Volume 075: Akka 1302 A.H. (1884–1885), Part I (3 of 5)

BH06405: Though the door of presence and speech be closed…

Though the door of presence and speech be closed, yet through God’s bounty the path of letters and messages remains open. “Correspondence is half of meeting” is evident and manifest. Praise befitteth the Lord of all desires Who, if He closeth one path, openeth others. In one world He hath bestowed upon the spirit the station of messenger and courier, in another He hath ordained the tongue, and in yet another the pen….

O Musa! Mention and expression have not been and are not confined to the tongue alone. Reflect upon the story of the shepherd and His Holiness Moses. When the ocean of divine love surged in his heart, he became acceptable at the Divine Threshold. His words, though contrary to convention, did not prevent the spiritual fragrances from reaching him. Outwardly he was rejected, but inwardly he was recognized. He was a true lover, for what he expressed came from sincerity. He knew not customs and manners, yet he was not deprived by what he uttered, and achieved divine acceptance. We beseech God to assist that soul in whatever He loves and is pleased with, and to grant success in what is befitting, lest the affairs of the world hold you back from the Lord of earth and heaven. In all conditions, be occupied with the remembrance of God and hold fast unto Him. The command is in His grasp. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. He is the Single One, the One, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy….

BH01476: O beloved of my heart! The blessed handwriting…

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

O beloved of my heart! The blessed handwriting of His exalted station has directed this evanescent one to undertake reconstruction of what is in ruins and to bestow the bounty of spring upon the world. After it was read and understood, it was presented before His presence, whereupon He said that whatever had been mentioned should be answered, that it may reach him who was intended. We beseech God to assist Ism-i-Jud to serve the Cause, even as He assisted him. Verily, He is the Helper, the Mighty, the Powerful.

As to the letter of the honored beloved, his eminence Nabil-Ibn-Nabil, upon him be the peace and bounty of God—it was read and presented. Praise be to God, he has been blessed with special favors. God the All-Knowing is witness that this servant remembers him at special times and beseeches God, exalted be His glory, to grant and ordain that which will cause his station to be elevated, exalted and uplifted. Verily, He has power over all things.

Regarding what was written about Haji Muhammad Ibrahim, upon him be the peace of God, and his petition—it was presented, whereupon He said:

“We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to protect and guard him with the hosts of the invisible and the visible realms, and to ordain for him that which will benefit him in this world and the next. Verily, He has power over all things.”

The possessions of those who trust in God and are sincere have been and always will be under the protection and guardianship of God, exalted be His glory. He said:

“O Nabil-Ibn-Nabil, upon you be My peace. There are two kinds of possessions: One comprises the pearls of divine love, praiseworthy character, and pleasing attributes, which have always been and will remain preserved, for the hand of the thief and traitor falls short in this station. In previous years, there was a sum in the keeping of a trustee, and a thief stole it. We wrote: We beseech God to assist you in acquiring that which thieves and traitors cannot lay hands upon. The other kind of possessions thieves may plunder if they gain access to them, but whatever belongs to the people of truth will surely be compensated and bestowed upon them ere long.”

O Nabil-Ibn-Nabil! We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to protect you and preserve whatever is associated with you, and to ordain for you the best of what He has revealed in His Ancient Book, whereby He distinguished between truth and falsehood and made those who believe in His unity to be among those who are brought near. Blessed is he who has acknowledged the unity and oneness of God and acted according to what the All-Merciful has revealed in the Furqan.

Regarding what was written about partnership and commerce, the details were presented, whereupon He said:

“God willing, it is blessed. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to send down upon you a blessing from His presence and to ordain for you and your children every good thing that was in His Book.”

As for the onion and white poplar cutting that were mentioned and sent, God willing, from the former may colorful flowers appear, and from the latter, refined, wondrous, and sublime shadows, for it exists in the shade. God willing, shade too shall be bestowed upon it, that the friends of God may rest in its shadow and be appropriately gladdened, attaining to the greatest joy, which is the station of nearness to God, exalted be His glory, and may hearken to the divine glorification and sanctification in its rustling.

This evanescent one conveys greetings to him, upon him be the peace of the All-Merciful. He has always been and continues to be remembered by this evanescent one. God is witness to these words and this petition. I extend greetings to him and to his blessed offspring, namely his honor Ahmad, upon him be God’s bounty and grace, and I beseech God for favor and mercy. Regarding what was written that “Ahmad stands firm”—this firmness is evidence of steadfastness, that through him every seated one may arise to serve God and obey Him, and every weary one to His remembrance and praise.

Mention was made of his honor Aqa Ghulam-Husayn, upon him be the peace of God. Praise be to God, he has been and continues to be remembered. Convey greetings on behalf of this servant, and express this evanescent one’s love, affection and sincerity. I beseech God to assist him and keep him preserved beneath the shadow of His grace. Peace be upon your honor and upon them, and the mercy of God and His blessings.

