BB00376: Khatt Li-Mirza Muhammad ’Ali Qazvini

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

Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds; and peace be upon the servants of God who have submitted unto Him.

I have read the verses of the epistle that was sent. As to the first matter, the ruling is manifest and clear. In the state of residence the ordinance standeth firm; fasting and prayer are obligations once knowledge of their binding nature hath been attained. In other matters concerning the taking up of action, and conduct in the station of freedom from fear, the means of the Most Great Cause surpass all acts of obedience—most especially that which is sought in consideration of the learned and the companions, upon the shore of bounty and the ocean of exalted health. The confirmed practice of the year is established, and upon this is reliance.

As for the bearer of the trust: the wearing of the pilgrim’s garb and purity are enjoined by the Book of God as a binding duty. These deposits are God’s in truth. The pilgrimage to the House is an obligation upon him who is able; in the state of fear there is no blame, for the ruling is according to one’s station and condition. There is no reproach upon them, nor upon those beyond them, for each is measured by his capacity. The path of love is drawn from the Book of Purity; injustice hath no place therein. Yet command is not extended beyond explanation, nor is love severed from its foundation.

Knowledge is attained by the soundness of bodies and the rectitude of those of the Book; confusion ariseth when truth is denied. The people of the sixth station are not deprived of right; the gates are set according to love and station. There is, moreover, a sent forth station of utterance, exalted and encompassed by love, perfected in knowledge within the Book of Union. Casting aside and rejection have no passage save by God’s will. Reward and punishment are recorded in the Mother Book. If this be not so, then motion is but the flight of a bird and the angels would remain bewildered. Yet the newborn word is clear, and the matter is made plain.

As in the saying concerning Mary, when the disciples declared: “We are the helpers of God.” Thus is the ruling of conduct in every station: that which is pure is sound. The Epistle is free, and the goal is set forth. Three glorifications suffice to bring serenity, for the hidden mysteries lie concealed in the first unfolding.

Thus hath God, exalted be He, said:

“No calamity befalleth on the earth nor in your own selves but it is in a Book before We bring it into being—verily that is easy for God.”

Prostrate thyself before Him; this is sound and established. Whoso is aided is guided thereby to attentive hearing and obedience. And now the Master of the matter remaineth; therefore ask ye God of His bounty—verily He is Generous, Forbearing.

Let eleven persons, in every day and night, recite the Surah of al-Buruj fourteen times; for God is near and answereth. Thirteen times suffice, and therein lieth a secret—the secret of turning unto the Lord of the Return with certainty of truth.

By God’s leave, its effect is attested in al-Kafi: transmitted by Muhammad ibn Bahr, from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Umar, from Ibn Mahbub, from Ali al-Abbas, from Ali, from ʿAbd Allah (peace be upon him), concerning ease in affairs. He said: Interlace thy fingers with his fingers and say:

“O God, if this be true and rightful, draw me near to its shade and cause me to love it by Thy reckoning of the heavens; but if it be far from Thee, then turn it away from me.”

Repeat this seventy times.

Whensoever a matter cometh to its end, the command of God becometh manifest. Yet according to the outward form, names are recorded, and for them is a grievous chastisement. In the fourteenth instruction it is said: Recite and judge with the testimony of knowledge, for the guardian of the secret is justice. Repeat it seventy times. The raised sign is this verse: “Perchance thou knowest not; the morning is nigh.” And God is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Peace be upon thee, and upon thy loved ones, and upon all who follow the just command. God is the Reckoner, the Knower.

From the Epistle: there was a question posed. Verily God is Forgiving, Possessed of great bounty. In the matter of preservation: the keeping of little water and much water—this page is beneficial. Whensoever water is taken with justice, and the safeguarding of affairs is established, love becometh manifest and evident, encompassed by God’s care.

Glorified be God above what they ascribe unto Him. And peace be upon the Messengers. Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds.