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

BH00228: Praise be to God Who has caused the Pen…

Section 1: “Praise be to God Who has caused…”

He is God—exalted be His glory, His grandeur and His might!

Praise be to God Who has caused the Pen to be subdued and has manifested through it such utterances as none can know save him whom God has assisted through His command. Verily, He is the Almighty, the Unconstrained. And blessings and peace be upon His Prophets and His Messengers and His chosen ones, and upon Him Whom He has adorned with the ornament of His names and attributes and made the Seal of His Prophets, and upon His family and companions who held fast to His Covenant and His Testament.

And then—may my spirit be a sacrifice for your mention—your numerous letters illumined the eyes and confirmed the power of utterance. Praise be to God for what He has bestowed upon us from the table of love and affection. Verily, He is the Lord of all beings and the Guide unto the right path. However, after reading and reviewing them, boundless sorrow was produced, for they indicated your sorrow and likewise that of other friends.

As regards moving from that land, one day before mentioning certain reports, They said that the friends in that land must conduct themselves with perfect unity, harmony and wisdom, otherwise sedition would arise among them, and this is not pleasing before God. Continually this word was heard that They say the horizons shall be illumined with the light of unity. After the arrival of the honored master, his eminence the Nazir, upon him be God’s peace, inquiry was made about the condition of the friends in that land. Some were mentioned who, if permission were given, had intended to depart. After this matter was presented before Him, They said if with wisdom, that is if one or two souls would turn towards Iraq or Iran, this would be acceptable before the Wronged One.

Later, unpleasing news arrived, including that sons were in no way obedient to fathers, and it was heard that the son of his eminence Aqa Mirza Abdullah had shown disrespect to him. This matter caused grief to this servant, but after his arrival in this land, this servant imparted certain words to him. In truth he expressed remorse and sought forgiveness and pardon. This servant became very pleased with him, for he accepted with complete willingness and love what was expressed. It was as if his inner tongue spoke these words:

“I stand ready to make amends for the rest of my life.”

God willing, they will not forget the petitions of the servant and will keep them in mind.

Later, news spread of differences arising between the friends in this land. After these matters were presented before Him, He said:

“O servant in attendance! The people of that land are very prejudiced and have no knowledge of this community. Perhaps they imagine the friends of Truth are also like other foreigners, engaged in unseemly words and cursing and reviling prominent persons. They consider all foreigners to be heretics. Given this fact and their lack of knowledge about the condition of the friends, if they become aware of matters that have caused differences between them, they will surely manifest hatred and animosity and become the cause of sedition. In this case, the friends’ remaining in that land is not advisable.”

Indeed if the honored ones of that land would hold fast to wisdom, unity and harmony, it would cause the exaltation of the Word and all would become aware that these souls were not and are not like the aforementioned foreigners. They walk in the traces of the light of justice and gaze toward the horizon of grace. Your honor was not mentioned at all in this matter and no word was heard from the blessed tongue except the expression of favor and kindness. To this testifies He with Whom is the Mother Book. And in one instance They spoke certain words which this servant wrote down exactly and sent previously. And truly all these matters were and are united in meaning, and They uttered these statements with perfect kindness.

And in this matter no mention whatsoever was made of that blessed Personage, nor was any word heard from the sacred Tongue save the manifestation of favor and loving-kindness–whereunto He Who possesseth the Mother Book beareth witness. And in a certain gathering He moreover uttered words which, even as they were spoken, this servant had already set down and dispatched in writing. All these passages, in very truth, have been, and are, one in meaning; and with consummate grace He gave utterance unto these sayings.

The son of his eminence the honored master Aqa Mirza Abdullah, upon him be God’s peace and favor, himself is aware of the manifestation of kindness, compassion and grace. The statement of the Desired One is clear and evident, for anyone with a sense of smell can perceive its fragrance. From the first day of arrival in the Most Great Prison until this time, this evanescent one has heard from the Pen and tongue of the Desired One—may the souls of all else be sacrificed for Him!—that naught hath been heard from that personage but kindness, compassion and generosity. Every fair-minded one beareth witness and every wayfarer testifieth and is aware, and beyond all these, all the Tablets stand as witness and testimony to this statement.

