BB00030: Answer to 24 questions of Mulla Ahmad

Part 1: “These are answers for the emigrant unto God…”

These are answers for the emigrant unto God, the One, the Single, the Self-Sufficient, the most noble and glorious Mulla Ahmad—upon him be the boundless and infinite splendor of his Lord. I beseech God to preserve him in His glory until He causes him to ascend to the eternal realm and raises him above that world and admits him into the everlasting paradise. Verily He has power over all things and knowledge of all things.

In the Name of God, the Most Unapproachable, the Most Holy

Glorified art Thou, O my God! I and all things bear witness that Thou art God, there is no God but Thee, alone with no partner. Thine is the kingdom and the dominion, Thine the might and the omnipotence, Thine the power and divinity, Thine the strength and majesty, Thine the sovereignty and the temporal realm. Thou givest life and causeth death, then causeth death and giveth life. Verily Thou art the Ever-Living Who dieth not, the King Who passeth not away, the Just Who oppresseth not, the Sovereign Who changeth not, the Single One from Whose grasp nothing escapeth, whether in the heavens or on the earth or between them. Thou createst what Thou willest by Thy command. Verily Thou hast power over all things.

I and all things bear witness that Thou canst not be praised by Thine Own Self, nor glorified by Thine Own Being, nor unified by Thine Own Nature, nor magnified by Thine Own Signs. I glorify Thee above all that hath or will prostrate before Thee, I sanctify Thee beyond all that hath or will sanctify Thee, I exalt Thee above all that hath or will unify Thee. I declare my separation from all whereupon the name of a thing can fall, for all besides Thee are Thy creation and within Thy grasp. Thou hast created all things by Thy Will and made them the sun of Thy Oneness. Thou hast ordained for them neither beginning save their own beginning nor end save their own ending. Through them Thou hast sent down the Books and raised up the Messengers, that none should be worshipped except Thee and none should be seen as an object of worship besides Thee.

I bear witness, O my God, that Thy proof hath been perfected unto all contingent beings through all things, and Thy Word hath been exalted in every time above all created things. I know no beginning whereby I might mention Thee, nor do I know an end whereby I might describe Thee as two. Rather, from the wondrous beginning of Thy creation until now, nothing hath been manifest from Thee except the sign of Thy Will, which Thou hast manifested in every Dispensation through the name of a Prophet, until the worlds attained unto the Day of Muhammad, Thy Beloved. Thou hast made its likeness before Thee as the likeness of the sun—if Thou shouldst cause it to rise countless times, it is still one sun, and if Thou shouldst cause it to set countless times, it is still one sun. And Thou hast ordained from it in every Manifestation what Thou hast loved, whereby Thy unitarians worship Thee and they who are detached turn unto Thee.

I bear witness before Thee and before all things that, after what Thou didst manifest aforetime and the revelation of the Furqan upon him, Thou didst conceal him behind the veils of the Throne and store him within the tabernacle of glory for a Day Thou hadst ordained for the manifestation of Thy proof. And Thou didst make the manifestation of Thy proof none other than like unto the manifestation of Thy Beloved One before, and Thou didst manifest him even as Thou didst manifest Thy Beloved One through verses that leave the learned powerless. And even as Thou didst preserve these until that year, Thou didst ordain no manifestation save through Thy manifestation, and no concealment save through Thy concealment.

I bear witness before Thee at this moment that whosoever was guided by the Furqan before, should he return to what Thou didst reveal aforetime in the Furqan and what was veiled therein from every soul, he would be able to traverse the path more swiftly than the twinkling of an eye, for all that those who speak of Islam say harks back to the words of Thy Beloved One before, and verily he confirmeth what Thou didst ordain for him of truth through what Thou didst reveal unto him of clear verses that leave powerless all who dwell in the kingdoms of earth and heaven. And I bear witness before Thee, O my God, that the manifestation of Thy proof was none other than like unto the manifestation of Thy Beloved One, for all that Thou didst exalt as Thou desired in the Furqan through what Thou didst reveal unto Thy Messenger, that Thou mightest judge at that time from Thy presence, for creation and command are Thine.

And I bear witness before Thee concerning what people attribute to me, that I commanded naught in any book reaching unto all people save the purification of the air, and after making mention of the exaltation of Thy Cause and the Furqan, I joined therewith mention of the confirmation of Thy judgment from before upon all who believed in Thee until Thy judgment should reach them. And until that time I commanded no one with any new judgment from Thy presence, and in all wherein people differed they moved only in what pertained to the air. Yea, I guaranteed that people would find that which Thou wouldst bestow upon them of Thy grace, even as was Thy way in every manifestation.

And besides this ordinance, if a tradition is related from Me regarding a limit, I do not confirm it. Indeed, I have sent down nine units from the number of all things (361) in a Book, and I have not permitted this to anyone lest they be tried on that Day with what would grieve their souls. This is what I have made you and all your creation witness to. And after one thousand two hundred and seventy years have passed from the appearance of Muhammad, the slanderers will slander Him as these people have done, so how much more regarding the first manifestation of Your secret and Your mystery! Therefore, O God, protect Your God-fearing friends that they may not depart from an ordinance except to enter into what You have ordained for them from Your presence, and that they may not accept what is related from anyone unless they witness a Book whose truth is assured by Your Proof, or they hear from Him what they are able to act upon. For other than this is not the way of the God-fearing nor the path of the meticulous ones.

And I answer the letter Alif and Dal at the beginning of what he has intimately called upon You in his prayer, that You have ever been self-sufficient in Your Essence, and how much more is Your independence from Your creation. You created nothing except that it should know You and worship You, and nothing can know You except through what You have made known through Your Proof, and none can be assured of Your Proof except through what You have given through Your Prophet. Therefore, I bear witness, and all things bear witness, that on that Day there was no Proof from You except Him of the Seven Letters, Your servant whom You made the Proof of Your Prophet beforehand, and made Him the Last through the manifestation of Your Firstness, and the Hidden through the concealment of Your Outwardness, for You are the First and there is nothing before You, and You are the Last and there is nothing after You, and You are the Outward and nothing is Your peer, and You are the Hidden and nothing is Your equal.

You have brought all things into being through Your Will and established them by themselves, not from anything, through Your power, and You have made all else that faces them like mirrors wherein are seen the examples of their effulgence. And through this all Your creation speaks of Your unity through what has shone forth from its light, and the essence of all Your servants bears assured witness that there is no god but You, the Mighty, the Beloved.

