance of this state shall never cease to be diffused. There is no power and no might save in Him; no refuge and no flight save unto Him.

As to what thou hast written: praised be God, thou hast hastened unto that which is the intended goal. With earnest endeavour thou hast arisen and hast been adorned with the ornament of acceptance; blessed art thou, in that thou hast been drawn nigh.

A Tablet, wondrous and impregnable, was formerly revealed and sent, and therein mention was made of the blessed and honoured departed one—upon him be the glory of God, His loving care, and His bounty. This servant is incapable of setting forth, in full measure, his station.

Praise be unto God: in these latter days, by a wondrous and new remembrance, a longing hath arisen—would that the servant were in your company! Praise be to God, ye have been adorned with the ornament of wide-heartedness; act according to the will of God. In truth, poverty before Him is riches, and remembrance of Him is life.

Moreover, tidings were sent concerning the conditions of Ahmad—upon him be the glory of God—together with a mighty Tablet, each letter whereof testified to love, grace, and mercy. These Tablets are being dispatched unto the beloved throughout the regions of the kingdom. Neglect not these luminous and manifest favours.

And as to the letter that was sent: the answer shall, God willing, be forwarded thereafter. In all circumstances we beseech the True One to confirm the beloved, to strengthen the inquirers, and to enable all to render service.

O my God, have mercy!

With greetings and reverent remembrance I submit: Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God, and His blessings.

BH01627: O ʿAli, upon thee be My glory! The letter…

In His Name, the Answerer

O ʿAli, upon thee be My glory! The letter which his honor Samandar, upon him be My glory, wrote to you was presented before the Face. Praise be to God that he is engaged in service to the Cause and adorned with the ornament of steadfastness. Blessed is he and those who have drunk the Kawthar of steadfastness from the hand of the bounty of their Lord, the Strong, the Mighty. His sighs in divine love were witnessed and his words of longing and yearning were heard. His is to praise God throughout the dominion of earth and heaven. From the phrase “He is the Helper in all conditions” a most sweet fragrance was diffused, and this word from the realms that have no beginning supported him according to its meaning, until it manifestly appeared in this season which is the spring of all seasons and in this century which is the beginning of centuries, flowing from his tongue and pen and heart.

Its beginning was from the confirmation of the Truth, glorified be His majesty—there is no doubt that its end too shall return to the Truth. This opening to his letters is blessed and auspicious, and assuredly its effect has appeared and will appear. That which he wrote that “until now I have not consented to its change”—the Truth too does not consent.

Say: Be steadfast in the Cause, detached from all beings and all names. We make mention of Muhammad-i-Qabli-Sadiq, upon him be the glory of God, and give him glad tidings of My remembrance of him and My turning toward him from this mighty, exalted station. And We send greetings from this station upon him and upon those whom God has related to His servant—verily He is the Compassionate, the Generous. And We make mention of him who was named Abdu’l-Husayn and Ali-Qabli-Akbar and he who was named Javad, that they may rejoice in God’s favor and mercy and remember God in His mighty, wondrous Day.

O friends! Arise with utmost steadfastness in the Cause of the Beloved of the worlds, in such wise that the entire world may testify to this most great station. The degrees of steadfastness, detachment, firmness and constancy become apparent only at the time when the clamor of the barking ones, the ungodly and the atheists is raised. God willing, drink at all times from the pure water of the Kawthar of the utterance of the Beloved of all creation. Its intoxication is the cause of awareness and its taste is the taste of everlasting life. The Most Exalted Cup is before the faces of the people of creation. Blessed is he who drinks, and woe to the heedless! This is a Day when the denizens of heaven have turned toward the people of earth, for the earth has become the seat of the Most Great Throne. Blessed is he who has recognized this station and held fast to the favor of his Lord and clung to His luminous, flowing robe.

And concerning what was mentioned about the khans—God willing, may they be occupied with the remembrance of the Truth, glorified be His majesty, and hold fast to His favor in such wise that neither might and grandeur nor worldly means may prevent them from the Most Exalted Horizon. May they be confirmed in that which causes the fragrance of eternity to be inhaled. In truth, if anyone in this place of tribulation occupies himself with the mention of transient things and worthless ornaments and their accumulation, every person of insight would testify to his loss. If human aspiration is confined to these numbered days, such a one was not and is not worthy of mention. Beseech the True One to confirm His loved ones in that which is lasting and eternal. Verily He has power over whatsoever He willeth, and He is the Forgiving, the Generous.

And concerning what was written about the leaf who was the wife of him who ascended to God—We heard. Divine favor was and is with her. God willing, may she attain to what is befitting and be adorned with the ornament of steadfastness. We have made mention and continue to make mention of all those related to you and to his honor Samandar, upon him be My glory, both female and male, young and old. All are beneath the gaze of favor and the pavilions of grandeur. Beseech the Truth to assist all to preserve their stations. Verily He is the Guardian of the Cause in this world and the next, and the Powerful over whatsoever He willeth through His sovereignty that encompasses all who are in the heavens and the earth. The glory from Us be upon you and upon them and upon My loved ones and chosen ones who have aided My wondrous Cause.

BH01687: Praise be sanctified above the realms of meaning…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Greatness and Power

Praise be sanctified above the realms of meaning and utterance unto the Beloved of all creation, Who is worthy and deserving, for by His blessed name the banner of “He doeth whatsoever He willeth” hath been raised and planted in the kingdom of creation. Exalted be His greatness and glorified be His majesty! There is none other God but Him, the Powerful, the Mighty.

Thereafter, thy letter reached this Wronged One of the world in the Most Great Prison, and as it indicated thy well-being, it brought joy. God willing, in all conditions—coming and going, turning and advancing—may it be for God, in God, and unto God. O Maqsud! I swear by the Sun of Justice which is concealed behind the clouds of oppression that there hath been and is no purpose save the attainment of the servants to their highest stations. Nevertheless, there hath befallen this Wronged One that which no one hath seen or heard. I call them unto the light while they call Me unto the fire. We beseech God, exalted be He, to judge between us with truth. Verily He is the Commander, the Just, the Wise.

Both before and after, mention of thee hath been made in this Prison. We beseech God, glorified be His majesty, to aid thee in that which He loveth and pleaseth, and to protect thee from the oppressors and transgressors of the earth. Thou hadst mentioned bewilderment. In one station bewilderment is highly praiseworthy. The Seal of the Prophets hath said: “Lord, increase my bewilderment in Thee.” However, regarding outward matters, keep thy gaze fixed upon this blessed word which, like the Most Great Luminary, hath dawned from the horizon of the heaven of wisdom. He saith: “The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined with two luminaries: consultation and compassion.” In every matter consult with souls who are assured, tranquil, content and pleasing to God, and act upon that which is found preferable. Verily He speaketh the truth and guideth the way. There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Beautiful.

This Wronged One remembereth thee in the midst of sorrows, and were We to mention that which hath befallen and continueth to befall, it would surely cause grief to overtake the friends. Therefore silence is preferable. In these days adverse winds are blowing in this land. We conclude Our words at this point with: There is none other God but Him, and he who holdeth fast unto patience and forbearance is among the triumphant ones in the perspicuous Book. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

Thy second letter which thou hadst sent from the Holy Land arrived and what was mentioned and written therein was observed and presented before His presence. He said: Write:

“O Maqsud! We have heard thy call and hearkened unto thy lamentation and sighing in thy longing and eagerness. Praise be to God that the fragrance of love was wafting from every word. God willing, may this station endure. The servant in attendance hath repeatedly recited what thou hadst composed. Thou hast been mentioned before the Wronged One and the glances of grace and kindness have been directed towards thee. Man is great; his aspiration too must be great in reforming the world and bringing comfort to nations. We beseech God to assist thee in that which befitteth the station of man. In all conditions, keep thy gaze fixed upon wisdom, for certain among the possessors of ulterior motives have been and are attempting—Glory be to God!—to attribute to this holy station, which hath desired naught save love, fellowship, the development and betterment of the world and humankind, that which causeth the tongue and pen to be ashamed to mention. We have remembered and do remember thee, and We beseech Him, exalted be He, to protect thee through the hands of power and might, and to acquaint thee with that which shall profit thee in the Hereafter and in this world. Verily He is the Lord of the Throne on high and of earth below, and the Master of all humanity. There is none other God but Him, the Powerful, the Mighty.”

God willing, this Wronged One is among the faithful and hath not forgotten nor will forget thee.

BH01742: O Abbas! The Wronged One makes mention of thee…

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

O Abbas! The Wronged One makes mention of thee with a remembrance by which those near unto God, the All-Subduing, the Self-Subsisting, are moved. The Hour has come, the Call has been raised, the Cry has appeared, the mountains have passed away, yet the people are heedless. The world has been overturned, the Throne established, and upon it sits the Lord of the Manifestation and the Speaker on Sinai, yet most people do not understand. The Mother Book has appeared and calls out between earth and heaven, summoning all to the Praiseworthy Station. Among the people are those who deny, those who turn away, those who dispute the signs of God, Lord of what was and what shall be, and those who break God’s Covenant and His pledge with such tyranny that the dwellers of the cities of names and the inhabitants of the Kingdom lament. When We observed carefully, We discovered that Our enemies are, for the most part, the divines. Thus does the Most Glorious Tongue recount unto thee from the Supreme Horizon. He, verily, is the Truth, the Knower of the unseen.

We manifested knowledge for the recognition of the Known One. Yet when the horizon of Manifestation shone forth and the Known One came, the divines denied Him at first, save whom God, the Lord of existence, willed. Say: O concourse of divines! Cast aside what ye possess. By God! The Most Exalted Pen has been raised and announces to all the appearance of the Known One, to Whom ye turned morning and evening. Say: Why do I see you, O heedless ones, approaching the House while turning away from Him Who raised it by His command? Fear God and follow not your desires. Follow Him Who has come to you with a manifest Book, before which, were ye to be fair, all the books of the world would bow down. Be not of those who denied the Witness and the Witnessed. This is the Day promised to you in God’s scrolls and books, and this is a Cause whose pledge was taken by Him Who knows what was and what shall be.

Say: O company of oppressors! Ye have wrought that which has caused the Concourse on High to wail, the denizens of Paradise to lament, and the sighs of the Supreme Paradise and the tears of the angels and the Spirit to descend. Say: If ye possess anything greater than what has come from the heaven of divine Will, then produce it. Follow not every ignorant rejected one. Say: Come, that I may show you what ye have neglected on this Day which has been attributed to God, the Mighty, the Loving. This is a Day wherein the fragrance of the All-Merciful has wafted, the breezes of Revelation have blown, and the Nightingale of the Cause has sung upon the branches: “The Kingdom belongs to God, the Lord of the worlds.”

