Volume 080: Akka 1304 A.H. (1886–1887), Part I (2 of 5)

BH06794: O Ahmad! Night and day render thanks and praise…

He is God, exalted is He in wisdom and utterance

O Ahmad! Night and day render thanks and praise unto God, exalted be His glory, for He hath caused thee to attain unto His days, hath guided thee and shown thee the way. This blessed Day is mentioned as the Day of God. Today through the key of the Most Great Name the gates of bounty, mercy, compassion, knowledge and understanding have been opened before the faces of the world. Blessed is the soul who hath drunk of the sealed wine through the name of the Self-Subsisting Lord and hath turned with heart and soul toward the horizon of the All-Merciful. Convey greetings from the Wronged One to the loved ones in that land. Say: O people of God! The path is manifest and the balance is evident. Strive that ye may attain unto that which beseemeth the Day of God. Beseech ye God that He may enable all and give them to drink from the chalice of steadfastness, that all may be observed as firm and steadfast upon the straight path in such wise that the conditions of the world and the doubts of nations may not withhold them and deprive them from the Most Great Ocean.

BH07039: Praise and glory befit the Lord of Names…

Praise and glory befit the Lord of Names and Creator of heaven, Whose Word is a sharp sword for the idolaters, and for those who recognize His unity and turn to Him, it is a conclusive proof and a radiant light. He is the Self-Subsisting One Who, with the finger of might, unsealed the choice wine and summoned all people of the world, both high and low, unto Him and guided them. Blessed is the one possessed of power whom neither the might of the oppressors rendered weak nor held back from turning to Him.

Glorified art Thou, O God of existence and Lord of the seen and unseen! I beseech Thee by the Word through which the earth yielded up its treasures, the horizons their lights, the seas their pearls, and the Divine Lote-Tree that which lay hidden within it, to assist Thy loved ones to celebrate Thy praise and glory and to promote Thy Cause through the wisdom Thou hast sent down in Thy Book….

BH07276: The seekers have arrived and attained unto the hearing…

In the name of the All-Knowing Lord!

The seekers have arrived and attained unto the hearing of the Call of the Lord of Names. Praise be to God, they have reached the supreme horizon and heard the call of the Divine Lote-Tree. Neither land nor sea could prevent them. The unseen hosts of God aided them until they reached a station that transcends mention and description. Blessed is the seeker who, with permission, pursued the ultimate goal and attained the highest summit. Those souls who are enkindled with the fire of love and are firm and steadfast in the Divine Cause—even if outwardly they do not attain, the reward of attainment has been inscribed for such souls by the Most Exalted Pen in the Crimson Book. The people are heedless. By My life! Whatever is witnessed cannot compare with a single word from the words of Truth. Praise the Desired One of the world Who hath remembered thee in the Most Great Prison and caused thee to attain unto the traces of the Most Exalted Pen. The Glory be upon thee and upon every steadfast and firm one.

BH11808: Say: My God, my God! All praise be unto…

He is the Witness from His most exalted horizon.

Say: My God, my God! All praise be unto Thee for having caused me to hear Thy call, for having guided me unto Thy path, for having shown me the traces of Thy Most Exalted Pen, and for having summoned me to the supreme heights. I beseech Thee, O Cleaver of the Dawn and Subjugator of the Winds, by the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree and the shrill voice of Thy Pen, O Lord of humanity and Sovereign of the throne on high and of the dust below, and by the waves of the ocean of Thy utterance and the mysteries of Thy Book, to render me aided in Thy service, speaking in Thy praise, and acting in accordance with that which Thou hast commanded me in Thy Book.

O my Lord! Thou knowest what is with me, and I know not what is with Thee. I beseech Thee by the fragrances of Thy verses and the manifestations of Thy sovereignty to enable me to preserve that which Thou hast given me through Thy bounty, Thy gifts, Thy grace and Thy favors. Verily, Thou art the One with power over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. O my Lord! Ordain for me in all conditions that which will draw me nigh unto Thee, that I may arise to serve Thee amidst Thy servants. Verily, Thou art the Strong, the Triumphant, the Powerful.

BH07322: O Ahmad! The Wronged One maketh mention of thee…

He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise

O Ahmad! The Wronged One maketh mention of thee and remindeth thee of the verses of God, the Lord of all worlds, that He may draw thee nigh unto Him. He, verily, is the Most Generous, the All-Bountiful. We made mention of thee before in a Tablet that shone forth from the horizon thereof with the radiant light of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, the All-Merciful, the Most Compassionate. In these days there hath come upon Us that which hath caused the Most Exalted Paradise to lament by reason of what the hands of the oppressors have wrought. The idolaters have indeed interposed themselves between Me and My loved ones, having followed every heedless and remote soul. Say:

My God, my God! Praise be unto Thee for having caused me to turn towards Thy most glorious horizon when the shrill voice of Thy Most Exalted Pen was raised up, and for having made me to hear Thy call and to recognize the Dayspring of Thy verses and evidences and the Dawning-Place of Thy lights. I beseech Thee to make me, in all conditions, acknowledging of Thy oneness and Thy singleness, moving by Thy will and Thy purpose, and well-pleased with and acting according to what Thou hast commanded me in Thy Book. Then ordain for me, O my God, that which will draw me nigh unto Thee. Verily, Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Powerful, and worthy to answer prayer.

BH07985: He Who is the Compassionate, the Bountiful

He Who is the Compassionate, the Bountiful

O Himmat! We have made mention of thee with a mention before which all mentions bow down, and with an utterance around which circle the utterances of the chosen ones. Say:

My God, my God! With what tongue can I recall Thy gifts and bounties? I was heedless—the breezes of Thy Revelation awakened me. I was asleep—the fingers of Thy grace pinched me and raised me up to Thy Cause. I was ignorant—Thou didst guide me to the ocean of Thy knowledge and learning. I was silent—Thou didst cause me to speak forth Thy praise. Thou art He Who, O my God, guided me to Thy path and made me know the Dawning-Place of Thy lights, the Source of Thy inspiration, and the Manifestation of Thy Self. I beseech Thee, O Thou in Whose grasp are the reins of all created things, to assist me in that which its fragrance will never cease to endure through the perpetuity of Thy dominion and kingdom, and Thy might and power. Then write down for me, O my God, my Goal and my Object of worship, the good of this world and the next. Verily Thou art the Lord of all mankind. There is none other God but Thee, the Most Exalted, the Most Great.

BH07942: O Haqqvirdi! Praise be to the Goal…

He is the Hearer, the Answerer!

O Haqqvirdi! Praise be to the Goal of the world Who confirmed thee in recognizing the Hidden Treasure and the Concealed Mystery. He bestowed life, established foundations, granted knowledge, conferred faith—if ye would count the favors of God ye could not number them. It behooveth you in these fleeting days to acquire everlasting and eternal reward.

Say: My God, my God! I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy knowledge and the sun of Thy wisdom and by the penetrating power of Thy Most Exalted Word, and by Thy might, O Possessor of Names and Creator of heaven, to make me confirmed in Thy remembrance and praise. O Lord! Thou seest me clinging to the cord of Thy bounty and holding fast to the hem of the robe of Thy grace. I beseech Thee to ordain for me that which Thou hast ordained for Thy loved ones whom nothing whatsoever could hinder from turning toward Thy Most Exalted Horizon. Verily Thou art the Omnipotent to do as Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the Mighty, the All-Conquering, the Powerful.

BH08574: O Ali! Hearken unto the Voice of the Wronged…

He is the One Who gazeth from the Kingdom of Utterance.

O Ali! Hearken unto the Voice of the Wronged One and know thou of a certainty that this is that Voice which Moses heard from the Sinai of divine knowledge. The Most Exalted Pen beareth witness that the ears of the world were created for these days and the eyes of the nations were brought forth from sheer nothingness into the realm of existence specifically to behold the signs of this Revelation. We beseech God to aid thee to stand firm with supreme steadfastness, for the barking ones have aimed and continue to aim at the divine dominion. Verily thy Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Say: My God, my God! I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance and by Thy Name through which Thou hast guided Thy servants unto Thy path, to make me detached from all else save Thee and to hold fast unto Thy cord, that the tempests of the allusions of them that have turned away, who have disbelieved in Thee and in Thy signs, may not move me. There is no God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

BH08147: Verses have been revealed and evidences made manifest, yet…

In the name of the one incomparable Lord

Verses have been revealed and evidences made manifest, yet the servants remain heedless and veiled, occupied with that which is transient and deprived of the presence of the Eternal One. This is the day of remembrance and praise. Blessed is the soul whom the doubts of the world have not prevented or deprived from the lights of certitude. Glory be to God! The ornaments and ephemeral colors of the world have made people heedless of the divine eternal Kingdom. Soon He will seize all according to their deeds. Verily thy Lord is the Just, the Wise. Today the Self-Subsisting Lord is manifest and the sealed wine is witnessed. Say: O servants, hasten that ye may attain to that for which ye were created from nothingness. This is the counsel of the Wronged One to the people of earth. Blessed is he who hath heard and turned towards it, and woe unto those who turn away. Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds.

BH09687: O Ghulam-Rida! Strive thou that thou mayest attain unto…

In the Name of the Everlasting Speaker!

O Ghulam-Rida! Strive thou that thou mayest attain unto that which is great in the sight of God. Today the Sun of Truth is risen, and the Light of Divine Unity is manifest, and the Path of God is evident, and the Balance is visible. Blessed is the soul that hath attained and hath held fast unto the cord of steadfastness. The Shi’ih sect account themselves the most learned and the most favored among all the peoples, yet on the Day of Manifestation they were found to be the most ignorant, the most abject, and the most lost among the peoples of the world. Some among the people of the Bayan likewise clung to vain imaginings. God protect us and you from the evil of such as these. We counsel the friends unto that which hath been revealed in the Book of God. Blessed is he who holdeth fast and acteth accordingly, and woe unto those who turn aside and are heedless.

BH01297: I testify that there is no God but Him…

He is God, exalted is He in might and power

I testify that there is no God but Him, acknowledging what the Tongue of Grandeur testified before the creation of the heavens and earth, and affirming what He revealed in His decisive, revealed and manifest Book. Prayers and peace be upon Him Who shone forth and appeared from the horizon of God’s will, the Lord of all worlds, Who was adorned with His most beautiful names and supreme attributes, Who was the Purpose of the creation of the world and the appearance of nations, and through Whom prophethood and messengership were sealed by the command of God, the Lord of creation, and upon His family and companions through whom the veil of idle fancies and vain imaginings was rent asunder among the peoples, and the light of certitude shone forth from God, the Powerful, the Mighty, and through whom the Kawthar of divine knowledge flowed throughout creation and the Dove of Utterance warbled upon the branches that there is no God but Him, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

And further: may my spirit be sacrificed for you, some time ago this servant was blessed with the traces of the Pen of that Beloved One—may God exalt Him. From His words wafted the fragrance of true sincerity and spiritual attraction to God alone. Although the fragrance of spring is with the trees, and pure water with the saplings, and the Kawthar of union with the seekers, and the Salsabil of meeting with the lovers, a hundred thousand praises be to the Purpose of all worlds Who adorned the Afnans of His Tree with that which befits His grace and bounty. After reading and learning of it, He intended to present it before His presence where it was honored to be heard.

O My Afnan, upon you be My peace. In truth, your separation has been prolonged—the Wronged One bears witness to this and He is the Just and Trustworthy Witness. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to grant you a full portion from the oceans of His gifts and bounties, and to illuminate you with the effulgences of the Day-Star of grace. He is the True Bestower and the Eternal Giver. No matter has ever prevented His grace, and no thing has ever blocked His bounty. He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He desireth, and He is the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. End.

Praise be to God, you have ever been and continue to be blessed with special favors. Whatever this servant might express in this regard would be counted as audacity. I seek forgiveness from God, the Great, for this great audacity.

As for the delay in responding to your letter, I have been and remain ashamed, but you know that in some days opportunity is lacking, as the matter is evident and manifest, and that Spiritual Beloved One Himself is witness and testimony to the truth of this servant’s plea. My excuse is, God willing, acceptable to the Afnan of the Blessed Tree, may my spirit be sacrificed for them. I beseech and hope for the wondrous favors, bounties and gifts of God, exalted be His glory, that soon the carpet of nearness will be spread and the rug of remoteness rolled up. In truth, when the Day-Star of meeting rises, pen and tongue are incapable and fall short of describing it, as confirmed by those endowed with vision and the people of the Most Sublime Vision. Now, on this Saturday night, the 15th of Rabi’ul-Awwal, He is present before His face and again makes mention of you, meaning that through God’s grace, exalted be His glory, you have been and continue to be remembered. Likewise, mention was made by the Beloved of the honored Haji Muhammad-Rida, upon him be the glory of God. This servant also conveys greetings and praise to him and beseeches God, exalted be His glory, for his success and confirmation.

My God, my God! Thou hearest the cry of the lovers and the plaint of those who yearn for Thee. I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst deliver Thy chosen ones from the evil of Thine enemies and didst exalt Thy Cause through Thy power and might, to assist Thy loved ones to do what is pleasing and acceptable unto Thee. Then ordain for them, O Thou through Whose Name the ocean of generosity surged throughout the world, that which shall profit them in the hereafter and in this world, and shall draw them nigh unto Thee in every world of Thy worlds. Verily, Thou art the All-Bountiful, the Lord of grace abounding. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

In truth, whenever this servant intends to write in service to the Afnan, he finds himself possessed of such eagerness that neither paper nor pen can contain it. Love and affection bear witness to this and testify thereof. However, as attention must be given to that which is essential, these brief missives must suffice, else the pen would find no rest from the fire of longing, nor would the tongue choose silence. In any case, I beseech Him, exalted be His glory, to aid in that which befits pure servitude unto His own Self. Peace, remembrance and glory be upon you, upon those who are with you, and upon those who love you for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH01549: Praise, sanctified from utterance and exposition, befitteth and beseemeth…

He is God, exalted be His station, to Whom belong greatness and power.