The servant 22 Rabi’u’th-Thani 1302

BH02238: We counsel you to perform goodly deeds. Every soul’s…

…We counsel you to perform goodly deeds. Every soul’s station is made manifest through his deeds, for deeds are as mirrors wherein the reality of the doer is revealed and evident. Some servants, whenever they desire any rejected deed, they encourage the friends of God toward it through false words and satanic suggestions. God is indeed clear of these! A goodly deed is distinguished from that which is otherwise; the fragrance of the doer is diffused through the deed. Blessed are they whom the misguided ones of the world have not and will not prevent from the Lord of Eternity….

Say: O friends! Be united and be in accord in the Cause of God. Unity conquers the realms of hearts through wisdom and utterance. Good is clearly distinguished from evil. Through the blessedness of the Most Great Name, hold fast unto that which is good, detached from all evil and from every lying clamourer. Be not grieved by the world and its vexations. By the life of God! Ye are and have ever been the people of the eternal dominion and are recorded in the Book as the party of God. What bounty is greater than this bounty, and what station more exalted than this station? Strive diligently to preserve it. We counsel you and those who believe in that whereby the Cause of God, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting, is exalted. Associate with different groups with utmost love and fellowship. Rancor and hatred have ever been and remain condemned.

We counsel you finally to fear God. It is the shield that protects the temple of faith, a luminous lamp in darkness, a spiritual strength in weakness, an eternal helper in solitude, and an enduring companion. It is the manifest deed and the mighty, impregnable fortress. It protects man from the arrows of Satan and the spears of the rebellious. It has been and ever will be the source of mighty deeds. For now We conclude with this much. Blessed are they who have held fast unto it and clung to its hem….

BH01145: Praise be to God Who sent down the Torah…

In the name of Him Who is exalted in His majesty and power!

Praise be to God Who sent down the Torah, the Gospel, and the Furqan. Exalted is the All-Merciful Who through the Criterion distinguished between religions and made it the dawning-place of His commandments, the dayspring of His ordinances, the manifestation of His knowledge, and the source of His utterance among His servants and creation. Through it the oceans of knowledge and wisdom surged, and the rivers of the Law flowed, and through it every seated one arose and every sleeping one awakened. And blessings and peace be upon God’s lamp among His servants and His light throughout the lands, through whom every seeker recognized his goal, every searcher found his desire, and every wayfarer his straight path, and upon his family and companions whom God made the dawning-places of His power and the daysprings of His might, with abundant and great peace.

And further: the distinguished letter addressed to this evanescent servant arrived and after being read and reviewed was presented before the face of the Lord. These exalted words were revealed in response from the Dawning-Place of knowledge and wisdom: “O Husayn! Thy letter hath arrived and was read by him who serveth Me. We found from it the fragrance of thy love and thy mention and thy utterance for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to send down upon thee from the heaven of His grace that which will draw thee nigh unto Him in all conditions. Verily, He is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. Say:

“Glory be unto Thee, O God of the Throne and earth and Lord of all mankind! I beseech Thee by the Zamzam and the Safa, and by Thy House around which circle they who dwell in the kingdom of creation and which the sincere ones seek by Thy command, O Lord of Names and Creator of heaven, to ordain for me through Thy grace and bounty that which Thou hast ordained for Thy sincere servants and Thy near ones. O my Lord! Thou seest me turning toward the court of Thy grace and directing myself to the lights of Thy countenance, and I desire naught but what Thou hast desired through Thy bounty and favor. I beseech Thee by the Seal of Thy Prophets and the Manifestations of Thy power among Thy creation to assist me to act according to what Thou hast revealed in Thy Book and to ordain for me the good of the Hereafter and of this world, O Thou in Whose grasp is the reins of all things. O my Lord! The tongue of my inner being and my outer being and my limbs testify to Thy oneness and singleness, and that Thou art God, there is no God but Thee. Thou hast created all beings through a word from Thee and brought forth all existence through a will from Thy presence. Thou art He Whom the manifestations of power and might cannot frustrate, nor can the objections of creation prevent Thee. Through Thy Name, O my God, the gate of relief was opened before the faces of Thy loved ones, and the rivers of Thy knowledge flowed among Thy creation. I beseech Thee to forgive me and my father and my mother and those who are with me. Verily, Thou art He through Whose Name the ocean of forgiveness surged and the fragrance of Thy name, the All-Merciful, wafted. There is no God but Thee, the Mighty, the Help in Peril.”

Praise be to God, they have attained to the circumambulation of the House and performed the rites without doubt, and have been and are in the vicinity of the House of God. This evanescent one has sought and continues to seek prayers from that honored one. The prayers of the friends are answered. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Hearer, the Answerer.

When remembrance occurs, forget not this servant. If but the faintest breath of the zephyr of mercy should pass, the transgressions of the world would vanish from sight. By the confession and acknowledgment of all the Prophets and the chosen ones, His mercy has preceded all else, and His grace has exceeded the power of pen and utterance to recount. His generosity has encompassed all who exist, and His bounty has enveloped the world. With such a Generous One, no matter is difficult or arduous. While the world and humankind exist, were we to give thanks, it would be as naught before His bestowal.

God willing, may your honor be ever engaged in the remembrance and praise of the One desired by all the worlds. At one time He said:

“Write to Haji—upon him be greetings—that mention of this Wronged One is not permitted among the servants, for whatever is said in relation to this Wronged One, they interpret according to their own desires.”

God is witness and testifier that there has been and is no thought save the good of the nations and the reformation of the world. We have ever bidden unto righteousness and forbidden wrongdoing. Nevertheless, at times We have been imprisoned, at times incarcerated, and at times exiled, and so We remain. Yet We would not exchange an atom of what We have endured in God’s path for all the treasures of kings and rulers. Abasement in the path of the Friend is an enduring glory, and hardship in His way has been and ever shall be a blessing. In all conditions We have committed Our affairs to Him and have placed Our trust in Him. The Command is in His hands; He doeth whatsoever He willeth and ordaineth whatsoever He pleaseth. He is the Powerful, the Almighty, the Omnipotent.

This evanescent one beseecheth God—exalted be His glory—to assist your honor to act according to what hath been mentioned. Praise be to God, your remembrance hath been and is in the prison. The mention of the fourteenth night which you made that evening is ever before Our eyes; the sweetness of that remembrance hath not left Our palate. God is sufficient as witness.

That which you sent arrived—it was indeed fresh and ripe, for it was taken by one who loved and sent with love. It was surely acceptable, as indeed it proved to be. And as for the Tablet that was requested, a prayer was specially bestowed for your honor. This servant has recorded it in the original letter. God willing, you will be blessed to read it. As commanded, it was also written separately and sent. Peace and mercy be upon your honor and upon God’s sincere, righteous, and active servants.

BH04587: O ʿAli-Akbar! The Wronged One remembereth thee…

He is the Eternal, Who passeth not away

O ʿAli-Akbar! The Wronged One remembereth thee from the precincts of the Prison and counseleth thee with that whereby the Cause of God shall be exalted throughout all else. Take what hath been uttered by My Most Exalted Pen and abandon what is with those who have turned away from this Great Announcement. Look not to the people and their affairs, but hearken unto that whereunto the Truth calleth thee from His Most Great Prison. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. Rejoice thou in that We have made mention of thee. Verily it shall endure for thee throughout the duration of the Kingdom and the Dominion. He Who possesseth the Clear Book beareth witness to this. They who have turned aside have violated God’s Covenant and His Testament, and have denied Him Who came unto them with that which was sent down aforetime upon the Prophets and Messengers.

Say: O concourse of divines! By what thing have ye believed in God and His signs, and by what cause have ye turned away from Him Who, when He appeared, caused all things to proclaim in their loudest voice:

“By God! The Hidden One hath come with a sovereignty before which the hosts of the heavens and earth are powerless!”

Say: O people of the earth! Deal fairly in God’s Cause and be not of the transgressors. Beware lest desire hold you back from the Lord of all creation, or the veils of the divines conceal you from God, the Lord of all worlds. Thus have We adorned the horizon of proof with the sun of the utterance of thy Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. When thou hast attained unto it and found from it the fragrance of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, render thanks unto Him with myriads of the near ones. The glory shining forth from the horizon of the heaven of My loving-kindness be upon those who have hearkened and responded to their Ancient Lord.

BH05609: He dawneth above the horizon of immortality

He dawneth above the horizon of immortality

O Muhammad-ʿAli! From the prison of the Lord of Names, hear this call and fix thy gaze upon this most exalted Word: Grieve not over the world and its conflicts and conditions and troubles. Strive to connect thy heart to the Most Great Ocean. In this way, the divine bounty will ever encompass thee. All that the wealthy pride themselves upon today, and the learned boast of, and the possessors of riches are made vain by—all shall pass away. Make a mighty effort, that thou mayest become in those regions and parts a cause for the exaltation of the Word of God. This is the station wherein, shouldst thou attain unto it, thou shalt be recorded in the Divine Book as one of the people of the immortal Kingdom.

He is with those who remember their Lord at eventide and at dawn, and who aid His Cause through wisdom and utterance. Praise be to God that thou hast attained His mention and been enabled to recognize Him. God willing, thou shalt take up thy station beneath the Lote-Tree of grace in such wise that all creation shall testify thereto. Be thou in all conditions firmly attached to the grace of God, clinging to His hem, speaking His praise, and severed from those who have disbelieved and turned away when God came with a manifest light. The glory of God rest upon thee and upon every steadfast, firm and upright soul.

BH06176: Glorified be He Who hath revealed Himself and sent…

In the Name of the All-Knowing, the All-Wise!

Glorified be He Who hath revealed Himself and sent down the Book, yet most people remain heedless. They have cast the Book of God behind their backs and followed every rebellious satan. They have abandoned the cup of God and drunk of putrid water. Say: O people! Do ye not hear what hath been raised from the Sadratu’l-Muntaha, and do ye not see what hath shone forth from the Supreme Horizon? Fear ye God and be not of the wrongdoers. This is the breath of God wafting from the daybreak of Revelation—arise and be not of them that slumber. Lift up your heads and gaze toward the Dayspring of God’s Revelation, that the lights of His countenance may draw you to a place whereof every atom proclaimeth:

“The All-Merciful hath come and manifested Himself upon His mighty and impregnable throne!”