Furthermore, I bear witness that in each of Your manifestations, all imagine they have attained Your good-pleasure and thereby are veiled from meeting You, for if the covering were removed from the eyes of those who believed in Your Book aforetime, they would surely be among the most prostrating before You and the most worshipful in Your presence. But since You have decreed for Yourself that none shall enter the paradise of Your knowledge except who is sincere to You, and You cause to enter the fire of lack of Your knowledge those who worship You night and day yet are not sincere to You after You have completed Your proof against every soul that is veiled from Your worship what has not purified its essence for You, and accepts You who has turned to You completely in all the worlds of Your Command and creation. Were it not for this, none would depart in any manifestation from acknowledging what You have ordained, for all love Your good-pleasure, but none attains this except who has recognized the Manifestation of Your Cause and Your station.

Therefore I bear witness to You that the beginning of all things is from You through what appears from the Tree of Your love, and the return of all things is to You through what returns to the station of Your Cause and Your Proof with You. And if I seek forgiveness by my deservingness for anyone, it has no beginning or end, and if I seek Your forgiveness by Your deservingness, I am ashamed to mention this before the court of Your holiness. Forgiveness appears only through what does not fail, and I seek refuge with You from what You do not love, and through such my relation should not be cut off from You when I relate myself to You.

Therefore I beseech You, O You Who existed before all things, by You upon You, that You bestow Your good-pleasure upon me, for this is the ultimate paradise of my desire, and that You protect me from other than Your love. By Thy glory, it grieveth me in Thy presence at Thy commencement.

Then I mention Thee secondly in that which I have witnessed concerning Thee, that Thou hast permitted all things to worship and supplicate Thee, and hast guaranteed response to whomsoever turneth to Thee with his face, seeking the ways of Thy good-pleasure. Thou hast made my independence to be from naught save Thee and from being veiled from the seats of Thy Cause and the wonders of Thy wisdom, for Thou didst create me and all things for everlasting life. The fire and the light are sustained—this through ascent and this through descent. I testify unto Thee that on that Day Thy summoner shall be none other than he who hath believed in Thee and Thy proof, who hath verified Thy words and Thy Prophet, for there is no soul that doth not call upon Thee. Yet should there remain on that Day anyone from Thy wondrous creation who calleth upon Thee, how can his supplication profit him? For Thou hast loved to be worshipped and called upon in the way Thou lovest and art pleased with, not in the way Thy creation loveth and Thy servants are pleased with.

And when this one called upon Thee through the ways of Thy knowledge, Thou didst therefore answer him from Thy presence through Thy decree, that he might give thanks to his Lord on the day of His manifestation and not wish for his death through that which his knowledge encompasseth not. For were he to look upon the sweetness of Thy knowledge and be assured of the manifestation of Thy Self through Thy signs, he would see no station for himself above that in the highest paradise, nor would he have any excellence with Thee and with them who know Thee, save that he turneth through Thee as do Thy chosen ones. For that which Thou hast promised in the next world and that which Thou hast created in Paradise is for him upon whom Thou hast bestowed the favor of Thy knowledge in his life—else how could he taste after his death that which is beloved in Thy gardens?

By Thy might! Thou art the ultimate goal of my Paradise and my desire, Thou art the end of my delight and my hope. I find no sweetness save in Thee, and if I do find sweetness, then the very essence of my deed is my fire, requiring no other fire. For that which Thou hast promised in the Hereafter is the fruit of that deed. By Thy might! I seek Thy protection from that and take refuge in Thee from this. In Thee do I seek shelter and protection, in Thee do I take refuge and find strength, upon Thee do I rely and through Thee am I strengthened. There is no power nor strength save in Thee.

And that which hath been mentioned, O my God, concerning […] in this, that from the day Thou didst send down the Furqan until Thou didst raise it to the summit of the Bayan, all who have conformed to Thy good-pleasure have attained unto Thy presence—a number beyond counting from the first and the last. And all this returneth to the manifestation of Thy power in Thy Book, whereat all Thy creation is powerless. And on that Day Thou didst not permit that I should expound such words, for such words are attributed to the Manifestations of Thy Cause, and they and their words are attributed to Thy Beloved and His words, and His prophethood is established with Thee and with Thy creation through what Thou didst send down of Thy verses.

There is no doubt that these are the attributes of one of Thy chosen ones—how then can the Manifestation of Thy Self be known through the attributes of Thy creation? Thou art far exalted above being known through any other than Thyself or being described by aught beside Thee. Nay, all are known through Thee and are guided to Thee through what Thou hast manifested unto them through themselves. Glory be unto Thee! There is no God but Thee. Glory be unto Thee! I am of those who know.

All that hath been mentioned in the fourth is quickened by a single water, if thou wilt but look to the beginning of thy Cause and trace back all contradictions from every soul to Thy testimony and Thy Book. Verily, none knoweth Thy purpose save those near ones upon whom Thou hast bestowed from Thy knowledge. Only that which is conjoined with a proof from Thee can be established with any soul.

I testify that at this moment there is no proof for anyone except through Thee and Thy signs, and no knowledge save through what pointeth to Thee and speaketh of what Thou hast revealed in Thy words. I seek Thy protection and commend my loved ones to Thy safekeeping from names which Thou hast not wished to be mentioned. For all goodly names are in the tree of Thy love, drawing nigh unto it and returning unto it, while others are in a tree devoid of Thy love, proceeding therefrom and returning thereto. Verily […] in this limit. This is Thy darkness for those who know Thee not, and this is Thy light for those who know Thee. By this is religion established with Thee, and what brancheth forth therefrom of goodly things none can reckon save Thee, and none can comprehend its knowledge except Thee.

I testify that the first to believe in Thee is the tree of Thy love, and the first to be veiled from Thee by his self is that which is other than the tree of Thy love. I seek Thy protection therefrom and draw not nigh through the guidance of Thy self unto Thee. These are the Letters of the Living from every Manifestation whom Thou hast revealed through Thy names, and in every concealment Thou hast veiled them in the exalted throne of Thine examples. Beyond that is what indicateth Thee through Thy name, but since it cannot be encompassed by Thy knowledge and there was naught in outer appearance save the manifestation of that First One, Thou hast not commanded Thy servants to know all Thy names and examples except what pointeth to Thy name, the One.

