Volume 100: Akka 1308–1309 A.H. (1890–1892), Part II (2 of 3)
BH00340: Praise be to the Goal of the world Who…
Section 1: “Praise be to the Goal of the world…”
He is God, exalted be His glory, the Grandeur and the Power!
Praise be to the Goal of the world Who hath revealed that which was hidden in hearts and souls, Who hath distinguished the righteous from the wicked like unto light from darkness, and made them manifest. Exalted be His might and great be His dominion! And blessings and peace be upon the Lord by Whom was inscribed the decree of lordship among creation, through Whom shone forth the light of unity and were raised the banners of victory and triumph amidst all created things, and upon His family and companions whom God made the shepherds of His flock and guides of His servants, and upon every steadfast and upright one, and every knower who hath uttered that which he was commanded in His perspicuous Book.
And then, my spirit be a sacrifice for your remembrance and your utterance! Your esteemed letter was the source of true joy and spiritual delight, for every word thereof testified to the oneness of God, exalted be His glory, and to your health and well-being. After reading and perusing it, I sought the Presence, and after receiving permission to enter, I presented it before Him. He said:
“O My Afnan! Upon thee be My peace and My glory! We were walking in the house when We heard a call, as though the caller were giving Me glad tidings of that which had befallen the friends of God and His chosen ones. This is the day wherein the Most Great Branch turned toward the Prison for the sake of God, the Lord of destiny. Then We heard again from the right side: ʿO people of the Crimson Ark! Rejoice in that the Trustworthy One hath turned toward a mighty fortress and a manifest prison for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds.”’
In truth, this is a day of joy and gladness. By My life, in the City of Lovers a feast of delight hath been spread that shall never be folded up, for on this day the lovers in the City of Unity and Concord, with utmost longing, sacrificed their souls and offered them up for the sake of the One Beloved. The might of bloodthirsty oppressors deterred them not, nor did the wrathful tongues of the savage ones hold them back from their purpose. How wondrous, nay doubly wondrous, that which hath come to pass—the like of which the eye of time hath never witnessed! Without cause or reason, suddenly the fire of hatred was kindled. On the twenty-third of the blessed month of Ramadan, the wolves of the earth set upon the divine sheep. Without proof or evidence, such tyranny was unleashed that caused the realities of existence to weep. Those possessed of hearing can this day hear the lamentation of all things. They seized those who were the dawning-places of virtues and the daysprings of refinement. First they took all they possessed, then with diverse torments put seven souls to death, in such wise that every soul who heard of it wailed in grief.
One of those souls uttered these exalted words: “O people! The Prince of Martyrs—may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake—cried out in the land of Taff, Is there any who will help me?’ This lowly one declareth, Is there any who will behold me?”’ It is reported that some they hanged and set ablaze, while others they cut to pieces and burned. One of those souls addressed these exalted words to the tyrannical commander, saying: “For forty years have I awaited this day, that this hair of mine might be dyed with my blood in the path of God.” In brief, they first commanded them to recant and curse this Wronged One. They refused, and with supreme steadfastness acknowledged that which was written in the divine Books of old and of recent times.
These events had no connection to the land of Ta. They wrote that when Zillu’s-Sultan merely heard that the Wanderer had been seized, fearing lest secrets be revealed, he commanded his son to do what transpired, that perchance he might once again render His Majesty the King—may God assist him—heedless, lest he become aware of his internal enemy. After despairing of the wronged ones of the world, he martyred Siyyid Ashraf in the land of Sad with unprecedented tyranny. The purpose of all these deeds was that the secrets of his breast and the treachery of his eye might remain concealed.
O Afnan, upon thee be My glory! Thou knowest that this Wronged One hath in all Tablets forbidden this party from corruption, conflict and contention. The writing of anonymous letters and casting them before houses and in streets is the way of the ignorant and the base ones of the earth. By the blood of the martyrs in the land of Ya, We have had and have no purpose save the reformation of the world and the edification of the souls of the peoples. This party hath, without concealment or veiling, mentioned before the faces of rulers and divines that which conduceth to the exaltation, elevation, comfort and tranquility of the peoples of the world. By the life of God! Their purpose is to serve the government and nation, not to engage in that which would lead to corruption, conflict and contention. To this testifieth every fair-minded and discerning one, and every learned and informed one. Never hath any incident or movement from these souls been witnessed in the land. God is sufficient witness to this.
In the land of Ta [Tehran] they arrested two of these companions, and likewise Sayyah and his associate. According to reports, Sayyah threw himself from the window attempting to escape, but broke his leg and was unable to flee. Praise be to God for this—your honor knows in detail what his purpose was. This Wronged One intended to send a few words to His Majesty the King of Iran, may the All-Merciful strengthen him, that perhaps contrary to what has passed, he might grasp those things that ensure the perpetuity of his government and the preservation of his glory, and in all conditions do what befits his station. These are those words:
O King! It behooveth, nay it is imperative upon Your Majesty in such days as these that the justice of God’s shadow on earth inquire of Sayyah Effendi, the true minister of the noble court: What was the purpose of your journey to Akka in that known year? By whose direction was it made? What was your objective? And what response did you receive? However, this has not yet been sent, for it is not known whether Your Majesty will hearken unto the petitions of the wronged ones of the world. By My life! This Wronged One has ever held fast to that which prevents corruption and preserves order. Though forty years have passed, during which in every year the hosts of self and passion have assailed the innocent and shed pure and holy blood, yet none arose in defense. All have held fast to the cord of divine commands and clung to the hem of His laws, and continue to do so. This matter is as clear and evident as the sun. Either His Majesty the King of Iran—may God preserve him—and the ministers and princes of the government have not noticed, or they have noticed and deemed it expedient to turn a blind eye.
Section 2: “Would that someone could be found with whom…”
Would that someone could be found with whom this Wronged One might make a firm and binding covenant that this community, so long as they exist in Iran, would arise to serve the government—a covenant that the passage of centuries and ages would not alter, and that time would not erase. However, since there are many deceivers in the world, the acceptance of this matter is difficult. God knows that whatsoever this Wronged One mentions is adorned with the ornament of truth and is sanctified from erasure and change. We beseech God to aid the ministers of Iran to look upon matters with the eye of justice and fairness. Verily, He is the Lord of gifts and favors.
This evanescent servant beseeches from the Eternal Truth that which brings assurance to hearts and justice to souls. For forty years this community has dwelt in the domains of this eternal empire, and during this time no opposition has appeared from any soul. If occasionally an outcry has been raised, its cause has been certain Iranian officials, as in this year when they have groundlessly harassed some in Baghdad, as though they understood their own glory to lie in the abasement of the servants of God. Nevertheless, none uttered a word, bearing tribulations for the sake of God. And since they are commanded to patience, submission and contentment, they therefore hold fast to the cord of trust and cling to the hem of resignation.
From the day that His Majesty Sultan Abdul-Hamid Khan—may God, the Blessed and Exalted, strengthen him—ascended the throne of sovereignty, he has striven day and night in the affairs of the realm and the comfort of his subjects. Upon merely hearing that a place has caught fire, he personally rises to extinguish it. In truth, he is a sign of God’s mercy unto creation. Wherever there appears the slightest famine, that blessed being immediately convenes an assembly under his leadership and takes whatever measures are necessary for its relief. In all hardships he is the helper of the nation, and in all matters the well-wisher of his subjects. None denies his grace save the envious deceiver. Indeed, among the Ottoman sultans none like this blessed being has appeared—or if one has, this community was not aware of it.
In any case, it is necessary and obligatory for this community to beseech God, exalted be His glory, night and day for the might, wealth, exaltation and health of that blessed being. Verily, God is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.
This servant is greatly perplexed, for this time in Iran there has appeared that which had no cause, and from what they have done they had a purpose, which was to remove doubts and conceal misdeeds. Every fair-minded person will understand from what has been mentioned who and what was the source and origin of these affairs. Now it has become necessary for this servant to mention somewhat of what has occurred, that perhaps the hand of divine power may raise up a soul who would hold fast to justice and fairness.
This week these reports arrived: On the night of the 23rd of the blessed Ramadan, they seized two souls in the mosque of Shaykh Hasan Sabzavari and brought them before the governor. After much torment and extraction of money, they released them. Then they seized those two souls again along with five others—each of whom was like a lamp illumined with proper conduct and virtuous character—and in public thoroughfares struck them with stones, clubs and chains until they reached the presence of His Excellency, expressing joy and delight at the abasement and humiliation of those friendless and helpless souls, doing what no eye has seen nor ear has heard. Then they summoned the clergy and incited them until they issued a decree, after which they placed a rope around one person in their presence, dragging that innocent one forward and taking the other six behind him. Some they beheaded in various places and some they cut into pieces, and those pure and holy bodies they burn with fire. Then they command the Jews to take those bones and cast them into pits. God knows that tongue and pen are ashamed of what they have done. And some have written that they placed one person before a cannon.
In brief, oppression reached such a point that Justice itself wept. At night they were occupied with revelry and merry-making, the whole city was illuminated with lamps, and instruments of pleasure were at hand. The rabble of the city went about with drums and tambourines, uttering curses and imprecations. Such tumult ensued that the people of the city complained of the chaos that occurred that night. The wives and children of those martyrs remained that night without helper, companion or sustenance. It is reported that subjects of foreign powers, with utmost love and kindness, secretly sent provisions and assisted the oppressed ones to the extent possible. And it is reported that His Majesty the Shah of Iran was unaware and uninformed of these matters, all of which occurred by order of the governor of the Land of Sad [Isfahan], whose purpose was to keep His Majesty—may God strengthen him—ignorant of these hidden secrets.
Glory be to God! Such occurrences will precipitate the time when, by the decree of the clergy, all people will rise against the government itself. Great astonishment has overtaken me that they were content to create such disgrace and chaos by these manifestations of suspicion and fancy. God is witness and aware that if there had been the slightest fault or misconduct by those souls, this servant and his Master would not have mentioned them. The peerless One God is witness that after divine grace and heavenly favor, the attention of this people is fixed upon royal justice. Now I beseech that Your Majesty personally investigate what has occurred and make inquiries, that what is hidden may be revealed and enemy distinguished from friend, and that you may turn your attention to assisting these oppressed ones of the world. This servant beseeches his Lord to assist His Majesty the Sultan to look after his oppressed subjects and the just servants of God. Verily He is powerful over what He willeth, and He is the Single, the One, the Compassionate, the Generous.
At this point the Master—may our spirits be sacrificed for Him—uttered these sublime words:
“What was the fault of Mu’inu’l-Mulk that they dismissed him? He in no way neglected his service and duties. Praise be to God that through him and his name no harm occurred. If you reach his presence, convey greetings from the Wronged One and say: ʿPatience, O Mu’inu’l-Mulk, if adversity befalls, for the end of beautiful patience is beautiful. After the darkness of night comes the light of morning, and after the eclipse of the sun its radiance and splendor become manifest.’ We beseech God, blessed and exalted, to assist him and enable him to practice justice whose fragrance and traces will not cease. Verily He is the Bestower, the Commander, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”
End quote.
Every day this servant has been and is anticipating news of Your Honor’s health and well-being, and surely you will show kindness and make it known. Peace, praise, remembrance and glory be upon Your Honor and upon those who love you and hear your word for the sake of God, the Lord of the worlds.
The servant 19 Dhi’l-Hijjih 1308
BH02288: The gate of the Most Exalted Paradise hath been…
He is the Speaker before the faces of the world!
The gate of the Most Exalted Paradise hath been opened, and there hath come forth therefrom one of the Countenances, and she proceeded until she stood above the head and called out with the most exalted call: “O concourse of earth and heaven! By God, this is the Day whereof the Books of God, both past and future, have given glad tidings!” And she pointed with her finger and said: “This is the Promised One and the Lord of Hosts, through Whose manifestation the Mount was blessed by its Interlocutor, and the Lote-Tree by its Sustainer and its Purpose!” The rapture of the Revelation hath seized all things—they celebrate, glorify and clap their hands. Thus hath the call been raised from every direction. Blessed is he who hath heard and responded, and woe unto every heedless doubter!
Thy name was mentioned before the Wronged One, and thou wast remembered by Him Who loveth Me, who was named the Beloved—upon him be My glory. We have turned unto thee and revealed for thee that which hath diffused the fragrance of bounties and favors. Beware lest the clamor of the heedless sadden thee, or the might of those who have denied God, the Lord of lords, frighten thee. Take the Book with strength from Us, then read it with joy and delight unto the people of creation. Say: O people, be fair for God’s sake and follow not the imaginings of the people of error.
O Yunus! He Who was treasured in the eternity of eternities hath appeared, and He Who was promised in the Books of God, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High, hath come. We beseech God to assist the heedless to return and repent before the gate that hath been opened to all who are in the heavens and on earth.
When thou hearest My sweetest call and the rushing of My Most Exalted Pen, turn with thy heart unto God, the Lord of all beings, and say:
“Praise be unto Thee, O Revealer of verses and Lord of names and attributes, for having given me to drink the Kawthar of Thy utterance and guided me to Thy path! I beseech Thee to make me so steadfast in Thy love that neither the oppression of the Pharaohs nor the might of tyrants shall prevent me. I beseech Thee, O Purpose of all creation and Educator of all beings, by the ocean of utterance which surgeth in Thy name, and by the fragrance of the All-Merciful which was stirred by Thy command, and by the lights of the dawn of Thy Revelation, and by the hidden mysteries in Thy Books, to make me humble before Thy loved ones, speaking of Thy remembrance and praise, and arising to serve Thy Cause. I testify, O my God, that Thy Cause is great, great indeed! Assist me, O my God, to hold fast unto it and cling to its hem. Then ordain for me, O my God, from Thy Most Exalted Pen the good of this world and the next. Verily Thou art the Beloved of all beings and the Lord of the throne on high and of the dust below.”
We make mention of thy father and give him the glad tidings of God’s loving-kindness, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. We mentioned him before and at this time in such wise that his remembrance shall endure in My perspicuous Book. We testify that he turned, attained the presence, and achieved that which most of creation failed to achieve. He who speaketh “there is none other God but He, the Single, the One, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed” beareth witness to this. Glory, remembrance and praise be upon thee and him from One mighty and wise.