Praise, sanctified from utterance and exposition, befitteth and beseemeth the Goal of the world, Who through the light of Hijaz illumined the world of metaphor with the light of truth, and through the fragrance of Batha perfumed the horizons. Exalted be His greatness, perfect His proof, and complete His testimony. And blessings and peace be upon the noblest of His creation and Dawning-Place of His names, and upon His family and companions through whom was manifested God’s power amongst His servants and His might throughout His lands. Glory be unto Thee, O my God, Lord of the seen and unseen! I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy throne and the manifestations of Thy sovereignty to assist the people of unity to act according to what Thou hast revealed in Thy Book, whereby Thou didst separate between the believers and the ungodly, and guided those who turned unto Thee to Thy straight path, and taught them what would preserve them from that which harmeth them outwardly and inwardly.

Then I beseech Thee, O Goal of the world and Object of worship of the nations, to enable them to do what Thou lovest and approvest, that perchance sorrows may be changed to joy, abasement to supreme glory, and weakness to the power which Thou hast mentioned in Thy mighty Book. Verily Thou art the One with power over whatsoever Thou willest, and in Thy grasp are the reins of all who are in the heavens and on earth. Praise be to Thee, O God of the worlds!

May my spirit be a sacrifice for you! The illustrious letter which was issued from the exalted pen bestowed the bounty of joy and granted the food of gladness. This food is in truth, in its primary station, the most delicious of the world’s bounties. The servant beseecheth the Lord of the throne and earth to strengthen your honor and to ordain your nearness and return, and to manifest through you that which will diffuse its fragrance throughout the world through the eternity of His most beautiful names and His supreme attributes. Verily He hath power over all things.

You sent the letter of his honor Aqa Mu’azzam (Ismu’llah al-Asdaq), upon him be from all things the Most Glorious Splendor. It caused boundless joy. In truth it was a musk-pod of delight which was opened in this land, for it was adorned with mention and praise of the Goal of the worlds, and likewise with news of the health and well-being of the Afnan in that land. The servant beseecheth for his honor and those with him glory, exaltation, wealth, bounty and power. After its reading and perusal it was presented before the Countenance and He said:

“O My Afnan, upon thee be My glory! Act according to what We have spoken and commanded.” It was a comprehensive word that issued from the tongue of the Wronged One, namely that whatever reacheth you, take it and be honored with its acceptance, but it should remain with your honor as a trust, that perchance the purpose of the Afnan, upon him be the glory of the All-Merciful, may be realized. Verily We send greetings upon thee and upon those who have loved Me and do love Me. End.

Praise be to God, they arrived and the news of their arrival, well-being and tranquility was each a herald speaking. In all conditions we offer thanks and praise to God, glorified be His majesty, for He hath bestowed that which hath had and hath no likeness, peer or similitude.

And regarding the House, we hope that the intention of his honor Aqa Mu’azzam (Ismu’llah al-Asdaq), upon him be the Most Glorious Splendor of God, may be realized and may come from the world of ideals into the world of being. To the true beloved one Aqa Mirza Muhsin, upon him be the Splendor of God, there is somewhat of a name present, rather a whole world of regret, for I was not successful in presenting a response to his blessed letter, but there is hope that now efforts will be made to make amends. Mention was made of the spiritual beloved Janab-i-Aqa Mirza Husayn, upon him be God’s peace. Praise be to God, this too increased the bounty of joy and delight. God willing may they be confirmed and assisted in what they have intended and do intend in the path of God, the Lord of the worlds. Peace and praise and glory be upon your honor and upon those with you and upon those who love you for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH01463: Praise be to the One Who is worthy…

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

Praise be to the One Who is worthy and deserving, Who in His grace ordained in the words of His Afnan that which captivates the heart and bestows fresh lustre to the eyes. And blessings and peace be upon the Seal of the Prophets, through whom the fragrance of divine unity was diffused throughout the world and the banner of power was raised amidst the nations, and upon His family and companions, through whom God transformed disbelief into faith, vain imaginings into certitude, darkness into light, ignorance into knowledge, and discord into harmony, and through whom the hearts of those who turned to Him found peace while the limbs of those who turned away trembled.

May my spirit be a sacrifice for you! Your distinguished letter, which is beyond description and characterization—for in truth it was an utterance sanctified above expression and a mention purified from all mention, transcending the limitations of the human world—by the life of our Lord, from it was inhaled the pure, pure, pure, pure fragrance unto the endless end—pure in divine love and immersion in the ocean of heavenly affection. In brief, it arrived in such wise that were it to reach barren soil it would cause it to flourish, and were it to pass over a pool it would transform it into a sweet ocean. When this servant partook of the wine of your utterance, he soared on the wings of trust and resignation until he attained the presence of his Lord and presented what was in the letter. He—may our souls be a sacrifice for Him—said:

The servant, while intoxicated with the wine of love for the Afnan, was present before the Face and presented that which bore clear witness to the Afnan’s adherence to and grasp of the Strong Cord of God and His Luminous Hem. After the completion of the letter, the servant said:

“That which was befitting to be mentioned in numbered days has been written, or we shall write for him—that is, in explanation of what was uttered before the Face in known months.”

Blessed be you, and your turning to God, and your mention, and your utterance. He beseecheth God to assist you and strengthen you as He hath strengthened you. Verily, He is the Almighty, the Powerful, and worthy to answer prayer.

What can this servant say or mention? The All-Seeing is aware and present as witness. This evanescent one drank the wine of joy, nay, consumed the ocean of delight from the spirit of your mention of the Truth, exalted be His glory, and of utter powerlessness and nothingness. I beseech God at every moment to rain down upon His Afnan from the heaven of grace the waters of mercy and to send down the verses of His loving-kindness. When the letter was presented in the presence while some of the denizens of the pavilion of infallibility were present, all expressed special favor. Blessed be its writer and sender, and happy be its reader. All the circling men and women send their praise, glorification and greetings. For this servant, silence is more fitting at this point, as no scope remains for pen or tongue.

Another submission: Since the numerical value of the name of Haji Muhammad ʿAlaqih-band—upon him be the Glory of God—corresponds with the value of the previous name, it was not accepted. They said patience is preferable, that the matter may be made manifest later. And They said regarding these deeds and such matters, We ordain that which serves to educate the servants, that all may look to what is most excellent and befitting.

To the honored master, His Holiness the Afnan Haji Siyyid ʿAli—upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God—I convey greetings and praise, and likewise to the honored master Haji Muhammad-Rida and the dear brother Aqa Mirza Husayn—upon them both be the Glory of God. I remember each one; praise be to God, they have been and are remembered, and are distinguished by special favors. I beseech and hope from God that He may ordain what befits His grace and bounty. Bounty is in His hand and generosity is in the grasp of His power. He doeth what He willeth and decreeth what He desireth, and He is the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Praise and glory be upon your honor and upon those who are with you and who love you for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon His Prophets and His chosen ones and upon His sincere servants, and praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH00470: Praise and glory befitteth the loved ones…

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

Praise and glory befitteth the loved ones of the Lord of Names, whom neither the oppression of the oppressors nor the prevention of the preventers hath withheld from mention, praise, service, turning unto God and obedience. He hath confirmed His Amin through His manifest Name and made him the point of reference for befitting affairs. Success hath been and is with him, and divine bounty hath been and is with him. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to increase at every moment his sincerity, confirmation, success and service. Verily He is the Generous, the Kind, Who heareth and answereth, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

To continue: O beloved of my heart, a letter was sent when you were in the great city, and likewise another letter after that, and this is the third letter. God willing, they have reached and will reach you. Praise be to God, you are mentioned as though you were present before the Countenance. At this moment these exalted words have been revealed from the Sovereign of Names and Attributes—blessed and exalted be His utterance:

“O Amin! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness. Verily We have been well-pleased with thee.”

This is that Word which hath been the desire of those near unto God and the sincere ones. Blessed is the ear that hath been privileged to hear this Word from the Supreme Pen. Know thou its worth and station, O Amin.

Hearken unto My call. Thou shouldst appear before the loved ones of God with the utmost humility and submissiveness. Convey to each one greetings from the Wronged One. In the divine Tablets, mention of all hath flowed from the Supreme Pen. Say: O people of God! Know ye the value of these days and arise to reform the world. Praise be to God, ye have attained unto that which hath been recorded and inscribed from the Supreme Pen in the Scriptures and Tablets. His Eminence Amin hath mentioned each one in the Most Holy Court and hath sought for each that which cannot be limited by descriptions and mentions.

O people of God! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One and fix your gaze upon the horizon of this word which hath shone forth from the highest horizon of the heaven of the Supreme Pen. He saith, and His word is the truth: He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth. Whosoever is enabled to acknowledge this blessed and exalted word shall find himself confident, detached and free, and shall confirm whatsoever floweth from the Supreme Pen, even were He to pronounce light to be darkness, or above that or below that. He is the All-Knowing and the All-Encompassing. None knoweth what He possesseth, but He knoweth what the people possess. This is that ornament that waxeth not old and perisheth not. The Son of Mary saith:

“Thou knowest what is in me and I know not what is in Thee.”

Whatsoever appeareth from the Dayspring of Revelation is the truth wherein there is no doubt, whether it be understood in accordance with outward reality or whether it appear, in the view and imagination of the servants, not to conform to reality—assuredly transcendent wisdom is concealed therein.

O people of God! The Most Exalted Pen has ever been moved to make mention of you. Beseech ye God that there may appear from you that which befitteth His days. Today the mightiest sword in the world hath been and remaineth the fear of God. O My loved ones! Aid your Lord, the All-Merciful, through deeds and goodly character. Blessed is the soul that retireth to its bed at night with a heart purified from rancor and hatred, and that seeketh from God the good of all who dwell on earth. Such a one is of the people of Baha and the companions of the Crimson Ark. All the atoms of the world bear witness that this Wronged One hath desired the manifestation of this station, yet the people, heedless, have brought about through their imaginings that which hath caused the dawn to darken and the eve to lament. Had the helpless servants been free from the vain imaginings of the ignorant divines, they would have perceived the fragrance of the All-Merciful’s utterance and would have circled round the blessed Word.

O Amin! Beseech God that He may aid His servants, that it may become clear and evident to all that the people of Baha have desired and will continue to desire naught save the betterment of the world. Thou didst make mention of the friends in various cities and regions. All have attained unto divine favors and been adorned with the traces of the Most Exalted Pen. Convey My greetings to those of the letter Ta. If thou shouldst see the Leaf, upon her be My glory and loving-kindness, say: Upon thee be the glory of thy Lord, the Most High, the All-Glorious, and give her the glad-tidings of My grace and mercy. Verily We have made mention of her in such wise as to attract the hearts. And convey My greetings and salutations to all other loved ones. Blessed is the soul that hath arisen to serve the Cause and hath honored, for the sake of God, those who have come. Happy is he and joy be unto him.

In the Tablet of Qaf mention was made of the souls referred to, and likewise of the various feasts held in that land for the sake of God. Illumine them all with the splendors of the light of the Day-Star of the All-Merciful’s utterance. Verily He is with His loved ones, He seeth and witnesseth, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. Blessed is the soul that hath arisen to serve My loved ones.

Concerning the friends of the land of Kaf whom thou didst mention in the presence of the Countenance, all have attained that which is befitting. Praise be to God, the splendors of the Sun of Truth have encompassed them all. We beseech God to aid them all to preserve that which hath been bestowed. O My loved ones there! Verily Amin hath appeared before the Countenance and made mention of you. We have remembered you in a perspicuous Tablet and have sent down for you that which will draw you nigh unto God, the Lord of the worlds. Blessed is the ear that hath heard My verses, and the tongue that hath uttered My praise, and the hand that hath taken hold of My wondrous Book.

Convey My greetings to the loved ones of God wherever they may be found in any town or city. By the life of God! Every heart that hath turned to the Most Sublime Horizon hath been and will ever be mentioned in the presence of the Throne. O people of the cities and regions! Give thanks unto your Lord for this most great favor. Verily He created you and aided you to turn towards Him on a Day whereon every heedless one who was far removed and every learned one who harbored doubts turned away.

Praise be to God, your traces are manifest and visible in this land. Your morning trips to the garden and your evening returns are mentioned by all. They tell of how you were occupied with labor during the nights and days, evenings and dawns, twilights and early mornings. The grace of God has transformed these labors into mercy. The purpose is that these traces have not forgotten and will not forget you. Rather, at every moment they mention the devotion, sincerity and steadfastness of that beloved one. These are heirs who have surpassed all other heirs. Today, whoever has attained unto a single word of the words of God, exalted be His glory, is a true heir. This heir has ever been and will ever be a righteous and pure successor, and throughout the duration of the kingdom of earth and heaven will speak in remembrance of the Father. How excellent is this lofty station and this transcendent bounty! Would that the servants were adorned with the ornament of justice and fairness and would not deprive themselves of this precedent mercy and this enduring, eternal blessing.

Regarding the matter of the Greatest Hill which was discussed between this servant and you, make no mention of it until such time as it may come to pass or God may bring about another matter. Verily He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

Another matter: As commanded, obtain a very fine, desirable and distinguished cloak, either from the superior cloaks of Nain or Ahsa, and give it in the name of God to the children’s teacher, Jinab-i-Samandar, upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God. For some time ago he sent to the Most Holy Court the handwriting of the children who were studying with him, and he was promised a robe of honor. Repeatedly it was stated that the cloak must be distinguished. Some tablets and papers that had arrived were sent previously, and this time they will also be sent. God willing, they will arrive and be delivered.

At this moment, these supreme words were revealed from the tongue of the Lord of mankind, exalted be His glory: “O servant in attendance! Write to Amin that in all conditions you must be mindful of the exaltation of the Cause of God and move according to His will.” And likewise They said: “To Jinab-i-Afnan, that is Haji Mirza Aqa, upon him be My glory and My loving-kindness, make no mention of any matter and reveal no affair. Whatever he himself may say and do of his own accord, accept it; otherwise, no. O Amin! The Cause is mighty, mighty. Know its station and in all conditions observe its sanctity. The ornaments of the world and what is with the people have been and will be transient. Ask God to grant His servants that which is worthy of His days and befitting His Cause. The Afnan have ever been and will be mentioned. We beseech God to assist them and grant them success in what He loves and is pleased with.” End quote.

