Volume 073: Akka 1301 A.H. (1883–1884), Part I (5 of 6)

BH05245: The servant testifies to the oneness and singleness…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the Most Great, the Most High

The servant testifies to the oneness and singleness of God, His justice and bounty, and to the Last Day when people shall stand before the Lord of the worlds. And prayers and peace be upon the best of those who walked upon the earth, through whom the sun of truth shone forth and the horizon of servitude was illumined, and whom He sent with truth to the people to guide them to His straight path, and upon his family and companions who truly clung to his holy and luminous robe.

To proceed—may my spirit be a sacrifice for your remembrance. I received your letter and heard your words and visited what reached me from you. I beseech Him, exalted be He, to aid you and sustain you in manifesting justice and fairness in the cities and regions. As for what you wrote regarding Qurratu’l-ʿAyn’s proceeding to Alexandretta for assistance and benefit—this is a matter approved by the people of consultation. We ask God for a good outcome. Regarding what you mentioned about the arrival of his honor—the servant sends greetings to him and congratulates him and remembers him with pure love, and those with him. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to grant us reunion and remove the veils and obstacles. He may proceed and be honored with what he desires. Verily He is the Compassionate, the Mighty, the Loving. And peace be upon you and upon those with you, female and male, young and old.

The servant 9 Rabi’ath-Thani 1301

BH02042: Praise befitteth that Intended One Who illumined the world…

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

Praise befitteth that Intended One Who illumined the world with the lights of the Sun of Truth and ordained for the hearts of the Prophets and chosen ones the spring of the Water of Life. He is the One Peerless Lord Whose sovereignty neither increased nor diminished through the acceptance or rejection of the peoples of the world. Exalted, exalted be His binding Command and His Most Great Mystery. And blessings and peace be upon Him Whom He sent with the truth and made the Manifestation of His most beautiful names and most exalted attributes among creation, and upon His family and companions through whom the earth brought forth its fruits and the heaven sent down its rain.

Thereafter, the letter of that honored brother arrived. Praise be to God, it indicated your well-being and the favorable resolution of affairs, which brought joy. When it was presented before the Master, He said:

“O Lutfu’llah, welcome to thee! The flourishing of work and personal health brings joy. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to aid thee in that which pleaseth Him and to grant thee success in His remembrance and praise. He is the Powerful, the Mighty. Be thou in all conditions reliant upon Him, hopeful of the wonders of His grace, speaking His praise, and gazing toward the horizon of His mercy which hath preceded all who are in the heavens and the earth.”

Thou art mentioned in the presence of the Wronged One. The friends of that land have not been and will not be forgotten. God willing, may all the friends of God be adorned with the ornament of goodly deeds and spiritual qualities. In all circumstances be mindful of wisdom. Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God, and His blessings.

Praise be to God, thou art successful in remembering the true Friend. In truth, grace hath been manifested in such wise that this servant is powerless to mention it. God the All-Informed is witness and testifier that at all times I have beseeched and do beseech from God, exalted be His glory, glory and blessing and exaltation and bounty for you and the other gentlemen. How much joy was obtained from news of the good health of the spiritual friend Aqa Mirza ʿAli-Akbar. In truth, he is a remembrance and remnant of the family of the late and forgiven one whose virtues the pen is powerless to recount, and he is ever remembered in the presence of the Countenance. This servant conveys greetings to him. Repeatedly mention was heard from the blessed tongue of his healing. The servant praises God for this. Verily He is the Hearing, the Answering.

As to your mention of the honored and revered brother Aqa Muhammad-Rida, upon him be the peace of God, God is witness and testifier that this servant in all conditions beseeches and hopes for the wonders of His generosity and grace, that He may preserve him and his kin beneath the shadow of His care and compassion. And further I beseech from God that He may ordain a meeting. This matter has been long delayed. God willing, may the Pen of Destiny bring it near. He is powerful and mighty over all things.

We have no news of the honored master Sabri Efendi, upon him be the Glory of God. God willing, may he be sustained with the blessing of health and well-being. The poor one possesses naught save prayer. Verily He doeth whatsoever He willeth.

BH01633: Praise be to God Who has manifested…

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

Praise be to God Who has manifested that which was sanctified beyond the knowledge, recognition, comprehension and understanding of all things. He has ever been and will forever remain sanctified above all thoughts, even as He has always been. There is no God but Him, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the Unconstrained. And His manifest blessings be upon Him Whom He created and sent forth to His creatures to guide them to the straight path, and upon His family and companions through whom His Cause was spread throughout the lands among the servants.

My spirit be a sacrifice for you. The blessed autograph of His Holiness addressed to the honored master, Jinab-i-Nazir, upon him be the peace of God, and dated the sixth of Rabi’u’l-Avval, truly renewed the existence of this ephemeral one, for it spoke of the well-being of that Beloved One. It brought spiritual joy and true gladness—to Him be praise, grace and bounty. Since the honored master, upon him be God’s care and grace, was not present, this servant received it on his behalf and with his permission. Now on this 19th of Rabi’u’th-Thani this response is submitted.

Regarding what was written expressing joy and gladness at the acceptance by His Holiness the Branch of God, Aqa Mirza Diya’u’llah, may our spirits be sacrificed for him, of the book that was sent—praise be to God it arrived and was accepted and is being read. Even the Desired One, may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him, has perused it several times. Your reward is with God.

Another submission: His Holiness the Most Great Branch—may my spirit, being and essence be sacrificed for the dust of his footsteps—is not present these days, having departed for certain reasons. He graciously gave me a page to send to that beloved one. That page was sent, and similar verses to what that beloved one has should be corrected, and this page and other such pages that were sent should be destroyed.

At this point They gained presence in the Holy Court and said to write to Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin:

“O Zayn! The Wronged One counsels His loved ones with that which will elevate their stations before God: pure fear of God, goodly deeds, trustworthiness, religious devotion, chastity, truthfulness, patience, steadfastness, deliberation and reflection, and acting according to what they have been commanded in the Book. We beseech God to assist them and aid them to act upon what the Pen of Counsel has proclaimed at all times. And We implore God, the Lord of Names and Creator of Heaven, to draw them near to Him and grant them the good of this world and the next. Verily He is the Lord of the throne and earth. O Zayn! Upon you be the peace of God, His mercy and His care. Man must adorn himself with that which befits him and be embellished with conduct worthy of him. Night and day the Pen of Counsel has not ceased, and has revealed that which is the cause of the exaltation and elevation of souls and the comfort and tranquility of the people of the world. Ask ye of God that He may assist all and grant attentive ears. Verily He is powerful over all things and worthy to answer.”

Furthermore, all those circumambulating send greetings, and this evanescent servant also extends greetings to each one. Peace be upon you and those with you, and the mercy of God and His blessings.

One more submission: Regarding what was written about travel from that land, one day these words were heard from the blessed tongue:

“If the companions in Mosul, upon them be God’s peace, were to gradually move toward Iran and Arab Iraq with perfect wisdom, it would be very good. Apart from these considerations, in these days this land has somewhat been affected by certain odors due to the intimations of some malicious ones.”

The servant, on 19 Rabi’u’th-Thani 1301

BH00527: Praise be to God Who hath made His Most…

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

Praise be to God Who hath made His Most Glorious Name a light and a mercy and an honor and a treasure for the people of guidance, and a fire and a chastisement and a sword for the people of tyranny and wickedness. Exalted is He at Whose Name the limbs of the treacherous have trembled and at Whose mention the foundation of the idolaters hath been shaken. He is indeed the One Whom neither the veils of the people nor the glory of those who have denied this Day have hindered. And peace and blessings be upon His Prophets and His Messengers who have sacrificed all they possessed in His path and have arisen to serve His Cause in such wise that His banners were unfurled throughout the lands and the standards of His guidance were raised amidst His servants.

And now, the letter of that true beloved hath bestowed upon this thirsty one that which is as the pure water unto the sapling and as light unto the horizons. After its perusal and review, it was presented in the Most Holy Court, whereupon He commanded: Write to S.M.: The Wronged One counseleth all to patience and steadfastness, to serenity and dignity. The hearts of them that are nigh and sincere must not be saddened by the deeds of the oppressors and the heedless. Such souls have never, in any age or dispensation, obeyed the divine command and have, with the utmost tyranny and injustice, visited upon the Manifestations of God’s Cause and the Dawning-places of His revelation that which all have heard. However, in the sight of God these base and vile ones have neither worth nor station.

The friends of God must in all matters place their trust in God and commit their affairs unto Him, and must supplicate at all times with the utmost lowliness and devotion for all who dwell on earth, that perchance they may not remain deprived of the living waters nor be denied the fruits of the tree of true humanity. They must at all times keep before their eyes the divine counsels and be not heedless. The heedless souls have risen up with satanic hosts to extinguish the divine light; you must assist through the hosts of goodly deeds and praiseworthy character. God is in Himself powerful and mighty. Whatsoever He willeth appeareth instantly. His power prevaileth over all powers, and His will triumpheth over the will of all who are on earth and in heaven. The oppressor seeketh victory over Us through the might of his hosts, while We seek victory over him through the One Who is nigh, the Strong, the Triumphant, the Powerful.

What fruit did the calumniator reap, and what station did the wolf attain, and what benefit did the serpent gain? By God’s life, all are in manifest loss. Were the lamentation of but one of those souls to be heard, all who dwell on earth would be struck with terror. O S.M.! Those souls who in these days have rendered service in God’s path, who have given shelter to the captives, or who have shown regard—all are recorded and inscribed by the Supreme Pen in the Crimson Book. God will surely reward them with a goodly reward and recompense them with a great recompense. Verily, He hath power over all things.

Praise be to God! By divine bestowals you have been and continue to be favored. As commanded, write to my beloved Ibn-i-Abhar, upon him be the Glory of God and His favors, that they should not remain in the Land of Ta. They should certainly spend some time away, as this is closer to piety. The funds that the distinguished person, may God the Blessed and Exalted assist him, paid for the Huquq—blessed is he and joy be unto him! And now as commanded, regarding the fifty tumans that were first transferred, if received, twenty tumans should be delivered in the Land of Kaf to the honored matron, the Mother of the Sacred Precinct, upon her be the Most Glorious Glory of God, and thirty tumans to the beloved Ibn-i-Abhar, upon him be the Glory of God, Master of Power. More will arrive later, God willing.

And regarding the five units that the honored wife of him who ascended to God, upon her be the Glory of God, designated for the Huquq—mention of its receipt was revealed in the Tablet to that honored leaf from the heaven of the Divine Will and was accepted. As commanded, the aforementioned funds should be delivered in the Land of Kha to the spiritual beloved ʿAyn-Zayn, upon him be the Glory of God and His favors, as they have incurred debt and the sooner it reaches them the more beloved it is in the sight of God. They have been wronged and considerable sums have been taken from them.

Regarding what they mentioned about the honored gentleman, His Holiness the Name of God Mim-Ha, upon him be all His Most Glorious Glory—all that was sent of their letters was received and replies were sent twice. In any case, the hosts of God have been and will always be victorious. In the prison, mention is made of them and those with His Holiness most of the time, especially in the Most Holy and Exalted Presence and among the people of the pavilion of infallibility and grandeur. The entire world bears witness to their sanctity, detachment, piety, righteousness and success, and likewise to the oppression, transgression, tyranny, lies and hypocrisy of those who have caused harm to the party of Truth, exalted be His glory.

He said: Write, O thou who hast turned unto the Face! Reflect upon the injustice of the people. The Name of God who has desired naught but good and reform, and who has been occupied day and night in service to humanity—the atoms of creation bear witness to their truthfulness, sincerity, trustworthiness, religiosity and oppressed state, as well as that of the other prisoners. Nevertheless, they abandoned justice and acted without it. End quote. This evanescent servant beseeches the Lord of all beings night and day to grant them deliverance and ordain their meeting. Verily our Lord is powerful over all things, wise.

Regarding what was written about the honored beloved, the Hakim, upon him be the Glory of God—they arrived in Beirut from the great city and proceeded to Damascus. Until now they have not arrived in this land. Wherever they are, may they be safe and at rest under the shadow of divine favor. Regarding what was written about my master Amin, upon him be the Glory of God and His favors—yes, these matters are with them and truly they have arisen to serve with utmost dedication. They are occupied day and night. This evanescent servant beseeches the Truth to confirm them, although what confirmation could be greater than that their service has been accepted? In these days they wrote a letter to this servant. God willing, a reply will be sent. If that beloved one writes to them, they should mention God’s favors toward them.