BH02717: O Javad! The world hath been transformed…
He is the Mighty, the Great
O Javad! The world hath been transformed, for the Kingdom of utterance hath been renewed. All that existeth hath been adorned with a new and wondrous attire. This Day, verily, is unlike all other days, and this Revelation is the sovereign of all revelations. The denizens of land and sea circle round the Most Great Scene. The mountains cry out: “The All-Possessing, the Most High hath come!” The birds of the all-highest Paradise warble: “The Lord of the Kingdom of Names hath been made manifest! The call is raised from the Prison of ʿAkka. The virtues of the Day of God cannot be reckoned or confined. Blessed are they who are endowed with sight and hearing, who have attained unto vision and hearkening.” The hearing saith unto the sight: “This day the Most Great Scene is adorned—be thou aware!” And the sight saith unto the hearing: “Hearken thou and bear witness that the Throne of thy Lord hath established itself upon Carmel, and the Lord of all being, the Sovereign of the seen and the unseen, is seated thereon. A mighty festival hath been prepared, and a wondrous celebration hath appeared. God willing, may you receive a full portion of this eternal supreme bounty and everlasting joy and gladness!”
O daughter of Mishkin! Upon thee be My manifest glory! Today the Truth hath appeared amongst creation without veil or covering, and the light of Revelation hath illumined the realm of Sinai, and the Sun of Truth the world of existence. Strive that ye may not remain deprived. The ocean of divine generosity is surging and the fragrance of the Word of God is all-compelling. Glory be to God! The powers of sight and hearing and understanding have been created for this Day, for the Purpose is manifest, and the singing of the birds is raised, and the Countenances offer the chalice of immortality from the hands of bounty, while the angels cry “Happy and welcome! Blessed is he who hath cast away the world and taken what hath shone forth and appeared from the horizon of the heaven of the Ancient of Days, Who speaketh before the faces of the nations.”
O people of Sad! The lamp hath ever been and shall ever be in the midst of winds. The peoples of the world exist to aid the Wronged One, and yet they secretly busy themselves helping His enemies. Thus hath the Pen spoken and the Herald proclaimed: The Kingdom and the Dominion and the Glory and the Grandeur and the Majesty belong unto God, the Lord of the seen and the unseen. The Glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My mercy be upon you and upon those who have hearkened and turned and have said: We have believed in Thee, O Beloved of the hearts of them that know, and Goal of all who are in the heavens and on earth!
BH05223: O ʿAli! Do not despair of God’s spirit…
He is the Manifest Book and the One Who speaks on the Day of Judgment.
O ʿAli! Do not despair of God’s spirit and mercy, and grieve not over anything in the days of God, the Lord of the mighty throne. Be content with what has been ordained and fix thy gaze upon the Supreme Horizon from which the Mount received its Interlocutor, and the Tree its Caller, and the Beloved attained the presence of God, the Lord of the exalted throne. When thine eyes are consoled by beholding My traces and thou findest the fragrances of revelation from My Pen, say:
My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having turned toward Thy servant and for having accepted him who hath turned toward Thee. Thanks be to Thee for having caused me to hear Thy most sweet call from the shrill voice of Thy Most Exalted Pen, and for having acquainted me with the Dawning-Place of Thy verses, the Dayspring of Thy mysteries, the Treasury of Thy knowledge, and the Source of Thy commandments and ordinances. O Lord! Verily Thy servant was standing before the door of Thy bounty and awaiting the wonders of Thy generosity. I beseech Thee by the waves of the ocean of Thy mercy and the splendors of the sun of Thy grace to make me in all conditions steadfast in Thy remembrance and the service of Thy Cause. O Lord! Praise be to Thee for having heard my call and sent down for me that which shall endure through the eternity of Thy names and attributes. I testify that Thy grace hath encompassed existence both seen and unseen, and Thy mercy hath preceded all who are in the heavens and on earth. There is no God but Thee, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
BH05620: In My Name that overshadoweth all names
In My Name that overshadoweth all names
O My Leaf! I testify that thou hast attained unto My days and turned toward My horizon, and hast drunk the choice wine of revelation from the hand of My bounty, and hast taken, with the hand of submission, My Tablet and My traces. Blessed art thou and blessed is he who hath attained unto this Cause, the mighty, the wondrous, through which the light hath shone forth from the horizon of manifestation and the Sadratu’l-Muntaha hath given glad tidings unto all creation that the Lord of the Kingdom of Names hath come with a power before whose manifestation the power of the world stood powerless, and with a sovereignty that hath conquered all who are in the heavens and on earth.
O My handmaiden! Hearken, hearken unto the call of Him Who hath been wronged, as He calleth thee from the precincts of the prison with an utterance sweeter than sugar and more luminous than the sun and moon. Say: Praise be unto Thee, O my God, and thanksgiving be unto Thee, O my Beloved, and glory be unto Thee, O Glory of those who are in the heavens and on earth, for having caused me to turn toward Thee and to speak Thy praise and to be attracted by Thy verses and to be detached from all else besides Thee. O my Lord! I am Thy handmaiden and the daughter of Thy handmaiden. Thou hast made me one of the leaves of the Blessed Tree in Thy days.
I beseech Thee to assist me in Thy remembrance and praise through the wisdom which Thou hast sent down in Thy Books. Then ordain for me that which beseemeth the ocean of Thy bounty and the heaven of Thy grace. Verily, Thou art the All-Powerful, the Most Generous. There is no God but Thee, the Munificent, and Thou art the Ever-Forgiving, the All-Merciful.
BH05493: This is a Book sent down by the Wronged…
He is the Witness, the All-Hearing, the Mighty, the All-Knowing!
This is a Book sent down by the Wronged One to him who hath taken the Dawning-place of verses as his helper and turned unto Him when the servants turned away, save him who drank the choice wine of revelation from the hand that was mighty in the name of God. We have heard thy call and turned toward thee, and observed thy turning unto Us, and have sent down for thee the heavenly table of utterance from a heaven that was exalted in the name of God. Nothing whatsoever escapeth His knowledge. He witnesseth and seeth, and He hath power over all things.
When thou hearest My call and art illumined by the light of My lamp, say: My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having guided me and mentioned me, and glory be to Thee for having caused me to hear Thy call and to behold the traces of Thy Most Exalted Pen, whose rustling hath been raised up. I beseech Thee, O Lord of the kingdom of earth and heaven, and Sovereign of grandeur and might, by Thy Most Great Book whereby Thou hast guided the peoples, to make me one who drinketh Thy choice wine, who gazeth toward Thy horizon, who hearkeneth unto Thy call, who speaketh in Thy praise, who holdeth fast to Thy cord, and who cleaveth to the hem of Thy robe. O my Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant, turning unto Thee, detached from all else but Thee. I beseech Thee not to disappoint me of that which lieth with Thee, and to ordain for me, O my God, that which will draw me nigh unto Thee in all conditions. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.
BH05885: This is a Book sent down in truth…
He is the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise
This is a Book sent down in truth from God, the Lord of the worlds, that He might draw the people to a station illumined by the lights of the utterance of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. O My Most Exalted Pen! Make mention of him who hath turned to the Countenance and responded when thy shrill voice was raised throughout the world, and who hath believed in God, the Mighty, the All-Informed. We have heard thy call, We have turned toward thee and sent unto thee the fragrances of revelation, that thou mayest give thanks unto thy Lord, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. This is a Day whereon the Dove of Paradise warbleth and the Tongue speaketh in the kingdom of utterance through a command from the presence of a wise Ordainer.
When thou hast quaffed the choice wine of utterance from the cup of the bounty of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, say: My God, my Master and my Support! I testify to Thy Manifestation and to Thy Books which Thou hast sent down from the heaven of Thy Will, and to the movement of Thy Pen whereby Thou hast subdued the cities of hearts and souls. And I testify to Thy oneness and Thy singleness. I beseech Thee, O Thou Who art the Possessor of existence and the Forgiver of sins, by the lights of Thy countenance through which the Sun of Thy bounty hath shone upon existence, and by Thy Most Great Name which hath encompassed the world, to assist me to be steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the oppression of tyrants nor the injustice of pharaohs may frighten me. Then write down for me that which will draw me nigh unto Thee in all conditions. Verily, Thou art the Self-Sufficient, the Most Exalted.
BH08859: Glorified art Thou, O Lord of all beings…
In the Name of our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious
Glorified art Thou, O Lord of all beings and God of all things that exist! I testify with my outward and inward tongue to Thy manifestation and Thy revelation, to the sending down of Thy verses and the demonstration of Thy clear signs, and to Thy independence from all else and Thy sanctification above all others. I beseech Thee by the might of Thy Cause and the power of Thy Word to aid him who desires to carry out that which Thou hast commanded him in Thy Book and to perform that which will diffuse the fragrance of Thy good pleasure. Verily, Thou art the Mighty, the All-Bountiful, the Forgiving, the Generous.
He is the Helper
The letter of the beloved of the heart, AB, upon him be the glory and loving-kindness of God, containing six English pounds, has been received by this servant through his honor the beloved of the heart who bears the two Most Exalted Names, MH, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, in the year 1308.
BH09404: Glory be to Thee, O Thou Who art…
In the Name of our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Exalted, the Most Glorious!
Glory be to Thee, O Thou Who art the Lord of all beings and the Ultimate Aim of all creation! I testify with the tongue of both mine inner and outer being that Thou hast revealed and manifested Thyself, that Thou hast sent down Thy verses and demonstrated Thy proofs, and that Thou art independent of anyone besides Thee and sanctified above all else except Thyself. I ask Thee, by the glory of Thy Cause and the power of Thy Word, graciously to assist them that have arisen to discharge what hath been enjoined upon them in Thy Book, and to perform that whereby the fragrance of Thine acceptance may be shed abroad. Thou, verily, art the Powerful, the Gracious, the Forgiving, the Bountiful.
BH09249: We have desired to make mention of Our loved…
He is the Most High, the Most Glorious
We have desired to make mention of Our loved ones in that land whose names were not mentioned before the Face, that they may rejoice in the remembrance of God, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful. O people of God! Blessed are ye, inasmuch as ye have quaffed the wine of utterance from the chalice of the bounty of the Lord of all Religions. The Wronged One counseleth you with that which will exalt your stations among men. Take hold of the Book of God with such strength as cannot be hindered by the hosts of the wicked. Verily, the Lamp calleth out saying: Look ye, look ye in all conditions. Beware lest the veils of the world withhold you from this Lamp which God hath lit through His power and His might from His presence. He is verily the All-Conquering, the Unconstrained. Glory be upon you, O friends of God and His party, and upon My handmaidens who have believed in God, the Dawning-Place of Lights.
BH10094: O Ali, say: O my God and my Lord!…
He is the All-Seeing, the All-Informed.
O Ali, say: O my God and my Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy Name, and by Thy Cause, and by Thy might, and by Thy power, and by Thy sovereignty, and by Thy greatness, and by Thy dominion, and by Thy majesty, that Thou aid me to remain steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the oppression of the wicked ones nor the clamor of the enemies shall hold me back. Verily, Thou art the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
At the conclusion of this message, we make mention of thy wife who hath turned unto God, attained His presence and visited the House. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to aid her, to assist her and to make her firm in His love and in His remembrance and in His praise. Verily, He hath power over all things and is worthy to answer prayer.
BH04749: Glorified art Thou, O Thou in Whose grasp lie…
In the Name of our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious!
Glorified art Thou, O Thou in Whose grasp lie the reins of all things! Glorified art Thou, O Thou in Whose right hand is the kingdom of immortality! Glorified art Thou, O Thou by Whose command the Names are made manifest! Glorified art Thou, O Thou by Whose will all who are in earth and heaven appeared!
I testify to Thy manifestation and Thy revelation and Thine establishment upon the throne of “He doeth whatsoever He willeth,” and to Thy power which hath encompassed the kingdom of immortality. O my Lord! Thou seest one of Thy leaves who hath sought the tree of Thy utterance and hath left her homeland out of longing to attain Thy presence. The hands of Thy might and the hosts of Thy invisible realm did aid her until she arrived at Thy Most Great Prison and attained Thy presence and heard Thy verses and beheld Thy horizon. O my Lord! Assist her through Thy sovereignty and aid her through Thy bounty and bestowal. Then send down unto her that which shall endure as long as Thy names endure and the manifestations of Thy attributes.
Verily Thou art the Ruler over whatsoever Thou willest and the Ordainer of whatsoever Thou desirest. Moreover I beseech Thee by Thy generosity which hath encompassed all existence to ordain for her every good thing Thou hast ordained for Thy branches and every grace Thou hast written down for Thy leaves. Then make that which she hath sent be adorned with the ornament of Thy acceptance and the glory of Thy good-pleasure. Verily Thou art the Mighty, the Most Bountiful, the Powerful, the Generous. There is no God but Thee, the Supremely Powerful, the Most High, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. And praise be unto Thee, for verily Thou art the Goal of all worlds.
BH10831: Glorified art Thou, O Thou Who art the Self-Subsisting…
In the Name of our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious!
Glorified art Thou, O Thou Who art the Self-Subsisting One of Names and the Possessor of the throne on high and the earth below! I beseech Thee by Thy Most Great, Most Impregnable, Most Holy, Most Mighty, Most Glorious Name to ordain for whosoever hath turned unto Thee and carried out what Thou hast revealed in Thy Book the reward of every steadfast one whom neither the tyranny of the servants nor the clamor of the lands hath deterred. Verily, Thou art the All-Bountiful, the All-Generous, and within Thy grasp lie the reins of all who are in the heavens and on earth.
BH11699: In this Day the clear and manifest Book lifteth…
In this Day the clear and manifest Book lifteth up its call, summoning all mankind unto that which draweth them nigh unto God. Well is it with them—yea, well is it with them—who have caught the perfumed breeze that passed at dawn from the dwelling-place of the lovers of the divine Court. This breeze is able to quicken the dust of hidden mysteries and cause the buried secrets to return unto life and manifestation.
Today the world is a field of sacrifice and a garden of detachment; therein the signs of renunciation have appeared and the tokens of severance are made plain. The cloud of fleeting existence hath been scattered, and the lote-tree of the All-Merciful’s mercy hath cast its shade over all the worlds. Blessed are the souls who have received their share of these existing breezes and have thereby attained an everlasting triumph.
