consolation and comfort
Editorial introduction
Sorrow seldom asks for an explanation; it asks for company. Bahá’u’lláh writes to the grieving as a prisoner who will not flee from them and who promises to be present in the room where there is neither lamp nor bed nor helper. Consolation in His teaching begins with that assurance of being remembered, and then grows hands: a sick sister is given rest and visitors, a widow’s rights are defended, a debtor is helped, a late reply is explained so that no one mistakes silence for forgetting. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá weeps with the bereaved before he counsels patience, and he treats tears as a sign of tenderness rather than a failure of faith. To dwell on such comfort is to be drawn toward the mercy of God, toward the soul’s life after death and the prayers offered for those who have gone, and toward a trust in God that holds steady while circumstances change. Paul’s account of consolation received and then shared [1] names the turn the journey finally makes: the one who was comforted becomes a comforter, a balm for aching hearts.
Verily the Wronged One remembereth every wronged man and woman, and the Stranger loveth every stranger, man and woman, and every captive man and woman, especially those who are made such in the path of God.
After sorrow comes joy; be not downcast, for boundless relief follows. In this very world countless doors exist - God willing, they shall be opened by the finger of will, and new worlds shall be witnessed in this world. He loved and loves poverty, and sits and communes with it.
God be praised, thou hast a kind Lord Who healeth every sick one and dispelleth the sorrow of every afflicted soul. He is a shelter to the orphan and a helper of the destitute, and His kindness knoweth no bounds.
God is the best companion and friend. Send greetings to the Eternal Fruit. And in all circumstances, be as is befitting through God's help and power. The shrine of Shah Abdul-Azim is good ground due to the nearness of Vahid and Hafiz. And God is the Best Protector.
And verily, He shall be with thee in thy solitude, and in the hour when thou enterest a place wherein there is neither lamp, nor bed, nor helper, nor assistant. And He shall be with thee and shall not part from thee in thy exile and thy solitude.
We have remembered thee in Tablets that shall testify on thy behalf in all the worlds of thy Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.
… Know thou with certain knowledge and manifest truth that even should all who are on earth flee and turn away from thee, the Prisoner will not flee from thee and will be with thee under all conditions.
Grieve not over anything or anyone. By the life of God, I am with thee, I am thy companion, thy protector and thy helper.
Had He not been with you, you would not have attained to His recognition nor would you have been speaking His praise. Since He is with you, all existence is with you.
Be not disheartened, for the manifestation of every matter hath been ordained according to the exigencies of its time. Thus hath it been decreed by the All-Powerful, the Ancient of Days.
Therefore there must be intense hope and firm expectation, for He is the shelter of sinners and the refuge of the erring ones.
… Therefore we must be confident in the grace and bounty of the Sovereign of existence and with utmost joy and delight associate in the gathering of the world and become the cause of awakening and awareness and guidance and nobility of all humanity.
You wrote at the end of your letter "the one despairing of God's mercy." By My life! This befits not these days. Write henceforth "the one assured of his Lord's tender care, the All-Mighty, the All-Loving, His servant David."
I bear witness by My Most Exalted Pen, My Most Glorious Countenance, My Most Sweet Utterance, and all that is attributed to God, the Lord of Names, that I have never rejected thee for a single moment, nor have My care and kindness towards thee ever changed, nor hath My heart and soul ever been troubled by thee.
Convey my message to his honor the master of the naskh script and say: Do not grieve, for I am your Comforter and more kind than a father. Do not worry about your fate or be anxious, for the dregs of this cup shall be transformed to pure wine and the dimness of this lamp shall be changed to light. I pray for you.
Do not thou be grieved because of the loss of thy sight. Praise be unto God, that thy insight is keen. Do not thou lament over thy poverty, for the Treasury of the Kingdom is thine. Do not thou worry that thou couldst not study in the material schools, because thou hast received lessons in the Verses of the Oneness (of God) in the Divine University.
The greatest consolation for the heart is the Love of God. This is the balm for every wound and the remedy for every ailment. This world is full of pain and afflictions. Therefore the foundation upon which the eternal consolation of the human heart is based is the Love of God.
O 'Ali! We have loved thee before this, and thy heart and thy soul and thy spirit bear witness to this, and beyond these the angels of Paradise bear witness, and beyond these the dwellers of the holy pavilions bear witness, and beyond these the Ancient Beauty beareth witness, ere His appearance upon the Tablet through the mysteries of the Pen, and ere non-existence assumed the garment of being, and all things with every tongue in this utterance do bear witness.
O thou who art stricken with the most great calamity! Calamities and heart-numbing losses are indeed hard to bear, inasmuch as love and affection torment the heart from the flame of separation. But when we recall the ascension of the Ancient Beauty and the heart-numbing loss of the Greatest Name, all of our other troubles will vanish, for deprivation from His sunlike face maketh separation from a shining lamp easier to bear, nay, it dispelleth it from the mind.
Grieve not, for thou art my companion and friend, my intimate associate through months and years. What the True One desired for me, He desired for thee. We are partners and share the same portion, relying upon the Mighty Lord and seeking refuge at His threshold.
The point is that this grief and sorrow and anguish relates to the friends and loved ones, but that star of guidance, although it has set from the nearest horizon, has risen in the highest horizon.
… Therefore, do not weep and lament, do not heave burning sighs, and do not pass your time with tearful eyes. Engage in praise of the All-Merciful Lord Who has caused that luminous star to rise and shine in such a clear horizon.
O manifestor of calamities!
In truth these two calamities were destroyers of the foundation of patience and severers of the root of endurance.
… However, since those two saplings were uprooted from the furnace of this world, they were planted and took root in the eternal divine garden, attaining endless freshness and grace, becoming adorned with leaves, blossoms and fruit.
Although this affliction is among the greatest calamities and severest tribulations, and in truth the entire gathering of divine unity has fallen into intense grief - even the maidens of virtue wept in their chambers of purity and the lamentations of mourning arose from all the secluded ones in the sanctuary of eternity, and this indeed is a tremendous sorrow - yet since the descent of this greatest calamity is assuredly based on the Most Great Wisdom, consider that the Holy Prophet (may the spirit of the worlds be sacrificed for Him) had one noble child named Ibrahim.
… In response, weeping, He said: "If you were aware of this mystery, you would surely not have begun to cry out and lament in grief. But though my eyes weep, it is from the tenderness of heart and delicacy of feeling."
Do not be sorrowful, do not be grieved. 'Abdu'l-Baha, with tearful eyes, begs forgiveness and pardon for him.
Tell the divine friends never to be sorrowful for those who ascend.
Alas, the very trees are sighing in their separation from thee, the flowers are mourning in their bereavement, and the twin streams are weeping in their desolation --yea, their sorrows have afflicted all the gardens of the earth. All joy and blissfulness be thine, O Salih, for the Lord did bless thee in thy life and in thy death; and thou wast mentioned by the Pen of Glory in the Most Exalted Paradise on the day thou didst repair to God, the Lord of men --a day whereon the dwellers of the realms above inhaled from thee the heavenly fragrance of thy garden.
Therefore, be not sorrowful or grief-stricken, for you have not been afflicted with eternal separation. This parting is but for a brief time; ultimately, in the private chamber of Truth you will find his countenance radiant, and like the nightingale with melody and song you will see him in that rose garden. Separation in this world is inherent to its nature, perpetual union impossible, and parting inevitably decreed. The occurrence of that which is ordained should not sadden mankind; rather, this temporary decree should be a cause of tenderness.
Immediately it occurred to me that that dear one is intoxicated from the overflowing cup of the wine of grace and is the confidant of divine mysteries in the private chamber of the Desired One. Therefore this is not a station of sadness and grief, nor a time of sorrow and mourning.
With this thought some solace was obtained, and I proceeded to write that that sapling by the stream of love must, like its father, become a fruitful tree.
O you who remain as a memorial to Mansur, the noble and glorious Khalil!