As regards the sum which, according to the pen of that beloved and honored brother, His Holiness Haji Khalil, upon him be Baha’u’llah, has been given and through which they have attained to this bounty—mention was previously made of the bestowals of God, exalted be His glory, concerning them. And as to what the beloved one, His Holiness A.B., upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God, has written to that beloved one saying that they should await further news from them—this is very good and depends upon their will. The sum which the honored master, His Holiness Amin, upon him be Baha’u’llah, has sent by draft pertains to the Huquq which His Holiness Haji Ali, upon him be Baha’u’llah, was to deliver to His Holiness A.H., upon him be from all the Most Glorious Beauty, and they were to deliver this amount to that beloved one.

The details of this were also previously submitted, that it should reach Kaf and His Holiness Ibn-i-Abhar. What more can I say regarding His Holiness A.B., upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God, and what befell him in the path of God—he has endured great hardships: on one side the oppression of the ungodly and enemies, and on the other the oppression of the internal hypocrites—the latter oppression being greater and more severe. Thus after this matter was submitted in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, the Tongue of Grandeur spoke this verse:

“Indeed, as was said of old: The oppression of kinsmen is more painful to bear for man than the blow of a polished sword.”

In truth, this is so. This servant is greatly amazed by souls who possess not the weight of a gnat in dignity nor the steadfastness of a fly—the lowliest creatures of the earth are and have been better than such souls. In truth, those souls were not worthy of this station and were eliminated by the sieve of tests. A hundred thousand thanks to the Beloved of the worlds that He confirmed them and made them the target of tribulations and trials in the path of His love. Whatever has befallen them was for God and unto God shall it return.

As to the mention they had made of the honored master, His Holiness Nabil-i-Musafir, upon him be the Glory of God and His favors—it was submitted. Praise be to God, they are blessed with His favors and are mentioned in His presence. After the submission of this supreme word, from the Kingdom of utterance was revealed—His glory be exalted:

“God willing, may they be confirmed in that which is befitting. Remember him on My behalf and give him the glad tidings of My mercy and My favors. God willing, may they be protected and adorned with the favors of God. In the gathering of inner meanings their mention has been and is made, and in the school of the knowledge of the All-Merciful they are as interpreters. Blessed be he from the Wronged One, the Grief-Stricken.”

End quote. This evanescent servant also conveys greetings and praise to them and beseeches God, exalted be His glory, to confirm them in that which is lasting and eternal.

As to what was mentioned concerning the honored brother Aqa Shaykh Muhammad, upon him be the Glory of God—in these days petitions have arrived from those regions through the spiritual friend Jinab-i-Shaykh Abu’l-Qasim, upon him be the Glory of God, wherein mention was made of Jinab-i-Aqa Shaykh Muhammad. It appears that he is engaged in commerce. The response to these petitions has been sent down from the heaven of grace and will be forwarded, God willing. The servant beseeches his Lord to assist him in His remembrance and praise and the service of His Cause, and to ordain for him that which shall profit him in all the worlds of His worlds. Verily, He is powerful over all things. I convey greetings and glorification to him as well. The Glory shining forth from the horizon of the bounty of our Lord and your Lord be upon you and upon those who are with you.

The servant 22 Rabi’u’th-Thani 1301

As commanded, it is best and most fitting and closest to piety that all written matters remain confidential. And glory be upon him who follows His command.

BH00559: All praise be unto God alone, and blessings be…

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

All praise be unto God alone, and blessings be upon Him after Whom there shall be no Prophet. Praise befitteth the Desired One of the world and the Lord of all nations, Who illumined the world of existence with the Muhammadan Light. He is the Herald of the meeting with divine manifestations on the Day of Resurrection, and He is the Manifestation of the infinite names and attributes. In truth, the knowledge of the world is but a trace of His knowledge, and the understanding of nations is but a fruit of the Tree of His understanding. The appearance and continuance of the world hath been and is through His blessed existence. Who is capable of describing Him as He deserves to be described, and who can praise Him as befitteth His station? The manifest blessings from the horizon of God’s grace be upon Him and upon His family and companions, through whom the throne of Islam was established and the world attained the light of faith. God hath described them in His words: “No fear shall be upon them, neither shall they grieve.”

And further: the letter of that beloved one, who thirsteth in separation, bestowed the water of reunion, and granted the cup of nearness and presence to the seeker of His meeting. Praise be to God, the bounty of love hath flowed and descended from the heaven of the grace of the friends of Truth. God willing, may this grace remain eternal and enduring. After its reading and review, when presented before Him, He said:

“We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to cause the streams of His knowledge to flow through them, to manifest through them that which will awaken His creation, to ordain for them every good thing which He hath sent down in His Book, to protect them from His enemies, and to aid them to perform pure deeds as He aided them before. He is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.”

In all conditions they are remembered and are visible before Our eyes. Night and day, one must beseech God, exalted be His glory, to protect His religion and preserve the radiant Faith from the evil of enemies. The darkness of oppression hath encompassed the world of justice. The domains of Islam are observed as a lifeless body fallen upon the earth. Each day a limb thereof is severed by an oppressor or an idolater, and these matters are the fruits of deeds.

This evanescent servant beseeches the True One, exalted be His glory, and likewise those gentlemen should beseech, that perchance He may grant victory to the oppressed and bring the oppressors to their due requital. He is, verily, powerful and mighty over all things. I convey greetings to the friends of that land and implore confirmation and success for each one. God willing, may they be illumined by the light of harmony and unity, and be ever gazing toward the highest horizon. All are remembered before His Presence and are sustained by His special favors. Happy are they!

Praise be to God, the path is clear and the field is vast. The horsemen in the arena of love, fellowship, kindness and unity may gallop as they please. This is the Day of utterance; we must make up for what was lost—that is, whatever was delayed and prevented by numerous obstacles. May the Spiritual Luminary shine forth from the heaven of acceptance and inner meanings, adorning the world of gloom and sorrow with the lights of joy. Though indeed the letter of that beloved one was like a swift-winged bird, seemingly moving with the wings of yearning or the pinions of eagerness and attraction, accompanied by a world of gladness and joy—its joy enabled this subdued one to offer praise and thanksgiving.

If the people of the world were to discover the station of true love, by the life of the Intended One, all would engage in this trade, and its profit would fill the treasuries of earth and heaven. What benefit is there when they are heedless and submerged in the sea of regrets, cares and sorrows? The wonder is that even their abundant wealth has become the cause of their distress and anxiety. Their wealth is their enemy, yet day and night they strive to acquire this enemy, unaware. Were they to receive but a particle of the lights of spiritual manifestations, they would behold themselves at all times, in this world and the next, in the highest paradise. Their desires have prevented them from witnessing the lights, and their ornaments have occupied them from recognizing the mysteries. In any case, I beseech the True One, exalted be His glory, to awaken all and make them aware, that they may attain to that which is befitting.

Your beloved one’s attention to the region of Egypt has yielded desirable results, for that beloved one turned from this direction—indeed you were a gift to the friends of that land and crystal water for the saplings of the spiritual garden. The mention of that honored one’s journey and hardships, from the acquisition of the palm tree and its details, and the visitation of God’s saints—all were presented before His presence. This is what the Tongue of Utterance hath spoken.

In the Name of God, the Helper, the Single, the All-Knowing.

We send greetings to the friends in that land and seek confirmation for them, and we beseech God to grant them all a share from the incomparable pure water of the Kawthar of divine knowledge and bestow upon them a portion from the ocean of utterance. Praise be to God, the door of His grace has ever been and will forever remain open, and His straight path is clear and manifest, though hidden from unseeing eyes. Today an eye is needed that is sanctified from the veils of men and purified from the dust of vain imaginings, and an ear is needed that is detached from the world and the clamor of the peoples, that it may hear the call of the true Nightingale and behold the horizon of the manifestation of God’s names and attributes. No ocean can equal a drop of the recognition of this Day, and no works of past ages can compare with an atom of deeds performed therein.

How excellent is the state of one who has raised the banner of trust in God and emptied his heart of all remembrance save that of God. Every hour, every minute, nay every moment, it proclaims in most eloquent utterance: “O friends on earth! Know ye my station and recognize my worth. Strive that ye may not lose that which ye would be powerless to regain. Hold fast to the cord of grace and cling to the hem of justice. Should there come upon you at times that which causes grief and sorrow, be not dismayed, and soil not the luminous heart with the dust of sadness. Whatever the All-Wise Wisdom requires is pure good and sheer bounty. Ere long that which has flowed from the Pen of counsel of the Wronged One shall become evident and manifest.

The whole world has been created for the Most Great Luminary, that is, God, exalted be His glory, and all tongues confess and acknowledge this truth. Nevertheless, all are heedless save whom God willeth. Heedlessness has reached such a stage that an ignorant one among the ignorant of the earth has exerted his utmost effort to extinguish the light of divine knowledge and quench the fire of the divine Lote-Tree. He is not the first to arise to extinguish the Light. Reflect upon the earliest ages—the manifestations of tyranny and pride have ever endeavored to extinguish the light, but God made manifest what He desired despite their opposition, and made them among the most lost in His perspicuous Book.

The oppressor seeks victory over Us through the force of hosts, while We seek victory over him through the Mighty, the All-Powerful, the Almighty. That which caused sorrow has befallen some of the friends in that land—let them not be saddened. Soon will they witness the favor of their Lord and attain what they have missed. To this testifies He Who has acknowledged the oneness and singleness of God and has spoken in all conditions that there is none other God but Him, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. Out of wisdom We have not mentioned names—soon will God open the doors of good things to the faces of His loved ones. Verily, He is the Answerer of prayers. There is none other God but Him, the Forgiving, the Generous.

O loved ones of the All-Merciful! Soar in the atmosphere of the love of God. Beware lest anything deter you. Cast away that with which the people are occupied and take what ye have been commanded by an All-Wise Ordainer. And peace and blessings be upon the Messengers, and praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.

The services rendered by that honored one and the attention of that beloved one have been and will continue to be accepted deeds, and their reward rests with God, exalted be His glory. Moreover, you yourself have a share in that small plot. In every place and location where a sapling or tree is planted, God is witness that it has been and continues to be planted with the intention of the loved ones, in remembrance of the loved ones, for the sake of the loved ones, for the joy of the loved ones, and for the gaze of the loved ones. It is known and evident that there is no purpose other than this. The crown of deeds is that which is performed for God and His loved ones.

You had written that one day when we received the envelope from the post office and were going to visit the honored Munis-i-Ruhani, the sealed wine was still in the ruby. Such a state overtook me that I said to Munis,

“If the government were to arrest the truly intoxicated ones, we would all be in prison every week.”

Would that this blessed intoxication might be attained by souls and they might dwell in prison their whole lives! This cup is not destined for everyone, and not every soul is worthy of this station. However, we beseech God’s grace and His infinite bounties that He may intoxicate the whole world with the Kawthar of recognition and make them known and recognized in the gathering of the world by the name of God, exalted be His glory. Though there is a profound difference between the station of creation and this station, nothing is difficult for the generous ones.

The mention of the honored Mirza Hamshirah-zadih, upon him be God’s peace, brought joy. God is witness that he and the other gentlemen are ever before my eyes. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, for the good of this world and the next for each one of them. Verily, He has power over all things. Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God, and His blessings.

BH00752: The essence of praise and thanksgiving befitteth Him Who…

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

The essence of praise and thanksgiving befitteth Him Who, from His Most Glorious Station, hath summoned all creation and guided them through His Self-Subsisting Name. How great the blessedness of those souls whom neither cares and sorrows nor the hosts of the peoples have deterred from the Dayspring of the Most Great Name. They have regarded the world and its varied hues and embellished ornaments as though they had never existed, and have turned with heart and soul toward the Friend. Glory be to God! Every person of understanding is bewildered, every fair-minded one perplexed, and every just one filled with remorse. What has come to pass that people of insight and possessors of reason remain deprived of this most great bounty and supreme grace? Do they possess any proof greater than the proof of God, or any testimony more exalted than that which hath been made manifest? By God, no! All that exists in the world cannot equal a single utterance thereof. To this beareth witness every just and discerning soul. Verily the soul is prone to evil. By God’s life! These heedless and rebellious souls are as dried leaves before the winds of self and desire, which carry them whithersoever they list. They have neither rest nor tranquility.