Now we beseech and implore God, exalted be His glory, to set aright the affairs of that land, that the light of unity may shine forth among all. God willing, may all be adorned with goodly deeds and words that conduce to the refinement of heedless souls. Parents must strive diligently for the religion of their children and its strengthening, for any child who departeth from the divine religion will surely not act in accordance with the good-pleasure of his parents and of God, glorified be His majesty. All goodly deeds become manifest and evident through the light of faith, and in the absence of this supreme gift, one will neither shun any evil nor be attracted to any good.

The servant, in his tongue of powerlessness and poverty, beseecheth God to assist His loved ones and make them dawning-places of goodly deeds and daysprings of that which hath been revealed in His Book of goodness and gracious utterance. In brief, this evanescent one’s petition is that loving-kindness hath been and continueth to be shown to the friends of that land.

At this moment, which is the time of the arrival of the post, this servant was engaged in writing to the spiritual beloved, Aqa Muhammad Mustafa, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious. The bearer of your letter arrived, which you had sent to him, and he had expressed much sorrow concerning the news mentioned therein. In truth, he is right. After his letter was presented, it was stated:

“That which We intended concerning Jinab-i-Zayn hath not yet been uttered. Let him be assured of God’s grace, loving-kindness, compassion and mercy. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to grant him the good of this world and the next. Should this Wronged One intend aught concerning him, He will surely convey it to him directly.”

Convey greetings from the Wronged One to the friends of that land. We ask for them all that which befitteth their station. If at times deeds have appeared from them that were unworthy of them and the Cause, yet many afflictions have also befallen them in God’s path, of which none but God is aware. We beseech God to assist them all in that which conduceth to the exaltation and elevation of the Cause and their stations. Convey greetings also to the handmaidens of that land and gladden them with the remembrance of the Wronged One.

Mention was made of all those whom you had named, and all were blessed with wondrous and glorious remembrance. Mention was made of the son of Marfu’ Ali Nur, upon him be God’s loving-kindness. It was presented before His presence, and He said:

“We have beseeched God, exalted be He, and We beseech Him, again and again, to forgive His loved ones who were imprisoned in the Land of Ta, to purify them from all that is unworthy of them, to grant them the good of this world and the next, and to ordain for them that which befitteth His generosity and bounty. He is, verily, the Mighty, the All-Bestowing. We make mention of him and his brother who was named Zayn al-Abidin, and We counsel him to perform pure deeds and to act in accordance with that which God hath revealed in the Book.”

As for what you wrote concerning His Holiness the Name of God J.M., upon him be from every Glory its Most Glorious, his own letter arrived. One response was sent, bearing glad-tidings of renewed loving-kindness, bounty and grace. Now another letter from him hath arrived, but there is no opportunity to reply. God willing, there is hope it may be presented later.

Regarding the mention of the distribution of funds that was made, they adorned it with acceptance. God willing, they have attained and will attain both material and spiritual wealth.

And concerning what was written about the relatives of Jinab-i-Safi, upon him be the grace and mercy of God, it was submitted. They said his mention has been before the Wronged One and God willing, special Tablets will be sent to them. Let the guest be joyful. We beseech God to assist them and assist all His loved ones to remain steadfast in His love. Verily He is powerful over all things.

The mention of Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Baqir, upon him be Baha’u’llah, from the people of Nur was made and submitted before His presence. They said: Praise be to God, he is adorned with the ornament of bounty and speaks in remembrance of the Peerless Friend. We beseech God to ordain for him that which will make him attracted, enkindled, steadfast and eloquent in wisdom and utterance. That which has issued from the tongue of the Divine Purpose concerning him will become manifest and evident. The servant conveys greetings to him.