This evanescent servant ever beseeches God to grant success to all in what has flowed from the Pen of His Command. The mention of today is different from other mentions, and the deed of today is different from other deeds. Verily our Lord is the Commander, the All-Informed, and the Wise Helper. Glory and praise and honor be upon you and upon those who are with you and who hear your words concerning the Cause of our Lord and your Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and earths. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The servant 26 Rabi’u’l-Avval 1304

Another petition: A barker from Kazimayn named Shaykh Muhammad, residing in Kirmanshah—that wretched one, according to some souls who were heedless and unaware of the Cause and had not even seen the chief manifestation of vain imaginings—has strayed from the straight path and is striving to lead the helpless people astray. Muhammad Ibrahim Qazvini, despite claiming steadfastness for years, harbored between himself and his son the fire of hatred and malice. The late Aqa Mirza Habibullah, upon him be the Glory of God and His mercy, supported the son, and this support became the cause of the father’s withdrawal. Now he is occupied with deception, trickery, and schemes. At present, a knowledgeable person of dignity and composure should proceed to that land, and it would be well if at first he were to associate with some of the notable people of that place, so that gradually he may become aware of the truth of the matter—that is, recognize both the sincere believers and the hypocrites.

Thereafter, with wisdom and eloquence, he should invite people to the Law of the All-Merciful. He must conduct himself with great wisdom so that nothing may be obtained from him, such as a letter or writing. Whatever he has with him should be kept in a secure and safe place. It is not necessary for all the believers to know the location of the trust; one trustworthy person is sufficient, for guarding the tongue is most difficult. As soon as multiple people become aware, it will inevitably become known. As commanded, five tumans monthly should reach him while he resides in that land. His Holiness the Name 66, J.M., upon him be all the Most Glorious Glory, and His Holiness the Beloved of Hearts, Jinab-i-Aqa Mulla Ali-Akbar, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, should consult with that beloved one in the land of Ta. Whomever they designate should be sent. Glory and remembrance and praise once again upon you and upon those with you.

BH02496: O handmaidens of God! The honored Trustee is present…

He is the Compassionate, the Generous.

O handmaidens of God! The honored Trustee is present and hath made mention of the maidservants of God, especially those handmaidens who in the Days of God have attained to service. This Wronged One in the Most Great Prison hath determined to make mention of each one.

O mother of Muhammad-ʿAli! Upon thee be My glory and loving-kindness. My Most Exalted Pen testifieth to thy patience and steadfastness in the path of God, the Lord of the worlds. There hath been sent down from My Most Exalted Pen that which shall call out thy name throughout the duration of My mighty and exalted Kingdom.

O sister of Abbas-Ali! Thy mention hath been made before the Wronged One and thou hast attained to the effulgences of the lights of the Sun of utterance of the All-Merciful.

O Khayru’-Nisa! The Lord of Names calleth thee from the prison of the enemies and counseleth thee with that which is befitting. Blessed is the soul that hath today attained to the mention of God.

O Sakinih! Thy name was present before the Wronged One and thou hast attained to this most exalted Word which hath shone forth from the horizon of the Most Exalted Pen. By the Ancient Beauty! The queens of the world died in their longing to recognize this station yet attained it not, while thou hast attained and achieved it. Give thanks unto thy Lord, the Generous.

O Fatimih! Reflect a little: whence cometh this call that hath been raised, and from whom hath it come? If thou shouldst discover the sweetness of the blessed words “O My handmaiden,” thou wouldst find thyself detached and free from the world and all who dwell therein.

O wife of Muhammad-Husayn (H.Y.)! The divines are shut out while the handmaidens of God have attained. This is from God’s favor unto thee and unto My handmaidens who have believed in the All-Informed Single One.

O wife of Muhammad-Husayn (H.S.)! The True One, while in the hands of His enemies, maketh mention of thee. The purpose of this mention hath been and is the enkindling of the handmaidens throughout the earth. By My life! Nothing among all things profiteth Me, nor doth any matter harm Me.

And all other handmaidens of God have in this moment attained to grace, and the mention of each one is recorded and inscribed in God’s Book. Blessed are they and theirs shall be a goodly return.

And whatsoever ye sent of cloth and other items hath arrived. The honored Trustee, upon him be My glory and loving-kindness, hath made and continueth to make mention of the believing men and believing women, the devoted men and devoted women, and hath sought and continueth to seek bounty for all. Thus doth the Wronged One testify in this moment.

The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My mercy be upon you, O My handmaidens, and upon My handmaidens who have not broken God’s Covenant and His Testament, and whom the clamor of the world hath not held back from the Most Great Name—they who have turned to the Most Sublime Horizon, the Station from which hath shone forth the Day-Star of this Great Announcement.

BH02850: The True One, glorified be His majesty, is aware…

He is God, exalted be His station in wisdom and utterance.

The True One, glorified be His majesty, is aware and the kingdom of earth and heaven bears witness that this Wronged One arose for the sake of God and guided the servants of earth to the highest horizon. The tyranny of oppressors, the power of the deniers, and the croaking of the ravens did not prevent Him nor hold Him back from the Will of God. At every moment the ocean of utterance flowed from the Pen and the Kawthar of inner meanings streamed forth from the Tongue of Grandeur. However, the recompense of their deeds deprived the people from the Self-Sufficient, the Most High.

Blessed are the souls whom the chains of idle fancies and vain imaginings did not prevent from the choice sealed wine. They held fast to the Most Great Name and set their faces toward the ultimate goal. These are the souls whose mention hath been recorded and inscribed by the Most Exalted Pen in the books of the past and future.

Praise be to God that thou didst rend asunder the veils and in the earliest days attained recognition, acceptance and understanding. This is the most exalted station and the highest summit. We beseech God to aid thee in that whose fragrance endureth and lasteth. Convey the greetings of the Wronged One to thy relatives, and likewise to the friends in that land.

Say: O people of God! These days have no peer or likeness. Strive that perchance ye may succeed in that which causeth the exaltation of the Word of God amongst His servants.

Say: My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having guided me to the highest horizon and given me to drink of the Kawthar of Thy knowledge. O Lord of all names! I beseech Thee by the Crimson Scroll and by the Ark which Thou hast specially ordained for the people of Baha, to assist me in all conditions to remember Thee, to praise Thee and to serve Thy Cause. Then forgive those who are related to this servant of Thine. Verily Thou art the Lord of grace and bounty. There is none other God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

My God, my God! I beseech Thee by Thy mercy which hath preceded all created things and by Thy Command which hath encompassed all contingent beings, to ordain for me from the Pen of Thy grace the reward of meeting Thee. Then make me to arise in service to Thy Cause, speaking Thy praise and gazing toward the horizon of Thy Manifestation. Verily Thou are powerful over whatsoever Thou willest and in Thy grasp are the reins of all things. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. And praise be to Thee, O Thou Goal of all seekers!

BH03177: Praise be to God that thou hast attained, both…

He is God, exalted be His station, the All-Wise, the All-Knowing

Praise be to God that thou hast attained, both before and after, unto the verses of the Most Exalted Pen. The pen and the tongue are powerless to describe this station. The entire world was brought from nothingness into being specifically for the knowledge of God, exalted be His glory, and was adorned with the ornament of existence. Yet when the horizon of the world was illumined by the Sun of Revelation, all were found to be deprived save whom God willed.

Say: My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having guided me to Thy straight path and Thy mighty Message, for having made known to me Thy proof, for having aided me to turn toward Thy most exalted horizon and the Dawning-Place of Thy attributes, O Thou Lord of Names, and for having preserved me on the path until I arrived at Thy Most Great Prison. Thy favors and gifts have encompassed me, such that Thou didst cause me to hear Thy most sweet call and didst show me the Dayspring of Thy Revelation, O Creator of the heavens. Through Thy grace and bounty I attained to that which the near ones attained, and through Thy loving-kindness and bestowals that which the sincere ones attained.

I beseech Thee, O Lord of existence and Sovereign over both the unseen and the visible, by Thy Name through which Thou didst subdue the kingdom of names and didst guide the people of the realm of creation to the most exalted summit, to render me in all conditions empowered to serve Thy Cause. O my Lord! Do not deprive me of that which Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones. Ordain for me that which befitteth the heaven of Thy generosity, the ocean of Thy grace, and the sun of Thy bounty. Thou art verily the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

O my Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I acknowledge Thy unity and Thy singleness, and that there is nothing like unto Thee. I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance, by the stations which Thou hast honored with Thy footsteps, and by the verses which Thou hast sent down from the heaven of Thy will, to make me in all conditions hold fast to Thy cord, cling to the hem of the robe of Thy grace, be detached from all else but Thee, and speak forth Thy praise. Thou art He Whom nothing whatsoever can frustrate. Thou doest what Thou pleasest by Thy power and ordainest what Thou willest by Thy sovereignty. There is none other God but Thee, the Strong, the Triumphant, the Almighty.

BH00716: All praise, sanctified above what is witnessed and seen…

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

All praise, sanctified above what is witnessed and seen, befitteth the Lord of earth and heaven, Who, through the mighty, conquering, powerful, and masterful hosts of the Supreme Pen and its treasuries, hath conquered the cities of hearts and minds of the people of understanding, and hath bestowed fresh life upon a dead world. Whensoever existence contemplates His generosity, His hosts, His grandeur, His sovereignty, and that which hath appeared from Him—His signs and His evidences—it findeth itself bewildered, wonderment upon wonderment. Without arrayed armies, visible means, or penetrating weapons, from the beginning of days until now, with a steadfastness that hath shaken the foundations of the world, He hath summoned all with the most exalted call unto that which God hath willed, until the light of His Cause hath shone forth and radiated from the horizon of every land according to its measure. Glorified be His greatness and exalted be His sovereignty! There is none other God but Him.

Glory be unto Thee, O God of all contingent beings and Educator of all created things! I beseech Thee by Thy power, at whose manifestation the might of the world and the strength of nations were enfeebled, to assist Thy loved ones to attain unto such steadfastness as shall cause the hearts of the world and the learned among the peoples to tremble. O my Lord! Thou seest how they have interposed themselves between Thee and Thy servants, and have prevented them from the river of Thy mercy and the ocean of nearness unto Thee. O Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy bounty, which the heedlessness, disobedience, rebellion and denial of Thy servants in all lands have not withheld, to assist Thy creation to turn unto Thee, to hold fast unto the cord of obedience unto Thee, and to cling to the hem of Thy mercy. Verily, Thou art the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth. There is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the Powerful.

Furthermore, O beloved of my heart, thy noble letters have arrived continuously and successively. Praise be to God, their characters gladden hearts and their words bring joy to souls. The letters of God’s loved ones are, in truth, in the first degree, the supreme remedy for the world of existence, the manifestation of grace amongst the servants, and the banner of remembrance for all in the lands, for they were adorned with the sweet fragrances of the love of our Beloved and your Beloved and the Beloved of all who are in the heavens and the earth. Each was presented and received its answer, but the greatest task, which is known and evident to that beloved one, has been the cause and reason for the delay in replies, and this matter is clear and evident to that beloved heart.

At the time of presenting them, the radiance of the Sun of loving-kindness was manifested in such wise that this servant was truly incapable of describing it at that moment. May my spirit be a sacrifice for His loving-kindness, for His remembrance, for His tenderness! However, this servant had begun the reply to your honor some time ago, and I beseech God for assistance in sending it soon. And now, on the twenty-fifth of Rabi’u’l-Avval, your new noble letter dated the fifteenth of Safar has arrived. Praise be to God, it attracted the heart and brought joy to the spirit; from its delight a complete effect was manifest, and after reading and observing it, I approached the presence of the Lord of Names and Creator of Heaven, it was presented before His face and was honored to be heard. The Lord, exalted and sanctified be He, saith:

He is the One Who speaketh in the Kingdom of Utterance

O Leaf of the Divine Lote-Tree! In the highest Paradise the Ultimate Tree hath spoken forth this most exalted Word: O peoples of the earth! The gate of heaven hath been opened, and the Lord of the Kingdom of Names hath come. Cast away what ye possess and take hold of that which He hath. Beware lest ye deprive yourselves of His Manifestation, His appearance and His sovereignty. Soon will His irrevocable Cause encompass all who are in the world, and the Herald will cry out from the right side: “The Kingdom belongeth to God, the One, the All-Powerful, the Unconstrained!” Blessed is the soul that hath attained and acted, and woe betide every heedless doubter.

O Leaf! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness. We have mentioned thee through that which causeth the light to shine forth, as a favor from Us unto thee, and I am verily the All-Bountiful, the Generous. Praise be to God that thou hast attained unto steadfastness and art occupied with His mention and praise. The ocean is manifest, the light is radiant, verses are being revealed, and evident signs are shining forth. The Speaker of the Mount is seated upon the throne of Manifestation, and the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree and the shrill voice of the Pen are raised high, yet the people are in evident error.

Say: O servants! Deprive not yourselves. Soon shall all cry out “We turn unto Thee, O God of the worlds” and “We have returned to the court of Thy grace, O Beloved of them that know.” Strive that perchance ye may receive your portion from the treasuries of the Most Exalted Pen and take your share. At all times the pearls of wisdom and utterance are manifest therefrom. Beware lest ye make yourselves to be of the deprived ones.

Convey My greetings to all the friends in that land. Verily We make mention of them through My loving-kindness, remind them of My verses, and give them glad tidings of My grace which hath encompassed all in the kingdom of earth and heaven. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My Kingdom be upon thee and upon those who are with thee and who hearken unto thy words concerning this irrevocable, this wise Cause and this Great Announcement.

In truth, one is bewildered as to how to render thanks and in what manner to fulfill this duty. Were all things, the particles of the world of creation, the drops of the seas, and the leaves of the trees to become tongues, they would fall short, and this servant, with utmost lowliness, hath offered and continueth to offer thanks before that Beloved One, and since permission hath been granted, it is surely adorned with acceptance and illumined with the light of grace.