The day is the day of the manifestation of the lovers of God, and at every moment, throughout all horizons, from the City of Detachment a cry is raised and deeds of sacrifice appear. Neither the oppression of the oppressors, nor the ascendancy of the aggressors, nor the clamor of the deceivers, nor the proofs and ordinances of the deniers, have been able to debar the lovers from the light of longing, or to deprive them of the eternal bounty. In sacrifice and in the ranks of yearning, how many souls there are who have taken the lead and outstripped all others.
Praise be to God that thou hast been kindled by the fire of Divine love and hast attained unto the light of the Revelation of Him Who conversed upon Sinai. Thy remembrance is mentioned in the arena of the lovers, and thou art seen adorned with the most radiant and most holy robe of steadfastness. Thy letter, which bore the jewels of love and unity, and was fraught with the knowledge and affection of the Lord of creation, was read in the assembly of the friends beyond the veil. Praise be to God that its beginning was adorned with the mention of the honored Afnan, and that its ending was illumined with the seal of acceptance.
Blessed art thou and well is it with thee! The Wondrous One beseecheth His mighty and bountiful Lord to open before thy face a door such as the eye of creation hath never beheld, to grant thee His presence and His meeting time after time and again after again, and to make thee attracted by His verses, severed from all save Him, and soaring in His atmosphere—not with the wings of birds, but with that attraction of the Manifestation by whose word the Concourse on high and the dwellers of the exalted Paradise were drawn. He, verily, is the friend of him who befriendeth Him, and He strengtheneth him who cometh unto Him with a humble and sound heart.
At one of those times when His Holiness, the Desired One and Beloved of Grandeur, was seated upon the throne of joy, this servant submitted the petition into His presence. Praise be to God, with full permission it was presented, and I attained the honor of hearing the words of the Lord of mankind. At that moment the sea of utterance was surging with such a majesty, and the signs of proof were shining with such a moonlike splendor and radiant light, that all the pens of the world and all powers of comprehension are unable to preserve or set it down in writing. Your honored self hath yourself attained that presence and witnessed it; thus there is no need to describe it.
After that, these exalted words were uttered by the Desire of the worlds. Exalted and glorified be He! He said:
“O ‘Aziz! Upon My Afnan be My glory and My loving-kindness. The Branch was present before the Face and read that which thou hadst sent unto Him. We answered thee with wondrous praise and with a clear Book.”
In these days, lamentations arise from the land of Ridvan, for causes that have brought sorrow and lamentation to the Concourse on high. Glorified be God! The oppressors have spread corruption through the horizons and have revealed deeds that sadden the denizens of the Most Exalted Paradise. Yet today the lovers, with utmost attraction and yearning, hasten toward the presence of the King of all horizons and attain their supreme desire. The melody of the lovers is raised through the lands; blessed is he who hath heard and attained, and woe betide the heedless.
The friends have been remembered, that they may not be deprived of the cup of detachment nor barred from the remembrance of the Possessor of creation; for the gate of utterance hath been opened and that which encompasseth the throne of the kingdom and of the Kingdom hath been sent down. Great is His loving-kindness; His mercy hath preceded all things.
We beseech God—exalted and glorified be He—to make them heralds of His Name, severed from all else but Him. Verily He answereth the supplication of them that ask, and He is the Beloved of all who dwell in the heavens and on the earth.
Convey greetings and salutations to the friends, and entreat for them from the Lord that which is the cause of abiding existence and the ornament of souls. Verily He is the All-Powerful, the Almighty.
These words are written not from self, but by reason of the overflowing waves of divine mercy. We trust that His bounty will not be withheld, and that His servants will not be deprived of the most great effulgences. These days are precious, and the opportunity is fleeting. Though from ʿAkka the means of writing are constrained, yet there is hope that hereafter the Hand of bounty will be outstretched, the sealed mysteries will be disclosed, the hidden countenances will appear in their chambers, and the veil will be lifted. By God! the kingdom of the heavens and the earth beareth witness to this utterance.
This Prisoner sendeth abundant salutations unto the Afnan, upon whom be the glory of God. At all times, whether in movement or in repose, they are remembered and singled out for divine favour, illumined by the light of oneness and adorned with the remembrance of the loved ones. Upon them be greeting, magnification, and glory.
We ask of God—exalted be His glory—from the table of His oneness and the bounty of His everlasting grace, that which He alone can bestow. Verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer.
Remembrance, praise, might, and glory be upon you, O friends of God, and upon those who have attained that which the sincere and the near ones have attained. Praise be to God, the Possessor of whatsoever hath been and whatsoever shall be.
This Tablet was sent in a most holy and secure manner unto the beloved friends.
Dated the eighth of Muharram, in the year 1309 of the Hijrah. [the transcription of the original Tablet is uncertain]
BH01383: Praise be to God that the gates of attainment…
He is God, exalted be His station, the Grandeur and the Power
Praise be to God that the gates of attainment unto His presence are opened wide, their outward key being the pen and ink, and their inner key being the grace of God, the Lord of all creation. We praise Him and thank Him for having guided us in days wherein the fire of oppression hath been kindled in all regions through the doings of the manifestations of tyranny. And blessings and peace be upon the Dayspring of existence, the Lord of Revelation, and the Dawning-Place and Rising-Point of God’s most excellent names, and upon His kindred and companions who were the lamps of grace amidst all creation and the suns of bounty unto all beings—eternal blessings whose fragrance shall never cease throughout the duration of the manifestations of His attributes. My spirit be a sacrifice unto your honour.
Your blessed letter was received and after it was read before the countenance of the Lord, He said: O ʿAli-Akbar! The smoke of tyranny hath darkened the world of justice and veiled the light of equity. The heedless souls are encompassed by the hosts of transgression, wickedness, self and passion, to such extent that they have no purpose save their own desires and no beloved save this world. Veils of denial have prevented their eyes from recognizing what is right, and the lusts of passion have obscured their faculty of understanding, to such degree that they count loss as profit and abasement as glory. Heedlessness hath reached such a point that they slay their own Lord with their own hands and abandon their friend to the enemy. Glory be to God! The oppressors of the earth have reached such a state of tyranny that the Pharaohs and tyrants of the world seek refuge in God from their deeds.
O Mihdi, upon thee be My glory! In the early dawn the breezes passed over those pure and holy bodies, and from their whispers these exalted words were heard:
“Woe unto you! Woe unto you! Woe unto you! Woe unto you! O people of Ya! Ye have martyred your own masters with the swords of tyranny and transgression, and ye perceive it not. Soon shall the recompense of your deeds encompass you. At that time ye shall find neither helper nor supporter, neither protector nor friend. Have ye grown heedless of the power of divine justice, or have ye obtained a letter of immunity from His might? By God’s life! All the concourse of the near angels and the cherubim lament and shed tears of blood. O Mihdi! Who hath assisted the families and children of the martyrs? Who hath consoled them? Who hath cared for them? Who hath given them bread and water? The Pen lamenteth, the Most Great Name weepeth.”
Say: My God, my God! Thou seest what hath befallen Thy chosen ones and loved ones at the hands of the oppressors among Thy creatures. I beseech Thee by Thy sovereignty which hath encompassed all existence, and by Thy Name whereby Thou hast subdued both the seen and the unseen, to assist the oppressors in achieving justice and equity, and to make known to them what hath proceeded from them throughout the nights and days. O Lord! Take the hands of the oppressed ones through Thy power and might, then protect them from the evil of Thine enemies. Verily Thou art the Powerful, the Supreme, the Mighty, the All-Bountiful.
Convey greetings and glorification from this Wronged One to the people of that household. The glory from Us be upon them and upon those who love them for the sake of God, the Lord of the mighty throne. Praise be to God, all are mentioned in the presence of the Wronged One and are illumined by the light of His utterance.
In these nights and days, mention of the martyrs of the land of Ya hath been and is being heard from the tongue of Grandeur. Thus far, they have been mentioned several times and recorded in Tablets. Blessed are they, and joy and delight be unto them, for they have attained unto that which hath been the ultimate desire of the sincere ones and the ultimate will of those near unto God. Although the oppression is beyond reckoning, yet such bounty hath been manifested toward them that no knowledgeable recorder could ever describe it. We praise God, blessed and exalted be He, for the wonders of His generosity, His favors, His grace and His gifts. Verily He is the Helper of those in distress and the Succourer of the oppressed. There is none other God but Him, the Forgiving, the Merciful.
I beseech God to preserve your honour forever and adorn you with the ornament of health. Verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer.
Furthermore, I convey greetings and glorification to those related to your honour, and I beseech infinite favors and boundless grace for each one of them. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous.
Regarding what you wrote about mentioning the petition, it is known that your honour deliberately does not open the trusts, and moreover, the favors of God, exalted be His glory, toward your honour are beyond mention and reckoning. Therefore, what occurred was submitted and was accepted.
And concerning what you asked about the oil, the amount that was commanded was two rotls. Peace and praise and remembrance and glory be upon your honour and upon those who are with you and love you, and upon those who are assured and unified, and praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.
The servant 14 Muharram 1309 Five glasses were received.
BH02567: O beloved of my heart! The receipt of thy…
He is God, exalted be His glory, the Grandeur and the Power
O beloved of my heart! The receipt of thy honored letter brought supreme joy. May its fragrance perfume the realm of love and fidelity, and may its sweet scent adorn the world of remembrance and utterance. Glorified be our Lord and His mercy that hath preceded all who are in the heavens and the earth. After being presented before our Lord, may our spirits be sacrificed for Him, He said:
“O Husayn! Upon thee be the grace of God, the Lord of the Day of Judgment.”
Convey mention to Haji Baha’i and My loving-kindness on behalf of the Wronged One. We beseech God to give him to drink, at all times, from the Kawthar of life from His hand of bounty, whereby He hath cast down the banners of the idolaters and taken hold of the reins of all in the heavens and the earth.
Nabil, upon him be My glory and loving-kindness, is mentioned and the answer to his letter hath been revealed and will be sent. Give him the glad-tidings of My remembrance of him, My turning toward him, and My loving-kindness unto him.
We make mention of his honor Siyyid, previously Javad, upon him be the glory of God, the Lord of creation. His letter arrived this night and the Most Great Branch presented it before His presence. Praise be to God, it was adorned with steadfastness, sincerity, acceptance and firmness. We beseech God to send down upon him at all times a blessing from His presence and a bounty from His own Self. Verily He is the Mighty, the All-Bestowing.
Likewise ʿAli-Akbar, upon him be the glory of God, the Lord of Power, and the other friends, both men and women, are mentioned before the Wronged One and are adorned and illumined with infinite favors. We beseech God to protect them through His sovereignty and to guard them through His verses and to ordain for them that which will exalt them through His name amongst His servants. Verily He hath power over all things.
This servant also conveyeth greetings and glorification unto all and beseecheth God to aid them in that which He loveth and approveth. Verily He is the Lord of the Throne and earth and He is the Helper, the All-Wise.
The beloved of the heart, his honor Haji Siyyid Javad, upon him be the glory of God, His loving-kindness and His grace, is mentioned at all times before our Lord. This servant conveyeth unto him greetings, glorification, remembrance and splendor, and beseecheth for him that which befitteth His generosity, exalted be His glory. Verily He is the Giver, the Munificent, the Generous, the Bountiful.
Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds. Mercy, loving-kindness, grace and bounty be upon you and upon every servant who hath believed in God and His signs and acted according to that which He hath commanded in His perspicuous Book.
BH03475: The honored Afnan, upon whom be the peace…
He is God, exalted be His glory, the Forgiving, the All-Giving!
The honored Afnan, upon whom be the peace of the All-Merciful: Thou hast repeatedly attained Our presence—praised be God!—and art mentioned before the Wronged One and hast been the recipient of special favors. With complete determination thou must endeavor to guide all people and, through the Most Great Name, conquer the hearts of all who dwell on earth. This is not difficult for God to accomplish. The assault of the oppressors and the clamor of the malicious ones have somewhat subdued the friends in various lands. We cherish the hope that through the light of the Manifestation of Him Who conversed with Moses and through the fire of the Blessed Tree, the world will be set ablaze.
O My Afnan! Upon thee be My glory! Your station is to guide the servants, that those who turn to God may drink from the hand of bounty the water of everlasting life and thereby quicken the world. Through God’s grace—exalted be His glory—thou art mentioned and recorded in the Book as one of the Afnans of the Tree and as one of the Hands of the Cause. The flowing blood of the martyrs will surely awaken the world and its peoples. By God’s life! None can reckon its effects and manifestations; pen and ink cannot venture into that realm. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to make known to the oppressors what they have wrought in this transient world and to bring them near to the punishment that hath been ordained for them in this world and the next.
We remember all the friends in that land and beseech God on behalf of each one that which will cause the exaltation of goodly deeds and praiseworthy character. Thou didst mention Muhammad. Praise be to God, he hath attained recognition and is illumined by the light of understanding. We beseech God to ordain for him that which will cause him to speak His praise, to arise to serve Him, and to turn his gaze toward His horizon. Verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer of prayer. May glory and light rest upon his father, who attained My presence time and again, and upon every steadfast and trusted one. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.
BH02207: Praise and thanksgiving beseem the Lord of existence…
He is the Ever-Abiding that perisheth not
Praise and thanksgiving beseem the Lord of existence and the Sovereign of the seen and unseen, Who hath made the tyranny of oppressors and the dominion of rulers the cause and means of exalting His Most Great Word. At times He exalteth His Cause through the hands of the oppressors, and at other times through the hands of His loved ones, who regard the heedless as mere handful of dust and who speak that which the Supreme Pen hath spoken in the Most Sublime Horizon. These are men whom neither the ornaments of the world nor the treasures of princes can distract from the remembrance of this News wherewith God hath gladdened His Books, His Scriptures and His Tablets. Blessed is he who hath clung fast thereunto and hath turned toward the court of His glory, and woe betide the heedless ones.
O spiritual friend! The letters sent by thee were received. One of them was from his honor Shaykh Abu’l-Qasim, upon him be the peace of God and His glory. Blessed is he and joy be unto him, for from the words of his letter wafted the fragrance of love for the Lord of the Pen and the divine quill. By “Pen” is meant and hath ever been meant the Most Exalted Pen. It is the divine trumpet and the opener of the gates of the Lord’s mercy and bounty. By its song have been enraptured the hearts of them that are endued with understanding and are sincere. Blessed is he who hath truly hearkened to its song, for he seeth himself detached from all things and standing at the gate of grace with such steadfastness as the hosts of rulers and divines and the denizens of the earthly realm cannot deter him. After perusal and review it was brought before His presence. This is what was revealed from the tongue of the Lord, may our souls be offered up for His sake.