The mention of Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad, upon him be the peace of God, from the people of Hamadan was made. After submission They said: Travel to this land is not permitted in these days. Let him occupy himself with his trade, be engaged in the mention of God, exalted be His glory, arise in His service and act with goodness. The weakness of the servants and their heedlessness has caused the deprivation of the friends. However, we beseech God to ordain abundant good for them in compensation for this deprivation. He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

Section 2: “The petition of Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Abdul-Wahhab attained…”

The petition of Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Abdul-Wahhab attained the hearing of the Beloved. They said: God willing, may he remain firm and steadfast in what he has submitted. Blessed is his father whom neither the derision of enemies nor the oppression of the wicked prevented. He adorned his temple with the ornament of servitude to God, the True One, and held fast to goodness in all conditions. May this Wahhab too, God willing, be assisted like that Wahhab to perform good deeds and utter befitting words.

And the mention of Jinab-i-Aqa Abul-Qasim from the people of Najafabad attained the honor of hearing. They said: O Zayn, it behooveth thee to beseech God to assist His servants to discharge His rights. The world is transient, its life is brief. In this case, whoever is assisted to discharge what is obligatory upon him is assuredly nearer to righteousness. O Zayn, verily We have mentioned him, given him glad tidings and commanded him to that which was revealed in the Book of God, the Lord of the worlds. It is incumbent upon all to act according to what hath been revealed in the Book of God, exalted be His glory. Convey the greetings of the Wronged One to him and likewise to the friends of that land, namely the land of Nun and Jim. God willing, may all attain to that which is beloved in the presence of God.

The mention of the honored beloved, Aqa Siyyid Muhammad-ʿAli, upon him be Baha’u’llah, was made and submitted. They said: Convey Our greetings to him and We beseech God to assist him in that which is good for him. Praise be to God, he attained the presence and was successful. It behooveth him to thank God at all times.

His honor Aqa Muhammad-Javad and Aqa Muhammad-Sadiq of Nur—mention of them has attained the honor of being heard, and expressions of special favor for both have shone forth from the horizon of loving-kindness. Praise be to God, they have attained that which has no limit to its excellence. They have been assisted in their turning, acceptance, recognition and steadfastness. This evanescent servant beseeches God—exalted be His glory—to assist them and grant them success. Mention of His Holiness the Most Truthful Name of God—upon him be all the most glorious Glory—flowed from the blessed tongue. Happy is he! And peace be upon you and the mercy of God.

What needed to be submitted is this: Mirza Husayn Beg the liar, who claimed love and acceptance while squandering the property of several of the friends—that deceitful usurper wrote various things to the Holy Threshold, while the sincere friends unwittingly consider every treacherous liar to be trustworthy and count them among the people of faith. In any case, that liar met his due. Now the friends should be vigilant and not consider every liar to be truthful. In place of that unmerciful one, another person has arrived who is among those who for years served in the embassy at the Threshold. Although outwardly this evanescent one is unaware of his condition, in any case he has been and is investigating to find something with which to attack the oppressed ones.

The friends of God must not be heedless nor be content with mere declarations of faith. They should completely conceal all religious matters in these parts, as its harm would return to the Tree. Mention and utterance are not permitted in these regions. Repeatedly this word was heard from the blessed tongue. They should not again be heedless nor count outsiders among the insiders. It is strange that even His Holiness the Name of God, Jamal, thought he was among the faithful. In truth, knowledge is not with anyone—it is all with God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

O beloved of my heart! If the friends of God had acted upon the loving counsels of the Desired One, perfect order would have become manifest in all affairs, the carpet of joy and delight would have been spread, and all would have fixed their gaze upon the word “Blessed is he who knows his station and rank” and would have vied with one another in humility and submissiveness. Man is like steel whose essence is hidden—through mention, utterance, counsel and education its essence becomes manifest and evident, but if left to itself, the rust of lustful desires and passions will destroy it. In all stations, utterances have appeared which are the cause of preservation, salvation and success. We beseech God—exalted be His glory—to assist His loved ones in that which He has commanded. Verily He is powerful over all things and worthy to answer prayers. There is no God but He, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

The other letter from His Holiness dated the 17th of Jamadi’l-Avval brought joy to the heart and bestowed boundless delight. Regarding what they wrote expressing amazement—according to the Command, His Holiness should await specific orders in all matters, meaning commands that specifically issue from the Pen. Otherwise there is much talk in the world, most of which neither nourishes nor satisfies.

