BB00119: Letter to Mirza Hasan-’Ali (uncle of the Bab)

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

Honored Qiblih, may your glory endure! You have recited the sacred verses, yet how strange it is that people of insight should follow the words of men and the dictates of self, rather than following the divine command, unknowingly. Although it is far from the way of the learned ones that when addressed regarding a matter without knowledge and manifest proof they should doubt, and they should respond with a convincing answer, yet since I stand in the station of servitude, I must bear what is contrary to the way of the wise.

The decree of the Author of this Cause cannot exceed two possibilities: either it is truth, and blessed is he who follows it, or it is false, and woe unto him who recognizes it and loves it. There is no doubt that for every truth and falsehood God has ordained a sign by which it may be distinguished, and this sign is not the acceptance or rejection of people. However, the acceptance of the just is a powerful proof, though discerning the just is difficult for all people. It is incumbent upon every soul to distinguish truth from falsehood for themselves.

After establishing this premise, there is no doubt that if someone today makes a claim that does not cause the denial of any fundamental religious principle, and presents sufficient proof, it is incumbent upon all to accept his decree. By consensus of the Imami school, if today a decree were to issue from the Imam of the Age (peace be upon him) and all were to turn away, they would become unbelievers, for the essence of religion is not the performance of fasting and prayer, but rather following the decree that issues from him. There is no doubt that most people are in a state more misguided than cattle; indeed, by the text of tradition, the truly faithful are rarer than red sulfur.

Regarding this matter of pilgrimage, God knows their number—three persons are recorded in the scroll of the Just Imam, whose decree I wrote in Baghdad. Let them consider other deeds of people likewise, and let them not marvel, for the Cause of Truth is more subtle and greater than this, and most are perishing save whom God wills, for He is the Mighty, the Forgiving.

After the passing of the revered Siyyid, there must needs be in every age one like him among their community. Nevertheless, none emerged from this trial except those poor ones who migrated from the Holy Land, and they are recorded in the Book of the True Imam as the noblest of creation, although outwardly none pays them any heed. My purpose in mentioning these matters is to show the condition of people who are but a drop from the ocean.

Now people demand proof from one who makes a claim. What proof could be greater than that God should cause someone to appear in Persia speaking in the language of the Qur’an, such that if all the peoples of the earth were to gather together, they could not understand a single word of these utterances, let alone produce their like? Now, setting aside what has already been revealed, the Surih that has been revealed in this very leaf suffices as proof for all the peoples of the earth. If the entire Qur’an were but a single surih, could anyone say it is not proof? God forbid! Rather, this surih in its proving power equals the decree of the Qur’an and the miracle of all the Prophets and Successors, could they but comprehend.

According to its exponents, what is the Mountain? Strange indeed is this arena’s Master! Let the divines gather together and bring forth their argument to the field—then shall the call of “Yea, by God!” be raised high. You yourselves have always read the Qur’an and have some discernment according to your recitation. By the Lord Who is the Seal Bearer, if all the peoples of the earth were to gather together to produce a single verse, they would be powerless to do so. And if they did produce something, it would be plagiarized words, not expressions flowing naturally from their tongues, just as in early Islam when the eloquent Arabs made their claims but were ultimately disgraced and humiliated.

I completed the commentary on the Surah of Joseph in forty days, writing portions of it each day. Whenever I wish to write anything, the Spirit of God assists me. Like the Scripture I sent—I wrote it in just one day and night. If any of the divines makes claims, then in the Name of God—as those who have witnessed my writing have understood—no scholar has ever manifested such a thing. After the Book, God’s proof is complete for all the world.

As for those who falsely claim their Imam says these verses and scriptures are taken from the Book of God and prayers—their recompense is with God. From the day this Cause appeared, the deeds of all creation are void except after acceptance. This is God’s decree—whoever wishes to accept, it is for their own good; whoever denies it, the punishment will reach them.

Although my purpose in these passages is that they emerge from the sea of the air’s turbulence to become established upon the pillar of tranquility, I did not initially find all the people of this land worthy to reveal it to. Indeed it would be a shame for any but those who are worthy to enter into knowledge of such a matter. Even now the condition of the land is as before—everyone’s acceptance comes from following others.