They have presented themselves before Thee through the attraction of their hearts and have attained unto faith in Thee and Thy signs, for that is all glory with Thee, as all knowledge is for the servant to learn the ways of Thy good-pleasure and all glory is for the servant to draw nigh unto Thee through what Thou hast ordained for him of Thy glory. When Thou dost perfect this in anyone, who then can be veiled from Thy good-pleasure when he beholdeth the Essence of glory and eternity whereby every good thing with Thee is brought into being through creation?

Part 2: “I verily testify to Thee on the Fifth…”

I verily testify to Thee on the Fifth that the pillar of Thy glorification reveals Thy unity, and this is manifested through Thy praise, and this in turn is revealed through Thy glorification. There is no creator besides Thee for all things, no sustainer of anything, no cause of death, no giver of life except Thee alone, without peer. Thou art the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden. Thou hast made the likeness of the creation of all things in the Furqan, and placed the knowledge of the Furqan in the first Surih, then the essence of knowledge in that Surih in the Bismillah, and made the station of the Point Thy station, and that is the station of Thy Beloved.

Then the Letters of the Living from ʿAli to the last of the Gates are from Thee. Verily the First has ever been in its primacy, radiant and luminous, and the Last will ever remain in its ultimacy, inaccessible and exalted. All that exists is in Thy Book, and all that is therein is in Thy Names, and all that is in them is in the Letters of the Living, and all that is in them is in the Point—the Sun of Thy love, whereof all else are but mirrors reflecting therein the Sun of Thy manifestation. And verily the Point is the Manifestation of Thy Name the One, which cannot be known through numbers, and therefore Thou hast made all things to stand through Thy Command and established it through itself, not through anything else.

This is what Thou hast shown me from Thy hidden knowledge and given me to drink from the water of Thy hidden Name, where I see naught in existence save Thee. If anything has any existence, it is through Thee and none other.

And when I knew myself as all things, I knew it only through the mention of Thyself in the Point. But I have not mentioned the name of Thy Proof, and have extended to every soul what pertains to it, that each may be distinguished by what it has earned and that whoso enters into the fire of Thy love may enter, and whoso is veiled from the rose of Thy existence may be veiled. Then when the letter Ha was joined with the Fire, I knew myself through the manifestation of Thy light in the kingdom of earth and heaven. And if anyone possessed this knowledge when he beheld Thy signs from before, he would be certain of the manifestation of the Point of the Furqan from Thee in the name of Thy Proof and Thy Guardian, for unto Thee belong all names, their first and their last, their manifest and their hidden.

For were this a matter possible from the Imams of religion or the Gates of guidance, revelation would not have ceased after it ceased following Muhammad, Thy Beloved. Rather, this is what Thou hast specially reserved for the Manifestation of Thyself. And were this possible from any other than Thee, someone would have come until the year 1260 from the Tree. But since no one came, Thou didst manifest from one who had no scholarly attainments. Thus is Thy proof established over Thy creation, that Thou hast manifested Thy Guardian through what Thou didst manifest before through Thy Beloved. And I have witnessed among Thy creation none of their knowledge of Thee save what befitteth not Thy holy exaltation and the sublimity of Thy bounty, for all things receive sustenance from Thee through what Thou originatest, not through anything else, by Thy Command.

As to what has been mentioned in the sixth, O my God, concerning the mention of the Name “the Hidden” until it reaches “the First.” This is true with Thee, but that Manifestation was not from the Hidden, for verily He will never manifest Thy signs, and this is what Thou hast specifically assigned to the First. Rather, in the Last and the Manifest was manifested that which appeared. How could it be otherwise? And the Hidden—though the mention of this when one looks to the manifestation of Thy revelation in them, but if I look to what fruits come from the Manifestation from the essence of concealment—the exaltation of the First appears only through the Hidden, and the inaccessibility of the Last only through the Manifest.

I testify before Thee regarding the Name “the Last” which is “the Hidden,” that which I have witnessed concerning Him when He was circling around Thy will in the manifestation of the Day of Resurrection with Thee. Thus was it in every condition until the Cause returns unto Thee. But I testify before Thee that I have glorified Thee, praised Thee, proclaimed Thy unity, and magnified Thee, being certain that these Manifestations are Thy likenesses and Thy names—naught is seen in them save Thee and all the names of Thy Self, and naught is seen in them except Thy manifestation, as Thou hast said—and Thy word is the truth—“Unto God belong the most beautiful names,” for all return unto Thee even as they began from Thee.

Glorified art Thou! That I should see anyone besides Thee or exalt any other than Thee? And I testify before Thee that this Manifestation is the manifestation of what Thou hast promised to all Thy creation. Is there any goal apart from Thee or any purpose beyond Thee […] for Thy verses or draw near through Thy chosen ones? Glorified art Thou! Glorified art Thou! I shall surely witness those who await Thy proof after Thy verses have been sent down, in the veil of that fire with Thee, and they have not even a mustard seed’s weight of truth in their patience in Thee or in how their religion has been established. Thou hast manifested Thy proof through Thyself. If anyone possesses any truth, it is through what Thy bounty had established before, and that was established only for that truth. Just as Thou didst not send the Messengers except for Thy Beloved, nor send down the Books except for His Book, likewise Thou didst not manifest me except for the manifestation of my Other with Thee, and Thou didst not send down Thy verses upon me except for what Thou wilt send down afterward.

Therefore, O God, protect those who have believed in Thee and Thy verses, that they may believe in Him Whom Thou shalt manifest on the Day of Resurrection, just as Thou didst manifest me with Thy verses. For all manifestations were created only for Him, and all books were sent down only for what shall be sent down unto Him. And all that Thou didst send down upon Thy creation at the manifestation of Thy Beloved has been sent down at the manifestation of Thy proof. Therefore, O God, have mercy upon Thy loved ones that they may not be veiled by the affairs of their religion and their world from Thy Self, for all that was realized by Thy Command and established by Thy permission. Glorified art Thou! There is no God but Thee. Verily, I am the first of the worshippers.