Now that the rose has departed and the rose garden lies in ruins, from whom shall we seek the fragrance of the rose except from rose water?
Therefore do not be sorrowful or grieved at his passing, for human life is through the soul, not the body - through the spirit, not the pain-filled form.
I hope you will be enabled to act according to this blessed verse which states: "Give glad tidings to the patient ones, who when afflicted with calamity say: 'Verily we are God's, and verily unto Him shall we return.'"
O steadfast servant of God! Although the pain of losing thine affectionate mother is great and the bereavement of her companions, friends, and relatives is a severe affliction wearing away the body and consuming the soul, nevertheless, since that goodly leaf from the beginning of the appearance of the First Dawn, when the lights of oneness encompassed all created things, was guided by the light of guidance, followed in the way of the leaves of Tree of Eternity, was enkindled with the flame of God's love, was consumed with the fire of anguish on account of her separation from the Beloved of the worlds, was blessed with the honor of meeting Him, and was present at the court of holiness--therefore, this death is eternal life and this extinction is everlasting existence.
Give praise unto God that she ascended while she was firm and steadfast.
Therefore, you must exercise patience and forbearance, and not give way to lamentation and anxiety in this calamity. There is a well-known saying: "If you are patient you will be rewarded, and God's decree will be carried out; and if you complain you will be deprived, and God's decree will still be carried out."...
O thou who art patient and grateful! The separation from thy respected wife is indeed heart-rending and a cause of grief and pain. But that pearl has reached the ocean and found repose in the shell of infinite bounty. She hath attained unto the radiance of forgiveness and the effulgence of pardon and grace. Thou shalt find her in the sea of mysteries and the realm of lights.
O thou divine servant! Be thou not unhappy on account of the death of thy father. All of us will hasten from this world to another world. This mundane life has no importance whatsoever. It is our hope that in the divine world we shall find eternal union and seek everlasting fellowship.
O handmaid and servant of God! In this supreme calamity 'Abdu'l-Baha shares your grief. Therefore be not sorrowful or heavy-hearted, for that youth is now immersed in the ocean of forgiveness and pardoned of all transgression. The Lord God is forgiving and kind. Though he was bereft in this world, God willing in that other world he shall be abundantly blessed.
The Master answered her:
If you have a bed of lilies-of-the-valley that you love and tenderly care for, they cannot see you, nor can they understand your care, nevertheless, because of that tender care, they flourish.
So it is with your husband. You cannot see him, but his loving influence surrounds you, cares for you, watches over you.
Mrs.--- was crying, and Abdul-Baha continued: "Do not cry. Be happy because you saw her, and you saw her perfected. You must be happy. She is your trust with God. You have not lost her out of your hands. The only difference is this; that you gave her as a trust to God as a child, but you will take her back as a full grown person. I had a son who was four years old, and when he died I did not at all change my attitude. I gave my son to God as a trust, and so at his death I did not grieve."
Be thou sure that, verily, thy deceased child is now one of those babes who are suckled in the Kingdom of Life, under the charge of the Beauty of El-ABHA.
I cannot express in speech or writing the heart and soul's love for the survivors of the martyrs, and to the extent possible, these heartfelt emotions were expressed in previous and subsequent letters.
Now ye should tend his comely garden and water the field of his love that the candle of his hopes may burn brightly in the bed-chamber of faithfulness, and become the cause his joy and gladness in the kingdom of the All-Merciful. Although that pure soul is now hidden and concealed, praise be to God, he hath left you in this evanescent world as his remnants, that ye may take up his work, follow in his path, seek out his aims, and speak his praise.
Help his loved ones, grant them patience and composure, bestow upon them endurance and steadfastness, that they may find deliverance from the burning anguish of separation from him and their hearts may find solace from his loss and absence.
Though they were deprived of earthly life, yet from the crystal goblet and the pure chalice they drank of "Think not of those who are slain in God's way as dead. Nay, they are living! With their Lord they have provision."
O My handmaiden! Let not grief overwhelm thee on account of that which hath occurred in the early days of our arrival in this prison. We have sacrificed Mihdi for a purpose inscrutable to all save God.
Though outwardly separation consumes the liver, yet separation is the cause of union and attainment and the means of preserving a number of children.
From thy Lord's word have been planted the trees of hope in the hearts of all created things, and the sun of generosity hath shone upon all in existence from this horizon which hath been illumined by the countenance of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Bountiful.
We console thy mother with God's mercy and His favors, and We make mention of her in this noble station. She hath been immersed in tribulations which none knoweth save the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. She must not grieve over what hath befallen her.
Blessed art thou, O thou who wast deemed small by the people but great in the sight of God, the Knower of things unseen.
O My leaf! Existence itself is shrouded in dust and the hearts have melted at what hath befallen thee. We beseech God to comfort and console thee, to send down upon thee what shall transform thy sadness into joy, and to adorn thee with the ornament of befitting patience and fortitude, which He hath admonished His servants to observe in this Dispensation.
Be not grieved at what has befallen you. By My life! I grieve not for the one who has ascended, but rather for the one who remains, for the one who has ascended in the love and remembrance of God has attained unto the Most Great Ocean and the Supreme Joy, while the one who remains is in the sorrows and troubles of the world and deserves prayers until they return to their place.
O my physician, O my beloved! I have grieved at your intense sorrow and yearned for you as a bird in exile yearns for its happy mate. I wished to console you in this fresh affliction, this grievous calamity and great bereavement.
Do not be sorrowful and grieved by the great calamities that have befallen you. Every breast is a target for the arrow of tribulation, and every heart is afflicted with some sorrow.
We have heard that thy son hath ascended unto God. … But grieve thou not. By God! If thou wert to look with the eye of the heart, thou wouldst behold him even now freed from all opposition, detached from those who disbelieved and associated partners with God, and in communion with those on whose faces thou findest the freshness of bliss.
O Munirih! He verily fulfilleth what hath been promised in the Book. Let nothing sadden thee. She verily ascended to God and returned to Him just as she had appeared from Him. She hath returned, rested, rejoiced and is overjoyed.
Therefore be not sorrowful, be not grief-stricken, for when a bird is freed from its cage, one should each morning pray for its aid that its flight may increase and it may soar to a loftier height.
O handmaiden of God! Do not begin to wail over the ascension of that pure leaf, and do not weep and lament. Do not be sorrowful, do not be grief-stricken, do not beat your breast, do not scratch your face, do not rend your collar.
But as we know these cages all of them will be broken at the end and the imprisoned birds will fly to the heaven of mysteries. They will have their nest under the shade of the tree of holiness and this separation will have such reunion at its end and this solitude will have such a fragrant joy at the end that you should not ever be sad. Its separation will not last. Alienation and remotness will be eliminated.
We all hope and trust that all of us will be gathered together in the centre of beauty, the world of glory, kingdom of light and the assemblage of reunion.
That was a matter from which none could escape. May God grant you patience in it, for verily we are from God and unto Him do we return. By my life, I say with love for that station: "O Death who art not satisfied, thou hast destroyed every friend.
Say: By God, the eyes of the lovers have wept with thy weeping. … Soon shall thy cause be exalted and thy name uplifted in truth, and He verily recompenseth the reward of the longing ones.
The divine friends must become each other's consolers in times of tribulation, consult together for the deliverance of friends, and to the extent possible become the cause of each other's peace of mind and conscience.
Today each one of the friends of God must protect and defend the other, and strive to the extent possible to bring joy to hearts and grant spiritual happiness to souls.
He expressed the utmost gratitude for your efforts. This nursing was service to God, and this kindness arose from the requirements of servitude at the Sacred Threshold. Your troubles and hardships are accepted at the Divine Threshold, and your love and kindness are praised and approved in the Abha Kingdom.
Let me know if thou shouldst desire anyone from here to come to thee, that I may send the person along -- even Munirih -- so that thou wilt not be homesick.
That thou shouldst spend a few days of peace and rest, is my dearest wish.
Be assured.