Blessed art thou for having turned unto the Most Great Ocean and responded to thy Ancient Lord, against Whom the idolaters rose up and concerning Whom the divines unjustly pronounced their verdict—whereat the Concourse on High and the dwellers of Paradise lamented, yet most of the people remain heedless. The glory shining forth from the horizon of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon whosoever hath taken the cup of recognition, despite the idolaters, and drunk therefrom in My Name, the Almighty, the All-Conquering, the All-Powerful.

BH06099: O thou who hast turned to this Most Exalted…

In His Name, the All-Encompassing Over All Names

O thou who hast turned to this Most Exalted Word which, like unto the Most Great Luminary, shineth forth from the horizon of the heaven of inner meanings! Fix thy gaze upon this utterance, blessed and exalted be He:

“I have written a gem concerning His remembrance: He shall not be known through My allusions nor through what hath been mentioned in the Bayan.”

I swear by the Sun of Truth which shineth and beameth forth from the horizon of the Prison—had the people of the Bayan inhaled the fragrance of this blessed Word, they would have turned with their eyes, their hearts and their breasts toward the Court of God. But their heedlessness, nay rather their wretchedness, hath overwhelmed them. To this beareth witness He through Whose utterance the Kingdom of Utterance was attracted and before Whose proof the testimonies of God, both past and future, have bowed down in submission. Blessed is he who hath recognized and heard, and blessed is he who, clear of sight, hath beheld that which hath been revealed in the days of God, the Lord of all worlds. Thus hath the Mother Book spoken, as a token of Our grace, that thou mayest render thanks unto thy Lord, the All-Knowing Speaker. The Glory that is manifest, evident and shining from the horizon of the heaven of grace be upon thee and upon those who have laid hold on the Book of God with a power from Him. These are they who are truly of the people of Baha and the companions of the Crimson Ark which God hath mentioned in His perspicuous Book.

BH07461: Praise be to God Who hath made…

He is seated upon the Throne

Praise be to God Who hath made that which flowed from His Most Exalted Pen the cause of the life of the world, and hath revealed that whereby the faces of His loved ones were illumined and the faces of those who turned away from the Most Glorious Horizon were darkened. Glorification and peace be upon His loved ones and chosen ones whom neither the swords of rulers nor the clamor of divines could deter from God, the Lord of Names and Creator of heaven. These are God’s party in the earth and His signs in the lands. Through them was made manifest God’s straight path and His firm and mighty Cause. We have heard thy mention and have remembered thee and turned toward thee through the grace of One Who is All-Knowing, All-Wise. This is the Day of Resurrection, the Day of Remembrance, and the Day whereof the Mother Book and the Books of old gave glad tidings. Blessed is he who hath recognized it, and woe unto the heedless. The glory shining forth from the heaven of My mercy be upon thee and upon every discerning one possessed of insight. Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

BH09423: God beareth witness that there is none other God…

He is the Outward and the Inward.

God beareth witness that there is none other God but Him. He heareth and seeth, and He is in the highest horizon, the Lord of the Throne and of the dust, the Sovereign of the hereafter and of former times. He is the Caller from the Divine Lote-Tree, the One mentioned in the heart of Glory, and established upon the throne of faithfulness amidst all peoples. O My leaf and My handmaiden! That which thou didst send hath been received and hath been accepted through the grace of God, the Lord of the Kingdom of Names, and the Lord of the visible and the invisible. The Glory be upon thee and upon whosoever hath followed guidance. We have sent unto thee that from which thou wilt discover the fragrance of the garment of thy Lord, the Most High, the Most Glorious.

BH09884: God testifieth that there is none other God beside…

He is the Ever-Abiding, the All-Sufficient

God testifieth that there is none other God beside Him, the Single One Whom nothing whatsoever can frustrate and no command can prevent. He doeth what He willeth through His sovereignty and ordaineth what He pleaseth. He is the Just, the All-Wise, the Mighty, the Beautiful. We have heard thy mention and have made mention of thee with such mention that were it to be cast upon the rock, it would melt, and were it cast upon the mountains, they would circle round, and were it cast upon the tongue-tied, they would speak forth that there is none other God but Him, the Single One, the All-Informed. Rejoice thou in My mention and glorify the name of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Great. The glory be upon thee and upon them who have quaffed the choice wine of revelation from the hand of the bounty of their Lord, the All-Bountiful.

BH03058: Praise be to God Who has honored His sincere…

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

Praise be to God Who has honored His sincere servants with the ornament of certitude, and has elevated them through truth, and made them among those who are honored in a clear Book. And blessings and peace be upon His Prophets and His chosen ones who aided God through His Name, and when the ranks were arranged between the armies—that is, between the believers and the ungodly—their cry of “Allahu Akbar” and “La ilaha illa’llah” was raised up, causing the limbs of the ungodly to tremble. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

To continue: Some of the letters addressed to the Most Exalted Name of the Beloved of Hearts, his honor the Name Aqa Muhammad, upon him be 66 9 [Baha’u’llah], were seen and some were sent sealed. Let them be forwarded to him. This servant had intended to present and send something to him as well, expressing degrees of yearning and longing and manifesting the kindling of the fire of love in the heart. However, by decree of the heart it was sealed:

“It would be a pity to praise you among prisoners—it must either be in the heart or in spiritual gatherings.”