He is the All-Hearing, the Answering.
Praise be to God Who hath opened wide the gate of true understanding before the faces of all created things through the key of His Most Merciful Name, and hath guided all unto that path. O Shaykh, peace be upon thee! Today these pages are illumined with the light of justice, for His Majesty Sultan Abdul-Hamid hath seated himself upon the throne of equity. Verily, tyranny and oppression have no place therein. In truth, he is occupied day and night with the affairs of both government and people. Today the eye of the world is brightened by him, and the equitable among God’s servants are well pleased with his decrees. From the first day of Our imprisonment in the Most Great Prison until now, no adverse action hath been witnessed from His Majesty. Whenever the cry of the oppressed hath been raised from any quarter, he hath personally attended thereto and acted as befitteth his glory and might. All the people of his realm repose beneath the shade of the tree of his grace. Who is that lost one whom his favor hath not sought?
It therefore behooveth all of this community to supplicate the Self-Sufficient Lord with utmost humility and devotion for his protection and victory. Verily, He is the All-Powerful over whatsoever He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of grace and bounty. He is God, the Strong, the Prevailing, the Mighty.
This Wronged One hath ever besought and cherished the hope that God—glorified and exalted be He—may enable His loved ones to attain unto that which shall cause the manifestations of holiness and sanctity to appear among His servants. Praised be God, corruption, contention, disputation, and warfare have been forbidden—explicitly and in unmistakable terms—in the Book. It is hoped that they who have turned unto Him will hold fast unto whatsoever God hath willed and act in accordance with that whereunto they have been commanded. Perchance the rancor and hatred that blaze within hearts and souls may, through the Kawthar of divine counsels and the Salsabil of heavenly admonitions, be stilled, and mankind attain unto that which is the cause of deliverance and assurance.
Unto the friends in that land We convey Our greetings, and We exhort them unto righteousness and piety. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to strengthen them, to protect them through the hosts of power and might, and to draw them nigh unto Him under all conditions.
His honor ʿAkkash, upon him be the peace of God, the Lord of all names, together with his kinsmen, is remembered in the presence of this Wronged One. His honor Muhammad, upon him be the peace and glory of God, hath been forwarding and continues to forward letters from that quarter to this Wronged One. Due to the sorrows that have befallen Us, replies are sometimes delayed and at other times dispatched immediately.
The effulgences of the Sun of divine favor are of such intensity that truly all the pens of the world and its peoples are powerless to reckon them. Whenever mention was made of any one of His loved ones before their Lord, the ocean of utterance would surge in such wise as to astound the world of existence. Despite encompassing sorrows and trials that have befallen Us, that which is a Clear Book for the preservation of God’s servants and the prosperity of lands hath been revealed in every instant. This Prisoner beseecheth God that He may adorn the people of that place with the ornament of trustworthiness and godliness, and with that whereby their stations may be exalted in the earth. As for his honor’s request for permission to attain Our presence, after the setting of the Sun permission was granted and made manifest. Well is it with him!
The letter from his honor Shams, upon him be the peace of God, was received. Praise be to God, as it was adorned with the mention and praise of God—exalted be His glory—and gave voice to the blessed word of divine unity, its fragrance brought forth joy and its words opened the gate of gladness. Thanks be to the Goal of all the worlds that His loved ones are holding fast to the recognition of His oneness and acknowledging that which hath been sent down from His presence.
O God, my God! Thou seest Thy loved ones turning their hearts to Thee, and holding fast unto the cord of Thy ordinances and laws. I beseech Thee by the waves of the sea of Thine utterance, and by Him through Whom Thou didst adorn the heavens of Thy might, to graciously protect them by the aid of Thy hosts. O God! Thou beholdest Thy lovers in Iran in the clutches of hate and enmity. I beg of Thee, by Thy mercy which hath preceded the contingent world, to raise up from the earth those who will be moved to aid and protect them, and to preserve their rights and the restitution due to them by those who broke Thy Covenant and Testament, and perpetrated such acts as made the inmates of the cities of Thy justice and equity to lament. Thou art, verily, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
Glory be to God! In the land of Ya (Yazd) in Iran, wolves have attacked the friends and the faithful, and have committed that which causeth the tears of those near unto God and the sighs of the sincere ones to fall and ascend. That misguided party showed no mercy to innocent children who remained without sustenance for several days, and it is reported that the followers of His Holiness the Spirit of God (Jesus Christ), peace be upon Him, provided assistance and secretly sent life-sustaining provisions. Although these acts were committed to extinguish the light, yet God hath made tribulations the cause of the exaltation of His Cause and the means for the upliftment of His Word, despite their will. Verily, He is the Just, the Wise. Soon will God raise up from the drops of the blood of the oppressed men who will help His friends and loved ones. Assuredly, after the darkness of tyranny, the light of divine justice shall shine forth, and after oppression, the sun of equity shall cast its rays. Verily, our Lord is the Just, the Compassionate, the Generous.
After reading and reciting the letter of his honor Shams, upon him be the peace of God, we approached the court and it was presented in the presence of the Lord and was honored to be heard. He—may our souls be sacrificed for Him—said:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
O Shams, upon thee be the peace of God! His honor Muhammad, upon him be the peace of God and His care, forwarded thy letter to the Wronged One, and His Holiness the Branch Diya presented it. Blessed art thou for We have found from thee the fragrance of steadfastness and of humility and submissiveness before God, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. Although encompassing sorrows have descended, yet the door of mention and utterance is open. We beseech God to write down for thee and His loved ones, from the Pen of His grace, a bountiful reward in His Book, to protect you from the evil of His enemies, to illumine you with the lights of His oneness, to assist you in performing the deeds which He hath sent down from the Pen of His justice, and to ordain for you that which He hath ordained for His chosen ones who have sacrificed their souls and their wealth in His path, and to send down upon you from the clouds of His grace the rain of His mercy. Verily, He is powerful over all things.
Mention of Akkas had previously flowed from the Pen, and We desire to mention him once again at the end of the Book, that he may rejoice and be among the thankful ones. O Akkas! Thy call hath been heard and thy mention hath been made before the Wronged One. The wolves in the land of Ya have torn the divine sheep. Today the lamentation and wailing of all things is raised. The manifestations of tyranny and wickedness, and the dawning-places of self and desire, have wrought that which hath no likeness or parallel. We beseech God to aid the enemies to return unto Him and to turn repentant to the door of His grace. Verily He is the Powerful over whatsoever He willeth through His word “Be” and it is.
Convey greetings from the Wronged One to the men and women servants in that land. Each one is mentioned and hath attained a bounty. We counsel all to righteousness and forbid them from evil, that all may be adorned with the ornament of godliness and attain the acceptance of the Desired One. Verily He is the Most Merciful of the merciful ones and the Most Generous of the generous ones.
In the city of Yazd the workers of tyranny and wickedness wrought that which caused lamentation and wailing to arise from the solid rock. Hearts that were treasuries of the pearls of divine love were cut out, and temples that were illumined with the light of steadfastness were cut to pieces, then burned and cast into pits. And from the rushing winds of divine mercy that passed over those burned bodies, these words were heard:
“Alas! Alas! O people of Iran! Ye have martyred your true friends at the bidding of your enemies. O misguided party! What was the sin of the children and families? Soon shall the recompense of your deeds encompass you, and ye shall wail and lament and find no helper, for ye have become deserving of divine wrath. The hand of justice is manifest and evident, and hath not and will not overlook the oppression of the oppressors. Verily He is the Commander, the Just, the Wise.”
I convey greetings to the friends in that land, and I beseech the Almighty Incomparable One to grant each one bounty, wealth and glory. Verily He is the Giver, the Powerful, the All-Bountiful. Glory and praise and honor be upon thee and upon God’s loved ones there and in all regions, who have recognized that which God hath sent down in His perspicuous Book.
10th of Safar 1309 Diya’
BH00808: Praise and glory befit the Composer of hearts…
He is God, exalted be His station, the Most Great, the All-Powerful
Praise and glory befit the Composer of hearts and souls Who, despite the countless flames of hatred and enmity, did not desist from His purpose, but through His Most Exalted Word attracted and united. Praise be to God Who united hearts and manifested from this unity what He desired. Verily, He is the Master of creation in both beginning and end.
The flowing pen of that beloved of the heart somewhat consoled and brought solace to this grief-stricken heart from the oppression of the earth. Were it not for the gentle breezes of love for His loved ones, the heart would burst and existence would not be sustained. After reading, proceeding toward the supreme heights, it was presented before His face. His mighty utterance states:
O thou who gazest toward the horizon of justice and turneth to the lights of grace! In these days this Wronged One moveth in a world of despair, for the labors of forty years and the manifest, all-encompassing favors have all been observed to be wasted and fruitless. How many saplings of hope We planted and cultivated with hands of grace and bounty in various lands, yet no fruit thereof is visible and no trace apparent, for the poisonous winds intervened and prevented the waters of mercy. Night and day the Supreme Pen moved in kind counsels and wise admonitions, removing discord, contention, strife and enmity through the power and might of the Kingdom of utterance. Nevertheless, neither are the rulers content nor the divines pleased. The toil of those mentioned years was scattered to the winds, and now the lamp is observed amidst tempests. None of the rulers of Iran comprehended why this Most Great Party maintained such silence and stillness, and what caused their lack of resistance and defense.
O thou who gazest upon the Countenance! The nobles of that land fell upon the pure and holy bodies like wolves of the earth and committed that which caused the Most Great Sorrow. In brief, the beasts of the isles of heedlessness have surrounded the rulers. Beseech God to protect the rulers. By Thy life, O Observer! They have no helper and no champion; they cry out for help but none assists them, for the darkness of oppression hath seized the world. None with understanding is observed who might comprehend. At every moment a new fire is kindled and wailing and lamentation is raised. This Wronged One beseeches God to transform the fire of oppression into the light of justice, and tyranny into equity.
My God, my God! I beseech Thee by the Dawning-Places of Thy verses and the Manifestations of Thy Cause, and by the Seat whereon He Who conversed with Thee on Sinai sat, and by the Throne which Thou hast adorned through its connection to the Dayspring of Revelation, to transform the turning away of Thy servants into acceptance, their denial into acknowledgment, and their oppression into justice. O my Lord! Thou seest Thy chosen ones and loved ones in a position where from all sides are heard the barking of the dogs of self and passion. I beseech Thee to protect them through Thy sovereignty and ordain for them that which will make them powerful through Thy might and wealthy through Thy bounty. Verily, Thou art the All-Bountiful, the Bestower, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
O beloved of my heart! A year has passed during which, in outward matters, disturbances have appeared. The evil ones of the earth, due to their enmity towards the honored Afnan, upon them be the Glory of God the Most Glorious, have resorted to calumnies that have caused delays in affairs. We hope that this stillness will swiftly be transformed to motion and this delay to movement—a movement and swiftness that will attract the world and teach a new way.
In certain nights and days, mention of you has been and is made in the presence of the Master. Repeatedly He has said:
“We beseech God to soon make manifest means that will cause the elevation of the station of Nazir, glory be upon him.”
This servant states with clear certainty that assuredly after these difficulties and these complex and perplexing matters, and these hindering doubts and suspicions, all shall be transformed—difficulties to ease, hardship to facility, and doubts and suspicions to the light of certitude. Praise be to God Who has ordained for His loved ones that which nothing can equal. Verily He is the Powerful through His Most Exalted Name.
The hardship and constraints in your affairs have repeatedly been mentioned. We hope that the Opener of Doors and Turner of Hearts will manifest for His loved ones that which brings peace and tranquility. I convey greetings and praise to the loved ones of that land, and I beseech God, exalted be His glory, for bounty, generosity and grace for each one, whereby the fame of His loved ones may be raised among His servants. Verily He is the Powerful, the Mighty.
In these days what has occurred is that His Excellency the Ambassador Mu’in-ul-Mulk has made representations seeking benefit in his affairs, as the Persian government has summoned him, but having become aware of their intentions he has delayed his return and has sought counsel. For some time he has been showing love and friendship. He [Baha’u’llah] said:
“We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to transform this outward friendship into true love. He is the Powerful and the Mighty.”
Regarding what you wrote about proceeding to a certain place for the supreme martyrdom, after it was presented He said:
“The honored Overseer, upon him be God’s peace and glory, has repeatedly attained this bounty. In the path of God most of his days have been spent in exile and hardship. How many taunts he has heard and torments he has tasted! Each of these instances is cause for martyrdom and reason for sacrificing one’s existence. And if something appears that causes a Tablet to be sent, we shall entrust it to that devoted one. Praise be to God, that beloved one has attained to that which has no equal. This mention of martyrdom is mighty. Assuredly that beloved one knows and recognizes its worth and station.”
This servant also beseeches God to accompany and share the same purpose, that perhaps he may succeed in sacrificing his spirit in the path of his Lord and King. Verily our Lord is the Helper, the Wise.
At this moment mention was made by the Master of the spiritual beloved and apple of our eye, His honor Aqa Mirza Habibu’llah, upon him be the Glory of God. He said:
“O Habib! Upon thee be My peace and glory! God is witness and the heart testifies that the gaze of favor has been and is directed towards thee. We beseech God to manifest through thee that which will cause the exaltation of the blessed, goodly Word. Convey greetings to the leaf on behalf of the Wronged One. We send greetings to all the loved ones of that place—his honor Nuru’llah and Muhammad and the others—and we counsel them to pure, holy and sanctified deeds.”
O my God, my God! I beseech Thee to gather Thy loved ones beneath the shade of the Tree of Thy providence, then rain down upon them from the heaven of Thy mercy the showers of Thy glory and bounty. Verily, Thou art the All-Powerful, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.
This servant also conveys greetings, remembrance and glory to that spiritual friend, and I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to grant that delight of the eyes boundless grace. Verily our Lord is the Bestower, the Mighty, the Bountiful.
Greetings, remembrance and glory be upon you and upon those with you, and upon those who are sincere and devoted. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.