The petition of Aqa Mirza ʿAbdu’llah Khan, upon him be the glory of God, was presented at the Most Holy Court, and this is what the Tongue of Grandeur spoke in reply—The Word of the Lord, exalted and sanctified is He:

He is the Hearer, the Answerer

O ʿAbdu’llah! Give thanks unto the Object of all the world’s adoration, Who hath made thee aware through the breezes of the dawn of His Revelation and guided thee. The whole world was created for the recognition of this Day and the service of His Cause, yet when the scratching of the Most Exalted Pen and the rustling of the Ultimate Tree were raised high, the entire party of the Shi’ih arose in opposition, save a few among the companions of Ahmad-i-Ahsa’i—upon him be My glory, My loving-kindness and My mercy which have preceded all who are on earth and in heaven. Would that they had been content with mere opposition! They issued the verdict for the shedding of His most pure blood. When thou attainest unto the utterance of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, say:

My God, my God! Praise be unto Thee for having guided me and strengthened me to recognize Thy Day which Thou hast adorned with Thy Books, Thy Scriptures and Thy Tablets. All glory be unto Thee for having made known to me Thy mighty Announcement and Thine ancient Cause, and for having given me to drink of the Kawthar of Thy utterance until I turned toward Thy most exalted horizon and Thy most glorious station. I beseech Thee, O Lord of the Kingdom of Creation, by the ocean of Thy mercy and the heaven of Thy grace, to forgive me and my parents and those who have believed in Thee and Thy signs. O Lord! I am he who hath turned toward Thee and hath taken no lord except Thee. I beseech Thee by the waves of the ocean of Thy knowledge and the effulgent lights of the Sun of Thy wisdom to ordain for me that which shall profit me. Verily Thou art the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth, and in Thy grasp are the reins of all creation. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the Powerful.

O servant of God! The Truth hath appeared for the purpose of attaining His presence, but the idolaters stand as barriers and the deniers as obstacles. We beseech Him to record for thee the reward of attaining His presence and whatsoever beseemeth His might, His sovereignty and His power. Glory be upon thee.

Praise be to God that his honor A’ and Ali, upon them be the Glory of God, have attained unto the effulgent traces from the horizon of the Pen of the Beloved of the worlds. This servant also conveyeth his greetings to them and beseecheth confirmation from the Truth on their behalf. Verily our Lord is the Mighty, the Powerful, worthy to answer prayers. I end these words declaring that there is none other God but He, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, and He is the Truth, the Knower of the unseen. I convey greetings, praise and salutations to all the loved ones in that land, and I beseech for all that which is the cause of the reformation of the world and the education of the nations. It is hoped that in these days replies to the various letters will be sent. Glory, remembrance and praise be upon you and upon those who are with you and who hearken unto your words concerning the Cause of our Lord and your Lord, the Lord of the Mighty Throne and the Lord of the Exalted Seat.

BH11926: To be typed

To be typed.

BH01101: This servant beareth witness unto his own weakness, helplessness…

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

This servant beareth witness unto his own weakness, helplessness, and shortcoming, and beseecheth the one true God—glorified be His Name—that He may not deprive the peoples of the earth of the traces of the Pen and the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree. May He adorn the world of ignorance with the ornament of knowledge, and the world of darkness with justice. The days are His days, and the servants His servants; and change and transformation, and strength and power, are all held within the grasp of His might. He is the Sovereign, the Almighty, Whom no potentate’s dominion hath hindered from His purpose, and no learned one’s learning hath turned aside from His will. Let not the turning away of all who dwell upon the earth prevent the potency of the Most Exalted Pen.

Glory be to God! The world is astonished at the heedlessness of His servants. The Call is raised, the cry is uplifted; the Sun of Truth is risen, the Ocean of utterance surgeth, the Euphrates of mercy floweth from the right hand of the throne of the All-Merciful—yet the servants remain without portion and without share, save those whom our Lord, the Lord of the Mighty Throne, hath willed.

O Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy Most Exalted Word through which were enraptured the people of Baha, and by Thy Most Glorious Name through which hearts were drawn to Thy Most Sublime Horizon, and by that Name through which Thou didst transform darkness into light and tyranny into justice, and through which the ships of Thy Cause did sail upon the sea of Thy will—to aid Thy servants to turn unto Thee and to direct themselves towards Thee. O Lord! Withhold not Thy creatures from hearkening unto the call of the Tree planted in the Most Exalted Paradise, nor from beholding that which hath appeared from the horizon of Thy bounty, O Thou Who art the Lord of Names and Creator of the heavens! Thou art He through Whose generosity all created things have testified, and through Whose grace all contingent beings have borne witness. There is none other God but Thee, the Commander, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

O Lord! Thou seest Thy servant clinging to the cord of Thy grace and holding fast to the hem of Thy mercy. He desireth for himself naught but what Thou hast desired, and he, despite his weakness and poverty, wisheth to make mention of one of Thy Afnans who hath arisen wholly to serve Thy Cause, who hath turned to Thy horizon time and again, and who didst aid Thee when the Seat of Thy Throne was in the Most Great Prison through that which the hands of the nations had wrought. Verily, all grace is in Thy hands and bounty is within Thy grasp. Thou ordainest for whomsoever Thou willest whatsoever Thou pleaseth. O Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy tribulations and by what hath befallen Thee at the hands of the enemies of Thy Self, to ordain for him what Thou hast ordained for the Manifestations of Thy Self and the Daysprings of Thy Cause. Thou art He Whom nothing whatsoever can frustrate. Thou doest what Thou willest and ordainest what Thou pleaseth. Verily, Thou art the Mighty, the Powerful.

My spirit be offered up for your detachment, and for your steadfastness and service. The trace of thy most elevated pen which was adorned with the love of God and illumined with the lights of supreme steadfastness was received, and with its two wings it soared until it was presented before His presence and was read, and when it was completed and concluded, the Lord, exalted and sanctified be He, spoke:

In My Name, the All-Hearing, the All-Responding

O thou who soarest in My atmosphere, who uttereth My praise, who standeth in service to My Cause, who holdeth fast to the cord of My loving-kindness, and who drinketh the choice wine of My love! Give thanks unto God for having adorned thee with the ornament of distinction among His friends and for having accepted from thee that which proceeded from thee. Verily, He desired thee and loved thee from the earliest days. O My Afnan! Upon thee be My glory, My loving-kindness and My mercy.

Praise be to God that thou hast been and art remembered in the presence of the Wronged One. Today the preamble of the Book of Divine Favor is adorned with this blessed word that was revealed aforetime: “Whoso is for God, God is for him.” The Wronged One beareth witness that thou hast attained unto this most exalted station and this supreme summit. We beseech God to assist thee under all conditions in that which He loveth and is pleased with. Verily, He is the Mighty, the Bestower.

We have accepted what thou didst offer purely for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds. Convey My greetings unto My Afnan and remind them of that which My Most Exalted Pen hath spoken, and illumine them with the lights of the Orb of My loving-kindness. Verily your Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Compassionate, the Generous. There is no God but Him, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

To the honored ladies of the Afnan—the sister, her daughter, and her granddaughter—we convey greetings and glory. Praise be to God that they have attained unto that which was mentioned and recorded in God’s Book, both past and future. May the glory that shineth resplendent from the horizons of the heaven of grace and bounty be upon you and upon those who are with you, who love you, and who hearken unto your words concerning the Cause of God, the Lord of this wondrous Day.

Though your honor is not physically present, you have been and are mentioned in a remembrance that hath surpassed all remembrances of the world. The honored Mr. Haji Siyyid ʿAli, upon him be the glory of God, arrived with your letter. All that was written therein attained the honor of being heard and was adorned with the ornament of acceptance. By command, each of the mentioned Afnan of the Blessed Tree attained unto that which hath no likeness or parallel. This evanescent servant also conveyeth greetings and glory to the honored and esteemed masters—may my spirit be sacrificed for their love—and I beseech from the True One for them that which beseemeth His grace, favor, generosity and bounty. Glory, remembrance and praise be upon your honor and upon those who are with you and who hearken unto your words concerning God’s momentous Call, the Most High, the Most Great. And praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

The servant 4th of Rabi’u’th-Thani 1304

The Branches of the Blessed Tree—may my spirit and being be sacrificed for the dust of their footsteps—convey their greetings and glory, as do the dwellers of the pavilion of chastity and grandeur. All remember your honor with utmost love, mercy, joy and delight.

BH02754: Say to the divines on behalf of Baha: According…

He is God, exalted be His station in wisdom and utterance!

Say to the divines on behalf of Baha: According to your claim, We are at fault. Why did you turn away from the Seal of the Prophets? What error appeared from the Spirit? What crime was manifest from Moses? Be fair, by God, and be not among the wrongdoers!

If you say “We were not present in that age,” We say that those who arose to revile, curse, turn away and object were like unto you. The divines of Egypt objected to Moses, the divines of the Torah and the idolaters to the Spirit, and the divines of the idols, the Gospel and the Torah to the Seal of the Prophets, bringing forth that which caused the Mother Book to lament. The divines of every age have ever forbidden people from turning to God and commanded them to turn away. Were you to reflect even less than that, you would testify to what hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen.

Say: O concourse of divines! The path is clear, the proof manifest, the Book revealed and the Tree raised up. Fear God, glorified be His majesty, and act according to that which ye are bidden. Deny not the grace of God and deprive not the luminary of justice of light. By the life of God! This Day hath no peer or likeness. Cast aside idle fancies and turn to the horizon of certitude. Today there is no refuge or shelter for anyone except God alone.

Say: O concourse of the ignorant! Soon shall ye witness that which hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen. This is the truth, there is no doubt about it. We beseech God, exalted be His glory, not to deprive His servants of the ocean of His bounty. He is the Powerful, the Mighty. The Glory from Us be upon thee and upon those whom nothing whatsoever hath prevented from God, the Creator of the heavens and the Lord of Names.

Wisdom hath forbidden Us to reveal to the divines. We have revealed and said what must be said. If the world should say it beareth no fruit and leaveth no trace, it increaseth naught for the wrongdoers save loss.

BH03050: In My Name, the Hearer, the Answerer!

In My Name, the Hearer, the Answerer!

O Yusif, upon thee be My glory! Praise be to God that thou hast been made to attain, through the shrill voice of the Most Exalted Pen, unto the fruits of the Lote-Tree beyond which there is no passing—and these are the acknowledgment and recognition of the Manifestation of Him Who conversed upon Sinai and of that which hath come from the presence of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.

It behooveth you in all conditions to arise, in the name of the True One, exalted be His glory, to make mention and give praise and to serve the Cause with such arising that neither the opposition of the oppressors nor the turning away of the deniers shall hinder you. And you must, through the bounty of God, exalted be His glory, become so enkindled with the fire of the blessed Tree that its effects shall become manifest in the world. This is that mighty announcement wherewith all divine Books have been adorned and whereof all the Prophets and Messengers have given glad tidings to the peoples of the earth.

Convey greetings from this Wronged One to the friends in that land, that perchance the mention of the Most Exalted Pen may assist the people of Baha to achieve that which befitteth this blessed Day. Say: Today, triumph and service have been and are through goodly character and pure deeds. By these hosts must assistance be rendered. We counsel all to fear God and to wisdom and utterance, and We beseech God to assist and enable thee and those who have believed to stand firm in His Cause and to act in accordance with that which will exalt His mention in His lands amongst His servants.

When thou dost find the fragrance of loving-kindness and favors from the Tablet of thy Lord, the Lord of all names and attributes, say: My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having caused me to hear and to know and to learn and to be guided in a Day wherein the seat of Thy throne was the Most Great Prison, due to that which the hands of the oppressors among Thy creation and the workers of sedition among Thy creatures have wrought. I beseech Thee, O Lord of the Kingdom and the Ruler of the realms above, by Thy Name through which the hearts of them that are nigh unto Thee were attracted and the hearts of them that have recognized Thee took flight, and by the lamentation of the sincere ones in their separation from Thee and their cry in their remoteness from the court of Thy nearness, to assist me in that which Thou lovest and art pleased with.

Then ordain for me by Thy Most Exalted Pen the recompense of attaining Thy presence, O Lord of all humanity and Lord of the throne on high and of the dust below. There is no God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Merciful. Then ordain for me from the wonders of Thy bounty and the heaven of Thy grace that which Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones and pure ones. Verily Thou art the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous.

BH03240: The Wronged One testifies in the Most Great Prison…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the All-Wise, the All-Eloquent

The Wronged One testifies in the Most Great Prison that you have turned to the Supreme Horizon and heard the Call when it was raised between earth and heaven, and you bore hardships in the path of God, the Lord of all beings, and aided His Cause with your tongue and heart and all that you possess. All things bear witness to what has been sent down from My Pen at this hour. Verily your Lord is the Faithful Witness. In truth you have attained to that which most of the people of the world are deprived. You heard the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree and were set ablaze by its fire, and turned to the lights of the countenance and held fast to the straight path and the mighty announcement.

There befell you in His path that which is known and recorded with God. All that has befallen you—trials and hardships and other matters from the taunts of the heedless and the deception and schemes of the transgressors and Bayanis—all is mentioned before the Wronged One and recorded by the Supreme Pen. We beseech God, exalted be He, to ordain for you the reward of each of your deeds and to strengthen you hereafter as He strengthened you before, and to protect you with the hosts of the seen and unseen. Verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer, and He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

Your letter which you sent in the name of Jud has been received in the presence. Whatever you mention is acceptable before the Face. Joy and gladness and expansion and delight are in His mighty grasp—He gives and withholds, and He is the All-Bountiful, the All-Generous, the Hearing, the Seeing. We testify that you were as a piercing flame against the enemies of your Lord.

Sufficient for you is this supreme word whose light has shone forth from the horizon of the Supreme Pen in this Most Great Prison and this exalted station. The glory from the heaven of My kingdom be upon you and upon those whom God has related to you and upon those who remember you with goodness for the love of God, the Lord of the worlds. Jinab-i-Amin has in these days repeatedly mentioned you in the presence […]. Upon you both be My glory and My loving-kindness and My mercy.