O Abbas! Arise to serve the Cause in the name of thy Lord, the Lord of eternity. Remind the people of this Most Great Announcement, at whose appearance the limbs of vain imaginings and idle fancies trembled. Beware lest the power of princes and the doubts of divines hold thee back from the Lord of Names. Be as an immovable mountain in this ordained Cause. Say: He has come with the truth and pays no heed to your acceptance or rejection. He has appeared and manifested what He willed, despite you, did ye but know. He it is Who speaks in every condition:

“There is no God but Me, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the Beloved.”

Thus have We opened before thy face the door of grace with the key of justice. When thou attainest unto it, say:

“Praise be to Thee, O God of the seen and unseen! I testify that Thou hast forsaken rest for the elevation of the nations, accepted abasement for the glory of the world, and chosen exile that servants might reach the Supreme Homeland, the station which God has sanctified beyond the comprehension of minds.”

O thou who hast turned to the Countenance! Take the Sealed Wine in the name of the Wronged One, then drink thereof with this remembrance whereby souls and hearts have been attracted. We have written for thee the reward of attainment in My Most Exalted Pen in the Crimson Tablet. Rejoice, then give thanks to the Lord of the Frequented Fane. We have accepted thy turning, thy devotion, and thy work in God’s path. Blessed art thou in that thy deeds have been adorned with the ornament of acceptance.

BH01795: The servant beareth witness, at the outset of his…

The servant beareth witness, at the outset of his words, that there is none other God but Him—He Who hath ever been and shall ever be, even as He was from everlasting; He Who hath taken unto Himself neither partner nor peer, neither minister nor associate, neither equal nor likeness. He hath sent down the Books and commissioned the Messengers, that He may draw mankind nigh unto the Most Great Sea and guide them unto His straight path.

Blessings and peace be upon His envoys, His chosen ones, and His Messengers; and upon Him through Whom the Furqan was revealed and by Whom the religions were distinguished one from another. Exalted is the All-Merciful, Who manifesteth whatsoever He willeth and accomplisheth whatsoever He pleaseth—He, the One, the Single, the Omnipotent, the Almighty. And blessings be upon His family and His companions, whom God hath made the hands of His Cause among His servants, and through whom He hath caused religion to prevail, though every hater should hate, every hypocrite deny, every repudiator turn away, and every crafty materialist utter falsehood.

Glorified art Thou, O my God! The dominion prostrateth itself before Thee by Thy names and Thy attributes; and likewise those who have hastened unto the horizon of Thy revelation, and those who have quaffed the cup of testimony through Thy love and in Thy name. I beseech Thee to send down upon those who have been named by the two Most Exalted Names, and upon those who are with them of Thy loved ones and Thy friends, a blessing from Thy presence and a mercy from Thy bounty.

O Lord! Cause them to drink of Thy goodly qualities, and enable them to fulfil that which Thou hast commanded in Thy Book. Then make them ensigns in Thy realm and standards bearing Thy name throughout Thy dominions. O Lord! Thou seest them holding fast unto the cord of Thy utterance and clinging to the hem of Thy generosity. I ask Thee to open for them, with the keys of Thy bounty, the gates of Thy successive mercies and Thy loving-kindnesses, and to ordain for them that wherewith Thou hast adorned the best of Thy creatures. Verily, Thou art powerful to do whatsoever Thou willest, and in Thy grasp are the reins of all existence.

And now, this servant—though unworthy to set forth that which is befitting of such mention—hath attained unto the honour of presenting these words. Yet the knowledge thereof resteth with God and His chosen ones. This is testified by Him Who possesseth the knowledge of the unseen and the seen, and He sufficeth as Witness.

The blessed missives that arrived in former times were presented before the Countenance, and were received with favour. God willing, despair not of the utterance of God, for every letter may become a cause of love to the worlds. This is not hard for God.

As for the beloved ones—may the spirit be a ransom for them—unto Siyyid Sahar and Mirza Murshid—upon them both be the glory of God—waves of unnumbered greetings are conveyed. We have sought protection for them from the Lord, the Preserver, the Possessor of the Names, and have dispatched it unto that quarter in writing. God willing, it shall reach them, and this blessed word shall be upon their tongues in all conditions: “O Lord! Cause me to alight in a blessed abode.”

This servant continually beseecheth the True One—glorified be His majesty—to preserve the friends, and to maintain the blessings that have been attained through the Beloved. And should admonition be required, it too shall be given in due measure.

To Husayn—upon him be the glory of God—a letter hath been sent to the servant; an answer hath been revealed and dispatched, that it may reach him.

I render service to all, and convey greetings; and I entreat that, in all circumstances, ye may be confirmed in whatsoever God loveth and in that whereby His attributes are made manifest. Though darkness encompass the world, the lamp must not be extinguished. God willing, through the light of His loving care and the guidance of His wisdom, the lamp shall ever remain radiant and shining. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

The servant prayeth, and God is the Hearing, the Answering.

Peace be upon you, and upon those who have held fast unto that whereby man is exalted in the realm of being, and upon those who love you for the sake of God, the Lord of all that hath been and all that shall be.

BH01833: Praise be to God Who hath caused us…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Greatness and the Grandeur

Praise be to God Who hath caused us to know the unity of His Essence and the sanctification of His Being from creation and whatsoever pertaineth unto it, and hath made us to be among those who acknowledge the Word which His Beloved and Chosen One taught us—that there is none other God but Him, Who was and is and ever shall be, the All-Powerful, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting.

Your esteemed letter with its spiritual tidings that brought joy and delight hath arrived. Praise be to God, health is attained, the fragrance of love is diffused, bounty is descending, the door is opened, the sun is shining, the star is gleaming, and the tree is flourishing and speaking. We need life that we may engage in circumambulation, yet great would be the loss if God should not assist in this mighty matter. The command is in His hands and He is the All-Informed.

Regarding the Tablet of Ustad Ali-Akbar-i-Banna, upon him be the Glory of God, which you mentioned—some of it was written by the Blessed Beauty Himself. God willing, the names mentioned will also be recorded therein and sent. Concerning Jinab-i-Fu’ad, Jinab-i-Samandar, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, according to the command, movement is not permitted and patience is preferable. Verily God is with the patient ones. They said if God willeth, in another instance the answer to Andalib will be written and sent. Jinab-i-Samandar should repeatedly inquire on behalf of the Wronged One about their condition and that of the prisoners, upon them be the Glory of God, and should also ask Ibn-i-Attar on behalf of the Wronged One about Ismi, upon him be my Glory and Grace, and Jinab-i-Ali, upon him be my Glory and Loving-kindness, and the other loved ones. The purpose is to show love. By the life of God, they have not been and are not absent from sight for a moment, and their reward is with God, exalted be His glory. What is now necessary is that they should beseech God to make the bitter draught sweet and grant patience. By My life, from some the fragrance of contentment is wafting. If God willeth, all shall attain to this most exalted station.

Regarding what was written about permission for the spiritual friend Haji Mirza Husayn, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, and Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Ali, upon him be the Glory of God—it was submitted. They said to wait a few days and afterwards the answer will appear and be sent. Likewise, especially for Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Kazim-i-Isfahani, resident of Khadra, after this a token of loving-kindness will be shown according to what was promised. And likewise, especially for the beloved of the heart Jinab-i-Haji Mirza Haydar-Ali, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, a wondrous and sublime Tablet hath been revealed and will be sent.

They said to write to the one named Jud to write two words to Jinab-i-Samandar, upon him be my Glory, and send the Tablet in the handwriting of the servant, but make no mention of Ibn-i-Abhar. Just write that they had asked for him before, and now you should send him. According to the command they should depart by way of H and M, and en route, that is after leaving Mosul, they should completely conceal the Cause until they arrive. The purpose is that they should move with the utmost wisdom. And it was written that from a certain place an amount of thirty tumans would be sent for their expenses. If it has not arrived, Jinab-i-Samandar or others should give it and later when it arrives they can receive it back.

Peace be upon your honor and upon those with you and upon God’s righteous servants. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH01986: O beloved of my heart and joy of my…

O beloved of my heart and joy of my soul! The gift arrived—praise be to God, praise be to God! And all benefited from it—thanks be to God, thanks be to God! You wrote about its good and bad qualities with detailed criticism. God forgive! God forgive! Then God forgive such extensive criticism!

Once His Holiness David wished to meet a thankful person. He observed someone who had taken some wheat and barley mixed together and ground it between two stones until it became like flour. Then he kneaded it and made a loaf, and made a fire from some straw. After the flames died down, he placed the loaf on the embers. When it was partially cooked, he took it off and placed it in his lap. Taking the first morsel, he said:

“In the name of God and by God! O Lord, my God! How can I thank Thee? I did not plant this wheat, nor did I know of it. I did not tend its cultivation, nor was I aware of its harvesting. Yet Thou bestowed it upon me through Thy special favors and bounties. I eat that for which I have not labored in the least. This is naught but Thy boundless generosity.”

In such case, how can this evanescent one mention a blessing that appeared before him without any effort on his part and from which he partook? Even favorable mention would cause embarrassment, let alone anything else. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to count these servants among the thankful ones.

Once this exalted word was heard from the tongue of the Lord of Names. He said that one of the chosen ones asked a mystic: “How are you faring?” He replied: “When we find food we eat, and when we lack it we are patient.” He said: “This is the way of our dogs—when they find food they eat, and when they do not they are patient.” The mystic asked: “How then do you and your friends fare?” He replied: “When we find something we share it, and when we lack we give thanks.”

In such case, one melts away at the mention of anything that carries the slightest scent of unacceptability, let alone stating it explicitly. This is a station where allusion has no place and investigation falls short. However, for the sake of expressing truth and teaching and learning, the truth must be told, which is that your bread was somewhat blackened on the surface, redolent of the fragrance of the loved ones of the world. And since it was adorned with the ornament of patience, it became somewhat excessive—sourness overcame it, lest it harm those of bilious temperament. Furthermore, like the nobles of Iran it had substance—that is, it was heavy and weighty. In any case, we thank God and we thank you, for He says “If ye thank Me, I will thank you.” When God renders thanks, His servants are even more worthy to thank one another.

In brief, these were the minor incidents regarding the bread that were mentioned. The detailed account shall await the time of presence. Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God, and His blessings.

BH02036: God willing, may you be enkindled with the fire…

He is the Manifest, the Speaker, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

God willing, may you be enkindled with the fire of divine love and illumined by the light of His countenance. The whole world was created for the recognition of this blessed Day, yet when the dawn of God’s Day shone forth from the horizon of His Will, all were found to be troubled, shaken, heedless and veiled, save those who cast away vain imaginings and turned to the horizon of certitude.

Consider the past ages and cycles: whenever the Dawning-Places of Revelation and the Daysprings of God’s Cause appeared from the horizon of His Will, all arose in opposition and inflicted upon those Manifestations of Divine Unity and Dawning-Places of His Cause that which the Pen is ashamed to recount. Despite witnessing with their outward eyes the transience of the world and its passing away at every moment, they still cling to it while remaining heedless and veiled from that which endures throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven.