The servant 14 Safar 1309
BH01114: Praise be to God Who hath trained His loved…
He is God, exalted be His station, the Mighty, the Powerful
Praise be to God Who hath trained His loved ones in His path through adversity and tribulation, that all may fix their gaze upon Him and turn unto Him in all conditions, whether in hardship or ease, in poverty or wealth. Thus hath He caused that spiritual friend to be ever engaged in His praise and remembrance. In truth, this is a mighty station. The servant beseecheth his Lord to enable all to attain unto this and to assist them in that which beseemeth His Revelation and His days. Verily, He is powerful over all things.
The letters of that spiritual friend have been received time and again, and after reading each one, We presented them before the Face of the Lord. He heard them and said—sweet are His words:
“O thou who drinkest the wine of My love! Hearken unto My call from the direction of My prison. Verily it draweth thee nigh unto God, the One, the All-Informed, even as it drew thee nigh before. He is verily the All-Bountiful, the Generous.”
Praise be to God, the inner matters are confirmed and known, while the outward affairs are contingent upon the requirements of consummate wisdom. Every time hath its effect and every moment its fruit. Knowledge is with the Eternal God. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to open before thy face, through the key of His Name, the All-Giving, the gates of His grace, mercy and bounty, and to rain down upon thee from the clouds of His generosity the showers of His blessings and riches. He is verily the Compassionate, the Generous, the Munificent, the Merciful.
Recite what the All-Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’an:
“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. God will surely accomplish His purpose. God hath set a measure for all things.”
Recite this blessed revealed verse every day. He is the Source of grace and bounty, the Dawning-Place of mercy and glory. God willing, the closed door shall open and suspended matters shall be set in motion.
O Siyyid Farajullah, upon thee be the peace of God. Thy mention hath been made before the Wronged One, and We beseech God to send down that which will exalt thy station. In these days Iran is in turmoil, the fire of oppression is ablaze, truthfulness, sincerity and justice are concealed, while tyranny, corruption and oppression prevail. Glory be to God! Most of the people of Iran are observed to be deprived of human virtues. They have ever cursed and reviled the Sunnis while praising themselves, but divine justice did not remain hidden and shone forth like the sun from the horizon of will. This Wronged One beareth witness that no party in the world hath been more heedless, more rejected, and more foolish than the Shi’ih party. They are sheer ignorance, yet consider themselves the repository of knowledge. Their deeds testify to their station and rank. They martyred the Lord of the world and all beings in such wise that rocks cried out in lamentation, yet to this day they remain unaware of their unseemly acts. They martyred the King of the throne of faith in the name of infidelity, yet they perceive it not. In any case, beseech and We beseech God not to deprive any of His servants of His grace and favor.
O Thou one God! Make the heedless aware, guide Thy poor ones to the ocean of Thy riches, and cause Thy opposers to taste the sweetness of turning unto Thee. Thou art the Powerful One Whom the power of the world hath not and cannot prevent. We testify that Thou art the Strong, the Triumphant, the Mighty, and worthy to answer prayer.
We make mention of the friends and beseech for each a manifest bounty. Blessed is he who holdeth fast unto the Covenant and fulfilleth his pledge to his Lord, the Master of the Day of Separation. In these days tidings that are the cause and source of grief have arrived continuously, but since they have come to pass in the path of God, they were instantly transformed into joy. In truth, the station of the lovers and their characteristics have become and are becoming evident and manifest through trials and tribulations, and that which hath no likeness or parallel hath been revealed by the Pen of Truth concerning them.
The servant beseecheth God that He deprive not His servants of the wonders of His mercy and confirm them in returning and repenting unto Him. He is the Powerful, He is the Unconstrained. I convey greetings and praise to the friends in that land, and I implore God, exalted be His glory, to open a door that shall never be shut. Verily, He is the All-Bountiful, the All-Generous. As to what was written regarding the funds, according to His command it will be mentioned to some, but its receipt appeareth difficult, as this year the wheat trade in this land hath greatly increased. The friends and others are each occupied with acquiring it; most have been unsuccessful and remain idle.
If it be possible to receive it from someone in that land, it would seem preferable. We beseech God to make easy these most difficult matters and to keep that spiritual loved one joyous in all conditions. Verily, He is near to the doers of good and the One Who setteth aright the affairs of them that are detached. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds. Peace and praise and remembrance and glory be upon you and upon God’s friends there, and upon the sincere ones and the believers among His servants, and upon every steadfast and firm one, and every faithful and trustworthy one.
The servant 14 Safar 1309
BH06627: Divine grace and mercy have ever encompassed and continue…
He is God, exalted be His glory in wisdom and utterance
Divine grace and mercy have ever encompassed and continue to encompass His loved ones. Today is the day of mention and praise, of service and faithfulness. It is hoped that this fresh sapling of the garden of inner meanings may, beneath the shade of the Blessed Tree, attain to the highest station which is the ultimate growth of trees. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to preserve thee and cause thee to speak in His remembrance and praise, to draw thee nigh unto Him, and to open before thy face the gate of pardon and bestowal, of blessing and abundance. Verily He is the Lord of all creation. He ordains as He pleaseth for His loved ones and chosen ones, whom He hath raised up among His servants through His name and remembrance. Verily He is their Lord, their Beloved, their Goal, their Helper and their Succourer, and He is the All-Bountiful, the All-Generous. Peace and light and radiance be upon thee and upon thy father who arose to serve humanity in the early days, and upon all who are steadfast and upright. Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
BH10993: Praise be to the Lord of existence who hath…
Praise be to the Lord of existence who hath made manifest the Path and guided His servants unto it….
My God, my God! Deprive not Thy servants of the wonders of Thy bounty, and grant them their portion from the Kawthar of Thy utterance in such wise that it may seize them from themselves and draw them nigh unto Thee, O Lord of the worlds and Master of nations. There is none other God but Thee, the Omnipotent over what was and what shall be….
O Abul-Fadl! Upon thee be the Glory of God, the Lord of Justice. Thou hast ever been and art still remembered. Blessed art thou and joy be unto thee. We beseech God to protect thee that thou mayest remember Him and be occupied with His praise. We hope that in this Revelation the loved ones may attain unto the lights of true Divine Unity, not like the Shi’ih sect who each day would carve an idol with their own hands and worship it. Among them was one who claimed to be the Fourth Pillar, who every year would write a refutation of the Primal Point and commit such acts as caused the dwellers of the highest Paradise to weep and lament. We beseech God to aid all to do that which He loveth and pleaseth. Verily He is the Lord of creation, the Lord of the Last and the First….
BH01329: These are My days—days which, by the testimony…
In the name of our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the All-Glorious.
These are My days—days which, by the testimony of God, have had, and have no, peer or likeness. All created things are occupied in acclaim and exaltation through the call of the Lord of Names, inasmuch as the banner of the Revelation of Him Who spake on Sinai hath been lifted up and made manifest upon the loftiest station of the world, plainly visible to all. In truth, for no one, whether he be eloquent or speechless, remaineth any room for denial or objection. Unto this beareth witness every man of understanding and insight, and every soul endowed with radiant vision.
And further: the letter of that spiritual loved one was received, and it testified to his turning unto God, his receptivity, his supplication, and his detachment. After it had been read and its contents noted, it was raised toward the heaven of bounty and laid before the countenance of the Lord—may my soul, in the Kingdom of Command and of Creation, be a sacrifice for His advent. After full permission had been granted, the letter was presented. Thereupon was uttered by the Tongue of Grandeur this word, as a grace from His presence—and He, verily, is the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. Exalted and glorified be He.
In My Name that overshadoweth all names
O Ghulam-ʿAli! This is a day wherein the Primal Point calls out, the Mother Book cries aloud, and all things lament for what has befallen the friends of God in the land of Ya. The wolves have surrounded the dawning-places of divine gifts and favors, and have committed that which has caused My heart, My pen, My outer being and My inner being to weep. The oppressor has denied God’s proof, His evidence, His greatness and His sovereignty. At present he is beset on every side—beset in such wise that sleep and repose have been taken from him. The bearer of the Divine Tablet, namely Badi’, proceeded by the command of God, exalted be His glory, yet, through the treachery of the faithless one, he feared, received not the Tablet, and was not enabled to chant and read it. Now letters, even as deadly poison, are sent unto him from every quarter, and he hath no remedy save to peruse them. Thus doth he, against his will and under compulsion, drink the cup of foul corruption.
Glorified be God! Is there to be found any fair-minded man, any just soul, or any well-wisher of government and people, who will acknowledge the favours set forth in the Tablet, that haply he may arise to repair that which hath escaped him? Yet alas, alas! Falsehood and vainglory have withheld him, and still withhold him, from yielding to the Cause of God. We bear witness that he is wrapt in a manifest veil. Nevertheless, this Wronged One proclaimeth these exalted words.
My God, My God! Prevent not the Sultan from turning to the ocean of Thy knowledge, and deprive him not from the depths of the sea of Thy oneness which was the bearer of Thy mysteries and the treasury of Thy wisdom and knowledge. O Lord! Aid him to return unto Thy court and to acknowledge his errors before the gate of Thy forgiveness. Verily Thou art the All-Bountiful, the Generous. There is no God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Merciful.
O Ghulam-Qabil-ʿAli! The servant in attendance before Me hath presented thy letter, and after permission was granted, We have answered thee with this clear remembrance, that thou mayest read and be of the thankful ones. Two most wondrous, most mighty, most holy and most glorious Tablets, specifically for those who have turned unto God, were sent in the handwriting of the Greater Branch, that they may bring forth from the ocean of My words the pearls of My knowledge, as a grace from Me unto thee and unto those who have turned and have said:
“The Kingdom and the Dominion, and the Glory and the Might belong unto God, the Lord of the Day of Judgment.”
Make mention of the loved ones on behalf of the Wronged One, then recite unto them what We have sent down from the heaven of My will that encompasseth all who are in the heavens and the earth. End.
Praise be to God that in this divine springtime the flowers of wisdom and inner meanings have sprouted from the soil of hearts. Blessed is he who hath recognized, and woe unto the deniers! In truth, there hath been sent down from the heaven of divine favor, specifically for thee and the two souls mentioned—upon them be 96 [Baha’u’llah]—that which hath had and shall have no likeness, and shall endure for as long as His most beautiful names endure. This servant conveyeth greetings and glorification to each one. It is hoped that at all times they will arise to serve the Cause and engage, with the utmost endeavor, in teaching with wisdom and utterance. Verily our Lord assisteth His loved ones to serve Him and enableth them to make mention of Him, to praise Him, and to exalt His Word. He, verily, is the Answerer of prayers and the Lord of all the worlds.
Should ye meet the friends of God, convey on behalf of this servant greetings and glorification. We beseech God to gather His loved ones beneath the canopies of His grace and to grant them His presence, the Mighty, the Wondrous. Glory and remembrance and praise be upon you and upon those who have attained unto the Most Great Steadfastness in the Cause of God, our Lord and the Lord of all who are in earth and heaven. There is no God but Him, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious.
The servant 11 Rabi’u’l-Avval 1309
BH11117: By the life of God, the Afnan possess…
…By the life of God, the Afnan possess a station whereby if they hold fast unto it, whatever they desire will be realized and made manifest….
The manifestations of the Luminary of bounty and the effulgences of the Sun of loving-kindness in relation to the Afnan have appeared and been witnessed to such a degree that all pens are powerless and incapable of enumerating them….
BH08570: O ʿAli-Akbar! Give thanks to the Lord of Power…
He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
O ʿAli-Akbar! Give thanks to the Lord of Power, that He confirmed thee and deprived thee not of the outpourings of His ocean of knowledge. The divines of Iran throughout ages and centuries clung to vain imaginings and held fast to idle fancies, for they became manifestations of that which the All-Merciful had not sent down in the Qur’an. His blessed and exalted Word states:
“And if there be the weight of a mustard seed and it be in a rock, or in the heavens, or in the earth, God will bring it forth.”
The heedlessness and darkness that lay concealed in the innermost reality of those souls became manifest in the days of the dawning of the Sun of Truth, and that darkness turned to lead and descended upon the Lord of the world. We take refuge with God from the deeds of those who broke the Covenant and committed that which caused the Faithful Spirit to lament.
BH10009: The Great Announcement proclaimeth: O people of God! Do…
He is the Great, the All-Bountiful
The Great Announcement proclaimeth: O people of God! Do not afflict yourselves as did the party of the Shi’ih, and deprive not yourselves of the light of the Sun of true divine unity.
Whosoever ascribeth partnership or similarity to the Lord of Batha (may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake), such a one is deprived of the light of true divine unity.
The Imams (upon them be the peace of God) were created by His Word, and received their portion and share from the ocean of His grace and bounty before creation itself. To this beareth witness the Mother Book in its final return. He, verily, is the Mighty, the All-Bestowing.
BH11050: Praise be to the Lord of the Kingdom, Who…
He is the Expositor, the All-Knowing!
Praise be to the Lord of the Kingdom, Who illumined the world with the lights of the Most Great Name and raised high the pavilion of “Verily I am God” despite His enemies. Blessed is the soul that hath attained unto true unity and become detached and free from all else but God. Such a one is Our friend and among the people of the Ark of Our grace.
BH00165: Praise befitteth and is worthy of the Everlasting Speaker…
Section 1: “In the Name of Our Lord, the Most…”
In the Name of Our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious
Praise befitteth and is worthy of the Everlasting Speaker Who, at a time when the fire of hatred was ablaze in all regions and directions, made mention of His loved ones through the Kawthar of utterance and the Salsabil of exposition, and gave them glad tidings. The instruments of abasement and the devices of tyranny and heedlessness did not prevent the Sun of Justice from shining forth—exalted be His station, glorified be His utterance, and there is no God but Him. Blessed is this day and most great is this Cause, for the Great Announcement is established upon the throne of manifestation. I beseech and implore God, glorified be His Majesty, that He protect and preserve His servants from being tainted with falsehood and calumny like the Shi’ih sect. Verily, He is powerful over all things and worthy to answer prayers.