And regarding what they wrote about the book of his honor Aqa Shah-Virdi—upon him be the Glory of God—it was submitted. He said:

“Well done, O Zayn! By My life, thy sorrow hath grieved Me. We beseech God to change it into great joy.”

End.

Concerning Jinab-i-Mulla Muhammad-ʿAli, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, it was recorded that some of his tablets were sent from the direction of the Land of Ta. God willing, may he be joyful, for at the time of departure, out of wisdom his trust was not given to him, and thus he turned toward those parts with complete displeasure. I beseech and implore God to bestow His grace and favor him with that which is befitting, and transform his sorrow into joy.

As for Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Ibrahim, it is advisable for him to engage in some occupation in whatever land he may reside. In these days, coming to this land is in no way permitted. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to adorn him with His good-pleasure. The command is in His hands, and He is the Forgiving, the Generous.

Regarding the marriage of the spiritual friend Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Habibu’llah, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory and favors, what was written is excellent in what has been done. God willing, it is blessed. As commanded, extend congratulations and convey greetings from this servant.

As for what was mentioned concerning Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Hasan, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory and favors, what your honor mentioned was submitted. He said:

“O Hasan, upon thee be My peace. In all cases, stillness takes precedence over movement, though at times circumstances may indicate otherwise, meaning circumstances may cause movement to be preferred. The explicit command to depart has not been outwardly pronounced. For any soul to remain with joy and fragrance is acceptable, or to depart with joy and fragrance is likewise acceptable. Praise be to God, you have been and are blessed with God’s grace. Convey greetings to all your relatives from the Wronged One. God willing, may you be confirmed in remembrance and praise, and in deeds and words that cause the elevation of your station.”

End quote. The details of matters concerning staying or departing were mentioned. In truth, the friends in that land should consult in all matters and act upon whatever your honor accepts. I beseech God to adorn the people of that land with such an adorning that none will have cause for dispute. He is powerful and mighty over all things.

Regarding what you wrote about Jinab-i-Aqa Ali-Akbar, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, from the people of K, and likewise the mention of Jinab-i-Mirza Badi’, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, it was submitted. He said:

“O Zayn, We have heard the mention of Badi’ and have witnessed his acceptance. We send him greetings from this station and remember him with beautiful remembrance, and We beseech the Most High to grant him success and ordain for him the best of what hath been sent down in His perspicuous Book. And We remember Ali-Akbar who attained and visited the House and held fast to the strong cord of God. However, coming to this land is not permitted.”

End quote.

Likewise mention was made of Jinab-i-Aqa ʿAli of Khurramabad. Praise be to God, he has been favored with the mention of the Beloved, but meeting is not permitted, for most souls are observed to be covered with the dust of rancor and hatred. Beseech God to assist all and grant them a cup from the Kawthar of sanctification. The veils of self have prevented eyes from beholding the light of truth. They cling to vain imaginings and hold fast to idle fancies. They have attributed to a station, which was naught but the mention of God, that which causes one to feel ashamed to mention. In any case, some time ago, tablets were specifically designated in reply to the people of B.r and its surroundings, and likewise specifically for the friends of that region, but until now they have not been sent, and afterward the command is in His hands.

As to what you wrote concerning certain matters which, as this servant regards them as contrary to the laws of the divine law, some have complained about their abandonment—they stated:

“O Zein! God, exalted be His glory, has in His glorious Book commanded the people to observe what is right and forbidden what is wrong, and has revealed such commandments and ordinances as will enable humanity to attain the most exalted summit and the highest horizon. Therefore, you must look to the Book of God and act according to it. The acceptance or rejection of the people of the earth is as nothing and is not and has never been worthy of attention. Blessed are you, and happy are you! The Wronged One beareth witness to thy devotion and thy deeds in the path of God, the Lord of the worlds. In obeying the commandments revealed in the Book of God, even if the whole world were to oppose you, no harm would come to you. Rejoice in what the Wronged One hath uttered, and be of those who give thanks.”

Finally, this ephemeral one conveys greetings and praise to the friends and loved ones in that land. I hope that all may be adorned with that which beseemeth them. Verily, the servant concludeth his words with the remembrance of God, saying: “Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.”

The servant 20 Jamadiyu’th-Thani 1301