Volume 089: Akka 1306 A.H. (1888–1889), Part II (3 of 4)

BH00294: At every moment doth the Herald of Truth, glorified…

Section 1: “At every moment doth the Herald of Truth…”

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

At every moment doth the Herald of Truth, glorified be His majesty, summon the servants and command them to that which exalteth them, raiseth them up, and profiteth them. From the sweetness of His call is the world of utterance enthralled, and from every deed among the deeds are the means of preservation in their completeness made manifest. Whatsoever hath appeared or shall appear from the realm of the will of the Sovereign of Divine Purpose is for the purpose that man might attain unto that which the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Furqan. His word, blessed and exalted be He, is: “The All-Merciful hath taught the Qur’an, created man, taught him clear expression.” By the Sun of Truth! The oceans of knowledge and understanding lie concealed in this most exalted Word. Glory be to God! While words may be effaced by water in their outward form, yet the Word of God containeth oceans of meaning that neither effacement can seize upon nor change can affect. And likewise He saith: “Men whom neither merchandise nor selling diverteth from the remembrance of God.” Should man attain unto the spirit of detachment and sanctity that lieth hidden within this blessed verse, he would behold himself freed and detached from all else but God.

O friends of God, strive! O party of God, arise! Today must the world of ears and eyes be preserved and sanctified from beholding and hearing the suspicions and idle fancies of heedless souls. Meeting with such souls is a deadly poison, and intimate association with them is a stinging serpent. Through the grace of God, glorified be His majesty, let not the hem of sanctity be sullied by the calumnies of the godless. Though they may cause certain matters to appear dubious in darkness, yet what can they do and what remedy can they seek after the sun hath risen at its meridian? Nay, by God! They have no remedy, for all the mysteries and secrets of hearts shall be made manifest and evident. The tongue of truth in the Kingdom of utterance hath aforetime spoken this most exalted word:

“Verily God knoweth the treachery of the eyes and that which the breasts conceal.”

In all circumstances must one take refuge in God. Who would have thought such matters would occur in that land? On the first day when it was arranged that the beloved of the heart, the honored Haji Shaykh, and his esteemed brother, the honored Aqa Muhammad-ʿAli, upon them both be the peace of God, would engage in commerce in that city, it was thought that this commerce would be a means for the manifestation of trustworthiness and religiosity among the servants. However, it yielded the opposite result, and there occurred what occurred.

O my God, my God! The sweetness of Thy remembrance departeth not from the soul. Bestow upon the people of the world but one drop from that ocean of longing, yearning, attraction and enkindlement that Thou hast bestowed upon Thy lovers, that discord may be wholly removed and the light of concord may shine forth. O my God! What transgression hath poor Nur committed that he should receive its recompense? At present he is behind veils of darkness—when, through Thy grace, shall he emerge from behind them and show himself to all the world? This servant hath ever raised the hands of hope and desire toward the heaven of Thy bounty, and he beseecheth of Thee that which would bring ease and tranquility to Thy creation. O God! Guide the souls that oppose, and make the heedless aware. Thou art the Lord of existence and the Sovereign of the seen and the unseen. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the All-Loving.

After greetings, the successive letters from that beloved of the heart arrived, and after their reading and perusal, were taken to the Holy Presence and attained the honor of being heard. This is what the Lord—may our spirits be sacrificed for Him—spoke:

“We desired to send thee the fresh dates of utterance from the palm tree of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of all worlds, and We desired to present unto thee the fruits of wisdom and knowledge from the Sacred Tree, planted by the hands of grace and bounty in the luminous spot, as a command from God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.”

The manifestation of unseemly matters in that land hath clouded the world of being. Thou and all things bear witness to the loving counsels and goodly admonitions that have flowed from the tongue and pen by night and by day. Nevertheless, the Wronged One’s counsel only increased the oppressor’s bonds. O thou who gazest upon the Face! Certain souls have committed that which hath caused the heart of the world to be troubled and its eyes to weep. After countless claims, it was observed that one made peace with the enemy and assailed the friend, and the Name ʿthe Concealer’ concealed and did not reveal. We ask and beseech God not to deprive His servants of the waves of the ocean of trustworthiness, religion, truthfulness and sincerity. All must ask of God that which is the cause of tranquility for the people of creation. The pearls of wisdom and utterance that were hidden in the treasury of the Pen have been revealed in such wise that no just and fair-minded one can deny them, and must acknowledge this bounty and favor as unmerited.

O my God, my God! I beseech Thee by the movement of Thy Pen of destiny, through whose motion all created things were set in motion, and by Thy Will which hath preceded all contingent beings, to make us of those who have caused their wills to be extinguished in Thy Will, and their desires in Thy Desire, and have chosen for themselves what Thou didst choose for them through Thy bounty and generosity. Verily, Thou art the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.

O thou who gazest upon the Countenance of God! Some of the servants have imagined that the place of commerce in that land is connected to this place, while thou knowest, and the world knoweth, and God knoweth that it hath had and hath no connection whatsoever with this place. The purpose was to establish a place both for commerce and for the exaltation of the Word. Another person was specifically appointed so that, trusting in God, he would not be without work and occupation. His lack of contentment kindled the fire of sedition, and each day groundless discussions arose and were spread. Envy is a world-consuming fire, and greed is a world-destroying flame. In any case, this fire brought shame and disgrace, and the Cause’s reputation was compromised among the servants, for most are seeking some pretext to which they might cling and thereby sully the pure and holy garments with their calumnies.

Now observe what was intended and what was done. The turbidity of unseemly deeds and false words reached such a point that the tongue of the Wronged One uttered the blessed words “I complain of my grief and sorrow unto God,” and likewise these other blessed words “Patience is seemly, and God is the One Whose help is to be sought against that which they assert.” That which the tongue seeks to shun mentioning and the pen to avoid recording hath come to pass. In all cases one must hold fast to the cord of grace and with outward and inward tongue remember these words:

My God, my God! We are Thy servants and Thy creatures, within the grasp of Thy power. I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou hast subdued cities and lands, and through which Thou hast raised the standards of Thy unity in all regions and the banners of Thy justice amongst Thy servants, and by Him Whom Thou hast established in the place of Thyself in the realm of creation and through Whom Thou hast manifested the kingdom of attributes and names, to make known unto us that which will preserve us from all that beseemeth not Thy sincere servants and trusted ones who are nigh unto Thee, and teach us that which will profit us outwardly and inwardly and draw us closer to Thee in all conditions. Verily, Thou art the All-Possessing, the Most High. O Lord! Leave not the cities of hearts and minds deprived of the splendors of the Sun of Thy justice and trustworthiness. Verily, Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

O beloved of my heart! What can I say? The reading of that beloved one’s letter, far from bringing joy, has added immeasurably to the world’s sorrow—an addition beyond measure and count. Many had imagined that in that land the door of trustworthiness would be opened, that justice and fairness would find there a dwelling place, and that in that great city there would appear such deeds as would cause religion to flourish and bring about the acceptance of existence. All has been reversed to such a degree that every believer and sincere one, out of shame and embarrassment, neither wished nor wishes to hear anything about the affairs of that city. The case of Aqa Muhammad-ʿAli is evident, his occupation known. He had no involvement in any direction, yet to every soul he spoke of His Holiness the Sheykh (69) [Baha’u’llah] that which caused astonishment. Everyone who arrived in this land, he recorded in a register. In short, he set aside all matters and focused on that helpless one, hoping perhaps to eliminate him and have affairs referred to himself. To those within and without he said that which was neither fitting nor worthy. After all, what was the cause of such enmity, and what was the reason for such calumnies?

Section 2: “Nevertheless, these matters were concealed in this land…”

Nevertheless, these matters were concealed in this land, and absolutely nothing was revealed about these subjects, not even a word, lest it cause sorrow. Finally, matters reached a point which that beloved one knows. However, these things occur due to heedlessness. Had he accepted the counsel of the friends and occupied himself with his own work and attended to his own affairs, his commerce would now be renowned throughout the horizons. Even now I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to assist him and guide him to that which will cause the elevation, exaltation, ascent and advancement of his station. In any case, hope has not been and is not cut off, for the door of divine grace has ever been and remains open. Verily, He is the Most Merciful of the merciful ones and the Most Generous of the generous ones.

As to what was written about traveling to various lands in the path of God for the purpose of teaching the Cause, refining souls and exalting the Word—after these matters were presented before His countenance, He said that it is very clear and evident that matters which cause the refinement of souls and the unity of hearts and minds take precedence with God over other deeds. You are certainly inclined toward what was mentioned, but what is beloved to the Wronged One today is that arrangements be made for your relatives to establish a dwelling place near you. This dispersion has not been and is not beloved. In any case, matters should be arranged such that both the first matter and this matter are accomplished. At present, whatever divine wisdom requires and whatever means become available should be embraced.

And regarding the two matters mentioned by the Afnan, upon him be God’s peace and loving-kindness, concerning the honored Afnan, upon him be God’s grace, mercy and loving-kindness, as well as ʿIshqabad—both are acceptable and should be carried out. We hope that God, exalted be His glory, will grant complete assistance and manifest that which will cause the spread of knowledge and wisdom. God willing, you will be assisted. Your mention has not and will not leave Our thoughts, and you will not be forgotten. Surely divine assistance will reach you. Perhaps through your attention and the efforts of some of the friends, a door may be opened for the reformation of the world and preservation of peoples, and all may attain to that which brings comfort and tranquility.

O thou who gazest upon His countenance! The deeds in that land have grieved the Wronged One to such an extent that the pen has been prevented from mention and utterance. The intent is that the friends of this Wronged One should become the cause of the reformation of the world and the comfort of nations. Now nothing is evident except conflict, corruption and discord. Nevertheless, in all cases I beseech God to grant fellowship and manifest that which causes the elevation of existence. Now the affairs occurring in that land have become and continue to be the subject of discussion everywhere. Reflect on the conditions of the Wronged One—the bearing of countless afflictions was for the preservation of stations, yet now it has yielded the opposite result and caused waste.

Repeatedly in these days letters have arrived from the honored Afnan Aqa Siyyid M, upon him be God’s peace and loving-kindness, and the honored Amin, upon him be God’s grace and bounty, but until now no reply has been sent, as conflicting matters and unseemly deeds have prevented the pen from mentioning the friends. Not for a moment was it considered what the fruit of this discord would be and what the end of this antagonism would be. In any case, we beseech God—and you should beseech Him—not to deprive His servants of the adornment of wisdom and to assist them in that which befits the station and rank of humanity.

From this land also no good signs are observed. They have turned their attention to every kind, yet in the prison-land no place can be found. Perplexity has resulted, and it is abundantly clear and manifest that not all have acted according to the Will and the exigencies of wisdom and the requirements of the time, and the portals of commerce have been utterly barred. Since the conclusion of certain negotiations, moreover, there have arisen sundry discussions, and the condition of the people of the city is likewise evident. They speak and give utterance only to that which their own selves and idle fancies prompt them. Justice and fairness have departed from the world, or from tyranny and oppression have hidden in dark corners. From the might of the oppressors and tyranny of pharaohs, naught remains of these two wronged ones—namely justice and fairness—save their names. Let us see what the Hand of Power will manifest hereafter.

However, the discord and incidents of that land have surpassed all trials and in truth are the greatest, as We have stated before:

“My calamity is not My imprisonment, nor what hath befallen Me from Mine enemies, but from those who attribute themselves to Me and commit that which causeth My heart to lament.”

Your honor knows well what has transpired. Many complaints have been written from Yazd about the commerce of that land—nothing has resulted save shame and disgrace. If they would now become mindful and arise to make amends, it would still be good. He, verily, is the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.

This servant beseeches God at all times to manifest that which was the purpose of creation. The friends in this land, despite the difficulties and constraints that have occurred, remain patient and grateful. We beseech God to send down from the heaven of His bounty mercy from His presence, grace from His side, and relief from His direction. He, verily, is the Compassionate, the Generous.

The repeated supplications at the beginning and mention of farewell at the end were both read in His presence. He said:

“O servant present! The mention of separation and farewell is most touching. Praise be to God that his tongue hath attained to praise and his being to service. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to manifest through him that which shall cause the greatest joy among mankind, to strengthen him with the waves of the sea of His utterance, and to assist him with the hosts of His favors. He, verily, hath power over all things and is worthy of answer.”

Indeed, perfect effect hath been achieved and grace and bounty are manifest and evident. We beseech God to manifest that which will cause the exaltation of His Cause and sublime station, and not to deprive His loved ones of service, remembrance, praise, presence and meeting. He, verily, is the All-Bountiful, the All-Forgiving, the Merciful.

The letter from the spiritual beloved, his honor Aqa ʿAzizu’llah, upon him be God’s peace, which that loved one sent, was received and its answer was sent some time ago. It was decided that the charitable funds should be spent in that same land, and all the mentioned souls have attained to remembrance. God willing, may all be confirmed in that which hath been revealed in the Perspicuous Book. And regarding the trust of his honor Haji Siyyid Nasru’llah, upon him be 66 [Baha’u’llah], His Holiness the Name of 66 [God] J.M., upon him be God’s peace and care, it was received and they have written and sent it. Peace, remembrance, mercy and glory be upon your honor and upon God’s righteous servants. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The servant 18 Rajab 1306

BH00999: Praise be unto the Desired One, whose purpose hath…

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

Praise be unto the Desired One, whose purpose hath ever been the salvation and protection of His servants, and whose laws and commandments have each been, in the eyes of them that are endowed with insight, a vigilant guardian that slumbereth not—each a mighty fortress and an impregnable stronghold. Exalted be His favors, all-encompassing His dominion, and manifest His grace, His mercy and His loving-kindness! And peace and blessings be upon the Source of existence, through whom were illumined the realms of hearts and minds and the cities of justice, and without whom neither would the world have come into being nor would laws and ordinances have been established among the peoples. Through Him did the river of mercy flow, the sweet savors of grace were wafted, and the waters proclaimed: “He Who is the Lord of Names hath come!” and the dust proclaimed: “The Lord of all men hath come!” and all things proclaimed: “The kingdom belongeth unto God, Creator of heaven!”