Praise be to God, spiritual gatherings exist both here and there. In this case, excuses have been scattered to the wind. God willing, the results will become evident and manifest, for when the countenance of love for the sake of God draws on a veil, its reflection appears clear and evident in all mirrors. Praise be to God, the candle exists and the moth exists, the sun is shining and things are ready. The Command is in the hand of God, the Lord of the outer and the inner.

Regarding the honored beloved, his honor Haji Abdul-Karim, upon him be the glory of God and His care, who had asked permission to attain the presence: praise be to God, permission has been granted. However, movement must occur with wisdom, for if the souls in those parts become aware of the purpose, they will surely arise with whatever their passions command them. They must act with perfect wisdom and consultation, and if there is any contradiction, patience is preferable. Verily He writes for him what he desires from the bounty of his Lord, the Self-Sufficient, the Praiseworthy. Peace and mercy be upon you and upon him and upon the steadfast and upright servants of God.

BH11778: Today, if it be said that the whole world…

He is the All-Knowing, the Peerless One!

Today, if it be said that the whole world is but a single eye, or a single ear, it would be true, for not an atom’s weight of deeds remaineth concealed or hidden. Should any movement arise in the East, the people of the West become aware of it. The world today is adorned with awareness. Holy and assured souls must manifest such deeds and character as are befitting, that all the peoples of the earth may follow their example, so that the light of recognition may encompass and illumine the world. O friends! Know ye your worth and recognize your station, lest what ye have borne in the path of God be lost. Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One, and with complete determination arise to teach the Cause of the Lord of Days and the Beloved of mankind.

No matter among matters, and no glory among glories, hath ever endured or shall endure, except that matter which is attributed to God, or that glory which is bestowed by the Most Exalted Pen. This alone shall remain and persist throughout the dominion of earth and heaven. We have heard thy call and have answered with these decisive words, from which the fragrance of loving-kindness is wafted, that thou mayest be assured through the grace of the Friend and be gladdened by His favor. Know thou this station and be eloquent in praise and glorification of God, exalted be His glory.

BH06664: In My Name, the Most Great!

In My Name, the Most Great!

All created things have testified, all contingent beings have bowed down in submission, and all atoms have proclaimed: “The Lord is come, and sovereignty belongeth unto God, the Mighty, the Great!” Is there anyone with ears to hear? Is there anyone with eyes to see? Is there any fair-minded one who will judge fairly in the Cause of God, the Lord of all worlds? Among the people are those who imagine themselves to be of the people of Baha. Say: Far, far from it! This is naught but what thy self hath fancied. If thou deniest Me, then upon Me be the burden of proof. This name befitteth him who hath cast the world behind him, turning with spirit and joy toward the Most Exalted Horizon.

They whom riches have hindered are accounted among the wayward in the Books and Tablets. Give thanks unto God for having been mentioned before the Wronged One, Who hath sent down for thee that which hath gladdened eyes and caused the breeze of God to waft over the righteous. Take My Book in My Name and say: “Praise be unto Thee, O Thou Who hast remembered me in Thy Most Great Prison and hast sent down for me that which hath made the countenance of recognition smile.” Thus have We sent down the verses. Verily thy Lord is the Mighty, the Unconstrained.

BH08653: Today the Sun of Truth has risen…

In His Name, the Protector over all names!

Today the Sun of Truth has risen and the Mount of Knowledge speaks forth through the manifestation of the One Who converses. Blessed are they whom the mentions of the world have not prevented from the remembrance of the Ancient King. Throughout ages and centuries, the Twelver sect continually made mention of the Qa’im, yet after the dawning rays of His manifestation appeared, they issued the decree for His death and martyred Him. Today every soul must reflect upon the words and deeds of that sect, lest they be deprived of the eternal outpourings by the crowing of new roosters. We have heard thy mention and have answered with these exalted words. We counsel thee to that which today will cause the elevation of God’s Cause and the steadfastness of heedless souls. This mighty Cause belongs to God, the King of the Day of Judgment.

BH08756: Say: O servants! The Morn of Divine Manifestation hath…

In the Name of the Ever-Abiding Speaker!

Say: O servants! The Morn of Divine Manifestation hath dawned, and the fragrance of His garment is diffused, and the breeze of the All-Merciful wafteth from the direction of the Best-Beloved. Seek ye confirmation from God, that perchance ye may not be deprived in these wondrous, exalted and novel days from the ocean of inner meanings, nor be forbidden from the effulgences of the lights of the Sun of loving-kindness. Great is this Day and mighty this Cause! Hold ye fast unto the Name of God, glorified be His majesty, and cling ye to His sanctified hem. Verily He will deliver you from the torment of a barren day. Blessed is the one whom doubts and allusions did not prevent or deprive from the Most Exalted Horizon. And woe unto every heedless one who accepted then turned away, who believed then denied. Verily he is among the companions of the Fire.