What I have revealed thus far was by Time’s decree, otherwise it is not fitting for one upon whose tongue flows the decree of the Tree of Sinai to strive thus with God’s servants from a position of powerlessness. By the Lord Who made my tongue a proof through these sciences—all creation today in knowledge is like this inanimate pen in my hand. My purpose in this station is not to boast, rather any possessor of spirit can discern that when the elevated one describes himself for a lesser station, he has wronged himself, for that cannot discern the elevated matter. Rather that conceals the First Name. I was observing these absurdities of Satan’s hosts. Now that it has become manifest, there is no word with anyone.

The proof is with everyone, though none can understand my words, as the purpose is not to teach or judge between people. The portion of the learned is powerlessness and the portion of the common people is acceptance. As for what they have indicated that people speak false words—it causes no harm. First they said about God “Uzair is the son of God,” second about the Messenger of God they said as they said about me “Verily he is possessed,” and God knew and revealed “This is naught but a Reminder to all the worlds.” Likewise regarding the Family, peace be upon them.

And this way and custom in lofty fields is with us, whatever I desire I shall not flee, for God Almighty hath so decreed. Fear ye none whatsoever, for they are but as spider’s webs. Whatsoever God Almighty hath caused to flow forth is good. And should the people, God forbid, deny, they shall be deprived of the verses. Their perplexity and confusion shall lead nowhere. This leaf containeth the decree for this circle and those who are in pursuit of truth. Should they depart therefrom, I remain as I was—that young merchant.

Let them not imagine from the indications on the opposite page that I have need of the confirmation of the people of the land or the support of the inhabitants of earth. The utmost that could happen is that all would deny. After some time hath passed, all the verses revealed by this humble one shall become like the Qur’an, and all people shall recite them. Today, before the decree, the highest and lowest among them are equal—the sovereign and the lowliest subject are on the same plane. The Cause of Truth brooks no delay. Whosoever hastens forward attains, and whosoever tarries remains behind until the Day of Resurrection. Today it behooveth all to aid the Cause of Truth with utmost glory.

For two months now the Commentary on the Surih of Joseph hath been abroad amongst the people; and at present its condition is, unto them that understand, even as the sun manifest in mid-heaven—yet not unto the asses that have gone astray. This, indeed, is a proof whereby men, in the hour of questioning, did rejoice; and still none hath been able to properly copy a single manuscript, sound and entire. Fie upon them, yea fie upon them! Those few sections which had been dispatched from Shiraz arrived in a single day, most of them grievously faulty; and in certain passages they have been altered and corrupted. Inform Mulla Sadiq that some of its verses have, without knowledge and without warrant, been changed; and such a thing, in mine own sight, possesseth no authority—though for the people, one verse thereof, rightly set down, is sufficient. But the pages that are in mine own hand—those very verses—are the proof.

It seems that in Shiraz thieves have themselves sent groups of such surihs. They say prayers have been taken from the scripture. Now in this leaf a prayer for hastening hath been written whose content and expressions exist in no prayer. The deceitful ones recite it though they understand it not. If they have any shame or modesty, let them exert themselves somewhat and have this very prayer copied in the finest calligraphy and give it to someone, but in such wise that it be among the seven leaves before all. One leaf of these sufficeth in authority for the people of the earth.

They say nay, like the Surih of Ridvan wherein most words are not found in the Qur’an. Let the divines sit and, if they can, have the scripture bound and quickly sent to the Mother, for they wish to persist in its recitation. But let it be on distinguished Turkish paper of the finest quality. If ye be learned, take care with the correctness and vowel points, but let it be in the finest calligraphy. Should ten or more ashrafis be spent on it, there is no objection.

In the verses of the Imam of the Age, peace be upon him, the state of begging is rejected. It appears that Akhund Mulla Sadiq acts with weakness. This deed befits not this station. Let them give this leaf with the prayer that they may recite it and become firm in certitude. And let the illiterate ones keep the leaf and prayer that have been written.

And similarly you have written and sent to Mirza Hasan. Prayer is yours and verily You are witness over all things. Be ye numbered among them. Having perused the enclosed missive, know that the reply is this: the pardon of Mulla Husayn and the succour of the Faith. This, indeed, is the decree of the True One—God and His chosen ones bear witness thereto.

As to the question of visions, this proceedeth not from Me. Whoso claimeth a vision, declare the same a liar. Nay rather, the path is that which is set forth in the Tradition:

“He who loveth Us, and increaseth in his love for Us, and is pure in his knowledge of Us…”

and so forth. Peace—for peace is the best of words. And praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.