Nevertheless, I am not content with your hardship. I would not trade a single hair of yours for a thousand gardens.
Ask after that poor sister who left that house with several ailments and has settled in the utmost joy, tranquility and dignity in the home of His Honor Kalim, and by God's grace is in perfect comfort.
Be his companion and confidant, keep him occupied, and console him every hour so that his heart may find rest.
Since that leaf, drawn nigh unto the Court of the Divine Unity, hath suffered afflictions beyond human endurance, and physical weakness hath consequently overtaken her material frame, thou must constantly provide means for her joy and gladness, that she may find at least some measure of solace and her heartfelt grief may be somewhat alleviated. By God! To gladden her heart is to bring joy to the hearts of the Concourse of the All-Glorious, and to comfort her is to comfort the denizens of the Supreme Concourse.
O Samandar! The right of Baha'u'llah, the Most Glorious, be upon thee! Since the handmaid of Baha, the wife of the martyr who is departing, hath endured severe trials in the path of God, therefore the utmost consideration must be shown toward her. And the Glory be upon thee.
The children of that deceased one are my children. All must show them the utmost consideration on my behalf so that they do not think they are orphans.
To his honor Aqa Abdul-Husayn, convey this servant's utmost satisfaction with his efforts, and the Glory be upon thee.
… These services were for the Truth, not for him, and are accounted with God.
Therefore comfort your heart and submit to the decree of the Generous Lord.
… Regarding the respected wife of Aqa Siyyid 'Allam, show her the utmost consideration and respect, protect her rights, and treat her beyond what she deserves so that poor woman may find solace in this great calamity and spend her days in prosperity, comfort and ease.
Yet be not saddened, neither be thou sick at heart: for if placidity of heart, tranquillity of spirit, and bodily repose were truly important, praiseworthy and desirable, His Holiness the Prince of Martyrs would assuredly have sought and yearned after them; while all the Prophets and holy ones would have chosen them for themselves. Know therefore that calamities suffered in the path of the True One are bounties; and contentment under His decree is among the characteristics of the people of God.
O maidservant of the Lord, thou goodly and luminous leaf! Although this calamity was so grievous that a mountain of iron would not have strength and patience to endure it, nor would the mightiest structure be able to withstand it, yet is the wisdom of the All-Glorious Lord hidden and concealed.
Therefore, a letter of consolation was written and is enclosed with this letter. You should also write a letter of consolation and sympathy and place this letter inside it and send it.
Praise be to God that the wound has healed, and through the efforts of the honorable Consul and respected individuals, a remedy was found.
Indeed, you demonstrated the utmost true love and Baha'i hospitality. We shall never forget it and we seek divine grace for your support and success, and we strive that, God willing, joy and delight may be attained for you.
"Sorrow not, grieve not. Be not unhappy because you are not wealthy. You are the brothers of Jesus Christ. Christ was poor; Baha'u'llah was poor. For forty years he was imprisoned in poverty. The great ones of the world have come from a lowly station. Be ever happy; be not sad! Trust in God and if in this world you undergo dire vicissitudes I hope that in the Kingdom of God you will have the utmost happiness!"
The axis around which the consolation of the hearts revolve is the Faith in God. If the father of a youth who believes in God is killed in the war - he will say to himself I have God for my father, whose Fatherhood is eternal. He is the Comforter of the broken-hearted ones. The miraculous power of Faith will cheer them up and heal their wounds.
O you who are firm in the Covenant! The effort you made in paying the debt of Bashir-i-Ilahi was a distinguished service, accepted and evident at the Divine Threshold.
Concerning the situation in Alexandria which thou hadst written about, and the abundance of debts and the depreciation of currency - this is truly a difficult matter. I hope that through the grace and favor of the Blessed Beauty this difficulty too will be resolved, affairs will again be set in order, and comfort and ease will be attained by all.
Nevertheless, I pray and you should also pray that divine forgiveness may encompass all and the ocean of pardon may surge forth and these calamities and trials may pass away.
Some of the friends from different regions have made an effort and provided assistance for the survivors and the displaced ones. This servant has no means available to provide complete assistance, but to the extent possible efforts were made and through the Afnan of the Sacred Tree, Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Aqa, one thousand tumans and some more were sent, that perhaps, God willing, some relief may be obtained in the hardship of the survivors.
Now this servant's own affairs are in great disarray, therefore I am very sad that I cannot provide new assistance, and whenever possible, you know that I will not fall short.
Thus, I write this letter with utmost embarrassment and hope from God's favors that means of comfort will be provided for you.
Let them not be disheartened. This condition has ever appeared in times of Manifestation. According to what is recorded, four hundred souls subsisted on dates for several days during the time of the Seal of the Prophets, may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake. This poverty is the owner of wealth, for it is for God and in God's path.
Be not grieved. The host of the servant is resignation and prayer.
In all conditions, I beseech and implore the Blessed and Exalted Lord to refresh your honor with the rain of His mercy and grace, and to ordain for you the good of this world and the next.
Be not perturbed by the vicissitudes of affairs. In times past and to come, events have befallen humanity weightier than mountains; yet, when all hope and expectation had been cut off, the grace of God encompassed them. Grieve not, but with joy of spirit, with fragrance and steadfastness in the name of God -- glorified be His glory -- banish all negligence, and set thyself in order to the affairs, that all may know no treachery hath occurred, nor anything been lost.
In truth, you are in great difficulty and hardship. The intention of His Holiness the Afnan, the honorable father, is that perhaps means of comfort may be arranged for you, and his affairs in Yazd are also suspended and delayed - perhaps you can attend to his affairs as well, since His Honor Aqa Mirza Mahmud is engaged in services in Ishqabad and they are in the Holy Land and you are in Tehran.
Surely they must not be sad and troubled, and they should engage in some work and occupation. This servant begs for help and grace from the divine threshold that some blessing may be obtained and past difficulties forgotten.
O you who are firm and steadfast in faith! Although these are cruel times and you have been unemployed for some days, yet be hopeful, for this is in the path of the Lord. Be not sorrowful, for hardship does not endure.
The matter of your company's losses caused grief and sorrow, but do not be sorrowful, perhaps God will bring about something after this.
For now, travel to Tehran is better - there thou wilt be more at peace and perhaps some occupation may also be found, so that thou mayest pass some days under the shadow of grace. Be confident that great gifts are destined and mighty favors are assured.
O two brothers like two stars! Do not become melancholy and sorrowful from the difficulties, calamities and hardships in this world, for every condition passes away and ultimately proves fruitless and without result. Every comfort vanishes and every trouble and hardship comes to an end.
In any case, do not be sad. Keep your house as long as you can, and if you cannot, take another house - it does not matter.
Despite this, I beseech God to make the friends prosperous and flourishing in every way, to grant them stability, to bestow flowing treasures, and to make them manifestations of "Grant us good in this world and good in the world to come." May these breaches be repaired and these rents be mended. Be confident.
Night and day supplications ascend to the Most Exalted Horizon that means may be provided for some comfort and ease to be arranged for your honor.
Although in this elemental world ease is neither possible nor attainable, yet the degree of difficulties can vary.
One must look at matters with the eye of wisdom and consider with thought and reflection.
… Now whatever befalls you, remembrance of what has passed brings consolation to the heart, and engagement in teaching causes expansion of the breast.
Do not be saddened and depressed by the disorder of affairs. My situation is more disordered than yours, yet I conduct myself such that everyone assumes it is in perfect order. Whatever exists shall pass away. But as for your affairs, I hope they will be well-ordered and this disorder will be completely removed.
According to what is heard, you have been relieved from the occupation you had. Since it was beneficial for the friends, its continuation would have been better, but only on condition of peace of heart and soul. In any case, divine aid and bounty will encompass you.
Excessive work hath become a source of trouble for thee and caused thee sorrow. Countless difficulties have diminished thy joy.
And upon thee be the Most Glorious Glory,
Regarding the matter previously discussed, be patient for now and think about your own comfort and happiness until he returns from Europe.