BH10142: From the murmuring of the Kawthar of the Merciful’s…

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

From the murmuring of the Kawthar of the Merciful’s utterance, this blessed word was heard: No adornment hath ever been or will ever be more excellent for the temple of man than the fear of God, and no garment more befitting than upright character. We make mention of thee that thou mayest remind the loved ones of God, that haply they may hold fast unto that which will exalt them amongst the servants. Take thou the reins of the Cause and convey unto the people that which will draw them nigh unto the Truth, the Knower of all things hidden. The glory shining forth from the heaven of My grace be upon thee and upon whomsoever hath remained steadfast in this mighty Cause.

BH10407: He is the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful! The Necessary Being…

He is the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful! The Necessary Being regardeth not any temporal attribute. The Incomparable One is sanctified and exalted above the how and wherefore of the world. The praise of all created things exalteth Him not, nor doth the blame of all contingent beings abase Him. O Tahmasb! We have turned toward thee from the precincts of the Prison, and have cleansed thee with the waters of loving-kindness and remembrance, and have sent down for thee that which the happenings of earth cannot alter. Rejoice thou in the bounty of thy Lord. He is with whosoever desireth Him, and He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. The glory shining forth from the horizon of the heaven of My mercy be upon thee and upon those who have attained and witnessed that which God, the Lord of all worlds, hath witnessed.

BH00419: Concerning the spiritual friend, Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Javad, what they wrote…

Concerning the spiritual friend, Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Javad, what they wrote is true. He has been engaged in service to the Cause from the first day until now. After this matter was presented before the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, these sublime words issued forth from the Dawning-Place of Divine inspiration—exalted be His blessed words: The Tongue of Glory in the prison of Akka beareth witness to the oneness of God, exalted be His glory, and that He hath no peer or likeness, and testifieth that Jinab-i-Javad, upon him be the Glory of God, together with the papers present in that house, hath arisen to serve from the beginning and hath not, according to his capacity, fallen short in rendering service and showing hospitality for the sake of God. He hath ever been and is mentioned in Our presence. In these days Asad, upon him be the Glory of God, hath arrived and made mention of each one, and each hath been honored with the mention of the Wronged One. We beseech God to assist them through the means of the heavens and earth and to aid them to remember Him, praise Him and serve His Cause. Verily He is the Powerful, the Mighty, the Hearer, the Answerer.

This servant beareth witness that God’s favor hath ever been and is with him. The fragrant tablet of the honored lady, upon her be the Glory of God, was presented, whereupon God’s favor toward that leaf became manifest, evident and clear. God willing, may she be aided and assisted in all conditions. Likewise mention was heard from the blessed tongue regarding others. Your honor should write these details and send them to the honored friend Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Javad, upon him be the Glory of God and His favor, that all may rejoice in God’s favor, exalted be His glory. Similarly, concerning Jinab-i-Haji Khalil and his nephew, upon them both be the Glory of God and His favor, they wrote that they are enkindled and are wisely engaged in mention, praise and teaching the Cause. All praise be to God—grace is from Him, bounty is from Him, success is from Him, and confirmation is from Him. We are poor and naked—clothing is from Him, crown is from Him, might and power are from Him. He confirmed them with a confirmation whose fragrance reached the Most Great Prison. This servant conveyeth greetings and salutations to them and beseecheth from God on their behalf whatsoever is worthy of His days and His favor.

Concerning what you wrote about Jinab-i-Aqa Abdul-Husayn Thamar, upon him be the Glory of God the Most Glorious, it was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence. He—exalted be His utterance—said: “Our gaze of loving-kindness has ever been and continues to be directed towards those related to Samandar, the sphere of fire. These are souls from whom, in the earliest days, the fragrance of the love of God was diffused. That house is truly associated with Him and is mentioned by His name. We have remembered and continue to remember them all, and We counsel them with wisdom.

Blessed is the teacher who fulfilled the divine covenant and engaged in the education of children. The reward which was revealed in the Most Holy Book concerning him has been recorded by the Supreme Pen. Blessed is he, blessed is he! He acted according to the divine counsel. We have mentioned him and will mention him as a bounty from Us, for We are the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. Should God will and desire it, the manifestation of favor will also be made evident outwardly. He should rejoice in what has flowed from My Pen and been mentioned in My prison. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to make him a star among the stars of the heaven of steadfastness and power in this Cause, through which the limbs of the wicked have quaked.”

As for their proceeding to the great city or other destinations, this is contingent upon consultation in that land and also with Jinab-i-Mahbubi Nabil Ibn-i-Nabil, upon him be the Glory of God and His loving-kindness. The law of consultation has been enacted and established before the Throne. Well-being be unto him who follows guidance.

Likewise, you had mentioned the beloved and honored ones Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Yusuf and Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Ayyub, upon them be the Glory of God. This servant conveys greetings to each of them and beseeches God to assist and enable His loved ones to teach His Cause. O beloved of my heart! You know what God, exalted be His glory, has willed in this Revelation. By the life of our Beloved! If the kings of the earth were to perceive the fragrance of His will, they would surely unite with Him and arise to serve the world—how much more so His friends! If His Majesty the Shah of Iran were to turn even slightly toward justice and arise to manifest and establish this Cause—indeed, this year there has appeared from His Majesty that which is the cause of thanksgiving and praise. All should beseech God, exalted be His glory, to grant him success and confirmation. Repeatedly this exalted word was heard from the Blessed Tongue; He said:

“His Majesty the Shah, of his own accord, has released the prisoners and granted freedom.”