And peace be upon His family and companions, through whom appeared the proof and was made manifest the way, and through whom shone forth the light of unity amongst kings and servants, and through whom all things were given the glad-tidings of victory and triumph, and the limbs of every misbeliever who turned away and denied were made to quake.

O beloved of my heart! Thy letter, like a spiritual fragrance, bestowed spirit and joy upon the carpet of the soul and transformed the gloom of these days into gladness. Praise be to God that the effects of thy spirit-stirring pen proclaim “verily, I am ever in communion.” God knoweth that its appearance, its arrival, its perusal, and its influence are each a perfect bounty and an outpouring mercy, for every letter thereof is a volume in praise and glorification of God, exalted be His glory. And afterward, having sought audience, it was presented before the face of the Lord, Who said: “O Muhammad, upon thee be the peace of God!”

There hath befallen this Wronged One that which hath no end to its sorrow and which hath prevented the pen from writing and the tongue from speaking. Night and day have the rains of counsel poured down unremittingly from the heaven of love, yet no trace was seen from what was spoken nor fruit from what was sown. How many seeds of mature wisdom were imprisoned in barren soil! In that great city there were two souls, one “M” and one “S”, each counting themselves among the people of knowledge, faith, certitude, steadfastness and detachment. But in the end the opposite became evident and manifest, and they became the cause of the waste of the Cause in that city. Some imagined that a door of bounty had been opened and a place of justice and fairness established, the result of which would be the manifestation of human qualities and praiseworthy spiritual characteristics.

But that which appeared caused the form of justice to tremble and the tears of fairness to flow. More than this cannot be said. In any case, the true cause and reason was a single soul. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to assist His servants in that which He loveth and is pleased with, and to make known to them that which harmeth and benefiteth them. Verily, He hath power over all things and is worthy to answer.

Convey My greetings to the loved ones of that land. Praise be to God that from that company wafteth the sweet fragrance of love and spreadeth pleasing perfumes. We beseech God to increase each day their unity, harmony, humility and submissiveness, that all may become as one soul in educating the servants and refining the people of the land. Verily, He is the Answerer of prayers and the Most Merciful of the merciful.

What can this servant say? In these days a sorrow has come to pass the like of which has never been seen. One for whom the utmost love, favor and grace was shown, and for whom the means of trade were arranged, has been so consumed by the fire of jealousy that day and night he has devoted all effort against his own brother. They see no one without whispering evil words about his brother into their ear. In short, to the learned and ignorant, those within and without, friends and strangers, he has said that which has caused the servants to withdraw and avoid. Thus order in affairs has been scattered and total loss has become manifest. In one of the Tablets these blessed words were revealed from the tongue of the Master:

“He made peace with the enemy and assailed the friend, and did not manifest the name of the Concealer.”

End quote.

This servant beseeches God to raise up in that city one who will make amends for what has been lost and wasted. Glory is in His hand and power in His mighty grasp. Verily He is the All-Encompassing, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Regarding what you wrote about Aqa ʿAli, upon him be God’s peace, that a portion of his money should be taken out and put in the name of the house door—after submission they said:

“We have accepted his love and kindness, but if it reverts to himself it would be better, since until now no profit has appeared from the trades. Therefore it is best that it revert to him until God brings His grace, generosity and bounty.”

And likewise regarding what you wrote about the funds, as commanded, whatever way they deem advisable to act is acceptable. However they said that now all attention must be on external affairs, meaning endeavoring to pay external debts. I beseech God that His grace may encompass and His bounty become manifest. He is the Hearer and the Powerful.

To each of the friends in that land I offer greetings. Praise be to God, until now they have been the cause of exaltation and elevation, and this matter has certainly been and will be the cause of the descent of grace, blessing and mercy. Verily He is with His sincere servants, His righteous servants, His detached servants, those who are certain, those who are steadfast. And peace, remembrance and glory be upon you and upon those who love you and upon those servants whom nothing whatsoever has prevented from drawing near unto God, the Lord of the Mighty Throne and the Exalted Seat.

BH01148: Praise be befitting unto the Lord of existence Who…

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

Praise be befitting unto the Lord of existence Who brought creation into being for the sake of the Dawning-Place of His signs and the Dayspring of His evidences. The blessed word which shone forth from the Dayspring of utterance, the Desired One of all worlds, in the Dispensation of the Furqan bears witness to this, for He saith, glorified and exalted be He: “But for thee, I would not have created the heavens.” Absolute existence came into being through Him and was adorned with the ornament of names and attributes. The ocean of knowledge and the luminary of proof dawned and surged through Him. Were it not for Him, the pearls of inner meanings and utterance would not have appeared in the contingent world, nor would God’s pathway have been made manifest to His servants, nor would the decree of divine unity have spread throughout all lands.

Exalted be His most mighty and glorious station and His most hidden and concealed mystery! And blessings and peace be upon Him and upon the Sources of revelation and the Dawning-Places of inspiration, through whom the throne of commands and laws was established, and through whom the gates of God’s mercy were opened unto all else besides Him. Glorified be the greatness of their Creator, their Fashioner, their Provider, their Purifier, their Strengthener, and their Supporter in aiding His Cause in the kingdom of creation.

Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Thou seest Thy loved ones turning unto Thee and holding fast unto Thy cord. These are Thy servants and Thy creation who have borne hardships in Thy path and who have been, through nights and days, among wolves who have denied Thy favor, turned away from Thy face, and disputed Thy signs. O Lord! Thou seest how this servant remembers them in all conditions and beseeches from the heaven of Thy bounty and the ocean of Thy generosity that which will make them tablets of Thy remembrance among Thy creatures and scrolls of Thy names throughout Thy earth. Ordain for them, O my God, the recompense for their deeds as befitteth Thy might and grandeur, Thy bounty and grace, Thy bestowal and mercy, which have preceded all who are in the heavens and on earth. There is no God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Thereafter the letter of that honored and cherished one was received. In truth it was as a musk-pod, for from it there diffused and spread abroad the fragrance of love and affection, of remembrance and praise. And after it had been read, and praise and thanksgiving offered unto the Sustainer of the world and the Creator thereof, I turned toward the sacred Presence and laid it before the face of the Lord. He said:

Praise be to God, the tongue is occupied with the remembrance of God, the eye beholdeth the horizon of bounty, and the limbs stand ready for service–all this is from the ocean of His grace and the heaven of His bestowal. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to open through him and through His loved ones the portals of joy and gladness, of love and unity, before the faces of His servants and His creatures, and to send down upon them that which shall draw them unto Him. O Lord! Thou art He Whose verses of power and might have compassed the horizons, and in every created thing the discerning eye beholdeth the effulgences of the Day-Star of Thy majesty and sovereignty. I beseech Thee to aid them in that whereby the traces of Thy Most Beauteous Names may be spread abroad, and from them the fragrances of Thy exalted attributes be diffused, that their stations may be exalted amidst East and West, South and North. Verily, Thou art the Self-Sufficing, the Most Exalted. There is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.

And I send salutations upon Thy loved ones and Thy chosen ones who have acted in accordance with that which Thou didst reveal in Thy perspicuous Book. O Lord! Thou seest them clinging fast unto Thee and holding firmly to the hem of Thy bounty. I beseech Thee to ordain for them that which Thou hast ordained for those near unto Thee among Thy creatures and for the sincere among Thy people. Verily, Thou art God; there is none other God but Thee, the Mighty, the All-Pouring. End.

This servant beseeches and implores from God, exalted be His glory, that which will cause the exaltation of His Cause and the elevation of the station of His loved ones. Ye are remembered in all conditions and have attained the grace of His utterance. It is hoped that God, exalted be His glory, will assist the people of unity to accomplish that which will cause the harmony of hearts and the unity of souls. I beseech Him, exalted be He, to give you to drink, at every moment, from the Kawthar of His knowledge and the Salsabil of His love. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

I convey greetings to the loved ones of that land, and with utmost humility and supplication, I beseech God, exalted be His glory, for that which will increase the light of hearts and bestow from the chalice of bounty, at all times, that which is the cause of steadfastness and wondrous life. He is the All-Bountiful, Whose generosity is not prevented by the ingratitude of His servants. His gifts descend like rain, and His grace is like a surging ocean and is evident. Blessed are the people of unity whom nothing among all things, no name among all names, and no matter among all matters has prevented from turning to their Lord, the Kind, the Forgiving.

The loved ones mentioned in the letter of that honored servant were brought before Our presence, and each was blessed with the mention of the Beloved. The glances of mercy have ever been and continue to be directed towards them. May they gladden those mentioned souls through the grace of the Ever-Present Lord, so that all may gather in complete joy and delight upon the carpet of unity, and become occupied with the remembrance and praise of God, exalted be His glory. Verily, He heareth and seeth, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

That which was sent was received and accepted. Praise be to God Who assisted you to act according to His good-pleasure and enabled you to love Him, remember Him, and praise Him. Peace, glory, grace, and splendor be upon you and upon God’s loved ones, His friends, and His intimates.

The servant 18 Rajab 1306

BH01155: O My Name! Upon thee be My Glory!…

He is the Ruler in Truth and the Commander of Justice!

O My Name! Upon thee be My Glory! The letter from My Name Jamal, upon him be My Glory, was received and likewise heard. In truth, this world is not worthy nor capable of being the arena for the steed of the endeavors of God’s chosen ones. O Jamal! Consider thou the afflictions that have befallen this Wronged One, that what hath come upon thee may seem trivial in comparison. Look from what hath befallen thee to what hath befallen God. The carpet of this world is truly not worthy of joy and delight. Today, remembrance of God and attachment to Him was and is all that matters. Turn thy gaze from the deeds of men and fix it upon the deeds of God and what hath appeared from Him. These two days, the world of possibility was not and is not worthy of such mention and utterance.

In the prison of Ta, as all have heard and know, We were in fetters and chains for four months, and Our companions were mostly thieves and highwaymen. And as for food—bread that resembled that of the Sudanese people. By the life of God, in the early days, even that was not to be had! This Wronged One was brought bareheaded and barefoot in chains from Niyavaran to the prison of Tihran. That which is beyond human endurance was inflicted. Yet despite these afflictions which ye have seen, heard and know of, the tongue remained engaged in praise, the heart illumined with the greatest joy, and in prison this blessed verse was uttered:

“He is sufficient unto me and sufficient unto all things. God sufficeth as protector.”

All assured and tranquil souls uttered the same, and when their voices were raised, the prisoners would become bewildered and perplexed.

This Wronged One was repeatedly imprisoned, and all have heard of the afflictions that befell Us in the land of Mim. They paraded Us through the streets, and one day they delivered this Wronged One into the hands of the tyrannical divines. God alone knoweth what they did and said and what befell Us. For months they applied ointments and treated the wounds inflicted. Beyond all this, consider the oppression and tyranny of My brother and his followers. Wherever We went, before many days had passed, he would come and dwell in perfect comfort and honor with his known women companions—as all have heard and know—protected beneath the pavilions of protection. Yet they call him the wronged one and attribute injustice to God, exalted be His glory!

In brief, throughout all days We stood before the faces of the people and raised up the Cause of God to such a degree that both East and West of the earth heard and understood according to their capacity. Yet when the Sun of Glory dawned from the heaven of divine Will, they arose against its abasement and spoke such calumnies as had no like or equal, and not one soul among those heedless ones spoke with justice. Glory be to God! By order of the Sultan and the officials of the sublime state and Russia, We proceeded to Zawra. If this Wronged One was an oppressor, why did My brother proceed to that land and enter Our house? Furthermore, during the journey toward the Great City, he arrived in Mosul before Us and awaited Our arrival. Say: O people! Judge with fairness that which hath come to pass, that ye may distinguish the oppressor. I swear by the Sun of Proof which in this moment riseth from the horizon of the heaven of utterance!

Mashriqu’l-Akhavi did not deem himself worthy of this station, but through the instigation of Siyyid Muhammad Isfahani and another soul, he chose this abasement for himself and for the Cause. The earth of God is vast and there are many other cities and regions—why this turning to the shadow of the Wronged One, and for what reason? Reflect, O people, and be of the fair-minded! A Tablet was sent in his name to the Most Holy and Exalted Presence of the Herald. By the life of God, that Holy One became so enkindled that mention of it transcends the realm of existence. Likewise were other Tablets sent, both to the Herald and to various regions. The utterance of this Wronged One stands forth among the words of the peoples like the sun, clear and manifest. Say: Return, that ye may know, and be not of the oppressors. In days when all were hidden in fear, this Wronged One appeared with utmost power and spoke with most eloquent utterance. Neither the arrows of destiny nor the swords of tribulation prevented Him. When the light of the Cause was raised up, there occurred what all have heard and seen. Through all conditions We have been thankful and content.