O servant of Baha, be not sorrowful, be not grieved, be not despondent. You are under the shadow of My favor and the manifestation of grace and bounty. I beseech God that the means of comfort be provided for you, not trials.
O Handmaiden of God!
The news of your trouble and difficulty on the way caused Us great sorrows. In truth the trouble was very hard to bear. I hope you may receive a great reward for it.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Though thy father was not kind to thee, praise be to God thou hast a Heavenly Father. If the earthly father forsook you, it was the cause of your obtaining the mercy and kindness of the Spiritual Father.
O Afnan of the Blessed Tree! It would be good if his father would make an effort in this matter so that reconciliation may be achieved between that son and father.
Grieve not nor begrudge them anything and do not grow bitter, for after some time those very souls who have rejected thee will reclaim their relationship with thee and even thine enemies will noise abroad their friendship with thee and their love how much more thy kith and kin. This cruelty will come to kindness in the end and these bitter dregs will be transformed to the pure crystalline stream from which thou shalt assuredly drink.
Be thou patient with their defections, and exercise thou toward them the utmost kindness. Look thou not upon their errors.
Days will come when you will forget all these things and divine glad tidings will so encompass you that you will seek forgiveness and pardon for those cruel ones and treat them with the utmost kindness. These bitter days, more bitter than poison, shall pass away; Once again days sweet as sugar shall return.
Convey reverential greetings to the believing maid-servant of God Mrs. Mattisen and say: "Be not grieved and bear the ordeal from thy husband. The meeting of the beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful take the place of his ignorance. I hope that they may be the cause of joy and happiness to thee."
As much as you can, strengthen your heart and turn with intensity to the Divine - what is broken shall be mended. After clouds come rain, and after rain comes sunshine. Treasure is found in ruins, and stars shine brightest at night.
Therefore, in order that he may awaken and understand the true situation, Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Nasru'llah should, through several of the friends acting as intermediaries, make him understand, so that perhaps he will be at peace and come to his senses.
O thou who art attracted to the Kingdom of God! Although means were not provided so that thou mayest present thyself at the general Convention for consultation in Chicago still thou art excused and thy apology is accepted.
O thou whose suffering is unparalleled! Although thou art confined to thy bed and in the hospital of tribulations thou art subject to a myriad woes and pains, be not thou grieved thereby. Thy nurse is ‘Abdu'l-Baha and the balm of thy heart is the infinite bestowals of the Abha Beauty.
Concerning children, let them not grieve at all, for whosoever hath turned to God, God hath been and shall be his heir. Children are in truth for the remembrance of good, and what remembrance of good can surpass the mention of God?
Be confident, for His gaze of loving-kindness has ever been upon the weak and the strangers. … Be not disheartened by exile - look to the exile of the Wronged One. The hardships of exile are easy to bear.
We are pleased with thee, whether thou offerest thanks or complainest. My satisfaction with thee will never change or alter, and whatever complaints thou hast made or wilt make, I say in advance that thou art right.
This servant is occupied day and night in remembrance of those noble ones, and has not had nor has a moment's separation.
All the friends must circle like moths around those two wronged candles with wisdom.
O branch who supplicates to the Kingdom of the Ancient Root! Praise be to God, this servant's entreaties and supplications reached the threshold of the Divine Unity, and after the darkness of tribulation, the dawn of hope appeared, and some measure of relief was obtained by you.
O thou who art attracted by the fragrances of God! Thy recent letter hath been received and I have read its wondrous contents. We have sent thee a reply by telegraph concerning the command to depart. And as for thee, O precious handmaiden of God, be thou assured of healing from every ailment through the power of the Spirit from God. At that time, the clouds of tests shall be dispersed, revealing a light shining brilliantly throughout all existence. These tempests shall pass away and the radiant light shall appear, and thy heart shall find tranquillity through the outpouring of thy Lord's tender mercies, the All-Merciful, the Compassionate.
O supported Qiblih and glorified Dayspring - may God perpetuate your grace!
Although I have not attained the honor of your presence physically, yet by virtue of "souls are like recruited troops" I have found the cord of love connected.
Although this is a state to be envied and desired, you are compelled to remain in order to protect the young children and attend to affairs. Therefore, I beseech the Court of Oneness that the reward of pilgrimage be ordained for you and that you may be blessed with this supreme honor in the future.
Do not grieve over what was mentioned regarding the pitcher. Verily your Lord is the Great Ocean.
We counsel thee to beautiful patience, then We counsel thee again to beautiful patience, for the events that occur in this world are not permanent and never have been, but pass away like the winds.
Therefore in all conditions you must hold fast to the cord of God's loving-kindness.
In any case, there has been and is no harm.
… Perchance sorrows may be transformed into joy and delight through meeting with the kindred.
Therefore it is better that all should close their eyes to this inheritance and strive for love, affection and unity. This remains and endures, while all else is like a mirage of vain imaginings in wilderness and desert.
Grieve not in hardship nor rejoice in ease, for with every hardship comes ease and with every ease comes hardship. Both shall pass away and perish.
Attachment to this world is not permitted, and immersion in this sea is not necessary. It behoveth one, with utter severance, to attach oneself unto God, so that comfort of soul, tranquility of heart, freedom of spirit and assurance of self may be attained.
O Samandar! For some time now the birds of the meadow have ceased their songs of praise. This is due to the requirements of this season. But the springtime will return again, and the life-giving spring will pitch its tent and pavilion upon plain and wilderness, making up for what was lost. "Hast thou not seen that after the darkness of night descends upon it, there comes the light of dawn?"
Hafiz has said:
"These bitter days, more bitter than poison, shall pass; Once again days sweet as sugar shall come."...
This is a wave that has come - it has no permanence and will pass. You must not allow any sadness to enter your heart and do not become sorrowful. The joy of your heart takes precedence over everything. It is not possible for worldly affairs to always accord with one's wishes.
O longtime friend! They say that when any affliction becomes universal, the individual case loses its effect and general hardship becomes a source of consolation.
Sorrow not because of thy poverty for thou shalt attain all dignity, nor be grieved for thy destitution for thou shalt obtain true wealth. Do not dwell on thy humiliation for thou shalt be confirmed and assisted from on high.
I hope that your end may be a good one and that the means of ease, comfort and happiness may be provided, although comfort and ease are impossible in this world.
If the earthly house is destroyed, be thou not sad--may the palace of the Kingdom be upraised!
O thou bird of Reality! If thy terrestrial nest is ruined, be thou not unhappy--the heavenly nest is destined for thee.
Yet be not saddened, neither be thou sick at heart: for if placidity of heart, tranquillity of spirit, and bodily repose were truly beloved, praiseworthy and desirable, His Holiness the Prince of Martyrs would assuredly have sought and yearned after them; while all the Prophets and holy ones would have chosen them for themselves.
Be not grieved at the calamity that hath occurred, for this is a calamity wherein the Ancient Beauty Himself hath been the chief mourner.
Trust thou in the favor of thy Master and be not saddened by anything. In all affairs be thou patient, dignified, thankful, calm, kind, tender, tolerant, self-restrained; for this is the quality of the near ones.
It is difficult for the weak ones to endure the tests but for souls like you, it is very easy. It is my hope that during the time of tests thou mayest remain in the utmost firmness and steadfastness, so that like unto a lamp thou mayest be protected within the glass, and be not extinguished by the blowing of winds.
O nightingale of the garden of inner truths and meanings! In truth, you are afflicted and tormented by various trials and tribulations, and exposed to hardship and adversity. Yet there is hope that these difficulties may somewhat lessen hereafter and some measure of relief may be attained.
I counsel thee, O handmaiden of God, to patience and forbearance and calm and dignity. Verily, the patient ones shall be paid their recompense without measure.
And I supplicate to the Most Glorious Kingdom that He may pour forth upon you patience in tribulation and endurance in separation, for leg is now entwined with leg and the Day of the Covenant draws near, and that He may make you a joy to His loved ones, a delight to His friends, a solace to His servants, and a comfort to His chosen ones.