You must, with the utmost joy and fragrance, and in the name of the Beloved of the worlds, revive the withered souls of the heedless through the springtime of the All-Merciful’s utterance. Whosoever arises today to serve the Cause in the name of Truth will assuredly be accompanied by divine confirmations. All that is witnessed in the world will soon return to nothingness, but that which proceeds from anyone through love of God and His Name, exalted be His glory, will endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven. Well is it with them that act!

Strive to drink from the Living Waters in the name of the All-Merciful—a drink after which no thirst remains. Thus does the Wronged One make mention of you from His Most Great Prison, that you may be among the steadfast. Today Satan calls out in the name of the All-Merciful, and the deniers among the people of the Bayan are busily engaged in leading people astray with the utmost deceit and guile. God willing, may you attain such a station that you regard all else but God as non-existent and null, and engage in serving His Cause with complete strength and power.

In all conditions, fix your gaze upon the horizon of wisdom, for this mighty Command and firm Decree has been recorded by the Most Exalted Pen in God’s Books, Scriptures and Psalms. He commands all to that which benefits them. He is verily the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Say: Glory be to Thee, O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the heaven of knowledge was raised up and adorned with the suns of utterance, to make me detached from all else but Thee, holding fast to the cord of Thy bounty and clinging to the hem of Thy mercy. O Lord! Thou seest me turning toward Thee and placing my trust in Thee. Send down upon me from the heaven of Thy mercy that which will purify me from the mention of any but Thee, and enable me to arise to serve Thy Cause, and make me of those who desired for themselves only what Thou didst desire for them through Thy Most Exalted Pen and didst command them in Thy Books and Tablets. I beseech Thee, O Lord of eternity, by the Most Great Name, not to deprive me of the outpourings of Thy days and the fragrances of the garment of Thy Cause. Thou art He Whom the affairs of the world cannot frustrate, nor can the clamor of the nations prevent. Thou doest what Thou willest and ordainest what Thou pleasest. Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the Most Powerful, the All-Praised.

BH02070: O ʿAli, O thou who hast clung…

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

O ʿAli, O thou who hast clung to the cord of My loving-kindness, who soarest in the atmosphere of My love, who gazest upon My countenance and drinkest the Kawthar of My utterance! Hearken unto that which the Supreme Pen hath testified concerning thee in these days wherein His Name and His loved ones have been imprisoned in the land of Ta through that which the hands of the wicked have wrought—they who have followed their own desires and turned away from what God, the Lord of all worlds, hath desired. He testifieth to thy turning toward the Countenance and thy devotion to the Most Sublime Horizon, and thy rising to serve the Cause. By the life of God! Nothing existeth but that the hand of justice shall seize it and return it to nothingness, save this testimony which the Most Glorious Pen hath uttered before the face of the Lord of Names in this station which God hath made the point round which circle the Concourse on High. Verily thy Lord is He through Whom the ocean of bounty hath surged amongst the nations, and the fragrance of faithfulness hath wafted through the kingdom of creation, and the sun of grace hath shone forth from the horizon of the world.

Give thanks unto God, thy Lord and the Lord of thy forefathers, then praise Him for this great favor. Verily He hath appeared with truth and caused thee to appear, and taught thee and made thee know, and guided thee to a path that all straight paths have circled round. And He hath sent unto thee one of the leaves among the leaves and a handmaiden among the handmaidens—this is of His favor unto thee and unto her. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Generous. The servant beseecheth before the face of his Lord that He unite you both and send down upon you from the heaven of His grace a blessing from His presence and a mercy from His own Self, and draw you nigh unto Him in such wise that your names shall not be known save through His Name, nor your mention save through His mention.

Say: Glory be unto Thee, O Thou in Whose grasp are the reins of all possibilities and the controls of all created things! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which, when it appeared, the earth quaked and the heaven was cleft asunder and the sun was darkened and the moon was eclipsed and the mountains moved, to bless us with the garment of reunion through Thy Name, the Holy, the Blessed, the Mighty, the Wondrous. Then ordain for us every good thing which the Supreme Pen hath sent down in the Qayyumu’l-Asma’ and whatsoever lieth within Thy knowledge, O Lord of Names and Creator of heaven! The tongue of my inner being and my outer self, and the tongues of my members and parts and features and elements, all testify that Thou art God, there is no God but Thee. Thou art He before the manifestations of Whose face’s light every countenance hath prostrated, and before every one associated with Thee every sovereign hath bowed down, and around Whom all have circled. I beseech Thee by Thy Self, through Thy all-compelling and supreme Will, to ordain honor and glory for Thy loved ones, O Lord of the Kingdom of eternity! There is no God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Send Thy blessings upon Thy loved ones and chosen ones who have been imprisoned for Thy Name and the manifestation of Thy Cause and the exaltation of Thy Word. Then send down upon them at all times the rain of Thy mercy and the outpourings which none hath known save Thy knowledge. O Lord! The Wronged One remembereth Thee through their tongues and on their behalf, and praiseth Thee for what hath befallen them in Thy path and Thy love—what befell Thy chosen ones of old who held fast to Thy Covenant and Thy Testament until they sacrificed their spirits for Thy Name. There is no God but Thee, the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

BH02160: The Word of God speaks with truth from this…

He is the One speaking from the Divine Lote Tree

The Word of God speaks with truth from this station which God has made the dawning-place of His revelation, the dayspring of His signs, and the manifestation of His Cause that was mentioned in His Books and Scriptures and in His preserved Tablet. The hidden mystery has appeared, yet most of the people perceive it not. The Promised One has come, yet most of the people understand not. They have violated God’s Covenant and His testament, and have committed that which has caused the Concourse on High and the dwellers of the cities of names to lament, yet they perceive it not. This is the Day wherein He Who conversed on Sinai calleth aloud with the most exalted call, yet most of the people hear not. They have cast aside the truth, clinging to the vain imaginings of men. He Who speaketh in every condition beareth witness to this, that there is none other God but Me, the Almighty, the Self-Subsisting.

The servant in attendance was present and read thy letter before the Wronged One, and We found from it the fragrance of thy love and thy humility and lowliness before God, the Lord of what was and what will be. We have answered thee with that which shall diffuse the fragrances of loving-kindness and shall endure as long as the kingdom and the realm endure. Blessed art thou for having hearkened unto the Call and turned to the Supreme Horizon when the learned ones and divines of the earth turned away from it, save those whom God desired, the Mighty, the Loving. Arise to serve the Cause by My command, then guide the people to the Most Great Path of God through this Name whereby that which was hidden in the treasuries of might hath been revealed. Thy Lord is, verily, the Commander, the Ancient of Days.

Say: O people of the earth, fear God and follow not your desires. By God! The Promise hath come, and He Who was promised calleth aloud and summoneth all unto the Truth, the Knower of things unseen. Say: This is the Day in which the breeze of life hath wafted and the fragrance of the All-Merciful hath been diffused. Turn ye with illumined hearts and be not of the heedless ones. Say: O people of the earth, cast aside what ye possess that I may show you what God, the Lord of the invisible and the visible, possesseth. Beware lest ye deny God’s favor after its revelation and bestowal. Reflect upon God’s Cause and His sovereignty, and be not of those who cling to idle fancies and vain imaginings. Arise to remember and praise in such wise that neither the oppression of rulers nor the opposition of divines shall deter thee. Thus doth the Wronged One command thee from this forbidden spot.

We desired their life and preservation and a station whose mention transcendeth every pen and tongue, yet they pronounced judgment against Us with such tyranny as hath caused the denizens of the Kingdom to cry out. Blessed is he who is not prevented by the turning away of those who have disbelieved in the Witness and the Witnessed. Thus have We revealed before all faces and eyes the pearls of wisdom and knowledge from this Sea whose waves proclaim that there is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the Beloved. Blessed is he who hath found the fragrance of the All-Merciful in His days and hath spoken His praise and remembrance and drunk the choice wine of love from the cup of His bounty. He is of the people of Baha and the companions of the Crimson Ark whom We mentioned in the Qayyumu’l-Asma’ from God, the Lord of existence. Glory be upon thee and upon those who have attained unto this irrevocable Cause.

BH02140: After offering praise and glorification to the Beloved…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Greatness and Power

After offering praise and glorification to the Beloved of the worlds and salutations upon the honored loved ones—upon them be God’s peace—it is submitted that for some time there has been no news from that honored brother. Every soul who turns from that direction to this direction makes most complete and perfect inquiries about your circumstances. God willing, you are in perfect health and well-being, occupied with the mention of God, exalted be His glory. In all conditions we servants must be occupied with that which causes the appearance of the stations of love, wisdom, faithfulness and human qualities and conditions. And I beseech God to confirm us—verily He has power over all things and He is the Hearing, the Answering One.

Jinab-i-Aqa Ghulam-Ali and Aqa Lutfu’llah have arrived and praise be to God they are safe and well. This servant requested Jinab-i-Aqa Lutfu’llah to come to the garden for certain reasons, after which Aqa Ghulam-Ali also arrived, and now by God’s grace and bounty both intend to be occupied in this land. In any case, this servant supplicates for good and blessing and bounty for them.

The letters sent to you from Iran were read repeatedly. The flame of love appears to emanate from their every limb—their hearts have melted in separation. You should send them a reply, and from here also it is hoped that, God willing, a messenger will be found and a Tablet sent. Convey greetings and praise on behalf of this evanescent servant to the friends in that land. God willing, may they be eternally mentioned in the Kingdom of Names. Do not consider this statement impossible, for if a person in their life becomes occupied with and achieves good deeds and praiseworthy character, their mention is adorned with the ornament of perpetuity, and as long as mention remains, life remains, as mentioned in previous accounts.

I send greetings to the light of my eyes Aqa ʿInayatu’llah and their sister. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to preserve them all—verily He has power over all things. Peace and mercy and praise be upon you and your family and upon every steadfast believer. Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds.

The servant, 3 Rabi’u’th-Thani 1300

Four letters were sent—truly it is a burning fire and had a great effect upon this servant. You should write to give them the glad tidings of the Tablet and the appearance of the favors and kindnesses of the Intended One regarding them. Blessed are they, as their remembrances were present and they were mentioned in that which its traces and fruits will endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven. This evanescent servant sends greetings with a hundred thousand tongues and expresses pure sincerity in service to them. Glory be upon them.

They have requested a receipt for twenty tumans—you should write and send it so that it can be sent.

BH02149: In My Name, that has power over all who…

In My Name, that has power over all who are on earth and in heaven!