BH03696: The Supreme Pen beareth witness to thy turning, thy…

He is God, exalted is He in wisdom and utterance

The Supreme Pen beareth witness to thy turning, thy drawing nigh, thy presence, thy hearing, thy beholding and thy revelation. Praise be to God that thou hast attained to that which was mentioned and inscribed in the Book of God. Thou didst set thy face toward the Most Exalted Horizon, and through the grace and assistance of God, exalted be His glory, thou didst reach it and enter therein, and didst hearken unto the Call. We beseech God to aid thee to preserve that which He hath bestowed, and to ordain for thee that which shall cause thy exaltation and elevation.

Say: Glorified art Thou, O God of Names and Sovereign over all who are in earth and heaven! I beseech Thee by Thy Cause through which the rain of Thy mercy was shed from the clouds of Thy grace, and by the Luminary of Thy bounty which shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of Thy Will, to ordain for me that which shall solace mine eyes, tranquilize my soul and gladden my heart. Verily Thou art the Almighty Whom neither the conditions of men nor the obstacles of those in the lands can frustrate. O my Lord! Thou seest me clinging unto Thee and putting my trust in Thee. Leave me not deprived of what lieth with Thee. Verily Thou hast power to do what Thou pleasest. There is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

Thou hast met the friends of God in every land. Convey to them the greetings of this Wronged One and give them the glad-tidings of God’s grace, exalted be His glory. Say: This is the day of service and assistance, and assistance hath been and shall ever be through goodly deeds and praiseworthy character. Strive ye, that perchance those who thirst in the wilderness of utterance may attain unto the ocean of inner meanings, that the listless may be quickened and the dead may attain everlasting life. The glory from Us be upon thee and upon them and upon those who have quaffed the wine of mystic knowledge from the hands of the bounty of their Lord, the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful.

BH04209: A remembrance from Us unto him who hath turned…

In the Name of the One Who remembereth, the All-Knowing

A remembrance from Us unto him who hath turned and attained unto the Day of God, the Lord of all worlds, and who hath heard the call of his Lord when it was raised in truth, and hath testified to that which God hath testified: that there is none other God but I, the Single, the All-Informed. We make mention of those who have believed, with a remembrance whereby the hearts of the mystics who heard the call and answered their Lord, the Merciful, the Compassionate, were attracted. We have remembered thee before, and at this time with a perspicuous Tablet. When thou attainest unto it and findest the fragrance of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, say: Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of the world, and glory be unto Thee, O Thou the Goal of them that seek! Blessed art thou and thy father who attained, recognized, heard and testified to that which the Tongue of Grandeur did utter when seated upon the throne of His Great Name. His it is to say:

My God, my God! Thou seest me turning toward Thee, speaking Thy praise, and standing to serve Thy Cause amidst the enemies of Thy Self. I beseech Thee by the oceans of Thy grace, the ships of Thy power, and the lights of Thy countenance, to ordain for me that which shall profit me in all the worlds of Thy worlds. Then I beseech Thee by Thy Name the Healer, by Thy Name the Sufficient, and by Thy Name the Helper, to purify me from every disease and malady and from all that hindereth me from drawing nigh unto Thee and arising to serve in Thy days. Thou art verily the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. There is none other God but Thee, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the Great.

The Glory be upon thee and upon thy brother who was mentioned before the Throne. We send Our prayers and salutations upon him. We beseech God to ordain for thee and for him what He hath ordained for His chosen ones. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

BH05213: He remembereth from His Most Glorious Horizon

He remembereth from His Most Glorious Horizon

O thou, My exalted Khalíl! He declareth, and beareth witness, to thine acceptance, thy turning unto Him, thy steadfast adherence, and thy firm grasp of the hem of the mercy of the Well-Beloved of all mankind. Praise be to God, thou art adorned and enkindled with the light of manifestation and the fire of the Sinaitic Tree—an enkindlement whose effects are manifest and evident.

Thy mention hath ever been made in the Most Holy Court. Jinab-i-Ism-i-Jud and Samandar, upon both of whom be the glory of God, the Lord of destiny, have mentioned and continue to mention thee.

O Khalil! We call to mind the days when thou wert beneath My shade and under the canopy of My glory, standing before My face, hearkening to My call, gazing toward My horizon, soaring in My atmosphere, attracted by My verses and holding fast to My strong rope. The wine of thy Lord’s utterance so inebriated thee that thou wert detached from all creation and didst speak His praise amidst the religions on a day when bodies took flight through their attraction to the verses of God, the Lord of all beings.

We beseech God to assist thee and make thee successful at all times in that which will draw thee near unto Him. Verily He is the Generous, the All-Bountiful in the beginning and in the end.

The splendor shining from the heaven of My will be upon thee and upon those with thee and thy family who have witnessed and heard and said:

“Praise be to Thee, O God of all who are in the heavens and the earth!”

BH06164: I am He Who speaketh from Mine all-highest horizon

I am He Who speaketh from Mine all-highest horizon.

A remembrance from the One Who remembereth unto him who hath turned to the Manifestation when the Call was raised from the Mount that there is none other God but Me, the Lord of the unseen and the seen, that the remembrance and praise may draw him unto the most exalted Summit and aid him to serve this Mighty Announcement whereof God’s Messengers have aforetime given tidings and to which His perspicuous Book hath borne witness. Say: O people! Fear ye God and follow not the desires of them who have broken God’s covenant and His testament and have disbelieved in the Day of Judgment. Be ye not perturbed by the might of them who have denied God’s Cause and His proof and have perpetrated that which hath caused the Faithful Spirit to lament. When the breezes of revelation take hold of thee, say:

My God, my God! I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy bounty and the pearls of the sea of Thy knowledge to aid all who are on earth to turn unto Thy horizon and to act according to that which Thou hast revealed in Thy Book. Thou art He Who, O my God, through Thy grace hath testified unto all created things, and through Thy bounty unto all beings. I beseech Thee not to disappoint me and Thy servants from that which Thou hast ordained for the sincere ones who have cast the world behind them, turning unto the horizon of Thy manifestation. Verily Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.

BH09716: O My Leaf! The Divine Lote-Tree calls unto thee…

In the Name of the Lord of Days!

O My Leaf! The Divine Lote-Tree calls unto thee from the prison quarter. Today the Mount is filled with supreme joy, for it hath attained unto its Interlocutor, and the Lote-Tree speaketh: “Verily, I am God.” Blessed are the hearts of those who advance, the eyes of the knowing ones, and the ears of them that draw nigh. Today […] of meanings is adorned with the ornament of remembrance and utterance. Every atom proclaimeth and giveth glad tidings […] but riches and hopes have deprived the servants from the All-Possessing, the Self-Subsisting, and from the outpourings of this wondrous Day. Praise be to the Goal of the world Who assisted thee and granted thee sustenance from the fruits of the Tree of existence. We convey Our greetings to the handmaidens of God and give them the glad tidings of God’s special favors.

BH03601: Today the clouds of oppression have veiled the rays…

In the Name of God, the Beneficent

Today the clouds of oppression have veiled the rays of the Sun of Justice, and outward means have so deluded the heedless that they have risen up to contend and dispute, and with utter tyranny have arisen, vainly imagining they can extinguish the light of the Divine Unity and quench the fire of the Divine Tree. Far, far from it! After all the strivings and endeavors of Pharaoh and his people, Moses appeared from his very household, despite his will. The hand of God is above their hands, and He is the Subduer over His servants, and He is the Mighty One whom neither the might of the world can weaken nor the clamor of the nations frighten. Verily He is the Omnipotent over whatsoever He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of all who are in the heavens and on earth. Blessed is he who remembereth thee—verily for him is a station with God, the Lord of the worlds. And blessed art thou for having heard and turned and responded to thy Lord, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

O friends! We counsel all to that which is the cause of the exaltation of the Word of God. The hosts which have been and shall forever be victorious and triumphant are goodly deeds and praiseworthy character. Blessed are they who with these hosts have conquered the citadels of hearts. Beseech ye God to protect His friends from harmful deeds and to confirm them in that which befitteth His days. Verily He is powerful over all things.

We have indeed mentioned thy father in numerous Tablets with a mention that nothing on earth can equal. To this testifieth He Who speaketh in every state that there is none other God but He, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. The Glory be upon thee and upon him who hath turned and attained unto this Mighty News. Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH00521: Praise, sanctified above the mysteries of the pen…

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

Praise, sanctified above the mysteries of the pen and the eloquence of the tongue, befitteth the Lord of all mankind, whose mercy and grace have reached such heights that the tongues of them that are nigh unto Him are powerless and fall short of their mention. Like unto a tender and loving father, He hath guided and trained these servants as children, causing the pearls of His hidden counsels to stream forth from His Pen by night and by day, and manifesting from the Tongue of His grandeur blessed admonitions at all times, that perchance His servants might be delivered from the wilderness of error and turn towards and enter the realm of guidance. He hath sent down verses such that every just and discerning soul hath testified to their loftiness and greatness. He hath revealed evidences whereby every fair-minded one hath proclaimed “with Him is the knowledge of all things.” Through the hosts of verses He hath triumphed, and through the banners of clear proofs He hath encompassed the world. The might of the world hath not weakened His power, nor hath the strength of the nations altered His resolve. Glorified be His majesty, abundant be His favors, exalted be His station, pre-existent be His mercy, and manifest be His verses.

Glory be unto Thee, O Thou Who orderest all things and Who art established upon the throne of Revelation! I beseech Thee by the ocean of light and by the Word through which was manifested the decree of Sinai, to aid Thy loved ones and Thy chosen ones in such wise that the doubts of the people shall not withhold them from the bounty of this Day, nor shall the signs of the transgressors debar them from the outpourings of this Day of Judgment. O my Lord! Thou beholdest them turning toward Thee and circling round the court of Thy will. I beseech Thee to disappoint them not through Thy generosity, nor to withhold from them through Thy grace. Take their hands with the hands of Thy power, then preserve them with Thy hosts. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the Protector, the All-Bountiful, the Gracious. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the Great.

The letter you sent to the beloved presence of Hadrat-i-Ism-i-Jud, may the Most Glorious Glory of God be upon him, was forwarded to the Most Holy Court. Every letter thereof was a clear book testifying to that beloved one’s devotion, acceptance, humility and submissiveness before God, the Lord of the Worlds. Its fragrance bore tidings from the garden of inner meanings, and its melody made known the songs of the spiritual nightingale. Glory be to God! Everything that appears from the world of love is complete and perfect. The world may perish, but the ignorant one will not remain ignorant, for even if he does, despite him, the Word of God descends and penetrates, the Cause of God appears and prevails.

The power of the ignorant ones—meaning the clergy—cannot prevent the penetration of God’s Will, nor can the might of princes become a veil. All the oppression and transgression that has occurred has been from the source and manifestation of the world’s clergy. By the decree of those heedless souls, the rulers have risen in oppression and caused confusion in the Cause. Consider how a group of meaningless turbaned ones and senseless headgear-wearers in the land of Kaf raised the banner of opposition and spread calumnies in all directions. However, after the matter was presented before His Majesty the Sultan, he delivered the oppressed from the evil of the oppressors, protected them, and of his own accord released the prisoners of Ta.

In short, despite the despotic government, overwhelming power, absolute authority, and the harm inflicted by the ignorant ones at the beginning of the Cause, nevertheless he showed favor and granted freedom. I swear by the Point of Power that had any of those ignorant ones been sultan, they all would have agreed like the Jews to crucifixion. Repeatedly this exalted word was heard from the Master of all beings, saying that the Sultan’s heart is very tender and sensitive, changing with minor things. Always has every sultan been superior to those beneath him, except for times when God, exalted be His glory, due to the various oppressions and transgressions of the servants, supports the Manifestation of the Name “the Compeller” and seats him upon the throne. In any case, most people, according to the saying, are depressed from lack of means. Ask God not to deprive His Majesty the Sultan of the lights of the sun of justice and fairness. He is the Powerful, the Mighty, the All-Knowing, the Wise.

And regarding what was written about His Honor the Khan, may the Glory of the All-Merciful be upon him, mention of him and his devotion became cause for remembrance, for when your letter was presented before the face of the Lord of all beings, those present were repeatedly observed to be regretful and saddened at the devotion of His Honor the Khan, and when the letter reached its end, the Master of all beings spoke, saying exalted and holy is His Word:

O Kazim! Upon thee be My glory, and upon thy brethren and thy sons be My loving-kindness, and upon My friends and loved ones be My mercy. Thou hast ever been and art still favored with the signs of the Most Exalted Pen. Thou hast perceived the fragrances of the Days of God and hast turned unto His horizon. Thou hast drunk of the choice wine and held fast unto the Self-Subsisting. Your rewards have been and are preserved with the trustworthy, mighty One. We give glad-tidings of the favors of the Divine Lote-Tree to the friends in that land and its surroundings and ʿIshqabad. This is the day of service and of praise and remembrance, the day of deeds. Blessed are they that act! O Kazim! At all times doth the blessed Tree in the wilderness proclaim with the most exalted call, and at this moment uttereth this word:

“O people of God! Abandon this day what the people possess and take what hath been given you from God, the Lord of the worlds.”

We beseech God to assist His loved ones and grant them such steadfastness that all the peoples of the earth shall be powerless to prevent them. Remember them on My behalf, remind them of My verses, give them the glad-tidings of My loving-kindness, illumine them with the lights of My utterance and draw them nigh unto that which hath shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of My Pen. We beseech God to ordain for them that which shall adorn them with an ornament that the happenings of the world shall not change, nor the centuries and ages alter.

The burning of the heart of him who sought Me and was gladdened by that which shone forth from the Dawning-Place of permission from the horizon of My Most Exalted Pen on this dark and gloomy night hath grieved Me, that he might rejoice in the loving-kindness of his Lord and turn with such turning as shall cause all faces to turn unto the Face of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

Praise be to God! The Sun of bounty is shining, the Ocean of grace is surging, the Heaven of generosity is elevated, and permission for the presence of his honor Kh. A., upon him be the glory of God, manifest, evident and radiant, is granted. However, as commanded, they must observe wisdom. If wisdom permits, they may attend; otherwise, He verily ordaineth for him the reward of His presence and recordeth for him what He hath recorded for those who attained His presence, heard His sweet call and beheld His most glorious horizon. This servant also congratulates him, sends greetings and seeks divine confirmation.