We make mention in the Persian tongue: Ever has the decree and destiny of God, exalted be His glory, existed among creation and continues to exist. Destiny, in one sense, is a divine herald among the servants, informing them of the changes and transformations of the world and its transience. However, patience in these circumstances is superior to most deeds.
Whatever you cry out about, you are justified, but what can be done about the destined decree and the hidden command?
Abdul-Baha here turned to Madam K. and said: "Some thoughts come to your mind which make you very sad, but do not let anything make you sad and do not let things of this world attract you. Sometimes you feel that your friends are faithless, but remember that God is a friend that can be relied upon and He is faithful and true, and He alone is to be implicitly trusted.
O servant of God! At a time when trials and tribulations like ocean waves are surging from every direction, yet still engaged in thanksgiving to God, your letter arrived and your cry and lamentation was heard. It caused great astonishment that due to hardship you wished to depart from this world, and especially that you desire the destruction of your lineage and family. What an empty thought this is and what an unsuitable intention!
O thou who art sorrowful! I have read thy letter, and thy sorrow and weeping have saddened me. But when I am in the paradise of contentment, I follow the [decree of] the Book of God and say: "Praise be to God Who hath lifted sorrow from me!" Glorified and exalted is He above what they describe. And thou, like me, shouldst say: "Praise be to God Who hath lifted sorrow from me. Verily our Lord is All-Forgiving, All-Appreciative."
It is submitted that your grief and sorrow has not become so manifest as to eliminate or remove your loving correspondence and affectionate communications.
Therefore I am patient for God's sake, and upon Him do I rely, and to Him do I complain of my anguish and grief. Sufficient is God as a guardian and sufficient is God as a helper.
O ye divine friends! Though the sighs ye have uttered and your lamentation have been silent and concealed, yet in truth they are clearly heard by the denizens of the heavens. The Concourse on High hath attentive ears and the eyes of God are all-seeing. They perceive everything. Know thou that that entreaties of the faithful at the threshold of His singleness are answered and their desires granted, but owing to His inscrutable wisdom, all things are contingent upon time and await the appointed hour.
And if the fulfillment of certain wishes of the friends be delayed, they should not become sorrowful.
Fix thy gaze upon this blessed word which, like unto the sun, hath shone forth from the horizon of the divine Tablet and was sent to one of the servants: The pulse of the world is in the hand of the skilled Physician. He perceiveth the disease and in His wisdom prescribeth the remedy.
O Muhammad-'Ali! Grieve not over anything. The sorrow and joy of the world are both transient. God willing, thou shalt be confirmed in that which altereth not and shall not be erased from the scroll of names.
Be not grieved by what hath befallen thee, for thou art unaware of the ultimate outcome of things. "It may be that you hate a thing which is good for you."
Be not grieved at anything. We beseech God to make the crescent moon of thy hope into a full moon, and the star of thy desire into a radiant sun.
This Wronged One has ever been afflicted in the hands of enemies, therefore We act according to what wisdom requires. We beseech God to increase your success in all times.
O Husayn! The Wronged One calleth thee from the precincts of the Prison and consoleth thee in what hath befallen thee. Thy Lord is verily the All-Patient. He biddeth thee to be patient and steadfast, and He is the Commander over what was and what shall be.
A mention of 'Abdu'llah in a sublime and holy Tablet, that he may find solace therein during his days and read it morning and evening, that God may perchance ease for him the burning of separation and cause him to dwell in the vicinity of a wondrous Name.
You had complained about visits and meetings with friends and strangers. Thus it became clear that rest is impossible and unattainable for man - either he is afflicted by the onslaught and torment of strangers, or he is troubled by the comings and goings of the heedless. In either case, weariness and melancholy are present and ready.
We make mention of Our tribulations lest those who have believed should grieve at what hath touched them in My path, for I am the Expositor, the Mighty, the All-Wise. We console him who hath borne tribulation and give him glad tidings of a noble station.
O remnants of My Holy Family! The Divine Lote-Tree remembereth you from the Most Exalted Horizon, and desireth to console its leaves, its branches, its boughs and its fruits in all that hath come upon them through God's irrevocable decree and His destined ordinance, inscribed by His mighty and wondrous Pen.
… We beseech God - exalted be His glory - to transform the fire of sorrow into the light of joy, and to sanctify the hem of trust and detachment from the dust of worldly events and the grime of the imaginings of the peoples.
O ye refugees of the one true God! Be not grieved or disconsolate; neither allow yourselves to sit despondent and dejected. Though you have been persecuted, made homeless, and humiliated, this was in the path of that loving Friend, Who was Himself exiled from Iran to Iraq, from Iraq to the Great City (Constantinople), from thence to Rumelia (Adrianople), and from Rumelia to this afflictive prison. You have followed in His footsteps and emulated His example.
O thou attracted to the Beauty of the Countenance of Baha!
Even though thy home was pillaged and thy nest ravaged, even though they completely and utterly cleaned out all thy possessions and burnt thy property be not saddened, be not affected by these events.
But O pure leaf, do not be sorrowful, for the Exalted One - may my spirit be a sacrifice for Him - and the Ancient Beauty - may my essence and being be a sacrifice for His loved ones - observe what afflictions and calamities They endured in this world.
… Soon thou shalt behold with grateful eyes the rewards of these hardships and the benefits of these difficulties. Thou art under the eye of His grace and included in the confirmations of His mercy. Be confident and take thy rest.
I love you tenderly and I knew that you are drinking deep of the cup of afflictions.
… I love you tenderly, very tenderly, and you are always to find comfort in this thought.
This abasement of thine is the pride of all glories. God willing, thine imprisonment and that of the other friends of God will become the cause and reason for the freedom and deliverance of the peoples of the world.
Do not grieve, be not sorrowful. This prison is a palace, and this furnace is the rose garden of the placeless realm. The well is the ascent point of the moon, and this mighty fortress is the highest paradise. For happiness and joy pertain to the heart, not to the body; to the soul, not to place.
O thou who art grieved at My imprisonment! Regarding thy extreme sorrow, thy sadness and thy great regret for My imprisonment, there is no harm therein.
Let neither despondency nor despair becloud the serenity of thy life or restrain thy freedom.
These days shall pass away. We will, please God, in the Abha Kingdom and beneath the sheltering shadow of the Blessed Beauty, forget all these our earthly cares and will find each one of these base calumnies amply compensated by His expressions of praise and favour.
Pay them no attention, give them no importance, show no disturbance. Be forbearing, let it pass with a smile. If someone face to face reproaches or taunts you, say with perfect reasonableness: "The honored martyrs followed the example of the martyrs of the plain of Karbila. Would that I had been with them to achieve a great achievement!"
Therefore be not grieved at the abuse and censure of that people. Although your weeping and lamenting also stems from tenderness of heart rather than complaint about the taunts and blows, still this is written purely for consolation.
You must trust in God and respond with perfect meekness, patience, love, kindness and good conduct. If they draw daggers, you must offer life-giving elixir. If they give deadly poison, you must bestow pure honey. If they permit arrows and spears, you must lavish spirit and fragrance. If they inflict wounds to the heart, you must apply salve and become the remedy of heart and soul.
Do not become sorrowful and dejected by what has occurred or may occur, and do not attribute these events to any particular source. The cause of all these calumnies and accusations is a brother - do not be saddened or disheartened by him either. Rather pray and supplicate that God may guide him and deliver him from this hatred and enmity.
We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to assist all to return unto justice, for verily He is the Ever-Forgiving.
O people of God! Be not grieved. Ere long will God, exalted be His glory, adorn the embodiments of oppression with the raiment of justice and the temples of tyranny with the ornament of equity.
Say: O My loved ones! Let not the might of the wicked ones dismay you. Leave behind all who are in the world, turning your faces toward My luminous horizon. Wrong not anyone, nor grieve over what hath befallen you.