Glorified is He Who has sent down the verses and manifested what He willed. He verily is the One Who speaks at all times that there is none other God but Him, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Your letter has come before the Wronged One, and He has sent down for you that which cannot be equaled by all things. To this bears witness the Lord of Names in His mighty prison. The servant in attendance before the Throne has read your letter. We have answered you with this wondrous Tablet. Give thanks unto God that your call has been heard in this spot round which circle the Concourse on High and the dwellers of Paradise, though most of the people are heedless.

We found your letter purified from vain imaginings. Ask God to keep you steadfast in your condition. He verily is the Almighty, the Powerful. O Ghulam! Rejoice that My Most Exalted Pen has moved to mention you while the Wronged One walks in His noble station. We have aided you to recognize Him Whom the world has failed to know, and guided you to My Straight Path. Hold fast to My Sure Handle, detached from what is with the peoples. Thus does the Ancient of Days command you as a bounty from Him, and He is the All-Bountiful, the Ancient.

Your letter was seen. Praise be to God, the fragrance of divine love was wafting from it. God willing, may you be illumined by the lights of His countenance and enkindled with the fire of His love to such degree that neither the circumstances of the tyrants nor the sophistries of the Pharaohs who are the divines of the age would prevent you. Whenever the horizon of the world was blessed with the lights of revelation, the divines of that age arose in utmost rejection and protest, and issued the death warrant for His pure blood. This is not the first Cause that has appeared in the contingent world. In all ages and centuries that which caused the denizens of the highest Paradise to lament has appeared from them. All the books before and after have testified to this blessed Day. Nevertheless, that which has occurred is such that pen and tongue are powerless to mention it. Glorified is He Who speaks and continues to speak under all conditions, and manifests through His sovereignty whatsoever He desires in such wise that neither the power of the mighty nor the clamor of the divines can frustrate Him. He does what He wills and ordains what He pleases. He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Regarding your desire to attain His presence—blessed are you and your desire. He verily records for whosoever desires it the reward of attaining His presence. He is the Hearer, the Answerer. In these days this land is somewhat in turmoil and matters that cause grief are present. Therefore permission for visit has been delayed. However what is regarded today as among the most important deeds before the Self-Sufficing, the Most High has been and will be the teaching of the Cause with wisdom and utterance. God willing, you will be enabled through divine confirmation and heavenly favor to achieve this mighty endeavor. Strive that perchance you may quicken those in the graves through the living waters of utterance which have flowed from the Pen of the All-Merciful. Be speaking in My Name, gazing toward My horizon, and holding fast to My mighty cord. Glory be upon you and upon those who have attained to this Most Great, Most Mighty Cause. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH02253: Praise be to God Who has uplifted truth…

He is God, exalted be His glory, greatness and power!

Praise be to God Who has uplifted truth and brought down metaphor, Who has illumined Yathrib and the Hijaz through His Most Praiseworthy Name. He is the Founder of the foundation of religion, the Establisher of its pillars, and the Manifestor of its mysteries. He is the Speaker Who announced to all the promise of the Meeting on the Day of Resurrection. He is the Herald Who summoned all to the Lord of Names and Creator of heaven. And the prayer that has dawned from the horizon of God’s will be upon His family and companions who made the Faith victorious despite the opposition of the ungodly, and who drew their swords against the ungodly and hypocrites who broke God’s Covenant and His pledge, and followed every impostor, deceiver and idol who denied God’s grace and mercy when He appeared with the truth with manifest sovereignty.

And furthermore, the servant has attained to the presence after becoming aware of your noble writing and presenting it today before the Countenance. Then did the utterance speak forth in the kingdom of proof in such wise that this servant was struck senseless. When he recovered, he beseeched God, the Lord of the Covenant, for the unity of the loved ones throughout all regions. Verily He is the Answerer, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.

They said: O Name of Generosity! We have heard your call and witnessed your turning to Us. We beseech God to assist you and grant you the good of the hereafter and this world. In His grasp are the reins of all hopes and in His right hand are the destinies of all souls. At times He speaks that which draws the servants near to Him, and at times He manifests that from which the people of error flee. Exalted is God, the Lord of Names and Sovereign of all things, Who has spoken and caused all things to speak His praise and glorification. There is no God but Him, the Single, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Be joyful in all conditions and be assured of God’s favor. After the cup of reunion, let longing increase and make the most complete preparation for nearness. God willing, the meeting will occur soon and We shall make up for what was missed. Convey greetings to the friends and likewise to your family and those with you. End.

Praise be to God, you have attained to mention, utterance, promise and nearness, even if on credit. But what is available now in cash is this: As commanded, on Tuesday the 19th of the blessed month of Ramadan, his honor Aqa Muhammad, upon him be the glory of God, should seat the travelers in a carriage—including he who was named before the Countenance as Haji Ahmad and those with him, and the two who are in the guest house, these being four in total—and bring them. Or if they come on horseback, that is also good if they come two at a time separately. This lowly one conveys greetings to each one and gives them the glad tidings of attaining the presence. The servant beseeches the Lord of nations and Goal of the world to write for each one of His loved ones and friends that which befits His grace, generosity and favors. Verily He has power over all things. Peace be upon you and the mercy of God and His blessings.

BH02314: Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Grandeur and the Power

Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon Him Who subdued the world through His Name, the Guardian over all nations, and upon His family and companions who aided the Faith and raised its banners in the name of God, the Mighty, the Wise.

Your esteemed letter arrived, praise be to God. It was a herald bringing news of sincerity, health and wellbeing. Yet sincerity is for God, the Truth, and health and wellbeing are for all. After offering praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, you proceeded to mention your pilgrimage. Afterwards you wrote that God willing, may you ever be favored with divine grace and steadfast in His service. We beseech God to assist all to do what is befitting and to manifest and bring to completion specific civil matters with perfect sanctity and detachment.

Regarding what you wrote about the claims of certain ones—there is no doubt that the creditors are embarrassed while those who should pay show no shame on their faces. This is not new but has always been thus, hence it was said: “A loan is scissors that cut affection.” His honor Aqa Mirza Husayn, upon him be the Glory of God, is truly a quiet and silent person who certainly avoids matters that cause aversion and ill-feeling. However, in conducting business one must follow its proper conditions. Therefore they must keep accounts and make claims, as they themselves are in debt and payment of debts is necessary. As He, glorified and exalted be He, has said: “The payment of debts is an urgent obligation.” If one does not collect, they certainly cannot make payment, and even if claims are made, no one gives anything.

Until the child cries, how can it drink milk? Until the cloud weeps, how can the meadow smile?

God willing, may the debtors be enabled to pay and the creditors to collect. Another petition: whenever you meet with the friends and loved ones of God, glorified be His majesty, mention this lowly one. This servant has ever mentioned and continues to mention each one in the Most Holy Court, and requests all to beseech God to protect this servant from error, mistake and from all that is unworthy of God.

Remember the beloved one, His honor Aqa Siyyid ʿAli, upon him be the Glory of God. It is hoped that this servant too may come to those parts. God willing, whatever remains of mentions due, I take upon myself so that I may attain the presence of the friends. Peace shining from the horizon of the Abode of Peace be upon you and upon those with you and upon those who took the cup of conjecture and cast it behind them, then took again the cup of certitude and drank therefrom in the name of God, the Mighty, the Wise. And praise be to God, the Most High, the Most Great.

BH02342: Say: O concourse of earth! Know ye My station…

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

Say: O concourse of earth! Know ye My station this day? By the life of God! This is a Day whereon the ages are in My sight but as a single minute, the oceans but as a drop, and the suns but as one rising. Thus speaketh the Most Great Book concerning this Momentous Tiding.

O Most Noble One! Remind the people with wisdom and with eloquent exposition, that haply they may be awakened by the Call, arise from the slumber of passion, and turn unto God, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Say: The world hath been shaken by the breezes of Revelation, and every soul enkindled with light hath been adorned with the vesture of the grace of his Lord, the All-Bountiful.

O thou who hast turned toward My Horizon! I was seated upon the Throne, in one of the mansions, when My present servant entered bearing thy letter—that same letter which, when it was read, caused every atom to testify to thy rising up, thy lowliness, thy submissiveness, and thy remembrance and praise of God, the Lord of the mighty Throne. It was read, on thy part, with such purity that from it the fragrance of faithfulness was diffused throughout the Kingdom of creation. Exalted be the Lord of Names, He Who nurtured thee, strengthened thee, and guided thee unto His straight Path.

And when this was accomplished, We sent down the verses which, were We to cast them upon the inanimate, it would be moved, would speak, and would testify that there is none other God but He, the Speaker, the Beholder, the Hearing, the Seeing.

The Tongue of Eternity proclaimeth, in the Most Great Prison: “Verily, there is no God but Me, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.” By God! The Hidden Treasure hath been disclosed and the treasured Secret made manifest, and the Tongue of Grandeur crieth out amidst the world: “Verily, there is no God but Me, the True, the Knower of things unseen.”

O concourse of earth! Fear God and follow not your vain desires. Follow Him Who summoneth you unto that which shall draw you nigh unto God, the Mighty, the Loving. The world and whatsoever ye behold this day shall pass away; but honour and dominion shall abide with God, the Lord of whatsoever hath been and shall be.

Lay aside the books of the world, and take fast hold of the Book of God with a power from Him. Thus doth the Guarded Tablet from His presence command you.

We have beheld thy turning; We have turned toward thee. We have heard thy call; We have answered thee from this exalted station. When thou dost inhale the fragrance of My utterance and attain unto My Tablet, arise from thy place, turn toward My Horizon, and say:

“Praise be unto Thee, O Thou Wronged One, for having made mention of me whilst Thou wert imprisoned amidst the oppressors among Thy servants. I bear witness that Thou hast appeared and hast brought to light that which was inscribed in the Books of God, the Lord of being.”

The glory that shineth from the horizon of My mercy rest upon thee and upon such as hold fast unto My outstretched Cord.

BH02371: Praise be to God, Lord of what was…

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

Praise be to God, Lord of what was and what will be, and peace and blessings be upon the possessor of the praised station and the manifest Cause, who was named Muhammad and Ahmad and Mahmud by God, the Mighty, the Loving, and upon his family and companions, the lamps of guidance and lights of the throne amidst creation and manifestations of oneness through the hidden mystery, through whom the secrets of creation were revealed.

And then—may my spirit be a sacrifice for your love—the servant has been honored by your address and ennobled by your letter, and has learned of your favors, your resolve and your attention in service to your Lord. After my reading and learning, despite my immaturity and lack of understanding, I turned to the Most Great Joy and presented it before His face. He said—and His sweetest word is:

“The name Jud, upon him be My glory—they sent two gifts, one delighting the spirit in the form of moderation, and the other strengthening the body. Praise be to God, he has always been and remains mindful of matters related to the House. Blessed be the sender and the one sent to, and also the sender and the one sent to. We beseech the Most High to assist him in this and to reveal his reward so the world may see, though He has already manifested it through His grace and favor. Peace and glory and exaltation be upon him and upon those in his household and upon My loved ones there.”