And verily I seek Thy forgiveness, O my God, from any mention of the Seventh, nay, I worship Thee this Day not through that, nor doth anyone worship Thee save through that manifest Path which Thou hast made, for him upon whom Thou hast bestowed Thy guidance, vaster than what lieth between heaven and earth. And I seek Thy forgiveness from attributing to Thy Essence any manifestation or concealment, or that I am inferior to Thy creation. And if I speak from Thy presence, that is from Thyself, not from me. But I have witnessed naught in Thy knowledge, in the kingdom of Thy creation, before Thy Will, which is the first of Thy creation. And I have witnessed the manifestation of that Will only in him upon whom Thou hast sent down Thy verses. And I shall ever witness in him the beginning of Thy Command and Thy creation.

Thus hast Thou made manifest from Thy presence that whosoever knoweth Thee through any Manifestation before Thee shall be gathered in the first life, and whosoever knoweth Thee through Thy Manifestation thereafter shall be gathered in the latter life. This is Thy religion for whomsoever desireth Thy love and Thy path. None desireth Thee save him whom Thou hast desired, and that, with Thee, is more precious than all else, for were anyone to possess all that his eyes could behold, yet Thou bestow not upon him Thy guidance, that which Thou hast given him would profit him not; and if Thou bestow upon him Thy guidance, naught shall diminish from its excellence. Therefore do I praise Thee for having guided me and for those who are guided by my guidance, and I thank Thee for having bestowed upon me Thy good-pleasure, for that is the ultimate gloryl

In the Eighth: Thy Cause hath ever been manifest and hidden, and verily what appeared in His person aforetime was what Thou didst manifest through Him by Thy signs. This is of Thy mystery when Thou didst desire to manifest it according to what Thou hadst promised to Thy friends at the age of thirty, though it was possible with Thee before that, for Thou causest all things to flow through their channels, and there was no cause for that save what Thou didst manifest. The mystery of the Cause hath ever been with Thee from the days of Adam until now through what Thou didst manifest through Thy Beloved aforetime. It is as though I found none among Thy creation possessed of knowledge who could comprehend Thy knowledge. Otherwise they would not seek proof for that which establisheth Thy divine authority through the words of Thy Prophet, and establisheth His prophethood through Thy proof which Thou didst send down upon Him from Thy signs.

Nay, by Thy glory, Thy proof hath ever been manifest through the manifestation of Thyself and hidden through the concealment of Thy mystery. Thou didst establish it before before and after after. Hath any other than Him a mention by which He may be known, or any besides Him a name by which anyone may find evidence of Him through another? This is Thy manifestation which Thou didst promise, and verily the knowledge of men encompasseth not the mention of truth in its fullness. How then do they say […] Thy Cause, for though it be in Thy sight at this moment the very letter Dal, yet by Thy glory I shall ever glorify Thee above the mention of any save Thy monotheists. The recognition of Thyself on the day of Thy manifestation is more glorious in Thy sight than in the sight of those who glorify Thee, than that examples should be drawn from what believeth not in Thee. All that people know of the traditions of Thy martyrs from among Thy creation that equal Thy Book is from them, otherwise what they said would not be attributed to them.

Glory be unto Thee! How can one seek proof after Thou hast given me Thy signs through the evidences of Thy creation? For all of that, were it established with Thee, would be created thereby and would seek shade in its shadow. Therefore, O God, protect Thy friends from the loftiness of Thy manifestation, for they have been created from weakness, and inspire them, O God, with Thy good-pleasure in what Thou hast caused them to know of Thy Cause and Thy creation. For the essence of all knowledge is in Thee, and the essence of all proof is in holding fast to Thy proof and seeking evidence through the signs of Thy glory. I bear witness before Thee that whoso looketh to that which establisheth his religion through Thy manifest proof with him ascendeth unto Thee and sinketh not in the seas of what is proven through that proof.

And I bear witness before Thee in the latter manifestation like unto Thy Beloved, and how many times aforetime didst Thou reveal in the Tablet of Fatima that which Thou didst cause me to witness from Thee through what Thou didst manifest by Thy command. There is no command save from Thee and Thy grace, no good-pleasure save in Thee, no patience save in Thee. I have become independent through Thee of all Thy creation, and Thou hast completed Thy proof and Thy grace upon all Thy servants through what Thou hast sent down unto me of Thy signs. Therefore praise be unto Thee for what Thou hast ordained, and thanks be unto Thee for what Thou hast decreed.

And as for what was mentioned in the ninth, whomsoever Thou hast taught the knowledge of Thy unity, what need hath he to recall that which is pure in the eyes of all Thy creation? I testify before Thee that all Thy Prophets were sent from Thee, and the Books Thou didst reveal unto them are truth wherein there is no doubt, up to what Thou hast elevated. And after what Thou hast elevated, if any truth remaineth therein, Thou hast not judged them without justice; rather it is truth in every aspect that can be attributed to Thee and guide to Thee. I testify before Thee that Thou hast not sent any Messenger nor revealed any Book except to call people unto Thee and to convey to all Thy unity and Thy justice, that there is no God but Thee, alone with no partner.

By Thy glory, I have called to naught except to Thee alone, with no partner. And if I mention my knowledge of all that, it is only to uphold Thy Cause, else what station hath that which Thou hast created to be associated with Thee? The Messengers did not call their peoples to the knowledge of themselves except to establish Thy unity and the transcendence of Thy sanctity, as Thou didst reveal aforetime in Thy Book, when Thou didst say—and Thy word is the truth: “If ye love God, then follow Me, God will love you.” And similar to this are countless examples from the Manifestations of Thy Cause. By Thy glory, I have not desired to be mentioned except through Thy mention of me, and I have no remembrance except through Thy remembrance of me. Glorified art Thou, there is no God but Thee! Glorified art Thou, verily I am of those who remember.

And as for what was mentioned in the tenth among the words of Thy proof in the Scripture, there is no doubt concerning it. And as Thou hast testified through nature, were one to be certain of what is uttered, he would witness the nature of Thy unity in the manifestation of Thy Self, Thy Word, and Thy servant who speaketh from Thee. None can see any alteration in His verses, nor can any among those possessed of knowledge from among Thy creation who have believed in God and His signs and are certain of God’s religion distinguish between them. I bear witness before Thee that from the first moment Thou didst manifest me, I have endured at every instant what no measure can encompass, for how can places and limitations apply to one whom Thou hast manifested as Thy Self?