O Jamal, upon thee be My glory! Erase the book of sorrows and with fresh clarity reflect on what hath been mentioned. He will open before thy face the gates of joy and gladness, of glory and delight. Verily thy Lord is powerful over whatsoever He willeth through His word “Be” and it is. Repeatedly hast thou mentioned the name of God, and He and all who circle round Him bear witness to God’s grace, bounty and kindness towards thee. Take the cup of joy from the hand of the bounty of My Most Glorious Name, then drink therefrom in spite of every caviling liar and every heedless doubter. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My mercy be upon thee and upon those with thee and upon those who love thee and hearken to thy word concerning the Cause of God, the Lord of Lords.

BH01995: In My Name, which speaketh before all faces!

In My Name, which speaketh before all faces!

We have desired to send unto thee from this Spot the ocean of utterance—this Spot which God hath made the point of adoration for the Concourse on High and the dwellers of the Most Exalted Paradise—that the greatest joy may take hold of thee through the remembrance of God, the Lord of Destiny. He hath turned unto thee with a face whereby the earth and heaven were illumined, and the Bird of Proof, warbling upon the branches, proclaimed that there is none other God but Him, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. And We desired to send unto thee from the breaths of revelation that thou mayest remind the people of My verses and give them glad tidings of that which hath appeared from My Kingdom, the Mighty, the Wondrous. Verily He changeth sorrow into gladness and grief into delight. We beseech God to make known unto His servants what He hath desired for them from His all-encompassing grace.

There hath befallen thee what befell those who drew nigh unto God from those who denied God’s proof and testimony and disputed His verses which have encompassed all who are in the heavens and on earth. Say: O people, fear God! Abandon what ye possess and take what ye have been given from One Who is All-Seeing, All-Bountiful. Cast aside the idle fancies and vain imaginings ye possess—they shall profit you not, as doth testify the Book of God, the Speaking, the Commanding, the Mighty, the Wise.

That honored one hath ever been and still is mentioned before this Wronged One. Blessed are they who gaze with divine sight and hearing. By the life of God! Their eyes and ears shall profit them not, nor what they possess of the whisperings of those who have denied the Day of Judgment. That honored one and the company of the fair-minded bear witness that this Wronged One hath at all times enjoined upon the peoples of the earth in general such counsels and wisdom as would extinguish the fire of hatred and sedition, conflict and corruption; and particularly hath given to the people of Baha counsels which, were they to be cast upon the rock, it would cry out and proclaim; and were they to be cast upon the earth, it would be stirred in attraction and circle round; and were they to be cast toward the heaven, it would be moved and would exclaim:

“O people of creation! Be fair in the cause of God, then consider what hath appeared in truth. Deny not His favors, neither reject His signs, nor turn aside from His loved ones. Present yourselves and hearken unto that which will draw you nigh unto God and acquaint you with the path of justice and teach you His Cause whereof ye were promised in His Books and Scriptures. Be not of them that remain patient.”

We beseech God to assist all, that ye may hear from thee what We have imparted unto thee in this Most Great, Most Mighty, Most Ancient, Most Powerful Cause which dominateth every small and great thing. That honored one must, at all times, with wisdom and utterance, make the people aware, that all may arise to serve, detached from all else that beseemeth not the days of God, and hold fast unto that which is befitting. Today the land and sea, nay all things, are raising their call and summoning the servants unto that which is meet. We beseech God to bestow attentive ears that all may hear and hold fast unto that which they are commanded.

Thy letter was received and the fragrance of thy praise and remembrance hath been diffused throughout the cities and regions of the fair-minded. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to assist thee with the hosts of knowledge and wisdom that thou mayest draw the people nigh unto Him. Verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer. Should anyone resolve upon it, the Book shall be sent. The Glory be upon thee from Us and upon whomsoever heareth thy word in this manifest Cause.

BH06512: O Na’im! We bear witness that thou hast attained…

…O Na’im! We bear witness that thou hast attained to Our mention, and through thy name there have appeared from the treasuries of My Most Exalted Pen the pearls of wisdom and utterance, that thou mayest thank thy Lord, the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. Through My remembrance all things have spoken: “The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the Lord of the worlds.” There hath befallen thee and My loved ones that which hath caused the cities of God’s justice to lament, the Lord of the Mighty Throne….

BH01711: O Javad! Upon thee be the glory of Him…

He is the Helper through His manifest Cause.

O Javad! Upon thee be the glory of Him Who is the Lord of all creation in the beginning and in the end. Blessed art thou, and bliss be thine, inasmuch as thou hast taken God for thy Guardian and Lord, and hast chosen for thyself, beneath the shadow of the pavilions of glory, an exalted station.

The letter of Jinab-i-Husayn—upon him be My glory—which thou didst send unto the Most Holy Presence was admitted unto the grace of His regard and hearing. We perceived therefrom the fragrance of his steadfastness in the Cause of God, the Lord of the worlds, the Sovereign of the nations, and He Who hath appeared in the Most Great Name. We beseech God to strengthen and assist him in that which befitteth his days and is worthy of His sovereignty, and to open before his face the doors of loving-kindness and tender favors. Verily, He is the All-Powerful, the Mighty, the Bestower.

And in his letter was mention made of him who is named Ali before Askar, whom We had aforetime commemorated in such wise that all things uttered that whereunto the Tongue of Grandeur gave voice: God—there is none other God but Him, the Single, the One, the Lord supreme over all who are in the heavens and on the earth. We beseech God, exalted be He, to ordain for him that which He hath ordained for the sincere among His servants and the near ones among His creatures, and to aid him in that which shall endure so long as the kingdom of earth and heaven shall endure. Verily, He is the All-Powerful, the Chooser. The light shining resplendent from the horizon of the heaven of My bounty rest upon him, and upon those with him, and upon every servant who hath believed in God at the end.

Make mention of Bahram, upon him be My glory. His name hath repeatedly been set forth by the Pen of the Most High. Praise be to God! He hath drunk from the Euphrates of God’s mercy, hearkened to His summons, and recognized His signs. In this Day the signs of God are manifest in all directions, and the ocean of His providence is surging before the faces of mankind. Blessed is that soul who hath recognized Him and attained His good-pleasure, and woe betide him that hath erred and doubted. God willing, he will attain the station of servitude to the Cause, even though he hath already attained and testified thereto. That about which he enquireth this time hath been mentioned in two Tablets revealed by the Pen of the Most High. Divine confirmation hath been vouchsafed and will continue to be vouchsafed unto those who are detached from the world, who desire Him, and who are sincere. From time immemorial the glances of divine mercy have turned towards and will turn towards those who remember Him. Blessed are they, for theirs is the excellence of the Day of Return.

O Bahram! Thou hast enquired about His Holiness Zoroaster. He came from God and summoned mankind to divine guidance. The fire of love was ablaze in His hand. Although he came with the fire of divine love and revealed the Book of laws and commandments, the heedless failed to apprehend His station and did not recognize His Revelation. The Shi’ih, by reason of their heedlessness and ignorance, have rejected Him.

Gracious God! The people of Iran, despite their capacity for understanding the realities of things, are deprived. For centuries and ages they have turned in prayer to God, asking and yearning to attain His presence, but as soon as the Luminary of Hope shone forth and dawned above the morning horizon of His Will, all rushed forward to attack Him with the swords of hatred and demanded the shedding of His most pure blood. At this moment, they are standing upon their pulpits, uttering their curses and imprecations. Thus have they seduced their own selves, and in this Day they are reckoned among the oppressors in His unerring Book. By holding fast to that which is imaginary, they have deprived themselves of the truth. They are confused by idle fancies and bereft of the light of certainty. However, since His mercy is all pervading and since these days are the springtide of His heavenly favor, it is incumbent upon all, with hearts free of malice and rancor, to beseech God to guide all people. Perchance He will cause the ocean of bounty to surge, and will attire all in the blessed vesture of forgiveness.

O Bahram! Know this with absolute certainty. Firstly, He came with the Fire from the presence of the Friend and enkindled the extinguished element, and secondly, He gave His testimony concerning the Fire. The knowledge is with thy Lord. He is the Truth, the Knower of things unseen.

Our glory rest upon him who attained My presence and hearkened to My call, upon thee, and upon the one named Ali Askar in the Book of God, the Lord of the visible and the invisible.

BH02124: O Ruhani, upon thee be My glory and My…

He is the All-Bountiful, the All-Merciful

O Ruhani, upon thee be My glory and My mercy and My loving-kindness! The Most Great Ocean hath, at this moment, willed to send thee a pearl from among the pearls of the shell of His bounty, mounted upon the form of a word, and the Palm Tree of Grace hath desired to send thee, as a gift, from among the fresh dates of inner meanings and utterance, and the Keeper of Paradise, who is named Ridvan, hath willed to send thee, in the form of letters, from among the fruits of the supreme Paradise. Each of these mentioned bounties and these recorded words is a speaking herald of divine grace and mercy and loving-kindness concerning that leaf. Give thanks unto thy Lord for this great bounty! Thy poetry in praise of the Peerless Beloved, and likewise thy prose, have been heard and honored with supreme grace. Blessed art thou and thy tongue, and blessed art thou and thy utterance! God hath heard thy call and what thou didst compose and recite out of love for God, the Single, the One, the Alone, the Self-Subsisting, Who begetteth not nor is begotten.

Today the rain of divine mercy is streaming and descending from the clouds of heavenly grace. The effulgences of the light of the Orb of His generosity have encompassed all existence, and the waves of the sea of benevolence have encompassed the world. Praise be to God, the peerless and incomparable pearl of divine love hath found its dwelling place in the treasury of the heart. The treasuries and riches and bounty and wealth of the world cannot compare with this testimony that hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen. Blessed art thou, O my leaf and dawning-place of My love! Thou art she who hath taken the cup of bounty in the name of the Lord of Names and Creator of heaven, and drunk therefrom through My mention, the Mighty, the Wondrous.

Say: O company of lovers! Today the horizons are illumined with the light of Beauty. Beseech ye God that He may aid you in that which beseemeth His bounty and generosity and His Revelation. Glory be to God! At every moment We behold Sinai in a different state: Batha is astir, the Holy City is soaring, and the land of the divine purpose is in motion. And the reality of existence speaketh with this word:

“The world hath been illumined through the dawning of the Dayspring of Revelation. He, verily, is the Speaker on Sinai and the Caller in His Frequented Fane.”

This is the station which God hath made the point of adoration for such of His servants as are nigh unto Him, and for such of His creation as are sincere.

Give thou the glad-tidings to the handmaidens of that land from the Wronged One, and illumine them with the light of the Sun of divine utterance. We beseech God that He may adorn all with that which is the cause of the sanctification and glorification of His Cause. Verily, He is powerful over all things. O My leaf, upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness! The bounty of God is even as the sun, manifest and evident. Rejoice thou in this most exalted Word! We bestowed thy reasoned treatise upon Ali-Qabli-Akbar. Verily thy Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Generous. Thy mention hath ever been and will continue to be remembered. Rejoice thou once again in the cups of My bounty, and thank thy Lord for the chalice of My grace, and praise through the ocean of My generosity. The glory from Us be upon thee and upon My servants and My handmaidens who have cast aside their own desires, holding fast to My prevailing Will and My conquering Purpose and My wondrous Command.

BH03665: O Salman! Upon thee be the glory…

…O Salman! Upon thee be the glory of the All-Merciful! Wert thou to discover what hath been ordained for thee, thou wouldst soar upon the wings of longing in this atmosphere wherein none have soared save those who have detached themselves from all else besides Me. Verily thy Lord is the All-Merciful, the Bountiful. Thou hast been mentioned time after time and repeatedly with that which shall endure through the perpetuity of the Kingdom of God, the Lord of the worlds. We have revealed for thee and for those whom thou hast mentioned that which the comprehension of those possessed of understanding and the reckoning of those who reckon have failed to grasp the station thereof. The glory from Us be upon thee and upon them and upon those who have acknowledged, with their inner and outer tongues, the oneness of God and His singleness and His grandeur and His sovereignty, and upon every steadfast and upright one. Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise….

BH00412: All praise befitteth the peerless Lord Who began…

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

All praise befitteth the peerless Lord Who began with the letter Ba and made manifest the final Alif, and adorned the form of Ha with these two luminaries. Thus were completed the pillars of the all-embracing Word, and the mystery of God, Lord of all creation, was revealed. Blessings and peace be upon the Dawning-Place of the Light of Oneness and the Dayspring of the signs of Divine Unity, through Whom God united all hearts and minds and revealed what was hidden from sight and understanding. And upon His family and companions, whom God made as waves of the ocean of His utterance and manifestations of the effulgences of the Orb of His knowledge—those honored servants whom neither armies and hosts could frighten, nor the might of those who denied the Promised Day. They conquered cities and lands in the name of their Chosen Lord. The power of the world and might of nations failed to stop them. Through them the fragrance of religion was diffused and the Cause of God was spread among the believers and unbelievers.