This statement was heard from that Source in various forms

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

Praise be to God Who was and is as He has ever been. He has manifested His Cause and executed His Will, and His power has encompassed all things, despite those among all created things who have violated His Covenant and His Pact, and have changed the religion of God and His Cause according to their vain imaginations. They are indeed among the godless ones in a perspicuous Book.

This evanescent one presents that the letter from the beloved of hearts, Samandar, fire of love and certitude, upon him be the Glory of the All-Merciful, which was sent to that Presence, was read. This evanescent servant was refreshed by the breezes of his love and attained boundless joy from the wine of his mention. After praise and gratitude to the Goal of all the worlds, it was presented before His face. He spoke, and His word is the truth:

“O Samandar! Praise be to God that from the first days until now thou hast been favored with the grace of the Lord of Destiny and engaged in service. We beseech Him to ordain for thee that which perisheth not. Verily, He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth in the hereafter and in this world. The Glory from Us be upon thee and upon those who are with thee and who love thee and who hearken to thy words concerning the Cause of God, the Lord of the Throne on high and of the earth below.”

Mention was made of the intention of the honored His Holiness the Name of God M.H., upon him be all His Most Glorious Glory, to proceed to the Land of Kaf. This word attained the honor of being heard, and the Tongue of Grandeur spoke this word: If they would proceed for some days to the Land of Ya and Alif and Ra and its surroundings, and Dal and Ha and the like, it would be acceptable in the presence of the Wronged One, and in those lands they must fully observe wisdom. And regarding what was mentioned about the telegraph, the purpose of that was that they should proceed to the Land of the Goal, and now since they have been summoned from the Land of Ya, their proceeding in that direction is loved and accepted by God.

And regarding what was written about Jinab Aqa Mirza Mahdi, upon him be 669 [Baha’u’llah], from the people of Rasht, this matter was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court. This is what was sent down for him from the heaven of grandeur and power:

“O Mahdi! Convey My greetings to the friends. Say: Today the Fire speaketh and the Speaker of the Mount uttereth speech, and the fragrance of the garment of Revelation hath perfumed the world—that is, the world of knowledge and vision—while these people, like worthless insects, neither perceive nor understand. They have newly returned to the ancient mentions of the people of the Furqan and have adorned vain imaginings with new forms. Until now they have not understood that this Day is the Day of God; the mention of any other than Him was not and is not permitted. We beseech God that He may assist all to attain unto a fire that shall never be quenched and unto a remembrance that shall never be forgotten.”

And likewise mention was made of Jinab Aqa Ali, son of him who ascended unto God. His mention was raised to the highest station of the world, attaining the honor of being heard by the Lord of Eternity. His word, exalted be His majesty and mighty be His utterance:

“O Ali! We counsel thee to preserve that which thy father preserved, he whom the Supreme Pen hath mentioned at eventide and at dawn. Blessed art thou and he and whosoever hath loved him for the sake of God, the Lord of Lords.”

Mention was made of Aqa Muhammad-Taqi, brother of Haji Muhammad-Ibrahim, upon them both be the Glory of God. He had come to the city from the village on behalf of his brother and brought twenty-four tumans as payment of Huquq. After attaining the presence and hearing the words of the Lord of Names, this most exalted utterance was revealed, His word, exalted and mighty be He:

“Blessed is he! He hath done what was ordained in the Book of God. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to draw him near unto Him in all conditions. Verily He is the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. Muhammad-Qabil-Ibrahim is among those who attained the presence of the Countenance and drank the choice wine of reunion and achieved that which was inscribed in the Books of God, the Lord of the worlds. The Glory be upon him and upon his brother and upon those with him who have turned unto God, the One, the All-Informed.”

End.

According to what was commanded, the aforementioned twenty-four tumans and fifty tumans were sent by His Holiness Nabil-i-Akbar, upon him be the Glory of God, the Lord of Power, from the direction of K, some from himself and some from the friends of that land, whose names he had recorded. God willing, a reply to his letter will be sent. From these fifty tumans, as commanded, five tumans were spent on hospitality on his behalf, and certain arrangements were made regarding the aforementioned souls, upon them be the Glory of God. The handmaiden of God who had the honor of serving the House of her Lord, namely the noble lady Sayyidih, upon her be the Glory of God, gave five tumans for her daughter. That sum was received here and the aforementioned hospitality was provided from it. And the aforementioned fifty tumans were assigned to be delivered to the beloved of the heart, His Holiness Samandar, upon him be the Glory of God, that he might distribute that sum along with the twenty-four tumans to the friends of God, exalted be His Glory.

Concerning the beloved Abhar, upon him be the Glory of God and His favors, they had written. We beseech God, our Lord and the Lord of all who dwell on earth and in heaven, to grant him success and to strengthen him and honor him with what He desires in His straight path. At present, due to the accumulation of affairs and multitude of occupations, there is no opportunity to write more. As commanded, in these days another letter is being written to that land. Whatever remained unanswered, and the details of the distribution are as follows: As for the amount of twenty-four tumans, nine tumans should be given to the honored mother of Ibn-i-Abhar, upon them both be the Glory of God, and nine tumans should be given in the name of Allah J.M., upon him be all His most glorious Glory, and the remainder should be sent to the Most Holy Court.