Glorified art Thou, O Thou in Whose grasp are the reins of all mankind and in Whose right hand lie the destinies of all in the lands! Thou seest what hath befallen Thy chosen ones at the hands of those who have broken Thy Covenant, turned away from the choice wine of Thy Revelation, and denied what Thou hadst sent down unto them of Thy signs and Thy clear tokens, after they had witnessed the ocean of Thy knowledge and the manifestation of that which Thou hadst explicitly foretold in Thy Books and Tablets. By Thy Self, O Beloved of the world and Desire of the nations! This servant hath been amazed at Thy patience despite Thy power, and Thy forbearance despite Thy might, though he is assured that nothing proceedeth from Thee save that which Thy wisdom requireth.

I beseech Thee to send down upon Thy chosen ones that which shall deliver them from the enemies of Thy Self and make them the inheritors of Thy kingdom, the emblems of Thy victory and the standards of Thy might amidst Thy creation. I moreover beseech Thee, O Sovereign of existence, to preserve him whom Thou hast related to Thyself and made one of the twigs of the Tree of Thy Lordship. Then ordain for him that which shall exalt him amongst Thy servants and aid him in all conditions. Verily, Thou art the Self-Sufficient, the Most Exalted.

My spirit, my soul and my heart be a sacrifice unto your remembrance and unto your steadfastness! Some time ago, a response to your letters along with a reply to the letters of the honored beloved, Aqa Mirza Ashraf, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious, was submitted and sent together with divine Tablets which descended from the Most Holy Heaven specifically for the friends of Sh and A and B. It is hoped these have arrived and that the eyes of the people of God have been honored and blessed with these wondrous and exalted Tablets, that they may become enkindled by the burning fire within the divine words and drink from the hidden oceans concealed therein. Glory be to Him Who hath joined the opposites in His verses and made them one thing! Your honor should hasten in sending the Tablets; the sooner they arrive, the closer it is to piety.

The other matter is that, at thy previous request, three verses were revealed and sent specially for the gravestone of the illustrious exalted leaf, upon her rest the Most Glorious of the Glorious and the Most Exalted of the Exalted. Any of these that thou consider to be in accord with wisdom and deem prudent may be engraved.[BH11569] According to His command, wisdom must be observed in all cases, especially regarding the Afnan, upon them be all the most glorious Glory. This has been repeatedly emphasized. The Command is in His hands—He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He desireth.

In these days, some friends in various regions have again been instructed to be mindful of protecting the Afnan of the Tree in all conditions. This relates to outward causes. The point is that they have been and are watchful of their Afnan in all circumstances. How blessed are you, a hundred thousand blessings and felicitations be upon you!

In view of the repeated supplications of the beloved of the heart, Haji Mirza Haydar-ʿAli, upon him be 9 66, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious, and likewise regarding the matter of the son, if the beloved Aqa Mirza Ashraf, upon him be the Glory of God and His favors, should return to Iran, he is permitted. God’s favor has been and is with him. He should be engaged in serving the Cause in all circumstances, whether in Iraq or Hijaz or other lands. The protection of children is emphasized by God. And regarding what you had written about having sent a letter to Sarkar Khan, upon him be the Glory of God, and likewise his reply—when these details were submitted in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, He said:

“We beseech God to assist him in that which will exalt his mention, his name and His Cause, and to give him to drink from the cup of My good-pleasure, which God hath placed above all stations.”

Additionally, the recommendation you had written regarding Haji Mirza Muhammad-Taqi, upon him be the Glory of God, was received. They specifically summoned him from Beirut. During days when meeting was somewhat difficult, nevertheless he was repeatedly blessed with attaining the presence, and afterwards he was given leave to return. He hath attained unto that which was recorded in the Books of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. He came with the spirit and returned with fragrance, through a command from God, the Lord of all beings. Blessed is he and joy be unto him.

Another submission: On the 22nd day of Rabi’u’th-Thani, the spiritual friend, his honor Aqa Shukru’llah, upon him be the Glory of God, arrived at the Most Great Prison and attained the supreme honor and greatest gift. Praise be to God, the veils of hindrance were rent asunder and he achieved his heart’s desire. This is naught but from His supreme bounty, His prevenient mercy, and His all-encompassing grace. The details about the trees that were sent will surely be mentioned by him. In truth, he himself is like a tree—God willing, he will appear with sweet fruits. They said:

“Blessed is he who sent it and blessed is he, for what he hath done in the path of God, the Lord of the worlds, hath been accepted before the Wronged One.”

Although the wild rose did not arrive, the deed of the sender and his honor are accepted before God—meaning there is no difference whether it arrived or not. May my spirit and the spirit of all who dwell in the kingdom of utterance be a sacrifice for His bounty! This much is submitted: that his honor has in no way fallen short, and the ultimate aim and effort was to reach the Source. However, of what that eminence sent, two items arrived. From his honor, the Beloved of the Heart, Shaykh ʿAl, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, outwardly it did not arrive, but it truly did arrive, for the Tongue of Grandeur has testified and it was accepted before God. It behooveth us to praise, thank and glorify our Lord, the Forgiving, the Generous. The Glory shining from the heaven of our Lord’s providence be upon your honor, those with you, and those who have arisen and spoken what they were commanded by God, the Mighty, the Wise.

The servant 5 Jamadiyu’l-Avval 1301

Additionally it is submitted: If his honor, the honored beloved Aqa Mirza Ashraf, upon him be the Glory of God, has departed—that is, to another city of the lands—there is and was no harm in it, and it will not be fruitless. And if he returns, in consideration of the wish of his honor, the honored, revered beloved Haji Mirza Haydar-ʿAli, upon him be the Glory of God, that too is acceptable. However, I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to ordain for those lands that which is the cause of success and prosperity. Verily, He has power over all things. Another submission: Multiple packets have previously been sent; God willing, they have arrived by now.

BH01897: Praise be to God Who hath, through His grace…

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

Praise be to God Who hath, through His grace and bounty, bestowed upon us the gift of recognition and sent down from the clouds of His generosity the table of utterance. And peace and blessings be upon the Point of Existence and the Manifestation of the names of our Lord, the Mighty, the Loving, through Whom the Book of Divine Unity was adorned and the Point of Detachment appeared, and upon His family and companions who cast away vain imaginings and attained the lights of certitude and arose with their spirits to serve the Cause of God, the Master of the Day of Judgment.

To proceed: Your letter was like unto a hoopoe bearing glad tidings of your good health. A hundred thousand thanks to the Goal of the world’s peoples, Who hath singled out His loved ones with His special favors. After it was read before His presence, He said:

“Let them place their trust in God in all matters and occupy themselves with their work. O ʿAli-Qabli-Akbar! The fruit of the tree of insight and wisdom is consultation. Take counsel in matters, and when thou hast decided, place thy trust in God, the Single, the Strong, the Almighty. It is well that thou shouldst engage alone in an occupation. Blessing lieth within His mighty grasp. Be not remiss in thy work. His grace and confirmation have reached thee and will continue to reach thee. And if something else should appear from consultation, [it] is acceptable before His presence. We beseech God, glorified and exalted be He, to grant [thee] success and confirmation. Be thou confident in God’s grace and mercy, and be among the steadfast.”

Today the tongue of favor in the Kingdom of utterance beseeches imperishable bounty for all. Should God will it, the friends of God shall attain unto it, for generosity is His attribute and grace is among His characteristics. If a suitable location is found, this would be and is closest to piety, but consultation is necessary, as was told to you in person. Engage in business, for He ordaineth what He willeth for whomsoever He willeth. Say: Glory be unto Thee, O God of existence and Educator of the seen and unseen! I beseech Thee by the trials of the Manifestations of Thy names and attributes, and by the afflictions of the Dawning-Places of Thy Cause and the Daysprings of Thy Revelation, to ordain for me that which shall make me content with Thy good-pleasure and with what Thou hast ordained for me through Thy generosity and grace.

O my Lord! I am he who hath fled from all else save Thee, turning unto Thee and standing before the door of Thy will. I beseech Thee to make me among those who have held fast to Thy will, turning away from their own wills and desires. Thou art He Who hath ever been the Helper of the servants, their Provider, their Protector and their Succourer. There is no God but Thee, the Mighty, the Glorious, the All-Bountiful. I beseech Thee, O my God, by Thy Books and Thy Scrolls and [Thy Tablets] and by [the ocean of Thy knowledge] which none hath comprehended save Thyself, to send down upon me a blessing from Thy presence and [a bounty from Thy side. Verily Thou] art the Munificent, the Generous.

Praise be to God, you are blessed with His grace. Be [occupied with work]. Profit has come and will come. Consultation with the gentlemen, may God’s peace be upon them, is beloved in every matter, and surely they are trustworthy and speak with justice, fairness, trustworthiness and piety. All your relatives are safe and at ease, adorned with the ornament of good health. The apple of our eye, Aqa ʿAbdu’l-Husayn, is engaged in study with the new teacher. God willing, may he be successful and at rest beneath the shadow of His grace. Peace be upon you, and God’s mercy and blessings.

The servant 5 Jumada I 1301

BH04611: If one were to fully reveal what is concealed…

…If one were to fully reveal what is concealed, an uproar would arise, for it outwardly conflicts with what is in the hands of the people of outward forms. Yet if one were to conceal everything, no one would attain eternal salvation. The conduct of the Ancient Beauty Himself in Iraq and other lands serves as a complete guide for all. Most of the divines in Iraq would present themselves before the Countenance of the Goal of the worlds night and day—some questioning, some seeking, some investigating, and some searching for truth. He would say that if we were to conduct ourselves otherwise, the greatest separation would become manifest, in which case no one would draw near to hear the Word of God….

Protecting the Afnan is incumbent upon all—they have endured much hardship in this Cause…. By command, showing consideration to them is necessary….

Jafar the Liar hath appeared in that land. In truth, this is Jafar the Liar, not he who was formerly known by this name. His sons are even more wicked than he….

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

This is a Book sent down from the Wronged One to all who have believed in God, the All-Subduing, the Self-Subsisting. Worship none but Him, then aid Him through remembrance and praise, and through the hosts of wisdom and goodly character. O My loved ones in that place!… O Abbas!… We make mention of Muhammad-ʿAli… O Husayn!

BH02431: Praise be to God Who has made His remembrance…

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

Praise be to God Who has made His remembrance and glorification the food of His loved ones, and His love and good-pleasure their paradise. He is the Single, the One, to Whose greatness and sovereignty all atoms testify, and to Whose power and might all beings bear witness. He is the One Who manifested His attributes and names in a Temple and made him a mirror of His Self and a reflection of His knowledge and power, and named him Muhammad. Were it not for him, the mysteries of eternity would not have been revealed nor would the fragrances of revelation have been diffused among the nations. Through him God manifested His Cause and enacted His decree. This Most Great Remembrance and Manifestation of Eternity deserves praise from those immersed in the depths of divine knowledge and remembrance from the Manifestations of the Cause throughout all lands. And the prayer shining forth from the horizon of the loving-kindness of our Lord, the All-Merciful, be upon him and his family and companions, whom God made the hands of His Cause among His creation and signs of righteousness and piety among His servants. There is no God but He, the Powerful, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

Thereafter, my spirit be a sacrifice for your remembrance. The servant has attained to that which shone forth from the horizon of your love. When the joy of your words and the delight of your mention took hold of me, I beseeched God, the Lord of the seen and unseen, that He may assist your honor in all good that guides the servants to the path of wisdom and acquaints them with the ways of kindness and care, and that He may grant them the good of this world and the next. Verily, He has power over all things.

As for what your honor mentioned regarding what his eminence the Trustworthy—upon him be the peace of God, the Lord of all worlds—desired, it behooves us to consider what the Master has uttered. He—may my spirit be His sacrifice—said:

“We desire to purify hearts from rancor and hatred, that thereby the standard of unity may be raised in the kingdom of creation.”

The servant beseeches his Lord to assist his eminence in what He loves and is pleased with, and in that which unites hearts, attracts souls, and brings joy to eyes.

And as for what you mentioned about the Prisoner—upon him be God’s peace—his eminence is remembered and regarded. The servant sends greetings upon him and upon the loved ones, and asks forgiveness from your honor because this ephemeral one delayed in sending a copy of what was sent to him. And from Him I ask for assistance in all conditions. God willing, he sends peace, remembrance and praise upon your honor and upon the friends who have returned from the Sacred House of God and attained what God desired in the Book, and upon his eminence Husayn Effendi and those who bring joy to eyes and your family and upon the unified loved ones of God. Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.