Glory be to Thee, O my God, Purpose of my heart, Beloved of my soul, Master of my tears, and Sovereign of my sighs! Thou dost witness and see what hath befallen Thy chosen ones at the hands of the oppressors among Thy creatures. Tears have flowed and hearts and souls have been troubled by the injustice of those who cast behind them the manifestations of Thy justice and bounty, and the signs of Thy forgiveness and grace. I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst manifest Thy religion among Thy servants and Thy decree in Thy lands, to assist all peoples to servitude before the manifestations of Thy Lordship and the revelations of the lights of Thy grandeur. Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

And further: O beloved of my heart, the two blessed letters—each of which was truly a volume in mention of the Purpose of all worlds and a book in praise and glorification of the Lord of all religions—illumined the court of the heart and dispelled the darkness of care and grief. Its power was manifest from God’s power and its strength evident from the arm of might. After perusal and reading, proceeding to the station, it was presented before the face of the Master, Who said:

“O Amin, upon thee be 96 [Baha’u’llah]. The light of the horizons hath been veiled by the darkness of discord. God, exalted be His glory, desired unity but they created division. He sought concord but upheaval appeared. They rejected His counsels and refused His favors. Treachery, like the swords of oppressors, hath shed the blood of trustworthiness. This supreme blessing, which was truly the cause of wealth and assurance for all beings, they failed to recognize its station and let slip from their grasp. In the great city there were two souls, in hope that the door of trustworthiness, religion, praiseworthy character and goodly deeds would be opened. However, the door of discord, treachery, dissension and abasement was opened instead. Finally matters reached such a pass that trustworthiness chose to migrate from that place, and it is not known where that helpless one has gone or into whose hands it has fallen. In any case, one of those two made peace with the enemy and attacked the friend, and did not manifest the name of the Concealer. These words flowed repeatedly from the Pen to express His grief and reveal His sorrow. The end result was the loss of human stations and the ranks of trustworthiness and religion. Well was it said:

The flood of Noah, in my lamentation, is as my tears, And the kindling of the fires of the Friend [Abraham] is as my anguish.

The Pen is thunderstruck at this moment and the ink bewildered. Your letters arrived and each was read before Our face. We heard and We saw. We beseech God to protect you and those with you, and to set right through you both that which has been corrupted. Verily, He is the Lord of all beings and the Judge on the Day of Reckoning.

O Amin! I do not complain of my grief to you, nor to anyone else, nor even to God. Rather, I thank Him, praise Him, and show patience as did those possessed of constancy and resolve. We make mention of the honored Afnan and those with him—may God’s peace be upon them—and We congratulate them, and We beseech from the Truth for each one that which will cause the knowledge of His sacred Being to be exalted. Verily, He is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to assist His Afnans and to ordain for them that which will cause their influence to spread throughout the realm. Verily, He has power over all things.”

This evanescent servant has been seized with bewilderment at the events that have transpired, swimming in an ocean of perplexity and contemplation, for what has occurred in the Great City has harmed the trustworthiness, religiosity, truthfulness and sincerity of the believers. The rest is clear to that beloved one—what has passed and what is now passing. Aqa Muhammad ʿAli’s (of the Land of Sad) occupation was separate, his affairs distinct, having no connection whatsoever with the Shaykh—upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah]. Nevertheless, he tore away the veil of contentment and arose with complete greed to harm and show enmity toward the Shaykh. Would that he had sufficed with himself alone! Day and night, before those within and without, he was aflame with the fire of greed and strove diligently to destroy the Shaykh’s work. And according to what is known, the Shaykh’s trade was also confused for two reasons: for whatever one would build up, another would tear down, and in some transactions losses occurred.

Glory be to God! The aforementioned soul ignited a fire which all reformers declared themselves powerless to extinguish. The honored master, his eminence the Afnan of the Land of Ya, upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah] the Most Glorious, wrote a detailed letter to this servant. Among other things, he complained about the trade in the Great City and mentioned that his honored eminence the Afnan of the Land of Ha and he himself deemed it advisable to close the door of trade in that city, as did the other honored Afnans—upon them be the Most Glorious Glory of God. They wrote that if it is necessary for an establishment to remain open in that city, that is another matter and depends upon the will—whatever is commanded shall be done.

In truth, they should consider whether any benefit from trade can be conceived—there would be no harm in that. However, it does not appear that with the presence of that person the fire of greed will be quelled or any fruit will be yielded. In one instance, this exalted word was heard from the Lord. He said: It would be difficult for that ship, with the weight of a world of its own merchandise of suspicions, vain imaginings, greed and avarice, to reach its destination except by the will of God, the Lord of all worlds.

Furthermore, that beloved of the heart will arrive there and become aware of the state of affairs and what has transpired. Whatever they deem advisable will surely be carried out. To the honored master, his eminence the Afnan—upon him be 9 66 [Baha’u’llah] the Most Glorious—I know not what to submit or what to express. Praise be to the One True God who hath exalted them to such heights that no abasement can reach them, and adorned them with such glory that neither the might of the world nor the power of nations can diminish it. Glorified be He Who hath raised them through His grace and strengthened them through His justice and illumined their eyes with the light of revelation and witnessing, and their hearts with the radiance of the luminous orb of His knowledge and recognition. Verily our Lord is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. No mention is worthy to be mentioned with His mention, nor are the bestowals of the world comparable to His bestowals. This servant beseecheth his Lord to make them repositories of His knowledge and treasuries of His wisdom. Verily He is the Helper, the All-Knowing. Peace, remembrance and praise be upon you and upon God’s righteous servants. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The servant 29 Rajab 1306

He is God, exalted is He!

At this moment when the letter was concluded, other passages came to mind, the expression of which would both manifest the degrees of love and affection and also answer the queries of that beloved of the heart. In all conditions I seek assistance from the Self-Sufficient One and beseech Him that whatsoever floweth from the pen may be adorned with love, justice and fairness. Verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer, and He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Therefore, I begin anew with this most blessed and supreme word:

In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds, and blessing and peace be upon the Lord of the Messengers and Master of the mystics and Dawning-Place of the names of God, the King of the Day of Judgment and the Source of His knowledge for all who are in the heavens and the earth. Through Him was sent down the heavenly table, mercy preceded, and the bounty and proof were perfected. And upon His family and companions through whom God manifested His Cause and revealed His verses and made evident His clear proofs, and through whom the Herald proclaimed that there is no God but Him, the Single, the One, the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

And further: another letter from that beloved of the heart—its place was the heart and its station the breast, for it was illumined with the light of the luminous orb of unity and adorned with the mention and praise of the Glorious Lord. Although the unity and oneness we servants express is like the description of an ant, as the saying goes, yet as long as the mention of the Beloved exists, the heart hath not chosen and will not choose any other mention. This too is from the results of His favors and the fruits of His bounties. The contents therein, together with the letter in its entirety, were presented before the Master. He said:

“O Amin, upon thee be the peace of God, the Lord of the worlds. Due to your movement and attention and mention of today and tomorrow, the answer to the petitions was delayed. If Mount Alburz in the land of Ta had moved, it would have reached its destination sooner than you. Patience hath surpassed Job, and stillness is more firm, more steady, and more secure than any stationary thing. A hundred thousand mercies upon staying still! This journey was like a moving stationary object that was mentioned before. In any case, praise be to God, the hand of grace bestowed favor, showed kindness, moved the Afnan through a hundred thousand means, and preserved him through the hosts of the seen and unseen. Verily He is the Protector of His Afnan and of the sincere ones among His servants and the righteous ones among His bondsmen. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to cool your eyes through beholding the Most Great House and to give you to drink of the choice wine of acceptance from the hand of the bounty of His Most Ancient Name. Verily He is the All-Bountiful in the beginning and in the end. There is no God but He, the Self-Sufficient, the Most Exalted.”

End.

As to the matters mentioned concerning the Huquq and other things, authority has been delegated to that beloved one. The matter of Haji Muhammad Kazim, upon him be God’s peace, has also been referred to you according to the command, and it was arranged that the mentioned amount should reach that beloved one. Likewise, whatever is in that place is according to your mention, and if it can be obtained it would be most fitting and appropriate. They said: “We have incurred some debt in the Land of Ta. God willing, after attaining the presence it will be mentioned and instructions will be given for its payment.” The amount for the Land of Ha has not yet arrived, but it has been assigned and will arrive. They said: “O Amin, upon thee be My peace and My glory! These matters have passed and will pass.

This year some holy souls attained Our presence and We accepted an amount of Huquq they brought, which We then bestowed upon them. After attaining, hearing and witnessing, they turned toward the House of God, and upon returning from the House some came to this land and, having obtained permission, returned to their homes in the lands of Iran. However, what occurred in the Great City was affecting—truly sanctity was violated and the dignity of souls was transformed to abasement. It was not expected that a friend would conspire with the enemy against the loved ones and would sully pure, holy and pleasing characters with the filth of self and passion. He did what no heedless one had done. In any case, beseech God to confirm him in returning, that he may cut himself off from the opposers and strengthen the cord of love with the loved ones. We beseech God to confirm him and those who have believed in what He loves and accepts.” The reason for the delay in responding to that beloved one’s letters was those reports that arrive today and tomorrow. Some came but the one who should have come did not come, namely his honor Afnan and that beloved one. In any case, I beseech confirmation and assistance from God, exalted be His glory.

Another submission is that some of the honored gentlemen have delivered some funds—for example they gave the amount for the House in Iraq, and likewise what they gave according to the assignment to the family of his honor the Nazir, upon him be 96 [Baha’u’llah]. The purpose is that the account should be settled and completed with justice. Whatever else Amin does or arranges will be acceptable.

BH01683: Praise be to the gracious, merciful Lord, Who alone…

In the name of God, exalted be His glory, grandeur and power!

Praise be to the gracious, merciful Lord, Who alone is worthy and deserving, Whose gates of forgiveness are ever-surging, and Whose ocean of pardon and bounty lies before all faces. And blessings and peace be upon those through whom God’s verses and ordinances were spread abroad and His sovereignty and commands were made manifest, and upon their families and companions through whom God illumined the world with the light of His oneness and the radiance of His knowledge.

The letter from that honored brother arrived at a time when sorrows over recent events had seized all pillars. As it conveyed news of your well-being, it brought some joy. This servant beseeches his Lord to strengthen and assist you in that which will exalt the names and manifest noble qualities. The purpose of that honored brother’s remaining in that land is that human qualities and his station may be spread in that city, and that the fragrance of trustworthiness, religion, chastity, truthfulness, sincerity and faithfulness may be diffused. There is still hope that, God willing, you will arise to make up for what was lost.

Regarding what was mentioned about obtaining permission concerning the person from whom the Nazir (upon him be 66 9 [Baha’u’llah]) purchased the papers—that you would identify him and establish that he obtained the papers from him rather than finding them in transit—if this statement truly has basis, certainly make it known and present it to the honored master, His Holiness the Afnan (upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God), so that all may know and understand that you are truthful in your statements and can prove it with clear evidence. If this matter is proven, it would be very good. O brother, I tell you truthfully this matter cannot be overlooked. They are ever observant of justice and fairness. You yourself know that the purpose is to establish harmony and unity between hearts. If this matter is truly proven, one can speak of you and likewise assist in affairs.

The store of the honored Shaykh (upon him be the glory of God) had and has no connection whatsoever to this place. I swear by the Master (may our spirits be sacrificed for Him) that these words are true. Some have supposed it has some connection here—God forbid! His Holiness the Afnan sought permission to open a store purely for business and earning, and permission was granted. And you know that they have made every matter contingent on consultation, and whatever judgment emerges from consultation, they have endorsed and will endorse.

Those like yourself should be the cause of manifesting praiseworthy qualities. They should hold fast to justice, kindness and fairness so that all may attest to that which bespeaks the loftiness of human station. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to assist you in that which contains good and benefit for yourself and other servants. If you prove this matter according to what you have written, it will bring joy and happiness. But if, God forbid, it is not established and made clear, it will cause endless shame, for mention of you has been good from the earliest days until now and has spread everywhere. Every fair-minded sage and every knowledgeable mystic bears witness to this. In any case, I seek assistance from God, exalted be His glory. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, the All-Generous.

My God, my God! You know and see that this servant desires by his mention only the sanctification of Your servants and their purification from what You have forbidden them in Your Book. O Lord! Adorn them with the ornament of trustworthiness, justice, truthfulness and sincerity. Verily You have power over whatsoever You will. There is no God but You, the Forgiving, the Generous.

BH02217: God testifieth that there is none other God but…

He is the Bestower, the Ordainer, the Munificent, the All-Wise.

God testifieth that there is none other God but Him. All greatness and might, all glory and power belong unto Him. Nothing whatsoever keepeth Him from being occupied with any other thing and no matter preventeth Him from dealing with another. He doeth whatsoever He pleaseth, by virtue of His sovereign might. He, verily, is the Almighty, the Help in Peril, the All-Glorious, the All-Knowing.

God testifieth that there is none other God but Him, and that the One Who speaketh forth is the Speaker on Sinai, Who hath dawned above the horizon of revelation, and through Whom the mysteries have been unveiled, the stream have gushed forth, and all that was from everlasting concealed in the books of God, the Help in Peril, the Self Subsisting, hath been revealed. He it is through Whom attainment unto the Presence of God hath been realized in this day, a day whose mention hath adorned all the sacred books and scriptures. Blessed be the one who hath met Him, well assured of meeting and being reunited with God. Such a soul is indeed among them that have truly apprehended that which the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’an, and We bear that he is numbered with the people of certitude in the preserved tablet.

Praise be to God, Who is peerless in His beauty and incomparable in His majesty, Who perisheth not, Who hath ever been, and will ever be, sanctified above all peer or likeness, and Who shall remain hidden and concealed till He appeareth in His meridian glory and summoneth all mankind unto Himself, the All-Possessing, the Most High.