But according to how Thou hast educated Thy servants in the sacred place of limitations over fifty thousand years, which was decreed as a day with Thee, then Thou didst manifest from the nature which Thou didst create in my essence what Thou didst desire for Thy creation from the affairs of Thy religion. Were any of Thy sincere ones to look unto Thee, they would surely prostrate themselves before Thee for what their essence witnessed, for all that Thou hast sealed in every Manifestation is what befitteth the receptivities of Thy creation through the appearance of Thy wondrous revelations. In every Manifestation, Thy decree concerning Him was what would draw Him near unto Thee, for at that time it was the day of the drop with Him, to be nourished as befitteth it until it advanceth gradually until it appeareth, then advanceth to the year of the One.

At that time no more than twelve thousand two hundred and fifteen years had passed from the age of that cycle. How many manifestations were there before that Manifestation whose knowledge none but Thee can encompass, and how many manifestations after that Manifestation whose knowledge none but Thee can conceive! Yet in every Manifestation Thy servants have not recognized me, though everything testifieth to Thy Self that there is no God but Thee, alone with no partner. Thou hast no likeness, nor equal, nor peer, nor comparison, nor similitude. Creation is Thy creation and command is from Thee and unto Thee. All else beside Thee is dependent upon Thee in its essence and is brought into being within the bounds of Thy dominion through what Thou hast revealed unto it by Thy Will.

Part 3: “And whatsoever hath been mentioned in [the eleventh]…”

And whatsoever hath been mentioned in [the eleventh] by the tongue of Thy servant concerning the Qur’an and that which Thy Proof shall manifest from that which Gabriel revealed unto the heart of Muhammad, and which he compiled by Thy leave unto Thee—this is what Thou hast revealed, for the treasuries of all Thy verses are naught but Thy Command. By this have all the Books been revealed and by this have all the Messengers been sent forth. Thou hast revealed in no Book save that which establisheth Thy unity, that Thou art God and there is none other God but Thee, the Lord of all things. And Thou hast sent no Messenger save to call the people unto Thy worship, and Thou hast ordained in that Dispensation of Thy religion—glory be unto Thee, there is no God but Thee—that we worship none but Thee and prostrate ourselves before none other than Thee.

And in that Day Thou didst reveal all Thy Books, for the essence of all is contained therein. I bear witness before Thee that it is the truth wherein there is no doubt. Therein is the detailed explanation of all things from Thee, a guidance and reminder for the God-fearing who ponder upon the creation of their own selves and what Thou hast revealed unto them, who prostrate themselves before Thee night and day, who in all matters beseech Thy grace, who at all times fear Thy justice, and who in all that is revealed unto them turn unto Thee.

And concerning what was mentioned in the twelfth: By Thy might I bear witness that I have permitted only what Thou hast permitted and have sanctioned only what Thou hast sanctioned. All that Thou didst reveal aforetime in the Furqan, Thy lawful things remain lawful until the Day of Resurrection. Likewise what Thou revealed therein concerning the mention of Ha’ remains until the Day of Resurrection. But the Resurrection with Thee is the appearance of Thy Proof, where naught is willed save what Thou hast willed. All that Thou hast made lawful unto him from the good things of Thy kingdom is revealed in the Book, and all that Thou hast forbidden him is forbidden unto Thy chosen ones in the Book.

And as to that which hath been mentioned in the thirteenth, verily I have not so judged; rather hath there been revealed a word which, when it is joined thereto, exalteth it: that it is not lawful for any soul to depart from the judgment of its Lord. Nay, rather must Thy judgment be made to reach him, inasmuch as Thou hast beheld Thy creation and hast decreed that whereby they may draw nigh unto Thee from Thy presence. This is the very judgment wherewith Muhammad judged aforetime, for there is none beside Thee who is an independent Judge. All who judge among you judge by Thy judgment; and Thou art … and all things ask of Thee; and I bear witness that Thy Manifestation in this matter is naught but the dawning-place of Thy Will, wherein naught is seen save Thine act, and from which nothing is sent down save Thy governance.

Glorified art Thou: there is none other God but Thee. How exalted is Thy bounty toward Thy servants, and Thy favour toward Thy saints—yet they neither know nor give thanks! Cause him, then, O my God, to be guided to watch over his religion even as he watched over it before, and to take heed of him who doth not watch over it, until Thy judgment may reach him. This is of the most gentle of what Thou didst formerly reveal, and among the fairest of what Thou hast ordained, in fulfilment of that which Thou didst promise unto Thy loved ones of the blessings of the world to come; and it hath not been made manifest save through that wherewith Thou hast bestowed Thy favour upon them.

For were all who are upon the earth to expend whatsoever they possess, they would not be able to find unto a single one of these things any path. And whatsoever Thou hast decreed shall assuredly be manifested from Thy presence through Thy bounty, that thou mayest behold therein the honour of Thy trusted ones and Thy sincere ones. And the bond of kinship is among the greatest of Thy ordinances, if they be of them that answer Thee and proclaim Thine oneness—those who have believed in Thy signs.

And concerning what was mentioned in the fourteenth, regarding giving permission to each one to do what he wishes—glory be unto Thee, glory be unto Thee! How could this be, when the cord of obedience to Thee has ever been bound around the necks of Thy creatures? Thou hast never left anyone to himself, nor entrusted any soul to its own devices, except that Thou hast ordained the law of all things and detailed the mention of all things, even to nineteen nineteenths of an atom and less, lest Thy loved ones be found in aught save what pleaseth Thee. When Thou dost entrust a soul to itself, it is because Thou wishest to exact retribution from it thereafter. How else could it be, when Thou art more merciful to Thy creatures than they are to themselves, and nearer to Thy servants than they are to themselves? Glory be unto Thee! There is no God but Thee. The fountains of grace have ever flowed from Thy presence, and the wonders of bounty have ever been exalted from Thy midst.

And concerning what was answered in the fifteenth, this is from what Thou hast taught me, O my God, from Thy presence and from Thy tenderness in Thy wondrous works. By Thy might! I love not that there should be in Thy knowledge any who might possess less than Thy love. How could it be, when Thou hast created him with such exalted delicacy, that he would be content with what this one hath mentioned in his book? This is what no ear can bear to hear. Glory be unto Thee! There is no God but Thee. Verily, the good things are what Thou hast made good in Thy presence, and naught else would satisfy my heart to mention. How could it, when I would point to them?