O beloved of my heart! Thy noble letter arrived like a spiritual messenger and illumined the realm of existence with the light of joy, for from each of its words wafted the fragrance of humility, submissiveness, and complete turning toward God. In truth, the mention of the Beloved has been and ever will be the cause of love and unity among hearts. We hope that this supreme grace will remain sanctified and holy, and not be veiled by the dust of the vain imaginings of the former people. Verily our Lord is the Mighty, the Powerful. After experiencing this joy and delight, and reading and learning of its contents, We turned toward the Kingdom of Utterance and presented it before the countenance of the Lord of Religions, and it attained the honor of His attention. His utterance, mighty be His words and glorious His proof:
In My Name, the One Who standeth before all faces
O Son of My Name! Upon thee rest My glory and loving-kindness. Thou must, in all conditions, gaze upon and hold fast to this blessed verse revealed in the Qur’an: “He doeth what He willeth and ordaineth what He pleaseth.” In truth, this blessed verse hath been and continues to be the hosts of divine protection. Train the loved ones through this exalted word and preserve them from vain imaginings that neither nourish nor enrich. The word “He doeth what He willeth” is a mighty sign and an adorned and knowing teacher. Blessed is the soul that truly cleaveth thereunto; such a one is, in all conditions, protected and preserved.
O Son of Asdaq the Most Holy! Thou must be occupied with service to the Cause at all times, and be confident in the grace of the Truth. He is thy Helper, thy Sustainer, and thy Protector. Know thou with clear certainty that every word that shineth forth from the horizon of the heaven of divine knowledge is established and verified in the heavenly scrolls and the crimson tablet, of which the Mother Book is but a part. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to assist His servants to achieve such steadfastness as cannot be shaken by vain imaginings and doubts, nor by the suspicions of those who have denied God, the Self-Subsisting, the Guardian.
The manifest oppression that hath befallen in the land of Ya hath grieved this Wronged One to such a degree that He findeth Himself powerless to make mention and utterance in that realm. O thou who gazest upon the Countenance! The Most Great Calamity hath come to pass and the Supreme Affliction is witnessed. Assuredly, the greatest portion of this sorrow hath reached that honored one. Although through the cries and lamentations of all things, domination and conquest were transformed into triumph and victory, and through that which came to pass, the Cause of God was exalted—exalted be His power, His sovereignty, His Cause, and His dominion—yet man remaineth bewildered by those souls who count the supreme loss as the greatest gain and are unaware. What heedlessness hath encompassed them and what deed hath become a barrier!
O thou who art mentioned at the Throne! Concerning the martyrs, upon them be the Glory of God, the Most Mighty, the Most Luminous, the Most Glorious, that which shall endure throughout the perpetuity of God’s kingdom and dominion hath been revealed. Happy are they and joy be unto them. We have bidden Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin, upon him be My glory and loving-kindness, to send unto thee some of that which hath been revealed. We beseech God to assist him in that which He hath commanded. Verily, He is the Hearer, the Answerer.
For some time the Seat of the Throne was in the land of Haifa, and in most times the voice of nature was raised. We said: What aileth thee, O Nature, that We hear thy cries in the nights, thy lamentations in the days, and thy moaning at dawn? Thereupon she raised her voice, crying out and saying: O Sovereign of existence! The idolaters have sunk Thy crimson ark and have hamstrung Thy white She-camel, and they desire to extinguish Thy light. Therefore have my cries and the cries of all things been raised, and my lamentations and the lamentations of those in earth and heaven. O Supreme Being! I beseech Thee by Thyself and by Thy most sweet call and the shrill voice of Thy Most Exalted Pen to protect Thyself from the cannons of the enemies and the swords of the wicked ones. Verily, Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest, and in Thy grasp are the reins of all affairs of the first and the last. Repeatedly was this cry heard when We were engaged in revealing a new tablet, and mention of it hath been recorded in that blessed tablet. To this testifieth this Book that moveth and speaketh: There is no God but Me, the Single, the Powerful, the Commander, the All-Wise.
My God, my God! Thou seest me circling around Thy will and gazing toward the horizon of Thy bounty. In truth, this utterance and this will are the greatest of deeds and words in the sight of God. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to give thee to drink at every moment from the cup of this most exalted station and this highest rank. Verily, He is the Lord of all beings, the Lord of the throne and the earth.
O thou who drinkest the choice wine of meeting before the face of the Lord of Names! Convey to all the loved ones of that land greetings from the Wronged One. Say: Today is the day of service and triumph, and no triumph is greater than the guidance of humanity, nor shall there ever be. All must hold fast unto this and guide others to the straight path. Say: Beware lest anything prevent you or any matter keep you from turning to the station wherefrom the call is raised at all times.
O son of Asdaq the sanctified! Counsel everyone to justice, fairness, steadfastness, and harmony. They must shun any matter from which they detect even an atom’s weight of corruption. This is the divine counsel that hath been revealed and sent down from the Pen of Command in scriptures and tablets. Blessed are they that act, and blessed are they that understand.
It is hoped that the loved ones will at all times drink from the cup of the greatest steadfastness, for if they attain unto this, the breezes of idle fancies and vain imaginings will not keep them from the straight path, and each one will manifest such power as to see the world as but a shadow. In these days it hath been repeatedly stated that this is the day of triumph and victory. Praise be to God, the hand of bounty hath been so manifestly extended as to encompass the world. At all times the chalice of utterance is present. Blessed are they that ask and they that drink. Whosoever turns, attaineth forthwith, without delay or hindrance.
As to what thou didst write regarding the journey of the beloved of hearts, Haji Mirza Haydar-Ali, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious, and the beloved of hearts Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious—the truth of the matter is this: From Khidra, the spiritual friend Haji Muhammad Kazim, upon him be the Glory of God, wrote that these two holy and well-pleasing souls, upon them be the Glory of God, had arrived in that land and the governor sought to meet them. However, as it was not expedient in wisdom, they passed through without meeting. After this matter was presented before the Most Holy Court, it was commanded that that honored one, together with the aforementioned person, should proceed to that land and, if possible, meet him, so that through this meeting it might become known and evident that the non-meeting of those two souls was due to the requirements of wisdom, not cowardice and fear.
As for my beloved Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious, he went solely to see his brothers, and two years ago the spiritual friend Mulla Ali, upon him be the Glory of God, specifically requested his presence, but permission was not granted from the Most Holy and Most Exalted Court, until this year when they specifically sought permission to go see their brothers—nothing beyond this matter was ordained.
As regards the Huquq, it was never mentioned in the Most Holy Presence. That beloved of the heart is well aware that some years ago the King of Martyrs, may our souls be sacrificed for him, supposed that in the Land of Purpose the means of livelihood were straitened. For this reason he instructed the revered beloved, His Holiness Ismu’llah Jamal, upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God, to proceed specifically to the Land of Kha to collect Huquq.
When this news reached the Most Holy Presence, He immediately summoned this servant and revealed a wondrous and most mighty Tablet forbidding that matter. Indeed, the most severe prohibition was manifested therein, and at the time of its revelation the verses were so overwhelming that none save the Revealer Himself was aware of their import. Subsequently, His Holiness Ismu’llah, upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God, sent a petition to the Most Holy Presence expressing dismay that this servant’s services were never accepted. Some of the friends, including the sons of Khalil and the heirs of Kalim, upon them be the Glory of God, had out of love, sincerity, eagerness and longing given a sum, which if rejected would cause disappointment to all. They had restricted the sum a thousandfold, and this servant submitted in the Most Holy Presence that if it were accepted it would bring joy, happiness and hope to all hearts. Thereafter the command was issued to distribute that sum, and specifically fifty tumans were designated for each of the friends. It was distributed in its entirety, and the souls in those lands bear witness to what was issued from the Source of Commands.
Likewise when the friends of Faran, upon them be the Glory of the All-Merciful, intended to make pilgrimage and pay Huquq, after their arrival their contributions were accepted and returned to them. The honored lady Darvish-Khuda, upon her be the Glory of God, appealed in the Most Holy Presence requesting that the funds be accepted as they had long since been set aside from their own property. Nevertheless, with boundless kindness and favor, He again accepted and returned them, and not a dinar was taken except from His Honor the Siyyid, upon him be the Glory of God, who was with them—thirty-five tumans were accepted and distributed. Ten tumans of this were bestowed upon Mishkin-Qalam, upon him be the Glory of God, and the remainder was given to the friends of the Land of Kha.
Surely that beloved one is aware of this, and moreover knows how many souls are gathered in the prison. There have always been debts and still are, especially in these days when a sum was requested by command from a designated source and went to pay debts. And if at times a small amount was recorded as being available, it was given to the friends of that land. Someone also gave a sum to His Honor Afnan and His Honor Amin to deliver, which until now has not been accepted but was not rejected, as modesty and embarrassment prevented it. It remains available but has not been used. That beloved one and others are aware of all that has been mentioned.
Yes, some years ago complaints from certain ones reached the Most Holy Presence but were completely ignored and no reply was sent. O beloved of my heart, reflect on the bounties of God. The glances of His favor have ever been and still are directed toward us.
Concerning His Holiness Ismu’llah Al-Asdaq, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God, that which was revealed, every letter thereof was indicative of loving-kindness, bounty and mercy. Repeatedly, when the deceased and elevated leaf, the wife of the departed and exalted Haji Mirza Hasan, upon them both be the Glory of God and His mercy, was present, the Tongue of Grandeur would make mention of that beloved one and of His Holiness Ismu’llah—a mention which, were it to be cast upon the mountains, thou wouldst see them stirred by the utterance of God, the Lord of the worlds. Together with the blessed word “He doeth as He willeth,” outward considerations were not lost sight of, in the hope that they would become aware of that which hath been made manifest and convey unto the servants of God that which would cause the exaltation of the Word and the advancement of souls. And if at times there be delay in sending replies to the letters of that beloved of the heart, it hath been due to confidence and lack of opportunity, as communications arrive continuously from every direction. In truth, time hath become as scarce as the philosopher’s stone.
Section 2: “In these days certain news hath arrived…”
In these days certain news hath arrived from the land of Ta that hath caused astonishment. Among these is the report that Siyyid Jamalu’d-Din Afghani hath drawn the prominent figures of Iran unto himself with the chains of fancy and vain imaginings, to such extent that they have become partners with him in corruption. That person, while in Egypt, manifested the utmost enmity towards this community without any cause, and wrote that which befitted himself alone. Likewise in Beirut he wrote a letter and gave it to Butrus who was engaged in publishing the encyclopedia, and that ignorant one, unaware, printed it in his book and distributed it. Later he went to Paris and in that city published a newspaper which he named ʿUrvatu’l-Vuthqa.
Every week he would send it to His Holiness the Most Great Branch—may my spirit and being be offered up for the dust of His most pure footsteps—and expressed friendship, requesting that whatever He wished would be sent for publication. However this request was not accepted. Afterwards he set out for Iran, and they have surely heard the details of what followed. In any case, it is strange that such a person should confirm noble souls in spreading his corruption. Glory be to God! What happened to steadfastness? Where did wisdom and knowledge go? However, I beseech God, exalted be His glory, that He may assist him to return.
O my God, my God! Aid the heedless to return unto Thee and to repent before the gate of Thy forgiveness. Then make known unto them that which beseemeth Thy days. O my Lord! Change their corruption into reformation, their hatred into love, and their calumnies into truth. Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
As regards what you wrote concerning the wicked ones, the corrupt ones, and the clamor of the agitators and deniers, it is clear and evident. For they consider this community orphaned, with no father to protect them and no mother to lament their afflictions. Certainly a community without helper becomes the target of the arrows of the ignorant and the swords of the opposers. In a land where justice is absent and equity is severed, such a realm becomes an arena for the manifestations of rancor and hatred. They do what they please and say what they desire. This oppressed community has associated and continues to associate with perfect love and firm kindness, and has never intended aught but good for any soul. Nevertheless, what they have done during the nights and days, and what they have wrought! In any case, after these matters were presented before the Throne of Justice, these manifest and decisive words shone forth from the Dayspring of Will—exalted be His utterance and how glorious His might and mention:
“O Son of My Name! Upon thee be My glory! Reflect upon the heedlessness of that party. They regard the greatest loss as profit and count the most grievous tyranny as justice. By the life of God! Soon shall they behold the recompense of their deeds, and punishment shall seize them from every direction. They shall seek victory but shall not be victorious, they shall cry for help but none shall help them.”
However, whatsoever tyranny hath been inflicted in this Cause by the oppressors and the transgressions of the opposers have caused the exaltation of the Word of God. In the land of Ya, the enemies, according to their own belief, have aided the resplendent Law. How evil is that which they have imagined and how vain is that which they have done and continue to do! Know thou with clear certainty that whatever may occur shall cause the raising of the banner of victory and triumph. Who is able to change that which God hath ordained through His power and sovereignty? All are powerless before the manifestations of His might and weak before the dawning of the lights of His power. We beseech God to make known to them that from which they are veiled in His days and that which they have visited upon His chosen ones and loved ones. He is verily the Helper, the All-Knowing, the Almighty, the Most Glorious, the All-Wise.
We counsel the loved ones to such deeds and actions as will cause the attention of people and result in the turning of souls. Had they acted from the beginning until now according to what was revealed, they would now witness the rulers and divines of that land circling round. But that which was decreed hath been decreed, as a command from God, the Ancient Ruler.
Mention was made of the just ruler and the learned divine—may God, the Blessed, the Most High, assist them both. Assuredly their reward shall appear from God. Not a single atom’s weight of deeds shall be left unrecompensed or erased. Verily our Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. And after presentation in the Most Holy, Most Exalted Presence, this supreme blessed word was revealed from the Source of Utterance, the Lord of all beings—glorified be His majesty:
“O servant in attendance! The Son of My Name who hath arisen to serve My Cause hath beseeched for that learned one that which shall cause the perpetuation of his name and mention. This supplication is adorned with the glory of His good-pleasure and illumined with the light of His acceptance. A special Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet shall be revealed from the heaven of favor and sent to him. Should the fragrance of acceptance be inhaled, let him convey it, that perchance he may attain unto eternal life through the divine utterances that lie hidden and concealed within the words, and his mention may be recorded by the Pen of the All-Bountiful in the Book. Beseech thou God that He may, in a single hour, enable the divines of that land to hearken unto the revealed verses.
Assuredly they would become detached from all that they possess and turn unto that which is with God, and would arise to educate and guide the servants. Say: My God, my God! I beseech Thee by Thy luminous verses, whereby the realities of all things have been attracted, to assist Thy servants in that which befitteth Thy days. Then kindle their hearts with the fire of the Tree of Thy Manifestation, that it may set ablaze the world and its peoples. Verily, Thou art the Mighty, the All-Conquering, the Powerful, the All-Praised. End.