The servant 11th of Jumada I, 1301

BH00189: Praise be to God, Divine relief hath come after…

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

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

Praise be to God, Divine relief hath come after hardship. O Beloved of my heart! There was a time when, for the sake of God’s Cause, they were imprisoned. The One God is witness to their state and doth attest to these words, that throughout all nights and days this servant struggled without arms against the hosts of sorrows and grief, until one day a special Tablet, destined for His Holiness the Afnan, the letter A and H, upon whom be all the most glorious splendor of God, descended from the heaven of the All-Merciful’s will, suddenly adorning heart and soul with the ornament of joy. For from that most mighty and holy Tablet wafted the fragrance of that Beloved One’s well-being and deliverance from imprisonment. Some friends forwarded certain letters in that Beloved One’s hand, each of which caused the lips of this evanescent one’s spirit to smile, and all were presented before the throne of Him from Whose knowledge nothing is hidden.

The effulgences of the Sun of grace were visible and manifest from the horizon of bounty, requiring no mention from this evanescent one. A hundred thousand regrets that nights and days passed while the gate of utterance remained sealed, yet there is hope that through the grace of God, exalted be His glory, the gate shall hereafter be opened and responses to previous letters shall be presented and dispatched. The cause of delay in these days was that the fetid winds of the souls of the ungodly had somewhat passed over this land as well. The greatest glad-tidings is that in the days when that Beloved of the soul was confined in the prison of Isfahan, one most mighty and holy Tablet was revealed which indicated, proclaimed and spoke of that Beloved One’s oppression. By command it was not sent, for the Tongue of Grandeur spoke this blessed word: “O servant in attendance, preserve it and dispatch it after deliverance.” However, that Beloved One was remembered night and day. At this time, by command, it was raised to the sovereign heights until it attained the presence of the Countenance, and the Tongue of Grandeur spoke this most exalted Word, exalted be His utterance:

He is the All-Remembering, the All-Knowing

O Dove! Warble upon the bough of remembrance and praise in the name of thy Lord, the Possessor of Names, and give glad tidings unto the people of God’s favor, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Verily, a band of youths desired to extinguish the light of God with the force of their armies, their cannons, and their swords. We beseech God to quench their fire through His Name, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Omnipotent.

Say: O concourse of friends! Beware lest the might of the enemies cause you grief. It behooveth you to commit your affairs unto God. Verily, He will seize the oppressors as He seized those before them, making them a lesson to those who are discerning. Say: Beware lest the affairs of creation prevent you from the Truth which hath come with the Kingdom of Utterance and hath called all unto God, the Single, the All-Informed.

Do these oppressive souls not take warning from what hath transpired before? What oppressor hath ever profited from his tyranny? All have been and are in manifest loss. Nevertheless, the smoke of pride and vainglory hath deprived their eyes from beholding the lights of justice. They say that which they understand not, and do that from which every just one, every equitable one, every seeing one, and every learned one would dissociate themselves.

I swear by the ocean of the All-Merciful’s utterance that erelong will the oppressive souls become aware of their loss and witness it with their outward eyes. Verily, thy Lord is the True Informer, the Trustworthy.

Say: O friends! Stand firm upon the straight path in such wise that the fragrances of your steadfastness may be wafted among the people. Every matter is established through you and made manifest for you. Reflect upon what transpired in the Dispensation of the Seal of the Prophets—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake. How many were the souls who engaged in mockery, rejection, and cursing, while behind them a group of companions sustained themselves with but a date pit. Later, that straitness, confinement, hardship, and difficulty were transformed into complete abundance and great prosperity.

In this Most Great Revelation, God—exalted be His glory—hath not and will not grant respite to the oppressors. Verily, He is possessed of terrible might. Ye must at all times engage in the promotion of God’s Cause with wisdom and prudence. The world hath never been, nor is it now, worthy of attention or observation, much less of attachment or preoccupation. Death shall come in any case. By the life of God! In the path of Truth and for the love of Truth, a hundred thousand martyrdoms are preferable to other forms of death. This is apparent in what is spoken, but in reality, the ocean of life cannot be compared to martyrdom in His path, exalted be He, for martyrdom in itself possesseth eternal stations, everlasting life, and perpetual existence. This station hath endless exposition.

The Command is in the hands of God, the Lord of all religions. Souls need educators, teachers, and reminders. You must, during the days and nights, water the trees of the garden of utterance with the living waters and nurture them that they may yield wondrous, sublime, and ripe fruits. For thirty years or more, We have forbidden all people from corruption, conflict, contention, and reprehensible deeds. We have borne the oppression of the oppressors and the tyranny of the heedless. Yet these unconscious people have not desisted, and heedlessness hath reached such a point that if the Almighty, the Powerful were to seize the people of a city and leave but one person as a reminder, that one person would still rise in opposition.

Behold the recompense for the heinous deeds of the ruler of this land—nigh on a hundred thousand souls have perished, yet none hath been awakened or turned his gaze toward the Most Exalted Horizon. Say: O people! Fear ye God and follow not the paths of the mischief-makers. Arise from the slumber of negligence and passion, then call to mind what hath befallen the enemies, and be not of the heedless. Say: Not far from you are the Raqsha, the Sadiq, and the Husam. God hath seized them with His might and hath made them a warning unto the beholders. God willing, through the power of divine wisdom and the strong hands of the unseen, may the heedless souls be guided and directed toward the horizon of unity.

Glory, rising from the horizon of the heaven of My bounty, be upon thee and upon them that are with thee, and upon those whom the veils of the people have not prevented from God, the Lord of all the worlds.

O beloved of my heart! The servant supposed that in the realm of education souls would be found who would somewhat comprehend what is intended in this Most Great Manifestation. Now it has become evident that even if a hundred thousand worlds should reach their end, the people still remain at the beginning, as if they had seen nothing and heard nothing. According to the letter of the honored and revered beloved, His Holiness ʿAli-Qabli-Akbar, upon him be the glory of God, the Lord of Power, several volumes of books and writings fell into the hands of the enemies. Nevertheless, they did not comprehend a single word thereof. For had they understood, they would have known with absolute certainty that this Most Great Manifestation is for mercy, not for affliction; for guidance, not misguidance; for eternal life, not for aught else.

Despite all they have said and heard, it has not yet been established that the purpose was and is not oppression, corruption, conflict and contention. May God grant the power of understanding and aid His loved ones to act according to what has been revealed in the Book. The tribulations of this time have had various causes, the blame for which lies both within and without, for certain souls within, due to heedlessness and ignorance, have spoken that which has caused the disturbance of souls, even though these same souls testify to the justice and truthfulness of this Most Great Manifestation. The servant beseeches God to assist all to pure truthfulness and pure deeds. Verily, He has power over all things.

His Holiness Mulla Muhammad-Ali-Dahji, upon him be 99 [Baha’u’llah], turned some time ago toward this direction bringing numerous petitions from M.R. and those parts and other regions. An answer was revealed but, due to wisdom and the delusions of the land of Ta, was not bestowed upon him, as it was thought he might encounter the ambushes of evil ones in the wilderness. Now it has been sent. That beloved one should observe it and forward it, and if that beloved one himself should turn toward those parts, it would be well-pleasing unto God, for the people are very receptive in all regions. May God confirm all to arise in His Cause and raise up souls who will arise with complete dedication to serve, and if the Tablets of M.R. and some regions should be given to Mulla Muhammad-Ali himself to deliver, it would be most pleasing, for he returned from the Land of Purpose in utmost sorrow. May joy overtake him after sorrow, and ease after hardship.

The authoritative letter which you inscribed after release from imprisonment, dated the twentieth of Dhi’l-Hajja, brought tranquility to the spirit and boundless joy to the soul. After learning of its contents, I approached the presence of the Lord of Creation and presented all before Him. Thus did the Tongue of Utterance speak, as the Temple of Oneness was established upon the Throne of Grandeur. He said, exalted be His glory and magnificent His utterance:

“O Dove! O thou who gazest toward the Most Exalted Horizon! There hath befallen thee in My path that which befell Mine own Self at the hands of the oppressors among My servants and the transgressors among My creatures, they who violated My Covenant, shattered My Testament, cast aside My Book, disputed My verses, and committed that which caused the dwellers of My Kingdom to lament and the inmates of the Tabernacle of My Glory to cry out. Grieve thou not, for thy Lord is with thee under all conditions and hath assisted thee with truth when He delivered thee from prison and established thee in His service, speaking forth His praise. Blessed art thou and happy art thou! Thou art he who hath witnessed and beheld from the factions that which hath troubled the hearts of the righteous and hath heard that which caused the chosen ones to lament.”

Praise be to God! The dawning rays of the Sun of Providence are truly of such magnitude that the denizens of the Supreme Kingdom are bewildered, let alone this servant and his like. At one time the Tongue of Grandeur uttered these words: “O attending servant!” After Varqa—upon him be His Glory—turned toward Azerbaijan, outwardly no news of him arrived. The purpose of mentioning these words is that mention of that beloved one has been and continues to be made in the Most Holy and Exalted Presence.

Regarding what you wrote about his eminence S.—upon him be the Glory of God—he himself sent to the Most Holy Court all that transpired. In truth he has endured and continues to endure many hardships. This servant beseeches his Lord to protect him. However, mentioning him in correspondence may cause misunderstanding, in the sense that some friends relate whatever they hear in such a way that news reaches the enemies and may cause harm to sacred souls. In any case, praise be to God that what the enemy intended was contrary to God’s will, to their utter frustration.

Section 2: “And regarding the mention of the honored beloved…”

And regarding the mention of the honored beloved, his eminence Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah and his leaf—upon them both be the Most Glorious Glory of God—and their household—upon them be the Glory of God and His favors—who all showed the utmost love toward that beloved one, what they have done is evident. Indeed it was befitting. This servant beseeches that they be granted what they desired in the path of God, our Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and on earth.

Regarding what you wrote about the results of imprisonment, praise be to God that whatever occurs and whatever harm befalls His loved ones is transformed. Imprisonment in His path has become the cause of freedom and deliverance, just as through your imprisonment those few souls found life and attained salvation. This is why it has been said: “You have won, whether it falls even or odd.” This is unique to this Cause, for whatever has befallen it has become the cause of exalting the Word of God. God willing, may those newly planted trees yield wondrous and sublime fruits.

Regarding what they mentioned about the location and instructions for dhikr, it was submitted according to the command that the beloved one should travel in [the letter] ta and its surroundings, and wherever they enter, they should go to the mosque and engage in teaching. If the stay in each location is not prolonged, it would be better and more acceptable. The means will be provided, God willing. I beseech the True One to illumine all those regions with the light of His knowledge, and that from the utterances of that beloved one, countless saplings may be planted and attain delectable fruits.

A letter was sent previously by that beloved one mentioning numerous names, requesting wondrous and exalted Tablets for all. Now if these should be sent, let that beloved one inform us, as some time has passed and there has been delay in sending them, this being due to the imprisonment of that beloved one.

As for appointing this servant as representative for the visitation: On the 12th of Jumada al-Awwal, one hour after nightfall, this evanescent one, as your representative, intended the ultimate goal and attained the visitation. Praise be to God, it was also adorned with the ornament of acceptance. Blessed be it unto your honor and unto me.

Several Tablets were entrusted by the honored friend Aqa Mirza Inayat, upon him be 66 9 [Baha’u’llah]. The envelope was addressed in his name. That beloved one may deliver them to him in whatever manner deemed appropriate. It is very important that they reach him. Likewise, there is an envelope addressed to Mulla Muhammad Ali, upon him be 66 9 [Baha’u’llah], which should reach him.

The Most Great Branch of God 66, may my spirit, my being, and my essence be sacrificed for the dust of His footsteps, and the other two Branches, may my spirit be sacrificed for their footsteps, send greetings and say: “Praise be to God that His hand of providence granted deliverance. Night and day we beseeched freedom from the Truth, exalted be His glory, and through His grace it was answered.” Likewise, the people of the pavilion of infallibility and glory send greetings and say: “During the days of imprisonment we were grieved and sought deliverance from the Truth, exalted be His providence. Praise be to God Who fulfilled His promise and delivered you in truth, and He is the Powerful, the Mighty.” And all others of those who circle round also send greetings and praise. Indeed, all were delighted by that beloved one’s well-being and with utmost joy and gladness were engaged in praise and glorification of the Beloved of all worlds.