As for the mention made of his honor Aqa Mirza Muhammad, upon him be the glory of God, it was presented at the Most Holy, Most Exalted Court and attained the hearing of the Lord of Names, and in response these supreme, decisive verses were revealed from the Source of Glory. He, exalted be His utterance and mighty His proof, saith:

In My Name, the Counselor, the Trustworthy

O Muhammad! Hearken unto the call from the direction of Akka. Verily He mentioneth thee with verses that all the books of the world and all that the nations possess cannot equal. To this beareth witness the Lord of Eternity, as He sitteth upon the throne of His Great Name. When thou art illumined by the lights of thy Lord’s utterance, say:

My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having brought me into being in days the like of which the eye of creation hath not seen, nor the vision of invention beheld. I was heedless, Thy call made me aware; I was ignorant, Thy bounty and gifts taught me; I was seated, the hand of Thy generosity raised me up, O Possessor of existence and Lord of the seen and unseen! I beseech Thee by the traces of Thy Pen and the mysteries of Thy knowledge to ordain that I may remain steadfast in Thy Cause and be enabled to speak Thy praise in such wise that neither the wretchedness of the wretched nor the doubts of the learned shall prevent me. My Lord! Ordain for me what Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones in every world of Thy worlds. Verily Thou art God, there is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Ye have attained unto that which hath no peer or likeness. All atoms bear and have borne witness unto this truth. This servant beseecheth God to bestow His confirmation upon them and grant them a portion from the ocean of utterance. Verily, He is the Strong, the Mighty.

They also mentioned Aqa Mirza Ibrahim, upon him be the glory of God. After being presented at the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court, this blessed Tablet was revealed from the heaven of Will. His blessed and exalted Word:

In My Name, the One Who dominateth all names

O Ibrahim! Verily the Sacrifice set forth towards the Ultimate Goal with such detachment as amazed the Concourse on High. When he reached the station of sacrifice, he offered up his spirit in My straight path. We sent him as a sacrifice for the guidance of the servants. The Lord of creation beareth witness to this, yet the people are in ancient error and manifest doubt. They make mention of the sacrifice of old in the mosques and from the pulpits, though We redeemed him with a sacrifice from Our presence and a ransom from Our side. They have forgotten the mention of those who have offered up their souls, their spirits, and their children in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds. O Ibrahim! When thou hearest the call of thy Lord, the Most Merciful, and art overtaken by the intoxication of utterance, say:

My God, my God! Thou seest me turning toward the lights of Thy countenance, drawing nigh unto Thy horizon, and speaking Thy praise. I beseech Thee by Thy power and might, Thy grandeur and sovereignty, to aid me to be steadfast in Thy Cause, then ordain for me that which shall profit me in all the worlds of Thy worlds. Verily, Thou art the Powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the Beautiful.

The ocean of bounty is surging—what more can this servant say or what trouble should he give? I convey greetings and praise to that honored one and the friends of God, and I beseech God to open a door of grace for every soul and withhold not His mercy in any condition. He is the Powerful, the Mighty, and He is the All-Knowing, the Wise. There is none other God but Him, the Most High, the Most Glorious. Glory and remembrance and praise be upon you and upon those with you and upon those who have preceded and who have acknowledged that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken before the creation of the heavens and earths.

At the end of the letter, as commanded by that Beloved One, they must strive diligently for the unity of the friends. Repeatedly hath He said that unity and harmony are the mightiest pillars for the exaltation of the Word of God. Through God’s grace—exalted be His glory—the horizons must be illumined with the light of unity and the world adorned with the ornament of harmony. I beseech Him, exalted be He, to assist His loved ones in that which He loveth and is pleased with, and in that which He hath willed. Verily, He is the Lord of the servants and the Sovereign of creation.

BH01199: Hearken to the call of the Wronged One…

In the Name of God, Who is Exalted in His Wisdom and Utterance!

Hearken to the call of the Wronged One from the precincts of the prison. Verily, He standeth before the faces of the world, summoning all to the supreme horizon—that station wherein is heard the rustling of the Sadratu’l-Muntaha. Yet most of the people remain behind a thick veil. The Light hath dawned from the horizon of Manifestation. Verily, He is the Interlocutor of Sinai, Who was promised in the Books of God, Lord of the worlds. He hath come from the heaven of proof with the hosts of wisdom and utterance, and with the finger of power hath rent asunder the veils of glory—a bounty from Him, and He is the Ancient Bestower.

Say: O concourse of divines! The Creator of the heavens and the Sovereign of the Kingdom of Names hath come. Fear ye God and be not of the heedless. This is the Day wherein the Herald proclaimeth: “The Kingdom belongeth to God, the Almighty, the All-Praised.”

O Abraham! Hear once again the call from the Sadratu’l-Muntaha, raised up on the blessed white land, the shore of Oman—the mercy of thy Lord, the Most Merciful. Verily, there is no God but Me, the Mighty, the Great. Say: O people of the Furqan! Cast away what ye possess and take what ye have been given from One All-Knowing, All-Wise. By God! Your books and what ye possess will profit you not except through this Book which speaketh the truth and calleth all to the Mighty, the Beautiful.

Say: O people of the Bayan! Fear the Most Merciful and oppose not Him but for Whom the Point would not have appeared and the Books of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed, would not have been revealed. This is the Day wherein the Sun proclaimeth and the Sea announceth:

“The Lord of Destiny hath come and every hidden secret hath been revealed.”

Say: Behold the Supreme Scene! By God! The Hour hath come, the Resurrection hath appeared, and the moon hath been cleft asunder, if ye be of those who know.

O people of the earth! Your sciences and your arts will not save you except through this Cause, before which all things have bowed down. Thus hath spoken the Lord of Names and Creator of the heavens, while seated upon His mighty throne. The Trumpet hath been blown—and it is My Most Exalted Pen—and all who are in earth and heaven were thunderstruck, save those who have inhaled the fragrance of Revelation and turned toward My luminous horizon.

O Abraham! Say: O party of God! Take the chalice of steadfastness from the hands of bounty and bestowal, then drink therefrom despite those who have denied this Momentous Announcement, which was heralded by Moses, and after Him the Spirit (Christ), then Muhammad the Messenger of God when He came with the standards of signs from One Mighty, Ancient.

This is the Day wherein the Mother Book speaketh and the Mother of the Bayan calleth out, and those nigh unto God circle round the Throne morning and evening. Blessed is he who hath attained unto the greatest steadfastness, whom neither the might of princes, nor the doubts of divines, nor the violence of those swine who have broken God’s covenant and His testament and have led their people to the fire, could deter.

O party of God! Fear God and follow not your desires. Follow what hath been sent down from the heaven of Command in My perspicuous Book. We have counseled you, and do counsel you, with that which will exalt the Cause of God and your stations. Verily, your Lord, the Most Merciful, [is the Faithful Counsellor. Through deeds] and character is revealed the station of men. Blessed is he who hath done what he hath been commanded in the Book of God, the Mighty, the Praised.

Thus have the breezes of Revelation wafted, and the Sea hath manifested its waves, and the Sun its radiance. Blessed is he who hath found and known, and woe unto the heedless. O Abraham! The names of My loved ones have been presented before the Wronged One. We have mentioned them with a mention that shall endure as long as the Kingdom endureth. The Kingdom and the Glory and the Power bear witness to this, as doth He Who speaketh in every station that there is none other God but I, the Truth, the Knower of things unseen. From this station We send Our greetings to their faces and remind them of that which hath been revealed from My Most Exalted Pen, and I am the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. Whoso hath clung to My robe, verily he is of the people of the Crimson Ark, the mention of which hath been revealed in My Preserved Tablet. O My loved ones in all lands! We counsel you once again to perform deeds from which the fragrance of holiness may be wafted, and to be faithful to that which God hath made as a sun in the heaven of His justice and a light unto His lands. He, verily, is the All-Compelling over what hath been and what shall be.

In the Persian tongue it is mentioned that ye may drink from the Salsabil of divine meanings and turn unto the most exalted horizon. O Abraham! The veil of heedlessness hath prevented the people from beholding the most exalted horizon. All things at all times are speaking, yet ears are deprived of hearing them. Convey My greetings from this Wronged One to the party of God. We beseech God to aid them in that which befitteth this Great Announcement and to set them ablaze with the fire of the Divine Lote-Tree in such wise that its heat may influence the world, that all may thereby find their way to the True Lote-Tree. The hosts of God have ever been and shall ever be goodly deeds and character, and the commander of these hosts is righteousness. We counsel all to wisdom; all must hold fast unto it. Verily, He speaketh the truth and guideth all to His straight path. Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. The glory shining forth from the horizon of the heaven of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon My loved ones who have not been kept back by anything from God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH01223: O thou who art mentioned before the Throne! Today…

He is God, exalted be His station in wisdom and utterance!

O thou who art mentioned before the Throne! Today the Blessed Tree of Divine Utterance in the midmost heart of contingent being speaketh forth with this most exalted Word:

“O peoples of the earth! Turn with illumined hearts unto the Most Sublime Horizon. By God, the Truth! The Day hath come, yet the people are in evident obscurity.”

O thou who gazest! Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One, Who from the horizon of the Prison turneth toward thee and maketh mention of thee, that perchance through the assistance of the Goal of all existence thou mayest preserve the people of that land from vain imaginings and guide them to the horizon of certitude.

Say: O company of the heedless! Purify your hearing and sight from what ye have heard, become illumined by the lights of the Luminary of proof which hath shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of the Most Exalted Pen, and understand that for which ye were brought from nothingness into being. Throughout ages and centuries the previous people reckoned themselves the most learned of mankind and the most excellent of nations, yet on the Day of His Manifestation they were found to be the most abject of all. From the beginning of time until now, not a single one of the divines of Persia hath attained unto the Purpose, being tormented in the wilderness of idle fancies. Yet the heedless ones have afflicted the helpless servants with vain imaginings, and these imaginings appeared on the Day of Resurrection in the form of a sword, descending upon the Truth and His companions.

Now the people of the Bayan are engaged in forming a party like unto the previous one. All the divines, throughout nights and days, would beseech God, glorified be His majesty, for the appearance of the Promised One, and would utter from their pulpits “May God hasten His relief.” Yet when the horizon of the world was illumined with the lights of the manifestation of Him Who conversed on Sinai, all were inflamed with the fire of hatred and perpetrated that which caused the denizens of the all-highest Paradise and the most exalted Heaven to lament and wail. Until now they have not lifted their heads from the couch of heedlessness.

It is incumbent upon that soul and those who are illumined with the light of recognition and enkindled with the fire of the Tree to arise for the sake of God and preserve souls from doubts and idle fancies. The heaven beareth witness, and the sun and moon testify, that from the first days until now this Wronged One hath stood before the faces of the world and called out with the most exalted call, in such wise that neither the opposition of rulers nor the tyranny of divines could deter Him from the Will of God. And when the fragrance of the musk-scented Shirt was diffused and the world was illumined with the dawning light of the Most Great Luminary, certain souls emerged from behind the veil and assailed the Wronged One, whereupon befell that which pen and ink are powerless to describe.

We beseech God to confirm and assist that soul in serving His Cause and guiding His servants. Hear thou the Call from the Divine Lote-Tree, raised upon the radiant earth on the shores of ʿAmman through the providence of thy Lord, the Lord of all names and Creator of the heavens. Verily, there is none other God but Him, the Single, the All-Informed. We have mentioned thee before in a Tablet that shone from the horizon of God’s loving providence, the Lord of all worlds. By the life of God! The mention of Me surpasseth all the mentions of the world and whatsoever is with the nations. To this beareth witness the Supreme Pen of God from Its exalted station.

Say: O concourse of divines! Be fair, by God! By what proof can ye establish that which ye possess, and by what evidence do ye object to Him Who, when He came from the horizon of power with the standards of His signs, before Him bowed the Books of the earth? Be fair, and be not of the oppressors. This is He Who hath not preserved Himself for less than a moment, and spoke before all faces that which He spoke in the earliest days. To this testifieth He with Whom is the Mother Book.

Say: O people of the Bayan! Fear ye the All-Merciful, and oppose not Him through Whom the Cause of God and His sovereignty were made manifest, and through Whom the Dove of Knowledge warbled upon the highest branches. Verily, there is none other God but Me, the Almighty, the All-Powerful. We have not entered any school. I was seated when the hand of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, raised Me up, and I was silent when He caused Me to speak that which draweth you nigh unto Him. Be grateful unto your Lord for this supreme bounty.

O people! Cast aside idle fancies and vain imaginings, then turn ye unto God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Beware lest the affairs of the world withhold you from the Ancient of Days, or the greatest veils prevent you from this Momentous Announcement, concerning which God took covenant with His Prophets and His chosen ones. Have mercy upon yourselves and upon the souls of men, and be not of the transgressors.

Say: O people of the Bayan! Leave Me to Myself. Sufficient unto Me are the peoples of the earth and their evil ones. By God! I desire naught but your reformation, your life, your salvation, and that which draweth you nigh unto God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing. Say: Know ye Who calleth you, and recognize ye Who mentioneth you? By God! The Mother Book mentioneth you, yet ye are among the heedless. Thus hath the Sun of Meanings shed Its effulgence and the Supreme Pen revealed Its traces. Blessed art thou and blessed is he who hath witnessed that which God hath witnessed. Woe unto every remote denier.

The Glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon those whom neither the doubts of the divines nor the signs of the learned have prevented, who heard the Call and responded, saying:

“Here am I, here am I, O Thou Desire of the world! Here am I, here am I, O Thou Adored One of them that have recognized Thee!”