End quote.

God willing, tea will be prepared for breakfast and your beloved’s instructions will be followed. As for the wheat, it was truly observed to be very good and desirable. If similar can be produced in that land, several choice seeds should be obtained and sent to be planted and harvested. The profit is from God. May the friends of God, exalted be His glory, enjoy the most excellent bounties. He is indeed the Beneficent, the Compassionate, the Generous.

Further, this servant knows not what to submit and what to mention—whether to complain about the fast or express satisfaction. If we say we were and are satisfied with it, it is observed to have become a barrier and cause of prevention, and the reason for separation and remoteness which has ever been detested. And if we mention anything less than good, this would be counted among real transgressions, for it has been and remains among the greatest bounties with God, the Lord of Names. Wisdom lies in being grateful in all conditions, in delegating to Him and relying upon Him. Surely the Just, the Trustworthy has not and will not let slip the interests of His friends. The Command is in God’s hand, the Lord of creation and the Protector of the servants and lands. Peace be upon you and upon the people of devotion who enjoin good and forbid evil and act according to what the All-Giving has revealed in the Book.

BH02473: In His Name Who shineth forth from the horizon…

In His Name Who shineth forth from the horizon of certitude! This is a Book sent down by the All-Merciful to him who hath turned unto Him and attained unto the days of God, the Lord of the Day of Reckoning. Verily he hath attained unto the mention of the Wronged One time and again, and this is yet another time when the gaze of God hath been directed towards him from the Most Exalted Station.

Be thou steadfast in the Cause and speaking forth in the name of thy Lord, and gazing towards the horizon whence the lights have shone forth. Take thou the reins of the Cause by Our command and remind the servants of this News wherewith the Books of God have formerly given glad tidings, and that which was revealed in the Bayan. We have heard thy call and answered thee, and We have seen thy turning and have turned unto thee from this Station which God hath made the Dawning-place of inspiration.

Remind My loved ones on My behalf and illumine them with the lights that have shone forth and gleamed from the horizon of My Most Exalted Pen, from which the decisive Word hath appeared. Say: Hold fast unto deeds and unto that which We have revealed concerning conduct, then know ye that these are God’s hosts on earth. He in Whose possession is the Mother Book doth testify to this. Aid ye your Lord through goodly character—through this His Cause is exalted in all regions. Say: Be ye My trustees on earth, that every seeker and every aspirant may find in you the fragrance of trustworthiness and assurance. Thus have We illumined the horizon of the heaven of utterance with the sun of knowledge. Blessed is he who hath seen, and woe unto every heedless doubter.

Convey My greetings to all the friends of God and be vigilant at all times, for great is this Day and mighty is this Cause. Say: O friends! With the utmost joy and fragrance, occupy yourselves with the remembrance of the Best-Beloved of the worlds, and strive to make up for what hath passed, for this Day hath no likeness or equal. Hold fast unto the hem of righteousness and fix your gaze upon the Most Exalted Horizon. The Dawning-Place of the Cause and the Dayspring of Revelation hath appeared. All the divine Books and the Prophets and Messengers gave the people of the world glad tidings of this blessed Day, yet all remained heedless save whom God willed.

His honor Ahmad hath sent a petition to the Most Holy Court and hath returned. We, verily, have pardoned him and forgiven him. Thy Lord is indeed the All-Bountiful, the Generous. Ask ye God that He may aid all to that which He loveth and is pleased with, and preserve them from aught else save what He hath revealed in His Book. Verily He is powerful over all things. God willing, that honored one shall, through the heat of divine love, set aflame the frozen servants and draw them to the straight path.

Rejoice thou in that thou hast been mentioned before the Throne, and in that this Book hath been sent down unto thee which shall testify for thee in every world of the worlds of thy Lord, the Forgiving, the Merciful. The glory be upon thee and upon those who have held fast to the Strong Cord of God.

BH02572: O thou who hast turned towards Me! The Wronged…

He is God, exalted be His station of grandeur and power

O thou who hast turned towards Me! The Wronged One turneth unto thee and from this exalted station doth greet thee with praise. And now, the petitions that were submitted in thy name have been presented at the Most Holy Court and an answer hath been revealed.

The one named of God, M.H., upon him be My glory, hath made mention of Master Aqajan Salmani. We have mentioned him before and mention him now, that he may rejoice in My mention, the Mighty, the Wondrous. We have remembered every servant who hath turned and every maidservant who hath turned, and I am the All-Seeing, the All-Informed. We greet him from this station, and his wife who hath believed in God, the Lord of all worlds. Blessed art thou, O My handmaiden, for having turned to the Most Sublime Horizon when most of the servants turned away. Give thanks unto thy Lord for this great bounty. Say: Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having taught me and made me know Thee and mentioned me in Thy Great Prison and guided me to Thy straight path and illumined my heart with the light of Thy knowledge and cast upon me Thy Most Exalted Word whereby every wise command was revealed.

The servants and handmaidens who have turned towards God are all blessed with His mention—some have outwardly attained His presence while for others it remaineth preserved and concealed behind the veil of chastity. All must, God willing, act according to what God loveth and fix their gaze upon the horizon of His good-pleasure. The command is in His hand and He is the Commander, the All-Wise.

They have likewise made mention of Mirza Mu’min. Wondrous and sublime Tablets have repeatedly been sent down from the heaven of the Divine Will especially for him. We greet him from this station and give him the glad-tidings of God’s grace, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. He hath attained unto mention; let him preserve what God hath graciously bestowed upon him as a token of His grace and bounty. He is verily the All-Bountiful, the Mighty, the Loving. We make mention of his wife as We mentioned her before. She turned towards God and migrated until she attained His presence in Baghdad in the presence of Him Whom the Books of God, the Lord of what was and what shall be, had promised.

O My handmaiden! He who is named of God, upon him be My glory, hath made mention of thee and presented thy services at the Most Holy Court. Praise be to God that thou hast been enabled to serve the friends of God and this service hath been adorned with the ornament of acceptance. Give thanks unto thy Lord for this most great favor. He is verily the Protector of every maidservant who hath turned towards God and the Helper of every servant who hath attained unto My sealed wine. Likewise have all the souls mentioned been blessed with the mention of God, exalted be His glory. God willing, may all be assisted to do what befitteth and beseemeth this divine Day.

Glory be upon them from the Wronged One, the Stranger, the Unique.

BH02596: After praise and glorification of the Goal…

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

After praise and glorification of the Goal of the worlds and His chosen ones and friends, it is submitted that your letter was received. Praise be to God, it indicated the wellbeing of that honored brother’s blessed being and his relatives, which brought joy and delight. In truth, letters have been and are half of meeting and encounter. In any case, they are the cause of gladness and the source of joy. The remembrance of friends brings happiness to the Friend, especially if that remembrance is for the sake of God. However, after learning what was mentioned, amazement upon amazement arose, for by the truth of Truth, never did such words emerge from this servant. Apart from all this, what has occurred that one would commit an act or speak a word that would cause grief to friends? You yourself know that this servant has always been occupied with conveying words of love and affection. God willing, we hope that the Truth, exalted be His glory, will adorn all with the ornament of trustworthiness, religiosity, truthfulness and sincerity. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

Today is and has been the day of goodly words, goodly deeds, and good thoughts. God willing, may you be engaged in the remembrance of the Beloved of the worlds with utmost joy and fragrance, and pass your days and nights in perfect ease, wellbeing and health. Convey greetings and praise to Jinab-i-ʿInayatu’llah and his mother and sister. God willing, may they dwell and rest in the shadow of the Tree of Grace. Peace and glory be upon you, and the mercy of God and His blessings. The servant

The various letters you sent arrived. God willing, after review news will be sent. Convey greetings from this ephemeral one to the honored master Jinab-i-Sabri Effendi, may the Glory of God be upon him. Due to the abundance of occupation, this servant does not have time to trouble the friends, therefore he seeks pardon from all. Peace and glory be upon him, and the mercy of God and His blessings.

Regarding what you mentioned about having sent a letter previously—it did not reach this servant, and this letter also reached this servant after four days since it was outside the city and the messengers had forgotten. In any case, upon review and reading, the reply was submitted.

BH02580: Praise be to God Who hath sent down…

In the Name of God, Exalted be His station, the Most Great, the Most Powerful

Praise be to God Who hath sent down the verses and revealed the clear proofs and created the Messengers and sent them to the servants that they might make known to them the matter of origin and return and guide them to the path of righteousness, until He sealed divine revelation and prophethood with Him by Whose traces the world is illumined and through Whom the decree of unity was established among the nations—He in Whose palm the pebble spoke and to Whom the leaves and the date-stone bore witness, the King of the chosen ones and the Goal of the Prophets, may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake. And the prayer that shineth forth from the horizon of God’s tender mercy, exalted be His glory, and the peace that appeareth from the kingdom of His will, widespread be His bounties, be upon Him and upon His family and companions through whom God separated truth from falsehood and through whom appeared the decree of the verses and decisive utterance. These are servants whom the hosts of the world prevented not from the Ancient King. They arose and said:

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

Through them flowed the Euphrates of divine knowledge and surged the ocean of wisdom and exposition, and the light of oneness shone forth from the horizons of the hearts of all contingent beings. Exalted be His dominion and exalted be His greatness and exalted be His power. I bear witness that there is no God but God, in acknowledgment of His grandeur and in recognition of His oneness.

And then, may my spirit be sacrificed for thee, thy esteemed letter was the cause of joy and spiritual delight and gladness to this ephemeral one. After perusal it was presented before Him and He said:

“God willing, he hath been and is successful. Whatever hath thus far been commanded unto him, he hath immediately arisen to execute. We beseech God to make him distinguished among his peers and companions and to illumine him with the lights of divine unity and in all conditions to aid him to act according to the Book. He is the Powerful, the Mighty, and He is the All-Knowing, the Wise, the All-Subduing, the Omnipotent.”

End quote.

Furthermore, he conveyeth greetings to all the gentlemen of that land and I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to make them appear as standards among the people—that is, to appear among the people with truthfulness, sincerity, trustworthiness, religiosity and chastity. Each of these qualities is like a standard, as every fair-minded and informed person will testify. Likewise I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to grant them the good of this world and the next. He is the Hearer and He is the Answerer. And praise be to God in all conditions, and peace be upon you and the mercy of God and His blessings.

BH02719: O Husayn! Hearken to the call of the Wronged…

He is the One manifest and sovereign over all who are on earth and in heaven.