When this servant’s writing reached this point, another door opened and a fresh mention was heard, namely that a packet arrived from that direction addressed to the honored master, his eminence the Nazir, upon him be the Glory of God. Since he was not present and had appointed this servant as his deputy, with permission the packet was opened. A letter from his eminence M.H., son of the exalted A.B., upon them both be the Glory of God, was observed. Praise be to God, the fragrance of love for the Beloved of all creation wafted from it. I beseech and hope from God, exalted be His station, that He may confirm him as He confirmed his father in steadfastness in this mighty Cause. The mention of “Greatest Name” to him depends on the favor of that Beloved One. Although his letter was addressed to his eminence the Nazir, upon him be the Glory of God, yet all of it was adorned with the mention and praise of God, exalted be His glory. This servant beseeches his Lord to manifest through him that which befits His impregnable, mighty and exalted Cause.

That Beloved One should remind all and counsel them with wisdom from God. This wisdom that is mentioned refers to the conduct of the Ancient Beauty during His sojourn in Baghdad. In the beginning of His arrival in Iraq, the divines and notables of that land would not approach, as they had heard meaningless words from the foreigners of that land. In short, such suspicions had become a barrier and obstacle that their penetration and removal seemed very difficult. However, the conduct of God, exalted be His glory, was such that in a short time all the notables among the divines, princes and others turned towards Him. The Cause reached such a station that even the sons of kings in that land showed complete sincerity. They would specifically go for pilgrimage to Kazimayn, peace be upon them both, and sometimes to the mosque, and during the days of mourning for the Prince of Martyrs, may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for him, it was as if the effects of that greatest tragedy were resurrected on the Day of God. God willing, may all be confirmed in that which causes the remembrance, acceptance and attention of the servants.

Likewise, in the aforementioned packet there were multiple letters and petitions from his eminence M.H. before M.W., upon him be the Glory of God. The petition was presented in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence. They showed complete favor. Indeed, his petition itself was speaking, mentioning and revealing the conditions of the sender. Each letter of it was honored with the mention of the Beloved of the worlds and was calling out in His name. God willing, may they be seen more enkindled in every moment. We beseech God to preserve the fire of His love and increase their light of steadfastness and knowledge. Enkindled souls are indeed the cause of enkindlement, especially if they appear with patience and calm. This evanescent servant conveys Greatest Name and greetings to them and says: Congratulations and blessings to you, for you have found the sweetness of this Day and attained what most on earth were prevented from. God willing, may they be assisted with divine confirmations and supported in that which causes the exaltation of the Word of God.

And the souls mentioned in their letters were each honored with the mention of God, exalted be His glory. This is that bounty which previous books gave glad tidings of, and God willing, the letters will be sent to his eminence the Nazir, upon him be the Glory of God. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, for assistance under all conditions.

That esteemed beloved one had written instructions regarding his own people, and since those instructions were given with permission and leave, therefore that beloved one should support them in carrying out what they have determined. And if anything is needed, whatever any soul gives will reach him, for the All-Glorious Truth has been and is the Guarantor of the friends, and He well fulfills His promise. Verily He is the Forgiving, the Munificent, the Generous.

As to that beloved of the heart, his honor A.B., upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, in truth he is the cause of the turning and enkindling of that region. We beseech the Most High that there may be manifested through him that which He hath revealed in His perspicuous Book. God willing, they shall conduct themselves with wisdom and utterance. Praise be to God, they have been assisted to turn in love and steadfastness and to direct their attention to the friends. All this is from God’s grace upon him. Verily His grace is beyond compare in the heavens and the earth, as every just and discerning one doth testify.

This lowly one conveys greetings and salutations to them, and beseecheth from the Exalted Truth whatsoever is worthy of His generosity, exalted be His station. Likewise do I convey greetings to the gentlemen and friends of that land, and I say unto them that they should know the value of these days and at all times strive to guide the thirsty ones in the valley of heedlessness to the ocean of knowledge, and deliver and free the captives of self and passion through the hosts of remembrance. What day hath darkness not overtaken? What beginning hath not met its end? All are in motion, and motion itself is evidence of stillness. All speak, and speech itself is a truthful witness to silence—meaning that ere long all shall return to their earthen home. Verily we are God’s and unto Him do we return.

Therefore they must not be prevented by the might of the oppressors. Pure intention and sanctified deeds are today reserved for the men and heroes of the arena of truth and utterance. In such case, should harm befall them in the path of the Friend, it is as the water of life to the spirit. The negligent one is fearful; what concern have others? God willing, may they hold fast to wisdom and to that which hath been revealed in God’s Book. Verily He is with them and will aid them as He pleaseth, and verily He is the Powerful, the Strong, the Trustworthy.

Another submission: this servant wrote a letter to Mulla Muhammad-ʿAli, upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah], which should be delivered to him. Regarding the Tablets, it was also mentioned to him that whatever that Beloved One deems advisable, He should act accordingly. O Beloved of my heart! The world appears ready at a time when complete despair prevails. Glory be to God, from this negation and this affirmation! God willing, a new creation shall appear and become manifest between the two, despite the ungodly. However, we must lament our own doing. Poor Sa’di spoke well: “Sa’di cries out against his own self.” In brief, the cause of the commotion in the land of Ta [Tehran] has been those who claim to love.

Outsiders have said what they have seen and heard, but these people have said that which they themselves do not believe, and have become the cause of fear. The fault lies with us, not with the government. However, I beseech and hope from God, exalted be His glory, that He may inspire the government authorities with that which has been and is His blessed will. By the life of God! If they became aware, they would turn toward the one peerless Friend. In any case, there is hope that they may turn from the north of conjecture to the south of certitude, and become cognizant of that which is intended and that which is the cause and means of security and safety. Verily, He is the Helper. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Bestower.

May the glory shining from the horizon of eternity be upon you and upon those who hold fast to the Sure Handle and believe in God, the Lord of the First and the Last.

The servant 22 Jamadi’l-Avval 1301

BH01715: Praise be to Him Who was in the eternity…

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

Praise be to Him Who was in the eternity of eternities powerful through His name the Powerful, and self-subsisting through His name the Self-Subsisting, and all-encompassing through the sovereignty of Names, whereby the limbs of the wretched who were seized by the wine of self and passion did tremble—those who denied His verses and disputed His proof and associated partners with His Countenance and rejected His bounty and turned away from His supreme mercy which preceded all things. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Bestower. And blessings and peace be upon the Guide of paths and Sovereign of Messengers, through whom the scrolls of the Prophets and Messengers were sealed, and upon His family and companions who cast aside vain imaginings, holding fast to the cord of certitude, and arose to assist the Cause of God with their souls, wealth and children, and strove in His path until God’s laws and commandments spread throughout the cities and lands.

Thereafter, your letter which you had sent to the spiritual beloved, Aqa Mirza Husayn, upon him be the Glory of God, was brought to this servant. After reviewing it, it was presented before His holy presence. He said:

“Praise be to God that through the grace of the True One, exalted be His glory, you have attained and are speaking His praise and acknowledgment of His oneness. We testify that there is no God but Him. He has ever been and will ever be One, Single, Powerful, All-Encompassing, even as He was in the eternity of eternities. O servant named Karim! This Wronged One heard your call. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to assist you in that which is befitting and appropriate. Blessed is the mother who nursed one who acknowledged God and His oneness, and blessed is the father who raised him with hands of mercy and kindness. Be assured of God’s grace and mercy. We pray that He ordain for you what will profit you in this world and the next. Verily He is the Lord of the throne and earth. He doeth what He willeth and He is the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the Wise.”

Praise be to God that you have attained to the mention of the Intended One. This evanescent servant beseeches God, exalted be His station, to assist you in deeds whose mention will endure as long as God’s names endure. Verily He is powerful over all things. I convey greetings to the friends in that land and beseech God, exalted be His glory, to adorn all with the ornament of supreme servitude and grant them success. The palm trees sent before and after arrived and were planted in the designated land. Praise be to God, the plants and others were accepted. His is the grace and bounty. You have taken much trouble. Your reward is with God. Praise be to God they enjoyed its fruits before planting and appearance, for they attained to wondrous and exalted mention. And his eminence the honored beloved Aqa Mirza Ja’far-Quli, upon him be the Glory of God, who was in charge, truly attained to service. Mention of them and their attention and service was all presented before His presence. He said:

“We beseech God to send down upon him from the heaven of His grace that which will draw him near to Him in all conditions. Verily He is the Self-Sufficient, the Most High.”

This servant also has and had the utmost gratitude for the trouble taken by you and them, and beseeches God, glorified and exalted be He, to grant these deeds lasting fruits and eternal rewards. Verily He is the Generous Giver. Peace be upon you and the mercy of God and His blessings.

The servant 22 Jamadiyu’l-Avval 1301

BH01121: Praise be to God Who sent down the Book…

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

Praise be to God Who sent down the Book and sent forth Him Whom He chose before the creation of earth and heaven, and manifested Him with truth and guidance, and made Him a mercy to all worlds, and adorned Him with the crown of the Primal Word through His utterance “but He is the Apostle of God and the Seal of the Prophets.” And peace and blessings be upon His family and companions and followers who attained the recognition of God and drank from the Kawthar of certitude from the hands of assurance, and testified to that which God had testified that there is no God but Him, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

Thereafter, the letter of that honored brother arrived, and as it indicated health and well-being, a world of joy and delight was made manifest. This evanescent servant, in view of the lofty purpose and elevated nature of the deceased and elevated one, upon him be God’s peace, mercy and loving-kindness, and likewise due to this servant’s sincere service to them, has loved and continues to love all those associated with that pillar of certitude, and beseeches God to create means whereby all may pass their days in perfect comfort, tranquility, joy and delight. The One God is witness that whatsoever is expressed here has been and continues to be with truth and sincerity.

Concerning what was written about the honored friend, his eminence Aqa Muhammad-Rida, upon him be God’s peace, this evanescent servant beseeches and hopes that God may bestow blessing upon his earnings. Let them not be disheartened. This condition has ever appeared in times of Manifestation. According to what is recorded, four hundred souls subsisted on dates for several days during the time of the Seal of the Prophets, may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake. This poverty is the owner of wealth, for it is for God and in God’s path. Praise be to God, not one of the friends in this land has yet eaten barley bread; through divine bounty, blessing and favor they pass their days in utmost ease and contentment. The recession is throughout Iran. The One God is witness that what merchants and others have written in their letters would sadden every friend and grieve every loved one.

This servant submits that at present divine bounty is manifest and His grace all-encompassing. Though they have brought a group to this land in the name of imprisonment, nevertheless all are free and at liberty, such that they are engaged in work and earning. A hundred thousand thanks are due for this blessing. We hope that the gates of favor will be opened before his eminence Aqa Muhammad-Rida and blessing will descend from the heaven of bounty—a blessing that decline shall not seize and change shall not find its way to. As for the sum that was mentioned concerning him, it was conveyed to his eminence Aqa Mirza Ayyub. At present they have no funds in hand, and in truth what they have said is with sincerity and truthfulness. However, it will be mentioned again, God willing, that they might receive and send it. There has been and will be no negligence. We beseech and hope from God that He may make manifest the means that are the cause of the joy of hearts and the light of eyes. He is powerful and mighty over all things.

That esteemed brother wrote that comfort is for the enemies and hardship for the foes. The followers of Truth have ever been outwardly oppressed and destitute. Consider the Seal of the Prophets—may our souls be a sacrifice for His sake. He slept in a corner of the mosque. Abu Jahl sent men who placed a rope around His blessed neck and brought Him to the assembly. Abu Jahl—who was Abu’l-Hakam—and Abu Sufyan and Abdullah ibn Ubayy and Huyayy ibn Akhtab and Ka’b ibn al-Ashraf and other hypocrites were all wealthier and more prominent than His Holiness and His companions. This is not the first flask that has been broken in Islam. This matter is not new—it existed before, and that honored brother knows the details well. One of His Holiness’s companions, who was among the ten given glad tidings, was in need of daily sustenance in the early days, yet later divine blessings descended upon him to such an extent that a thousand horses were in his stable. Be not disheartened. This has been and remains evidence of the truth of the believers, and that brother, praise be to God, has attained that which in truth the pen is powerless to describe—and that is that esteemed brother’s connection to Him concerning Whom He says:

“God hath adorned the earth with His form, His body, and His repose within its bosom.”

This passage was written these past two days in response to a letter from one of this servant’s friends, as commanded. I hope the fragrance of these words will refresh the state of the friends. The Command is in God’s hands—He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He desireth. This servant testifies with certainty that not a single atom of deeds performed for the sake of God will remain without fruit and effect. I beseech from God, exalted be His glory, confirmation, and I implore that esteemed brother to pray that perchance this servant may be enabled to achieve that which is befitting and worthy in this day. Without His grace all are halted and bewildered, how much more so this evanescent servant. In any case, he has always sought and continues to seek prayers, and sends greetings to the friends in that land. Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God, and His blessings.