BH01657: This is a Book sent down in truth…

He is the Hearer, the Answerer

This is a Book sent down in truth from the Wronged One to him who hath turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon and heard the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree—a bounty from God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

O thou who gazeth upon the Face! Hear the Call from the precincts of the Prison—verily there is no God but Him, the Truth, the Knower of the unseen. Thy letter hath arrived and been presented by the servant in the presence of the Countenance. We have answered thee with this Tablet, inscribed, from whose horizon shineth the light of thy Lord’s loving-kindness, the Lord of all existence.

Say: O peoples of the earth! Fear God and deny not Him from Whose Most Exalted Pen hath flowed the Kawthar of utterance and every ordained matter hath appeared. Know ye Who calleth you and recognize ye Who remembereth you? Come ye, come ye, that I may show you the Most Exalted Horizon and cause you to hear the most melodious Pen and acquaint you with Him Who in every state proclaimeth:

“Verily there is no God but Him, the Truth, the Lord of the visible and invisible.”

By God! The Promise hath appeared and the Promised One hath come from the horizon of power with the banners of verses. Blessed is he who hath heard and turned toward Him, and woe unto every heedless doubter. This is the Day which God’s Books have announced aforetime and afterward. Beware lest ye deprive yourselves of the Most Great Ocean which hath appeared before the faces of the world and from whose waves is heard that which the Interlocutor heard. Fear God and be not of those who denied God’s favor and His signs, and committed that which caused the denizens of the Most Exalted Paradise to lament, and those who circle round the Throne at morn and eventide.

Thus have We showered from the heaven of grace upon the earth of existence the rains of wisdom and utterance, as a mercy from God, the Lord of all men. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My knowledge be upon thee and upon those whom the veils of the divines have not withheld from the Lord of Names, nor the allusions of the mystics from Him Who hath arisen before all faces and summoned the servants unto God, the Lord of Lords.

Now hear in the Persian tongue: Today is the springtime of mention and utterance. Blessed is the one whom the veils of the people of the world have not deprived of this supreme bounty. Praise be to God, thou hast been confirmed and attained unto that whereby existence itself came into being through its recognition. Today the Divine Lote-Tree in the midmost heart of contingent being proclaimeth this most sublime Word:

“The King hath come! The Kingdom is God’s, the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise!”

Beseech ye God to make the ears of the servants ready for that for which they were created and brought from nothingness into being. Say: Strive that ye may attain unto the traces of the Most Exalted Pen. By the life of God! One word thereof cannot be equaled by all that is seen and visible. The ocean of bounty is surging, the sun of grace is shining, yet the servants are heedless and veiled. Say: Strive and, with the utmost lowliness and supplication, beseech the All-Sufficient, the Exalted, for that which is the cause of eternal salvation. Beseech thou God to kindle all with the fire of the Divine Lote-Tree and illumine them with the light of recognition. He is powerful and mighty.

Glory be to God! At all times hath the Pen of the Most Merciful, without veil or concealment, called the kings and subjects of the world and guided them to the Most Exalted Horizon. Until now they have not arisen from the couch of heedlessness. All have testified and do testify to its transience, yet they have deprived themselves of the eternal life and everlasting bounty.

Say: My God, my God! Regard not Thy servants and what they have wrought in Thy days, but rather their poverty and Thy riches, their weakness and Thy power. Aid them, O God of existence and Lord of the visible and invisible, to hearken unto the rustling of Thy Pen and to behold the horizon of the heaven of Thy bounty and grace. O Lord! Purify them with the water of inner meanings and utterance from that which hath withheld them from turning toward Thy Name, the Most Merciful. Then send down upon them from the heaven of Thy grace that which will draw them nigh unto Thee and cause them to know Thy path. Verily, Thou art the Powerful over what Thou willest. There is no God but Thee, the Mighty, the Powerful.

BH01719: Hearken, hearken! The Most Exalted Pen calleth aloud…

He is God, exalted be His station in wisdom and utterance!

Hearken, hearken! The Most Exalted Pen calleth aloud from the most exalted station of the world. Behold, behold! The Luminary of proof shineth resplendent from the highest horizon of possibility, that It may bestow strength and grant spiritual wings, that thou mayest soar in the atmosphere of the love of the One Friend and purify those who tarry—souls whose wings are besmeared with the clay of idle fancies—through the Name of the True One, and teach them to fly.

O Son of My Name! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness. In these days His Holiness Moses hath ascended, and this servant lay upon his bed while the Tongue of Grandeur uttereth verses and the Hand of the Kingdom of all things bestoweth and taketh away. Say: O people of God! Ye must needs be so steadfast in the Cause of God that neither the onslaught of the mighty nor their ascendancy may weaken you. Stand ye for God’s sake and speak for God’s sake. The Truth hath been and will be with you, and neither the clamor of the divines nor the outcry of the jurisprudents hath prevented or will prevent the influence of the Most Exalted Pen and the power of the Most Great Word.

O Son of My Name! Were the whole spiritual realm to be transformed entirely into the power of hearing, one might say it would be worthy of hearkening to this utterance which hath flowed from the Pen of the All-Merciful. Otherwise, these outward ears have not been and will not be capable of hearing this call, save for a limited few. Beseech thou God to grant insight and bestow the power of hearing, that perchance His poor servants may not remain deprived of the sweet fragrances of the divine Day. The people of the earth are heedless and regard the Cause of God as they regard other matters. Woe and perdition betide them! Soon shall they witness that which they now deny, and turn towards that from which they now turn away.

Say: O ye ignorant ones! Turn ye toward Zawra that ye may behold the palace of the King of Kings. Perchance ye may take warning and become somewhat aware. Let not the pomp and riches and majesty and glory of two days prevent you from everlasting glory and abiding bounty and heavenly sustenance. By the Ark of Proof which saileth upon the sea of utterance by the command of the All-Merciful! This Wronged One hath spoken only for the sake of God. Say: Have mercy upon yourselves and arise to redress what hath passed away. Yesterday is gone and today too shall pass. This impermanence is God’s herald, informing all and giving tidings, that they may arise with complete determination to seek their goal and station. The Herald calleth continually from the direction of the Throne, counseling with perfect loving-kindness and grace, that perchance the servants may turn from oppression to justice and from tyranny to equity.

O Son of My Name! We beseech divine confirmation for thee, that thou mayest spend the remainder of thy days in service to the Lord of all mankind in a manner befitting this Most Great Cause and Mighty Announcement. Thine acceptance and devotion and steadfastness have ever been mentioned before the Divine Countenance. This time requireth a different effort and a different steadfastness. God willing, thou shalt be adorned with the new robe of divine favor and illumined by the lights of the Throne. Convey My greetings to the loved ones, that they may become enkindled by the Word of God and arise as beseemeth His days. That which is obligatory and essential today, and hath been repeatedly revealed from the Most Exalted Pen, is the unity and concord of the known souls who have been honored with special distinction, as well as the other loved ones. Blessed is he who hath hearkened to the divine call and held fast unto His will. The glory shining forth from the horizon of the heaven of My mercy be upon thee and upon those who have acted according to that which they were commanded by God, the Lord of the worlds.

BH02068: O Ali! Today from the rustling of the Divine…

He is God, exalted be His glory in wisdom and utterance!

O Ali! Today from the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree this most exalted word was heard: “O concourse of kings and subjects! Cast away idle fancies and vain imaginings. By God! From the horizon of power hath appeared your Lord, the Chosen One, with manifest sovereignty.” Praise be to God that you have turned to Him and drunk from the Kawthar of the utterance of the All-Merciful. This is God’s grace upon you. Thank your Lord and say: “Thine be the praise, O Lord of Names, and Thine be the glory, O Desire of them that know!”

O Ali! There befell the Wronged One in the previous year that which caused the Pen to weep and the Tablet to lament. A tyrannical person sat upon the seat of authority and committed that which caused the rocks to cry out and the Concourse on High to wail. Yet the conditions of the world and the might of rulers and peoples did not prevent the Wronged One from the divine Command. In the midst of tribulations, before the faces of enemies, He spoke the Most Exalted Word. Earth and heaven bear witness, the sun and moon testify. Ask God not to deprive the world of the fragrances of His days and to bestow upon it a portion from the ocean of His knowledge. The Truth is distinguished from all else by all aspects and deeds, and His Cause is more manifest than the sun at its zenith. Yet eyes and ears are deprived of witnessing and hearing.

Reflect a while on the affairs of the previous community. For thirteen hundred years, ranks upon ranks of divines appeared and occupied themselves with mentioning and speaking of the Intended One from pulpits. Yet when the Divine Lote-Tree grew from the blessed and holy ground, all attempted to cut it down, and finally there befell the Essence of Being that which caused the eyes of grandeur to weep. Such was their heedlessness that not a single one of the divines discovered the presence of the Intended One in the loins. They were worshippers of fancy yet counted themselves among the believers. Their station on the Day of Reckoning became evident to all in earth and heaven.

Now again the people of the Bayan are occupied with forming a party similar to that party. O Ali! It is incumbent and obligatory upon you and the friends of God to protect people according to your capacity, that they might not be afflicted with new idle fancies. Arise for God’s sake and speak for God’s sake. We beseech God to assist you in all conditions with such assistance that its effects will become manifest throughout all horizons.

Convey My greetings to the friends in that land on behalf of the Wronged One and say:

“Where is your enthusiasm? Where are the lights of your faces? Where are the fragrances of your mention in the days of your Lord?”

Know the value of this Day and occupy yourselves with service, that there might appear from you that which will endure through the eternity of My names and attributes. Thus hath the ocean revealed its waves, the Book its verses, and the Treasury its secrets, that thou mayest thank thy Lord, the Compassionate, the Generous.

The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My mercy be upon thee and upon those whom the doubts of the world have not prevented from God, the Lord of the Ancient Days, Who hath come with the standards of verses and hath spoken before all faces—the Kingdom is God’s, the Almighty, the All-Wise. We make mention of My leaf and give her the glad-tidings of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of the worlds. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to elevate her station and to send down upon her mercy from His presence. He is verily the All-Bountiful, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH02121: O son of Attar! Praise be to God…

He is God, exalted be His glory, the All-Wise, the All-Eloquent

O son of Attar! Praise be to God that thou art perfumed with the sweet-scented breezes of the verses of the Goal of all the worlds. Thy mention hath often been made in the presence of the Wronged One, and the glance of His loving-kindness hath been directed towards thee. Today the Ancient Beauty gazed from the Most Great Prison upon the mansion, making it the greatest vista, and after partaking of tea, We make mention of thee in this Blessed Tablet, each letter of which is a door among the doors of divine favor. We beseech God to aid thee, that thou mayest drink a cup from each letter and offer a chalice to others, that perchance the slumbering may awaken and the heedless may be adorned with the ornament of awareness.

That which thou didst send in the name of Ali, upon him be My glory, was presented before Us and the glance of Our loving-kindness was directed towards it. Blessed art thou and blessed are they who have fulfilled God’s Covenant and His Testament. Praise be to God that thou hast perceived the fragrances of God’s days and attained unto that for which the world was created.

Jinab-i-Amin, upon him be My glory, presented thy petition before Our presence. Verily We heard thy call and that wherewith thou didst commune with thy Lord and supplicate thy Master. He hath repeatedly mentioned thee and thy services. Blessed art thou and blessed are thy father and mother. Verily thy Lord is the All-Remembering, the Forgiving, the Generous.

We send Our greetings from this spot to all who have attained Our presence, and have been blessed, and have heard and witnessed the greatest signs of their Lord. O Rahim! Be not grieved. Be enkindled with the fire of the Divine Lote-Tree. This world and all that is mentioned therein shall soon return to nothingness. Strive that there may appear from thee that which shall endure through the perpetuity of the Kingdom. We make mention of thy other brother and give him the glad-tidings of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of all worlds.

Convey to all the household My greetings. The station of each one is visible before God. Verily He is with you, He heareth and seeth, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. The deeds of all on earth are visible before His face, and the words of all are heard. To this testify the Concourse on High and the dwellers of My Kingdom and My dominion. Convey greetings to all and give them the glad-tidings of what hath flowed from the Supreme Pen. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, and He is the Kind, the Mighty, the Great. Glory be upon you and upon those who have not denied what hath appeared from God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Say: Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having caused me to hear Thy call and guided me to Thy path and made me know the Dawning-Place of Thy Revelation which was hidden in the eternity of eternities. I beseech Thee by it and by its sovereignty to make me adorned with the ornament of steadfastness and crowned with the crown of Thy remembrance and love. Thou art, verily, the One Who hath power through Thy power and dominion through Thy will. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the All-Praised.

ʿAyn, Ta Ismu’llah mentioned the feast of the two leaves and it was accepted. Tonight, which is the twenty-first of Rabi’u’th-Thani, the feast is being held. Well done to those who eat and blessed be those who serve! Give them both the glad-tidings of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of all worlds. Glory be upon you and upon those who have attained the choice wine on this Day of God, the Mighty, the All-Wise.

BH02230: Your letters arrived one after another, and most were…

He is the One Who observeth from His Most Exalted Horizon

Your letters arrived one after another, and most were blessed with the outpourings of the True Bestower—that is, were honored to be seen, were graced to be heard, and were adorned with a reply. In these days Ibn-i-Asdaq, upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God, was present before Me and was gazing toward and beholding the Most Exalted Horizon. Blessed is the Most Truthful One who turned toward My Most Exalted Horizon, detached from all else, until he attained the presence and stood before the Gate, and heard what the Beloved heard during the Night Journey and what the Interlocutor heard on the Mount of Knowledge. We have mentioned him in such wise that his remembrance, his glory and his deeds shall endure throughout the duration of My earthly and heavenly dominion, and throughout the continuance of My sovereignty and power. Verily thy Lord is the Generous, the All-Bountiful. When he mentioned thee, We mentioned thee with this luminous mention.