Whoso is Thine alone—there is no God but Thee—such a one is in Thy paradise, and whoso is not, such a one is in Thy fire. But this appeareth not save according to the measures Thou hast measured and the stations Thou hast ordained. Therefore, O God, purify the earth and all who dwell thereon from everything that pointeth not to Thee, until nothing is seen thereon save those who have attained the summit of their perfection in the realm of their existence, for only then are they worthy to be mentioned before Thee or to be attributed unto Thee.

And concerning what was mentioned in the sixteenth, regarding the fear of Thy servants in their worship of Thee—this changeth not for those who know Thee and respond to Thee, for what Thou hadst sent down before concerning the aspects of fear of their own selves, inasmuch as they have ascended to the horizon of certitude. By this Thou hast promised Thy loved ones and desired to bestow favor upon them. For whoso attaineth unto certitude seeth himself in Thy paradise and delighteth in what Thou hast bestowed upon him of Thy knowledge, even as Thou didst witness in Thy proof, Abu Abdullah, peace be upon him, and those who were martyred in his path, though they were beyond what is possible in creation. But it was naught save […]

Concerning what was mentioned on the seventeenth regarding the return of Thy chosen ones which Thou hast ordained for the Day of Thy Resurrection—Thou hast, O my God, detailed all of this in what Thou hast created regarding the enumeration of all things, as explained there by Thy leave, that all that was mentioned of the conditions of the Resurrection is what the servant witnesses in his life, and what Thou hast ordained after his death is that wherein there is no doubt with Thee. Therefore, O God, bestow Thy grace upon Thy chosen ones through what Thou hast taught them of the reality of these names, whereof none hath comprehended their knowledge before according to Thy will, and if any hath become aware, he hath concealed it within himself such that it remaineth unseen, and Thou art cognizant of his knowledge.

Verily the first manifestation of Thy Proof was the resurrection of those who believed in the Furqan, just as the appearance of Thy Beloved before was the resurrection of those who believed in the Gospel, wherein Thy Beloved caused those who fulfilled His Covenant to prosper in their faith. Likewise, Thou hast caused those whom Thou hast testified to the truth of their faith to prosper, as every soul mentioneth Thy supreme recompense from Thee, which endureth until another resurrection. Similarly shall it be on the Day of Him Whom Thou shalt make manifest—the resurrection of those who follow the Bayan, that Thou mayest reward on that Day those who have fulfilled their Covenant therein. There is no end to this, as there is no beginning to it in Thy knowledge.

Glorified art Thou! There is no God but Thee. All who are in the heavens and the earth and what lieth between them are thunderstruck at the appearance of Thy Countenance, save those whom Thou hast chosen from among Thy pure ones and trustees who desire naught except the manifestation of Thy Self, whereby Thy verses bear witness unto all Thy creation. Whoso testified before that the Furqan was Thy Book, were he to ponder Thy verses, would testify that they are from Thee—a river flowing with the same water. This is what veiled all Thy creation on the Day of Resurrection, for what Thou didst reveal over twenty-three years in that Manifestation, Thou dost reveal through Thy power, if Thou willest, in the writing of a single soul before Thy Proof in four days. How mighty, O my God, is this proof, of which a single verse cannot be matched by all the worlds! How great, O my God, is Thy evidence, which none can approach save Thy God-fearing servants!

I bear witness unto Thee concerning the return of the manifestations of Thy names from before, and Thy Prophets, Thy Messengers, Thy martyrs, Thy righteous ones, and those who have believed purely in Thy Book—likewise beneath the shadow of those holy lights which point to none but Thee. What confirmeth this regarding them is the appearance of Thy Proof through Thy verses, for what was established before was only through this, and were this to be sent down upon the heavens and the earth and what lieth between them, they would humble themselves before Thee due to the greatness of what Thou hast ordained therein of Thy Command, and would testify in their innermost being to the perfection of the manifestation of Thy power. Glorified art Thou! There is no God but Thee! Glorified art Thou! I am of those who are thankful.

As for what was mentioned on the eighteenth, this is beyond the compass of human knowledge. If resurrection meant the return of the physical body, then surely on the day of the Manifestation of the Messenger of God, the dead would have been raised in like manner. Yet Thy Beloved did not resurrect the Prophets or their successors except in that He raised up all who believed in Him under His shadow, and those who believed in His successorship from among the martyrs and the faithful from the time of Adam until the appearance of Thy Beloved. No Messenger from Thee has ever resurrected those who had physically died before—how then could this be unique to that Manifestation? Glory be unto Thee!

In every Manifestation, as is possible with Thee, Thou dost resurrect all Thy creation through the hearts of those who praise Thee, the souls of those who proclaim Thy unity, and the essential, intrinsic bodies of those who glorify Thee. The physical body returns to Thee as it began, and this is truth apart from what Thou hast ordained concerning the resurrection of Thy chosen ones and the return in the Manifestations of Thy Cause and Thy sincere ones. By Thy might! Were it not that Thou hast favored Thy servants by resurrecting them through the hearts of Thy chosen ones, they would see neither resurrection nor return until the Day when Thou shalt manifest it, for this is a matter that comes only from Thee in every Manifestation.

Who but Thee could accomplish this? How could this be established without proof from Thee that would render all the worlds powerless? Yet people wrangle about the conditions of their religion while remaining veiled from its source.

And as to that which hath been mentioned in the nineteenth, this is not, in Thy sight, of the truth; for it is not possible that that elemental body should return, and that the spirit of man should be breathed into it. If this were of Our Cause, then wouldst Thou have raised up Thy Beloved before—those righteous successors of Jesus—who are with Thee upon the throne, and who glorify Thee by night and by day, and never weary. Nor, from the first moment Thou didst create that world, hath its “resurrection” been equal to that Resurrection; for nothing that was before it hath returned unto it, save a Resurrection which Thou shalt establish thereafter; and it is greater than this, with a greatness which none but Thyself can compass.

In that world each delighteth in that Temple even as each is burned by the fire; for all behold—after the spirit hath departed that body—that the body itself had no spirit to delight in Thy remembrance, by reason of its veiling. They have supposed that what was promised concerning the world to come had no beginning save in that; whereas I bear witness unto Thee that for every thing… there is… from any thing… save for Thy servant… No fruit of its beginning appeareth save in its return. Glorified art Thou: there is none other God but Thee. Thou causest every soul to proceed according to that which it hath earned, and verily Thou art, of all things, All-Knowing.