BH02075: Praise be to God Who has caused all things…

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

Praise be to God Who has caused all things to speak forth His remembrance and glorification, and peace and blessings be upon the best of His Messengers and Prophets, through whose Praised Name the preamble of the book of existence was adorned, and through whose Most Lauded Name the dove of utterance cooed upon the branch of divine knowledge. Verily there is no God but Him, the Single, the One, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Bestower. And upon His family and companions through whom the pillars of religion were strengthened and the signs of God, the Lord of the worlds, were spread abroad, and through whom the decree of the Book was made manifest and all possessed of knowledge acknowledged the beginning and the return.

Glory be to Thee, O God of Paradise and the Garden, and Educator of all creation! I beseech Thee by the manifestations of Thy sovereignty and the modes of Thy Self-Subsistence to preserve those who have turned to Thee from the evil of self and passion, and aid them in that which diffuseth the fragrance of Thy good-pleasure. Verily Thou art the Lord of all beings and the Ruler of all names. There is no God but Thee, the Strong, the Powerful.

Thereafter, your repeated letters arrived. Praise be to God, from each one the fragrance of love was inhaled. After presenting them, it was revealed:

“O Muhammad-ʿAli! Be patient in times of hardship and silent before people. Make thy provision trust in God and thy deeds for God, and thy shield certitude in Him. Verily He witnesseth and seeth, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”

Praise be to God that thou hast attained unto the recognition of God, exalted be His glory, and been adorned with virtuous qualities. In truth, the attributes befitting the station of man have been and are spiritual characteristics and goodly deeds. Thou art and hast been remembered before the Wronged One. Commit all affairs unto God, blessed and exalted be He, and place thy trust in Him. Verily He is with thee and will aid thee. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to open before thy face the gates of grace and ease. Verily He is the Ruler over whatsoever He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of the kingdom of names. There is no God but Him, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

This evanescent servant is occupied with the praise and glorification of God, exalted be His glory, for He hath aided thee in that which was and is more precious than the most excellent pearl and more luminous than the light of the Most Beloved’s eyes. His honor Shaykh, upon him be 95 (Baha’u’llah), attained the privilege of visiting the House and found and attained unto the fragrance of Yathrib and Batha. In truth, divine confirmation was and is from God, exalted be His glory. One thousand three hundred years have passed, and still the attraction of the First Word is manifest and visible in the world, such that every year they turn their faces from all regions with the intention of circumambulation. For God is their excellence, for God is their turning, for God is their orientation. Whosoever attaineth unto this Kawthar is mentioned as among those near unto God. In all conditions they must hold fast unto wisdom and be mindful thereof. This servant hath ever awaited news of that honored brother’s health and still doth, and I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to aid that spiritual friend in all benevolent deeds. Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God, and His blessings.

BH00114: All praise befitteth Him Who hath ever been…

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

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

All praise befitteth Him Who hath ever been, and will forever remain, sanctified from praise, and pure adoration belongeth unto the Lord of Names, to Whom all sincere ones, all them that are nigh, and all who profess His unity have testified that He was and is sanctified from the praise of all else but Him. When the ocean of loving-kindness was stirred into motion and the fragrance of grace was wafted abroad, through His pure bounty and generosity He gave permission for the praise of His sacred Being and granted leave for glorification of His most holy Essence. Therefore did tongues gain strength through the effulgent rays of the Sun of Permission and grow bold to make mention of Him—else how could utter nothingness manifest itself in the realm of existence, and absolute extinction set foot in the court of immortality? His grace upheld, and His bounty granted leave. His is the praise, His the thanks, His the mention, His the glorification. Verily, He is the Lord of Names and Creator of the heavens.

Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Long have grown the days of my rebellion, grave have become my transgressions, and multiplied my errors. I know not, O my God, whether it beseemeth my mention and my call, my praise and my glorification to be honored by Thy hearing, or whether they should return to my own limitations and abasement. When, despite my poverty and lowliness, I turn toward the horizon of grace, the wonders of Thy bounty embolden me; yet whenever I consider my state and worth, despair seizeth me from every direction. I beseech Thee, O Lord of the world and Creator of the nations, by the Letter at whose appearance all the worlds of letters prostrated themselves, and by the Word before which all the worlds of utterance bowed down in their entirety, to confirm Thy loved ones, Thy chosen ones, and Thy friends in steadfastness in Thy Cause and in Thy remembrance amidst Thy creatures.

Then assist, O my God, in all conditions, him whom Thou hast made to arise in Thy service, to journey throughout the lands in Thy name and remembrance, and whom Thou hast named in this station the Trustworthy One as the Trustworthy. O Lord! Strengthen him, then enable him, then manifest through him in Thy cities and lands that whereby Thy Cause may be exalted. Verily, Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. All things have testified to Thy power. There is no God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Generous.

And further: the numerous letters of that spiritual beloved bestowed abundant spirit and fragrance upon heart and soul, and after their reading and perusal, having turned toward the most exalted Kingdom and having gained presence and leave in the most holy and most glorious Court, they were presented. This is what the Tongue of Grandeur spoke, blessed and exalted be His utterance:

In My Name that shineth forth from the horizon of the heaven of utterance!

O Amin! The Wronged One remembereth thee from the direction of the Prison and giveth thee glad tidings of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of the worlds. Let not that which the hands of the oppressors have wrought sadden thee—they who have denied God’s proof and testimony and have turned away from Him through Whose remembrance every perspicuous Book hath been adorned. The servant in attendance hath presented thy letter before the Wronged One in the Prison. We have found from it the fragrance of thy love and have sent down for thee this wondrous Tablet that thou mayest find from it the fragrance of My love and give thanks unto thy Lord, the Compassionate, the Generous.

O Abu’l-Hasan! The verses of God have encompassed all regions and His evidences are more manifest than the sun at high noon. Yet the unjust servants have risen with the sword of tyranny to shed His blood. Nevertheless, the Ancient Beauty, from the Most Great Prison, hath commanded all to patience and forbearance, inasmuch as God, exalted be His glory, hath, in all Books, Scriptures, Psalms and Tablets, forbidden all in this Revelation from conflict, disputation and strife. Verily, He seeth and commandeth, and He is the All-Commanding, the All-Informed.

That which hath occurred in the Land of Ta was not wholly the fault of the government. God knoweth, thy Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and the earth. From certain events they have imagined—God forbid—that the people of God are engaged in creating sedition. Glory be to God! Have they not seen the revealed Books and are they unaware of the recorded Scriptures? Every word that hath streamed from the Supreme Pen of the Lord of Names hath, with the most resonant call, counseled the people of creation to love, kindness, patience and forbearance. Every truthful one beareth witness to that which hath been mentioned, and every seeing one testifieth to the grace and justice of God, exalted be His glory.

Beseech ye God that He may make the people of the earth aware of the will of the true Sovereign. In this way, all shall be seen circling round His will. The Command is in His grasp; He doeth what He willeth through His sovereignty, and He is the All-Commanding, the Unconstrained. Convey greetings from this Wronged One to the friends in every land and say: Be not grieved by what hath befallen the loved ones. By God’s life! The actions of the oppressors are the cause of the exaltation of His Cause and its elevation. Ere long all shall witness that which the Supreme Pen hath recorded.

It behooveth the people of Baha to place their trust in all things in God. Verily, He is the Just, the All-Wise. He shall seize the oppressors as He seized those before them. He is, in truth, the Strong, the All-Conquering, the Almighty. O My chosen ones! Upon you be My glory, My loving-kindness and My mercy that hath preceded all who are in the heavens and on earth. Ye should, with the utmost yearning, longing, attraction and enkindlement, occupy yourselves with the remembrance of God, exalted be His glory, and be so inflamed with the fire of His love that the oppression of the oppressors, the hostility of the antagonists, and the hatred of the malicious may not hold you back from the Lord of the Day of Judgment. Soon shall pass away the kingdom, and the king, and the subject, and all that ye behold today, and there shall endure for you what hath been sent down from God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

Praise be to God! The sun of divine favor is shining and the horizon of grace is bright and luminous. Although your honor is not physically present, yet inwardly you stand at the gate and are mentioned in the presence of the Beloved of the worlds. One letter from your honor arrived from Tiflis, bringing complete joy. God willing, you will in all conditions be occupied with the remembrance and service of God, and I beseech you to pray for this evanescent servant, that he may perchance succeed in rendering the service with which he hath been charged.

Concerning your mention of the friends of that land, all were presented at the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court, and each was honored with wondrous and glorious mention. Today grace is like a copious rain, flowing and streaming down from the heaven of loving-kindness. At all times He mentioneth His loved ones in the most wondrous utterance, and in truth, should a soul perceive the fragrance of such mention, the changes of the world and the oppression of the nations would neither sadden him nor hold him back from being set ablaze.

Concerning what you wrote about the spiritual beloved, His Holiness Varqa, upon him be the glory of God, the Lord of Names—news of his release from prison, and of events before and after, and of his arrival in the land of Ta, reached this evanescent servant. He [Baha’u’llah] said:

“We heard the news of him and witnessed his enthusiasm, and We revealed for him during his imprisonment and upon his release that which brings joy to the eyes.”

Some time ago this servant sent him a letter containing the Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet. God willing, may he attain the presence of the Divine Tablet and be gladdened by its fragrance.

And concerning what you wrote about your intention to travel to other lands—I beseech God, exalted be His glory, that through the arrival and presence of that beloved one, He may adorn all those regions with the ornament of spring, and embellish the barren lands with the verdure of inner meanings. And may your very being have a profound effect upon souls, in such wise that the slumbering may awaken, the seated may arise, and the heedless may turn toward the ocean of knowledge. Verily our Lord, the Most Merciful, is the Powerful, the Forgiving, the Generous.

As to what was written regarding whether funds are needed to be obtained and transferred to that honored one, this matter was submitted. Thus spoke the Tongue of Grandeur:

“Hardship and ease, poverty and wealth have all been and continue to be within the grasp of God’s power, exalted be His glory. In all conditions that honored one should be confident. In His hand are the keys of wealth and within His grasp are the reins of all things. There is no God but Him, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

What that beloved one transferred from the house funds was received and obtained. And if anything further is needed hereafter, it will be obtained from known persons of this land through religion, and its repayment rests with God, exalted be His glory. That beloved one’s service, efforts, attention and steadfastness in God’s path are evident and clear, and are mentioned before the Intended One. On one occasion these exalted words were heard from the Tongue of the Lord of Creation—He said:

“O servant in attendance! Jinab-i-Amin is in all conditions engaged in service to the Cause, and in truth has been and continues to be a well-wisher of the people of truth. During the days of presence, he would speak well of the friends of that land and the lands of Ta, Kha, Ya, Kaf and other regions, and would beseech and supplicate God’s wondrous favors for each one, and would ask from God, exalted be His glory, bounty and blessing for all. Blessed is he and joy be unto him!”

This evanescent one’s purpose is that all deeds, works and words are clear and evident before God. Praise be to God, that spiritual beloved has attained to a station to which the Tongue of God has testified and which the Supreme Pen has mentioned. One ocean of “well done” and one city of “well pleased” are needed, for this is a station which the near ones sought and hoped for. The Bab—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him—says: “Strive that ye may attain unto the word of His good-pleasure.” The fruits of deeds and words become manifest and evident in the earth like the sun. If you wish to know about the conditions of the Land of Purpose [the Holy Land], a number of Afnan and others have arrived and stayed for a time in the shade with utmost joy and fragrance.

A hundred thousand blessings upon those souls whom the blessed divine Lote-Tree has claimed as Its own. His is the praise in all conditions. We beseech Him to inscribe for them from His Supreme Pen the good of the hereafter and of this world, and to grant them what He has written for His chosen ones and His loved ones in the Crimson Tablet which was sent down from the heaven of His will. At present they are in Beirut and it is likely that some will attain His presence once again.

As to what you wrote regarding his honor Haji Ahmad and those related to him—upon them be the glory of God and His favors—it was submitted to the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence. This is what was sent down for them from the heaven of the bounty of our Lord, the Forgiving, the Generous. He says, blessed and exalted be He:

He is the Hearer, the Answerer

O Trustee! Mention was made of you before the Wronged One, and the servant in attendance submitted what you had sent to him. We heard and have answered you with these verses that you might give thanks to your Lord, the Ancient Sender of Revelations. His honor A. and H. whom you mentioned—praise be to God—drank at the beginning from the Euphrates of recognition and received their portion from the cup of certitude. There was sent down from the heaven of grace specifically for him that which is lasting and enduring. Likewise his sons are each mentioned and have attained God’s favors. By the life of God, abundant good has been mentioned and recorded for them in God’s Book.