However, the Wronged One giveth thanks to God for what hath befallen Him and respondeth, saying: I do not complain of My distress and sorrow. I am content with His decree and His destiny, and I praise Him for what hath come upon Me in His path.
O 'Ali, upon thee be My glory! There hath come upon Us from him whom We sheltered for numbered years that which hath caused all things to lament and raised the crying of earth and heaven. Thus hath the matter been decreed from before God, the Commander, the All-Wise.
By the life of our Purpose! The angels of heaven are grieved and saddened by the oppression that hath been wrought. This is what my Lord, the All-Hearing, hath informed Me. I beseech Him, exalted be He, to aid you, to grant you success, to protect you from the evil of His enemies, and to seize those who have denied His right, broken His covenant, and committed that which hath caused every fair-minded and discerning one to lament.
In any case, according to what he hath written, by God's grace and favor he hath now freed and liberated himself from the ocean of oppression and corruption. Therefore We seek his contentment, that he be not troubled, for from the earliest days he had shown love towards Us. We have loved and continue to love faithfulness.
O 'Ali! We have heard of thy arrival in prison and make mention of thee, that thy heart may rejoice and thou mayest be of them who heard the call and answered their Ancient Lord.
O divine captives! Let it not cross your mind for a moment that those prisoners in the path of God have been forgotten or neglected, or that they are deprived of the attention of hearts.
We beseech God, glorified and mighty be He, to assuage with the waters of patience the ardor in the hearts of them that are sincere, which hath been kindled by manifest tribulations.
And were We to recount unto thee what hath befallen Us, by God thou wouldst not be able to hear it, and wouldst rend thy garments and flee unto the mountains and be cut off from all who are on earth. But We have concealed it from thee lest sorrow overtake thee and thou be grieved with evident grief.
We make mention of Our tribulations in measure, lest grief overtake Our loved ones in hardships and trials. He, verily, is the Helper, the All-Wise.
Grieve not over anything. Say: O people of Baha, when sorrows overtake you in one land, betake yourselves to another. Verily it is spacious through God, the Mighty, the Wise.
Soon they will completely pass away. Be confident, and if continuing to stay in that land becomes very difficult and you must go to a place of refuge, that too is permitted.
If in this mortal world some hardship befalls, praise be to God in the divine world there is abundant and pre-existing mercy. If people have turned away from you, praise be to God the glances of the eye of the All-Merciful encompass you and grace and mercy are complete.
This is sufficient, and all else is pure delusion and like tales and stories. Be confident and joyous and delighted by the grace and favor of the Intended Lord.
Without doubt his expulsion from the Sacred Thresholds is the cause of deliverance, otherwise he would have fallen under the claws of ravenous wolves and the talons of ferocious beasts.
Grieve not concerning Our Name "The Bountiful." We verily preserved him by the truth from the hosts of the ungodly when he was in prison with a few souls. We caused him to go forth by Our command and sent down upon him tranquility from Our presence until he sought refuge in the shadow of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.
Life and spirit were the utmost sadness and grief until the conquering army arrived in the Holy Land and seized the reins of government for the cruel ones, and overthrew the authority of the tyrants and quietness and safety were assured. The leaders of the country and the army showed sympathy and kindness, soothing every oppressed one; the black cloud was dispersed and the horizon of the political situation cleared. Believers and unbelievers were at rest, and acquaintances and strangers were playing cheerful melodies.
Therefore he should not be affected, for the fame of his truthfulness, trustworthiness and capability has reached even to the Holy Shrine.
… Now you should convey to him and his respected brother Mahmud Khan on my behalf utmost longing, kindness and favor - that they should not be sad and sorrowful. In this transient world no matter continues permanently. Sometimes there is dismissal and sometimes appointment, sometimes there is success and sometimes lack of joy.
Do not become sorrowful, disappointed and distracted by the objection and insult of the heedless teacher.
Be not grieved or distressed by people's opposition.
Consider what trials and tribulations the followers of Christ endured from the people, and what persecution they suffered.
But God cleared him of the calumny and ordained for him spirit and fragrance, and now he is in enduring bliss and a noble station. May God increase his rank in the world of eternity and bestow upon him blessings and bounties.
Think not that you will be forgotten or fall into the corner of oblivion. What was written before was in jest, not serious. Now we have renewed our correspondence and begin communication anew so that you may know how you are close to the Divine Threshold and the object of the glances of the Blessed Beauty's favor in this gathering.
O honored Afnan! The letter which was written before and which indicated 'Abdu'l-Baha's grief was due to this: that initially, occasionally, some of the friends would make implicit complaints about each other, and 'Abdu'l-Baha would remain silent and pray, uttering "O Lord! … Otherwise, this wanderer in the desert of evanescence has no complaint about the friends of Shiraz, but rather has the utmost love.
O suppliant handmaiden of God! Your letter was received. Previously, replies to your letters were sent. A brief reply to this latest letter is now being given as well. You have always been and continue to be the object of the Blessed Beauty's loving providence. Be assured. If Haji Ramadan has made some mention, this was of his own accord and mere idle talk. Be assured. And upon you be the Most Glorious Glory.
The matter of the handmaiden of God Hakimeh Khatun was a cause of inner joy, although she herself thought she was causing trouble, and no matter how much they told her "You are a source of solace for hearts, not trouble for souls," she would not accept it.
If someone has not been outwardly mentioned, let them not be saddened, for all the friends are recorded and inscribed by the Supreme Pen in the Book of Names.
O My handmaiden! At this moment when the one named Jud is present and this Wronged One is established upon His seat, and Majd is arranging the Tablets and ordering the names in the final register, it was observed that your name was not among them. Therefore, at this hour the Tongue of Grandeur makes mention of you.
O ye blessed maid-servants of the Beauty of ABHA!
If ye have written letters to Abdul-Baha and answers to them are delayed, know ye of a certainty that untold hindrances have been the cause. Be ye not unhappy.
… Therefore, my request is this: Should ye send a hundred letters and no answers be received, do ye not feel at all sad; nay, rather think of this occurrence as a glorious proof of the power of love, as it will demonstrate that there is no incumbency (or formality) between us.
Thou must at all times drink from the chalice of joy and gladness, for that which came upon you in the path of God caused the Concourse on High to weep and lament.
Now, through the favor and bounty of the Blessed Perfection, I am feeling better; therefore I am engaged in writing to thee this letter, so that thou mayest realize the friends of God are never forgotten under any circumstances.
O thou musk-scented pilgrim! Your letter arrived bringing glad tidings of recovery from illness, which became the cause of heartfelt joy. May you always remain protected and preserved under divine protection and care.
O leaf of the Ultimate Lote-Tree! For some time the way was cut off and the doors were closed, therefore no letter was written. However, my heart and spirit were occupied with your remembrance, and from the endless favors of the Desired One, I hoped that you would be protected in the shelter of the Divine Unity and preserved under the shadow of His favors.
O cherished handmaiden of God! Think not that you have been forgotten. You are ever before my sight, your services and endeavors are before my eyes, your trials and tribulations and hardships are in my thoughts, and your wandering and estrangement are clear and evident. Therefore I beseech God for confirmation, that He may become your Helper and Protector, your Supporter and Aid, so that, God willing, you may spend your remaining days in comfort and ease, be gladdened by divine glad-tidings, and become the cause of joy and delight to the handmaidens of the All-Merciful.
I am your companion and your intimate friend. Why then do you grieve when you have one like 'Abdu'l-Baha to share your sorrows? At every moment I think of you and at every instant I mention you at the Threshold of the Most Great Name.
O ye friends and the maidservants of the Merciful!
Your letter was received. Its perusal conveyed the utmost supplication and communion. Your lamentation and cries, in reality effect the hearts, especially the heart of 'Abduil-Baha. If you could realize what an effect your letter produced, undoubtedly you would feel assured that the heart of 'Abduil-Baha has the utmost attachment to you, and day and night he is supplicating toward the Kingdom of Abha and begs for you confirmation, for you are firm in the Covenant and are the heralds of the Testament.