It is hoped that the light of the Cause may illumine all hearts and souls, and guide all to the horizon of manifestation. If His Excellency, may God, blessed and exalted be He, assist him, would reflect even briefly upon what they possess concerning the conditions of previous manifestations, they would surely transcend what the people possess and seek from the Self-Sufficient, the Transcendent, that which is without likeness or peer. Concerning what was previously written in the green missive about Mirza Hadi Dawlat-Abadi having shown him the utmost affection and having written to him that no news had been received from you until now—what is mentioned in this regard is correct and there is no doubt in it. Some of the revealed verses should be sent to him that he may find for himself a path to the Beloved. The One God is witness that there hath been and is no purpose save the teaching of the servants and their guidance. Every fair-minded soul hath testified and doth testify to this.
As for what was written concerning travel to various parts, this matter is necessary, for heedlessness has been and continues to be present in man. Your travel to various parts will surely cause awareness, steadfastness and firmness. After this matter was presented before the Divine Throne, the Tongue of Grandeur spoke this exalted word—His blessed and exalted Word: “O son of My Name! Upon thee be My Glory! The very act of moving for the sake of God has been and continues to be influential in the world. In previous Books, the station of the sincere ones turning to different regions for the guidance of the servants has been recorded and inscribed. Attention to the land of Ta is necessary, for the relatives associated with you have rights and must attain their due. This Wronged One has ever beseeched from God, exalted be His glory, that which causes detachment from all else. How wonderful is this exalted station!
“The teachers must be taught such utterances as will cause the nearness, attraction and enkindlement of souls. In the revealed Tablets, whatever they desire has been sent down. Regarding detachment, mighty verses have been revealed, and likewise concerning God-consciousness, attention and migration. Concerning each virtue and attribute, that which has been revealed would, if imparted, attract beings to the highest summit and ultimate goal. You should strive to gather these so all may attain that which causes the elevation of being and the exaltation of souls. We beseech God, blessed and exalted is He, to assist you in all conditions to attract hearts. Verily He is the Hearer, the Answerer.”
Time and again was heard from the Tongue of Grandeur mention of your attention to the land of Ta. What you wrote about this matter is indeed correct and complete, and the Truth Himself, exalted be His glory, has confirmed their rights. Therefore your attention is necessary—both meeting with relatives and association with the friends and the reformation of souls. In these days news from the land of Ta has repeatedly arrived, and the prisoners remain in their original state. However, it was understood from some petitions and correspondences that His Majesty the Sultan, may God assist him, and the esteemed Viceroy have testified to this community’s lack of corruption and have outwardly shown love and consideration. The reason for the delay in their freedom and release from prison is not known. Praise be to God that those two steadfast, firm and upright souls are content and grateful in all conditions. We beseech God to manifest in His days that which befits His Manifestation, His grandeur, His generosity and His sovereignty. Verily He is the Answerer of those who ask.
Mention was made of the spiritual friend, Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Habibullah, upon him be the Glory of God. After presentation before the Seat of the Lord, these clear verses were revealed from the heaven of grace—His blessed and exalted Word:
In My Name, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise
O beloved! Thou hast attained unto the presence, drunk from the cup of immortality, beheld the supreme horizon, and hearkened unto the call of God, the Most Mighty, the Most Glorious. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to make thee a servant of His Cause, firm in His love, and steadfast in this Cause whereby every heedless one hath lamented, every denier hath cried out, every distant transgressor hath moaned, every seeker hath found peace, every hearer hath achieved victory, and every turning one hath been drawn nigh. Thus did the Pen speak when the Wronged One was walking in this exalted and glorious spot. All they that are related to My Most Holy Name have been and are mentioned before the Throne, and there hath been sent down for them from the heaven of grace and bounty that which no earthly thing can equal. The Lord of Names beareth witness to this, verily He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Convey My greetings from the Wronged One unto them and give them glad tidings of that which hath been sent down for them at this time.
This servant also conveyeth greetings and salutations unto them and their kin, and likewise unto the loved ones of that land, and I seek that which preserveth name and mention. Verily our Lord is the Helper, the Succourer.
Furthermore, convey on behalf of this servant greetings and salutations unto the spiritual friend, His Holiness Mulla Ali, upon him be the glory of God. His previous letters and his latest letter sent from Ishqabad through the spiritual friend Haji Muhammad Kazim, upon him be the glory of God, were received. Any delay in reply is due to the press of work. I beseech God to assist this servant in carrying out the service with which he hath been charged. It is hoped that replies to his letters will be sent later. Glory, remembrance and praise be upon you, upon those with you, and upon the loved ones of God who have fulfilled His covenant and His testament, and who have acted according to that which they were commanded in His perspicuous Book. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.
The servant 24 Rabi’u’l-Avval 1309
BH04862: O Muhammad-i-Qabl-i-Taqi! Upon thee be My glory and My…
…O Muhammad-i-Qabl-i-Taqi! Upon thee be My glory and My care. Today the lord of knowledge is the knowledge of God. Whosoever acknowledges and confesses His oneness is recorded in the Book of Names by the Supreme Pen as one of the people of Baha and companions of the Crimson Ark. In one of the revealed scriptures these verses have been sent down: In the first step, one who turns to God must observe and act according to this Most Great Verse: Say: God; then leave them to their vain disputes.’ And in the second step, one must hold fast to this blessed verse and recite it: I have abandoned the religion of a people who believe not in God and who are themselves disbelievers in the Hereafter.’ The meaning of step’ in these stations is turning towards God.’ Blessed are they that understand.
…the word that today takes precedence over all is the blessed phrase ʿO my God! I beseech Thee by Thy most glorious Beauty and all Thy Beauty is indeed glorious.’ Today the world of utterance circles around this exalted word, for today it is God’s touchstone and the dawning-place of divine trials. In one station this word is the decisive statement, and it is the firm and impregnable barrier between the true believers and the idolaters. In another station it is the sharp sword that separates truth from falsehood. The ignorant one of the land of Sad has forbidden the servants from reciting it. Woe unto him! He has deprived himself and his people from the fragrances of God’s Most Great Name. He shall soon see the recompense of his deed, through a command from the presence of the wise Commander….
BH08300: Strange it is that the King of Iran hath…
…Strange it is that the King of Iran hath not yet become aware of the divine favor, patience and forbearance. We have beseeched and continue to beseech the Truth that He may enlighten the sovereign. His true enemy is his son Zillu’s-Sultan—all know this. He sent the Wanderer to the Most Great Prison specifically to bring about great mischief, and when prevented, he rose in opposition. The King accepted his delusions and calumnies and surrendered the cities and domains of God to the greatest wolf of the world. In all the world none hath matched or matcheth him in wickedness and hypocrisy. Some time ago We uttered this most exalted word:
“Verily, he hath drunk of the blood of the loved ones what neither the Tigris nor the Euphrates nor the Oxus nor the Jaxartes can equal.”
…
BH10160: Today the gates of utterance are opened wide…
He is the One Who calls out at the heart of the world!
Today the gates of utterance are opened wide, and the Luminary of divine knowledge has dawned from the heaven’s horizon of the Lord of Religions. The seas of knowledge and arts are surging, and the Sun of Truth is shining forth manifest from the prison’s celestial horizon. Blessed is he who hath not deprived himself and remained not bereft of the bounty of these days. Blessed art thou and blessed is he who hath quaffed the choice wine of bestowal from the hand of the bounty of his Lord, the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous. He is indeed among the triumphant ones in His perspicuous Book.
BH02970: Praise and glory be to the Beloved of all…
Praise and glory be to the Beloved of all horizons, Who on this day of separation seized the people of discord…
O Afnan! In certain lands they have forbidden the recitation of the dawn prayer, for its first name is a manifest light in the darkness of the earth and a cutting sword for the deniers and the rejectors. They have denied that which they previously took pride in acknowledging. The recompense of deeds lieth in wait. We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to seize them through His sovereignty or to aid them to acknowledge His Revelation and His Cause. Verily, He hath power over all things….
BH00707: Praise, glorification, thanksgiving and splendor belong exclusively…
In the Name of our Most Holy, Most Great, Most Exalted, Most Glorious Lord
Praise, glorification, thanksgiving and splendor belong exclusively to the True Thankful One, Who through this Most Exalted Word summoned His servants to the supreme heights, as He, exalted be He, saith: “Be thankful unto Me and I will be thankful unto you.” Were one to comprehend the sweetness of this utterance, he would seek the True Intended One. Glory be to God! What days are passing while the servants remain heedless thereof. Today the gate of grace is opened wide and the lights of the Luminary of utterance, the Desire of all worlds, have embraced the world; yet despite this, they remain occupied with vain imaginings and deprived of the effulgences of the Sun of proof. The servant beseecheth his Lord to assist His servants to turn towards the gate of His bounty. Verily, He is the Mighty, the Powerful. My spirit be a sacrifice for your orientation and your drawing nigh!
The blessed letters, of which in truth every character was a key to the gate of joy, arrived. God is aware how much gladness and delight was attained. In truth, at this station the tongue is forbidden to set limits. And after attaining unto it and comprehending the meanings concealed therein, it sought the most exalted station and the Most Glorious Throne. After permission was granted, it was presented. His blessed and exalted Word: “O My Afnan! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness!” By God’s life, thou hast been and art mentioned in the Most Holy Court. Today the divine treasures and the repositories of eternal wealth are present and visible, and at all times, from the Treasury of the Supreme Pen, the pearls of wisdom and utterance specifically for the Afnan are made manifest. No thanks befitteth this most exalted station, and no praise attaineth unto this most glorious rank. However, purely through grace and loving-kindness, the Tongue of Grandeur hath, on behalf of His Afnan, offered praise and thanks. Glorious is His bounty and mighty His bestowal! There is none to enrich save Him, and none to give save Him.
O My Afnan! In this year there occurred that which caused the most great consternation, but God made it a support for His Cause and an aid for the exaltation of His Word. Though outwardly it was grievous, inwardly it contained incalculable mercy and loving-kindness for those assured, steadfast and firmly-rooted souls, and for all the peoples of the world. Soon will its fruits become manifest and evident, and through it God will elevate the stations of those who are near and sincere, and abase the stations of the ungodly and the antagonists. Repeatedly have your letters attained the Most Holy Court, and from them wafted the fragrance of love, steadfastness, submission and contentment, especially in this year. Well is it with thee and pleasant it is to thee! Say:
Praise be unto Thee, O my God, for having caused one of Thy Afnan to turn unto Thee, who hath believed in Thee and Thy sovereignty, and hath quaffed the choice wine of knowledge from the cup of Thy bounty and the Kawthar of life from the chalice of Thy nearness and presence. I testify that Thou hast raised me to a station which the hands of Thy creation can never attain. I beseech Thee at this moment, by Thy manifest light, Thy straight path, and Thy momentous announcement, to ordain for me that which shall endure as long as Thy most excellent names and exalted attributes endure. O Lord! Transform the losses of Thy loved ones into the greatest gain, then set right their affairs through Thy grace, O Thou Who art the Lord of eternity and Who art manifest through the Most Great Name.
By Thy might, O God of all beings and Educator of all created things, I love to stand at all times before the gate of Thy grandeur and the throne of Thy commandments and ordinances, and to hear Thy most sweet call and the shrill voice of Thy Most Exalted Pen before Thy face, O Lord of all humanity and Lord of the throne on high and of the earth below. O Lord! Take my hand with the hands of Thy power, then preserve me from the evil of Thine enemies who have disbelieved in Thee and Thy signs, and who have denied Thy Manifestation and Thy proof. There is no God but Thee, the Almighty, the Powerful, the Generous.
The servant who is present hath appeared and presented before the Face that which thou didst send. We have answered thee through this sealed Book and have mentioned thee in this witnessed Tablet. Today what is essential is the Afnan’s adherence to that which preserveth their stations. Praise be to God, the Word of God is mentioned and effective in all regions. The rulers of the earth, may God assist them, have sought merely to be informed of the laws of this Most Great Manifestation, and they were sent. Although at present no matter worthy of mention is evident, there is no doubt that hereafter the exaltation of the Most Great Word and the elevation of the stations of His loved ones will become clear and manifest to all like unto the sun.
This Wronged One hath never regarded any matter or thing except the manifestation of that which indicateth detachment from all else save God. For this ocean there must needs be ships, and for this heaven countless suns are ordained, and for this Book innumerable books are recorded and written. The Mother Book in this exalted and glorious station beareth witness unto this. The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My Cause be upon you and upon those who are with you and upon those who love you and recognize your station from God, the Ancient of Days.
The very utterance of the Desired One of all worlds is a true testimony and an eloquent witness to the grace, favor, mercy and kindness of God, exalted be His glory, towards the Afnan. No expositor is needed. The Praiser and Describer hath been and is God Himself, exalted be His glory. In truth, the people of the world cannot be said to possess ears, for had they possessed them, they would not have remained deprived and veiled. It is a cause for a hundred thousand regrets that despite the descent of the heavenly food of wisdom and utterance and the bounty of meanings and exposition, all are occupied with their own treacheries and vain imaginings. Soon shall they see the recompense of their deeds in this vain life. Verily our Lord is the Just, the Wise. They have abandoned the station wherein naught is seen save the mention of God and His verses and evidences, and are circling round the dawning-places of heedlessness and ignorance. In all circumstances, I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to forgive all and not to deprive them of the Salsabil of utterance and the Kawthar of knowledge in His days. He is the Mighty Bestower.