As to what was mentioned in the twentieth, how far above art Thou from that which people have ascribed to Thee concerning the various resurrections and what Thou hast ordained of their conditions—the raising of the dead, the gathering, the dispersal, the path, the balance, the presentation of all before Thee, the creation of paradise and hell, and whatsoever Thou hast specifically ordained for the Day of Resurrection. Rather, what Thou didst promise aforetime in the Furqan until that Tree shall be raised up shall come to pass. Yet after that, in every Manifestation there is for Thee a resurrection, and after it in the subsequent Manifestation another resurrection. All of this pertains to that life. But what Thou hast ordained as death for those who recognize Thy unity is the eternal paradise wherein Thou hast created of all things that which hath no equal. And for those who do not, there is a fire that transmuteth their bodies.

Part 4: “The essence of that life…”

The essence of that life is that the former find delight in the manifestations of Thy love in the countenance of Thy Proof, while in the latter their skin is renewed in the fire through following that negation after the former. For those who recognize Thy unity descend continually to the dust with no limit, and with Thee there is no paradise higher for those who recognize Thy unity than that Thou shouldst enable them to obey and worship Thee. For what Thou hast promised them after their death shall be made manifest to them through those deeds. Likewise, Thy vengeance upon those who are veiled from Thee is naught but their being veiled from Thy good-pleasure, as all that befalls them is due to what they have earned.

This is most severe with Thee and with those who know Thee. For when Thou desirest to bestow Thy grace upon Thy friends through what Thou hast promised them in Thy paradise […] And when Thou desirest to take vengeance upon Thy enemies, Thou causest to appear unto them the means whereby their souls are grieved through their veiling themselves from Thy Cause. Then Thou dost establish the remembrance of those who recognize Thy unity, even as Thou didst establish the remembrance of Thy Proofs aforetime, and Thou dost obliterate the remembrance of those who do not recognize Thy unity, even as Thou didst cause those who opposed them without right to be forgotten. This is Thy way from aforetime—Thou causest to enter into Thy mercy whom Thou willest and takest vengeance on whom Thou willest through Thy power.

There is no doubt with those who know Thee that Thou hast ordained for those who recognize Thy unity in paradise that which shall cause them to delight in all Thy bounties after they have been seized in Thy path. Similarly hast Thou ordained the fire for those who do not recognize Thy unity after their spirits are cut off from them. But this is not what Thou commandest anyone to believe, for none can attain unto it or know it. What can be known and attained are those affairs which Thou commandest from Thy presence that are within the capacity of understanding.

As for what was mentioned regarding the glance of an eye toward that which Thou hast not made lawful in the Furqan, Thy judgment is established, and I seek Thy protection from aught else. I have loved nothing as I have loved modesty, nor have I permitted otherwise to any of Thy chosen ones. Thou hast ordained in this measures from Thy presence that Thy friends might gain strength thereby and that the leaves of the tree of Thy love might be honored in Thy paradise. Though Thou hast created all as Thou didst create a single tree, yet each within the limit of its existence and the bounds of its possibilities draws from the bounty of its Beloved what beseemeth it within its limit.

Thou hast made degrees in paradise and hast placed some levels of hell above others, and between them Thou hast set a veil lest those in the lower degree be saddened when they behold those in the higher degree, and this without their knowledge of it—though if they knew, there would surely be separation between them. Glory be unto Thee! There is no God but Thee. O God! Bestow Thy grace upon all Thy creation that they may enter the highest pinnacle of Thy paradise and the most glorious heights of the fragrance of Thy love. Verily, Thou art powerful over all things.

As to what was mentioned in the twenty-first, I bear witness that Thy proof has ever existed in the heights of its sanctity and the exaltation of its glory, unchanged by place or the passing of years. Verily, it is Thy proof from Thee unto all Thy creation through Thy signs. I bear witness unto Thee of that which Thou hast made me to witness, and in the Letters of the Living, the Manifestations of Thy Cause. O God, send Thy blessings upon the Seven Letters, then upon the Letters of Truth, and upon those who follow Thee seeking Thy good-pleasure, through all Thy grace and mercy. Verily, Thou art the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous.

O God, deliver those who believe not in Thee nor in Thy signs from that which hath veiled them from Thy good-pleasure, for such a one seeth himself as obedient to Thee, yet in Thy sight he walketh not in the paths of Thy love. For all who believed not in Thy Beloved One of old deemed themselves to be walking in Thy good-pleasure, yet they had no knowledge of Thy good-pleasure. Likewise, whoso entered the religion of Thy Beloved One and followed Thy Messenger but followed not Thy martyrs was veiled from Thy good-pleasure. And perchance one followeth Thy Messenger and Thy martyrs, yet remaineth veiled from the gates of Thy guidance through Thy Friend, deeming himself to be walking in Thy good-pleasure while having no knowledge of how to attain unto Him.

Thus it is, O my God, that in every Revelation none is veiled save by that for which he hath no proof before Thee, for whoso accepteth Thee in every Revelation rejecteth the proof of those who accept Thee not. This is what Thy servants comprehend, yet that whereby Thou hast veiled from Thy friends what Thou didst reveal in every Manifestation of Thy love—were a servant to behold the mystery of what Thou dost manifest of Thy love in every Revelation, he would see all Thy proofs in that selfsame proof. Therefore have Thy loved ones given tidings of the Manifestation of Thy love, saying that He mentioneth all from Adam to the day of His appearance, declaring: “Whoso desireth this, let him look upon Me.” Likewise in the Book which Thou didst reveal unto Him are all the Books contained, and so too in the Letters of the Living wherewith Thou didst begin what Thou didst begin, in their essence, and likewise all Thy commandments are seen in the modes of Thy creation in their essential nature. Were it not so, Thou wouldst not judge with fire those who follow Thee not in every Manifestation.

Glorified art Thou! There is no God but Thee. I bear witness unto Thee in the places of the return of Thy loved ones through that which Thy Book doth speak, for what those who remember can recall cannot equal Thy proof in Thy verses, and all else is established thereby and presented before it, from before and after. There is no God but Thee. Then I bear witness unto Thee concerning what hath been mentioned in the Book, that those who call upon other than Thee are referred to as female in Thy presence, as Thy Book hath testified aforetime: “They call upon none besides Him save females.”