This servant's occupations, troubles, sorrows and pains are so numerous that I cannot describe them. Despite this, I did not wish to remain silent and forget, so I took up the pen and wrote this letter.
Your cries and complaints and sighs and lamentations and wailing are all justified and you are right - truly you have been left alone.
… My condition, God be praised and through the grace of the Ancient Beauty, is good. Be assured...
His honor Mishkin-Qalam, whenever he becomes downhearted, remembers you and involuntarily, like an overflowing cup, becomes the cause of happiness and joy of the righteous ones, and never forgets you, and always at the Sacred Threshold begs confirmation for you, that God willing, as is befitting and proper, you may be adorned with divine counsels and exhortations among the people and associate with divine characteristics and qualities.
O thou servant of Baha!
Thy father is present in this gathering and requested this letter. Consider how dear is a father who, in this gathering, is intimately engaged in remembrance of thee and familiar with thy mention, and who begs from God that thou mayest be confirmed. At every moment thou shouldst offer a hundred thousand thanks that thou hast such a loving father and art confirmed in the grace and bounty of the Ancient Beauty.
O longtime friend! Remember those days when in Iraq we reclined in the shade of the Tree of Providence, and in every hour through increased favors and bounties we reached the utmost of our desires. Remember those bright nights and those times like rose gardens and flower beds that passed.
Do not grieve - you are my companion.
… Although this has become lengthy and verbose, the purpose is for you to know that you have a companion - you are not alone.
Truly this son follows in his father's footsteps, and his relation to that loving one is genuine in spirit and heart - "The son is the secret of his father." However, this separation and remoteness is surely difficult and hard for you. I hope that this separation will lead to eternal reunion, and this distance become the cause of everlasting nearness.
You too must inevitably have your share and portion of this, for true faithfulness demands that one be a partner and participant in both joy and sorrow, comfort and hardship, glory and abasement.
Although the pen of this ignorant one wrote of the virtues of separation and established proofs, yet much pain and injury proceed from it. It melts the liver, dissolves the heart, and prevents the breast from expansion.
We beseech God to seize those who have come between Us and Our loved ones and scattered the leaves from the Tree, for He hath power over all things. Then We beseech Him to send down upon you that which will gladden your hearts and gather Us and you together in a praiseworthy station of truth.
Beware lest ye grieve at what hath befallen you in this earthly life. By God! He hath ordained for you what none can reckon save God your Lord, and He hath ever been the Counter of all things in a preserved Tablet.
Say: O My loved ones! Let not exile grieve you. Whosoever seeketh Me, in whatsoever land he may be, verily dwelleth in the homeland of the All-Merciful.
O My handmaiden!
Be not sorrowful at separation from the Ancient Beauty. In whatever land thou dwellest, thou art in the presence of God, for thy services shall not be lost. Be patient and content with My good-pleasure.
His Holiness Joseph was in the land of Egypt and His Holiness Jacob in the land of Canaan, yet despite this great distance, the fragrance of Joseph's garment was perceived. In any case, give thanks to God that though absent you are present, and gazing toward the highest horizon.
Thou too must be like Jacob in thy yearning, and in separation from the Abha Beauty, weep and lament like 'Abdu'l-Baha until thy sighing and moaning reach the Abha Kingdom and all thy powers are dissolved.
Thus have We sent unto thee, O servant, the fragrance of the garment from Joseph the Imprisoned through this Tablet whereby the eyes of the righteous are consoled.
In this prohibition there is a wisdom that will soon become evident. But know with absolute certainty that this deprivation at the Threshold of manifest light is greater than attaining that glorious station, for the very yearning itself is the essence of pilgrimage, and burning with the fire of longing is the pure water of attainment.
This separation was the essence of union, and this parting caused the stirring of conscience. This very longing and emotion is a bounty, and its influence brings forth grace and favor.
We were verily with thee in thy departure and arrival, and in thy bewilderment and grief, and We witnessed thy condition. Therefore, grieve not within thyself, but be joyous through the loving-kindness of thy Lord.
Grieve not for being prevented from attaining His presence. The schemes of the schemers have come between Us and thee. Be content with what God hath ordained in His Book. He hath decreed for you the reward of those who have turned towards Him.
And concerning what thou didst write regarding pilgrimage to the House of God and seeking permission - it is clear that benevolent deeds have ever been beloved in the sight of God. However, in this Revelation all are commanded to observe wisdom. Therefore no action contrary to wisdom should be manifested. Be not thou distressed over any matter. God willing, thou hast been and wilt continue to be beneath the shadow of divine favor.
However, presence at the Blessed Shrine in these days presents many obstacles. On behalf of both him and you, I turn toward the Sacred Dust and perform the visitation.
O wanderer through mountain and desert and sea, O lost one in the wilderness of the love of God! I am truly very ashamed before you, that circumstances conspired such that you could not rest for a moment nor find peace for an instant. … However, you had an agreeable companion, so no harm was done - compensation was achieved.
But know thou assuredly that I associate with heart and consciousness with firm friends and speak with them without lip or tongue and discuss with them the divine mysteries which are abiding in heart and soul. Praise be to God that this interpreter is between us; therefore be thou not sad.
Be not saddened by the differences in newly-arisen matters in the world. For every matter there is a time. When it cometh to pass it shall appear as God, the Sovereign, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy, hath willed.
Both dreams are evidence that thou art regarded with the glance of favor and art near to the Divine Threshold, and through abundant grace art protected and joyous in the shelter of the All-Forgiving Lord.
Multiple letters have been written to his grandfather and father to comfort their hearts. … May they have no anxiety whatsoever. Praise be to God, all goes well, and in every case they should beseech God to bring about whatever is best. Though they are obviously in utmost grief, they should console themselves with the mention of Joseph and Imam Musa. The contents of this page should be read in their presence to bring comfort to their hearts.
Do not in any way allow yourself to grieve and do not dwell overmuch. In all conditions be patient and rely upon God's grace, for God's favors are many, and God's relief will arrive, God willing.
In any case, your tribulations have greatly affected his honor Ali, upon him be the peace of God. He mentioned them in such wise that at that moment tears were shed and the heart was set ablaze. Through all the tongues of creation, I have beseeched and do beseech God, exalted be His glory, to transform into good all that hath appeared or may appear, and to adorn and illumine it with contentment.
Thus do We teach you the ways of wisdom that ye may be among the triumphant.
… O Ahmad! Give thanks unto God for having guided thee unto His Self and nourished thee from the freshly-plucked fruits of holiness and brought thee near unto the shore of nearness and caused thee to hear the sweet and holy melodies and accepted thee and thy brother and assisted you both in His service through what ye fashioned with your hands for His servant.
O handmaiden of God! Your letter reached the Most Holy Court and was favored with the glance of God's loving-kindness. As for what you mentioned regarding your solitude and estrangement - this station deserves gratitude, for the True One Himself chose solitude and estrangement and made His dwelling in the Most Great Prison.
Make joyful the broken hearts and grant flight to birds with broken wings. Give the thirsty to drink from the Salsabil of grace and make the poor rich from the treasure of the Kingdom.
… Make the hopeless hopeful and make those deprived worthy of every gift.
O Lord! He is broken before Thee - mend his brokenness, expand his straitened circumstances, enlarge his breast, make his affairs easy, open the doors of grace before his face, let the clouds of generosity rain upon him, cause the breezes of paradise to waft over him, and let the radiance of the All-Merciful shine forth from his countenance.
He is in distress - grant him rest and comfort. He is destitute - make him prosperous. He is powerless - make him able, so that he may hold his head high before friend and stranger alike and become intimate and in harmony with the birds of Your rose garden.
Bestow upon us a cure from the dispensary of Thy mercy, and grant us a healing balm from Thy supreme panacea, that these broken hearts may find solace, and these withered and dejected souls may find rest and gladness. May this night of sorrows be followed by a bright morn, and may this deadly poison be sweetened by wondrous honey.