And that fifty tumans should be distributed as follows: The aforementioned honored daughter, upon them both be the Glory of God, ten tumans, some of which her mother has given and the rest has been bestowed. In the land of Ta, to the honored Hudhud, upon her be the Glory of God, twenty tumans. To the spiritual beloved Aqa Mahmud from N.R., upon him be the Glory of God and His favors, deliver ten tumans, and the other ten tumans should be delivered to the son of His Holiness Kamaluddin, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, Jinab-i-Aqa Nur.

And at the end of the missive, He said to write to Jinab-i-Samandar: If souls succeed in paying the Huquq, it will be useful for some. The fragrance of “they prefer others before themselves” is cut off, and the scent of “and among them are those who hasten to do good deeds” is forbidden. Would that after these two, they would at least act upon “lend unto God a goodly loan.” However, the Euphrates of the wealth of the Truth, exalted be His glory, flows and spreads. Blessed are those who know, and blessed are the patient ones. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds. End.

This servant offers greetings, glorification and praise to them, and mention was made in detail of their household in the Most Holy Court, and all were blessed with the mention of the Truth, exalted be His glory. Blessed are they and joy be unto them. And the Glory, the Remembrance and the Praise be upon your honor and his honor and upon the friends of God there and in all regions and territories.

The Servant 1st of Jumada II, 1302

BH01859: Praise be to God Who has recorded all things…

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

Praise be to God Who has recorded all things in a Book, wherein the Pen Most High has inscribed the manifestations of His power, the expressions of His grandeur, the revelations of His sovereignty, and that which none has encompassed save Him. And blessing and peace be upon the Mystery of His Book, the Secret-essence of His verses, the Sign of His oneness, and the Cause of His creation, through Whom the lips of mystical knowledge smiled in the contingent world and the decree of the All-Merciful appeared throughout the lands, and upon His family and companions who arose and strove in His path until they sacrificed their spirits in His love and in manifesting His ordinances and revealing His commands.

Glorified art Thou, O Thou Who art the Goal of all hearts and the Beloved of the souls of those who have attained to the station of unveiling and witnessing! I beseech Thee by Thy Self and by the Manifestations of Thy power and the Dawning-places of Thy signs to strengthen me in that which Thou hast commanded me in Thy Book. O my Lord! Thou seest me confessing my powerlessness and acknowledging my shortcomings. I beseech Thee by the pearls of the ocean of Thy utterance and the lights of Thy countenance to protect me and Thy loved ones from the evil of Thine enemies. O Lord! Strengthen us through Thy power and sovereignty to remember Thee, then have mercy upon us through Thy generosity and favors.

We testify that through our heedlessness the pillars of unity have been shaken in Thy lands and the banners of detachment in Thy realm. Thou hearest, O my God, the roaring of the ungodly who have surrounded Thy dwellings, laid waste Thy lands, and usurped the territories of Thy servants. We beseech Thee, O God of the world and Goal of the nations, to send down from the heaven of Thy power that which will exalt the station of those among Thy servants who profess Thy unity and those among Thy creatures who hold fast to Thee. Verily, Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the Strong, the Mighty.

And further: may my spirit be a sacrifice for your mention—the servant has been honored by what has flowed from the ink of your love and the pen of your will. When I read and understood it, I presented it before the Countenance and submitted what was in your letter. The Master—may my spirit be His sacrifice—said:

“We beseech the Lord of all beings to strengthen whoever has acknowledged God and His signs and recognized His greatness and sovereignty, and We ask for him the best of what He has revealed in His Book. Verily, He is powerful over all things and worthy to answer. We make mention of him and those with him as We mentioned him before, and We ask for them grace, mercy and blessing. Verily, He is the Forgiving, the Generous.”

End quote.

Regarding what you mentioned about those who arrived there, they have permission to proceed to your presence. Give them this glad tiding. The servant beseeches his Lord to strengthen them in what He loves and is pleased with. He is God, the Goal of all beings and the Beloved of those in earth and heaven.

As for what you wrote concerning the apple of the eye, Husayn Effendi and Abdul-Karim—upon them be God’s peace—after presenting it, the Master—may my spirit be His sacrifice—said they should hold fast to patience for a known time. End quote.

The servant presents greetings and sends salutations to the apple of the eye and to those whose names were mentioned and to all the loved ones, and beseeches God to grant them success and decree for them what will benefit them. Verily, He is the Most Merciful of the merciful ones and the Most Generous of the generous ones.

Regarding what you wrote about the physician—upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah]—a letter was sent to him before, and if God wishes, another will be sent to him again.

Peace, praise and glory be upon you and upon those who love you and upon those who have taken the Criterion with the hand of might, power and assurance, and have distinguished between truth and falsehood and between the people of unity and misbelief.

The servant 12 Jamadiyu’th-Thani 1302