Exalted be God, the Sovereign Lord, Who hath created love and made it to be the greatest sign and an affliction for all humanity. Every mighty heart is humbled before its sovereignty, and every radiant countenance hath paled before its penetrating power and awesome majesty. Love, verily, is the animator of the world and the attractor of the hearts of men. It is the best of adornments and the dispeller of every affliction. It entereth the hearts, though not as physical things enter into each other, and it conquereth the kingdoms of existence, though not as kings triumph over earthly realms. Yea, love is silent, yet speaketh forth; it is compassionate, yet revengeth men’s wrongs. In truth it is a light that hath shone forth above the horizon of His name, the Most Beauteous, and enrapturing thereby every people and tribe.

It is that which God hath chosen for His own Self in the Day of Resurrection, and through which He hath shed the splendors of His light upon all creation. Whereupon the leaves have rustled, and the horizons have been illumined, and the lovers have sighed, and the nightingale hath trilled out its melody in the Day of the Covenant, saying:

“He Who is the King of Eternity and the Best Beloved of the Worlds is come!”

Established upon the Throne of names, He verily speaketh forth in the prison of Akka on this day wherein the horizon of felicity hath been illumined by this, that the Lord of revelation hath bestowed upon one named Javad, who for a number of years hath circled with love and devotion round His mighty throne, a handmaiden who hath journeyed to attain this spot from whence is issued the decree of the beginning and the end.

O Lord of the worlds and Educator of all who are in the heavens and on the earth! I beseech Thee by Thy Names, the Joyous and the Sorrowful, the Manifest and the Hidden, to bless these two souls, to ordain between them love and affection, and to protect them from the mischief of such as have disbelieved in Thy days and caviled at Thy signs. I beseech Thee, moreover, O my God, to write down for them both, by Thy Most Exalted Pen, the good of this world and of the world to come. Potent art Thou to do what pleaseth Thee. None other God is there but Thee, the Exalted, the Mighty, the Powerful, the All Wise.

BH04867: O Ahmad! Upon thee be My glory! A while…

He is the One Who gazeth from the horizon of manifestation!

O Ahmad! Upon thee be My glory! A while ago mention of thee flowed from the Most Exalted Pen, and likewise before that time. Today the Kawthar of knowledge floweth from the Pen of the All-Merciful, and the Euphrates of mercy descendeth as rain from the heaven of the chosen One’s grace.

Say: O people! Today the gate of knowledge is opened, and the ocean of bounty is surging, and the sun of generosity is shining. Cast aside what ye possess and take what ye are commanded by God, the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days. Say: Beware lest ye deprive yourselves of the outpourings of the days of God, the Lord of the worlds. The hidden hath appeared yet ye know not, and the treasured hath emerged yet ye remain heedless thereof. Fear God and reject not the truth through what ye possess. Cast aside the tales of old, turning unto God, the Lord of all humanity. Verily He heareth and seeth, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

O Ahmad! Make mention of all the friends on behalf of this Wronged One, and likewise the handmaidens of God. By My life! All have been and are remembered. Convey My glorification to him who is named Yusuf. We have mentioned him before and sent him that whereby he findeth the fragrance of his Lord’s grace, the All-Bountiful, the All-Generous. We beseech God to assist His party there and make them the standards of His guidance amidst the servants and the banners of His remembrance throughout the lands. Verily He is the Powerful, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

The glory from Us be upon thee and upon My friends and handmaidens who have drunk the choice wine of My recognition from the hands of My command, the Mighty, the Wondrous.

BH05497: This is a Book sent down by the Lord…

He is the One Who calleth betwixt earth and heaven.

This is a Book sent down by the Lord of Names and Creator of Heaven unto him who hath turned to God, the Lord of Lords. Let not the happenings of the world grieve thee, nor the veils of those who have denied God, the Lord of all mankind, prevent thee.

Say: Glory be unto Thee, O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name that hath dominion over all names, and by the movement of Thy Most Exalted Pen whereby all things were set in motion, to ordain for me through the Pen of Destiny that which will draw me nigh unto Thee and protect me from the evil of Thine enemies who have broken Thy Covenant and Testament, denied Thy proof and rejected Thy evidence.

O Lord! The thirst of separation hath destroyed me. Where is the springwater of Thy reunion, O Thou in Whose grasp lieth the reins of all who are in Thy earth and heaven? By Thy might and Thy majesty and Thy power and Thy dominion, this servant feareth the onslaught of the self and its desires. I wish to entrust my being into the hands of Thy grace and bounty, that Thou mayest preserve it from its evil, its transgression and its heedlessness.

O Lord! Thou seest Thy servant who hath detached himself from all else but Thee, clinging to the cord of Thy generosity. I beseech Thee not to disappoint me of that which Thou hast ordained for Thy trusted ones and Thy chosen ones, and to ordain for me that which will gladden mine eyes and bring rest to my heart. Verily Thou art the Lord of the servants and the Ruler in the beginning and the end.

BH05261: Praise be to God Who hath sent down…

He is the Guardian over all names!

Praise be to God Who hath sent down the verses and manifested the clear proofs and guided all to the straight path. Among the people are those who have turned towards Him and those who have turned away, those who have hesitated and those who have hastened, those who have responded and those who have chosen silence for themselves, and those who have taken vain imaginings as their god instead of God. We testify that such are among the most lost in the Book of God, the Lord of the beginning and the end.

O son of Kazim, upon him and upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness! We made mention of thy father aforetime in words that caused the very essence of remembrance to quiver, and through an utterance by which the Kingdom soared unto the Help in Peril, the Almighty. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to aid thee to attain unto such steadfastness as neither the clamor of the people can shake nor the oppression of the Pharaohs in the land can prevent.

When thou takest the cup of Mine utterance in My Name, say:

“My God, my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst subdue the world and illuminate the hearts of the nations, to make me in all conditions to hold fast unto Thee, to speak forth Thy praise, to turn toward Thy horizon, and to arise to serve Thy Cause. O my Lord! Thou seest the oppressed one seeking the ocean of Thy justice, and the weary one the kingdom of Thy utterance. I beseech Thee to assist me in that which beseemeth Thy days. Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the Exalted, the Unconstrained.”

BH05417: The ocean of divine knowledge has surged through His…

The ocean of divine knowledge has surged through His Name, the All-Merciful.

God testifies that there is none other God but Him. His are the greatness and power, the glory and choice. He gives life and death, and He is the Mighty, the Supreme, the Glorious, the All-Bountiful. God bears witness that there is none other God but Him and He Who has come with the truth is indeed the Sovereign of Revelation, the Speaker on Sinai. Through Him the trumpet was sounded, the dead arose from their graves, and the Herald called out from a near place: “The Kingdom belongs to God, the Almighty, the Glorious, the All-Bestowing.”

Your letter has come before the Wronged One. We have answered you with a Tablet which God has made the Dawning-Place of Tablets. When you perceive its fragrance and read its verses, say:

“Glory be to Thee, O my God! Thine are the bounty and the favors. I beseech Thee by Thy Most Great Name through which Thou didst separate between the nations and didst manifest what was hidden in Thy knowledge and treasured in the repository of Thy wisdom, to make me aided in all conditions to remember Thee and praise Thee. Verily Thou art the Mighty, the Glorious, the All-Bountiful. O my Lord! I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance and the mysteries of Thy Book to ordain for me that which will benefit me in my life and after my death. Verily Thou art my Lord, my Master and my Creator. There is none other God but Thee, the One Who has power over whatsoever He willeth through Thy command by which Thou hast subdued the horizons.”

BH05658: Today the Book of God with eloquent and persuasive…

In the Name of the Director of the world and the Beloved of nations!

Today the Book of God with eloquent and persuasive tongue calls all and invites them to the supreme horizon. Blessed is the ear that hath attained and blessed is the eye that hath not been deprived of beholding. O peoples of the earth! The Most Great Scene hath been adorned with the Lord of Destiny, and calleth out at all times:

“Glory and greatness and power and exaltation belong unto God, the Almighty, the Glorious, the Beneficent!”

O Muhammad! Thy letter was received and attained unto hearing, and We make mention of thee in this Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet. Blessed art thou and blessed is he who hath held fast unto the cord of God, the Lord of Lords. When thou hast received My Tablet, say:

“Praise be unto Thee, O my God, for having remembered me while Thou wert imprisoned amidst Thy servants. I beseech Thee by Thy Pen and its ink, and by that which hath appeared before the hands of Thy will, to ordain for me that which will protect me from the croaking of every croaker who hath disbelieved in Thee and in Thy signs. O Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I hold fast unto Thee and unto Thy cord. I beseech Thee by the Dawning-Places of Thy Cause and the Sources of Thy Revelation and the Recipients of Thy knowledge to make mention of my father who hath ascended unto Thee in the Crimson Book from Thy Most Exalted Pen. There is no God but Thee, the All-Bountiful, the All-Generous.”

BH06670: Thou hast been mentioned before the Wronged One…

He is the One Who speaks in the Kingdom of Utterance.

Thou hast been mentioned before the Wronged One on this Day whereon the sealed wine hath been unsealed through the Name of God, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting. O thou who hast turned to My horizon! Hear My call from the precincts of the Prison. Verily He is God, the Single, the One, the All-Compelling over what hath been and what shall be. He who loved Me mentioned thee, and We mention thee again with a Tablet that beareth witness before all mankind. The gate of heaven hath been opened and the Lord of the Kingdom of Names hath come with manifest sovereignty. When thou attainest unto My Book say:

Glory be unto Thee, O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name, the Bestower, and by Thy Name, the All-Bountiful, to ordain for me that which shall profit me and abide with me in every world of Thy worlds. And I beseech Thee, O my God, by my presence before Thy face in Thy prison, and by Thy call which hath been raised at all times amongst Thy servants, to make me one of those who have aided Thy Cause through wisdom and utterance. Then protect me through the hosts of the unseen and the seen from those who have disbelieved in Thee and Thy signs, and denied Thy proof and Thy testimony. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the Unconstrained.

BH06672: The mountains have passed away through the verses…

He is the Hearer, the Answerer!

The mountains have passed away through the verses of God, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. Those who lay in the graves have arisen at the call of Him Who conversed on Sinai. The Balance hath been appointed by command of the All-Merciful, and the Path hath been set up before all faces, yet most of the people perceive it not. They have turned away from the ocean of knowledge, clinging to their vain imaginings—nay, they do not understand. Say: By God the Truth! The Book hath been sent down through grace, and the Trumpet hath been sounded—and it is My Most Exalted Pen, whereby We have both given and taken away. Verily thy Lord is the One Who hath power over whatsoever He willeth through His word “Be” and it is.

O Abu’l-Qasim! Adorn thy head with the crown of My Most Great Name, and thy temple with the ornament of steadfastness in this Announcement, whereby the foot of every veiled scholar hath slipped and every deprived mystic hath gone astray. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My loving-kindness be upon thee and upon him who is named Ahmad. Remind him of My verses and give him the glad-tidings of My tender mercy. We beseech God to aid him to remember and praise Him amongst His servants. Verily He is the Hearer, and verily He is the Answerer.

BH07244: This is a Book sent down by the Creator…

In the Name of Him Who is supreme over all names.

This is a Book sent down by the Creator of the heavens unto him who hath turned towards Him and believed in Him and His signs on a day wherein all people have turned away save whom God, the Almighty, the All-Powerful, hath willed.

O Nasru’llah! Hearken with thy spiritual ear unto the call of the faithful counselor. Today the divine decree in the holy scriptures and tablets is to sanctify oneself from all that preventeth man from that which beseemeth him. Likewise He hath enjoined upon all to assist the Cause, and hath explicitly specified, without any interpretation, that assistance consisteth in teaching the Cause. The helper and sustainer hath been and is goodly deeds and praiseworthy character. Therefore must the people of God hold fast unto that which hath been mentioned and engage, according to their capacity, in reforming the world and refining the souls of nations.

We have mentioned thee before, and thy father who hath ascended to the Supreme Companion, and We have revealed for him that from which the fragrance of the loving-kindness of his Lord, the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful, is diffused. Praise be unto Him, for He is the Goal of them that know and the Beloved of them that are nigh.

BH07846: Praise be to God! Thou hast attained unto…

He is the Hearer, the Answerer

Praise be to God! Thou hast attained unto that for which the world of existence hath been brought into being. Thou hast hearkened unto that which the company of the near ones, throughout the nights and days, would beseech the Goal of all mankind to hear. Some time ago We made mention of the friends, including mention of Shafi?, upon him be My glory, and We sent it forth. We beseech God to honor His loved ones with His Tablet and to acquaint them with what lieth concealed in its words of the oceans of His knowledge, and to aid them to remain steadfast in the Most Great Steadfastness, whereby neither shall the names hold them back from their Lord nor the tales of old from their Sovereign. He, verily, is the Almighty, the All-Compelling, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Thou art he who hath gained mention by Me time and again and hast drunk the choice wine of utterance from the hand of My bounty. We counsel thee to preserve what We have bestowed upon thee. Verily thy Lord is the Counselor, the All-Knowing. The glory from Us be upon thee and upon My loved ones in that place, and upon My handmaidens who have believed in the One, the All-Informed.

BH07781: Say: Glory be unto Thee, O Lord, O Treasure…

He is the One Manifest and Speaking in the Most Great Prison

Say: Glory be unto Thee, O Lord, O Treasure of the poor and Sustainer of the weak, Lord of earth and heaven, Who art seated upon the throne of ʿDo what Thou willest.’ I testify to that which the Tongue of Thy Will hath testified in the Kingdom of Thy utterance, and I acknowledge that which Thou hast sent down in Thy Scriptures, Thy Books and Thy Tablets. I beseech Thee, O my Lord, by the Tablet which Thou hast adorned with the lights of Thy utterance and wherein Thou hast written for Thy loved ones that which behooveth them in Thy days, and by Thy Name, the Manifest, the Speaking, the Hidden, and by Thy Light, the Shining, the Radiant, the Treasured, to assist me to hold fast unto Thy Most Great Handle in such wise that neither the hosts of Thy earth and heaven nor the might of the oppressors among Thy creatures shall keep me back from Thee.

O Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I have heard Thy call and turned toward Thee, and have found the fragrance of Thy garment and hastened with my heart unto Thee. I beseech Thee not to disappoint me in attaining that which Thou hast ordained for Thy trusted ones. Verily Thou art the All-Powerful, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.

BH08184: Mention after mention makes mention of what came before…

Mention after mention makes mention of what came before, and declares that promises must be fulfilled….

Hadrat-i-Badi’, who bore the letter to the Sultan and stood before him, raised the letter and proclaimed:

“O King, I have brought thee from the Most Great Announcement a Mighty Book.”

Surely they have heard the details of how, with what power and might, he declared his mission before His Majesty the Sultan, while wearing but a single shirt. The might and majesty of royalty could not deter him, and afterwards he gave up his life with complete submission and contentment, drinking the cup of martyrdom from the hand of grace. And likewise other holy souls who hastened to the place of sacrifice with utmost joy and acquiescence. In truth, this servant is incapable of mentioning the names of those souls….

BH08897: Thy petition was received and the response of what…

He is the Speaker, the All-Informed!

Thy petition was received and the response of what the All-Bestowing uttereth in the final goal hath been revealed. Thou didst attain to the mention of God, glorified be His majesty. We beseech Him to deposit His mention as a trust within pure and sanctified hearts and to preserve it through the hosts of the seen and the unseen. He is the Powerful, the Mighty. The Supreme Pen is occupied day and night with the mention of His loved ones. Blessed is the face that hath turned, and the ear that hath heard, and the tongue that hath spoken, and the heart that hath turned unto God, the Lord of all worlds. Rejoice thou in My mention of thee and be of the thankful ones. All the loved ones in that land are remembered and adorned with His grace. We beseech God to preserve them through His sovereignty and give them to drink from the cup of His bounty and to bestow upon them what He hath ordained for His trusted ones. Verily He is the Beneficent, the Generous. There is no God but Him, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the Great.

BH00540: Today the effulgences of the Sun of Truth have…

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

Today the effulgences of the Sun of Truth have shone forth upon all, and cities and lands are in rapture and ecstasy from the attraction of the Call of the All-Chosen One. This Call is the water of life for the righteous, whom God hath described in the Book: “Truly the righteous shall drink of a cup tempered with camphor.” Blessed is the being who hath attained unto this existence and come into being. Woe unto every heedless doubter.

Worthy of mention and praise are those souls who today were not prevented by the taunts of the people, the cawing of the ravens, and the threats of the oppressors from the Light of the Manifest Horizon. They heard the Call of Truth and joined themselves unto it. These are the banners of guidance and the standards of grace. Blessed is the servant who hath chosen for himself a station beneath their shade, and remote is he who hath turned away from them and clung to that which shall never profit him.

And then, O beloved of my heart, thy spiritual missive arrived like the vernal breeze of the All-Merciful, bringing glad tidings, bearing good news, and bestowing bounty. Its glad tidings were the sweet fragrances of the love of the Beloved of the worlds and the health and well-being of that beloved of soul and spirit. Its good news was thy steadfastness in the Cause of the Beloved. Its bounty was the fruits of inner meanings and utterance that appeared and were manifest from the Tree of Words. In truth, what is the sustenance of existence and the cause of its life? By thy life! It is the love of thy Beloved and our Beloved and the Beloved of all who are in the heavens and the earth. In the sight of those possessed of insight and hearing, naught else is mentioned save Truth and His love and service, and in reality naught else is worthy of mention.

Glory be to God! The heedless ones desire to veil the effulgences of the lights of the divine Sun of Manifestation. Far, far from it! Say: O ye ignorant ones! What profit did the former people gain from their calumnies and lies, what bounty did they obtain, and what did they achieve on the Day of Judgment? How long will ye remain debarred by vain imaginings and veiled by rejected and thick veils? I beseech God to aid all to rend these veils asunder. Verily He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

Mentions and degrees came successively, leaving no opportunity to speak of the letters, their number, their receipt and their reading—and rightly so, for the mentions were mentions of praise of the Beloved of the worlds, and the degrees were degrees of His grace and bounty. Nevertheless, they can now be renewed, therefore I state that the letters of that spiritual beloved arrived, and each, after being read and perused, attained the honor of being heard by the Lord of creation, and each time a divine utterance shone forth from the Dawning-Place of the words of the Beloved of the worlds. And at this moment, after the presentation of another letter, these exalted words emerged from the Treasury of divine knowledge and wisdom—blessed and exalted be His utterance:

Verily hearing and sight are within My grasp of power, and I am the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing

O bird soaring in the atmosphere of My love, present before My face, who hast attained to hearkening unto My call and beholding My horizon! Hear thou My call once again from the precincts of Akka. Verily there is no God but Him, the Single, the All-Informed. Say: O company of the heedless, cast away what ye possess and take what hath been given you from the presence of One knowing and wise. By My life, that which your divines possess shall profit you not, nor shall that which hath been ordained from the presence of One mighty and powerful. Beware lest ye deprive yourselves of that which ye have been commanded in the Book of God, the Lord of all worlds. Say: abandon tyranny and wickedness, and take hold of trustworthiness and godliness and truthfulness and purity, by command of God, the Lord of the Day of Judgment. The Wronged One hath not spoken from desire, but rather by what hath been revealed in the Book of God, the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days. Through moral excellence are revealed the stations of man in the contingent world, as testified by honored servants whom the whisperings of the people have not kept back from arising to serve God, the Lord of the Mighty Throne.

O Attar! Sorrows have encompassed the Wronged One, whereat the tears of Mine eyes have rained upon My cheeks, both outwardly and inwardly, and My heart and My pen have lamented, yet most of the people are heedless. The luminary of trustworthiness hath set in the capital, and therein hath appeared that which hath prevented the Pen from revealing it, the tongue from mentioning it, and the perceptive faculty from comprehending it, as witnessed by him who possesseth a clear Book. We have counseled all in most of Our Tablets to goodly deeds and praiseworthy character, yet the people have cast the counsel of God behind their backs and followed what their passions commanded them. Lo! They are among the lost. The heedless one hath taken God’s enemy as his helper, and they have advanced with swords of hatred and committed that which hath caused every just and discerning one to weep.

Convey My greetings to My loved ones, remind them of My verses and what hath been sent down from the heaven of My utterance, and We counsel them with that whereby the station of the Word and their stations among the servants shall be exalted. Blessed is he who hath heard and acted, and woe unto them that have turned away.

The servant in attendance hath brought thy letters time and again. We have heard each one and answered thee with that whereby the fragrance of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of this exalted station, hath been diffused. Look, then remember those days when thou wert present before the Wronged One and heardst what the Tongue of Utterance spoke in the Kingdom of Knowledge, and thou didst behold the ocean and its waves, and the light and its effulgence, and thou didst attain unto that which was inscribed in the Books of God, the Mighty, the Great.

O Attar! Upon thee be My glory! Hearken in the Persian tongue: All the letters sent have been heard, and in each instance thy mention hath flowed from the Tongue of Grandeur. Convey greetings from the Wronged One to all the brethren, family, and associates. All are mentioned before the Wronged One. Ask thou God that He may cause all to attain unto that which beseemeth the station of man. Great sorrow hath befallen this Wronged One, for in the great city there occurred that which caused the eye of justice to weep, and equity to suffer beneath the darkness of tyranny, and the form of truthfulness to be afflicted in the talons of falsehood. In brief, justice and equity and kindliness remain concealed in some corner until God shall manifest them in truth. Verily, He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

Glory be unto Thee, O my God, my Lord, my Master, my Desire! Thou seest and knowest that I have counseled Thy servants with that which will draw them nigh unto Thee and adorn them with the ornament of Thy attributes and character. Among them are those who have heard and answered, and those who have turned away and have not answered. O Lord! Thou art the Generous, possessed of great bounty. Deliver Thy loved ones from the fire of greed and covetousness, and adorn them with the ornament of contentment and detachment. Verily, Thou art the Lord of creation. There is no God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Generous.

Praise be to God! That which hath been revealed, a single word thereof sufficeth. By Thy life, O My beloved, the liver of trustworthiness hath melted and the tears of chastity and faithfulness have flowed. In these days I have beheld the Purpose of all the worlds in such grief that were the veil to be lifted and the friends to hear with their true hearing, all would perish. Therefore concealment is preferable, and the Cause is in the hands of God, the Lord of all mankind.

Another matter: the honored Ismu’llah (66), may all the Most Glorious Glory rest upon him, hath repeatedly brought your letters to My presence and made mention of you. One day, the apple of Mine eye and soul, Husayn Effendi, attained the presence in place of the apple of Mine eye, that is, the son, and was adorned with acceptance. The items carried by Mulla Muhammad-ʿAli (Dahaji), upon him be the Glory of God—including pen, paper and other things—arrived, but the desirable and acceptable paper, at the time of writing, each sheet in the language of its condition asketh mention of you, and assuredly the answer hath been and will be bestowed from the ocean of divine bestowal. It hath been proven by the Most Great Proof and the most perfect and complete evidence to those possessed of hearing and sight that verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer. The brethren and the honored ladies of that household, upon them be the Glory of God, are mentioned. I convey greetings to each one and beseech from God, exalted be His glory, that which shall not change nor fade. Verily He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

Another glad-tiding is that in these days a special Tablet of Visitation for His Holiness Ismu’llah al-Asdaq, upon him be all the Most Glorious Glory, hath been revealed from the heaven of knowledge of our Purpose and your Purpose. God willing, they shall attain unto it. If this evanescent servant hath delayed or should delay in responding to letters, he is surely excused, for that Beloved One knoweth that night and day he is occupied with writing and serving all the peoples of the world. Therefore they will surely forgive, and according to that Beloved One’s own statement that I have been allotted one letter a year—praise be to God—at this moment, which is the third night of the month of Sha’ban the Great, this letter is completed. Until next Sha’ban you have no fixed claim by your own admission. And on this blessed night, two hours and ten minutes having passed from Friday night, visitation was performed on your behalf and was graced with acceptance. Well is it with me and with you! I convey greetings to the gentlemen and friends of that land, and with the tongue of the inner heart I say:

My God, my God! Unite the hearts of Thy loved ones and friends, then make their word as one. O Lord! Illumine them with the light of unity and ordain for them the station of concord. The servant beareth witness that Thou hast ordained the exaltation of Thy Word in the unity of Thy servants and their concord in Thy Cause. Verily Thou art the All-Bountiful, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

Likewise the leaves and handmaidens of God in that land—I have mentioned and continue to mention each one. For some, blessed and holy Tablets have been revealed. God willing they shall arrive and they shall become illumined and shall attain unto the light of the utterance of the Purpose of all the worlds. This is a glad-tiding that no other glad-tiding can equal, to which beareth witness the Lord of all creation. Glory and praise and remembrance, then mercy and loving-kindness and exaltation be upon you and upon those with you and upon those whom the veils of names and nothing whatsoever have prevented from God, the King of this mighty Day.

Third night of the month of Sha’ban 1306

BH03430: O God, Kind and Merciful! Didst Thou bestow hearing…

…O God, Kind and Merciful! Didst Thou bestow hearing and sight upon the world, or didst Thou withhold them? I beseech Thee by Thy might, Thy grandeur, Thy bounty and Thy generosity to manifest that which Thou hast bestowed, that Thy blessing may become evident to all the worlds and the effulgent rays of the Orb of bounty may illumine all existence. I swear by Thy sanctified Being that if Thou dost not manifest it throughout the duration of Thy kingdom and dominion, no doubt shall arise concerning Thy bestowal and giving. Thine is the wealth and at Thy door are the poor. If Thou givest, we are grateful, and if Thou withholdest, we remain thankful and patient. O Lord! Through Thy will we came into being, and unto Thee on Thy Day have we returned. Withhold not Thy servants who implore and hope from the waves of the ocean of Thy gifts, and adorn all with the ornament of Thy bounty and bestowal. Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy….

He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing

O Ghulam-Husayn! The manifest light is dawning and shining from the horizon of the will of the Lord of the Worlds, and the soul-stirring call of the All-Merciful is raised from the direction of the prison. Say: O ye who possess ears, hear! And O ye who have eyes, hasten! Glory be to God! The inanimate speaketh while the servants are silent and veiled. This Most Great Talisman hath powers; none save His own Self is aware of its mysteries. All are heedless and veiled save those whose eyes God hath illumined with the lights of His countenance. Perishable wealth hath prevented the servants from that which is everlasting. They have clung to transient means in such wise that they have deprived themselves of God’s eternal blessings.

Say: O servants! The days flee away and things perish. Strive that ye may attain unto the lamp of the favor of God, exalted be His glory. The place of return, outwardly, is observed to be narrow and dark. A lamp is needed and solitude requireth a companion. Glory be to God! Again, glory be to God! Man perceiveth himself in need of numerous means for a single night in this world and spendeth all his energies in acquiring them, even though he is certain of their alteration and destruction; yet for a world wherein he must dwell permanently, by virtue of the Kingdom of earth and heaven, he hath made no preparation. Say: O people! Lay hold of deeds ere the appointed time cometh. Seize the opportunity ere it passeth, and the respite ere death arriveth. Verily, the time shall come suddenly. By the life of God! Then neither fortresses shall protect you nor armies guard you.

Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One. He remembereth you for the sake of God and counseleth you as a token of His grace. Take what the Tongue of Grandeur hath uttered and cast away what ye have heard from those who have denied the blessing. We testify that they are among the oppressors in the Book of God, the Lord of the worlds. The glory from Us be upon thee and upon thy brother who hath heard, turned, and responded to his Ancient Lord. We beseech God to assist him with the hosts of the unseen and to confirm him in that which He loveth and is pleased with. Verily, He is the Almighty, the All-Powerful….

BH03114: The Unseen beareth witness unto Its own Self…

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

The Unseen beareth witness unto Its own Self that verily I am God, there is none other God but Me. I have manifested that which I desired before the faces of the servants—among them are those who saw and believed, those who turned toward it yet hesitated, and those who testified to that which the Tongue of Grandeur hath testified in this mighty and impregnable station, which hath been named with the Most Beautiful Names by God, the Lord of the mighty Throne. He whom I loved hath appeared before the Wronged One and asked from the Most Great Ocean. We have made mention of thee and have sent down for thee this Tablet that thou mayest thank thy Lord, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

O My Afnan! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness. Thou art he to whom the Supreme Pen hath testified in numerous Tablets and for whom it hath revealed that which neither the veils of the world can conceal nor the clamor of the nations can alter. It shall remain shining, through the perpetuity of the Kingdom and the Dominion, from the horizon of the heaven of God’s loving-kindness, the Lord of the worlds. This is a word that all the books of the world cannot equal—a bounty from Him unto thee. Verily, He is the All-Bountiful, the Forgiving, the Merciful. When thou hearest the shrill voice of My Pen and findest the fragrance of My raiment, say:

My God, my God! I testify that Thou hast aided Thine Afnan to turn toward the lights of Thy countenance and to hold fast unto that which Thou hast revealed in Thy Book, and hast written for them from the Pen of bounty that which none knoweth save Thyself. I beseech Thee by Thy signs whereby Thy proof hath been perfected amongst Thy creation and Thy testimony amongst Thy servants, and by Thy clear tokens before which all signs bowed down at the revelation of the lights of the Orb of Thy manifestation, that Thou wilt exalt me through Thy Name, draw me nigh through Thy generosity, and assist me to arise for Thy Cause in every world of Thy worlds. I testify that Thy grace withholdeth not those who seek Thee, Thy bounty disappointeth not those who hope in Thee, and Thy loving-kindness forsaketh not those who yearn for Thee.

O my Lord! Thou beholdest me gazing toward Thy horizon and awaiting the wonders of Thy bounty and mercy. I beseech Thee by Thy call between earth and heaven, and by Thy sovereignty which hath subdued all things, that Thou wilt preserve me from the doubts of Thine enemies and the allusions of those who have turned away from Thy Cause among Thy creatures. Verily, Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Commander, the Judge, the Almighty, the Powerful.

BH04193: God, exalted be His glory, has fulfilled His promise…

In the name of Almighty God

God, exalted be His glory, has fulfilled His promise and made manifest His Day, according to His blessed and exalted words:

“The Day when mankind shall stand before the Lord of the worlds.”

However, the unjust people in this blessed Day have deprived themselves of the presence of the Self-Subsisting Lord and have clung to vain imaginings. Every created thing calls out in a most sweet voice, summoning the servants to the Creator of existence, yet their deeds have prevented most from turning to Him and have deprived them of the Days of God. Say: O servants, fear God and follow not your idle fancies. Follow Him Who has come to you with a clear Command and mighty sovereignty. Today the Divine Lote Tree in the highest Paradise gives the glad tidings of the manifestation of the Lord of Names to all beings. Every eye illumined with the light of recognition has attained to witnessing Him, and every ear cleansed of ancient tales has been honored to hear. O people of God! Strive that perchance you may deliver a soul from the darkness of vain imaginings and guide it to the Dayspring of certitude.

Say: My God, my God! I testify that Thou hast manifested Thyself and whatsoever Thou didst promise Thy servants in Thy Books, Thy Scriptures and Thy Tablets. I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy verses and the lights of Thy Throne to aid me to perform such deeds as will diffuse the fragrance of Thy good-pleasure. O my Lord! Thou seest Thy servant turning unto Thee, detached from all else but Thee. Ordain for him that whereby his mention and his name shall endure amongst Thy servants and Thy creation. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful. The Glory from Us be upon thee and upon him who hath believed in God, the Lord of Lords, in the final return.

BH04145: Verily the Fire speaks forth from the Divine Lote-Tree…

In His Name, that ruleth over all names!

Verily the Fire speaks forth from the Divine Lote-Tree: “God, there is no God but Him, the Sovereign, the Self-Subsisting.” And the Light calls out from the horizon of Manifestation: “The Kingdom belongs to God, Master of what was and what shall be.” And the Mount circles round and proclaims: “O peoples of the earth! The Hidden One has appeared and the Treasured One has come!” And the Herald has called out: “O people of earth! The gate of heaven has been opened and He Who was promised in the Books of God, the Lord of the seen and unseen, has come!”

There has come before the Wronged One he who was named Muhammad-Rida. We have remembered you with spirit and fragrance, and remember you in this blessed Tablet. When you see and read it, say:

“Praise be to You, O my God, for having caused my name to flow from Your Most Exalted Pen in various Tablets, and for having enabled me to turn to You and attain Your presence, when most of Your servants and creatures were debarred therefrom. Glory be to You, O my God! Yours is the greatness and the praise, the might and the eternity. I testify that Your grace has encompassed me and Your mercy has preceded me, such that You have illumined my heart with the light of Your knowledge, my sight with beholding the horizon of Your Manifestation and visiting the traces of Your Pen, and my hearing with hearkening to Your call. O Lord! I beseech You by Your supreme benevolence and by Your Most Great, Most Pure, Most Exalted Name to protect me through Your power and sovereignty and to ordain for me every good thing recorded in Your Book. Then send down upon me from the heaven of Your bounty that which befits Your generosity and grace, and assist me to remain steadfast in Your love. Verily You are the Powerful, the All-Bountiful, the Sovereign, the Bestower, the Ever-Flowing.”

BH05072: Glory be unto Thee, O my God! I testify…

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

Glory be unto Thee, O my God! I testify to Thy sovereignty and Thy power, to Thy oneness and Thy authority, and that Thou art God and there is none other God but Thee. Thou hast ever been the One Who dominates all things and Who exercises power over all who dwell in the kingdom of names. Thy mercy and loving-kindness have preceded all else, and Thy grace and bounty have encompassed all things. I beseech Thee, O Sovereign of existence and Lord of the seen and unseen, by Thy Call whereby all things were attracted, and by the light of Thy countenance whereby earth and heaven were illumined, to aid Thy servants to stand firm in Thy Cause and to arise to serve Thee.

O Lord! Thou beholdest him who hath turned unto Thee, and hath held fast unto Thy cord, and hath set his face toward the lights of Thy countenance. Ordain for him, O Lord of the worlds, that which will gladden his eyes and the eyes of Thy loved ones. Then send down upon him from the heaven of Thy bounty and the clouds of Thy generosity the rains of Thy grace. Verily Thou art the All-Powerful Whom the hosts cannot hinder, and the Sovereign Whom veils cannot conceal. Thou art the One Who speaketh both in the beginning and in the end. There is no God but Thee, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.

Port Said

He is the Helper

The letter of his honor Mirza ʿAli-i-Akbar, upon him be the Glory of God, together with fifty-seven tumans, was received by the servant in the prison through the beloved of hearts, his honor Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, in the blessed month of Ramadan 1306.

BH00823: Praise be to the One Who is the Goal…

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

Praise be to the One Who is the Goal of all, Who created the world through His Word and nurtured it through various means. The law of causation is firmly established, and the manifestation of all things occurs through definite and determined means. Exalted be His Command and His Greatness!

For every matter there is an appointed time and a destined cause. Through contemplation of this station and observation of this utterance, one attains to the light of the Divine Sun of Justice. Divine decrees are contingent upon means, and these means and causes have been and continue to be the education of His servants. We beseech the True One to assist these servants to achieve that which leads to progress and elevation. Verily, He is the Commander, the Ruler, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

And prayers and peace be upon Him Whom the Tongue of Eternity and the Lord of Nations praised in the world: “But for Thee, I would not have created the celestial spheres.” Glory be to our Lord! With one step He transcended the earth and reached the heavens, nay, beyond the heavens, nay, beyond justice and comprehension. Exalted be His power and magnificent His sovereignty!

And upon His family and companions, whom God made the letters of His Psalms, the words of His Books, the manifestations of His Will, the dawning-places of His Purpose, and the sources of His justice and command—prayers sanctified from beginning and end. The command belongs to God, the Lord of the Last and the First.

Thereafter, the letter of that spiritual beloved arrived, bearing good tidings and spreading blessed banners, for it was adorned with the mention of God, exalted be His Glory. Without His mention, all mentions are meaningless, and without His remembrance, one can dispense with the remembrance of the world. In truth, the freshness, grace, and glory of the cities of unity and detachment have been and will ever be through His mention and praise. We hope these servants will not be deprived of this life-giving station.

After reading, contemplating, and reflecting, we approached the station and presented it. The Beloved, may our souls be sacrificed for Him, says:

O Abdullah! Upon thee be My peace and My loving-kindness! God willing, mayest thou be blessed with divine favors and illumined and adorned with the light of God’s love. May such a sweet fragrance be diffused from the deeds of thyself and the friends of that land that perhaps the manifestations of religion and trustworthiness in that land may transform the grief coming from other directions.

Today, deeds are necessary, especially deeds from which the fragrance of service and trustworthiness emanates. The affairs of the Threshold have descended like swords upon the temple of trustworthiness, truthfulness, and purity. Say:

My God, my God! Adorn the heads of Thy loved ones with the crown of trustworthiness and detachment, their temples with the ornament of justice and righteousness, and their hearts with the raiment of unity and harmony. I beseech Thee, O my God and the God of the Kingdom of Names, to ordain for Thy loved ones that which will exalt them among Thy creation and cause them to be adorned with Thy virtues, whereby the horizons of Thy servants’ and creatures’ existence may be illumined. Verily, Thou art the Generous One, possessed of great bounty and supreme mercy. There is no God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

We make mention of the loved ones and ask for each honor, blessing, and exaltation. However, that which has been and continues to be the cause of elevation, ascendancy, and the manifestation of the stations of existence is unity. To this testify the Supreme Concourse, the Most Exalted Pen, the Most Exalted Paradise, the Supreme Heaven, the Most Sublime Word, and the Divine Lote-Tree.

Praise be to God! The outpourings of the Pen of Providence have seized and quickened the world, especially His loved ones. No seeker hath been deprived, and no aspirant forbidden. From His Ocean of mercy, I beseech and implore that He deprive none of the inhabitants of earth from this heavenly News and eternal Cause. He is the Powerful, He is the Mighty.

Concerning what was mentioned about his honor Darvish Niyaz, may God strengthen him, it brought joy, and this evanescent servant beseeches the True One, exalted be His glory, to assist him in mention, praise, and service to His Cause, and to unveil that which leads to elevation and advancement.

When mention of his honor was made in the presence of the Master, He said:

O Niyaz! Upon thee be the peace of the All-Bountiful! It is intended that the Tree send unto thee its wondrous, sublime, and gathered fruits, and the Pen desireth to manifest its hidden pearls and send them as a gift, that thou mayest remember the time of attaining His presence. We beseech God in all conditions to enable thee to witness and hearken with thine own sight and hearing, detached from the sight of the world and the ears of the nations, and to assist thee in such wise that thou mayest take the most exalted cup before the faces of humanity and drink therefrom in His Name, the All-Bountiful, the Generous. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds. End.

This servant also conveys greetings to him and beseeches from God, exalted be His glory, whatsoever is befitting. Verily, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Another matter: From his honor Aqa Khan, may God the Exalted strengthen him, petitions were received, and there was also a letter addressed to you which was given to his honor the Most Great Name, upon him be God’s peace and favors, and placed in this servant’s envelope in His presence. Search for it; perhaps it may be found there. However, the aforementioned Khan’s situation has not yet become clear.

In every gathering he has denied this Cause, yet he has mentioned words similar to the mentions he made in this land, from which the fragrance of irreligion wafts. This time a Tablet was specifically sent to him. It is hoped that he may attain to that which he himself had previously written, appear with a single face, and be illumined. In any case, we are not without hope. God’s grace is abundant; perhaps it may encompass him. Verily, He is the Most Merciful of the merciful ones and the Most Generous of the generous ones.

Concerning the mention made of his honor Haji Ali Akbar, upon him be God’s peace, after it was presented before the Master’s face, He said:

He is the Remembering, the Helper. The Wronged One desireth to make mention of him who was named Ali, before Akbar, that the mention may attract him to God, the Lord of lords. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to adorn him with the ornament of goodly character and assist him in that which He loveth and pleaseth. Verily, He is the Protector of whosoever turneth unto Him and the Desire of those in the heavens and the earth.