Grant refuge and shelter to the helpless and wandering ones and make them aware. Be their helper and protector so that every captive and poor one may receive a portion and share from Thy table of bounties.
O Lord! Calm his anxiety and disturbance, and grant rest to his spirit through the breezes of pardon and forgiveness and the melodies of the birds of the garden of bounty, and forgive the sins.
O Lord! Rashid Keykhosrow has taken refuge at Thy gate and sought shelter at Thy Most Exalted Threshold. He was fearful and afraid because of sin and transgression, and weak and helpless from tribulations. Grant him a gift, bestow forgiveness, pardon his sins, give him refuge and shelter.
O Lord! This servant of Thine whom Thou named the Lion of Battle and attributed this Lion to Thy single, unique, and one Self, hastened to Thy luminous spot, the luxuriant garden and the melodious paradise, but was prevented from arrival by what the hands of the vainglorious had wrought. So he returned with a broken heart, an anguished breast, an eye streaming with tears, and innards burning with sighs.
O Lord! Ordain for him every good in Thy Kingdom and the reward of every guest who arrives at the door of Thy grace and bounty.
O my Lord! Perfume the nostrils of Thy servant who is bound in chains with the fragrances of Thy holiness in every morn and eve, and illumine his sight with beholding the lights of Thy grace at every dawn and dusk, that it may be a solace to him in his constraints and prison, and a companion in his loneliness.
I beseech Thee, O our Lord, the All-Merciful, by Thy Name which dominateth over the worlds and transcendeth all possibility, to draw her near unto Thee in every world of Thy worlds and to ordain for her that which shall solace her eyes and tranquilize her soul.
Therefore, I beseech Thee, O my God, by the first one whom Thou didst call and who answered Thee, and by the last one whom Thou didst manifest and who proclaimed Thee, that Thou make her content with Thee and patient in Thee.
Immerse him in the ocean of pardon and forgiveness, and illumine him with the lights of grace and bounty. Console the heart of his loving father, and release his affectionate uncles from sorrow and grief. Grant solace to their hearts, and gladden their souls with the tidings of forgiveness.
Therefore, O my God, send down into his heart a tranquility from Thy presence and a patience from Thy court, that he might find rest upon the throne of Thy strengthening and the seat of Thy composure, lest he be disturbed by what befalleth him from the hidden aspects of Thy Cause and the manifest tokens of Thy wisdom.
Thou seest the effect of the intensity of these calamities and trials, and the burning of hearts from this supreme affliction which hath caused eyes to weep and souls to be constrained, and hath filled breasts with the death rattle. O Lord, its fires have blazed forth, eyes have overflowed with tears because of it, forbearance hath been cut off by the flames of its fire, and tears have poured forth from its piercing claws. O Lord, have mercy on the blazing fire of hearts and the cries of spirits and souls from this overwhelming, blind calamity which would melt even solid rock.
Lord, pour forth beautiful patience upon the noble Branch and offshoots of the Tree of Thy mercy in mourning that noble slain one. Be a solace to their hearts and a balm for their wounds.
The best man is that person who cheers and gladdens the broken-hearted ones and the worst man is that soul who causes suffering and pain to one's heart. Consequently strive as much s you are able to rejoice the hearts and uplifts the spirits.
A cheerful countenance lends consolation to the beholder.
As much as you can, be kind and caring to all people, even enemies, and associate with them. Become a balm for souls and healing for aching hearts.
Be not sorrowful, and whenever signs of melancholy appear, occupy yourself with praises and attributes of the Ancient Beauty and the Most Great Name (may my spirit be sacrificed for His loved ones). Compose a lyric or ode - sorrow will be transformed to joy, grief and pain will vanish, and gladness and expansion will spread its carpet. The darkness of night will be changed to the radiance of light.
Tell the friends that whenever I receive news that they are in harmony so that their hearts are overflowing with love for one another, that they are a comfort to one another, and that they have devoted their time to serving mankind without any exception, then my health improves more and more.
Some of the friends in that land, due to hardship and difficulty, are in need of solace. Be thou a comforter on behalf of this Prisoner.
Despair not of the Spirit of God. He is with thee and with those who are round about thee. Remind them of the wonders of My remembrance, that they may rejoice in the glad-tidings of God, the King, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.
Consolation of hearts is not possible and comfort is impossible, unless Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Na'im and Jinab-i-Haji Mirza Siyyid Ali from the people of Sad, and Jinab-i-Nayyir and Jinab-i-Sina make an effort and take action, and with heavenly determination and divine resolve and godly purpose, engage in teaching the students of that illustrious person and educating the children of the newcomers, and give lessons in teaching and impart a necessary portion of the sciences, so that perhaps this grieving heart may find solace and some peace and tranquility may appear.
All the friends must console, comfort, care for and serve his relatives who have attained the gathering of reunion, for they are the survivors and remembrance of that noble person.
The believer lives with eternal, everlasting life in the most exalted horizon of detachment and the most holy Lote-Tree of sanctity, and death does not overtake him. He watches over his own affairs and is aware of his people.
Therefore you, who are the survivors of that kindly soul, must strive with heart and soul to conduct yourselves in such wise in the path of God that his spirit may be made glad in the eternal Kingdom.
If you observe weakness in some souls, do not become sorrowful or discouraged, for the heat in those souls is like a flame hidden in a candle - a time will come when it will be illumined and its flame will rise up and its face will become radiant.
Be ye not saddened by frozen hearts. The cause of their prevention hath been this ephemeral world, and God is powerful over its transformation.
Thou hast written that in these days the establishment of the meeting has become impossible in that city; be thou not unhappy. … Be thou not sad. This indifference is temporary.
Grieve thou not because of those who have disbelieved. Remember thy Lord with wisdom and utterance - verily He is with His remembering servants.
Hearken thou to the Voice of the Wronged One and ponder the Name of God, the Self-Subsisting. He is the One Who standeth, the Powerful, the Mighty, the All-Conquering.
Grieve thou not over anything; be thou of such disposition that neither the circumstances of the world nor the words of those who have denied God, the Lord of all religions, should sadden thee.
… Be not grieved over what hath befallen. That which thou didst perform aforetime for God's sake and didst send forth was accepted before the Throne, though outwardly it came not to pass according to thy wish.
Thy compositions are indeed the most great remedy for the sorrows of the world, and each one, corresponding to a different clime, brought joy to many who perused it. They have been and ever shall be a source of eternal gladness.
Verily, We love him and beseech God to assist him with the hosts of the unseen and the visible world.
This is the time for gladness and the season for friendship and kindness toward all peoples and nations. Behave with heavenly attributes so that you may become manifestations of divine mercy. May your souls be happy!
Those regions are in great need of divine glad tidings, for all have become despondent and dejected from the severity of the afflictions of war. They are dead and withered, in need of the breath of life, and the breath of life is the glad tidings of the Kingdom. Nothing will deliver them from this grief and sorrow and dejection and hopelessness except the divine glad tidings.
My hope is that such a precious soul may day by day increase in honor and prosperity and become the cause of lightening the afflictions of Iran and the Iranians.
I hope that this sick body will find healing from the Glorious Lord, and that the diseases and symptoms will be alleviated and heavenly means will be provided.
In this storm of Iran, the friends are more at peace than anyone else, indeed in complete tranquility and calm, because they have no involvement in these matters that cause turbulence and do not engage in disputes.
Praise be to God that the regions of Iran are safe and secure, and the just government has raised its tent, protecting and preserving all.
Although the means of comfort and ease never became available to you, and I know that you are under hardship and difficulty, nevertheless you have served at the Sacred Threshold and this is the greatest glad tidings and joy - it is the heart's desire and the soul's comfort.
God willing, hereafter may all news in all directions be the cause of joy for all, meaning may events that cause sorrow cease.
For thought and discussion