And I do seek refuge in Thee, O my God, from him who loveth Thee not, and draweth not nigh unto Thee through Thy love and the love of them that love Thee. There is no command except from Thy presence, and no decree, nor destiny, save by Thy leave. Protect, then, O my God, Thy loved ones from whatsoever sorroweth them, by Thy power, Thy might, Thy greatness, Thy sovereignty, and Thy Self-Subsisting Being; for Thou art able to do whatsoever Thou willest, and powerful to accomplish whatsoever Thou desirest. And I bear witness unto Thee, O my God, that I have not spoken from myself a single word, nor hath any decree, nor destiny, proceeded save by Thy leave.

Protect, then, O my God, Thy loved ones from whatsoever sorroweth them, by Thy power, Thy might, Thy greatness, Thy sovereignty, and Thy Self-Subsisting Being; for Thou art able to do whatsoever Thou willest, and powerful to accomplish whatsoever Thou desirest. And I bear witness unto Thee, O my God, that I have not uttered a word save that I intended its very reality in Thy presence; and under its shadow—even were the oceans of the heavens and the earth and whatsoever lieth between them to flow—each would bear it, according to what is within it, without that aught should be diminished therefrom. Glorified art Thou: there is none other God but Thee. Thou hast ever encompassed all things.

In regard to what was mentioned in the twenty-second concerning the mention of heresy within bounds—yea, when thou didst manifest the primal reality in that world, thou didst reckon therein, of the limits of time, that which had passed of his age as sixty-three years. And thou didst not establish thy criterion before thy Beloved save what thou didst reveal unto him of thy Furqan, and this is in that Day thy criterion for whoso desireth to believe in thee and thy verses. Thou hast ever been independent of all thy creation. Whoso is guided by thy guidance, unto his own self doth he possess what he possesseth from the treasuries of thy grace, and whoso remaineth veiled harmeth none but himself after thy proof hath been perfected unto him. Were he to ponder all that hath been written and reflect upon that which confirmeth all this from the foundation of his religion and the conditions of his knowledge, the mention would not be prolonged in the Book, and he would love himself through what is revealed unto him, for this is thy criterion with whoso seeketh thy guidance if he be not veiled thereby and seeth himself in thy good-pleasure.

I bear witness before thee and before all things that from the first moment thou didst manifest me through thy bounty, I have completed thy proof unto all thy creation in two words. Observe then that whereby your religion is established, were ye to be of the assured ones. Then love ye your own selves through your Lord, and ye shall not be able, if ye were aforetime truthful, save that ye enter into the religion of God and be assured of His signs. No one hath even an atom’s weight of proof, and I have not loved thy servants save through thy grace and thy generosity; else they have no proof in that whereby they dispute. And if they look to that whereby their religion is established, and if they look not, then they desire not the truth—how then can they be guided?

And were I to answer those on earth, their words would not be elevated save that they return unto that whereby their religion is established. And they comprehend not in the Last Day; were they to comprehend the First Day, then would they rejoice in thy path and give thanks unto God their Lord for what He hath given them of His grace, and they would prostrate themselves before Him night and day. I ask thy forgiveness, O my God, for what was mentioned in his prayer concerning the mention of the letter Sad, for on that day all people are equal before me except those who follow the truth from thee and verify thy signs. I love not to make mention of aught besides thee, even were I to praise other than thee, for my mention of aught besides thee profiteth me not. What profiteth me is thy mention of me and my mention of thee. Glorified art thou! There is no God but thee! Glorified art thou! I am of those who give thanks.

And as for what was mentioned in the twenty-third concerning the mention of books—yea, I heard this with mine own ears, but I bear witness unto thee that after thou didst reveal the Furqan, how thou didst judge through what thou didst reveal aforetime. Were the matter from thee, this would not be attributed unto thee, and how much less the conditions related thereto. Were one to look at the mystery of the matter from thee, such examples would not occur to his heart. I bear witness unto thee that in those books are matters which thou didst love, but when there was revealed from thee that which was better for them, therefore didst thou command what thou didst decree, for the sustenance of hearts is renewed in every Manifestation, and that whereby the souls of the believers are nurtured thereafter cannot be that whereby they were nurtured aforetime. Were it not so, thou wouldst not have permitted, at the appearance of any of thy Prophets aforetime, the abrogation of what thou hadst revealed from thee. Glorified art thou! I am of those who seek forgiveness.

As to what was mentioned concerning the twenty-fourth, about who dwells—who, O my God, is nearer to Thee than he is to himself? By Thy glory, I have dwelt only through Thee, found delight only in nearness to Thy love, gazed only upon Thy bounty, feared naught but Thy justice, relied on naught save Thy generosity, sought help from none but Thy might, taken refuge in naught but Thy greatness, found strength only in the signs of Thy oneness, and found guidance only in the words of Thy eternal sovereignty. I see naught before Thee except as on the day when Thou didst create from nothing. Therefore, O God, draw those who desire to meet Thee through the attractions of Thy holiness and glory and the fragrances of Thy majesty and exaltation, for hearts are in Thy grasp and destinies in the right hand of Thy will. Thou doest what Thou willest, how Thou willest, by what Thou willest, for what Thou willest. Thou shalt not be questioned about what Thou doest, while all shall be questioned about everything.

Glory be unto Thee, O God, my God! I testify before Thee that I have answered him who asked Thee by that which, in Thy presence, is more precious than all things, that he might give thanks to Thee for having guided him, as Thou didst guide those before, for there was no guidance except through Thy guidance, whereby Thou didst bestow the recognition of the Manifestations of Thy Word. Mention hath been made of those who attribute to others permission for the drinking of tobacco and its sisters. By Thy glory, I have given permission to no one, and if I permitted it at first to some, it was only for what I desired for the protection of their souls in Thy path and the elevation of their victory with Thee.

Otherwise, I have forbidden all Thy loved ones according to what I have detailed in the Book that numbereth all things at the time of the Manifestation by Thy leave. Therefore, O God, guide all Thy creation by making them know themselves and the ultimate end of their origin and destiny, for they were created from clay and unto it shall they return, though they know not for what they were created. Thou didst not create them except that they might know Thee and bear witness to what Thou hast sent down of Thy verses, even as Thou didst send down before, whereby all who are guided find guidance and all who are veiled become veiled, and all who are sincere are saved.

I seek Thy forgiveness for having mentioned Thee or for mentioning. O God, shower all Thy grace and mercy upon the Primary Letters, then upon those who have believed in Thee and in Thy verses and have followed the truth from Thy presence. Verily, Thou art knowing of all things.