Regarding your renewed mention of the beloved of the heart, his honor Varqa, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious, this is what was revealed from the Kingdom of utterance of our Lord, the Most Merciful. His word, exalted and mighty be He:

“Blessed is he who has turned to My horizon, soared in My atmosphere, spoken My praise, and held fast to My cord. He is indeed of the people of the pavilion of My glory, the companions of My Kingdom, and among those who have borne My throne and drunk the choice wine of My favor from the hands of My bounty.”

O thou who gazest upon the Countenance! His honor Varqa, upon him be My glory and My favor, has in truth assisted the Cause of God and drawn receptive hearts to the realm of oneness. Convey to all the friends of God, wherever they may dwell, the greetings of the Wronged One, and say: You are the lamps of knowledge and have been lit by the hand of bounty. The lamp of divine love needs a crystal shade that it may be protected from the winds. The false ones pursue and the treacherous ones lie in wait; protect yourselves through the name of Truth. Today, the hosts of God have been and are mention, utterance, goodly deeds and spiritual qualities. By these hosts must the cities of hearts be conquered. The shedding of blood is forbidden. That which befits man’s station has been and is beloved, not contention and strife. Say:

“Lord, pour forth upon us patience, make firm our steps, aid us, for Thou art the best of helpers.”

Whatever has occurred in the Land of Ta (Tehran) has caused and causes no harm. These events have been and are the cause of the exaltation of the Word. Through the violent, crushing winds, the sovereignty of the sea becomes manifest and evident, and its waves become known and visible. We counsel all to patience and steadfastness, and guide them to that which is befitting. God, exalted be His glory, is present and watchful, and whatever He willeth, He manifesteth and causeth to flow. Say: Consider the Chief (Sultan) and those around him who sent Me to the Most Great Prison, then observe what befell the Wolf and the Speckled Snake. Say: Verily, the True One is not far from you. The Truth caused all to return to their abodes in a brief time. He is the Almighty over whatsoever He willeth. Soon shall the foul winds vanish and become as naught. That which hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen has been and shall remain. Rejoice in what hath been ordained for you by God, the Just, the Generous.

In days when the edifice of existence was shaken and the foundation of the world was made to tremble through the onslaught of the oppressors, this Wronged One arose alone to promote the Cause—an arising that no sitting could overtake and which was not prevented by the clamor of the ungodly and hypocrites. He guided the people of creation to the supreme horizon with the most great call. Now that the rays of the sun of revelation have somewhat appeared, from every corner a croaking is heard, a viper becomes manifest, and barking is raised. With the utmost craftiness and deceit, they strive to lead astray the holy souls who have accepted the faith, and in the garment of friendship and unity, they cause the helpless servants to deviate from the straight path of God.

In their sweet words lies hidden a deadly poison, and in their praise is concealed the greatest censure. Say: O friends! Associate not with the people of hypocrisy, and be not content with the deceit and craftiness of the ungodly. This is the Day of God; mention of aught else is not permitted. Some have desired to renew the vain imaginings of the past and are now preparing the foundation thereof. Beseech ye God to keep all steadfast and not to deprive them from the ocean of His knowledge.

Section 2: “Know ye that in these days numerous letters…”

Know ye that in these days numerous letters have arrived from various places—from the Land of K and R and Y, and likewise from the beloved ones, his honor S and his honor H, upon them both be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious. There is no fresh news save that a croaking hath been raised in the Land of K.R—God, the Exalted, the Great, hath spoken truth. For after the revelation of the Most Holy Book from the heaven of grace, several verses were observed addressed to the Land of K and R. His word—exalted be His utterance and mighty His proof—is this:

“O Land of K and R! We, verily, see thee in a state that God doth not love, and We perceive from thee that which none knoweth save God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. And We find that which passeth from thee in the innermost secret. With Us is the knowledge of all things in a Preserved Tablet. Grieve not because of this, for God will raise up in thee men of mighty strength who will make mention of Me with such constancy that neither the pronouncements of the divines nor the whisperings of the evil ones will deter them. These will behold God with their own eyes and will aid His Cause with their own selves. These, verily, are of them that are firmly established.”

After observing these manifest verses, this servant waited for some time to see what would transpire. One day His honor Amin—who hath ascended to the Supreme Companion, and upon him be the glory of God and the glory of all who are in the heavens and the earth—was present before the face of Him Who standeth, when this exalted word issued from the mouth of the Will of the Lord of Names. His exalted Word is this: “O Amin! A foul odor emanateth from the Land of K and R.” After this blessed word, this evanescent servant watched and waited to see what would occur, until news arrived about Mirza Ahmad Kirmani. When this matter was mentioned in the presence of the Throne, He smiled and said: “Soon thou shalt see and hear.”

After hearing this blessed word, this servant remained silent. More than this it is not permissible to mention, but God protect us and you from the evil of these souls. A person hath written a letter with a thousand tricks and deceits, praising some while intending to exalt falsehood, and condemning others while aiming to prevent the seeker. Glory be to God! In what school have these souls been trained? But praise be to God, by divine grace whatever of mysteries, tricks and deceits he harbors in his heart is evident and manifest from his words. He hath clothed pure misguidance in the garment of truth and placed the crown of knowledge upon the head of absolute falsehood.

With utmost humility and supplication I beseech God—exalted be His glory—to guide him and establish him in truthfulness. How long will tyranny endure? How long will oppression continue? O helpless one! Where wert thou? Take a step in the path of the fair-minded and speak the truth. Today nothing is mentioned concerning the Bayan, neither above it nor below it, except through acceptance of Him Who is established upon the throne of His Cause. I mention one pearl from the ocean of the Merciful’s utterance, that perchance they may be content with it and strive no further to violate the Divine Cause. The Point of the Bayan—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake—saith, exalted and mighty be His Word:

“I have written the essence regarding His mention: He shall not be known by My allusions, nor by what hath been mentioned in the Bayan.”

O helpless one! Whatever thou dost mention from the Bayan is proof of heedlessness and transgression of bounds. If thou sayest “How do we know this is He?”, set aside selfish desires and ponder the verses, allusions, proofs and evidences that have appeared and become manifest. That which hath later appeared had formerly flowed from the Most Exalted Pen, and all bear witness to this. Moreover, read what thou hast and We shall read what We have, and let us speak with pure truthfulness and fairness. Where wert thou in those days when most were concealed in corners of seclusion from the assault of the times?

This servant beseecheth God, his Lord, to grant them a drop from the ocean of justice and fairness. In truth, the entire Bayan is but a mention of this Most Great Announcement, even as the Point of the Bayan—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake—Himself declareth:

“The entire Bayan is but a leaf from among the leaves of the gardens of His knowledge.”

If it be accepted as such—nevertheless, souls who, by the life of God, had no knowledge whatsoever of the origin of the Cause, have now risen in opposition and objection, galloping their steeds in the arena of ignorance and stubbornness. Say: Woe unto you! Soon shall ye find yourselves in manifest loss. In the days of departure from Iraq, all were informed of the cawing of the ravens and the birds of night. Assuredly, whatsoever flowed from the Pen shall come to pass. This evanescent servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, to raise up such servants as shall arise with utmost steadfastness in His Cause and draw the people, through the life-giving waters of utterance, to the horizon of knowledge, in such wise that they shall regard all else besides God as utter nothingness and absolute void. Glory be to God! The heedlessness and ignorance of the servants hath reached such a pass that man is ashamed and abashed to mention it.

Glory be unto Thee, O God of existence and Lord of the seen and unseen! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the trumpet was sounded and the dwellers of the graves arose, to assist Thy servants and creatures to justice and fairness. Then grant them, O my God, from the Kawthar of utterance that which will draw them nigh unto Thee, O Thou in Whose grasp are the reins of all religions! O my God and God of earth and heaven!

Thou seest how the hearts of them that are nigh unto Thee have melted because of what hath befallen Thee at the hands of the oppressors among Thy creatures who have violated Thy covenant and Thy testament, and from whom have appeared such schemes and deceptions as have astonished Satan himself. They have occupied themselves, O my God, with that which Thou hast forbidden them in Thy Scriptures, Thy Tablets and Thy Books. They steal Thy verses and attribute them to other than Thee. I beseech Thee, O Cleaver of the dawn and Subduer of the winds, to send down from the heaven of Thy bounty upon Thy creation that which will draw them nigh unto Thee and cause them to recognize what Thou hast willed in Thy days. Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent over what Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the All-Conquering, the Powerful.

Although such deeds have appeared from the idolaters and deniers as are the cause and reason for despair and deprivation, it is very difficult for them to succeed in returning or in showing fairness and justice, unless the hand of grace takes hold and delivers them. He is the Mighty and Powerful. In Jamadi’l-Avval, their honors “AF”—upon them be all the Most Glorious Glory—returned from pilgrimage to the House, attained the presence, and for more than a month dwelt in the shadow and were blessed with the bounty of the meeting and the Kawthar of attainment. Blessed be it unto them and may they enjoy it. The letter which that beloved one wrote to the spiritual friend, His Honor Husayn Aqa—upon him be the Glory of God—they sent to this servant.

It was presented at the Most Holy, Most Exalted Threshold, and regarding the matter of the handmaiden of God and her intention to perform pilgrimage, it was accepted before the Throne. We beseech God to cause this grace to flow for those who are near, the seekers and the hopeful ones, that they may not be deprived of the outpourings of the divine days. From His Honor A.F., His Honor A and H—upon him be all the Most Glorious Glory—several letters reached this evanescent one. The response to some was submitted and sent, and others will be sent in these days. And from every place petitions are arriving—may God grant success that this servant be assisted to respond. Verily He is powerful over all things. No other new matter has occurred to be submitted.

These days are the days of tyranny—dark clouds have prevented the lights of the sun of justice. However, the Will of God has prevailed and continues to prevail. The intentions of all the world cannot prevent His Will. His Purpose is penetrating, His Will is sovereign, His Knowledge encompasses all, and His Power prevails. Where is Nimrod and what he intended? Where is Pharaoh and what he did? Where is Shaddad and his dominion? Where is the Mighty One and his oppression? Where is the Wolf and his rule? Where is the Serpent and his rebellion? Where is the Truth and the Sword? And where are those who committed what caused the dwellers of the highest Paradise to lament? All with utmost haste returned to their abodes.

God our Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and the earth has spoken truth. Soon the remaining tyrannical souls will likewise turn to their dwellings. According to the Command, all friends must hold fast to patience and perseverance and keep their gaze fixed upon the horizons of divine ordinances. God, exalted be His glory, alone will grant victory and suffice against the evil of the oppressors. The victory of the friends has been and is spiritual qualities and pure, holy deeds. Repeatedly from the Tongue of Grandeur this word was heard, His word, exalted and mighty be He:

O servant who stands present! The Almighty Truth has ever had and continues to have powerful hosts, among them the hosts of utterance, the hosts of goodly deeds, and the hosts of praiseworthy character. Likewise, trustworthiness, truthfulness, and religious devotion are all among the hosts of God, and no host can withstand these hosts. We beseech God to aid His loved ones in that which leads to the exaltation of the Word and the station of man.

If the friends are aided to act according to what has flowed from the Most Exalted Pen, assuredly its effects will become manifest and evident in the world. Today, goodly deeds must… In most Tablets, utterances have been revealed which, were they to be cast upon rock, would cause it to flow. Glory be to God! The hearts of the servants are observed to be like solid rock—the Word of Truth does not penetrate them. This servant beseeches his Lord to protect His chosen ones from the evil of these people and from their schemes and deceptions. Verily, He is powerful over all things and worthy to answer.

Two individuals from M and Y attained the presence, and likewise a person from S. May God assist them all to remain steadfast. That beloved one has truly been the cause of the manifestation of God’s favor to each of the friends, even as during their presence mention was made of each of the loved ones from various cities and regions, and for each one specifically did the sun of favor shine from the horizon of grace. Your honor should remind the people of those regions so that they may turn with permission and not render such a mighty deed without effect or fruit.