Give thanks unto God, thy Lord, for having enabled thee to turn unto Him and made thee of the party of unity amidst the parties. Say:

Praise be unto Thee, O my God, my Lord and my Support, for having sent down unto me from the heaven of Thy bounty the blessing of Thy recognition. I beseech Thee to enable me to achieve what Thou hast chosen for me in Thy Book. O my Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I hold fast to the cord of Thy grace and seek refuge at Thy threshold. I beseech Thee to ordain for me the good of the hereafter and of this world. Verily, Thou art the All-Bountiful, the Generous. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

This servant supplicates success on their behalf and implores his Lord to acquaint him with that which will profit him in all the worlds of His worlds. Verily He is the Mighty, the All-Wise. All the loved ones in that land are remembered and, praise be to God, have attained His grace. We beseech God, our Lord and the Lord of the throne and earth, to aid them to achieve that whereby their stations may be exalted in His presence and to ordain for them the reward of those who are nigh and sincere. Verily He is the Omnipotent, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Peace and mercy and bounty be upon you and upon the assured servants of God.

BH00990: Praise be to God Who has caused all things…

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

Praise be to God Who has caused all things to speak forth His remembrance and praise, and has chosen from among them His servants whom He has made mirrors of His names and attributes, and has manifested from them one who summoned all to His path and guided them to the standard of His justice, the heaven of His grace, and the luminary of His bounty. Prayers and peace be upon the Lord of the Prophets, the Sovereign of the Chosen Ones, and the Beloved of the saints, through whom His verses were spread abroad and the fragrance of His Revelation was diffused and His commandments and laws were brought forth—He who was named by the Most Beautiful Names among the Concourse on High and the people of the kingdom of creation—and upon His family and companions, through whom the pavilion of glory was raised among the nations and the breeze of divine knowledge wafted over the world, and through whom God revealed what was hidden in knowledge and veiled from sight. Verily, He is the All-Powerful, the Unconstrained.

Thereafter, the letter of that heart’s beloved came as a Kawthar of love and faithfulness, quenching the thirst of separation and bestowing the rest of reunion. After its reading and perusal it was presented before the face of the Master and achieved the honor of His attention. He—may our spirits be sacrificed for Him—said:

“O Rida! The Wronged One sends His greetings to you and beseeches God to strengthen you in His remembrance and praise, and in acting according to what He has revealed in His Book, and to give you to drink, at all times, of the choice wine of divine knowledge, and to enable you to perform good deeds and to manifest praiseworthy characteristics. Verily, He is the Lord of creation. He counsels you with that which brings joy to the eyes of the sincere ones and gladdens the hearts of those who are near. Through deeds are the stations of men made manifest. Verily, He is the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful. Beware lest the affairs and events of this world prevent you from the bounty of the next world and its effulgences. Verily, He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth. Neither the might of His servants nor the power of those who have denied the Day of Judgment can prevent Him from what He desireth.”

In truth, this servant was greatly gladdened by the letter of that spiritual beloved, for it was adorned with the mention of the people of divine unity. I beseech the True One, exalted be His glory, on behalf of each one, for that which is the cause and means of enduring remembrances and eternal attributes. Once, when I was in the presence of the Master, He said to write to Rida to [recite] this blessed verse. His blessed and exalted Word:

“And whosoever feareth God, He will make for him a way out, and will provide for him from whence he expecteth not. And whosoever putteth his trust in God, He will suffice him. Verily, God will accomplish His purpose. Indeed, God hath set a measure for all things.” O Rida! Hold fast unto fear of God. Verily, it will guard thee from all that God loveth not. The fear of God is a blessed and beloved garment that preserveth man from the darts of Satan and guardeth him from every rejected deed and forbidden mention. Praise be to God that you are mentioned and are holding fast to the cord of love. Blessed be you!

It was not permissible to mention in letters or recite in the presence of the believers, upon them be God’s peace, for the understanding of the servants falls short of comprehending certain divine verses. This may give rise to controversy, as the Shi’ih sect’s imaginings have led to suspicion and doubt—they may infer from a word that which never crossed the mind of the speaker. O Rida, hold fast to the hem of silence, for therein lies safety. In the tradition it is stated: “O Abu Dharr, for everything there is evidence—the evidence of intellect is contemplation, and the evidence of contemplation is silence.” And likewise it is said: “The most excellent worship is silence.” The virtues of silence are many. In truth it is a mighty fortress for the protection of the servants. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to assist us in what He loves and is pleased with.

Let this matter not escape the notice of that spiritual friend. The perfect mystics, mature scholars, and those possessed of protection and preservation have complained of speech and praised and extolled silence. The servant beseeches his Lord to adorn His servants with the ornament of silence and protect them from the spark of speech.

Regarding what was written about breathing the air and strolling in gardens and open spaces—this brought joy and gladness. However, I beseech the True One to confirm you and this servant that we may discern the signs of divine craftsmanship in all things and increase in thanksgiving and praise. This is our blessing and His table of bounty. May it remain and endure. Every mighty matter is easy and simple before His favor. He brought His servants into being from the ocean of generosity, and its traces are inscribed and recorded by the manifest pen on the tablets of the servants’ existence. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to preserve us from the evil of the ungodly who have surrounded the abodes of the believers. Praise be to Him, for He is the Goal of the mystics and the Most Merciful of the merciful.

Another glad tiding is that the fruit of that spiritual friend’s labor has appeared, and the signs of freshness and delicacy from the spring rain of divine mercy are evident in the sent wood. I beseech the Truth, exalted be His glory, to bless and favor that friend with its manifest fruits, and to adorn the true trees, which are the manifestation of human realms, with wondrous, delicate, and novel fruits, that all may benefit and utter the word “Grace and mercy belong to God.” Truly this is cause for thanksgiving, for His bounty has become manifest and the work has borne fruit. The servant bears witness that He is the Powerful, the Mighty.

Regarding the fruits of that garden which were mentioned, this is correct, for God has named those lands the Holy Land. Although the actions of Yazid lowered its station in the eyes of some, yet in the sight of those endowed with true knowledge it was, is, and ever shall be the Holy Land. This is a robe of honor bestowed by God, exalted be His glory, and none can strip it away from it. Nay, by His very Self, the Truth, no one has been or ever shall be able to do so. Verily He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth, and He is the Strong, the Mighty. If it be possible, and can be arranged with the utmost joy and fragrance, let them send several grafts from each of those two varieties of plum that were described, as well as from the peaches that were sent and the other trees that were mentioned, though their fruits are not yet known.

Now is the time for this. This too is truly a service that benefits all. That honored one knows well that whatever has been and is being done is for the sake of God, that it may become a place to delight the eyes of His loved ones and a spot where the manifestations of true love may find recreation. Since this work is for the sake of God, its effects will certainly become manifest. Verily our Lord, the Most Merciful, is the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful. Peace, mercy and loving-kindness be upon you and upon God’s righteous servants.

The servant 11 Ramadan 1306

BH00715: All praise, sanctified beyond the mention of those who…

He is God, Exalted be His Majesty, His Grandeur and Power!

All praise, sanctified beyond the mention of those who praise or are praised, befitteth that Dawning-Place of the Light of Oneness, His Holiness Muhammad, Whose Law is an impregnable fortress and Whose ordinances are the guardians of the Faith. Through Him was the standard of Divine Unity raised aloft and the decree of detachment made firm. Upon Him be the blessings of God and His peace, and upon His family and companions through whom God established the pillars of His Cause and manifested His might and sovereignty. Verily He is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

And now, the letter of that beloved of the heart and apple of the eye, upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God, which was sent in the name of the spiritual beloved, Aqa Siyyid Taqi, upon him be God’s everlasting peace, was forwarded to this servant and after being read was presented before His presence. O Abdullah! Praise be to God that thou art illumined by the light of recognition of God, exalted be His Glory, and art adorned with the ornament of steadfastness. Repeatedly hast thou been mentioned and been the recipient of His favors. Say:

My God, my God! Aid the believers to celebrate Thy praise and glorification and to serve Thy Cause, that through them Thy signs may be spread among Thy creation and Thy praise among Thy servants. I beseech Thee, O Lord of the nations and King of eternity, by the Most Great Name, to protect Thy loved ones from the evil of Thine enemies and the believers from the oppression of the ungodly among Thy creatures. Then enable them to act in accordance with what Thou hast revealed in Thy Book whereby Thou hast distinguished between the obedient and the rebellious. O Lord! Strengthen the foundations of Thy servants for Thy service, then illumine them with the light of Thy knowledge. Verily Thou art the Single, the One, the All-Powerful, the Almighty.

Make mention of the loved ones on behalf of the Wronged One. We beseech God to aid all to wisdom and utterance, for wisdom is the cause of the protection of the servants and the preservation of lands. Today what is needed is unity and concord. We beseech God to aid and enable the various parties of the people of unity that all may become united. When the decree of unity is made manifest and the light of concord shineth forth, the primordial power shall appear and encompass all. To this testifieth every learned one, every fair-minded one, and every just and informed one.

We wish to make mention of thy son who is named Abdul-Mihdi in thy letter. Blessed is he in that he hath attained to the service of the Cause. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to ordain for him that which perisheth not and to protect him and draw him nigh unto Him in all conditions. Verily He is the Bestower, the Mighty, the Generous.

In these days mention hath repeatedly been made of that spiritual beloved and apple of the eye, Abdul-Mihdi, upon him be the Glory of God, and the reply to each one hath been sent. This servant beseecheth his Lord, the Lord of earth and heaven, to aid His loved ones unto that which attracteth the hearts and souls. Verily He is the All-Powerful, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the Loving.

Concerning their mention of visiting Karbila and Najaf, and likewise meeting with the holy ones, upon them be God’s peace, and mention of the heedless Dowlatabadi—that heedless one’s deeds have been and remain evidence of his station, as do his words and actions. This latest deed of his is fully known and evident in the prison. That unjust one committed, for the sake of two days of life, that which darkened the world of justice and fairness. The deluded party has, from the beginning until now, been occupied with and uttered such deeds and words that their mention causes sorrow to the people of the cities of joy and delight. The earthworms dwell in clay and were not and are not capable of soaring in this refined atmosphere.

In these days two matters have become manifest, that those possessed of insight might distinguish between the people of the Most Sublime Vision and others, and become aware. First is the deed of His Holiness Ashraf, may my spirit be sacrificed for him—his deed testifies to his detachment and bears witness to his love and yearning. Freely did he sacrifice his life in the path of the Beloved of the worlds. The other matter is the deed of the heedless Dowlatabadi, who through a thousand deceits, tricks and hypocrisies preserved his life. Were this servant to mention those whom wealth, glory, fortune and life did not prevent from sacrificing their spirits and lives in God’s path, he would need to compose a book.

But where are the eyes and where are the ears? Dowlatabadi was not with the Truth and had and has no knowledge of the Cause, yet he dismisses this vile deed, grievous wrong and great oppression before his followers with two words. That party walks exactly like the Shi’ih party and is caught in the same vain imaginings. Leave them in their idle sport. They cling to the name while deprived of the meaning. But that heedless one’s deed has melted hearts and set aflame the city of steadfastness. It has indeed melted the heart and produced a mighty effect. The servant asks his Lord to aid him to be fair and to return. Verily He is the Generous, the Bountiful, and He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

They mentioned those two honored souls, upon them be God’s peace and care. Two blessed Tablets were sent especially for them. It is hoped they will drink from the ocean of His words and adorn the world with the garment of awareness. However, a trustworthy, steadfast and reliable person must carry and deliver them, that they might find from them the fragrance of care and kindness.

And they mentioned Husayn-i-Sukhti. Would that someone had told him: You were not in the Land of Ta, nor were you like Siyyid Muhammad after arriving in Iraq. He would come and go before Us. By the life of the Desired One, he was unaware of the root of the matter. Apart from these considerations, how did he know what transpired before the Primal Point and from whom it came? Say: If you find for yourself hearing, sight and heart, return to the sacred writings. They will guide you to a manifest light and mighty news. But he was not and is not capable of being guided. Hatred has overcome and erased the white point. However, our duty is prayer. Through God’s grace and favor, all corruption, contention and conflict have been strictly forbidden. Therefore we must seek everyone’s deliverance from the ocean of divine generosity and ask justice and fairness for each one. He is the Generous and He is the Bountiful.

Mention hath also been made of Shaykh Rajab and his son Mahmud, upon both of whom be God’s peace. After being presented before Us, We said: “O Rajab, upon thee be God’s peace. Thy mention hath come before the Wronged One. We make mention of thee and beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to aid thee and thy son in that which He loveth and is pleased with, and to ordain for you both, from the wonders of His bounty, the best of this world and the next. Verily, He is the Most Merciful of the merciful ones, and the Ultimate Goal of those who are nigh and sincere.

We make mention of Our loved ones and counsel them to perform goodly deeds and display praiseworthy conduct, and to do that which distanceth man from ignorance and draweth him nigh unto knowledge, sanctifieth him from corruption and adorneth him with reformation. By God’s life! We love to see each one of you sanctified from rancor and hatred, and adorned with love and fidelity. We beseech God to send down upon you, from the heaven of grace and bounty, a mercy from His presence and a blessing from His own Self. Verily, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. There is none other God but He, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

The friends have always been and continue to be remembered. We beseech and implore God, exalted be His glory, to cause His loved ones to attain unto that which is the source of the light of knowledge and wisdom, and likewise to grant them success in achieving fellowship and unity. Verily, He is the Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

As commanded, association with Husayn-i-Sukhtih is not permitted, for he is consumed with the fire of hatred and is deprived of justice and fairness, unless he should return. Leave him to himself, placing your trust in God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

Peace, mercy and glory be upon you and upon God’s righteous servants.

The servant 8 Ramadan 1306