Likewise, Ghulam-Qabl-i-Ha, upon him be My Glory, attained Our presence. For a few days he was occupied with praise, glorification, turning toward Us and circumambulation. Praise be to God, he was blessed with the choice wine of the Merciful’s utterance and received his portion of that which flowed from the Most Exalted Pen in the divine Books. Thou didst mention the friends in the lands of A and B. We have mentioned them in such wise that nothing in existence can equal it. By the life of God! That which no eye hath seen and no ear hath heard hath been ordained for them […] Thy Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Convey My greetings to each one on behalf of the Wronged One. Praise be to God, they have drunk from the cup of eternity and have been sustained by the heavenly food which is the knowledge of God. We beseech God to assist them and grant them success that all may attain to that which beseemeth His days. Say: O my God, my God! I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy bounty and the heaven of Thy generosity to ordain for Thy loved ones there that which will draw them nigh unto Thee. Then write down for them the reward of attaining Thy presence and the good of this world and the world to come. I moreover beseech Thee, O Lord of all names, by Thy most sweet call and the shrill voice of Thy Most Exalted Pen and the Fire kindled in the Lote-Tree beyond which there is no passing, to assist Thy loved ones to be steadfast in Thy Cause, and to ordain for those who have outstripped in Thy Cause that which befitteth the heaven of Thy generosity and the sun of Thy grace. Thou art the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth. There is none other God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Generous.

O Haydar! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness. In the previous year there befell the Wronged One that which opened the gates of sorrow to the denizens of the most exalted Paradise and the most sublime Heaven. Verily, the people are in evident drunkenness and grievous wrong. We beseech God to assist all to mention and praise Him, that ye may all arise to serve this most great Cause and most exalted and most glorious station—which is the station of teaching the Cause of the Lord of all beings—or that ye may hold fast to those means which comprise this station. Whosoever attaineth unto it is accounted among the people of Baha by the Pen. Blessed art thou and My loved ones, and upon thee and them be glory from God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

BH02470: Thy letter hath been received and the servant…

In the Name of the Wronged One, the Stranger!

Thy letter hath been received and the servant in attendance before His countenance hath read it. We have answered thee with a Tablet that no tablets of the earth can equal, and with a mention which, when it dawned from the horizon of the Tablet, caused all remembrances in the world to bow down before it. To this doth testify the Lord of Eternity in the Most Great Prison. Yet most of the people are heedless. They hear the call and turn away from it, they behold the signs and deny them. Verily they are companions of the Fire.

Blessed be thy face for having turned to the lights of the Countenance, and thy heart for having turned to God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. It behooveth thee today to detach thyself from what the people possess, standing firm in service to the Cause that hath caused the limbs of the world to quake, save whom God willeth, the Almighty, the Powerful. Say: O people! The Day hath come and there hath appeared what was hidden and treasured in God’s knowledge, the Lord of all worlds. Beware lest ye deprive yourselves of the ocean and its waves, and of the sun and its effulgence. Thus doth command you He with Whom is the Clear Book. This is the Day wherein the Mother Book proclaimeth with the most exalted call, were ye of them that hear. He hath come from the kingdom of utterance with a proof before which all the evidences of the world have bowed down. To this doth testify the Most Exalted Pen of God in its lofty station.

Be not grieved by the world and its happenings. Confine matters to serving the Cause of thy Lord, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. Say: My God, my God! Thou seest me turning toward Thy most exalted horizon and standing in service to Thy Cause, O Lord of all beings and Lord of the throne on high and of the dust. I beseech Thee by the sighs of the hearts of them that are nigh unto Thee and the tears of the sincere ones in Thy days, to aid me to stand firm in the Most Great Steadfastness that I may arise to remember and praise Thee amidst all people. Then I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy throne and the signs of Thy grandeur to ordain for me the good of the hereafter and of the first life. Then open before my face the doors of grace and bounty. Verily Thou art the Powerful over what Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Compassionate, the Generous. Within Thy grasp are the reins of all who are in the heavens and on earth.

I know not, O my God and my Master and my heart’s Desire, whether Thy grace will bring me nigh unto Thee that I may stand before Thy face and see what Moses desired from the heaven of Thy bounty and the ocean of Thy generosity, and hear what the Beloved heard when He ascended unto Thee and turned to the station of Thy nearness and meeting, since Thy firm decree and Most Great Command prevent me. I beseech Thee, O Thou in Whose grasp are the reins of all things, to ordain for me from Thy Most Exalted Pen the recompense of meeting Thee. Verily Thou art the Powerful One Whom the conditions of creation do not frustrate and the doubts of the people of the earth do not weaken. Thou doest what Thou willest and ordainest what Thou pleasest. Verily Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty, the Omnipotent.

BH03009: This is a Book sent down by the Wronged…

In the name of My Most Exalted Pen.

This is a Book sent down by the Wronged One to him who hath beheld the proof and believed in the All-Merciful when He came from the heaven of utterance with manifest sovereignty, that he might be assured of his Lord’s loving-kindness and render thanks for this bounty, to whose greatness all created things and every discerning mystic have testified.

O Baqir! There hath appeared before the Most Great Scene what thou didst compose in remembrance of God, the Lord of Destiny, through Whom the Resurrection was established, the moon was cleft asunder, and every hidden matter was revealed. Blessed art thou, and blessed is thy tongue, for having spoken My beauteous praise. We have heard thy call and have answered thee with a Tablet every letter of which testifieth to the grace of God, the Lord of all worlds. Be thou vocal in My remembrance and in the remembrance of My loved ones whom the veils of the world have not hindered from this shining horizon. Glorify their faces, give them the glad-tidings of My loving-kindness, and illumine their hearts with the light of My wondrous utterance. From the horizon of the Tablet there hath shone forth the light of utterance from the All-Merciful. Blessed is he who hath witnessed and seen, and woe unto the heedless ones.

When thou hast attained unto the breezes of revelation in thy Lord’s Book, say:

My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having guided me, given me to drink, and caused me to hear Thy path, the fountain of Thy utterance, and Thy most sweet call which hath been raised betwixt earth and heaven. I beseech Thee, O Lord of the worlds, by Thy Most Great Name, by the rustling of Thy Lote-Tree, the lights of Thy countenance, the murmuring of the fountain of knowledge, and the stirring of the breezes of Thy bounty—O Thou in Whose grasp is the reins of all creation—to ordain for me from Thy Most Exalted Pen the good of this world and the next.

O my Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant and the son of Thy handmaiden. I have turned to Thee, holding fast to the cord of Thy grace and clinging to the hem of Thy loving-kindness. Write down for me that which shall profit me in all the worlds of Thy worlds. I testify that Thou knowest what is with me and what profiteth me, and I know not what is with Thee. Thou art the All-Powerful over whatsoever Thou pleasest. Nothing can frustrate Thee, nor can any matter prevent Thee. Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance and the mysteries of Thy Book to make me steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the affairs of the world nor the clamor of nations shall turn me aside. Verily, Thou art the All-Powerful, the Almighty, and worthy to grant my prayer.

BH03063: Today all things proclaim “The Truth hath come!” Blessed…

He is the One dawning from the Supreme Horizon!

Today all things proclaim “The Truth hath come!” Blessed is the soul that hath attained to hearing the Call. The desires of self and passion have deprived most of the people of the world from the Lord of Names.

The verses have been sent down, the evidences are manifest, the Speaker of the Mount is seated upon the throne of Revelation, the Cry hath been raised, the Light hath shone forth, and the proof is resplendent—yet the greatest veil hath prevented the people from the bounty of this Day. This veil hath been and continueth to be the divines of the age.

Blessed art thou who hast, through the Name of the Divine Omnipotent, rent asunder the veils and attained unto the lights of the Sun of Certitude which hath shone forth and is manifest from the horizon of the heaven of God’s Tablet. This station is great and mighty—know thou its worth and preserve it through the Name of Truth.

Glory be to God! The Shi’ih sect counted themselves the most excellent of all people, yet they were witnessed to be the most lost. It is incumbent upon all the friends of God to protect these helpless people lest they become again afflicted with the vain imaginings of the former party and remain deprived of the recognition of the Purpose.

Convey My greetings to those who have turned towards Me and illumine them with the lights of the utterance of the Purpose of all worlds. Blessed art thou and they, and blessed is he who hath attained unto this firm and mighty Cause and this Great Announcement. The Glory be upon thee and upon them from God, the Lord of the worlds.

Say: My God, my God! By Thy might, I love to hold fast to all things by virtue of their connection to Thy Name, the Creator. I beseech Thee by the suns of the heaven of Thy knowledge and wisdom, and by the seat whereon hath been established the throne of Thy grandeur, and by Thy Call which hath been raised amongst Thy servants, and by Thy Will which hath dominated all things, and by Thy mercy which hath preceded earth and heaven, to assist me in that which befitteth Thy Manifestation and Thy days. Then ordain for me that which Thou hast ordained for Thy trusted ones and chosen ones who have offered up their spirits in Thy path. Verily Thou art the Almighty Whom the might of the world and the power of the nations cannot withhold. Thou doest what Thou willest and ordainest what Thou pleasest. Verily Thou are the Mighty, the All-Praised.

BH03433: In My Name that overshadoweth all names

In My Name that overshadoweth all names

O Muhammad! Make your ear ready to hearken unto the call of the One, the Single, and your hem extended to receive the pearls of wisdom and utterance which are cast upon you from the sea of your Lord, the All-Merciful. Thus does the Wronged One command you from the prison precinct, that you may be of them that act. If you were to discover the fragrance of loving-kindness and favor, you would arise and say:

“Thine be the praise, O Lord of Names, and Thine be the grace, O Dawning-Place of Justice, and Thine be the glory, O Lord of all things, and Thine be the bounty, O Thou in Whose grasp is the dominion of all who are in the heavens and on earth!”

He who bears My name hath appeared before Us, and We make mention of thee through this perspicuous Tablet which summoneth the world with the most exalted call and guideth them to My straight path. We make mention also of My loved ones there who have taken hold of the Book of God with the power that proceedeth from Him and have cast behind them idle fancies and vain imaginings on this Day whereon the All-Merciful hath seated Himself upon the throne of His mighty Name.

O people of God! Know your stations and follow not every ignorant remote one and every iniquitous doubter. This is the Day wherein We have revealed the treasures of inner meanings and utterance and have summoned all unto the All-Knowing One. Among the people are they who have hearkened, heard and hastened, and among them are they who have shown pride before God, the Mighty, the All-Praised.

O people of Kaf! Beware lest ye follow your divines who have broken God’s Covenant and His Testament and have pronounced judgment against Him through an injustice that hath rent asunder the heaven of equity and justice. To this beareth witness every discerning scholar. By God! The horizon of possibility hath been illumined by the Luminary of certitude, were ye of them that know. Say: Behold, behold, the ocean is before your faces—advance toward it and follow not every ignorant remote one. Thus hath the Most Great Ocean revealed the pearls of divine knowledge from the presence of the All-Merciful. Blessed is he who hath witnessed and seen, and woe unto the heedless ones. The glory from Us be upon thee and upon them that are with thee in this Mighty Announcement and this firm, unshakeable Cause.

BH03776: You had previously attained to the mention of God…

He is God, exalted be His station in wisdom and utterance

You had previously attained to the mention of God, glorified be His majesty, and now My servant Asdaq, upon him be My glory and loving-kindness, hath mentioned thee in the Most Great Prison, and this most mighty, most holy Tablet hath been sent down from the heaven of divine Will […] that thou mayest inhale its fragrance and partake of the true heavenly food. Praise be to God that neither the overwhelming power of the oppressors nor the clamor of the barking ones prevented thee from the Most Exalted Horizon or deprived thee of the Most Great Ocean.

The divines, mystics and jurists of the earth, by night and by day, besought God, glorified be His majesty, for the meeting with His Manifestation and Speaker. Yet when the ocean of hope surged and the horizon of divine purpose dawned forth, all turned away—especially the Shi’ih sect who, with their tongues, uttered curses and, with their pens, issued verdicts for the shedding of His most pure blood, and with their hands wrought that which causeth the company of the Prophets and the chosen ones in the most exalted paradise and supreme station to weep and lament.

The faithful and steadfast must know their station and at all times give voice to praise and thanksgiving, for He hath confirmed them, guided them and bestowed upon them that which hath no likeness or peer—and that is the recognition of that sanctified Being on the Day of His manifestation. Thy call, from beginning to end, hath attained unto the honor of being heard.

Blessed art thou and blessed is he who hath fulfilled God’s Covenant and His Pledge. Woe unto every heedless and remote one. We convey Our greetings to the loved ones in that land and give them the glad-tidings of His loving-kindness. Glory be upon thee and upon them and upon those who have testified to that whereunto God testified before the creation of earth and heaven, that there is none other God but I, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

BH04114: O Ali! Upon thee be the Glory of God!…

In His Name that overshadoweth all names

O Ali! Upon thee be the Glory of God! In His Name, the Dominator over all names! O Ali! Thou hast previously been blessed with the traces of the Supreme Pen. The glance of loving-kindness hath turned from the direction of the Prison towards that direction, and He hath made mention of His loved ones. Today the Euphrates of utterance is flowing from the right hand of the Throne of the All-Merciful and the waves of the ocean of divine knowledge are manifest before all faces. Blessed is the soul whom the means of the world have not prevented from the Causer of causes, and whom the veils of the world have not deprived. Praise be to God that thou hast attained unto the recognition of the Goal of the worlds and hast partaken of the fruits of the blessed Tree. We beseech God to assist thee in all conditions to that which is worthy of His favors.

And We make mention at this time of him who hath ascended unto God, the Lord of the worlds. We have previously mentioned him in verses wherein the Fire appeared in the trees and the Tree spoke as it spoke unto Moses, son of ʿImran, on the Mount of Knowledge: “Verily, there is no God but Me, the Single, the All-Informed.” We beseech God to assist those who are related to him and to make them among those who are steadfast in serving His Cause, the Unassailable, the Firm, the Strong.

We convey greetings to all the loved ones in that land and give them the glad-tidings of God’s loving-kindness, exalted be His glory. They must arise to aid the Cause of God with perfect unity and harmony. Say: Let not time slip away. Strive that ye may attain unto the eternal bounty and the everlasting food and the perpetual mention. Verily your Lord, the All-Merciful, is the Counselor, the All-Knowing.

Glory be upon those who have aided the religion of God with their wealth and their souls and have acknowledged that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken before the creation of all things: “Verily, there is no God but Me, the Dominator, the Self-Subsisting.”