O Husayn! Hearken to the call of the Wronged One Who summons thee from the precincts of His Most Great Prison and invites thee to that which will draw thee nigh unto God, the Lord of ancient days. Verily thy Lord is the Hearing, the Responding One. Thy letter hath come before Us and We have heard thy call therefrom. We have answered thee with a Tablet before which all tablets have bowed down, and with a mention that hath gladdened the eyes of them that are nigh. The Wronged One hath heard the cry of thy heart in thy love for God and thy yearning in separation from Him, and hath witnessed thy turning toward this Station which hath been named with the Most Beautiful Names in the Crimson Book and the Most Great Prison in My perspicuous Book. Thou art he who hath turned toward My horizon and attained unto My love and recognition and hast drunk the choice wine of My tender mercy from the hand of My bounty. Verily, He doth not suffer to be lost the reward of the doers of good.

The Most Exalted Pen hath loved and continues to love to speak in the most sweet Persian tongue. Thy letter which was sent in the name of the servant was presented before the Countenance. Blessed is the tongue that speaketh of His Name this day and blessed is the eye that gazeth toward His horizon. This blessed Day is truly mighty and great, and is known in the divine Books and Scriptures as the Day of God.

Every soul is able this day to attain unto enduring stations. God willing, thou shalt, through divine grace and heavenly confirmations, preserve thy station and likewise recognize its worth, for thou art recorded and inscribed among the foremost in the Book of ʿIlliyin and art distinguished by the special favors of God and successful in attaining His peerless Name. Keep this most exalted station hidden from the eyes of the heedless and the veiled ones, for the treacherous have ever lain in wait for the precious gem. God willing, thou must be engaged in mention and praise with a new spirit, a new tongue, and boundless strength and power, and remain firm, steadfast and resolute in service to the Cause. Soon that which is hidden shall appear in the realm of manifestation, and the deniers, unbelievers and heedless ones shall cry out “Alas for us, for what we neglected towards God!” In all circumstances keep thy gaze fixed on wisdom and hold fast unto God, exalted be His glory. Verily He hath raised thee up through His grace and ordained for thee that which gladdeneth the hearts of them that know. The glory be upon thee and upon thy family from God, the Lord of all worlds.

BH02877: The servant in attendance read thy letter before…

In His Name, the One Who ruleth over all names.

The servant in attendance read thy letter before the Wronged One, and it was heard. 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 turned toward the horizon of His Cause. O thou who art enkindled with the fire of separation and who hast turned to God, the Lord of the Day of Divorce! Grieve not over anything. In all matters place thy trust in thy Lord. Verily He is the companion of him who hath no companion, and the helper of him who hath no helper, and the succourer of him who hath arisen to make mention of Him and to praise Him, and the strengthener of him who hath turned unto Him, and the answerer of him who calleth upon Him. Blessed is the face that hath turned toward the Face, and the ear that hath attained to His most sweet call when it was raised betwixt earth and heaven. We counsel thee to be steadfast in the Cause, to possess spiritual qualities and praiseworthy deeds, and to speak goodly words. By My life! Whoso acteth in accordance with what hath been enjoined upon him by God is assuredly among those who are nigh unto Him in a manifest Book.

Praise be to God that in this blessed day thou hast inhaled the fragrance of His garment and turned toward the straight path of God. This is a great bounty and a mighty favor. By God’s life! The precious jewels of the earth and the treasures of kings cannot compare with it. Know thou its station, then give thanks unto thy Lord, the All-Bountiful. The True One, exalted be His glory, hath been and ever will be with His loved ones. He verily is the Near One, the Watchful.

O Tahmasb! Give praise to the Lord of eternity Who hath granted thee success and Who in this Most Great Prison hath made mention of thee. That which this Wronged One hath ever desired is the salvation of all, and ever shall be. God willing, thou shalt 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 those who are firmly established.

In these days this region is somewhat disturbed; therefore it is not permissible to journey to this place. 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 of the world to come. Verily He is powerful over all things. The glory shining forth from the horizon of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon those who have laid hold on the hem of thy Lord’s mercy, the Forgiving, the Bountiful.

BH02917: O My Name! Upon thee be My glory…

He is the Witnessing, the All-Hearing

O My Name! Upon thee be My glory and loving-kindness and My favor which hath preceded existence itself, and My mercy which hath encompassed all that was and shall be. Let not the affairs of the world sadden thee, nor what every ignorant and veiled one may utter. My Most Exalted Pen beareth witness to thy turning unto Me, thy recognition, and thy presence before the Wronged One. Thou art he who heard the Call and responded to thy Lord, the Lord of Names, when the peoples turned away from Him save whom God, the Lord of the worlds, did will. We have heard the yearning of thy heart, the sighing of thy soul, and the lamentation of thy inner being, and such sorrow hath seized Us as none can reckon save the All-Numbering, the All-Knowing.

We have ordained the laws for love and unity, for kindliness and concord, yet the people have made them the cause of hatred. This is naught but a grievous error. We have manifested Our Self and revealed that which draweth hearts unto the Most Sublime Horizon, the Station wherein the Lote-Tree of the Uttermost End proclaimeth: There is none other God but Me, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. We have borne the tribulations of earth for the unity of all therein and the revelation of what God hath willed. Yet the people have cast the Command of God behind their backs, following every heedless and remote one. By My life! I have been saddened by thy sadness, and found Myself in such grief as would, were it to be apportioned amongst the peoples of the earth, cause them to wail as do the bereft.

We have freed thee and purified thee and caused thee to know and speak forth this wondrous Cause. We guided thee at the beginning and were thy leader unto My Straight Path. This is a bounty that no thing in the kingdom can equal, as doth testify He with Whom is the Clear Book.

O My Name along with My Name! Nothing shall harm thee. Hold fast unto it and place thy trust in God, the Single, the Mighty, the All-Praiseworthy. Beware lest the affairs of creation veil thee from this Cause at whose appearance all in the heavens and earth were struck with terror, save those who came unto God with a mighty, powerful and illumined heart. Thus hath surged the ocean of meanings, and the breezes of God have wafted, and the white ships have sailed thereon through My Name, the All-Subduing over all who are in the heavens and earths. Guide thou the servants thereby, as a command from My presence. This beseemeth the days of God, the Single, the Peerless. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My loving-kindness and the light gleaming from the direction of My prison be upon thee and upon them that are with thee and upon them that love thee for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH02963: To be typed

To be typed.

BH03435: O Muhammad-Qabli-ʿAli! Upon thee be the peace of God…

He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed Speaker!

O Muhammad-Qabli-ʿAli! Upon thee be the peace of God and His care, and the Glory of God and His mercy! Praise be to God that thou didst arrive in the Most Great Prison and didst attain the presence of the Wronged One in thy comings and goings. And now, by leave and will, thou hast decided to return. Praise the Desired One of the worlds that thou hast attained to that which most are heedless of.

Convey greetings and salutations to the friends of God, exalted be His glory. Say: The Wronged One of ʿAkka counseleth all to fear God and to that which exalteth the station of man. The true Law of God consisteth in such matters and deeds as are the cause and source of the manifestations of human stations. This is the good that hath been enjoined in all the Books of God, exalted be His glory, and whatsoever is contrary to this station is accounted as evil and must needs be shunned.

If thou attainest the presence of the two Names, namely Jamal and Zayn, stand thou before their faces and convey greetings from the Wronged One unto them. Similarly, give thou glad-tidings to the friends of that land through the remembrance of this Wronged One—all are remembered by Him. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to aid them, draw them nigh and acquaint them with that which beseemeth them. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

Some of the friends who are engaged in serving the Cause and are adorned with goodly deeds and praiseworthy character are in truth among the pillars and chosen ones of the earth. The outpourings of divine mercy have been and continue to be especially destined for such souls. Convey greetings to the captives of that land, whether young or old, male or female.

In these days the letter of Jinab-i-Zayn and Jinab-i-Mirza ʿAbdu’llah was mentioned by this servant in the presence. God willing, a reply will be sent. We beseech God to grant them that which will draw them near unto Him in all His worlds. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

Peace and Glory be upon thee and upon them and upon those who have acted according to that which was enjoined upon them by God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH03426: O ʿAbd-Qabil-Husayn! This is the Day which hath been…

He is the One manifest above all things!

O ʿAbd-Qabil-Husayn! This is the Day which hath been mentioned and recorded in the divine Books, Tablets and Scriptures as the Day of God. All those who are nigh unto God, the believers in divine unity, and indeed all the peoples of the world, have awaited this most mighty, most holy Day. Yet when the Sun of Revelation shone forth from the horizon of the Will of God—exalted be His glory—all were found heedless and veiled, save those souls who freed themselves from idle fancies and vain imaginings and turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon. Blessed are they and joy be unto them!

Today the ocean of grace is surging and the straight path is clear and evident. How blessed is the state of those whom neither the doubts of the divines, nor the intimations of the mystics, nor the might of rulers hath withheld from the Lord of all names. Whosoever hath on this Day attained unto the divine Word hath attained unto all good. Blessed is the soul at whose mention My Most Exalted Pen hath moved, and woe unto the heedless! For the sake of fleeting days they have turned away from the immortal Kingdom of God. By the Sun of the heaven of inner meanings! Soon shall they find themselves in manifest loss.

Grieve thou not over anything. Rather, rejoice in this Clear Book, for nothing among all things can equal it—to this doth the Lord of all creation bear witness on this luminous night. We have heard thy call and answered thee, and have observed thy devotion and made mention of thee in such wise as shall never come to an end, enduring as the most beautiful names of God. Verily thy Lord is the All-Merciful, the Bountiful.

Hold fast to the cord of His grace and be thou of those who are steadfast. At the end of this Book We counsel thee to manifest the utmost steadfastness, for Satan calleth from behind the All-Merciful throughout all creation. This is what We have previously informed the servants of, and in this wondrous Tablet. Strive thou in thy days that there may appear from thee that whereby thy mention shall endure in the Book of thy Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Convey unto the people with wisdom and utterance, that they may forsake what they possess and take hold of that which they have been commanded by One Who is the Ordainer, the All-Wise.

The glory be upon thee and upon those who have quaffed the choice wine of revelation in the name of their Lord, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

BH03446: Praise be to God! The Fire of Manifestation…

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

Praise be to God! The Fire of Manifestation is kindled and visible from the Blessed Tree, and the Light of Divine Unity is shining from the horizon of the heaven of God’s Will. The Speaker of the Mount is established upon the throne of grandeur, yet the people remain deprived and forbidden from His presence and meeting. All tongues speak in praise of this blessed Day, all ears are attentive to hear the Call, all books, scrolls and psalms make mention of this most exalted and most holy Revelation, and all eyes are expectant. Yet when the world was illumined with the lights of the dawn of Revelation, all peoples were found heedless and veiled, save whom God willed.

O Muhammad-Husayn! Hearken unto the call of this Wronged One, Who summons thee from the precincts of the Most Great Prison and calls thee to the highest horizon. The people of the world who were seekers, yearning and expectant of the divine Day, are all occupied with these fleeting days and heedless of, nay, turned away from God, exalted be His glory. Blessed is the soul that hath today attained the recognition of God and whose mention hath been inscribed by the Most Exalted Pen in the Most Great Book. He shall endure as long as the kingdom of earth and heaven endure. Blessed art thou for having attained unto a Tablet that cannot be equaled by whatsoever existeth on earth. Thy Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, beareth witness unto this.