Praise be to God, the Land of Purpose and its surroundings remain tranquil until now. Although the followers of the Shi’ih sect consider the people of these parts to be infidels, nevertheless they outwardly show love. His Majesty the Sultan of these realms—may God, the Blessed, the Most High, assist him and strengthen his government—has shown the utmost kindness toward the great claimant of Iran. Twice were matters sent to his presence, and both times he responded favorably and as desired. Although his honor Afnan, Aqa Siyyid Ahmad—upon him be the Most Glorious Beauty of God—counted the great personage among the loved ones, his inner reality differed from his outward appearance. Finally, from the Most Holy Presence the secrets of his heart were revealed that they might be aware. After his dismissal he showed love, even to the point of consulting the Dayspring of Divine Knowledge regarding his affairs. The dismissal of the governor took place and although he was not, and is not, free from temporizing, yet he came to realize the harmlessness and peaceful nature of this community. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to assist all and confirm them in that which is the cause of salvation for all. Verily, He is the Hearer, the Answerer, and He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
The Branches of the Blessed Tree—may my spirit be sacrificed for the dust of their footsteps—each showed kindness, and likewise the various groups and those who circle round all expressed that from which wafted the fragrance of love. Furthermore, whatever was sent during this period has all arrived and been graciously accepted. Well done to your honor, and congratulations to your honor. To the presence of the honored Afnans of the Divine Lote-Tree—upon them be, from every direction, His most glorious splendor—I offer mention, praise, glory and light, and I beseech God, exalted be His station, to manifest through them that which will cause the exaltation of His Cause. Verily our Lord is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed, and the Fulfiller of the needs of every seeker who takes refuge in Him. Glory, praise, mention and exaltation be upon your honor and upon those who love you, remember you, and through you draw near unto God, our Lord and your Lord and the Lord of this noble station and the resplendent horizon.
The servant 27 Jamadiyu’th-Thani 1309
BH00397: Praise befitting and worthy of the Lord…
Section 1: “In the Name of our Lord, the Most…”
In the Name of our Lord, the Most Holy, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious
Praise befitting and worthy of the Lord of the throne on high and earth below, Who by His conquering might transformed the opposition of the ungodly into acceptance, and adorned the calumnies of the slanderers with acknowledgment and repentance. Exalted be His Cause and exalted be His proof! The noble letter, like a spiritual messenger, illumined and adorned the heart and soul with the light of remembrance and utterance. In truth it brought joy and bestowed bounty. This bounty is specific to the heart, and after gaining knowledge and understanding, and experiencing gladness, delight and joy, it sought the most impregnable, most exalted, most holy, most elevated station. It was presented before His presence, and these manifest verses were revealed from the heaven of will. His word, exalted be His utterance and mighty be His proof:
In My Name, the Speaker, the Trustworthy
This is a Day wherein the Mother Book calleth aloud, and summoneth all unto the All-Glorious, the Bountiful. He, verily, is the Lord of all mankind and the Ruler in both the beginning and the end. Blessed is the strong one whom neither the happenings of the world nor the doubts of those who have disbelieved in God, the Lord of Lords, have weakened. Say: O people, fear God and follow not every doubtful idolator. This is a Day wherein the Light hath shone forth from the horizon of Sinai, and the Temple of the Manifestation hath been established upon the throne of divine knowledge by God, the Lord of Religions.
O servant of God! We have heard thy call and have answered thee with these verses which God hath sent down from the heaven of grandeur and power. Beware lest the affairs of men sadden thee or the veils of those who have disbelieved in God, the Lord of all beings, hold thee back. We bear witness that thou hast drunk the choice wine of reunion from the hand of My bounty and hast attained unto My presence—a presence which no words can equal, nor the deeds of those who have not broken God’s Covenant, the Revealer of verses. We have remembered thee and given thee glad tidings before, and at this time, through My loving-kindness which hath encompassed all horizons. Soon shall all that thou seest today perish, but there shall endure for thee that which We have adorned with His mention in the Tablets. By My life! Thy grief hath grieved Me, and that which hath befallen thee at all times. We have been with thee in all conditions, have heard thy call, and have sent down in thy name that which hath illumined the earth and the heavens.
Cast aside thy sorrows in My name and take the cup of joy through My remembrance. Then drink thereof at eventide and at dawn. Convey My greetings unto My loved ones and remind them of that which beseemeth the days of God, the Mighty, the All-Knowing. Say: O party of God! Beware lest ye follow vain imaginings. Purify your hearts from the mention of aught else but Me, that I may turn unto them at morn and eventide.
In Persian do I speak, that thou mayest understand and be of the thankful in the days of thy Lord, the Master of the Day of Reckoning. O servant of God! Upon thee be My glory and My loving-kindness. At the beginning of night We were walking and communing with all things. The servant presented thy letter and submitted all of it before Our face, and after its completion, suddenly the gates of the treasuries of wisdom and utterance were opened and the ocean of divine knowledge surged. That which was revealed transcended the comprehension of the Manifestations of verses and the understanding of the Dawning-places of clear signs.
I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to assist thee in that which causeth the attention of the servants and the steadfastness of all in the land. Gladden the friends through God’s bounty and favor. Today is the day of mention and praise, of steadfastness and adherence. Soon shall affairs be changed and skins shall quiver—the recompense of those who have disbelieved in the signs of God and denied what hath appeared from Him. By My life! The breezes of chastisement shall encompass them and their joy shall be changed to supreme sorrow. Thus hath spoken the Lord of Destiny while speaking from His exalted station.
Say: O party of God! Know ye with certain knowledge that whatsoever occurreth is the cause of the exaltation of His Word and the elevation of His Revelation. Who can prevent that which God hath raised up in truth and manifested through His sovereignty before the faces of all who are in the heavens and the earth? Say: Know ye the value of these days and recognize your station. The names of the party of God and their remembrances have been and shall be recorded in the books of the world. Blessed are the souls whose deeds have attained unto divine acceptance—these are they who are nigh unto God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. And blessed is the one who hath apprehended the station of the Day of God and hath attained unto the mention of the Desire of the world.
Say: O people of the Furqan! Fear ye the All-Merciful, and arise to make amends for that which hath escaped you in the days of your Lord, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. This evanescent servant hath ever been and continueth to be turned towards the direction of God’s loved ones. The remembrance of the friends of God quickeneth the soul and refresheth and gladdeneth the spirit. Glory be to God! In these days, once again the gates of utterance have been unlocked by the intention of the Lord of all beings, and the effulgences of the Day-Star of Revelation are manifest from all directions. Nevertheless, most remain dejected and sorrowful. God is My witness that whenever this servant remembereth the martyrs of the Land of Ya, he declareth with a myriad visible and invisible tongues:
“Would that I had been with them! Would that I had heard their cry! Would that I had circled round them!”
The fragrance of that shed blood hath perfumed the world of justice and equity. The oppressors of the world have, by their own hands, cut their own throats, and perceive it not. By the life of Our Purpose! His promise is assured in the Book wherein neither falsehood nor hypocrisy can enter. The Lord of the Covenant beareth witness unto this in this luminous night.
For days and nights the mention of those martyrs hath flowed from the Tongue of Grandeur in such wise that the Holy Spirit was filled with longing and the Spirit of Utterance cried out “Would that I had been!” What heedlessness hath seized the world! We hope that sanctified and assured souls will hold fast unto the Cause of God and remain detached from all else. This year numerous differences have arisen, and from every direction a clamor hath been raised. Some pure and truthful souls have been sullied with vain imaginings. Most strange it is that steadfast, assured and upright souls should cling to the doubts and idle fancies of heedless apostates. The people of the Crimson Ark must manifest such steadfastness that all upon earth shall find themselves powerless to prevent them. We hope that such souls will be raised up and become manifest in these blessed, luminous and promised days beneath the shade of the divine Lote-Tree of the Beloved of all worlds. These are the pearls of God’s treasuries. Well is it with them that attain.
Section 2: “The loved ones of that land have been…”
The loved ones of that land have been and are before Our gaze. We beseech God to aid them in that which leadeth to steadfastness, glory and assurance. Verily our Lord is the Almighty, the Powerful. There is no God but Him, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. This is the day to manifest love and affection. Say: O friends, deprive not yourselves. Blessed a hundred thousand times is the soul that at the time of utterance holdeth fast unto the divine verses and reciteth them, for its effects are unlike those of all who dwell on earth. The power of hearing is lost. The Call of God is raised from the prison of ʿAkka, yet the ears of the world and its peoples are prevented from hearkening, save whom God willeth.
We beseech God, exalted be His glory, to manifest in these days such souls from among His loved ones as shall set the world ablaze and, detached from their own selves, occupy themselves with teaching God’s Cause and exalting His Word. Verily He is the Answerer. There is no God but Him, the Single, the One, the All-Hearing, the All-Uttering, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.
As to what was commanded that this servant should, on behalf of Your Honor, attain unto the King of deeds and its possessors—at this moment, when one hour and five minutes have passed from the night of the twenty-ninth of Jamadiyu’th-Thani, having turned towards the Most Exalted Horizon and the Supreme Summit, after seeking permission and leave, he attained unto that which is the hope of all peoples, first and last. Praise be to God, he was honored with acceptance and adorned with His good-pleasure. Well is it with your honor! But another petition is that mention of Your Honor has been and continues to be made in the Most Holy Court, and assuredly its fruit and effect will appear in the visible world.
Praise be to God, they have attained unto that which was the ultimate hope of all the Prophets and Messengers—may the Glory of God rest upon them. If outward matters are sometimes delayed in their ordering, this is assuredly due to the requirements of the wisdom of God, exalted be His Glory. And we hope that the Tree of your seeking will yield ripe and fresh fruit. We hold fast to a Cause from which the fragrance of eternity wafts. Whatever comes to pass is beloved to the soul and the purpose of the spirit. We have placed our trust in Him and committed all affairs unto Him. Verily He is the All-Bountiful, the Possessor of Great Grace.
On one side was a letter in the handwriting of the spiritual loved one, Jinab-i-Aqa Hasan Aqa, upon him be the Glory of God. For a time there had been no outward news of him, but praise be to God, this time that which is the cause of joy and gladness appeared. After its reading and presentation before the Throne of the Lord, exalted be His glory, these brilliant verses were revealed—His words, blessed and exalted is He:
O Hasan! We and thou and the world and nations have come from the unseen to the visible realm, from extinction to immortality, and from sheer nothingness to the world of existence for the exaltation of the Word of God. Were it not for His service and the service of His loved ones, by what means could the hearts of servants find joy? By My life, gladness lies in His remembrance, delight in the spreading of His traces and the diffusion of His verses, joy in the mention of His manifestation, and yearning is to arise to serve His chosen ones. We beseech God, blessed and exalted is He, to assist the letter Nun and thee in that which befits His days and is worthy of His manifestation and sovereignty. Convey greetings and salutations from the Wronged One to His loved ones.
The Glory in such days as these stands as a herald before the faces of the world, speaking, remembering, standing, firm and steadfast in the Cause of God, the Lord of nations. All must become intoxicated with the Kawthar of the utterance of the Goal of all the worlds and summon those who are in the realm of possibility to the most exalted horizon. Say: Know your worth and recognize your station. For years you have endured hardships, heard reproaches, and borne difficulties. By My life, this station is most precious. You must preserve it in the name of Truth and, through the hosts of revelation and inspiration which are the divine verses and heavenly evidences, make the people aware and deliver them from heedlessness. These are the counsels of the Most Exalted Pen recorded in various Tablets.
These two days are not worthy of mention, let alone attention to them. The loved ones must protect the servants lest they become afflicted with the vain imaginings of the former party. By the life of God, this Wronged One had no purpose or thought save the exaltation of the Word and the manifestation of the Cause. The enemies are beyond counting. Now the people of Baha must assist Him and turn from what they possess to what God possesses. Know with clear certainty that they have held fast and continue to hold fast to that which causes the elevation and advancement of His friends. The loss of the former party on the Day of Reckoning is most strange. Reflect, O My loved ones, and be among those who are discerning and steadfast.
O Hasan! Upon thee be the Glory of God, the Lord of the hidden and the manifest. Praise be to God that thou hast attained the presence and thy name hath been mentioned from the Tongue of Grandeur on this night. We beseech God, blessed and exalted is He, to assist thee and grant thee success in the service of His Cause, and to give thee to drink, at all times, the Kawthar of utterance from the chalice of certitude. Verily, He is the Powerful, the Mighty, the Bestower.
God is witness and testifier that thou hast ever been before the sight of this servant. It is hoped that from that spiritual loved one there shall appear in the divine days that which shall never lose its fragrance. There is no doubt that these days and all that is witnessed shall return to nothingness. Therefore, to the extent possible, one must attain the good-pleasure of the Beloved. That which appears from Him is everlasting and shall not perish. In these days the people have become receptive to the divine verses and heavenly words: therefore, one must gird up the loins of service firmly and engage in that which promotes the Cause of God. This servant beseeches from the True One that He may aid the loved ones of that land and its surroundings to be firm, steadfast and unwavering, to be faithful and trustworthy, and to attain that which will elevate their stations before God, our Lord and the Lord of all that is seen and unseen, and the Lord of the mighty throne.
Praise be to God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Glory, remembrance and praise be upon the Presence of Light, and upon you, and upon every assured believer who is firm and steadfast, who has clung to pure servitude unto God, the True One, and has arisen to promote the Cause of God, detached from all the worlds. And praise be to God, our Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and the earth.
The servant 29 Jamadiyu’th-Thani 1309
BH03817: Praise be to the one peerless God Who, through…
He is the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful
Praise be to the one peerless God Who, through the Most Great Name, illumined the world and its peoples with the light of true divine unity, and adorned and raised high the pavilion of world order through the radiance of the Sun of Manifestation. Exalted be His dominion and glorified be His power! The letter of that honored friend arrived and, praise be to God, from every word of it wafted the fragrance of love, fellowship, affection and unity. After its perusal and review, it was taken to the Most Exalted Station and presented before the countenance of the Lord of all beings. These are His mighty words:
“We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to preserve him through His hosts and guard him through His sovereignty and give him to drink from the chalice of steadfastness and to rain down upon him from the clouds of grace the showers of His mercy.”
O thou who gazest upon the Face! My branch Diya’ brought thy letter to the Most Holy Court, and likewise the letter of Husayn, upon him be My glory. We have answered thee with this Manifest Tablet. Grieve thou not over anything. Put thy trust in God, the Lord of all worlds, and commit thy affairs unto Him. He will assuredly assist thee through His Name, the All-Conquering, the Almighty. The glory from Us be upon thee and upon those with thee who hearken unto thy words concerning this Most Great Announcement and this Straight Path.
We hope that matters will be set right, and if at times there is delay, this is due to the requirements of God’s consummate wisdom. When the time cometh and the hour arriveth, that which hath been revealed from the Pen of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting, shall be made manifest unto thee. Convey My greetings and praise to the loved ones in that land, and for each I seek that which will cause them to turn unto Him. Verily our Lord is the Answerer of prayers and the Goal of the hearts of them that are nigh unto Him.
Written on the 2nd of Rajab 1309. Diya’.