To the divine loved ones in those lands I say that the Day is most great and the Cause is most great, while the treacherous ones and thieves lie in wait. The clamor has been raised, and this is among the divine promises that were revealed and recorded at the time of departure from Baghdad and other lands. God our Lord and the Lord of all worlds has spoken true. They are engaged in all manner of schemes and stratagems. Among other things, they have stolen divine verses—some they have attributed to the Bab (may our souls be sacrificed for His sake) and sent to various regions, while others they have claimed as their own. They have collected wondrous books and exalted verses. One soul has appeared with such deception that Satan himself is bewildered by it. Say: Die in your wrath! This is the Day of God, if you be of those who know. None is mentioned therein save Him, despite your will, O company of unbelievers! He has appeared with the truth, and the Books of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, have testified to Him.

Glory be to God! If this Revelation is denied, to whom can one cling and adhere? Be fair, O peoples of the earth, and be not among the lost. If that beloved one should turn towards that land, they should be vigilant, for the hypocrite has donned the garment of the faithful and casts forth hatred in the name of love. In brief, they have been and continue to be the dawning-places of conjecture and the manifestations of idle fancies. I beseech God to protect His loved ones from the evil of those false, heedless, deceitful, and rebellious souls. At this moment when this evanescent servant was engaged in writing this letter, he was summoned to the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, whereupon He, exalted be His glory, spoke:

O servant in attendance! We wish to mention R. and J. who has turned to the Most Exalted Horizon and clung to the hem of his Lord’s grace, the Lord of Names and Creator of Heaven, that he may rejoice in My remembrance and My grace, and be among the thankful ones. We bid him to show forth the Greater Steadfastness, that through him may be manifested that which will cause the limbs of those who have denied God, the Lord of the Mighty Throne, to quake. The Glory shining from the horizon of eternity be upon him and upon those with him who have held fast to the Strong Cord of God.

This servant conveys greetings to them and submits that people are weak and heedless, and the practitioners of guile and deceit are many. May He protect the righteous from the evil of the wicked in the name of God, exalted be His glory. Those who from the beginning of the Cause had and have no understanding whatsoever consider themselves among the people of knowledge and insight. Briefly, it is submitted that they have intended to devise vain imaginings like those of the past and deprive helpless souls from the straight path. If someone truly and sincerely reflects for the sake of God, he will testify that the cause and reason for the martyrdom of the Primal Point, may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for Him, as well as the saints and chosen ones, were all due to the schemes of certain individuals of the past. Had I been granted permission, I would have submitted that which would awaken the slumbering and raise up the seated, but the matter is not in my hands, rather in the hands of my Lord, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Strong, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

This evanescent servant beseeches God to assist that beloved one in that which will cause him to be remembered throughout the kingdoms of earth and heaven. Verily, He is powerful over all things. May that beloved one deliver this leaf to them that they may observe. In these days, a letter arrived from the honored beloved Nabil-i-Qabli-Ba, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, from the land of Ta, and likewise from the spiritual beloved Aqa Mirza Mihdi, upon him be the Glory of God. Praise be to God, it conveyed the joy, delight, attraction and gladness of the friends, and it was presented in the Most Holy and Exalted Court. The rays of the sun of grace shone forth and became manifest in relation to each one. This servant’s submission is that greetings and salutations to all friends, masters and beloved ones from this servant are dependent upon and contingent on the grace of that honored master. The Glory that is manifest and evident from the horizon of our Lord’s grace be upon you and upon God’s friends in His lands and His chosen ones in His realms, and upon every steadfast and upright one. Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

The servant 15 Jamadiyu’th-Thani 1301

BH00825: All praise, sanctified from the descriptions of the peoples…

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

All praise, sanctified from the descriptions of the peoples, befits and is worthy of the Ancient Lord, Who through His pure bounty and generosity bestowed existence upon nothingness and confirmed being with humility, submissiveness, and prostration. He is the Omnipotent One Whom multitudes and hosts cannot turn back from His will. With one word He raised high the banner of divine unity, and caused the lights of the Sun of Truth to shine upon all peoples.

The bearer of that Most Great Standard was the Primal Mirror, the Seal of the Prophets—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake. Through Him He made manifest the pearls of the ocean of knowledge and displayed them before the eyes of true assayers. Exalted, exalted be His station, and exalted, exalted be His power and sovereignty! Through Him He revealed that which was concealed and brought to the realm of visibility that which had been forever hidden and treasured. Through His perfect might He conquered the cities outward and inward and opened the sealed gates.

He is the Mirror of “He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth.” He is the Source of every manifestation and appearance, and the Seal thereof. Worthy is He of mention and praise, and of blessings and peace from God, the Lord of Names, and upon His family and companions, through whom every seeker attained and every denier was lost, through whom every throne and seat and every lofty chair was established. The servant beseecheth his Lord by their humility and submission, their lights and their spending, their martyrdom and their steadfastness and their nearness, that He may raise up what hath been cast down, and take up what hath fallen, and restore what hath been destroyed of His mighty throne. Verily, He is powerful over whatsoever He willeth.

May my spirit be a sacrifice for your imprisonment and your exile! Your gracious letter, like the morning breeze, awakened this one sleeping in the valley of heedlessness. After inhaling its fragrance, it was presented before the Master, Who showed such favor that this servant is incapable of describing it. Verily, the servant, at all times, beseecheth God on your behalf that He may grant you success and aid you and bestow upon you that whereby your mention may be exalted. For these are days wherein man is capable of attaining lofty stations.

Those souls who desire naught in the world save righteousness, and who at all times have summoned all to unity and concord and justice and fairness—nevertheless, in every year the oppressors of the age have stretched forth the hand of tyranny and have done that which hath caused and doth cause grief to pure and tranquil hearts. Is the persecution of the oppressed ones of the earth a sign of valor and prowess and knowledge and wisdom? Nay, by God! Would that they had endeavored to reclaim their lost territories or to transform their abasement into glory!

At every moment they draw nearer to the nethermost depths, yet they perceive it not. They are mounted upon the steeds of passion and desire, galloping through the wilderness of pride. By the life of God! Soon shall they behold themselves in grievous torment. In any case, this servant, with the utmost supplication, beseecheth the True One, exalted be His glory, to grant justice to all and to adorn them with the ornament of equity. He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

Concerning what was written about the delay in responding to the honored letters, His Holiness is correct. This matter of correspondence which was written brings joy, happiness, and delight to this company through the favors that are directed from that quarter.

After presenting this matter, they said:

“By My life, he has spoken truly, for love is the sweet water of mercy for the friends, the ocean of grace for the thirsty, the light of knowledge for the seekers, everlasting life for the sincere ones, the spray of the ocean of reunion for the longing ones, and the melody of the bird of faithfulness—nay rather, the rapturous song of nearness and meeting—for the lovers.”

What was written is correct. The Branches and the Servant should not be remiss in sending replies, even though the sorrows that have come and the successive afflictions prevent one from necessary matters. However, in view of giving each one their due right, they must act in ways that bring joy, happiness, and delight to the hearts of the loved ones of God, exalted be His glory. We send greetings upon him and upon those with him, young and old, female and male, and We beseech God the Exalted to confirm them in what befits them. Verily, He has power over all things.

From the other blessed passages, the degrees of kindness and favor are clear and evident. Translation is not necessary, but the Exalted Truth bears witness that though outwardly there may be delay, you are ever remembered in the heart and present before the face. God suffices as witness to this. The people of the pavilion of glory have shown and continue to show favor to that beloved one and the honored ladies. Praise be to God, you are remembered and have attained to His favor. The Most Great Branch—may my spirit, my being, and my essence be a sacrifice for the dust of His most pure footsteps—has not been present for some time. If your letter reaches Him, He will certainly bestow a gracious reply.

This ephemeral one submits that I convey greetings to each of the beloved ones, and I beseech from the Exalted Truth the good of this world and the next for each one. Likewise, I convey holy greetings beyond count or measure to the honored ladies, and I beseech God to adorn all with His special favors and to grant success in what He loves and is pleased with. Verily, He is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous.

As for what was written concerning the cherished one, his honor Aqa Mirza Ali-Akbar—may God the Exalted assist him—they said that in all circumstances he must be occupied with some task. God willing, divine assistance will reach him. Due to events in the Land of Ta [Tehran], namely the imprisonment of His honor the beloved Haji Siyyid Ali-Akbar—upon him be God’s peace—some of the mischief-makers have had thoughts and made certain mentions, and from what is known, they are somewhat intent upon their aims, until God wills what He wills.

Another submission is that when the honored Mirza Ali-Akbar was present, he mentioned certain trees which could be sent from that land, including a special variety of wild rose that exists in that region and would be sent. The details of this matter are that with great difficulty they were sent from two locations in Iran—from Tabriz and Shiraz—but neither arrived. Therefore Mirza Ali-Akbar mentioned that it is found specifically there and would be sent. He also mentioned the Aghalib-Tus tree which they plant and grow for changing the air, as well as Indian oranges and certain other trees and flowers.

Now, whatever is pleasing and beloved in your sight, and possible to send for planting in the small plot, they will surely accept the trouble and send it. May perpetual, illuminating, manifest, and brilliant peace from the heaven of providence be upon your honor and upon them all, male and female, and upon those who speak with pure truth and act according to what they were commanded in the Book of God, Lord of all the worlds.

The servant. On 17 Jamadi’th-Thani 1301.

BH01487: Praise be to the Lord of all desire, Who…

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

Praise be to the Lord of all desire, Who is worthy and deserving, for His glance of loving-kindness hath ever been and shall ever be directed towards His loved ones. He it is Whose tongue of grace hath ever proclaimed these words:

“My mercy hath preceded the world and My bounty hath encompassed those who are in the heavens and on earth.”

He it is Whose blessed gaze hath ever been and remaineth fixed upon goodly deeds. This servant testifieth that there is none other God but Him. He hath proven His Own Self by His Own Self. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. He is the Mighty, the All-Praised.

Thereafter, thy letter arrived and gave strength to the heart and joy to the soul, for it was adorned with the mention of God, glorified be His majesty. After perusing it, We turned towards the Most Exalted Horizon and presented it before His presence. He said: “O Abdullah! For successive years We summoned the people, purely for the sake of God, to the Dawning-Place of the Light of Oneness, and forbade them from corruption, conflict, the causes of grief and sorrow, discord and dissension. The purpose of all this was the tranquility of the world and its peoples. Thou hast witnessed and continueth to witness how each day a city among the cities of Islam falleth under the bombardment of cannons, and a faction among its factions faceth the bullets.

That which hath appeared on earth hath caused the dwellers of the celestial realm to lament. Yet until now, none hath awakened or arisen to find a remedy. The heedless one moveth and journeyeth in the wilderness of negligence, led by ignorance. This is a day wherein all must, with utmost humility and supplication, seek forgiveness and pardon from the Self-Sufficing Lord, that perchance the sweet-scented breeze of divine bestowal and forgiveness may waft, and the Law of God and the Religion of the Lord may be protected from the oppression of the oppressors. What can awaken the heedless ones and rouse those who slumber? Beseech ye God that He deprive not His servants and grant them a drop from the ocean of knowledge, that the people of the earth might become aware and show mercy unto themselves.

We make mention at the end of this letter of thy son who attained Our presence in the prison. Remember him on My behalf. We beseech God to strengthen him, to prosper him, and to grant him the good of this world and the next. He must remain steadfast in that which he hath been commanded, and God will send down upon him from the heaven of bounty that which will gladden his heart. Verily, He is the Protector of those who turn unto Him.”

Praise be to God, His grace and favor are evident and manifest. The command to depart was given in view of circumstances. Some mentioned that certain ones intended to move and sought permission, while others spoke of chaos, saying that children showed no obedience whatsoever to their fathers and showed them no respect. Likewise, they mentioned matters far removed from justice, fairness, love and unity. Since no fruit was apparent from gathering in that land, and indeed there was fear of harm due to prejudices and ignorant fanaticism, therefore the command was given as they heard. If they act in accordance with that which God loveth and that which exalteth the station of man, there hath been and is no objection to remaining.

This evanescent servant beseecheth and imploreth the True One, exalted be His glory, to strengthen the youth. How lovely it would be for the youth to be adorned with the ornament of proper conduct, character, love and unity, and to abide in peace beneath the shade of the divine Tree. However, this servant was most pleased with thy son. He was truly found to be capable and worthy. God willing, may he strive diligently to acquire perfections and likewise to learn a craft. Convey my greetings to him. I ever pray for his strengthening and success.

I send greetings to the friends of that land, one and all, and I beseech God to adorn them all with the ornament of steadfastness, love and fellowship. The prayer that was offered on behalf of this evanescent servant will, God willing, be answered. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful. Praise be to Him, for He is the Lord of all the worlds.