Say: Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having given me to drink from the Kawthar of Thy knowledge, for having made me recognize the Dawning-Place of Thy verses, for having guided me to Thy path, and for having cast upon me Thy Most Exalted Word. I beseech Thee by the sovereignty of Names to make me steadfast in Thy service, speaking Thy praise, holding fast to the cord of Thy grace, and standing firm in this Cause whereby the limbs of the people of Thy kingdom have trembled. O Lord! Thou art the Answerer and I am the supplicant. I beseech Thee not to deprive me of the fragrances of Thy Robe, nor to disappoint me of what lieth with Thee. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the Exalted, the Forgiving, the Generous.

BH03568: O thou who gazest upon the Countenance! Thy letter…

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

O thou who gazest upon the Countenance! Thy letter hath reached Mine ears, bearing witness to thy humility and lowliness, thy rising and sitting, thy movement and stillness, for the sake of God, the Lord of all worlds. Through this the gates of loving-kindness were opened, the heaven of mercy was adorned, and the Euphrates of thy Lord’s grace, the Mighty, the Wise, did flow. Thou hast been with Me for successive years, and the glance of My love hath at all times been directed toward thee. He Who speaketh in the Kingdom of Utterance doth testify to this, that there is none other God but Him, the Single, the All-Informed. By My life! We have found the fragrance of My love in every word of thy letter, and We beseech Him, exalted be He, to assist thee and confirm thee, and ordain for thee the good of this world and of the next. He, verily, is the Generous, the Gracious.

In truth, thou art witness and testimony to steadfastness. Well is it with thee and blessed art thou! More than twenty years have passed during which thou hast been with Us. This service is most great, and this bounty most abundant. By the life of God! Countless benefits lie hidden and concealed therein. We beseech God that He may cause thy kindred to hold fast to this Most Firm Handle in His love. Fix your gaze upon truth, speak the truth, and cling to truth. Convey My greetings to Umm-Tirazullah, upon her be the Glory of God. Say: By Him Who hath raised me up, made me manifest and caused me to speak, God’s love for you surpasseth that of all kindred and relatives. God willing, thou shalt attain complete sanctification and turn to God with thy whole heart. The beginning was from God, glorified be His majesty, and unto Him is the return. We beseech Him, exalted be He, that He deny thee not the outpourings of the clouds of His bounty and the ocean of His grace. Verily, He hath power over all things. Glory be upon thee and upon them that love thee for the sake of God, the Lord of the mighty throne. Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH03955: With the name of God, exalted be His glory…

With the name of God, exalted be His glory. Forgiveness and mercy.

O ʿAli-Akbar! Repeatedly hast thou been enabled to make mention of the Most Great Name and the Wronged One of the world, and been assisted to offer praise and thanksgiving to the Lord of eternity and the Beloved of all nations. All people, after striving, are deprived, and after seeking, are forbidden, save whom God willeth. All things in the world, with their diverse objects and ornate treasures, cannot and will never equal one word of the sublime Words. God willing, thou shalt be enabled to achieve that which is acceptable at the Divine Threshold. Strive thou to discover the fragrance of the Word and to become detached and free from aught else but God.

His honor Aqa Ghulam-ʿAli mentioned thee in the Most Holy Presence through this servant who is present, wherefore this Tablet was revealed and sent.

O ʿAli! Strive thou that the dawning-places of love may seek thee out and gather round about thee. It is beloved that thou be called, in the presence of the Countenance, the father of mankind. Know thou that which the tongue of the Wronged One hath spoken, and be of them that act. We beseech God to assist thee in that which shall endure throughout the kingdom of earth and heaven. Make the Word of God, which all must obey, thy highest goal, thy most exalted hope, thy purpose and aim, thy beloved one, thine heir, and thy wealth.

O ʿAli! Strive thou to attain unto this station. Turn thou with thy whole being, then act according to that whereby the near ones perceive the fragrance of thy Lord’s good-pleasure, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Convey My greetings to thy wife and give her the glad-tidings of My loving-kindness and My acceptance of what she hath sent time and again. The glory be upon thee and upon her and upon My male and female servants who have believed in God, the Lord of all worlds.

BH03844: Glorified be He Who hath revealed whatsoever He willeth…

He is the One manifest from the horizon of the unseen!

Glorified be He Who hath revealed whatsoever He willeth through His sovereignty. He, verily, is the Truth, the Knower of things unseen. He doeth what He willeth in His dominion in such wise that neither the clash of the swords of the world nor the clamor of the cannons of the nations can hinder Him. He hath arisen to establish His Cause with a power whereby the Resurrection hath come to pass, the Hour hath struck, the Reality hath appeared and the Great Calamity hath occurred. Thus hath the matter been decreed through His command, and He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth through His word “Be” and it is.

O Yusif! Thy letter hath come before the Prisoner, and there hath been revealed for thee that which brighteneth the eyes. Be thou steadfast in the Cause and say: Glory be to Thee, O my God and the God of the hosts, the Nurturer of the seen and the unseen! I beseech Thee by the Crimson Scroll and by the Point through which all things were distinguished, and through which was manifested that which lay hidden in the kingdom of names, to assist me in this Cause whereby the heart of the world hath been shaken and the nations have lamented, save those who have held fast to the cord of Thy grace and clung to the hem of Thy bounty. I implore Thee by the sighs of them that are nigh unto Thee in their separation from Thee, and by the tears of the sincere ones in their remoteness from Thee, to ordain for me from the Supreme Pen that which shall profit me in the hereafter and in this world. Verily, Thou art the Lord of all beings and the Lord of the throne on high and of the dust beneath. There is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Compelling over what hath been and what shall be.

Praise be unto Thee, O my God, for having taught me Thy path and guided me unto the Dayspring of Thy Revelation and the Dawning-Place of Thy hidden knowledge and the Manifestation of Thy Cause, and for having remembered me through that which nothing that is seen or witnessed can equal. I testify that Thou art He Whose grace hath encompassed all, Whose mercy hath preceded all, Whose proof hath been perfected, Whose bounty hath been completed, and Whose evidence hath shone forth in such wise that none can deny it save every froward reprobate.

BH03999: O son of Dhabih, who has attained the presence…

He is the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing

O son of Dhabih, who has attained the presence of God! These are the days of manifestation, and the Sun of loving-kindness is shining, and the ocean of generosity is surging. Therefore, the mention of those souls who have turned towards Him has flowed and continues to flow from the Supreme Pen.

This Day a door is open wider than both heaven and earth. The eye of the mercy of Him Who is the Desire of the worlds is turned towards all men. An act, however infinitesimal, is, when viewed in the mirror of the knowledge of God, mightier than a mountain. Every drop proffered in His path is as the sea in that mirror. For this is the Day which the one true God, glorified be He, hath announced in all His Books, unto His Prophets and His Messengers. Were the greatness of this Day to be revealed in its fullness, most men would swoon away and fall prostrate. Nevertheless, the station of each one is clear and evident.

It is hoped that through these torrential rains now falling, there may spring forth from the soil of men’s hearts that which is worthy. Ask ye of God to strengthen His loved ones to preserve that which He hath bestowed, lest vain imaginings and improper deeds and actions change it. Dhabih and his kin have been and continue to be mentioned in the presence of God. Be ye thankful unto God for this mighty favor.

O youth! Hold fast with all thy strength to the hem of the grace of thy Lord in such wise that no earthly power can weaken it. Thus doth God counsel thee from the precincts of His mighty prison. Rejoice thou in My remembrance and My tender care and My loving-kindness, and be thou of the thankful ones. The glory that proceedeth from Us rest upon thee and upon those who are with thee, who have laid fast hold on My strong cord.

BH04099: O My Afnan! Upon thee be My glory! Set…

In His Name, the Compassionate, the Commanding, the All-Wise!

O My Afnan! Upon thee be My glory! Set thy face toward the Ultimate Goal and the Most Exalted Summit, that thou mayest visit on behalf of him whom God hath extolled in His Book, and given to drink of the Kawthar of His presence and the Salsabil of His reunion, and caused to speak forth His remembrance and praise, and established to serve His Cause. When thou desirest to turn toward the direction before which all directions have bowed down, say: “O my Lord! I have desired Thy presence and Thy meeting, and to stand before Thy door which hath been opened unto all who are in Thy heaven and on Thine earth. O my Lord! Thou art the Generous, the Possessor of great bounty.

Accept, then, what I have done and perform in Thy path out of longing for Thy beauty and passionate love for Thee. I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy utterance and the sun of Thy generosity to ordain from the Most Exalted Pen, for him on whose behalf I would visit Thee, that which befitteth Thy loftiness and Thy generosity, and to decree for him that which shall abide with him in every world of Thy worlds.” Then arise from thy place and say: “My God, my God! Unto Thee have I turned, and through Thee have I drawn nigh, and in Thee have I placed my trust. Have mercy, then, upon Thy servant who hath wandered through the lands and traversed the regions until he arrived at the place of imprisonment.”

Then walk with dignity and tranquility, saying “Here am I, here am I” until thou standest before the door. Then say: “In the Name of God and by God! There is no power nor strength except through God!” Then enter the place of the Wronged One and say: “Praise be to Thee, O God of the worlds, and thanksgiving be unto Thee, O Desire of the sincere ones, for having guided me unto Thy straight path and caused me to hear Thy call and to behold Thy beauty manifest and resplendent. I beseech Thee to preserve me under all conditions beneath the canopies of Thy bounty and the pavilion of Thy glory. Verily Thou art the All-Powerful, the Most Exalted, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.”

BH04178: This Wronged One hath enjoined upon all people…

He is God, exalted be His glory, to Whom belong grandeur and majesty

This Wronged One hath enjoined upon all people to observe what is praiseworthy and forbidden what is blameworthy. He beseecheth God—glorified be His majesty—to adorn all with the ornament of trustworthiness, godliness, truthfulness and purity. If no trace of humanity is manifested from someone, dried bones are better than they. All are poor before the manifestations of His riches, and weak before the revelations of His power. One must turn with one’s whole heart to the Supreme Horizon. In truth, none attaineth unto this most exalted station, this most sublime summit and this ultimate goal except by washing the heart with the water of recognition and burning away all else save God with the fire of His love. A hundred thousand blessings upon those souls who have accepted, remained firm, become assured, walked uprightly, been well-pleased, given pleasure, and acted; and a hundred thousand woes upon those souls who have turned away, denied, remained heedless, and forsaken.

God hath ever gazed upon what is praiseworthy and commanded its observance, yet most of the people of the earth have spoken unjustly and concealed the Sun of Justice behind the dark clouds thereof. These deeds have appeared in the form of bullets and cannons, as hath been witnessed. We beseech God to adorn all with the ornament of forgiveness. Verily He is powerful over all things. Your petition was received and read. This imprisoned Wronged One beseecheth God to assist you to perform such deeds as shall endure as long as His names endure. Verily He is the Forgiving, the Generous. And praise be unto Him Who is the Goal of all the worlds.

BH04237: God testifieth that there is none other God but…

He is the Answerer in all circumstances

God testifieth that there is none other God but Him. He hath ever been One from all eternity and powerful over whatsoever He willeth. The essence of knowledge hath confessed its powerlessness to know His presence. He is the Sanctified, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

O Ali! Thy letter hath come before the Wronged One and the servant in attendance hath read it. We answer thee with this perspicuous Tablet. Thy sins have been forgiven. Verily thy Lord is the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. God hath forgiven His servants who have turned to the Most Sublime Horizon when the company of divines and learned ones turned away from it, save whom God hath willed, the Lord of all worlds. We counsel thee to manifest great steadfastness in the Cause of God, the Lord of Names, and to fear God, the Mighty, the Powerful. Thou art he who hath perceived the fragrance of the Intended One when most of the servants were veiled from it. Preserve this most exalted station through My Name, the Mighty, the Wondrous. We make mention of thy son Muhammad and counsel him with that which will cause the Cause to be exalted among the servants and with what hath been revealed in the Book of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

O Muhammad! Be steadfast and say: O Beloved of the world Who hath appeared with the Most Great Name! I beseech Thee by the breezes of Thy days and the manifestations of Thy Cause to protect me from the evil of the enemies of Thy Self who have broken Thy covenant and testament and turned away from Thee when Thou didst come from the Dayspring of might with clear sovereignty. O my Lord! Illumine my heart with the light of Thy knowledge and my face with the lights of Thy countenance, and ordain for me through Thy bounty that which will make me independent of all save Thee. Verily Thou art powerful over what Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Bountiful, the Ancient of Days.

BH04314: O my handmaiden! Bear thou witness to that whereunto…

He is the Comforter, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise

O my handmaiden! Bear thou witness to that whereunto God did Himself bear witness ere the creation of earth and heaven—that there is none other God but Him, the Witness, the All-Seeing, the All-Hearing. The Wronged One doth testify at this moment that whatsoever was sent down aforetime from the heaven of the Divine Will was in truth sent down for My Own Self, yet most of the people remain heedless. Through My Will hath God’s Will been manifested, yet the people have denied this mighty Cause.

O handmaiden of God and leaf of the Tree of His love! The exalted one, upon him be My glory, and his kindred have ever been and shall ever remain beneath the sheltering care of God, exalted be His glory. By My life! He hath indeed taken his seat upon the throne of glory in a station where tongues and pens fall short of describing it. This is of the bounty of his Lord unto him—verily He is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous.

Be thou at all times filled with supreme joy and occupied with the remembrance of God. There hath befallen you in the path of God that which hath caused every seeing eye to weep, every tongue to lament, and every heart to be filled with utmost grief. All that hath befallen you—its recompense lieth treasured within the divine knowledge. Soon shall the people of the earth behold the station of him who was raised up in My straight and manifest path.

Know thou the worth of this blessed Tablet and inhale from it the fragrance of My loving-kindness. Convey My greetings to thy daughter and say: Thou hast been and art under the shadow of God’s tender mercy. Rejoice thou and be of those who render thanks. Glory be upon thee and upon her and upon those handmaidens who have believed in God, the Lord of all worlds.

BH04374: Today the horizon of the heaven of manifestation…

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

Today the horizon of the heaven of manifestation is illumined and radiant through the will of God, glorified be His majesty. At all times God Himself calls out and summons His servants to the supreme horizon. Yet the people are found to be heedless and veiled, nay rather, dead and lost. In this spiritual dawn, whose breeze is like unto the water of paradise, none has become aware or lifted their head from the couch of negligence save whom God has willed. All who are on earth have been created for the recognition of this blessed Day, yet despite this they remain heedless of it. Soon the cry of departure will awaken them, but that awakening will yield no benefit nor bring forth any fruit.

Grieve not over the world and its conditions. Rather give thanks to thy Lord for having revealed unto thee and caused thee to hear and to know that which was hidden behind the veils of the unseen and inscribed in the Books of God, the Mighty, the Beautiful. Thou and the other friends must exert your utmost endeavor to attain unto the wine of steadfastness. This is the counsel of God unto His loved ones, for there are many traitors, thieves and calumniators who have misled and continue to mislead the people in the name of truth.

The glory be upon thee and upon those who have attained unto My presence in this mighty prison. We send greetings from this spot upon the faces of My loved ones in that land who have cast aside vain imaginings and acted according to that which they were commanded in the Book of God, the Exalted, the Great.

BH04465: God bears witness that there is none other God…

He is the Hearing, the Answering One!

God bears witness that there is none other God but Him. He has sent forth the Messengers and made them the lamps of His Cause among His servants and the emblems of His remembrance in His kingdom. Whoso turns unto them hath turned unto God, the Lord of all worlds. He hath commanded all to give glad-tidings unto the people of this hidden Name and treasured Mystery through His word: “Lead forth the people from darkness into light and give them glad-tidings of the days of God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.” Yet when the promise came to pass and the Speaker on Sinai appeared, the servants turned away save those who cast the world behind them, turning to the Supreme Horizon—the Station wherein the Lord of creation did proclaim: “There is none other God but I, the Forgiving, the Merciful.”

Rejoice thou in the tablet of thy Lord. Verily it is a leaf from the leaves of My Sadratu’l-Muntaha, moving by the movement of the will and purpose of God, and it is an eternal, fresh fruit which neither winds nor tempests can alter. Thy Lord is verily the All-Explaining, the All-Knowing. By God’s life! All that is on earth cannot equal it, as attested by Him in Whose grasp lies the kingdom of Command and Creation. Be thou grateful and among the thankful ones.

We have heard thy call and have answered thee through Our grace. Verily thy Lord is the Forgiving, the Merciful. Be thou steadfast in the Cause and speaking forth this wise Remembrance. Thus hath the ocean cast forth the pearls of knowledge and wisdom—gather them in My Name, the Mighty, the Powerful. God hath forgiven whomsoever sought mercy from His presence. He is verily the Powerful over what He willeth. There is none other God but Him, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

BH04507: This is a Book which the All-Merciful hath sent…

He is the Dawning One from the horizon of the heaven of utterance!

This is a Book which the All-Merciful hath sent down unto him who hath turned and attained unto the lights of the Kingdom when the Sovereign of the Realm of Might came with a name whereby all in the heavens and earth were thunderstruck, save whom God willeth, the Lord of the worlds. The land of mystical knowledge hath recounted what it heard from the tongues of the people of Baha who turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon on a day wherein all the tribes of the earth turned away, save whom God, the Almighty, the Powerful, willeth. O Ashraf! That which thou didst compose in praise of thy Lord hath been presented, and the servant who was present before the throne of thy Lord the Most Great did recite it, and thy call and that which proceeded from thy lips attained unto the hearing of Him Who is Wronged and then of those whom the hosts of tyranny did not prevent from turning unto God, the Peerless, the All-Informed.

Blessed is the tongue that hath spoken in praise of God, and the face that hath turned toward Him, and the heart that hath turned to His luminous horizon. Give thanks unto God for having aided thee unto this most great bounty and guided thee unto His straight path and sent down for thee that whose fragrance shall never cease throughout the eternity of His most excellent names. To this doth My Most Exalted Pen testify in this wondrous Tablet. Be thou steadfast in the service of My Cause and speaking My praise amongst My servants. Thus doth command thee He with Whom is the knowledge of all things in a clear Book. We, from this station, send Our glorification upon thee and upon My loved ones in that land and upon those whom the affairs of creation have not prevented from this News whereby the idols were shaken and the pillars of false gods were scattered and every lofty mountain was crushed. The glory be upon thee and upon them from God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH04581: O Husayn! Thou hast aimed for the ultimate goal…

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

O Husayn! Thou hast aimed for the ultimate goal and turned thyself to the most exalted summit and highest horizon, attaining thereunto through the infinite favors of God, exalted be His glory. How many were the servants who, both before and after, yearned for the divine presence and heard its glad-tidings in the holy Books, yet when the divine morn dawned and the sea of reunion surged, all were deprived save a few.

Some among the people were held back by pride, others by worldly ornaments, some by idle fancies and vain imaginings, and yet others by tyranny and wickedness. The cause and reason for all this were and are the divines of the age. Give thanks unto God for having protected thee, confirmed thee, drawn thee nigh unto Him, and given thee to drink of the choice sealed wine through His Name, the Protecting, the Self-Subsisting. Know thou the value of this bounty, for verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. The assured and tranquil souls of that land have all, through God’s grace, attained, and their names have been recorded by the Most Exalted Pen. We beseech God to aid them in such wise that the might of the peoples of the world shall not debar them from the outpourings of these divine days. Soon shall the people and all that they possess perish. To this testifieth every fair-minded and discerning one, every learned and informed one. The glory that hath shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of My mercy be upon thee and upon them and upon those whom the censure of the censurers hath not deterred from this Most Great, Most Pure, Most Shining, Most Mighty, Most Wondrous Cause.

BH04595: O Mahmud! The Adored One has turned toward thee…

He is the All-Knowing Witness Who speaks.

O Mahmud! The Adored One has turned toward thee from this praised station and makes mention of thee in such wise as to diffuse the fragrance of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, the Mighty, the Bestower. We have turned toward thee time and again and have sent down that which illumines hearts and brings solace to eyes.

Take hold of thy Lord’s Book with His strength and say: O people of the earth! By God, the Truth has come and the Day of Reckoning has appeared. Come, that I may show you His most exalted horizon and His Balance which has been established in His Name, the One Who holds dominion over all who are in the earth and heaven. Beware, O people, lest ye deprive yourselves of the choice wine of revelation. Leave behind what ye possess and take what has been given you by God, the Cleaver of Dawn.

This is the Day that was promised you in the Books of old and in the Furqan which was sent down unto Muhammad, the Messenger of God, from God, the Lord of Lords. Beware lest ye do what the people before you did. Fear God and follow not every doubtful idolator. Leave behind vain imaginings, then hasten with radiant faces to the Most Great Ocean which has appeared in the name of your Lord, the Goal of all desire.

Blessed art thou, O Mahmud, for having uttered the praise of thy Lord when most of the servants turned away from Him. The Glory be upon thee and upon thy wife who has believed in her Lord and turned toward the Dawning-Place of lights. We send Our greetings from this station upon her and upon My loved ones there and upon those women who have believed in God, the Lord of the Day of Judgment.